Recently, a new Audi mule was caught testing in the industrial district in France. Although we can’t confirm anything as of this moment, the new model appears to be droptop coupe heavily based on the Audi 2500. From what we can see, it also seems as though Audi has entirely eliminated the need for a gas tank, and we’re interested to find out exactly what is powering this fuel-efficient little compact.

Scion, take note: this is what a real gangster would drive, not some day-glo organge tuner that lookz mad tyte y0.

Beneath its menacing exterior, the Mopar Underground Dodge Challenger Blacktop is actually a stock Challenger R/T, and the only modifications that have been made to the powertrain were the additions of a massive cold-air intake and cat-back exhaust. Dropped using a Mopar coil-over suspension and custom strut-tower brace, the Challenger Blacktop’s predatory slink is complimented by Factory Reproduction-created Dodge Viper replica wheels. Spooned by a pair of 265/35R22 Dunlop rubbers up front and 305/30R22’s in the back and custom fitted with an aggressive front bow and hell-hath-no-fury, black-on-black paint scheme, the Mopar Challenger Blacktop has got to be one of the most bad ass rides at SEMA this year.

Full gallery after the jump

You know a significant upset as occurred in the natural order of the world when the cars Scion brings to SEMA 2008 are more tastefully done than those from Mercedes-Benz. Perhaps it’s Scion’s established reputation as a tuner line that prompted my expectation of things like Louis Vuitton and Nike themed upholstery or center stack-mounted Courvesoir fountains, but Scion just doesn’t seem to be as offensive as usual this year. If anything, rides like the Drag Cartel’s “Ruthless Cartel Scion xD” just inspired a tired rolling of the eyes.

Full gallery after the jump

Recently, Ford introduced picture number 13 into their gallery of 2010 Mustang teaser shots, and just based purely on what I can see here, I can confidently assure you that [dramatic pause] not a damn thing has changed. Now I’m a huge fan of the Mustang, what I wouldn’t give to own a 1967 Shelby GT fastback in buttercup yellow, but even I have found myself summarily unimpressed with what has been heralded as a “major redesign.” So far, the images that have been leaked by Ford haven’t shown us anything other than what appears to be 2009 Mustang in recessed lighting. C’mon Ford, don’t treat us like idiots, doing it with the lights off is the oldest trick in the book.

Full gallery after the jump

U.S. Army Specialist Kory Chesher of the 101st Airborne’s 1st Brigade has recently been crowned the winner of Ford’s “Mustang Stories” essay contest and will be receiving a brand new 2010 Mustang as his prize. For Chesher, his love for the Ford Mustang began nearly 20 years ago in passenger’s seat of his father’s car, and it’s only grown in intensity since. Despite Chesher’s fervid dedication, the Mustang has always proven to be an elusive animal, and Chesher was still in the process of saving up to buy one upon the completion of his deployment and his return to the U.S.

After an overwhelming victory awarded him by his voting peers, however, Chesher can put that money elsewhere as Ford will be awarding him a brand new 2010 Mustang. In addition to the coveted horse, Chesher will also be gifted two tickets to the LA Auto Show which he will presumably be able to use as his unit is scheduled to return home this month.

On behalf of RideLust - congratulations Kory, you damn sure earned it.

Hit the jump to read Chesher’s winning essay

Going green is the fashionable thing to do these days and looking to cash in, automakers have begun to release a flood of hybrid vehicles on to the market. Unfortunately, many of these so-called “hybrids” are considered niche market vehicles and often carry a price tag that reflects that. Both the economic and the energy crisis are a very real thing, however, and motorists looking to downsize for legitimate reasons, rather than simply because it’s trendy, run the risk of being hoodwinked by hollow hybrids.

While there are a countless number of eco-friendly options currently available that legitimately earn the right to be called hybrids, many are so expensive they seem almost counterproductive to the overall goal (yes we mean you, Toyota Prius). What few motorists are aware of is that a vehicle doesn’t have to bear the coveted “hybrid” tag in order to achieve great gas mileage, and “buying green” shouldn’t immediately translate to “mountainous debt.” So if you’re looking to find a ride that’s high in mpg’s and low in USD’s, check out our eco-friendly picks tailored to meet the needs of 5 different lifestyles.

In addition to the super fuel efficient up! concept micro car VW debuted last year, the German automaker is also apparently planning to add another little fuel-sipper to the family, this one even smaller than the up!. Sources say the future tiny car will be based on the up!’s platform, but apparently borrowing its powertrain from Schwinn, will be equipped with a newly-developed 1.0L 50 horsepower engine. The two-seater whispering metal deathtrap is rumored to achieve 117 mpg and is intended to crush other minor competitors like the Toyota iQ and the smart ForTwo.

Just as my confidence in Mercedes’ ability to produce a quality tuner was beginning to wane, out from the murky depths emerged the Rock Crawler GLK. Tuned by Legendary Motorcar Company, the Rock Crawler GLK was engineered with the adrenaline junkie in mind. Among the most noteworthy of the mods is a custom Grinch Winch capable of towing boarders at speeds up to 50 km/h and, unlike similar installments, can be moved to either the front or rear of the vehicle. Since this is SEMA, of course the bitchin’ accessories don’t stop there. In addition the to tow winch, the Rock Crawler GLK has also been outfitted with stainless steel grinding bars, a detachable ramp, custom push bar, and reinforced Perspex panel which allows the Rock Crawler GLK’s roof to withstand the force of a slightly miscalculated Five-O grind.

Full gallery after the jump

While admittedly not as offensive as the Urban Whip GLK tuned for Mercedes by Boulevard Customs, RENNTech’s Pikes Peak GLK Hybrid still appears to have exercised a questionable amount of taste in regards to the aftermarket accessories. Apparently abandoning the novel concept of “tastefully understated” design, the RENNTech Pikes Peak GLK also features a rear spoiler with approximately the same wingspan as a mature osprey. Under the hood, however, RENNTech seems to have done it right, outfitting the Pikes Peak GLK Hybrid with a supercharged V6 capable of producing an impressive 375 horsepower and 320 pounds-feet of torque.

Check out the damage after the jump

Much more than just another over-accessorized muscle car (we salute you, Mr. 2010 Camaro), the FR500CJ Cobra Jet Mustang Ford unveiled at SEMA ‘08 today is being described as a completely race-ready production vehicle, more than capable of kicking ass on the drag strip. Released in tandem with the 40th birthday celebration of the Mustang Cobra Jet, the new FR500CJ will sit atop the Ford Racing lineup as king of the beasts and restore the glory of the 1968 Cobra Jet.

While meaty details like net horsepower and official lap times are currently being withheld, video leaked last month of the Cobra Jet throwing down on the tarmac has us prematurely pegging the FR500CJ’s 5.4L V8 at producing an ass kicking number of horses - technically speaking.

Full gallery after the jump