CARSCOOP

---

• Which One Would You Get: 577HP Holden HSV GTS or 355HP Mercedes CLA45 AMG?
• BMW 2-Series Specs Leaked, M235i Will Have 322HP
• Groom and Best Man Go from Yee-Haa! to Haw Haw! In 2.0 Seconds
• Ford Previews 605HP Vortech-Supercharged Mustang for SEMA Show
• New Renault Duster De’Tour Heading to Johannesburg Motor Show
• Fangio's Rare AMC-Based 1970 IKA Torino 380S Up for Auction
• Red Bull F1 Team Further Details Car Construction Process via New Videos
• Do We Need a Crossover-Styled Adam? Opel and Vauxhal Seem to Think So
• Vossen Wheel's 2014 Corvette Stingray Project [w/Video]
• Belarusian BelAZ 75710 is the World’s Largest Dump Truck
• Documentary Wants to Raise Awareness on Exponentially Growing Number of Cars
• This Is What the McLaren P1 Assembly Line Looks Like
• Scoop: We Uncover the 2015 Chevrolet Cruze's Interior
• Toyota Slashes 2014 Prius Plug-in Prices by up to $4,620
• Suicidal Tendencies: Yamaha R1 Can't Keep Up with Mercedes SL63 AMG Above…300km/h
• Renault Reveals Scenic and Grand Scenic Lounge Limited Edition in France
• All You Want for Christmas is This: Neiman Marcus' $344,500 Aston Martin Vanquish Volante
• Did BMW Just Advertise the Real Reason Why Many Men Buy Their Coupes?
• Ford Demonstrates Remote-Controlled Automated Parking Technology [w/Video]
• This Fifth-Gen Camaro is Ready to Party
• Toyota Confirms Tilting i-Road EV Three-Wheeler for Limited Production
• Meet Vicky. She's the New Motorcycle Sensation from Greece
• Opel Reveals Mildly Facelifted Meriva with New 134HP 1.6-Liter Diesel
• Novitec Rosso's Ferrari F12berlinetta N-Largo
• You Can Now Visit Lamborghini’s Museum via Google Maps – Check it Out

Which One Would You Get: 577HP Holden HSV GTS or 355HP Mercedes CLA45 AMG? Posted: 09 Oct 2013 05:33 PM PDT There are many reasons for which imported cars (especially luxury models) are very expensive in Australia: it's a remote country with a relatively small automobile market, it drives on the left side of the road and it has high import duties. All these factors contribute to surreal prices. Take the Mercedes CLA45 AMG for example: it costs AU$86,900 (US$82,165) in Australia, compared to US$48,355 in the United States. Following the price logic, the CLA45 AMG may be considered a rival for the Australian-made Holden HSV Gen-F GTS (related to the Chevrolet SS), which costs AU$95,490 (US$90,160). That's despite the fact that the Holden has a 6.2-liter V8 engine developing 577 hp and 740 Nm (546 lb-ft) of torque, compared with the CLA45 AMG's 355 hp and 450 Nm (332 lb-ft) of torque, courtesy of a high-tech 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine. The RWD Holden may have a lot more horses running under its hood, but the CLA45 AMG is four-wheel drive and 322 kilograms (710 lbs) lighter. The folks at Australia's Drive magazine have set up a very interesting drag race indeed, which you can watch in the following video. By Dan Mihalascu VIDEO

BMW 2-Series Specs Leaked, M235i Will Have 322HP Posted: 09 Oct 2013 05:10 PM PDT While BMW's upcoming 2-Series was not exactly a secret in terms of design, there were some questions regarding its specifications. However, the automaker's commercial website in South Africa published model specifications by mistake for the M235i Coupe, the 220i Coupe and the 220d Coupe. The company deleted them, but not before forum members at Bimmerpost took some print screens. So what is there to know? Starting with the range-topping M235i (at least until an M2 Coupe is confirmed), it looks like it will be a little bit more powerful than the M135i hatch, with the same 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged inline-six engine developing 322 hp or 326PS (7 hp more than the M135i). The increase in power is reflected in the car's acceleration, as the M235i sprints from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) 4.8 seconds with the 8-speed automatic gearbox (5.0 s with the 6-speed manual). Both times are 0.1 seconds quicker than the M135i's. Top speed is electronically limited to 250 km/h (155 mph). Moving on to the 220i Coupe, it is powered by a 2.0-liter twin-turbocharged engine developing 181 hp. It covers the 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) sprint in 7.0 seconds and reaches a top speed of 235 km/h (146 mph). The 220i averages 6.1 l/100 km (38.5 mpg US) with the manual gearbox and 5.7 l/100 km (41.2 mpg US) with the automatic. It is also the lightest of the three, with 1,350 kg (2,976 lbs). Finally, the 220d Coupe has a 2.0-liter turbo diesel engine under the hood that produces 181 hp and 380 Nm (280 lb-ft) of torque. It is slightly slower than the 220i to 100 km/h (7.2 seconds), but much more economical, averaging 4.5 l/100 km (52.2 mpg US) with the manual gearbox (4.2 l/100 km/56 mpg US) with the automatic transmission). As for pricing, the 220i Coupe will be the cheapest 2-Series Coupe model in South Africa at 366,257.20 Rand ($36,625) followed by the 220d Coupe (393,000 Rand/$39,300) and the M235i Coupe (503,079.40 Rand ($50,308). However, U.S. prices will most likely be lower than the South African Rand equivalents shown above. By Dan Mihalascu Thanks to Ed for heads up! PHOTO GALLERY

Groom and Best Man Go from Yee-Haa! to Haw Haw! In 2.0 Seconds Posted: 09 Oct 2013 04:29 PM PDT Talk about wedding crashers, but seriously now, who in their right minds would get into a monster mud truck and jump out of the bushes full speed to surprise their friends and families during the ceremony? Well, what would you say if we told you that answer to that question is the…groom and his best man? As you can see for yourself in the (vertical video syndrome alert) footage shot from one of guests at the wedding, the two men planned a grand entrance, which if successful, would have even overshadowed the bride's entry. Problem is, it didn't work out as planned, but come to think it and judging by the distance that the guests were standing, it's probably for the best that the truck went face down in the dirt. VIDEO

Ford Previews 605HP Vortech-Supercharged Mustang for SEMA Show Posted: 09 Oct 2013 03:58 PM PDT As fans count the months left until Ford will reveal the all-new 2015 Mustang (April 17, 2014), the automaker has released a photo of the Project Yellow Jacket Ford Mustang that will be on display at the SEMA Show this year (November 5-7). Created by the team at Vortech Superchargers, this conceptual Mustang packs 605 horsepower and 473 lb-ft (640 Nm) of torque from a 5.0-liter Coyote V8 engine topped off with a V-3 Si supercharging system with 7.5 psi of boost. No performance data was disclosed, but we'll probably find out acceleration times when the car will be revealed in Las Vegas. The Project Yellow Jacket Ford Mustang features a Boy Racer body kit from 3D Carbon, along with a carbon-fiber cowl induction hood and other carbon accents from TruFiber, all finished in a custom yellow paint supplied by DuPont. On the inside, we can see a roll-bar behind the front seats in matching color. Other upgrades include a Webasto custom electronic sunroof, a custom powder-coated Maximum Motorsports Road & Track box suspension package, Baer 6S six-piston brakes on all wheels and iForged Icon three-piece rims size 20- x 9-inch front, 20- x 11-inch rear, with black chrome centers and flat black lips. The tires are Falken Azenis FK453, sized 275/40/20 front, 315/35/20 rear. "As a lifelong Ford fan, I was inspired to create this project car when I realized Ford doesn't offer yellow on the 2014 Mustang," commented Brian Ellis, sales, marketing and social media manager for AirPower Group. "We wanted to create something really eye-popping with a mechanical package to match the appearance." I don't know about you, but they've definitely convinced me. By Dan Mihalascu PHOTO GALLERY

New Renault Duster De’Tour Heading to Johannesburg Motor Show Posted: 09 Oct 2013 03:31 PM PDT I think the look of the Renault/Dacia Duster is one of its stronger points, and while the front and rear fascias are a bit awkward, its shape and proportions look carefully designed, and the generously flared wheelarches are for me a real highlight (and warrant some much bigger rims). Having been facelifted recently, the Duster has had its style upped slightly, and now the revised version will be getting a special Renault-badged variant that is to be unveiled at the upcoming Johannesburg motor show, in South Africa, set to open its gates on October 16. At this point, we don't know if it's a concept or a production model. What we know is that it's called De'Tour, and we already have a rough idea as to what they have changed to make it special, as a teaser was released to foretell its coming, comprised of four thin vertical photo strips focusing on different areas of the exterior. Most of the modifications are purely cosmetic on first impression (achieved in collaboration with a local Johannesburg design studio), but we did spot newly positioned projector/fog lights placed higher up and more inward-set on the front bumper, as well as LED rear lights and black rims with yellow detailing – the color seems to be part of the theme chosen for the De'Tour. We will have more on this after it's released, but don't expect drastic changes over the standard model. By Andrei Nedelea PHOTO GALLERY

Fangio's Rare AMC-Based 1970 IKA Torino 380S Up for Auction Posted: 09 Oct 2013 03:02 PM PDT Remember Juan Manuel Fangio's record-breaking Mercedes W196 Formula 1 car? For only a tiny fraction of the $30 million paid for the famous F1 racer you can now own another car driven by the legendary Argentine driver, albeit a much more modest one. Silverstone Auctions will put one of Fangio's old road cars under the hammer at the Lancaster Insurance Classic Motor Show (November 15-16), with the vehicle to be offered without reserve. The car is a 1970 IKA Torino 380S that was driven by the four-time Formula 1 world champion in his life away from the race track. The automobile has an interesting story, as it was gifted to Fangio by IKA for his contribution to the creation of Argentina's national car, the Torino. Just 1,558 units of this model were built between 1968 and 1970, which makes Fangio's car all the more exclusive. Industrias Kaiser Argentina (IKA, later IKA-Renault) wanted to thank Fangio for his input in the design and creation of the Torino. Fangio also contributed to the racing success of the car, as he was team manager of the factory works team that entered the 1969 84 hour Nürburgring race and managed to finish fourth with one of their Torinos. Available as a sedan and coupe, the IKA Torino was based on the AMC Rambler American, but featured a restyled bodywork by Fangio's friend, Battista "Pinin" Farina. Powered by a 155hp 3.8-liter straight-six gasoline engine, the car is in original condition and "exceptionally good order", and has been untouched by his family since Fangio passed away in 1995. However, Silverstone Auctions reckon it requires light cosmetic rectification in places on the paint and brightwork. The car is offered with many documents related to Fangio's ownership of the car, including insurance papers, an Argentinian vehicle green card, handbook, service card and Fangio's international license. By Dan Mihalascu PHOTO GALLERY

Red Bull F1 Team Further Details Car Construction Process via New Videos Posted: 09 Oct 2013 02:30 PM PDT Investing in Formula One is like gathering up an exorbitantly large pile of banknotes then pouring lots of acid over it, until all that's left is useless sizzling gunk. We wonder where all those millions go and what they're used for, when the popularity of the sport  has been in free-fall for many years and it doesn't look like it's about to change too radically any time soon. However, the teams involved are still at it, and now we get to see how the Red Bull team uses its resources. We posted a video a few weeks back, detailing the start of the process of making an F1 single-seater from within the energy drinks team, and since then, their official YouTube channel has gained three more such videos, detailing the making of composite materials, the actual manufacturing of parts and final assembly. They do shed light on some aspects regarding how it's made, but with all the secrecy that surrounds F1, we wonder how much of what actually goes on we got to see… Check out the videos after the virtual jump! By Andrei Nedelea VIDEO

Do We Need a Crossover-Styled Adam? Opel and Vauxhal Seem to Think So Posted: 09 Oct 2013 01:57 PM PDT A report from Autonews Europe says that Opel/Vauxhall is looking to make a crossover variant of its...iPhone on wheels, the Adam. GM's European branch will apparently be launching it in 2014 to go up against VW's Cross Up and Fiat Panda 4x4, armed with more ground clearance, more plastic (cladding) and a bigger price tag. The namem which this new and more rugged Adam is to bear, has yet to be decided, but it will draw heavily upon the Rocks concept shown in Geneva this year. It will lose the Fiat 500C-style cloth top, as that is said to make its way into a separate spinoff rivaling the Italian car and, otherwise I don't think it will differ too much from the motor show car. Is such a version of the small Opel really justified – am I alone in thinking it's a bit pointless, and quite obviously a plan to extract more money and an attempt to boost the appeal of a vehicle that not many buyers are quite sure about yet? It will cost them pennies to screw the plastic bits in place, and the taller springs can't cost that much either. Moreover, chances are the crossover-Adam will only be available in higher levels of trim – like Dacia is doing with the Sandero/Sandero Stepway and that's working out. This will allow them to charge buyers for gadgets they may not need, and bump up the price. By Andrei Nedelea PHOTO GALLERY

Vossen Wheel's 2014 Corvette Stingray Project [w/Video] Posted: 09 Oct 2013 01:29 PM PDT One of the first, and for some people, the only part of a sports car worth changing are the alloy wheels and tires, if not immediately, shortly after they acquire their ride – used or new. We don't need to tell you that the owners of the new 2014 Corvette Stingray will have more choices in this department than you can imagine, covering pretty much all tastes and budgets. In the following video, we get a sneak peek of Vossen Wheel's new offerings for the Corvette C7. Even though the aftermarket company isn't ready to release more details, it looks like it fitted the Stingray with its newest monoblock CVT staggered directional one-piece cast rims that are available in 20-inch and 22-inch diameters. According to an earlier release from Vossen, "the [CVT] wheels on the driver's side and passenger side of the vehicle twist towards the same direction, whether it's a square or staggered fitment." That's all we have for now, but we'll update you accordingly as soon as we learn more. VIDEO

Belarusian BelAZ 75710 is the World’s Largest Dump Truck Posted: 09 Oct 2013 01:03 PM PDT Mining dump trucks are some of the coolest vehicles one can think of, simply because they tend to be built on a massive, scale dwarfing anything else on wheels. They have been able to grow large as they are most frequently kept off paved roads, and for their intended uses, bigger means better. If you were ever wondering which of these metallic mastodons is the biggest in the world, we can now bring you a definitive answer: it's the BelAZ 75710, with an aggregate weight of 810 tons and a carrying capacity of 450 tons. It's a new model from the Belarusian company and being the biggest ever, it beats any other at carrying cyanide-filled debris out gold mines across the world… Power comes from two 16-cylinder turbodiesel engines that together make 4,600 hp and a ridiculous amount of torque – 13,738 lb-ft / 18,626 Nm, while top speed is limited to 40 mph (64 km/h). The record claim is not yet official, though, but company officials seem convinced that they will have no problem in getting it. Now do scroll down to see it in action, accompanied by commentary in the native tongue of the builders. By Andrei Nedelea Story References: YouTube via Autoblog-com VIDEO

Documentary Wants to Raise Awareness on Exponentially Growing Number of Cars Posted: 09 Oct 2013 12:29 PM PDT It is to my belief that no matter how much manufacturers blow their own horn about being green, becoming more eco-friendly and making less-polluting cars, the fact of the matter is it could probably all be proven to be bogus if anybody cared to dig as deeply as necessary. A mere marketing ploy to get us to keep buying cars, and keeps swapping them out for new ones every few years, if you will. Moreover, the more cars there are on the road, the more congested everything gets and the more difficult life becomes in the affected urban areas. One way of not being drawn in would be to pedal around the problem, and get a bicycle for in-town commuting, using the car for road trips or other longer journeys. It is projected that by 2020, the number of cars on the road will increase dramatically, from the one and a bit billion we have now, to two billion. That's almost twice as many cars on the same roads we use today, and it will all be presented in an upcoming documentary called "Bikes vs. Cars," which is currently in pre-production. There's a trailer for it attached below, and as these styles of documentary have been known to do, it makes a compelling case even in short three-minute form. It's the work of a Swedish filmmaker called Fredrik Gretten, who is now trying out his luck with Kickstarter to raise cash to finish off his piece on time for a 2014 release By Andrei Nedelea VIDEO BIKES vs CARS TRAILER from WG Film on Vimeo.

This Is What the McLaren P1 Assembly Line Looks Like Posted: 09 Oct 2013 01:06 PM PDT You may mistake this for a high-tech medical laboratory, but it's not. McLaren Automotive has quietly begun production of its P1 supercar at its state-of-the-art facility in Woking, United Kingdom. The carmaker posted photos on its Facebook page showing the immaculate assembly line of the McLaren P1. The 903hp supercar is built on a dedicated line at the McLaren Production Centre, where the 12C and 12C Spider are also manufactured. As previously announced, McLaren will only build 375 units of the hybrid supercar, which will make the P1 more exclusive than its main competitors, the Ferrari LaFerrari (499 units) and the Porsche 918 Spyder (918 units). McLaren has confirmed that most of the production run is already sold, with no cars left available for the United States, Asia and Middle East. Few cars remain for European clientele. The McLaren P1 features a hybrid powertrain combining a 3.8-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine developing 727 hp and an electric motor producing 176 hp. Combined power output is 903 hp (917PS) and 900 Nm (664 lb-ft) of torque, catapulting the P1 from standstill to 100 km/h (62 mph) in under 3 seconds and allowing it to reach a top speed of 350 km/h (217 mph). Furthermore, the McLaren P1 accelerates from zero to 200 km/h (124 mph) in less than 7 seconds and on to 300 km/h (186 mph) in less than 17 seconds – that's 5 seconds quicker than the legendary McLaren F1. The P1 has a starting price of £866,000 in the UK and $1,150,000 in the U.S. By Dan Mihalascu PHOTO GALLERY

Scoop: We Uncover the 2015 Chevrolet Cruze's Interior Posted: 09 Oct 2013 11:20 AM PDT If we had to use one word to describe the next generation of the Chevrolet Cruze based on what we know and have seen up until now, we would go for more 'character' – okay, that's two words, but you get what we mean. We already established this about the compact model's sharper exterior through spy shots and from Carscoops' rendering of what we think the final product will look like, and now we can say something along the same lines about the interior, thanks to these revealing scoops. Our photographer was able to get mighty close to a development prototype snagging the sedan's newly designed dashboard with what appears to be stitched leather surfaces on the fascia and lower parts. The design of the instrument panel and center console are fresh in a familiar, yet more elegant kind of way Other notable features seen on this particular prototype's cabin are the many chrome accents used throughout the interior, the new multifunction steering wheel, a larger (touch?) screen on the top section of the center console, a six-speed manual, plus buttons for "eco" mode, park assist sensors and what looks like a lane departure system. While GM had originally planned to launch the new Delta platform-based Cruze late next year, a recent report said that the Detroit automaker has pushed the date back to 2015 (possibly with a 2016MY designation). Photo Credits: CarPix for CarScoopS PHOTO GALLERY

Toyota Slashes 2014 Prius Plug-in Prices by up to $4,620 Posted: 09 Oct 2013 10:58 AM PDT Toyota is upping the game in the increasingly competitive green field of regular and plug-in hybrids as well as pure EVs by following the example of other brand such as GM with its Chevrolet Volt and Nissan with the Leaf, and lowering prices for its Prius Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV). Without performing any reduction in vehicle content, Toyota reduced MSRP on the base 2014 Prius Plug-in Hybrid by $2,010 (or -6.3 percent) to $29,990, and on the better equipped Prius Plug-in Advanced, by $4,620 (or -11.7 percent) to $34,905. None of the above prices includes destination and handling, while it's worth mentioning that the plug-in version of the Prius also qualifies for a Federal Tax Credit of up to $2,500 in addition to the State of California's Clean Vehicle Rebate Program (CVRP) which offers a $1,500 rebate. Toyota said U.S. sales of the 2014MY Prius PHEV with the lowered starting prices will begin in November. PHOTO GALLERY

Suicidal Tendencies: Yamaha R1 Can't Keep Up with Mercedes SL63 AMG Above…300km/h Posted: 09 Oct 2013 10:43 AM PDT Add this video to the list of things one should never, ever do on a public road. Purportedly filmed in Sweden, the footage from the biker's helmet shows the Yamaha R1 rider chasing what is said to be a Mercedes-Benz SL63 AMG (it looks like an SL AMG, but there's no way of telling which one it is and whether it's a regular or tuned model from the clip). The foolish duo reach speeds of 299km/h (186mph) with the Mercedes-Benz going even faster at some points – and all this, not on the Autobahn, but on a single lane, two way freeway with cars constantly coming from the opposite direction! Absurd? We think so. Watch the two and a half minute-long clip right below the jump and then tell us your thoughts in the comments. VIDEO

Renault Reveals Scenic and Grand Scenic Lounge Limited Edition in France Posted: 09 Oct 2013 09:58 AM PDT Renault has announced a new limited edition model for its Scénic and Grand Scénic MPVs in France. Based on the Renault Scénic range's ZEN equipment level, the special edition Lounge features additional standard equipment and an enhanced exterior look. The Lounge brings standard features including an in-dash Renault R-Link multimedia tablet complete with European mapping, video system with screens built into the back of the front head rests, leather-trimmed steering wheel and shift knob plus the Family Pack, which consists of aviation-style folding tables for rear passengers, front and rear reading lights and under-seat drawers. Driver aids include front and rear parking assist, reversing camera, electrically-folding door mirrors and a hands-free key card for entry and starting. Styling-wise, the Scénic Lounge and Grand Scénic Lounge sport 17-inch Schuss alloy wheels, side protective moldings with chrome strips and a satin-finish chrome grille trim. There are no changes under the hood, as both the Scénic Lounge and Grand Scénic Lounge are available with a choice of four engines: the Energy TCe 130 petrol engine and three diesels - the Energy dCi 110, dCi 110 EDC (with dual-clutch automatic transmission) and Energy dCi 130. Prices for Renault Scénic Lounge in France start from €27,200 ($36,785) for the model equipped with the Energy TCe 130 engine, while the Grand Scénic Lounge fitted with the same engine is priced from €28,300 ($38,275). The most expensive models are those equipped with the Energy dCi 130 diesel engine, which are priced from €30,100 ($40,710) and €31,200 ($42,195), respectively. The Scénic Lounge and Grand Scénic Lounge will be available until the end of January 2014 at Renault dealerships in France. By Dan Mihalascu PHOTO GALLERY

All You Want for Christmas is This: Neiman Marcus' $344,500 Aston Martin Vanquish Volante Posted: 09 Oct 2013 09:31 AM PDT Even if you're the kind of person who whines and moans about Aston Martin's super-stale styling that makes Porsche's new products look revolutionary, if someone were to give you a new special edition Vanquish Volante for Christmas, we're going to guess that we'd find you skipping down the road wearing a bigger smile than Jim Carrey in The Mask. Like every year, the Neiman Marcus Christmas Catalogue includes a top gift for men in the form of a special edition car, which for the 2013 holiday season, is the Aston Martin Vanquish Volante convertible. Only 10 examples of the Neiman Marcus 2014 Aston Martin Vanquish Volante will be built, each priced at $344,500, which represents a hefty increase from the standard model's starting MSRP of $296,295, excluding a $2,825 destination charge and a $1,700 gas-guzzler tax. All cars are painted in an NM Exclusive Seychelles Blue paint with the fabric convertible hood in Atlantic Blue, while other exterior features include the 20-spoke alloys in a 'Liquid Silver' finish, blue brake calipers, Sterling Silver and Flux Enamel wing badges, and other bespoke trim details. Inside, the customized cabin sports black semi-aniline leather seats with Aurora Blue contrast stitching and embroidered NM logo, Ivory Roekona headlining and walnut veneer fascia. Also included in the package is a matching 4 piece bespoke leather luggage set. PHOTO GALLERY

Did BMW Just Advertise the Real Reason Why Many Men Buy Their Coupes? Posted: 09 Oct 2013 09:53 AM PDT For sure, BMW's M division has come up with some neat two-door driving machines overs the past few decades, but not all coupes with the blue and white roundel logo plastered on their hood are great cars – at least not from a performance standpoint. Just ask 316i and 318i Coupe drivers…. Naturally, not everyone selects or wants a BMW coupe for its ability to reach triple digit speeds or wag its tail with a flick of the steering wheel. There are other reasons as well, ranging from personal preferences in looks, quality, technology, dealer service and social status. In this short commercial, the Bavarian carmaker portrays one more reason why some men prefer their coupes: attracting beautiful women… VIDEO

Ford Demonstrates Remote-Controlled Automated Parking Technology [w/Video] Posted: 09 Oct 2013 08:32 AM PDT In their quest towards autonomous driving, automakers are developing systems designed to make life easier for drivers, with automated parking systems getting attention not only from luxury car manufacturers but from volume automakers as well. Since parking is a major issue for many drivers, Ford is developing a new automated parking technology that could enable drivers to park with only the push of a button from inside or outside of their car. Called Fully Assisted Parking Aid, the technology is currently in the prototype phase and controls steering, gear selection, forward and reverse motion in order to allow push-button parking. A benefit of this system, besides the obvious stress relief for some drivers, is that cars could be parked in very tight spaces that don't offer enough room for doors to open, thanks to the remote-controlled option. Using existing Ford technologies, such as Active Park Assist and Ford Powershift transmission, the system is capable of parking the car all by itself. Ford has demonstrated the technology to journalists for the first time this week at its proving grounds in Lommel, Belgium, and you can take a look at how the system works in the video presentation below. By Dan Mihalascu PHOTO GALLERY VIDEO

This Fifth-Gen Camaro is Ready to Party Posted: 09 Oct 2013 08:07 AM PDT In their quest to offer customers a wider variety of choices and not only the option of a white or black Lincoln Town Car, limo builders have expanded their offerings to include all sorts of vehicles from different categories – even from the muscle / pony car segment. It might look like someone used image editing software to achieve the result seen in these pictures, but the stretched 2011 Chevrolet Camaro Mk5 is real, and after having offered its services to prom-goers, celebrities and partiers, accumulating some 33,000 miles in the process, it's now ready to change hands The 3.6-liter V6-powered Camaro limousine is listed for sale on eBay with a 'Buy it now' price of $47,000 (€34,800), though, the seller is accepting offers. There's also the following note in the listing about the car's current state: "Minor air conditioning issues (may need a compressor). A/c works when vehicle is driving, but when idle vehicle a/c doesn't work its full potential. Will need all 4 strut springs. Will possibly need new tint as well Tint looks good, but it has minor bubbling at edges. Airbag light stays on, will need to be diagnosed. Has minor cosmetic defects." PHOTO GALLERY

Toyota Confirms Tilting i-Road EV Three-Wheeler for Limited Production Posted: 09 Oct 2013 07:40 AM PDT One of the most enticing green appearances at this year's edition of the Geneva motor show was the Toyota i-Road EV. It's a tilting three-wheeler, with a tandem seating position like that of the Renault Twizy, a range of around 31 miles / 50 km on a single charge (at a constant speed of 19 mph /30 km/h), and promises to keep the user dry while occupying a footprint similar to that of a large scooter. The manufacturer has just announced that the i-Road will be going into production, though it will only be destined for the Japanese market, and even there, regular consumers won't have direct access to it, as it is mainly being built to become part of a growing vehicle sharing network called Ha:Mo. Its creators call it an "optimized urban transport system," and it's currently in its trials phase, in Toyota City. The plan is to have a 100-strong fleet of sharing vehicles by the middle of October, some of which will be i-Roads that will go great against the backdrop of modern and typically busy Japanese city streets, while the tilting mechanics mean you should be able to keep up its speed through corners, even if the tires don't look like they provide too much in the way of lateral grip. The Twizy pulls off the same trick without having to tilt, though it has the benefit of having one wheel extra. By Andrei Nedelea VIDEO

Meet Vicky. She's the New Motorcycle Sensation from Greece Posted: 09 Oct 2013 07:10 AM PDT Would you ever hand over the keys of your car or motorcycle to a friend who doesn't know how to drive? Well, we guess the answer to that question largely depends on the time and place, how much you value your ride and your…friendship, and possibly your motives as well. After watching this video, you'll likely question the motives of the Greek owner of this Yamaha light motorcycle who let his female friend try out his bike, all while encouraging (and not in a sensible way) and filming her. Here's the rough translation of what he says to her in Greek: "Come on Vicky, give it throttle you retard. Give it, give it". And, well, Vicky foolishly listened to her…we'd like to believe, former friend after this incident, and she gave it all that she had. The results can be seen in the following video. VIDEO

Opel Reveals Mildly Facelifted Meriva with New 134HP 1.6-Liter Diesel Posted: 09 Oct 2013 06:47 AM PDT Even though the current-generation Opel Meriva launched in 2010, GM's European subsidiary has already revealed its first facelift – albeit a mild one. The restyled model comes with a slightly modified face inspired by the recently-facelifted Opel/Vauxhall Insignia. The Meriva sports a wider grille with more chrome on it, redesigned darkened headlights with available LED daytime running lights, and smoked LED taillights with a rearranged interior design. The facelifted MPV also gets chrome trim highlighting the window wave-shaped beltline and newly-designed 17- and 18-inch wheels. On the inside, the big news is the IntelliLink infotainment system with embedded navigation and voice control. The system features a high-definition 7-inch color monitor that also displays the image from the newly-available rear-view camera. Other changes are the redesigned multifunctional FlexRail central console with improved functionality and increased rear passenger legroom in the central seat, thanks to shorter rails. A heated steering wheel function and a large sunroof complete the interior changes. Technically, the facelifted Meriva gets the new 1.6 CDTI diesel engine that debuted in the Zafira Tourer. The unit develops 136 PS (134hp) and 320 Nm (236 lb-ft) of torque while averaging 4.4 liters per 100 km (53.4 mpg US) and CO2 emissions of 116 g/km. Emissions are reduced by 10 percent compared to the engine's predecessor, the 130PS (129hp) 1.7-liter unit. The new engine improves acceleration by 0.8 seconds compared with the previous unit, with the Meriva now reaching 100 km/h (96 mph) from standstill in 9.1 seconds. Opel says other 1.6-liter diesel engines will follow later on, with even lower fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.' In addition to the new diesel, all gasoline engines and the LPG variant in the new Meriva already comply with the Euro 6 emissions standard. Like the diesel, the 1.4-liter gasoline units (120PS and 140PS) are now also offered with a reworked low-friction six-speed automatic transmission. Order books for the restyled Meriva open in November, when prices will be also announced. Deliveries will begin in the third week of January 2014, following the car's premiere at the Brussels motor show (January 16-26, 2014). By Dan Mihalascu PHOTO GALLERY VIDEO This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

Novitec Rosso's Ferrari F12berlinetta N-Largo Posted: 09 Oct 2013 06:31 AM PDT The idea of heavily tuning a top-end supercar like the Ferrari F12berlinetta is not a widely spread one, but there's certainly a market out there for companies like Novitec Rosso and their products. If you found last year's Novitec Rosso tune for the F12berlinetta a tad too tame for your taste buds, the Germans have come out with a new proposal dubbed "N-Largo" that brings with it more aggressive styling and performance enhancements. Visually, there's a wide body kit with a racing flair comprised of carbon fiber parts such as the front bumper, wider fenders, more prominent side skirts, a new vented hood, a fixed rear wing, rear bumper and diffuser, and a roof spoiler. Other parts for the exterior include NF5 NL forged wheels combining 21-inch rims in the front and 22-inch rims on the rear axle, smoked tail lamps, exhaust pipes and mirror trims. On the performance front, Novitec tunes the suspension that gains a new hydraulic lift function that raises the front end by around 40mm at the touch of a button, and a new exhaust system and ECU upgrade that boost the V12's output to 770hp (781PS) at 8,600 rpm and peak torque to 722Nm (532 lb-ft) at 6,400 rpm, and help the F12berlinetta reach a top speed of 350km/h (217mph). Novitec also offers a range of options for the interior. Story References: Novitec via Worldcarfans PHOTO GALLERY

You Can Now Visit Lamborghini’s Museum via Google Maps – Check it Out Posted: 09 Oct 2013 06:01 AM PDT Lamborghini has launched an exclusive museum indoor view on Google Maps that allows fans to take a look inside using a similar feature to Google's street view technology. The feature allows visitors to navigate through the two-story building located in Sant'Agata Bolognese and explore the museum's collection of classic and modern super sports cars. The virtual museum offers a 360-degree panoramic view of Lamborghini supercars, which include famous models such as the Miura, Countach, Diablo and Murcielago, as well as special prototypes, limited editions, one-off models, racing cars and marine engines. The ultra-exclusive Reventon, Estoque and Sesto Elemento are also on display. Lamborghini claims to be the first Italian company in the luxury automotive industry to offer a virtual indoor view of its museum. The feature even allows virtual visitors to get inside some of the cars, which is something most museums don't tolerate in real life. Cars aside, the museum also displays unique scale models of original styling taken from Lamborghini's Centro Stile, along with some of the legendary V12 powertrains. The virtual tour is available on PC, tablet and mobile via browser and the Google Map App. The App software is supported by both iOS and Android operating systems. Take the tour for yourself right after the break. By Dan Mihalascu PHOTO GALLERY GOOGLE MAPS LAMBORGHINI

You are subscribed to email updates from Carscoops To stop receiving these emails, you may unsubscribe now.	Email delivery powered by Google
Google Inc., 20 West Kinzie, Chicago IL USA 60610