CARSCOOP |  |
- GM Says Camaro Z/28 Shows Mustang Boss 302 LS Who's the Real Boss…in its Own Video
- The List of Cars Featured in Forza 5 Grows Yet Again
- Nissan Skyline has Temperature-Sensitive Paint Finish that Changes Color
- Germany Gets its Way, EU Ministers Agree to Block Car Emissions Law
- Lightly Modded Corvette Z51 C6 is No Match for 2014 Corvette C7
- Scoop: 2015 BMW X3 Makes a Quick Visit to the Plastic Surgeon
- Dodge Teases SEMA-Bound Mopar ’14 Based on the Challenger
- Alleged Gold Digger Prank Shows That a Drop-Top Lambo Can Change a Girl’s Mind
- New Bi-Fuel Option for 2015 Chevrolet Impala in the States, Runs on Gasoline or CNG [w/Video]
- Spied: Nissan Shuts Down the 'Ring to Test 2014 GT-R NISMO
- This Jeep Cherokee is Only for Gun Lovers, Bieber Haters and Men with Balls of Steel [NSFW]
- GM Says New Camaro Z/28 Could be 6 Seconds Faster on a Dry Nürburgring
- So Close You Can Almost Feel the Driver's Heart Fail…
- First Arabian Supercar, the Lykan HyperSport, to Debut in Production Trim at Dubai Show
- VW Golf Gains Optional Internet Access, Estate Available with Progressive Steering
- Spied: Seat's Upcoming Leon SC Cupra Filmed
- Mitsubishi Pondering Mirage Sedan for the USA, Possibly with Turbo Engine
- You May or May Not be Able to Afford These Lamborghini Veneno Scale Models
- BMW Demonstrates an Evil Use for its ConnectedDrive System in New Ad
- Maserati Already Has 22,500 New Car Orders This Year, Compared to 6,300 in 2012
- First Sneak Peek of Canadian Magnum MK5 Supercar Track Racer [w/Video]
- Hyundai Matrix's Airbag Gives Up, Ends its Life with a Bang
- New Renault Duster Detour Concept Described as "Mad Max with a Touch of the Terminator"
- Maserati GranTurismo Sovrano Fettled by DMC
| GM Says Camaro Z/28 Shows Mustang Boss 302 LS Who's the Real Boss…in its Own Video Posted: 16 Oct 2013 05:16 PM PDT  GM is aiming high with the new Chevrolet Camaro Z/28, as the car's Nürburgring lap time has showed. In the words of Camaro chief engineer Ed Oppenheiser, the Z/28 is a rival for the Porsche 911 GT3 and the Nissan GT-R. However, to demonstrate how the souped-up Camaro stacks up to the domestic competition, Chevrolet tested it at the Milford proving grounds alongside the 2012 Ford Mustang Boss 302 Laguna Seca. Chevrolet says it opted for the Mustang Boss 302 because it is the best Ford has. "The obvious question here today is why don't we have the [Shelby] Mustang GT500 to compare it to," says Chevrolet Camaro Chief Engineer Al Oppenheiser. "Frankly, we've tested everything they have, and the Ford Mustang Boss 302 Laguna Seca is their fastest track car". However, that's about the only good thing about the Mustang you'll hear in the following official Chevrolet video. Ford's pony car lost on all aspects of the comparison, from average speed to lateral Gs and corner entry speed. In the end, the Camaro Z/28 set a time of 1:53.71 over a lap of GM's 2.9-mile (4.6-km) Milford road course. That's 5.3 seconds faster than the Mustang Boss 302 and more than 6 seconds better than the 2013 Mustang GT500. Scroll down to watch the video. By Dan Mihalascu                                                 |
| The List of Cars Featured in Forza 5 Grows Yet Again Posted: 16 Oct 2013 04:30 PM PDT  We're happy to report that developer Turn 10 has announced its new batch of cars that are to be included in Forza Motorsport 5, as they get the game ready for shipping on November 22. The joy stems from the content of the list itself, which features a diversified range of cool motors, the highlights of which are the 2011 Ferrari 599 GTO, and 2011 Koenigsegg Agera (even though it was also mentioned in the previous extended list), but there's also a good helping of exciting front-wheel drive cars too, like the 2010 Renault Megane RS 250 and Type-R variants of the 1997 Honda Civic and 2001 Acura Integra. There's even a 1987 Buick Regal GNX – the very car that made me call the list 'diversified' in the first place. It's so different from the Ferrari and Koenigsegg, and also a different kind of cool, with its stealthy looks and powerful 3.8-liter turbocharged V6, it boasted a respectable (and realistic, not claimed) 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) run time of around six seconds. Another one we saw on the list and thought it was worthwhile mentioning is the 2011 BMW X5 M – I would certainly pit it against some much lighter and less powerful cars, to see what it equates to in terms of non-SAV/SUV equivalent vehicles, even if it can have the Stig's digital cousin at the wheel... Check out the complete list that includes all cars currently promised in the game, below, along with photos of the two highlight models presented this week. By Andrei Nedelea Forza Motorsports 5 List of Cars 1983 Audi Sport Quattro          |
| Nissan Skyline has Temperature-Sensitive Paint Finish that Changes Color Posted: 16 Oct 2013 04:00 PM PDT  Check out this crazy paint job on a Nissan Skyline S2 R33 from the United Kingdom that has had a whole-body re-spray done using only special temperature-sensitive paint that, like mood rings, changes color depending on conditions. The cost of the paint is the equivalent of $320 per liter, and the West Yorkshire body shop that did the job, Auto Kandy, is currently taking pre-orders for those interested. The effect you get is a distinctly black finish when stone cold, then as things gradually heat up, its hue moves more towards the color orange – as you can see in the opening photo, pouring cold water over it or the heat from one's palm are sufficient to trigger the reactive paint to work its magic. Usually, this kind of paint is used for details, to emphasize certain delicate airbrushed features or to bring flames to life, so its application over the entire body of a car is a unique proposition and something we haven't really seen before. There's a video posted below showing what it looks like in detail. Keep in mind, though, that its properties fade in time, and the more it has to work and change, it will get progressively weaker in its reaction - you won't be able to pass it on to your grand kids and tell them to keep it as is... By Andrei Nedelea Story References: Jalopnik and Cnet    |
| Germany Gets its Way, EU Ministers Agree to Block Car Emissions Law Posted: 16 Oct 2013 03:31 PM PDT  Germany has been fighting back against a new EU law that would limit carmakers' average CO2 output to 95 g/km by 2020, as it claims to do so in an interest to protect its premium automakers, and keeping its automotive sector strong. The bill was welcomed by the continent's green activists, but not so much by the German Chancellor, Angela Merkel, who already voiced her disapproval for the adoption of the law, back in June. Now we have reports that the Germans have succeeded in convincing the environment ministers from the 28 union member states bringing forth the disappointment of EU Climate Commissioner Connie Hedegaard. Hedegaard said that "it is not a terrific thing that we could not conclude on cars," adding that it would have been preferable for the plan to go ahead as is, and not be pushed back the four years requested by the continent's leading industrial power. Apparently, the general consensus is that Germany is holding back the entire continent, and according to Euractiv, "many member states have voiced unease at the manner in which Berlin blocked the deal." One of those countries is Sweden, which through its Environmental Minister, Lena Ek, made its stance clear, by commenting that Germany will have a "very heavy responsibility" to bear for their chosen course of actions. We will follow this story up when more information appears. By Andrei Nedelea             |
| Lightly Modded Corvette Z51 C6 is No Match for 2014 Corvette C7 Posted: 16 Oct 2013 02:59 PM PDT  For the better of its history and with only a few exceptions, mainly in the years right after the 1973 OPEC oil embargo crisis, the Corvette has been all about placing high-output V8 engines on lightweight and aggressive looking bodies and chassis. So, aside from its distinct styling, customers expect every Corvette, even the base model, to be wickedly fast, and GM seems to be delivering. But how does the new C7 compare to the outgoing Corvette C6 in terms of outright acceleration? That's something the crew at ThatRacingChannel (TRC) set to find out with an…illicit sprint race on a public road. The 2014 Corvette Stingray is said to be bone stock (likely with the Z51 package, judging from the rear spoiler) while its predecessor is a Corvette C6 with the Z51 package and some light mods, including a different intake and exhaust system. See how it turned out in the video below.    |
| Scoop: 2015 BMW X3 Makes a Quick Visit to the Plastic Surgeon Posted: 16 Oct 2013 02:29 PM PDT  It's actually been a year since we last stumbled upon a tester for the refreshed BMW X3 F25, but even so, not much seems to have changed on the outside in this latest prototype spotted in the brand's hometown of Munich in Germany. We can't see what's going on behind the camouflaged bumpers (we assume there must be some styling alterations), but we did notice the revised headlamp units with the LED turning signals positioned on top of the round fixtures. Other than that, it's the same second generation X3 we've come to know since 2010, though, perhaps BMW is holding back on some of the cosmetic revisions due for the facelifted model that should be introduced next year. Some mild tweaks to the interior and chassis could be included in the facelift package. Photo Credits: CarPix for CarScoopS             |
| Dodge Teases SEMA-Bound Mopar ’14 Based on the Challenger Posted: 16 Oct 2013 02:01 PM PDT  The Chrysler Group has released an teaser of its new limited-edition Dodge Challenger-based Mopar '14, which will be on display at next month's Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show in Las Vegas. The blurry sketch only lets us see the Mopar decals on the car's sides, a bootlid spoiler and a race-inspired fuel cap. "Our new Mopar '14 will instantly resonate with enthusiasts," said Pietro Gorlier, President and CEO of Mopar, Chrysler Group LLC's service, parts and customer-care brand. "This limited-edition ride is for muscle-car fans who love high octane and customizable performance." The new Mopar '14 will be on display alongside another 19 customized vehicles in the brand's 15,300 square-foot (1,421 square-meters) exhibit. The limited-edition vehicle follows in the footsteps of the Mopar '10 Challenger, Mopar '11 Charger, Mopar '12 300, and Mopar '13 Dart. In addition to custom vehicles, Mopar will showcase new Jeep Performance Parts from its newly created Mopar Off-Road Division. The SEMA Show runs November 5-8 at the Las Vegas Convention Center. By Dan Mihalascu     |
| Alleged Gold Digger Prank Shows That a Drop-Top Lambo Can Change a Girl’s Mind Posted: 16 Oct 2013 01:29 PM PDT  So, there's this video that claims to be a prank aimed at showing female gold diggers at work. What the crew behind it does is wait at the top of some steps for an attractive young girl to walk up, and then out of the blue ask her out to dinner. Her reaction is gauged before and after the male protagonist, and the main prank stager, shows her he's driving a convertible Lamborghini Gallardo. To be frank, I'm personally sick and tired of the propagation of the "women are gold diggers" stereotype and I'd like to say that gender has nothing to do with digging for gold, and that this hurtful view does nothing to constructively improve the situation. I'm not saying there aren't women who adopt this tactic to skip the stages of their ascent through the social ranks and amass wealth without working, but men do it just as much and just as tactfully, but they have to adopt a different tactic given the specific social climate associated with each sex – it's not a trait of women, it's a trait of people, and the aforementioned social constraints just mean their way of doing it is the more visible of the two… Back to the video, what do you think; is it fake, staged or just full of crap? The comments section is yours. By Andrei Nedelea    |
| New Bi-Fuel Option for 2015 Chevrolet Impala in the States, Runs on Gasoline or CNG [w/Video] Posted: 16 Oct 2013 01:01 PM PDT  Next summer, the 2015 Chevrolet Impala will become the first manufacturer-made full-size bi-fuel sedan in North America. GM made the announcement today via its Chairman and CEO Dan Akerson, (fittingly) during remarks at an energy summit marking the 40th anniversary of the OPEC Oil Embargo. Available to both retail and fleet customers, the Impala bi-fuel sedan can run on either gasoline or compressed natural gas (CNG), with the car's total range from the two energy sources expected to be up to 500 miles or about 800 kilometers. The bi-fuel edition of the Impala will use a modified version of GM's 3.6-liter V6 engine with the CNG tank positioned above the rear axle and behind the passenger compartment. "Natural gas is a cleaner-burning transportation fuel compared to petroleum products, and costs significantly less than gasoline at current prices," GM said in a statement. "CNG vehicles typically have 20 percent fewer greenhouse gas emissions than gasoline-powered cars, according to the California Air Resources Board." No other details were released about the car, though, in the pictures as well as the provided video, we see that the switch between the two fuel sources can be made via a button on the left hand side of the dashboard.                  |
| Spied: Nissan Shuts Down the 'Ring to Test 2014 GT-R NISMO Posted: 16 Oct 2013 12:16 PM PDT  We've known for a while now that Nissan is preparing the most track-focused, but still completely street-legal, edition of the GT-R under its growing portfolio of NISMO-branded special models. It was also made known via UK magazine Autocar that former Formula 1 driver Sébastien Buemi would be the chief development test driver for the 2014 GT-R Nismo and that he would attempt to break the GT-R's previous official record time of 7:18.6 set at the Nürburgring in 2012, which placed it in ninth place in the list. And it just so happened that last week, Nissan rented the Nordschleife for itself and had a prototype of the 2014 NISMO GT-R running around the track. We learned about it from the crew over at BridgeofGantry, who took a video of the GT-R tester driven hard on the circuit. We still don't know if these were preliminary test runs or if Nissan actually aimed to break the record, but we gather that it won't be long before we find out.    |
| This Jeep Cherokee is Only for Gun Lovers, Bieber Haters and Men with Balls of Steel [NSFW] Posted: 16 Oct 2013 11:43 AM PDT  The lengths some people will go to sell their cars never cease to amaze us, but then again, whenever we post these stories (and they're real and not fake) means that said owner has succeeded in his or her primary goal of getting the word around to a much, much bigger audience, and who knows, maybe to a potential buyer. The person selling this battered (we guess the use of that word disqualifies us as buyers…) 1997 Jeep Cherokee on Craigslist in Enid, Oklahoma, was feeling quite talkative when writing the ad – close to 1,700 words talkative… While it is indeed long and and regardless if it's real or just a cheeky hoax, we admittedly found it amusing (then again, our childish sense of humor may differ from yours…). If you haven't done so already, check it out right past the virtual break. Thanks to Cooper for the tip! Craigslist Ad: 1997 Jeep Cherokee - $1750 (Enid, OK ) 1997 Jeep Cherokee (XJ)
-I am the second owner. First owner barely got it dirty and engaged the front axles once. -I have remedied this excessive caretaking with muddy roads and a pile of fun. -The motor uses a little oil. How much? I don't know, I'm not collecting statistical analysis points. I check the oil, I fill the oil, I drive. Not enough to bother me. -It leaks a little oil. How much? Not enough for me to care. It has 220,000 miles, Poindexter! If you have a vehicle with 220K NOT leaking or burning oil, it's empty! -Rear bumper has a big-ass crease in it. I dented it backing into a concrete pole. Sober. We drove away giggling, for the record. Haven't fixed it. -Driver's side door was caught by the wind, whipped forward, got into the LF quarter panel. -Radiator has a small leak. Pinhole. I can replace the radiator or you can. Really doesn't matter A new radiator and hoses will run $145. If you don't want to replace them I will. Add $250 to the price of vehicle. This includes radiator, hoses, and labor (beer). A freaking bargain. -The badass little 4.0L bullet-proof in-line six starts and runs like the proverbial champ. -Tranny and 4WD operate perfectly -Tires will need replaced in a couple thousand miles. I haven't upgraded because I had plans: Had planned a small lift, upgrade to 17" Wrangler wheels, and more aggressive tires. Life got in the way - it ain't happening. -Zombie stickers on the right rear window stay. My daughter's idea, take it up with her. -Flogging Molly sticker stays as well. They kick ass, so there. QUESTIONS:
            |
| GM Says New Camaro Z/28 Could be 6 Seconds Faster on a Dry Nürburgring Posted: 16 Oct 2013 11:15 AM PDT  As you probably already heard, read and saw, the Chevrolet Camaro Z/28 recently set a lap time of 7:37.40 in the rain at the Nürburgring Nordschleife track in Germany, beating the Camaro ZL1 by four seconds, the Lamborghini Murcielago LP640 and Mercedes-Benz SLS by two and a half seconds and the Porsche 911 Carrera S by half a second. However, the Z/28's time was set on a wet track, which means the car can be even faster in dry conditions. Actually, GM reckons the car could be considerably faster. "Based on telemetry data from our test sessions, we know the Z/28 can be as much as six seconds faster on a dry track," said Al Oppenheiser, Camaro chief engineer. That would bring it into Porsche 911 Turbo S or Porsche 911 GT3 RS (7:33) territory (7:32), making it quite a remarkable achievement. But until Chevrolet takes the Z/28 for another lap of the Nürburgring, there's some new information about the car. The 7.0-liter LS7 V8 engine develops 505 horsepower and 481 lb-ft (652 Nm) of torque and is only offered with a close-ratio six-speed manual transmission. The gearbox distributes power to the rear wheels via a limited-slip differential featuring a helical gear set, rather than traditional clutch packs. Mark Stielow, performance engineering manager for the Z/28, said the engineering approach favored weight-saving over horsepower - the optional air conditioning system says a lot about the car. "We didn't put a ton of horsepower in this car. We chose a light, efficient package and we need to make up all our time in the hardware spots. We need to brake harder, corner harder," Stielow said, according to The Detroit News. It looks like they made it, as the car can achieve a G-force of 1.08 in corners and its Brembo carbon-ceramic brakes are capable of 1.5 Gs in deceleration. Production of the 2014 Chevrolet Camaro Z/28 will begin in the fourth quarter this year at GM's Oshawa plant in Ontario, Canada. It will arrive in U.S. dealerships late in the first quarter next year, with GM likely to limit production about 3,000 to 4,000 vehicles a year. Fuel economy, top speed and pricing have yet to be announced. By Dan Mihalascu                |
| So Close You Can Almost Feel the Driver's Heart Fail… Posted: 16 Oct 2013 10:47 AM PDT  There's a reason, or rather scratch that, there are several reasons why passenger car drivers and motorcycle riders have a visible or hidden fear about big trucks on the road. And yes, size and weight has a lot to do with the anxiety people feel when they see these wheeled-monsters approaching them on the highway. True, your chances of something happening are extremely small, but then again, they're not zero either. The driver you're about to watch in the following video fits into that small percentage, as well as an even smaller one of motorists involved in an accident with a truck but coming out completely unscathed. Actually, it's a pretty amazing scene, even though we can almost smell the driver's fear as the truck swayed towards his lane…    |
| First Arabian Supercar, the Lykan HyperSport, to Debut in Production Trim at Dubai Show Posted: 16 Oct 2013 10:18 AM PDT  It's been a long time since we last heard of the Arab world's first ever supercar, the Lykan HyperSport from Lebanese-based W Motors, which was displayed as a concept at the Qatar Motor Show in January, but today, we received word from the company that it will be revealing the production version at the Dubai International Motor Show, held from November 5 to 9, 2013. W Motors may be a completely new and for the most part, unknown to masses name in the supercar scene, but it's sure making some pretty bold claims about the Lykan, such as that it will be "the most luxurious, exclusive and technologically advanced hypercar in the world". Only seven examples of Lykan will be built, each priced at $3.4 million (about €2.5 or GBP 2.1 million), which is twice as much as a Bugatti Veyron, and almost nine times the price of a Lamborghini Aventador, the styling of which it slightly resembles from some angles and details. Power comes from an unidentified (but possibly sourced from Porsche), mid-mounted twin-turbocharged flat-six engine rated for 750-horsepower and 1,000Nm (737 lb-ft) of peak torque that drives the rear wheels via a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission, for a 0-100km/h (62mph) sprint time of 2.8 seconds and a top speed of…395km/h (245mph). According to the company's release, it also features the following items: "A one of a kind holographic display with interactive motion and tactile interaction, an advanced ID4Motion dashboard and a uniquely developed reverse mechanical doors system. Adding a touch of modern luxury, the "Lykan" comes with Diamond encrusted LED lights, gold--‐stitched interior seats, a 24h/24h elite concierge service lifestyle and a unique patented design Cyrus Klepcys watch dedicated to "Lykan" owners only."                                |
| VW Golf Gains Optional Internet Access, Estate Available with Progressive Steering Posted: 16 Oct 2013 09:44 AM PDT  Volkswagen announced that the new Golf and Golf Estate can now be ordered with the Car-Net mobile online services in Europe. Introduced in the Golf GTI and GTD, Car-Net provides the driver with current information on the traffic situation and recommends alternative routes in case of traffic obstacles. The system also offers realistic photographic map displays based on satellite images via Google Earth. When available, the 360-degree Google Street View can be accessed for better visual orientation in unfamiliar areas. Car-Net also includes an online search function for special destinations, allowing the user to start a personal "point of interest" search. The function allows drivers to find destinations quicker and with the latest information. In addition to Car-Net, the progressive steering option is now available on the Golf Estate as well. Offered with the R-Line sport pack, progressive steering features variable steering gear ratios, so that it takes just 2.1 turns of the steering wheel to reach the end stop – the standard steering system takes 2.75 turns. The system reduces steering work noticeably during maneuvers like parking or turning. VW says that the more direct layout of progressive steering also improves dynamic performance on winding country roads and when making turns. The R-Line sport pack available for the Golf Estate also includes a lowered ride height by 15 mm (0.6 inches) as well as 65 percent tinting of the rear side windows and rear windscreen. By Dan Mihalascu           |
| Spied: Seat's Upcoming Leon SC Cupra Filmed Posted: 16 Oct 2013 09:10 AM PDT  Seat's hottest version of the new generation Leon, the Cupra, has been captured on camera in three-door trim (the Spaniards call it the SC or Sports Coupe) undergoing tests in and around the Nürburgring track ahead of its mid-2014 launch. Besides the three-door model, Seat is also expected to offer the Cupra as a five-door version, and according to some rumors, as a Sports Tourer (ST or estate) as well, to compete with the likes of the Ford Focus ST Wagon. We hear that the Leon Cupra models will come with the VW Group's 2.0-liter unit delivering somewhere around 270-horsepower, paired to either a standard six-speed manual gearbox or an optional six-speed DSG dual-clutch transmission, feeding the front wheels via a mechanical limited-slip differential. Later on, we could see an even hotter Leon Cupra R with more than 300-horses under its hood and standard all-wheel drive. Check out the spy video from L'Automobile magazine right past the jump.   |
| Mitsubishi Pondering Mirage Sedan for the USA, Possibly with Turbo Engine Posted: 16 Oct 2013 08:45 AM PDT  When people hear the words "Mitsubishi sedan" and "Turbo" in the same sentence, the first thing that comes to mind is the Lancer EVO, but there's nothing "EVO" about this story… While Mitsubishi's new low cost, Asian-made Mirage hatchback has yet to go on sale in the States (it will, later this fall with prices starting from $12,995), company officials are already mulling their next move, which entails the addition of a sedan version of the car based on the existing model already sold in Thailand and the Philippines as the Attrage and Mirage G4 respectively. "We have to first watch how the Mirage is received in America. Is it selling well?" Mitsunori Kitao, COO of Mitsubishi Motors Thailand Co., told Autonews. However, the five-door hatchback is powered by a 1.2-liter three-cylinder gasoline unit delivering a lukewarm 74hp and 74 lb.-ft. of torque, which may prove inadequate for the sedan version in the States. "U.S. people might require more acceleration. So we are not sure if it has marketability or not," said Ryujiro Kobashi, Mitsubishi North America general manager for marketing and global small-car projects. "Perception is very important, even though the market is moving toward downsizing." The report says the company could address the problem by turbocharging the three-cylinder unit for the North American market. For the time being, however, Mitsubishi will track the Mirage and see how it goes in hatchback form, with the automaker expecting to sell about 600 units a month or 7,200 cars a year. Story References: Autonews           ![Mitsubishi Attrage-#[3]](http://lh5.ggpht.com/-q3TIAHETajs/Ul6z1-gnvaI/AAAAAAAOm6E/u9TAvXGGDP8/s1600-h/Mitsubishi%252520Attrage-%252523%25255B3%25255D%25255B6%25255D.jpg "Mitsubishi Attrage-#[3]")          |
| You May or May Not be Able to Afford These Lamborghini Veneno Scale Models Posted: 16 Oct 2013 08:06 AM PDT  Lamborghini sure knows how to play the exclusivity game just as good as it has learned to sell a whole lot more than a few hundred cars a year this past decade, with the help of parent company Audi, of course, of course. It's most recent special is the Veneno, which while structurally and mechanically based on the Aventador, sports a completely different and far more daring body – but you can't have one, as Lamborghini only made four examples, one of which it kept for itself, and the other three it sold for $4.7 million a pop. What you may be able to park under or rather over your desk, is the 1:18 scale editions of the Lamborghini Veneno made by Italy's MR Collection. We're using the word "may" because for one, the grey Metalluro model has officially been sold out (though still available from other channels such as eBay for the low price of…$560), while the Verde Ithaca is listed for €450 or $607 at today's exchange rates.
             |
| BMW Demonstrates an Evil Use for its ConnectedDrive System in New Ad Posted: 16 Oct 2013 07:31 AM PDT  Technology changes the way we interact with cars in a way we didn't think possible a decade ago. Nowadays many cars allow remote access of some of their functions via a smartphone - which is a good and convenient thing most of the time. BMW's ConnectedDrive technology is a good example of the interactive experience drivers now get from their cars. The carmaker offers a series of services and apps that certainly make life easier for drivers, as it demonstrated in a recent video. However, BMW says that how drivers use these apps is up to them. A rather mischievous use can be seen in a new BMW commercial called "Happy End", where a father uses his remote-controlled 7-Series to make sure his daughter doesn't "cross the line" with her boyfriend. You can find out who had the last laugh by watching the video posted below. By Dan Mihalascu    |
| Maserati Already Has 22,500 New Car Orders This Year, Compared to 6,300 in 2012 Posted: 16 Oct 2013 07:07 AM PDT  While it still has a long way to go to achieve its ultimate goal of selling 50,000 cars a year by 2015, Maserati is certainly on the right path as Fiat's luxury arm announced on Tuesday that it has booked 22,500 cars in the first three quarters of the year, from January through September. The Italian company has already shattered its previous sales record of 9,000 cars in 2008 and has received almost four times as many orders as the entire year in 2012 when it sold 6,300 cars. "Our investment (in new models) is starting to pay off," said brand chief Harald Wester during a presentation in Italy, according to a Reuters report. The same source said that from January through September, Maserati had around 9,900 orders in for the new Quattroporte full-size sedan, approximately 7,900 for the mid-size Ghibli saloon, and about 5,000 for the GranTurismo and GranCabrio duo. Maserati's next big move will be the presentation of the Levante luxury SUV, which could prove to be the brand's most popular model.                                    |
| First Sneak Peek of Canadian Magnum MK5 Supercar Track Racer [w/Video] Posted: 16 Oct 2013 06:31 AM PDT  Canadian racecar manufacturer Magnum Cars is not exactly a household name in the auto industry, but it has been around since 1968 building open-wheel formula racing models, and now, it wants to venture in the highly competitive and far more complex, may we add, street-legal car segment with a new vehicle dubbed the MK5. Magnum, which has worked with the likes of Lotus, AGS, Larousse, Williams, and Renault, among other names, during the Canadian F1 GP weekends over the years, says that the development program for the MK5, including "extensive" track testing, has been completed and that the only thing left is for the company to reveal the car. Teased here in a single picture and a video hiding under a black cover, the Magnum MK5 will make its world premiere on October 30, 2013. The Canadian company says that the new offering "is both street-legal and track-focused" adding that it boasts, "racecar performance and supercar build quality and styling". No other details have been released, but the teaser suggests that it will be an open top model.     |
| Hyundai Matrix's Airbag Gives Up, Ends its Life with a Bang Posted: 16 Oct 2013 06:06 AM PDT  Automakers design airbags to help minimalize driver and passenger injuries during a crash with another vehicle or an obstacle, whatever that might be. Inadvertently, bad roads may also trigger airbags, as we can see in this short clip filmed in Moldova. After chitchatting with a woman, the driver of the Hyundai Matrix (some of you may also know the small minivan as the Elantra LaVita), moves on the gravel filled part of the road but he has a hitch…with a dangerously protruding manhole cover. The impact wasn't huge, but it was enough to deploy the Korean model's airbags and put a serious dent in the owner's pockets… Watch the video for yourself right past the break.    |
| New Renault Duster Detour Concept Described as "Mad Max with a Touch of the Terminator" Posted: 16 Oct 2013 06:08 AM PDT  Renault's design studios may have had a lack of fantasy in the visual department when it came to styling the Duster Detour Concept from the Johannesburg International Motor Show (JIMS 2013), but they sure were imaginative when it came to words, as they're describing it as a study that resembles "Mad Max with a touch of the Terminator" and a pint of "Dakar dust 'n dirt". And here we thought it was a Dacia Duster with Renault badges and a Bumblebee paintwork, silly us… The study is the collaborative work of Renault Design Central Europe and a specialized South African design studio based in Johannesburg to support the launch of the right-hand drive Renault Duster in South Africa. What the studios did is take the facelifted Dacia Duster and add dark plastic moldings on the wheel arches, bumpers and side skirts, along with a new front bumper insert incorporating auxiliary lights, a twin exhaust pipe etting at the back, new twin-tone alloy wheels, extra lights on the roof, LED taillights, color accents for the headlamp fixtures, and a unique paint job. Renault said there are no current plans to offer the Detour for sale. Story References: Renault and Indianautosblog
             |
| Maserati GranTurismo Sovrano Fettled by DMC Posted: 16 Oct 2013 05:19 AM PDT  The GranTurismo may have started showing its age as it has been on the market since 2007, but Maserati's coupe remains one of the more unique choices in a segment that's mainly populated by German offerings. If you're looking to give it a more bespoke styling, the tuners at DMC have crafted the Sovrano package. What it includes is a new rear fascia with a lightened carbon fiber diffusor and a lip spoiler, a fresh set of black alloy wheels, the Stradale-style front bumper and a GT3 hood with extra air scoops. While not fully detailed, the German tuner mentions in the release that there's also a performance package available, and which includes suspension and engine upgrades for the V8-powered coupe. And oh, in case you were wondering, DMC says the specific photo shoot took place in China.            |
| 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 | |
