CARSCOOP |  |
- How Far Can the Lamborghini Aventador Coupe and Roadster Jump?
- BMW Surprised by i3 Demand, May Increase Production [116 New Photos]
- The Short-Lived Art form of Making Pictures on Dusty Cars [w/Video]
- Mazda Reportedly Considering All-Wheel Drive 3 MPS or Mazdaspeed3
- Four Way Stop Sign Vs. Roundabout: Which Is More Efficient?
- Quiz: This Ferrari F430 Scuderia Replica is Based on the… [Answer]
- Volvo's New Battery Tech Can be Incorporated into Body Structure
- Opel Zafira Tourer Gets New 1.6-Liter Turbo Petrol Engine with 197HP/200 PS
- Porsche 911 GT3 Passenger Can't Stomach Ride on the 'Ring
- Spy Shots: BMW 4-Series Gran Coupe Puts on its M Styling Costume
- First U.S.-Made 2014 Rogue is Also Nissan’s 10 Millionth Vehicle Built in Tennessee
- Video of the Aftermath of the Texas 2014 Corvette Stingray Massacre, Plus New Info
- Harris and Coulthard Do the ‘Ring in a Classic 1960s Mercedes 220 Sedan
- Spied: The Truly All-New 2015 Chrysler 200 Filmed on the Road
- New 2014 Hyundai Genesis Sedan Scooped Completely Naked!
- Rally Car Engine Sound Fest Will Make You Smile!
- New Shelby Cobra Design Study Looks Like a Viper Killer
- This Guy Brought His 2-Year-Old Nephew a New 2014 Corvette Stingray…
- Please Let This Guy Re-Fuel the Car in Front of Me
- What Say You to a Ferrari FF Cross Edition?
- 2015 Ford Mustang to Be Revealed in December, Press Offered Sneak Peek Next Week
- The Audi R18 e-Tron Quattro May be a Diesel, But it Sounds Fast at 300km/h+…
- Did You Know that Ford Sold the Mustang in Germany as the T5 Because of Trademark Issues?
- Prior Design's Mercedes-Benz G-Class Actually Looks Kinda Cool
- 2014 Chevy Impala Test Driver Smashes Into Two 2014 Corvettes!
| How Far Can the Lamborghini Aventador Coupe and Roadster Jump? Posted: 17 Oct 2013 05:28 PM PDT  One of the worst moments of being an automotive journalist testing an exotic supercar that you probably can't afford unless your name starts with 'Jeremy' and ends in 'Clarkson' is the dreaded moment that you have to hand over the keys to a coworker, or even worse, the company that you borrowed it from. But hey, the emotional pain may actually be worth it if you can get away with things that you'd likely never attempt if you owned it, like, let's say, see how far it can jump at speed… Trying to steal some of TG's (yes, the show everyone loves to hate) thunder, Autocar magazine and Steve Sutcliffe took a Lamborghini Aventador LP 700-4 Coupe and its roadster sibling, "booked a private test track, called in the slo-mo camera crew and set a series of light-hearted challenges for our intrepid supercar pairing", with the first challenge being which one can jump the furthest. Check out the outcome for yourself in the video below the…jump.        |
| BMW Surprised by i3 Demand, May Increase Production [116 New Photos] Posted: 17 Oct 2013 04:40 PM PDT  Believe it or not, but BMW is considering a production increase for the i3 electric car, despite the fact that the car hasn't even hit showrooms yet. That's because there are more than 8,000 reservations for the i3, a month before the car will arrive in European dealerships. "If demand holds, which is what it's looking like, we will soon have to invest more," BMW chief financial officer Friedrich Eichiner said at a press conference in Amsterdam, according to a Bloomberg News report. He added that the company will adjust capacity according to demand and that sales forecasts for the i3 are for more than 10,000 units next year. The BMW i3 will be priced from €34,950 ($47,160) in Germany when it goes on sale on November 16. The car will launch in the U.S., China and Japan in the first half of next year. In the United States, the i3 will start from $41,350 (€30,655). The first i-badged BMW is powered by an electric motor developing 125 kW (168 hp) and 250 Nm (184 lb-ft). It offers an everyday driving range of 130 – 160 km (approx. 80 – 100 miles) that can be increased by 20 km (12 miles) in Eco Pro or EcoPro+ modes. However, for those with range anxiety, BMW will also offer an optional two-cylinder range extender petrol engine developing 34 hp. The unit maintains the minimum charge level and boosts range to around 300 km (185 miles). If the range extender is not enough, BMW will also offer i3 customers the option to book a conventional BMW model for several weeks a year as a backup. By Dan Mihalascu                                                                                                                        |
| The Short-Lived Art form of Making Pictures on Dusty Cars [w/Video] Posted: 17 Oct 2013 04:10 PM PDT  An Azerbaijani man called Raphael Veisov is not the one you turn to when by, personalizing your car's exterior, you mean wrapping it in chrome, or doing intricate airbrushed designs. He works as a parking attendant in Baku, and specializes in… dust - his brush of choice is his finger. We don't exactly know how one comes to benefit from his services: do you call and email him asking him to come work on your car, or just leave it dirty outside and hope he comes by, kind of like the Tooth Fairy or the fat old bearded Coca Cola redguy? Sure, it's all pretty special and unique, but it's very sensitive art that will be washed away at the first puddle you cross over, or if you get out in a crowded car park and you brush against it. If that's the case, and we feel it inevitably will be for all of Raphael's customers, then once the dirt paining is eroded away by the elements, there's a very strong likelihood to see the fine scratches it leaves behind on any clear coat it's applied to. It's interesting to see, granted, but it's not something I'd do to my car, and I assume neither would you – it could be and has been done safely on the glass surfaces, where it shouldn't scratch at all, but frankly it looks cooler on the actual body, and doesn't obstruct visibility. Feel free to comment, even if your feelings towards this form of art are not of the positive kind. By Andrei Nedelea Story References: Odditycentral          |
| Mazda Reportedly Considering All-Wheel Drive 3 MPS or Mazdaspeed3 Posted: 17 Oct 2013 03:44 PM PDT  The Mazdaspeed or MPS version of the Mazda3 was definitely a car that hot hatch enthusiast had on their radar for its rakish looks, solid (but not the best) handling performance and a 2.3-liter engine pushing out 256 hp and firing it to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) in 6.1 seconds. These kinds of numbers put it on par with all its main rivals, but according to some reviews, it loses out overall due to excessive torque steer and understeer is not as well controlled as it could – it can power out of corners pretty well, though, thanks to carefully spaced gears (revised for 2013) and the all-important limited-slip differential. However, according to Drive, its successor may evolve into a different kind of performance offering, with the proposed premise of it being fitted with all-wheel drive. The Australian report quotes the local continental managing director, Martin Benders, who did concede to the fact that "the factory is still sort of considering it." He built up his statement by predictably adding that "the priority is to get all the base cars rolled out and set up and worry about the specialty models going forward." Moreover, it's definitely technically feasible given that the new 3 shares its basic platform with the CX-5 crossover. In fact, Mr. Benders said, "it's not difficult to install," so it's only a matter of the top brass making up their mind and giving the go-ahead. We couldn't possibly say no to the prospect of a hot all-wheel drive Mazda3, a car that looks good in standard form, and will hopefully look even more so all lowered and spoilered up. Regarding the engine, nothing has been said thus far, but it can't be less than that of the outgoing model, so if that does turn out to be the case, then some established models like the Subaru Impreza WRX and VW Golf R, and at a stretch perhaps even the Mercedes-Benz A45 AMG, should have a fight in their hands. By Andrei Nedelea Thanks to Frisco for the tip!              |
| Four Way Stop Sign Vs. Roundabout: Which Is More Efficient? Posted: 17 Oct 2013 03:00 PM PDT  Europe and North America have different ways to move traffic through intersections. While on the Old Continent, the roundabout is king, in the New World, the four way stop sign is the most common way of dealing with traffic in regular intersections. But which system is better? While the four way stop sign's basic rule is that all cars have to stop at the sign and proceed in the same order of their arrival, the roundabout's main rule is that one enters it without stopping if no car comes from the left (or from the right in the UK). Both seem simple, but which one allows traffic to be more fluent? There a myth saying the roundabout is better, so the crew from the "Mythbusters" TV show decided to test it. They set up both types of intersections and counted how many cars passed through each one during 15 minutes. Scroll down to find out whether the myth was confirmed or busted. By Dan Mihalascu    |
| Quiz: This Ferrari F430 Scuderia Replica is Based on the… [Answer] Posted: 17 Oct 2013 02:47 PM PDT  We love ourselves some auto-quizzes and admittedly, this author had to dig deep into the details of this fine replica of a Ferrari F430 Scuderia to pin down the marque and type of model that it rests upon. The reason why it's not easy to tell the donor car is in this case is because, the exterior is fully covered (a more experienced eye may be able to tell that the roof is a bit off compared to the original), while the same applies to the interior, which is something that we don't often see on replica cars. Nonetheless, there are a number of telling cues that reveal its origins. All you have to do is look for them in the picture gallery that we've added below and share your findings in the comments section after the break. Answer: The replica is based on...let the drum roll begin...a European market Ford Cougar coupe with a 2.0-liter inline-four engine (the same model was sold in the United States from 1999 to 2002 as the Mercury Cougar) Photo Credits: eBay                |
| Volvo's New Battery Tech Can be Incorporated into Body Structure Posted: 17 Oct 2013 02:00 PM PDT  Batteries are the main reason why we're not all already sold on the idea of EVs. They're still too expensive, too heavy and can prove hazardous both during their active life, and whenever the time comes to dispose of them. Volvo is stepping in with what sounds like one of the incipient stages of a solution to the problem, announcing the commencement of development of "lightweight structural energy storage components that could improve the energy usage of future electrified vehicles." In other words, the Chinese-owned Swedish automaker is one of the companies that have been tasked with making the battery part of an electrified car's structure. They are not alone in this EU-funded research project, but they are the only ones with an automotive background. Now, there has been a breakthrough, and the first carbon fiber nano structured battery components have been fitted to a Volvo S80 test car. Each piece is individually shaped to fit under/next to the car's existing panels, and some conventional bits can even be completely replaced by others fashioned out of this new "structural super capacitor." So far, the experimental S80's first part made out of the material was its boot lid that was hooked up into the car's electrical system to store power, while also accounting for a little less weight for the car to have to carry around. Its engine plenum cover also adopted the new construction method, and it was discovered that it "is powerful enough to supply energy to the car's 12 Volt system." The upsides are fast charge times compared to regular batteries, as well as the added benefit of improving a car's rigidity, rather than acting as mere electricity-carrying ballast. Volvo says, "It is believed that the complete substitution of an electric car's existing components with the new material could cut the overall weight by more than 15 percent." By Andrei Nedelea         |
| Opel Zafira Tourer Gets New 1.6-Liter Turbo Petrol Engine with 197HP/200 PS Posted: 17 Oct 2013 01:30 PM PDT  Following the new 168hp (170PS) 1.6-liter SIDI turbocharged petrol engine, Opel has revealed a higher performance version that develops 197hp (200PS). The engine will debut on the Zafira Tourer MPV, which Opel says is "the most powerful compact monocab in the market place." Mated to a six-speed manual gearbox, the turbocharged, direct injected gasoline engine produces a peak torque of 300 Nm (221 lb-ft) through overboost from 1,700 to 4,700 rpm. With the new engine, the Zafira Tourer accelerates from 0-100 km/h (62 mph) in 8.9 seconds and from 80-120 km/h (50-74 mph) in 5th gear in 8.3 seconds, while top speed is 225 km/h (140 mph). Combined fuel consumption is rated at 7 l/100 km (33.6 mpg US), with CO2 emissions of 164 g/km. Compared to the 168hp version, the 197hp 1.6 SIDI engine features a different type of piston and a reduced compression ratio (9.5:1 compared with 10.5:1). Engineers also included numerous optimizations to the induction and exhaust systems. The 197hp Zafira Tourer is distinguished from the dual exhaust pipes on each side and the red "turbo" emblems. This latest version of the 1.6 SIDI Turbo engine is the fourth new powertrain introduced in the Zafira Tourer in the past twelve months, following the 195PS 2.0 BiTurbo CDTI, 136PS 1.6 CDTI and the 170PS 1.6 SIDI Turbo. Order books will open at the beginning of November, when Opel will also announce prices for the new model. By Dan Mihalascu         |
| Porsche 911 GT3 Passenger Can't Stomach Ride on the 'Ring Posted: 17 Oct 2013 01:01 PM PDT  Why did the white Porsche 911 GT3 3.8 Clubsport rent-a-racer pull over the Nürburgring road? No, it wasn't because of a mechanical failure, a flat tire or a chicken crossing by. Apparently, the man riding shotgun in the specially-prepped 435-horsepower 997 couldn't handle the Nordschleife turns and all the excitement that comes from running around the world's most famous circuit… So, the GT3 driver pulled over to the side of the track on the grass and the man jumped out for some fresh air, and you guessed it, to empty some of the contents found in his stomach. And since these days, a man can't even have some puke-alone-time without someone recording him, the entire scene was captured on camera and then shared with the rest of the world via YouTube (courtesy of Automobilechannel). At least the guy had a sense of humor about the whole thing.    |
| Spy Shots: BMW 4-Series Gran Coupe Puts on its M Styling Costume Posted: 17 Oct 2013 12:33 PM PDT  While we've seen camouflaged testers of the upcoming BMW 4-Series Gran Coupe before, this one is wearing the Bavarian firm's usually tasty M Sport package, which in some markets at least, will be offered as one of the available trim grades, probably at a similar cost as on the 4-Series Coupe ($3,500 in the U.S.). With this example finished in one of the traditional M Sport colors dubbed Estoril Blue, the kit contains M-specific front and rear bumpers, the latter fitted with a black diffuser of sorts, side skirts, different wheels and black finish for the window trims. We can't see it from these pictures, but the M Sport models will also get sportier front seats, M-specific steering wheel and gearshift knob for manual models, plus several other unique trim items, and a lowered and tighter sports suspension. Positioned in BMW's range as an alternative for those looking for a sportier looking 3-Series Sedan or a more practical and roomier four-door 4-Series Coupe, the Gran Coupe will have a curved roofline and frameless doors, while riding on the same extended wheelbase (2,920mm) as the 3-Series GT (Gran Turismo) and the China market 3-Series LWB. The entire engine range will mirror that of the 3-Series and 4-Series models with both diesel and gasoline units on offer. We could see an M4 Gran Coupe as well. Photo Credits: CarPix for CarScoopS            |
| First U.S.-Made 2014 Rogue is Also Nissan’s 10 Millionth Vehicle Built in Tennessee Posted: 17 Oct 2013 11:55 AM PDT  The first U.S.-built 2014 Nissan Rogue that rolled off the assembly line today in Smyrna, Tennessee, is also (coincidentally or maybe not) the plant's 10 millionth vehicle. The Nissan Rogue is the last of the carmaker's five launches of core-volume models in just 15 months. The all-new product offensive that started with the new Nissan Altima has seen the Japanese automaker refresh more than 75 percent of its U.S. lineup. The transfer of Rogue production to the U.S. is part of Nissan's strategy to build where it sells. By 2015, Nissan wants to have 85 percent of its U.S.-market products made in North America. The Rogue will also be built in South Korea for the U.S. market. Nissan's Smyrna plant was founded more than three decades ago and has produced important nameplates such as Altima, Pathfinder, Xterra, Frontier and Sentra. The plant currently makes the Altima, Maxima, Pathfinder, LEAF, Rogue and Infiniti QX60, as well as batteries for the LEAF. The Rogue is Nissan's second best-selling vehicle in the United States, with demand growing nearly 50 percent from just under 100,000 units in 2010 to 142,000 units in 2012. In the first nine months of this year, Nissan sold 124,669 Rogues, up 13.6 percent over the previous year. The all-new model will go on sale in November and will share showroom space from January 2014 with the current-generation as well, which will be renamed Rogue Select. Nissan says there is still strong demand for the current model so it will continue to sell it for a while. By Dan Mihalascu              |
| Video of the Aftermath of the Texas 2014 Corvette Stingray Massacre, Plus New Info Posted: 17 Oct 2013 11:34 AM PDT  If we wanted to humor you, we could have titled this story "They took our Vettes!" which you would have read in a South Park-style accent, but there's nothing really funny about a pair of brand-new 2014 Corvette Stingrays lying all wrecked up in a parking lot. After learning about the Texas State Fair incident, which involved a test driver of a 2014 Impala crashing into the two C7s while trying out the car…and obviously, its crash worthiness, video footage of the aftermath surfaced online, courtesy of the Corvetteblogger. The eyewitness tipster and person behind the camera also shared the following information about the accident with the site: "The individual responsible was a special needs person that had a driver's license SOMEHOW. But he made two Laps inside the parking area and took out 2 Vettes and 2 impalas. He claimed to have had a diabetic shock. But witness says he had a very deranged look on his face and he knew what he was doing. Needless to say he walked off without any fines or charges against him AND the free t shirt for driving the cars."
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| Harris and Coulthard Do the ‘Ring in a Classic 1960s Mercedes 220 Sedan Posted: 17 Oct 2013 11:00 AM PDT  Chris Harris showed us how big of a laugh you can have driving a well-kept old classic in an organized event for similar cars, when he took part in the Mille Miglia road rally, in a Jaguar C-Type. However, it had close to 300 hp, while the 1960s 220 'Fintail' officially restored and prepared for racing by Mercedes-Benz classics division, has less than half that. It's the main automotive protagonist of a new video, in which Harris teams up with ex-Formula One driver David Coulthard in an attempt to complete a historic classics race being held around the Nurburgring Nordschleife. Coulthard gets over his initial fear of not knowing his way around the famed German circuit, and both drivers initially go out for the qualifying run, only to discover that the vehicle they are meant to drive is seriously underpowered, struggling to push its 1,400 kg weight up the steeper parts of the track. The car itself is really cool, though, and probably quite fun to get into a smooth rhythm with, but it's still no match for any of the other cars participating in the race, all of which seem to be fueled by far more explosive gasoline. The qualifying run is completed in last place, and that's where the duo is placed on the starting grid, but it doesn't really matter because all doesn't go according to plan… By Andrei Nedelea    |
| Spied: The Truly All-New 2015 Chrysler 200 Filmed on the Road Posted: 17 Oct 2013 10:36 AM PDT  When Fiat grabbed the helms of Chrysler in 2009, the Detroit automaker was still trying to recover from its divorce with Daimler and a short fling with American private equity firm Cerberus Capital Management, L.P. which lead to bankruptcy, so immediately presenting all-new models wasn't something feasible. One of the first things that the Italians did at the time was to transform (through a facelift) the dowdy Chrysler Sebring into the less…dowdy 200. Think of it as a kind of a temporary fix until they could regroup and reveal a truly new mid-size sedan. Well, the time to show what they've been doing all these years since then is almost up, with Chrysler to begin production of a new model in January 2014. We're still not sure if the 200 will be unveiled at the 2013 Los Angeles Auto Show in November or at the Detroit event in January, but until we do find out, we can share this video, courtesy of TLFCar, which captured a prototype of Chrysler's Honda Accord and Chevrolet Malibu rival testing on the road. The next 200 will ride on the Fiat-Chrysler group's modular Compact U.S. Wide platform that is found under the new Dodge Dart and Jeep Cherokee models, with power to come from both 4-cylinder and V6 powertrains in North America. Video Credits: TFLCar    |
| New 2014 Hyundai Genesis Sedan Scooped Completely Naked! Posted: 17 Oct 2013 06:22 PM PDT  While we gave you a pretty good idea of what to expect from the new generation 2014 (possibly 2015MY in N.A.) Hyundai Genesis saloon with our rendering made by Josh Byrnes earlier this year, it's time to show you the actual, real-life version of the car that was spied without a single trace of camouflage in its home market of South Korea. This is likely the South Korean domestic market version of the new Genesis, but as with the current model, we don't expect any notable changes on the North American edition of the car that has been confirmed for a world premiere at the next Detroit Motor Show in January 2014. As you can see for yourselves, Hyundai has stepped up its efforts in the design department offering the new Genesis sedan a more distinct and edgier look with styling cues previewed by the 2013 Detroit auto show HCD-14 Concept. As far as other details are concerned, we've learned that besides the regular rear-wheel drive editions, for the first time, the new Genesis sedan will offer the option of all-wheel drive. Hyundai is likely to continue to offer the 3.8-liter V-6 Lambda and 5.0-liter V-8 Tau engines, possibly tweaked to deliver more power and better fuel economy. A diesel and a hybrid have been rumored, but not officially confirmed. Story References: Thekoreancarblog via Bobaedream Scoop Photo Credits: CarPix for CarScoopS Update: The person featured next to the car requested that we remove his image as well as his reflection on the vehicle, hence the pixelated parts on the car.
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| Rally Car Engine Sound Fest Will Make You Smile! Posted: 17 Oct 2013 09:40 AM PDT  A ten-minute long video compilation chock-full of modern and classic rally-bred motors backfiring everywhere sounds to us like a valuable montage to us, and another contender for our list of alternatives or ways to increase the effect of coffee in the morning, depending on your stance towards the beverage. Actually, I think it's so far the best at ridding you of the dreaded early morning lethargy, as it's quite in-your-face both in terms of visual action and audio too. The video was put together by YouTube user NM2255, and it features some of the new and old cars that participated in the Rally Legend 2013 event, in the Republic of San Marino. It features virtually everything from the Citroen Xsara WRC to a Porsche 964 RS Rally Special, and even the monstrous 380 hp MG Metro 6R4 Group B racer that made its debut eighteen months before the class was canceled for good. You can check it out after the virtual jump, and the complete list of names you'll going to spot throughout - it's a big list, so there's definitely at least one car you'll really like. By Andrei Nedelea List of Cars Audi Sport Quattro S1 Group B    |
| New Shelby Cobra Design Study Looks Like a Viper Killer Posted: 17 Oct 2013 06:13 PM PDT  For more than five decades now, the classic AC Cobra, more commonly known as Shelby Cobra in the United States, has captured the imagination of many drivers and car enthusiasts alike, having earned its place in automotive history. Super powerful yet as light as a feather (or so to speak), the Cobra was never a car for the faint hearted. Ford itself attempted to resurrect the Cobra with a concept in 2004 featuring a 6.4-liter V10 thumping out 605 horsepower, but it never came into fruition production-wise. Today, Detroit native and industrial design student Daniel Couttolenc emailed us a new concept he made for a Shelby Cobra of the 21st century, a car that in our view, could offer Ford the halo sports car it's been looking for ever since the death of the GT 40, placing it against the Corvette and even more so, the Chrysler Group's SRT Viper. "The project objective is to design a new Shelby Cobra. One that remains true to its racing DNA," says Couttolenc. "Designed for the current racing enthusiast. The design needs to merge cohesively both; the original Shelby Cobra design cues and Ford´s current design language." The design blends the traditional styling elements and shapes of the classic Cobra with Ford's new philosophy as portrayed in the Evos Concept. Designer Daniel Couttolenc           |
| This Guy Brought His 2-Year-Old Nephew a New 2014 Corvette Stingray… Posted: 17 Oct 2013 08:39 AM PDT  Ever heard of the saying, "Some kids have all the luck"? This could certainly apply to this young lad from Maryland who was on the receiving end of an uncle's surprise birthday gift. "Soo…I bought a New 2014 Stingray Corvette…and gave it to my Nephew for his Birthday," said VWVortex forum member Bsaint in a posting. "I never had one as a kid so told my wife as soon as we had kids or family member did I was getting one for their 2nd birthday, so this past weekend we flew up to MD and spent some time with family and was able to make it come true. We should have another car nut on our hands in a few years…," he added. From what we understand, this is the Fisher-Price Power Wheels 2014 Corvette Stingray that retails for $275. Now, if we could only find an…ahem…kind "uncle" (not of the "kind" stereotyped by Andrei here…) who would do the same for us taking into consideration our age and size, of course, of course. Photo Credits Bsaintmedia [Used with permission]               |
| Please Let This Guy Re-Fuel the Car in Front of Me Posted: 17 Oct 2013 08:00 AM PDT  Have you ever wondered why you see all those "warning" signs posted at gas stations – no, not the ones regarding cell phones, but about the dangers of inhaling those ghastly gasoline and diesel fumes? Perhaps this video may provide you with some answers on why it's bad to do so in a rather entertaining, albeit admittedly, worrisome kind of way. The person you need to pay attention to (not that you won't without us telling you…) is the gas station attendant who goes on a wild dancing trip on a customer's Lada station wagon as soon as the driver goes inside to pay and he hears the music from the car waiting in line. The video awaits you right past the jump.    |
| What Say You to a Ferrari FF Cross Edition? Posted: 17 Oct 2013 07:35 AM PDT  In their careful quest to broaden Ferrari's reach without diluting the brand, the Italian company's officials green-lighted the development of a more practical and usable, four-seater model with all-wheel drive, which they christened the FF, releasing it on the market in 2011. The rest is history, as they say. Ferrari has pretty much declined to enter the SUV segment leaving it to Maserati and its upcoming Levante, but the designer at X-Tomi has a different proposal in mind for the Maranello brand. It's called the Ferrari FF Cross Edition, and it follows the modern trend of adding SUV styling elements and sometimes a taller suspension to otherwise regular cars. VW's cross range of models and Audi's Allroad vehicle lineup are some examples that pop in mind. The designer imagined the FF Cross Edition with protective wheel arch extensions, side skirts and bumper trims, all finished in a customary black color, together with different wheels, roof rails and skid plates. So, after seeing the photo below, what do you think; should Ferrari consider such a model / edition, or would it be better that these ideas remain in the realm of fantasy? Photo Credits: X-tomi      |
| 2015 Ford Mustang to Be Revealed in December, Press Offered Sneak Peek Next Week Posted: 17 Oct 2013 07:08 AM PDT  Ford will unveil the next-generation 2015 Mustang in December, some four months ahead of the car's 50th anniversary on April 17, 2014. However, we may see the first photos of the car a lot earlier, as Ford has invited a small group of automotive writers for a sneak peek next week at its Dearborn headquarters, according to a report from Reuters. Obviously, auto writers, including some from Europe, have agreed not to reveal details of the car until Ford wants them to – but you know how that could work out… Embargoes on new car models are not always respected, so you may want to watch out for leaked 2015 Mustang photos next week... The Mustang is getting its first complete redesign since 2005 and will reportedly feature a more modern design, a more nimble chassis and more efficient engines and transmissions. All these features are aimed at broadening the car's appeal outside North America, where the car has its core fan base. This is why the 2015 model will be the first model aimed at global markets, notably Europe, Japan and Australia. The car will use a new rear-wheel-drive platform with the same 107-inch (2,718-mm) wheelbase as the current model but several hundred pounds lighter. The suspension, steering and brake systems will all be revamped, while the engines and transmissions will be upgraded. A four-cylinder turbocharged EcoBoost engine will be offered as an option. Although the car's design is expected to sport a more modern look and feel, the Mustang will continue to feature styling cues inspired from past models. Sales will begin next summer. By Dan Mihalascu Photo Renderings Copyright: Carscoops / Josh Byrnes       |
| The Audi R18 e-Tron Quattro May be a Diesel, But it Sounds Fast at 300km/h+… Posted: 17 Oct 2013 06:51 AM PDT  The Audi R18 e-Tron Quattro is currently the dominant car in the world of Le Mans, thanks in no small part to its diesel-electric hybrid system that mates a 3.7-liter V6 engine to an electric motor that drives the front wheels. Together they make over 500 hp, and accelerate the car with a loud gas turbine-like hiss and deep V6 burble – you notice how the two sounds overlap around the 28 second mark of the following video. It shows the successful racecar being prepped for its next competition season via a private test session, which according to NM2255's description was carried out around Italy's Monza track. Thankfully, Audi seems to have had the track all to itself on the day, so there's nothing to distort the R18's unique sound signature as it wooshes past at immense speed. I think its aggressive appearance, coupled with the high velocities it can maintain through corners and the jet fighter-meets-V6 TDI straight-pipe noise make this now one of the most spectacular racing cars to watch. Feel free to agree or not in the comments section below. By Andrei Nedelea    |
| Did You Know that Ford Sold the Mustang in Germany as the T5 Because of Trademark Issues? Posted: 17 Oct 2013 06:32 AM PDT  Here's an interesting fact regarding the Mustang's history that you may have not been aware of: from the introduction of the first edition of the car in 1964 through 1979, Ford was forced to rename all Mustangs destined for the German market to the much less dramatic-sounding "T5". The reason why Ford had to rebrand its pony car was that German truck manufacturer Krupp possessed the Mustang trademark in the country and sold trucks with that name for many years. According to the Blue Oval, the T5 moniker was selected because it had been used as the internal project code during the initial development phase of the Mustang. While Ford kept the galloping horse emblems on the German market cars, the fender badges, rear gas cap and steering wheel branding were all replaced with the T5 moniker. Other changes over the North American versions were mostly limited to replacing the exterior lighting to meet European regulations, with Ford also fitting the Mustang with the shock tower brace from the Shelby GT350 "to better suit continental roads". While available through select Ford dealers in export markets like Germany, a significant number of Mustangs were imported through the United States military's P-X system. "Over the years, many of T5s that ended up in civilian hands in Europe were first purchased by soldiers stationed in Germany," said John Clor, Ford Mustang historian and author of The Mustang Dynasty. "Some soldiers had their cars shipped back stateside at the end of their tour of duty while others sold them to German civilians." The same applies today with Ford stating that of the some 4,000 Mustangs sold in markets outside of North America in 2012, about a fourth, or approximately 1,000 cars, were acquired through military channels.         |
| Prior Design's Mercedes-Benz G-Class Actually Looks Kinda Cool Posted: 17 Oct 2013 06:01 AM PDT  For sure, those big 23-inch alloy rims shod in wide and thinly profiled tires defeat the purpose of acquiring a vehicle purposely made to be rough and tough to conquer dirt roads and jungle paths, but how many people actually buy the Mercedes-Benz G-Class for its off-road prowess? If you belong to that group of people, then you may as well style up your G-Class with a package from the likes of tuners like Prior Design. The flat black painted (?) display car featured in the German firm's gallery sports a body kit that includes new front and rear bumpers, wider wheel arches to fit the bigger wheels and a vented bonnet, plus a spare wheel cover. The wide body kit costs €12,900 (US$17,600), the 23-inch wheels €7,900 (US$10,800), the spare wheel cover €1,199 (US$1,600), while there's also a stainless steel sports exhaust priced at €1,899 (US$2,600).                    |
| 2014 Chevy Impala Test Driver Smashes Into Two 2014 Corvettes! Posted: 17 Oct 2013 05:33 AM PDT  Poor Corvette Stingrays just can't get a break – even when parked, as an incident that took place during a Chevrolet test drive event in Texas on Wednesday proved. According to Jalopnik, the 2014 Impala test driver crashed into three stationary 2014 Corvettes, but CorvetteForum member "rojhoj" stated that only two Stingrays were hurt. "Two Corvettes and a Malibu were involved around 5:00 this afternoon," said rojhoj in a posting accompanied by a photo of one of the crashed Corvettes being towed away. "I had driven one of them earlier in the day. Not major damage but they had three wreckers. The speed limit is 20 on the little test track. Someone got some splainin to do," he said. At this time, we do not have any other information on the accident. If any of you have more details, photos or better yet a…video, please do tell us in the comments or via email. Photo Credits: Jalopnik and Corvetteforum      |
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