CARSCOOP

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• Callaway Official Confirms Corvette AeroWagon, Priced from $15,000 and You Can Revert to Stock
• Battle of the NISMOS: 370Z Raced Against Leaf RC Electric Prototype
• Nelson Piquet Jr. Fined by NASCAR for Posting Gay Slur, Becomes the Butt of the Joke [w/Poll]
• Hyundai, Nissan Offer Delayed Payments to Furloughed Workers Thru Government Shutdown
• Mazda Engineers Looking to Persuade Execs to Focus More on RWD Models
• Scoop: Who's Up for a Second Generation Mercedes-Benz GLK?
• Female Driver Shot Dead at U.S. Capitol After High-Speed Car Chase [Raw Footage]
• Radical Proves Its RXC Can Handle Speed Bumps
• So, This is What a Rolls-Royce with a Mullet Looks Like….
• Report Suggests Skoda Mulling Rapid Coupe
• Injured Biker Mieses Didn't Have MA License and His MA Driving Rights Were Revoked Until 2017
• Need For Speed Rivals Trailer Shows It’s Still All About the Gadgets
• Facelifted Skoda Yeti Comes in Two Flavors and Prices Starting from £16,600 in the UK
• 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Has a Six-Month Waiting List [w/Video]
• Is She For Real? Indian Woman Jumps in Front of a Train, Comes Out Unscathed!
• Is a Hotter and Much Lighter BMW M4 On Its Way? Report Says Yes
• Lexus IS 300h Tries its Luck with Diesel-Powered BMW 3-Series and Audi A4
• Mercedes S-Class Coupe Rendered in Production Trim and as a SLC Four-Door Coupe
• Audi Q1 Crossover Coming in 2016, Says Report
• Top Gear's Clarkson, Hammond, May and The Stig Scaled Down to 1:18 Figures
• Jaguar’s Ian Callum Tells the Story of the Project 7’s Design
• If It Looks Like a Stupid Idea, Chances Are It Is….
• Ouch…Chrysler Cuts Production of SRT Viper by 33 Percent Due to Slow Sales
• Short, Skinny and Super Tall: The New Mitsubishi eK Space
• Tesla Model S Catches Fire After Crash, Company Stocks Fall…

Callaway Official Confirms Corvette AeroWagon, Priced from $15,000 and You Can Revert to Stock Posted: 03 Oct 2013 05:36 PM PDT Good news everyone looking for a not necessarily sleeker, but surely fancier and more distinct take on the new 2014 Corvette Stingray, as Callaway Cars has confirmed the production of the Corvette AeroWagon Concept, which was first seen as a render back in March this year. We heard the rumor floating around, but just to be on the safe side, we contacted Callaway, with company spokesperson Mike Vendetto telling us the following: "Callaway is planning to begin production of the AeroWagon package for 2014 Corvette for January availability. The AeroWagon package is priced at $15,000 in natural carbon fiber, with a $1,500 charge for paint with matching OEM body color." Approaching this conversion from the (...remorseful) side of a buyer, we asked Mr. Vendetto whether Corvette C7 owners would be able to revert the car to stock form if they wish, and the answer is yes: "Our objective is to allow easy conversion back to stock," Mr. Vendetto told Carscoops. "There may be some hinge and latch hardware that has to be returned to stock as well, but these are all details that haven't been entirely finalized just yet. The stock hatch will be given back to the owner." According to Callaway, the "car retains its original Corvette targa top" as "the AeroWagon bodywork is located in the original Corvette hatch area and utilizes the OEM latch mechanism." As to when we'll see the first real life Corvette AeroWagon (all current pictures of the car are computer generated renderings), Mr. Vendetto said that the company estimates to have the first prototypes ready somewhere around mid-November. The AeroWagon conversion, which turns the new Corvette into a shooting brake-like model adding more luggage space (but no rear seats) in the process, will also be available in conjunction with the upcoming Callaway performance package for the C7, set to be released at the same time next year. Prices for said package start from $22,995, and it includes a supercharger system, high flow intake system, low resistance exhaust system, fuel system enhancements and powertrain management recalibration along with special badging, floor mats and door sill panels. PHOTO GALLERY

Battle of the NISMOS: 370Z Raced Against Leaf RC Electric Prototype Posted: 03 Oct 2013 04:55 PM PDT Comparing a racer with a street-legal sports model is not that relevant, for neither of the two categories of vehicles. Furthermore, matching an EV racecar up against a gasoline sports car is even more far-fetched. Nevertheless, some of the most interesting reviews are those that don't seem to make sense at a first glance. Take this one, for example, that pits the Nissan Leaf Nismo RC prototype racer against the Nissan 370Z Nismo road car. Auto Express magazine tested the two cars on an improvised track, using the same racing driver – Jann Mardenborough, winner of the 2011 Nissan GT Academy. A quick look at the specs would lead most to believe that the Leaf Nismo RC doesn't stand a chance against the 370Z Nismo. The road car has 350 hp and 276 lb-ft (374 Nm) of torque from a 3.7-liter V6 engine, while weighing 1,610 kg (3,549 lbs). With 107hp and 280Nm (207 lb-ft) of torque, the electric prototype has less than a third the power output of the 370Z and 25 percent less torque. However, it only weighs 938 kg (2,068 lbs). Scroll down to see how this puzzle gets put together. By Dan Mihalascu VIDEO

Nelson Piquet Jr. Fined by NASCAR for Posting Gay Slur, Becomes the Butt of the Joke [w/Poll] Posted: 03 Oct 2013 04:26 PM PDT NASCAR Nationwide Series driver and son of three-time F1 world champion Nelson Piquet, Nelson Piquet Jr. was fined $10,000 (€7,360) by the sport's sanctioning body and placed on indefinite probation after using a three-letter homophobic slur on a fellow racer Parker Kligerman's Instagram page. The Brazilian will also have to attend…sensitivity training. Kligerman uploaded a close-up photo of himself sweaty and with messy hair, with the description "Trainer got me struggling… #champion" on his Instagram page. Piquet Jr., who is a friend of Kligerman's, posted the comment "F…" on the page, with Kligerman jokingly replying "He's just jealous at his lack of masculinity". Piquet then said, "Yea, I'm the one with the masculinity problem hahahahah". Piquet's initial comment was deleted from the page. One of the fans who saw Piquet's comment didn't like the joke and reported him to NASCAR, resulting in the driver being slapped with a $10,000 fine. "Nelson Piquet Jr. recently communicated an offensive and derogatory term that cannot be tolerated in our sport. NASCAR's Code of Conduct explicitly spells out in the 2013 rule book our position regarding the use of disparaging terms. We expect our entire industry to abide by this Code," said NASCAR's senior vice president of racing operations, Steve O'Donnell, in the announcement explaining the decision. Although Piquet Jr. initially defended himself by saying it was a joke among friends, he later apologized in a statement. "I sincerely apologize to everyone for my poor choice of words last week. I did not mean to hurt or offend anyone. This has been a cultural learning experience that will make me a more sensitive person moving forward," read Piquet's politically-correct statement. NASCAR argues that even if Piquet posted the comment in a joking manner, it was visible on social media and fans all over the world were able to see it. We'd like to hear your opinion on this too. By Dan Mihalascu Poll: What do you think about NASCAR's reaction? PHOTO GALLERY

Hyundai, Nissan Offer Delayed Payments to Furloughed Workers Thru Government Shutdown Posted: 03 Oct 2013 04:06 PM PDT As you probably know, the United States has entered the third day of government shutdown, which means non-essential federal services and agencies are closed, with over 800,000 employees sent home on unpaid leave. Given that this is a hot topic in the U.S. right now, some carmakers have made moves to help out furloughed federal workers. Today, Hyundai Motor America announced the launch of a new payment deferral program aimed at helping these employees during the government shutdown. The plan, which is an addition to Hyundai's Assurance program, consists of the extension of "all auto loan and lease payments during the shutdown for current Hyundai owners who are furloughed". The company said current owners of Hyundai vehicles will be provided relief from payments for as long as they are out of work, while furloughed employees who want to buy a car in October will be offered a 90-day payment deferral. The program applies to customers who have financed their purchases or leases through Hyundai Finance America. "Like we did almost four years ago when we launched Hyundai Assurance, this is our way of saying 'We've got your back' during this uncertain time," said John Krafcik, president and CEO of Hyundai Motor America. Nissan also announced a similar program by offering a standard extension of payments up to 90 days for purchases or leases of new Nissan and Infiniti vehicles through Nissan Motor Acceptance Corp. (NMAC). "NMAC is sympathetic to any of our customers who find themselves in difficult financial circumstances - many times outside of their control - and we want to provide assistance to help them through those times of uncertainty," said Mark Kaczynski, president, NMAC. By Dan Mihalascu PHOTO GALLERY

Mazda Engineers Looking to Persuade Execs to Focus More on RWD Models Posted: 03 Oct 2013 03:35 PM PDT While Mazda's new line of front- and all-wheel drive models has seen its fair share of success, Edmunds reports that many engineers from within the company are not pleased and want to shift focus more towards rear-wheel drive. Apparently, management is not too pleased by the idea, especially now that they're doing well as is with the current crop. The engineers' wish is to have Mazda make sportier rear-driven cars that are closer in philosophy to the MX-5 and RX series. It's not an entirely unreasonable demand, especially since the Japanese automaker is already working with Alfa Romeo – the latter being the subject of an interminable number of rumors regarding its sedans going rwd. Perhaps they could work out an understanding in this area, as well, and make the shift along with the Italians. Whichever way they go, it will be completely understandable. We of course, would like to see to see them go for it, as the Mazda range has been rather empty since the RX-8 was retired from production in July of 2011. By Andrei Nedelea Photo Rendering Copyright: Carscoops / Josh Byrnes PHOTO GALLERY

Scoop: Who's Up for a Second Generation Mercedes-Benz GLK? Posted: 03 Oct 2013 03:12 PM PDT Mercedes' first stab at the compact luxury SUV market with the GLK, which was presented in 2008, having undergone a mid-life facelift just last year, has been deemed a success, and the German are preparing its successor, which will likely be introduced in 2015 as a 2016MY. Our secret-car hunter scooped up the first photos of a prototype model for the second generation GLK while testing on European soil. There's a lot going on the body with the camouflage, but it looks like the new GLK will be slightly bigger and have a less boxy appearance and softer lines than the current model. Under the freshly styled body panels, Stuttgart's Audi Q5 and BMW X3 challenger rides on a modified version of the next C-Class sedan's new MRA (modular rear-wheel drive architecture) platform. Understandably, the new GLK and C-Class will share a similar engine lineup comprised of four- and six-cylinder diesel and gasoline units, and possibly a hybrid powerplant as well. The use of lighter materials, improved aerodynamics and tweaked powertrains will do their part to make the next GLK more fuel efficient and greener. Photo Credits: CarPix for CarScoopS PHOTO GALLERY

Female Driver Shot Dead at U.S. Capitol After High-Speed Car Chase [Raw Footage] Posted: 03 Oct 2013 04:38 PM PDT Police opened fire on a black Infiniti G Coupe and killed the as-of-yet unidentified woman driver who had tried to ram a barricade near the White House, triggering a car chase. The chase ended 16 blocks away on Capitol Hill when police killed the suspect. The driver's identity, motives and the reason for which she did not stop the vehicle remain unknown. There was a young child inside the car as well, but according to reports, she emerged uninjured. The driver was shot as she exited the car – according to some sources, she hadn't opened fire and no gun has been found in the car. A police officer was hurt when the woman backed into a police car. Preliminary information says there are no indications linking the incident to terrorism. Panic installed during the chase, with the U.S. Capitol immediately issuing this statement: "SHELTER IN PLACE. Gunshots have been reported on Capitol Hill requiring staff in all Senate Office Buildings to immediately shelter in place. Close, lock and stay away from external doors and windows. Take annunciators, emergency supply kits and escape hoods; and move to your office's assigned shelter in place location or the innermost part of the office away from external doors or windows. If you are not near your office, go to the office nearest to you and shelter with that office and then check in with your OEC. No one will be permitted to enter or exit the building until directed by USCP. Staff is advised to monitor the situation. Further information will be provided as it becomes available." You can watch an eyewitness video of the police chase below and another video with a second witness describing the scene. By Dan Mihalascu Video Sources: YouTube, Allhura TV, NBC & AP VIDEO

Radical Proves Its RXC Can Handle Speed Bumps Posted: 03 Oct 2013 01:55 PM PDT Sports car owners often complain about the road infrastructure, especially about the speed bumps installed in residential neighborhoods all over the world to prevent drivers from stepping on the gas. These speed bumps don't only spoil the experience of driving, but they are also a threat to the integrity of a sports car's underbody. The faster the car, the lower the ground clearance, and that is especially true in the case of sports cars designed for the race circuit. You'll be hard pressed to find track cars more radical than a… Radical, so the UK manufacturer wanted to reassure its customers that its newest product, the RXC, has nothing to fear of speed bumps. Radical's first enclosed car, the RXC, is a street-legal racer, as it is built using Le Mans engineering and aerodynamics. With 380hp produced by a 3.7-liter V6 Ford engine and only 900 kg (1,984lbs) of weight, the Radical RXC sprints from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in only 2.8 seconds and reaches a top speed of 280 km/h (175 mph). On top of that, it handles speed bumps rather well, thanks to its inboard push rod suspension. You can check that out for yourself in the video posted below, though it doesn't show how the RXC handles the most atrocious of speed bumps – you know, the tall, narrow ones... By Dan Mihalascu VIDEO

So, This is What a Rolls-Royce with a Mullet Looks Like…. Posted: 03 Oct 2013 01:29 PM PDT Of all the cars one could potentially transform into a Chevrolet El Camino (or Aussie ute) style, coupe pickup truck, we'd say any kind of Rolls Royce model would be one of the least likely candidates for the slaughter job. And indeed, 'awkward' is the first word that comes to mind when you look at these similar Rolls-Royce pickup trucks listed for sale in Florida by PrestigiousEuroCars. The first one is a 1972 Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow coupe with a mullet body style (business up front, party at the back – or is it the other way around?) and a larger-than-life trunk that spans half the length of the car, while the other one is a 1973 Rolls-Royce Corinche coupe with an airy, pickup truck-style loading area. Both cars are priced at $49,950 (approximately €36,700 at today's exchange rates) a pop, while we assume that the "3" and "4" cylinder engines noted in the listings are a typo, with the two models featuring RR's classic V8 mill. 1973 Rolls-Royce Corinche 1972 Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow

Report Suggests Skoda Mulling Rapid Coupe Posted: 03 Oct 2013 01:03 PM PDT Within the inner circle of non-premium VW group brands, the pecking order is clear: VW must stand out as having the best and highest quality products, SEAT justifies itself by being a tad sportier and having more flamboyant style, while Skoda has to make do with its less glamorous image by making simpler, more utilitarian-looking cars that it can sell slightly cheaper. However, Skoda has also been making sporty vRS models for over a decade now, and the two previous generations of Octavia vRS have found many owners who needed a cheaper Golf GTI that had more room for people and in the boot. Now, the Czech manufacturer is reported to be reviving an older nameplate – the Rapid Coupe, according to Autoblog.nl. They quote inside sources and also back up their argument by talking about Skoda's desire to be itself perceived as more sporty, pointing at the Rapid Sport concept as clear indication of that. They also mention the fact that 2014 will mark the 30th anniversary of the classic model, so they could use that to justify it as well. It would be an interesting offering, if it were to materialize, and would probably be one of the cheapest coupes out there. By Andrei Nedelea PHOTO GALLERY

Injured Biker Mieses Didn't Have MA License and His MA Driving Rights Were Revoked Until 2017 Posted: 03 Oct 2013 12:36 PM PDT When an incident makes it to prime time news and the public seems interested, you can rest assured that, for better or worse, the protagonists' past will be subject to the same kind of scrutiny from the press as Presidential candidates during primary elections… In the case of Massachusetts resident Edwin "Jay" Mieses Jr., 32, who was seriously injured during the events in New York City this past Sunday when Alexian Lien ran over him with his Range Rover, and who according to his wife, could be "paralyzed forever", the Boston Globe dug up details about his driving past. The Registry of Motor Vehicles told the newspaper that while Mieses was a resident of the State, he never had a "valid Massachusetts driver's license for a passenger vehicle and has never applied for a motorcycle license". According to the registry records, Mieses had applied for a learner's permit in 1999 and 2000, but he wasn't able to obtain a full license "because he failed to pay fines imposed after he was ticketed for speeding in Lawrence in 1999". The Boston-based news daily also discovered the following information about Mieses: "Since 1999, he has been ticketed by police 16 times, in Lawrence, Methuen, Roxbury, Andover, and New Hampshire, according to registry records. In June, the Registry notified the National Driver Register that Mieses was a habitual traffic offender whose right to drive in Massachusetts was revoked until 2017, records show." We still don't know what will happen with Mieses, and whether he will face any charges or if he or his family will take Alexian Lien to court, but if any of those scenarios play out, then his driving past will likely surface again. Naturally, the only thing that really matters right now is Mieses' recovery. Shout out to 'DemoDerbyThem' for the heads up! Photos via FaceBook/Jay Meezee PHOTO GALLERY VIDEO

Need For Speed Rivals Trailer Shows It’s Still All About the Gadgets Posted: 03 Oct 2013 12:00 PM PDT The Need for Speed franchise is most famous for its hot pursuits. Whether they took place on the open roads in stock cars you couldn't customize or in the city where nitrous was king, these games always involved some kind of interaction with motorized law enforcement. Rivals promises more of the same, but wrapped up in a pretty next-gen package. Electronic Arts is probably extremely pleased with the fact that you can see individual droplets on the cars' bodies, but we hope they do something about the physics behind their game. Their latest similar titles have moved ever further away from what the depicted cars handle like in real life, and I for one don't think these games need and more dumbing down. Thankfully, the gadgets that fans of the series are familiar with are still featured, and as we can see from the most recently uploaded of trailers. It puts emphasis on them, as well as character progression, which as we all know is really big right now in the industry. Check it out after the jump - the new Corvette Stingray makes an appearance too... in white. By Andrei Nedelea VIDEO

Facelifted Skoda Yeti Comes in Two Flavors and Prices Starting from £16,600 in the UK Posted: 03 Oct 2013 11:44 AM PDT The second new Skoda model announced today for the UK market after the Rapid SpaceBack is the refreshed Yeti crossover, which will also go on sale in January next year, with on-the-road (OTR) prices starting from £16,600 for both available versions. We say both, because unlike the outgoing Yeti, the 2014MY will offer buyers the choice of a regular model and an Outdoor edition that comes with a more rugged exterior appearance thanks to the SUV-style front and rear bumpers, and rocker panels, plus different wheels and exterior trims. As part of the facelift, four engines in the 2014MY Yeti range now feature lower CO2 emissions, while Skoda has introduced a number of new standard and optional features, including a rear-view parking camera, bi-xenon lights with LED daytime running lights and KESSY keyless entry, start and exit system. For full details on pricing, check out the list below the break. PHOTO GALLERY

2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Has a Six-Month Waiting List [w/Video] Posted: 03 Oct 2013 11:22 AM PDT While Chrysler was forced to reduce output of its SRT Viper because of low demand, General Motors can't build as many Chevrolet Corvette Stingrays as the market wants. The all-new Corvette received very positive reviews that have translated into high demand, with GM reportedly confirming that there is a six-month waiting list for the 2014 Corvette Stingray. "We probably have six months' worth of orders," Chevrolet General Marketing Manager Chris Perry told The Detroit Bureau. Although deliveries have only recently begun, GM clearly has a winner up its sleeves, as some customers are willing to pay up to $20,000 extra to jump at the top of the waiting list. However, not all dealers can rejoice, as GM announced early this year that dealerships that failed to sell at least four Corvettes in 2012 will not get the seventh-generation model. The base version of the 2014 Corvette Stingray Coupe starts from $51,995 (€38,220) including destination charges. The sports car is powered by the LT1 6.2-liter V8 that produces 455 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 465 lb-ft of torque (630 Nm) at 4,600 rpm. Models equipped with the optional Z51 Performance Package (priced at $2,500) sprint from 0 to 60 mph (96 km/h) in 3.8 seconds, run the quarter-mile in 12 seconds and 119 mph (191 km/h), achieve 1.03g in cornering grip and stop from 60 mph in 107 feet (32.6 meters). Fans of open-air Corvettes will have to wait until the end of the year for the series production of the Convertible model, which is priced from $56,995 (€41,900), including delivery and handling fees. By Dan Mihalascu PHOTO GALLERY VIDEO

Is She For Real? Indian Woman Jumps in Front of a Train, Comes Out Unscathed! Posted: 03 Oct 2013 10:49 AM PDT If this video footage, allegedly sourced from a CCTV camera installed in a metro station somewhere in the metropolitan region of Delhi in India, is real and not the cheeky work of some talented youngster behind a computer screen with nothing else better to do, then the female protagonist is a top nominee for the title of the luckiest human alive this year. The woman was filmed jumping on the tracks, but almost immediately crouched down, seconds before the metro train crossed over her at speed. Watching the video makes you think she's a sure goner, but amazingly, she's seen standing up completely unharmed when the train passes by! She then approaches the stand and with the help of a man, she gets back to safety! Unfortunately, suicidal attempts on India's train station network are all too common these days. VIDEO

Is a Hotter and Much Lighter BMW M4 On Its Way? Report Says Yes Posted: 03 Oct 2013 09:56 AM PDT Weight is crucial for all vehicles, and the idea is to lose as much of it as possible, without compromising anything. I mean check out what this little electric rocket can do with 135 hp… It's therefore with great anticipation that we look at the prospect of a lighter version of the all-new upcoming BMW M4, with even more power and three additional letters – it could be GTS, but this wasn't confirmed by Car Sales and its sources. What they did say is it will be closer in philosophy to the M3 GTS, rather than the E46 CSL, and that in manual guise, its weight would drop to under 1,400 kg (3,086 lbs). This would be achieved by replacing some panels with ones made out of carbon fiber or aluminum. The M4 already has a carbon roof and boot lid, but it is stated that BMW wants to extend use of the material to the front wings and hood. Additionally, it would also receive aluminum doors instead of steel units, and a stripped out interior devoid of a back seat. It is also speculated that the special model could make its debut in 2016 for BMW centenary celebration, to become one of many probable candles it's going to light up for itself that year… By Andrei Nedelea PHOTO GALLERY

Lexus IS 300h Tries its Luck with Diesel-Powered BMW 3-Series and Audi A4 Posted: 03 Oct 2013 09:20 AM PDT The new Lexus IS doesn't have a diesel variant, which in Europe, is not a good thing for sales. However, the Japanese sedan does have an economical model, the IS 300h hybrid. The folks at Auto Express thought about comparing it with two diesel competitors, the segment leader BMW 320d and the Audi A4 TDI. Whereas fuel-efficient 2.0-liter turbodiesel engines power the German cars, the Japanese car features a 2.5-liter petrol mill linked to an electric motor to save on fuel. At least on paper, the Lexus IS 300h delivers the economy and emissions of a diesel engine, with its combined fuel economy of 65.7 mpg UK (4.3 l/100 km) being better than the Audi's 61.4 mpg UK (4.6 l/100 km), but behind the BMW's 68.9 mpg UK (4.1 l/100 km). The Lexus is closer to the BMW in terms of performance too, with both cars sprinting from 0 to 60 mph (96 km/h) in 7.8 seconds, while the Audi needs 8.4 seconds. But what's it like to drive compared to its rivals and how does its interior stack up against the competition? You'll have to watch the review in the video below to find out. By Dan Mihalascu VIDEO

Mercedes S-Class Coupe Rendered in Production Trim and as a SLC Four-Door Coupe Posted: 03 Oct 2013 08:48 AM PDT It looks like Mercedes' appetite for a diverse lineup of S-Class branded (and technically related) models ranging from the traditional sedan to long and extra-long limos and sporty coupes, is sparking the imagination of independent designers and graphic artists. After the new S-Class Convertible render we showed you earlier this week, X-Tomi Design is proposing a four-door coupe version of the upcoming S-Class Coupe, appropriately named the SLC, which would take the crown of the sportiest looking and most luxurious four-door coupe model in Benz's range from the CLS. And yes, we too are expecting renders of an SLC Shooting Brake in the not so distant future… The same designer also completed an artist's take on what the S-Class Coupe Concept would look like in a more production ready form. See both pictures right below the virtual break. Designer & Photo Credits: X-Tomi Design PHOTO GALLERY

Audi Q1 Crossover Coming in 2016, Says Report Posted: 03 Oct 2013 08:20 AM PDT Audi is planning to add a new member to its "Q" family of crossovers and SUVs, according to a report from Germany's Auto Bild magazine. The VW-owned luxury car manufacturer is said to be developing a new small SUV called the Q1, based on the underpinnings of the Volkswagen Polo – the Audi A1 is also based on the same platform. The report claims that the Audi Q1 will arrive sometime in 2016 and will cost less than the brand's smallest crossover at the moment, the Q3, at an estimated starting price of under €20,000 ($27,165) in Germany. The B-segment crossover will have a length of 3,800mm (149.6 in) and will feature a more rugged styling, with SUV-like elements like a raised seating position and increased ground clearance. However, despite its rugged looks, the Q1 reportedly won't feature all-wheel drive. At launch, it will be available with a 1.4 TFSI petrol engine and 1.4 TDI three-cylinder diesel, both developing 90 PS (89hp) and mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. The top engine will be a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine with 231 PS (228hp), which will equip the SQ1 performance model. By Dan Mihalascu 2012 Audi Crosslane Concept pictured in gallery PHOTO GALLERY

Top Gear's Clarkson, Hammond, May and The Stig Scaled Down to 1:18 Figures Posted: 03 Oct 2013 07:58 AM PDT To be considered a serious car collector like Jay Leno, you need to have the…pockets of Jay Leno, so the only other option for us less fortunate (from a financial perspective) car fans to fill our dream car garage are scale models. Once this becomes a hobby and you have enough space to build up a respectable collection, one can easily get carried away. And by that, we mean adding décor or better yet, a human element to your displays, which is where specialists like Scale Figures step in to lessen your cash deposits. The Moscow, Russia-based maker offers a number of limited edition scale figures including a special run of 60 pieces of Top Gear UK's television presenters, Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May in 1:18 scale, which will be available on October 31 in a set of three (the cars in the pictures are not included) for order at a price of $500 (€367). If you're in a hurry, you can place a pre-order on MDiecast here. In previous months, the Russian company offered limited quantities (50 apiece) of 1:18 scale figures of The White Stig and The Black Stig. PHOTO GALLERY

Jaguar’s Ian Callum Tells the Story of the Project 7’s Design Posted: 03 Oct 2013 07:21 AM PDT You may remember Jaguar's Project 7 concept car, essentially a single-seater version of the F-Type convertible. Unveiled at this year's Goodwood Festival of Speed, the Project 7 pays homage to Jaguar's D-type racer produced from 1954 to 1957 that won the Le Mans 24-hour race three times in 1955, 1956 and 1957. The name is also a tribute to Jaguar's 7 victories at the famous endurance race. c But how did the team behind Project 7 manage to combine Jaguar's racing DNA and styling cues with the modern platform of the Jaguar F-Type? That's a question that Ian Callum, Jaguar's design boss, answers to in a new official video. He reveals that very few people worked on the project and that it was a work done with a lot of enthusiasm, resulting in a very special car. Many modifications had to be done to the F-Type to turn it into Project 7, but the result is indeed a joy to look at. And with 542 hp from the 5.0-liter V8, it really has the performance to match its looks. By Dan Mihalascu VIDEO

If It Looks Like a Stupid Idea, Chances Are It Is…. Posted: 03 Oct 2013 06:50 AM PDT In some parts of the world and on certain occasions, people have no other options than to work with what they have and even take risks to complete their tasks. Still, crossing a broken down bridge in an appalling state of disrepair that is partially under river water with a regular passenger car, does not sound like a good idea by any means… To be fair, the motorist in the Ford Focus sedan might have just made it across the other side, as did the vehicle with the dashboard camera recording and sharing the scene with the rest of the world, if it had not been for the careless and dim-witted driver of the large and heavy dump truck. The truck driver foolishly and completely selfishly  passed by the passenger models further sinking down the bridge and marooning the Focus. See how it happened in the video below. VIDEO

Ouch…Chrysler Cuts Production of SRT Viper by 33 Percent Due to Slow Sales Posted: 03 Oct 2013 06:30 AM PDT Chrysler Group has reduced production of the SRT Viper by a third due to slow sales, growing inventories and the onset of colder weather. The U.S. automaker said part of the workers building the Viper will be reassigned to other plants. According to a report from Autonews, employees at Chrysler's Conner Avenue Assembly plant in Detroit were told yesterday about the output reduction. No workers will be laid off, however, with Chrysler reassigning them to other plants in the Detroit area. The number of employees who will be reassigned is not yet known. Before the decision, Chrysler had been building nine Vipers per day on average, while from now on, it will make six per day. SRT brand boss Ralph Gilles originally said Viper production would be limited to 2,000 units a year, but is now aware that the aforementioned number proved overly optimistic. "We're really looking at the reality of this type of car in this economy, as well as us controlling the market and making sure that we don't overbuild," Gilles said. Chrysler built 805 Vipers during the 2013 model year, and recently begun making 2014 models. Gilles added that Chrysler received 2,000 dealer and customer orders for Vipers this year, including those for 2014 models. Since its commercial launch in February 2013, SRT only sold 426 Vipers in the U.S., with dealers having another 564 unsold cars in stock. U.S. aside, the sports car is sold in a few countries in the Middle East. The 2014 SRT Viper is priced from $104,480 (€76,810) in the United States, including destination. By Dan Mihalascu PHOTO GALLERY

Short, Skinny and Super Tall: The New Mitsubishi eK Space Posted: 03 Oct 2013 06:10 AM PDT When space and land is limited and comes at a price, the only way to go is up, something we see happening all too frequent in housing (mainly outside of North America) and office buildings. Japanese carmakers have been applying the same philosophy to their city-orientated vehicles dubbed 'kei' cars for years now, even though the only obvious benefits with a tall car are the airiness and sense of space in the cabin. Mitsubishi in partnership with Nissan are taking the concept to the next level with what they describe as "super height wagons". Mitsubishi's version of the co-developed models is the ek Space that was officially revealed today in two flavors, base and Custom, ahead of their world premiere at the Tokyo Motor Show at the end of November. Very few details were released about the eK Space and eK Space Custom, which feature different front ends and equipment options, with Mitsubishi stating that both come with a sliding rear door, UV-reducing glass that shuts out 99% of UV light, and touch panel-operated air conditioning. PHOTO GALLERY

Tesla Model S Catches Fire After Crash, Company Stocks Fall… Posted: 03 Oct 2013 05:44 AM PDT A burning Tesla Model S was spotted just outside of Seattle (yes, it was raining…) on Tuesday, just after 8 AM, as you can see in the video posted below. The official story is that the car "collided with a large metallic object in the middle of the road, causing significant damage." The crash was reportedly responsible for the fire, which the video shows did not spread to the rest of the car, remaining contained on the battered front end - good thing the fire crews are trained to handle this type of thing. Now, it seems that the event has had serious negative repercussions for the Silicon Valley-based manufacturer whose stocks fell by 6.2 percent today – this may announce problems ahead for the EV maker, unless it can find out the exact cause of the fire. If this had been any other (type of) car, the incident may have been overlooked, like the Jaguar F-Type blob of aluminum. However, I don't think Tesla will suffer as much as Fisker did, as the latter had a pretty but resoundingly mediocre product that people wanted to like but ultimately couldn't. The Model S, on the other hand, was voted as being the safest car ever tested by the NHTSA. What's odd is that the burnt car's front end looks about as damaged as that of the crash test car, yet one went up in flames (on a distinctly rainy day) while the other one didn't. Stay posted – this does not end here… By Andrei Nedelea Story References: Usatoday via Worldcarfans VIDEO

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