CARSCOOP

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• Future Cars: It’s Deja Vu Time For BMW’s Next Generation X6 SUV
• Mystery Crash: Where Did This Scooter Rider Come From?
• Buick Regal Celebrates 40th Birthday, We Look Back at All Five Generations
• Despite Previous Positive Rumors, Mazda CEO Now Insists Rotary Engine is not Viable
• Porsche Designers Try to Convince Us the Macan’s Styling Is Inspired by Race and Sports Cars
• Nissan Preparing Qashqai Nismo with More Than 200 Horses
• New DI Gasoline Engines Said to Emit 1,000 Times More Harmful Particles than Older Ones
• Spy Shots: Next Mini Clubman Grows Some Doors
• Subaru Details 2015 WRX’s Styling and Performance in New Video
• Price Nudges Porsche 911 Turbo S into Range of Supercars, Chris Harris Tries it Against McLaren
• New BMW X5 Now Available With M Performance Parts
• Study Shows Nissan Leaf Drivers Cover Less Electric Miles Than Chevy Volt Owners
• Take a Look at the Amazing Car Collection of an Abu Dhabi Sheikh
• German Rumor Mill Churns Out New Reports of FWD-Biased BMW X2 and Larger X7 for 2018
• GM President Reuss Really Into Doing a High-Performance Chevy Sonic

Future Cars: It’s Deja Vu Time For BMW’s Next Generation X6 SUV Posted: 29 Nov 2013 06:02 PM PST Ever since the BMW X6 Sports Activity Coupe was launched back in 2008, it has been widely regarded as a love or hate-it affair. Why? Because in BMW's ever-growing quest for creating new niche segment vehicles, someone in Munich decided that blending a X5 SUV and a coupe-like hatch would be a good idea. Now, while some combinations work well - like wine and cheese, some do not. BMW's X6 approach was akin to mixing eggnog and mince in a blender. Some strangely warmed to this concoction while others didn't. Nevertheless, the Bavarian automaker believes there is still success to be made with this format, hence why a new generation X6 is currently full-steam in development. Previously, we've shown you spy shots of the next-generation X6 trotting around the Nurburgring. However, now we're skipping straight to main meal; with a rendition of the final product seen here in all its blue glory. Design: Okay, first impressions may have some checking their glasses, as it appears not a lot has actually changed; however on the contrary, it is indeed all-new. The front-end now joins the rest of the BMW range with its headlights intersecting the famous twin-kidney grille for a more contemporary look. Below these are circular fog-lights and a front bumper arrangement that mimics that of the latest X5 off-roader. Even the hood creases mirror that of its more conventional sibling, while the front fenders encompass narrow vertical vents - a design element seen on many other of BMW's recent offerings. The glasshouse takes on an established approach with its 'Hofmeister kink' - again very similar to that of the outgoing SUV. BMW have spiced things up with increasingly dynamic surface language - a sculptured 'c-channel' horizontally flows down both sides of the bodywork. This is then interrupted by a separate shoulder crease that flicks up over the rear haunches, further emphasizing the vehicles strong stance. Interior: While we've yet to set eyes on the entire cabin layout, it's expected to adopt most of the interior fundamentals from 2014 X5. Where it differs, is within the minor details. Dashboard design is rather conventional with a high-mounted infotainment screen and dashboard-wide walnut trim - again, following the new X5 in similar fashion. Audiophiles will be catered for by Bang & Olufsen and there is a bevy of rear-seat entertainment options; TV, DVD and radio can be enjoyed via dual color screens and wireless headphones.  Unfortunately, as our rendering attests - rear passenger headroom appears to still be a carryover bugbear from the outgoing X6. Head-banging aside, this Bavarian trendsetter is more about making a visual statement than a chariot used for ultimate practicability. Under The Hood: Beginning at the lower end of the spectrum, turbocharged in-line six-cylinder engines available in both diesel and petrol configurations should provide enough oomph for regular day-to-day duties. While at the other end of the equation, a twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8 will tackle the performance SUV arena once again in X6 'M' format.  Power will be transferred via an 8-speed automatic to the rear wheels in typical BMW tradition; however, the xDrive all-wheel drive system will be available for those adventurous folk that commute ski-field access roads, farm tracks, school runs and its biggest obstacle - the generic tree leaf. For the ultra fuel-conscious amongst us, a plug-in hybrid may also be on the cards. If so, BMW's Concept X5 eDrive plug-in hybrid is a strong pointer as to what system could be utilized. In that application, a 90-horsepower electric motor is mated to a turbocharged four-cylinder engine yielding at least 61-mpg. Platform & Handling: BMW's 'Ultimate Driving Machine' tagline is banded around a bit, yet it's still applicable with the departing X6 - a decent steer, even if SUV's aren't your thing. So expect the formula to be tweaked further to emphasize its more youthful and sporting pretensions. Base versions will adopt a fairly conventional setup, while higher-level models will tout Active Suspension Packages with adjustable comfort and sport settings. These utilize Dynamic Damper Control and air suspension at the rear axle for better body control and ride comfort. Driver assist options are likely to range from Anti-dazzle high-beam lighting, Park Assist and Night Vision - the latter uses thermal imaging using Heads-Up Display to detect straying wildlife and drunken pedestrians. Market Positioning: As BMW's range-topping Sports Activity Coupe, the 2015 X6 sits in a unique segment with little in the way of direct rivals. Until Mercedes-Benz and Audi front up with opponents, the Munich-based manufacturer has the Acura ZDX to battle against. Well, that's until the unloved ZDX disappears from sale come January 2014. Expect the upcoming X6 to debut late 2014 or 2015 at the latest; any longer and BMW will have to employ some creative marketing strategies to keep the punters interested. Overall, BMW has a rather refined answer to a question that nobody really asked. Although I have to admit, such a niche vehicle does have an audience and sells in reasonable quantities. Coupled with strong heritage-bred driving dynamics and intriguing styling - it just may have the right formula to ensure that successive generations of 'SAV' come to fruition. Finally, does the next X6 play it too safe for a redesigned model or has it hit the mark? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below. By Josh Byrnes Photo Renderings Copyright: Carscoops / Josh Byrnes PHOTO GALLERY

Mystery Crash: Where Did This Scooter Rider Come From? Posted: 29 Nov 2013 04:55 PM PST Warning: Some viewers may find the accident scene disturbing Okay, so here's the thing; we've watched this dash-cam footage of an accident involving a car and a scooter that took place in Taiwan's Kaohsiung City a number of times, but we still haven't figured out where the motorcycle rider came from. Obviously, we're missing one or more clues from this scene, which would explain how the motorcyclist crashed into / hit the dark-colored sedan on the right hand side. Unfortunately, the rider appears to be hurt, though we can't say for sure as the footage ends at that point. Make your move across the break to carefully watch the incident and if you can, tell us from where the bike came from. VIDEO

Buick Regal Celebrates 40th Birthday, We Look Back at All Five Generations Posted: 29 Nov 2013 04:05 PM PST Four decades ago, Buick introduced the Regal nameplate as a mid-size luxury vehicle for North America. Since then, the Regal was produced without interruption across five generations - except for a five-year hiatus in the 2000s when the car was only available in China. The nameplate was first used on the 1973 Buick Century Regal, which was an upmarket model in the Century line and one of GM's first "personal luxury" cars. Launched with a standard 350 cubic inch (5.7-liter) V8 engine, the Regal shortly started downsizing, as it had to face a major crisis during the 1970s Arab oil embargo. The event forced manufacturers to use smaller engines and the Regal was the only mid-size vehicle in the U.S. to switch from a standard V8 engine to a V6 unit. The trend continued over the years, with Buick turning to turbocharging beginning with the 1978 Regal and continuing until today with the Opel Insignia-based model. But let's go back to 1973 and see what each of the Buick Regal's five generations brought to the automobile world.   First generation: 1973-1977 The first Regal's main styling cues were the large swooping bodylines and opera windows. Offered with many luxury features at the time, the '73 Regal coupe sold 91,557 units, helping Buick surpass its 1955 all-time sales record. The 1975 Regal was the only mid-size car in the United States to come standard with a V6 engine.   Second generation: 1978 - 1987 Downsized from the previous generation, the 1978 Regal came with a 3.8-liter turbocharged V6, making Buick the first mainstream brand to offer a turbocharged unit. This breakthrough would pave the way for the 1980s Grand National and GNX.   Third generation: 1988 - 1996 The trend of scaled down cars continued in the U.S. and the third-generation Regal was no exception. The Regal underwent a major technical change, switching from rear-wheel drive to front-wheel drive. Power came from an all six-cylinder engine lineup including the 3,800 V6.   Fourth generation: 1997 – 2004 Just like the 1973 model, the 1997 Regal became once again an upmarket version of the Buick Century. The 1997 Buick Regal GS debuted with the brand's first supercharged V6 engine, rated at 240 hp and 280 lb-ft (379 Nm) of torque.   Fifth generation: 2009 - Present After a five-year period during which Buick built the Regal only for China, the fifth-generation Regal debuted on the Chinese market for 2009 and a year later in the U.S. Based on the Opel Insignia, the Regal also saw the introduction of a high-output GS model for 2012. Introduced in 2013, the 2014 model is the first Regal to offer all-wheel-drive. Today's Regal is equipped with its most-powerful standard engine in the car's history, a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder producing 259 horsepower and 295 lb-ft (400 Nm) of toque. By Dan Mihalascu PHOTO GALLERY

Despite Previous Positive Rumors, Mazda CEO Now Insists Rotary Engine is not Viable Posted: 29 Nov 2013 03:02 PM PST Wankel rotary engines are part of what has made Mazda capable of gathering a large cult following over the years. Sure, they make competent and more recently stylish regular cars, but it's always been their rotary sports cars that stuck in the minds of enthusiasts. Now that they no longer sell a car equipped with such a power plant, they are a bit more like everybody else, which can be good for sales, but is definitely bad for individuality. Sadly, after repeated rumors that it may be on its way back, a rotary-powered Mazda is not in the cards at all, says Masamichi Kogai, the brand's new CEO, who recently expressed his very optimistic views regarding its future sales figures. He made it perfectly clear in a report published by Autonews that "It has to be a viable commercial proposition. If we are going to adopt it, it has to be a product that can generate at least sales of 100,000 units a year. We have to be able to achieve a profit." He formally admitted that there are currently no plans whatsoever in that regard. The notion hasn't been completely abandoned, though, as Kogai explains that they "are the first and only manufacturer to commercialize the rotary engine. In that respect, we have some responsibility… So please allow us to continue our research." Thankfully, Mazda can still make enthusiasts' cars without the special Wankel ingredient, and the upcoming MX-5 and hot MPS version of the new 3 hatchback are definitely cars to look forward to in the not too distant future. By Andrei Nedelea PHOTO GALLERY

Porsche Designers Try to Convince Us the Macan’s Styling Is Inspired by Race and Sports Cars Posted: 29 Nov 2013 02:01 PM PST Porsche may be saying the Macan is the sports car of the compact SUV segment, but truth is, the car looks a lot like the Cayenne. Especially when viewed from the front and the sides, it's hard to distinguish it from its bigger brother – and it looks like the confusion carries on when it comes to pricing, too. The rear end is, in my view, where the Macan differs the most from the Cayenne, largely due to the elongated horizontal taillights. In this latest official video, however, Porsche mentions nothing about the Cayenne, saying the Macan's design "combines the best of Porsche race cars and sports cars". Porsche designers talk about how the Macan features elements from the 911, 918 Spyder and even Porsche racecars. However, it only takes one look at the car to realize it's a mini-Cayenne in terms of styling (the interior is no exception). Scroll down to watch the video for yourself. By Dan Mihalascu VIDEO

Nissan Preparing Qashqai Nismo with More Than 200 Horses Posted: 29 Nov 2013 01:10 PM PST Following the hot Juke Nismo RS, Nissan's high-performance division will work its magic on the recently-unveiledQashqai crossover as well. According to a report from CAR, the Qashqai Nismo will feature more than 200 horsepower and will be revealed as early as winter 2014. The report quotes Andy Palmer, Nissan global product chief, as saying that the Qashqai Nismo will be more powerful than the Juke Nismo. "I wouldn't just give it the engine from Juke. It'd have more power than that," Palmer told the British publication. He added that a solution would be to adopt the uprated 1.6-liter engine from the Juke Nismo RS. However, the Qashqai would need more than that to be a Nismo. "I'm adamant that Nismo should be about more than just more power. I want us to focus on ride and handling, making cars that aren't just faster, but also feel obviously more fun to drive," Palmer said. Just like other Nismo models, the heated up Qashqai should feature a bodykit with red accents, sporty contact points inside, and will be focused on ride and handling rather than sheer power. No pricing details were offered, but the Qashqai Nismo is likely to be offered in a single-spec including all necessary features. CAR estimates the sporty crossover should be priced at just under £30,000 (€35,875) in the UK, given that the flagship new Qashqai costs £27,845 - and that there's a £1,900 gap between a range-topping Juke and its Nismo derivative. By Dan Mihalascu PHOTO GALLERY

New DI Gasoline Engines Said to Emit 1,000 Times More Harmful Particles than Older Ones Posted: 29 Nov 2013 12:32 PM PST Automakers say that downsizing is the only way to go in order to comply with ever stricter fuel emissions regulations. This is true when it comes to CO2 emissions, but it looks like there are far more poisonous gases that the new-generation of turbocharged engines with direct injection emit into the air we breathe. According to a study by independent technical research institute TÜV Nord, new-generation petrol engines typically release around 1,000 times more harmful particles, including carcinogens, than traditional designs, and 10 times more than new diesel engines. This is shocking information, to say the least, especially since carmakers claim that gasoline direct injection petrol engines have helped them dramatically reduce emissions. The study, which was seen by the Financial Times, refers to particles classified by the World Health Organization as harmful, including carcinogens, substances that are believed to cause cancer. The explanation for this is that new-generation gasoline engines operate with higher pressure in their cylinders to reduce emissions, but in doing so, they produce larger numbers of the particles. European regulations require filters that stop particle emissions to be fitted to all new diesel cars, but there is no similar condition for gasoline engines. A diesel particulate filter costs as little as €50 ($68). According to EU research, air pollution is directly responsible for 406,000 deaths each year, causing causes more than 100 million lost days of work – that translates into losses for the EU economy of more than €330 billion ($448 billion). Whether we like it or not, cars are the largest source of air pollution in European cities – but a significant part of that pollution can be eliminated if solutions to limit emissions of particles were applied to new-generation gasoline engines as well. By Dan Mihalascu PHOTO GALLERY

Spy Shots: Next Mini Clubman Grows Some Doors Posted: 29 Nov 2013 12:02 PM PST The Clubman will be one of Mini's current models that will continue for a second generation, but it will do so in a different form being more integrated in the lineup as it will eschew its current 2+1 side door setup with the single suicide-style rear door for a more conventional four-door arrangement. But wait, you say; isn't that what the first ever five-door Mini hatchback that we showed you on Thursday is for? Well, the new Clubman will be the longer estate version of the third generation Mini lineup, and to further differentiate it from the 5-door car, it will retain the current model's split rear-door (hinged on the sides) format It remains to be seen how much more room or practicality the Clubman will add over its hatchback brethren with which it will share the same interior, platform and range of turbocharged diesel and gasoline engines. The Clubman will be the third model to be added in range after the three-door hatch, and the upcoming five-door and soft-top convertible editions. Photo Credits: CarPix for CarScoopS PHOTO GALLERY

Subaru Details 2015 WRX’s Styling and Performance in New Video Posted: 29 Nov 2013 11:00 AM PST Following the world debut of the 2015 Subaru WRX at the Los Angeles Auto Show, the carmaker has released a video that contains an in-depth look at the car's highlights. Narrated by Dominic Infante, Subaru of America National Manager Product Communications, the video covers all the new features of the car. Starting with the design, this is one more painful reminder that the production WRX is a far cry from the Subaru WRX Concept revealed earlier this year at the New York Auto Show. Still, it can be considered an improvement over the previous generation. The big news, however, is the new 2.0-liter engine which not only brings a little more power (268 hp/+3hp), but is smaller and mounted lower, which has a positive impact on the car's handling – as does the 41 percent stiffer chassis. Subaru says the 2015 WRX will do 0 to 60 mph (96 km/h) in just over five seconds with the manual transmission, which sounds pretty good. Scroll down to find out what else is new on the car from the official video. By Dan Mihalascu VIDEO

Price Nudges Porsche 911 Turbo S into Range of Supercars, Chris Harris Tries it Against McLaren Posted: 29 Nov 2013 10:00 AM PST The McLaren 12C is a pure-bred supercar, with only two seats, a better, simpler name than before and over 600 hp. The new Porsche 911 Turbo S is none of those things, and is heavier, all-wheel driven, less comfortable and slower. However, Chris Harris thinks the two could be called rivals, at a stretch, especially if you option up your Porsche and/or get a discount on the McLaren; get an approved used one even cheaper is a third way. He is so convinced that the two are rivals that he's made a video trying to explain the point – it may just be an excuse to hoon some cars on both road and track, but as long as it's both entertaining and informative in its own right, we'll look the other way and not nitpick. Conclusions are straightforward: driving the British car is more of an event, because it's an actual supercar, plus I'd add my own input and say it's far better looking than the bloated, almost bulbous-looking 991, a condition made worse by the extra widening of the Turbo. It is dragged down by its uninspiring-sounding engine that reportedly exhibits noticeable turbo lag, and it's not as practical as the purportedly four-seater Porsche, nor is it as upmarket-looking inside. By Andrei Nedelea VIDEO

New BMW X5 Now Available With M Performance Parts Posted: 29 Nov 2013 09:00 AM PST If you were wondering when BMW would be sprucing up the new X5 with their customary M-trinkets, you don't need to do so any more, because they are here and completely unsurprising in any way. It's the usual assortment of parts that it has gotten its buyers used to, the most useful of which is probably the M Performance Power Kit that is offered on the xDrive35i – it boosts power by 19 hp, for a new grand total of 321 hp; torque is also lifted by 50 Nm (37 lb-ft) to a final figure of 450 Nm (332 lb-ft). The rest of the available mods do not affect performance in any way, and are merely cosmetic, though we see no reason why all new X5s shouldn't be equipped with the optional performance braking system with blue-painted calipers – it's only drawback is that it mandatorily comes with lightweight 21-inch wheels, but it should improve safety… Personalizing the look of your X5 is in fact what this M program is all about. You can have a blacked out grille, carbon exterior mirror caps, ducting elements and a diffuser insert at the back, as well as visible M-branded bits scattered around – the special rear apron and side sills sport the sought-after single-letter logo on the outside, while inside you'll see it on the special red-themed steering wheel, gear lever, throttle pedal and driver footrest. Oh, and you simply must have the M-broidered floor mats too. By Andrei Nedelea PHOTO GALLERY

Study Shows Nissan Leaf Drivers Cover Less Electric Miles Than Chevy Volt Owners Posted: 29 Nov 2013 08:00 AM PST The Nissan Leaf is an all-electric car that in the US, offers a claimed 76 miles or 121 km of autonomy, whereas the range-extender Chevrolet Volt promises only 38 miles or 61 km before the petrol engine kicks in to recharge the batteries. However, while looking at those figures alone would have you thinking that it would be the owners of the purely electric model covering most no-emissions miles, a recent study suggests the exact opposite. The EV Project Vehicle Summary Report, issued by the US Department of Energy (DoE), collected data between the months of April and June this year and compiled them for some surprising results. It revealed that in spite of having more battery on board to take them further, Nissan Leaf drivers actually covered fewer miles than Volt owners. They back this up with more numbers: 629 miles per month for the former, and 759 for the latter. A number of factors could be affecting these readings, though, so they're not necessarily accurate without question, yet they do offer an interesting suggestion that Bob Lutz may have actually had a point about the Chevy using the gasoline engine only when needed; if owners operate it properly (i.e. keep the battery charged at all times via socket and plug) the 1.4-liter petrol engine is rarely used. In fact, it was found that the 759 aforementioned miles of range actually constituted around 75 percent of the total number of miles driven (1,012 of them on average, to be precise). By Andrei Nedelea Story References: Greencareports PHOTO GALLERY

Take a Look at the Amazing Car Collection of an Abu Dhabi Sheikh Posted: 29 Nov 2013 07:00 AM PST A member of the ruling family of the Abu Dhabi emirate, Sheikh Sultan bin Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan has one of the most important collection of modern supercars in the world. Located in a private compound in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, the SBH Royal Auto Gallery includes rare supercars like the Aston Martin One-77, Bugatti EB110, Ferrari SA Aperta, Mercedes-Benz SLR Stirling Moss, Lamborghini Reventon, Maserati MC12 and many more. Sheikh Sultan seems to be a very big fan of the Bugatti Veyron, with his collection including no less than…five different Veyron models. All in all, there are 32 cars in the collection, and the model that started it all is a BMW Alpina Z8, purchased in April 2004. Just don't bother calculating how much time and money it took the Sheikh to buy so many supercars. What you can do instead is enjoy the sight of so many mechanical masterpieces under the same roof, courtesy of Shmee's video posted below. By Dan Mihalascu VIDEO

German Rumor Mill Churns Out New Reports of FWD-Biased BMW X2 and Larger X7 for 2018 Posted: 29 Nov 2013 06:00 AM PST It seems that the production version of the Active Tourer concept and fresh X1 will not be the only new BMWs to use a front-wheel drive platform as their base. New reports from the German magazine Autobild suggest that the famed Bavarian maker of excellent sports saloons will also be adding an X2 to its range. It's not the first time we've heard of it, and back when the first rumors came out,l it was even suggested that it would follow a similar philosophy to that of the 2001 X-Coupe Concept. However, if it does become a real model, it will most likely look like the X1 that it's based on, with a coupe roof similar to that of the still fresh X4 – sounds a (slightly bigger) propeller-badged MINI Paceman/Countryman kind-of crossover to me. The smaller X2 would go up against the same models as the five-door X1: Audi Q3 and Mercedes' GLA, though, in all fairness, its only real rival would be the two-door Range Rover Evoque, as there are no other similar crossovers that offer "coupe styling." At the other end of the faux-off-roader range, another model that was mentioned in the past, but ultimately denied, is back in focus – the X7 large SUV that would sit above the X5 in the lineup, in the firing range of the Mercedes-Benz GL or Land Rover Discovery. By Andrei Nedelea Note: Next BMW X1 pictured above and below PHOTO GALLERY

GM President Reuss Really Into Doing a High-Performance Chevy Sonic Posted: 29 Nov 2013 05:00 AM PST The president of GM's North American affairs, Mark Reuss, was recently quoted by Automotive News as saying he would very much like to see a high-performance variant of the Chevrolet Sonic make it into production. His exact words, from the sidelines of the LA auto show last week were: "Yeah, I'd love to do that... We've got the ride-and-handling vehicle dynamics for it." This new hot model would sit above the current warm RS variant, the one that has a 1.4-liter 138 hp engine under the hood as well as styling and suspension tweaks. That power figure would have to be brought up closer to 200 hp, if this new model stands any chance of matching the Ford Fiesta ST, or the smaller and lighter 160 hp Fiat 500 Turbo/Abarth. The sound of all this is quite promising, and we're all for putting more power in a front-wheel drive eco-box and seeing what happens. We will follow this up once new information becomes available. By Andrei Nedelea PHOTO GALLERY

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