CARSCOOP |  |
- Ferrari F430 Trying to Squeeze Through Narrow Medieval Path is Pure Greek Comedy
- Future Cars: Dreaming of a Revolutionary New 2015 Nissan Maxima
- Carscoops' A to Z Guide to the 2013 LA Auto Show [Updated]
- BMW i3 Beats E92 M3 V8 off the Line for…Five Seconds in Drag Race
- Nissan CEO Warns the UK: Leave EU and We Will Reconsider Investments
- Five Pagani Exotics Filmed Together at Hong Kong Workshop
- Classic Car Specialist Stretches Jaguar E-Type, Builds Special Trailer for It
- German Owner Tells the Story of Her 1965 Ford T5 Mustang
- Give Your Corvette Z06 770 HP via Aftermarket Hybrid System
- Braking Bad: Memphis Fire Truck Rams Concrete Barrier [NSFW]
- Second Hand Lancia Thesis 2.0 Turbo for Sale in the USA
- New Hyundai Mistra Sedan Ready for its Production Debut at Guangzhou Show [45 Pics]
- New BMW M235i Launch Control Explained
- Ford’s Need For Speed Mustang to Pace NASCAR Sprint Cup’s Season Finale [w/Video]
- Gas Prices Falling in the U.S., Dip Below $3 a Gallon in Six States
- Battered 1967 Aston Martin DB6 Vantage Barn Find Going Under the Gavel
- Peugeot Confirms UK Pricing for 270HP RCZ R Performance Coupe
- New Audi A3 Cabriolet Priced from £25,790 to £32,420 in the UK
- Jaguar C-X17 Concept Reviewed in Dubai, Still Very far off Production Model
- All-New 2015 Chevrolet Colorado Midsize Pickup Confirmed for LA Show, Bookmark This Page
- Mercedes Reportedly Sending Off SLS AMG with Final Edition Models at LA Auto Show
- Lady Gets Her Nissan Juke in a Sticky Hole
- Kia Releases Soul EV Specs, Confirms Range of 200+ KM (124 Miles)
- EVO Chooses Its Car of the Year, But No, It’s Not the Ferrari F12Berlinetta
| Ferrari F430 Trying to Squeeze Through Narrow Medieval Path is Pure Greek Comedy Posted: 12 Nov 2013 09:10 PM PST  A beautiful retreat it may be, but the Zagorohoria, a cluster of 46 traditional settlements tucked away in the mountains of Epirus in northwestern Greece, is no place for driving a Ferrari inside the medieval villages. Unless, that is, you don't mind using your ride as a paintbrush for the stonewalls... It all makes sense, right? Well, to some it doesn't as a genius brought along his Ferrari F430 Spider and tried to navigate through the narrow cobbled streets and footpaths, which, obviously, were never designed with cars in mind. In what was clearly a nerve rattling procedure, which according to YouTube author Haris Mauroudis, took 20 minutes for a distance of no more than 100 meters (close to 300 feet), the Ferrari and its driver found their freedom, albeit not without the F430 sprouting smoke out of its distressed rear end. Video follows below.        |
| Future Cars: Dreaming of a Revolutionary New 2015 Nissan Maxima Posted: 12 Nov 2013 05:50 PM PST  Automotive design cloaking the majority of vehicles on our roads is a compromise between engineering requirements and conservative tastes of the general buying public. It's why we see design trends that cross-pollenate across various car makers; like BMW's 'Hofmeister Kink' - with many sedans now using this design element. Another example is the similar surface language that both Ford and Hyundai currently use. Call it generic diluted design, making just about everything appear…umm well, the same. However, what if the status quo were challenged; turned upside down and kicked to the curb? Well then, let me introduce this proposal: a medium/large sedan with standout styling that happens to wear two important badges - 'Nissan' and 'Maxima'. Design: Taking inspiration from concept illustrations (shown at Nissan's 360 expo back in August) and GT-R super car, this proposal seeks to bend all the conventional sedan rules. Starting with a dominating front end: An aggressive front grille exaggerates Nissan's 'corporate V' shaped chrome-bar graphic. It drops down over the lower front intake like a snakes fang, connecting both hood and shoulder lines at the bottom. There's a hint of Jaguar XF-R with its large, alloy-framed air intakes, while the LED headlights intersect the mesh grille and flank outwards creating a boomerang effect expression. However as you cast your eye over the prominent front fender flares and towards the glasshouse, things really start to depart from usual status quo. It's here, where the GT-R applies its presence the most; first of all, yes it adorns a similar floating-roof design like its 2-door sibling and current Mini. However, as the upper roofline tapers down towards the rear, it's dissected by a small slither of wrap-around glass, connecting the rear window with the side windows. It may only be a small design trick, but combined with a small window-line 'up-kick' over the rear haunches, it really applies visual punch without taking the 'same-same' path like many of its competitors do. Interior: Arguably, Nissan has been on the beige path with its interiors in recent years. Sure, they look and feel contemporary, but compared with some rivals, they appear a tad unimaginative. For this study, a good starting base would be with a production version of Nissan's Friend-ME Concept interior. Gone would be the soft organic shapes that grace the current portfolio of Nissans; instead replaced with angular dashboard and control panel styling. Also emphasizing the next Maxima's sporting pretenses is a twin-cowl upper dashboard - taking on a similar theme to that found in the Ford Mustang. Cabin space would be accommodating enough to comfortably seat its passengers with plenty of head and legroom; whilst technophiles would be catered for with various Intel-powered infotainment options from cloud-based services to smartphone pairing for keyless entry and go. Under The Hood: The petrol-head within me says this should have the 3.8-liter, twin-turbo V6 from the current GT-R. However in a land closer to earth, the more sensible route would be via a tweaked 3.5-liter V6 from the outgoing Maxima. If the Japanese car-marker wants to head down the sporting track, one can only hope that some serious work has been applied to its CVT transmission; although ideally a conventional 6-8 speed auto or dual-clutch setup would appeal more to the driving purist. Platform & Handling: Nissan touts the current Maxima as 'the 4-door sports car'. A slightly ambitious tagline perhaps? Nevertheless, if the car were to appeal to driving enthusiasts, then this would be taken more seriously if power was translated to the tarmac via the rear wheels. Sure, front wheel drive setups have improved vastly over recent years, with help from electronic aids and suspension geometry, yet they don't quite deliver the same dynamic sideways thrill that RWD vehicles offer. Potentially, the best compromise would yield both AWD and RWD options under one body. Realistically-speaking, though, the next-gen car will most likely sit on a massaged variation of Nissan's D-platform, which its Altima and Pathfinder stable-mates are based on, offering FWD and possibly, an AWD option. Market Positioning: As Nissan's top sedan, this proposal has potential to give the competition (size- or price-wise) a run for its money: the Chevrolet Impala, Ford Taurus, Dodge Charger, Chevrolet SS and Toyota Avalon. Apart from the SS, Charger SRT and Taurus SHO, most of these adversaries display little in the way of sporting characteristics. Whilst the next Maxima may come out on top academically as a driver's car, what remains to be seen is how the market would react to such unique styling. Bold sedan attempts have been tried before - try talking to anyone about the late 1990's Ford Taurus and you're guaranteed a shudder in response. Fortunately, Nissan knows what it's doing - if it's designed right, the punters will come. Expect an official Maxima concept to debut at the 2014 Detroit Motor Show, with the production version slated for a 2015 release. As a whole, if Nissan were to follow the contours of this study, a rather exquisite piece of kit could emerge as an industry standout. Coupled with strong driving dynamics and coupe-like styling; it just may even convince the motor critics amongst us that this is indeed - 'the real 4-door sports car'. Join in with your thoughts and suggestions in the comments section below. By Josh Byrnes Photo Renderings Copyright: Carscoops / Josh Byrnes    |
| Carscoops' A to Z Guide to the 2013 LA Auto Show [Updated] Posted: 12 Nov 2013 05:19 PM PST  From November 22 to December 1, the Los Angeles Convention Center will turn around the "Press Only" sign to the "Open for all" side welcoming the public to the 2013 edition of the LA Auto Show. Our area of focus is on the days leading to, as well as, the actual press days on November 20 and 21, when we will witness some two dozen world premieres along with a similar number of North American debuts. Hotly anticipated production displays at this year's LA motor show include the Jaguar F-Type Coupe, the Nissan Juke Nismo RS performance crossover and the next generation of the Mini hatchback. Below, you will find our preliminary list of new cars that have been officially confirmed, as well as some that we have heard might break cover in LA, such as the new global Ford Edge crossover and the next iterations of Subaru's popular WRX and STI series. Be sure to bookmark and re-visit this page as we will be updating it regularly whenever we receive more information.     |
| BMW i3 Beats E92 M3 V8 off the Line for…Five Seconds in Drag Race Posted: 12 Nov 2013 04:40 PM PST  The carbon fiber-constructed BMW i3 takes full advantage of low light weight in order to provide ample acceleration for the driver to enjoy, primarily off the line. It's claimed to reach 37 mph or 60 km/h in 3.7 seconds and 62 mph or 100 km/h in 7.2 seconds, with 168 hp on tap from its electric motor. In order to put those figures into perspective, one needs an i3, an E92 M3 with a V8 under the bonnet and a slightly damp track surface on which to stage a drag race. This is what Business Car Manager did, and the fruit of their labor lies after the virtual jump, in video form. As you'll see, the i3 has no trouble sprinting off the line ahead of the M3, and even with its bike-skinny tires, it stays ahead up until around 30 mph or 48 km/h, when the bigger car gains traction and starts pulling ahead. In fact, the quoted source states that one day prior to the video being shot, they tried out the drag race on a much wetter Brands Hatch track, and "the i3 gripped better and beat the M3 all the way to the chequered flag." By Andrei Nedelea Story References: BMWBlog   |
| Nissan CEO Warns the UK: Leave EU and We Will Reconsider Investments Posted: 12 Nov 2013 04:27 PM PST  It looks like all the talk about organizing a referendum in the UK on EU membership is bad for business. Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn said the Japanese carmaker would reconsider its investment in the UK if the country decides to leave the European Union. Prime Minister David Cameron has promised a public vote on EU membership in 2017 should the Conservatives win the next general election in 2015. Speaking in Sunderland, where Nissan employs 6,500 people, Carlos Ghosn didn't seem delighted at all with that prospect. Asked by the BBC how Nissan would react if the UK were to leave the EU, the executive replied: "If anything has to change, we need to reconsider our strategy and our investments for the future. Personally I don't think this is a most probable scenario, but if this scenario becomes real it's obviously going to be a major factor and we will need to consider what this means for us in the future." This was not the first time that Carlos Ghosn has made a direct connection between Nissan's UK investment and the country's EU membership. In October 2002, he said that the Sunderland plant's future would depend on whether the UK adopted the euro. However, the UK hasn't given up on the pound and Nissan's Sunderland plant remains one of the most productive in Europe. Ghosn was in Sunderland for the launch of the all-new Nissan Qashqai, which will be built there. The Qashqai is Nissan's best-selling car in Europe, racking up more than 240,000 sales last year. The crossover accounts for more than half the output of the Sunderland factory. By Dan Mihalascu              |
| Five Pagani Exotics Filmed Together at Hong Kong Workshop Posted: 12 Nov 2013 03:50 PM PST  If fuel runs through your veins, we don't need to tell you how rare it is to see one, let alone five (!) Pagani exotic supercars in the same place, at the same time. This happened in Hong Kong at the SPS Automotive Performance center with YouTube author HKVanquishWott taking a quick snap of the cars (be warned, the video is only 51 seconds long), which reportedly included the following models: 2001 Pagani Zonda C12 S According to Carscoops' tipster Edward, "This is the first time that there's the new and the most powerful Pagani Zonda Revolucion being introduced in Hong Kong, along with other Zondas and a Huayra".    |
| Classic Car Specialist Stretches Jaguar E-Type, Builds Special Trailer for It Posted: 12 Nov 2013 03:23 PM PST  The truth of the automotive industry has always been that if you have the money, people that are a lot more skilled than you are will modify your preferred ride in any way you see fit, just as long as physics didn't interfere too much. This 1968 Jaguar E-Type is on the lighter side of those scales, but with a stretched body for extra space and a…unique trailer, it does deserve a bit of attention. Its creators, Classic Motor Cars from Bridgnorth, in the UK, added 4.5 inches (114mm) while the car was being restored after having been involved in a heavy frontal crash, as per its American owner's request. The extra metal was added to the floor pan, for improved interior space and practicality - the feeling is enhanced by the 1.25-inch (32mm) taller roof, as well; the boot is also deeper and more spacious. The modifications don't affect the car's look too dramatically, and since all of the E-Type's familiar lines are nicely blended in, the longer silhouette may even be more elegant than the regular one. Worth noting is the fact that this car is a Series I model, fitted with the later 4.2-liter engine (not the first 3.8), which is, in its stock form, 9 inches (228mm) shorter than the V12-powered Series III, a car whose design purity was seriously affected by the stretch – this 'in-between' version should be just right. The unusual trailer was built by joining two E-Type rear ends together, it looks cool and is attached to the car via a removable tow hook – will definitely turn twice as many heads with it hitched… By Andrei Nedelea           |
| German Owner Tells the Story of Her 1965 Ford T5 Mustang Posted: 12 Nov 2013 02:55 PM PST  If you've been following our site, you may have read a story about how Ford was forced due to trademark issues to change the name of all Mustangs sold in Germany between 1964 and 1979 to a less-spectacular T5. While the new name was dull, the car still featured the Mustang badge on the front grille and looked exactly like U.S. Mustangs. Few of these cars survive to this day, especially from the first series of models introduced in 1964. However, Ford Germany tracked down one of these early Ford T5s and found out the owner of the car bought it new and maintains it in perfect condition. The video is about Käthe Lowe and her prize-winning T5 that is 100 percent in original condition and looks as if it left the assembly line yesterday. Needless to say, after 48 years, the T5 has become a member of the family and Mrs. Lowe says it's still her dream car. You can watch the beautiful story in the video posted below. By Dan Mihalascu    |
| Give Your Corvette Z06 770 HP via Aftermarket Hybrid System Posted: 12 Nov 2013 02:30 PM PST  One of the many trends the automotive industry is leaning towards is that of performance hybrids which boost both the go and the eco credentials of a vehicle. But what if that vehicle was a Chevy Corvette Z06, a car with a big V8 engine, light plastic body boasting good handling, and the kit was an aftermarket one promising to add 265 horsepower into the concoction with not that much extra weight? It's the promise being made by a company called Quanta Products, out of Maryland. The QHP770 pack is first one offered by the new Quanta Hybrid Performance division that was recently started with the aim of putting together and selling these kits. It is made up of two axial flux electric motors that are mounted into the differential at the back, a battery pack and two controllers. When set up, it's claimed to deliver a combined rating of 770 hp. As you'd expect, the amount of torque on tap also shoots up, but not proportionally, to "over 1500 lb-ft" in total, or 2033 Nm – it should also be instant in its delivery. The heaviest piece of the kit is the battery pack, but its 127 kg / 282 lbs extra weight will easily be offset by the wall of torque that it promises to deliver. However, while it isn't directly mentioned, mounting the electric motors on/in the differential may not allow the all-important "EV mode," in which the car is able to shut off the (in this case) big V8 and silently drain the battery, before petrol starts to be burnt again. This is certainly a cooler mod than supercharging one's 'Vette, and if there's interest, it could be adapted to work on the new C7 Stingray, according to company officials. All we want to know now is how much it costs. By Andrei Nedelea     |
| Braking Bad: Memphis Fire Truck Rams Concrete Barrier [NSFW] Posted: 12 Nov 2013 02:05 PM PST  Bystanders watching an apartment building wrapped in flames in Memphis, Tennessee, last Friday, were up for a second surprise when an approaching fire truck smashed into a fence and concrete barrier. Fire Director Alvin Benson spoke to local news channel Wreg after the incident and blamed the accident on the 20-year old back-up truck's bad brakes. He added that the fire engine had been inspected hours before, but they found "nothing noticeably wrong with it". Benson also used the incident as an opportunity to state that the fire department is in need of "a hundred new trucks" to serve Memphis, but they only get a few new ones a year, forcing them to keep older vehicles in service for longer periods. "Certainly, we have an aging fleet. It's worn out, beat down and over time responding to emergencies, it needs to be replaced," said Joe Norman from the Memphis Fire Fighters Association. You can watch the video below, but be warned; adult language is used.    |
| Second Hand Lancia Thesis 2.0 Turbo for Sale in the USA Posted: 12 Nov 2013 01:38 PM PST  The Lancia Thesis is a weird looking car [ed. note: think beluga whale-weird], especially at a first glance, but once you look beyond the peculiar headlights and very slim rear lights, you're left with a sleek shape, with bags of room inside and unmistakably Italian styling and design cues throughout. Made between 2001 and 2009, none of these front-wheel drive sedans were officially exported to the United States, but wherever there's an interest, an appropriate shipping container can be found, along with the paperwork to make registration possible. That could be considered a disambiguation of the story behind this 2002 example for sale in Maryland - $6,800 is the price on Craigslist. It's a 2002 model, equipped with a 2.0-liter turbocharged petrol engine that makes 182 hp (not 215 as the Craigslist seller says) and a manual five-speed gearbox. Originally, it could sprint to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 8.9 seconds and went on to a top speed of 224 km/h or 139 mph. Moreover, this engine was actually a straight-five, and thus it also sounded pretty good when in thrash mode. It comes finished in metallic green, and has the pleasant beige leather interior that doesn't look all that worn. The interiors of Italian cars from the period are known to be a bit flaky, but this one seems fairly clean after 110,000 km or 68,350 miles. There is a catch, though. Apparently, it can only "be sold to the members of the diplomatic or international organizations community in USA (UN, World Bank, IMF, OAM, etc) ONLY (diplomatic status A1, A2 or G1 visa) due to the import restrictions" – no private buyers allowed! Scroll down to check out the photos, but don't for a second take the seller's word that this is similar to a Maserati Quattroporte – it's not, but it is unique in many ways. By Andrei Nedelea            |
| New Hyundai Mistra Sedan Ready for its Production Debut at Guangzhou Show [45 Pics] Posted: 12 Nov 2013 01:11 PM PST  Blame the lines and its stance, but for a moment there, and before we saw the "Mistra" nametag on the boot, we thought this new Hyundai was a nicely done facelift of the Azera mid-size sedan. What you see here is the final production version of the Mistra Concept from Hyundai at the 2013 Shanghai International Automobile Exhibition in May. It's a China exclusive model that at 4,710 mm (185.4 in.) long, 1,820 mm (71.7 in.) wide and 1,470 mm (57.9 in.) tall, with a 2,770 mm (109 in.) long wheelbase, slots between the Elantra (4,540mm long) and Sonata (4,820mm long). Maybe it's the chrome trim and the more mature exterior lines on the outside, and the wooden décor and Genesis-like dashboard layout inside, but I find that the Mistra looks a tad more upscale than the Sonata in these photos. According to China's Ifeng, the new Mistra, which is named after a city in the Laconia region of southern Greece, will launch with two gasoline engine options, a 1.8-liter unit delivering 143hp and a 2.0-liter with 155hp. Photos via iFeng                                                |
| New BMW M235i Launch Control Explained Posted: 12 Nov 2013 12:35 PM PST  The hottest of the current crop of 2-Series variants, the M235i, theoreticaly offers one of the purest driving experiences in BMW's range, because of its light(er) weight and smaller size compared to other models. It also comes with all the performance-enhancing gadgets and systems that you can get on its bigger brothers, including launch control. Unlike some other manufacturers' systems that have you pressing more than one button and keeping it pressed for X number of seconds, in the BMW, you turn off the DTC (traction control) with one button press, place your foot on the brake, then on the throttle and finally off the brake for a perfect launch. All you have to avoid doing is turning the steering wheel before setting off, because the launch is aborted if you do so. See how it works in the video below. By Andrei Nedelea    |
| Ford’s Need For Speed Mustang to Pace NASCAR Sprint Cup’s Season Finale [w/Video] Posted: 12 Nov 2013 12:09 PM PST  The highly-customized Ford Mustang starring in the upcoming Need for Speed movie and in the Need for Speed Rivals video game will debut at the Homestead-Miami Speedway on November 17, where it will pace the Ford EcoBoost 400 race counting as the season finale for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. The one-off Mustang will be driven by one of the Need for Speed movie's stars, Ramon Rodriguez. Built for the movie, the Need for Speed Mustang features a custom-designed wide body with unique 22-inch alloy wheels, and is powered by a supercharged V8 engine. In terms of output, Ford cheekily mentions that the car is "capable of supporting 900 horsepower", whatever that means… The bonnet features larger intakes, as does the enlarged lower grille in the front bumper, Other customizations include the low profile mirrors and extended rocker panels, a redesigned front splitter, and a new rear spoiler and diffuser. "With Mustang being a central character in this racing-oriented movie, it seemed only fitting to showcase the car here at Homestead and help serve as a great springboard to our various celebrations recognizing 50 years of Mustang in 2014," said Steve Ling, Ford car marketing manager. The Need for Speed movie will debut in theaters on March 14, 2014, while the Need for Speed Rivals video game will release later this month. By Dan Mihalascu       |
| Gas Prices Falling in the U.S., Dip Below $3 a Gallon in Six States Posted: 12 Nov 2013 11:49 AM PST  We were told that low gas prices are a thing of the past and that we should get used to paying over $4 a gallon, according to some, and even above $5, according to others. Well, if you've been to the pump lately, you will have noticed that the above scenarios didn't play out, or at least not in the short term. According to the AAA, the average price for a gallon of gas (3.785 liters) in the United States right now stands at $3.19 (or to put that in euros, €0.63 per 1 liter of regular unleaded), while in six states, including Arkansas, Kansas, Louisiana, Missouri, Oklahoma and Texas, prices have already dipped under the $3 mark. However, since these are simply average prices, you can actually find gasoline under $3 in other States as well. CNN reported that according to the Oil Price Information Service (OPIS), close to 20 percent of gas stations across the country are charging less than $3 a gallon for regular (€0.589 / liter). "In almost half the states, you don't need to make a great effort to find gas at $3 or less," Tom Kloza, chief oil analyst for OPIS, which compiles pricing data for AAA, told the news station. "To a great extent, the averages are really misleading," he added. "A large station with cheap prices might sell 750,000 gallons a month, while a small independent station with high prices might be struggling to sell 100,000 gallons. Kloza also pointed out to CNN that some of the reasons we have lower gas prices now include the milder hurricane season and lack of other problems with refineries, plus the increased supply of low-price crude from Canada and North Dakota. * Avg. gas prices from AAA    |
| Battered 1967 Aston Martin DB6 Vantage Barn Find Going Under the Gavel Posted: 12 Nov 2013 11:15 AM PST  The Aston Martin DB6 represented the end of an era, and the culmination of the design and style theme brought about by the late 1950s DB4 model. Its successor, the DBS, went for an angular 1970s look that is nowhere near as elegant, I think, as the curvaceous earlier examples… Now, a white DB6 Vantage from 1967 is set to go under the hammer at auction, on November 13. It's a barn find that hasn't been used since the 1990s, and requires a full restoration, having done 86,057 miles or 138,495 km throughout its life. It's expected to go for between £60,000 - £90,000 (€71,100 - €106,700 or $95,300 - $142,935). Currently owned by a garage owner "living in the far north of Scotland," it comes with detailed history that includes hand-written notes regarding a restoration that it underwent in the late 1970s, early 1980s. Its power comes from a four-liter straight-six engine that in Vantage trim made 325 hp, enabling it to nudge 150 mph or 240 km/h flat out. However, by the looks of it, this particular one needs a bit of attention before such an attempt enters the realm of the plausible/possible. Check it out in the gallery after the virtual jump. By Andrei Nedelea Story References: bonhams via silodrome                   |
| Peugeot Confirms UK Pricing for 270HP RCZ R Performance Coupe Posted: 12 Nov 2013 10:47 AM PST  Peugeot is bringing some hotness back to its UK showrooms with the new RCZ R sports coupe that is priced from £31,995. The French carmaker will begin accepting orders from next week and deliver the first cars from 2nd January 2014. Previewed in the UK at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in July and formally presented at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September, the RCZ R is both more powerful and (slightly) lighter that the 200bhp RCZ THP upon which it is based. Under the hood there's a modified 1.6-litre THP turbocharged petrol engine developing 270bhp, linked to a strengthened six-speed manual transmission, uprated clutch, and a new Torsen differential to provide additional grip to the front wheels. Many other parts of the car have been upgraded over the 200bhp THP, including the exhaust, wider front and rear tracks, dampers settings, increased stiffness in the springs and anti-roll bar, larger four-piston brakes, and new 19-inch alloys shod in Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 235/40 R19 tyres. Peugeot quotes a 0-62mph (100km/h) sprint in 5.9 seconds, an electronically limited top speed of 155mph (250km/h) and perhaps more importantly in terms of bragging rights, it says that the RCZ R is "more than two seconds per kilometre quicker than the 200bhp car on the Nürburgring test track".                             |
| New Audi A3 Cabriolet Priced from £25,790 to £32,420 in the UK Posted: 12 Nov 2013 10:26 AM PST  We're some five months away from the UK market launch of the all-new, bigger and by most accounts, better-looking and -proportioned A3 Cabriolet, which will take place in April 2014, but Audi announced pricing and is already accepting orders. OTR prices range from £25,790 to £32,420, with buyers having the option of two gasoline engines, the 138bhp (140PS) 1.4-liter TSI and 178bhp (180PS) 1.8-liter TSI, plus a 148bhp (150PS) 2.0-liter turbo diesel. Beginning from February next year, UK consumers can place their orders in for three more powerplants, a 108bhp (110PS) 1.6-liter turbo diesel, a 181bhp (184PS) 2.0-liter turbo diesel, and the top-of-the line S3 quattro performance model fitted with a 2.0-liter TSI rated for 296hp (300PS). Besides the single trim S3, all other A3 convertible models are available in three trim lines named "SE", "Sport" and "S Line". Standard equipment on the base "SE" model includes a fully automatic soft-top in black, 16-inch alloy wheels, air conditioning, the MMI radio incorporating an 11mm-thick powered folding screen, Audi Music Interface iPod connection, DAB digital radio, a Bluetooth interface, preparation for SD card-based navigation and a light and rain sensor package. The Sport and S Line grades both get an upgraded acoustic hood and sit 15mm lower on their respective 17-inch and 18-inch alloy wheels thanks to sports suspension, which, however, can be replaced with the SE's more comfort orientated standard suspension at no extra cost, while buyers of the S Line can also opt for an even firmer and 25mm lower suspension, again, at no cost.
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| Jaguar C-X17 Concept Reviewed in Dubai, Still Very far off Production Model Posted: 12 Nov 2013 10:10 AM PST  The Jaguar C-X17 debuted in blue at the Frankfurt motor show in September, and closer to the current moment, in silver, at the Dubai motor show, where a handful of journalists got their hands on it, even though it's purely a show car. Two magazines, including AutoExpress from the UK and Autobild from Germany had a go too, during which they made it clear that, at least in its current form, it's still very far from production-ready. Its steering needs too much lock to go around corners (and even straight, apparently) and the suspension is not tuned to iron out bumps, clearly not helped by the massive 23-inch rims it rides on. Still, the UK reviewer does concede that there is ample space inside, and the driver is given the feeling of sitting in the car, rather than on top of it, an unwanted feeling that many cars display nowadays, but the Jag engineers were clear about avoiding. The big rims, coupled with the stiff springs, lack of soundproofing and the lack of anything even closely resembling a production interior mean this test is inconclusive, but at least it confirms what we already knew: the C-X17 is a looker on the move, and while this silver example is not as spectacular as the blue one, it still promises to be one of the prettiest faces in its class (if/when they will finally admit to making it). By Andrei Nedelea    |
| All-New 2015 Chevrolet Colorado Midsize Pickup Confirmed for LA Show, Bookmark This Page Posted: 12 Nov 2013 09:52 AM PST  When GM said it would blow the covers off the new generation 2015 Chevrolet Colorado and its GMC twin, the Canyon, this fall, we suspected it meant the 2013 Los Angeles Auto Show, but one can never be sure without an official confirmation. Today, GM made the LA Show debut official, at least for the Colorado, which it says, "will reinvent what a midsized pickup should be" and that it has been "engineered to be the most capable, most versatile and technologically advanced midsized truck in the market". These are some bold claims indeed, however, we'll have to see the truck in the flesh before we pass judgment. Details remain thin, but inside sources have said that, aside from the regular gasoline powertrains, both the new Chevy Colorado and GMC Canyon will eventually be offered with GM's 2.5-liter or 2.8-liter, four-cylinder Duramax turbodiesels in North America. You can bookmark this page and watch the world premiere live from Los Angeles on November 20 in the following video.    |
| Mercedes Reportedly Sending Off SLS AMG with Final Edition Models at LA Auto Show Posted: 12 Nov 2013 09:36 AM PST  Mercedes-Benz will unveil a special edition of its SLS AMG sports car at the LA Auto Show next week. Called the SLS AMG Final Edition, the model leaves no room for interpretation, as it will purportedly mark the end of the SLS AMG line. According to a report from Germany's Auto Motor und Sport magazine, the limited edition models will be produced from February 2014 until the middle of the year and will be available for standard SLS AMG Coupe and Roadster, as well as the SLS AMG GT and SLS AMG Black Series. The magazine report included photographs of SLS AMG prototypes featuring camouflaged front and rear bumpers, suggesting Final Edition models will feature slightly restyled front and rear ends. At the front, the SLS AMG will most likely adopt new air vents, as well as styling updates around the grille and the on the bonnet, while at the rear, the diffuser and exhaust pipes will probably be updated. A light upgrade is expected on the inside as well. No changes will be made under the long hoods of SLS AMG Final Edition models, with the 6.2-liter V8 engine developing 571PS (563hp) on standard models, 591PS (583hp) on GT models and 631PS (622hp) on the Black Series. Finally, the SLS AMG will get no direct successor, but Mercedes-Benz will roll out a similar model in 2015 called the SLC AMG. It will be smaller and cheaper than the SLS AMG and compete against the Porsche 911. By Dan Mihalascu Note: Regular SLS AMG featured in the photo gallery             |
| Lady Gets Her Nissan Juke in a Sticky Hole Posted: 12 Nov 2013 09:06 AM PST  The thing with tall riding crossovers based off regular passenger cars (often only with FWD) is that some owners overestimate their vehicle's off-road or junk-road capabilities and pay less attention than what they would have with a different (lower) ride. Or at least that's one explanation we can give for how this woman managed to get her Nissan Juke in this predicament. Possibly filmed in Russia or one of the surrounding countries from a security camera in a nearby building, the woman took a wide turn into the lot, perhaps thinking that her Juke could easily handle some concrete conquering, but ended with the crossover's face down and its rear end up up in the air. You'll find the video waiting for you below.    |
| Kia Releases Soul EV Specs, Confirms Range of 200+ KM (124 Miles) Posted: 12 Nov 2013 08:19 AM PST  It looks like previous reports about the Kia Soul EV were pretty accurate, as they match the preliminary specs announced by Korean carmaker. Scheduled to launch during the second half of 2014 in export markets, Kia's first EV outside Korea will feature an 81.4-kW (109hp) electric motor producing 285 Nm (210 lb-ft) of torque. The motor delivers its power to the front wheels through a single speed constant ratio gear reduction unit. Thanks to the instantly available torque, the Soul EV will accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in less than 12 seconds and will reach a top speed of 145 km/h (90 mph). The car will feature a high-capacity 27 kWh lithium-ion polymer battery pack that will provide a driving range of more than 200 km (124 miles) on a single charge. Recharging times are estimated at up to five hours for a fully depleted battery using a standard 240v or 230v household outlet, or 25 minutes on "fast" charge with 100 kW output. The Soul EV will feature the styling of the second-generation Soul, and the images released by Kia confirm this. Although the prototypes are shown wearing camouflage, the overall shape of the car is the same – which is normal since the Soul EV prototype test cars are built on modified versions of the 2014 Kia Soul. Kia says the production car will feature projection type headlamps, LED positioning lamps, LED rear combination lamps and aerodynamically shaped 16" inch alloy wheels. On the inside, the Soul EV will feature a unique Supervision instrument cluster and center stack with an eight-inch display screen. The electric vehicle will also be equipped with a VESS (Virtual Engine Sound System) that emits an audio alert at speeds below 20 km/h (12 mph) and whenever the car is reversing. Prototypes are currently being tested at Kia's Namyang R&D facility in Korea, as well as in Europe and North America, before manufacturing begins in 2014. Kia's first electric vehicle was the Ray EV, a limited run vehicle launched in 2011 and destined exclusively for South Korean government fleets. By Dan Mihalascu          |
| EVO Chooses Its Car of the Year, But No, It’s Not the Ferrari F12Berlinetta Posted: 12 Nov 2013 08:04 AM PST  EVO Magazine's videos are one of the best sources of online car p@rn, and to top it all off, each year their efforts culminate with the release of their nominations for 'best car of the year,' and their effort to narrow the selection down to one. This year they were very fortunate to have an impressive array of competitive cars with a shot to win it to choose from, and we know the decision was hard not because they said so, but because of the undeniable qualities of the finalists. The chosen location for shooting also added to the appeal of the videos, it has to be said, because they chose to film on the renowned Route Napoléon, in the southeast of France. Of the eight cars lined up, the Alfa Romeo 4C was the first to go, and was definitely the weakest link, criticized for the inconsistent feel of its non-assisted steering and the racket made by the four-pot turbo motor sitting in the middle. It may have just been the fact that it was a pre-production model and was not quite finished, but it did make the last eight because of qualities it did possess, like the its extremely light weight, nimble handling and sheer pace. When it comes to the rest of the cars, trimming down the list became trickier, but in the end, a winner was chosen… From a distance, we would have gone for the Ferrari F12 as the most impressive one, but the EVO crew had their reasons to argument as to why that wasn't the case. Find out all about it in the two-part video below. By Andrei Nedelea    |
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