CARSCOOP |  |
- Subaru WRX STI Misses Classic Mini, Hits a Wall
- Carscoops' A to Z Guide to the 2013 LA Auto Show [Updated]
- Toyota Reintroduces Lexus RX-based Harrier Crossover in Japan [w/Videos]
- Mazda CX-5 Automatic Braking Fails During Dealer Test Drive – Injures Driver, Passenger
- Best Everyday Sports Car: Porsche 911, Audi R8 or Jaguar XKR?
- Montgomery Cop on a Harley Davidson Filmed Drag Racing a Civilian [Updated]
- 2015 Subaru WRX Info Leaked, Features 268HP 2.0L Turbo with 6sp Manual or CVT Gearboxes
- Porsche Shows Macan's Dynamic Side Along with a Glimpse of the Interior
- Hyundai Touches Up Accent's Equipment List for 2014 Model Year
- Aston Martin Vanquish Volante Neiman Marcus Edition to Debut at L.A. Auto Show
- Fiat Gives 500 Another Powerful Dose of Retro with New 1957 Edition
- Meth Addict Drags Trooper, Gets Shot and Sentenced to 30 Years in Jail
- Ferrari 288 GTO Treated Like the Group B Rally Car it Was Designed to Be
- Gasoline-Powered Cars Twice as Likely as Diesels to Fail UK’s MOT Emissions Tests, Study Finds
- Lexus Exec Suggests Faster Non-Turbo CT Hatch is Being Considered
- China’s BYD Drag Races New 298HP Plug-In Qin Against All Sorts of Sporty Cars
- Jaguar Drops Another Teaser Photo of New F-Type Coupe for the Road
- ABT Raises the Audi S3's Performance Bar with 365HP Version
- Magazine Picks Elon Musk as 2013’s Most Influential Man
- Report Says McLaren P1 Has Already Sold Out Too
- Crazy Crash from Belarus Proves Horses Understeer Too...
- Subaru's LA Show Legacy Concept Leaves False Promises for Exciting Production Model
- Audi Previews Luxurious A8 W12 Exclusive Limited Series, Only 50 Units Will Be Made
- Toyota Prius C Flirts with Crossover Idea with New Aqua Cross Concept
- Volvo's Updated 2014 XC70 D5 AWD Police Car Gets a Thumbs Up from Swedish Police
| Subaru WRX STI Misses Classic Mini, Hits a Wall Posted: 14 Nov 2013 08:30 PM PST  Whenever you bring your car over to a racetrack for any number of quick laps, then you are inherently accepting the dangers and the (increased) risk of something going wrong. It is not mentioned if YouTube user "koji nakanishi" from Japan had lapped the track with his Subaru WRX STI before the videotaped run, and for all we know, it may have been his first that costly day, but whatever it was, it didn't exactly go as planned. The Japanese driver managed to keep his car intact behind a classic Mini Cooper for a whopping 20 seconds before he sent it crashing onto the metal barrier. He says the brakes died on him just before the corner. A Google translation of his side of the incident reads: "My SUBARU WRX STI had the brake fade then crash during my sports driving at the suportsland SUZUKA ,a small racing circuit..The vehicle is completely from factory, normal bakes….If you like sports driving in the circuit, you must replace the brakes and brake fluid. They all are made for slow driving on the street." Slide down to watch the video and tell us if you think his story adds up.        |
| Carscoops' A to Z Guide to the 2013 LA Auto Show [Updated] Posted: 14 Nov 2013 07:41 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.     |
| Toyota Reintroduces Lexus RX-based Harrier Crossover in Japan [w/Videos] Posted: 14 Nov 2013 07:21 PM PST  Nissan isn't the only Japanese carmaker which can get confusing when it comes to badging decisions in its home market. Take Toyota, for example: despite launching the Lexus brand in Japan in 2005 and gradually phasing out all Toyota-rebadged Lexus vehicles, Toyota has decided to bring back the Harrier nameplate based on the Lexus RX. Compared to the current Lexus RX, the Toyota Harrier features different front and rear ends with unique headlights and taillights, a new grille with the harrier logo, redesigned bumpers and a different interior. There will be two available powerplants, including a hybrid unit pairing a 2.5-liter engine to an electric motor with a combined output of 197PS (194hp). Average fuel economy is 21.8 km/l (4.6 l/100 km/51.3 mpg US) under Japan's JC08 test cycle, while CO2 emissions are rated at 106 g/km. Toyota will also offer a gasoline-only engine model featuring a 2.0-liter Valvematic engine with continuously variable transmission that produces 151PS (149hp). The engine can be combined with either 2WD or 4WD, while the hybrid is only offered as a 4WD model. Two-wheel drive models feature a stop & start system and deliver an average fuel economy of 16.0 km/l (6.25 l/100 km/37.6 mpg US), with CO2 emissions rated at 145 g/km. Prices start from 2,720,000 yen ($27,330) for the base 2WD model with the 2.0-liter engine. Sales of the new Toyota Harrier begin in Japan on December 2, with the hybrid model to follow on January 15, 2014. By Dan Mihalascu                        |
| Mazda CX-5 Automatic Braking Fails During Dealer Test Drive – Injures Driver, Passenger Posted: 14 Nov 2013 04:48 PM PST  A dealer parking lot in Saitama, Japan was the stage for an unusual test drive crash involving a Mazda CX-5 and its two occupants. Apparently, a prospective buyer was trying out the autonomous braking system (or as Mazda calls it, Smart City Brake Support) that the Japanese crossover now comes with as standard, and it failed, sending the car into a fence, injuring both the driver and dealership representative – the first suffered whiplash and the latter broke his arm. Mazda quickly responded and acknowledged the incident, putting out a press release with all of the currently available details as well as their "sincere apologies." An investigation has been launched, but hopefully it will be of the kind we do hear about again, in the future… Until then, if you have an autonomously-braking CX-5 or other Mazdas equipped with the system, don't put all your faith in it until the matter is resolved. Even Top Gear managed to prove it's not fool-proof, as the brief video excerpt posted below undeniably shows. By Andrei Nedelea    |
| Best Everyday Sports Car: Porsche 911, Audi R8 or Jaguar XKR? Posted: 14 Nov 2013 03:25 PM PST  British magazine WhatCar recently uploaded a video comparison of what they call three supercars, though, to be fair, only one, the Audi R8 deserves to be called that. The other two contenders, the Porsche 911 and Jaguar XKR, are quite different beasts, the first lying at the upper end of the sports car spectrum, while the second is nothing more than a big GT car with good handling for its size… Still, the comparison is justified, and makes for some sound advice, as the three vehicles cost about the same, go about as fast and are all viable alternatives as "everyday supercars." Moreover, they could have easily included the Nissan GT-R into their group of cars, though they know it would have annihilated the other three performance-wise, aside from already matching them in terms of price, practicality and even image. The decision of buying a new car is difficult regardless of the price range within the constraints of which you must stay, or the class/type of vehicle you're looking to get behind the wheel of. Even buying a very fast sports car/supercar is a daunting task, and the better informed you are, the harder the decision becomes… Scroll down, check out the video, and find out which car won the test (hands down) in the end. By Andrei Nedelea    |
| Montgomery Cop on a Harley Davidson Filmed Drag Racing a Civilian [Updated] Posted: 14 Nov 2013 04:26 PM PST  Yes, yes, we know; police officers should always uphold the law no matter what, but they're also human beings and we can't help ourselves from finding the following cop's response to a civilian calling him to a harmless street drag race, how can we say it; very human… Even though no harm was done, the law is the law, and after the motorcycle civilian who asked the unidentified cop to race him at the lights, Lawrence Lee Spillers, shared the footage from his helmet camera on YouTube, the Montgomery (Alabama) Police Department learned about it and launched an investigation. The department's police chief, Kevin Murphy, told KLTV news that the officer seen in the video shot this past Sunday has since decided to resign his position from the force. "When a member of the Montgomery Police Department fails to adhere to our core values of honor, duty and loyalty, it is my duty to ensure they will not represent the MPD, or serve the citizens of Montgomery any further," said Murphy. "The officer in question no longer wears the badge of the Montgomery Police Department." The motorcycle cop, who does not want to be named, issued the following statement: "I don't have any hard feelings against the department. All my life and throughout my career I have tried to be humble and reserved, but I'm not perfect. If I could start over I would have never done what I did. I appreciate everyone's support. I can't believe how everything has turned around for me. I guess it's the will of God." As for the other protagonist, Lawrence Lee Spillers Spillers, he stated: "We posted [the video] thinking, you know, it was something fun, something you don't run across every day and that's why we did it. Our intentions were to never get the cop in trouble, and we definitely didn't think he would lose his job." Updated: As pointed out by reader Tinky-Winky in the comments, WSFA reported that the "the Montgomery Police Department is confirming that the motorcycle officer who was captured on video drag racing with a private citizen will get his job back"   |
| 2015 Subaru WRX Info Leaked, Features 268HP 2.0L Turbo with 6sp Manual or CVT Gearboxes Posted: 14 Nov 2013 02:22 PM PST  While Subaru doesn't want you, the reader or consumer to know what gives with the new 2015 WRX yet, the Japanese carmaker made sure its journalist pals over at Car&Driver magazine received all the information well before so they can have it in time for their next issue. It all so happens that when you share something, that something can leak… We don't know for how long the PDF file from the magazine will stay online (see and/or download it to your computer via this link), so we'll give you all the details, just in case it disappears. For one, the photos of the WRX that we showed you earlier this week are indeed the real thing with the saloon being an Impreza in everything but the name and the performance upgrades. As many anticipated, Subaru has swapped the older model's 2.5-liter turbocharged flat four that produced 265hp at 6,000 rpm and 244 lb-ft at 4,400 rpm with the new Forester's 2.0-liter flat-four tuned to deliver 268hp at 5,600 rpm and 258 lb-ft of peak torque at 4,800. Also, out goes the five-speed manual and in comes a six-speed stick shift, with which the WRX goes from 0-60mph (96km/h) in 5.4 seconds. An available CVT will increase that time to 5.9 seconds. We're also told that manual transmission models get a center differential with a fixed 50:50 (rear:front) torque split, while the CVT model comes with Subaru's All-Wheel Drive system featuring Variable Torque Distribution, in which the center differential offers a 45:55 (front:rear) torque split, the ratio of which can vary. The new WRX is said to be available only as a four-door sedan, as Subaru has eliminated the hatchback - at least for the U.S. Other notable details include a new electrically assisted power steering, bigger brakes, 235/45 R17 tires, a stiffer suspension setup than on the older WRX, plus a 9 percent increase in torsional rigidity over the regular Impreza and 41 percent over the outgoing WRX In another leak, Jalopnik obtained a dealer sheet in which we learn that the new WRX STI will continue with a 2.5-liter boxer engine and will include a Launch Edition exclusively available in the nameplate's traditional WR Blue shade. The WRX will debut at next week's 2013 LA Auto Show. Thanks to Perscitus for the heads up!       |
| Porsche Shows Macan's Dynamic Side Along with a Glimpse of the Interior Posted: 14 Nov 2013 01:44 PM PST  We've already seen that the Porsche Macan tackles sand dunes rather well, so the carmaker has released another teaser video of its baby SUV, this time filmed on its test track in Weissach, Germany. With only days before the Macan's official reveal at the Los Angeles Auto Show, Porsche wanted to highlight the high-performance side of the new crossover, with the video showing the baby SUV as it is driven aggressively on the Weissach circuit. The Macan seems to hold itself very well on the twisty test track, but that is hardly a surprise, given the Cayenne precedent. Since it's a smaller and lighter car, it should be even more fun to drive than its bigger brother. What's even more interesting about this video is that it includes the best view of the interior so far. Don't expect surprises though: just like the exterior, the cabin is inspired by the Cayenne. The dashboard layout, the large screen on the center console flanked by chrome-trimmed and vertical stacked air-vents, plus the button-filled lower center console, all bring to mind Porsche's larger SUV. By Dan Mihalascu    |
| Hyundai Touches Up Accent's Equipment List for 2014 Model Year Posted: 14 Nov 2013 01:07 PM PST  Hyundai's most affordable model in the United States, the Accent compact in both sedan and hatchback forms, will soldier on to the new model year with added standard equipment and new style and convenience features. In particular, for 2014, the Korean carmaker has added one-touch triple turn signal, sliding sun visors and a driver's blind spot mirror as standard on all Accent trims, while updating the standard audio system updated for improved voice recognition and button layout. Furthermore, the 5-door SE and 4-door Premium Package models obtain more modern looking projector headlights with LED accents and a 'welcome/escort' function, along with driver's side auto-up window and tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel. Finally, Hyundai is also offering an available B&M Racing Sport Shifter for the SE hatchback. Pricing is expected to be announced soon.
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| Aston Martin Vanquish Volante Neiman Marcus Edition to Debut at L.A. Auto Show Posted: 14 Nov 2013 12:29 PM PST  The new 2014 Aston Martin Vanquish Volante Neiman Marcus Edition will be on display at the Los Angeles Auto Show next week. Only 10 units will be handcrafted by the company's bespoke customization arm, dubbed "Q by Aston Martin". Inspired by the iconic 1969 DB6 Volante, the bespoke Vanquish Volante debuted as part of the 2013 Neiman Marcus Fantasy Christmas Catalogue and will be the first Vanquish Volante to enter the U.S. market. All cars are painted in a Neiman Marcus Exclusive Seychelles Blue paint with the fabric convertible hood in Atlantic Blue, while other exterior cues include 20-spoke alloys in a "Liquid Silver" finish, blue brake calipers, Sterling Silver and Flux Enamel wing badges, and other bespoke trim details. On the inside, the limited edition model comes with black semi-aniline leather seats with Aurora Blue contrast stitching and embroidered NM logo, Ivory Roekona headlining and walnut veneer fascia. Also included in the package is a matching 4 piece bespoke leather luggage set. Technically, the Neiman Marcus Edition brings no modifications compared to the standard Vanquish Volante. The car is powered by the same 6.0-liter V12 engine producing 565hp, with the 0 to 60 mph (96 km/h) sprint taking just over 4 seconds and the top speed being rated at 183 mph (295 km/h). The Neiman Marcus Edition of the Vanquish Volante is priced at $344,500 in the U.S., which represents a hefty premium over the standard model's starting MSRP of $296,295, excluding a $2,825 destination charge and a $1,700 gas-guzzler tax. By Dan Mihalascu         |
| Fiat Gives 500 Another Powerful Dose of Retro with New 1957 Edition Posted: 14 Nov 2013 12:07 PM PST  Fiat has released a limited-production 500 model in the U.S. called 1957 Edition, a reference to the year the classic Nuova Cinquecento launched in Italy. The 2014 Fiat 500 1957 Edition features retro styling cues like the full wheel design, Bianco-painted roof and vintage Fiat emblems. Based on the 2014 Fiat 500 Lounge model, the 500 1957 Edition is available in three classic exterior colors: Bianco (white), Verde Chiaro (light green) and Celeste (celestial blue), all paired with a signature Bianco painted roof and mirror caps. The retro-design 16-inch wheels have a wide chromed lip, body color accent and large center cap with historic Fiat emblem – also found on the front fascia and rear liftgate. The vintage theme continues on the inside, where the 500 1957 Edition features an Avorio (ivory) interior environment contrasted by premium Marrone (brown) leather seats with Avorio accent stitching. The Grigio (grey) door panels feature a contrasting Avorio inner panel, while Marrone door armrests and shift boot match the leather seats. The Avorio leather-wrapped steering wheel with Marrone leather on the inner ring and retro Fiat badge, plus the uniquely styled key fob with Marrone casing and Avorio-painted "1957" graphic complete the interior upgrades. The Fiat 500 1957 Edition is offered with the base 101hp 1.4-liter MultiAir engine paired to a five-speed manual transmission as standard. A six-speed automatic transmission with driver-selectable gear changes is offered as an option. Combined with the sports-tuned suspension and the driver-selectable Sport mode on the instrument panel, the limited edition 500 is not stuck in 1957 when it comes to dynamics. The 2014 500 1957 Edition arrives at Fiat dealerships across the U.S. in spring next year, just in time for the 57th anniversary of the classic 500. Orders begin in early 2014, with pricing to be announced closer to market launch. By Dan Mihalascu            |
| Meth Addict Drags Trooper, Gets Shot and Sentenced to 30 Years in Jail Posted: 14 Nov 2013 11:41 AM PST  A Clay County Judge showed no mercy to a troubled Kansas City driver high on meth, who last July, dragged a Missouri state trooper alongside his car for a few hundred feet before the officer shot him twice, sentencing him to 30 years in prison. Footage sourced from Missouri Highway Patrol Corporal Cody Dunfee's patrol car dashcam that was released by the Clay County Prosecutors Office shows how it all went down when the cop pulled over Alan Hampton, initially for a speeding violation, according to The Kansas City Star. "As I approached the car, I noticed what appeared to be a black square object in his waistband," Dunfee said. "I kind of figured that he was trying to hide something in the car. I didn't know what it was at the time." Seconds later, Hampton took off, but Dunfee held onto the car and managed to pull and fire his gun twice, hitting the driver in his hand and leg, forcing him to stop, at which point, we hear him in the video yelling, "You shot me? You shot me! … Oh my God." "It happened so quick and to this day, I still don't know why I more or less dove into that car," Dunfee said. It was found later that Hampton had a gun in his car. According to reports, Hampton has been in trouble with the law for more than 20 years.    This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
| Ferrari 288 GTO Treated Like the Group B Rally Car it Was Designed to Be Posted: 14 Nov 2013 11:03 AM PST  Ferrari conceived and created the 288 GTO (Gran Turismo Omologato) purely as a homologation special, but it never really fulfilled its Group B rally car role, as the class was dissolved in 1986. However, 272 of these twin-turbo 2.9-liter V8-powered mid-engined coupes were built between 1984 and 1987, and all ended up as road cars. Few of its current owners probably treat it as badly as a rugged rally car should be, understandably preferring to wax its body in the garage, then just look at it chiseled 1980s good looks. Still, there are those who know what it was intended for, and aren't afraid to use it as such, like the people behind the increasingly renowned YouTube channel TaxTheRich100 who recently made their own British countryside interpretation of Gymkhana in a pristine-looking 288. Naturally, since it's shot in the same style and cued to the same music, it's just as spectacular as their other videos, though it does not top the Rolls Royce rally car one they uploaded a while back. It's still up there, though – nothing beats seeing a red Ferrari from back in the day, using its 400 hp to powerslide around hairpins, on a surface as loose as dewy grass. By Andrei Nedelea    |
| Gasoline-Powered Cars Twice as Likely as Diesels to Fail UK’s MOT Emissions Tests, Study Finds Posted: 14 Nov 2013 10:38 AM PST  Recent MOT test data from the United Kingdom shows that excess exhaust emissions levels account for more than a quarter (26.2 percent) of all MOT failures. What's more interesting is that, petrol (gasoline) cars more likely to fail meeting the required emissions standards (9.7 percent) than diesel-engined cars (3.9 percent). So why is there such a big difference between petrol and diesel cars? "There are a number of possible explanations for the marked difference in MOT emissions failure rates between petrol and diesel cars," explains Bruce Ellis, research and development manager at Redex, a maker of additive products that evaluated the data that is submitted to the Vehicle Operator and Services Agency (VOSA) by every MOT test facility in the UK. "These include the different driving cycles that traditionally are undertaken. Namely, petrol cars are more likely than diesels to be chosen for frequent shorter, urban trips, whereas diesels are more likely to be chosen if the vehicle is to be commonly used for longer, motorway-based journeys. Also, diesels operate at lower engine speeds and are therefore a little less stressed than higher revving petrol motors," Ellis says. However, while these factors do make a difference, the biggest one is the MOT test itself, he adds. "Petrol cars are assessed for a high number of gases and hydrocarbons in the exhaust emissions, while diesels are tested only for smoke levels. This means that relatively speaking, diesels probably have an easier emissions test than petrol-engined cars," Ellis explains. That may be happening now, but the future doesn't sound so good for diesels. Analyzed data covers 47.97 million MOT tests taken during the full year of 2010 and the first nine months of 2011. By Dan Mihalascu     |
| Lexus Exec Suggests Faster Non-Turbo CT Hatch is Being Considered Posted: 14 Nov 2013 10:14 AM PST  The criticism aimed at the Lexus CT200h was never addressed at the way it went around corners, the quality of its interior or even the odd shape that some people actually liked (the new grille helps). What some didn't like was the sole choice of just one powertrain, and absence of a non-hybrid alternative – it lacked oomph too, stepping into battle with the BMW 1-Series and Mercedes A-Class ill prepared, with under 140 hp from its 1.8-liter petrol and electric motor combo. However, good news is headed the way of those who actually related to what was said in the opening paragraph, as a senior Lexus official, Mark Templin, recently admitted that only offering the CT as a hybrid negatively affected sales. Speaking to Motoring, he suggested that a more powerful variant is being considered – it may get the 2.0-liter turbo unit which debuts in Tokyo under the hood of the LF-NX crossover concept, with the 200t designation. He argued that "You had the people who loved the CT's hybrid powertrain, the markets that need that kind of powertrain, and the people who are eco friendly or want to save that money on gas and that's great." However, he conceded to having "missed a segment of the market for people who want fast cars; because a lot of people liked the looks and liked the way it drove so they wanted something faster. So yeah sure in the future, I hope we can account for that." Templin still stood by the decision to only offer the CT as a 200h, explaining that "It helped us solidify our place in history when it comes to the development of hybrid powertrains and showing that luxury and hybrid go together… It was just a natural step for us to launch a car that came 100 per cent as a hybrid. That was a good play. But in the future? Maybe we need both." By Andrei Nedelea Note: 2014 Lexus CT 200h F-Sport facelift pictured        |
| China’s BYD Drag Races New 298HP Plug-In Qin Against All Sorts of Sporty Cars Posted: 14 Nov 2013 09:41 AM PST  Since the BYD Qin is a China-only model, you have not heard and will not hear too much about it in the Western press, because it will never be sold here, hence the lack of interest in making it known. Still, it's a notable vehicle, according to its official figures, and as if to prove it to the rest of the world, drag races were staged and recorded on video, showing the Qin battling it out against a wide array of fast motors. Its powertrain is comprised of two electric motors working in conjunction with a 1.5-liter turbo petrol engine to deliver a combined total of 298 hp (223 kW) / 440 Nm (324 lb-ft), as well as an EV range of 31 miles (50 km) and a claimed efficiency rating equivalent to 118 MPGe. Off the mark performance is said to be very good, as the car is touted to reach 100 km/h (62 mph) in around 6 seconds and on to a limited top speed of 185 km/h (115 mph). Now scroll down and check out the two videos posted below. The first is short and shows the Qin winning easily, while the second lengthier one shows it on the losing side, as well, and is more balanced. By Andrei Nedelea Story References: Green.autoblog   |
| Jaguar Drops Another Teaser Photo of New F-Type Coupe for the Road Posted: 14 Nov 2013 08:58 AM PST  The road leading to the 2013 Los Angeles Auto Show and consequently, the world premiere of the new Jaguar F-Type Coupe is getting shorter and shorter by the day. If all goes according to plan, we'll get our first look at the car next Wednesday, November 20, but until then, the British carmaker seems to be in a teasing mood, releasing cropped photos like the one posted above. Judging by the teasers and (mainly) the numerous scoop photos of prototype models, the production F-Type Coupe will remain faithful to the sexy C-X16 concept shown back in 2011. While the engine range will be shared between the coupe and roadster versions, the former is believed to offer better handling than the latter, chiefly because of the closed top model's greater structural rigidity.      |
| ABT Raises the Audi S3's Performance Bar with 365HP Version Posted: 14 Nov 2013 08:27 AM PST  Mercedes has rightfully earned the bragging rights for the most potent series production hot hatch with the 355hp (360PS) A45 AMG, but if numbers are of concern, you can always drop some cash to tuners and get your ride up to spec. ABT Sportsline has released a performance package for the Audi S3 that starts off with a kit boosting output of the 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbocharged unit from 296hp (300PS) to 365hp (370PS) and peak torque from 380Nm to 460Nm. With this newly found power, ABT's S3 cuts an impressive 0.5 seconds off the standard 0-100km/h (62mph) sprint, dropping the run time from 5.1 seconds to 4.6 seconds, while along with the removal of the top speed limiter, the hatch can now reach 265km/h (164mph). Available accessories and parts include fender inserts and a choice of alloy wheels, the largest of which is 20-inches in diameter shod in tires size 235/30 R20.              |
| Magazine Picks Elon Musk as 2013’s Most Influential Man Posted: 14 Nov 2013 08:01 AM PST  If you're a regular reader of our site, you'll probably have already seen the plethora of stories we've posted that in some way involved the Tesla Motors and Space X CEO and co-founder Elon Musk. The case was such not because of a particular affinity for him or his work, but rather because he always seemed to do or say something that needed to be reported on. There have been so many of these stories that it has caught the eye of publications from non-automotive fields too (naturally), and this has culminated with Ask Men choosing him as their Most Influential Man of 2013, after having made Time's list of 100 most influential people earlier in the year! An impressive ascent for Musk, clearly a very able businessman that seems to be working against the industry trends, but doing it in a mainstream-understandable way, if that makes sense… Naturally, the magazine made references to Musk being akin to a modern-day real-world superhero and went into detail about his contribution to the world-wide electric car scene through the success of the Model S. Below, you'll find one of Musk's Latest video interviews, this time on the sidelines of the UK Model S launch. By Andrei Nedelea    |
| Report Says McLaren P1 Has Already Sold Out Too Posted: 14 Nov 2013 07:37 AM PST  If you're in the market for one of the new three hybrid hypercars, you're not in luck. Not only do we already know that the Ferrari LaFerrari is already entirely spoken for, but we now also learn from TopGear that the McLaren P1 is, as well. They say that a mere eight months after it was revealed in Geneva, all 375 examples of the planned production run have been sold. The high demand caught the company a bit by surprise, as an official spokesperson that was quoted in the report said: "We set ourselves the target to be sold out by year-end off the back of first cars being delivered to customers in September, the fiftieth anniversary of McLaren's founding. Demand for the car has been consistently strong since Geneva. A combination of the first feedback from customers and Top Gear's review of the P1 has seen us cross the line a little sooner than we had planned..." Still, there's always the Porsche 918 Spyder to go for, and knowing the brand, its probably the most usable of the trio, plus it also gets the largest production run – 918 units will be made. By Andrei Nedelea                  |
| Crazy Crash from Belarus Proves Horses Understeer Too... Posted: 14 Nov 2013 07:05 AM PST  Just when I thought I had seen it all, a traffic accident (let's call it that) from Belarus reminds me never to say that again. How would you feel if you were waiting patiently at a traffic light when all of a sudden a horse-cart came speeding towards you? It's not a very pleasant image, but for a driver from Belarus it was as real as it gets. The cart's driver (supposedly not very sober) whipped the horse so bad that the poor animal entered the curve too fast and, being a "front-leg drive" vehicle, the cart oversteered. It's one of those surreal crashes that you can't believe it happened even though you saw it with your own eyes – hence the lack of reaction from inside the crashed car fitted with a dash cam. As for the outcome of the crash, the horse was hopefully okay (but I could be wrong) as it jumped over the car, but the two passengers from the cart have probably been thrown in the air from the impact. Scroll down to watch it. By Dan Mihalascu    |
| Subaru's LA Show Legacy Concept Leaves False Promises for Exciting Production Model Posted: 14 Nov 2013 06:44 AM PST  Ladies and gentleman, meet the Subaru Legacy Concept that will make its world premiere at next week's 2013 LA Auto Show, with the Japanese carmaker stating the following: "The new LEGACY CONCEPT celebrates the 25th anniversary of the Subaru Legacy and provides a look at the styling cues for future Legacy models." However, you know what they say; fool me once, shame on you, fool me twice, shame on me… Subaru often tries to build up a lot of excitement about upcoming models with its concept cars, only to hugely disappoint with the production versions – should we remind you of the 2010 LA Auto Show Impreza and this year's WRX studies? We all know how these cars turned out… In any case, the Legacy Concept sports a sleek looking body with a four-door coupe style roofline and strong and expressive front and rear ends. The car measures 4,930mm (194 in.) long, 1,940mm (76.4 in.) wide, and 1,500mm (59mm) tall, with a wheelbase of 2,880mm (113.4 in.). There are no images of the interior yet, but Subaru tells us that in concept form, it can seat four passengers, describing it as "highly functional" and made with high quality materials. No word on what powers the concept. That's all we have for now, but we'll update you as soon as we find out more.              |
| Audi Previews Luxurious A8 W12 Exclusive Limited Series, Only 50 Units Will Be Made Posted: 14 Nov 2013 06:20 AM PST  Audi will build a special edition of its recently refreshed A8 flagship sedan. Available only with the 500PS (493hp) 6.0-liter W12 engine and, subsequently, only as a long-wheelbase model, the A8 Exclusive will be built at the Quattro GmbH facility in Neckarsulm. Strictly limited to 50 units, the small-series production model will be produced beginning in March 2014. Audi has only released one photo of the new model which shows the interior of the car, where the most significant upgrades were added compared to the standard A8 L W12 model (featured in the photo gallery below). The seats are covered in aniline leather in the color Agatha cognac, produced by Italian designer furniture maker Poltrona Frau. Audi says this leather is particularly soft and natural looking. The center sections of the seats feature diamond quilting, while the inlays are made of fine grain olive ash natural silver brown. The gray-brown shade matches the granite gray piping, stitching and central pleat of the seats. The granite gray shade is also found on the steering wheel, the door top shoulders and the upper section of the instrument panel, which is covered with Nappa leather. The headlining features snow white Alcantara, the rear shelf is covered with cognac brown Alcantara and the carpeting is jet gray. Audi says each of the 50 vehicles will have a special logo on the door sill trims, but doesn't say anything about exterior upgrades. By Dan Mihalascu Note: Aside from the first interior photo, all the other images are of the regular A8L W12                     |
| Toyota Prius C Flirts with Crossover Idea with New Aqua Cross Concept Posted: 14 Nov 2013 06:00 AM PST  The third piece of the puzzle that is Toyota's 2013 Tokyo Motor Show concept versions of the JDM Aqua, which the rest of the world knows as the Prius C hybrid hatchback, has been teased today through the release of a pair of sketches. The Aqua Cross Concept follows the athletic Aqua G Sports and the Aqua Air Roadster studies, exploring the possibility of a crossover-flavored look for the compact hybrid. Toyota has adorned the body of the Aqua with dark plastic moldings around the wheel arches, skirts and bumpers, while also adding a different front grille, skid plates, roof rails and additional lights up front. Inside, the Japanese carmaker's designers kept changes limited to the upholstery colors, materials and trims. More information on the concept, including Toyota's intentions, will be announced during the brand's presentation at the Tokyo Motor Show next week. Thanks to KTR for tip!          |
| Volvo's Updated 2014 XC70 D5 AWD Police Car Gets a Thumbs Up from Swedish Police Posted: 14 Nov 2013 05:45 AM PST  Swedish Police designated the 2014 Volvo XC70 D5 AWD as the best car in its fleet, with the wagon receiving an overall score of nine out of ten. The rating was awarded to the Volvo following exhaustive tests organized by the local police force. The Volvo XC70 D5 AWD scored ten out of ten in emergency driving, and did well in noise, comfort, stability, elk and braking tests, as well as in evasive maneuvers. The updated 2014 XC70 D5 AWD police car features an updated chassis that includes new anti-roll bars, shock absorbers and springs. In order to fit the requirements of a police car, the XC70 is developed in cooperation with the Swedish Police. It can be sold either as a fully-equipped police car or as a base car with only a specially developed chassis. Volvo sells 500-600 police cars every year, 90 percent of which remain in Sweden. However, Volvo also sells patrol cars in the UK, Belgium, the Netherlands and Switzerland. The company wants to double sales numbers in the coming years. "We are in discussions with at least a dozen different police forces around the globe: seven in Europe, two in the Americas and three in Asia. And we are determined to add more to that list," says Ulf Rydne, Business Manager Commercial Vehicles at Volvo Car Special Vehicles and Accessories. Production for the 2014 model year with the new chassis will begin in late November, with first deliveries scheduled for the start of next year. By Dan Mihalascu            |
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