CARSCOOP |  |
- Honda Unveils Near Production 2015 Civic Type R VTEC Turbo [36 Photos & Video]
- Honda Announces New 1.0L, 1.5L and 2.0L VTEC Turbo Engines
- 2015 Hyundai Genesis Sedan Makes Debut at (a Not So) Private Event
- Carscoops' A to Z Guide to the 2013 LA Auto Show [Updated]
- Reviews are in for the New Need for Speed: Rivals Game, Looks a Bit Stale
- All-New Luxgen U6 Turbo Crossover Debuts in Taiwan [w/Videos]
- George Clooney Says His Tesla Roadster Was Unreliable, Elon Musk Tweets Cheeky Reply
- Citroen Updates UK C1 Range with New Trims and Pricing
- GM Boss Says Buick "Probably" Needs a New Flagship Model
- Cops Shoot at Minivan Mom with Five Kids Who Was Running Away from a Speeding Ticket
- It's Not a Penguin, It's a Cub: Honda's New Personal Mobility Device
- New 2015 Mini Rendered In Coupe, Roadster and Convertible Forms
- Google Street View Turns into Track View Around the Circuit of the Americas
- Audi's Luxurious A8 W12 Exclusive Limited Series, Only 50 Units to Be Made [Updated]
- Lamborghini Cabrera Rendering Looks Spot On – Plus, Spy Video
- Oh, Sh!t! Mikko Hirvonen Crashes Into a Pile of Manure During Rally GB
- Hyundai Wants to Make a Twin-Charged 1.8-Liter Compression-Ignition Gasoline Engine
- Can You Tell Which LA Auto Show World Premiere Is Teased In This Photo?
- 2015 MINI Hatches Out, Looks Familiar But is Bigger, Faster and More Frugal [293 Photos]
- Callaway Charges 2014 Chevrolet SS with 570-Horses
- New 2015 Hyundai Sonata Debut Announced for New York Auto Show 2014
- Horrifying Boeing 737 Crash in Russia Captured on Security Camera
- Wimmer RS Makes New KTM X-Bow GT as Fast as an Arrow with 429HP Upgrade
- Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Black Edition Thrashes Nürburgring into Submission
- Toyota's Aqua Team Hybrid Force Gains New Member, the Premi, Based on Prius C
| Honda Unveils Near Production 2015 Civic Type R VTEC Turbo [36 Photos & Video] Posted: 18 Nov 2013 09:07 PM PST  In case you didn't notice it, the all-new 2015 Civic Type-R for the European, Japanese and possibly other markets around the world (aside, of course, from North America), which was revealed today in near production form having shed all of its camouflage and wearing a flat black coat, will come with Honda's newly developed VTEC Turbo engine. The Civic Type R will actually be the first model in Europe to adopt one of Honda's all-new VTEC TURBO engines (read more about that here), sporting a displacement of 2.0-liters and an output of over 280-horses. Honda is pretty serious about the performance credentials of the new Type R, with the brand's CEO Takanobu Ito stating that their goal is to beat the current record of the fastest lap for a regular production, front-wheel drive hatch on the Nürburgring, currently held by the 265hp Renault Megane 265 Trophy at 8:07.97. If Honda succeeds in doing so, it may very well even top or at least approach the fastest time held by any production Honda model, the NSX-R at 7:56.73. Besides the new engine, Honda has re-worked the Civic five-door hatchback's chassis components, from the suspension, to the wider tracks, electronic driver assist systems and the big-Brembo brakes residing behind the 19-inch wheels. No need to tell you that Honda has paid extra attention to the car's aerodynamics and consequently, sporty looks with wheel arch extensions up front working together with the new front bumper, a massive rear wing and a rear diffuser flanked by twin pipes on either side. This Civic not only looks the part, but according to Honda's WTCC driver Gabriele Tarquini, it acts the part as well. "The car and the characteristics of the car were fantastic," said Tarquini. "I was really impressed by the power and the torque of the engine but also by the set-up they achieved…The car is very pointed on the front and very fast to change direction. This car is very close to my racing car and you can feel very well the DNA of Type R." Nevertheless, let's be honest here; as Honda's official driver, one would expecting nothing less than a positive thumbs up from Tarquini, so we'll just wait and see how the Type R does in other hands as well.                                             |
| Honda Announces New 1.0L, 1.5L and 2.0L VTEC Turbo Engines Posted: 18 Nov 2013 08:15 PM PST  It was only a matter of time before Japan's car-making companies joined their European, American and Korean counterparts in developing turbocharged gasoline engines for their mainstream products. On Monday night (Tuesday morning in Japan), Honda joined the force-fed bandwagon with the announcement of the released of a newly developed line of VTEC TURBO direct injection gasoline turbo engines, which include a 1.0-liter three-cylinder unit, and two four-cylinder mills with a displacement of 1.5-liters and 2.0-liters. Honda stated the following about its new VTEC Turbo units: "With the application of variable valve motion technology such as Honda's unique VTEC along with direct injection turbocharging with highly-fluidized combustion and a thorough reduction in engine friction, this engine achieves class-leading output and environmental performance, while downsizing engine displacement." The brand with the "H" logo said that the new range of turbocharged petrol engines will be used in its future global models "in accordance with characteristics of each model and needs of local customers", without divulging any further details. However, we do know that the 2.0-liter VTEC Turbo, which will produce more than 280-horsepower in its most potent form, will be used in the new European market Civic Type R scheduled for a 2015 launch.       |
| 2015 Hyundai Genesis Sedan Makes Debut at (a Not So) Private Event Posted: 18 Nov 2013 05:20 PM PST  Photos from a reportedly private unveiling of the brand new 2015 Hyundai Genesis that took place in Korea today and during which, evidently, cell phone cameras were allowed, have popped up on the web, affording us several new views of the sedan from different angles, including, of the interior. According to Hyundai, the new Genesis mid-size luxury sedan adopts the brand's more expressive and "emotional" Fluidic Sculpture 2.0 design language which it says, is defined by the following core elements: "Simple and harmonious design with refined fluidic design elements, modern Hyundai look with a singular hexagonal grille, easy-to-understand and pleasant design and rich visuotactile color, material and finishing of the car." Marketing talk aside, what we see with our own two eyes from the pictures is a sharper looking design all around with Hyundai trying to give (force?) the Genesis a more individual and less generic character than the first generation sedan. There's less of that going on inside, but overall, the dashboard does look richer and more premium than that of the current model, at least in this specification. Two details we don't really care about are the Japanese family car-style buttons on the driver's side and the analogue clock on the center stack. Official information on the 2015MY Genesis' hardware remains limited, with Hyundai having stated that the car will come with "improved suspension and application of various advanced technologies" to offer "top-class driving and ride and handling performances", and that for the first time, an electronically controlled all-wheel drive system that splits torque between the front and rear axles depending on road and driving conditions, will be available on certain engines. What we do expect is for Hyundai to offer the new Genesis with a familiar set of V6 and V8 units, possibly with its new 10-speed automatic transmission (if not at launch, later on). We hear that the 2015MY Genesis will break cover in the United States at the Detroit Motor Show next January, with sales to begin during the first half of 2014. Photos via Dhclub & Newgenesis                    |
| Carscoops' A to Z Guide to the 2013 LA Auto Show [Updated] Posted: 18 Nov 2013 04:49 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.    |
| Reviews are in for the New Need for Speed: Rivals Game, Looks a Bit Stale Posted: 18 Nov 2013 04:10 PM PST  There's only so much beating that a dead horse can take, or to put it another way, don't expect any innovative new features in the new Need for Speed: Rivals game, a title that reuses a tried and true arcade recipe to sell many copies designed to be fun for a while…a short while. It's good that Electronic Arts mostly goes by EA these days, because there really is little or no art left in it for them. Rivals is pretty much the same game as 2010's Hot Pursuit, which itself was a reheated version of the original Hot Pursuit game from 1998 that also went by the name Need for Speed Three. It had cops, baddies, spike strips, electromagnetic strikes and a wide variety of cars for both sides to choose from. What it didn't have that this new cutting edge 2013 game does is an admittedly gorgeous looking open (and persistent) world, seamless online connectivity (which does add a new edge to the experience) and limited performance and visual upgrades that probably do more to annoy than quench players' thirst for modding their car. Not even the fully supported return of Ferrari to the franchise isn't enough (for me, at least) to say this is a game worth recommending; you should try it out, though, but only if you like the eye candy, lots of crashing, a deeply cliché story that you will always skip through and the satisfaction of going round hairpins at three digit speeds with hardly any tire squeal. I may be missing its point, and if so, feel free to have your say in the comments section below. Before you do that, do check out the slew of reviews and related videos posted below. By Andrei Nedelea             |
| All-New Luxgen U6 Turbo Crossover Debuts in Taiwan [w/Videos] Posted: 18 Nov 2013 03:45 PM PST  Taiwanese carmaker Luxgen has unveiled the U6 Turbo crossover, based on the same platform as the Luxgen 5 Sedan. According to the company's oddly worded (and I'm being kind here…), the new model reflects the "For you, For All, For Family" design philosophy. What that probably means is that, the U6 Turbo offers a generous interior space, thanks to its 2,730mm (107.5in) wheelbase. The 4,525mm (178.1in) long SUV features a similar front end to the Luxgen 5 Sedan and profile that reminds a little of the Acura RDX. The SUV is offered with two turbocharged gasoline engines: a 1.8-liter producing 150hp at 5,200 rpm and 230 Nm (170 lb-ft) of torque between 2,400 and 4,000 rpm and a 2.0-liter developing 170hp at 5,200 rpm and 256 Nm (189 lb-ft) of torque between 2,400 and 4,000 rpm. Equipped with the 1.8-liter engine, the Luxgen U6 Turbo averages 14.1 km/l (7.1 l/100 km or 33.1 mpg US), while the 2.0-liter returns 13.5 km/l (7.4 l/100km or 31.7 mpg US). The 1.8-liter unit is mated to a 5-speed automatic gearbox, while the 2.0-liter is paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. The entry-level model is priced from 729,000 New Taiwan Dollars (US$24,740) in its home market. Standard equipment includes automatic climate control system, BOS+ Brake Override System, rear 60/40 split folding seat with one-touch folding function, LED taillights, 17-inch alloy wheels and matt silver roof rail trim, among others. The Luxgen U6 Turbo will also be sold in China, where it will be marketed as the Luxgen Da 5. By Dan Mihalascu                        |
| George Clooney Says His Tesla Roadster Was Unreliable, Elon Musk Tweets Cheeky Reply Posted: 18 Nov 2013 03:15 PM PST  Tesla models and environmentally friendly vehicles in general (especially the Prius), are some of Hollywood stars' favorite cars. While many of these celebrities choose green cars from conviction, others simply do it because it's trendy, but we won't get into that discussion right now. One of the movie stars who owned a Tesla is George Clooney. As a matter of fact, the actor was one of the first Tesla customers, but it looks like the electric car brand didn't leave a good impression on him. In an interview with Esquire magazine, Clooney said he had to sell his Tesla Roadster because it was not very reliable. "I had a Tesla. I was one of the first cats with a Tesla. I think I was, like, No. 5 on the list. But I'm telling you, I've been on the side of the road a while in that thing, and I said to them, 'Look, guys, why am I always stuck on the side of the f*#@ing road? Make it work, one way or another,'" Clooney said in the interview, without offering details about the car's specific faults. The actor sold his Tesla Roadster at an auction last year for $99,000 and donated the money for charity. Of course, since he owned one of the early models, it is only natural the car had some "childhood" problems. As always when someone says something bad about Tesla Motors, CEO Elon Musk was quick to reply. The executive ironically tweeted "In other news, George Clooney reports that his iPhone 1 had a bug back in '07," an allusion to inherent problems when a new product is launched on the market. By Dan Mihalascu Story References: Esquire via Leftlanenews
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| Citroen Updates UK C1 Range with New Trims and Pricing Posted: 18 Nov 2013 03:12 PM PST  It may not be apparent at first, but the Citroen C1, along with the identical Peugeot 107 and Toyota Aygo are some of the most fun little cars on sale today, even if all are really showing their age, despite numerous nip and tuck attempts; a replacement is on its way. Now, the Dual Chevron's offering has just been updated again, with featuring revised trims and specific options for the UK market. As you'd expect, there's nothing major going on, but whenever a manufacturer offers more kit as standard, I see it as a good thing, and it is our duty to report. The little C1's UK lineup will consist of three trim levels, two of which are new. Aside from the entry-level VT variant, which starts at £8,095, there's now the midrange £9,670 Edition model and the Platinum range topper which will set you back £10,345. The latter also now offers an improved self-shifting gearbox dubbed Efficient Tronic Gearbox which replaces the sluggish old EGS. With it specified, the price is £11,245. Still, even the most Spartan trim gets ABS and stability control, as well as front side and curtain airbags, auxiliary and MP3 sockets and rear Isofix mounts. Go up to Edition, and LED daytime running lights, 14-inch alloys, a rev counter and electric windows among others are added. Platinum adds a 'Look Pack' (Carlinite Grey roof, Carlinite Grey rear spoiler, Carlinite Grey door mirrors, black side rubbing strips), Bluetooth connectivity, tinted rear glass and glossy interior plastics. Whichever you go for, it's proven city transportation that is also surprisingly engaging to drive, thanks in part to the peppy motor with unusually long gears, compliant ride and inherent lack of grip of its skinny tires that look like space-savers… By Andrei Nedelea                  |
| GM Boss Says Buick "Probably" Needs a New Flagship Model Posted: 18 Nov 2013 02:26 PM PST  With U.S. sales on the rise and other important markets like China also doing well, GM has every reason to be optimistic about the future, and this is something that will have a positive effect on all of its brands' portfolios. We already know about plans for a top-of-the line Cadillac luxury saloon (see our vision of the car here), and now, GM CEO Dan Akerson has admitted that Buick could "probably" use a flagship model. According to Autonews that broke the story, Mark Reuss, GM's North America president, told Forbes magazine earlier this month that he would like to enhance Buick's range with a flagship that is "a much more beautiful Panamera." However, GM says it needs to tread carefully on these luxury waters so as Buick's flagship doesn't "encroach" on the Cadillac brand. "We haven't made a firm yes-or-no decision, so I want to keep the door open that we might have a [Buick] flagship," Akerson said. "It all depends what we do with Cadillac over time." If you ask me, that's a wrong way of thinking when it comes to building up a brand, and there's no better counter–argument than what the Germans have achieved over the past few decades. Just think about it; if that were the case, then there would be no Audi A3 today since it "encroaches" on the group's bestseller, the VW Golf. The key here is to offer all brands the best that you have and concentrate on giving them a distinct character and qualities. And if anything, a brand like Buick does need a flagship model, a halo car, or call it whatever you want, if not for sales, certainly for marketing and brand equity purposes. ![2013-Buick-Riviera-Concept-Coupe[3]](http://lh3.ggpht.com/-qmjUcDtZA4E/UoqSbtxuXHI/AAAAAAAPDYQ/nGmWkGHp5_0/s1600-h/2013-Buick-Riviera-Concept-Coupe%25255B3%25255D%25255B2%25255D.jpg "2013-Buick-Riviera-Concept-Coupe[3]")                                 |
| Cops Shoot at Minivan Mom with Five Kids Who Was Running Away from a Speeding Ticket Posted: 18 Nov 2013 06:15 PM PST  There is a fine line between enforcing the law and making ill use the power that you are bestowed with as a noble and honorable police officer. You are given a uniform, badge and gun in order to protect citizens, their rights and their safety, but as we've seen numerous times before, this line of work can bring out the worst in people, as was the case with this shocking incident from outside of Taos, New Mexico, involving a mother, Oriana Ferrell, and the minivan she used to ferry her five kids inside. As you'll notice in the dash cam video posted below, which is from October 28, she is pulled over, but acts erratically and enters an argument with the police officer who informs her that the reason for her pulling over was a speed limit infraction noted a few miles back, when she was reportedly doing 71 mph in a 55 mph zone. Long story short, she tries to make a break for it as the officer returns to the squad car, but is then pulled over again and convinced at taserpoint to get out of the car. However, her eldest son of 14 years-old also gets out and tries to attract the cop's attention in his direction, which he does, allowing his mom to get back into the driver's seat. As she does that, he too gets back in the minivan that then speeds off, while a different officer pumps rounds into the back of the people mover for good measure. Why does he do that knowingly? He must not really like kids or probably felt threatened by the 14 year-old and his cap that was not perfectly lined up.
Ed. note [John Halas]: While I certainly agree with Andrei that the cops should have never used ammunition on a car packed with kids (that's unacceptable), I must add that, in my opinion, the mother acted in an irresponsible way as well. For one, she should have never be going so fast (given what the officer reported was true) with five kids inside, but more importantly, she should have never placed her children in such a dangerous predicament in the first place by driving away not once, but twice from the cops. What do you think? Story References: Gawker & KRGE    |
| It's Not a Penguin, It's a Cub: Honda's New Personal Mobility Device Posted: 18 Nov 2013 01:20 PM PST  Honda will debut a new personal mobility device called UNI-CUB β at the 2013 Tokyo Motor Show later this week. According to the Japanese company, the UNI-CUB β has been...designed for use in indoor spaces such as offices and commercial facilities – we can just imagine one of these in the White House or a Burger King. It is a follow-up to the UNI-CUB revealed in May 2012, which featured balance control technology and an omni-directional driving wheel system (Honda Omni Traction Drive System). Both technologies originate from Honda's humanoid robot ASIMO and allow the rider to move UNI-CUB forward, backward, side-to-side and diagonally simply by shifting their body weight and leaning towards the intended direction. Honda developed the UNI-CUB β after analysis of the data and user feedback from this testing program. As a result, the new device is smaller, lighter and features a lower seating position. Weighing 25 kg (55.1 lbs), the UNI-CUB β is 510mm (20in) long, 315mm (12.4in) wide and 620mm (24.4in) tall. It features a lithium-ion battery that allows it to reach a maximum speed of 6 km/h (3.7 mph) and has a traveling range of 6 km (3.7 miles) – or approximately 1.5 hours at the speed of 4 km/h (2.5 mph). Honda says the model is easier to get on and off than before and has been improved through the addition of a stand function. Furthermore, the stand enables the device to be used as a stool when it is not in motion – that I can see in my office. The company says it will verify the business feasibility of the new model by offering it to other businesses and organisations in Japan through a fee-based leasing program. You can see the UNI-CUB demonstrated in the following video. By Dan Mihalascu            |
| New 2015 Mini Rendered In Coupe, Roadster and Convertible Forms Posted: 18 Nov 2013 12:55 PM PST  Well, I'll be darned; only hours after Mini showed off its new generation hatch during a special event in London today, and the first renderings of future iterations of the car have already surfaced on the web. Pretty amazing, right? The culprit responsible for these photoshops is the Hungarian designer over at X-Tomi who imagined the 2015 Mini Convertible together with the 2016 Mini Coupe and Roadster. Even though the first car (the soft-top version of the hatch – see it in these spy shots) is a given, we're not so sure that the Coupe and Roadster will live to see another generation, as recent reports citing company insiders have stated that the BMW Group isn't really pleased with the duo and is contemplating their replacement with a completely different, stand-alone sports car. Photo Credits: X-Tomi       |
| Google Street View Turns into Track View Around the Circuit of the Americas Posted: 18 Nov 2013 12:31 PM PST  As Google mapped more and more of the earth via their Street View program, it was only natural that when they finally ran out of roads to compromise people's privacy on, they would realize they could drive on racing tracks too… Now, after having done the much more famous Indianapolis Speedway, the Circuit of the Americas (COTA) is the last great addition to their list of panoramically captured circuits. However, since it is a much newer track and most likely not that well known, this new digital perspective will definitely make the job of learning it much easier for both those who just want to know the layout purely as extra information, but also for drivers who will actually get to try out its curbs and curves. To save you the trouble of having to search for it, you can have the COTA experience by scrolling down past the virtual jump. Vizualizare hartă mărită    |
| Audi's Luxurious A8 W12 Exclusive Limited Series, Only 50 Units to Be Made [Updated] Posted: 18 Nov 2013 12:08 PM PST  Update: Audi has finally released a full gallery of photos of the new A8 W12 Exclusive 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                               |
| Lamborghini Cabrera Rendering Looks Spot On – Plus, Spy Video Posted: 18 Nov 2013 11:40 AM PST  The Lamborghini Gallardo replacement, strongly believed to be called Cabrera, is slowly taking shape in our minds. Set to be revealed at some point in 2014, its look is not really a secret to anybody, if you piece together the spyshots, different available renderings, as well as the current design language adopted by the Audi-owned Italian manufacturer. The rendered interpretation you see here, brought to you courtesy of Wild-Speed, looks very close to what we think it will look like in production form. It features the visible front intakes shape, believable headlights, side intakes matching what we see in the spyshots, and equally believable rear clusters. The overall shape seems spot on too, and the designer even ponders the addition of active rear aero, making two different interpretations of the rear – with or without a small spoiler. Now scroll down, check it out and have your say in the comments section that follows the gallery you'll find below. By Andrei Nedelea Photos: Wild-Speed via Autoevolution         |
| Oh, Sh!t! Mikko Hirvonen Crashes Into a Pile of Manure During Rally GB Posted: 18 Nov 2013 11:00 AM PST  Talk about a stinky ending for Mikko Hirvonen's 2013 World Rally Championship campaign at the Wales Rally GB this past weekend. The Finnish rally pilot and his and his co-driver, Jarmo Lehtinen, had an unfortunate exit when their Citroen DS3 WRC crashed and they were forced to retire from the race. Accidents happen at rallies and we may have not even mentioned it if there wasn't something truly foul-smelling about the crash. You see, Hirvonen landed the DS3 into a…pile of manure, which flooded (bad choice of words, I know...) the cabin. After the accident, a manure-covered Hirvonen talked to reporters placing the blame on his co-pilot. "It was a small mistake from Jarmo," Hirvonen said. "We had a really long flat sixth-gear corner which tightens into fifth but for some reason Jarmo never mentioned that it tightens so I just went flat out and it was a little bit too fast." See the manure incident from a first-person perspective in the video after the jump.    |
| Hyundai Wants to Make a Twin-Charged 1.8-Liter Compression-Ignition Gasoline Engine Posted: 18 Nov 2013 11:41 AM PST  There really is nothing not to like or agree with, when it comes to Hyundai's newly announced 1.8-liter GDCI (Gasoline Direct Injection Compression) engine. It blends the working principles of both the Otto and Diesel engines for a resulting high performance power plant that uses a 14.8:1 compression ratio as well as both a turbo- and a supercharger, but no spark plugs. It uses the higher heat generated by the atypically large compression ratio to ignite fuel that is injected into a specially-shaped recess at the top of each cylinder. The claims made about this new engine are that it could achieve 25 percent better fuel efficiency than a regular one, while also running on cheaper 87 octane grade fuel. When it comes to the expected driving characteristics, this engine would rev to under 5,000 rpm, just like a regular diesel, and would probably get very similar gear ratios in order to make the most of the available power or torque. The sound it makes is reportedly very similar too, and it's not surprising, as the clatter associated with diesels can now be found in the very latest modern direct-injected petrol engines' tractor-like idle. They plan to start testing it out next year, but it will be some time before it finds its way into production. By Andrei Nedelea Story References: Autonews        |
| Can You Tell Which LA Auto Show World Premiere Is Teased In This Photo? Posted: 18 Nov 2013 10:15 AM PST  The proverbial clock is ticking for the premieres schedule for this week's 2013 Los Angeles Auto Show (November 20 to December 1), one of which has been teased in the above cropped image released by spy photographer Chris Doane, albeit without any hints or information at what it is. If you're asking for our opinion, while we were tempted to say Dodge Journey (just for kicks…), our first guess is that it's a pickup truck, possibly the new Chevrolet Colorado that has been confirmed for LA. Naturally, feel free to take a closer look at the picture and guess away at what you think is hiding behind the rest of the car in the comments section below the virtual break.     |
| 2015 MINI Hatches Out, Looks Familiar But is Bigger, Faster and More Frugal [293 Photos] Posted: 18 Nov 2013 09:45 AM PST  Mini has finally put an end to all leaks officially blowing off the covers from its all-new hatch, the brand's core model and successor to the classic Mini designed by Sir Alec Issigonis. As expected, the new model doesn't look very different to its predecessor, and only a trained eye will spot the differences. However, it features some details that give it a fresh appearance, like the enlarged hexagonal radiator grille with wide chrome surround (the headlights and taillights have it too), a reinterpreted turn indicator element and significantly bigger tail lamps. The new Mini is offered with five paint finishes, with the contrasting roof being available as an option at no extra charge. The new model also gains optional LED headlamps including DRLs with integrated direction indicatior, adaptive light distribution and LED fog lamps, as well as LED rear lights, optional lighting package with LED interior lights and orange-coloured ambient lighting. Probably the most important change compared to the outgoing model is its size, with the new hatch riding on the BMW Group's newly developed UKL1 platform, to be shared with an array of Mini and BMW models, including the BMW 1-Series GT MPV and even the next X1 crossover. In particular, the new Mini is 98mm longer (3.85in), 44mm (1.73in) wider and 7mm (0.27in) taller. The wheelbase is also 28mm (1.10in) longer, with larger track width as well (front +42mm/1.65in, rear +34mm/1.34in). As you can imagine, all these changes translate into more space for all four occupants and their luggage, with the boot volume up 51 liters (1.80 cubic feet) to 211 liters (7.45 cubic feet). The rear backrest is foldable with 60:40 split, with Mini also offering an optional storage package including luggage compartment floor. As announced before, the new Mini is available with a new generation of 1.5-liter 3-cylinder and 2.0-liter 4-cylinder twin-turbocharged gasoline engines. At launch, customers will have three options: the Mini Cooper with 134HP (136PS) from the 1.5-liter 3-cylinder engine, the Mini Cooper S with 189HP (192PS) from the 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine and Mini Cooper D with 114HP (116PS) from a 1.5-liter 3-cylinder diesel engine. All three models are offered as standard with a six-speed manual gearbox (a six-speed auto is optional) and include the so-called 'MINIMALISM' technology featuring engine start/stop function, improved driving performance figures and reduced fuel consumption. The fastest model is the Cooper S (0-100 km/h in 6.8 seconds), while the most economical is the Cooper D, with 3.5 – 3.6 liters/100 km (67.2 - 65.3 mpg US) and 92 – 95 g of CO2/km (dependent on tire format selected). Mini has also improved the suspension that promises an enhanced "go-kart" feeling, with systems like Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) including Dynamic Traction Control (DTC) and Electronic Differential Lock Control (EDLC) being fitted as standard. On the inside, Mini tweaked the instrument panel layout on the new hatch. Features include a new central display, improved standard equipment and available features including Mini Head-Up-Display, Driving Assistant with camera-based active cruise control, collision and pedestrian warning with initial brake function, high beam assistant and road sign detection, parking assistant and rear view camera, among others. Sales of the new model begin in spring 2014, with prices to be announced closer to its market debut. By Dan Mihalascu                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          |
| Callaway Charges 2014 Chevrolet SS with 570-Horses Posted: 18 Nov 2013 09:25 AM PST  The newly released 2014 Chevrolet SS (the U.S. market version of GM Australia's new Holden Commodore SS V), has fallen into the power-thirsty hands of Callaway, which has just released its own take on the sports saloon. Available for order now, the Callaway SS begins by adding an Eaton Roots-style supercharger system and a low restriction exhaust, which along with some other upgrades under the hood, allow the 6.2 liter V8 engine to produce an estimated 570-horsepower and 535 lb-ft of peak torque, up from the stock naturally-aspirated version's 415hp and 415 lb-ft respectively. The supercharged V8 is linked to a 6-speed automatic driving the rear wheels, with Callaway quoting an estimated zero to 60mph (96km/h) sprint time of 4.5 seconds and a quarter-mile run of 12.4 seconds at an exit speed of 110mph (177km/h). GM says the factory model does the standard sprint in about five seconds, so that's a significant improvement for Callaway and its SS. Other tidbits of lesser importance include special Callaway badging inside and out, embroidered floor mats and a unique key fob. The base supercharging package starts from just under $23,000, with more pricing details to be found in the list below.      |
| New 2015 Hyundai Sonata Debut Announced for New York Auto Show 2014 Posted: 18 Nov 2013 08:50 AM PST  WardsAuto reports that Hyundai will launch an all-new version of its popular Sonata sedan early next year, with the car to be first displayed to the public at the New York motor show in April. The news comes from the brand's American CEO, John Krafcik, who also used the occasion to praise the current model for its success. No information whatsoever about what it will be like was shared, though, but judging by Hyundai's more recent design and styling efforts, we at least know it won't look as radical as it does now. We expect it to share its cues with the likes of the new Genesis. In the meantime, the Korean automaker will be updating the current-gen model with ventilated seats and a full-leather steering wheel to keep it appealing, as well as adjusting the production output; they say demand for it is still high, and it has one of the "lowest days' supply in its segment" – 42 days versus 60 days for Chevy's Malibu or fellow group brand Kia's Optima. By Andrei Nedelea Photo Renderings Copyright: Carscoops / Josh Byrnes    |
| Horrifying Boeing 737 Crash in Russia Captured on Security Camera Posted: 18 Nov 2013 08:27 AM PST  Warning: The following videos are not for sensitive viewers Officials from the airport in the Russian city of Kazan, where a Boeing 737-500 jetliner crashed on Sunday killing all 50 people on board, have released a shocking video of the accident sourced from a nearby security camera. The horrifying video, captured at night, shows the large airplane nose-diving into the ground releasing a wave of fire. A Reuters report said that the Tatarstan Airlines flight from Moscow had been trying to abort its landing before it crashed into the runway, killing all 44 passengers and six crew. "The plane just fell," Transport Minister Maxim Sokolov told the press. "The plane was vertical, practically vertical." Sokolov pointed out that official need to examine the data on the recovered black box flight recorders to have a better understanding of what happened on Sunday night. Alexander Poltinin, a senior regional investigator, told reporters that, "The main versions are pilot error and technical problems, including equipment failure." The incident adds more pressure to Russia, which been heavily criticized for poor safety record of its regional airlines. As noted by Slate, two years ago, the Wall Street Journal called Russia "the most dangerous country in which to board an airline".    |
| Wimmer RS Makes New KTM X-Bow GT as Fast as an Arrow with 429HP Upgrade Posted: 18 Nov 2013 07:55 AM PST  While 281-horses (285PS) may not sound a lot for a sports car, when you combine such an engine with an extremely lightweight body and chassis with the entire vehicle tipping the scales at under 800kg (less than 1,760 lbs), then it suddenly all makes sense. Nevertheless, if you happen to own the new KTM X-Bow GT – that's the one with the shades or window-wrap, if you prefer, and want to take full advantage of the lightweight build with a very powerful engine, Wimmer RS has a solution. The German tuner has developed a performance package that fiddles around with the internal workings of the Audi-sourced 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four, thrusting output to an insane 429hp (435PS) and peak torque from 420Nm to 500Nm (369 lb-ft). Wimmer RS quotes a top speed of 246km/h (+15km/h) or 153mph, with the GT now completing the 0-100km/h (62mph) sprint in 3.3 seconds, and the 0-100km/h (124mph) in just 11.7 seconds. Other notable upgrades include new interior trimmings and seats wrapped in black leather with orange seams, new alloy wheels and a sports exhaust The tuned X-Bow GT will be presented at this month's Essen Motor Show in Germany.          |
| Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Black Edition Thrashes Nürburgring into Submission Posted: 18 Nov 2013 07:35 AM PST  Despite the regular Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG not being the sharpest-handling of supercars in its standard form, the Black Edition is completely different. You only need to watch and compare a review of the standard car and one of the Black to see just how different they are, or just scroll down and watch the very fast lap it put down around the Nürburgring Nordschleife, from a dash-cam perspective. Making 622 hp at the crank, with exactly zero turbo- or superchargers bolted onto its V8 engine, and all the suspension and aero tweaks it takes advantage of, it's reportedly much better adapted to track driving than the basic SLS. All of that shows in the time of 7:25.67 it manages to put down, which puts it on par with the likes of the Ferrari Enzo and makes it faster than a Pagani Zonda F Clubsport. This will definitely be a memorable car for Mercedes for a good few years to come – it's going out of production around the middle of next year. By Andrei Nedelea    |
| Toyota's Aqua Team Hybrid Force Gains New Member, the Premi, Based on Prius C Posted: 18 Nov 2013 07:16 AM PST  Whereas Toyota's original press statement for this week's 2013 Tokyo Motor Show mentioned three different concept versions of its JDM Aqua – Prius C hybrid hatch for the rest of the world, including the Cross, G Sports and Air Roadster, the Japanese company showed a fourth iteration today, named "Premi Aqua". No specifics were released, but the name and the renderings clearly hint at a more luxurious and bespoke version of the production Aqua with a more aggressive face that incorporates a grille design mimicking that of Toyota's JDM Crown Athlete sedan, new lights and bumper design. More changes can be found at the back with new lights and other unique details, while the interior has been re-done in black leather upholstery with contrast stitching, and piano black trim accents.       |
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