CARSCOOP |  |
- Super Low Mileage 1991 BMW M3 EVO, 1988 M5 and 1988 M6 for Sale at $158,500 a Piece!
- So, This is How They Patch Potholes in Russia…
- Marchionne Promises New 5-Year Plan for Alfa in 2014, RWD/AWD Architecture Under Development
- Bentley, Lamborghini and Mitsubishi Recall Cars for Braking, Clutch Issues
- Chris Harris Slithers About on Wet Track in Jaguar XKR-S GT
- Ford's SEMA Fleet of Custom F-Series, Fiesta, Focus, Fusion and Mustang Concepts
- Audi Fleet Shuttle Quattro Makes Movie Debut; We Get a Better Look at it [w/Video]
- C&D Shows how to Beat the SRT Viper’s Launch Control System
- Dacia Drops Proper Photo Gallery of the Restyled Duster, 1.2 TCe Averages 6.3 L/100 KM
- Range Topping Acura RLX Sport Hybrid SH-AWD Coming to LA Auto Show
- Guy Freaks Out After Car Flip, Mass Cops Ask for Help to Identify Flippers [NSFW Video]
- VW to Launch New Scirocco in 2017, Facelift in 2014
- Isuzu Gives Birth to New MU-X SUV with the Help of GM
- This AWD XJ Went Where No Jag Has Gone Before
- Poor Brake Lubrication Leads to BMW Recalling 176,000 Four-Cylinder Models
- This is What BMW’s 2-Series Convertible Could Look Like Sans Top
- First Tesla Model S Arrives in China; Sets Owner Back $410,500
- Hats Off to Russia's…Most Impatient and Annoying Driver Ever
- Days of Former Glory: 1973 Fiat 130 Coupe eBay Find
- Scoop: First Shots of 2015 Smart ForTwo Wearing Production Outfit
- Consumer Reports Says 2014 Toyota Tundra Can Still Cut it, But it’s Showing its Age
- Audi Becomes 4th Best Selling Brand in the UK!
- GM Boss Wants to Sell Cars Online
- Suburban Mom Goes Rogue in Durango After Hit and Run
- Problems for Fiat as Serbian Plant Halts Production of 500L
| Super Low Mileage 1991 BMW M3 EVO, 1988 M5 and 1988 M6 for Sale at $158,500 a Piece! Posted: 01 Nov 2013 06:26 PM PDT  Now here's what we'd call a BMW M trifecta: the three original icons that essentially created the myth around BMW's M performance models (okay, there's also the M1, but that's a different kind of beast and it was never replaced), which lives on until today. Finding any of the first generation M3, M5 and M6 (M635CSi) separately with low miles and in good condition these days is a Herculean task that will only become more difficult as the years pile up, so you can understand our excitement when we found all three cars listed for sale from the same seller. We'll begin with the M3 E30 that is a 1991 model. It is said to come with genuine BMW factory EVO upgrades", which we assume (since they're not detailed), include the Alcantara wrapped steering wheel, gearshift knob and handbrake lever. The coupe has only 22,478 "original miles" or about 36,167 km on the odometer, and at least from these pictures, looks to be in pristine condition cosmetically, with the only thing missing being the original spider-web style wheels, though, the seller said they're included. Moving on to the four-door sedan model of the group, the E28 M5 with the much better looking European-spec bumpers, black exterior and beige leather interior is a 1988 model. It too looks exquisite in the pictures, and why shouldn't it with just 6,655 miles or 10,707 km. We'll mention that the stock stereo and wheels are absent, while the seller states that "the original owner was Mr. Gerber of Gerber Baby Foods" – no word if he also owned the other cars as well. Last, but not least, is the 1988 M6 Coupe that does come with the original deep-dish spider-web style wheels and tires, and has travelled only 5,950 miles or a mere 9,573 km. The images are pretty much self-explanatory about the cosmetic condition of the car. What isn't easy to explain, despite the rarity of such low-mileage examples, is the asking price set at $158,500 (€117,500 - or "Make offer") apiece on eBay, which is pretty high in our book for any negotiations. For instance, we've seen E30 M3's with the same mileage having a negotiable price tag of around $50,000, while we remember this E28 M5 with eight times the mileage at 51,000 miles, but only one-eighth of the price at $19k –spend another $10-20k and you could have it in brand new condition. If you're serious about any of these cars, we'd advise you to go and check them out for yourself first, see if all numbers match BMW's records, and naturally, have a mechanic and/or a BMW service center take a good look at them. By John Halas                                                               |
| So, This is How They Patch Potholes in Russia… Posted: 01 Nov 2013 05:00 PM PDT  You've surely heard the jokes and seen many funny pictures of stereotyped behaviors of public road maintenance crews – usually, they involve any number of workers standing around and looking at one person doing the job, but that's not the only thing people make fun of. In this instance, Russians are questioning the actions of these road workers who appear to be randomly (unless they're using some high-tech gadgets and systems other than their shovels to locate and hastily fill specific potholes) laying asphalt in the puddles. If anyone knows what the guy behind the camera is saying, please do tell in the comments after you watch the following video.    |
| Marchionne Promises New 5-Year Plan for Alfa in 2014, RWD/AWD Architecture Under Development Posted: 01 Nov 2013 04:30 PM PDT  Since 2004, when he became CEO of Fiat, Sergio Marchionne has put forward no less than three revival plans for Alfa Romeo. None of them really worked, so the executive has now promised a new five-year plan that will be revealed in early 2014. "We continue to work in a pretty determined fashion in trying to reshape the Alfa Romeo platform and I think we will be in a position to outline more at the end of the first quarter of 2014," Marchionne said during a conference call with analysts. The five-year strategy for Fiat Group and Chrysler will most likely be revealed in late April 2014 to coincide with the automakers' first-quarter earnings report. As far as Alfa Romeo is concerned, the plan is centered around a new rear- and all-wheel-drive platform that is currently under development by a small team of engineers coordinated by Harald Wester, Alfa Romeo and Maserati CEO and Fiat-Chrysler's chief technical officer. The platform is expected to underpin at least four new Alfa Romeos: the Giulia mid-sized sedan and wagon, a large flagship sedan and a mid-sized SUV. The first of these models is expected to debut in Europe in late 2015 or early 2016. All Alfa models based on this platform will be sold in the U.S. as well. According to sources quoted by Autonews Europe, Modena-based engineers are working to make the architecture flexible enough to be used by the Chrysler and Dodge brands, more specifically the next generations of the Chrysler 300 and Dodge Charger sedan, as well as the replacement for the Dodge Challenger coupe. Alfa Romeo sold 102,000 units last year, less than one-tenth as many cars as BMW and Mercedes-Benz. In the first nine months of this year, Alfa's European sales fell 30 percent to almost 51,000 units, according to data from industry association ACEA. By Dan Mihalascu                 |
| Bentley, Lamborghini and Mitsubishi Recall Cars for Braking, Clutch Issues Posted: 01 Nov 2013 04:00 PM PDT  Cars get worn in the more you use them, and over time, new and different problems arise. Bentley and Lamborghini have announced recalls linked to the sheering of steel screws attached to the brake rotor of cars fitted with carbon ceramic disks, that were discovered some time after their launch (i.e. now). There are ten of them, and the problem gets serious when eight break, which they do because of being exposed to exceedingly salty conditions – so far, though, no more than three breaks per wheel have been reported in either manufacturers' case. In the US, Lamborghini is calling back 263 examples of the 2007-2009MY Gallardos (Coupe, Spyder and Superleggera) and another 404 units of the 2006-2010MY Murcielagos in both body styles. Bentley found the problem to be limited to 469 Continental GT and Flying spur models manufactured between 2007-2011. Finally, there's Mitsubishi, which has announced the calling to service of 10,474 of its 2008-2013 Lancer EVOs. This time the problem revolves around faulty clutch master cylinders that can malfunction and make shifting out of gear harder. Owner notifications of this last recall begin on November 11. By Andrei Nedelea         |
| Chris Harris Slithers About on Wet Track in Jaguar XKR-S GT Posted: 01 Nov 2013 03:30 PM PDT  The Jaguar XKR-S GT does not have a single horsepower over the regular XKR-S. Its straight line performance figures are better, though, as are its cornering characteristics, so Chris Harris has had a go in one to tell us how usefully the extra cash you're forced to shell out has been spent, and if the upgrades work. Not that it really matters, frankly, because only 30 will be made for the US and Canada, while an additional 10 right-hand drive examples will be delivered to UK buyers – that's all! Harris' first impression of the car around a very slippery wet track is that its steering is much more precise, benefitting from the use of an F-Type-sourced steering rack. After the conditions turn drier, he has another go at the wheel of the GT, this time really pushing it much harder, and relishing in the experience. He ends up calling it "a complete weapon" in the dry! Check out the video after the virtual jump, below, to see why exactly it was that he ended up thinking that. By Andrei Nedelea    |
| Ford's SEMA Fleet of Custom F-Series, Fiesta, Focus, Fusion and Mustang Concepts Posted: 01 Nov 2013 03:00 PM PDT  Ford has detailed more of its 57 custom concepts that will be on display at this year's SEMA Show in Las Vegas. Besides the 10 Transit Connect tunes we've presented earlier this week, Ford will also bring six different interpretations of its F-Series trucks. There will also be concepts based on the Fiesta, Focus, Fusion and Mustang. You're invited to scroll down and check them out one by one. Ford F-350 from Cars by Kris The heavy duty truck gets an extensive list of modifications, including Carli Suspension upgrades to the chassis to handle 22-inch, eight-lug wheels from American Force Wheels, custom upholstery with hexagon stitched seats, painted interior accents and custom floor mats, as well as technical modifications like the Banks Power Ram-Air Intake, Straight-Shot Water-Methanol Injection System and iQ Man-Machine Interface. Ford F-350 by EcoTrek This is an environmentally-friendly truck with a 6.7-liter V8 diesel engine – no, we're not joking; it's what Ford says. It features two additional fuel tanks that have a range of 1,800 (2,897 km) miles each, a rooftop shelter, refrigerator, stoves and flexible solar panels that allow it to be used in some of the most rugged locations. The truck can run on diesel, biodiesel or algae-based biodiesel. Ford F-250 by Hulst Customs This mean-looking F-250 features powertrain upgrades via Banks Power, 22-inch wheels from American Rebel MFG and a two-tone leather interior that matches the custom-painted black panels and chrome accents. Ford F-150 by JR Consulting Equipped for adventures at hunting, fishing, hiking and camping, this F-150 features an 11,000-pound (4,989-kg) winch from Superwinch, a CargoGlide storage cargo management system, 20-inch Dick Cepek all-terrain wheels and tires and more. Ford F-150 by Skyjacker Suspensions Aimed at people who are into the backwoods lifestyle, this F-150 features a 6-inch lift kit from Skyjacker Suspensions, locked storage area from TruckVault, bumpers from Fab Fours Inc. and BMF wheels with BFGoodrich Tires. Ford F-150 by Fatal Clothing A full-size pickup posing as a street racer, the F-150 by Fatal Clothing features a supercharged 6.2-liter V8 engine matched with twin-screw supercharger from Whipple Industries and performance exhaust system from CGS Motorsports for a total output of 650 hp. Huge 24-inch DUB wheels somehow fit beneath the wheelarches, while the Katzkin Leather interior has Fatal Clothing logo embroidered in the seats. Ford Fusion Concepts Two interpretations of the Ford sedan will be on display at SEMA, a 400-hp racer concept by Full-Race Motorsports that gets turbocharger and exhaust upgrades, and a blingy tune from DSO Eyewear. Ford Focus Concepts The main theme for the Focus is motorsport: there's one with a Lotus livery, one with a Gulf racing livery and a rally-inspired Focus ST for law enforcement. The fourth Focus concept is one that celebrates Southern California's car culture. Ford Fiesta Concepts There are five Fiesta interpretations: a 3Dcarbon tune that mixes elements from European road touring cars and American muscle cars, a rally race-ready Fiesta ST from Ice Nine Group, a Fiesta ST that will be featured in the upcoming Forza Motorsport 5 video game, a model dedicated to the U.S. military by COBB Tuning/Tanner Foust Racing and a Fiesta ST with a custom BASF paint job by Bojix Design. Ford Mustang Concepts Finally, there are three Mustang tunes, starting with Vortech Superchargers' 605hp Project Yellow Jacket Ford Mustang. There's also the spectacular Hollywood Hot Rods Mustang GT Convertible with 750 horsepower and a handsome concept from Nitto. By Dan Mihalascu                         |
| Audi Fleet Shuttle Quattro Makes Movie Debut; We Get a Better Look at it [w/Video] Posted: 01 Nov 2013 02:37 PM PDT  The Audi fleet shuttle Quattro is not a real car, and the only way to see it outside of a screen is if you happen upon the 1:4 model that was displayed at the concept's movie premiere in Ender's Game – it will probably be paraded around though, so it's not out of the question to see it. Looks-wise, it does capture the vibe of the movie well yet retains the common Audi styling cues all around the body – the glass canopy is one of its highlight features, as are the completely covered wheels. These are detailed in one of the photos you'll find in the gallery below. I like the fact that the team behind it didn't just design it to look cool and suitably futuristic, and actually took the time to figure out how it would all realistically work – we'll have to actually see the movie to gauge just how well it all came together. Still, the video also found below does at one point show the car stripped down to the bare chassis - it's nice to know that it was thought up with it in mind. The interior is also designed to be/look functional, and it's digitally grafted onto actual interior shots from aboard an A7 – Harrison Ford drove the series car during the filming; what you see around him in the film is CGI. By Andrei Nedelea                |
| C&D Shows how to Beat the SRT Viper’s Launch Control System Posted: 01 Nov 2013 02:12 PM PDT  On most cars, using the launch control system is the fastest way of get off the line. However, there are some models in which the launch control can be beaten, as you will see in the following video from Car&Driver. The idea behind launch control is to limit wheel-spin and increase traction to ensure the fastest possible acceleration. However, using launch control is not always the fastest way to accelerate from standstill. In the case of the SRT Viper, the enormous amount of torque (600 lb-ft/813 Nm) is a tough nut to crack for the launch control system, which can be beaten by the sensitive right foot of an experienced driver. C&D's technical editor Eric Tingwall noticed that during the launch control sequence there's too much going on with the rear wheels and set out to prove he can be faster without using it. The video demonstrates the Viper's launch control feature, and then shows one can get even faster acceleration times using the normal start procedure. You can find out how faster from the video posted below. By Dan Mihalascu    |
| Dacia Drops Proper Photo Gallery of the Restyled Duster, 1.2 TCe Averages 6.3 L/100 KM Posted: 01 Nov 2013 01:50 PM PDT  Dacia didn't release that many photos when its facelifted Duster SUV was unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September, but Renault's budget brand has now made it up to viewers with a new extensive gallery with more than 60 shots. Priced the same as the outgoing model (from €11,900/$16,430 in France), the restyled Duster comes with electronic stability control (ESC) and four airbags as standard, Media Nav infotainment and navigation system, cruise control with speed limiter and rear park assist. The big news is the 1.2-liter turbocharged gasoline engine, rated at 125PS (123 hp) and 205 Nm (151 lb-ft). 90 percent of peak torque is available from 1,500 rpm and 100 percent from 2,000 to 3,000 rpm. With this engine, the Duster 4x2 averages 6.3 liters per 100 km (37.3 mpg US) and emits 145 grams of CO2 per kilometer. The engine is mated to a six-speed manual gearbox and features a lifetime timing chain that is maintenance-free. The 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) sprint is covered in 9.6 seconds. The other engines remain the same: a 104hp (105PS) 1.6-liter petrol unit (available in a petrol-CNG version in some markets), and two 1.5-liter diesels with 89hp (90PS) or 108hp (110PS). Inside, beyond the upgraded dashboard, the SUV is much quieter, with Dacia saying the overall noise level on board has been halved compared to the pre-facelift model. Dacia says that on models fitted with the six-speed manual gearbox, the noise level at 130 km/h (81 mph) in the facelifted Duster is comparable to that at 90 km/h on the previous version. By Dan Mihalascu                                                                         |
| Range Topping Acura RLX Sport Hybrid SH-AWD Coming to LA Auto Show Posted: 01 Nov 2013 01:15 PM PDT  The most powerful Acura sedan ever, the new RLX Sport Hybrid SH-AWD, will make its formal premiere at the Los Angeles Auto Show on November 20, 2013, some six months after the market launch of the base version of the lineup that sports a 310HP 3.5-liter V6 driving the front wheels. The flagship version of Acura's new RLX series combines a 3.5-liter SOHC direct-injected i-VTEC V6 engine with a 7-speed dual clutch transmission and three electric motors to produce a combined 377HP, with the Japanese automaker stating that the all-wheel drive model returns an estimated 30mpg combined fuel economy. Acura is expected to announce full specifications, along with a sales date (likely before the end of the year) and pricing, which will be more than the $48,050 it commands for the base RLX.     |
| Guy Freaks Out After Car Flip, Mass Cops Ask for Help to Identify Flippers [NSFW Video] Posted: 01 Nov 2013 12:53 PM PDT  Just imagine yourself leaving your car parked on the road only to come and find it turned upside down – in the literal sense of the word; not a happy thought, is it now… Unfortunately, that scene played out a few times late Wednesday night and in the early morning hours of Thursday in Boston after the Red Sox won the World Series, when some rowdy fans, or shall we call them hooligans, crossed the line and started attacking cars. We showed you a video of Boston cops saving one car from a flipping fate, but another one, a black Toyota Corolla, was not so fortunate. Now, Massachusetts State Police (MSP) have released photos from the act on social media channels with the hope that viewers can identify the vandals responsible for flipping over the compact sedan on Boylston St. Here's the statement from MSP: "The Massachusetts State Police are seeking assistance from the public in identifying those responsible for vandalizing a car on Boylston Street early Thursday morning following the Red Sox victory. Anyone with information about who was responsible, or anyone with photos or videos of the incident is asked to contact Trooper Brian Simpkins of the State Police Boston Barracks at (617) 727-6780." The owner of the car, Chad Duncan, told the Boston Globe that he initially thought his Corolla had been towed, but soon realized what really happened. Duncan, who had leased the car last year, said it was totaled. "The whole top and side is crunched," he said adding that according to his estimates, he lost around $2,500, including $1,000 for his insurance deductible and $1,500 in new lease fees. A video recording from the incident surfaced on YouTube. Before you watch it, we should warn you that the person filming it freaked out in the end… Shout out to Maria for the submission!       |
| VW to Launch New Scirocco in 2017, Facelift in 2014 Posted: 01 Nov 2013 12:07 PM PDT  The VW Scirocco will not receive a successor earlier than 2017, contrary to a previous report that anticipated a redesigned model in 2015. Instead, according to German magazine Auto Bild, VW plans to launch a facelifted model of the current third-generation Scirocco in 2014. Based on the fifth-generation of the VW Golf, the current Scirocco will be refreshed and kept on the market for at least four more years, as sales of coupes and roadsters are weak at the moment in Europe. The facelifted model will get a slightly different look, more assistance systems and optimized Euro 6 engines, and could premiere as early as next year at the Geneva or Beijing motor shows. The report says the upcoming fourth-generation of the Scirocco will continue to be based on the Golf and will remain a four-seater with a large tailgate and variable luggage compartment. However, as VW Group design boss Walter de Silva hinted earlier this year, it will be more of a full-fledged sports coupe than a shooting brake. As far as engines are concerned, VW plans more powerful variants, beginning with the 2.0 TSI which will get 230PS instead of 210PS, with peak torque to increase from 280 Nm (206 lb-ft) to 370 Nm (273 lb-ft). The output of the base 1.4 TSI engine will also increase from 122PS to 125PS, while the 160PS 1.4 TSI will be replaced by a 180PS 1.8-liter unit. The 2.0-liter diesel engines will gain in output as well, with the 140PS version increasing to 150PS, while the 177PS unit will be upgraded to 184PS. The range-topping Scirocco R model will have at least 300PS, up from the current model's 265PS. By Dan Mihalascu Note: Sketches are from the current VW Scirocco          |
| Isuzu Gives Birth to New MU-X SUV with the Help of GM Posted: 01 Nov 2013 11:38 AM PDT  Here's a quick quiz: what do the Chevrolet Colorado (international model), Holden Colorado and Isuzu D-MAX pickup trucks have in common with themselves as well as with the Chevrolet Trailblazer, Holden Colorado 7 and the just introduced Isuzu MU-X SUVs? The answer is that, leaving aside emblems, grilles, lights and trims, they are the same pickup trucks co-developed by GM and Isuzu, while the other set of vehicles are the passenger SUV versions of the former. All that said, the only true differentiator between the new Isuzu MU-X that was unwrapped this week in Thailand with the two GM models is the mild restyling of the front and rear ends and the interior décor and trims. Isuzu said it will offer the MU-X with a choice of two turbo diesel units, a 3.0-liter rated for 177hp at 3,600 rpm and maximum torque of 380Nm (280lb-ft) at 1,800-2,800 rpm, and a smaller 2.5-liter delivering 136hp at 3,600 rpm and maximum torque of 320Nm (236lb-ft) at 1,800-2,800 rpm. Buyers can choose between 2WD and 4WD models - the latter with a TERRAIN COMMAND switch. Inside there's room for up to seven passengers in three rows of seats. Available features include a navigation system with a 7-inch monitor and a DVD player with 7-inch touch-screen monitor. Thanks to Bonn from Autodeft for the heads up!                      |
| This AWD XJ Went Where No Jag Has Gone Before Posted: 01 Nov 2013 11:04 AM PDT  As winter gets closer in the Northern Hemisphere, an all-wheel drive car may not seem such a bad idea for those regions where snow and ice are a constant presence during the cold months. By introducing an all-wheel drive system on its XF and XJ luxury sedans, Jaguar has managed to appeal to customers in those areas where an all-wheel drive car is, if not a must, something certainly welcome. However, I can't imagine how a car can still function at temperatures of minus 50 degrees Celsius. My lack of technical background surely has something to do with it, but I find it highly remarkable that a posh Jaguar XJ can get to the Arctic Circle without no problems. It's good to know your car can do that. I have to say this is my favorite type of promotional video: it is a mix of very little to none PR talk (as the images speak louder than words regarding the capabilities of the XJ's AWD system), and interesting facts – in this case about the remote Yukon region of Canada and life in the coldest town on earth. By Dan Mihalascu    |
| Poor Brake Lubrication Leads to BMW Recalling 176,000 Four-Cylinder Models Posted: 01 Nov 2013 10:47 AM PDT  BMW has issued a global recall on some 176,000 models fitted with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbocharged gasoline engines from the 2012-2014 model years, and specifically, the N20 and N26 codenamed units, because of a problem with the power brake system. The technical description of the problem from BMW reads: "An oil plug in the intake camshaft may become displaced, restricting oil supply to the vacuum pump. Due to insufficient lubrication, the vacuum pump that supplies brake power assistance may fail. A failure of the brake vacuum pump results in a reduction in braking power that could increase the risk of a crash." Affected models in the BMW range include the 2012-2014MY 320i, 328i, 320i xDrive, and 328i xDrive sedans; 2014MY 328i xDrive Sports Wagons; 2012-2013MY 528i and 528i xDrive sedans, 2013-2014MY X1 sDrive28i and X1 xDrive28i and 2012-2014MY Z4 sDrive28i roadsters. According to the Bavarian manufacturer, 76,191 of the recalled vehicles are in the United States, with some 9,400 in Canada, 25,000 in China, 6,800 in Germany and the rest in other countries around the globe.                       |
| This is What BMW’s 2-Series Convertible Could Look Like Sans Top Posted: 01 Nov 2013 10:22 AM PDT  The BMW 2-Series has been out for just over two minutes, and it's already had its top digitally chopped off by the Hungarian automotive photo manipulator at X-Tomi Design. Only one angle is available, showing the rear left three-quarter view of the now topless 2-Series, and if you liked the shape of the coupe, you'll have no trouble with this new one. In fact, since the car is not particularly long, being exactly 20 cm / 7.9 in, shorter than a 4-Series (in both wheelbase and overall span), yet standing a bit taller, and having a less steeply raked windscreen, it's not as sleek as the larger model. However, once the top is stowed away, I think it harks back to the old E30 3-Series (from the rear, at least), and as a prospect promises to be a small, fun drop-top BMW that you'd also want to be seen in - the previous model had the same basic qualities, but it was not visually appealing in any way. Looking at this picture, which kind of roof would you think would work best for it: a cloth-or a retractable hard-top? By Andrei Nedelea Story References: Xtomi Design    |
| First Tesla Model S Arrives in China; Sets Owner Back $410,500 Posted: 01 Nov 2013 10:17 AM PDT  This is not the first time we've discussed Tesla Motors' entry plans into China, but it is the first time we're able to show you photos of an actual Model S on The People's Republic soil. The black example that you see in this post's opening shot is believed to be the very first one to ever be imported into the country, although we don't believe it was brought in via an official source. For all intents and purposes, it's a bit of a grey market car now and its owner must have really wanted it, because it apparently cost him $410,500 / €298,600 for the privilege. Most of it is probably due to VAT and delivery charges on top of the regular price. Besides, when Tesla does officially break the Chinese ice, they will be doing so under a different name, after a would-be speculator snagged up the local rights to use the company moniker. Its owner is a 24 year-old man from the city of Dongyang, who reportedly had it ordered from Hong Kong, and may make it part of the luxury wedding car rental service that he's involved in. We're still waiting for a long-wheelbase version of the Model S, a variant which would make it so much more appealing in China. We tried our hand at making a quick mockup of what it could look like here. By Andrei Nedelea Story References: scmp and weibo           |
| Hats Off to Russia's…Most Impatient and Annoying Driver Ever Posted: 01 Nov 2013 09:15 AM PDT  Who is this guy you're about to watch in the following videos? Some say he's a brash and inconsiderate Russian driver, and that he loves to prank and imitate Top Gear's television hosts. All we know is that his name is Andrey Rybakin and that you'd never want him to drive behind you on any type of road, street or…sidewalk. The clip that brought Mr. Rybakin on our Offbeat News radar is a collection of dash-cam videos in which the young Muscovite is filmed breaking more traffic laws than we can count – he even tried to troll a police car… You can see the video along with a few more that we found on the net, and if you happen to be aware of other noteworthy clips featuring Rybakin, just add them below in the comments box.    |
| Days of Former Glory: 1973 Fiat 130 Coupe eBay Find Posted: 01 Nov 2013 08:33 AM PDT  If you buy this 1973 Fiat 130 Coupé on eBay, you'll pay $25,900 / €18,850, then have to go all the way to Dawsonville, Georgia to pick it up (or you can just have it delivered). Before you do that, make sure you have an extra $200 that would go towards purchasing a pair of animal-printed Wayfarers, and an appropriate piece of period French Riviera clothing – just because. It's the least you could do as a token of your appreciation for what was, back in the day, a match for any of the German brands' big coupes. The magazines of the time praised it for its excellent handling, comfortable cabin and, of course, the styling. The latter is the work of Pininfarina, and it made the car quite a bit different to the more simple and restrained sedan. Never officially imported into the US, and therefore very rare, this blue example is promised to be a clean rust-free runner that has covered just 71,995 miles since new. It's powered by a 3.2-liter V6 engine that drives the rear wheels through a five-speed manual and made just under 160 hp when new. The owner, Ivan, says it "is loaded with luxury features such as real wood trims, courtesy lights everywhere, rear shades, adjustable steering, power windows, ZF power steering and dual horns. There is even a lever for the driver to open the passenger door remotely!" Photos can be found below. By Andrei Nedelea Ed. Note: The seller has ended the listing
                         |
| Scoop: First Shots of 2015 Smart ForTwo Wearing Production Outfit Posted: 01 Nov 2013 08:02 AM PDT  We're no strangers to test mules of the new generation Smart ForTwo, but this is the first time that our spies caught Daimler's small car in its final production form instead of wearing a funny looking collection of body parts over the brand new chassis developed in collaboration with Renault that will use it on the next Twingo. Smart will utilize a shorter version of the platform for its third generation ForTwo, which while marginally longer and wider than the current model, will continue to be a minicar offering with seating for two people. The new Fortwo will be instantly recognizable as a Smart, albeit with new styling details and a boxier looking snout resembling that of the ForVision, FourStars and FourJoy concepts. While we do know that the engine will be positioned at the back driving the rear wheels, neither Smart nor Renault has divulged any information yet on the available (common) powertrains for the next Fortwo and Twingo models. We have heard, however, that there will be a new and smoother operating dual-clutch automatic transmission. The new Fortwo will break cover next year. Photo Credits: CarPix for CarScoopS          |
| Consumer Reports Says 2014 Toyota Tundra Can Still Cut it, But it’s Showing its Age Posted: 01 Nov 2013 07:30 AM PDT  The Toyota Tundra that you can go out and buy today is basically the same underneath as the 2007 model, albeit with a series of technical and aesthetic improvements done to it over the years to keep up with the pack. Consumer Reports has had a go in the very latest version, equipped with the popular 5.7-liter V8 engine, and while they did appreciate it for its undeniable qualities, they did concede that it is lagging behind the times, especially in the refinement department, where the Ram 1500 and GM rivals have no trouble being better. Speaking of qualities, it's still touted as being the most reliable vehicle in its size class. There's also the new interior to mention, though while it looks more modern than before, it's still not as visually appealing as that of the Chevy Silverado, for instance. So, if you can live with the below-standards refinement and excessive use of chrome on the exterior and want to do zero to sixty in 6.7 seconds with the largest V8 equipped, and have a lot of stuff to haul, then the Tundra is for you. Scroll down and check out the video posted after the virtual jump. By Andrei Nedelea    |
| Audi Becomes 4th Best Selling Brand in the UK! Posted: 01 Nov 2013 07:05 AM PDT  It's pretty clear now that the efforts of Germany's premium carmakers to expand their reach into more popular segments and niches are beginning to pay off in numbers, as believe it or not, Audi has jumped to fourth sport in the UK's overall sales chart, just behind Ford, GM's Vauxhall (Opel for the rest of Europe) and Volkswagen. The brand with the four-ring logo has already matched its 2012 sales record of about 123,000 units this year, and is expected to flirt with the 145,000 mark by the end of December. As of now, Audi has captured a 6.4 percent share of the UK market compared to 5.9 percent for BMW and 4.8 percent for Mercedes-Benz. "We have been building to this since 1967," said Audi's UK arm. "We now have our strongest demand ever. Customers are voting with their feet. There is a flight to premium, and premium is where the profits are made." What's even more impressive about Audi's feat is that it was achieved without having a single model in the top 10 list of the UK's best selling cars. "We are not dependent on any single model and have no overheated segments," said Audi. The German premium carmaker has increased its offerings from 17 models in 2001, to 47 today, and is expected to grow to 60 by as early as 2015, with new additions such as the Q1 small crossover. Audi pointed out that about 30 percent of all models sold in the UK are all-wheel drive quattro models, while it will also sell more than 1,100 RS performance cars in the country this year.              |
| GM Boss Wants to Sell Cars Online Posted: 01 Nov 2013 06:40 AM PDT  General Motors CEO Dan Akerson says the company wants to allow customers to buy cars over the Internet. "We want people to start buying cars over the Internet," the executive said during a quarterly earnings conference call with analysts. He added that the move might be "a potential half-step away from our traditional channels." "It doesn't mean we are going to try and bypass our dealers, but why not in this tech-savvy culture we have, this economy we have, allow the millennial to come in and ... sign and go," Akerson said, according to a Detroit News report. The CEO referred to customers generally younger than 30, who usually know what model and options they want and are already aware of the price before entering a dealership, as they look up for information on the Internet. According to the National Automobile Dealers Association, ten years ago, car buyers made an average of 4.5 visits to a dealership before buying a car. Nowadays, the Internet has deeply affected that habit, with shoppers only making 1.3 visits before deciding on a model. GM launched a pilot program about a year ago with a web tool called Shop-Click-Drive that allows customers to search for vehicles, get pricing, chose financing and get a trade-in estimate only by using their computer or smartphone. The carmaker wants to roll out the program nationwide by the end of the year to all 4,300 dealers. Currently, about 100 dealers use it. GM said about 900 sales were made through Shop-Click-Drive at the end of September, but only five of them were completed entirely online. By Andrei Nedelea     |
| Suburban Mom Goes Rogue in Durango After Hit and Run Posted: 01 Nov 2013 06:16 AM PDT  One would expect a mother driving a car with her toddlers inside to be extra diligent, you know, for the sake of her kids, if anything else. Try explaining that to 22-year-old Shifra Uzilov who led her two daughters, ages 1 and 2, in a wild, high-speed chase after she rear-ended another vehicle in Keego Harbor, Michigan, causing minor injuries to a seven-year-old boy. Uzilov took off after the accident and tried to evade police cars that were on her tail reaching speeds of more than 80mph (over 130km/h) in her white Dodge Durango SUV. "She was traveling at speeds in excess of 80 miles an hour when she veered over the double yellow line into oncoming traffic," Keego Harbor police officer Jim Cote told ClickonDetroit. The woman then crashed into a patrol car before pulling over. Amazingly, that wasn't the end of the scene as she hopped out of the SUV and headed towards the police officers attacking them before they could subdue and handcuff her. Police said that drugs and alcohol did not appear to fuel her behavior, but they did tell WXYZ news that the woman had been in a fight with her husband for unknown reasons earlier in the day. Her two children were not hurt in the chase.    This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
| Problems for Fiat as Serbian Plant Halts Production of 500L Posted: 01 Nov 2013 05:38 AM PDT  As of Wednesday, Fiat's new Kragujevac plant in Serbia has temporarily ceased production of its 500L small MPV, only a couple of months after the car went on sale in the United States this summer. The reason? According to a Reuters report, the lack of parts as at least one of the plant's suppliers was unable to complete deliveries of components, following an extended strike from displeased workers at a transport company who have blocked railways and roads in the region over unpaid wages. A Fiat spokesperson confirmed the production halt, but did not say if it was due to the strike. "Production ceased on Wednesday and we still don't know when it will resume," said Fiat spokeswoman Aleksandra Rankovic. The Kragujevac factory began production of the 500L family of small cars in July of 2012, churning out about 30,000 units until the end of the year, with Fiat expecting to manufacture up to 140,000 cars in 2013.         |
| You are subscribed to email updates from Carscoops To stop receiving these emails, you may unsubscribe now. | Email delivery powered by Google |
| Google Inc., 20 West Kinzie, Chicago IL USA 60610 | |
