CARSCOOP |  |
- This Reviewer Finds Astra OPC/VXR the Least Boring Opel/Vauxhall
- BMW 2-Series Coupe Takes on 1-Series Coupe in Our Visual Comparison Test
- Top Gear Spotted in Ukraine Filming - Probably En Route to the Sochi Winter Olympics [w/Videos]
- Ballsy Nissan 370Z Fan Announces Sale of Own Testicle to Afford Dream Car…
- New Mazda 3 Outshines Ford Focus in Head to Head Comparison
- Scoop: New Mercedes SLC or GT AMG is a Smaller and More Affordable Replacement to the SLS
- Spied: MINI's New 2015 Five-door Hatchling Goes Out for a Ride
- Driving a Ferrari F12b Legally at Over 300km/h in Germany
- BMW’s M Performance Parts for 2-Series Coupé Bring More Style and Power
- After GTI, Consumer Reports Tries out Regular VW Golf Too
- Happy Thanksgiving to All! What Used Car Under $10,000 Would You Appreciate Today?
- SRT Viper Doing Just Fine Thanks You Very Much, Says Brand Boss
- Ever Had One of Those Days When Everything Goes Wrong?
- AC Schnitzer Adds More Goods to BMW 4-Series Tuning Program
- VW Surprised by the Popularity of its Diesel Models in the U.S.
| This Reviewer Finds Astra OPC/VXR the Least Boring Opel/Vauxhall Posted: 29 Nov 2013 04:00 AM PST  Opel's sister company Vauxhall is not a brand with a very cool image in the UK, quite the contrary, actually, as some qualify it as a maker of boring automobiles. However, the story is quite different when it comes to high-performance VXR models, especially the V8-powered Holdens imported from Australia and rebadged as Vauxhalls. But those aren't the only exciting Vauxhalls, as one can't ignore the Astra VXR. The folks from XCar believe it is an even more exciting car than its predecessor is and to prove it, they took it for a ride. Design-wise, it's hard to find ungraceful angles on the latest Astra VXR, and the car is an improvement over the previous one in terms of performance as well. With 280PS (276hp) and a 5.9-second 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) sprint time, the Astra VXR is quicker than most of its competitors. To go faster than that, one has to choose the AWD VW Golf R or premium hot-hatches like the BMW M135i or Mercedes A 45 AMG. The problem is that the Vauxhall's £26,995 base price puts it dangerously close to the RWD BMW M135i that starts from £31,595 in the UK. Scroll down to watch the review and find out if it's worth the price. By Dan Mihalascu        |
| BMW 2-Series Coupe Takes on 1-Series Coupe in Our Visual Comparison Test Posted: 28 Nov 2013 06:00 PM PST  BMW launched the 4-Series and 2-Series nameplates as part of its plan to differentiate coupe and cabriolet models from the models they're derived from – in this case the 3-Series and 1-Series, respectively. We've already seen how the new 4-Series Coupe looks compared to its predecessor, so now it's time to take a close look at the differences between the new 2-Series Coupe and the model it replaces, the 1-Series Coupe. My opinion (feel free to disagree) is that the 2-Series Coupe is a more significant improvement over the 1-Series Coupe than the 4-Series Coupe over its predecessor, the 3-Series Coupe. A lot has to do with the front end of the car, where the awkward-looking headlights of the 1-Series Coupe (I've always believed they gave the car a sad and confused look at the same time) have been replaced with slimmer, better-looking, "happier" units. The 2-Series Coupe looks more self-confident, an impression also given by the "smiling" kidneys and the muscular bonnet. When viewed from the sides and the rear, the differences between the two cars are less obvious, despite some key details. The 2-Series has a sleeker profile thanks to the slightly longer hood and wheelbase, while the design of the rear end gives the impression that the car is wider. Overall, I think the exterior styling of the 2-Series Coupe represents a clear progress compared to its predecessor. On the inside, the 1-Series Coupe looks less dated than on the outside, but I think the 2-Series Coupe has the edge here as well, thanks to the more sculpted dashboard and the driver-oriented center console. It looks fresher, which is something one would expect from a newer model. The photo gallery posted below will help you decide whether the 2-Series Coupe is a visual improvement over the 1-Series Coupe or not. My conclusion is that BMW has a winner with the 2-Series Coupe and I believe sales will confirm that. I wish I could say the same thing about the 1-Series' looks... By Dan Mihalascu                            |
| Top Gear Spotted in Ukraine Filming - Probably En Route to the Sochi Winter Olympics [w/Videos] Posted: 29 Nov 2013 03:34 AM PST  The trio of hosts from the UK's Top Gear television show was spotted in Kiev, Ukraine earlier this week, and it seems to have started a speculation war in the local community, as nobody is quite sure what they are doing there. The most plausible of theories put out is that they simply passed through the country en route to the Russian city of Sochi, the 2014 home of the Winter Olympics. Whichever the case, they did cause quite a bit of commotion, as there seem to be many fans of the show in those parts, as well as many dedicated sites discussing it… The presenters were not only photographed in Kiev, but also caught on video on an unspecified highway, and they even stop to have a chat with local media at a restaurant for about 20 minutes – James May was reportedly very polite, but quite silent, but that's probably because he was extremely chuffed about driving his blue right-hand drive Dacia Sandero. Alongside, Jeremy thought the VW Up! would be an adequate match (and an excellent car to light up a cigarette in with the windows up), while Richard went for a Ford Fiesta hatch. Interesting choices, given the huge distances involved; admitting their Journey started in Kiev, they'd still have a lot of miles to cover before reaching the speculated destination – about 930 of them to be exact, or 1,500 km. Naturally, being in Ukraine, they couldn't resist the temptation of absorbing some residual radiation, so they went to the Chernobyl area. I wonder what they will get themselves banned for here? By Andrei Nedelea Thanks to Lavrik D. from Youcar for the heads up! Story References and Photos: Youcar                          |
| Ballsy Nissan 370Z Fan Announces Sale of Own Testicle to Afford Dream Car… Posted: 28 Nov 2013 03:59 PM PST  No, we're not jesting, it's for real, apparently… Middle-aged Mark Parisi has announced on television that he is willing to have one of his testes removed as part of a medical trial and for this he will be remunerated with the distinctly average sum of $35,000, which is apparently the standard rate 'nads go for these days… He also wants sports car and is apparently going to direct his earnings towards buying a Nissan 370Z, a modest yet realistic choice for his budget – he'll even be able to add some options, at it starts at $29,900. I'm curious how Mr/2 Parisi will ever be able to start a serious conversation with another human being or be taken seriously ever again. This kind of decision is clearly not taken on a clear head, and anybody in their right mind or who still has a bit of compassion for humans would try talking him out of it. It would have been understandable had the stakes for getting the money been higher (i.e. family member needed the cash for life-saving surgery), but as is it's ridiculous and disgusting on many levels; it's not even amusing. What is the world coming to? No, really? The moment when Mr. Parisi says "I do" was captured on video as part of the CBS show "The Doctors." Hopefully, it's all just for ratings, and they're giving him the cash just to say these things – even that would be more acceptable. By Andrei Nedelea Story References: News   |
| New Mazda 3 Outshines Ford Focus in Head to Head Comparison Posted: 28 Nov 2013 02:58 PM PST  Ford and Mazda used to have a fairly tight connection up until a few years ago, with the Blue Oval owning a stake in the small Japanese automaker with which it had a large exchange of information during this collaboration period. Now, the only proof of their time spent together is pint-sized Mazda2 which is basically a Fiesta hatch with different body and interior, but with pretty much the same basic mechanical bits underneath (not including the engines; Mazda has its own). Now, after launching the old 3 which was basically the same as the 2 in that it used a Ford platform (this time the one from the larger Focus) and even shared its 1.6-liter (PSA-sourced) diesel engines on certain markets, Mazda has gone its own way, with a car that's very different from the current Focus, and all the better for it, as the Car and Driver video posted here reveals. I recently had a chance to take a quick test drive of the new 3, and while the Focus is an old friend, I must concede that the Japanese car was better in every single way, from the looks, to the drive and the interior – not even the low 120 hp output of the detuned 2.0-liter petrol engine put me off it, as it proved pokey and surprisingly frugal. Those who say it's a borderline-luxury vehicle do make some sense, especially if the car comes with leather and all the toys that the one I drove had. Make no mistake, the Focus is not bad either, but it felt inferior to the 3 in almost every respect. Now, do check out the video too – it's posted after the virtual jump. By Andrei Nedelea    |
| Scoop: New Mercedes SLC or GT AMG is a Smaller and More Affordable Replacement to the SLS Posted: 28 Nov 2013 01:43 PM PST  We've come to know it as the Mercedes-Benz SLC, but rumors floating in the air from across the pond say it might end up wearing the GT AMG moniker; whatever the brand with the star calls it, this supercar will in some way replace the four-year old SLS AMG, the production of which will end next summer. We say "in some way", because while the SLC (we'll call it that for now to avoid confusing you), will become Merc's top sports car offering, it won't be a direct successor to the SLS AMG as it will be smaller, lighter, less exclusive (out go the 'Gullwing' style doors), and more affordable than the current car. That doesn't mean you can run your hands and prepare to swap your C-Class in for the SLC, but with a starting price rumored (not yet confirmed) to hover just above the $100,000 mark compared to the SLS AMG's $200,000 entry MSRP (or €190,000 in Germany), it will bring Mercedes to Porsche 911 Carrera S and Turbo and Audi R8 territory. Believed to utilize a shorter and modified version of the SLS' still fresh aluminum spaceframe architecture, the SLC will carry a new 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 instead of the naturally aspirated 6.2-liter V8 found under the bonnet of the Gullwing model. The front-mounted unit will likely be offered in different outputs, depending on the version, but always linked to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox operated with steering wheel paddle shifters and positioned within the rear axle assembly to achieve a better weight balance between the two ends. In its base configuration, the V8 should produce close to 500-horses and around 600 in the more hardcore versions like the Black Edition. Photo Credits: CarPix for CarScoopS            |
| Spied: MINI's New 2015 Five-door Hatchling Goes Out for a Ride Posted: 28 Nov 2013 01:06 PM PST  There's no need to tell you that the BMW Group's Mini hatch has long ceased to be a mini car (in the traditional sense); not that it should, as people all around the world have grown both in height (that's good) and in girth (that's bad) since sir Alec Issigonis designed the original model that bears the same name today. Now, you can get ready for another extension to the range as Mini is readying a lengthier five-door version of its new generation hatchback, which was revealed in three-door form earlier this month at the Tokyo and Los Angeles motor shows. Mini's first ever five-door variant of the hatch (the Countryman is considered a crossover) was captured by our spies in Cooper S trim. It comes with regular rear doors as well as a longer wheelbase to improve rear passenger space and practicality. Besides the bigger body, everything else will be shared with the 3-door Mini hatch, including the brand's new range of three- and four-cylinder turbocharged petrol and diesel engines. We should see the production car debut at one of next year's international motor shows. Photo Credits: CarPix for CarScoopS             |
| Driving a Ferrari F12b Legally at Over 300km/h in Germany Posted: 28 Nov 2013 12:00 PM PST  After seeing the result of the Ferrari F12berlinetta crash in the Netherlands (not Belgium as initially reported), it's nice to see one of these front-engined supercars on the road, going fast and not sliding off, hitting a tree and landing on its side. This video shows a white F12 being driven as fast as possible on a derestricted stretch of German autobahn. As you may know, slower cars and trucks that are late in changing lanes, and sometimes standing water too, are the two biggest speed-impeding factors when attempting to go flat out in these situations. However, with 740 hp on tap, the average F12 driver can, with relative ease, get the car up to and just over 300 km/h or 186 mph even with some traffic, as you will undoubtedly have seen upon scrolling down to until after the virtual jump. It's actually an enjoyable piece of footage, and luckily the passenger doesn't need to diagonally film across the car, as Ferrari has gone the extra mile and added a monochrome digital display showing gear, speed and revs just above the glove compartment. By Andrei Nedelea    |
| BMW’s M Performance Parts for 2-Series Coupé Bring More Style and Power Posted: 28 Nov 2013 11:00 AM PST  When sales of the all-new BMW 2-Series Coupé begin in March 2014, the carmaker will also offer a series of retrofit styling and performance upgrades under the BMW M Performance name. Developed for all variants of the 2-Series Coupé range, the BMW M Performance parts are designed in close collaboration with BMW M GmbH and involve exterior and interior styling, as well as drivetrain, suspension and aerodynamics upgrades. For the BMW 220d Coupé the carmaker offers a power kit that increases the output of the 4-cylinder diesel engine by 16 hp (16PS) to 197 hp (200PS) and maximum torque by 40 Nm (29.5 lb-ft) to 420 Nm (310 lb-ft). The upgrades don't affect fuel consumption and exhaust emission figures, according to the Bavarians. For the BMW M235i Coupé, BMW M Performance offers a limited-slip differential on the rear axle that improves traction in corners, as well as a silencer system that reduces exhaust gas pressure to produce a sportier sound. Additionally, BMW M Performance tailpipe trim elements are offered in chrome or carbon, bearing the M logo. Other performance parts for all model variants include a 20mm (0.78in) lower sports suspension, a BMW M Performance braking system with brake calipers painted in a choice of red, yellow or orange, as well as 19-inch forged light alloy wheels available in two design versions. Styling upgrades include the BMW M Performance Aerodynamic Kit available for the front apron, black decorative grid for the BMW kidney grille, exterior caps in carbon, side sill foils with M Performance inscription and BMW M Performance accent stripes in two color versions. For the interior, BMW M Performance has a sports steering wheel in Alcantara/carbon finish, a gear lever and handbrake handle in carbon and an Alcantara gaiter. The carbon finish is also available for the gear selector switch of the automatic transmission. Other features you can get are interior strips in carbon and Alcantara, high-grade steel pedals and driver footrest. By Dan Mihalascu                       |
| After GTI, Consumer Reports Tries out Regular VW Golf Too Posted: 28 Nov 2013 10:00 AM PST  The Consumer Reports first drive of (a Euro-spec) Volkswagen Golf leaves nothing to question, just like the car itself. It makes it clear that you can't really fault it on the mundane stuff (space, practicality, economy or drive), and that American buyers should give it more of a shot than they previously, as this seventh incarnation coming in early 2014 is bigger inside and out, yet lighter than before and very efficient. The Golf, like most other US-bound VWs, ditches the 2.5-liter naturally-aspirated petrol engine as the range base, replacing it with a new 1.8-liter turbo unit that offers the same power as before (170 hp), yet a bit more torque, most of which is served low in the rev range. As usual, whenever a car reviewer climbs aboard a modern VW, he or she raves on about how everything is nice to the touch and feels well screwed together – the new Golf is no exception, though I do feel that it's a step down in perceived solidity from the brick-like Mark V model. To me it just felt a bit flimsier than before, and the seat no longer goes down as low as it did in the older models thanks to the MQB platform (SEAT Leon and Skoda Octavia both have the same issue). However, Golfs destined for the American market are not going to be imported from Europe, being built instead at the group's Puebla plant, in Mexico. By Andrei Nedelea    |
| Happy Thanksgiving to All! What Used Car Under $10,000 Would You Appreciate Today? Posted: 28 Nov 2013 09:00 AM PST  It's the last Thursday of November which means only one thing for anyone living in the States: we're one day before hordes of people storm the stores at absurd times for black Friday deals – no, I just (partially) kid; it's Thanksgiving 2013 and we'd like to pass along our best wishes to everyone out there from the team here at Carscoops. We'll be taking some time off until Sunday to recharge our engines and be with our families, but don't worry, we'll still bring you news and interesting stories, just at a slower pace over the next few days. Since Thanksgiving is a time for gratitude and we are an automotive site, we thought about asking you what used car priced under the more widely affordable threshold of $10,000 would you appreciate to drive today. You can give us one or more proposals in the comments section with pictures. As far as I'm concerned, my first choice would be an 1974 Alfa Romeo GTV 2000 Coupe I found on eBay with a current highest bid of $7,305 and a "low reserve", but to be frank, I doubt it will go for less than $10k… But it looks damn good in the pictures and I just had to add it – what can I say; I'm a sucker for classic RWD Italian sports cars. While I couldn't find the Alfa's list price on the seller's site at SpeedSports, what I did discover there is my second application for today's drive, a 1983 AM General M923 6X6 Cargo Cummins Allison H1 Military Hummer for $7,290. Do I really need to explain why I would want to drive one of these monsters? As for my third option, I think I'd go for a classic 1980s all-white Corvette (listed at $5,000), which besides offering some RWD fun, it would also blend well with a white t-shirt under a shoulder-padded, pastel-colored jacket to surely annoy the hell out of anyone asking you to dress properly during a family meeting. What more can you ask? Have your say below and don't forget, stay away from the wheel if you're having too much Thanks-drinking entertainment these days. By John Halas                        |
| SRT Viper Doing Just Fine Thanks You Very Much, Says Brand Boss Posted: 28 Nov 2013 08:00 AM PST  SRT may have reduced Viper production by 33 percent earlier this year, but the iconic sports car is here to stay. The message was sent from SRT CEO Ralph Gilles at the Los Angeles Auto Show, where the executive stressed that the Viper has a bright future. "The plant is booked solid. We actually have several hundred units outstanding we still have to build," Gilles said in an interview with WardsAuto at the auto show. He admitted, however, that the launch of the fifth-generation Viper was not ideally timed. "We had a very late launch. We were six months offset from where we wanted to be," Gilles explained. Because sales only began in April and deliveries followed later, the Viper missed the spring selling season. Furthermore, dealers were not prepared to deal with the new model's extensive list of optional equipment and ordered cars that they had a hard time selling. "I don't think our network understands the segment very well. I think the mistake we're making is understanding the customer who spends $130,000 to $140,000 for a car. They want what they want – their color, their stripe, their package, their interior. And dealers were trying to anticipate the market ended up creating a car that may not be the right car," Gilles explained. To make sure that doesn't happen again, Chrysler has launched a fourth-quarter training program across the U.S. that pair dealers with existing Viper owners and potential customers, with the latter getting test drives of the vehicles. Gilles also said all 159 units of the limited-edition Viper Time Attack have been sold in three days after orders opened up, and that the 50 Viper GTS models with Anodized Carbon paint are already spoken for. Currently, SRT has about 500 Vipers in stock and has sold 495 units through October. By Dan Mihalascu              |
| Ever Had One of Those Days When Everything Goes Wrong? Posted: 28 Nov 2013 07:06 AM PST  We certainly all know about having "a case of the Mondays", the "Monday blues" or as Prince wrote and The Bangles [sic…] vocalized, a "Manic Monday", but for this poor Swedish driver of an older Volkswagen Passat estate, Tuesday was just not his day. Filmed here from a security camera at a gas station in the Swedish city of Falun, the man had connected the fuel pump to his car, and while he was waiting, he decides to check the fluid levels under the hood and use the water gun to fill up the washer. From there on, it all goes…down the hill. Check out what happened in the video that follows the break.    |
| AC Schnitzer Adds More Goods to BMW 4-Series Tuning Program Posted: 28 Nov 2013 06:26 AM PST  On the occasion of the Essen Motor Show that takes in place in Germany from November 30 to December 8, AC Schnitzer has enhanced its tuning program for the new BMW 4-Series Coupe, with the most important additions being performance upgrades for the 420i, 430d and 435d models. For the 420i, the Aachen-based tuning company's kit lifts the 2.0-liter turbocharged engine's output from 181hp (184PS) to 242hp (245PS) or to the same level as the stock 428i, while for the 430d, its 3.0-liter turbocharged diesel now delivers 305hp (309PS). Finally, AC Schnitzer gives the straight-six diesel 435d a push to 355hp (360PS), up from 309hp (313PS). As a reminder, the firm's existing upgrades boost the 428i's turbo'd inline-four from 241hp (245PS) to 290hp (294PS), the 435i's 3.0-liter turbocharged inline six from 302hp (306PS) to 355hp (360PS) and the 420d's diesel-four from 181hp (184PS) to 215hp (218PS). Other available performance parts for the 4-Series Coupe include a 25mm-lowered suspension or a fully adjustable racing suspension and a wide choice of forged alloy wheels. On the cosmetic front, there's a body kit with a rear roof spoiler, and front and rear aprons for both regular and M Sport models, plus a chrome grille piece, while for the interior, there's a gear knob with an illuminated digital gear display, floor mats and trim accents.                             |
| VW Surprised by the Popularity of its Diesel Models in the U.S. Posted: 28 Nov 2013 05:50 AM PST  Volkswagen of America CEO Jonathan Browning said he's surprised by the rate Americans are adopting diesel-powered models. Volkswagen is the market leader in the light-duty diesel vehicle segment in the U.S., holding a 72 percent market share - the equivalent of about 90,000 cars per year. In the first ten months of this year, diesel vehicles made up 22 percent of Volkswagen of America's total sales, far exceeding the company's expectations. As the first diesel model in the U.S. mid-size sedan market, the VW Passat TDI had a key contribution to this result. VW worried that customers may not only be reluctant to diesel, but to the brand as well, as it had to conquest a lot of customers from competitors. "We thought the step to convert them to the Volkswagen brand was going to be a fairly substantial step in itself, and then it would be an even bigger step to convert to diesel," Jonathan Browning was quoted as saying by Autocar. Browning added that diesel models suit American driving habits and the fuel economy they deliver is just incredible for consumers. "In fact, because it is such a compelling offer – almost 800 miles range, and with the typical US driving profile, it is possible to get even better-than-published fuel economy with the diesel because there's a lot of highway driving – customers are just raving about it," the executive added. VW originally expected 17 percent of Passat sales to be diesels, but the Passat TDI's share is getting closer to 30 percent. By Dan Mihalascu         |
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