CARSCOOP |  |
- Dodge's SEMA Surprise Was the Return of the Challenger Shaker Plus New Scat Packs [72 Pics]
- Ford's Transit Connect Hot Wheels Concept Looks Boyishly Cool, the Others Ones, Not So Much
- What SEMA Surprise Debut is Dodge Hiding Under These Black Covers? [Live Stream]
- New Jaguar F-Type Coupe Teased, will Debut at LA and Tokyo Auto Shows
- Nissan Leaf Was Norway’s Best-Selling Car Overall in October
- New Gran Turismo 6 Trailer Plus the Complete List with 1,197 Cars [53 Photos]
- Range Rover Sport Sets Fastest Desert Crossing Time with Avg. Speed of 81.87 KM/H (50.87 MPH)
- Toyota Turns Highlander Into a Spongebob-Themed Fishtank, Announces Competition Winner
- This Hyundai Car Salesman Can Really Bust Some Dance Moves
- Google Doodle Pays Homage to Designer Raymond Loewy
- SEMA Show Nissan GT-R Radzilla is an LED-Lovers Delight [w/Video]
- Kia Feels the Beat with Five Music-Themed Souls at the SEMA Show
- New Acura ILX and RLX Receive SEMA Show Treatments
- Honda Shows Off Some Of Its SEMA Custom Tunes
- Redesigned 2014 Honda Civic Coupe with Slightly More Powerful Si Breaks Cover
- Toyota Sends Off FJ Cruiser with Final 2014MY Cruiser Trail Teams Ultimate Edition
- Daimler Wants to Deepen Cooperation with Tesla Motors
- Belarusian Rider Showing Off Slips and Gets Trapped Under his Bike…
- Maserati Records Three Times Better Stateside Sales in October
- Japanese Interwebs Make Fun of Lexus' Spindle Grille and its Designer
- Toyota’s Tokyo-Bound Noah and Voxy are Concepts for Next-Gen Spacious Minivans
- Chevrolet Dresses 2014 Camaro Facelift in Drags
- TMS 2013: Toyota's Funky JPN Taxi and Aqua G Sports Concepts
- Idiots Get a Second Chance in Life After Playing Around with Cell Phone
- Toyota FT-86 Open Concept Wears a Red Dress for Tokyo Motor Show
| Dodge's SEMA Surprise Was the Return of the Challenger Shaker Plus New Scat Packs [72 Pics] Posted: 05 Nov 2013 06:42 PM PST  If you had high hopes for Dodge and Mopar's SEMA Show press conference after seeing the teaser of a covered sports car and reading the press blurb earlier today, then like us, you'll probably be disappointed after finding out that the surprise debuts were the return of the Scat Packages for three Dodge models and the introduction of a shaker hood for the Challenger. Initially, Dodge will offer the new Scat Package performance upgrade kits for the 2014 Challenger, Charger and Dart beginning from spring next year at a "cost-effective price" – whatever that means. For the 5.7-liter V8 HEMI-powered Challenger and Charger, there are three kits, with the first one adding an ECU, cold air-intake and cat-back exhaust, the second one pushing the power gains further with a camshaft, and finally, the third one that rounds out the package with performance ported and polished heads and hi-flow headers. Owners of the 2.4-liter Dart GT will also have three options to choose from. The first stage kit includes a cold-air intake, short throw shifter and brakes with slotted rotors and performance pads. Go for the second stage and you get an ECU tune and a cat-back exhaust, while the third stage kit adds a big brake kit, and a sports suspension with adjustable springs and struts, plus different front and rear sway bars. If you missed the classic shaker hood on the new Challenger, then there's good news for you with the release of new package sporting a fully functional Shaker hood with Mopar cold-air intake, conical air filter and optimized air box for "improved airflow and performance". Dodge said that the Challenger R/T V8 Shaker also includes the Super Track Pak, with high-performance steering gear, brake linings and monotube shock absorbers, P245/45R20 Goodyear Eagle F1 Super Car three-season tires and three-mode electronic stability control (ESC) that can be fully deactivated for hooning or some tree hugging – Dodge didn't say that, we did. Available as a $2,500 option on the Challenger R/T Classic, the 2014 Challenger R/T Shaker will land at Dodge dealerships in the first quarter of 2014 with pricing starting at $36,995 (excluding destination and handling), or $37,495 if you choose the custom hood-to-tail stripes. Revealed next to the Shaker model is the new Mopar 14' Challenger of which only 100 examples will be built, making it the rarest limited production version of the series to date. While the SEMA car is finished in Bright White, the Mopar edition will also be offered with a Gloss Black exterior finish, both with a "Shaker style" stripe in "Mopar Blue" as standard, or optionally, with a choice of two different stripes. The Mopar 14' comes with the new Shaker hood in a satin black finish sitting on top of the standard 5.7-liter V8 Hemi, while other special extras include the gloss black 20-inch wheels, and gloss black exterior trims and accents. Inside, there's a serialized instrument panel plaque, sport seats in black Nappa leather with blue accent threads, which also make their appearance on the pistol-grip shifter boot and three-spoke leather-wrapped steering wheel. Other goodies included in the package are a custom-crafted personalized owner's manual, "Mopar" branded key fobs and Mopar '14 memorabilia. Prices were not announced. For a visual take on the above models and several other Chrysler Group cars displayed at the SEMA Show, head below the break for the comprehensive gallery.                                                                               |
| Ford's Transit Connect Hot Wheels Concept Looks Boyishly Cool, the Others Ones, Not So Much Posted: 05 Nov 2013 05:44 PM PST  Ford has brought along several custom concepts of its 2014 Transit Connect – 10 to be precise, to the Las Vegas SEMA aftermarket show, but only one really caught our eye, and that's the surprise debut crafted in collaboration with famed toy maker Hot Wheels. This version of the Transit Connect cargo van brings back fond memories from our childhood in a rather cool and grown up way. Michigan-based custom builder Ice 9 Group worked with designers from Ford and Hot Wheels to materialize the concept that's powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder. The sporty looking van's body has been widened 4 inches in front and 6 inches at the rear while also gaining functional custom exhaust ports on either side, gullwing doors instead of sliding doors, new front fascia and bumpers inspired by Focus RS, and custom two-tone 20-inch wheels. Plenty of modifications can be found inside as well, not only up front with the Recaro bucket seats from the Focus ST, but especially at the back where there's a secondary floor installed covering a set of drawers for tool storage, a 55-inch television screen positioned behind the front seats, and two 18-inch tablets and installed in the rear door. "The idea was to create a race-inspired support vehicle for the average guy to spend a weekend at the track testing his Hot Wheels race car," said Felix Holst, vice president of creative for Mattel Wheels Division. "The Hot Wheels Transit Connect features an entirely custom, euro-look wide body kit, Rotiform ROC wheels, sleeping quarters and tool storage for living the dream that most of us had playing with Hot Wheels as a child," Holst added. "It even has slide-out drawers to keep your favorite Hot Wheels cars with you at all times." While you won't be able to buy the real-life size Hot Wheels Transit Connect, you will have the chance to acquire a 1:64 die-cast scale model of the concept in fall of 2014.                                |
| What SEMA Surprise Debut is Dodge Hiding Under These Black Covers? [Live Stream] Posted: 05 Nov 2013 04:50 PM PST  Update: Watch the reveal live from the SEMA Show in the video after the jump We just received an intriguing email from one of Dodge's partners informing us about a "big announcement" from the brand at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas today. Here's what Dodge says: "We'll be holding our SEMA press conference later today at 4:40 p.m. PST (7:40pm EST) and you Dodge fans will be smiling ear-to-ear and clamoring for more details when you hear what our Dodge Brand CEO, Tim Kuniskis, is going to reveal." To help (…or complicate) things, we also have this picture of the surprise car hidden underneath some black covers at Mopar's stand. We've heard some people say that your first guess is the most likely to be right one, so here goes: the outline of rear end reminds us of a Dodge Challenger with a big spoiler/wing attached to the boot, so we're going to go with that. Plus, we have heard that Dodge is actively working on some updates for the Challenger, including the use of a supercharged 6.4-liter HEMI V8 called the "Hellcat" for the SRT8. Could it be this car? Well, we'll soon find out, won't we… In the meantime, tell us what you think is lurking beneath the black wraps in the comments.
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| New Jaguar F-Type Coupe Teased, will Debut at LA and Tokyo Auto Shows Posted: 05 Nov 2013 04:32 PM PST  Here's our first official look at the production Jaguar F-Type Coupe that will receive its world premiere on 19 November, the eve of the Los Angeles auto show, with the British firm to also display the car at the Tokyo Motor Show on November 20. The all-aluminum F-Type Coupe is the production variant of the very well received C-X16 concept and will join the existing Convertible model in Jaguar's range. The two cars will likely share their engine range that currently comprises a 3.0-liter supercharged V6 in 335HP (340PS) and 375HP (380PS) outputs, and a 488HP (495PS) supercharged V8, all paired to an eight-speed automatic, though, there has been talk about an "R" flavored version with 542hp (550PS) V8 as well. Jaguar officials have hinted at a more sportier character in terms of handling for the coupe model. Ian Callum, Director of Design, Jaguar, commented: "The excitement generated when we revealed the C-X16 concept was terrific; so to now be on the cusp of what I can assure you will be a drama-filled reveal event in Los Angeles for F-TYPE Coupé is a very significant moment. "We've been overwhelmed by the positive reaction to F-TYPE Convertible, but for me the purity of creating a sports Coupé is a uniquely satisfying process – and I know that both visually and dynamically, F-TYPE Coupé raises the bar yet again."     |
| Nissan Leaf Was Norway’s Best-Selling Car Overall in October Posted: 05 Nov 2013 04:11 PM PST  Norwegians love electric cars so much that EVs have begun outselling conventional models. You probably remember that the Tesla Model S was the best-selling car in Norway in the first half of September. Well, in October, it was the turn of another electric vehicle to claim the top sales position in the Scandinavian country – the Nissan Leaf. The Leaf took the number one spot in Norway's passenger car sales chart for the first time in October, regardless of powertrain type or market segment. Nissan Leaf accounted for almost 6 percent of the total passenger vehicle market in Norway last month. The Leaf is also Norway's fourth best-selling car in 2013 so far, with over 3 percent of the market. "We have had incredibly strong sales this year in Norway and with the introduction of the new Nissan Leaf in the middle of 2013, we have seen that level not just maintained, but exceeded," said Jean-Pierre Diernaz, Nissan Europe Director of Electric Vehicles. "We continue to be successful in the main Norwegian cities, but the majority of our growth is coming from rural areas, which shows is the breadth of the Nissan LEAF's appeal," he added. Nissan says the new Leaf better suits the Norwegian lifestyle with its increased boot capacity and the Nordic pack that includes a battery heater. Norway is Europe's most developed market for electric vehicles, thanks to a package of incentives including zero percent VAT and zero road tax for electric vehicles. By Dan Mihalascu               |
| New Gran Turismo 6 Trailer Plus the Complete List with 1,197 Cars [53 Photos] Posted: 05 Nov 2013 03:39 PM PST  The arrival of Gran Turismo 6 (GT6) on store shelves is exactly one month away, and it's undoubtedly a very eagerly anticipated title because it doesn't come with buying a new console to run it – an old PlayStation 3 is all you need. Now, Polyphony Digital, the developer working on the game for Sony, has released a new trailer, to keep the fans' appetites whetted. It keeps emphasis on the sheer number of cars that players are going to be given the chance to drive, even if not all of them will benefit from the same level of 3D craftsmanship and attention to detail. It does look like close attention was paid to recreating the Lunar Roving Vehicle LEV-001, made in 1971, though with 1196 other vehicles to choose from, it's not the most exciting new addition. I for one would be much more interested to drive Nissan's narrow DeltaWing racing car, one of the 124 vehicles newly created for , or, say, the very pretty 1957 BMW 507. Check out the complete list below (along with 53 photos), but be warned because there may be more added as it is "one part of the cars planned for inclusion, and is subject to change". By Andrei Nedelea                                                                                                  |
| Range Rover Sport Sets Fastest Desert Crossing Time with Avg. Speed of 81.87 KM/H (50.87 MPH) Posted: 05 Nov 2013 03:07 PM PST  A good way to get publicity for new models is to establish records few thought about before. After setting a record for production SUVs at Pikes Peak this summer, Land Rover has claimed another first with the new Range Rover Sport, this time off-road. The SUV set the fastest time for a land vehicle crossing of the "Empty Quarter", the largest sand desert in the world and the second largest desert overall after the Sahara. Land Rover's team completed the journey from Wadi Adda Wasir in Saudi Arabia to the border of the United Arab Emirates in 10 hours and 22 minutes at an average speed of 51.87 mph (81.87 km/h), covering a distance of 849 km (527 miles) on a route dictated by the conditions on the ground. The record was made with a standard production new Range Rover Sport fitted with a 510PS 5.0-liter supercharged V8 petrol engine, riding on regular tyres. The only modification to the vehicle was the addition of an underbody protection plate. Behind the wheel was Land Rover driver Moi Torrallardona, a 47 year-old Spanish off-road racer who has competed 10 consecutive years at the Dakar Rally, with a best finish of 6th overall. "Desert driving requires a unique combination of speed, finesse and technical skill. It is crucial that you tackle the dunes with precision. Knowing the right time to go full throttle and the right time to slow down, takes experience and clear judgement," said Torrallardona. "This unique way of driving requires a vehicle which has the same skillset - it must be both incredibly fast but also agile, responsive and well planted. The Range Rover Sport is exactly that. It is massively capable and is truly the best tool for conquering the desert," he added. By Dan Mihalascu                   |
| Toyota Turns Highlander Into a Spongebob-Themed Fishtank, Announces Competition Winner Posted: 05 Nov 2013 02:38 PM PST  Following the Texas barbecue-themed Tundra, Toyota has unveiled another custom concept based on the full-size pickup at the SEMA Show. The 2014 SpongeBob Highlander Tanked edition features an 800-gallon (3,028-liter) custom tank that can host around 115 individual fish! The tank occupies the entire space behind the front seats and was designed by Animal Planet's "Tanked" co-stars Wayde King and Brett Raymer in partnership with Toyota and Nickelodeon's "SpongeBob SquarePants". More than 32 species populate the aquarium tank, which features a custom-built, complex filtration system including an overflow system, sterilizer, UV filter, temperature regulator and additional elements. The SpongeBob theme carries throughout the interior details and the exterior wrap of the vehicle. The unusual Highlander will be featured in March 2014 in an episode of "Tanked" on Animal Planet. Today, the Japanese brand also announced the winner of the 2013 Toyota Dream Build Challenge, which is the "Let's Go Moto Tundra", designed by Supercross stars Justin Brayton and Josh Grant with the help of Joe Gibbs Racing Motocross. The concept truck features an 8-foot (2,438-mm) rolling "pitlane", complete with TV screens, a power washer, spare parts and tools. By Dan Mihalascu           |
| This Hyundai Car Salesman Can Really Bust Some Dance Moves Posted: 05 Nov 2013 02:11 PM PST  What started out as a joke after Joe Barzelay, Sales Manager of Eastern Shore Hyundai in Daphne, Alabama, wanted to show off his moves, with one of his colleagues, Charles Matthews, cheekily grabbing his camera to capture what he initially believed to be an embarrassing moment, has all the ingredients for a viral hit. Matthews told Al.com that there were some street dancers at the Hyundai dealership for a promotional event when Barzelay told one of the dancers, "Let me show you what I used to do in the day." "At that point, I pulled out my phone, because I was expecting something bad," Matthews told the news site. "We had no idea he was going to break out and do what he did that day." As of now, the original video has garnered some 267,000 views, but that number is expected to increase, along with Barzelay's fame, who we wouldn't be surprised if we saw him starring in an official Hyundai television spot in the very near future.    |
| Google Doodle Pays Homage to Designer Raymond Loewy Posted: 05 Nov 2013 01:44 PM PST  French-born industrial designer Raymond Loewy spent most of his life in United States, where he came up with ideas for so many companies, that the space required here to list them all would make doing so a not at all worthwhile exercise – it would just be a very lengthy enumeration of names and acronyms. He was born on November 5, in 1893, in Paris, and began his active life in the design field in 1909. Now, 120 years later, Google is celebrating his life and activity with a unique Google Doodle showcasing a stylized interpretation of one of his streamlined steam engine designs. However, while most know him as having designed Coca-Cola vending machines, the Greyhound bus, Lucky Strike cigarette pack, household appliances like the Sears Coldspot refrigerator and the aforementioned locomotives, he also had quite a lengthy collaboration with Studebaker. His partnership with them began in 1936, and one of the first things he did was to redesign the company logo, which had remained unchanged for the past 24 years. Moreover, he was responsible (as head of design) for many of Studebaker's models launched immediately after the war, all of which exhibit his trademark style of placing lines together – he was one of the first to do away with bulging fenders, preferring to have them completely flush with the body, an idea which is still in use today. Check out some of his automotive creations after the virtual jump. By Andrei Nedelea                 |
| SEMA Show Nissan GT-R Radzilla is an LED-Lovers Delight [w/Video] Posted: 05 Nov 2013 01:11 PM PST  Shame on us for doubting, but we will admit that the first few photos (low-size and -quality, in our defense) we saw of the Nissan GT-R Radzilla, had us wondering if it was the real thing or a replica of sorts – think Hyundai Genesis Coupe donor car. The big pictures from the custom lighting specialists at FlyRyde along with the owner's collection of videos that we soon unearthed, leave no doubts that this is the real Godzilla, albeit one with a few more pounds around the waist and more LEDs than a Tokyo billboard. While many details remain vague, we did learn that the wide-body GT-R nicknamed Radzilla is heading towards the SEMA Show in Las Vegas for its presentation. We'll try to find out more, but for now, perform the proverbial jump to check out the images and videos. Photo Credits: FlyRyde and Rad_GT-R/Instagram                            |
| Kia Feels the Beat with Five Music-Themed Souls at the SEMA Show Posted: 05 Nov 2013 12:41 PM PST  Kia's dancing all the way to Las Vegas and the 2013 SEMA Show with five concept versions of its 2014 Soul compact. The music-themed builds include the DJ Booth Soul, Amped Soul, Music Memorabilia Soul, a Soul inspired by NBC's show The Voice and a Soul highlighting the brand's partnership with the Vans Warped Tour. Three of the vehicles have been built by Galpin Auto Sports and LUX Motorwerks and feature premium audio components intended for live performance, while the others showcase musical lifestyles and trends. In detail: Amped Soul Vans Warped Tour Soul DJ Booth Soul Music Memorabilia Soul The Voice Soul Alongside the Soul custom concepts, Kia is also displaying the refreshed 2014 Optima, plus the 2014 Forte Koup and 2014 Forte hatchback fitted with the 201hp four-cylinder turbocharged engine. By Dan Mihalascu                                  |
| New Acura ILX and RLX Receive SEMA Show Treatments Posted: 05 Nov 2013 11:56 AM PST  Honda's near-premium division Acura has yanked the covers off three customized sedans at the SEMA aftermarket show, including the RLX VIP Sedan crafted by Evasive Motorsports, the RLX Urban Luxury Sedan and Street Performance ILX, both made by MAD Industries. The most colorful of the three is the ILX Street Performance that's wrapped in matte copper metallic and accented by matte charcoal metallic 3M Scotchprint 1080 film (a common theme among the group's SEMA cars as Honda did the same). It also features an aero kit, 19-inch TSW Max wheels, a lowered suspension and most importantly, a supercharger kit that bumps the 2.4-liter unit's output to 250 wheel-horsepower. On a more serious note, the RLX Urban Luxury sports some discrete upgrades including a decklid spoiler, Silver 22-inch Niche wheels wrapped in 265/30ZR-22 Nitto Invo tires, and brushed metallic trims from, you guessed it, 3M. If you're looking for a more louder version of the RLX, Acura has the VIP edition that brings a custom carbon fiber front bumper lip and vents, a modified rear bumper, 21-inch rims wrapped in 245/35ZR-21 rubber, a lowered suspension and fabricated exhaust system with titanium tips. No photos of the interior yet, but Acura said that the cabin is highlighted by "custom neck pillows wrapped in Jordan Brand-inspired elephant print [that] add luxury and style".
2014 Acura RLX VIP Sedan             |
| Honda Shows Off Some Of Its SEMA Custom Tunes Posted: 05 Nov 2013 11:31 AM PST  Joining the revised 2014 Civic Coupe lineup at Honda's SEMA Show booth in Las Vegas this week, is a group of custom and racing models, a collection of which you can see in the official photos released by the Japanese automaker today right below the break. These include the 2013 Civic Si Sedan Project with a lowered suspension, satin black racing stripes and 18-inch black alloy wheels, the MAD Industries 2013 Accord Sedan Project wrapped in a matte red metallic 3M Scotchprint 1080 Film and fitted with a number of upgraded components like the 20-inch rims, and the 2014 Civic Coupe EX-L equipped with a Honda Genuine Accessories aero kit and 18-inch wheels. Also making its appearance on The Strip is the 133 mph Mean Mower developed by Honda UK – if you haven't see it in action, do check out the video from our previous post here.                          |
| Redesigned 2014 Honda Civic Coupe with Slightly More Powerful Si Breaks Cover Posted: 05 Nov 2013 11:22 AM PST  Honda placed the marker on the Las Vegas SEMA Show for the world premiere of its revised 2014 Civic Coupe, though, for the full details including pricing, the Japanese carmaker tells us that we'll have to wait a few weeks for the upcoming Los Angeles Auto Show (November 22 to December 1). The redesign of the Civic Coupe follows the refresh of the sedan model last year. You'll be able to tell it's the 2014MY from the coupe's re-styled front end featuring a busier grille treatment, new headlights, reworked bumper with different openings, plus new hood and fender designs. Additional changes include the new taillight lenses, redesigned rear bumper, new side mirrors and wheel designs. The sportier Civic Si Coupe adds some more aggressive styling cues such as a bespoke lower front bumper garnish and apron, larger than before rear decklid spoiler, a different rear bumper with a diffuser, and larger 18-inch wheels. Honda engineers also retuned the Si Coupe's exhaust system that boosts the 2.4-liter inline four's peak output by 4hp and maximum torque by 4 lb-ft for a total of 205-horsepower and 174 lb-ft of torque respectively, Honda did not mention any changes for the 2014 Civic Coupe's interior and chassis.
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| Toyota Sends Off FJ Cruiser with Final 2014MY Cruiser Trail Teams Ultimate Edition Posted: 05 Nov 2013 10:37 AM PST  After seven years in production with over 200,000 units sold, it's the end of the road for the FJ Cruiser, which has seen its annual sales drop from more than 56,000 in 2006 to around 13,000 in 2012. As a final farewell, Toyota released a commemorative special edition for the 2014MY, which will be the last for the FJ Cruiser, at the SEMA show. Named the 2014 FJ Cruiser Trail Teams Ultimate Edition, it is described by Toyota as "the toughest and most capable FJ ever". Only 2,500 units will be built at an as of yet, undisclosed price, with sales to start in February next year. Like the original and iconic Land Cruiser FJ40 of the 1960's that inspired its design, the special edition sports a newly developed "Heritage Blue" paint combined with a unique white front grille surround. Made for rugged off-roading, the Ultimate Edition comes with a Toyota Racing Development (TRD) off-road suspension that includes Bilstein race shocks with increased damping, articulation and high speed stability. Up front, there are 66mm front shock assemblies with new TRD race coil springs, while at the back, you'll find 50mm shocks equipped with remote reservoirs to decrease damping fade. Also included in the package are a new front skid plate made from one-quarter-inch thick aluminum, TRD 16-inch bead lock wheels with BF Goodrich A/T KO tires, rock rails and roof rack. Offered exclusively in 4x4, the Ultimate edition comes standard with Active Traction Control (A-TRAC), Crawl Control (CRAWL available with automatic transmission only), Vehicle Skid Control (VSC) with off switch and electronically controlled locking rear differential. [FROM TOYOTA PR]           |
| Daimler Wants to Deepen Cooperation with Tesla Motors Posted: 05 Nov 2013 10:15 AM PST  Daimler AG, the maker of Mercedes-Benz luxury vehicles, would like to expand its cooperation with electric car manufacturer Tesla Motors, a high-ranking Daimler executive told Reuters. "I told my guys, go back to Tesla and look for other opportunities to work together", said Bodo Uebber, Daimler's chief financial officer. "We want to look for more cooperation," he added. Tesla is currently supplying electric motors and batteries to Daimler for its Smart ForTwo EV and the new Mercedes-Benz B-Class Electric Drive that will go on sale in 2014 in the U.S. and Europe. Uebber said Daimler could use more from Tesla, but didn't provide details. Daimler AG holds a 4.3 percent stake in Tesla, which also supplies EV components to Toyota. Maybe Mercedes-Benz is feeling the pressure from BMW's new i sub-brand, which has rolled out two new electrified models, the i3 city car and the i8 plug-in hybrid sports car. The B-Class Electric Drive is powered by an electric motor generating more than 100 kW (134 HP) and 310 Nm (228.6 lb-ft) of peak torque. It covers the 0 to 60 mph (96 km/h) sprint in "considerably less than 10 seconds," according to Mercedes-Benz, and has a limited top speed of 100 mph (160 km/h). Driving range is estimated at 200 km (115 miles). The electric B-Class can be recharged at any standard household power socket, with charging time for a range of about 60 miles (96 km) standing at less than 2 hours at 240V/40A in the USA (1.5 hours at 400V in Europe). By Dan Mihalascu              |
| Belarusian Rider Showing Off Slips and Gets Trapped Under his Bike… Posted: 05 Nov 2013 09:36 AM PST  Oh, yes, this is one of those videos that will force you to push your palm gently (or not) towards your face. Caught on film from a following vehicle's dashboard camera on the streets of Minsk in Belarus, the incident begins and ends with a frisky motorcycle rider showing off. However, it's what took place in between that interests us the most. At a set of lights (about 45 seconds into the video), our energetic rider blasts off with a tail spin, but he didn't actually get away more than a few feet as his bike slipped and fell…on top of him. In fact, he was trapped under the bike and several motorists had to jump out of their cars and get him out of this embarrassing situation. And no, he didn't learn anything. I think we'll be seeing him in the near future in another video…    |
| Maserati Records Three Times Better Stateside Sales in October Posted: 05 Nov 2013 09:04 AM PST  If Maserati wants to become a major global luxury player, its cars need to appeal to US customers too, and it seems that the new model offensive as well as the introduction of optional all-wheel drive are slowly turning the tide in their favor. For the month of October, they sold 186 percent more cars Stateside than they did last year, and this also helped their year to date figure, which currently stands testament to them having sold 29 percent more cars so far in 2013. The news was commented on by Maserati North America President and CEO, Bob Graczyk, who stated the following: "All-Wheel-Drive is a game changer for Maserati. Not only is it welcome in cold weather markets where this feature is appreciated, S Q4 also provides genuine Maserati performance with added excitement in markets where snow and ice are not an issue." The boost in sales was also made possible by the expansion of their US dealer network, which currently has 77 locations scattered across the country. Moreover, the biggest climb in sales is yet to come, as the cheaper (and we say better looking) Ghibli is set to start arriving in showrooms this month – it too can be had with all-wheel drive, and the reviews have pegged it as being a very competent and fun to drive car. Its V6 engine also sounds very unique too… By Andrei Nedelea                 |
| Japanese Interwebs Make Fun of Lexus' Spindle Grille and its Designer Posted: 05 Nov 2013 08:37 AM PST  Leave it to the internet to put a humorous touch on a controversial subject such as Lexus' new signature spindle grille as seen on the new RC Coupe, which, while not as hotly debated as Chris Bangle's infamous BMW flame surfacing, the 2014 Jeep Cherokee's diplopia snout or Acura's "beak", it still doesn't sit well with many couch design critics. We discovered this manipulated photo circulating around a number of Japanese forums, which shows Yasuo Kajino, group manager in the Lexus Division Design Center, with a…pinched or as Lexus calls it, "spindle" style mouth-piece. In an interview about the new ES sedan that was hosted on Lexus' own website and magazine, Kajino was asked what he thought were the most important exterior design changes in the new car, to which he had replied the following: "One significant change is the adoption of the spindle grille, which was first used on the new GS. This enhances the emotional impact of the face, which is immediately identifiable as a Lexus and helps to strengthen the brand identity." We have to ask; do you think people are overreacting with Lexus' pinched grille or do you agree with them? Do tell us below.
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| Toyota’s Tokyo-Bound Noah and Voxy are Concepts for Next-Gen Spacious Minivans Posted: 05 Nov 2013 07:59 AM PST  Concepts only by name, on the looks of it, the Noah and Voxy models are what Toyota calls "next-generation spacious minivans that provide the roomy interior needed by families and integrate higher levels of fun, utility and fuel economy." They feature a low-floor design, aimed at maximizing interior space to the extreme, giving all of the seven theoretical passengers lots of vertical room to… wave their arms around freely. As you'd expect, the seating arrangement/layout is customizable, and it needs to be, for the kind of role these two vehicles are expected to fulfill. Moving on to powertrains, Toyota will offer either a 2.0-liter petrol engine, or a hybrid variant that uses a smaller 1.8-liter unit. The latter has had the battery pack placed in such a way so as not to rob the interior of any extra space, even though it is not specifically explained how or where they put it. If you take even a quick look at the four photos posted below, you will immediately realize that they're basically one and the same vehicle, differentiated by their front fascias, body kits, rims and rear lights. Japanese buyers can expect to see them in showrooms in the first part of 2014. By Andrei Nedelea        |
| Chevrolet Dresses 2014 Camaro Facelift in Drags Posted: 05 Nov 2013 07:35 AM PST  Making its first public appearance today at the SEMA aftermarket show is the revised, 2014 edition of Chevrolet's COPO Camaro racer for the drag strip. This the third year that GM is offering the COPO Camaro program and as with the previous two editions, only 69 race cars will be built for NHRA Stock Eliminator and Super Stock competition. Customers will be able to choose from four different V8 powerplants, including a revised version of the naturally aspirated 427 cubic-inch (7.0-liters) unit, a 350 cubic-inch (5.7-liters) engine with a 2.9L Whipple screw-type supercharger, and the less dramatic, naturally aspirated 350 and 396 cubic-inch (6.5-liters) mills. Those who can afford it can also purchase all four engines, each serialized to match the car. Besides the new front and rear ends, the 2014 model also includes new racing seats, updated graphics and a new, available wheel design. All models come fitted with an NHRA-approved roll cage and other safety equipment, along with racing chassis and suspension components such as a unique solid rear axle system in place of a regular-production Camaro's independent rear axle. "The COPO is helping sportsman racers around the country put the Chevrolet bowtie in the winner's circle and the 2014 cars will be even more competitive with the new engines," said Jim Campbell, GM U.S. vice president of performance vehicles and motorsports. "But the only way to get one of the new race cars is get your name on the COPO mailing list at chevroletperformance.com." We should note that the car pictured here with the serial number 1 is the only 2014 Camaro COPO to be painted in an Ice Blue Metallic shade and it will be auctioned off by Chevrolet Performance at Barrett-Jackson's annual January event in Scottsdale, Arizona, with all proceeds to benefit the Achilles Freedom Team of Wounded Veterans.        |
| TMS 2013: Toyota's Funky JPN Taxi and Aqua G Sports Concepts Posted: 05 Nov 2013 07:08 AM PST  One of the oddest-looking vehicles on display at Toyota's Tokyo Motor Show booth will be the JPN Taxi Concept, which previews a next-generation taxi for the Japanese market. Toyota says the study was developed with Japanese hospitality in mind, offering ease of ingress and egress and a comfortable interior size in a compact body. The JPN Taxi Concept measures 4,350 mm (171 inches) in length, 1,695 mm (66.7 inches) in width and 1,700 mm (67 inches) in height and has a wheelbase of 2,750 mm (108.2 inches), offering space for five passengers. The concept features large electrically operated doors and a low, flat floor that ease access for passengers, particularly for children and seniors. Toyota says the open, roomy interior has been designed "to ensure ease-of-use at all times." The design of the car features familiar taxi proportions and an electrically operated sliding door on the passenger-seat side. The interior includes a large monitor that provides information to passengers, such as the route to the destination and taxi fares. Air conditioning and lighting have been optimized to enhance the impression of space and comfort. The JPN Taxi Concept is powered by a new liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) hybrid system optimized for taxi driving patterns. The vehicle has been developed according to the Japanese Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism's guidelines for taxis tailored to regional needs. Toyota will also bring the Aqua G Sports concept to Tokyo, which has already been shown at the previous edition of Japan's most important auto show. The study was tuned by Gazoo Racing and previews a production model that will launch on the Japanese market in late November. By Dan Mihalascu                            |
| Idiots Get a Second Chance in Life After Playing Around with Cell Phone Posted: 05 Nov 2013 06:41 AM PST  Yes idiots; why? For starters, I can't believe that in this day and age, and after so much information has become so widely available about the importance of wearing a seatbelt, some people just don't get and refuse its use. And if that's not enough, the young woman in this video who was not wearing her seatbelt, was also fooling around with her phone and distracting the driver by taking pictures and placing the device in front of him. Of course, it didn't take long for something bad to happen when the preoccupied driver veered off his lane / didn't pay attention on the road with a black SUV clipping off his exterior mirror – the couple should be extremely grateful that this was the only part clipped... Here's hoping that they learned a very valuable lesson. Otherwise, our Russian dash-cam section awaits them…    |
| Toyota FT-86 Open Concept Wears a Red Dress for Tokyo Motor Show Posted: 05 Nov 2013 06:10 AM PST  We've read conflicting reports on the fate of the Toyota FT-86 Open Concept that was originally displayed in white at this year's Geneva Motor Show, but the Japanese company doesn't seem willing to let go, just yet. At the 2013 edition of the Tokyo Motor Show later this month, it will host the Japanese market premiere of the study with a red twist, and by that, we mean the FT-86 Open concept sports a new "Flash Red" body hue borrowed from the coupe, along with a re-colored interior. Also, unlike the white Geneva concept, it comes in a right-hand drive configuration and with an automatic, instead of a manual transmission. Again, there's no mention of a production version of the soft-top four-seater, with Toyota reiterating its previous statement that the car was "created to explore future sports car variations".                |
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