CARSCOOP |  |
- 2013 SEMA Show Photo Tour Part 1, Plus Awards for the Top Trending Vehicles [360 Pics]
- Toyota Prius Taxi Blows Up In Barcelona, 3rd Party LPG Conversion Blamed [w/Video]
- This Maserati Supercar Design Study Revives the Bora Name and Looks Sweet!
- Take Your Time to Watch an RC Unimog Tractor Plow a Field
- Devel Sixteen Hyper-Claims 5,000HP, 0-100 KM/H in 1.8 Seconds and 560km/h [w/Video]
- Jaguar Shows C-X17 Crossover in New Color at Dubai Motor Show, Plus First Video Review
- Say Guten Tag to Miss Tuning Calendar 2014 in 32 Photos and Videos [NSFW]
- Hyundai Announces 2.0-Liter Turbo and 3.8-Liter V6 Crate Motors at SEMA
- Ford F-100 Snakebit Pays Homage to Classic Shelby Mustangs at SEMA
- Alfa Styling Boss Says Giulia Is Fiat-Chrysler's Hardest Design Challenge
- Willys Jeep vs. Corvette ZR1, Porsche Cayman and Honda CBR600
- These Are NHTSA's 10 Biggest Automotive Recalls of the Century
- Spied: New 2015 Mini Convertible Served with a Soft-Top on a Flatbed
- Consumer Reports Says Mercedes CLA Has the Looks, but Falls Short on Substance
- A Little Overdone, You Say? Camaro SSL 727 Speedster Concept
- Skoda Rapid and Spaceback GreenLine Priced and Rated in the UK
- Wasted Driver Doesn't Give a Whoop About Accident, Tries to Hitch a Ride!
- SRT Announces the Finalists for Name This New Viper Blue Color Contest
- This 2001 BMW M5 E39 Runs on a Twin-Turbo Toyota Supra Engine
- Hey, Where's the Dubai Motor Show "Confirmed" Toyota GT 86 Sedan Concept?
- Aussie Ships 1972 Valiant Charger to the U.S. for Drag Racing
- Rolls-Royce Takes Celestial Phantom, Chicane Phantom Coupé and Wraith to Dubai Show
- Toyota's Low Cost Etios Gains a New Cross Edition in Brazil
- Gold Diggers Social Experiment Redux, This Time with a Ferrari 458 Spider
- Prior Design Tune for Prior Facelift Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe
| 2013 SEMA Show Photo Tour Part 1, Plus Awards for the Top Trending Vehicles [360 Pics] Posted: 06 Nov 2013 06:41 PM PST  Undeniably, when it comes to the aftermarket and customization industry, the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show, which is hosted annually during the first week of November at the Las Vegas Convention Center, is in its own playing field. The show, which is not accessible to the general public, opened its doors to the press, manufacturers and professionals in the aftermarket business on Tuesday and will remain open until Friday, November 8. In this posting, we're sharing a first batch of some 360 photos of a collection of cars on display at SEMA, with more to follow in the coming days. Before we let you browse through the gallery, let us tell you that today, the organizers of the event announced the SEMA Awards for the top trending vehicle models in four categories, as voted by the show exhibitors: Hottest Car: Ford Mustang
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| Toyota Prius Taxi Blows Up In Barcelona, 3rd Party LPG Conversion Blamed [w/Video] Posted: 06 Nov 2013 04:45 PM PST  A Toyota Prius LPG taxi exploded on Wednesday morning in Barcelona, Spain, injuring the driver who was traveling by himself and two other people that were behind the taxi in another car. The cab driver suffered first-degree burns on his head, with the explosion also breaking glass doors and windows in the Nou Barris district. The hybrid vehicle had been adapted to run on liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) only two weeks before, according to the taxi drivers' union from Catalonia. A third party with an LPG installation had modified the vehicle, and the LPG tank is said to be likely responsible for the explosion. Toyota Spain immediately issued a press statement saying that it doesn't recommend that its vehicles converted to run on LPG. "Toyota Spain disapproves the amendment of any of our vehicles (hybrid or not ) through the installation of LPG, as these facilities substantially change the operating conditions of the car and do not meet the requirements of Toyota Motor Corporation for technical approval," reads the release. Toyota said that it's "technically impossible" for an unmodified Prius vehicle to explode like the LPG taxi. The automaker said it sent an engineer to Barcelona in order to analyze the wrecked car and issue a technical report with the findings. By Dan Mihalascu Hat tip to Hugo from Periodismo del Motor !     This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
| This Maserati Supercar Design Study Revives the Bora Name and Looks Sweet! Posted: 06 Nov 2013 04:15 PM PST  A number of unofficial model renderings that are intentionally made to look like the work of the manufacturer come out seriously lacking substance and cohesiveness. This happens when those who create them don't spend the time to take in the subtleties of a brand's design, and think that simply borrowing rough familiar styling cues (grilles, lights, chrome accents and wheels), throwing them all into a metaphorical bowl and using a blender to piece them together offers a chance of achieving praise-worthy results – it usually doesn't. The Maserati you see here is not like that. It's the work of designer Alex Imnadze, and has a very aesthetically pleasing shape to behold. Special mention goes to the fact that this particular design exercise, which revives the old Bora name from the brand's mid-engined past, stays true to Maserati's current design philosophy – it looks official. The front and rear lights, along with the position and shape of the grille are very reminiscent of the Ghibli and new Quattroporte. Even the three side slats are present, and it all looks rather cohesive – clearly, it's benefitted from having a lot of thought put into it. There are also hints of the old Bora in the shape, and Alex told us that his aim was to make this into a real rival for the Ferrari 458, so has he? Check out the complete gallery below and feel free to share your views in the comments section too. By Andrei Nedelea Thanks to Alex for the designs!          |
| Take Your Time to Watch an RC Unimog Tractor Plow a Field Posted: 06 Nov 2013 03:46 PM PST  Have we told you that we love quality, remote controlled (RC) scale models? Even better if they perform real-life tasks, like our amazing friend Joe from Canada who dug out his basement using, believe it or not, exclusively a collection of RC excavators and trucks. While this Unimog RC tractor won't perform such a spectacular feat, it does look mighty cool plowing the field in the following video. And since we were on the subject of scale models assuming roles of professional machinery, just for kicks, we veered off to the more isolated corners of YouTube where we discovered a couple more videos of different RC vehicles, all of which can be found below the break.    |
| Devel Sixteen Hyper-Claims 5,000HP, 0-100 KM/H in 1.8 Seconds and 560km/h [w/Video] Posted: 06 Nov 2013 03:15 PM PST  One of the most intriguing exhibits at the 2013 Dubai International Motor Show is a claimed hypercar called Devel Sixteen. Although it doesn't look that well put together, the makers of this V16-powered machine claim performance unheard of from production cars. The Devel Sixteen's engine allegedly produces 5,000 hp (five times more than a Bugatti Veyron's W16 powerplant), giving the car unheard-of performance. 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) takes 1.8 seconds and top speed is 560 km/h (348 mph). On the outside, the Sixteen can be described as a cross between a Lamborghini Veneno, a Pagani Zonda and a fighter jet - given the two enormous exhaust pipes that look like supersonic engines and the massive rear wing. I don't know about you, but I don't believe this specific example can even reach 250 km/h (155 mph) without disintegrating… The company's website has no technical details about the car whatsoever, but describes it as "simply beyond extreme," and "created with the passion of making this car a Legend in the history of super cars." Thoughts? By Dan Mihalascu    |
| Jaguar Shows C-X17 Crossover in New Color at Dubai Motor Show, Plus First Video Review Posted: 06 Nov 2013 02:47 PM PST  Following its global premiere at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September, Jaguar's C-X17 crossover concept had its Middle East debut this week at the 2013 Dubai International Motor Show. To mark the occasion, Jaguar painted the study in a lustrous Liquid Aluminium liquid metal finish, which I have to admit, looks at as good, if not better than the C-X17's original blue paint. The C-X17's official purpose in life was to introduce Jaguar's all-new advanced aluminium architecture, which will underpin a new range of future Jaguars, beginning with a new mid-sized C/D segment sedan in 2015. However, the SUV's looks hint to a production model, so in order to garner as many reactions as possible, Jaguar took the C-X17 to the Dubai International Motor Show. The sports crossover also posed for a photo shoot in Dubai and was even offered to a lucky local journalist for a video review. Scroll down to check out the video (which also includes a short interview with Jaguar design boss Ian Callum) and to see the new photo gallery. By Dan Mihalascu                                                  |
| Say Guten Tag to Miss Tuning Calendar 2014 in 32 Photos and Videos [NSFW] Posted: 06 Nov 2013 02:03 PM PST  Germany's Miss Tuning queen 2013, Frizzy Arnold, is a thing of the past as she has passed on her glistening crown, title and lighthearted responsibilities to her successor, 21-year old Leonie Hagmeyer-Reyinger, who recently wrapped up a photo shoot for the Miss Tuning Calendar 2014, which we are now sharing with those of you interested. If you care to know about the background before you ogle at the photos and videos, the popular Miss Tuning pageant is organized for one of the biggest annual automobile aftermarket shows in Europe, the Tuning World Bodensee that takes place in Germany in May each year. Nothing more to say here as pictures speak louder than words…
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| Hyundai Announces 2.0-Liter Turbo and 3.8-Liter V6 Crate Motors at SEMA Posted: 06 Nov 2013 01:30 PM PST  Need a moderately-powerful crate engine that is modern and direct-injected for your project car that doesn't necessarily require a V8? Hyundai may have what you're looking for, in the form of its new program to sell just the 2.0-liter turbo or 3.8-liter V6 engines on their own. The smaller unit will be made available either in 'turbo-ready' guise, without the actual turbo included, for $4,500, or with the factory turbo kit installed at $6,000 – in that guise, it makes 274 hp. Hyundai says the 'turbo-ready' version "was developed specifically for tuners planning more aggressive, aftermarket-based turbocharging solutions, eliminating the costs associated with redundant turbocharging components." The 348 hp 3.8-liter V6 is, as you'd imagine, more expensive, setting you back $9,000. It really depends on what you're looking to do with it, and if you want to know what the two engines are like in an actual car, you can always book a test drive in one of their Genesis coupes that come equipped with either. Both units come complete out of the box (or crate), featuring intake manifolds, ignition coils, injectors and fuel delivery system and both are guaranteed for 12 months or 12,000 miles. By Andrei Nedelea             |
| Ford F-100 Snakebit Pays Homage to Classic Shelby Mustangs at SEMA Posted: 06 Nov 2013 01:04 PM PST  A custom 1956 Ford F-100 nicknamed "Snakebit" was unveiled at the 2013 SEMA Show by KISS bassist Gene Simmons and his wife, actress Shannon Tweed. Featuring styling cues that are a tribute to classic Shelby Mustangs, the truck is powered by Ford's supercharged 5.4-liter V8 engine. The unit sends 550 horsepower to the 20-inch rear wheels via a six-speed manual gearbox, so the Snakebit is not at all as tame as one would think judging from its friendly looks. The truck's wheelbase has been stretched five inches (127mm), while the bed has been widened and fitted with a billet machined floor that imitates wood. The headlights and sequential taillights are custom built, while the 18-inch front and the 20-inch rear wheels also draw inspiration from past Shelby Mustangs. On the inside, Snakebit features handmade panels and two-tone leather, a leather-wrapped dash with custom knobs and a leather bench seat from Glide Engineering that matches the look of a Shelby Mustang interior. The concept has a noble purpose in life, as it is part of a fundraising effort to build a children's hospital in Tweed's hometown of Saskatoon, in the province of Saskatchewan, one of only two Canadian provinces without a dedicated children's hospital. The truck will go under the hammer next year at a Barrett-Jackson auction. By Dan Mihalascu       |
| Alfa Styling Boss Says Giulia Is Fiat-Chrysler's Hardest Design Challenge Posted: 06 Nov 2013 12:33 PM PST  The upcoming Alfa Romeo Giulia will probably be the company's most important model in decades, as the brand's revival depends heavily on the global midsize rear-wheel drive sedan. Believe it or not, but for a brand that gave the world superb designs over the years the most difficult part of the Giulia's development is the styling, according to Alfa Romeo's head of global design Lorenzo Ramaciotti. "Alfa Romeo is the hardest design challenge we face. There is a lot of expectation, so what we do has to be remarkable but stand the test of time," Ramaciotti was quoted as saying by Autocar. One of the causes for which the car still doesn't have a firm release date is the internal dispute regarding its styling. Most recently said to launch next year, the Giulia's debut has already been deferred several times. Besides design arguments, the Giulia has been also delayed because of the change in plans that said it has to be a global car. Although it was originally designed with Europe in mind (just like its predecessor, the Alfa Romeo 159), the Giulia's briefing was changed to become a world car, following Fiat's acquisition of a majority stake in Chrysler. Significant changes had to be done to the original project, which was considered to be at a high risk of failing as a global car. When it launches sometime next year, the Alfa Romeo Giulia will use the most powerful engines from the Giulietta and possibly the 237-hp (240PS) turbocharged 4-cylinder unit from the 4C sports car. North American models will likely get Chrysler's Pentastar V6 engines and four-wheel drive. By Dan Mihalascu Note: Alfa Romeo Gloria Concept by IED pictured
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| Willys Jeep vs. Corvette ZR1, Porsche Cayman and Honda CBR600 Posted: 06 Nov 2013 12:09 PM PST  Some of you have expressed your dissatisfaction about our result-revealing titles when it comes to races and even vehicle comparisons, so we're going keep this post simple and let the following video do most of the talking. However, we will give you a heads up and mention that, while the archetypal Willys Jeep looks ready to participate in a veterans' parade, since it's fairly stock on the outside with a few exceptions like the wheels and tires, that couldn't be farther away from the truth when it comes to its internal organs. You see, aside from the LSX V8, this 1952 Willys Jeep also likes to…drink some nitrous shots when it's racing. Watch what it does to it in the videos below the jump.    |
| These Are NHTSA's 10 Biggest Automotive Recalls of the Century Posted: 06 Nov 2013 11:34 AM PST  We're used to recalls being an integral part of the how the modern automotive industry has evolved. After more than a century and a quarter of making cars, manufacturers often don't get them right first time out, and especially in the case of all-new models, it frequently seems to be a case of having to trim a bit around the side to get everything fitting and functioning together nicely… Automotive News has put together a list of all the largest automaker-led recalls ever, all of which took place after the year 2000 after the practice became mandated by law in the US. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) rules stipulate that the "potential number of units affected" is what counts for the official tally, so with that in mind we can move on and talk about the biggest recall of all, ever. The No1 was announced by Ford in 2001, it involved recalling a total of 13 million tires belonging to 1991 to 2001 SUV and pickup models that were being sold at the time. Following it in the overall standings are two more Ford recalls both involving the callback of 4.5 million vehicles each. The first is from 2005, and it involved more SUVs, pickups and vans dating back to no earlier than 1994 – the reason was the cruise control switch that could cause a fire. The other happened four years later when the Blue Oval called back all the remaining cars that used the same troublesome switch. The rest of the list is as follows: in fourth place, we finally have a new name, Toyota, which had a floor mat problem (unintended acceleration) that made it call 4.4 million cars back to dealerships in 2009. Next up is GM, which had a 3.7 million-strong problem with the Chevy Silverado and Avalanche alongside the GMC Sierra in 2004. At number six, we have Ford again in 2007, with a 3.6 million-strong recall whose root was also a bad cruise control switch. Toyota makes an appearance again at number seven, having had issues with 2.5 million Camrys and Corollas in 2012 – window switch assembly was prone to fire. Finally, finishing off we have Chrysler's 2004 recall of 2.3 million vehicles, Toyota's 2010 recall of 2.2 million vehicles (more unintended acceleration) and in tenth place, we have GM's 2003 action involving 1.8 million "minivans, pickups and SUVs from the mid-1990s." By Andrei Nedelea           |
| Spied: New 2015 Mini Convertible Served with a Soft-Top on a Flatbed Posted: 06 Nov 2013 11:02 AM PST  Spy photographers have nabbed the 2015 Mini Convertible doing the Munich road rounds on an flatbed truck. The two-door, four-seater open-top iteration of the series should come into the picture less than a year after the new Mini hatch that's scheduled for a world premiere at the LA Auto Show later this month. The two Mini models are virtually the same from the waist down, with the Convertible keeping the same setup as the current version with an electrically operated cloth roof and hidden rollbar hoops that only pop up in the event of an accident. While the engineering minds in Germany and England have founds ways to cut pounds here and there, the Convertible will likely weigh more than its coupe counterpart due to the folding roof mechanism and strengthened chassis. Mini has already confirmed that the new hatch and convertible will be offered with the BMW Group's highly anticipated, new turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder and 2.0-liter four-cylinder engines, with precise details to be announced in LA. Photo Credits: CarPix for CarScoopS          |
| Consumer Reports Says Mercedes CLA Has the Looks, but Falls Short on Substance Posted: 06 Nov 2013 10:34 AM PST  You must know what you're getting yourself into when purchasing a Mercedes-Benz CLA, a car that apart from the styling and badge is, worlds away from any Three Pointed Star sedan to come before it. It's front-wheel drive, it's not particularly spacious or practical, nor is it as cosseting as a Benz should be to drive or/and be in. These are some of the conclusions drawn in this first drive of the CLA done by Consumer Reports. Their car is a CLA250 model, the one most will go for in the States, though they called it poorly equipped in and around its base price of just under thirty grand. They moved that closer to forty ($36,500) by ticking not that many boxes at all: a 'premium package,' special paint, opening panoramic glass roof, wood trim inside and bi-xenon headlights. In the end, they were not won over by it, primarily because it doesn't feel like a Mercedes ought to and the attractively low youth-corrupting starting price quickly rises and the CLA almost ends up costing just as much as the proper rear-wheel driven Mercs that we're used to. Check out the full video below. By Andrei Nedelea    |
| A Little Overdone, You Say? Camaro SSL 727 Speedster Concept Posted: 06 Nov 2013 10:01 AM PST  Let's be honest now; if you're looking for subtle tunes, then you should probably stay as far away from any aftermarket show and especially Las Vegas and SEMA, which is a Mecca for extreme tuning, as humanly possible. This 2011 Chevrolet Camaro SS Coupe-based project pretty much sums up what takes place in Vegas every year in November. It's the work of The Custom Shop in Flanagan, Illinois and it's named the SSL 727 Camaro. After chopping the roof off the coupe and giving it a much wider speedster-style body with a custom paintjob and graphics, 22-inch Forgeline ZX3P wheels and many other bespoke cues, the tuner swapped the stock engine for a $17,500 Procharged LSX376, which is a 376 cubic inch (6.2-liter) supercharged V8 good for at least 630 ponies.              |
| Skoda Rapid and Spaceback GreenLine Priced and Rated in the UK Posted: 06 Nov 2013 09:35 AM PST  The Skoda Rapid Spaceback has not been on sale for long, but there's already a more eco-friendly GreenLine version, which is also available for the regular sedan-shaped liftback model. Now, both variants have been priced and rated in the UK, where they start at £17,195 and £17,535 respectively. However, despite having different body styles and weights, both models are quoted to return the very same 74.3 mpg UK (3.8 l/100km or 61.9 mpg US) and emit 99 g/km CO2. These numbers will make these two cars excellent fleet choices and are partly down to the efficiency tweaks done to the cars, like the use of low rolling resistance tires. Spec-wise, buyers will be treated to a detuned version of the now familiar 1.6-liter TDI engine, which puts out 89 hp, comes fitted with a particulate filter and drives the front wheels via a traditional five-speed manual gearbox. At least there are 15-inch alloys as standard, as are foglights, height-adjustable driver's seat, manual air-con, reach- and rake-adjustable steering wheel and the trademark Maxi-DOT extended function trip computer (a must on any new Skoda, really – should be standard, but it's not). If you order one now (which you can), Skoda says you will be taking delivery in early 2014. Still, keep in mind that the larger, better and more comfortable Octavia GreenLine, equipped with the non-detuned version of the same engine is considerably more frugal and ever so slightly friendlier to the environment (it's probably quicker too, though they don't quote acceleration times). By Andrei Nedelea            |
| Wasted Driver Doesn't Give a Whoop About Accident, Tries to Hitch a Ride! Posted: 06 Nov 2013 09:00 AM PST  There's drunk, there's thinking you're Freddie Mercury singing Queen's Bohemian Rhapsody drunk, and then there's this guy, who, if Google's translation is spot on (if not, do inform us in the comments), is from Slovyansk, Ukraine. From what we understand, he's the driver of the obliterated Mitsubishi Outlander that massacred a couple of trees before its wheels fell off and died. Evidently, the Japanese SUV's safety systems worked as intended, since the heavily intoxicated man seems largely unhurt – his middle fingers are just fine, as you can see for yourself. After checking out the pandemonium he created, he walked away in the middle of the road looking to hitch a ride from another car…    |
| SRT Announces the Finalists for Name This New Viper Blue Color Contest Posted: 06 Nov 2013 08:33 AM PST  Let the drums roll and the beers flow: Chrysler's SRT division has released the three finalists in its contest for naming a new blue exterior hue for the 2014MY Viper, which it handpicked from more than 11,000 submissions. The three names that made it to the last round are: Competition Blue, Overtaking Blue and Viral Blue. Now, SRT is asking fans of the brand and the car to vote on which one of the three names they would like to see making the final cut through its contest webpage. You will be able to cast your vote until this Sunday, November 10, with the winning name to be announced on Tuesday, November 12. While a brand-new blue-colored Viper would have certainly been more appropriate, the person who submitted the winning name, will have to live with a free trip to the 2014 Rolex 24 Hours of Daytona at Daytona International Speedway.       |
| This 2001 BMW M5 E39 Runs on a Twin-Turbo Toyota Supra Engine Posted: 06 Nov 2013 08:06 AM PST  If you've ever owned or been around BMWs and especially the M performance models, you should know that they're not the best cars for fiddling around with in your garage. But once you go down that tuning route, it's hard to go back, which is what happened to the owner of this 2002 BMW M5 E39 sedan, which in factory trim, gained its power from a naturally-aspirated 4.9-liter V8 twisting out 400PS (395hp). Even though there was nothing wrong with the motor, owner Ed Mui wanted more at a lower cost, so he swapped the Bavarian V8 for a…twin-turbo unit from a Toyota Supra. In an interview with Eurotuner magazine in 2010, Mui explained the reasoning behind his decision: "I purchased the car in 11/07 as a daily driver in Manhattan and vowed to keep it stock," he said, pointing out that he soon changed his mind and started adding a number of parts. The problem, however, was the constant and expensive maintenance. "Being around E-shift and all the 1JZ- and 2JZ-powered cars, I figured I could've spent all the maintenance dollars on mods if it were a Japanese import," he added. "After spending several grand on the car, I didn't even have any performance mods. So I started looking at prices and while everything would cost over $10k, I was disappointed to discover they wouldn't increase the M5's power by even 100whp. And with E-shift already doing several successful swaps, I thought why not the M5?" Now, two years after that interview, Mui has decided to part ways with the Supra-powered M5. "I really don't want to give up this car, but I plan to move to Asia next year and will start the sale process for the car now," he said on the Bimmerforums, where he has listed the car for sale at $22,000 or best offer. Currently, the M5 has 98,000 miles (close to 160,000 kilometers) on the chassis and unknown on the engine.                   |
| Hey, Where's the Dubai Motor Show "Confirmed" Toyota GT 86 Sedan Concept? Posted: 06 Nov 2013 07:03 PM PST  It's day two of the 2013 Dubai Motor Show, yet the "officially confirmed" debut of the mythical Toyota GT 86 Sports Sedan Concept that was "teased" with an "official rendering" alludes us. If anything, you can't say we didn't warn you not to waste your time waiting for it at the Middle East's biggest car event... Anyway, since we're on the subject of Toyota's presence at the ongoing Dubai auto show, we have a selection of photos from the Japanese brand's local presentations. These include the soon-to-be axed FJ Cruiser in the Xtreme trim edition, the European FT-86 Open Top Concept (there's also a JDM version for the Tokyo Motor Show), TRD-prepped Yaris, Corolla and GT 86, and a few more models, which you can take a glance at in the following gallery.
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| Aussie Ships 1972 Valiant Charger to the U.S. for Drag Racing Posted: 06 Nov 2013 06:48 AM PST  While unknown to the masses here in the States, the Chrysler Group's Valiant Charger is one of the most iconic sports coupes to come out from the land Down Under. One of them was recently shipped to the U.S. to take part in the 2013 Drag Week – and not just any Charger, but a very potent specimen built by John Faraone. We don't know if it still holds the record, but at some point, the 1972 Charger with the 572 cubic-inch (9.4-liters!) twin-turbocharged V8 engine held the record for Australia's most powerful street car (see second video) with over 1,900 wheel-horsepower! During the drag races and after overcoming some technical issues, Faraone's Charger broke into the 7 second range for the quarter mile run. See the action clips in the video below.    |
| Rolls-Royce Takes Celestial Phantom, Chicane Phantom Coupé and Wraith to Dubai Show Posted: 06 Nov 2013 06:19 AM PST  Since the Middle-East is the largest market for Rolls-Royce's Bespoke division, the luxury automaker is present at the Dubai International Motor Show with two Bespoke models – the Celestial Phantom and the Chicane Phantom Coupé. In addition to the two one-of-a-kind cars, Rolls-Royce is also showing off its Alpine Trial Centenary Collection and the Wraith coupe, which makes its debut in the Middle East. The Rolls-Royce Celestial Phantom may have debuted at the Frankfurt Motor Show this autumn, but the car came to Dubai with one important addition – or 446, to be exact. The door-cappings, center console lid and rear-privacy divider now feature 446 diamonds! The one-off Phantom celebrates the handover of the first Phantom to its owner at midnight on January 1, 2003. The car's color scheme evokes the night sky, integrating fine glass particles into the paint to achieve an alluring sense of depth and light. The theme continues on the inside with the Starlight Headliner that features the constellations exactly as they were at midnight on that historic evening. Over a thousand fibre optic lights hand-woven into the Celestial Phantom's headlining represent the stars. To make sure everything is authentic, the night-sky constellation arrangement was verified by the South Downs Planetarium. The second Bespoke model on display is the Phantom Coupé Chicane, commissioned by AGMC, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars' authorized dealer for Dubai, Sharjah and the Northern Emirates. The one-off vehicle incorporates design cues and materials that evoke Goodwood's rich motor sport history. It is the first contemporary Rolls-Royce that features colored wheels (matching the car's Gunmetal main exterior paint finish), with the exterior being further individualized by the matte black bonnet and windscreen surround, as well as the Bespoke coachline. Inside the cabin, the traditional wood-finish makes way for carbon fiber, a reference to the materials used nowadays in racing cars. By Dan Mihalascu               |
| Toyota's Low Cost Etios Gains a New Cross Edition in Brazil Posted: 06 Nov 2013 05:50 AM PST  Apparently, there's a strong market for small pseudo-SUVs in Brazil, as after Volkswagen with its Cross Fox, Fiat with the Idea Adventure and Uno Way, and more recently, Hyundai with the HB20X, Toyota is also jumping on the bandwagon with the Etios Cross that goes on sale from November 18. The Cross treatment on the Etios hatchback (there's also a sedan body style) applies on the lower part of the body with some visually questionable black plastic moldings and silver-colored trims together with a new grille, roof bars that can transport luggage weighing up to 50 kg (110 lbs) and restyled wheels. The car also rides on a taller suspension, but that's the only change under the sheetmetal, with the Cross retaining the regular Etios' front-wheel drive powertrain that links a 96hp 1.5-liter engine to a five-speed manual gearbox. Changes inside are also limited to the seat fabrics and the trim accents, with the Cross featuring the same basic equipment as the top-line Etios XLS. Prices in Brazil start from R$45,690, which comes to around US$20,100 or €14,900.          |
| Gold Diggers Social Experiment Redux, This Time with a Ferrari 458 Spider Posted: 06 Nov 2013 05:20 AM PST  Say want you want about the ethics in question or even the authenticity of the gold digger prank with the Lamborghini Gallardo roadster (no need to panic if you missed it, just watch it here), but after nearly 28 million views and possibly a check from Adsense, the experiment seems to have been a success from a viral and financial standpoint. So much so, that it has already found at least one imitator in the guise of the crew from TrueStoryASA, who performed a similar prank of trying to pick up ladies on the street with a Ferrari 458 Spider. The young team of pranksters stated: "We went out with a 2013 Red Ferrari Italia 458 to go on a social experiment and see if it can pick up ladies no matter how you look and this is how it went.:)" Staged or not, if you haven't done so already, put your pennies away and click play on the video below.    |
| Prior Design Tune for Prior Facelift Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe Posted: 06 Nov 2013 04:59 AM PST  The ongoing SEMA Show is one of the best events to get the word around for custom tunes and aftermarket parts, but the internet works just as well, which is how Germany's Prior Design informed us about its PD850 Black Edition Widebody Aero-Kit for the pre-facelift Mercedes E-Class Coupe. Available for any regular version regardless of powerplant, the Prior Design package gives the E-Class Coupe an aggressive character via an array of parts including a new front bumper with a lip spoiler and extra vents, a hood with air inlets, wider front and rear fenders, an AMG-style rear bumper, and a trunk spoiler. To get the same look as the display car in the photo gallery, you'll have to tick a few option boxes such as the ones with the 20-inch PD1 alloys, exhaust tips or complete exhaust system, and finally, the slim daytime running lights.
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