CARSCOOP |  |
- Ferrari CascoRosso is a 250 GTO Inspired Study for a F12berlinetta Replacement
- "Steeri" Ridicules Apple and Driverless Cars
- Meet BMW's New 329HP M235i Racing Model in the Flesh
- Lexus Won’t Build Models under $30,000, Says U.S. Boss
- Yellow-Finished Mercedes A45 AMG With Body Kit Looks Like Factory Black Edition...
- Five Dash-Cam Tales from Russia's Snow-Ridden Roads
- Tesla Designer Badmouths Then Praises BMW i3 in Q&A Session
- CNET Test Drives BMW i3, Calls it an Ambitious Big Deal
- Customized Aussie 1978 Ford XC Falcon Coupe LHD for Sale in California
- Watch the Assembly of a New Seat Leon ST in 150 Seconds
- Vossen Envisions 2015 Mustang in Grabber Blue with its CV3 Wheels
- Another Review that Props the Porsche Cayman S Up on a Pedestal
- Spied: Mercedes Takes CLA Shooting Brake Testing to Sweden
- Lexus Teases Entirely New F Model for Detroit Show, Looks Like the RC F Coupe
- Toyota Execs Hint at Production-Intent Supra Concept for the Detroit Show
- Mercedes-Benz Adds Four-Wheel Drive to the Sprinter Van [96 Photos]
- Man with 5 DUIs Pranked Into Thinking He Was in a Comma for 10 Years
- The Only Surviving BMW M5 Replica from Fast & Furious 4 Movie for Sale
- Kia Releases 2014 Soul Red Zone Limited Edition Inspired by Track'ster Concept
- Scoops: VW Wrapping Up Testing of New Golf Sportsvan
- All-New 2015 Ford Mustang Rendered as a Four-Door Coupe
- UK Cops in BMW Crash Into Ferrari 458 Italia!
- Possibly, the World's Only Left-Hand-Drive Holden Ute Up for Grabs
- The Actual V12 Car that Inspired Original "Hot Rod Lincoln" Country Song
- Chevy Engineer Takes Corvette Stingray to 300km/h on the Autobahn
| Ferrari CascoRosso is a 250 GTO Inspired Study for a F12berlinetta Replacement Posted: 09 Dec 2013 07:47 PM PST  The F12berlinetta, a successor to a long line of legendary V12-powered models from Ferrari, including the 599 GTB Fiorano, 575M Maranello, 550 Maranello, Testarossa and BB, just to mention a few, has only been in the market for a little over a year , but we're pretty sure that the Italians are already working on its replacement. They're not the only ones, as aspiring designer Dejan Hristov found some time to visualize his idea of what Ferrari's next V12 two-seater should look like. You can read Dejan's thought process behind the creation of the F12berlinetta's successor, which he named CascoRosso, in the description below, but we'll tell you that he drew his inspiration from the 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO and that he imagined the car to feature a V12 hybrid powertrain. Thanks to Dejan for the pics!  From Dejan Hristov: "The Ferrari CascoRosso is a two seater commercial car, which is inspired from the models of Ferrari Motor Sport as they developed through history. It is a symbiotic of style from the modern Ferrari bodies and the legendary Ferrari classics. One of those classics is the Ferrari 250 GTO from witch I got the main inspiration for this model. The idea was for the CascoRosso to be reincarnation of the 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO, a modern, futuristic version of it. Next year, Ferrari is celebrating 50 years since the birth of the 250 GTO, the world's most expensive car. I imagined the model as a successor to the Ferrari F12 Berlinetta with front engine, but also as a hybrid with battery placement behind the cabin, that enables better distribution of the weight. Instead of wing-mirrors, the model has two cameras with wide focus range generating one picture on the camera display showing side view mirror picture and rear view mirror picture. This system simplifies the driving giving better clarity, improves the aerodynamics because there aren't wing-mirrors and the cameras are integrated in the car-body and there is no need for rear window. The front lights are hidden behind a shutter which opens automatically when the light are turned on. The doors are imagined to open in attractive way and you don't need much space to open them. When opening, one part of the door enters the body of the car and that is one of the characteristics of this design that makes it unique."                |
| "Steeri" Ridicules Apple and Driverless Cars Posted: 09 Dec 2013 04:45 PM PST  While this video might have been made for fun, it could, in fact, hide an inherent underlying truth that entrusting car control to machines running on software developed by (imperfect) humans always comes with a inherent chance of malfunction. If what we're more specifically talking about is a computer program controlling a car, then any malfunction can be a critical life-threatening one – the point about the biggest hurdle for driverless cars being the legal one is a valid one. The video posted below is basically a pamphlet of a commercial that follows the model of many before it, trying to use humor in order to raise awareness about certain (usually tech-related) issues that will be brought about by progress. It tells the quick story of "Steeri," a fictitious Apple-mocking smartphone app that can not only respond to the user's vocal input like the fruit company's own Siri, but can, as its name suggests, also control the vehicle it's being used in. Scroll down, laugh and be ever so slightly disturbed by what you see… By Andrei Nedelea Story References: YouTube via Autoblog.com   |
| Meet BMW's New 329HP M235i Racing Model in the Flesh Posted: 09 Dec 2013 03:29 PM PST  The BMW M235i Racing is the brand's second customer racing car after the Z4 GT3 and the most affordable one too - for racing cars, that is. At €59,500 (excluding VAT / local taxes) or about US$81,575, the M235i acts as an entry-level car for the BMW Sports Trophy Customer Racing program. Fitted with a 3.0-liter six-cylinder in-line engine with M Performance TwinPower Turbo technology, the M235i Racing spurts out 329hp (333 PS). Add to that the comprehensive aerodynamic package and the obvious curb weight reduction, and the car looks set to be a serious contender in series and events such as the VLN Endurance Championship and the Nürburgring 24 Hours on the Nürburgring-Nordschleife, as well as international BMW Sports Trophy events. BMW offers us a first taste of the car with in a video that lets us see the M235i Racing's lightly camouflaged bodywork and, most importantly, hear the sweet sound of the lightly tuned straight-six engine. By Dan Mihalascu    |
| Lexus Won’t Build Models under $30,000, Says U.S. Boss Posted: 09 Dec 2013 02:58 PM PST  Lexus general manager in the U.S., Jeff Bracken, says the Japanese carmaker won't follow in the footsteps of Mercedes-Benz and build low-priced models like the CLA sedan. "We will not head down below $30,000. We have Toyota and Scion to handle that price level for us," Bracken was quoted as saying by Automotive News. However, the Lexus executive admitted that the Mercedes-Benz CLA is a success in the U.S. "They are off to a great start. They are really doing well, and it has probably not only impacted their overall volume with the CLA, but also brought in some traffic for some of the other series that they represent, and clearly helping drive the luxury segment in total," he added. Mercedes' entry-level sedan launched in September in the U.S. with a starting price of $29,900 (€21,790), plus a $925 delivery charge that brings the total to $30,825 ($22,465). Mercedes has already sold 10,828 units of the front-wheel-drive compact sedan through November. The most affordable Lexus model is the CT 200h at $32,960 (€24,020), followed by the IS sedan, which starts at $36,860 (€26,860) - both prices include delivery charges. Lexus said it sees no need to go below $30,000 and thinks not doing that will actually help its brand image, as it will concentrate on more premium and higher-margin vehicles. "By not diluting its brand image, Lexus will stay focused. It lets Lexus hit on higher levels, in segments more traditionally associated with luxury," said Bob Carter, senior vice president of Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A. Furthermore, Bracken added it's too early to know whether the Mercedes-Benz CLA and BMW 1-Series will help the brand's in the long term. By Dan Mihalascu         |
| Yellow-Finished Mercedes A45 AMG With Body Kit Looks Like Factory Black Edition... Posted: 09 Dec 2013 02:32 PM PST  Mercedes-Benz has neither confirmed nor denied plans to build a Black Series version of its powerful new hot hatch, the A45 AMG. Perhaps, given its extreme performance as is for the class, there is no need for one, and yet this customized example of a standard AMG model, finished in yellow, sporting a carbon hood really looks as good as a factory model would. The (Hong-Kong based?) RevoZport kit used is not of the kitschy variety, and Shmee is right in praising it for its looks, we say. It rides on special Brabus wheels, though, the red calipers kind of peer through from in-between their spokes and would have added to the look if they matched the body or were painted glossy black. Definitely not a bad way to go if your own A45 and feel it's not special enough as is for you, as I'm sure you'll agree once you've scrolled down to the video, past the virtual jump, and seen what it's about.    |
| Five Dash-Cam Tales from Russia's Snow-Ridden Roads Posted: 09 Dec 2013 01:59 PM PST  Don't assume for a minute that a lack of Offbeat videos from Russia and its neighboring countries means there's nothing going on in the dash-cam front. Remember, lady winter has already made her grand appearance sprinkling ice and snow across many regions in the area, making many of the country's roads treacherous to drive or even walk on. Just to get you in the mood for what to expect over the coming weeks and months, we quickly scouted the net and found these five fresh incidents (the oldest one is dated December 6, 2013) recorded on dash-cams, which you can discover in detail for yourself, right below the virtual break.    |
| Tesla Designer Badmouths Then Praises BMW i3 in Q&A Session Posted: 09 Dec 2013 01:29 PM PST  It seems that there's a trend within the Tesla company to ridicule and discount any cars that may serve as a rival for the EV maker's single current model, and always find something to nitpick about. Elon Musk has done it a number of times before, and now it's the brand's chief designer's turn, the one who drew up the Model S' Jaguar-like Maserati-shaped body with a fake grille shape up front, Franz von Holzhausen to take a shot at it too. Speaking with AutoBild of Germany, the designer was asked about the BMW i3, a car which has just recently been released, featuring widespread use of carbon-reinforced plastic, rear-hinged doors, futuristic looks and the option of a range-extending motorbike engine for extra piece of mind. The Tesla designer is, as per his boss, unimpressed with BMW's effort, saying it's a myth of the company's old "Ultimate Driving Machine" slogan not having the familiar and desired driving traits. He does call the i3's interior a piece of IKEA furniture, but this time he means well by it, as he praises its clever packaging. Still, he's far from impressed with the way it looks, which is the more understandable of his points, I think, though he does admit it is unique. Throughout his design career, von Holzhausen designed the Pontiac Solstice, Saturn Sky, the 2006 Mazda Kabura concept and he also played a big part in how the VW New Beetle turned out, around the year 1998. Below he explains how the look of the Model S came about. By Andrei Nedelea    |
| CNET Test Drives BMW i3, Calls it an Ambitious Big Deal Posted: 09 Dec 2013 12:57 PM PST  The BMW i3 failed to impress in the Euro NCAP crash test, scoring only four out of five stars overall, despite being a pretty safe and sturdy-framed machine – it was dragged down by poor chest protection in the event of a lateral crash. Nevertheless, it's by no means an unsafe vehicle, and did pretty well in all other categories, not only in the realm of safety. CNET has now had a go aboard the i3, and while reviewer Brian Cooley admitted to being tempted to write it off as a car solely designed to meet CAFE regulations and allow BMW to keep selling its other cars in California, he did find it an ambitious and compelling package in the end. It remains pretty expensive for what it is, and it doesn't look to pretty from any other angle aside from a full-frontal, but the doors are clever and seem practical, and the interior is probably the most futuristic one BMW has ever put in a production car. Check out the video test drive below, and keep in mind that it's part of the tech site's automotive news show "On Cars," so it also contains some extra information you might find interesting; the BMW review is still first, so you won't have to skip through to see it. By Andrei Nedelea    |
| Customized Aussie 1978 Ford XC Falcon Coupe LHD for Sale in California Posted: 09 Dec 2013 12:28 PM PST  Since we touched the subject of rare left-hand drive (LHD) Australian cars available for sale earlier today with the 550hp-strong 2003 Holden Ute SS V8, we thought we'd tell you about one more LHD car from Down Under that we found while lurking the interwebs. This one is a dramatically customized version of the last Ford Falcon Coupe from the late 1970s, but before you check out your credit score and bank account, let us save you the hassle and tell you that, while it's conveniently located (for Americans) in California, it's priced at "$165,000 or best offer". The shell and parts of the interior are from a 1978 Falcon XC Coupe, which were modified and positioned on top of a custom tubular chassis, with power coming from a 351 Cleveland V8 stroked to 393 cubic inches or 6.4 liters, while the car rides on a bespoke air suspension. Yes, it's not really a Falcon Coupe, but it does look like one. For more details, do check out the listing from the sellers at Classiccarmarketing below the break.
"Classic Car Marketing, Inc. Southern California's premier marketing company is pleased to introduce this new listing offered for sale by one of our clients. This 1978 Ford XC Falcon from Australia, very much resembles the Ford Torino that Clint Eastwood recently brought back to fame here in the U.S., and as you can see, was built way, way, way over the top and then way over the top of that. It simply can't get any more custom than this gorgeous automotive masterpiece... Building custom one off cars is nothing new for this world class builder. This custom Falcon has won just about everything from Street Machine of the Year to being the feature car at SEMA. The car is known as "XC" and in my book the XC must mean Xtreme Custom and it fits that perfectly. The builder wanted the very best of the best with this car, so he hand built it himself. Even the chassis is handmade, and is all tubular. The suspension is center lever F1 inspired and the rear is a center lever four link with a custom Ford nine inch rear-end. The car gets its low, lean look compliments of the full on air ride system, flared front fenders, and extensive body mods. The body has been completely reworked with suicide doors and custom sheet metal inside and out for that classic, yet futuristic look. The power to this one-off masterpiece is supplied by a 351 Cleveland that has been stroked to a 393 fed through 4 48 IDA Webbers. This is all topped off with a set of aluminum heads, backed by a Tremec 6 speed. This build list is long, so call for all the details and extra photos. This is truly amazing automotive artwork by one of the worlds top builders."           |
| Watch the Assembly of a New Seat Leon ST in 150 Seconds Posted: 09 Dec 2013 12:00 PM PST  SEAT has shared a video that condenses the entire build time of a new Leon ST into a coupe of minutes. The Spanish carmaker said it used GoPro cameras to get the necessary footage from inside their production plant where the VW Group MQB-based Leon ST is made. The idea was to "get right inside" the manufacturing process yet not force viewers to spend too long taking it in, thus thankfully, it's quite short – nobody would have watched until the end otherwise. The footage was captured at the Martorell plant, in Spain, a plant that employs the service of 10,000 workers and over 2,800 robots – the result is 2,000 cars per day. In real life, each Leon ST takes 19 hours to complete from scratch and is comprised of 5,900 parts, including almost a mile of wiring. SEAT says that the Martorell factory is one of the most modern and advanced of its kind in the word, not only in terms of actually providing facilities to build cars, but also trying to use less energy while doing so – it now harbors the "biggest installation of solar panels in the automotive industry, saving thousands of tonnes of CO2 per year." By Andrei Nedelea    |
| Vossen Envisions 2015 Mustang in Grabber Blue with its CV3 Wheels Posted: 09 Dec 2013 11:35 AM PST  From the moment that Ford blew the covers off the 2015 Mustang, we all knew that it was never a question of if, but just how fast aftermarket companies would come out with their ideas on how to customize and improve the Blue Oval's sixth generation pony car. One of the first tuners to release a proposal is Vossen Wheels, which with the help of a Photoshop artist, imagined the 2015 Mustang in a Grabber Blue-like hue (not listed in the initial choice of colors) with matte black twin racing stripes running across the top of the car, and, of course, fitted with a set of its own CV3 alloy rims. You'll find a bigger photo of the car waiting for you right below the break.        |
| Another Review that Props the Porsche Cayman S Up on a Pedestal Posted: 09 Dec 2013 11:10 AM PST  All the online reviews for the Porsche Cayman, and especially the Cayman S, tend to leave viewers/readers with an undeniable lust to immediately go out and sell one of their testicles and get a deposit for one of these going as soon as possible – even with electric steering, it's still that good. The worldwide motoring press really thinks very highly of it, as does the latest video test drive at the hand of XCAR. However, while it's all well and good, and nobody in their right mind would seriously turn down a Cayman S under any circumstances, I think the Boxster is still the better bet, preferably also in S trim. It loses .1 seconds to the hardtop and can't quite match its top speed, but is slightly more affordable, looks exactly the same just with no roof, and it also offers the thrill of open-air motoring. Naming its cars differently based on 10 horsepower difference and the lack or presence of a solid roof may have sounded good when the responsible committee met up to discuss it, but it's not really that clever… I mean usually the coupe is the cheapest, not the drop-top, but here Porsche come with an almost insignificant power hike really minimal changes and come charging more for it and saying it's something different… I don't agree with the conclusion drawn by this review necessarily, and think that given the current pricing scheme it's still the Boxster (S) that does an all-round better job of being the most worthwhile purchase. By Andrei Nedelea    |
| Spied: Mercedes Takes CLA Shooting Brake Testing to Sweden Posted: 09 Dec 2013 10:47 AM PST  After the A-Class five-door hatchback, B-Class small minivan, CLA sports saloon, GLA crossover, Mercedes is preparing a fifth offering for the compact segment with a sleek looking station wagon version of the CLA dubbed 'Shooting Brake'. You may remember this silver-colored prototype from our previous shots in Germany, but this time, our spy photographers caught up with the same car undergoing cold weather testing on the roads of Arjeplog in Northern Sweden, which is a popular winter test site for car manufacturers. Visually, the compact estate takes its styling cues and overall shape of the slanted roof from the larger CLA Shooting Brake. The rear section will no doubt add some extra space to the car's boot, which together with the rear hatch and the ability to drop flat the rear seats to improve practicality and justify the increased price over the sedan. If not all, most engines will be shared with the CLA saloon, while there has been talk about a CLA 45 AMG version with all-wheel drive and a 2.0-liter turbocharged four twisting out 355bhp and 332lb ft of torque. We should see the production model venturing out to the limelight sometime next year. Photo Credits: CarPix for CarScoopS           |
| Lexus Teases Entirely New F Model for Detroit Show, Looks Like the RC F Coupe Posted: 09 Dec 2013 10:20 AM PST  If our eyes are not misled by this teaser photo released by Lexus, the already sporty looking Lexus RC coupe is about to get even more extreme with the addition of an RC-F high-performance version. Judging from the shape of the headlight and the creased fender, it's likely that the car Lexus is previewing but not naming here is the new RC-F. The photo reveals a new multi-spoke alloy wheel model and a bulging wheel arch. Lexus only says it is preparing an "entirely new model debut" at the North American International Auto Show (January 13-26, 2014) adding that the all-new performance model is "designed from the asphalt up, to strike at the heart", and that it promises a "bold, gritty, experience." Sounds pretty good, with the RC-F rumored to feature either a new V8 engine or a turbocharged V6 unit. Either way, in order to be able to compete with the BMW M4 Coupe, the engine should develop somewhere around 450 hp. By Dan Mihalascu     |
| Toyota Execs Hint at Production-Intent Supra Concept for the Detroit Show Posted: 09 Dec 2013 09:57 AM PST  The rumor mill has been full of stories about a new Toyota Supra sports coupe for as long as, well, since the demise of the last one in 2002 after a 10 year-long production run. Now, the team at Autoblog.com is adding one more to the mix after one of its editors sat down with a group of Toyota execs on the sidelines of a recent presentation. They say Toyota's people hinted in "not-so-cryptic terms" that they will "shock the world" with a new Supra concept at the 2014 Detroit motor show in January, and that, the study will preview an upcoming production version. With about a month left for the Detroit show, we'll soon find out if both the aforementioned report and whether the other rumor about the Supra being based on the BMW Group and Toyota joint project for the development of a common platform architecture and components for a future sports car series from the two brands, hold true. Note: 2007 Toyota FT-HS pictured Story References: Autoblog.com Thanks to Tuan C. for the tip!                       |
| Mercedes-Benz Adds Four-Wheel Drive to the Sprinter Van [96 Photos] Posted: 09 Dec 2013 09:30 AM PST  Mercedes-Benz Vans unveiled the new Sprinter 4x4, which the carmaker says it is the only ex-factory all-wheel-drive van up to five tons (10,000lbs) with ESP. Available as a crewbus or minibus, the Sprinter 4x4 is aimed for businesses or individuals who need a big van that can reach difficult terrains. The van is fitted with an all-wheel-drive system that can be activated at the touch of a button. The system distributes torque at a ratio of 35:65 between the front and rear axle. Mercedes-Benz also offers an optional reduction gear to increase off-road capability. When the driver pushes the low-range button, gearing is shortened by a factor of 1.42 or 42 percent, with traction increasing accordingly. In addition to the 4x4 system, the van's body is lifted by 110mm (4.33in) at the front and by 80mm (3.14in) at the rear, helping the Sprinter 4x4 to climb slopes that are up to 20 percent more abrupt. The Sprinter 4x4 is available with the new Downhill Speed Regulation (DSR) system, which maintains a preselected speed when driving downhill. The all-wheel-drive system adds about 120kg (265lbs) to the van's weight, with Mercedes stating that fuel consumption is 0.4 to 0.8 l/100 km higher than for the RWD Sprinter - the Sprinter 313 BlueTec 4x4 averages 8.3 l/100 km (28.3 mpg US). The Sprinter 4x4 is available with three diesel engines: two 2.15-liter four-cylinder units with 127 hp (129PS) and 161 hp (163PS) respectively, and a 3.0-liter six-cylinder unit producing 188 hp (190PS). In Germany, the 4x4 system adds a hefty €8,391 ($11,400) to the price of the RWD Sprinter (plus VAT), while the reduction gear costs an extra €534 ($727). By Dan Mihalascu                                                                                                     |
| Man with 5 DUIs Pranked Into Thinking He Was in a Comma for 10 Years Posted: 09 Dec 2013 08:59 AM PST  We won't repeat the subject of whether everything we see on the internet is real or staged, simply leaving a question mark about the authenticity of this prank, but if it is indeed real, it's not only epicm but also downright justified, and we'll explain why. The protagonist is a habitual drinker named Mark who has amassed five (!) DUIs (Driving Under the Influence – makes you wonder how the heck he kept his license…) and the pranksters are Tom Mabe and Jim Clark. The two men purportedly decided to give Mark a lesson after he was found once again passed out drunk in his truck. What they did is turn their office into a hospital room bringing Mark inside and fooling him into thinking that he'd been in a coma for 10 years following an accident. Maybe we're reading this the wrong way, but to us, Mark's reaction after he realizes it's a prank doesn't really show a change of heart when it comes to his drink-driving habits… If this video prank is for real, and he does have five DUIs, this guy shouldn't be allowed to touch a steering wheel with a 20 foot pole.    |
| The Only Surviving BMW M5 Replica from Fast & Furious 4 Movie for Sale Posted: 09 Dec 2013 08:25 AM PST  Have you ever pondered what happens to movie cars after the filming comes to an end? If they're not destroyed during the action scenes and sent for scrap metal, they often end up in auction houses or the classifieds, depending on their value. An eBay seller claims to be in possession of the "only surviving" BMW M5 E39 clone (based on a 540i sedan) out of the seven cars used in the fourth installment of the Fast and Furious franchise from 2009. "This is the only surviving BMW out of 7 used in the Fast and Furious 4 Movie," reads the seller's note. "It has a roll cage interior with a drifting brake. I also have the Fast and furious 4 story board for the Dom and Brian race scene 72. The car is orange with graphite trunk, hood and roof. Eye candy for car enthusiast." The car is located in Edmond, Oklahoma, and there's "Buy it Now" option, with the eBay seller having preferred to accept bids with an undisclosed reserve price, which hadn't been met the last time we checked (the highest offer was $4,550).        |
| Kia Releases 2014 Soul Red Zone Limited Edition Inspired by Track'ster Concept Posted: 09 Dec 2013 08:01 AM PST  This is the first of (likely) many special edition models Kia has in store for the 2014 Soul. Called "Red Zone", it is said to be inspired by the Track'ster Concept and will be built in a limited series of 2,000 units. Unlike the Track'ster Concept however, the Red Zone Soul is a five-door model based on the Soul Plus, which features a white exterior paint with sporty red accents and unique interior trim. The model features a more unique exterior look than the regular model thanks to an aggressively styled body kit with red accents throughout, including treatment on the front grille, front and rear fascias, and side skirts. Riding on custom 18-inch alloy wheels, the Red Zone Soul looks more muscular than the base model. Motivation comes from a 164 horsepower 2.0-liter gasoline direct injected four-cylinder engine, the most powerful unit available on the 2014 Soul. On the inside, the special edition Soul features black cloth seats with red stitching, leather steering wheel, black-leather dash hood with red stitching, black carpeted floor mats with red piping, and sport pedals. The Red Zone theme of the exterior is continued in the cabin with the red-painted shift knob ring, air vent ring, dash speakers and console tray trim. The 2014 Kia Soul Red Zone will arrive in U.S. dealerships in the first quarter next year. By Dan Mihalascu           |
| Scoops: VW Wrapping Up Testing of New Golf Sportsvan Posted: 09 Dec 2013 07:35 AM PST  It's no secret that Volkswagen's Golf Sportvan Concept displayed at the 2013 IAA in Frankfurt back in September was a study only in the name, but if you insist, here are some fresh photos of the final development prototype caught testing in Germany. As pointed out from our spy photographer, the only visible change other than the smaller wheels on this model is the updated fog-light units on the front bumper. We're still in the dark on whether VW will use the Golf Sportsvan moniker or keep the Golf Plus name, but either way, the tall compact model has been designed as a replacement to the current Golf Plus. Aside from being taller than the Golf hatchback, it also rides on 50mm longer wheelbase at 2,685 mm and is 8mm wider, promising to offer improved space for both passengers and their luggage. The production model is believed to make its first public appearance at the 2014 Geneva Motor Show next March and go on sale across Europe in spring of the same year offering a similar engine lineup as the Golf hatchback. Photo Credits: CarPix for CarScoopS            |
| All-New 2015 Ford Mustang Rendered as a Four-Door Coupe Posted: 09 Dec 2013 07:07 AM PST  The power of modern photo editing tools allows hobbyists and designers alike to create new versions of real cars in a matter of minutes. Adding an extra pair of doors on the all-new 2015 Ford Mustang is the kind of job we're talking about, which is what Hungarian designer X-Tomi did. While the result may be a perplexing one, baffling all those who will lay eyes on it, it's objectively speaking not the worst looking sedan in the world, and I think it's much prettier than the Dodge Charger, a car this four-door 'Stang would have to face off against in the real world; next to it, the Charger looks dated and disproportionate… There's always room on the market for a good-looking four-door with rear-wheel drive, modern independent suspension to ensure both comfort and road holding and a historically resounding name. It won't be to everybody's liking in imagined four-door guise, but we won't judge you if you admit to seeing yourself at the wheel of one of these, with three of your friends along for the ride. Photo is attached below. By Andrei Nedelea Designer: X-Tomi    |
| UK Cops in BMW Crash Into Ferrari 458 Italia! Posted: 09 Dec 2013 06:47 AM PST  Our friends at SupercarsOfLondon (SOL) forwarded us this video of the aftermath of an accident involving a BMW police car (the mobile clip is rickety, but it looks like Bangle's E60 5-Series Sedan) and a…yellow Ferrari 458 Italia. From the footage, we see that the BMW crashed into the rear, right-hand corner of the Italian supercar on a London street. At this point, that's all we know about this incident, but we are looking into it to find out more details, including whether the Ferrari was parked or in motion when it occurred. As always, if you happen to know something or better yet, have additional video footage and photos, please do tell/share in the comments or via email. Thanks to Paul from SOL for the heads up!   |
| Possibly, the World's Only Left-Hand-Drive Holden Ute Up for Grabs Posted: 09 Dec 2013 06:05 AM PST  Are you a fan of GM Holden's famed rear-wheel drive Utes, but the fact that they only come in right-hand drive (RHD) has put you off from buying and using one? Well, here's your chance to jump into a left-hand drive (LHD) 2003 Holden Ute based on the VY generation Commodore (2002-2004) that has been listed for sale on eBay from a Dutch owner. The seller says that it's probably "the only LHD Holden Ute in the world", and even though we can't vouch for that, it's not that you see LHD Utes every day, so if anything else, it is certainly rare. This particular sports example comes with a Corvette LS3 GT3 rated for an alleged 550hp paired to an automatic transmission, which should provide plenty of visits to your local tire installer. The car is located in The Netherlands, but the seller says he will ship anywhere. However, before you do that, you will most certainly need to check with local authorities/laws and see if you can actually use the car in your country. If it's registered in The Netherlands, you have a good chance of being able to legally use it in other EU countries, but in the U.S., you'll have a very hard time bringing it over since it doesn't qualify for the 25 year old import law. The 'Buy it Now' price on eBay is another put off as it stands at a hefty $40,000 (€29,200). eBay Seller's Description: "This is your chance to own probably the only LHD Holden Ute in the world. Converted to LHD to the smallest detail. Equipped with original GM upgrade Brake kit. 6 pots 375 mm front ,355 mm rear, Bigger antirollbars and uprated lower suspension. On top of it all this car has a Corvette LS3 GT3 engine perfectly drivable for road use and popping out a whopping 550 HP !! CNC ported heads, Headers and lots more. just 10 hours old since coming from the dyno. Strengtened Automatic gearbox with sportshift mode. upgraded Diff with LSD. Enough to beat every supercar and still lots of space for your groceries…Sold for at a fraction of the cost…"        |
| The Actual V12 Car that Inspired Original "Hot Rod Lincoln" Country Song Posted: 09 Dec 2013 05:45 AM PST  Old cars are about as valuable as the feelings they stir up, and it seems that this fiery red 1930 coupe is about as priceless as it gets. The Ford Model A shape is a familiar one, yet this very one was the inspiration for the familiar song "Hot Rod Lincoln," created by Charlie Ryan in 1950, but first recorded in 1955, then released two years later. Its coupe body rides on a shortened frame versus the original it came with and gets its go from a unique Lincoln-sourced V12 flathead motor displacing five liters and powering the rear wheels via a three-speed manual gearbox. It's not the first time this car surfaced, and last time it changed hands was in 2012, when it sold for $97,000 or €71,500 and recently benefited from a light cosmetic restoration too. Check it out below, via the Haggerty classics video, but you couldn't possibly close this post without also hearing the song, especially if you don't know it – it too is linked after the jump and makes for a smile-filled three minutes of listening. By Andrei Nedelea         |
| Chevy Engineer Takes Corvette Stingray to 300km/h on the Autobahn Posted: 09 Dec 2013 05:25 AM PST  The Corvette may be the quintessential American sports car, but with all the speed restrictions and heavily policed roads across its homeland, you can't legally enjoy all that it has to offer. Ironically, you can in Europe, with the best place to push your speed limits being Germany's stretch of unrestricted speed lanes on the Autobahn, which is where Patrick Herrmann, Technical Manager Communications at Chevrolet Europe, took the C7 up to 300km/h (186mph). As part of its online campaign to promote the new Corvette Stingray to European consumers, Chevrolet also released two more videos, one with a trio of C7s dancing around the Navak track in Belgrade, Serbia, and the other showing how the 450hp coupe's Active Rev Matching works in conjunction with the seven-speed manual gearbox.    |
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