CARSCOOP

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• BMW E92 M3, F10 M5 and F12 M6 Also Have a Secret Smokey Burnout Function!
• 2015 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Suffers Another Round of Photo Leaks
• This Angular Amphibian Rescue Vehicle Has Twin 6.7L Diesel Engines and Impressive Capability
• Spike the Bulldog Recognizes the New Mini Hatch as a Worthy Successor in New Commercial
• New Report Says Lamborghini Gallardo Successor will be Called Huracan, Not Cabrera [w/Video]
• Toyota Says Holden Exit Puts Unprecedented Pressure on its Aussie Manufacturing Operations
• Audi's A7 Sportback TDI Diesel Tested by CNET
• Mercedes Says the CLA Is its Best U.S. Launch in 20 Years
• Sheez; Officer Slams DUI Suspect's Head Into a Wall for Clearing His Throat…
• Yay for Hubcaps! Less Glamorous Shots of 2015 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
• Lamborghini Countach-Based 1994 Art&Tech Sogna Can Be Yours for €2.4 Million
• GM and PSA to Build C-Segment Crossovers in France, Drop B-Segment Platform
• Super Rare BMW Alpina B12 850i for Sale in PA, Only One of Two in the U.S.
• Smooth Stanley Steamer 750 from 1924 Selling for $120,000
• Trucker Loses Loaded Trailer, Driver Almost Loses His Pants...
• Capristo Revises Its Ferrari 458 Spider Engine Window Mod
• BMW Group's New FWD Platform to Underpin 11 New Mini and BMW Models
• Porsche Promotes Winter Driving Course in Snowy Lapland
• Dubious Web Rumor Places Justin Bieber in Paul Walker's Shoes for Fast & Furious 7…
• NAIAS: BMW Adds Refinement to Z4 with Pure Fusion Design Package
• Another Design Study for a 2015 Ford Mustang Sports Sedan
• Spy Shots: A Better View of the New Lamborghini Cabrera
• Just Wow! Woman Keeps Chillingly Cool as Her Car Flips Upside Down!
• Citroen to Reveal New DS 5LS "Premium Class Sedan" Next Week
• Renault Plants New Face on Refreshed Megane Coupe-Cabriolet

BMW E92 M3, F10 M5 and F12 M6 Also Have a Secret Smokey Burnout Function! Posted: 12 Dec 2013 06:30 PM PST Turns out the new BMW M3 sedan and M4 Coupe's "Smokey Burnout" function which was mentioned in BMW's European press release, but absent from the North American announcement, isn't exactly new - though, the moniker used by the Bavarians is. In fact, the same exact function is available as a hidden "Easter egg feature" (BMW's words, not ours), on all M DCT-equipped (dual-clutch transmission) E90/92/93 versions of the M3, the F10 M5 and F06/12/13 M6. We learned this from BMW after we asked the brand's Product and Technology Communications Manager, Matthew Russell, whether the newly announced "Smokey Burnout" function, which permits a certain degree of wheel-spin at low speeds, is available on the North American editions of the M3 and M4. "Yes, the US version of the new M3 and M4 do have this function," Russell told Carscoops. "However, it is not a new function within M-DCT. This has been an unnamed feature of the M-DCT versions of the E92 M3, current M5 and M6 for several years. Since we have so many new things to talk about on the new M3 and M4, we didn't see this as feature worthy of description in the US press release," he said. Being unaware of this feature on the older M3 and the current M5 and M6, models, we asked Russell to provide a few more details on the hows and whats of the system. "It's an 'Easter egg feature' activated by flooring the throttle in the most aggressive powertrain settings from a standstill without engaging the better-known Launch Control," said Russell. "It allows a high-rpm 'clutch drop' which virtually guarantees a burnout will occur," he said, adding, or to be more precise, placing a "bold" emphasis on, "It is for use only within the safe confines of a closed circuit". What this last part means is, don't go trying it out on a public road and then blame BMW if something goes awry… Consider yourself warned. By John Halas PHOTO GALLERY

2015 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Suffers Another Round of Photo Leaks Posted: 12 Dec 2013 05:26 PM PST At least this time, the all-new W205 Mercedes-Benz C-Class was caught wearing its good clothes (hint: no hubcaps, but real alloy wheels of the optional kind!). With the exception of the picture with the blue-colored C-Class, the other three images appear to show the AMG Sport trim model with bespoke exterior and interior appointments such as the multi-spoke alloy wheels, aero enhancements, flat-bottom, three-spoke steering and sport seats. The site that shared the photos, Auto55, mentions that the new C-Class rides on an 80mm (3.14 inches) longer wheelbase at 2,840mm (111.8 inches) and overall, is about 100mm (3.94 inches) longer at 4,690mm (184.6 inches) than the outgoing W204-codenamed model. We're also told that on average, it's 100kg or 220 pounds lighter and that in European specification, it will launch with three engines, including a 155hp (157PS) 1.6-liter turbo petrol for the C180, a 183hp (186PS) 2.0-liter turbo petrol for the C200 and a 168hp (170PS) 2.2-liter turbo diesel in the C220 CDi. More diesel and gasoline units will be added to the range over the next year. Most sources seem to agree that Mercedes will make the 2015 C-Class presentation official next Monday, on December 16. Story References: Worldcarfans PHOTO GALLERY

This Angular Amphibian Rescue Vehicle Has Twin 6.7L Diesel Engines and Impressive Capability Posted: 12 Dec 2013 05:27 PM PST The CAMI (Cool Amphibious Manufacturers International) Amphibious Responder is not hard to peg down for what it is: a vehicle designed to keep moving forward no matter what terrain it has to cross, be it water, solid ground or variations of both. Its approach is a familiar one, crafting a body that's also part hull and completely watertight but with normal wheels protruding through – it's not the simplest way to get around the amphibious challenge, but it does hold the benefit of good maneuverability while floating, due to its hydrodynamic(ish) shape; other approaches often leave the vehicle cumbersome on water. Power comes from a pair of 6.7-liter diesel engines, each putting out 300 hp. The power is rooted to both an all-wheel drive system and the marine drive too, but only one at a time. However, if you order one, the  manufacturer says it can pretty much put in any engine you can think of, as long as it's available, thanks to modular, customizable construction. Its makers insist that it is the perfect vehicle for rapid response and rescue missions in disaster-stricken areas. What I found interesting is their claim that it is unsinkable due a special foam that's used in the construction of its hull-body. Photos and videos can be found below. By Andrei Nedelea Story References: camillc via gizmag PHOTO GALLERY VIDEO

Spike the Bulldog Recognizes the New Mini Hatch as a Worthy Successor in New Commercial Posted: 12 Dec 2013 04:28 PM PST Mini has released the first commercial for its new Hatch (Hardtop in the U.S.), the company's core model. Featuring Spike, the English bulldog, the ad is a play on the new model's strong roots that make it instantly recognizable as a Mini hatch. The video shows Spike as he is asked by his owner to get into the car, but the bulldog takes a very cautious look at the new Mini before deciding it is familiar enough to climb aboard. Titled "Bullheaded: Spike Meets the New Mini. The New Original", the commercial has racked almost 140,000 views in one day since it was uploaded on YouTube. You can see for yourself why by checking it out after the break and you can also take a look at a making of film which reveals some interesting facts about the commercial – for instance, the crew used two different dogs to shoot the video, but none of them were named Spike. VIDEO

New Report Says Lamborghini Gallardo Successor will be Called Huracan, Not Cabrera [w/Video] Posted: 12 Dec 2013 03:46 PM PST Although the Gallardo successor was widely expected to be called Cabrera, it is being reported that Lamborghini has changed its mind and will name its entry-level sports car Huracan. At least that's what AutoExpress magazine claims, citing an unnamed source - presumably from inside the company. Huracan, which means hurricane in Spanish, allegedly has been deemed more appropriate for the V10-powered supercar than Cabrera, which translates as... female goatherd. Of course, both are names that belonged to famous fighting bulls, as is Lamborghini's tradition, but the literal meaning of the word Cabrera in Spanish-speaking countries has probably made the carmaker choose Huracan instead. Lamborghini never admitted that the replacement to the Gallardo will be called Cabrera – or Huracan, for that matter... However, the carmaker trademarked the name Huracan on April 12, 2012, along with Urus, which was used for the SUV concept, and Deimos, which hasn't been used yet. Originally, Huracan designated the god of fire, wind and storms in Mayan, but was adopted by the Spanish and given the sense of hurricane. The Gallardo replacement is likely to be powered by a reworked version of the 5.2-liter naturally-aspirated V10 that could develop as much as 600 horsepower. Mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission or possibly an available six-speed manual, the supercar will be offered with either rear- or all-wheel-drive setups. The new Lamborghini will be built on a new aluminum spaceframe platform, shared with the second-generation Audi R8. The car will go into production next year and is likely to be unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show in March. In the meantime, you can watch the second official teaser video for what Lamborghini calls the Hexagon Project - just don't expect to find anything relevant to the subject in it. You can also tell us what name you like better for the new Lamborghini in the comments section. By Dan Mihalascu PHOTO GALLERY VIDEO

Toyota Says Holden Exit Puts Unprecedented Pressure on its Aussie Manufacturing Operations Posted: 12 Dec 2013 03:13 PM PST General Motors' announcement that it will stop manufacturing cars in Australia by 2017 may have a domino effect on the country's automotive industry. Toyota will remain the only carmaker building cars in Australia from 2017, but the Japanese company has warned that it will be very difficult to continue under the new circumstances. "This will place unprecedented pressure on the local supplier network and our ability to build cars in Australia," Toyota Australia said in a statement. The company said it would work with suppliers and the government to determine its next steps and whether it could continue manufacturing cars in Australia. Toyota employs 4,000 people in the country and produced almost 100,000 vehicles in 2012. An exit from Toyota would also threaten around 150 parts and component suppliers directly employing more than 40,000 people. The automaker is currently negotiating changes to its workplace agreement in a bid to improve productivity and costs. Workers are due to vote on Friday "A no vote is going to send a very strong message to our parent company that we are not serious about transforming our business," Toyota Australia spokeswoman Beck Angel told Reuters before the GM announcement. However, people from the industry and politicians are not very optimistic Toyota will stay. Dave Smith, secretary of the national vehicles division of the Australian Manufacturing Workers Union said it was "almost certain" Toyota will leave Australia. "It's been the federal government that hasn't played ball, it's been the federal government that has made a decision that 50,000 people should be put out of work," Smith was quoted as saying by SBS. Independent senator Nick Xenophon added: "You need two manufacturers to get that critical mass. You lose that critical mass, they fall like dominos." By Dan Mihalascu PHOTO GALLERY

Audi's A7 Sportback TDI Diesel Tested by CNET Posted: 12 Dec 2013 02:40 PM PST Growing up around lots of diesel cars of all shapes and sizes, the American aversion to the fuel still puzzles me; I mean the diesel is oftentimes the more sensible engine choice for many cars, and there really is no reason not to buy something like the new Audi A7 TDI, if you're not necessarily looking for sporty thrills and just want the looks, the cruising ability and the well-finished cabin. The CNET review of the car that's posted after the virtual jump is a bit too critical, and aside from the buggy lane-keep assist, it's the engine that gets the most criticism. However, if it's anything like the Audi V6 TDIs that I've experienced, I don't see where it's coming from, because aside from a bit of cold idle rattle, they're all silky-smooth and very rapid for their power output – the A7 with a 3.0-liter diesel with 240hp reaches sixty in 5.5 seconds. And besides, complaining about diesel idle noise is a bit ridiculous, when all new direct-injected petrol engines sound nearly as bad. In the end, the A7 TDI will by no means be a volume seller in the US, though, I think it should be given more of a chance than it currently is (if you can get past the $2,400 premium, that is). By Andrei Nedelea VIDEO

Mercedes Says the CLA Is its Best U.S. Launch in 20 Years Posted: 12 Dec 2013 01:55 PM PST If you didn't know it already, the Mercedes-Benz CLA is a sales hit, especially in the United States, where the carmaker has warned dealers that it can't keep up with demand. "This is our best launch in 20 years. The CLA has been a phenomenal success right out of the gate," Mercedes-Benz USA boss Steve Cannon said in statement. Sales are going so well that the automaker told dealers in a December 9 letter that they should expect fewer CLAs in the first half of 2014, as the Keckskemét plant in Hungary is working at full capacity and output should support demand as early as July next year. Mercedes-Benz said it forecasts "tight inventories and low days supply" from February through June 2014 because of the car's "overwhelming success" worldwide. The CLA has not only driven Mercedes sales up, increasing its lead over BMW in November, but it has also brought new customers to the brand, the letter said. The CLA is bringing a younger buyer to Mercedes, as the median age of the CLA customer is 46, compared to 54 for C-Class buyers and 57 for the brand overall. Cannon confirmed that dealers are seeing "a lot more floor traffic and many new faces" because of the Mercedes-Benz CLA. "The increase in our overall model sales indicates that this traffic is benefiting all Mercedes-Benz models," the CEO was quoted as saying by Bloomberg News. Mercedes-Benz looks set to end the year as the No. 1 luxury automaker in the U.S., as its deliveries rose 14 percent in the first 11 months of this year and it holds a lead of 7,610 vehicles over archrival BMW. PHOTO GALLERY

Sheez; Officer Slams DUI Suspect's Head Into a Wall for Clearing His Throat… Posted: 12 Dec 2013 01:00 PM PST Here's one of those bad apples that give police officers a negative rep. His name is Charles Broaderick and he's a Corrections Officer in Marion County, Florida. What Broaderick did is slam DUI (Driving Under the Influence) suspect James Duckworth's head into a concrete wall leaving the man bleeding and unconscious for a few minutes after interpreting what looks like -and we'll agree with Gawker here- a throat cleaning gesture as a spitting attempt. In the surveillance footage released by the sheriff's office, we hear 41-year old Broaderick saying, "You don't spit at officers". At the time, Duckworth was handcuffed with his back to the wall in a room in the jail where police take drunken driver suspects. According to ActionNewsJax, the officer responsible was put in jail but released immediately after on bond. He is currently on unpaid suspension, pending an investigation. When asked about the October 8, 2013, incident, Captain Hames Pogue of the Marion County Sheriff's Office said: "Your reaction to seeing the video and the public's reaction to it was the same for us. Same for Sheriff Blair when he watched it." He said that firing Broaderick for excessive use of force before the case is completed was not an option. "How employers in law enforcement act is governed by Florida state statute," said Pogue who added that the process is "very strict when it comes to an officer's rights to due process". VIDEO

Yay for Hubcaps! Less Glamorous Shots of 2015 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Posted: 12 Dec 2013 12:30 PM PST If you thought MB-Tex and Sensatec leatherette-seating surfaces were the worst thing that could happen to your supposedly luxuriously fashioned German ride, well, think again, as it could be worse if you live in Europe where steel wheels and hubcaps (I guess that is a…luxury in some sense) are still on the menu. You can see that for yourself if, for instance, you go configure a base BMW 3-Series in Germany, and can also see it in these leaked shots, reportedly sourced from Mercedes' Accessories catalogue, of the brand-new 2015 Mercedes-Benz C-Class. Admittedly, we've offered you much better and clearer shots of the 2015 C-Class than these before, but we couldn't miss on the opportunity to show you a hubcap-equipped Benz… Story References: MB Passion via Imageshack PHOTO GALLERY

Lamborghini Countach-Based 1994 Art&Tech Sogna Can Be Yours for €2.4 Million Posted: 12 Dec 2013 12:07 PM PST The seller of this car may present it as a Lamborghini, but the truth is, the Italian carmaker was not involved at all in the development of the Sogna. Built by Japan-based Art&Tech, the Sogna (dream in Italian) used the platform of the Lamborghini Countach and was the creation of teenage designer Ryoji Yamazaki. First presented at the Geneva Motor Show in 1991 as a design study with no mechanics beneath its questionably-styled bodywork, the Sogna later evolved into a fully functional prototype, which is the exact car you see in the photos. Advertised on James Edition, the car is owned by Japan's Enmann Corporation, which would be willing to part ways with it for the paltry sum of €2.38 million ($3.28 million). Featuring aluminum bodywork and a mid-mounted 5.2-liter V12 engine producing 455 horsepower, the Sogna is said to reach a top speed of 300 km/h (186 mph). The engine is mated to a five-speed gearbox sending power to the rear wheels. With only 1,846 km (1,147 miles) on the clock, the Sogna should give the future owner enough satisfaction, but could you overlook the weird styling (I don't even want to mention what the rear end reminds me of…)? Well, at least no one will ever have a similar car, since this prototype is the only one that can be driven, with the other existing one being just a design study with no engine.  By Dan Mihalascu PHOTO GALLERY

GM and PSA to Build C-Segment Crossovers in France, Drop B-Segment Platform Posted: 12 Dec 2013 12:02 PM PST Despite rumors that the strategic alliance between General Motors and PSA Peugeot-Citroën may crumble due to the negotiations between the French carmaker and Dongfeng Motors, it looks like the two partners are determined to go ahead with their plans. Both companies today announced new steps in their partnership, including the cooperation on a light commercial vehicle from the B-segment based on a PSA new generation platform. The alliance between PSA Peugeot-Citroën and General Motors will continue to be focused on the main pillars of joint programs – purchasing and logistics, focus on Europe, and cross manufacturing. The two carmakers confirmed continued cooperation for two products based on PSA platforms – the B-segment MPV and the C-segment crossover. The B-segment light commercial vehicle will add to those two, with the first vehicles from the alliance expected to launch in 2016. However, the collaboration on a B-segment platform and associated small petrol engine was dropped "following detailed evaluation." Manufacturing plans will be based on reciprocity, with each company producing one vehicle for the other. As announced in October, B-segment MPVs from both companies will be built in GM's Zaragoza plant in Spain, while future C-segment crossovers will be built in PSA's plant in Sochaux, France. "The vehicles of both manufacturers will be highly differentiated and fully consistent with their respective brand characteristics," said Karl-Thomas Neumann, GM executive vice president and president, Europe. PSA and GM estimate that the synergies generated by the Alliance will reach approximately $1.2 billion by 2018, shared about evenly between the two partners. The two carmakers also modified certain terms of the agreement, including the removal as a ground for terminating the Alliance, the failure to achieve a minimum number of cooperation programs within a specific time. They also agreed on a waiver of GM's right to terminate the Alliance "under certain conditions in the event certain parties take a stake in PSA", in which case, such parties would support the Alliance. In that scneario, GM would vote any PSA shares it would then hold in favor of any such transaction. By Dan Mihalascu PHOTO GALLERY

Super Rare BMW Alpina B12 850i for Sale in PA, Only One of Two in the U.S. Posted: 12 Dec 2013 11:36 AM PST We've shown you low mileage BMW 850i and 850CSis in the past, but if you're looking for an even more special and rare version of the V12-powered 8-Series, perhaps this 1991 Alpina B12 5.0 Coupe from Pennsylvania could curb your cravings. Listed for sale by a member of the BMW Car Club of America (BMW CCA), it has a mere 25,000 miles (around 40,000 km) on the odometer, and it is believed that only two examples of the B12 5.0 have ever been federalized for sale in the United States. The seller states: "1 OF 97 - E 31 alpina B12 5.0 mfg worldwide - J spec - only 2nd car fully federalized and in USA - all 97 were automatic". Alpina produced this series based on the 850i and then the 850Ci from mid-1990 to mid-1994, with the car sporting a tuned version of the 5.0-liter V12 delivering 345hp (350PS) that were channeled to the rear wheels via a 4-speed automatic. The B12 5.0 returned a 0-100km/h (62mph) time of 6.8 seconds, which may have been considered okay in the 1990s, but today, you'll get scorched even by a bone-stock 328i that can do the same in just 5.9 seconds… The asking price for the car is $75,000 (approx. €54,500), though, the seller will accept offers. Besides the B12 5.0, Alpina also made its own version of the 850CSi named the B12 5.7 Coupe with a 5.7-liter V12 twisting out 416hp (422PS) and connected to a six-speed manual gearbox that could reach 100km/h (62mph) in 5.8 seconds and a top speed of 300km/h (186mph). PHOTO GALLERY

Smooth Stanley Steamer 750 from 1924 Selling for $120,000 Posted: 12 Dec 2013 10:55 AM PST The mid-1920s marked the end of the steam car era in the US, and by that time, companies like Stanley Motor Carriace Co. had been making such vehicles for the better part of a quarter of a century – they had become quite advanced for what they were. Now, one of the later cars, a 750 model has popped up for sale at $120,000 on Hemmings. The example promises to be in "mint condition and excellent running order," having been restored in the last few years by the family of its owner from 1973, Bob Noble. He was third one since new, so whoever picks it up now will be number four. If you don't know much about these old steamers, you might find reading up on them quite interesting. There are even a few video drives to be found online – one of the keenest restorers and collectors of steam cars is Jay Leno, and his channel has an entire playlist of relevant videos; one has been added below, though it's of a 1922 Stanley, not an even more modern 1924 model. By Andrei Nedelea PHOTO GALLERY VIDEO

Trucker Loses Loaded Trailer, Driver Almost Loses His Pants... Posted: 12 Dec 2013 10:32 AM PST One of the last things you want to deal with on a snow- and ice-ridden highway while driving at speed is a nasty surprise in front of you, like, let's say for example, a…runaway dumpster-trailer filled to the brim that has just detached from a truck. The poor Russian (?) driver of the camera-equipped car (a VW Golf GTI Mk5, according to the camera data) was caught completely off-guard, and seeing the video, it's not at all hard to see why. Yet after you take notice of how calm he reacted, you can't but give him a big thumbs up for saving the day and his ride without a single scratch, despite the unfavorable weather and road conditions. See how he did it in the following video. VIDEO

Capristo Revises Its Ferrari 458 Spider Engine Window Mod Posted: 12 Dec 2013 10:01 AM PST German aftermarket tuning brand Capristo has released a slightly brushed up version of its Ferrari 458 Spider engine window package that now includes a plain power kit as well. From these pictures, you can see that the bottom area of the engine hood with the windowpane sports visible carbon fiber, while the addition of the so-called "air-box" kit, is said to add 25Nm (18 lb-ft) of torque. In factory trim, the Italian supercar's 4.5-liter V8 is good for 562hp (570PS) at 9,000rpm and 540Nm (398 lb·ft) of peak torque at 6,000 rpm. Capristo didn't say whether the "air-box" adds any ponies to the V8's maximum output figure. PHOTO GALLERY

BMW Group's New FWD Platform to Underpin 11 New Mini and BMW Models Posted: 12 Dec 2013 09:37 AM PST The new Mini Hatch is the first of 11 new BMW and Mini models to use the new UKL1 front- and all-wheel-drive platform, a BMW executive has confirmed. BMW's board member for sales and marketing, Ian Robertson, said the new Mini will be followed early next year by BMW's first MPV, previewed by the Active Tourer concept. "The Active Tourer will be the first front-wheel drive BMW, the first to use a three-cylinder engine and you'll see it at a motor show early next year," Robertson told AutoExpress. He added the production version of the Active Tourer will be very similar to the study. "You've seen the concept, and the actual car is extremely close," the exec added. While the Active Tourer will be the first ever production front-wheel-drive car for the BMW brand, Robertson said the company is already experienced in FWD cars, as it sells 300,000 Minis a year, as well as in small cars in general, selling 200,000 1-Series models annually. Robertson said as many as eight model lines of the new Mini will launch in the following years, including three and five-door hatchbacks, as well as replacements for the Cabriolet, Clubman, Countryman and Paceman. Mini will also launch a sporty MX-5 rival that will replace the Roadster and Coupe models, plus two models for China: an MPV and a saloon. As for FWD BMWs, there will be 5-seat and 7-seat versions of the 2-Series Active Tourer, a small SUV positioned below the X1 that will compete with the upcoming Audi Q1, and possibly a supermini to go against the Audi A1. By Dan Mihalascu PHOTO GALLERY

Porsche Promotes Winter Driving Course in Snowy Lapland Posted: 12 Dec 2013 09:05 AM PST Not all those who purchase Porsche sports cars are true enthusiast drivers intimately familiar with the technical and engineering solutions working in the background – I bet there's someone out there who may think the engine in a 911 or Boxster is in the front, right up until they actually come to see it and the sales rep shows them the truth… However, it is those very solutions that also bestow it with atypical driving characteristics, which are brought out especially in the winter, when roads are covered with non-grippy snow. Porsche offers to take some of your money in exchange for a winter driving course that they hold in Rovaniemi, in Finland, on top of a frozen lake. The goal is to teach interested owners the intricacies of rear-engined and rear-wheel drive control, even if the erratic behavior that previous 911 exhibited has been quelled dramatically in newer versions and the 991 in particular. If you are an interested Porsche owner, then the video posted below will provide you with the basic information to set you on your way to learning to snow drift in Santa-land. Or, if you're like me, you just like to see them Porsches going really sideways in the hands of amateurs. By Andrei Nedelea VIDEO

Dubious Web Rumor Places Justin Bieber in Paul Walker's Shoes for Fast & Furious 7… Posted: 12 Dec 2013 08:38 AM PST Paul Walker's tragic death in the Porsche Carrera GT crash that also claimed the life of his friend and driver of the car, Roger Rodas, has sparked a media frenzy and huge interest from the public. When that occurs, we all know what comes next: some websites will do whatever it takes to link their name with top Google search results (remember this post?). Being aware of that, we tend to take any rumors linked to Paul Walker and the currently frozen Fast and Furious 7 movie with plenty of grains of salt, so we're extremely skeptical about a report suggesting that Justin Bieber, the 19-year old Canadian singer, would have a role in the film. A number of sites are saying that the current rumor seems to have originated from a one Jacob Joseph from Carbuzz, who wrote: "The idea proposed is to put none other than Justin Bieber in the movie. Whether the idea is to actually replace Walker with Bieber playing the same character, or if some other idea is being worked out". And where did Mr. Joseph hear about that? Well, he writes: "One solution has been offered, but you might not like it." No mention whatsoever of who proposed or where the author heard/read about this "solution"… At this point, I should note that the Bieber-Fast&Furious 7 rumor in general is not new, as the singer was linked to the film back in the summer, well before Walker's accident. In fact, there's even a fake movie trailer with Bieber scenes (see below). I'll be clear with my words: the idea that Bieber will replace Walker in the movie is pure BS – there's no way in hell that Universal Pictures or even Bieber himself would accept to substitute a freshly deceased star in an upcoming movie. Even if someone was just outright stupid and/or insensitive enough to think about it, can you imagine the public backlash? Common sense people, common sense… As for taking a role in the film, sure, it could happen, but as of now, filming of F&F 7 has been officially postponed at least until January, and Universal is actually looking into whether the film is salvageable. In a piece released today, Hollywoodreporter, which you know, has a...better reputation when it comes to Hollywood movies, made no mention about Bieber. What it did say is that, according to sources from within Universal, there's great uncertainty about the movie and that right now, writer Chris Morgan is "at work crafting revisions to the script that Universal execs hope can retire Walker's character from the series using scenes already shot" as a fitting tribute to the star. The same source said that there is support from fans for completing the movie adding, "What will drive everything is, is there an honorable and sensible way to do this? There's not really a road map for the situation" referring to incorporating Walker's death in the movie. By John Halas VIDEO

NAIAS: BMW Adds Refinement to Z4 with Pure Fusion Design Package Posted: 12 Dec 2013 07:35 AM PST Besides the world premiere of the BMW M3 and M4, the Detroit Auto Show will also host the world debut of the new Z4 Pure Fusion Design package that promises to bring more style and refinement to the roadster's cabin. On the inside, the hardtop roadster is enhanced with new exclusive colors and materials, including extended Nappa leather trim and specially designed sport seats in Ivory White with contrasting brown stitching. The same premium leather with contrast stitching is used on the armrests, door panels and the passenger pull handle. The lower portion of the dashboard sports the same Ivory White color, contrasting with the black leather with brown lapfolded seams that covers the top of the dashboard, window sills and the instrument cluster scoop. A further styling effect is offered by the horizontal trim line made of Saddle Brown Nappa leather with bright contrast stitching that stretches from the passenger side into the driver's cockpit. Finally, the center console and the dashboard feature Fineline wood trim, while the sun visors are covered in black Nappa leather. On the outside, BMW's Pure Fusion Design can be opted with an exclusive to this model Sparkling Brown metallic paint finish. If brown doesn't fit your tastes, regular BMW Z4 colors are also available, while the Pure Fusion kit can also be combined with the M Sport package. By Dan Mihalascu PHOTO GALLERY

Another Design Study for a 2015 Ford Mustang Sports Sedan Posted: 12 Dec 2013 07:07 AM PST If you take a look at our story on the prototype designs throughout the history of the Mustang, you'll see that at least one time (keep in mind, there could be more examples that we are not aware of), with the 1964-generation of the car, Ford experimented with a four-door sedan body. The roll-out of the all-new, sixth generation model this month, has sparked interest in the hobbyist design community for what the industry tends to call a "four-door coupe" these days, but if you find the term offensive or wrong, just replace it with "sports sedan". After the recent release of a study for a 4-door 2015 Mustang from X-Tomi, Remco Meulendijk of RM Design has laid down his proposal, this time capturing the essence of the car from a rear quarter view. We're going to have our ears and eye open, so shoot away your opinions in the comments section. Designer: Remco Meulendijk PHOTO GALLERY

Spy Shots: A Better View of the New Lamborghini Cabrera Posted: 12 Dec 2013 06:39 AM PST As soon as Lamborghini announced the roll out of the last production Gallardo at the end of November, the countdown clock for the presentation of its successor (tipped but not confirmed to be called Cabrera), began ticking. Lamborghini's creased-angled-wedge looks with a hint of jet-fighter styling make their appearance again on the new car, which will be slightly longer than the Gallardo, while losing a few pounds in the process. The car is expected to weigh under 1,500 kg or about 3,300 lbs. The Cabrera's underpinnings, including the lightweight carbon fiber and aluminum spaceframe structure, are shared with the next iteration of the Audi R8, due in less than two years' time. Placed behind the passenger compartment is a reworked version of the Gallardo's 5.2-liter naturally-breathing V10 that could develop as much as 600-horses, which combined with the reduction in weight, will improve the supercar's acceleration figures. The V10 will be paired to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, driving either the rear or all-four wheels. It's not clear yet whether Lamborghini will offer a manual gearbox option. Photo Credits: CarPix for CarScoopS PHOTO GALLERY

Just Wow! Woman Keeps Chillingly Cool as Her Car Flips Upside Down! Posted: 12 Dec 2013 06:10 AM PST Women often receive a lot of internet-flack for their driving skills, but we won't be getting into that, as it's a pointless discussion topic. What is cool, though, is how the lady in the video posted below takes rolling over in her car, barely even flinching any of her facial muscles in the progress – it's one of the calmest looking rollovers I've ever seen caught on video. So she's driving around (on what probably are bad tires by the looks of it), and as a moderately-wide left-hander approaches, her car slips a few inches outside of the road surface, then loses control and slides to the other side, rolling into a big ditch. Thankfully, she was wisely wearing her seatbelt and stayed safely in place through the whole incident, though the expression on her face as she shuts off the engine is not one of relief, but one of frustration… By Andrei Nedelea VIDEO

Citroen to Reveal New DS 5LS "Premium Class Sedan" Next Week Posted: 12 Dec 2013 05:50 AM PST See the picture above? That's one piece of the puzzle that we will soon come to know as the DS 5LS. No, it's not a new digital camera, but the Citroen DS brand's upcoming saloon model named the 5LS. The French carmaker's short press statement reads: "On December 19th a new DS premium class sedan will be revealed: DS 5LS. Save the date!" The only country in which DS is marketed as a standalone brand is China, but we have heard rumors that the new 5LS may be offered elsewhere, including Europe. Speaking of the rumor mill, the other thing being said is that the 5LS could be a sedan variant of the DS4 hatch. We shall soon find out if that holds true. Another Citroen model being prepared primarily for China is the production version of the DS Wild Rubis crossover, which won't be sold in Europe. PHOTO GALLERY

Renault Plants New Face on Refreshed Megane Coupe-Cabriolet Posted: 12 Dec 2013 05:30 AM PST The refreshments for Renault's range of compact models continued today with the unveiling of the facelifted 2014 Megane Coupe Cabriolet that comes with a retractable top featuring a large panoramic glass roof. Like the Megane hatchback, Coupe and Sports Tourer versions before it, the hardtop convertible puts on Renault's new corporate face with a different grille that houses the brand's logo set to a gloss black background, along with fresh hood and bumper designs. The other news for the 2014 Megane CC is the connected Renault R-Link multimedia system with a seven-inch (18cm) display and center console-mounted joystick, which depending on the market, is either standard across the range or optional on lower trim models. In the UK, for example, it will be standard on all versions of the series. Renault said the New Megane Coupe-Cabriolet will make its world premiere in January 2014 at the Brussels Motor Show, with UK pricing and specification to be announced closer to its market launch in March. PHOTO GALLERY

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