CARSCOOP |  |
- IED Graduate Crafts V12-Powered Nissan Kaze Barchetta Study
- Audi Confirms 11 New Models, Mostly SUVs
- Sights and Sounds of the 2015 Ford Mustang 5.0 GT on the Road
- Ferrari Discusses New 1.6-Liter Turbo F1 Engine and Regulations Changes for 2014
- New Official Poster from Fast and Furious 7
- BMW i8 Key Fob Photo Shows It May be Something Special
- Venezuelans May Have to Pay More than Five Cents a Gallon for Gas
- VW Launches Golf Cabriolet Karmann Special Edition in Germany
- Tuner Manhart Gives BMW M6 743HP and a Visual Makeover
- No Joke: "Pinky N Brain Corp." Dealer Charged for Selling Sandy-Damaged Cars with False Titles
- New Lamborghini Huracan Blows its Top Roadster Style in Photoshop
- Slippery Rough Times for Russian Pedestrians at 30 Below Zero
- First Retail 2015 Ford Mustang to Go under the Auction Hammer in January
- Lexus IS-F is on its Way Out, But Still Gets Some Video Review Attention from MT
- Scoop: BMW X5 Plug-in Hybrid Goes from Concept to Reality
- It's Mugen Time for New Honda Vezel Small Crossover
- Ferrari's Christmas Show with Mark Gene Dressed as Santa Driving a Sleigh in F138
- Russian Mayhem When Pissed Off Drug Lord Crashes and Shoots Porsche Cayenne Driver
- DC Design Gives Ford EcoSport a Thorough Makeover
- DMC Dreams Up a Digital Tune for New Lamborghini Huracan
- Fast & Furious 7 Opening Pushed Back a Year to April 2015
- Gemballa is the First Tuner to Offer Special Wheels for McLaren P1
- New Infiniti Q50 Eau Rouge Gets 3.7-liter V6
- Chrysler Recalling 2013MY 300, Charger and Ram 1500 Over 8-Speed Transmission Fracture Fears
- Mercedes-Benz Marks One Million B-Class Sales
| IED Graduate Crafts V12-Powered Nissan Kaze Barchetta Study Posted: 23 Dec 2013 05:33 PM PST  One of the IED Master Team members who worked on the impressive Alfa Romeo Gloria Concept displayed at the 2013 Geneva motor show in March has come up with his own project for a track-focused Nissan sports car with a Barchetta-style body named the Kaze. The designer is IED Turin Transportation Design graduate, Carlos Palacios from Barcelona, Spain. "[The] Nissan Kaze (風 ; n. Wind, breeze, gale, gust) is a track day car with a rear mid-engine 6.5L V12," Palacio told Carscoops. "The main inspiration comes from the Streamline movement of the 40's and the spirit, technology and passion of Formula 1." Palacios said that the Kaze actually started as a real-life project for a racing team from a Spanish university, but they backed out. "When they decided to discard my design, I kept working on it, to create a nice car!" he said. Do take a look at the pictures below and cast your opinions in the comments. Designer: Carlos Palacios                         |
| Audi Confirms 11 New Models, Mostly SUVs Posted: 23 Dec 2013 04:08 PM PST  Audi has confirmed it will add 11 new models to the lineup, expanding its range from 49 to 60 models. The announcement coincided with Audi celebrating the sale of its 1.5 millionth car this year, achieving a 2015 sales target two years ahead of schedule. With over 1.5 million deliveries in 2013, Audi has already doubled its global sales within a single decade. In 2003, the carmaker sold around 769,900 cars. "We will continue to write this success story and expand our product range from the current 49 to 60 models. We see a great deal of potential, particularly in the SUV segment and in the especially prestigious full-size category," said Rupert Stadler, Chairman of the Board of Management of Audi AG. Although no specific models were named and no timeframe was given, it is pretty clear that most of the new vehicles will be SUVs. Recently Audi said it will launch the Audi Q1 in 2016, but other models like the Q4 and Q6 could be added as well, aiming at the upcoming BMW X4 and the X6. Other niche crossovers are not ruled out either – we're talking about possible Q2 and Q8 models. Most Q models are expected to sport performance S and RS variants, following the example of the RS Q3 and SQ5. As for the "prestigious full-size category", Stadler mentioned that Audi might be thinking about a range-topping A9 model that would rival the Porsche Panamera, as well as a high-performance RS8 model. By Dan Mihalascu         |
| Sights and Sounds of the 2015 Ford Mustang 5.0 GT on the Road Posted: 23 Dec 2013 03:32 PM PST  There's no shortage of media material on the new 2015 Mustang, but one thing we hadn't seen, up until now, was a video of the actual production model driving on a public road, or in this case, a highway. Yes, the video of the 5.0 GT version of the pony car is less than a minute long, but we'll take what we can get for now as we wait for Ford to come out with more footage of the sixth iteration of the Mustang. The V8 model featured in this clip sports an updated 5.0-liter unit cranking out 420 horses and 390 lb-ft (528 Nm) of maximum torque directed to the rear wheels via a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic. The two other available powertrains for Ford's most recognized model series will be an entry-level 3.7-liter V6 (not for Europe) producing at least 300-horses, and a highly anticipated (for many reasons) 2.3-liter EcoBoost rated for more than 305 horsepower and over 300 lb-ft of torque (406 Nm).    |
| Ferrari Discusses New 1.6-Liter Turbo F1 Engine and Regulations Changes for 2014 Posted: 23 Dec 2013 03:08 PM PST  As you may have heard, the 2014 Formula One season is promising to be one of the more interesting ones in recent year, if only due to the regulations changes that have been enforced that not only require very different engines than previously used, but also new tactics to make the best of it. Ferrari will want to stay at the forefront of the sport, naturally, as it's to date their best marketing strategy. Below we attached an official video put out by the Prancing Horse brand that goes into detail regarding the new 1.6-liter turbocharged engine, its KERS system (which can offer an advantage of up to 3 seconds per lap, now!) and the emphasis on fuel efficiency – cars will need to be 30 percent more efficient to still be competitive. Scroll down, check it out and share your thought in regards to how all of it will affect the sport. Do you think it's for the best? By Andrei Nedelea    |
| New Official Poster from Fast and Furious 7 Posted: 23 Dec 2013 02:35 PM PST  After Vin Diesel's posting on Sunday night, the official fan page of the Fast and Furious movie franchise has confirmed the new release date for the seventh installment: April 10, 2015. They also uploaded a new poster for the upcoming film that was postponed after the unfortunate death of Paul Walker, 40, on November 30, which shows Vin Diesel's character Dominic Toretto from the neck and below. Universal Pictures hasn't released information about the changes it plans to make to the pilot, how the scenes with Walker's character Brian O'Conner will be utilized in the film or whether they will use a double for Walker's remaining scenes – among other rumors, it had been reported, but not confirmed, that Walker's younger brother, Cody, 25, had been approached to be in the film.     |
| BMW i8 Key Fob Photo Shows It May be Something Special Posted: 23 Dec 2013 01:59 PM PST  So, for a while now, all BMW keys have looked the same and worked the same, with no real notable changes over the past few years. However, according to Bimmerfile, that may not be the case for the sporty but green i8, as press shots purpotedly show the hybrid's key fob - it looks like a smartphone with a propeller badge. Like the interior of the Tesla Model S, here too you will be struck by the size of the touch-sensitive display, which, in-keeping with the proportions, is very big for its application. It also doesn't seem fake, with everything fitting together nicely design-wise – this is almost certainly the real thing and it's pretty enough to at least partly ease the pain of spending $135,700 on a car that's about half as fast as it costs. From what we gather, it tells the range, state of charge and the time, though it has two screens to browse through (there are two dots above the word "Connected," at the bottom of the display). Only problem is it just looks a bit too big and flashy, but then we get back to the price and it kind-of makes sense. By Andrei Nedelea Editor's Note: We found another photo of a different and plainer looking BMW i8 key fob on David Khaykin's FlickR page, so we contacted BMW USA on December 16 for an explanation and more details, but we have yet to hear back from them                              |
| Venezuelans May Have to Pay More than Five Cents a Gallon for Gas Posted: 23 Dec 2013 01:34 PM PST  Do you know how much Venezuelan car owners pay for gas today? Five cents for a gallon of fuel or just under 1 euro cent (€0.0096 to be precise) per liter at the official exchange rate, or according to an Associated Press report cited by the Detroit news, "less than a penny [1 U.S. cent a gallon] at the widely-used black market rate". As an oil producer, Venezuela can offer gas at these absurdly low prices, but it comes at a cost for the government during an economic crisis. Now, after some two decades of frozen prices at the pump, the newly elected government of President Nicolas Maduro is pondering an increase. However, that's easier said than done in a country where cheap fuel is considered a birthright, and let's not forget that the last time officials attempted to raise prices in 1989, the move sparked weeklong clashes resulting in the deaths of hundreds of people. Maduro, a former bus driver, has been testing the waters for an increase in gas prices to fuel the battered economy, as it is reported that the gasoline subsidy costs more than $12.5 billion a year in government income. "As an oil nation, Venezuelans should have a special price advantage for hydrocarbons compared to the international market," Maduro told mayors on December 18. "But it has to be an advantage, not a disadvantage. What converts it into a disadvantage is when the tip you give is more than what it cost to fill the tank." Whether Maduro will be able to pass on an increase without triggering a violent response from the opposition and the people who are already being pressed hard by 54 percent inflation and a falling currency, remains to be seen, but he does have some time in front of him as elections aren't scheduled before 2015. Another issue that (partially) stems from the extremely low gas prices is pollution, as many Venezuelans never felt the need to opt for more fuel-efficient and greener transportation modes, holding onto American behemoths from the 1970s, such as Dodge Chargers, Chevrolet Malibus and Ford LTDs. An interesting video from Venezuela's American car culture, courtesy of the New York Times (NYT), follows below. Opening screen shot: NYT video    |
| VW Launches Golf Cabriolet Karmann Special Edition in Germany Posted: 23 Dec 2013 01:12 PM PST  VW has released the Golf Cabriolet Karmann special edition in Germany, which is available to order at a starting price of €27,275 ($37,255). As the name suggests, the limited production Golf is a tribute to coach-building company Karmann, bought by Volkswagen in 2009. The car features the Karmann logo on the front fenders, as well as subtle details like the 17-inch "Porto" alloy wheels, chrome surrounds on front fog lamps and chrome bars on the upper and lower grille. On the inside, the Golf Cabriolet Karmann sports black Alcantara on the center part of the front seats, "Catch Up" fabric in "Sioux" color on the lateral seat supports, and leather-wrapped steering wheel, gear knob and handbrake lever with gray stitching. There's also chrome trim in the cockpit, dark gray door inlays in brushed aluminum and "Karmann" lettering on the door sill plates. The model's standard equipment includes Park Pilot, "Premium" multifunction display, RCD 210 radio, center armrest with storage and wind deflector. The VW Golf Cabriolet Karmann is offered with the entire range of diesel and gasoline engines from the regular Golf Cabriolet, ranging from 105PS to 160PS. The entry-level model fitted with the 105PS 1.2-liter TSI engine starts from €27,275 ($37,255). By Dan Mihalascu          |
| Tuner Manhart Gives BMW M6 743HP and a Visual Makeover Posted: 23 Dec 2013 12:48 PM PST  If you're the kind of person who looks at the BMW M6, with its 553 hp twin turbo-charged 4.4-liter V8 and sporty demeanor and thinks it's not powerful or brash enough, then the MH6 700 kit offered by German tuner Manhart could be of interest for you. It raises the power figure of the coupe to 743 hp, while torque is boosted too, from 680 Nm to 950 Nm or 503 lb-ft to 703 lb-ft. Both acceleration and in-gear performance are augmented as a result, but it will still spin most of that power away in first without the electronics – top speed is a claimed 320 km/h or 199 mph. The sound it makes is hopefully better than stock too, and not just louder… There's a sports air filter at one end, a pair of sports catalytic converters in the middle and a custom muffler setup with quad pipes. Visually, the MH6 700 is a striking machine to behold, and you should not have too much trouble telling that it's not stock. It rides much lower than before on adjustable KW suspension, and the 21-inch wheels, while clean, are clearly aftermarket. The car in the photos comes with extra carbon fiber bits, like the gilled hood, front apron, rear diffuser and boot lid spoiler – the latter is the only one you'd really want, if you didn't want to attract too much attention, though. Scroll down for the gallery! By Andrei Nedelea                 |
| No Joke: "Pinky N Brain Corp." Dealer Charged for Selling Sandy-Damaged Cars with False Titles Posted: 23 Dec 2013 12:06 PM PST  Would you ever buy a used ride from a car dealer named after an animated series like…'Pinky and the Brain'? To the tricked buyers' defense, the "Pinky N Brain Corp." dealership in Old Bridge, New Jersey was also known as D&D Auto Sales. The used car shop was shut down after authorities charged the owner, Jonathan Olin, 41, along with two of his employees and a technician from the NJ Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) in an alleged scheme to sell vehicles damaged in Superstorm Sandy with falsified clear titles. The operator of the business had been a subject of ABC's The Lookout" investigation into Sandy-affected cars that aired in July and during which, undercover reporters bought a flood-damaged 2006 Ford F-350, with the salesman referring to a flood alert on the vehicle's CarFax report as only "a glitch". The produces then took the car for an inspection and found severe damage, including a corroded transmission and possible issues with the airbags. The dealership responded to the report with the following statement at the time: "D&D auto sales sincerely regrets the unfortunate misrepresentation of the product by the salesperson. We do not condone such business practices and have terminated the salesman as a result of his independent action. This is in no way reflective of typical business practices at D&D." According to prosecutors, Olin and the other defendants bought eight storm-damaged vehicles auctioned by an insurance company for parts only and allegedly issued fake titles for the cars selling them to unsuspected customers. Thanks to Maria for the tip!    |
| New Lamborghini Huracan Blows its Top Roadster Style in Photoshop Posted: 23 Dec 2013 11:30 AM PST  This is what the topless version of the all-new Lamborghini Huracan 610-4 could look like. Seen here in the interpretation of Hungarian designer X-Tomi, it closely follows the example set by the drop-top Aventador – it appears to have a very similar roof system with a small aperture too… I personally think that the Huracan is not as pretty as the Gallardo was back in the day, though, to be fair, not even that looked its best with a hard top, and to this day, the Gallardo Spider is still the nicer-looking of the two. Will it be the case here too? First indications (i.e. this rendering) would suggest an affirmative answer would be in order, but we'll have to wait and see what the actual one looks like before casting strong opinions. Whatever the case, it's still not a bad looker overall, especially from the back, where its Sesto Elemento inspiration is oh so clear, so I suspect that a coat of matte black paint, red accents and a spoiler on the back won't detract from its aesthetic merits at all… Scroll down and check it out. By Andrei Nedelea Designer: X-Tomi      |
| Slippery Rough Times for Russian Pedestrians at 30 Below Zero Posted: 23 Dec 2013 10:50 AM PST  When the ice and snow hit the proverbial fan in some northern regions, there's not much one can do other than to stay inside and avoid going out as humanly possible. Otherwise, you'll get scenes like the ones featured in this video. Residents of Norilsk, an industrial city in Krasnoyarsk Krai, Russia, have to deal with frozen conditions on an everyday basis during the winter, with temperatures set to drop to as low as -40 Celsius or -40 Fahrenheit this week – on Monday, it was around -30 Celsius or -26 Fahrenheit. Those who can afford to stay in, like this carefree couple who filmed a few minutes of pedestrian oopsies on the ice-cold and snow-ridden sidewalks and roads across their house, can actually have a laugh about it at the expense of their fellow citizens…    |
| First Retail 2015 Ford Mustang to Go under the Auction Hammer in January Posted: 23 Dec 2013 10:20 AM PST  Just as Chevrolet did with the first production 2014 Corvette Stingray, Ford also announced that the first retail unit of the all-new 2015 Mustang will be sold at Barrett-Jackson's auction in Scottsdale, Arizona, on January 18, 2014. The car will be offered at no reserve, with all proceeds to benefit JDRF, a global organization funding type 1 diabetes research. The winning bidder of Lot No. 3010 will be able to choose a manual or automatic transmission as well as any interior, exterior and stripe color combination offered on the new 2015 Mustang GT that is powered by a 5.0-liter V8 engine producing 420 horsepower and 390 lb-ft (528 Nm) of torque. The car will be signed by the team involved in Mustang design and development in appreciation of the donation to JDRF. The Mustang is scheduled for delivery after production of the new model year begins. "We're thrilled to be able to take advantage of Mustang's popularity to help achieve the dream of ending juvenile diabetes," said Steve Ling, North America car marketing manager for Ford. "Ford Mustangs have always been among the most popular collector cars at Barrett-Jackson Collector Car events," said Steve Davis, president of Barrett-Jackson Auction Company. "While every collector wishes they had snapped up the first Mustang sold in 1964, this is an opportunity to realize that dream in a different way," he added. Each 2015 model celebrates 50 years of the Mustang with a badge showing the galloping pony logo and the words, "Mustang – Since 1964." By Dan Mihalascu         |
| Lexus IS-F is on its Way Out, But Still Gets Some Video Review Attention from MT Posted: 23 Dec 2013 09:54 AM PST  The Lexus IS-F, launched in 2007, was one of the cars you thought about buying if you didn't want an E90/E92 BMW M3, a Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG, or a Jaguar XF-R. It offered comparable but slightly lower performance, vertically-stacked exhaust pipes and a sometimes indecisive eight-speed gearbox (one of the first of its kind) that had to make do with torque coming in high, at 5,200 rpm – some reviews said it was an annoyance while low-speed cruising. Now, the car is on its way out, and we already have an all-new IS to base a new F model on. Still, it's an interesting performance sedan, and MotorTrend's Justin Bell, thought it'd be a good idea to give it some more attention, as it's quickly approaching automotive Neverland. And that's a shame, because its five-liter V8 sounds really nice, and while it didn't beat the Mercedes for exhaust note chills-up-the-spine factor, it was a nicer noise than that of the BMW. Will it be missed in a few years' time? Probably not. By Andrei Nedelea    |
| Scoop: BMW X5 Plug-in Hybrid Goes from Concept to Reality Posted: 23 Dec 2013 09:06 AM PST  You're looking at a rolling prototype of the BMW Concept X5 eDrive plug-in-hybrid that the Bavarian automaker first showed at the Frankfurt motor show this past September. At the time, BMW officials would not say if the car was destined for production, but inside sources had hinted that it could go on sale within the next two years with the same powertrain to be used on other models as well, including the 5-Series. This prototype lacks the concept's specially designed aerodynamic kit and alloy wheels, but does include the plug-in adaptor door on the front fender. In concept form, BMW had revealed that the X5 eDrive featured an unspecified 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbo engine paired to a 94hp (95PS) electric motor, backed up by a lithium-ion battery mounted under the boot floor that offered a pure electric drive range of 30 kilometers (19 miles) at speeds of up to 120 km/h (75mph). According to the manufacturer, the X5 eDrive returns an estimated combined fuel consumption of 3.8 liters per 100 kilometers (74.3 mpg UK / 61.9 mpg US) and CO2 emissions of 90 g/km, while completing the standard sprint to 100km/h (62mph) in less than 7 seconds. Again, these are all preliminary numbers for the concept and will likely change when the car enters production. Photo Credits: CarPix for CarScoopS          |
| It's Mugen Time for New Honda Vezel Small Crossover Posted: 23 Dec 2013 08:29 AM PST  As a subsidiary of Honda, Mugen doesn't have to wait at all before it releases its goods for the Japanese automaker's cars. In fact, Mugen comes out with a complete range of aftermarkets products at the same time that Honda begins sales of a new model, which is the case for the Vezel. While certainly not for all tastes, Mugen's styling accessories do give the small crossover a more distinct character with the use of a new front grille assembly and apron that covers half the bumper, matching-color wheel arch plastic surrounds, side skirts, rear apron and roof spoiler. There are a number of different alloy wheel designs in 18-inches to choose from, with Mugen also offering a sports exhaust with twin pipes for both the regular and hybrid powertrains, a lowered suspension, brake kits and a carbon fiber trim kit for the interior.                        |
| Ferrari's Christmas Show with Mark Gene Dressed as Santa Driving a Sleigh in F138 Posted: 23 Dec 2013 08:01 AM PST  Ferrari, the same company that won't let 99 percenters touch its cars with a ten-foot pole at auto shows, is wearing its friendly and socially responsible mask for the holiday season with the release of "Merry Christmas" video. The two-minute long clip from Scuderia Ferrari stars team test driver Marc Gene dressing up as Santa Claus and hooking up a sleigh onto a Ferrari F138 racer to deliver presents around the world. While the video starts promising, we go from mildly interested to facepalm faster than you can spell Gene's name; but don't take our word for it, do check it out for yourself right below the break.    |
| Russian Mayhem When Pissed Off Drug Lord Crashes and Shoots Porsche Cayenne Driver Posted: 23 Dec 2013 07:35 AM PST  We know it's a cliché when they say real-life trumps movies, but this time it's true and it happened in Russia when, for unknown reasons, a previously convicted drug gangster attacked a man in a Porsche Cayenne. The incident occurred in the city of Chelyabinsk on December 14 and was partially recorded on the dash-cam of the victim in the Porsche. In the video, we see the unnamed driver of the Cayenne trying to run away from 47-year-old Stanislav Smelova who was riding a gunmetal grey-colored SUV. Smelova not only crashed the Porsche, but also fired his gun repeatedly at the driver wounding him and in the end, he smashed the Porsche's windscreen. Luckily, the victim survived, but if a report from Russian news agency URA is true, then lawlessness will take a new meaning as Smelova could actually end up off the hook, and we quote a Google Translation of the report: "And now attention! "Bully" S.V.Smelov may qualify for an amnesty on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the Constitution. Previous convictions may be redeemed, if not previously freed on parole, then entitled to pardon, for the most, "hooligan" Article 213 of the Criminal Code. And then Tyutyunnikov can safely re-shoot a rifle safely on the streets."    |
| DC Design Gives Ford EcoSport a Thorough Makeover Posted: 23 Dec 2013 07:03 AM PST  India's DC Design aftermarket specialist has revealed a comprehensive tuning package for the Ford EcoSport. Just like it did with the Renault Duster, DC Design has completely changed the looks of Ford's smallest crossover, both inside and out. The most striking changes are at the front of the car, with the headlights pushed below into the bumper and featuring a round design, while the original headlight cutout now includes LED daytime running lights and turn signals. DC Design also completely reworked the front bumper, which now features a massive air intake. The photos don't show the rear end of the car, so we don't know whether it features upgrades as well. On the inside, DC Design changed the seating layout from a 2+3 to a 2+2, as the rear bench now features a central tunnel acting as an armrest and including storage and multimedia controls as well. The individual rear seats are electrically adjustable and feature a reclining backrest. Rear passengers also benefit from an additional air conditioning blower unit located above the front armrest and two large LCD displays. The seats, door trims and dashboard panels are finished in a beige color, while the passenger seat can be folded flat to create a leg rest for the rear passenger. At the front, Ford's Sync central screen has been replaced by a bigger unit. The car also features mood lighting. The price of the tuning package hasn't been announced yet. By Dan Mihalascu Thanks to Indianautosblog for the tip!            |
| DMC Dreams Up a Digital Tune for New Lamborghini Huracan Posted: 23 Dec 2013 06:35 AM PST  Only the announcement of a new Lamborghini model sends shivers up the spine of specialized supercar tuners like DMC, which has rushed in to present a digital take of what the Huracan could look like with a carbon fiber aero package. True, it's only a render for now and DMC did not share any words about the project, but judging from the company's previous works, we gather that it shouldn't be too far away from what it will release next year when the Lamborghini Huracan begins to arrive in showrooms across the world. The kit displayed here comprises a roof scoop, a protruding lip spoiler, side skirts, and a traditional (think Countach) rear wing, and even though we don't see the rear end, a diffuser is very likely included in DMC's vision of a tuned Huracan.     |
| Fast & Furious 7 Opening Pushed Back a Year to April 2015 Posted: 23 Dec 2013 02:01 PM PST  Actor Vin Diesel put an end to weeks of speculations and skepticism about the future of the seventh installment of the 'Fast and Furious' movie franchise after the untimely death of his co-star, Paul Walker, with a Facebook post late last night. In a message with a photograph from the last scene he and Walker filmed together, Diesel revealed that the film has been pushed back for a year with a scheduled release for April 2015. The movie had originally been programmed to open in July 2014. "The last scene we filmed together," Diesel wrote. "There was a unique sense of completion, of pride we shared… in the film we were now completing… the magic captured… and, in just how far we've come…Fast and Furious 7 will be released…April 10th 2015! P.s. He'd want you to know first…" A source from within Universal Pictures confirmed the date with The Hollywood Reporter, but did not provide any information on how Walker's death would affect the story line. Walker died in a fiery crash along with his friend and driver of the Porsche Carrera GT, Roger Rodas, on November 30. Photos courtesy of Vin Diesel     |
| Gemballa is the First Tuner to Offer Special Wheels for McLaren P1 Posted: 23 Dec 2013 05:55 AM PST  You didn't think that the tuning industry wouldn't be interested in the new McLaren P1 because of its price tag (£866,000 in the UK and $1,150,000 in the U.S.) and limited production nature (only 375 will be built), did you? Gemballa has earned the bragging rights of being the first tuner to offer P1 customers the opportunity to customize their rides with exclusive wheels with the release of the GForged One. "Of course, being the first to offer this type of product was not enough; the product we offer is also both technically and visually fascinating," explains Andreas Schwarz, CEO of Gemballa. The German firm's wheels are 1-inch larger on both ends than the factory rims used by McLaren at 20-inch on the front and 21-inch on the rear axle. Customers will be able to choose among four different surface finishes in Gunmetal or Black Magic, either in a full-surface finish or "diamond cut". Gemballa did not release pricing, but we doubt that this will be an issue for P1 owners.                |
| New Infiniti Q50 Eau Rouge Gets 3.7-liter V6 Posted: 23 Dec 2013 05:44 AM PST  Following the first teaser photo released earlier this month, Infiniti continues to build expectation for the Q50 Eau Rouge performance sedan with a new video. While the script of the computer-generated film won't get any creativity awards - it shows the sedan running in parallel with a Formula One car, then merging with it into a ball of liquid metal Terminator 2-style, only to explode and evaporate immediately after, it lets us hear the sound of the engine and even shows the "3.7" lettering on the front fender. Obviously, this means the performance sedan will feature a 3.7-liter V6 engine with at least 320 hp, sourced from the larger Q70 sedan (formerly known as the M series). The video also includes a close up of the rear end that reveals the Q50S moniker - probably the retail name of the production model previewed by the Infiniti Q50 Eau Rouge. The pre-production study will be unveiled at the upcoming Detroit Auto Show. By Dan Mihalascu    |
| Chrysler Recalling 2013MY 300, Charger and Ram 1500 Over 8-Speed Transmission Fracture Fears Posted: 23 Dec 2013 05:21 AM PST  A number of all-wheel drive Chrysler Group cars, including the Chrysler 300, Dodge Charger and Ram 1500 equipped with a V6 engine and the 8-speed ZF 8HP45 automatic transmissions are being recalled because the company has detected that the transmission output shaft may fracture. "Output shafts installed in some model-year 2013 vehicles were shaped using a two-stage forging method employed during early production," said the automaker in a statement. "The resulting components may be subject to fracture in rare circumstances." Chrysler explained that, while it is unaware of any associated injuries or accidents, the transmission output shaft fracture could result in a loss of power on the move, and allow the car to roll when placed in 'Park' if the parking brake is not applied before exiting the vehicle. The company said it has addressed the issue on newer transmission by replacing the two-stage forging method with a single-stage forging process. As for the affected models, including 4,194 cars in the U.S., 1,424 in Canada and 45 outside the NAFTA region, the automaker will inspect and replace the transmissions, as necessary, free of charge, with the recall to begin in in January 2014.       |
| Mercedes-Benz Marks One Million B-Class Sales Posted: 23 Dec 2013 04:53 AM PST  Since the first generation B-Class launched in 2005, Mercedes-Benz has sold over one million units of its compact MPVs. The biggest market for the B-Class is Germany, where the model leads its segment, followed by China. Mercedes says around 30 percent of B-Class customers are new to the brand, having previously driven vehicles from other brands. "What has been particularly noticeable with the current model is that we are reaching the most diverse customer groups, from families with children to active seniors," says Ola Källenius, Member of the Divisional Board Mercedes-Benz Cars responsible for Marketing & Sales. The second-generation model, launched in 2011, inaugurated Mercedes' new front-wheel-drive compact car generation, which also includes the A-Class, CLA and GLA. It was the first compact vehicle to feature the Collision Prevention Assist system, as well as the only vehicle in its class to come with optional all-wheel drive. Mercedes says the most popular engines worldwide for the B-Class are currently the B 180 petrol and diesel engines - each accounting for around 30 percent. In 2014, Mercedes-Benz will launch two new alternative drive technologies for the B-Class: B 200 Natural Gas Drive and B-Class Electric Drive. The former will arrive in Europe in February, while the latter will debut in the U.S. in the second quarter of 2014 and in Europe at the end of 2014. By Dan Mihalascu              |
| You are subscribed to email updates from Carscoops To stop receiving these emails, you may unsubscribe now. | Email delivery powered by Google |
| Google Inc., 20 West Kinzie, Chicago IL USA 60610 | |
