CARSCOOP

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• BMW Tool Acting Smoking Cool is on Fire - No, Seriously, the Car's on Fire...
• New Audi Compact Crossover Set for Detroit Show, May Hint at Q1 Design
• VW Says It Could Sell Amarok Pickup Truck in the U.S. if Chicken Law Goes Away
• CR Finds 2014 Cherokee Quite Capable Off-Road if You Buy the Trailhawk Model
• Suzuki Kizashi Unlikely to Get a Successor, Says Exec
• James Hunt’s 1976 Helmet going to Auction for an Estimated $32,000
• Yes, It's that Good: Porsche 918 Spyder Amazes Autocar [w/Video]
• Mercedes' US Dealers Given $2,500 Leeway to Please S-Class Owners, $1,000 for CLA
• GM to Close Holden's Australian Operations in 2016, Claims Report
• McLaren Confirms P1 Lapped Nürburgring in Under 7 Minutes Through New Video
• Does This 2015 Mustang Look Sexy Enough For You? [Photos & Videos]
• Gran Turismo 6 Starts Shipping, Reveals New Version of Fictitious Red Bull Hyper Track Racer
• Lucky Russian Lady Should Put Down the Damn Cell Phone….
• McLaren Special Operations Crafts Bespoke 12C Concept
• Infiniti Announces F1-Inspired Q50 Eau Rouge High Performance Concept for Detroit
• 2015 Ford Mustang Coupe and Convertible in 172 Photos with Live Shots
• Brabus Takes the Mercedes E 63 AMG T-Modell to 838HP
• Owners of Saab Go the Full Way, Announce Re-Release of 9-3 Sedan Pictured Here
• Fast & Furious Team's Emotional Video Tribute to Paul Walker, Universal Halts Film's Production
• British Coach-Building Startup Alcraft Gives New Range Rover a Roll-Royce Look
• A Reenactment of Paddy Hopkirk's 1964 Monte Carlo Rally Win in a Mini
• GM to Fix Overlap Problems in Europe by Ditching Chevy, Keeping Opel
• The Three Final Design Proposals for 2015 Mustang; See Anything You Like?
• Corvette Stingray Escapes an Alien Ship in New Ad [+22 New C7 Photos]

BMW Tool Acting Smoking Cool is on Fire - No, Seriously, the Car's on Fire... Posted: 05 Dec 2013 06:54 PM PST The award for this week's biggest automotive buffoon goes without contest to the owner of this BMW from, well, we're not entirely sure, but the video title is in Polish, so we'll hesitantly go with Poland for now adding a big asterisk until someone recognizes the language and tells us about it in the comments. The driver of the red E36 BMW 3-Series Coupe sporting a cigarette in one hand and the steering wheel in the other was being filmed by one of his friends while lighting up the rear tires and brakes. Sure enough, the rear discs got smoking hot, but the overly cool man was in no mood to stop – that is, until a fire broke under the hood and both went scrambling to find a fire extinguisher… Watch the video below. VIDEO

New Audi Compact Crossover Set for Detroit Show, May Hint at Q1 Design Posted: 05 Dec 2013 06:11 PM PST In the wake of an announcement on the addition of its smallest SUV yet, the Q1 with a production date set for 2016, Audi today released a batch of sketches previewing a new two-door concept for a compact crossover that will make its world premiere at next month's Detroit Motor Show. Audi did not specifically mention the Q1 in the concept's release, but it makes plenty of sense to say that it will provide clues to the styling direction it will take with the upcoming production small SUV. "The show car is a systematic development of the Audi design language," said the brand with the four rings in a statement, adding that, "It combines a host of visual elements from future models with the Audi-typical allroad concept and independent 'Shooting Brake' body style." Measuring 4,200mm or 165.4 inches in length, the three-door study is 185mm or 7.2 inches shorter than the Q3 compact crossover, with Audi pointing out, but refraining from going into any details, that it is an e-tron model, which is Ingolstadt's moniker for plug-in hybrid (PHEV) and pure-electric cars. PHOTO GALLERY

VW Says It Could Sell Amarok Pickup Truck in the U.S. if Chicken Law Goes Away Posted: 05 Dec 2013 05:45 PM PST The team at MotorTrend magazine says it had an interesting chat with Jonathan Browning, the CEO of VW's American side of the company, on the sidelines of the Los Angeles motor show regarding the brand's Amarok truck. VW's exec revealed that the German carmaker is definitely interested in bringing its Amarok over to the states, but is currently not doing so because of a hefty 25 percent tariff imposed by the US on imported pickup trucks (the so-called Chicken Tax) ; the measure also applies to other related commodities such as potato starch and brandy… The report further reads that this measure may have caused pickup prices to sit at an artificially high level and allowed the local manufacturers free reign on the market with no overseas competition. The Amarok, which in Europe is powered by two versions of the same two-liter diesel engine and is deemed very competent and car-like in its road behavior, would definitely be a contender for the new Chevy Colorado in US spec and other established models in its size range. VW could bypass the tax if, like Ford with their new Transit range, imports the Amarok as a passenger vehicle, though in this case, it's quite a bit harder to get a convincing case going for it. Currently there are no official plans in that direction, but if the tariffs are dropped (and that's a possibility with the proposed freed trade agreement between the EU and the US), a reconsideration of that vision is definitely in order, according to a statement by Browning. To brush up your knowledge of the truck, we've added two video reviews of the Amarok below. By Andrei Nedelea VIDEO

CR Finds 2014 Cherokee Quite Capable Off-Road if You Buy the Trailhawk Model Posted: 05 Dec 2013 04:55 PM PST The new Jeep Cherokee may not be a looker, but at least it replaces the "dreadful" Liberty, says Consumer Reports' Tom Mutschler. To assess the 2014 Jeep Cherokee, the magazine bought not one, but two cars: a 4-cylinder Latitude model with no additional options that cost $27,490, and a V6 Limited model with many extras that set them back $37,525. The tester complained about the base model's equipment, which doesn't include a power driver seat, back-up camera or a sunroof, as some of its competitors do. The V6 model, on the other hand, is described as a baby Grand Cherokee, as it feels quiet and solid for its class. However, it also feels heavier than the more agile Ford Escape and VW Tiguan, while the 9-speed automatic gearbox still needs refining. In conclusion, Consumer Reports says the 2014 Cherokee is quite capable off-road, provided that the customer opts for the Trailhawk model. For more about Jeep's compact SUV, take a look at the video posted below. By Dan Mihalascu VIDEO

Suzuki Kizashi Unlikely to Get a Successor, Says Exec Posted: 05 Dec 2013 04:29 PM PST Suzuki will most likely discontinue its mid-size Kizashi sedan because of poor sales, said the company's Australian managing director, Masaaki Kato. According to the Japanese brand's executive, the sedan was compromised by poor timing, as the car was introduced just before the global financial crisis hit the United States in 2009. "That's my headache, Kizashi was a very unlucky car. We had so many arguments about the question: how to handle Kizashi. At that time, frankly speaking, we should not have introduced the car into the market in 2009," Masaaki Kato told Australia's Drive. "But you see, we made a big investment to develop this car… After heavy and hard discussion, we decided to introduce this Kizashi," Kato added. The executive also said Suzuki started work on a turbocharged performance Kizashi and planned V6 models and a Kizashi wagon, but all the plans "completely disappeared." Add to that the fact that Suzuki pulled out of the U.S. market in 2012 and the future of the Kizashi doesn't look bright at all. Furthermore, the failure of Suzuki's agreement with VW to develop cars for emerging markets means the company will have to design those cars on its own and will therefore lack funds for larger models like the Kizashi. All in all, Kato concluded a new generation Kizashi could be too much investment for too little return. However, unlucky circumstances cannot take all the blame for the Kizashi's sales struggle. The sedan's steep price (AU$ 29,990 in Australia/€26,990 in Germany) and the availability of only one engine (a thirsty 176hp/178PS 2.4-liter gasoline unit) are also important factors too in the Kizashi's lack of success. By Dan Mihalascu PHOTO GALLERY

James Hunt’s 1976 Helmet going to Auction for an Estimated $32,000 Posted: 05 Dec 2013 04:04 PM PST If your really-really liked the movie "Rush," the one that told the slightly dramatized story of the 1976 Formula One season, then perhaps you'd be interested in acquiring a bit of relevant paraphernalia to decorate your presumably already stacked garage with. It's the helmet worn by driver James Hunt in1976, the year when he won his first and only world title, driving for McLaren and battling it out with Niki Lauda and his Ferrari right up until the last race. Made by Bell, the helmet was of a new design for its day, with a narrower aperture than everybody else; this made Hunt quite easy to recognize by fans and photographers alike. The helmet goes to auction at Bonhams on December 9 and it's expected to sell for up to £20,000 or $32,000. It had previously been owned by the McLaren team manager of the day, who had it from 1977 up until 1997, when it seems to have started changing hands more freely, now ending up under the hammer. By Andrei Nedelea PHOTO GALLERY

Yes, It's that Good: Porsche 918 Spyder Amazes Autocar [w/Video] Posted: 05 Dec 2013 03:40 PM PST This is one of the first video reviews of the Porsche 918 Spyder – if we don't count Jay Leno's drive in the hybrid supercar from a while ago. The review comes courtesy of Autocar's Steve Sutcliffe, who was really impressed with the 918 Spyder, calling it the fastest car on sale today. While at first he was impressed by the car quietness in the all-electric E-Drive mode, as soon as he pushed the gas pedal harder, the 4.6-liter V8 engine roared into life and transformed the 918 Spyder into an incredibly fast machine. Probably the best part of the video is the onboard footage that allows us to hear the engine's throaty noise. Besides the 918 Spyder's incredible acceleration on the straights, Sutcliffe was stunned by the pure speed it can carry on any type of corner thanks to the massive levels of grip it develops, as well as by the car's handling and steering precision. Scroll down to watch the review and find out more about how it is to drive Porsche's fastest-ever road car. By Dan Mihalascu VIDEO

Mercedes' US Dealers Given $2,500 Leeway to Please S-Class Owners, $1,000 for CLA Posted: 05 Dec 2013 12:48 PM PST In an effort to bolster its customer care ratings, Mercedes-Benz has launched a new program called MB Select, to make sure every buyer of the all-new S-Class luxury sedan also gets a pleasurable experience out of purchasing the vehicle. Thus, since the car's US launch, up to $2,500 per buyer has been offered, which as per the manufacturer's request will be spent "no questions asked." Since its launch, it has also been extended to the CLA sedan too, but it only gets $1,000-worth of attention per buyer. The money doesn't only cover coffee and peanuts while you're waiting for it to be serviced, and in fact can cover some of the servicing costs, if a (technical) problem needs immediate attention. Dealers don't even have to ask for permission from up top and are given free rein to do what they deem necessary to keep their buyers smiling within the budget. For instance, Automotive News brings up the example of an S-Class owner from the state of Virginia who came in with a check engine light problem that was fixed with a software update, an apology and dinner out. He apparently came into the showroom the next day and purchased an SL… Another one got a pair of $150 Ray-Ban sunglasses because his own shades did not fit in the specially designed compartment (sic…). According to Steve Cannon, CEO of Mercedes-Benz USA, the idea started out of the wish to be able to get problems fixed quickly, even if they are sometimes not covered by the warranty. It's expected to cost the manufacturer many millions to keep it running, but while all customers are eligible for it theoretically, not all will really get a chance to experience it too. By Andrei Nedelea PHOTO GALLERY

GM to Close Holden's Australian Operations in 2016, Claims Report Posted: 05 Dec 2013 11:56 AM PST Just this May, following Ford's bitter announcement about ceasing its manufacturing operations in Australia in 2016, GM's Holden had said that it would continue to build cars in the country. Come today, local news channel ABC reported that Holden has made the decision to "pull out of Australia as early as 2016, according to senior Government ministers". The report added that the announcement was to be made this week, but is has been delayed until early next year when workers return from their summer vacations. Holden, on its behalf, brushed off the reports and said it is still in discussions with the Government to receive an assistance package that would allow it to continue building cars in the country. Nevertheless, an unnamed source told ABC that GM has already made up its mind to leave Australia regardless of any assistance package. It's not made clear in the report whether General Motors would shut down Holden's manufacturing and possibly other departments such R&D (research and development), while keeping the name for imported cars, or if would pull the plug on the brand altogether – though, admittedly, the latter wouldn't make much sense. According to recent studies, if Holden were to stop producing in the country, it would cost the South Australian economy $1.24 billion and 13,200 jobs alone, while its departure would surely affect the remaining companies in the (general)industry, which would likely follow suit shortly after leaving Australia without a car manufacturing business. Thanks to Josh for the tip! PHOTO GALLERY

McLaren Confirms P1 Lapped Nürburgring in Under 7 Minutes Through New Video Posted: 05 Dec 2013 11:17 AM PST Ever since Porsche announced the record lap time of 6m57s set by the 918 Spyder on the Nürburgring Nordschleife, people have been waiting to see if McLaren has managed to be faster around the "Green Hell" with their P1 hypercar. It looks like McLaren likes to keep us in suspense, as the sports car manufacturer has just released a spectacular video with the P1 in full attack at the 'Ring, but didn't provide the numbers we've all been waiting for. All McLaren says is the P1 lapped the track in under 7 minutes. We don't know how many seconds below 7 minutes the P1 was, but we'll probably find out soon. The only numbers revealed by McLaren to TopGear are that the P1 clocked an average speed in excess of 111 mph (179 km/h) around the Nordschleife and that it hit a top speed of 205 mph (330 km/h) on the Dottinger Hohe straight. The British firm also says the run was set on the P1's standard-fit road tyres. One thing is for sure: the sight of the McLaren P1 let loose on the Nürburgring is like watching a wild animal devour its prey… By Dan Mihalascu VIDEO

Does This 2015 Mustang Look Sexy Enough For You? [Photos & Videos] Posted: 05 Dec 2013 10:53 AM PST Sure, a beautiful lady (regardless of age or attire) leaning on a sports car is nothing new, but it never really gets old – if it ever does, you can kiss all those booth models goodbye, and we always welcome these type of photo and video shoots, even if at times, some may find them politically incorrect. But don't worry, this shoot from Ford is as classy as it gets. If you don't recognize the slim lady on the 2015 Mustang, it's English actress, model and fashion designer Sienna Miller, while the man responsible for the pictures is English portrait and fashion photographer, John Rankin Waddell, also known under his working name Rankin. You'll find the result of their work in the gallery and videos below the jump. PHOTO GALLERY VIDEO

Gran Turismo 6 Starts Shipping, Reveals New Version of Fictitious Red Bull Hyper Track Racer Posted: 05 Dec 2013 10:31 AM PST Sony announced on Wednesday the worldwide release of its much anticipated Gran Turismo 6 (GT6) game, a title developed by the publisher's longstanding studio, Polophony Digital for the current-gen PlayStation 3. As we've tried to explain before, it's basically an updated version of the previous automotive fetish dispenser, GT5, with a total of 37 new tracks and 120 new cars to choose from, as well as graphical improvements on all of the content that has been carried over; or at least that's what they say, and we won't make any kind of assessment until the reviews are out and we get our hands on a controller. Furthermore, the Japanese brand revealed the new Red Bull X2014, an update of the X1 (now X2010) car found in GT5, the one that is a theoretical showcase of what a vehicle that used all of the latest go-faster technologies without the annoyance of racing regulations and restrictions to weigh it down. If you don't know it, let me put it this way: you'd need a fighter pilot's G-suit to drive one and not black out.No performance specs have been provided for it, though it most certainly will be at least as mental as the previous iteration. Check out the videos and photos below, some of which are from the Spanish launch event. By Andrei Nedelea PHOTO GALLERY VIDEO

Lucky Russian Lady Should Put Down the Damn Cell Phone…. Posted: 05 Dec 2013 10:12 AM PST Modern ways of communications can be both a blessing and a curse. The use of cell phones, for examples, can save lives but it can also endanger them, something we've seen happen far too often with drivers (even passengers, if you recall this video) as well as pedestrians. This scene, purportedly filmed on a dash-cam in Russia, involves a young lady preoccupied with her mobile phone chat while crossing a busy road. Now, we've seen people get hurt on the road even when they're paying attention, so you can just say that she received a very stern warning. Whether she'll make good use of it, remains to be seen… VIDEO

McLaren Special Operations Crafts Bespoke 12C Concept Posted: 05 Dec 2013 09:50 AM PST McLaren Special Operations, the division responsible for the company's bespoke projects, has unveiled a new concept car based on the McLaren 12C coupe that showcases customizing ideas for those wishing to make their McLaren more distinctive. Unlike the radical X-1 one-off project, the MSO 12C Concept is still recognizable as a McLaren 12C. The coupe sports a series of bespoke features including a revised bonnet, front wing louvres, rear wing vents, a unique Airbrake and a new roof featuring an integrated snorkel channelling air to the engine. All these bespoke elements are crafted in lightweight carbon fibre. The bespoke 12C features lightweight wheels that have been diamond cut in a new design. McLaren Special Operations also added titanium parts including wheel bolts, oil and water filler caps, which further contribute to reducing the weight of the car. On the inside, the 12C gains more carbon fiber upgrades including body color switch packs and bezels, as well as a new instrument cluster with integrated shift lights. McLaren Special Operations asked on its Facebook page which of the upgrades seen on the 12C Concept should be produced. I'd say all build them all, MSO.  By Dan Mihalascu PHOTO GALLERY

Infiniti Announces F1-Inspired Q50 Eau Rouge High Performance Concept for Detroit Posted: 05 Dec 2013 09:13 AM PST Infiniti takes advantage of its Formula 1 sponsorship deal as much as it can – and who can blame them for that? After hiring Sebastian Vettel as their director of performance and launching the Infiniti FX Vettel Edition, Nissan's luxury brand will unveil a Formula One inspired concept car based on the Q50 premium sports sedan at the 2014 Detroit Auto Show. Called the Q50 Eau Rouge after the fearsome corner of the Spa-Francorchamps Formula One track, Infiniti says the concept car represents the brand's "design vision of a high performance variant of Q50". It should be an exciting car, as the carmaker adds the Q50 Eau Rouge concept blends road car technology and a thoroughbred motorsport vision. The study, which appears to be a pre-production concept judging from the teaser photo, features aerodynamic styling upgrades and design elements that are influenced by Infiniti's partnership with the F1 world championship-winning team Infiniti Red Bull Racing. The aerodynamic upgrades visible in the teaser photo are front wing and splitter that remind of a Formula One car, as well as the bonnet scoops and LED fog lights. "Performance is a key pillar of Infiniti's DNA, and this car expresses a deepened design interpretation of that. The Q50, with an abundance of technologies, provides a great basis for an extreme performance version, embodied in the design of Q50 Eau Rouge," said Alfonso Albaisa, Infiniti's Executive Design Director. No details regarding powertrain upgrades were offered, but we'll no doubt learn more about that when the car debuts in Detroit. Let's just hope Infiniti decides to build it. By Dan Mihalascu PHOTO GALLERY

2015 Ford Mustang Coupe and Convertible in 172 Photos with Live Shots Posted: 05 Dec 2013 08:46 AM PST Even though we've focused our attention on the coupe body style of the 2015 Mustang, Ford simultaneously unveiled the four-seater Convertible model of its sixth generation pony car, which you can see in detail in our oversized photo gallery below the break. The latter includes close to 135 HD live images of both versions from the presentations, as well as a video from the Australian debut of the soft-top model and some extra pictures of the coupe in a silver shade, which we hadn't seen before. Ford said that the convertible will be available together with the coupe late next year sporting a traditional, electrically operated cloth top, which needs approximately half the time of the current model to open or close at the touch of a button. A few other things of interest that we learned in the meantime include the 2015 Mustang's dimensions. While it retains the same 107.1 inch (2,720mm) wheelbase with the outgoing 2014 Mustang, at 188.3 inches (4.782mm) long, 75.4 inches (1,893mm) wide and 54.9 inches (1,394mm) tall, the 2015MY is 0.2 inches (5mm) shorter, 1.5 inches (38mm) wider and 0.9 inches (22.8mm) lower respectively. PHOTO GALLERY VIDEO

Brabus Takes the Mercedes E 63 AMG T-Modell to 838HP Posted: 05 Dec 2013 07:45 AM PST One of the world premieres at the Essen Motor Show was the Brabus 850 Biturbo based on the Mercedes E 63 AMG T-Modell. With 838hp (850PS) and 1,450 Nm (1,069 lb-ft), Brabus says it is the world's most powerful street-legal all-wheel-drive wagon – a title it shares with the Brabus version of the CLS 63 AMG Shooting Brake, which has the same powerplant. As you can imagine, the performance is mind-blowing for a wagon of this size. The 4WD version sprints from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 3.1 seconds and reaches a top speed of 300 km/h (186 mph), which is limited electronically to protect the tires. Average fuel economy is officially rated at 10.3 l/100 km (22.8 mpg US). To get this amount of power, Brabus engineers increased the displacement of the standard engine from 5,461 cc to 5,912 cc or 5.9L (333 to 361 cubic in.) and replaced the production turbos with Brabus turbos featuring a larger compressor unit and special exhaust manifolds. The result is Brabus' most powerful engine to date: 838 hp (850PS) at 5,400 rpm and 1,450 Nm (1,069 lb-ft) of torque between 2,500 and 4,500 rpm. However, peak torque is electronically limited to 1,150 Nm (848 lb-ft) to ease the stress on the gearbox. Brabus offers the performance package for both the rear-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive E 63 AMG, as well as for the sedan and wagon. Besides the increase in performance, the Brabus 850 Biturbo brings an aerodynamic kit, tailor-made Brabus Monoblock wheels with diameters of 19 or 20 inches and a fine leather interior custom made to the buyer's preferences. By Dan Mihalascu PHOTO GALLERY

Owners of Saab Go the Full Way, Announce Re-Release of 9-3 Sedan Pictured Here Posted: 05 Dec 2013 07:20 AM PST So after firing up the Trollhättan production line for the first time since GM-controlled Saab made any cars, new owners National Electric Vehicle Sweden or NEVS have now officially re-launched the 2014 model-year 9-3 sedan, currently the only model they make. However, there will be no small capacity diesels or manual air-con controls here, as all the cars manufactured will be in the top-spec Aero trim headed straight for China. The only engine currently on offer on this mildly revised 9-3 is a 220 hp turbocharged 2.0-liter. Aside from what you see above and below, the press release is really devoid of information, unless you think officials speaking on the difficulties of restarting car production is really worth your (or anybody's) time. If you had quality concerns surrounding this new car, officials don't want you to worry, and have stated that they're making very cars very slowly so as not to make them badly – ten cars per week at first. Then, they will slowly shift their attention to churning out the all-electric car they promised to deliver upon taking control of Saab's home factory earlier in the year, and possibly increase production of the current model before then, if there's demand. Note: Photos shown below are actual new press photos of the 2014 model-year 9-3, released by NEVS By Andrei Nedelea PHOTO GALLERY

Fast & Furious Team's Emotional Video Tribute to Paul Walker, Universal Halts Film's Production Posted: 05 Dec 2013 06:53 AM PST Aptly titled "A Tribute to Paul Walker", the team behind Universal's successful "Fast & Furious" film franchise has released a heart-tugging video on its official YouTube page in memory of the 40-year old actor who died in a tragic accident on November 30, following a crash in a Porsche Carrera GT driven by his friend Roger Rodas. The two-minute video contains scenes of Walker from the Fast and Furious films he played with Skylar Grey's I'm Coming Home heard in the background. In one of the scenes, Vin Diesel is heard saying, "The most important thing in life will always be the people in this room," as he holds a beer and salutes the rest of the crew. On the YouTube page there's a note that reads: "Paul Walker's family appreciates the outpouring of love and goodwill from his many fans and friends. They have asked, in lieu of flowers or other gifts, that donations please be made to Paul's charity Reach Out Worldwide (ROWW). Donations can easily be made through their website at www.ROWW.org." In the meantime, Universal said on Wednesday that it has shut down production of the seventh film of the series for an indefinite period. "Right now, all of us at Universal are dedicated to providing support to Paul's immediate family and our extended 'Fast & Furious' family of cast, crew and filmmakers," the company said in a statement. "At this time we feel it is our responsibility to shut down production on 'Fast & Furious 7' for a period of time so we can assess all options available to move forward with the franchise." VIDEO

British Coach-Building Startup Alcraft Gives New Range Rover a Roll-Royce Look Posted: 05 Dec 2013 06:35 AM PST The people at Alcraft, a new UK-based bespoke design and engineering business, may disagree, but the first thing we thought upon seeing these renderings of its coach-built style Range Rover concept, is how much some of the changes, including the wheels and the headlamps, remind us of modern day Rolls Royce models. The styling of the concept was prepared with input from students at London's Royal College of Art, thanks to an Alcraft-sponsored project studying British design "It is very unusual for the Vehicle Design programme to engage with a company outside the ranks of the car makers, but personalisation is an important trend which the students now have to consider," said RCA senior tutor Matteo Conti. Newly founded Alcraft said that the Range Rover study is just one of a number of design directions it is currently exploring for production. "We're extremely pleased with how the Range Rover study has turned out," said Alcraft design consultant Matthew Humphries, who previously worked as chief designer at Morgan Cars and is now also on the RCA teaching staff. "We've made it more elegant by simplifying the lines and have given it the timelessness associated with the best British design. We've also differentiated it more from the other Range Rover models and I think we've achieved a more limousine-like presence while ensuring a degree of classic British understatement." The company said it is currently taking in customer enquiries for a range of styling packages for the Range Rover flagship as well as the Sport and Evoque models, Land Rover Discovery and Jaguar XF Sportbrake. PHOTO GALLERY

A Reenactment of Paddy Hopkirk's 1964 Monte Carlo Rally Win in a Mini Posted: 05 Dec 2013 06:08 AM PST You may be familiar with the story of famed 60s rally driver Paddy Hopkirk, who in 1964 won the grueling Monte Carlo rally against all odds, at the wheel of a one-liter Mini Cooper. He faced stiff opposition from many other drivers in much more sophisticated and powerful motors, but he eventually triumphed as the story goes. XCARrecently uploaded videos that reenact part of the heroic race, including the location where the trophies were handed out at Casino Square, in Monaco. The transport of choice is a naturally-aspirated convertible rental new MINI with an automatic gearbox. However, it's not really about the car, and more about the stories and old photos that they show in the relevant context, the ones that remind us that things were very different, and by things we mostly mean racing. Check out the videos after the virtual jump. By Andrei Nedelea VIDEO

GM to Fix Overlap Problems in Europe by Ditching Chevy, Keeping Opel Posted: 05 Dec 2013 05:51 AM PST Even a quick glance over General Motors' European offerings from its two brands Opel and Chevrolet reveals that there is definitely a lot of toe-stepping going on between the two, and it's not doing either any good. ON Thursday, GM announced that Chevy sales in Europe would end completely in 2016, leaving room for Opel to stretch out unhindered and get closer to its potential; Russia and the Commonwealth of Independent States would still hold both brands, though. "Europe is a key region for GM that will benefit from a stronger Opel and Vauxhall and further emphasis on Cadillac," said GM Chairman and CEO Dan Akerson. "For Chevrolet, it will allow us to focus our investments where the opportunity for growth is greatest." "This is a win for all four brands. It's especially positive for car buyers throughout Europe, who will be able to purchase vehicles from well-defined, vibrant GM brands," Akerson said. The move is estimated to take quite a few stacks of banknotes to complete – the final cost could reach the one billion-dollar mark. In fact, it's already underway, as most of the work will be done at the end of this year and through the first part of 2014. However, if you like the more upmarket GM stuff and were thinking of buying into it yourself, then you'll still be safe, as the Corvette (and probably Camaro too to face the new 'Stang, though this is not confirmed), Cadillac and requested niche models will be available. Finally, it has been reported that the decision has nothing to do with GM's partnership with France's PSA or their Chinese plans. By Andrei Nedelea PHOTO GALLERY

The Three Final Design Proposals for 2015 Mustang; See Anything You Like? Posted: 05 Dec 2013 05:16 AM PST Like it or not, the 2015 Mustang will be the talk of the week, and given the history of the series, the significant changes it brings both cosmetically and mechanically, and perhaps more importantly, Ford's global sales aspirations, it's something to be expected. While we've seen a whole lot of images of the production ready 2015 Mustang, auto spy Chris Doane has shared a photo table with the three final design prototypes that ultimately led to the car that will begin its sales activities towards the end of next year. The three cars share a common base styling theme but differ in details on both ends as well as their profiles. Do take a closer look and tell us if you see anything you like or hate about them.

Corvette Stingray Escapes an Alien Ship in New Ad [+22 New C7 Photos] Posted: 05 Dec 2013 04:55 AM PST Sometimes automakers find really peculiar ways to promote their products and the following Chevrolet commercial makes no exception. Have you ever wanted to buy a car because you thought it may help you escape in case an alien ship followed you? Neither have I, but Chevrolet believes some Corvette Stingray customers may have thought about that - and it's not the only carmaker that has used the alien theme. Of course, there's a slight chance I took this commercial too literally, but nevertheless, I thought ads were supposed to show potential customers the strong points of a car, you know, in the real world. Anyway, fans of sci-fi movies will probably love this commercial, which says the Corvette Stingray was designed to unleash your subconscious. Scroll down to find out whatever that means and take a look at a new set of photos with the beautiful 2014 Corvette Stingray. By Dan Mihalascu PHOTO GALLERY VIDEO

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