CARSCOOP |  |
- We Visually Compare the New 2015 Mustang to the Previous One and the Original
- Chevy Stages Reverse Test Drive with the 2014 Corvette Stingray, But it's Not What You Think
- Scoop: Audi Slims Down and Shapes Up an All-New Q7 SUV
- The Internet Reviews Gran Turismo 6
- Peugeot and Renault Rush to Reclaim Market Position In Iran following Lifted Sanctions
- Two Men Kidnapped from their Car Right in Front of a Policeman in Mexico City
- Believe it…or Not, BMW i8-Based M8 Idea Not Dead Yet, Says German Rumor Mill
- Chief Engineer Talks Us Through the New Ford Mustang
- Report Suggests Honda is May be Looking to Cancel Insight Hybrid
- Spied: BMW Going in Circles with Next 2016 X1 Compact Crossover
- Bugatti Sells 400th Veyron, Will Only Build 50 More
- Meet The Daltons: Cops Suspended for Cursing and Playing Tough Guys at School Kids in Bus
- Ain't That Cute: Citroën and Benefit Cosmetics Build a Very Pink DS3 for the Ladies
- Internet Currency Bitcoin Used to Purchase Tesla Model S EV
- Suzuki SX4 S-Cross Reviewer Says Avoid the Petrol Engine
- 2015 Mustang Fest Continues with Shots and Videos from U.S. City Debuts
- Saleen Officially Announces Development of Electric Car Project
- Japanese Ad Wants to Scare You Into Buying New Tires
- Acura NSX Supercar Concept Available in Gran Turismo 6
- Spy Shots: 2015 Mercedes-Benz M-Class Visits Dr. Facelift
- Lexus Details New GS 300h for Europe, Averages 4.7L/100KM [Video and 102 Photos]
- "Tax The Rich" Gives the Slow Motion Treatment to Ferrari F50 Too
- Ferrari 458 with Capristo Exhaust Revving in Underground Parking Lot Can Make You Go Deaf
- Ford Details 2015 Ford Mustang’s Engine Lineup
- Picturing Jaguar's 2016 Compact Executive Rival to the BMW 3-Series
| We Visually Compare the New 2015 Mustang to the Previous One and the Original Posted: 06 Dec 2013 06:37 PM PST  The all-new 2015 Ford Mustang is not retro in its styling in any way, but it is influenced by its predecessors, and particularly the original model before it started gaining weight (from the 1964 to 1968). It's a much more svelte looking design job than that of the outgoing fifth-gen Mustang, leaning more towards sports than pure muscle car, though, I think it's always been kind-of in the middle of those two criteria. The previous car ended up being not bad at all to look at after a couple of facelifts, particularly in the light green hue it's been shown in more recently, but it seems brutal, whereas the new car is more pointy-looking and dynamic, if you will. Thus, we decided that this is as good an occasion as any to place the three models side by side, and see just how they compare visually. The new 2015 model has been reengineered from the ground up, and while it has the same wheelbase as the outgoing car, it seems differently proportioned, with a changed stance. For me, the front screams classic Mustang, though, again, it's not retro, but it would still look good if you swapped out these modern front lights for a pair of classic round ones. I think that from the rear three-quarter view, it really harks back to the old car in a big way too. Inside, it also looks like a big step up, but it's not as big as the one the new Corvette took over its predecessor, at least not from the photos we have so far. Here too the design theme is continued from the previous model. Take a look at the gallery we prepared for yourself and share your thoughts. It may not necessarily be a highly relevant question, but which of the three do you find the most attractive? By Andrei Nedelea                                                        |
| Chevy Stages Reverse Test Drive with the 2014 Corvette Stingray, But it's Not What You Think Posted: 06 Dec 2013 05:33 PM PST  I have to admit that the first thing I thought about when I saw the title of Chevrolet's video special was that the 2014 Corvette Stingray was going to be test driven in reverse. The videos you are about to see have nothing to do with that, though, as the "reverse" word refers to the effect the sports car has on the driver… To find out what the 2014 Corvette Stingray can do to drivers' bodies and minds, Chevrolet has five people behind the wheel of the Stingray and tracked each of their vital activity with biometric sensors. During the unusual experiment, it turned out the drivers weren't testing the car - the car was testing them. Chevrolet's guests on the racetrack in Nevada were Kazunori Yamauchi, producer of the Gran Turismo video game series, blogger Terry McFly, entrepreneur Phil Cooley, FitFluential founder Kelly Olexa and Cool Hunting co-founder Evan Orensten. Scroll down to see the different effects the Corvette had on these people's minds and bodies from the videos posted below. By Dan Mihalascu    |
| Scoop: Audi Slims Down and Shapes Up an All-New Q7 SUV Posted: 06 Dec 2013 05:00 PM PST  We've not only established that the prototype our spies captured last time is indeed the new Audi Q7, but we can now show you much clearer and better photos of the second generation of the full-size luxury crossover from Ingolstadt that's expected to debut at next year's Paris Motor Show before going on sale in early 2015. The current Q7 is a behemoth, in size, looks and, of course, weight. Audi will slim down the new model, which will utilize the VW Group's MLB modular toolkit as well as many aluminum components, dropping more than 300 kg (over 660 pounds) in the process. It won't shrink in size, but it will look less bloated and more athletic, implementing the brand's latest and more chiseled design language. The engine headlines will include the usual crop of V6 and V8 diesel and gasoline units, but Audi may add a four-cylinder turbo diesel on the bottom end of the range and a turbocharged V8 on the top for the S Q7. An e-tron-badged Q7 hybrid is almost certain to join the lineup at some point. Photo Credits: CarPix for CarScoopS         |
| The Internet Reviews Gran Turismo 6 Posted: 06 Dec 2013 04:31 PM PST  The much anticipated PlayStation 3 title Gran Turismo 6 (GT6) is finally here, less than a month after the release of its archrival Forza Motorsport 5. First things first: it clearly does not look as good as the next-gen Xbox One game, even if it has close to five times more cars and a wider variety of tracks, the reviews still say it shows its GT5 and even GT4 roots (some of the more basic cars are from two iterations ago, a game released in 2004/2005 for the PlayStation 2, have no modeled interiors and look as jagged as they did in GT5). In fact, against the superior level of polish that the new iteration benefits from, the old cars are even more of an eyesore than before. Thankfully, there are still a lot of them to choose from, and while the 1,200+ vehicles claim is a bit stretched, given the fact that different versions of the same car are counted too (some only differ visually), it remains the game's standard feature. However, while there are far fewer cars in Forza 5, acquiring them seems to be more of an event than in GT6, and the Top Gear cast's voiceovers do bring a certain extra charm that this Sony title lacks. The driving to me looks very similar to what you may have seen or tried out in GT5, but its developers are keen to point out that they've worked on the handling model a lot, to make cars feel yet more natural. Sadly, the sound coming out of the back of these cars is really flat, falling really short of Forza and even Need for Speed: Rivals, both of which have elevated the idea to ridiculous levels of quality – we don't mind them, though, and would like to see this propagated to the Gran Turismo series too; hopefully number seven will be better. A patch will reportedly come out and adjust the engine notes (and more) in this latest title too, though, and along with it, Sony will grant access to the online components which have so far been locked, not really allowing reviewers to experience the full breadth of available features. I, for one, liked Gran Turismo 5 for what it was, given its release date, but this "new" title is a rehash, albeit tweaked and improved quite a lot. However, it won't be able to make up for its shortcomings forever with a thousand cars, a hundred tracks and the same basic and very slow career progression system that plagued its predecessor too. It still looks like a good game that is worth the purchase, but from the looks of it, it's kind-of stagnant and stale. Scroll down and check out the reviews, then feel free to have your say, particularly if you've already gotten your hands on the game and want to tell us what it's like firsthand. By Andrei Nedelea    |
| Peugeot and Renault Rush to Reclaim Market Position In Iran following Lifted Sanctions Posted: 06 Dec 2013 04:01 PM PST  As you probably know, the attitude of the world's major powers towards Iran has shifted dramatically in recent months, culminating with the signing of a provisional agreement that suspends trade sanctions imposed on Iran for six months in exchange for the country freezing key parts of its nuclear program. The sanctions will be lifted beginning in January 2014 for selected goods, including auto parts. This means Iran will be once again open for business for automakers, with France's Peugeot and Renault likely to benefit the most from the change of situation. Both carmakers will use the six-month easing of trade restrictions to reclaim their market position before the mass arrival of competitors that could follow a permanent lifting of trade sanctions. Iran's car production peaked at 1.6 million vehicles in 2011; the year new sanctions were introduced. About half of that output came from leading manufacturer Iran Khodro, which has joint ventures with Peugeot, Renault and Suzuki. The country's No. 2 manufacturer, SAIPA, also builds cars under license from Kia Motors, Renault and Nissan. Both local automakers also exported some of their locally-built vehicles, with the Peugeot 206 Sedan being the best-known model. Peugeot sold 458,000 cars in Iran in 2011, accounting for 29 percent of the market, while Renault made up 5.9 percent. U.S. carmakers meanwhile maintain the distance from Iran because the country's trade embargo on Iran is not subject to immediate relief. However, they may reconsider their position at some point, since an embargo-free Iran is expected to be a fast-growing auto market soon exceeding 2 million vehicle sales annually, according to analysts quoted by Reuters. By Dan Mihalascu         |
| Two Men Kidnapped from their Car Right in Front of a Policeman in Mexico City Posted: 06 Dec 2013 03:15 PM PST  You can tell that a society is breaking apart when drug dealers, gang members and career criminals of all sorts have no problem kidnapping people from their cars in broad daylight (see another recent abduction here) right in front of the eyes of a police officer and dozens of citizens who stand helpless, afraid or sometimes even indifferent. Adding to the many abductions that have taken place in Mexico City, the capital of Mexico, is this kidnapping of two men from their pickup truck on Thursday, December 5. It was filmed by a concerned citizen who tried his best to help out and show that people shouldn't turn a blind eye. Believe it or not, there was a policeman there (or at least he was dressed as one) who did nothing more than go back and forth, not knowing how or wanting to react to the eight or so armed men pulling the kidnapping. The brave eyewitness who filmed this unbelievable scene and shared it on YouTube under the alias "anonimatto animato" said that he went to report the incident to the local police department where he was met with indifference "I went to want to raise a complaint to the federal police and they made me wait 1 hour. They did not serve me and pretended nothing was wrong," he said. "The person I talked to was a woman with curly hair in the federal police at the airport and she approached me super slow, as if nothing had happened" Watch the kidnapping in the video below.    |
| Believe it…or Not, BMW i8-Based M8 Idea Not Dead Yet, Says German Rumor Mill Posted: 06 Dec 2013 02:31 PM PST  The idea of taking the lightweight aluminum and carbon chassis of the BMW i8, ripping out all of the electric motors and batteries, then (possibly) giving it a supped up version of the 4.4-liter twin-turbo motor out of the M5/M6 and finishing it off with a dose of different styling definitely sounds like a great idea. Actually, it's one that's not entirely out of the realm of possibilities, and AutoBild says that the above scenario is still possible, hinting as to what the resulting vehicle would be like and/or capable of. With a projected power figure of around 600 PS, the proposed M8 that is purportedly hitting the market in 2016 (again, this is a rumor), would hit sixty in three seconds (less if it's all-wheel drive, launch control and a low-ish weight of 3,300 lbs or 1,500 kg), plus a top speed in excess of 200 mph or 320 km/h. Styling would be different to that of the i8 too. Efficiency will also be high on the list of priorities for this car if it turns out to be real, and the combination of a nine-speed gearbox, stop start and low drag could make it one of the more frugal conventional supercars on the market; not that its buyers would factor this into their decision to purchase it… By Andrei Nedelea             |
| Chief Engineer Talks Us Through the New Ford Mustang Posted: 06 Dec 2013 01:57 PM PST  The all-new and perhaps more importantly, independently-rear-suspended Ford Mustang, is one of the most eagerly awaited sports cars of the year. I say most eagerly awaited because of its global ambitions, the numerous changes operated to it over its predecessor and the addition of a tradition-bucking turbocharged four-cylinder engine to the range. It's a lot to take in, but always easier to do so when the information is conveyed by someone who actively took part in the development of the car, so chief engineer Dave Pericak's insight demands some attention. The Q&A session you see below, which comes courtesy of Automobile magazine, has Pericak go over the changes and explain their implications. However, he remains tight-lipped when it comes to the specifics of higher performance variants or any future strategy, though he does infer that breaking with tradition in order to keep 'Stangs relevant is something they will be doing more of in the future. Scroll down and check out the video. By Andrei Nedelea    |
| Report Suggests Honda is May be Looking to Cancel Insight Hybrid Posted: 06 Dec 2013 01:33 PM PST  Despite undercutting its Toyota Prius rival, the Honda Insight is not a successful model, so much so that Autoblog Green says it has fair reason to believe that while it will still be around for 2014, the year after that does not bring the certainty of continued production with it. They base the argument on inside sources who explained usual preparations for a 2015 model-year Insight are not being carried out. It could be gone within the year! They asked Honda too, in an official manner, but they could "neither confirm nor deny it," so it may very well be true. It's not like anybody is going to shed a tear for the Insight, though, a car I personally always thought of being incomplete, or incompletely engineered, rather, as it electric motor could not power the wheels separately of the petrol engine – it had no full EV model and that's a must-have feature it was sorely lacking, if you ask me. Besides, if it does go away, in the US, buyers would still be left with the Civic Hybrid which is a few (thousand) dollars more, but a lot more conventional looking. By Andrei Nedelea             |
| Spied: BMW Going in Circles with Next 2016 X1 Compact Crossover Posted: 06 Dec 2013 01:04 PM PST  No, the development of the new BMW X1 hasn't hit a snag; our title is a literal reference to the camouflaged prototype that our spies filmed going in circles for testing purposes (or to flirt around with our photographers). From this recording as well as previous static scoop shots, it seems like the next X1 will continue to raise the question whether it's an SUV or a station wagon on stilts, but for what it's worth, it does seem to sport a less awkward design. Whereas the current model rides on the previous generation 3-Series Touring's platform with RWD and AWD, the next X1 will be built around the BMW Group's UKL1 architecture that can be found under the new Mini Hatch, and which will use transversely mounted engines feeding power to the front-wheels, with all-wheel drive to be optionally available. Base versions of the X1 will come with the brand's freshly launched 1.5-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine range, while more upscale models will utilize the 2.0-liter turbocharged inline four units. Video Credits: CarPix for CarScoopS    |
| Bugatti Sells 400th Veyron, Will Only Build 50 More Posted: 06 Dec 2013 12:39 PM PST  Bugatti has announced it has sold its 400th Veyron, with the milestone car being a limited-edition Grand Sport Vitesse, the third and final "Jean-Pierre Wimille" model of the six-part Bugatti Legends series. The car has been bought by a customer in the Middle East. The VW-owned carmaker will only build 50 more Veyrons, as the production run of the Veyron and its variants is limited to just 450 models. Since its launch in 2005, Bugatti has sold all coupes that were limited to 300 units - the Veyron 16.4 with 1,001 PS and the Veyron 16.4 Super Sport with 1,200 PS – and 100 of the planned 150 roadsters: the Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport with 1,001 PS and the Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport Vitesse with 1,200 PS have now been sold out. This means the 50 models left to buy will all be roadsters. The development of the Bugatti Veyron was one of the greatest technical challenges in automotive history. The story began in 2005 with the Veyron 16.4, followed in 2008 by the open-top Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport. Then, in 2010 the Veyron 16.4 Super Sport with 1,200 PS hit the road, and in 2012 its roadster variant the Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport Vitesse followed. The Bugatti Legends cars are based on the Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport Vitesse. Powered by an 8.0-liter W16 engine, the 1,200 PS supercar accelerates from 0 - 100 km/h in just 2.6 seconds and from 0 - 200 km/h in only 7.1 seconds. It can stop even quicker: the Vitesse needs just 5.8 seconds to go from 200 km/h to a complete stop. Bugatti didn't give any details about the model that will follow the Veyron. By Dan Mihalascu         |
| Meet The Daltons: Cops Suspended for Cursing and Playing Tough Guys at School Kids in Bus Posted: 06 Dec 2013 12:17 PM PST  Two Georgia officers from Dalton, Georgia (get the title now – if not, then you might not be familiar with Lucky Luke comic book series) have been suspended for using more curse words than a movie starring Samuel L. Jackson as a sailor, on a bus full of school kids. The incident took place on Monday, November 11, when the bus driver of a school bus in the area pulled over and told the students that she would call the cops if they didn't "stop hollering and screaming." Well, being kids and all, they didn't, so the woman made her words a reality with Dalton Police Department Officers John Gurrieri and Steve Collins responding to the call. Local news site The Daily Citizen and the Officer.com got a hand of the transcript beginning with the driver's 911 phone call. "They are just out of control," the bus driver told a First Student dispatcher. "Just go ahead and send the Dalton Police out here." After a few minutes, the cops arrive with Gurrieri boarding the bus the first. "Really? Really? You have a bus driver calling the cops on a bunch of middle school kids," Gurrieri said. "Really? Come on. Who is being the biggest punk? You going to take the blame? Here's the problem. Alright? She (the bus driver) is driving 50 of you guys home?" Gurrieri then turned to a student and told him, "Wipe the stupid smile off your face. OK? Why don't you get up and go outside?" Officer Collins then took the kid off the bus and was heard calling him a "jackass". In the meantime, Gurrieri continued talking to the students: "You want to act like a bunch of hellions? She (the bus driver) can't (expletive) focus on what she's doing. What if she flipped the bus over? Or hits somebody? You think it is (expletive) funny when you're hurt or when someone else is hurt? What's funny then?" "So now we have to come on the bus and I have to discipline you like you're my children," Gurrieri continued. "You ain't my children and I don't want to discipline you like you're my children. OK? You guys are at the age where you're about to go to high school. You're about to put adult clothes on. Alright? Make the choice." He then turned to one of the kids at the back: "Do you want to go outside too, man?" Gurrieri told him. "I'll call your parents to come pick you up. I'll give you a citation. I'll do whatever I want, man. Look, just act like you freakin' have some sense, man. All of you. It's not that big of a deal." "All your parents are going to have to leave work or leave home or whatever they have to do to come down here to pick each of you up," he told students. "Then you all get citations. OK? Then all of you have to go in front of the judge. The juvenile judge. And she's got no tolerance for this (expletive)." "She expects more out of 12- 13- 14-year-olds. Alright? Does anyone want to raise their hand and volunteer for that? No? So how about we just act like we have, you know, have a brain in our head and go home. You want to act like crazy (expletive), do it at home." "When you have that stupid look on your face, all I want to do is put you in the back of the car and take you to jail," Gurrieri told the student. "One day, I'm going to get to do that." The kid returned to his seat still smiling – well, if you place yourself in his age and shoes, it kind of makes sense, doesn't it… Once the two cops left, the driver of the bus is heard from the video inside the vehicle saying: "One day you're going to learn that I mean business and I mean business," the before repeatedly shouting, "Shut up! Shut Up!" "I said shut up or I'll pull over and call them on you again," she said. "I don't want a word out of any of you. I mean it. We will be on silent ride until you learn respect." As for the two officers, Police Chief Jason Parker described their actions "out of line with department and community standards." He said that the incident came into light after one of the student's parents made a complaint to the police department.    |
| Ain't That Cute: Citroën and Benefit Cosmetics Build a Very Pink DS3 for the Ladies Posted: 06 Dec 2013 11:32 AM PST  While the Citroën DS3 can be considered by some as a car mostly aimed at women, the special edition DS3 by Benefit leaves no room for interpretation. A result of the collaboration between Citroën UK and Benefit Cosmetics, the one-off DS3 features many accessories for the ladies. Based on the range-topping Dsport model powered by Citroën's THP 155 engine, the DS3 by Benefit features colors from the cosmetics company's palette, with pink being prominent. The car's exterior has Benefit's signature pink and yellow "Candy Stripes" motif, as well as a graphic of the San Francisco skyline – Benefit's spiritual home – along the side profile. The alloy wheels painted in white and pink feature the Benefit logo alongside the Citroën chevron center caps, while the mirror caps are painted yellow, matching the floating roof's pink and yellow "Candy Stripes" pattern. The cabin has been reupholstered in Italian leather with the same Candy Stripe design on the seats, headrests and parcel shelf. There's pink detailing everywhere: on the steering wheel, dashboard and center console. The passenger side of the dashboard also features a "hello gorgeous" graphic. Other custom spots include the bespoke LED lighting, deep pile floor mats with pink leather edging and Benefit "Iconic words of wisdom" scatter cushions. A feature women will no doubt love is the armrest, which has been converted to house a custom makeup kit containing a selection of Benefit products, as well as the handbag hook, fragrance dispenser, and ornate vanity mirror emerging from the dashboard. The car will be on display at the Citroën stand at Clothes Show Live (NEC 6-10 December) in the UK. By Dan Mihalascu                            |
| Internet Currency Bitcoin Used to Purchase Tesla Model S EV Posted: 06 Dec 2013 10:58 AM PST  Bitcoin is, as its creators say, an open source peer-to-peer and payment solution that uses encryption to make transactions safe and (most importantly) decentralized. You can call it a virtual It's been around since 2009, but apparently now is the first time it's been used to purchase an electric vehicle, and namely a Tesla Model S sedan, acquired from Lamborghini Newport Beach from Costa Mesa, CA, whose representatives were "excited" that this fully-digital transaction had taken place. The solution proposed by Bitcoin may be a bit disconcerting at first, but it actually sounds like a good idea, just as long as that cryptography theme they have going does not allow outside… intervention. This crypto-currency doesn't really look like it's going away either, in fact , the extent of its use grows and diversifies; those who invested in it from the start have seen genuinely impressive returns in the four years the network has been operational. It's actually funny that Bitcoin was used to purchase the most suitable car it could have been used to purchase – the coin was probably moved around using the Model S' in-built browser too. Lengthy video explanation as to how it all works can be found below. By Andrei Nedelea Story References: businessinsider     |
| Suzuki SX4 S-Cross Reviewer Says Avoid the Petrol Engine Posted: 06 Dec 2013 10:31 AM PST  Suzuki's newest model launched in Europe is the SX4 S-Cross, which is a replacement for the SX4 small crossover. The new model is bigger and has moved up from the B-segment to the C-segment, where it aims to compete with models like the Nissan Qashqai. UK magazine What Car? took the SX4 S-Cross for a test drive and opted for the 118hp 1.6-liter diesel engine, which in their view, is the unit to have despite being more expensive than the base 118hp 1.6-liter petrol unit that they described as "gutless" because of its feeble 156Nm (115 lb-ft) of torque (half the amount of the diesel engine). The SX4 S-Cross is good in terms of road handling, but the firm ride and vague steering take away some of the pleasure to drive. Probably the biggest improvement in the new SX4 is the increased legroom in the back, thanks to the longer wheelbase, and bigger boot volume – both very important factors for crossover buyers. However, consumers will have to accept the cheap-looking plastics used on the interior. Scroll down to find out more about the new Suzuki SX4 S-Cross. By Dan Mihalascu    |
| 2015 Mustang Fest Continues with Shots and Videos from U.S. City Debuts Posted: 06 Dec 2013 10:03 AM PST  Ford turned the unveiling of its sixth iteration of the Mustang into a global event showing the coupe and convertible variants of the rear-wheel drive model on four different continents, but as you would anticipate, most of its efforts were concentrated in the pony car's biggest market, the USA. Out of the six cities it presented the car, three were here in the States, including Los Angeles, Dearborn (Ford's headquarters in Michigan) and New York City, from which we've added a selection of images and videos. We don't need to tell that it's far from over as Ford will surely try to squeeze as much publicity as it can from the new Mustang, and since it won't begin to arrive in showrooms for another year, it has all the time it wants…                      |
| Saleen Officially Announces Development of Electric Car Project Posted: 06 Dec 2013 09:35 AM PST  The Saleen name is usually associated with burning gasoline (usually) in eight cylindrically shaped cavernous chambers set in a V-formation. However, now the specialist manufacturer/modifier has officially announced that it is renouncing the use of fossil fuels for its next project: a car that will be completely electric aimed at "eventual distribution and sale." Company CEO, Steve Saleen, explained the decision: "We recognize that electric cars are a trend, not a fad and expect this vehicle category to continue to increase as an automotive option for consumers … We intend to enter this market with an offering that is truly innovative and offers the styling and craftsmanship associated with the Saleen Automotive brand. The rapid pace of advancements in electric vehicle technology makes our entry into this market sector timely and should expedite completion of this project." He also asks us to rid ourselves of preconceived notions about the kinds of vehicles they make (and we assume electric cars in general is what he means on top of that), as this new zero-emissions project will be "revolutionary in its aesthetics and mechanics." By Andrei Nedelea Note: Saleen S7 Twin Turbo pictured on both ends of this piece         |
| Japanese Ad Wants to Scare You Into Buying New Tires Posted: 06 Dec 2013 09:09 AM PST  We won't spoil it for you, but please note that the following video may not be for the faint-hearted or with any heart conditions... As some or perhaps even many of you may already know, Japan's television and internet can be, well, let's just say on the very, very weird side of the things at times, full of perverted or 'wtf' moments. That's not a generalization in any way, but it does exist. While certainly not NSFW, the following commercial from Japan's AutowayTire on why you should fit your ride with new rubber, is kind of weird, but come to thing of it, it did succeed in achieving its goal that was to grab our attention and learn about the brand…    |
| Acura NSX Supercar Concept Available in Gran Turismo 6 Posted: 06 Dec 2013 08:31 AM PST  Honda is trying to keep its upcoming NSX supercar in the spotlight, despite the fact that we have to wait about two years until the final version of the car hits the streets. If that's too much to wait for the most exciting Honda/Acura since, well, the previous NSX, you can pass the time by driving the NSX Concept in the Gran Turismo 6 video game. Yes, the latest iteration of the Acura NSX concept will be available in Gran Turismo 6, which releases worldwide today, together with its sophisticated Sport Hybrid SH-AWD powertrain featuring a twin-turbocharged V6 engine and three electric motors. Honda says this is basically the first opportunity to get behind the wheel of the next generation Acura NSX Concept – unless you can get your hands on the actual concept car, that is. "The wait is over for NSX fans eager to get behind the wheel of the next Acura supercar, and they can rest assured the actual production car will be even more amazing than the in-game concept version," promised Mike Accavitti, senior vice president of Auto Operations at American Honda. We hope the people at Honda will keep their word, as the NSX is one the most highly anticipated supercars. The next generation model will be produced in Honda's new plant in Marysville, Ohio, starting in 2015, with sales to begin later that year. By Dan Mihalascu         |
| Spy Shots: 2015 Mercedes-Benz M-Class Visits Dr. Facelift Posted: 06 Dec 2013 08:05 AM PST  A light breeze of change is blowing around the third-generation W166 M-Class, Mercedes' contender in the luxury mid-size SUV segment with rivals including the BMW X5, Porsche Cayenne and Audi Q7. Launched in the summer of 2011, the German SUV will go under the knife with these spy pictures of a camouflages prototype suggesting that it will receive a new face with different designs for the hood, bumper and grille. There's nothing new to see at the back, but by the time it arrives in the market in late 2014 or early 2015, it may sport some updates in the rear as well. At a first look inside, it seems like Benz didn't bother with the interior, but if you pay attention to the covered center stack, you'll notice that there's something mounted on top, and which we believe to be a tablet like touch-screen for the revised Command infotainment system that has been making its appearance on newer Mercedes models. We don't have anything to report about the drivetrain yet, but Mercedes usually applies updates under the hood on its mid-life cycle models. Photo Credits: CarPix for CarScoopS                |
| Lexus Details New GS 300h for Europe, Averages 4.7L/100KM [Video and 102 Photos] Posted: 06 Dec 2013 07:45 AM PST  On sale in Europe since 2012 as a three model range (GS 250, GS 350 AWD and GS 450h), the fourth generation Lexus GS will add a second hybrid model, the GS 300h, starting this month. The GS 300h is powered by a hybrid powertrain consisting of a 178hp (181PS) 2.5-liter Atkinson cycle gasoline engine and two electric motors - similar to the hybrid system in the IS 300h. With the rear wheels driven through the hybrid system's Electronically controlled Continuously Variable Transmission (ECVT), total system output is 220hp (223PS). Lexus says the GS 300h has an average fuel consumption of 4.7 l/100 km (50 mpg US) and emits 109 g of CO2 per km. Thanks to these figures, the carmaker sees the GS 300h as an alternative to 2.0-liter diesel engined rivals and expects to account for more than 55 percent of all GS sales in Europe – a significant part of which will be fleet customers. The Lexus GS 300h will also be available as an F Sport version featuring retuned front and rear suspension to enhance the efficiency of the available Adaptive Variable Suspension, maximizing body control and steering response. F Sport models also have specific exterior colors (F White, Starlight Black and Midnight Blue), LED fog lamps and 19-inch alloy wheels. With the launch of the new GS 300h, Lexus has also introduced new features across the entire GS model range, including a new, boot-type shift lever design, a new optional color Head-Up Display (HUD) system, as well as the new Lexus Hotspot system, which offers independent, high speed Wi-Fi connectivity for every vehicle occupant once the car is switched on. By Dan Mihalascu                                                                                                          |
| "Tax The Rich" Gives the Slow Motion Treatment to Ferrari F50 Too Posted: 06 Dec 2013 07:23 AM PST  It's understandable if you experience the feeling of deja-vu after watching this new video from the "Tax the Rich" YouTube channel. Following the Ferrari Enzo slow motion video, the folks who like to hoon rare supercars and expensive luxury models on the premises of a farm have released similar footage featuring the Enzo's predecessor, the Ferrari F50. Filmed with a high-speed camera, the video contains the same amount of drifting, sliding and locking up as the Enzo video, which we added as well for reference purposes. So far, "Tax the Rich" has made videos with the Ferrari 288 GTO, the Ferrari F50 and the Enzo, with the only one missing from this select company being the Ferrari F40. Who knows, maybe in the future we'll get to see it being hooned as well – or maybe the LaFerrari... By Dan Mihalascu    |
| Ferrari 458 with Capristo Exhaust Revving in Underground Parking Lot Can Make You Go Deaf Posted: 06 Dec 2013 06:51 AM PST  Even in completely stock form out in the open, the Ferrari 458 Italia is a very loud car when you push the pedal to the metal. Swap the factory exhaust for a Capristo unit as part of a performance package from Novitec and, well, let's just say that you'll be hearing a lot of complaints from your non-auto enthusiast neighbors when you play footsie with the accelerator. Do that with the same car in an enclosed space where sound bounces on and off the walls multiplying the decibels produced from the V8 powerhouse, and you could soon be looking for an otolaryngologist… To see what we mean, do check the video filmed at an underground parking lot in the UK that was forwarded to us from Paul Wallace of YouTube's Supercarscene.    |
| Ford Details 2015 Ford Mustang’s Engine Lineup Posted: 06 Dec 2013 06:44 AM PST  It has been a rich few days in terms of Mustang news, and it's still going strong, with Ford releasing details about the new pony car's engines, transmissions and suspension, plus diagrams to go with them. As you already know, the 2015 Mustang will be available with three engines: an entry-level 3.7-liter V6 (not for Europe), a new 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder and a range-topping 5.0-liter V8. The big news is obviously the 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder engine, which brings turbocharging to the Mustang for the first time since the limited series SVO model of the 1980s. The new unit has been developed specifically for the Mustang, with the intake manifold and turbocharger being optimized to provide better breathing and higher output. The 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine produces more than 305 horsepower and more than 300 lb-ft of torque (406 Nm). With direct fuel injection, twin independent variable camshaft timing and turbocharging, the engine will also be the most economical in the 2015 Mustang's lineup. The 5.0-liter V8 will no doubt be the choice of the enthusiasts, with the engine bringing a series of upgrades, including larger intake valves and exhaust valves, revised intake camshafts and exhaust camshafts, stiffer valve springs, new cylinder-head casting, Sinter forged connecting rods, redesigned piston tops and rebalanced forged crankshaft. All these updates contribute to an output of more than 420 hp and 390 lb-ft (528 Nm) of torque. No specific details were offered about the upgrades to the base 3.7-liter V6 engine, other than it will produce "at least" 300 horsepower and 270 lb-ft (366 Nm of torque). The engines are available with either manual or automatic transmissions, with Ford promising a better driving experience in both cases. The Getrag six-speed manual features a new shift linkage design for shorter throws and improved precision, with the shift lever being positioned closer to the driver and away from the cup-holders. The Select-Shift six-speed automatic transmission features steering-wheel-mounted shift paddles with rev-matching downshifts as standard. You can now quench your thirst for mechanical diagrams by checking out the photo gallery. By Dan Mihalascu            |
| Picturing Jaguar's 2016 Compact Executive Rival to the BMW 3-Series Posted: 06 Dec 2013 06:00 AM PST  A new 'baby' Jaguar sports sedan is on its way and DesignRM has taken the liberty to envision the brand's Mercedes-Benz C-Class and BMW 3-Series challenger. While we don't know what it will be called yet (it currently carries the X760 internal codename), the British carmaker has confirmed that it will use the new aluminum architecture displayed under the body of the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show's C-X17 SUV Concept with sales in Europe to start in 2015, with North America to follow in 2016. The XF-bodied test mules we've seen don't provide any clues on the X760's appearance, but RM Design wisely chose to use styling elements from the C-X17 for the creation of the sports sedan model, which you can see in the picture below. Story References: DesignRM     |
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