CARSCOOP

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• View the 2014 Detroit Motor Show Debuts in 488 Photos
• Subaru Boss Shows 2015 WRX STI, Says it Should Reach 164 MPH or 264km/h
• Chinese Cars Reportedly Hitting US Showrooms Next Year
• MT Tries Out All-Wheel Drive Mercedes-Benz CLS63 AMG S
• Flying Spur, Wraith Make 2013 Best-Ever Year for Bentley and Rolls-Royce
• Infiniti to Launch Five New Models by 2018, Including Performance Sedan
• BMW M5 Monte Carlo Blue on Red HRE Rims; What Do You Say?
• Elephant Violently Attacks VW Polo at Safari Park, Pays With its Life…
• A GT2 RS-Beating Tune for Porsche 911 GT2 Owners
• New Porsche 911 Targa’s Roof Is Very Cool to See in Action
• Scoop: Renault Warms Up Rear-Wheel Drive 2015 Twingo on the Snow
• IGN Pack for Forza 5 Brings Diverse Array of 10 New Cars [w/Videos]
• Detroit Show Toyota FT-1 and Lexus RC F Receive the Convertible Treatment
• Mulally Not Leaving for Microsoft, Will Stay at Ford at Least until the End of 2014
• Cars on Rails: Fun Times at Unfinished Moscow Tram Road
• Audi TT to Debut at Geneva Show, May Spawn Crossover Version Inspired by Detroit Concept
• Spied: New BMW M4 Convertible Chilling Out in Sweden
• Jeep Wrangler Enjoys Some Bulgarian Pizzazz from Vilner
• Consumer Reports Prods Around 2015 Honda Fit in Detroit
• Acura Mulling Honda Vezel-Based Small Crossover for North America
• 1986 Ferrari Testarossa Spyder Driven by Michael Jackson Up for Auction
• Skoda UK Releases Two New Limited Edition Versions of Rapid with Added Content
• Oh, My! Two Large Metro Cranes Collapse in Venezuela
• Lexus Announces Construction Start of its First U.S. Plant

View the 2014 Detroit Motor Show Debuts in 488 Photos Posted: 15 Jan 2014 06:26 PM PST Another edition of the North American International Auto Show ended for the press on Tuesday night, but the event is far from over. In fact, the general public will have to wait until Saturday, January 18 (through Sunday, January 26) to walk through the aisles of the Cobo Center in downtown Detroit, following the industry and charity preview days. In this post, we'll give you a visual rundown of the world and North American premieres in a mega gallery with more than 480 high-res photos. So, what's our initial impression of what went on in Detroit? Well, we think that, while the American auto industry is steadily moving away from the problems that plagued it during the recession and the bankruptcy issues with major players like GM and Chrysler, it's seems that it's not just there yet. Don't get us wrong, there were plenty of significant and welcome premieres, including the completely new Chrysler 200, the lighter Ford F-150 and the blissful Corvette Stingray Z06, but one thing that was surprisingly absent from the show was Detroit's vision of the future, and to explain, can you name one brand new concept from an American carmaker? You can't because there wasn't one… Japanese companies with a strong foothold in the States, on the other hand, were active on this front with Infiniti showing how it wants to compete with the Germans in the performance category, Nissan leaving promises for an exciting design future for the next Maxima, and Toyota lifting hopes for a Supra replacement, or rather a more potent big brother to the FR-S / GT 86. If you have your own thoughts about the show, please do share below. PHOTO GALLERY

Subaru Boss Shows 2015 WRX STI, Says it Should Reach 164 MPH or 264km/h Posted: 15 Jan 2014 05:29 PM PST Fresh from its reveal at the Detroit Auto Show, the 2015 Subaru WRX STI gets an in-depth look in a new official video featuring Subaru of America national manager Dominic Infante as our walk-around host. Although it's based on the 2015 Subaru WRX, the high-performance STI model is not powered by the new 2.0-liter turbocharged boxer engine, but continues with the previous model's 2.5-liter engine. The unit features no modifications however, producing the same output and torque figures as before - 305 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 290 lb-ft (393 Nm) at 4,000 rpm. As usual, the STI gets the Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive with Driver-Controlled Center Differential, Brembo brakes, short-throw 6-speed manual transmission and lightweight BBS wheels. Subaru hasn't released performance figures yet, but Infante says the 2015 WRX STI should probably hit 164 mph (264 km/h) – that's 3 mph (5 km/h) more than its predecessor. Nothing about the 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) sprint, though. Scroll down to get the essential details of Subaru's new hot sedan (only) model. By Dan Mihalascu VIDEO

Chinese Cars Reportedly Hitting US Showrooms Next Year Posted: 15 Jan 2014 04:39 PM PST Globalization is not a one-way street. The US may have spread its tentacles across the world, but they are not gripping as tightly as they were some decades ago - in the automotive industry it was the Japanese that came back first and took what they could, and now Bloomberg reports that the Chinese will begin selling their cars Stateside as of next year too. The first PRC-based manufacturer to do so will be BYD, short for Build Your Dreams, a relatively new automaker backed by Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway Inc. It has confirmed that their four model-strong range will make its debut towards the end of 2015. This is BYD's second attempt to penetrate US defenses, after failing to do so when it first set out to, in 2010, with a plan to sell the all-electric E6 hatchback, a model successfully used as a taxi at home. In addition, aside from selling regular passenger cars, in March, the Chinese automaker will also be hitting the switch on electric bus production in California; another one is being planned for Sao Paulo, Brazil in the near future. Volvo owners Geely will be next to arrive, according to the same report. They plan to ship cars co-developed with the Swedes into the US as early as 2016. Scroll down and check out the two videos of the E6's first arrival of US shores... five years ago. By Andrei Nedelea VIDEO

MT Tries Out All-Wheel Drive Mercedes-Benz CLS63 AMG S Posted: 15 Jan 2014 03:42 PM PST Mercedes' CLS63 is basically an E-Class with a far more tapered, sportier body but with less room inside, and in AMG trim, it ends up costing almost $7,000 more. MotorTrend's latest review of it tries to find reason behind its purchase over that of the regular sedan, weighing in its pros and cons. Handling is said to be pretty much identical between the two, and reviewer Carlos Lago is keen to point out that the steering feels very particularly nice and allows for good placement on the road. However, he reports that the car doesn't really feel that sporty on anything other than a straight road, where in S guise (with 577 hp on tap), it screams to sixty in 3.4 seconds. Its figure eight and braking performance are also very impressive for a barge of its size and weight, though you can't get away from physics and the car leans heavily in corners or squats onto its rear tires under really hard launches (the kind you need to achieve the aforementioned acceleration time…). Not the sportiest of choices, then, but it has head-turning design and a surprisingly bubbly exhaust note for a turbocharged car; if you owned one you'd defend it to the death! By Andrei Nedelea VIDEO

Flying Spur, Wraith Make 2013 Best-Ever Year for Bentley and Rolls-Royce Posted: 15 Jan 2014 03:09 PM PST Last year was good was a good one for British super luxury brands. In fact, that's an understatement, as both Rolls-Royce and Bentley announced their best-ever annual sales results in 2013. Rolls-Royce said it delivered 3,630 cars in 2013, the fourth consecutive record year and the highest in the brand's history. The result makes Rolls-Royce the world's leading super-luxury brand, which is a term coined by the BMW Group company to designate makers of luxury vehicles selling above €200,000 ($272,180) net. The biggest growth was reported in the Middle East (+17 percent), as well as in China (+11 percent), with other countries including Germany, Japan, Qatar and Canada seeing strong sales too. In terms of volume, China and the United States remained Rolls-Royce's largest individual markets, followed by the Middle East. Rolls-Royce said 2013 was a good year for its Bespoke personalization program as well, with nearly every Phantom family model, and three out of every four Ghosts leaving the factory in customized form. Launched in March 2013, Wraith has a strong order book. Rolls-Royce's archrival Bentley also had a record year in 2013, delivering 10,120 cars, an increase of 19 percent over 2012, when it sold 8,510 cars. The No. 1 market for the brand was The Americas region (3,140 units/+28 percent), while Asia Pacific, the Middle East and Europe (particularly Germany and the UK), posted significant gains over 2012. The new Bentley Flying Spur had a big contribution to the success, with 2,005 units being delivered in the final four months of 2013. That's an impressive achievement, considering the average yearly sales of 2,700 cars of its predecessor, the Continental Flying Spur, during its seven-year career. By Dan Mihalascu PHOTO GALLERY

Infiniti to Launch Five New Models by 2018, Including Performance Sedan Posted: 15 Jan 2014 02:40 PM PST Infiniti president Johann de Nysschen said at the Detroit Auto Show that the luxury automaker intends to launch five new vehicles by 2018, including the Q30, a new Q60 coupe, a QX70 replacing the current FX 50, a high-performance luxury sedan and a halo performance model. The first to arrive will be the Q30 compact vehicle, which will be produced in Sunderland, England starting next year. The Q30 will be a rival for the Audi A3, BMW 1-Series and Mercedes-Benz A-Class. "The Q60 coupe will be an evolution of the Q50 saloon. The car's been pushed back as we need to fix the design language. We need more cohesion in our design language across the range," de Nysschen told Auto Express. He added that the design of the Q60 will be inspired by the Q50, but will feature "a more prominent shoulder line and a strong wedge." The new design language inaugurated by the Q50 will be consistent across all Infiniti sedan, coupe and SUV models, the CEO added. The high performance luxury sedan will be inspired by the Q50 Eau Rouge Concept revealed at the Detroit Auto Show. De Nysschen said that if the study were to be built, it would feature over 500hb and 600 lb-ft (813 Nm) of torque. As for the halo performance model, the 2012 Infiniti Emerg-E concept may serve as inspiration. By Dan Mihalascu PHOTO GALLERY

BMW M5 Monte Carlo Blue on Red HRE Rims; What Do You Say? Posted: 15 Jan 2014 02:05 PM PST With a few notable exceptions (Porsche is one brand that quickly comes to mind), most automakers stay with traditional shades for their stock rims, and by that, we mean silver and from time to time, black-colored alloy wheels. While a large majority of consumers is happy with these colors, some go the aftermarket way to add some flashiness and distinctiveness to their rides with more flamboyant options. Take this F10-generation BMW M5 sedan for example, which was prepped by Wheel Enhancement. The Monte Carlo Blue body casts a stark contrast with HRE Performance Wheels' P101 rims in a bright red finish. Check it out in the pictures below and tell us what you think about the combo. PHOTO GALLERY

Elephant Violently Attacks VW Polo at Safari Park, Pays With its Life… Posted: 15 Jan 2014 01:37 PM PST You really need to dig deep inside to try and pick who was at fault in the recently reported case of a pissed off elephant violently attacking a car in a South African safari park last month. More specifically, a British schoolteacher and her fiancé were driving through the Kruger National park, when they stumbled across an elephant strolling along the unpaved road, and by doing so they very quickly angered the giant tusked mammal which turned around and in mere seconds turned the blue old-gen VW Polo into scrap. One of his tusks apparently also wounded the male occupant. However, both were lucky, as the elephant concentrated on destroying the rear part of the hatchback, which even trampled while in rage-mode. The animal was later tracked down and killed, with park rangers explaining that the male specimen was looking to reproduce and therefore its testosterone levels were high (around 60 times higher than normal), hence the violent behavior – it was deemed too dangerous to leave on the loose with all those tourists driving by and taking photos… So, who was at fault here? The tourists, the rangers, the elephant, all or none? In parts of the world where people more peacefully coexist with the elephants (especially of the Indian variety), they usually put the animals in chains when they get the feeling and just wait until they calm down - it's not necessarily humane, but it beats a bullet to the head. Check out the video below. By Andrei Nedelea Story References: YouTube via Gawker VIDEO

A GT2 RS-Beating Tune for Porsche 911 GT2 Owners Posted: 15 Jan 2014 01:10 PM PST In the very rare case you own and aren't satisfied with the performance of your 997-generation Porsche 911 GT2, lustily looking at the more powerful 997 GT2 RS of which only 500 examples were produced, the tuning minds over at O.CT. (OK-ChipTuning) have wrapped up a new package to give your toy that extra edge. Dubbed Club Sport or aptly CS, the tune focuses on the 3.6-liter flat-six turbocharged engine hanging over the rear axle, adding, among other things, an Akrapovic racing exhaust system complete with manifolds and sport catalysts, a new ECU, and modified intercoolers sourced from the GT2 RS. O.CT. says the upgrades add 148hp (150PS) over the standard GT2 (523hp / 430PS) and 59hp (60PS) over the GT2 RS (612hp / 620PS), for a total output of 671hp (680PS) and peak torque of 880Nm (649 lb-ft). According to the tuner's data, the revised GT2 CS completes the run from 0 to 200 km/h (124mph) in about 8.4 seconds (stock GT2: 11.5 sec | RS: 9.4 sec) and from 0 to 300 km/h (186mph) in about 21.3 seconds (series GT2: 33.0 sec | RS: 26.7 sec). From 100 km/h to 200 km/h (62mph-124mph), the GT2 CS takes just 5.1 seconds (series GT2: 7.8 sec | RS: 5.9 sec) and from 100 km/h to 300 km/h (62mph to 186mph) 18 seconds, which is said to be 5 seconds faster than the RS. Completing the tune are new Ultraleggera HLT in 19-inch lightweight alloy wheels in Dunlop SP Sport Maxx tires and an original GT2 RS rear wing with LED stoplights. PHOTO GALLERY

New Porsche 911 Targa’s Roof Is Very Cool to See in Action Posted: 15 Jan 2014 12:28 PM PST Not only does the all-new Porsche 911 Targa look like its predecessors from the 1970s, but it also marries this classic style with a state of the art mechanism that stows the roof away in seconds, doing so in a very spectacular manner. The entire rear glass part rises into the air and allows the bit that sits above the passenger compartment to slide underneath – it would not have been difficult to remove by hand (let alone more reliable in the long term…), but here they definitely wanted to give people the chance to show off. The opening it leaves is small yet what you'd expect from a Targa, offering limitless headroom without having to go for the much more obvious convertible model. It really depends on what you plan to do with your 911. If you want the best driver's car, then you go for the coupe. However, if you want the most unique looking one, then the Targa and its spectacular roof fits the bill nicely. Check out its full range of motion in the videos posted after the virtual jump. By Andrei Nedelea VIDEO

Scoop: Renault Warms Up Rear-Wheel Drive 2015 Twingo on the Snow Posted: 15 Jan 2014 12:05 PM PST It's that time of the year that auto manufacturers send engineers to Sweden to trial future models under harsh winter conditions. Renault brought along the upcoming 2015 Twingo that marks an interesting departure from its two predecessors, partly thanks to a newly found collaboration with Daimler and Mercedes-Benz. The two automotive groups are co-developing the successors to the Smart ForTwo / ForFour and Renault Twingo using a common platform with a rear-engine and rear-wheel drive layout, instead of the traditional front-engine and front-wheel drive solution seen on most modern city cars. These spy shots outline the design story of the new Twingo that will carry over the Renault 5-inspired styling theme of the insane 320HP Twin'Run Concept in a more down-to-earth interpretation that does away with the sporting elements while adding two more doors to the recipe. It has been reported that Renault doesn't plan to offer a three-door body style, but this could change in the future. There's very little information about the rear-mounted drivetrains, though, it is believed that both the Renault and Smart models will be offered with three-cylinder mills paired to manual or dual-clutch transmissions, and later on, with a pure electric drive. Expect the new Twingo to make its premiere at the Paris motor show in October this year. Photo Credits: CarPix for CarScoopS PHOTO GALLERY

IGN Pack for Forza 5 Brings Diverse Array of 10 New Cars [w/Videos] Posted: 15 Jan 2014 11:28 AM PST Since Forza 5 came with fewer cars than its predecessor, in a move not at all akin to progress, it is clear that the developer and publisher have thought this out as a DLC-centric game (that's short for heavily-reliant on downloadable content). However, then can (and will) make us overlook this lucrative marketing ploy of theirs if the quality of content they release is high and our better judgment is clouded by it. This week, everybody in the scene has been abuzz with talk about the IGN Car Pack that adds a total of ten very diverse rides including a 1957 Ferrari 250 California, Lambo Reventon, Mercedes-Benz A45 AMG or the deliciously curvy 1961 Maserati Tipo 61 Birdcage racing car. The rest of the cars are: 2013 Caterham Superlight R500, 1977 Ford Escort RS1800, 1964 Chevrolet Impala SS 409, 2002 Ferrari 575M Maranello, 1969 Nissan Fairlady Z 432 and finally the 1984 Peugeot 205 T16. Some players have already had a go at making these cars better, and one even made a drift car out of the classic Ferrari 250 – it is posted below, along with others in the same vein. By Andrei Nedelea PHOTO GALLERY VIDEO

Detroit Show Toyota FT-1 and Lexus RC F Receive the Convertible Treatment Posted: 15 Jan 2014 10:59 AM PST Leave it to the internet to swiftly take action and present new iterations of cars that were introduced less than 48 hours ago. Case in point, these digital renders of the 2014 Detroit motor show's Toyota FT-1 Concept and Lexus RC F production coupe, both of which were re-imagined as convertibles by Hungarian designer X-Tomi. In our eyes, the best looking of the two is the Toyota FT-1 Convertible, which in this shot, looks like it was made to be a roadster model. If it ever materializes into the next Supra, (or whatever else Toyota may call a coupe positioned above the GT 86 / FR-S), as many have suggested, an open top version could be in the cards. As for the other convertible, the 450-horsepower RC F was modeled after the older IS C with a retractable hardtop and seating for four. Taking into consideration that coupes usually sell much better than drop top models in these high-performance segments, and that Lexus estimates monthly sales of just 200 units for the new RC F in the States, we wouldn't give it much of a chance. Designer: X-Tomi PHOTO GALLERY

Mulally Not Leaving for Microsoft, Will Stay at Ford at Least until the End of 2014 Posted: 15 Jan 2014 10:36 AM PST Ford CEO Alan Mulally said he will remain at the helm of the Detroit-based automaker through at least the end of the year, ending speculation about his departure to Microsoft. In an interview with the Associated Press, Mulally said he wanted to end the Microsoft speculation, "because I have no other plans to do anything other than serve Ford." When asked whether this means investors should stop worrying about his exit, Mulally said: "You don't have to worry about me leaving." However, the executive didn't say if he had talked with representatives of the tech giant, headquartered in his home state of Washington. Mulally is said to have become tired of repeatedly answering questions about a possible move to Microsoft and wanted to set the record straight. Since November 2012, Ford has been saying that Mulally planned to remain CEO through at least the end of 2014 and the executive reiterated last month that there was no change in that plan. However, Mulally's candidacy to succeed Steve Ballmer as CEO of Microsoft attracted a lot of media attention, even overshadowing Ford's new product launches, such as the all-new Mustang. This supposedly frustrated Ford's board of directors, hence Mulally's new reassuring statements. By Dan Mihalascu Story References: AP via Reuters PHOTO GALLERY

Cars on Rails: Fun Times at Unfinished Moscow Tram Road Posted: 15 Jan 2014 10:05 AM PST Occasionally, if you have to cross a certain road to continue going your way, you just do it regardless of the condition it is in, something that these Moscow drivers know all too well. Evidently, this part of the road that goes under an overpass and which is used by trams as well, remains unfinished, but authorities left it open. Without thinking about it much, local motorists of all sorts of automobiles and trucks carefully place their wheels on the rails and hope they steer their way through without busting any parts of their rides. A video compilation from an overhead security camera follows below the break. VIDEO

Audi TT to Debut at Geneva Show, May Spawn Crossover Version Inspired by Detroit Concept Posted: 15 Jan 2014 09:40 AM PST Audi will reveal the new TT at the Geneva Motor Show in March and the model will go on sale later this year, Audi technical chief Ulrich Hackenberg said at the Detroit Auto Show. Hackenberg confirmed that the production Audi TT Coupe will closely follow the design of the Allroad Shooting Brake concept unveiled in Detroit. Furthermore, the executive said there is potential in the future for a TT crossover model very similar to the concept. "There is a trend for crossovers, shooting brakes and Allroad models, and we combined the TT with these concepts," Hackenberg was quoted as saying by Autocar. "The TT has more potential now than in its history. It can be different concepts and segments. A more rugged TT definitely has potential, yes," the executive added. The Allroad Shooting Brake is 4,200mm (165 in) long, 1,850mm (73 in) wide and 1,410mm (55.5 in) tall, with a wheelbase of 2,510mm (99 in), which make it roughly the same size as a TT – minus the extra millimeters of height. Audi says the study combines visual elements of future sports car models (the TT) with the Allroad concept and shooting brake car body form. The Audi Allroad Shooting Brake concept features a hybrid powertrain producing a total of 402 hp (408PS) and 650 Nm (479 lb-ft) of torque. The study can hit 100 km/h (62 mph) from a standstill in 4.6 seconds and has an electronically-limited top speed of 250 km/h. Fuel economy is rated at 1.9 l/100 km (123.8 mpg US) according to the ECE standard. Total driving range is up to 820 km (509 miles). By Dan Mihalascu PHOTO GALLERY

Spied: New BMW M4 Convertible Chilling Out in Sweden Posted: 15 Jan 2014 09:04 AM PST If you prefer an open top experience with an M4, BMW will soon have just the thing for you with the hardtop convertible version of the high-performance series, which was spied here while taking a rest from cold weather testing in Sweden. You may lose the carbon-fiber roof and gain more than 200kg (440 pounds) in the process (FYI the 435i Coupe weighs 1,585 kg / 3,494 lbs while the 435i Convertible 1,815 kg / 4,001 lbs), but look at it from the bright side; you'll be able to enjoy the summer sun at a touch of a button in just 22 seconds. Other than that, the M4 Convertible will benefit from the same mechanical and styling revisions as the M4 Coupe, including, of course, BMW's new 3.0-liter straight-six turbo that delivers 425hp (431PS) and 550Nm (406 lb-ft). Channeling drive to the rear wheels will be a standard six-speed manual gearbox, but more tech-orientated buyers will be able to pick an optional seven-speed M Double Clutch Transmission (DCT) with remote paddle shifters. Prices for the M4 Convertible should command a premium over the Coupe edition. Photo Credits: CarPix for CarScoopS PHOTO GALLERY

Jeep Wrangler Enjoys Some Bulgarian Pizzazz from Vilner Posted: 15 Jan 2014 08:40 AM PST As a no-nonsense 4x4, the Jeep Wrangler doesn't really need to be flashy or full of comfort features, but some owners wouldn't mind some upgrades either, which brings us to this new 2014 Jeep Wrangler Sahara that was customized by Vilner. The revisions begin with the exterior where the Bulgarian studio replaced the stock 17-inch wheels with a new set of glossy black 20-inch rims, while adding LED headlights, fog lights and rear turn signals, and chrome for the door handles, grilles, mirrors and the tank cap. Inside is where Vilner's technicians spent most of their time giving the Wrangler's cabin a red and black two-tone look through the use of leather and Alcantara for the seating, door, steering wheel and dashboard surfaces. They also painted the metal parts of the roof in black and added chrome detailing on the doors, steering wheel and the air outlets on the dashboard. Finishing off the build, the studio upgraded the 2.8-liter diesel engine's software lifting output from 197hp (200PS) and 460 Nm (339 lb-ft) to 257hp (261PS) and 558 Nm (412 lb-ft). PHOTO GALLERY

Consumer Reports Prods Around 2015 Honda Fit in Detroit Posted: 15 Jan 2014 08:12 AM PST The old Honda Fit/Jazz was one of ConsumerReports' favorite city cars for its blend of interior space and reliability, but it was always let down by bland looks and a cut-rate scratchy interior. Now, they've had a look around the redesigned 2015 model-year Fit and their first report is a very positive one. They say the most obvious differences are in the looks departments, as both the exterior and interior show a lot of progress. Inside, it now has soft-touch plastics atop the dash, and while many European superminis have had this for over a decade, it's nice that Honda finally decided that it was the way to go too…. Noteworthy is the redesigned 1.5-liter engine too. It puts out 130 hp (132 PS) and boasts efficiency gains at the same time, plus there's a six-speed manual gearbox on offer to make the most of that power in a fun way.  The CVT is aimed at maximizing efficiency, but you must really hate rowing your own if you go for that option… Check out the CR video posted after the virtual jump. By Andrei Nedelea VIDEO

Acura Mulling Honda Vezel-Based Small Crossover for North America Posted: 15 Jan 2014 07:53 AM PST At last year's Shanghai auto show, Acura presented a concept for a sub-compact crossover named the SUV-X, which it said, previewed an upcoming production model primarily targeted for China. Now we're learning that Acura is looking to offer the vehicle in North America as well. Speaking to Autonews earlier this week, Naohisa Morishita, chief engineer for the Honda Vezel's drivetrain, told the publication that the Japanese company is studying a similar vehicle for the Acura brand in North America and pointed to the SUV-X. "There is a market for it worldwide, not just in China," he said. "Personally, I think Acura needs it." Honda spokeswoman Yuka Abe told the news agency that it hasn't decided yet which markets outside of China would get the production SUV-X, which will be built around the Vezel, itself loosely based on the latest generation Honda Fit / Jazz sub-compact. The Vezel will go on sale in the Unites States later this year, though, it may be marketed under a different name. PHOTO GALLERY

1986 Ferrari Testarossa Spyder Driven by Michael Jackson Up for Auction Posted: 15 Jan 2014 07:31 AM PST If you're experiencing a feeling of déjà vu after seeing these photos, it's because this car was featured in 2012 on our website. The Ferrari Testarossa Spyder was not built by Ferrari, although the carmaker did commission Pininfarina to build a one-off model for the late Gianni Agnelli. The silver-colored one-off really attracted a lot of attention at the time, with coachbuilders seeing a business case for converting Testarossas into convertibles. One of these companies was R. Straman of Costa Mesa, California, which converted a black Ferrari Testarossa for the 1987 Pepsi commercial "The Chopper", which featured Michael Jackson behind the wheel. The conversion work cost $40,000 at the time. Available for no reserve at the Barrett-Jackson auction in Scottsdale, Arizona (January 12-19), the 1986 Ferrari Testarossa Spyder had a major service done in February 2013 by factory-authorized L.A. dealer The Auto Gallery that set the owner back $17,680. The car's service history dates back to 1998. Powered by a 4.9-liter flat-12 engine producing 390 horsepower and 361 lb-ft (489 Nm) of torque, the Testarossa coupe was able to hit 60 mph (96 km/h) from a standstill in 5.2 seconds and reach a top speed of 180 mph (290 km/h). By Dan Mihalascu PHOTO GALLERY VIDEO

Skoda UK Releases Two New Limited Edition Versions of Rapid with Added Content Posted: 15 Jan 2014 07:13 AM PST For a short period of time, UK consumers interested in Skoda's Rapid (liftback) saloon will have two more choices when it comes to trims with the launch of two limited production versions, each of which adds extra equipment "worth thousands of pounds", according to the brand's press blurb. The first one is the Rapid SE Connect based on the Rapid 1.2-litre TSI 86PS SE that is offered in a choice of two exterior metallic paints, Brilliant Silver or Denim Blue, and gains 16-inch 'Antia' aluminum wheels, rear parking sensors and an Amundsen satellite navigation with DAB digital radio. Production is limited to 800 units with pricing set at £12,990 on the road. The other model is the Rapid Sport that builds on the 1.2-litre TSI 105PS SE model adding extra equipment worth £1,250, including 17-inch 'Ray' black alloy wheels, sunset glass, front fog lights, sports seats, steel pedals, black door mirrors and a rear spoiler. Skoda said that only 200 examples of the Sport will be offered in the UK, each priced at £15,630 on the road. PHOTO GALLERY

Oh, My! Two Large Metro Cranes Collapse in Venezuela Posted: 15 Jan 2014 06:54 AM PST Industrial cranes on large-scale production sites are an impressive sight to behold - just as long as everything goes as planned, because if something does happen and you're nearby, then you should get ready to make the fastest run possible. The following incident occurred in the popular Las Mercedes district in Caracas, Venezuela, when two huge cranes working on the new Metro station in the area collapsed. There's no word if anyone was injured in the accident, but one of the cranes did crash into a neighboring building shaving it clean while the other one dipped into the hole. If you're in a hurry, the crash happens at around 50 seconds into the video. VIDEO

Lexus Announces Construction Start of its First U.S. Plant Posted: 15 Jan 2014 06:36 AM PST Toyota's luxury division, Lexus has just announced the start of construction at their future assembly plant in Georgetown, Kentucky, their first ever US-based dedicated facility. The factory will be part of the TMMK complex (Toyota's largest in the US) already operational in the state and, as of fall 2015, will start producing the ES 350 sedan alongside the Camry, Venza and Avalon models. Up until now, all ES models were imported from Japan. They plan to make it at a rate of 50,000 units per year, in the hope of filling the high demand for the model – over 72,000 of them found owners in 2013. That equates to an increase in sales over the previous year of 30 percent, and the ES should still gain some popularity this year too. Total investment for the site will siphon some $360 million out of the company and the end result will make for the creation of 750 jobs and their largest production site in North America – they also build the RX350 and RX450h at the Cambridge factory in Canada too, but this will be on a larger scale, and fully dedicated to the brand. By Andrei Nedelea PHOTO GALLERY

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