CARSCOOP |  |
- Become a Mini-Me Ken Block on a $160 Budget with Gymkhana 6 Fiesta 1:18 Scale Model
- See How Updated 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee Fares in Swedish Moose Test
- German Used Car Dealer Wants €2.38 Million for the First Production LaFerrari
- Ford Expects to Be the Best-Selling Brand in the U.S. in 2013 for the 4th Straight Year
- Wild Turkey Attacking UPS Driver Might be Working for FedEx
- New Mercedes-Benz C-Class Showcases AMG Package in Leaked Photos
- Fresh Spy Shots of 2015 Porsche Cayenne Mk2 Facelift
- McLaren MP4-12C Compared with Gardner Douglas T70 Spyder Kit Car
- Report: Jeep Cherokee Sales Nearing Wrangler, Grand Cherokee Figures
- VW's GT6 Vision Concept Looks Like a Badass Scirocco from the Future
- Study Ranks US States by their Worst Drivers
- Corvette Chief Engineer Says 2015 Z06 Could Be the Last of the Breed
- Super Enthusiastic Woman Wins $157k Audi R8 Spyder
- Spied: New Mercedes-Benz S-Class with XL Wheelbase to Carry the Maybach Moniker
- Ford C-Max Solar Energi Concept Can Fully Charge Battery via Sun in One Day
- Audi Puts Laser Lights on the Sport Quattro Concept for CES 2014
- Infiniti Q50 Eau Rouge Concept: First Official Photo Ahead of Detroit Show Debut
- Anyone Know About This 2014 Corvette Stingray C7 Crash?
- Heartbreaking Story of Small Pup Refusing to Leave His Dead Friend on Chinese Road
- Fiat Finally Completes Chrysler Acquisition, Will Pay VEBA $4.35 Billion for 41.5 Percent Stake
- Kia's Detroit Motor Show Coupe Concept Gets a Name, a Face and an Engine
- Audi Announces Investments of €22 Billion through 2018, Confirms All-New TT for 2014
- Bugatti Belt Buckle is so Expensive at $84,000 that it's…Stupid
- VW Reshuffles UK's 2014 Passat Lineup, Deletes Sport and R-Line Trims
- Porsche Reportedly Preparing 911 Safari Off-Road Study for Beijing Auto Show
| Become a Mini-Me Ken Block on a $160 Budget with Gymkhana 6 Fiesta 1:18 Scale Model Posted: 02 Jan 2014 05:05 PM PST  As much as we would like to walk or rather, drive in Ken Block's shoes in a Gymkhana-style setup, chances are, it's not going to happen in real life. Sure, you can hook up a steering wheel to your gaming machine and play your eyes out in front of a screen, but if you want something of a more realistic nature without sacrificing/endangering your ride, remote-control (RC) scale model specialist HPI Racing has a very interesting alternative. It's an officially-licensed, 1:18 scale motorized replica of the racing Ford Fiesta hatch featured in Ken Block's Gymkhana 6. According to the maker, "the HPI Micro RS4 is powered by an HPI 180-size motor and features an electronic speed control, full time 4WD belt drive and waterproof steering servo". A quick search on Google returned some online shops that sell the RC replica for $159.99 (about €117). HPI Racing also created a video of the car racing in a micro Gymkhana world, which is not included in the package, but we gather Lego sticks and cardboard cutouts should work fine, unless you can get even more creative. Shout out to Tim for the share! SPECIFICATIONS -Ken Block 2013 GRC Micro RS4 With Ford Fiesta H.F.H.V. Body : Length: ~220mm             |
| See How Updated 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee Fares in Swedish Moose Test Posted: 02 Jan 2014 08:12 PM PST  You probably remember that in summer of 2012, the Jeep Grand Cherokee almost rolled over in Swedish magazine Teknikens Värld's moose test. The SUV went up on two wheels, with the ones on the left lifting above the ground at 61 km/h (37.9 mph). At 63.5 km/h (39.5 mph), the SUV was about to roll over, with neither the electronic stability system nor the anti-rollover system doing their job. To see if the 2014MY Grand Cherokee has improved in this respect, Teknikens Värld took the new model to their moose test track in Sweden. Using a Jeep Grand Cherokee 3.0 CRD fitted with summer tires and loaded according to their Swedish certificate of registration (2,949 kg/6,501 lbs), passengers and luggage included, the magazine concluded that Jeep engineers have done their homework this time and eliminated the old car's dangerous behavior. The SUV's traction control system now kicks in really early and slows the car dramatically, even at an entry speed as low as 61 km/h (37.9 mph). When the entry speed was increased, Teknikens Värld concluded the system worked even better. "At 71 km/h (44.1 mph) the car reaches its limit, the car cannot master more than that," said Teknikens Varld in its report. "But it is a good result for a SUV vehicle, no doubt about that. It is also a clear sign that Jeep understood the seriousness of the previous generation's severe flaws and did something to it." You can watch the test in the video posted below. By Dan Mihalascu Thanks to Rabe for the heads up!      |
| German Used Car Dealer Wants €2.38 Million for the First Production LaFerrari Posted: 02 Jan 2014 03:40 PM PST  Here's one way to make a quick profit of over €1 million: pay €1.3 million ($1.77 million) for a Ferrari LaFerrari and then sell it for €2.38 million ($3.25 million). Of course, to do that you need to be on Ferrari's top owners list, which is not that easy. Although only 499 LaFerraris will be built, it appears that the owner of the very first production model has already decided to sell the car. Sporting a No.1 of 499 badge, the first production LaFerrari has surfaced on the website of luxury used car dealer SEMCO from Munich, Germany. The Italian exotic is listed for €2.38 million (including VAT) and has only 200 kilometers (124 miles) on the odometer. So, for those who can afford a LaFerrari but couldn't get on the carmaker's list, this red LaFerrari provides a much simpler albeit pricier way to get hold of one. The performance of Ferrari's fastest car will certainly make the owner forget about the €1 million premium: the hybrid LaFerrari has a total output of 950HP (963PS) and sprints from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in less than 3 seconds. By Dan Mihalascu           |
| Ford Expects to Be the Best-Selling Brand in the U.S. in 2013 for the 4th Straight Year Posted: 02 Jan 2014 03:07 PM PST  Ford expects sales of more than 2.4 million vehicles in the U.S. in 2013, making it the best-selling brand in the country for the fourth consecutive year. Furthermore, the Ford brand is expected to widen its lead over Toyota. For the full year in 2012, the Ford brand lead over Toyota amounted to 329,677 vehicles. In the first eleven months of 2013, Ford widened the gap to 396,041 vehicles. December sales are not finalized. Retail sales for the Ford brand are up 15 percent through November, compared to 12 percent for the brand overall. Ford brand retail sales are expected to exceed 1.7 million vehicles in 2013, marking the company's best retail sales performance in six years. Passenger car retail delivereis will surpass 600,000 vehicles – the highest volume since 2000. Ford said it is seeing the strongest retail sales growth from the western and southeastern regions of the country, traditionally dominated by imports. Ford retail sales are up 23 percent in the West and 18 percent in the Southeast region. When it comes to models, the Fiesta set a new sales record in 2013, with more than 70,000 units sold, while the Fusion sedan had its best year ever, with sales expected to surpass 290,000 vehicles. Ford utility vehicles are up 10.3 percent, to 621,652 units, led by the Escape with more than 300,000 units, its best-ever year since launching in 1999. Explorer sales are up about 15 percent, with Ford expecting it to be the best-selling midsize SUV in the U.S. for 2013. Overall, 2013 will be the best year for Ford utility vehicle sales since 2004. With 688,810 deliveries through November, the F-Series pickup remains the country's best-selling truck for the 37th straight year and the overall best-selling vehicle in America for the 32nd year. By Dan Mihalascu                |
| Wild Turkey Attacking UPS Driver Might be Working for FedEx Posted: 02 Jan 2014 02:32 PM PST  As if driving and walking around in all kinds of weather to distribute packages to customers doesn't pose enough difficulties in itself, one unfortunate delivery worker from UPS had to face a bigger and more heated challenge in the face of a pissed off wild turkey The admittedly humorous (…for spectators not protagonists) scene was filmed just before the turn of the year on December 30, 2013, with the YouTube uploader stating the following: "Yesterday, we were treated to a little lunchtime entertainment as the local UPS driver was chased around the FedEx truck by a wild turkey. Filmed from the hospital lunchroom in Minnesota." Click through the break to watch it for yourself.    |
| New Mercedes-Benz C-Class Showcases AMG Package in Leaked Photos Posted: 02 Jan 2014 02:02 PM PST  If the styling of the all-new Mercedes-Benz C-Class isn't considered sporty or exclusive enough by some customers, they will be able to opt for an AMG Line exterior kit. As the leaked official photos show, the AMG package features a front apron with large air inlets with wire mesh and chrome trim elements, side skirts and rear apron with built-in diffuser. The package appears to be the same one that we saw on the C-Class photographed in Germany . The AMG Line also includes 18-inch light-alloy wheels in 5-spoke design, painted in high-sheen titanium gray, as well as the sportier radiator grille with integrated Mercedes-Benz star and two louvers in matt iridium silver with chrome inserts. Also included in the AMG Line Exterior Pack are a lowered sports suspension (by 15mm or 0.6in), perforated front brake discs, large chrome exhaust tips, window surround in polished aluminum and others. The AMG Line for the C-Class is expected to debut at the Detroit Auto Show. By Dan Mihalascu Story References: Mercedes via MB Passion        |
| Fresh Spy Shots of 2015 Porsche Cayenne Mk2 Facelift Posted: 02 Jan 2014 03:31 PM PST  Having set the styling tone with the new Macan and the revised Panamera, Porsche now plans to transfer these latest design lessons to the facelifted version of the second-generation Cayenne (launched in 2010), which will likely break cover later this year wearing the 2015MY moniker. The covered up front and rear bumpers, and the fake light decals on the head- and tail-lamps, tell us that Porsche's stylists will concentrate their exterior facelift efforts on these parts. Our spies, who had the opportunity to get a closer look at the prototype pictured here, say that the outline of the true rear-light fixtures resembled those of the Macan. On the mechanical front, we hear that the Photo Credits: CarPix for CarScoopS            |
| McLaren MP4-12C Compared with Gardner Douglas T70 Spyder Kit Car Posted: 02 Jan 2014 01:03 PM PST  How about this for a comparison; a McLaren MP4-12C versus a Lola T70 replica or a civilized, sophisticated supercar going against a raw, back to basics machine. The Lola T70 is one of the most recognizable sports models, thanks to its beautiful timeless shape and was also one of the world's fastest racecars in 1966. That's why Gardner Douglas decided to build a street-legal Lola T70 replica, with one significant difference: it made it a roadster instead of a coupe. Weighing in at just 850 kg (1,874 lbs), the GD T70 Spyder is powered by a 6.2-liter Corvette engine that delivers between 450 hp and 700 hp, depending on the state of tune chosen by the customer. With its power-to-weight ratio of 530hp per ton, the GT T70 Spyder is quite a handful and requires maximum concentration from the driver when pushed hard. So how does this explosive mix compare with the McLaren 12C, one of the most advanced production supercars on the market. Scroll down to find out in Autocar's video. By Dan Mihalascu    |
| Report: Jeep Cherokee Sales Nearing Wrangler, Grand Cherokee Figures Posted: 02 Jan 2014 12:32 PM PST  The 2014 Jeep Cherokee may have received mixed reviews regarding its styling (particularly the front end), but in terms of how the car drives and feels, reviews have been largely positive. In the end, all that matters is how customers receive a car and in this respect, the controversial styling of the Cherokee's front end seems to have helped sales rather than hurt them. The new Jeep Cherokee is reportedly enjoying a strong start, with the SUV nearing the sales figures of the Wrangler and Grand Cherokee after its second full month on the market. December deliveries of the compact SUV are on track to top November's 10,169 units, with one dealer describing Cherokee sales with the term "strong as death." This is indeed very good news for Chrysler after the carmaker had to delay the production launch of the 2014 Jeep Cherokee during the summer. Global demand for the Cherokee is so strong that Jeep plans to build 300,000 units in 2014 at the Toledo Assembly complex, where it also produces the Wrangler. That will very likely result in the addition of a third shift at the plant and the hiring of about 1,100 new workers early in 2014, according to an Automotive News' report. If that happens, it will be the first time since late 2007 that Chrysler's largest assembly complex will be running at full capacity. By Dan Mihalascu         |
| VW's GT6 Vision Concept Looks Like a Badass Scirocco from the Future Posted: 02 Jan 2014 12:00 PM PST  While all car-(…and shoe) making companies participating in the Gran Turismo 6 Vision project have the creative freedom to conceive whatever type of vehicle they want for the series, we imagine that they also want their designs to retain strong ties with their respective brands. We could be wrong, since for the time being, Volkswagen has limited shared information on its GT6 Vision Concept to the following single sketch, but the first thing we thought upon seeing it was a dynamic and futuristic interpretation of the Scirocco coupe-hatchback. What do you think? According to the most recent report, VW doesn't plan to replace the Scirocco with an all new model before 2017, but it will refresh it with a heavy facelift later this year.     |
| Study Ranks US States by their Worst Drivers Posted: 02 Jan 2014 11:34 AM PST  If you've had contradictory discussions or thoughts as to which of the US' fifty stars spangling its flag shone least when it came to the quality of its drivers, well there's a study that tries to end the debate…by stirring it with a hefty wooden spoon. USA Today quotes Car Insurance Comparison's (CIC) data in regards to the matter, as it compiles fatality rates per 100 million miles traveled, failure to obey traffic signals and/or seat belt regulations, drunk driving, ticketing frequency and careless driving offenses. We wont' keep you waiting and just come out and say it: Louisiana was found the have the poorest average quality of drivers this year, a distinction they apparently gained in 2012 too, so this makes it two in a row for them. Next up, coming a very close second in overall score, surpassing the hurricane-ridden state is South Carolina, though it and third placed Mississippi boast more average fatalities than the number one state in the rankings. The safest overall driving environments, in this context, and within the specified constraints and in reverse order from the bottom of the list, which could very well be the bottom are: Vermont, Utah and New Hampshire. If your state of residence (or choice) was somewhere in the middle, then you can see exactly where it landed by scrolling down to after the virtual jump for the full, detailed list. By Andrei Nedelea     |
| Corvette Chief Engineer Says 2015 Z06 Could Be the Last of the Breed Posted: 02 Jan 2014 11:10 AM PST  GM will reveal the 2015 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 at the upcoming Detroit Auto Show, with the high-performance C7 Vette tipped to be "the most track-capable Corvette ever, designed to deliver supercar levels of performance through unique powertrain, chassis and aerodynamic features," in GM's own words. While GM's description of the upcoming Corvette Z06 is music to any car enthusiast's ears, things are less spectacular on the marketing side. Tadge Juechter, the Chief Engineer of the Corvette, admitted that the 2015 Corvette Z06 may be the last one ever. "If we don't get sales back up, there won't be a next one," he told Digital Trends. He didn't elaborate, but the message is pretty clear. Unless the Corvette Z06 satisfies GM's board from a commercial point of view, it may not get a successor. However, the report from Digital Trends goes as far as suggesting the same thing is valid for the Corvette Stingray series in general, which could be discontinued by 2020 unless it racks up some serious sales figures – though, that's something we highly doubt. Juechter said Chevrolet sold around 13,000 C6 Corvettes in 2012, compared to 53,000 in 1979, the best year ever for the Corvette. In 2013, the C6 managed to outsell its main rival, the Porsche 911, even though production was halted for six months. Despite that, GM is purportedly not satisfied with Corvette sales and has high expectations for the all-new C7 Stingray. Having gone through bankruptcy, GM may pull the plug on the Corvette if it doesn't bring in enough cash, the report says. So far, there are no reasons to worry though. By Dan Mihalascu         |
| Super Enthusiastic Woman Wins $157k Audi R8 Spyder Posted: 02 Jan 2014 10:45 AM PST  In times of stress, each person reacts in his or her own way, but who can really fault this woman for being extremely forward with her emotions while participating in the latest episode of the "Price is Right"? Sheree Heil from Tacoma, Washington, was playing for a brand new Audi R8 V8 Spyder worth $157,300 this past Monday, which she managed to win along with other prizes and cash to become the game's biggest winner ever as her earnings totaled $170,345, according to Today Entertainment, See how she pulled it off in the video that you'll find after the jump [pun intended].    |
| Spied: New Mercedes-Benz S-Class with XL Wheelbase to Carry the Maybach Moniker Posted: 02 Jan 2014 10:09 AM PST  Maybach, as a stand-alone brand, ceased to exist in 2013 after an 11-year long run during which it sold a mere 3,000 vehicles, failing to fulfill owner Daimler's dream of creating a true rival for BMW Group's Rolls-Royce and VW Group's Bentley marques. However, the name might not be dead after all, as according to a report from Germany's AutoMotorundSport magazine, Mercedes-Benz plans to use the Maybach moniker on a more luxurious version of the new S-Class with an extra-long wheelbase. In total, Benz will introduce six different body styles for the new S-Class, including the regular sedan, a long-wheelbase sedan, a Coupe (previewed by this concept in Frankfurt this past September), a Convertible, plus the aforementioned Maybach X-LWB and an even longer and more prestigious state limousine inheriting the Pullman nameplate. The S600 Maybach model that was scooped here on film by Carscoops reader Toldi, is said to be 400mm or about 15 inches longer than the conventional S-Class sedan with power sourced from a 5.5-liter turbocharged V12. It will come with bespoke materials and colors along with more comfort and technology features than the regular S-Class models. The magazine report said that Mercedes will showcase the car at China's Guangzhou Auto Show this upcoming fall. Thanks to Toldi for the video !    |
| Ford C-Max Solar Energi Concept Can Fully Charge Battery via Sun in One Day Posted: 02 Jan 2014 09:43 AM PST  The name leaves no room for confusion: the C-Max Solar Energi Concept harnesses the power of the sun through a solar panel roof and uses it to charge the batteries of the plug-in hybrid vehicle. Ford will debut the concept at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas (January 6-10). The study's solar panel roof draws power from a special solar concentrator lens similar to a magnifying glass that directs intense rays to solar panels on the vehicle roof. Ford says a day's worth of sunlight is enough to completely charge the hybrid vehicle's batteries, with the concept delivering the same performance as the conventional C-Max Energy plug-in hybrid. By using renewable power, Ford C-MAX Solar Energi Concept is estimated to reduce the annual greenhouse gas emissions a typical owner would produce by four metric tons. The study is a collaborative project of Ford, SunPower Corp. and Georgia Institute of Technology. The high-efficiency solar cells for the roof of the C-Max Solar Energi Concept are provided by SunPower, while Georgia Institute of Technology developed an off-vehicle solar concentrator that uses a special Fresnel lens to direct sunlight to the solar cells while boosting the impact of the sunlight by a factor of eight. The system tracks the sun as it moves from east to west, drawing enough power from the sun through the concentrator each day to equal a four-hour battery charge (8 kilowatts). When fully charged, the Ford C-Max Solar Energi Concept has the same driving range as a conventional C-Max Energi of up to 620 miles (998 km), including up to 21 electric-only miles (34 km). The study still has a charge port, for those days when the sun is too shy to show its face completely. Ford says it will begin testing the vehicle together with Georgia Tech in real-world scenarios to see if it's feasible as a production car. By Dan Mihalascu                |
| Audi Puts Laser Lights on the Sport Quattro Concept for CES 2014 Posted: 02 Jan 2014 09:09 AM PST  Audi will bring an updated version of its Sport Quattro Concept at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas (January 6-10). To justify the display of an existing study at the show, the carmaker has fitted it with laser headlights and has painted it in a new Plasma Red color. The rest of the car looks just like the concept that was first shown at the Frankfurt Motor Show last year. The study's dual headlights showcase the future of lighting technology by combining matrix LED and laser light technologies. Two low-profile trapezoidal elements are visible within the headlights – the outer one generates the low beam light using matrix LEDs and an aperture mask, while the inner element produces laser light for high-beam functionality. The laser diodes are significantly smaller than LED diodes, having a diameter of only a few microns. Furthermore, they illuminate the road for a distance of nearly 500 meters (1,640 feet), about twice the lighting range and three times the luminosity of LED high beam lights. For the moment, Audi says it will use the system on the race track in the 2014 R18 e-tron quattro. On the inside, the show car sports the same dashboard and controls, while under the bonnet there's the same hybrid powertrain pairing a 552hp (560PS) 4.0-liter turbocharged V8 engine with a 148hp (150PS) electric motor. Combined system output is 691 hp (700PS) and 800Nm (590 lb-ft) and is transmitted to all four wheels via an 8-speed tiptronic gearbox. Audi says the Sport Quattro Laserlight concept averages 2.5 liters/100 km (94.09 US mpg), equivalent to CO2 emissions of 59 g/km. The Sport Quattro Concept accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h (62mph) in 3.7 seconds and reaches a top speed of 305 km/h (190 mph). By Dan Mihalascu          |
| Infiniti Q50 Eau Rouge Concept: First Official Photo Ahead of Detroit Show Debut Posted: 02 Jan 2014 08:31 AM PST  The newly released Infiniti Q50 compact executive sedan that replaced the G sedan will be visiting Detroit and the 2014 North American International Auto Show on January 13 wearing a conceptual performance outfit. Seen for the first time here in full dressing, the Q50 Eau Rouge Concept displays a dramatic body kit said to be influenced by Infiniti's involvement in Formula One with partner Red Bull Racing. Infiniti stated that only the roof and door profiles remain unchanged from the production Q50, with the concept sporting a carbon fiber grounds kit, including front splitter, rear diffuser and side sill skirts, with the same material also making its appearance on the roof and door mirror casings. The lowered study rides on 21-inch lightweight forged alloy wheels and features a new dual-exit exhaust sports system below a large integrated rear spoiler. "From our shared passion for performance with Infiniti Red Bull Racing grew a collective desire to produce a vision of what a high-performance Infiniti Q50 could look like," commented Executive Design Director Alfonso Albaisa. "The design has a number of distinctive Formula One inspired touches. In particular, the sculpted front wing assembly and the rear aerodynamic packaging take their cues from the RB9 race car," he added. There's no word on the powertrain, but it is likely that the car continues to draw power from the North American model's 3.7-liter V6.        |
| Anyone Know About This 2014 Corvette Stingray C7 Crash? Posted: 02 Jan 2014 07:59 AM PST  A set of photos showing a fairly new 2014 Corvette Stingray having suffered a serious blow to its chin surfaced over at WreckedExotics, with the note that the red C7 was spotted at a local dealership in Milwaukee Wisconsin. From the damage seen in the images of the car that appear to have been shot just after it was unloaded from the truck, it looks like the driver hit an obstacle positioned low on the ground with the front end. Whether snow or bad weather conditions in general had something to do with the incident, remain unknown. If any of you are aware of more details, do tell us in the comments or via email and we'll post an update. Photos via WreckedExotics      |
| Heartbreaking Story of Small Pup Refusing to Leave His Dead Friend on Chinese Road Posted: 02 Jan 2014 07:28 AM PST  A word of caution: some readers may find the images in the following video disturbing You don't need a scientist or a research paper to tell you that canines have emotions just like humans; just take a look at this footage shot on a road in the Chinese city of Yinchuan on December 22. The white dog had been struck by an oncoming vehicle and was lying dead on the road, but his small canine friend refused to leave his side. Chinese media reported that the light brown dog stayed next to his friend throughout the night, despite freezing temperatures of around -13 degrees Celsius or 8 Fahrenheit. Local citizens placed a small stool next to the dogs to warn other drivers before they decided to step in to take the dead pup and burry it in a nearby park.    |
| Fiat Finally Completes Chrysler Acquisition, Will Pay VEBA $4.35 Billion for 41.5 Percent Stake Posted: 02 Jan 2014 07:01 AM PST  The rumors were true this time: on January 1, 2014, Fiat announced an agreement with the VEBA Trust (The Voluntary Employees' Beneficiary Association), under which its wholly owned subsidiary, Fiat North America LLC, will acquire the VEBA Trust's 41.4616% of Chrysler Group shares that is doesn't currently hold. Expected to close on or before January 20, 2014, the transaction gives Fiat complete control of Chrysler Group, with the Italian carmaker avoiding an IPO. The VEBA Trust will receive aggregate payments of $3.65 billion, plus $700 million in four equal annual installments. The sums will be broken down as follows: Fiat will pay VEBA $1.75 billion from cash on hand when the deal closes, while Chrysler will contribute $1.9 billion through a special dividend to complete the transaction for the 41.5 percent stake. The remaining $700 million will be paid by Chrysler Group in four annual payments each worth $175 million. The initial payment will be made on closing the transaction with Fiat, with additional payments to be made on each of the next three anniversaries of the initial payment. In exchange for these contributions, the UAW (International Union, United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America) "will agree to certain commitments to continue to support the industrial operations at Chrysler Group and the further implementation of the Fiat-Chrysler alliance," reads the official statement. "The unified ownership structure will now allow us to fully execute our vision of creating a global automaker that is truly unique in terms of mix of experience, perspective and know-how, a solid and open organization that will ensure all employees a challenging and rewarding environment," said Sergio Marchionne, Chief Executive of Fiat and Chairman and CEO of Chrysler Group. Marchionne now has green light to merge Fiat and Chrysler into one global carmaker, estimated by the executive to be the world's seventh biggest automotive player. By Dan Mihalascu     |
| Kia's Detroit Motor Show Coupe Concept Gets a Name, a Face and an Engine Posted: 02 Jan 2014 06:33 AM PST  The new 2+2 seater coupe concept prepared by Kia for the upcoming 2014 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) now has a name, the GT4 Stinger. The Korean company also released a new sketch revealing the front end of the coupe model along with initial details about its power source. Housed behind the latest iteration of Kia's signature grille that rests "a mere inches from the ground", is a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 315hp (235kW or 320PS) that turns the rear wheels. Kia's short statement on the GT4 Stinger also mentioned the coupe study's vertical LED headlamps, custom 20-inch wheels and carbon fiber front splitter, with further information to be announced at the Detroit show on January 13.      |
| Audi Announces Investments of €22 Billion through 2018, Confirms All-New TT for 2014 Posted: 02 Jan 2014 06:13 AM PST  Audi has announced an extensive investment program for the next five years, with the VW-owned luxury carmaker planning to invest around €22 billion ($30.3 billion) between 2014 and 2018 in new models, innovations and the expansion of its global production network. Audi says 70 percent of the investments will go into new models and technologies, with the Ingolstadt and Neckarsulm sites to receive more than half of the planned investment. "We had set the goal of 1.5 million deliveries per year by 2015, but we already achieved that quite comfortably in 2013. We are now decisively steering towards our next milestone of two million deliveries. This is why we are keeping our foot on the gas regarding investments and why we are hiring new employees in 2014," said Rupert Stadler, Chairman of the Board of Management at Audi AG. To achieve its goal of two million deliveries per year, Audi wants to expand its product range from the current 49 models to 60 different models by 2020. The carmaker confirmed that it will launch the third generation of the TT Coupé in 2014, along with the Audi A3 Sportback e-tron and A3 Sportback g-tron. Audi also confirmed it will build the new Q1 in Ingolstadt from 2016. To accomplish these expansion plans, Audi will start hiring new employees globally in 2014, with 700 young people to begin training in Ingolstadt and Neckarsulm next year. The company will also build its first plant in North America in the Mexican city of San José Chiapa, where the Audi Q5 is scheduled to roll off the production line starting in 2016. More than 1,000 new jobs will be created there in 2014 alone. In 2015, Audi will begin producing again in Brazil, with the São José dos Pinhais plant to build the A3 Sedan and Q3. The carmaker's second plant in China (Foshan) is about to begin production, while investments at the Hungarian site in Győr are continuing. By Dan Mihalascu         |
| Bugatti Belt Buckle is so Expensive at $84,000 that it's…Stupid Posted: 02 Jan 2014 05:53 AM PST  A belt buckle has one single task that it can achieve by means of a metallic protrusion, a few holes, and a strap to keep the excess from flapping about. However, Bugatti has now launched one that basically does the same thing, but in a more complicated way, and it wants $84,000 or €61,100 for it. They ask for this ludicrous amount because the buckle was made by Geneva-based bespoke watch-maker Roland Iten. A total of 44 are planned, of which 11 have already been completed – they feature white gold detailing which will differentiate them from the following series of 11 which will use rose gold and then something else. Yes, it's a precision instrument that lets you perfectly tighten your belt, employing 100 hand crafted components made out of the finest metals, but it's by no means a value proposition, even for the one percent of one percent who can realistically think of buying it. For me, it's just another useless piece of automotive branded paraphernalia which uses a resounding name like Ettore's to reach deep into your pocket. By Andrei Nedelea      |
| VW Reshuffles UK's 2014 Passat Lineup, Deletes Sport and R-Line Trims Posted: 02 Jan 2014 05:30 AM PST  Beginning from Thursday, January 2, the VW Passat's Highline, Sport and R-Line trim lines for the saloon and Estate models in the UK market cease to exist, as the German automaker is replacing them with the new Executive and Executive Style grades that can be had with all available powerplants. Sitting on top of the entry level S and BlueMotion models in the Passat range, the new Executive grade adds new 17-inch 'Michigan' alloy wheels with a full size spare, complemented by exterior chrome trim, and matt black roof rails on the Estate. Inside, standard features include Vienna leather upholstery with heated front seats, and electric adjustment for the driver's seat, VW's RNS 315 touchscreen satellite navigation system, 2Zone climate control, automatic lights and wipers, auto-dimming interior rear-view mirror, cruise control, plus front and rear parking sensors. VW states that the Executive comes with more than £1,700-worth of equipment over the Highline model it replaces for a premium of £200, with on the road prices starting from £20,235. The second new trim level, the Executive Style, affords a more distinct look to the Passat along with added features, such as 15 mm lower sports suspension 18-inch 'Kansas' alloy wheels, bi-xenon headlights, front fog lights, and tinted rear glass, together worth more than £2,000 for £995 over the Executive. Full UK pricing follows below.
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| Porsche Reportedly Preparing 911 Safari Off-Road Study for Beijing Auto Show Posted: 02 Jan 2014 05:05 AM PST  Back in the days when Porsche didn't have the Cayenne in its lineup, the brand's off-road ambitions had to be satisfied with modified 911 models featuring raised ground clearance and all-wheel drive. While these models were only intended for off-road racing and didn't make it to production, they later served Porsche well when the Cayenne was touted as their successor. The first 911 to get the off-road treatment was the 911 SC Safari, which competed in the 1978 East African Safari Rally with 250hp from a 3.0-liter flat-six engine. In 1983, Porsche entered the Paris-Dakar Rally with three 911 Carrera 4x4 coupes with 225 horsepower and in 1986 it finally managed to win the event with the 911-based Porsche 959 Paris Dakar. We've only told you all this because, according to Car&Driver, Porsche is reportedly preparing a 911 "crossover" concept for the Beijing Auto Show in April. Said to be called the 911 Safari, the study will be based on the all-wheel-drive Carrera 4 and feature larger tires, higher ground clearance, skid plates and a suspension tuned for off-road driving. If everything goes well, the study could spawn a production model by mid-2016, about the same time when the 991-series is scheduled to get its first facelift. Porsche is also scheduled to introduce a new generation of downsized and turbocharged boxer engines at that time. A production 911 Safari would be aimed at markets like China, Russia, Middle East and South America, where road surfaces are not as smooth as in Europe. By Dan Mihalascu         |
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