CARSCOOP

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• Future Cars: Gotham’s Next Secret Weapon, a Corvette Stingray Based Batmobile
• Brash and Impatient BMW Driver Meets Up with Karma
• Janice Keihanaikukauakahihuliheekahaunaele Gets to See Her Entire Name on Driver’s License
• Consumer Reports Says New Luxury K900 Is Not Kia’s Best Foot Forward
• All-New 2015 Subaru WRX STI Coming to Detroit Auto Show
• Is Porsche Preparing Us for a 911 Off-Road Concept with this Video?
• Tiff Needell Helps EVO See Difference between Virtual and Reality in an Audi R8
• Bob Lutz Says the Chevrolet Volt Should Have Been a Truck
• Police Report Says Porsche That Killed Walker Was Going Over 100MPH
• 2013 U.S. Sales Highest Since Recession, Ford Posts Biggest Growth Among Volume Carmakers
• Chevy El Camino Escalade is One Confused Ride
• Lotus to Debut Track-Only Elise S Cup R at Autosport International 2014
• "Fire and Ice" is a Pretty Neat Independent Spot for Porsche Panamera
• Fisker Could Be Saved by Last-Minute Bid from China’s Largest Auto Parts Supplier
• BASE Jumping on Bolivia's Death Road on Friday the 13th; What Could Possibly Go Wrong?
• OMSI 2, Germany’s Most Advanced Bus Simulator is Here with Articulation
• 2015 Hyundai Genesis will Connect with Drivers Through Google Glass
• Feast Your Eyes on More Than 300 Supercars from Hong Kong
• This is What Forgiato and KH Want to do to the New 2015 Mustang
• New 2014 Camaro Z/28 Priced from $75,000, Nearly $18k More Than Slower ZL1
• Volvo V60 Wagon Starts from $35,300 in the US
• Let's Dance with Drunken Kyrgyzstani Pedestrian
• New Peugeot 308 Compact Hatch on Sale in the UK from £14,495
• Jay Leno Talks with Lee Iacocca about the Mustang's First 50 Years
• Lexus Targets Business Customers with New Edition of GS 300h in Europe

Future Cars: Gotham’s Next Secret Weapon, a Corvette Stingray Based Batmobile Posted: 03 Jan 2014 05:33 PM PST When it comes to movies, the most memorable aspects are ones that capture the audience's attention and imagination. Usually characters play the biggest part in achieving this; however, the stunts, locations and props can leave a lasting impression too. For the petrol-head amongst us, this is no more evident than the use of the motor car. From Steve McQueen's Bullitt, to the likes of Gone In 60 Seconds, 007, The Italian Job and the more recent Fast & Furious franchise films - automobiles on the big screen are something we aspire to associate with. One vehicle that captures some of the most imagination lurks in the depths of DC Comics stella array of publications - that being the legendary 'Batmobile'. With this icon in mind, it was decided to look forward to where the future of the Batmobile was heading. In the upcoming Batman vs. Superman film, rumor has it that the next Batmobile will be based on a GM model, while another 'older Caddy' will feature prominently too. Taking these rumors into account, the brief was simple; to design a vehicle that captures the essence of Batman's past while progressing forward in a modern, dark cloak. First of all, looking back at the inaugural George Barris-designed Batmobile - then viewing its successive replacements, sparked an interesting observation. The original car, based on the 1955 Lincoln Futura Concept, is arguably still the best looking version to date. It doesn't suffer the over-the-top tackiness that plagues its newer iterations. Thus, this design proposal goes back to those original 1960's routes. Based on Corvette's Stingray Concept and wearing Cadillac's Art & Science surfacing language; it embodies a classier, more integrated approach. Firstly, the front is dominated by an large mesh grille, flanked by a 'red-fanged' border. Red wheel highlights and LED lighting also pay tribute to the original without being too overpowering. Above this is a crisp, multi-contoured hood, encompassing aggressive frontal air intakes - or a Bat's nostrils, if you will. The elongated hood gracefully sweeps backwards, emphasizing a powerful and thrusting stance. Planted rearwards is a glasshouse that wraps around the windscreen pillars - in a fashion not too dissimilar to that of the Nissan GT-R. However the most intriguing part of the cabin architecture is the 'floating' rear-section that sweeps back over the doors and roof - centrally dipping down over the windscreen, whilst exuding a subtle nod to Batman's mask. Following past Batmobile tradition, the rear haunches flare up and out, although here the effect is somewhat toned down. While not depicted in this illustration, a rear-mounted turbine sits pride of place - so villains be warned, this is certainly no Prius! As for those crime-fighting gadgets and vehicle assists; this proposal takes on more of an stealth persona rather than the blunt-force-trauma that was 'Tumbler' from the more recent 'The Dark Night Rises'  film. From invisible armor shielding and military-grade electromagnetic pulse 'EMP' systems, to the more conventional hidden rocket launchers, immobilization nets and retractable wheel spikes - this chariot is far from timid. So don't expect any cup-holders, mood lighting or heated seats. Ultimately, this study follows a more serious, understated approach - some may like it whilst others disapprove. I'm sure many of you will have different ideas for vehicle weaponry and design - so is this the right direction for Gotham's crime-fighting vehicle to follow? Let us know your feedback and suggestions in the comments below. By Josh Byrnes Photo Renderings Copyright: Carscoops / Josh Byrnes PHOTO GALLERY

Brash and Impatient BMW Driver Meets Up with Karma Posted: 03 Jan 2014 04:40 PM PST In a refreshing break from all those daily Russian dash-cam videos, this recorded incident comes to us from the city of Lemgo in Germany, where a (Bangle-butt) BMW 5-Series driver was in a hurry to get through an intersection that was blocked by an Opel Zafira MPV and Corsa hatchback. Now, truth to be said, the Zafira driver may have been partially at fault here if he saw that he couldn't make it through due to traffic, while in the first video towards the end (at the 44 second mark), it does look like he flipped the impatient BMW driver. Still, that doesn't excuse the 5-Series motorist's actions to get out of his car and open the passenger door of the Zafira. What happens next is something we'll leave you to find out by watching the second video below the break. Story References: Jalopnik VIDEO

Janice Keihanaikukauakahihuliheekahaunaele Gets to See Her Entire Name on Driver’s License Posted: 03 Jan 2014 04:05 PM PST A Hawaiian woman whose last name contains 36 letters has convinced the state Department of Transportation to change its policy and expand how many characters can appear on driver's licenses. Janice "Lokelani" Keihanaikukauakahihuliheekahaunaele received her new license and ID following a campaign to get her full name on the cards. Keihanaikukauakahihuliheekahaunaele said she's happy to help fix the problem of identification cards lacking sufficient space for long names. Driver's licenses and ID cards in Hawaii previously had room for names of up to 35 characters. However, her name has 35 letters plus an okina, which is a mark used in the Hawaiian alphabet. The new policy allows 40 characters for last names, 40 for first names and 35 for middle names. By Dan Mihalascu Story References: AP via Huffington Post VIDEO

Consumer Reports Says New Luxury K900 Is Not Kia’s Best Foot Forward Posted: 03 Jan 2014 03:35 PM PST Venturing into a new section of the market where prior experience is limited and the competition very stiff is exactly what Kia is doing with the K900 in the US, where it goes up against the likes of the new Mercedes S-Class, Audi A8 or Jaguar's XJ among others. Having only been sold in its native Korean market until now, it arrived on North American soil with very few modifications, and Consumer Reports had a go to see what it's like. They found it to be a soft barge that leans in corners and lacks steering feel, with an interior that is austere and lacking in originality, yet well-built and comfy. It is conceded that the optional V8 engine with 420 hp does move it in a straight line fairly quickly, driving the rear wheels through an eight-speed automatic gearbox; no all-wheel drive is offered, though. Overall, the review doesn't end on a negative tone, but it doesn't make a compelling case for choosing the K900 over any of its rivals either. Scroll down and check it out in full. By Andrei Nedelea VIDEO

All-New 2015 Subaru WRX STI Coming to Detroit Auto Show Posted: 03 Jan 2014 03:11 PM PST After serving us an appetizer in the form of the new 2015 WRX sedan at the Los Angeles Auto Show in November, Subaru is moving ahead with the main course that is none other than the STI version of the series, which has just been confirmed for a world premiere at the Detroit motor show later this month. The Japanese automaker didn't say anything else about the 2015 WRX STI, but a recently leaked dealer spec sheet mentioned that, while the WRX gained a new 268hp 2.0-liter turbocharged engine paired to either a 6sp manual or a CV, the flagship performance model will continue with a 2.5-liter flat-four turbocharged unit. In the same paper, Subaru said it offer the WRX in a special Launch Edition exclusively available in the sub-brand's traditional WR Blue paint. PHOTO GALLERY

Is Porsche Preparing Us for a 911 Off-Road Concept with this Video? Posted: 03 Jan 2014 02:39 PM PST Shortly after rumors emerged about Porsche preparing a 911 Safari concept for the Beijing Auto Show, the sports car manufacturer has released a video that covers the 911's off-road exploits. Called "Porsche 911's Alter Ego", the video features seven-time Pikes Peak champion Jeff Zwart talking about the other side of the 911's personality – rallying and off-roading. The video includes footage from Zwart's Pikes Peak runs in a 911, as well as him driving the Porsche Museum's Paris-Dakar winning Type 953, which is the all-wheel-drive 911 precursor to the 959 supercar. So why is Porsche showing this now? They could be simply reminiscing about the Porsche 911's off-road adventures, but knowing that the Germans don't usually do random things, the video may be a part of the build-up to the rumored 911 Safari concept. We'll see if that's the case in April, when the Beijing Auto Show opens its gates. By Dan Mihalascu VIDEO

Tiff Needell Helps EVO See Difference between Virtual and Reality in an Audi R8 Posted: 03 Jan 2014 02:01 PM PST So if you were wondering just how close to real the physics engine running Forza 5 is, EVO did a comparative test to determine just that. In doing so they required an Xbox One and one going by the name of Tiff Needell, of British TV fame. He also happens to be a fan of the car chosen for the test, an Audi R8 V10, which he drives to the best of his abilities. At the virtual end of the spectrum, the magazine employed the services of in-house editor, and wearer of big sideburns, Henry Catchpole to try and get to grips with the polygon-based R8. The track chosen for the compare was Silverstone, as it was a track familiar to both. In the end, the conclusion was that while the game is realistic (to a degree, of course), in the case of the R8, it simply cannot simulate its intricacies of its behavior to the extent of it mimicking the real car. For instance, on the day of filming, the track was damp and Tiff's run was blunted by excessive understeer around some corners – if the track had been dry, the car would have simply remained planted around all corners and maybe pushed its back out when on the throttle too quickly; that's the only behavior it knows how to exhibit in-game. Check out the full video below for the complete picture! By Andrei Nedelea VIDEO

Bob Lutz Says the Chevrolet Volt Should Have Been a Truck Posted: 03 Jan 2014 01:31 PM PST Former GM vice chairman Bob Lutz is questioning the auto industry's judgment when it comes to electric vehicles. In an interview with the Seattle Times, the auto executive says electrification should have started with trucks, where the efficiency gains are way more significant. "We started at the wrong end. The whole automotive industry made the intellectual mistake of thinking EVs were all about maximum range, so we all started with small vehicles that are basically very economical anyway," said Lutz when asked if the Chevrolet Volt should have been a truck rather than a sedan. "Yes, you do save fuel. You can use a smaller battery, but it makes less sense to take a 40 mpg vehicle and make it electric than it does to take a full-size pickup or SUV, which in town realistically gets 11 to 12 mpg. If you take that to 100 mpg, now you're really saving money and saving a scarce natural resource and reducing CO2 emissions drastically," he explained. Lutz added that the electrification of full-size pickup trucks and SUVs will also help keep these "endangered species" within the strict limits of fuel-economy regulations. "Bigger trucks are the only electrified vehicles that I know of that make instant economic sense because the fuel saving is so large that you will more than get back your monthly lease price," Lutz says. He added that electric trucks would also have the advantage of exportable power, acting as an emergency power generator in case there's a power outage. While Lutz's opinions may have something to do with his role as chairman of VIA Motors, an Utah-based company that converts GM trucks, cargo vans and passenger vans into extended-range electric vehicles, one has to admit he does have a point. By Dan Mihalascu PHOTO GALLERY

Police Report Says Porsche That Killed Walker Was Going Over 100MPH Posted: 03 Jan 2014 12:58 PM PST The Los Angeles County Coroner's final report on the accident that lead to the death of Fast & Furious star Paul Walker and his friend Roger Rodas on November 30, confirmed what many were suspecting; that speed played a role in the crash. According to the 15-page report released on Friday, the Porsche Carrera GT driven by Rodas with Walker sitting on the passenger side was traveling at "approximately 100+ mph [160+ km/h]" just before the crash. "For unknown reasons, the driver lost control of the vehicle, and the vehicle partially spun around, and began to travel in a southeast direction," the coroner's report said, according to CNN and other news stations that obtained a copy of it. "The vehicle then struck a sidewalk and the driver's side of the vehicle struck a tree and then a light post. The force of those collisions caused the vehicle to spin 180 degrees, and it continued to travel in an easterly direction. The passenger side of the vehicle then struck a tree and the vehicle burst into flames," the coroner's office wrote. The autopsy said that neither Rodas nor Walker seemed to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of the accident, adding that Rodas "rapidly died of severe blunt head, neck and chest trauma," and that Walker's life ended before the smoke and fire engulfed the vehicle. VIDEO

2013 U.S. Sales Highest Since Recession, Ford Posts Biggest Growth Among Volume Carmakers Posted: 03 Jan 2014 12:31 PM PST Although U.S. December sales fell short of expectations for most automakers because of the cold weather, 2013 remains the best sales year since the onset of recession in 2008. GM, Ford and Chrysler all reported consistent growth compared with 2012. The Ford Group said 2013 was its best sales year since 2006, with the Detroit carmaker reporting 2,493,918 deliveries, up 11 percent compared to 2012. Ford remained the best-selling brand in the U.S. for the fourth consecutive year, with sales of 2,412,224 vehicles (+14 percent). Chrysler sales rose 9 percent to 1.8 million vehicles, while GM saw an increase of 7 percent to 2.8 million units. Toyota reported provisional 2013 sales of 2,235,042 vehicles, accounting for an increase of 7.4 percent compared to 2012, while Nissan said it sold 1,248,420 vehicles in the U.S. in 2013 (up 9.4 percent). Hyundai sold 720,783 units in 2013, up 2.5 percent, while VW reported sales of 407,704 units, down 6.9 percent. VW's data only includes its namesake brand, with Audi separately reporting 158,061 sales, up 13.5 percent. Mercedes-Benz said 2013 was its best year ever, with 312,534 sales, representing a 14 percent increase from the 274,134 vehicles sold in 2012. Jaguar Land Rover sales rose 20 percent to 66,962 units in 2013. Other automakers, including BMW, Honda and Kia, hadn't released 2013 sales figures at the time we wrote this report. According to Bloomberg analysts, deliveries are expected to rise 4.1 percent for Honda. The U.S. market is expected to end 2013 with an annualized light-vehicle sales rate adjusted for seasonal trends of 15.8 million, up from 15.2 million a year earlier. By Dan Mihalascu PHOTO GALLERY

Chevy El Camino Escalade is One Confused Ride Posted: 03 Jan 2014 12:08 PM PST We're not so sure if the term cross breeding can be applied on cars, but it does seem suitable to describe what's going on with this ride we found for sale on eBay. The car is listed as a "1985 Chevrolet El Camino/Cadillac Customized Collector's Edition". The custom-made model pairs the body of the fifth and last generation Chevrolet El Camino passenger pickup-truck (produced from 1978 to 1987) with a front grille from a Cadillac Escalade SUV grafted into a new bumper, 1963 Cadillac rear tail fins and lights and a cabin "customized to resemble a Cadillac interior with wood panel accents", according to the seller. Power comes from a small-block 5.0-liter V8 driving the 15-inch IROC-Z rims on the rear axle. If this odd mix-n-match tickles your fancy, you'll have to go higher than the $7,200 bid we saw on eBay as it didn't meet the seller's reserve. PHOTO GALLERY

Lotus to Debut Track-Only Elise S Cup R at Autosport International 2014 Posted: 03 Jan 2014 11:33 AM PST Lotus will pull the covers off the Elise S Cup R racer at the Autosport International 2014 show in Birmingham (January 9-12), alongside the more powerful Exige V6 Cup, Exige V6 Cup R and Evora GT4. The latest addition to Lotus Motorsport's stable, the Elise S Cup R, builds on the road-going Elise S' capabilities, transforming into a track-only race car. The car is powered by a mid-mounted, supercharged 1.8-liter Toyota engine producing 217 hp (220PS) and 250 Nm (181 lb-ft) of torque. The engine control module (ECM) has motorsport-specific mapping The Lotus Elise S Cup R sports a bespoke livery and a CFD proven aerodynamic body kit including revised front splitter, barge boards, winglets, rear diffuser, floor extensions and rear wing. The manipulation of air-flow creates extra downforce and together with the adjustable dampers and springs contribute to quicker lap times – the Elise S Cup R is around 4 seconds faster than the standard Elise S over a 2.2-mile lap. "With so many new markets becoming interested in motorsport, the Elise S Cup R gives us the perfect entry level track-car," said Rupert Manwaring, head of Lotus Motorsport. "Whether the focus is racing or simply developing your driving skills on a race circuit and having fun, the incredible handling and ease of use with low running costs make the Elise S Cup R an intelligent choice." The car is eligible for entry to the production class in the 2014 Lotus Cup series which include Lotus Cup UK, Lotus Cup Europe, Lotus Cup Italia, Lotus Cup USA, Lotus Cup Japan, Lotus Cup Thailand, Lotus Cup China and Lotus Ladies Cup. By Dan Mihalascu PHOTO GALLERY

"Fire and Ice" is a Pretty Neat Independent Spot for Porsche Panamera Posted: 03 Jan 2014 11:07 AM PST Anyone paying attention to car commercials these days knows how monotonous and repetitive they can be, with only a few select ads truly sticking out from the crowd at a time. Perhaps that's why automakers interested in separating themselves from the pack give young inspirational minds a chance to shine through contests, like the one from Porsche and Spotlight Cinema Networks. The two companies launched a competition where participants illustrated "Thrilling Contradictions" through the art of film, with the winner being Ross Cohen and his "Fire and Ice" spot for the Porsche Panamera, which you can watch right after the break. VIDEO

Fisker Could Be Saved by Last-Minute Bid from China’s Largest Auto Parts Supplier Posted: 03 Jan 2014 10:41 AM PST Wanxiang, China's largest auto parts company, made a last-minute bid for Fisker Automotive just days before the bankrupt company was to be sold to a Hong Kong tycoon. According to court documents seen by Reuters, Fisker creditors asked the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Wilmington, Delaware, to scrap the agreed sale to a company affiliated with Richard Li and instead hold an open auction at which Wanxiang America Corp plans to bid. The auto parts supplier has agreed to make an initial bid of $24.725 million (€18.1 million) and to assume some liabilities of Fisker. A hearing has been scheduled for Friday in Wilmington to see whether Fisker should proceed with the sale to the Li affiliate or go with the creditors' proposal. Wanxiang outbid Johnson Controls last year in a bankruptcy auction for most of the assets of A123 Systems Inc, the maker of batteries for Fisker's cars. Both Fisker and A123 obtained green technology loans from the U.S. Department of Energy. Some critics of the government's loan program tried to block the sale of A123 to Wanxiang on the basis that sensitive technology was being transferred to an economic rival. However, regarding the sale of Fisker's assets to Wanxiang, analyst don't expect similar problems since the assets are mainly related to automotive design. If it buys Fisker, Wanxiang plans to restart production as soon as April and eventually transfer manufacturing from Finland to Michigan, according to the company's presentation to creditors. The auto parts supplier estimates sales of more than 1,000 Karma hybrids in the first 18 months in the United States and 500 in Europe. Wanxiang says it could lower production costs, but did not reveal a price tag. Fisker sold the Karma plug-in hybrid for more than $100,000.  By Dan Mihalascu PHOTO GALLERY

BASE Jumping on Bolivia's Death Road on Friday the 13th; What Could Possibly Go Wrong? Posted: 03 Jan 2014 10:16 AM PST Using a bicycle to complete a B.A.S.E. (according to Wiki, it's an acronym that "stands for four categories of fixed objects from which one can jump: building, antenna, span, and Earth") jump off a man-built ramp situated near a cliff sounds like an awesome idea in theory, but not so much in reality… Add to the mix the location known as Bolivia's Death Road, the date Friday the 13th, and the inherit risk of a miscalculation, and you have the perfect storm brewing. All those ingredients were present during a BASE jump performed by a member of the 'Viteza si Adrenalina' team, who described the act as a "fairly stupid idea gone mildly wrong", adding the following quote: "Unfortunately the jump didn't go quite as well as planned as you will see in the video, however I am pleased to report that owing to all the advance rescue and medical support preparations GravityBolivia were able to extract the "crasher" quickly and he suffered only minor injuries, specifically as he puts it: "a broken arse, fractures in his forearm, and cut tendons in his knee". Video can be found below the…jump. VIDEO

OMSI 2, Germany’s Most Advanced Bus Simulator is Here with Articulation Posted: 03 Jan 2014 09:50 AM PST OMSI proposed a direct and unassisted bus driving experience that made it a niche product. However, for those who found themselves fancying that niche, it was a breath of fresh air in a sea of commercial mediocrity that plagues it. It did lack variety of vehicles and maps, and even if the sequel, OMSI 2, doesn't come in to fix that with a lot more content, it is an improvement of the original formula so therefore worthwhile (if you already know and like the first one). The main feature added by this second game is realistic bus articulation, and the introduction of an articulated single-decker one for the very first time. It's a variation of the double-decker designs seen before, and it poses a new challenge to drive, requiring extra skill to thread through the often narrow streets found in the game (most of the cities reproduced by the modding community are European). Aside from the new physics capabilities of the game engine, graphics have also been updated, as has the original Berlin-based map, which gets new routes. Keep in mind that this is still not a pretty game like some commercial titles, but the bus models are very detailed and the choice of maps and scenarios is practically infinite. You can customize all parameters, including weather, to your heart's desire. Check out the selection of videos after the virtual jump. By Andrei Nedelea VIDEO

2015 Hyundai Genesis will Connect with Drivers Through Google Glass Posted: 03 Jan 2014 09:10 AM PST The jury is still out on the first wave of wearable devices hitting the market like Google Glass, but Hyundai wants to make sure that it is on the forefront of technology if they do become popular with consumers. Beginning with the all-new 2015 Genesis that has already been announced in South Korea and which will make its world premiere at the Detroit auto show this month, Hyundai will offer owners the ability to remotely access features and information through wearable devices like Google Glass using its cloud-based Blue Link platform and a special app. Once owners download the Blue Link Glassware app and wear the device, vehicle information will be presented as cards through the interface allowing access to Blue Link features and Car Care services – but only when the car is stationary. "Push notifications will alert the owner when maintenance is due and allow quick service scheduling by enabling the wearer to initiate a call using the device's built-in functionality," said Hyundai in a statement. "The application will also allow owners to access popular Blue Link features like remote start, remote door lock/unlock, vehicle finder, POI send-to-car powered by Google quickly using the device's compact interface," the company said. Hyundai isn't the only carmaker to be offering services for wearable devices like Google Glass, as Mercedes has also announced similar plans. PHOTO GALLERY

Feast Your Eyes on More Than 300 Supercars from Hong Kong Posted: 03 Jan 2014 08:37 AM PST For a country with ridiculously high taxes on anything regarding automobiles, from first-time registration costs to levies on fuel (average price of 1 liter is about HK$18, equal to US$2.3 and €1.7, or US$8.6 per gallon), Hong Kong sure has it fair share of high-end luxury and sports cars on the road. To get an idea of how much cars cost in Hong Kong, a quick look at BMW's local site reveals that a 328i sedan starts at HK$567,000 (US$73,100 or €53,700), while a Porsche 911 Turbo S will set you back HK$ 3,711,000 (US$478,500 or €351,500). In the U.S., excluding state tax, the same models have an MSRP of $37,300 for the BMW 328i and $181,100 for the Porsche 911 Turbo S respectively. In the following video that was forwarded from Carscoops reader Edward of the YouTube channel HKVanquishWott, we have a compilation of more than 300 sport- and super-cars, ranging from 10 different brand new Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4s to a rare Spyker C8, all filmed in December of 2013 alone. Check it out below. Thanks to Edward for the video tip! VIDEO

This is What Forgiato and KH Want to do to the New 2015 Mustang Posted: 03 Jan 2014 07:59 AM PST One of the great things with popular cars like Ford's Mustang series is that there will always be an abundance of aftermarket choices to individualize the appearance and customize the performance specifications to your personal likings. In fact, although we're many months away from the 2015 Mustang's launch date that's scheduled for late this year, a number of tuners have already churned out their proposals without even having a physical car in their hands. Forgiato Wheels and Kris Horton (KH) of CarsbyKris are one of them, releasing a pair of renderings showing Ford's modernized pony car with a wide body kit boasting bloated front and rear fenders, a new front bumper with a protruding lip spoiler, a duck-tail boot, side skirts and, of course, a new set of rims. PHOTO GALLERY

New 2014 Camaro Z/28 Priced from $75,000, Nearly $18k More Than Slower ZL1 Posted: 03 Jan 2014 07:30 AM PST When the performance oriented 2014 Camaro Z/28 arrives in Chevrolet dealerships this spring, it will carry a suggested retail price of $75,000 (equal to about €55,100), including a $995 destination charge and gas-guzzler tax, but excluding state tax, title, license and dealer fees, making it the most expensive model in the range. For reference, that's more than double the price of the 426HP 6.2-liter V8 Camaro 1SS ($34,050), and a $17,650 premium over the Camaro ZL1 that comes with a 580HP 6.2-liter supercharged V8. The Z/28 is a more specialized and performance focused model than the ZL1 offering better aerodynamics, less weight and greater grip (up to 1.08 g in cornering acceleration), while power is provided by a naturally-aspirated 7.0-liter V8 LS7 rated at an SAE-certified 505HP (376 kW) and 481 lb-ft of torque (652 Nm). The only transmission offered is a close-ratio six-speed manual transmission channeling power to the rear wheels via a Torsen limited-slip differential featuring a helical gear set. In October, GM announced that the new Camaro Z/28 went around the Nürburgring Nordschleife in 7:37.47, or four-seconds faster than the ZL1 while also beating published times for the Porsche 911 Carrera S, Lexus LFA and the Lamborghini Murcielago LP640. Other notable features include 19-inch forged aluminum wheels with massive 305/30ZR19 PZero Trofeo R tires, Brembo Carbon Ceramic Matrix rotors and fixed, monoblock calipers, a flat-bottom steering wheel and Recaro bucket seats with microfiber inserts. "The Camaro Z/28 is an uncompromising performer that's bred for the track – and every one of its unique components supports the goal of faster lap times," commented Mark Reuss, president, General Motors North America. You'll be able to place your order in for the new Z/28 in late January for delivery in the spring, while bragging rights to the first Camaro Z/28 with VIN 0001, will be auctioned at Barrett Jackson Auction in Scottsdale, Arizona on January 18. PHOTO GALLERY

Volvo V60 Wagon Starts from $35,300 in the US Posted: 03 Jan 2014 07:09 AM PST One of the most recognizable vehicle shapes for a Volvo car is the estate or wagon as it is known in the US, and it really would have been a shame for them not to bring over its most modern interpretation of the classic load lugger formula, the refreshed V60. At first announced as a possible no-show in American dealerships, we later found out that it was actually going to make it, and now it's officially available for order, starting from $35,300 plus an additional $925 destination charge. For the cash you get a front-driven model that sources its power from a new two-liter four-cylinder engine that puts out 240 hp and 258 lb-ft. This enables the Swedish estate to crack sixty in a hot hatch-rivaling 6.1 seconds. That acceleration figure is even better than the one posted by the traditional five-pot (T5) engine with 250 hp and all-wheel drive – it does it in 6.6 seconds and costs $36,800. The top model is the R-Design that delivers 325 hp and 354 lb-ft of torque, an exterior body kit and most of the available options thrown in for $44,300. The benchmark sprint is eased past in 5.4 seconds thanks to its (T6) turbocharged straight-four engine and a system called Advanced Quick Shift that the manufacturer says relies on "transmission optimization software that improves the speed of each gear change." The latter is the most powerful wagon Volvo has ever made. By Andrei Nedelea PHOTO GALLERY

Let's Dance with Drunken Kyrgyzstani Pedestrian Posted: 03 Jan 2014 06:50 AM PST I guess the intoxicated young man in the video could have executed the sensual dancing act in front of an unsuspicious driver without the middle finger salute, but he did offer us one of the most lighthearted dash-cam performances we have ever seen, so that has to count for something at least. Just in case you were filled with curiosity to know the whereabouts of this humorous scene, the drunken pedestrian was purportedly walking in the middle of a road in Bishkek, which is the capital city of Kyrgyzstan in Central Asia. You can watch the short video for yourself right past the virtual break. VIDEO

New Peugeot 308 Compact Hatch on Sale in the UK from £14,495 Posted: 03 Jan 2014 06:26 AM PST Peugeot's latest effort in the popular compact hatchback category, the all-new 308, is now officially on sale in Britain, where it is available in four trim levels, named Access (from £14,495), Active (from £17,195), Allure (from £18,645) and Feline (from £20,995). For full pricing details, check out our previous post here. Depending on the trim grade, Peugeot's VW Golf and Ford Focus competitor can be had with eight engine choices in the UK, including the 1.2-liter VTI 82PS, 1.2-liter e-THP 110PS, 1.2-liter e-THP 130PS, 1.6-liter THP 125PS, 1.6-liter HDi 92PS, 1.6-liter e-HDi 115PS, 1.6-liter BlueHDi 120PS and 2.0-liter BlueHDi 150PS. Other highlights include the new Modular Platform 2 (EMP2) that has allowed the 308 to be up to 140kg (308 pounds) lighter over the predecessor model, a 420-litre boot space with the rear seats upright, and a multitude of comfort and tech features such as an available touch-screen infotainment system with a large 9.7-inch screen size. "The New 308 is a significant leap forward for Peugeot," commented Tim Zimmerman, Managing Director of Peugeot UK. "It's high on style and quality and provides a truly rewarding driving experience, all at a value-for-money price. We're confident it will be a big hit with UK customers." PHOTO GALLERY

Jay Leno Talks with Lee Iacocca about the Mustang's First 50 Years Posted: 03 Jan 2014 06:05 AM PST On April 17, 2014, Ford will celebrate 50 years of the Mustang, and although we've featured plenty of stories about America's original pony car, there are always interesting things worth finding out. This is where the latest Jay Leno video comes in, as the comedian invited legendary auto executive Lee Iacocca and author Bob Fria to talk about the Mustang. In the presence of the Mustang 1 concept and the very first pre-production Mustang with serial number 1, Iacocca and Fria recall how the pony car came to life, with The Henry Ford's museum curator Matt Anderson also telling the story of the Mustang 1 concept. Despite the name, the study doesn't have much in common with the production car, as you're about to find out from the video. The second part of the 25-minute video has Leno talking with Mustang chief engineer Dave Pericak about the new features of the 2015 Mustang in the presence of a 2015 Mustang GT hand-built prototype. By Dan Mihalascu VIDEO

Lexus Targets Business Customers with New Edition of GS 300h in Europe Posted: 03 Jan 2014 05:25 AM PST Just so it makes its intentions clear from the get go, Lexus has launched a new trim version of the latest GS 300h named the Business Edition in Europe. Set to go on sale on January 11, the hybrid model is aimed towards European business owners who usually opt for diesel-powered executive sedans sporting a roundel, a star or four rings on their hood. In Germany, the new GS 300h Business Edition starts at €49,400 (equal to about $63,400) with Lexus offering a lease program from €483 (~$660) per month including service and wear parts. Based on the entry-level model, the Business Edition comes equipped with a hard-drive navigation system with a 12.3-inch Monitor and Lexus Connected Services, a premium audio system, DVD player and rear view camera with a monitor, among other features. The new GS 300h sports a 178hp (181PS) 2.5-liter Atkinson cycle four-cylinder gasoline engine and two electric motors pushing out a total of 220hp (223PS), returning a combined fuel consumption of 4.7 l/100 km (50 mpg US) with CO2 emissions of 109 g /km. PHOTO GALLERY

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