News And Sports cars

mardi 13 juin 2017

Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro – Driven

The 2015 – 2017 Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro is Toyota’s most rugged and capable SUV. Thanks to some clever engineering in the Toyota Racing Development labs, the 4Runner enjoys a truly hard-core off-road version that usurps even the venerable Trail Edition 4Runner. Heavy duty Bilstein shocks with remote reservoirs, thick coil springs with a 1.0-inch suspension lift, upgraded wheels and tires, and a tank-like front skid plate makes the TRD Pro a natural in the dirt. All the same off-road tech on the 4Runner Trail Edition carries over to the TRD Pro, too. This includes the electronic locking rear differential, manual transfer case, and Toyota’s Multi-Terrain Select system.

A unique front grille with the blocky T-O-Y-O-T-A lettering sets the TRD Pro apart, along with TRD Pro badging on the C-pillars and bespoke TRD Pro wheels and all-terrain tires. Things inside aren’t much different than other 4Runners, beside a TRD gear shifter and some like-branded floor mats. So how does the TRD Pro handle everyday life and the sandy trails of Central Florida? Keep reading to find out.

Continue reading for the full review.

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Do You Own An Aston Martin? If So, Then you Need These Shoes to go With It

Over the years, luxury brands have evolved from all-go car brands to full-fledged lifestyle brands. This includes everything from Ferrari-branded watches to Bentley-branded fitted luggage. And let’s not forget about the various shoe offerings over the years. Now, Aston Martin is jumping on the shoe bandwagon again. It was back in 2010 that Aston Martin teamed up with Nike to produce 500 pairs of the Kobe Bryant-Aston Martin Hyperdunks, and 2012 when it paid up with John Jobb to make a line of special-edition shoes. But this time around, Aston Martin has teamed up with Hogan to produce the Aston Martin x Hogan limited-edition luxury sneakers.

The new shoes are based on Hogan’s “Olympia” design and are a mix of nylon mesh and fine leather, something that should make these things an absolute dream to wear. They will be available in four different color combinations, all of which are geared toward autumn and fall. What really sets these shoes apart, however, is the tongue, which is fashioned from Aston Martin’s classic Kestrel Tan leather and has pinched seam detailing. And of course, they feature AM’s classic wing logo, just to let the world know that you’re rocking something other than a typical pair of Hogans on your feet. These limited-edition kicks will go on sale at the end of June 2017. If you want a pair, you better get in line – only 3,000 pairs will be produced.

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Porsche 911 GT2 RS

The Porsche 911 has stood as the ultimate sports car for more than 50 years, but the latest 991 body style is proof that Porsche still has plenty of tricks up its sleeve. With the refreshed 991.2 having already debuted in late 2015, the automotive world is finally witnessing the return of the extreme 911 the GT2 RS. As is usually the case with any factory-built, race-ready [ports car, the previous Porsche 911 GT2 RS made strong impressions when it was introduced in 2011, and as we’ve seen from the current 991 lineup, this is definitely the best 911 ever built. What this means for the upcoming GT2 RS has yet to be seen, but the supercar has already made its debut at the 2017 Xbox E3.

Specifications aren’t yet available as of this writing, but the example displayed at E3 and in-game footage confirms that the GT2 RS is a beefed-up 911 with extreme aero elements. It also benefits from the updates introduced with the 991.2 facelift, as well as some styling cues seen on the naturally aspirated GT3 RS. There’s no info as to when specs will become available, but we’ll be back with updates as soon as we have them. This GT2 RS will go on sale for the 2018 model year.

Continue reading to learn more about the 2018 Porsche 911 GT2 RS.

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BMW Could Electrify Its M-Car Lineup in the Near Future

BMW’s i division may have brought us the electric BMW i3 and the Plug-in BMW i8, but it also brought fear that BMW would merge the the i and M divisions, potentially taking away from the “Ultimate Driving Machine” image associated with the brand’s M-car lineup. Even still, BMW remained adamant that the two divisions would remain separate for the foreseeable future. Well, until now, that is, as BMW’s Head of Product Management – Alexander Kotouc – has hinted that the two brands could eventually merge: “If we built something like a high-performance car or a supersports electric car, why shouldn’t it be something like an iM car?”

That’s the word that comes from Car Advice, who was on the scene in Australia when the BMW 530e iPerformance made its local debut. Kotouc claims that the reasoning behind this possibility in the future stems from the fact that people are willing to step into a car that is “part-electric,” but they still want all of that M goodness we’ve all grown to love. It’s the main reason why the brand’s plug-in models with the M Sport package sell so well. According to Kotouc, the brand’s cars will always retain that “ultimate driving machine” heritage, regardless of drivetrain, so there are at least some reassurances on the table. But, what does that really mean for future i and M models? Keep reading to find out.

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Richard Hammond Recovering From Surgery After Surviving Fiery Crash

Richard Hammond is lucky to be alive after losing control and rolling a Rimac Concept One while filming the second season of The Grand Tour on Sunday in Switzerland. He was able to escape the exotic car, despite it landing on its roof, just before the rare electric supercar burst into flames. His left knee wasn’t so fortunate, however, with it sustaining serious bone fractures. Hammond was airlifted by Swiss emergency services to a nearby hospital where doctors are preparing for surgery. Hammond seems in good spirits in a short video update shot for Drive Tribe, Hammond, Clarkson, and May’s website. “Yes, it’s true,” Hammond says in the video. “I’ve binned it. Again.” Holding his X-ray, he says doctors are preparing to turn his knee into a “Swiss Army Knee.”

This isn’t the first time The Hamster has “binned” a vehicle while filming. In 2006 while shooting for Top Gear, Hammond suffered a brain injury when he lost control of a rocket-powered dragster. A speedy recovery allowed him to return to filming a few months later alongside Clarkson and James May. Thankfully, Hammond’s knee injury is far less life-threatening, and will hopefully require even less time to recover. We’ll bring you more news as it develops.

Continue reading for Clarkson and May’s accounts of the crash.

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Honda Clarity

Honda introduced the Clarity nameplate back in 2008 with the FCX Clarity, a mid-size, five-passenger, four-door sedan equipped with a hydrogen-powered electric motor. Based on the FCX Concept vehicle from 2006, the original Clarity was the first hydrogen fuel cell passenger car ever offered for general public consumption. Production of the original Clarity ended in 2014 with just a handful of units sold, but now it’s back, with Honda reintroducing the nameplate in December of 2016. The basics are the same, including the four-door sedan body style bristling with nerdy cuts and details, while under the hood you’ll find a hydrogen fuel cell powertrain. Joining the H2-powered model now is two other powertrains, including an all-electric and plug-in hybrid variant, both of which were unveiled earlier this year at the New York International Auto Show.

With three options on the table, Honda hopes to bump up U.S. sales to 75,000 units over the course of the next four years, representing a five-fold increase in electric vehicle sales overall. This also coincides with goals of making two out of every three vehicles sold an electrified green alternative by the year 2030. “The Honda Clarity is aimed at accelerating the deployment of advanced electrified powertrain technology and bringing electrified vehicles further into the mainstream,” said Jeff Conrad, senior vice president of American Honda Motor Co., Inc. “The Clarity series also heralds the advancement of our Honda Electrification Initiative, representing our investment in the full spectrum of electric-vehicle technologies.” Can the Clarity deliver?

Update: 06/12/2017: Honda has just announced a new leasing program for the Honda Clarity Electric. Check out the “Prices” section below to learn all about it.

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Porsche 911 GT2 RS Debuts At XBox E3

Discontinued back in 2012, the 911 GT2 RS is arguably the most anticipated Porsche for the 2018 model year and there’s been a lot of talk about which major auto show will host its global debut. But the ultimate Porsche 911 took us by surprise, as the German automaker decided to unveil the supercar at the 2017 Xbox E3. Yes, the 911 GT2 RS just made its first public appearance at an event about games and tech. It’s not the first time Porsche did something similar – the Cayman GT4 was unveiled in Real Racing 3 – but this time around we’re talking about the actual car, which rolled onto the stage.

I know the video is quite long, so just go to the 46-minute mark to see the introduction and the car.

As of this writing, Porsche has yet to release a statement, so the specs of the new 911 GT2 RS ar still a mystery, but the photos confirm that the new coupe was developed around the same recipe as the previous model. We can see loads of aerodynamic features, a massive rear wing, and turbo vents in the rear fenders. Word has it motivation will come from a redesigned twin-turbo, 3.6-liter flat-six with output close to 700 horsepower. Make sure you follow our review for updates.

Continue reading for the full story.

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