News And Sports cars : février 2015

samedi 28 février 2015

2015 Chrysler 200 Recalled For Transmission Replacement

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) is recalling about 25,000 of the 2015 Chrysler 200 for a potential transmission replacement. The recall affects V6-powered models equipped with the brand’s new nine-speed automatic transmission. In the affected models, the park rod may become dislodged or broken, preventing the gearbox from shifting into Park. If the park lock does not engage, the vehicle may roll away.

"Inconsistent assembly procedures at a supplier’s plant have been linked to five reports involving customers who could not shift their vehicles into park," FCA said in a statement, adding that it is unaware of any related injuries or accidents.

FCA estimates that 25,734 sedans could be affected by this issue, 22,107 of which were sold in the U.S., 3,600 in Canada and 213 in Mexico. The recalled vehicles were manufactured between March 9th, 2014 and December 15th, 2014.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the recall is expected to begin on April 10th, 2015. Chrysler will notify owners and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, change the transmission free of charge. Until then, owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403 for additional information.

Continue reading to learn more about the 2015 Chrysler 200.

2015 Chrysler 200 Recalled For Transmission Replacement originally appeared on topspeed.com on Saturday, 28 February 2015 23:00 EST.

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Walter Röhrl Tests Porsche Cayenne GTS And Turbo S On Ice: Video

Walter Rohrl driving on ice, now that’s a sight to behold! We’ve seen him at it in cars such as the Fiat 131 Abarth, Lancia 037 Rally, and the Audi Sport Quattro during his glory World Rally Championship days, but what happens when the German ace attempts similar stunts in the current Porsche Cayenne? Well, it’s equally spectacular, especially since Rohrl is now 67 years old. Yep, he’s 67 and still driving fast cars for a living. And I bet we won’t see him in a Toyota Corolla anytime soon, if you get my drift.

Speaking of drifts, that’s exactly what you’re going to see in Porsche’s new video above, which showcases the sportiness and stability of both the Cayenne GTS and the Cayenne Turbo S. And snow, there’s a lot of snow, and even a few portions of ice. But despite the harsh conditions, both Cayenne’s seem to handle the try-outs brilliantly. Heck, if I didn’t know any better I’d say the FIA changed WRC regulations to allow SUVs and that Rohrl is preparing for a comeback after nearly three decades. Unfortunately, Walter has better things to do (like raise grandchildren) than teach Sebastien Ogier a thing or two about rallying, so you’ll just have to settle for these two Cayennes being put through their paces in the snow.

Don’t worry though, Rohlr hasn’t changed a bit. He’s driving like it’s 1980 all over again.

Walter Röhrl Tests Porsche Cayenne GTS And Turbo S On Ice: Video originally appeared on topspeed.com on Saturday, 28 February 2015 18:00 EST.

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Dodge Challenger Hellcat Vs. Dodge Charger Hellcat: Video

With most non-premium carmakers out there downsizing and predominantly preoccupied with fuel efficiency, not many people were expecting Dodge to revolutionize the modern muscle car with the monstrous Hellcat engine. Giving a new meaning to "Detroit muscle," the supercharged, 6.2-liter V-8 delivers a staggering 707 horsepower and 650 pound-feet of torque, and is now powering versions of both the Challenger and the Charger.

Performance figures for the two Hellcat-powered cars are similar, with the Challenger having slightly better acceleration figures thanks to its lower weight, while the Charger brings a higher top speed thanks to better aerodynamics. Pitting them against each other would mainly result in clouds of tire smoke, and that is pretty much what happened in the comparison made by Motor Authority. Unfortunately, not even the so-called "scientific" comparison between the two models resulted in a high level of entertainment in my book.

Then again, not everyone is Chris Harris, and I should probably be satisfied just seeing and hearing the Challenger and Charger Hellcats putting down some rubber. With both cars sharing the same engine and having similar performance figures, the only real differences consist of passenger volume and how easy it is to jump in, as the Motor Authority presenter so eloquently describes at one point in the above footage. In the end, it seems that the Charger Hellcat is the comparison winner, but just by a very subjective hair.

Dodge Challenger Hellcat Vs. Dodge Charger Hellcat: Video originally appeared on topspeed.com on Saturday, 28 February 2015 12:00 EST.

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2015 Porsche Cayenne

The 2015 Porsche Cayenne brings a full refresh to the original off-roader from Zuffenhausen. The styling has been revised to match the latest sports cars in the range, and most of the powertrains have been tweaked or completely upgraded. The success of the Cayenne has also prompted a smaller version, the Macan crossover, which went on...

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2015 Infiniti Q50

Though the badge doesn't quite suggest it, the Q50 is a familiar luxury sedan, the successor to Infiniti's G37 sedan. New for 2014, the Q50 is the first major redo of what was once known as the G, the first real Japanese-bred rival to the BMW 3-Series. Infiniti's freshest sport sedan lays out a more ambitious agenda than ever before...

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Porsche 911 Turbo Interior: Spy Shots

We know that a new 911 Turbo is coming soon, and we already have a pretty large collection of spy shots of the various mules running around. One thing we never managed to get a good shot of though, was the car’s interior. That all changes today, thanks to our crafty spy photographers. They caught one of the Turbo test cars parked after some cold-weather testing and got close enough to get a really crisp shot of the cabin.

The changes seem subtle, but they could have an impact on ergonomics and usability. The infotainment system looks like it is getting an overhaul, and the control layout of the sport functions may see its first major change in a decade.

If you want to take a closer look at what changes are coming, continue reading for more photos and our in-depth analysis of what we can see different.

Continue reading to learn more about the Porsche 911 Turbo Facelift.

Porsche 911 Turbo Interior: Spy Shots originally appeared on topspeed.com on Saturday, 28 February 2015 06:00 EST.

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vendredi 27 février 2015

Koenigsegg Agera RS

With 12 evolutions of the original CC8S in the span of 12 years, Koenigsegg is preparing to unveil yet another at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show. Called Agera RS, the new hypercar is obviously based on the Agera, which is itself largely based on the CC8S from 2002. Not too many details are known about the Agera RS at this point, but its name and some of the teasers suggest that we are dealing with a model that should slot between the Agera R and the One:1 in terms of performance.

It sounds like Koenigsegg will give the Agera RS more of a more track focus. In other words, the Agera RS will be to the One:1 what the 911 GT3 is to the 911 Turbo.

Continue reading to learn more about the 2015 Koenigsegg Agera RS.

Koenigsegg Agera RS originally appeared on topspeed.com on Friday, 27 February 2015 19:00 EST.

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Yamaha Lays Out Business Plan For Next Few Years

As one of the biggest bike brands in the world, there’s a certain amount of pressure for Yamaha Motor Co. to continue improving its bottom line. The same can be said for a lot of brands, but more so for brands like Yamaha. That’s probably the reason why CEO Hiroyuki Yanagi is laying out the company’s mid-term plans and a big part of that objective is for the company to double the operating profit margin of its motorcycle business while also lowering production costs.

It’s a task far easier said than done, but if there’s a company that’s capable of doing it, the world’s second-largest motorcycle brand is right on top of that list.

According to Yunagi, the company will seek to improve the profit margin of its motorcycle business by 10 percent ending in 2018. In addition, the said business will end up owning close to half of the company’s operating income. Should Yamaha achieve that goal, it would improve its numbers by 26 percent compared to what they were in 2014. Not too bad.

A big part in achieving that goal is tied into the company’s production strategy. Yamaha already began a new plan to build more fuel-efficient models and use a shared platform across numerous ranges to drop production costs by 20 percent. It’s a sound strategy considering that the industry has shifted towards that kind of ideology in recent years.

Even car manufacturers have taken to that approach and it’s served them pretty well.

Click "continue reading" to read more about Yamaha’s mid-term plans ending in 2018.

Yamaha Lays Out Business Plan For Next Few Years originally appeared on topspeed.com on Friday, 27 February 2015 18:00 EST.

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2015 Ford Edge Goes Into Production; Requires 400 New Employees

With a concept vehicle introduced in November 2013 and the production design unveiled last June, Ford is really taking its time rolling out the 2015 Edge, but it won’t be too much longer until Ford dealerships around the world are selling this stylish mid-size crossover. Ahead of a sales launch that will likely begin next month, units of the new Edge began rolling off the production line at Ford’s Oakville assembly plant in Toronto, Canada this week.

As part of a transformation to this assembly plant, Ford has invested $700 million Canadian ($561 million USD) and increased its workforce by hiring 1,400 new workers to build both the 2015 Edge and as the next-gen Lincoln MKX. The extra hands will definitely be required as the new Edge becomes available in a large number of global markets over the course of this year with varying build combinations based on region.

For example, in addition to the three gas engines offered to North American buyers, the Edge will also be available with Ford’s 2.0-liter Duratorq diesel engine rated at up to 207 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque. There will even be right-hand-drive models for required markets.

Continue reading to learn more about the 2015 Ford Edge.

2015 Ford Edge Goes Into Production; Requires 400 New Employees originally appeared on topspeed.com on Friday, 27 February 2015 18:00 EST.

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I Tortured Cooper Winter Tires

I am testing a set of winter tires from Cooper Tire to see how much benefit a driver in the snow belt will receive, and so far I have learned a lot. With lots of ice, slush and just plain freezing temps on clear roads, I have discovered why winter tires are a smart purchase. That said, I really can’t give a full review of these tires unless I get a chance to test them in real heavy winter conditions. As it happens, Cooper was holding a winter-tire testing event in Canada, and our tires were on the list of included products.

I asked if I could follow the team up to Canada to give the tires a good flogging on ice and snow, and they were more than happy to oblige. As a bonus I got a chance to test out a new all-season tire that is supposed to be nearly as good as winter rubber in the snow, I was able to test a more performance-oriented SUV winter tire, and I even learned how to drift a BMW on ice. If you remember the mayhem that happened the last time I got to be a tire tester, well, it happened again. This time we killed a Jeep though, not a Corvette.

Continue reading to find out more about the Cooper Tire Winter Tire Testing Program

I Tortured Cooper Winter Tires originally appeared on topspeed.com on Friday, 27 February 2015 17:00 EST.

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BMW M3 500 Horsepower Electric Superchargers

Even though the current BMW M3 has only been on the market for about a year, there are already talks about its successor, and a highly speculative report has appeared in that regard. According to known automotive insider Georg Kacher, who recently spilled some beans about the next BMW 3 Series in Automobile Magazine, the new M3 will deliver around 500 horsepower thanks to some pretty advanced technology solutions.

First of all, the engine is expected to remain a twin-turbocharged, inline-six, but with a difference. Its turbochargers may not be connected to the exhaust but take their power from electric motors, like on the Audi RS5 TDI Concept, leaving them to be called electric compressors or superchargers. Second of all, partially previewed by the BMW M4 MotoGP Safety Car, the next M3 may also have a water-injection system, increasing the engine’s efficiency.

With the model about five years away, most speculations are obviously to be taken with a pinch of salt, but Georg Kacher has been known to provide accurate information before, and BMW did mention that the water-injection system may be used on a production model in the future. As far as the electric superchargers are concerned, we will just have to wait for Audi to introduce it first around 2016, and see how it goes. I have a feeling that this technology will do wonders in the BMW M3 or any other turbocharged sports car.

Continue reading to learn more about the next BMW M3.

BMW M3 500 Horsepower Electric Superchargers originally appeared on topspeed.com on Friday, 27 February 2015 16:00 EST.

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Yard Built VMAX Infrared by JvB-moto

As the entire world goes crazy about what color a certain dress is - it’s white and gold, by the way - I found myself sifting through Yamaha’s 30th anniversary celebration for the VMAX, a bike that has redefined a segment of the industry in turn has turned itself into one of the most iconic Yamaha models in history.

We’ve already seen a handful of these celebratory yard builds, but the one commissioned to Cologne-based custom builder Jens von Brauck ranks right up there. See, von Brauck has long been a fan of the VMAX, even crediting the bike as one of the biggest reasons why he became so passionate about motorcycles, all at the tender age of 15.

30 years later, von Brauck’s love for the VMAX has never waned and it manifests itself through this fantastic yard build. His work is so fine it more than validated Yamaha’s decision to enlist him with the task of putting it all together.

Don’t believe me? Well, Yamaha Motor Europe Product Manager Shun Miyazawa said so himself, calling von Brauck’s work as a fitting “homage to the origins of the VMAX, but also hints at the performance of tomorrow.”

Couldn’t have said it better myself. Kenji Ekuan would’ve been proud.

Click “continue reading to read more about Jens von Brauck’s Yard Built VMAX Infrared.

Yard Built VMAX Infrared by JvB-moto originally appeared on topspeed.com on Friday, 27 February 2015 16:00 EST.

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Cadillac XT5

The Cadillac brand has been on the mend as of late, following many years of sliding sales due to a lack of exciting cars. The brand built its V-Series lineup to attract a younger following, but the styling was too dated to garner much interest. Now with the new ATS and CTS, and the upcoming 2016 CT6 already in the fold, Cadillac has turned its attention to the SRX midsize crossover; more specifically, its replacement, the XT5.

With the SRX sliding nearly 6 percent in overall sales in 2014, the midsize crossover is in desperate need of an overhaul. Keeping true to his promise when he took over Cadillac, Johan de Nysschen will change the name of the SRX to the XT5 when the redesigned model arrives at dealers. With a new name, new look, and new engine lineup, can the XT5 help bring Cadillac back to the top of the luxury car heap?

Continue reading my full preview of the XT5 to find out.

Note: Current Cadillac SRX pictured here.

Cadillac XT5 originally appeared on topspeed.com on Friday, 27 February 2015 15:00 EST.

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Video: 'Dirt Every Day' puts 40-inch tires on a '86 Chevy army truck

Host Fred Williams of Motor Trend’s Dirt Every Day has been working on his Alabama Army Truck project for quite a while. Followers of the show will recall the truck’s transformation from a worn-out surplus CUCV truck to a customized off-road beast thanks to an extreme engine swap.

Video: 'Dirt Every Day' puts 40-inch tires on a '86 Chevy army truck originally appeared on topspeed.com on Friday, 27 February 2015 14:30 EST.

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Harley-Davidson Releases Screamin' Eagle 120ST Crate Engine

Harley-Davidson and crate engines are like BFFs. One can’t live without the other and you can be sure that if given an opportunity, Harley will build as many as crate engines as it can possibly build. The latest of this sort to come out of the company is the Screamin’ Eagle 120ST crate engine, a 1,966 cc air-cooled power plant that’s capable of producing 106 horsepower and 117 pound-feet of torque.

But beyond the numbers, there’s a lot that goes on in the Screamin’ Eagle that could make it an appealing choice for Harley-powered custom projects. Its physical make up allows it to become a bolt-in installation in any Harley Touring chassis. That’s the easy part. It does become a little bit more complicated when said project needs to find the chassis to make it work. That or they can just design one to accommodate the unit into the chassis. It’s not exactly a simple science, but it can be done with the proper tools and know-how.

The motor itself also comes with a Screamin’ Eagle 58 throttle body that’s 18 percent larger than stock, making it easier for the engine to reach the kind of performance level it’s touting to everyone.

Aesthetically speaking, Harley decided to eschew the standard all-chrome look in favor of something a little splashier to the custom tuner’s eye. It’s predominantly finished in wrinkle black with matching chrome details and splashes of machined aluminum. Not that the color really matters in the grand scheme of things, but as far as mixing and matching are concerned, the color finish creates enough flexibility for the engine to be fitted in any custom project. That’s a pretty smart move by Harley, especially with the simplicity by which it did it.

Click "continue reading" to read more about Harley-Davidson’s new Screamin’ Eagle 120 engine.

Harley-Davidson Releases Screamin' Eagle 120ST Crate Engine originally appeared on topspeed.com on Friday, 27 February 2015 14:00 EST.

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Daimler CEO Confirms Maybach SUV; Dismisses Audi Q1 Competitor

SUVs are the talk of the automotive world these days, with offerings ranging from massive people haulers like the Escalade to jacked-up hatchbacks that offer little more than a little extra ground clearance and all-wheel drive. Regardless of how irritating they are to some purists, these are what buyers want, and manufacturers can’t build them fast enough. Recent rumors have been circulating around Mercedes possibly planning a Maybach- SUV and a subcompact crossover to battle the Audi Q1. But while a new report claims that the Maybach rumor is true, it also claims that the subcompact rumor is false.

The report comes from the folks at Motoring.com.au, who had a conversation with Daimler executive, Dieter Zetsche. According to the report, Zetsche said that with Rolls Royce and Bentley both rolling out their own SUVs, the time is absolutely right for Maybach to have one of its own. Unlike the Bentley and Rolls people-haulers, however, the Maybach will be reliant on the product cycle of the Mercedes GLS, which it will be based on. The Bentley and Rolls SUVs are stand-alone models built separately from their respective parent companies’ product lines.

One SUV that appears to be totally out of the question is the rumored Mercedes-Benz Q1 fighter. According to Zetsche, that would require Mercedes to go into the A or B segment, which would step on the toes of Daimler-owned Smart. In the same breath, he also dismissed any competitor to the pint-sized A1.

Continue reading to hear my take on what this means.

Daimler CEO Confirms Maybach SUV; Dismisses Audi Q1 Competitor originally appeared on topspeed.com on Friday, 27 February 2015 14:00 EST.

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2015 Scion tC

The 2015 Scion tC is no longer the most exciting thing in your local Toyota dealer's Scion corner. That would be the rear-drive FR-S coupe, which isn't as practical as the tC, but is far more entertaining to drive. The tC, meanwhile, is a competent liftback coupe that may better meet needs as a sporty daily driver. There's nothing...

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2015 Jaguar XJ

The 2015 Jaguar XJ is the brand's flagship and its largest sedan offering, yet an aluminum body and structure keep it from being a heavyweight. It's built on a pretty daring design and represents a big departure from the nameplate's history; meanwhile, this model's relative lightness imparts nimble handling and a smaller, sportier...

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2015 Lincoln MKC

Lincoln is targeting young, affluent car shoppers in East and West Coast cities with its new 2015 MKC compact crossover. And while that's definitely not the traditional Lincoln shopper, the brand is aiming its sights right over years of muddled messages, and blasting past those waves of constant change with a rip tide of...

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2015 Dodge Dart

The 2015 Dodge Dart is a front-wheel-drive compact sedan that's quite sporty and enjoyable to drive; it arrived two years ago and replaced the substandard, unloved Caliber hatchback. While the Dart lineup received a number of changes last model year, solving some teething issues for this, which is the first true compact sedan since the...

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Mercedes-AMG GT3

Launched at the 2014 Paris Motor Show for the 2015 model year, the GT is the second sports car developed entirely by Mercedes-AMG, after the SLS AMG. Although some saw it as a spiritual successor of the SLS AMG and the SLR McLaren before that, the Mercedes-AMG GT marked the beginning of a new era for the German carmaker. While the SLR and the SLS each battled for supremacy in the super-GT category, the Mercedes-AMG GT is aimed at lighter and smaller sports cars, with the Porsche 911 firmly in its sights. The latest full-blown AMG model also introduced a different exterior design language, a new interior styling philosophy and a brand-new engine that’ll eventually make it across the entire AMG lineup in the future. Output sits at 503 and 456 horsepower, respectively, for the GT S and GT models, with more oomph to be available once the Black Series model arrives in 2017. Meanwhile, the expansion is set to continue in 2016 with a track-exclusive GT3 model, which should also spawn a road-going variant to battle the Porsche 911 GT3.

As the name suggests, the Mercedes-AMG GT3 replaces the company’s current GT3 racer, which is based on the SLS AMG and was the first from the so-called "Customer Sports" program. Although the road-legal sports car has been discontinued for the 2015 model year, the track-prepped version will continue to race throughout 2015 with official factory support. From 2016 onward, the Mercedes-AMG GT3 will step in as the brand’s main weapon in FIA-spec championships such as the Blancpain Series and the Pirelli World Challenge.

Updated 02/27/2015: Mercedes-AMG dropped the official details on its new racing car: the GT3. Continue reading to learn that the new version brings new over the old SLS AMG GT3.

Click past the jump to read more about the 2016 Mercedes-AMG GT3.

Mercedes-AMG GT3 originally appeared on topspeed.com on Friday, 27 February 2015 11:00 EST.

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2012-2013 Dodge Durango, 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee Recalled For Fuel Pump Flaw

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles is recalling more than 465,000 SUVs around the globe because of problems with their fuel pumps. The recall affects 2012-2013 Dodge Durango vehicles as well as the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee. FCA says that the recall stems from a problem with the SUVs' fuel pump relay. The same problem was identified in other Durango and...

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Magna Steyr MILA Plus Hybrid Concept

Based in Graz, Austria, Magna Steyr is an automobile manufacturer primarily known for assembling vehicles such as the Mercedes-Benz G-Class, the Mini Countryman/Paceman, the first-generation BMW X3, the Aston Martin Rapide and the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG, among many others. The Austrians also developed Mercedes’ 4MATIC AWD system and Opel’s TwinTop convertible roof assembly for the Astra. But despite these many achievements and its ability to develop and assemble mainstream vehicles, Magna Steyr has yet to manufacture a production car of its own. Instead, the Austrians created a number of concepts under the Magna Innovation Lightweight Auto (MILA) brand.

Now, with the 2015 Geneva Motor Show right around the corner, Magna Steyr has readied yet another concept, this time a hybrid, lightweight sports car. Named the MILA Plus Hybrid, the study seems to follow in the footsteps of the BMW i8 by combining sports car-like performance and strong fuel economy. Although the full specs are still being kept under wraps as of February 2015, and Magna Steyr has yet to mention whether the MILA Plus is slated to become a production car, the concept is worth looking into with the current sports-car market moving closer to hybridization.

Continue reading to learn more about the Magna Steyr Mila Plus Hybrid Concept.

Magna Steyr MILA Plus Hybrid Concept originally appeared on topspeed.com on Friday, 27 February 2015 10:00 EST.

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Porsche 918 Replacement And The 988

Details are still sketchy at this point, but Porsche may already be thinking about an all-new supercar as a successor to the 918 Spyder,
according to a recent report from British media. Take this with a pinch of salt, but Autocar put together some quotes from Porsche R&D chief Wolfgang Hatz once again, and it seems that aside from a 918 replacement, the rumored 988 mid-engine sports car still has a green light as well.

Powered by a twin-turbocharged V-8 that may or may not be a hybrid but will definitely sit behind the driver in a midship position, the internally codenamed 988 would be pitted against models like the Ferrari 488 GTB or the McLaren 675 LT, both of which are mid-engined and use twin-turbocharged V-8s. The supercar’s powerplant would be derived from a new generation of V-8 engines that will be used in the second-generation Panamera and third-generation Cayenne.

As for the hypercar, there is obviously too little information to speculate on the matter right now, even though the 918 Spyder has been already sold out. It would be safe to say that it will also feature a plug-in hybrid powerplant with mountains of horsepower and torque, while the earliest launch date would be somewhere around 2020, or about two years after the 988 supercar. While Porsche is currently busy developing the new Panamera, Cayenne and various 911 and Boxster/Cayman versions, the prospect of two new halo models sounds more than interesting.

Continue reading to learn more about Porsche’s future supercars.

Porsche 918 Replacement And The 988 originally appeared on topspeed.com on Friday, 27 February 2015 08:00 EST.

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BMW 4-Series

BMW launched the 4-Series lineup for 2014, separating the former 3-Series coupe and convertible from the rest of the offerings and giving them their own higher number and differentiated styling. The 4-Series family quickly grew to include a model that is a two-door in name only, the 4-Series Gran Coupe hatchback sedan, as well as M4 variants of...

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BMW 3-Series

The BMW 3-Series is a compact luxury car. While it's primarily known in the U.S. as a sport sedan today, it's been offered in a wide range of body styles, ranging from coupes and convertibles to hatchbacks and wagons. To many driving enthusiasts, it's often seen as the quintessential BMW, an elemental representation of the dynamic, driver-centric...

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Chevrolet SS

After a long absence, Chevrolet returned to the rear-drive sedan business in 2014 with the SS sedan. This four-door has the chops to back up its performance-oriented name and has some calling it the Corvette sedan enthusiasts have always dreamed of. It's been nearly two decades since Chevy had a rear-drive sedan in its showrooms, and it's...

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Audi TT

The TT is Audi's small sports car. It is offered in both 2+2 coupe and two-seat convertible body styles. Base cars are called TT; when offered, the sportier version has gone by the name TTS; and an extra-powerful version dubbed TT RS was offered for the 2012 and 2013 model years, with a possible return in the near future. Derived from Audi's...

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Video: Chris McNeil Stunt Rides Up Hunter Mountain

Performing motorcycle stunts in closed circuits are dangerous enough in it of themselves. But Chris “Teach” McNeil is not your regular stunt rider.

Known mostly for his incredible exploits on a bike, McNeil, together with motorcycle jacket line Joe Rocket, recently took the challenge of going up to Hunter Mountain in New York using McNeil’s BMW F800GS.

While the video itself looks like a promotional clip to showcase Joe Rocket’s next generation Ballistic Revolution motorcycle - “it represents a series advancement so significant, it’s more Revolution than Evolution,” so says Joe Rocket - it also comes with an incredible array of motorcycle stunts that not a lot of people are capable of pulling of. McNeil even drives on whatever surface he finds himself in, wasting little time showing everyone why he’s earned the nickname “Teach”.

Mix in some scenic shots of Hunter Mountain and you have a video that accomplishes a lot in just a little over three minutes. We get to see Joe Rocket’s new digs, enjoy the breathtaking scenery of upstate New York, and most importantly, watch McNeil do what he does best.

Kind of makes you want to buy the jacket, zip up, and take a ride of your own, right? Then again, none of us have the skill and stunt-riding talent of Chris McNeil. We can buy the Joe Rocket, though. That’s the easy part. Doing those stunts? Not so much.

Video: Chris McNeil Stunt Rides Up Hunter Mountain originally appeared on topspeed.com on Friday, 27 February 2015 09:00 EST.

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Audi R8

The Audi R8 is a mid-engined, two-seat sports car with dashing, if somewhat reserved, looks and impressive performance. The Audi R8 shares some of its DNA with sister company Lamborghini, but the overall product is distinctly German—and surprisingly practical for what amounts to a supercar. Carried over virtually unchanged for the 2015 model...

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Audi Q5

The Audi Q5 is a five-passenger crossover vehicle that's become one of the best sellers in the German automaker's lineup. It's been on the market for seven model years now, and it's still a strong draw, thanks to excellent interior space and refinement, good handling, and a pair of green drivetrain options. Somewhat related to the Audi A4 sedan...

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Audi A6

The Audi A6 has been the German automaker's mid-size, five-passenger sedan for more than two decades. Its main competition comes from vehicles like the Cadillac CTS, Mercedes-Benz E-Class, and BMW 5-Series. Joined for parts of its life by the higher-performance and sportier S6 sedan, the A6 range has also included the Avant wagon and--briefly--the...

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Audi A5

The Audi A5 is the German automaker's mid-size two-door model line. It's available as either a convertible (dubbed the Cabriolet) or a hardtop coupe, and forms the basis of the sporty supercharged S5 as well as the RS5, with its powered-up V-8 drivetrain. The A5 and its variants are members of the family of vehicles that also includes the A4 and...

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Audi A4

The Audi A4 is a mid-size luxury sedan. For a while, it was the entry-level vehicle in Audi's American lineup, although today the brand offers the compact A3 family of sedans, hatchbacks, and cabriolets below it. The current A4 has been on the market since 2009 and is due for a revamp by 2016. It competes with the Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Cadillac...

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Mercedes-Benz GLK Class

The Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class is a compact crossover utility vehicle based on the C-Class sedan's underpinnings. It received a significant update in 2013 and was joined at the small end of the three-pointed star's crossover lineup by the compact GLA-Class for 2015. That said, the GLK can still be considered the smallest true crossover of the bunch...

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Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class

Like the CLA-Class, the Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class is a spin-off of the A-Class hatch that is not available in the U.S. The GLA trades the CLA's slinky sedan shape for a hatchback/wagon body that provides a unique interpretation of the contemporary crossover vehicle. Like the CLA, the GLA is available with all-wheel drive, which completes the...

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Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class

Aston Martin DB9

The Aston Martin DB9 is a stylish, luxurious, and exclusive two-door four-seat luxury car with few real rivals. The DB9 is the quintessential grand-touring car among Aston Martin's range, which includes the Vanquish, Rapide, and Vantage. It is available as a hardtop coupe or Volante convertible. For more information, including more photos and...

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Chevrolet Trax

The Chevrolet Trax is a subcompact crossover that joined the bowtie brand's U.S. lineup early in 2015. It's essentially a mechanical clone of the Buick Encore, which was new for 2013. Befitting its brand, the Trax is more value-oriented than the Encore, with a lesser complement of standard equipment and its own tuning for the suspension and...

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Subaru XV Crosstrek

The Subaru XV Crosstrek is a small crossover that joined the Japanese automaker's lineup for the 2013 model year. Similar to the previous Impreza Outback and Outback Sport models, it is based on the Impreza hatchback and offers a little more of an off-road bent. The XV Crosstrek is also the foundation for Subaru's first hybrid, which was...

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Lexus LS

The Lexus LS is the Toyota empire's flagship sedan, a large four-door in the luxury segment. It was the car that single-handedly established the Lexus brand, long before the popular RX crossover was introduced. It's a rival for the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, BMW 7-Series, Audi A8, and Jaguar XJ. MORE: Read our 2015 Lexus LS review New in the 1990...

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Hyundai Genesis Sedan

The Genesis sedan was Hyundai’s first real entry into the luxury-car segment. Introduced for the 2009 model year, the four-door Genesis arrived at the right place and right time, during the throes of an economic downturn—when bargain-priced luxury made sense to people who still wanted to buy new. Now in its second generation, which...

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Porsche 918 Replacement And New Supercar

Continue reading to learn more about Porsche’s future supercars.

Porsche 918 Replacement And New Supercar originally appeared on topspeed.com on Friday, 27 February 2015 08:00 EST.

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Cadillac CTS

The Cadillac CTS is a mid-size luxury sedan that competes with the BMW 5-Series, Audi A6, and Mercedes-Benz E-Class, among others. The redesigned CTS sedan, which emerged in 2014, has grown in size, making room for the compact ATS below it. In the past, the CTS has been somewhat of a tweener, occupying a space between compact and mid-size sedans...

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Buick Cascada

The Buick Cascada is a nearly mid-size convertible with seating for four and a power-operated soft-top. It will go up against a varied set of rivals that includes the Audi A3 Cabriolet, MINI Cooper Convertible, and perhaps the droptop version of the Ford Mustang. The Cascada will go on sale in mid-2015 as a 2016 model. Though roughly a competitor...

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First Chevrolet Camaro Ever Built Found And Restored

There is a very special significance in owning the first of something. It can mark the beginning of an era, the start of something great, and in this case, the genesis of one of General Motors most-loved nameplates. Back in the spring of 1966 a company called Fisher Body began working on a car that wore VIN number N100001. The project was top secret, and even Fisher didn’t know that what they were creating was in fact the first Camaro.

Since its debut, N100001 has had a wild existence where it has passed through the hands of nearly a half-dozen owners. After the nearly five decades since it first rolled on its own power, N100001 has been located and fully restored to its original factory condition. In the entire car, the only two parts that are not genuine Chevrolet pieces are one seat cover and the carpets.

The story behind this car is a great one, and you can catch all the details about it in this video from the Pilot Car Registry. The video covers every previous owner, the car’s first construction and unveiling, and finally its restoration. The video is 18 minutes long, but if you are at all interested in the history behind a legendary classic like this, it is worth the watch.

Continue reading to learn more about the first Camaro ever built.

First Chevrolet Camaro Ever Built Found And Restored originally appeared on topspeed.com on Friday, 27 February 2015 07:00 EST.

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Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Vs. Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Vs. Ford Mustang Shelby GT500: Video

Let’s start with the big obvious disclaimer. Street racing is stupid, it is against the law, and it takes lives. Don’t do it. Serioulsy, it’s bad. Now that we have that out of the way, I would like to present you with three and a half minutes of supercharged American awesomeness starring the new Dodge Challenger Hellcat, Chevrolet Corvette Z06 and the Mustang Shelby GT500. That

This isn’t a review video or anything fun like that, but rather it’s a quick visual look at each of the cars followed by lots of highway digs. There is plenty of gratuitous noise involved for your enjoyment. If you were hoping to see a three-way romp between the cars though, sadly you are out of luck. The first half of the video is the Z06 against the Challenger, and then towards the end the Corvette magically disappears to make way for the most powerful factory Mustang ever built.

There are only two quick runs against the GT500 before the arrival of the local police put things quickly to a halt. The video is tons of fun to watch, and it is full of glorious noise from exhaust wail to supercharger whine and everything in between.

But seriously, don’t try this at home.

Continue Reading to learn more about the three American supercars in this video.

Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Vs. Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Vs. Ford Mustang Shelby GT500: Video originally appeared on topspeed.com on Friday, 27 February 2015 06:00 EST.

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jeudi 26 février 2015

2015 Infiniti QX70

The Infiniti QX70, which was until last year called the FX37, or just FX, is one of the most driver-focused crossovers available—although it makes some deliberate sacrifices to be able to make that claim. It's not a trail-ready or rugged crossover by any stretch of the imagination, and it's not space-efficient either. Instead the...

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2015 Infiniti QX50

The Infiniti QX50, which was called the EX37 just last model year, is one of the most driver-focused crossovers on the market today. However, many of the same attributes that make it that also make it one of the least practical in its competitive set. The 2015 Infiniti QX50 looks the part of a crossover with its tall-ish ride height...

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2015 Kia Sorento

Most of Kia's models have been revamped in transformation ways; yet the Kia Sorento has been more in tune with the market all along, so its trajectory has been quite different. Instead, this mid-size crossover has been given a constant-improvement plan, with almost every year bringing a new set of incremental changes. And altogether...

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2015 BMW X3

The BMW X3 might not have the heady enthusiast reputation of the esteemed 3-Series sport sedan, or the sexier shape of the upcoming (and closely related) X4, but it adds up to what makes sense for a lot of image-conscious families: styling that's smart and suave; a versatile layout; responsive road performance; and impressive fuel...

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