Restoration Of Le Mans-Winning Ford GT40 Mk II Continues: Video

The restoration of the 1966 Le Mans-winning Ford GT40 Mk II P1046 continues with the latest video to come out of RK Motors Charlotte.

If you recall, the first part of the web series was posted last week in which we learned that Rob Kaufman, the owner of RK Motors Charlotte, began an ambitious project to restore the legendary race car back to its championship glory. Together with the help of Rare Drive, Inc., RK Motors Charlotte took the arduous task of bringing P1046 back to the configuration of its history-making achievement, considered by many as the greatest racing moment in Ford history.

Whereas the first video mainly focused on the history of the car, this one gives us a close look on the preparations that have been made and the first task of actually disassembling the race car. As explained by the host, a lot of work was already done on the iconic race car, including the shortening of the tail section, the installation of a large roll cage, and the refitting of the entire interior, which was sadly brushed aside when the car was ignominiously turned into a transmission test mule after its victory in Le Mans.

The entire project is far from complete and more videos are expected to be released in the coming weeks. The plan is for the project to be completed in time for the 24 Hours of Le Mans where it will be participating in the 50th anniversary of Ford’s transcendent victory in the world’s most famous endurance race.

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Hyundai Santa Fe Vs. Honda Pilot: Compare Cars

The Hyundai Santa Fe and Honda Pilot are two popular picks that represent the shape of today’s family wagons. Both models work well for four or more, allowing enough flexibility for restocking the pantry, fitting infant seats, cargo-carrying, or even expeditions to a weekend campsite. For the Pilot, everything’s changed this year. The...

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Nissan GTR ALPHA 12 Attacks The Streets!

Nissan GTR its one the fastest car in the world. This car has unlimited power in the street. GTR destroy to many cars in the street and win the most of races around the world with most luxury and sport cars. In this video here you will see this angry GTR in action in the street. Check out what this car can do in the street. Enjoy this video here.

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How They Made the Incredible Lykan HyperSport Stunt in Fast and Furious 7

Everyone remember the awesome Lykan HyperSport Dubai scene from Fast and Furious 7.
But when we saw i the moviee it was like a real scene the Lykan flying from the plane, or pulling out from the building. But you might be wondering how they pulled it off. Well take a look at all the steps that went into creating such a crazy action set piece. Amazing movie

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Ford Mustang GT by WRAPworks

The Ford Mustang GT is one of those cars that are just ripe for the aftermarket world. Part of that is because the Mustang GT is a muscle car and as such, there’s always a need to improve on the impressive performance numbers that Ford gave it. Hey, I’m not the type to complain about a car that already packs 435 horsepower and 400 pound-feet of torque. But there’s always that question of what more can do the Mustang GT do if it received a hefty engine upgrade. History has shown us that tuners always focus on that when dealing with the Mustang. But there are times that a tuner shows up and focuses on something entirely different.

That’s precisely what WRAPworks did with its own kit for the Mustang GT. As the name implies, WRAPworks specializes on body wraps and that’s exactly what it did to Ford’s pony machine. Now the trick with body wraps is that there’s rarely a consensus reaction to them. Some will love it while others will hate it. That’s just the way our eyes work. But WRAPworks still took up that challenge, convinced that it had a wrap package that could add an extra touch of personality to the Mustang GT. Whether it succeeded or not is entirely up to the pair of eyes that are looking at it.

Unfortunately, the body wrap is largely the extent of what WRAPworks did to the muscle car. Sure, it enlisted the help of Roush Performance – one of the best Mustang tuners in the business – but did Roush do enough to at least complement the crazy work put in by WRAPworks? Or you could ask it like this: did WRAPworks give Roush enough freedom to work on the ‘Stang GT’s 5.0-liter V-8 engine? Read on to find out.

Continue after the jump to read the full review.

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BMW M4 GTS DTM Safety Car

Remember how BMW tested the M4 GTS camouflaged as a MotoGP Safety Car before unveiling it in 2015? Well, it turns out that the Germans were just trying to be sneaky. They were working on an actual pace car based on the limited-edition M4. The safety car in question will be used in the 2016 DTM season and was revealed with only a week ahead of the competitions’ debut at the Hockenheimring on May 7.

The specially equipped M4 GTS will pace the DTM field during the entire 2016 season, which includes nine events in Germany, Austria, the Netherlands, Russia, and Hungary. The GTS replaces the standard BMW M4 Coupe used in 2014 and 2015. The new safety car will be driven by Jurgen Kastenholz, the official DTM pace car driver since 2010.

"The BMW M4 excels through neutral handling, fantastic response and enormous power delivery starting at low engine speeds for optimum acceleration out of tight corners," said the 48-year old. "The new BMW M4 GTS will be even better. So I will have complete trust in the car from the word go – and this is absolutely essential to be able to lead a pack of 24 DTM racing cars quickly around the circuit during the caution periods."

The M4 GTS will lead a pack consisting of race cars based on the Mercedes-AMG C63, Audi RS5, and BMW M4.

Continue reading to learn more about the BMW M4 GTS Safety Car.

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Fiat 124 Spider Abarth

Rumors that Fiat might revive the 124 Spider, a stylish roadster from the 1960s, surfaced in 2014 and were confirmed at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show, when Fiat came clean and revealed that there was a new roadster underway with Mazda MX-5 underpinnings. Various reports then claimed that Fiat 124 Spider will also be followed by a performance-oriented Abarth version with a more powerful engine and all the goodies that come with the scorpion badge. With the standard roadster unveiled at the 2015 Los Angeles Show, Fiat took the wraps off the performance-oriented version at the 2016 Geneva Motor Show.

Not surprisingly, the 124 Abarth was conceived using the same recipe applied to the 500 Abarth. It features a sportier body kit, a mildly revised interior with Abarth trim, and a more powerful version of the engine used in the standard model. On top of that, Fiat sprinkled a bit of its classic Abarth heritage in order to link the modern roadster to the original 124 Rally, a limited-edition homologation special.

Set to arrive in European showrooms for the 2017 model year, the 124 Spider Abarth is an extremely important car for this tight niche. The main reason for that is because Mazda said it won’t develop a high-performance version of the new Miata. So Abarth will exploit the potential of Mazda’s new chassis and give Miata lovers the power that the Japanese roadster has failed to deliver.

While Fiat has yet to confirm or release data about the U.S.-spec version, a similar model is very likely to cross the pond to North America and join the standard model. Until that happens, let’s have a closer look at the European version.

Updated 04/29/2016: FCA dropped prices on the 2018 Spider Abarth. Check the "Prices" section for the full details.

Continue reading to find out more about the 2018 Fiat 124 Spider Abarth.

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2016 GMC Yukon XL Denali – Driven

The Yukon XL name has only been around for a relatively short time, having been introduced in 2000, but the long-wheelbase GMC is tied to one of the longest running nameplates in automotive history – the Suburban. Introduced in 1935, the Chevrolet Suburban has generated generations of fans and loyal customers. Now in the modern era, the Suburban has moved from a workaholic carryall to an upper-class status symbol. The GMC Yukon XL takes this to the next level with a more luxurious appearance and nicer interior trimmings. Then there’s the Denali trim.

The Denali lineup within the GMC brand has exploded in popularity with the rebounding economy. These leather-lined, chrome-clad versions of GMC’s vehicles offer Cadillac-like luxury with less shocking price tags. And that’s exactly how to describe the 2016 GMC Yukon XL Denali. It’s a Cadillac Escalade without the distinctive grille, higher price tag, and social clout that comes with owning a ‘Slade.

Nevertheless, the Yukon XL Denali provides all the right equipment and luxury for those seeking Cadillac comfort without the rock star vibe that follows the Escalade. Recently, I spent a week getting to know the Yukon XL Denali – all 18.6 feet of it. Make no mistake, it’s big; but it’s also powerful thanks to a 6.2-liter V-8 borrowed from the Corvette. Yep, this bad boy rocks the LT1 small block. Curious yet? You should be. Keep on reading to see what life is like with the Yukon XL Denali.

Continue reading for the full driven review.

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Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport

Concerned about Ford’s racing program and what it was doing with the Shelby Cobra, Chevrolet’s Zora Duntov launched the Grand Sport program in 1962. The plan was to build lightweight, race car around the second-generation Corvette and use it for international grand touring events. The project was kept secret from GM executives, who thought that Chevy shouldn’t go racing, and was stopped as soon as rumors about Duntov’s brainchild started to spread. Fortunately, Zora managed to complete five cars, giving the world some of the most coveted and valuable Corvettes ever built. More than five decades have passed since then and the Grand Sport nameplate returns on the seventh-generation Corvette.

Rumored ever since the current Vette was unveiled in 2013, the C7 Grand Sport broke cover at the 2016 Geneva Auto Show. Pretty much a Z06 with a naturally aspirated engine under the hood, the new Grand Sport is aimed at purists that know power isn’t everything. Is it a coincidence that the C7 Grand Sport was revealed at the same event that brought us the Porsche 911 R? Most likely, but this is probably the beginning of a beautiful rivalry that should spawn many battles on the road and at the track.

The C7 Grand Sport is actually the fourth generation to wear the iconic badge. After Duntov’s program was cancelled, the nameplate returned in 1996 as final edition of the C4. The third model arrive in 2010 as an LS3-equipped, C6 Z06 with a steel frame instead of aluminum. Is this new version of the C7 worthy of Grand Sport name? Keep reading to find out.

Updated 04/29/2016: Chevrolet dropped prices for the 2017 Corvette Grand Sport which will be put on sale later this summer. Check the "Prices" section for more details.

Continue reading to learn more about the 2017 Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport.

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Mini Sedan

Ever since Mini was acquired by BMW, the British motoring icon has struggled to grow. Once known simply as a provider of fun, accessible, small-sized transportation, the brand has made several forays into uncharted territory over the years, some of which have brought success, and others – not so much. Now, however, Mini says it has the right formula. Rather than offering myriad niche variants like it did in the recent past, Mini is looking to trim the fat to just five core model lines. Four of these are already known, including the hardtop, convertible, Countryman subcompact crossover, and Clubman five-door wagon. The final fifth pillar, however, remains a mystery. That said, rumor has it a Mini sedan is heading down the pipeline.

Supporting the speculation is a comment made by Ralph Mahler, vice president for product management at Mini, who dropped a hint at the New York Auto Show while speaking to the U.K. publication Autocar about market trends, saying, “For example, in Asia and the U.S., the sedan segment is very big. This is very interesting to us, of course.”

In many ways, a new Mini sedan makes a lot of sense. The brand has applied its stylish, premium compact paintbrush to a variety of body styles before, but not once has it tried a classic four-door approach. And as Mini looks to expand its presence globally, this possible new segment entry could play well in markets where hatchbacks lose traction, such as the U.S. and China.

So, if the rumors are true, what would a Mini sedan offer? Read on for our speculative review.

Continue reading to learn more about the upcoming Mini sedan.

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Fiat 124 Spider

The Fiat 124 Spider first hit the road in 1966 as a 2+2 roadster based on the 124 Coupe’s platform. The model lived a long life, as it ran all the way through 1982. When Mazda announced that it was creating an all-new 2016 MX-5 Miata, it also let out that it co-developed the roadster’s chassis with FCA. Initially, FCA was going to use the chassis to underpin an Alfa Romeo roadster, but it later chose to use it under a Fiat model. Then, in March 2015 at the Geneva Auto Show, FCA announced that the new Fiat convertible would resurrect the 124 Spider nameplate starting in 2016. The roadster was finally unveiled at the 2015 Los Angeles Auto Show.

Although it shares underpinnings with the new MX-5 Miata, the 124 Spider received an exterior styling of its own, sharing not even a single body panel with its Japanese sibling. The engine is also different, with Fiat opting to use one of its very own turbocharged four-cylinder unit.

If you’re among those who were whining about Mazda not offering a turbo Miata, then the 124 Spider might be what you’re looking for.

While they feature different exteriors and engines, the roadsters share an almost identical interior. That’s not to say Fiat was lazy and didn’t want to give the 124’s cabin an identity of its own. It actually has to do with reducing costs and the fact that the MX-5’s interior is very spacious and comfortable for a small car.

Updated 04/29/2016: FCA dropped prices on the recently launched 124 Spider, and, as expected it was priced pretty much similar to the Mazda MX-5. Check "Prices" section for the full details.

Continue reading to find out more about the 2017 Fiat 124 Spider.

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Is This The Upcoming Ferrari 488 GTB Scuderia?

In 2015, Ferrari replaces the already iconic 458 Italia with the 488 GTB. Although similar in size and design, the 488 is a significant departure from its predecessor due to its turbocharged, 3.9-liter V-8, which replaced the award-winning, naturally aspirated 4.5-liter unit. With the standard coupe and roadster already in dealerships and with two race-spec versions on the race track, Ferrari is expected to launch more derivatives of its entry-level sports car, including a successor to the 458 Speciale. A new variant of the 488 GTB isn’t expected to arrive sooner than 2017, but a test car that was recently spotted at the Fiorano track suggests that Maranello is already working on a beefed-up coupe.

The photos come via Zero2Turbo and show a 488 GTB that’s slightly different than the standard model. Notable changes include a new, more aggressive splitter, revised front bumper center element and intakes, a reworked rear fascia with covered taillight vents, and a reshaped bumper with a larger diffuser. The sports car also rides on different wheels and features an Italian "tricolore" decal on its front hood and roof. Given the racier aero kit and the stripes, which we’ve seen on previous high-performance models such as the 458 Speciale and 360 Challenge Stradale, the Ferrari we’re looking at could very well be the 488 GTB Scuderia.

We speculated on what this version could bring to the table back in 2015, when the standard 488 was launched. On top of the revised aero kit and the upgraded interior, we also expect it to receive an uprated 3.9-liter V-8 that could deliver as much as 700 horsepower, 40 horses more than the regular GTB. The extra oomph should enable it to hit 60 mph from a standing start in around 2.8 seconds and post amazing laps on both the Fiorano test track and the Nurburgring Nordschleife. But is this the sports car that will replace the 458 Speciale or just a bespoke one-off 488 for a wealthy customer?

Continue reading for the full story.

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Lamborghini Huracán LP 610-4

All good things must come to an end, so the Gallardo is packing things up and moving out of Lamborghini’s entry-level supercar spot to make room for a brand new baby. Rumors swirled about the name of this new supercar, and the final decision was Huracán LP 610-4 and not "Cabrera," as we initially thought.

The Huracán LP 610-4’s name is derived from a fighting bull from 1879. This Spanish Conte de la Patilla breed of bull was unrelenting and thrust himself into bull-fighting stardom courage and strong sense of attack.

This new new Lamborghini will make its public debut at the Geneva Motor Show in 2014, but it will also have more than 130 private showings that start in January. We expect to see it in dealers starting in mid- to late-2014.

Updated 04/29/2016: According to GTSpirit, the Huracan will be offered with an optional aero kit priced at $22,484. Check the "Exterior" section for more details.

Click past the jump to read all about the Huracán LP 610-4.

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Ford Gives Hints On Plan To Build 200-Mile EV

For all of the advancements that automakers have made in the field of electric vehicles, one company has, somewhat surprisingly, remained in the sidelines. When it comes to electric vehicles, Ford doesn’t exactly call itself a pioneer and no more is that evident than its lineup of all-electric models, which includes plug-in versions of the Fusion and the C-Max and an all-electric version of the Focus. Solid options, sure, but none of them have really set the electric car market on fire.

All that though could change now that Ford appears to be ready to dive into the long-range EV pool. The report comes by way of Automotive News, which quoted Ford CEO Mark Fields saying that a long-range, battery-powered car is something that’s high on the list of priorities for the Blue Oval. Fields didn’t go into the specifics of the automaker’s plans, only adding that the company’s goal is to be “among the leaders or in a leadership position” in the long-range EV market.

Vague as that disclaimer is, there is some evidence that Ford has made preparations for this ideological shift, none more important than its recent announcement that it would be investing $4.5 billion into electrification. That’s a significant amount of money that could be put to good use if Ford decides to develop the technologies required to be in that sought-after “leadership position” on its own and not rely on third-party vendors as it has done in the past.

Clearly, the decision-makers in Dearborn have come around on the potential of long-range electric vehicles. It’s still got a lot of work to do to get to where it needs to be, but if the automaker is as committed as Fields says it is, it should only be a matter of time before the company’s lineup of hybrid, plug-in, and EV models get the jolt it needs to become a major player in the segment.

Continue after the jump to read the full story.

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Hyundai Elantra Sport

Hyundai has done pretty well for itself in the entry-level compact segment and as a company as a whole. In fact, Hyundai has come a long way from when the South Korean company first came to U.S. shores. Take the Hyundai Elantra (or the Hyundai Avante as it’s known in its home country,) for instance. The first generation was about as ugly as it gets, and the following generation wasn’t much better. Fast forward to 2016 and the Elantra has been redesigned again to usher in the fifth generation. If you were to look at each generational model side-by-side, you would see that it got better with each generation, and the fifth generation has been the sportiest and best-looking Elantra yet.

Now, the Elantra is about to get a little better, as Hyundai is slated to launch a new trim level called the Elantra Sport (or Avante Sport in South Korea.) The Elantra Sport is said to offer the best performance ever for the Elantra from a 1.6-liter turbocharged engine. Furthermore, it offers a sportier look up front, and some extra goodies to differentiate it as the range-topping model in the Elantra lineup.

Hyundai’s blog, which is translated from Korean, claims that the Avante Sport is already available in the South Korean market. That means the U.S.-spec Elantra Sport should hit U.S. dealerships by the end of this year and, as the range-topping model, will start out higher than the $22,350 starting price of the 2017 Hyundai Elantra Limited. So, now that we know all of that, let’s take a closer look at the new Elantra Sport and see what makes it worthy of being the range-topping Elantra model.

Continue reading to learn more about the Hyundai Elantra Sport.

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McLaren 570GT

Like the Super Series, which has included the 650S, 650S Spider, 675LT and a few other peripheral variants, McLaren’s entry-level Sports Series is set to expand well beyond the 2016 McLaren 570S and Euro-only 2016 McLaren 540C Coupes. Folding-hardtop Spider versions of both models are pretty much a given, but a more intriguing GT variant with enhanced luggage space was rumored ever since the Sports Series was announced. With the 2016 Geneva Motor Show just around the corner, McLaren decided to put an end to all speculation and unveiled the 570GT.

McLaren pitches its Sports Series vehicles as ultra-fast, daily driver sports cars in vein of the Porsche 911 Turbo — something you’d keep in your garage next to a BMW or Mercedes-Benz and drive to work on Fridays or on weekend back-road blasts. The 570S GT retains those values, but it is better suited for long, continent-crushing drives, thanks to a revised cabin, elongated panoramic roof, and more luggage space behind the seats. The biggest surprise about this car is that it retains the two-seat configuration of the 570S. Initial rumors claimed that the GT will feature a 2+2 seating configuration, but it turns out that McLaren isn’t planning on selling a four-seat sports car yet.

Like the 570S and 540C Coupes, the GT is developed around McLaren’s MonoCell II carbon-fiber tub and uses the same 3.8-liter twin-turbo engine. McLaren confirmed that the 570GT will be sold in the U.S. as well, with deliveries to commence in late 2016. Keep reading for more info.

Updated 04/29/2016: The new McLaren 570GT made its U.K. debut at the 2016 London Motor Show, with which occasion the auto maker also revealed prices for the British market. First deliveries are scheduled for July 2016.

Continue reading to learn more about the 2017 McLaren 570GT.

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Would you wash your bugatti like that?!

Bugatti its the most expensive car in the world today. This super has a lot of models on history. To many people want a car like this around the world. This car has an unique design and its the fastest car in the world too. In this video here you will see something strange from this car. Owner wash this super car in a machine. Could you watch this super car in this video here. Watch this video its something strange from Bugatti.

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Mitsubishi: U.S. cars not affected by fuel economy scandal

There's good news and bad news for Mitsubishi fans. Since it's Friday, we'll start with the good stuff. Mitsubishi Motors North America has just issued a statement confirming that late-model Mitsubishi vehicles sold in the U.S. do, in fact, comply with testing procedures established by the Environmental Protection Agency. In other words, it...

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Rumor: FCA puts the moves on Google

Industries are built on strategic partnerships. The right collaboration can do wonders for a bottom line. The wrong collaboration? Well, remember AOL Time Warner? Fiat Chrysler Automobiles CEO Sergio Marchionne has been searching for the perfect partner for more than a year. He's been shot down by General Motors and by Ford, but now comes word...

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2017 BMW 7-Series, Apple car rumors, LeEco lands in U.S.: What’s New @ The Car Connection

From The Car Connection: 2017 BMW 7-Series review You can count on the BMW 7-Series to make a technological leap with each of its generations. And with the latest sixth-generation models that made their debut last year, the 7-Series is certainly no exception, as it benefits from some engineering lessons learned, inside and underneath, with the...

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Mercedes C450 AMG 4MATIC by Vath

For some people, station wagons aren’t the kind of cars that need aftermarket upgrades. While that may be true to some extent, German automakers like Audi and Mercedes have successfully shifted that way of thinking by introducing performance-oriented wagons like the RS3 Sportback and the C450 AMG 4MATIC. The latter, in particular, has been a revelation thanks in large part to its premium looks and the hefty amount of power and torque it has at its disposal.

The C450 AMG 4MATIC has been a pleasant surprise to the extent that Mercedes tuner extraordinaire Vath has taken an interest to the car. You don’t say that too often for wagons other than Audi’s RS3 Sportback, but given what Mercedes was able to do with the C450 AMG, it was really only a matter of time before a tuner like Vath would take a stab at it.

Now that “that time” has arrived, owners of the performance wagon now have the option of taking Vath up on its aftermarket program. The kit itself does very little to the exterior and interior of the C450 AMG, but Vath makes up for it in spades with a significant engine modification that really brings the life out of the wagon. Not that it needs to do that, but there is a significant difference between the standard model and a Vath-tuned version. The latter is faster and more powerful, two things rarely said to describe a wagon. But it’s all there and it’s all because Vath saw the potential in the C450 AMG.

Continue after the jump to read the full review.

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Audi R6

Mostly known as a maker of affordable family cars until the early 1990s, Audi made its entrance on the performance market in 1980 with Quattro. The legendary coupe was replaced by the 80-based S2 from 1991 until 1996. Audi didn’t offer another performance coupe until 2007, when the S5 was launched, but 1998 saw the release of the company’s first full-fledged sports car, the TT. The R8 supercar followed in 2006, giving Audi the proper weapon to compete against other high-end sports car manufacturers. With the R8 having been redesigned for 2015, word has it that Audi is now working on a new sports car to slot below the range-topping model and above the smaller TT.

Likely to break cover sometime in 2018, the new sports car will reportedly be called the R6 and will be developed under codename PO455. The news comes from German outlet Autobild, which also claims that the R6 will share underpinnings with the next-generation Porsche 718 Boxster and Cayman. Both a coupe and a roadster are on the table, with the latter to sport an R6 Spyder badge. If these rumors prove to be accurate, the R6 will become the second Audi sports car to borrow its platform from other Volkswagen Group products. As you may already know, the R8 rides on the underpinnings Lamborghini developed for the Huracan.

The fact that Audi wants to build a "baby R8" isn’t exactly news. Rumors of a new sports car have been flying around for a quite a few years now, but the fact that the R6 could share underpinnings with the Porsche 718 gives this story more credibility. Unlike other brands from the Volkswagen Group, Porsche uses two unique platforms for the 911 and 718. By sharing the latter, Porsche will reduce development costs while Audi won’t have to spend a fortune to create one from scratch.

Also, the R6 wouldn’t be the first collaboration between Audi and Porsche. In the early 1990s, the two brands designed and built the RS2 Avant, a high-performance version of the Audi 80 wagon. Its 2.2-liter inline-five was heavily modified by Porsche, which also designed the braking and suspension systems.

Although Audi has yet to confirm the R6, we are confident that the German brand will soon launch its third sports car. With that in mind, we created a rendering of the "baby R8" to go with the speculative review below.

Continue reading to learn more about the upcoming Audi R6.

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Chinese Automaker Qoros Will Be The First To Use Freevalve's Camless Engine Technology

Earlier this year, I brought you the breakdown on the FreeValve camless engine and how it worked. The technology itself had been fiddled with for a while from various companies, but up until now, it hasn’t been a feasible option to use production vehicles, so the camless engine has yet to take off. Well, all that is about to change, as Freevalve – a sister company of Koenigsegg – has found a home for its camless engine with Chinese automaker Qoros.

It was probably one of the most unnoticed vehicles, but a Qoros concept named “Qamless” was actually on display at the Beijing Auto Show this year along with a display model of the freevalve engine sitting next to it. The concept car was based on the Qoros 3 Hatchback that is already on sale in the Chinese market. There is no telling when the concept car will move over into production, but Freevalve’s CEO Urban Carlsson has said that the partnership between freevalve and Qoros will help the company move into a production application.

For those of you who don’t know about Freevalve’s camless engine, it uses pneumatic-hydraulic-electric direct valve control that, in theory, allows infinite valve timing and cylinder deactivation. The engine doesn’t have the need for a throttle body and relies on pressurized air and oil for vital operation functions. As Christian von Koenigsegg has put it, the switch to camless engines is comparable to the leap from carburetors to direct injection. It is impossible to say how long it will take for the camless engine to hit major manufacturers, or if it ever will. Surely, that will depend on how reliable and efficient the engine proves to be when the Qoros Qamless goes into production.

Continue reading for the full story.

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RM Sotheby's Car Auction Catalogue – Monaco 2016

Next month, the prestigious RM Sotheby’s auction house will set up shop amongst the gleaming yachts and flashy casinos of Monte Carlo for its 2016 Monaco event. This biennial orgy of money and mirror-polished metal regularly attracts throngs of well-heeled collectors, who arrive to browse and bid on an assembly of top-dollar automobiles while enjoying a historic motorsports atmosphere. To help spark the flames of enthusiasm, RM Sotheby’s has released a digital catalogue documenting the lots slated to hit the block, which is available for browsing online here. The catalogue is also available for purchase as a high-quality print here.

While a bit pricey (70 euros, or $78.56 at current exchange rates), the catalogue makes for a fantastic (and unique) gift for that car lover in your life, with stunning photography, specs, history, and individual background on each of the automobiles scheduled to appear in Monaco. Standouts include the 1951 Ferrari 340 America Barchetta (Lot 232, page 98), 2008 Peugeot 908 HDi FAP Le Mans Prototype (Lot 251, page 170), 1968 Ferrari 275 GTS/4 NART Spider (Lot 254, page 186), and 1997 Porsche 911 GT1 Evolution (Lot 261, page 218).

At the last RM Sotheby’s Monaco auction in 2014, total sales reached 41 million euros ($46 million at current conversion rates, 04/22/2106), and this year’s event is expected to match (if not exceed) that figure. The event will be held at Le Sporting Monte-Carlo on Saturday, May 14th. Stay tuned to TopSpeed for a full recap.

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Ford, Volvo, Google Launch Group To Champion Autonomous Cars

In what could very well be a landmark moment for autonomous driving technology, Ford and Volvo have teamed up with Google, Uber, and Lyft to form a coalition that will push for federal action to help expedite the development of autonomous cars. The group calls itself the “Self-Driving Coalition for Safer Streets” and it’s main objective is to work hand-in-hand with lawmakers, regulators, and the general public in an effort to raise awareness of the “safety and societal benefits” of autonomous vehicles.

The formation of this group is about as serious as it gets in championing autonomous driving technology. All five companies not only share a common interest in the technology, but they’re also bent on ensuring that the tech gets the proper exposure and awareness from as many sectors as possible. It’s even tabbed former NHTSA chief David Strickland to act as the group’s counsel and spokesman.

Strickland himself discussed the formation of the Self-Driving Coalition for Safer Cars in a conversation with Reuters, where in he emphasized the main objectives of the group as it pertains to the creation of specific rules on how autonomous driving cars can be integrated into public roads. The former NHTSA chief also insisted that the group isn’t an organized lobbying formation, but merely a “full policy and messaging campaign movement.”

The formation of the group comes at an intriguing time, especially when you take account the NHTSA’s own plans to issue self-driving guidelines by July 2016. The agency hopes to release these guidance to states, policymakers, automakers, and companies that are involved in developing autonomous driving technology.

It remains to be seen how effective the Self-Driving Coalition for Safer Streets will be in championing this cause. But the mere formation of the group and those involved in it paints a clear picture that all parties are all-in on the development of autonomous driving technology.

Continue after the jump to read the full story.

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BMW X3 M

BMW launched the X3 back in 2003 as its second SUV and the market’s first compact luxury crossover. Updated in 2010, the X3 ditched its weird-looking front fascia in favor of a nose that resembled the X5’s. The second-gen crossover also saw production move from Graz, Austria, to BMW’s U.S. factory in Greer, South Carolina. As a result, the X3 entered the North American market as a locally built vehicle with a more affordable sticker. For 2015, BMW offers the X3 in three guises, with the engine lineup including 2.0-liter, four-cylinder and 3.0-liter, inline-six gasoline units, as well as a 2.0-liter diesel mill.

With both Mercedes-Benz and Audi reportedly working on beefed-up versions of their GLC (GLK) and Q5 models, respectively, BMW is considering green-lighting a high-performance version of the X3 for the third-generation model. Likely to arrive in 2016, the X3 M has been somewhat confirmed by BMW M chief Frank van Meel at the 2015 Detroit Auto Show, who also revealed that the X4 is scheduled to receive an M version as well. While the X3 M is being kept under wraps as of April 2016, we put together a speculative piece on what the crossover might have to offer once it arrives. Read on for the details.

Updated 04/28/2016: Our spy photographers caught the upcoming BMW X3 M out for a first testing session on public roads in Germany as well as close to the M test center outside of Munich.

Continue reading to learn more about the upcoming BMW X3 M.

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Acura Celebrates Its 30th Anniversary With A Special Marketing Campaign

Acura was founded as a luxury division of Honda on March 27th, 1986, which means this year marks the brand’s 30th anniversary. Adding to 30 years of success is the fact that Acura has become the leading luxury brand to millennial buyers, as it has the highest share of millennial customers among all luxury brands. That said, Acura has launched a new advertising campaign to help it celebrate all of its success.

The new marketing campaign includes a new 60-second ad titled “30 Years Young.” The video is narrated by Michael B. Jordan and depicts a quick rundown of Acura’s history. It’s a pretty hard feat to accomplish in 60 seconds, but the ad starts off showing the original Acura NSX, and some historical images and footage. Halfway through the video, we see Acura engineers working, then shortly after the screen is graced a quick slide show of each Acura model and eventually ends with the new Acura NSX as it barrels down a desert road. Don’t take my word for it, though. If you’re a fan of Acura, you’ll want to watch the clip for yourself.

Jon Ikeda, the Vice President and General Manager of Acura, said, “The Acura brand is 30 years young, and we wanted this spot to communicate the energy, excitement, and optimism that surrounds Acura at this important moment in our history. As we continue to focus on advancing our Precision Crafted Performance DNA, we are excited at how this direction is resonating with our millennial customers.”

The campaign kicks off this week with the 60-second commercial airing on broadcast television, and there will also be 15-second ads featured on the brand’s social channels. By the end of the month, Acura dealerships should be sporting 30th-anniversary posters and “collateral.”

Continue reading to find out more about this story.

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Porsche Cayenne Platinum Edition

Introduced in 2002, the Cayenne was Porsche’s first-ever SUV, and despite being heavily criticized for going against the company’s tradition as a sports car manufacturer, the performance people hauler is credited for saving Porsche from financial downfall. The popular SUV was redesigned in 2010 and the second-gen model received its mid-cycle facelift for 2015, when all models, including the hybrid, gained updated or brand-new drivetrains. For 2016, Porsche is expanding the Cayenne lineup with the Platinum Edition.

Available for the base Cayenne and the S E-Hybrid version, the Platinum package gives the crossover a sportier appearance by means of 911-spec wheels, beefier fenders, blacked-out chrome, and a special color palette. Inside, it adds more features to the usual standard equipment list, enhancing comfort and safety. Both models carry the same engine as their standard siblings under the hood, but that’s far form surprising given the recent update. With 300 and 416 horsepower at their disposal, respectively, that’s hardly an issue.

Both vehicles will arrive in U.S. showrooms in 2016, expanding the North American Cayenne lineup to no fewer than eight models.

Continue reading to learn more about the Porsche Cayenne Platinum Edition.

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Shell Concept Car

With automakers such as Tesla already selling reliable, fast, and quick-charging electric vehicles, and numerous companies moving closer to launching mass produced hydrogen cars, the industry makes small but firm steps toward phasing out fossil fuels. Sure, it won’t happen anytime soon, but the number of gasoline and diesel powered vehicles could decrease dramatically in a couple of decades. This a scenario that frightens many gas companies, including Shell, which has just unveiled a concept car that aims to prove fossil fuels can still be used efficiently with backing from the right technology.

Developed from Gordon Murray’s (yes, it’s the same man that designed the bonkers McLaren F1) T25 city carof 2010, Shell’s microcar revives the "bubble car" concept of the 1950s. It’s small and light as a feather, but unlike the BMW Isetta, it was built using modern materials and promises to return outstanding fuel economy.

Although the vehicle is still in its conceptual phase and plans for a production model have yet to be revealed, Shell believes that its new microcar will revolutionize transportation.

"This is a significant automobile engineering milestone. I’m very proud of what Shell’s scientists and their partners at Geo Technology and Gordon Murray Design have achieved. Insights gained from this project could be transformational in terms of how we address energy use in the road transport sector. Energy use and climate change are major issues for society. This project shows that if we use the best of today’s technology, including cutting edge lubricants science, we could potentially have a major impact on energy use and reduce CO2 emissions," said Mark Gainsborough, executive vice president of Shell.

It remains to be seen whether Shell’s concept car will make it into production and make an impact on the industry, but until the oil company releases further details, we will have a closer look at what we already know about this modern Isetta.

Continue reading to learn more about the Shell Concept Car.

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Audi R8 LMS Racing Car

[See image gallery at sport-carss.com]

Prologue LMS concept it show us the history of Audi, if you see more deeply you can see the inspiration from the Audi Sport Quattro rally car, the recent Audi TT Clubsport Turbo.
But the LMS is still a figment of the digital world,it might be something close to what was proposed in the Audi Prologue Piloted Driving concept. A combination of twin-turbo V8 with an electric motor to create a hybrid setup with 677 horsepower. A real racing car.

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Ford Fiesta Transformed Into Robot

We have seen different transformation made to supercars, specialy Lamborghini or Ferrari but in the following video we can see the transformation of Ford Fiesta into a robot. This is not a part of any movie but a real story. Watch out the amazing transformation.

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Bentley Preparing Faster And More Powerful Bentayga SUV

The Bentley Bentayga claims to be the fastest and most powerful SUV in the market but apparently, that title, or whatever you want to call it, isn’t ensough for Bentley. A new report by way of Auto Express indicates that an even faster and more powerful Bentayga is on the way, one that will carry the name Bentayga Speed.

Bentley CEO Wolfgang Durheimer talked about the possibility of a Bentayga Speed at the Beijing Motor Show, hinting that it’s a model that we should “expect” to see in the future. Durheimer remained mum on the details behind the model, but a quick gander at the specs of the Continental GT Speed shows that it has 633 horsepower on tap, 11.5 percent more than its standard model. Likewise, the Mulsanne Speed has 530 horsepower, close to 10 percent more than the regular Mulsanne.

Following this formula, a Bentayga Speed could pack have anywhere from 660 to 670 horsepower, further boosting its claim as the fastest and most powerful SUV in the market today. The expected improvements in performance should back up that claim as the standard Bentayga is already capable of sprinting from 0 to 60 mph in four seconds with a top speed of 187 mph. Is there a chance that the Bentayga Speed could hit 60 mph in 3.8 seconds and boast a top speed in excess of 190 mph? It’s certainly possible.

If the Bentayga Speed does come to fruition, it would represent a new variant to the SUV that’s also expected to receive diesel and hybrid versions. Given how much Bentley has invested in the Bentayga, a rounded lineup like this one would certainly give the SUV the variant versatility that makes it more appealing to a bigger group of potential customers. Whether it’s someone who’s looking for performance or someone who’s into hybrids, the Bentayga is shaping up as one of those models that has variant for every taste.

Continue after the jump to read the full story.

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