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mardi 31 mai 2016
Hyundai enables DIY CarPlay, Android Auto upgrades for some 2015-2016 models
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2016 Honda Pilot long-term road test: 7 reasons to buy one
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2013-2016 Fiat 500e recalled for software glitch
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Stop talking about 'accidents', start talking about 'collisions'
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2017 Audi TT, 2017 Ford Fusion, Subaru Levorg STI Sport: What’s New @ The Car Connection
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vendredi 27 mai 2016
Porsche 906
Widely known as Porsche’s last road-going sports prototype, the Type 906, also known as the Carerra 6, celebrates its 50th birthday in 2016 and, given its importance in Porsche’s racing history, a look back is by all means necessary. While not innovative in its own right, the 906 put the brand on a road that led, to the launch of the astounding 917 which, like many success stories, had somewhat humble beginnings.
The beginnings lay in Porsche’s Type 904, which was the last to contest the 2.0-liter GT championship in 1964 and 1965. It was rendered obsolete in only its second year by Ferrari’s Dino 206S. Porsche was forced to step up to the challenge and answered with the 906, which, under different guises, ran in the 2.0-liter class for either sports cars or prototypes. It was also the first Porsche to accommodate a long-tail (lang-heck in German) configuration for the Le Mans race alone. A number of updates kept the 906 popular among privateers up until the dawn of the 1960s at which time it was still competitive in the 2.0-liter class as the championship’s focus had shifted toward the 5.0-liter sports cars and the 3.0-liter prototypes, respectively.
Following Porsche’s ethos of learning from the past and applying it to the future, the 906 carried over the suspension and brakes from the 904. Otherwise, it was a completely new car down to its tubular space frame. In racing terms, the 906 was a success, scoring big from its debut onward, a highlight being the victory in the 1966 edition of the famed Targa Florio, which was run in pitiful conditions with rain and fog all the way.
Continue reading to learn more about the Porsche 906.
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You Can Now Configure Your Own Aston Martin GT8 Online
Just last April we learned that Aston Martin was planning a race-focused version of the V8 Vantage, and just a few days after that we saw the prototype tearing up the Nürburgring. Aston Martin wasted little time and debuted the Aston Martin Vantage GT8 – a car that follows in the footsteps of the GT12 – for the whole world to see just days later. Of course, the GT8 is a limited-edition model and will only be produced in 150 examples, but that doesn’t mean you can’t design your own right now.
Aston Martin has finally opened the floodgates to its Vantage GT8 online configurator. It allows you to customize the exterior finish, accenting, add or remove an aerodynamics package, choose from several halo paint jobs, and choose between a number of different wheels, among other things. With the way limited-edition models get snatched up these days, chances are all 150 models could already be spoken for, but at least you can still get a cool desktop background of a GT8 designed with your own personal touches, right?
Don’t forget that the GT8 isn’t all for the track. The car is built with all the track-related goodies one could ask for, but it also retains the car’s best comforts, including the air conditioning, Ami III infotainment system, and even the air conditioning. It’s not likely you’ll ever get to drive your own GT8, but in case you’re thinking about trying to get your hands on one, it comes with a 446-horsepower V-8 under the hood with a six-speed manual or seven-speed automatic strapped to the back of it.
With that said, I took the time to design my own GT8, so keep on reading to see what learn more about how I configured mine.
Continue reading for the full story.
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Bentley Prepares To Bring The 6.75-Liter V-8 Engine To An End
It seems hard to believe, but Bentley’s famed 6.75-liter V-8 engine has been around for 57 years. Over the years, the engine has been upgraded to comply with ever-increasing emissions and fuel economy standards that brought the aging power plant into the world of fuel injection, camshaft phasing, and stronger internal components. The engine hasn’t exactly exceeded its life expectancy yet, as Bentley could bring things like direct fuel injection of cam-in-cam technology, but it doesn’t look like that is going to happen.
Despite the fact that Bentley could continue to upgrade and morph the 6.75-liter to continue complying with current standards, Car and Driver reports that Bentley has chosen not to continue dumping money into the constantly aging engine. Apparently, Wolfgang Durheimer – the CEO of Bentley – said that the V-8 has found its “final home” and indicated that Bentley’s next flagship model will be powered by a 12-cylinder engine.
This shouldn’t come as much of a surprise considering that BMW tried to kill off the L-Series engine in the late 90s when it introduced the 4.4-liter V-8. Of course, shortly after that Volkswagen took over and reintroduced the L-Series engine. Since then, the engine has been continuously upgraded, but as it goes in life – all good things eventually come to an end. Keep in mind that the 6.75-liter will still be around for at least a few years. Durheimer didn’t supply any timetable as to when it will unleash what is sure to be a beast of a 12-cylinder, and the Mulsanne was just updated for 2017, so Bentley has some time to develop its big power plant.
Continue reading for the full story.
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Renault Clio R.S. 16
The fourth-generation Renault Clio was unveiled at the 2012 Paris Motor Show with a significantly redesigned body and interior as well as brand-new and updated engines. Unlike its predecessors, it didn’t receive three-door hatchback and sedan versions, being offered only as a five-door hatch or five-door estate. The Clio IV is underpinned by the Alliance B platform co-developed by Renault and Nissan in the late 1990s, but features comprehensive updates that makes it suitable for the 21st century. The fourth-gen hatch also spawns a new track-ready model, the R.S. 200, as well as a limited-edition R.S. 220 Trophy EDC with output increased from 197 horsepower to 217 horsepower.
In 2016, Renault’s high-performance division has unleashed yet another R.S.-badged Clio. Unveiled at the Formula One Monaco Grand Prix on May 27, the new beefed-up hatch wears the R.S. 16 moniker. Although new in this configuration, the "16" numeral was originally introduced on the first-generation Clio, with the 16S being used in certain markets for a performance-oriented version that replaced the 5 GT Turbo. The current name is actually identical to that of the 2016 season Formula One car.
Created to mark the Renault Sport’s 40th anniversary and to celebrate the brand’s return as a Formula One team, the new hatch is the highest performance road-going R.S. model in history and was developed in only five months. Unfortunately, it is only a concept for now and the French firm didn’t say whether it will spawn a production model or not.
“Our aim was to produce a concept car with genuinely outstanding performance credentials,” said Patrice Ratti, Managing Director of Renault Sport Cars. “On paper, producing a Clio R.S. powered by our most potent engine was an extremely appealing idea, but we had to make sure it was feasible.”
Until Renault gives us more information about the production potential of the R.S. 16 concept, let’s have a closer look at what it brings to the table in the detailed review below.
Continue reading to learn more about the Renault Clio R.S. KZ 01.
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BMW X1
It’s been six years since BMW stormed the mini SUV segment with the X1, and the German automaker has just launched the second-generation version of the car that made Audi and Mercedes-Benz create the Q3 and GLA, respectively.
Introduced in 2009 as the brand’s smallest crossover and fourth SUV after the X3, X5, and X6, the X1 was praised for its powerful engines, sedan-like dynamics, and good fuel economy. A commercial success with more than 700,000 units sold globally through 2014, the second-gen X1 has pretty big shoes to fill and it’s looking to try and best its predecessor with a new exterior design, a revamped interior, and updated drivetrains.
More importantly, the X1 has just become the first BMW-badged SUV to use a front-wheel-drive architecture, borrowing the UKL platform from the Mini Cooper. The X1 joins the 2 Series Active Tourer and 2 Series Gran Tourer to form BMW’s new family of FWD vehicles, which will expand to other nameplates in the future as well.
We’re still a few months away from seeing the 2016 X1 on auto show and dealership floors, but BMW released just enough information on its brand-new crossover. Keep reading to find out more about the second-generation X1.
Updated 05/27/2016: The BMW X1 was named as a Top Safety Pick+ but the IIHS. Check out the Safety section below for all the details.
Continue reading to learn more about the 2016 BMW X1.
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Peugeot L500 R HYbrid
It was 100 years ago that Dario Resta and his Peugeot L45 averages a speed of 83.89 mph and won the Indianapolis 500 race of 1916. That was only one of three victories that Peugeot managed to attain between 1913 and 1919 at the Indy 500. Now in 2016, Peugeot has announced the Peugeot L500 R Hybrid to pay tribute to such an accomplishment and the “Charlatans” team that made it possible. The concept is said to be a “futuristic interpretation of the Indy Spirit” and a “racing concept for intense driving sensations.”
Matthias Hossann, Peugeot’s Concept Car and Technological Advance Chief, said, “With Peugeot L500 R Hybrid we’re paying tribute to Peugeot racing exploits dating to the early 20th century. Inspired by this spirit of performance and innovation we wanted to convey a sculptural, elegant and technological view of the future of Peugeot motorsport.”
Let’s be honest, at first glance this concept is highly futuristic but gorgeous at the same time. It features strong character lines, muscular wheel arches, and an impressive livery. In short, Peugeot took its time developing this concept and it looks amazing for that reason. With a long hood and a short tail, and a low profile that has this thing sitting low to the ground, it could, in theory, be a preview of what race cars in the future will look like. Of course, we have no idea how the future will unfold, but let’s take a good look at Peugeot’s new concept and see just how Peugeot sees the future of race cars and their design.
Continue reading to learn more about the Peugeot L500 R HYbrid.
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Nissan GT-R Nismo
Introduced in 2007 for the fifth-generation, R34 Skyline, the GT-R redefined the way we think about sports cars in general and Nissan in particular. Built on a dedicated platform and design to reflect Japanese culture, the GT-R is a unique sports car that offers supercar-like performance for a more affordable sticker. In 2015, Nissan launched a Nismo-tuned model with increased output and a revised aerodynamic package. The GT-R Nismo quickly made a name for itself on the sports car market thanks to its impressive performance figures, including a 2.9-second 0-to-60 mph sprint, and a Nurburgring Nordschleife lap of only 7:08 minutes, the fifth fastest for road-going production cars.
With a rumored, second-generation GT-R underway, the fate of the mighty Nismo is still a mystery at this point. Most likely the nameplate will disappear for a few years until the new GT-R sets in, but it seems that Nissan isn’t yet willing to discontinue the current version. With the standard GT-R having received a new update for the 2017 model year, the Nismo was expected to get its fair share of upgrades too. This just happened as the Japanese firm unveiled the new GT-R Nismo at the Nurburgring track. The update is actually a mild facelift that doesn’t add more power to the V-6 engine, but it includes a revised aerodynamic kit and a tweaked chassis that makes it even quicker at the track.
Nissan didn’t say whether it plans to attempt a new Nurburgring record, but that’s very likely in the coming months. Until that happens, let’s have a closer look at the 2017 GT-R Nismo in the review below.
Continue reading to learn more about the 2017 Nissan GT-R Nismo.
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Bentley Continental GT Speed
It’s been only a year since Bentley introduced a mild visual update for the bonkers GT Speed and massaged its W-12 powerplant for an additional 10 ponies, and the Brits have issued yet another upgrade for its fastest production grand tourer ever. Set to bow at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show in March as a 2016 model, the revised GT Speed is part of an overhaul of the entire GT lineup, as well as the four-door Flying Spur. The GT Speed essentially borrows the visual enhancements that now adorn the standard GT, while receiving unique details that make it stand out as the most quick and powerful member of the GT family.
The mild upgrade brings a few nips and tucks in the cabin as well, likely to keep it fresh until the third-generation model arrives sometime in 2018. Granted, Bentley’s decision to update the Continental GT Speed two years in a row might seem strange, but the new add-ons are the result of the standard Continental’s mid-cycle facelift. Let’s have a closer look at what the GT Speed has in store for the 2016 model year in the detailed review below.
Updated 05/27/2016: Bentley announced prices for the 2017 Continental GT Speed, both coupe and convertible versions. Check the "Prices" section to see how much you will have to pay for it!
Click past the jump to read more about the Bentley Continental GT Speed.
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Alfa Romeo Could Bring Back The Brera As A Replacement To The 4C
The Alfa Romeo Brera was a front-wheel drive sports car that the Italian automaker built from 2005 to 2010. Despite garnering a handful of awards, the Brera wasn’t the seller that Alfa hoped it would be. Only 21,661 units were sold in its lifetime before the company decided to axe the model entirely. Fast forward six years later and there’s talk that Alfa is looking into dusting off the Brera name as it searches for a name for the eventual successor of the 4C.
According to Autobild, the “new” Brera will have some notable differences from its namesake, most notably the switch from front-wheel drive to rear-wheel drive with all-wheel drive being considered as an upgraded option. The sports car will also make use of the same platform that currently underpins the Giulia, which would make sense considering how heavily invested Alfa is to its existing premium sedan. Should the company proceed with this plan, the Brera will carry a front-mounted engine as opposed to the mid-engine layout of the 4C.
Speaking of the engine, details an engine-sharing scheme with the Giulia is possible, although power levels will be tuned differently to fit the specific needs of both cars. In the case of the Brera and its status as Alfa’s new sports car, expect the company to gear the car towards a more power-oriented profile with the possibility of using the same 2.9-liter turbocharged engine found in the Giulia Quadrifoglio Verde. The sedan has 505 horsepower on tap, so if the Brera were to use it, that output could be a little more than what the Giulia has.
Needless to say, all of this still subject to a lot of approvals from inside Alfa Romeo. But with the 4C already entrenched in its lifespan, it makes sense for the Italian automaker to begin looking ahead on its possible successor. If the Brera does get the green light, it could lineup against some of the segments notable heavyweights, including the Mercedes C-Class Coupe and the BMW 4 Series.
Continue after the jump read the full story.
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Alfa Romeo Could Bring Back The Breta As A Replacement To The 4C
The Alfa Romeo Brera was a front-wheel drive sports car that the Italian automaker built from 2005 to 2010. Despite garnering a handful of awards, the Brera wasn’t the seller that Alfa hoped it would be. Only 21,661 units were sold in its lifetime before the company decided to axe the model entirely. Fast forward six years later and there’s talk that Alfa is looking into dusting off the Brera name as it searches for a name for the eventual successor of the 4C.
According to Autobild, the “new” Brera will have some notable differences from its namesake, most notably the switch from front-wheel drive to rear-wheel drive with all-wheel drive being considered as an upgraded option. The sports car will also make use of the same platform that currently underpins the Giulia, which would make sense considering how heavily invested Alfa is to its existing premium sedan. Should the company proceed with this plan, the Brera will carry a front-mounted engine as opposed to the mid-engine layout of the 4C.
Speaking of the engine, details an engine-sharing scheme with the Giulia is possible, although power levels will be tuned differently to fit the specific needs of both cars. In the case of the Brera and its status as Alfa’s new sports car, expect the company to gear the car towards a more power-oriented profile with the possibility of using the same 2.9-liter turbocharged engine found in the Giulia Quadrifoglio Verde. The sedan has 505 horsepower on tap, so if the Brera were to use it, that output could be a little more than what the Giulia has.
Needless to say, all of this still subject to a lot of approvals from inside Alfa Romeo. But with the 4C already entrenched in its lifespan, it makes sense for the Italian automaker to begin looking ahead on its possible successor. If the Brera does get the green light, it could lineup against some of the segments notable heavyweights, including the Mercedes C-Class Coupe and the BMW 4 Series.
Continue after the jump read the full story.
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FCA's Jefferson North Plant Rolls Out Six-Millionth Vehicle
The Jefferson North Plant in Detroit has been pumping out Chrysler vehicles since 1992 and has just reached the milestone of six million vehicles made. The now iconic first-generation Jeep Grand Cherokee was the first to roll off the assembly line. Fiat Chrysler is celebrating by showcasing the six-millionth vehicle – a 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee 75th anniversary edition.
“Reaching this milestone is a reflection of this plant’s commitment to supporting the continued growth of the Jeep brand around the world and playing a role in the comeback of Detroit,” said Curt Towne, Jefferson North Plant Manager. “Our employees are proud to be part of this unique time in the history of both the Company and the City. They understand that not only are they contributing to the success of FCA U.S., but they are proving that Detroit will always be the Motor City.”
The Grand Cherokee’s 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 was cranked over around 8:30 p.m. local time as employees of the Jefferson plant watched the completion of the final checks before heading to a customer in Michigan.
The Jefferson plant employs nearly 4,500 people in three million square feet. The plant runs three crews who work two 10-hour shifts that run six days a week. FCA says it takes a vehicle a day and a half to travel the length of the assembly line – from the body shop where panels are welded together to the final checkpoint process. In 2015 alone, the plant produced more than 365,000 vehicles. The Jefferson plant also builds vehicles for export to 135 markets worldwide. These exports comprise roughly 25 percent of its entire volume.
Through its 24-year history, the Jefferson plant has produced mostly Jeep vehicles, including the Jeep Commander from 2005-2010, but also began building the Dodge Durango in December of 2010. The plant also celebrated its five-millionth vehicle back in 2013 when another Jeep Grand Cherokee rolled off the line.
Continue reading for more information
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2015 Toyota Yaris recalled for suspension problem
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Fiat Chrysler, Honda recall nearly 10 million more Takata airbags
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Memorial Day traffic, 2016 Jaguar F-Type, 2017 Nissan GT-R Nismo: What’s New @ The Car Connection
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Channing Tatum To Star In Steven Soderbergh-Directed NASCAR Movie
We’re not exactly seeing the return of Cole Trickle or Ricky Bobby in the big screen, but this one could turn into something better than Days of Thunder and Talladega Nights. NASCAR has announced that it’s collaborating with Academy Award-winning Steven Soderbergh on a feature film called Logan Lucky.
The movie will reportedly be headlined by Channing Tatum and will also star Daniel Craig, Katherine Heigl, Riley Keough, Seth McFarlane, and Kylo Ren himself, Adam Driver. While this film will be Tatum’s first movie project with NASCAR, the 36-year old actor has been involved with the sport, most notably his stint as a grand marshall with 22 Jump Street co-star Jonah Hill during the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Pocono 400 in 2014.
The specifics of the plot have yet to be revealed, but it is going to be a heist movie that will take place at the Charlotte Motor Speedway. Soderbergh will sit on the director’s chair for the movie, making it the first film he’ll be directing since his “retirement” from film making in 2013. Before that, the critically-acclaimed director was responsible for a number of notable films, including Erin Brockovich and Traffic, for which he won the Academy Award for Best Director in 2001. Soderbergh also has experience in the heist film genre, having directed the Ocean’s Trilogy in the mid 2000’s.
For its part, NASCAR is going to be heavily involved in the project. NASCAR VP of entertainment marketing and content development Zane Stoddard commented on the film project, calling it a “big-heated, fun story that showcases NASCAR and the Charlotte Motor Speedway as the world-class sports entertainment property and venue that they are.” Stoddard will also serve as an executive producer in the movie. Pre-production for the film is expected to begin at the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Coca-Cola 600 this weekend with an eye towards a Fall 2017 release.
Note: Image Channing Tatum Instagram.
Continue after the jump to read the full story.
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Subaru Outback
The Subaru Outback has always been the Boy Scout of the car/wagon/crossover crew, with its standard AWD and rugged, foul-weather-defeating demeanor. While that demeanor won’t likely change, reports say the Outback is getting a Legacy-style work-over for the 2015 model year and will make its grand entrance at the 2014 New York Auto Show this spring.
Since the Outback is essentially the wagon version of the Legacy, it makes sense the recent changes to the 2015 Legacy would make their way over to the Outback. What this means for the Outback is a new exterior look with a similar reworked grille, headlights and raked windshield. The extra body cladding and plastic bits that make an Outback look like an Outback will surely make their return.
Inside, the same redesigned dashboard, instrument panel and center console with softer touch, more premium materials will be present. The coupe-like look of the new Legacy obviously won’t make the jump as cargo room and rear passenger headroom are bigger priorities in the Outback.
History tells us the powertrain offerings will be identical as well. The new Legacy offers two engine choices: a 2.5-liter flat-four making 175 horsepower and 174 pound-feet of torque and the 3.6-liter flat-six putting out 256 horsepower and 247 pound-feet of torque. Unfortunately, both engines are stuck with CVT transmissions with no conventional manual on the horizon.
Update 05/27/2016: Subaru has released pricing for the 2017 Outback. The base 2.5i trim starts at $25,645 while the range-topping Touring trim starts at $39,070.
Continue reading to learn more about the Subaru Outback.
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jeudi 26 mai 2016
NHTSA to introduce rear-seat test dummies in car safety tests
Rear-seat crash-test dummies are about to become a real thing after the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration revealed plans to begin using these dummies in back seats beginning in 2019. The move comes in the wake of increased emphasis being put on the safety of back-seat passengers, including children sitting in car seats. In case you’re wondering why it took this long for the NHTSA to make this move in light of the fact that its 5-Star Safety Ratings Program began all the way back in 1978, well you’re questions are as good as ours.
The truth is that equal safety attention being paid to rear-seat passengers should have been done a long time ago, maybe even as early as when the NHTSA’s ratings program started. But for one reason or another, that program only paid attention to the safety of the driver and the front-seat passenger and the advancements that have been made in that area hasn’t extended to the occupants at the back of the car.
As far as the ways on how to address the safety of rear-seat passengers are concerned, there are have been some suggestions on that front, including the use of air bags in the back, improvements to the seat belts, or developing rear seats that can also absorb shock the same way that front seats do. Even the advancements in the front seats have brought about unintended consequences for those seating behind them, including their capacity to collapse in rear-end collisions, which could lead to the seats hitting back-seat passengers, as was the case of a 16-month girl who lost her life because the front seat of the car she was in collapsed and hit her head.
Suffice to say, the NHTSA will have a tough time addressing this challenge. There have been some ideas like side-impact air bags and inflatable seat belts that have been thrown around and discussed. The use of the rear-end crash dummies could also help access key information on what steps need to be done to address the issue. For now, though, there are still a lot of unanswered questions as to how the agency would tackle the issue, and the sooner the NHTSA clears it up and presents its plan, the clearer this picture is going to be.
Continue after the jump to read the full story.
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Ford Fiesta ST Le Mans 50th Anniversary Edition
It was 50 years ago that the original GT40 secured a win at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, and this year Ford is returning to France hoping to secure another historic win with the new Ford GT. Returning to the 24 Hours of Le Mans with the new Ford GT isn’t the only way the company is celebrating that win 50 years ago, though. Now, the company is releasing special-edition versions for the Ford Focus ST, Ford Focus RS, and the Ford Mustang. The car’s feature a distinguishing black livery with gray racing stripes, are being built specifically for the French market, and will be only be produced in 50 examples each.
If you can recall back that far, the Ford GT40 MkII that was driving by B. McLaren and C. Amon back in 1966 also featured the same black finish with gray racing stripes. Outside of the exterior livery, each car is equipped with the standard engine offered for their respective base models and are available with a few options to make them even better. With that said, let’s take a look at the Fiesta ST Le Mans 50th Anniversary Edition and what helps to make it so special.
Continue reading to learn more about the Ford Fiesta ST Le Mans 50th Anniversary Edition.
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HSV ClubSport R8 Track Edition
Launched in 2013, the current ClubSport is the entry-level sedan in the HSV range, which in turn is the high-performance division of Holden. A beefed-up version of the Commodore VF, the Gen-F HSV ClubSport features enhanced aerodynamics, a sportier interior, and a high-revving, naturally aspirated V-8 engine. The unit in question is a revised version of the 6.2-liter LS3 used in the previous generation Chevrolet Corvette and Camaro. A slightly more powerful variant is offered under the ClubSport R8 badge. The performance-oriented sedan will be discontinued in 2017, when Holden will cease all operations in Australia.
The last couple of years have seen Holden and HSV launch several special-edition models of the Commodore. With the sedan so close to exiting the market, HSV has prepared three final versions of the ClubSport R8, one of which is the Track Edition. Limited to only 156 units, the R8 Track Edition is essentially a standard R8 under the hood, but borrows most of its exterior features from the supercharged ClubSport GTS and sports a few performance improvements underneath.
“Given the unique track-inspired content, the sharp pricing and the fact that these will be the last LS3 ClubSport R8’s ever built, we’re anticipating strong demand”, said Tim Jackson, HSV’s managing director. The Track Edition was launched alongside the Black SV and Grange SV versions and joins the Clubsport R8 25th Anniversary Edition as one of the last HSVs to leave the factory.
Continue reading to learn more about the HSV ClubSport R8 Track Edition.
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Bentley Continental GT Speed Black Edition
In March 2016, Bentley launched the Continental GT Black Speed special edition for the Australian market. Essentially a follow-up for the GT Concours, which features blacked-out chrome, the Black Speed was created with help from the bespoke Mulliner division and features a black exterior with red highlights inspired by the "Monster By Mulliner" concept revealed at the 2016 Consumer Electronics Show. Only a few weeks have passed since the Black Speed was announced and Bentley has launched yet another special-edition using the "Black" moniker, this time based on the range-topping GT Speed.
Unlike the Australian-only version, the GT Speed Black Edition is available for both European and U.S. customers, can be had in both coupe and convertible body styles, and in more than just one exterior color. More importantly, it features the drivetrain update the standard GT Speed just received for the 2017 model year, consisting of extra horsepower and torque, and a quicker 0-to-60 mph sprint.
Bentley says that the Black Edition was developed to "meet demand from customers for a model in the Continental line that offers both increased sporting capabilities and instantly recognizable styling cues." In other words, the Black Edition offers the stout performance of the GT Speed, but the subtle looks that other Bentleys, known for their hefty amount of chrome, can’t deliver.
Deliveries for the GT Speed Black Edition begin in the summer of 2016 in both Europe and the United States.
Updated 05/26/2016: Bentley Motors unveiled the new GT Speed and GT Speed Black Edition this week during an exclusive event in New York City. With the occasion the company released prices for both coupe and convertible versions.
Continue reading to learn more about the Bentley Continental GT Speed Black Edition.
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Subaru BRZ
Right around the turn of the decade Subaru and Toyota teamed up to jointly develop a compact, rear-wheel driven sports car. Come 2012, and we were graced with Toyota GT86 and the Subaru BRZ. The same car was also marketed as the FR-S through Toyota’s Scion brand until the brand was dissolved in 2016. For 2017, Subaru has revamped the BRZ to bring some new features to the aging sports car. For starters, the front fascia has been revised, and the car will now come standard with 17-inch aluminum alloy wheels. BRZ Premium models will now get automatic headlights with automatic adjustment, simulated leather on the center dash trim, daytime running lights, hill start assist, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, body-colored aluminum spoiler, and vehicle stability control. Limited models get even more goodies, including LED fog lights, a new instrument cluster, and the option for paddle shifters on the steering wheel.
The new goodies don’t stop there. Limited trim models can opt for those paddle-shift control switches and a shift lever boot with simulated leather and red stitching. All models equipped with a manual transmission can also be optioned with a new performance package that adds on black alloy wheels, Brembo brake system, and Sachs shock absorbers in the front and rear. As you can see, most of the new goodies come the Premium and Limited trims, but they should help to keep the model fresh until Subaru (and Toyota for that matter) can manage to usher in a new generation for the compact sports car.
So, now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s dive on into the details of the 2017 Subaru BRZ and talk about what will help it prevail until that next generation finally comes to be.
Continue reading to learn more about the 2017 Subaru BRZ.
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2017 Land Rover Discovery
The Discovery has a long and storied past, but it seems Land Rover is preparing for the future with the next generation of its go-anywhere, luxurious SUV. Our spy photographers snapped several shots of a camouflaged test mule rolling through the streets of Europe. Looking more like a rounded-off Range Rover, this new-age Discovery is likely taking the Discovery name and design from retro to revolutionary.
Not much is known at this point, but knowing Jaguar Land Rover’s current tendencies to construct everything out of lightweight aluminum and powering it with a supercharged engine, speculations can be made.
And yes, we fully expect the next Discovery to have an all-aluminum chassis like the Range Rover. This not only helps cut weight – something the current Discovery greatly suffers from – but also helps improve performance, both on and off road. The other obvious benefit to the aluminum diet is fuel savings. To say the current Discovery is thirsty would be a gross understatement.
Although Land Rover appears to be reinventing the Discovery’s looks, it still seems the Disco will keeps many of its identifying features, helping new customers identify the SUV and long-time loyalists feel nostalgia. Though it’s hard to see in the photos, expect the stepped roof and split-level tailgate to return.
Also returning will be the Discovery’s outstanding off-road qualities. Land Rover will surely stick with its Terrain Response system and air ride suspension. A new crop of powertrains is also expected, bringing more power and greater fuel economy simultaneously.
Of course, the next-generation Discovery will also be sold in the U.S., though it could be under the LR nameplate. If that’s the case, perhaps this is the LR5.
Update 05/26/2016: New spy shots have captured the Discovery’s updated interior, along with a few new details on the front fascia. The new Disco was spotted on the Nürburgring during performance testing.
Continue reading to learn more about the 2017 Land Rover Discovery.
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Ford Mustang Le Mans 50th Anniversary Edition
The sixth-generation Ford Mustang was unveiled in December 2013 and went on sale for the 2015 model year. The redesigned pony car is a significant departure from its predecessor, being the first to feature an independent rear suspension. The new Mustang is also the first to be marketed and sold globally, and the first to receive a right-hand drive version from the factory. Also, it’s the first pony since the third-generation car to feature a turbocharged, four-cylinder engine.
It’s been two years since the new muscle car arrived in dealerships and the sixth-gen Mustang has already spawned several special-edition models, as well as high-performance versions wearing Shelby, Saleen, and Roush badges. For 2016, Ford is releasing yet another limited-edition model, this time around for the French market only. Dubbed 50th Anniversary, it is limited to only 50 units, features a special exterior color, and pays tribute to Ford’s legendary 1-2-3 win at the 1966 24 Hours of Le Mans. The 50th Anniversary Mustang arrives just ahead of this year’s endurance race and is part of a series that also includes the Fiesta ST, Focus ST, and the bonkers Focus RS.
The special-edition coupe is based on the range-topping Mustang GT and we will have a closer look at its features below.
Continue reading to learn more about the Ford Mustang Le Mans 50th Anniversary Edition.
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Ford Files Trademark For Zephyr Name
Lincoln’s use of the Zephyr name dates all the way back to 1936. The Zephyr only lasted until 1940 and from there, it was periodically used by the automaker, most recently in 2006 when the Lincoln Zephyr was introduced as the company’s version of the Ford Fusion. The model was eventually renamed the MKZ and from there, the Zephyr name has been relegated to the shelves. That could soon change with reports that Ford Motor Company has officially applied to trademark the “Zephyr” name for the first time since 2013.
Granted, trademark filings like this could go in a number of different directions and Ford’s application for the name falls under “motor vehicles and parts and accessories thereof.” It’s an ambiguous description that could mean a new car or, well, parts and accessories. But given the history of the Zephyr name and the sheer absurdity of the naming a part or an accessory with that name, smart money is on the trademark being used for a future model.
The filing also ties into Ford’s recent push to bring what was once America’s most prominent luxury brand back to life. The arrival of the new Continental has been met with incredible interest and combined with the Navigator flagship SUV, Lincoln has its two important cornerstone models. Adding the Zephyr into the mix could at least help increase interest in the brand as Lincoln moves away from its "MK-" nomenclature and bring back the names of the models that brought it to prominence in the past.
Continue after the jump to read the full story.
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