News And Sports cars : 2017

mardi 13 juin 2017

Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro – Driven

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

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

Continue reading for the full review.

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

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

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

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Porsche 911 GT2 RS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Richard Hammond Recovering From Surgery After Surviving Fiery Crash

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

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

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

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Honda Clarity

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

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

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

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Porsche 911 GT2 RS Debuts At XBox E3

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

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

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

Continue reading for the full story.

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Watch this Mean Shelby Cobra 427 Flex its Muscles and Burn Rubber

There’s nothing like a Shelby Cobra 427 revving its big V-8 engine - it’s even better when it happens at the race track. And, this footage recorded by YouTube user "bbrandle2" at the 2017 Goodguys Pleasanton Autocross is proof that the original Shelby Cobra is a crowd pleaser. And loud. And downright awesome!

Sure, modern Mustangs and Camaros are cool too, and a Dodge Viper lapping the Laguna Seca is something I could watch for hours, but nothing compared to the magnificent Cobra 427 that Shelby Carroll himself designed in the mid-1960s. It has the looks, the power (425 horsepower of it!), the exhaust note, and all the fame a muscle car can get. Seeing one in action is a real treat too, since the 427 was produced in less than 350 units, including S/C and Competition roadsters.

Continue reading for the video.

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Kia Stonic

Korean automaker Kia has expanded its lineup at an amazing rate in recent years, tackling numerous segments that it has ignored in the past. It also launched increasingly better vehicles in the last decade, to the extent that it can now give more established brands a run for their money in Europe and the United States. But Kia isn’t stopping here and now wants to enter the mini-SUV market. It will do so in late 2017 with the Stonic, a small crossover that will share underpinnings with a similar vehicle from sister company Hyundai. The Stonic will tackle the likes of the Nissan Juke and Mazda CX-3, joining the Sportage and Sorento in the lineup.

Not much is known about the Stonic right now, but Kia has already released a couple of design sketches along with a brief press release. In addition, the crossover was spotted on public roads and we have quite a few spy shots to look at. Not surprisingly, the production model isn’t as aggressive as the rendering, but it seems to have all the attributes required by the mini SUV market and then some. Until Kia launches more official data, you can find out everything we know about the Stonic in the speculative review below.

Continue reading to learn more about the 2018 Kia Stonic.

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Full Powertrain Spec Sheet For Challenger SRT Demon Revealed, We Compare It To The Hellcat

When Dodge pulled the sheets on the utterly insane Challenger SRT Demon back in April at the 2017 New York International Auto Show, months of speculation finally collided with reality, and the result was one of the most badass factory drag racers ever unleashed. The headline specs on the Demon beg belief, with nearly 850 horsepower and 770 pound-feet of torque sent to the rear axle thanks to a supercharged 6.2-liter V-8. Stuffing the engine is a 2.7-liter supercharger producing 14.5 psi of boost, which prompts at 2.3-second sprint in the 60-mph benchmark. Keep your foot down, and you’ll see the quarter mile blitzed in 9.65 seconds at 140 mph. Insanity. Now, Dodge has a full rundown on hard numbers to document that craziness with the release of the Demon’s powertrain spec sheet.

You can check out the attached press release for all the nitty gritty details, but in the meantime, here are a few highlights. For starters, Dodge says the V-8 engine manages to swallow as much as 173 cubic feet of air during a full-throttle quarter-mile run, which is roughly the same volume as the lung capacity of 816 humans. During a hard launch, the Nitto cheater slicks produce upwards of 1.8 g’s of forward acceleration, enough to lift the nose of the car off the ground for a fronts-up wheelie off the line. There’s plenty of other details as well, so read on if you wanna get nerdy with it as we compare it the “standard” Hellcat.

Continue reading for the full press release.

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The Hoonigan Crew And Bisimoto Prove The Fix For Uncool Is More Horsepower: Video

Not too long ago, minivan ownership was akin to admitting defeat, a white flag waved in the interest of replacing fun with practicality. Luckily, that’s not always the case any more. Just ask Bisi Ezerioha, founder of Bisimoto Engineering, who built the above-featured 1,000-horse Honda Odyssey. “I started a young family, and I love cars, I love speed,” Bisi says.” So, I’m a guy who loves speed, loves to go fast, build crazy horsepower, but I have a family now, so what do I do? Build a minivan.” Makes sense to us.

Bisi cut his teeth in the world of speed by setting numerous records in FWD Honda drag racers. These days, he’s running one of the most badass tuner shops in the country – Bisimoto Engineering, based out of Ontario, California. You may have heard the name before. Bisimoto Engineering is responsible for some of the most exciting builds to hit the scene in recent memory, including a slew of jaw-dropping Porsches (here’s one example, a Steve McQueen tribute). Or there’s this 1,000-horsepower Hyundai Santa Fe that graced SEMA last year. With a resume like that, a four-figure Odyssey looks like business as usual. At about just under 20 minutes, the video is kinda long, but worth it to see this slammed people mover killing tires at Hoonigan HQ.

Continue reading for the full story.

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Here's the Only New-Generation Holden Commodore that Still Has a V-8!

New-generation Holden Commodore with a V-8? It may sound like a joke given that the new, Opel Insignia-based Commodore uses a V-6, but it’s not. There’s at least one that still uses a V-8 powerplant. Unfortunately, it’s just a concept for now, and the final result will be a race car and not a road-legal production model. In case you haven’t figured it out yet, I’m talking about Holden’s new race car for the Australia Supercars Championship.

Redesigned for the 2018 season for obvious reasons, the new Commodore Supercar borrows styling cues from the latest-generation street Commodore, which is a slightly revised version of the European-made Opel Insignia as far as design goes. But while the road car ditched the GM-sourced V-8 in favor of a new turbocharged V-6, the race car will continue to use last year’s V-8 engine. But, even though Holden successfully homologated the old V-8 for 2018, the naturally aspirated mill will be phased out starting 2019, when it will be replaced with a race-spec version of the Commodore’s V-6.

Continue reading for the full story.

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USAF Taps Into Elon Musk's SpaceX to Launch the X-37B into Space

Elon Musk’s company, SpaceX, has accomplished a lot in its short time of existence. Most recently, SpaceX proved to the world that rockets could be reused when it launched the SES-10 communications satellite into orbit a few months ago with a used Falcon 9 rocket, which it also landed at the end of the mission. SpaceX has obviously been generating a lot of hype with the push to make space travel more plausible and affordable, and its next major mission comes this August when it is set to launch the USAF’s X-37B Orbital Test Vehicle (OTV) into space. Confirmation of this mission came straight from AF Secretary, Heather Wilson, during a U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee meeting.

This is the fifth time an X-37B has been launched into space, with the first four launches being handled by United Launch Alliance Atlas 5 rockets. Over the last seven years, the X-37B has seen a total of 2,085 days in orbit, with its very first flight taking place back in April of 2010. But, that’s where the secrecy comes in as there’s no word as to what these unmanned orbiters have been doing in low-earth orbit. In the most recent landing back in May of 2017, the Air Force released a statement that claims the X-37B program “performs risk reduction, experimentation, and concept-of-operations development for reusable space-vehicle technologies.” Keep reading to learn a little more about the X-37B and its upcoming mission.

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Just In Case A Built-In Aquarium Qualifies As One Of Your Supercar Needs

Resorting to gimmicks is an age-old practice in the auto industry. That’s especially true for start-up companies who want to make a name for themselves in the business. Using that justification, it’s easy to forgive Italian start-up Frangivento for not only dipping into this well, but for actually building one inside its new supercar offering, the Asfane Charlotte Roadster.

Okay, so it’s not really a well. It’s an aquarium, which sounds no less ridiculous. But still, an aquarium inside the car? Perhaps the company needed to get as much attention as it could. After all, there’s only a finite number of premium materials in the world, so when that option dries up, might as well dive into the deep waters, right? The good news is that the aquarium isn’t the only notable feature of the Charlotte Roadster. It’s got a supremely aggressive design that fits into the mold of how an exotic should look like. Most importantly, it has a 70 kilowatt-hour battery pack that’s reportedly good for 885 horsepower. According to Frangivento, those figures allow the supercar to post a 0-to-60-mph time of just 2.6 seconds before peaking at a top speed of 189 mph. As ridiculous as the aquarium is, it’s good to know the Charlotte Roadster also has the performance capabilities to back up its audacious look and quirky features.

Continue after the jump to read the full story.

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IWC Schaffhausen Pays Tribute To AMG's 50th Anniversary The Only Way It Knows How

Mercedes-Benz is celebrating AMG’s 50th anniversary in style, and now that Swiss watchmaker IWC is involved, that statement can be taken quite literally. The Swiss-based premium timepiece company has served as the official timekeeper for Mercedes-AMG since 2004. IWC is marking the celebration with a special edition version of its Ingenieur watch.

The watch is low-key compared to what we’ve become used to when automakers collaborate with watchmakers. Often times, these collaborations result in outlandish-looking watches that are either decked in fancy trim, have elaborate straps, or are just look plain bonkers. But IWC opted for a subtle approach with its AMG anniversary watch, resisting the urge to be flamboyant and instead opt for class and sophistication. The result is a watch that showcases the style, grace, and all-around performance that AMG has been known to provide for the last five decades. Only 250 examples of the IWC Ingenieur Chronograph will be made. And while there’s still no price on these limited edition watches, we do know five of them came with the special edition AMG GT3 race cars Mercedes-AMG unveiled at the Nürburgring in May.

Continue after the jump to read the full story.

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jeudi 27 avril 2017

2017 Shanghai Auto Show – Best In Show

In case you were unaware, the Shanghai International Automobile Industry Exhibition, otherwise known as the Shanghai Auto Show, is a pretty big deal. An ongoing event since 1985, Shanghai is biennial in its frequency, taking place during odd-numbered years as a counterbalance to the Beijing Auto Show (a.k.a., Auto China) during even-numbered years. With the meteoric rise of international car brands in the Chinese market place, the Shanghai Auto Show has taken on greater and greater importance over the past few cycles, and all the big makes seem to be getting in on the action. And given the nation’s increasing emphasis on electric vehicles and hybrid technology, it should come as no surprise that those in attendance have responded with a slew of electrified concepts. Here are four of the best from this year’s show (plus a limited-run supercar, just because).

Although crossovers and SUVs were a major theme for 2017, we made sure to include a few fast machines on the list to help even it out. Whether or not the sultry lines and high-tech promises that these design studies bring to the table actually make it to production remains to be seen, but for now, let’s dig into the good stuff from Shanghai.

Continue reading for the best debuts from the 2017 Shanghai Auto Show.

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BMW X5

It wasn’t until 2000 that BMW stepped into the SUV segment with the BMW X5, and after 16 years, that single SUV has spawned four other crossovers, with three slotted in the lineup below it and one above it. Since the X5’s release, it has been through three different generational changes. The first happened in 2006 when the E70 X5 was born for the 2007 model year. That model lasted until 2013 when we were blessed with the current F15 generation of the X5.

Notice that trend between the generational shifts of the X5? Every six years or so, BMW releases a redesigned model. And, that probably explains why we’re looking at these spy shots of what appears to be a very early iteration of the next BMW X5. The SUV in the pictures is in what I like to call “bare-bones testing,” meaning it is covered in camo and missing most of its identifiable features. Even that kidney bean grille has been left at the shop for this trip.

Since it is in the very early stages of testing, there isn’t a whole lot we can say about the next generation of the X5, but we can speculate some. Should BMW follow its current trend, we should see the fourth-generation X5 unveiled in 2018. Until then, let’s take a look at what is going on in these pictures.

Updated 04/27/2017: Our spy photographers caught the upcoming BMW X5 out for a new testing session around Nurburgring.

Continue reading to learn more about the 2018 BMW X5.

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You Can Probably Guess What The World's Best Selling Sports Car Was In 2016

If people were asked to guess what the best-selling sports car in the world is, there’s a good chance that the answers would have as much variety to them as the number of colors in a Skittles pack. The Mazda MX-5 is a good answer. The same goes for the Porsche 911, and at least for new models, the BMW 4 Series. All three models have proven to be popular among buyers all over the world, but none of them can lay claim to being the best-selling sports car in the world. That title now belongs to a certain muscle car from Dearborn, the Ford Mustang.

It seems to strange to think that it took this long for the Mustang to ascend to being the best-selling sports car in the world considering that it’s been around since 1964. But the current-generation Mustang has done the car’s legacy right because according to IHS Markit new vehicle registration data, over 150,000 Mustangs were sold all over the world in 2016. That figure represented a six percent increase from its 2015 sales figures. Equally impressive is the Mustang’s sales volume internationally where sales literally doubled in 2016 to 45,000 units. The significant increase is largely tied to the muscle car’s growing popularity in China where sales of the ‘Stang grew by an impressive 74 percent from its 2015 numbers. Other countries like Germany also saw increased demand for the car while new markets like Bonaire, Gibraltar, and New Caledonia all contributed in driving up the car’s sales volume.

Continue after the jump to read the full story.

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Subaru Ascent

It’s no longer a secret that Subaru wants to bring the seven-passenger SUV back to the U.S., but the 2017 New York Auto Show confirms that the vehicle is very close to arriving in dealerships. Specifically, Subaru announced that the Ascent concept will go on sale in 2018 as a spiritual successor for the Tribeca. Based on the Viziv-7 concept showcased in 2016, the Ascent is much closer to production form, but it will likely lose some of its features before hitting the assembly line.

Subaru’s confirmation of the seven-seat SUV and Ascent name comes after 64 months of consecutive record-breaking sales in the United States. The Japanese firm has been growing slowly but steady in North America, and it now needs to step into new markets to keep the hype alive. A seven-seat hauler seems like a safe bet, especially with not so many companies offering this type of layout nowadays. The Ascent will be built at Subaru of Indiana plant in Lafayette and won’t be sold outside North America. Until the production model arrives, let’s find out more about the concept car in the review below.

Continue reading to learn more about the Subaru Ascent concept.

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Genesis Boss Snubs His Nose On Halo Cars, As He Should

Halo cars have always been a big thing in the auto industry, largely because they represent the pinnacle of what an automaker is capable of. There’s always been room for them in the business, and there will always be room for them for as long as pride and vanity remain true to a company’s beliefs. So it is surprising, maybe eve a little refreshing, to see a company boss not only dismiss the notion of halo cars, but outright shoot down any plans for his brand ever making one. That much was made clear by Genesis global brand chief Manfred Fitzgerald, who promised that Hyundai’s new luxury brand would be all about incredible design, top-class luxury, and unrivaled customer service.

Speaking with Motoring, Fitzgerald made no bones about his disinterest in developing a go-fast halo model, calling them meaningless to the kind of customers that Genesis wants to bring into its fold. Or in his own words, “if you need a halo vehicle and all that, that’s not our spiel.” Instead of going down that route, Fitzgerald wants Genesis to focus its attention on making “great products” that its customers will appreciate. Ironically, Genesis is setting its sights on companies like Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and Audi, three car brands that have their own histories with halo models. Then again, these brands are also established enough to build halo models without compromising the integrity of their core lineups, whereas Genesis is still trying to lay a solid foundation for itself as Hyundai’s new luxury brand.

Continue after the jump to read the full story.

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Mazda MX-5 by BBR Motorsport

The Mazda MX-5 Miata is considered one of the most popular sports cars in the business, regardless of segment. The Miata’s popularity has lasted for almost three decades and the recent release of the fourth-generation MX-5 shows that its status in the business is showing no signs of abating. In fact, the MX-5 is so popular that British tuner BBR has made a good business out of developing and building aftermarket programs for the Japanese sports car since its inception in 1989. Fast forward to 2017 and BBR is at it again with a new kit for the MX-5 that helps the roadster attain power levels in the neighborhood of 248 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque.

Before those figures get lost in the scope of BBR’s tuning kit, consider that the tuner actually presented a similar program for the MX-5 not too long ago. Yep, back in September 2016, the British tuner unveiled two programs for the roadster: the Super 200 and the Super 200+. That "+" meant it peaked with an output of 214 ponies and 183 pound-feet of twist. It certainly didn’t take BBR long to outdo what it did only seven months ago, but the best thing about this new kit is that it may not be the last one that BBR has up its sleeve as far as the MX-5 Miata is concerned. This program does, after all, come with a “Stage 1” level so expect higher stages to come in the coming months.

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Mercedes-Benz S-Class

Launched in 2013, the current Mercedes-Benz S-Class has brought many innovations to the market. It also arrived in dealerships as a sportier, yet more comfortable proposition to the previous-gen S-Class, being praised for its fantastic ride, effortless acceleration, and the enormous amount of luxury and tech. In 2013, it had no rival, but BMW launched a new 7 Series in 2016, while Cadillac joined the full-size segment with the CT6. As a result, Mercedes-Benz updated the S-Class for the 2018 model year.

Although it’s safe to say that the outgoing S-Class was still competitive against its newer rivals, an update was necessary, especially in the tech department. That’s not to say that the S-Class was outdated, it’s just that Merc launched a range of new features with the latest E-Class, including semi-autonomous driving, that had to be offered in the top-of-the-line sedan too. Alongside the new tech, Mercedes also introduced a couple of new engines for the U.S. market and a new diesel for Europe. The facelift is rounded off by mild design upgrades and a revised model lineup.

Continue reading to learn more about the 2018 Mercedes S-Class.

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Lexus LS 500 F Sport

Lexus’ oldest nameplate, having been launched in 1989, the LS moved into its fifth-generation in January 2017 at the Detroit Auto Show. Redesigned after a record ten years of minor changes, the LS is now sportier and more stylish than ever, and its interior is on par with what the competition has to offer. But, unlike its predecessor, a V-8 is no longer under the hood, having been replaced by a more powerful, yet more efficient V-6 drivetrain. Offered in both gasoline and hybrid variants, the LS is now also available in F Sport trim. But even though it has a somewhat more aggressive exterior and acts as a range topper, the F Sport isn’t as special as Lexus wants us to believe.

The reason for that is that the F Sport badge doesn’t bring much beyond the blacked-out exterior trim and a few special features on the inside. Sure, there are a few chassis tweaks to talk about, but the engine and transmission are as stock as they get. The problem with this is that the F Sport badge deserves a bit of extra oomph and it’s imperative that Lexus comes up with a way to give Mercedes-Benz and BMW a run for their money in the performance department too. With the new BMW M760Li and Mercedes-AMG S63 around with fresh gear, the LS 500 F Sport will have a hard time making a name for itself.

Continue reading to learn more about the Lexus LS 500 F Sport.

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Genesis GV80 Concept

Hyundai’s luxury Genesis brand entered the market with two impressive sedans — the G90 and G80 — and the company’s latest concept car from the 2017 New York Auto Show is here to confirm that the Korean company is set to keep its promise and release four more vehicles by 2020. Dubbed GV80, Genesis’ new concept is the first SUV to wear the badge and previews a competitor for the BMW X5.

Described as a vehicle that "strikes a perfect balance between elegance and versatility," the GV80 is a rather sporty proposition and represents a significant departure from Genesis’ current design language. “The GV80 Concept is an SUV that alludes to the confidence and evolution of the Genesis brand – its design is timeless, with an understated yet dynamic overall surface complexity,” said Head of Genesis design, Luc Donckerwolke.

Alongside the exquisite exterior design, the concept car also features an innovative infotainment display, as well as a hydrogen propulsion system. The latter remains a mystery, unfortunately, but it’s a sign that Hyundai’s alternative drivetrain tech will soon find its way into Genesis products.

Continue reading to learn more about the Genesis GV80 concept.

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Is Ferrari Preparing To Use The "GTO" Name Once Again?

There are certain model name near and dear to Ferrari’s heart. You can tell this by how often (or sparingly) the company uses them. A case can be made that one of the most important names in Maranello’s portfolio is Gran Turismo Omologato, or more popularly known by its acronym, GTO. To date, Ferrari has only used the GTO name three times, most recently in 2011 with the 599 GTO, which joined the 250 GTO and the 288 GTO as the only Prancing Horse models with this nomenclature. Prepare yourselves though, because we could be seeing a fourth GTO model on the horizon.

While there’s no confirmation yet on Ferrari’s plans, Autocar reported that Maranello is preparing a hardcore version of its 488 super car and the name that’s being considered is 488 GTO. It would certainly make sense to bring back the GTO name for such a model, distinguish with Ferrari’s “more power, less weight” credo. That usually translates to the car being faster and more powerful than its standard guise. There’s no official word yet on how much power the 488 GTO is slated to pack, but the goal it seems is to get it up to north of 700 horsepower, giving at least 40 extra ponies to work with compared to the 488 GTB. At the very least, the expected power goals will put the 488 GTO well above the Lamborghini Huracán 640-4 Performante and a cartwheel away from the 710-horsepower McLaren 720S.

Continue after the jump to read the full story.

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Chevrolet Cruze RS - Driven

The Chevrolet Cruze was not hurting for fans. As its first generation neared the end of its run in 2014, Cruze sales reached their high point, with more than 273,000 copies sold. Curious, then, that the Cruze suffered a setback in sales when it was redesigned in 2016 for the 2017 model year. Having spent a week with it recently, I can say that confuses me. The Cruze got sexy new sheet metal, a more-efficient powertrain, a new hatchback model, and improved ride and handling when it was redesigned. Yet, it sold fewer than 200,000 copies for the first time ever in 2016, if you don’t count its late introduction in 2010 when it was on sale for just three months. So, what gives?

Continue reading to learn more about the 2017 Chevrolet Cruze RS.

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Subaru Outback

Subaru has been doing remarkably well lately, posting impressive growth and sales numbers over the past several years. Helping to fuel that success is a strong stable of vehicles that cover a broad range of segments, including a few that manage to straddle the line between segments and still offer the benefits of both. The Outback is one such vehicle. Framed as the “World’s First Sport Utility Wagon,” the Outback nameplate has been around since 1994 and is currently the brand’s top-selling model, bringing all the capability and utility of a crossover, but in a wagon body style that’s a little closer to a traditional passenger car. It’s a nice combo, and to keep it feeling fresh, Subaru unveiled a mid-cycle update for the Outback at the 2017 New York International Auto Show, giving it new styling, an updated interior, more technology for safety and convenience, and a few bits and pieces that lend it a more premium feel.

The appeal for something like this is clear, and on paper, it looks like it should do well amongst buyers looking for a non-SUV that fits their particular active lifestyle. But does the 2018 Outback have what it takes to steal sales from folks more inclined to get a crossover? Read on for details.

Continue reading to learn more about the 2018 Subaru Outback.

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Be a Loyal Lexus Customer and you Might end up Getting your own Special Edition Car

Automakers show different ways of appreciation to their loyal customers. Some treat them to special events. Some give them discounts on their purchases. Some do a combination of both. Then there’s Lexus, which not only treated one of its loyal customers with a car of his own, but an actual one-of-one creation built and developed specifically for him. The car in question is a Lexus LS 600h, although it’s more formally known as the Lexus LS 600h L Centenary Celebration Edition. It was built for Barry High OBE, who had just celebrated his 100th birthday and whose landmark centenary is the official inspiration behind the one-of-a-kind Lexus LS 600h L.

Apparently, the celebrant is one of Lexus’ most loyal customers, a distinction he earned for his loyalty to the Toyota-owned Japanese luxury brand. In the last 16 years alone, the man has reportedly bought as many as 25 Lexus models from the Lexus Cheltenham dealership alone. There’s no word on how many Lexus models he’s owned over the course of his life, but the fact that he’s been purchasing from the same brand for years was all the reason Lexus needed to honor him with his very own one-off LS 600h L that’s about as exclusive as Lexus model is going to get. The car itself didn’t come cheap as the celebrant reportedly spent close to £100,000 for it. That converts to about $128,000, which is right around the price of the standard model.

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Here's How the Mazda Miata's Retractable Hardtop Works

So the Mazda MX-5 Miata RF is here – hallelujah! This is the hard-top model Miata loyalists have been wanting for four generations now. The RF, or Retractable Fastback, combines the closed-roof quietness and all-year functionality mixed directly with an open-air driving experience on warmer days. But how did Mazda squeeze a folding hard-top into the impossibly small Miata?

The answer: very smartly. In fact, the mechanical bits and electric motors that operate the top, along with the actual aluminum top section and rear glass, all fold neatly into the space already reserved for the conventional soft top. That’s impressive.

What’s more, the Miata RF only compromises 0.1 cubic feet of trunk space over the soft-top model. And no, your luggage runs zero risk of getting smashed by the retracting mechanicals. The trunk is completely separate from the top’s storage compartment. Of course, don’t expect to haul home a bulk purchase of mega-roll toilet paper; the trunk only has 4.6 cubic feet of space.

Operating the top only takes about 13 seconds. A dash-mounted toggle switch does the deed. The car just has to be rolling below six mph. Want to see it in action? Keep reading for the full step-by-step process.

Continue reading for a video of the Miata RF’s Targa top.

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BMW X7

When BMW joined the SUV market with the X5 back in 1999, little did we know that the German manufacturer will become such an important player in this segment. But in 15 years, the Bavarian brand has launched no fewer than four different crossovers. At least two more are underway as of 2017, with the X7 to join the family as a range topper, above the popular X5 and the sportier X6. The SUV was already spotted on public roads and we have just enough info to speculate as to what it may bring to the table.

The Bavarian brand made an announcement about the X7 in 2014, when it revealed that it will be built at its plant in Spartanburg, South Carolina, which also produces the X3, X5, X5 M, X6, and X6 M models. Although production was initially planned to start in 2016, it appears that the X7 will hit the assembly line later, most likely in 2017. There’s no word as to when the X7 will make its public debut, but I expect it to break cover in the second half of 2017, meaning it could go on sale for the 2019 model year. When it arrives in showrooms, it will become BMW’s largest offering yet and will enable the German manufacturer to compete against SUVs such as the Mercedes-Benz GLS, Range Rover, and even the Cadillac Escalade.

Updated 04/25/2017: Our spy photographers spotted the upcoming X7 out for a new testing session around Nurburgring.

Continue reading to learn more about the upcoming BMW X7.

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lundi 24 avril 2017

Five Awesome Vehicles from Barrett-Jackson's 2017 West Palm Beach Auction

The Barrett-Jackson auction recently went down in West Palm Beach, Florida, and while the auction of the first-ever 2018 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 1LE was my main focus, there were plenty of other vehicles that fought for my attention. For two days I walked the 100 acres of the South Florida Fair Grounds looking at iron from every decade in motoring history. There were old Rolls Royces, Mercedes, and even a few Ferraris. Just feet away were iconic American muscle cars with hot-cammed V-8 thumping out unburned hydrocarbons and more than a few classic pickups and SUVs.

Of course, you know Barrett-Jackson is one of the largest traveling auctions in the country. It hammers bids on thousands of classic vehicles every year, some with million-dollar price tags. Barrett-Jackson visits locations including the Northeast, Las Vegas, Scottsdale, and obviously West Palm Beach, each year. The auctioneers, staff, and equipment all travel. The vehicles are generally more regional, with tons of locals and residents of nearby states looking to sell their stuff. The variety is nearly limitless.

Also limitless is my taste for history and cars. Combine the two, and I’m lost in a dizzying whirlwind of want and desire. Sadly, I wasn’t registered to bid (my wife might say thankfully). That didn’t stop me from looking, though, and look I did! Here are my five favorite vehicles from the auction.

Continue reading for the list

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Pininfarina Isn't Messing Around, Unveils Two More Concept Models With HKG

Apparently, being under new ownership has breathed some new life to Pininfarina. Long regarded as one of the best auto design houses in the business, the Italian company has since ratcheted up its concept production with a pair of new concepts for its new automotive BFF, Chinese company Hybrid Kinetic Group. It wasn’t that long ago that the two companies joined together to present the H600 sedan, which debuted at the 2017 Geneva Motor Show. Now we’re seeing two more concepts, the K550 and the K750.

Presented at the 2017 Shanghai Auto Show, both the K550 and the K750 join the H600 in what could turn into an impressive electric vehicle lineup for the fledgling HKG brand. The two-row, five-seater K550, in particular, is presented as a five-seat crossover concept powered by an electric powertrain that itself is being developed by HKG. The same goes for the much larger K750, which rides taller and longer than its counterpart, thanks in part to having three rows of seating that can accommodate up to seven people. Both models aren’t expected to arrive anytime soon, but like the H600, there appears to be some optimism coming from both Pininfarina and HKG that we’ll end up seeing these models hit the road in production guise soon.

Continue after the jump to read the full story.

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Get Your Simplified Lightness On With The Lotus Exige Cup 380

Lotus has been pumping out successively quicker iterations of the Exige for several years now, including the Sport 350 unveiled in 2015, and the Sport 380 that dropped early last year. The latest is this – the Exige Cup 380, a car Lotus is calling the “ultimate track-and-back street-legal Lotus.” Essentially an even more focused iteration of the Sport 380, the Cup 380 once again strives for that tried-and-true Lotus performance philosophy, striking a balance between street-legal road car and track-burning race car. It’s a lithe supercar killer sporting revised aero and even less weight, making for a spec sheet absolutely worthy of the green and yellow badge glued to the nose.

The big selling point here is the car’s power-to-weight ratio, with 355 horsepower available to motivate 1 metric ton (2,205 pounds) of curb weight. That means it’ll hit 60 mph in as little as 3.4 seconds, while top speed is rated at 175 mph. But, in addition to lots of straight-line performance, the Lotus also offers lots of stick, generating as much as 200 kg (441 pounds) at speed thanks to an extensive rework of the exterior wings and spoilers. That’s an increase of 43 percent compared to the Exige Sport 380, and combined with more rubber in the rear, the Cup 380 should be an absolute riot on the track. Read on for more info.

Continue reading for the full story.

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Jeep Joining The Hybrid Bandwagon Is Proof That The Hybrid Revolution Is In Full Swing

Some automakers are synonyms with specific characteristics. Ferrari and Lamborghini are synonymous with Italian power and performance. Rolls-Royce and Bentley are quintessential marquees known for their opulence and luxury. Then there’s Jeep, which is known for its ruggedness and off-road capabilities. It figures then that when news first broke in 2015 that Jeep was going hybrid with some of its models, it was, to say the least, jarring to the senses. Fast forward to the 2017 Shanghai Auto Show and we finally get to see what a Jeep hybrid looks like in the form of the Yuntu, a three-row, seven-seater, full-sized SUV concept that’s laying the groundwork for a new era in the company’s long and illustrious history.

To be clear, there’s no official word yet from Jeep about the production prospects of the Yuntu Concept. There is, however, a strong possibility that we’re headed in that direction anyway. Remember, Jeep CEO Mike Manley has been a strong advocate of dipping the company in the hybrid market, most recently confirming at the 2017 Geneva Motor Show the arrival of a hybrid version of the Wrangler. The Yuntu, of course, is far different from the Wrangler, both in aesthetics and purpose. But the mere sight of the concept in Shanghai is an indication that the brand has a more elaborate hybrid plan that will involve numerous models receiving this specific powertrain. Just goes to show how brand images are now giving way to addressing the future of the auto industry.

Continue after the jump to read the full story.

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LEDs Dominate The Conversation On The Audi E-Tron Sportback Concept

Most concept vehicles are largely created because the automaker wants to promote something for future production vehicles. That formula has been tried and tested so many years that it’s become normal for people like us to expect them. Such is the case with Audi’s new E-Tron Sportback Concept, which is actually promoting a lot of things, not the least of which is the company’s overarching electric crossover agenda. But there is one aspect about the E-Tron Sportback Concept that Audi really wants us to pay attention to. It’s the LED lights, and for what they’re all worth, there are a lot of them.

Audi hasn’t said exactly how many light emitting diodes the concept has at its disposal, but the front bumper alone has around 250 LEDs that extend from one end of the bumper to the other. More LEDs are located on either side of the grille, including Audi’s actual four rings logo. Yes, the Audi logo is made from LEDs, and that’s not even counting the number of LEDs that have been packed on both the headlights and taillights.

According to Audi, the LEDs were added to the concept to showcase different lighting patterns that we may or may not see in future production models. These patterns work to communicate with other cars on the road, which itself is a novelty that could find its way on a production model of the coupe-crossover concept should it get that far.

The smart money is to wait and see how the technology evolves from here on out. These many LEDs may look good on a concept, but the costs of packing all of them on a production model could determine whether they’re feasible or not. Make no mistake though, the visual appeal of all these lights on a concept is evident; the only question is whether Audi deems them reasonable enough to become fixtures – no pun intended – on its future models.

Continue after the jump to read the full story.

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