Friday 10 November 2017

CARSCOOPS

CARSCOOPS

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Californian Firm Unveils 1,250 HP Tachyon Speed Hypercar

Posted: 10 Nov 2017 04:30 AM PST


A small California company dubbed Race Advanced Engineering Systems and Research (RAESR) has just unveiled this, its Tachyon Speed electric hypercar.

Reportedly in the works since 2012, the Tachyon gets its name from the hypothetical particle that moves faster than light. If the promised performance figures prove accurate, that should turn out to be a very fitting name.

RAESR says the Speed is powered by six direct-drive electric motors delivering over 1,250 hp and 3,650 lb-ft (4,948 Nm) of instantly-available torque.

Thanks to a carbon fiber bodywork, the Tachyon weighs just 1,338 kg (2,949 lbs) and apparently accelerates to 60 mph (96 km/h) in under three seconds, 120 mph (193 km/h) in fewer than seven seconds and reaches a top speed exceeding 240 mph (386 km/h).

Beyond its powertrain, the Tachyon remains interesting as it can produce varying levels of downforce thanks to adjustable rear wings. In low downforce mode, it delivers 400 lbs (181 kg) of downforce while a few tweaks increase that figure to 1,000 lbs (453 kg) in high downforce mode. Furthermore, the company claims that the car has a range of over 150 miles (241 km) during city driving.

No announcement has been made about whether or not the Speed is making it into production.

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EU Wants To Reduce New Car Emissions By A Third By 2030

Posted: 10 Nov 2017 03:58 AM PST


EU regulators have announced their proposal to introduce a CO2 emissions reduction target by 30 percent for new cars and vans by 2030 while offering incentives to carmakers selling zero- and low-emission vehicles over a certain benchmark.

The proposal also sets a 15% lower target for 2025 than that of 2021 in order to ensure that carmakers will start investing as early as possible.

At the same time, the European Union plans to support the industry by offering 800 million euros ($927.7 million) for the establishment of an EV charging infrastructure as well as 200 million euros ($232.3 million) for battery development.

To help carmakers reach such an aggressive target, EU will offer credits to those who will sell enough zero- and low-emission vehicles in order to offset their overall fleet emissions. Regulators are expected to set a certain benchmark for the number of zero- and low-emission vehicles later on, in order for the incentives to be eligible. EU identifies low-emissions vehicles as those producing less than 50g/km of C02, which are mainly plug-in hybrids.

The proposal was met with criticism from the European Automotive Manufacturers Association (ACEA) which said that the 30% reduction target is "overly challenging", proposing instead a 20% reduction by 2030 which is "achievable at a high, but acceptable, cost".

PHOTO GALLERY

Jaguar F-Type Climbs Up The Factory Wall To Honor Veterans

Posted: 10 Nov 2017 03:30 AM PST


A sports car that handles as well as the Jaguar F-Type may feel like it can drive up a wall, but this one actually is.

To honor Britain's men and women in uniform, past and present, Jaguar emblazoned an F-Type with a special poppy livery, reminiscent of the symbol of remembrance.

The vehicle has been installed on the face of Castle Bromwich, where Jaguar builds the F-Type and where the Spitfire fighter aircraft was built between 1938 and 1945.

The installation, which bears the words of John McCrae's enduring poetic WWI tribute In Flanders Field, sits 35 feet high – opposite the Sentinel sculpture and visible to motorists traveling down the M6 motorway.

Honored with the Gold Award of the Armed Forces Covenant employer recognition program, Jaguar Land Rover has hired 750 former servicemen and women since 2013 alone – including 18 wounded veterans in its own ranks, and another 11 at associated suppliers.

A second F-Type SVR with the same livery is slated to embark upon a ten-day tour of the UK. The tour kicks off on the Royal British Legion's Birmingham Poppy Day, serving along the way as safety car for the Mission Motorsport's fourth annual Race of Remembrance, and ending on Remembrance Sunday.

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Facelifted Seat Leon Cupra Muscled Up With 375 Horses

Posted: 10 Nov 2017 02:57 AM PST


After it went through a facelift last December, the 2017 Seat Leon Cupra has now fallen into the tuning hands of Je Design.

The aftermarket company has released a 2-stage power upgrade for the Spanish hot hatch, which lifts the stock 300PS (296hp) and 380Nm (280lb-ft) of torque to 360PS (355hp) and 450Nm (332lb-ft) of torque, in the most humble offering.

Stage 2, on the other hand, is more exciting, as it raises the output to 380PS (375hp) and 470Nm (345lb-ft) of torque. This makes it just 20PS (20hp) and 10Nm (7lb-ft) of torque less powerful than one of the compact hot hatch kings, the new Audi RS3 Sportback, which uses a larger 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine, unlike the Leon's 2.0-liter four-cylinder unit.

Choosing Stage 1 means that top speed will also increase to 265km/h (165mph), while Stage 2 allows the car to reach 280 or 285km/h (174-177mph), by raising the electronic limit.

Making Je Design's Seat Leon Cupra more sonorous is a stainless steel exhaust, with sound flap system, controlled via the OE Seat driving profile selection system. Customers can choose between four 80mm diameter outlets, or two oval tailpipes of 140x90 or 160x90mm, on each side.

Among the key features added to its exterior are the widened wheel arches, prominent side skirts, new front bumper, gloss black rear diffuser inserts, and adjustable tailgate-mounted spoiler. Je Design has also equipped the Leon with a set of 10x20-inch wheels, wrapped in 265/25 Hankook S1-Evo tires.

Finally, the car has been given a sport spring set, which lowers the ride height by 20mm (0.8in). Owners can also have a KW DDC fully adjustable coilover suspension, which brings the Leon Cupra 45mm (1.8in) closer to the road, compared to the stock model.

PHOTO GALLERY

Ford Creating Self-Driving System For Its Off-Roaders

Posted: 10 Nov 2017 01:36 AM PST


Self-driving systems promise to revolutionize the way we use transportation to commute, but for those who enjoy off-roading, will the technology have such a significant impact?

It remains to be seen, but Ford is aware of the potential benefits and has just been granted a patent that will allow its off-road-focused vehicles to pilot themselves on a stretch of terrain, Off Road reports.

Ford's system consists of a computer processor with stored instructions that can evaluate a section of terrain, and if it's safe, traverse any obstacle, thanks in part to the active suspension system.

The patent shows that sensors in the vehicle will recognize an object and make a snap decision if the car can successfully navigate any challenges. If it determines that the obstacle can be overcome, it will decide whether or not it is safe for occupants to remain in the vehicle, alerting them if they can remain comfortable in their seats or should instead exit the vehicle.

Another interesting feature of the system is that it includes a hand-held remote control, potentially a device which will allow the owner to override the computer if it looks like something's going to go wrong, like a rollover.

While other utility vehicles have downhill-descent control, Ford's system is much more advanced, with the computers actually making decisions without driver input.

Is this the future? We sure hope so.

PHOTO GALLERY

Bugatti, Lamborghini, Porsche, Bentley All Planning Performance EVs

Posted: 10 Nov 2017 12:03 AM PST


The Volkswagen Group is reportedly keen to expand its electrified plans to its range-topping brands. This could result in all-new, performance-focused hybrid and EV models from Bentley, Bugatti, Lamborghini, and Porsche, Automobile Magazine reports.

Citing an unnamed source, the publication claims Porsche's long-awaited, all-electric Mission E will sit at the top of this new family and be followed by a zero-emissions creation from Bentley and a pair of two-door, 2+2 models from both Bugatti and Lamborghini.

The Bugatti has apparently been codenamed Atlantic and like its Italian sibling, will be underpinned by the short-wheelbase version of the Porsche Panamera Turbo S Plug-In Hybrid.

Specifics about the powertrains of the two aren't confirmed but both should have all-electric ranges of at least 60 miles (96 km) and fast-charging features.

While other details about these two models remain sketchy, they are apparently being launched to help counteract the fuel-guzzling models currently in Bugatti and Lamborghini's respective families.

PHOTO GALLERY

Tesla Buys Manufacturing Firm Perbix In The Midst Of "Production Hell"

Posted: 09 Nov 2017 08:42 PM PST


In the middle of what Elon Musk dubs "production hell", Tesla has acquired Perbix, a producer of automated machines for manufacturing.

Limited details about the deal are known but Perbix has been supplying Tesla with machinery for almost three years, and as part of the deal, Perbix president James Dudley will receive approximately $10.5 million in Tesla stock.

Tesla has cited challenges with the automated production line of the entry-level Model 3 as one of the reasons for the delayed start of volume production of the vehicle. It is possible Tesla believes that by bringing Perbix in-house, it will be able to resolve these issues much faster.

In an earnings call last week, Musk said upping production at a facility that heavily-relies on robots isn't as easy as one staffed by humans where labor hours can easily be increased.

"With Model 3, either the machine works, or it doesn't, or it's limping along and we get short quite severely on output," Musk told Bloomberg.

This isn't the first time Tesla has acquired a former supplier. In 2016, the electric automaker acquired German manufacturing-technology specialist Grohmann Engineering.

PHOTO GALLERY

Yellow Lancia Delta HF Intergrale Evoluzione To Be Sold Without Reserve

Posted: 09 Nov 2017 08:02 PM PST


A jaw-dropping 1992 Lancia Delta HF Integrale Evoluzione will hit the auction block without a reserve at RM Sotheby's New York auction next month.

Between 1991 and 1992, Lancia celebrated its World Rally Championship dominance with the release of the street-legal Delta HF Integrale Evoluzione, powered by a 16-valve, 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbo engine with 210 hp in street tune. These vehicles are already extremely desirable but the following Evoluzione is even more remarkable, being one of just 400 'Giallo Ferrari' special edition models built.

This example has been owned by the same person since new and covered just 6,487 km. RM Sotheby's says that it is "remarkably original and unmodified, and includes all books, jack, tools, and safety triangle.

Beyond its low mileage, this Evoluzione has something else going in its favor; its model year. As a 1992 example, it is now eligible for importation into the United States, unlike the later Evoluzione II models built by Lancia. What's more, this Delta is sure to attract enthusiasts as it lacks any of the common modifications performed to most others.

RM Sotheby's expects it to sell for between $175,000 and $225,000.

PHOTO GALLERY

Zero To 60 Designs Reveals Tesla Model S Bodykit

Posted: 09 Nov 2017 07:35 PM PST


Zero to 60 Designs, the company which pissed off Ford with its Mustang GTT, has returned to the SEMA Show with a modified Tesla Model S, dubbed the Zero TS.

Instead of messing with the complicated electric powertrain of the Model S, Zero to 60 Designs has focused on overhauling the car's interior and exterior with a bold bodykit that works surprisingly well with the Tesla's classy design.

Modifications begin with a custom front bumper that incorporates new black accents, cooling ducts, and round fog lights. From there, the package has a small trunklid lip spoiler and a custom rear bumper.

Zero to 60 Designs has also changed the interior by applying bright red leather across the seats, doors, steering wheel, and the lower portion of the dashboard.

Prices for the company's Model S package start at $6,500.

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Ford To Build EVs In China With Zotye

Posted: 09 Nov 2017 07:01 PM PST


Ford has signed a joint venture agreement with Chinese carmaker Zotye to form Zotye Ford Automobile, a company which will build electric vehicles specifically for China.

In a statement, Ford revealed that pending regulatory approval, the new joint venture will be responsible for designing, building, marketing and distributing EVs through China while leveraging a combined investment of approximately $756 million.

No timeline has been made public about when production of these EVs will commence but the joint venture will form an important part of Ford's commitment to have at least 70 per cent of its vehicles sold in China offered with electrified powertrain options by 2025.

As part of the joint venture, Zotye Ford will build a dedicated product research and development center, a manufacturing plant in Zhejiang Province, and establish its own sales and services network.

"We are delighted to have signed this joint venture agreement with Zotye to form our third joint venture automotive company in China," said Ford group vice president and president for Ford Asia Pacific, Peter Fleet said.

"Subject to regulatory approval, Zotye Ford will introduce a new brand family of small all-electric vehicles. We will be exploring innovative vehicle connectivity and mobility service solutions for a new generation of young city-dwelling Chinese customers."

For those not familiar with Zotye, the company is perhaps best known in the west for its SR8, a clone of the Porsche Macan.

PHOTO GALLERY

Out Of This World Verde Mantis Lamborghini Aventador SV Could Be Yours

Posted: 09 Nov 2017 06:32 PM PST


An eye-catching 2017 Lamborghini Aventador LP750-4 SV Roadster has surfaced for sale in Florida from Fort Lauderdale Collection South.

Only 600 examples of the Aventador SV Roadster were produced but thanks to the Verde Mantis paint color of this one, it is certainly one of the rarest in existence and may even be the only one of its kind in the world.

Like pretty much every other Aventador SV, the paint color is contrasted by a plethora of carbon fiber elements, some with a gloss finish and others with a matte finish. Huge SV decals are also found on the car's rear quarter panels.

Fittingly, the original owner had the interior trimmed to beautifully match the exterior with bright green stitching, piping, and accents throughout. The available Sensonum premium audio system is also present.

Unlike most of its rivals, the Lamborghini Aventador is made for people that like to cause a scene and if a wealthy enthusiast wants to do just that, we can't imagine an Aventador being better at stopping traffic than this one.

PHOTO GALLERY

Chevrolet Teases 2019 Corvette ZR1 Before November 12 Debut

Posted: 09 Nov 2017 06:02 PM PST


Shortly after images of the long-awaited 2019 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 leaked online, the car manufacturer has released a teaser video previewing the model and confirming its November 12 debut.

The video, posted on Instagram, shows off a host of eye-popping new features of the track-focused Corvette. Among these components is an exposed section of carbon fiber on the hood, a front grille with similar shapes to the Camaro ZL1, a large carbon fiber rear wing, and a new set of quad tailpipes.

As we revealed a couple of days ago, the new Corvette ZR1 will make its public debut at the Dubai Motor Show before heading to the U.S. for a local launch at the Los Angeles Auto Show.

Beneath the skin, the 2019 ZR1 will feature a 6.2-liter LT5 V8 engine with an Eaton supercharger, not a twin-turbo setup as originally predicted. Power will sit at 750 hp and 680 lb-ft of torque. The new car will also accelerate to 60 mph (96 km/h) in under 3 seconds, record a sub-11-second quarter mile and lap Virginia International Raceway a full 2.5 seconds faster than the Z06.

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No description necessary. #Corvette #Vette

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New Porsche Panamera Shows Off Widebody Kit And 22" Wheels

Posted: 09 Nov 2017 05:36 PM PST


To some people, buying an expensive car and not fitting it with a really aggressive widebody kit and large wheels, is the equivalent of being a Power Ranger and not calling upon the Megazord. In other words, it just wouldn't be as cool.

This Panamera is wearing a TechArt GT aero kit, which adds new front and rear aprons, an integrated splitter, side skirts, rear diffuser and a large rear wing that's fixed into place.

The standard TechArt GT also comes with black 22" Formula IV alloys, however this one is wearing a set of dual-tone 22" Forgiato wheels, which feature a more complex design.

Based on the stickers found on the windshield and C-pillar windows, it was put together by RDBL, and we have to say, this car certainly looks a lot more aggressive than the stock Panamera - which we imagine is what the owner was going for.

While we can't see the interior, we know that TechArt offers fine leather and Alcantara options, as well as laquered or carbon-refined surfaces. There's also a smaller TechArt Type-7 steering wheel available, for those who prefer a more sporty-themed experience.

Altogether, the TechArt GT kit makes the 2017 Porsche Panamera wider by approximately 80 mm (3.1 in), which may not sound like much, yet it's definitely noticeable from all angles.

PHOTO GALLERY

Mercedes-AMG E63 S Is The World's Fastest Wagon On The 'Ring At 7.45:19

Posted: 09 Nov 2017 05:03 PM PST


The family-friendly Mercedes-AMG E63 S 4Matic+ became the fastest Estate car to ever lap the Nurburgring Nordschleife, recording a time of 7 min and 45.19 seconds.

Mercedes-Benz is among a select group of automakers that offer customers extremely fast wagons, able to fit the whole family, luggage plus the dog, while keeping up with just about any supercar out there.

The 2018 Mercedes-AMG E63 S Estate is the very best Mercedes has to offer in this segment, with a 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 putting down 612 PS (604 HP) and 850 Nm (627 lb-ft) of torque. It's so quick, it will get from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 3.5 seconds.

However, Sport Auto just proved that the E63 S Estate isn't just fast in a straight line, setting a time of 7.45:19 seconds on the Nordschleife behind the wheel of this family-oriented E-Class, riding on factory tires.

Keep in mind that the E63 S Estate is heavier than its saloon counterpart, weighing just over 2 tonnes (4,400 lbs). So pretty much everything is impressive about this result, and seen as how this was an independent test, the car could actually be even quicker around the legendary circuit.

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Elon Musk Meets With Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan

Posted: 09 Nov 2017 04:35 PM PST


Tesla chief executive Elon Musk unexpectedly met with controversial Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

Neither Tesla nor the Turkish President have commented on what sparked the meeting, but Mashable reports talks may have been had about Tesla's interest in Turkey's domestic automotive plans.

The official Twitter profile of Recep Tayyip Erdogan shared an image of Musk shaking hands with the president at the country's Presidential Complex. It too did not provide context for the meeting.

As it stands, Tesla doesn't sell any of its vehicles in the country but in his quest for world domination, it seems probable Musk wants to change that.

In additional images of the meeting shared online, Musk and Erdogan were pictured alongside three scale models of SpaceX rockets.

New Ford Expedition Looks Promising In First Reviews

Posted: 09 Nov 2017 04:00 PM PST


The new Ford Expedition is the latest entry in the full-size SUV segment, bringing lots of tech, more space and better fuel economy.

Just like the F-150, the all-new Expedition take advantage of a high-strength aluminum body to shed a significant amount of weight off its shoulders, with Ford claiming up to 300lbs in weight savings.

The now familiar 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 engine is the only option in the range, offering 375hp in all models bar the range-topping Platinum which comes with 400hp. A 10-speed automatic transmission sends power to either the rear or all four wheels, depending which version you go for.

All-wheel drive models come fitted with a new electronic limited-slip differential while the All-Terrain management system offers seven different drive modes: Normal, Sport, Tow/Haul, Eco, Grass/Gravel/Snow, Sand and Mud/Rut.

The cabin can fit up to eight passengers, with those sitting in the third row to benefit from a very useful increase in space, thanks to the adoption of an independent rear suspension that allows a lower floor.

Creature comforts like wireless charging, Wi-Fi hotspot, a modern SYNC 3 infotainment system, four 12-volt power points, six USB ports and a 110-volt power outlet are there to make the cavernous interior even more practical.

Is it as good as it sounds? The first reviews of the 2018 Ford Expedition from KBB and Edmunds are in, so let's find out.

VIDEOS

Ford Begins Testing Exoskeletal Vests To Reduce Worker Injuries And Fatigue

Posted: 09 Nov 2017 03:29 PM PST


Ford recently expanded the use of Microsoft's HoloLens but designers aren't the only ones benefiting from advances in technology.

As part of a pilot program, the company is having assembly line workers test out an upper body exoskeletal technology called EksoVest. Designed to reduce workplace injuries and fatigue, the EksoVest is a wearable device which elevates and supports a worker's arms while they are performing overhead tasks.

The EksoVest fits workers who are between 5' and 6' 4" tall and provides adjustable levels of lift assistance. Ford says the vests can provide up to 15 lbs (6.8 kg) of assistance per arm and notes the devices are comfortable to wear as they are relatively lightweight.

According to assembly line worker Paul Collins, "My job entails working over my head, so when I get home my back, neck and shoulders usually hurt. Since I started using the vest, I'm not as sore, and I have more energy to play with my grandsons when I get home."

While the vest might sound like overkill, Ford points out some assembly line workers lift their arms 4,600 times per day and about a one million times per year. Unsurprisingly, this can take a toll on workers and that's a key reason why Ford is testing out the vests at two plants in the United States.

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ABT Sportline Audi RS3 Headed To Essen With 460 HP

Posted: 09 Nov 2017 03:00 PM PST


ABT Sportsline has unveiled its latest tuning program for the Audi RS3 Sedan and RS3 Sportback.

Set to debut at the Essen Motor Show, the models can be equipped with an assortment of different styling accessories including front fender vents, a revised grille, and 19- or 20-inch wheels. Customers can also order a gloss black rear skirt and a sports exhaust system with a matte black finish.

The company didn't release interior photos but the cabin can be outfitted with carbon fiber trim, special floor mats, and illuminated door sill plates. Other options include an ABT-branded shifter and push-button ignition.

On the performance front, the turbocharged 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine can be equipped with a new ECU which enables the mill to produce approximately 460 PS (338 kW) and 530 Nm (390 lb-ft) of torque - an increase of 60 PS (44 kW) and 50 Nm (36 lb-ft). ABT declined to say how fast the upgraded model is but the change increases the limited top speed to 280 km/h (174 mph).

Besides the upgraded engine, the RS3 can be outfitted with sport springs, new anti-roll bars, and a more powerful braking system.

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Honda La Vista: Company Says It Can't Afford 10 Percent Tariff Following Brexit

Posted: 09 Nov 2017 02:32 PM PST


Honda has announced it cannot afford to pay a ten percent tariff on British-built cars if the United Kingdom returns to World Trade Organization rules when the country leaves the European Union in 2019.

In a document submitted to the parliament's business committee, Honda said "A 10 percent tariff would make our vehicles uncompetitive and would impose costs we cannot afford to absorb."

The document declined to say what would happen if the tariff takes effect but the company could cease operations in the United Kingdom. This would be a major blow as Honda United Kingdom Manufacturing employs around 3,400 people and its Swindon plant builds the Civic and CR-V.

Brexit negotiations haven't been going very well but Reuters is reporting government ministers are aiming to reach a deal that allows for the freest trade possible. However, it appears the European Union has the upper hand in negotiations.

Honda isn't the only automaker worried its future in the United Kingdom as Vauxhall warned the committee it might have to start stockpiling components to ensure production isn't ground to a halt. Ford also noted changes to current system could have a "serious and negative impact on cash-flow."

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Paradise Papers Suggest Lewis Hamilton Dodged Millions In Taxes On Private Jet

Posted: 09 Nov 2017 02:01 PM PST


Lewis Hamilton recently clinched his fourth Formula One world championship but the racer has been connected to a massive tax dodging scandal that has ensnared various other politicians, celebrities, and millionaires.

According to a trove of documents, known as the Paradise Papers, Hamilton and his advisers used questionable methods to avoid paying tax on a private jet that reportedly cost £16.5 ($21.7) million.

As the BBC reports, the Bombardier Challenger 605 was imported to the Isle of Man in 2013 and was reportedly part of a leasing deal that was setup by Hamilton's advisers. This enabled the racer to receive a tax refund of £3.3 ($4.3) million.

While that doesn't sound like a problem, the report claims the leasing deal was "artificial and did not comply with an EU and UK ban on refunds for private use." However, it notes he could have been eligible for a refund for business use.

Hamilton reportedly purchased the jet for business purposes but the BBC reports it has seen documents saying he planned to use the jet for personal use about a third of the time. Investigators went on to note Hamilton has posted numerous photos of the plane to social media when it was being used for vacations and personal travel.

When the BBC reached out to Hamilton's lawyers, they said a review found their structure was lawful and noted it's not correct to say Hamilton didn't pay any value added tax (VAT) on the purchase. That sounds like some slick legalize and one of Hamilton's representatives released a statement essentially blaming his advisers for any improprieties.

According to the statement, "As a global sportsman who pays tax in a large number of countries, Lewis relies upon a team of professional advisers who manage his affairs. Those advisers have assured Lewis that everything is above board and the matter is now in the hands of his lawyers."

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Just a kid from the UK that had a dream. #YouCanDoItToo #NeverGiveUp #TeamLH #MegaJet #RoadtoAbuDhabi #AbuDhabiGP

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BMW Was Reportedly Planning Its Own Version Of The McLaren Super Series

Posted: 09 Nov 2017 03:46 PM PST


BMW and McLaren came together to create the iconic McLaren F1 and rumors about a new tie-up have persisted for years.

According to Automobile Magazine, the two companies were working on a car earlier this year but the project has reportedly been called off. Details are limited but the publication says the company was planning to transform the next-generation McLaren Super Series into a high-end BMW.

As part of the transformation, the car would have reportedly received unique body work, an upgraded interior, and a revised hybrid powertrain featuring a V8 engine with bespoke cylinder heads. The report goes on to claim that BMW M boss Frank van Meel "spent more nights in Woking than in Munich over the summer" but development has now been halted.

While nothing is official, a senior BMW manager reportedly told the publication the car was a "great piece of kit but we came to the conclusion that it is the wrong car for these fast moving times." Instead, the company will reportedly develop its own car which has a powertrain with more advanced forms of electrification.

Despite the end of the BMW-McLaren tie-up, the company is still reportedly working with Jaguar Land Rover on a new V8 engine called Project Jennifer. Set to be used by Range Rover, the engine will reportedly be a twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8 that develops 640 hp (477 kW) and 590 lb-ft (799 Nm) of torque.

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Ferdinand Piëch Gives Up Most His Stake In Porsche SE, Will Resign From Board In December

Posted: 09 Nov 2017 12:59 PM PST


Ferdinand Piëch resigned as Volkswagen Group chairman following a power struggle in 2015 but he remained a powerful force behind the scenes as he retained a 14.7 percent stake in Porsche Automobil Holding SE which controls Volkswagen.

However, the automotive icon is finally relinquishing control as Porsche SE has announced the Piëch and Porsche families have successfully completed a "change in the shareholder structures within the family as agreed contractually in April of this year."

As part of this change, a number of foundations tied to Ferdinand Piëch have "assigned the major part of their indirectly held ordinary voting shares in Porsche Automobil Holding SE to other members of the Porsche and Piëch families." Ferdinand Piëch also agreed to resign from the Supervisory Board of Porsche SE on December 8th.

The news is likely a bittersweet moment for Piëch as he was instrumental in transforming Volkswagen and Audi into the automakers they are today. The company was also extremely important to him as Automotive News Europe noted he one said the three most important things in his life were "Volkswagen, family, and money – in that order."

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BMW M Teaches Us How To Drift

Posted: 09 Nov 2017 12:34 PM PST


In case you didn't know what BMW M drivers love most about their cars, the Bavarian sub-brand is more than willing to provide us with a reminder.

It all starts with turning the DSC off, which you press and hold for 3-4 seconds until the car indicates that the system has been disabled.

Next, once you initiate the drift (at 15-20 km/h or up to 12 mph ), BMW M recommends using the second gear, especially if you're driving an M3 or an M4, in order to use the torque properly. By the way, to start the slide, you only need to give the accelerator a quick tap if you're already on a slippery surface.

The BMW M instructor also explains how it's very important to take your foot off the accelerator immediately after the rear of the car has stepped out. This is a common mistake for some people, as they forget to lift off once the drift has been initiated, applying continuous power.

The rest of the video is pretty straight forward, extremely informative and detailed. It's a good tutorial, and we recommend it to anybody who's looking to learn how to drift their car - preferably in a safe and non-populated area.

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First Buick GNX Heads To An Auction With No Reserve, So Think Fast

Posted: 09 Nov 2017 12:08 PM PST


This 1987 Buick GNX comes with the desirable #003 dash tag, making it the earliest example released to the public from Buick, as cars #001 and #002 still remain under GM's ownership.

With the #001 car sitting at GM's Heritage Collection with no real miles and #002 currently in the Buick/Sloan Museum in Flint, the #003 car you see in the pictures is an once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for someone out there.

When the car was new in 1987, it remained in Buick's hands for over a year and used as a press loaner and for promotion work, with the #003 dash plate featured in many magazine articles of the era.

It was eventually sold with around 8,200 miles on the clock in 1988 by Fischer Buick in Troy, MI to a local resident who put very few miles on it before reselling it in 1989. This Buick GNX remained totally original, undamaged and unmodified but it was put in storage in 1992 for the next 20-plus years.

This long slumber required a complete mechanical service and a very extensive cosmetic reconditioning to return this significant Buick GNX back to an original and as-new condition. Power comes from a turbocharged 3.8-liter V6 that was famously underrated at 276hp and 360lb-ft of torque.

0-60mph took just 5.5 seconds while independent tests showed that the GNX dealt with the quarter mile in 12.7 seconds, which was faster that what a Ferrari F40 could do.

This piece of American car history, the earliest example of the just 547 GNXs will be auctioned at Barrett Jackson's 2018 Scottsdale event this January, with 10,790 miles on the clock and with no reserve.

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Watch New Audi A4 3.0 V6 Diesel Go Flat Out On The Autobahn

Posted: 09 Nov 2017 03:46 PM PST


Despite falling out of favor with many consumers over the emissions scandal, modern diesel engines continue to boast benefits like high levels of torque from low rpms, and very low fuel consumption.

This is exactly why automakers have a hard time letting the oil-burners go for good, but it seems that they will eventually do so, in the coming years, but that's a completely different story.

Until they do, enthusiasts can still enjoy diesel-powered machines, such as the Audi SQ7, and even the very decent 3.0-liter TDI A4 of the B9 generation. In this case, the latter was taken to the famous Autobahn, for a top speed run, and it didn't need that much to indicate 253km/h (157mph) on the GPS speedometer.

This version of the car, which cannot be had in the United States, uses a 3-liter V6 engine that's shared with a multitude of vehicles made by the Volkswagen Group. It puts down 272PS (268hp) and 600Nm (443lb-ft) of torque, and can be had from just over €44,000 ($51,060) in Germany, with FWD, or for approximately €3,000 ($3,480) more, with the Quattro AWD.

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