Wednesday, 15 November 2017

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Flagship Huracan Not Performante Enough For The McLaren 720S

Posted: 15 Nov 2017 05:00 AM PST


The Lamborghini Huracan is without a doubt one of the most exciting supercars of 2017, and while it doesn't produce as much power as the McLaren 720S, seeing it trying to keep up with its rival in a series of standing and rolling start drag races is quite enlightening.

Sure, on the track, the Performante is formidable, having set a Nurburgring lap time of 6 minutes and 52 seconds. It also has 640 PS and 600 Nm (443 lb-ft) of torque, going to all four wheels.

In other words, it's not exactly helpless against the 720S, especially if the latter doesn't use launch control and the two cars accelerate from a standing start.

Of course, once the McLaren gets some traction, it catches up and blows past just about anything you can think of, so longer distances definitely favor the 720S.

As for the rolling starts, it wasn't even close, and it's not like the Performante didn't have enough opportunities against the 720S. We're talking four races in total, all of them pointing us towards an easy, straightforward conclusion.

VIDEO

2018 Range Rover SVAutobiography Heading To LA Auto Show

Posted: 15 Nov 2017 04:30 AM PST


Jaguar Land Rover have announced their presence for the 2017 Los Angeles Auto Show, which kicks off on December 1 at the LA Convention Center, with a range of either new or significantly updated vehicles.

One of them is the 2018 Range Rover SVAutobiography, which will celebrate its global premiere on the North American shore.

The range-topping version of the SUV will benefit from the same visual updates as the facelifted Range Rover, which debuted last month with a new front end, tweaked cabin, and some revisions made in the engine department.

The automaker says that more details about the 2018 Range Rover SVAutobiography will be announced prior to the show, when they will also unveil the SVAutobiography Dynamic version.

JLR's SVO division will also present the 2018 Range Rover Sport SVR, which benefits from the same key enhancements as the rest of the 2018MY lineup, while housing a 575hp supercharged V8 engine under the hood. Naught to 60mph (96km/h) takes just 4.3sec, and the top speed is electronically limited to 176mph (283km/h).

Making its US debut as well, after it was shown in Frankfurt some 2 months ago, is the Land Rover Discovery SVX Concept, which previews "the ultimate Discovery built for off-road enthusiasts seeking epic adventures", says the automaker.

PHEV versions of the Range Rover and Range Rover Sport have been granted a US visa too, to show their enhanced exterior design in LA, and to inform visitors that they can be driven on electricity alone for up to 31 miles (50km).

The automaker's first fully-electric production model, which goes on sale next year, is previewed by the Jaguar I-Pace Concept, joined by the I-Pace eTrophy prototype, which "is proof of the company's electric intent and previews the world's first single-make electric racing series that will follow rounds of the 2018/2019 FIA Formula E Championship".

Jaguar will also display the E-Pace SUV, XRJ575 flagship luxury sedan, and XF Sportbrake, at the 2017 LA Auto Show.

Note: Facelifted Range Rover pictured

PHOTO GALLERY

Can You Really Compare The New Lexus LC To The Old LFA?

Posted: 15 Nov 2017 04:02 AM PST


Under ordinary circumstances, comparing the Lexus LFA with the new LC500 would be like putting a Ferrari 812 Superfast up against a BMW 6 Series (or a BMW M760Li against a Skoda Superb). Hardly a fair fight, in other words. But these aren't ordinary circumstances.

That's principally because, as wildly different as they are, both the LFA and the LC coupe occupy the same place at the top of the Lexus lineup... even if one costs only a fraction of what the other did back in its day.

Where the LFA was as exotic as they come (at least from Japan at any rate), the LC is standard production fare. Which isn't to say that it doesn't have the capacity to get out hearts racing, or draw customers into Lexus showrooms around the world. But a direct successor to the LFA, the LC is not.

With all that context, then, comparing one to the other may seem only natural. Fortunately the fellas over at CarAdvice.com got their hands on one of each, and put this nine-minute video comparison together for our viewing pleasure.

Video

BMW Draws Power From Poop In Drive For Renewable Energy

Posted: 15 Nov 2017 03:29 AM PST


BMW is getting serious about reducing its carbon footprint. Part of that comes down to electrified vehicles, but as dirty as battery production is, the company needs to do more. That's why it's turning to poop.

By the end of this decade, BMW is committed to source all its electricity from renewable sources, the automaker's purchasing chief Markus Duesmann recently told a UN Climate Change Conference in Bonn, Germany.

According to Bloomberg, that includes a biomass plant in South Africa that runs on cow dung and chicken droppings. The facility in Rosslyn, Pretoria, assembles the 3 Series sedan, and was the company's first foreign plant.

Its plant in Leipzig, Germany – where the 1 Series, 2 Series, X1, i3, and i8 are built – gets much of its power from wind turbines, and recently opened a battery farm on site. And the plant in Spartanburg, South Carolina (home to the X3, X4, X5, and X6) draws on methane power from a nearby landfill.

"When it comes to sustainable responsibility, we consider the entire value chain, from purchasing and production to the product and our mobility services as a comprehensive system of lifecycles," said Duesmann. "Today, we already obtain 63% of our purchased electricity from renewable energies. And I'm proud to announce today that our new goal for the year 2020 will be 100%!"

Photo Gallery

Baby You Can Drive Paul's Aston And Ringo's Mini

Posted: 15 Nov 2017 02:55 AM PST


If you love the Beatles as much as you love cars, your opportunity to secure your dream ride is coming up in just a couple of weeks.

Consigned to Bonhams' auction in London on December 2 are two cars owned by famous members of the Fab Four: an Aston Martin once owned by Paul McCartney, and a Mini Cooper that was Ringo Starr's.

The 1964 Aston Martin DB5 was purchased new from the factory and registered first to his accounting firm and then to Paul McCartney himself. It was originally painted Sierra Blue with a black interior, and fitted with a long list of options and special equipment – not least of them the dashboard record player.

The Aston has passed through several hands since McCartney parted with it, including those of noted collector and broadcaster Chris Evans (of Top Gear fame). It has since undergone an exhaustive four-year restoration process that's brought it up past the condition in which it left the factory, including an upgraded engine bored out from 4.0 liters to 4.2, with output rising from 282 hp to 315,

It's also been repainted in silver and reupholstered in a deep Mulberry red. Bonhams expects it will sell for between £1,250,000 and £1,500,000 (or about $1.6-2 million at current exchange rates).

Too rich for your blood? The same auction will also feature a highly customized Mini Cooper commissioned by Ringo Starr and valued at £90,000-120,000 ($118-157k). Richard Starkey (as Ringo was christened) had the Mini enlarged to accommodate his drum kit, and appointed to Rolls-Royce levels of luxury with two-tone Regal Red and silver paint, sunroof, walnut interior trim, and more. It even has the taillights from a Volkswagen Beetle, somewhat ironically.

Described as the "Rolls-Royce of Minis," Ringo's ride has been owned by the same family since 1977. It's appeared on Top Gear, traveled as part of the Beatle City exhibition, and won the coveted Cartier Style et Luxe award at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in 1998.

The Bond Street Sale is set to take place on December 2, but you can check out photos now (courtesy of Bonhams) in the galleries below.

Paul McCartney's 1964 Aston Martin DB5



Ringo Starr's 1966 Mini Cooper

Chevy Planning Sub-Seven Minute 'Ring Lap With 2019 ZR1

Posted: 15 Nov 2017 01:31 AM PST


Chevrolet's 2019 Corvette ZR1 has finally arrived. However, no Nurburgring lap time for the car has been released. Don't stress, it's coming.

At the ZR1's global debut at the Dubai Motor Show, Corvette chief engineer Tadge Juechter told Road & Track that the automaker will attempt a flying lap next year in hopes of cracking the seven-minute barrier.

Although 2019 ZR1 prototypes have been filmed testing at the Nurburgring, they've never had a run at the production car lap record. In fact, Juecther revealed that Chevrolet only had a single day to set a flying lap during the German summer a few months ago. The firm opted to use the Camaro ZL1 1LE that day, as its development was more complete than the ZR1's. It set a blistering 7:16.04 lap.

With all the advanced aero of the new ZR1, as well as its incredibly powerful 755 hp, supercharged V8, there's no doubt it will be the fastest ever production Chevrolet around the circuit.

The previous-generation ZR1 set a best of 7:19.63 at the circuit in 2011 and beyond its power and aero improvements, the new ZR1 would benefit from Michelin's sticky Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires. A sub-seven minute lap would also make it faster than the Dodge Viper ACR.

PHOTO GALLERY

Toyota/Mazda Plant To Be In Alabama Or North Carolina

Posted: 15 Nov 2017 12:02 AM PST


Three-and-a-half months after Toyota and Mazda announced a $1.6 billion joint car factory in the U.S., Bloomberg reports that the plant will be located in either Alabama or North Carolina.

Spokesmen at the two carmakers have refused to comment on the reports but Bloomberg says Alabama and North Carolina have beat out the likes of Tennessee, Texas, and South Carolina for the factory.

When the facility is completed and production commences in 2021, it will build 300,000 cars annually and create roughly 4,000 new jobs. Toyota has confirmed that it will build the Corolla at the facility while Mazda says it will build SUVs at the site. The Japanese firm has yet to specify which models these will be.

Speaking about the plant at an announcement in early August, Mazda president and chief executive Masamichi Kogai said the alliance could energize the industry.

"Nothing would please me more than if, through this alliance, we can help to energize the auto industry and create more car fans by bringing together two competitive spirits to spur each other on, leading to innovations and fostering talent and leaders."

PHOTO GALLERY

Aston Martin Says It Needs A Brexit Deal To Continue Production

Posted: 15 Nov 2017 04:41 AM PST


Aston Martin says it may be forced to halt production if the UK cannot secure a Brexit deal with the EU.

Speaking at the Business Select Committee over the issue, the British automaker's chief financial officer, Mark Wilson, claimed the results could be "semi-catastrophic" if a deal isn't secured.

"We're a British company. We produce our cars exclusively in Britain and will continue to do so.

"Recertifying to a new type of approval, be that federal US, Chinese or even retrospectively applying to use the EU approval, would mean us stopping our production," he said.

Currently, all new vehicles in the UK are required to have Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA) approval, also valid in the EU. However, if a deal between the UK and EU cannot be reached, the validity of these cars will cease from March 2019, BBC reports.

"Recertifying to a new type of approval, be that federal US, Chinese or even retrospectively applying to use the EU approval, would mean us stopping our production," Wilson added.

Uncertainty about the financial longevity of the UK after Brexit comes during an important time at Aston Martin. The car manufacturer took control of a former military base earlier this year and will convert it into a production facility to build the upcoming DBX crossover.

PHOTO GALLERY

UK Tribunal Says Local Uber Drivers Are Employees

Posted: 14 Nov 2017 08:02 PM PST


An employment tribunal in the UK has concluded that Uber drivers in the country are not independent contractors and instead, employees of the ride-hailing company.

At the heart of the case were James Farrar and Yaseen Aslam, two men challenging Uber on behalf of a group of 19 drivers. They alleged that the company had denied them basic protections awarded to employees by suggesting that they were self-employed.

The ruling means that Uber must ensure its drivers in the UK receive a minimum wage and paid time off, points which will conflict with the firm's current hiring model that involves workers without formal contracts.

In an interview with The New York Times after the tribunal ruling, Aslam said thousands of drivers will be affected by the decision.

"You can hide behind technology, but the laws are there, and they need to be obeyed and respected. The impact of this ruling could affect thousands of drivers, and not just drivers but millions of workers across the U.K. It just means we can't be exploited," he said.

This isn't the first time Uber has caused headlines in the UK. In September, London's regulator of public transportation, Transport for London, decided against renewing Uber's license to operate in the capital city.

PHOTO GALLERY

Marc Marquez Wins BMW M4 CS As MotoGP's Best Qualifier

Posted: 14 Nov 2017 07:34 PM PST


For the fifth year in a row, MotoGP maestro Marc Marquez has walked away with the annual BMW M Award, this year taking the form of a limited-edition M4 CS.

The award is given to the sport's best qualifier and Marquez first walked away with the award in 2013, receiving the keys of a satin black M6 Coupe. The following year, he was awarded a red M4, in 2015 the Spaniard was given an M6 Convertible, and last year he secured an M2.

In the recently-concluded 2017 season, Marquez claimed eight pole positions and is unquestionably the best qualifier in the field.

BMW first unveiled the potent M4 CS in April and confirmed that production will be capped at 3,000 units. Marquez's example is painted in San Marino Blue metallic, and in our opinion, is the best-looking BMW in his burgeoning collection.

Changes made to the M4 CS compared to the 'regular' M4 include a tweaked 3.0-liter twin-turbo inline-six engine, now delivering 454 hp and 442 lb-ft of torque. Additionally, the car includes a range of weight saving and aerodynamic-focused parts, including a new carbon fiber rear diffuser, front splitter and trunklid spoiler. The car can lap the Nurburgring in 7 min and 36 seconds.

PHOTO GALLERY

Infiniti Fears QX30 Driver's Airbag May Inadvertadly Deploy, Issues Recall

Posted: 14 Nov 2017 07:05 PM PST


Infiniti announced a recall involving certain units of the QX30 because the driver's airbag could deploy randomly. Although no incidents related to the subject have been reported, the issue could cause injury to the driver and increase the risk of a crash.

"The combination of an electrostatic discharge to a broken steering column module clock spring, and an insufficient grounding to the steering column, might lead to an inadvertent deployment of the airbag", the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) wrote in the description of the defect.

The recall affects 17,507 units of the 2017-2018 MY QX30 manufactured from August 10, 2015, to June 16, 2017. Owners of these vehicles will be contacted by Nissan starting with December 18. Subsequent to scheduling an appointment with authorized dealers, technicians will add a commutator ring to the steering column to assure proper grounding and fix the problem, free of charge.

The latest Infiniti recall follows a similar action taken by Mercedes-Benz last month, over an identical problem. The German car manufacturer recalled almost 500,000 vehicles, from the CLA to the E-Class, including certain AMG models and the GLA, which shares its platform and most mechanical parts with the QX30.

PHOTO GALLERY

Uber Accepts $10 Billion Investment, Will Limit Kalanick Influence

Posted: 14 Nov 2017 06:32 PM PST


Uber has accepted an investment of up to $10 billion and will limit the control of former chief executive Travis Kalanick.

Bloomberg reports that Uber has agreed to let SoftBank Group Corp and other firms invest up to $1 billion in the ride-hailing service. The companies will then proceed with a tender offer in coming weeks to purchase up to $9 billion in shares from existing investors.

In a statement, Uber said the investment will secure its longevity.

"We've entered into an agreement with a consortium led by SoftBank and Dragoneer on a potential investment. We believe this agreement is a strong vote of confidence in Uber's long-term potential. Upon closing, it will help fuel our investments in technology and our continued expansion at home and abroad, while strengthening our corporate governance."

As part of the deal, Uber shareholder Benchmark Capital will drop a lawsuit it has against Travis Kalanick. The former chief executive will retain his position on the firm's board of directors and keep his power to appoint two extra seats. However, further changes he may want will require a majority approval from the board.

PHOTO GALLERY

Is A Six-Year Old Ford Focus RS Really Worth $57,000?

Posted: 14 Nov 2017 06:00 PM PST


A 2011 Ford Focus RS was sold over the weekend for £43,875, or $57,503 at the current exchange rates. This makes it £11,110 ($14,560) pricier than a new Ford Focus RS in the United Kingdom, and some $16,000 more expensive than the same car sold in the United States.

The difference alone could have landed its owner a new Ka+ in the UK, or a Fiesta on this side of the pond, but there's a simple explanation for the price: despite its age, the hot hatch is practically new as it has only 18 miles (29km) on the clock, and that alone is worth extra in the eyes of some enthusiasts.

Old Fords turned out to be highly desirable at the SilverstoneAuctions event in Birmingham, as a 1988 Sierra Cosworth RS500 fetched £112,500 ($147,443) and a 1996 Escort Cosworth Lux with 837 miles (1,347km) on the odo sold for £91,125 ($119,429).

The auction saw Wheeler Dealers TV stars Mike Brewer and Ant Anstead taking over to the podium to present their 1989 Ford Escort XR3i and a replica of the Alfa Romeo Grand Prix, with both cars selling for £22,500 ($29,489) each. Proceeds benefited the Marie Crawford Boyd Foundation charity.

Another classic, a 1968 Jensen Interceptor Mk1, which has comedian Eric Morecambe's name written in the papers, changed hands for £95,625 ($125,327), while Sir Chris How's 2010 Ferrari 458 Italia found a new home for £137,250 ($179,881).

Sixty-seven percent of the lots on offer were sold, including a 1962 Mercedes-Benz 190 SL, which raised £118,125 ($154,815), and a 1960 Austin Healey 3000 Mk1 that sold for £60,750 ($79,619).

PHOTO GALLERY

Safety Board To Investigate Autonomous Shuttle Crash In Las Vegas

Posted: 14 Nov 2017 05:28 PM PST


The U.S. National Transportation Safety Board has launched an investigation into a crash involving a Navya autonomous shuttle recently deployed in Las Vegas.

Late last week, a new Navya Arma was introduced in Las Vegas but just a few hours after being deployed, a delivery truck reversed into the shuttle while members of the media were inside. According to Digital Trends, the crash was extremely gentle.

Nonetheless, Reuters received word on Friday that four NTSB investigators will examine the incident.

Both the city of Las Vegas and local police say the truck driver backed into the shuttle as the autonomous vehicle was stationary. According to the city, the Arma's sensors "registered the truck and the shuttle stopped."

Although the accident was caused by human error, Digital Trends reporter Jeff Zurschmeide said the self-driving autonomous shuttle didn't do everything a human driver may have done to avoid contact.

In a news piece, Zurschmeide said, "We had about 20 feet of empty street behind us (I looked), and most human drivers would have thrown the car into reverse and used some of that space to get away from the truck. Or at least leaned on the horn and made our presence harder to miss."

PHOTO GALLERY

Singer And Williams Reveal Their Breathtaking 500HP Porsche 911

Posted: 15 Nov 2017 04:41 AM PST


Singer has been working with Williams Advanced Engineering for their latest project which is a rather stunning reimagined 911 that received newly-developed lightweight and high-performance modifications.

The project was born under the Dynamics and Lightweighting Study (DLS) name, with Singer partnering with Williams and other world-renowned specialists, including Michelin, Brembo and BBS Motorsport.

It's hard to choose a highlight on this magnificent creation, but if you have to pick one it has to be the new four-valve, four-camshaft naturally aspirated 4.0-liter flat-six engine with 500hp, developed by Williams with consultation from none other than Hans Mezger, the legendary Porsche engineer.

Other details include the new underbody and surface aerodynamic enhancements, again by Williams and Porsche Motorsport legend Norbert Singer, via computational fluid dynamics (CFD). If you take a closer look at the renderings, you'll notice that even the taillights now feature air outlets, not to mention the rear diffuser and the various scoops everywhere.

The new car is also lighter thanks to the increased use of exotic materials like magnesium, titanium and carbon fiber. The end result is a staggering minimum vehicle weight of 990kg/2180lbs.

The new DLS package is completed by the improved suspension, which is now lighter and offers better adjustability and enhanced geometry. Features like the bespoke Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires, the lightweight 18-inch BBS-Motorsport forged-magnesium alloys, carbon Brembo brakes, the bespoke EXE-TC dampers and a special lightweight six-speed manual transmission made out of magnesium from Hewland can also be specified should the customer wants to.

Only 75 cars will be built at a dedicated Singer facility housed on the Williams campus in the UK, with the company having racing driver Marino Franchitti and Top Gear presenter Chris Harris serving as consultants and vehicle dynamics development drivers.

PHOTO GALLERY

Infiniti Design Boss Hints At A Flagship Sedan Concept For Detroit

Posted: 14 Nov 2017 04:28 PM PST


Infiniti has largely abandoned flagships sedan since the Q45 was phased out in 2006. The company still offers the Q70L but that's more of a competitor to the Cadillac CT6 than proper flagships from Audi, BMW, and Mercedes.

The company has flirted with the idea of a new flagship in the past and the automaker introduced the stylish Q80 Inspiration concept at the Paris Motor Show in 2014. While three years have passed since that concept was unveiled, Infiniti's head of design, Alfonso Albaisa, suggested the company could have a surprise for 2018 North American International Auto Show.

Speaking to Car&Driver, Albaisa said "In Detroit, we will show something about that subject [flagship sedans] which is super nice." The designer went on to suggest the car will be a "sexy" sedan that has a "new proportion because of new technologies."

That's not much to go on but it sure sounds like Infiniti is preparing to introduce a new concept that could preview a flagship sedan. Albaisa's mention of technology is also interesting as it could be a subtle hint that the vehicle might adopt an alternative powertrain such as electricity. This matches up with previous rumors which suggested Infiniti would introduce an electric concept in Detroit with plans for a production model in 2019.

Photo Gallery

BMW M2 CS Getting Ready To Fight Porsche Cayman GTS

Posted: 14 Nov 2017 04:05 PM PST


BMW are sticking to their word to offer more CS models, and after unveiling the M4 CS and M3 CS earlier this year, they're now prepping a more aggressive M2.

Caught doing the rounds on the Nurburgring, the M2 CS keeps its mystery aura on, as while some suggest that it will serve as a successor to the current M2 that will be retired next summer, others say it will be offered as a limited edition alongside the 'regular' car.

Whatever the Germans have in store for the M2 CS, one thing seems certain: it will drop its current N55 engine in favor of the S55 unit that currently powers the M3 and M4. However, since retaining the same output as its larger siblings would bring it too close for BMW's comfort to them, the straight-six will be detuned, possibly to around 400hp and 500Nm (369lb-ft) of torque.

This will place the M2 CS slightly above the Porsche 718 Cayman GTS, which uses a turbocharged 2.5-liter flat-four that's good for 365PS (360hp) and 430Nm (317lb-ft) of torque.

An even more special, limited production version of the M2 is reportedly in the pipeline for 2019, and it is expected to adopt the GTS moniker, benefiting not only from a power bump, to around 450hp, but also from a series of weight saving measures and a new aero agenda.

VIDEO

Lamborghini Showcases The Urus' Snow Mode

Posted: 14 Nov 2017 03:28 PM PST


Lamborghini recently showcased the new Sabbia (sand) driving mode on the 2019 Urus and now the company is going in a different direction by highlighting the crossover's Neve (snow) mode.

Designed to deliver "outstanding control at high speed," the Neve mode has been extensively tested in cold climates to ensure the Urus stays planted in inclement conditions. The Neve driving mode will work in conjunction with the crossover's all-wheel drive system and Lamborghini says the model will have the "best driving experience on snow."

While Lamborghini has been slowing teasing the model to build up hype for its official unveiling on December 4th, the automaker has already confirmed the Urus will offer four other driving models including a unique Terra (land) setting that is likely designed for light off-road adventures. That mode will be joined by the familiar Cosra, Sport, and Strada settings that are found on the Aventador and Huracan.

The Urus will ride on the MLB Evo platform that underpins the Audi Q7, Bentley Bentayga, and Porsche Cayenne. Despite sharing the same underpinnings, the Urus will feature unique styling and a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 engine that is expected to produce around 650 hp (484 kW).

Video

Seat Leon Cristobal Concept Is The Safest Car In The Company's History

Posted: 14 Nov 2017 03:00 PM PST


SEAT has unveiled the Leon Cristobal concept at the Smart City Expo in Barcelona, Spain.

Named after the patron saint of drivers, the Leon Cristobal concept is being billed as the safest car in the company's history as it features six different systems that have been designed to reduce the risks of being involved in a collision. The systems are probably not what you would expect but they target the main causes of accidents such as drowsiness, distractions, speeding, and alcohol consumption.

In order to tackle these problems, which cause 80% of all traffic accidents, the concept features a built-in breathalyzer that will prevent the car from being used if alcohol is detected on the driver's breath. Another unique feature is the so-called "drive-coach" which is a voice assistant that provides personalized safety warnings.

Designers also installed a video camera-based display mirror that eliminates blind spots and provides a better field of vision. There's also a Mentor mode that allows parents to limit the vehicle's speed and monitor its location when their children are driving . Another interesting mode is the Guardian Angel setting which activates all 15 of the car's active and passive safety systems.

Should something go wrong, the concept's black box will send images and data to a smartphone following a collision.

Besides showcasing the Leon Cristobal concept, the company showed 10 eMii prototypes which will soon become available to employees of Metropolis:Lab Barcelona and Pier 01 as part of a car-sharing project. The Smart City Expo also held the Autonomous Driving Challenge grand finale which tasked 50 students from nine universities to develop autonomous driving software that could drive a scale model vehicles through a closed course.

Photo Gallery

Colorado And Arrivo To Test A Hyperloop In Denver, Could Be Ready By 2021

Posted: 14 Nov 2017 02:32 PM PST


The Colorado Department of Transportation has teamed up with Arrivo to build a half-mile long hyperloop test track near the Denver International Airport.

According to The Denver Post, the little-known startup will open a research and development center in Commerce City and build the test track along the E-470 tollway. The company is expected to invest $10 - $15 million into the project and the state is offering incentives of up to $760,000 if certain conditions are met.

The project is still in its early phases but Arrivo's founder, Brogan BamBrogan, told the publication "Assuming the study continues to move forward, we do think we can have shovels in the ground by 2019 and deploy the system in 2021."

Despite being billed as a hyperloop, the system is notably slower than what Tesla founder Elon Musk has envisioned for the technology. Arrivo's system still uses dedicated lines to transport pods quickly but the speeds are limited to just 200 mph (321 km/h). USA Today also notes Arrivo intends to install the hyperloop above ground as opposed to Musk's underground solution from the Boring Company.

Video

2019 Subaru Ascent Teased For LA Auto Show

Posted: 14 Nov 2017 04:47 PM PST


The Los Angeles Auto Show is less than two weeks away and Subaru has announced plans to introduce the 2019 Ascent at this year's event.

Set to become the spiritual successor to the slow-selling Tribeca, the crossover was previewed by a concept at the New York Auto Show earlier this year.

Unfortunately, the teaser image doesn't reveal much about the production model as it only shows the crossover will have an upright tailgate, a black rear bumper, and wraparound taillights. We can also see brushed aluminum trim and a small Ascent badge.

Subaru has been relatively tight-lipped about the model but it will be a three-row crossover that is based on the company's global platform. The Ascent will be built in Indiana and the concept implied the model will measure 198.8 inches (5,049 mm) long, 78.3 inches (1,989 mm) wide, and 72.4 inches (1,839 mm) tall with a wheelbase that spans 117 inches (2,972 mm). If those numbers hold up, the Ascent would slot in between the GMC Acadia and Chevrolet Traverse.

Performance specifications remain unconfirmed but the model is expected to use a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that produces around 300 hp (223 kW). Given that is a crossover and a Subaru, all-wheel drive will obviously be part of the package.

Photo Gallery

Ford Edge Headed To Australia As The Diesel-Powered Endura

Posted: 14 Nov 2017 01:30 PM PST


Crossover and SUV sales are booming in Australia and Ford is looking to tap into that momentum by announcing plans to launch the all-new Endura.

Set to go on sale late next year, the Endura will be a renamed version of the Edge and it will join existing models such as the Escape, EcoSport, and Everest.

Ford is keeping detailed specifications under wraps but confirmed the Endura will be offered exclusively as a five-seater with a diesel engine. There's no word on which diesel engine the company is talking about but the European version of the Edge features a 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbo-diesel that has outputs of 180 PS (132 kW) and 400 Nm (295 lb-ft) of torque as well as 210 PS (154 kW) and 450 Nm (331 lb-ft) of torque.

Regardless of what's under the hood, Ford said the model will be positioned as a premium crossover that comes highly-equipped and offers an extensive assortment of driver assistance features.

While it seems odd that Ford would go through the trouble of renaming the Edge, the company says the Endura name is shorthand for Endurance and it represents "strength, durability, reliability and sportiness, which are key attributes of this all-new vehicle."

Ford Australia President and CEO Graeme Whickman added "The appetite for SUVs in this country is impressive, so we're excited to bring a premium new offering from our global portfolio to local audiences."

Photo Gallery

2020 BMW M3 Will Reportedly Have Around 493 HP

Posted: 14 Nov 2017 12:59 PM PST


The BMW M3 holds a special place in the hearts of driving enthusiasts and new details are starting to emerge about the next-generation model.

According to Car Magazine, the 2020 M3 will be equipped with a new twin-turbo 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine known as the S58B30. The engine will reportedly be equipped with the water-injection system from the M4 GTS and have an output that is virtually identical to the aforementioned car. If the report is correct, the M3 will have around 493 hp (367 kW) and 442 lb-ft (598 Nm) of torque.

Besides being significantly more powerful than the current model, the next M3 is expected to be more eco-friendly as it will reportedly adopt a 48-volt mild hybrid system and electrically spooled turbochargers. The car is also tipped to have a more aggressive engine start/stop system that cuts in earlier.

Like the 2018 M5, the next-generation M3 is expected to be offered with all-wheel drive. While the system is standard equipment on the M5, the report suggests it will be optional on the M3. The system will likely work in conjunction with an eight-speed automatic transmission but there are rumors the six-speed manual could survive but only in rear-wheel drive variants.

Aside from the upgraded powertrain, the next-generation M3 is expected to be lighter as it will reportedly use more aluminum and composites. Engineers are also said to be targeting a 50:50 weight distribution and improved torsional rigidity.

On the handling front, we can expect an assortment of high-tech goodies including adaptive dampers, a locking differential, and a brake-by-wire system. However, the report claims the next M3 "won't be as sharp-edged, harsh-riding, or aggressive as the current car." That's not necessarily a bad thing as the model is expected to become less nervous and "better balanced overall."

Besides talking the about the M3, the report says we can expect the 3-Series sedan to arrive next year and it will be followed by a wagon variant in 2019. The 4-Series Coupe and Convertible are slated for 2020 and the latter model, as well as its M4 variant, could eschew the retractable hardtop for a lighter fabric roof. Perhaps the most interesting detail is a note that claims the next-generation 4-Series Gran Coupe will be transformed into an electric vehicle and it won't receive the M treatment.

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Can BMW's M550i xDrive Outsprint The Lexus GS F?

Posted: 14 Nov 2017 12:30 PM PST


From the moment it was released, the BMW M550i xDrive has had enthusiasts in a spin. After all, it was the quickest 5-Series ever produced prior to the launch of the new-generation M5.

Powered by a twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 with 465 hp and 479 lb-ft of torque, the M550i xDrive can reach 62 mph (100 km/h) in 4 seconds flat, thanks predominantly to its all-wheel drive system. Such figures would be impressive for any car but they are made all the more noteworthy because it isn't even a full-blown M car.

Nevertheless, the M550i should be able to deal with a Lexus GS F easily, right? To find out, The Fast Lane Car pitted the duo together to compare acceleration times.

Unlike its rivals from Germany, namely the BMW M5, Mercedes-AMG E63, and Audi RS6, the Lexus GS F doesn't have an all-conquering forced-induction engine delivering monumental levels of power. Instead, it delivers 467 hp and 389 lb-ft torque and weighs about 300 lbs less than the M550i xDrive.

However, the GS F uses rear-wheel drive. Will the BMW make things look easy?

VIDEO

Tesla Is A “Hotbed For Racist Behavior”, Claims African-American Workers Suit

Posted: 14 Nov 2017 12:01 PM PST


Tesla was hit with a class-action lawsuit claiming that their production facilities are a "hotbed for racist behavior".

The lawsuit was filed in California by African-American workers who say that racial slurs were used to address them and that the company ignored their complaints.

Former Tesla employee Marcus Vaughn seeks permission from a judge to sue on behalf of more than 100 African-American Tesla workers affected at the company's Freemont factory, Bloomberg reports.

Vaughn says that he was routinely called the "n-word" by supervisors and coworkers after he began working at Tesla in April. He also says that while he complained in writing to human resources, they never investigated his claims. Vaughn was fired in October for "not having a positive attitude".

The former Tesla employee is now seeking unspecified damages as well as an order for Tesla to implement policies to prevent and correct harassment.

"Although Tesla stands out as a groundbreaking company at the forefront of the electric car revolution, its standard operating procedure at the Tesla factory is pre-Civil Rights era race discrimination," the employee said in the complaint, filed Monday in California's Alameda County Superior Court.

According to the same complaint, Elon Musk had sent an email to Tesla factory workers on May 31. "Part of not being a huge jerk is considering how someone might feel who is part of [a] historically less represented group," Musk wrote in the email. "Sometimes these things happen unintentionally, in which case you should apologize. In fairness, if someone is a jerk to you, but sincerely apologizes, it is important to be thick-skinned and accept that apology."

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