Thursday 16 November 2017

CARSCOOPS

CARSCOOPS

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2018 Aston Martin Vantage Goes Sideways In New Teaser

Posted: 16 Nov 2017 06:54 AM PST


Aston Martin's sexy 2018 Vantage is being celebrated on video once more, ahead of its scheduled debut on November 21.

The latest teaser video has a rather artistic flair, as it depicts the upcoming sports car going sideways on a track for a few brief seconds in slow motion.

With some styling influences coming from the James Bond DB10, as well as the Vulcan and new DB11, the baby Aston Martin will be a beautiful challenger to the likes of the Porsche 911 and Mercedes-AMG GT.

Moreover, it will also have the muscle to do so, as it's expected to make use of the AMG-sourced 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 engine that powers the entry-level DB11.

Aston Martin are also believed to use a detuned version of the 5.2-liter twin-turbo V12 lump that debuted in the DB11 last year for the new V12 Vantage, but this version will debut at a later date.

VIDEO

New T4 Petrol Engine Joins Volvo S90 And V90 UK Range

Posted: 16 Nov 2017 06:20 AM PST


Volvo UK has made a new petrol engine available to its flagship saloon and estate models, with the S90 T4 priced from £34,500 and the V90 T4 from £36,500.

The four-cylinder petrol unit is mated to an automatic gearbox as standard, producing 190 PS (187 HP) while offering combined fuel economy figures of 42.2 UK mpg (35.1 US mpg) in the S90 and 40.9 UK mpg (34 US mpg) in the V90.

"Petrol is becoming an increasingly popular choice with motorists, including business users," said Volvo Car UK exec, Steve Beattie, who expects strong interest in the S90 and V90 T4.

The T4 versions can be purchased from the entry-level Momentum to the high-spec Inscription Pro, and share the same level of standard features as the diesel and petrol-electric hybrid models, such as the Sensus 9" touchscreen system, sat-nav with Real Time Traffic Information, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian, cyclist and large animal detection, Pilot Assist semi-autonomous drive technology, LED headlights, dual-zone climate control and leather upholstery.

Both the T4-powered S90 as well as the V90 are available to order now.

PHOTO GALLERY

Toyota Teases New FT-AC “Adventure” Concept Ahead Of LA Auto Show

Posted: 16 Nov 2017 05:48 AM PST


Toyota has a new concept called FT-AC for the LA Auto Show, with the company releasing a first teaser image.

Judging by the photo, the new Future Toyota Adventure Concept (FT-AC) appears to be some kind of hardcore offroader, complete with LED roof lights and some weird fender extensions that don't sit flush with the rest of the bodywork.

We still don't know if Toyota's new Adventure concept is either a pickup truck or an SUV. We did compare the photo against the Land Cruiser, the Tacoma and even the HiLux but still couldn't tell for sure what's hiding behind the shadows.

What we do know is that Toyota has been working on the updated versions of the 4Runner, Sequoia and Tundra which are probably going to receive a new hybrid powertrain option, and the new concept might preview some of these upcoming design changes.

Toyota will reveal the new FT-AC on November 30 during the 2017 Los Angeles Auto Show at an event that will be also livestreamed, so stay tuned.

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BMW M2 Competition Production Could Start In July 2018

Posted: 16 Nov 2017 05:30 AM PST


BMW has yet to unveil the M2 Competition, while reports indicate production of the model will commence next summer, potentially at the start of July 2018, BMW Blog asserts.

Unlike most 'Competition' branded models from BMW's M division, the M2 Competition won't sit alongside the regular M2 in the model range. Instead, BMW will phase out the existing model, making the M2 Competition the only available model.

The reasoning for this unknown, but it's likely that BMW thinks it can achieve higher profit margins with the M2 Competition, therefore making the standard car somewhat redundant.

Additionally, if the rumors about the Competition model prove to be accurate, it wouldn't make much sense for an owner to purchase the entry-level model, unless it was significantly cheaper.

It is our understanding that the key development for the M2 Competition will be its adoption of the twin-turbo S55 six-cylinder engine from the M3 and M4. Sitting in place of the single-turbo 3.0-liter N55 of the M2, this engine will be tuned to produce roughly 400 hp.

PHOTO GALLERY

Tesla Responds To Racism Allegations, Calls Them A “Hotbed of Misinformation”

Posted: 16 Nov 2017 05:00 AM PST


Tesla responded to a recent lawsuit alleging racist behavior at its Freemont factory with a lengthy blog post called "Hotbed of Misinformation".

Last Monday, an ex-Tesla worker named Marcus Vaughn filed a lawsuit against them, claiming that he and more than 100 African-American Tesla workers were subjected to racist behavior, with slurs being used to address them by supervisors and co-workers, with the company ignoring them despite their complaints. Vaughn also claims that he was fired from the company for "not having a positive attitude".

In its response, Tesla acknowledged that several African-American and Hispanic individuals made use of racial language, including the "n-word" and "w-word" towards each other after investigating a group of people who worked on or near Vaughn's team. The investigation resulted in the firing of three people.

"Several months ago we had already investigated disappointing behavior involving a group of individuals who worked on or near Marcus Vaughn's team. At the time, our investigation identified a number of conflicting accusations and counter-accusations between several African-American and Hispanic individuals, alleging use of racial language, including the "n-word" and "w-word," towards each other and a threat of violence. After a thorough investigation, immediate action was taken, which included terminating the employment of three of the individuals."

"We believe this was the fair and just response to the facts that we learned. There will be further action as necessary, including parting ways with anyone whose behavior prevents Tesla from being a great place to work and making sure we do everything possible to stop bad behavior from happening in the first place. Our company has more than 33,000 employees, with over 10,000 in the Fremont factory alone, so it is not humanly possible to stop all bad conduct, but we will do our best to make it is as close to zero as possible."

Tesla also claims that there are a number of false statements in the class action lawsuit filed against them.

- There is only one actual plaintiff (Marcus Vaughn), not 100. The reference to 100 is a complete fabrication with no basis in fact at all.

- The plaintiff was employed by a temp agency, not by Tesla as claimed in the lawsuit.

- Marcus was not fired, he was on a six month temp contract that simply ended as contracted.

- His email to Elon was about his commute and Tesla's shuttles, which was addressed as he requested. There was no mention of racial discrimination whatsoever.

- The trial lawyer who filed this lawsuit has a long track record of extorting money for meritless claims and using the threat of media attacks and expensive trial costs to get companies to settle. At Tesla, we would rather pay ten times the settlement demand in legal fees and fight to the ends of the Earth than give in to extortion and allow this abuse of the legal system.

Finally the company included Elon Musk's full email sent to workers on May 31 in a bid to clear things up.

Audi SQ5 Gets The ABT Treatment, Comes With 419HP

Posted: 16 Nov 2017 04:46 AM PST


ABT Sportsline continue to upgrade various Audi models, and their latest work revolves around the SQ5.

The range-topping version of the premium compact SUV is already powerful, as it makes 354PS (349hp) and 500Nm (369lb-ft) of torque straight from the factory.

However, after paying a visit to ABT, this Audi SQ5 is good for 425PS (419hp) and 550Nm (406lb-ft) of torque. The output may seem familiar to some, and they're not wrong, because it's identical to the ABT-tuned Audi S5 Coupe and Cabriolet models, which share the same 3.0-liter TFSI engine.

Now, since the German tuning firm wasn't satisfied with the way the stock Audi SQ5 looked, they fitted their example with a more aggressive body kit. This includes a new front bumper, tweaked grille, larger side skirts, and roof-mounted spoiler, in addition to some carbon fiber trim.

A lowered suspension is also part of the offerings, along with the 20-inch alloy wheels, and real exhaust tips that replace the fake ones that equip the stock vehicle, integrated into the flashy diffuser.

PHOTO GALLERY

Aston Martin Teases Track-Focused Valkyrie AMR Pro

Posted: 16 Nov 2017 05:11 AM PST


The all-new Aston Martin Valkyrie AMR Pro is the British marque's track hypercar that will make you forget about Ferrari's FXX K and McLaren's P1 GTR.

Developed in collaboration with Red Bull Advanced Technologies and AF Racing, only 25 units of this track beast will be made, and all of them have been spoken for already, with deliveries to commence in 2020.

The most striking differences over the street-legal version of the Aston Martin Valkyrie are found on the outside, where "all the aerodynamic surfaces have been revised in the pursuit of significantly increased downforce", in Aston's own words.

Larger front and rear wing elements have been added, and the Valkyrie AMR Pro now sits on 18-inch front and rear wheels, smaller than the road car, which are shod in Michelin racing tires made to the same specification as those used by LMP1 cars in the WEC.

A significant amount of weight has been saved by removing the heater/de-mister blower and infotainment screens, and adding a polycarbonate windscreen and side windows, while using a lighter construction of the carbon fiber bodywork. Additionally, the exhaust system is also lighter, as are some suspension components, and the brakes are race-spec carbon-carbon.

The result is a very capable track hypercar that can sustain cornering forces in excess of 3.3G, and braking deceleration of more than 3.5G.

Aston Martin has also fiddled with the Valkyrie AMR Pro's naturally-aspirated 6.5-liter Cosworth-made V12 engine, but they have yet to release the official specs. They do say, however, that it develops more power and torque than the street-legal version.

Thanks to these upgrades, Aston states that the Valkyrie AMR Pro can achieve lap times to rival those of a modern F1 or LMP1 car. Now, since driving it won't exactly be easy, the automaker will provide owners with access to the same facilities as Aston Martin Red Bull Racing's F1 drivers, including time in the simulator, professional on-track tuition, and programs to improve their physical fitness.

ASTON MARTIN VALKYRIE AMR PRO



ASTON MARTIN VALKYRIE

Watch A Modern F1 Car Tackle A 200-Year-Old Cobblestone Alpine Pass

Posted: 16 Nov 2017 03:56 AM PST


Formula One cars are made to drive on paved racing circuits or, like Monaco, in closed city streets, but that's about it. That's what makes this latest publicity stunt so unusual. As part of its ongoing traveling road show, Red Bull took a five-year-old F1 car and put it on a 200-year-old road.

That road is the Tremolastrasse, a cobblestone mountain pass in the Swiss Alps that was built in the early 19th century along a route first used by the Romans. The Romans, for crying out loud!

The road snakes some eight miles over treacherous turns to a 7,000-foot summit. And while a rally car might find itself at home there, it's anything but optimal conditions for a delicate F1 racer.

To handle the task, Red Bull called up Sebastien Buemi, a native Swiss pilot who drove for Scuderia Toro Rosso back in 2009-11, served as a test driver for Red Bull Racing and has since gone on to win the FIA World Endurance Championship with Toyota and the Formula E title with Renault.

His steed for the endeavor was the RB8, the car, designed by Adrian Newey, with which Sebastian Vettel won the championship in 2012, when turbos were still banned, V8s were the engine of choice and hybrid assist was just becoming a thing.

Photo Gallery



Video

PSA Group Announces Expansion Of Car Sharing Service

Posted: 16 Nov 2017 03:30 AM PST


PSA Group has announced new details about its Push to Pass strategic plan, confirming that it will push into the car-sharing market and offer online car sales.

At a Mobility Talks event held in France, PSA Group revealed that its Free2Move mobility brand will play an important role in its future. As it stands, the app already has over 450,000 users and provides options to rent a bicycle, scooter or other vehicles across Europe and most recently, also in Seattle.

To further its presence in the mobility industry, PSA Group has formed a partnership with Huawei to create a new digital platform dubbed Connected Vehicle Modular Platform (CVMP). This technology will ensure digital interactions between the car and the cloud are managed securely.

Additionally, the platform will eventually offer remote on-demand car diagnostics and remote-control solutions including battery charging and pre-heating. Furthermore, over-the-air software updates will be made available.

In terms of online car sales, PSA Group has made the decision on the back of growing consumer demand to purchase vehicles online. PSA's system will allow customers to configure a model, set up a financing plan, estimate the trade-in value of their old car and select a date to take delivery of their new vehicle.

PHOTO GALLERY

Formula E Attracts Another F1 Driver In Kamui Kobayashi

Posted: 16 Nov 2017 02:57 AM PST


Formula E has proven an alluring destination for former F1 drivers, and now one more has joined their ranks. That driver is Kamui Kobayashi – a former GP2 champ, outright winner of the 6 Hours of Fuji in the 2016 FIA World Endurance Championship, and the last Japanese so far to compete in Formula 1.

Despite his accomplishments in other racing disciplines (including a second-place finish at Le Mans with Toyota in 2016), Kobayashi struggled in his four-plus years on the F1 grid, scoring a solitary podium finish for Sauber (in his country's GP) in 2012.

His latest challenge will see him take the wheel for the MS&AD Andretti team in the forthcoming Hong Kong ePrix at the beginning of next month – but he'll have to do so without the benefit of any testing beforehand. "[It won't be] an easy thing to be honest, but the team has been giving me all the support," said Kobayashi upon the announcement.

Michael Andretti provides a glimpse at one of the possible driving forces behind the decision to put Kobayashi in the cockpit. "To partner one of the largest companies in Japan, MS&AD Insurance, with one of the most popular Japanese racing drivers, will be exciting to see," said Andretti. "He has shown what he can do in both Formula One and WEC, making Formula E a perfect next step."

He'll be the third Japanese driver to compete in the series, following Takuma Sato and Sakon Yamamoto, and join a long list of former F1 drivers to try their hand at the electric racing series.

So far the Formula E championship has only been won, in fact, by past F1 drivers: Nelson Piquet in season 1, Sebastien Buemi in season 2, and Lucas di Grassi in season 3. If Kobayashi proves his worth, he could end up proving the next.

Photo Gallery

Could The Tesla Semi Have Up To 450 Miles Of Range?

Posted: 16 Nov 2017 01:32 AM PST


Tesla's long-awaited all-electric semi-truck will be unveiled in less than 24 hours and according to two analysts, could have a range of up to 450 miles (724 km).

Last month, Elon Musk took to Twitter to assert that the semi's specs are more impressive than what recent reports have suggested, most of which have indicated a range between 200 and 300 miles, potentially giving the Tesla semi roughly the same range as Daimler's recent concept.

Inside EVs says that according to Berstein analysts Toni Sacconaghi and David Vernon, the semi's range may actually sit between 300-450 miles and be offered to customers from mid-2019.

Interestingly, the analysts don't believe that even with a range of up to 450 miles, the semi will be a success for the company.

"On net, despite a potentially compelling value proposition, we do not see the Tesla Semi opportunity as a thesis changing initiative for the company, at least initially. It is somewhat unclear why the company needs another major initiative (beyond Model 3, forthcoming Model Y, battery production, solar roofs, and energy storage) on its already full plate," they said.

Stay tuned for more details about the truck in the coming hours.



PHOTO GALLERY

Volkswagen To Invest $12 Billion For EVs In China

Posted: 16 Nov 2017 12:03 AM PST


Volkswagen has announced that it will invest over 10 billion euros ($12 billion) on a fleet of new-energy vehicles in China.

Speaking to reporters on Thursday, VW China head Jochem Heizmann revealed that by 2025, the investments will result in the introduction of 40 locally-produced vehicles, created in collaboration with local joint venture Jianghuai Automobile Group (JAC Motor).

Bloomberg reports that VW intends on introducing 15 models based on its MQB platform while the remaining vehicles will use a selection of new platforms.

The automaker's ambitious China plans come just a couple of months after the country revealed its cap-and-trade policy. These new regulations will require automakers to obtain a new-energy vehicle score (zero- and low-emission vehicles) of at least 10 per cent in 2019 and rising to 12 per cent in 2020.

According to Heizmann, the selection of new vehicles will allow VW to meet these requirements. However, he admitted that it will be difficult to achieve a fleet-wide average fuel consumption level of 5 liters per 100 km (62 miles) in China by 2020.

PHOTO GALLERY

1914 Peugeot L45 Grand Prix Two-Seater Sells For $7.26 Million

Posted: 15 Nov 2017 08:45 PM PST


A hugely significant 1914 Peugeot L45 Grand Prix Two-Seater has sold for $7.26 million at a recent Bonhams Auction event in Los Angeles.

For much of the last century, it was thought that this iconic Peugeot was driven by Dario Resta to victory at the 1916 Indianapolis 500 Mile Race. However, it was recently confirmed that it was instead driven by Ralph Mulford at the 1916 event and finished third.

Throughout much of the early 1900's, French carmakers dominated the motorsport scene and in 1913, Jules Goux claimed victory at the Indianapolis endurance race in a similar car.

Interestingly, this L45 Grand Prix Two-Seater raced with a 3.0-liter engine in 1916 but was soon fitted with a 4.5-liter four-cylinder engine with dual overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder, and 112 hp at 2,800 rpm. The car also includes mechanical drum brakes at all four corners, semi-elliptical leaf spring suspension and live front and rear axles.

A key contributor in the vehicle's auction price is that it is chassis no.1 and features engine no.1.

PHOTO GALLERY

Why Are Dozens Of Tesla Model 3s, Ss, And Xs Sitting In An LA Parking Lot?

Posted: 16 Nov 2017 04:07 AM PST


Dozens of Tesla Model 3, Model S and Model X vehicles have been discovered in a parking lot in Southern California.

Reddit users, as well as a reporter from Automobile Magazine, have visited the facility to find dozens of new Model 3s collecting dust rather than being delivered to customers.

Upon scouring the facility, Automobile discovered that there were at least 26 Model 3s in there, some with Quality Assurance checklists displayed that revealed that they had failed inspections or suffered some kind of damage. Additionally, there were a number of Model S and Model X vehicles that had failed inspections, with one that had 'Structure' written across its windshield, perhaps in reference to an issue.

Could Tesla be using this facility to store defective vehicles? It's hard to be sure, but it's certainly a possibility.

On the other hand, Electrek (whose writers own Tesla stock…) assert that the cars may simply be in storage for the impending Tesla Semi reveal and could be used to provide test drives to members of the media attending the event. This seems unlikely, however, as it would be irresponsible to offer test drives of vehicles with issues significant enough to fail final inspections.

The last few months haven't been easy for Tesla. Although the carmaker ceremoniously delivered a handful of Model 3s to employees in July, volume production of the entry-level electric sedan has yet to commence and isn't expected to until next year.

Furthermore, Tesla has encountered quality control issues in the past, including a Model S being delivered with a split A-pillar and faulty Model X falcon doors. Furthermore, the carmaker often introduces incomplete and unproven features to its vehicles, such as Autopilot.

Update: Responding to these reports, an unnamed Tesla source told us that the cars were moved to this area temporarily as the company's service and delivery center is being used for the Tesla semi reveal.

PHOTO GALLERY



VIDEO

Giannini 350 GP4 Is A Fiat 500 On Steroids

Posted: 15 Nov 2017 08:02 PM PST


Range-topping Fiat 500 Abarth models are pretty cool but compared to this, they seem tame.

Officially dubbed the Giannini 350 GP4, the car you're looking at is based on a Fiat 500 but has been radically overhauled into a performance beast.

For starters, a new engine sits at the front of the hatchback, delivering 350 hp. No confirmation has been given about what engine this is but we believe it's the same Alfa Romeo 4C turbocharged four-cylinder unit found in the previously-revealed Giannini 350 GP.

As its name indicates, the 350 GP4 is distinguished from the ordinary 'GP' thanks to its adoption of an all-wheel drive system. When paired with a set of wide wheels and tires, the hot hatch should launch off the line at breakneck speeds.

Visually, the car is also radically different to a usual Fiat 500. Both the front and rear fascias have been customized, the wheel arches have been flared and numerous carbon fiber aerodynamic elements affixed to the exterior body panels.

No pricing details have been announced but interested parties should be prepared to part ways with over $175,000, the price of the rear-wheel drive 350 GP.

PHOTO GALLERY

Rohrl Suggests Porsche 911 GT2 RS Is Almost Too Fast For The 'Ring

Posted: 15 Nov 2017 07:33 PM PST


Porsche development driver Walter Rohrl has suggested that the new Porsche 911 GT2 RS is almost too fast for the Nurburgring.

During a recent interview with Drive, the rally legend said he requested not to be involved in the car's lap record attempt, partially due to concerns about the risk of a high-speed crash.

"You have no room for mistakes, that's the bad thing. On the speeds like in this car (GT2), you go Schwedenkreuz at 295km/h and Fuchsrohre at 270km/h, and I know all the accidents which have been on these places in the last 20 years.

"If you come to Fuchsrohre at 270, I always think one of the test drivers from Bridgestone, he broke the [wheel] rim…," Rohrl said.

Rohrl cited the low downforce of most production cars as a reason why Nurburgring laps are becoming increasingly dangerous. The new GT2 RS has a respectable 416 kg of maximum downforce but compared to a racing car, that's not much.

Despite the challenges presented by the circuit, Porsche's head of motorsport and GT road cars development, Dr Frank-Steffen Walliser, said the German carmaker will continue pushing the limits of lap times at the circuit.

"Mankind developed all the time going faster. Why not keep the engineering challenge on? There's no reason to stop the competition," he said.

PHOTO GALLERY

New BMW M5 Was Originally Rear-Wheel Drive

Posted: 15 Nov 2017 07:04 PM PST


BMW has admitted that during the early stages of development for the latest M5, it experimented with rear-wheel drive.

According to vice president of BMW's M division, Dirk Hacker, the first F90-generation M5 prototype was actually rear-wheel drive. However, due to the power delivered by the upgraded 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V8, rear-wheel drive simply wasn't the smartest option to bring to production.

"[RWD] was the natural, historic way to go – until we realized we were beyond the limits of longitudinal acceleration. Four-wheel drive was the only option," Hacker revealed to Autocar.

The adoption of all-wheel drive in the new M5 also means it better rivals both the new Mercedes-AMG E63 and the Audi RS6, performance sedans sold exclusively with all-wheel drive.

BMW's F90 M5 manages to deliver 600 PS and 750 lb-ft of torque to the ground. Mated to the engine is an eight-speed automatic transmission, launching the sedan from a standstill to 62 mph (100 km/h) in a blistering 3.4 seconds and 124 mph (200 km/h) in 11.1 seconds.

PHOTO GALLERY

Smart Car To Be Phased Out From Car2Go Fleets

Posted: 15 Nov 2017 06:33 PM PST


Car2Go has confirmed that it will slowly start to phase out the Smart ForTwo models currently in its North American fleet.

The company has been planning the move for many months now and it comes shortly after Daimler revealed that the ForTwo will soon only be sold in all-electric guise in the U.S.

Instead of adopting the new electric Smart with its 60-mile range, Car2Go will overhaul its fleet with Mercedes-Benz CLA and GLA models. Fortunately for those Car2Go users that like using Smart cars, the latest-generation models will remain in service for a while. The older Smart ForTwo vehicles will be replaced first.

Speaking to Jalopnik, a Car2Go spokesman said the service remains open to using new Smart models in the future.

"We'd love to continue to offer a Smart or similar size vehicle again if and when that becomes an option once more.

"And again, we've got a lot of new-gen Fortwos in NYC, DC, Montreal, Toronto, Columbus and Vancouver that will be in service for quite a while. While no other car is as nimble at fitting into tiny city street parking spaces as the Smart, both the CLA and GLA are compact cars. GLA is about a foot shorter than a CLA," the spokesman said.

PHOTO GALLERY

BMW Trademarks Selection Of i-Branded SUV Models

Posted: 15 Nov 2017 06:02 PM PST


It appears as if BMW is planning a dramatic expansion of its i-Performance sub-brand, recently trademarking the names of no less than nine new vehicles.

According to recent applications, BMW has acquired trademarks for iX1, iX2, iX3, iX4, iX5, iX6, iX7, iX8, and iX9. This is the clearest indication yet than the carmaker intends on bringing its advanced hybrid technologies to its popular SUV models, Autocar reports.

However, it is worth noting that there's very little chance BMW will ever release nine i-branded SUV models. In all probability, most of the names have been trademarked simply to ensure no other carmaker can use them. For example, BMW trademarked i1, i2, i3, i4, i5, i6, i7, i8, and i9 in 2010 but so far, only the i3 and i8 have been built.

Whatever the company is planning, we recently learned that all BMW electric, plug-in hybrid, and internal combustion engine powered models built from 2020 will share the same platform.

PHOTO GALLERY

Watch Volvo's Automatic Braking System Save A Kid's Life

Posted: 15 Nov 2017 07:42 PM PST


Driving a new vehicle that's equipped with the latest safety assistance systems could make a difference between life and death not only for its occupants, but for distracted pedestrians, too.

What you're about to watch is a good example of how far technology has evolved over these last few years, in a scenario that's unfortunately too common - a bus drops off a few kids, and two of them start running across the road without checking for traffic first.

The second kid manages to spot the oncoming semi just in time, but it appears that it's already too late for the first child. However, this Volvo truck is equipped with an automatic emergency braking (AEB) system, in addition to other safety features, so it automatically applies the brakes.

Thanks to the safety technology, likely combined with the driver's quick reaction time, the semi appears as if it almost defied the laws of physics, as it came to a complete stop in no time, saving a precious life during the process. Hats off to Volvo and the driver!

VIDEO

What Do American Parents Love And Hate On Road Trips?

Posted: 15 Nov 2017 05:00 PM PST


With the Thanksgiving holiday nearly upon us, Chevrolet wanted to find out what stresses American parents the most when taking a family road trip, as well as what gives them peace of mind.

The survey was conducted by Harris Poll on behalf of Chevrolet, revealing that keeping the kids entertained actually ranked lower than heavy traffic when it comes to stressing out the average family.

Moreover, parents have indicated that new in-vehicle technologies can improve the road trip experience by making gridlock situations more bearable. In fact, 56% of American parents said that Wi-Fi/internet connectivity is the top in-vehicle tech when it comes to family road trips.

"As families prepare to hit the road this holiday to spend time with friends and family, they can depend on crossovers like the 2018 Chevrolet Traverse and Equinox to meet their needs, from storage space to USB outlets, available 4G LTE Wi-Fi and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto2 compatibility," said Chevrolet marketing director Steve Majoros.

The survey also revealed that, in spite of stressful moments on the road, taking a road trip with the family is still a positive experience. In fact, 93% of American parents said they enjoy road trips with the family, while 53% went as far as to say they "love" these trips.

Furthermore, 90% of parents who take road trips say their kids also enjoy time on the road, with 69% stating that exploring and stopping at interesting locations and destinations are their top two favorite aspects of family road trips, followed by unplugging from everyday life (49%), indulging in food and snacks (44%) and being out on the open road (45%).

Other interesting stats show that American parents believe the perfect family road trip length is typically six hours, and that packing 6.6 mobile devices on average is the way to go. As for what type of car to use, nearly two-thirds (63%) say they would prefer to take their family road trip in an SUV, with 42% preferring a large SUV with three rows of seats.

PHOTO GALLERY

Mercedes-AMG GT R Black Series Wants To Be The New Lord Of The 'Ring

Posted: 15 Nov 2017 04:27 PM PST


Mercedes-AMG is getting ready to take on the impressive Porsche 911 GT2 RS for the title of the fastest production car to lap the Nurburgring with a range-topping version of the GT coupe: the GT R Black Series.

The GT R Black Series was confirmed by AMG's head honcho, Tobias Moers, who said that it will arrive on the market close to the end of the GT's life-cycle. Reports speak of the Black Series using an improved version of the 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8, which should produce in excess of 600hp.

Prototypes of the supercar have been spied testing on the Nordschleife for a few good months now, trying to hide their visual updates over the regular GT R, with the same applying to the car seen here.

The following video gives us the chance to can hear it growl on the famous German track, and it appears to be even more sonorous than the already great-sounding GT R.


VIDEO

Chevrolet's Bolt-Based Electric Crossover Revealed, Arrives By 2020

Posted: 15 Nov 2017 04:12 PM PST


General Motors CEO Mary Barra participated in the Barclays 2017 Global Automotive Conference in New York earlier today and she used her presentation to reveal a new Chevrolet Bolt-based crossover.

Drawing inspiration from the Chevrolet FNR-X concept that debuted at the Shanghai Auto Show earlier this year, the crossover has an aggressive front fascia with slender headlights that feature boomerang-shaped LED daytime running lights.

The model also has dynamic bodywork, plastic body cladding, and a Bolt-like C-pillar. As part of the transition from concept to production, the styling has been toned down and the model has been equipped with traditional mirrors and door handles.

The model will ride on the same platform that underpins the Chevrolet Bolt and it is one of two electric crossovers that is slated to arrive by 2020. The model's powertrain will likely carryover from the Bolt so we can expect it will have a 60 kWh lithium-ion battery that powers an electric motor that develops 200 hp (150 kW) and 266 lb-ft (360 Nm) of torque.

Despite the rugged styling cues, the crossover will likely be offered exclusively with front-wheel drive.

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CHEVY FNR-X Concept

We Wouldn't Be Surprised If Some Tuner Made A VW Amarok 6x6

Posted: 15 Nov 2017 03:28 PM PST


The Volkswagen Amarok remained largely the same from its introduction in 2010 right up until last year, when it received an update for the 2017MY, but what would make it even more special?

An all-new second generation is the obvious answer, although this probably won't appear any time soon. How about a six-wheel version in the likes of the Mercedes-AMG 6x6, Kahn Flying Huntsman 6x6 and Hennessey's new VelociRaptor 6x6?

Needless to say, Volkswagen aren't even contemplating such a project (at least as far as we know), but if they did, then it would probably look close to this rendering posted by Spdesignsest, which gets not only an additional axle at the rear, but also widened fenders, roof-mounted off-road lights and some other touches.

The artist has also given the Touareg 6x6 a 'V8' badge on the grille, which could remind some of MTM's Amarok V8 Passion Desert and its tuned 4.2-liter TDI V8 that makes 410hp and 930Nm (685lb-ft) of torque.

However, the new 4.0-liter TDI that debuted in the Audi SQ7 would be a stronger candidate, as it makes 429hp and 900Nm (664lb-ft) of torque, and also gets the world's first electric powered compressor, thus eliminating turbo lag.

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PSA Has Already Decided Which Brand To Bring To America, Might Not Be DS

Posted: 15 Nov 2017 02:57 PM PST


Groupe PSA recently returned to the United States with its Free2Move mobility app but that's not much consolation for fans hoping to buy one of the company's vehicles.

Cars are coming but it might be awhile before they arrive. As PSA North America CEO Larry Dominique explained to Automobile Magazine, the company doesn't have a dealership network, infrastructure, or parts and service providers in this country. He added, "I have to build those things from the ground-up."

Dominique went on to say the situation is a blessing and a curse but he's going to make sure PSA is 100 percent ready before launching a car in America. He declined to say when this might occur but there's little doubt the company don't want to repeat Fiat's underwhelming return.

Despite not having a firm launch date, Dominique confirmed PSA has already decided which brand to bring to the United States. Initial speculation suggested it would be DS but the executive downplayed that idea by saying "people are just making assumptions." That doesn't necessarily mean it won't be DS but other possibilities include Peugeot or Citroen as well as the recently acquired Opel and Vauxhall. The three French brands are seen as the most likely candidates but only time will tell which one finally gets the green light.

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