Friday 17 November 2017

CARSCOOPS

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This Is How Fast The New Tesla Roadster Really Is

Posted: 17 Nov 2017 04:30 AM PST


It's one thing to read about a new car's specs, and a completely different story to experience it firsthand.

However, in the case of the all-new Tesla Roadster, most of us won't get near it until early next decade, so the only way to check it out right now is by watching these short video posted online.

One of the clips bears Electrek's name, and it shows Tesla Motors' sportiest vehicle ever doing a couple of short accelerations, shot via a 360-degree camera, so that you can adjust the angle.

To those that missed our initial coverage of the second generation Tesla Roadster, we will remind you that it packs a 200kWh battery pack. Zero to 60mph (96km/h) takes just 1.9sec, or approximately half a second faster than a Bugatti Chiron, and its digital speedometer will show 100mph (160km/h) after 4.2sec.

Moreover, the initial numbers also reveal that it can run down the quarter mile in 8.9sec, before topping out at over 250mph (402km/h).

This impressive performance comes at a steep price, as the new Tesla Roadster is said to start at $200,000.

VIDEOS

Renault Plasters Its Name, Badges And Vents On New Duster SUV

Posted: 17 Nov 2017 03:57 AM PST


Renault has taken the Duster into its second generation a couple of months after the budget SUV debuted as a Dacia in Frankfurt.

Trying to discern any differences on the outside is futile because, apart from a modified grille and an updated plastic trim on the tailgate, the two vehicles are practically identical.

That, of course, makes perfect sense as the Renault will be sold in different markets than the Dacia, thus there was no need for the French group to indulge in (costly) design changes.



The same stands for the interior, too, so you'll need to check out both versions of the Duster, side by side, to tell the difference. Once you do, you'll notice that the Dacia's round air vents have been replaced by horizontal ones, and their number has dropped from five to four. The Renault has a new steering wheel too, which appears to be more upscale, but the rest of the cabin remains identical to its Dacia sibling, including the infotainment system, which has been carried over from the previous iteration.



Renault's new Duster will continue to be offered with two- and four-wheel drive, powered by the same engines as before, including the 1.6-liter and 2.0-liter petrol units, with 115PS (113hp) and 145PS (143hp), respectively. Diesel variants include the 1.5-liter dCi with 85PS (84hp) and 90PS (89hp), alongside the dCi 110PS (108hp), which can be ordered with an optional AWD. Moreover, customers will be able to specify the FWD dCi 110 with a dual-clutch automatic transmission in the near future.




2018 RENAULT DUSTER



2018 DACIA DUSTER

What's Skoda Cooking With This Kodiaq Prototype?

Posted: 17 Nov 2017 03:27 AM PST


The Skoda Kodiaq is already available in various markets, so spotting a prototype of the 7-seater SUV testing on the Nurburgring raises some questions.

What we have here cannot be answered with certainty by anyone outside the company, but we think that we're likely looking at a new version.

One scenario calls for the rumored range-topping vRS being put to the test, and the black bumpers of the prototype, along with the basic halogen headlights, might be there to trick bystanders into thinking they're looking at a entry-level Kodiaq - which, come to think of it, is another possibility.

Anyway, if this is indeed the Kodiaq vRS, then it will benefit from a number of improvements over lesser variants, including a more aggressive body kit, a tweaked chassis and improved brakes, while power could come from the 2.0-liter twin-turbo four-cylinder diesel of the European VW Tiguan.

Another explanation is that this prototype is a test bed for a hybrid powertrain - but it's all speculation, so we'll have to wait a little bit longer until we can find out more about what Skoda has in store for its SUV.

VIDEO

Restored 1969 Jaguar 420 Looks Like It Just Rolled Out Of The Factory

Posted: 17 Nov 2017 02:56 AM PST


This 1969 Jaguar 420 has received a complete overhaul inside and out, courtesy of car personalization atelier Carbon Motors, which specializes in everything from custom upholstery, hi-fi audio systems, exotic trim coatings as well as doing full restorations, which sometimes include metal work and rust removal.

Now, if you like classic Jaguars, you might find the 420 to be quite interesting. The car initially came out in 1963 and was styled after the S-Type, however it did gain a more linear front end in order to match the rest of the body.

Inside, it was more luxurious than the S-Type, although that's not something that's immediately obvious when you first see an example that's in dire need of repair - like this one was initially.

Thanks to Carbon Motors making both before and after pics available, we can see just how different the car looks now compared to the state it was in before the restoration. The interior has been completely re-worked, from the dashboard to the door panels, the center console and the roof. Even the wood trim received an upgrade, looking brand spanking new squeezed between its black leather surrounds.

As for the exterior, since we didn't get any "before" pics, all we can say is that it looks extremely clean, featuring a dual tone design with a stripe running alongside the car's shoulder line.

PHOTO GALLERY

Tesla Shocks Us With New 2020 Roadster, Does 0-60 In 1.9 Sec!

Posted: 16 Nov 2017 09:24 PM PST


Tesla has used the unveiling of its long-awaited Semi to shock the world and unveil the second-generation Roadster, a car which will be the sportiest vehicle every created by the electric automaker.

Elon Musk has been promising a new Roadster for a number of years and has just announced that it has arrived. Like the original, it is a sleek two-door but unlike its predecessor, is totally bespoke and adopts a seriously sexy design.

Incredibly, the base second-generation Tesla Roadster will reportedly reach 60 mph (96 km/h) in just 1.9 seconds and reach 100 mph (160 km/h) in a mere 4.2 seconds. What's more, it will run down the quarter mile in 8.9 seconds thanks to a 200-kWh battery pack and apparently hit over 250 mph.

According to Musk, the new Tesla Roadster has a 620-mile range and despite what the images may suggest, it does have four seats, however, the rear seats are exceptionally small.

From a design standpoint, the new Roadster is a dramatic departure from any other Tesla before it. The front end is characterized by a pair of slim LED headlights and typical Tesla curved body panels, while the rear looks more like a radical concept car than anything remotely close to a production model. Among the most intriguing design elements are wafer-thin taillights and an aggressive diffuser.

During his speech announcing the second-generation Tesla Roadster, Musk said he wants it to serve as the final nail in the coffin for ICE vehicles, hence why such lofty performance targets have been set. If they're all achieved, it could very well represent the future of performance cars.

Unsurprisingly, the second-gen Tesla Roadster will be more expensive than its predecessor. In fact, the base price will start at $200,000 with a $50,000 reservation required. For true die-hard Tesla enthusiasts, a Roadster Founders Series will be available, starting at $250,000.

Photo Gallery

Tesla Semi Has A 500-Mile Range And Hits 60MPH In 5 Seconds

Posted: 16 Nov 2017 10:28 PM PST


Tesla has officially unveiled its long-awaited Semi, and as expected, company chief executive Elon Musk is touting it as the future of trucking.

First, the most important number of them all. 500 miles. According to Tesla, that is the official range of the Tesla Semi under highway conditions when it is towing its full 80,000 lbs load. When fully loaded, the semi will reach 60 mph (96 km/h) in 20 seconds, far quicker than any diesel semi-truck on the market. Remove the trailer and it'll reach the same mark in five seconds.

Making the Tesla Semi so brisk off the line are the four independent electric motors, driving the four wheels at the rear.

Another interesting thing about the Tesla Semi is that Musk says it will be impossible for the vehicle to jackknife. In order to avoid this, the Semi will use its independent rear wheels to dynamically adjust torque to ensure a jackknife never occurs.

Unsurprisingly, every Tesla Semi sold will come with Enhanced Autopilot as standard. Consequently, the Semi will include automatic lane keep assist and autonomous braking.

Despite being the brand's first attempt at a truck, the Tesla Semi will allegedly be incredibly reliable. In fact, the automaker will guarantee that it will not break down in the first million miles. Owners will also benefit from the brand's new Megachargers, powerful chargers which can add up to 400 miles of range in just 30 minutes.

Photo Gallery

Watch The Unveiling Of Tesla's All-Electric Semi Truck Here

Posted: 16 Nov 2017 08:47 PM PST


After being delayed from its original October 26 debut, Tesla is just minutes away from finally introducing its all-electric Semi, aimed at revolutionizing the trucking industry.

As we await specific details of the Tesla Semi to be announced in the live stream embedded below, it's worth briefly recapping what reports state we can expect to see.

Most significantly, the Tesla Semi is expected to feature a large lithium-ion battery pack that offers a range of between 200 and 300 miles.

Although specifics about the powertrain remain up in the air, the exterior design of the Tesla Semi is already believed to be out in the open, following shots that captured a prototype without any camoflage. As with Tesla's current vehicles, the Semi's design will be minimalist and lack traditional truck design elements, including a front grille.

More details as they come...

BMW 850i And M8 Roar During Track Testing

Posted: 16 Nov 2017 07:04 PM PST


A pair of prototypes for the upcoming BMW 850i and M8 have been filmed testing at the Nurburgring. Of the duo, it is certainly the impending M8 that will leave BMW enthusiasts sweating and for good reason.

The car is expected to adopt the same running gear as the latest M5, meaning a twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 engine with 600 hp and roughly 553 lb-ft of torque. Like the M5, the M8 should also receive an advanced all-wheel drive system with an option to turn the two-door into a tire-smoking, rear-wheel drive monster at the press of a button.

As for the second 8-Series prototype, it is reportedly the 850i but its identity is a little harder to verify. Nonetheless, it too should feature a V8 with forced-induction and somewhere in the region of 500 hp.

A reveal date for the 8-Series range, including the M8, can be expected for March's Geneva Motor Show.

VIDEO

McLaren P1 Damaged During Truck Crash In Cambodia

Posted: 16 Nov 2017 06:45 PM PST


A McLaren P1 has been badly damaged in Cambodia after the transport truck that was carrying it collided with another truck.

According to a local newspaper, the truck carrying the expensive British hypercar slammed into another large truck carrying goods from Phnom Penh to Andoung Tuek.

Speaking to the media, police chief of the local Botum Sakor district, Sok Thorn, said the cause of the crash was still being investigated and no one has come forward as the owner of the expensive McLaren, restricted to just 375 examples worldwide. Five people were injured in the crash.

Images and video from the scene reveal that the P1, which appears to have a chrome wrap, sustained some damage in the crash. More specifically, much of the front end appears to have been crushed by the truck.

Despite the damage, the owner of the P1 will most likely have it shipped back to Woking for repairs.



PHOTO GALLERY



VIDEO

Lamborghini Aventador Performante Scooped With Crazy Aero Aids

Posted: 16 Nov 2017 06:32 PM PST


You didn't really think Lamborghini would let the Huracan Performante outshine the Aventador forever did you?

Evidently satisfied with the attention the Huracan Performante has garnered in the past six months, the Italian marque has turned its attention to its latest, performance-focused supercar, this time based around the Aventador.

Potentially adopting the Performante badge as well, the car will be based on the recently facelifted Aventador S and as these images show, benefit from a plethora of performance modifications.

For starters, the rear of the Aventador Performante includes a custom engine cover, tweaked rear air vents, a bespoke diffuser and perhaps most notably, a set of dual tailpipes exiting from the center of the rear fascia, just like the hardcore Huracan that bears the same name.

Elsewhere, these images shared by the Lamborghini Dutch Instagram page, reveal a tiny shark fin on the Aventador's rear decklid and a much more pronounced front end dominated by a splitter that protrudes out. If our eyes are not mistaking us, there may even be a couple of small horizontal cut-outs in the spitter, perhaps a sign of the brand's Aerodinamica Lamborghini Attiva (ALA) system being used in this potent Aventador model.

Beyond the aero changes, it is inevitable that Lamborghini will tweak the car's naturally-aspirated V12. In Aventador S guise, it delivers 730 hp and 509 lb-ft but we expect those figures to rise to roughly 770 hp and 550 lb-ft, potentially even more.

It is difficult to know exactly when Lamborghini intends on launching the car but a debut in 2018 is probable.



PHOTO GALLERY

2018 VW Virtus Is A Polo Sedan For South America

Posted: 16 Nov 2017 06:01 PM PST


After a number of leaks and a revealing teaser, the 2018 VW Virtus has just premiered in Brazil.

Essentially a sedan version of the Polo that will be sold exclusively in South America, the Virtus will directly rival the likes of the Honda City, Toyota Yaris Sedan, Fiat Cronos and Chevrolet Prisma.

Like the Polo, the 2018 Virtus is underpinned by the carmaker's MQB-A0 platform and should be available with the same selection of powertrains. As it stands, VW's South American arm has confirmed just one model, the 200 TSI. It utilizes a 1.0-liter TSI three-cylinder turbo engine delivering 128 hp with ethanol and 115 hp with petrol. Both fuels deliver the same 147 lb-ft of torque, allowing for a 0-100 km/h (62 mph) time of 9.9 seconds and a 194 km/h (120 mph) top speed. Additional variants are expected to be announced shortly.

As expected, the exterior design of the Virtus is a mish-mash of the Polo hatch at the front and the Jetta sedan at the rear. More impressively, the sedan's interior utilizes a 10.25-inch screen for the gauge cluster and an eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Mirrorlink.

Discussing the car, President and chief executive of Volkswagen South America Region and Brazil, Pable Di So, said the Virtus is an important model in the brand's updated local range.

"We are advancing in South America – and are renewing our model range in Brazil step-by-step. Following the presentation of the new Volkswagen Polo a few weeks ago, the Virtus is a further key element in our drive to take Volkswagen back to the lead in the region."

Prices have yet to be announced.

PHOTO GALLERY

Here's A Take On The Facelifted 2019 Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat

Posted: 16 Nov 2017 09:08 PM PST


It's hard to believe that more than three years have passed by since Dodge first introduced us to the Charger SRT Hellcat, isn't it?

During this time, the super saloon has proved its credentials against some very powerful machines, coming out on top in most cases. An entirely new generation of the Charger and Challenger will reportedly make their way onto the market in 2021, but before they do, Dodge will update both cars in 2019.

So what should we expect from the two popular vehicles? Well, according to Enoch Gabriel Gonzales' vision, plenty of visual drama, as his renderings are very optimistic, to say the least.

The artist has focused on the range-topping version of the Charger, the SRT Hellcat, fitting it with new bumpers and lights and toning down some of its aggressive lines. While the front end looks quite nice, the rear isn't exactly appealing with those gigantic taillights.

Of course, we will have to wait at least one more year before seeing what the FCA-owned brand has in store for the Challenger and Charger, and if their upgrades will include any work carried under the hood of the Hellcats, although with 707 HP at their disposal already, we doubt anyone would mind if Chevy left the supercharged V8 well alone.

PHOTO GALLERY

Do You Find This Rolls-Royce Dawn Fashionable?

Posted: 16 Nov 2017 04:59 PM PST


If your idea of the optimal Rolls-Royce is a special edition model that's both vibrant as well as understated, this Dawn Inspired by Fashion might draw your attention.

The car was recently on display at Rolls-Royce Abu Dhabi, featuring an Andalusian White exterior, working in contrast with the Cobalto Blue fabric roof.

Inside, you're looking at a completely bespoke cabin with Arctic White leather covering the seats, center console, most of the door panels and lower dashboard, while Cobalto Blue inserts can be found on the steering wheel, seats, door panels and door pockets.

Potential customers of the Dawn Inspired by Fashion can match the car's Andalusian White body with three custom colors for the fabric roof: the Cobalto Blue you're seeing here, Mugello Red or Mandarin.

PHOTO GALLERY

Watch A BMW M3 Crash At The 'Ring During A Snowstorm

Posted: 16 Nov 2017 04:30 PM PST


Taking a fast rear-wheel drive car to the track in slippery conditions might not always be a good idea, especially when talking about the Nurburgring, which has very little runoff space between the tarmac and its barriers.

This is probably one of the slowest and most unfortunate incidents you'll see all year. The driver was clearly being careful with his speed, but was caught off-guard by the treacherous conditions upon exiting that right-hand corner.

Luckily, the M3 poked the barrier with little force, and as far as we can see, there wasn't a lot of damage to the car. Still, after the repair bill comes in, it might be best to keep this 431 PS (425 HP) sports sedan away from cold and wet surfaces.

VIDEO

2019 Corvette ZR1 Blows Its Top Off With Convertible Version

Posted: 16 Nov 2017 04:07 PM PST


The fastest and most powerful version of the Corvette, the ZR1, grabbed headlines when it was unveiled earlier this week in Dubai.

However, Chevrolet is already planning a second version of the menacing supercar, as the images posted by Redditor Coonark00 show.

The photos reveal a three-car convoy seen in Florida a few days ago, and one of them is a convertible, with camouflage wrapped around its front and rear ends, a folding soft top, and a low wing.

"I fish down in the Florida Everglades, and I see these ZR1s testing fairly regularly. They come cruising by me, and often give me a nice throttle blip if I wave. They sound awesome", said the man who posted the images online.

With Chevrolet bringing out a Corvette ZR1 Convertible, the move will mark yet another important modification for the C7 ZR1, compared to its predecessors, besides the targa roof with removable panels.

Naturally, the Convertible ZR1 will use the same 755hp 6.2-liter supercharged V8 of the Coupe, which is so good that Chevy believes it can lap the Nurburgring in less than 7 minutes.

PHOTO GALLERY

2018 Honda Clarity Plug-in Hybrid Pricing Announced, Starts At $33,400

Posted: 16 Nov 2017 03:27 PM PST


The Honda Clarity Plug-in Hybrid will begin arriving at U.S. dealerships on December 1st with a base price of $33,400.

Unveiled earlier this year at the New York Auto Show, the Clarity Plug-in Hybrid comes nicely equipped with heated front seats, a dual-zone automatic climate control system, and 8.0-inch Display Audio system. Other niceties include split-folding rear seats, an eight-speaker audio system, and a multi-angle rearview camera.

Buyers looking for something more luxurious can opt for the $36,600 Touring variant which adds a leather-wrapped steering wheel, perforated leather seats, and Ultrasuede interior accents. The model also boasts power front seats and a GPS navigation system which includes the location of charging stations.

Both models feature a 1.5-liter Atkinson cycle four-cylinder engine, a 17 kWh battery pack, and an electric motor. This setup enables the car to produce a combined maximum output of 212 hp (158 kW).

In terms of efficiency, the Clarity Plug-in Hybrid has a combined fuel economy rating of 110 MPGe and a gasoline-only rating of 44 mpg city / 40 mpg highway / 42 mpg combined. More importantly, the car can travel up to 47 miles (75 km) on electricity alone. When the battery is depleted, it can be fully recharged in approximately 2.5 hours with a 240 volt charging system.

While the car is a little expensive, buyers will be eligible for a federal income tax credit of up to $7,500. They may also be able to receive additional state and local incentives depending on where they live.

Photo Gallery

Fu*k Trump Decal Causes Stir In Texas After Sheriff Hints At Disorderly Conduct Charge Against Owner

Posted: 16 Nov 2017 02:58 PM PST


Donald Trump's approval rating is a dismal 38.1 percent and it's no surprise that much of the country doesn't like him or his policies.

A couple in Texas decided to vent their frustrations by putting a large decal on the back of their GMC Sierra which stated "F*ck Trump and f*ck you for voting for him."

Karen Forsenca told Houston's KPRC 2 that she and her husband have been driving around with the decal on the truck for almost a year and she has received mostly positive feedback.

Fort Bend County Sheriff Troy Nehls wasn't a fan of the decal and posted an image of the truck on Facebook with a message saying "I have received numerous calls regarding the offensive display on this truck as it is often seen along FM 359. If you know who owns this truck or it is yours, I would like to discuss it with you. Our Prosecutor has informed us she would accept Disorderly Conduct charges regarding it, but I feel we could come to an agreement regarding a modification to it."

In the comments section of the post, Nehls explained a disorderly conduct charge means "(a) A person commits an offense if he intentionally or knowingly: (1) uses abusive, indecent, profane, or vulgar language in a public place, and the language by its very utterance tends to incite an immediate breach of the peace; (2) makes an offensive gesture or display in a public place, and the gesture or display tends to incite an immediate breach of the peace."

In essence, Nehls was trying to reach out to the owner of the truck to get them to change the message so it didn't contain any f-bombs. It seems he was simply seeking a reasonable agreement that would suit all parties without having to get the courts involved.

Despite his efforts, Mike Forsenca told KHOU he has "No plans to take it down, unless he [Sheriff Nehls] can show me where it says that in the law book." He added, "It's not coming down until the weather takes it down or I replace it with something else."

The station also reached out to the Fort Bend County District Attorney who said Nehls didn't consult him before posting the message and wouldn't be pursuing charges in the case.

Photo Gallery

Spy Shooters Snap What Could Be The BMW i8 S Coupe

Posted: 16 Nov 2017 02:31 PM PST


The BMW i8 Roadster is set to be unveiled at the Los Angeles Auto Show later this month and spy photographers have just snapped photos of what appears to be an upgraded i8 coupe.

Caught undergoing testing in Germany, the mysterious model has our spy shooters wondering if it's the facelifted i8 or a more powerful i8 S. They're inclined to believe it is the latter as this particular prototype has a deeper front splitter, a small rear spoiler, and what appears to be a fully enclosed hood.

We're not entirely sure what the model is but the facelifted i8 is expected to have an upgraded powertrain that produces around 420 hp (313 kW). The i8 S, on the other hand, is expected to have up to 450 hp (335 kW).

BMW has been tight-lipped about the car but rumors have suggested the facelifted model will come with a larger lithium-ion battery that reportedly has a capacity of around 14 kWh. This would increase the model's EPA-estimated electric-only range beyond the 15 miles (24 km) that the coupe is currently rated for.

The updated i8 and i8 S are expected to be launched next year and the company could reveal some new details about the models in Los Angeles.

Photo Credits: CarPix for CarScoops

Photo Gallery

Infiniti's Variable Compression Engine Produces 268 HP, Debuts In The 2019 QX50

Posted: 16 Nov 2017 03:27 PM PST


Infiniti is gearing up to introduce the 2019 QX50 at the Los Angeles Auto Show and the company recently invited a handful of journalists to try out the model's new turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with variable compression technology.

Automotive News was one of the companies that attended the event and they are reporting the new engine produces 268 hp (200 kW) and 288 lb-ft (390 Nm) of torque. This will reportedly enable the QX50 to accelerate from 0-60 mph faster than any of its four-cylinder competitors.

While the performance is impressive, the technology and design of the engine is what really sets it apart. As the publication explains, the engine is equipped with an electrically controlled actuator and a unique "elliptic device" called a multilink. These two components, along with some clever engineering, allow the engine to adjust its compression ratio from 8:1 to 14:1.

Thanks to variable compression technology, the engine manages to be both powerful and fuel-efficient. Infiniti hasn't released detailed fuel economy figures but Nissan's chief powertrain engineer, Shinichi Kiga, said the new QX50 will have a combined fuel economy rating that is 27 percent higher than the outing model which has a 3.7-liter V6 engine that develops 325 hp (242 kW) and 267 lb-ft (361 Nm) of torque.

The engine will be connected exclusively to a continuously variable transmission and it should allow the model to return around 26 mpg combined. Automotive News says the engine offered outstanding performance and refinement during test drives but noted the engine requires premium fuel.

Photo Gallery

Jeremy Clarkson Introduces Half-A-Romeo To Replace Celebrity Brain Crash On The Grand Tour

Posted: 16 Nov 2017 05:24 PM PST


The second season of The Grand Tour lands on Amazon Prime Video on December 8th and the company is promoting the show's return by releasing a new clip which shows the hosts seeking a replacement for the Celebrity Brain Crash segment.

As you can see in the video, Jeremy Clarkson comes up with the idea of the "Half-a-Romeo" which is an Alfa Romeo that has been cut in half. His colleagues are less than impressed with the idea and James May spins out of control after a short test drive.

While it doubtful that we'll see the Half-a-Romeo in the upcoming season, it's nice to know Celebrity Brain Crash probably isn't going to make a return. Between that and the removal of Mike Skinner as the show's test driver, the new season is already looking more promising.

Amazon has only released a few details about the upcoming season but the company has already revealed the hosts have spent more than 100 days on four different continents with stops in Colorado, Croatia, Dubai, Mozambique, Spain, and Switzerland. A trailer for the show also revealed the hosts will be driving a handful of different vehicles including a Bugatti Chiron, a McLaren 720S, and a Honda NSX.

Video

Dallara Stradale Packs 400 HP And Weighs Just 1,885 Pounds

Posted: 16 Nov 2017 12:58 PM PST


Renowned chassis builder Dallara has taken the wraps off its new Stradale.

Designed to help people "rediscover the pleasure of driving," the Stradale is an extremely lightweight sports car which weighs just 855 kg (1,885 lbs). In order to keep the car's weight in check, Dallara made the monocoque chassis and body panels out of carbon fiber composites.

The standard model is a stylish two-seat roadster which features a front splitter, recessed headlights, and a dual exhaust system. A number of different options will be available including a windshield and gull-wing doors that transform the vehicle into a coupe.

Customers looking to use the car mainly on the track will want to order the Stradale's optional rear wing. It helps the car to produce an impressive amount of downforce that is among the "highest in GT road vehicles."

Power is provided by a supercharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 400 PS (294 kW). It can be connected to either a six-speed manual or an optional paddle-shift transmission. Dallara declined to say how fast the car is but the combination of lightweight design and a powerful engine should ensure it is pretty quick.

Photo Gallery

The White House Didn't Really Give Musk Approval To Build A Hyperloop

Posted: 16 Nov 2017 12:27 PM PST


In July, Elon Musk shocked many observers by claiming he had received "verbal governmental approval" to build a Hyperloop between New York City and Washington, D.C.

However, it has just emerged that the whole thing may have just been a misunderstanding and that Musk jumped the gun when announcing the project.

Speaking to Recode earlier in the week, a top tech advisor to President Donald Trump, Reed Cordish, admitted that he may have been the one to get Musk's hopes up.

"I think that I was the culprit. As I said to Elon after, I think what you heard was 'verbal government excitement,'" he said.

Despite admitting that Musk hasn't been given the approval he initially thought he was, Cordish did throw his support behind the entrepreneur's plans to challenge how tunnels are built with The Boring Company.

"In essence, we've had the same technology for tunneling, it hasn't changed in the last fifty years. And what Elon has done is he's challenged his best engineers to reimagine that approach and we are working with them every day."



VIDEO

OKCU's Mercedes V-Class Elegance Edition Is Like A Private Jet On Wheels

Posted: 16 Nov 2017 11:59 AM PST


The team at OKCU Individual Automotive Concepts have debuted their latest Mercedes-Benz V-Class project at the Dubai Motor Show.

We've seen the company create a number of custom V-Class models in the past and like those, this latest example aims at turning the ordinarily-bland van into something more akin to a private jet for the street.

OKCU has totally transformed the interior, fitting four leather seats at the back that face other. Additionally, the roof lining has taken obvious design inspiration from Rolls-Royce's Starlight Headliner, and two prominent armrests and center consoles are found in between the seats.

Elsewhere, handcrafted wooden accents are found throughout the cabin, joining Nappa leather on the seats and other panels. There's also a Bang & Olufsen premium sound system, leg rests, and seat massage functions.

PHOTO GALLERY

Is The Base Chevrolet Camaro 2.0T A Proper Muscle Car?

Posted: 16 Nov 2017 11:28 AM PST


The idea of having a Camaro powered by a turbo four-cylinder engine might sound strange to some people, even sacrilegious to some other, but that doesn't make it necessarily a bad car.

Especially in this case, as the owner found his car -a brand new fully-loaded 2016 Camaro 2.0T with a manual and an original sticker price of $37k- sitting unwanted on a lot for eight months before buying it for just $26,000.

That's basically Toyota 86-money for a very nicely balanced rear-drive coupe with 275hp and 295lb-ft of torque that also happens to be a Camaro. It's all about perspective.

Sure, we've been used to Camaros destroying their rear tires to the tune of angry V8s but the current generation has also proven that it has a top-notch handling character so the base 2.0T model should be a very nice car indeed.

Let's find out then if the four-banger Camaro deserves some credit thanks to Matt Farah's latest One Take video.

VIDEO

New 2018 Toyota Rush Leaked Ahead Of Next Week's Unveiling

Posted: 16 Nov 2017 11:05 AM PST


Details about the 2018 Toyota Rush have surfaced, with the car indeed looking like a production version of the Daihatsu FT Concept from 2015.

Of course the Toyota Rush and the upcoming Daihatsu Terios should be very similar, and features found on the Toyota will probably be there on the Daihatsu as well.

According to AutoNetMagz, the 2018 Toyota Rush will have LED lights front and rear, electronic retractable mirrors with LED signal lights, 16" as well as 17" alloys (17" for the TRD version), a shark-fin antenna and a rear spoiler.

Inside, there's a reversing 360-degree camera, a smart-entry system, a 7" touch screen display and A/C as standard for the G version. The TRD Sport version on the other hand also gets soft touch plastics for the dashboard.

In terms of safety, the Daihatsu version apparently won't feature six airbags like the Toyota will, as the latter will also come with ABS, EBD, BA, VSC and HSA.

As for what's going to power the Rush/Terios, it's expected that the current model's 1.5-liter four-cylinder petrol unit will be replaced by a newer Dual VVT-i engine.

PHOTO GALLERY

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