Saturday 18 November 2017

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Extremely Modified Citroen C1 Looks Like A Sick Halloween Joke

Posted: 18 Nov 2017 03:55 AM PST


There are some weird and wacky cars out there, but this Citroen C1, currently up for grabs in Denmark, is unquestionably one of the most bizarre vehicles we've ever seen.

The Carscoops reader who found the C1 notes it is currently for sale on Aunsbjerg with an asking price of 35,000 DKK, or approximately $5,500.

Recently featured in the 'My Crap Car' YouTube series, the current owner of the little Citroen purchased it bone stock. Perhaps dissatisfied with its usability and benign design, he decided to totally transform the hatchback and turned it into a permanent droptop, transforming the body and creating something that would be perfect for a Halloween-themed Hollywood blockbuster.

He then casually decided to use an angle grinder to cut off the roof and make the driver's door completely removable through a pair of hinges you'd expect to find in your house, not a car. Elsewhere, a bodykit has been fitted, 14-inch aftermarket wheels installed and spray paint applied to every square-inch of the exterior.

Since featured in the aforementioned video, the owner has slapped two turbochargers onto the 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine, creating an engine bay arguably more outlandish than Ken Block's Hoonicorn V2.

Considering the fact that the vehicle has been so extensively modified (or ruined…), we can't imagine it being easy to sell. Nonetheless, it'll surely bewilder and mystify people wherever it ends up.

Hat tip to Christian Koeb!

VIDEO



PHOTO GALLERY

Michael Schumacher's Ferrari F2001 Fetches An Incredible $7.5 Million!

Posted: 18 Nov 2017 02:56 AM PST


Want to know which is the most expensive modern Formula One racing car ever sold at an auction? Well, you're looking at it. It's a Ferrari F2001, which the legendary Michael Schumacher drove in, and positively dominated, the 2001 Formula One World Championship, and it just sold for an astounding $7.5 million.

Schumacher won nine races in the F2001 that season, and retired before the finish line at only two. Of the several examples that the Scuderia built for Schumacher and his teammate Rubens Barrichello that season, the champ drove this one in Monaco and Hungary, winning both on the path to his fourth world title.

Schumacher finished that season with 123 points, nearly twice as many as his closest rival, McLaren's David Coulthard. There wasn't a race that entire season, in fact, where the F2001 didn't finish on the podium. That makes this a highly desirable racing car, of the kind that rarely comes up for auction, and that was reflected most brilliantly in the sale price.

After feverish bidding in New York on Thursday evening, a collector placed the high bid of $7,504,000 to win the day. That far exceeds the $4-5.5-million estimate which RM placed on it ahead of Sotheby's Contemporary Art Evening Sale, as well as the $3,198,500 that stood until now as the record for a modern F1 car sold at auction. That, in case you were wondering, was for another one of Schumi's championship winners: the Ferrari F2004, sold by (you guessed it) RM Sotheby's at the factory in Maranello in 2005.

Photo Gallery

Skoda Octavia vRS Estate Makes Sure Your School Runs Are Anything But Dull

Posted: 18 Nov 2017 01:55 AM PST


When it comes to compact family cars, the Skoda Octavia has always been somewhat of a smart choice within the segment, being larger than its main competitors, well built and competitively priced.

The Estate version of the Octavia can be had in the range-topping vRS trim, powered by either a petrol or a diesel engine, married to a six-speed manual or a DSG dual-clutch gearbox.

CarBuyer went out and tested the facelifted Octavia vRS, focusing on some of its strong points, such as the rear legroom and boot space, and the new infotainment screen that's simple to use. The reviewer appreciated the special 'vRS' mode, which changes the throttle response, steering, and exhaust note, and the optional dynamic chassis control system that allows users to firm up the suspension for a sporty drive.

On the other hand, the Octavia vRS does have some flaws: it's not that good to use around town with the DSG gearbox and there's some noise coming into the cabin at certain points that could become quite annoying. Moreover, the interior, as good as it may be, has black trim everywhere, and apart from the sport seats, you don't feel like you're sitting in a performance model.

But is this enough to make you consider a different ride, such as the Ford Focus ST Estate? Find out the verdict in the video that follows.

VIDEO

Jaguar Land Rover Starts Testing Autonomous Vehicles On UK Roads

Posted: 18 Nov 2017 12:58 AM PST


Jaguar Land Rover has commenced testing of self-driving prototypes on roads throughout the United Kingdom. In particular, according tto The Telegraph, the British automaker has been running its driverless vehicles through the country's streets for a number of weeks already.

This is the first time these vehicles have left the confines of closed roads and tracks and been used in public. Jaguar Land Rover says that a human driver sits behind the wheel of each prototype, but for the most part the vehicle controls itself through a plethora of advanced sensors.

"We stand on the brink of a mobility revolution. The impact of the changes we are about to embrace will be huge across all sectors of the UK economy. The opportunities are great: this mobility revolution will change lives profoundly," said JLR chief executive Ralf Speth.

While the UK hasn't become a hotbed for autonomous vehicle testing like some U.S. states, like California, the country has quite generous laws about the testing of such vehicles. In fact, the UK never ratified the Vienna Convention, which requires drivers to have control of their vehicle at all times. This means no law changes had to be made for self-driving cars to test throughout the country.

PHOTO GALLERY

Revised Rules Might Lure McLaren In Entering The LMP1 Series

Posted: 17 Nov 2017 11:56 PM PST


McLaren says it is intrigued by new regulations, which could make prototypes in the World Endurance Championship more relevant to road cars.

According to Motorsport, McLaren boss Zak Brown was involved in the second roundtable meeting of potential manufacturers, and while he did not say whether the British carmaker will get into prototype racing, his presence does give hope to the struggling series.

"We like lots of what they are saying: with the budgets and the level of technology they are talking, it's heading in a direction that means there is a strong interest on our part," Brown said.

Back in August, Brown had commented that McLaren would build an LMP1 prototype if rules were changed to make the sport more cost-effective.

At the time, the executive said: "I believe the WEC has an opportunity to hit the reset button. I'd love them to get back to the Porsche 956 or 962 days, where factory and privateer teams can race together knowing they each have chances of winning. Right now, with the current rules, that's just not possible. But look at the success of the LMP2 category, where costs are controlled for the benefit of everyone, so I'd like to see that kind of thinking transferred to LMP1."

PHOTO GALLERY

Budweiser Pays Tribute To Dale Earnhardt, Jr's Career

Posted: 17 Nov 2017 08:03 PM PST


When the 2017 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup season comes to a close, Dale Earnhardt, Jr will walk away from the sport.

Eager to pay tribute to Earnhardt's long and successful career, Budweiser has released a slow-beat video looking back at some unforgettable races the much-loved driver was involved in.

Having completed over 600 races throughout his career, Earnhardt, Jr has claimed 26 victories, none much memorable than his win at the 2001 Pepsi 400 at Daytona International that came just a few months after his father died during the Daytona 500.

Of the 18 seasons which Earnhardt, Jr has competed in, eight of them were done with the Budweiser Chevrolet team.

VIDEO

Toyota Recalls C-HR For Faulty Electric Brake, Prius PHEV Over A Fuse

Posted: 17 Nov 2017 07:32 PM PST


Toyota's North American arm is conducting two separate recalls that include 68,500 units of the 2018 C-HR and 2012-2015 Prius PHEV.

The first campaign revolves around some 28,600 units of the crossover, whose electronic parking brakes may not disengage or apply, thus resulting in a noncompliance with the federal safety standard.

This is a software issue that will be resolved via an update of the electronic control unit, free of charge to owners, who will receive a notification by first-class mail later this month informing them of the problem and advising them to make an appointment with an authorized dealer.

The second recall announced by Toyota includes roughly 39,900 units of the Prius Plug-In Hybrid, as driving them in EV mode repeatedly under high-load conditions such as long hill climbs could cause a fuse to malfunction.

If this happens, then drivers will notice warning lights and warning messages, and in some cases, they may experience reduced power. Under more extreme circumstances, though, the hybrid system could shut down, resulting in the loss of motive power, which however shouldn't affect the power steering and braking.

Toyota's dealers will replace the fuse with an improved unit at no cost to owners, who will be informed of this condition via first-class mail, starting January, 2018.

PHOTO GALLERY

Wells Fargo Illegally Repossessed An Additional 450 Vehicles From Service Members

Posted: 17 Nov 2017 07:05 PM PST


It has emerged that U.S. bank Wells Fargo illegally repossessed over an additional 450 vehicles from service members.

In September 2016, it was revealed that the bank had repossessed 413 vehicles from U.S. military personnel without a proper court order, in direct violation of a law protecting active-duty military members.

These latest repossessions bring the total figure up to over 860 vehicles, forcing the bank to pay each service member $10,000, plus any equity they lost on the vehicle, Fox News reports.

In a statement, acting United States Attorney Sandra Brown said, "Losing an automobile through an unlawful repossession while serving our country is a problem service members should not have to confront."

All told, the discovery of these additional illegal repossessions will cost the bank $5.4 million.

VIDEO

Here's How The Lamborghini V10-Powered Italdesign Zerouno Came To Life

Posted: 17 Nov 2017 06:27 PM PST


Deep-pocketed enthusiasts cannot buy an Italdesign Zerouno straight from the company, as all of them have been sold.

However, this isn't stopping the famous Italian styling house, which is owned by the Volkswagen Group since 2010, to provide a new insight into how their exclusive model came to life, in a 4-minute long video that focuses on craftsmanship.

Presented at the 2017 Geneva Motor Show, as part of the newly launched Italdesign Automobili Speciali brand, the Zerouno has an original bodywork, with plenty of carbon fiber meant to keep its weight down. It rides on 20-inch wheels made by OZ, and each of the five units has been developed specifically for their customers, who had to choose between several option packages as well.

And while its exterior may be controversial for some, what lies beneath is pure coolness: a 5.2-liter naturally aspirated V10 engine that's used in the Lamborghini Huracan and Audi R8. The unit churns out 610 horsepower and allows the Italdesign Zerouno to sprint from naught to 100km/h (62mph) in 3.2sec, before maxing out at 330km/h (205mph).

VIDEO

GM Targets Young Customers With China-Only Baojun 530 Compact SUV

Posted: 17 Nov 2017 06:00 PM PST


General Motors' SAIC-GM-Wuling Chinese joint venture has unveiled the Baojun 530 at the 2017 Guangzhou Auto Show. Following hot on the heels of the 560 and 510, this is the brand's third SUV, and it's also their largest, being 4,655mm (183.3in) long, 1,835mm (72.2in) wide, and 1,760mm (69.3in) tall.

On the outside, it looks very similar to the Baojun 510 that debuted at last year's Guangzhou show and its highlights include the large grille that's flanked by two slim headlights, a floating-style roof, rectangular wheel arches and one-piece taillights.

Although no images of the interior have been released yet, we expect the new Baojun 530 to benefit from the same materials used in its smaller sibling, including leather and metallic trim, along with an infotainment system, climate control and multi-function steering wheel, among others.

Baojun says that their latest SUV has a McPherson strut front and multi-link rear suspension, for "maximized ride comfort, handling and stability", while power comes from either a 1.8-liter naturally aspirated engine or a 1.5-liter turbocharged unit.

Pricing hasn't been announced yet, but the Baojun 510 starts at RMB 68,800 ($10,373) in China, so we expect a higher tag for the 530.

PHOTO GALLERY

Official: 2018 Aston Martin Vantage To Pack Just Over 500hp From Biturbo V8

Posted: 17 Nov 2017 05:29 PM PST


We're just days away from the launch of the brand new Aston Martin Vantage and the latest promo video reveals the first solid specs of the new British sports car.

Featuring Red Bull F1 driver Max Verstappen, Aston Martin's latest video shows a camouflaged prototype of the new Vantage being driven on track and the company's Dynamics Chief Engineer Matt Becker spilling the beans on the engine's output: over 500hp and 505lb-ft (685Nm) of torque from the AMG-sourced 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8.

In comparison, the same V8 engine produces 503hp and 513lb-ft (695Nm) of torque in the DB11. Becker continued saying that the dry weight of the new Vantage is 1,530kg (3,373lbs), making it slightly lighter than the outgoing model and close to 200kg lighter than the DB11 with the V12 engine.

The all-new Vantage also has a shorter by 100mm wheelbase than the DB11 in order to offer a more fun driving experience, with Verstappen praising its playful nature on the track.

Aston Martin will finally pull the wraps off the new Vantage on November 21, so watch this space.

VIDEO

Audi Q5 Gets Long Wheelbase Version Exclusively For China

Posted: 17 Nov 2017 04:58 PM PST


Audi has made a long wheelbase variant of the Q5, and they're going to offer it in China from the first quarter of next year.

The images reveal that the Q5L doesn't appear to be any different than the rest of the family, except for the slightly longer roofline and rear fenders.

According to CarNewsChina, the premium compact SUV's wheelbase has increased by 8.8cm, or 3.47in, which results in additional legroom on the rear bench, something very much appreciated by Chinese customers.

Powering the new Audi Q5 L will probably be the 2.0-liter turbocharged petrol unit, which comes in two outputs, with 190 and 250 horsepower, with the latter available with four-wheel drive.

The local media doesn't have much to say about Audi's latest model that's aimed exclusively at the People's Republic, except that its starting price will be roughly 380,000 yuan, which equals to $57,297 at today's exchange rates.

This sum could land you a new Audi S5 Coupe in the United States, or a Q7, as these can be had from $54,600 and $49,900, respectively, on our side of the pond.

PHOTO GALLERY

Mercedes Says Australia's Luxury Car Tax Will Be Scrapped By 2020

Posted: 17 Nov 2017 04:45 PM PST


Australia's infamous Luxury Car Tax could be on the way out, Mercedes-Benz claims.

Speaking to local publication Cars Guide, Mercedes-Benz Australia/Pacific public relations, product and corporate communications senior manager David McCarthy, said the Luxury Car Tax will be abolished in a new European Union free trade agreement.

"I feel confident (by) 2019/2020 there won't be an LCT and that will have been an 11-year battle.

"LCT will be a casualty in an (European Union) EU free trade agreement. Anyone who tells you otherwise is believing in alternative facts – that's the reality," McCarthy said.

Australia's Luxury Car Tax applies to all premium cars. If a vehicle's recommended retail price exceeds $65,094 and the car consumes more than 7.0-liters of fuel per 100 km, a 33 per cent tax is incurred on every dollar over the $65,094 threshold. Any car over $75,526, regardless of its fuel consumption, is hit with the same 33 per cent tax.

According to McCarthy, it would make sense for the Australian government to abolish the Luxury Car Tax gradually.

"It's currently 33 per cent. My personal view is that you want to implement it over a three-year period, so 33, 22, 11, zero.

"Otherwise, you're going to have a lot of dislocation in the market and no one is going to shed a tear over OEMs suffering, but the government potentially would lose a lot of revenue," he said.

PHOTO GALLERY

2016 Ferrari F12tdf Vs 1958 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster: Which Would You Buy?

Posted: 17 Nov 2017 03:59 PM PST


One of them is a limited edition modern supercar, whereas the other is a classic open-top model that's simply gorgeous. So what could they possibly have in common?

The answer is that both the Ferrari F12tdf and Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster are offered for sale by RMSothebys, at their New York auction that takes place on December 6, and both have a similar estimated selling price: $1.1-$1.4 million and $1.25-$1.5 million, respectively.

Introduced as the spiritual successor to the 599 GTO in 2015, the Ferrari F12tdf came in a limited run of 799 units. It benefits from a number of aerodynamic enhancements over the regular F12 Berlinetta, and it also packs an extra punch, with its 6.3-liter naturally aspirated V12 making 780PS (770hp) and 705Nm (520lb-ft) of torque.

This particular example was shipped to Long Island Ferrari new in 2016, and since then, it has been driven for less than 400 miles (644km). It still has a factory warranty available until July 2019, and it's covered by the Ferrari Genuine Maintenance program until July 2023.

The Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster, on the other hand, is the convertible version of the Gullwing. It debuted at the 1957 Geneva Motor Show and was produced in 1,858 units.

The auction house doesn't provide more details about this 1958-made car, except that it retains the original matching chassis, body, engine, and drivetrain and was outfitted with several options from new. Still, looking at the pictures we can see its pristine condition that could help it re-achieve its bedroom door poster status.

Now, each one is extremely desirable for its own reasons, but if you had the opportunity to bid for one of the two, which would it be?

PHOTO GALLERY

SCG 004S Supercar Unveiled With 650 HP And $400K Price Tag

Posted: 17 Nov 2017 03:35 PM PST


Scuderia Cameron Glickenhaus has unveiled its new SCG 004S.

Set to be built over the course of the next 18 months, the SCG 004S is a street-legal supercar with a carbon fiber chassis and body that enables it to weigh around 2,600 pounds (1,179 kg).

The interior has a McLaren F1-style three person seating arrangement and drivers will face a three-spoke steering wheel and an assortment of different gauges. The model also has toggle switches and rotary knobs that will allow drivers to easily deactivate and adjust various systems such as the anti-lock brakes and traction control system.

Power will be provided by a twin-turbo 5.0-liter V8 engine that produces around 650 PS (478 kW) and 720 Nm (531 lb-ft) of torque. It will be connected to a six-speed manual transmission but a paddle shift gearbox will also be available as an option.

Pricing starts at $400,000 and the company expects to have running prototypes completed by the middle of next year. The first 25 production models will be "Founders Editions" and they are slated to be delivered in 2018 and 2019. The company will then begin gearing up to produce 250 units annually. SCG also plans to offer GT3 and GTE/GTLM versions of the car in the future.

Scuderia Cameron Glickenhaus is currently accepting pre-orders and interested customers will need to make a deposit of $40,000.

Photo Gallery

MG6 Plug-in Hybrid Comes With An App-Based Remote Control Driving System

Posted: 17 Nov 2017 03:00 PM PST


SAIC Motor has used the Guangzhou Auto Show to introduce the new MG6 plug-in hybrid.

Set to become one of the company's first new energy vehicles, the MG6 plug-in hybrid will be launched next year and it has been designed to embrace elegance, performance, and valve.

MG didn't have much to say about the model but confirmed the car will come equipped with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, an electronic shifter, and an infotainment system with internet connectivity as well as a 10.1-inch display. The Chinese press release also mentioned an automatic parking system and a "remote control driving system" that will apparently allow drivers to control the vehicle at low speeds through a mobile app.

Autocar reports the model is powered by a 1.0-liter petrol engine that is backed up by an electric motor that produces 83 PS (61 kW). MG says this setup will enable the car to produce a combined maximum output of 228 PS (167 kW) and 622 Nm (458 lb-ft) of torque. Little else is known about the car but it will reportedly consume 1.5 L/100 km (156.8 mpg US / 188.3 mpg UK).

In the future, the MG6 plug-in hybrid will be joined by an electric version of the ZS crossover. It will eventually be sold alongside a production version of the MG E-Motion concept.

Photo Gallery

Jaguar XEL Debuts In China With A Stretched Wheelbase

Posted: 17 Nov 2017 02:32 PM PST


Following a preview earlier this year, Jaguar has unveiled the new XEL at the Guangzhou Auto Show in China.

Designed to compete with the Audi A4L and Mercedes C-Class L, the XEL has a wheelbase that has been stretched 3.9-inches (100 mm) to span 115.5-inches (2935 mm) overall. The added length benefits rear seat passengers and helps to create a more accommodating cabin.

The entry-level XEL Elite Edition comes nicely equipped with a panoramic glass sunroof, an automatic dual-zone climate control system, and an infotainment system with an 8-inch display. Higher-end variants can be can be outfitted with ambient interior lighting, illuminated door sill plates, and a Meridian audio system. Other options include perforated leather upholstery, a digital instrument cluster, and wood trim.

Under the hood, two engines will be available. The entry-level unit is a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 200 PS (147 kW) and 320 Nm (236 lb-ft) of torque. It enables the model to accelerate from 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) in 8.3 seconds before hitting a top speed of 230 km/h (142 mph).

Higher-end variants can be equipped with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine developing 250 PS (184 kW) and 365 Nm (269 lb-ft) of torque. Thanks to the extra power, the dash from 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) is cut to 7.3 seconds and the top speed climbs to 240 km/h (149 mph).

Photo Gallery

2018 Nissan Murano Has New Standard Safety Features And A Starting Price Of $30,550

Posted: 17 Nov 2017 02:01 PM PST


The Nissan Murano is entering the 2018 model year with a host of updates and a higher base price.

The entry-level Murano S starts at $30,550 which is an increase of $780. While the crossover is more expensive than last year's model, it comes equipped with an assortment of new features including an automatic emergency braking system and an intelligent forward collision warning system. Drivers will also find a revised center console and an 8-inch NissanConnect infotainment system with GPS navigation as well as Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility.

The Murano SV starts at $33,850 and it gains a standard blind spot warning system and a rear cross traffic alert system. Customers can also order the SV Premium Package which now includes an intelligent cruise control system.

The $38,250 Murano SL largely carries over but it now includes a motion-activated power liftgate. Other changes include a new moonroof package and a Midnight Edition package which has additional content.

Lastly, the Murano Platinum starts at $41,980 and it comes equipped with a new motion-activated power liftgate as well as a standard dual panel moonroof.

The 2018 Nissan Murano is currently on sale and all models are powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine which produces 260 hp (193 kW) and 240 lb-ft (325 Nm) of torque. It is connected to an Xtronic transmission which can be paired to an optional all-wheel drive system.

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Porsche 911 Hybrid Appears To Be Moving Forward, Engineers Targeting 43 Mile Electric-Only Range

Posted: 17 Nov 2017 01:30 PM PST


The Porsche 911 rumor mill is back in action as Bloomberg is reporting the next-generation model could be offered with a plug-in hybrid powertrain.

According to the report, the plug-in hybrid variant would be a high-performance model that would sit at the top of the 911 lineup. The publication goes on to suggest the car could be introduced a few years after new 911 debuts in late 2018.

Insiders said Porsche wants the 911 Hybrid to have an electric-only range of 70 km (43 miles) and engineers are working to reduce the weight of the car's battery so it doesn't adversely affect the car's handling.

Porsche declined to confirm plans for a 911 Hybrid but a spokesperson told Bloomberg the next-generation model will allow for the "integration of an electric powertrain and the manufacturer is keeping all options open regarding engine specifications."

The report went on to suggest Porsche could offer a Macan EV sometime after the production version of the Mission E is launched in 2019.

If the report is correct, it likely means Porsche was able to solve several of the problems that August Achleitner mentioned to Car and Driver earlier this year. At the time, the head of 911 development said plans for a hybrid variant were axed because the added weighy would limit the car's dynamic capabilities and it wouldn't be as profitable as more conventional variants. In summation, Achleitner stated the "disadvantages outweighed the advantages."

Photo Credits: CarPix for CarScoops

Photo Gallery

The Grand Tour Hosts Discuss The Firing Of The American

Posted: 17 Nov 2017 05:04 PM PST


The teasers for the second season of The Grand Tour continue as the show has released a new clip which features the hosts debating who's going to call "The American" and tell him he's fired.

In the video, Clarkson says "We're going to have to get rid of him" and Richard Hammond responds "Yeah, well he annoys people." Clarkson goes on to say "He annoys me" as James May walks in and asks if they're talking about him.

Clarkson eventually calls former NASCAR driver Mike Skinner and tells him that Hammond doesn't think he should be part of the show next season. After a few seconds, Clarkson says Skinner hung up on him and the hosts agree they need to find a replacement. Clarkson says they'll need to hold auditions and the requirements are they "mustn't be fat, clumsy, or slow."

It remains unclear who will replace Skinner but he has previously said "I agree with many of you that it sucked - if you're gonna wear Evil Knievel's firesuit, you need to be Evil Flipping Knievel! Peace out." Skinner also said he wishes the show and its hosts the best of luck.

The second season of The Grand Tour lands on Amazon Prime Video on December 8th.

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Range Rover SD1 Is A Study On A Fastback Crossover

Posted: 17 Nov 2017 05:04 PM PST


While Coupe-like SUVs have been around for a long time, if this Range Rover SD1 Concept was real, it could raise the bar for these type of cars.

Designed by Pablo Pereyra, the SD1 SUV Concept looks like a fastback, as the roof slopes downwards all the way to the rear of the car, just like on a classic Mustang Fastback or a Chrysler Crossfire.

While perhaps futuristic, the front end design is still somewhat Range Rover-like, so imagining this thing as a real life concept wouldn't be so hard, until you get to the rear that is.

The styling of the hatch is unlike anything we've seen on Range Rover-badged products, and not only because of the downwards sloping roof line. The taillights are integrated into the roof pillar as well as the fender, a design that may remind you of something like a Citroen C4 Coupe, only those taillights were positioned vertically, whereas these are more horizontal.

Overall, it's an interesting proposal, one that's perhaps not as elegant as you'd expect from a Range Rover. Yet, it definitely looks sporty, which some, if not most, should appreciate.

PHOTO GALLERY

2018 Ford Mustang Likes Its Wheels And Fenders Wide

Posted: 17 Nov 2017 11:30 AM PST


While we've seen plenty of wide-body kits for the sixth-generation Mustang, the facelifted model has yet to make the rounds properly.

What we like about this particular Mustang is the smooth aggressiveness. It doesn't necessarily beg for your attention thanks to the dark theme, though to be fair, those 20" wheels are really hard to miss.

Those rims are called Appuntito-ECL and are manufactured by Forgiato. You can get them in multiple sizes, from 19" through 22", as well as 24" and 26".

Inside, we can spot a pair of racing seats and a roll cage, which in turn lets us know this car means business and it's not just all show and no go.

As for the kit, if you compare it to that widebody Shelby Super Snake concept unveiled earlier this year, you might find that the fenders on this car are slightly wider, we're talking almost Liberty Walk levels of width here.

PHOTO GALLERY

Deal Or No Deal? 1995 Porsche 968 With Corvette V8 Transplant

Posted: 17 Nov 2017 10:59 AM PST


What makes this Porsche 968 different than most out there is that instead of its stock 3.0L boxer four, is has a 1994 Corvette LT1 V8 engine, complete with short ratio gear set.

Playfully called Gunther, it's for sale on Cars for $13,000, has covered approximately 153,000 miles (246,230 km), although the owner says that its Corvette V8 unit has done less than that.

So if you're the type of person who appreciates a big V8 over a 3.0-liter straight-four (which is what powered the 968 originally), then perhaps you and good old Gunther here could get along quite well.

Aside from adding the Albins short ratio gear set to its 6-speed manual transmission, the owner of the car also replaced the entire ignition system and installed a new water pump.

As for the interior, while the sole picture doesn't really give us much to go on, it looks pretty clean from a distance, and those after-market sports seats certainly look as though they would offer a lot more support than the 968's stock seats.

PHOTO GALLERY

Can A 1995 Volvo 850 T5 Keep Up With A New 2017 Volvo V90 D5?

Posted: 17 Nov 2017 10:30 AM PST


Modern turbo-diesel engines can usually keep their grounds against older turbo petrol units, as long as the former are mated to fast-changing gearboxes and the car isn't significantly heavier.

This drag race between a new Volvo V90 D5 and a 1995 Volvo 850 T5 yielded some very interesting results, especially since both cars can one-up each other in certain categories.

This straight line battle was orchestrated by Carwow's Mat Watson, and features both standing as well as rolling starts. You'll see that one benefits the V90, whereas the other helps the 850 unleash all of its grunt.

So how do they stack up in terms of performance? Well, the 2017 V90 D5 can get from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 7.2 seconds thanks to its 235 PS (231 HP) and 480 Nm (354 lb-ft) of torque. It's worth noting that the V90 weighs a whooping 2 tonnes (4,400 lbs), whereas the old 850 is considerably lighter at 1,570 kg (3,461 lbs).

It's also a bit less powerful with around 10 fewer horses, but overall, it does have a better power-to-weight ratio than the much-newer V90.

VIDEO

Tesla Pickup Truck Teased, Looks Like A Giant Toy Car

Posted: 17 Nov 2017 05:04 PM PST


Tesla showed a first teaser image of an electric pickup truck during the unveiling event of the new Semi and Roadster models.

The company's plans for a pickup truck are well known for some time but information remains limited at this point, with the teaser suggesting it will look like a smaller pickup truck version of the Semi.

According to Elon Musk, the upcoming Tesla utility model will be "a pickup truck that can carry a pickup truck", something that was portrayed in these early sketches. Tesla wants their pickup truck to share as much of the Semi's technology as possible but allow everyone with a normal driving license to be able to drive it.

"You'll actually be able to legally drive that with a driver's license" Musk jokingly said at the presentation. "It's kind of wrong, but I like it."

So it appears that the Tesla pickup truck will be a rather large vehicle that will feature a bed big enough to host something like a smaller one-tonne truck, which gives us a good idea of how ridiculously big it will be.

The concept is still in a very early stage of development so Tesla isn't expected to reveal a fully working prototype for the next few years. After all, it appears that they have their hands pretty full at the moment.

PHOTO GALLERY

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