Sunday 19 November 2017

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A Girl's Guide To 2017 Audi S4 Avant Says It's A Great All-Rounder

Posted: 19 Nov 2017 03:55 AM PST


It's a fact that most car reviewers are male, but this doesn't mean that women can't do the job, as we've already seen in many occasions, and the following review of the Audi S4 Avant is the latest we came by.

Saying no to all that power and practicality is pretty hard. The S4 Avant, just like its four-door sibling, is powered by a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 sending 354 PS (349 HP) and 500 Nm (368 lb-ft) of torque to all four wheels via the car's Quattro all-wheel drive system.

In a straight line, the S4 Avant will accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.9 seconds (the Sedan needs just 4.7), while sending up to 85% torque to the front or 70% to the rear axle when deemed appropriate.

Put it all together and what you have is a driver-friendly car that just about anybody can appreciate. Over the course of this review, Queen B goes as far as to say that the S4 Avant is probably the best all-round daily car she's driven in a long time. Aside from the performance, she was really impressed with the interior quality as well, and Audi have indeed made great progress with this latest generation A4 on that front.

In the end, if you don't want, need or can stretch to the range-topping RS4, but want a fast and at the same time practical Audi, the S4 is a great choice.

VIDEO

Why Is Land Rover Testing This Pair Of Camouflaged SUVs At The 'Ring?

Posted: 19 Nov 2017 02:56 AM PST


These two Land Rover SUVs were spotted recently by one of our readers in a parking garage at the Nurburgring, both cars heavily camouflaged, which is always intriguing to see.

While it may seem like there isn't much to go on, we can tell you that the Range Rover in these images is probably the new facelifted model, based on its leather upholstery and steering wheel.

We saw both those leather seat options on the 2018 Range Rover last month when the official press release came out. Why the automaker is still testing it and why it's so well hidden, is hard to say.

Also, if you look closely at the wheels, you'll see those are the large 22" 5 split-spoke wheels, available only on the range-topping SVAutobiography Dynamic, which this could definitely be, although it still doesn't explain the camouflage.

As for the other SUV, which is a Land Rover Discovery, it actually doesn't look out of the ordinary at all. Its only discernible feature is the fact that it's got roof rails, which doesn't mean anything really. Nevertheless, going to all the trouble to put on the camo, and at the Nurburgring at that, does raises questions, but your guess is as good as ours, so feel free to chip in.

H/T to Chris

PHOTO GALLERY

Formula V8 3.5 Series Killed Off Due To Lack Of Entries

Posted: 19 Nov 2017 01:59 AM PST


If you're a racing driver looking to make your way up to Formula One, there's been one series that's served as a vital stepping stone for the past two decades. But it won't be around any more. That's the Formula V8 3.5 World Series, the organizers of which have announced they're closing the doors and canceling next year's championship.

Established in 1998 as Formula Nissan (officially the World Series by Nissan), it was reborn in 2005 as the Formula Renault 3.5 Series. When Renault pulled its support after 2015, the series continued as Formula V8 3.5. But now that's come to an end.

According to the announcement, the problem comes down to too small a grid, with not enough drivers signed on for next season. That's a shame, because it could very well have bred the next Formula One World Champion. It wouldn't be the first time, after all.

Fernando Alonso and Sebastian Vettel (accounting for six world titles between them) both made their way up through the series, as did a number of other F1 drivers past and present, including Robert Kubica, Daniel Ricciardo, and Carlos Sainz, Jr.

This won't be the first manufacturer-backed "feeder" series to close up shop, either, after Formula BMW shut down in 2013, and what was Formula Opel/Vauxhall ended in 1998. Formula Renault 2.0 still runs at a lower level, as does Formula Abarth, but the demise of the V8 3.5 series removes a vital step. The organizers at RPM-MKTG have left the door open, however, to return in the future it should attract sufficient interest.

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First 1966 Shelby GT350 Prototype Bound For Auction

Posted: 19 Nov 2017 12:57 AM PST


Barrett-Jackson will auction off the first 1966 Shelby GT350 prototype ever built during its Scottsdale event in mid-January.

The auction house says that the pony car is in excellent condition and includes a numbers-matching V8 and 4-speed manual transmission.

When the vehicle's prototype duties were completed, a Ford dealership in California used the Mustang for demonstration purposes. In the ensuing decades, it passed through the hands of numerous owners and underwent a full restoration in 2011, ultimately being displayed at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance in 2015.

A unique feature of the GT350 is its blue vinyl roof. Neither Ford or Shelby ever offered a vinyl roof on the car, but used this prototype as an experiment to decide whether or not to offer it as an option.

PHOTO GALLERY

China's Leap Motor LP-S01 Is A Four-Seat Electric Coupe

Posted: 18 Nov 2017 11:54 PM PST

A week after we caught a glimpse of China's upcoming Leap Motor LP-S01, the electric sports car has been revealed in full.

Based on the two teaser images we published last week, it appeared as if the LP-S01 would feature a low-slung roofline and an aggressive design. Sadly, pictures of the completed sports car reveal that it is far less sporty than we'd envisioned, instead looking like a blocky and bloated coupe that's eaten far too many deep-fried pancakes.

Up front, the LP-S01 features a set of slim headlights and faux grille that appears to simply be a piece of black plastic. Elsewhere, there are a set of small alloy wheels and an interestingly-shaped hood with two large bulges. Moving to the rear, the LP-S01 has a hatchback design and a simple bumper with two red reflectors at the base.

Power comes from a single electric motor with 170 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque, allowing for a 0-100 km/h time of 6.9 seconds and a 360 km (223 mile) range.

PHOTO GALLERY

Matte Grey Audi RS5 Is A Smooth Criminal

Posted: 18 Nov 2017 06:40 PM PST


The new Audi RS5 may not be as well-rounded as the Mercedes-AMG C63 S, but it does have stellar looks, particularly compared to the relatively benign C63 and M3.

So, when an RS5 owner in the U.S. decided to equip the car with a set of Forgiato Wheels, the results were always going to be eye-catching.

The aftermarket wheel manufacturer fitted the sports coupe with a set of lightweight Tec 2.5 wheels, complete with matte black spokes and candy apple red inners. Working in conjunction with the matte grey paint of the car, the wheels help to create one of the most eye-catching RS5s you're every likely to come across.

As a reminder, the new 2017 Audi RS5 is powered by a twin-turbo 2.9-liter V6 delivering 444 hp and 442 lb-ft of torque, resulting in a 0-62 mph (100 km/h) time of 3.9 seconds and a top speed of 155 mph (250 km/h) as standard or 174 mph (280 km/h) with the optional RS dynamic package.

PHOTO GALLERY

Would You Pay Nine Grand For A 1990 Toyota Century?

Posted: 18 Nov 2017 05:20 PM PST


If you consider the first-generation Toyota Century to be a somewhat iconic vehicle, then perhaps owning one makes sense for you.

Yet, for everyone else, spending just under $9k on a nearly 28-year old luxury saloon that doesn't even come with a luxury badge, is probably not their idea of a good deal for Black Friday...or any other Friday.

Since this is a 1990 model, we're looking at a first-generation Century, which has actually been around since 1967 - yes, you read that correctly. Sure, there were some changes made along the way, but the car didn't evolve much visually.

Now back to this fine VG40 right-hand drive example: it's for sale on Craigslist and it's said to be in "great all around condition." It also has 46,000 miles (75,000 km) on the odo and comes with power windows and mirrors (one power window doesn't work), auto dimming headlights, a digital dash and air conditioning, among other features.

It's worth mentioning that we saw another Century go for $8,300 last year, and that was a second-generation model from 2000. It had more miles on the clock than this one, but it also had a V12 instead of a V8.

PHOTO GALLERY

1959 Corvette Vs 1955 Ford Thunderbird In Classic Comparison Test

Posted: 18 Nov 2017 04:05 PM PST


If you know your history and you like American muscle, this comparison of a '59 Corvette and a '55 Thunderbird might be equally if not more to your liking than most of the new cars getting reviewed these days.

Choosing between a first-generation Corvette and a Thunderbird is no easy task. Both cars are two-seat convertibles with V8 engines and manual transmissions, and both feature a lot of chrome.

When new, the Corvette was slightly more expensive, which made sense since it was marketed as a sportier car, putting down 270 HP to the Thunderbird's 202 HP, and hitting 60 mph (96 km/h) in 8.3 seconds, whereas the Ford needed 9.6 seconds.

Despite all the Corvette's advantages on paper, the Thunderbird outsold its rival by more than 23-to-one when it first came out in 1955. While Ford built this car as a direct rival to the Corvette, they also wanted to put an emphasis on its comfort and convenience features, rather than driving dynamics.

This comparison review, courtesy of Driving.ca, definitely highlights all these differences. In fact, the guys quickly arrive at the conclusion that, while the Thunderbird is quite a looker, it's the first-gen Corvette that feels lighter and more agile on the road - not to mention faster in a straight line.

VIDEO

Angry Woman Uses Perfume And Shirt To Set Her Taurus On Fire After It Broke Down

Posted: 18 Nov 2017 02:58 PM PST


A woman from Lancaster County in Pennsylvania has been arraigned on charges of arson and risking a catastrophe after setting her Ford Taurus on fire after it broke down.

In an affidavit, state police trooper Adam Zinn said he was dispatched to a parking lot near the Donegal interchange over a report of a vehicle fire. Upon arriving at the scene, Zinn said he was met at the scene by 36-year-old Amanda B Silliman who admitted to setting the car on fire because she was angry it broke down.

"Silliman related that once her car broke down in the parking lot she became angry at it. Silliman stated that she took a pink T-shirt and sprayed it with body spray... then stuffed the T-shirt in the gas tank filler neck and ignited the shirt on fire," Zinn mentioned in his affidavit.

Trib Live reports that Silliman's 2002 Taurus was destroyed by the blaze. Additionally, Zinn alleges that firefighters from the Chestnut Ridge Volunteer Fire Department were endangered by the blaze.

In addition to the aforementioned charges, Silliman has been charged with criminal mischief, possession of incendiary materials, criminal mischief and disorderly conduct.

Photo Gallery

In-Depth Review Finds Very Few Faults With 2018 Toyota Prius

Posted: 18 Nov 2017 01:57 PM PST


If you're in the market a practical and fuel efficient hatchback, the only thing that might keep you from considering buying a Prius straight up could be its looks.

Let's face it, it does look futuristic, but it's not the prettiest thing on the road. However, if you move past this aspect (or better yet you like the way it looks, since this is highly subjective), you'll likely end up enjoying your purchase.

The 2018 Prius is a very practical car, with plenty of room for luggage, comfortable seats, impressive safety tech, lots of storage spaces and a well laid out cabin with strong visibility ahead and around the pillars.

On the road, the Prius is great around town, with excellent maneuverability. However, there were some downsides such as the overly sensitive brakes, road noise and poor rearwards visibility. It's also not very quick, so if you're looking for effortless motorway overtaking capability, you'd better look somewhere else.

On the plus side, Toyota made the 2018 Prius handle surprisingly well, with decent grip and steering feel. On top of that, there's a 'Power' mode that improves performance, although it's not going to help you win any drag races. But, at the end of the day, it's a Prius, so this doesn't rank very highly on its potential customers' list anyway, does it?

VIDEO

Hyundai's Upcoming Veloster N Might Look Very Nice Indeed

Posted: 18 Nov 2017 12:59 PM PST


Not a company to rest on its laurels, Hyundai is hard at work developing the second model in its range of N-performance models.

Based on the eye-catching Veloster, the new model is expected to share some of its components with the exciting i30 N. However, thanks to the sleeker design of the Veloster, the new N model could actually be the better looking of the two.

As this rendering from KKS Studio shows, the Veloster N will benefit from a selection of eye-catching modifications, including a much larger and more aggressive front grille. Additionally, recent spy shots have displayed revised air intakes, also included in this rendering. Final exterior changes include performance brakes, N-branded wheels, extended side skirts and a roof-mounted rear wing, along with two large tailpipes.

It remains to be seen if Hyundai will opt to make the top version of its quirky little coupe even more capable than the i30 N. Whatever it decides, it's safe to assume that the hot hatchback's engine, delivering 246 hp in standard guise and 271 hp with the Performance Package, should find its way into the Veloster N, potentially with more grunt.

PHOTO GALLERY

Cheapest Cayenne Turbo In The U.S. Costs Just $6,100 And Is Still Going Strong

Posted: 18 Nov 2017 11:56 AM PST


Even though YouTuber Tyler Hoover usually jokes about his compulsion to purchase old premium cars, it seems that there really are some good investments out there.

This 2004 Porsche Cayenne Turbo joined his fleet about six months ago and has been driven for 6,000 miles (9,656 km) across five states. To everyone's surprise, not a single thing has gone wrong as the car has proven to be remarkably reliable.

Hoover thinks that the first-generation Cayenne Turbo is an inherently reliable car because Porsche actually "overbuilt" it, making sure the powertrain was very solid all round.

In a way, it makes sense, seen as how this car needs to be able to handle the 450 horses it puts down via its turbocharged V8 engine, while also staying ready for any off-road excursion. Besides, Porsche really are known for engineering their cars properly.

This Cayenne has also received some mods along the way, such as the upgraded air suspension, which helps it have a more slammed look thanks to the longer rods that connect the height sensors to the axles.

VIDEO

Mercedes-Benz Teases 2019 CLS Ahead Of LA Show Premiere

Posted: 18 Nov 2017 12:41 PM PST


Weekends are not usually chosen by automakers for revealing new products, but Mercedes-Benz has just released the first teaser image of the all-new CLS that'll be officially revealed at the upcoming LA Show on November 27.

Mercedes uses the tag "The Original Perfected", a clear reference to the fact that the first generation created the four-door saloon segment. The sole image depicts the car head on, highlighting the LED headlights, but it's not that hard to discern the overall shape, single-bar grille and lower fascia.

Thanks to our spies, we have already seen the third generation of Merc's four-door saloon with minimal camo, so we know what to expect: a sleeker bodywork than that of the outgoing model with soft curves replacing the more angular design of the previous CLS, and a dashboard with an instrument binnacle, infotainment system, climate control, curvy touchpad and, of course, circular air vents that's become a staple of Mercedes' new models.

The 2019 CLS will be built on the platform of the E-Class, but it will be lower, longer and wider than its more traditional sibling. As far as the engine line-up is concerned, we expect two petrol units, a four-cylinder with 295 HP (220 kW) and an inline-six with 362 HP (270 kW), and two diesels, a 241 HP (180 kW) four and an inline-six in two states of tune, with 281 hp (209 kW) and 335 hp (250 kW) respectively.

AMG will of course take care of the performance versions and, as we have already revealed, apart from the range-topping 63 and 63S, it will also introduce the CLS 53, which will slot between the range topper and the lesser 43. This will use a tuned version of the new M256 inline-six that will reportedly churn out around 430 HP, ensuring that the new CLS will have all bases covered.

Photo Gallery

White, Red, And Carbon Pagani Huayra Is A Petrolhead's Wet Dream

Posted: 18 Nov 2017 10:58 AM PST


If you're in the market for a used Pagani Huayra, the United States is the place to look. The U.S. is easily Pagani's largest market and there are dozens of Huayras on the streets, a dramatic turnaround from the days of the Zonda was not even being sold in the States.

We've come across a number of used Huayras in recent months and this one, for sale from Pagani Newport Beach, is one of the most eye-catching.

The exterior of the Italian hypercar is a mixture of white paint, gloss carbon fiber and bright red accents, really making it look like a road-going Transformer. As with any other Huayra, the exterior is beautifully matched by an equally sexy interior covered in a mixture of red leather, carbon fiber and aluminum.

Ordering a Huayra from the factory is a lengthy process and it can easily take over two years for delivery. However, with just 397 miles (639 km) on the clock, this Huayra is as good as new and can be added to a millionaire's collection in just a matter of days.

PHOTO GALLERY

600 HP Audi TT Clubsport Turbo Would Make For A Perfect Supercar Slayer

Posted: 18 Nov 2017 09:57 AM PST


Hot on the heels of being shown off at the SEMA Show, the Audi TT Clubsport Turbo has been detailed extensively by The Hoonigans channel on YouTube.

The car was first unveiled at the 2015 Worthersee Tour and is powered by a twin-turbocharged 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine delivering 600 hp. However, don't think this TT just has a couple of off-the-shelf turbos slapped on. Instead, it features an electric turbocharger that receives energy from a 48-volt electrical sub-system.

Furthermore, the powertrain incorporates a small lithium-ion battery that stores the energy generated by recuperation while coasting.

The cool features don't just stop there. As Dr. Rouven Mohr from Lamborghini explains in the video, Audi opted against using an S-tronic transmission and have instead mated a six-speed manual 'box to the engine.

Oh, and before you ask, yes, the car does run and sound just as insane as you'd imagine.

VIDEO

Future Cars: Peugeot Brings Back Sexiness With New 508 Sedan

Posted: 18 Nov 2017 10:19 AM PST


French carmaker Peugeot has certainly given us some drastic variance in cars over the years; cue fantastic sporting GTi and World Rally cars and then truly mediocre offerings like the 307 hatch and 407 sedan.

Whilst the current 508 mid-size saloon isn't bad, the market for mainstream European sedans is waning amongst a sea of opposition from SUVs and crossovers and the move to more prestige brands, like BMW and Audi.

Peugeot thinks this tide can be reversed by offering a new generation 508 in a much more alluring suite. So let's take an illustrated sneak peek.

Sleek French Styling

To engage a much more youthful audience, the French manufacturer has adopted a coupe-like, four door silhouette. Looks familiar, you say? That's because the new 508 is largely inspired by Peugeot's 2014 Exalt Concept, hence that sleek, frameless-window side profile, with scalloped upper door panels and heavily-raked rear.

Frontal styling is aggressive too, with intersecting quad headlamps, larger lower intake and powerful front grille. At the rear, full-width tail lamps incorporate vertical LED brake elements - not too dissimilar to the Ford Mustang's rear lighting setup.




Avante Garde Cabin

If you think the exterior looks good, the interior will impress even more. Drastic improvements over the current 508 show a much more futuristic interior, not too dissimilar to that of the 5008 crossover.

It also shares the latter's i-Cockpit arrangement that includes a large, crisp infotainment display and digital instrument cluster. Practicality should improve with the shift to a lift-back body style, like that of the Opel/Vauxhall Insignia and Buick Regal/Holden Commodore.

Under The Skin

Based on the flexible EMP2 platform, the new 508 will be lighter, stiffer and more crash-resistant compared to the ageing current model.

Powertrains are expected to be shared with the 5008, including a petrol 1.6-litre, turbocharged four, plus 1.6-litre and 2.0-litre diesels in varying states of tune. Power will be sent to the front wheels through a new automatic transmission, and it's possible the 5008's Advanced Grip Control (which has normal, snow, sand, mud modes) will make an appearance. Hybrid versions of the gasoline units will also be on offer, while an all-electric model could be added later in the car's lifecycle.



Tough Competition In An Shrinking Segment

If fighting the tide of SUV's is hard enough, the 508 will battle with offerings that are competing for the same shrinking market share. Those competitors like the Ford Mondeo (Fusion), Opel Insignia, Mazda6, VW Passat and Skoda Superb won't make life easy for the Pug.

The sleek new 508 will debut in 2018 with sales starting later that year in Europe and possibly Asia-Pacific.

Tell us what you think of the all-new 508 in the comments below and should PSA consider bringing it stateside?

By Josh Byrnes

Photo Renderings Copyright Carscoops / Josh Byrnes

Photo Gallery

The CLK DTM Is A Race-Inspired Wild Ride From Merc's Past

Posted: 18 Nov 2017 07:55 AM PST


Unless you're very familiar with Mercedes' old CLK lineup, the fact that something like this CLK DTM AMG even exists might surprise you.

The CLK DTM was a limited edition version of the regular CLK, built in 2004 to celebrate the model's successful German Touring Car (DTM) campaign in 2003 that ended with a championship title.

Under the hood, there's a 5.4-liter V8, much like the one on the CLK 55 AMG, massaged to deliver a whooping 580 horses and 590 lb-ft (800 Nm) of torque that'll get you from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in under 4 seconds.

Before taking it on the road, reviewer Doug DeMuro first ran through this car's long list of quirks and features. Among them we could note the not-so-round steering wheel, the major discrepancy in design between the upper dashboard and the new door panels, the steering wheel-mounted buttons and plenty more.

It's also not the most practical car in the world, but then again, it was built with performance in mind, which this car certainly delivers, both in terms of acceleration as well as agility. In fact, DeMuro found the CLK DTM extremely engaging to drive, and had a huge smile on his face as the exhaust system sounded off. He also says that the steering feel is excellent, which doesn't surprise us at all. But is it worth $450,000? Watch the video right after the jump and find out.

VIDEO

BMW 340i Touring M Performance Is The Closest Thing To An Estate M3

Posted: 18 Nov 2017 06:58 AM PST


Since BMW has yet to make an M3 using the 3-Series estate, cars like this 340i Touring with M blood running through its veins are as close as you can get to one.

You don't have to speak Swedish in order to realize this car, for sale on Wayke, is absolutely loaded with just about everything BMW can squeeze into a 3-Series. Considering the spec, the car should have cost 903,470 krona, which is roughly $107,000, however the price was set to 799,000 kr, or $95,000.

This 340i xDrive Touring has a lot going for it. Not only does it feature an M Performance power and sound kit, but it also has M Performance brakes, 20" wheels, rear wing, carbon fiber mirrors, Alcantara-rich interior (including the steering wheel, handbrake, armrest), carbon fiber gear lever and center console, LED door lights and quite a lot more.

As for performance, the 340i comes with 326 PS (321 HP) and 450 Nm (331 lb-ft) of torque out of the factory. This car however, thanks to the power kit, has 360 PS (355 HP) and 500 Nm (368 lb-ft) of torque that's enough to get it from 0 to 60 mph (96 km/h) in under 5 seconds.

PHOTO GALLERY



VIDEO

Matt Farah Drives The Iconic Lancia Stratos

Posted: 18 Nov 2017 05:57 AM PST


The last Lancia models weren't anything special, but if you wind the clock back a few decades, you'll find that the automaker produced some of the most iconic road and race cars ever built.

Although it is impossible to pinpoint one as being better than the other, the Stratos is considered by many to be the quintessential Lancia. Matt Farah from The Smoking Tire recently had a chance to test out one and discover if it lives up to the hype.

For his test, Farah jumped into the driver's seat of a red example and mentions a few unique quirks about the car.

For starters, this Stratos has been geared to max out at roughly 55 mph (88 km/h). What's more, the driving position is also very curious, as the pedals are offset a few inches off to the right.

However, as you'll see in the video that follows, these quirks do not detract from the Stratos' character one bit.

VIDEO

Volvo And Lync & Co To Launch Compact Plug-In Hybrids In 2018

Posted: 18 Nov 2017 04:59 AM PST


Volvo and Lync & Co will launch their first compact plug-in hybrid models in the second half of 2018. The compact plug-in hybrid powertrain will consist of a three-cylinder 1.5-liter petrol engine, an electric motor, the necessary battery pack and a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox.

The first models to hit the market with the specific powertrain will be the Volvo XC40 and the Lync & Co 01 and will initially offer up to 31 miles of pure electric driving range. However. the two companies will offer a further developed version with up to 50 miles of EV range down the line, Autocar reports.

The same models are also scheduled to be offered in pure electric versions as well by 2020, with the two companies considering two different variants that offer 249 miles (400km) and 311 miles (500km) of range respectively.

As for when Lync & Co will hit the market, the newborn car brand will be initially launched in China next year, followed by Germany in 2019. Other European markets and the United States will follow shortly after, but there aren't any solid plans for right-hand drive markets like the UK at the moment.

PHOTO GALLERY

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