Tuesday 21 November 2017

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New Aston Martin Vantage Finally Revealed: Supermodel Looks With AMG Power

Posted: 21 Nov 2017 04:41 AM PST


Replacing a car like the previous-gen Vantage is an incredibly difficult task since that model was universally praised for its drop-dead gorgeous looks but Aston Martin has made it look easy with the breathtaking new Vantage.

Everything is new on Aston Martin's latest sportscar, from the chassis to the powertrain and from the onboard technology to the clever aero agenda.

Power comes as expected from the AMG-sourced twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 that here makes 503hp (510PS) and 505lb-ft (685Nm) of torque. Paired to it is an eight-speed ZF automatic transmission, with Aston Martin hinting at a manual option later on.

Aston Martin says they've mounted the engine as low and as far back as possible to ensure optimal center-of-gravity and that perfect 50-50 weight distribution. Dry weight is an impressive 1,530kg (3,373lbs). 0-60mph comes in 3.5 seconds (0-100km/h in 3.6) while top speed is 195mph (313km/h).

*Developing Story


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GMC Sierra Desert Fox Resurfaces Among The Dunes Of Dubai

Posted: 21 Nov 2017 03:59 AM PST


All sorts of outlandish things happen among the sands of Dubai. We don't always hear about them, but this one has blipped on our radar.

It's the GMC Sierra Desert Fox, a concept truck showcased at the Dubai Motor Show. It's sort of like a Ram Rebel or Toyota Tundra TRD Pro, but with a heavy dose of retro thrown in.

The truck harkens back not to the Nazi general Erwin Rommel (who was known by that nickname) but to the Desert Fox editions that GMC offered in the 1970s, like the vintage Jimmy shown alongside the concept.

That throwback treatment comes down principally to the earth-tone stripes on the beige bodywork, but the rest of it is all hardcore off-roader.

Though official details are even more scarce than official photos, but you can't miss the chunky tires, bead-lock wheels, jacked-up suspension, low-profile bumpers, nose-mounted winch, side steps, skid plates, custom exhaust, spare tires and jerrycans in the bed, and sports bar with auxiliary LEDs. It even has a pair of hazard flags extending way up high from the roof, all the better to see roaming the dunes of the Arabian peninsula.

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Seat Leon ST Cupra R Could Take 'Ring Record Back From AMG

Posted: 21 Nov 2017 03:37 AM PST


Mercedes recently took the Nürburgring lap record for wagons with the E63 S Estate. Before that, it belonged to the Seat Leon ST Cupra. But Seat has a new performance wagon in the works that could claim the record back again.

 According to Auto Express, the Spanish automaker is working on a new Leon ST Cupra R that – if put into production – would be the fastest, most powerful model in Seat's lineup.

Though the Leon hatchback isn't piped for all-wheel drive, the wagon version is. That could allow the Leon ST Cupra R to put 335 horsepower down to the tarmac through all four wheels, eclipsing the 276-hp output of the previous 'Ring-conquering wagon and the 306 hp in the latest Cupra R hot hatch.

That'd still fall far short of the AMG, whose size, price, and 604 horsepower put it in another league. But the smaller, more agile Seat only has to shave a baker's dozen seconds off its lap time (previously clocked at 7:58) to catch the Merc's 7:45.

'Ring records aside, we hope Seat approves this beast for production, because the prospect of a Golf-sized wagon with that much more power than the Golf R's 292 hp and the cargo capacity of a small crossover sounds mighty enticing to us.

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Russia's Gunning For Toyota With New BR1 LMP1 Prototype

Posted: 21 Nov 2017 02:52 AM PST


With most of the hybrid prototypes having now left the series, the LMP1 class of the FIA World Endurance Championship and its headline event, the 24 Hours of Le Mans, is now wide open to privateer teams eager to take on Toyota for outright victory. And they're starting to line up for their chance at the top prize.

The latest comes from Russian firm BR Engineering, which has unveiled its own conventionally powered LMP1 prototype at the season finale in Bahrain this weekend.

Called the BR1, it's based on a Dallara chassis with power from either an AER twin-turbo V6 rated at 720 horsepower, or a Mecachrome-based Gibson V8 good for about 700 hp. Whatever engine is fitted will drive the rear wheels through a six-speed paddle-shift Xtrac gearbox with a Tilton clutch and limited-slip differential.

Brembo provides the brakes, Kayaba the electric power steering, OZ the 18-inch magnesium wheels, and Michelin the tires – all fitted to a package weighing approximately 930 kilograms (or about 2,050 pounds).

Having already passed all the FIA's homologation procedures and undergone extensive track, wind-tunnel, and simulator testing, the chassis is ready for privateer teams. Among them will be DragonSpeed and Russia's SMP Racing, which has an all-star Russian driver roster lined up including former F1 pilots Vitaly Petrov and Sergey Sirotkin, IndyCar veteran Mikhail Aleshin, and Le Mans endurance racers Kirill Ladygin and Victor Shaytar.

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Leaked Options List Confirms $102,600 Price For 2018 BMW M5

Posted: 21 Nov 2017 01:32 AM PST


Pricing details for the 2018 BMW M5 have just emerged online courtesy of a price list for military members and U.S. diplomats.

The list, published by Bimmer Post, shows that pricing for the new M5 starts at $102,600. For that figure, customers will receive a selection of important safety features and technologies, all aimed at making the new car better than its predecessor.

Among the standard features are a tire pressure monitoring system, Park Distance Control, Active Driving Assistant, SiriusXM Satellite Radio, Harmon Kardon surround sound system, Anthracite Alcantara headliner, Active Blind Spot Detection and Lane Departure Warning.

In terms of paint colors, customers will have seven different non-metallic and metallic paints to choose from. For those looking for slightly more exclusivity, BMW offers Azurite Black Metallic, Champagne Quartz Metallic, Almandine Brown Metallic, and Rhodonite Silver Metallic, all priced at $1,950 each.

There are three key packages offered for the 2018 M5. The first, dubbed the Driving Assistance Plus Package, is priced at $1,700 and includes Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go, Active Lane Keeping Assistant, Traffic Jam Assistant, and Cross-traffic alert.

Also on offer is the Executive Package. For $4,000, customers receive features including soft-close doors, front seats with heat and massaging functions, WiFi hotspot, rear view camera, Active Park Distance Control and Surround View with 3D View.

Last but not least is the First Edition, priced at $18,300 and including an M Sport exhaust system, 20-inch M wheels, Apple CarPlay compatibility, Bowers & Wilkins Diamond Surround Sound System and the M Driver's Package.

Follow the link above to check out the list for yourself.

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Porsche 718 Boxster Spyder To Get GT3's Flat-Six

Posted: 21 Nov 2017 12:03 AM PST


Sticking to its promise of creating more enthusiast-focused vehicles, Porsche Motorsport is said to be developing a new 718 Boxster with the naturally-aspirated flat-six engine of the 911 GT3.

Autocar reports that the next-generation Boxster Spyder will be heavily related to the new Cayman GT4 and ditch the car's existing turbocharged 2.5-liter flat-four. Keen to give Porsche enthusiasts what they've been begging for, the motorsport-related six-cylinder of the GT3 promises to transform Porsche's entry-level model.

Fittingly, it seems inevitable that power from the flat-six, rated at 493 hp in the GT3, will be slightly reduced for use in the Boxster Spyder, perhaps nearer the 425-450 hp mark. Mated to the engine will be a six-speed manual transmission but a dual-clutch, seven-speed PDK will also be offered to customers looking for slightly more convenience.

Beyond its new powertrain, Porsche will look to strip out any unnecessary weight and potentially ditch the likes of air conditioning, radio and sound insulation. Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires are expected to come standard and like previous iterations of the Boxster Spyder, the folding soft top will be replaced by a manually removable fabric top.

A debut in 2018 seems likely.

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Hennessey Reveals Carbon Fiber Interior Of Venom F5

Posted: 20 Nov 2017 08:43 PM PST


Shortly after Hennessey premiered the Venom F5 at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas, the Texas tuner has released the first images of the hypercar's interior.

Like a recent teaser image indicated, the cabin of the Venom F5 is dominated by carbon fiber and looks to be a serious improvement over the Venom GT in terms of overall quality.

Unsurprisingly, the cabin is quite narrow and consists of two bucket seats which appear to be fixed to the floor. Elsewhere, the Venom F5 includes a narrow, carbon fiber transmission tunnel that runs up to a large touchscreen housing the car's infotainment features. Elsewhere, we can see a trio of air vents arranged in a similar format to the tailpipes.

Two different steering wheel and gauge clusters will be offered to customers. The first sees the fitment of a carbon wheel with a flat bottom and top. It is then joined by a digital gauge cluster. Alternatively, Hennessey will also offer a steering wheel that houses its very own cluster, somewhat similar to the Aston Martin Valkyrie.

As cool as the interior of the Venom F5 is, it is far from the vehicle's standout feature. Instead, it is the twin-turbocharged V8 engine with 1,600 hp that promises to make the Venom F5 unlike any car before it, potentially capable of accelerating to over 300 mph (482 km/h).

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Bob Lutz Claims Tesla Is "Going Out Of Business"

Posted: 20 Nov 2017 08:02 PM PST


Former vice chairman of General Motors, Bob Lutz, isn't one to shy away from making bold proclamations. His latest? An assertion that Tesla is "going out of business."

Speaking to CNBC shortly after Tesla unveiled both the next-generation Roadster and its all-electric Semi in California, Lutz claimed the event was simply a distraction to shift focus away from the brand's production issues.

"The company, folks, is going out of business. At this rate they'll never get to 2019," Lutz said.

According to Lutz, Tesla has no distinct advantage over any other established automakers, including when it comes to producing electric vehicles.

"There is no secret sauce in Tesla. They use the same lithium-ion batteries as everybody else.

"They are hemorrhaging cash. They're going to have to go for another capital raise," he said.

It's worth noting that Lutz has been a long-time skeptic of Tesla and may have made these comments in a bid to fluctuate the value of Tesla. However, we do partially agree that Tesla may have decided to unveil the new Roadster as a way to deflect attention away from its Model 3 woes.

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Russian Billionaire Fined Over $30,000 For Drunk Driving

Posted: 20 Nov 2017 07:35 PM PST


A 22-year-old Norweigan billionaire has been fined over $30,000 for drunk driving.

Katharina Gamlemshaug Andresen is the world's second youngest billionaire with a net worth of approximately $1.23 billion. She is the heiress to Ferd, a privately-held holding company from Norway.

Last week, Andresen learned that even obscene wealth doesn't allow Norwegians to escape the law.

The heiress was recently pulled over in her Audi and allegedly had a blood-alcohol content three-times the country's legal limit.

After being charged, Andresen was fined the equivalent of $30,400 as Norway's fines for drunk driving are based on one's wealth. Interestingly, she could have been fined significantly more, Money reports.

"Oslo City Court said the penalty could have been up to 40 million krone ($4.9 million) if based on Andresen's assets, but they 'have not yielded any dividend yet' and she has no fixed income. The court did increase the fine because of her estimated wealth, however," asserts the Associated Press.

Alongside the fine, Andresen is facing 18-days of imprisonment and a 13-month license suspension.

WRC Fans Risk Death At Rally Australia

Posted: 20 Nov 2017 07:02 PM PST


During the early 1980s, Group B rallying redefined the motorsport world but due to its dangers, was dismantled after just a few years.

In its heyday, rally stages were often packed with thousands of spectators risking their lives to get as close to the cars as possible. Nowadays, stages of the World Rally Championship feature dedicated viewing areas, often many meters away from the road. To most, these safety measures are tolerable.

However, during the recent Rally Australia, a number of spectators were filmed getting way too close to the road, lying down in a ditch just inches away from where the drivers go, Jalopnik reports.

These screenshots taken from the broadcast of the Welsh Creek stage, show at least four men putting themselves in harm's way to try and get the best picture possible.

If any of the drivers had misjudged the apex of the right-hand corner, the men angling to get the best possible shot would have been killed. No question.

Ladies and gentlemen, say hello to the joint-recipients of the 2017 Darwin Award.




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Borgward To Launch In Europe Next Year

Posted: 20 Nov 2017 06:04 PM PST


Borgward has confirmed that it will launch in Europe in the first quarter of 2018.

According to Auto Express, the reborn German carmaker will first launch the BX7 in Germany and neighboring countries. However, for interested SUV buyers in the UK, they may have to wait a little longer to enjoy a Borgward as no right-hand drive BX7 variant has been confirmed.

The marque first unveiled the BX7 in September 2015 and in the two years' since, has been refining the model and getting it ready for the road. The entry-level model is powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder delivering 224 PS and mated to a seven-speed automatic transmission. A plug-in hybrid version with a combined 401 PS has also been developed.

Borgward recently launched in China ahead of its European arrival and according to chief design officer Anders Warming, this has provided the automaker with valuable experience before launching in its home country.

Shortly after European deliveries of the Borgward BX7 commence, the smaller BX5 will arrive. Unlike the BX7, a right-hand drive version of the BX5 has been confirmed.

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You Can Keep Your Focus RS - We Want This 600 HP 1986 Ford RS200 Evo

Posted: 20 Nov 2017 05:29 PM PST


Automakers far and wide use the letters RS to connote some of their most hardcore performance models. Ranking high among them is Ford, which applies them today to the Focus RS. But that's not the one we want; this is.

It's an RS200 from 1986, but not just any RS200: it's an RS200 Evolution rally car from the heyday of Group B, and it's coming up for auction.

One of just 24 made, this nimble little mid-engined rally car packs a 2.1-liter turbo four sending over 600 horsepower to all four wheels – significantly more than the 500 featured in other rally-raiding examples, or the 250 in the road-going version.

With composite bodywork styled by Carrozzeria Ghia and built by Aston Martin's Tickford division, the RS200 Evolution was capable of rocketing to 60 mph (96 km/h) in three seconds flat, setting a Guinness-certified world record that stood for 12 years.

Chassis number 00105 is headed for auction at Bond Street in London on December 2, where it's anticipated to sell for upwards of £200k. You can check it out in these images provided courtesy of Bonhams, and while you're doing that, we'll be digging through our sofa cushions for spare change to scrounge together an opening bid.

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Larry David Trades Prius For BMW i3 In Season 9 Of Curb Your Enthusiasm

Posted: 20 Nov 2017 05:00 PM PST


Seinfeld co-creator and current star of HBO's Curb Your Enthusiasm, Larry David, is driving around in a brand new BMW i3 for the show's ninth season. David drove a Toyota Prius in the show's previous seasons, and was even spotted driving one in real life.

Curb Your Enthusiasm has been off the air for the past six years, and to see it keep up with what's trending in the real world isn't that big of a surprise. Aside from the i3, which is has been featured heavily in most of the episodes thus far, a bright red Tesla Model S also made a cameo.

U.S. buyers can purchase a BMW i3 from $44,450, although if they go for the version with the range extender, that will bump the price to $48,300. The most expensive i3 you can buy is the Sport model with the range extender, for $51,500.

If you want to get one that looks just like Larry's, make sure to also get the 20-inch BMW i double-spoke alloys, which are a $1,300 optional extra.

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Pink Lamborghini Aventador Turns Heads In Tokyo

Posted: 20 Nov 2017 04:28 PM PST


We're not quite sure what to make of it, but there seems to be a proliferation of pink Aventadors lately, as we've seen quite a few of them in the past few months alone.

Now, here's another example painted in the same color: an LP720-4 50th Anniversary model, its output bridging the gap between the base LP700-4 and the LP750-4 SuperVeloce (or the revised LP740-4 S). It's also riding on a set of Forgiato's S202 wheels, with black rims and pink spokes and hubs to match the lipstick paintjob.

This example was spotted in Tokyo. Japan is one of the largest markets for high-end automobiles in the world, and Lamborghini even made a special version for it.

That limited edition Raging Bull didn't come in pink, though – which we believe is a good thing. But variety, they say, is the spice of life. And while it may not be to everyone's taste, a pink Lambo is certainly spicy.

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Startech Dips This Bentley Continental GT In Custom Paint, Adds Carbon

Posted: 20 Nov 2017 03:59 PM PST


If you're looking to buy an elegant and imposing luxury GT, a Bentley Continental GT might very well be on your shopping list.

Throughout its existence, the Continental GT has been upgraded by many tuners, some of which have become quite adept at taking an already imposing car and making it even more appealing.

Take this Startech-tuned example for instance. Not only does it come with a custom paint finish, but also carbon fiber aerodynamic elements and massive Monostar G 22" wheels painted in the same color as the exterior.

Hidden behind the wheels are orange calipers, which match the accents found inside the fine leather interior on the dashboard, steering wheel, sun visors, door panels, seats and even the roof.

But that's not all. The entire trunk is orange - even the lining of the trunk lid. Speaking of which, you can also see that this car is equipped with the Naim for Bentley sound system, thought by many to be one of the best in the world.

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Aston Martin Vantage And Vantage GTE Teased Ahead Of Tomorrow's Unveiling

Posted: 20 Nov 2017 03:27 PM PST


Aston Martin is gearing up to unveil the new Vantage and Vantage GTE tomorrow at 20:00 GMT (3:00 p.m. EST) so it comes as little surprise the company has released a handful of new teaser videos.

The first clip focuses on the Vantage GTE and it shows the race car will have a front splitter, a side-exiting exhaust, and a massive rear wing. We can also see aerodynamic mirrors, lightweight alloy wheels, and what appears to be a V8 engine. Other notable features include a race-specific steering wheel and a special driver's seat.

The Vantage GTE will compete in the World Endurance Championship and it could enter competition as early as next May.

The teaser video for the road-going model isn't as revealing as the clip simply suggests the new Vantage will be a powerful predator that won't be tamed.

While that's not much to go on, spy and patent photos have revealed the model will eschew the timeless styling of its predecessor for a more aggressive design that draws inspiration from the DB10 and Vulcan.

Like the DB11, the Vantage will be offered with an AMG-sourced twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 engine. Aston Martin's Matt Becker recently confirmed the engine will produce over 500 hp (372 kW) so it's possible the model could have the same output as the DB11 which is rated at 503 hp (375 kW) and 498 lb-ft (675 Nm) of torque.

Videos


A new era - #NewVantage

Racing into a new era.

#NewVantage - Aston Martin Racing

20:00 GMT

21 November 2017

Posted by Aston Martin on Sunday, November 19, 2017



#BeautifulWontBeTamed #NewVantage - Coming 21st November 2017

21st November 2017.

#BeautifulWontBeTamed #NewVantage

Posted by Aston Martin on Monday, November 20, 2017

Porsche Dealers To Begin Using Smart Glasses To Speed Up Vehicle Repairs

Posted: 20 Nov 2017 08:09 PM PST


Augmented reality is become increasing popular in vehicle design and Porsche is bringing the technology even further by announcing plans to begin using it in vehicle service departments.

Following a successful pilot program at eight dealerships, Porsche will begin using lightweight smart glasses at dealerships in Canada and the United States.

The glasses work in conjunction with "Tech Live Look" software and they feature a high-resolution, auto focusing camera which can see fine details like the threading on screws. The glasses have also been equipped with powerful LED lights which can be used to illuminate dark areas such as the engine compartment.

The glasses are more than just a high-tech toy as the company explains a service technician in Los Angeles can be looking at a component while the company's technical support team in Atlanta can be seeing the same thing even though they are 2,200 miles (3,540 km) away. Porsche says this will allow them quickly identify and resolve technical issues and this has the potential to reduce service times by up to 40 percent.

The smart glasses offer more than just a video conferencing capability as Porsche also notes they can be used to take screenshots and display service information - such as technical bulletins or instructions - on the projection surface of the glasses.

The glasses will be used at dealerships beginning next year and Porsche Cars North America CEO Klaus Zellmer said "Tech Live Look allows us to be more efficient and helps get vehicles back in the hands of our customers faster, all while still delivering exceptional service quality."

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2018 Mercedes E-Class Convertible Lands In The U.S. From $66,300

Posted: 20 Nov 2017 05:37 PM PST


Winter is right around the corner but that hasn't stopped Mercedes from launching the 2018 E-Class Cabriolet in the United States.

Set to slot between the C- and S-Class convertibles, the E-Class Cabriolet is being billed as a luxury drop top that combines "pure, elegant design with long-distance comfort for four occupants."

The car has a lot in common with the E-Class Coupe but the convertible is distinguished by a fabric soft top which is available in four different colors including black, red, dark blue and dark brown. Regardless of which color is selected, all of the roofs are fully automatic and feature insulation that promises to reduce wind and road noise.

Besides the fabric roof, the E-Class Cabriolet can be equipped with heat-reflecting leather upholstery, an Aircap wind deflector, and an Airscarf neck-level heating system.

The E-Class Cabriolet is currently on sale and pricing starts at $66,300. The entry-level model has a twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6 engine that produces 329 hp (245 kW) and 354 lb-ft (479 Nm) of torque. It is connected to a nine-speed automatic transmission which allows the car to accelerate from 0-60 mph in 5.5 seconds and return 20 mpg city / 26 mpg highway.

Customers can also order the E400 4MATIC Cabriolet which retails for $68,800. It has the same engine as the standard model but the addition of all-wheel drive enables the convertible to run from 0-60 mph in just 5.3 seconds.

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Mark Webber Auditions To Replace The American On The Grand Tour

Posted: 20 Nov 2017 02:01 PM PST


In the last teaser for the second season of The Grand Tour, the hosts fired The American who was played by former NASCAR driver Mike Skinner. The trio then discussed the need to find a replacement that meet Jeremy Clarkson's requirements that they "mustn't be fat, clumsy, or slow."

The first to show up for the auditions was former Formula One driver Mark Webber who arrived at The Grand Tour's test track in a Porsche Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid.

While James May and Richard Hammond jokingly confuse him with Tom Hardy, Clarkson introduces Webber as "Australia's second best" driver. Webber then starts out his audition by taking the Porsche 911 GT2 RS around the track and posting an impressive lap time.

Webber, who also happens to be a Porsche ambassador, then takes a spin in a Mercedes-AMG GT R. Much to the surprise of the hosts, Webber drives at a leisurely pace as they discuss Webber's connection to Porsche.

Given the obvious conflict of interest, Hammond eventually tells Webber "We'll be in touch."

The Grand Tour returns to Amazon Prime Video on December 8th and the show has already hinted they will be making a variety of changes to appease fans. Besides cutting The American, it appears the Celebrity Brain Crash segment will also be getting the axe.

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BMW Stops Sales Of i3 And Issues Voluntary Recall Of All Models

Posted: 20 Nov 2017 04:25 PM PST


Over the weekend, reports surfaced that BMW had ordered a sales stop on all i3s models in the United States and the company was on the verge of recalling of every i3 sold in America since 2014.

The news was initially reported by InsideEVs which posted an image of a non-compliance recall document which suggested i3 vehicles from the 2014-2018 model years were going to be recalled due to their failure to meet frontal impact performance standards.

We reached out to BMW of North America and Product and Technology spokesperson Rebecca Kiehne said : "In a recent National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) crash test of the BMW i3 – specifically the unbelted small adult rigid barrier test (NHTSA's 5th percentile female) - the driver seat occupant sustained loads marginally above the limit."

Kiehne went on to say "While BMW's compliance testing showed results well below the required limits, more recent testing has shown inconsistent results."

Due to the conflicting results, BMW of North America has issued a recall of the i3 and is working with the NHTSA to understand the differences in their test results. Kiehne said the company recommends all occupants use their seatbelts and confirmed a "remedy is forthcoming." In a follow up e-mail, Kiehne confirmed a stop-sale order has been issued in the United States.

While recalls are unfortunate, it's important to remember the crash test involved an unbelted small adult in the 5th percentile female range. This effectively means the issue applies to unbelted women who are approximately five feet (1.52 meters) tall and weigh around 110 lbs (49.9 kg).

BMW of North America will likely provide more information about the recall in the future and initial reports suggested the company would be contacting i3 owners by mail in January.

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2019 Audi A8 To Be Shown In Los Angeles, Goes On Sale Next Fall

Posted: 20 Nov 2017 12:59 PM PST


The countdown to the Los Angeles Auto Show continues as Audi has announced plans to show the redesigned A8 in the City of Angels.

Originally unveiled over the summer, the 2019 A8 features an upscale design that borrows a number of styling cues from the Prologue concept. Detailed specifications will be announced closer to launch but the car features a wide Singleframe grille, OLED taillights, and plenty of metallic trim.

The interior is a bit of a departure from previous models as it comes equipped with two touchscreen displays. A variety of different options will be available including a head-up display, a Bang & Olufsen 3D audio system, and a four-zone climate control system. Other options include a rear seat entertainment system and a heated massaging footrest for the right rear passenger.

At launch, the 2019 A8 will be offered with a 3.0-liter TFSI V6 engine that is connected to an eight-speed automatic transmission and a quattro all-wheel drive system. In Europe, the engine produces 335 hp (250 kW) and 368 lb-ft (500 Nm) of torque. It enables the car to accelerate from 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) in 5.7 seconds before hitting a limited top speed of 155 mph (250 km/h).

Speaking of performance, the model can be equipped with active suspension and an optional dynamic all-wheel steering system which enables the A8 to have a turning radius of 38.7 ft (11.8 m) which is about the same as the significantly smaller A4 sedan.

Other advanced features include intersection assist, maneuver assist, and curb warning. There are also two automatic parking systems and the Audi AI traffic jam pilot system which enables the car to drive itself at speeds up to 37 mph (60 km/h) on highways.

The 2019 Audi A8 will go on sale in the United States in next fall and compete with the BMW 7-Series and Mercedes S-Class.

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Apollo IE V12 Sounds Brutal During Official Track Testing

Posted: 20 Nov 2017 12:30 PM PST


The Apollo Intensa Emozione (IE) is a fascinating car. From its out-of-this-world exterior and interior designs to its potent powertrain, the car promises to put the supercar manufacturer on the map.

A few weeks after the Intensa Emozione was revealed to the world, Apollo has dropped an intriguing video of the supercar undergoing track testing at the Cremona Circuit in Italy.

The company says the naturally-aspirated 6.3-liter V12 was restricted to 4,000 rpm during the tests. However, to our ears, it sounds as if it's revving a little bit higher than that. Either way, there's no hiding the intoxicating exhaust note, enough to make pretty much any other supercar on the planet sound like a family hatchback.

Beyond the engine, one of the most interesting things about Apollo's latest creation is its use of a six-speed sequential transmission, rather than a heavy dual-clutch like most vehicles in its class. While this gearbox probably won't be as refined as those DCTs, it does make the supercar sound like a true race car when shifting through the gears, particularly on downshifts.

Apollo says the vehicle's engine delivers 769 hp and 561 lb-ft of torque at the wheels. This will reportedly result in a 0-100 km/h (62 mph) time of 2.7 seconds and a 335 km/h (208 mph) top speed.

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World's Crappiest Tune Uses A Chevy Grille As A Rear Wing

Posted: 20 Nov 2017 04:25 PM PST


Trying to win the title of "world's crappiest body kit" is this second-generation Opel/Vauxhall Vectra, equipped with what looks like a freaking radiator as a diffuser of sorts on its rear bumper

Unless this car is actually a rival for the 5,000 HP Devel Sixteen, we're going to go out on a limb and say that everything that's been fitted to it is complete and utter nonsense.

It's no wonder this image popped up on Reddit's famous crappy car mods thread, except they don't actually say "crappy". Oh well, let's lean into it a bit and see what's going on.

Starting with that massive rear spoiler, it almost looks like a cargo space ship from any random 1980's sci fi movie. Are those supposed to be exhaust tips or afterburners. You don't know!

Next, the inserts around the trunk lid and badge look like cheap pearls, whereas the rear wing (if you want to call it that), is actually an old Chevrolet grille, which makes us wonder if this car murdered a Chevy just so it could wear its mask, kind of like an automotive equivalent of Hannibal Lecter.

As for the rest of the mods, all we can say is that they look ridiculous and unnecessary. We have a feeling you'll agree.

2019 Toyota Supra Tries On A Slew Of Colors

Posted: 20 Nov 2017 04:25 PM PST


The launch of the next-generation Toyota Supra has been one of the most discussed topics in the industry this year. With just over a month left before the end of 2017, it doesn't appear as if we'll even see the new sports car until next year.

Nonetheless, a number of enthusiasts have rendered the car in recent months, using a plethora of spy shots and the Toyota FT-1 Concept as inspiration. These latest renderings, created by members of the SupraMKV forums, show the new Supra in a range of colors. It looks impressive in every single one of them.

With the exclusion of an additional front splitter, the Supra depicted in these renderings is identical to ones we saw last month. As such, the images depict the car with simple LED headlights and a bumper and front fascia which compared to the FT-1, doesn't protrude out to the same degree. In essence, the car has had a nose job.

According to our sources, the new Supra will be available with a four-cylinder engine delivering 248 hp and a six-cylinder producing around 335 hp.

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Cyclist Hits Unsuspecting Man Working On BMW, Cursing Ensues

Posted: 20 Nov 2017 11:03 AM PST


It might not be as deadly as a car, but hitting somebody with your bicycle is still very dangerous, especially if the victim is already in a compromised position.

The man in the video was crouching down while working on an E60 BMW 5-Series, completely unaware there was an out of control cyclist heading his way.

The fact that he had his head all the way inside the wheel well seems to have resulted in some type of head injury, although it's hard to assess if there was anything wrong with him afterwards.

He immediately started cursing out the cyclist, so be mindful of the language while playing this video.

On one hand, we can certainly understand his anger. Suddenly banging your head on your own car can't be pleasant, especially when someone else is to blame and you're still in somewhat of a shock. Then again, obscene language and violence (he later took his frustration out on the bicycle) aren't appropriate either.

Do note that some people are suggesting this incident was staged, which is a possibility. We'd actually prefer it if it was genuine though, and the guy on the bike didn't crash into that man on purpose.

VIDEO

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