Saturday, 25 November 2017

CARSCOOPS

CARSCOOPS

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The VW Golf MK2 GTI Is Still Everything You Like In A Hot Hatch

Posted: 25 Nov 2017 03:55 AM PST


The original gave its name to a whole segment, but for many people it was the second generation that really cemented the legend of the Golf GTI.

Combining the everyday usability with a proper enthusiastic character on the road, the MK2 GTI was an irresistible car at the time, paving the way for the numerous hot hatches that followed.

It took Andrew Tucker three years of searching to find an original, unmodified Golf GTI, after the first one he owned fell victim to fire. His connection with the GTI goes a long way back, when his father used to drive him in his GTI.

"It harkens back to my childhood, but it's also a very usable car," Tucker told Petrolicious. "It's not perfect, but it's perfectly usable, and I think that's what I love about these cars most of all."

His determination to keep his 16-valve GTI as original as possible shows the amount of respect he has for this special hatchback. "The car is completely original minus the suspension rebuild: original interior, original 15-inch BBS RA alloys, still running the original clutch, engine, and gearbox," Tucker adds. "Part of the beauty of this car is that it's been preserved, not modified".

VIDEO

Carlos Ghosn Confirms Kwid EV For China And Emerging Markets

Posted: 25 Nov 2017 02:57 AM PST


Renault has been mulling with the idea of launching a cheap electric car in China for a few years, and it's finally happening.

Speaking to Autonews, the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance CEO, Carlos Ghosn, confirmed an electric version of the Kwid, admitting that prototypes have already been built.

"In China, we can't sell the Leaf. Too expensive and too sophisticated. We can't sell the Renault Fluence. Too expensive. What sells in China? Low-cost electric cars", said Ghosn. "So we are putting engineers from the alliance to develop a low-cost Kwid EV for China. I just test drove the car in China. It will be a very well engineered car at a very low cost."

Renault's head honcho didn't give any insights into the launch date, power, range or pricing of the Kwid EV, but admitted that it will eventually make its way into emerging markets. "Once it works in China, there's no reason you're not going to export the car to India, to Brazil, to the Middle East."

Carlos Ghosn is looking at the Alliance as a whole when it comes to developing future products, especially electric vehicles, which will eventually help them achieve their objectives: mass marketing and profitability.

"In the beginning, it was Renault going by itself, because they were prototypes, and we didn't know exactly where we were going. The Nissan Leaf had its own technology. The Renault Zoe has its own technology. Mitsubishi started with its own technology. But now we're saying: one platform, one set of batteries, one set of motors", Ghosn added.

Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi isn't the only automotive giant that sees China as a market with a huge potential when it comes to affordable EVs, as Volkswagen has a similar approach. However, the Germans won't use their own brands to breach into this segment, as they have reportedly signed a memorandum of understanding with Jianghuai Automobile Co. (JAC) to develop a cheap EV.

PHOTO GALLERY

Leave Him Alone, Kimi Raikkonen Knows What He's Drinking

Posted: 25 Nov 2017 01:56 AM PST


Kimi Raikkonen is one of the most-loved drivers in Formula One, largely thanks to his Finnish nonchalance and remarkable skills behind the wheel.

Throughout his career, the Iceman has said some beautiful one-liners, none more so than his "Just leave me alone, I know what I'm doing," zinger issued towards his team during the 2012 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

On the eve of the fifth anniversary of this memorable quote, Finnish beverage company Hartwell used Raikkonen in a pair of advertisements for its Original Long Drink.

In the first 20-second commercial, Raikkonen can be seen sipping his drink on the edge of a frozen lake. However, displeased with the narrator, he says "Just leave me alone, I know what I'm drinking."

Well, he might not be the most talkative driver currently on the paddocks, and he does like to party and indulge in liquor when he's not at work, but Kimi appears to have a sense of humor after all.

VIDEO

Uber Teams Up With Mahindra To Test EVs In India

Posted: 25 Nov 2017 01:04 AM PST


Uber announced their new partnership with Mahindra to pilot electric vehicles on its platform in India.The plan is for Uber to deploy hundreds of electric vehicles on the streets of Delhi and Hyderabad by the March of 2018, with the option of expanding the pilot program to other cities.

"For how long this pilot will go on is difficult to predict. It will require adequate progress in engagement with our stakeholders before we plan to expand to other cities," Madhu Kannan, Uber's chief business officer for India, told Reuters.

With this move, Uber becomes the second company launching an EV pilot program in the country, following local rival Ola which has already launched its own program in Nagpur and plans to expand it on a large scale by next year.

As part of the deal, Uber will subsidize the cost of an electric vehicle for its drivers and Mahindra will also provide finance, insurance and maintenance. The two companies will also work with third parties to set up a charging infrastructure for the cars in Hyderabad.

Mahindra recently said that they plan to invest 6 billion rupees ($93 million) over the next three years for the development of electric models. The company is currently working on two passenger cars, including one with Ssangyong, which is owned by the Indian manufacturer.

PHOTO GALLERY

Lamborghini Takes Urus Super SUV Off Road So You Won't Have To

Posted: 25 Nov 2017 04:20 AM PST


Lamborghini has released yet another video of the Urus, which is shown in various environments across the globe.

The clip doesn't actually bring anything new, as it combines the previously released videos, which teased its six driving modes, into a single, longer film, but if you want to see it unleashed on challenging terrains, then you have come to the right place.

"From off-road adventures, to breathtaking race track thrills, through glittering city streets: Urus brings pure Lamborghini style and performance to any driving environment", the automaker wrote. "It is a true Lamborghini in terms of design, performance, driving dynamics, and emotions, as well as being suitable for everyday driving in a range of environments."

Billed as a 'super SUV', Lamborghini's third product will reportedly use a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 engine that makes around 650 horsepower, channeled to all four corners through an 8-speed automatic gearbox. It's been said that naught to 100km/h (62mph) will take around 3.7 seconds, while top speed will stand in excess of 302km/h (188mph).

Lamborghini will unwrap the Urus on December 4, but they're also planning other versions of the SUV. One of them is expected to be a plug-in hybrid that combines a gasoline engine with an electric motor, and further down the road, a muscular Performante variant is believed to join the range as well.

VIDEO

New Nissan Serena NISMO Arrives On Japan's Roads

Posted: 24 Nov 2017 07:10 PM PST


A little over a month after premiering at the Tokyo Motor Show, Japanese sales of the Nissan Serena Nismo have commenced.

Priced from 3,419,280 yen ($30,397), the minivan receives a host of modifications that give it that characteristic Nismo flare and is sure to be popular among Japanese enthusiasts who often love to turn heads with their rides.

Starting at the exterior, the Serena Nismo receives a custom front bumper with LED daytime running lights in the shape of the number '7'. Elsewhere, there is a host of bright red accents, including on the side skirts and around the rear fascia, along with 17-inch wheels riding on Bridgestone Potenza Adrenalin RE003 tires size 205/50/R17. . 

Inside, Nissan has installed an Alcantara-wrapped three-spoke steering wheel, leather shift knob, 7-inch display, and numerous red accents, while offering the option of body-hugging front sport seats.

While the visual tweaks catch the eye, it is the inclusion of Nissan's ProPILOT system that is the real headline. Previously introduced on a handful of other Nissan models, the technology allows for autonomous driving in single-lane traffic on highways.

The Serena's NISMO transformation also includes an ECU tune along with a sports muffler for the 2.0-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine, though Nissan hasn't disclosed output figures (the standard engine produces 147 horses). A new custom suspension that includes different shocks, springs and stabilizer together with new cross members and re-tuned VDC (Vehicle Dynamics Control) with an off switch, are also part of the package.

PHOTO GALLERY

Bentley Birkin EV Is A Futuristic Coupe That Pays Homage To The 1920s

Posted: 24 Nov 2017 06:43 PM PST


Even though this may not look like a regular Bentley at first, it does sort of remind us of the EXP10 Concept, in a subtle way.

The design seems to follow the so-called "less is more" philosophy, as the wide grille at the front is positioned almost at wheel-level, giving the car a rather unique character - as do the chunky pop-out rear wing and intricate rear diffuser.

Its designer, Ignacio Mallku, says that the Birkin EV Sports Coupe would be part of Bentley's futuristic Sport Luxury segment, meant to seat just two people.

Unfortunately the cabin itself didn't get sketched, but we can see the seats inside, thanks to those forward-sliding doors being open in one of the images.

This concept was named after Tim Birkin, one of the Bentley Boys from the 1920s, who managed to win at Le Mans twice during his motorsport career.

PHOTO GALLERY

Driving Sim Firm Says Virtual Autonomous Car Tests Are Safer And Cheaper

Posted: 24 Nov 2017 06:10 PM PST


Now that the British government is expecting autonomous tech developers to begin testing their vehicles on UK roads by 2021, a strong case could be made for these tests to be conducted in enclosed environments.

At least, that's how driving sim company Cruden feels, calling for such tests to be carried out virtually, in a safer, and more cost-effective, manner.

Jelle van Doornik, development engineer at Cruden, said that getting "repeatable and controlled testing for Level 3, 4 and even Level 5 vehicles cannot be completed on UK roads with real traffic without risking accidents, hence the need for the industry to embrace simulator testing."

"Through sophisticated, realistic driving simulators, Cruden can offer a driver-in-the-loop simulator to test advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) and autonomous vehicle systems that will reduce costs and development time. We invite car manufacturers, regulators and psychologists to get in touch to discuss how driving simulation can help the development of autonomous vehicles. We look forward to helping to shape this exciting new era of mobility."

The UK government has already made specific changes both in regulations and its budget in order to allow driverless cars to begin testing on public roads without any human operator either inside or outside the vehicle. So even if it's safer and more efficient to test these technologies in a lab, it would appear the world's governments want these cars to be tested in real-world traffic conditions.

Now, the question is would you feel safe knowing self-driving prototypes are roaming your city without anybody on board to take over if the electronics don't work as advertised?

PHOTO GALLERY

Chrome-Wrapped Lamborghini Aventador Puts On A Flamethrower Show

Posted: 24 Nov 2017 05:36 PM PST


The 'hot ride' term has a very literal meaning for the owner of this Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4. Filmed recently during what appears to be a drag racing event, the Aventador proved its flame-spitting capabilities that are enhanced by an aftermarket Capristo exhaust system.

This Aventador supercar doesn't only have a deeper exhaust note, as it also wears a silver and gold wrap alongside dark elements on the roof, mirror caps and wheels. Apart from the exhaust, we don't know if it has any other modifications, but even in stock form the Aventador is no slouch thanks to its 700PS (690hp) and 690Nm (609lb-ft) of torque.

The fire show, which happily ended without the Lambo's rear end being lit as we have seen it happen in other occassions, was preceded by a few acceleration bursts and culminated with a quarter-mile race in the company of a previous-gen Porsche 911 Turbo S.

Its German challenger proved to be faster on the drag strip than the Italian exotic machine, but to the latter's excuse, the Porsche had a better start as its driver pushed the throttle all the way down just as the light turned green, while the Aventador stayed still for a few tenths of a second.

VIDEO

One Of Only 899 BMW 750i XL L7 V12 Is A Rare Bird

Posted: 25 Nov 2017 04:22 AM PST


While the third-generation BMW E38 7-Series was, at its time, a commercial success, the 750i XL L7 that was produced in just 899 examples is a very rare sighting.

According to the ad, found on German website Mobile.de, the car has just 19,800 km (12,303 miles) on the clock and is in really good condition, with the asking price set at €22,500, the equivalent of around $26,500 at today's exchange rate.

Among its many features we count the 20" Alpina alloys, the chrome exterior and interior elements, the sunroof, sun blinds, comfort front seats, electric comfort rear seats, CD player, multifunction steering wheel, sat-nav system and cruise control.

Even though the leather inside looks a bit worn, the cabin does indeed appear to be in top condition, especially for a car that's almost 17 years old.

As for what lies under the hood of this Silver Metallic 750i XL, you're looking at a 5.4-liter V12 that puts out 326 PS (321 HP) and 490 Nm (361 lb-ft) of torque, which are transmitted to the rear wheels via a 5-speed automatic gearbox.

Thanks to Christian for the tip!

PHOTO GALLERY

You Can’t Go Wrong With A Supercharged ND MX-5 From Flyin’ Miata

Posted: 24 Nov 2017 04:31 PM PST


There are plenty of tuning solutions out there for the lovely Mazda ND MX-5 but very few of them enjoy the level of trust Flyin' Miata does, whether it's a full LS-swap or a simple supercharger addition.

In this case we can find out what's the ND MX-5 feels like when is fitted with Flyin' Miata's supercharger package. Stock cars come out of the factory with a 2.0-liter engine good enough for 155hp so the extra power is more than welcome.

Flyin' Miata claims that with their supercharger fitted, the 2.0-liter unit produces around 200hp at the wheels which is a significant boost (pun intended) to the small roadster's performance.

The car you'll see in Matt Farah's One Take video also wears a Fox Racing suspension and upgraded brakes, while the supercharger comes from Edelbrock with a tune from BBR. A set of 17x8-inches wheels fitted with 235/40 tires and various other bits and pieces complete the picture of this nicely done Miata.

Does it still feel like a Miata? Apparently yes, only one that has the appropriate punch whenever you hit the throttle pedal without overwhelming the chassis, so in our book this MX-5 sounds like a winner.

VIDEO

Does Novitec's Widebody Kit Work On The Rolls-Royce Wraith?

Posted: 24 Nov 2017 03:59 PM PST


When what is arguably the world's most luxurious Coupe doesn't quite cut it for you, Novitec has a few things in store that you might want to consider.

This particular Wraith, seen in Marbella, Spain by Autogespot user Damian12, is wearing Novitec's SPOFEC Overdose kit, which includes carbon fiber fender extensions that increase the car's width by 5 inches (12.7 cm) making it nearly 7 feet (2.1 m) wide, and a new set of 22" alloys, while the air suspension can be lowered by as much as 1.6 inches (4 cm).

Judging the crowd's reaction, this Wraith is one heck of a head-turner, especially for those who like widebody kits and imposing stances. It's certainly more aggressive than a stock Wraith, but is it more elegant? We don't think so, but everyone is entitled to his/her own opinion on that front.

Novitec will also gladly tune the Wraith's ECU, even though we don't know if this car is equipped with the tuner's performance mods or not.

In any case, fiddling with the engine will boost the Wraith's 6.6-liter V12 output by 85 PS (84 HP) and 186 Nm (137 lb-ft) of torque, for a total of 717 PS (707 HP) and 986 Nm (727 lb-ft), allowing it to hit 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 4.2 seconds.

PHOTO GALLERY

Mercedes-AMG G550 4x4² Turns The Woods Into Its Own Catwalk

Posted: 24 Nov 2017 03:45 PM PST


It's not every day that we come across a Mercedes-AMG G550 4x4², let alone one equipped with aftermarket wheels, hence our desire to share this specific example.

The new rims are part of the HRE's TR188 series, and they were designed specifically for the hardcore off-roader, with the company claiming that they provide "the utmost strength, impact resistance, and stiffness".

Available in two sizes: 20- and 22-inch, and in a variety of finishes, including the Satin Bronze and Frozen Clear shades shown here, they have been shod in BFGoodrich tires, and can be had from $2,200 each, without the new rubber.

The wheels obviously won't make your Mercedes-AMG G550 4x4² any faster, but if extra power is your thing, then you may want to check out Renntech's upgrades, which allow the 4.0-liter V8 engine to develop 518hp and 578lb-ft (784Nm) of torque.

Brabus, on the other hand, would inject your SUV with even more power: 542hp and 590lb-ft (800Nm) of torque. If you want more, then Brabus is the tuner to go for, as they have even more upgrades in store, or would you rather settle for an unmodified Mercedes-AMG G550 4x4²?

PHOTO GALLERY

You Can Tell Everybody This Is Sir Elton John's Bentley

Posted: 24 Nov 2017 03:08 PM PST


You wouldn't necessarily know it from listening to his songs, but Sir Elton John has owned some nice cars over the years. And every once in a while, one of those comes up for auction.

In the summer, for example, we brought you news of his 1972 Ferrari Daytona heading for the auction block. Before that it was a Maserati Quattroporte, and before that a Ferrari 512TR. Now his Bentley's coming up for auction, too.

This 1959 Bentley S1 Continental Sport Saloon (read: coupe) is one of just 431 made, with aerodynamic coachwork by H.J. Mulliner. It was one of the most expensive cars in its day, capable of moving four along in the lap of luxury at speeds you'd expect of an outright sports car, making it a true grand tourer.

Chassis number BC1BG went back and forth between the UK and Gambia, passing between several owners before Elton John bought it in 1976, commissioning a comprehensive restoration that brought it up to contemporary standards.

Sir Elton kept the Bentley for 25 years before selling it to business magnate Sir Alan Sugar (now a lord and baron), who in turn consigned it to Bonhams for auction 10 years ago. Now it will be auctioned off once again at the same Bond Street Sale where Paul McCartney's Aston Martin and Ringo Starr's Mini will be sold off as well.

Bonhams estimates it'll go for £400,000-500,000, or about $530-662k at current exchange rates, which is a fair bit more than you could spend on a new Continental GT - or just about any other Bentley at that.

Photo Gallery

Genesis Won't Remain RWD Only, GV80 Concept Previews New Styling Direction

Posted: 24 Nov 2017 06:55 PM PST


Genesis chief designer Luc Donckerwolke has revealed the company is making progress in its transition from becoming a sub-brand of Hyundai to a full-fledged luxury automaker.

Speaking with Car and Driver, Donckerwolke said "Genesis was born out of Hyundai and now we are splitting the brands, creating teams, but at the same time keeping synergies. This will likely prove an important step as Genesis needs to be seen as a legitimate luxury brand rather than a fancy Hyundai.

Part of the separation between the two brands will be visual as Donckerwolke is working to create a unique styling language for Genesis. Since the G70 was created before Donckerwolke joined the automaker, he says the GV80 concept provides a better glimpse at the brand's styling direction.

As Donckerwolke explained, the concept's distinctive head- and taillights will "become our signature." They will be joined by a new grille design which was also previewed by the concept.

Besides talking about the brand's styling direction, Donckerwolke hinted Genesis might not remain exclusively rear-wheel drive. As he explained "electrification changes the situation." However, the magazine reports the change won't be happen anytime soon as it expects three new models will be launched by 2020 and all of them will be driven by the rear wheels.

Photo Gallery

2017 LA Auto Show: A-Z Production And Concept Car Debut Guide

Posted: 24 Nov 2017 02:06 PM PST


Our product guide to the 2017 Los Angeles Auto Show has everything you need to know about the new cars, world debuts and launches taking place at the downtown LA Convention Center from December 1 to 10.

That's when the show will open to the public, but before that, we'll have the AutoMobility LA, a four-day press and trade event from November 27 to 30, covering both the vehicle and technology presentations, as well as the conferences.

On this page, we're rounding up all the world and North American premieres with daily coverage and updates as they're confirmed.

The product highlights of this year's event have a little something for every taste bud, whether you're looking for seven seats in a crossover like the new Subaru Ascent and Lexus RX L, an open air view for two such as BMW's i8 Roadster (or Spyder) or to gaze at the future with concepts like the Toyota FT-AC and Mazda's stunning Vision sports sedan. Tesla will also have a booth in LA.

Take a look at the links below to read our full stories on all the new models and studies and be sure to keep checking back, as we'll be continuously updating these pages!

Note: F/L = Facelift, NC = Not Confirmed

PRODUCTION CARS

CONCEPT MODELS

BMW's Fifth-Generation Electric Powertrain Will Use Scalable Components, Deliver 435 Mile Range

Posted: 24 Nov 2017 01:30 PM PST


BMW is betting electric vehicles will become the next big thing and the company has announced plans to invest €200 ($238) million to create a new battery cell competence center in Munich, Germany.

Set to open in early 2019, the battery cell competence center will play an important role in the development of the company's next-generation of electric vehicles. As BMW research and development boss Klaus Fröhlich explained, "We will be concentrating all our in-house expertise along the battery-cell value chain at our new high-tech competence center. We will focus on further improvements in battery performance, lifespan, safety, charging and also costs. We will set the benchmark for the industry."

Besides announcing the battery cell competence center, the automaker revealed some new details about its fifth-generation electric powertrain that will be launched in 2021. The upcoming powertrain incorporates a number of improvements and features a lightweight aluminum casing that houses an electric motor, a single-speed transmission, and assortment of different electronics. Interestingly, the electric motor will be scalable for multiple performance applications and won't use any rare earth metals.

The tighter integration of components is just one change as the fifth-generation powertrain will use more powerful batteries that fit into a modular battery pack. The battery pack will be located underneath the floor and it can be integrated into various architectures.

Thanks to these changes, electric vehicles with the new powertrain will be able to travel up to 700 km (435 miles) on a single charge. Plug-in hybrids will also benefit from the changes as their electric-only range will increase to up to 100 km (62 miles).

Video



Photo Gallery

Porsche's Development Boss Hints At An Electric Crossover With 310+ Mile Range

Posted: 24 Nov 2017 12:59 PM PST


Porsche is gearing up to launch the production version of the Mission E concept and it will reportedly become the first in a long line of electric vehicles.

According to Automotive News Europe, Porsche expects more than half of its sales will come from electrified vehicles by 2025. In order to hit this ambitious target, the company will add another electric vehicle to its lineup and rumors have repeatedly suggested it could be an electric version of the Macan.

Porsche's head of research and development, Michael Steiner, declined to confirm the company's second electric vehicle will be based on the Macan but he hinted it won't be based on the Panameara or a sports car. As Steiner explained, "We're starting with a sporty four-door concept in the Mission E, positioned between the 911 and the Panamera, so it's logical that we will look to balance our lineup with a product in a different segment such as an SUV."

When pushed for more details, Steiner suggested an electric crossover could have a range in excess of 500 km (310 miles). He also hinted the model may be offered in multiple configurations with larger or smaller batteries that offer a longer or shorter range.

The report goes on to say the next-generation Porsche 911 will be unveiled in the third quarter of 2018 and it has been designed to accommodate a small plug-in hybrid powertrain. There have been conflicting reports on whether or not Porsche will actually offer a plug-in hybrid variant but Steiner told the publication "If we do a hybrid then naturally it has to be very dynamic – the priority is not how far its electric range extends, rather it must bring an advantage in terms of performance."

Photo Gallery

Tesla's Semi-Truck Looks Mighty Fast While Accelerating

Posted: 24 Nov 2017 12:37 PM PST


While it may be nowhere near as quick as the Roadster or any of the other road cars, Tesla's Semi can still run circles around any diesel-powered hauler on the market.

In fact, Tesla says the Semi can hit 60 mph (96 km/h) in just 5 seconds as long as it's not dragging a trailer behind. Otherwise, it would typically need 20 seconds, which is actually still very impressive.

Thanks to this footage shot during Tesla's Semi and Roadster unveiling event, we can see how quickly the truck disappears into the distance once it builds up speed.

Unlike the road cars, it doesn't quite jump off the line in an instant, but after a couple of seconds, the burst of speed becomes noticeable. Also, its previously-mentioned 0-60 time of 5 seconds is similar to what you can do in an FIA Race Truck, and those things have well over 1,000 HP.

Of course, Elon Musk didn't intend for this thing to be all about straight line speed, which is why the Tesla Semi can cover as much as 500 miles (800 km) on one charge, and tow an 80,000 lbs (36 tonne) load.

VIDEO

2018 Toyota Rush Is Daihatsu Terios Indonesian Cousin

Posted: 24 Nov 2017 12:06 PM PST


The new Toyota Rush, sister car to the Daihatsu Terios, which also recently broke cover, has been unveiled in Indonesia, featuring faux underbody protection, LED lights and a modern interior.

Just like the Terios, the 2018 Toyota Rush also takes after the Daihatsu FT Concept from 2015, and thanks to AutoNetMagz, we can analyze both its styling, as well as its features.

For starters, there's plenty of body cladding, while the previously mentioned front and rear LED lights and blacked-out grille give it a more distinctive look.

If you go for the TRD Sportivo version, it means getting TRD-badged scuff plates with red high highlights, another TRD badge on the rear door, 17" two-tone alloys, black fog lamp surrounds, and keyless entry, which is available only on this version. The lower-spec G trim model comes with 16" alloys and doesn't look as sporty as the TRD.

According to IndianAutosBlog, the 2018 Toyota Rush measures 4,435 mm (174.6 in) in length, 1,695 mm (66.7 in) in width and is 1,705 mm (67.1 in) tall with a wheelbase of 2,685 (105.7 in) mm. Meanwhile, its four-cylinder 1.5-liter Dual VVT-i petrol engine is good for 105 PS and 140 Nm (103 lb-ft) of torque.

As for the interior, the dashboard now features soft touch materials (whereas the outgoing model didn't), and the center console houses a 7" touchscreen display with Miracast and Weblink capabilities. There's also blue and white backlighting for the gauge cluster, and a small display in the middle of it.

Even though prices won't be announced until January 2018, the new Toyota Rush is expected to cost around IDR 3 million ($222) more than its predecessor. It's also possible that the flagship TRD Sportivo model could cost as much as IDR 300 million, or roughly $22,000.

PHOTO GALLERY

Aston Martin Unveils 9-Minute Doc Celebrating The Vantage GTE

Posted: 24 Nov 2017 11:35 AM PST


If you were curious to know what it took for Aston Martin to build a road car and a race car at the same time, the British automaker has just put it on film for you.

This specially-commissioned video documents the birth of the Vantage GTE, Aston Martin's track focused weapon aimed at the FIA World Endurance Championship.

"We decided to replace the current Vantage road car and - since it's really necessary to take race technology from the track to the road and from the road to the track - it's really important that we design both simultaneously," said company boss, Dr Andy Palmer.

The video will take you through the 18 months it took in order to turn a concept into a racer able to challenge the likes of Ferrari, Porsche, Ford, Corvette and BMW at Le Mans next summer.

Thus far, the Aston Martin GTE has completed over 14,000 km (8,700 miles) of testing, in the UK, Spain (at Navarra) and at Sebring in the U.S.

VIDEO

Is The McLaren 570S Spider The Perfect Supercar?

Posted: 24 Nov 2017 11:07 AM PST


McLaren has yet to attract a fan base to rival Ferrari, Porsche or Lamborghini but the British marque's models are some of the finest in the industry.

For performance-hungry enthusiasts, the McLaren 720S is one of the fastest cars currently on sale and soon, it'll be surpassed by two, limited-run models from the carmaker. Take a step down the McLaren ladder and you land on the Sports Series range, home to arguably the segment's most well-rounded mid-engine sports cars.

The newest addition to this family of models is the 570S Spider. Introduced earlier this year, it looks just as good as the hardtop, drives just as well, and thanks to the lack of a fixed roof, allows drivers to enjoy the twin-turbo 3.8-liter V8 in all of its glory.

To discover just how potent the car is, Jethro Bovingdon headed to some stunning Scottish roads and in typical Motor Trend fashion, the review is simply sensational, particularly when it comes to the videography.

VIDEO

Gran Turismo Sport To Get 50 More Cars By March

Posted: 24 Nov 2017 10:29 AM PST


When Sony and Polyphony announced Gran Turismo Sport, many were surprised to hear about the game only offering 162 cars. Fortunately, 50 new vehicles are heading to the game.

Autoblog reports that on November 27, Polyphony will release a small update for the game that'll include the Shelby Cobra 427, Audi R18 Le Mans prototype and Zagato IsoRivolta Vision Gran Turismo. Additionally, this update will allow a greater number of game features to be used without an internet connecting.

In December, another update will be released. It will introduce 'GT League', a feature from previous Gran Turismo games. The feature will consist of a host of races for different types of cars, such as those with front- or rear-wheel drive layouts and certain engine types. Also included in this update will be 12 new vehicles.

These are the Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Convertible C3, Chris Holstrom Concepts 1967 Chevrolet Nova, Ferrari Enzo, Ferrari F40, Ford F-150 SVT Raptor, KTM X-Bow R, Lamborghini Countach LP400, Mazda RX-7 Spirit R Type A FD3S, Nissan Skyline GT-R V-Spec II R32, Nissan Skyline GT-R V-Spec II R34, Suzuki Swift Sport, and the Volkswagen Samba Bus Type 2.

In March, the most significant update of them all will arrive, bringing with it 35 yet-to-be-announced cars.

PHOTO GALLERY

Michigan Mega-Dealer Nominated As U.S. Ambassador To Morocco

Posted: 24 Nov 2017 10:03 AM PST


David Fischer is one of the biggest car dealers in America. But soon he's going to embark on a new mission as an ambassador.

Not a goodwill ambassador or a brand ambassador, but an actual emissary of the United States to one of its key allies in North Africa.

Autonews reports that Fischer is being nominated by President Donald Trump to be the next US ambassador in Morocco.

If confirmed, the new job would be a major change for the chairman of The Suburban Collection, which ranked last year as the 15th largest dealership group in the United States with over $2 billion in revenue.

The company operates 52 dealers, mostly in Michigan with some in California, ranging from domestic mass-market brands like Ford and Dodge all the way up to exotic imports like Aston Martin and even Bugatti.

Beyond his role with his family's chain of dealerships, Fischer is an active philanthropist, a member of the Michigan Judicial Tenure Commission, and honorary chairman of the Detroit Auto Show. He was also a major donor to the Trump campaign, giving a reported $250,000 to the president's inauguration committee.

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2018 Volvo XC40 Doesn’t Try To Be Sporty And That’s Cool

Posted: 24 Nov 2017 01:52 PM PST


Volvo has begun launching the compact XC40 in Europe and as usual, the first driving impressions are in to let us know what it is like.

The new Swedish SUV will initially be offered in Europe with two 2.0-liter engine options and all-wheel drive: the 247hp T5 petrol and the 190hp D4 diesel, both of them paired to an eight-speed automatic gearbox.

The XC40 is also the first Volvo model to use the new CMA modular architecture which is destined for the smaller cars the company plans to launch. And just because this is a Volvo, the new small SUV is refreshingly proud in its practicality claims instead of pretending to be another "sporty" addition to the class.

The interior is said to offer a "radically new approach to storage inside the car" and plenty of room for a small family and comes with the now familiar portrait-style 9.0-inch infotainment system and the 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster known from the brand's bigger models.

Future additions to the range will include a hybrid and an all-electric version but until then, Volvo is also planning to offer the XC40 under their fresh subscription service called Care by Volvo.

Can the XC40 bring some of the modern Volvo goodness against rivals like the Audi Q3 and the BMW X1? Autocar delivers its first driving impressions on the video linked below.

VIDEO

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