Sunday, 26 November 2017

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Good Samaritan Takes Down Purse-Snatching Thieves On Moped

Posted: 26 Nov 2017 03:59 AM PST


Snatching somebody off a speeding moped can be dangerous, but at the same time, totally worth attempting if you're willing and able to stop a crime.

This bystander apparently did not hesitate at all in tackling the thieves as they tried to get away on a moped.

The action starts off with the thieves hopping the curb and stealing a handbag from an unsuspecting woman. Luckily, the trailing car had a dashcam mounted on and caught not only the act itself, but also the bystander's intervention.

According to the video's description, the man couldn't keep the thief down "due to to fear of being attacked," which makes sense since trying to restrain the guy in any way would have probably been met with strong retaliation.

Still, here's to hoping this whole thing wasn't staged as a clickbait, so it can be our feel-good moment of the day.

VIDEO

New Seat Leon Reportedly On Track For A 2019 Launch

Posted: 26 Nov 2017 02:58 AM PST


Seat is readying the fourth-generation of the Leon, which is expected to arrive within the next 18 months, or approximately 7 years after the current iteration was introduced.

Talking to AutoExpress, Matthias Rabe, the brand's board member for R&D, explained that the new compact car is part of Seat's most extensive push in their history, which includes several new or heavily updated vehicles.

"It's our biggest push ever. We've had the Ateca, now Arona, the renewal of Ibiza, the facelifted Leon. But it's only now that we really accelerate; over the next three years, we'll see six or seven new models, and most of them will be totally new", Rabe said, referring to the new-gen Leon and upcoming 3-row SUV, among others.

The 2020 Seat Leon will go down the evolutionary route in terms of styling, according to Rabe, who added that it will be instantly recognizable as a Leon,while sharing a few design elements with some of the latest vehicles currently made by the Spanish car manufacturer.

While it will sport a redesigned bodywork, beneath the skin, the next-gen Leon is expected to maintain the MQB architecture, albeit with a slight improvement in the wheelbase, which is expected to gain a few mm for improved legroom on the rear seat.

The engine lineup will probably include the 1.0 and 1.5-liter turbocharged petrol units along with a 1.6-liter diesel, while the 48V mild hybrid technology that will debut on the next-gen VW Golf could be part of the offerings as well along with a rumored PHEV.

In other related news, Seat's electrification push will eventually give birth to their first EV, likely based on the Mii. The eMii is believed to debut in 2019, followed by their second electric car, which will share its MEB architecture with the Volkswagen I.D. hatch and other zero-emission cars that are planned by the Group.

Next spring, however, Seat are believed to expand their Cupra lineup, which, in Rabe's own words, "is not just limited to the Leon", so we could finally see a hot Ateca on the road.

Note: Third-gen Seat Leon pictured

PHOTO GALLERY

Crash Tests Reveal South Africa's Most Popular Cars Are Worryingly Unsafe

Posted: 26 Nov 2017 01:59 AM PST


Combining for 65% of all new cars sold in South Africa last year were the VW Polo Vivo, Datsun Go+, Toyota Etios, Renault Sandero and the Chery QQ3, a group of five extremely popular models.

Thanks to Global NCAP grabbing the entry-level version of each of these cars and testing their safety, we now know just how well they could protect occupants in the event of a crash.

While talking about the first ever crash-worthiness test for cars sold in Africa, Global NCAP chairman Lauchlan McIntosh says that such programs have led to safer cars being delivered in markets such as South America, India and the ASEAN region over the past five years.

"Working closely with our partners at the Automobile Association of South Africa and with the welcome support of the FIA Foundation and Bloomberg Philanthropies, our new campaign is an important first milestone on the road to Safer Cars for Africa."

David Ward, secretary general of Global NCAP, added that "It is good to see a four star result in these first ever African crash test ratings. However, it's extremely disappointing that there's a zero star car. Such a poor result shows why it is so important for countries like South Africa to fully apply the UN's crash test standards."

Let's run through these results and start with the only car here which achieved a four star rating for adult occupant protection.

Toyota Etios



The Etios' structure was rated at stable during its frontal crash test, which was conducted at 64 km/h (39 mph). This model also came with seat belts with pretensioners for both front passengers, and achieved a three star rating for child occupant protection when Toyota-recommended child seats where used.

It's worth noting that only the Etios and the Renault Sandero offer standard ISOFIX anchorages for the outboard rear positions and three-point seat belt for all passengers.

Renault Sandero



Like the Etios, the Sandero's structure was also rated as "stable" during its frontal collision test, offering acceptable adult occupation protection. It wasn't quite as good as the Toyota, but it did do better in the child occupant protection test where it achieved four stars - the best in the group.

Volkswagen Polo Vivo



The Polo Vivo delivered similar results to the Sandero as far as adult occupant protection is concerned. Also like the Sandero, it did not come with seat belt pretensioners. However, using child seats recommended by VW, the Polo Vivo only managed a three star rating for child protection.

Datsun GO+



Here's where this list shifts from acceptable to downright scary. The Datsun GO+ achieved a one star rating for its poor driver occupant protection, and a two star rating for child occupant protection using child seats.

The dummy inside the car suffered chest damage (impact with the steering wheel, despite the airbag) during the frontal collision test, and the vehicle's structure was rated unstable overall. There was also no airbag for the passenger.

Chery QQ3



Like Mr Ward said, the Chery QQ3's performance was extremely disappointing. It achieved a zero star rating and its structure was deemed unstable as it collapsed during impact - resulting in injuries to the dummy's head and chest.

Aside from not featuring any airbags, this car also didn't have a manufacturer-recommended child seat, which explains why it received a zero star rating for child occupant protection as well.



PHOTO GALLERY



VIDEO

Usain Bolt Tests Porsche 911 Carrera GT3 Cup Car In Australia

Posted: 26 Nov 2017 12:55 AM PST


Evidently not one to lounge around and enjoy his retirement, eight-time Olympic gold medallist Usain Bolt has tested a Porsche 911 Carrera Cup in Australia.

Taking to the Winton circuit, the fastest man on earth stepped into the driver's seat of the Porsche once driven by Cam McConville from 23Red Racing. Bolt was able to land the test thanks to close friend and former Australian sprinter John Steffensen, who'll be racing with 23Red Racing in the 2018 season.

Despite his limited experience racing with four wheels Bolt performed well, Steffensen told Autosport.

"Usain did a great job for his first time in the Porsche 911 GT3 Cup car. There's a fair bit to absorb in that situation and he really did impress with his ability to get up to speed and, in the end, was turning some respectable lap times."

Former Supercars driver Cam McConville also said the Jamaican superstar showed real promise during the test.

"I was actually surprised by how well he did, but like any athlete of that caliber, he has tremendous reflexes and hand-eye coordination so it's just a matter of teaching him the feel of the race."

PHOTO GALLERY

Custom-Made Fiat 126p Now On Its Way To Tom Hanks

Posted: 25 Nov 2017 06:41 PM PST


While this bespoke Fiat 126p has been in the works for some time, it has just recently started its journey to the States, where it will meet up with none other than Hollywood star Tom Hanks.

One could say Hanks made this happen inadvertently while tweeting multiple pictures of himself next to Polski Fiats earlier this year. Afterwards, tuner Carlex Design got involved and helped create this one-off 126p.

The Polish tuner managed to maintain the little Fiat's original appearance, while improving the cabin quality and adding buttons and switches that resemble those found on old typewriters.

According to Carlex, the car was already on its way to Warsaw earlier this week, from where it was going to be shipped directly to Hanks. For all we know, this 126p is now either still in transit or it may have already been delivered to him.

One thing's for certain: driving this car in California will score you major quirkiness points, regardless of how many bespoke or otherwise special cars are already there.

PHOTO GALLERY

TechArt Definitely Knows How To Make A Porsche's Interior Feel Special

Posted: 25 Nov 2017 05:20 PM PST


German tuner TechArt is arguably the go-to company when it comes to building a fully customized interior for your Porsche.

The level of quality found inside some of these Panameras, 911s and Cayennes is truly impressive, and trying to find your favorite accentuating color, let alone favorite interior, doesn't sound too easy.

Yet, let's give it a shot, as we browse through these images, showing a bunch of customized Porsche interiors, each seemingly more exquisite than the next.

For example, some of these interiors almost feature more Alcantara than they do leather. You can see it on the door pillars, roof lining, door panels, seats, armrests, the works. Then, you've got carbon fiber all over most of these dashboards and center consoles, and you can even get carbon fiber grab handles on your Porsche SUV.

As for the leather upholstery, customers can opt for custom stitching in just about any color they can think of. We're particularly fond of orange on black - how about you?

PHOTO GALLERY

Low-Mileage Ferrari Testarossa Is A Nice Throwback To The 1980s

Posted: 25 Nov 2017 04:10 PM PST


The Miami Vice connection has gotten a bit old, so this Testarossa, which is neither white nor in Miami, might attract not just Ferrari collectors, but even someone who hates the Sonny Crockett jokes when it hits the auction block.

Listed by RMSothebys for their New York City event that takes place on December 6, it's expected to fetch between $250,000 and $325,000, and it's offered without reserve.

Made in 1989, a time when the Rocky series were popular and the late Michael Jackson was on the wave, this beautiful example has only 585 miles (941 km) on the clock. It's presented in original condition, being Ferrari Classiche certified, and it was last serviced by Ferrari of Fort Lauderdale in 2015 before being bought by its current owner.

As it goes with most of these pristine condition examples that change hands for healthy sums, it is accompanied by the owner's manuals, a tool kit, and a car cover.

The Testarossa is powered by a flat-12 engine that channels 385 HP to the rear wheels through a 5-speed manual transmission, and when it left the factory it was capable of reaching 62mph (100km/h) in just a little over 5 seconds, before topping out at 180 mph (290 km/h).

PHOTO GALLERY

Acid Green Porsche 911 R Makes Sure You Will Never Go Unnoticed

Posted: 25 Nov 2017 03:00 PM PST


Porsche has some remarkable colors in its extensive palette but of them all, it is Acid Green that is one of the most remarkable.

Offered through the Paint to Sample programme, it is so bright that it really has to be seen in person to be believed. In fact, it makes the shades of lime green from Lamborghini seem rather subdued.

There are reportedly two Porsche 918 Spyders and a small handful of other Porsche models in the same paint, including this 911 R.

Two images of the sports car were shared on Instagram, and this could very well be the only Acid Green 911 R on Earth. Making it stand out even further are the complete lack of decals found on almost every other 911 R.

The market for exotics painted in eye-catching colors has exploded in recent years, particularly thanks to the expansive range of paint schemes offered by many leading automakers, including Porsche, Lamborghini, McLaren and Rolls-Royce.

PHOTO GALLERY

2019 Mercedes CLS Shows Its Svelte Styling In Latest Teaser Video

Posted: 25 Nov 2017 11:11 PM PST


The Los Angeles Auto Show kicks off next week and Mercedes has released a new teaser video of the 2019 CLS.

Set to debut on November 29th, the redesigned model has an evolutionary appearance with a single bar grille that is flanked by angular headlights. We can also see a rakish windscreen, five-spoke alloy wheels, and slender LED taillights. The model also has a gently sloping roofline and door-mounted mirrors with integrated turn signals.

Previous spy photos have also revealed the CLS will eschew the bulky styling of its predecessor for a more streamlined appearance that echoes the original model which was launched nearly 15 years ago.

While the teaser video only gives us a glimpse of the interior, previous photos have shown the cabin will have will have a push-button ignition and circular air vents. The CLS will also be offered with a widescreen display that houses a digital instrument cluster and a COMAND infotainment system.

Engine options remain unconfirmed but choices are expected to include a turbocharged four-cylinder with around 295 hp (220 kW) and an inline six-cylinder with about 362 hp (270 kW). They will eventually be joined by an AMG variant with a hybridized engine producing approximately 429 hp (320 kW).

On the diesel side, European customers can expect four- and six-cylinder options with outputs ranging from 241 hp (180 kW) to 335 hp (250 kW).

Video

Can The Jaguar E-Pace Scare The Premium Compact SUV Establishment?

Posted: 25 Nov 2017 12:55 PM PST


Despite the 'E' prefix added to its name, the Jaguar E-Pace is not electric, but smaller than the F-Pace, the brand's first-ever SUV, hence the 'E' prefix.

Jaguar's rival to the ikes of the BMW X1, Audi Q3 and Mercedes-Benz GLA, the compact SUV shares its underpinnings with the Range Rover Evoque and Land Rover Discovery Sport, and can be had with all-wheel drive.

Its exterior design is eye-catching, and it could very well be the best-looking vehicle in class, according to Autocar's Matt Prior, who also appreciated the 'Jag-feel' inside, rear legroom, and lots of storage spaces, things that the automaker tends to bring forward when discussing the E-Pace.

However, the interior build quality is not on par with its rivals, and there is some road and wind noise coming into the cockpit at certain times. Also, don't expect it to drive like a Jaguar saloon, because you'll be disappointed. However, if you could go around its flaws, you'll find a good ride quality and a handling that's not too bad.

So, is the Jaguar E-Pace worth looking into when shopping for a new premium subcompact SUV? Click on the video below and find out.

VIDEO

Wheelsandmore Fiddles With The Audi RS5 Coupe, Pumps It Up To 513 HP

Posted: 25 Nov 2017 11:59 AM PST


Starting from the premise that the Mercedes-AMG C63 S Coupe has a power advantage over the Audi RS5 Coupe, Wheelsandmore decided to lessen the gap between the two.

They did so by fiddling with the Audi's 2.9-liter TFSI V6 to make 505PS (498hp) and 680Nm (502lb-ft) of torque, through optimizing the ECU mapping and adding a more efficient air filter, in Stage 1, which costs €2,500 ($2,942).

This represents a 55PS (54hp) and 80Nm (59lb-ft) of torque increase over the stock RS5 Coupe, but Wheelsandmore have a more dynamic update in Stage 2, which puts out 520PS (513hp) and 690Nm (509lb-ft) of torque. Responsible for the extra oomph is a weight-reduced flap exhaust system that works together with the aforementioned upgrades to drop the naught to 100km/h (62mph) sprint of the stock car by 0.3sec, to 3.6sec.

The tuner can fit their 6Sporz² and F.I.W.E wheels to the RS5, and customers can select from 9x20- to 11x20-inch in size, wrapped in 275/30 or 295/25 tires. For a deeper effect, the rims can be finished in different shades, and they work best with adjustable lowering springs, or a coilover suspension with adjustable height developed by KW.

PHOTO GALLERY

DMC Tries Out A Gallardo Face On The Lamborghini Huracan

Posted: 25 Nov 2017 11:00 AM PST


After over a decade on the market, Lamborghini replaced the Gallardo with the Huracan in 2014. It's an all-new design, but tuning company DMC thinks the older model looked nicer.

Thus the German tuner's latest project, the Huracan NXT, draws its stylistic inspiration from the Gallardo. It has a new fascia and a tail-section that resemble the final versions of the Gallardo which appeared in its last year of production in 2013, with their angled looks that aimed to keep the model looking fresh until the Huracan came out.

A passion project by its own engineers, DMC is now gauging public opinion to see if it should put the modifications into production. So what do you think, should they go on and build it or does the Huracan look perfectly fine as it is?

Photo Gallery

Tesla Eating Through Almost Half A Million Dollars Per Hour Over The Last Year!

Posted: 25 Nov 2017 01:45 PM PST

If the latest reports turn out to be accurate, Tesla is burning through around $480,000 every hour as Elon Musk continues to aggressively expand the company and its electric vehicle plans.

According to Bloomberg, the electric carmaker has been spending about $8,000 a minute in recent times and is on track to exhaust its cash pile by August 6, 2018.

While these figures are likely to be reduced when production of the Model 3 ramps up, it is clear that Musk is eager to raise funds for the company following the unveiling of the second-generation Roadster and the Tesla Semi.

Customers looking to purchase one of just 1,000 Roadster Founders Series models are being asked to cough up the full $250,000 asking price as a deposit despite the car not arriving until the turn of the decade. This alone could potentially generate $250 million for Tesla, which, at this rate, are enough for roughly 21 days of spending from the company.

Additionally, it costs $50,000 to place a reservation for the 'entry-level' Roadster and $5,000 to secure an order to the Semi. The Semi won't arrive until 2019 and the Roadster in 2020, but given Tesla's history of delays, these dates could be pushed back.

In a letter to shareholders on November 1, Tesla was adamant that it has enough money to produce 5,000 Model 3s each week by the end of March.

However, senior Bloomberg Intelligence analyst Kevin Tynan believes the company will need to raise at least $2 billion in capital by mid-2018 in order to achieve Musk's ambitious targets.

PHOTO GALLERY

Base Honda Civic Is Surprisingly Fun If You Can Live With Its Looks

Posted: 25 Nov 2017 08:59 AM PST


With the Type R getting all the attention, it's easy to forget that, in order for the Type R to become one of the class-leading hot hatches in the market, Honda had to significantly raise the bar for the regular Civic, too.

Based on a new chassis that's 52 percent more rigid than before, the 10th generation Honda Civic is bigger than ever and features a multilink rear suspension for a more surefooted and sporty handling.

Euro-spec models are available with a turbocharged 127hp 1.0-liter three-cylinder unit and a 179hp 1.5-liter four-cylinder unit, while those who prefer diesel Honda has them covered with their new 120hp 1.6-liter engine.

Perhaps the most challenging feature of the new Civic is the way it looks as not everyone likes design features such as the fake air outlets on the rear bumper.

So, does the base Civic retain any of the talents of the Type R? Watch Carwow's latest video to find out.

VIDEO

Forget The AMGs - This “Wolf” G-Class Is What Merc's 4x4 Is Really About

Posted: 25 Nov 2017 07:58 AM PST


People tend to forget that the G-Class is basically a no-nonsense off-roader and not a posh way of commuting in Beverly Hills, so here's a chance to remind them with this ex-military restored 250GD.

While those able to afford one would rather have a posh G63, this wonderful, manual diesel shows what Merc's 4x4 original mission was.

It is a 1990 military-spec G-Wagen which was restored with a bare-metal repaint in yellow that took place in Germany, a full rebuild of the five-speed manual, a new Sachs heavy-duty clutch, new MB-Tex captain seats, a 2-inch suspension lift and a set of 15-inch steel wheels fitted with giant 33-inch Mud Terrain tires.

It also features Brembo brakes, an original snorkel kit, grill guard, wider wheel flares, aftermarket LED rear lights and a new vinyl top.

The interior metal surfaces were matched to the exterior color, which we have to admit looks ace in the Geländewagen, and the same stands for the bigger wheels/tires. Power is provided by a non-original 2.5-liter OM602 five-cylinder diesel engine, with the car featuring locking differentials front and rear.

According to the selling dealer, this gorgeous Mercedes 250GD has covered around 50k miles (80,590km) and runs strong. The car is located in Portland, Oregon and is offered with a clean Texas title, with the auction currently running over at Bring A Trailer.

PHOTO GALLERY

All-New Vantage Serves As Inspiration For 2020 Aston Martin Rapide

Posted: 25 Nov 2017 09:59 AM PST


The new generation Aston Martin Rapide has been imagined as a stretched version of the 2018 Vantage, with two extra doors.

However, as good as it may look, Joe Zechnas' idea of the British super saloon has a few major flaws.

First, the current Rapide shares its underpinnings with the defunct DB9, so the DB11 makes for a more likely candidate than the Vantage, and second, it will be available solely with an electric powertrain, so you may want to erase those quad exhaust pipes and fuel filler cap.

Confirmed for a 2019 presentation, the zero-emissions Rapide will be known as RapidE. Details surrounding its powertrain are scarce at the moment, but it's believed to use at least two electric motors to deliver instant power to the wheels.

Aston Martin will limit the production of the RapidE to only 155 units, with a Lagonda-badged vehicle taking its place as a conventional saloon in Aston's range, so interested parties might want to contact the company in the near future, as there's a good chance most of them will already be spoken by the time it makes its debut.

PHOTO GALLERY

Walk Through The World's Largest BMW Dealership

Posted: 25 Nov 2017 09:37 AM PST


Say hello to Abu Dhabi Motors, a place you're probably familiar with thanks to all the BMW Individual cars and M models that are being showcased in their theater on a regular basis.

During a recent visit to the UAE, YouTuber Shmee150 stopped by the famed BMW dealer to not just check out some of the rides on display, but also drive BMW's flagship, the M760Li.

In case you didn't already know, Abu Dhabi Motors houses both BMW as well as Rolls-Royce cars, and if you've been paying attention, you'll recognize a lot of models we've previously shown, like that green Alpina B4 S or the Rolls- Royce Dawn Inspired by Fashion.

We're also given a better look at the theater section of the showroom, which is an actual theater and wasn't just made to look like one. So you can go there and watch whatever car that's on display, or actually watch something on the projector screen.

As for his ride behind the wheel of the M760Li, Shmee praised the car for its torque and effortless way of accelerating, saying it's perfect for a high-speed Autobahn run. The M760Li is powered by a 6.6-liter V12, producing 610 PS (603 HP) and 800 Nm (590 lb-ft) of torque.

VIDEO

Skoda To Launch Five Electrified Vehicles By 2025, First One Due In 2020

Posted: 25 Nov 2017 04:58 AM PST


Previous reports briefly talked about Skoda's electrification plans, but now the Czech automaker has decided to shed some light into their future vehicle lineup.

Skoda's chief, Bernhard Maier, revealed that the company plans to reveal no less than five fully-electric vehicles by 2025, with the first one scheduled to be revealed in less than three years.

"Skoda's future will be electric. By 2025, we plan to offer five purely electrically powered models in various segments. We are pleased that the first all-electric Skoda will be built in the Czech Republic", Maier said. "This decision underlines the [VW] Group's confidence in the Skoda workforce. This is an important step for the future of the Skoda brand and the Czech Republic as an automotive location."

However, before unveiling their first EV in 2020, which will be made in Mlada Boleslav, Skoda will launch their first PHEV, an electrified version of the Superb, one year earlier. The plug-in hybrid components will be made at the same facility, and the vehicle will roll off the assembly lines at Kvasiny.

Maier wouldn't comment on the rest of the upcoming EVs, but one of them could be the production version of the Vision E Concept. The study that debuted at this year's Auto Shanghai Show features an electric powertrain and autonomous driving technology.

A Skoda-badged version of the Volkswagen I.D. hatch is also possible, possibly named the Felicia E, as is a compact electric SUV, a 2- or 4-door coupe saloon, and a zero-emission Citigo.

PHOTO GALLERY

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