CARSCOOPS |  |
- Aston Martin Creates Limited-Edition Bicycle
- Opel/Vauxhall Financial Acquisition Makes PSA's Takeover Complete
- Watch A Tuned Audi 80 Hit 290Km/h In Half-Mile Run
- Next Audi RS7 Sportback Will Probably Look Like This
- Aston Martin's Next Vanquish To Rival Ferrari 812
- Delphi Buys Self-Driving Startup NuTonomy For $450 Million
- Lamborghini Aventador 50th Anniversario Makes The SV Seem Common
- Porsche Well Prepared For Aggressive EV Push
- VW Group Planning A Host Of Hybrid Hot Hatches
- Eight-Wheeled Amphibious Vehicle Found In Russia
- Ford's Argo AI Purchases LiDAR Startup
- Jaguar To Shuffle Around Battery Pack For Future EVs
- New Nissan Navara-Based SUV Reportedly Debuting At 2018 Beijing Motor Show
- New Audi Q8 Sounds Awfully Quiet On The Nurburgring
- Black And Blue Bugatti Chiron Lands In The U.S.
- World's Fastest Honda S2000 Runs 1/4 Mile In Just 6.7 Seconds
- We're Hiring! CarScoops Is Looking For A News Editor
- Tyrese Gibson Threatens To Leave Fast And Furious 9 If The Rock Returns
- Buick Will Play A "Huge Part" In GM's Electrification Push
- Revology's 1967 Shelby GT500 Replica Costs A Whopping $219,000
- Republication Tax Plan Would Eliminate EV Tax Credit, Could Jeopardize Sales
- Road & Track Names The McLaren 720S The 2018 Performance Car of The Year
- Traffic Looked Way Different 100 Years Ago In One Of The First Ever Dashcam Videos
- McLaren 720S Rendered As A Crazy Long Tail
- Gunther Werks Creates A Porsche 993 Carrera 2 Fitting Of A GT3 Badge
| Aston Martin Creates Limited-Edition Bicycle Posted: 03 Nov 2017 04:30 AM PDT  Aston Martin may be busy developing a plethora of all-new vehicles, yet it has found the time to collaborate with renowned bicycle manufacturer Storck to create this, the Storck Fascernario.3 Aston Martin Edition. Limited to just 107 units worldwide, the bicycle incorporates a carbon fiber frame that weighs just 770 g. When combined with a selection of other lightweight components, the entire thing tips the scales at mere 5.9 kg, and is remarkably strong. Q by Aston Martin is responsible for the distinctive Argentum Nero paint which depending on the light, appears either grey, green or silver. Aston Martin says that it will soon launch a car with the same paint finish. Speaking about the car, Aston Martin's chief creative officer Marek Reichman said the bicycle is a culmination of the best Storck and Aston Martin have to offer. "It was clear from the outset how the design, engineering and passion of the two brands could combine and what we've ended up with is a beautiful bicycle that reflects not only many of the key technical aspects of an Aston Martin, but also our ethos of excellence." Earlier this year, both McLaren and Bugatti launched limited edition bicycles. PHOTO GALLERY       |
| Opel/Vauxhall Financial Acquisition Makes PSA's Takeover Complete Posted: 03 Nov 2017 04:02 AM PDT  The PSA Group's acquisition of Opel and Vauxhall is finally complete with the transfer of the German/British automaker's financial operations. In parallel to the French carmaker's taking over over GM's European auto brands, the financial division is being shared by its own banking division Banque PSA Finance and French financial giant BNP Paribas – one of the largest banks in the world. Following the acquisition, the Opel Bank, Open Financial Services, and Vauxhall Finance are being merged into one institution. PSA's Alexandre Sorel will serve as CEO, supported by both Opel's Erhard Paulat and BNP's Pascal Brasseur as deputies. "We are now thoroughly committed, alongside all of the teams, to building the strategic plan with the clear purpose of improving the performance of the company's businesses and the competitiveness of our financial solutions for Opel and Vauxhall customers," said Sorel. "Everyone's involvement across the company is critical at this stage." Last year, the three operations (now merged) represented some €9.6 billion in financing, forming an integral part of the business for 1,800 Opel and Vauxhall dealers in 11 European countries – including vehicle loan financing, leasing, service contracts, and insurance. Photo Gallery      |
| Watch A Tuned Audi 80 Hit 290Km/h In Half-Mile Run Posted: 03 Nov 2017 03:30 AM PDT  There was a time when Audi's lineup was very limited, and it included, among others, the 80, which is the A4's direct predecessor. Produced from 1966 to 1996, over four generations, the premium compact car printed money for the Ingolstadt-based carmaker, and millions of examples eventually rolled off the assembly lines. Getting your own example means paying from a couple hundred dollars, to over $45,000, for the Quattro version, in pristine condition, which has its roots deeply buried in motorsport. However, you most likely won't be able to purchase one with more power than most modern supercars, including the McLaren 720S. If the limited details that accompany the clip posted below are correct, then this Audi 80 churns out a staggering 930hp, from a highly modified VR6 turbo engine. What makes it even more impressive is that besides the large intercooler visible from beneath the grille and front bumper, double exhaust pipes at the rear, and multi-spoke OZ alloys, there's nothing else to give it away. Filmed during the Race 1000 event in Germany, the car managed to run the half-mile in just a little over 17 seconds, reaching a top speed in excess of 290km/h (180mph). VIDEO   |
| Next Audi RS7 Sportback Will Probably Look Like This Posted: 03 Nov 2017 02:56 AM PDT  Hot on the heels of the latest-generation Audi A7 premiering, Tobias Buttner has rendered how the new RS7 may look. As recent spy shots of the performance-oriented car have revealed, the new RS7 will follow the same general formula as the current car. Consequently, it will expand upon the design of the regular A7 with new front and rear bumpers, oval-shaped tailpipes, a small bootlid lip spoiler and a range of blacked-out components. Even more interesting than the vehicle's design will be its powertrain, however. Sitting at the heart of the car will be a development of the brand's 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8. Currently, this engine produces 560 hp but to compete with the E63 S, Audi will most likely increase power to over 600 hp. It is even possible that a hybrid version utilizing the same powertrain as the Porsche Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid could see the light of day. PHOTO GALLERY    |
| Aston Martin's Next Vanquish To Rival Ferrari 812 Posted: 03 Nov 2017 01:32 AM PDT  Aston Martin's next-generation Vanquish will hit the market next year and according to company boss Andy Palmer, directly rival the Ferrari 812 Superfast. Development of the new Vanquish has been ongoing for a number of months and is in its final stages. Discussing the car with Autocar, Palmer described it as "bloody good." To rival the Ferrari 812, it better be incredibly good. Sitting at the heart of the Vanquish will be the brand's familiar 5.2-liter twin-turbocharged V12 engine. However, power will have to increase substantially over the 600 hp offered by the DB11. In fact, if Aston wants the Vanquish to rival the Ferrari in terms of performance, the V12 will almost certainly have to deliver over 700 hp. "The majority of product investment [for Vanquish] is finished. What's left is preparation of manufacturing the car rather than preparation of the car itself. We are making more prototypes to make sure we've got production ready to go," Palmer revealed. Although the new Vanquish will be underpinned by the same platform as the DB11, Aston Martin will make it significantly faster through turns thanks to added downforce and overhauled suspension. Until deliveries of the Aston Martin Valkyrie hypercar commence, the Vanquish will be the marque's range-topping vehicle. PHOTO GALLERY        |
| Delphi Buys Self-Driving Startup NuTonomy For $450 Million Posted: 03 Nov 2017 12:02 AM PDT  Automotive supplier Delphi has announced it will acquire self-driving car startup NuTonomy in a deal worth $450 million. The deal consists of a $400 million purchase price of NuTonomy and an additional $50 million in earn-outs. It is just the latest deal in the autonomous vehicle sector this year and is yet another example of companies looking to partner with or purchase, competitors to accelerate the development of self-driving cars. As part of the deal, over 100 employees from NuTonomy, including 70 engineers and scientists, will join forces with the 100-member automated driving team of Delphi. NuTonomy will remain based in Boston. Since being formed in 2013, NuTonomy has been developing autonomous technologies and made headlines last year after it launched a self-driving taxi service in Singapore. In a statement, NuTonomy chief executive Karl Iagnemma said the deal will help the two companies sell autonomous systems to other brands. "We have, between us, really outstanding technical expertise — on the scientific side, on the algorithmic side. "We have now deep and long-standing expertise on the automotive engineering side. And we have conduits, pathways, to selling it to all the various businesses that autonomous driving can impact, through traditional OEM channels, and through mobility services," he said. PHOTO GALLERY        |
| Lamborghini Aventador 50th Anniversario Makes The SV Seem Common Posted: 02 Nov 2017 08:41 PM PDT  Feast your eyes on a stunning 2014 Lamborghini Aventador LP720-4 50th Anniversario, a car so rare that it makes the Aventador SV seem like a mass-produced supercar. Unveiled in 2013 as part of Lamborghini's 50th anniversary celebrations, just 100 units of the hardtop special edition were built, alongside a further 100 Roadsters. By comparison, there are 1100 Aventador SV and Aventador SV Roadsters in existence. Currently up for sale from Lamborghini Dallas, this particular Aventador 60th Anniversario has reportedly covered just 460 miles. It is also equipped with a range of options, including navigation, reversing camera, the carbon fiber interior package, yellow brake calipers and navigation. As with most of the 50th Anniversario models built, this one is painted in Giallo Maggio and features black wheels. Inside, it includes Giallo Quercus inserts alongside black leather. At the time of writing, the car had an asking price of $439,999, slightly less than a 2018 Aventador S from the same dealer. Is it worth it? We'll let you be the judge. PHOTO GALLERY                    |
| Porsche Well Prepared For Aggressive EV Push Posted: 02 Nov 2017 08:02 PM PDT  Porsche believes that it will be able to maintain its current profit levels and lead the industry when it comes to e-mobility. During an interview with Automotive News, Porsche chief financial officer Lutz Meschke said that the German carmaker will cut costs and invest over 3 billion euros ($3.5 billion) into electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids. "To protect your margin, you have to look at substantial fixed cost cuts, but there's only so much potential since the biggest chunks are personnel and development. As sales shift toward EVs, a temporary drop in profitability in the midterm may be expected." When quizzed about the importance of maintaining its 15 per cent profit margin in the EV age, Meschke said it is crucial for the company to have a specific target to chase. "It's a strategic target. We need to structure the company so that it is in position to sustainably achieve that… "It's better for Porsche to work with a fixed margin target. We attach incentives for the average worker to it, and there's even a pension component. It's really an internal steering instrument. That's why everyone in the company from the manager to the assembly line worker knows the goal is 15 percent. If we work with a range, that effect is diluted," he said. Porsche's first all-electric production vehicle will be the eagerly-awaited Mission E. Revealed as a concept over two years ago, the car will directly rival the Tesla Model S and offer blistering performance and handling. Thanks to a pair of electric motors, it will deliver over 600 hp and be capable of reaching 124 mph (200 km/h) in 12 seconds. A range of 330 miles (531 km) is also being targeted. PHOTO GALLERY   |
| VW Group Planning A Host Of Hybrid Hot Hatches Posted: 02 Nov 2017 07:33 PM PDT  Aware that it will take many years for all-electric vehicles to become commonplace, the Volkswagen Group intends on launching a selection of hybrid hot hatches early next decade as it continues its introduction of electrified models. It is reported that senior executives at the automaker believe these hybrid hatchbacks will prove to be a valuable stepping stone towards full electrification and help to win over car enthusiasts about the benefits of electric propulsion. Speaking to Autocar, an unnamed source said it is important to move step by step into the EV future. "We are not just flicking a switch and expecting people to move to fully electric cars – it is a process that will take decades, and we must help take people through the transition step by step by showing what the possibilities are." It seems likely that one of the first hot hatches within the VW Group to receive hybrid power could be the next-generation Skoda Fabia vRS. Despite being a number of years away from being introduced, Skoda chief executive Bernhard Maier said it would make sense to electrify the model. At the start of this year, it emerged that the next-generation Volkswagen Golf GTI could also use a hybrid powertrain. If current rumors hold true, that would mean a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine complemented by a 48V electrical system and integrated starter motor. PHOTO GALLERY        |
| Eight-Wheeled Amphibious Vehicle Found In Russia Posted: 02 Nov 2017 07:02 PM PDT  Russia is no stranger to weird and wacky vehicles and, of course, dashcam videos, but the following eight-wheeler could take the cake for curious things to emerge from the country. Uncovered by a user of the Russian social network VK, this eight-wheeled monstrosity is reportedly an Amphibious All-Terrain Vehicle (AATV) and was built by the Design Bureau of the Chelyabinsk tractor hydraulics plant in the 1950s, Russian Beyond reports. While the vehicle looks like a behemoth, it apparently weighs a mere 600 kg and isn't any bigger than a large sedan, measuring 4530 mm long, 1900 mm wide and 1490 mm high. The key to its surprisingly low weight are all of the aluminum panels. Little else is known about the vehicle, other than the fact that it borrows parts from the GAZ-M20 Pobeda and is all-wheel drive. Do you know anything about this car? If you do, be sure to shoot us an email! PHOTO GALLERY      |
| Ford's Argo AI Purchases LiDAR Startup Posted: 02 Nov 2017 06:33 PM PDT  Earlier this year, Ford announced a $1 billion investment and partnership with artificial intelligence startup Argo AI to develop autonomous driving systems. Now, Argo AI has revealed that it has acquired Princeton Lightwave, a technology startup with expertise in LiDAR. In an article published to Medium, Argo AI chief executive Bryan Salesky said Princeton Lightwave will be able to create an accurate three-dimensional view of the world for self-driving vehicles. "With the addition of the Princeton Lightwave team, Argo is uniquely positioned to innovate in both sensor hardware and the interface between sensor and software — enabling us to achieve performance improvements that would not otherwise be possible. "Princeton Lightwave's technology will help us unlock new capabilities that will aid our virtual driver system in handling object detection in challenging scenarios, such as poor weather conditions, and safely operating at high speeds in dynamic environments," Salesky said. LiDAR is considered by many to be one of the most important technologies in making fully-autonomous cars a reality. Put simply, this type of sensor uses light waves to create a map of the world around it and generally works alongside ultrasonic sensors and cameras. PHOTO GALLERY   |
| Jaguar To Shuffle Around Battery Pack For Future EVs Posted: 02 Nov 2017 06:02 PM PDT  Jaguar has revealed that it will have to shuffle around the battery pack of the all-electric I-Pace when producing other EVs. The British marque made the decision to give the I-Pace an SUV-shaped body as it allowed its engineers to implement a higher roofline, allowing for the battery pack to be mounted under a raised floor, Auto Express reports. However, non-SUV EVs from Jaguar won't have things so easy, particularly if they are low-slung sports cars and sedans. Consequently, batteries will have to be spread out throughout the vehicle, design director Ian Callum said. "We know that we'll have to be flexible in how the battery packs are built up. They don't necessarily need to be a single slab in one area, as long as they're properly interconnected. "So yes, we're looking at various configurations as we look beyond the I-Pace - particularly to help with the H-point [the height of the occupants' hips] in the rear seats because that's really one of the defining areas," Callum said. At this stage, no concrete information has been released about what electric vehicles will follow the I-Pace. However, we recently learned that the I-Pace's platform will probably be used by other models. PHOTO GALLERY        |
| New Nissan Navara-Based SUV Reportedly Debuting At 2018 Beijing Motor Show Posted: 02 Nov 2017 05:36 PM PDT  After years of development, Nissan appears to be ready to present their new Navara-based SUV to the world. Drive spoke to the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi's light commercial vehicle division chief, Ashwani Gupta, at the 2017 Tokyo Motor Show, where he hinted that the vehicle's unveiling is scheduled for the 2018 Beijing Motor Show, next April. "Nissan is extremely competent on frame-based vehicles, frame-based trucks, and frame-based SUVs, and we are going to cover each and every segment of frame. Now when? I think you'll have to wait a little bit longer, please wait a little bit longer to Beijing Motor Show", Gupta said. Coming to challenge the likes of the Ford Everest, Mitsubishi Pajero Sport, and Chevrolet Trailblazer, the as-of-yet-unnamed Nissan SUV (though we've heard it could be X-Terra) will serve as a replacement to the old Pathfinder. As the leaked pictures show, it looks nearly identical to the latest NP300 Navara, but the biggest change will lie in the rear passenger compartment. We will have to wait for Nissan to drop more details about their new body-on-frame SUV, but nevertheless, we expect it to be offered with 2WD and 4WD configurations. Powering it should be the same range of engines found in its pickup truck sibling, which will be mated to manual and automatic transmissions. PHOTO GALLERY         |
| New Audi Q8 Sounds Awfully Quiet On The Nurburgring Posted: 02 Nov 2017 05:12 PM PDT  Audi is getting ready to put an end to the BMW X6 and Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe segment domination by working on their very own "SAV" or coupe crossover, dubbed the Q8. Caught on the Nurburgring, this prototype continues to keep its camo vinyl wraps on almost its entire body, unlike the one scooped last month that was more eager to reveal some of its lines, most of which come from the Q8 Concept shown in Detroit earlier this year. But while its exterior is inspired by the show car, inside, the new Audi Q8 resembles to the latest A8 flagship saloon, as it benefits from the same pair of touchscreen displays. The rest of the cabin is adorned with aluminum glossy black trims, and we also expect plenty of soft touch materials, meant to elevate its premium stance. Audi's MLB platform is the foundation stone for the new sports crossover, which uses aluminum and carbon fiber, and allows it to get a variety of powertrains. The rumor-mill has it adopting the tri-turbo 4.0-liter V8 diesel engine from the SQ7, a 48-volt PHEV making almost 470hp in the SQ8, and a twin-turbo V8 gasoline-powered unit that's expected to be used in the RS version. The automaker continues to keep the official reveal date close to its chest, but it's expected to come out sometime next year, as a 2019MY. VIDEO   |
| Black And Blue Bugatti Chiron Lands In The U.S. Posted: 02 Nov 2017 04:40 PM PDT  As customer deliveries of the Bugatti Chiron ramp up, a staggering black and blue example has landed on U.S. soil. Purchased through St. Louis Motorcars, this Chiron is one of the most interesting we've laid eyes on, all because of the intriguing two-tone bodywork. While many Chiron's feature two-tone paint finishes, they typically have the front half painted in one color and the rear half in a different color. Instead of going down a similar route, the owner of this Chiron had the vast majority of the exterior painted black. Then, blue accents have been applied to the horseshoe grille surround, front bumper, side skirts, the car's C-shaped signature line, and the rear bumper. Oh yeah, there are also a set of blue wheels which we think detract from the rest of the car. Nevertheless, the interior of this Chiron, just like every other, is a thing of beauty. Most surfaces are finished either in black leather or carbon fiber but there is also a range of aluminum accents and grey stitching. PHOTO GALLERY            |
| World's Fastest Honda S2000 Runs 1/4 Mile In Just 6.7 Seconds Posted: 02 Nov 2017 04:11 PM PDT  The world's fastest Honda S2000 is at it again, this time improving on its previous 1/4 mile record, which stood at 6.9 seconds, until this week. As you can imagine, the car underwent some serious modifications in order to accelerate as fast as it does. While its original four-cylinder F22 engine was retained, the S2000 was fitted with a massive turbocharger, amounting for 1,351 RWHP, over 375 HP per cylinder. The total power output is somewhere around 1,500 horses, allowing for a blistering fast 1/4 mile time of 6.78 seconds at 203 mph (326 km/h), making it faster than this 3,000 HP Nissan GT-R by Extreme Turbo Systems. This very same S2000 held previous 1/4 mile records of 7.1 seconds at 192.92 mph and 6.9 seconds at 186 mph (300 km/h), so considering its current achievement, we're definitely wondering what it's going to do next time. Could it match that 2,500 HP AMS Performance Nissan GT-R that managed a 6.39 second run back in March? Let's not underestimate it. VIDEO   |
| We're Hiring! CarScoops Is Looking For A News Editor Posted: 02 Nov 2017 03:55 PM PDT  We're looking for experienced editors to cover weekdays and/or weekend positions. If we have your attention, read through on how to apply. For any questions you may have, please contact us directly at info(at)carscoops.com with the subject line, "New Writers". Essential requirements 1) At least 2 years experience writing news for an automotive website 2) Ability to research, proofread, fact-check and upload your own stories 3) Up-to-date on all the latest cars, technologies and events in the global auto industry. 4) Access to automotive and news press sites 5) Working knowledge of the internet, social media tools and photo editing software 6) Commit to at least six complete articles per day, more during major car-related events 7) A basic understanding of copyright laws 8) Willing to learn and adapt 9) For weekdays, we are looking for candidates based in the USA, CANADA or AUSTRALIA 10) Be on the lookout for breaking and interesting news any time of the day How to apply Send us an email with the subject line "New Writers" to info(at)carscoops.com (or just click here) containing three freshly written sample posts (250 word min), with pictures from car manufactures' press sites or your own shots, and/or embedded videos. The sample articles should include at least one unique and enticing automotive-related subject that will engage and entertain readers, plus a story on a newly introduced production or concept model. Provide links to your previous work. The next step is to add a few lines about yourself (yes, you can attach your resume) along with a list of car sites, forums and social media networks that you visit on a daily basis to get your automotive fix. We promise to read every single word and if we think you're a match, we will contact you with more information. Please note that we may not be able to respond to all emails.    |
| Tyrese Gibson Threatens To Leave Fast And Furious 9 If The Rock Returns Posted: 02 Nov 2017 03:28 PM PDT  The ninth installment of the Fast and Furious franchise was recently pushed back to April 10th, 2020 and that decision has apparently led Tyrese Gibson to threaten to leave the series. As Entertainment Weekly reports, Gibson took to Instagram to say "I'm sorry to announce that if Dwayne ["The Rock" Johnson"] is in Fast9, there will no more Roman Pierce." The rapper turned actor went on to call his colleague a "clown" and a "CandyAssBitch." Gibson added "You mess with family and my daughter's survival, I mess with yours." The drama reportedly started back in September when Gibson became upset with rumors that Fast and Furious 9 could be delayed to make way for spin-off movie staring Johnson and Jason Statham. Last month, reports surfaced that the movie was green lighted and scheduled to be released on July 26th, 2019. This appears to have upset Gibson who said in an earlier Instagram post that "I was never mad at The Rock - I was just mad that he was 'pitched' an idea privately and said yes to it without thinking of what I'm dealing with personally." He added "I'm almost broke paying legal fees" and Entertainment Weekly notes the actor is fighting his ex-wife for custody of his daughter. AV Club speculates the decision to delay FF9 means Gibson won't be getting paid as planned and this has put extra pressure on the actor. It remains unclear if Gibson is seriously considering leaving the franchise but it should be noted he isn't the only one who has threatened to quit. Earlier this year, Michelle Rodriguez hinted she might leave the Fast and Furious family if the next movie doesn't "show some love to the women of the franchise." Photo Gallery   |
| Buick Will Play A "Huge Part" In GM's Electrification Push Posted: 02 Nov 2017 02:59 PM PDT  General Motors recently announced plans to launch at least 20 new electric vehicles by 2023 and Buick will play a key role in the company's decision. In an interview with Wards Auto, Buick and GMC Vice President Duncan Aldred said the company will play a "huge part" in GM's initiative. The executive was tight-lipped on specifics but said "We will have multiple entries in a fairly short period of time" and they won't all necessarily be electric vehicles. The latter statement isn't too surprising as Buick recently introduced the 2018 LaCrosse which features an eAssist system that enables the car to return 25 mpg city and 35 mpg highway. The publication is also reporting Buick will likely launch an electric vehicle in 2019. Previous reports have suggested the model will be based on the Chevrolet Bolt and feature crossover-inspired styling that will make the model look like a futuristic Encore. The Bolt's powertrain is expected to carryover but it will reportedly be slower and more expensive than its corporate counterpart. Aldred went on to say electric vehicles are a good fit for Buick as "The sense of well-being in the cabin, the serenity, is delivered ultimately by pure electric [power]." He also hinted that electrified models developed for China could eventually make their way stateside as demand for eco-friendly vehicles increases. Photo Gallery        |
| Revology's 1967 Shelby GT500 Replica Costs A Whopping $219,000 Posted: 02 Nov 2017 02:30 PM PDT  Following a preview last year, Revology has officially unveiled its 1967 Shelby GT500 replica at SEMA. Officially licensed by Shelby, the car features a reproduction steel body which can be painted in an assortment of different colors. The model also has a fiberglass hood, LED lighting units, and a high performance exhaust system. Other notable highlights include side stripes and 17-inch aluminum wheels which are backed up by four wheel disc brakes that feature ventilated and slotted rotors. The retro styling continues in the cabin and the car comes nicely equipped with air conditioning, power windows / locks, and brushed aluminum trim. Revology also installs power front seats, a classic wood rim steering wheel, and a four-speaker audio system. Customers can also order a premium audio system and a 7-inch infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility. A supercharged 5.0-liter V8 engine resides under the hood and produces 600 hp (447 kW) and 475 lb-ft (643 Nm) of torque. It can be connected to either a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic transmission. Regardless of which gearbox is selected, both send power to the rear wheels via a limited slip differential. Pricing starts at $219,000 for models equipped with the manual transmission and $222,840 for vehicles with the automatic gearbox. VideoPhoto Gallery                  |
| Republication Tax Plan Would Eliminate EV Tax Credit, Could Jeopardize Sales Posted: 02 Nov 2017 02:01 PM PDT  Sales of electric vehicles continue to grow but they could become less appealing in the future as the House Ways and Means Committee has revealed the Republication tax plan would eliminate the federal tax credit for electric vehicles. As Bloomberg and Automotive News are reporting, the proposed bill would eliminate the credit after the 2017 tax year. The move could cause some consumers to reconsider electric vehicles, especially mainstream ones such as the Chevrolet Bolt which starts at $37,495 but costs just $29,995 after the credit is applied. The tax credit was introduced several years ago and was designed to lower the purchase price of electric vehicles by between $2,500 and $7,500 depending on the size of the vehicle and its battery capacity. The tax credit was slated to remain available until an automaker sold 200,000 eligible electric vehicles. No company has achieved this feat so far but Tesla was reportedly getting pretty close. Phasing out the tax credit could prove disastrous to electric vehicle sales and a spokesperson for the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers stated "There is no question that the elimination of the federal electric vehicle tax credit will impact the choices of prospective buyers and make the electric vehicle mandate in 10 states -- about a third of the market -- even more difficult to meet." Most automakers have declined to comment on the proposed bill but General Motors has vowed to fight it as the automaker said the tax credits are "an important customer benefit that can help accelerate the acceptance of electric vehicles." Photo Gallery              |
| Road & Track Names The McLaren 720S The 2018 Performance Car of The Year Posted: 02 Nov 2017 01:32 PM PDT  Road & Track has named the McLaren 720S the 2018 Performance Car of The Year. Designed to recognize cars that push the "limits of performance and pleasure," the award was given to the McLaren which beat out nine other contenders in this year's test which took place over the course of four days. The ten contenders for the fifth-annual Performance Car of the Year award were broken into four categories and the McLaren 720S was pitted against the Lamborghini Huracán Performante in the prestigious supercar group. Despite calling the Huracán Performante the "unchallenged star of the show," R&T's editors gave the award to the 720S as "nothing short of a Kawasaki ZX-10RR has a prayer of keeping up with the McLaren." They also praised the car's natural feel and unintimidating driving experience. The Grand Tourers category saw the Bentley Continental Supersports and Lexus LC 500 face off for top honors. The editors noted this was a difficult choice but decided the Lexus was the winner as it is a "stylish cruiser that can still clip an apex and be steered with the throttle." The Track Stars category is particularly interesting as it saw the Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 1LE compete with higher-end vehicles such as the Mercedes-AMG GT R and Porsche 911 GT3. The prestige of the latter two models wasn't enough to overcome the Camaro's impressive performance and modest price tag. Lastly, there are the Wild Cards which include the Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio, Audi TT RS, and Honda Civic Type R. The first two vehicles have a serious horsepower advantage but the editors were impressed by the Civic's ability to be "calm and comfortable when you're cruising" and a "firecracker when you lean into it." You can read more about the cars and the results over at Road & Track. Photo Gallery                |
| Traffic Looked Way Different 100 Years Ago In One Of The First Ever Dashcam Videos Posted: 02 Nov 2017 01:03 PM PDT  Sitting in our cars, completely isolated from the environment, while listening to our favorite radio stations, seems natural these days. However, things were very different at the beginning of the last century, when nobody associated words such as airbags and safety tech with vehicles. It may seem like a technology and innovation lesson, to raise awareness over all sorts of things, but that's not the case, as what we have here is a glimpse into the past, in what's believed to be one of the first ever dashcam recordings. Shot on the streets of San Francisco in 1906, it shows the daily routine as seen through the eyes of a tram driver. And, oh, what a different environment that was - from the first cars to horse-pulled carts, pedestrians crossing the street at every step of the way, and a general appearance of indifference for personal safety. Still, despite what appear to be constant threats that our minds may not be used to nowadays, life continues at a slow pace, and everybody gets to live another day. Makes you appreciate the modern road safety standards, doesn't it? VIDEO   |
| McLaren 720S Rendered As A Crazy Long Tail Posted: 02 Nov 2017 12:32 PM PDT  We don't expect to see any new McLaren 720S variants for at least 18 months but despite this, Evren Milano has imagined a track-focused model that takes inspiration from both the famed F1 GTR Longtail and 675LT. Dubbed the McLaren 720M Long Tail, the car adopts a radically revised exterior design that would inevitably make it much faster on a racetrack. The modifications begin at the front with a new splitter and slimline headlights which look much better than those currently used by the 720S. Moving along the side of the supercar, you'll notice a couple of small vents on the front quarter panels as well as overhauled side skirts to help the McLaren slice through the air. Perhaps the three most significant alterations are the roof scoop, shark fin and elongated rear-end, fitting of the Longtail name. The British marque has previously confirmed that it will create more LT models in the future so we can expect to see a more focused 720S in a couple of years. Will it look like this? Only time will tell. PHOTO GALLERY      |
| Gunther Werks Creates A Porsche 993 Carrera 2 Fitting Of A GT3 Badge Posted: 02 Nov 2017 12:03 PM PDT  In the middle of over-the-top off-roaders and tuner cars, there is one Porsche at SEMA that has really attracted the attention of gearheads. Dubbed the 400R, the Porsche in question is a 993 extensively modified by Gunther Werks. With a totally reworked body, bespoke drivetrain components and a half-million-dollar price tag, it is about as insane as a 993 can get. When developing the 400R, Gunther Werks set out to create a potent 993 that would have been fitting of the GT3 badge from Porsche. As such, the car features a custom 4.0-liter air-cooled six-cylinder engine, body panels made exclusively from pre-preg carbon fiber and a track wider than any modern Porsche 911. Speaking to the men that created the car, Car Throttle discovered the incredible lengths that Gunther Werks went to in creating the car. Among these touches include the installation of a lightweight lithium-ion battery and an all-new electric air conditioning and heating system designed to minimize weight and reduce horsepower loss. VIDEOPhoto Gallery                                   |
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