Tuesday 7 November 2017

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2017 DS 7 Crossback Priced From £28,050 In The UK

Posted: 07 Nov 2017 04:30 AM PST


Sales for the entire 2017 DS 7 Crossback range have just commenced in the United Kingdom.

First in line is the DS 7 Crossback Elegance, priced from a reasonable £28,050 ($36,949) with the BlueHDi 130 turbo diesel engine and manual transmission. Next in the range is the DS 7 Crossback Performance Line, priced from £31,435 ($41,407) with the same BlueHDi 130 turbo diesel but paired to an automatic gearbox.

Customers looking for more grunt from a diesel can elect for the BlueHDi 180, coupled to an auto 'box and priced from £36,335 ($47,862). Sitting in between the two diesels is the PureTech 225 petrol four-cylinder, starting at £34,985 ($46,084).

Another trim package offered for the DS 7 Crossback is the Prestige, starting at £34,435 ($45,359) with the BlueHDi 130 manual, £39,335 ($51,814) for the BlueHDi 180 automatic and £38,985 ($51,353) for the PureTech 225 Automatic.

Further up in the range is the DS 7 Crossback Ultra Prestige starting at £43,535 ($57,346) for the BlueHDi 180 automatic and £43,185 ($56,885) for the PureTech 225 Automatic. Last but not least will be the DS 7 Crossback E-Tense PHEV 4x4, set to hit the market in mid-2019 for around £50,000 ($65,862).

PHOTO GALLERY

BMW Brings Tom "Son Of Stig" Blomqvist To Formula E

Posted: 07 Nov 2017 03:53 AM PST


The FIA Formula E Championship has published its full list of drivers and teams for next season, placing the one piece of the puzzle we were missing until now.

For the forthcoming fourth season of the electric racing series, BMW factory driver Tom Blomqvist will be piloting for the Andretti team backed by the German automaker.

The son of former World Rally Champion Stig Blomqvist, Tom is perhaps best regarded for his efforts in the Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters (DTM) series, where he's taken several wins in the BMW M4 DTM. But he also has a wealth of experience in single-seaters, winning numerous Formula 3 races as well as the Formula Renault UK title in 2010.

Blomqvist tested the Andretti car at Valencia last month. No doubt owing in part to BMW's involvement, he's been given the seat that belonged these past two seasons to Dutch driver Robin Frijns. Returning to the cockpit of Andretti's other car is Portuguese driver Antonio Felix da Costa.

The question is whether Blomqvist will continue competing in DTM alongside his Formula E campaign. Autosport points out that DTM has yet to release its schedule for next season, so we don't know if there'll be any conflicts between the two – much less which would take priority for the Anglo-Swedish driver.

Here's the full list of drivers for next season:

Audi Sport Abt Schaeffler: Lucas di Grassi, Daniel Abt
DS Virgin Racing: Sam Bird, Alex Lynn
Jaguar Racing: Nelson Piquet Jr, Mitch Evans
Venturi: Edoardo Mortara, Maro Engel
Dragon: Neel Jani, Jerome d'Ambrosio
Renault e.dams: Nicolas Prost, Sebastien Buemi
NIO: Oliver Turvey, Luca Filippi
Mahindra Racing: Felix Rosenqvist, Nick Heidfeld
Techeetah: Andre Lotterer, Jean-Eric Vergne
Andretti: Tom Blomqvist, Antonio Felix da Costa

Photo Gallery

The More The Porsche 911 Changes, The More It Stays The Same

Posted: 07 Nov 2017 03:26 AM PST


When it comes to redesigning an automobile, carmakers can take an evolutionary approach or a revolutionary one. When it comes to the 911, Porsche has unapologetically adhered to the former approach.

Sure, the 911 has changed over the years. It's bigger and heavier. It's packed with new technologies. Almost every version is turbocharged by now, and air cooling has long since been replaced.

But a 911 is still a 911: small and nimble, with a boxer six in the back. And no one is more capable of illustrating that commonality as Porsche itself.

Just watch this minute-long video, juxtaposing a 911 2.2 S Targa from 1970 with a new 2017 Carrera S. 47 years separate the two, over the course of which the model (like its manufacturer and the industry around it) has evolved considerably, to say the least. But it's still unmistakably a 911.

Video

Honda Puts Its Retro-Futuristic Spin On Two Wheels

Posted: 07 Nov 2017 03:04 AM PST


You may have noticed that Honda is on a bit of a retro-futuristic kick of late. It showcased the Urban EV hatchback concept in Frankfurt, and the Sports EV coupe concept in Tokyo. And it's been doing the same with its motorcycles, too.

Just take a look at the concept bike it's brought to the EICMA motorcycle show in Milan this week. It's called the CB4 Interceptor, and it blends classic cues with thoroughly modern ones.

The cowling looks like it was lifted straight off of a 1960s racing bike, but it hides a modern secret. In the middle of the LED headlight ring is a fan that generates electricity from the rushing wind to power the touchscreen display on the tank, capable of displaying navigation information, make emergency calls, and network with the rider's mobile device for a less distracting (but no less connected) ride.

It's all done up in black, and was designed at Honda's R&D facility in Rome. It's not the first such concept the Japanese manufacturer has done, though. Two years ago it displayed a similar (but different) CB4 concept at the same show, and recently showcased the Neo Sports Café concept in Tokyo alongside the Sports EV coupe. Something tells us we've yet to see the last of this particular trend coming from Honda, so keep this page bookmarked.

Photo Gallery

Land Rover Kills Three-Door Range Rover Evoque In U.S.

Posted: 07 Nov 2017 01:32 AM PST


Land Rover has made the decision to kill off the Range Rover Evoque three-door in the United States.

Motor Authority reports that the British automaker pulled the plug due to poor demand for the model in the U.S., where it was easily out-sold by the five-door and the two-door convertible.

Sales of the three-door Evoque will continue in other international markets.

In a bid to update the popular SUV, Land Rover is currently developing a next-generation model, expected to arrive in late 2018 as a 2019 model year in the U.S. The new model will retain the same D8 architecture as the current car but a host of new technologies will be featured. Styling inspiration will also be taken from the Range Rover Velar.

PHOTO GALLERY

French Government Sells $1.4 Billion Worth Of Renault Shares

Posted: 07 Nov 2017 12:02 AM PST


The French government has sold off a 4.7 per cent stake in Renault for 1.21 billion euros ($1.4 billion).

France had owned a 19.7 per cent stake in the local carmaker but this move reduces its stake to 15 per cent. In total, 14 million Renault shares have been sold, 1.4 million of which were purchased by the company and will be offered to employees.

French President Emmanuel Macron spearheaded the stake purchase in April 2015 as economy minister. Following his election as President, Marcon promised to reverse the move. It is hoped that doing so will ease tensions between the French government and Renault chief executive Carlos Ghosn.

The country increased its stake in Renault to secure double voting rights and to prevent Nissan from having a say in its alliance partner. Despite the sale of 4.7 per cent of its stake, France still remains Renault's largest shareholder, slightly ahead of Nissan.

PHOTO GALLERY

BMW M2 Competition To Become The New Standard

Posted: 06 Nov 2017 08:42 PM PST


It is no secret that BMW is working on a couple variations of the popular M2. However, we've just heard that one of these models, the M2 CS, branded as the M2 Competition, will actually replace the entry-level model.

BMW Blog reports that the M2 as we know it will be retired in June 2018 to make way for the M2 Competition. Beyond spelling the end of BMW's most affordable M model, this decision will also mean the 2-Series will no longer be available with the high-strung version of the 3.0-liter turbo N55 six-cylinder.

To give its souped-up 2-Series more performance, BMW will fit the S55 engine from the M3 and M4 into the new M2 Competition. Importantly, this powertrain will be slightly detuned to around 400 hp and 500 Nm of torque but thanks to the more compact size of the M2, acceleration, and handling could be on par with the M4.

The BMW M2 Competition isn't the only new model set to adopt the M2 nameplate. In 2019, a hardcore, track-focused M2 GTS is expected to launch, powered by a 450 hp S55 engine and potentially limited to just 999 units worldwide.

PHOTO GALLERY

Is The 2018 Porsche 911 GT2 RS Everything We Thought It'd Be?

Posted: 07 Nov 2017 04:39 AM PST


We know that the 2018 Porsche 911 GT2 RS is the world's fastest globally-homologated production car at the Nurburgring. But, is it a one-trick pony?

To find out, Autocar jumped behind the wheel of the new car at a technical handling circuit, far removed from the Nordschleife and its dozens of high-speed corners.

The GT2 RS has a long reputation as being dangerous, hence its 'Widowmaker' nickname. However, it appears as though the carmaker has dialed down the hilarity of the previous-gen car for one that is far more precise, capable, and refined when pushed to its limits on a racetrack.

Some Porsche fans may be disappointed to hear this but as is the way with most supercars nowadays, they need to do everything well. Whether that's cruise through tight city streets, blast down the Autobahn or set record-breaking lap times, the GT2 RS has it handled.

However, as amazing as the new car is, we'd still take a 2018 GT3 with a six-speed manual.

VIDEO

Verstappen Says He Wants To Dominate F1 Races

Posted: 06 Nov 2017 07:33 PM PST


Max Verstappen says he wants to dominate Formula One races, shortly after he did just that at last weekend's Mexican Grand Prix.

Starting from the front row of the grid, the young Dutchman led the entire race and despite making a name for himself as a talented overtaker, Verstappen told Motorsport that he enjoys leading from the front and making races a procession.

"Yes, because this is winning - and I think this is the most beautiful way of doing it. Of course, overtaking is fun. But in recent years I've never been in a position that I could control races.

"But this is what I did in karting, actually, and in the end, this is what you want to do. Overtaking is definitely nice, but to me it's not something that's necessary. Ultimately you want to win races like [Lewis] Hamilton and eventually win a championship," he said.

Verstappen's win in Mexico was the first time he's led from start to finish of an F1 race and he clearly enjoyed the feeling.

"This is certainly one of my favorite ones of course, because you not only won the race, you also controlled it, without any pressure from behind," he said.

Verstappen's sentiments closely mimic the actions of Sebastian Vettel during his four-year title reign at Red Bull Racing. The German would frequently start from pole position and sprint away from the field, leaving his opponents to fight amongst each other.

PHOTO GALLERY

Nissan Resumes Vehicle Production In Japan

Posted: 06 Nov 2017 07:01 PM PST


Nissan has resumed vehicle production at five of its factories in Japan following weeks of scandal over improper inspections.

Earlier today, Nissan said Japan's transport ministry had approved changes to its final-inspection procedures and that the only factory not to resume production would be one location in Kyoto.

In a statement, the car manufacturer apologized to its customers and shareholders, Channel News Asia reports.

"Nissan regrets any inconvenience and concern this has caused to its valued customers and other stakeholders in Japan."

Domestic production had been paused since October 19th when it emerged that final checks were being conducted by uncertified technicians. This has led to the recall of 1.2 million Nissan vehicles sold in Japan over the last three years and been a key factor in the company's year-on-year sales in October plummeting by 55 per cent.

PHOTO GALLERY

Stunning Red And Carbon Fiber Pagani Huayra For Sale In Connecticut

Posted: 06 Nov 2017 06:33 PM PST


A head-turning Pagani Huayra has appeared for sale from Miller Motorcars in Connecticut.

This particular Huayra is number 57 and believed to be one of the first units that reached U.S. soil. It can be easily distinguished from all other cars to leave Pagani's factory thanks to the combination of red accents and a gloss carbon fiber body.

Recently, the Italian hypercar was fitted with the optional Pacchetto Tempesta package meaning it adopts a revised front splitter, new wheels, a more aggressive rear diffuser and a tweaked exhaust system. It may not be as over-the-top as some Huayra BC models, but it isn't far off.

Despite being three years old, the car has travelled a mere 636 miles. Consequently, the interior looks brand new and is a beautiful combination of red and black leather, black alcantara, brushed aluminum and gloss carbon fiber.

No asking price has been made public but interested buyers should have at least a couple of million dollars at the ready.

PHOTO GALLERY

DS Supercar Concept Has Us Very Intrigued

Posted: 06 Nov 2017 06:02 PM PST


There's a possibility that DS, the luxury arm of Citroen, could create a hybrid supercar to rival the BMW i8.

Initial reports indicated the car could take design inspiration from the E-Tense Concept but we've just come across another bold concept, and we like it even more.

The work of Behance artist Aaron Jaryong Koo, the DS supercar rendered bears little resemblance to the E-Tense Concept and instead combines Citroen styling with the cutting-edge work of Jean Paul Gaultier, a well-known fashion designer. As you'll see in the gallery below, Jaryong Koo has created three different variations of the supercar, each with their own bespoke look.

The first (pictured above) is probably our favorite and incorporates headlights made up of four horizontal LED light bars, has a thin LED brake light at the base of the rear windscreen and includes a vented rear decklid that allows air to pass under the bodywork, effectively acting as a rear wing.

The other two designs, dubbed Direction B and Direction C, expand upon the first design but push things well into the science fiction realm with have protruding body panels, gaping wide air ducts and curious shapes.

If a DS supercar becomes a reality, it is unlikely to arrive before the end of the decade.

PHOTO GALLERY

2018 Nissan Titan XD Gears Up For Winter With Snowplow Pack

Posted: 06 Nov 2017 05:35 PM PST


Nissan announced the new Snow Plow Prep package for the Titan full-size pickup truck, which makes it compatible with a range of commercial and personal snow plows.

The new package replaces the front springs with heavier duty ones which increase the front gross axle weight rating capacity by 575 pounds (from 4,325lbs to 4,900lbs), enabling the fitment of snow plows up to 786lbs (in the case of the Titan XD Gas Crew Cab S model).

The Snow Plow Prep pack is available with all three body configurations, meaning single-, King- and Crew Cab and in XD and XD Gas versions.

Power comes from the 5.6-liter Endurance V8 which is rated at 390hp and 394lb-ft of torque and is mated to a seven-speed automatic transmission. Customers can also opt for a 5.0-liter Cummings diesel V8.

"When the roads are covered with snow and ice and you're out clearing a parking lot in the dead of night, you better have confidence in the truck behind the plow," said Billy Hayes, division vice president, LCV and Trucks of Nissan North America. "We're proud to say that the TITAN XD is built as tough as the hard-working people taking on the job of keeping Mother Nature at bay."

PHOTO GALLERY

All-Electric Toyota AE86 Drift Car Is Actually Pretty Cool

Posted: 06 Nov 2017 05:03 PM PST


Many believe that electric propulsion will spell the end of exhilarating performance cars. Let this all-electric Toyota AE86 drift car teach you otherwise.

Built by U.S. engineer Omead Moinee, this AE86-generation Toyota Corolla features a 275-volt battery pack that delivers 330 lb-ft of torque at 200 rpm until roughly 4,000 rpm.

The car then features rear-wheel drive and a five-speed manual transmission, making it ideal for donuts and drifts.

The Hoonigans channel on YouTube recently featured the car and while it mightn't get your heart pumping like Ken Block's Ford Escort drift car, it is still pretty cool.

VIDEO

Why U.S. Car Makers Can’t Get A Break In Japan

Posted: 06 Nov 2017 07:58 PM PST


The Japanese car market has proven to be a really tough place for U.S. manufacturers, who have claimed that protectionist policies keep them out of the third largest car market in the world but the reality is more complicated than that.

Japanese brands account for 90 percent of the domestic car market in Japan and a big role in this is due to the special relationship between the customer and the dealer. Japanese buyers are used to having a much closer relationship with the dealer compared to the Western standards.

According to a report from the Atlantic, a dealer from a Japanese brand will build a relationship with their customers by bringing demo cars to the customer's house, offer free car washes for life, handle their insurance policies and remain generally in contact with them, offering a service that's considered kind of a custom in the country.

This hospitality is what helps the Japanese automakers remain dominant in their home market and is also what baffles American dealers that aren't used to provide this kind of service.

In the U.S. market the domestic brands remain dominant but with a much smaller share of the pie, with the Big Three -GM, Ford, FCA- making up 45 percent of the market and the Japanese brands accounting for 39 percent. This dynamic contributes in part to the trade imbalance between the U.S. and Japan: last year it was $68.9 billion and a large share of it came from vehicles and from automotive parts ($52.6 billion).

This has long been an issue for politicians, including Trump who said earlier this year that the Japanese "make it impossible to sell cars in Japan". American carmakers also use the same line of argument, accusing Japan of protectionist policies saying that practices like requiring lengthy car inspections of foreign-made vehicles and prohibiting existing dealers from selling foreign cars have prevented non-domestic car companies from gaining a larger share of the market.

However, protectionism is not the full explanation of why Japanese customers don't buy foreign cars. For example, there are no import tariffs on cars, whereas the U.S. and EU impose 2.5 percent and 10 percent tariffs.

Instead, the problem lies in large part in the hesitance of American car dealers to invest in the kind of network that Japanese consumers have come to expect. "The way Japanese consumers buy cars is very different," Deborah Elms, the executive director of the Asian Trade Center said. "Yet the Americans have not invested in a dealer network to break into the market." Indeed, Ford has pulled out of Japan, where it had sold just 5,000 units annually while GM has only 28 dealerships in the country, managing to sell just 1,000 cars in 2016.

Japanese customers expect to receive services like free maintenance from their dealers and picking up their car for a check-up, performing it and then return it. This sort of dealer network is expensive to develop but also to maintain.

Not all foreign companies though struggle with Japan; imports from EU grew five percent between 2013 and 2016, with 251,115 cars while imports from the U.S. shrank by 15 percent for the same period, to 19,933 cars. Brands like Mercedes and BMW saw their sales growing by 60 percent and 23 percent respectively between 2012 and 2016.

BMW for example decided three years ago to redouble its efforts in the Japanese market, spending $675 million to refurbish its dealer network. "In Japan, everything is about hospitality," Peter Kronschnabl, the CEO of BMW Group Japan and the chairperson of the European Business Council's Automotive Committee and the Japan Automobile Importers Association, said. "If you are not into this, it will be very difficult to succeed in the Japanese market."

PHOTO GALLERY

What's Porsche Cooking With Mystery 911 GT2 RS Prototype?

Posted: 06 Nov 2017 04:10 PM PST


The current GT2 RS is not only the range-topping version of the 991 generation, but more importantly, the fastest stock 911 ever.

However, it appears that the German company isn't satisfied, as they have been spotted testing a 911 prototype, equipped with similar aero addenda as the GT2 RS, but with an even larger rear wing - if you can call it that.

The tester was recently seen pushing hard at the Monza track, in Italy, but because the new 911 GT2 RS was presented to the world just a few months ago, we cannot say for sure what its true purpose is.

At this point, it could be just about everything, including an even more hardcore version of the Porsche 911 GT2 RS, equipped with additional bits, that would allow it to be better overall than the current model that makes 690hp from a 3.8-liter twin-turbo flat-six engine, and which lapped the 'Ring faster than the Lamborghini Huracan Performante.

We could also be looking at a new racecar, or even possible Cup or RSR variants of the next generation 911, so until the Stuttgart-based brand decides to shed some light on the case, we're left scratching our heads.

So, what's your take on this prototype?

VIDEO

We're Hiring! CarScoops Is Looking For A News Editor

Posted: 06 Nov 2017 04:01 PM PST


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.

Tesla Model 3 Proves Pretty "Interesting" In Early Review

Posted: 06 Nov 2017 03:44 PM PST


The Tesla Model 3 is one of the most highly sought after vehicles even though it only costs $35,000 before incentives. The company is still in "production hell" and is only building several hundred a month so reviews have been few and far between.

That's changing today as Doug DeMuro has released a new video where he calls the Model 3 the coolest car of the year. That's a pretty bold statement but he does have a point by noting thousands of people lined up outside of dealerships to place their reservations similar to how people clamored over the latest iPhone.

In usual fashion, DeMuro highlight's the car quirks including its lack of a traditional key. Instead, the car senses your phone and unlocks as you approach it and locks as you walk away. Of course, the Model 3 also comes with a credit card-style key which allows friends and family members access to the vehicle without giving them your phone.

The car also has a pretty cool charging port which is integrated into the rear taillights. Other neat features include a "frunk," flush door handles, and a massive trunk with a mini skylight.

The interior is minimalistic as the dashboard is dominated by a strip of wood trim and a large infotainment system display which is impressively responsive. DeMuro goes on to note the rear seats are pretty roomy but the rear windows only roll down about half way. Other highlights include hidden climate control vents and a phone charging area below the infotainment screen.

When it comes time to drive the Model 3, DeMuro is impressed with the acceleration and responsive steering. He also says the ride quality is decent and there aren't any squeaks or rattles that would hint at quality problems. Of course, everything isn't perfect as DeMuro doesn't like that the speedometer and other gauges have been moved to the infotainment system.

Video

Kia Niro EV Spotted Testing Alongside The Kona Electric

Posted: 06 Nov 2017 03:00 PM PST


The Kia Niro has been a surprise hit for the company as it has been outselling the Hyundai Ioniq by nearly 3 to 1 in the United States. The crossover's appeal is expected to grow in the future as Kia is putting the finishing touches on the Niro EV.

Set to debut early next year, the Niro EV closely resembles the standard model but it has apparently been equipped with a unique front fascia and repositioned fog lights. The model also appears to have a modified rear bumper but it's hard to be certain underneath all that camouflage. Of course, one of the more noticeable changes is the revised grille which features a charging port.

Little is known about the model but previous reports have suggested the Niro will borrow its powertrain from the Ioniq Electric. The latter vehicle features an electric motor that develops 118 hp (88 kW) and 218 lb-ft (295 Nm) of torque. It is powered by a 28 kWh battery which enables the car to have an EPA-estimated range of 124 miles (199 km).

However, it is interesting to note the vehicle was spied testing alongside the Kona EV which is slated to debut next year with a range in excess of 240 miles (386 km).

Photo Gallery

Uber Could Roll Out Second-Gen Semi-Autonomous Vehicles Later This Year

Posted: 06 Nov 2017 02:32 PM PST


The second-generation of semi-autonomous vehicles from Uber could hit the streets as early as this year.

Speaking with Fox News, Uber hardware engineer Brian Zajac said "From the outside, a lot looks the same but under the hood we've made a whole bunch of improvements." Zajac went on to explain the new models are equipped with higher resolution cameras which allows them to see further and this will enable the vehicles to "drive a little bit faster."

The cameras have also been equipped with an improved cleaning system to help deal with bad weather. This change will allow the cameras to see better during intense rain storms and other hazardous driving conditions.

Besides the upgraded cameras, the second-generation of semi-autonomous vehicles will have computers which take up less space. As Zajac explained, the computers are currently located in the trunk but that won't be a problem in the future as the new system is much more compact.

Zajac says the improvements mean the second-generation of vehicles is closer to becoming fully autonomous. However, he said that's still "in the far future."

Photo Gallery

Lamborghini Terzo Millennio Concept Is A Supercar For The Third Millennium

Posted: 06 Nov 2017 02:32 PM PST


Lamborghini has taken the wraps off the futuristic Terzo Millennio concept.

Created in partnership with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, the Terzo Millennio concept is a supercar which has been designed for the third millennium. As a result, the car has an advanced electric powertrain, an ultra lightweight structure, and an extremely aerodynamic exterior.

Speaking of the powertrain, the concept has four electric motors which are powered by supercapacitors and energy storage devices which are built into the concept's body panels. In order to achieve this, Lamborghini envisions the car would use carbon fiber nanotubes and ultra thin batteries that can be formed into various shapes and sandwiched in between two panels.

Lamborghini didn't go into specifics but said the setup promises to provide fast recharging times which are aided by an advanced kinetic energy regeneration system.

Given the combination of carbon fiber and high-tech batteries, it seems certain that some of the panels would eventually form cracks and potentially break. To prevent this, Lamborghini and MIT are working towards developing carbon fiber that can effectively heal itself. As the company explained, the car would continually monitor itself and look for any signs of damage. If a crack is detected, "micro-channels filled with healing chemistries" would release to fix the faulty panel or component.

The technology is definitely futuristic and shouldn't expect to see it on a Lamborghini anytime soon. However, Lamborghini's research and development boss noted the technology is a work in progress and some components are closer to becoming a reality than others.

Photo Gallery

2019 Toyota Supra Looks Great In Latest Rendering

Posted: 06 Nov 2017 01:30 PM PST


The Toyota Supra is continuing its slow march to production and the SupraMKV Forums have created a new rendering of what the car could look like.

Loosely based on the FT-1 concept, the rendering more closely resembles the production model as forum member Supra93 shortened the car's wheelbase and "pushed" the hood back. The fenders have also been modified and the rear air intakes have been removed. Other notable changes include larger mirrors and the addition of a central air intake.

The rendering looks pretty impressive but spy photos have shown the production model will be a bit different as the car has been spotted with conventional mirrors, a higher hood, and less dramatic headlights.

Toyota has been tight-lipped about the car but it will be based on the same platform that underpins the upcoming BMW Z4. BMW's model codes suggested the Supra will be offered with four- and six-cylinder engines and they are rumored to have outputs of up to 335 hp (250 kW). The codes also seemed to imply the model would be offered exclusively with an automatic transmission but an unsubstantiated rumored suggested a manual transmission would be available as well.

Toyota's Shigeki Tomoyama has also hinted the Supra could be sold under the Gazoo Racing brand as he stated "The Supra will be by Gazoo."

Photo Gallery

Are The New Genesis 90, Lincoln Continental, And Volvo S90 Worthy Alternatives To Germany's Luxo-Barges?

Posted: 06 Nov 2017 12:59 PM PST


German and Japanese automakers typically dominate the luxury sales chart but Roadshow recently decided to check out alternative sedans from Genesis, Lincoln, and Volvo.

While they may not have the cachet of BMW or Mercedes, the Genesis 90, Lincoln Continental, and Volvo S90 have plenty to offer and cost significantly less than cars like the 7-Series and S-Class - though to be fair, despite their bigger size, they are mostly considered rivals to the 5-Series and E-Class.

Kicking things off is the G90 which stickered for $71,550. It comes equipped with a 3.3-liter V6 that produces 365 hp (272 kW) and 376 lb-ft (509 Nm) of torque. Thanks to all-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic transmission, the car can "hustle" while also emitting a pleasant exhaust note. Despite having an upscale interior with tons of space, the car was knocked for not having a touchscreen infotainment system and not supporting Android Auto or Apple CarPlay.

The Lincoln Continental wasn't much cheaper as it cost $70,940. That seems pretty pricey for a Lincoln sedan but the car features a twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6 engine that develops 400 hp (298 kW) and 400 lb-ft (541 Nm) of torque. Despite being the most powerful sedan in the test, the reviewers noted the car isn't "jaw dropping fast" and is the only one in the group to have a six-speed automatic transmission. However, there's still a lot to like as the car comes loaded with technology and has tons of rear seat legroom.

The Volvo S90 was the cheapest of the three and cost around $66,000. Unfortunately, the model came with a turbocharged and supercharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder which was deemed unrefined. The engine was also the least powerful with 316 hp (235 kW) and 295 lb-ft (400 Nm) of torque but, on the bright side, it returns 22 mpg city and 31 mph highway.

That bad news doesn't stop there as review notes sport mode ruins the driving experience and the optional 20-inch wheels result in a bad ride. The interior is also the smallest of the three models and the infotainment system was slow.

In the end, the G90 came out on top as it has a good combination of performance, comfort, and space.

Video

New Mitsubishi Mirage Reportedly Getting Next-Gen Renault Clio Platform

Posted: 06 Nov 2017 12:35 PM PST


Mitsubishi are looking to challenge the likes of the Opel Corsa and Ford Fiesta with their very own supermini, which will serve as a replacement for the current Mirage.

It remains unknown at this point whether it will keep its moniker, but it will be offered across the European market, based on the same mechanicals as the next generation Renault Clio and Nissan Micra, AutoExpress reports.

"Designing and building a bespoke platform is expensive, and the margins in the small car sector are smaller. So, are we looking to use Renault and Nissan platforms in that segment [B]? The answer is yes", said the Japanese brand's corporate vice president and product planning chief, Vincent Cobee, who joined Mitsubishi last year, when Nissan bought a controlling stake.

The new Mitsubishi Mirage is expected to use small three- and four-cylinder engines, some of which will be shared with the Dacia brand, as well as the Smart ForTwo and ForFour. Moreover, the subcompact car is also believed to gain a fully electric version in the future, as it plays an important role in helping the automaker achieve their emissions regulations.

Note: 2018 Mitsubishi Mirage pictured

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Nardo Grey BMW M4 Looks Better Than You'd Imagine

Posted: 06 Nov 2017 12:02 PM PST


Nardo Grey is typically reserved for high-performance models from Audi but this BMW M4 proves that Audi's fiercest rival can also pull off this paint scheme faultlessly.

This particular M4 resides in California and since leaving the factory in Nardo Grey, has been customized with a plethora of aftermarket parts, making it look even more menacing than the M4 GTS.

Perhaps the most significant modification are the spectacular BBS FI-R wheels, measuring 20x9.5 at the front and 20x10.5 at the rear. Priced at roughly $2,000 per wheel, they certainly aren't cheap, but they do play a key role in transforming the look of the sports car.

Elsewhere, the car has been equipped with bright yellow Brembo brake calipers, an APR Performance carbon fiber front splitter, BMW M Performance carbon trunklid spoiler, RKP GTS rear wing and a carbon fiber diffuser from Kohlenstoff. Although these parts come from a host of different manufacturers, they work in harmony to create what is surely one of the most menacing M4's on U.S. roads.

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