Thursday 9 November 2017

CARSCOOPS

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Lamborghini Urus Jumps Over Sand Dunes In 'Sabbia' Mode

Posted: 09 Nov 2017 04:52 AM PST


After years of development, Lamborghini has finally started to provide a closer glimpse into their second SUV - the Urus.

Teased ahead of its December 4 presentation, the company's third vehicle, after the Huracan and Aventador, features the usual Strada, Sport, and Corsa driving modes, in addition to three new ones: Terra (land), Neve (snow), and Sabbia (sand).

And while the first two will technically provide it with additional grip on challenging terrains, the latter is clearly aimed at having fun on the sand dunes, so those wealthy Middle Eastern buyers will definitely grow fond of it, during the occasional dune bashing, and not only.

Inspired by the Urus Concept shown more than 5 years ago, the spiritual successor of the LM002 will take some important steps aside from the Huracan and Aventador. It will not only be suitable for everyday drive, but it will also use a 4.0-liter twin-turbo'd V8 engine, unlike the naturally aspirated V10 and V12 used by its supercar siblings.

The unit is expected to develop approximately 650hp, which in theory will make it faster than the W12-powered Bentley Bentayga.

VIDEO

Lotus Exige Cup 430 Is Here To Show Us What Extreme Truly Means

Posted: 09 Nov 2017 04:30 AM PST


It's hard to imagine an even more hardcore driving machine than the regular Lotus Exige, though every time we think that, Lotus goes and releases something like this.

Enter the new Exige Cup 430, which supplants the existing Cup 380 at the top of the range.

To make the Cup 430, Lotus has fitted the engine from the Evora GT430, a 3.5-liter supercharged V6 rated at (you guessed it) 430 horsepower, backed by 325 lb-ft (440 Nm) of torque, all channeled to the rear wheels through an open-gate, six-speed manual transmission.

The new Cup 430 is more than just an engine-shoehorn job, though. Lotus has tuned the powertrain specifically for the lighter Exige, fitted more aggressive aero, and (true to founder Colin Chapman's ethos) made it lighter, too.

In fact, properly specified (without the airbag), the Exige Cup 430 can weigh as little as 2,328 pounds (1,055 kg). With such a power-to-weight ratio, Lotus says its latest model will hit 60 mph (96 km/h) in 3.2 seconds and top out at 180 miles per hour (289 km/h). This despite the 485 pounds (220 kg) of downforce the 430's new aero package is capable of generating, shifted more towards the front for sharper turn-in – all of which helps in the corners, but creates more drag in a straight line.

The best indicator of the new Cup 430's capabilities, in the end, may very well be its lap time. Lotus says the ultimate Exige will round its legendary Hethel test track in just 1 minute and 24.8 seconds, making it the fastest production car ever to lap the circuit. That's 1.2 seconds faster than the hardcore 3-Eleven.

Unfortunately, with federal regulations having long since outpaced the Exige's development, US customers won't be able to drive the Cup 430 on American roads (though they may be able to buy it for track duty). The order books are open now in Europe, though, with a £99,800 sticker price in the UK, €127,500 in Germany, and €128,600 in France.

Photo Gallery

What'll It Be, Four LaFerraris Or This Classic California Spider?

Posted: 09 Nov 2017 03:58 AM PST


Nobody ever said a Ferrari would be cheap. But even among Prancing Horses, some are more expensive than others. Much, much more expensive.

Take this latest classic consigned to RM Sotheby's for its upcoming sale in New York, for example. It's a 1959 Ferrari 250 GT LWB Competizione Spider – not unlike the one immortalized in Ferris Bueller's Day Off, only considerably more so.

Chassis number 1451 GT was the second of just eight California Spiders bodied in aluminum and built to competition specifications. And it raced, finishing third in its class and fifth overall at Le Mans in 1959 before going on to compete in (and even win) other local events in the United States.

Ferrari Classiche-certitied, extensively restored in 2011, and returned to its original Le Mans livery, 1451 GT took first in its class at Pebble Beach and a platinum award at the Cavallino Classic. When it crosses the block a month from now, the auctioneer expects it will sell for upwards of $14 (and as much as $17m).

For that kind of money, you could put four LaFerraris in your garage. In fact, if that's more to your liking, there'll be one up for grabs at the same event, where it's expected to sell for about $3.5 million (or a quarter of the California's low-end value). There's a (relatively) more accessible 250 GT convertible – a 1961 Series II Cabriolet – also on offer with a ~$1.7-million estimate.

Those are just a few of the seven-figure lots consigned, but the alloy California is the highest, and only one valued at eight figures. Take a gander at the gallery of images below by Cymon Taylor and Diana Varga, courtesy of RM Sotheby's.

Photo Gallery

2018 Ram 1500 Hydro Blue Sport Edition Puts Gets A Racy French Kiss

Posted: 09 Nov 2017 03:35 AM PST


Big and bold as it is, it'd be hard to miss a Ram truck. But those looking to stand out even more – and forgo the chrome for a sportier look – may be intrigued by this latest special edition.

The 2018 Ram 1500 Hydro Blue Sport is pretty much what its name says. It's a Ram 1500 pickup in a special shade of blue and a sporty appearance.

The Hydro Blue follows the Sublime green and Copper editions launched earlier this year, and the Ignition Orange from late last year – and will be the last one released before 2017 draws to a close.

Apart from the vibrant blue paintjob, the Hydro edition features black hood graphics, Sport grille with black billet inserts and lettering. The vibrant, almost French Racing Blue paintjob is offset by black accents throughout: the hood graphics, billet grille and lettering, badges, headlamp bezels... they're all done up in black. But the front fascia, rear bumper, side mirrors, and door handles are all color-keyed.

The wheels are chromed (20 inches on 4x4s and 22s on 4x2s) or available in black, while the interior is all done up to match the outside with blue accents. The special edition is based on the Ram 1500 Sport with the crew cab, short bed, and 5.7-liter Hemi V8. Only 2,000 examples will be offered, with an MSRP of $46,060 (plus $1,395 destination).

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This Classic Beetle Is Running The Baja 1000 With VW's Blessing

Posted: 09 Nov 2017 03:03 AM PST


To compete in an event as punishing and exhausting as the SCORE Baja 1000, you need a vehicle that's as rugged and robust as it is powerful and capable. Something like... a 1970 VW Beetle?

That's what the team at ProjectBaja.com has in store for this year's rally raid, and it's doing it with backing from Volkswagen itself.

The vintage bug packs its original 1.6-liter boxer four, air-cooled, with a type-1 transaxle. Fortunately the rest of the vehicle has been beefed up for the rigors of the famously grueling cross-country rally.

The cabin's been stripped out, for starters, and fitted with a full roll cage, buckets, and harnesses – along with essential communication and navigation equipment. The gas tank was also replaced by a 22-gallon safety cell, and the tires with BFGoodrich all-terrain rubber, mounted to 15-inch wheels and a beefed-up suspension with external-reservoir Fox dampers, stiffer springs, and a heavy-duty rear torsion bar.

The modified Beetle will compete in Class 11 when the 50th running of the Baja 1000 kicks off a week from now in Ensenada, Mexico, before finishing 1,134 miles later in La Paz on the other side of the Baja California peninsula.

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Video

Porsche's Next 911 GT3 RS Won't Get A Manual 'Box

Posted: 09 Nov 2017 01:31 AM PST


The minds of diehard Porsche fans were blown when the carmaker re-introduced a manual transmission to the facelifted GT3. Unfortunately, the track-focused GT3 RS won't follow suit.

Recently speaking with Car Advice about the possibility of offering new RS models with manual transmissions, the head of Porsche GT's road car development programme, Andreas Preuninger, said it won't happen.

"RS means Renn Sport, which means it has to be quick on the track, that it's all about fast times on the track, and that means the PDK.

"The PDK has advantages on the track that can't be beaten by a manual, and the ones who prefer the manual transmission are not typically the track rats as we call them, but they are those who like to enjoy their cars on the normal public roads. I would say a GT2 RS with a manual option would have a four or five percent share of the market, we couldn't justify that," he revealed.

As disappointing as this is, the popularity of the new GT3 with the manual transmission should ensure such vehicles remain in Porsche's line-up for quite some time.

According to Preuninger, the carmaker believes approximately 30 per cent of 991.2 911 GT3s built will be equipped with the six-speed manual instead of the PDK. By comparison, approximately 23 per cent of 2016 Corvettes were equipped with traditional stick shifts, proving just how many driving enthusiasts are Porsche customers.

Photo Credits: CarPix for CarScoops

PHOTO GALLERY

Honda's Baby NSX Emerges As Sports Vision Gran Turismo Concept

Posted: 09 Nov 2017 04:48 AM PST


Vision Gran Turismo concepts often take on proportions of the outlandish: Le Mans prototypes, almost, without any regulations or practical considerations to take into account. Honda, however, has taken a different approach.

The Japanese automaker today released its latest contribution to the pantheon of digital sports-car concepts in the form of the Honda Sports Vision Gran Turismo. And while it may not be quite ready for the showroom, it looks a lot closer than most of its virtual-reality stablemates.

It also looks familiar: distinctly similar, in fact, to the patent images we saw over two years ago. At that point we thought we were looking at a baby NSX. And it could manifest into just that. But for now, it's confined to the imaginary world of the Gran Turismo gaming franchise.

The concept was designed by Honda's studio in California and developed in Japan. And while it may (for the time being) exist principally in digital form, a full-scale model was built and tested in a wind-tunnel – not just in computational fluid dynamics simulators.

The brief calls for carbon-fiber-intensive construction to help keep weight down to a (theoretical) 1982 pounds. That's just over half of what today's NSX weighs, a good third less than the old S2000, and barely more than the tiny S660 roadster.

The other side of the power-to-weight ratio is a 2.0-liter DOHC-VTEC turbo four – similar, we'd imagine, to the one found in the Civic Type R, but tuned to produce over 400 horsepower and mated to an eight-speed dual clutch transmission.

It all sounds and looks great. Fantastic, even – which is exactly what this concept is... for now. Here's hoping it manages to leap off our TV screens and onto the street in the near future.

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Vilner Unveils Bespoke Tramontana With Gold Accents

Posted: 09 Nov 2017 12:02 AM PST


The interior specialists at Vilner have created a modified Tramontana XTR and unveiled the vehicle at the recent SEMA Show in Las Vegas.

Keen supercar enthusiasts will be familiar with the Tramontana name but many other won't be. In short, Tramontana is a Spanish automaker that fused the worlds of supercars and jet fighters to create one of the wildest creations on four wheels. It's unclear if the company is still building vehicles but the XTR pictured looks just as wild as the vehicle rendered some five years ago.

Vilner started off with a blank canvas and started its modifications by painting the Tramontana matte black. Next, it applied a plethora of gold accents to the supercar's exterior to make it look like a spaceship from a far-away planet.

Inside, the gold theme continues with bright trimmings applied to the seats, steering wheel, speaker surrounds, dials and gauge cluster. The results are one-part intriguing and three-parts tacky.

PHOTO GALLERY

Toyota Saves $879 Million To Fund Research And Development

Posted: 08 Nov 2017 08:42 PM PST


Toyota has managed to save 100 billion yen ($879 million) in the six months ending September and plans to use the savings to help fund research and development costs.

To achieve such considerable savings, Toyota employed a host of measures, including the continued roll out of its new manufacturing process. This has resulted in more than $3,300 being saved every minute in the previous six months.

Bloomberg reports that this year, Toyota will dramatically increase its research and development costs, spending 1.06 trillion yen ($9.3 billion) as it aggressively explores electrified powertrains and new technologies, including self-driving hardware and software.

Speaking to reporters at a briefing in Tokyo, Toyota chief financial officer Osamu Nagata said it was important for the carmaker to save money wherever possible.

"We not only need to develop these leading technologies but also need to commercialize them. In order to do that, we need to increase R&D expenses. This will be a cost burden so we need to speed up cost reduction," he said.

In a note issued to clients, Nomura Holdings analyst Masataka Kunugimoto suggested that Toyota's huge R&D costs could see it become an industry leader in new technology.

"With Toyota aggressively investing in hybrid vehicles, solid-state batteries and self-driving technologies while also actively partnering with other companies, it will likely emerge as the auto industry's next-generation technology leader," Kunugimoto said.

PHOTO GALLERY

Is This The Porsche 718 Cayman GT4?

Posted: 08 Nov 2017 08:03 PM PST


An image has just surfaced online which may show the upcoming Porsche 718 Cayman GT4.

We've known about Porsche testing the new model for about six months but this car, shared online by the Porsche Universe Facebook page, shows a 718 Cayman equipped with all the necessary GT4 parts and without any camouflage.

Unlike recently-spied prototypes which were based around the previous-generation Cayman, this example is clearly based on the 718, as evidenced by its taillights and rear decklid. Notable GT4 parts include the wheels, fixed rear wing and modified rear diffuser. A set of red brake calipers complete the obvious styling tweaks.

While it remains to be seen if this is a factory prototype for the 718 Cayman GT4 or simply a standard 718 Cayman which has been modified by its owner, the finished product should be very close to how the new GT4 looks.

A key matter of debate for the new GT4 surrounds its engine. The current 718 Cayman makes use of a turbocharged flat-four but our sources tell us that the GT4 will receive a detuned version of the 4.0-liter naturally-aspirated six-cylinder from the latest 911 GT3.

PHOTO GALLERY

VW To Use Quantum Computing With Google

Posted: 08 Nov 2017 07:34 PM PST


Volkswagen will partner with Google to develop new vehicle technologies on advanced quantum computers.

Bloomberg reports that the German car manufacturer will use quantum computing to simulate the structure of electric vehicle batteries, develop artificial intelligence for autonomous driving, and refine traffic-management systems.

In a statement, VW's chief information officer Martin Hofman said the company wants to be the first to the market with new digital features for its cars.

"Quantum computer technology opens new dimensions for us. We from Volkswagen want to be among the first to use quantum computing as a company as soon as this technology is commercially available."

As part of the tie-up between the two firms, Google will provide VW with access to devices that process information by using the principals of quantum mechanics. Before reaching an agreement with Google, Volkswagen used quantum computing in March to optimize traffic for 10,000 taxis in Beijing.

"We're looking forward to explore together how quantum computing could change and bring forward the automobile industry," development head at Google Quantum Artificial Intelligence Laboratory, Hartmut Neven said.

PHOTO GALLERY

Jaguar's Biggest Customer Just Ordered 30 XF Sportbrakes

Posted: 09 Nov 2017 04:49 AM PST


We have to hand it to Jaguar for building the XF Sportbrake. Even as demand for conventional wagons wanes, it saw the case for extending the roof on its mid-size sedan.

Now no such decision could ever be vindicated by a single order, but this latest couldn't hurt: one company just ordered 30 of the Jaguar wagons all at once.

The customer is Portfolio Cars, which intends to use the Sportbrakes to shuttle VIPs around London's Heathrow Airport. What's more is that this isn't the first time it's ordered multiple Jags all at once.

Back in 2015, Portfolio took delivery of eighteen XF sedans and two XJs to replace their fleet of Benzes. Late last year, it ordered another eight XJs and 38 XF sedans, with another ten XFs earlier this year. Tallied with the new order, that comes to 106 Jaguars from just this one customer, which makes Portfolio's the largest fleet of Jaguars in the world.

"The XF Sportbrake is the epitome of understated luxury and style, packed full of innovative features and a really flexible and spacious cabin," explained Portfolio chairman Peter Buchanan. "Our highly valued clients expect a quiet and comfortable journey, and XF Sportbrake was an irresistible proposition for us. This is the next step in our excellent partnership with Jaguar Land Rover, and we look forward to building our fleet further with them in the future."

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Fernando Alonso Primed To Race With Toyota At Le Mans

Posted: 08 Nov 2017 06:31 PM PST


Barely a week after it was confirmed that Fernando Alonso will race at January's Daytona 24 Hours, it has been revealed the Spaniard could drive for Toyota at next year's 24 Hours of Le Mans.

Motorsport reports that Alonso recently had a seat fitting at Toyota Motorsport's factory in Cologne and will first secure a drive of the Toyota TS050 Hybrid at the FIA World Endurance Championship's rookie test in Bahrain on November 19.

Alonso has made no secret of his desire to win motorsport's Triple Crown – the Monaco Grand Prix, Le Mans and Indy 500.

As soon as Alonso announced he will stay with the McLaren Formula One team throughout the 2018 F1 season, Toyota has expressed interest in acquiring his skills for June's famous endurance race.

"We are always interested in talking to top drivers and Pascal [Vasselon, TMG technical director] has a good relationship with Fernando going back to his days with Michelin in F1," said Toyota team director Rob Leupen.

If Alonso is serious about winning Le Mans, landing a drive with Toyota is essentially his only option. The Japanese automaker will be the only factory team running an LMP1 car at the race, following Porsche's dramatic departure from the sport at the end of the current season.

PHOTO GALLERY

Stock BMW 1M Coupe Hits The Drag Strip, Sounds Delicious

Posted: 08 Nov 2017 06:02 PM PST


Prior to the M2 Coupe's development, BMW had the 1M around, in a limited production version that in some ways, reminded enthusiasts of the E30 M3.

Based on its hatch 135i sibling, the compact model wears the '1M' badge instead of the 'M1' to avoid confusion with the legendary sports car designed by Giugiaro, made from 1978 to 1981.

Over the years, the 1M Coupe has proved its skills by taking on some powerful machines, putting its 3.0-liter twin-turbo straight-six engine to work, developing 335 horses and 332 pound-feet (450Nm) of torque. That is enough to propel it from 0 to 62mph (100km/h) in 4.9sec, and up to a top speed that's electronically limited at 155mph (250km/h).

Although the powerful M car has become a collector's item, reaching close to $60,000 on the used car market, some of the 6,309 examples continue to be put through their paces at various events. The latest one was captured on video during the Race 1000, in Germany, where it did a few fast runs, to the delight of the audience, making some sweet music along the way.

VIDEO

One-Off Golden Austin Healey Is Worthy Of Austin Powers

Posted: 08 Nov 2017 05:29 PM PST


You might expect to find gold trim on a Rolls-Royce. Maybe an old Jaguar, even. But an Austin-Healey?

That's what visitors must have pondered when they saw this roadster at the Earls Court Motor Show in London back in October of 1958. And it certainly captured their attention.

That was the whole point, after all. And it wasn't decked out as such after the fact. This is how it left the factory.

The one-of-a-kind 1958 Austin Healey 100-Six was created as a publicity stunt, painted ivory with everything (and then some) that would be dipped in chrome plated in 24-karat gold instead: the wheels, brake discs, badges, bumpers, mirrors, instruments... all the way down to the washers and screws. The cockpit was all decked out in champagne Connolly suede, with matching mink fur trim on the seats.

Valued at nearly four times the price of a standard 100-Six, the car was sold before the show even opened to the Daily Express, which gave it away as part of a contest.

It subsequently passed through a number of hands before experts Bruce and Inan Phillips of Healey Surgeons were commissioned to restore it in 1983. Jeff's Resurrections out of Taylor, Texas, restored it again in 2012, and now it's heading to the auction block as "the most fantastic Austin-Healey ever produced" (and the only road-going model the company ever made with four-wheel disc brakes).

It's consigned without reserve price for sale in New York next month, where it's expected to sell for between $350,000 and $550,000. Put on your sunglasses and check it out in the gallery of images below by Pepper Yandell for RM Sotheby's.

Photo Gallery

All-Electric Vespa Scooter Unveiled With 62-Mile Range

Posted: 08 Nov 2017 05:02 PM PST


Exactly twelve months after Vespa announced its intent to unveil an all-electric scooter, the Italian company has done just that, unveiling the Vespa Elettrica at the Milan Motorcycle Show.

Piaggio, the parent company of Vespa, says the Elettrica has a range of roughly 62 miles (100 km) and that it will take four hours of charging from a normal wall outlet to completely recharge the battery.

Interestingly, Piaggio admits that future buyers should only expect 10 years of life out of the batteries. Additionally, 1,000 charge cycles will reduce the battery to 80 per cent of its original capacity.

In terms of the scooter's design, the example pictured is immediately identifiable from other Vespa models with a silver paint job and bright blue accents. For customers looking to express their personality, six other colors will be available.

A prominent 4.3-inch TFT color display is also found between the handlebars and displays all important scooter information. The screen also includes Bluetooth, allowing owners to pair their phones and have the screen display text messages and incoming phone calls.

Soon after the Vespa Elettrica lands in showrooms, a hybrid version with a petrol-powered generator, dubbed the Elettrica X, will arrive with a 124-mile (200 km) range.

PHOTO GALLERY

Turkey Working On A Home-Grown Automaker

Posted: 08 Nov 2017 05:06 PM PST


Turkey has a bold plan to create a home-grown automaker by 2019 with a plan to launch its first production model in 2021.

The initiative, dubbed 'Automobile of Turkey' and overseen by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, has brought together five local automotive and technology companies. These companies, Anadolu Group, BMC, Kiraca Holding, Turkcell, and Zorlu Holding, will take part in a consortium to make the brand a reality.

During a media event for the announcement of the Automobile Industry Domestic joint venture group in Ankara, Erdogan said he wants to own the first car off the production line.

"I declare right now that I want to own the first car, provided I pay the price of the first car you will launch on the market. No one should hesitate. We will produce Turkey's [first] car using the best design and technology, both for our country and the world," he said.

Last year, over 750,000 automobiles were sold throughout Turkey. Erdogan believes a home-grown car brand will be "a historic step to get rid of this shame." In the first eight months of 2017, around 423,000 cars were delivered in the country, with about 294,000 of those vehicles imported and the rest produced locally.

Prime Minister Binali Yildirim said that the project "will add new success to the ongoing achievements of Turkey. It is out of the question for Turkey to not produce cars domestically as it has become so competent in the automotive sector."


Note: Toyota CH-R production in Turkey pictured.

PHOTO GALLERY

TopCar Transforms Mercedes V-Class Into Something Fit For A Hollywood Star

Posted: 08 Nov 2017 04:05 PM PST


When you're obscenely wealthy and a Rolls-Royce just isn't large enough, purchasing a modified Mercedes-Benz V-Class is the way to go.

Consequently, it's not surprising that an increasing array of tuning companies are working their magic on the V-Class, transforming the usually-mundane van into something fit for a king. The latest firm to do just this is TopCar.

Modifications made to the V-Class start in the cabin. Depending on the customer's wishes, the V-Class can be equipped with two spacious, front-facing lounge chairs or alternatively, four comfortable leather seats.

If just two are optioned, the opposing half of the V-Class's interior is dominated by a large flatscreen TV with surround sound, a selection of beautifully-finished cabinets and all the chrome trimmings you could wish for. Other available interior configurations include luscious curtains and fold-out tables.

Turning to the exterior, it too is available with a selection of custom touches. Among these are a carbon fiber hood, revised front fascia and grille, custom side skirts, bespoke wheels, quad tailpipes and a carbon fiber rear diffuser.

PHOTO GALLERY

Production-Ready Devel Sixteen Coming To Dubai Motor Show

Posted: 08 Nov 2017 03:36 PM PST


Shortly after we witnessed the Devel Sixteen's quad-turbo V16 engine delivering 5007 hp on a dyno, it has emerged that the production-ready car could premiere at next week's Dubai Motor Show.

In the four years since premiering as a concept in Dubai, most had thought the project was simply vaporware and would never see the light of day.

However, Road & Track reports that Devel is partnering with Italian manufacturing firm Manifattura Automobili Torino to make the Sixteen a production reality.

For those that don't know, Manifatture Automobili Torino has been tasked with building both the Scuderia Cameron Glickenhaus SCG 003 and the new Apollo Intensa Emozione, therefore making it the prime candidate to bring Dubai's craziest-ever car to the roads.

Now aware of how much power Steve Morris Engines has been able to extract from the powertrain, Devel still quotes the Sixteen as having over 5000 hp, or, as it describes it, "the power of ten supercars." All this grunt will reportedly launch the hypercar to over 310 mph (500 km/h). Remarkably, Devel claims that the car will still be suitable as a daily driver.

Stay tuned for more about the car in the coming days.

VIDEO

Mercedes Looks Back At The Original G-Class As It Prepares To Introduce New Model

Posted: 08 Nov 2017 03:13 PM PST


Mercedes is gearing up to introduce an all-new G-Class and the company is counting down to the event by revealing the SUV's 10 most memorable moments.

The first clip focuses on the original model which was introduced in 1979 but the story starts much earlier than that as development began in 1972. A year later, the company joined forces with Steyr-Daimler-Puch AG and agreed to jointly-develop a "light all-wheel drive off-roader for private use."

A number of different proposals were discussed but the companies eventually decided to create an SUV that embraced "reliability, robustness, and virtually limitless off-road ability." This probably caused engineers some sleepless nights as it meant the G-Class would need to have an all-synchromesh transfer case which could be engaged while moving and 100-percent differential locks instead of more traditional locking differentials. The companies were already envisioning a number of different body styles, so they decided to base the G-Class on ladder-type frame which could support multiple variants.

Mercedes presented a 1:1 wooden scale model in 1973 and began testing prototypes a year later. A second feasibility study was conducted in 1975 and the Shah of Iran, who was a major shareholder in Daimler-Benz, expressed interest in a military version. He ending up placing an order for 20,000 units, however the order was cancelled after the country's revolution. Despite this setback, governments took notice and soon began requesting the model for their own armies.

The G-Class went into production in 1979 and was initially available as a convertible with a short wheelbase or a station wagon with a short or long wheelbase. There was also a military variant with a long-wheelbase and a canvas roof.

Four engines options were offered including a four-cylinder diesel with 72 PS (53 kW) and a five-cylinder diesel with 88 PS (65 kW). Other choices include a six-cylinder petrol with 150 PS (110 kW) and a four-cylinder petrol with outputs of 90 PS (66 kW) and 100 PS (75 kW).

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Report Claims Tesla Model S Is Less Eco-Friendly Than The Mitsubishi Mirage

Posted: 08 Nov 2017 04:57 PM PST


The Tesla Model S is often heralded as the best electric vehicle on the market but a new report suggests it might not actually be that environmentally friendly.

As Auto Express reports, researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology compared the lifecycle CO2 emissions of several different vehicles including a BMW 7-Series, a Mitsubishi Mirage, and a Tesla Model S. The results are a tad surprising as the report claims the Mirage is actually the most eco-friendly of the group as the car emits 192 grams of CO2 for every kilometer it is driven. The Model S wasn't far behind at 226 g/km, while the 7-Series registered 385 g/km.

While you're probably thinking how can an electric vehicle produce CO2 emissions, MIT Tranick Lab examined multiple factors including how much emissions were created in the vehicle's production and how much emissions would be made when the vehicle was scrapped. They also examined how much CO2 would be produced as a result of powering the vehicle whether it used gasoline or electricity generated by power plants.

The researchers appeared to have made several assumptions but they stress they weren't trying to shine a negative light on electric vehicles. As MIT's Jessika Trancik explained, "Both hybrids and electric vehicles are better than conventional cars."

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O Canada: Five Naked People Arrested After Bizarre Kidnapping And Crash

Posted: 08 Nov 2017 02:01 PM PST


Canada is often seeing as America's friendly neighbor to the north but the country pulled a Florida earlier this week thanks to a bizarre naked kidnapping.

According to the CBC News, three people were kidnapped at around 9:30 a.m. on Monday morning and forced into a vehicle against their will. Thankfully, all three were able to escape and flag down a passing motorist who offered their assistance.

The kidnappers weren't deterred by this development and rammed into the back of the truck that was being driven by the good samaritan. The crash didn't injure the victims but it sent the kidnapper's car into a ditch. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police arrived shortly thereafter and were surprised to find five naked suspects.

Police took them into custody but four of them had to be transported to the hospital for undisclosed injuries. The three adult suspects will be charged with kidnapping and resisting arrest while the other two suspects were "youths" and were released without charges.

The investigation is still ongoing but the RCMP believes "this was a targeted incident and that all parties were known to each other." Unsurprisingly, police also believe drugs or alcohol may have been involved.

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Hyundai Eyeing Entry-Level Crossover, Kona EV News Coming Soon

Posted: 08 Nov 2017 01:30 PM PST


According to a recent report, Hyundai is considering a new compact crossover.

Wards Auto says the company is exploring the possibility of creating an A-segment crossover which would have boxy styling that is somewhat similar to the larger Kia Soul. Hyundai Motor America's Vice President of Corporate and Product Planning, Mike O'Brien, told the publication the crossover would likely need all-wheel drive and that would make the model more expensive than the Accent.

As he explained, "You can't design two totally different platforms – one that's just a two-wheel-drive platform and another that's an AWD platform." Instead, automakers develop one platform that supports both configurations but this has several downsides as it requires components - such as the front wheel hubs - to be stronger than if they were just going to be used on a two-wheel drive model.

Besides talking about a possible A-segment crossover, O'Brien revealed the Kona could arrive at U.S. dealerships sooner than expected. The model will celebrate its North American debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show later this month and there's a chance that the crossover could go on sale before the end of the year.

O'Brien went on to say the next-generation Santa Fe will be" more suitable for the U.S. market" and news about the Kona EV is coming "very soon."

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AM General Suing Call Of Duty Developers Over HMMWV Usage

Posted: 08 Nov 2017 01:01 PM PST


Most people might not know what a High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle is but if you asked them about a HUMVEE or HMMWV, they'll probably understand.

The vehicle is one of the most iconic military machines in the world and it is one of AM General's best known products. As a result, the company is pretty protective of the vehicle and recently filed a lawsuit against Activision Blizzard Inc for incorporating its trademarks into various video games without permission.

According to Reuters, AM General is upset that HMMWVs are prominently featured in video games such as the Call of Duty series as well as toys and books that Activision licenses out to third parties. The success of the series shouldn't be underestimated as Call of Duty became the world's largest console franchise in 2016 and sales topped 250 million units last year which resulted in more than $15 billion in revenue.

The automaker says these profits come at the "expense of AM General and consumers who are deceived into believing that AM General licenses the games or is somehow connected with or involved in the creation of the games." AM General has been in discussions with Activision for over a year but decided to go the legal route after the talks failed to result in a settlement.

The lawsuit is asking for compensatory, punitive, and triple damages. It will be heard in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York.

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Watch Half A Century Of Pony-Car Progress Flash Before Your Eyes

Posted: 08 Nov 2017 12:33 PM PST


The term "icon" gets thrown around a lot, but if there's one vehicle that deserves the honorific, it's surely the Ford Mustang.

Since its debut in 1964, the Mustang has stood as the very embodiment of the pony car and the epitome of accessible performance.

Over the course of the past half-century, though, it's changed a lot – from the original through the Mustang II, the Fox body, the jellybean era of the 1990s, past the retro generation, to the thoroughly modern one we have today.

Modern necessities have bloated the Mustang's weight by now to nearly double the original's, but it's also available with nearly double the horsepower. Some elements have remained constant though: big muscle up front, driven wheels at the back, and a price tag that the working man could at least aspire to.

Watch the pony-car story evolve before your eyes in this latest two-minute video from Donut Media.

Video

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