Monday 11 December 2017

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Mercedes-Benz X-Class Gets A Visual Makeover From Prior Design

Posted: 11 Dec 2017 04:30 AM PST


While the new Mercedes-Benz X-Class is not exactly "tuning material", Prior Design believe that it could still use a visual upgrade or two.

Starting at the front, we can see that the bumper has been changed, featuring larger air intakes and a thin LED strip on each side, likely serving as DRLs. There's also a tweaked grille, with the tuner's logo replacing Mercedes' 3-pointed star.

The pickup has also received wide fenders for all four corners, a slightly modified rear bumper, and an aftermarket wheel set that's shown wrapped in either wide tires, or all-terrain ones. The latter version has a few design changes compared to the former, noticeable mostly at the front where the sporty bumper is replaced with one that's more suitable for challenging terrains.

Prior Design hasn't made the Mercedes-Benz X-Class more powerful, but they can fit it with aftermarket suspensions and exhaust systems on request, plus special paint jobs or wraps.

Additionally, a more upscale interior, with lots of Alcantara and contrast stitching, alongside the tuner's logo added to the steering wheel and engraved into the headrests, is also available.

PHOTO GALLERY

Buy This Entire AMG Black Series Collection In Florida

Posted: 11 Dec 2017 03:56 AM PST


AMG fans miss the Black Series. We know. We do too. But Mercedes doesn't make them anymore. It may yet again, but in the meantime, prospective buyers have to look on the second-hand market.

We've brought you a few such examples that have come up for sale or auction, but nothing quite like this.

At its upcoming sale in Kissimmee next month, Mecum Auctions will sell off not one or two, but four AMG Black Series models – all as one lot.

Part of the sprawling Michael Fux collection, the lot includes a 2008 CLK63, 2009 SL65, 2012 C63, and 2014 SLS – all Black Series versions, and all in black (naturally). All that's missing is the SLK55 that kicked off the series in 2006. But then, with "only" 390 horsepower, that was the least powerful of the five.

Like what you see? Mecum estimates the quartet will sell for between $850k and $1 million. But as unprecedented as this collection is, we could end up very surprised. And if you don't like what you see, the Fux collection has plenty else on offer – including some other hardcore, limited-edition track machines like a 2016 Porsche 911 GT3 RS and 2011 GT2 RS, and a Ferrari F12 TdF and 458 Speciale Aperta.

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Maserati Would Be A Welcome Addition To Any Formula Racing Grid

Posted: 11 Dec 2017 03:31 AM PST


Rumors have been circulating that Maserati is planning on returning to the racing grid. The jury's still out on whether that might be in Formula One or Formula E, but either way, we'd welcome its arrival with open arms.

Especially if this is what its racer would look like. Designed by Luca Lazzini and shared via Behance, these renderings show what a modern F1 car might look like with a Maserati livery. And while it may not look as dynamic as some of the other liveries we've seen, what it lacks in excitement it makes up for in elegance.

That in and of itself could be enough for Maserati's single-seaters – whether in Formula One or Formula E – stand out from the rest of the grid, especially in the more glamorous locations both FIA-sanctioned formula racing series have been known to compete.

In the end, Maserati's presence in any racer's livery would likely be shared with other sponsors – like Haas in F1, or Vitafone that sponsored the most victorious of MC12 GT1 cars. But as far as food for thought goes, this one's refreshingly different.

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Lamborghini Urus Aims To Snag The Nurburgring SUV Lap Record

Posted: 11 Dec 2017 02:51 AM PST


With a 0-62 time of 3.6 seconds and a top speed quoted at 190 mph, the new Lamborghini Urus is not lacking for performance credentials. But before all's said and done, it will go for at least one more.

Car reports that Lamborghini is already planning to take its new crossover to the Nürburgring in pursuit of the production-SUV lap record. And it's fairly confident it will take it by a comfortable margin.

The current lap record belongs to the another high-performance Italian crossover – the Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio – which set a time of 7:51.7 just a couple of months ago. That was enough to beat the 7:59.74 set by the Porsche Cayenne Turbo S, and the 8:14 clocked by the Range Rover Sport SVR.

With far more power on tap, the boys in Sant'Agata Bolognese apparently view victory in this particular category as a foregone conclusion. "We will do it," the company's chief engineer Maurizio Reggiani smilingly told Car. "We need to wait for a warmer season with good weather. We will be back in the spring."

The Raging Bull marque is no stranger to the procedure, standing (alongside sister brand Porsche) as one of the few automakers to have cracked the seven-minute barrier at the Nordschleife in road-going production vehicles: first with the Aventador SV (6:59.73 in 2015), then with the Huracan Performante (6:52.01 in 2016).

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Can The BMW X3 Tackle Morocco's Tough Conditions?

Posted: 10 Dec 2017 07:21 PM PST


The BMW X3 is in its third generation and compared to its predecessors, adopts a brand new design and a slew of technology changes. But, is it good enough to battle the likes of the Mercedes-Benz GLC and Audi Q5?

Carfection recently jumped behind the wheel of the new X3 in Morocco and set about exploring some of the country's phenomenal roads, ranging from paved surfaces, gravel paths, and right through to desert sand dunes.

The new X3 is slightly larger than the old model, adopting a wheelbase extended by 2.2-inches (5.5 cm) and an impressive 50:50 weight distribution. Inside, customers will enjoy a selection of features including Gesture Control, cloud-based Intelligent Voice Control and a number of digital services through the BMW Connected app.

Depending on the market, customers have variants like the xDrive20d, xDrive 30i, xDrive 30d, and X3 M40i available, the latter of which uses a 3.0-liter TwinPower Turbo six-cylinder engine delivering 355 hp. It allows the X3 to accelerate to 60 mph (96 km/h) in 4.6 seconds and hit a limited top speed of 155 mph (250 km/h).

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Stunning Ferrari 250 GT California Spider Sold For $17.99 Million

Posted: 10 Dec 2017 06:16 PM PST


An absolutely beautiful 1959 Ferrari 250 GT LWB California Spider Competizione by Scaglietti has sold for $17.99 million at RM Sotheby's auction in New York.

This classic 250 GT LWB California Spider is chassis number 1451 GT and one of only two examples ever built with an all-aluminum body. Making the car all the more desirable is that it placed third in its class and fifth overall at the 1959 Le Mans 24 Hours

After racing at the most famous endurance race in the world, the car was driven by Bob Grossman at a host of races throughout the United States, including the Watkins Glen Grand Prix in September 1959 and a plethora of races in the Bahamas.

In the decades since its retirement from competitive racing, the car has undergone a comprehensive Ferrari Classiche-certified restoration and took home the prize for best in class at Pebble Beach and a platinum award at the Cavallino Classic.

PHOTO GALLERY

Anheuser-Busch Hedges Its Bets And Orders 40 Tesla Semi Trucks

Posted: 10 Dec 2017 05:03 PM PST


It certainly hasn't pleased all truckers but the Tesla Semi does promise to shake up the industry and beverage company Anheuser-Busch is hedging its bets on the truck.

In a press release, the company announced that it has placed an order on no less than 40 Tesla Semis as part of a long-term goal to decrease its operational carbon footprint by 30 per cent by 2025.

"At Anheuser-Busch, we are constantly seeking new ways to make our supply chain more sustainable, efficient, and innovative. This investment in Tesla semi-trucks helps us achieve these goals while improving road safety and lowering our environmental impact," senior director of logistics strategy at Anheuser-Busch James Sembrot said.

Interestingly, this isn't the first time Anheuser-Busch has thrown its support behind trucks with autonomous capabilities. In fact, an Otto truck carried over 51,000 cans of Budweiser between Ft. Collins, Colorado and Colorado Springs in 2016.

Tesla claims that the Semi will be able to travel 500 miles under highway conditions with a full 80,000 lbs load. It'll also be capable of accelerating from 0-60 mph (96 km/h) in 20 seconds with a full payload and will hit the 60-mph mark in five seconds without a trailer.

PHOTO GALLERY

These Are The Tunnels Elon Musk Wants To Build In The U.S.

Posted: 10 Dec 2017 04:02 PM PST


Elon Musk's The Boring Company has just published a map showing the routes it intends to construct below Los Angeles.

As The Verge notes, the single longest piece of tunnel will stretch some 40-miles from Sherman Oaks to Long Beach Airport. In between, the tunnels will have stops at LAX, LA Stadium, South LA, the Staples Center, Inglewood, West LA, Santa Monica, and other areas. To say the plan is ambitious would be an understatement.

While The Boring Company still needs government approval to build the tunnels, it has singled out a 6.5-mile stretch between Inglewood and West LA which it dubs a 'proof-of-concept' tunnel. Here, it intends on rigorously testing all of the systems proposed by Elon Musk.

As announced earlier this year, The Boring Company's network of tunnels will feature elevators that take cars off the street and whisk them underground. There, the cars are placed onto sleds and travel through the tunnels at roughly 150 mph. Numerous bus-like pods would also carry passengers through the tunnel network.



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Consider The Sultan's BMW 8 Series While Awaiting The New One

Posted: 10 Dec 2017 06:04 PM PST


BMW is gearing up to launch a new 8 Series. But as any Bimmerphile could tell you, it won't be the first.

The Bavarian automaker produced just such a model between 1989 and 1999, cutting one of the sleekest profiles the industry has ever produced.

Just look at this one, for example. It's an 850Ci from 1993, packing a then-newly upgraded 5.4-liter V12 rated at 322 horsepower and 360 lb-ft of torque – placing it second only to the quasi-M 850CSi.

This particular example was ordered in Maldives Blue Metallic, and is believed to be the only 850Ci ever made in that color and right-hand drive. That means it was made for countries where they drive on the left-hand side of the road, like in the UK, Japan... or Brunei.

In fact this one is said to have been delivered new to the Sultan of Brunei, who once stood as one of the world's preeminent car collectors. Now nearly 15 years later, the car's listed for sale on AutoTrader in the UK (and brought to our attention by our friends at Motor1), with an asking price of £36,995.

That's nearly $50k at current exchange rates, or about the price of a new M240i coupe. Given the choice, which would you take between the two?

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Richard Petty Switches His Legendary No 43 To The New Chevy Camaro ZL1

Posted: 10 Dec 2017 01:58 PM PST


More than sponsors, manufacturers, teams, or even drivers, stock cars are known by their numbers. 43 is among the most famous of them, and it's switching to a new car next season.

Since its debut in 1954, Petty Enterprises' No 43 has been worn by Dodges, Plymouths, Pontiacs, Oldsmobiles, and Fords. But next year it will be on the new Chevy Camaro ZL1.

The switch coincides with a new deal penned between Richard Petty Motorsports and Richard Childress Racing, whose ECR Engines department builds the Chevy powertrains for NASCAR and the United SportsCar Championship.

"This is our next chapter of Petty racing," said team co-owner Richard Petty. "Chevrolet has been a consistent winner in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series for a long time and we're proud to be a part of the GM family again."

Though traditionally sponsored by STP motor oils, this year the No 43 Camaro will be sponsored primarily by Click n' Close mortgages. It'll be driven by Darrel "Bubba" Wallace, Jr, who moves up full-time to the Monster Energy Cup this season after strong showings and race wins in lower-level competition.

Though perhaps best known for his long-running partnership with Plymouth, Petty's switch to Chevy for next year is something of a homecoming. Together, Petty teams have won 31 Cup races under GM power, stretching way back to the first Daytona 500 that Lee Petty won in an Oldsmobile in 1959.

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These Ford Mustang-Inspired Watches Are Made From Actual Mustangs

Posted: 10 Dec 2017 12:55 PM PST


Between the mechanics, craftsmanship, and design, there's a lot for automotive enthusiasts to love about wristwatches – especially in that rare space where the two overlap. And few overlap quite like this latest.

Crafted by Danish watchmakers REC Watches, these Mustang-inspired timepieces are built out of actual Mustangs – ones that have reached the end of their lives as automobiles, we're assured.

"Most people would just see a pile of metal, a ghost of a Mustang. We see something completely different – the soul of a car and a story that needs to be told," says REC Watches co-founder Mygh. "I'm not cutting up Mustangs. I'm bringing Mustangs that are beyond repair back to life as a watch."

Each vehicle from which the materials are sourced has its history carefully retraced and documented on video. One rare Raven Black 1966 model, for example, was discovered in Sweden and turned into a limited run of 250 timepieces. Another was crafted specifically for drift champ Vaughn Gittin, Jr. using the carbon-fiber bodywork from his Mustang RTR drift car.

Each features a design borrowed from the classic pony car as well, including dials inspired by the Mustang's dashboard instruments, and a power-reserve meter designed to look like its fuel gauge. Pricing starts at $1,495.

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Want A (Nearly) New Pontiac Solstice? Here's Your Chance

Posted: 10 Dec 2017 12:01 PM PST


It's been about eight years now since General Motors shut down the Pontiac brand, and took the Solstice with it. But there's one such roadster that's coming up for auction in near-new condition.

The Solstice was Pontiac's last two-seater, and the first it produced since the mid-engined Fiero. It shared its underpinnings with the Saturn Sky, Opel GT, and Daewoo G2X. And sad as it was for Pontiac enthusiasts to see it go, it was arguably a fitting send-off to a once celebrated marque.

The Solstice generated so much excitement for the sports-oriented brand that, within ten days of its unveiling at the 2004 Detroit Auto Show, Pontiac had already taken 7,000 orders – filling up the initial order book for the entire year.

GM responded by increasing production, delivering 10,000 units by March 1. Demand remained strong the following two years to the point that, by the time production ended in 2010, over 65,000 had been made – the vast majority in the first three years. (For reference, Chevrolet sold just over 40,000 of the far-more-expensive Corvette last year, and has never sold more than 54,000 in a single year.)

Along the way, the 2.4-liter inline-four was joined by a more potent 2.0-liter turbo, and the roadster was supplemented by a targa-topped coupe. The example you see here was from among the first made, a 2006 model with the open top, in red over black, with the naturally aspirated engine – and just 1,900 miles on the odometer, making it a potential collector's item.

In such original condition, RM Sotheby's (whose photographer Theodore W. Pieper captured these images) estimates it will sell for about $25,000 when the gavel drops in Arizona next month. But without a reserve price, there's no telling what might happen.

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It Took Two Porsches To Set This Latest Nurburgring Lap Record

Posted: 10 Dec 2017 06:04 PM PST


Another week, another Nürburgring lap record. This one has been set in a Porsche, but it comes with a larger qualification than just about any we've seen to date.

Though not (as far as we can tell) officially verified, this video posted by vehicle trailer manufacturer Moetefindt Fahrzeugbau shows a Porsche Panamera Sport Turismo Turbo lapping the Nordschleife in 12:06 – while towing a trailer.

That time in and of itself wouldn't be nearly enough to steal the wagon record from the Mercedes-AMG E63 S, which lapped the circuit in 7:45.19 several weeks ago. But then the Benz wasn't towing a trailer.

Behind the wheel, in case you were wondering, is one Patrick Simon. One of three German racing brothers, Patrick won the Formula Le Mans class championship in the 2011 Le Mans Series with Pegasus Racing.

Oh, and inside the trailer? Another Porsche, of course! Specifically, a vintage Porsche Junior 108 farming tractor – which would likely take a lot longer to mow the Green Hell under its own power than it took to get around with the Panamera doing the heavy work. Now if we could just see Zuffenhausen's turbo wagon repeat the feat without the tractor/trailer, Mercedes might have a real challenger on its hands.

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We're In Love With This Tastefully Modified 1991 Acura NSX

Posted: 10 Dec 2017 09:56 AM PST


There's just something about the original NSX you can't resist; it's not because it was an original concept, nor because it was the fastest of the breed.

This is Sean Lee's 1991 Acura NSX. The car isn't factory-standard, but the modifications were selected with respect on the car's true character as Sean wanted to have an NSX, only better.

Among the things he installed were a KW adjustable coilover suspension, a sportier exhaust and a set of super sticky Nitto tires mounted on Advan wheels to make his JDM sports car a more thrilling device on his favorite canyon roads.

Power remains at stock levels, meaning a 3.0-liter V6 with around 270hp that's paired to a five-speed manual transmission. By today's standards, the horsepower doesn't sound so impressive, but back then the NSX had all the punch it needed to show exotics how it's done.

You can check out the beautifully moded NSX in the Petrolicious video that follows after the break.

VIDEO

Alpine Reportedly Planning A More Hardcore Version Of The A110

Posted: 10 Dec 2017 08:57 AM PST


With 248hp and 320Nm (236lb-ft) of torque available on tap, the Alpine A110 is not exactly slow to begin with.

However, it appears that the Renault-owned brand is looking to launch a more hardcore version, according to AutoExpress, that could get as much as 300hp from its tuned 1.8-liter turbocharged engine.

Besides the extra oomph, such a version of the A110, which is allegedly known internally as 'Sport Chassis', would also shed a few kilograms from its weight, dropping from the current 1,080kg (2,381lbs) to 1,050kg (2,315lbs) thanks to a few changes in the interior.

Its chassis will be tuned as well, while the suspension is expected to be 15 to 20 percent stiffer.

Moreover, the so-called Alpine A110 Sport is also believed to become more thrilling in Track mode, as the steering, dual-clutch transmission, traction control, and exhaust note will be revised.

If everything goes as planned, then the extreme version of the French coupe should arrive next summer, and it might pave the road for a 'Trophy' variant of the new Renault Megane RS.

Note: Alpine A110 Premiere Edition pictured

PHOTO GALLERY

Is The 2018 BMW M5 The New King Of Super Saloons?

Posted: 10 Dec 2017 06:04 PM PST


BMW has taken the M5 into its sixth generation, which sports, for the first time, not only a controversial four-wheel drive system but also plenty of new features.

Starting with its exterior design, it is quite restrained and at first glance you might mistake it for regular 5-Series, but look closer and you will see the wider air intakes at the front, large diffuser at the rear, carbon fiber roof, specific wheels and M badges.

Step inside and you will also see the M add-ons over lesser 5-Series, such as the sport seats and steering wheel, in addition to the exclusive aluminum trim and a variety of options that could eventually make your new M5 weigh in excess of 2 tons (4,410lbs) and cost more than €117,900 ($140,182) in Germany.

The 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 puts out 600PS (592hp) and 750Nm (553lb-ft) of torque, which is 40PS (39hp) and 70Nm (52lb-ft) more than its predecessor. However, compared to its direct rival, the range-topping Mercedes-AMG E63 S, it's down by 12PS (12hp) and 100Nm (74lb-ft).

For the first time ever, the new BMW M5 is offered with a four-wheel drive system, though not the usual xDrive that you would find on the rest of the 5-Series' range, but one developed by the brand's M division. This means that it's rear-wheel drive-biased, offers massive grip and comes with various configurations that allow drivers to put it into 2WD, which really comes to life when unleashed on the track.

Enough talk; let's see what the new BMW M5 actually feels like in the hands of Autocar and AutoExpress, who tested the new Bavarian super saloon. Both agree that it's reasonably comfortable as an everyday driver and more civilized than an AMG E63, but is it the game-changer we were expecting?

VIDEOS

Atlantis Blue Paintjob Suits This BMW Individual 750Li Just Fine

Posted: 10 Dec 2017 07:00 AM PST


Some Middle Eastern markets can't get enough of BMWs with wacky paintjobs and interiors, hence the multitude of flashy cars that emerge, quite often, from BMW Abu Dhabi Motors.

The latest one is a 750Li, which may not be the flagship version of the new 7-Series, but it's still very quick, capable of reaching 100km/h (62mph) in 4.5sec, thanks to its 445hp and 650Nm (479lb-ft) of torque V8 engine.

However, its performance is not what interests us, in this case, because this particular example is finished in Atlantis Blue. The color, which is the work of BMW Individual, was also applied to other BMWs in the past, including several M3s and M4s, and represents a step away from the default black, grey, or white finishes that most customers prefer for the 7-Series.

Step inside, though, and you'll see the bright red leather that covers the seats, door panels, lower part of the dashboard, and central console, contrasting its exterior and making the whole car more unique.

Now, for the right sum, Abu Dhabi Motors, which happens to be the world's largest BMW dealership, would sell you an identical BMW 750Li, as this one is probably spoken for, and if you're not fans of the flashy bits, then you could tell them exactly what you want and they'll make it happen.

PHOTO GALLERY

Comparison Chart Shows How Far The Nissan Leaf Has Come

Posted: 10 Dec 2017 08:23 AM PST


While the all-new 2018 Nissan Leaf hasn't entered the U.S. market yet, future buyers can look forward to purchasing a car that's significantly improved compared to its predecessor.

Even though it featured a familiar 5-door hatchback appearance, the design was of the fist-generation Leaf was quirky, to say the least - but that was probably intentional on Nissan's part in order to emphasize that this wasn't a conventional hatch but an all-electric model.

For the most part, the 2018 model managed to avoid looking "too different," and is now scheduled to go on sale nationwide in January, priced from $29,990.

It also happens to be superior to the first-generation in multiple categories, as shown in this comparison chart put together by NissanPartsPlus.

"The Nissan Leaf is one of the most underrated and underappreciated cars on the road," says Steve Ferreira, director of NissanPartsPlus.com. "Nissan has been building and selling reliable, affordable EVs with great range and performance for years. The 2018 Nissan Leaf is the next generation of a successful, practical vehicle. It should be getting a lot more attention than a car that still isn't available from a company that's hand-building EVs in a so-called 'dreadnought' factory."

Since the 2018 Leaf is heavier, Nissan gave it a more powerful 110 kW (147 HP) engine, helping it get from 0 to 60 mph (96 km/h) in 8.8 seconds, compared to its predecessor's 10 seconds. The newer model is also more aerodynamic, has a larger battery, twice the driving range, and more cargo room.

The icing on the cake is that, if you adjust for inflation, you'll see that it's also cheaper to purchase. Well done, Nissan.

Lamborghini Espada Reviewed: Too Weird, Or Just Weird Enough?

Posted: 10 Dec 2017 05:00 AM PST


Believe it or not, every once in a while Lamborghini built cars that seated more than just two people, even before the Urus ever materialized from concept form to an SUV you can order today.

Aside from the LM002, which obviously seated more than just a driver and a front passenger, the automaker also came up with the Estoque sedan concept, back in 2008, which (sadly) was ditched in favor of the super SUV.

Long before that ,though, there was the Espada, a four-seat grand touring coupe built between 1968 and 1978, this one here, tested by Doug DeMuro in Dubai, being a 1973 Series 3 model.

In its glory days, its 3.9-liter V12 put down 325 PS (321 HP), which today may not sound like a whole lot, but at the time it was an impressive figure. Aside from sitting quite comfortably behind the wheel, DeMuro also noticed that the car was actually quick enough to put a smile on his face - although the exhaust note had something to do about that, too.

Overall, he was impressed with it dynamically, especially for a car that was built 40 years ago. You can check out his full review in the video that follows right below.

VIDEO

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