Wednesday 13 December 2017

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Would You Buy This BMW M3 Convertible For £25k?

Posted: 13 Dec 2017 04:31 AM PST


Like most performance models out there, old M3s are more desirable with a fixed roof and manual transmission, but BMW catered for a wider range of customers, not just dyed-in-the-wool petrolheads.

Take this Ε46 Μ3, for instance, that's listed by Hexagon for £24,995, or $33,420 at today's exchange rates, and is a Convertible with a six-speed automatic transmission.

For £7,000 ($9,360) less, one could have this M3 E92, which is not only 5 years newer, but drops the E46's 3.2-liter inline six-cylinder engine for a 4.0-liter V8 that makes over 75hp more and is paired to a proper six-speed manual gearbox.

Whatever purists might think, there's no denying that this 14-year old M3 is in perfect condition, as its carbon black metallic paint, 18-inch alloy wheels and Imola Red leather interior look almost as good as new.

Moreover, it has only 29,100 miles (46,832km) on the clock, two former owners, and it's supplied with a full BMW service history and a 12-month written warranty.

PHOTO GALLERY



VIDEO

Get The Accessories To Go With Your Lamborghini Urus

Posted: 13 Dec 2017 03:56 AM PST


The Urus is set to double Lamborghini's production. Even so, we're only looking at about a thousand per year. And we wouldn't be surprised if a large portion of those customers were to fly out to the factory in Sant'Agata Bolognese to spec their super-sport-utility vehicle, see it being made, or pick it up once it's ready.

While they're on-site, those clients may want to book an appointment at the Ad Personam customization showroom to special-order the accessories they probably won't need, but may very well want to go with their new Urus.

The capsule collection stems from collaborations with local craftsmen. There's a suede jacket, for example, made in limited run of 30 examples by Bolognese leathercraftsmen Hettabretz. Enzo Bonafe has crafted special driving loafers – two styles in three different colors. And luggage manufacturer Tecknomonster is offering two sets of carbon-fiber luggage, specially fitted to the Urus' cargo compartment.

The collection is available (exclusively it seems) at the factory, where clients are invited to make an appointment to see representatives from each of the collaborative workshops to special-order their accessories.

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Matching 918 Spyder & 911 R Put A Porschephile's Dream On The Auction Block

Posted: 13 Dec 2017 03:21 AM PST


Of all the lust-worthy performance machines Porsche has made in the past decade, few have solicited the kind of enthusiasm as the 918 Spyder and 911 R.

For its upcoming auction in Scottsdale, Bonhams not only has one of each on the docket, but a matching pair that would be sure to make any Porschephile very, very happy indeed.

These models should need no introduction to regular readers of sites like this one: the 918 Spyder having emerged as the first in a new generation of hybrid hypercars, the 911 R a highly sought-after version of the purist's Porsche.

Having already received his 918 Spyder (with the optional Weissach wheels and front lift system), Porsche offered the owner the opportunity to buy a 911 R after it was revealed the following year. He evidently jumped at the chance, special-ordering his in an inverse acid green and black color combination, with the serial number 290 to match the Spyder's.

By now the 918 has been driven 2,300 miles, but the 911 R just 37, leaving it in highly original condition.

"This is an incredible and historic opportunity in every way," says Bonhams' Michael Camaino. "First, a 918 Spyder and 911 R in such desirable specification are tremendously newsworthy on their own, but offered in nearly brand-new condition with matching serial numbers? It's never been done and represents an incredible, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for a collector."

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Cadillac's Racing Prototypes Have Changed A Bit In 67 Years

Posted: 13 Dec 2017 02:57 AM PST


Cadillac has been around for a long time. 115 years, to be precise. In that time, it has raced extensively, and as you might expect, its racers have changed a lot over the decades.

Jordan Taylor got to find that out for himself first-hand this week at Daytona, where he drove the 1950 Cadillac Series 61 Le Mans racer known as "Le Monstre."

French (as you might have guessed) for "the monster," the one-of-a-kind racing prototype was rebodied in aluminum with a streamliner shape to take on the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1950 (alongside a production-bodied version of the same). It ultimately finished eleventh, but its jet-age shape made an impression or two.

Nearly seven decades later, Taylor found it to be a radically different driving experience to the Cadillac DPi-V.R prototype he drove to victory in the 2017 IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship. The two endurance-racing prototypes are both powered by Cadillac V8 engines, but that's about where the similarities end.

Le Monstre's engine displaced 5.4 liters and produced just 160 horsepower, where the DPi-V.R dispatches 6.2 liters to the effect of 580 hp (in accordance with series regulations). Where the new one uses Brembo disc brakes to keep its 2,050 pounds of curb weight in check, the old one used drum brakes to anchor its 3,700 pounds.

"On the first lap going into the Bus Stop, I went for the brake, and I am not sure I've ever driven anything with full drum brakes before," said Jordan. "When I got up high onto the banking, I looked left at the DPi-V.R on the inside and felt like I was going to fall out of the car. The relative lack of safety back then, and lack of support around the driver were crazy feelings."

"You don't get the sensation of how steep the Daytona banking is in the Cadillac DPi-V.R at over 170 mph," continued the new IMSA champ. "I couldn't imagine what it was like doing over 130mph down Mulsanne lap-after-lap for 24 hours. It was a great experience to be able to drive a car with such a great Cadillac history."

Le Monstre is currently part of the Collier Collection at the Revs Institute in Naples, Florida, about four and a half hours south of the Daytona Motor Speedway where Jordan got to drive it for four laps at the end of the last IMSA test session of the year.

"Getting the chance to drive a car that raced in the 1950 Le Mans 24 Hours was super-exciting," he said of the experience. "Besides trying to learn a three-speed column shift, I had to turn the steering wheel past 90 degrees to get it turn. Combine that with the car weighing 3,700 lbs. on skinny tires - it was a handful."

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Lexus Insider Says LC F Will Use 621 HP 4.0-Liter Twin-Turbo V8

Posted: 13 Dec 2017 01:43 AM PST


The upcoming Lexus LC F looks set to become the firm's most powerful production vehicle ever and could be tapping on the doors of established supercars.

Japanese publication Holiday Auto recently conducted an interview with an alleged Lexus insider who claims that the LC F will use a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 engine delivering a healthy 621 hp, Lexus Enthusiast reports. To put that figure into perspective, the current LC 500 has 471 hp and that car is no slouch, meaning the LC F should be absolutely blistering.

Beyond the vehicle's adoption of a new powertrain, the insider asserts that the LC F will weigh approximately 7 per cent less than the LC 500, or approximately 300 lbs less, thanks to the use of additional carbon fiber reinforced plastic.

Last but not least, the source claims that the LC F will start at roughly 20 million yen ($176,000) and arrive in dealerships around the world in 2019.

The veracity of these claims can't be verified at this early time but they have certainly piqued our interest in the car.

Expect to learn more about the LC F throughout 2018.

PHOTO GALLERY

Potent Colorado SportsCat Marks A New Beginning For Holden Special Vehicles

Posted: 13 Dec 2017 04:31 AM PST


Late last week, General Motors and Holden Special Vehicles (HSV) revealed that the Camaro and Silverado will be sold in Australia from 2018. Alongside this announcement, HSV previewed its potent Colorado SportsCat. Now's the time to enjoy this wild pickup in all of its glory.

Perhaps created as a pre-emptive strike towards the upcoming Ford Ranger Raptor, the Holden Colorado SportsCat by HSV is based on the Colorado CrewCab Z71 and uses the same 2.8-liter Duramax Turbo Diesel engine delivering 197 hp and 368 lb-ft of torque.

While those figures aren't mind-blowing, the exterior design of the SportsCat is. Available in SportsCat and SportsCat+ guises, the pickup benefits from a custom blacked-out front grille and air intakes, LED fog lamps, flared fenders, twin tow hooks, tonneau cover, fender graphics, and matte black 18-inch wheels. Elements unique to the SportsCar+ include a honeycomb grille, hood bulge, and machined faces on the wheels.

In the cabin, the two variants are equipped with Jasmine leather-wrapped SV sports seats, suede and red accents, and some obligatory HSV badging.

Under the skin, HSV has fitted new sports suspension with an increased front spring rate. Additionally, there are 285/60 Cooper Zeon LTZ Pro Sports All-Terrain tires, a 45-mm ride height increase, 30 mm wider track, and an AP Racing brake system. Additional mechanical modifications include an automatically de-coupling rear anti-roll bar and optional HSV SupaShock suspension, previously used by the crazy GTSR W1.

PHOTO GALLERY

Audi Decides Against Selling Ducati

Posted: 12 Dec 2017 08:16 PM PST


Audi chief executive Rupert Stadler has revealed that the company has abandoned its plans to sell Italian motorcycle brand Ducati.

The automaker had planned to sell Ducati in order to free up cash but speaking with Reuters recently, Stadler revealed that Audi's closer relationship to Porsche and steps to reduce costs by roughly $11.8 billion will allow it to retain ownership of the motorcycle brand.

"I can assure you that Ducati belongs to the Audi family. Ducati is the perfect implementation of our premium philosophy in the world of motorbikes," Stadler said, defiantly.

Audi purchased Ducati in 2012 and as recently as May this year, there were reportedly four companies looking to make bids at purchasing the brand. However, confirmation from Stadler that no sale is on the cards ends almost two years of rampant rumors suggesting such.

Stadler added that the costs of Audi shifting towards zero-emissions makes it vitally important to retain ownership of Ducati and Lamborghini, two companies that are profitable.

"Looking after a premium bouquet is as difficult as the work of a gardener. Therefore I am pleased with every new flower, with every promising new branch," Stadler said.

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Ford Thinks It Makes More Sense Having Hybrid Self-Driving Cars

Posted: 12 Dec 2017 07:31 PM PST


While the majority of carmakers are set to pair their fully-autonomous vehicles with all-electric powertrains, Ford will initially go another way.

Speaking to Automotive News, Ford's president of global markets Jim Farley said it makes more economic sense to use self-driving hybrids when verifying the business model of autonomous technology.

"We think what's important is to verify the business model. The most important thing is that we execute well. We don't want to get ahead of our skis.

"Anytime you're not carrying goods and people, you're losing money. The most important thing is uptime and profitability. What we see is the [hybrid] is a much better cost-of-ownership model," Farley said.

Whereas General Motors is testing and verifying its autonomous technologies in various U.S. cities through a ride-hailing service, Ford will initially roll out a fleet of autonomous vehicles designed for commercial purposes, including package delivery.

"We have to have a more diverse revenue model than ride-hailing.

"I think in this world, you can hear all sorts of examples of getting out there and building a platform, but the business model — how this all comes together — is very important for us. We want to be production-ready, commercial-ready from day one," Farley said.

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Tesla Creating Its Own AI Chip For Autonomous Vehicles

Posted: 12 Dec 2017 07:02 PM PST


Elon Musk has revealed that Tesla is working on its very own hardware chips that'll support the AI software of its self-driving vehicles.

Musk made the revelation on the sidelines of the world's largest AI conference, claiming that the carmaker will be able to achieve full autonomy far faster if it uses dedicated AI hardware designed in-house.

"We are developing customized AI hardware chips. We get there faster if we have dedicated AI hardware," Musk said to Wired.

During a speech to roughly 200 attendees, the entrepreneur spoke alongside Tesla's director of AI, Andrej Karparthy, and vice president in charge of Autopilot hardware, Jim Keller. During his speech, Musk said Tesla cares greatly about the future of AI. He also said that despite previously sounding the alarm bell about the dangers of AI, "I also think there are things where AI can really be useful, well before you get to godlike uber intelligence."

While most carmakers developing autonomous driving systems are using experienced chip makers to build their necessary hardware, Jim Keller said there is nothing on the market that suits Tesla's current mixture of sensors.

"You can get something a lot better if you really design what you want," he said.

According to Musk, Tesla's upcoming AI chip will match the performance of existing alternatives but consume a tenth of the power and cost a tenth of the price.

PHOTO GALLERY

VW Recalls Over 57,000 Touareg Diesels From Around The World

Posted: 12 Dec 2017 06:31 PM PST


Volkswagen will recall over 57,000 Touareg vehicles globally after Germany's KBA automotive watchdog discovered that the 3.0-liter diesel engine used by the SUV has two illegal emissions control devices.

The recall affects Touaregs with the Euro 6 diesel engine, of which there are 57,600 vehicles globally. Reuters states that 25,800 of these are located in Germany.

In a statement, KBA confirmed the recall was ordered on December 8.

"Two inadmissible switch-off devices were found upon examination of the VW Touareg 3.0-litre diesel Euro 6 by the Federal Motor Vehicle Authority," the watchdog confirmed.

KBA claims that the Touareg in question had an emissions-lowering program that was activated when the vehicle was examined on roller-beds under the new European driving cycle. Additionally, Touareg modes with selective catalytic reduction systems were found to illegally restrict the use of AdBlue.

In July, authorities in Germany announced a recall of 22,000 diesel-powered Porsche Cayenne models in Europe upon discovering similar emissions control devices.

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China's BAIC To Phase Out Petrol And Diesel Vehicles By 2025

Posted: 12 Dec 2017 06:03 PM PST


Chinese car manufacturer BAIC Motor is aiming to stop selling petrol and diesel-powered vehicles by 2025.

Local publication China Daily recently received word of the plan from BAIC chairman Xu Heyi during an event to celebrate the launch of a new energy car innovation center in Beijing.

"Our goal is to stop sales of self-developed conventional fuel-powered cars in Beijing by 2020 and stop their production and sales nationwide by 2025," Heyi said.

Reuters says that BAIC's plan comes in response to legislation from the Chinese government to ensure all domestic and international automakers produce a minimum number of electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles by 2019.

Two months ago, fellow Chinese carmaker Chongqing Changan Automobile confirmed that it would stop selling conventional combustion-engine cars from 2025 and shift entirely to New Energy Vehicles (NEVs).

PHOTO GALLERY

Audi Launches Limited-Run R8 V10 Plus Neuberg Edition In Australia

Posted: 12 Dec 2017 05:29 PM PST


Australians love Audi Sport models and the German company has decided to reward local enthusiasts with 10 limited-edition R8 V10 Plus vehicles, dubbed the Neuberg Edition.

Named after Audi Sport's home municipality in Germany, the Audi R8 V10 Plus Neuberg Edition is said to feature a number of distinctive elements to differentiate it from a 'regular' R8 V10 Plus. In reality, all of the 'custom' touches can be specced on any V10 Plus.

Nevertheless, the car comes equipped with gloss black 20-inch wheels, a gloss black engine cover and wing mirror caps, and the usually-optional high-gloss titanium exterior package. Locals will be able to select between a Tango Red, Mythos Black, Suzuka Grey or Daytona Grey exterior paint scheme.

Inside, Audi has equipped the model with black Alcantara, red accent stitching on the black nappa leather seats, aluminum door sills, and gloss carbon fiber inlays.

Customers of the R8 V10 Plus Neuberg Edition will also receive a gift box complete with a Samsung Galaxy S2 tab and Bang & OIufsen H6 headphones.

Local pricing starts at $402,500 ($303,444).

Note: Regular Audi R8 V10 Plus pictured.

PHOTO GALLERY

And That's Why You Don't Buy A Lamborghini Murcielago If You're A Big Fella

Posted: 13 Dec 2017 04:31 AM PST


If you're either too tall or…, well, big-boned, fitting inside a supercar could prove a challenge, so you might want to try it out for size before signing on the dotted line.

Take the man shown in this video, for example, who was filmed trying to get out of his Lamborghini Murcielago at a gas station.

Left foot first? Nope. Hand on the pavement? OK, let's try something different. Trying to squeeze his entire body out gently? Nah, that won't do it either! Nevertheless, there's a way to get out, and the driver of this Murcielago eventually found it, although it wasn't exactly elegant...

It's been suggested that the man that struggles to get out of the Lambo is Khubuluse Zuma, a businessman and nephew of South African President Jacob Zuma. However, since it's almost impossible to tell from the short video, we'll take this 'fact' with a grain of salt.

People have had trouble in the past with getting in and out of various supercars, from a tall valet who couldn't drive away in a Lamborghini Aventador Roadster, to professional wrestler and Hollywood actor Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson and his own adventure with a Ferrari LaFerrari.

Even John Cena didn't feel comfortable inside the new Ford GT, which he sold shortly after taking delivery - but that's a completely different story...


New Audi A6 Reportedly Coming With Level 3 Autonomous Driving Next Year

Posted: 12 Dec 2017 04:30 PM PST


Audi have marketed the new generation A8 as being the first car on the market equipped with Level 3 autonomous driving, and now they're going to implement the technology into the upcoming A6 as well.

Expected to debut next year, probably at the 2018 Geneva Motor Show in March, according to reports Autocar, the new A6 will be able to handle most driving aspects, but the driver must be ready to take control at any time.

This would give it a boost over its usual contenders such as the Mercedes-Benz E-Class and BMW 5-Series, and it could also adopt its larger sibling's remote parking feature, which allows users to operate the car via a remote, even if there isn't anyone inside.

Visually, the next-gen Audi A6 will borrow some cues from the A8. It will also get some styling elements with the newly introduced A7, with which it shares its underpinnings.

Customers will be able to choose from a variety of engines that will include a 2.0-liter four-cylinder, 3.0-liter V6, and 4.0-liter V8, alongside two possible PHEVs. In 2019, Audi will introduce the S6 that's said to feature more than 450hp, while the range-topping RS6 won't arrive beforel 2020 and could adopt the same PHEV powertrain as the Porsche Panamera S-E Hybrid, which develops 680PS (670hp) and 850Nm (626lb-ft) of torque from its 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 and electric motor combo.

PHOTO GALLERY

Ford GT On Custom Wheels Is PURe Wallpaper Material

Posted: 12 Dec 2017 04:00 PM PST


Unlike other supercars that get racing versions, the new Ford GT was, allegedly, designed as a race car first and foremost. So, even if some owners feel dissatisfied with their choice, the general consensus it that the Blue Oval's supercar is a true masterpiece.

Even so, a number of people always like to personalize their ride - and the easiest way is fitting a new set of wheels. Ford lets you choose between one-piece forged-aluminum or carbon fiber 20-inch rims, but PUR thinks it can do better with its RS10.

According to the company, its wheels, which measure 20x9 and 20x12 inches front and rear respectively and are finished in Lumiere Grey, are engineered from aerospace-grade 6061-T6 forged aluminum and are compatible with OEM tire pressure monitoring sensors as well.

The custom rims, shod in high-performance Michelin tires with a yellow stripe, suit the car perfectly, and their shade contrasts the vibrant yellow paint job of this particular GT.

PHOTO GALLERY

2019 Mercedes G-Class Interior Revealed, All-New SUV Debuts In Detroit

Posted: 12 Dec 2017 04:40 PM PST


The late night news continues as Mercedes has released the first interior photos of the 2019 G-Class.

Set to be unveiled at the North American International Auto Show next month, the redesigned G-Class will have an all-new cabin which is significantly more modern and luxurious than its predecessor.

Once seated behind the all-new steering wheel, drivers will find themselves surrounded by leather upholstery, open-pore wood trim, and carbon fiber or metal accents. The niceties don't stop there as the model comes equipped with heated seats, a seven-speaker audio system, and numerous new storage compartments including an illuminated area underneath the armrest.

The standard model comes equipped with analogue gauges but customers can order a digital instrument cluster with a 12.3-inch display. When the latter option is selected, the digital instrument cluster combines with the 12.3-inch infotainment display to create a widescreen appearance.

Speaking of options, Mercedes confirmed the G-Class will be offered with a 16-speaker Burmester surround sound system as well as an Active Multicontour Seat package that includes special front seats that feature heating, ventilation, and massage functions. There will also be an assortment of designo options such as Lugano leather in Black, Nut Brown or Macchiato Beige. Other choices include the Exclusive Interior Plus package which adds things such as Nappa leather upholstery on the doors, center console, and dashboard.

Despite embracing newer technology, the interior has some classic design touches including a passenger side grab handle and chrome-accented switches for the differential locks. There are also two removable cup holders for the center console and round air vents that mimic the SUV's round headlights.

The 2019 G-Class is larger than its predecessor and this gives drivers and passengers additional leg, shoulder, and elbow room. The most significant increase goes to rear seat passengers who will find an additional 5.9 inches (150 mm) of legroom.

Mercedes is keeping a lid on exterior photos but the automaker confirmed the G-Class will retain its iconic design which has largely stayed the same for decades. In particular, the company said the model will keeps its distinctive door handles, protection strips, and rear tire carrier.

Following its unveiling Detroit, the G-Class will go on sale in the United States in late 2018.

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VW Continues To Tease The 2019 Jetta Ahead Of Detroit

Posted: 12 Dec 2017 03:24 PM PST


Volkswagen has released a handful of sketches which preview the 2019 Jetta.

Set to debut at the North American International Auto Show next month, the redesigned sedan will adopt a more upscale exterior that is significantly sportier than its predecessor. As the images show, the car will have an all-new front fascia with a larger grille that is flanked by angular headlights.

Moving further back, we can see a sculpted hood and prominent character lines that give the sedan a little more pizzazz. The sketches also suggest the Jetta will have a rakish windscreen, a sportier roofline, and a new trunk with an integrated spoiler. Other notable features slender taillights and dual exhaust system with chrome accents.

The interior follows the latest Volkswagen design trends as its shows a relatively straightforward cabin with familiar controls. The sketch doesn't reveal much but we can see the Jetta will be offered with a digital instrument cluster and a large infotainment display which is neatly integrated into to dashboard. The model also has a three-spoke steering wheel, metallic accents, and what appears to be dark trim.

Volkswagen didn't say much about the model but Car and Driver recently took a spin in a prototype and the magazine is reporting the car the car will go on sale in the second quarter of 2018. The model will ride on the MQB platform and is slated to be approximately two inches longer than its predecessor.

Power will reportedly be provided by a turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 150 hp (111 kW) and 184 lb-ft (249 Nm) of torque. It can be paired to either a six-speed manual or an eight-speed automatic.

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Driver Does Donuts In Front Of Courthouse, Crashes And Promptly Gets Arrested

Posted: 12 Dec 2017 04:24 PM PST


There is a saying that "there's no place like home" and for 37-year-old Jonathan Joseph Locksmith that apparently means the Ada County Jail in Boise, Idaho.

According to the Associated Press, Locksmith was upset with the court system and simply wanted to be arrested so he could return to jail. That's never a good sign but Locksmith thankfully avoided violence and decided to make his feelings known by doing donuts in front of the Ada County Courthouse last Sunday.

Unfortunately, Locksmith's driving skills were about as good as the 1990's Honda Accord he was driving. As a result, Locksmith crashed into the courthouse's fountain and received his wish to be arrested.

Locksmith is currently behind bars and is charged with misdemeanor reckless driving. Idaho law says people who are found guilty of reckless driving for the first time face a fine of up to a $1,000 and / or up to six months in jail.

Interestingly, for Idaho at least, the Ada county government says they have received numerous phone calls from concerned citizens about the status of the fountain. Officials say the fountain wasn't damaged and noted it was strategically placed to prevent cars from driving into the courthouse. As a Facebook post stated "We're happy to see these features not only did their job but did it very well!"

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Audi Sport Boss Confirms Electrified Model Coming By The End Of 2020

Posted: 12 Dec 2017 02:00 PM PST


The Volkswagen Group is embracing electrification and Audi will play a key role in the company's push as the automaker has already announced plans to launch more than 20 plug-in hybrid and electric vehicles by 2025.

Given the company's move towards eco-friendly powertrains, it comes as little surprise that Audi Sport boss Stephan Winkelmann recently confirmed the brand's performance models will also adopt electrification.

Speaking to Autocar, Winkelmann said Audi Sport will launch its first electrified model by the end of 2020. The outgoing executive declined to say which vehicle he was talking about but confirmed the model will be followed by additional electrified vehicles in the future.

Electrified vehicles will play an important role in Audi Sport's future but Winkelmann said fans of conventional engines needn't worry. As he explained, "We are not forgetting our icons, so we will continue to build them." The executive said we can expect a handful of turbocharged models over the next three years and they will remain part of the company's lineup as long as regulations allow it.

Winkelmann went on to reveal we can expect more high-performance crossovers in the future. He believes they will help the division to increase its sales and visibility in Asia and North America.

Photo Credits: CarPix for CarScoops

Photo Gallery

AAA Study Shows Premium Gasoline Has Benefits But Probably Isn't Worth It

Posted: 12 Dec 2017 01:32 PM PST


The downsizing trend means an assortment of mainstream vehicles are now equipped with turbocharged engines and a number of them recommend using premium fuel.

This is a pricey proposition as a recent study by AAA found the price gap between regular and premium gasoline has increased from 23 cents in 2009 to 50 cents today. That means filling up a 20 gallon tank would cost an additional $10 when using premium fuel.

Besides showing the growing price gap, the study found an interesting change. While the group's previous research determined there was no benefit to using premium gasoline in a vehicle designed to operate on regular fuel, the latest study found that "some vehicles – those that recommend, but do not require premium gasoline – may see increased fuel economy and performance under certain driving conditions when using the higher-octane gasoline."

As part of the study, AAA tested a number of vehicles that simply recommend premium gasoline. The results showed the vehicles posted an average fuel economy gain of 2.7 percent but those numbers varied from a 1 percent decrease in the Audi A3 to a 7.1 percent improvement in the Cadillac Escalade.

In terms of performance, horsepower ratings climbed an average of 1.4 percent on premium fuel. However, the Jeep Renegade actually lost power while the Ford Mustang gained 3.2 percent more.

Despite some positive results, AAA says the cost of premium fuel might outweigh the benefits in vehicles that don't require it. The group also noted the modest fuel economy gains would never offset the higher prices of premium gasoline.

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This Might Be The Cheapest Well-Maintained BMW M3 In The U.S.

Posted: 12 Dec 2017 01:01 PM PST


Even though you might be able to score a BMW M3 for less, spending $3,000 on a solid, working E36 M3 Convertible sounds like a great deal if there are no surprises.

As you'd expect, the man behind this "project" is none other than Tyler Hoover, the same one who had his ML55 AMG stolen earlier this year, and who later bought an E65 7-Series for just $3,400.

So how great of a deal is this E36 M3 you ask? According to Hoover, the car is in tip top shape, doesn't make any weird noises, there's no 'Check Engine' light warning and the electric top works, which is always a bonus.

Furthermore, he was also impressed with the state of the front suspension, although the rear end felt a little "loose and wobbly". Still, the car sounds like plenty of fun, even if it does have an automatic transmission.

Also worth noting is that the M3 has 152,000 miles (244,620 km) on the clock, which can be a lot for this type of car, but since it drives well, looks well and sounds good, says its new owner, then perhaps that's all that matters for now.

VIDEO

Watch Hyundai's New i30 N Hot Hatch Reach 251km/h On The Autobahn

Posted: 12 Dec 2017 12:33 PM PST


In a world where automakers are continually chasing higher and higher horsepower numbers for their hot hatches, the Hyundai i30 N comes as a welcome relief.

In range-topping Performance Package specification, the hatch delivers 271 hp. Compared to more expensive rivals like the Honda Civic Type R, VW Golf R, and Ford Focus RS, that's not much. However, we've come to learn that the i30 N is about much more than numbers on a spec sheet, as any good hot hatch should be.

According to the South Korean automaker, the i30 N Performance reaches 62 mph (100 km/h) in a brisk 6.1 seconds. However, how fast will the car go on a stretch of Germany's Autobahn?

Auto Test set about finding this out, taking an i30 N from a rolling start of 90 km/h, pinning the throttle, and seeing how high the speedometer would climb.

The top speed reached was 251 km/h (155 mph) but the video fails to provide any look at the road or weather conditions at the time of test. Either way, a top speed of 250 km/h is more than adequate for the vast majority of car owners and more than respectable for a car like this.

VIDEO

2018 Ford Tourneo Connect And Courier Gain New Engines And Modern Tech

Posted: 12 Dec 2017 12:06 PM PST


Ford has updated the 2018 Tourneo Connect and Tourneo Courier people movers once again, with new design features, new powertrain options and of course new driver-assistance technologies.

The new Tourneo Connect comes in standard five- and Grand seven-seat configurations while the Courier comes only with five seats. Ford's Tourneo range of people movers is completed with the recently introduced Tourneo Custom that can fit eight or nine passengers.

The new Tourneo Connect benefits from a more stylish front end that now features a five-bar grille which sits higher than before. This is combined with slimmer headlights that house HID Xenon lamps and LED DRLs on higher-trim models, as well as a more aerodynamic lower fascia and front spoiler.

The interior has been upgraded in both the Connect and Courier versions with new trim materials, a revised instrument panel and a floating six-inch touchscreen for the SYNC3 infotainment system.

The company's latest 1.5-liter EcoBlue diesel engine is now an option to the range, as well as an upgraded version of the 1.0-liter EcoBoost petrol unit which now features cylinder deactivation further boosting its fuel efficiency.

All models are now fitted with an upgraded six-speed manual transmission as standard while customers opting for the 1.5-liter EcoBlue diesel can choose a new, eight-speed automatic transmission from the options list.

Ford has also added features like Intelligent Speed Assist, Pre-Collision Assist with Pedestrian Detection, Side Wind Stabilisation and Active Park Assist to the 2018 Tourneo Connect and Courier.

Ford will announce pricing and range details of the updated Tourneo models closer to their launch in mid-2018.

PHOTO GALLERY

Look What Novitec Did To The Tesla Model S

Posted: 12 Dec 2017 11:37 AM PST


Novitec has released a new range of personalization and tuning parts for the Tesla Model S, following the positive response to their Model X customization range.

Starting with the exterior, Novitec has created a body kit for the post-2016 facelift version of the electric sedan, made out of naked carbon fiber. The kit includes a front spoiler lip, rocker panels, a rear spoiler lip and a diffuser, with the company claiming that the parts are also aerodynamically optimised.

Novitec's 21-inch NV2 forged wheels were custom designed for the Tesla Model S in cooperation with Vossen, featuring five slanted double spokes that are "always in an
aerodynamically optimal position relative to the airflow". Novitec offers them in 72 different color variants and in brushed or polished finish.

The company also offers the option of a coilover suspension for cars not fitted with the air suspension. With the coilover fitted, ride height can be varied by 40mm while the dampers have three settings: Comfort, Normal and Sport. Cars fitted with the air suspension can be fitted with Novitec's module that drops the height by around 25mm.

Finally, owners can opt for the Novitec carbon-ceramic high-performance brakes which are available in two versions; the first one comes with 380x34mm vented discs and six-piston front calipers while the second one adds a pair of 360x28mm discs for the rear axle, along with four-piston calipers.

As ever, customers who wish to further customize their Tesla can spec the interior choosing from Novitec's wide range of high-end leathers or Alcantara, with tons of options offered regarding the layout or the stitching as well.

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Cadillac CTS V-Sport Adds A Touch Of Style With New Morello Red Edition

Posted: 12 Dec 2017 11:04 AM PST


Cadillac has introduced the 2018 CTS V-Sport Morello Red Edition.

Designed to appeal to drivers who want to stand out from the crowd, the special edition features a modestly revised exterior with a Black Chrome grille, Gloss Black window trim, and a "V-Sport base spoiler." The limited edition model will only be available in four colors including Black Raven, Crystal White Tricoat, Phantom Gray Metallic and Satin Steel Metallic.

The styling changes continue in the cabin as drivers with find Jet Black Recaro leather seats with suede inserts and red contrast stitching. The model also has red armrests, carbon fiber trim, and a sueded microfiber steering wheel.

Like the standard model, the Morello Red Edition is powered by a twin-turbo 3.6-liter V6 engine which produces 420 hp (313 kW) and 430 lb-ft (582 Nm) of torque. It is connected to an eight-speed automatic transmission which enables the rear-wheel drive sedan to accelerate from 0-60 mph in just 4.4 seconds.

The Morello Red Edition package costs $4,000 and it is available on both the $62,190 CTS V-Sport and $72,290 CTS V-Sport Premium Luxury.

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