Sunday 17 December 2017

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Is The Most Powerful VW Polo GTI Ever More Fun To Drive, Too?

Posted: 17 Dec 2017 03:58 AM PST


VW has been making GTI versions of the Polo for quite some time now, but the new generation wants to achieve more than its predecessors did.

The German company wants the GTI badge to represent the default choice in the hot-hatch segments, offering for the first time three GTIs at the same time: the small Up!, the supermini Polo and, of course, the Golf.

Hot versions of superminis can be really special as demonstrated in the past by Renault with the Clio RS and Ford with the Fiesta ST, and VW is more serious than ever with the Polo GTI in terms of performance and fun.

Power comes from a turbocharged 2.0-liter TSI engine this time, making 197hp (200PS) and 236lb-ft (320Nm) of torque. When paired to a six-speed dual-clutch transmission (a manual option is also available), the Polo GTI requires 6.7 seconds for the 0-62mph (100km/h) dash and it won't stop accelerating before it hits 147mph (247km/h). Autocar delivers its first driving impressions on the video that follows.

VIDEO

New Audi RS4 Avant Detailed In New Gallery [66 Pics]

Posted: 17 Dec 2017 03:00 AM PST


As the new RS4 Avant hits the European market, Audi has released a detailed gallery of its new super-wagon.

Like the RS5 Coupe, the 2018 RS4 Avant drops the naturally aspirated V8 in favor of a twin-turbo 2.9-liter V6 with 444hp (450PS) and 443lb-ft (600Nm) of peak torque.

In fact, these two share the same oily bits, including the eight-speed automatic transmission (gone is the dual-clutch gearbox) and the Quattro all-wheel drive system that sends up to 60 percent of the power to the rear axle in normal conditions and features an electronically controlled rear sport differential.

The RS4 Avant does the 0-62mph (100km/h) sprint in just 4.1 seconds, while its top speed is, as usual, electronically limited to 155mph (250km/h). However, if you tick the optional RS Dynamic Package, Audi will raise the limiter to 174mph (280km/h).

The coolest thing about the RS4 Avant though remains the bodywork, and more specifically the 30mm (1.2in) wider wheel arches that pay tribute to the 1989 Audi 90 Quattro IMSA GTO racer. The front fascia with its more aggressive singleframe grille and massive air inlets as well as the standard 19-inch or optional 20-inch alloy wheels also distinguish the RS4 from its lesser siblings, along with a number of details that you can check out in the gallery that follows.

PHOTO GALLERY

Aston Martin DB4 G.T. Continuation Really Is A Jewel On Wheels

Posted: 17 Dec 2017 01:44 AM PST


The trend of reviving loved classic pieces of automotive history continues, as Aston Martin started producing a very limited run of DB4 GTs that remain faithful to the design of the original eight lightweights built in 1959.

Only 25 of these beautiful Continuation models will be ever produced by Aston Martin Works, mixing, in Aston's words, "old world craftsmanship and modern techniques".

Sadly, and because the cars remain faithful to the original, these new DB4 GTs will be limited to track use only.

Compared to the standard DB4, the GT variant is shorter, lighter and more powerful. The 3.7-liter straight-six engine produces 340hp and is mated to a four-speed manual gearbox. A rear limited-slip differential is also there to help with grip.

The whole bodywork is made by hand-finished aluminum panels that sit on a tubular frame, with Aston Martin saying that the new GTs have better build quality and consistency, benefitting from the advances in technology.

Does this make them as good to drive as the old ones though? Henry Catchpole from Carfection has an exclusive go on the video listed below.

VIDEO

Apocalyptic Truck Spotted Pulling Amazon Prime Trailer

Posted: 17 Dec 2017 12:27 AM PST


In case you're struggling to imagine why somebody would build such a semi, you're not alone. Our best guess is that he's a fan of some dystopian future movie/series - or he just thought that it would look really cool.

The most recent image of the truck was posted by Reddit user captaincardinal3, showing multiple sets of license plates scattered across the front bumper (although only the NJ one is real), a Punisher logo on the front grille and an Amazon Prime trailer hitched out back.

That Punisher logo is a little misleading, since this semi looks more like something out of a Mad Max movie (why, it's even got wheel spikes!), but to each his own.

One thing's for sure, though: getting a glimpse of this truck in your rear view mirror will a. surprise, if not scare, you, b. make you wonder if it's a promo for a movie, and c. most likely, convince you to let it overtake.

PHOTO GALLERY

Top Secret's 943PS Toyota Supra V12 Is Looking For A New Home

Posted: 17 Dec 2017 04:04 AM PST


If you grew up watching 'Smokey' Nagata doing all sorts of silly stuff on the road, then you'll probably recognize this specific Supra; that's right, this is his personal gold 'Top Secret' Toyota Supra powered by a twin-turbo V12.

The man behind the famous tuning shop replaced the original's 2JZ engine with a V12 from the Toyota Century before going crazy on the mods. After adding twin turbos and nitrous oxide, the V12 Supra puts out a claimed 943PS.

Nagata's exploits include shipping the car to the UK, where he hit a claimed 197mph (316km/h) on a public highway at night and in the rain, as well as taking it to Nardo in Italy in 2008 for a proper top speed run, with the result being a rather impressive 222.4mph (357.6 km/h).

This Toyota Supra is also wearing a full wide bodykit from Top Secret that makes it 100mm wider than the stock Supra and is supposed to reduce drag at high speeds.

The chance for buying a car with such a history record is without a doubt a rare one and probably will attract the interest from all around the globe when it crosses the auction block on January 12 at the Tokyo Auto Salon.

PHOTO GALLERY

BMW And Rolls-Royce Cavalcade Testing In Death Valley, Luxury SUV Included

Posted: 17 Dec 2017 04:05 AM PST


Testing continues for the new Rolls-Royce SUV, as the latest prototype was scooped in Death Valley alongside a variety of test cars from both the British luxury brand and BMW.

Roll's first ever SUV will rival the Bentley Bentayga, and will also be a more luxurious alternative to the Range Rover SVAutobiography and Lamborghini Urus.

Although its design is still kept under wraps, we do have a pretty clear picture of what it will look like, based on recent spy shots and renderings.

The luxury SUV will share quite a few things with the new generation Phantom, including its aluminum platform. However, the "high-sided all-terrain motor car", which is Rolls' way of referring to it, will get a new all-wheel drive system in addition to various chassis and suspension settings, which will allow it to perform not only the tarmac, but off-road as well.

Despite being, for a long time, called the Cullinan, after the famous diamond mined in South Africa in 1905 that is the largest rough one ever found, Rolls-Royce has made it clearthat this was a "working title" and the production version of its SUV will bear a different name.

VIDEO

What The Heck Is A Magnate P708 Barchetta?

Posted: 16 Dec 2017 04:10 PM PST


The world is full of supercar startups that never made it. Some we hear about, some we don't. Magnate falls more in the latter column, but looking at this rare prototype, we can't help but wish that it had succeeded.

Information is sketchy at best, but what we appear to be looking at is a failed attempt to revive the Bizzarrini name.

The Italian supercar manufacturer was a brief flash in the pan in the 1960s, spearheaded by former Ferrari and Alfa Romeo engineer Giotto Bizzarrini. The company closed in 1969, but about a decade ago, UK-based Galmer Engineering revealed its plans to resurrect the marque with a new supercar.

The idea was to revive Bizzarrini's original P538 in modern form. The design called for a carbon-fiber bodywork over a tubular frame with the Corvette Z06's 7.0-liter LS7 V8 in the middle kicking out 505 horsepower. That may not sound like all that much for a supercar these days, but it was competitive with the Ferrari F430 (483 hp), Lamborghini Gallardo (513 hp), and Ford GT (550 hp) that it would have to rival at that time.

Despite the reported blessing of its namesake, the project failed to get off the ground. It was subsequently rebranded as the Magnate P708, which didn't fare any better.

Anyway, a decade or so later, the first prototype is coming up for auction.RM Sotheby's estimates it will sell for around €300-500k in Paris during Retromobile week in February. Those who really miss the Bizzarrini marque will also find a pair of originals from 1968 up for auction at the same event: a 1900 GT Europa (estimated value €250-300k) and a 5300 GT Strada (€800k- 1m). Though the originals wear European plates and the new prototype Montana ones, we wouldn't be surprised if they all come from the same collection.

Photo Gallery

Ferrari Will Increase Production To Meet Demand, Rumors About An SUV Persist

Posted: 16 Dec 2017 03:00 PM PST


Ferrari plans to boost its production capacity as the target for 9,000 cars per year is going to be reached a year earlier than originally scheduled.

The Italian supercar maker will double its assembly shifts to two a day in 2018 according to Bloomberg, which cites sources familiar with the matter.

This production boost is part of Sergio Marchionne's plan to double Ferrari's operating profit. The plan also includes the expansion of the company's range of models while maintaining the exclusivity of its more expensive supercars.

More and more reports also talk about Ferrari planning to launch an SUV, which will help it exceed the self-imposed 10,000-car production limit. The goal is to reach an operating profit of about 2 billion euros per year ($2.35 billion) by 2022.

Last month Ferrari revised its 2017 profit target upwards as the launch of limited-edition models, such as the FXX K Evo, help it achieve its profit goal two years early. Ferrari is expected to earn about 1 billion euros this year, before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization.

Ferrari expects to build around 8,400 cars in 2017, with the number going up to 9,000 cars in 2018.

PHOTO GALLERY

2019 Chevrolet Silverado Unveiled Ahead Of Detroit Debut

Posted: 16 Dec 2017 02:52 PM PST


Chevrolet has unveiled the all-new 2019 Silverado ahead of its official debut at the North American International Auto Show.

Shown in the truck's new Trailboss trim, the images reveal the 2019 Silverado has an evolutionary front fascia with a squared off appearance which hints at its rugged capabilities.

Chevrolet is keeping details under wraps but we can see the truck features LED headlights, a massive grille, and distinctive LED daytime running lights. Moving further back, the Silverado eschews the bulging fender flares of its predecessor for new bodywork which incorporates gentle creases and strong character lines.

The styling changes continue out back as the Silverado adopts a new tailgate which has massive "Chevrolet" lettering. Other notable changes include new taillights, a dual exhaust system, and a rear bumper with integrated steps.

We can expect to learn more about the truck next month but it appears the Trailboss variant will feature black accents on the grille, bumpers, and wheels. The model is also slated to have an assortment of off-road focused goodies including a two-inch suspension lift.

Engine options remain unconfirmed but Chevrolet says the redesigned model uses high-tensile-strength steel and higher-grade alloy materials in its construction. Thanks to these changes, the truck promises to be lighter and more rigid than its predecessor.

We'll have more information about the truck when the North American International Auto Show kicks off on January 14th.

Photo Gallery

Lamborghini Urus Sounds Worryingly Downcast On The Street

Posted: 17 Dec 2017 04:04 AM PST


Unlike its rivals, Lamborghini has, until now, shunned turbocharging and remained faithful to naturally aspirated engines. That's something that changed with the recently unveiled Urus SUV, which is powered by a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 from the Volkswagen Group.

Of course, this is no surprise, as the engine is small enough to fit in the front of the SUV and delivers the horsepower and torque figures required by such a vehicle. Unfortunately, the twin-turbo V8 does have one major flaw: its sound.

A YouTuber recently stumbled upon a yellow Urus and was able to film it up close. To say it sounds unexciting would be an understatement.

When it is reversing out of a flatbed and trundling down the cobblestone street, the car is barely audible. In fact, the only time you can actually hear the Urus is when it starts up (in the 2nd video), where it does emit a rather satisfying burble for an Audi, but certainly not for something with a Lamborghini badge. The times, they are indeed a-changin'.

VIDEO

Apollo IE Looks Mental Testing At A Rain-Soaked Race Track

Posted: 16 Dec 2017 01:00 PM PST


Thought the Apollo Intensa Emozione looked impressive in recent studio shots? Well, these pictures of the supercar undergoing track testing will leave you breathless.

Ever since premiering its supercar in late October, Apollo has been putting the IE through its paces, recently conducting tests at Italy's Cremona Circuit. To say it looks purposeful would be an understatement.

Powering the IE is a 6.3-liter naturally-aspirated V12 engine reportedly sourced from the Ferrari F12. This powertrain delivers 769 hp and 561 lb-ft of torque and is mated to a titanium exhaust that creates a truly mesmerizing sound. Apollo claims the IE will reach 62 mph (100 km/h) in just 2.7 seconds and top out at 208 mph (335 km/h).

With a design that makes most other supercars seem bland in comparison, the Apollo IE has already created many fans and will continue to do so in its lead up to production. Here's hoping the project becomes a reality and doesn't fall through like so many others before it.

PHOTO GALLERY

Is The 707HP Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk As Insane As The Figures Suggest?

Posted: 16 Dec 2017 11:58 AM PST


The Jeep brand is perhaps the most successful carmaker under the FCA group umbrella, and after watching Doug DeMuro's review of the Grand Cherokee Trackhawk, you may start to understand why.

Jeep introduced the model earlier this year on the back of demand for an SUV powered by the 6.2-liter supercharged Hellcat V8 of the Challenger and Charger Hellcat models. With an identical 707 hp and 645 lb-ft of torque, the Trackhawk can rocket from a standstill to 62 mph (100 km/h) in a mere 3.5 seconds and complete the quarter mile in just 11.6 seconds at 116 mph.

On a drag strip, the Trackhawk will, most likely, humble lots of rivals. However, is it actually useable on the street?

According to DeMuro, the answer is yes. On paper, one could think that the Trackhawk's crazy figures would make it a one-trick pony. However, the fact that the Trackhawk is essentially just a Grand Cherokee with a bigger engine and larger brakes means it retains all the practicality of lesser variants, including the 7,200 lbs towing capacity of the Grand Cherokee SRT8.

Perhaps the only downside of the Trackhawk is its fairly hefty $86,995 price tag, but considering that it's the most powerful production SUV on the market, trumping even Lambo's Urus, you may eventually end up calling it a bargain.

VIDEO

Voodoo Blue Paint Showcases Porsche 918 Spyder's Design Perfectly

Posted: 16 Dec 2017 11:00 AM PST


The current crop of supercars may be snapping at the heels of the hybrid hypercar trio, but the McLaren P1, Ferrari LaFerrari, and Porsche 918 Spyder will prove to be increasingly valuable assets in the coming decades - and this 918 located in Saudi Arabia could prove to be one of the most desirable.

While most 918 Spyder owners opted for relatively dull shades and colors, the owner of this example had the hypercar painted in Voodoo Blue, a color that beautifully captures the sleek design of the hypercar.

It's currently listed for sale from Seven Car Lounge, but no price has been made public. Nevertheless, a figure equivalent to roughly $2 million in the U.S. isn't out the question, especially when considering the fact that the car has the desirable Weissach package that improves aerodynamics and strips away any unnecessary weight.

As you probably already know, the Porsche 918 Spyder is powered by a naturally-aspirated 4.6-liter V8 mated to a pair of electric motors. Its maximum combined output is 887hp, and it can launch from a standstill to 62 mph (100 km/h) in under 2.5 seconds.

PHOTO GALLERY

Can A Stock Camaro ZL1 Beat Tesla's Model S P100D In A Straight Line?

Posted: 16 Dec 2017 01:09 PM PST


Ever since Tesla came out with the ultra-fast Model S P100D, we've seen it tackle several muscle cars and come out on top, especially over short distances like the 1/4 mile.

This is due to the fact that the all-electric saloon has as much as 920 lb-ft (1,247 Nm) of torque available from the word go, which puts it at a major advantage compared to pretty much any internal combustion powered opponent.

Meanwhile, the Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 is putting down 650 horses and 650 lb-ft (881 Nm) of torque, and while it's not quite as powerful as the Tesla, it might have a chance while racing from a rolling start.

From a standstill, it's hard for any supercar to keep up with a Model S P100D, unless we're talking about the McLaren 720S, but as you already know, that one is knocking on hypercar territory.

Anyway, despite having rear-wheel drive and a 6-speed manual transmission, this 2017 ZL1 performed really well from a rolling start. To find out whether it was able to beat the Tesla, though, you'll have to watch the video right after the break.

VIDEO

Porsche’s Battery Suppliers Can’t Keep Up With Demand For Hybrid Panamera

Posted: 16 Dec 2017 08:59 AM PST


It's not just Porsche that was surprised by the increased demand for the hybrid Panamera; its battery suppliers didn't see it coming either.

Following the news that 60 percent of all second-gen Panameras sold are hybrids, Reuters reports that the German car maker is pushing its battery suppliers to their limits.

Gerd Rupp, head of Porsche's Leipzig factory where the Panamera is assembled, said: "At present we are able to meet customer demand well", though he conceded that "there are limits, because we are dependent on the capacities of battery suppliers."

"We had originally projected different volumes (of battery systems needed)," Rupp commented. "The effects can be seen in longer delivery times of currently 3-4 months for Panamera hybrid models."

Furthermore, Porsche expects demand to rise even further as the plug-in Panamera launches in the US and China, the model's two biggest markets.

The Leipzig factory is the strongest candidate for manufacturing the all-electric Mission E, according to Porsche's exec: "The chances for producing a fully-electric Porsche in Leipzig are good," he said, predicting a decision in the first half of 2018, but building it there would require "a larger three-digit million-euro" investment in an all-new body shop.

PHOTO GALLERY

Kia Stinger Passes Euro NCAP Crash Tests With Flying Colors

Posted: 16 Dec 2017 07:57 AM PST


Owners and potential customers of the Kia Stinger can rest easy knowing that it's not only a very capable sports sedan, but one of the safest, too.

During recent Euro NCAP testing, the Stinger was awarded a five-star safety rating, performing particularly well in adult occupant safety with a 93 per cent rating. Additionally, it was awarded a safety assist score of 82 per cent when optioned with the full range of autonomous safety systems.

Even before the Stinger was unveiled at the start of this year, car enthusiasts were intrigued at the thought of the South Korean automaker going head to head with the German establishment.

In range-topping guise, the Stinger is powered by a 3.3-liter twin-turbo V6 delivering 365 hp and 376 lb-ft of torque. With all-wheel drive, the range-topping Stinger hits 62 mph (100 km/h) in less than five seconds and maxes out at 167 mph (269 km/h).

Prices for the entry-level Stinger start at $31,900 in the United States, which makes it roughly $11,000 cheaper than the four-cylinder BMW 430i Gran Coupe.

VIDEO

The World’s Largest Speed Bump Isn’t A Problem For The Range Rover Evoque

Posted: 16 Dec 2017 11:09 AM PST


Despite being on the market since 2011, with a facelift for the 2016MY, the Evoque is still managing to attract lots of customers thanks to its good looks, modern features and premium feel.

However, with newer rivals arriving at the segment, Land Rover found a clever way of advertising the Evoque, Range Rover's best-selling model.

What it did was organize a stunt that involved installing the "world's biggest speed bump" on a British city road. Road users were rconfused by the massive obstacle, with some turning their cars around and others trying to drive over it with no success.

As traffic begins to pile up on both sides of the speed bump, a Range Rover Evoque suddenly appears and shows everyone just how capable it is on dealing with obstacles like this. The message the automaker wants to pass along is that, despite its not-so-rugged looks, the Evoque is nevertheless quite capable at handling most obstacles, even those an owner would never think to throw at it.

VIDEO

Aussie Startup Wants To Create A Flying Car Racing Series By 2020

Posted: 16 Dec 2017 05:55 AM PST


An Australian startup has taken to Kickstarter to reveal its plans for a flying car demonstration race and, eventually, a world championship.

The company, Alauda Racing, has created a prototype of its 'flying car', which in reality is just a large quadcopter designed to fit a person. Dubbed the Alauda Mark 1 Airspeeder, the startup says it will begin testing in the next few months ahead of a proposed demonstration race in an unnamed desert in the middle of 2018.

The two Airspeeders that will take part in this demonstration race will be unmanned, but by 2020, the firm hopes to kick off the 'Airspeeder World Championship' with human pilots.

At the time of writing, the Kickstarter campaign had raised $4259 AUD ($3222) of a $100,000 ($75,653) goal, with the campaign running through until January 11, 2018.

PHOTO GALLERY

Huge Autonomous Vehicle Test Center Opens In Michigan

Posted: 16 Dec 2017 05:00 AM PST


A $135 million autonomous vehicle testing facility has opened near Ann Arbor, Michigan and promises to act as an important location for carmakers to test and develop their self-driving technologies.

The American Center for Mobility has a 2.5-mile highway loop, a 700-foot curved tunnel, intersections, roundabouts, and two double overpasses to mimic everyday driving conditions.

Companies including Toyota and Ford have invested in the facility and, on December 13, a number of Toyota engineers arrived on the site for a driver training program. Joining the Japanese automaker at the facility is electronics supplier Visteon. Motor Trend reports that other carmakers and technology companies will start using the site from next week.

Construction at the site is still ongoing and the next phase is tipped to begin in the spring of 2018, adding an urban driving environment to the facility.

Speaking about the site, chief executive of Business Leaders for Michigan and chairman of ACM's board, Doug Rothwell, said it was important for many different parties to get behind the project.

"This technology posed a hell of a lot of risk to this state. I'm heartened that everyone pulled together—state government, the private sector, universities—so that we could solidify our role in this growing part of the industry."

PHOTO GALLERY

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