CARSCOOPS |  |
- Nissan Kicks Off Leaf Production In Europe, First Deliveries In February
- GTS Could Account For Half Of All Porsche 718s
- Land Rover Discovery Commercial Will Haul Your Stuff To The Ends Of The Earth
- Toyota's Staying In LMP1 For At Least Another Year
- BMW Announces Partnership To Develop Solid-State Batteries
- Chevrolet Cruze May Lose Manual Gearbox For 2019MY
- GM Lawyers Ask Judge To Throw Out $1 Billion Ignition-Switch Deal
- The Grand Tour Episode 3 To Feature Chiron, Stinger GT, EB110, XJ220
- Someone In The UK Has Created An Emerald Green Ferrari Enzo
- Volkswagen Announces Plans For 2,800 Charging Stations In The U.S.
- A Modified Exterior And Custom Interior Make The Perfect VW Amarok
- Aston Martin Preparing For Initial Public Offering In 2018
- Jeremy Clarkson Astonished By New Ford GT, Says It's Like A "Mad Caterham"
- Nissan GT-R 'CrankZilla' By Wheelsandmore Boasts Up To 740PS
- Why Would Anyone Even Consider Drawing A Lamborghini Supermini?
- Tuned BMW M4 And Mercedes SL63 With 750HP Each Go Head-To-Head
- 2018 Hyundai Tucson Gains New Variants And Additional Equipment
- AMG Boss Hints At Big Model Expansion In 2019
- Mortal Engines Imagines An Apocalyptic World With Mobile Cities
- Cadillac ATS Sedan Could Be Dropped For 2019
- BMW To Stage World Debuts Of The X2 And i8 Coupe In Detroit
- NIO ES8 Detailed, Boasts 643 HP And A 220 Mile Range
- New Mercedes-Benz G-Class Previewed In Teaser Video
- One Of Ten Ultimate Sunseeker Is A Brabus Fortwo With Maritime Flair
- Mercedes Shows More Of 2019 G-Class Interior, And It's Proper Luxury
| Nissan Kicks Off Leaf Production In Europe, First Deliveries In February Posted: 19 Dec 2017 04:30 AM PST  The all-new Nissan Leaf has officially gone into production at the automaker's plant in Sunderland, UK, as the first European customers will be receiving their cars in February 2018. Nissan has been building the Leaf nameplate in the UK since 2013, selling over 85,000 units on the Old Continent, including those built at the Oppama plant in Japan, since 2011. "We're excited to start production in Sunderland and to bring the new Nissan Leaf to European markets from February," said Nissan Europe manufacturing VP, Kevin Fitzpatrick. The all-new Leaf comes with a driving range of 235 miles (378 km) on a single charge, and also features new technologies such as the new e-Pedal, the ProPILOT system, or the ProPILOT Park. Aside from building the new Leaf, Nissan's Sunderland plant is also responsible for the Qashqai and Juke crossovers, as well as Infiniti's Q30 and QX30 models. Due to its output of over 9 million vehicles per year, it is the biggest UK car plant of all time. PHOTO GALLERY           |
| GTS Could Account For Half Of All Porsche 718s Posted: 19 Dec 2017 03:56 AM PST  As the current range-topper, you might expect that the new GTS versions of the Porsche 718 Boxter and Cayman would represent a relatively small proportion of the model line's sales – but you'd be mistaken. In fact, Porsche's North American CEO expects that the GTS could account for as much as 50 percent of all 718 sales in the United States. "People know what they get if they buy a GTS, which is more sporty, and we certainly hope for more people engaging in our 718s," said Klaus Zellmer. "The segment overall of where we play with our 718 is a challenging segment, but especially now with the GTS, we see some activities at the shop floor, and orders being taken." Automotive News reports that sales of the 718 range have been falling: the Boxster by 14 percent in the first 11 months of this year, the Cayman by 22. Last year – when the new models were introduced – Boxster sales dropped by similar numbers, while the Cayman rose by a (very) modest 0.8 percent. Customers, it seems, have been waiting for the arrival of the more focused and powerful version. Introduced at the LA Auto Show just last month, the GTS versions of the 718 Boxster and 718 Cayman pack a 2.5-liter turbo four good for 365 horsepower – 15 more than the S models and 35 more than the previous Boxster/Cayman GTS. They'll represent the pinnacle of the 718 line for the time being, but what enthusiasts are really looking forward to are the arrivals of a new Cayman GT4 and Boxster Spyder. Photo Gallery        |
| Land Rover Discovery Commercial Will Haul Your Stuff To The Ends Of The Earth Posted: 19 Dec 2017 03:23 AM PST  Have stuff you need to haul to some remote location? Land Rover is ready to help with the launch of the new Discovery Commercial. The vehicle's essentially the same as the passenger version of the latest Discovery, but ditches the second and third rows of seating to optimize cargo space. With the third through seventh seats out of the way, the Discovery Commercial can swallow up to 65.5 cubic feet of cargo. The load space measures 5'5" long, 4'7" wide, and 3' tall, with a tailgate opening of 3'3" by 2'5". You wouldn't necessarily know it from looking at the outside, though, as the panels replacing the windows from the B-pillar back can still be overlaid with tinted glass to make it look like a regular Discovery. You might not realize it from the front seats, either, because that whole section is identical to the passenger version as well. Buyers will be able to choose between 2.0 and 3.0-liter turbodiesel engines, with all-wheel drive and automatic transmission equipped as standard. Pricing in the UK starts at £48,695, but we wouldn't hold our breath on getting one in the United States. Photo Gallery                 |
| Toyota's Staying In LMP1 For At Least Another Year Posted: 19 Dec 2017 02:55 AM PST  The biggest question mark hanging over the future of endurance racing has been answered as Toyota has confirmed it'll continue racing for at least another season. With Porsche, Audi, Nissan, and Peugeot all having packed up and left in recent years, Toyota's announcement leaves it as the last major manufacturers competing in the hybrid LMP1 class at Le Mans and the broader FIA World Endurance Championship of which it is part. Toyota won the championship in 2014, but has yet to succeed at Le Mans. The team was leading the race this year but failed to maintain its lead to the finish line, handing Porsche the win for the third (and final) year running. "Since 2012, we have taken up the challenge of the FIA World Endurance Championship, including the Le Mans 24 Hours, with race cars equipped with hybrid technologies," said Toyota president Akio Toyoda. "The ever-better cars that Toyota pursues are honed and created via the extreme environment of motorsport. That is exactly why we will persistently engage in motorsport, without being swayed by the good and bad of economic times." Toyoda also hinted strongly at the prospect of a production sports car to be derived from its TS050 Hybrid endurance racing prototype. "This year, I went to Le Mans for the first time and heard people cheering for Toyota. I also heard many people saying that they would like to see Toyota come out with a hybrid sports car like our cars in the race," noted the chief executive. "I, too, would like us to produce just such a car, and I think it would be one that would help make cars fun for the next 100 years." The automaker is set to reveal the Toyota Gazoo Super Sport Concept at the 2018 Tokyo Auto Salon next month, with teasers showing more than a hint of Le Mans prototype inspiration. Photo Gallery        |
| BMW Announces Partnership To Develop Solid-State Batteries Posted: 19 Dec 2017 01:33 AM PST  BMW has partnered with U.S. battery company Solid Power to develop next-generation solid-state battery technology. Reuters reports that the two companies will look to advance solid-state battery technology to the point where it is suitable for use in high-performance electric vehicles. Many pundits believe that solid-state batteries could start to replace lithium-ion battery cells early next decade. Benefits offered by solid-state batteries include lower costs, greater range, and significantly quicker charging times. As the name suggests, solid-state batteries feature a solid, conductive material, rather than a liquid or gel-form electrolyte as found in current lithium-ion batteries. In February, it emerged that BMW had commenced work on solid-state batteries with the intention of using them in production vehicles by 2026. Numerous other car manufacturers, including Toyota and Porsche, are also investigating or working on solid-state batteries. PHOTO GALLERY        |
| Chevrolet Cruze May Lose Manual Gearbox For 2019MY Posted: 19 Dec 2017 12:02 AM PST  It appears as though the 2019 Chevrolet Cruze will not be offered with a manual transmission. The Truth About Cars uncovered the plans to ditch the stick shift while sifting through the General Motors VIN decoder. Here, it was discovered that a manual option is no longer listed on any of the Cruze variants set to hit the market for the 2019 model year. The decoder reveals that the Cruze L, Cruze LS, Cruze LT, Cruze Premier, and Cruze Diesel will all feature an automatic gearbox. In place of a manual for an unspecified Cruze variant is a new continuously variable transmission (CVT). Beyond the available transmissions, the documents indicate that both the 1.4-liter turbo petrol and 1.6-liter diesel currently on offer will remain through the 2019 model year. Joining these two familiar engines will be the 1.5-liter four-cylinder of the entry-level Chevrolet Malibu with 160 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque, and a 1.4-liter mill running on compressed natural gas. Photos: Zac Estrada/Carscoops PHOTO GALLERY        |
| GM Lawyers Ask Judge To Throw Out $1 Billion Ignition-Switch Deal Posted: 18 Dec 2017 08:44 PM PST  General Motors lawyers have asked a federal bankruptcy judge to throw out a settlement requiring the carmaker to pay more than $1 billion to car owners suing over faulty ignition switches. GM is currently involved in a three-day bench trial before Judge Martin Glenn of the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in New York to determine the validity of a deal reached between car owners and a trust that holds many GM liabilities from before its bankruptcy. Those representing the car owners claim that the Old GM trust agreed to a deal in August and that General Motors would be forced to contribute $1 billion in stock as part of the settlement. However, Automotive News reports that Old GM walked away from the deal and accepted an offer from General Motors to help pay for its defense against car owners. GM and Old GM told Judge Glenn that the trust had the right to drop the original agreement with car owners. They claim that the original agreement was non-binding as it was never signed. In response, the car owners claim that Old GM acted in bad faith and indicated that the agreement was binding without a signature. PHOTO GALLERY        |
| The Grand Tour Episode 3 To Feature Chiron, Stinger GT, EB110, XJ220 Posted: 18 Dec 2017 08:06 PM PST  Following the release of the first two episodes of The Grand Tour's second season, details about episode 3 have just been announced before the show airs on Amazon Prime this Friday. The feature film of the latest episode will see Jeremy Clarkson embarking on a European road trip in the almighty Bugatti Chiron to discover if it's better to own a supercar than enjoy the glamor of breakfast in St Tropez, skiing in the Alps, and the dining in Turin that's provided by jets and helicopters. Another long-awaited review from The Grand Tour will involve James May test driving the range-topping Kia Stinger GT in Majorca to see if it really is worthy of all the hype. Additionally, episode 3 will feature a brief comparison of the Bugatti EB110 and Jaguar XJ220. Completing the episode will be a segment dedicated to a new form of car park racing invented by Richard Hammond and James May. Celebrity Face Off starring Hugh Bonneville and Casey Anderson will conclude the episode. PHOTO GALLERY                 |
| Someone In The UK Has Created An Emerald Green Ferrari Enzo Posted: 18 Dec 2017 07:33 PM PST  An extremely brave Ferrari Enzo owner has had their Italian supercar painted in Emerald Green, creating what is arguably the most eye-catching Enzo in the world. Recently unveiled at Joe Macari Performance Cars in the UK, the car's Emerald Green paint works surprisingly well and has been complemented by a set of black wheels and red brake calipers. From some angles, the gloss black roof actually makes it appear as if the Enzo has also been converted into a targa but alas, it hasn't. A couple of weeks ago, we came across another famed Ferrari halo car that was repainted green, namely an F40 that's now been bathed in British Racing Green. While repainting a car as iconic as the Enzo, or the F40, could ultimately hurt the supercar's resale value, it's hard not to tip your hat for an owner willing to swallow that risk in order to create their dream ride. PHOTO GALLERY   |
| Volkswagen Announces Plans For 2,800 Charging Stations In The U.S. Posted: 18 Dec 2017 07:06 PM PST  Volkswagen subsidiary Electrify America has announced plans to build more than 2,800 charging stations throughout the United States by June 2019. VW created Electrify America as part of its diesel settlement with the U.S. federal government to spend $2 billion on electric vehicle charging stations across the country. In a statement, the company confirmed that the 2,800 Level 2 charging stations will be located at approximately 500 sites across the 17 largest metropolitan areas in the United States. These stations will provide electric vehicles with roughly 20-25 miles of range per hour of charging, a far cry from the quick-charging stations appearing around the world. Electrify America intends on building 75 per cent of its charging stations at existing workplaces while the remaining stations will be found at apartment buildings, condominiums, and other multi-family properties. Rather than provide EV owners with quick-charging options, VW hopes its more affordable solution will perfectly suit those looking to charge their EVs during work hours or while they're at home. Speaking about the plan, chief executive of Electrify America Mark McNabb said the charging stations will make owning an EV more convenient. "One of the biggest barriers to the mass-market adoption of electric vehicles is access to chargers. Having chargers where people work – and live – will help them see that an electric vehicle can be their primary vehicle because charging is convenient and reliable at the places where they spend time." PHOTO GALLERY        |
| A Modified Exterior And Custom Interior Make The Perfect VW Amarok Posted: 18 Dec 2017 06:37 PM PST  Unlike many of its rivals, the VW Amarok isn't available in any kind of beefed-up guise with aggressive body panels and a look-at-me-design. Fortunately, tuning company Pickup Design has given the Amarok some of the attitude it so desperately needed. Modifications made to this Amarok start up front with an extremely menacing fascia that incorporates enlarged air intakes, black headlight surrounds, and a silver skid plate. Additionally, the pickup receives a set of flared wheel arches, black wheels with off-road tires, an LED light bar on the roof, and an overhauled rear incorporating a subtle spoiler. Inside, the modifications continue with black leather and fabric covering the seats, light brown accents throughout, and a steering wheel that would look more at home in a sports car than a large pickup truck. Additionally, the Amarok also has a small plaque in the center console denoting itself as one of just 500 examples set to be built. Will the upcoming Ford Ranger Raptor get anywhere near matching the insanity of this creation? PHOTO GALLERY              |
| Aston Martin Preparing For Initial Public Offering In 2018 Posted: 18 Dec 2017 06:06 PM PST  Aston Martin is reportedly preparing for a stock market listing or sale in the latter half of 2018. Reuters reports that the key owners of Aston Martin, equity fund Investindustrial and Kuwaiti investors, who own 90 per cent of the British marque, have hired investment bank Lazard to commence work on a preliminary plan for an initial public offering (IPO) or a trade sale in the third or fourth quarter of 2018. It is thought that either move could see the marque valued at between 2 and 3 billion pounds ($4 billion). Neither Investindustrial, Aston Martin, Lazard, or one of the Kuwaiti investors have commented on the possibility of an IPO or sale. Aston Martin chief executive Andy Palmer has previously said that an initial public offering could be worth the consideration of shareholders before the brand's current turnaround plan is completed in 2022. PHOTO GALLERY        |
| Jeremy Clarkson Astonished By New Ford GT, Says It's Like A "Mad Caterham" Posted: 18 Dec 2017 05:31 PM PST  After driving the new Ford GT for Amazon Prime's The Grand Tour, Jeremy Clarkson was absolutely astonished by the car's straight line performance. In the second episode of Season 2, the famous trio found themselves in the US, racing from New York all the way to Niagara Falls. While Clarkson was driving the GT, James May and Richard Hammond had to use public transportation. In case you've yet to see the episode, we won't spoil it for you by revealing who actually won the race. What we will say, though, is that Ford's supercar car performed really well despite the fact that it wasn't designed to be a long-distance cruiser. Clarkson also enjoyed the twin-turbocharged V6's soundtrack and appreciated the fact that there's no "electronic trickery" to it, although he would have preferred a V8. Even so, with 655 PS (647 HP) and 550 lb-ft (745 Nm) of torque at its disposal, the Ford GT is capable of hitting a top speed of 216 mph (347 km/h), so there's no questioning its supercar credentials. VIDEO   |
| Nissan GT-R 'CrankZilla' By Wheelsandmore Boasts Up To 740PS Posted: 18 Dec 2017 05:00 PM PST  The market is filled with all kinds of tuning packages for the Nissan GT-R, but Wheelsandmore believes there's room for one more. So, without further ado, meet 'CrankZilla', the tuner's latest interpretation of the Japanese supercar, which can be ordered with one of five power levels that increase the twin-turbo V6's stock output of 570PS (562hp) and 637Nm (460lb-ft). Stages 1, 2, and 3 add up to 605PS (596hp) and 700Nm (lb-ft), 630PS (621hp) and 800Nm (590lb-ft), and 650PS (641hp) and 830Nm (612lb-ft) respectively, whereas the fourth installment takes the Nissan GT-R to 700PS (690hp) and 850Nm (627lb-ft). The ultimate step is Stage 5, with an impressive 740PS (730hp) and 900Nm (664lb-ft) of torque at the crank. Wheelsandmore says that they "recognize and respect" the 1,000+ conversions of the GT-R, adding that the car "is tuned up to the maximum to be handled safe on the track" in Stage 5. Additionally, their tuned GT-R also features a height adjustable suspension that brings it 30mm (1.18in) closer to the ground, in addition to the 9.5x21- and 11x21-inch rims front and rear shod in 255/35 and 295/30 tires, respectively, while a combination of bronze and copper accents, alongside some decals, round up the list of upgrades. PHOTO GALLERY                       |
| Why Would Anyone Even Consider Drawing A Lamborghini Supermini? Posted: 18 Dec 2017 04:31 PM PST  As controversial as it may have been for a supercar maker such as Lamborghini to step out of their comfort zone and build an SUV, it pales next to a Lambo-badged sub-compact hatch. Created by Kleber Silva just for kicks, the rendering appears to have been based on the latest-gen Volkswagen Polo, which adopted the front end and the rear-door design from the new Urus. It's safe to say that Lamborghini won't pull an Aston Martin Cygnet, but it does make us wonder what they do have in store now that the Urus is finally out. There have been reports that the shelved Asterion hybrid supercar could be next, whereas others believe that the Estoque concept could be resurrected and put into production using the Porsche Panamera as a starting point. Whatever Lamborghini's plans may be, they definitely don't include badge-engineering a supermini; and the world is a better place for that, as we could barely stomach the Cygnet, which, predictably, was a huge failure and did a disservice to Aston's history and badge. PHOTO GALLERY   |
| Tuned BMW M4 And Mercedes SL63 With 750HP Each Go Head-To-Head Posted: 18 Dec 2017 04:00 PM PST  With 750 HP on each side, you'd think that this half-mile drag race between an F82 BMW M4 and a Mercedes SL63 AMG would come down to the wire, right? As it turns out, no. In stock form, they have identical 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) acceleration time, mostly because the M4's weight advantage is offset by the SL63 having roughly 100 more horses under the hood. Now, both cars put down 750 HP, the M4 thanks to a Stage 3+ KK-Performance tune, while the SL63 uses a WINDE Tuning mod. As it turns out, though, the difference between the two was bigger than expected. The winner covered a 1/4 mile in 11.35 seconds at 215 km/h (133 mph), while the runner-up needed 12.15 seconds, doing just 200 km/h (124 mph). As they reached the finish line, that difference had risen to almost 1.5 seconds, with 19 km/h (12 mph) between them. So, who do you think won this duel, the Bimmer or the Merc? To find out, just click on the video right after the jump. VIDEO   |
| 2018 Hyundai Tucson Gains New Variants And Additional Equipment Posted: 18 Dec 2017 03:30 PM PST  The Hyundai Tucson is entering the 2018 model year with a host of improvements which seek to increase its appeal. Currently arriving at dealerships, the 2018 Tucson gains a new SEL variant which is based on last year's SE Popular Equipment package. Hyundai didn't release detailed specifications but confirmed the model comes with HD Radio, SiriusXM Radio, and a 7-inch Display Audio system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility. The model also offers heated front seats which should please drivers in colder climates. The Tucson SE Plus has been renamed the SEL Plus and it features an Infinity premium audio system as well as 3-years of complimentary Blue Link Connected Care, Remote Services & Guidance. The Tucson Limited builds on these features and adds a new heated steering wheel. Additional changes are limited but the YES Essentials fabric seats are now available in Gray and Beige interiors. The Eco and Night variants have also been eliminated, while Value models can now be equipped with an auto-dimming rearview mirror and HomeLink. Lastly, the Guidance Package now includes free map and multimedia system updates. Engine options carryover and include a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces an estimated 164 hp (122 kW) and 151 lb-ft (204 Nm) of torque. The crossover is also offered with a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine which develops 175 hp (130 kW) and 195 lb-ft (264 Nm) of torque. Photo Gallery                                  |
| AMG Boss Hints At Big Model Expansion In 2019 Posted: 18 Dec 2017 02:58 PM PST  Mercedes-AMG offers a dizzying array of high-performance models including everything from the entry-level CLA 45 to the bonkers G65. The company's lineup has also grown in recent years thanks to new additions such as the C43, E43, and GLC 43. These budget-friendly models offer the AMG experience at significant savings over full-blown AMG vehicles such as the C63. Automotive News reports the new 43 lineup has helped to increase AMG sales in the United States by 50 percent through the first eleven months of the year. In fact, the 30,116 AMG units sold so far represent nearly ten percent of all Mercedes sales in America this year alone. AMG boss Tobias Moers is pleased with the results and told the publication we can expect a "big expansion" of AMG models in 2019. He declined to say what we can expect but the company will introduce the CLS 53 at the North American International Auto Show next month and it could be followed by 53 variants of the E-Class Coupe and Convertible as well as the GLE. 2019 will also mark the introduction of the four-door AMG GT which been dubbed the AMG GT 4. Photo Credits: CarPix for CarScoops Photo Gallery                             |
| Mortal Engines Imagines An Apocalyptic World With Mobile Cities Posted: 18 Dec 2017 02:34 PM PST  Peter Jackson and Universal Pictures have released the first trailer for a movie called Mortal Engines. Set thousands of years in the future after "civilization was destroyed by a cataclysmic event," the movie sees what's left of humanity living on movable cities. The trailer doesn't provide a lot of information but we can see a relatively smaller city being attacked by a massive and mobile version of London. The clip is relatively short but, as Collider notes, it definitely has a Mad Max and Waterworld vibe - hopefully more of the former and less of the latter. The movie is based on a series of books written by Philip Reeve and it tells the tale of Tom Natsworthy (Robert Sheehan) who is a resident of London that encounters a fugitive named Hester Shaw (Hera Hilmar). Universal Pictures says this chance encounter sparks an "unlikely alliance that is destined to change the course of the future." Mortal Engines is already playing in select theaters and it is directed by Christian Rivers from a script written by Jackson, Philippa Boyens, and Fran Walsh. Besides the two main leads, the film stars Hugo Weaving, Stephen Lang, Leila George, and Sarah Peirse. Video   |
| Cadillac ATS Sedan Could Be Dropped For 2019 Posted: 18 Dec 2017 07:08 PM PST  The Cadillac ATS serves an important role as the company's entry-level sedan but new documents suggest the model could be going away for the 2019 model year. According to VIN codes unearthed by The Truth About Cars, Cadillac will only sell the ATS in coupe form in 2019. That would be a drastic change as the ATS is one of the company's best-selling sedans. Carsalesbase data shows Cadillac sold a combined total of 21,505 ATS sedans and coupes last year but that's down significantly from the 38,319 units that were sold in 2013. This year looks particularly bad as the company has only sold around 12,000 units in the United States through November. CTS sales have also fallen significantly in recent years as Cadillac sold 15,911 models in 2016 which is a drastic drop from the 31,115 units that were sold two years prior. Cadillac wasn't feeling too talkative about the ATS' future but Cadillac President Johan de Nysschen recently said "We have to rebalance our sedan portfolio" and this will eventually lead to the elimination of the ATS, CTS, and XTS. All three models are set to be replaced by the new CT5 which is slated to start at around $35,000. Later on, the company will introduce a new entry-level sedan which is set to compete with the Audi A3 and Mercedes CLA-Class. Photo Gallery        This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
| BMW To Stage World Debuts Of The X2 And i8 Coupe In Detroit Posted: 18 Dec 2017 01:32 PM PST  The North American International Auto Show is less than a month away and BMW has announced plans to stage the world debuts of the X2 and i8 Coupe in the Motor City. Starting with the X2, the model is based on the X1 but it eschews crossover-inspired styling for a funkier design that resembles a high-riding hatchback. In the United States, power will be provided by a 2.0-liter TwinPower Turbo four-cylinder engine that produces 228 hp (170 kW) and 258 lb-ft (349 Nm) of torque. This will enable the X2 xDrive28i to accelerate from 0-60 mph in 6.3 seconds before hitting a top speed of up to 143 mph (230 km/h). Moving on to the i8 Coupe, the model follows in the footsteps of the i8 Roadster which was recently unveiled at the Los Angeles Auto Show. It features an updated powertrain with an improved lithium-ion battery which has a capacity of 11.6 kWh. The car has also been equipped with a more powerful three-cylinder engine and electric motor which helps to increase its maximum output to 369 hp (275 kW). Thanks to the extra power, the model can accelerate from 0-60 mph in approximately 4.2 seconds. Both of the models will go on sale this spring and pricing will be announced closer to launch. However, a recent report suggested the X2 will have a base price of $39,395. Besides the X2 and i8 Coupe, BMW will display the i3s, i8 Roadster, X3, M3 CS, and M5. The X7 concept will also be making an appearance. Photo Gallery                                                                 |
| NIO ES8 Detailed, Boasts 643 HP And A 220 Mile Range Posted: 18 Dec 2017 03:25 PM PST  NIO stunned everyone when its EP9 set a Nürburgring lap record earlier this year and now the company is moving onto more traditional fare by detailing its ES8 crossover. Unveiled earlier this year, the ES8 is a "high performance electric SUV" that features a bold design which will likely provoke strong reactions. While its styling won't win everyone over, NIO says the model has an all-aluminum body and chassis as well as the "highest amount of aluminum for any mass production car." The seven-seat interior is decidedly more appealing as it features high quality materials and advanced technology. Notable highlights include Nappa leather upholstery, a digital instrument cluster, and a large infotainment system with a portrait orientation. Owners will also find a front "lounge seat" and an air quality system that includes an activated carbon and HEPA filter as well as a negative ion generator. Motivation is provided by two electric motors which produce a combined output of 643 hp (480 kW) and 619 lb-ft (840 Nm) of torque. This enables the all-wheel drive crossover to accelerate from 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) in just 4.4 seconds. The ES8 is powered by a 70 kWh battery pack which enables the model to have an NEDC range of 220 miles (355 km). When the battery is depleted, it can be swapped out for a fully recharged battery in approximately three minutes. The company plans to build over 1,100 Power Swap Stations in the future and they will be joined by over 1,200 Power Mobile vehicles which can give the ES8 enough juice to travel up to 100 km (62 miles) after a ten minute charge. On the technology front, the ES8 will come with NIO Pilot which is described as an advanced driver assistance system. It uses a total of 23 sensors including a trifocal front-facing camera, four exterior cameras, five millimeter-wave radars, a driver monitor camera, and 12 ultrasonic sensors. Thanks to the various cameras and sensors, the crossover has automatic emergency braking, traffic jam assist, and highway pilot. Other features include blind spot detection, traffic sign recognition, and a lane departure warning system. Besides the high-tech safety features, the ES8 comes equipped with NOMI which is being billed as the "the world's first in-car AI system." NIO says NOMI is a "fun, expressive, and intuitive companion that can listen, talk, and help drivers along the way." In China, pricing starts at ¥448,000 ($67,715) and the company has plans to offer 10,000 Founder's Editions for ¥548,000 ($82,824). The company will also offer a battery rental plan for ¥1,280 ($193) per month which will knock ¥100,000 ($15,114) off the purchase price of the ES8. VideoPhoto Gallery       |
| New Mercedes-Benz G-Class Previewed In Teaser Video Posted: 18 Dec 2017 03:25 PM PST  Just a few days after Mercedes-Benz unveiled the interior of the new G-Class, the German manufacturer has dropped a teaser video in the lead-up to the off-roaders global premiere in January. The brief video shows the G-Class cruising through the streets of an unnamed city and offers us an excellent look at the interior at night. As recent images confirmed, the cabin is dominated by two 12.3-inch screens that serve as the gauge cluster and infotainment systems. Beyond the big screen, customers of the new G-Class will be pleased to see much more refined materials, including optional Lugano and Nappa leather, redesigned circular air vents, a seven-speaker audio system as standard, and an analog clock directly below the air conditioning and heating controls. The increased size of the new G-Class will make it even more appealing to customers. In fact, rear-seat legroom has increased by a huge 5.9-inches (15 cm). Additionally, shoulder and elbow room has been increased for all occupants. As mentioned, the 2019 G-Class will premiere next month at the Detroit Auto Show. VIDEO   |
| One Of Ten Ultimate Sunseeker Is A Brabus Fortwo With Maritime Flair Posted: 18 Dec 2017 11:54 AM PST  Brabus, together with Sunseeker Germany, built a limited edition "One of Ten" Ultimate 125, fitting it with a heavily customized interior. While this car does feature a few stickers on the outside, letting you know it's not your run of the mill Brabus Fortwo, it's the interior that really sticks out thanks to the luxurious maritime theme. We wouldn't blame you for thinking that luxury yachts and tiny city cars don't have a whole lot in common, and yet, the cabin of this limited edition Fortwo looks pretty special, even compared to the stock Ultimate 125's interior. It's got dual-tone leather, carbon fiber bits used throughout the dashboard, and a pair of very special floor mats that may or may not inspire you to go sailing. As for what it can do in a straight line, we're talking 125 PS (123 HP) and a 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) acceleration time of 9.2 seconds. It will also do 175 km/h (109 mph), which may not sound like a lot, until you consider the shape and size of the car. PHOTO GALLERY                      |
| Mercedes Shows More Of 2019 G-Class Interior, And It's Proper Luxury Posted: 18 Dec 2017 12:24 PM PST  Even though the all-new Mercedes-Benz G-Class will feature many of the characteristics found on previous generation models, its interior will be more refined than ever. One of the things Mercedes wants us to notice is how styling elements from the exterior were transposed into the interior, such as the round headlights being reflected in the air vents on either side, or the iconic indicators which can be found in the shape of the loudspeakers. Then you've got the redesigned instrument panel with tube-look analogue dials as standard, which is something fans of classic round instruments will appreciate. Buyers will also be able to opt for an alternative instrument panel in the shape of a large display screen, such as you would in the new E-Class and S-Class. Other noteworthy additions would be the overhauled stowage spaces, with numerous new areas to be found throughout the cabin. For example, there's an illuminated compartment for small items underneath the armrest, while a wireless charging port can also be specified at a cost. The console features two removable cup holders and an oddments tray in front of the touch pad, while the rear doors can accommodate a 1-liter water bottle. Speaking of room, compared to the previous model, in the new G-Class there is 38 mm's (1.5 in) worth of extra legroom in the front and 150 mm's (5.9 in) worth in the rear. You also get another 38 mm (1.5 in) of shoulder width in the front and 27 mm (1.06 in) in the rear, plus 68 more mm (2.67 in) of elbow room in the front and 56 mm (2.2 in) in the rear. Future G-Class customers will also be able to choose between two equipment packages: Exclusive Interior and Exclusive Interior Plus. The first one offers a choice of seven colors, three of which are combinations of nappa leather in black and one of the designo manufaktur colors (platinum white, yacht blue or classic red). This package also includes a black designo roof liner in Dinamica microfiber, with the air vents painted in Silvershadow. Meanwhile, the Exclusive Interior Plus package adds more elements in nappa leather, such as the door trim, sections of the center console, the instrument panel and all of the upholstery. By opting for this package, customers can choose between the designo shades of black, espresso brown or classic red. The all-new 2019 Mercedes-Benz G-Class will pose for the public at next year's Detroit Auto Show, in January. PHOTO GALLERY           |
| You are subscribed to email updates from Carscoops. To stop receiving these emails, you may unsubscribe now. | Email delivery powered by Google |
| Google, 1600 Amphitheatre Parkway, Mountain View, CA 94043, United States | |
0 comments:
Post a Comment