Saturday 23 December 2017

CARSCOOPS

CARSCOOPS

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China Planning To End Local Subsidies For Electric Vehicles

Posted: 23 Dec 2017 03:59 AM PST


China will, allegedly, instruct local governments to stop giving out incentives for electric cars and other clean-energy vehicles, as it is looking into ways to discourage protectionism between the country's different provinces.

The Chinese Ministry of Finance wants to implement its plan as early as next year according to Bloomberg, which cites inside sources.

China's existing program entitles cars that can run at least 155 miles (250km) on a single charge to a $6,653 (44,000 yuan) incentive from the central government, while local authorities can provide no more than the 50 percent of the central subsidy.

The problem lies in the way local governments carry out their end of the program, with some car makers complaining of unfair treatment for companies based in other provinces and complaining that local governments make it tougher or more time consuming to receive funding approvals outside their home city.

If the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers' prediction turns out to be true, sales of "green" vehicles in the world's largest car market might increase as much as 50 percent in 2018, to more than 1 million cars in 2018, from an estimated 700,000 this year.


Note: NIO ES8 Pictured

PHOTO GALLERY

1974 Lancia Stratos Sells For A Sky-High $475,000

Posted: 23 Dec 2017 02:28 AM PST


The gorgeous 1974 Lancia Stratos HF Stradale we wrote about last week has sold for a remarkable $475,000 online.

When we wrote about the car, it had a highest bid of $311,000. However, by the time the online auction ended at Bring A Trailer, the Lancia had sold for $164,000 more than that.

Almost half a million dollars for a road-going Lancia may sound like a lot, but one look at the car might make you wish you were able to bid for it.

This particular Stratos rolled off the assembly line on July 1, 1974 and in the first seven years, its two owners drove it roughly 70,000 km before it was put in storage. Since then, the car has been expertly maintained and was restored earlier this year, fitted with rebuilt factory coilover suspension, rebuilt calipers, new brake lines, and Karp's brake rotors.

The car is the 44th of just 492 examples built so that Lancia would be able to homologate the Stratos for the World Rally Championship's Group 4 class.

PHOTO GALLERY

Is It Just Us, Or Does The Honda N-One Keep Looking Better?

Posted: 22 Dec 2017 07:51 PM PST


The retro design trend that emerged in the 1990s may be dead, but Honda's breathing fresh life into it with retro-futuristic designs like the Urban EV and Sports EV concepts.

You don't need to look into Honda's crystal ball, though, to see a cool-looking retro design. You can get one right now... if you live in Japan. It's the N-One, arguably the cornerstone (and the best-looking) of a range of stylish little Kei cars that Honda offers in its home market.

The automaker has been producing the N-One since 2012, but keeps rolling out incremental updates, like this one. Among the changes are better sound insulation, UV-filtering windows, more USB outlets and four trim levels: Standard, Select, Premium and RS.

The model pictured here is the RS in Sunset Orange and black, but the N-One also available in other two-tone combinations, like white with red, gray with red, dark green with black, or blue with black.

The RS looks (unsurprisingly) sportier inside and out and comes exclusively with a turbocharged 660cc inline-three that's mated (like the naturally aspirated version) to a CVT transmission, which is the only gearbox available. The RS gets paddle shifters to select between artificial ratios, and comes only in front-wheel drive form, though you can get the same engine with all-wheel drive in the Premium Tourer version.


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Jay Leno Samples 1965 Le Mans Class-Winning Bizzarrini Racer

Posted: 22 Dec 2017 07:12 PM PST


In terms of cars driven and reviewed by former late-night talk show host Jay Leno, this 1965 Bizzarrini, which won its class at Le Mans, ranks among the best.

The story of this racer starts in the 1960's when Giotto Bizzarrini was working at Ferrari. The engineer was the father of the Ferrari 250 GTO but was unceremoniously fired from the Italian manufacturer, alongside the rest of the Ferrari racing team, in 1961.

Upset, Bizzarrini went on to work at a selection of other Italian companies, including ATS, before creating the car you see here, which won the 5,000-cc and over class at the 1965 24 Hours of Le Mans.

The owner of this particular car is Bruce Meyer, and the stories he shares with Leno about the vehicle's history are truly fascinating, so be sure to watch the video after the jump!

VIDEO

Want An Aston Martin Vanquish Zagato Volante? Bring $1.5 Million

Posted: 22 Dec 2017 06:29 PM PST


Aston Martin has a long history with Zagato, and the Vanquish Zagato Volante is one of the latest fruits of this relationship, having been unveiled last summer at Pebble Beach.

The Swiss dealer that has it listed on Mobile is willing to let it go for €1,309,000, tax included, which equals to $1,553,680 at the current exchange rates.

This makes it almost twice as expensive as a new one bought straight from the manufacturer, but the British marque and the Italian coachbuilder will only make 99 examples open-top, or Volante in Aston-speak, of the Vanquish.

Looking at some of the vehicles that they have for sale reveals the Aston Martin GT8 as well, alongside several Ferraris, such as the 488 Spider, 812 Superfast, and GTC4Lusso.

Strangely, they're also selling a car that has yet to be unveiled, namely the hardcore version of the 488, which they call the GTO Speziale and, in its description, mention that it has 700 PS, or 30 more than the normal 488. Do they know something that we don't, or does something smell fishy?

PHOTO GALLERY

MINI Makes Clubman Cooper S A 'Masterpiece' Down Under

Posted: 22 Dec 2017 06:02 PM PST


Special editions are two-a-penny these days, with practically every automaker offering at least one and, oftentimes, more in an effort to make their products more attractive - and, of course, charge their customers a little extra for the 'privilege'.

MINI, for example, just launched a limited edition of the Clubman Cooper S that's aimed exclusively at the Australian market and is named, quite boldly, the Masterpiece (yes, really...). Said version comes in just 30 examples, and can be found in certain dealerships across the country with a price tag of AUD $55,210 (USD $42,315).

The Clubman Cooper S Masterpiece Edition features a bunch of equipment from the MINI Yours catalog, including the exclusive White Silver exterior color, contrasting black accents, hood stripes, 18-inch alloy wheels finished in Dark Spectre Grey and 'Masterpiece Edition' badges.

MINI claims that the interior "captures your attention with its mix of premium materials and key technologies", highlighting the individually numbered plaque, leather upholstery and anthracite headliner. It also gets a sports steering wheel, heated front seats, a panoramic sunroof, a head-up display and an 8.8-inch infotainment system as standard.

Like the plain vanilla Clubman Cooper S, this limited edition is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder, which delivers 189PS (186hp) and 280Nm (207lb-ft) of torque that allow it to sprint from 0 to 100km/h (62mph) in 7.1sec. According to the automaker, average fuel consumption is just 5.9 l/100 km (39.9 US mpg / 48 UK mpg) and CO2 emissions stand at 138 g/km.

PHOTO GALLERY

Grand Cherokee Trackhawk Races Challenger Hellcat In Forza Motorsport 7

Posted: 22 Dec 2017 05:31 PM PST


According to the people who deal in algorithms and virtual physics and developed the Forza Motorsport 7 game, the Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk is no pushover when it comes to drag racing a Challenger Hellcat.

Also, thanks to the user who goes by the nickname Ericship111, we now have a pretty good idea regarding who would win in a virtual fight between the world's most powerful SUV and the mighty Hellcat, at least in Forza's world.

This straight line race takes place over a distance of one mile (1.6 km), which means that you not only need to get off the line quickly, but also have sufficient power to keep your opponent at bay at high speed.

Let's run some numbers, shall we? For starters, both opponents pack the same 6.2-liter supercharged V8 engine producing 707 HP and 645 lb-ft (874 Nm) of torque. Jeep says the Trackhawk will hit 60 mph (96 km/h) in just 3.5 seconds, which is very similar to what the Challenger Hellcat can do, and while the Dodge is lighter, the Jeep has all-wheel drive that may, or may not, help it in getting off the line faster.

Therefore, the result of this race is unpredictable, even in a video game. We obviously won't tell you who won, but we will say that you'll want to pay close attention to the finish line.

VIDEO

Mercedes Collaborates With Linkin Park To Make Electrified AMGs Sound Better

Posted: 22 Dec 2017 04:59 PM PST


Mercedes-AMG is cooperating with Linkin Park, alongside other experts in different fields, to make sure that their upcoming electrified models not only look good and go like stink, but sound the part, too.

It's unknown at this point how the American rock band will help Merc's Affalterbach-based performance division, but the tie-up was confirmed by AMG chief Tobias Moers, who recently spoke on the topic with WheelsMag.

"You know Linkin Park? I started to talk with these guys about what is their interpretation of electrified sound. We've had a cooperation with Linkin Park for years. We're really close", Moers said.

"We started off years ago. We established a team doing artificial sound, and we worked together with games specialists, we worked together with film artists doing sound for films. We sell emotions, and sound is really a crucial part of emotion, so what we do is work on artificial sounds, because you have to", added the Mercedes-AMG's head honcho.

The Project One hypercar that uses technology derived from Formula 1 is paving the road for Mercedes-AMG's electrified future. It boasts a 1.6-liter turbocharged V6 and four electric motors that deliver a total combined output in excess of 1,000 horsepower. The first units of the German exotic will arrive in 2019, with production being capped at 275 examples, all of which have been spoken for.

Alongside the hypercar, Mercedes-AMG is also said to be prepping an electrified version of the new-gen CLS. Expected to be named the AMG 53, it will slot between the 43 and 63 grades and will, allegedly, combine the 3.0-liter inline-six of the 43 models with an electric motor for a max output of 429hp.

Note: Mercedes-AMG Project One pictured

PHOTO GALLERY

Underground Racing Gives Lambo Aventador SV Roadster Twin Turbos, 1,500 WHP

Posted: 22 Dec 2017 04:27 PM PST


The Lamborghini Aventador SV is, even in Roadster form, quite a beast, but clearly that wasn't enough for one owner who turned to Underground Racing for more power.

The tuner fitted their twin-turbo system, race-spec short block with billet connecting rods, custom CP race pistons, billet flywheel, axles, differentials and custom clutch, in addition to their own firmware and other mods.

The result is simply breathtaking, as the 6.5-liter V12 now makes 1,250+ horsepower at the wheels on regular gas and 1,500+ whp on race gas, a massive increase from the 749hp produced at the crank by the SV in stock form.

Underground Racing did not reveal any performance stats for their latest project, although it would have been interesting to see how much faster the tuned supercar would be both in the 0-62mph (0-96km/h) sprint (the stock car needs just 2.9sec) and the quarter-mile run.

PHOTO GALLERY

Rare Ferrari 599 GTO With XX Aero Parts Is Listed At $750k

Posted: 22 Dec 2017 03:58 PM PST


An exceptionally rare Ferrari 599 GTO outfitted with desirable XX-inspired aero parts is currently for sale at Ferrari of Long Island.

Unknown to most, Ferrari offered 599 GTO customers the opportunity to order their vehicles with aerodynamic parts inspired by the 599XX. Included among these parts are winglets on the pillars, a revised front bumper and an enlarged rear spoiler, although this GTO hasn't been equipped with the latter.

Since been delivered new by Ferrari Fort Lauderdale in 2011, it has been driven for just 2,877 miles (4,626 km) and is one of just 125 examples ever built for the U.S. It is also just one of a handful to be equipped with the aforementioned aero parts.

Some of other desirable components of the GTO include carbon fiber door sills, a white rev counter, 20-inch black wheels, a Bose HiFi sound system, leather headliner and fully electric seats.

At the time of writing, the asking price was $749,900, significantly less than the $895,000 599 GTO with the same XX parts we wrote about two years ago.

PHOTO GALLERY

He Wasn't Kidding, Musk Shows Tesla Roadster Destined For Space

Posted: 22 Dec 2017 03:29 PM PST


Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk is a bit eccentric and has been known to exaggerate in the past.

That's why there was a lot of skepticism earlier this month when Musk tweeted the SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket would be launched in January with his own Tesla Roadster acting as the payload. At the time, Musk said the car was heading for Mars orbit and would remain in "deep space for a billion years or so if it doesn't blow up on ascent."

A number of people assumed he was simply joking but that's changing today as Musk has taken to Instagram to post photos of his Roadster being loaded into the rocket's payload compartment. In the post, Musk said "Test flights of new rockets usually contain mass simulators in the form of concrete or steel blocks." He added this is boring and "anything boring is terrible, especially companies." The outspoken executive then reiterated his plans to send the Roadster into space.

While it's certainly an usual move, his Roadster probably won't be missed as Tesla is working on an all-new model that promises "record-setting acceleration, range and performance." If everything goes according to plan, the car will accelerate from 0-60 mph in 1.9 seconds, hit a top speed in excess of 250 mph (402 km/h), and have a range of 620 miles (997 km).

Photo Gallery

Is This The Facelifted 2019 Jeep Renegade?

Posted: 22 Dec 2017 07:10 PM PST


Jeep recently gave the Renegade a host of improvements for 2018 but it appears the company is also working on a facelifted model.

Motor1 noticed a couple of images posted to Instagram by Renegadejeeps and they appear to show a modestly revised model with an updated front fascia. The styling changes are incredibly subtle but the crossover has been equipped with an updated front bumper which includes new air intakes and repositioned fog lights. Additional changes are limited but the grille has been tweaked and the model features LED headlights which mimic those on the 2018 Wrangler.

The single interior image doesn't reveal much but it appears the cabin will largely carryover. This isn't too surprising as the interior was recently updated with new seat fabrics, updated bezel treatments, two additional storage compartments, and a revised Selec-Terrain shifter.

Additional information is limited but the updated model is expected to be unveiled in the second half of 2018. It remains unclear if there will be any performance modifications but the current Renegade is offered with a turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder producing 160 hp (119 kW) and 184 lb-ft (250 Nm) of torque. Customers can also opt for a 2.4-liter four-cylinder developing 180 hp (134 kW) and 175 lb-ft (237 Nm) of torque.

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Four Hertz Mustangs Going Up For Auction Next Month

Posted: 22 Dec 2017 02:30 PM PST


If you're a fan of Hertz Mustangs, you might want to head down to Kissimmee, Florida as Mecum will be auctioning off four different models in January.

The first model is a 2016 Ford Shelby Mustang GT-H 50th Anniversary Edition which features a supercharged 5.0-liter V8 engine that produces 670 hp (500 kW). The model is one of 16 vehicles in existence and it was built exclusively for Hertz executives.

The car only has 655 miles (1,054 km) on the odometer and is equipped with a six-speed manual transmission. Given its rarity and performance, the model is expected to sell for between $170,000 and $190,000.

If that's a little out of your price range, Mecum has another Mustang GT-H 50th Anniversary Edition but this particular model has a naturally-aspirated 5.0-liter V8 engine with 435 hp (324 kW). The car is one of 171 models built and it is equipped with an automatic transmission.

With only 35 original miles (56 km), the car is expected to sell for between $90,000 and $110,000.

Fans of older Mustangs can bid on the 2014 Hertz-Penske GT which was created for Hertz executives. A 5.0-liter V8 engine resides under the hood and produces 420 hp (313 kW). The car also has a six-speed manual transmission, a Ford Racing suspension, and Recaro leather racing seats. The Mustang is expected to sell for between $65,000 and $85,000.

The final model is a 2007 GT-H Convertible which has a supercharged 4.6-liter V8 engine. This particular car isn't original as its automatic transmission has been replaced by a five-speed manual. However, the change doesn't appear to have affected its value as it is expected to sell for between $60,000 and $80,000.

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Autonomous Driving Tech Could Spawn Free Sponsored Rides

Posted: 22 Dec 2017 02:02 PM PST


Autonomous driving technology promises to transform society and virtually eliminate accidents but a new report is suggesting it could also pave the way for free transportation.

The Atlantic envisions a future where people could simply pull out their smartphone, request a ride, and be taken there for free. However, there's a catch as the company suggests people who want to take a free ride would be required to make a scheduled stop at a sponsor company in order to receive their free ride.

As the publication imagines, this could include everything from a pit stop at McDonalds to a political pitch where one candidate hires an autonomous ride-hailing service to take free riders through a seedy neighborhood while the audio system plays a message blaming their rival for its downfall. While this sounds wildly speculative, its surprising to learn that its already happening - sort of.

As the publication notes, taxis in Las Vegas have been doing this legally for years. The only difference is that cab drivers get money for taking customers to certain locations, instead of passengers getting a free ride.

Strip clubs are one of the biggest participants as The Atlantic notes they can pay up to $100 for male customers and as little as $10 for female customers. Strip clubs aren't the only companies involved either as wedding chapels and marijuana dispensaries are also willing to pay cabbies to take people to their locations.

Unsurprisingly, cab drivers have a tendency to steer passengers to locations that offer the highest kickbacks even if it's a lousy place or has outrages prices. Customers getting free rides in autonomous vehicles could face a similar fate but only time will tell what happens.

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The Front Fender Vents On The 2018 Jeep Wrangler Serve A Unique Purpose

Posted: 22 Dec 2017 07:10 PM PST


The 2018 Jeep Wrangler JL has an evolutionary design which is instantly recognizable but the company also made several design tweaks to ensure consumers could tell the difference between it and the outgoing Wrangler JK.

One of the more noticeable styling changes is the addition of front fender vents. While these are typically added for engine cooling or styling purposes, the vents serve a unique function on the latest Wrangler.

According to Fox News, the vents where added to the vehicle to eliminate the "hood flutter" from previous models. When older Wranglers were traveling at high speeds, air would enter the grille and build up pressure underneath the hood. This would cause the hood to bounce and vibrate which is annoying to say the least.

The front fender vents eliminate this problem as they allow air to easily exit the engine compartment. Jeep also installed new hood latches which more securely hold the hood in place.

The 2018 Wrangler starts at $26,995 and features a 3.6-liter V6 engine which produces 285 hp (212 kW) and 260 lb-ft (352 Nm) of torque. It can be connected to either a six-speed manual or an optional eight-speed automatic transmission that costs an outrageous $2,000.

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GAC Motor Will Unveil An Electric Concept In Detroit

Posted: 22 Dec 2017 01:00 PM PST


GAC Motor recently announced its intention to come to the United States by 2019 and now we're starting to learn more about the brand's presence at the North American International Auto Show.

For the company's fourth appearance at the show, they will be introducing their latest MPV which is called the GM8. It will be joined by a "new signature sedan" which is apparently the GA8. GAC Motor has previously said they would show the GA4 and GS8 but the latest press release failed to mention either of the two vehicles.

Besides showing production models, GAC Motor will unveil an all-new concept on January 15th. Little is known about the model but the company said it will be an electric vehicle that targets the "young generation in the U.S. market."

In a statement, GAC Motor President Yu Jun said "Entering the U.S. market is an essential step for GAC Motor to bring premium vehicles to global consumers that adapt to their needs." He added, "By emphasizing independent and innovative research, adhering to the highest international standards in product quality and establishing world-class car manufacturing systems, we aim to become a world-class brand built on highly developed production, R&D and marketing capabilities."

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'World's First' Tesla Model S Limo Selling For $67k On Ebay

Posted: 22 Dec 2017 12:30 PM PST


A seller on eBay is looking to part ways with what they assert was the 'world's first' Tesla Model S.

Based on a Model S 85, the highest bid at the time of writing was just a touch over $67,000, less than an ordinary 2015 Model S 85 would have cost you in 2015. Evidently, people don't seem too keen on paying a premium for an electric vehicle that's literally been chopped in half and lengthened.

The seller asserts that all of the new panels and underpinnings for the limo are made from aluminum and that it was built as an "advertisement project." Curiously, work was never finished and the limo is reportedly only 90 per cent complete.

"This vehicle has tons of potential to become whatever the new owner has in mind. We are selling the vehicle as is without a warranty. We are a limo manufacturer and could finish the vehicle for an additional fee," the listing states.

Sadly, this Model S isn't the first victim of the limousine industry. Over the past decade, numerous premium cars have been spliced in two and transformed into limos, including a handful of Ferraris.

PHOTO GALLERY

BMW M760Li Flies To 320km/h Or 199MPH On The Autobahn

Posted: 22 Dec 2017 07:11 PM PST


The acceleration abilities of the BMW M760Li xDrive have become a talking point since the vehicle's launch but, as it turns out, it has performance abilities well beyond simply launching from a standstill to 100 km/h (62mph) faster than a lot of sports cars.

In fact, the M760Li is capable of truly phenomenal highway cruising speeds, as AutoTopNL recently discovered when testing the car out on the German Autobahn.

With a free road ahead of it, the M760Li was able to scream to 320 km/h (199 mph) without breaking a sweat. The Bavarian limo appears incredibly stable and composed at such high speeds, and is without a doubt the ultimate car in BMW's range when it comes to ultra-fast highway cruising.

Making the M760Li such a straight-line beast is its twin-turbocharged 6.6-liter V12 engine delivering 592 hp and 590 lb-ft of torque. This engine transfers all of its grunt to the road through a quick-shifting eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive.

VIDEO

Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 Convertible Looks Mighty Menacing On The Road

Posted: 22 Dec 2017 11:30 AM PST


Just a couple of weeks after premiering at the LA Auto Show, the 2019 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 Convertible has been filmed up close while driving in the U.S.

This particular clip was filmed in Bowling Green and shows the dark blue pre-production ZR1 Convertible testing on the I-65. Sitting behind the wheel was Corvette product marketing manager Harlan Charles.

Sales of the ZR1 Convertible, as well as the Coupe, will commence next Spring. In the meantime, Chevrolet will put the final touches on the supercar, ensuring that it is capable of competing with the industry's finest.

Sitting under the hood of the ZR1 is a 6.2-liter supercharged V8 engine delivering 755 hp and 715 lb-ft of torque. Chevrolet says the car will hit 60 mph (96 km/h) in under 3 seconds, complete the quarter mile in the high 10-second range, and sprint to over 210 mph (337 km/h).

Prices for the ZR1 Convertible start at $123,995 while the new ZR1 Coupe is slightly cheaper at $119,950.

VIDEO

UK Car Production And Demand Plummets Amid Brexit Uncertainty

Posted: 22 Dec 2017 11:02 AM PST


Production and demand for vehicles in the United Kingdom continues to fall due to "Brexit uncertainty" and "confusion over diesel taxation," the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) says.

In November, UK factories built 161,490 vehicles, a 4.6 per cent drop from a year earlier. What's more, output for the domestic market has plummeted by 28.1 per cent over the last 12 months.

According to figures published by the SMMT, 24,276 of the 161,490 vehicles built in the UK were for the local market. The remaining 137,214 were shipped overseas, accounting for roughly 85 per cent of all UK output. November marks the fourth consecutive month where car production has decreased.

On top of this, car registration numbers have declined for the eighth consecutive month, falling by 11.2 per cent, reports the BBC.

SMMT chief executive Mike Hawes said the UK car industry needs clarity on its future.

"Brexit uncertainty, coupled with confusion over diesel taxation and air quality plans, continues to impact domestic demand for new cars and, with it, production output.

"Clarity on the nature of our future overseas trading relationships, including details on transition arrangements with the EU, is vital for future growth and success," Hawes said.

PHOTO GALLERY

Watch Japanese Cop On Bicycle Chase And Pull Over A Lamborghini Huracan

Posted: 22 Dec 2017 07:10 PM PST


A Japanese cop riding a...bicycle versus more than 600 Italian horses makes for a very unusual police chase in the Land of the Rising Sun.

It all started when the driver of an orange Lamborghini Huracan ran a red light and was seen by a police officer, who was patrolling the area on a bicycle.

Without thinking twice, the officer proceeds to chase the traffic code violator, and miraculously catches up with the supercar shortly after, pulling it over.

Some may find what comes next even more surprising, as the law enforcement agent kneels down so that he can engage the conversation at eye level, reminding us that respect and politeness are very much present in Japan.

The driver of the Lamborghini Huracan didn't get away unpunished, with the officer handing him down a pricey ticket, before both of them carried on their way.


VIDEO

Nissan 350Z Owner Lives The Star Wars Life

Posted: 22 Dec 2017 10:02 AM PST


Star Wars mania is currently sweeping the world following the release of The Last Jedi.

At the recent LA Auto Show, Nissan unveiled no less than seven unique Star Wars-inspired concept cars, with mixed results. Perhaps eager to get in on the action, the owner of this Nissan 350Z has decided to get in the Star Wars spirit in the most over-the-top way imaginable.

The car was recently spotted by a Redditor in a parking garage and actually puts Nissan's official Star Wars concept cars to shame. In fact, it actually looks worthy of a starring role in the franchise's next film.

On the 350Z decklid is the head of R2-D2 alongside a pair of fake thrusters. Additionally, the sports car's wheels have been covered by aerodynamic covers and a silver, red, grey, and black paint scheme fitting of a Star Wars spaceship.

With Christmas just around the corner, many vehicle owners are choosing to celebrate by attaching all sorts of weird and wacky decorations to their cars. To this 350Z owner, however, Star Wars is life.

PHOTO GALLERY

Tesla Model X And Hummer H2 Engage In A Tug Of War

Posted: 22 Dec 2017 12:03 PM PST


The Tesla Model X has already proved its credentials by offering a very good electric range, and being surprisingly faster than some supercars on the drag strip.

It also confirmed that it's not afraid to get mud on that expensive body, or take its chances on sand, but how does it fare against a true off-roader such as the Hummer H2?

For this adventure, the two very different SUVs haven't been taken on a challenging terrain, as they remained on the comfort of the asphalt, for a good old-fashioned tug of war game, split into three different rounds.

This is where the Tesla Model X's instant electric torque should have made a difference, but the road surface was either wet or icy, so it quickly became a grip challenge, as whichever vehicle lost traction first, lost.

However, we do know that the EV had no trouble in showing a Toyota Land Cruiser who's boss on snow, so surely the Hummer H2 could not have driven away victorious. Or could it?

VIDEO

CR Rates Car Brands By Owner Satisfaction, Tesla Tops List, Nissan, Acura Come Last

Posted: 22 Dec 2017 12:03 PM PST


Since car ownership can have its ups and downs, data supplied by Consumer Reports' annual Owner Satisfaction Survey can help future buyers make smarter decisions.

So how are things this year? Compared to 2016, the top two remains unchanged, with Tesla and Porsche as the clear cut winner and runner-up duo. However, where last year Audi, Subaru and Toyota rounded out the top 5, this year the order is Genesis, Chrysler (which climbed 4 spots) and Audi.

An interesting shift, but as the old saying goes, the people have spoken - and did so in numbers.

In order to piece together this year's rankings, CR collected data on more than half a million vehicles, while taking into account whether or not an owner says they would buy the same car again. Respondents were also asked to rate their cars by driving experience, comfort, value, styling, audio and climate systems.

Worth noting is that Alfa Romeo, Jaguar, Land Rover, Maserati, Smart and Fiat weren't included in the chart, because of insufficient data. Last year, Fiat was ranked dead last.






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Is Audi Killing Off The R8 In 2020?

Posted: 22 Dec 2017 12:03 PM PST


After giving it a deep thought financially, Audi reportedly have concluded that pulling the plug on the R8 is the best thing to do.

The news comes from Automobile magazine which says that the Germans will axe the R8 in 2020, when the successor of the current Lamborghini Huracan, which also shares its platform and engine with the R8, will come into the picture.We've reached out to Audi for a comment and will update this story when we hear back from them.

More worryingly, according to the same story, Audi have allegedly decided that the replacement of the R8 E-Tron is a no-go either. That's not all, because plans for what should have become the brand's hypercar, supposedly powered by four 1.2-liter Ducati bike engines, delivering 1000hp, and known internally as the Scorpion, have been shelved as well.

The new 2.9-liter twin-turbo V6 engine that powers the RS4 and RS5 is almost at its full potential too, which is apparently the 470PS (463hp) mark, or 20PS (20hp) more than the performance models mentioned above. However, it's believed that a plug-in hybrid version will throw in an 116PS (114hp) electric motor, although it's unclear yet which cars will adopt it.

Performance versions of the A6, A7, and A8 are just around the corner, and the RS6 and RS7 are expected to use the 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 engine that powers the Porsche Panamera Turbo and Bentley Continental GT, without any electrification. However, this report contradicts a previous one that gave insight into a more extreme version of the RS7, which should come with a PHEV powertrain, combining the aforementioned internal combustion unit with an electric motor and a lithium-ion battery pack.

It's not clear what will power the S6 and S7 versions, but we're likely looking at a twin-turbo V6 petrol engine that should at least match the current models' output of 450hp, whereas the new S8 might arrive with a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 lump.

An RS version of the upcoming Q8 is also expected at the turn of the decade, possibly powered by the same 650PS (641hp) 4.0-liter twin-turbo found in the Lamborghini Urus.

The cherry on top of the cake is reportedly Audi's own version of the Porsche Mission E, which is due in 2019, as a modern interpretation of the Audi Quattro with seating for five.

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