Thursday 28 December 2017

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BMW Rolls Out Special M3/M4 Competition M Heat Edition Just For Japan

Posted: 28 Dec 2017 04:30 AM PST


We have good news, and we have bad news. The good news is that BMW is launching a new special edition of the M3 sedan and M4 coupe. The bad news is that it's only making 15 examples of each, and they're all destined for Japan.

Called the M Heat edition, the special model starts off with the Competition package, and adds to it a whole mess of M Performance components.

That includes a front splitter, rear diffuser, and mirror covers – all made from carbon fiber. Inside it features an Alcantara-wrapped steering wheel, stainless steel pedals, and more carbon-fiber trim.

It's all finished off in a special shade of Tanzanite blue, with special 20-inch alloys and the requisite special badging.

BMW Japan will charge ¥13,610,000 (~$120,720) for each M3 Sedan M Heat Edition, and ¥13,850,000 ($122,850) for the M4 coupe version. That's a big chunk of change for vehicles that start at about half that in the United States, but then the Japanese government levies a rather hefty import tax on foreign-made cars – especially ones with big engines... and BMW's 3.0-liter twin-turbo inline-six certainly qualifies in Japanese terms.

More relevant is the premium that BMW Japan is charging for the special edition over the models on which they're based, which comes down to $1.5m yen ($13.5k) for the sedan and over 2 million yen ($18k) for the coupe.

Meanwhile, BMW also announced that it's adding the M Sports Edition Shadow – previously launched as a special edition – to its range permanently. It's offered on a range of 3 Series sedans and wagons, and comes with a special shade of sunset orange, black grille, darkened lights, 19-inch wheels, and a black leather interior with blue stitching and steel pedals. Pricing here starts at a far more reasonable ¥5,330,000 ($47k) for the base 318i and tops out at ¥6,800,000 ($60k) for the newly added 330e iPerformance hybrid.

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Manhart Claims To Have Unlocked The Audi RS5's Potential With Its RS500

Posted: 27 Dec 2017 06:33 PM PST


While the Audi RS5 is by no means slow, it's obvious that more performance can be squeezed from its 2.9-liter bi-turbo V6.

One tuner who has done just that is Manhart, who upgraded the RS5 to the tune of 500 PS (493 HP) and 700 Nm (516 lb-ft) of torque, an increase of 50 PS (49 HP) and 100 Nm (74 lb-ft) compared to the stock car.

The tuner also offers gold accents for the exterior, 21" matte black wheels, KW coilover suspension kit and a custom exhaust system with catless downpipes.

According to the following review, the Manhart RS500 sounds the way the RS5 should have sounded all along. It's not particularly loud if you compare it to a supercar, but you definitely get that lower-end rumble that is missing in the stock vehicle.

Another plus is, of course, the increased oomph. Even though the improvement looks modest on paper, it seems like Manhart managed to unleash the RS5's wild side. Which, given that Audi's high-performance coupe has received lots of flak for being too anodyne, is definitely a good thing.

VIDEO

IndyCar Wants Another Automaker To Compete With Honda And Chevy

Posted: 27 Dec 2017 05:51 PM PST


For the past several years, the IndyCar Series has been a showdown between Honda and Chevy, but that could change in the near future.

"Another OEM partner is a huge goal of ours," series organizer Jay Frye told Autosport. "This doesn't mean that any of them are coming for sure, but there's a couple that I would say are active and we're encouraged by."

Frye says that the requirement for participating automakers to supply their own unique aero kits was a "big hurdle to get a new OEM to come in," but now that they've been standardized, more manufacturers have shown interest.

Another part is showing potential manufacturers that the series has a long-term plan for growth. With a new direction, Frye believes that the series could attract another automaker by 2020.

The last automaker to compete alongside Honda and Chevy was Lotus, which briefly fielded an ill-fated campaign in 2012. Other manufacturers to have supplied engines to the series and its predecessors in recent history have included Toyota, Infiniti, Ford, and Chevrolet's now-defunct sister brand Oldsmobile.

McLaren supported a Honda-powered entry at the last running of the Indy 500, and could again, but not as an engine supplier.

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Get A Load Of The All-Conquering McLaren 720S In POV Action

Posted: 27 Dec 2017 05:15 PM PST


We've seen it become one of the most coveted supercars of the year, easily eclipsing its non-too-shabby predecessor, and we've also witnessed it outrun some very potent machines on the drag strip, but what is it like to drive a McLaren 720S?

Very exciting sums it up pretty well, especially on a twisty road, where its clever aerodynamic come to life, aided by the 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8, which, according to Woking, is 41 percent new compared to the 3.8-liter unit of the 650S.

In the 720S, it puts out 720PS (710hp) (thus the name) and 770Nm (568lb-ft) of torque to the ground through a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission, allowing the supercar to complete the 0 to 100km/h (0-62mph) sprint in just 2.9 seconds. Give it enough space, and it will eventually top out at 341km/h (212mph).

These numbers easily beat those of its direct rivals, such as the Lamborghini Huracan and Ferrari 488 GTB. In fact, to find a supercar that's capable of standing next to a McLaren 720S would mean upgrading to a Lamborghini Aventador S and Ferrari 812 Superfast, and even then, the Woking-made beast could prove to be superior - but that remains to be seen.

VIDEO

Does The Liberty Walk Treatment Work On The Lexus LC 500?

Posted: 27 Dec 2017 04:39 PM PST

Everyone was astounded when Lexus revealed the production version of its LC coupe, as it was almost identical to the impressive LF-LC concept that was on display at the 2012 NAIAS .

Now, messing around with such a design is quite tricky, but Liberty Walk gave it a shot anyway. Available for both the LC 500 and LC 500h, the flashy body kit is made from either FRP or CFRP and costs between $13,380 and $19,440 outside Japan.

So what does this get you? Well, for starters, those massive bolt-on fenders that have become the tuner's signature, alongside a front lip, side skirt add-ons, aggressively styled rear diffuser and a boot lid-mounted wing.

The special exterior graphics, together with the new tailpipes, contribute to the car's updated stance. Moreover, Liberty Walk can also fit your Lexus LC 500/LC 500h with various aftermarket rims, including the ones seen here, and an air suspension that adds $7,900 to the overall cost.

There's no doubt that these updates have definitely transformed the way the LC looks, but is it for the better or worse? Let us know what you think in the comments section.

PHOTO GALLERY

Same Price Dilemma: Would You Buy A Used Ferrari 360 Or A New BMW M2?

Posted: 27 Dec 2017 08:52 PM PST


It has always been a challenge for enthusiasts whether they should spend their cash on an older supercar, or a lesser car that might be new but is definitely not in the same league.

Take this Ferrari 360 Modena, for example, which was first registered back in 1999. It comes at £45,000 ($60,162) as the ad posted on AutoTrader reveals, which is roughly what a new BMW M2 costs in Britain.

The vendor says, that despite its age, it "drives very good", admitting that it was used as a track car, hence the roll cage fitted inside. However, it's perfectly road legal and was properly maintained over the years, being offered with the service book, original user manuals and two sets of keys.

It's also allegedly the cheapest Ferrari 360 in the country, being marketed as "a great investment" with "a little cosmetic TLC" by its owner, who has held on to it for the last 9 years.

So, there you have it: a used Ferrari for the same money as a German high-performance coupe. Of course, buying the latter would help you sleep better at night, financially speaking, as it's well known that an old supercar can be expensive to maintain, but can you resist the opportunity of owning a 360 Modena?

PHOTO GALLERY

New Jersey Borough Wants To Ban Outsiders From Driving On Roads During Rush Hour

Posted: 27 Dec 2017 03:34 PM PST


A sleepy little borough in New Jersey is taking bold steps to curb its traffic problems.

Leonia has a population of around 9,200 people and it doesn't seem like traffic would be much of a problem in such a small town. However, it's a major issue as a number of commuters cut through the borough to get onto the George Washington Bridge on their way to New York.

In order to combat the problem, the town wants to ban people from who don't live or work in Leonia from using its roads. According to NJ.com, the borough would issue a yellow tag to hang from your rearview mirror and motorists without the tag driving in Leonia during rush hour - between 6-10 a.m. and 4-9 p.m. - would face fines of up to $200.

While banning the public from using public roads sounds outrageous, Leonia's mayor told the publication the ordinance has been "thoroughly" researched and he believes the "ordinances we passed are legal and would withstand any potential legal challenge." Unsurprisingly, not everyone agrees and the deputy legal director of ACLU-NJ said "People who are traveling safely down the street should not be subject to law enforcement. It's intrusive" and "it's hard to imagine that Leonia could enforce this in a way that didn't discriminate."

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LinkData's U-Bike Looks Like A Chinese Take On The Renault Twizy

Posted: 27 Dec 2017 03:03 PM PST


The Consumer Electronics Show is transforming into a mini automotive event and the latest company to announce plans to showcase a car in Las Vegas is Beijing LinkData Technologies.

The company will unveil its new U-Bike which is described as a "neighborhood electric vehicle." The teaser image doesn't reveal much but it shows the model will be a relatively small vehicle that resembles the Renault Twizy. Styling details are hard to make out but we can see the model will have large headlights, protruding wheels, and what appears to be an open cabin.

Power will be provided by lithium-ion batteries sourced from Panasonic and they will apparently be broken into two sections which will make them portable. That company was coy on details but its possible the batteries can be removed for easy charging.

In terms of specifics, LinkData confirmed the U-bike will be 920 mm (3 feet) wide and weigh 180 kg (396 lbs). The model will also have an "intelligent interconnection function" and a range of 100 km (62 miles).

There's no word on production plans by the company says the U-Bike will redefine short distance mobility and provide a "more convenient and environmental-friendly solution for daily commute."

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Is This The Supercharged 5.2-liter V8 Engine From The Shelby Mustang GT500?

Posted: 27 Dec 2017 02:32 PM PST


The Corvette C8 isn't the only thing leaking like a sieve as images of the supercharged 5.2-liter V8 engine for the Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 have reportedly surfaced online.

According to Mustang6G forum member ZackMD1, he noticed something odd when he looked at the wiring diagram from the 2018 Mustang. While he initially dismissed it as nothing, he eventually took a closer look at the diagram and noticed it appears to show a supercharger pulley and it has a Shelby emblem on the top cover.

The images were reportedly released by Ford and it appears someone accidently used photos of the supercharged 5.2-liter V8 instead of the naturally-aspirated 5.2-liter flat-plane crank V8 from the Shelby GT350. As a result, the wiring diagram is incorrect and shows wiring going through the supercharger intercooler.

Ford has been tight-lipped about the car but it could debut at the North American International Auto Show next month. Reports and images have suggested the car will come with a dual-clutch transmission and a high-performance braking system with two-piece rotors. There's no word on how powerful the model will be but the GT350 develops 526 hp (392 kW) and 429 lb-ft (581 Nm) of torque so you can bet a supercharged version of that engine will produce significantly more power.

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Electric Genovation GXE Headed To CES, Now Rated At 800 HP

Posted: 27 Dec 2017 02:01 PM PST


We haven't heard much from Genovation lately but the company has just announced plans to showcase the GXE at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas on January 9th.

Previewed by an assortment of different prototypes, the production model is even more powerful than expected as the modified Corvette has an electric powertrain that produces 800 hp (596 kW) and 700 lb-ft (948 Nm) of torque. This will reportedly enable the model to accelerate from 0-60 mph in less than three seconds before hitting a top speed in excess of 220 mph (354 km/h).

Additional information will likely be released at the show but in 2016 the company announced the car would cost $750,000 and have a powertrain that produced 660 hp (492 kW) and 600 lb-ft (812 Nm) of torque. Production was said to be limited to 75 units and the model was expected to have a range of approximately 130 miles (209 km).

Earlier this year, it was announced that the performance figures had climbed to exceed 700 hp (522 kW) and 600 lb-ft (812 Nm) of torque while range had increased to 150 miles (241 km) during normal driving operation.

The car is slated to be launched in 2019 and it will be offered with either a seven-speed manual transmission or a paddle-shifting automatic gearbox.

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Mercedes A-Class Scooped By A Reader In Stuttgart

Posted: 27 Dec 2017 08:52 PM PST


The redesigned Mercedes A-Class has been caught in Stuttgart, Germany by CarScoops reader Vasilis.

Expected to debut early next year at the Geneva Motor Show, the A-Class will have a familiar design but adopt a more aggressive front fascia with a single-bar grille that is flanked by angular headlights. The car is also larger than its predecessor and this will give the model a more spacious and airy cabin.

Mercedes has already released interior photos and they show the A-Class will have a significantly improved cockpit with higher quality materials and a more upscale design. Notable highlights include a new multifunctional steering wheel, wraparound trim, and circular air vents. The model will also be offered with an ambient lighting system and heated / ventilated multicontour front seats with a massage function.

The standard model will come with two 7-inch displays, while higher end variants feature a 7- and 10.25-inch display or two 10.25-inch displays. Owners can also expect a more accommodating interior with additional elbow, shoulder, and headroom. The boot has also grown as it can now hold 370 liters (13.0 cubic feet) of luggage.

The model will ride on an updated version of the MFA platform and it will be offered with an assortment of different petrol and diesel engines. Mercedes AMG boss Tobias Moers has already confirmed plans for two performance models and the A35 is expected to have a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces around 340 hp (253 kW). It will be joined by a new A45 which will reportedly develop more than 400 hp (298 kW).

Thanks to Vasilis for the pictures!

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Next Jaguar XJ Promises To Be "Something Quite Special"

Posted: 27 Dec 2017 08:52 PM PST


The Jaguar XJ is getting long-in-tooth but Jaguar Design Director Ian Callum has revealed an all-new model is on the horizon.

Speaking to Car Magazine, Callum said "We've gone through a lot of debate on the XJ and come up with something quite special." He was tight-lipped on specifics but stated "As we work on the next one [XJ], I'll make sure it holds onto the values of the first one and the latest one." The styling guru declined to say when the model will be introduced but he confirmed the car will not be unveiled next year which is the 50th anniversary of the XJ.

Besides talking about the XJ, Callum said automotive design in reaching a turning point as electrification and autonomous driving technology will change everything we known about car design. While everyone is going to have to deal with the changes, Callum said "If we could all jump forward 30 years, we'd all be happy to do that."

Despite the upcoming changes, Callum said "If you want a brand to prosper, you need to create extremities, such as the Porsche 911. It's arguable that the Boxster is a better car, but it's about the outliers." He added Jaguar has "always been about exotic sports cars" and that needs to continue in the future.

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Midnight Silver Metallic Tesla Model 3 Shows Its Darker Side With Chrome Delete

Posted: 27 Dec 2017 12:13 PM PST


If you fancy the Tesla Model 3 and you'd like to explore its "darker side", adding matte black accents, black wheels and tinted windows should definitely do the trick.

After getting their hands on this Midnight Silver Metallic Model 3, tuner T Sportline ditched the chrome window surrounds by using a satin black film, and added a 3M Crystalline tint to all the window surfaces.

Other mods include the custom matte black 19" TST wheels, plus the matte black door handles and T emblem, giving the car a slightly more sinister appearance.

The tuner went with a 70% window tint for the windshield and the glass roof, while the driver and passenger side windows and the rear hatch got a 40% tint.

As for those wheels, they're available in three different colors (Matte Black, Gloss Black, Metallic Gray, Brilliant Silver) and cost $1,600.

VIDEO

Hans-Peter Porsche Would Rather Play With Toy Trains Than Sports Cars

Posted: 27 Dec 2017 11:30 AM PST


Ferdinand Porsche fathered both Volkswagen and the sports-car company that bears his name – but he also had two children, and through them, eight grandchildren.

Several of them (like former VW chairman Ferdinand Piëch and current Porsche Holding chairman Wolfgang Porsche) have gone into the family business, but not Hans-Peter Porsche, who seems more interested in model trains.

The third eldest child of Ferry Porsche, Hans-Peter built a museum just to hold his collection of scale trains and other toys in the southeastern German countryside and has opened it to the public.

It's called TraumWerk, and not unlike the specifications of some of his family's automobiles, the numbers are staggering: there are 180 model trains from his private collection chug along, 40 at a time, along 1.7 miles of track laid out on a 4,000-square-foot landscape that towers over 16 feet high, all decorated with 80,000 little trees.

It all started when Hans-Peter, now 77 years old, took his own son to the toy store to buy his first HO-scale Märklin train and ended up taking out a subscription for every single release the prolific manufacturer put out.

The model train set takes up almost 6,000 out of the TraumWerk's 27,000 total square feet of floor space, designed by Berlin architect Volker Staab, who has designed countless other museums. The rest of the facility houses other toy vehicles, but also a handful of full-size cars; mostly Porsches, of course, like his mother's 1966 912, a 959 that needs to be driven every month lest it causes problems, a 904, 356, 914, 944, and a 928. There's a few others from the family's history as well, like a new Volkswagen XL1 and an Austro-Daimler designed by his famous grandfather.

It all seems very impressive, which should come as little surprise given the stock from which he comes. The museum's open from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m, Tuesday through Sunday, in Anger-Aufham, just across the Austrian-German border from Salzburg.

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Video


9:11 Magazine. Episode 5: Patrick Dempsey / Porsche 956 / GDR Porsche / Drift / "Traumwerk" from Porsche AG on Vimeo.

Aston Martin's Neon Green Might Look Better On Red Bull's RB14

Posted: 27 Dec 2017 11:02 AM PST


Aston Martin certainly caught our attention, for better or worse, when it rolled out its new Vantage in such a loud shade of neon green (alongside a more somber grey).

The retina-searing day-glow color seemed an odd choice for such an elegant design. Maybe it would look better on a race car – like the GTE version of the same, or Red Bull's next F1 car.

We evidently weren't alone in that supposition, as livery designer Sean Bull cooked up this vision for what next year's RB14 could look like with an Aston-centric theme (and a well-integrated cockpit halo).

Aston and Red Bull, you may have noticed, have been stepping up their cooperation of late – both in F1 and with road cars like the new Valkyrie. If they got any tighter, Aston's presence could end up supplanting Red Bull's as the main influence in the car's livery... especially if the British automaker started supplying the team's engines in the future.

Whether or not that'd be a good thing, aesthetically speaking, might be a matter of taste. But as with the new Vantage, it would certainly make fans stand up and take notice. Then again, maybe one of Sean's (more conservative) rejected designs would be a better idea.

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Entry-Level Diesel Doesn't Spoil Appeal Of Mercedes C-Class Cabrio

Posted: 27 Dec 2017 10:34 AM PST


While some people still associate convertibles with potent gasoline engines, the likes of the Mercedes C220d convertible does have quite a few things going for it.

According to Carbuyer's Ginny Buckley, not only is the C-Class cabriolet a standout in its segment due to its style and high levels of quality, but this entry-level C220d diesel version is also sufficiently refined.

It can get from 0-100 km/h (62 mph) in just 8.2 seconds, which becomes 8.1 if you go for the 4MATIC version. Still, Buckley admits that while good, the convertible version of the C-Class doesn't quite match the BMW 4-Series Convertible's driving dynamics.

She also enjoyed the look and practicality of the cabin, although the build quality, at least in the center console, isn't quite what you might expect from a Mercedes-Benz product.

Overall, the C-Class Cabriolet gets a big thumbs up in this review. It's practical, good-looking and refined, even in C220d spec - which starts from £38,540 in the UK.

VIDEO

There's Only One Plymouth Belmont Concept, And It's Up For Auction

Posted: 27 Dec 2017 10:02 AM PST


The 1950s saw American automakers especially, keen to move on to a brave new future in the aftermath of the Second World War, produce some fantastical concept cars.

That included Chrysler, which created the 1954 Plymouth Belmont dream car you see here.

With a fiberglass body on a standard Plymouth chassis, the Belmont could have been Chrysler's rival to the Chevrolet Corvette and Ford Thunderbird – if only it had been approved for production.

Unfortunately it wasn't, leaving this concept as the only example ever made. And while some of the others of its era were destroyed, this one was saved. In fact Virgil Exner – (Chrysler's Vice President of Design) rescued it personally and took it home with him.

Now 60 years later, it's been immaculately restored and is coming up for auction – complete with its original 4.0-liter V8 engine producing all of 157 horsepower and three-speed automatic transmission. (Again, this was 60 years ago.)

It's one of the thousand-plus vehicles that Barrett-Jackson has consigned for its Scottsdale auction next month, where it's sure to make one collector – just one – very happy indeed.

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Reiter's 2018 KTM X-Bow GT4 Will Cost You $180,000

Posted: 27 Dec 2017 09:35 AM PST


It may not have realized it at the time, but KTM made the ideal starting point for a race car when it produced the X-Bow.

The racing-chassis specialists at Dallara who were charged with its development probably did though. And so did Reiter Engineering.

Lamborghini's longtime motorsport partner teamed up with KTM three years ago to turn the X-Bow into a GT4-class racing machine. Since then they've produced dozens of them... but so have other automakers pouring into the category. This is Reiter's answer.

Comprehensively upgraded for the 2018 racing season, the KTM X-Bow GT4 has been redesigned to last longer and reduce running costs for the privateer teams that will run it. "Although we already have a GT4 vehicle that offers one of the best value for money," says Hans Reiter, "we want to further reduce the costs for the teams and the drivers with these updates."

A beefier Holinger transmission promises to handle over 500 lb-ft of torque and run for 62,000 miles without trouble – twice that distance for the upgraded suspension. The engine control unit, electrical system, cable harness, control panel, traction control... it's all been enhanced to run for longer, which is vital for endurance racing.

Want to run one yourself in, say, the Pirelli World Challenge, the GT4 European Series, or the VLN series at the Nurburgring? Reiter will make you one for €152,360 (or about $180k at current exchange rates), but the first build slots are already sold out through February.

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Which GT R Is Faster On The Drag Strip: Nissan's GT-R Or Mercedes-AMG's GT R?

Posted: 27 Dec 2017 08:52 PM PST


It's Japan versus Germany in this duel between the older Nissan GT-R and the newer Mercecdes-AMG GT R, two cars that are very different, despite sharing a similar name.

Britain's CarWow took both sports models out in an empty airfield, trying to settle the dispute in a three -stage test that included a drag race, rolling race, and braking test.

The result is very surprising, to say the least, as you can see in the video that follows after the jump, but before we let you watch it, let's see which of the two high-performance coupes has the advantage, theoretically at least.

The Nissan GT-R has all-wheel drive, and features a 3.6-liter twin-turbo V6 engine that makes 570 horsepower and 630Nm (465lb-ft) of torque, whereas Mercedes-AMG's GT R is rear-wheel drive and has a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8, with 585hp and 700Nm (516lb-ft) of torque.

There's also a significant price gap between the two, as while the Godzilla starts from £84,000 ($112,222) in Britain, its German rival comes at a cool £143,000 ($191,045).

You could easily argue that the drag race would have been more fair using a Nissan GT-R Nismo, which not only has an extra 30hp and 20Nm (15lb-ft) of torque, but also a closer price tag at £151,525 ($202,434) in the UK.

VIDEO

Porsche Dressed 5 Macans In Classic Racing Liveries, And They Look Awesome

Posted: 27 Dec 2017 09:00 AM PST


What Porsche develops on the race track, it applies to the road cars it produces – even crossovers like the Macan. One element you wouldn't expect to see make the transmission from one to the other is its racing liveries, but looking at these show cars, we can't help but wonder why it doesn't.

The automaker put five Macans on the streets of Singapore, each decked out in a color scheme borrowed from one of its classic racing cars: four from versions of the 917, one from the 956 – Le Mans challengers (if not outright winers) all.

Hard as it is to choose, one of our favorites is the Martini Racing livery of red, teal, and blue stripes over white. Another wears the Rothmans livery (all too often overlooked, in our opinion) of a white upper body, dark blue lower, with gold and red stripes. There's one in Gulf colors of baby blue and orange. And another in the Salzburg design of red with white streaks. Last but not least is the oddball Pink Pig, with dashed lines showing where the butcher would carve it up.

Porsche's Asia Pacific division performed a similar treatment this past summer, applying Porsche's current racing livery to a Macan Turbo (complete with the optional Performance Package). We thought that was pretty cool at the time, but to our eyes, these look even better. Or some of them do, anyway.

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The Grand Tour Season 2 Ep 4 Trailer Oozes Unscripted Action

Posted: 27 Dec 2017 07:59 AM PST


The fourth episode of The Grand Tour's second season will, for the very first time, feature no pre-arranged locations, stunts or incidents. Question is, will we laugh as much?

We're just two days away from finding out what a high-budget car show without a script actually looks like. To kick things off, Clarkson, Hammond and May will arrive in Croatia with an Audi TT RS, an Ariel Nomad and a Fire Engine.

Meanwhile, back at the Eboladrome, Hammond will get behind the wheel of the McLaren 720S and experience its Internet-breaking hypercar-like performance.

As for the Celebrity Face Off segment, this week it will be Michael Ball versus Alfie Boe. The Grand Tour is hoping to see who is the world's fastest classical singer with a connection to the British motor industry.

"I've got to say I didn't think I'd enjoy it that much, but I had the best morning ever," said Ball. "I went for it and I just hope I've beaten Alfie, that's all I'm hoping for! I was very very competitive. I don't think I've won, but if I have I won't gloat or ever mention it ever again."

Meanwhile, Boe stated that despite tricky conditions (wet, muddy, foggy), he still had an amazing time behind the wheel.

"I do want to beat Michael, I want to have done well and at least be credible and if Michael has beaten me than fair play, he's a good guy and I'd be thrilled for him, but deep down inside I'd be a little disappointed in myself."

VIDEO

Drivers Crash As Musk's SpaceX Rocket Lights Up LA

Posted: 27 Dec 2017 10:00 AM PST


On December 22, Elon Musk sparked fears of an alien invasion when SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket launched over Los Angeles, leaving with it a truly mesmerizing glow.

SpaceX's launch came just after sunset during the peak hour rush in the bustling city. Thousands of locals were therefore driving at the time of the launch. Left dazzled, you can probably guess what happened next.

This dashcam footage shows a very curious driver expressing his intrigue at the rocket launch and as the light show reached its climax, traffic on the highway can be seen slowing. Before long, numerous drivers start slamming on their brakes as they approach slow-moving traffic. Then, to the left of the dashcam, a minivan can be seen slamming into the rear of a Toyota Corolla, spearing it into a large SUV.

Despite being so close to a serious car crash, the driver's attention soon returns to the rocket.

Were you in LA at the time of SpaceX's rocket launch? If you were, tell us about your experience below!

VIDEO

Ford Returning To WRC With M-Sport In 2018

Posted: 27 Dec 2017 06:58 AM PST


Ford will increase its involvement in the World Rally Championship following M-Sport's hugely successful campaign with Sebastien Ogier.

Ford ended its factory involvement in the sport after the 2012 season, leaving M-Sport as a solo effort using Ford rally cars. On the back of winning this year's title, Ogier expressed his desire to see Ford provide factory support to M-Sport.

Well, Ogier's Christmas wish has been granted with confirmation that the British team will now be known as M-Sport Ford World Rally Team.

Speaking to Motorsport, M-Sport boss Malcolm Wilson expressed his optimism for the partnership.

"It's great to see the Ford name back alongside M-Sport in the World Rally Championship. We welcome the increased level of technical support from Ford Performance. Defending the two world titles is going to be a big job for us next year, so we're very grateful for the support from Ford."

M-Sport recently confirmed that Sebastien Ogier and Elfyn Evans will stay with the squad next season.

PHOTO GALLERY

Faraday Future Boss Ordered To Return To China To Pay Off Debt

Posted: 27 Dec 2017 06:28 AM PST


Faraday Future and LeEco boss Jia Yueting may have recently secured a $1 billion investment for his Californian EV startup but he still has a few personal issues plaguing his business ventures.

Reuters reports that Yueting has been ordered by China's securities regulator to return to his home country and sort out huge debts accrued by his various companies.

In a notice issued to Yueting late on Christmas day, China said be must return to China by December 31 and "fullfill his obligation" and protect investors' rights. This notice follows on from a similar request in September for Yueting to pay off his debts but that government order went unanswered.

According to the China Securities Regulatory Commission (CSRC), Yueting's behavior is hurting his companies.

"Firms you control owe huge amounts to listed companies, which has not yet been returned. This behavior seriously harms the legal rights of listed firms and the personal interests of a wide range of investors."

A spokesman from LeEco claims Yueting's behavior won't have a major impact on the company.

PHOTO GALLERY

2019 BMW 1-Series Stays Camouflaged During Cold Weather Tests

Posted: 27 Dec 2017 10:00 AM PST


BMW's direct rival for the Mercedes-Benz A-Class and Audi A3 is still undergoing tests in prototype form, and is expected to remain hidden well into the new year.

Compared to the current model, the all-new 2019 1-Series is said to look sportier and more imposing, while leaving more room inside for occupants, especially those sitting in the back.

The extra room will come courtesy of BMW's UKL platform, which will also empower the 1-Series to switch from RWD to FWD, matching its rivals from Mercedes, Audi and Volvo.

It's also been reported that the 1-Series will shift towards a permanent 5-door body style, like the A-Class. Audi decided to do the same with the 2019 A3, mostly due to falling demand and cost-cutting.

While these images don't really provide us with a look inside, we already know that the all-new 1-Series will have its dashboard angled towards the driver, with the infotainment display mounted above the central air vents. It also has a new center console, housing a new gear selector and the rotary iDrive knob.

As for power units, reports indicate that any six-cylinder options will be scrapped in favor of four-cylinder ones, with a range-topping M140i model sending power to all four wheels via BMW's xDrive all-wheel drive system. A plug-in hybrid version is also expected to join the range at some point.

Photo Credits: CarPix for CarScoops

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