Friday 29 December 2017

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Early Two-Tone Blue Bugatti Chiron Heading To Paris Auction

Posted: 29 Dec 2017 04:30 AM PST


One of the first 20 Bugatti Chirons to be delivered worldwide is heading to auction in February as part of RM Sotheby's Paris auction.

This particular Chiron looks almost identical to the example that premiered at the Geneva Motor Show in early 2016. As such, it adopts a two-tone Atlantic Blue over French Racing Blue livery and certainly has the looks needed for a car that supersedes the legendary Bugatti Veyron.

Other notable features present are the optional carbon fiber steering wheel, Maritime Blue brake calipers, and brown leather with contrast quilt stitching.

The auction house says that the French hypercar was delivered in April 2017 and has fewer than 1000 km (621 miles) under its belt, roughly half of which is test mileage.

As you'll inevitably know by now, the Chiron is powered by a quad-turbo 8.0-liter W16 engine delivering a mighty 1500 hp, accelerating the car to an electronically limited top speed of 420 km/h (261 km/h). Given the right set of tires, it is thought that the Chiron could approach, or even exceed, 450 km/h (280 mph).

Pre-auction estimates for the Chiron sit between 3.2 million and 3.6 million euros.

PHOTO GALLERY

Bright Yellow Lamborghini Urus Spotted In The Austrian Alps

Posted: 28 Dec 2017 06:55 PM PST


One of the perks of owning a super SUV with an exotic badge and a twin turbo V8 like the Urus is that, on paper, you can get the best of both worlds.

In other words, whereas an Aventador or a Huracan wouldn't be ideal for hauling your things to a ski resort, the Urus will do that in its stride - which was Lamborghini's reasoning behind deciding to build it in the first place.

This particular Urus painted in Giallo Auge was spotted by Tom8501 in Finkenberg, Austria, on the second day of Christmas. Since the Urus isn't expected to reach its first customers until the Spring of 2018, we guess it might have been some Lambo/VW Group exec's ride.

Given the conditions, we reckon that whoever was behind the wheel got the chance to sample Neve (Snow), one of the Urus' six driving modes, which modulates the ESP and other vehicle systems for optimum traction in the snow, and also raises the chassis in order to improve ground clearance.

On dry tarmac, the 650 PS (641 HP) twin-turbo V8 will help the Urus accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 3.6 seconds and all the way to 305 km/h (190 mph).

PHOTO GALLERY

Bentley Bentayga V8 Reportedly On Track For Mid-2018, PHEV To Follow

Posted: 28 Dec 2017 06:07 PM PST


Bentley is apparently looking to expand the Bentayga's range by adding a couple of new versions.

The first variant is expected to be launched in July 2018, according to AutoMotorUndSport, and it will be powered by a V8 petrol unit.

Slotting in the Bentayga lineup under the diesel option, it might use a version of the VW Group's 4.0-liter twin-turbo unit that currently powers the Porsche Cayenne and Lamborghini Urus. All three are underpinned by the same MLB architecture, so using it in the Bentley, too, makes perfect sense.

In addition to the new V8 engine, the Bentayga will also get a plug-in hybrid powertrain that's expected to combine the 3.0-liter supercharged V8 and electric motor of the Porsche Cayenne S E-Hybrid. The exact output is unknown, but its German counterpart makes do with 416PS (410hp) and 590Nm (435lb-ft) of torque, so we expect something similar for the Bentayga PHEV.

Note: Bentley Bentayga Diesel pictured

PHOTO GALLERY

This Is What Makes The Ferrari 250 GT Lusso A $3 Million Car

Posted: 28 Dec 2017 05:31 PM PST


Back when Ferrari first came out with the 250 GT Lusso, they meant for it to be more of a luxury grand tourer rather than a sports car like the 250 GT Berlinetta.

While its interior was more spacious than that of the regular 250 GT, the Lusso only seated two people, unlike the 250 GT/E, which was the first mass-production four-seat Ferrari.

As you might imagine for a car that dates back to the early 1960s, it comes with some quirks. For example, trying to switch something on or off inside the car is a risky proposition if you don't know exactly what each button does - all the switches look the same and are completely unlabeled. Pull the wrong one and instead of turning on the wipers, you could mess with the fuel pump and stall the car.

On the road, Doug DeMuro, who did this review, enjoyed the Lusso, stating that the clutch is easy to operate, although, despite being powered by a V12 engine, it's not particularly fast or loud.

Overall, for a '60s Ferrari, the Lusso is spacious, comfortable and easy to drive. It was also very luxurious and stylish back in its glory days, which is why it's worth as much as it is today.

VIDEO

Matte Black Wrap And Red Rims Are A Nice Combo For The Lamborghini Huracan

Posted: 28 Dec 2017 04:49 PM PST


It may be Lamborghini's entry-level supercar, and currently its best-seller, but we do not come across a Huracan every day, especially one fitted with aftermarket rims.

The market is filled with all sorts of aftermarket wheels for the "baby Lambo", from PUR's angular ones to HRE's concave set.

In this case, however, the Lambo is fitted with red wheels from Avant Garde, which are available from 19 to 22 inches in size and provide a contrast to the matte black wrap that works really well with the Huracan's angular design.

Now, we're not sure if red is the best color choice for wheels, but the Huracan's overall look is rather tamed compared to others we've seen, especially the ones by by Liberty Walk.

PHOTO GALLERY

Alpine A110 Praised, Labelled A Poor Man's McLaren

Posted: 28 Dec 2017 09:00 PM PST


Renault have upped their game by reviving the Alpine brand and launching a mid-engined rear-wheel drive machine that's going head to head with the likes of the Porsche Cayman and Alfa Romeo 4C.

The A110 is a sexy berlinette that's named after a classic sports car made from 1961 and 1977, but underneath the classic styling lies an entirely new and modern sports car.

Underpinned by an aluminum architecture and fitted with double wishbones at both ends, the Alpine A110 utilizes a new 1.8-liter turbocharged four that puts out 252PS (248hp) and 320Nm (236lb-ft) that are directed to the rear wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox. Helped by the low weight (1,080kg / 2,380lbs), the A110 needs just 4.5sec for the 0-100km/h (0-62mph) sprint and maxes out at 250km/h (155mph).

Behind the wheel, the A110 feels properly balanced and alive, especially in 'Track' mode, but despite that, the automaker claims that this is not your average weekend warrior.

After taking the exciting coupe out for a short run, Australia's Drive claims that it doesn't feel like a rich man's Renault, but rather like a poor man's McLaren - and that is very high praise indeed.

Down Under, it will cost an estimated AUD $90,000-$100,000 (USD $69,834-$77,594), whereas in France it's expected to cost between €55,000 and €60,000 ($65,365-$71,307). So far, Alpine has no plans to offer it in North America.

VIDEO

China To Ban Production Of 533 Vehicles Starting Next Month

Posted: 28 Dec 2017 03:31 PM PST


China is getting serious about its efforts to reduce pollution as the country will reportedly require automakers stop production of 553 passenger vehicles by January 1st.

Bloomberg reports the production halt will affect models that don't meet the country's fuel-consumption limits and these reportedly include vehicles from Audi, Chevrolet, and Mercedes-Benz. While 553 vehicles sounds like a lot, the secretary general of the China Passenger Car Association told the publication it's actually a "very small" percentage of passenger cars that are produced in China.

The list was compiled by the China Vehicle Technology Service Center and an analyst for China Merchants Securities noted it is the first time the country has created an official list of offending vehicles. Wang Liusheng went on to say "Such documents will surface frequently in the future" and he believes it's "an essential move to ensure the healthy development of the industry in the long run."

China is one of the largest markets for electric vehicles and the country has been considering banning the sale of vehicles powered by petrol and diesel engines. However, the plan has faced some opposition including from GM CEO Mary Barra who stated "We've encouraged the Chinese government to work with us and work with the industry to make sure we're creating the excitement and demand for electric vehicles as opposed to it just being mandated."

Photo Gallery

Car Thief Arrested Wearing A "Trust Me" T-Shirt

Posted: 28 Dec 2017 03:05 PM PST


Police in Fairfax County, Virginia have arrested a pair of men for stealing an unlocked car from a resident's driveway.

While this typically wouldn't be newsworthy, one of the men was wearing a t-shirt that said "Trust Me" and police say he was anything but trustworthy.

According to the Fairfax County Police Department, a resident started their car at approximately 6:30 am on December 23rd and was letting it warm up in their driveway. When they went to leave, the car was gone.

The resident called police and they eventually spotted the car and conducted a traffic stop. Police arrested 23-year-old Wilmer Lara Garcia and 24-year-old Orlen Nunez who were both from Falls Church. The pair were charged with auto theft but Garcia, who was wearing the Trust Me t-shirt, was also charged with two counts of forgery as he was in procession of altered and forged checks.

The Virginia State Police HEAT task force says thieves steal more than 7,000 vehicles in the state each year and they are valued at more than $55 million annually. Of course, one of the easiest ways to prevent auto theft is using common sense and not leaving your car unlocked with the keys in the ignition.

Photo Gallery

Redesigned VW Touareg Confirmed For Next Spring

Posted: 28 Dec 2017 02:32 PM PST


Volkswagen has confirmed the all-new Touareg will be introduced next spring.

The company didn't have much to say about the model but noted the Touareg has been "redesigned right down to the very last LED."

Previewed by the T-Prime GTE Concept, the 2019 Touareg will have an all-new front fascia with a prominent grille that is reminiscent of the Arteon. The model will also have bold character lines, slender taillights, and a tailgate-mounted rear spoiler.

Engine options remain unconfirmed but previous reports have suggested the Touareg could be offered with an assortment of different powertrains including a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder, a supercharged 3.0-liter V6, and a 3.0-liter V6 diesel. There could also be plug-in hybrid variant as well as a model with a V8 TDI engine. Rumors have also hinted at a Touareg R which could be equipped with the turbocharged VR6 engine which is expected to be used in the Arteon R.

The model will ride on the MLB Evo platform that underpins other vehicles such as the Audi Q7, Bentley Bentayga, Porsche Cayenne, and Lamborghini Urus. This change should enable the Touareg to be lighter and more fuel-efficient than its predecessor.

Photo Credits: CarPix for CarScoops

Photo Gallery

2019 BMW 740e iPerformance To Receive A More Power Electric Motor And New Batteries

Posted: 28 Dec 2017 02:01 PM PST


The BMW 740e iPerformance offers an impressive blend of luxury and fuel-efficiency but fans might want to hold off on buying the sedan as a new report is suggesting the 2019 model will receive some pretty significant upgrades.

BMW Blog says sources have informed them the updated model will have a 2.0-liter TwinPower Turbo four-cylinder engine, an upgraded electric motor, and new batteries which have a higher energy density. Specifications remain unconfirmed but the report claims the model will produce around 390 hp (290 kW) and have a longer electric-only range.

The updated model could be called the 745e iPerformance and it is expected to be offered with a wireless charging system like the 530 iPerformance.

Besides the updated powertrain, the 7-Series is expected to receive a new digital instrument cluster called "Live Cockpit." The display is reportedly similar to the one used on the 8-Series and Z4 concepts.

The 2018 740e xDrive iPerformance starts at $90,700 and it features a 2.0-liter TwinPower Turbo four-cylinder engine, a 9.2 kWh lithium-ion battery, and an electric motor that develops 111 hp (82 kW) and 184 lb-ft (249 Nm) of torque. This setup enables the car to produce a combined output of 322 hp (240 kW) and 369 lb-ft (500 Nm) of torque. The car can also accelerate from 0-60 mph in 5.1 seconds and travel up to 14 miles (22 km) on electricity alone.

Photo Gallery

Wales Police Spent Over $4.7 Million On Repairs In Just Four Years

Posted: 28 Dec 2017 01:31 PM PST


Police vehicles live a rough life as they're used in everything from high-speed chases to mundane traffic stops.

According to the BBC, police in Wales spent over £3.5 ($4.7) million to repair police vehicles over the past four years. Over the course of this time period, police vehicles were involved in 4,214 incidents and a number of these involved basic mistakes such as hitting objects when reversing.

The South Wales Police were responsible for most of the damage as the force totaled 27 vehicles and had repair costs in excess of £2.6 ($3.4) million. Assistant Chief Constable Jeremy Vaughan told the BBC "Our drivers are highly skilled and every care is taken with the force's vehicles, however, it is inevitable that some will be damaged in the course of duty." He added the force responds to over a million calls every year and noted their vehicles rack up 12 million miles (19.3 million km) annually.

North Wales Police had 1,339 incidents over four year and this resulted in repair costs of £442,776 ($595,383). While the number of incidents sounds high, the force said approximately half of these incidents didn't involve damage and only required a minor safety check.

The bill doesn't sound too outrageous but James Price, the campaign manager of the TaxPayers' Alliance, told the BBC "The police are constantly asking for more money, but clearly they have been wasting our cash by driving recklessly and not respecting the equipment that taxpayers have funded."

Photo Gallery

Nissan Titan To Be Offered With A V6 Engine, Will Debut In The Frontier First

Posted: 28 Dec 2017 12:59 PM PST


The pickup wars are heating up and Nissan North America's senior vice president of product planning has hinted the Titan will eventually be offered with a V6 engine.

Speaking to Wards Auto, Michael Bunce said "A new Frontier is on its way and a V6 is more geared toward that segment." However, he added "Both [trucks] are built in the same plant in Mississippi, so that opportunity is being looked at for Titan also." Bunce declined to say when we can expect the engine to be offered in the Titan but he suggested the V6 will likely debut in the Frontier first.

Little is known about the upcoming engine but Nissan expects it to appeal to companies and consumers who are looking for a work truck and don't need the power of a V8. The V6 model should also be more affordable than the V8 variant which starts at $29,580.

While Titan sales are nowhere near rivals such as the Ford F-150 or Chevrolet Silverado, Bunce said the company is "fully behind" the Titan.

When asked about the possible return of the Xterra, Bunce said Nissan is "very, very closely" looking at the segment and noted the model could appeal to male Millennials. He went on to describe the Xterra as a "great asset" which could be utilized in the future.

Photo Gallery

Meet The World’s First Street-Legal Aston Martin Vulcan

Posted: 28 Dec 2017 12:14 PM PST


With only 24 Aston Martin Vulcans in existence, it was only a matter of time before someone would turn this track-only monster into a fully compliant road car.

Unlike the McLaren P1 GTR, which was already based on a road car and therefore was easier to be converted for use on the public road, the Aston Martin Vulcan was never meant to set foot on the tarmac outside of a race track, making the achievement of seeing this particular example even greater.

RML Group undertook the project of converting the Vulcan for road usage with Aston Martin's approval; they didn't just want to make the car compliant with regulations but they wanted to turn the Vulcan into a more usable car, without spoiling the raw character of it.

Things like adding proper headlights to the clamshell bonnet, turn signals on the giant rear wing or door mirrors are just some of the revisions that went into creating a road-legal Vulcan, with RML Group also retuning the suspension and the engine's software, as well as creating a less aggressive front splitter for obvious reasons.

Courtesy of Lovecars, this is what went into making the world's only street-legal Aston Martin Vulcan.

VIDEO

Court Seizes Faraday Future Founder’s Assets In China

Posted: 28 Dec 2017 11:31 AM PST


Faraday Future Jia Yueting's troubles with the law keep pilling as a court has seized all of his assets it could find in China.

The Beijing First Intermediate People's Court has seized more than $200,000 in bank deposits and is currently eyeing Jia's shares in the publicly listed Leshi Internet, as well as two Beijing properties, Bloomberg reports.

The court said that it seized Jia's assets after agreeing to a demand from a securities firm that claims Faraday Future and LeEco boss owes them more than $30 million.

"Jia Yueting has no other bank deposits, housing registration records or automobile registration records that the court can execute upon," the Beijing court said in its statement. The court didn't share any details of the securities firm's complaint except to say it involved an alleged failure to honor obligations.

It's not clear where Jia is at the moment, with the last report saying that he announced during a Faraday Future meeting that they managed to raise more than $1 billion in financing without giving out the names of the investors.

China's authorities have ordered Jia to return to the country and sort out his huge debts accrued by his various companies.

PHOTO GALLERY

Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid Is Impressively Frugal, But Doesn’t Like Adults At The Back

Posted: 28 Dec 2017 11:01 AM PST


On paper, the new Hyundai Ioniq is a very convincing Prius rival, offering impressive fuel economy and way less challenging looks than its Japanese nemesis.

The Hyundai Ioniq even has a proper gearbox for those hating the scooter-like CVT transmissions you normally find in hybrids, as it pairs a six-speed dual-clutch unit to the petrol-electric powertrain.

Speaking of which, the Hyundai Ioniq is pairing a 103hp 1.6-liter engine with a 43hp electric motor, producing a combined 139hp and 195lb-ft of torque.

The company claims that it'll do a 0-62mph (100km/h) in 10.8 seconds and a 115mph (185km/h) top speed, but more importantly the Ioniq will return an official combined 83.1mpg UK when equipped with the smaller 15-inch wheels.

If there's one issue with Hyundai's hybrid model, that has to be the tight rear headroom caused by the sloping roofline. Despite providing more than enough leg room, tall adults will find little space for their heads and that's a shame as the rest of the car appears to offer a great package.

Mat Watson for Carwow gives us an in-depth look at the Hyundai Ioniq on the video that follows.

VIDEO

Alright, Alright: Matthew McConaughey Doesn't Say A Word In New 2018 Lincoln Navigator Ad

Posted: 28 Dec 2017 10:35 AM PST


Hollywood star Matthew McConaughey is back behind the wheel of a Lincoln, just in time for the NCAA football playoffs.

The new ad campaign, dubbed 'Perfect Rhythm', will feature two spots starring McConaughey and the 2018 Navigator, this being the first one.

"Perfect rhythm refers to the feeling you get in those situations when everything comes together," said Lincoln marketing exec, John Emmert. "This is our most spacious, refined and capable Navigator ever, combining modern luxury with advanced technology that elevates every passenger's experience."

The video was shot in the Pacific Northwest by cinematographer Wally Pfister, who also worked on the "That's Continental" campaign. The concept was to have McConaughey pull up to a railroad crossing and start an impromptu concert, although no train is in sight.

"This piece is all about energy," added Emmert. "You see Matthew in control. He starts a rhythm and it builds, and he becomes the master of his experience. We've overlaid a complex sound design as a freight train enters the scene and rumbles by. There's this wonderful crescendo of light and sound that builds and then ends as suddenly as it begins."

The two-part campaign will air as a TV ad during the January 1st College Football Playoffs, starting with this 60-second video. A second spot will then air later on in the month.

VIDEO

Suzuki Xbee Could Be The Coolest Thing At The 2018 Tokyo Salon

Posted: 28 Dec 2017 10:01 AM PST


Maybe it's a fad, maybe Proust was right and we're just harkening back to our childhood. But there's something we really dig about an SUV wrapped in camouflage.

Not the shape-obscuring wraps automakers put on their prototypes, but proper military-style multicolor camo – like the treatment on this Suzuki.

Called the Xbee Winter Adventure, it's a conceptual version of the retro-rugged compact crossover that Suzuki recently released, and will now exhibit at the Tokyo Auto Salon... complete with blue-grey camo, yellow accents, and roof rack.

Of course the Xbee isn't the only vehicle that the Japanese automaker will show at the forthcoming exhibition. There'll also be a camper version of the new Spacia wagon, a Carry pickup rigged for fishing, and a Swift Sport done up in matte black and red accents to mirror the GSX-S1000 superbike alongside which it will be exhibited.

Suzuki will have 12 vehicles on show in all, including versions of the Solio Bandit, Alto Works, Wagon R Stingray, and Spacia Custom. But with apologies to that sporty little Swift, it's the camo Xbee we like most.

Photo Gallery

Mysterious Volkswagen Compact SUV Scooped In China

Posted: 28 Dec 2017 09:30 AM PST


Volkswagen continues their SUV expansion with yet another vehicle that could be exclusively aimed at the Chinese market.

Seen in a set of spy shots posted from China's AutoHome, the SUV's exterior is completely hidden away under a large cover, which suggests perhaps that the automaker has the design all figured out.

The cabin is very much visible in these pictures, and it gets a three-spoke multi-function steering wheel, leather and Alcantara-wrapped seats with white stitching, gloss black trim, driving mode selector, infotainment system, analogue instrument cluster, and electronic parking brake.

Despite its compact size appearance, the mysterious SUV's interior differs from that of the Volkswagen T-Roc, which is due to arrive in China in mid-2018. The differences are visible on the dashboard, where the central air vents are positioned below the infotainment system, and not on each side of it, and the controls for the climate system sit under the air vents.

Reports from China say that this vehicle comes from the FAW-Volkswagen joint venture, and it should be unveiled in December 2018, so we're likely going to see and learn more of it in the coming months.

PHOTO GALLERY

Texas Home Owner Says There's Something Wrong With This Road

Posted: 28 Dec 2017 09:05 AM PST


It seems this left turn is so tricky in the wet that a Texas home owner had to install video cameras just to capture all the cars that came barrelling in.

To make matters worse, this old Jeep Grand Cherokee not only crashed into the yard, it also nearly hit a pedestrian walking by. Thankfully, though, he saw the car and moved out of the way just in time.

The person who installed the cameras states that they've even had multiple hit and run drivers crash on their property, and that the house itself was hit back in February, followed by the fence.

"This is a chronic problem and now someone almost got killed. The city is not helping so far," added the home owner, who also claims that most people that end up crashing at that location don't even have car insurance.

We can't help but acknowledge the fact that a street sign warning drivers to slow down could make a huge difference at that location, especially when the road is slippery.

VIDEO

Alfa Romeo Going After The BMW X5, Mercedes GLE With Large 7-Seater SUV

Posted: 28 Dec 2017 08:32 AM PST


The introduction of the Stelvio has apparently opened Alfa Romeo's appetite for yet another SUV, which will sit at the top of the range.

Rumored to be unveiled around 2020 - though, as with any FCA related future product, better take that date with a grain of salt, the brand's flagship SUV is said to challenge the likes of the Volvo XC90, BMW X5, Mercedes-Benz GLE, and Audi Q7. It will likely be offered with a 7-seat layout in order to make it more competitive, says AutoExpress, quoting unnamed insiders with knowledge on the matter.

The Italians are looking to keep things simple, so the as-of-yet-unnamed SUV will use the same platform as the Alfa Romeo Stelvio, albeit with a longer wheelbase and a larger body, which will  make it some 200kg (441lbs) heavier than its smaller sibling. The weight penalty includes the addition of a 48-volt mild hybrid system, coupled to a 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbocharged engine.

"I'm quite happy about the result we have obtained coupling a four-cylinder with the 48-volt e-turbo. I think next time we can also use it in production", said the brand's Chief Technical Officer Roberto Fedeli. "With a 2.0-liter turbo engine, you can achieve around 350 to 400hp. We are driving on a simulator a car like that, we are working on it, and the result is not so bad."

Subsequently to the introduction of the large SUV, the FCA-owned brand is also planning the launch of a new compact hatchback, which will serve as a replacement for the aging Giulietta.

Further down the road, a possible successor of the 4C is also being weighed in by execs, and let's not forget that their road map includes an executive saloon to take on the Mercedes-Benz E-Class and BMW 5-Series, alongside another SUV, likely smaller than the Stelvio.

Alfa Romeo also has two "specialty" cars as well, which could debut before the turn of the decade, although nothing is known about them so far.

Note: Alfa Romeo Stelvio pictured

PHOTO GALLERY

Infiniti Plays A Game Of Thrones In 2018 QX80 TV Spot

Posted: 28 Dec 2017 08:02 AM PST


Infiniti's full-size flagship SUV, the QX80, doesn't discriminate when it comes to luxury, treating all of its passengers to the same levels of comfort regardless of where they're sitting.

In order to display that on video, Infiniti put together a 30-second national spot called 'Thrones", which will air for the very first time on television on January 1, 2018.

The spot opens with a series of images showing some of the most luxurious seats in the world - we're talking custom-made thrones fit only for kings and queens.

Next thing you know, you're in the new QX80, where each passenger can enjoy the spacious and comfortable semi-aniline leather-appointed seating options, as well as the wood trim accents, the updated InTouch infotainment system and the advanced rear entertainment system.

"We designed the 2018 QX80 with the mindset that luxury is better when shared, offering luxurious amenities that every passenger can enjoy," said marketing exec, Phil O'Connor. "The beginning of the commercial says it best: 'For centuries, the best seats were built for one.' Today, we aim to deliver the ultimate expression of inclusive luxury where no passenger takes a back seat."

The 2018 Infiniti QX80 is available in both 2WD and 4WD, with the entry-level 2WD model featuring a base price of $64,750.

VIDEO

This Is How You Crash Test A Koenigsegg Regera

Posted: 28 Dec 2017 07:31 AM PST


Even the smallest, most exotic car manufacturers have to put their supercars through the normal crash test procedures to ensure that they're safe and compliant with the regulations.

However, and unlike the bigger mass-production manufacturers which can spare more than a few cars for the safety and homologation tests, Koenigsegg is using a single car for the task since they tend to be multi-million hand-made objects of speed and desire.

It's cheaper for Koenigsegg to rebuilt the beater car after each test than to build another one this way. Apart from the classic crash tests from different angles, there are also the so-called abuse tests, where the car is driven over curbs and other torture-like situations.

The funny thing is however that Koenigsegg released the dubstep-filled video on its Instagram account to celebrate 1 million followers.

At least the dubstep background music makes the whole thing less painful to watch somehow!

THANK YOU FOR 1 MILLON FOLLOWERS! Thats SMASHING! 🔥

Η δημοσίευση κοινοποιήθηκε από το χρήστη Koenigsegg (@koenigseggautomotive) στις

Porsche Mission E To Offer Three Power Options: 402HP, 536HP And A Range-Topping 670HP

Posted: 28 Dec 2017 09:49 AM PST


More information has surfaced on Porsche's highly anticipated all-electric Mission E as the Germans gave early access to one particular member of the press.

Georg Kacher from Automobile magazine became the fourth person in the world to drive the white Mission E prototype and learned along the way some juicy details on the first electric Porsche.

The Porsche Mission E will be smaller than the Panamera, but the company aims to offer the same amount of room in the cabin with a car from the class above; using an electric powertrain frees up a lot of space but Porsche goes even further, creating a recess in the floorpan where the rear passengers' legs go that splits the battery tray.

"The production version is in essence a C-segment sedan with an almost D-size interior," said project leader Stefan Weckbach. "Visually, the car combines 911 overtones with fresh proportions and very good space utilization even though the Mission E is notably more compact than the Panamera."

The other goal with the Mission E is to feel like a proper Porsche down the road; the company is hard at work in making the electric four-door model a true performance car, giving it a sharp steering and lots of grip but they also work on making the batteries and motors resistant to heat. Using a complex cooling circuit is their way of ensuring that performance will be constant and repeatable, unlike other electric models currently on the market.

Porsche is considering to offer the Mission E in three different power versions: an entry-level 402hp (300kW), a mid-range 536hp (400kW) and a range-topping 670hp (500kW) model, with all of them being all-wheel drive. Porsche might even add a cheaper rear-drive version later on.

The front electric motor produces 215hp and 221lb-ft of torque constantly, offering up to 325lb-ft for brief sessions of wide-open throttle. As for the rear electric motor, there will be two different versions of it: the base one with 322hp and 251lb-ft of torque and the performance one with 429hp and 406lb-ft of torque. A two-speed transmission is being developed to offer full-throttle upshifts, as well as an electronically controlled rear differential.

0-60mph is expected to be in the mid-3 second range while top speed will be limited to 155mph. Porsche targets a real-world driving range of 300 miles but most importantly, it wants the Mission E to recharge its battery to at least 80 percent capacity in 20 minutes or less. In order to do so, the battery cells will be able to charge with either a 800-volt capacity or a 400-volt capacity.

Pricing for the Porsche Mission E will be set between the Cayenne and the Panamera, meaning around the $75,000 to $80,000 mark, positioning it directly against the Tesla Model S when it finally arrives in the market in 2019.

PHOTO GALLERY

2019 Mercedes-Benz A-Class Coming With 7 Gasoline And Four Diesel Engines

Posted: 28 Dec 2017 06:30 AM PST


More technical details are starting to emerge on the next generation Mercedes-Benz A-Class, prior to its public premiere scheduled for the 2018 Geneva Motor Show.

By catching a shotgun ride in a prototype in northern Sweden, and chatting with the brand's chief of compact vehicle testing, Jochen Eck, Autocar has learned that the upcoming hatchback will be offered with a choice of 9 powertrains in total.

These include the newly developed 1.3-liter gasoline unit that can already be found on the Renault Scenic and Grand Scenic, and another lump that's commonly present on various cars made by the French company: the 1.5-liter dCi diesel, in the A160d model.

The list also counts two performance versions of the 2019 Mercedes-Benz A-Class, dubbed AMG A35 and AMG A45, with the former believed to use a 2.0-liter turbo'd mill rated at some 340hp, whereas the latter will allegedly churn out in excess of 400hp. Additionally, plug-in hybrid and electric versions of the car are also expected to arrive.

Beyond the new powertrains, the next generation models also benefit from additional sound deadening foam in the body structure to help reduce the noise and vibration levels, and it will also get two suspension sets, depending on the chosen variant. Lesser models will come with a new torsion beam setup, while more powerful ones will feature an updated multi-link that debuted on the current A-Class.

Elsewhere, engineers and designers have improved visibility by making the pillars thinner and rear side windows larger, and the car also gets an additional 30mm (1.18in) added to the wheelbase length.

Mercedes-Benz could actually unveil the next-gen A-Class earlier than the Geneva Show next March, but nevertheless, the event is where the new compact model will celebrate its public debut.

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Geely Buys $3.3 Billion Stake In Volvo Trucks

Posted: 28 Dec 2017 05:59 AM PST


China's Geely Holding, which already owns Volvo Cars, has bought an 8.2 percent stake in Volvo Trucks for around $3.3 billion at current market prices.

Cevian Capital has agreed to sell the 8.2 percent stake of Volvo Trucks to Geely Holding but the two companies didn't disclose the value of the transaction, Reuters reports.

This will make Geely Holding Volvo Trucks' largest owner by capital and the second biggest by voting rights, following the investment firm Industrivarden.

Geely's experience in the development of electric and autonomous vehicles should help the Swedish truck maker to expand, which also owns 45 percent of Dongfeng Commercial Vehicles, one of China's largest truck companies.

"Given our experience with Volvo Car Group, we recognize and value the proud Scandinavian history and culture, leading market positions, breakthrough technologies and environmental capabilities of AB Volvo," Geely Holding Chairman Li Shufu said in a statement.

Geely confirmed that there are no plans to connect Volvo Cars with Volvo Trucks, with the two companies being split since 1999.

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