Tuesday, 5 December 2017

CARSCOOPS

CARSCOOPS

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All-Wheel Drive Mazda3 And Mazda6 Could Come To U.S.

Posted: 05 Dec 2017 04:30 AM PST


Mazda says it is investigating the possibility of adding all-wheel drive to the Mazda3 and new Mazda6 sold in the United States.

At the LA Auto Show, the carmaker lifted the veil on the updated 6, complete with a stunning exterior design and turbocharged petrol engine. During an interview with Car Advice at the show, Mazda North America Operations president and chief executive, Masahiro Moro, said the brand is investing all-wheel drive.

"I think we are not able to combine four-wheel drive and the 2.5-litre turbo. We have a layout issue with the sedans, that's why a four-wheel drive isn't deployed on the Mazda 3 and 6 so far.

"But there is a huge demand, at least what I know is that in the east coast of the USA, 80 or 90 per cent of premium sedans are sold with all-wheel drive.

"Four-wheel drive becomes a premium queue for US consumers and obviously I have asked our R&D department to think about how we can accommodate four-wheel drive capability in the future," Moro said.

The pre-facelift Mazda6 has been sold in all-wheel drive configuration in Japan and Europe and if the marque is serious about capturing new customers in the U.S., it appears as if all-wheel drive is a must.

PHOTO GALLERY

Opel Insignia GSi Hits Showrooms, Pricing Starts From €45,595 In Germany

Posted: 05 Dec 2017 03:57 AM PST


After its public premiere at the Frankfurt Motor Show last September, the Opel Insignia GSi is now available for order, in both saloon and estate guise, in several European markets.

Pricing for the 2018 Insingia GSi Grand Sport starts from €45,595 ($54,212) in Germany, tax included, whereas the GSi Sports Tourer (that's station wagon in Opel-speak) starts from €46,595 ($55,401).

The GSi is available with two powertrains; a 2.0-liter bi-turbo diesel that delivers 210PS (207hp) and a healthy 480Nm (354lb-ft) of torque and a 2.0-liter turbocharged petrol unit rated at 260PS (256hp) and 400Nm (295lb-ft) of torque. Both versions use an 8-speed automatic transmission.

In addition to the two powertrains, the new Insignia GSi also gets the FlexRide chassis, adaptive all-wheel drive with torque vectoring, lowering springs that reduce ride height by 10mm (0.4in), Brembo brakes, and Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S tires. Moreover, the driver can choose between Standard, Tour, and Sport modes, plus the GSi-exclusive Competition, which is activated via the ESP button.

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Lynk & Co Is Expanding, And Here's What Its Compact Hatch Might Look Like

Posted: 05 Dec 2017 03:30 AM PST


After announcing their plans to launch two new models each year until 2020, it's quite possible that Geely-owned Lynk & Co could build something that resembles this image.

So far, we know about their 01 SUV, the smaller 02 crossover, 03 sedan, plus rumors of a large SUV, an executive car and a small car for young buyers - which may or may not be a 5-door hatchback.

Since we don't exactly know what the Chinese automaker means by "small car", it could be anything from a city car to a supermini, or even a Golf rival.

If this vehicle will turn out to look a little something like what designer Kleber Silva drew up and posted to Behance recently, all we can say is that we won't be the least surprised. His design borrows heavily from the 03 Sedan, utilizing its front fascia and taillights, yet featuring a different roof line and profile design that looks more sporty.

Now, it may not necessarily be pretty, but after receiving 6,000 orders for their 01 SUV in 137 seconds last week, you could say that Lynk & Co's automotive design language is not exactly rubbing people the wrong way.

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Nico Rosberg Is Done With Formula 1 But Is Interested In Formula E

Posted: 05 Dec 2017 02:58 AM PST


Just 12 months after retiring from Formula One, Nico Rosberg says he is thinking about becoming involved with racing again, though not in F1 but in Formula E.

While in Hong Kong over the weekend to attend the 2017-2018 season opener, the 2016 F1 champion confirmed that he is done with racing, but is very intrigued with the booming series.

"I'm open to explore so let's see what the possibilities are, but I'm definitely interested. I know quite a lot, I have been following it. It has an amazing future, a great future. It is on the right track and Alejandro [Agag] is awesome as well so he is going to do the right stuff.

"No [I don't miss racing], for me it is really done. I'm totally fulfilled and I am really excited about these new steps that I am doing now," Rosberg told The Telegraph.

In the past couple of years, Formula E has cemented its position as one of the most important forms of motorsport for carmakers looking to test and develop electrified technologies. The likes of Alain Prost and Allan McNish already work for teams on the grid, and it seems that Rosberg could soon join them.

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Toyota And Mazda To Confirm Location For U.S. Factory In 2018

Posted: 04 Dec 2017 08:42 PM PST


Toyota has confirmed that it will decide on a location for its joint factory with Mazda in the United States in the first quarter of 2018.

Speaking to Automotive News, chief executive of Toyota North America Jim Lentz said a final decision has yet to be made and that there's more than one state in the running for the facility.

According to our sources, Toyota and Mazda are tossing up between constructing the $1.6 billion factory in Alabama or North Carolina, having already decided against building the plant in Tennessee, Texas, and South Carolina.

While the car manufacturers are remaining quiet on details, it is inevitable that the states in contention will attempt to lure them in with generous tax incentives. It is estimated that the factory will create roughly 4,000 new jobs.

Wherever the factory is located, Toyota and Mazda intend on commencing production in 2021 and plan to build roughly 300,000 vehicles there annually. Toyota has confirmed that it will build the Corolla at the factory and Mazda says it will build SUVs at the site, potentially including a new CX-7 crossover.

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Chevrolet Didn't Always Plan To Make A C7 Corvette ZR1

Posted: 04 Dec 2017 07:32 PM PST


Chevrolet has admitted that it didn't always intend on creating a ZR1 variant of the C7-generation Corvette.

During an interview with GM Authority, Corvette chief engineer Tadge Juechter said the C7 was created in a rush and the carmaker never looked far enough ahead to envisage a track-focused variant with over 750 hp on tap and some over-the-top aerodynamic aids.

"We don't always do a ZR1 every generation of Corvette… we weren't looking that far ahead. We did the C7 in a panic coming out of bankruptcy, with the C6 being long in the tooth.

"We weren't focused on the whole lifecycle. Just get the standard car and the Z06 out there, because we needed something to replace the C6. That was kind of our mindset through the development of the architecture," Juechter admitted.

Although Chevrolet didn't plan on making a ZR1 from the moment of the C7's inception, it did start to ponder the possibility after introducing the 650 hp Z06.

"When we introduced the Z06, we left it all on the field. We couldn't think of anything we could do to make this car better than it is. That was true at the time, but a couple years later, we started working on some ideas. What could we do to actually up our game even more?" he said.

Thanks to its potent LT5 supercharged 6.2-liter V8 engine, chassis modifications, and aerodynamic elements, the Corvette ZR1 has the potential to be an absolute animal on a track. In fact, Juechter recently told members of the media that the company will aim to clock a sub-7-minute lap at the Nurburgring in 2018.

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VW Planning A Second All-Electric SUV

Posted: 04 Dec 2017 07:03 PM PST


Volkswagen has confirmed that it will launch a second all-electric SUV alongside the production-spec I.D. Crozz.

Speaking to company design boss Klaus Bischoff, Auto Express discovered that the second SUV will be more conventional than the road-going I.D. Crozz and arrive shortly after, sometime in 2020.

While the production-spec I.D. Crozz will look very similar to the concept, the second SUV will take inspiration from the T-Roc and Tiguan and adopt a slightly higher roofline and have more space than its electric sibling.

Power for this model will come courtesy of a twin motor set-up with a larger motor at the rear axle and a small unit at the front. All up, roughly 300 hp is expected alongside a range of about 300 miles.

Before these two SUVs arrive, Volkswagen will make its I.D. hatchback a production reality. Set to premiere at the same time as the eighth-generation Golf, the I.D. hatch may retain the 168 hp electric motor of the concept while offering a range of between 249 and 373 miles (400 to 600 km) depending on specification.

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Bespoke Pagani Zonda Riviera Lands In Saudi Arabia

Posted: 04 Dec 2017 06:33 PM PST


The one-off Pagani Zonda Riviera has just been delivered to exotic car dealership Seven Car Lounge in Saudi Arabia and this is our first time seeing the hypercar in full.

The first we heard about the Riviera came in July following the release of a low-quality promo of the car. These official photos, recently shared on social media, provide a clear look at the car and in this writer's opinion, it could be the best-looking Zonda ever.

The exterior of the Riviera incorporates a stunning pearl white paint scheme that's been contrasted by gloss carbon fiber elements. Such a combination of white paint and carbon is typical of a Zonda but what makes the Riviera stand out are the bright blue accents, namely the central stripe running the length of the car, accents on the black wheels, and blue pinstripes running above the carbon side skirts. Other eye-catching touches of the car include four carbon canards on the front fascia, a roof scoop, large rear wing, shark fin, and an aggressive diffuser. For the most part, the exterior is very similar to the Zonda Cinque.

Inside, the cabin is also rather stunning. The two bucket seats have been bathed in blue leather and alcantara while the rest of the cabin is a mix of black alcantara, black aluminum and carbon fiber.

The Riviera is believed to be powered by the same naturally-aspirated 7.3-liter V12 delivering 760 hp as other models in the Zonda 760 family.

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VIDEO

2019 Mercedes-Benz CLS Won't Spawn A Shooting Brake, But What If It Did?

Posted: 04 Dec 2017 05:58 PM PST


Whenever an important car gets a new version, renderings of all shapes and sizes start to pop up almost immediately. For the all-new 2019 Mercedes-Benz CLS, perhaps no one is more relevant than the one that turns it into a sleek Estate, or Shooting Brake as Mercedes preferred to call the 2nd-generation model.

We imagine it didn't take X-Tomi too long to turn this 4-door CLS into something more family-friendly. As you can see, the rear end is the only thing that's different, and if it wasn't for the curved roof, you probably wouldn't know whether this was a regular wagon or a Shooting Brake.

Either way, even if you like the latter as a body style, the German automaker won't be doubling down on it with the CLS, which is said to remain strictly a saloon four-door coupe.

Owners of the 2nd-gen CLS Shooting Brake considering a trade-in are, therefore, left with the E-Class Estate, which certainly packs its fair share of advantages over the old CLS but is less exclusive, if they want to remain loyal to the brand. Unless, of course, they are willing to change, in which case they have a fair share of midsize premium estates to chose from.

Honda Bumps 2018 Pilot’s Entry Price To $31,875

Posted: 04 Dec 2017 05:29 PM PST


Honda's popular Pilot seven-seater SUV is entering the MY2018 with a slight increase in price; now starting from $31,875, including destination and handling fees.

The three-row SUV remains pretty much unchanged compared with last year's model, which already offers everything from a roomy cabin with clever practical solutions to a wide range of active safety systems and from a plush ride to a modern infotainment system with both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

Power is still provided by Honda's 3.5-liter V6 with direct injection and 280hp. Cheaper models in the range get a six-speed automatic gearbox while the more expensive Touring and Elite versions come fitted with the nine-speed automatic unit.

Front- and all-wheel drive versions are on offer, with fuel economy rated at 20/27/23 mpg for the former and 19/26/22 mpg for the latter.

Honda's Sensing suite bundles safety and driver-assistance systems together, including Collision Mitigation Braking system with Forward Collision Warning, Lane Keeping Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control and Road Departure Mitigation with Lane Departure Warning.

Sales of the 2018 Honda Pilot have already started, with the base front-wheel drive LX model priced from $31,875 (including destination and handling fees) and the all-wheel drive version asking from $33,775.

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Chevy Adds Active Safety Tech To 2018 Tahoe Police Vehicles [w/Video]

Posted: 04 Dec 2017 05:00 PM PST


The 2018 Chevrolet Tahoe PPV is the first vehicle in its class able to minimize potential crash speeds or help avoid accidents all together.

Aside from the active safety tech, the Tahoe PPV (Police Pursuit Vehicle) also comes with a wide array of safety enhancing features as standard, such as ESC or a Rear Vision Camera with Rear Park Assist.

"We want to protect our protectors and help them get home safely at the end of every shift," said GM exec, Ed Peper. "The safety technologies we are introducing on the Tahoe PPV may serve as a second set of eyes."

The new tech is part of Chevrolet's Enhanced Driver Assist Package, which features Low Speed Forward Automatic Braking, Forward Collision Alert, Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning, Safety Alert Driver Seat and Power Adjustable Pedals.

The Low Speed Forward Automatic Braking feature has never been offered on a pursuit-rated vehicle before. It works by applying the brakes automatically to help reduce the severity of a crash, as long as the vehicle is traveling at a low speed and the driver hasn't already applied the brakes.

Meanwhile, the GM-patented Safety Alert Seat system can alert the driver through haptic seat-bottom vibration pulses, instead of the usual audible crash avoidance alerts.

"When they're on road patrol, police officers are constantly multitasking," said Royal Oak PD retired chief, Theodore Quisenberry. "Now when officers are scanning their surroundings, so is their vehicle. That will help them stay safe."



VIDEO

Pagani Huayra BC Indulges In A Little Drifting While Leaving Car Meeting

Posted: 04 Dec 2017 04:30 PM PST


Whether he was showing off or just having a little fun (or both), the owner of this Pagani Huayra BC was filmed leaving the Cars and Chronos meeting in LA like a boss. The driver did slide that sexy tail out a couple of times - and who can blame him, with all that power at his disposal.

Named after Benny Caiola (BC), one of Horacio Pagani's friends and also his first customer, the BC is is an even more hardcore version of the already extreme Huayra and was manufactured in a limited run of just 20 units, each priced at a cool $2.5 million.

The BC comes with a number of weight improvements over the regular Huayra, with matte carbon fiber used throughout the cabin, new sports seats and an upgraded 6.0-liter twin-turbo V12.

The V12 is mated to a new 7-speed automated manual transmission to deliver 789hp and 810lb-ft (1,098Nm) of torque to the rear axle. Stopping power is improved as well, courtesy of the 380mm carbon ceramic brake discs with six-piston calipers at the front and four at the rear.

VIDEO

U Spy: BMW Testing 2019 3-Series Alongside Mini Prototype

Posted: 04 Dec 2017 04:00 PM PST


The G20 3-Series is one of the most eagerly anticipated cars set to debut in 2018, and a prototype was spotted by one of our readers in Slovenia just a few days ago.

It's well covered up in camo, so we can't make out all the details, but thanks to the light bouncing off the side of the car, we can actually see its creases really well. Unsurprisingly, the 2019 BMW 3-Series seems to take after its larger sibling, the 5-Series, and adopt a more dynamic exterior design than the current model.

What the car will look like inside is actually less of a mystery, since we have already seen a couple of prototypes with their windows cracked open. Aside from the new digital gauge display, we also noticed a new shifter design, which might be adopted by either all the range or just the iPerformance variant.

As for what we're going to find underneath the hood of the G20 3-Series, we expect a wide range of petrol and diesel units joined by at least one electrified model.

So what about that camouflaged Mini Cabrio thas was following the Bimmer then? Unfortunately, there isn't much we can tell you about it, though it could be hiding a few facelift-worthy upgrades, especially on the powertrain side, as its 1.5-liter petrol units are expected to get turbochargers with aluminum casings, while cooling systems should improve across the range. There are also rumors that Mini might be working on a dual-clutch transmission, but at this point all we can do is speculate.

Thanks to Rok

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VW Polo GTI R5 Rally Car Rockets From 0-62 MPH In 4.1 Seconds

Posted: 04 Dec 2017 03:27 PM PST


Volkswagen has unveiled the all-new Polo GTI R5 following a preview last month.

Introduced earlier today in Spain, the Polo GTI R5 is a turn-key rally car that was designed to compete in the R5 class alongside rivals such as the Citroën DS3 R5, Ford Fiesta R5, and Skoda Fabia R5.

As part of the transformation from street car to rally car, the Polo has been outfitted with an aggressive body kit includes a sportier front bumper, extended fender flares, and a large rear spoiler. The model has also been equipped with lightweight wheels, a roll cage, and an assortment of safety equipment.

Motivation is provided by a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine which produces 272 PS (200 kW) and 400 Nm (295 lb-ft) of torque. It is connected to a five-speed sequential racing transmission that sends power to permanent four-wheel drive system. This enables the 1,320 kg (2,910 lbs) rally car to rocket from 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) in just 4.1 seconds.

The Polo GTI R5 will be homologated next summer and the first deliveries are scheduled to occur shortly thereafter. If everything goes according to plan, the car should celebrate its racing debut next fall.

Photo Gallery

Mercedes Reportedly Caused $18K In Damage To A Rented Tesla Model X

Posted: 04 Dec 2017 02:59 PM PST


Mercedes is preparing to launch its electric EQC crossover in 2019 and it appears the company recently decided to check out the competition by doing a teardown on a Tesla Model X.

While this isn't too unusual, Mercedes reportedly rented the Model X for seven weeks through Sixt instead of purchasing the vehicle outright. According to Spiegel and Jalopnik, the crossover belonged to Monika Kindlein and Manfred van Rinsum and when it was returned the couple discovered it was significantly damaged.

The report says the crossover was subjected to an assortment of different tests and extreme conditions as well as disassembled and put back together again. The model was also tested on tracks near Barcelona, Spain and Sindelfingen, Germany which was prohibited as part of the rental agreement.

The Model X reportedly suffered significant damage and Sixt told Spiegel that the owners were compensated for the damage and depreciation that resulted from its improper use. However, the couple isn't satisfied as an appraiser reportedly estimated the company caused €15,674 ($18,584) worth of damage and that will cause the crossover to lose about €2,000 ($2,371) in value. The couple is seeking a total of €99,392.79 ($117,906.68) but don't expect to get the full amount as they simply don't have the resources of Daimler or Sixt if the case were to go to court.

When Jalopnik reached out to Daimler, a spokesperson declined to comment on the story but said "renting vehicles for comparison purposes is a common procedure in the automotive industry." The spokesperson added "In case the rental vehicles are damaged in the course of the rental period, the normal insurance procedure is started and a claim settlement is made."

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Toyota Will Launch A New Subcompact Crossover In The Next 2-3 Years

Posted: 04 Dec 2017 02:57 PM PST


Toyota recently introduced the FT-AC concept at the Los Angeles Auto Show and a new report is suggesting it could preview a production model.

In an interview with Motor Authority, Toyota's North American Group Vice President and General Manager, Jack Hollis, confirmed the automaker will launch a new subcompact crossover in the next two or three years. Hollis went on to say the model will be based on the TNGA platform that underpins everything from the C-HR to the Prius.

Toyota has introduced a number of crossover concepts in the past year and Hollis said the FT-AC, FT-4X, and TJ Cruiser concepts were all created to "test the waters in the market and get feedback from consumers." He didn't say which direction the company is leaning but confirmed the upcoming crossover will be offered with all-wheel drive and have a base price that could start at under $20,000.

If the company is able to hit that price point, the model would be more affordable than the CH-R which starts at $22,500. It would also have the benefit of optional all-wheel drive which is something that is curiously lacking on the CH-R.

Photo Gallery

Ford Transit Connect Gets A Minor Facelift And An All-New Diesel Engine

Posted: 04 Dec 2017 02:01 PM PST


Ford has released the first details about the facelifted Transit Connect and Transit Courier.

Starting with the Transit Connect, the model has been equipped with a new front fascia that features a three-bar oval grille that is flanked by slimmer headlights. The van also has been equipped with a new front spoiler and a "more aerodynamic lower fascia."

Interior changes are fairly limited but include a new instrument panel, an available 6-inch infotainment system, and updated materials that promise to be "stylish and hard-wearing." The van can also be equipped with an assortment of driver assistance systems including Pre-Collision Assist with Pedestrian Detection, Side Wind Stabilization, Active Park Assist, and an Intelligent Speed Limiter.

Under the hood, there's an all-new 1.5-liter EcoBlue diesel engine that offers improved performance as well as a lower fuel consumption rating. Customers can also order a 1.0-liter EcoBoost petrol engine which is significantly improved and offers cylinder deactivation technology.

Both engines are connected to an improved six-speed manual transmission and the diesel engine can be paired to an optional eight-speed automatic gearbox.

The Transit Courier adopts many of the same changes as it features revised front fascia with an active grille shutter on diesel variants. The model also features a redesigned center console and an updated engine lineup that includes a 1.0-liter EcoBoost petrol and a 1.5-liter TDCi diesel. More importantly, the van's five-speed manual transmission has been replaced by a new six-speed gearbox which offers more refinement and better fuel efficiency.

The facelifted vans will go on sale in Europe in the middle of 2018 and additional information will be announced closer to launch.

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Spyker To End C8 Aileron Production With Three Limited Edition Models

Posted: 04 Dec 2017 01:30 PM PST


Spyker is preparing to say goodbye to the C8 Aileron by announcing plans to build three limited edition models called the LM85.

Named after the C8 Laviolette LM85, the C8 Aileron LM85s will draw inspiration from the company's race cars and feature riveted aluminum bodywork, wider wheel arches and air intakes that are made from solid billet aluminum.

Each model will sport a unique livery from that pays tribute to the Spyker Squadron. The first car will have a Jet Black exterior with Crimson Red accents, while the second car will have a Crimson Red exterior with Jet Black accents. The third and final car will have a Jet Black paint job with golden flourishes.

The unique styling continues in the cabin as Spyker says the cars will have custom leather seats that mimic the exterior body colors. Drivers will also find Chronoswiss gauges, a turned aluminum dashboard, and an exposed gearshift.

All three of the cars will be equipped with supercharged 4.2-liter V8 engine that produces 525 PS (386 kW) and 600 Nm (442 lb-ft) of torque. The engine is connected to a six-speed automatic transmission which enables the model to accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 3.7 seconds before hitting a top speed of 322 km/h (200 mph).

According to Spyker CEO Victor Muller, "Every Spyker we ever built is unique and exclusive, but the last three Spyker C8 Aileron's that we will build truly demonstrate the level of bespoke craftsmanship that the Spyker brand is all about. It is a dignified departure of the Audi powered Aileron's and a worthy step toward the third generation Spykers, the Spyker C8 Preliator."

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Ex-VW Executive Says He Feels "Misused" Ahead Of Dieselgate Sentencing

Posted: 04 Dec 2017 12:59 PM PST


The former Volkswagen executive who pleaded guilty to his involvement in the brand's dieselgate scandal says he feels "misused" by the automaker.

In a letter penned to U.S. Judge Sean Cox a couple of days before his sentencing, Oliver Schmidt looked for mercy after pleading guilty in August to wrongdoing, claiming that was following a script issued by VW management when speaking with California Air Resources board executive Alberto Ayala.

"I must say that I feel misused by my own company in the diesel scandal or 'Dieselgate'.

"In hindsight, I should never have agreed to meet with Dr Ayala on that day or better yet, I should have gone to that meeting and ignored the instructions given to me and told Dr Ayala that there is a defeat device in the VW diesel engine vehicles and that VW had been cheating for almost a decade. I did not do that and that is why I find myself here today," Schmidt admitted.

Schmidt was charged with conspiracy to defraud the United States in early January 2017 having previously served as the head of VW's environmental and engineering office in Auburn Hills, Michigan.

Schmidt faces up to seven years in prison and a fine of up to $400,000 for his involvement in the scandal, Reuters reports.

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GM Was Reportedly Losing $12,000 On Every Opel Ampera-E

Posted: 04 Dec 2017 12:37 PM PST


In the short time that the Opel Ampera-e was sold in Europe under GM ownership, the carmaker was reportedly losing 10,000 euros ($11,900) on every vehicle it sold.

On the back of reports that PSA wants a refund of almost $1 billion from GM following its purchase of the Opel brand, Reuters has uncovered the costs which GM was sustaining when selling the European variant of the Chevrolet Bolt.

As Inside EVs reports, this isn't good for PSA. When negotiating a deal with General Motors, the French multinational manufacturer would have thought the Opel Ampera-e could play an important role in it reducing emissions across Europe to meet stringent standards. However, the company is now left in a position of losing extraordinary amounts of money in continuing to sell the Ampera-e or killing off the vehicle and risk failing to meet EU emissions regulations.

On paper, the Opel Ampera-e has all the right figures to be an exceptionally popular EV available to the masses. In September, a pair of journalists in Germany were able to travel 754.9 km (469 miles) on a single charge with the Ampera-e, despite the hatchback 'only' having a NEDC estimated range of 520 km (323 miles).

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Here's The Ordering Guide For The 2019 Corvette ZR1

Posted: 04 Dec 2017 12:06 PM PST


Shortly after the 2019 Corvette ZR1 Convertible premiered at the LA Auto Show, Chevrolet has published the ordering guide for the 2019 Corvette, including the range-topping ZR1.

As we know, all 2019 ZR1s will come equip with a LT5 supercharged V8 engine delivering 755 hp and mated to a seven-speed manual transmission. From there, customers have a plethora of optional extras they can choose from when ordering the supercar.

As Corvette Blogger notes, one of these options is the 3ZR equipment group, available instead of the standard 1ZR equipment group. It includes a carbon fiber steering wheel, suede and leather interior trim, and the Performance Data Recorder.

If customers want the bright Sebring Orange Design Package of the launch car, the 3ZR package must be optioned. Included in the design package are orange brake calipers, orange stitching throughout the interior, Jet Black leather seating with microfiber inserts, Competition Sport Seats, carbon steering wheel, orange seat belts, ZR1 floor mats, and bronze aluminum interior accents.

One optional package that's sure to prove popular will be the ZTK Performance Package, offered on both the ZR1 Coupe and Convertible. It includes a towering carbon fiber rear wing, Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires, and tweaked suspension and braking systems.

Check out the full ordering guide below or here in PDF form .

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Ordering Guide

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FCA Discussing Technical Partnership With Hyundai

Posted: 04 Dec 2017 11:44 AM PST


Fiat Chrysler Automobiles says it is interested in forming a technical partnership with Hyundai.

Speaking at the launch of the Alfa Romeo Sauber F1 squad, FCA chief executive Sergio Marchionne said the carmaker is searching for a closer relationship with Hyundai but is not seeking a merger.

"We already buy components from (Hyundai) .... let's see if we can agree on other points, especially for the development of transmissions and hydrogen," he said.

In the meantime, FCA is investigating other ways to make money, including a potential spinoff of Magneti Marelli, the brand's major parts manufacturer. Additionally, robotics maker Comau could also be subject to a spin off and venture into the world of artificial intelligence, Reuters reports.

"Whether it happens as a spin-off or a distribution to shareholders, or whether we will raise some money in the process -- all things to be discussed with the board, we haven't made up our mind," Marchionne said.

Word of a potential tie-up between FCA and Hyundai first emerged in September. At the time, Korean media suggested that Hyundai could purchase FCA but it doesn't sound as if FCA is interested in such an arrangement.

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Is This Aston Martin Vantage GT12 Worth Almost $600,000?

Posted: 04 Dec 2017 11:04 AM PST


Starting at £120,900 ($149,995) in the UK, the new Aston Martin Vantage seems like the bargain of the century. Compared to this Vantage GT12 currently for sale, the value for money proposition seems even more enticing.

Introduced last year, the Vantage GT12 was created as a send-off to the V12-powered Vantage and outfitted with a host of bespoke components to distinguish it from other variants. However, a used example doesn't come cheap, with this example currently listed for £424,950 ($572,000) from Joe Macari.

Ever since the vehicle's release, we've seen prices skyrocket, quickly soaring to almost twice the retail price. Is it worth it? Well, it's a matter of opinion.

This particular example is painted in a stunning color dubbed Volcano Red and completed with a host of options, including a premium audio system, carbon fiber roof panel, and the steering wheel technology pack. More importantly, however, is the fact that just 100 examples of the Vantage GT12 were ever produced.

Unsurprisingly, it didn't take long for the car to sell out, so there's clearly quite a lot of demand for it. Additionally, it looks set to be the final road-going Aston Martin (excluding the Valkyrie) powered by a naturally-aspirated V12 engine, a point collectors are sure to go mad for.

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Can Hennessey Venom F5 Hit 300 MPH? Math Says Yes

Posted: 04 Dec 2017 10:36 AM PST


Last month, Hennessey launched the Venom F5, a car that promises to hit speeds in excess of 300 mph (482 km/h), thus claiming the title of fastest road car in the world.

In order to get there, it employs a new twin turbocharged V8 engine, good for 1,600 HP. The car is also much lighter than hypercars such as the Bugatti Chiron, with a curb weight of just 2,950 lbs (1,338 kg).

Earlier this year, the Engineering Explained YouTube channel came out with a video explaining why production cars have yet to hit 300 mph. Simply put, they didn't have enough power to overcome aerodynamic drag, rolling resistance and cooling drag.

According to some very intricate calculations, a hypercar like the Veyron would require roughly 1,800 HP in order to hit the mark, whereas the lighter Venom F5 could actually do it with less than what its powertrain is currently putting down.

While we're not going to walk you through the entire video, we should say that Hennessey did a heck of a job with the F5's drag coefficient and power-to-weight ratio. Now let's just hope it's got sufficient cooling and good enough tires to get the job done, because we desperately want to see it get up to those speeds.

VIDEO

VW Is Going After Uber With New Ride Sharing Electric Minibus

Posted: 04 Dec 2017 10:10 AM PST


VW Group's MOIA mobility startup has revealed a six-seater electric minibus concept specifically made for ride pooling.

The new concept was presented at the 2017 TechCrunch in Berlin just one year after its inception, featuring standalone seats with plenty of legroom and things like dimmable reading lights, USB ports and of course WiFi for the passengers.

Luggage can be stored next to the driver while the automated door and optimized handlebar make getting in and out of the car easier. No technical details were revealed, apart from a driving range of 300km (186 miles) and the ability to recharge up to 80 percent of its battery in 30 minutes.

"The car represents total comfort and is a crucial piece of our consistent service experience. We developed it using our co-creation process, which involved multiple rounds of potential users of various age groups testing cars and providing feedback. Many of the ideas from this process went directly into the development of the car. We're also working on other future versions as well," says Robert Henrich, MOIA COO.

MOIA's entire "ecosystem" is scheduled to launch in Hamburg, Germany at the end of 2018, including the new electric minibus. The goal is to replace 1 million cars on European and U.S. cities by 2025. The first fleet of vehicles in Hamburg will start out with 200 cars and scale up to 1,000 in the coming years.

"In 2018, we'll be ready to launch our ride pooling concept internationally and take the first steps toward our goal of reducing the number of cars in major cities by one million in Europe and the USA by 2025," says Ole Harms, MOIA CEO.

The new ride-pooling service will work through a mobile application, similar to what other services are doing –including Uber. The app will tell you which cars are available and how much the ride will cost before you book a trip. MOIA will group passengers with similar destinations together through a special algorithm, in order to increase the capacity of each car and avoid detours.

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