Wednesday, 10 January 2018

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Facelifted BMW 2-Series Active And Gran Tourer Unveiled, Can You Tell What's Different?

Posted: 10 Jan 2018 04:31 AM PST


BMW has given its two compact MPVs, the 2-Series Active Tourer and 2-Series Gran Tourer, a lot of updates for the new MY.

The facelifted models feature a few modest styling tweaks compared to the current ones, which include a larger kidney grille, more generous air intakes at the front, new LED fog lamps, and tweaked lighting units on both ends.

Customers can choose from one of the 13 exterior colors available, including the new Jucaro Beige and Sunset Orange, in addition to a wider selection of light alloy wheels, with six new designs, ranging between 16 and 19 inches in size.

Longer seat cushions make the front seats more comfortable, and there are plenty of new materials to select, alongside different combinations in cloth, cloth/Sensatec, Alcantara and Dakota leather.

BMW ConnectedDrive Services and the latest-gen iDrive infotainment system, with navigation, voice control, and iDrive operation with touch-sensitive interface, can be found inside as well.

BMW has also made the cockpit of the two minivans more driver-oriented, by tilting the center console towards them. Users will also notice that there's a new electronic selector lever in variants fitted with the 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox or 8-speed auto.

The former is available for the first time in the 2-Series Active Tourer and Gran Tourer, and gets a longer ratio 7th speed for improved economy on long journeys. This transmission joins the already available 8-speed automatic, and 6-speed manual.

Petrol and diesel engines feature various modifications, producing between 109PS (107hp) and 231PS (228hp), boasting improved fuel-efficient. The units also emit less CO2 than before, from 112 to 147 g/km, depending on the model. Moreover, all diesels now feature a particulate filter, and four-cylinder oil burners get two turbochargers.

The BMW 2-Series Active Tourer 225XE iPerformance PHEV remains part of the offering, and it still churns out 224PS (221hp) and 385Nm (284lb-ft) of torque. It needs 6.7sec to accelerate from 0 to 100km/h (62mph), and adds a few kilometers to its zero-emission range, from 41km (25 miles) to 45km (28 miles).

Driver assistance systems include the Traffic Jam Assistant, which keeps the vehicle in its lane at speeds of up to 60km/h (37mph), and Active Cruise Control, both part of the optional Driving Assistant Plus package.

BMW is asking at least £25,840 ($34,992) for the entry-level 2-Series Active Tourer 216d, while the 225xe model can be had from £34,485 ($46,699) in the United Kingdom. The 2-Series Gran Tourer, on the other hand, stretches between £27,705 ($37,518) for the 216d, and £31,435 ($42,569) for the 220i.

PHOTO GALLERY

That's Not A Porsche 919 Hybrid, It's A Panamera With A 3D Projector

Posted: 10 Jan 2018 03:53 AM PST


The program may have been shut down, but Porsche is keen to show how its dominant 919 Hybrid prototype racer has affected the development of its electrified road cars. And it's driving the point home, so to speak, with this video.

The minute-long clip seems to show the Le Mans prototype driving through city streets, which would be a rather unusual sight to say the least. But there's more going on beneath the surface.

Instead of closing down the roads and getting permission from local authorities to run the racer around town, Porsche used a giant 3D projector to superimpose the image of the 919 on top of a moving Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid – a world first, according to the manufacturer.

The clip's gone viral since going live on YouTube ten days ago: As of the time of writing, it's been viewed nearly 18 million times. That may not seem like all that much considering that the most popular videos have been watched literally billions of times, but those are almost invariably music videos.

When you consider that only about half of the world's population (some 3.8 out of 7.5 billion people) has access to the internet, that means that (on average) one in every 200 people who can watch this video has. Have you?

Video

ABB Formula E Championship Welcomes A New Title Sponsor

Posted: 10 Jan 2018 03:27 AM PST


NASCAR has Monster Energy. The IMSA has WeatherTech. Indy has Verizon. Now Formula E has a title sponsor as well in ABB.

The Swedish-Swiss industrial giant – traded publicly on the Zurich, Stockholm, and New York stock exchanges – is apparently keen on promoting its leadership in electrification.

ABB runs the largest chain of electric-vehicle fast-chargers (with over 6,000 stations worldwide), operated Solar Impluse (the first solar-powered flight around the world), and claims "over 70,000 control systems connecting 70 million devices in over 100 countries."

Under its patronage, the series will now run as the ABB FIA Formula E Championship.

"This is a historic day for Formula E and I'm honored to welcome ABB as the title and technology partner of the series, with its background and expertise in the field of electrification and digital technologies," said series chief Alejandro Agag. "Our two companies are synonymous with pushing the boundaries of what is possible. Together, as partners, we will showcase breakthrough technology on a global scale to fans and consumers who follow the ABB FIA Formula E Championship."

Video

Roll Like Sonny & Cher In These Custom Classic Mustangs

Posted: 10 Jan 2018 03:02 AM PST


Imagine yourself in 1965. You and your significant other are topping the charts and jet-setting around the world to play in front of crowds of fans. You're so popular that Ford pulls two new Mustang convertibles off the line and has them customized just for you.

That fantasy was the reality for Sonny & Cher, and half a century later, their custom pony cars are coming up for auction.

Created at the dawn of the Mustang's long run, these drop-tops were fitted with 4.7-liter V8s and three-speed automatic transmissions before being modified by the legendary George Barris – the "King of Kustomizers" and Hollywood's favorite car guy.

Both received custom paint jobs – Sonny's in gold, Cher's in pink – each with 40 layers of lacquer... but that was just the start. The grilles were new, the taillights fitted from the Thunderbird, the door handles mounted flush, and the wheel arches flared like their new owner's bell-bottom jeans. Those side panels? Yeah, that's suede – brown on Sonny's, red on Cher's. And that's before we even climb inside.

Barris fitted each individually with antique leather and suede with 3-inch fur carpeting. The seats on Sonny's were upholstered in bobcat fur, Cher's in ermine, with gold and hot pink trim to match their respective exteriors.

For the feint of heart these are not, but they're splendid examples of the pop culture of the time. They'll be sold as a pair, bundled with "an extensive collection of Sonny & Cher memorabilia," by Barrett-Jackson in Scottsdale this month, where they're sure to make some collector very nostalgic for a bygone era.

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BMW 3-Series Touring E91 Turns Heads Without Breaking The Bank

Posted: 10 Jan 2018 01:59 AM PST


Most cars tend to look better with a sports suspension and large wheels, and the BMW 3-Series Touring, from the E91 generation, is no exception.

Signed by Z-Performance and carrying a TUV certification, the rims have a multi-spoke pattern that appears to suit the Bimmer just fine.

Unlike other sets that tend to cost a small fortune, this one is offered at a reasonable €1,080 ($1,302) for all four wheels, which can be had in various finishes, including the gunmetal applied to the 8.5x20-inch front and 10x20-inch rear wheels seen in this 3-Series.

Moreover, this 3-Series Touring comes with a lowered suspension, some special decals on the lower part of the doors and contrasting black details applied to the front and rear ends.

We're not sure if it sports any modifications in the engine compartment, but if more power is what you're interested in, you could always turn to other tuners.

Manhart Racing, for example, are known to swap the stock four-/six-cylinder engine with the 5.0-liter V10 from the E60 M5, which is massaged to deliver 550hp. That's over 100hp more than you'd get in the new Audi RS4 Avant, and enables the tuned 3-Series to do the 0-100km/h (62mph) sprint in just 4.3sec.

PHOTO GALLERY

New Renault Small SUV Concept Might Debut At Auto Expo 2018

Posted: 10 Jan 2018 12:56 AM PST


Fueled by the success of the $4,700 Kwid, Renault is now looking into yet another small and low-priced SUV, aimed at India and other emerging markets.

A report coming from LiveMint, which is quoting sources familiar with the matter, states that the new vehicle might debut as early as next month, as a concept, at the Auto Expo 2018 event, which starts on February 9.

The study is expected to evolve into a production model and arrive next year. It will be a sub-4-meter product, which should catch consumers attention, as cars that are shorter than 4 meters (13ft) are more affordable to buy in India due to lower taxes.

Development of the yet-unnamed vehicle is reportedly taking place at the Renault-Nissan Alliance's Research and Development center in Chennai, the birthplace of the Kwid.

In other related news, it seems that Renault is also working on something called "a premium hatchback". We'll take the 'premium' part with a grain of salt, but it appears that this one will be sub-4-meter as well, and it could also make its way as a concept to the Auto Expo 2018, prior to its 2019 launch, when it should be underpinned by a modified version of the CMF-A architecture, shared with the Datsun Redi-Go.

Note: Renault Kwid pictured

PHOTO GALLERY

Modded Hellcat And Twin Turbo Viper Show Us The True Meaning Of "Photo Finish"

Posted: 09 Jan 2018 07:58 PM PST


As if a straight line battle between a stock Challenger Hellcat and a Viper wouldn't be delightful to watch in its own right, these two cars did a great job to amplify, and then meet, our expectations.

In stock form, the Hellcat lays waste to its rivals using 707 HP and 650 lb-ft (881 Nm), while the Viper stands strong with 645 HP and 600 lb-ft (813 Nm) of torque.

In order to make it even more of a beast, the owner of this Hellcat bumped the power output to roughly 825 horses, while the Viper was fitted with a twin turbo kit, resulting in approximately 950 WHP.

With both cars wearing drag radials, they set out to post low 10-second 1/4 mile times, separated by just five hundredths of a second, although as they crossed the finish line, they were already traveling at different speeds.

On paper, the Viper is the favorite as it packs considerably more horsepower than the Hellcat. So, did it beat the Hellcat? Scroll down and find out...

VIDEO

David Vs. Goliath: Audi RS3 Sedan Dares To Take On The R8 V10 Spyder

Posted: 09 Jan 2018 07:19 PM PST


The Audi RS3 Sedan, no matter how competent it might be, couldn't possibly stand a chance against a genuine supercar like the R8 V10 Spyder in a drag race, right?

On paper, the R8 has a huge advantage, thanks to its 5.2-liter naturally aspirated V10 that delivers 540hp and 398lb-ft (540Nm) of torque to the ground.

The official 0-60mph (96km/h) sprint time is just 3.5 seconds, which is very impressive for the open-top version of Audi's supercar, and flat out it will eventually reach 198mph (319km/h).

The brand's challenger to the likes of the Mercedes-AMG CLA45 and BMW M2, the RS3 Sedan, uses a 2.5-liter TFSI engine that makes 394hp and 354lb-ft (480Nm) of torque. That's enough to propel it from zero to 60mph (96km/h) in 3.9sec and up to a top speed of 174mph (280km/h) with the optional Dynamic Plus package.

Of course, there's also a huge price gap between the two, as the RS3 Sedan can be had from $54,900 in the US, the R8 Spyder comes at a cool $177,100.

Specs and price lists aside, the question is: does the RS3 have a fighting chance against the R8? Scroll down and watch the video to find out.

VIDEO

Porsche 911 Targa 4 GTS By McChip Looks Like A GT3 RS, Has It Licked On Power

Posted: 10 Jan 2018 04:19 AM PST


One could say that, with the 991.2 Targa 4 GTS, the Weissach-based automaker combines elements from all the versions, as it offers (partial) open-air driving plus the performance and handling you expect from a driver-focused, but non-Porsche Motorsport developed, 911. Even so, there will always be people who want more, and this is McChip DKR's offering.

By replacing the aprons on both ends, front bumper and rear side panels with original Porsche parts, the tuner claims that this sports car now has "a 991.1 GT3 RS-look" that's enhanced by the 20-inch rims wrapped in 265/35 and 325/30 front and rear tires respectively.

The interior features a few upgrades of its own, and even though the list is rather short compared to the exterior modifications, Porsche fans will probably appreciate the classical check pattern on the seats and door panels.

It's not all show and no go either - not by a long mile, as the engine has been modified to produce 575PS (567hp) and 675Nm (498lb-ft) of torque. That's 125PS (123hp) 125Nm (92lb-ft) more than the stock GTS, achieved thanks to a software optimization, upgraded turbochargers and a Capristo valve exhaust system with GT3 RS-like tailpipes.

Why, it even beats the real RS, which boasts 500 hp and 338 lb-ft. Good thing it has been fitted with height-adjustable KW tread springs and Porsche Ceramic Composite Brakes, then, to keep all that power under control.

PHOTO GALLERY

Watch Tanner Foust Hoon His 900HP Formula Drift Passat

Posted: 09 Jan 2018 06:05 PM PST


Tanner Foust is a talented driver who, at the US at least, needs no introduction. However, for enthusiasts that aren't up to speed on all of the Top Gear USA host's accolades, Foust is a three-time Global Rallycross champion, has won four gold medals in the X Games, and a two-time Formula Drift champion. Clearly, Foust knows how to pilot a high-powered machine and brought his most recent drift-prepped Volkswagen Passat to TheHoonigans to have some fun.

When Foust returned to Formula Drift in 2015 after a five year hiatus, he did so with a radical, fully-built Volkswagen Passat. The stock Passat is obviously a terrible drift car, as its front-wheel-drive layout and elongated body aren't the ideal underpinnings for a dedicated drift vehicle, but Foust and his crew managed to find a way to make it work.

With an LS7 V8 that's cranking out 900 horsepower thanks to a nitrous kit shoehorned into the hood, rear-wheel drive, a four-speed dog box and a Tilton clutch, the Passat doesn't have a problem creating clouds of tire smoke. Plus, it sounds like an absolute beast thanks to an eight-into-one exhaust system.

Foust has major plans in store for the Passat, which includes adding some rear seats and turning it into a drift taxi. If a V8-powered Passat drift car sounds unusual, a 900-hp taxi that drifts everywhere with the skilled driver at its helm will make its passengers hang on for dear life.

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Videos

You've Been Warned: Ads Will Soon Invade Your Car's Infotainment System

Posted: 09 Jan 2018 05:29 PM PST


Advertisers are constantly thinking about how they can expand their reach, and it appears that the automotive industry is their next large step.

A Santa Clara-based company called Telenav, which already collaborates with carmakers such as Ford, General Motors, Lexus and Toyota, is planning a so-called "in-car advertising platform" for vehicles with internet connectivity, SiliconBeat reports.

This is a program that serves ads directly into the car, making owners pay more for connected services if they choose to decline them. However, due to possible driver distraction, the system will only display the ads upon approach, at startup, and at traffic lights, Telenav said, a problem that will eventually disappear once fully autonomous driving becomes a reality.

One of the company's spokespersons said that "this approach helps carmakers offset costs related to connected services, such as wireless data, content, software, and cloud services", adding that "in return for accepting ads in vehicles, drivers benefit from access to connected services without subscription fees".

"Telenav research shows users are receptive to ads when they get something of value in exchange", added Ky Tang, the company's Executive Director of Strategy.

Meanwhile, a Telenav press release read as follows: "Relevant ads such as coupons and recommendations are delivered to customers based on information from the vehicle, including frequently traveled routes, destinations, and time of the day."

"As an example, drivers can be encouraged to pick up a discounted pizza on the way home, or be alerted to sales at stores near their destination. In addition, when the vehicle is low on gas, the platform points out nearby stations along the driver's route, potentially with discount offers."

Most of the ads are said to be static, while others will be animated but, for the time being at least, they won't contain any audio, according to the company.

Note: Apple CarPlay function pictured

PHOTO GALLERY

Frankencar Alert: Chevy Camaro Puts On A Silverado Grille

Posted: 09 Jan 2018 04:55 PM PST


By now, we're used to see all kinds of mods, but this one really caught us by surprise, as it concerns a third-gen Camaro that's been fitted with the grille of a Silverado.

Apparently, someone thought that he should ditch that pointy front end in favor of a chrome grille borrowed from Chevy's pickup truck, and so this weird... well, thing was born.

It's no surprise that we found this image on Reddit's popular Shi**y Car Mods thread, because that's where most controversial or downright horrible automotive modifications go to get mocked.

With this one, while we have definitely seen worse, it had us lost for words. Are we to assume the headlights are hidden behind the grille or that it doesn't have any at all?

Anyhow, as Frankecars go, this Camaro/Silverado conjunction just doesn't make any sense.

2019 MINI Hatch And Convertible Get A Facelift For Detroit

Posted: 10 Jan 2018 04:19 AM PST


MINI has taken the wraps off the facelifted three- and five-door hatchbacks as well as the convertible.

On the styling front, the models gain restyled headlights, updated alloy wheels, and two-dimensional MINI logos. Buyers will also find Union Jack-inspired taillights and a revised color palette that now includes Emerald Grey metallic, Starlight Blue metallic, and Solaris Orange metallic. There's also a new Piano Black Exterior package that replaces the car's chrome trim with high-gloss black accents.

Moving into the cabin, drivers will find a new three-spoke steering wheel and an upgraded entry-level audio system with a 6.5-inch color display. The cars also gain several new options including Malt Brown Chesterfield leather upholstery, an 8.8-inch touchscreen navigation system, and a wireless smartphone charger. The MINI Yours Interior Style Piano Black package has also been updated to include illuminated trim strips.

Speaking of updates, the MINI Connected system gains several new features including real time traffic information, a personal concierge service, and access to the MINI Online portal which provides drivers with news, weather information, and local fuel prices.

While the styling changes are relatively minor, MINI says engineers made changes to the "TwinPower Turbo Technology, engine electronics, oil supply, intake air ducting, the cooling system, and the exhaust systems." The company also decided to make the engine covers out of carbon fiber reinforced plastic to reduce weight.

In Europe, the hatchbacks will be offered with seven engines which have outputs ranging from 75 PS (55 kW) to 192 PS (141 kW) in the Cooper S. The MINI Convertible offers six engines and the base unit is rated at 102 PS (75 kW). Depending on which engine is selected, it can be paired to a six-speed manual transmission, a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic, or an eight-speed automatic.

The updated MINI lineup with debut at the North American International Auto Show and in the United States they will be sold as 2019 models.



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2018 Kia Stinger Gets A Big Thumbs Up From Kelley Blue Book

Posted: 09 Jan 2018 03:57 PM PST


If you're on the lookout for a practical yet sporty grand tourer that's also great value for money, the Kia Stinger might fit the description perfectly.

The latest review of the 2018 Stinger comes from Kelley Blue Book, and is full on the superlatives. According to the reviewer, the only downsides he found on the Stinger were the thick rear pillars and the infotainment display, specifically the fact that it was positioned a little too far away from the driver.

Otherwise, inside the Stinger you're treated to high levels of practicality and connectivity, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto available, plus leather seats as standard - although if you want the luxury of hand-stitched nappa leather, you need to pay extra for it.

In the back, while leg room is fine, as everyone has pointed out, taller people will struggle with headroom due to the slopping roof - a clear case when form didn't follow function and a small sacrifice was done in favor of styling.

As for performance, the 3.3-liter V6 is the engine of choice, as it's not just faster but smoother, too, than the base 2.0-liter turbo.

In the end, what makes the Stinger stand out in a crowd is undoubtedly the fact that it ticks all the right boxes. It's a sporty looking, high-value sports sedan that's also practical, solidly built and well equipped - plus it undercuts its posher rivals. What's not to like?

VIDEO

BMW 8-Series Looks Ready For Its Debut Later This Year

Posted: 09 Jan 2018 07:50 PM PST


We've seen countless spy photos of the BMW 8-Series over the past few months and now we're getting an undisguised look at the upcoming coupe.

Previewed by the 8-Series concept, the production model has a tamer appearance but remains pretty faithful to the original as it features slender headlights and a large grille with chrome trim. The car also has a more conventional front bumper and redesigned mirrors with integrated turn signals.

The sporty styling continues out back as the 8-Series has a ventilated rear fascia and a dual exhaust system. We can also see slim taillights and dark cladding on the lower bumper.

The pictures are pretty blurry but this particular model appears to be wearing 850i badging. If the 750i is any indication, it could mean the coupe is powered by a 4.4-liter TwinPower Turbo V8 engine that produces 445 hp (331 kW) and 479 lb-ft (648 Nm) of torque.

The BMW 8-Series Coupe will go into production later this year and it will be joined by a convertible variant. M8 versions are also in the works and BMW M boss Frank van Meel has suggested they could be more powerful than the M5 which develops 600 hp (447 kW) and 553 lb-ft (748 Nm) of torque.

Thanks to JT for the tip!

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Production Nissan IMx To Roll On Bespoke Platform

Posted: 09 Jan 2018 03:06 PM PST


Nissan has confirmed that the IMx Concept which premiered in late 2017 will make its way to production with a bespoke platform.

During discussions with Motor 1 at CES 2018 in Las Vegas, Nissan's executive vice president for global marketing and sales, Daniele Schillaci, revealed that the road-going IMx will have unique underpinnings but failed to provide further specifics.

When quizzed about whether or not the "bespoke platform" in question is part of a scalable architecture from Renault-Nissan's 'Alliance 2022' plan, Schillaci again failed to provide a detailed answer. The executive's use of the word 'bespoke' suggests that the IMx won't use the same platform as the latest-generation Leaf, as originally expected.

Details of the road-going IMx remain unknown. For now, all we know is that the concept utilized two electric motors delivering a total of 430 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque. When paired with a sizeable battery pack, a range exceeding 373 miles (600 km) is reportedly achievable.

If the current Leaf is anything to go by, all of these figures will decrease for the production model.

PHOTO GALLERY

800+ HP Genovation GXE Debuts At CES

Posted: 09 Jan 2018 07:51 PM PST


Genovation has used the Consumer Electronics Show to introduce its new GXE.

Based on the Chevrolet Corvette, the GXE has a modestly revised exterior with a new front fascia that features integrated LED lighting units. The car has also been equipped with a rear wing, a massive diffuser, and carbon fiber wheels that are backed up by a Brembo carbon ceramic braking system.

The GXE has an eye-catching appearance thanks in part to its stylish paint job which can consist of "up to 15 individual coatings of paint to ensure a deep, durable and sustainable finish." The company also says each model will be painted a bespoke color to "meet the customer's wish for a unique vehicle."

The unique styling continues in the cabin as drivers will find leather and Alcantara upholstery as well as a new infotainment system and a Harman audio system.

Genovation declined to release detailed performance specifications but the company said the car has "state-of-the-art batteries, inverters and electric twin-motors." The motors produce more than 800 hp (596 kW) and 700 lb-ft (948 Nm) of torque. This enables the car to accelerate from 0-60 mph in less than three seconds and hit a top speed in excess of 220 mph (354 km/h).

Owners can order the car with either a seven-speed manual or a paddle-shift automatic gearbox. Regardless of which transmission is selected, Genovation says drivers can expect to travel more than 175 miles (281 km) on a single charge during normal driving conditions.

Production will be limited to 75 units and pricing starts at $750,000. The first deliveries are scheduled for later this year.


Video

Posted by Genovation Cars on Tuesday, January 9, 2018

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Honda's CES Debuts Include Everything From A Huggable Robot To An Autonomous ATV

Posted: 09 Jan 2018 02:01 PM PST


Honda has unveiled an assortment of different concepts at the Consumer Electronics Show.

First up, the 3E-D18 is autonomous ATV which is described as an "off-road workhorse" which can "support people in a broad range of work activities." The model is based on the company's popular ATV chassis and it features an electric powertrain, four-wheel drive, and airless tires which Honda says are "virtually indestructible."

The 3E-D18 has been designed to accommodate an assortment of different attachments which would make the model ideal for everything from construction to fire fighting and search and rescue operations. Honda also notes the autonomous technology makes the concept perfect for performing mundane tasks or operating in dangerous environments such as a forest fire.

The 3E-B18 goes in a different direction as it looks like a futuristic wheelchair. Honda says the concept was designed for casual use and notes the model has a small radius as well as a height-adjustable seat which stays level even when the vehicle is being driven up or downhill.

The 3E-C18, on the other hand, resembles a small robotic cooler. The concept is electronically powered and features autonomous technology. Honda says the model "can learn by observing how people act" and can carry small objects in its body.

Perhaps the weirdest concept is the 3E-A18 which is a companion robot that can understand and respond to human emotions with facial expressions. Honda says the concept could serve as a guide at airports or shopping malls and the company even gave the model a "soft exterior skin" so people can hug it.

Honda also used the show to introduce the PCX Electric and 4W-Vehicle concepts. The models use portable, swappable, and rechargeable batteries which each have an output of at least 1 kWh. The vehicles have been designed to accommodate multiple batteries and Honda says drivers can simply swap them out for fully recharged batteries when needed.

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Amazon Alexa Headed To Select Lexus And Toyota Cars

Posted: 09 Jan 2018 01:30 PM PST


Toyota has stubbornly refused to introduce Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility but the automaker has used the Consumer Electronics Show to announce it will bring Amazon's Alexa to select vehicles later this year.

Set to be offered on Lexus and Toyota models with the Enform App Suite 2.0 and the Entune 3.0 App Suite, Alexa will enable users to get directions and control their smart home simply by speaking. As an example, drivers could tell Alexa to turn on the living room lights while the owner is pulling into the garage.

Digital assistants have become increasingly popular over the past few years and a number of automakers have begun to incorporate them into their vehicles. Jeep added the technology to the 2018 Cherokee and the BMW Group plans to roll out Alexa to BMW and MINI models starting later this year.

In a statement, Toyota Connected CEO Zack Hicks said "Voice services are rapidly becoming more popular and through our integration with Amazon Alexa, Toyota and Lexus customers will soon be able to easily speak to Alexa in their cars while on-the-go."

His sentiments were echoed by Amazon Alexa Automotive boss John Scumniotales who stated "Our vision for Alexa is that she should be everywhere a customer might need her – at home, in the office, on phones – and in cars. This integration means that customers can interact with Alexa, virtually anywhere they drive."

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Is An All-Wheel Drive Mazda6 Coming To U.S.? NHTSA Says So

Posted: 09 Jan 2018 04:08 PM PST


The 2018 Mazda6 recently debuted at the Los Angeles Auto Show and a new report is suggesting the model could be offered with all-wheel drive.

Mazda hasn't announced plans for an all-wheel drive variant but Motor Trend noticed the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration lists an all-wheel drive model when users search for the safety rating of the 2018 Mazda6. While this could simply be a mistake on the NHTSA's part, it's interesting to note Mazda refused to comment on the issue when the publication inquired about the listing.

Mazda is keeping quiet but executives have previously hinted at the possibility of adding all-wheel drive. It would certainly make the model more appealing to customers in colder climates and help distinguish the Mazda6 from rivals such as the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry.

The 2018 Mazda6 features a modestly revised exterior with a new grille and restyled wheels. Bigger changes occur in the cabin as designers installed new seats, an upgraded infotainment system, and a 7.0-inch TFT display in the instrument cluster. There's also a new range-topping model which has Nappa leather and UltraSuede upholstery as well as Sen wood trim.

Perhaps the biggest change is the addition of a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine which produces up to 250 hp (186 kW) and 310 lb-ft (419 Nm) of torque when running on premium fuel.

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2020 Mercedes GLB Spy Debut: Meet The GLA’s Bigger, Boxier Brother

Posted: 09 Jan 2018 04:08 PM PST


After years of rumors, these spy shots right here are our first solid proof of Mercedes-Benz developing the upcoming GLB compact SUV.

The test car was spotted undertaking some cold-weather testing, wearing a heavy camouflage that includes not only the usual swirly wrap, but also fake body extensions on areas like the bonnet and the rear roof section in a bid to keep its true shape under ...wraps.

The new Mercedes-Benz GLB will be based on the same MFA2 architecture used in the upcoming A-Class and eventually GLA models, which means that there will be the usual powertrain sharing between them , including the updated range of Mercedes and Renault-Nissan Alliance four cylinder diesel and petrols.

The new GLB will offer a more practical and roomier cabin than its GLA sibling while the dashboard will feature the same big displays the new A-Class will be using, as shown in the pics. Look closely and you'll notice the face instrument cowl trying to hide the twin-display setup.

The new Mercedes GLB is expected to make its debut sometime in late 2019, with the development still in its early stages, so expect to hear more in the coming months.

Photo Credits: CarPix for CarScoops

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U..S. Wants To Maintain Import Tariff On Korean Pickup Trucks

Posted: 09 Jan 2018 12:10 PM PST


USA and South Korea talks about a new trade deal come at a time of great pressure due to North Korea's nuclear arms.

President Trump wants to sign a trade deal with South Korea that strikes a balance between his domestic agenda and the need to contain North Korea's nuclear ambitions, Reuters reports.

Since signing the previous U.S-Korea Free Trade Agreement (KORUS) in 2012, the U.S. goods trade deficit with South Korea has doubled. Almost 90 percent of the 2016 shortfall ($27.6 billion) came from the automotive sector, which is an issue expected to be pressed hard during the negotiation.

The talks are led by Assistant U.S. Trade Representative Michael Beeman and the Director General for FTA negotiations at South Korea's trade ministry Yoo Myung-hee. Yoo confirmed that the U.S. has primarily raised the issue of the automobile sector.

According to sources on both sides, a top priority for the U.S. is to maintain a tariff of 25 percent on imports of Korean pickup trucks and vans, which the existing deal would phase out from 2019. South Korea has also been criticized as discriminating against imports with a range of non-tariff barriers.

The report goes on saying that the two South Korean car makers, Hyundai and Kia, also believe that Washington will push for increasing the current 25,000-vehicle per U.S. car maker shipment to South Korea limit that can enter the country without meeting their domestic industry regulations.

Another source said that the U.S. is interested in South Korea easing its vehicle emissions targets which are viewed as discriminating against vehicles made in the United States.

Callaway's Sexy Z06 Aerowagen Taken To Its Limits At A Circuit

Posted: 09 Jan 2018 11:38 AM PST


The Chevrolet Corvette SC757 Z06 Aerowagen from Callaway defines the phrase 'weird and wonderful.'

For the most part, the heavily-modified Corvette is quite similar to a 'regular' Z06, the key difference being that its 6.2-liter supercharged V8 engine has been equipped with a Power Kit that bumps grunt up to 757 hp and 775 lb-ft (1050 Nm) of torque.

However, it isn't just the powertrain that makes the Aerowagen unique. What distinguishes it from all other Corvettes is the hatch conversion which transforms the American supercar into an exceptionally sleek Shooting Brake that isn't about practicality and instead solely about looking good.

The car was revealed in early 2017 and Motor Week recently had the opportunity to test out the supercar on a circuit.

If you thought the Aerowagen looked good standing still, just wait and till you see it on the move!

VIDEO

Porsche's Zuffenhausen Employees To Stop Work This Week Over Pay Dispute

Posted: 09 Jan 2018 11:16 AM PST


Workers at Porsche's Zuffenhausen plant are preparing to briefly walk off the job this week on the back of pay rise demands from major German labor union, IG Metall.

Stuttgarter Nachrichten reports that IG Metall is encouraging its members to down tools for one hour this week.

This move has been spurred on by requests for a six per cent wage increase for its 3.9 million members in the metal and engineering sectors. Additionally, the union is seeking a shorter working week.

In a statement, Porsche works council chief Uwe Hueck said employees deserve a share in the profits made in the metal and engineering industries.

"The current stance of the employers' lobby is a provocation to workers. The metal and engineering industry has never before made so much profit. That's why there is only one appropriate response: Warning strikes."

Certain employers believe that the pay rise demands are excessive and in response, have offered a 2 per cent rise and a one-off payment of roughly 200 euros ($271).

Pay negotiation talks are penciled in for this Thursday.

PHOTO GALLERY

2019 Kia Cee'd Hatch Unexpectedly Revealed In Korea

Posted: 09 Jan 2018 12:17 PM PST


While Kia continues to conceal its European 2019 Cee'd prototypes, in Korea, the automaker has circulated an example of the all-new hatch on the road without a single trace of camouflage.

Boasting a sleek Tiger Nose grille and a couple of design traits borrowed from the smaller Rio, the 2019 Cee'd builds on its five-door replacement. The new car features a slightly more dynamic exterior, one you could almost mistake for being German.

These images from FreeCarTok, show that the all-new Cee'd comes with a simpler rear end design, featuring elongated horizontal taillights that are far less bulbous than before.

While it would be a bit of a stretch (no pun intended) calling the new Cee'd a larger version of the Rio, the resemblance between the two can be uncanny, especially if you look at the contours of the body.

As far as technology is concerned, we expect the Cee'd to share its petrol and diesel engines as well as its on-board tech with the Hyundai i30, including turbocharged three-cylinder petrol and a 1.6-liter turbo diesel. It will come with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, plus safety systems such as Autonomous Emergency Braking, Blind Spot Detection and even Lane Keeping Assist.

We expect the 2019 Cee'd in five-door trim to make its public debut at the Geneva Motor Show in March followed by the three-door Pro_Cee'd and a sleeker looking yet practical shooting brake model that was previewed by the Proceed Concept in Frankfurt last fall.

H/T to Jean-Philippe!

PHOTO GALLERY

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