Thursday 11 January 2018

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F1-Inspired Renault Clio R.S. 18 Arrives With A Mean Stance

Posted: 11 Jan 2018 04:30 AM PST


Renaultsport customers with a passion for motorsport now have a limited edition Clio RS that they'll soon be able to order, in all markets except for Japan.

Named after the Renaultsport F1 Team's 2018 challenger, the Clio R.S. 18 sports the black and yellow livery of the F1 cars, and gets grey decals, special badging on the front doors, black Renault and R.S. logos, and a deep black finish for the rear diffuser.

Open the door of the new Renault Clio R.S. 18 and you will be greeted by several updates, such as the numbered R.S.-branded door sill, Alcantara and leather trimmed steering wheel, carbon fiber-effect air vent surrounds, and special Renaultsport carpet mats.

Building upon the Clio RS 220 EDC Trophy, the limited edition model benefits from the same 220PS (217hp) and 280Nm (207lb-ft) of torque 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine, that works together with an EDC dual-clutch transmission.

However, it also has additional technical updates such as the front dampers with hydraulic compression stops, sharper and more direct steering, and an Akrapovic exhaust for a deeper sound.

PHOTO GALLERY

Shelby Salutes Bob Bondurant With Special Continuation Cobra

Posted: 11 Jan 2018 04:08 AM PST


Want a new Shelby Cobra? Well Shelby American doesn't make them anymore – but Superformance does, with the original factory's blessing, under the name Shelby Legendary Cars. And it's unveiling a new special edition in tribute to Bob Bondurant.

Though known, perhaps, at least as well for the racing school that bears his name as for his own racing career, Bondurant was among the most accomplished of Shelby drivers.

He won America's first and only FIA GT title in a Shelby Cobra – specifically chassis CSX2345 – and it's that roadster which Superformance is replicating with this limited run.

"I'm very proud to have been behind the wheel when we won the FIA World Championship on July 4, 1965," said Bondurant. "That victory was for everyone in America."

The tribute Cobra features the same frame configuration as 2345, the same suspension setup, raked windscreen, diagonal roll bar, even the driver's knee pad and high-beam switch. It comes as a kit-car, ready to receive its engine and transmission, but is otherwise all set to go.

Buyers can choose between fiberglass or aluminum bodywork, replicating either the way the car was set up for Spa in 1964 or the Rossfeld Mountain Hill Climb in '65. There's a Daytona coupe version available as well, replicating Bondurant's CSX2601, with aluminum bodywork in either 1964's Viking or 1965's Guardsman blue.

Only 50 examples will be offered, each made to order, following their unveiling this week at Barrett-Jackson in Scottsdale. That level of attention to detail doesn't come cheap, though: prices start at $149,995 for the fiberglass roadster, climb to $249,995 for the aluminum version, to $289,995 for an FIA-spec track version, and all the way up to $394,995 for the Daytona Coupe.

Factor into that the included day of training at the Bondurant Racing School in Arizona, if it makes the pill any easier to swallow – or the beast any easier to tame.

Photo Gallery

Ferrari Picks Up Red Bull Reject Daniil Kvyat

Posted: 11 Jan 2018 03:28 AM PST


Daniil Kvyat may have been kicked out of the Red Bull family, but his career in Formula One may not be over yet. At least, not entirely.

According to Autosport, the Russian driver has been picked up by Ferrari – not for a race seat, mind you, but as a development driver.

Once a promising prospect, Kvyat proved his worth on his way up the ladder, winning titles in Formula Renault 2.0 and GP3. He debuted as a test driver at the final grands prix of 2013 with Toro Rosso and got the race seat the next season, where he showed form impressive enough to get promoted to the front-running Red Bull team to replace Sebastian Vettel in 2015.

A second-place finish that season in Hungary and another podium in China early the next weren't enough to keep his seat, though, so he was bumped back down to Toro Rosso mid-season, switching seats with Max Verstappen. His performance has continued to drop off ever since, to the point that he was replaced mid-season again, losing out to Pierre Gasly and Brandon Hartley for a seat next season.

Kvyat reportedly approached Williams about the last vacancy on the grid, but that's now believed to go to his less experienced countryman Sergey Sirotkin. The deal that Kvyat has hammered out with Ferrari instead will likely see him working the simulator in Maranello, but could put him behind the wheel on an actual track at official test sessions or Friday practices – or even, potentially, stepping in for Vettel or Raikkonen should the need arise (as it did following Felipe Massa's injury in 2009).

Photo Gallery

Kia's Bringing A Sleeker New Forte Sedan To Detroit

Posted: 11 Jan 2018 03:01 AM PST


To the growing list of new cars we can look forward to seeing unveiled at the Detroit Auto Show next week, we can now add the Kia Forte sedan.

Previewed in this trio of teaser renderings, the new Forte is slated to replace the current model that was introduced in 2012 and updated for 2017.

The all-new 2019 model has been styled to look more like a scaled-down version of the Stinger, the cab-forward design of the current model giving way to a more swept-back profile.

The Korean automaker points out the fresh take on its signature tiger-nose grille, the aggressive-looking vents in the front bumper, and the sharp-looking headlights at the front end, with indicators separated from the taillights above and a horizontal strip visually broadening the rear end.

The horizontal dashboard design inside aims to give it an airier feel than its compact dimensions would suggest, with a free-standing infotainment screen in the middle and circular air-conditioning vents at the extremes.

The sedan is just one bodystyle in the Forte family, but we can expect that potential successors to the Forte Koup and Forte5 hatchback will follow the four-door's lead.

Photo Gallery

Spec Your Crossland X With Original Accessories From Opel

Posted: 11 Jan 2018 01:56 AM PST


Opel wants to make your Crossland X more practical, comfortable, and safer with a host of original accessories.

Aside from the OPC styling elements, meant to make the subcompact crossover look more stylish, Opel offers a variety of options, including roof boxes, mud flaps, door sill panels with LED illuminated Opel logo, stable grille in the boot area and winter tires.

The automaker claims that the Thule carrier system can hold up to six pairs of skis and up to four snowboards, and this can be complemented by the Execellence roof box that can be attached to the base roof carrier. The latter can be opened from both sides and provides the much needed luggage space for long vacations with the family.

Inside, owners of the Opel Crossland X can get the numerous FlexConnect items, which are easy to attach and remove from the front head restraints. These include holders for various devices, hooks and hangers useful for shopping bags and clothing, and folding table with integrated cup-holder.

Finally, the German car brand offers several child seats and restraint systems for all age groups, which are compliant with the latest EU safety regulations, and can be bought online or through selected dealers, just like the rest of the accessories.


Opel accessories include:
Stainless steel OPC Line pedal covers (€99.90/$119)
Aluminum running boards with stainless steel surface and rubber inserts (€547/$653)
Mud flaps (€36.50/$44)
Anti-slip tray for the boot area (€70.50/$)
Rubber floor mats (€52.50/$84)
Stable grille that keeps large objects secured in the boot (€186/$222)
Child seats (€179/$214)

PHOTO GALLERY

Kia Adds Picanto X-Line Edition To UK Lineup, Priced From £12,595

Posted: 11 Jan 2018 12:55 AM PST


Kia's all-new Picanto X-Line goes on sale today, boasting SUV-inspired visuals and a 1.25-liter petrol engine.

The £12,595 price tag refers to the 1.25 petrol and five-speed manual pairing, whereas the four-speed automatic option is available for an additional £650.

In X-Line trim, the Picanto is longer, wider and taller than conventional city cars, and features rugged looks and an increased ground clearance, by approximately 15 mm (0.59 inches).

Lime green highlights on the grille and fog lamp surrounds help the Picanto X-Line stand out, as does the black cladding around the side sills and wheel arches. Meanwhile, the exterior door handles are finished in body color, while the twin exhaust outlets, 16" alloys, shark-fin antenna and LED lights give the car a more aggressive look.

Inside, it has lime green stitching on the flat-bottomed steering wheel, gear lever and armrests, a 7" touchscreen display with DAB radio, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus faux leather upholstery, satin chrome interior door handles, stainless steel pedals with rubber inserts, cruise control, automatic air conditioning and keyless entry.

In addition, the Picanto X-Line is also fitted with Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) as standard.

The 1.25-liter four-cylinder engine in the Picanto X-Line serves up 83 horses and 122 Nm (90 lb-ft) of torque, and was extensively re-engineered for the launch of the all-new Picanto last year.

PHOTO GALLERY

The New 2019 Ford Edge ST Is The Sharpest Yet

Posted: 10 Jan 2018 11:39 PM PST


Mention the letters ST around hot-hatch enthusiasts and they're bound to light up. But the latest addition to the Ford Performance lineup isn't a Fiesta or a Focus. In fact it isn't a hatchback at all (though it does have four doors and a tailgate). It's an SUV.

Feast your eyes on the new Ford Edge ST, the sharpest version of Dearborn's midsize crossover yet. It's like the existing Edge Sport, only more so.

Under the hood sits the same 2.7-liter twin-turbo V6 as the Edge Sport, but instead of 315 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque, the Edge ST offers up 335 hp and 380 lb-ft. That puts it closer, in terms of output, to the Focus RS than to the Focus ST. The engine's also mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission (instead of the old six-speed slushbox), with standard all-wheel drive – but while the steering wheel has paddle shifters, sadly a manual is not available.

It's the most powerful engine that Ford's ever fitted in this model – edging out, so to speak, the larger 3.5-liter atmospheric V6 with its 280 hp and 315 lb-ft. And according to the manufacturer, it's the most powerful V6 offered in its class. The Blue Oval automaker isn't saying what it'll do, but the Edge Sport could dispatch 0-60 times in about 5.7 seconds and run the quarter-mile in 14.3, and you can expect to see the new Edge ST better those numbers.

What we do know is that the Edge has been tightened up all around in ST spec: the suspension, throttle response, shift patterns, engine braking, exhaust note, and styling have all been sharpened. There's a more aggressive-looking aero pack, dual exhaust tips, and 21-inch wheels, and there'll be an upgraded performance brake package offered as well – a good idea considering the levels of inertia involved in a performance SUV.

Along with the new ST model, Ford has upgraded the rest of the Edge lineup for 2019 with more safety systems, infotainment options, and powertrain equipment. Even the base 2.0-liter EcoBoost four now offers five more horsepower while returning better fuel economy, thanks in no small part to that eight-speed automatic.

Expect to see the sharpened Edge on show in Detroit starting next week, in all specifications – including the new ST (pictured in blue) and the premium Titanium model (in deep red).

2019 Ford Edge ST



2019 Ford Edge Titanium



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Guntherwerks 400R Is A Wide-Body Porsche 993 With GT3 RS Levels Of Performance

Posted: 10 Jan 2018 07:32 PM PST


Remember the Guntherwerks 400R? Well, even if you don't, it's time to find out if this Porsche 993 restomod drives as good as it looks.

Matt Farah had a go in the 993-based Guntherwerks 400R, giving us the opportunity to learn more about this wide-bodied beauty that wants to make an impression in the Porsche world, in much the same way Singer Vehicle Design does with their 964-based works of art.

Guntherwerks trimmed all of the 993's fat, opting for a full carbon-fiber bodywork, minus the door skins, while the cabin was stripped and redone in Alcantara, lightweight fabrics and leather. Not a single surface was left untouched, with the seats now being carbon fiber buckets and the driver's gauges featuring machined bezels.

The naturally aspirated 4.0-liter engine in the 400R is based on the 3.6-liter unit originally found in the 993 Carrera and is tuned by Rothsport Racing to produce up to 430hp. With the car now weighing just 2,660lbs (1,206kg) wet, the power-to-weight ratio beats that of the current 991 GT3 RS.

Combine this with a properly sorted chassis that brings the best out of the 993, and what you have is probably one of the best 911 restomods out there.

VIDEO

Nissan Believes We're Heading Towards An Efficient, Zero-Fatality Future

Posted: 10 Jan 2018 06:48 PM PST


Are you having trouble picturing the future of the automotive world in, let's say, two decades from now? Well, here's what Nissan thinks it will look like.

The following video, which showcases the automotive infrastructure in the year 2040, is based on the Japanese automaker's Intelligent Mobility philosophy, which promises to redefine the way people interact with their vehicles.

The company claims it's not just about connectivity or automation, but also zero-emissions and even Artificial Intelligence.

One of the technologies currently under development at Nissan is their B2V tech, which stands for Brain-to-Vehicle. This technology is based on detecting and predicting what the driver means to do, so that the vehicle can take action more quickly.

The Japanese automaker also wants us to imagine a world free of traffic, with red lights being a thing of the past. Driving the road of the future could also mean recharging your all-electric car on the go, using wireless charging lanes.

The best part is that, when the driver wants to assume control and enjoy driving on a nice twisty road, he or she will still have that option. Let's hope Nissan is right about this one.

VIDEO

Ford And Waze Team Up, Announce Traffic And Nav App At CES

Posted: 10 Jan 2018 06:09 PM PST


Thanks to a new integration with the SYNC AppLink, using Waze inside your Ford will become much easier.

This fully-featured integration, unveiled at CES 2018, will soon allow Waze users to project real-time traffic and navigation information onto their SYNC 3 touchscreen, accessing the services by voice command.

Also available are recent upgrades such as Talk to Waze and HOV route support, with the first allowing you to control the app via voice, while the latter provides you with additional navigation options.

"Our goal is to bring a human-centered approach to technology in the vehicle, making it as easy as possible for people to integrate the tools that matter most to them," said Ford exec Don Butler. "With the flexibility of our SYNC 3 software and AppLink, customers can easily use Waze to get all the traffic and navigation help they need – on a big screen and without having to fiddle around with their phones while driving."

In the coming weeks, all 2018MY Fords equipped with SYNC 3 version 3.0 or greater will be able to run Waze, whereas other SYNC 3-enabled Fords can receive an update, either over-the-air or via USB to enable Waze functionality.

Aside from Waze, Ford's SYNC AppLink will also allow users to access iHeartRadio and incorporate WebEx functionality as well for on-the-move web conferencing.

PHOTO GALLERY

Ford Sued By Super Duty Owners Over Diesel Emissions Cheating Claims

Posted: 10 Jan 2018 05:34 PM PST


Few can forget the fiasco with Volkswagen and its emissions-cheating diesels, but the automaker wasn't the only one to stretch the rules to sell its diesels. According to a report by Bloomberg, Ford is being sued by F-250 and F-350 Super Duty owners, as they claim the trucks are putting a lot more harmful contaminants in the air than the pickups are supposed to.

The outlet claims a proposed class action lawsuit against the automaker states that about 500,000 heavy-duty pickup trucks cheated emissions testing. The trucks reportedly emit roughly 50 times the legal limit for nitrogen oxide pollutants. The lawsuit involves F-250 and F-350 Super Duty trucks sold from 2011 and 2017.

Obviously, the owners are upset, as the diesel engines in the vehicles cost approximately $8,400 more than the gas-powered options. And the diesel-powered pickups were marketed as being "the cleanest super diesel ever."

"The vehicle's own on-board diagnostic software indicates emissions control system to be operating as Ford intended, even though its real world performance grossly exceeds the standard," said attorney Steve Berman, a managing partner at Hagens Berman, which is the firm that filed the complaint.

The complaint, which was filed in a federal court in Detroit, claims that German automotive supplier Robert Bosch GmbH helped Ford to hide the pickup truck's real figures in the name of performance. Bosch is one of the defendants in the proposed class action lawsuit. Last summer, U.S. lawyers claimed that Bosch played a large role in developing VW's "defeat devices."

Ironically, the proposed lawsuit comes days after Ford added a new diesel engine to the 2018 F-150 lineup.

We've reached out to Ford for a response and will update the post if we hear back.

Photo Gallery

Does The World Need A New Mercedes-Benz R-Class?

Posted: 10 Jan 2018 04:57 PM PST


It's very unlikely that Mercedes-Benz plans to revive the R-Class, given the current demand for crossovers and SUVs and the fact that the first generation bombed, but what if they did?

Rendering artist Aksyonov Nikita has imagined the luxury people carrier with a more modern design inspired by the latest CLS. Its front end is dominated by a huge grille, with a large 3-pointed star in the middle, and a pair of headlights, with integrated LED DRLs, that mimic those of the new CLS.

Its profile looks like a combination between the discontinued CLS Shooting Brake, the E-Class Estate and the B-Class compact MPV, and while the front end does look appealing, we're not quite sure about the rest of the car, especially in profile.

If we had to guess, we'd say that the rendering is supposed to depict an AMG version sans the soon-to-be-ubiquitous Panamericana grille. In that case, it would be powered by the 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 that, in its most potent form (in the AMG E63 S) puts out 612PS (604hp) and 850Nm (627lb-ft) of torque.

Anyway, minivans are out, SUVs and pickup trucks are in, and the first, and in all likelihood last, R-Class was a failure despite being a competent, and quite practical, car, so Mercedes isn't going to bring it back - period.


PHOTO GALLERY

BMW 1M Coupe With Custom Exhaust Sounds Like A Machine Gun Firing

Posted: 10 Jan 2018 04:28 PM PST


Monaco's scenery is usually dominated by exotic rides, but one BMW 1M Coupe managed to stand out a few days ago.

This is a limited edition of the car that preceded the M2 and was produced in just 6,309 units, including the 740 sold in the United States and 220 shipped to Canada.

Compared, by some, to the original M3 E30, it's powered by a 3.0-liter twin-turbo straight-six that sends 335hp and 450Nm (332lb-ft) of torque to the rear wheels. This allows it to hit 100km/h (62mph) from a standstill in just 4.9 seconds and reach an electronically limited top speed of 250km/h (155mph).

Its performance and limited availability would be enough to make it a head turner, but the owner of this particular car, which has Swiss license plates, wanted a bit more, so he fitted it with a custom body kit, a special wrap and black wheels.

However, what made it a real head turner is the special exhaust system that basically makes it sound like an Group B rally car - and that's high praise indeed. The backfires bring it extra points too, although we can imagine his neighbors might not be too thrilled...

VIDEO

Kia's Current Sportage And Next Cee'd To Feature Mild-Hybrid Tech

Posted: 10 Jan 2018 03:59 PM PST


Like all manufacturers, Kia has to meet stricter emissions targets in Europe, and to do so it will electrify some of its models and launch some EVs.

The current Sportage and next generation Cee'd are two models that will arrive with a 48V mild-hybrid technology, Hyundai's R&D chief, Woong Chul Yang, told AutoExpress.

"For Europe, there is demand for mild-hybrid 48-volt technology, so we are working on that for the Sportage, and for medium-sized SUVs, and we are working on that for the new Cee'd. This is to meet all those tough CO2 requirements", Yang said.

The third-generation Kia Cee'd appears to be ready, in South Korea at least, where the car was recently spotted without any camo at all. However, it will make its European premiere at the 2018 Geneva Motor Show in March.

Aside from the confirmed mild-hybrid technology in Europe, the 2019 Cee'd will use several three- and four-cylinder petrol and diesel engines, most of which (if not all) will be shared with its Hyundai "cousin", the i30.

Kia will also launch a fully electric variant of the Niro later this year, as previewed by the concept that debuted at CES, while the Stonic sub-compact SUV is also tipped to get an all-electric version as well.

PHOTO GALLERY

Just Another Night In Russia: Man Steals Armored Personnel Carrier And Crushes A Daewoo

Posted: 10 Jan 2018 03:55 PM PST


Smash and grab robberies aren't too uncommon but one is Russia is getting a lot of attention because the driver used an armored personnel carrier.

While APCs aren't exactly a dime a dozen, Reuters is reporting the vehicle was stolen from a motorsports training facility by a drunk man in his late 20's. After stealing the armored personnel carrier, the man reportedly drove the vehicle through a forest before arriving in the town of Apatity which isn't too far from the Finnish border.

Despite its remote location, the town is home to around 60,000 residents and has narrow streets which apparently proved pretty challenging for drunk in an APC. As a result, the man ended up crushing a Daewoo and slamming into the window of a convenience store.

Reports say the man then exited the vehicle and briefly looked at the damage. He then walked into the store, through the broken window, and apparently stole a bottle of wine.

The man was eventually arrested without incident and locals reportedly didn't seem too shocked by the events that occurred earlier today.

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Google Assistant Heads To Android Auto To Battle Amazon's Alexa

Posted: 10 Jan 2018 03:05 PM PST


A number of automakers have recently announced plans to integrate Amazon's Alexa into future models but Google is fighting back by adding its Assistant to Android Auto.

The company is rolling out the update in the United States this week and the addition of the Google Assistant will allow drivers to easily ask their vehicle for directions or have it play their favorite music. Drivers can even use the Assistant to send or receive messages though services like WhatsApp.

Despite the backlash over GM's marketplace app, Google is following a similar route as the company announced its Assistant will soon enable drivers to reserve a parking space with SpotHero and order from Starbucks while driving.

To use Android Auto and its new Assistant, users can download the app on their smartphone or connect their phone to one of the more than 400 models that offer Android Auto compatibility. Google went on to say they are working with automakers to directly integrate the Assistant into upcoming models and this will eliminate the need for a smartphone in the future.

In related news, Google announced Kia and Fiat Chrysler owners will soon be able to use the Assistant to remotely lock / unlock their vehicle doors and check its fuel status - among other things. The feature is already available on certain models from BMW, Mercedes, and Hyundai.

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Sweet Home Alabama, Toyota And Mazda Pick Huntsville For $1.6 Billion Joint Plant

Posted: 10 Jan 2018 02:30 PM PST


Following a report earlier today, Mazda and Toyota have officially announced their new U.S. factory will be located in Huntsville, Alabama.

The plant is slated to cost $1.6 billion and it will have an annual capacity of 300,000 units. Production will be evenly split between the Toyota Corolla and an unconfirmed Mazda crossover.

The plant will open in 2021 and be located approximately 14 miles (22 km) from the Toyota Motor Manufacturing Alabama plant which builds an assortment of different engines for vehicles such as the Camry, Highlander, and Tundra. The new facility is expected to create up to 4,000 jobs and it will become Toyota's 11th manufacturing facility in the United States.

In a statement, Mazda CEO Masamichi Kogai said "Mazda makes cars with a clear vision of how we want to inspire people, contribute to society and help preserve the beauty of the earth. By making such cars here in Alabama, we hope that over time our plant will come to occupy a special place in the hearts of our employees and the local community."

His sentiments were echoed by Toyota President Akio Toyoda who said "Our investment to establish a new vehicle assembly plant with Mazda builds on the strong success we have enjoyed in Alabama where we produce engines for the North American market."

The announcement is a major victory for Alabama as several states - reportedly including Tennessee, Texas, North Carolina and South Carolina - were in the running for the plant.

Photo Gallery

Lexus Kicks Off Ad Campaign For The 2018 RX 350L, Goes On Sale Later This Month

Posted: 10 Jan 2018 02:02 PM PST


The 2018 Lexus RX 350L will go on sale in the United States on January 16th and the company is gearing up for the occasion by launching a new advertising campaign for the three-row crossover.

The campaign will kick off on January 13th with a new commercial called "Emily." The video features a little girl, named Emily, who says her parents got a new car but claims "it's mine." The clip then shows the girl and her friends being taken to a birthday party and being surrounded by her pets and stuffed animals. The video then ends with Emily's mother asking her if she's excited to meet her new baby sister as the girl gives a sad face indicating she doesn't want to share the crossover.

The ad isn't exactly Super Bowl material but it will air during the 2018 Winter Olympics and on networks such as CBS, HGTV, ESPN, and the Golf Channel.

The 2018 RX 350L will be priced from $47,670 which makes it $4,400 more expensive than the standard model. That's a significant price jump but the crossover is 4.3 inches (110 mm) longer and offers seating for up to seven people.

Power is provided by a 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 290 hp (216 kW) and 263 lb-ft (356 Nm) of torque. It is connected to an eight-speed automatic transmission which can be paired to an optional all-wheel drive system for an additional $1,400.

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Photo Gallery

2019 Cadillac XT4 Tackles The Arctic Circle For Some Last Minute Winter Testing

Posted: 10 Jan 2018 01:30 PM PST


Cadillac's lineup is heavy on sedans and light on crossovers but that's about to change as the company is putting the finishing touches on the all-new XT4.

Designed to compete with rivals such as the BMW X3 and Mercedes GLC, the XT4 will become the company's entry-level crossover when it is launched later this year. Cadillac has been tight-lipped about the model but the latest spy photos show the crossover will follow in the footsteps of the XT5 and feature a prominent grille, a relatively short hood, and angular styling cues.

The camouflage hides most of the styling details but we can see the model will have an upward sweeping beltline, roof rails, and a rakish rear window. Other highlights include a tailgate-mounted spoiler and a dual exhaust system.

Engine options remain unconfirmed but Cadillac president Johan de Nysschen has previously said the model will be offered with an "entirely new series of efficient and powerful engines." That's not much to go on but rumors have suggested the crossover could have a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder that produces at least 275 hp (205 kW). The engine is expected to be connected to a nine-speed automatic transmission and an optional all-wheel drive system. Later down the road, Cadillac is expected to introduce a plug-in hybrid variant.

Reports have suggested the Cadillac XT4 will be built alongside the Chevrolet Malibu at the Fairfax Assembly Plant in Kansas City, Kansas. This isn't too surprising as the crossover is expected to ride on the C1XX platform which is related to the E2XX platform which underpins the sedan.

Photo Credits: CarPix for CarScoops

Photo Gallery

Vanderhall Brings Its Electric Edison Three-Wheeler To CES

Posted: 10 Jan 2018 12:59 PM PST


Vanderhall Motor Works has shown its new Edison2 at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas.

Originally unveiled last year, the model is essentially a Venice which has had its turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder engine replaced by an electric powertrain that consists of a 30 kWh lithium-ion battery pack and two electric motors.

The front-wheel drive model has a combined output of 180 hp (134 kW) and 240 lb-ft (325 Nm) of torque. This enables the Edison2 to accelerate from 0-60 mph in four seconds before hitting a top speed of 105 mph (168 km/h). Thanks to the combination of lightweight construction and a large battery, the model can travel in excess of 200 miles (321 km) on a single charge.

The Edison2 comes equipped with LED headlights and heated seats. The model also features an aluminum chassis, a composite body, and a handful of components sourced from General Motors. However, the model pays tribute to an electric vehicle developed by Thomas Edison and Henry Ford so it can be "painted any color the customer wants — so long as it is black."

Vanderhall is currently accepting orders and pricing starts at $34,950. The first deliveries are slated to occur in the second quarter of 2018 and reservations only cost $250.

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Photo Gallery

Mutant RAM Wrangler From Abu Dhabi Is Very Happy To See You

Posted: 10 Jan 2018 05:11 PM PST


While calling this the "RAM Wrangler" would be the simplest way to describe it, in actuality, it looks more like something that a giant version of Cruella de Vil might drive.

This image was uploaded to Reddit by user craigchandler0398, and according to MiceTimes, the car is part of the exclusive collection of Sheikh Hamad Bin Hamdan al Nahyan of Abu Dhabi.

As you can see, while the front end belongs to a RAM truck, the entire cab is from a Jeep Wrangler. Meanwhile, there's no telling what type of chassis work was performed underneath that body kit, or what type of engine lies buried underneath the gigantic bonnet.

Believe it or not, this is hardly the weirdest thing you might find in the Sheikh's collection, as he also owns a gigantic Jeep and Dodge Power Wagon, an old S-Class monster truck, a 6-wheel Nissan Patrol and even a house on wheels.

For the rest of us however, seeing a part Jeep, part RAM, part "I can't even...", makes for a rare and unusual sighting, to say the least.

Byton Crossover Concept Shocks And Surprises At Las Vegas

Posted: 10 Jan 2018 05:11 PM PST


The Byton Crossover Concept has premiered at CES 2018 in the heart of Las Vegas looking just as intriguing as the press pictures revealed.

Unlike the concept unveiled a couple days ago, the car currently in Las Vegas is painted in a slightly less flattering shade of white. By no means does it look bad but we don't think it looks as nice as the silver finish previously seen.

Nonetheless, there's no denying that the Byton is eye-catching and for the most part, quite attractive. Perhaps our favorite feature is the intriguing LED daytime running lights that look as if they're small cracks in a slab of volcanic rock with lava shining through.

Powering the Byton Crossover Concept is a drivetrain that offers roughly 250 miles of range in base specification and can be charged with 150 miles of range in a brisk 20 minutes. Furthermore, it will take just 30 minutes to charge the battery to 80 per cent of its capacity.

The Chinese startup intends on launching the production-spec vehicle in 2019 and equipping it with Level 3 autonomous technology. At a later date, it could be updated with Level 4 self-driving abilities.

PHOTO GALLERY

VW Expected To Remain World's Largest Automaker For 2017

Posted: 10 Jan 2018 11:27 AM PST


In-house Volkswagen estimates indicate that the German manufacturer has beaten out Toyota as the world's largest automaker in 2017.

Autonews Europe indicates that the Volkswagen Group shifted approximately 10.7 million units last year while revenue rose to an all-time high of over 220 billion euros ($264 billion), slightly above the 217 billion euro ($259 billion) reported in 2016.

A spokesman from VW has declined to comment on the report but the company will publish its official 2017 group sales date on January 17.

Last month, Toyota said it expected to sell roughly 10.35 million vehicles worldwide in 2017.

PHOTO GALLERY

Baby Driver Returns To Subaru WRX To Pull Off Snowy Drifts

Posted: 10 Jan 2018 10:53 AM PST


Ansel Elgort, the star in the film "Baby Driver," kept one of the six Subaru WRX sedans that were used during the filming of the movie. Instead of putting the WRX away, Elgort took to Twitter to showcase some snowy drifts.

As the wheelman in the film, Elgort received tons of training to ensure that he could actually perform the stunts in the movie's chase scenes, which is probably why we loved "Baby Driver." Apparently, Elgort remembered some of his training, because the drifts he pulled off during New York City's recent snowstorm were on point.

According to Motor1, making "Baby Driver" took six WRX sedans. One of the sedans was converted to rear-wheel drive and fitted with an upgraded differential to keep the smoky drifts going. That vehicle, even with 158,000 miles on the clock, sold for $69,100 on eBay.

While that vehicle is probably stored away somewhere, Elgort begged the studio to take one of the WRX sedans home. After roughly a year of begging, Sony finally obliged his request, giving the actor the Subaru for his birthday.

Clearly, Elgort's still enjoying being behind the wheel of a Subaru.


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2018 Ford Mustang Bullitt Confirmed For NAIAS Debut

Posted: 10 Jan 2018 10:15 AM PST


It seems that Ford might be planning a surprise unveiling for the all-new Bullitt Mustang during this year's Detroit Auto Show.

A source told Autonews that the Bullitt will be unveiled at NAIAS as a 2018 model, just in time for the 50th anniversary of the famous Steve McQueen movie which came out in 1968, featuring an iconic car chase scene.

Despite this rumor, Ford spokesman Mike Levine stated that "We don't have any Mustang news to share today but we love the interest in America's favorite muscle car."

The Bullitt Mustang was also not among the cars previewed by Ford for the media earlier this month, but we've know for quite some time that an unveiling would happen sooner rather than later, with leaks springing up as early as February 2017.

Last month, thanks to a Mustang6g forum member, we caught a glimpse of what appeared to be the Dark Highland Green 2018 Bullitt, filming a commercial in Chicago. Meanwhile, earlier in the year, the same car appeared on a board found in a behind-the-scenes video featuring Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson.

Powered by a 5.0-liter Coyote V8, the 2018 Bullitt Mustang will come with an upgraded suspension, five-spoke black and chrome alloys, black tailpipes, red Brembo brakes and Recaro seats. There will also be a faux gas cap with a crosshair on the rear fascia, instead of the 'GT' badge.

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