Thursday 4 January 2018

CARSCOOPS

CARSCOOPS

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Fisker Drops New Image Of Upcoming EMotion EV

Posted: 04 Jan 2018 04:30 AM PST


Fisker has dropped a new image of its upcoming EMotion electric sedan, set to premiere at CES 2018 next week.

The car manufacturer believes the EMotion will revolutionize the world of EVs and offer a range exceeding 400 miles (643 km). However, development of the sedan has been far from smooth and six months ago, Fisker lost its supplier for the graphene batteries it had intended to use, needing to switch to more traditional lithium-ion batteries.

In an effort to ensure owners can quickly recharge their EMotions on the move, just like Tesla owners, Fisker says it is talking with oil companies to install 'Ultrachargers' at gas stations throughout the United States.

This new image of the sedan reveals a previously-unknown feature about the EMotion. In place of traditional doors, Fisker has fitted butterfly front doors and reverse-butterfly doors at the rear, giving the car a unique look.

Elsewhere, this picture provides an additional look at the small headlights, silver and black wheels, and a dark red exterior scheme.

PHOTO GALLERY

Kia Niro EV Coming To CES 2018 In Concept Form

Posted: 04 Jan 2018 04:00 AM PST


Kia is previewing the Niro EV with a new concept car that will make its world debut in Las Vegas, on January 8, during the 2018 Consumer Electronics Show (CES).

The automaker wasn't keen on releasing any details about it so far, except that it has "a highly efficient battery-electric powertrain", "features a never-seen-before human-machine interface (HMI)", and has "an advanced new 'motion graphic' lighting system".

However, from previous scoops and reports, we know that it will likely make use of the same zero-emission powertrain that's found on the Hyundai Ioniq Electric.

In the latter, the electric motor is good for 118hp (120PS) and 218lb-ft (296Nm) of torque, and it's backed up by a 28kWh battery that allows it to cover a range of 124 miles (199km), as per EPA.

On the visual front, the new Kia Niro EV features a slightly updated front end, with a revised grille that incorporates the charging port, repositioned fog lamps, and probably a tweaked bumper. Other noticeable features include a set of Y-shaped LED lights on both ends, along with the illuminated 'Niro EV' lettering incorporated into the rear bumper, which is also new.

The production version of the car is expected to debut later this year.

PHOTO GALLERY

Audi Wants To Build An A9 Coupe – Just Not Yet

Posted: 04 Jan 2018 03:25 AM PST


The high-end luxury coupe segment keeps growing with new entries. And Audi could join in, if its chief designer gets his way – but it won't happen just yet.

"I love the shape of a two-door coupé," Marc Lichte told Autocar, "but it is also true that the [sales] volumes [for them] are much lower than for four-doors. In the future, who knows? We have many ideas in this direction."

The German automaker previewed just such a vehicle in the form of the Prologue concept in 2014, forecasting a potential A9 coupe to sit alongside the A8 sedan at the top of Audi's lineup.

If it were to be put into production, the A9 would target the likes of the Mercedes S-Class coupe and the forthcoming new BMW 8 Series and Polestar 1 – not to mention sportier models like the Lexus LC and Aston Martin DB11 – while plugging the big gap between the existing Audi A5 and Bentley Continental GT.

To hear Lichte tell it, it's not that Audi isn't interested in pursuing that segment, it's just that it has other priorities at the moment. "First we must launch the A6, then we have the Q8 next year, A1 and Q3. We won't do anything before this. It's step by step."

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Do Good, Drive Better With This 2017 Ford GT Being Auctioned For Charity

Posted: 04 Jan 2018 02:58 AM PST


Want to get your hands on a new Ford GT? You could place an order and hope for a build slot, or you could head to Scottsdale, Arizona, later this month.

That's where Barrett-Jackson will be auctioning off this splendid example in Liquid Blue and white racing stripes, with 100 percent of the proceeds going to charity.

The car belongs to one Ron Pratte, a noted collector and Arizona native. Pratte generously donated his GT to the Everham Family's Racing for a Reason Foundation, which has consigned the car for auction to benefit the Autism Society of North Carolina.

Like the other 250 examples Ford will make each year (at a rate of one per day), Pratte's GT packs a tightly wound 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 – mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission and rated at 647 horsepower and 550 lb-ft of torque – into middle of a carbon monocoque chassis.

As if the prospect of owning one of the finest supercars ever made in North America – and the opportunity to help a good cause – weren't enough, the winning bidder will also receive tutelage behind the wheel at the Ford Performance Racing School in Tooele, Utah. The hammer's set to drop at about 8:30 pm local time on Saturday, January 20, 2018.

If you miss out on the super-Ford, there'll be several other cars being auctioned for charity as well – including the first production 2019 Corvette ZR1 as well as a 1988 Corvette 35th Anniversary Edition, '87 Chevy Monte Carlo SS, '96 Ford Mustang, 2017 Ford F-250, a custom roadster and a pontoon boat.

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Are You Brave Enough For This Turbo, Manual Rolls Royce Hotrod?

Posted: 03 Jan 2018 06:02 PM PST


If you're looking for crazy projects that make a lot of noise while going fast, then this Rolls Royce Silver Shadow II might just be the right car for you.

Created by Corbin Goodwin, the guy behind the Internet-famous "Zero-F*cks-given RX7", this Rolls Royce is a deeply personal project, aimed at making this vintage luxury car go fast and occasionally sideways.

It's not going to please the majority of the people out there, with coolant and turbo pipes mounted outside the body, which also has been modified extensively in case you didn't notice.

The radiator is now sitting at the trunk, with a big side scoop feeding air to it and homemade fender flares making room for a set of 19-inch wheels straight from a Porsche Panamera. The 6.75-liter V8 has gained a twin-scroll turbocharger and a Holley carburettor which is adapted to the stock intake manifold, with the intercooler mounted again externally.

The owner opted for a four-speed manual transmission from a Ford F-250 pickup truck while the rear differential is welded. The car also features King coilover shocks, originally created for off-road use, complete with their independent reservoir.

This rather unique Rolls Royce is currently offered in an auction over at Bring A Trailer.

PHOTO GALLERY

BMW Launches M5 Configurator For U.S., Promises To Expect The Unexpected In 5 Days

Posted: 03 Jan 2018 05:13 PM PST


BMW USA has released the online configurator for the all-new M5.

Pricing starts at $102,600 and customers can select from between seven different primary colors and four BMW Individual options. Speaking of exterior options, the car comes equipped with 19-inch alloy wheels but two 20-inch sets are available for an additional $1,300.

Moving into the cabin, customers will find Silverstone Extended Merino Leather upholstery but Full Merino Leather is available for $3,500 and BMW Individual Full Merino Leather is a wallet busting $5,000. Trim choices include two aluminum carbon options as well as Fineline Ridge wood and premium choices such as Plum Brown wood and Piano black trim.

In terms of packages, customers can order the Driving Assistance Plus Package which includes blind spot detection, cross-traffic alert, and a lane departure warning system. The package also adds frontal collision warning with collision mitigation, active lane keeping assistant, and traffic jam assistant - among other things.

The $4,000 Executive Package packs on the luxury features as it includes heated, ventilated, and massaging front seats. Other additions include a four-zone automatic climate control system, a wireless smartphone charger, a WiFi hotspot, and soft-close automatic doors.

Rounding out the options are a moonroof, Apple CarPlay compatibility, and a 16-speaker Bowers & Wilkins Diamond Surround Sound System. Last but not least, there's a rear-seat entertainment system and the M Driver's Package which provides buyers with a one-day class that teaches them the basics of high-performance driving.

As refresher, the 2018 BMW M5 has a 4.4-liter TwinPower Turbo V8 engine that produces 600 hp (447 kW) and 553 lb-ft (749 Nm) of torque. It is connected to an eight-speed automatic transmission and an all-wheel drive system which enables the car to accelerate from 0-60 mph in 3.2 seconds before hitting a limited top speed of up to 190 mph (305 km/h).

Besides launching the configurator, BMW posted a mysterious countdown clock which says to "expect the unexpected" in five days. It's unclear what BMW is talking about but we should find out soon enough.

H/T to BMW Blog

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Is Fiat's 124 Abarth Really Different Or Just A Miata In Drag?

Posted: 03 Jan 2018 04:35 PM PST


If you're a fan of the Mazda MX-5, aka Miata, but you'd also like something that looks more like a traditional roadster and sounds throatier when revved, the Fiat 124 Abarth Spider becomes the obvious choice.

According to DeMuro, the 124 Abarth, while extremely similar to the Miata, does a slightly better job at standing out as a roadster.

However, while he did like the overall look of the car, the panel gap between the front fascia and wing was definitely not to his liking - it's weirdly vertical and more noticeable than on the Mazda.

Inside, it does have a few quirks, such as the annoyingly dim "Night Mode" for the infotainment system, but overall its cabin will be a familiar place for anybody who's ever sat in or driven the new Miata.

On the go, the 124 Abarth feels quick, sounds good and handles very well, especially on back-roads. But does it justify its almost $30,000 price, and how does it compared to its Japanese sibling?

VIDEO

"General Lee" Dodge SRT Hellcat Challenges Lambo Aventador

Posted: 03 Jan 2018 04:11 PM PST


The modern Dodge Challenger makes for a very interesting General Lee, even if the original was actually a Charger.

It becomes even more interesting as an SRT Hellcat like this one, which was filmed recently during a drag racing event.

With his ride inspired by the famous car from 'The Dukes of Hazzard', the owner of this Challenger SRT Hellcat put on quite a show thanks to the sound of its supercharged V8 and the iconic horn.

The muscle car was also pitted against some powerful machines, from an Audi TT-RS to a Lamborghini Aventador. However, it appears that, for whatever reason, the driver had a hard time unleashing the 707hp and 650lb-ft (881Nm) of torque straight from the start, but that didn't make the runs any less exciting.

In the right hands, and with the correct tires, the Challenger SRT Hellcat needs 3.6 seconds for the 0-60mph (0-96km/h) run, and it can complete the quarter mile in just under 11 seconds. For those who might want something more, there's the even madder Demon, an 840hp version that can go from naught to 60mph (96km/h) in just 2.3sec and does the quarter-mile in 9.65sec.

VIDEO

2019 Mercedes G-Class Previewed Ahead Of Detroit Debut

Posted: 03 Jan 2018 05:45 PM PST


Mercedes has released new details about the 2019 G-Class ahead of its debut at the North American International Auto Show later this month.

Designed to be just as capable as its predecessor, the model has undergone an extensive development program which involved testing the G-Class on the Schöckl which is a 1,445 meter (4740 foot) tall mountain near the Austrian city of Graz where the SUV is built. One of the key objectives of testing the model was to ensure the 2019 G-Class is even more effective off-road than the outgoing model.

In order to ensure the G-Class can tackle the toughest terrain, the model continues to use a ladder-type frame and has once again been equipped with three 100-percent differential locks and a low range. Engineers didn't stop there as they developed an independent front suspension and a new front axle which allows the G-Class to surpass the off-road capabilities of its predecessor. The rear axle is also new and Mercedes says it helps the model stay on "track more robustly."

In terms of specifics, Mercedes says the latest G-Class has approach and departure angles of 31° and 30° as well as a maximum fording depth of 70 centimeters (27.5 inches). The SUV also boasts a 26° breakover angle, tons of suspension travel, and 241 mm (9.5 inches) of ground clearance between the axles.

Speaking of off-roading, the G-Class features an all-new G-Mode which is activated as soon as the SUV is put into low range or one of the three differential locks is selected. Mercedes says the mode changes the characteristics of the accelerator, steering system, and adjustable damping system to ensure maximum off-road capability.

Mercedes is keeping performance specifications under wraps but they confirmed the G-Class has a new 9G-TRONIC automatic transmission with a torque converter that was specially designed for the model. The gearbox promises to make the luxury off-roader quieter, more comfortable, and more fuel-efficient.

The G-Class has also been equipped with a new transfer case that sends 40 percent of the drive torque to the front axle and the remaining 60 percent to the rear axle. The low range can be activated at speeds up to 40 km/h (24 mph) and it changes the gear ratio from 1.00 to 2.93.

To help aid drivers off-road, the G-Class can show a 360° bird's-eye view of the model with dynamic guide lines that indicate the width of the vehicle. There's also a specially designed off-road display which shows everything from the G-Class' current angle to which differential locks are activated.

Photo Gallery

The Eleanor Mustang Is Back And Can Be Yours For $189,000

Posted: 03 Jan 2018 03:04 PM PST


It's been nearly 18 years since Nicolas Cage starred in the remake of Gone in Sixty Seconds but the Ford Mustang known as Eleanor is still instantly recognizable after all this time.

The model is highly sought after and the Fusion Motor Company has announced it secured the rights to build "officially licensed Eleanor Mustang Fastbacks." As the company explains, they inked a deal with Gone in 60 Seconds co-producer Denise Halicki whose late husband, H.B. "Toby" Halicki, created and starred in the original movie in 1974.

Fusion president Yoel Wazana meet Halicki through mutual friends and the two discussed his Eleanor tribute car that was built by another manufacturer. Wazana says the car had a number of issues including bad Bondo transitions and a fiberglass body that sagged and vibrated. After Halicki toured Fusion's fabrication shop, she felt the company should build the latest Eleanor Mustangs.

Each model is based on a 1967 or 1968 Ford Mustang Fastback and the donor cars are stripped to their shells and given a complete overhaul which includes the installation of new reinforcements and a Detroit Speed Aluma-Frame front IFS kit. The cars are also equipped with a custom multi-link rear suspension, Wilwood brakes, and a Currie Enterprises Ford 9-inch rear end. Other highlights include a limited-slip differential, carbon fiber components, and LED lighting units which look period correct when they are shut off.

Inside, drivers will find factory-style lowback bucket seats, a tilt steering column, and an air-conditioning system. Other niceties include power locks and an audio system with Bluetooth connectivity. A variety of options are available including Recaro racing seats, custom Auto Meter gauges, and an infotainment system with GPS navigation.

Five different Roush V8 engines are available and the entry-level unit is a 5.0-liter V8 that produces 430 hp (320 kW). A supercharged variant bumps the output to 600 hp (447 kW), while there are also three 427 cubic inch engines with outputs of 480 hp (357 kW), 560 hp (417 kW) and 750 hp (559 kW). These can be connected to either a five or six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic transmission.

Pricing starts at $189,000 and it takes about six months to build the car.

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U.S. Gas Prices Expected To Be The Highest Since 2014

Posted: 03 Jan 2018 02:32 PM PST


Crossovers and trucks continue to be popular with consumers but owners could be looking at a higher cost of ownership as GasBuddy is predicating the national average price of gasoline will rise 19 cents this year to $2.57 per gallon.

While that's far from record highs, the 2018 Fuel Price Outlook suggests prices could peak at less than $3 per gallon. Prices in major metro areas - such as Chicago, New York City, Los Angeles, and Seattle - are expected to easily surpass the $3 mark while other areas including Detroit, Miami, and Minneapolis are expected to come extremely close to that figure.

If GasBuddy's forecast pans out, the average household will see their gasoline bill rise to $1,898 this year which is $133 more than 2017. This means the nation's yearly gasoline bill will climb to $364.6 billion which is about $25 billion more than last year.

On the diesel side, the company expects the average price to be $2.70 per gallon. Prices are expected to peak this month and gradually fall to a low of $2.59 in July before climbing again.

Gas prices are extremely hard to predict but the pain at the pump is already being felt as AAA reports the national average gas price is $2.49 which is the highest for the start of the year since 2014.

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Ford Cancelled The Planned Redesign For The 2020 Fusion

Posted: 03 Jan 2018 02:59 PM PST


The future of the Ford Fusion is in doubt as The Detroit News has obtained a letter to suppliers which informed them the planned redesigned for the 2020 model has been canceled.

The cancellation comes as a bit of a surprise but an insider told the publication the Fusion and Mondeo will remain part of the company's lineup for at least three or four more years. This seems to suggest the cars are living on borrowed time but that might not be the case.

Another source told the paper Ford might have cancelled the redesign because management determined they "didn't have the right product or product design to meet demand."

Ford spokesman Mike Levine declined to discuss the letter but he told the publication the "Fusion remains an important part of the Ford lineup for years to come with even more new fresh features on the way."

That's not much to go on but speculation has suggested the Fusion could become larger if it makes it to the third-generation. This could mean the Fusion will enter Taurus territory but reports have indicated the latter model could be dropped by the end of the year.

Carsalesbase data shows the Fusion remains a relatively strong seller as the company sold 265,840 units in the United States in 2016. That's approximately 120,000 units less than the Toyota Camry but it is still a pretty significant number.

Ford is staying mum on specifics but CEO Jim Hackett unveiled his strategic update to investors last fall and it called for the company to reallocate $7 billion of capital from cars to trucks and SUVs. This will result in the company will offering fewer cars while adding a handful of new trucks and SUVs such as the Bronco and Ranger.

That same presentation also mentioned the next-generation Fusion and revealed it will be offered with less build combinations. Ford offers approximately 35,000 different combinations on the current model but the company wanted to cut that number to just 96 combinations on the next-generation Fusion.

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Hyundai Mobis Developed An Affordable And Autonomous Way To Save Thousands Of Lives Every Year

Posted: 03 Jan 2018 01:30 PM PST


Hyundai Mobis will use the Consumer Electrics Show to introduce its DDREM (Departed Driver Rescue & Exit Maneuver) technology which is designed to prevent accidents caused by drivers who fall asleep behind the wheel.

Billed as a potential cure for one of the five major causes of automotive fatalities, the DDREM system uses an infrared camera to monitor and analyze a driver's facial and eye movements to check for any signs of drowsiness. The system also monitors various driver assistance systems to determine if the driver is drifting out of their lane or making erratic movements that are consistent with drowsy driving accidents.

If the system determines the driver has fallen asleep or become unresponsive, the system will transition the vehicle to a Level 4 autonomous driving mode to identify a safe place for the vehicle to pull over and stop.

The most interesting aspect of the system is the fact that it uses hardware that is already found on most new vehicles. This includes an electric power steering system, a camera, radar sensors, and a GPS unit. Thanks to these existing components and the fact that the car only needs to operate in autonomous driving mode for short distances - typically less than a mile - the system is significantly more affordable and less complex than purpose-built autonomous driving systems.

Hyundai Mobis says the technology could be ready by 2022 and the only major requirement for most vehicles would be the addition of "one low-cost infrared camera." This has the potential to dramatically improve safety for relatively little cost.

The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety estimates that over 20% of traffic fatalities in the United States are a result of drowsy driving. This results in approximately 7,000 deaths every year.

In a statement, Hyundai Mobis North America's director of autonomous vehicle development said "By narrowing our focus to the safety aspects of autonomy, we can bring lifesaving Level 4 autonomous technology into passenger cars quickly." David Agnew went on to say the company is "building a technology that will save many lives and offer immense peace of mind to drivers and passengers."

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HSV Builds Its Final Commodore-based Model

Posted: 03 Jan 2018 12:59 PM PST


HSV has built its final Commodore-based model as the 275th Australian market GTSR W1 rolled off the assembly line earlier today.

The final model features a Light My Fire orange exterior and a number of carbon fiber components. The car is powered by a supercharged 6.2-liter LS9 V8 engine that produces 635 hp (474 kW) and 601 lb-ft (815 Nm) of torque. It is connected to a six-speed manual transmission which sends power to the rear wheels via a limited slip differential.

HSV intends to keep the GTSR W1 and HSV Managing Director Tim Jackson said "For all at HSV, this is a time for great reflection on what the company has been able to achieve to date. He added, "Any success we've enjoyed has been directly attributable to our passionate staff, our dedicated dealer-body and of course our loyal fans who have helped build this brand through its 30-year journey."

The move was inventible as Holden built the final rear-wheel drive Commodore in October and that marked the end of mainstream automotive production in Australia following the exit of Ford and Toyota.

While HSV will stop building Commodore-based vehicles, the company has big plans for the future as it recently introduced the Colorado SportsCat. It will be joined by the Chevrolet Camaro and Silverado HD later this year.

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Jay Leno Goes Back In Time With Plymouth Superbird

Posted: 03 Jan 2018 12:29 PM PST


When you think of American cars, you may immediately think of the Ford Mustang, Chevrolet Camaro, and Chevrolet Corvette. However, there is another performance car just as recognizable as these three. We are of course talking about the Plymouth Superbird.

The car is a beefed-up variant of the Plymouth Road Runner and despite only being produced for a single year, has cemented its place in automotive folklore and easily fetches well over six figures nowadays.

In a fitting way to begin 2018, Jay Leno recently jumped behind the wheel of a bright orange Superbird to discover first-hand what makes this performance car so special.

Sitting beneath the skin of the Superbird is a 7.0-liter Hemi V8 engine with four carburetors and delivering 425 hp to the rear wheels. For a car built in 1970, that's a formidable amount of power.

However, it isn't the horsepower number that makes the Superbird so special. Instead, it is the eye-catching bodywork. Characterized by a huge hood, elongated front overhang, and that iconic rear wing, the car remains as desirable as ever.

VIDEO

VW Rumored Again To Be Preparing A U.S. Amarok Launch After Filing Trademark

Posted: 03 Jan 2018 12:00 PM PST


The United States has always been the home of full-size pickups but high demand hasn't always existed in the mid-size pickup market.

In fact, demand for such vehicles traditionally comes from the likes of South America, South Africa, and Australia. However, with the latest Chevrolet Colorado, upcoming all-new Ford Ranger, and a Jeep Wrangler pickup, American buyers will soon have ample choice of mid-size pickups. According to Motorlix, a rather unexpected player may also enter the market.

It is reported that Volkswagen recently filed an application to register the name Amarok with the United States Patent and Trademark Office, perhaps signaling its intent on bringing the popular vehicle stateside.

Importantly, this isn't the first time VW has moved to trademark the Amarok name in the United States so this latest move is far from confirmation about the pickup launching here.

If Volkswagen does pull the trigger and begin selling the Amarok to the U.S., it won't be an easy sell as a German, premium pickup is completely foreign to most shoppers who traditionally have unbreakable loyalty to the established U.S. pickup players.





PHOTO GALLERY

Porsche Only Made Fourteen 993 Turbo Cabriolets (And This One Could Be Yours)

Posted: 03 Jan 2018 11:31 AM PST


Want a 911 Turbo? No problem, just walk into any Porsche dealership and place your order. You'll just need to decide between coupe and convertible (among all the other options). But that wasn't always the case.

In fact the 993 model made in the mid-to-late 1990s wasn't offered as a Turbo Cabriolet. At least, that is, not on the open market. But one dealer convinced Porsche Exclusive to make him a special run of just 14 examples, and one of those is coming up for auction.

Developed before the 993 Turbo coupe appeared, the Turbo Cabriolet blended the chassis of the 993 Cabriolet with the engine from the older 964 Turbo: a 3.6-liter boxer six with a single turbocharger – making this the last air-cooled turbo cab. It also received a wider rear end and the spoiler from the 964 Turbo S, but the more stable multilink rear suspension from the 993.

The finished product cost 240,300 Deutsche Marks, or roughly 60 percent more than the cost of a standard 993 cabrio – but then that's less than the proportional difference you'd pay today for a new 911 Turbo Cabriolet ($174k) over an ordinary Carrera Cabriolet ($103k).

The asking price wasn't enough, at any rate, to deter Willi Weber. Michael Schumacher's longtime manager is believed to have been this example's original owner, ordering it in black over black with a burgundy soft-top and a clutchless gearbox from Ruf. Whoever the original owner, he didn't keep it for long: the current owner has had it since 1997 – just two years after it was made – and has reportedly spared no expense in keeping it up.

No wonder, with just 20,000 miles on the odometer, that RM Sotheby's (whose photographer Dirk de Jager captured these images) projects it will sell for between €625,000 and €725,000, or roughly $750-870k at current exchange rates, when the gavel drops in Paris next month.

Photo Gallery

BMW Driver Rear Ends Multiple Cars While In Distress

Posted: 03 Jan 2018 11:00 AM PST


The driver of this E60 BMW 5-Series damaged a total of five vehicles at a stop light in Suceava, Romania, while having an epilepsy seizure.

The accident occurred last week in downtown Suceava, and according to reports, during the seizure, the driver (a young man) was unable to remove his right foot from the accelerator pedal.

In the end, he had to be taken to a nearby hospital, as were four other motorists involved in the crash. As you can tell from the footage, the car was traveling worryingly fast at the moment of impact.

According to Observator, the driver of the BMW is now under investigation by authorities. While he did have a valid UK driver's license, police investigators will be looking to see if he had been cleared to drive by any medical establishment.

As for the silver lining, at least the out-of-control car didn't run through the intersection, potentially hitting pedestrians on any nearby sidewalk.

Note: Mind the explicit language at the end

VIDEO

Renault's RS18 F1 Car Should Look This Cool

Posted: 03 Jan 2018 10:10 AM PST


Remember what we said about the shame of Renault ditching the Lotus/JPS livery? Yeah, we take it back. This looks cooler.

It's Sean Bull's latest project, previewing what the Anglo-French team's upcoming RS18 could – and probably should – look like. And we're smitten.

The design, as you can see, adopts Renault's signature yellow and black color scheme, but mattes out the black, and blings out the yellow to a nice deep (and shiny) gold – not unlike the approach rival Peugeot has taken with some of its concepts and hot hatches.

The form also predicts the shape next year's F1 cars could take, complete with the halo cockpit protection device. With or without it, the matte black and gold has us forgetting all about whatever Lotus had cooking for those few years when the team raced under its banner.

Photo Gallery

You Might Want To Cancel That Cayman Order After Watching This Alpine A110 Review

Posted: 03 Jan 2018 02:59 PM PST


The praise is universal for the Alpine A110, with some even going as far as declaring it a better sports car than the Porsche 718 Cayman.

Of course the French have proven that they know how to build an exciting car in the past but to knock it out of the park in the first try with the reborn Alpine A110 has to be one of the biggest surprises of the year.

Based on an all-new aluminum architecture with double wishbones all around, the new Alpine A110 is a lightweight mid-engine sports car that wants to make the driver happy, instead of just playing the numbers' game.

The engineers injected the car with old-school brilliance, opting for passive dampers instead of adaptive ones, finely tuned to give the A110 the best possible feedback and handling possible.

Combined with the turbocharged 1.8-liter engine that makes 247hp and 236lb-ft of torque which has to move just 1,080kg (2,380lbs), the Alpine A110 is capable of hitting 62mph from a standstill in 4.5 seconds but the real magic happens in the corners.

Henry Catchpole from Carfection reviews the new Alpine A110, and if you were sad that it won't cross the Atlantic already, prepare to feel even more left out after the video that follows.

VIDEO

Mercedes Tries To Sweet Talk Us Into Loving The 2018 S-Class

Posted: 03 Jan 2018 09:03 AM PST


Since unveiling the updated 2018 S-Class during last year's Shanghai Auto Show, Mercedes hasn't shied away from using as many superlatives as possible to describe it.

Even though the exterior didn't undergo any major changes, the 2018 S-Class does feature a more aggressive front bumper, new headlights, a new radiator grille and darkened taillights with new LEDs at the rear.

Inside, it has a sportier, flat-bottom steering wheel (with touch-sensitive controls), an updated sound system, wireless charging, updated displays, plus the industry-first ENERGIZING Comfort feature, tailored to create a bespoke environment.

Another major selling point is made up of various semi-autonomous functions, such as Remote Parking Assist, Active Proximity Assist, Steer Assist, Lane Change Assist and Emergency Stop Assist.

When it comes to driving the S-Class, The 612 PS 4.0-liter biturbo V8 powering the S63 4MATIC+ should thrill just about anybody. In a straight line, it will take you from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 3.5 seconds, or 0-60 in 3.4 sec.

VIDEO

2018 Peugeot 308 TCR Unveiled With Improved Aerodynamic And 350PS

Posted: 03 Jan 2018 08:28 AM PST


Peugeot is ready for the 2018 TCR season with a new racer, evolved from the 308 Racing Cup and based on the road-legal 308 GTi.

Unveiled by the French brand's motorsport branch, the potent machine features enhanced aerodynamic made possible by the addition of a front splitter, new rear diffuser, and large rear wing.

Touching the pavement are the 270/65 tires, wrapped around the specific 18-inch wheels, whereas stopping power is provided by the 378x34mm ventilated discs at the front, with 6-piston calipers, and 270x12mm discs at the rear, with 2-piston calipers.

Pumping 350PS (345hp) and 420Nm (310lb-ft) of torque to the front axle through a six-speed sequential transmission, with steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters, is a 1.6-liter turbocharged gasoline engine.

Peugeot has already started taking orders for the new 308 TCR, which costs €109,000 ($131,256) before taxes. All racers will be shipped fully assembled, and the first customers will take delivery from April, this year.

Engineered specifically for TCR and international touring car competitions, the Peugeot 308 TCR will face the Honda Civic Type R, Hyundai i30 N, and Volkswagen Golf GTI, among others, on the track.

PHOTO GALLERY



VIDEO

Fiat Launches Special Mirror Edition For The 500 Family

Posted: 03 Jan 2018 07:59 AM PST


Fiat has opened the order books in Europe for the special Mirror series of the 500 model family.

Following the success of the 500 Mirror that launched last April, Fiat expanded the Mirror treatment to the other two 500 models, the 500X crossover and the 500L minivan.

The normal 500 Mirror hatchback is marketed as the car for Millenials, thanks to the standard Uconnect infotainment that features a high-res 7-inch touchscreen display with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and the Mopar Connect services.

Fiat has added Italia Blue to the paint options of the 500 Mirror, featuring chrome-plated accents on the front bumper, door mirrors and alloys. The Fiat 500 Mirror hatchback is available both as a hardtop and as a convertible.

The Fiat 500X Mirror features a one-of-a-kind Blue Jeans matte color, satin chrome details, 17-inch black diamond alloys and xenon headlights, as well as the special 'Mirror' badging. Its interior features a matching Blue Jeans dashboard fascia along with blue stitching accents.

As for the 500L Mirror, Fiat offers it in unique two-tone Venezia Blue with the roof finished in Maestro Grey, paired with chrome details and 17-inch alloy wheels.

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New SsangYong Musso Unveiled Ahead Of Geneva Debut

Posted: 03 Jan 2018 07:31 AM PST


SsangYong are getting ready to replace the aging Musso with an entirely new pickup truck, based on the same underpinnings as the latest Rexton.

Shown in an official image released prior to its 2018 Geneva Motor Show presentation in March, the new SsangYong Musso, which is known as the 'Rexton Sports' in its homeland, South Korea, is coming to challenge the likes of the Mitsubishi L200 and Renault Alaskan.

Nothing else is known about it so far, but since it will share the same platform with the Rexton SUV, albeit with a few suspension modifications, it's also expected to use the latter's 2.2-liter diesel engine, in European markets at least. This is good for 178PS (176hp) and 420Nm (310lb-ft) of torque, channeled to the 2WD or AWD system through a 7-speed automatic transmission, made by Mercedes-Benz.

In different parts of Asia, customers will probably get a 2.0-liter turbocharged petrol mill, mated to a 6-speed automatic gearbox, which is also found on the new Rexton.

Single or crew cab versions are believed to arrive in Europe, but we'll know for sure once the new SsangYong Musso celebrates its public presentation in a couple of months.

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