Friday 5 January 2018

CARSCOOPS

CARSCOOPS

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2019 Toyota Avalon's Taillights Revealed In New Teaser

Posted: 05 Jan 2018 04:30 AM PST


Toyota is bringing the Avalon into its fifth generation, approximately six years after its predecessor debuted in full at the New York Auto Show.

And since it's scheduled to be presented in front of an audience in just a little over a week, during the 2018 Detroit Auto Show, the automaker has shifted into second gear when it comes to its teaser campaign.

The latest video released by Toyota on social media reveals the car's taillights, focusing on the modern sequential turn signals, a feature that can already be found on various other vehicles, including the Audi A4 - accompanied by the caption "first look at the all-new Avalon".

This isn't, however, the first look at the new generation Avalon, as we already caught a glimpse of its front end design last month, which is dominated by the LED-infused headlights, large air intakes, a generously sized grille, and muscular hood.

On the technical front, the 2019 Toyota Avalon is believed to share the TNGA platform with the latest Camry, in addition to some engines, such as the 3.5-liter V6 with 301hp (305PS) and 267lb-ft (362Nm) of torque. The large saloon is also expected to adopt a hybrid powertrain that combines a 2.5-liter unit with an electric motor, for a total of 208hp (211PS).



PHOTO GALLERY

Owning A Lamborghini Huracan Is Not That Expensive - Or Is It?

Posted: 05 Jan 2018 12:24 AM PST


There are many petrolheads out there who might be able to stretch to a supercar, especially a used one, but refrain from doing so due to the maintenance and insurance costs this would entail.

However, the costs aren't that scary when it comes to a Lamborghini Huracan - or at least that's what a YouTuber who owns one claims.

Bought in 2016 with just 1,000 miles (1,609km) on the odo, the Italian supercar now has 23,000 miles (37,015km). During this time, it went through a few oil changes, which cost anywhere between $500 and $1,500 each depending on where they're done, so taking it to a mechanic rather than an authorized dealer is more economical, and, as he says, you'd still keep your warranty.

Driving the Huracan on a daily basis, combined with the occasional track days and having fun on twisty roads will eat those tires quite fast, so how much does a new set cost? Well, that'll be $1,700 then, which, for their size, is actually quite reasonable.

It wasn't all smooth sailing, though, as the Huracan had an issue with the right front brake pad. This turned out to be quite expensive, as the carbon ceramic disc had to be changed, and it burned a $6,000 hole in his pocket. Moreover, since it was in the shop, it also got an oil change, fluid flush and its brake pads changed on all four corners. Thus, in the end, he was faced with a $9,000 bill; and that's kinda scary...

So, how much did the owner of this Huracan had to pay after owning the car for a year and a half? Well, you can find out the answer by watching the video that follows.

VIDEO

One Of 99 Aston Martin Vanquish Zagato Volantes Spotted In London

Posted: 04 Jan 2018 06:19 PM PST


It's not often you get to see such a rare and expensive car sitting so nonchalantly in an alley, of all places, yet there's why this Vanquish Zagato Volante was spotted.

The images were taken in London by ErikG_NL, showing the convertible version of the gorgeous Vanquish Zagato wearing a red, carbon fiber-infused exterior and a dual tone red and black leather interior.

Aston Martin first launched the car at Pebble Beach in 2016, where they also announced that they would only be making 99 units of the soft-top, the same limited number as the hardtop.

If you think this car isn't exclusive or expensive enough, we'll just point out that, a couple of weeks ago, a Swiss dealer put a Vanquish Zagato Volante up for sale and the asking price was roughly $1.5 million.

Aside from its bespoke design, the Vanquish Zagato Volante features a 5.9-liter naturally-aspirated V12 with 592 horses, which enable it to sprint from zero to 60 mph (96 km/h) in just 3.7 seconds.

PHOTO GALLERY

The Lamborghini Forsennato Would Be A Proper Raging Bull... If It Was Real

Posted: 05 Jan 2018 12:26 AM PST


By drawing up the Terzo Millennio concept, Lamborghini proved that no design is too busy, or overly aggressive, for them to consider.

If you like that sort of thing, then we will gladly introduce you to the Forsennato, which is Italian for "Lunatic" and/or "Madman". The name definitely fits the concept's description.

The rendering was penned by designer Dmitry Lazarev, who seemingly took as many design cues as possible from past and current Lamborghinis, putting together a car worthy of the Italian company's badge.

Visually, the headlights look completely unlike anything we've ever seen on a Lambo, although the Y-shaped surfaces endure and can be found embedded in the front fascia, on the sides and at the rear, more specifically at the taillight graphics. Since we mentioned the rear end, it reminds us a little bit of the Lykan Hypersport, although it's a lot sleeker and seems wider.

PHOTO GALLERY



VIDEO

Think You Can Snag This 2003 Mercedes G 500 For A Reasonable Price?

Posted: 04 Jan 2018 05:35 PM PST


In case you didn't already know, the Mercedes-Benz G-Class (yes, the one that's just been replaced with an all-new model) is one of the world's most expensive SUVs.

Buying a brand new one in the U.S. will set you back at least $123,600, which is the base price for the "entry-level" G 550 version - and that's before you start ticking any boxes in the options' list.

Now, if you don't mind missing out on some of the latest Mercedes-Benz gadgets, opting to purchase an older model G-Class at an auction could turn out to be a smart move, and since the German brand has kept the styling practically intact for many years, it would take a trained eye to spot that it's 14 years old.

For example, take a look at this 2003 model we found on Bring a Trailer. The seller has listed the car without reserve, and with four days still left, the highest bid is $17,000, a number that will obviously go up as the auction nears its end. After looking at a bunch of 2003-2006 G 500 models with more than 100,000 miles (160,000 km) on the clock on both Autotrader and eBay Motors, we found that a lot of them are priced somewhere between $35,000 and $40,000, so we wouldn't be surprised if eventually it sells for a similar amount.

Finished in Silver Gray with a Gray leather interior, this G 500 has 133,800 miles (215,330 km) on the clock, and aside from the tinted windows, it's being described as stock. Other features include the OEM split five-spoke alloys, power sunroof, dual-zone climate control, power seats, sat-nav and plenty more.

This example is powered by a naturally aspirated 5.0-liter V8 that's good for 292 HP and 336 lb-ft (455 Nm) of torque. It's certainly nowhere near as quick as a modern-day G 550, but, apart from the performance, you will still be getting the G-Wagen experience.

Finally, the seller was even nice enough to include a brief POV driving video, showing how the car behaves and sounds on the road.

PHOTO GALLERY



VIDEO

Brand New Dodge Challenger SRT Demon Simply Owns The Drag Strip

Posted: 04 Jan 2018 04:27 PM PST


Not many stock cars can brag about running the quarter mile in less than 10 seconds, or faster than early Bugatti Veyrons -
but then again, the Dodge Challenger SRT Demon isn't your average machine.

First of all, it was developed on and for the drag strip, building upon the already mad Challenger SRT Hellcat, to which it adds a suite of modifications that make it the world's fastest production car from 0 to 60mph (96km/h), according to Dodge.

However, in order to enjoy the full force of the 6.2-liter supercharged V8 engine, you need to fill the tank with race fuel and get the powertrain control module from the 'Demon Crate', as only then it will produce the full 840 horsepower. Secondly, it needs to run on drag radials to make that front end go in the direction it's intended to, but in the right conditions and with someone behind the wheel who knows what they're doing, it reaches the 60mph (96km/h) mark in just 2.3sec.

Now, let's see what the ultimate muscle car looks like on the drag strip pointed against a Camaro SS, a Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk and a Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat. Before checking out the video posted below, we should mention that this Demon was allegedly brand new during the runs, with only a few miles on the clock, and its tank was filled with 91-octane fuel, which limits its power to, well, "just" 808hp. It did run on drag radials, though, but was this enough to beat its rivals?

VIDEO

Hyundai's Aggressively-Styled Kona Put To The Test By Consumer Reports

Posted: 05 Jan 2018 12:23 AM PST


The subcompact SUV segment is getting more crowded by the day, but Hyundai believes that there's room for one more, its very own Kona.

With an aggressive styling that should be appreciated by most consumers, two engine options, and four-wheel drive system as an option, the Kona will lock horns with the likes of the Nissan Juke, Mazda CX-3 and Ford EcoSport.

This is one of the smallest subcompact SUVs in the segment, and you can tell by checking out the rear bench, which is cramped even for average-sized adults, who will immediately notice the lack of head and knee room.

Plastic is the dominant material up front, but thanks to its minimalistic design, the Kona looks modern. It also gets a 7-inch touchscreen as standard, or an optional 8-inch system with navigation on higher trim levels, and some of its extra features, such as the power operated driver's seat, head-up display, and heated steering wheel, are not very common in this niche.

Moreover, the Kona comes with a plethora of driver assistance systems as well, which has earned it extra points in ConsumerReports' review, who will soon buy one for a long-term test.

VIDEO

California Gets A Step Closer To Banning Conventionally Powered Vehicles

Posted: 04 Jan 2018 03:18 PM PST


California state assemblyman Phil Ting has finally introduced his bill in the legislature which seeks to ban the sale of new vehicles powered by gasoline and diesel engines.

Ting has been talking about the bill for months and we're learning more about what could happen if it eventually becomes law.

The bill is called the Clean Cars 2040 Act and it would prevent the state from accepting original registrations for vehicles that are not zero emissions. The bill would go into effect after January 1st, 2040 and it would effectively ban the sale of vehicles that don't use electric or fuel-cell powertrains. The bill goes also specifies "zero emissions vehicles cannot produce exhaust emissions of any criteria pollutant or greenhouse gas under any operational mode or condition."

The heart of the bill is only a couple sentences long and it doesn't apply to large commercial vehicles that weigh over 10,001 pounds (4,535 kg). It also does "not apply to vehicles owned by people moving into California from other states."

In a press release, Ting said "California has long led the nation in promoting environmental protection and public health through visionary policies and technological innovations" but "it's time that we clear the path for emissions-free transportation and take significant steps to achieve our ambitious emissions reduction goals." He went on to claim that vehicles running on fossil fuels are responsible for nearly 40 percent of California's greenhouse gas emissions and the bill is a "mechanism to ensure a healthier future for Californians and the entire region."

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Rolls-Royce Is Getting Serious About An EV, Would Need To Use A Different Platform

Posted: 04 Jan 2018 02:34 PM PST


Rolls-Royce introduced the 102EX concept in 2011 but the company hasn't followed up with an electric vehicle.

That's going to change as BMW board member Peter Schwarzenbauer recently told Automotive News Europe that "there's no doubt in my mind you will see an electric Rolls-Royce." Schwarzenbauer says a number of owners have been asking about an EV since the company unveiled the new Phantom but he concedes it will take awhile to develop one as an electric powertrain can't be fitted to the company's aluminum spaceframe platform dubbed the Architecture of Luxury.

Schwarzenbauer went on to say an electric Rolls-Royce would have to use a different platform but it wouldn't have to entirely all-new as they could simply "make a major adaption."

There's no word on when the model could arrive but the board member said the company is asking customers a lot of questions about an electric vehicle and they want to the model to have a range of between 500 and 600 km (310-372 miles). Schwarzenbauer also suggested the car could look slightly different than a conventionally-powered Rolls-Royce but he doesn't think the company's iconic grille is going away anytime soon.

Besides talking about the EV, Schwarzenbauer said we shouldn't expect a Rolls-Royce with Level 5 autonomy for at least 10-15 years. Furthermore, he said the upcoming BMW iNext will be launched with a Level 3 semi-autonomous driving system instead of the Level 5 system that has been promised. He said the car will technically have a Level 5 capability but "We don't believe that the world will be ready for a big rollout [of Level 4 or 5 technology] in 2021."

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VW Announces New Autonomous Driving Partnership, Aims To Make Driving As Simple As Hitting A Button

Posted: 04 Jan 2018 02:02 PM PST


The Volkswagen Group introduced the first production vehicle with Level 3 semi-autonomous driving technology when it unveiled the Audi A8 last summer and the company is hoping to build on that success by announcing a new partnership with Aurora Innovation.

While the partnership was just announced, Volkswagen says their specialists have already been working with experts from Aurora to integrate the latter company's autonomous driving technology into Volkswagen Group platforms. VW says these components include sensors, hardware, and software such as Machine Learning and AI (artificial intelligence) technology.

Volkswagen says the partnership aims to provide customers with a best-in-class user experience that focuses on safety, convenience and usability. The company went on to say cities will increasingly need "smart mobility solutions to help solve their traffic, pollution and traffic safety challenges."

While a number of automakers have walked a careful line by assuring drivers they won't be made redundant, Volkswagen Group Chief Digital Officer Johann Jungwirth said the company's goal is "Mobility for all, at the push of a button." Jungwirth says this will enable people who haven't been able to drive - such as children, the elderly, and the visually impaired - to become mobile without having to rely on others.

Jungwirth also hinted customers will eventually be able to use a VW mobility app or a digital virtual assistant to "hail a self-driving electric vehicle to drive them conveniently door-to-door."

Photo Gallery

Audi Hints The All-New A6 Could Debut In Geneva

Posted: 04 Jan 2018 01:30 PM PST


Audi doesn't have plans to hold a press conference at the North American International Auto Show but it appears the company could still reveal the all-new A6 later this month.

Back in December, we told you about the company's "Reveal the A6" film competition and now the automaker has released additional details about the campaign which asks aspiring filmmakers to produce a video for the upcoming sedan.

The people who submit the six best ideas will be invited to Ingolstadt to "experience the new Audi A6 Sedan up close" on January 15th. It remains unclear if this is just a private showing but it could suggest the company will reveal the car on that day as the material goes on to say "Up to this point, the car will not be disclosed to the public."

The six filmmakers will then be given €15,000 ($18,104) to turn their ideas into a film that needs to be completed by February 12th. The three best films will be shown at the Geneva Motor Show and this suggests the car will make its debut in Switzerland.

Audi is remaining tight-lipped about the model but the company said those "looking for inspiration for the features" on the A6 should "take a closer look at the new Audi A7 Sportback." Notable highlights on the latter model include a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a new interior layout that consists of a 10.1-inch upper display and an 8.6-inch lower display which provides access to various climate control and comfort functions.

We can also expect a Bang & Olufsen premium audio system and an assortment of advanced driver assistance systems which use up to five radar sensors, five cameras, 12 ultrasonic sensors, and a laser scanner.

Under the hood, there will be an assortment of four- and six-cylinder engines including a 3.0-liter TFSI V6 which develops 340 PS (250 kW) and 500 Nm (368 lb-ft) of torque. In the A7, the engine enables the model to accelerate from 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) in 5.3 seconds before hitting a limited top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph).

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Aston Martin CEO Open To A Tesla Roadster Rival, Says PHEVs Don't Make Sense

Posted: 04 Jan 2018 12:59 PM PST


Aston Martin has a lot on its plate but that hasn't stopped CEO Andy Palmer from revealing he's open to a high-performance electric vehicle that would compete with the upcoming Tesla Roadster.

When asked about the possibility of offering an electric vehicle that is smaller and faster than the Vantage, Palmer told Auto Express "It's possible." When went on to say "There are various challenges involved in making an EV, and the one everyone focuses on is the battery – the management system and the chemistry involved." However, he said companies such as Aston Martin are really good at other issues that affect electric vehicles including "weight, aerodynamic drag and rolling resistance."

As Palmer explained, this experience "puts us at an advantage over other brands who are making some big claims – such as Tesla, with a lightweight roadster."

Besides talking about a potential Tesla rival, Palmer said Aston Martin won't offer plug-in hybrids because they add too much cost and complexity. Instead, he would rather "spend my engineering dollar on going to what, after all, will be the final goal: pure-electric vehicles." Despite this, the company has plans for mild-hybrids which use 48V technology.

In related news, Aston Martin announced it sold 5,117 vehicles last year and this is the first time since 2008 they have surpassed the 5,000 unit mark. The company expects that success to continue as the Vantage will go into production this year and it will be joined by a replacement for the Vanquish.

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World's Ugliest Ford Mustang Is Up For Sale; Buy It And Kill It With Fire!

Posted: 04 Jan 2018 04:12 PM PST


We can only describe this as a Ford Mustang being bitten by a Lotus Elise in a top secret lab experiment that gone horribly wrong.

This …distinct creation first caught our attention back in 2013 when it was first offered for sale, asking $32,500 for it. Now though the custom-bodied, salvage-titled 2007 Ford Mustang V6 is offered for $5,995 on Craigslist.

The car's new body is described to have been made by hand-formed steel, except the door skins, roof and part of the trunk. Headlights are out of a 2008 Lotus Elise while the taillights come from a 1989 Cadillac, because why not.

The new hood tilts up, the door latches are operated remotely while the ad also mentions a Vortech supercharger. Total mileage is 37,000.

Perhaps it's time for someone with $6k burning a hole in their pocket to just go buy it and put the poor thing out of its misery.

PHOTO GALLERY

All These FCA Vehicles Need To Have Their Fire Extinguishers Replaced

Posted: 04 Jan 2018 12:01 PM PST


Of all the recalls we've seen from Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, this one hardly seems the biggest. It "only" affects about 60,000 vehicles, after all. But it's the enormous variety of them that's caught our attention.

The recall's been issued specifically for those vehicles equipped with Kidde fire extinguishers, the nozzles of which could be prone to clogging up or falling off altogether. In either case, they won't be doing their jobs in case, heaven forbid, an actual fire should break out.

FCA apparently fitted the problematic units to certain examples of – deep breath now – the Chrysler Pacifica (2018) and Town & Country (2014-2016); Dodge Caliber (2007), Challenger (2009), Charger (2016), Dart (2015-16), Durango (2004), Grand Caravan (2014-2016), and Journey (2014); Jeep Cherokee (2014-16), Compass (2017), and Patriot (2011); and Ram 1500 (2012, 2015), 2500 (2013-18), 3500 (2012-18), 4500 (2012-18), and 5500 (2012-18), as well as the ProMaster (2014-17), and ProMaster City (2015-17) vans.

Tally up all the models by their model years and you're looking at 55 different vehicles, accounting for 62,042 units in the United States. Rather than call them all into dealers to have those fire extinguishers replaced, though, FCA's instructing owners on how to get in touch with Kiddle for replacement units.

Photo Gallery

The Ford GT’s Suspension Is Much Smarter Than A Fifth Grader

Posted: 04 Jan 2018 11:33 AM PST


The Ford GT may not have a hybrid powertrain or a near million-dollar price tag to match that of its competitors, mainly the Holy Trinity of hypercars, but it's still one of the most advanced vehicles on sale today.

One of the GT's more notable pieces of equipment is its suspension setup. It's one of the things that astonished Jeremy Clarkson, leaving the outspoken journalist to claim the supercar was like a "Mad Caterham."

Wrapping one's head around the intricacies of the supercar's suspension setup requires a Master's Degree in Engineering. Luckily, Engineering Explained is here to simplify all of the insane engineering that went into the GT's suspension setup, allowing everyone to marvel at the automaker's engineers.

To help make things easier for everyone to understand, Jason Fenske of Engineering Explained, created an incredibly helpful animation showcasing the supercar's double wishbone pushrod suspension setup. Fenske also points out some interesting components on the GT, including the Multimatic eDSSV and a torsion-bar spring system, which consists of a hydraulic actuator, a coil spring, and a rocker.

While the setup itself is unique, things get really interesting when Fenske begins to explain how the GT has bespoke spring rates for the vehicle's ride height. We won't get too technical, as the video does a excellent job of explaining the setup, but something astonishing happens when the GT is put into its track mode.

When the car's sitting just 70-mm off the ground in track mode, the hydraulic actuator locks the coil spring into place, stopping it from moving. This gives the GT a higher spring rate at a lower ride height, ensuring the vehicle won't bottom out on bumps. Obviously, this is some incredible stuff.

The GT's suspension setup, as Top Gear's Chris Harris found is what makes the supercar the "lowest, flattest and yet the most compliant supercar of them all." With this kind of engineering, it shouldn't come as a surprise to hear that Ford recently set a new record on the Arctic Circle Raceway.

Photo Gallery



VIDEOS


Viper-Powered Jeep Wrangler V10 Is What You Dreamed Of As A Kid

Posted: 04 Jan 2018 11:04 AM PST


The Jeep Wrangler and Dodge Viper are two iconic automotive institutions so when the two come together, the results are expectedly incredible.

What you're looking at is a Viper-powered Wrangler that has undergone a comprehensive transformation to make even the new-generation Wrangler seem rather boring.

One look under the Wrangler's bright red hood reveals the mammoth 8.3-liter naturally-aspirated V10 engine that made the Viper so iconic. This engine pumps out roughly 500 hp and the listing claims that no expense was spared to ensure that the customized Jeep is much more than just a straight-line warrior.

In fact, numerous chassis modifications have been done to improve the vehicle's off-road prowess. For example, there's a beefed-up suspension system with increased travel, a custom built transmission, bespoke driveshafts with Tom Woods U-joints, a modified front axle, and a Dana 60 axle at the rear with 35 Spline shafts. Additionally, there are a set of 20-inch wheels with 35 Mickey Thompson Baja ATZ tires and brakes lifted straight from the Viper SRT10.

One look at the exterior of the Wrangler provides a hint of what's going on under the skin but only those passing by with the most creative mind could ever guess the engine that sends power to the ground.

The current asking price on eBay sits at $52,000, a somewhat reasonable sum considering all the work that's gone into the off-roader.

PHOTO GALLERY

2019 Mercedes A-Class Will Probably Look A Lot Like This

Posted: 04 Jan 2018 04:12 PM PST


If the third-gen CLS is any indication, Mercedes-Benz is in the midst of a design language shift, and the 2019 A-Class will probably adopt many of the new elements.

As soon as Mercedes started shedding some of the camouflage on their A-Class prototypes, we recognized the Concept A Sedan features, from the sharp, downward angled LED headlights to the horizontal, teardrop-shaped taillights.

There's also a little bit of the Concept EQA in the new A-Class, but the similarities are very subtle - mostly the shape of the headlights and the overall compact dimensions.

Just recently, the Stuttgart-based automaker released a teaser video showing the 2019 A-Class undergoing cold weather tests, providing us with a genuinely good look at the taillight graphics.

Now, thanks to Japanese website Response, we can see how all these features come together in what is undoubtedly the best all-new A-Class render we've seen so far, and it certainly seems like Mercedes is again aiming to make a stylish premium compact hatchback.

PHOTO GALLERY

Citroen's New Limited C4 Picasso And Grand C4 Picasso Rip Curl Edition Launched

Posted: 04 Jan 2018 12:35 PM PST


Citroen and Rip Curl have announced a new limited edition of the C4 Picasso and Grand C4 Picasso MPVs, following the success of the C4 Cactus and the SpaceTourer editions.

The new Rip Curl limited editions are based on the Live trim level and add a 12-inch panoramic display with Citroen's Connect Nav system, Mirror Screen and the Connect Box Emergency and Assistance system.

Other new features include special Rip Curl stickers on the front doors, 17-inch Zephyr diamond-cut black alloys, special chrome details on the C4 Picasso and roof arches on the bigger Grand C4 Picasso, black door mirror housings and exterior door handles, as well as dark-tinted side and rear windows.

The interior is upgraded with sliding seats on the second row for the C4 Picasso, special Stripe Grey cloth seats with the Rip Curl logo, a Dune Beige finish on the dashboard and door panels, white gold with laser etching door handles, as well as special floor mats.

The limited Rip Curl editions of the Citroen C4 Picasso and Grand C4 Picasso are available in five body colors, including Soft Sand, Lazuli Blue, Cumulus Grey, Platinum Grey and Polar White. The C4 Picasso is also available with an optional Onyx Black two-tone roof.

The engine range includes a turbocharged 1.2-liter three-cylinder with 130PS, mated to a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic transmission, as well as a 1.6-liter diesel unit with 120PS offered with the same gearbox options.

The new limited Rip Curl editions of the Citroen C4 Picasso and Grand C4 Picasso are available to order now, with prices starting from 27,500 euros for the former and 28,700 euros for the latter in France.

PHOTO GALLERY

VW Previews Its 2018 Product Plans With A Movie Trailer

Posted: 04 Jan 2018 04:12 PM PST


If VW's agenda for 2018 was turned into a movie script, it would probably get directed by M. Night Shyamalan.

What we mean by that is we can expect a mixture of twists and turns regarding multiple segments, from quick city cars to crossovers, to all-electric race cars.

The first major bit of news comes from the SUV segment, where the all-new 3rd-generation Touareg will make its world premiere this spring, at the Beijing Auto Show in April. The new Touareg is said to borrow heavily from the T-Prime Concept GTE, so it should look more dynamic than its predecessor.

What will follow will be a rather busy couple of months where we'll see the new Jetta and T-Cross roll out, followed by a new I.D model and as well as an all-electric race car aimed at tackling the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb event in Colorado.

VIDEO

Don't Worry, The New 2019 Mercedes-Benz G-Class Is As Tough As It Looks

Posted: 04 Jan 2018 09:07 AM PST


Mercedes-Benz is highlighting the fact that the next-generation G-Class has undergone an extensive development program by setting it loose on an off-road course.

Located near Graz, Austria, on a 1,445m (4,741ft) high mountain, the 5.6km (3.5 miles) route goes through the forest and includes gradients of up to 60 percent, and lateral inclinations of up to 40 percent.

However, this didn't turn out to be a challenge for the hairy-chested SUV, which uses a ladder-type frame, low-range gearbox, and three 100-percent differential locks. It also gets independent front suspension, 241mm (9.5in) of ground clearance, and plenty of other features that will help it cope with pretty much everything Mother Nature has to throw at it.

As modern as it may be, the 2019 Mercedes-Benz G-Class retains the same boxy design that made it famous. Inside, things will be completely different, as it gets not only plenty of leather and other high-end materials, but also the dual-screen layout that debuted on the new E-Class.

Mercedes-Benz will reveal the all-new SUV in just a little over the week, during the 2018 Detroit Auto Show, where it will mark its world premier, but you can get a first look at it through these leaked images. 

VIDEO

Longer VW Tiguan Allspace 7-Seater Arrives In UK Starting At £29,370

Posted: 04 Jan 2018 08:29 AM PST


Available in three trim levels, the new Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace has arrived in Britain, with a 7-seat layout, and more boot capacity.

Compared to the regular Tiguan models, the Allspace is 215mm (8.5in) longer, and rides on a 106mm (4.17in) longer wheelbase, which spans to 2,787mm (109.7in).

With all seats in position, the SUV has a luggage capacity of 230 liters (8.2cu-ft), but fold down the third row and the boot space will increase to 700 liters (24.72cu-ft), which is 85 liters (3cu-ft) more than the regular Tiguan. With the two rows folded flat, the luggage capacity stands at 1,775 liters (62.68cu-ft).

Pricing for the entry-level SE Navigation starts at £29,370 ($39,821) in the United Kingdom, when powered by the 1.4-liter TSI petrol engine with 150PS (148hp) and a 6-speed manual gearbox with FWD, whereas the cheapest 2.0-liter TDI diesel, rated at 150PS (148hp), can be had from £31,550 ($42,777). Opt for the most affordable 4WD model with a 7-speed DSG automatic gearbox and get ready to pay £34,905 ($47,325), and that's before checking any optional extras from the list.

This version of the Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace is well-equipped, though, as it comes 18-inch alloy wheels, parking sensors, 3-zone climate control, Discover Navigation infotainment with 8.0-inch touchscreen display, sat-nav, DAB radio, and Bluetooth. It also packs adaptive cruise control, Lane Assist, Front Assist, and City Emergency Braking.

The SEL spec adds a 12.3-inch TFT screen in the instrument binnacle, front sports seats with 14-way adjustment, panoramic sunroof, hands-free boot opening, and 19-inch alloy wheels, being priced from £32,545 ($44,126).

Becoming available towards the end of Q1 2018 is the R-Line, which adds specific 20-inch alloy wheels, a sports suspension that brings the body 15mm (0.6in) closer to the ground, body-colored rear spoiler, and black interior rooflining.





PHOTO GALLERY

The Grand Tour Season 2 Episode 5 Trailer Is Filled With Action

Posted: 04 Jan 2018 07:59 AM PST


This week on The Grand Tour: Jeremy gets inspired by Ken Block and wants to do one of those amazing videos, while Richard drives a small tank through a shopping mall, and James tests out a city car.

The action-filled trailer starts with Clarkson and an old Subaru Impreza WRX STI rally car, which is thrashed around an English farmland in an attempt to do some Ken Block-ing controlled drifts.

In a different continent, in UAE's Dubai, Hammond sits inside a small tank, which he uses in a luxurious shopping center, before taking it on the Sheikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Boulevard, and on the sand dunes. This part of the show was filmed more than a year ago, and it was initially believed that Jezza was in the driver's seat.

Meanwhile, May takes a trip to the Eboladrome test track to try out the Volkswagen Up! GTI, surrounded by flames and explosions, which he compares to "an 80s action movie".

We also see the facelifted Volkswagen Golf GTI going against its iconic predecessor, the Mk1 Golf GTI.

Back in the studio tent, Richard Hammond and James May reveal some behind-the-scenes footage that's described as "embarrassing", whereas the Celebrity Face Off shows English comedian, musician, TV and radio presenter Bill Bailey, and English actor Dominic Edward Cooper, in an attempt to find "the world's fastest person with a failed early career in a band".

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Hyundai’s Next-Gen FCEV To Debut New Autonomous Systems And Tell Us Its Name At CES

Posted: 04 Jan 2018 04:12 PM PST


Hyundai will visit the CES 2018 in Las Vegas with its next-generation FCEV to showcase a trio of new technologies, including its all-new autonomous systems.

The yet-unnamed, hydrogen-powered fuel cell EV will also reveal its name at the same time, while Hyundai will detail the new Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) that come with it.

The new Hyundai will become the newest member of the company's eco-friendly model family, adopting an SUV bodystyle and an innovative approach to its interior.

Hyundai calls the new interior approach the Intelligent Personal Cockpit, featuring AI-enhanced voice recognition and "vital sign-based wellness care". The dashboard will feature a pair of digital displays sitting side by side while the center console will be elevated for a more cockpit-like feeling.

Hyundai will reveal all the details of its new FCEV on Monday, January 8 during the press conference at the CES 2018.

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Tesla Delivered 1550 Model 3s In Fourth Quarter, Production Plans Pushed Back Again

Posted: 04 Jan 2018 04:12 PM PST


Tesla has fallen short of Wall Street expectations by revealing that it delivered just 1550 examples of the Model 3 in the fourth quarter of 2017.

Confirmation of these lower-than-expected delivery figures come just a couple of days after the Californian EV startup pushed back its target of producing 5000 Model 3 sedans per week until the end of the second quarter. Tesla initially intended on reaching this mark at the end of December.

On the back of these revelations, shares in Tesla fell by 1.7 per cent to $312 in after-market trading.

Many analysts believed Model 3 production would ramp up significantly in the fourth quarter this year and that roughly 4100 examples would be delivered.

Beyond the Model 3, Tesla says it delivered 15,200 Model S vehicles and 13,120 Model X SUVs in the fourth quarter, bringing total deliveries up to 29,870.

In a statement, Tesla said Model 3 production is increasing.

"In the last seven working days of the quarter, we made 793 Model 3s, and in the last few days, we hit a production rate on each of our manufacturing lines that extrapolates to over 1,000 Model 3s per week."

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Citroen Launches C3 ELLE Special Edition, Priced From £15,595

Posted: 04 Jan 2018 06:29 AM PST


Citroen has teamed up with fashion magazine ELLE in order to bring UK buyers a new special edition version of the C3 supermini.

The 2018 Citroen C3 ELLE will be priced starting at £15,595, as UK order books are scheduled to open tomorrow, January 5th.

Setting this special edition model apart from the regular versions is the Polar White body color with the exclusive Soft Sand two-tone roof as standard. Other features include the Gloss Black door mirrors, and Cherry Pink touches, which accentuate the fog light surrounds, Airbump and rear quarter-light graphic.

There is also a badge with the ELLE logo on the front doors, 17" wheels, as well as a special central roof graphic.

Inside, you find even more Cherry Pink accents, visible on the seat upholstery as well as on the dashboard surround. The C3 ELLE also comes with a wide range of safety and connectivity systems, such as ConnectedCAM Citroen, Citroen Connected Nav, Citroen Connect Box with Emergency & Assistance system, Active Safety Brake, Driver Attention Alert, Collision Risk Alert and Intelligent Beam Headlights.

This special edition version of the C3 is based on the Feel trim level, which means it's already equipped with electrically folding door mirrors, automatic air conditioning, Mirror Screen, Visibility Pack, Hill Start Assist, cruise control / speed limiter, Lane Departure Warning System and Speed Limit Recognition and Recommendation.

As for power units, UK buyers will get a choice of two petrol engines, PureTech 82 and PureTech 110 S&S, the latter also available with the EAT6 six speed automatic transmission.

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