Saturday, 6 January 2018

CARSCOOPS

CARSCOOPS

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Suzuki Crafts New Ignis Adventure And Vitara Kuro Special Editions

Posted: 06 Jan 2018 03:44 AM PST


Suzuki UK has announced the launch of new special editions for the Ignis and Vitara models, dubbed the Adventure and the Kuro respectively.

The new Suzuki Ignis Adventure builds upon the SZ-T trim level, adding a selection of personalization options, including a rear spoiler, side sills, front and rear skid plates, colored front grille center bar, side decals and color-keyed front fog lamp bezels along with a rear view camera, 16-inch alloys, roof rails and individually-sliding rear seats. Customers get to choose from four color options: Fervent Red, Boost Blue Pearl, Pure White Pearl or Super Black Pearl.

Suzuki reckons that the added value of the personalization options is £1,900, but the Adventure comes with a premium of just £1,000 over the SZ-T model, at £13,999.

As for the Vitara Kuro, this makes a return to the UK market after increased customer demand, with the company offering a further 1,000 units. The special model is based, once again, on the 1.6-liter SZ-T 2WD manual model that features automatic climate control, navigation with smartphone pairing and rear privacy glass as standard.

The Kuro treatment adds satin black alloy wheels, a black body kit that includes bumpers, side body mouldings, door mirrors, rear upper spoiler, front grille and the necessary Kanji 'Kuro' badging. The cabin features piano black touches on the dashboard and a carbon-effect analogue clock. The Suzuki Vitara Kuro is also available in four colors, including Superior White, Cosmic Black, Galactic Grey and Silky Silver.

PHOTO GALLERY

InnovizPro Claims Its New LiDAR Sensor Is The Best, Will Debut At CES

Posted: 06 Jan 2018 02:35 AM PST


Innoviz Technologies will be unveiling a new solid-state scanning LiDAR (laser radar) sensor during this year's Consumer Electronics Show in Vegas.

According to the tech company, the InnovizPro will offer the "most accurate and reliable performance of any LiDAR sensor" available today, delivering groundbreaking 3D sensing at a much lower cost.

It boasts a detection range of 150 meters (492 feet) and a frame rate of 20 FPS to go with a high angular resolution and wide field of view. The result of this is a dense 3D point cloud with high accuracy, even at night, during bright sunlight, changing weather or when the vehicle is traveling at high speeds.

"InnovizPro provides immediate accessibility to our advanced LiDAR technology and marks a giant leap forward for the entire autonomous vehicle market," said the company's CEO and Co-Founder, Omer Keilaf. "We are addressing a major need for high-resolution scanning technology at lower cost, with no minimum order required. While we continue to work towards automotive-grade LiDAR with InnovizOne, our partners can order InnovizPro now in order to gain access to the most advanced LiDAR currently available."

Innoviz will integrate its LiDAR into the autonomous driving systems of market leaders and suppliers such as Aptiv (Delphi Automotive) and Magna International. After CES, the InnovizPro will be demoed at Automotive World Japan in Tokyo, January 17-19.

PHOTO GALLERY



VIDEO

Which F1 Teams Would Be Lining Up For Aston Martin Engines?

Posted: 06 Jan 2018 01:28 AM PST


Aston Martin has made no secret of its desire to enter Formula One as an engine supplier, should the next set of rules suit its ambitions. If and when it does, it could have several customer teams lined up.

Red Bull Racing, with which Aston is already partnered on multiple fronts, would be the natural choice – especially given the team's dissatisfaction with its current Renault engine package.

Autosport points out that Toro Rosso could easily follow suit, especially if its new Honda deal doesn't work out any better than it did with McLaren. But that there are other independent teams that have expressed interest as well.

Ferrari, Mercedes, and Renault all manufacture their own engines, but McLaren, Force India, Haas, Sauber, and Williams (in addition to the two Red Bull teams) source theirs from suppliers. Given their close relationships with Ferrari, it would be hard to imagine Haas or Sauber jumping ship. And given their rivalry on road cars, McLaren might not be too eager to team up with Aston either.

Williams and Force India could be prime candidates for the new engine package, though getting them to jump ship from the successful Mercedes power under which they currently run could prove a challenge.

The bigger question, perhaps, is how Aston would develop the F1 engines. It would be highly ambitious for it to undertake the endeavor entirely in-house, and Mercedes-AMG might not prove as eager to help this time as it did with its road-car powerplants. It could, however, partner again with Cosworth, like it did on the Valkyrie's engine, and make good use of the engine constructor's extensive experience in F1.

Photo Gallery

New Renault Clio Reportedly Coming To Paris Show, Diesels Are Uncertain

Posted: 06 Jan 2018 12:15 AM PST


The current Renault Clio has been in production since 2012, making it one of the oldest cars in the supermini segment, but the French brand will introduce the fifth generation later this year.

Coming as early as the 2018 Paris Auto Show in September, prior to its on sale date scheduled for 2019, the B-segment car will basically be an evolution of the fourth generation model, says AutoExpress. Visually, it will be inspired by the Symbioz Concept and its larger sibling, the new Megane.

Looking to keep production costs as low as possible, Renault will continue to offer the next Clio based on the CMF-B architecture, albeit with a few modifications, which will give it access to a variety of petrol engines, including the turbocharged 0.9-liter three-cylinder, and the new 1.3-liter unit.

It's unclear at the moment whether any dCi diesel mills will make their way into the car, as the French manufacturer is still weighing in on this decision as the market is moving away from oil burners.

While diesels may be uncertain, the 2019 Renault Clio will get the 48V hybrid technology, paired to a small petrol engine, which will lead to lower emissions and improved fuel consumption. A plug-in hybrid variant has been apparently ruled out, though.

Moreover, the publication reports that the French brand's next-gen supermini will play its part in their electrified future, so we're probably looking at a new Zoe too, in the coming years.

The 2019 Renault Clio is also expected to adopt basic semi-autonomous driving, which will allow it to steer, accelerate, and brake on its own, raising the bar for other cars in the subcompact sector. Nevertheless, don't expect to read the paper behind the wheel, because drivers will be obliged to keep their hands on the steering wheel at all times.

Note: Renault Symbioz Concept pictured

PHOTO GALLERY

Pair Of Le Mans-Winning Corvettes Meet At Thermal Club

Posted: 05 Jan 2018 07:48 PM PST


When a personal car collection includes both the first Corvette that ever raced in Le Mans along with the last one, you have to bring those two together on a race track.

Bruce Meyer is the man that holds the keys to both the iconic Briggs-Cunningham C1 Corvette that raced in Le Mans in 1960 and a C6.R that won its class in 2009.

The C1 is the #2 car entered by the Cunningham team in Le Mans but failed to finish the 1960 race, but another C1 from the same team managed to score the victory in its class.

"I've always been a hot-rodder, a bit of a patriot and I love to see the American dominance in sports, and in motorsports," said Meyer to Petrolicious. "I love the American effort at Le Mans, and I decided to go see if I could find one of the original Le Mans Corvettes. So my first entry was with the C1 Corvette, and this was the very first Corvette to ever run Le Mans."

Meyer's C6.R is chassis 007 and comes with an impressive racing history. Despite the obvious advances in aerodynamics and chassis engineering, the racing Corvette's recipe retained the simple but always effective formula of a big, powerful engine, just like the C1 did.

"In its career, it raced 15 races, and of those 15 it finished 1st in 10 of them, and when it didn't finish first, in four of them it finished 2nd, and one time it DNF'd," Meyer added. "So it's come through unscathed, and as you see it today, is exactly how it finished Le Mans in 2009."

VIDEO

Is This Rare Jaguar D-Type Worth Over $10 Million?

Posted: 05 Jan 2018 07:13 PM PST


The Jaguar D-Type is one of the most beautiful cars ever produced and at Gooding & Company's upcoming Scottsdale auction, a bright red example is set to send collectors into a bidding frenzy.

This D-Type is chassis number XKD 518 and was one of approximately 24 delivered new in the UK, rolling out of the factory in December 1955. The red over red color scheme was selected by the customer at the factory, making it reportedly one of just two examples finished this way.

The car was originally delivered to Jaguar-Rover dealership Henlys but they struggled to sell it and eventually handed over the keys to ex-Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone. Not long after, it was given as a gift to 21-year-old Peter Blond from his father as a reward for not drinking or smoking.

During his ownership, Blonde raced the now-priceless D-Type roughly a dozen times in 1957 before selling it to his cousin, Jonathan Sieff, in the summer of 1957. In the ensuing years, the race car passed through the hands of numerous owners and continued to compete in races throughout the UK.

The auction house expects the car to sell for between $10 million and $12 million.

PHOTO GALLERY

Vandal Goes To Town On Rare Lamborghini Huracan Avio

Posted: 06 Jan 2018 04:28 AM PST


Not to make light of a serious matter, but either somebody was jealous for not getting one of just 250 units of the Lamborghini Huracan Avio, or they had some issue with the owner of this car.

Jokes aside, it's the latter, as some people choose to take their frustrations out on cars whenever they feel like getting revenge on someone.

According to the car's owner who goes by the nickname POG, his Huracan Avio was keyed on three different sides. He also says that he wasn't expecting to see something like this in Bruges, a nice, quiet town in Belgium.

"I am surprised by this. My sports cars have never been vandalized, considering I take them everywhere. People respect this type of car... most of the time."

Unfortunately, someone didn't. Perhaps that someone was on drugs, drunk, a jealous other half... Anyhow, now it's up to the police to find out who the offender was.

2019 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Likely Getting Diesel-Electric Hybrid

Posted: 05 Jan 2018 06:08 PM PST


In a surprising move, Mercedes-Benz has reportedly decided to offer the updated C-Class with a diesel plug-in hybrid powertrain.

According to Autocar, this version of the revamped C-Class will be named the C400d EQ Power and feature a zero-emission range of up to 31 miles (50km). Moreover, it will be joined by a new petrol-electric version, called the C400 EQ Power.

Both will use an updated version of the electric motor used on the current petrol-electric C350e PHEV that's delivering an extra 41hp to the wheels, in addition to a tweaked charging system, which will provide quicker charging times, according to undisclosed sources that are familiar with the issue.

The rest of the 2019 Mercedes-Benz C-Class models will benefit from new 2.0-liter four-cylinder petrol and diesel units, with extra power and lower CO2 emissions.

Diesels will churn out 148hp, 192hp, and 241hp in the C200d, C220d, and C300d, respectively. One of the petrol options will get 188hp in the C200 EQ Boost that's named that way to highlight the implementation of a mild hybrid setup with a 48V electric architecture that adds an extra 17hp of electric boost for short periods of time, and a belt-driven alternator.

The upcoming C300, on the other hand, doesn't have a hybrid function, but comes with 255hp, up 13hp compared to the current car, thanks to increased turbo boost pressure.

At the higher end of the range, the C43 models are believed to retain the 3.0-liter V6 engine, but with a minor power boost, whereas the top-of-the-tine C63 will get an updated version of the 4.0-liter V8 with new twin-scroll turbochargers.

Depending on the selected model, the facelifted C-Class will come with either a 6-speed manual or a new 9-speed automatic gearbox that replaces the 7-speed auto offered on the current models.

Styling changes to the 2019 Mercedes-Benz C-Class are expected to be discreet, with modified lighting units, bumpers, and a new diamond pattern grille insert on AMGs. The range-topping versions will get Adaptive Highbeam Assist Plus headlights as seen on the E-Class and S-Class.

The facelifted Mercedes-Benz C-Class is expected to mark its first public debut in March, at the 2018 Geneva Motor Show.

PHOTO GALLERY

Kid Attempts To Drift Mustang, Ends As You Expect It Would

Posted: 05 Jan 2018 10:40 PM PST


It seems like the poor Ford Mustang can't catch a break. From Pony car drivers crashing into a crowd, to multiple owners losing control while driving out of car meets, the past few years have been tough for Mustang owners.

Unfortunately, it looks like things aren't going to get any better in 2018.

Reddit user meltedlaundry posted a video of a fifth-gen Mustang driver losing control of the pony car and, you've probably guessed by now, crashing. In what appears to be a hold-my-beer kind-of moment, the Mustang comes hurling towards a corner and gets nothing but understeer, leading to the car jumping the curb and crashing into a fence.

While the young motorist is clearly a fool, props go to the people who put up that fence, because it took the impact like a champ.

There's no information or sound, so we're going to go out on a limb and say that the Ford driver was, stupidly we should add, trying to drift in a neighborhood. Unfortunately, the kid messed up big time and his new Mustang definitely isn't new anymore. Hopefully he's okay and the car's not totaled.

Here's a top tip: don't try to drift a car in a neighborhood because it's not going to end well.

VIDEOS

Cement Truck Takes A Tumble After Driver Swerves To Avoid Slowing Traffic

Posted: 05 Jan 2018 05:01 PM PST


A speeding cement truck ended up on its side on a road in Vietnam after the driver failed to avoid slower moving traffic up ahead.

Aside from the truck itself, another vehicle was also damaged in the crash, getting hit by the tail end of the concrete mixer. The damage to the passenger car doesn't seem serious enough and we hope there were no serious injuries or casualties.

As far as we can tell, the truck driver must have been caught by surprise once the cars ahead started slowing down, and it's safe to assume that he definitely should have been going slower and pay more attention to the traffic right in front of him. In any case, we sincerely hope he escaped this incident unharmed and will be more careful in the future...

VIDEO

Would You Pay $140k For A 2018 Dodge Demon Or Go For A Porsche 911 GT3?

Posted: 05 Jan 2018 04:27 PM PST


While all numbers point to the Dodge Challenger Demon being an absolute monster on the drag strip, is one really worth an extra $55,000 over MSRP?

Before you answer, consider that $140,000 buys you a 2018 Mercedes-AMG GT S with some nice options, or a brand new Porsche 911 GT3.

Yet, the owner of this used Demon thinks $140,000 is a fair number, as the car has just 21 miles (33 km) on the clock and features all options, even the Demon Crate, bar the sunroof. The ad can be found on Craigslist and a brief look at the description reveals that this is model number #348 of 3300, and that it has been kept inside a garage.

Now, the Demon is a beast on the drag strip, but asking AMG GT-S or 911 GT3 money for it might be a bit too much.

PHOTO GALLERY

Bugatti Chiron Hits 200MPH Faster Than You Can Say "Koenigsegg"

Posted: 05 Jan 2018 03:58 PM PST


Just by looking at its extraordinary output of 1,500PS, one would expect the Bugatti Chiron to be an absolute beast, a gigantic hypercar that's a handful to drive.

However, that's not the case, as the Veyron's successor is as elegant and easy to drive as a luxury cruiser until you push the right pedal all the way down; and even then, it's more refined than all of its direct rivals combined.

Last year, we saw the Chiron in the hands of various reviewers, but as the Molsheim-based company has started shipping them to various parts of the world, more people have the chance to sit behind the wheel.

Middle Eastern publication ArabGT are among those that got to drive the Chiron, but it's not the chit-chat part that we're interested in, as that's all in, well… Arabic, but the sheer force it deploys under heavy acceleration.

The camera right in front of the speedometer reveals just how quick the Bugatti is, if you ever needed confirmation, and how fast the needle gets to 325km/h (202mph), in sixth gear - and there's one more left. Bugatti is playing its hand very close to its chest, but we reckon that, at some point, it will attempt to beat the 458km/h (285mph) world record for production cars that was achieved by the Koenigsegg Agera RS a couple of months ago.

VIDEO

Two-Tone Bugatti Chiron Draws Plenty Of Attention In Monaco

Posted: 05 Jan 2018 03:44 PM PST


The Bugatti Chiron is one of the fastest and most expensive cars on the market so it comes as little surprise that the model draws plenty of attention wherever it goes.

That's even true in Monaco where this two-tone model was recently snapped by Facebook user Dphotographymc. The paint job might not appeal to everyone but that didn't stop the Chiron from being approached by countless fans that couldn't resist a closer look at the hyper car.

As you're probably aware, the Chiron has a quad turbocharged 8-liter W16 engine that produces 1,500 PS (1,103 kW) and 1,600 Nm (1,180 lb-ft) of torque. It enables the car to accelerate from 0-100 km/ in 2.4 seconds, 0-200 km/h in 6.1 seconds, and 0-400 km/h in 32.6 seconds. Given enough room, the model can eventually hit a limited top speed of limited 420 km/h (261 mph).

Of course, the company is expected to introduce a more extreme variant in the future and Bugatti test driver Andy Wallace suggested Michelin could be able to develop specially-made tires that can sustain a top speed in excess of 450 km/h (280 mph). If this were to happen, the model would best the Veyron Super Sport, which set a new land speed world record for production cars when it achieved an average top speed of 267 mph (431 km/h) over the course of two runs.

Video

2019 Bentley Bentayga V8 To Rated At 550 HP, Could Use Cayenne Turbo Engine

Posted: 05 Jan 2018 03:01 PM PST


Last week reports surfaced that Bentley was preparing to offer a twin-turbo V8 engine in the Bentayga.

That rumors has apparently been confirmed as Autoguide has unearth documents from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration that reveal the 2019 Bentayga will be available with a new twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 engine that produces 550 PS (404 kW). The document doesn't reveal much else but it seems like the Bentayga will use the same twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 engine that resides in the Porsche Cayenne Turbo.

In the Porsche, the engine produces 550 PS (404 kW) and 770 Nm (567 lb-ft) of torque. This enables the crossover to accelerate from 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) in 4.1 seconds before hitting a top speed of 286 km/h (177 mph).

For comparison, the Bentayga's 6.0-liter W12 engine develops 608 PS (447 kW) and 900 Nm (664 lb-ft) of torque. The mill allows the luxury crossover to run from 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) in 4.1 seconds and top out at 301 km/h (187 mph).

Initial reports suggested the V8 variant will be launched in July and it will be joined by a plug-in hybrid model which is slated to debut at the Geneva Motor Show.

Photo Gallery

Topless Mercedes SL Battles The Bomb Cyclone In Rhode Island

Posted: 05 Jan 2018 02:33 PM PST


The eastern coast of the United States is being hit by a "Bomb Cyclone" and it was brought extreme winter weather to a number of states in the region.

Cranston, Rhode Island is one of the areas that has been hit particularly hard so it's surprising that one viewer of the local NBC affiliate filmed a Mercedes SL (R129) with its top down during the middle of the storm. The rear-wheel drive roadster obviously struggles on the snowy roads and we can see what appears to be smoke or steam billowing from underneath the hood a few seconds into the clip.

A number of commenters have been extremely critical of the driver's decision to use the car in these conditions but a handful of other people have chimed in to claim they know the car's owner. Several of these people said the SL's roof is broken and this is the owner's only vehicle.

While driving the SL probably isn't the greatest or warmest decision, it appears the owner felt they had little choice but to use the car to go wherever they were heading.


Video

Dashing through the snow!

Dashing through the snow in Cranston!

Posted by WJAR NBC10 on Thursday, January 4, 2018

These Are The 10 Most And Least Expensive Cars To Repair After A Collision

Posted: 05 Jan 2018 04:31 PM PST


The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has confirmed the obvious, luxury and performance cars cost a fortune to repair following a collision.

While this isn't an earth shattering revelation, some models cost significantly more than others and the Bentley Continental GT stands out at its collision losses are 6.5 times greater than the average of $390 for all passenger vehicles. Nearly seven percent of all Continental GTs are involved in a collision and the model has a claim severity (how much is paid per claim) of $35,744 and overall losses (a combination of claim frequency and claim severity) of $2,536.

The Continental GT had plenty of familiar company at the top of the "highest overall losses" list as it was joined by the Continental Flying Spur and Continental GTC. Coupes took the next three spots as the BMW i8 had losses of $1,657 which was closely followed by the Maserati GranTurismo and M6 Coupe. Rounding out the top ten spots were the Audi RS7, BMW M3, BMW M4, and Maserati Ghibli.

At the opposite end of the spectrum, the Smart ForTwo electric had the lowest overall losses of $162. Podium positions also went to the Ram 1500 LWB 4WD and Ford F-250 4WD. Perhaps the most interesting vehicle on the list was the Corvette Z06 convertible which had a claim severity of $7,145 and losses of just $204.

The IIHS says this type of information is particularly helpful as data from collision claims include many crashes that aren't reported to police. The organization also notes more than half of collision claims for passenger vehicles cost less than $3,000 with the majority falling in the $1,000 to $1,999 range.

Photo Gallery

VW Slashes Tiguan Prices By Up To $2,180 In The U.S.

Posted: 05 Jan 2018 01:30 PM PST


The redesigned Volkswagen Tiguan has only been on sale in the United States for a few months but that hasn't stopped the company slashing prices in order to better compete with the competition.

Automotive News reports Volkswagen has informed dealers the price of the entry-level Tiguan S will be reduced by $600 which means it now starts at $25,495. The Tiguan SE sees a more substantial cut of $2,180 as the model now costs $27,650.

Likewise, the luxury-oriented Tiguan SEL starts at $31,990 which is a decrease of $1,460. The range-topping Tiguan SEL Premium is unchanged and costs $37,150.

The publication reports the price change is retroactive and Volkswagen is sending out new Monroney stickers to existing models in dealer inventory. This means customers who are shopping for a Tiguan should hold off for a bit as their patience will be rewarded with significant savings.

There doesn't appear to be any other changes besides the price reductions but Volkswagen's media site suggests models with the updated pricing will be called the 2018.5 Tiguan. Regardless, the crossover features a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine which produces 184 hp (137 kW) and 221 lb-ft (299 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 $1,300.

Photo Gallery

FCA To Showcase 2018 Jeep Wrangler And New Tech Features At CES

Posted: 05 Jan 2018 12:59 PM PST


Chrysler introduced the Portal concept at the Consumer Electronics Show last year and the company is returning in 2018 to showcase of host of new features.

The main attraction will be the 2018 Jeep Wrangler which recently debuted at the Los Angeles Auto Show. Fiat Chrysler Automobiles is bringing it to CES to highlight the model's high-tech features which include 4G LTE connectivity and an 8.4-inch Uconnect infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility.

The brand will also be showcasing their new Jeep Adventure Reality app for late model iOS devices such as the iPhone 7, 8, and X as well as the iPad Pro. The app is currently available and it's an augmented reality configuration tool which allows users to build their own 2018 Wrangler and then see what it would look like in their driveway.

Besides the Wrangler, FCA will be touting their new Uconnect smartwatch app which is available for Apple Watch and Android Wear devices. The app allows users to remotely start their vehicle, lock / unlock doors, and honk the horn if they need to find their vehicle in a crowded parking lot.

Another new technology feature is FCA's Family Alerts which allow owners to monitor their vehicle from the Uconnect smartphone app. Owners can set a variety of alerts including a Boundary Alert, a Curfew Alert, and a Speed Alert. There's also a Valet Alert which will notify owners if their vehicle is driven outside a 0.25-mile radius of its drop-off location.

Another new feature is called Drive 'n Save and it is available on 2018 models equipped with Uconnect Access or SiriusXM Guardian. The system collects data on how the vehicle is being driven and owners can then use that information to try to get a discount on insurance.

Photo Gallery

Ferrari's Hardcore 488 GTO Coming Sometime This Year

Posted: 05 Jan 2018 12:31 PM PST

Ferrari is poised to bring a hardcore version of its 488 GTB to market some time this year, according to the latest intel.

The news comes from AutoGuide, which found an entry for a "488 Special Series Coupe" among the 2018 models Ferrari submitted for certification by the California Air Resources Board.

The mysterious new model is listed alongside the existing 488 GTB, 488 Spider, GTC4Lusso T, and California T (which has since been replaced by the new Portofino) – all of them powered by versions of the same award-winning 3.9-liter twin-turbo V8 engine and seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.

Though far from specific, the entry points quite clearly towards a more hardcore take on Maranello's mid-engined V8 supercar, following in the footsteps of the 360 Challenge Stradale, 430 Scuderia, and 458 Speciale. The jury's still out on what name it might adopt, but let's just say we won't be surprised if it's designated GTO in the spirit of earlier 599, 288, and 250 models.

Whatever it's called, the smart money's on a debut at the Geneva Motor Show this March. What we can count on, though, is that the more focused 488 will pack more power, less weight, and a stiffened suspension in similar spirit to the Lamborghini Huracan Performante and Porsche 911 GT2 RS – both of which have proven their mettle around the Nürburgring. (And stripes. It'll probably have stripes.)

Photo Gallery

Facelifted Porsche Macan Getting Ready For Its Big Day

Posted: 05 Jan 2018 04:31 PM PST


The facelifted Porsche Macan is edging closer to its reveal this year and was recently snapped on film with very little camouflage.

To the casual observer, this black Porsche is just any old Macan. However, a closer look reveals that it has hints of camouflage on the headlights and taillights, identical to the touches applied to previous prototypes.

Alongside the revised lights and obligatory new bumpers, our sources suggest that the refreshed Macan will also receive an LED strip running the width of the rear that connects the taillights, just like the latest Porsche Panamera.

Interior changes are expected to be minor and will likely consist of Porsche's latest infotainment system with touch capacitive surfaces.

A premiere in the first half of the year is to be expected.

VIDEO

Unique Lark Livery McLaren P1 GTR Is The UK's Most Prized Used Car

Posted: 05 Jan 2018 11:30 AM PST


It's not often that a used car leaves us breathless but this bespoke McLaren P1 GTR is no ordinary used car.

Recently listed for sale from Tom Hartley Junior in the UK, this P1 GTR is one of the most recognizable in the world. We were fortunate to see it in person at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in 2016 and were left absolutely flawed by the eye-catching looks.

As you may or may not know, this P1 GTR was built to exactly mimic the Lark race-winning McLaren F1 GTR also owned by a well-known English collector. It is unclear why he is parting ways with the hybrid hypercar but it'll inevitably fetch a hefty sum.

Further adding to the desirability of the car is the fact that it has been converted to road use by Lanzante Motorsport and has just 852 miles on the clock. It will be sold with its original factory-supplied diagnostic equipment, racing wheels, tires, racing exhaust, and custom car cover.

As with every other P1 GTR, power is provided by a twin-turbo 3.8-liter V8 engine mated to an electric motor to create a combined 986 hp.

PHOTO GALLERY

Chevrolet's New 2018 Tahoe RST Is Intriguing, But Is It Worth $78,000?

Posted: 05 Jan 2018 11:00 AM PST


SUVs are all the rage nowadays and one of the most popular from General Motors is the large Chevrolet Tahoe.

Like the Suburban, the Tahoe is a behemoth but earlier this year, the brand introduced a sporty RST package for the SUV despite its size. Hoovies Garage recently jumped behind the wheel of the $78,000 Chevrolet to see if it is worth the money.

Compared to a standard Tahoe, the RST includes a Borla high-performance exhaust system and optional Brembo six-piston front calipers alongside mammoth 410 x 32 mm discs.

From a visual standpoint, Tahoe RST customers receive a gloss black front grille, black roof rails, unique badging, and 22-inch wheels wrapped in Bridgestone rubber.

Earlier this month, Chevrolet introduced a host of updates for its Tahoe Police Pursuit Vehicle and Hoovies Garage also had the chance to test it out.

VIDEO

New Mitsubishi Shogun Sport Lands In The UK From £36,905

Posted: 05 Jan 2018 04:31 PM PST


The Mitsubishi Shogun Sport will go on sale this spring in the UK, with prices starting from £36,905 OTR for the Sport 3 and £38,905 OTR for the top-spec Sport 4.

Positioned between the Outlander and the regular Shogun within the range, the Shogun Sport will be equipped with a 2.4-liter turbodiesel engine, good for 181 PS (178 HP) and 430 Nm (317 lb-ft) of torque. It will also comes with an all-wheel drive system and a new 8-speed automatic.

Features such as Hill Descent Control, Trailer Start Assist, Hill Start Assist and the dedicated off-road mode are all standard.

The entry-level Sport 3 version also comes with leather upholstery, electrically-adjustable front seats, power folding mirrors, LED headlights, taillights and DRLs, dual-zone climate control, reversing camera with rear parking sensors, Bluetooth connectivity, Smartphone Link Display Audio (SDA), keyless entry with push-button start, privacy glass and automatic headlights and wipers.

Meanwhile, the Sport 4 adds heated front seats, the Mitsubishi Power Sound System (boasting extra tweeters and a 510W amplifier), headlight washers, plus a wide range of active safety features such as Adaptive Cruise Control, Forward Collision Mitigation, Blind Spot Warning, a 360-view camera and the Ultrasonic Mis-Acceleration Mitigation System.

Buyers will only be able to choose between 3 metallic color variants, namely Deep Bronze, Atlantic Grey and Sterling Silver, plus pearlescent Imperial Red and solid Polar White. The top-spec Sport 4 is also available in Cosmos Black pearlescent.

PHOTO GALLERY

Uber’s Travis Kalanick To Sell 29 Percent Of His Stake For $1.4 Billion

Posted: 05 Jan 2018 10:03 AM PST


The former Uber CEO and co-founder Travis Kalanick is planning to sell 29 percent of his stake in the ride-hailing company.

Kalanick, who has boasted in the past that he would never sell any of his shares in Uber, will earn around $1.4 billion from the transaction with the SoftBank Group and a team of investors who have already agreed to buy equity valuing Uber at $48 billion, according to Bloomberg which cites inside sources.

Kalanick, who currently owns 10 percent of the company, offered to sell as much as half of his shares but he had to trim back the amount due to the limits set in an agreement between Uber and the buyers.

If the transaction goes through, Kalanick will turn from one of the wealthiest people on the world on paper to an actual billionaire for the first time. He was pressed to resign last year from the CEO position, following Uber's legal troubles and a series of government investigations into how the company is doing business.

The deal is expected to close later this month, and once it's finalized, Uber will go through a number of reforms that will effectively reduce Kalanick's influence at Uber.

PHOTO GALLERY

Speeding Audi A8 T-Bones Hummer Limo, Both Drivers At Fault?

Posted: 05 Jan 2018 04:31 PM PST


Despite the Audi having the right of way, had it not been speeding, the Hummer might have had time to clear the intersection.

That's not to say that whoever was behind the wheel of that old A8 was more to blame than the limo driver. The latter should have paid more attention, without assuming that any incoming traffic would stick to the speed limit.

However, it almost seems as though the driver of the Audi didn't brake as hard as they could/should have once they noticed the Hummer poking its nose where it didn't belong.

This crash is a perfect example of why people should slow down at intersections, even if they have the right of way, have a green light and even if they're not speeding. You never know who's out there not paying attention.

As for the impact itself, we could call it moderate. Let's hope the person driving the Audi was wearing a seat belt.

VIDEO

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