Carscoops | Newsletter

The Jaguar XJR-15 Really Was A Street-Legal Le Mans Racer
Porsche And Audi Co-Developing All-New PPE EV Platform
Mitsubishi Is Planning To Add Another SUV To Its Lineup
Get The Richard Mille Chronograph To Go With Your McLaren Senna
Ford GTs Old And New Try On Wheelsandmore’s Carbon Fiber Rims
San Francisco Mayor Wants Safety Tests On Autonomous Prototypes
Hennessey Venom F5 Could Get Quad-Turbo Setup For 300 MPH Vmax
Ford Mustang Bullitt Celebrates Its European Debut In Two Videos
BMW Introduces Diesel Return Promise To Calm Fears Over Bans
G-Power Turns The BMW M5 Into A 700PS Beast – And There’s A 1,001PS Option, Too
New York Auto Show To Host Nearly 60 World And North American Debuts
Is Jerry Seinfeld Really The One Who Pitched The 911 R To Porsche?

The Jaguar XJR-15 Really Was A Street-Legal Le Mans Racer

Posted: 10 Mar 2018 03:54 AM PST

Many sports cars have been billed as a race car for the road, but few if them actually fit that mold. Jay Leno got to sample a true street-legal race car on the latest episode of Jay Leno's Garage: the Jaguar XJR-15.

When it comes to supercars from the '90s, the Ferrari F40, Porsche 959, Jaguar XJ220, and McLaren F1 are standout vehicles that every car enthusiast surely remembers. The , XJR-15, though, is equal, if not better, to all of them.

Built by Tom Walkinshaw Racing who took care of Jag’s racing programs, the XJR-15 was a very limited run to celebrate the wins at Le Mans and Daytona. How limited? Apparently, only 53 units were built and only half of those were actually road legal, while the rest were pure racers.

The XJR-15 utilized the same carbon-fiber chassis as the XJR-9 Group-C racing car. Not only that, but it also had a similar engine: a naturally-aspirated 6.0-liter V12 engine that cranks out 450 horsepower. That might not sound like a lot of power by today's standards, but with its carbon-fiber bodywork, there's not a lot of weight to haul down the road.

The XJR-15 really is a race car – it even came with a gearbox that had straight-cut gears. It's so loud, Jaguar actually sold the vehicle with headsets for the passengers to talk to one another. It sounds amazing, looks incredible, and has an awesome story.

The owner of this particular example, Dr. Jasbir Dhillon from Tennessee, actually wrenches on the car, as you don’t need any fancy tools or an automotive degree to perform most jobs if you have a solid understanding of how it works.

You can watch Leno and Dhillon take the car for a spin around Los Angeles and talk about its history in the video right below.

VIDEO

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Porsche And Audi Co-Developing All-New PPE EV Platform

Posted: 10 Mar 2018 02:58 AM PST

Audi and Porsche are working together to develop a next-generation electric architecture that will be used for future models from the VW Group’s premium brands.

Motor Trend reports that this all-new platform will be available in three variants, with Audi engineering two and Porsche one. According to Audi technical development chief Peter Mertens, however, the two won’t go it alone.

Codenamed PPE (Premium Platform Electric), the architecture will replace the J1 platform of the Porsche Mission E and the modified MLB that will be used by the Audi e-Tron Quattro.

The PPE will use some components and technology modules from the MEB and J1, but they will be optimized to make sure they suit high-performance luxury vehicles from the VW Group.

According to Mertens, Audi has abandoned its plans to create a next-generation MLB for ICE, hybrid and battery-electric powertrains in favor of the PPE: "We have changed direction. You give up too much potential if you have a platform that tries to do everything – it's too expensive, too heavy, it has proportions that do not fit with luxury brands.”

The new platform will also benefit from lessons learned during the development of the MEB architecture that will underpin more than 15 mainstream VW models by 2025.

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Mitsubishi Is Planning To Add Another SUV To Its Lineup

Posted: 10 Mar 2018 02:06 AM PST

Mitsubishi used to be a company that, apart from the mainstream models, also made sports coupes and hardcore sedans. Nowadays, though, the Japanese company is focusing on the SUVs and crossovers, which might not satisfy petrolheads but is good for sales. And while it already has quite a few SUVs, the brand is reportedly looking into adding another one to its lineup.

According to CarBuzz, who spoke with Tsuneshiro Kunimoto, the vice president and general manager of Mitsubishi design, the brand is indeed considering a new crossover.

"Yes, that is one thing we are looking at. A New SUV," said Kunimoto-san. "The SUV is still growing, also in China and Europe, so it would be a good decision for Mitsubishi."

When we hear that Mitsubishi wants to add another tall, chunky vehicle to its lineup, we can only hope for a successor to the Montero. While that vehicle isn't sold in the U.S. anymore, the Pajero SUV, which is also sold under the Shogun name, is still available in other parts of the world. The automaker's lineup already consists of multiple SUVs and crossovers, but there's an obvious gap for an off-roader.

The Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi alliance will also provide the Japanese brand with possible components to use from Nissan, which has a few vehicles that are capable of getting dirty. This could help Mitsubishi build a competitor to the Toyota 4Runner, Jeep Wrangler and upcoming Ford Bronco while limiting its development costs, though we doubt they’ll go for a hardcore off-roader as Kunimoto spoke about an SUV.

Either way, Mitsubishi’s exec sees room for growth: "Mitsubishi is robust and ingenious. Look at the Pajero at Dakar, for example. Thanks to the new alliance, we have so many choices. Mitsubishi will continue to grow."

Kunimoto didn't discose when the new SUV would make its debut, but did say that development is currently in progress and that it could feature a plug-in hybrid powertrain.

Note: Mitsubishi Pajero Sport pictured

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Get The Richard Mille Chronograph To Go With Your McLaren Senna

Posted: 10 Mar 2018 12:50 AM PST

Maybe you get it, maybe you don’t, but people who are in the market for high-end exotic supercars tend to buy high-end writstwatches, too. So, automakers are only too happy to oblige by partnering with top timekeepers to make timepieces to go with their cars.

The latest is McLaren, which teamed up with Richard Mille for this watch to go with the new Senna. It’s called the RM11-03 McLaren Automatic Flyback Chronograph, and while it’s not specifically tied to the Senna, it is being made in a limited run of only 500 examples (like the Senna) and is being offered first to customers of McLaren’s Ultimate Series.

So what do we have here,? Well, for starters, it’s made of Carbon TPT – a lightweight yet incredibly strong material co-developed by Richard Mille and McLaren Applied Technologies at the University of Manchester. The material is interlaced with orange quartz TPT and finished with titanium components.

The RM11-03 is designed with cues from McLaren supercars, like bezel inserts reminiscent of the McLaren F1’s roof snorkel, push-buttons that look like the headlights on the 720S, a crown shaped like one of McLaren’s lightweight wheels and a rubber strap emblazoned with the McLaren "speedmark" logo. The timepiece uses the high-end watchmaker’s proprietary RMAC3 calibre mechanism with a flyback chronograph function and 55-hour power reserve.

The price for such intricacy? An eye-watering 180,000 Swiss francs, plus tax – or about $190k in equivalent American greenbacks. That’d be almost enough to buy a McLaren 570S, but it’s a heck of a lot less than the million-dollar piece the same watchmaker crafted for the McLaren racing team.

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Ford GTs Old And New Try On Wheelsandmore’s Carbon Fiber Rims

Posted: 09 Mar 2018 07:02 PM PST

Wheelsandmore have stepped up their game by creating new rims for one of the most desired American cars: the Ford GT.

Available for both the second generation as well as the latest GT, the carbon fiber wheels suit the supercar like a glove, technically at least, and are TUV approved.

Made in Germany, and probably shippable worldwide, the wheels come in different sizes and finishes and the company recommends either the 20- or 21-inch ones.

The former adds 9.0×20-inch front and 12.0×20-inch rear wheels shod in 245/35 and 325/30 tires respectively, while the latter are 9.0×21- and 12.5×21-inch in size and come with 255/30 front and 355/25 rear rubber.

Previously available for some of the most exclusive supercars out there, including the Ferrari LaFerrari, McLaren P1, Porsche Carrera and different Paganis, Koenigseggs and Gumperts, the carbon fiber wheels can now be fitted to the Ford GT as well.

The two-piece construction, with a carbon rim tube and forged wheel hub, is also TUV certified, and could bring that extra bling to the GT.

And since this is a special project for Wheelsandmore, they have released an image gallery with the new Ford GT alongside its predecessor, both of them on its new rims.

That also gives us the chance to visually compare the two generations of the Ford GT that, although they share the same name and legacy, are worlds apart in their execution. So, which would you rather have: the one that harks back to the original GT40 Le Mans racer, or the 21st century high-tech one that was developed as a racer first and a street car second and also won its class at Le Mans?

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San Francisco Mayor Wants Safety Tests On Autonomous Prototypes

Posted: 09 Mar 2018 06:15 PM PST

The Mayor of San Francisco, Mark Farrell, wants all developers of autonomous vehicles operating in the city to take part in a safety assessment exercise.

Wired reports that the exercise will involve providing detailed demonstrations of autonomous prototypes in action to first responders, transit operators and city officials, all in an effort to ensure they know what to do if something ever goes wrong. The mayor reportedly wants the whole thing to come together before the end of the month.

"Local officials are always going to be responsive to the people within their cities. They want to make sure they're being responsive if community members have concerns," said Brooks Rainwater from the National League of Cities’ Center for City Solutions.

While San Francisco’s Mayor may want to force autonomous vehicle developers to operate in certain ways, even he admits that, in reality, he is not legally entitled to do so.

"Unfortunately, San Francisco does not have local jurisdictional control over this issue and that’s why we're doing everything we can be proactive, to engage with these companies and with these vehicles. Public safety is my number one concern here," he said.

Other things Farrell wants from autonomous vehicle developers are detailed plans that inform first responders how to contact a vehicle’s remote operator, remove a vehicle from the roadway and disengage autonomous functions, and he also wants law enforcement to receive hands-on training with autonomous vehicles.

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Hennessey Venom F5 Could Get Quad-Turbo Setup For 300 MPH Vmax

Posted: 09 Mar 2018 05:36 PM PST

The Venom GT was one of the fastest cars ever made, but John Hennessey wants to go above and beyond with the Venom F5. To that end, his tuning company is going to make a bespoke V8 engine for the supercar.

The Venom GT was powered by a 7.0-liter twin-turbo V8 that was good for 1,451hp. Instead of upgrading this engine and making it even more potent, Hennessey Performance is going with something new.

In an interview with TopGear.com, Hennessey stated that the Venom F5 will utilize a "completely bespoke, 8.0-liter twin-turbo V8" that cranks out 1,600hp.

Hennessey added that the possibility of said V8 featuring a quad-turbo setup is pretty high. Apparently, the tuning company will make the decision to go with either two or four turbochargers before this year's Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance.

The reasoning behind the decision is to help the Venom F5 set a new top-speed record. The team is aiming for 300 mph, which is a figure that Koenigsegg claims the Agrea RS can hit. "You've got Koenigsegg in first position now. Bugatti is not going to take it sitting down, so they're gonna jump back in the game," said Hennessey. "But I think there's a squabble somewhere in the 280s, and about the time dust settles from those guys slapping each other about, then we'll turn up."

With an 8.0-liter twin (or quad) turbocharged V8 engine that generates 1,600 hp, one would expect the F5 to turn out to be a land missile that's only capable of traveling in a straight line. But Hennessey wants the car to be an all-rounder, which sounds like a difficult task.

"We're looking to build a car that is very comfortable on the road and delivers unbelievable straight-line performance," said Hennessey. Even so, a high-downforce version with the massive splitter and massive wing could pop up at some point.

Only 24 units of the Venom F5 will be built and each one will go for $1.6 million. But with options, pricing for the supercar can easily eclipse the $2 million mark. Despite the price, 12 orders have already been placed, so there are still 12 left for sale.

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Ford Mustang Bullitt Celebrates Its European Debut In Two Videos

Posted: 09 Mar 2018 05:03 PM PST

Arguably the best version of the new Ford Mustang, the Bullitt isn’t limited to the North American market. In fact, it has already landed in Europe making its debut at the Geneva Motor Show before going on sale in selected markets across the continent later this year.

Since it’s a reincarnation of a classic movie that has Steve McQueen’s name tied to it, Ford chose to highlight it by using a few dynamic scenes in one of the videos that follow. The other is a strict reference to its performance and sexy lines, while also emphasizing some of its special features.

There is a mechanical difference between the US version of the car and the European one, namely the 5.0-liter V8 engine that produces 475hp in the former and only 457hp (464PS) in the latter. Not a big difference, though, plus it comes with a six-speed manual transmission with Ford's new rev-matching technology.

The new Mustang Bullitt is finished in the classic Highland Green, but the brand’s marketing department believed that this might not appeal to everyone, so they’re also offering it in Shadow Black.

Other features worth mentioning are the 19-inch alloys, special exterior add-ons, Bullit-style fuel cap, 12-inch digital instrument cluster and premium stereo.

Ford Europe hasn't announced any pricing details yet, but nevertheless, it will be more expensive than the current GT, which starts from €46,000 ($56,889) in Germany.

VIDEO

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BMW Introduces Diesel Return Promise To Calm Fears Over Bans

Posted: 09 Mar 2018 04:33 PM PST

The Federal Administrative Court in Leipzig, Germany created a lot of fear and uncertainty when it ruled cities could ban older diesel-powered vehicles from driving on their streets.

There’s been a lot of debate about how the bans will play out but the uncertainty has left many people afraid to buy a new vehicle with a diesel engine. This is understandable as nobody wants to buy or lease a new car only to learn they won’t be able to use it a few months later.

The resulting drama has made diesel-powered vehicles about as popular as tuberculosis but BMW is looking to calm those fears by introducing its “diesel return promise.” Starting on March 15th, anyone who leases a new BMW vehicle with a diesel engine will be able to “enter into a comparable termination agreement” if a driving restriction on diesel vehicles is applied within a 100 km (62 mile) radius of their primary residence or place of work.

BMW expects a “meaningful implementation” of the court’s ruling to go into effect and doesn’t believe modern diesel vehicles will be subject to any restrictions. However, the company acknowledges the court’s decision has created “great” uncertainty among motorists. As a result, the company hopes its diesel return promise will “strengthen the trust of its customers with the possibility of flexible vehicle switching.”

Besides announcing the diesel return promise, BMW will offer an “environmental bonus” to owners of older diesel-powered vehicles which will most likely be affected by driving restrictions. Owners of Euro 4 vehicles or older can receive up to €2,000 ($2,461) which can be used to purchase an i3, a plug-in hybrid or a new Euro 6 vehicle with emissions of 130 g/km or less.

Despite the program, BMW’s head of sales and marketing in Germany, Peter van Binsbergen, said “Our diesel vehicles are fit for the future.” He also added, “The diesel engine is one of the most efficient drive systems currently installed in vehicles, and also very clean thanks to the multi-stage exhaust gas purification process.”

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G-Power Turns The BMW M5 Into A 700PS Beast – And There’s A 1,001PS Option, Too

Posted: 09 Mar 2018 04:02 PM PST

Some owners of the E60/E61 BMW M5 aren’t willing to swap their rides for the latest version – and for a good reason, as they pack a naturally aspirated 5.0-liter V10 engine.

The stock output is 507PS (500hp) and 520Nm (384lb-ft) of torque, or less than 100PS (99hp) shy off the new model, which has two less cylinders. Not bad for a car that dates back to the previous decade.

But what if one needs more power from their trusty M5? Well, then they’ll have to turn to a tuner. In the case of G-Power’s supercharger, the output grows to a staggering 700PS (690hp) and 680Nm (502lb-ft) of torque.

The upgrade fits both the E60 and E61 saloon and Touring (estate) versions of the M5, as well as the second-gen M6. The latter was around from 2006 to 2010 and uses the same 5.0-liter V10 as the M5.

G-Power doesn't say how fast their tuned E61 BMW M5 is, but the upgrade costs a steep €16,838.50 (equal to $20,900), and that’s without installation. This can be joined by other aftermarket parts, such as a new exhaust manifold and sport catalysts.

Browsing through their offerings reveals yet another compressor system for the BMW M5/M6, which raises output to 1,001PS (987hp) and costs €69,500 ($86,268). That’s about €10,000 ($12,413) more than a new M2 Coupe in Germany, but hey, it boasts the exact same output as the first Bugatti Veyron!

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New York Auto Show To Host Nearly 60 World And North American Debuts

Posted: 09 Mar 2018 03:31 PM PST

Press days just wrapped up at the Geneva Motor Show and we’re already turning our attention to the New York Auto Show which kicks off on March 28th.

This year’s show will be jam packed with new models as we can expect approximately 60 world and North American debuts. Speaking of the latter, the New York Auto Show confirmed we’ll see the North American debut of a handful of models which were recently unveiled in Geneva. This includes the Audi A6, Hyundai Santa Fe, Jaguar I-Pace, Lexus UX and Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door Coupe. Visitors will also be able to check out the Range Rover SV Coupe, Rimac C_Two and Volvo V60.

Besides the aforementioned models, there will be a handful of world debuts. One of the most prominent will be the Cadillac XT4 which will become the brand’s entry-level crossover. The model was teased during the Academy Awards and it is expected to feature a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing at least 275 HP (205 kW). It will eventually be joined by a plug-in hybrid variant.

Nissan, on the other hand, will take the wraps off the redesigned Altima. The model was previewed by the V-Motion 2.0 concept and it will have a more aggressive design than its predecessor. Engine options remain unconfirmed but one of the company’s engineers recently hinted about the possibility of an all-wheel drive variant.

Korean brands will also have a big presence at the show as Genesis will unveil a new concept. Kia is also expected to introduce the redesigned K900.

Besides seeing a handful of new cars, we’ll find out which model has been named the 2018 World Car of the Year. The finalists are the Mazda CX-5, Range Rover Velar and Volvo XC60.

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Is Jerry Seinfeld Really The One Who Pitched The 911 R To Porsche?

Posted: 09 Mar 2018 03:00 PM PST

Everyone knows Jerry Seinfeld the comedian, but few outside of the automotive world know that he loves his Porsches. According to the latest episode of Spike's Car Radio , Seinfeld reached out to Porsche about the idea of a 911 R 10 years go!

The 911 R is the vehicle 911 enthusiasts have been waiting for since the 911 GT3 went PDK-only. It's got a naturally-aspirated 4.0-liter flat six, a manual gearbox and does away with the GT3’s rear wing, so it doesn’t draw that much attention. Think of it as a less conspicuous version of the 991.1 GT3 with a manual transmission – and, as those we’ve driven it swear, it’s arguably one of the best cars Porsche has ever made.

While we all thought that Weissach was finally answering the requests of its customers concerning the manual gearbox, Seinfeld claims that he pitched the idea of a similar vehicle a decade ago. On the podcast, Seinfeld and host Spike Feresten recall a conversation the former had with a few of the automaker's designers.

"I wanted to do a custom-made, one-off 911," said Seinfeld. "Ten years ago, Grant [Larson] and I had discussed this, and he approached the board. What I wanted to build was a new 911 R, which they refused us, but then, four to five years later, the 911 R appears."

That rear wing that was deleted? Well, Seinfeld claims it was his idea: "I wanted a super-lightweight, no-wing, GT3".

So, does this make him the “father” of the 911 R? Can’t tell until Porsche comments on his allegations. In any case, the R has worked out really well for Porsche. It also worked very well for those who flipped their “used” Rs right away, as the huge demand allowed them to ask, and get, huge premiums.

Finally, the 911 R is supposed to be the first of many enthusiast-oriented models that Porsche will roll out in the future. Thus, if the famous sitcom star really was the one who had the idea in the first place, petrolheads should at least tip their hats to him.