Blog Archive
-
▼
2010
(3454)
- December (280)
- November (334)
- October (284)
- September (299)
- August (229)
- July (216)
- June (228)
- May (257)
- April (232)
- March (421)
- February (410)
- January (264)
Saturday, July 31, 2010
Мустанг: Lada Daydreams of Being a Ford Mustang
Here's what you get for having far too much time on your hands; a five-door hatchback (or is the Sportback?) Lada turned into something that tries to look like a Ford Mustang. Truth to be said, the Ukrainian owner of the Ladastang went to great lengths to make the car almost indistinguishable from a conventional Lada, but the result is hardly exciting... More painful pictures after the break.
Read more »
New Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG gets Bi-Turbocharged
The new and improved for 2011, Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG made its online debut a week after the presentation of the facelifted CL63 AMG luxury coupe. The two cars share the same AMG 5.5-litre V8 biturbo, which replaces the naturally aspirated 6.2-liter V8 unit, albeit with different output numbers.
In the 2011 S63 AMG, the hand-built 5.5-liter V8, which combines direct petrol injection with bi-turbocharging and a start/stop system, pushes out 544HP at 5,500 rpm and 800Nm /590 lb-ft of peak torque between 2,000 and 5,500rpm. If you opt for the AMG Performance package, these figures are increased to 571HP and 900 Nm / 663.8 lb-ft.
Friday, July 30, 2010
Ferrari 458 Challenge Testing Continues [New Photos]
Being a racing model, it's only fitting for Ferrari to inform us that professional drivers are taking part in the fine-tuning of the newly born 458 Challenge. The pilots that took on the role of test driver at the Vallelunga circuit this week were Maurizio Mediani from Italy and Jaime Melo from Argentina who currently races a F430 GT2 in the American Le Mans Series for Team Risi Competizione.
The Italian supercar maker also released a new batch of pictures of the track-only version of the mid-engined 458 Italia, which is set to compete in Ferrari's one-make series starting from 2011. Check them out after the jump.
Read more »
Fiat Presents Redesigned Idea MPV for South America [140 Photos]
Fiat rolled out a facelifted version of its Idea small MPV initially for Brazil and then throughout South America. It remains to be seen if Fiat will also update the Idea in Europe. The South American model gets a new appearance that brings it line with Fiat's more recent models such as the Linea and Bravo, as well as a revised engine lineup.
The design upgrades are mainly to the front with larger headlamps, Fiat's new company grille and a redesigned bumper.
At the back, the rear lights are new while the tailgate is more sculptured and bumper has been reprofiled. Inside, the Brazilian Idea drops the European market model's center-mounted instrument cluster in favor of a more conventional layout.
Read more »
2011 Nissan Rogue Receives Subtle Facelift
Having being on the market since 2007, it's time for Nissan to give its Rogue compact crossover a mid-life facelift. Revealed ahead of the crossover's first public outing this Staurday at the 23rd Annual International Z Car Convention in Nashville, the refreshed Rogue features new styling elements and equipment upgrades, while retaining the same mechanical hardware.
Read more »
Already? GM Planning to Increase Chevy Volt Production by 50 Percent
The new Chevrolet Volt extended range electric vehicle won't go on sale before November - and only in seven States at launch, yet General Motors has already revealed plans to lift annual U.S. production capacity by 50 percent, from 30,000 units to 45,000 units, in 2012. The announcement on the production increase came as U.S. President Barack Obama toured the Detroit-Hamtramck facility, where the Volt is being built.
Read more »
Honda Civic Coupe Owner Bluffs his Way into Ford Show by Rebadging it as a Ghia Ford Capri Concept...
For most of us -hopefully- the car pictured above is nothing more than a Honda Civic Si Coupe with Ford logos and decals. But somehow, the owner of the Blue-Oval-badged Civic, Roger Grenon, managed to pass it on as a "very rare 2007 European Ford Capri RS Mark IV Concept car" designed by none other than "Carrozzeria Ghia SpA" at a Ford-only car show.
"I was told that I was not allowed to enter my car into an 'All Ford' Car Show so I made this up," says Grenon. Basically, all he did is swap the 'H' logos with blue ovals and add some RS, SVT and Capri decals. And oh, he also came up with an amusing vehicle history sheet that he post on the "Carpi Concept's" window (read it after the jump).
"Some people were fooled, some were confused, some were downright angry," Grenon said. "The main guy that was sponsoring the show was pissed off [wonder why..]. I heard him say "we are not giving this car a f'ng award!"
MTM Tunes Into the New Audi RS5 Coupe with Some Light Upgrades
The tuning specialists over at MTM have launched a new line of upgrades for the recently confirmed for the U.S. market, Audi RS5 Coupe. MTM is still holding out on the power front, but the tuner has released new software for the factory speed limiter that allows the RS5 Coupe to reach a more attention-grabbing top speed of 303km/h or 188mph. This will cost an equally attention-grabbing €1,499 plus €125 for fitting.
Read more »
Nissan Murano Convertible to Drop in at the LA Auto Show?
For the past couple of years, the folks over at Edmunds' InsideLine have been raving about a convertible version of the Nissan Murano. In August 2008, they reported that a four-door version of the crossover with a soft top would go on sale in the Spring of 2010. In May 2009, the story changed to a two-door convertible version that would arrive at dealers before the summer of 2010.
In the third act, the two-door storyline holds, with the site reporting that the canvas-top Murano will have its world premiere at the 2010 Los Angeles Auto Show in November and go on sale next Spring.
Read more »
New Fiat 500 BlackJack: Just 200 Examples for the UK
Only 200 examples of the recently announced Fiat 500 BlackJack limited edition are in the... cards for the UK market. The matt black mini goes on sale next week and as with previous special edition 500s, the BlackJack will initially be available for order online through Fiat's official UK website.
Aside from the individual paint job, the BlackJack edition also gets 16-inch alloy wheels in matt black with red detailing, a glossy black finish for the exterior accents such as the mouldings, door handles, mirrors and license plate holder, and red brake calipers (only 1.4L model).
Thursday, July 29, 2010
New Toyota Recall for 373,000 Avalon Sedans and 39,000 Lexus LX470 SUVs in the States
Another day, another recall-nightmare for Toyota Motor Corp. This time, the Japanese automaker said it was recalling around 373,000 of its 2000-2004MY Toyota Avalons, and approximately 39,000 of its 2003-2007MY Lexus LX 470s in the U.S. for unrelated problems concerning steering parts that may be defective.
Read more »
Rare 1965 Aston Martin DB5 Convertible Going Under the Hammer
An Aston Martin DB5 convertible from 1965, complete with an extremely rare original factory-fitted hardtop, will be auctioned off by Historics at Brooklands at its second sale of the year on 25th September. Over two years of production, from 1963 to 1965, a mere 123 DB5 Convertibles were built and only a handful of those remain today with the steel hardtop.
Read more »
Only for Japan: Alfa Romeo GT Quadrifoglio d'Oro Special Edition
As part of the year-long celebrations for the brand's 100th anniversary, Alfa Romeo has rolled out a special edition version of its GT compact coupe for the Japanese market. It's named "Quadrifoglio d'Oro", which literally translates to 'Golden Clover'. Alfa Romeo used this badge in the past to denote higher-grade versions of its cars.
In this case, the GT Quadrifoglio d'Oro comes with special gold badging, 18-inch five-spoke alloy wheels wrapped in beefier 225/40 tires, red brake calipers and chrome trim on the front bumper. Inside the cabin, Alfa Romeo has added several features to the equipment list including leather sports seats, aluminum sports pedals and sports dials with a red background, just to mention a few.
2010 Los Angeles Show to Host More Than 20 World Premieres
This year's edition of the Los Angeles Auto Show will play host to more than 20 world debuts as well as 20 or so North American premieres, organizers of the event revealed on Thursday. "The growing global significance of the LA show is clearly demonstrated by the number and importance of the debuts," said Andy Fuzesi, general manager of the LA Auto Show.
Read more »
Toyota Spices Up Tacoma with SEMA-Inspired TRD Packages
As some of you may remember, Toyota showcased the Tacoma TX concept pickup truck fitted with various TRD (Toyota Racing Development) items at last year's SEMA Show. Now, the Japanese automaker is introducing two new packages inspired by the concept that are called the T|X and T|X Pro and are available on the Tacoma V6 Access Cab or V6 Double Cab on both 4x2 PreRunner and 4x4 models. And if you're wondering, the "T|X" stands for Tacoma Extreme.
Read more »
Time-Waster of the Day: Cyber Race the Honda CR-Z Hybrid
Come on, who hasn't whiled away a few minutes (or hours...) now and then playing childish games on the internet? If you're looking to waste some time at work or at home, then we suggest you hop over to Honda's CR-Z web page (click here) to check out a rather simple but nevertheless enjoyable arcade-style racing game featuring the Japanese carmaker's hybrid wannabe sport hatch.
Read more »
2011 Hyundai Elantra / Avante gets Video Debut
There's not much to say about the new 2011 Hyundai Elantra that hasn't already been said, but thanks to a Carscoop tipster, we can show you a new video of the domestic market version, which is called the Avante and goes on sale in South Korea in the beginning of August. In global markets, the Avante will be pitted against the sedan variants of the Toyota Corolla and Honda Civic. Be sure to check out our previous post on the new Elantra here after you watch the video after the jump.
Read more »
Chevy Salespeople to Wow Customers Through New App for iPhone, iPad and iPod
General Motors is going with the times by hooking up its Chevy (that's Chevrolet for all you GM employees) salespeople with a new dealer app for the iPhone, iPod touch and iPad. The Chevrolet Dealer app features the entire Chevrolet lineup of cars, trucks and crossovers.
Aside from the obvious "wow" factor for consumers, GM says the dealer app allows a salesperson to work with a customer to pick colors, search for a matching vehicle in the dealership's inventory, look up offers that can be applied to the purchase or lease and submit and retrieve quotes, anywhere in the showroom, on the sales lot, or even if they're away from the dealership.
Read more »
VIDEO: MT Pits Audi RS5 Against Cadillac CTS-V Coupe and BMW M3 Coupe [with Poll]
Audi may have confirmed the new RS5 for the States, but Americans won't be able to sample the scorching hot high-performance coupe until sometime in 2012. But when there's a will, there's a way, so the crew from Motor Trend headed to Germany to compare the two newest entries in the sports coupe segment, the Audi RS5 and Cadillac CST-V Coupe, with BMW's 'old-timer', the M3 Coupe.
We won't spoil the video for you by telling you won, so follow the jump to check it out along with the performance details on all cars and then don't forget to take our poll on which sport coupe would you be more likely to buy.
Chrysler Group's Belvidere Plant Rolls Out One Millionth Vehicle
he Chrysler Group's Belvidere assembly plant in Illinois reached a major milestone on Wednesday, July 28, when the one millionth vehicle, a natural green Jeep Patriot, that will be delivered to B.Z. Motors Chrysler-Jeep-Dodge dealer in Lewisburg, Pa, rolled off the assembly line.
Read more »
VIDEO: 1,200HP Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Super Sport Filmed for the First Time
The ludicrously powerful Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Super Sport special may have set a new world speed record a couple of weeks ago at the VW Group's Ehra-Lessein proving grounds in Germany, but (apparently) the supercar is still being tested on normal roads. Our amigos from Diariomotor stumbled upon an undisguised example of the Super Sport hanging out with two more "standard" Veyrons somewhere in Spain and made good use of their camera and camcorder.
Read more »
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Snazzy VW Beetle-Inspired Restaurant and House in Austria
Now here's a "car" you can truly live in... What you're looking at in these pictures is the "Auto Residence" home and its sister project, "The Car . Das Auto" restaurant, both of which are located near Salzburg Austria. Although it may take a wee bit of imagination to figure it out, the design of the two buildings is themed after the classic Volkswagen Beetle.
Buckle up now so we can tell you the whole story. It all started almost a decade ago when the owners of mundane 70's style home built on the border of a nature preserve in Gnigl near Salzburg, turned to architect Markus Voglreiter with a crazy idea; transform their home into something that resembles a car and more specifically, the original VW Bug. Their dream came true with the completion of the project in 2003.
Read more »
1953 Chrysler "Thomas Special" Coupe Fetches $858,000 at Meadow Brook Auction
A unique 1953 Chrysler "Thomas Special" coupe with coachwork by Ghia, far bettered its pre-sale estimate of $350,000 to $500,000 bringing a top bid of $858,000 at this past weekend's RM Auctions Vintage Cars of Meadow Brook sale in Michigan.
One of Chrysler's first "Idea Cars" of the 1950s, the dazzling coupe was designed by Virgil Exner and crafted by famed Italian coachbuilder and stylist, Ghia. Only six of these vehicles were produced for Chrysler, while Ghia built another 12 examples for themselves.
Read more »
VIDEO: Audi Shows Off New A7 Sportback on the Road
Along with a barrage of pictures and details of its all-new A7 Sportback (if you missed out on the story, click here to read our post), Audi has also released the first video of the premium hatchback on the road and some footage from the official presentation in Munich this past Monday.
The sleek A7 Sportback, which fills whatever gap there is left between the A6 sedan and Avant and the flagship A8 saloon, is designed to take on the likes of the second generation Mercedes-Benz CLS and the BMW 5-Series GT. It will arrive in European showrooms this fall with two diesel and two gasoline V6 engines. Until then, make the jump to watch the A7 in motion.
Read more »
eBay Find: Giugiaro's Plymouth V8-powered 1967 Ghia 450 SS Spyder
Back in the 1950s through the 1960s, a great number of Italian coachbuilders unleashed a parade of automotive classics that have withstood the test of time and continue to excite today. One of the lesser known-examples of that period is this here 1967 Ghia 450 SS Spyder, which is currently being offered for auction at eBay.
It was designed by the great Giorgetto Giugiaro and manufactured by the renowned Italian design studio and coach builder, Carrozzeria Ghia, exclusively for the American market. The 450 SS Spyder features a custom ladder-frame with power coming from Chrysler's 273-cu.in (4.5-liter) V8 engine with 235HP used in the Plymouth A-body cars of the era.
Read more »
Nissan Recalling 46,000 Cubes After Fuel Spill in NHTSA Crash Tests
The Nissan Cube seems to be facing a similar problem with the Lexus HS 250h hybrid sedan that was recalled last month because of excess fuel leakage during government rear-impact crash tests.
In documents filed on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's (NHTSA) website, the safety agency noted: "When the vehicle was rotated following a rear moving barrier crash test as required, the amount of fuel leakage exceeded the allowable limits."
SPY VIDEO: 2011 Nissan GT-R SpecM Testing on the 'Ring
Nissan appears to be preparing a new SpecM version of the upgraded for the 2011 model year, GT-R sports car, as several lightly camouflaged prototypes were spied testing at the Nurburgring race track. The SpecM model was rumored to debut at last year's Tokyo Motor Show, but that never happened.
The prototype GT-Rs seen in this video look like they are equipped with the same aero kit and forged alloy wheels as the more hardcore SpecV model, but with a different design for the quad-exhaust tips.
Read more »
New BMW 3-Series M-Sport Dynamic Edition Launched in South Africa
A new, limited edition version of the BMW 3-Series Sedan called "Dynamic Edition" is being launched in South Africa. It will be available only in the four-cylinder 320i petrol and 320d turbo diesel, and the turbocharged straight-six 335i sedans, with production set at 300 units.
Read more »
Porsche Green Lights 918 Spyder 718HP Plug-in-Hybrid Supercar for Production
It's official; Porsche will build a limited series of its radical 918 Spyder plug-in hybrid concept that made its debut at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show earlier this year.
"Reflecting the overwhelming response from the public and customers to the Concept Study, the Supervisory Board gave Porsche's Board of Management the mission to develop a production model based on the car already presented," Porsche said in statement on Wednesday.
Porsche insiders noted earlier this year that in order for the car to be produced, the company needed a minimum of 1,000 orders. A report from Bloomberg in the beginning of July made word of at least 2,000 individuals placing non-binding expressions of interest for the supercar.
Read more »
Mercedes-Benz SL63 AMG 'Black Saphir' by Inden Design
The crew from Inden Design have launched a new (and very expensive) widebody treatment along with some performance upgrades for the Mercedes-Benz SL63 AMG hardtop roadster.
According to the tuner, the basic wide body kit is priced at €19,000, but to complete the look you'll have to dig out another €3,500 for the bonnet, €800 for the rear diffuser in carbon fiber and €999 for the front apron. And oh, did we mention that the assembly of the kit costs €8,000 and the lacquer finish an extra €7,500? Add them all up and you're already in €38,800.
Read more »
ABT Rolls Out Performance and Design Packages for Audi A1
The largest tuner of vehicles from the VW group has set its eyes on Audi's smallest model, the all-new A1 supermini, with the release of performance and styling packages. ABT's design proposal for the A1 comes in three flavors "KLECKS" (translates to 'splash'), "ALOHA" and "HIGH-VOLTAGE".
Read more »
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
2011 Ford Explorer: New Video Footage and Photos from Presentation
No thanks to Ford's massive promotional campaign, even if you didn't care to know, by now you've probably heard that the new generation of the Explorer SUV is out in the open.
We've already posted all the details along with a comprehensive gallery on the 7-seater crossover here, but the Dearborn automaker has released new photos from the presentation events that took place in various cities across the country including Chicago, Washington D.C. and New York City.
If you follow the jump, you'll also find four videos that showcase the Explorer in motion and highlight the SUV's new technology features such as the Terrain Management System. We remind you that the redesigned Explorer will be offered at launch with two powerplants, a 290HP 3.5-liter V6 and a 235HP 2.0-liter EcoBoost Turbo. Sales start later this year with a base price of $28,995 -including delivery- for the V6 model.
Read more »Mercedes-Benz CLS Production Comes to an End
It's the end of the road for the car that virtually started the industry-wide trend towards what is being marketed as "four door coupes", the Mercedes-Benz CLS, as the last example of the current generation model, a black CLS 550 destined for a U.S. customer, rolled off the production line today.
Read more »
FAIL: BMW Show Offs Gone Wrong [VIDEOS]
While surfing on Youtube, we stumbled upon these two videos that were amusing for us to watch, but obviously, quite painful for the respective owners of the cars. In the first clip, a BMW 6-Series driver drift-trashes the GT in a ditch, while in the second video, the guy behind the steering wheel of an M3 E36 Coupe learns a few valuable safety lessons -including the importance of wearing a seat-belt- the hard way. Watch both videos after the break.
Read more »
Hyundai Drops New Photos of the 2011 Elantra / Avante
Next week, Hyundai will begin South Korean sales of the all-new 2011 Avante, which is the home-market version of what we could come to know as the next generation of the Elantra compact sedan, with prices ranging from 14,900,000 Won to 19,500,000 Won or about US$12,600 to US$16,500 at today's exchange rates.
In anticipation of the launch, Hyundai released a slew of new photos along with a more detailed spec sheet. The South Korean market version of the car is powered by an all-new Gamma 1.6-liter Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) four-cylinder engine producing an output of 140-horsepower at 6,300 rpm and a maximum torque of 17.5 kg-m (171Nm or 126.5 lb-ft).
New Seat Ibiza ST Priced from £12,070 in Britain
The new Seat Ibiza ST (Sports Tourer) is making its showroom debut in the UK this month with prices ranging from £12,070 RRP for the entry-level 1.4-litre 16V S A/C to a current ceiling of £14,910 for the 1.2 TDI CR Ecomotive in SE spec.
Read more »
Audi A7 Sportback in S-Line Sport Trim: First Photos
The flow of information coming forth on the all-new Audi A7 Sportback, which made its world premiere on Monday, continues. This time we have the first details and photos on the two S-Line packages that will be available at launch.
Starting with the S line sport trim, this package adds a taut sport suspension that drops the A7's ride height by 10mm, and 19-inch wheels wrapped in 255/40 R19 rubber or optionally, 20-inch rims with 265/35 R20 tires.
Read more »
Tons of Videos from Transformers 3 Shooting in Chicago, Including Scenes with Camaro, Ferrari 458 and Corvette Stingray Roadster
Michael Bay and his crew have been taking over the streets of downtown Chicago in July filming numerous scenes for the Transformers 3 movie, which is due for release in summer of 2011. With all the commotion from the shooting, it was inevitable that hundreds of people would gather around and capture a bunch of videos from the set.
Some of the Transformer cars that were snagged on film in Chicago include the Bumblebee Camaro, Ferrari 458 Italia, Mercedes-Benz E-Class (most likely the E63 AMG), several NASCAR racers and the topless version of the Corvette Stingray Concept. We've pasted the most interesting video clips we found on Youtube right after the jump.
Read more »
Chevrolet Prices 2011 Volt from $41,000, or $33,500 after Tax Credits
General Motors has just put a price tag on the upcoming 2011 Chevrolet Volt. The plug-in compact hatch that's capable of driving 40 miles on a fully charged battery before a gasoline engine kicks in to produce electricity, will be priced at $41,000 (about €31,700 at today's exchange rates) including a destination fee of $720, before any federal tax incentives.
That's $8,220 more than the Volt's closest rival, the all-electric Nissan Leaf which starts at $32,780 before tax breaks. However, buyers of the Leaf, which is powered only by batteries and doesn't come with a gasoline engine /generator like the Volt, will have to throw in another $2,200 (minus any tax credits) for personal charging docks.
Read more »
VIDEO: Mystery Ferrari Prototype Spied at Maranello
A Youtube user has uploaded a video of a heavily cladded sports car prototype spotted earlier this week near Ferrari's factory in Maranello, Italy. The blacked out test vehicle's long nose suggests that this may be a front-engined supercar - possibly a replacement for the 599, though there's no way of being sure. Follow the break to see the short film, and let us know what you think the mystery car is.
TECHART Powers Up Porsche Panamera Turbo
For those looking to add an extra punch in performance under the engine bay of the Panamera Turbo, Porsche tuner extraordinaire Techart has released a new power kit for the German sports saloon. The TA 070/T1 kit provides the 4.8-liter turbocharged V8 with an additional 80-horsepower and 70Nm of torque for a total output of 580HP and 830Nm whenever the driver needs it at a touch of a button located on the center console.
Read more »