Concept Cars

mansory zapico

3.3s MANSORY Zapico Is The Pagani of Motorcycles

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The design and construction of this masterful Mansory motorcycle debut is second to no manufacturer in the world. Short of Pagani, perhaps! You can see how nearly every single part of the Mansory Zapico is custom-milled from alloy billet or hand-laid in carbon-fiber. The design itself is delightfully long-wheelbase and menacing, with a huge scale and 160-horsepower engine all kept low and ultra-cool. This is definitely a man’s bike — it is huge. But that does not stop the custom S&S V-twin engine from shooting the Zapico to 60-mph in just 3.3-seconds. Looks like that giant 285-section rear tire is …

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2015 Mercedes S63 AMG ChopTop Renderings

Fantasy ChopTop Renders – 2015 Mercedes S63 AMG is BOSS

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For the S63, we explored a few cab-backward ideas as well as a simple roofline cut. But could this be yours on the aftermarket, even with a big-bucks upgrade like the Mansory seen in the profile images? A chop-top conversion is one of the hardest to handle with OEM quality. A widebody is almost exclusively an exterior upgrade, but a chopped roofline requires some serious changes. Roll cages, electronics, cabin trims, doors, doorframes and glass all need to be redone. Not exactly something you can eyeball along the way, or carbon-fiber your way out of CAD-CAM studies in advance. But …

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2015 Cadillac Escalade ChopTop Renderings

Fantasy ChopTop Renders – 2015 Cadillac Escalade Feeling Lowww!

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Big drama in development work on the site today. The only respite for this author – to stay busy and resist panicking as all images went down? Making more custom images, oddly enough. A chop-top conversion is one of the hardest to handle with OEM quality. A widebody is almost exclusively an exterior upgrade, but a chopped roofline requires some serious changes. Roll cages, electronics, cabin trims, doors, doorframes and glass all need to be redone. Not exactly something you can eyeball along the way, or carbon-fiber your way out of CAD-CAM studies in advance. But for visual impact, a …

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mansory2

3.1s, 1000HP Mercedes-AMG S63 Is Latest MANSORY Monster

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The Mansory Monster! That has kindof a nice ring to it =] In reality, Mansory makes cars that are overhauled so well, and so thoroughly, that you would only call it a monster with a smile on your face. The latest S63 AMG goes under the microscope at Mansory and comes out wider, lower, meaner and leaner. There are numerous body upgrades to enjoy outside, ultra-soft leather inside with unique patterns and an unlimited palatte, but leather-wrapping of virtually every cabin element. Everything. Do upgrade an S-Class so thoroughly is really, really difficult. They basically have to disassemble entire sections …

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mclaren m6gt fantasy colorizer

#BlackSwanMoments – 1969 McLaren M6GT – Fantasy Colorizer

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 McLaren is running a series of teasers dubbed #BlackSwanMoments ahead of the arrival of the newest, and cheapest, sportscar some time in 2015. We are on number 5 of 13 moments so far. They all touch on the magic of how McLaren came to be, what the company is proudest to have achieved, and how these impactful, breakthrough moments have inspired the new 2016 Sport Series of cars. It is a dark and relatively moody look back at history, racing, innovation and Bruce McLaren himself. It’s deep. Number 5 #BlackSwanMoment is our cherished 1969 McLaren M6GT, a car intended to …

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tt concepts

Best of Awards – 2014 Audi TT Offroad and TT Sportback Concepts

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After really hating the Audi Prologue, we are eager to balance those sharp opinions on Audi design. The expanded TT range via two concepts this year shows huge promise and great potential. A TT sedan! So simple an idea, and one that would be a sharp competitor for the BMW 1 Series sedan in 2016 and the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class. The TT Offroad shows the same potential. Both have an approachable and modern-but-fun design, great proportions, and a style that will pull sales. 2014 Audi TT Sportback Concept 2014 Audi TT Offroad Concept      

fxx evo

RM Arizona 2015 Preview – 2005 Ferrari FXX Evoluzione

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This FXX Evo needs no intro. Fantastic. The one downside of buying this car will be the temptation to drive it on the roads in the USA, where it is not street-legal until 2030. A possible single-type exception might be possible depending on the state where you reside — but this one is likely to head overseas, where rules tend to be more flexible. 2005 Ferrari FXX Evoluzione    2005 Ferrari FXX Evo RM Auctions Arizona 15 – 16 January 2015 Lot 253 2005 Ferrari FXX Evoluzione $1,600,000 – $1,900,000   860 bhp, 6,262 cc rear-mounted longitudinal 65-degree V-12 engine …

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2017 audi q6 q8

Future SUV Renderings – 2017 Audi Q6 and Audi Q8

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  With gasoline prices in the US now below $2.00 again in a few spots, you can bet that any large SUV idea is seeming brilliant in Germany. The Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class and BMW X7 are two key segments where Audi is not competing with its fierce rivals. The GLE-Class Coupe and the BMW X6 is another huge market opportunity where Audi’s lack of large SUVs makes it a non-competitor. Not matching Mercedes and BMW for every model in the cheaper price ranges might make sense for Audi. But these giant SUVs have the fattest profit margins in the car business, …

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gsf teaser

2016 Lexus GS-F Teased Ahead of Detroit + Exclusive Digital Renderings

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Lexus has not specified exactly what new F model is coming to Detroit – preferring to leave a bit of mystery in the two teasers just revealed. We have a hunch it is the long-rumored GS-F in production form, arriving to Lexus showrooms in Summer 2015 as a 2016 model. But it could be a new IS-F, or perhaps even the expected LS revamp. We believe it is the GS-F from a close look at the front fenders, the hood length, and the fact that the GS would greatly benefit from the latest nose shown in the IS and RC. …

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infiniti vgt

2014 INFINITI Concept Vision Gran Turismo – 55 High-Res Images – Now Raceable in GT6!

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The Infiniti Vision Gran Turismo is here and absolutely stellar! What an exciting design, with dozens of all-new details for future production Infiniti’s to emulate. A 4.5-liter, naturally aspirated V8 mounted mid-ship with one electric motor to extra shove — all shooting the Infiniti VGT out of corners sideways and on full blast. The Infiniti Vision GT shows a strong resemblance to the Infinti Essence concept from a few years ago, but evolves the nose dramatically to evoke the more-recent Q80 Inspiration. All of these design ideas are hopefully to be fed into the production 2016 Q60 Coupe, which is …

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Future SUV Renderings - 2016 Audi RS Q7 16

Future SUV Renderings – 2016 Audi SQ7

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Here is an exclusive look at how the new Audi Q7 might look as an S or even an RS Q7. Despite the current Q7 S-line being the sportiest trim offered, the strong rumor is that this generation of Q7 will have performance upgrades in the trim structure. This will make sense to battle the Mercedes GLS63 AMG, formerly called the GL-Class — as well as the BMW X7 M Sport. We’ve prepared two angles to review, plus a few grille trims to see how the new Q7’s style takes to the latest gloss-black themes. Overall, the appearance of a …

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proxima

Concept Flashback – 1986 Peugeot PROXIMA Is X-Rated Hypercar All-Star

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Concept cars can feel a little like X-rated movies. They are mostly a single-shot affair. One year on the circuit, and they are gone. With so much variety out there, why bother diving deep into an old one? But every once in a while… there comes a concept car so legendary, you could watch it every day and be a happy camper. The 1986 Peugeot Proxima is that concept car. Part LeMans racer, part Sci-Fi fantasy, part Batmobile Tumbler — the Promixa is a stunning piece of design and engineering even 30 years later. It was powered by a twin-turbocharged …

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city toyz

Concept Flashback – 2000 Peugeot City Toyz – Kartup, Vroomster, eDoll and Bobslid

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What a difference 15 years and a dotcom boom can make in how cars of an era are perceived in the future. These Peugeot City Toyz concepts seem absolutely ridiculous today, and might have felt that way then, too. There are some cool ideas for a track car in the Kartup’s canopy system, and the Vroomster is now almost a reality with the Renault EV city car …. but even so, these are definitely of a time and a place that no longer exists in the car world. The eDoll’s bubble canopy in back seems particularly offensive, but may have …

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m4 m perf

2015 BMW M3 and M4 Original M Performance Parts Are Sweet! Racing Stripes Available…

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With every tuner and their mom jumping on the new M3 and M4 with upgrades, a buyer might be very tempted to go aftermarket right away. But what about factory-approved BMW M Performance goodies first? These maintain an OEM feel to the car, as well as ensuring the pieces are perfect fits that will last the life of the car in perfect condition. Our favorite pieces are the black grilles and the M racing stripes! 2015 BMW M3 and M4 M Performance Parts http://www.shopbmwusa.com/PERFORMANCE/BMW-M-PERFORMANCE/

BMW i3 Brings Driverless Valet Parking to CES 2015

BMW i3 Brings Driverless Valet Parking to CES 2015

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These new ActiveAssist technologies demonstrated by the BMW i3 work together: 360-degree collision avoidance and self-parking via smartwatch. In predetermined environments, the i3 can now park itself and be called back to retrieve you curbside — all controlled via a smartwatch. The 360-degree smart tech is employed to protect against a crash from another car in the parking garage, or an unexpected ball rolling out in front of the car, for example. BMW i3 Brings Driverless Valet Parking to CES 2015 BMW Innovations at the 2015 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas. 360-degree collision avoidance and fully-automated parking in …

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c111

1969 Mercedes-Benz C111 and 1970 C111-II: Wankel vs V8 Proved Piston-Engine Dominance

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Updated 12.15.14 Including the first two C111 prototype designs here: the C111 proper from 1969 with a Wankel engine, and a C111-II running a 3.5-liter V8. The way to tell them apart is that the V8-powered C111-II has open spaces in the rear flying pillars, while the C111-I has louvered and solid-looking pillars.   1969 Mercedes-Benz C111 and 1970 C111-II     PREVIOUS The Mercedes-Benz C111 was a sports-car vision revealed in the late 1960s with a slant-nosed, mid-engine design far removed from any Mercedes passenger vehicle. It was part of the continuing quest to broaden the Mercedes brand into …

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2013 Toyota Yaris Hybrid R

Concept Flashback – 2013 Toyota Yaris Hybrid R Previews 420HP Supercapacitor AWD

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This 2013 concept Yaris is not a direct precursor to a production model – which makes sense when you consider that the Yaris in the US is a non-hybrid. That segment is owned by the Prius C. But the cars clearly share much of their chassis and overall technology, so lets just focus on the mechanical upgrades shown by the Hybrid R technology. Engineered by TMG in Germany, the Yaris Hybrid R runs a racing 1.6-liter turbo four in front, plus three 60-horsepower electric motors providing AWD via the back axle. One of the electric motors is in front, while …

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i8 spyder gif

Spec Renderings – 2016 BMW i8 Spyder

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Updated 12.15.14 Here are some crude renderings of a potential 2016 i8 Spyder. These might seem silly, but it is helpful to blend the roofless style of the 2012 concept with the production nose and door detailing of the 2014 i8 Coupe. The 2012 BMW i8 Concept Spyder was a stunning showcase of the latest BMW flagship. Now that the production i8 Coupe is a huge hit around the world — and won TopGear’s Car of the Year to prove it — we’re taking another look at the drop-top version. In theory, the carbon-fiber chassis and central portion of the …

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i8 spyder concept 1

Concept Flashback – 2012 BMW i8 Spyder – Coming For Summer 2015?

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  The 2012 BMW i8 Concept Spyder was a stunning showcase of the latest BMW flagship. Now that the production i8 Coupe is a huge hit around the world — and won TopGear’s Car of the Year to prove it — we’re taking another look at the drop-top version. In theory, the carbon-fiber chassis and central portion of the i8 lends itself to the cabrio conversion very nicely. Due to how close the i8 concepts were to the production model, we believe a Spyder is not only feasible — but firmly on the radar. A few rough renderings show what …

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q60 concept

INFINITI Q60 Concept Previews Striking New 2016 Sports Coupe

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When it rains, it pours! Infiniti just teased a gorgeous new Gran Turismo prototype and now is showing some ankle on its new Q60 Coupe. This concept is headed for Detroit and is said to be nearly 98-percent of what the real-life Q60 Coupe will be when introduced in August as a 2016 model. The most action is of course around the doors and glasshouse, where the Q60 has a far more expressive and aggressive roofline and C-pillar treatment versus its sibling, the Q50 sedan. The lower front wheel-arch also shows a dramatic vent between the tire opening and the …

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INFINITI Vision Gran Turismo Concept 3

First Teasers of INFINITI Vision Gran Turismo Concept

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First look at the upcoming Infiniti entry to GT6’s Vision Gran Turismo concept collection – and it is quite a stunning piece! The two teaser images so far show a strong resemblance to the Infinti Essence concept from a few years ago, but a likely to evolve the nose dramatically to evoke the more-recent Q80 Inspiration. All of these design ideas are hopefully to be fed into the production 2016 Q60 Coupe, which is strongly rumored for a reveal this winter in Detroit or Chicago. INFINITI Vision Gran Turismo Concept   INFINITI Q80 Inspiration INFINITI Essence   INFINITI CONCEPT Vision …

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rc hybrid4

Concept Flashback – 2008 Peugeot RC HYbrid4 Finally Turned Design Tide

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After highlighting two of Peugeot’s less-impressive achievements from 2006 in the 907 and 908 RC, we are eager to show how the brand turned its style page — to a far better step in the right direction. The 2008 RC HYbrid4 takes some of the initial sketches from the 908 RC to fruition, but is not burdened by a giant mid-engine package in its proportions. In addition to showing a promising and crisp new style, the HYbrid4 was a showcase for Peugeot’s then-new hybrid AWD powertrain. Running a unique electric motor and battery on the back axle but a normal …

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907

Hall of Shame – 2006 Peugeot 907 V12 Was Mortifying Reskin of Jaguar XKR

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  Okay! Not lingering on this eyesore for long. But after cropping and prepping these photos, we are 100-percent sure that the 907 is a total, shameless fake. Intended to be a GT supercar competitor in the vane of the McLaren Mercedes SLR, the 907 is nothing more that a over-body of anothr manufacturer’s rear-drive chassis. Of course, a major OEM using another chassis as the basis of a concept is bad enough. But just adding plastic skin atop existing sheetmetal is a real low point in all of automobile-dom. The clues are everywhere: the giant overhang in front that …

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908rc

Concept Flashback – 2006 Peugeot 908 RC Was Rear-Engine V12 Diesel Limo

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Peugeot is one of the most prolific OEMs when it comes to fantastic halo concepts. These very rarely are the lightly dressed-up versions of future production cars that other manufacturers trot out these days. They are pure and simple fantasy looks into the future. Often, though, these concepts are a fun and lavish way to preview actual design themes and styles that will make it to the brand’s mini hatchbacks in the coming years. And so it was with this 908 RC. Running the powertrain of the 908 HDi FAP Le Mans car, the 908 RC shows some slinky style …

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hispano suiza xiov

Mystery Concept Identified – 2010 Hispano Suiza Gran Turismo XIOV is 850HP, V10TT Dream?

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We have a thing called #namethatconcept on the facebook page of this website, where we post a few photos of a long-forgotten concept car and survey the group for info and answers. Some are much, much easier than others to decipher. It is a way to remind us that the old-school car mags showing one image of a concept years ago might not have been enough to appreciate and remember its intricate details. Before posting the photos of these concepts, we usually know the answer to what they are. But sometimes… we do not. The photos are often downloaded by …

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1977 Mercedes-Benz C111-III Diesel 14

201MPH 1977 Mercedes-Benz C111-III Diesel World Speed Record Car

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The Mercedes-Benz C111 was a sports-car vision revealed in the late 1960s with a slant-nosed, mid-engine design far removed from any Mercedes passenger vehicle. It was part of the continuing quest to broaden the Mercedes brand into new segments, in this case the supercar market. We will cover the orange-colored C111 and C111-2 models in a later article. This post is dedicated to the much-later iteration on the theme from 1977 and 1978. The original C111’s Wankel engine was shelved indefinitely by the early 1970s, and production of the car was a non-starter due to dramatic Wankel failures in Audi …

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hoggar

Concept Flashback – 2003 Peugeot Hoggar Was Twin-Engine 4×4 a la 2015 DKR Racer

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Here is a fun look at a dune buggy from Peugeot more than a decade ago. The brand had long ditched its  off-road-race pedigree through the 1990s, and with it any available 4×4 powertrains. The only way they could make this little cabrio a true 4×4 involved some very unique engineering. In what is a strange and exponentially more complex arrangement than a prop shaft, the Hoggar has twin four-cylinder turbodiesel engines. Both mounted transversely – with one on each end. Think of it like the noses of two Peugeot hatchback’s joined by a chromoly chassis in between. It is …

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X-Tomi Design Ute Pickups

X-Tomi Design Renders Ute Pickups From 12 of The Hottest New Cars

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You know X-Tomi Design as the talent behind the Lexus RC-F cabrio renderings featured a few weeks ago — and this is one prolific car design artist! One of his latest feats is making Ute pickup truck versions of many hot sports cars, crossovers and supercoupes. Sure, the market for these machines in real life might be very slim outside of Australia — but they are fun to ponder regardless. Pop him a like over on the Face via the below link, and check his site for all the latest fantasy renderings he puts out. https://www.facebook.com/xtomidesign http://xtomi.blogspot.hu/   X-Tomi Design …

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Subaru VIZIV GT Vision Gran Turismo 64

591HP 2014 Subaru VIZIV GT Vision Gran Turismo – Latest GT6 Concept in 70 Photos!

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      How did we miss this!? It has been about two weeks since the amazing Subaru Viziv GT concept was revealed for Gran Turismo 6 – but seeing its details up close still quickens the pulse. We absolutely love these chiseled and chopped lines, the proportions of an ultra-low shooting brake, and the detailing throughout. It is a stunning interpretation of the ultimate Subaru track car. The tech details are a turbo 2.0-liter boxer in front, supplemented by twin electric motors in back and a single electric motor in front. The combination delivers 591-horsepower and 593 pound-feet of …

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sienna xle 2015

Road Test Review – 2015 Toyota Sienna XLE Brings All-New Infotainment and Fresh Comfort Upgrades

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On the way to test out the 2015 Sienna, we traveled by Sienna! Our chariot of 2014 Sienna SE offered a great basis point to evaluate the 2015 model’s improvements. Let’s dive in with the usual format of Exterior, Interior, Performance and Summary. We have split each segment into Sienna XLE and Sienna SE portions, in hopes of offering a good idea of what both offer families – highlighting relevant differences between the two. EXTERIOR Sienna XLE There are subtle style changes outside around front and back. The SE and Limited Sienna’s benefit from some classy LED accents in the …

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shinari

Concept to Reality – 2010 Mazda Shinari to 2013 Mazda6

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Now here is a company with some genius ideas, and the brilliance to bring them to a street near you. The Shinari is gorgeous, and the Mazda6 is too. Well done.     Concept to Reality – 2010 Mazda Shinari to 2013 Mazda6 2016 Mazda6   2013 Mazda6           2010 Mazda SHINARI Concept  

f700

Concept Flashback – 2008 Mercedes-Benz F700 Was Aggressively Ugly Eco-Limo

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After scathing critiques of Audi’s Prologue concept for LA 2014 and a few other recent machines, we want to balance things out. An equal-opportunity offender here! But the Prologue is just a major disappointment. It is not something that makes you want to gouge your eyes out with a red-hot iron spike. When thinking of other truly fug-nasty concept cars, the F700 leaps to mind instantly. What were they thinking? The low-nose and cab-forward style as a future S-Class-plus limo is hard enough to swallow, but then we have gobsmacking bug-eye lamps, a deeply plunging windowline into the front doors, …

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cambiano gif

Design Analysis – 2012 Pininfarina Cambiano – Why So Lifeless, Bland and Generic?

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We feel a bit guilty for absolutely skewering the Pininfarina/Ferrari Sergio the other day.  After all, they may have had no control over the lame production-friendly changes done by Ferrari. Let’s take another look at some of Pininfarina’s other recent work to balance things out, shall we? The 2012 Pininfarina Cambiano concept was an expression of a clean, EV sedan in the mold of the Tesla Model S, Fisker Karma or the Quant e-Sport Limousine. The vehicle has two doors on the passenger side, and one longer coupe door on the driver side. The trouble is: it is super boring …

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fxx k

Ferrari FXX K in 26 Amazing New Photos at Ferrari World UAE

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Thrilling news from Ferrari this morning! The new FXX K prototype has broken cover ahead of a public debut at Ferrari World next weekend in Abu Dhabi. Upgraded for hardcore track racing that may include the GT class of the Le Mans WEC championship, the FXX ditches all nods to road legality and comfort in its chase of pure speed. The overhaul is similar in theme to the McLaren P1 GTR but the FXX K is arguably even more extreme, more futuristic and perhaps more intoxicatingly changed versus the standard LaFerrari. This brings a totally new front end with extra …

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cadillac sixteen

Concept Flashback – 2003 Cadillac Sixteen Hoped to Join $100k+ Limo Segment

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The Cadillac Sixteen created a huge, huge stir around the world after its reveal in early 2003. This was shortly after the Rolls-Royce Phantom had been reborn in its ultra-long and cab-backward style, and the world was even more gaga for the Sixteen. Cadillac trotted the car around the world at least thrice to attend every major auto show you could ever name. Fashion and lifestyle agazines wrote about it. Famous photographers snapped it in famous places. All this love came out of left field, to be honest. No one in the $100,000-plus luxury car market of 2003 would ever, …

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cadillac cien5

Concept Flashback – 2002 Cadillac Cien XV12 – Halo Hypercar Back in Product Plans?

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Cadillac in 2002 was just, just starting to reclaim its place in the luxury car ranks. Long blighted by horribly-engineered boats that failed every objective and subjective comparison with any true luxury brand, Cadillac was finally committing to rear-drive and actual merits as a corporate philoshophy. The new Art & Science tagline for the brand’s style — coined by Leo Burnett Chicago — needed an exemplar. People were thrilled by the Catera-replacing CTS but the brand needed a real shove upmarket. And fast. Enter stage left: the 2002 Cadillac Ciel concept running a mid-engine XV12 Northstar of 7.5-liters. It was …

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duacti 750ss imola desmo receation

RM Arizona 2015 Preview – 1973 Ducati 750 SS Imola Desmo Recreation

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We just keep falling in love with the RM Auctions Arizona catalog!  This 1973 Ducati 750SS Imola is a recreation of a famous racing bike — but can be ridden on the roads safety and legally. The full aerodynamic nose and windshield shroud is an amazing functional and design statement that instantly sets this bike apart from even the latest Ducati Monsters of 2014. This 750SS celebrates the 200 Miglia Imola victory by Ducati – as shown in these official photos. 1973 Ducati 750 SS Imola Desmo Recreation RM Auctions Arizona 15 – 16 January 2015 1973 Ducati 750 SS …

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Sergio_01

Concept to Reality – 2013 Pininfarina Sergio vs 2015 Ferrari Sergio

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FOREWORD: We wrote this whole article below before realizing that the new, six-copy Ferrari Sergio is altered significantly verse the 2013 concept. Therefore, check the next article shortly for the full 70-photo extravaganza of the Pininfarina Sergio. The production car is, regretfully, extremely lame. It carries almost all the worst parts of the Sergio concept, and none of the best. At least the headlamps are not the nasty reflector-beams from the concept. But the entire exposed cockpit is gone, the windshield is directly from the 458 and the overall grey plastic still dominates in a fug nasty way. We call …

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sergio

2015 Ferrari Sergio by Pininfarina is BS: Bait/Switch Barchetta Speedster

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FOREWORD: We wrote this whole article below before realizing that the new, six-copy Ferrari Sergio is altered significantly verse the 2013 concept. Therefore, check the next article shortly for the full 70-photo extravaganza of the Pininfarina Sergio. The production car is, regretfully, extremely lame. It carries almost all the worst parts of the Sergio concept, and none of the best. At least the headlamps are not the nasty reflector-beams from the concept. But the entire exposed cockpit is gone, the windshield is directly from the 458 and the overall grey plastic still dominates in a fug nasty way. We call …

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356 outlaw2

RM Arizona 2015 Preview – 1955 Porsche 356 OUTLAW Pre-A Emory Special Coupe

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The Porsche Outlaws from SoCal’s Emory family/Valley Customs are well-known in the coolest vintage 356 circles. We spotted a matte black example in Amelia Island and fell hard. The Outlaw Porsches are similar to Singer 911’s — rest0-modded originals that become something altogether more special, unique and fun to drive and own. This Pre-A 356 Coupe is even more enhanced — with a serious racing upgrade for the chassis, engine, exteroir design and cabin. It is truly easy on the eyes and a joy to drive. We envy its future owner! 1955 Porsche 356 OUTLAW   RM Auctions Arizona 15 …

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aston lagonda taraf gif

2014 Aston Martin Lagonda Taraf Unveiled in Dubai with DB10-Influencing Nose

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Updated 12.5.14 Well, big day for Aston Martin! The new DB10 was front and center for the SPECTRE cast announcements, with director Sam Mendez pulling back the silk cloth on Aston’s future sportscar. Not a moment too soon!? Aston has been endlessly jabbed for their reheated styles in the last few years. But what we all may have forgotten is that we *love* that current style. But time moves onward and so does Aston. The new DB10 makes much more sense in the context of the limited-release Lagonda by Q Branch for 2014. This car is absolutely intense from many …

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db10

2016 Aston Martin DB10 for 007 in SPECTRE + 10 Street Cars Available

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Bond is back in a new film, Spectre, in November of 2015 about a year from now. To equip the world’s favorite tinker-tailor/soldier-spy, Aston and EON productions just revealed the very tasty new DB10. The name is confusing for a few reasons, and we only have a single official photo of the car so far. But here is the skinny: Based on the V12 Vantage chassis, perhaps running new turbo AMG engines underneith. Wider and lower grille opening may indicate intercooler breathing room, plus a taller hood for packaging reasons? Unknown as of now. The car will be sold to …

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miray gif

Concept Flashback – 2011 Chevrolet Miray Roadster Was Chevy Europe Halo Sportster

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Chevy Europe! Eeek. Remember that adventure? The ManU jerseys are definitely bow-tie-blazing this year, thanks to a huge a executive media marketing decision that costs General Motors more than half a billion dollars. During that rush of launching Chevrolet as a global brand — including Europe — the Opel Germany teams were suddenly tasked with a variety of extremely mundane projects. One extra sexy spinoff project slipped through the net for Frankfurt 2011, however. It was called Miray and is a breathtaking roadster vision. Designed in the same zeitgeist as the BMW i8 Roadster and Porsche 918 Spyder, the Miray …

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sienna se

Road Test Review – 2014 Toyota Sienna SE Is The Ultimate High-Speed Q-Ship

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When you think of minivans, the sportiest one available might seem like a dumb question. I mean, what is the point of having huge power on demand when you are likely to have a car full of kids? After a week rocking the 2014 Sienna SE to Ponte Vedra, Florida and back for the Camry rollout, we became seriously attached to the Sienna’s easy highway manners and friendly city maneuverability. Without a variety of kids and 1000-pounds of toys in the eight-passenger Sienna SE, we can tell you that this is the sportiest van of them all. Standard format of …

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mso x-1

Concept Flashback – 2012 McLaren X-1 Introduced MSO Skills To World … In Hideous Fashion?

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The MSO X-1 customer car from 2012 was a grand intro to MSO at Pebble Beach in 2012 — and boy was it a shocking coming out party. Many were rightly flabbergasted by its design – as though George Jetson had won the powerball. But while the X-1 will certainly not go down in history as one of the most beautiful cars, it did its job of showcasing MSO’s talents very well indeed. Not a panel from the MPF-12C remained on the X-1 — which also has totally unique proportions and a heavy-handed style all its own. The nose is …

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fxx k

2016 LaFerrari FXX K Revealed Ahead of Abu Dhabi Ferrari World Debut

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Thrilling news from Ferrari this morning! The new FXX K prototype has broken cover ahead of a public debut at Ferrari World next weekend in Abu Dhabi. Upgraded for hardcore track racing that may include the GT class of the Le Mans WEC championship, the FXX ditches all nods to road legality and comfort in its chase of pure speed. The overhaul is similar in theme to the McLaren P1 GTR but the FXX K is arguably even more extreme, more futuristic and perhaps more intoxicatingly changed versus the standard LaFerrari. This brings a totally new front end with extra …

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gle gif

Sneak Peak! 2016 GLE550 Coupe and C400 Coupe in Mercedes-Benz Detroit Teasers

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Updated 11.27.14 Mercedes-AMG has revealed a teaser for the Detroit auto show in January: some sweet new AMG Sport and AMG Performance trims for the C-Class Coupe and GLE Coupe. The AMG Sport is a returning trim level for the C-Class, while AMG Performance is a new feature that has C63-style lower detailing that is dark-colored and very convincing. The new GLE will wear a full revised from bumper design — but this sneak peak indicates a full redesign may be a year or more into the future. Actually, after taking a look at the roofline of this preview more …

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ft1 colors new best of gif

Best of 2014 Awards – Toyota FT-1 Concept Is Stunning Design Triumph

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Update 3 11.27.14 Has there been another concept with the impact of the FT-1? We cannot think of another vehicle this year that has created more buzz. Of course, the FT-1 is just the leading edge of what many hope will become a showroom supercar in the next few years under the vaulted Supra badge. Toyota’s collaboration with BMW on a future sports-car appears to indicate the eventual Supra will be based of a version of the BMW Z4’s chassis, albeit highly modified for a possible production debut of a hybrid-R electric boost setup. Primary power is expected to come …

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Design Evolution Series – 2003 INFINITI Triant Concept – Explored Crossover Coupe Design Themes

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Part Two in a Series. In 2003, the excitement about Infiniti’s new G35 sedan was palpable. Thousands were pre-ordering the vehicle on the strength of the initial drive reviews alone. A combination of 350Z sportscar platform kudos and the latest style were all confirmed as excellent on the roads. The G35 sedan would go on to be the most-successful vehicle ever to wear the Infiniti logo. It would become a two-door coupe, be stretched for the M35 and M45, and even grew into the stunning FX35 and FX45. During this design evolution, the Triant concept was a fresh look at …

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Design Evolution Series – 2001 INFINITI FX45 Concept Expored Idea of Supercar Crossover

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Part One in a Series. The first of five or six articles here walking through Infiniti’s first steps designing and visualizing what the brand’s values would be in acrossover form. The QX4 (Q by 4) Pathfinder overhaul arriving in the late 1990s was a decent first effort, with some stylish cues to its wheels, lighting and overall aesthetic. But some time at the wheel made clear how luxury-focused the QX4 was. It was not an eager canyon-carver, and its 3.3-liter V6 was given extra-short gearing to the four-speed automatic to make the QX4 feel a bit less sluggish than it …

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2016 Kia Sorento SXL Adds Quad-LED Fogs for LA Debut

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Updated 11.25.14   The updated Sorento is likely to arrive in the US market some time in the spring of calendar 2015 as a 2016 model. The 2015 Sorento is already available at dealers, which is why we speculate about the 2016 model year. Kia calls this the third-gen Sorento, as Europe is less concerned with model years than we are in the USA. Overall, the styling update is a big success. It is paired with a new refinement on the road, an all-new cabin, and a much larger third row of seats than before. The design upgrade really helps …

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2016 Toyota Mirai FCV Priced From $58,000 in Cali From October 2015 + 56 New Photos!

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  Updated 11.25.14 Toyota just announced that the Mirai will indeed be on sale in the US in Fall 2015 — but only in California initially. Pricing in the US of $58,000 closely matches the Japanese-spec model, which is rumored to already be on the way to their domestic showrooms. Further markets will be added when there is hydrogen recharging infrastructure in place. The other major update is the first look at the interior of the Mirai – as shown below. This brings a fairly revolutionary dash and infotech design interface. Where the Mirai varies from the fourth-gen 2017 Prius …

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Vorsteiner M4 and M3 GTS Upgrades Wheels, Exhaust + Carbon-Fiber Aero

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The GTRS4 below is a fantastic showcase for Vorsteiner’s carbon-fiber skills. But most owners will prefer something much more subtle — and perhaps the flexibility to fit the M3 as well as the M4 coupe. Vorsteiner’s GTS has a few upgrades in the catalog so far: wheels, exhaust finishers, and fantastic front and rear CF aero additions. Check out the photos below in white to see the Vorsteiner GTS! Vorsteiner M4 and M3 GTS A SEMA show car for the road? And one that any M4 owner can add to his or her prized supercoupe? Enter, the Vorsteiner M4 GTRS4 …

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Vorsteiner M4 GTRS4 is Outrageous New Carbon-Fiber Widebody Kit for BMW F82

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A SEMA show car for the road? And one that any M4 owner can add to his or her prized supercoupe? Enter, the Vorsteiner M4 GTRS4 Widebody — a carbon-fiber kit so outrageous and sexy, the rear wheels look like steamrollers. Fenders so huge that this looks more like an M4 dually? Hell yes! Overall, the GTRS4 is 3.5-inches wider on both sides in back, and 2-inches wider per side in front. Overall, the performance enhancement offered by the GTRS4 is a huge upgrade in the grip available. Most rubber widths are constrained by the overall size and clearance of …

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2015 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro Wins Its Baja 1000 Full Stock Class + SEMA Pro Truck Showcase

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The lightly race-prepped TRD Pro Tundra is back from Baja — with a win! The TRD Pro Tundra jumped and roared its giant V8 the 1200 miles to the finish line in first place, then cruised home the 1000 miles back to the start line for good measure. Was it showroom-fresh upon arrival back to Toyota headquarters in Torrance? Not exactly!  A huge gash in the sheetmetal and rear fender shows the fury of racing. But the fact that the TRD Pro Tundra continued on its mission is impressive. A solid achievement and vote of confidence in the new TRD …

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Concept Debrief – 2010 Citroen SURVOLT – Design Analysis in 110 Electrifying Photos

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What makes the 2010 Citroen Survolt such an achievement in sports-car design? Consider that its proportions almost perfectly mirror those of the Lotus Exige — but the curb appeal of the vehicle tells the brain to expect pricing in the $200,000 ballpark versus the Lotus at $75,000. In terms of the Survolt’s mission as a concept car, we can think of the car in the same league as the Ranult DeZir. Part tech showcase and EV R&D tool, part brand roadmap and design superstar. The Survolt found a joyous receptionin 2010 – and four years have done nothing to dull …

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Audi Shits Bed in LA? Second Take on 2014 Audi Prologue Concept + 50 New Photos

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Updated 11.23.14     Audi Shits The Bed. ? What kind of headline is that? Despite being so brash — it seems a bit nicer than the original, which was: Audi Prologue is Worst LA Debut. We have to be honest, the latest press photos of the Prologue look better than the car does in real-life photos — which is rare. Usually any ultra-lux concept will look far more interesting in the real world. The Audi Prologue is a nightmare scenario for Audi’s supposed design resurgence for more than a few reasons. The lack of real-life impact is just the …

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2014 Scion iM Concept Heading for US Showrooms in 2015 to Battle GTI and Focus ST

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Scion is looking to expand its model range in calendar 2015 with two new models: one based on the Mazda2 sedan, and the other being this remarkably cool 5-door hatch shown in LA as the iM concept. You might be asking yourself if the production iM, set to be revealed in NY in April 2015, overlaps with the xB and xD. We certainly were. But we believe the answer is that the iM production car will be more advanced in the chassis department and more powerful than Scion’s box-car twins. This means a more-modern automatic transmission than the four-speeds in …

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2015 Ford Mustang SEMA Showcars – Roundup of All Ten Official Wild Ponycar Customs

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Ford really dominated SEMA this year with about 10 custom F-150’s and Mustangs – not to mention a wicked pack of Transits, Fiestas and Expeditions. The downside of these customs being based on all-new, not-yet-available cars? Many appear not to have been ready until hitting the show glitz. So here is a recap of all the official Ford Mustang customs from SEMA 2014.   2015 Ford Mustang SEMA Showcars Roundup 2015 Ford Mustang by Forgiato   2015 Ford Mustang by Mountune 2015 Ford Mustang by Galpin Auto Sports     2015 Ford Mustang by DSO Eyewear / MAD Design 2015 …

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2015 Ford F-150 Show Trucks – Roundup of All Nine Pimped Pickups for SEMA and LA

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Ford really dominated SEMA this year with about 10 custom F-150’s and Mustangs – not to mention a wicked pack of Transits, Fiestas and Expeditions. The downside of these customs being based on all-new, not-yet-available cars? Many appear not to have been ready until hitting the show glitz. So here is a recap of all the official Ford F-150 customs from SEMA and LA 2014.       2015 Ford F-150 by TS Design   2015 Ford F-150 by Fabtech   2015 Ford F-150 by ADD Pearl   2015 Ford F-150 by The Custom Shop   2015 Ford F-150 by …

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2015 Toyota Prius C Is Fresh With New Cabin Tech + Revised Nose/Tail LED Lighting

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 Officially one of the most LED-intensive compact vehicles on the market for 2015, the new Prius C is becoming quite a looker in its own light. The big news is all about the bright new design themes in front and inside with a huge new Entune touchpanel inside. Wild colors are part of the section for 2015 for this ultra-economical Prius hatchback. But the biggest news perhaps? The C in Prius C now officially stands for City versus Compact. 2015 Toyota Prius C 2015 Toyota Prius c: Light, Tight, Bright and the Highest City Fuel Economy of Any Vehicle Without …

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2015 Fisker Rocket Is Shockingly Sexy Mustang via Galpin Auto Sports

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Henrik Fisker’s design talent has never been in question. To see his ideas for a hot Mustang meet reality via Galpin Auto Sports is very gratifying — because the result is gorgeous! Most special elements outside the stunning widebody front and rear fenders? The new nose is a very appealing take on the 2015 Mustang’s design, and the rear end with giant Rocket badging is nothing short of breathtaking. 2015 Fisker Rocket Mustang The 2015 Ford Mustang ‘Rocket’ is Here! “When Henrik Fisker showed me his ideas, I got chills – it’s literally the most beautiful Mustang I have ever …

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2029 Infiniti SYNAPTIQ Is Spinal Tap – Flying Racecar is F1-Fast + Off-Road-Ready

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The Infiniti entry into the annual LA Design challenge is pretty outstanding – blending future-tech with fantasy to answer to question posed by the contest for this year: how will we interact with cars in 2029? Infiniti’s answer? A spinal lock communications system to allow thought-controlled driving and tech functions. A ‘Spinal Tap‘ if you will — and this one is just as pretend in many ways than the joke band of the same name. However, Synaptiq does offer a highly stylized version of future F1 types of cars in its circuit race setting. The flying and off-road sections of …

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Update1 – 2015 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 Concept Runs 2.8L DuraMax Diesel

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  The new Chevrolet Colorado mid-size trucks seem just about pitch-perfect for many reluctant truck buyers. People who want to park easily both in the city and in their garages adore the Colorado’s right-sized approach and also love its Z71 off-road trim levels for added butchness and off-road-ability. The 2.8-liter turbodiesel engine has been confirmed by GMC and Chevrolet as coming to the Canyon and Colorado in a few months — so this ZR2 concept is a blend of real and fantasy. The ZR2 concept truck brings a cool and futuristic front end, revised styling all around the lower sills …

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Update2 – Best of Awards – Chevrolet Chaparral 2X Vision Gran Turismo

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  We did not know what to think of the first teaser images of the Chevy Chaparral Gran Turismo prototype. Sure, the idea of leveraging Chaparral’s Chevy engines connection was fascinating, but would the vision of GM Design really capture the innovative spirit of these amazing namesakes? After the official reveal in LA last night – we can only say Yes. In many ways, the Chevrolet Chaparral Vision Gran Turismo is the best-yet of the 20-strong fleet of racing prototypes developed for the legendary GT6 racing game. It is one of the only to actually throw out all conventional limitations …

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Update1 – 2014 Lexus LFC2 Concept Cabrio Is Truly Miraculous – A Design So Beautiful It Makes Audi Weep

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 A design to make Audi weep? Yes indeed. The Lexus LFC2 made a huge splash today in LA as a highly stylized and clever look at a future RC convertible. But while the main proportions and packaging say RC very clearly, the detailing is divine and clever and fresh from all sides. Let’s break out nsome favorite elements, starting at the nose. Here, we have a very cool and chic interpretation of the RC’s singleframe grille — but this time with elegant waterfall elements flowing cleanly into the F Sport style of zig-zag lines in the lower portion. It is …

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Update1 – 2014 Audi Prologue Concept – World Debut and Design Analysis

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  There has been much speculation about what Audi was teasing for LA – and the wait is now over. The concept is called the Prologue and is a giant A9-sized two-door coupe. This much we knew – but few expected the car to be an actual two door, but rather a four-door coupe as is in vogue. Overall, however, when asked about what the Prologue previews — Audi is keen to say “Everything.” Even the name points to the pre-read status of this car for all future Audi designs – from the 2016 A8 to the 2016 A4, all …

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Best of SEMA 2014 – FORGIATO Wheels + Now Selling 3 Corvette C7 Widebody Demo Cars!

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Forgiato was a real stand-out at SEMA 2014 — and that is hard to do in an endless product and customization expo. Many of the coolest cars (and trucks) there were running Forgiato wheels – even far away from the actual booth of this custom wheel expert. After spending some time on Forgiato.com — we came away shocked and floored at how customized you can be with the wheel builder and the 1000-car visualizer. Very cool stuff for those seeking the absolute end-all in huge wheel style. Some of the wheels are so gigantic from Forgiato that they look best …

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2015 Toyota GT86 CS-R3 Rally Car in 1080P Video + 80 Photos

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   You have the hear this amazing works-prepped racer at full chat!  Click the above video to HD for maximum effect…. How ironic — or at least mildly amusing — that Toyota would take the GT86 rallying before Subaru and its BRZ. But then you realize: Subaru has their all-star WRX rally hero already in place. For Toyota, the GT86 and Scion FR-S program is not just an amazing rear-drive sportscar for a new generation of drivers. It is a platform for all aspects of fun and racing, including Rallye Deutschland. Prepared by TMG and available for sale to other …

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4.8s, 155MPH 2016 Volkswagen Golf R Sportwagen LA Debut – Huge Tease or USA Fast-Wagon Heaven?

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  VW USA really, really needs some cool halo models in the lineup. Endlessly bashed for not bringing over European-market cars, one can’t help but feel a bit bad for the VW of America team. They are full-time apologists who are not running the show whatsoever — and that is not an enviable position for anyone. So the announcement that the Golf R Variant will make its debut in LA is bittersweet. On the one hand, the Golf R is indeed coming to the USA. The Jetta Sportwagen is now the Golf Sportwagen — so a Golf R Sportwagen Variant …

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Concept Flashback – 2010 Renault DeZir Was Anti-Furai With Lusty, Sexualized Curves

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  Designers are like all other artists: their work evolves but also can take sweeping and abrupt changes. A designer’s cars might take unique shapes in certain years, only to go wild in the other direction right afterwards. Such is the 2010 Renault DeZir concept — designed when Laurens van den Acker was freshly recruited away from Mazda. Van den Acker’s ‘Nagare’ themes at Mazda were all about sharp creases formed out of a wind-swept surface. He designed a half-dozen Mazda’s with this theme intact – and it is perhaps epitomized best in the Furai concept hypercar. If the Furai …

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2014 Renault-Dacia DUSTER OROCH Shows 4WD Pickup-Truck Potential For Value Brand

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  Dacia’s line-up of cheap but sturdy models is expanding rapidly. Sure, you know the Logan sedan and the Duster SUV — but there lineup is much deeper than just two cars. The variations on these models mean Dacia now offers its unique brand of low-cost and hardy mechanicals in no less than ten passenger-car models and three light commercial vehicles. Dacia (pronounced “Da-Cha”) models are sold in select markets as Renaults — hence the badges on this car for Sao Paolo. Dacia Logan Pickup The Duster Oroch is a logical extension of the Duster platform — with a short-box …

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Update1 – 220 High-Res Photos – SEMA 2014 – CARS Gallery

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Updated 11.17.14 with 120 New Photos SEMA 2014 – CARS Gallery    

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Update1 – SEMA 2014 Gallery – TRUCKS and BIKES

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Updated 11.17.14 SEMA 2014 TRUCKS and BIKES        

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Update2 – 2016 Toyota FCV Named ‘Mirai’ – On Sale October 2015!

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Updated 11.17.14  Second update today: Toyota just announced that the Mirai will indeed be on sale in the US in Fall 2015 — but only in California initially. Further markets will be added when there is hydrogen recharging infrastructure in place. The other major update is the first look at the interior of the Mirai – as shown below. PREVIOUS Toyota just revealed the official name of its upcoming fuel-cell vehicle: the Mirai. Mirai is pronounced “mi-rye” and means Future in Japanese, as explained by CEO Akio Toyoda in the announcement below. We are very eager for this car’s launch …

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2014 Scion iM Concept Car Takes Shape as WRX-ified 5-Door Hatch!?

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Updated 11.16.14   Something about the fat rear tires and floating wide-body fenders of this Scion iM concept just screams WRX, does it not? In all likelihood, this is just a sportified version of a future Scion xD — reborn from the bones of the Toyota Matrix. But how sweet would a Scion WRX hatchback be…..! We thought it was a tC previously… so why not go for being wrong twice =]   2014 Scion iM Concept PREVIOUS First look this morning at the very promising Scion iM concept car for Los Angeles! The ‘iM’ name of this hot new …

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Chevrolet Chaparral 2X Vision Gran Turismo Is Exciting Next-Chapter Concept Racer

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  Thrilling news from Chevrolet! The GM Design entry to the Vision Gran Turismo series will be a Chaparral-inspired racer called the 2X VGT. Set to debut in LA on Wednesday of this week — we are thrilled to see how Chevy has evolved the Chaparral racers’ world-beating aerodynamics for the 21st century! Chevrolet Chaparral 2X Vision Gran Turismo Previews CHEVROLET TO SHOW CHAPARRAL VISION GRAN TURISMO CONCEPT 13/11/14 Boundary-pushing, Chevy-powered race cars changed motorsports design DETROIT – When racers Jim Hall and Hap Sharp founded Chaparral Cars in 1962, few could have guessed how they would shake up the …

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Tuner Showcase – SLS AMG Black Series By McChip DKR

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Tuner Showcase – SLS AMG Black Series By McChip DKR     SLS 6.3 AMG – „SPICED UP“ by MCCHIP-DKR   The fact that mcchip-dkr stands for high developed made in Germany chip tuning, for ECO-optimizations coming from its own development center or for the combination of both has become famous largely beyond the city limits of the German town of Mechernich. The performances of these software experts are accompanied by a more of power, less of consumption, engine protection with a more of driving fun. By the way, the activities of this company are not only restricted on passenger …

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Holy Wow! Lexus LF-C2 Teasing RC350 Convertible Ahead of LA Show

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  On first glance at this exciting teaser image – we thought for a moment this might be a drop-top LF-A like seen below in the previous Concept Flashback article. But on further analysis, we have a strong hunch that this is the new Lexus RC in convertible form. Very exciting – stay tuned for the full details. What do we know so far from transparency analysis? It is definitely an RC. But it is not the RC-F based on the nose, which does not show the larger hood bulge of the RC-F. The Lexus RC350 Convertible and even an …

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Concept Flashback – 2013 VW Design Vision GTI Wants To Eat Your Babies

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This is the meanest-looking Golf GTI… ever.   Wow. Very impressive design ideas inside and out. Design Vision Volkswagen GTI Concept – Exterior Gallery Design Vision Volkswagen GTI Concept – Interior Gallery Design Vision Volkswagen GTI Concept – Animated Gallery

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What To Watch: NISMO GT Academy Is High-Quality, Big-Budget Reality Competition!

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Updated 11.10.14 The new season of GT Academy is online and watchable via the below YouTube embed! To celebrate, we’ve paired the episode with some of the coolest NISMO cars from SEMA 2014. Mostly, relaxing for me is commercial-free online television of some kind. Just stumbled upon the latest for GT Academy, and feel compelled to share this exciting series. Imagine a mix of a few shows like Toughest Soldier Challenge, TopGear, … and … America’s Next Top Model…. and you will get an idea of what GT Academy offers viewers. Instead of shooting or pouting, these guys train to …

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2015 Lexus NX200t F Sport and RC350 Chrome Wrap by 360 Elite Motorworks

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How amazing is this NX200t from 360 Elite Motorworks for SEMA? Perhaps the best aspects are the custom bodywork elements – with the rear diffuser particularly cool. Overall the upgrade shows the huge style potential in the NX crossover’s design — which is unique and original from the factory but not nearly as bad-ass and cool as this one.  360 Elite was introduced to the Lexus world this summer with a gorgeous chrome-wrapped RC350 F Sport for NY fashion week — but this NX200t shows what the team can do with more time and budget flexibility!     2015 Lexus …

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Speculative Rendering – 2016 Lexus ES350 F Design

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The latest Lexus ES is an all-star for the company – and time in the seat tells you why. The car is simply astounding in how comfortable and smooth it makes even the worst roads, or the most tedious errands. Lexus is not likely to mess with the core competency of this perennial best-seller, but the ES could use an exterior refresh these days. Its xenon low-beams and halogen high-beams were once slim, but now look gaping and too-large versus the coolest cars out there. And what are these cool cars? Many of them are right in the Lexus showroom …

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InstaBuilt 2015 Lexus RC F by VIP Auto Salon: Coolest Wheels, Worst Photos

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  Sometimes we really do not understand the tuner world. Here is a car created with Lexus and crowd suggestions across the last month and a half — but now that the vehicle is finished, there are exactly zero real, high-res photos of the car. Anywhere. The Lexus media site has photos that are such unbelievably poor-quality video stills that we are reluctant to post them. Pretty embarrassing – because the car is really cool and the Vossen wheels are stunning. Oh, the kicker? @LexusUSA on Instagram shot a stop-motion video of the Seafoam green exterior wrap process. So where …

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2016 Mercedes-Benz Metris Mid-Size Commercial Vans Coming to USA In Fall 2015

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 Mercedes arrived in Vegas with a surprising four-pack of minivans this year — confusing spectators and commentators alike! Though the vans they brought are all customized in various flavors, they clearly share much with the new V-Class sold in Europe and elsewhere. Our USA-bound versions will be called the Metris and are not the luxury V-Class – Mercedes clarifies — despite the new Metris being offered in passenger and cargo versions. What does this mean? When is a V-Class not a V-Class? It comes down to distribution channels and luxury content. The Metris will be sold alongside Spinter vans in …

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Iconic Classics – 1957 Cadillac Eldorado Brougham 4-Door Coupe

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This four-door coupe is truly a style and design icon. The Brougham is one of Cadillac’s most-valuable cars of all time — and this one in the Cadillac pavilion of Pebble Beach 2014 was a lovely find. From most angles, the Eldorado Brougham is simply a stylish and sexy coupe with some of the largest tail-fins you have ever seen. But from the rear three-quarter angle, we see the stunning contrast-alloy roof and a hidden pair of rear doors — making this one of the first of the modern ‘4-door’ coupes.   1957 Cadillac Eldorado Brougham    

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Concept Flashback – 2004 Hyundai HCD-8 Sports Tourer Concept

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Looking back through the Hyundai concept car archive is pretty shocking. The strides Hyundai has made in overall design and aesthetic appeal in the last decade are simply remarkable. Evidence? This HCD-8 Sports Tourer Concept — a grand GT coupe with luxurious rear-drive proportions, but serious failings in sexiness. (In fact, this coupe is front-drive.) What the HCD-8 does prove is how much design skill it takes to go from the Hyundai concepts from before this car and onto big hits like the 2011 Sonata and current Elantra. The concepts before this HCD-8 are far, far stranger and less appealing …

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Concept Flashback – Part Two – 2011 Land Rover DC100 Sport

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PART TWO: The DC 100 Sport Let’s start this one off with a look back – at the Defender’s roots as the Land Rover Series I and later the Series II. Here is Winston Churchill with his.       PREVIOUS In Land Rover’s medium-term product plans, the lineup is broken apart into three main groups: Range Rovers, Discoveries and Defenders. Each will bloom into a sub-brand into its own right, as we have seen with the Range Rover, RRS and RR Evoque so far, and the current Discovery Sport replacement for the LR2 in 2015. This leaves the rough-and-tumble …

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Concept Flashback – 2011 Land Rover DC100 in 5 Colors and 67 Photos

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In Land Rover’s medium-term product plans, the lineup is broken apart into three main groups: Range Rovers, Discoveries and Defenders. Each will bloom into a sub-brand into its own right, as we have seen with the Range Rover, RRS and RR Evoque so far, and the current Discovery Sport replacement for the LR2 in 2015. This leaves the rough-and-tumble Defender family as the main unseen item in production form. The best idea of where Land Rover is heading is shown in the DC100 and DC100 Sport cabrio concepts from 2011. As image-builders, the Defenders at present are terrific at bringing …

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Concept Flashback – 2005 Volvo 3CC Was Ultra-Efficient PHEV That Influenced Volt and VW XL1

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A few things come to mind when reviewing the Volvo 3CC concept nearly a decade after its debut in Detroit in 2005 — but the resemblence of the design to the current VW XL1 is the most striking. How similar are these two! Especially in the extreme taper of the rear glasshouse – they could be kissing cousins. Of course, there are huge differences in the VW that materialized five years later: the VW is not a PHEV like the Volvo, nor is it nearly as wide or as practical as a city car. The Volvo shares much of the …

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Wrist Check! Best Watch For Under $150? SKAGEN Havene

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With all of us checking our cellphones every two minutes nearly 24-hours daily, it might not seem like wearing a watch is necessary or even helpful these days. But for most men who do not wear any jewelry, wearing a watch is an important style element and an easy conversation starter. Even for people with a few high-dollar watches in their drawers, you need an everyday option that is lightweight, durable, completely waterproof and sharply stylish. For these priorities, we have the perfect slimline watch to recommend: the new 45-MM Skagen Havene. This is a bit wider and more masculine …

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SEMA 2014 – 2015 Hyundai Sonata by BISIMOTO and Sonata JP Edition + TOCA Genesis

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These Sonatas are all pretty tasty – with a full track makeover from Bisimoto and a dark street-fashion widebody from John Pangilinan. They are both authentic in their missions and show the all-new 2015 Sonata Sport in its most extreme configurations! Included first are a few real-life snaps of the 2015 Genesis by Toca — which is a dark and menacing VIP mod for the hot-selling Genesis full-size luxury car. Are any of these as sweet as the AR550 Genesis? That is up to you… but the Ark Performance car is the clear favorite for thisguy. 2015 Genesis by Toca …

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JAGUAR Confirms AWD F-Type + New Bloodhound SSC Partnership

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  We *love* the F-Type R Coupe after some time at the wheel last month — and are happy to share that this range-topper will now offer AWD traction. Truly a stunning machine with the best soundtrack since………  Top Gun? I dont know about that, but Jaguar also announced a partnership with the very-boring-indeed Bloodhound SSC world record project that has not delivered a single actual run in seven years. We are so sick of reading about Bloodhound that we even tweeted to the SSC crew that it was starting to seem like vaporware. But things are progressing, and the …

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2015 Ford Mustang RTR Spec 5 Widebody Joins ‘Ready to Rock’ Custom Fords Catalog

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These RTR Mustangs seem a bit out of nowhere — but are quickly taking the attention of enthusiasts and fighting for street-cred dominance with the Roush RS2 Mustang, Hennessey HPE700 and even Ford’s King Cobra with Ford Racing parts. Around since 2009, RTR stands for Ready to Rock — and these ponies certainly are. Overwhelmingly a style kit, the RTR upgrade does employ the familiar supercharger route to deliver huge horsepower gains to the Mustang GT’s 5.0-liter V8. The RTR kit is available for the EcoBoost and V6 cars as well. Not exactly click-to-buy like the Roush parts, nor sold …

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Best of SEMA 2014 – 825HP 1965 Ford Mustang HOONICORN By RTR and Autosport Dynamics

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Who would argue against this beast winning a Best of Award! This drift special shows amazing workmanship and bonkers performance focus. 1965 Ford Mustang HOONICORN By RTR and Autosport Dynamics   Ken Block’s Hoonicorn RTR (4 photos) Mustang RTR and Vaughn Gittin Jr. teamed up with Ken Block and Hoonigan to create a completely unique, one-off, world’s first performance all-wheel drive 1965 Ford Mustang notchback. The retro-modern AWD “Hoonicorn RTR”, was revealed for the first time publicly in the Ford Motor Company booth at SEMA This jaw-dropping vehicle shares the spotlight with Block in his upcoming Gymkhana SEVEN video project. …

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Best of SEMA 2014 – 800HP Hyundai Genesis Coupe by BloodType Racing in 35 High-Res Photos

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It is easy to drum up excitement around a new model like the Ford Mustang or the Lexus RC — but bringing an existing vehicle to the top echelons of tuner vehicles takes much more work, creativity and quality execution. A fantastic example of a long-term plan to make a Supra and NSX-stalking night racer is this Genesis Coupe from Blood Type Racing. An amazing widebody, front and rear wings larger than surfboards, and even custom LED lighting comes together to make the Genesis Coupe a star of SEMA 2014. The performance upgrade is far deeper than this candy red …

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2015 Ford Mustang KING COBRA Is 625HP Factory-Parts Cobra Jet Upgrade List!

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Exciting news from Ford today — a special set of factory upgrades to make any Mustang GT into the ultimate sprint car. The early quarter-mile time Ford recorded with the all three KC packs? 10.97-seconds — a blistering pace. There are three varieties of King Cobra upgrade packages: the Drag Pack, Handling Pack and Super Pack — with the Super pack housing the giant supercharger upgrade to create a venomous dragstrip king. To get you in the mood for Mustang Cobra excellence, we’ve included a 1979 Mustang Cobra, a 2004 and a 2012 Cobra Jet down below the 2015 Ford …

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