Design Analysis

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Volkswagen Reveals USA-Bound 2017 Golf SportWagen Alltrack in NY + 4 Beetle Concepts

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  VW is rolling into the New York show with some exciting vehicles!  The most interesting is the Golf SportWagen Alltrack, which is confirmed for US showrooms next year as a 2017 model-year. This AWD variant is similar in theory to the Audi allroad or Subaru Outback formula, building on the platform of the new Golf SportWagen. Three of the Beetle concepts are pretty silly, with names like Denim, Pink and Wave, mostly just wheel and trim upgrades to the standard model. The most thrilling for performance fans is a Beetle R-Line, which is damn close to a SuperBeetle proper and may …

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2016 CHevy Malibu Hybrid 12

Wow! 2016 Chevrolet Malibu Is Sexy Redesign With LWB Back-Seat Comfort + Hybrid Option

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  Is there a 2016 Malibu LWB!? That back seat was our main reservation in recommending the current car to anyone, even the 5.9-second turbo. The current cabin is unbelievably small and uncomfortable compared with Camry, Legacy, Accord and Mazda6. The materials and exterior style are also fairly blah for the current model. Chevy knows all this by heart. They have heard it exhaustively from shoppers over the last few years. Well, they have listened and taken action! Outside, the Malibu is all-new with a design that is a cool and fresh blend of Camaro and Impala. There is a dash …

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2016 Lexus RX 2

2016 Lexus RX350 and RX450h Are All-New Inside and Out in 84 Images!

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The all-new Lexus RX is here and stunning! As Lexus’ all-star sales champ, the RX redesign for 2016 is an all-important step in keeping the Big L’s sales and market share near the top of the luxury brand ranks. To fend of new competition from all sides in this five-seat crossover segment, the RX is dramatically redone in almost every way. First off, the style. DESIGN ANALYSIS Wearing Lexus’s new design brief and its interesting, unique and captivating creases and angles, the RX is far more exciting to look at than it has been in years. The noses are characterized …

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2016 Mazda MX-5 Club 3

2016 Mazda MX-5 Club Tops Range With LSD, Black Aero Accents, BBS Wheels, Bilsteins and Brembos!

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This new MX-5 Club is looking incredible! With gunmetal grey wheels, black mirror caps and aero extras all around, the MX-5 Club will be the most stylish and sporty of the full MX-5 range. The order books are open now with pricing from $25,000 — so we’d pencil in around $29,000 for the loaded Club with its sweet additions. The BBS forged wheels and front Brembo brakes will be optional, but well worth their extra strength and performance chops! You might be wondering about those sweet LEDs in the lower front flanks of the MX-5 Club — they are special …

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2016 Cadillac CT6 – $75k Flagship World Premiere 60 Images From Brooklyn

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  The new Cadillac CT6 is official! As the top-flight limo in the newly invigorated Cadillac range, the CT6 has some huge shoes to fill. The hype and fish-eye lense videos proclaim to Dare Greatly, so how does the car live up to all this scene-setting? To convince BMW and Mercedes drivers to consider Cadillac, the CT6 needs to be far, far more than a stretched CTS. Far more than a modern STS. Based on the initial information provided by Cadillac, we are highly skeptical. Granted, the car does feel significantly wider and longer than any Caddy in years — …

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2015 Rolls-Royce WRAITH Inspired by Film Special Edition 4-tile

2015 Rolls-Royce WRAITH Inspired by Film Edition Celebrates Frozen Moment BFI Inductee

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    When a 2-minute launch movie for a car is inducted into the British Film Institute National Archive, you know it must be something special. Both the car and those magical two minutes of cinema are indeed quite special, breathtaking and goose-bump-inducing. The premise of the film ‘And the World Stood Still’ is a man piloting his Wraith through an enchanted, steaming forest when he comes across the living incarnation of the Spirit of Ecstasy badge. For one fleeting, frozen moment, the two have an ethereal bond that is at once serene, lust-filled and slightly fraught with danger. Thematically, the film shows …

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3.1s, 204MPH 2016 McLaren 570S Is Official! 60-Image Reveal With Tech Specs

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The new McLaren 570S is official!  This most-affordable model is based on the same carbon-fiber chassis and twin-turbo engine as the P1 and 650S — yet promises to be priced below $200,000. Massive power and pace comes from a 570-horsepower, 3.8-liter V6TT with 30 percent original parts versus the 650S. The 62-mph sprint is quoted as 3.2-seconds, which makes this new Macca down just 80 ponies and less than half a second from its big brothers in the 650 range. Big news! The design is clearly from the same family gene pool, but with enough fresh details to be exciting …

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Concept Flashback – 2008 Mazda Kazamai Was Crossover Coupe With Rear-Drive Stance

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As a small and independent manufacturer, Mazda cannot really afford to flub the design of one of its main production models. Careful design feedback was solicited on a global scale between 2005 and 2010, when the firm rolled out almost a dozen wild concept cars. As sort of a focus-group-by-fire, these concepts showed some good ideas, some bad ideas, and overall the results informed the latest generation of gorgeous Mazda6, fairly cool Mazda3 and very stylish upcoming MX-5 and CX-3. As a crossover coupe with two massive doors, this Kazamai concept proved two things: that rear-drive proportions are always stunning …

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2016 Range Rover SVAutobiography 1

550HP 2016 Range Rover SVAutobiography Headlines Updated RR Lineup

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Are you sensing a theme for this year’s New York auto show? Yes, it is all about massive flagship luxury. The Cadillac CT6 will be attending after a heavy-up of “Dare Greatly” TV and online video spots lately, plus a viral outdoor marketing campaign in lower Manhattan near the brand’s new HQ. These loaded flagships are not just for the important NYC market for luxury cars, but because it is a global show that can draw headlines from business and Wall Street watchers around the world. This latest Range Rover special edition is called the SV Autobiography — blending the …

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Lincoln Continental Concept 65

2015 Lincoln Continental Concept Paves Way for SuperLux 2017 MKS Variant

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Lincoln is re-earning its stripes car by car these days — with excellence but a bit of inconsistency. One segment it still owns almost completely even after the Town Car bowed out in 2012 is the livery market. The MKS and MKT are still the default choice for limo companies across the US. How to springboard this luxury reputation into continued US comfort plus the brand’s biggest opportunity in decades: China. The Chinese love the Town Car and feel affinity toward the Lincoln brand in general. It has deep roots, back-seat panache and classiness of a premium brand. To hit …

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First Drive Review - 2015 Bentley Continental GT V8S - White Satin 34

First Drive VIDEO Review – 2015 Bentley Continental GT V8S Convertible – Mulliner Spec in White Satin

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The Bentley Continental GT V8S is the real sweet-spot of the range – with monster power in the form of 528-horsepower to an optimized and sportified chassis re-engineer. There are just no words to describe the nimble, light and resolutely rear-drive feel of this twin-turbo V8. Yet there is grip for days and the ability to drive hard, rain or shine, with pace to make supercars blush. Nothing else with 502-pound-feet of torque is this race-able in a complete downpour, including the Continental’s new nemesis: the Mercedes-Benz S550 4Matic. The Bentley somehow feels small and accurate in its typical size …

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2015 Ford Expedition Platinum EL 43

HD Road Test Review – 2015 Ford Expedition Platinum EL

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Test drives are so instantly illuminating. Writing (and reading!) car reviews, you can think you know all about a machine from afar. Then you slide behind the wheel and buckle in, tap the start button and are surprised beyond belief. In some cases, the car or truck you think you will love is not quite all you hoped. In other scenarios, a full-size SUV that looks pretty mature and dull outside can actually be the best-driving, most-satisfying and best-value truck you’ve ever driven! This 2015 Expedition EL Platinum falls into the latter category. So incredibly amazed was this driver that …

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Amelia 2015 Highlights - 1962 Alfa Romeo Giulietta SZ 8

Amelia 2015 Highlights – 1962 Alfa Romeo Giulietta SZ Coda Tronca and 1960 SZ Berlinetta

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Not one Alfa Sprint Zagato, but two!? Rare barely begins to describe these two. Fewer of these hand-shaped bodies were made than Ferrari 250s in 1962, with every one unique and showing slight variations. The Coda Tronca ‘long tail’ SZ in silver shows strong hints of Aston Martin in the shape of that rear end, while the yellow Berlinetta is pert and smooth in back. The beauty of these two SZ’s is greatly enhanced by the lack of any external bumpers on either end — helping the design look as delightful and smooth as little teacups. 1960 Alfa Romeo Giulietta …

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2016 Ford Focus RS - Digital Colorizer 27_001-horz

2016 Ford Focus RS – Digital Colorizer and Tallpapers

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Just a bit of fun in Photoshop to celebrate the 2016 Focus RS coming to the USA for the first time. AWD, a promise of “well more than 310 horsepower” and even a new torque-vectoring rear end to deliver on-demand power slides — just three of the incredible reasons the Focus RS is set to be Spring 2016’s hottest hatch. A red-hot hatch, perhaps!? The color lineup so far is promised to include four exclusive colors, headlined by the new signature Nitrous Blue. But what about some wild shades on the aftermarket/customs market?  We really fell hard for the new …

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2007 Mazda TAIKI Concept 32

Concept Flashback – 2007 Mazda TAIKI Explores HyperLight Supercar Back-Channels

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Let’s imagine you want to make a supercar. The normal way to achieve massive performance is a giant engine. But is there an alternative route to supercar speed? The TAIKI concept believes there is. The little ticks down the aerodynamics chart are actually really giant leaps forward in aero slipperiness. Dropping a coefficient of drag from 0.30 cD to a 0.29 cD is actually a 10X improvement in how smoothly the car can pass through the air. This change continues its exponential level of change as you approach 0.01 — so the benefits of drag reduction are quite powerful. More …

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1967 Ferrari 275 GTB4 24

Gooding Amelia 2015 – 1967 Ferrari 275 GTB4 Is All-Original Blue Beauty For $3.3M

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This Bleu Chiaro 275 GTB is rare, but the color is only part of what makes this V12 icon so cool and unique. Most unlike almost all other Ferrari 250’s and 275’s these days, this one is fantastically original. The patina of 33 years spent garaged is actually delightful to see up close. For unlike most Ferrari’s of this era restored to almost-unreal levels of finish, this car shows its glory years proudly. Yes, this means that there is a bit of corrosion visible under the car near the front subframe, and it means that the oil-based paint is cracking …

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1958 Pontiac Bonneville Sport Coupe 33

RM Amelia Island 2015 – 1958 Pontiac Bonneville Sport Coupe Is Rocket-Brick Icon

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  For someone who loves cars as much as I do, meeting a rare and special machine can have unintended consequences. No one would blink if you were so emotionally affected by an opera or fresco, but to be weak-kneed by a car? A Pontiac from the 1950s? Like most art, the effect on the viewer is one of the many mysteries of the world. Reviewing this Bonneville Sport Coupe today is quite an emotional affair. Pontiac was trying desperately to spring-board their brand from obscurity into the greats of automobiledom. They needed a flagship — something to draw the …

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2015 Galpin-Fisker ROCKET Mustang 20

2015 Galpin-Fisker ROCKET Mustang Production Debut + Startup Video

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The Galpin Auto Sports and Henrik Fisker ROCKET Mustang is official and headed to its first owners within the next few weeks! This jet-black example at Amelia Island is the first production model — which we snapped rumbling around Amelia Island Concours last week. Also included here is a brief exhaust snippet from startup — at least two octaves deeper than the factory exhaust, that is for sure!  The 725HP puts out a ridiculous amount of heat from those quad pipes as well….! 2015 Galpin-Fisker ROCKET Mustang PREVIOUS A huge number of incredible photos to share from Amelia Island Concours …

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2015 Mustang S302 By SALEEN Offers Up To 730HP Via Three Package Choices

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SALEEN is returning to its core expertise in upgraded Mustangs – with a three-pack of 2015 S302 models now available to order. The choices are dubbed White Label, Yellow Label and Black Label — with the latter two offering supercharged engine options through the standard stick-shift or automatic transmissions. The pricing for the supercharged cars starts from $54,000 with the V8 putting out 730 horsepower. The top-flight Black Label S302 adds a significant $20,000 to the pricing, largely thanks to an extensive carbon-fiber exterior makeover, as seen below. The style changes are a mix of cool — like the giant …

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2015 Lexus NX200t F Sport Review 8

Road Test Review – 2015 Lexus NX200t F Sport Is Best New Crossover

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2015 Lexus NX200t F Sport Review INTRO The all-new Lexus NX is one of the best-looking new crossovers in the segment, and we’ve been big fans of its edgy and cool design since it was first shown as a concept last year. As the sportiest F Sport turbo model arrived for a week-long test, the excitement was writ large across my face. The F Sport styling upgrade makes the NX feel like a year 2020 concept sketch. Its hypercar creases across the entire bodyside of the truck makes this the most advanced, futuristic SUV ever made — yet it is …

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POSIES 1935 Aeroliner 16

Amelia Island Customs – POSIES 1935 Aeroliner Sport Is One-Off ChopTop Dragster

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The photos of this custom-built Posies Aeroliner do not really do the vehicle justice. In the flesh, it is impossibly long, unbelievably low and seriously seductive. Loosely based on a 1935 Ford Roadster chassis, the Posies Aeroliner is now twice as long, runs giant exposed tires up front with no fenders, and drag-racing rubber in back under its elegant bodywork. The ultra-low roofline is a true chop-top dream come true, with almost zero daylight opening and a windshield small enough to fit in your back pocket. Overall, the impact of the car is undeniable! But the style is only half …

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1969 Lancia Fulvia 12

Amelia Island 2015 – 1969 Lancia Fulvia 1600 HF Rallye Car

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The Lancia Rally legends series? Not just winners in the racing arena, but also the historical influencers and taste-maker charts. If the Delta Integrale inspired the Mitsubishi Evo and Subaru WRX, what did this Lancia Fulvia spur to life? None other than the also-important BMW 2002. Important groundwork was laid here for the rear-drive Stratos, which would dominate the first few years of the official WRC race series with its lightweight panels, ultra-compact design and supercar performance — optimized for the dirty, dusty and ice-covered rally race routes. 1969 Lancia Fulvia 1600 HF Rallye

2016 Chevrolet Camaro RENDERING 3

All-New 2016 Chevrolet #CamaroSix – Spec Renderings + May Launch Event Signup

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The first details on the upcoming 2016 Chevrolet Camaro are starting to trickle out of Detroit — with two teaser images today showing the new front subframe and the new 6.2-liter V8’s special Tri-Y exhaust manifold. Not too illuminating on what the car will be like — but there are a few important snippets: — the exterior and interior will be all-new with no carry-over panels — the front and rear suspensions are also claimed to be all-new versus the current 5th-generation car — there is some rumble about packaging and dimension changes for the new Camaro. Will it be …

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2016 Scuderia Cameron Glickenhaus SCG003C and SCG003S – Specs, Pricing and 135 Photos!

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The name SCG003 name might be a mouthful, but its performance will be an earful, and its design is a sumptuous eyeful! Welcome to the next chapter in hardcore performance. The ultimate in hypercar power and track pace – competing with exotica like the W Motors Lykan Hypersport, Pagani Huayra, Koenigsegg and Bugatti. The 2016 Scuderia Cameron Glickenhaus SCG003 is a duo of custom-designed race-winners — both on the track and on the street. The SCG003C stands for Competizione, while the SCG003S is for the stradale — or street. Grand ambitions for this mid-engine, carbon-fiber masterpiece. A truly stunning design …

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Geneva 2015 Galleries – The Scandinavians – VOLVO, Koenigsegg and ZENVO

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  PART FIVE   Here is why we are revisiting this mega-show: there are 400 photos in our Geneva 2015 file folder that have not been published yet. Some of the cars are cool, some are curious, and some are normal economy hatchbacks. A dozen of the big reveals are in individual articles — viewable at the Geneva category page over here. But for whatever reason, these fine machines did not make it into solo posts. Not fair, right? All photos deserve to see the light of day! The cars could use some sun, too. The Geneva auto show generally …

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Geneva 2015 Galleries - The FRENCH 23

Geneva 2015 Galleries – The FRENCH – Renault, Citroen, DS and Borgward!?

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  PART FOUR When we found photos of this classic turd named Borgward, we naturally assumed from its hideous design, nauseating paint and unusual presence at a new-car show that it was French. It is actually German Belgian. Sarray. The Borgward design feels like a Karmann Ghia pretending to be a Buick, but less appealing than either. The Bakelite two-tone pastels are never a good idea. Only white with pink details would be worse. What is this? A white and pink Citroen van concept!  Home run, chaps. Time for a white-wine lunch? Moving on… So, why Geneva photos a week …

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Geneva 2015 Galleries The Germans 25

Geneva 2015 Galleries – The Germans, Austrians, Swiss and Czech – ALPINA, Audi, Quant, Mansory and Skoda

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PART THREE   Here is why we are revisiting this mega-show: there are 400 photos in our Geneva 2015 file folder that have not been published yet. Some of the cars are cool, some are curious, and some are normal economy hatchbacks. A dozen of the big reveals are in individual articles — viewable at the Geneva category page over here. But for whatever reason, these fine machines did not make it into solo posts. Not fair, right? All photos deserve to see the light of day! The cars could use some sun, too. The Geneva auto show generally delivers …

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Geneva 2015 Galleries - The ITALIANS! Lamborghini, Ferrari, Maserati and Alfa Romeo 39

Geneva 2015 Galleries – The ITALIANS! Lamborghini, Ferrari, Maserati and Alfa Romeo

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PART TWO Geneva? Wasn’t that huge swarm of media intros and press conferences almost 10 days ago? Yes, yes it was. The Geneva Motor Show is currently open to the public and the Palexpo center is packed wall-to-wall with the world’s hottest exotica. Here is why we are revisiting this mega-show: there are 400 photos in our Geneva 2015 file folder that have not been published yet. Some of the cars are cool, some are curious, and some are normal economy hatchbacks. A dozen of the big reveals are in individual articles — viewable at the Geneva category page over …

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Geneva 2015 Galleries – The ENGLISH! McLaren, Jaguar, Land Rover, Aston Martin, Lotus and MINI

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Geneva? Wasn’t that huge swarm of media intros and press conferences almost 10 days ago? Yes, yes it was. The Geneva Motor Show is currently open to the public and the Palexpo center is packed wall-to-wall with the world’s hottest exotica. Here is why we are revisiting this mega-show: there are 400 photos in our Geneva 2015 file folder that have not been published yet. Some of the cars are cool, some are curious, and some are normal economy hatchbacks. A dozen of the big reveals are in individual articles — viewable at the Geneva category page over here.  But …

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1958 Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud Honeymoon Express – Crown Opus For Freestone and Webb Coachbuilders

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  Freestone & Webb was one of the most prolific coachbuilders of its time – winning dozens of awards and working with a dozen brands during its run from 1923 to around 1958. This Silver Cloud I in sporty, two-door style is an extravagant and lavish masterpiece — perhaps the defining achievement of the firm’s run in the coachbuilt car business. This 42,000-mile example in Mason’s Black is quite something in person. It is huge, first off. Secondly, the flowing trunkline sinks slowly down toward the back bumper — creating the classic ‘leaned back’ stance of many legendary Rolls-Royces. But …

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1953 Alfa Romeo 6C 3000CM Shows Origin of 2015 4C Nose Design 25

1953 Alfa Romeo 6C 3000CM Shows Origin of 2015 4C Nose Design

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Alfa Romeo has such a deep catalog of sportscars, it is natural to wonder if the 4C’s nose design pulls in some heritage cues. We suspected it did, but could not pin down exactly which car inspired the Alfa shield in oversized, vertical form — combined with twin intake jellybeans on either side. What shape are those extra grilles!? Pointed toward the edges of the nose, but rounded around the grille section. It is a fantastic look on the 4C. In person, this new Alfa is absolutely brilliant. Gorgeous. Versus the chrome treatment on these 3000CM grilles, the 4C employs …

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1956 Maserati 200SI by Fantuzzi – Longnose Factory Race Team Prototype

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The first-ever Maserati 200 SI made, a works development prototype and raced by a dozen of the biggest names in 1950s racing? Yes, yes and yes! This 200 ‘Sport Internazionale’ is one of the most special cars ever to wear the Maserati trident. The one-of-a-kind works racer is most distinctive due to its unpainted exterior. The aluminum and alloy panelwork is on proud display, along with racing history from every angle. Chassis #2401 did not meet its (unknown) reserve price in the 2015 Gooding & Co. Amelia Island auction. Rumored to bring more than $5-million, it looks like the bidding …

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1975 Ferrari 312T F1 Car 14

1975 Ferrari 312T and 1976 312T2 Are F1 Legends With Monster Rear Tires

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  These two Ferrari F1 cars were an incredible addition to the Amelia Island Concours for 2015. Hailing from 1975-76 and 1976-77, the 312T and later 312T2 represented a game-changing redesign by Ferrari. Raced by Nikki Lauda and scoring numerous race wins, the 312T is more outrageous to modern eyes thanks to its gigantic periscope of an air intake. Both machines have the almost eye-poppingly huge staggered tire setups of the era, putting tiny front rubber with a very narrow sidewall up front, but huge drag-racer-like slicks on the back. The ratio of front to rear tires is ostensibly 1 …

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2015 Buick Avenir Concept with Y-Job in Amelia Island 27

2015 Buick Avenir Concept with 1938 Y-Job in Amelia Island

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You can tell Buick is excited about the Avenir Concept when it is joined by the famous Y-Job from 1938! The Cascada ragtop also greeted Amelia Island 2015 guests — and for the first time, the brand felt right at home with the best cars in the world. 2015 Buick Avenir Concept Amelia Island 1938 Buick Y-Job Concept

2015 Porsche 911 GTS Club Coupe 42

2015 Porsche 911 GTS Club Coupe – USA Debut in 59 Amelia Island Photos

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The risk with so many special editions of one car is major buyer and auto journalist fatigue. See Aston Martin for a prime example. But Porsche seems to really excel when it comes to special editions that actually do feel special. This latest 911 GTS Club Coupe celebrates 60 years of the Porsche Club of America — and builds in C4S styling and wide hips, the SportDesign ducktail spoiler, and a handful of other goodies as standard. 60 cars will be made, with a base price of $136,000.  2015 Porsche 911 GTS Club Coupe – USA 2015 Porsche 911 GTS …

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2016 Mercedes-AMG GLE63 25

2016 Mercedes-AMG GLE63-S Inside and Out From Amelia Island

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The new GLE63 S Model made a fairly striking static debut at Amelia Island’s Ritz-Carlton hotel this weekend – stopping traffic and causing a commotion. This is the first-known outdoor showing of the new SUV Coupe muscle-truck, with its ultra-modern Benz nose in its sportiest, gloss-black best. This bumper on the hottest-yet GLE63 AMG Coupe — an all-new truck that is also heading to showrooms as the comparatively modest GLE450 AMG and a few other smaller engines. Almost no bumper is actually left up front. Like the new AMG GT, the nose is almost a wall of intercoolers and radiators. …

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Amelia Island 2015 – 1967 Alfa Romeo Tipo 33 Stradale In 50 Stunning New Photos

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This 1967 Alfa Tipo 33 Stradale was huge news at the time. With rarity Imagine a full-on racecar going into production!? 2.0-liter V8 engine in the middle, bubble glass canopy.The 33 Stradale is credited as the first-ever production car with dihedral ‘butterfly’ doors, a real racing treat in a road car. The design is ethereal with otherworldly panel simplicity and beauty. The only shutlines to speak of are the front and rear clamshells. Stellar covered lamps in flowing glass. Simple, delicate front shield grille. Magnesium wheels with simple drilled holes inside. Unlike the Ford GT40 or Porsche 908 of its …

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2015 Fisker Thunderbolt Concept 49

2015 Fisker Thunderbolt Design Concept Is One-Off Masterclass In Sexy Supercar Style

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After what must have felt like a long decade of misadventures, Henrik Fisker is going back to his roots: lavish and custom design upgrades to factory sports-cars. Fisker’s custom SL-Class and 6-series BMW’s were the stepping-stone between Fisker’s design career (with the BMW Z8 and Aston DB9 on his CV) and the OEM hybrid-maker of the Fisker Karma. After designing the Tesla Model S, Fisker set his sights on more impressive pastures: an EREV with integrated gasoline generator and styling so outrageous and sexy that the Karma made every other sedan feel instantly dated and tired. The story unraveled under …

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2015 Fisker ROCKET Silver 66

Amelia Island – 2015 Fisker ROCKET in 100 New Photos in Liquid Silver

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A huge number of incredible photos to share from Amelia Island Concours 2015!  Let’s kick off the data download with the absolutely stunning 2015 Fisker Rocket from Galpin Auto Sports. This is the prototype first shown at SEMA in November, with its $50,000 paintjob as stunning now as it was then. But it is not the flake that really makes the Fisker Rocket such an event of a car. The dramatic and tasteful design is uniquely altered from all angles, to the point where the car’s Mustang GT base-point is no longer immediately visible. A very, very special car. The …

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2015 ED Design TORQ Concept 40

2015 ED Design TORQ Concept Racer Is Unusual, Conflicted Design Study

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  This is a curious one. The ED Design TORQ concept from Geneva 2015. A product of a growing Italian design consultancy, this concept is a look at future automated race-cars. The most curious parts of the car are two: — a total lack of glass. The view out is via surround-view cameras projected on an inner wrap-around screen projection. — the seating for two and steering wheel These two traits do not really match each other. A lack of glass makes sense when only sensors are controlling the driving action. But with passenger and a driver, monitors seem like …

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2015 Volkswagen Sport Coupe Concept GTE 21

Updated With 25 New Photos – 2015 Volkswagen Sport Coupe Concept GTE

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 Updated 3.7.15 With 25 New Photos   VW’s Geneva Preview night is absolutely packed to the rafters with new cars, concepts and tech reveals. The big VW brand rollout is the new Sport Coupe Concept GTE — a mouthful of a name but an easily-digestible new design language. The dramatic nose treatment is most obviously new, with a full-frame grille consisting of horizontal slats throughout. The chrome grille elements flow nicely into an LED extension of the grille shape. This new style is visible on the 2015 Touareg, but vastly more unique and strikingly on this concept. Size and market …

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2015 Bugatti VEYRON FINALE 10

Update2 – 2015 Bugatti VEYRON FINALE Goes Out On Top – Fastest Car Ever Made

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Updated 3.7.15 With 16 New Photos The highest honor for the Bugatti Veyron is that ten years after its launch, it still defines the ultimate in hypercar performance. Holding any Olympic record for a decade in this era is almost unheard-of — and the same goes for ultimate top speeds in sportscars. Yes, the Hennessey Venom hit 270.4-mph (one-way) in perfect weather on a NASA runway. But would the same driver be confident doing 250-mph on the Autobahn on a dewey morning? Not likely. The Veyron GS Vitesse Finale goes out on top — just like it came in. PREVIOUS …

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2015 Rolls-Royce Phantom SERENITY 6 - Copy

Updated With 15 New Photos – 2015 Rolls-Royce Phantom SERENITY Is Silky-Soft Bespoke Limo

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Updated 3.7.15 With 15 New Photos   Full reveal of a Rolls-Royce Geneva highlight: this Bespoke ‘Serenity’ limousine. Fabulous silk-blossom headlining in a pistachio green is paired with mother-of-pearl marquetry woodworking. The primary wood is a smoked cherry, which also lines the front of the lounge in back. Silk-edged carpeting and silk-woven headrests bring the opulence of the world’s purest and softest fabric to the occupants most-important touch-points. We have a strong hunch the Serenity is a Phantom Extended-Wheelbase, but this is not yet confirmed. We also speculate that the car is headed to an Asian client after it stars …

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HD Road Test Review - 2015 Ford Mustang EcoBoost in Triple Yellow with Performance Pack 226

HD Road Test Review – 2015 Ford Mustang EcoBoost in Triple Yellow with Performance Pack

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2015 Ford Mustang EcoBoost Review INTRO There are a few occupational hazards in writing car reviews.  The most serious risk of all?  Falling in love with a press loaner. You spend the first day shocked by your good fortune and impressive networking to have this sweet ride parked in your driveway. Just seeing the Mustang outside on its gorgeous black 19-inch wheels was a huge rush. Day two is about being smitten with surprise and delight features while driving. The Mustang rewards with an amazing driving position, fantastic rear-drive dynamics and Track mode. See the summary for the end-of-week thoughts. …

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Geneva 2015 Showfloor - PEUGEOT 3

Geneva 2015 Showfloor – PEUGEOT 208 and 308 GT Glammed-Up By ONYX and QUARTZ Concepts

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  Peugeot actually has alot of new metal for 2015: the 308 and 508 GT are fresh, low and sexy designs with more appeal than any French mainstream car in memory. The 208 is refreshed this year as well, with slight detail tweaks to the glasshouse, LEDs front and rear, and slinky new gloss-black wheels to match the current street fashions. But what really sets the dark and sexy mood of the Peugeot stand? That would be the stunning ONYX supercar and more-recent QUARTZ suv concepts. There is no shortage of style and modern moodiness with these two tentpoles drawing …

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KAHN 6x6 Huntsman 6

2015 KAHN 6×6 Huntsman Headed For Production With Available Ballistic Armor and Three V8 Options

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The 2015 KAHN Huntsman 6×6 Concept is a HUGE hit! Creating massive buzz at the Geneva auto show this week, the Huntsman 6×6 looks set for limited production in the next year. Kahn Design also will offer two levels of armored protection to shoppers, and even plans to make the latest Ford Coyote and XS V8 engines available to buyers. KAHN 6×6 Huntsman If you like the KAHN Design Defender 105 Longnose Huntsman, you are going to have major bloodlust for the latest concept from the Chelsea Truck Company: the KAHN Huntsman 6×6. Debuting in Geneva next week, the latest …

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2015 ItalDesign Giugiaro GEA Concept 19

2015 ItalDesign Giugiaro GEA Concept Shows Automated-Driving Limo Ideas

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  When considering Italian design boutique concepts, you have to suspend your disbelief and any reality-based concerns in order to see the true purpose of the designs. In many ways, ItalDesign concepts are like the ‘haute couture’ of the car world, versus the ready-to-wear from mainstream manufacturer concepts. This GEA concept is an interesting look to the future of automated limousines tech, design and user experience. Sharing some of the insights launched on the Mercedes-Benz F015 concept, the GEA also has exterior lamps that shift to blue front and rear when the vehicle is being driven by computer. Sidebar: This …

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2015 Magna Steyr MILA Plus 6

4.9s 2015 Magna Steyr MILA Plus Is Surprise PHEV Concept for Geneva

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The Geneva show always makes room for small exhibitors. The design boutiques, tuners and startups all find a home in this massive auto expo. One new player is not actually new at all. Magna Steyr is one of the leading OEM suppliers and manufacturing partners for Mercedes, Aston, BMW and more. The company is a huge vault of IP on how to build cars lightly, strongly and indestructibly. Evidence? The Austrian division of Magna just re-upped their contract to build the Mercedes-Benz G-Class through 2022. This new PHEV concept is a design, construction and drivetrain exercise. Powered by a three-cylinder …

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INFINITI Q60 and QX30 Concepts Are Embarrassing Jokes 14

Truth Time – INFINITI Q60 and QX30 Concepts Are Bad Jokes

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I used to be a big fan of Infiniti. My family owned more than five Infiniti’s over the years, and I spent much of high-school driving a G20 with a five-speed manual. Two Q’s, two G35’s and even an FX45 parked in our garage over the years. But something is wonky with these latest concepts: the Q60 Coupe and QX30. They are trying so hard, it is embarrassing to watch. Can you imagine driving this QX30 around town? It would be like wearing a tuxedo to IHOP. Or scuba gear to go visit a wading pool with your niece who …

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Geneva 2015 Gallery – ZENVO ST1 In Two New Wheel Styles + Venom Green Paint!

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The ZENVO ST1 might not have the name awareness of a Ferrari, or the fame of Pagani or Koenigsegg. But what the ST1 does have in excess is real hypercar beauty.Every angle of the ST1 is a swirl of deep air intakes, chiseled edges and stunning, elegant simplicity. It is a gorgeous hypercar. This is a gorgeous machine. Even more so in Venom Green and with the new slant-spoke polished alloys on the silver car. With 1104 horsepower to the back wheels, the ST1 is only calm and serene when parked like this. When rolling, hold on to the rocket …

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2015 Nissan SWAY Concept 28

2015 Nissan SWAY Concept Shows Future Golf and Focus-Fighter

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This new Nissan SWAY Concept is a really stylish and handsome design study. From the nose and tail, it is low and wide and seriously cool-looking. The contrasting copper accents are a nice detail in the lower bumpers and sills, while also forming a nice floating roof. This copper section becomes a horseshoe around the clear glass roofline in a very premium and advanced way. In profile, the Sway falls a bit from its cool perch. Clearly a front-drive hatchback with an oddly short but tall hood, the Sway hopes to hide these humdrum details with hugely flowing surfaces. The …

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Update2 – 40 New Photos – 2015 Bentley EXP10 Speed6 Concept

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The long-rumored Porsche 928 might have just shown its face for the first time….. as a Bentley!? The first Panamera Coupe is indeed looking like a Bentley, thanks to the just-revealed Exp 10 Speed6. EXP10 for Bentley-speak as the 10th concept car, and Speed 6 as a reference to the likely turbocharged V6 behind that all-new face. Low, lean and light are design themes instantly visible on this two-seater – with hollowed-out spaces, organic form flow and an overall lowness that is far sportier than any Continental GT.   2015 Bentley EXP10 Speed6 Concept EXP 10 SPEED 6 – A …

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2016 McLaren P1 GTR Meets 1997 McLaren F1 GT LongTail In Geneva 6

2016 McLaren P1 GTR Meets 1997 McLaren F1 GT LongTail In Geneva

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Updated 3.3.15 Seeing the 1997 F1 GT LongTail at the Geneva show really drives home how different it is than the original road car. A dramatically-flared rear fender and lower aero upgrade beside the doors is a big part of the upgrade, along with a giant front splitter and pointy rear end. 1997 McLaren F1 GT LongTail The 2016 McLaren P1 GTR is now in full racing mode. Scary-fast and ready to blast out of the pits at the Circuit de Catalunya later this year with the elite crop of owner-drivers who will join the ultimate racing experience. The P1 …

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2016 Audi R8 V10 8

2016 Audi R8 V10 Headlines Geneva Show With New R8 LMS GT3 Racecar

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The 2016 Audi R8 V10 is official today ahead of its Geneva debut next week! Packing a totally redesigned chassis, cabin and exterior — the R8 hopes to keep its place as the modest and comfortable supercar in a world filled with moody McLarens and finicky Ferrari’s. The 5.20-liter V10 of the R8 V10 in blue here is only slightly tweaked from before, as it also is in the orange and red V10 Plus R8 models with their extra spoilers and TopGear-lap track mods. Inside, the design is quite fantastic and now includes all the latest and greatest Audi tech, …

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2015 Porsche 911 GT3 RS 9

2015 Porsche 911 GT3 RS Makes Geneva Debut With 500HP + Wild Track Upgrades All Around

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Welcome to the most hardcore Porsche 911 of all time: the new GT3 RS. Wearing track-ready details throughout the exterior and interior, the GT3 RS really moves the 911 up a league in its overall speed potential. It starts with a 4.0-liter six-cylinder engine making 500-horsepower and delivering a 3.3-second sprint to 62-mph. A full light-weighting package means the roof is now magnesium, the wings in front are carved out with downforce slots, and the rear end packs both a fixed ducktail and a giant flat wing. Drama in the rear wide-track fenders brings an all-new fender vent that folds …

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2016 Koenigsegg REGERA 16

2016 Koenigsegg REGERA Is All-New With 700HP E-Boost Atop 1100HP V8TT

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Welcome to the next generation of Koenigsegg hypercars!  Arguably one of the most exciting reveals at Geneva today, the Regera is a very exciting next step for the Swedish lightning of hypercars. Starting with the design: the Regera is a fantastically modern and ultra-smooth expression of hypercar proportions. Looking every bit as new and dramatic as the Porsche 918, LaFerrari and McLaren P1 — the Regera is really the first major change in the Koenigsegg style since the CC8 launched in 2002. This brings an all-new nose with far more flowing shapes, a tighter and lower windshield that still allows …

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2015 Lexus LF-SA Concept 14

2015 Lexus LF-SA Concept Explores Mini Crossover Coupe of the Future

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  Exciting day in Geneva today! Just around the corner from Lexus’s ED2 design studio, the Geneva show is hosting an exciting Lexus concept car this week. Dubbed the LF-SA, this two-door crossover combines ultra-compact and city-friendly dimensions with go-anywhere ride height, cutting-edge tech and highly advanced design. Sharing rough dimensions with the iQ from Toyota, the LF-SA is most notable for its fascinating design ideas throughout. An all-new take on the Lexus spindle grille is now much deeper, with a double layer of surfacing around the lower edges. In profile, the LF-SA wears giant fender flares and contrast-color and …

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2015 Rolls-Royce Phantom SERENITY 18

2015 Rolls-Royce Phantom SERENITY Is Silky-Soft Bespoke Limo

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Full reveal of a Rolls-Royce Geneva highlight: this Bespoke ‘Serenity’ limousine. Fabulous silk-blossom headlining in a pistachio green is paired with mother-of-pearl marquetry woodworking. The primary wood is a smoked cherry, which also lines the front of the lounge in back. Silk-edged carpeting and silk-woven headrests bring the opulence of the world’s purest and softest fabric to the occupants most-important touch-points. We have a strong hunch the Serenity is a Phantom Extended-Wheelbase, but this is not yet confirmed. We also speculate that the car is headed to an Asian client after it stars at the Geneva motor show in early …

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2015 SEAT 20V20 Concept SUV 2

2015 SEAT 20V20 Concept SUV Is Large and Remarkably-Handsome Design Study

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   The New SEAT 20V20 concept is only the second SUV showcar to come out of VW’s Spanish off-shoot, but you wouldn’t know they are amateurs based on this car’s cool style and perfect size. Large by Euro standards, this new “twenty twenty” SUV brings the interior roominess of a BMW X3 but width of an X5 — while lower than both. The 20V20 is a very, very appealing design and would surely be a big seller for SEAT in crossover-mad markets like the UK. 2015 SEAT 20V20 SEAT PRESENTS THE 20V20 SHOWCAR 02/03/15 Prospect of an extremely dynamic, four-door …

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2015 Volkswagen Sport Coupe Concept GTE 7

2015 Volkswagen Sport Coupe Concept GTE Shows Fresh Face for Passat CC Replacement

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    VW’s Geneva Preview night is absolutely packed to the rafters with new cars, concepts and tech reveals. The big VW brand rollout is the new Sport Coupe Concept GTE — a mouthful of a name but an easily-digestible new design language. The dramatic nose treatment is most obviously new, with a full-frame grille consisting of horizontal slats throughout. The chrome grille elements flow nicely into an LED extension of the grille shape. This new style is visible on the 2015 Touareg, but vastly more unique and strikingly on this concept. Size and market potential-wise, the Sport Coupe Concept …

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2015 Bentley EXP10 Speed6 Concept Previews Future 2-Seater Based on Panamera Platform

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The long-rumored Porsche 928 might have just shown its face for the first time….. as a Bentley!? The first Panamera Coupe is indeed looking like a Bentley, thanks to the just-revealed Exp 10 Speed6. EXP10 for Bentley-speak as the 10th concept car, and Speed 6 as a reference to the likely turbocharged V6 behind that all-new face. Low, lean and light are design themes instantly visible on this two-seater – with hollowed-out spaces, organic form flow and an overall lowness that is far sportier than any Continental GT.   2015 Bentley EXP10 Speed6 Concept EXP 10 SPEED 6 – A …

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2015 Infiniti QX30 Concept Revealed For Geneva – Coming Next Year Priced From $35k

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Geneva 2015 is about to kick off in full swing — starting what is arguably the largest and most important auto show on Earth in terms of product reveals. The 2015 Infiniti QX30 is the first in a new range of compact, front and AWD premium models, built with shared engines and platforms with the Mercedes-Benz CLA and GLA-Class. This new QX30 Concept is a lightly-upgraded version of the production model expected as soon as this Fall at US Infiniti showrooms. What is real? We believe that all the bodywork and metal elements are the final production-specification. (Aside from adding …

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2015 Bugatti VEYRON FINALE 2

2015 Bugatti VEYRON FINALE Marks End of an Era – Should Wear $25M Pricetag

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Who could ask for a more hardcore record-smasher than the Bugatti Veyron! A car so intense with its focus on ultimate performance, most engineering and management teams would have abandoned the folly hundreds of times. Bugatti plugged forward. Where tires and wheels did not exist to handle the Veyron’s 250-mph planned top speed, Michelin custom-made the PAX run-flat system and vulcanized some special rubber that could stand the heat. Milled-from-solid alloy wheels to fit these special shoes – with the PAX lip integrated therein. The same scenario played out with the glass, the heat, the aero, the price, the cabin …

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2015 KAHN 6x6 Huntsman 13

2015 KAHN 6×6 Huntsman Now Also Hunting Women and Children

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  If you like the KAHN Design Defender 105 Longnose Huntsman, you are going to have major bloodlust for the latest concept from the Chelsea Truck Company: the KAHN Huntsman 6×6. Debuting in Geneva next week, the latest KAHN truck might be the maddest, baddest and coolest of all. Powered by a 6.2-liter Chevrolet V8 engine making 450-horsepower, the KAHN 6×6 Huntsman promises to be fast, wild and more than capable of pulling its own weight up any dune, mountain or rocky trail. It definitely has “going” power. But this design from all angles? All about stopping power, curb appeal …

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2015 Kia SPORTSPACE Concept - Latest Photos 3

2015 Kia SPORTSPACE Concept in 20 New Photos + Powertrain Details

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Updated 2.27.14 With 20 New Photos Half of these are official shots from Kia, and the other half from KoreanCarBlog. In addition to the pics, Kia confirms that the powertrain is a 250-horsepower turbo four with the firm’s new DCT driving the front wheels. In that regard, the SPORTSPACE’s name is clearly SportSpace… not SportsPace. 2015 Kia SPORTSPACE Concept – Latest Photos   Darnit! Right when we had almost completely written Kia off as poorly-driving, and poorly-marketed cars aimed at idiots — here comes this stunning SPORTSPACE estate concept for Geneva 2015. Hitting my fast-wagon passion right in the jugular, …

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2016 Audi R8 V10 Plus 20

3.0s, 610HP 2016 Audi R8 V10 and R8 V10 Plus Are Official! HD Video + 30 Images

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The 2016 Audi R8 V10 is official today ahead of its Geneva debut next week! Packing a totally redesigned chassis, cabin and exterior — the R8 hopes to keep its place as the modest and comfortable supercar in a world filled with moody McLarens and finicky Ferrari’s. The 5.20-liter V10 of the R8 V10 in blue here is only slightly tweaked from before, as it also is in the orange and red V10 Plus R8 models with their extra spoilers and TopGear-lap track mods. Inside, the design is quite fantastic and now includes all the latest and greatest Audi tech, …

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OP_ED Part 2 – Cadillac #DAREGREATLY Campaign Previews 2016 CT6 Limo + de Nysschen Progress Report

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  It is so irritating when writers quote themselves. Drives me nuts. But this one is very, very relevant. On July 3rd, 2014 – we jotted out the below Editor’s Opinion article attempting to diagnose what was making Cadillac feel so ill. We scathed… This really is not an old-man brand anymore. But sadly, it is definitely run by losers. Not losers in life, mind you. They must be smart and successful – but they are definitely, definitely not cool people. They live in Michigan and are sheltered C- and D-county (aka, rural) people who have never even stood on …

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2015 MINI Vision Gran Turismo Concept 2

First Look – 2015 MINI Vision Gran Turismo Concept Is Widebody Clubman GT3

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First look today at the upcoming MINI entrant into the world of Gran Turismo 6. This MINI Vision GT concept promises a massive jump in power and track ability, likely with AWD and nearly 400-horsepower. We only have a few sketches of the car plus two digital teasers, but the real thing will be seen very soon online, and perhaps in person at the Geneva auto show next week. The MINI VGT will be raceable with the next PlayStation update for Gran Turismo, likely mid-March. 2015 MINI Vision Gran Turismo Concept  

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850HP 2016 Aston Martin VULCAN Is All-New Tactical Strike Flagship with 7.0L Racing V12

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  WOW! This new Aston Martin flagship has some serious thrills in store for its lucky owners. Named to honor the famous Avro Vulcan bomber, the Aston Vulcan will seek to match the excitement, adrenaline and glory of the first tactical nuclear strike plane ever produced. Luckily, this new track-only Aston delivers the goods without any fallout or blowback…. To continue the theme, the Vulcan was designed in a time when nuclear bombs had to still be dropped. Although the ICBM would arrive in the 1960s along with the production bomber, this plane was still a critical part of the …

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Digital Renderings - 2017 Mitsubishi MiEVO 2

Digital Renderings – 2017 Mitsubishi MiEVO – Doubles Power, Adds Grip and New Widebody Stance

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We know that the i-MiEV powertrain from Mitsubishi is fully modular. The units can simply be stacked or added to a new drive axle for a precise doubling or tripling of the power. This knowledge comes from the MiEV Evolution III Pikes Peak racer, which juices up to an impressive 600-horsepower via AWD. How would this huge dose of new speed fare on the $16k i-MiEV from Mitsu — the cheapest-ever electric car ever sold in the US? It would easily overwhelm the 15-inch wheels and pizza-cutter tires as stock. So a giant rubber upgrade to 18-inches and double the …

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AVENUE ROCKET Sabino Leerentveld 7

Design Talent Showcase – 2022 AVENUE ROCKET by Sabino Leerentveld

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  As the previous Sabino Design concept shows an extreme, deconstructed exoskeleton stripped all bodywork, this Avenue Rocket goes the other direction. A huge and intricate bodywing is made of more than 80 individual spikes, wings and dynamic surfaces. Totally absurd? Not at all. Aerodynamic studies and wind tunnels are only as good as the software and number-crunching hardware used to predict and confirm design ideas as effective. At the current rate of computer evolution, the black air of aerodynamics are about to see the light. Supercars are already leveraging these aero insights in their race upgrades. But what if …

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2020 Puma Boulevard Racer by Sabino Leerentveld 10

Design Talent Showcase – 2020 Puma Boulevard Racer by Sabino Leerentveld

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LocalMotors.com is not just the hub of a budding OEM manufacturer of trucks, motorcycles and trikes — but actually a full-fledged design community. Collaborative engineering and project management takes a huge hive of intellectual capital. It is fun to browse around the design section of the site to find exciting ideas, fantastic renderings of the future, and draft design projects that will make you gag in horror. Buried deep in the pages, however, you can find some really exciting achievements in design. Stuff that no company or even Gran Turismo concept is doing yet. Such is the Puma Boulevard Racer …

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2015 Aston Martin VANTAGE GT3 Is Most-Extreme V12S With Hardcore Aero Upgrade All Around

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Okay, Aston special edition fatique is definitely setting in pretty hard lately. But this is one special Vantage to really get – and keep – your attention in focus. But there is a big catch. What is special about this Vantage GT3? Based on the Vantage V12 S Coupe, the new GT3 model is 200-pounds lighter and nearly doubles the aerodynamic grip generated at high speeds. How? Through an all-new nose with deep splitter and ductwork, a fresh hood vent design to free any trapped air in this ultra-tight engine bay, and full reprofiled intake and bumper design in carbon-fiber. …

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2015 Mercedes-Benz G500 4×4² Debuts Hardcore Off-Road Kit, New 4.0L V8TT and LWB Options

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A concept only in name, the new G500 4×4² does what it says on the tin: four-by-four — squared. A giant wide-track design and 37-inch tires run much of the hardcore offroad tech from the AMG G63 6×6, but under the skin of the standard G-Class. This G500 runs the latest 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 from the AMG GT, but retuned to have rock-crushing torque at all times versus peaky high-rev horsepower. Even so, 422 ponies is plenty when riding this high off the earth below! Mercedes calls this a concept, but the G500 4×4-squared is almost a sure-thing for limited-production …

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2015 Toyota Camry - DAYTONA 500 Official Pace Car 25

2015 Toyota Camry XSE V6 Morphs Into DAYTONA 500 Official Pace Car + #83 Johnny Sauter Camry NASCAR

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First up-close look at the 2015 Camry Pace Car in real life. A modified 2015 CAMRY XSE V6, shiny exhausts and a lower stance are visible above 19-inch BBS alloys and Z-rated tires. Just a tire and spring change away from being approved for 155mph? Yep. Summer rubber on this pace car, even in chilly February! The pair of Camry Pace Cars is active regularly during the Budweiser Duel Races that serve as a qualifier for the Daytona 500 lineup. This new LED-lit 2015 Camry Pace Car has no trouble managing track brutes at up to 125-mph around tracks like …

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DAYTONA – Meeting the 199MPH 2015 Toyota Camry NASCAR of Matt Kenseth #20 Dollar General

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Thrilling week in Daytona Beach so far! An incredible day of meeting Toyota NASCAR drivers, crew chiefs and even the president of TRD USA, the overall lead in the Toyota Racing effort in American events. Meeting the 2015 Camry racer up close then seeing it in what felt like an HD action movie of the race Duels later? YES! So much fun to see the Daytona Speedweek leadup to the Daytona 500 tomorrow, Sunday the 22nd of February. The car-guy part of NASCAR culture makes tech and equipment off-track and in the pits every bit as serious as a wild …

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2016 McLaren P1 GTR Yellow 12-vert - Copy

986HP, ~2.2s 2016 McLaren P1 GTR Revealed Before Geneva and Catalunya Track Driver Program

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  The 2016 McLaren P1 GTR is now in full racing mode. Scary-fast and ready to blast out of the pits at the Circuit de Catalunya later this year with the elite crop of owner-drivers who will join the ultimate racing experience. The P1 GTR is significantly stripped and optimized for track duties versus its P1 road-going hypercar base-point, which was no shrinking violet itself when it comes to extreme performance. The P1 GTR is an in-house way for McLaren to bring its racing expertise to regular owners, with full pit-crew support and the chance to touch the P1 GTR’s …

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2017 Rolls-Royce SUV Is Official! #EffortlessEverywhere Is New SuperLux High-Rider

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We have a bit of a jump on this hot news!  Rolls-Royce just confirmed that it is developing an all-new SUV to join the finest motor-car range ever made. After 111 years in the car business, it is a thrill to learn that Rolls-Royce is adapting and thriving in the post-modern world of crossovers. So, what do we know so far? Car-Revs-Daily.com Animated Ghost II vs Rendered RR SUV Transition Very little. We know that the future Rolls-Royce SUV will have a go-anywhere capability, which is code for AWD and ground clearance. We also know that it does not yet …

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2016 Skoda Superb 6 copy

2016 Skoda Superb Revealed in Prague With Audi A8-Rivaling Roominess and Superior Design?!

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Skoda is very proud of the Superb, their flagship of the line and packing a gigantic back seat that is in the same league as the standard-wheelbase A8 limousine. How and why is this possible in a car that is priced under the VW Passat? How comes down to the mass-market MQB chassis componentry and lack of an aluminum-spaceframe chassis or alloy bodywork. Front-drive is the name of the game, but this is also a side benefit. The trunk is bigger than any Audi sedan. Why? That is a bit more complicated. Think of the Superb as the Phaeton of …

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Wow! 2015 Kia SPORTSPACE Concept Previews Future Optima Estate in Stellar Fashion

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Darnit! Right when we had almost completely written Kia off as poorly-driving, and poorly-marketed cars aimed at idiots — here comes this stunning SPORTSPACE estate concept for Geneva 2015. Hitting my fast-wagon passion right in the jugular, the bleeding passion down my neck is almost as red as this SPORTSPACE. Long, low and sexy — the SPORTSPACE concept packs a gorgeous new design from double-quad LED light-pods back to its low-roofed tail and slimline glasshouse. Inside, things improve perhaps even further, with a full-length The SPORTSPACE is a strong statement of intent and first glimpse of the new Frankfurt-led design …

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All-New 2016 Audi R8 First Look Teases Laser LED Headlamp For Berlinale VIPs

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    Audi has been swishing it up with the European Sundance attendees this past week – being the official car of the Berlinale film festival. Giving its highest honor to “Taxi, a film shot with dual dash-mounted cameras by a passport-revoked director from Iran, the Berlinale is just the kind of flashbulb event sponsorship Audi loves. Countering Mercedes-Benz near-domination of fashion weeks in NY and abroad, Audi is cozying up to film stars, movie lovers and culture jockeys alike. Sample the new car, sir? Along with this glitz and bohemian glamour, Audi also took the wraps off a new …

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2015 BMW M4 MotoGP Safety Car - New Hydro-Cooled Boost Vaporization 72

2015 BMW M4 MotoGP Safety Car – New Water-Cooled Boost Vaporization – Coming to 2016 M4 GTS?

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This new M4 MotoGP Safety Car is a beaut in its matte-black finish and artful M-color racing stripes and huge fixed wing atop the trunk. But there are two pieces of big news hiding under that pace-car livery: a new water-cooled turbo vaporization technology and the possibility of these upgrades hitting an M4 GTS production model in the next year or so with up to 100 extra horsepower. First off, the water cooled turbo system. First off, to clarify. Most intercoolers or charge cooler systems actually spray water to the outside of the intercooler itself. Spraying water atop the cooling …

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2015 Mitsubishi GC-PHEV – 40 Photos and 4 Reasons This Concept Previews USA-Bound 2017 Montero Full-Size SUV

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  Okay, okay. We can certainly echo your initial thoughts on this design. First reaction at this desk was a blasphemous exclamation. “Sweet Jesus.” Second reaction after thinking we might see a production-spec Montero reborn. But ended up with this? “Holy Mary, mother of God…. what is this evil monstrosity?” But step back a minute. Appreciate its creamy and sily surfaces atop this unapologetically blocky shape. Functional, futuristic, and certainly eye-catching. The nose and tail are absolutely ghastly, but then, the 2016 Outlander shows how cool and chic production-spec nose like could look. With some tweaks, the overall scale of …

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2017 Ford GT in Liquid Silver 1

2017 Ford GT in Liquid Silver + Grey Racing Stripes Stuns Chicago

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In most cases, you would not want to be splashed with liquid, molten silver. But when that silver is Ford Performance at the 2015 Chicago Auto Show, all signs say: Dive in! The most striking new lines visible on the 2017 Ford GT in this new color are in the doors and lower sills. Here we see a huge level of pinched creasing, elaborate aero vents and intakes, and overall beauty to rival any Ferrari. 2017 Ford GT in Liquid Silver

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Exclusive Preview – 2015 Rolls-Royce Phantom SERENITY Is Latest Bespoke Creation

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First preview of a Rolls-Royce Geneva highlight: this Bespoke ‘Serenity’ limousine. Fabulous silk-blossom headlining in a pistachio green is paired with mother-of-pearl marquetry woodworking. The primary wood is a smoked cherry, which also lines the front of the lounge in back. Silk-edged carpeting and silk-woven headrests bring the opulence of the world’s purest and softest fabric to the occupants most-important touch-points. We have a strong hunch the Serenity is a Phantom Extended-Wheelbase, but this is not yet confirmed. We also speculate that the car is headed to an Asian client after it stars at the Geneva motor show in early …

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2015 KIA Trail’Ster Concept Previews Upcoming Soul Refresh + All-New Interior

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The Kia Soul is easily our favorite model in the Kia range – with actual sportiness in the handling and impressive power, there is no other car on the market with such a flexible crossover package. Best of all? The Soul is priced like an economy car, and has almost double the power of the Scion xD and xB. But how to make it a real SUV instead of just a fun and light-hearted crossover? For that, you need all-wheel-drive. KIA has gone theRX450h route here — powering the rear axle with hybrid electric motors. Efficient, compact, and lacking any …

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2007 Nissan BEVEL Concept 23

Concept Design Analysis – 2007 Nissan BEVEL Was Futuristic SUV Workvan

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As Nissan explored the commercial vehicle segments leading to the NV and NV200, there were a few exploratory design concepts leading the way. This BEVEL concept is a cool look at what a cross between the Cube and Pathfinder might resemble — at least in some far-off universe. A single door on the driver’s side contrasted with normal twin doors on the passenger side, while all the seats folded flat to form a flat load bay. The panel-van style of the rear sides is then contrasted with a giant glass roof and huge glass tailgate. Overall, the design is characterized …

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Ege Argüden 2035 Aston Martin AMR-AP LeMans Racer 12

Design Talent Showcase – Ege Arguden 2035 Aston Martin AMR-AP LeMans Racer

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This design study by emerging automotive design all-star Ege Arguden is a fascinating look into the future of endurance racing. With ‘air power’ that compresses oxygen and converts it to wheel thrust, this future-tech racecar has many interesting facets to study even today. Versus contemporary Aston Martin racing prototypes, the AMR-AP by Arguden is a massive leap into the future. Even so, the 2035 AMR-AP design sticks with the things we know already work so well on the track: ultra-low nose, shrouded fenders, massive length and long-tail spoiler with numerous stabilizer elements. The Arguden AMR-AP prototype is most special to …

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Design Talent Showcase – Porsche 901 by Ege Argüden – Future Super-911 To Take On McLaren and Ferrari?

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With the Porsche 911 one of the most consistent and linear designs in all of automobile-dom, it might be easy to think there are no new ideas for how to make the icon more modern, more svelte and delivering even  more performance. Ege Argüden is an exciting talent in the car-design world. Studying automotive and industrial design in Pasadena, Arguden has not only created a stunning new Porsche 911 style. But also a story and design rationale, product positioning and brand heritage study. BIO Originally from Turkey, Arguden recently wrapped up his second design internship with BMW in Munich. Arguden’s …

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JEEP Heritage and Icons - Mega Gallery in 113 Rare Photos 98

JEEP Heritage and Icons – Mega Gallery in 113 Rare Photos

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You all know the Jeep story. The GI’s personnel transport system is a legend worldwide for its off-road prowess, but is there a brand trait that more accurately describes Jeep? Yes. We would argue its deliberately simple designs helped the Jeep to excel in three other areas: –build-ability from scratch –durability once assembled –repair-ability once damaged These three abilities make any Jeep a superhero in your driveway and in harm’s way with shells landing nearby.   A fourth ability? Perhaps this new skill should be adaptability. The Jeep brand name itself is evolved from the short-hand for its name, and …

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Larte Design Mercedes-Benz GL-Class 74

LARTE Design Mercedes-Benz GL-Class Black Crystal in 80 New Photos!

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Better than even the awesome Larte QX80 and QX60 makeovers? Better than the LX570 Alligator that Larte Design just launched in Moscow? Taste is always subjective — but in terms of the high-fashion and high-exclusivity goals of a luxury SUV upgrade, we’d vote for this Larte GL as their best work yet. The angularity and strongly matte finishes to the Larte trucks grilles and body kit certainly applies here, giving the brand a relatively unique statement of design across all its models. They best part of this body kit and accessory package for the GL550, GL450, GL350 and GL63 is …

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LARTE Design Range Rover Sport WINNER 18

LARTE Design Range Rover Sport WINNER Styling Kit in 26 New Photos

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Updated 2.8.15 The Larte Design WINNER kit for the Range Rover Sport is now available to order!  Who would have thought… seven items to make any RRS so cool and stylish!? There are no shortage of custom upgrades for the new Range Rover Sport, but this latest kit from Larte Design is instantly one of the most distinctive. A gloss black dip for all the trim elements and the new alloys sets the tone, while new bumpers front and rear are fresh and angular like the best supercars.A new pair of white LED DRL’s live in the lower intakes, and …

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Design Analysis - 2013 Opel-Vauxhall MONZA Is Exotic, Advanced PHEV GT 12

Design Analysis – 2013 Opel-Vauxhall MONZA Is Exotic, Advanced PHEV GT

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This Monza concept feels subtle at first. Its slinky and silky metallic gunmetal finishes are the perfect shade of subtle, and let the wild surfaces and flowing silhouette speak for itself. How to think of this car? A future production model? Not at all. This is perhaps best thought-of as a potential Tesla Model S-fighter, with ambitions to compete with the BMW i8 from a technological perspective. Theoretical pricing would be around $100,000 — so obviously in the fantasy realm for the mid-premium Opel and Vauxhall brands. Let’s do a full design assessment by angle. But first! Here is what …

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2015 F1 Cars Comparo – Infiniti RB11 vs McLaren-Honda MP4-30 vs AMG W06 vs Ferrari SF15T

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Formula One is back soon for one of the most exciting seasons in years: with grudges galore, tech battles, pitlane drama and gossip flowing like champagne. A shuffle of drivers sends Vettel to Ferrari, Alonso to McLaren and even a few new boys in the mix. The big four contenders have all revealed their cars for 2015, and while visual judgment of the machines is not a determining factor in their racing success, it is still interesting to see them all side-by-side from various angles. The latest look ditches the old dong-nose style of 2014, thank goodness, and aerodynamics are …

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2015 Infiniti QX30 Concept 2

2015 Infiniti QX30 Concept Headed for Geneva

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  The newest Infiniti is almost here! The QX30 Concept’s first teaser image is official, and is almost a dead ringer for the Q30 concept seen at Frankfurt 2013. From the back at least, the new QX30 does appeal to be significantly more SUV-ish than the low-riding Q30. This would imply there might be road and trail versions of the model in the cars. This version is also nearly production-ready (tires aside…) and should arrive in global Infiniti showrooms by December, we predict. The premium compact crossover is likely to be an influential design template, later rolling upmarket with a …

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1973 Vauxhall Firenza 25

1973 Vauxhall Firenza Showed Rare Sports-Coupe Elegance and Futuristic Style

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Okay, okay. At first glance, this Vauxhall Firenza looks impossibly dated and recalls a Chevy Chevette for anyone in the USA. But think of the Firenza in the context of the Ford Mustang II, Pacer and Gremlin. The 1970s was a pretty gross period in car design overall. Shrinking engines, sloppy style and floppy suspensions are preeminent themes of the 1970s, from the cheapest cars to the priciest Lamborghini’s. The Firenza was a flagship sports coupe for the Vauxhall brand, introducing aerodynamic shrouds for the headlamps under flat glass, a single-piece nose design with integrated airdamn, and a pointy hood …

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2015 Lexus NX300h 35 - Copy

First Drive Review – 2015 Lexus NX300h Is Swanky, Ultra-Smooth, 35MPG+ SUV!?

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2015 Lexus NX300h Review Is the Lexus NX the most impressive new luxury crossover with a base price under $40,000? After a week with the plucky and quick NX200t F Sport, we whole-heartedly say YES!! But even quick spin in the NX300h shows that the incredible (seriously otherworldly) smoothness and efficiency of the NX300h is not to be dismissed out of hand. With effiiency figures that are up about 10 on the turbo on city and highway to the mid-30s overall, the NX300h is seriously desirable as well. With 200-pounds of battery under the back seat, the NX300h handles with …

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2004 Vauxhall VXR220 16

2004 Vauxhall VXR220 – A Design Icon and Style Tastemaker

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When the first-gen Elise was sweeping up accolades, the smartest people in the room might have seen three holes in the perfect-handling bliss that was the new Lotus. — The design was odd and the detailing was all-wrong. The bug-eye lamps and curvy shapes recalled a dune buggy more than an exotic supercar — The original engines were low on torque and not globally certified for emissions — Distribution within the tiny Lotus boutique dealer network was extremely limited Vauxhall was able to bring solutions to these three issues in one fell swoop. Huge industrial might behind it, design talent …

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