Design Analysis

gt350

2016 SHELBY GT350 Mustang in 33-Photo OFFICIAL DEBUT + Startup VIDEO

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  Thrilling times for the Ford Mustang!  The 2016 Shelby GT350 just made its online debut with a screaming 500+ horsepower via a flat-plane-crank V8 engine that screams like a LeMans racecar. This naturally-aspirated engine is set to take the track fight directly to the door of the 505HP Camaro Z/28 and its 7.0-liter V8 — but with handling and aero tweaks that the Ford Mustang crew hopes will make the Mustang first to the checkered flags. The new GT350 wears a huge widebody to house its massive new rubber and largest-ever brakes — with Brembo calipers clamping nearly 15-inch …

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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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2015 Nissan Murano Platinum AWD in 150-Photo Debut + 2 Videos!

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Meeting an all-new car for the first time is always exciting – but it becomes a real event when the machine is as sexy and special as the 2015 Murano. The 2015 Nissan Murano is one of the sexiest crossover designs to ever hit the streets – with the V-motion grille and floating roof only the first chapter in the design book. Boomerang LED lighting on both ends will catch many admiring glances — but the most special parts of the design are actually in the metal themselves. What we love most? The huge flow and changes in the body …

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Paris 2014 Motor Show Girls Mega Gallery!

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Paris was especially lovely this year in the booth babes department! It helps that Paris fashion week is the week prior to the auto show… so many simply stick around for a bit of extra contract work. And their job is indeed work. 10-hour-days. Heels. Smiling at basement-dwelling auto journalists? Not for amateurs! Enjoy. Paris 2014 Motor Show Girls

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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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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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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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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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World Debut: 203MPH PP-Performance M6 RS800 GranCoupe Is Fastest. BMW. Ever.

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Where are the really terrifying tuned BMW M cars? Special creations that will wipe the floor with anything factory-made — and are one-of-a-kind in their brutal appearance and overall power outputs? They are at PP-Performance. This new RS800 M6 GranCoupe is a GT-R killer, and one that is so loud and proud of its 800-horsepower that even 911 Turbo S drivers will clear the fastlane to let it flash past. 203-mph is a huge achievement over the factory M6’s drag-limited 186-mph (once the 155-mph limiter is disabled), and can really only be achieved with a combination of M-DCT’s broad gear …

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2015 Lamborghini Huracan Stuns In Black-Chrome Wrap by PrintTech.de

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We all know Deutschland loves a good car wrap — but the latest executions are really something astounding. As wrap tech and varieties have expanded, German supercar owners are some of the first to create rolling flagships for this new customization option. PrintTech.de is partnered with various supercar showrooms around Munich, even allowing customers to order these very-cool styling changes right from new. The only issue with wraps? The tastes and trend-setters are moving at warp speed. First it was all about matte black, then matte grey, then foil mattes — but we are on to a new phase of …

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Best of Awards – Coolest New Watch, Above $50k: Louis Vuitton ESCALE Worldtime

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  We’ve covered the affordable side of the watch gift market with the Skagen Havene — how about the ultra-exclusive end. There are hundreds of ways to part with tens of thousands when buying a fine timepiece — but what about for the person who already has Bell & Ross watches, is bored with Rolex and Tag, and for whom the Cartier tank is too small these days? For these gents, we present this gorgeous watch with 24 time zones depicted by stunning hand-painted motifs in the edges of the dial. In the inner circles are the hour, minute and …

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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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mustang rtr

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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RM London 2014 Highlights – 1956 Ferrari 250 GT Berlinetta Competizione Tour de France by Scaglietti

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  With many high-dollar supercars that are sold at auction, the outside world might have a hard time appreciating their finer detail. What makes one model worth exponentially more than another? But to those in the know, the “old masters” of the (post-war) car world are racing Ferrari 250GT’s. Any 250GT, really. A 250GT with racing influences in their design/construction or track time under their belts will always bring huge money. FOr this 1956 250GT Tour de France, anyone can appreciate the glamor and beauty and iconic design from all angles. This is one that takes no concours experience to …

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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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2016 MazdaSpeed MX-5 Racecar Revealed Ahead of Global Racing Series

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How incredible does the new MX-5 look in a tracksuit?! This car is a precursor to the 2015 MX-5 Cup – a global racing series for the 2015 MX-5 to battle it out for milliseconds on racetracks all over the world. Of course, the new MX-5 racer will be very relevant to current MX-5 owners. The MX-5 is the most-raced car model of all time in SCCA and track day events across the US. 2016 MazdaSpeed MX-5 Racecar   MAZDA WAVES GREEN FLAG ON 2016 GLOBAL MX-5 CUP RACING SERIES 05/11/14 November 4, 2014 (LAS VEGAS) – The Mazda MX-5 …

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2015 Hyundai Genesis AR550 ARK Performance in 26 New Photos + Tech Specs

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Updated 11.5.14 With 26 New Photos What the what! Looking for specs on the 2015 Tucson on Hyundai Media, and what is staring me in the face on the homepage but an extremely tuned Genesis! Have you ever seen a SEMA concept so well-executed and well-timed? The new Genesis is absolutely killing it on the sales charts: the combination of 7 series proportions and 3 series pricing is really a huge, huge hit with shoppers. But how to convince the skeptical? How about a performance upgrade to shade even the M5 and E63? Enter, Ark Performance and the AR550 Genesis. …

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SEMA 2014: Corvette Team Launches Z06 Concept Performance Parts Line for Stingray Owners

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Chevy today launches a new parts and factory accessories line called “Z06 Concept.” This a great idea, and can be thought of as similar the BMW M Performance. They are factory parts for cars already in your driveway. There has already been clamoring in the Corvette community for the spoiler and rear lights of the Z06 among Stingray owners.  Chevy answers the call! Also included here are photos of the Camaro Commemorative Edition at SEMA this week and in showrooms this Spring. Camaro owners also have a route to 1LE and ZL1 performance parts — featured soon in a separate …

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EDITOR’S DREAM – Brabus 850 Is 2.9s 4Matic Estate in 75 High-Res Photos

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So, ever wondered what car the editors of this site would love to own? All of them! True story. Anything not disgustingly covered in dog fur like our 2005 Subaru Legacy GT wagon would be nice, but let’s dream big. With $250,000 to spend, we would walk right past the Huracan’s and McLarens and Bentley’s of the world. When seeking a new fantasy ride, Q-car appeal is paramount, along with killer pace on contract 24/7/365. We want Gallardo-crushing pace with one-handed effort. With room in back and a low hop-in height. Choice? Brabus 850.   Brabus 850    

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Best of SEMA 2014 – Honda Fit in 7 Race-Ready Customs!

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Which is the right Fit for you? Have fun with one, or collect them all for special Fitness dominance! Just kidding. Honda brought a mad fleet of custom 2015 Fits to SEMA this year, winning awards and shocking crowds with amazing stances, sweet LED headlights on the Tkin, roll-cages galore and even a front-bumper-mounted exhaust outlet on the Kontrabrands Fit!! Great details on an easy-to-love 2015 Fit, and for some, a roadmap to Stage 3 Cross/Fit! Speaking of, CrossFit would have been a good name for the awkwardly-badged HR-V…..? But for now, the Fit is star of the show. We …

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2015 BMW M4 Safety Car in 30 High-Res Photos + Now Raceable in GT6!

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Is there anything cooler than flying M colors on the 2015 M4? Racing it in Gran Turismo 6!  Track tires, M Performance parts and a weight-stripped cabin setup will make this one of the quickest BMW’s in the game, and a fun way to sample the new M4’s return to straight-six glory. With turbochargers and blacked-out trims this time… thanks to M Performance.       2015 BMW M4 Safety Car       BMW M4 SAFETY CAR LAUNCHED FOR PLAYSTATION’S GRAN TURISMO®6   Woodcliff Lake, N.J. November 4th, 2014 09:00am Pacific / 12:00pm Eastern… BMW of North America and …

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Novitec Tridente Maserati GHIBLI Launches With Gorgeous Performance and Style Upgrades

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  Maserati’s latest sedans suffer from what we call the “Cadillac Problem.” Good design, competitive performance, great equipment and true BMW-battling credentials in almost every way. But one huge deficit is present in the Cadillac and Maserati ranges: coolness. The factory cars wear nerdy wheels, nerdy colors and overall seem tailored to a geriatric customer base. Tan with small multi-spoke alloys? Almost all CTS sedans like this sit on the lot for months, and the same goes for the base Ghibli and Quattroporte. They are just old lady cars — and that is never something to aspire to own. They …

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Mercedes-Benz G-Code Concept Is China-Penned GLB Design Study

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  At the opening of its new Beijing R&D Center today, Mercedes revealed a very tasty new concept car to the world: the G-Code SUV concept. G-Code? Mercedes calls this hot new concept an SUC — which seems like an acronym too far! Let’s just say it is a very sporty crossover coupe. A Super-Sport Utility Vehicle? Regardless, the themes shown here are very interesting and fresh versus previous Mercedes SUV ideas and concepts. The flowing and ultra-sensual forms of the body are an extreme interpretation of Mercedes’ latest California-originating design themes — with the sheetmetal appearing like a taught …

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Ford Rolls Into SEMA With 8 More Mustang and F-150 Concepts

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  Check out the latest from Ford below!   Sorry for the watermarks — Ford press photos are either gigantic or tiny.       Extang 2015 F-150 Extang’s Ultimate Work themed F-150 was built by the Custom Cars and Concepts student class at Washtenaw Community College in Ann Arbor, MI. The truck was transformed by a very custom BASF supplied paint scheme designed by KEG Digital Garage. Modifications include Extang’s latest hard folding tonneau cover, Ford Accessory step tubes, Sportliner by BedRug, all-weather floor mats, and a subwoofer upgrade. Bushwacker supplied the truck’s wheel flares, driving lights and headache …

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Best of SEMA – 2015 Lexus RC350 F Sport Rocketbunny Widebody

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Could the Lexus RC be any hotter? We absolutely love the new RC Coupe – and this RC350 wearing a Rocketbunny widebody custom body and Greddy performance parts is sure to be a hero in Vegas this week. We are not personally a huge fan of air-ride and super-low machines with such stance as this example, but it is certainly visually arresting. Favorite detail? The long-tail spoiler. Awesome. 2015 Lexus RC350 F Sport Rocketbunny Widebody   2015 RC 350 F SPORT by Gordon Ting/Beyond Marketing Display Location: Lexus, 21601, Central Hall Description This RC 350 F SPORT hops low with …

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Best of SEMA – 2015 Lexus RC F by Gordon Ting in 27 High-Res Photos!

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Dear all other carmakers: this is how you launch a SEMA concept. Upgrade specs and 20-plus gorgeous photos! This year’s SEMA concept crop has been mostly awful renderings… which are barely credible versus a gorgeous photo set like this! 2015 Lexus RC F by Gordon Ting 2014 SEMA: 2015 Lexus RC F by Gordon Ting/ Beyond Marketing Fact Sheet   November 03, 2014 BODY: Custom Evasive Motorsports carbon fiber front lip and splitter and side diffusers WHEELS/TIRES: Yokohama Advan Wheels, AVS F50 Yokohama Advan Sport Front 255/30-20 Rear 285/30-20 BRAKES: Brembo Performance Front 6 piston monoblock calipers with 2-piece 405 …

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1990 Lamborghini Countach 25th Anniversary Edition Brings $358k at RM London

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Surprising to see a 1990 model year attached to any Countach, but there you have it! An original and low-mileage example, this Lambo is a perfect time-capsule hypercar for some lucky owner. 1990 Lamborghini Countach 25th Anniversary Edition

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Update1 Acura Previews SEMA TLX Concept From Galpin Auto Sports

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SEMA is about to kick off and Acura is bringing three sweet TLX sedans: the TLX GT racecar, a TLX wearing Acura Performance accessories including larger wheels and a body kit, plus a custom from Galpin Auto Sports. We can see that the GAS TLX concept has a gloss-black grille=] Stay tuned for better photos of all three.. SEMA TLX Acura Puts 2015 TLX Performance and Personalization Front and Center at 2014 SEMA Show Galpin Auto Sports Acura TLX to debut at SEMA featuring custom styling and performance modifications Acura Racing Spirit alive with radical TLX GT Race Car for …

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RM Hershey Highlights – 1941 Chris-Craft 27-Foot Barrel Back “Runaway Jane”

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A bit of a diversion here — the Hershey PA event from RM Auctions delivered a huge swath of old-world excellence. More pre-war cars, coaches and trucks than are typically seen at these events, to be sure. Among the collection’s top earners is this stunning 1941 Chris-Craft 27′ Model 115 Custom Runabout. Widely know as one of the most beautiful boat styles of all time, any Chris-Craft is a beautiful sight on the water. But this “Runaway Jane” is particularly beautiful, with the stunning handmade tail section forming almost a perfect half-circle. Dubbed the “Barrel Backs” for a resemblence to …

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Part Two – ETERNITI Artemis Shows Widebody Excellence

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PART TWO: The Artemis The Artemis is the latest from Eterniti Motors – with revised detailing and a more unique nose versus the Hemera.     The Hemera from Eterniti London was the debut SUV for this bespoke car customization house. Launched in late 2011, the Hemera is sold as a complete vehicle with pricing from about $300,000. The upgrades shown here are extremely comprehensive – with only the roof panels carrying over from the factory machine. Custom 23-inch wheels slide under the surreal widebody that is flawlessly executed in a new flowing aesthetic. Out back, vented fenders form giant …

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Muscle Truck All-Stars – ETERNITI Hemera Is Porsche Cayenne Turbo Masterclass

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The Hemera from Eterniti London was the debut SUV for this bespoke car customization house. Launched in late 2011, the Hemera is sold as a complete vehicle with pricing from about $300,000. The upgrades shown here are extremely comprehensive – with only the roof panels carrying over from the factory machine. Custom 23-inch wheels slide under the surreal widebody that is flawlessly executed in a new flowing aesthetic. Out back, vented fenders form giant scoops in either side of the body, while a gorgeous pointed rear spoiler houses a new CHMSL in glorious fashion. We have emails out to Eterniti …

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RM Dallas Preview – ORIGINAL 1967 Shelby 427 Cobra Estimated at $1MM+

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All original – right down to this lovely green color – with less than 15,000 miles from new? Fitted with a 427 Ford Police Interceptor V8 with extra torque and durability from new when built in 1966? Yessir!   1967 Shelby 427 Cobra RM Auctions   Sam Pack Collection 14 – 15 November 2014 Lot 188 1967 Shelby 427 Cobra To be auctioned on Saturday, November 15, 2014 Without Reserve $1,100,000 – $1,400,000 Chassis no. CSX 3279   425 bhp, 427 cu. in. Ford V-8 engine with a single four-barrel carburetor, four-speed manual transmission, four-wheel coil-spring independent suspension, and four-wheel hydraulic …

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GEMBALLA GT Cabrio – See and Hear The Amazing Porsche 911 Carrera Upgrade

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  In case the gorgeous new front and rear fascias were not enough to make you love the Gemballa GT Cabrio, check out these audio samples of the dual-mode exhaust below!  (update:  these audio clips appear broken or do not work in every browser. Sorry) Full Power – Exhaust Valve Open / Closed         Startup – Exhaust Valve Open / Closed     GEMBALLA GT Cabrio   An Open Show of Carbon and Emotion   GEMBALLA GT aerodynamic and technology package for the Porsche 991 Carrera S Convertible   The Porsche 991 Carrera S Convertible combines speed …

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Meet 2016’s Hottest Hypercars: LaFerrari Roadster vs McLaren P1 Spider

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We can only take full credit for the McLaren renderings shown here – the LaFerrari Roadster  is from Garrett Bradford’s blog. But pairing up these fantasy renderings seems logical. Both will heavily leverage the folding-top tech from the 458 and 650S cabriolets, with flying buttresses to house parts of the folding hardtop mechanicals and three-piece folding panels to stack compactly above the engine bays. Of course, a flatter tail is definitely sexier — as shown by this unfinished render draft. So, why Spider versions of these hardcore hypercars? It is a natural evolution for both, and allows production of an …

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2010 GEMBALLA MIG-U1 Is Easily Most-Outrageous Enzo Ferrari Custom EVER!

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A blast from the past on this one – the 2010 Gemballa MIG U1. Even with the latest LaFerrari hogging the Enzo’s limelight, the MIG U1 is a terrifying level of customization and deeply enchanting levels of race-ready aerodynamics. This is still a very special car – and its Dubai plates show that Gemballa is still starring in these ultra-hot hypercar enclaves like Dubai, Singapore, Miami and Hong Kong.   2010 GEMBALLA MIG-U1     PRESS RELEASE      January 2010   GEMBALLA MIG-U1 – The super sports car in a unique overall concept   In the last 27 years, Uwe Gemballa …

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RM Dallas Preview – 600HP V12 1939 Lincoln Zephyr Coupe

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The upcoming Sam Pack collection sale from RM Auctions in Dallas is shaping up to be a big mover and shaker in the world of American classics. As a follow-up to the cool Lincoln concept cars article, here is perhaps the most stunning Lincoln in years: a 1939 custom Zephyr Coupe. The waterfall grille design shown here is perhaps the best-known Lincoln design theme aside from the 1961 Lincoln Continental of JFK fame. The fact that modern Lincolns wear this aesthetic is no coincidence.     A ground-up restoration and customization sees the original engine replaced by a 6.0-liter V12 …

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Concept to Reality – 2011 Kia GT Was Stunning; Too Bad About The K900

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Looking over the details of the gorgeous 2011 Frankfurt concept from Kia, the GT, really triggers frustration. Sure, some of these ideas like the C-pillar and roof accent made it into the latest Optima — but the most desirable rear-drive nature was lost on that front-drive model. Lost forever? One would think — until the K900 flagship debuted this year with pricing from $60,000, rear-drive, and a V8 engine. But where the GT concept is artful in its form, the K900 is a blob of vaguely-melted shapes, like a plus-size model who is not afraid to show some skin. The …

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Hypercar Hall of Shame – 2005 MAYBACH Exelero

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Hall of shame is right! A car so hideous that it shamed Mercedes-Benz into a full McLaren partnership to make the SLR? Perhaps too harsh? We were unsure how to position this article until catching the face of the woman in the background of the photo below. Yep, that about sums up the Exelero. There are a few nice elements of the Exelero, including is huge proportions and length versus such a low height, the sinking glasshouse and arced windows, and the elegant twisted-beam in the side shaping. This spiral form was/is all the rage in architecture, and was fresh …

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5 New SEMA Ford Transit Vans Are Seriously Cool: From Drifters To Limo-Buses To Off-Roaders!

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  Okay, enough of my bad jokes about SEMA… These are all pretty cool and could feasibly find buyers in various big-van segments: everything from limo-bus to mountain rafting companies would all love to get their hands on these new Transit custom concepts for SEMA. Glad to see the Transit Skyliner made it over from the Paris show!         SEMA Ford Transit Vans         VANDEMONIUM: YOU WON’T BELIEVE HOW FIVE AFTERMARKET SHOPS DESIGNED THE FIRST FORD TRANSIT CUSTOM VANS FOR SEMA 30/10/14  Custom-built project vehicles from five coachbuilders will showcase different expressions of Ford …

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SEMA Ford Expeditions Are Menace II Society! Tjin, DUB and Vaccar Editions Suit All Drive-By Terrains

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  Remember the last article where we noted that some SEMA concepts are so wild you might not want to drive them? One or more of these definitely applies in that category — but all are solid efforts overall. Ford is really showing GM and Chrysler how SEMA works this year! We love that Ford has various styles of many of its models, versus relying on one custom for each product line. If we had to pick one… it would be the widebody by Tjin with the wheels from the DUB edition? All are pretty wild, in truth, with the …

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SCION Thrills With Concept FR-S TARGA TURBO + xB Camper Conversion

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  Great ideas from Scion for SEMA! In a huge Vegas pavilion filled with unreal concepts and one-offs that you might (or might not…) even want to own, here comes Scion. The Cartel Customs Targa FR-S is brilliant and seems feasible both for current owners to pursue as well as for the company itself. The convertible FT86 Open concept looks to have been shelved for now, so why not the next best way to get wind in your hair? The xB conversion camper is also deeply charming throughout. Check out the cabin details and those plush leather seats!  Reminds us …

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AC Schnitzer Range Rover Sport S Is Seductive Style and Performance Makeover

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Have performance parts, will travel long distances at high speeds! The AC Schnitzer upgrade program for the Range Rover Sport is a dapper and subtle way to make the factory truck far more intense looking, sounding and feeling around corners. The various exhaust options let you pick the style that is just right for your RRSS. The key holder inside a cupholder insert of this and other AC Schnitzers is handy, but would be cooler there was somewhere on on the gearknob to mount the key. AC Schnitzer Range Rover Sport S

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AC Schnitzer BMW X5 Upgrades Are Gorgeous and Functional!

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Two things come to mind with the new X5 from BMW: the lack of an X5 M (so far…) and an overall bumper treatment that can be very busy and awkward. Where is the clean M-car styling we love so much? AC Schnitzer’s latest upgrades catalog addresses this nicely – with huge wheels, lowering springs and a tasteful bodykit to wrap the front and rear in high-speed style. The exhaust and ECU changes also free up about 50-horsepower for all of the engines, as well as sounding absolutely outstanding!  AC Schnitzer BMW X5 – Exhaust Notes Check out the parts …

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2015 Scion tC Release Series 9.0 Brings Showcar Style To Showrooms From $24k

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Scion’s Release Series cars are convincing upgrades to standard models – showing what is possible in a full stage one makeover outside and in. The FR-S RS1 and this new tC RS9 stand out as some of the best factory customs on the market – and certainly in this price range. 2000 copies of this lowered and blacked-out Scion tC will reach showrooms around February of 2015 — with cool accents like black wheels, lowering springs and even a milled central exhaust outlet. Very cool upgrades all around from Cartel Customs. 2015 Scion tC Release Series 9.0 Scion tC Release …

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2014 Fiat FCC4 Concept For Sao Paolo Is Samba Rambo SUV Pickup!

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Lambo Rambo… in Portuguese… is Samba Rambo? This amazing concept from Fiat is called the FCC4 and looks to be about the size of the Jeep Cherokee, but wearing giant rock-crawling rubber and a bad-ass pickup-truck bodystyle. Fresh ideas and designs abound, including the floating C-pillar and wrap-around brightwork of the glasshouse. Inside the roof and bed structure, we see some of the organic bracing seen from Bertone lately — all good stuff. Looks fantastic, and opens new doors to what the Fiat brand can be in the large Brazilian market. Fiat FCC4 Concept    

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2014 Nissan Kicks Concept Is New Sao Paolo Off-Road Crossover

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  In the ‘cars we want from other markets’ category, here is the latest Nissan crossover – the KICKS for Sao Paolo’s auto show this week and next. As far as what the KICKS concept may preview, we would not bet on anything directly coming to the US market in this off-road-able mid-size crossover segment, where the Kicks appears to share much of its mechanical footprint with the Rogue. But the style and design themes shown here are a strong hint at the next-gen Patrol and xTerra SUVs for the global market. 2014 Nissan Kicks Concept Nissan debuts Kicks Concept …

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RM London Highlights – 1920 Bugatti Type 23 Was First Rally Supercar + RARE Archive Photos

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When racing in a straight line, the key attributes you want are a long wheelbase and huge power. But when racing up tight mountain roads, with switchbacks every few hundred metres, you want the shortest wheelbase possible. Still with the huge power, but in a nimbler and pointer package. Bugatti has always chased the extremes of performance, and this Type 23 is no different. Chopped short like a Sport Quattro — this Type 23 is hilarious at first. We can see in these extremely rare archive photos a T11 racer and an the enclosed-shell Bugatti T32 ‘Tank’ sharing this same …

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Road Test Review – 2015 Subaru Legacy 2.5i Limited Is Nipping Camry and Mazda6 Heels

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Rave review first-drive here on the new Subaru Legacy! Along with three dozen all-new photos of this newly-competitive mid-size car. It looks like the drive video we shot did not survive its GoPro upload to the computer, so we will write this one up the old-fashioned way! EXTERIOR The new Legacy’s design is shown in its best light with the 2.5i Limited, which wears the latest LED accents and projector-beam lighting from the 3.6R top-line model. As equipped, this 2.5i is actually very handsome and premium. Why the surprise? Well, let’s face it: the base Legacy has been seriously nerdy …

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Road Test Review – 2015 Toyota Yaris SE 5-Door Is A Hipsters Delight!

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 2015 Toyota Yaris Review Quick: name the only Toyota (or Lexus) that is imported to the US from Europe? Any guesses? The header here is a solid clue. It is indeed the 2015 Yaris. Designed and built in Europe, the land of hot hatch excellence and cheap/cheerful mini cars, the Yaris embodies all the frisky spirit of the Fiat 500 or the MINI Cooper — but with a giant discount. The 2015 Yaris hopes to sell on more the efficiency and low entry pricing, however. It brings a full suspension redesign, a cabin upgrade and even funky LED lighting on …

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First 2015 NISMO GT-R Delivered To Winston-Salem NC; Witch Trial Soon?

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Is the NISMO GT-R a witch? How else could the car be so insanely fast in a straight line or around any racetrack? It must be witchcraft. Winston-Salem, North Carolina residents are seeking justice today after the first-ever US customer received his dream GT-R this week, rendering all other supercars obsolete. After all, if it can’t be explained… it must be witchcraft! Sure, Salem Massachusetts is where the original witch trials were held … but the NISMO GT-R has sought a change of venue to secure an unbiased jury. Until a verdict is reached, sales of the 2015 GT-R NISMO …

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Concept To Reality – Part Two – 2007 Lexus LF-A Roadster

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PART TWO: THE ROADSTER Why show a nearly-identical roadster version of the LF-A Concept for the 2007 show season? Mainly, to show the potential of the front-engine supercar design, as well as to prove that the idea was still progressing nicely on the road to production. In lipstick red, the LF-A Roadster certainly got hearts racing. People we palpably excited for the car at this point — but would have to wait another two years for the production coupe to drop its silk robes. 2007 Lexus LF-A Roadster   PREVIOUS How time flies! Versus the 2010 Lexus LFA production supercar, …

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Concept To Reality – Part One – 2005 Lexus LF-A Coupe In 31 High-Res Photos

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How time flies! Versus the 2010 Lexus LFA production supercar, the 2005 Lexus LF-A Coupe is fairly shocking. Why? Not just its hyphen versus the hyphen-free production car? Yes, but there is more =] First of all, the production car is far more attractive.This is a rarity across almost every concept to reality series before, and shows how quickly the Lexus supercar idea was evolving alongside Lexus’s overall design aesthetic. And secondly, that this LFA concept seems so unbelievably early in the car’s evolution. Detail elements that are typically finished in most Toyota and Lexus concepts are very raw and …

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3.2s, 199MPH 2015 Audi R8 Competition Edition Revealed Ahead of LA Show

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  Audi just released the details of its 60-copy 2015 R8 Competition — a harder, faster and stronger version of the ultimate four-ringed supercar. Based on the R8 V10 Plus, the Competition Edition runs a 570-horsepower version of the 5.2-liter V10 engine from the Plus with a racing-tuned S-tronic DSG gearbox. The extra power and pace is announced by the R8 Competition’s unique matte carbon styling accents throughout, along with a more soulful engine note and gloss-black detail elements. 2015 Audi R8 Competition   Oct 28, 2014 , HERNDON, Va. Limited-edition Audi R8 competition to debut at Los Angeles Auto Show …

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2015 Rolls-Royce Phantom Metropolitan Collection Is Bespoke Tastemaker + Berlin Lightshow

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  An unexpected challenge when commissioning a Rolls-Royce? The thousands of options for the exterior and interior can be slightly overwhelming. What if an ultimate tastemaker could select and deliver the ultimate in 2015 mood — with just the click of a button? Such is the new Phantom Metropolitan Collection – a subtle but ultra-stylish member of the Phantom family – available in a limited-run of two dozen copies. The Metropolitan Collection celebrates the greatest parts of city life with a subtle satin grey/blue outside over a lovely ivory cabin with custom woodwork and detailing. The Phantom Metropolitan is a …

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HD Track Drive Review – 2015 Dodge Challenger R/T Is Powerful But Huge And Floaty

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Updated 10.28.14 With Track Drive Video We were thrilled to get in the new Challenger for some hot laps around Autobahn Country Club — and extra happy it was a V8! But despite being near the top of the range of many Challengers for 2015, this R/T automatic was greatly outclassed by serious sports cars. The R/T felt fast, but also enormously floaty and very heavy around all corners. There was an odd sense of height in the car at all times – like it was riding too high and had a lofty center of gravity as well. In corners, …

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HD Road Test Review – 2015 Toyota Camry XSE Is FAST and QUIET!

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  Fast and Quiet? Yep. A variation on Fast ‘n’ Loud is what most sedan shoppers actually prefer in their daily drivers, and the Camry XSE nails these benchmarks better than any other mid-size sedan. INTRO Can you imagine how tough the Camry is on competing cars like the Accord and Fusion? As far as we see it, the Camry gets better and better every year — without one slot in the armor of this best-seller to sneak an arrow through? The only area where the previous Camry let its competition get some ideas was with the overall exterior design, …

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Concept Flashback – Lexus LF-LC in 77 High-Res Photos – Future LF-C?

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When looking closely at the 2011 and 2012 Lexus LF-LC concepts, you see clear influences all around toward the latest RC. You also see the design from these advanced studies throughout the Lexus line for 2015 – with everything from the GX to the ES and LS wearing a giant spindle frame grille and arrowhead lighting elements. There is more to these beauties than just the nose, however: they share the exact proportions and hard-points with the vaunted LF-A supercar. Are these designs intended as a second-generation LF-A? Something like an LF-C with hybrid power from the Toyota TS040 LeMans …

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Hypercar Hall of Fame – 2011 Bugatti Veyron L’Or Blanc Really Is White Gold

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  What if that enchanting effect of light dancing on paint could be immortalized? Kept flowing forever in perfect for an artistic dream in glowing white? That is the result with the 2011 Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport L’Or Blanc. The one-of-a-kind porcelain inlays create a Veyron that is unlike any other Bugatti — and unlike any other car. There is real artistry in creating the ‘white gold’ effect shown on this masterpiece, and Bugatti details the process below. We estimate that the design and creation of L’Or Blanc took at least 12 months — from the time the Veyron was …

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2015 Midual Type 1 Launches New Era for SuperLux Sport Bikes

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The Midual Type 1 is an exciting new entry in the motorcycle market – with luxury and personalization details that make an extremely exclusive machine even more personal. Designed from scratch with every part both stylish and functional, the Midual project vaguely recalls the Pagani factory. Where most makes would contract out small pieces to parts suppliers, the Midual team and milling and 3D printing and leather-wrapping everything in-house. The results are certainly stunning to touch and hold. Performance from the 25-degree twin-cylinder engine is also said to be rorty and planted around corners, with an ultra-low center of gravity …

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50 New Photos! 2015 Lexus NX300h and NX300h F Sport Are Best-Looking SUVs of the Year

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Updated 10.24.14 with 50 New Photos These latest photos from the UK show the hybrid NX Lexus in an absolutely beautiful light. The complex and emotional creasing of the surfaces is endlessly entertaining to the eye, while the practicality of this mid-size crossover pair belies their base price in the mid-$30,000 ballpark. It is surprising and welcome to have an F Sport version of the Hybrid. This is definitely a car to worry both the BMW X3 and X5. The Lexus NX will be in dealerships in just a few months, with a December arrival projected nationwide. 2015 Lexus NX300h …

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RM Dallas Preview – 2002 Lincoln Continental Concept + 2004 Lincoln Mark X Concept

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This is a rare pair of concepts — two of more than 75 very special cars that are up for auction November 14 and 15 in Dallas. Part of the Sam Pack collection, these two Lincolns are both very special parts of the Pack auction. Pack appears to have loved American cars best, and Ford and Lincolns best of all. These modern concept cars represent an option to own something that does not exist — true one-offs. But one is far more desirable than the other! Which one? We would say the Mark X concvertible is the more usable versus …

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Bugatti GS Vitesse 1 of 1 Edition Celebrates Type 41 Royale In Bespoke Yellow / Black

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When spending more than $2-million on a single car, every one is inherently special. The Veyron Grand Sport Vitesse falls into this league of ultra-customized purchases – where an extra few hundred thousand dollars in special add-ons in the new normal. Such is the case of this Vitesse One of One edition, delivered in secret last month at Pebble Beach in a private gala. Aside from the gorgeous fly yellow into obsidian exterior, there are unique touches on all sides. The grille is quite special – as the first-ever Veyron to have the normal mesh replaced by a laser-cut PL, …

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TECHART MACAN Stage Two Revealed! Aerokit, Exhaust Flaps, +50HP and Suspension Reflash Join The Fun

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When one of these press photos instantly becomes my Twitter profile’s headline graphic, you know TechArt is doing something right! The latest upgrades for the super-hot 2015 Porsche Macan hit exactly the right notes. In what we are calling Stage Two versus the previous wheel options from TechArt, the team has revealed a subtle but effective aero kit. Up front, a deeper nose-plate in contrast grey helps ground the Macan’s somewhat awkward grille design, and this ground effects kit wraps the sills and rear diffuser as well. We enjoy all these upgrades and accents in Acid Green, as this is …

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2015 DELAHAYE USA Bugnotti Reimagines Type 165 With New Styling and Modern Mechanicals

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PART TWO: The Bugnotti While researching the Delahaye 135M Figoni et Falaschi article yesterday, we came across Delahaye USA — a custom fabrication specialist with two stunning models in the current range. The Pacific is an ultra-long and low homage to the classic Bugatti Type 57S, but powered by a modern V12 and bodied in carbon fiber.  The Bugnotti is a nod to the Delahaye Type 165, but vastly different in design. Modern running gear and standard AC make Delahaye USA a one-of-a-kind option for those seeking art deco design, exquisite craftsmanship, and fully bespoke choices for every possible element …

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LA Teasers! Scion iM Concept Car Previews New tC + 2016 Acura ILX + Prius V Facelifts

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First look this morning at the very promising Scion iM concept car for Los Angeles! The ‘iM’ name of this hot new Scion prototupe is a reference to the brand’s new Driven campaign, with fans and Scion drivers encouraged to tweet with the #iMdriven hashtag to show some love. (Not to be confused with Range Rover’s #IamDriven contest .. which we did not win. A skydiver from ‘ellay’ won the trip to Carmel.) So what is this Scion iM concept? It appears to be a hotter and more-aggressive sports car. The deep scoops and lighting elements are heavily FR-S-influenced, as …

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400HP, 4.1s 2015 BRABUS Mercedes-Benz GLA Hunkers Low on 21s + Aero Kit

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  The strangest part of the GLA-Class and other small crossovers lately is how low they actually are. Is it an SUV? The OEM plastic shields on the fenders say yes, but the mind is not so sure. It has taken 20 years then for the world to catch up to the classic Subaru Legacy —> Outback conversion. Taller springs, chunkier rubber and an Eddie Bauer package outside is all you need to sell thousands of cars a year! Just kidding. (JK BFR = just kidding, but for real.) How to stay ahead of trends and planted in corners with …

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2016 McLaren P1 GTR Sexts Out 10 Salacious Cockpit Snaps! Uncensored, NSFW Photos Inside

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  The P1 GTR is having its full goodies exposed now – in what we are calling the pappening! It started with upskirt photos in Pebble Beach, and has now led to this spread-eagle display of its most private areas for the world to see. The giant exhaust cans and rear spoiler are visibly erect at all times – definitely prepared for racing scenarios lasting more than four hours. Thoughts on the latest skin pics from between the P1 GTR’s legs – aka, the cockpit? It is remarkably bare down there. There is not a scrap of Alcantara comfort fuzz …

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Pebble Beach Concours – 1911 Hotchkiss AD Amiet Enclosed Limousine

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  Paris-based Amiet bodied this Hotchkiss limo in 1911 — more than 30 years after Connecticut industrialist arrived in France to set up a military armaments factory. The competitors for the Hotchkiss would have been the Benz wagon. Looking like a stagecoach was a nice ‘in’ to gentrified society buyers. These folks had long traveled within enclosed coaches, leaving the rain and smells of the city to the driver up front or simple farmers. For a sense of what the hoi polloi were traveling in? See the steam-car nearby for context! After more than 100 years, this original Hotchkiss limo …

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Spanish Bay Classics – 1948 DELAHAYE 135M Figoni et Falaschi Captivates In Black

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Tucked over in the corner of Pebble Beach resorts is Spanish Bay, a more modern setup than the relatively classic (albeit still uber-lux) accommodations at The Lodge. And in a corner of a mini classic car display at Spanish Bay? This surreal 1948 Delahaye. It took more than a few minutes to even identify this car tonight – we even wondered if it was a replica briefly, simply because there is little info about each of these low-batch supercars handcrafted near Paris. The 135M is very enchanting in a rich black monotone — which is quite a contrast with many …

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Quail Classics – 1950 Healey Silverstone Roadster Is Race-Optimized Aerolithe

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We need an article to put together while my pulse comes down after totally breaking this website a few hours ago. Learning to be a webmaster on the fly is fraught with peril. Would Healey have said the same thing about his much-wider Silverstone roadster for 1950? This ‘E-Type’ Healey was widened by more than a foot versus the D-Type of 1949, which was initially planned as an affordable vehicle to slide under a $4,000 cap at which new car taxes doubled from 33-percent to 66-percent. The plan was to put Jaguar and Alfa-Romeo and Maserati power and tech into …

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Best of Awards – 2015 Lexus RC-F Review in 3 Videos, 170 Photos and 467 Reasons It Beats BMW M4

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TRACK DRIVE VIDEO     The downside of being the first guy in the seat of the amazing Lexus RC-F last month at a big track drive event in Chicago? We were part of the first laps around the track – barely scratching the surface of the RC-F’s abilities. But the upside? Driving one of the hottest and most-anticipated supercoupes in years. We absolutely love the RC-F and find it is a huge leap from the IS-F before in almost every way. Included here are: track drive video, pit lane intro video, an exhaust/startup video 30 all-new photos from Autobahn …

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Concept to Reality: 2015 Ford Mustang Sketches That Led To Gorgeous New Ponycar

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We really like that Ford has been releasing so much information on the design development of their models. A big part of the One Ford program means getting these core models absolutely correct — but such success in styling is not easy to guarantee. So how did Ford get to the 2015 Mustang design? Looking at some of the ideas behind the final look of the Mustang is interesting — with bits from various sketches coming together to form a clean and holistic look for the car. One of the biggest challenges is getting the nose right. In order to …

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Updated With 80 Gorgeous Photos! 2015 Ford Mustang GT Review

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Updated 10.20.14 We have a confession to make: while downloading and editing these 80 new photos of the Mustang media drive in LA, we took a break and sent off a few emails to Ford contacts. Why? The Mustang is so gorgeous in these photos that we are trying to charm our way into an upcoming east coast media drive event. The 30-min track lap above was not enough time. Fingers crossed we can make it work to get up close with the EcoBoost as well as the GT. Take a look at all the new photos from Ford below …

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2012 Cadillac CTS-V with Satin White Wrap by CAMSHAFT vs 2015 CTS-V Coupe Midnight

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Tastes are changing fast. In the latest Corvette C7 sales breakout for 2014, gloss black wheels took nearly half of the sales on the top Z51 trim level. Old staples like silver and chrome are now battling for the remainder of sales. This makes sense. Supercars and hypercars as far back as 2005 and 2006 started to appear with black wheels. This is a great top-down was to make a trend go mainstream. Similarly, brightwork is out. Chrome trims on the windows have long been ditched on M Sport BMWs, but it takes a custom touch to update your own …

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2016 Toyota FCV On Sale October 2015! Fuel Cells Now Less Vaporware, More EVent H20rizon

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Are those typos in the headline? No, just some attempted cleverness. The FCV is an EV and H20 event horizon. VAPORWARE? Fuel cells helped define the term vaporware. Vaporware is now a ubiquitous silicon valley description of long-term possibilities that are always on the distant horizon. Part of the reason fuel cell Hydrogen vehicles have earned and propelled this bit of jargon is that their main byproduct is water vapor by converting hydrogen into electricity for a battery pack. The other reason is that companies have been researching this technology for more and 30 years, with no production models to …

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2015 Maserati Ghibli S Q4 ZEGNA EDITION In Exclusive Blue with Silk-Lined Cabin

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Talk about a meeting of the unpronounce-ables! The new Ghibli (ghee-blee) Zegna (Xen-yaa) Edition is the second partnership between Maserati and the famed Italian fashion house. Outside, the Ghibli Zegna wears exclusive shades for its rich light-blue paint and liquid-silver wheels, but the real action is inside. The leather-edged seats and dash and doors now have a silk seating area with hand-woven chevron patterns.Even the headliner is now wrapped in gorgeous and touchable Zegna fabrics. The Ghibli Zegna’s swanky cabin promises to be as soft as the exact yarns in Zegna’s suits and sweaters — of which a certain Fiat …

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Road Test Review – 2014 Mazda3 S Grand Touring 5-Door Drives Like BMW!

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By Special Contributor Ken Glassman Mazda has been making some great cars for a long time. And Mazda has been setting themselves apart from the crowd by dialing in more driving excitement. You can always count on a Mazda to offer outstanding handling and excellent performance into all their models. And the 3 series Grand Touring is no exception.  EXTERIOR The styling of this 5-door hatchback is slick and unique. Hatchbacks are not nearly as popular in the US as they are everywhere else in the world, but this one may change how Americans look at a hatchback, and see …

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Concept Flashback – 2008 GMC Denali XT Is Hybrid V8 Chop-Top!

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How many awesome ideas and cars hit the chopping block during the financial crisis? More than a dozen from each manufacturer, we would estimate. That goes for much of the new engine tech and almost all of the new segment-busting models like this Denali XT. As wide as a full-size truck, but two feet lower — the Denali XT is seriously sexy even as we enter 2015. The ideas shown on this truck are pretty evergreen, and might be up for a revival some day. The Hybrid engine tech shown is paired with a 4.9-liter, direct-injected V8 — the one …

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Concept Flashback – 2006 Toyota F3R Directly Previewed Swagger Wagon Sienna

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When it comes to making a seriously sexy minivan, you have to bring every design vision in the book to life. In many ways, the proportions of a giant van make the goal of stylish and sporty themes harder to deliver than any other type of car or truck. So many ideas have been tried over the years – from the Pontiac TransPort Montana to the Ford Aerostar and then Windstar — the cool minivan can be a time-suck extrordiaire. It is just a black hole for resources, in many ways. This is partially why the unique and egg-shaped Nissan …

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Audi LA Concept Teaser May Be Upcoming Q4 Crossover

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Audi’s cryptic teaser image of its upcoming Los Angeles showcar creates many more questions than it answers. On the one hand, the overhead view is enticing and definitely exciting. The flowing surfaces and glasshouse bulge out into the fenders and overall nose and tail shape enticingly. But what the heck is it? Audi has already shown two coupe-style concepts this year in the form of the TT OffRoad concept in Beijing (yellow) and the TT sedan in red below. Audi also has a variety of models that are overdue for the next model to come out, including the Q7 and …

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New Paris Art Museum from LVMH’s Arnaud Shows Progress in Gehry Design Aesthetic

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Part of the grandeur of the world’s best art museum’s comes not from the collections inside or troved away in the basements – but the designs of the buildings themselves. This latest Parisian masterpiece is called the Fondation Louis Vuitton, named and housing the art collection of Bernard Arnault – the leading man behind LVMH, a luxury powerhouse owning brands far beyond the Louis Vuitton, Moet and Hennessy its name includes. Initially, the space will house the permanent collection of Arnault himself – consisting of thousands of precious artwork so far invisible to the public. Arnault is set to become …

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Concept Flashback – 2004 Toyota MTRC – Off-Road EV Racer With Adjustable Ground Clearance

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Any huge fans of radio-controlled cars out there? Yep, that is what we thought. Almost all of us! The baja racer design of many off-road cars and trucks makes them fast over almost any surface, indestructible and, above all, fun! How to bring that joyful rally racing function to a life-sized prototype? One that can have a wild body shape, self-lifting suspension and a smooth underbody (and big splitters) to maximize downforce? The Toyota MTRC stands for Motor Triathlon Race Car — and employs a variety of very smart techniques for making a life-size RC car. Tandem seating and in-wheel …

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Update3 With 70 New Photos – 2015 Mercedes-Benz S550 Coupe Priced from $116k

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Update3 10.17.14 Three updates?!  This article is becoming a beast and a half – with about 150 photos of the new S550 in Pebble Beach and elsewhere included below. But who can deny how gorgeous the new S-Class Coupe is in every latest photo! Not us, that is for sure. The options shown on this S550 Coupe make it every bit as sexy and slinky as the S63 and S63 AMG Coupes — not to mention the Bentley Continental GT. In terms of differentiating among the powertrains, the big key is in the front bumpers — where the S550 is …

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Update1 – Road Test Review – 2015 Ford Fiesta ST Is Freaky Fast, Freaky Good

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 Updated 10.18.14 With New Videos Performance Specials. They are the cream of the crop. They are the CTS-V’s of the world, the M5s and the Lancer Evo’s. They are freaky specials that are the product of pure driving joy, allowed to slip into showrooms every now and then. For car guys, they are the holy grail. Rare. Special. Excellent. From the moment you sit in the Ford Fiesta ST, you know that it is going to be a hugely fun drive. The seats are packed with support bolsters and the engine start button kicks the Fiesta into life with a …

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Spec Rendering – 2016 Subaru WRX STi RS500 Coupe

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Just a bit of fun for this Friday afternoon – a potential WRX STi Coupe. We have called it the RS500 in a nod to the previous Impreza RS Coupe of the 1990s, with the 500 a power ooutput of this rally-prepped turbo engine. The exterior changes are extensive, but we aimed for production feasibility over other-worldly style. To this end, the windshield rake stays almost exactly the same, as do the front doors and other hard points up front. Obviously cut out the rear doors, and shortened the wheelbase by five inches to make the RS500 Coupe pivot a …

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2015 Audi Sport TT Cup Is Customer Racing Series Alongside DTM – Now Taking 18 Driver Applications!

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12 races over the 2015 DTM season will see dozens of normal guys train with Audi Sport and head out for intense 30-minute TT Cup races with a truly world-class engineering and racing support team at their disposal. The Audi Sport TT Cup is a customer racing program that will run these 30-minute races of 24 cars each before six major DTM races in the 2015 season. The price is sure to be high for those who want to join, but the rewards will be high too. This is a fully race-prepped TT with 310-horsepower, roll cage, lightweighting and flypaper …

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1250HP, 2.6s MANSORY Carbonado GT and Apertos Roadster Are Eye-Popping Lamborghini Aventador Makeovers

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You think the Novitec Torado Aventador Roadster is lavish and unbelievable? Check out these three from Mansory – the King tuner of the automotive world. Not just for the comprehensive overhauls and the princely pricing. Mansory literally has around a dozen monarchs on its (very private) client list. Real-life Kings. For these types of shoppers, nothing standard or factory-made will suffice. Step in, the Carbonado GT and Roadster – of which only three will be made. They build on the first-gen Carbonado ‘Black Diamond’ ideas, but now with more power and more lavish design upgrades. The Carbonado name is the …

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