SUPERCARS

Supercars and Track Testing News

Spec Renderings – 500HP 2018 Volvo XC80 Polestar

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It has been quite a while since a new Volvo stirred as much excitement as the 2016 XC90. The truck is absolutely miraculous, and an exciting new corporate re-alignment will see most of the XC90’s style and PHEV tech filter down throughout the range. The new S90 limo kicks things off, followed by (we predict) a lightly facelifted XC60 mid-size crossover. Beyond that, we have new S60/S70 models on the mid-term horizon — with the first Charleston, SC-built sedans set for a summer 2017 arrival as 2018 model-years. But if we were Volvo… what is the first possible thing to …

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McLaren MP4-X 24

McLaren MP4-X Detailed – Fascinating 2025 F1 Car Prototype Re-imagines Everything

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This is much more than just a set of fantasy closed-cockpit renderings, as we first thought. This is a deeply interesting revision of the F1 racecar theme — so advanced that it might not just replace the current open-wheeled racers. It might be even more fascinating to watch run alongside them in an alternative race class! Call it FX1? Whatever the case, this official MP4-X concept car from McLaren Applied Technologies is a chock full of applicable design elements that could be racing tomorrow, if the circumstances allowed. The most noticeable change right off the bat is the closed and …

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F1 NewsBriefs: INFINITI and Red Bull Are Dunzo; Texas 2016 GP On Hold in Contract Dispute

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Update: Reports indicate TAG Heuer and Renault will be the title sponsors of the TAG-Red Bull Racing effort in 2016.   Woooowww…. This is pretty intense news wrapped in mature, civilized corporate speech. Infiniti and Red Bull have broken up their world-beating Formula One partnership — effective immediately. Who ended it? That remains confidential, but it is safe to say both firms were unhappy to have their four-year winning streak so violently nabbed by Mercedes-AMG since 2013. The original INFINITI sponsorship agreement was actually a huge marketing coup at the time. INFINITI was going global and spreading its wings far …

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SRT Tomahawk 2

FCA 2016 #DriveforDesign Contest Seeks Teen Input on 2025 Dodge SRT Hellcat!

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On the heels of Ferrari’s very promising design challenge for 2015, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles just launched its multi-playform FCA Drive for Design contest. The objective for all entries is to envision a 2025 Dodge SRT Hellcat — and is limited to high school students in grades 10-12, sophomores to seniors.  The goal is to see what tomorrow’s design talent would do with the 2025 Hellcat in a no-limits world of the future. Will it be an open-wheeled racecar with tandem double cockpit? Or a mid-engine exotic like the SRT Tomahawk Vision Gran Turismo? 2015 SRT Tomahawk Vision Gran Turismo Or …

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Ferrari Design Challenge 2015 – Vote Your Future Hypercar Style!

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Ferrari has been crowd-sourcing design ideas and talent since at least 2005 — with many of the ideas for the eventual LaFerrari sharing at least something with the design-student scale models and renders. This was after Ferrari pulled the marquee hypercar design contract back in-house from Pininfarina. ‘Crowd-sourcing’ is not really a fair description of this Design Challenge effort, though. Why? These entries are not ‘loser-generated-content’ from the public — but near-finished and highly thought-through prototypes.  So more of a creative shootout than simply hive-mind idea cultivation. For the 2015 contest, Ferrari switched the script in a few ways. Ferrari …

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Concept Flashback – 2011 Gumpert TORNANTE by Touring SuperLeggera

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Touring Superleggera is one of the most iconic names in the history of Italian design boutiques. A resurgence of late has been hard-earned — many smaller projects during the financial crisis left the studio in gorgeous form, only to be let down by the realities of the market. The business of small-volume supercars is exceptionally precarious, and swallowed the AC Cars rebirth as well as Gumpert two years after this Tornante made its world debut in 2011. Gumpert is on life-support now — their Apollo hypercar was meant to be joined by a smaller and cheaper siblings: the Tornante and …

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2016 McLaren 675LT Spider – Configurator + Clubsport Package Detailed in 88 New Images

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McLaren just set the configurator of the new 675LT Spider live on the web! The builder is tweaked versus previous McLaren visualizers — simplified and tailored for the small batch of 500 LT Spiders to be produced. Six custom configurations of exterior and interior design are grouped into themes for the launch, but eight wheel styles and three dozen other colors are on the list for standard pricing. Favorites do not include the new 675LT Spider exclusive color: Solis.  This is definitely a rich golden metallic in the sun, but seen online and in low light it appears to fade …

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Concept Flashback – 1988 ITALDESIGN Aspid – Tinted Bubble Canopy

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PART TWO: The Aspid bubble hardtop. This Aztec is the first of two from the design studio’s 1988 releases — and is a huge piece of automotive coolness that might otherwise be lost to the ages. It is hard to get psyched about 80s concepts sometimes, but this Aztec’s influence on SO MANY CARS of the 1990s is clear as day. Camaro, Corvette, Probe, RX-7, MX-5, 300ZX… the list goes on and on. The mid-engine concept car runs a 250-horsepower Audi-sourced engine, but its most memorable part is the glasshouse. Twin mini windshields wrap around both passenger compartments, and open …

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Concept Flashback - 1988 ITALDESIGN Aztec 11

Concept Flashback – 1988 ITALDESIGN Aztec – Twin-Cowl Design Full of Ideas and Impact

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  This Aztec is the first of two from the design studio’s 1988 releases — and is a huge piece of automotive coolness that might otherwise be lost to the ages. It is hard to get psyched about 80s concepts sometimes, but this Aztec’s influence on SO MANY CARS of the 1990s is clear as day. Camaro, Corvette, Probe, RX-7, MX-5… the list goes on and on. The mid-engine concept car runs a 250-horsepower Audi-sourced engine, but its most memorable part is the glasshouse. Twin mini windshields wrap around both passenger compartments, and open upward in butterfly arcs as the …

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Concept Debrief – 1972 Maserati Boomerang by GIUGIARO – Leading Wedge Hypercar

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  The wedge. This design mantra took over the minds of the world’s top stylists collectively around 1970 – as the Ferrari 512 S Module and the Lancia Stratos HF Zero concepts swept everyone to accept the shape. The design was the ultimate expression of mid-engine hypercar engineering of the time. In wind tunnels of the day, the goal was to have as little front surface area as possible. Something like a rocket for the road. Ferrari 512 S Modulo at Atlanta Dream Cars exhibit http://www.car-revs-daily.com/2014/06/10/dream-cars-1970-ferrari-512s-modulo-pininfarina/       Lancia Stratos HF Zero at Atlanta Dream Cars exhibit http://www.car-revs-daily.com/2014/06/10/dream-cars-1970-lancia-stratos-hf-zero-by-bertone/ Wind …

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2016 G-Class Adds New Colors, Black Packs and Designo Cabin + We Rename The Colors V Offensively

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After the G-Class Crazy Colors Edition, Mercedes is pulling back a bit and going more tasteful for its latest factory-customized SUV flagships. EVEN among this color-mad photochopper… the G63 Crazy Colors are OTT.  We would need much deeper tints for the windows to venture out in Raspberry Beret Purple or Psychotic Break Green. And it appears buyers are suddenly shy and demure too. Those deep-thinking G-Class fans apparently want to class it up a bit for 2016.  Suggested names for these new colors?  Casket bronze, Arabian Racing Pyrite, Rivercorpse Blue and Dirty Diaper Brown. Just snarking…  The new shades are …

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TrendWatch – Stenciled Tires Escape Racetrack, Sex Up Ferrari and Porsche Road Cars

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Here is a trend that looks set to expand bigtime in the next few years:  race-branded tire sidewalls! This trend is really in the early stages of the curve — like dark wheels were in 2007 or 2008. The only production car we can think of featuring loud tire letters and colors so far is the Lamborghini Aventador Pirelli Edition, but more are surely on the way from OEM supercar brands and tire companies alike. Until then, the real tastemakers are taking matters into their own hands. These two stunning white exotics are extensively customized by GT Auto Concepts of …

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2016 McLaren 675LT Spider 1

2016 McLaren 675LT Spider Reveal – HOT Special Is Already Sold Out

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The new 675LT is not sold out.  Yet. Let me explain…. The 500-unit 675LT Coupe made fast friends with existing McLaren lovers — to the point where its full run of yearly production was sold out in just a few weeks time.  Pre-sold-out. Sight unseen, of course, for bespoke orders. So for the sake of this article’s online legacy… just assume that the 675LT Spider will be fully spoken-for by January of 2016 at the latest. =] Pricing is pretty steep for this high-ranking model in the McLaren range — pounds 285k is the price at home in England. The …

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2015 Bentley GT3 Soaks Up Fearless/Fearsome B-Boy Spirit with 1930 Birkin Blower LeMans Icon

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Trading paint on a racetrack has always been precarious for all involved. But for open-wheeled racecars like today’s F1 or Indy cars, any contact is almost instantly catastrophic. First you lose grip, then if the car goes sideways or airborn even a tiny bit, you lose all downforce. The results of a track clash were even more stark in the early days of Le Mans racing.  Racing back in the day was 1000X more dangerous than today — so just imagine the balls it would take to pass a race-leading Mercedes-Benz on the side grass of the Mulsanne straight! That …

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2016 Audi R8 LMS – New Open-Aero Design Analysis, Specs and Pricing

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The new R8 is big news, of course, for supercar shoppers. Three models are set for the US range: the R8, R8 V10 and R8 V10 Plus. All sport AWD as standard and curb weights of 3500- and 3600-pounds. America will miss out on the limited-release R8 E-Tron but we will definitely see the fifth family member: the nearly unbeatable 2016 R8 LMS. This factory racecar is already outselling the existing model among dozens of top-tier sportscar racing teams. The reasons are simple: it is faster than ever thanks to cunning new aero and mechanicals. The biggest changes versus the …

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BAC MONO Sweeping Hong Kong! New Showroom Sells 8 Cars on First Day

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Alternative headline? MONO-nucleolus outbreak in Far East! =] Yea. Too alarmist. Moving on… BAC just opened their second Asian showroom in as many months — with Hong Kong a natural follow-up to the new Japanese dealer recently established. Demand is clearly strong globally for this one-seat supercar, but showrooms nearby is the best way to really ramp up volume. Sure, there might be one or two MONO’s in Hong Kong already, but the eight just sold would likely never have happened without buyer’s knowing where to service and maintain the cars.  The MONO is the perfect stepping-stone between sportscars in …

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2017 Porsche 911 Turbo 23

2.5s, 215MPH 2017 Porsche 911 Turbo S Revealed – New Anti-Lag H6TT On-Sale in January!

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Porsche just revealed the next step in the 911 model family’s evolution: the new Turbo and Turbo S lineup! Both hard and softtops are promised from launch, with all delivering even more violent acceleration and euphoric handling. The engines are up 20-ponies each: to 540HP in the Turbo and a stonking 580 in the Turbo S models. Porsche has official 100-kph times of 3.0s for the Turbo, and a tenth quicker for the S models. However, the current 2015 Turbo S is on the books from various sources at an obscene 2.6-seconds for the shorter 60-mph sprint — leading to …

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RingBrothers Carbon Fiber Mustang GT-R on HRE Wheels Hits Airbase for GORGEOUS Photoshoot

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This is the most stunning thing you will see all day! The ‘ESPIONAGE Mustang: a full carbon-fiber Mustang running gorgeous retro-mod HRE wheels in polished gunmetal grey. It is a stunning car — and the process of making it real is almost more fascinating than the end product!  Almost. RingBrothers Carbon Fiber Mustang GT-R on HRE Wheels   Construction Process – RingBrothers   Cabin    

GEIGER Dodge Viper GTS-R710 2

210MPH GEIGER Dodge Viper GTS-R710 Boasts Reworked Headers, Cats, Exhaust and Ram Airbox

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The Viper is incredible!  We fell hard for the brute recently, and love the tweaks GeigerCars created to make the car even better. A seriously reworked engine detailed below aims to help the 8.4-liter, 645HP stock V10 break free. Yes, this Viper is off the chain! But most of all, it howls higher and growls lower thanks to the new intake, headers and exhaust — all putting up the total output to 710 ponies. 2.9-seconds to 60-mph for this exact car, and pulling hard at its 212-mph official Vmax.   GEIGER Dodge Viper GTS-R710 PRESS RELEASE Dodge Viper GTS R710 …

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Capristo_ 458 Spider_1

German Tuner Cars Roundup! 220-Photo, 2GB Mega Gallery – 458 Capristo, Golfs Galore, R8s, 911s, TTs…

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Do we just publish every tuner car from across Deutschland? Despite seeming that way sometimes… the answer is no.  Time is limited, of course.  And that is a decent enough excuse for skipping many along the way. These cars are cherished showpieces for their various owners and customizers. Every one deserves its own lightbox gallery on the interwebs! =] How to find more info about one you adore?  The photo filenames will help — most are labelled with the tuner name.  Happy viewing. German Tuner Cars Roundup

300MPH 2018 BUGATTI Spyshots, Renderings and Design Analysis

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The Bugatti Veyron took more than 10 years and ~10-billion dollars to make real for its 2005 debut. The vehicle development started with the VW W12 NARDO/SYNCHRO prototypes before taking on a life of its own via stratospheric performance dictates from the very top of the Volkswagen Group. 1000-horsepower and 250-mph. Great in theory, surpassed in practice!   The next-generation Bugatti supercar has a great running start by using many components and skills long-honed for the first Veyron and its SuperSport and Vitesse models since the launch spec. Even so…. this long intro is basically a warning: do not get …

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2017 ZAROOQ SandRacer – Pricing, Tech Specs and 50 Pics of New Emirati Off-Roader

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Zarooq just held its launch press conference! Very cool premier of an exceptionally promising rear-engine rally race truck — the SandRacer 300.   Teased since last summer, this new project is a partnership between global racing legends, skilled engineers and marketing savvy. All built and optimized for us in Zarooq’s back yard: the massive dunes of Arabia. The latest details make us even more excited about the project: rear-drive with a 3.5-liter V6 mounted in the mid-rear, the SandRacer is priced from about $100k at launch and will be road legal in the Middle East. The Zarooq’s otherworldly design outside …

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Concept Flashback - 2005 Fiat OLTRE 3

Concept Flashback – 2005 Fiat OLTRE

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It is somewhat azmusing that the 2005 Oltre-Fiat concept truck’s name means “over” in a direct Italian to English translation. Of course, Oltre also means ‘above and beyond’ and ‘over’ and ‘onward.’  Many adventurous descriptions for a seven-ton monster of a military truck. “Over” of course now also applies to the Oltre-Fiat’s extremely gaudy, Hummer-esque lines.  An obvious attempt at glamorizing the blocky IVECO running gear down below, the entire upper bodywork is bright white. Yes, it is an eyesore and hideous by 2015 standards. But in 2005 at the Bologna auto show, the Oltre-Fiat proved that high-fashion military vehicles …

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RM Paris 2016 - 2004 ENZO FERRARI 13

RM Paris 2016 – 2004 ENZO FERRARI Is Tastefully Updated with Dark Tints, Smoked Alloys

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This Enzo is seriously sexy, even with more than two dozen other hypercars now competing for attention 11 years since its delivery. A slightly darker wheel finish looks more modern than the original bright silver of the five-spoke, centerlock alloy wheels.  Some detail carbon-fiber touches are subtle but cool up close. Finally, a deep window tint all around gives this dark Enzo a menacing stare. 2004 ENZO FERRARI RM Sotheby’s Paris 3 February 2016 2004 Ferrari Enzo Chassis no. ZFFCZ56B000135564 Engine no. 080164 Assembly no. 52696 Photo Credit: Tim Scott ©2015 Courtesy of RM Sotheby’s

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RM Paris 2016 – 1981 Lamborghini Countach LP400S Series III in Iconic Sunflower Yellow

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 Many would point to the Lamborghini Countach as the world’s first hypercar — a vehicle so extreme, it sent even seminal supercars like the Miura to the backburner of automotive daydreaming. This beautiful 1981 LP400S is arguably one of the greatest examples in the car’s 30-year production run. What makes this particular vehicle so special?  Its lovely, original condition and its eye-popping sunflower yellow paintwork. Yellow is a famous shade for the Countach — the original concept wore this same bright shade ten years before. 1981 Lamborghini Countach LP400 S Series III   RM Sotheby’s Paris 3 February 2016 1981 …

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CHROMETEC Launches New AMG GT-S Carbon-Fiber Aero Pieces

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A pretty cool set of new carbon-fiber elements for GT-S owners!  ChromeTec of Germany created unique finishes for the mirrors, hood vents and main grille element — with pricing that is actually really reasonable and starts around $350 for some of the kit! The best elements to help personalize your GT-S are the new bumper elements front and rear. The nose detail is especially cool — it is a subtle chin spoiler for most of the nose width of the AMG, but flips up vertically around the main intakes with a sharp leading edge. Both looks cool and channels even …

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4.0s 2015 KTM X-Bow R Limited Edition by WIMMER RST

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Just three of these very special KTM crossbowes will be made as a special performance model by German KTM distributor Wimmer Racing. Power is up by 80 ponies to 380 in total, dropping acceleration times comfortably into the 4’s via a new engine tine, carbon intake elements, and sports turbo upgrades. The X-Bow R wears a few of the tastiest KTM factory options, including a full aero underbody with extreme new diffusers and splitters. Plus the downforce package from a shockingly huge new wing in back.   2015 KTM X-Bow R Limited Edition by WIMMER RST KTM X-BOW R LIMITED …

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HD Road Test Review – 2016 Range Rover Sport SVR – Porsche-Beating YESSS Machine?

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It is hard to drive any 550HP car and come away unimpressed.  We worried this Range Rover might be the first. Nope.  In fact, it is so awesome, we’d pick it over the Cayenne Turbo.  How?  Why? Read on: 100 new photos and two HD videos to get you onboard.   HD Drive Video – 2016 Range Rover Sport SVR The Range Rover Sport SVR is proudly the fastest, quickest and sportiest Landie ever to wear the green badge. And after the first few hard corners, you almost wonder what took them so long. The SVR is absolutely heaven to …

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Land Rover DEFENDER CHALLENGE by Bowler Motorsport - Borders Rally Season Finale 1223

Land Rover DEFENDER CHALLENGE Race Series Wraps Epic 2015 Season, Crowns Winner!

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The Land Rover Defender might be concluding series production after more than 50 years, but its loyal following around the world is still burning bright. Nowhere more so than in rainy, chilly Britain! Land Rover enlisted the rally experts at Bowler Motorsport to launch an all-Defender rally series in the UK this year, with dozens of race teams bringing their semi-pro skills up to scratch with their race-prepped Bowler Defenders. The final stage sounds like it was a thrilling conclusion to a season full of adrenaline, sweaty helmets and wet race shoes. Crashes were common but typically bruised egos more …

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700HP TECHART Magnum for Porsche Cayenne is New 4.0s Flagship

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In the TechArt world, Magnum is shorthand for every Cayenne upgrade in the catalog!  The team has been finalizing their style,. performance and tech upgrades for this third-generation Cayenne MAGNUM over the last few months — and the results are pretty intense! The exterior upgrades fit all 2015-current Cayenne models, while the optional suspension and exhaust mods also enhance everything from the Cayenne S Diesel to the full-fat Turbo. An extra 120 horsepower come from all-new turbochargers, engine breathing and cooling on the Turbo — with 640HP available at all times, and the massive 700HP coming on steam with the …

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1963 Pontiac Bonneville 'Roy Rogers' Nudie Mobile 12

RM NYC 2015 – 1963 Pontiac Bonneville ‘Roy Rogers’ Nudie Mobile

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  This outrageous Bonneville is the real deal: an authentic piece of memorabilia from the original Hollywood merchandising phenom: Roy Rogers. The iconic cowboy led a global trend spanning most of the 1950s and 1960s, when parents sought to avoid glamorizing WWII via the previously-ubiquitous soldier toys. The Bonneville here is shocking outside, yes, with guns replacing the door handles and an extra train-load of chrome all around its white bodywork. Giant steer horns lead the charge in front, of course. But if the outside is striking, the cabin will make you faint. The custom leatherwork makes the entire giant …

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RM NYC 2015 - 1954 Siata 208S Spider by Motto 30

RM NYC 2015 – 1954 Siata 208S Spider by Motto

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Many people cite the Mazda Miata’s inspirations from English roadsters. But the formula was really perfected well before the Lotus Elan, in Italy by a sports-car consortium names S.I.A.T.A. Swapping “S” for “M” and we get to the Miata name! Regardless, this 1954 Siata 208S Spider by Motto wears exclusive alloy engine components and even bodywork, ensuring an ultra-light and nimble application of the 125-horsepower. From a four-cylinder, you assume? So did we. But no! This last-ever Motto Siata 208S runs a 2.0-liter V8 engine with dual Weber carburettors. The formula would later inspire the Shelby Cobra and many a …

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1958 Ferrari 250 GT Cabriolet Series I by Pinin Farina Bianco White 22

RM NYC 2015 – 1958 Ferrari 250 GT Cabriolet Series I by Pinin Farina is Hamptons-Perfect

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This Ferrari feels perfect for the Maidstone and other posh, exclusive haunts of East Hampton, New York. Its Bianco white over Blu Connoly leather is the original specification, returned via a flawless restoration to their humble, delicate original beauty. But not just the Hamptons, of course. For the next owner of this rare and iconic Ferrari, any and every address you visit will become fashionable. Just 40 were ever produced. The estimate is in the $6-million-plus range. What strikes us most about this Series I 250 GT is how humble it really feels versus later models. Like a star on …

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2016 Dodge VIPER ACR 8

2016 Dodge VIPER ACR – First Real-Life Photos Show Insane Aerokit

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Just drove the 2016 Viper GT on track and am still in V10 nirvana. But there is a new king in the Viper range: the road-legal American Club Racer. Seeing the car in person is a jaw-dropping experience — this exterior is the coolest supercar since the TVR Sagaris! Huge new fender vent slashes, a underbody fully shrouded with air channels, and a nose and tail treatment more aggressive than even the wildest tuners can make real. Let alone make for sale as a $20k option!   2016 Dodge VIPER ACR PREVIOUS   Welcome to the fastest road-legal Viper of …

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HD Track Drive Review – 2016 Dodge VIPER GT – LOVE at Full Throttle

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2016 Dodge Viper – HD Track Drive Video It is pretty fashionable to hate on the Viper right now. Its latest generation took a big leap in price, dropped its ragtop bodystyle option, and lacks the sheer, effortless sprint times so adored in the Nissan GT-R, Porsche 911 Turbo, and even the Hellcat twins. We have heaped a bit of scorn on the Viper as well, and after an oh-so-brief drive last year came away confused. This hulking beast of a car felt heavy, uncomfortable and hopelessly one-dimensional versus the STELLAR Corvette Z06 and even Z51 base engines. Even that …

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2015 SPECTRE Villain CX75 10

SPECTRE Jaguar Laps GP Circuit with Felipe Massa on HD Video + 88 New Photos

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    A hypercar that is NOT available to purchase is suddenly the hottest on the planet? Perhaps! The SPECTRE Jaguar C-X75 is on a world tour both promoting the James Bond film and the Jaguar brand alike. It is a thrill to watch this stunning machine in action — as we saw through the back-streets of Roma in the film. But what can the car really do in theright hands? With the right open sweepers and world-class racetrack? Cut to Williams Martini Racing star Felipe Massa coming down the steps from his helicopter and over to this hypercar hero …

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Hottest LA Debuts - 2016 Alfa Romeo GIULIA Quadrifoglio 3

2016 Alfa Romeo GIULIA – LA Debut + Realistic Analysis: Model May Fail at US Relaunch Mission

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The new Alfa Romeo Giulia debuted in North America this week — wowing LA showgoers with its extreme, high-performance exterior and interior. Still a bit light on actual details in terms of USA arrivals, or whether sales will be handled via Maserati showrooms, as on the exotic 8C Competizione from a few years ago. Below we discuss the new model’s stout performance in the original Euro debut article. But even all these months later, the GIULIA still faces an uphill climb in the US market. Reasons for this: — huge expectations for base Giulia models based on this ultra-high-performance Quadrifoglio …

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LA Auto Show 2015 Photos 10

LA Auto Show 2015 – Mega Gallery PART TWO

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Huge LA show this year.  Many more reveals than typical for this early-season auto show!  New Subaru Impreza Concept is pretty sexy, the 2017 Hyundai Elantra and Kia Sportage are fresh, while the new Acura NSX and Honda Civic Coupe are production models already on their way to showrooms around March.  The new Prius is also pretty big news for the left coast. Other highlights? The new Mazda CX-9 looks very upmarket, the new Ford Escape is hideous but has a cool blacked-out Sport package for the 2017 model-year.  The new AMG SL63 also bowed, but it still looks sad …

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LARTE DESIGN 2016 Infiniti QX80 Missuro is Whitehot in New Image Set + Animated LED Demo

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The QX80 has been a favorite of Larte Design (and ours!) for years. LARTE has been designing aero kits for the 400HP supertruck in many forms since 2011 or so. This is their baby. So of course, when the 2015 model debuted in Pebble Beach with a plush QX80 Limited pack and new LED lighting, the LARTE folks were quick to take note. Since those first QX80s started turning heads in Monaco with wild styling mods, Larte has expanded globally — with Cali and German offices doing great tunes on the Lexus LX570, Merc GL, Tesla Model S, QX60, QX70 …

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2015 LA Auto Show – MEGA Gallery in 250 Photos

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Worst of show so far?  Definitely the 2017 SL63. Best is perhaps the Fiat 124 Spider, or the new Mazda CX-9.  Or the new Honda Civic Coupe!!! Just the humdrum EX trim shown so far, but it looks hot and wide and high-tech from all sides. Also lovely to catch any glimpse of the 2017 Ford GT supercar, plus its kid bro the 2016 Focus RS in Nitrous Blue. 2015 LA Auto Show Photos

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2017 Mercedes-Benz SL – 4.0s SL65 Leads Butterface Sisterhood

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At a loss for words about this new SL.  All my eyes know is that this SL63 and SL65 are ungainly. They are ugly ducklings. Beside any taste decisions in the nose, the overall proportions are deeply flawed. This is an ugly snout of a nose, with cross-eyed headlights even more exaggerated than the current, crook-eyed beauty. Surely a view in person will improve what looks like a massive underbite, drooping maw and slightly not-all-there stare. Woof.     2017 Mercedes-Benz SL   2017 Mercedes-Benz SL The new Mercedes-Benz SL The legend – now even more dynamic Stuttgart. New appearance …

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Huracan580

2017 Lamborghini Huracan LP580-2 is New Rear-Drive BALBONI! Full Tech Specs

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Check out the new hotness from Lambo for the LA show this week!  A rear-drive Lambo is always exciting, and this one is one of the friskiest yet: The Huracan 580. Sprint pace is 3.4-seconds to 100-kph, which is only a tenth or so behind the standard AWD model, despite lacking all that grip from the front axle. Vmax is 320-kph and the overall package is down about 70 pounds versus the LP610-4. 580HP from the dry-sumped V10 engine in back have custom-tailored drive modes, redone for 2016 as well as for this rear-drive Huracan specifically. Outside, the LP580-2 wears …

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Hands-On Review – 2015 WORKSHOP Wet/Dry Vac – 5HP, 5-Gal Portable Wallmount

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Unique WORKSHOP Portable Vac Pairs Big HP with Easy-Carry Square Shape! This WORKSHOP 5HP wet/dry vac is incredible!  Replaced old R2D2 garage shopvac with this smaller model, which still has 5HP but a more-compact square drum. No wheels but EASY handle and carrying. It is pretty light, too, and small enough to use inside a car.  Very handy not to worry about dragging vacuum across driveway, but still have the power of a full-size wet dry vac and blower.  The blower and the nozzle attachments work great in between seats and for audio buttons — moving and dislodging gunk before …

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MANSORY Bugatti VEYRON Linea d’Oro and Vincero Are Iconic Customs

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MANSORY Linea Vincero   LINEA Vincerò d’Oro – The ultimate Bugatti Veyron 16.4 from MANSORY remains one of a kind. With the LINEA Vincerò d’Oro, MANSORY has completed its strictly limited series for the refined Bugatti Veyron 16.4. After the specialist for exclusive luxury vehicles raised the bar for highperformance sports cars by another level in March 2009, MANSORY is now placing the crowning glory on the art of refinement. Using targeted changes, MANSORY first transformed the Bugatti Veyron into the LINEA Vincerò and then, using a special gold-colored alloy, into the unique LINEA Vincerò d’Oro. MANSORY Linea d’Oro Compared with the standard Veyron, …

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Bentley debuts Bentayga First Edition(9)

600HP, 4.0s 2016 Bentley BENTAYGA First Edition Debuts with Carbon-Fiber Aero Details

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Like a dream come true from the Bentley Bentayga configurator and Inspirator apps, the new First Edition is a gorgeous showpiece flagship for the whole line. The first Bentayga you see will be the best; a breathtaking evolution on the super-SUV theme. 608 copies of the First Edition will be allocated to markets worldwide, with all other specs to follow.   2017 Bentley BENTAYGA Colors and Options Configurator + Sexy Black Brightware Specification Bentley INSPIRATOR App Is World-First Intelligent Configurator with Facial-Recog Emotion Mapper 2016 Bentley BENTAYGA First Edition BENTLEY DEBUTS BENTAYGA FIRST EDITION AT EXCLUSIVE VIP CUSTOMER EVENT First …

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SPECTRE Villain JAGUAR C-X75 – Dynamic Debut in London for Lord Mayors Parade

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 SPECTRE Villain JAGUAR C-X75 SPECTRE’S JAGUAR C-X75 TO MAKE PUBLIC DEBUT AT LONDON’S LORD MAYOR’S SHOW PARADE 13/11/15   SPECTRE stunt driver Martin Ivanov to drive the Jaguar C-X75 in annual parade in central London Jaguar C-X75 driven by Hinx in the 24th Bond adventure, SPECTRE  The car will make its first ever public appearance in the UK at 800th Lord Mayor’s Show parade this weekend Jaguar and Land Rover vehicles will be driven by Royal Navy personnel to mark the start of the company’s partnership with the Navy’s future Flagship, HMS Queen Elizabeth. Friday 13 November 2015, London: The …

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2017 Porsche 911 Carrera – Tenerife First Drives Roundup + Carrera S Sport Exhaust MP3

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  Initial highlights to report from the Tenerife International media drive of the new 911?  The sound is still evocative, throaty and metallic, with some boxer baritone part of the new twin-turbo orchestra.  Check out the Carrera S with sport exhaust MP3 below. Twin pipes in back for the C2S and C4S are a highlight, as is the new LED brake light in the top of the contrast-black air intake on the legendary rump. The carbon-backed sport seats are a divine new selection versus the standard thrones, with cut-outs for a five-point harness but also all-day comfort and electric adjustments …

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Ford SEMA 2015 Custom TRUCKS 11

Ford SEMA 2015 Custom TRUCKS – Galpin F-150 in Gulf Racing Livery Is Best of Group

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Some really cool custom Edges and Explorers join the F-150 wolfpack from Ford for SEMA 2015. Initial favorite is off-roader Explorer or the Galpin Auto Sports F-150. Wearing a widebody and custom PPG paints in Gulf Racing colors… the truck is just a few logos and Raptor badges from being the ultimate in HOT new metal headed out to Vegas. No word on if the custom trucks will include a Pepto and Z-pack for your well-being after a few days in Vegas… =]   Ford SEMA 2015 Custom TRUCKS Edge Two Popular Ford SUVs Storm SEMA with Wild Versions for …

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MANSORY Ferrari F12 Revoluzione and Stallone Packs Offer Timely Hypercar Refresh

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The moment a hotter variant of your supercar arrives on sale, a bit of the excitement in the car dims. No matter how stunning and life-changing the ride, once its facelift is on the scene, you might be second best. And so it goes with the new Ferrari F12TdF wearing new panels throughout. There is an upside: it is an opportune time to go wild with aftermarket upgrades. MANSORY does it better than almost anyone, and their F12 packages are suitably unique and gorgeous. Three levels of kit are packaged and branded together, but all the upgrades are available individually, …

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RM NYC 2015 - 1986 Ford RS200 - Final Road-Legal Group B Rally Star 21

Group B Debrief – 1986 Ford RS200 – Road-Legal Rally Legend Up For Sale

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Imagine if suddenly all the power-cap rules for a major racing series were abolished overnight. A mad rush of skunkworks projects would be fast-tracked, with racecars zinging out their red-hot turbochargers through the World Rally Championship stages just 18-months later. Porsche, Ferrari, Lancia, Ford, and Audi all dove into the Group B program with both feet. The results on track were mixed for many of these cars: the lack of power cap rules meant that intagibles like chassis control, visibility and reliability were paramount for winning rallies in the short Group B time on the global stage. The excitement of …

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1955 Carlo Mollino Record Car Model by Stola 7

1955 Carlo Mollino Record Car Model by Stola S.p.A., 2006

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Really an exceptional group of vehicles heading to auction at RM Sotheby’s New York event next month. Lots of 1950s icons to share, but this is one of the highlights. A few reasons. First, this exotic streamliner prototype flashes both back and forward in time: these aero ideals applied to vehicles for the first time in the mid-century, when aeronautics took massive leaps forward thanks to the atrocious WWII battle needs. Engineers swapping back to the car business brought their knowledge with them. Wind tunnels were a new piece of tech, yet complex simulations were still decades away from determining …

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1955 Ferrari 500 Mondial Barchetta by Scaglietti 12

1955 Ferrari 500 Mondial Barchetta by Scaglietti

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They do not come any finer than this. 1955 Ferrari 500 Mondial Barchetta by Scaglietti New York – Driven By Disruption 10 December 2015 Lot 224 1955 Ferrari 500 Mondial by Scaglietti To be auctioned on Thursday, December 10, 2015 $5,000,000 – $6,500,000     *Premium Lot – Bidding via Internet will not be available for this lot. Should you have any questions please contact Client Services. 170 bhp, 1,984 cc DOHC inline four-cylinder engine with two Weber 40 DCOA/3 carburetors, five-speed manual transaxle, tubular steel chassis, independent front suspension with transverse leaf springs, De Dion rear axle with parallel …

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1959 BMW 507 Roadster Series II 6

RM NYC 2015 – 1959 BMW 507 Roadster Series II May Be Most-Valuable BMW with $3M Highball Estimate

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If this absolutely magnificent BMW 507 clears its pre-sale estimate of between 2.3 and 2.6 million, it will become one of — if not the — most valuable BMW of all time. The top five list from premier auction house RM Sotheby’s is exclusively 507 Roadsters, with the top sale earning $2.42M at Amelia Island 2014. With the presentation and provenance of this rare cabrio, we’d be surprised if the total sale was under $3-million.      Top 5 BMWs of all Time from RM Auctions Lot 152 | 2014 – Amelia Island – The Pray Collection 1958 BMW 507 …

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RM NYC 2015 – 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Sportabteilung Gullwing Seeks $7M

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One of the rarest Gullwings in the world?  One of only four race-prepped W198 300SLs, featuring the upgraded NSL engine with 240HP? A surviving competition car that placed second in the 1956 Tour de France, and driven by Sir Striling Moss? Oh yes. For the first time in more than 25 years, an authentic ‘Sports Department’  Sportabteilung seeks a new home. RM Sotheby’s will sell the special Merc at their December event in Manhattan. No internet bids, riffraff! 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Sportabteilung Gullwing RM Sotheby’s New York – Driven By Disruption 10 December 2015 Lot 223 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL …

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900HP, 250MPH 2016 W Motors FENYR SuperSport World Debut

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World premiere of a screaming new hypercar: the Fenyr Supersport from W Motors! Following the incredible LYKAN in production form, the new FENYR is more compact, more wicked and even more exotic.   LYKAN Power comes in mid-engine RUF boxer form; the FENYR runs a 900-horsepower, 1100-foot-pound 4.0-liter twin turbo. Porsche basis, but remade by RUF to an extreme degree. That giant-killing motor is mounted inches above the ground in the mid-rear of the full carbon monocoque.  The FENYR drives the rear wheels alone through a new 7-speed PDK. Quoted performance figures so far are 2.7-seconds to 100-kph, plus a …

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985HP MANSORY S63 Black Edition Coupe – Upgrades Detail + 20 New Photos

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MANSORY is getting pumped for its home auto show: the IAA in Frankfurt next week. The big reveal this year will be a Black Edition S63 AMG Coupe. This blacked-out stunner has dramatic exterior and interior changes from every angle. In addition to the expected new bumper and intakes up front, new fender slashes behind the lead axle promise functional cooling benefits as well as the massive style they bring. A full de-chrome for the windowline and glasshouse is dramatic and effective, as are the rear wheel brake cooling ducts. Around back, a dark carbon-fiber finish for the diffuser meets …

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BRABUS Rocket 900 Desert Gold Edition 7

BRABUS Rocket 900 Desert Gold is New Bugatti-Fast Dubai Limo

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What to say about this latest BRABUS Rocket 900 that will not be racially or culturally insensitive….. This bespoke color was custom-created for the Rocket 900 Desert Gold Edition, which features matching forged wheel accents and cabin detailing. Performance is out of this world — 124-mph from a stop takes just 9.1-seconds! This is unreal pace for a car so plush with room for five wealthy individuals inside: the Veyron delivers the same sprint for just two people in 8.9-seconds. The overall top speed is 217-mph-plus from the bored-out 6.3-liter V12TT, producing 887 horsepower and more than 1100 pound-feet of …

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Standalone GENESIS Luxury Division Is Official! New G90 Sketches Preview 2017 Equus Replacement

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Hyundai confirmed earlier this week that the Genesis luxury car will blossom into a full premium brand, distinct from its origins with Hyundai. Six new models are promised before 2020, with the first look today at the design direction and future name scheme for Genesis. This first look at the G90 shows the way for the next-generation Equus limousine, making its debut in early December 2015 in Seoul. The Equus sedan itself has been a massive hit in its home market, where it is currently named EQ900. The upgrade to a new Genesis brand is aimed as a springboard to …

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2016 McLaren 650S Spider Al Sahara 79 by MSO 10

2016 McLaren 650S Spider Al Sahara 79 by MSO is White Gold Custom for Dubai Auto Show

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McLaren Special Operations does a fantastic job of creating a sense of exclusivity and urgency with their custom models. Unlike the deeply unimpressive special Wraiths or Astons lately, MSO models appear to justify their time, effort and extra expense — to buyers and the wider car world alike.  Even though we know a 675LT Spider is coming next year, this 650S Al Sahara 79 makes clear that it is the hottest sub-P1 model in the lineup for the time being. This may explain the huge take rate for their services — especially in the Middle East. Nearly one in four …

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Vorsteiner NOVARA Lamborghini HURACAN 1

Vorsteiner Reveals Extreme NOVARA Lamborghini HURACAN Aerokit

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Latest gorgeous upgrades from Vorsteiner take a deep chop to the factory Lamborghini Huracan. Every element of the lower body is redone in motorsport-intense carbon fiber, while other GT3-inspired details shout to the heavens from the main bodywork. New slices in the fenders are beautiful, as is the sharper intake flic on the side pillars behind the glasshouse. In back, we see an alternative to the other Vorsteiner gooseneck wings — with latticework of carbon-fiber for the uprights. The plane of the wing matches each tilt and surface of the main bodywork, just raised nearly a foot off the trunklid …

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Ferrari Finali Mondiali at Mugello - World Debut of F12TdF Special, 488 GT3 + FXX K Sightings 30

Ferrari Finali Mondiali at Mugello – World Debuts of F12 TdF Special, 488 GTE + FXX K Sightings

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Ferrari just wrapped up its weeklong extravaganza for the World Finals of the Ferrari Challenge one-make race series  — and crowned the huge week by debuting the new F12TdF in front of the packed crowd of 50,000-plus tifosi at Mugello circuit. The new F12 Tour de France special model wears new aero, extra power and track-optimized handling settings. This makes running around the ultra-quick circuit with 599XXs, FXX K’s and even F1 cars a natural habit for the limited-run 2016 model — despite the F12 TdF being street-legal worldwide. In real-life photos, the F12TdF is quite striking, with design elements …

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2016 Bentley Continental GT SPEED 16

Watch the 2016 Bentley Continental GT SPEED Prove Its 206MPH Top Speed

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Worth seeing to watch one of the quickest supercars in the world hit top speed in just over a minute. 2016 Bentley Continental GT SPEED BENTLEY CONTINENTAL GT SPEED: VMAX IN THE OUTBACK Continental GT Speed hits 206 mph (331 km/h) top speed on Stuart Highway, Australia Northern Territory route one of only three derestricted roads in the world Australian racing legend, John Bowe, takes Grand Tourer on extraordinary high-speed run Continental GT Speed combines supercar performance with supreme luxury (Crewe, 04 November 2015) The 16MY Bentley Continental GT Speed has been taken to its top speed of 206 mph …

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Car of the Year Review – 2015 Lexus RC-F

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The RC-F was a true highlight among all the cars tested in 2015. And in the weeks since the Lexus sports flagship spent time in my garage, the deep longing and feelings for the car have not subsided. The first week was deep mourning at its absense, and the other seven stages of grief have passed over the CRD team like the eye of a hurricane. Finally, a bit of a light at the end of this tunnel: we must crown the RC-F the Car of the Year. In doing so, we honor its incredible strengths and the legacy it …

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LARTE DESIGN 2016 Infiniti QX80 Missuro Debuts New Dual-Mode Exhaust + Rotora 8-Piston Brakes

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The QX80 has been a favorite of Larte Design (and ours!) for years. LARTE has been designing aero kits for the 400HP supertruck in many forms since 2011 or so. This is their baby. So of course, when the 2015 model debuted in Pebble Beach with a plush QX80 Limited pack and new LED lighting, the LARTE folks were quick to take note. Since those first QX80s started turning heads in Monaco with wild styling mods, Larte has expanded globally — with Cali and German offices doing great tunes on the Lexus LX570, Merc GL, Tesla Model S, QX60, QX70 …

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BTR Veloster Turbo

Blood Type Racing Makes 500HP Hyundai VELOSTER Turbo R-Spec for SEMA 2015

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Blood Type Racing delivered a Best of SEMA concept last year in its 800HP Genesis Coupe (photo gallery below). Stunning ideas and execution made that hemoglobin-hued showcar so special, we’d be scared to drive it on the highway — let alone sideways on a racetrack! BTR earned a pretty high honor for its incredible 2014 efforts: another slot in the Hyundai official SEMA customs roster. This year brought a pretty big challenge, however, for the Blood Type hoons: a Veloster Turbo R-Spec as the starting point. The Veloster is a challenging tuner platform for a variety of reasons, but none …

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Hyundai SEMA 2015 – Genesis Coupes From ARK and TJIN Are 1200HP of Sideways Bliss

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Two Genesis Coupes are among the six-pack of official customs from Hyundai for the 2015 SEMA show. While the results from ARK Performance and TJIN are quite distinct, interesting similarities are present and notable between the two.  Most critically, the standard-equipment 3.8-liter, 350HP V6 is boosted up to quite extreme power levels via supercharged induction. TJIN runs a Vortex V4 supercharger with Bisimoto ECU tune, but few other mechanical mods to the engine internals. A ballpark output from this conversion is around 475 horsepower. Clearly enough to make the Genesis Coupe a powerhouse, of course, and one that looks divine …

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2017 Mercedes-AMG GLS 63 vs Cookie Monster: Battle of the NomNomNoms

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The new Mercedes-Benz GL is out — and is packing a powerful suffix for the 2017 model year: S~! The power and lure of the S-Class is certainly notable in its current sexy-Benz styling generation, so the name change does not seem as capricious as Infiniti or Cadillac’s recent and current botching of the name schemes. So atop the GLE and GLC lives this new GLS. The facelift is deeper than some of its recent LED upgrades for 2014 or so, but not exactly radical on the design front. It will take a real socialite to know the new trucks …

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First Drive Videos! 2016 Lexus RX350 and RX450h F Sport

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Huge drive day with the all-new 2016 Lexus RX lineup!  Very, very impressive design upgrades create a sexy and macho look, while the chiseled panels and floating glasshouse make the new RX look dramatically lower and wider than ever before. The new masculinity of the RX outside is reflected inside and on full throttle as well. Huge batch of photos and observations to share in the full reviews — but these three videos and 20 preview images are cool enough to share on the same day!  Near realtime media coverage! =] The drive videos below include a drive of the …

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PlayStation GT SPORT Stills 24

Meet Gran Turismo SPORT – FIA-Blessed PlayStation Spinoff Starts Private Alpha in Paris

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Here is a brilliant idea that took two decades to achieve! Another Gran Turismo. One of the most potent profit engines in the PlayStation empire, the exclusive console arrangement has been a golden goose for parent Sony. But the development of the game by Polyphony Digital is so exhaustive that a spin-off game was long thought just a drain on resources. Fans were already waiting rabidly for the mid-decade updates of Gran Turismo since its launch, now up to GT6 as the latest and greatest. What started as a vaguely frontier investment in gaming for Sony in the late 1980s …

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Ford SEMA 2015 Custom TRUCKS Preview – Baja F-150 in Gulf Racing Colors Leads Pack

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Some really cool custom Edges and Explorers join the F-150 wolfpack from Ford for SEMA 2015. Initial favorite is off-roader Explorer or the Galpin Auto Sports F-150. Wearing a widebody and custom PPG paints in Gulf Racing colors… the truck is just a few logos and Raptor badges from being the ultimate in HOT new metal headed out to Vegas. No word on if the custom trucks will include a Pepto and Z-pack for your well-being after a few days in Vegas… =]   Ford SEMA 2015 Custom TRUCKS Preview Edge Two Popular Ford SUVs Storm SEMA with Wild Versions …

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2017 Acura NSX - 040

573HP, 191MPH 2017 Acura NSX Tech Specs Are Official!

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A huge leap in NSX production news!  The 2017 supercar’s tech specs are official today, and they are enough to flood your brain’s pleasure centers.  573-horsepower, 9-speed DCT with eAWD, and a top speed of a screaming 191-mph. Power for the gasoline V6TT comes in at 500-horsepower, with a stellar 406-pound-feet of torque from just 2000-rpm. Along with the wide spread of gear ratios in the dual-clutch automatic, the NSX will be an absolute rocketship. Based on the initial buzz about drives at Togichi and Sonoma raceway, the hashtag is #scaryFast. Is this a good thing overall? Abvsolutely!  But with …

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Bentley Continental GTC by PRIOR DESIGN – Aero Kit Delivers Fresh, Sexy New Style

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Wow. Has it really been since 2003 that the world has enjoyed the Continental GT? Indeed!  The original model ran until 2011, replaced a in 2012 with updated details and tech all around. But unless you are in one of the hot recent models, like the GT3 or the SuperSport, your Conti GT might need a bit of updating. This kit appears to fit all generations and models of Continental. Prior Design’s three-piece kit is as effective an update as we have seen, especially for the pricing of the Duraflex pieces — which are a tenth or less than full …

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HD Track Drive Review – 2016 Cadillac CTS-V is BOSS – PDR + Exhaust Note Videos

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Speechless. Muttering “ermahgerd” over and over as the 2016 CTS-V whipped into the pits of Autobahn Country Club following a five-pack of fast lead-follow laps. Smile plastered on, hands tingling and throttle foot twitching involuntary for more. This is a super-sedan of the absolute first order. M5, E63 and CTS-V are now as closely matched as any three assassins in history. 640HP from the CTS-V comes on strong, of course, but it is how clean and balanced the Cadillac is on power that really sticks with you. The CTS-V’s massive engine upgrade to a supercharged V8 has done nothing to …

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2015 YAMAHA Sports Ride Concept – Deep Dive of Gordon Murray Links, Production Intent

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More info and a huge batch of photos to share of the very-exciting Yamaha Sports Ride concept from Tokyo!  But, frustratingly, no actual engine specs or performance to share. What we know know is definitely enough to wet the lips: a 1500-pound, mid-engine sports coupe embracing motorbike fun as well as mass-production pricing. Sounds promising, yes?  Of course! Likely to be powered by a high-strung four-cylinder engine to back wheels via a paddle-shift automatic transmission, the Sports Ride concept is not just a flight of fancy from Yamaha. Yamaha’s precision engineering skills are well-known globally, with a built-in distribution network …

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2016 Porsche Macan GTS 11

2016 Porsche Macan GTS Makes World Debut in Tokyo

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Porsche’s new Macan GTS just made its global debut in Tokyo — with a monochrome lipstick red over black motif a faithful recreation of the truck’s Cayenne GTS big brother. The new Macan GTS packs fresh engine programming to deliver 360-horsepower, up 20 from the the V6TT of the Macan S. Paired with an available Sport Chrono pack, the GTS snarls to 60-mph in just 4.8-seconds before hitting is 159-mph Vmax. Pricing for the new GTS sports model is not yet confirmed, but likely to slide in around $65k to start, which splits the difference between the USA base price …

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2015 Lexus LF-FC Flagship Concept 4

Lexus LF-FC Flagship Concept Teases Next-Gen SuperLimo at Tokyo Auto Show

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Exciting day in Tokyo!  The Lexus LF-FC concept is official, with more than a few surpriss along the way! First off, what are we looking at? Our initial hunch about this previewing the 2017 LS sedan appears wide of the mark: the proportions of this LF-FC are actually very low and sporty, much like a 650 from BMW versus a 750.  Yet another wrinkle in the mystery: the LF-FC is huge with a length of 208-inches. This is up from the 192-inch length of the GS, or 203-in max length for the current LS600hL.  It is also five inches wider …

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2015 Mazda RX-VISION Concept 10

2015 Mazda RX-VISION Concept Is All-New SkyActiv-R Super GT

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With a name like RX-Vision, clearly Mazda is sending strong signals about a future RX-7 flagship. This RX concept for the 2015 Tokyo Auto Show is the clearest preview yet of a future supercar in the Mazda lineup. Power is not detailed in output, only in name and philosophy. The name is SkyActiv-R, and the engine layout will be a next-gen Wankel rotary. Possible turbo and hybrid tech may be employed to suite the car’s performance goals, which are clearly aimed squarely at the new Acura NSX and future Toyota Supra Turbo, expected for 2018 with FT-1-inspired proportions. The Toyota …

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2016 Audi R8 V10 Copper 7

2016 Audi R8 V10 in Satin Canyon Copper Wrap by HplusB Design

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This brand-new Audi R8 started life black, but has been reborn in a custom satin color by its new owner. The beauty of the new lines and fender details are really brought to life with this no-sheen Satin Copper Canyon wrap, expertly applied by HplusB Design of Germany.   2016 Audi R8 V10 Copper FULMINANT AUDI R8 by HPLUSB DESIGN In concern with car wrapping with all its aspects, the HplusB Design Company at Monheim on Rhine stands out in the center of attention. All foiled by the team of Michael HIBGEN and Patrick BARTH vehicles are a clear expression …

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2016 Cadillac ATS-V Coupe 15

2016 Cadillac ATS-V Coupe – V. Cool, V. FAST! HD Track Drive + 120-Photo Flyaround

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This is one of those cars that absolutely craves abuse!  Absolutely savage is the best way to describe the 464-horsepower V6TT in the new ATS-V coupe. The test car wore a very-subtle Phantom Grey and standard painted alloys — but those Q-car looks hide a beast of an upgrade. The most enticing and perhaps ideal Cadillac V-Series powertrain, optional eight-speed auto, plus the choice of four doors or two!? That hotness shines through even the Armani-style relaxed color outside. Firing the ATS-V around the first few corners is like getting past third base for the first time. It is a …

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1969 DeTomaso Mangusta by Ghia 18

RM NY 2015 Preview – 1969 DeTomaso Mangusta by Ghia Is Flawless in Sunburst Orange

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DeTomaso was one of a very talented group of ex-Ferrari men who broke out and founded their own dream supercar companies in the early 1960s. Like ISO, Siata, Bizzarrini and Lamborghini, the mid-1960s were sweet to all these new marques. Export markets to the US and elsewhere were all-new possibilities for the firms, and increases in sales were achieved for almost all the brands. Only a few really made it past the tumult of the early 1970s Arab Oil Embargo and new crash/emissions rules coming into force in America, by now dwarfing Europe in overall sales volumes for supercars. Lamborghini …

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1956 Ferrari 290 MM by Scaglietti 1

RM NY 2015 Preview – 1956 Ferrari 290MM Racecar Piloted by Fangio and Phil Hill

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Not just a surviving Ferrari racecar from the golden era of the 1950s, but one that looks as fresh today as it did 60 years ago! This Ferrari 290MM is headed for sale at the RM Sotheby’s New York gala on December 10th, where it is expected to be among the high earners in a growing and mighty impressive list of classic-car icons. Ballpark beyond “buku-bucks” for the estimate? Well, let’s assume a bare skeleton of this car after a burnedout wreck would be worth $5-million. Then we have actuality: it is near-perfect  (+$5M) — was driven in numerous famous …

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Petty's Garage Mustang GT King Edition

727HP 2016 Ford Mustang GT KING Edition Headed to Ford Stores w/ Race Parts, Factory Warranty

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Pretty incredible new Mustang heading to Ford showrooms this year! The Petty’s Garage KING Edition is set to be produced and sold with a full warranty, yet wild race parts and custom detailing. The wildly sexy lower-body and flip tail spoiler are offered in matching blue crush of the previous Mecum auction car, donated to the Paralyzed Veterans of America foundation and scoring a major sale haul — in the half-mil range! These new King Editions will go fast, both on the street and on the lot, of course. Standard horsepower for the supercharged base model is 627-ponies, while a …

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5857McLaren-570S-Coupe---Mantis-Green-008

3.1s, 204MPH 2016 McLaren 570S Coupe – Portimao Launch and USA Pricing from $185k

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  The 2016 McLaren 570S is firmly in production and headed to a garage near you! Enjoy these latest press photos from sunny Spain, plus the final tech specs. VERY impressive power and pace: 3.1s is the official 60-mph sprint, on to a screaming 10.9-second quarter mile and up to a 204-mph top speed. Pricing for the 570S is from $185k in the USA, and we highly encourage you to explore the animated buyers guide and color visualizers via the ‘Very Similar’ links below. Especially for the MSO nose and tail in bare carbon.  2016 McLaren 570S Coupe – Portimao …

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2016 Nissan GT-R NISMO N-Attack Package

Nissan GT-R NISMO N Attack Package – Upgrade Details and Pricing

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Not sure how this even-hotter-than-ever NISMO GT-R slid by us when it was announced in August of this year, but we are all over it now! The new N Attack Package is a major overhaul of the factory NISMO GT-R — letting any OEM driver have the exact specification that delivered a Nurburgring production track record earlier in the year. In Japan, the assembly of the N Attack pack is handled in-house by NISMO, but in the USA (and worldwide) the distributor and official installation partner is long-time Nissan guru STILLEN. This upgrade is massively involved. We have the full …

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Design Analysis – 2015 Renault COUPE CORBUSIER Is All-New Flagship Concept

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Shades of brutalism, yet light on the inside and accented with with fantasy curves. The description of the iconic Villa Savoye country house in France neatly applies to almost all Le Corbusier’s creations. The architect is a legend in modernism, a movement that prioritized livable interiors, created with advanced industrial construction methods leaning heavily on steel and concrete. The idea of Villa Savoye being a legendary cabin in France just epitomizes the era of its design. Cold-war emotions were running hot, while WWII and its mass destruction of France inspired a clean break in the national mood.   Villa Savoye, …

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Audi RS 7 Sportback performance

2016 Audi RS6 and RS7 Debut New Performance Spec: +45HP and +45MPH = 190MPH vMax!

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Quickest and fastest Audi’s of all time? Certainly among four-door models! The just-revealed top spec for the already-mighty RS6 and RS7 focuses under the hood, so delivers its S-Model-smacking performance upgrades in fairly subtle fashion. Certainly when static, the RS6 and RS7 performance (low-case P in Performance is on purpose by Audi) just looks like a loaded existing model. One featuring the largest forged alloys available, matte silver detailing and quattro 3D script in the front bumper. Versus even the RS6 Plus from before, however, the V8TT in the new ‘performance’ trims is mighty impressive. Power leaps up to 605-ponies …

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Renaultsport RS01 6

2015 RenaultSport RS01 Blasts Around Jerez Circuit in New Video and Photoset

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Fresh videos and photos of the Renault RS01 racecars blasting around Circuit Jerez this week in Spain! And crucially, a look under the hood of this mid-engine stunner — confirming the well-known rumors that the 3.8-liter engine under that back canopy has GT-R origins. [Actually, Renault confirmed this right from the start: see tech specs included below video.] What a prospect. Imagine not just a true mid-engine racing GT-R, but actually a pure speed-demon with bespoke CF chassis and bodywork, racing suspension and all that power to just the back wheels! Just the thought of such a machine is enough …

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Bentley INSPIRATOR App Is World-First Intelligent Configurator with Facial-Recog Emotion Mapper

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Most automotive preview or promo Apps are pretty lousy. They show a posh experience, videos and photos in a nice branded environment, but generally offer little new info you cannot find on the web. Additionally, they are all just a giant funnel to point you toward your local dealership, or to the OEM’s main website for complex configurations/specs/etc. The new Bentley INSPIRATOR iOS app just launched today with a vastly different approach: a scientific exploration of your moods, preferences and tastes — that requires few of the “next” clicks of a typical configurator. We were heavily skeptical that the app …

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2016 Nissan Patrol NISMO Storms Dubai with 30HP Bump + Bilsteins, Rays 22s and Custom Exterior

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  Here is an exciting truck that is certainly not headed stateside in its current form: the 2016 Nissan Patrol NISMO for the Middle Eastern market. The upgrades are actually pretty awesome, despite just a jump to 428-ponies from the stock 400 even. The 5.6-liter V8 is absolutely a gem in 400HP form, so with freer intakes and exhaust, the engine is eager to deliver even more smiles-per-gallon via this new NISMO tune. Chassis changes are fairly extensive, with a custom handling setup, Bilstein gas shocks and new Rays 22-inch forged alloys on the options list. Custom exterior with all-new …

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AC Schnitzer BMW X6M F86 11

Watch the 3.8s, 650HP AC Schnitzer BMW X6M In Thunderous Launch Start!

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    The X6 M has one big demerit versus its rivals from Porsche and AMG: its very modest exhaust. The Cayenne Turbo and GLE63 AMG are both far more vocal on hard throttle, with that backbellow becoming a really endearing trait of the machine over its lifetime in your garage. The stock exhaust is swapped out in favor of a far more free-breathing and evocative unit in the new AC Schnitzer X6 M upgrades. Paired with turbo tuning module, the ACS truck now boasts 650-horsepower, a leap 75 ponies over the stock truck. We’d estimate the changes are quite …

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2017 Zarooq Sand Racer – a 500HP DAKAR LYKAN?

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A fresh supercar to report today! The 2017 Zarooq Motors Sand Racer — the launch model for an all-new Emirati sportscar venture. Proudly designed and made in the UAE, the Sand Racer hopes to take the bespoke supercar crazy into the dunes. A bespoke racing chassis mounts its 500HP engine in the rear for optimal offroad balance, while the bodywork is exciting and feels like an authentic rally raid prototype from the Dakar series. That bodywork was penned by the lead designer of the W Motors Lykan Hypersport — bringing plenty of local flavor to the military-style bodywork. The project …

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Supercar FACE-OFF! 1976 Porsche 911 Turbo vs 1991 Ferrari Testarossa

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A bit of a motley and fun collection in the short list of entrants to the RM Sotheby’s Arizona 2016 auction so far. But there is an undeniable charm to the cars offered so far. These two, for example, are separated by 25 years. Yet they feel like kindred spirits all the same. Similarly, they are supercars you could imagine taking to the beach, grocery store and everywhere in between. Though both appear ruthlessly original and OEM inside and out, they could be quickly updated to modern styles via trim and wheel color tweaks.  Painting up the 512 TR’s black …

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1962 APAL-Porsche 1600 GT Coupe 5

1962 APAL-Porsche 1600 GT Coupe – RM Arizona 2016 Preview

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Smooth. Seductive. Tuscan? Look at this stunning 1962 Porsche heading for auction at the RM Arizona 2016 event. Rally-perfect bumper with sunken 901/911 proportions, this machine is a stunning bespoke prototype from APAL studio in 1962. No estimate or description is yet available for the1600 GT Coupe, but it will go without reserve. We’d bring at least $350,000, and perhaps significantly more. 1962 APAL-Porsche 1600 GT Coupe   Photo Credit: David Gooley ©2015 Courtesy of RM Sothebys

2016 BMW X4 M40i 52

355HP, 4.7s 2016 BMW X4 M40i Brings SuperTruck Style and Pace from $55k

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Catching up here!  The new X4 M40i came out earlier this month, and is heading to USA showrooms in the next few months! Power takes a big leap up to 355-ponies and 343 pound-feet of torque. Through the standard eight-speed auto and new M-calibrated xDrive, the X4 M40i shoots to 60-mph in just 4.7-seconds. That is about a half-second quicker than the existing range-topper, the X4 xDrive35i M Sport with its $50k base price. We expect the M40i X4 to come in around $55k with its light tweaks to the style outside, grey detailing all around, and custom chassis settings. …

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Cadillac Creates 99-unit Exclusive – V-Series Crystal White Frost Editions of ATS-V and CTS-V

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Very sexy launch rollout for the all-new CTS-V and ATS-V! Crystal White Frost Editions are headed to dealerships by the end of October, aka this week and next. 39 of the ATS-V Coupes are made in this special satin paintwork. Just 31 of the satin matte white ATS-V sedans will be made, matched by even-more-limited 29 units of the CTS-V in white frost. Loaded configurations accompany this special color for both, with pricing from $71k for the ATS and $95k for the CTS-V. Why so few numbers of these hot bodies? The paint is exceptionally expensive — at around a …

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Design Talent Showcase – 2020 Mercedes-Benz SL PURE Concept by Matthias Böttcher

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Emerging designers are fascinating. They provide a relatively uncluttered look at the next generation of automobile design, usually five to ten years away from hitting the streets. Students of industrial design are well-prepped for the world of making dream shapes and sketches come to life — in panels and 4D forms that could, in theory, be produced some day. Their vision and style for final thesis projects, like the SL Pure by Mattias Bottcher of Germany, can be a powerful catalyst. Pulling forward the future with new ideas unfettered by corporate speak, layers of hundreds of other designers, or the …

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2016 RAM Rebel Silver 17

First Drive – 2016 RAM REBEL – An Air-Ride Raptor?

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The new RAM Rebel is the latest slayer to join the Dodge trucks lineup — this time with its radar locked onto the Ford F-150 Raptor. The Rebel wears unique bodywork for the giant power-dome hood and special, new-shape Rebel grille up front. Most of the numerous other body features are rock-proof black plastic accents — the fender flares, badges and all brightwork is swapped for matte black. This includes the GIANT script on the tailgate. Color options include a few with a black lower body paint look across the doors and bed too, looking hot and functional-yet-macho. Silver is …

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