Mercedes-Benz Concept IAA (Intelligent Aerodynamic Automobile)

2015 Mercedes-Benz Concept IAA – Extreme Teardrop Drips Elegance for New Photoshoot

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 This concept IAA is the best-looking among the trio of piloted-drive, alternative-propulsion concepts from big Benz this year. But how to love its active rear flange and sleek roofline, when the nose hits you like a punch in the cheek? Seeing the machine out in the wilds of natural light*, the integrated lighting up front creates a nicer glow. With so much solid white OLED in the grille slat edges, the inner portion resembles a more traditional V-shaped element. Even if it is just a matter of distance or movement, the IAA is undoubtedly stunning in these new photos —- …

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Concept Flashback - 2001 BMW X Coupe 4

Concept Flashback – 2001 BMW X Coupe

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A design so unfeasible, we all thought, that it didn’t matter how unviable. An SUV Coupe?  Ruthlessly absurd! How wrong we were!  Car enthusiasts obviously recognize this compact crossover shape from more than three dozen new or upcoming road cars. The chopped roof, the bluff face and 1-series-previewing headlamps?  Z4 Coupe backlight, with the high rump of the X6? It all came true! Like a wild wet dream for gravel drifters… the X Coupe came well ahead of its time in 2001. Concept Flashback – 2001 BMW X Coupe

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Is Hollywood Co-Promotion Worse Than Brand Integration? Star Wars and FCA to Find Out

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Product placement in movies has evolved radically since Bumblebee Camaro raced back into our hearts — and many driveways — following the 2007 Transformers remake. In the last 20 years, paid PP was all about screen time and brand impact.  The challenges were to say the name of the product on film and have it be a hero type of character.  Without appearing saccharine.  (Bad examples include Acura and Sony in every Hollywood media program they have ever done.) For ‘good’ results, it was about showcasing the car organically throughout the film, with real-life displays of prop replicas generally involved …

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Road Test Review – 2015 Lexus NX300h – Future-Proof Cruiser

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By now you have definitely done a double-take on seeing the 2015 Lexus NX on the road. At first, another of the RX cavalry. Then new creases, new LED graphics and a sleek and low roofline make clear this is no RX. With the lean and chic nose look off the RC and IS, the NX is a deeply stylish crossover in all three of its trimlines: NS200t, NX F Sport and the NX300h tested here.  Both the base turbo four and this uplevel Hybrid model share their appearances, with only the F Sport getting the aggressive front chin spoiler, …

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Buy, Sell or Hold? Ford EV Push Promises Dozen New Hybrids in 5 Years

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Ford is making a giant hoopla over a very unexciting announcement. One mostly sans cars, by the way, excluding the 2016 Focus Electric and teased ______ Energi PHEV. The plan lacks a catchy name for now, so let’s just call it e-Ford for short. Will e-Ford be able to make a big market impact from the 4.5-billion investment over the next half-decade?  And is Ford really the one to pursue this?  Their tech, as many know all too well, is woeful at times. They kept paying SONY and Microsoft ridiculous licensing and tech-services fees for MyFord Touch long after the …

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2017 Genesis G90 World Premiere – Tech Specs and 100 Images Inside and Out

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The first official Genesis model is out!  Dubbed the G90, this giant limo will replace the EQUUS in the US market, above the current Hyundai Genesis lineup in pricing and size. First things first: — the car is huge! — the looks are unique, if derivative of very-recent global superlux cars like the Mercedes-Maybach S600. — do not prejudge its looks too much: these are Korean-market trims and details, with changes probable for US cars (trims, wheels, etc.) — tech and cabin luxury take a huge leap forward from the already-impressive Genesis sedans — powertrains and pricing are finalized for …

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2016 LOTUS ELISE 220 and ELISE SPORT 13

4.2s 2016 Lotus ELISE 220 Is Quickest Ever! USA Arrivals in March; No Fatties T-Shirt Optional

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  Shocking speed from this new Elise 220 from Lotus!  Just 4.2-seconds to 60-mph for its estimated $60k US price makes it one of the most rapid machines for the money. And that is just in a straight line! Put some curves in the road course, and the Elise will walk away from most American metal — regardless of price or power ratings. The new Elise Sport is the base model below the 220, but is down about 80 ponies from the 217 of the top road-legal Elise in 2016.  Even so, the Elise Sport’s 6-second blast to 60-mph will …

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McLaren Wraps P1 Production with Painted Stunner, MSO Now Creating Full-Carbon Example

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McLaren just announced the conclusion of P1 production. Just 375 units were promised in total, and those are now all built and on their way to eager owners! For the final P1, McLaren has flipped many of the bare-carbon surfaces to body color– in an interesting twist on the look of the hypercar hero.  The nose plate, side intakes and rear diffuser element are fully painted on this orange beauty, and we love the results.   You may or may not recall a set of renderings in an article titled “Unpainted CF Robbing Hypercars of their Beauty.” As a counterpoint, MSO …

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2016 Lotus EXIGE SPORT 350 27

3.7s, 170MPH 2016 Lotus EXIGE SPORT 350 is New Road-Legal Cup Racer

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A two-pack of exciting news from Lotus today: the new Exige Sport 350 drops nearly 100 pounds from the Exige S via an extensive lightweighting program.  Along with its 345-horsepower supercharged 3.5-liter V6, the new Exige Sport 350 is an absolute rocketship! Consider that the total weight of the Exige is barely 2500-pounds, and you can instantly know how fast the car is.  That weight is up just 200 versus the front-engine MX5 for 2016… a car with only 160-ponies in its most potent guise. Interestingly, the new Exige Sport 350 is now even more rapid as a paddle-shifted automatic: …

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The All-New E-Class

2017 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Striptease Begins! Cabin Tech and Design Are Mighty Impressive

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The new E-Class from Mercedes-Benz is pretty huge news for all luxury car shoppers. Despite our obsession with the E63 and E550 range-topping models, and their delicious LEDs and black-chrome trims all around, the latest E-Class is not selling well. Its current iteration is a heavy facelift of the car first seen in the mid-2000s, and really needs this deep revamp to take on the 535i in USA sales. A big part of the E-Class’s issues stem from its current cabin. This is generally loveable and very liveable, but the tech is confusing and the overall experience is dark and …

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Next-Gen Traffic Ticket Prevention? ESCORT Max360 Ups Ante With Cloud-Linked Intel

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 ESCORT Max360 This post brought to you by Escort Radar + Laser Detectors. The content and opinions expressed below are that of Car-Revs-Daily.com. Traffic tickets lately are going from an annoying nuisance to a serious problem in 2015 — especially for safe drivers. While the days of aircraft-based highway speed monitoring are long gone with huge jet fuel prices, every highway and urban area these days is swamped with a new menace: Automated ticket writers for speed cameras, red-light cameras and even congestion-zone tracking. Mass data collection on any driver the system flags These two new threats make even the dreaded …

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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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2016 Citroen E-MEHARI Is Production-Bound EV Beach Car

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Think of the original 1950-1980s MEHARI Citroen like a French Volkswagen Thing. Mostly open bodywork in corrugated panels increase the monocoque strength dramatically, allowing both cars to haul much more than their car-shaped siblings. Some of the first continental pickup trucks, if you will. The 2016 model shares some of the silly and playful beach spirit of the original MEHARI, but with more focus on stressfree driving than do-it-all utility. The E-MEHARI is not a concept, and is headed for sale in France in Spring 2016. It is a full EV with (we believe) front-drive for its advanced lithium metal …

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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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1955/56 Mercedes-Benz 300SC and 300S Roadster Set To Stun RM NYC 2015

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The RM Sotheby’s auction this week is actually a pretty select group. The total list of items is barely 100 pieces, with actual cars about a third of that! But what a group of cars. Some trading carports locally, and some coming and going from abroad. This duo is most likely to head home to Germany. An exceptional 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300SC Coupe, plus its roadster sister from 1956. The pre-sale estimates for these two could not be further apart.  Care to guess which will earn double?   $1.2M vs $600K? It is the roadster. De facto classic car auction rules definitely …

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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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Glassman - 2015 Dodge Challenger RT Scat Pack Review 4

Road Test Review – 2015 Dodge Challenger R/T Scat Pack

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2015 Dodge Challenger RT Scat Pack Review By Ken “Hawkeye” Glassman The Dodge Challenger RT Scat Pack is an outstanding car. It competes with the Mustang and Camaro in the marketplace, but in my mind, it stands apart on a few points. They’re all retro sport cars, but while the Mustang and Camaro are much porkier than their 60’s and 70’s versions, the Challenger seems to be a much more svelte looking and feeling car. Both the Ford and Chevy cars can be equipped with powerful engines, but the Challenger is a bit more boisterous and raucous. The driver gets …

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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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WTF?! Mercedes Bags Up Supermodel and 2017 SL in Giant Blue Condom, Feels Nothing

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What. The. Hell. Is. This. Seriously flummoxed by this Mercedes fashion campaign featuring the new SL. High fashion model, photographer and car meet up for a romp in a giant latex playroom. But it is not a playroom. It is a giant condom, which then wraps every curve of the car and model alike. WTF!?   The entire goal of life is to stop needing latex protection when inside beautiful people, places and things. The look is hideous, the concept is bone-headed, and the results are visually nauseating.  Hiding the fug SL under a pile of cinderblocks would be preferable to …

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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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2016 Toyota S-FR Racing Concept 9

2016 Toyota S-FR Racing Concept is Trackday Dream – Turbo Triple with 300HP?

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Holy cow, how incredibly fun and intense does this new S-FR Racing Concept look! With a cleanly integrated widybody, Supra-sexy sills and air dams, plus a huge wing in back atop a giant GT3 diffuser?! LOVE! Imagine this car with 300-horsepower. Suddenly its insane grip package and centerlock alloys start to make sense. This is all mainly concept-car bluster ahead of the Tokyo Auto Salon event in January of 2016, when this upgraded S-FR will meet the public. The latest rumor is that the S-FR may run a turbo triple versus the 1.5-liter MX-5 four-cylinder we speculated previously. We still …

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Bentley-Boys-swap-four-wheels-for-two-in-epic-chhxgfbarity-challenge

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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The Evolution of BMW xDrive – 325iX to 2016 BMW X5 xDrive40e – PHEV M Sport from $70k

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THe BMW eDrive X5 is officially in the USA! This huge advance in AWD tech for BMW is being celebrating with a look back at the first 30 years of BMW four-paw models. We still remember the special body-color aero kit and special wheels from the US-market 325iX. Was just a tiny bit cooler than even the very-chic 325i sedan and coupe of the era. The honor that original look, we spec’ed out a 2016 BMW X5 xDrive40e in M Sport guise.  The truck looks very, very nice on its available 20-inch alloys. Particularly so with the $1,100 adaptive LED …

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2016 Lexus RX – Reviews Roundup + 150 All-New RX350 F Sport Photos in Ultra White

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Yet more all-new and exclusive photos of the 2016 Lexus RX? Yes indeed!  This is the last batch: the RX350 F Sport. We have full reviews of the RX350 and RX450h over at the below links, plus drive videos of the F Sport versions of both engines. This F Sport RX350 is a nice sweet-spot in the RX range, priced between the $42k RX350 and $58k RX450h F Sport. The RX350 F Sport is also the one most enhanced by its F Sport-exclusive adaptive suspension and Sport Plus drive modes. We also really enjoyed the F Sport seats and shift …

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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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South African RED BULL Concept Truck is Defender 130 APC

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  Stealthy? Not to our eyes!  This futuristic armored personnel carrier is a really sleek bit of design, even if its radar signature is huge. The truck is a bit mysterious at the moment. It appeared online about a week ago in a few obscure spots, but has since been removed from at least one official Red Bull channel… RedBull.co.za in South Africa.  Nada from LR or RB press people about it, nor even a name beyond “Armored Event Vehicle.” The only thing we know is the chassis underneath: a Land Rover Defender 130 donated its LWB rails to this …

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Bell & Ross BR-X1 Skeleton Carbon Forgé Leads New Lightweight Timepiece Collection

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A new dream-watch just launched!  The Bell & Ross BR-X1 is named to honor the Bell X-1 supersonic test plane from 1947 — and employs tech just as advanced for 2015 watchmaking. Four initial styles of the BR-X1 are part of a very limited-release initial collection. The favorite of ours is the Carbon Forge model — as it has a very unique marbled finish, tinted sapphire crystal, and should be much lighter than the typical BR watches. Milled from single pieces of alloy, the heft of their watches makes you feel important. But does take time to get comfortable with …

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2017 Volvo S90 Reveals Slinky New Limo Shape, 400HP T8 PHEV Drivetrain

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Volvo is on a huge roll!  The new XC90 led a 26-percent sales gain for the month of November 2015, and the momentum is just getting started. The next step is this all-new S90 luxury sedan.  All-new and competing with A6 and even A8, this new Volvo limo is an exceptionally promising replacement of the aged S80. The new S90 runs all-new chassis, exterior, interior and powertrain — making it a near clean-sheet approach to the next generation of large Volvos.  The powertrains and much else is shared with the exceptional new XC90: this includes the standard T6 turbo engine …

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2016 Lexus RX450h F Sport AWD 93

HD Road Test Review – 2016 Lexus RX450h F Sport AWD – A Plush Rush?!

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The new Lexus RX is one of the most eagerly-anticipated new SUVs for 2016.  This redesign proves the RX can be a style leader even while outselling entire luxury brands like Volvo and Jaguar in the USA. So far, the RX has been so ubiquitous on the roads that any sense of chic sexiness was seriously diluted.  The 2016 model wears all-new styles and new trimlines to bring variety to the efficiency, lux ride comfort and versatility its 2-million owners love so much. The upgrades for 2016 are extensive — with the entire cabin, exterior and some drivetrain parts refreshed …

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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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CF-Dynamics

CF-Dynamics.de Launches Intense New M4 Aerokit with Full Bumper Swaps

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Carbon Fiber Dynamics of Germany is on the Essen showstand this week with their latest upgrades for the M4 from BMW — and will be turning some heads! CF-Dynamics has a big catalog of 3DDynamics upgrades to nearly the full BMW Group lineup — including these latest M3/M4 twins. Until now, however, the pieces have been additions to the factory bodywork — things like a CF splitter, sills, spoilers and diffuser adding ground-effect looks to the BMW M cars. This new kit is much more serious — replacing the front and rear bumpers completely with these intense, partly-unpainted cabin fiber …

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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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2017 Bugatti CHIRON is Official! 100 Pre-Orders Locked in Ahead of Geneva 2016 Reveal

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Pretty speedy turnaround from the Bugatti folks to the storm of speculation this weekend across the auto universe!  A rapid response and super-max trajectory, are, after all, core Bugatti traits.  So it does make sense. Or perhaps this was planned all along!  Bugatti’s press release early this morning confirms that ‘pre-marketing’ for the 2017 Chiron is already under way. Select private viewings have already taken place worldwide — with 100 orders secured so far! That total is astounding for a car no one has driven, and few even seen. 100 orders represents at least the first year or so of …

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RingBrothers SPLITR Carbon Mustang for HRE Wheels 70

RingBrothers SPLITR Carbon Mustang on HRE RB Edition Wheels

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If you loved the previous RingBrothers HRE special, steady your heart for its even-meaner brother! Dubbed SPLITR, this is another flawless carbon-fiber and CNC-milled bespoke Mustang from heaven. Another fairy patriotic livery for this SPLITR, with exposed cabon-fiber elements and unique lighting making it feel very special indeed. These two are breathtakers, for sure. They launch the RingBrothers RB Edition wheel line from HRE, with four cuts in 19-22-inch sizes and dozens of finishes. Besides the incredibly intense stance and traction setup of this red RingBrothers Mustang, the exquisite adjustable trunk wing is a major highlight in a jungle of …

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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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Audi TTRS Clubsport by HPerformance.de

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  PART TWO: The Clubsport. HPerformance took its major engine-upgrade skills to make this TTRS Clubsport a 510-horsepower track missle. Upgrades outside are awesome – especially the spats up front! Audi TTRS Clubsport by HPerformance.de PREVIOUS Wow!  750 horsepower from a 2.5-liter five-cylinder!? Not easy to achieve — and something that took almost a total redesign of the TTRS engine from all sides.  New turbo, fuel system race tech, MTR tune, custom downpipe and exhaust system…. the list literally goes on and on. The results shout for themselves, however, rocketing this TT to 60-mph in an estimated ~3.3-seconds and on …

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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

Porsche Boxster by SCHMIDT Revolution 5

Porsche Boxster Paradox – Best Sportscar No One Craves? 20-Inch Schmidt Revo Alloys Help

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What is going on in this world when the Porsche Boxster cannot start the pulse racing? Perhaps it is the lack of torque. Perhaps it is the pricing that rapidly kisses $75k+ with the options you want. But for outsiders, the Boxster’s real problem is that showroom models wear some of the nerdiest, most vanilla and generally boring style and stance. The car is just a total snooze in most of its retiree-favorite colors and wheels. Porsche is trying to relight the passion once held in enthusiast circles for the car via special editions, but these cost yet more money.  …

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Audi TTRS Black Hawk by HPerformance

3.3s, 750HP Audi TTRS Black Hawk by HPerformance.de

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Wow!  750 horsepower from a 2.5-liter five-cylinder!? Not easy to achieve — and something that took almost a total redesign of the TTRS engine from all sides.  New turbo, fuel system race tech, MTR tune, custom downpipe and exhaust system…. the list literally goes on and on. The results shout for themselves, however, rocketing this TT to 60-mph in an estimated ~3.3-seconds and on to a gear-limited ~178-mph? INtense! You have been warned.  If you see an HPerformance charge cooler graphic in your rearview mirror on the autobahn, get right.   Clear the way, slowpokes! The whole 750HP shebang is priced …

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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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6 Tips for Shipping Your Car

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6 Tips for Shipping Your Car Whether you’re moving across state lines or ordering a vintage car from overseas, there will probably be a time in your life when you’re in need of vehicle transport. But where do you find such services, and how can you be sure you’re getting a good deal when you do? Here are just a few basic commandments when thinking about car shipping. 1. Look for Transportation Companies There are many auto transportation companies out there, but depending on both your location and your budget, some may be out of reach. Start calling transport companies …

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2016 Volvo XC90 T8 R-Design Flagships Arriving Now – 472 Torques, Priced from $69k

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The new Volvo XC90 is set to become the brand’s biggest-ever launch. Buried in preorders and scrambling to get the HOT new truck into buyer hands, Volvo started production of the new seven-seater with exclusively T6 engines and the luxury trimlines. These are fab, of course, but not technically the coolest or fastest new XC90. Nope, that honor definitely goes to the 400HP T8 R-Design!  Running a turbo PHEV drivetrain, the XC90 T8 will become the world’s first plug-in hybrid SUV with seven seats. It will also be the quickest XC90 ever — V8 included. How?  This incredible twin-engine drivetrain …

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2015 Fiat Ducato 4×4 Expedition Concept Teases New ProMaster Drivetrain Option

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The new RAM ProMaster vans in the US are winning some very devoted fans with their ultra-low floors and nimbleness even in the tightest American cities. All this and more is owed to its sibling, the Fiat Ducato, across the pond. This lavish concept van was a double threat for its reveal in Dusseldorf in August:  showcasing some awesome glamping upgrades inside and out. Yet also revealing a promising new 4×4 powertrain choice.  While this particular vehicle is a passenger model fairly unlike the US panel-van ProMasters that take most of the sales, the two trucks are nearly identical under …

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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 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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2016 OKUYAMA Kode9 Coupe (Production Model) 6

2016 OKUYAMA Kode9 Coupe – Production Debut, Tech Specs and Detailed New Photos

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We love these gorgeous exotics from ex-Pininfarina man Ken Okuyama. They were the darlings of the 2015 Tokyo Motor Show — even nabbing headlines from the big OEM displays thanks to their alien design, exotic measurements and production intent. Nearly finished the below article before we discovered the Lotus link under the skin of the Kode9 Spyder and Coupe. At the time it seemed like a writeoff of a few hours effort… only to have major bait/switch feelings. Since that distant original article went out (40 hours ago), however, we have a bit more perspective.  And more info to share …

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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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2016 Ken Okuyama Design KODE9 Spyder – Bespoke Japanese Exotic, or Triple-Price Knockoff?

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For all of Japan’s hard-earned prestige in the car-making business, there are few to no supercar startups emerging from this island nation full of automotive talent. Perhaps this speaks to the export-centric nature of the industry, or to the plethora or superb global hypercars among which to choose for your fast drives around Fuji speedway and others. And again still, perhaps the native driver mentality is simply conservative and hyper-urban. Being stuck in traffic in a $200k exotic is just as boring as being stuck in traffic in a Honda S660 ragtop, or perhaps an MX-5. Few would doubt Japan’s …

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HD Road Test Review – 2016 Lincoln MKX – Tops New Lexus RX with Style, Power and Panache

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Lincoln MKX beats Lexus RX. You read it here first! True story. As one of the only car reviewers to have driven both 2016 models, we are surprised to report that the MKX is the better machine. First Drive Review – 2016 Lincoln MKX What a difference a few years can make! If you had told me in 2005 that Lincoln would be making globally-competitive cars, four SUVs and debuting exclusive tech like the new 3.0-liter V6TT making 400HP in the 2017 MKZ, we would have laughed right in your face. Sure, Lincolns have been “okay” for a while now …

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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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2017 Lincoln MKZ – 400HP V6TT, New TVD AWD + Drivers Pack

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Check out the new Lincoln MKZ! This extensive facelift and refresh is one of the most extensive in recent memory, especially versus the exceptionally light touches on the 2016 Focus or Explorer and 2017 Escape. The entire nose of the MKZ is all-new and all-different. Its controversial dual waterfall grille design and pointy face is swapped for a posh, flowing and organic new flow. A large oval grille lives in the center of the nose, wearing a fresh interlocking mesh look. All-new headlights are absolutely mesmerizing!  Love them. Single beams line up horizontally for the low and high-beams, while LED …

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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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2017 Hyundai ELANTRA Sedan Debuts Impressive Redesign, Giant Cabin and Fresh Tech

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The new Elantra is pretty impressive!  Competing for LA attention with the new Civic twins from Honda, the Cruze/Volt twins from Chevy and many others… the Elantra had its work cut out for it from day one. Luckily, the new model holds its own versus those rivals. A seriously generous helping of premium style, roominess and tech makes the Elantra quite a contender. The 2017 model is about an inch longer and wider, with a much sleeker aero rating — down to just 0.27 cD in the wind tunnel. This is achieved via a new full-frame grille, underbody aero shrouds, …

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2015 BMW Concept Compact Sedan Teases Upcoming 135i: $25k Base Price, Standard Turbo, RWD?

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  Here is a bit of a mystery concept from BMW: the 2015 Concept Compact Sedan. Debuting at the Guangzhou auto show in China this week, the Concept CS is not mysterious about its production intent. One look inside the cabin of even the renders shows that this car is nearly finalized already, and likely to be in some global Bimmer showrooms by the end of calendar 2016. From there, things line up with logical powertrains in 120i, 128i and 135i, mirroring the two-door 235i, etc. Pricing for the eventual 1 series is likely to start at about $25k, at …

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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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2015 Scion C-HR Concept Teases Upcoming Production Crossover – $24k Pricing, Hybrid Option Predicted

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Hey good lookin’! Your eyes are not deciving you: this new Scion concept might look very familiar. If so, it is because we have seen it at Geneva and Frankfurt in Toyota guise. The purple and grey C-HR concepts shown so far are exact clones of this Scion for good reason: all tease the same upcoming compact crossover. Priced below the RAV4 and tipped to offer a hybrid engine option, the C-HR is a handsome and on-trend statement of intent for Toyota and its Scion offshoot. This concept is not in the slightest bit production feasible, however, with wild shapes …

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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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Chelsea Truck Co Jeep CJ300 by Kahn Design

Update1 – 2015 Chelsea Truck Company CJ300 LE Jeep Wrangler VOLCANIC ROCK

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Love the look of this KAHN Jeep — with its blacked-out styling and wide, four-slot grille making a mean new face for the offroader. 2015 Chelsea Truck Company CJ300 LE Jeep Wrangler VOLCANIC ROCK   The Jeep Wrangler 2.8 Diesel – Chelsea Truck Company CJ300 LE stands out with its vibrant Volcanic Rock exterior that is contrasted by door handles, mirrors, and roof, while Satin Black is worn by the fuel filler cap. The Volcanic Rock theme is also featured up front where two shadow chrome headlights sit on either side of the four-slot Chelsea Tuck Company grille with industrial …

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2015 LA Auto Show Photos 44

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 Mazda CX-9 Revealed: Gorgeous Redesign, Lux Cabin and New Turbo Power

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  Official debut of the quite sexy CX-9 crossover from Mazda. This three-row truck goes seriously upmarket outside and in, yet also high-tech with a new turbo powertrain. This new 2.5-liter engine makes 250-horsepower and a stout 310-pound-feet of torque, well adept at chasing the Volvo XC90 T6 or Toyota Highlander.   2017 Mazda CX-9   ALL-NEW MAZDA CX-9 THREE-ROW CROSSOVER DEBUTS AT 2015 LOS ANGELES AUTO SHOW 18/11/15   CX-9 offers elevated experience with innovative technologies, new SKYACTIV-G 2.5T engine and premium, authentic materials When the Mazda CX-9 made its world debut back in 2006, it was an epiphany: …

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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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2016 Mitsubishi Outlander SPORT 8

2016 Mitsubishi Outlander SPORT – Official Debut Shows New Nose, Cabin and Colors

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The new Outlander Sport is here, and demands respect!  Check out that butch new face!~ Mitsu calls this look Dynamic Shield, but whatever it is, the execution works here. A bluff new contrast-black horizontal elent takes over the nose graphic of the Outlander Sport for 2016. New headlights and interesting new wheels and body cladding complete the updated compact crossover. A $19k base makes the Outlander Sport a tempting choice for surf and ski fans mostly stuck in the city. To go with the new LEDs and butch new mug?  Three new satin semi-gloss paint colors: — Cool Silver –Diamond …

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2017 Buick LaCrosse – All-New Luxury Limo Is Truly Plush Inside, Wider and Lower Outside

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  2017 Buick LaCrosse   Buick Introduces All-New 2017 LaCrosse Leaner and sleeker with effortless technology   LOS ANGELES – The all-new 2017 Buick LaCrosse introduces the new face of Buick, influenced by the dramatic cues of the award-winning Avenir concept unveiled at the 2015 North American International Auto Show in Detroit and inspired by a Buick concept from the mid-20th century.   The LaCrosse, which goes on sale in early summer 2016, features a new grille design with a large opening distinguished by the return of a three-color – red, silver and blue – Buick tri-shield insignia, accented by …

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2015 LA Auto Show Photos 27

2017 FIAT 124 Spider – Gorgeous Miata Makeover Is Biggest LA Debut Yet

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    More to follow.  Wanted this gorgeous new FIAT online ASAP!   2017 FIAT 124 Spider ALL-NEW 2017 FIAT 124 SPIDER REVIVES LEGENDARY NAMEPLATE WITH ICONIC ITALIAN STYLING AND DYNAMIC DRIVING EXPERIENCE 18/11/15 2017 Fiat 124 Spider returns nearly 50 years after original introduction Revival of roadster continues expansion of FIAT brand in North America Delivers iconic Italian style with modern adaptation of original Spider legend Powered by turbocharged MultiAir 1.4-liter engine for 160 horsepower and 184 lb.-ft. of torque, available with manual or automatic transmission Available with an array of safety and security features, plus technologies for added …

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2016 Nissan Sentra Breaks Cover – New Face, Fresh Tech from $17k

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Well hello there, fresh Sentra! 2016 Nissan Sentra 2016 Nissan Sentra Press Kit: Overview 2016 Nissan Sentra Offers New Exterior Appearance, Refreshed Interior and Advanced Safety and Driving Technologies Nissan’s popular compact sedan continues to stand out with “class-above” style, premium design qualities and enhanced driving experience Exterior redesign brings Sentra closer in look and feel to the bold new 2016 Maxima and redesigned 2016 Altima – reflecting Nissan’s new design language Revised interior features new TFT-type (Thin Film Transfer) LCD flat panel display, available Siri Eyes Free™ Voice Recognition Available technology includes NissanConnectSM Services powered by SiriusXM® (SiriusXM® subscription …

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2017 Sportage SX Turbo

2017 KIA Sportage SX Turbo Debut – Quad LEDs + Euro Handling Focus

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The new Sportage is here in USA form, which we pleased to say looks exactly like the min-Cayenne of the Euro GT-Line rangetopper. The poshest trim for the USA is the SX Turbo AWD, as shown here. 2017 KIA Sportage SX Turbo PREVIOUS KIA’s push to excel globally is ramping up nicely. Frankfurt, California and Korea-based teams are now aligned to make the most of each area’s strengths. Korea as the lead manufacturing hub/supplier base, Cali as a tech and design center of excellence, and the European R&D division taking a much bigger role in vehicle development. It is a …

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2017 INFINITI QX30 Official Debut – Stylish Crossover Hits Showrooms in June

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Official reveal today of the crossover Infiniti Q30 — the QX30! Infiniti has been teasing these twins via a series of concepts for what feels like years. The finish, production product shows why it took so long — with concept-like detailing, fabulous surface tension in the body shape, and a high-quality interior. Infiniti is product that the cabin of the QX30 shares virtually nothing touchable or visible with its Mercedes GLA platform-mate. In fact, the QX30 runs a bit more rugged and tough look inside overall than even its Q30 street sibling. Performance and power should match buyer needs in …

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2016 Honda CIVIC Coupe Reveal – Big Style, Power from First-Ever Turbo Engine Option

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First look today at the 2016 Honda Civic Coupe! Very impressive and sexy new form language, design elements and a gorgeous, coupe-exclusive tail make this the hottest 10th-gen Civic shown so far. Power is up across both LX and EX trims, with a fairly potent new 1.5-liter turbo four making 174 horsepower, an improvement of 31 ponies versus the equivalent engine last year. Joining the Civic sedan, the Coupe is the second reveal in a broad Civic assault over the next year. The first-ever US-market Civic 5-door is coming along soon, followed by Si versions of at least the Coupe …

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2016 Ford Focus RS

2016 Ford Focus RS Priced from $36k – Color Visualizer + 40 New Launch Photos

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Fresh batch of 40 gorgeous photos from the 2016 Focus RS media launch this week — with the flagship Focus model stunning all comers in its Nitrous Blue over standard charcoal 19-inch alloys. Pricing is from $35,700, with options like $2k alternate wheel styles, plus the RS2 package for about $3k even. Most will leave the showroom with a price within $100 of of $40k. And for good reason! This playful hyper-hatch packs stunning track speed and grip beyond most Mustangs. Just four colors for the exterior are offered on the RS, but they are all exclusive and never-before-seen on …

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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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2016 Volkswagen Beetle DUNE Editions 9

2016 Volkswagen Beetle DUNE Editions – Hitting Sand in Hard or Soft Tops Next Year!

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This DUNE is not a concept. Finally! VW has been making DUNE-themed concepts every few years since the New Beetle burst on the scene in the mid-1990s. Each time, the natural jaded view that a two-wheel-drive beach car is a non-starter for actual practicality in its namesake terrain. Yes, the original baja Bugs were two-wheel-drive, also, but with the engine in back providing incredible grip in deep sand, but a light and floaty nose to glide over ridges and jumps smoothly. The 2016 DUNE will not be as graceful in soft sand, but quick and fun on hard-packed sand and …

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2016 Volkswagen Beetle DENIM 18

2016 Volkswagen Beetle DENIM Recreates 1970s Jeans Bug – Limited-Run Special Cabrio Arrives by March

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  Some (sorta) uplifting news from VW: a production version of the Beetle Denim seen on the auto show circuit over the past year. The value-priced special edition comes on just the cabrio in two colors: Pure White or Stonewashed Blue. Retro wheels in 17-inch size and a 1.8-liter turbo join the new finishes, clothes and stitching throughout the sun-loving denim bug. While dubbed the Denim edition, the fabrics inside actually are cool high-tech fibers, a bit like athletic-wear. Looks comfy and cool on the inside, if a bit dour outside. 2016 Volkswagen Beetle DENIM     VOLKSWAGEN REVISITS FAN …

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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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2016 RANGE ROVER Evoque Convertible Goes Stargazing in Santa Monica

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Naomie Harris is bringing some James Bond magic to the LA premiere of the new Evoque Convertible, with a gorgeous new photoset from the Cali beach and around SoCal hotspots with snapper Ben Watts behind the camera. The truck certainly looks gorgeous and right for its environs throughout!  Just don’t forget the black pack to get the sexy dark detailing shown on this first production model. Pricing is a worry. Volumes will be limited, of course, as a halo car in the Land Rover lineup, and the first soft-top Landie in the US since the Defender bowed out in the …

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2017 GMC Canyon DENALI Wears Butch New Grille, 20s and LEDs – 31MPG DuraMax Diesel Optional

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Despite all the excitement around the new generation of mid-size pickup trucks, the huge praise heaped on the Chevy Colorado has not yet translated into huge full-year sales numbers.  At least, not by US pickup market standards — where the F-Series from Ford nears 800k units annually in a good year.  (Not this launch year, mind you, with lots of factory down-time in the aluminum transition. Since the launch of the GMC Canyon and its bro, the Chevy Colorado, the two have been burning up the sale growth charts. Despite initial impressions of the GMC as the better-looking of the …

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2015 LA Auto SHow Pictures 75

2017 Ford Escape Facelift Reveals New Tech, Engines, and Dark Sport Packages for Spring 2016 Arrival

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The new Ford Escape is official this morning!  But boy is this redesign subtle. In fact, facelift is a bit more accurate. A fresh new nose wears a more defined horizontal three-bar grille design than the slim upper grille of the current model. A new headlamp design wears brighter, more current white DRLs in the lower edge of the lighting, while squared projector balls are shown with HID lamps in the Titanium spec shown so far. This loaded Escape Titanium always looked cool and premium, however, at the expense of its much more popular SE and S trims, which lacked …

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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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