performance

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2015 W Motors Lykan Hypersport – Animated Turntables Gallery

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  Longtime readers know we adore the W Motors Lykan HyperSport. We created some super-cool and exclusive animated turntables of the four official rendered colors — and are still patting ourselves on the back for their mezmerizing beauty! But after hundreds of rounds of image optimizations and uploads, many of these prized GIFs became de-animated. Static panda! Some great news, sad pandas: just re-uploaded the color spinners in all their moving glory. I think the timing varies among these, but we’ll see together momentarily. And if you think the 3MB-per-file is a big large, just know that these are drastically …

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2016 BMW Z4 M Sport Estoril Blue 38

2016 BMW Z4 Adds Sexy Estoril Blue to Three-Model Range From $50k

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The Z4 vs. Boxster battle was won by Porsche decisively in the early 2000s — with the Porsche feeling sportier and more special with only a five-percent price premium. But as the Z4 retreated from Spartanburg to be made back in Germany, a unique turnabout has taken place. The Boxster is slow and boring in 2015, with its dull and ubiquitous design inspiring not one ounce of excitement. The Z4’s sales today are a tenth of what they were at the model’s peak — while the design is now fabulously wide, low and eye-catching out in the wild. Trust me: …

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First Look: 2016 Volkswagen Jetta GLI Debuts New Performance Design and Fresh Cabin Tech

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  The Jetta GLI is new for 2016, with a design that actually looks (kinda) new! Hooray! The current Jetta is a bit of a joke in the car-enthusiast community. On sale since the beginning of time immortal, the vehicle is stale and dorky and nerdy. Not even a default “hot chick” car at this point. It is more like a jumbo Corolla — but with atrocious mechanical and electronic gremlins present from day one. It is heavily, heavily decontented to achieve a base price point of around $20,000, and this overall de-cool-ification unfortunately drowns out the fresh 1.8-liter turbo …

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RM Monterey 2015 – Pinnacle Portfolio: Up Close With 21 Exotic-Car Icons

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Get ready to move some funds around! RM Sotheby’s just revealed a new entry into the 2015 Monterey classic auction: the Pinnacle Portfolio. 20 of the most desirable and collectible modern and classic supercars. Maserati MC12, McLaren F1 LM Road Car, Ferrari F40 LM and regular, 250GT’s, CCXR Koenigsegg…. the list really is drool-worthy. Each is likely to draw a unique type of buyer, despite them all coming from one very large home before. Check out the high-res preview photos of 21 Pinnacle cars below. RM Monterey 2015 – Pinnacle Portfolio 2015 – Monterey – The Pinnacle Portfolio 1994 Ferrari …

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Chevrolet Camaro ZL28

GEIGER Chevrolet Camaro Z/28 Adds 110HP To MuscleCar Track Legend

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Yes, the new 2016 Camaro is on its way. And yes, it will be quicker and more fun than ever before. But the RS and SS 2016 Camaro’s are fairly tame compared with the hardcore 2015 Z/28 — for which no replacement has been confirmed. Geiger Cars of Germany is part tuner and part showroom — giving European buyers access to many of the fastest and most exciting American cars on the market. Geiger brings over cars that are not imported to Europe whatsoever, including the Z/28. A $16,000 engine upgrade from Geiger is the only tweak on this stunning …

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World Endurance Championship

LeMans 2015 – Toyota TS040 Hybrid Gets New Nose, More Power and New Suspension Setup

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  What the TS040 lacks in outright drama, it clearly makes up for with outstanding engineering and bulletproof reliability. Le Mans 2014 was one of the three World Endurance Championship races that the TS040 Hybrid did not win — but the team cleaned up by going 5 in 8 overall during the 2014 season. This dominance was enough to score Toyota the World Championship titles for the car as well as its drivers — which is certainly an impressive feat. The newly-renamed Toyota Gazoo Racing team wants to keep the winning glory in this 2015 season with the ultimate crowning …

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2015 MANSORY S63 Coupe Widebody 8

2015 MANSORY S63 Widebody Coupe Launches New 710HP Power Level for Gorgeous CF Restyle

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Mansory just came out with its second S63 AMG Coupe — wearing the stunning carbon-fiber widebody and now offering a very-modest 710 horsepower option. This is down more than 180 ponies from the bonkers Diamond Edition shown below in blue, but is still enough to wipe the floor with most supercars in a pure drag race. These power upgrades are far more than electronic: the Mansory engine overhaul upgrades a dozen key components under the hood to make the block stronger and faster-revving, plus able to cope with the astounding levels of peak torque. Previous limiting factors on overall power …

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Road Test Review – 2015 Nissan Rogue SV FWD 7-Seater

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Some cars take a steep learning curve to learn their tech and driving merits. Modes and settings and menus can unlock driving modes and goodies that make the vehicle feel more in-tune with expectations and performance needs. The Nissan Rogue excels by being just perfect right out of the box. The Rogue is simply a solid, stylish and useful crossover that is well-priced and well-done from the first time you slip it into Drive. But if it is right from moment one, how does it feel after a week at the wheel? Let’s dive in to the full review of …

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2015 Ducati Scrambler SC-Rumble by VIBRAZIONI 15

2015 Ducati Scrambler In Two Specials: SC-Rumble by VIBRAZIONI and Scrambler by Radikal Chopper

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  Two custom Ducati Scramblers are thrumming around Italy this week! The first is called the SC-Rumble and has been custom-commissioned by Ducati and Pirelli by a design boutique called Vibrazioni Art Design. This Scrambler ditches its multi-spoke wheels and entire factory frame in favor of solid-centered wheels and a bespoke, single-piece chassis. This new framework makes the bike far more compact and wield-y and nimble than ever before. From some angles, however, the chopped frame results in a fairly odd, mini-bike-like appearance. Meanwhile, the SC-Rumble’s tank of the bike is wrapped in a rubber coating with tread patterns to …

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AMG SLS Widebody 900GT By Prior Design Is Radical Design Upgrade

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Holy hell! Get a load of the latest badass bodykit for the AMG SLS: the Prior Design 900GT Widebody. The kit comes in around $30k and consists of two dozen new body pieces — which come ready to paint as standard, with CF available. the four-part front bumper including the four lateral gills the six-part front wings, the two-part bonnet with air inlets the likewise two-part side skirts including blade the four-part rear wings the two-part rear bumper including diffuser the five-part rear valve spoiler As you can see, the effect is almost unreal on the SLS as a 2015 …

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2014 Pagani Zonda Revolucion 21

2014 Pagani Zonda Revolucion Adds DRS Dynamic Downforce + 50HP for Ultimate Time-Attack Prowess

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If the 2009-2010 Pagani Zonda R is shocking in its depth of changes versus the ‘regular’ Zonda, this R-EVO model honors the near-perfection of the original model. Even so, the ‘Evo’ version of any supercar is generally far better. Benefiting from real-world tuning and production tweaks, the Zonda Revolucion is no exception to this rule. Power from the AMG V12 is up to 800 ponies, while the on-track dynamics are massively enhanced by a new Drag Reduction System out back. Controlled via a steering-wheel button, DRS can selectively engage as needed on track, or a two-second push of the button …

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Hypercar Heroes – 750HP, 2.7s 2010 PAGANI Zonda R is 7 Minutes in Heaven

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No study of hypercar heroes would be complete without the phenomenal Pagani Zonda R from 2009 to 2010. Just 15 examples of this hardcore track machine were produced, with pricing of around $2.5-million each. With typical Pagani thoroughness, the Zonda R’s creation is far more that a set of slick tires and lightweight carpet. As you can see from almost every angle, the Zonda R employs an all-new aerodynamic setup. Giant lower intake scoops and splitter could cut off a pedestrian at the ankles, with the sharp wedge of a carbon-fiber nose an effective cleaver to finish that dark job. …

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2015 Range Rover Supercharged LWB 5

Road Test Review – 2015 RANGE ROVER Supercharged LWB – Royal Plush on HD Video + 75 Photos

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2015 Range Rover Supercharged LWB Review       As we discuss in the video above, there is a grand tradition in long-wheelbase Range Rovers making the shorties obsolete. Once the first-gen Range Rover Vogue LWB was included in the US lineup for 1993, it was quickly curtains for the standard-length ‘County’ models. The big jump in length on that first-gen truck helped balance the looks nicely, with almost no downsides to the performance or price of the truck. In fact, there was only upside to be had. More rear legroom, a less pinched ingress and egress process, and an …

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2016 Ford Mustang GT

2016 Ford Mustang GT Launching Black Pack, New Cali Special and GT Performance Pack

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  If the current 2015 Mustang GT has not hooked you yet with its sublime redesign, the 2016 is likely to close the deal. The most striking exterior change are the new hood vents in the GT. These are contrast-black on the California Special, shown here as a white convertible. They are body-colored on the new Mustang GT Black Pack, which wears gloss-black alloys, badging and other trim elements. A new hood vent design pulls more hot air from under the hood and also houses LED amber blinkers. These serve as side marker repeaters and are highly visible on the …

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Vorsteiner Aventador-V Introduces Zaragoza Active Aero Mods

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Vorsteiner has just added two sweet new carbon-fiber upgrades to its deep Aventador-V upgrades deck. Along with wheels and interior carbon-fiber mods, the Vorsteiner Aventador goes wild outside with a half-dozen carbon-fiber aero mods. All this helps the standard Aventador feel far more special, unique and hypercar-like in its street presence. A custom Lambo Aventador just became almost required for current owners now that the SV has upped the ante for exterior aggression. A pair of new pieces from Vorsteiner might be the best yet: the Zaragosa front spoiler and Zaragosa rear wing. But first, what the heck does Zaragoza …

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AC Schnitzer BMW i8 8

AC Schnitzer Transforms BMW i8 into Supercar M8 of Your Dreams!

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  Sure, the BMW i8 may have a highly advanced and unconventional powertrain, but this is a pure supercar through and through. In the flesh, the i8 is almost unbelievably unique and special. Its low roof and CFRP bodywork offer bodywork swirls and layers unlike any other supercar — at any price. But the i8 is crying out for an M-style makeover. For corporate political reasons, a proper M8 from BMW is not likely any time soon. Similarly, the i8 has been deeply underserved by the aftermarket community so far, but thanks to AC Schnitzer, this dream M8 can now …

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4.6s 2016 BMW 340i xDrive and new Plug-in 330e Lead Refreshed Range

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A big round of updates for the BMW 3 series range! The changes bring new LED lighting front and rear, a PHEV model called 330e, and the new 340i badge to replace the 335i. This update reflects an all-new turbo engine up front. The 3.0-liter inline-six is now dubbed B58 versus the previous N55. The new engine has a just of 20 horsepower up to 320, with a torque mountain of 330-pound-feet coming on from just 1350 RPM. That is one eager motor! The US range includes a 320, 328i or 328d and new 330e featuring plug-in hybrid technology. A …

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2016 Dodge Viper ACR

2016 Dodge Viper ACR Brings Extreme Aero, 3-inch Ride Height Adjustment + New Carbon Brakes

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Welcome to the fastest road-legal Viper of all time!  The  2016 Viper ACR debuts a major chassis upfit with new adjustable Bilstein dampers, Carbon brakes, a new Extreme Aero kit, lightweight cabin and specially formulated Kumho rubber. The combination creates a potent machine with flypaper grip around corners and nearly 1-ton of downforce near its top speed. The available Extreme Aero kit wears a huge and dramatic adjustable splitter, multi-wing spats and a giant lightweight wing. Integral brake ducts and vents are also beefed up for the ACR, with the visible fender slices a seriously cool detail. The shocks are …

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HD Road Test Review – 2015 Chrysler 300 Limited – Great Box, So-So Rack

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The Chrysler 300 is fresh for 2015 with more than half of its parts either all-new or redesigned. The upgrade list is massive — and even includes the American full-size icon’s exterior. But the changes outside are far more subtle than those under the skin and in the cabin. Chrysler is keeping the original 300 style alive for 2015 — hoping to ignite the same huge swell of passion that surrounded the original 2005 model. What a launch that was. Makes you smile to recall the full-size American car reclaiming its former glory as gigantic, affordable wheels. This segment of …

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1957 Mercedes-Benz 300SLS Racing + Exclusive SLS-R Speedster Renderings

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This is a cool one. As you may know, Mercedes had a spotty record of hanging on to rare classics among the hundreds of models the company has produced. This applies double for the racecars – which are often either lost to track damage or to privateer teams. Either way, gone from the safety of the MB Museum. Such was the case for a pair of American-commissioned racing overhauls to a pair of 1957 300 SL’s. While Mercedes retired from racing for 1956-forward, the SL was still a plum basis for a race-winning track car. A priciple named Jim O’Shea …

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2015 MINI Cooper S Hardtop 4-Door – HD First Drive Video + 150 Photos

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With a base price of $25,000, the 2015 MINI Cooper S 4-Door Hardtop overlaps closely with an unlikely competitor: the new Focus ST. Both are fun-running favorites with a cultlike following, and both achieve 60-mph in the low 6.0-second range through six-speed manuals. Though the Cooper S is down 65 horsepower versus the Focus ST, the MINI’s Cooper S upgrade is more important than ever for 2015. As with the MINI hardtop, the base Cooper runs a three-cylinder to the Cooper S’s turbo four. Power is up from 134 horsepower in the Cooper to 184 in the Cooper S, a …

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First Drive Review – 2015 Ford Focus ST in HD Video + 150 Photos!

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Loved meeting the 2015 Focus ST in the flesh recently for a fast blast around Texas Motor Speedway. Not high in the banked oval, unfortunately. Just a bit of on-camera hooning in the roads nearby. The town name of “No Limits” seemed applicable to flying past dozens of vacant track parking lots. The changes for the 252-horsepower 2015 model are perfect updates. A new nose with a low and mean style, standard LED headlight accent blades, HID headlights for the ST2 and ST3 trim packs, and standard Rado Grey wheels. The tail is also revised with a new rear window …

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Preview Mercedes-Benz Concept GLC Coupé, Shanghai 2015

Updated with 35 Shanghai Photos – 2015 Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe Concept

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  This new China-designed Mercedes SUV concept is an extremely close look at the upcoming production model of the same name: the GLC300 and GLC400 Coupes. The new Mercedes SUV name strategy is worth repeating at this point: the ML is out, replaced by the GLE and GLE Coupes. The “E” corresponds with the similar size and price to the E-Class. The same strategy will change the GL-Class to the GLS-Class at the top of the range, and the GLC at the lower middle part of the curve. Above the GLA in size and price, the GLC Coupe shown here …

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2016 Lexus ES Makes Shanghai Debut With Fresh Details + RX200t F Sport

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The 2016 Lexus ES refresh is exceedingly safe and conservative — keeping the steady march of progress intact on a tentpole model in the Lexus model range. The new ES is instantly recognizable but tweaked and updated to match the new design ethos on some of Lexus’s more adventurous models. Changes include a new nose and grille design, fresh headlights and a relocation of the LED foglamps into a new, more stylized and higher-mounted bumper shroud. The ES has big chassis upgrades under the metal, with additional welds enhancing vehicle rigidity and therefore handling and NVH smoothness. A pair of …

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2016 McLaren 540C Is New Smoothie Supercar With Road-Friendly Torque

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McLaren just revealed its second model in the new entry-level range: the 540C. Along with the 570S, the McLaren Sport Series hopes to take a huge bite out of Porsche 911 Turbo sales with its advanced tech and hypercar brand. The 540C is a lightly tweaked version of the 570S with new nose detailing and a subtly tweaked diffuser around back. The main difference in the two cars is that the 540C will be slightly cheaper, and much more comfortable in everyday traffic. This comes from slightly more friendly tuning to the suspension and a remapped twin-turbo engine. This latest …

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2015 Toroidion 1MW Concept 1

Toroidion Reveals 1340HP, Quad-Motor EV Hypercar Prototype in Monaco

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The holy grail for EV hypercars is more motors. Just look at the huge leap in performance with the new Tesla P85D AWD model — boasting nearly 700-horsepower and able to blast to 60-mph quicker than ever before. But with more motors comes more complexity — particularly when it comes to the power delivery in anything but a straight line. The system needs to be a virtual supercomputer to handle fairly typical torque-vectoring needs. Toroidion is a startup supercar company from Finland that hopes its LeMans racing technology can create one of the quickest hypercars of all time. Designed with …

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Mercedes-Benz Concept GLC Coupé

2015 Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe Concept is *ThisClose* To 2017 GLC400 4Matic Coupe

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  This new China-designed Mercedes SUV concept is an extremely close look at the upcoming production model of the same name: the GLC300 and GLC400 Coupes. The new Mercedes SUV name strategy is worth repeating at this point: the ML is out, replaced by the GLE and GLE Coupes. The “E” corresponds with the similar size and price to the E-Class. The same strategy will change the GL-Class to the GLS-Class at the top of the range, and the GLC at the lower middle part of the curve. Above the GLA in size and price, the GLC Coupe shown here …

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2016 Ford Taurus Revealed in Shanghai – USA Model Likely Near-Identical

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First look at the 2016 Taurus today — from perhaps the most unlikely of places: Shanghai. This most-American of full-size sedans is making its debut in Shanghai on Monday in specific China-market shape, with localized details for the entire exterior and interior. The back seat brings a full limousine-like infotainment setup to the rear armrest – as customers in this segment and market are known to prefer. The China-market-Taurus also reveals a new configuration of the 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6 engine first seen in the F-150. With twin turbochargers and close to 300 horsepower, the 2.7-liter EcoBoost is likely the top …

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2015 Peugeot 308R HYbrid Concept 1

Update1 – 500HP, 3.8s 2015 Peugeot 308R HYbrid Concept Adopts QUARTZ Details

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Here is an exciting debut for Auto Shanghai in a few days — the Peugeot 308R HYbrid Concept. The design is a fantastic look at how the latest Pug concept styles can join the production range. The Quartz and Exalt concepts are some of the best design from any manufacturer lately, with crisp proportions and functional bulges along with a organic and flowing surface treatment. The Quartz SUV concept is actually back for the Shanghai show, where it will accompany this hot 308 with matching French Racing Blue paintwork, box-weave grilles and lower intake brightwork. Both show a contrast-black matte tail …

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2016 Cadillac ELR Much Quicker and $10k Cheaper! 2014 Models Like a $50k BMW i8 at i3 Prices?

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Putting together these turntables just now offered a chance to see the ELR in 360-degrees across its four colors. Mid-way through the black ELR, we have a revelation: this car is gorgeous! Even the 2014 model of the spinners is quite a dashing and sexy shape from all sides, with a mid-engine exotic feel to the profile especially. The 2016 ELR takes this design to the next level: a new Performance Pack brings bigger five-spoke alloys and trim tweaks to go along with its new Caddy crest badges front and rear. The 2016 refresh has some other delights in store, …

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2016 Ford Focus RS

2016 Ford Focus RS Escapes Auto Show Cage to See NYC Sights

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Updated 4.14.15 With 22 New Photos Great to see the new Focus RS in the wild — with its Nitrous Blue paintwork far lighter and brighter than the traditional RS shade of navy blue. Car looks stunning – with performance to match when it arrives in US showrooms in Spring 2016. 2016 Ford Focus RS PREVIOUS       Ford Performance is rolling deep into Manhattan next week – with a broad range of high-performance models. A threatening gang indeed — with the Nitrous Blue signature color atop the 2017 Ford GT concept, the 2017 Ford Raptor and the 2016 …

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230MPH BRABUS Rocket 900 Is FASTEST 4-Door EVER!

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When you have a supercar-fast S65 overhauled by Brabus, the overall Vmax leaps from its factory limiter from 186-mph into the stratosphere. 900 horsepower from the V12TT is thanks to an aggressive new intake, boost and exhaust management system and a jump in displacement from 5.5-liters to 6.3-liters. Standard rear-drive makes the Brabus Rocket 900 actually faster above 200-mph than the standard 4Matic in other S-Class Mercedes-AMG limos for 2015, but it will take a brave driver indeed to test this car’s outright potential. The Rocket 900 is generally tire-limited to 217-mph, but can reach a theoretical 230-mph based on …

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2015 Volkswagen GTI SuperSport 43

3.6s, 503HP 2015 Volkswagen GTI SuperSport Concept in 50 Photos + Video!

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  Amid the growing kerfluffle between VW Group Chairman Ferdinand Piëch and VW Group President Martin Winterkorn — VW has just launched a digital concept to ignite extra passion around the GTI sub-brand. No one will want to “distance” themselves from this latest concept for GT6! With a 503-horsepower VR6 TSI and a thumping shove of torque, this AWD scorcher promises a virtual sprint to 60-mph of just 3.6-seconds. The GTI SuperSport is the car’s name, and it is available to download after updating to the game version 1.18. Four color choices are available on this baby AMG-killer of a …

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Road Test Review - 2015 Scion tC 6-Speed With TRD Performance Parts 49

Road Test Review – 2015 Scion tC 6-Speed + TRD Performance Parts

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The Scion tC has been on the market for quite a while now – but there is a reason! It is a solid performance platform with chic styling, a two-door profile and a very roomy back seat with fold-down seats for wagon-like space. 2015 Scion tC Review Video   Coming well-equipped with just a few options, the main choice is between a light and snicky six-speed manual and a conventional automatic. The stick is the clear choice for performance drivers, delivering a 7.8-second sprint to 60-mph and a joyful feel to the whole drive. The ultra-light clutch and shift action …

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2015 Kia SPORTSPACE Concept In Detailed, Real-Life Photos!

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

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2015 W Motors Lykan HyperSport – Watch The Furious 7 Hero Car In Action!

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Why do car brands love product placement? Let us count the ways! The most powerful effect can be instant and global — delivering a lift in brand awareness and consideration that would otherwise take 50 agencies, localized creative and perhaps $100-million in measured media spending. When done right, it really is magical. Crossing borders and languages instantly, becoming part of the cultural zeitgeist and a piece of cinema history for all time. In addition, weaving a car into the plot of a film can show off its performance, dynamic poise, interior and exhaust/engine notes simply by driving the car on …

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2016 McLaren 570S Configurator Reveals MSO Easter Eggs + Guide to All Colors and Options!

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The McLaren 570S configurator is up – with nearly 75 option choices, numerous wheels and a dozen interior pre-selections to help you part with $180,000 the fast way! Super-fast, in fact. The configurator’s last step actually reveals a bit of unknown info: the giant MSO carbon-fiber pieces that go way above and beyond the standard 20 exterior CF choices. These three choices are a full carbon-fiber nose, full CF rear and exposed weave for the roof panel as well. These autoclaved CF upgrades are such gigantic pieces of the material, they are bound to reduce mass versus the standard alloy panel-work. …

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Concept Flashback – 2008 Citroen HYPNOS Was X6-Sized Missed Opportunity

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  This 2008 Citroen concept is best known for its melted candy interior – with a swirl of wild colors looking a bit like a bag of Skittles left of the dashboard of a car in direct sunlight. But in fact, this crossover was one of Citroen’s first attempts at a soft-roader. Powered by a 2.0-liter HDi turbodiesel making 200-horsepower to the front wheels, plus a hybrid electric setup with 50HP for the back axle. The crossover and SUV space presented and still does present a fantastic opportunity for mass-market brands to achieve premium sales they all crave. Evidence? How …

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2015 Honda S660 31

2015 Honda S660 Is JDM Mid-Engine Targa With Turbo Triple Engine + 6-Speed Manual

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Honda’s renaissance in sporty cars might be topped by the NSX supercar, but the effects of a sporty focus runs up and down the range. This K-car is a very positive step forward for Honda, even if it is primarily aimed at the Japanese Domestic Market. With style and LEDs like much pricier and more powerful sports cars, the S660 is the most affordable way into a mid-engine, open-top thrills. Weight distribution is 45-percent front, 55-percent rear, promising much of the light nose and nimble thrills of the Porsche Boxster for perhaps a quarter of the price. Power comes from …

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2016 Chevrolet Spark 44

2016 Chevrolet Spark Brings New Turbo Engine + Lower, Sportier Style and Handling

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Chevrolet is not likely to admit this, but the Spark’s success in the US market has been a huge surprise. 2014 Calendar Year sales topped 39,000, making the Spark the best-selling subcompact in the US. It dominates the Mitsubishi Mirage, Mazda2 and Kia Rio easily. Combined with its Sonic big brother, the Spark has made Chevy the main player in minicar sales since its launch in 2012. The latest Spark will continue this trend with a more refined and tech-infused cabin, a new turbo 1.4-liter engine, and a sportier driving position. This lower feel from the drivers seat comes with …

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MANSORY Lamborghini Huracan 2-tile

MANSORY Huracan Now Available in Brutal 838HP Turbo + Extreme 1250HP Twin-Turbo Varieties!

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  As one-off customs chosen by someone else, naturally most of Mansory’s fully customized machines are shocking to the eye at first. The colors, the insane carbon-fiber, the cabins — all truly insane at times. But what about the POWERRRR! Taking the performance of an all-new supercar like the Lamborghini Huracan to the same level on a track as Mansory does aesthetically!? What will the results be? The firm’s latest duo is a pair of upgraded Huracan with all the usual flash all around, but real bang under the carbon-louvred engine covers. A single turbo for the 5.2-liter V10 now …

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2016 Mitsubishi Outlander GT 10

2016 Mitsubishi Outlander Redesign Vastly Improves Style and Ride of $24k 7-Seater

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Mitsubishi is adamant that this 2016 Outlander revamp is deeper than a simple facelift. They have a point: the new Outlander is virtually unrecognizable as the current model! There is a really chic and butch feel to the new nose, with its wide swath of chrome flowing down around the new LED DRLs and LED lowbeams. This chrome frames a gloss-black central grille and intake area in a fresh, unique and semi-premium way. Mitsu calls this the Dynamic Shield look for the nose, and it is likely to feature on future crossovers and SUVs from the fast-growing brand. The Outlander …

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2015 Kia Novo Concept Is Surprise 4-Door Coupe for Seoul Motor Show

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  Some impressive design coming from the latest Kia studio! This concept shows the potential look of a Forte replacement in the coming years. We love the nose best, as the profile and tail are near clones of the just-revealed Optima for 2016. But unfortunately for the production Optima, the Novo is far cleaner and more appealing. Part of what makes the Novo feel cool are its heavily rear-drive proportions and long dash-to-axle ratio in front. But there are more subtle things, too, like the fairly steep windshield angle and the way the hood’s leading edge becomes the grille below. …

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4DSC Returns! 2016 Nissan MAXIMA Bringing Hot Style, Tech and Paddle-Shifted 300HP From $32k!

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  The all-new Nissan Maxima made its global debut this morning at the NY auto show with a standard 300-horsepower V6, premium cabin design and details, and a special offer for first adopters! Almost as important — it looks phenomenal inside and out!  From the pure nose and tail views, the Maxima just shot to the top of the full-size sedan desirability charts with its low, wide stance and memorable details. How does the nose look so cool? Let’s look at the DRL’s at night and as an X-ray, via some photoshop. What do you get out of that? We …

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2016 Jaguar XF 20

2016 Jaguar XF Thinks It Is a Porsche 911; We Break The Bad News To Bad Mr. Kitty

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Updated 4.1.15 With 99 New Images We stand corrected – the 2016 XF is actually an all-new design, with no panels carrying over from the existing car. The chassis improvements are fairly dramatic as the XF shifts from its steel structure toward the aluminum of the XJ and F-Type. But why oh why must the styling be so dry? This trend of carmakers ever-so-lightly refreshing models makes no sense at all to me – especially if the panels are, in fact, all new. What is the point?! Chrysler 300, Kia Optima, Audi A6, Bentley Continental…. and now Jaguar XF. Every …

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2015 Subaru BRZ STi Concept Widebody Packs 400HP Super GT Turbo!

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The most important question with this stunning new BRZ STi concept is: have they finally added a turbo!? Yes and no. Yes it is a turbocharged racing engine from the Super GT race series, but no it is not a turbo version of the standard BRZ boxer engine. Grrrr! But do not fret — the below info pack from Subaru promises more STi products and models in the US market in the future, which is very promising. In the short term, this likely means a broader catalog of upgrades as  the aftermarket accessories. But in the medium and long term, it …

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2016 Lexus RX 2

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

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

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

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

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

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

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2015 Subaru BRZ Series

First Drive Review – 2015 Subaru BRZ Series.Blue on Video in Crystal White

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How fantastic does this BRZ look! Despite the pouring rain, the pearlescent Crystal White paint of this Series.Blue BRZ really pops with its LED accents glowing inside Texas Motor Speedway. The nose feels pointer on this recalibrated suspension with its STI wheels, body kit and underbody aero fascias — but the rear-drive all-star is still a joy to drift. A perfect driving position, steering and shift linkage are delightful as ever, while the blue lather and suede of the seats offer a bit of premium appeal to this 500-unit special edition. 2015 Subaru BRZ Series.Blue   2015 Subaru BRZ Series …

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2016 Ford Focus RS 22

Nitrous Blue 2016 Ford Focus RS Coming to NYC Next Week! USA Showrooms Next Year

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Ford Performance is rolling deep into Manhattan next week – with a broad range of high-performance models. A threatening gang indeed — with the Nitrous Blue signature color atop the 2017 Ford GT concept, the 2017 Ford Raptor and the 2016 Ford Mustang GT350R. But one of the most exciting vehicles to wear this scorching blue hue? One of the first to arrive in showrooms, too — the 340-horsepower 2016 Ford Focus RS. With all-wheel-drive and dynamic torque vectoring at the back for a drift-mode plaything, the Focus RS is set to be the hottest Ford hatch ever made. Competing …

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

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

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2016 Jaguar XF Reveals Fresh Nose and Tail + All-New Cabin

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800-feet above the water in a high-wire London river crossing!? Yessir – the 2016 XF is trying to make a splash by… not making a splash. The subtle nose and tail are all-new for the upcoming model-year, with new LED tech for the low and high-beams plus new F-Type-shaped LED optics for the brake lights. It is not a truly splashy makeover, but a subtle update to better fit the new design of the all-new XE compact and upcoming XJ refresh. The biggest news, arguably, happens inside the cabin. All-new Jaguar touch-screen and 12-inch TFT display bring the XF up …

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2015 Ram ProMaster City SLT Cargo 46

Road Test Review – 2015 Ram ProMaster City SLT Cargo

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2015 Ram ProMaster City ReviewTools are the main thing that sets man apart from animals. Many beasts rival and even exceed man’s ability in instinctive intelligence or physical strength. But no animal has mastered using tools to accomplish tasks their paws, flippers or arms cannot complete. On that note, the right tool for the job can be the difference between hours of back-breaking labor vs minutes of snap-complete solutions. In a similar way, using a full-size truck all the time can feel a bit like using a sledge-hammer to fix a pair of eyeglasses. To do the job right, you …

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2015 Maserati Quattroporte GTS 30

2015 Maserati Quattroporte GTS Wows Amelia Island With Gloss-Black Detailing

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  UPDATED 3.21.15 The GTS is great to see in the flesh. Finally captures a bit of the QP panache in this new LWB chassis. Would still definitely benefit from less chrome and a blacked-out look for all the wheels and tail brightwork in addition to the grille. 2015 Maserati Quattroporte GTS   Is the Maserati Quattroporte still the sexiest limo on the market in this latest sixth-gen model? For many eyes, nothing beats Italian glamour in a leathery four-door sedan. The rarity of the idea is itself pretty tittilating versus the dry and cold German alternatives, or the lush …

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2015 Bugatti VEYRON FINALE 10

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

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

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

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

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

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Updated With Video + 40 New Pics – 2015 Mercedes-AMG GT3

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    WWwwwwwoooowwwww. Did you watch the video above!? Incredible pace and thundering sound from this new AMG GT3. 2015 Mercedes-AMG GT3 Geneva Reveal  Selected image credits: http://blog.mercedes-benz-passion.com PREVIOUS First off, Mercedes-AMG has been remarkably kind with the name of its new racecar: just called the AMG GT3. Versus the AMG GT GT3, the simple moniker is very nice indeed. Besides that generosity, the AMG GT3 is a totally brutal racecar. Running the previous SLS GT3’s 6.2-liter V8 versus the new twin-turbo powertrain in the production car, the AMG GT3 is nonetheless comprehensively overhauled for the needs of FIA GT3-class …

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2015 Mansory S63 Coupe 6

2015 MANSORY S63 Coupe Is Garish At First, But Actually Fantastic Widebody

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 Okay, okay…. We hear you. “This thing is hideous inside and out.” “Matte paint and matte wraps are so 2011.” “The interior looks like a not-great way to spend $100k.”  But step back from the details of this one-off Diamond Edition, and the MANSORY S63 Coupe is actually a sweet set of mods. By the way, those formica-looking black accents are carbon-fiber with flecks of jewels and crystals inside. Fancy. But the real benefits to the appearance of the Mansory S63 Coupe are more subtle. A new lower bumper is far more intense, aggressive and open. Unique lower bumper flaps …

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2015 Magna Steyr MILA Plus 6

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

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

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2015 McLaren 675LT 5

Updated With 55 New Photos! 2015 McLaren 675LT Confirmed For 500-Unit Production Run

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Updated 3.4.15 With 50 New Photos You really have to admire McLaren Automotive’s brand and product savvy. On either side of the 650S, we now have two tweaked variants to suit individual buyer tastes. Complementing the Asia-only 625C and its softer suspension setup is this new 675LT, a thoroughly revamped 650S with an all-new tail, advanced GT3-style aero pieces for the sills and nose, and a cabin with racing seats and details. The biggest change is in back for this new LongTail model. You instantly see how different the design is versus the 650S, with a longer rear spoiler and …

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Update2 – 40 New Photos – 2015 Bentley EXP10 Speed6 Concept

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

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2016 Audi R8 V10 8

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

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

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2015 Honda Civic Type R 24

5.7s, 167MPH 2015 Honda Civic Type R Scorches Into Geneva With 300HP Turbo VTEC

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The 2015 Honda Civic Type R is official! This is it ladies and gentleman — the hottest-ever Honda road car since the original NSX. And it is about time!  Honda is relaunching the NSX as a 2016 model with turbo power, and the latest McLaren-Honda F1 car is also packing forced-induction for 2015. It all really comes together on this new Type R Civic, however. Very exciting performance stats are just the opening salvo — the real track joy will come from its incredibly tossable and tight-handling chassis tune.   2015 Honda Civic Type R   A HOT-HATCH ICON REBORN: …

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

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

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2015 Bugatti VEYRON FINALE 2

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

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

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2015 Kia SPORTSPACE Concept - Latest Photos 3

2015 Kia SPORTSPACE Concept in 20 New Photos + Powertrain Details

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

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2015 Mercedes-AMG GT3 Racecar Revealed Wearing 300SL-Inspired Vertical Grille Slats

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First off, Mercedes-AMG has been remarkably kind with the name of its new racecar: just called the AMG GT3. Versus the AMG GT GT3, the simple moniker is very nice indeed. Besides that generosity, the AMG GT3 is a totally brutal racecar. Running the previous SLS GT3’s 6.2-liter V8 versus the new twin-turbo powertrain in the production car, the AMG GT3 is nonetheless comprehensively overhauled for the needs of FIA GT3-class racing. These GT3 specials are interesting to watch race because they are all genuine production platforms, upgraded for racing. No other class or series is as faithful to original …

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2016 Audi R8 V10 Plus 20

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

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

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2015 McLaren 675LT 5

2.9s 2015 McLaren 675LT Brings LongTail Aero, Track-Attack Chassis and 666HP!

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You really have to admire McLaren Automotive’s brand and product savvy. On either side of the 650S, we now have two tweaked variants to suit individual buyer tastes. Complementing the Asia-only 625C and its softer suspension setup is this new 675LT, a thoroughly revamped 650S with an all-new tail, advanced GT3-style aero pieces for the sills and nose, and a cabin with racing seats and details. The biggest change is in back for this new LongTail model. You instantly see how different the design is versus the 650S, with a longer rear spoiler, unique fender vents behind the wheels, and …

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2015 Audi Prologue Avant Concept Shows 4-Door, Fast-Wagon Style Ahead of Geneva Show

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We have seen two iterations of the Prologue concept so far from Audi: both coupes with the scale and presence to compete between the BMW 6 series and the Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupes. With a design that harks back to the low and lean appearance of the Audi 5000 from the late 1980s, the Prologue design does feel much better as a deeply-sloping wagon silhouette. More naturally Audi, but still a bit blah for our tastes. It engenders little to no visual passion or excitement, despite being a clean and pure design. This latest Prologue Avant dramatically decorates the exterior details …

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2016 Mitsubishi i-MiEV Updated With Nav Touchscreen From Just $18k Net Price

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  The Chevy Bolt concept from Detroit last month made a bit of a splash for promising to be a full-EV five-seater with great utility and a 200-mile battery range for a pre-tax-credit price of around $38,000. Mooted as a Tesla-fighter, the Bolt’s competitive benchmark should actually the innovative Mitsubishi i-MiEV. This funky city car redefines easy, smooth and pure-electric driving for the masses — with an out-the-door price of just $16,000 after considering the US EPA’s federal tax credit of $7500. That is seriously affordable, and makes the i-MiEV a realistic second-car for city-dwellers. Unlike the $35,000 Nissan Leaf …

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2015 BRABUS 850 S-Class Coupe 17

3.3s, 217MPH 2015 BRABUS 850 S-Class Coupe is Torque-a-Saurus Through 4Matic AWD

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Welcome…. to Jurassic Torque. 1069-pound-feet, to be precise. Through the new S63 AMG 4MATIC drivetrain, this 850-horsepower monster will screech to 60-mph in just 3.3-seconds and on to a 217-mph top speed. We really enjoy the design accents shown here on the new S63 850 exterior design. In front, the upper bumper intakes are nicely flared with a carbon-fiber accent. In back, a near-perfect rear spoiler looks like it should be from the Mercedes factory. That is the sign of a really good custom mod. Stunning power, tasteful exterior upgrades and a cabin to redefine swanky? Brabus! 2015 BRABUS 850 …

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2016 Range Rover EVOQUE Refreshed With Full-LED Lighting, New Cabin and All-New Infotainment

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Remember how much excitement the Evoque generated just a few short years ago!? Looking like a production Range Stormer Concept, but sized at the affordable side of the Land Rover catalog — the Evoque really packed a wallop in the cool-SUV poker game. But reality is a harsh mistress. The Evoque took almost two years to finally arrive in the USA, by which time most of the excitement had worn off. Still cool, make no mistake. But not gotta-have-it cool. And then you sit inside. It is respectable in the front, but woefully tiny in the rear seat. The low …

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

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

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kia sportspace concept - exterior - 1

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

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

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Road Test Review - 2015 Nissan Pathfinder SV 4WD 117

Road Test Review – 2015 Nissan Pathfinder SV 4WD

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2015 Nissan Pathfinder SV 4WD Review INTRO The funny thing about most crossovers and SUVs these days is that comfort is generally a very relative term. Sure, you might have every bell and whistle imaginable in the new Escalade, and searing performance in the new BMW X5 M. And while those crossovers might be extreme examples, others in the price bracket also qualify. Vehicles like the Ford Explorer and Dodge Durango, for example, are prime competition for the massive, three-row Nissan Pathfinder. What is one thing that none of the above machines can actually deliver in a luxurious way? Road …

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2016 Hyundai Veloster RALLY Edition 1

2016 Hyundai Veloster RALLY Edition + New 7-Sp DCT Turbo Lead Updated Range

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The 2016 Veloster is here with some extra-subtle tweaks and a sweet Rally Edition limited to just 1200 units in sexy matte-blue paint over gloss-black Rays alloys. A bit less exciting visually, but far more thrilling on throttle is the Veloster Turbo. This speedy model now features a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic to zing through the gears on the way to an estimated 6.8-seconds to 60-mph. 2016 Hyundai Veloster RALLY Edition   2016 HYUNDAI VELOSTER RECEIVES MAJOR PERFORMANCE, DESIGN AND CONNECTIVITY ENHANCEMENTS, PLUS NEW RALLY EDITION 13/02/15 New Rally Edition Model Adds both Dynamic and Aesthetic Upgrades to Turbo R-Spec Model CHICAGO, …

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2016 Mercedes-AMG GT S and Cigarette Racing Concepts Outrun ‘Las Tres Letras’ for Miami Boat Show

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  If there are two lifestyle accessories you musthave to live the life of a Miami kingpin, they are a supercar and a speedboat. The ultimate incarnation of the speedboat is the Cigarette Racing style: ultra-long hulls deliver insane speeds of more than 135-mph.   Huge double motors roaring at full chat will drown out even the loudest wind noise, water slaps and the DHS, DEA, Coast Guard and Border Patrol helicopters and drones above. Anything to escape the dreaded ‘tres letras’ — or three-letter goons. They might even struggle to catch you in the latest Mercedes-AMG concept boat: the …

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2016 Volvo XC90 Hits 16,000 Pre-Orders So Far + 38 New Dynamic Photos

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  The 2016 XC90 is easily the most important Volvo in the last five years. Scoring a hit with buyers is a make-or-break venture for the much-loved Swedish car brand. A simple refresh with new cabin tech, design and exterior upgrades might have secured a 30-percent sales increase all on its out. The previous scenario assumes carry-over powertrains. Volvo has not taken that route. The new strategy is an all-new platform with standard plug-in hybrid tech, a T6 power level and T8 setup with 400-horsepower. If the old gains might have been modest, the new XC90 is looking set to …

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2016 Toyota Avalon Brings New Suspension Tuning, LED + Tech Upgrades and Top-line Touring Trim

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  The 2016 Toyota Avalon is refreshed for Chicago including a number of tweaks to the current style and trim levels, plus a loaded Touring trim to top the model line with sporty dark-grey wheels and grille. All 2016 Avalons benefit from enhanced chassis tuning — with the suspension now delivering a better sport and comfort ride compromise than the current model. Shifted a bit too far toward sporty springs in its 2012 refresh, the Avalon in this generation was never too happy either cruising or handling tight bends at speed. We hope the new model addresses this unhappy handling …

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2015 Acura RDX 2

2015 Acura RDX Refreshed With New Tech, LED Lighting and Chassis Refinement

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 The quick and nimble Acura RDX is fresh for 2016 with new LED lighting front and rear, a server of new active safety technology and a redesigned cabin control stack. Now majoring on touchscreens and simplified settings, the 2016 RDX’s standard 3.5-liter V6 will compete even more effectively with the Lexus NX, BMW X3, Lincoln MKC, Mercedes GLK and a half-dozen other five-seat, semi-compact SUVs and crossovers. This segment is definitely not the small or compact SUV norm– these luxury models are big and wide, with roomy rear seats. They are small enough for city duty and most travel, but …

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Update1 – 2015 Nissan 370Z NISMO Roadster Concept Could Be Yours….!

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  This 370Z NISMO is remarkably sexy, considering we have already seen the latest 370Z NISMO as well as the standard 370Z Roadster. Combine those two, however, and real sparks fly. The gorgeous snowflake white metallic paint with NISMO red accents in the lower aero pieces are fantastic, and the car wears a sexy single-piece spoiler that totally changes the 370Z Roadster’s silhouette. Overall, a striking vision indeed. This NISMO Roadster runs an automatic, which is also different from the manual-only helm of the NISMO 370Z hardtop. So what is the catch?! When will it arrive? Perhaps by August of …

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

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

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3.6s 2016 BMW ALPINA B6 xDrive Gran Coupe Updated With Latest 6-Series Tech and Style

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We really wondered about the just-released-in-the-US Alpina B6 for 2015. How would this sync with the overall 635i, 650i and M6 Coupe, Convertible and Gran Coupe that are all packing barely-noticeable updates? Luckily, the Aplina B6 benefits from these ultra-subtle tweaks for 2016. We recently spotted (what the owner said) was the first B6 GC on the East Coast, after falling hard for the first USA B6 GC at a BMW event in Pebble Beach. 2015 BMW Alpina B6 (current model)   The biggest change to spot is that the current car has its LED indicator elements below the main …

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2015 Chevrolet Colorado GearOn Special Edition Packs Anything Via Cargo Management System

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With a name like Colorado, you would definitely expect the vehicle to excel there. And as the fittest state in the nation, Colorado folks love to get outdoors and live the active lifestyle that most people just see in glossy magazine or TV ads. This means skiing, camping, kayaking, biking, hiking and boating.   The new Colorado GearOn Special Edition is a handy way to have a truck that is ready to haul anything right from the factory. Unique style like the gloss-black running boards, gloss-black wheels and body-color grille are a cool look, but the real action for the …

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~340HP 2016 Ford Focus RS Runs AWD and DTV! Official Debut + Drift Video

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  The new Ford Focus RS is official, and officially stunning! With a new 2.3-liter turbo engine and an extreme new AWD setup, the wildest part of the new Focus RS might be under the metal. But that metal is also pretty intense: wide-body fenders, a giant splitter up front, deeper sills and a rear end to honor the Ford RS legacy. That means a giant Rallycross wing and huge coffee-can exhausts mounted inboard for max visual and aural impact. Best news of all? This new Focus RS is coming to America! Check out the video below to see and …

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2015 Porsche Boxster and Cayman GTS 7

Update1 70 New Pics – 2015 Porsche Boxster and Cayman GTS Feature Ripping Exhaust!

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BIG news about the new 981 Porsche Cayman and Boxster GTS! They feature a roaring, stonking and rip-snorting exhaust note. In perhaps the least-kept-secret of the last year, the Cayman and Boxster are officially available with a new top-level GTS trim level. In addition to more focused dynamics and style all around, the GTS models pack 340-horsepower each. (Edit: the Boxster appears to have ten fewer ponies than the hardtop Cayman.) Even so, this is a pretty substantial leap for the 911’s siblings, which until now have been capped well below this total — even in the Boxster and Cayman …

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BMW M Performance Parts for 2015 X5M and X6M Include Tri-Color Racing Stripes!

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  INTRO: Exciting discovery: these images allow a near-perfect animated comparison showing the different X6 vs X5 rooflines.   It might seem silly to buy a brand-new BMW X5 or X6 M and go shopping right away to upgrade it. But it is actually more normal than you might think. These factory upgrades are often things BMW would like to include on the factory trucks, but can’t because they are too polarizing (the M-color graphics…) or the M Performance exhaust (for legal reasons…). You have to imagine BMW ships these cars around the world in a universally appealing specification, but …

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4.0s, 567HP 2015 BMW X6 M In 140 New Photos From Austin COTA

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The X6M is harder, lower, wider and wilder than the new X5M — really cementing its status as one of the quickest SUVs of all time. The design showcases a new rear fender strike and even more chopped-roof design feeling — and sets the right for its massive new power and pace from all sides. The most powerful BMWs ever made have just shattered the glass ceiling of SUV performance. With 567-horsepower through standard xDrive AWD, the new X5 and X6 M have sprint times of just 4.0-seconds along with a devilish M styling overhaul. The grille and front fascia …

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Vorsteiner 2015 BMW M4 GTRS4 by ELITE Customs TX 17

Best of Houston Auto Show – Vorsteiner 2015 BMW M4 GTRS4 by ELITE Customs TX

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Let’s say you love the hottest and wildest customs from Germany, like the outrageous GTRS4 by Vorsteiner for the new BMW M4. But you do not live in Germany or near a Vorsteiner installer. What to do? You have to find a local customs shop with major bodywork and custom fabrication expertise. Elite Customs and Collision in China Bay, Texas is a go-to place for flawless execution of a major supercar upgrade like shown here. The parts arrive from Germany unpainted and without full instructions, so you want some proof that a shop can handle a job this big and …

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M Performance Parts for the BMW 2 Series Convertible 1 - Copy

New M Performance Parts Add Power, Stance and Style to BMW 2 Series Convertible

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The 2 Series is one of the most fun BMWs to ever wear the roudel badge. Three engines for 2015: the 220i, 228 and 235i are all a laugh riot of lightweight, rear-drive playfulness. Incredible balance, joyful steering and a driving position from heaven! But how to up the intensity? M Performance offers a full line of 2 Series upgrades, ranging from mild like the black kidney grilles, to big wheels, side sills and sport exhausts and ECU powerkits. These anthracite wheels are particularly sculpted and handsome, and are nicely accented by M Sport gloss-black body graphics. The big advantage …

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2015 Honda FCV Concept + Year of Honda Turbo VTEC and Turbofan HondaJet Arrival

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Honda is very re-energized lately. It will take time for the actual products to catch up with the mood inside the halls of America Honda these days, but when they arrive, they should be terrific. After years of a relatively glum and forlorn outlook, there is a palpable sense of future potential in Honda today. The FCV concept is still in its production-engineering mode, as Honda is keen to perfect every detail before the global rollout. This sense slightly delayed the new Acura NSX as well, but we now see it was worth the wait. Honda is diving head-first into …

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2016 SHELBY GT350R Is Quickest Factory Mustang Ever Made

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If there are two priorities for an all-star track racer, one column would be labelled ‘Power’ and the other ‘Control.’ This new GT350R majors on control, with huge changes to the aero setup, the suspension and grip package, and the overall handling characteristics. The GT350R is an always-on, flypaper-grippy supercar that hopes to best the Camaro Z/28 in the quickest-lap stakes. This will be the Mustang for laying down the headline Laguna Seca laptimes, with much equipment and luxury tossed aside to slice those last few 10ths from the ultimate speed the GT350R can achieve. This means it will be …

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Update2 – 550HP+ 2016 Acura NSX World Premiere in 95 Images

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Updated 1.13.2015 With 20 new photos What really strikes you after first viewing the new NSX is how incredibly stylish and lean its design is. At first glance, it seems an exact copy of the concepts we’ve seen over the years. But that is not actually true. The nose is dramatically cleaned-up, with the chrome bar now subtle and mounted right at the hood’s leading edge. Previously, it was below the hood and had black space above it — creating the unpopular beak face many have hated on Acuras recently. Beyond that refinement, there is also a full lower aero …

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2017 Ford Raptor Is EcoBEAST! Cool New Style, Much Quicker and Even More Bad-Ass

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It is very rare to have a truck’s front suspension A-arms be a styling detail that lights up your eyes from the front, but the 2017 Raptor proves the exception. The truck shows off its tough and rough off-road equipment and suspension from all sides, especially dead-on from the nose. Here we see the Raptor’s trademark honeycomb grille and giant FORD letters writ large, paired with the super-cool new LED lighting from the top F-150 Platinum trims. Here the lamps are exposed and free of a clear shell — the better to show off the box-LED style and also to …

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2016 Mercedes-AMG GLE63 Coupé S-Model Storms The D With 585HP

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The new GLE63 Coupe is official!  It is the flagship model above the AMG GLE450 Coupe, and packs a huge wallop from its twin-turbo V8: from 557HP in the normal truck to the 585HP in the S-Model. Stunning performance is a sure thing: we could be looking here at the quickest-sprinting SUV of all time via pace of 4.0-seconds to 60-mph.   2016 Mercedes-AMG GLE63 Coupe   The new Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 Coupé 4MATIC: Driving performance reinterpreted Affalterbach/Detroit Jan 12, 2015   Affalterbach/Detroit.  With the new GLE 63 Coupé, Mercedes-AMG is in highly dynamic mood as it enters the 2015 …

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2015 Infiniti Q60 Concept – Private Debut in Detroit Shows Swanky Cabin and ~440HP V6TT

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The 2015 Infiniti Q60 Concept is here! Absolutely miraculous style and luxury shown here, with the power to back it up. The styling concept is said to be 98-percent of the finished product, sans a few of the more extravagant details like the super-lux pearlescent paint, much of the carbon-fiber in the bumpers, and things like the etched fiber-optic amber blinker lights in front. The uncut gemstone lens of the main beam headlights are particularly fascinating in their style appeal, but are also likely to fall by the wayside for production. Even so, the real 2016 Q60 Coupe promises something …

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cascada

2016 Buick Cascada Convertible Is Official! 75 Images + Tech Specs

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Buick revealed a surprise production car today ahead of its live debut at the Detroit auto show tomorrow: the very sexy Cascada convertible. The Cascada is a surprise only in part: the car is a clone of its European Vauxhall and Opel Cascada twins, and arrives as a Buick production model to dealers in early in the 2016 calendar year. So while the car might not be a total shock, seeing Buick integrate it into the US lineup is relatively big news. It joins the current Regal as a fully autobahn-ready Buick with premium cabin, performance and handling. This sexy …

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