Year: 2014

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2015 Ford C-Max and 7-Seat Grand C-Max Make UK Debut With Revised Styling and Tech

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Very subtle tweaks to the nose of the C-Max and Grand C-Max debuted today for the UK market. No word yet on when the US-market C-Max Hybrid might receive these changes, but a Spring arrival to US showrooms is likely. The Grand C-Max with seven seats would be a welcome car for the US market — but Ford has those bases covered with the Transit Connect Wagon — which is far better-looking than the sliding-door C-Max shown here in a dark tan color. What the Grand C-Max does offer shoppers is a more-sophisticated set of drivetrains and a more refined …

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2014 Renault Eolab Concept is Ultra-Aerodynamic Innovation Showcase

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Ahh! What a terrible, terrible name for a pretty cool concept, Renault. The focus of this machine is to maximize the efficiency of an EV powertrain in a holistic way. This means aero as well as weight and management and materials innovation. The car is said to preview an EV that will be larger than the current ZOE hatchback and will integrate many of these features into a production car. The drag coefficient of the Eolab concept is just 0.235, which is very good but not very much better than the slipperiest new cars available in 2015 – like the …

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2015 VOLVO XC90 R-Design Adds Sex Appeal to All-New 7-Seater

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  Hooray for Volvo! We are very excited for the XC90 launch and have a strong feeling that Volvo’s efforts in the cabin and with the ultra-modern powertrains will be a big hit with shoppers. But if one thing was missing from the XC90 announcement last week — it might have been a bit of sex appeal. Where was the VaVaVoom of the Concept Coupe and Concept Estate? The new XC90 seemed a little too practical for its own good? Luckily, the R-Design trim is now out and addresses many of these concerns. It looks hot — and even hotter …

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2014 Peugeot Quartz Hybrid Crossover Concept Revealed Ahead of Paris Show

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Well here is an interesting surprise! This PHEV crossover concept leverages some of the sexy looks of the 2008 DKR race truck into a production-friendly shape. A 270-horsepower engine powers the front wheels, while the back wheels are driven by a powerful electric motor. The new plug-in setup even allows the Quartz crossover to have a 31-mile EV range when the batteries are fully charged. 2014 Peugeot 2008 DKR Prototype In terms of style, the defining elements of this cab-backward crossover are the long hood and ultra-low roofline. While not the most practical of shapes for an SUV, it is …

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Rolls-Royce Lands Largest-Ever Order for 30 Phantoms from Louis XIII Hotel in Macau

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30 cars in a single transaction is never something to sneeze at — least of all if the car in question costs more than a million dollars each. This bright red fleet of Rolls-Royce Phantom II Extended Wheelbases will chauffer Macau casino guests to the forthcoming Louis XIII hotel in true opulence and style. The Hong Kong Peninsula Hotel is also a large client of Rolls-Royce — but the demure green of those Phantoms will be quite shaded by new the Louis XIII fleet. Part customer relationship management, part experiential marketing, and part external marketing — this single order has …

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2015 Ford Mustang Global Sales Celebrated with New Burton Morris Pop Art for #MustangUnites

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The Mustang has been coveted by global shoppers for decades — guys and gals who longed for the affordable performance and bad-ass spirit of a pony car, but were only offered hatchbacks instead. That is the past; the 2015 Mustang will now be exported to more than 120 global markets for the first time. To handle this momentous occassion, Ford commissioned Burton Morris art studios to create custom #MustangUnites pony emblems to show how the Mustang might fit in with the locals in these new home countries. Check out all the variations below, and cruise over to the splash page …

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2015 Aston Martin VANQUISH Carbon Black and Carbon White Editions

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The monochromatic and gloss-black styling trend continues to gain pace today with the launch of the latest special editions from Aston Martin: the Vanquish Carbon Black and Carbon White. Sutle tweaks all around add menace to the classical beauty in the Vanquish design, which is overhauled mechanically as well with a new eight-speed automatic and dynamic improvements as well. The Carbon Black and Carbon White upgrades are available to order and configure now on Aston Martin’s website as the coupe or drop-top Volante. http://www.astonmartin.com/en-us/cars/the-new-vanquish/vanquish-carbon-edition 2015 Aston Martin VANQUISH Carbon ASTON MARTIN REVEALS VANQUISH CARBON SPECIAL EDITIONS 17/09/14 17 September 2014 …

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Update1 – 2015 FORD F-150 Style Guide to Trims and Option Packages

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A huge volume of new photos and the trim specifics for the new F-150! In a brilliant move, the various trim levels are available in three finishes: standard, Sport and Chrome. This brings a huge level of variety in the lineup — beyond the dozens of engine and cab configurations. The new King Ranch is also looking mighty sexy, but the Lariat Sport would be out choice for the coolest trim style (below the Platinum, that is….) 2015 FORD F-150 Trims           2015 FORD F-150 King Ranch   2015 FORD F-150 XL 2015 FORD F-150 XLT …

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Toyota FT-1 Vision GT Now Playable in Gran Turismo! 100 New Dynamic Photos

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Updated 9.16.14 Art Imitates Life. Life Imitates Art. Such a truism is very valid in the case of the FT-1 – which Toyota has just teased in its next form as a hard-core (virtual) racing special. The FT-1 Vision Gran Turismo differs from the road-going version of the car in many standard race-ready ways. Starting from the front: there is a much deeper aero package and chin spoiler, easy-off hood panels with racing latches, upgrades brakes and tires and huge fender-top slats to reduce any trapped air from the wheels. These slats drastically reduce under-hood temps as well as being …

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2015 Mercedes-Benz GLA250 4Matic Bases at $34k with Standard 6.9s Sprint Time

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 When it comes down to it, Mercedes-Benz has traditionally been very, very conservative about entering new market segments. That is going out the door with new entrants like the GL-Class or the CLS Shooting Brake. But in truth, a front-drive compact crossover is about as far from the Mercedes sweetspot as anything one can imagine — especially in the image-managed US market. We are not offered the nerdy and frumpy B-Class, nor the A-Class. We also generally receive the most-loaded models in every range. This is why the GLA-Class will be offered in Europe as the GLA200 and GLA220 CDI …

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Top 10 Most Beautiful Pebble Beach Hood Ornaments

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One of the most delightful details of cars in the 1920s and 1930s are their hood ornaments. These free-standing sculptures became a symbol of prestige and class and were a sign of a super-luxury car due to their labor-intensive casting and polishing processes — not to mention the actual concept vision, sculpting prototypes for the reverse mold, followed by chrome or brass plating. The below are all pretty outstanding, with the anthropomorphic ones featuring living creatures as perhaps a bit more captivating than the pure Art Deco style shown by the LaSalle and Horch Auto Union cars. In terms of …

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Bentley Mulsanne Speed is New for 2015 With 811-Pound-Feet of Turbo Torque!

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Holy flagship, Batman! The Bentley Mulsanne Speed tops the Bentley line for 2015, with sexy exterior trim tweaks and a huge jump in power from the gutsy 6.75-liter V8 engine up front. Max speed is up to 190-mph, while the 60-mph sprint is now down to just 4.8-seconds — which is a huge bit of speed for such a large barge of a car. Dark tints are added to the nose and tail detailing, with the headlamps now standard-fit in this more subtle design. 2015 Bentley Mulsanne Speed   BENTLEY ANNOUNCES NEW MULSANNE SPEED – THE WORLD’S FASTEST ULTRA-LUXURY DRIVING …

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2015 Lexus RX350 CRAFTED LINE – Pebble Beach Debut In Detail

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The RX350 Crafted Line is the most subtle of the tweaks that are also offered on the IS, ES, GS and LS. Where the others have a deep and rich obsidian finish to many surfaces, the RX350 Crafted Line has graphite wheels and a less-thorough grille overhaul. Even so, this RX350 is clean and extremely handsome in real life. The latest Ultra White paint shade from all the Crafted Line cars is outstanding — with a rich white finish that is extremely bright even in low lights. The undertones are tan versus lavender for many whites — but the extreme …

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2015 Lexus ES350 CRAFTED LINE – Arriving in November from $42,500

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After such a smooth and relaxing experience with the 2015 ES300h this month, we are excited to introduce the latest and greatest ES: the Crafted Line. New for 2015 with a variety of sexy gloss black accents over Ultra White bodywork, the ES Crafted Line is quite a glamorous upgrade for this imminently practical luxury car. Check of the Pebble Beach launch photos below, plus the official details from Lexus below. 2015 Lexus ES350 CRAFTED LINE The Crafted Line by Lexus Debuts at the 2014 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance with Exclusive TUMI Luggage Set LS 460, GS 350, IS 250, …

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Road Test Review – 2015 Lexus ES300h Delivers Industry-Best Value, Efficiency and Cabin Comfort

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The ES is by far the most-successful Lexus nameplate since the brand launched in 1989. These days, the ES is outsold only by the crossover king RX350 and RH Hybrid, so the ES flame is still burning bright in Lexus showrooms worldwide. The ES300h Hybrid is just about the opposite of the car most performance-sedan fans might pick for themselves, but the fact of the matter is: we absolutely adored the ES300h after spending a week together.   Intro: ES Bias? From an outsider perspective, one might write off the ES350 and ES300h as legacy models — cars sold to …

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5.0s, 84MPG 2015 Mercedes-Benz S550 Plug-in Hybrid Joins USA S-Class Lineup

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  It has taken more than two Hybrid S-Classes to really achieve relevance and technological superiority to the other eco-limo’s on the market — but that time has now arrived. The S550 Plug-in Hybrid joins the Porsche Panamera S E-Hybrid as the most socially responsible way to pilot a Mercedes flagship, even during times of greenwashing and uncertainty about the world’s energy future. For the first time in an S-Class, this new Hybrid model is not a cynical niche model. It is a well-rounded and fully-engineered addition to the S-Class, with all of the high-tech electrics integrated into the S-Class …

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Concept Flashback – 2011 Nissan Esflow Showed Potential EV Mini-Z

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Once upon a time… As recently as the 2011 Tokyo auto show… Nissan was more excited about its EV technology’s prospects, and less terrified by the scale of the huge EV investment that is still not working as we enter 2015. The possibilities in 2011 seemed endless for new packaging and new powertrain layouts. No longer enslaved to front-drive or rear-drive platforms by engine location, the battery EV revolution was indeed promising. But how to inject a little fun into the extremely dull and practical sales appeal of the Leaf EV. Enter the ESFLOW concept. With proportions and detailing like …

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Road Test Review – 2014 Volkswagen Beetle R-Line Convertible

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  By Ken Glassman Five minutes after they dropped off the new Beetle Convertible R-Line in my driveway, I was out cruising down the road. Perfect sunny day, with temps in the mid 70’s, and I’m loving it. I am a big convertible fan, and will take any opportunity to get into one and enjoy the pleasure of top down driving. Unfortunately, there are precious few convertibles on the market – at least within the price range of average folks. Of course if you want to take out a second mortgage on your house, you can choose from some outstanding …

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Concept Flashback – 2004 RANGE STORMER Previewed High-Design SUV Supercars

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Updating the 2017 RR SuperSport renderings with the inspiration for many recent Range Rover style and design decisions. 2004 RANGE STORMER PREVIOUS         Just some light entertainment this evening. The inspiration is how impactful the 2003 Range Stormer concept was and is. The racy glasshouse with a deeply sloped windshield and rear glass was a shock at the time. But since that concept and the first Range Rover Sport, the design is looking less shocking. In fact, the current RRS makes even the first-gen trucks look amazingly upright — to say nothing of the full-size Range Rover …

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Road Test Review – 2015 Chrysler 200C AWD Is Solid Drive with Potent V6 and Swanky Cockpit

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  By Ken Glassman A few months ago, I had the chance to spend about 20 minutes in the new Chrysler 200C, and I liked it very much. Now after spending a week with the car, I can confidently say that it will be my choice for Car of the Year. And I suspect that it will garner many votes from journalists for that title. It’s that good. The first generation of 200 sedans was offered in 2011, and were a good improvement over the Sebring models it replaced. But these new 200 sedans, labeled as 2015 models, takes the …

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VOLKER SCHMIDT 2015 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Is Low and Lean With New Springs and Wheels

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It has been more than a few years since a C-Class Mercedes was a real pin-up beauty. And for a C220 to look as good as the original C36 AMG!? That is some achievement without changing one body panel or aero piece. These Volker Shmidt Revolution wheels come with a ride height drop courtesey of coil-over springs all around. This might not be our choice — the newly-available AirMatic ride in the forthcoming US-market C400 and C300 is hard to beat! But it would look a hell of a lot better with these hot wheels. VOLKER SCHMIDT 2015 Mercedes-Benz C-Class …

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2015 VW GTI Is in the USA! Pricing for 2-Door GTI SE and 4-Door Autobahn Editions

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   The new GTI is at dealers nationwide in two and four-door guises — with pricing from $25k for both. Available Performance Pack and Lighting Packs add a few thousand to the total, with the four-door our favorite!   Golf GTI 2.0T 2-Door The most two-door fun you can have on four wheels. $24,395* Starting MSRP 34* Hwy 25 City View Trims Golf GTI 2.0T 4-Door Fast, fun, four-doored, and full of surprises. $24,995* Starting MSRP 34* Hwy 25 City View Trims   2015 VW GTI VOLKSWAGEN ANNOUNCES PRICING OF 2015 GOLF GTI MODELS, STARTING AT $24,395 16/04/14 from Volkswagen …

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2015 Mercedes-Benz B-Class Makes UK Debut with Fresh Style and Tech

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Mercedes-Benz USA is fairly certain that the B-Class’s incremental sales increase for the brand would not be worth the time or brand image ding to bring to the US market. Is this true in the latest swoopy generation? It would surely find buyers with a $25,000 price– butwhat about $35,000? Price is the clear barrier to entry here. A seven-seat version might make a compelling MPV or light crossover upgrade…. As the ML-Class is set to change its name to the GLE-Class… perhaps the future may bring this car stateside as the BLE-Class. No word yet on when or if …

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2015 Toyota iRoad and COMS Scooter Sharing In French Grenoble from October 1st!

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   This would be a fun addition to any major city: 70 brand-new EV mobility machines from Toyota that can be rented with a smartphone at 27 city locations. Similar to other hourly car-sharing services, but cheaper and quicker and more fun. This is also a great way to introduce people to the EV three-wheeled i-Road and four-wheeled COMS. They are both fresh and clean designs of a car-person’s ideal motorbike: easy, safe and enclosed… with regular steering wheel! They look like fun. No word on the bike’s top road speeds… but Grenoble citizens will surely be flooring it soon …

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Speculative Renderings – 2017 Range Rover SuperSport With Chop-Top Roofline Overhaul

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Just some light entertainment this evening. The inspiration is how impactful the 2003 Range Stormer concept was and is. The racy glasshouse with a deeply sloped windshield and rear glass was a shock at the time. But since that concept and the first Range Rover Sport, the design is looking less shocking. In fact, the current RRS makes even the first-gen trucks look amazingly upright — to say nothing of the full-size Range Rover proper. So what if the Range Stormer aesthetic from the Evoque met the current-gen Range Rover Sport? Poof: RR SS! The results of these drafts show …

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2015 Citroen C4 Cactus Is Large-Cabin Crossover With Funky Design Details

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At first and second glance, there are many things bizarre about the C4 Cactus from Citroen. A production version of the Cactus show car, this funky little crossover packs conventional diesel engines and front-drive under those futuristic panels. This ditches the need for AWD and any off-road credibility, but the tradeoff for big cabin room at a low price is well worth it. Perhaps most importantly, the C4 Cactus can play to both the young hipster crowd as well as the young parent consumer segment. A big child seat or three will certainly fit inside — with Mom and Dad …

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‘Little Volvo’ PV444 Celebrates 70th Anniversary In Charming Retrospective

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Volvo has come a long way in the last few weeks – selling out the launch edition of the new XC70 in less than 48-hours and poised to grow its market share across the globe. These new products are whole-heartedly Volvo’s to the core. But what is that core? Outside Sweden, the ubiquity of the PV444 was never an issue. Despite being a huge hit in the domestic market, the PV444 is exceptionally rare in the US today, where the car was imported by the mid 1950s. If VW has their Beetle, and Citroen the DS, and BMW the 2002 …

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LARTE Design for Mercedes-Benz GL-Class Might Be Their Best Work Yet

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

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LARTE Design Creates Killer ‘Alligator’ Upgrade Package for Lexus LX570

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The Lexus LX570 just joined the cool fleet over at Larte Design in California and Germany! This monster-truck makeover sees the family/luxury SUV become saomething altogether darker, more sinister and more exclusive. The trademark Larte Design style is present up front, where the makeover is the most significant with matte-effect dark trims and a newly-chiseled lower bumper. The Larte Design LX570 program is dubbed “Alligator” and just debuted this week at the Moscow auto show — where buyers give a first-hand look at this stylish upgrade for Lexus LX570 owners. LARTE Design Lexus LX570 Alligator LARTE DESIGN INTRODUCES “ALLIGATOR” TUNING …

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2015 Noble M600 Carbon Sport Takes Supercar Fight to Koenigsegg, Zenvo and Hennessey

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Mid-engine supercars are not just hard to design and manufacture. They are hard every step of the way: sales, marketing, performance, reliability, safety and emissions…. The list goes on. What is humdrum daily life for millions of Toyota Corolla’s is far tougher to achieve in the hypercar realm. This applies to the big names as well as the new-comers like Noble, for whom the M600 is really just their second all-new car. The key difference in how the Noble approaches the Supercar / Hypercar divide is defined in one term: handling balance. Unlike the handful of other rear-drive, ultra-exotic cars …

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2014 Toyota U2 Is CALTY Design Concept With Future-Tech Cabin, Nose and Van Functionality

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The Toyota CALTY U2 design concept for this year’s NY Maker’s Faire (gag) is at first a pretty lumpy and frumpy looking CUV/Van hybrid. The segment occupied by the current Nissan NV200, Chevy CityExpress and Ford Transit Connect is surprisingly untapped for Toyota. This omission is odd from a brand which has everything from the AWD Sienna to the Prius C hatchback in the stable. Who better to make a bread-and-butter utility van for cities than Toyota? Sure, the Prius V and the Scion xB and xD absorb some of these Earth-y crunch-y buyer demands, but not in an overt …

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777HP, 236MPH 2015 RUF CTR3 Clubsport Is Veyron-Hunting, Twin-Turbo Cayman

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  Is there room in the hypercar market for the RUF CTR3 Clubsport – more than six years since the first-gen CTR3 debuted to rave comparisons with the Carrera GT? Now that Porsche’s top model is the 918 Spider, the RUF CTR3 is looking a little out of date — to say nothing of the ultra-hybrid McLaren P1 and LaFerrari. This is where the new RUF CTR3 Clubsport comes in — more aero, more speed and more drama with optional wide-body fenders and a 200-mph-plus ground-effects package. Merging the front crash structure of the Cayman coupe into this wider, lower, …

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2015 BMW 228i and M235i Convertibles Make Tail-Out, Top-Down World Debut

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    Official details on the new 2 series convertibles for 2015! The 228i kicks things off from $38,000 – up to $40,000 for the 228i xDrive and more still for the 235i and M235i Convertibles. Arrival time-frames are very soon — early 2015 is the promise from BMW. 2015 BMW M235i Convertible   The New BMW 2 Series Convertible Style and dynamics of the acclaimed BMW 2 Series Coupe combined with open-air driving Available in the US as 228i and M235i All-wheel drive 228i xDrive available from launch Woodcliff Lake, NJ – September 9, 2014 6:00pm EDT/3:00pm PDT . …

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Update1 New Photos! 2015 Audi TT and TTS Bring Much More Power and Much Better Dynamics

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The 2015 TT is less of a clean-sheet exterior overhaul than many expected, which may in fact be a great thing for shoppers. Why? It means Audi has labored even longer on the underlying chassis and interior — both of which have been a bit floppy since the first-gen car debuted to wide eyes in the late 1990s. Overall, the new production TT and TTS (the Audi S version of the TT Coupe) feature evolutionary styling improvements and updates outside, which the unique and striking LED treatments the most noticeable difference. The TT roadster has not yet broken cover, but …

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3.7s 2016 Mercedes-Benz AMG GT S Brings 503HP, Alloy Chassis Arriving to USA in Spring 2015

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Huge news today from AMG! The eagerly-anticipated AMG GT supercar has arrived in full: 100-plus photos and full launch details below. Two trims will come on the AMG GT: the standard with 463-horsepower and a 3.9-second sprint to 60-mph, or the top-line AMG GT S — which is packing the headline 3.7-seconds from its 503-horsepower slugger. The twin-turbocharged V8 lives in an alloy chassis with a very clever diff setup in back. The transaxle layout mounts the seven-speed auto on the back axle — but does not include 4Matic AWD at this time. Style-wise, the AMG GT is a huge …

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2016 Audi A6 LED and Trim Refresh Previewed by UK Updates

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The Audi A6 is looking fresh in the UK this month, with a new LED design for the head and taillights. The latest look shows a solid horizontal bar diverging at the outer ends. No word on then these or the new A7 lights will be coming to the US market, but as a 2015.5 or 2016 seems highly likely. 2016 Audi A6  

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2015 Lexus RC350 Sends 306HP to 8-Speed Auto, AWD, 4WS and Adaptive Suspension!

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Updated 9.9.14 Now we have the comparison between the silver RC350 shown in these latest Lexus photos and the F Sport version from Pebble Beach! The final 2015 Lexus RC350 F Sport looks **thisclose** to as sexy and fast as the top-flight RC-F — which is a great thing for buyers and Lexus sales alike. Available AWD is new to the RC350, as is the paddle-shifted automatic with eight gears, the latest adaptive suspension with adjustable settings, and an all-new four-wheel-steering setup. Very promising indeed! The only change visible on this pre-production car is a lack of the LED low …

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Update2 – 2015 Lincoln Navigator $63k Price + 380HP Confirmed

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Update2 – 2015 Lincoln Navigator $63k Price + 380HP Power Confirmed     Pricing for the 2015 Lincoln Navigator is here! We’ve put together a handy chart for ease of use versus picking the numbers out of the below… 2015 Lincoln PRICING 4×2 4×4 Navigator $       62,475 $       65,400 Navigator Reserve $       69,975 $       72,900 Navigator L $       64,640 $       68,215 Navigator L Reserve $       72,140 $       75,715 The Navigator’s available ‘Reserve’ trim level will be the best bet for the Navigator’s loyal buyers – it brings a brand-new set of super-plush leathers and the 22-inch wheels that help update …

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4.4s 2015 Alfa Romeo 4C USA Priced from $54k in 200 New Photos

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UPDATED 9.8.14 With Official USA details and 160 new photos. Who knews when one might need this many amazing photos of the all-new Alfa Romeo 4C Coupe — but here they are! The official pricing is mid-way down the photo showcase. 2015 Alfa Romeo 4C       PREVIOUS We’ve been pretty bearish on the Alfa 4C’s prospects in the United States – until seeing one in the flesh this week at Road America. This $66,000 sports coupe is deliciously wide, low and sexy from all sides. New USA features include a refined set of bumpers to fit our license …

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2015 Scion FR-S RS1 Arriving Now – Priced From $31K

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The Scion FR-S Release Series 1.0 is almost a direct production version of the TRD project car shown this Spring with the Lexus LFA around Scion’s Epic marketing campaign events. The prototype TRD Project Car and the production model are almost exactly the same outside, but the TRD project car wears wider rubber on different wheels, has a front-mounted intercooler of some kind, and a racing-prepped cabin. TRD Project Car The production RS1 looks just as good, and is amazing news for buyers looking for a showroom racer – modded and looking mean right from day one. This was a …

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4.9s 2016 Jaguar XE Makes London Debut with 340HP and Rear-Drive Dynamics

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  Before you get too excited… The XE will not come to the USA until calendar 2016…     Official details below!  2016 Jaguar XE   WORLD PREMIER OF JAGUAR XE AT LONDON’S EARLS COURT First showing of the performance-orientated Jaguar XE S The Jaguar XE S features a 340hp supercharged 3.0-liter V6 engine with a 0-60 mph time of 4.9 seconds and an electronically limited top speed of 155 mph1 Front engine, longitudinal rear wheel drive layout, with capability of accepting all-wheel drive Highly aerodynamic with a drag coefficient of 0.26 Cd Two new and intuitive Jaguar InControl® infotainment …

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2015 TRD Pro Series TOYOTA TUNDRA Priced from $41k with Black Pack, +2″ Lift and Dual Exhaust for 5.7L V8

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Pricing is out for the 2015 TRD Pro Series Tundra — and it is awesome from the word Go! $41,280 is the base for the Double Cab, with the Crew Max coming in just below $44,000. While official performance from the 381-horsepower, 401-pound-feet-packing V8 is unchanged, the new dual pipes out back are sure to liberate lots of deep rumble and a few extra midrange ponies. Updated 7.30.14 with 40 Photos and Official Pricing for the bad-ass TRD Pro Tacoma and 4Runner     Including the TRD Pro Tundra in here because it looks fantastic. Pricing for the biggest TRD …

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467HP 2015 Lexus RC F Visits Monticello in Three New Colors + Tech Features

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The Lexus RC-F is here in action for the first time! A production car so hot that drew its own crowd at Pebble Beach — even when locked and off — now alive and ripping around US racetracks… A few features are optional on this all-star chassis and power upgrade: including the new TVD rear diff and the triple headlamp LED low and high-beams. But otherwise, what we see here is what is coming to US Lexus dealers in November! A few key details still missing on the rear-drive, 467-horsepower RC-F Coupe: including the price and 0-60-mph time. But we’re …

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2015 Aston Martin Lagonda in 27 New Hot Weather Testing Photos

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Lagonda lives! Breaking news with a confirmation from Aston-Martin on the 2015 Bespoke Super Saloon project – which is officially the new Lagonda saloon car. 2015 Aston Martin Lagonda   Aston   Inspiration for the design is said to tie directly to the 1976 Lagonda saloon below in original and VirtualModels.org’s dragster prototype. Most likely reference points in the bespoke 2015 Lagonda are the D-pillar shape and glasshouse, which is more faithful a revamp than the current Rapide S. A chopped and simplified vertical grille and nose bring the light elements low and part of the front face, versus on …

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Vote Your Pick From 8 Honda Fireblade Racing Paintjobs! Winning Design May See Showrooms

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Amazing racing liveries from Honda UK today! Completed designs came from Honda Heroes racing drivers themselves — so the results are more “Memphis Bell” than they are the Warhol BMW M1. This is no bad thing! Amazing ideas here that look great on this sweet bike. The winning design from the contest link below will see racing action, with a possible road bike CBR1000RR Fireblade in the same warpaint. www.honda.co.uk/ultimatefireblade Honda Fireblade Racing   Honda Heroes get their crayons out for special edition Brands Hatch BSB Fireblade livery Honda (UK) launches competition for fans to vote for their favourite livery …

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2014 Peugeot EXALT Concept Refreshed for Paris – Will Future 509 Sedan Reach This Level?

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UPDATED 9.5.14   2014 Peugeot EXALT Concept   PEUGEOT EXALT CONCEPT: A NEW INCARNATION FOR THE PARIS MOTOR SHOW 04/09/14 European version of PEUGEOT EXALT Concept Car brings a host of innovative features Hybrid petrol-electric power train has a combined output of 340hp A new version of ‘Newspaper Wood’ returns to uniquely tailor the Concept’s bespoke interior PEUGEOT is showcasing the EXALT Concept Car in a new livery at the Paris Motor Show next month. The bodywork features shades of grey that emanate from the bare steel covering the majority of the exterior to the distinctive ‘Shark Skin’ rear end. Inside, the …

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Citroen Divine DS Concept for Paris 2014 Shows Way for 2016 DS4

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The DS premium brand spin-off is a HUGE, huge success — sales and margins on the line are better than even Citroen could have imagined five years ago. This gorgeous concept hatchback is relatively practical by French concept standards — it runs a standard THP 1.6-liter turbo engine (with a non-standard 270-horsepower) and a compact four-door hatchback shell. Most logically, this machine would slot in above the DS3 and below the DS5. So will the DS4 be this gorgeous as a production car? Fingers crossed that the nose makes it intact, as well as the impressive panel slashes from the …

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Update1 – 2016 McLaren P1 GTR – Pebble Beach World Debut in 75 High-Res Photos

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Updated 9.5.14   These are the P1 GTR on the concept lawn as well as the official studio photography from McLaren. In person, it is all about that rear end! The huge sewer-drain exhaust pipes are stunning, as is the rear wing emerging up and rear-ward with twin functional vertical planes and a huge high-speed spoiler a foot above and behind the P1’s original tail. The deconstructed look of the rear end makes people think there are no taillights — but we know the truth! 2016 McLaren P1 GTR Pebble Beach 2016 McLaren P1 GTR   McLaren F1 LM GTR …

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2016 Mazda MX-5 Colorizer Shows Roadster Look In 26 New Paints

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UPDATE2 How frustrating to have so few high-quality photos of the new Miata… For the time being, what else can we do to see the new MX-5’s potential? COLORS! 2016 Mazda MX-5 Colorizer         Great to see this car in the flesh – where the nose comes to life and is fantastic. This is great news — it looked a little pinched in the preview renderings. Overall, the new aesthetic appears to chop the surfaces anywhere that the previous-gen Miata was rounded. This is especially visible in the new drop-nose design and the hood’s strong leading edge …

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Update1 – 2016 Mazda MX-5 Live Debut Photos

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UPDATE1 Great to see this car in the flesh – where the nose comes to life and is fantastic. This is great news — it looked a little pinched in the preview renderings. Overall, the new aesthetic appears to chop the surfaces anywhere that the previous-gen Miata was rounded. This is especially visible in the new drop-nose design and the hood’s strong leading edge – both new MX-5 design features. Autoblog.com snapped these fantastic photos at the live reveal last night, which give a much nicer MX-5 to look forward to. UPDATED WITH AUTOBLOG DEBUT PHOTOS http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2016-mazda-mx-5-miata-reveal/full/#photo-2900147   2016 Mazda …

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2015 Bentley Flying Spur V8 Debuts in Moscow – 53 High-Res Photos

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Thew New Flying Spur is all about formality and luxury of the Mulsanne style, but in an easier and AWD package. Exclusively the W12 before, the new Flying Spur V8 will easily dominate the sales charts from now. The V8 has huge power and a bit of lightness in the nose that the twelve-cylinders’ lack. Surprisingly, the real design action is out back – where a much blockier form language takes over with large lamps far apart in each corner. 2015 Bentley Flying Spur V8       NEW FLYING SPUR V8 MAKES DEBUT FOR BENTLEY IN MOSCOW Russian premiere …

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2015 BRABUS C-Class Offers Intense Aero Kit, Wheels and Turbo Chips

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How fantastic does this Brabus sport upgrade look on the new W205 C-Class! The performance kit for the gasoline C300 and C400 4Matic coming to the US are not on the chip list yet, but stay tuned. The current tune adds 41-horsepower to the 2.0-liter four-cylinder, so we can expect double that for the US-market turbo V6 engines.       2015 BRABUS C-Class BRABUS NEWS RELEASE     Brand-new: The BRABUS refinement program for the new C-Class The new Mercedes C-Class opens the next chapter in the success story of those that came before. BRABUS offers an exclusive refinement …

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2016 Audi RS7 Makes Moscow Debut With Updated LEDs, Extra Power and New Tech

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No news from Audi USA on when this refreshed model will take over for the current 2015 RS7 we just landed in the USA. But it is likely to be one of the first updates in calendar 2015 cars, with a Spring arrival most likely on the street.   2016 Audi RS7         SEARING PERFORMANCE AND EVEN SHARPER STYLE: THE NEW GENERATION AUDI RS 7 SPORTBACK   Mighty twin-turbo V8 engine retains its rightful place at the heart of the new-look RS 7 Sportback but is now even more efficient  New headlights and design details for a …

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1962 Ferrari 250GT SWB Berlinetta Still Available for Gooding Private Sale

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This goes into the “if only it were red” files. Another huge-price Ferrari, the 1962 SWB Coupe as well as the 365P Tre Posti, have left Pebble Beach without new homes. Another of the few 250GT SWB Berlinetta’s sold for $3.4-million in Monaco in 2012, so the value for this car is in that ballpark. Interested buyers can reach out directly for a presumed private sale.     1962 Ferrari 250GT SWB Berlinetta   GOODING & Co. 1962 Ferrari 250 GT SWB Berlinetta Coachwork by Scaglietti Estimate Available Upon Request Chassis: 3113 GT       CAR HIGHLIGHTS An Exceptionally …

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2014 Pebble Beach Concours – Class Award Winners Showcase

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Okay now. Start your classic car appreciation engines! About a hundred fantastic cars here, and triple that many amazing, high-resolution photos from 2014’s Pebble Beach Concours. The clear favorite for this non-expert and non-judge? The fabulous 1939 Talbot-Lago T150C-SS Pourtout Coupé all the way from Hong Kong.   Forgive me if some of these are out of order. But included are generally the top-3 in every category. Enjoy! Special Thanks to Photographer Collin Graves.   2014 Pebble Beach Concours – Class Award Winners Showcase   Class A: Antique 1st: 1910 American Underslung Traveler Toy Tonneau, William Johnston & Ronald Elenbaas …

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1955 Alfa Romeo 1900C SS Zagato vs. 1929 Alfa Romeo 6C SS Spider

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This silver Alfa-Romeo is pretty sneaky: dirty = dollars! Being filthy dirty and in barn-find condition actually may have doubled the sale price of $1.02-million. That and the cars only-recent discovery and arrival on the market. Or its racing pedigree and Zagato coachwork. Or all of the above.  The 1955 1900C SS Zagato Coupe earned a whopping million-dollar sale price at Gooding & Co.’s Pebble Beach auctions in August. That is almost $200,000 more than this fantasy 1929 6C SS Spider brought in…! 1929 Alfa Romeo 6C 1750 SS Spider   1955 Alfa Romeo 1900C SS Coupe By Zagato GOODING …

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Update1 With 88 New Photos – 2015 Land Rover Discovery Sport – Specs, Prices, Options and Colors

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Updates today from the very-finished 2015 Land Rover Discover Sport, an all-new design to replace the aging Freelander LR2 with a new seven-seat mid-size crossover. Okay, premium compact is more like it — the dimensions are similar to a $23,000 Nissan Rogue all around. But this model with one 240-horsepower turbo + 4WD + 9-speed automatic will definitely make buyers in the X3 and Q5 segment perk up their ears. The Discovery Sport is priced and all-set for USA arrivals en masse starting as soon as this January 2015. We are impressed by the speed of the launch rollout, and …

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Meet The PAGANI USA Launch Fleet – Five 2015 PAGANI Huayra Hypercars at Quail 2014

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Imagine the scene: Brand-new Pagani Huayra Carbon. Golf fairways and greens of The Quail in Carmel, California. Earn morning dew. Rear-drive, twin-turbo AMG V12. Bottom line? The guys who put these cars in place early Friday August 16th have true throttle and impulse control. How amazing would a few effortless wheel-spins be in this icy green surface? REAL-LIFE HUAYRA REACTION? Absolutely fantastic, orgasmic hypercar dreams in the flesh. They are old-school hypercar HUGE, with a wider and lower stance than even the Lamborghini Diablo VT. The detailing of the bodywork is absolutely stellar and a maze of delight for the …

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2015 Land Rover Discovery Sport is All-New 5+2 Crossover from $38k in USA March 2015

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Building on the design momentum of the Discovery Vision Concept, today we have an all-new Discovery Sport production model on its way very soon. This eagerly-anticipated update to the LR2 is larger, more modern, vastly better-connected to new tech and sporting a low-slung Evoque-meets-RRS profile. Inside, a new rear jumpseat answers a clear buyer priority, while gasoline turbo engines will make up the launch line in the US during first shipments in Spring 2015, we estimate. Analysis? The cabin in these very fake pre-production renderings looks very Ford-ish, as does the exterior.     2015 Land Rover Discovery Sport   …

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1954 Ferrari 375MM is 2014 Pebble Beach Best of Show

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1954 Ferrari 375MM is 2014 Pebble Beach Best of Show This Ferrari has been all over the car news world since winning Best of Show. We know it is beautiful and one-of-a-kind since being reshelled as a coupe for one special owner. The tag itself is car-friendly. This is the classic auto world’s highest honor, but every one of the cars there is an absolute obsession and treasure for its owners. Great cars. The Best “of” show is a bit more human than the “Best in Show” label on many other pursuits.     1954 Ferrari 375 MM is 2014 …

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Updated With Pricing: 2015 Toyota Camry Preview

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 UPDATED 9.3.14 With Pricing Prices are here for the new Camry! 2015 Toyota Camry – Pricing The Camry LE receives a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of $22,970 while the SE will carry a base price of $23,840.  The XSE and XLE models will carry identical MSRP’s of $26,150 for models equipped with the four-cylinder and $31,370 for the V6 versions. Pricing for the Camry Hybrid will start at $26,790 for the LE model, $27,995 for the SE, and $29,980 for the premium XLE. The MSRP for the 2015 Camry does not include the delivery, processing, and handling (DPH) fee …

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2015 Lexus IS250 F Sport CRAFTED LINE in 32 All-New, High-Res Photos

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This might be the first-ever IS250 F Sport Crafted line in the world! Shown in the Lexus booth at Pebble Beach, the Crafted Line is fantastic on the IS. It brings the sporty F Sport grille in a rich gloss black versus the standard matte grey finishes available. The Crafted Line special-release IS250 F Sport will arrive in October-November to Lexus dealers nationwide, with two pieces of matching Tumi luggage already right in the trunk. 2015 Lexus IS250 F Sport CRAFTED LINE        

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All Six Bugatti Veyron Legends Together In Pebble Beach 2014

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      A few fashion photos set the mood nicely below for a true event. The amazing Bugatti Legends collection in full. All six Veyron Legends together for their grand society entrance at Pebble Beach 2014.     An intriguing collection of inspirations and honors in the group, with drivers, designers, engineers and, in fact, previous cars as the inspiration for the six Legends of Bugatti. Which is your favorite? Or do you have other ideas? Here is the Veyron Vitesse configurator link to add color your Veyron GS Vitesse dreams…  http://www.bugatti.com/en/vitesse/configurator.html     Bugatti Lifestyle Collection Black Bess …

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NOVITEC TRIDENTE Maserati GranTurismo MC Supercharged Is Low, Fast and Loud

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UPDATED FOR GranTurismo MC Stradale Coupe Fast, low, loud… and VERY yellow! One thing we love about Novitec is that they generally make the cars the stars. It is less about a huge branding endeavor and there are barely any exterior Novitec identifiers. This makes the quality of the upgrades seem even more appealing and very OEM. PREVIOUS If there is one thing the Maserati MC Stradale wants more than anything, it is to be taken seriously in the company of the hottest Ferrari, McLaren and Porsche supercars. Even with the stock model’s fantastic low-slung style and high-strung atmospheric V8 …

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NOVITEC TRIDENTE Maserati GranCabrio MC Supercharged to 646HP with 3.7s to 60-MPH

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If there is one thing the Maserati GranCabrio MC Stradale wants more than anything, it is to be taken seriously in the company of the hottest Ferrari, McLaren and Porsche supercars. Even with the stock model’s fantastic low-slung style and high-strung atmospheric V8 engine note, many guys are still going to scoff at the GC as too-soft and too-practical for full cool points. Four seats and everyday usability? Get lost, poser!  No more. The full style boot camp is joined this time out by a supercharger for that huge 4.7-liter V8 engine. As we have seen on the SRT Challenger …

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NOVITEC TRIDENTE Maserati Quattroporte Is Quicker and Far Sexier Than Ever!

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While writing the big 2014 Quattroporte buyers guide the other day, we regretted how few cool wheel and performance options are available on the Maserati flagship lately.   Novitec Tridente, the trident branch of Novitec Rosso and Torado, has come to the rescue with sets of gorgeous wheels in four finishes, ECU upgrades to the twin-turbocharged engines, and a delicious exterior upgrades menu. The matte-effect paint protection wrap and black-tinted elements for all the factory brightwork are amazing, but even the subtle trunk spoiler and lower aero kit work wonders. A fantastic machine made even more exciting with these brand-new …

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MANSORY 458 Siracusa Is Debadged Neon Under Black Carbon Aero

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All these yummy Mansory upgrades are available for the Spider or the 458 Italia hardtop for all years.   MANSORY 458 Siracusa   The MANSORY SIRACUSA customization programme for your Ferrari 458 Italia MANSORY lets you visualise your driving experience Main eye-catcher of the new Siracusa front section is the striking apron with its optimised air inlets for better ventilation of the front radiators. In combination with the new bonnet, MANSORY does not only achieve an aggressive look, but generates also additional downforce. Newly designed side skirts are added to the wings. These steady the air flow between the axles …

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2015 INFINITI QX80 Pebble Beach Photos + Specs, Options, Pricing, Colors

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UPDATED 9.1.14 with 2015 QX80 Photos from Pebble Beach   When planning this article, I cannot help but think of the QX80 is a ‘reliable Range Rover,’ a smoother and better-handling Land Cruiser, or an Escalade with actual class. But throwing sand never wins any points in life. So let’s stick to the high road with this newly-renamed QX56 model for 2014. A few extra packages enter the fray for 2014, including a huge number of laser/radar and sonar-based active safety elements as standard — and even more with the optional Tech Package. 400-horsepower through a seven-speed automatic continues with …

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Quail Porsche Experience – 2015 911 Turbo and Turbo S Cabrio + Generations Showcase

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  Who doesn’t love the 911 Turbo! Here are two lovely Porsche 911 Turbo models recently featured at the Porsche Experience Center of the Quail Lodge Motorsports Gathering 2014. In addition, we have a look back at all the 911 Turbo cars through the generations To top it off, official Porsche 911 Turbo specs/features and a guide to the best options — like Special GT silver metallic with Porsche Anniversary wheels.       2015 911 Turbo S Cabrio   Porsche 911 Turbo – Generations       2015 Porsche 911 Turbo S – Configurator Options     Description   No.   Info  …

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2014 Honda CR-Z Buyers Guide: Colors, Prices, Specs and HPD Options

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While putting together the below HPD Supercharger option, the amazing value and fresh style of the 2014 CR-Z caught my eye. When did the CR-Z become so sexy? Included below are the full CR-Z Specs, Pricing and Color guides!   2014 Honda CR-Z – COLORS     HPD CR-Z That headline pace? Estimated at a fantastic 6.5-seconds from 0-60-mph. That is down from the latest, upgraded 2013-2014 CR-Z’s 9.0-seconds with the manual six-speed and 130-horsepower. The 2013 cars also jumped in battery strength from 10-kW to 15-kW — so the CR-Z is already much quicker than it ever was in …

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2014 Honda CR-Z HPD Supercharged Hits 197HP and Sprints 2.5s Quicker to 60MPH

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  That headline pace? Estimated at a fantastic 6.5-seconds from 0-60-mph. That is down from the latest, upgraded 2013-2014 CR-Z’s 9.0-seconds with the manual six-speed and 130-horsepower. The 2013 cars also jumped in battery strength from 10-kW to 15-kW — so the CR-Z is already much quicker than it ever was in its first-gen series. This latest power jump from HPD is fully-authorized by Honda and is only for manual-transmission cars. The engine internals and intercooler bring this balaced sport compact the power it has always dreamed of, with the battery in back providing a hugely entertaining and flexible handling …

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MANSORY Rolls-Royce Ghost Upgrades In White and Electric Blue Gold

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Before Pebble Beach automotive week, we decided on these pages that a Mansory luxury car might be the ideal ride to a show like this. It took until day three to spot a Mansory in Carmel Bay, but when we did, it was the grand-daddy of them all: the Gold Veyron! For those looking to make a splash with more than one passenger, the MANSORY Ghost might have been just the ticket to spin heads. These two vary from the pure and uncluttered aesthetic of the Mansory White Ghost, all the way to the eye-popping blue and gold Ghost. Somewhere …

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Pebble Beach 2014 Reunions – Three 1914 Mercedes-Benz French Grand Prix Cars in 78 Photos

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After falling hard for this machine in Amelia Island,it is great to meet the rest of the crew. This trio of amazing Mercedes-Benz racing machines took a 1-2-3 victory at the 1914 French GP near Lyon. Reuinted 100 years later in Pebble Beach — looking not a day older and perhaps a bit cleaner than the finished the race out front!   1914 Mercedes-Benz French Grand Prix Cars   Mercedes-Benz At The Pebble Beach Concours D’elegance: Coupes From The Past, Present And Future August, 2014 International debut of the 540K Streamliner Coupe 1914 French Grand Prix 1-2-3 racers reunited Concept …

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Update2 With 20 New Photos – 2015 Mercedes-Benz S550 Coupe Priced from $116k

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Update2 8.31.14 The new S550 Coupe is super posh and low in person, with a fantastic cabin. It can be hard to tell it from the S63 AMG,  and S65 AMG – so here is a comparison. 2015 Mercedes-Benz S550 Coupe   2015 Mercedes-Benz S550 4MATIC and S63 AMG 4MATIC Coupe Quick Reference Guide Customer Availability & Pricing S550 4MATIC Coupe – Fall 2014; Pricing TBA (MY14: CL550 4MATIC starts at $116,600) S63 AMG 4MATIC Coupe – Fall 2014; Pricing TBA (MY14: CL63 AMG starts at $154,600) S65 AMG Coupe – Embargo lifts July 2014 (MY14: CL65 starts at $215,500) …

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1961 Ferrari 250GT SWB California Spider Is Flawless at $15-Million for Gooding PB 2014

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1961 Ferrari 250GT SWB California Spider   LWB Spider below.   GOODING & Co. 1961 Ferrari 250 GT SWB California Spider Coachwork by Scaglietti Lot 18 Pebble Beach 2014 Estimate: $13,000,000 – $15,000,000 SOLD: $15,180,000 Chassis: 2903 GT   *Please note this vehicle is titled 250GT2903. CAR HIGHLIGHTS One of Only 37 Covered-Headlight Examples Distinguished Show-Car Pedigree and Celebrity Provenance Successful Participant in Numerous Concours and Rally Events Certified by the Ferrari Classiche Department Offered with Rare and Desirable Hardtop  

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98 New Photos – 2015 BMW M4 Convertible – Pricing, Colors, Options and Specs

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Updated 8.31.14 Pricing from $72,500 climbs a $10,000 with the quicker-to-60-mph M-DCT automatic and carbon-ceramix brakes, but besides that the M4 is absolutely perfect right out of the box. Especially if a stick-shift and regular M Brakes will be fine! In that case, the only upgrades you need are the 19-inch black-accent wheels, upgraded audio for $875. This leaves change to add a special M Performance exhaust and a few other goodies. The top-down audio is one of the new M4 Cabrio’s highlights with the new turbo inline-six ripping to redline.   Hundreds of new real-life photos of the M4 …

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USA Debut in 80 New Photos – 2014 Mercedes-Benz Concept Coupé SUV

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Updated 8.31.14 The Concept COupe SUV earned a huge share of foot traffic at the Mercedes-Benz Pebble Beach house. One of perhaps twenty vehicles on display, this concept is clearly going to be a huge sales hit. Despite being an advanced vision and not a production model whatsoever, almost everyone who approached the truck wanted to get inside. Many tries at those flush door-handles, to no avail. These awesome nose and tail designs are reafy for primetime! The next-gen ML-Class is rumored to be name-changed to GLE-Class, This name change would bring along a new-segment GLC-Class in a racy, X6-form, …

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Concept Flashback – 2005 RINSPEED Chopster vs Porsche Cayenne Turbo S

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This one was always a memorable favorite. EDAG Design and RINSPEED worked together to make a concept show car that few other tuners could handle: the Cayenne Chopster. Lowering the roof of any car is a huge, huge job that requires hundreds of hours of laser cutting, pillar height changes, re-mounting and re-welding. Not to mention the glass, the rear tailgate shape alterations, the new nose, new fenders front and rear… While we knew a lowered roof on the RINSPEED Chopster was fantastic at providing a hot look and profile, we did not really realize how unique the Chopster is …

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BEASTMASTER! 1917 American LaFrance Type 12 BESTIONI By Gary Wales

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Holy wow. This machine is HUGE in person. Calling it ‘La Bestioni’ is the best-possible name for this former firetruck, as it truly is a massive beast of a thing. Gary Wales creates these bespoke roadsters from retired fire engines and his client list so far includes Jay Leno and four other lucky madmen. In terms of how large the Bestioni is, hopefully some of the neighboring cars are visible in these photos from the Quail 2014. A 2:1 ratio is very believable – the beast is easily 2X as large as a normal roadster. Gigantic and lavish and exquisite. …

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1965 Alfa Romeo Giulia TZ by Zagato Crosses Million Mark At Gooding PB 2014

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Great results for this little “Julia” rally special from Alfa Romeo. The Zagato provenance, racing livery and fantastic interior all certainly contributed to the final price, as performance will be pretty mellow by modern supercar standards. 1965 Alfa Romeo Giulia TZ   GOODING & Co. 2014 PEBBLE BEACH Estimate: $1,250,000 – $1,500,000 SOLD: $1,023,000 Chassis: 10511AR750099   CAR HIGHLIGHTS Among the Most Successful Competition Cars of the 1960s A Wonderfully Presented Example of an Italian Masterpiece An Incredibly Capable Touring or Vintage Racing Car One of 112 TZs Built Between 1963 and 1967 Well-Documented History of Caring Stewardship TECHNICAL SPECS …

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2015 Maserati Quattroporte Buyers Guide to Colors, Wheels, Options, Specs and Prices

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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 and colorful English brands that might be a bit too cuddly for some. The Quattroporte draws from an enviable set of clients. Mercedes-Benz might have its sponsorship all over New York and Berlin Fashion Week — but the Quattroporte has always been designed to appeal to Vogue Italia readers. These are stiletto-sharp people …

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1966 Ferrari 330GT Navarro Speciale Is Trippy 1960s One-Off V12 Musclecar

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What the!? That was the initial impression on finding this car in the Gooding 2014 tent this year at Pebble Beach. Here are the details of its absolutely hideous unique design: — Bought in 1966 — Upgraded to unique bodywork by Drogo Sports Cars in Italy in 1969 for Norbert Navarro, a Bologna commodities baron Sold in 1971 to Chinetti Motors in the US, where it was imported as one of the NART (North Am Racing Team) cars that were quasi-exempt from certain rules. So, about that design…: Hideous might be a strong description. The major issues from a modern …

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Updated 70 New Photos – Malboro White 1995 McLaren F1 – Reserve Not Met at Gooding Pebble Beach

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Updated 8.29.14 Surprise no-sale on this amazing F1. Prices may have been a bit rich, or the right buyer was simply not in the market at this time. The good news is: the car is still on the market somewhere, so we may see it again…! In fact, the value for this car will skyrocket in 2019 or 2020 as it becomes exempt from all US import and road legality issues on its 25th birthday.   White 1995 McLaren F1   PREVIOUS: Sure, the fact that this Japanese-ordered McLaren F1 is the sole example in factory Marlboro White is not …

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1910 Fiat S10 Racing Is Highlight In World of Steam Cars and Slow-Coaches

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It is hard to believe that Fiat was racing cars like this when the rest of the world was debating which horse to pull a carriage. In fact, that is far from true. Only the richest of the rich were even considering a car purchase during this time period. So for Fiat to be heavily involved and winning races — is a true testament to the marque’s history and heritage. 1910 Fiat S10 Racing  

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1992 AAR Toyota Eagle Mk III GTP Brings $1M At Gooding Pebble Beach 2014

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In terms of racing successes for Toyota, no single car has delivered more victories than this AAR Toyota Eagle Mk III GTP. The rear wing is interesting versus the TS010 and TS020 racers, which wore a much-mellowed version of this super-Vmax longtail. For Comparison, Toyota TS010 and TS020 1992 AAR Toyota Eagle Mk III GTP       GOODING & Co. PEBBLE BEACH 2014   CAR HIGHLIGHTS Most Dominant Prototype in US Racing History Winner of 14 of 23 Races Entered 1992 and 1993 IMSA GTP Champion with Juan Manuel Fangio II 1992 and 1993 Winner of the 12 Hours …

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1938 Tatra T97 Aerodynamic Sedan at Pebble Beach 2014 Concours – 54 Gorgeous Photos

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Snapping a full round of this red Tatra T97 Aero was a rare treat on Pebble Beach Concours Sunday. Very early in the morning, the sun was shining bright for the first time of the week. Tatra was a special marque invite for the 2014 Concours – in a mission to seek more variety and representation from unconventional marques. We know very little about the Tatra T97, in truth, but adore it almost instantly. Perhaps it is the long-running Volkswagen Beetle passion, or its flare for the aerodynamic… but the Tatra T97 is very charming. In many ways, the Tatra …

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McLaren Special Operations 650S Spider Answers Painted Surfaces Call, With Mixed Results

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  Updated 8.28.14 We have lamented the rise of unpainted carbon-fiber surfaces on the latest generation of hypercars — and even created various renderings of the P1 with a painted nose. http://www.car-revs-daily.com/2014/03/21/unpainted-black-carbon-fiber-scourge-supercar-beauty-mclaren-p1-digitally-painted-front-clip-doors/ But, as meeting the MSO 650S Spider shows, we have to be careful what we wish for. Something about the painted nose section of the MSO 650s is less than perfect. The lower air-dams and side skirts are fantastic, and seeing chromed exhaust tips out back is unique. But still… something is not-as-dreamed with this nose…. McLaren Special Operations 650S Spider       PREVIOUS As if the …

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2015 Cadillac CTS Updated With New Badges, LED Brake Lights, Exhaust Details and Cabin Tech

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Light updates and upgrades for the 2015 CTS, detailed below. Mechanically, the cars stay exactly the same as the 2014 models. But there are tweaks front and rear to the style, 4G LTE and active safety upgrades inside, and a new satin-effect for the window brightwork that replaces the previous chrome. Out back, the exhaust finishers are altered slightly, as is the central high-mounted LED brake light. Based on thee images and the lack of the 2015 CTS in Pebble Beach last week, we specualate that the 2015 CTS is still about a month away from dealerships. Ballpark a late …

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2015 Infiniti Q40 is G37 Continuation with $33,000 Base Price

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The well-regarded Infiniti G37 sedan and G37 AWD are back to life as the 2015 Q40! This will be welcome news for those seeking a rear-drive luxury car at pricing that overlaps with top-end Ford Fusions and Hyundai Sonata’s. Say what one might about the Q40’s tenure on the market at this point — the car is clearly in a different dynamic and performance league than any front-drive mid-size car. Two handsome dealer-installed options update the G37’s style nicely: the black grille/rear spoiler package for $700 and the LED DRL’s for about $700 as well. 2015 Infiniti Q40     …

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First 2014 BMW i8 Owners Take Delivery in Posh Pebble Beach Experience

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Some big names in the below five-pack of the first deliveries of the BMW i8 at Pebble Beach! They include racing moguls Roger Penske and Rick Hendrick, among other luminaries. We would vote heavily in favor of the black finish — which is simply amazing, as we can see here. Well ordered, Thomas Keller! It is interesting that Chef Thomas Keller also appears to be providing dinner for the guests at this event, which is nicely symbiotic from BMW. i8 Passion Runs High As the $825,000 total from the charity i8 Pebble Beach Edition shows — the i8 is much …

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USA Debut and $825,000 Auction Grand Slam – 2014 BMW i8 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance Edition

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In what is certainly a feel-great moment for the BMW as well as the Pebble Beach Foundation charity — the one-off BMW i8 Pebble Beach Concours edition racked up a stunning $825,000 sale price at the Gooding & Co. 2014 auction. The price multiple of 6.11X over the BMW i8’s $135,000 retail total is surely not just from the custom-fitted Louis Vuitton luggage or dark-matte grey paint. It also accounts for instant access to what is easily one of the hottest new cars at any price. In the flesh, the i8 PB Concours Edition is quite magnificent. Its low, lean …

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1955 Aston Martin DB3S Earns $5.5M At Gooding Pebble Beach 2014

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$5.5-million is a very high tally for any Aston Martin, but this 1955 DB3S is surely a deserving specimen. As both a show car and a racecar, the DB3S is a stunning beauty and a timecapsule of design in the 1950s. The chassis design was completed by a famed Austrian engineer with experience designing Auto Union racers in the 1930s, while the exterior design by Frank Feeley is perhaps Mr. Feeley’s finest-ever work. Feeley was a Lagonda man until joining Aston with Lagonda’s buyout in 1947, where his ultra-luxury model focus was shifted to racecars. One amazing element of the …

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Road Test Review – 2014 Toyota Prius Plug-In Is Quietly Excellent, More Iso-Tank Than Eco-Warrior

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INTRO: Here is the scene: you are in traffic. It is a work-day and you are behind a dawdling Prius. ‘How the **** is that car going so slowly!? Oh, this guy is coasting up to red lights now!?’ Cue the inpatient passing maneuver/lane change or silent sulking while looking at the familiar Prius tail shape. Has this ever happened to you? We bet it has. The difference for sports-car drivers – or drivers who push every machine like a sports-car? Slight annoyance gives way to murderous rage after a few stoplights like this. And not just hatred for the …

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EXCLUSIVE! 2014 Bugatti Veyron Legend ETTORE BUGATTI in 45 Stunning Photos

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Updated 8.27.14 We owe a deep nod of gratitude to Bugatti executive leadership for letting our camera lens into this exclusive Bugatti luncheon at Pebble Beach on Concours day. Like everything in the world of Bugatti – and especially Los Legendes de Bugatti – it is a land of velvet-rope access. Limited availability. Manufactured scarcity. That is part of the Bugatti myth as well as the entire client experience. Mobs of people is not on the agenda. But flashbulbs and press guys? Lucky for us — that is part of the cult of Bugatti. Great to play any part available …

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This 2006 Maserati MC12 Corsa Is Only Street-Legal MC12 Racer In The World

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The 2006 Maserati MC12 Corsa is a direct evolution of the FIA GT-winning MC12 series that started racing in 2005 — and won the series for five years running until 2009. 12 customer track specials of the GT1 car were produced for high-value Maserati clients — with the $1.7-million machine dubbed the MC12 Corsa. Of the 12 made, none were ever intended to be used anywhere outside of a closed racetrack. But this one, solitary car slipped through the net, snagged New York license plates, and has been “whippin’ on the freeway the NYC way” ever since. We are thrilled …

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1953 Maserati A6GCS MM Alfieri Barchetta by Fantuzzi

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Widely known as one of the most influential racecars of the early 1950s, this delicate little A6GCS influenced future icons like the Jaguar C-Type, Ferrari 250 and the AC Ace — among many others. The straight-size layout delivered just 168-horsepower from its 2.0-liter displacement, but lightweight aircraft aluminum in the chassis and bodyshell delivered some stunning specs all the same. The 60-mph sprint is just 6.3-seconds, while the top speed is a frankly-terrifying 148-mph. The beauty and grace of the design is perhaps this Alfieri GCS MM’s legacy. The A6 in the name stands for Alfieri, by the way, and …

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Updated USA Debut – 2014 BMW Vision Future Luxury Concept – Design Analysis

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Updated 8.27.14 The fact that the BMW Vision Future Luxury concept headed to Beijing this Spring instead of to the concurrent New York show says quite a bit about its market-makers. This machine needs to be successful in China. Period. As the biggest growth opportunity, China represents perhaps the only non-American and non-German (domestic) volume market for ultra-luxury sedans in the coming decade. But while the Chinese limo shopper has whole-heartedly adopted the Audi brand, BMW and Mercedes-Benz find themselves playing second fiddle. At the same time, the VFL concept needs to revive the unpopular current 7 series in the …

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Update1 New Photos – 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300SC Black Series Rendered by VirtualModels.org

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  Updated 8.27.14   1956 Mercedes-Benz 300SC at Pebble Beach 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300SC Black Series This first one is a group effort … with the side profile by Sebastian Motsch and the front three-quarter angle by Car-Revs-Daily.com VirtualModels.org Mercedes-Benz 300S and SLS Bonneville Speed Special 1952 Mercedes-Benz 300S (W188) – Style Update Germany’s Sebastian Motsch is a very talented individual – a guy who loves cars so much that he spends some of his free time imagining the impossible cars we all dream about. The quality of his renders puts most magazines or websites to shame. These cars of his …

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