Tom Burkart

Tom Burkart is the founder and managing editor of Car-Revs-Daily.com, an innovative and rapidly-expanding automotive news magazine. He holds a Journalism JBA degree from the University of Wisconsin - Madison. Tom currently resides in Charleston, South Carolina with his two amazing dogs, Drake and Tank. Mr. Burkart is available for all questions and concerns by email Tom(at)car-revs-daily.com.
1975 Alfa Romeo Tipo 33 TT 12 17

Racing Icons Series – 1975 Alfa Romeo Tipo 33TT12 Made 500HP at 11k RPM!

by

  Part One of Six – Alfa Romeo Racing Icons Series Here is a fun walk back in time — exploring and celebrating the evolution of the Alfa Romeo Tipo 33 open-air racecars. We’re huge fans of the swoopy and wild designs of the hardtop T33’s from the mid-196os. These advanced prototype racers went head-to-head with legends like the Ford GT40 and the Porsche 908 and 917, among many others. But the legend of the T33 continued well into the 1970s, adapting to new racing rules and new tech innovations to make one of the quickest Alfa Romeo racecars of …

Keep reading

2016 Volvo XC90R 8

Volvo Announces $500M Factory in Charleston, South Carolina – First USA-Made Volvo Cars in 2018

by

Volvo made its big factory announcement this morning — right in my backyard!  Yes, Volvo is coming to Charleston to be closer to car-revs-daily!? Just kidding. Volvo chose this Southeastern Atlantic state for a number of reasons — all related to the firm’s ambitious goal of making up to 200,000 cars a year here by around 2020. The first Volvo plant anywhere in North America, Volvo is clearly seeking the strategic and financial advantages that come with building its cars close to their intended market. Why South Carolina? Every state is willing to kick big tax incentives to manufacturers these …

Keep reading

2015 Toyota 4Runner 20

Road Test Review – 2015 Toyota 4Runner Trail Premium 4×4 with KDSS Suspension

by

The whole SUV world of has gone soft. Crossovers from near and far have ditched their rugged truck frames in favor of cushy third rows and lazy AWD. What is a real off-roader to do for an SUV with 2015 tech and features alongside totally invincible traction and durability?! You can pick up a Wrangler Unlimited with its four-door hardtop giving year-round thrills, or perhaps the Nissan xTerra? Or you can stick with the one you know delivers: the Toyota 4Runner. This is a truck that maintains the greatest parts of its core appeal for 30 years of US sales, …

Keep reading

Range Rover VERITAS By Vorsteiner 14

Tuner Showcase – Range Rover VERITAS By Vorsteiner

by

If a new set of wheels can totally transform a car’s stance, the major style upgrade comes with a carbon-fiber bodykit like this three-piece affair from Vorsteiner. \ Dubbed the Veritas, these three giant carbon-fiber bumpers are quite effective at transforming the factory Range Rover into something altogehter more special. Range Rover VERITAS By Vorsteiner http://www.vorsteiner.com/land-rover/range-rover-series/range-rover-vogue/

2015-Rolls-Royce-Inspired-By-Fashion-Edition-15df

2015 Rolls-Royce WRAITH Inspired By Fashion Edition Is Two-Tone White With Color Pinstripe

by

The English factory floor has never looked so good, or so bright! The new Wraith Inspired By Fashion Edition is a tasty new Haute Couture supercoupe. Created with a two-tone white exterior bisected by a choice of Jasmine (yellow), Tailored Purple or Mugello Red, the Wraith Fashion is understated yet instantly special. The effect of a slightly darker Andalucian White white on the fenders is interesting with the ultra-bright Arctic shade on the hood. We wish the wheels were gloss black to really match the formalwear feel of the cabin, but that is easily handled post-sale. Overall, the Wraith Fashion …

Keep reading

daimler-freightliner-inspiration-truck-9659

2015 Freightliner Inspiration Truck Concept Crosses Hoover Dam Autonomously

by

Mercedes and Daimler trucks have made Nevada into an auto-pilot test track! After the recent Mercedes-Benz F015 concept showed a self-driving limo, we now have a near-production Freightliner Inspiration Truck Concept. Nevada’s lonely roads are an ideal testing ground for tech like this. Outside Vegas and Reno, the state has the lowest population density of anywhere in the USA. Using a mega-system of sensors, the Inspiration Truck is the first big rig to be road-legal in auto-pilot mode anywhere in the country.  Currently, the Inspiration Truck is just certified for auto-pilot driving within Nevada, but this is still a watershed …

Keep reading

2016-BMW-3-Series-39

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

by

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 …

Keep reading

2016 Dodge Viper ACR

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

by

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 …

Keep reading

Standaufnahme

600HP, 3.6s 2015 Audi TT Clubsport Turbo Concept Runs 48V E-Compressor

by

Here is a fantastic new concept from Audi ahead of the annual Wörthersee Festival! A racing widebody and extreme aero kit are needed thanks to the five-cylinder engine’s massive dual-compressor technology. A standard exhaust-gas turbocharger is joined by an all-new electric turbocharger– promising a huge rush of instant-on torque at any throttle shove. This latest turbo tech innovation is tough to introduce. BMW has also been researching electrically-spun turbo’s, but this Audi is the first to take it near production feasibility. Think of the tech like a super-Dyson blower inside the intake tract of the car. Typically, the limit has …

Keep reading

1973 Nissan Skyline 2000GT-R Kenmeri 5

RM Monterey 2015 Preview – 1973 Nissan Skyline 2000GT-R Kenmeri

by

Succeeding the first-gen Hakosuka Skyline GT-R was this iconic Ken & Mary (or ‘Kenmeri’ for short) two-door. With a far more workmanlike profile than the same-year 240Z, the 2000 GT-R did all it could mechanically to be a legitimate sports-car. The legend of this upswept C-pillar shape speaks for itself, with this Skyline one of the best-loved Japanese cars ever made. Do not let the completely-original stance fool you into thinking this is just some retro nerd-mobile. With a lowered stance, this Skyline GT-R is instantly recognizable from 1000 paces as a supercar hero.  1973 Nissan Skyline 2000GT-R Kenmeri   …

Keep reading

1968 Ford GT40 Gulf Mirage Lightweight LM Racecar 26

1968 Ford GT40 Gulf Mirage Lightweight LM Racecar – Most Valuable American Car Of All Time?

by

When it comes to racing greats and the all-time automotive hall of fame, this Gulf GT40 is certainly in the top ten. This exact car was the first to win a race wearing the now-legendary Gulf racing livery. Until this GT40 crossed the finish line in first place at Spa, these iconic powder blue and marigold colors were just another racing stripe. This GT40 is also the most valuable American car ever sold at auction, and likely ever made. It is unlikely that any other American car has changed hands privately for a bigger sum. (But is the GT40 even …

Keep reading

1972 Lamborghini Miura SV 21

RM Amelia Island 2015 – Top 10 Most-Valuable Auction Cars in 80 New Photos

by

Started this article to share an update on RM Auctions — which you may have noticed is now co-branded as RM Sotheby’s. Just before the Amelia Island 2015 event in March, Sotheby’s announced a 25-percent equity share purchase of RM, based in Blenheim, Ontario. Sotheby’s is in the big three of global auction companies, so their interest in RM makes sense to broaden and co-mingle both buyer groups. RM is certainly a powerhouse of an auction company, with its car sales generating massive interest among collectors and fans alike. Amelia Island 2015 was no different: $60-million in sales in just …

Keep reading

2015-Peugeot-Vision-Gran-Turismo-75a

875HP, 1.7s 2015 Peugeot Vision Gran Turismo Is LMP1 Contender With Hypercar Beauty

by

As you already know if you have played Gran Turismo, the most intense parts of the game have to be earned. You have to build your skills and trade up from little nothing-powered Miata’s up the power and speed ladder. Toward the top of the performance spectrum, you are racing in LMP1 cars and beyond. The vast majority of concepts seen so far in the Vision GT collection fall into two categories: a racing-upfit version of a normal production car (ie the VW GTI SS) and a pure fantasy take on future racing (ie Chevrolet 2X Chaparral VGT). The latest …

Keep reading

2015-Jeep-Grand-Cherokee-SRT--70

Rainy First Drive Review – 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT on HD Video!

by

  The spooky thing about the 475-horsepower Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT is not its deep rumble from the twin pipes in back. Nor is it the 4.8-second sprint to 60-mph and a 0-30-mph pace to rival a 911 Turbo. Not even the heavily upgraded exterior and loaded, sport-seat-equipped cabin. Nope, the thing that really sticks with you after driving the Grand Cherokee SRT is that it changes direction like a shark on the hunt. This is a machine that will seriously pivot and dive toward corners like a track car. The steering has a real biting precision that lets you …

Keep reading

DSC_0809

Mecum Indy 2015 – 1993 Toyota Supra Official Fast Furious Movie Car Seeking $150k+

by

Movie cars sometimes have a hard life after the filming stops. They have sometimes been abused to the point of no return – with only one or two of the original six-pack of action stars making it to the premiere on four wheels. This 1993 Toyota Supra is the exception. Thanks to fairly gentle use in The Fast and The Furious, this Paul Walker whip survives today in perfect condition. One of one, this Supra is a perfect slice-of-life from the early 2000’s SoCal car scene. The time is right for a big-money sale in 2015, 14 years after the …

Keep reading

11200963_852018288185248_2667763232507453856_o

LARTE Design Range Rover Sport WINNER Takes Monaco in 73 New Pics

by

Updated 5.5.15 The Larte Design WINNER kit for the Range Rover Sport is now available to order!  Who would have thought… seven items to make any RRS so cool and stylish!? There are no shortage of custom upgrades for the new Range Rover Sport, but this latest kit from Larte Design is instantly one of the most distinctive. A gloss black dip for all the trim elements and the new alloys sets the tone, while new bumpers front and rear are fresh and angular like the best supercars.A new pair of white LED DRL’s live in the lower intakes, and …

Keep reading

Vossen-RCF-10

2015 Lexus RCF on VOSSEN VPS311 Forged Alloys – Customized by InstaBuilt VIP Auto Salon

by

Updated 5.5.15 With 40 New Photos Thrilled to find a stunning photo set of the Vossen Lexus RCF customized by InstaBuilt and VIP Auto Salon. Even six months after the debut of this hot custom at SEMA 2014, the custom bodywork and Vossen VPS 311 wheels are still a visual thrill-ride.   2015 Lexus RCF on Vossen VPS 311 Forged Alloys   PREVIOUS Sometimes we really do not understand the tuner world. Here is a car created with Lexus and crowd suggestions across the last month and a half — but now that the vehicle is finished, there are exactly …

Keep reading

Tesla Model S by LARTE Design 33

Tesla Model S by LARTE Design – Gorgeous Exterior Makeover in 60 Photos!

by

When you drive a $100,000 car, you have dozens of fantastic options — supercars, limo’s, SUVs, you name it. But once you are hooked on the spooky-fast Tesla Model S, it is hard to go back to a regular 911 or AMG. But how to update the Model S details to match the coolness of other cars that can hit 60-mph in under four seconds? The Model S just needs a few tweaks to dramatically up its style and road stance. Larte Design’s new bodykit elements create a fairly stunning transformation via just a dozen pieces. The front bumper is …

Keep reading

Road-Test-Review-2015-Chrysler-300-Limited-47

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

by

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 …

Keep reading

LF13_r265_01-copydg

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

by

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 …

Keep reading

1909 Benz 35-60PS Speedster 1

Worlds First Supercar – 1909 Benz 35-60PS Speedster Ran 9-Liter Four-Cylinder!

by

Betting directionally on the value of supercars is tougher than the stock or art or commodities markets. Where the natural trend for the above indices is to scale upward, most classic cars are generally never going to appreciate over time. This makes car collecting more of a passion play than the normal art auction scene. Long story short: we’re obviously not going to go all in one way or another on future car values. But come on! This car. One of the world’s first supercars, with triple the power and speed of a contemporary Model T? Yes, as Ford rolled …

Keep reading

Mazda-MX-5_Superlight_Concept_2009_1600x1200_wallpaper_16

Concept Flashback – 2009 Mazda MX-5 Superlight in 88 Photos!

by

Racers worldwide have made lightening Mazda MX-5’s more than an art or craft: there is a science to shedding grams and gaining pace. This 2009 concept from Mazda’s European R&D center is a serious and comprehensive speedster conversion and custom strip-out. Once totally bare, the full MX-5 Superlight was resprayed in a Japanese Racing white pearl. The color and the contrast details for the hood and double bubble rollbars make the MX-5 Superlight’s proportions even more intensely rear-drive. A favorite detail is the brake light LED lining those integrated roll hoops. 2009 Mazda MX-5 Superlight Concept Mazda MX-5 Superlight Concept …

Keep reading

1947 Cisitalia 202 SMM Nuvolari Spyder 2

1947 Cisitalia 202 SMM Nuvolari Spyder Was Racing Streamliner with Tailfins!

by

A surviving 1947 Mille Miglia racecar, one of three works vehicles raced that season? Yep. One of less than ten cars in the MOMA New York permanent collection? Yessir. Tail-fins more than a decade before this look would sweep automobile-dom? Mhmm. Stunning. 28 total Nuvolari Spyders are thought to have been produced, so collecting any at less than half a million is a shrewd move. 1947 Cisitalia 202 SMM Nuvolari Spyder   Villa Erba 25 May 2013 Lot 110 1947 Cisitalia 202 SMM ‘Nuvolari’ Spyder by Carrozzeria Garella To be auctioned on Saturday, May 25, 2013 Sold for €425.600 Chassis …

Keep reading

1929 Bugatti Type 44 Grand Sport 15

1929 Bugatti Type 44 Grand Sport Is Straight-8 GP Racer as 4-Seat Ragtop!

by

Imagine a current F1 car stretched three feet in wheelbase, then fitted with a rudimentary canopy of a roof. Then flash back to 1929. Bugatti 44 Grand Sport. As you can probably tell, we pour over the auction lists of rare and special cars. A list of priceless classics, all sold by the pound and to the mood of the moment. Seeing a 1920’s Bugatti headline is almost a cliche in this rarefied world. Stunning racecar evolution, open-wheeled and potent by the end of the decade. The dream of fans was coming true as well — a LWB chassis with …

Keep reading

2016-Chevrolet-Corvette-Z06-C7_4s

2016 Corvette Z06 Adds New C7.R Edition + Two Custom Color Specials

by

Chevy is making the link racecar/roadcar link explicit for 2016.  Corvette racecars and the top-line Z06 for 2016 now share an even more striking similarity via the limited-run C7.R Edition. This special model debuts the new carbon-fiber hood and new wheel option, along with the new yellow tintcoat paint color. The similarity to the racecar is incredible – that Corvette Racing yellow is one of the longest-running liveries in current motorsports. It is a Compuware sponsorship sticker away from making all other road traffic believe you have escaped a nearby racetrack. Two other themed trip packages are also joining the …

Keep reading

1952 Mercedes-Benz 170VA Panel Wagon 5-tile

Fast Wagon Classics – 1952 Mercedes-Benz 170VA Panel Wagon and 1954 170SV Ambulance

by

Finishing out this quick/quirky series of classic wagons with a pair of Mercedes-Benz commercial cars. One a panel van 1952 170VA Station Wagon and the other a LWB 170S-V Ambulance. The 5-door brought in around $75,000 at the RM Auctions London 2013 sale, where the panel van around $60,000.   1952 Mercedes-Benz 170VA Panel Wagon         8-9 September 2013 Lot 126 1952 Mercedes-Benz 170 Va Station Wagon To be auctioned on Sunday, September 8, 2013 Without Reserve Sold for £40,320 Chassis no. 136.074.01413/52 Engine no. 136.923.01602/52   1954 Mercedes-Benz 170SV Ambulance 1954 Mercedes-Benz 170 S-V Ambulance RM …

Keep reading

1933 Mercedes-Benz 290 Pullman 1

Fast Wagon Classics – 1933 Mercedes-Benz 290 Pullman Limousine

by

If the previous Pullman was a bit too Bond-villain for you in its black on black, here is another really cool example: a SWB 290 Pullman from six years before. This tasty blue example only sold for a third of the price of its LWB cousin: just $50k for this makes it well-bought. 1933 Mercedes-Benz 290 Pullman Limousine London 8-9 September 2013 Lot 173 1933 Mercedes-Benz 290 Pullman Limousine To be auctioned on Sunday, September 8, 2013 Without Reserve Sold for £28,000

1939 Mercedes-Benz 320 Pullman Limousine 16

Fast Wagon Classics – 1939 Mercedes-Benz 320 Pullman Limousine

by

Mercedes-Benz has made many fantastic wagons in its long history, but they hit a sweet spot in the 1930s in terms of perfecting the wagon as a long-distance limo. This black/black LWB Pullman has a huge lounge back seat and even a cloth sunroof to let in the breeze! This car ran a straight six through a four-speed manual transmission, so despite just 77-horsepower the Pullman was happy to cruise up to 85-mph or so — very quick for the time. 1939 Mercedes-Benz 320 Pullman Limousine RM Auctions London 8-9 September 2013 Lot 150 1939 Mercedes-Benz 320 Pullman Limousine To …

Keep reading

Bellagio_(4)

Fast Wagons! 2009 Maserati Bellagio Fastback by Touring Superleggera

by

The fast wagon is the ultimate in car-guy and car-girl coolness. A low and sleek wagon silhouette is instantly cooler than any SUV, yet still looks the part in the mountains with skis on the roof. As part of a series of articles, we’ll highlight all the coolest estate cars at the train station. Call them what you want. Tourers, Estates, Fastbacks or Station Wagons — they are the ultimate Q-cars. This Maserati Quattroporte was reborn as a wagon via Touring Superleggera in Milan. Four total vehicles were produced, with this one including a special interior with twin adjustable seats, …

Keep reading

2015 Mercedes-AMG GT S Yellow 39

2015 AMG GT-S in 163 Most Gorgeous Photos Yet

by

Hot off the lenses of MB UK snappers, here are the concrete proof that the new AMG GT is the most gorgeous new supercar of 2015. So hugely wide, so low, so front-engined… with detailing a nose to adore. 2015 AMG GT-S Grey Carbon Package 2015 AMG GT-S Yellow

gm-sema-14-1_1200

Chevrolet Impala Midnight Edition – $1k Blackout Upgrade Arriving Summer 2015

by

  One for the full-size sedan fans out there!  Chevy just announced that the Impala Midnight Edition is coming to showrooms this summer virtually identical to the SEMA 2014 show car. The upgrade is a full gloss black dip for many design details, the grille and surround, tail and rear spoiler. The 19-inch wheels are polished on the edges but gloss black on the insides – best of all worlds.  Even the bow-ties front and rear go dark. Unusually, the black-out style option is not set to be offered on other colors. We think this setup would look just as …

Keep reading

488gtb-carbon-Packf-156-1600x760

2016 Ferrari 488GTB – All Colors + Animated Visualizer in 300 Images!

by

The new Ferrari 488 GTB configurator is live and stunning! Fantastic new design details in the 458 –> 488 update are visible in these 3D animated visuals. Two dozen colors, six wheel styles, brakes and carbon upgrades galore. The builder is actually a new setup as well, with streamlined options that let you fly through the process or customize every element, based on your preferences. (Some previous Ferrari builders have been a ‘next’ ‘next’ type of affair in your browser, while this one lets you scroll down to new menu elements.) Favorite design elements of the new mid-engine hotness? 1. …

Keep reading

INFINITI-Auto-Shanghai-2015-66agfd

INFINITI Vision GT Makes Real-Life Debut – Headed to Pebble Beach 2015?

by

Here is some great news from Infiniti! The brand’s Gran Turismo Vision GT car just debuted in Shanghai — at an art museum, naturally. But first: Everyone knows most concept cars never get “made.” They will not reach production, sure. But with these VGT cars — some of them literally never materialize. They are 100-percent digital fantasies. Sure, the design studio might have a clay styling buck – but rarely a concept roller ready for the global show circuit. Since revealing this stunning flagship GT study in December, Infiniti has indeed completed a real-world concept car. Although shown in China …

Keep reading

2015 Dodge Challenger SRT HELLCAT 60

First Drive Mega Gallery – 2015 Dodge Challenger SRT HELLCAT in 67 All-New Photos

by

Lots of incredible Hellcat Challenger coverage on the site lately, including this black/black stunner from the Houston Auto show, plus a Charger Hellcat drive review over here. There are no words to describe the power available to your right foot in the Challenger. On a rainy day like this, the 707HP of America’s most-powerful car spins away in split-second torrents of wheelspin. Trying, and failing, to be able to hit full throttle in the Hellcat is like a never-ending game. That drivetrain will make a grown man giggle! We love the Hellcat Challenger with a stickshift not offered to Charger …

Keep reading

2015 MINI Cooper S Hardtop 4-Door 65

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

by

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 …

Keep reading

LEDetails - 2015 Lexus NX300h Triple LED Lights 68

LEDetails – 2015 Lexus NX300h – Up Close with the Triple-Beam LED Lights

by

Met up with another sexy black Lexus NX recently, and spent some time starting deep into its LED eyeballs! Just kidding. Nothing weird here. The Lexus style has just taken a huge leap with these ultra-cool triple LED headlamp style. It is stunning on the roads as an option on the new RC and NX, as well as the upcoming RX replacement. Here is a very close look at the lights in real life. The interplay between the actual light output and my Nikon’s sensors is fairly interesting. The Nikon goes dark when the Lexus lights are shining right into …

Keep reading

2015-Ford-Focus-ST-Tangerine-Scream-ST2-Pack-82

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

by

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 …

Keep reading

2015-Hyundai-Santa-Fe-Sport-2

Road Test Review – 2015 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport FWD 2.0T Ultimate

by

INTRO – 2015 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport Review Think of the new Hyundai Santa Fe siblings like the Nissan Murano/Pathfinder. The Santa Fe Sport is a five-seater with a wheelbase five inches shorter than the big seven-seat Santa Fe. The Santa Fe Sport and Santa Fe deviate from the Nissan offering with custom powertrains by vehicle size: the Sport’s uplevel engine is a 2.0-liter turbo, while the jumbo Santa Fe offers a V6 powertrain as a step up from the standard 2.4-liter four-cylinder. Spending time in both SUVs helps shed light on the differences the Sport’s new engine and chassis …

Keep reading

2017 Mercedes-Benz GLC 6

Spec Renderings – 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLC400 Is Upcoming Q5-Fighter

by

The new GLC Coupe Concept from Shanghai shows how the Mercedes SUV range is evolving rapidly. The new naming strategy and product plans from the GLE and GLE Coupe show the way forward for Merc trucks — and that pattern is likely on this smaller GLC as well. As the China concept is the GLC Coupe, it is logical to think that the coupe is the X4-fighter, while a standard GLC-Class will tackle the X3 and Q5. To recap, the Mercedes SUV range is currently: GLA GLK (now actually called GLC…) GLE GLE Coupe GLS G-Class The ML-replacing GLE-Class is …

Keep reading

Preview Mercedes-Benz Concept GLC Coupé, Shanghai 2015

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

by

  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 …

Keep reading

_DSC1113

2015 Nissan Lannia Revealed in Shanghai With Funky Rump

by

Nissan’s new global design language is definitely fresh and unique — from the 2016 Maxima to this Chinese-market Lannia sedan, there is a real shared DNA visible in the panels. Defined by a deep swoosh and flow of metal over the front fenders that swings down into the door surfacing, the Nissan style might catch a few eyes. But there is something amiss. The concept to reality transition is wiping out nearly 90-percent of the original design appeal. It appears to be the limitations of production panel stamps that is watering down almost all the flavor of the original concept …

Keep reading

lusso colors

Digital Colorizer – Superleggera Berlinetta Lusso in 25 Fantastic New Hues!

by

If you are among the five lucky individuals to own a Berlinetta Lusso from Touring Superleggera, you have some choices to make ASAP! Colors inside and out are obviously completely open to customization — the car being hand-built by one of the most famous Italian carrozzeria’s in the world. Here are 25 new shades via photoshop to start the creative juices flowing! Superleggera Berlinetta Lusso Colors            

2015 Volkswagen C Coupe GTE Concept 17

Updated With 18 New Photos – 2015 Volkswagen C Coupe GTE Concept

by

Updated 4.21.15 With 18 New Photos VW + China = Love   You probably know that Chinese car buyers love VWs and they love limousines. Seems like a perfect opportunity to combine the two into a stylish market-leader, right? Perhaps. The VW Phaeton has indeed been a relatively big hit in China, which is the car’s leading/only market along with Germany. Phaeton ≠ S-Class But there are three big issues with the Phaeton achieving big sales in China (or anywhere else…): 1 — it is ancient inside with very, very poor technology compared with the new S-Class 2 — its engines are …

Keep reading

2015 Audi Prologue Avant Concept 31

Real-life Photos Show Sexier 2015 Audi Prologue Allroad Than Preview Renders

by

Okay, this is just getting ridiculous now. After the Prologue in LA and La Vegas, plus Prologue Avant in Detroit, we thoroughly get the point of this concept car. The second frustrating thing about the Prologue concept series is that the Audi A4 needs to be replaced. Urgently. Where is it? This latest Prologue Allroad is as expected – a high-riding version of the Avant, but this time powered by a giant V8 hybrid as with the first Prologue Coupe. The Avant was a diesel-electric hybrid if we are not mistaken. So where the F is the new A4? After …

Keep reading

2015-Berlinetta-Lusso-by-Touring-sfdcSuperLeggera-35

2015 Berlinetta Lusso by Touring SuperLeggera Is F12 In a Tuxedo!

by

  Touring Superleggera has pulled back the silk on its latest masterpiece: the Berlinetta Lusso. The Lusso is a full redesign of the Ferrari F12’s exterior, adding a level of timeless sophistication to go with the mechanical brutality of the F12 on full throttle. You may have noted that the latest Ferrari range lacks a super-lux flagship: the place of the 456 and 612 is now a far more shouty and hardcore proposition. Touring Superleggera has given the F12 the classy formality of many timeless supercars from years past — including the 375MM made specially for Ingrid Bergman and many …

Keep reading

6812242598_9f25e35305_h-tile

2015 Ferrari California T by Tailor Made Evokes Hollywood Royalty of ‘Grigio Ingrid’ 375MM

by

There is a timeless elegance associated with Hollywood and the global jetset enjoying 1950s Italy. Thanks to commercial aviation — the world’s elite could now, for the first time in history, vacation in far more exotic locales efficiently and without any month-long boatrides there and back. This magical era of big-budget Hollywood movies also was the first time films would be distributed globally as well, thanks to advances in projector and film reel affordability. Upon arrival in Capri or St. Tropez, the stars of the day fell hard for all the accoutrements of the Italian luxury lifestyle — including Ferrari’s. …

Keep reading

2015-INFINITI-Q70L-Bespoke-Edition-27ads

2015 INFINITI Q70L Bespoke Edition Is Ultra-Posh Flagship Limo – Bested By Taurus on Tech?

by

  LIMOUSINES FOR ALL? The chase for Chinese limo buyers is almost becoming a caricature. Based on all the attention lavished on this tiny segment of China’s 10-million-unit auto market, you might think that everyone’s first car there is a LWB limo with individual thrones in back and a chauffeur up front. That is emphatically not the case. Most Chinese car sales are humdrum little sedans made of sawdust and hope, powered by smog and costing a pretty penny for the privilege. LIMOUSINES FOR SOME! But there is a logic in snagging limo buyers. First off, the profit margins are …

Keep reading

2015 QOROS 2 PHEV Concept 4

Update1 – 2015 QOROS 2 SUV PHEV Concept Previews Upcoming Juke-Fighter

by

Updated 4.21.15 with 10 Real-Life Photos Qoros is by far our favorite Chinese car brand — plucking exceptional talent from the UK car scene like Gerte Hildebrand of MINI fame and Jamie Barrett from the RCA design program. The goal is to bring global car safety, design and equipment standards to China-made vehicles. This is more than lip-service: QOROS has the only Chinese vehicles to pass the tough EuroNCAP crash tests and on sale across the highly competitive European car market. Qoros recognizes the opportunity for new brands in the crossover and SUV space — with this latest Qoros 2 SUV …

Keep reading

2015_ShanghaiMotorShow_2016_Lexus_ES_300h_002

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

by

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 …

Keep reading

Best of Shanghai - 2015 Chevrolet FNR Concept 2

Best of Shanghai – 2015 Chevrolet FNR Concept Is First Self-Driver For Cool People

by

Finally!  A high-tech and super-advanced autonomous concept that is not just aimed at super-nerds! Even though Shanghai is only just getting into its swing of new car reveals, we can be sure that the Chevrolet FNR will be one of the most memorable and intriguing vehicles on display. The new Chevrolet FNR Concept just bowed in Shanghai to stunned crowds and camera-phone flashbulbs exploding in a cascade of light. A sinewy mix of glass capsule and integrated chassis materials is a fascinating look at the future of car design. The FNR features some intense dragonfly double doors which side upward …

Keep reading

McLaren_540C_rear_door_upsdfc

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

by

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 …

Keep reading

2015 Toroidion 1MW Concept 1

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

by

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 …

Keep reading

2006 Aston Martin Rapide Concept 14

Concept Debrief – 2006 Aston Martin Rapide – Murdered by Lehman Brothers?

by

Reviewing this 2006 Aston Martin Rapide concept, it is almost unreal how closely the eventual 2010 production car is to its original inspiration. As you may know, the Rapide has been a major drain on Aston’s resources since sales of the four-door are only a quarter of originally anticipated. In its debut, the Rapide created a huge volume of excitement in the enthusiast community. It seemed at the time like a perfect sports-sedan with all the coolness of an Aston and a back seat and trunk that were truly practical. This excitement led to hundreds of eager deposit-makers — people …

Keep reading

2015 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Z07 Package 17

HD Exhaust Note Video! 2015 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 and Z07 Convertible in the Wild

by

Parked between a Ferrari 360 Modena and a custom Camaro SS — both literally and figuratively — lives the 3.0-second 2015 Corvette Z06. Not just one but a pair of Corvette Z06s in the wild at Charleston Cars & Coffee this weekend. NICE! Both manuals, both Z07-package-equipped, and both pulling in many drooling car-guys up close. Snapped a video of the Convertible revving to the heavens. Sounds SOOO GOOD! HD Exhaust Note Video – 2015 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Both owners had just taken delivery within the last week, so definitely confirms that Z06 production is up to full volume. Wait …

Keep reading

Mercedes-Benz Concept GLC Coupé

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

by

  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 …

Keep reading

2015 Volkswagen C Concept GTE 20

2015 Volkswagen C Coupé GTE Previews Phaeton Replacement

by

VW + China = Love   You probably know that Chinese car buyers love VWs and they love limousines. Seems like a perfect opportunity to combine the two into a stylish market-leader, right? Perhaps. The VW Phaeton has indeed been a relatively big hit in China, which is the car’s leading/only market along with Germany. Phaeton ≠ S-Class But there are three big issues with the Phaeton achieving big sales in China (or anywhere else…): 1 — it is ancient inside with very, very poor technology compared with the new S-Class 2 — its engines are too large and draw massive VAT …

Keep reading

2016-Ford-Taurus-China-2

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

by

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 …

Keep reading

Vorsteiner Huracan Verona Edizione Ft

Vorsteiner Huracan Verona Edizione Ft. Gooseneck CF Rear Wing

by

The Huracan is still so new that any tweat is really pretty impactful. This Vorsteiner Huracan features just two major upgrades to look this good: VSE-003 Forged Monoblock wheels in 20″ up front and 21″ out back. The other big addition is a gooseneck carbon-fiber rear wing that really ups the drama of the Huracan’s very-mature style. This tall rear wing sits on CNC milled aluminum uprights and leans back far from the tail of the car for a longtail look. It is a hot look on the back of the Huracan. The other tweak? A racing stripe up the …

Keep reading

Vorsteiner GTRS4 BMW M4 Blue 11

Vorsteiner GTRS4 Anniversary Edition Wears Superhero Blue over Red Wheels

by

Vorsteiner has swapped Austin Yellow Metallic for Yas Marina Blue on their latest GTRS4 widebody special — this car celebrating 10 years of outrageous tuning for exotic cars. Among the few colors offered by the factory on the M4, Yas Marina Blue is probably the best of the lot. They are mostly pretty boring and/or ugly colors — aside from white and black, of course. BMW Individual offers a gorgeous Fire Orange, but it is a $6k option that requires a long lead time via factory pre-order. Vorsteiner is the opposite, though. They are wasting no time shipping their full …

Keep reading

TOPCAR Porsche Macan 18

Porsche Macan Widebody by TOPCAR Is Carbon-Kevlar SuperTruck!

by

Check out this Porsche Macan by TopCar of Russia! This full kit results in an absolutely stunning SUV stance, widebody look and supersport style. With these rounded and gigant wings, the Macan starts to resemble a 4×4 Veyron. To make this look takes more than 20 individual pieces, which means you can buy the upgrades piece by piece if needed. It also means easier installation — you can have the parts shipped to any customizer or auto tuning shop globally. A few high-dollar tuners like Mansory make it a bit trickier to buy single pieces, so TopCar has the right …

Keep reading

?????????????????????????????

2016 Mercedes-Benz METRIS Vans – Arrival in USA This September Priced From $29k

by

Article three of the mid-size Mercedes van deep-dive! We’ve looked at this model range with awe — Mercedes has three dozen cars on this general platform, a dozen engines and three drive configurations. Bonkers! The USA is getting a customized and simplified choice of commercial vans from this large pool. We are not getting the lux V-Class, as the Metris is considered a commercial vehicle and will be sold alongside the Sprinter. The USA models will all be rear-drive with a standard turbo four mated to a seven-speed automatic. The engine makes 208 ponies and 258 pound-feet of torque for …

Keep reading

???????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????

2015 Mercedes-Benz MARCO POLO Glampers Primed For Lux Travel Adventures

by

  Mercedes-Benz globally has three core businesses: trucks/buses, vans and cars. The US market has been almost exclusively focused on just one of these divisions, with the launch of the M-B Sprinter lineup 12 years ago one of the first times Americans have seen the three-pointed star on a truck of any kind. Everywhere else in the world, Mercedes logos bigger than your head are everywhere in cities, construction sites, farm tracts and anywhere in between. Part of the Mercedes-Benz USA focus on cars is now eroding — to the great benefit of shoppers able to buy some of the best …

Keep reading

Mercedes-Benz Concept V-ision e with PLUG-IN HYBRID

2015 Mercedes-Benz Concept PHEV Van – Hybrid Tech May Join USA-Bound Metris in 2019

by

It is Mercedes Van day here at Car-Revs-Daily! We’ve spent a few hours this morning learning about the MB van ranges — and came away fairly perplexed but very impressed overall. Confusing? Slightly. The Metris mid-size commercial and tourer (with seats) vans that are coming to America in September are part of a 40-strong lineup of vehicles from this platform. There is the Euro work-van Vito, the family hauler Viano, luxury V-Class and the campers called Marco Polo. Not just lots of names — we counted at least 10 engines available, and options for front-drive, rear-drive or AWD. That is …

Keep reading

NOVITEC-ROSSO-Ferrari-California-RACE-606-7

NOVITEC ROSSO Ferrari California RACE 606 Is Supercharged Menace!

by

If there is one Ferrari that is primed and ready for hardcore upgrades, it might be the firm’s softest model: the California. Introduced to mixed reviews but huge sales, the California is now approaching four years old and is being replaced by the new-engine California T. But one tuner solved for the massive power increase in the California already: Novitec Rosso. Instead of the turbo and small-displacement V8 in the new Cali T, the Novitec Rosso RACE 606 adds a supercharged to the original 4.3-liter Ferrari V8. Power is up massively as a result: from 460 to 606 horsepower at …

Keep reading

PEUGEOT_RCZ_GT-Line_2014_037_FR

2015 Peugeot GT Line Is Glossy Black/White Style Upgrade for 7 Models

by

Big Peugeot day today =] An all-new style and desirability push for the brand is now coming to fruition with better designs outside and in. To drive the point home, a new GT Line offers damn sexy and very on-trend trim choices for almost a dozen Peugeot models. The GT Line is a top-flight equipment and design upgrade and can be specced with a variety of engine and transmission choices for the RCZ, 208, 308 and the new 508 models.  Consisting of glacier white exterior paints with gloss-black detailing, the GT Line really looks fantastic. Dark wheels and dark headlight …

Keep reading

2010 Peugeot SR1 Concept 23

Concept Flashback – 2010 Peugeot SR1 Roadster Brought Beauty Back to Lion

by

French auto giant Peugeot has made some real stinkers over the years — especially years starting in two-thousand. The face of the brand from around 2005 to around 2012 was a horrifying ghoul of a scream mask. Looking like it wanted to eat anything that got within its gaping maw, there was real shock among auto buyers at how amazingly fugly Pugs had become. Paired with notoriously long front overhangs, the grille graphic was the last etch on the Peugeot design coffin. The SR1 Concept roadster from 2010 was a firm pivot away from that hideous look.  It was a …

Keep reading

2016 Cadillac ATS-V 18

2016 Cadillac ATS-V Twins Make Dynamic Debut at COTA in 33 New Photos

by

Updated 4.16.2015 with 33 New Photos from Austin, Texas The 2016 ATS-V Coupe and Sedan just made a wild, tail-out dynamic debut at the Circuit of the Americas racetrack! The performance of the new ATS-V twins are nothing short of astounding — 464 twin-turbocharged horsepower delivers sprint times to 60-mph of just 3.8-seconds. For a rear-drive machine, anything below 4.0-seconds proves that a car is a true beast. This is because lost time on the rollout must be made up later in the sprint. The ATS-V definetly has power to spare, and will even be offered with a manual transmission or …

Keep reading

2015 Peugeot 308R HYbrid Concept 1

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

by

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 …

Keep reading

Standaufnahme

2015 Audi Prologue AllRoad Makes High-Riding Shanghai Debut

by

Okay, this is just getting ridiculous now. After the Prologue in LA and La Vegas, plus Prologue Avant in Detroit, we thoroughly get the point of this concept car. The second frustrating thing about the Prologue concept series is that the Audi A4 needs to be replaced. Urgently. Where is it? This latest Prologue Allroad is as expected – a high-riding version of the Avant, but this time powered by a giant V8 hybrid as with the first Prologue Coupe. The Avant was a diesel-electric hybrid if we are not mistaken. So where the F is the new A4? After …

Keep reading

2015-Bentley-Mulsanne-Speed-BLUE-TRAIN-By-Mulliner-12

2015 Bentley Mulsanne Speed BLUE TRAIN By Mulliner

by

Bentley just rolled out a new Mulliner Limited Edition — the Mulsanne Speed ‘Blue Train.’ Honoring one of the most famous Bentleys of all time, a 1930 Speed Six that beat the high-speed Calais-Mediterranée Express train  to its destination — something most thought could not be done by any car. Featuring a one-off chop-top coupe style, the Blue Train is such a legend that a few reproductions have even been created — including the RM Amelia Island car below.  The 2015 Mulsanne Speed Blue Train is debuting today at the Techno Classica auto show in Germany. The car features a few …

Keep reading

Digital Renderings - StarTech Range Rover 6x6 Long-Box Pickup Truck - 2 Angles + 30 Colors 25

Digital Renderings – StarTech Range Rover 6×6 Long-Box Pickup in 2 Angles + 30 Colors

by

  A bit of silliness here. We wondered aloud about the StarTech Range Rover Pickup this morning having a longer box in back. A light joke about a 6×6 version, a la the KAHN Design Huntsman Defender, has now been rendered for your viewing pleasure. Pretty cool! =] StarTech Range Rover 6×6 Pickup Digital Renderings     PREVIOUSWe love German tuners. Just putting it out there. Wildly inventive with fantastic production values, style for days and exclusivity to beat all others? That would be the latest StarTech Range Rover from the Brabus JLR line. This all-new Range Rover pickup truck …

Keep reading

?????????????????

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

by

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, …

Keep reading

Range Rover Classic 1

Land Rover Heritage Division Launched + Own This 1987 RR Classic For $20k!?

by

We’ve been trying to find a way to write about this absolutely flawless 1987 Range Rover Vogue SE that is up for sale with no reserve from RM Auctions on May 2, 2015. Have you ever seen a more radiant and almost-brand-new classic Rangie!? Finished in Tuscan Blue, the 1987 model was the USA relaunch model for the brand. Four doors, a fantastic cabin and a driving position so unique and special, anyone would instantly fall in love. Just 150 horsepower from the big Buick-derived Rover V8, but enough to make the RR feel like a king as it romps …

Keep reading

StarTech Range Rover Pickup Truck 2

BRABUS StarTech Range Rover Pickup Truck to Debut in Shanghai

by

We love German tuners. Just putting it out there. Wildly inventive with fantastic production values, style for days and exclusivity to beat all others? That would be the latest StarTech Range Rover from the Brabus JLR line. This all-new Range Rover pickup truck maintains the luxury and performance of the Range Rover’s seating, but adds an outdoor cargo area perfect for muddy dogs or hunting falcons. Dropping the tailgate can be done by remote – lengthening the cargo hold and bringing even more versatility. WIll the hunting falcons perform better and be happier in an open-air environment!? Yes, yes they …

Keep reading

2016 Ford Focus RS

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

by

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 …

Keep reading

LeMans Homologation Specials - 1998 Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR SuperSport 30

LeMans Homologation Specials – 1998 Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR SuperSport

by

The CLK GTR has an altogether less impressive record than the McLaren F1 GTR and Porsche 911 GT1 it was designed to beat. The CLK GTR was the most eagerly-sought road model, however, with 300 buyers trying to own one of the 25 road cars to be produced by AMG and the re-established M-B factory racing team. Re-established? Mercedes took the ultimate in gentlemen’s intermissions from LeMans after the tragic accident of 1955 killed dozens of spectators. A car out of control and taking flight before a huge crash was too similar to the 1930s Silver Arrows accidents, wherein famous …

Keep reading

LeMans Homologation Specials - 1998 Porsche 911 GT1 Evo Strassenversion 2

LeMans Homologation Specials – 1998 Porsche 911 GT1 Evo Strassenversion

by

A brief overlap in racing rules took place between 1996 and 1998 — as the World GT race series was acquired by FIA and folded into LeMans and the World Endurance Challenge proper. Previous rules for the GT cars like the McLaren F1 GTR stated that the car had to technically be available for customers to buy and use on the road. This rare piece of legislation led to road versions of the ultimate racecars of the time, including this Porsche 911 GT1 and the Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR. The Porsche 911 GT1 was by far the most successful racer of the …

Keep reading

BRABUS-Rocket-900-32dfgs

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

by

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 …

Keep reading

1977-Lincoln-Continental-Town-Car-12ad

Collecti-Bangers Faceoff! 1977 Lincoln vs 1975 Jaguar XJ12C

by

PHOTO POLL BELOW! The vast majority of all cars are not collectable. They will not appreciate past a certain nostalgia point, no matter how rare or how cool they are. Usually, these cars just finish out their days in quite, affluent dignity before being junked or liquidated at low-ball auctions. But every once and a while, these cars are included in a big-money sale like RM Sotheby’s. Usually in the catalogs because they are part of a large estate of more desirable vehicles, they shimmy their way across the auction block with little hope of a big score from buyers. These …

Keep reading

2015-Vauxhall-Corsa-VXR-79

6.5s, 143MPH 2015 Vauxhall Corsa VXR Arriving In May Priced From 18k

by

The new Corsa VXR is priced and on its way to showrooms in just two weeks time. The base Corsa VXR comes in at £18k with standard Recaro seats, a 202-horsepower turbo engine and performance topline stats of 6.5-seconds to 60 and a 143-mph top speed. Overall, the biggest changes to the Corsa VXR versus the previous model are up front and from the driver’s seat. The nose is now all-new versus both the previous Corsa VXR and the base Corsa range, with a deep lower bumper, forward-facing grille in a low snout area, and a new integrated air intake duct …

Keep reading

2015 Volkswagen GTI SuperSport 43

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

by

  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 …

Keep reading

MINI Augmented Vision Concept Preview Future SuperTech Driving Possibilities

MINI Augmented Vision Concept Previews FutureTech Driving Possibilities

by

  Augmented Reality has now become Augmented Vision — both derivatives of the hot VR technology that is sweeping certain corners of the venture-capital-backed startup industry. AR takes real-world visuals and is able to annotate, animate or ‘bring to life’ static displays. The easiest way to understand it is: see a shark billboard, view billboard through AR apps or glasses, and shark starts snapping and moving in 3D. Normal world in background, just added excitement via AR.  Firms like Facebook, Google and Microsoft have put huge investments in place under the belief that AR and VR will become primary user …

Keep reading

Road Test Review - 2015 Lincoln MKC Black Label 2

Road Test Review – 2015 Lincoln MKC Black Label 2.3L AWD

by

    2015 Lincoln MKC Review – HD Drive Video   INTRO The 2015 Lincoln MKC is the brand’s biggest launch in more than five years: an all-new crossover to compete head to head with the Audi Q5, BMW x3 and Lexus NX. A huge overhaul versus any shared components underneath that might be shared with Ford, the MKC delivers an all-new design inside and out, technology that is available with no Blue Oval vehicle, and a potent 2.3-liter turbo engine that also finds its first home in this stylish crossover. Lincoln has thrown out all the old brand stigmas …

Keep reading

1986 Toyota Celica IMSA GTO 1

Racing Hero – 1986 Toyota Celica IMSA GTO Is a Rear-Drive Boost-Monster

by

There is something about this purpose-built Celica racecar that feels like the best of all worlds: rear-drive with a rear-mounted transaxle, a 2.0-liter Toyota “T” turbo engine detuned from 600HP to 450HP, and a grip setup to shame any other race series. This beautiful carbon-skinned racecar is hiding tires wider than a NASCAR racer, yet is as low as any modern hypercar. We just love its relative simplicity versus the tech-overloaded racecars of today. One purpose: be faster than anything else ever made… but only with the right driver aboard. This car earned $242,000 when sold in 2014. 1986 Toyota …

Keep reading

1964 BMW 3200CS 14

Hall of Fame – 1964 BMW 3200CS Set BMW Sports Coupe Template

by

For most Americans, the BMW takeover of US sports/luxury cars began with the 2002. Before this early-1970s hit, BMW was best known in the US for the Isetta (in extremely low numbers) and for motorcycles. Humming around town in this 1964 BMW 3200CS would make any and all BMW fan stop and stare. Far creamier and softer lines than the 3.0L Coupe from the mid-1970s, but still sharing their fundamental style and glasshouse? That would be this extremely rare and extremely special 3200CS. Designed by Bertone, the 3200CS influence is instantly visible on every BMW since. The best part!? The …

Keep reading

2015 Volkswagen #VisionGTI Concept 4

VW Teasing Second #VisionGTI Concept for Gran Turismo

by

Volkswagen’s Vision GTI roadster from a year ago was a fantastic entry into the GT6 racing world — but obviously the speedster is less than a practical look at what a GTI could be. VW is releasing a second VGT concept, however, with much more real-world sharing with the GTI — at least in theory. We only have a handful of images of the vehicle so far, but they are enough to be very exciting! The engine note alone is a fantastic tease of what a racing tune would sound like on the VW’s 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder. Visually, the upcoming …

Keep reading

1959 Riva Florida Nounours 16

RM Villa Erba 2015 – 1959 Riva Florida ‘Nounours’ Is Hollywood-Glamour Woody

by

Riva’s woody speedboats are some of the most famous in the world, with the global jet set taking to their smooth lines and stunning style instantly. This 1959 Florida was owned by Bridget Bardot and docked at her St. Tropez villa throughout the 1960s. Its name ‘Nounours’ translates from French as Teddy Bear — but we read as ‘nooner!’ The flip back seat of the boat converted into a reclined sunbed, perfect for those romantic trysts around lunchtime. The estimate is not yet available, be we expect it to be fairly reasonable. A top value of around $200,000 is a …

Keep reading

RM Villa Erba 2015 - 1960 Ferrari 250GT Berlinetta Competizione SWB Alloy by Scaglietti 1

RM Villa Erba 2015 – 1960 Ferrari 250GT Berlinetta Competizione SWB Alloy by Scaglietti

by

Sometimes, an auction description just rings through your head like a cash register at the grocery store — each additional word creating a “cha-ching” sound that you know will add a million dollars to the sale price. This 1960 Ferrari (cha-ching) 250GT (again…) Berlinetta (brrring) Competizione (super cha-ching) might top $20 million when sold this summer at Lake Como for the RM Sotheby’s Villa Erba sale. One of 45 aluminum-skinned 250GT’s made in 1960, this car rolled out the SWB ‘passo corto’ chassis for extra maneuverability on tight tracks or winding roads. It also chopped around 100 pounds from the …

Keep reading

1969 Lamborghini 400GT Islero S by Marazzi 1

RM Monterey 2015 – 1969 Lamborghini 400GT Islero S by Marazzi

by

If there is one car that truly defies what we call the “Lambo GT curse,” it would be this stunning 400GT Islero S. Somehow escaping the frumpy style decisions of the earlier 350GT and too-large 1970s GT cars, the 400GT is a fantastic coupe style statement with V12 power up front and a leather-wrapped 2+2 cabin with real trunk out back. You can tell that the 400GT Islero S is a real timeless classic because its style almost directly previews the designs of 1980s sports coupes from around the world. The Ferrari 400i and 412i from the early 1980s would …

Keep reading

VOSSEN VFS1 Wheels on 2015 BMW X5 sDrive35i M Sport 31

VOSSEN VFS1 Wheels on 2015 BMW X5 sDrive35i M Sport

by

  Proof that the right set of +2 wheels can dramatically alter the stance and style of any car on the road!? This 2015 BMW X5 on Vossen 20-inch VFS1 alloys. Jumping up in size from the factory 18-inchers, the rear-drive X5 here is low, lean and ultra-cool even 99-percent stock. The only other tweak besides the wheels is a dark tint for the glass all around. The results speak for themselves on this X5 M Sport. This is the Matte Graphite finish of the forged VFS1 wheel. Check out the VOSSEN Flickr page for more supercars on hot wheels! …

Keep reading

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

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

by

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 …

Keep reading

Kia SPORTSPACE Concept-64243

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

by

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 …

Keep reading

????????

Porsche Macan Diesel with KAEGE.de Active Exhaust Sounds Like V8 Racecar!

by

Upping turbodiesel power via ECU programming is a fine art in Europe these days – with a plug and play upgrade one of the first things many buyers order right after their car arrives. But these massive power upgrades do not address another major issue with diesel engines versus gasoline: the exhaust note. Luckily, some talented tuners are fixing this with incredible skill. Kaege.de’s results in the before/after video below are nothing short of remarkable. Adjustable sound output levels are controlled via the cruise-control wheel stalk — with everything from a light growl to a full racing blatt available! Porsche …

Keep reading

2015-ULTIMA-Evolution-Coupe-38

2.3s, 1020HP 2015 ULTIMA Evolution Is Quickest Car In World?!

by

As McLaren GTR models, Porsche GT3 and Ferrari XX cars show — there is a huge business for track-focused and track-only supercars. Stripped of production frippery and shod with racing shocks and rubber, these cars are undoubtedly more intense and more focused on track. But what if you went the other way entirely? Instead of beefing up a production supercar for racing, how about adding some comforts to a pure race-car? The result is the very new 2015 Ultima Evolution Coupe and Spider. Three power outputs of Chevrolet Racing V8’s are available, with the top dog delivering a massive 1020 …

Keep reading

Shell_gas_station_of_divisoria_zamboanga_citysfd

Shell Oil and Gordon Murray Partnering on Project M for Reborn T.25 City Car

by

A car funded and developed by an oil company feels more than a little dishonest right from the start. After all, there is no bigger conflict of interest: oil companies would naturally want all cars to use as much fuel as possible. It is in their core interests to increase gasoline consumption on a grand scale. Even so, deep-pocketed oil companies are also interested in two things: branding and green-washing. By branding the Shell lubricants business as an innovator and supporter of advanced technology, Shell and Gordon Murray’s Project M can be a grand public-relations coup among some. Oil companies …

Keep reading

RM Andrews 2015 - Real TRON Light Cycle

RM Andrews 2015 – Real 2011 TRON Light Cycle EV Bike – Just 25k!?

by

Fan of the 2011 movie or not, this TRON light cycle custom is a sweet bike. A fully operation electric motorcycle, this one-off recreation is the LED-lit dream bike for its incredible riding position, huge power from a 96-volt direct drive, and massive grip and stability thanks to the super-wide tires. The estimate is remarkably affordable: no reserve and a sale between $25k and $40k when it crosses the block in May at the Andrews Collection RM Auction. Here are a few photos of TRON Legacy movie bike for comparison. Near-exact, but with a real rider — maybe you…!   Real …

Keep reading

AC15_r113_001_white copy

RM Andrews 2015 Preview – 1962 Chevrolet Corvette RPO Big Tank Gulf Oil Race Car

by

Talk about important Corvettes, and this beauty is on the top of many lists. A late first-generation model, this is one of the special RPO order code cars, of which only 240 or so were made in 1962. The upgrades are thorough for a race-prepped car right from the factory:including the 37-gallon ‘Big Tank’ for endurance racing. This actual car raced in numerous International events before going into the time capsule until recently. How much? Brace yourself: the estimate says the sale price could hit $2.8-million.   1962 Chevrolet Corvette RPO Big Tank Gulf Oil Race Car The Andrews Collection 2 …

Keep reading

Press-Conference-FF7-Beijing_02df

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

by

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 …

Keep reading