Sports Cars

1970 Buick GSX

Mecum Kissimmee 2015 Preview – 1970 Buick GSX

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Switching it up briefly — this fly-yellow Buick GSX stunner also lived in the Wellborn stables… A note here about “badge engineering.” Sure, badge engineering got a bad reputation and still has one in the auto business. But it was not always about shameless profit-seeking. It was about dealerships demanding a cool their-brand version of whatever popular car came out of these companies. This stemmed ultimately from buyer’s outcry for the same thing. In a time of fierce brand loyalties among whole families, they were much less likely to jump ship to a Dodge if they had traditionally owned Buicks. …

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1970 Plymouth AAR Cuda

Mecum Kissimmee 2015 Preview – 1970 Plymouth AAR Cuda

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  The time has come. Charger-palooza today with eight back-to-back posts of some of the amazing Mopar machines liberated from the Wellborn Musclecar Museum Collection. Liberated? Just kidding. These cars lived a happy and pristine life in the Wellborn Museum. As true collector pieces, though, they may not have been doing as many stoplight dragraces as the badges intended. Sunny conditions and cost-no-object acquisition and restorations by the Wellborn Collection means that these Chargers are arguably the world’s finest. Wellborn Musclecar Museum Collection   If you fall in love with one of these, know you might never find a better …

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1970-Dodge-Challenger-TA22

Mecum Kissimmee 2015 Preview – 1970 Dodge Challenger TA

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The time has come. Charger-palooza today with eight back-to-back posts of some of the amazing Mopar machines liberated from the Wellborn Musclecar Museum Collection. Liberated? Just kidding. These cars lived a happy and pristine life in the Wellborn Museum. As true collector pieces, though, they may not have been doing as many stoplight dragraces as the badges intended. Sunny conditions and cost-no-object acquisition and restorations by the Wellborn Collection means that these Chargers are arguably the world’s finest. Wellborn Musclecar Museum Collection If you fall in love with one of these, know you might never find a better one offered …

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1969 Dodge Hemi Charger 500

Mecum Kissimmee 2015 Preview – 1969 Dodge Hemi Charger 500

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The time has come. Charger-palooza today with eight back-to-back posts of some of the amazing Mopar machines liberated from the Wellborn Musclecar Museum Collection. Liberated? Just kidding. These cars lived a happy and pristine life in the Wellborn Museum. As true collector pieces, though, they may not have been doing as many stoplight dragraces as the badges intended. Sunny conditions and cost-no-object acquisition and restorations by the Wellborn Collection means that these Chargers are arguably the world’s finest. Wellborn Musclecar Museum Collection If you fall in love with one of these, know you might never find a better one offered …

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1967 Dodge Hemi Charger Show Car

Mecum Kissimmee 2015 Preview – 1967 Dodge Hemi Charger Show Car

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The time has come. Charger-palooza today with eight back-to-back posts of some of the amazing Mopar machines liberated from the Wellborn Musclecar Museum Collection. Just kidding. These cars lived a happy and pristine life in the Wellborn Museum. As true collector pieces, though, they may not have been doing as many stoplight dragraces as the badges intended. Sunny conditions and cost-no-object acquisition and restorations by the Wellborn Collection means that these Chargers are arguably the world’s finest. Wellborn Musclecar Museum Collection If you fall in love with one of these, know you might never find a better one offered for …

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mclaren m6gt fantasy colorizer

#BlackSwanMoments – 1969 McLaren M6GT – Fantasy Colorizer

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 McLaren is running a series of teasers dubbed #BlackSwanMoments ahead of the arrival of the newest, and cheapest, sportscar some time in 2015. We are on number 5 of 13 moments so far. They all touch on the magic of how McLaren came to be, what the company is proudest to have achieved, and how these impactful, breakthrough moments have inspired the new 2016 Sport Series of cars. It is a dark and relatively moody look back at history, racing, innovation and Bruce McLaren himself. It’s deep. Number 5 #BlackSwanMoment is our cherished 1969 McLaren M6GT, a car intended to …

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fxx evo

RM Arizona 2015 Preview – 2005 Ferrari FXX Evoluzione

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This FXX Evo needs no intro. Fantastic. The one downside of buying this car will be the temptation to drive it on the roads in the USA, where it is not street-legal until 2030. A possible single-type exception might be possible depending on the state where you reside — but this one is likely to head overseas, where rules tend to be more flexible. 2005 Ferrari FXX Evoluzione    2005 Ferrari FXX Evo RM Auctions Arizona 15 – 16 January 2015 Lot 253 2005 Ferrari FXX Evoluzione $1,600,000 – $1,900,000   860 bhp, 6,262 cc rear-mounted longitudinal 65-degree V-12 engine …

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gsf teaser

2016 Lexus GS-F Teased Ahead of Detroit + Exclusive Digital Renderings

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Lexus has not specified exactly what new F model is coming to Detroit – preferring to leave a bit of mystery in the two teasers just revealed. We have a hunch it is the long-rumored GS-F in production form, arriving to Lexus showrooms in Summer 2015 as a 2016 model. But it could be a new IS-F, or perhaps even the expected LS revamp. We believe it is the GS-F from a close look at the front fenders, the hood length, and the fact that the GS would greatly benefit from the latest nose shown in the IS and RC. …

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infiniti vgt

2014 INFINITI Concept Vision Gran Turismo – 55 High-Res Images – Now Raceable in GT6!

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The Infiniti Vision Gran Turismo is here and absolutely stellar! What an exciting design, with dozens of all-new details for future production Infiniti’s to emulate. A 4.5-liter, naturally aspirated V8 mounted mid-ship with one electric motor to extra shove — all shooting the Infiniti VGT out of corners sideways and on full blast. The Infiniti Vision GT shows a strong resemblance to the Infinti Essence concept from a few years ago, but evolves the nose dramatically to evoke the more-recent Q80 Inspiration. All of these design ideas are hopefully to be fed into the production 2016 Q60 Coupe, which is …

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2016 Acura NSX

2016 Acura NSX Production Model Coming to Detroit! First 4 Images

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In less than one month, we will see and hear the all-new production Acura NSX at the Detroit show!  Check out the four teaser images below for a look at this exciting new supercar. We have run the teaser images through Photoshop to see all the hidden details — and it is mighty enticing. Watch this space for all the latest NSX news. 2016 Acura NSX Acura NSX production model to make world debut at 2015 North American International Auto Show The production version of the highly anticipated Acura NSX supercar, successor to the legendary original NSX, will make its …

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1984 Audi Sport Quattro

RM Arizona 2015 Preview – 1984 Audi Sport Quattro

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  Why so many auction articles, I hear you asking. Auctions are one of the only appearances of extremely rare and coveted classics, and the photos and bios prepared as owners ready their beauties for sale are some of the best out there. Because whoever buys the car will absolutely adore it and think of it constantly, the pricest ones expecting above $100,000 are truly gussied up for the occassion. It is the equivalent of the Oscars for vintage automobiles — and this is the red carpet. Few rally cars have as much lasting impact as the Audi Sport Quattro …

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rockford firebird

Mecum Kissimmee 2015 Preview – Pontiac Firebird from The Rockford Files

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Jim Rockford’s hero car from The Rockford Files!? Yessir. These three Firebirds are about as nice as it gets – truly stunning. James Garner was the ultimate 1970s detective, in a broadcast schedule lousy with imitators that could never compare with his steely delivery and shrewd crime-solving skills. This Firebird Formula was painted gold to match the first Firebird Espirit from the series’ early seasons, and was Rockford’s main ride for the 1978-1980 seasons of the show. Garner disliked the 1979 restyle of the Firebird, so this kid stayed in the picture.   Pontiac Firebird from The Rockford Files Lot …

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1978 788 ta

Mecum Kissimmee 2015 Preview – Pontiac Firebird Trans Am Y88 SE Gold Edition

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Do you like classic musclecars? Then you are in luck this week – we are featuring a dozen of the finest available from the Mecum Florida auctions in January 2015. This Y88 Gold Special Edition was a one-year release and includes all the great three-letter model codes of the era: W72 6.6-liter V8, Y88 trim and WS6 Performance Pack. The gold leaf paint and glass T-Tops are a special accent, while the 16,000 original miles make this one barely broken in – 35 years later. Pontiac Firebird Trans Am Y88 SE Gold Edition     Lot R204// Kissimmee 2015 //Jan …

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trans am

Mecum Kissimmee 2015 Preview – 1978 Pontiac Trans Am – Owned by Burt Reynolds

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Do you like classic musclecars? Then you are in luck this week – we are featuring a dozen of the finest available from the Mecum Florida auctions in January 2015. Do you also like Mustaches and wild burnouts? If so, you are doubly fortunate with this Trans Am.  This Firebird is none other than Burt Reynold’s personal Pontiac Trans Am. Not a movie car — his actual daily driver for a few years. The Starlight Black* paint glows just as deeply today as it ever did, and the design of this Firebird is aging very gracefully. The C/B radio is …

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bmw 2 series m performance parts

Gift Ideas – BMW 2 Series M Performance Parts

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We’re big fans of the BMW 228i, 235i and M235i — and are thrilled that these sporty coupes are available with xDrive AWD for 2015. These official M Performance upgrades below are a great way to up the factory car’s power, sounds and style. They are pricey, but maintain all BMW warranties and are sure to last the lifetime of the vehicle. This is incontrast to many aftermarket parts. Below are a few of the 100-plus upgrades in the M Performance catalog for the 2 Series, plus high-res photos from BMW showing an M235i decked out with all these cool …

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daytona

Mecum Kissimmee 2015 Preview – 1969 Dodge Charger Hemi DAYTONA Has Just 6k Original Miles

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Do you like classic musclecars? Then you are in luck this week – we are featuring a dozen of the finest available from the Mecum Florida auctions in January 2015. https://www.mecum.com/text-list.cfm?auctionid=FL0115 1969 Dodge Charger Hemi DAYTONA Lot R218// Kissimmee 2015 //Jan 16-25 1969 Dodge Hemi Daytona 426/425 HP, 4-Speed, 6,400 Miles Engine 426/425 HP Trans 4-Speed Color Copper Interior Tan The word “restraint” is seldom associated with the muscle car era of the late ‘60s and early ‘70s, but it certainly applies to the owners of this astounding 1969 Dodge Hemi 4-speed Daytona, which has been driven an amazing 6,435 …

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chevelle ss

Mecum Kissimmee 2015 Preview – 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle LS6 Super Sport

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Do you like classic musclecars? Then you are in luck this week – we are featuring a dozen of the finest available from the Mecum Florida auctions in January 2015. Kicking things off is this triple black Chevelle SS. We think of the Chevelle as the Camaro’s stronger and meaner older brother — so clearly not one to mess with at the lights. The 454 badges show and tell the power of this machine loud and clear, as does its bellowing V8 roar on hard throttle. 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle LS6 Super Sport 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle LS6 Engine 454/450 HP Trans …

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proxima

Concept Flashback – 1986 Peugeot PROXIMA Is X-Rated Hypercar All-Star

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Concept cars can feel a little like X-rated movies. They are mostly a single-shot affair. One year on the circuit, and they are gone. With so much variety out there, why bother diving deep into an old one? But every once in a while… there comes a concept car so legendary, you could watch it every day and be a happy camper. The 1986 Peugeot Proxima is that concept car. Part LeMans racer, part Sci-Fi fantasy, part Batmobile Tumbler — the Promixa is a stunning piece of design and engineering even 30 years later. It was powered by a twin-turbocharged …

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1970 boss 429

Mecum Kissimmee 2015 Preview – 1970 Ford Mustang Boss 429 Fastback

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1970 Ford Mustang Boss 429 Fastback Lot R223// Kissimmee 2015 //Jan 16-25 1970 Ford Mustang Boss 429 Fastback Unrestored with 4,770 Miles, Well Documented Photos by David Newhardt Courtesy of Mecum Auctions Engine 429/375 HP Trans 4-Speed Color Blue Interior White This 1970 Ford Mustang Boss 429, Kar Kraft number 2097, is another incredible treasure from the Wellborn Musclecar Museum in Alexander City, Alabama. According to renowned Boss 429 specialist Ed Meyer, this well-documented 4,770-mile example is one of the top most original 1970 Boss 429 Mustangs in existence, and one of the most unique. The 1970 Boss 429’s defining elements …

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300sl

Mecum Kissimmee 2015 Preview – 1963 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Roadster in 100 Gorgeous Photos

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You can really tell when a classic car up for auction soon is a real pride and joy of its owner. In the case of this 1963 Mercedes 300SL, the love really jumps from the photos intact. It is especially amazing to see such loving photos of a silver/red 300SL because the color set is popular enough to be cliche. So for it to be so amazingly represented here is a big deal. We wish this SL Roadster the best at Mecum Auction’s Kissimmee, Florida event in mid-January 2015 — and might even head down there to attend it in …

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rc350 colors

Updated with Interiors – 2015 Lexus RC350 Colors Visualizer + F Sport vs Standard

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  The 2015 Lexus RC350 is arriving in showrooms now – with AWD available on both the standard and the F Sport cars, plus four wheel styles and a half-dozen colors. We’ve included the pricing of the various trim levels below, plus a full colors guide and visualizer. The key thing to know is that the F Sport trim brings different wheels in a single style plus three additional colors that are not available on the base trim: Ultra White, Molten Orange and Ultrasonic Blue Mica. While there are LED foglamps on the options list of RC350 and RC350 F …

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m4 m perf

2015 BMW M3 and M4 Original M Performance Parts Are Sweet! Racing Stripes Available…

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With every tuner and their mom jumping on the new M3 and M4 with upgrades, a buyer might be very tempted to go aftermarket right away. But what about factory-approved BMW M Performance goodies first? These maintain an OEM feel to the car, as well as ensuring the pieces are perfect fits that will last the life of the car in perfect condition. Our favorite pieces are the black grilles and the M racing stripes! 2015 BMW M3 and M4 M Performance Parts http://www.shopbmwusa.com/PERFORMANCE/BMW-M-PERFORMANCE/

2014 McLaren 650S GT3

2014 McLaren 650S GT3 Scores Podium Finish in Gulf 12-Hour Season Closer

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  The McLaren 650S GT3 wrapped up its first season with a competitive 3rd place at the Gulf 12-hour race this weekend at Yas Marina.   2014 McLaren 650S GT3     Exciting race-car news from McLaren GT today! It looks like the P1 GTR will not be the only Macca out on the world’s sportscar racetracks next year!   The 650S GT3 upgrade has just been revealed by McLaren GT today at the Goodwood Festival of Speed. Official Details below from McLaren GT.       McLAREN GT SIGNS OFF THE 650S GT3 DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME WITH A PODIUM FINISH AT …

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c111

1969 Mercedes-Benz C111 and 1970 C111-II: Wankel vs V8 Proved Piston-Engine Dominance

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Updated 12.15.14 Including the first two C111 prototype designs here: the C111 proper from 1969 with a Wankel engine, and a C111-II running a 3.5-liter V8. The way to tell them apart is that the V8-powered C111-II has open spaces in the rear flying pillars, while the C111-I has louvered and solid-looking pillars.   1969 Mercedes-Benz C111 and 1970 C111-II     PREVIOUS The Mercedes-Benz C111 was a sports-car vision revealed in the late 1960s with a slant-nosed, mid-engine design far removed from any Mercedes passenger vehicle. It was part of the continuing quest to broaden the Mercedes brand into …

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2013 Toyota Yaris Hybrid R

Concept Flashback – 2013 Toyota Yaris Hybrid R Previews 420HP Supercapacitor AWD

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This 2013 concept Yaris is not a direct precursor to a production model – which makes sense when you consider that the Yaris in the US is a non-hybrid. That segment is owned by the Prius C. But the cars clearly share much of their chassis and overall technology, so lets just focus on the mechanical upgrades shown by the Hybrid R technology. Engineered by TMG in Germany, the Yaris Hybrid R runs a racing 1.6-liter turbo four in front, plus three 60-horsepower electric motors providing AWD via the back axle. One of the electric motors is in front, while …

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i8 spyder gif

Spec Renderings – 2016 BMW i8 Spyder

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Updated 12.15.14 Here are some crude renderings of a potential 2016 i8 Spyder. These might seem silly, but it is helpful to blend the roofless style of the 2012 concept with the production nose and door detailing of the 2014 i8 Coupe. The 2012 BMW i8 Concept Spyder was a stunning showcase of the latest BMW flagship. Now that the production i8 Coupe is a huge hit around the world — and won TopGear’s Car of the Year to prove it — we’re taking another look at the drop-top version. In theory, the carbon-fiber chassis and central portion of the …

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2015 Aston Martin Works 60th Anniversary Vanquish

2015 Aston Martin Works 60th Anniversary Vanquish Is White/Gold Eyeblaster

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Like many Mazda Miata’s before it, the long-running Aston Martin special edition parade continues today unabated. This anniversary of Q cars via the Aston Martin Works team is definitely an eyeblaster — but perhaps not for the right reasons. Luckily, this template and color choice just shows the huge variety of choices available with a Works Aston.       2015 Aston Martin Works 60th Anniversary Vanquish   ASTON MARTIN WORKS 60TH ANNIVERSARY LIMITED EDITION VANQUISH 12/12/14 Six bespoke models celebrate Aston Martin Works’ 60th anniversary Cars incorporate aluminium from Aston  Martin pistons of relevant eras Unique colour and trim …

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i8 spyder concept 1

Concept Flashback – 2012 BMW i8 Spyder – Coming For Summer 2015?

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  The 2012 BMW i8 Concept Spyder was a stunning showcase of the latest BMW flagship. Now that the production i8 Coupe is a huge hit around the world — and won TopGear’s Car of the Year to prove it — we’re taking another look at the drop-top version. In theory, the carbon-fiber chassis and central portion of the i8 lends itself to the cabrio conversion very nicely. Due to how close the i8 concepts were to the production model, we believe a Spyder is not only feasible — but firmly on the radar. A few rough renderings show what …

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m6 2015 gif

2015 BMW M6 Coupe, Cabrio and GranCoupe Refreshed with 560HP

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The new M6 triplets are fresh this year with revised LED headlamps, black chrome detailing, and a new trunk design. The rear end is perhaps easier to spot than the nose — where the LED indicators are the biggest clue. These are now mounted above the headlamps versus below on the previous car. In back, the trunk has an extra bustle form in its lower leading edge. This is the line closest to the badge on the vertical trunk face, as opposed to the one right below the new spoiler. New LED optics inside the lamps are also fresh for …

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INFINITI Vision Gran Turismo Concept 3

First Teasers of INFINITI Vision Gran Turismo Concept

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First look at the upcoming Infiniti entry to GT6’s Vision Gran Turismo concept collection – and it is quite a stunning piece! The two teaser images so far show a strong resemblance to the Infinti Essence concept from a few years ago, but a likely to evolve the nose dramatically to evoke the more-recent Q80 Inspiration. All of these design ideas are hopefully to be fed into the production 2016 Q60 Coupe, which is strongly rumored for a reveal this winter in Detroit or Chicago. INFINITI Vision Gran Turismo Concept   INFINITI Q80 Inspiration INFINITI Essence   INFINITI CONCEPT Vision …

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rc hybrid4

Concept Flashback – 2008 Peugeot RC HYbrid4 Finally Turned Design Tide

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After highlighting two of Peugeot’s less-impressive achievements from 2006 in the 907 and 908 RC, we are eager to show how the brand turned its style page — to a far better step in the right direction. The 2008 RC HYbrid4 takes some of the initial sketches from the 908 RC to fruition, but is not burdened by a giant mid-engine package in its proportions. In addition to showing a promising and crisp new style, the HYbrid4 was a showcase for Peugeot’s then-new hybrid AWD powertrain. Running a unique electric motor and battery on the back axle but a normal …

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907

Hall of Shame – 2006 Peugeot 907 V12 Was Mortifying Reskin of Jaguar XKR

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  Okay! Not lingering on this eyesore for long. But after cropping and prepping these photos, we are 100-percent sure that the 907 is a total, shameless fake. Intended to be a GT supercar competitor in the vane of the McLaren Mercedes SLR, the 907 is nothing more that a over-body of anothr manufacturer’s rear-drive chassis. Of course, a major OEM using another chassis as the basis of a concept is bad enough. But just adding plastic skin atop existing sheetmetal is a real low point in all of automobile-dom. The clues are everywhere: the giant overhang in front that …

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250 gte

RM Airzona 2015 Preview – 1955 Ferrari 250GTE Low-Roof Alloy Coupe

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Anything with low-roof and alloy in the name is almost automatically on our shortlist of amazing classics. But with a name starting with Ferari 250GT — you know you’re on to something special. The cabin of this particular car is outstanding, as is the unbelievably customized two-tone exterior. Very memorable and cool. 1955 Ferrari 250GTE Low-Roof Alloy Coupe   1955 Ferrari 250GT Europa Boano ‘Low Roof’ Alloy Coupe Chassis no. 0447 GT Engine no. 0447 Body no. 19445 220 bhp, 2,953 cc SOHC V-12 engine with triple Weber 36 DCZ3 twin-choke carburetors, four-speed manual synchromesh gearbox, independent coil-spring front suspension, …

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ss1

Mecum Austin 2014 Preview Brief – 1998 Shelby Series 1

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We are hesitant to post this Shelby Series One due to lack of high-resolution photos, but the car is so rare and special it really deserves a quick post. Headed for the block at this Friday and Saturday’s first-ever Mecum Auction in Austin, Texas, the Shelby Series One is a rare chance to buy into a selective club of Shelby owners. As rare as many GT350 and GT500 Mustang models seem, they are a dime a dozen compared with the 1998-2003 Series One. Quoted at 320-horsepower from its 4.0-liter V8, the Series One rockets to 60-mph in a claimed 3.2-seconds. …

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mini jcw gif

228HP, 5.9s 2016 MINI John Cooper Works Hardtop World Debut

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  The new MINI JCW is here! Revealed online ahead of its global showing in Detroit next month, the next-gen JCW is a pretty stout upgrade over an already-intense predecessor. Power is up 10-percent to 228-horsepower, while torque is up 14-percent to 236-pound-feet from an all-new turbo four. The big news with this engine is its giant jump in displacement: up 25-percent over the previous engine. That means the power is easier to achieve without huge throttle needed. Good on the track, but even better for real-world road power and responsiveness. The six-speed manual sprints to 60-mph now in 6.1-seconds, …

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650i 2015

2015 BMW 6 Series Revised With New Grille, LED Headlights and Dual-Mode Exhaust

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The 2015 BMW 6 Series Coupe, GranCoupe and Convertible are freshened for the 2015 model year, with a new look for the nose, upgraded trims and cabin tech, and a few tweaks to the performance setup. Arriving from around February to showrooms, the new 640i, 650i and M6 have a few meaningful design tweaks that go a long way. The most noticeable element is admittedly pretty subtle, but is a new, larger and sharper twin kidney grille. This new look fixes some of the awkwardness of the previous car’s grille and hood intersection, where there was some uncomfortable overlap between …

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eleanor gif

1967 SHELBY GT500 Eleanor Mustang Headlining MECUM Austin Auction This Weekend

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Your chance to own not just an incredibly upgraded Mustang GT500 with custom widebody, aero pieces and mechanical improvements throughout — but a famous movie hero as well? This Mustang GT500 is one of three driven by the stars in the 2000 movie Gone in 60 Seconds. Yes, that means Angelina Jolie will have driven your car! The Mecum Austin auction is the first-ever event for the powerhourse auction specialist. More than 600 cars are set to be sold this weekend, December 12th and 13th, starting on Friday — just two days from today! 1967 SHELBY GT500 Eleanor Mustang   …

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3500gt

RM Arizona 2015 Preview – 1961 Maserati 3500GT Vignale Spyder

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Here is a truly beautiful Maserati 3500GT Vignale Spyder. Flawless condition, navy over creme leather and even a factory hardtop!? Hard to beat this for the ultimate sunny Sunday cruiser. The RM Arizona auction is January 15th and 16th, with more details here. http://www.rmauctions.com/lots/lot.cfm?lot_id=1071691 1961 Maserati 3500GT Vignale Spyder      

hispano suiza xiov

Mystery Concept Identified – 2010 Hispano Suiza Gran Turismo XIOV is 850HP, V10TT Dream?

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We have a thing called #namethatconcept on the facebook page of this website, where we post a few photos of a long-forgotten concept car and survey the group for info and answers. Some are much, much easier than others to decipher. It is a way to remind us that the old-school car mags showing one image of a concept years ago might not have been enough to appreciate and remember its intricate details. Before posting the photos of these concepts, we usually know the answer to what they are. But sometimes… we do not. The photos are often downloaded by …

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1977 Mercedes-Benz C111-III Diesel 14

201MPH 1977 Mercedes-Benz C111-III Diesel World Speed Record Car

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The Mercedes-Benz C111 was a sports-car vision revealed in the late 1960s with a slant-nosed, mid-engine design far removed from any Mercedes passenger vehicle. It was part of the continuing quest to broaden the Mercedes brand into new segments, in this case the supercar market. We will cover the orange-colored C111 and C111-2 models in a later article. This post is dedicated to the much-later iteration on the theme from 1977 and 1978. The original C111’s Wankel engine was shelved indefinitely by the early 1970s, and production of the car was a non-starter due to dramatic Wankel failures in Audi …

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hoggar

Concept Flashback – 2003 Peugeot Hoggar Was Twin-Engine 4×4 a la 2015 DKR Racer

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Here is a fun look at a dune buggy from Peugeot more than a decade ago. The brand had long ditched its  off-road-race pedigree through the 1990s, and with it any available 4×4 powertrains. The only way they could make this little cabrio a true 4×4 involved some very unique engineering. In what is a strange and exponentially more complex arrangement than a prop shaft, the Hoggar has twin four-cylinder turbodiesel engines. Both mounted transversely – with one on each end. Think of it like the noses of two Peugeot hatchback’s joined by a chromoly chassis in between. It is …

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Subaru VIZIV GT Vision Gran Turismo 64

591HP 2014 Subaru VIZIV GT Vision Gran Turismo – Latest GT6 Concept in 70 Photos!

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      How did we miss this!? It has been about two weeks since the amazing Subaru Viziv GT concept was revealed for Gran Turismo 6 – but seeing its details up close still quickens the pulse. We absolutely love these chiseled and chopped lines, the proportions of an ultra-low shooting brake, and the detailing throughout. It is a stunning interpretation of the ultimate Subaru track car. The tech details are a turbo 2.0-liter boxer in front, supplemented by twin electric motors in back and a single electric motor in front. The combination delivers 591-horsepower and 593 pound-feet of …

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hakosuka 4dsc

1970 Nissan Skyline 2000 GT-R Hakosuka Is Ultimate 4DSC Grand Master

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This is the second GT-R from RM Auctions recently — with the 1972 H/T coupe earning an impressive $242,000 at RM’s Monterey 2014 auction. That car is its two-door profile is more in line with the eventual GT-R lineage, but looks less like a Bond henchman’s ride than this G-man special. This Skyline GT-R sedan may find fewer general-interest fanboys, but among the cult of the Nissan 4DSC, it is the one to have. Nissan is eagerly cultivating the Hakosuka’s US descent’s return to 4-Door Sports Car glory with the 2016 Maxima, widely expected to debut in Detroit in January …

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s63 imsa gmbh

2015 Mercedes-AMG S63 Coupe by IMSA GmbH Is Louder, Lower and Cooler With Subtle Stage 1 Mods

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The new S63 AMG Coupe is quite a stunner right from the factory. As a first step to making it a true supercoupe, IMSA of Germany is done a hat-trick of excellent first upgrades to this white knight. The air suspension module electronically allows the car’s air suspension to crouch a bit closer to the pavement, a new exhaust X-pipe system makes it shouty and the new wheels do wonders for the big coupe’s grip and stance. The results speak for themselves. Very sexy. Makes us forget all about the CL-Class! 2015 Mercedes-AMG S63 Coupe by IMSA GmbH MOBILE INDIVIDUALITY …

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2015 chevy ss

4.7s 2015 Chevrolet SS Upgraded With Magnetic Suspension and New Six-Speed Manual

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The Chevrolet SS is what happens when a Camaro SS meets the full-size Impala. It has the performance chops to drift with the best muscle-cars, but also to blend smoothly into fastlane traffic anonymously. Perhaps a bit too well? The SS is handicapped only a year after its launch by looks that fail to excite and vaguely recall the previous-generation Impala, to some eyes. These facts make its amazing performance and 415-horsepower V8 the car’s main selling points. The new magnetic ride control and no-cost six-speed manual will definitely help the SS appeal to its core buyer segments — and …

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z07 gif

2015 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 – Latest Track Photos + 10-Article Roundup

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If there is one supercar we have covered more than the Z06 this year, we’d be very surprised. The Corvette Stingray is simply so amazing that an upgraded version that is faster, cooler and louder seems like the perfect Ferrari and Porsche-killer. There is not one Gallardo owner who would be disappointed with the Z06’s performance and sex appeal. The latest 30 photos from Chevy show a truly amazing palette of colors to choose from in some nice action shots on the ractrack. No real insights from these photos — aside from the first look at a Z06 without the …

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fxx k

Ferrari FXX K in 26 Amazing New Photos at Ferrari World UAE

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Thrilling news from Ferrari this morning! The new FXX K prototype has broken cover ahead of a public debut at Ferrari World next weekend in Abu Dhabi. Upgraded for hardcore track racing that may include the GT class of the Le Mans WEC championship, the FXX ditches all nods to road legality and comfort in its chase of pure speed. The overhaul is similar in theme to the McLaren P1 GTR but the FXX K is arguably even more extreme, more futuristic and perhaps more intoxicatingly changed versus the standard LaFerrari. This brings a totally new front end with extra …

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Concept Flashback – 2002 Cadillac Cien XV12 – Halo Hypercar Back in Product Plans?

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Cadillac in 2002 was just, just starting to reclaim its place in the luxury car ranks. Long blighted by horribly-engineered boats that failed every objective and subjective comparison with any true luxury brand, Cadillac was finally committing to rear-drive and actual merits as a corporate philoshophy. The new Art & Science tagline for the brand’s style — coined by Leo Burnett Chicago — needed an exemplar. People were thrilled by the Catera-replacing CTS but the brand needed a real shove upmarket. And fast. Enter stage left: the 2002 Cadillac Ciel concept running a mid-engine XV12 Northstar of 7.5-liters. It was …

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Concept to Reality – 2013 Pininfarina Sergio vs 2015 Ferrari Sergio

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FOREWORD: We wrote this whole article below before realizing that the new, six-copy Ferrari Sergio is altered significantly verse the 2013 concept. Therefore, check the next article shortly for the full 70-photo extravaganza of the Pininfarina Sergio. The production car is, regretfully, extremely lame. It carries almost all the worst parts of the Sergio concept, and none of the best. At least the headlamps are not the nasty reflector-beams from the concept. But the entire exposed cockpit is gone, the windshield is directly from the 458 and the overall grey plastic still dominates in a fug nasty way. We call …

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2015 Ferrari Sergio by Pininfarina is BS: Bait/Switch Barchetta Speedster

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FOREWORD: We wrote this whole article below before realizing that the new, six-copy Ferrari Sergio is altered significantly verse the 2013 concept. Therefore, check the next article shortly for the full 70-photo extravaganza of the Pininfarina Sergio. The production car is, regretfully, extremely lame. It carries almost all the worst parts of the Sergio concept, and none of the best. At least the headlamps are not the nasty reflector-beams from the concept. But the entire exposed cockpit is gone, the windshield is directly from the 458 and the overall grey plastic still dominates in a fug nasty way. We call …

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RM Arizona 2015 Preview – 1969 Shelby Mustang GT500 Convertible

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So easy to forget how quickly the Mustang evolved between 1965 and 1972. The style of this 1969 is cool but a bit polarizing in some places – where it tends to look less pure than the 1965-1966 cars but less well-resolved than the wider and lower 1970 and onward. Even so, this car is a clear trendsetter and there are awesome details like the milled dual-chamber center exhaust element, or the NACA ducts in the hood, to delight the eye. The one catch with this particular car is the transmission: it is an automatic. 1969 Shelby Mustang GT500 Convertible …

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RM Arizona 2015 Preview – 1955 Porsche 356 OUTLAW Pre-A Emory Special Coupe

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The Porsche Outlaws from SoCal’s Emory family/Valley Customs are well-known in the coolest vintage 356 circles. We spotted a matte black example in Amelia Island and fell hard. The Outlaw Porsches are similar to Singer 911’s — rest0-modded originals that become something altogether more special, unique and fun to drive and own. This Pre-A 356 Coupe is even more enhanced — with a serious racing upgrade for the chassis, engine, exteroir design and cabin. It is truly easy on the eyes and a joy to drive. We envy its future owner! 1955 Porsche 356 OUTLAW   RM Auctions Arizona 15 …

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RM Arizona 2015 Preview – 1966 Shelby Mustang GT350

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RM Auctions is looking at a really stellar group of cars for the Arizona auctions in mid-January. It is a funky mix of exotics and Americana that will surely draw a wide swath of car collectors — all salivating at the prospect of driving one of these beauties home. Surprise for your author? Strongly preferring the 1970 Mustang Boss 302 Trans Am racecar to the production 1966 Shelby GT350 and (upcoming article) 1959 GT500 Convertible. The 1966 is still the true icon in the trio mentioned above, but seems a bit hokey these days. Actual performance by modern standards, for …

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RM Arizona 2015 Preview – 1970 Ford Mustang Boss 302 Kar Kraft Trans Am

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In more than a few ways, the new Mustang invokes the styling of the 1970 Boss 302 more than it does even the 1965 GT350 or the 1969 GT500. The over-wide stance and race-ready upgrades of this Kar Kraft Trans Am racer are just the right icing on the cake. Expect big loot for this School-Bus Yellow Boss 302 at RM Auctions in Arizona this January 15th. Arizona 15 – 16 January 2015 1970 Ford Mustang Boss 302 Kar Kraft Trans Am  

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2014 Aston Martin Lagonda Taraf Unveiled in Dubai with DB10-Influencing Nose

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Updated 12.5.14 Well, big day for Aston Martin! The new DB10 was front and center for the SPECTRE cast announcements, with director Sam Mendez pulling back the silk cloth on Aston’s future sportscar. Not a moment too soon!? Aston has been endlessly jabbed for their reheated styles in the last few years. But what we all may have forgotten is that we *love* that current style. But time moves onward and so does Aston. The new DB10 makes much more sense in the context of the limited-release Lagonda by Q Branch for 2014. This car is absolutely intense from many …

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2016 Aston Martin DB10 for 007 in SPECTRE + 10 Street Cars Available

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Bond is back in a new film, Spectre, in November of 2015 about a year from now. To equip the world’s favorite tinker-tailor/soldier-spy, Aston and EON productions just revealed the very tasty new DB10. The name is confusing for a few reasons, and we only have a single official photo of the car so far. But here is the skinny: Based on the V12 Vantage chassis, perhaps running new turbo AMG engines underneith. Wider and lower grille opening may indicate intercooler breathing room, plus a taller hood for packaging reasons? Unknown as of now. The car will be sold to …

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2014 Caterham Seven in the USA! Turn-Key, Street-Legal 280s Available Now From $50k

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The dream track car is now alive and roaring around the USA, thanks to Superformance! More than two dozen Caterham Sevens have been sold so far by the Superformance and Hillbank Motorsports distribution network, and more are arriving fresh every week. We explain all the trim levels and specifications below — but here is the shortcut: The engine installation and selection is just a quick option box to tick. The car arrives to you ready to register for plates, and ready to race on the weekends! So hang those elbows out, floor the throttle and get shopping! The Caterham 280 …

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RM Paris 2015 Preview – 1982 Lancia 037 Stradale Directly Influenced F40, 959 and GT-R

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The Lancia 037 is a legend to the core. The rally version and its AWD traction were a benchmark for Audi, Ferrari and Porsche when those firms were designing cars as legendary as the Sport Quattro, F40 and 959. No small praise! The “zero-three-seven” innovated up and down its chassis – with the tech specs below reading like a hypercar must-have list for the 1990s, far after this car was retired from sale for road use. Gas shocks, supercharged four-cylinder engine, ZF box slung out behind the mid-mounted powerplant, dry-sump-lubrication, kevlar-reinforced fiberglass panels, dual fuel tanks, magnesium and titanium components, …

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Update1 – 2016 Mercedes-AMG CLA45 Shooting Brake Shuns LA Debut; USA-Bound?

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Updated 12.4.14 with 22 new photos.   As you may or may not have noticed, Mercedes and BMW seem to have given the LA show this week a big middle finger. Neither revealed anything significant (Maybach S600 aside) and have both been relatively quiet on the overall announcement front. Detroit and New York are generally the German’s favorite North American shows to make a splash – but here is one curio. The CLA45 AMG Shooting Brake revealed online just moments ago. Would this car not have made a good Los Angeles debut? If it were coming to the US, it …

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2015 Mercedes-Benz SL63 AMG World Championship Editions for Lewis and Nico’s F1 Coup

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A coup on the tracks of F1 this season! Nothing short of remarkable — Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg duelling it out for the podium in every race while Ferrari, McLaren and even Red Bull suck fumes mid-pack. Is it their driver genius? Yes…. But it is also the new aeroacoustic wind tunnel at Sindelfingen. We predicted this with the launch of this amazing facility last fall. Where is our SL63?! =]  http://www.car-revs-daily.com/2014/04/07/wind-tunnels-part-1-mercedes-benz-opens-aeroacoustics-test-center/ 2015 Mercedes-Benz SL63 AMG World Championship Edition     Mercedes-Benz “World Championship 2014 Collector’s Edition” – Unique: SL 63 AMG dedicated to Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg …

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Concept Flashback – 2011 Chevrolet Miray Roadster Was Chevy Europe Halo Sportster

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Chevy Europe! Eeek. Remember that adventure? The ManU jerseys are definitely bow-tie-blazing this year, thanks to a huge a executive media marketing decision that costs General Motors more than half a billion dollars. During that rush of launching Chevrolet as a global brand — including Europe — the Opel Germany teams were suddenly tasked with a variety of extremely mundane projects. One extra sexy spinoff project slipped through the net for Frankfurt 2011, however. It was called Miray and is a breathtaking roadster vision. Designed in the same zeitgeist as the BMW i8 Roadster and Porsche 918 Spyder, the Miray …

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HD Track Drive Review – 2015 Dodge Challenger R/T Is Powerful But Huge And Floaty

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HD Track Drive Review – 2015 Dodge Challenger R/T Updated 12.3.14 With Additional Photos We were slightly embarrassed to come back from Chicago the other month with zero in-focus photos of the Challenger R/T we took for hot track laps. Luckily, another chance presented itself. Certainly a cool machine in the flesh — but the R/T is a luxury car without the sharp handling of the latest Mustangs and Camaro’s. It takes a few ticks toward the Hellcat for the Challenger to add suspension composure to this menacing muscle-coupe style. PREVIOUS We were thrilled to get in the new Challenger …

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Concept Flashback – 2001 Toyota FXS Roadster Was Riviera-Style EV Supercar

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The Toyota FXS concept from 2001 was one of the first full vehicle ideas from the Nice, France-based Toyota ED2 studio. Short for Toyota European Design and Development, ED2 has since delivered a variety of cool and not-so-cool production cars — including the latest Yaris and the unloved Lexus SC430 of the mid-2000s. This concept is important because it showed an innovative hybrid powertrain with an ultra-smooth underbody and sleekness in all its exterior shapes. A steep drop-nose style established thed FXS as a super sports car, as does the chopped windshield and cab-backward propotion. The rear taillamp in a …

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TechArt Porsche 911 Targa4 Upgrades Revealed In Retina-Busting Yellow!

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  What better way to beat the winter blues than a stunning TechArt Targa4?! TechArt Porsche 911 Targa4   Leonberg, December 2014 – Closed roof – open driving pleasure. TECHART Automobildesign sharpens the character of the seventh Porsche 911 Targa 4 generation. Using the right mixture of restraint and emphasis the TECHART Aerodynamic Kit transfers the sportive TECHART design language to the unmistakable lines of the four-wheel drive sports car. TECHART Formula IV light-alloy wheels in 21-inch communicate aesthetic innovative capacity all around. Interior refinement specialists of the TECHART in-house saddlery use precise handiwork to translate the exterior design elements …

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Concept Flashback – 2012 McLaren X-1 Introduced MSO Skills To World … In Hideous Fashion?

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The MSO X-1 customer car from 2012 was a grand intro to MSO at Pebble Beach in 2012 — and boy was it a shocking coming out party. Many were rightly flabbergasted by its design – as though George Jetson had won the powerball. But while the X-1 will certainly not go down in history as one of the most beautiful cars, it did its job of showcasing MSO’s talents very well indeed. Not a panel from the MPF-12C remained on the X-1 — which also has totally unique proportions and a heavy-handed style all its own. The nose is …

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McLaren Special Operations Branches into Five MSO Specialties

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  Supercar news blast today! In addition to a first look at the Ferrari FXX K, McLaren is adding to the drama with its latest MSO announcement. This is largely a tech nical and organizational change – broadening the reach and brand of MSO to better match McLaren client needs. MSO will become: — MSO Defined (general upgrades catalog) — MSO Bespoke (you dream it, they make it real) — MSO Limited (MSO releases like the MSO 650S shown below) — MSO Heritage (classics, custom restorations and maintenance)   — MSO Programmes (racing, events, P1 GTR track days, etc)   …

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2016 LaFerrari FXX K Revealed Ahead of Abu Dhabi Ferrari World Debut

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Thrilling news from Ferrari this morning! The new FXX K prototype has broken cover ahead of a public debut at Ferrari World next weekend in Abu Dhabi. Upgraded for hardcore track racing that may include the GT class of the Le Mans WEC championship, the FXX ditches all nods to road legality and comfort in its chase of pure speed. The overhaul is similar in theme to the McLaren P1 GTR but the FXX K is arguably even more extreme, more futuristic and perhaps more intoxicatingly changed versus the standard LaFerrari. This brings a totally new front end with extra …

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2015 Nissan JUKE Color Studio Offers 4000+ Unique Trims Via 12 Customizable Areas

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  The new 2015 Nissan Juke Color Studio is a fantastic step forward for Nissan – with MINI-besting combinations of trims that total at least 4000 unique variations. How? Over the eight base Juke coolors for 2015, shoppers can custom-color 12 sections of the body in unique accent shades. Everything from matte black wheels to carbon-fiber-effect wraps creates a mind-boggling level of one-of-a-kind Jukes. Once a shopper has picked their ideal Juke Color Studio combination, the results can be sent right to the local Nissan dealer to be fitted to a new Juke on arrival. The styling of the new …

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717HP SPOFEC Rolls-Royce Wraith Upgrades Are All-New From Novitec Group

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More power, more exclusivity and more visual impact on the stunning Rolls-Royce Wraith? Yes please! SPOFEC is the latest marque-specific offering from Germany’s Novitec Group. What is the name? It means SPirit OF ECstacy — and this is the second model after the Ghost to benefit from these cool and functional overhauls. Our favorite elements? The engine power chip, air suspension controls to lower the car on command, and an exhaust sportifier to do the same with the 7170horsepower, 986-pound-feet of torque from the pipes in back. We love the styling upgrades as well. The dark wheels and full gloss-black …

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2015 Nissan JUKE Secures High-Style LEDs All Around in Design Refresh + Official USA Pricing

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  Updated 12.1.14 The 2015 Juke in the USA now brings the latest styling enhancements seen first in Geneva on the Euro-market Juke. Included below are 2015 USA Juke prices. Watch this space for a follow-up article on the 2015 Juke’s new Color Studio accessories.   NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Nissan announced U.S. pricing for the new 2015 Nissan JUKE sport cross, which features a revised exterior and enhanced standard equipment – plus a new JUKE “Color Studio” personalization program. The 2015 JUKE goes on sale today at Nissan dealers nationwide, following its North American debut at the Los Angeles Auto …

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AC Schnitzer Brings Hot BMW 4-series Gran Coupe and M235i to Essen

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The 428i and 435i Gran Coupes are just about the biggest rule-book-shredders in the automotive game. A four-door coupe based on an actual coupe seems more logical than the CLA and A7, no matter how swoopy their rooflines might be. Its closest competitor is the A5 Sportback, which is not imported to the USA for fear that our tiny brains would explode at the options. We are glad BMW gives shoppers more credit than that. AC Schnitzer’s 435i M Sport GC becomes the next-best-thing to a four-door M4 – with the Laguna Blue of this demo model especially striking and …

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AC Schnitzer Reveals 510HP 2015 BMW M4 F82 At Essen Motor Show

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  Great to see a power upgrade reflash for the BMW M4 from AC Schnitzer – with a jump up to 510-horsepower feeling like it was aching to break free from the factory M4 from day one. The second excellent upgrade from AC Schnitzer to the powertrain? A variety of sport exhausts to make the M4’s turbocharged six really howl at the moon like a 24-hour Nurburgring racecar. The rear wing is a love-or-hate type of thing, but closely matches the production 2016 M4 GTS aero kit BMW is likely to apply to the rumored track version of this hot …

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Best of 2014 Awards – Toyota FT-1 Concept Is Stunning Design Triumph

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Update 3 11.27.14 Has there been another concept with the impact of the FT-1? We cannot think of another vehicle this year that has created more buzz. Of course, the FT-1 is just the leading edge of what many hope will become a showroom supercar in the next few years under the vaulted Supra badge. Toyota’s collaboration with BMW on a future sports-car appears to indicate the eventual Supra will be based of a version of the BMW Z4’s chassis, albeit highly modified for a possible production debut of a hybrid-R electric boost setup. Primary power is expected to come …

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2016 Mercedes-AMG CLA45 Shooting Brake Shuns LA Debut, But Likely in US By Fall 2015

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As you may or may not have noticed, Mercedes and BMW seem to have given the LA show this week a big middle finger. Neither revealed anything significant (Maybach S600 aside) and have both been relatively quiet on the overall announcement front. Detroit and New York are generally the German’s favorite North American shows to make a splash – but here is one curio. The CLA45 AMG Shooting Brake revealed online just moments ago. Would this car not have made a good Los Angeles debut? If it were coming to the US, it would have indeed. But we believe the …

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2015 BMW X6 M Sport vs xLine in 350 New Photos

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Okay, we admit defeat! Usually, the main gripe when new cars launch is that there are far too few photos of the vehicle. Or they are not photos at all: but digital renderings that often do not show the car in real-world detail. But with the latest BMW X6 photo batch, we raise the white flag. 350 photos is too many for any editor to process. But in the name of completeness, we have faithfully included them all here. The car looks most amazing in M Sport trims versus the xLine, which has a somewhat busier lower nose, more chrome …

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Vorsteiner M4 and M3 GTS Upgrades Wheels, Exhaust + Carbon-Fiber Aero

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The GTRS4 below is a fantastic showcase for Vorsteiner’s carbon-fiber skills. But most owners will prefer something much more subtle — and perhaps the flexibility to fit the M3 as well as the M4 coupe. Vorsteiner’s GTS has a few upgrades in the catalog so far: wheels, exhaust finishers, and fantastic front and rear CF aero additions. Check out the photos below in white to see the Vorsteiner GTS! Vorsteiner M4 and M3 GTS A SEMA show car for the road? And one that any M4 owner can add to his or her prized supercoupe? Enter, the Vorsteiner M4 GTRS4 …

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Vorsteiner M4 GTRS4 is Outrageous New Carbon-Fiber Widebody Kit for BMW F82

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A SEMA show car for the road? And one that any M4 owner can add to his or her prized supercoupe? Enter, the Vorsteiner M4 GTRS4 Widebody — a carbon-fiber kit so outrageous and sexy, the rear wheels look like steamrollers. Fenders so huge that this looks more like an M4 dually? Hell yes! Overall, the GTRS4 is 3.5-inches wider on both sides in back, and 2-inches wider per side in front. Overall, the performance enhancement offered by the GTRS4 is a huge upgrade in the grip available. Most rubber widths are constrained by the overall size and clearance of …

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BRABUS Mercedes-Benz SL550 R231 – With and Without AMG Sport Styling

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The latest Mercedes SL is, shall we say, more difficult to love at first sight than previous all-star iterations of the machine. There is just something wonky about the nose from some angles. Despite being a technical tour de force as always, the base SL550 is the most-plain of the bunch that also includes the SL63 AMG and SL65 AMG in the US market. BRABUS makes a wicked 800 V12 Roadster for that is the most hardcore SL in recent memory — but is it too much for some shoppers?   What the SL550 needs is a bit of extra …

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Concept Debrief – 2010 Citroen SURVOLT – Design Analysis in 110 Electrifying Photos

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What makes the 2010 Citroen Survolt such an achievement in sports-car design? Consider that its proportions almost perfectly mirror those of the Lotus Exige — but the curb appeal of the vehicle tells the brain to expect pricing in the $200,000 ballpark versus the Lotus at $75,000. In terms of the Survolt’s mission as a concept car, we can think of the car in the same league as the Ranult DeZir. Part tech showcase and EV R&D tool, part brand roadmap and design superstar. The Survolt found a joyous receptionin 2010 – and four years have done nothing to dull …

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2014 Scion iM Concept Heading for US Showrooms in 2015 to Battle GTI and Focus ST

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Scion is looking to expand its model range in calendar 2015 with two new models: one based on the Mazda2 sedan, and the other being this remarkably cool 5-door hatch shown in LA as the iM concept. You might be asking yourself if the production iM, set to be revealed in NY in April 2015, overlaps with the xB and xD. We certainly were. But we believe the answer is that the iM production car will be more advanced in the chassis department and more powerful than Scion’s box-car twins. This means a more-modern automatic transmission than the four-speeds in …

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2015 Cadillac ATS-V.R Is FIA GT3 Racecar Writ Large – In Cursive!

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  “…. If your hood scoop is deeper than the nearest well……. you might be a Cadillac racecar.”   “…If your rear wing is wider than your mattress…. you might be a Cadillac racing prototype.”   “…And if your headlamps are mostly stickers — you are definitely in the cutting-edge of FIA GT3 racecar technology…”   Rejected joke… “…If you can’t read ‘good’ but can write the Cadillac script logo in your sleep — you might be dreaming of the ATS-V.R! “   =] Cadillac itself describes the ATS-V.R as a rolling, screaming and screeching testament to the ATS Coupe’s …

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Porsche GTS Crew Lands Lufthansa Red-Eye To LA – Cayenne, Cayman, Boxster and 911 GTS LA Photos

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Frankfurt to Los Angeles — direct — is a long, long flight. 11-hours and 10-minutes, to be precise. The list price for a human is $4,000 on Lufthansa, and 10X that for a vehicle. Equipment? 777ER. Or more likely, the trusty 747-400. The trip feels especially lengthy when you are in the chilly cargo bay of a jumbo jet — which often has precious cargo in its below bay. Lufthansa is one of the only world airlines that flies cargo and humans on the same flights, at the same time. But the humans are kept warmer. At 35,000 feet over …

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2016 Honda HR-V LA Debut With 50 New US-Spec Photos Inside and Out

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 Updated 11.21.14   As cool as the new Honda HR-V looks outside, a bit of really surprising news lives in the cabin of this Civic-based crossover. It is simply far more premium, stylish and modern than anything currently in the Honda stable. The floating console and fabric or leather-wrapped dash elements create a real sense of maturity lacking in the current Civic. The touchscreen tech solutions for HondaLink also appear to be very mature in the 2016 HR-V — meaning they are fast-reacting, easy to learn, and easy to use in day-to-day driving. The new HR-V is arriving into a …

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2016 JAGUAR F-Type AWD and Manual-Transmission Choices + R Cabriolet

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  The Jaguar F-Type is becoming a legendary machine for the black cat brand! The 2016 range will extend to 14 models, not including the just-launched F-Type R Cabrio! This is big news, and largely comes from two new powertrain options: AWD and stick-shifts. Until now, all F-Types have been auto-shifted via the exceptional eight-speed ZF box with paddle controls. This will stay the transmission of choice for the AWD models, which include the S Coupe and Cabrio with the 380-horsepower V6 engine, along with a new AWD option for the top R trims. At the other side of the …

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2015 Fisker Rocket Is Shockingly Sexy Mustang via Galpin Auto Sports

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Henrik Fisker’s design talent has never been in question. To see his ideas for a hot Mustang meet reality via Galpin Auto Sports is very gratifying — because the result is gorgeous! Most special elements outside the stunning widebody front and rear fenders? The new nose is a very appealing take on the 2015 Mustang’s design, and the rear end with giant Rocket badging is nothing short of breathtaking. 2015 Fisker Rocket Mustang The 2015 Ford Mustang ‘Rocket’ is Here! “When Henrik Fisker showed me his ideas, I got chills – it’s literally the most beautiful Mustang I have ever …

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2015 Koenigsegg Agera One:1 Back in USA Via Manhattan Motorcars

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Great to see the Koenigsegg crew expanding the reach of their incredible hypercar brand – both with the new One:1 and the latest distribution deal with Manhattan Motorcars. The biggest updates to the One:1 are a huge leap in power — up to more than 1350 pound-feet of torque from the twin-turbo, 5.0-liter V8 at 6000 rpm — and the incredible new downforce package. This comes from a race-ready splitter and active aero front and rear. The new rear wing is one of the most beautiful on any car of all time – with two gorgeous flying buttresses straking back …

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2029 Infiniti SYNAPTIQ Is Spinal Tap – Flying Racecar is F1-Fast + Off-Road-Ready

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The Infiniti entry into the annual LA Design challenge is pretty outstanding – blending future-tech with fantasy to answer to question posed by the contest for this year: how will we interact with cars in 2029? Infiniti’s answer? A spinal lock communications system to allow thought-controlled driving and tech functions. A ‘Spinal Tap‘ if you will — and this one is just as pretend in many ways than the joke band of the same name. However, Synaptiq does offer a highly stylized version of future F1 types of cars in its circuit race setting. The flying and off-road sections of …

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2015 Chrysler 300C and 300S Bring Stylish and Functional Improvements (120 Photos!)

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  How to refine an icon? Porsche has struggled with this for more than 50 years of 911’s at this point – and Chrysler is learning the fine art with its bold and butch 300 sedan. As a real touchstone vehicle for Chrysler since its reveal in 2005, the rear-drive, 120-inch-wheelbase of the Chrysler 300 has languished a bit in recent years while the auto world has rapidly progressed around it. This changes for 2015 – with updates to the cabin and powertrain that bring the 300C and 300S bang up-to-date with the latest from Cadillac in the CTS, Hyundai …

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Update2 – Best of Awards – Chevrolet Chaparral 2X Vision Gran Turismo

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  We did not know what to think of the first teaser images of the Chevy Chaparral Gran Turismo prototype. Sure, the idea of leveraging Chaparral’s Chevy engines connection was fascinating, but would the vision of GM Design really capture the innovative spirit of these amazing namesakes? After the official reveal in LA last night – we can only say Yes. In many ways, the Chevrolet Chaparral Vision Gran Turismo is the best-yet of the 20-strong fleet of racing prototypes developed for the legendary GT6 racing game. It is one of the only to actually throw out all conventional limitations …

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Update1 – 2014 Lexus LFC2 Concept Cabrio Is Truly Miraculous – A Design So Beautiful It Makes Audi Weep

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 A design to make Audi weep? Yes indeed. The Lexus LFC2 made a huge splash today in LA as a highly stylized and clever look at a future RC convertible. But while the main proportions and packaging say RC very clearly, the detailing is divine and clever and fresh from all sides. Let’s break out nsome favorite elements, starting at the nose. Here, we have a very cool and chic interpretation of the RC’s singleframe grille — but this time with elegant waterfall elements flowing cleanly into the F Sport style of zig-zag lines in the lower portion. It is …

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3.9s, 455HP 2016 Cadillac ATS-V Coupe and Sedan Are Twin-Turbo, eLSD RocketShips!

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Whenever a fresh pair of high-performance cars’ tech specs can elicit a “holy shit!” from your scribe — sitting solo in the office — you know something amazing is coming. The ATS-V Coupe and Sedan photo and specs caused numerous swear words in excitement, raised eyebrows at the amazing ducktail rear spoiler, smiles about the cool blacked-out grille treatment shown on the ATS-V Coupe, and impressed with the meaty rubber shown on the back wheels of the ATS-V Sedan. The final bit of major icing on the cake for these new executive supercars?  455-horsepower to really put the smack onto …

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Iconic Classics - 1955 Aston Martin DB3S Earned $3

Iconic Classics – 1955 Aston Martin DB3S Earned $3.7M At RM Monterey 2012

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Aston Martin classic buyers come in similar taste preference buckets as new Aston buyers: either conservative Silver and Green rule the mind, or wild shades and racing liveries. This fire orange example of a pristine DB3S falls into the latter camp very spectacularly. Emblematic of Aston’s resurgent post-war mission to take on the world’s best in racing, the DB3S is best known today as one of the most beautiful racing roadsters of all time. 1955 Aston Martin DB3S RM Auctions Monterey 17 – 18 August 2012   Lot 214 1955 Aston Martin DB3S Sports Racing Car To be auctioned on …

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Toyota Rally Racing Hall of Fame – 101 AMAZING and RARE Photos!

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Of all the any forms of motor racing, rallying has been Toyota’s true center of excellence. This hall of fame showcase extends back to the 1957 Toyopet Crown in the Australian Rally – when is a deep set of roots. From there, the Celica, Supra and Celica GT-Four have all been world-beating rally cars in their decades. By the late 1990s, Toyota’s Corolla GT-4 rally machines were so dominant that they ran Mitsubishi and later even Subaru out of the World Rally Championship. Rallying in this sense has a broad definition, one that definitely includes the Paris-Dakar and dozens of …

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Best of SEMA 2014 – FORGIATO Wheels + Now Selling 3 Corvette C7 Widebody Demo Cars!

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Forgiato was a real stand-out at SEMA 2014 — and that is hard to do in an endless product and customization expo. Many of the coolest cars (and trucks) there were running Forgiato wheels – even far away from the actual booth of this custom wheel expert. After spending some time on Forgiato.com — we came away shocked and floored at how customized you can be with the wheel builder and the 1000-car visualizer. Very cool stuff for those seeking the absolute end-all in huge wheel style. Some of the wheels are so gigantic from Forgiato that they look best …

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2015 Toyota GT86 CS-R3 Rally Car in 1080P Video + 80 Photos

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   You have the hear this amazing works-prepped racer at full chat!  Click the above video to HD for maximum effect…. How ironic — or at least mildly amusing — that Toyota would take the GT86 rallying before Subaru and its BRZ. But then you realize: Subaru has their all-star WRX rally hero already in place. For Toyota, the GT86 and Scion FR-S program is not just an amazing rear-drive sportscar for a new generation of drivers. It is a platform for all aspects of fun and racing, including Rallye Deutschland. Prepared by TMG and available for sale to other …

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4.8s, 155MPH 2016 Volkswagen Golf R Sportwagen LA Debut – Huge Tease or USA Fast-Wagon Heaven?

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  VW USA really, really needs some cool halo models in the lineup. Endlessly bashed for not bringing over European-market cars, one can’t help but feel a bit bad for the VW of America team. They are full-time apologists who are not running the show whatsoever — and that is not an enviable position for anyone. So the announcement that the Golf R Variant will make its debut in LA is bittersweet. On the one hand, the Golf R is indeed coming to the USA. The Jetta Sportwagen is now the Golf Sportwagen — so a Golf R Sportwagen Variant …

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Hero Racecars – 2001 Bentley Speed 8 LMP1 Winner Laid Bedrock for Modern Flying B

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  You have to hand it to the Volkswagen Group for their skillful rebirth of the Bentley brand in the early 2000s. Long mired in Rolls-Royce’s shadow with shakey engineering expertise and wobblier cars, Bentley sought greatness by going back to its roots in grand style. This meant competing in LeMans – where Bentley had dominated for a few years in the 1920s with its supercharged Speed 8 models — innovative technology that delivered crushing pace when the blowers were attached to such enormous engines. Specific output in this era was barely 10-percent of what it is today; with a …

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2016 SHELBY GT350 Mustang Makes REAL-LIFE Debut! 180 New Images + 3 New Videos

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The good folks at Mustang6g.com attended a live GT350 reveal today and scored some amazing new photos of the hottest Mustang yet — plus three videos you have to see the believe! Or in the case of this first video — hear to believe. The flat-crank V8 engine sounds heavenly in this latest track driving video. A deep bellow becomes a staccato bark at high revs — promising huge aural drama along with that huge lump of horsepower. Other news? The Mustang GT350 will employ magneto-rheological suspension tech that crosstown supplier Delphi has until-recently withheld from GM competitors… As well …

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Concept Flashback – 2010 Renault DeZir Was Anti-Furai With Lusty, Sexualized Curves

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  Designers are like all other artists: their work evolves but also can take sweeping and abrupt changes. A designer’s cars might take unique shapes in certain years, only to go wild in the other direction right afterwards. Such is the 2010 Renault DeZir concept — designed when Laurens van den Acker was freshly recruited away from Mazda. Van den Acker’s ‘Nagare’ themes at Mazda were all about sharp creases formed out of a wind-swept surface. He designed a half-dozen Mazda’s with this theme intact – and it is perhaps epitomized best in the Furai concept hypercar. If the Furai …

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