Engine Topic Hub

Upcoming Second Generation Acura TLX Could Debut A New Turbocharged V6, Engine Allegedly Developed Just For Acura

The second generation Acura TLX has been an eagerly awaited offering. With SUVS and CUVS as well as the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic currently on the world stage, it can be easy to forget that some new products are still moving along with their launch schedule. One of these is the second generation Acura TLX, and a new report appears to suggest that buyers could benefit from an all new V6 which would be exclusive to the Acura brand. We first got a glimpse of the next generation TLX when Acura unveiled the Type S concept at the Quail event back …

Apr 13, 2020 Read more

Novitec ESTESO is Designer Widebody Maserati LEVANTE

What to do when the latest Cayenne tunes no longer give you a tingle in your loins? When the widest widebody Macan no longer makes your pulse race? How about trying on this stunning new Novitec custom based on the Maserati Levante S. Novitec is calling this the Esteso and it includes the full gamut of their tuning expertise. Engine, suspension, exhaust, cabin and exterior all get a heavy makeover. The results are so badass they are sure to make your pants tent once again. Check out the stunning machine in its full detail below — and order the finished …

May 17, 2017 Read more

540HP BMW M2 ClubSport by Dähler Brings S55 M4 Engine Swap

The main gripe that purists have with the M2 is that its engine is not, technically, a BMW Motorsport spec engine. It still makes monster power but is less able to cope with sustained high G forces than the M4’s S55-series motor. Daehler (or Dahler) of Switzerland now has a three-pack of custom M2s as showcases of their tuning skills. The standard coupe, an M2 Convertible (!) and now this M2 Clubsport. With the S55, it is the “CS competitionline.” Parts can be shipped worldwide for local installation, or they will happily sell you a complete vehicle as well. That might …

Apr 20, 2017 Read more

2.5s, 830HP 2017 Porsche 911 Turbo S Cabrio By Wimmer RST

How do you go from about 550 horsepower to well past 800? Carefully! Wimmer RennSportTechnik has spent months developing their latest engine magic for the latest 911 Turbo S. A wholesale revamp of the engine electronics, breathing and even mechanicals was required to have such Bugatti-like boost flowing through the H6TT motor. The results are quite shocking: the sprint pace is shockingly rapid. Even more than the factory car, which is no slouch. The overall vMax is stunning too: this machine can do a confirmed 226-mph! 2017 Porsche 911 Turbo S Cabrio By Wimmer RST ONE OF A KIND …

Jan 05, 2017 Read more

Porsche Unveils All-New V8TT Ahead of Next Panamera Launch

With Porsche hard at work developing the next generation Panamera, the German firm has quietly unveiled an all new bi-turbo V8 at the annual Vienna Motor Symposium in Austria. Expected to be used in the aforementioned Panamera as well as the next generation Cayenne, the new engine is loosely based off of the Audi S4’s 3.0 liter turbocharged V6 and also shares some of that engine’s basic components. Porsche did not reveal the engine’s formal displacement, but look for it to be a step up from the current 4.8 liter V8. The company did however, claim that the engine will …

May 09, 2016 Read more

2017 Smart BRABUS Twins Revealed – 20% Power Bump, Quicker Steering and Sport Exhaust

The new Smart twins are actually quite promising in their first major redesign since the brand was started in the late 1990s. The microcars have been as popular as polio in the US market in their ten years on the market, so the US arrival of the on-sale-now generations to America was never a top priority. That still stands: there is no official timeframe for them to jump the pond. A November arrival in 2016 seems plausible. We hope the ForFour will join the unloved ForTwo in the back corner of Mercedes-Benz service loaner folder. Only for clients they hate …

Apr 24, 2016 Read more

2016 VUHL 05 Updated for London Motor Show

A refreshed VUHL 05 is now available for global trackday aces with pricing from around $100k for this cross between a Lotus and Radical. The UK sportscar industry is not only an inspiration for this trackday special, but also a target for its dual-use configuration. VUHL hopes to have certification for English roads in the near future. But even though road and track are both viable in a VUHL… one is far more heavily emphasized. A completely smooth underbody is race-ready, as is the doorless racing frame below the skin. You can guess how fast the 3.7-second VUHL is on …

Mar 08, 2016 Read more

2016 Ferrari 488 Spider – London Launch Party + V8TT Sound Samples

Updated 2.26.16 with 30 new photos from the car’s London launch party. The nose looks far better in real life than it did on the initial renders and autoshow photos. Gorgeous reveals by the dozen in Frankfurt this week, with only Aston and McLaren declining to launch something new and fairly important. Superlux EVs might be the defining show theme, but supercar rivalries are a close second. Lamborghini’s new Huracan Spyder, the McLaren 650S Spider and this brand-new 488 Spider are all viciously competitve with one another. Performance is roughly the same for all three as well: 3.0-second launches to …

Feb 26, 2016 Read more

2016 Porsche Boxster SPYDER – First USA Photos! 100-Shot Animated Flyaround

Incredible intro to the 380HP Porsche Boxster Spyder today! The car is absolutely gorgeous, with upgrades dripping in aggression and hypercar hints of the top 918 Spyder. The sound on startup is suitably aggressive, with a deep baritone thrummmm after the initial startup bark. Smoked finishes all around and a liquid silver paintjob are only half the battle. The giant double bubble tonneau cover with mid-mounted brake light reminds many of the Carrera GT, or especially the Carrera GT by Zagato. What really makes the Boxster Spyder so impressive in the flesh? It is almost a total redesign. By our count, …

Jan 02, 2016 Read more

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

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

Nov 18, 2015 Read more

2016 Mazda MX-5 Spyder Versus MX-5 Speedster Concepts! Vote Your Pick

2016 Mazda MX-5 Spyder Mazda Reveals Extreme Lightweight Design Concepts at 2015 SEMA MX-5 Concepts Display Two Different Takes on Staying True to Pure, Lightweight Sports Car Philosophy LAS VEGAS (November 3, 2015) – Mazda revealed two design concepts today at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas, based on its all-new 2016 MX-5 Miata—MX-5 Spyder and MX-5 Speedster—demonstrating two vastly different takes on lightweight, open-air performance. Lightweight. Fun-to-drive. Roadster. Those three tenets have served as the foundation for the Mazda MX-5 Miata since its 1989 introduction and continue to serve the new fourth-generation model. Focused, lightweight engineering is a guiding …

Nov 05, 2015 Read more

2015 RenaultSport RS01 Blasts Around Jerez Circuit in New Video and Photoset

Fresh videos and photos of the Renault RS01 racecars blasting around Circuit Jerez this week in Spain! And crucially, a look under the hood of this mid-engine stunner — confirming the well-known rumors that the 3.8-liter engine under that back canopy has GT-R origins. [Actually, Renault confirmed this right from the start: see tech specs included below video.] What a prospect. Imagine not just a true mid-engine racing GT-R, but actually a pure speed-demon with bespoke CF chassis and bodywork, racing suspension and all that power to just the back wheels! Just the thought of such a machine is enough …

Oct 22, 2015 Read more

TechArt Launches 700HP 2016 Porsche Cayenne Turbo Powerkit

The 2016 Cayenne update is about the get TechArted! The first step in the well-known MAGNUM widebody upgrades is now avaiulable: a ridiculously potent powerkit to up the Cayenne Turbo to a bonkers 700-horsepower. The full madness via extreme aero changes, new fenders and fresh bumpers as the next-gen Magnum is set to arrive later in 2015. Until then, however, how does a bump of 180 ponies sound?! Fan-f-ing-tastic is how the TechArt Cayenne will sound in Sport mode — which unleashes the full beans versus a cooking 640HP in standard mode. The free-flowing intake and exhaust system is …

Sep 22, 2015 Read more

Best of Frankfurt 2015 – Honda Project 2&4 Concept – Floating Seats Promise Surreal Track Pleasure

Updated 9.16.15 With 35 New Photos Check out the Honda Project 2&4 up close and in detail! This is one of the most outrageous concepts from Honda in years. Not just Honda, any manufacturer, really. And this is not just some track car, either, as we surmised below. By engineering the 2&4 with outboard seating, the drive experience should also blend the joy of two-wheeling. But with the cornering pace of a four-wheeled vehicle. Not having any panels, doors or bodywork anywhere to your left shoulder, hip or pedals will be a revolution on the road. Far more exposed than …

Sep 16, 2015 Read more

2.9s, 203MPH 2016 Ferrari 488 Spider – Frankfurt Gallery + Engine Audio MP3s

Gorgeous reveals by the dozen in Frankfurt this week, with only Aston and McLaren declining to launch something new and fairly important. Superlux EVs might be the defining show theme, but supercar rivalries are a close second. Lamborghini’s new Huracan Spyder, the McLaren 650S Spider and this brand-new 488 Spider are all viciously competitve with one another. Performance is roughly the same for all three as well: 3.0-second launches to 60-mph and top speeds just above 200-mph. Pricing is also in the same glitzy neighborhood: not much change from $300k for each. So if performance, pricing and capability in normal …

Sep 16, 2015 Read more

2015 Honda Project 2&4 Concept – World Premiere of 14000-RPM Baby NSX

Much as the world (and especially Japanese K-car buyers) love the S660 roadster, the sports potential of that mid-engine roadster is limited. Limited by power caps, safety rules and exhange rates — the S660 is not a global halo car, and definitely not a mini-NSX. What about the latest in Honda engine tech, paired with an open-wheeled racing design fresh from 2025? Now that would be something! Running the ultra-potent RC213V MotoGP bike engine, the Project 2&4 is ultra light and ultra simple. Ultra fresh sci-fi looks are just part of its charm, however. The real thrills will come …

Sep 08, 2015 Read more

2015 RenaultSport R.S. 01 Racecar Headlines World Series Renault at Silverstone Next Month

Renaultsport is revving up its fanbase this month ahead of the World Series of Renault race weekend extravaganza at Silverstone in early September. F1 cars, Clio Cup cars and 115 years of Renaultsport racing legends will be proudly attending this petrolhead woodstock. The UK debut of the RS01 racecar is perhaps the most exciting new detail for this fun event: the global racing series is part branding, part driver development and part technical R&D. The RS01 features in 30 or so new photos ahead of the big race — shown below along with details on the $12 tickets to join …

Aug 07, 2015 Read more

2016 Chevrolet Colorado Adds DuraMax Diesel Option + Trail Boss and Midnight Packages

Go Chevy! Usually, the larger a company is, the less nimble they are to market wants. Subtle trends like gloss black details and chrome delete started in the aftermarket, went to supercars, and are now going mainstream. The look of the new blacked-out Colorado Midnight and the seriously cool Trail Boss offroaders are absolutely perfect to snag style shoppers. Yes, you could do most of these upgrades post-sale as a DIY, but it’s much simpler to have a factory upgrade available. This ensures your DIY skills won’t come back to bite you in the ass a year later if things …

Aug 05, 2015 Read more

2015 Polaris Slingshot SL LE – Open-Air Speedster Thrills From $25k!

There are many compelling ways to get around a racetrack quicker than a factory supercar. As the VUHL 05, Lotus 3-Eleven and Caterham Seven chase this race-helmet owner group, Americans have a very compelling alternative to consider. And this one is road-legal and costs just a slice of the price. Running on three wheels makes the Slingshot a motorcycle — but that is only the start of the intrigue. From the design outside, people will be shocked by the sci-fi beauty and exposed chassis first. Only on third or fourth glance will they not see a stunning, Lambo-meets-Batman mashup. Polaris …

Jul 16, 2015 Read more

2015 VUHL 05 Carbon Track Racer – Full Specs, Pricing and Configurator Details

A refreshed VUHL 05 is now available for global trackday aces with pricing from around $100k for this cross between a Lotus and Radical. The UK sportscar industry is not only an inspiration for this trackday special, but also a target for its dual-use configuration. VUHL hopes to have certification for English roads in the near future. But even though road and track are both viable in a VUHL… one is far more heavily emphasized. A completely smooth underbody is race-ready, as is the doorless racing frame below the skin. You can guess how fast the 3.7-second VUHL is on …

Jul 16, 2015 Read more

2010 Red Bull X1 Launched Gran Turismo As Ultimate MMO R&D Engine

As we look to the future of disruptive, breakthrough innovations in racing — it helps to start with a blank sheet of paper. This is counterintuitive, of course, versus the typical half-step of evolution among all species — racecars included. What is needed to deliver the TV ratings and championship trophies all race series crave? Speed, beauty, drama and technical innovation. There must be balance between outright speed, sound and safety. In short, a revolution is needed to put put racing into hyperdrive. The world championship Red Bull and Vettel pairing from 2010 provided a clever look at priorities of …

Jun 30, 2015 Read more

RM London 2015 Preview – 1950 Aston Martin DB2 Vantage

What to say about this extra-special DB2 Vantage — with its stunning primer whitewash and flat black spokes screaming 2015 loud and clear! 1950 Aston Martin DB2 Vantage RM Sotheby’s London 7 September 2015 1950 Aston Martin DB2 Vantage Chassis no. LML/50/19 Engine no. LB6V/50/240 Photo Credit: Tim Scott ©2015 Courtesy of RM Sotheby’s 125 bhp, 2,580 cc DOHC inline six-cylinder engine, twin SU HV6 carburettors, four-speed manual transmission, independent front suspension with trailing link, coil springs and Armstrong lever dampers, live Salisbury rear axle with coil springs, and four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes. Wheelbase: 2,515 mm. The very first Aston …

Jun 08, 2015 Read more

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

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

Jun 01, 2015 Read more

LeMans 2015 – Nissan GT-R LM NISMO Stuns On Track With Vacuum Aero!

Update: Observers of the GTR-LM at NCM Motorsports Park in Kentucky have confirmed the sound of high-power electric vans at speed around the track — answering a fundamental question posed below. __ Well, I’ll be damned! The shocking design and tech solutions of the all-new Nissan LMP1 car continue to mystify in the runup to LeMans 2015. The tech specs are out and included here, along with a fascinating video revealing one of the GT-R LM NISMO’s big secret weapons: vacuum aero. Nissan shows these full-length channels in the design in the below video, describing how the full-length piping helps …

May 29, 2015 Read more

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

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 …

May 02, 2015 Read more

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

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 …

Apr 11, 2015 Read more

Road Test Review – 2015 Hyundai Accent GLS Sedan Is Stylish, Quiet and Smooth with 37MPG

In the compact segment, buyers want a brand-new car with all the tech, safety and reliability of a mid-size, but the efficiency and low entry price of around $15,000. The Accent is lightly refreshed for 2015 with many more premium features than is the norm for the segment, plus added interior refinement and some top-line trim details that are truly stylish. Available in as the GLS sedan or two levels of five-door, the Accent is one of the most grown-up cars in its class. Real sedan style is even possible – which is not something many would say about the …

Apr 05, 2015 Read more

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

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

Apr 05, 2015 Read more

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

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

Apr 05, 2015 Read more

375HP 2016 Porsche Boxster Spyder Makes NY Debut With 3.8L Engine and Bikini Top

Porsche is getting serious about the flagging sales of the Boxster and Cayman. The fact of the matter is that Porsche is selling every 911, Macan, Panamera and Cayenne it can make — and usually selling those models with a hefty $30,000 in options per car. That is a profit-machine extraordinaire. But the Boxster and Cayman are really not hitting the right notes with shoppers. The average days for these cars on Porsche dealer lots in the US is a shocking five months on average. To make matters worse, those who are buying Boxsters and Cocksters are ordering them with custom …

Mar 31, 2015 Read more

2015 Morgan Plus 8 SPEEDSTER Headlines Geneva Show Stand

The Morgan Three-Wheeler and Aero 8 hoover up much enthusiast attention, but are they really the sweet-spot of the Morgan Motor Cars lineup? We would vote in favor of the Plus 8 Speedster — a stripped-down and chopped-windshield special based on the legendary best-seller. Running the latest 4.8-liter BMW V8 making 367-horsepower through an automatic or manual transmission, the Plus 8 roars to 60-mph in just 4.5-seconds. But those numbers do not really capture the drama of launching a Plus 8. With your rump almost right atop the back axle, the Plus 8 Speedster removes the bulky glass from …

Mar 04, 2015 Read more

2015 Porsche 911 GT3 RS Makes Geneva Debut With 500HP + Wild Track Upgrades All Around

Welcome to the most hardcore Porsche 911 of all time: the new GT3 RS. Wearing track-ready details throughout the exterior and interior, the GT3 RS really moves the 911 up a league in its overall speed potential. It starts with a 4.0-liter six-cylinder engine making 500-horsepower and delivering a 3.3-second sprint to 62-mph. A full light-weighting package means the roof is now magnesium, the wings in front are carved out with downforce slots, and the rear end packs both a fixed ducktail and a giant flat wing. Drama in the rear wide-track fenders brings an all-new fender vent that folds …

Mar 03, 2015 Read more

RM Amelia Island 2015 – 1953 Chevrolet Corvette Is Rare, Flawless First-Year Example

The power of the model-year in full effect with this 1953 Corvette, which is ballparked at $350,000 when it goes up for auction in March. This is triple the estimate of the identical 1954 model. But the 1954 is far less exclusive. The first year of Corvette production was actually fraught with peril and assembly issues. The never-before-used fiberglass bodywork proved extremely challenging to produce accurately, let alone assemble. A new setup wherein the complete bodywork was lowered onto the frame helped make 1954 a massive production year. They are both special, but obviously the collector value of the …

Feb 25, 2015 Read more

2015 Rally Fighter PRO By Taggart Autosport Brings Configurable Options + 3 New Transmission Choices

If there is one downside to the Local Motors Rally Fighter, it might be that the spec sheet is a little dry. Where are the wild suspension upgrades, rhino bars and upgraded seats, wheels and detailing? Typically, this type of aftersales upgrade and accessorizing is all on the buyer’s shoulders. Taggart Autosport has stepped into this middle ground to custom-build and finalize a Rally Fighter to your exact specs. They call it the Rally Fighter Pro. The four suspensions and transmission choices are perhaps the biggest substantive upgrade to the factory setup – which is a bulletproof but less-than-modern three-speed …

Feb 23, 2015 Read more

2015 Ducati 1299 Panigale – Worlds Wildest Superbike in 300 Photos!

When it comes to luxury products worldwide, there are two king countries: France and Italy. But in the world of mechanical perfection, thrilling speed and racing glory, Italy obviously trumps France in almost every realm. Small volumes, extreme passion, engineering focus all help to deliver a quicker pulse, guaranteed. Ducati is the latest masterpiece to wear this two-wheeled-Ferrari crown thanks to the race-fast 1299 Panigale, plus its two bad-ass siblings, the 899 Panigale and 1299 Panigale S. With pricing from $25,000 for the Panigale S, there is no better way to enter the Italian mechanical exotica club than this new …

Feb 07, 2015 Read more

Mecum Florida 2015 – 1956 Lincoln Continental Mark II by Sam Foose

Our photos of this stunning custom Lincoln Continental Mark II are not terrific. Inside the warehouse, packed tightly among other cars and people…. is just a tough way to shoot an amazing vehicle like this. We’re eager to share the car anyway, however, because it is just so damn cool. Dubbed ‘Pro Heavy’ in custom classic circles, the machine has appeared in numerous magazines and car shows since its creation in the early 1990s. The look of this Sam Foose creation is almost the ideal streamlined aesthetic that Lincoln might have wanted for the production car. Sans its original chrome …

Jan 29, 2015 Read more

Renault ALPINE Vision Gran Turismo Racer on Video and 70 Photos!

Welcome to the future of racing, courtesy of the racing boffins at Renault ALPINE and Gran Turismo! Sony’s PlayStation GT6 just got a bit more exciting today, with a mid-mounted, 4.5-liter V8 pushing this new prototype to a Vmax of 199-mph. We have two versions of the Alpine Vision GT here, one with the dual boattail venturi tail and one with a LeMans-style rear wing. On both, there is a cool active aero air-brake functionality in the sides of the rear end. These square-shaped flaps snap open to keep the rear end planted under braking, and slow the vehicle by …

Jan 28, 2015 Read more

2016 Ford Explorer Sport Inside and Out in 28 New Photos from Houston

Thrilled to see the 2016 Explorer is progressing and evolving into an even better seven-seat SUV: new engines, new luxury and tech inside, and new style outside are all very promising. Even more exciting for shoppers than the new Platinum trim level at the top of the ladder? All new colors for every trim level – even the base Explorer 2.3-liter EcoBoost from $31,000. We’ve prepared this animated colors visualizer with half an eye toward file sizes. Previous Mustang and 2015 Edge color articles have nearly broken the poor interwebs under the weight of 400-plus images. =] …

Jan 22, 2015 Read more

2016 Lincoln MKX – Will Mini-Bentley Design Appeal to US and Chinese Luxury Crossover Buyers?

Updated 1.13.2015 Mini-Bentley!? Yes, that is the sense we have when viewing the MKX in some of its profile shots. It is actually a really well-resolved and premium appearance, with great proportions that say Luxury and Big Back Seat loud and clear. This is important, because the MKX is aimed squarely at two markets that value those two things very highly: the USA and China. Lincoln is launching in China with the MKX as one of its star cars. The luxury crossover segment is one of the few segments that is still red-hot in Chinese sales, and Lincoln is well-positioned …

Jan 13, 2015 Read more

Lotus Motorcycles C-01 Aiming for Late 2015 Production Start

Lotus Motorcycles C-01 Lotus Motorcycle C-01 Road Ready Following two years of careful planning and intense development, Kodewa is delighted to announce that the prototype of the world’s first motorcycle to bear the legendary Lotus marque is now road registered and ready for action. Kodewa has been granted a license to produce the motorcycle by Group Lotus plc, the world renowned sportscar manufacturer and engineering consultancy. The C-01 combines ample power via a V-twin engine with a distinctive body designed by Daniel Simon integrating carbon fibre, titanium and aerospace quality steel. The C-01 motorcycle is not designed, …

Jan 11, 2015 Read more

2016 Lincoln MKX in 30 Photos – 2.7L EcoBoost, Open-Pore Wood, 19-Speaker Audio

The 2016 Lincoln MKX has broken cover, and it is a very impressive next step for the resugent American luxury brand. A step up in size from the MKC, the MKX is larger and more posh, of course, but also a bit more evolved. The MKX images here show sexy new detailing inside and out, with a heavy emphasis on advanced luxury not offered on any Ford at any price. These details include the new twin LED DRL accents in front, a multi-lens HID low and highbeam design, and a full-width LED lightbar in back. The MKX with these modern …

Jan 10, 2015 Read more

2015 Ford Mustang Colors and Wheel Visualizer

Updated 1.1.2015 With the four wheel styles. A few months ago we created a digital colorizer for the new Mustang – a car that is so highly anticipated that even Ford teams are clamoring for access. Rendered colorizers are fun, but not really helpful as a shopping tool or a real-life guide. We promised a real factory color guide in that article, and are proud to deliver it today! A few observations after spending much, much time on the Ford.com site and the Ford Media Center this week: — The car looks amazing. Even better than expected in the lighter …

Jan 02, 2015 Read more

Racing Icons – 1991 Mazda 787B LMP1 Winner + Rotary Engine Timeline

Wondered where the ‘LM55’ name of the new Mazda Vision Gran Turismo came from? That was the racing number of the LeMans-winning Mazda 787B from the 1991 LeMans. The only Asian brand to ever win overall via the LMP1 class, this is a story of a racing achievement that still irks powerhouse Toyota, Nissan and Honda to this very day. The 787B is also perhaps the ultimate evolution of the rotary engine — since its evolution beginning in 1588 as chronocles below. Reaching such heights as winning LeMans was an epic moment for rotary power, and conincided with the …

Dec 26, 2014 Read more

2016 Ford Explorer Colors and Pricing – Animated Turntables in Every Color!

Thrilled to see the 2016 Explorer is progressing and evolving into an even better seven-seat SUV: new engines, new luxury and tech inside, and new style outside are all very promising. Even more exciting for shoppers than the new Platinum trim level at the top of the ladder? All new colors for every trim level – even the base Explorer 2.3-liter EcoBoost from $31,000. We’ve prepared this animated colors visualizer with half an eye toward file sizes. Previous Mustang and 2015 Edge color articles have nearly broken the poor interwebs under the weight of 400-plus images. =] BASE PRICING …

Dec 16, 2014 Read more

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

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, …

Dec 04, 2014 Read more

RM Monterey 2014 – 1964 Ferrari 250 LM by Scaglietti Brings $11.5M

When SEMA becomes too much to handle, where to we turn for comfort and a little much-needed class? This 1964 Ferrari 250 Le Mans — one of the first mid-engine Ferrari’s ever made. Despite bringing more than $11-million this August in California, the only way is up for a car as special as this. 1964 Ferrari 250 LM RM Auctions Monterey 15 – 16 August 2014 1964 Ferrari 250 LM by Scaglietti To be auctioned on Friday, August 15, 2014 Sold for $11,550,000 Chassis no. 6045 Engine no. 6045 320 hp, 3,286 aluminum-block V-12 engine with six Weber 38 …

Nov 05, 2014 Read more

TECHART MACAN Stage Two Revealed! Aerokit, Exhaust Flaps, +50HP and Suspension Reflash Join The Fun

When one of these press photos instantly becomes my Twitter profile’s headline graphic, you know TechArt is doing something right! The latest upgrades for the super-hot 2015 Porsche Macan hit exactly the right notes. In what we are calling Stage Two versus the previous wheel options from TechArt, the team has revealed a subtle but effective aero kit. Up front, a deeper nose-plate in contrast grey helps ground the Macan’s somewhat awkward grille design, and this ground effects kit wraps the sills and rear diffuser as well. We enjoy all these upgrades and accents in Acid Green, as this is …

Oct 23, 2014 Read more

2015 Honda Civic Type R Previewed By Crisp and Clean New Paris Concept

276 horsepower is now the floor for Honda Type R models – this latest 2.0-liter turbocharged engine shows that Honda is diving in head-first into the world of turbochargers. Which definitely makes sense – Honda is, after all, supplying the McLaren Formula One team with its engines for 2015 and beyond. So you can be sure that the engine lab is glowing red-hot with huge boost! So what will change between now and the production model set for Spring 2015 in the UK? Mostly the headlights and the wheels. They will both be slightly more production-feasible. But otherwise, this is …

Sep 29, 2014 Read more

2014 Evanta Barchetta Makes Goodwood Debut With Modern 450HP V8 Engine + Classic Style

The continued prominence of the English sportscar business is no accident – the country’s road laws allow small-batch sports cars to be exempt from most EU emissions and safety rules. This is how cars like the Ariel Atom and others can wear UK license plates, but are track-only specials in (most of) the rest of the world. Evanta Motor Cars is leveraging that unique government flexibility to make its next car a relatively big seller. The Evanta Barchetta runs a custom-frabricated tubular alloy frame and vintage-inspired panels alongside a huge General Motors-sourced V8 engine. The combination means light weight and …

Sep 25, 2014 Read more

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

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

Sep 01, 2014 Read more

RenaultSport R.S. 01 Racecar Runs GT-R Engine In Mid-Ship Carbon Chassis

Created for the brand-new Sport Trophy track racing series, the new RS01 from Renaultsport is set to be track-ready for everything from the WEC Le Mans 24-hour race to Super GT in Japan. A promising start! The tech specs are below, and there is more than a little suspicion that the RS01 is a mid-engine Nissan GT-R. After all, it does run a NISMO 3.8-liter, twin-turbo V6 producing over 500-horsepower. Sharing is no bad thing. In fact, it is an amazing development on the Renault-Nissan Alliance’s strengths. Stay tuned for more details as they become available. RenaultSport R.S. 01 Racecar …

Aug 27, 2014 Read more

2015 Infiniti Q60S Reveals its Sexy Gloss-Black Accents at Pebble Beach

Updated 8.26.14 The Q60S revealed its gloss-black self at Pebble Beach — and it is definitely a sexy special edition package for this sweet-sounding coupe. 2015 Infiniti Q60S The hotshot executive sport coupe market is always fun: the Lexus RC F and BMW M4 are already stars of the Detroit show – months and months ahead of their arrival to buyers. The Lexus RC F in production form this week in Detroit ups the ante quite a bit. So what’s missing? Well, the Cadillac ATS Coupe – which is coming tomorrow – has room under than hood for …

Aug 26, 2014 Read more

Update1 – 2015 VOLVO XC90 – 400HP Twin-Engine PHEV Dubbed T8, 316HP T6 Also Coming to USA

Updated 8.12.14 with additional platform info from Volvo More info from Volvo today about the all-new XC90’s platform – plus the first official exterior image! Granted, it is just a headlight close-up… but we are excited all the same. [ The full exteriors shown here are unofficial renderings. ] 2015 VOLVO XC90 Powertrain Well, here is some good news! So far, we have seen the new XC90’s interior luxury and infotainment solutions. The luxury looks good, but the info touchscreen is a bit short of the Tesla 17-inch ideal. Under the hood? This has been another worry …

Aug 12, 2014 Read more

TECHART for Boxster and Cayman Deliver A Huge Shot of Adrenaline to Porsche’s Mid-Engine Heartthrobs

You know the adage about Porsche limiting the Boxster and Cayman so the 911 Carrera is protected? That applies in all aspects of the cars, regretfully, even the hottest new GTS models for 2015. The Cayman and Boxster’s mid-engine layout and exotic proportions are just a tweak or two away from drawing huge crowds and stares on the road. From the factory, they are often just a bit too subtle and classy for their own good. So to inject some of the hottest 918 or Carrera GT flair? TECHART to the rescue! A comprehensive set of upgrade options are offered …

Aug 06, 2014 Read more

2014 Audi RS5 Cabriolet Buyers Guide – Black Optics vs Matte Aluminum Optics

We discovered yesterday how to make your $55,000 Audi A5 Cabrio look much like the hottest RS5 Cabrio — with the simple click of the $4,000 sport pack to upgrade to dark carbon-blade wheels and a darker, sporter front clip. Is the RS5 also completely transformed and updated with its various add-on packages? Yes and no. There are three exterior themes available for the RS5 — but only the $3,000 Black Optics package is a must-buy. (Well, the Black Ops and the black Sport exhaust, actually.) But the 2014 RS5 Black Optics package brings some of the most sinfully …

Aug 02, 2014 Read more

2014 Audi A5 and S5 Cabriolet Buyers Guide – Colors and Sport Package Details

Just spent the last hour with the Audi S5 and A5 Cabriolet configurators – and have big news! The Sport Package is a must-click option for the A5 in particular: it brings RS5 styling cues all around for just a few thousand extra. Lovely and bold new colors available on the 2014 A5 and S5 as well. 2014 Audi A5 and S5 Cabriolet 2014 Audi A5 Cabriolet Engineering | Performance Engine type Four-cylinder Displacement (cc)/Bore and stroke (mm) 1,984/82.5 x 92.8 Horsepower (@ rpm) 220 @ 4,450-6,000 Torque (lb-ft @ rpm) 258 @ 1,500-4,300 Engine block Cast-iron Cylinder …

Aug 01, 2014 Read more

999Motorsports USA SuperSport Mk1 is 400HP Mid-Engine Track Attack Special – Mk2 Available to Order Now!

999Motorsports USA SuperSport Mk1 is 400HP Mid-Engine Track Attack Special – Mk2 Available to Order Now! Think that the open-cockpit Ariels, Radicals or Caterhams are the best-value, quickest and most-thrilling track day cars on the planet? For serious racers with Porsche 911 Supercups and RSR’s all around – there is one American track special that can beat the legend: the SuperSport999. 999 Motorsports USA is the local development and engineering center for this quick lap demon that has swept Asia and France already since 2012. The 14 cars built so far are absolutely purpose-built racers with a mid-engine layout plus …

Jul 28, 2014 Read more

Canned Hypercar Debrief – 2010 JAGUAR C-X75 Is Too Sexy For Its Turbines

Too sexy for Milan, New York and Japan? Just kidding. Despite the jokey “I’m too sexy” headline, the Jaguar C-X75 really could do no wrong when it debuted in Paris in 2010. It was a design so captivating that they painted it a dull beige – and people still went absolutely mad for it. As you can see in the difference between the 2010 Paris announcement at the bottom, and the production announcement in 2011 directly below — the car had a rough gestation period. The initial gas turbine hybrid technology was no-where near production feasible, and the truly jet-age …

Jul 22, 2014 Read more

TECHART MACAN Upgrades for Wheels, Engine, Exhaust, Suspension and Cabin Revealed

The Macan is the hottest thing to hit the Porsche books since the Panamera – and TechArt knows it. Their first set of upgrades is already well under way — with details promised for a styling overhaul in a month or so. Until then, we have the first four wheel styles available for any Macan Porsche, plus the well-regarded Engine and Suspension module upgrades from the TechArt Cayenne. Both of these plug-and-play mods keep all the mechanicals the same, but liberate a huge amount of extra power and earlier torque peaks. High recommended is the new exhaust as well. Stay …

Jul 21, 2014 Read more

Concept Flashback – 1988 Peugeot OXIA Is T16 Mid-Engine Road Racer

This car doubtlessly inspired the ONYX’s name and chassis layout, as well as perhaps the idea of previewing a new grille and nose on a hypercar before production hatchbacks. Pretty striking propoertions on the OXIA to this day, especially the hugely flared front and rear wheel-arches versus the trim cabin. This one is also more of an authentic hypercar – with 205 and 405 T16 rally-car running-gear under the rear canopy. Peugeot OXIA

Jul 12, 2014 Read more

2015 VOLVO XC90 Powertrain Teaser – Twin-Engine PHEV with 400HP Dubbed T8, 316HP T6 Also Coming to USA

2015 VOLVO XC90 Powertrain Well, here is some good news! So far, we have seen the new XC90’s interior luxury and infotainment solutions. The luxury looks good, but the info touchscreen is a bit short of the Tesla 17-inch ideal. Under the hood? This has been another worry – will dropping the inline-6, turbo six and V8 engines hurt the XC90 in power-pad American showrooms? The answer is a big No! The range-topping plug-in hybrid powertrain is teased today, and it looks awesome. Called T8 for twin-engine 4+4 shorthand, the T8 brings 400 horsepower and 472 pound-feet of torque. Through …

Jul 08, 2014 Read more

HOT DAMN! 707HP 2015 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Power Figures Are INCREDIBLE

600-horsepower from the new Challenger SRT’s supercharged Hellcat engine — all fired up and ready to roar into the record books with deliveries starting in late Summer 2014! Scratch that. The official tally is an incredible 707 horsepower from the 2015 SRT Challenger! Full details updated below from Dodge, as well as 98 new photos of the 2015 SRT Hellcat. ENGINE START-UP AND REVS VIDEO The coolest aspects of the new Challenger SRT are the Viper-inspired hood with extra breathing and venting ports, plus the hollow driver-side highbeam lamp – which delivers air right into the airbox of the Hellcat. …

Jul 02, 2014 Read more

Off-Road Test Review – 2014 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk On Some Tough and Rocky Trails!

Update1 – Off-roading the Trailhawk! The Jeep Cherokee’s styling hit me like a kick from a horse when first glimpsed earlier this year. I took to Twitter to say some less-than-encouraging things about its new appearance. Luckily, using Twitter is like throwing effort into a well – hopefully no one noticed… I’m actually very relieved to report four things about the 2014 Cherokee: – Optional 271-horsepower V6 engine with nine-speed auto and available 4WD promises a fun and powerful truck – Nose looks good on highways and in real life, LEDs visually widen car. The red trailhawk tow hooks …

Jun 29, 2014 Read more

Iconic Classic Supercars: 1965 Bizzarrini Strada Alloy 5300GT One of Most Influential Cars, Ever

Ever the tornado of creativity and speed, Ferrari was quite volatile in the early 1960s. For every race they won, it seems like a failed buyout from Ford and the epic ‘palace revolution’resulted in a big brain drain for Maranello. Competing hot-shot engineers would form nearly a dozen competing supercar marques, including Lamborghini, De Tomaso, Iso, ATS, ASA and Bizzarrini. Each led by a mastermind engineer, stylist, machinist or visionary, only Lamborghini’s brand was strong enough to make it to the 1970s and beyond. The Ferrari exodus left all these talented men with huge ideas, but less of a real …

Jun 29, 2014 Read more

Jay Kays Green LaFerrari and F12 TRS Spyder Cause Deadly Fanboy Riots at 2014 Goodwood FoS

Okay, maybe not riots. But certainly a slew of strong emotions! Gorgeous! Love it. Well ordered, Jay Kay! ‘…She said she’s from a quasar… 40 thousand million light years away! But she asked me for my number all the same…’ The custom F12 TRS was also in attendance, plus a California T, 458 Stradale and a Rosso Corsa LaFerrari… to name just a few…. Official Details from Ferrari UK below. FERRARI AT THE GOODWOOD FESTIVAL OF SPEED 2014 28/06/14 Yesterday, on the opening day of the Goodwood Festival of Speed, Ferrari unveiled its new, spectacular, California T …

Jun 28, 2014 Read more

Update1 – Aston Martin DP-100 Vision Gran Turismo Is Mid-Engine Hyper Exotic With 800HP V12TT

UPDATE1 – High-Res Photos from Aston Martin now included. But first… the name. DP? Ferrari has the FF — which we all are sure does not mean anything in sex slang. But now we have the DP? What is next in the hypercar naming lexicon? A perfect example of wanting what we cannot have this morning from Aston Martin. The DP-100 Vision Gran Turismo broke cover today at Goodwood showing ultra-modern proportions and a mid-engine hypercar design study. Of course, Aston is famous for many things. But mid-engine cars? Not really one of those things….! But even so, many …

Jun 27, 2014 Read more

Concept Flashback – 1997 Alfa Romeo Scighera is Mid-Engine Twin-Turbo V6 Hypercar

Whenever I want to learn about a concept car I’ve never seen before, the year is always the first place to start. It helps tell the environment in which the car was designed – the competitive set, and what the cars from the following few years did with the influence. Pure fantasy comes to life with the Alfa-Romeo Scighera – pronounced ‘Shi-gera’ – via the rear-engine platform, active aerodynamics in the side slats and rear wing, as well as LED lighting front and rear. The cockpit itself is also quite decadent, with huge buckets in Connolly leather and an adjustable …

Jun 23, 2014 Read more

Cars & Coffee – 1967 Chevrolet Camaro LS7 Is Flawlessly Resto-Modded With 7.0-Liter Crate V8!

If the Ford Mustang from the 1960s has a squeaky-clean image like a boy scout, the Camaro is the image of teenage rebellion. Its owner will be sulking in the corner. Cutting class and doing burnouts in the parking lot. With other burnouts? That mean and sinister feel is ever-present in this black on black on black 1967 Camaro. Even the taillamps and door-handles are a matching black. Those door handles, by the way, are finished with color-matched Allen head screws. Very, very cool. Up front, new lighting and a blackout lip spoiler and grille make all the difference. There …

Jun 22, 2014 Read more

Update1 – KAMAZ 4911 Dominates 2014 DAKAR Rally For 12th Truck Class Win

Update 1 June 17, 2014 Okay, so this race was in January 2014. Which makes this is bit of a late update… So you like the Ford Raptor and that feeling of being unstoppable on any terrain? Try the Kamaz-4911 on for size: – 17.2-liter, mid-mounted TD V8 engine – 730 horsepower @ 2500 rpm – 1991 pound-feet of torque @ 1300 rpm – Maximum Speed – 102.5 MPH Trust me, I had to check those numbers thrice myself. A 17-liter V8 is cool, but only the start of the fun for this multi-purpose truck platform. Initially designed with six …

Jun 17, 2014 Read more

2014 Bell & Ross B-ROCKET Watch Is Inspired By Fantastic Jet-Engine Motorcycle Concept

When it comes to watches, there is such a huge span of pricing and individual preference — there truly is no ‘one-size-fits-all.’ That applies not only in price but in all the other aspects of a wear-able fashion item: is it comfortable, is it easy-to-use, does it enhance my sense of cool? From a $5 digital to the million-dollar excesses – the price span really makes it a challenge to find the right “fit” in every sense of the word. Bell & Ross aspires to not just be your timepiece, but a new cornerstone in your entire aesthetic. Best-known for …

Jun 17, 2014 Read more

2014 Porsche 911 GT3 Technical Specs + 50 High-Res Wallpapers

Included below are the full specs of the 2014 Porsche 911 GT3, pricing for which starts at $130,000. Also, more than 50 high-resolution wallpapers of this 9000-RPM boxer barn-stormer. The 911 GT3 is masterful track car that can moonlight as a classy way to take a date for a night on the town. The thrills will start before you even make it back to bedroom! 2014 Porsche 911 GT3 Technical Specs Engine PDK Engine layout Rear engine Cylinder layout / number of cylinders Horizontally Opposed / 6 Displacement 3.8 l Horsepower 475 hp @ rpm 8250 rpm Torque …

Jun 15, 2014 Read more

2015 Ford Mustang – All 10 Colors in Animated Turntables

A few months ago we created a digital colorizer for the new Mustang – a car that is so highly anticipated that even Ford teams are clamoring for access. Rendered colorizers are fun, but not really helpful as a shopping tool or a real-life guide. We promised a real factory color guide in that article, and are proud to deliver it today! A few observations after spending much, much time on the Ford.com site and the Ford Media Center this week: — The car looks amazing. Even better than expected in the lighter colors. In black as seen at the …

Jun 13, 2014 Read more

2014 Ferrari 458 Speciale Is Glorious In Full Sight, Sound and Motion + 58 High-Res Action Photos

Sight sound and motion is a code-word in advertising for video or television. In this case, it might be SSM + I — with the I standing for information. The full launch announcement as well as complete technical specifications are well below. The photos are pretty intoxicating in themselves, but there is also an engine audio clip toward the bottom as well. The 2014 Ferrari 458 Speciale is available now at Ferrari dealerships worldwide, or you can build your own with the new Ferrari.com configurator at the link below. http://car-configurator.ferrari.com/458speciale/?lang=EN#config/1|40400|18024400|11800000|40||240532|2a180000||||||||ffe7040 See my ideal specification over in this other article as …

Jun 12, 2014 Read more

Rare Look Inside The 2014 Nissan GT-R Engine, Transmission and Suspension with Honorable Takumi Masters

How strong is the 2014 Nissan GT-R’s engine and powertrain setup? So strong… it does not even need a chassis to hold its shape! The carbon propshaft is strong enough to hold the GT-R and 545 men up at the same time! Just kidding. But it is very strong and very miraculous on the roads, when paired with the GT-R chassis of course. The R35 generation of GT-R is the most widely sold model in the three letters’ history, so maintaining excellence in the highly complex powertrain and suspension was always set to be a challenge for Nissan. Luckily, the …

Jun 11, 2014 Read more

2014 Hyundai Genesis Coupe 3.8L V6 – Road Test Review of FAST and FUN RWD Sportscar

Does something or someone become more beautiful the more you love it? I think we all know that the answer is: Yes. Such were my feelings after driving the 2014 Hyundai Genesis Coupe 3.8. Coming home, I find some of the most stunning photos and time-consuming angles of any car in recent memory – and the car is looking stellar. Sporty, lightweight, expensive and fast – but most of all, bright red. Was I so smitten that I kept snapping away long after I had the basics for a road test review? It would clearly seem that way. After all, …

May 30, 2014 Read more

2014 Porsche Panamera S E-Hybrid Review + All Colors and Wheels Visualizer

Panamera desire but also confusion? Such is life in the fast lane. This hugely-successful model has bloomed into an eight-strong fleet this year. What is new? The Turbo S, Panamera LWB, Diesel and even this all-new plug-in e-Hybrid. (Versions outlined and pricing comparisons here in previous article.) The Panamera S e-Hybrid slides in between the Panamera S and the Panamera 4S on price. Surely, luxury limo’s are passe company cars for those with more dollars than actual eco guilt? No longer. The Panamera S e-Hybrid is the first-ever plug-in luxury car in existence. Doubtful? Count them down. 1. Tesla = …

May 29, 2014 Read more

RM Monterey 2014 Preview – 1953 Fiat-Siata 1500 Coupe Speciale

This Fiat-Siata 1500 Coupe Speciale looks good enough to eat! Adorable lines shown here, in a style that is a dead ringer for the Ferrari road cars of this year as well. Monterey 15 – 16 August 2014 1953 Fiat-Siata 1500 Coupe Speciale Chassis no. MI 0139154 MI Engine no. SL0215 Entrant at the 1954 and 1955 Mille Miglias; One-off, custom-built Italian competition coupe; Extensive restoration by the current owner; Shown at the 2010 Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance

May 29, 2014 Read more

Best of Awards: 2014 Nissan Rogue Seats 7 – Featuring M.I.A. XXXO

The all-new Rogue is a huge hit so far: with seven seats and pricing from about $24,000 — this compact crossover nails a huge swath of buyer priorities. Its new LED lighting up front sets the tone, while the Nissan V-bar grille is just foreshadowing. Enjoy this early reveal of the Nissan Rogue in “Full-Throttle Action.” My favorite part? Seeing our pilot’s high-heel shoe mash the throttle to the floor before she uses an on-ramp to jump onto a train’s roof. All in a day’s work for the on-trend and stylish Rogue. This Nissan commercial seems to channel Sri Lankan …

May 28, 2014 Read more

VIDEO: 2015 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat – Exhaust Note, Interior and Performance Upgrades Debut

600-horsepower from the new Challenger SRT’s supercharged Hellcat engine — all fired up and ready to roar into the record books with deliveries starting in late Summer 2014! ENGINE START-UP AND REVS VIDEO The coolest aspects of the new Challenger SRT are the Viper-inspired hood with extra breathing and venting ports, plus the hollow driver-side highbeam lamp – which delivers air right into the airbox of the Hellcat. The interior is completely redesigned, with a much more comfortable-looking seating arrangement for the big SRT racing thrones. The infotainment is also far better, as are the new bi-xenon lights that run …

May 26, 2014 Read more

RM Monaco 2014 Highlights – 1993 Bugatti EB110 GT Brings $384k of Rapid Hypercar Class

That is great value for this sure-to-appreciate asset. Originally priced in the $450,000 ballpark even back in 1993, this rare Verde Scuro (dark green) EB110 GT is the epitome of the aristocrat’s hypercar. Not yellow and not even Bugatti Blue – this is one for cruising under the radar. But cruising at warp speeds. The original quad-turbo engine was plenty to scoot this incredible machine to 60-mph in 3.7-seconds before ultimately reaching a top speed of more 213 mph. This is in completely stock transmission and tire settings, by the way — which cannot be said for the 240-mph Vmax …

May 16, 2014 Read more

RM Monaco 2014 Highlights – 1969 Lamborghini Miura S Jota

Flip lamps or flush lamps? The eternal supercar question plays out with this 1969 Lamborghini Miura S, which includes the Jota-specification flush lamps. The overall appearance is far more modern than the original Miura’s oval and black-shrouded flip-up headlights, and likely much sleeker through the air with them on as well. The Miura S models banished much of the front-end lift at high speeds for which the original Miura was criticized, but, we wonder: are those flip-up headlights also a factor? They would act like a wall of air in the nose, causing inevitable weighting onto the back of the …

May 16, 2014 Read more

Road Test Review – 2014 Ford Escape SE 1.6 EcoBoost – Scores a C+ Overall – Slow, Pricey and Uncomfortable

The Ford Escape is still an excellent crossover and a solid choice for a huge group of buyers – from the base $23,000 Escape S to the loaded Titanium AWD 2.0-liter EcoBoost, there is really something for everyone. But has time been kind to the Escape — in a segment filled with new entries like the Mazda CX-5, Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4 and Nissan Rogue? Let’s dive in with a structure of Exterior, Interior, Powertrain and Summary. EXTERIOR The style of the Escape still looks great even three years since the car’s first appearance on the market. It is a …

May 10, 2014 Read more

Road Test Review w/ Pricing and Specs – 2014 Mazda3 Grand Touring

We were amazed with the all-new 2014 Mazda3 from the moment we laid eyes on it – especially the slinky and low-slung sedan variant that just arrived this Spring to Mazda dealers nationwide. After some joyful driving of the loaded 2014 Mazda3 s Grand Touring model, it is clear that the praise we shared in the “2014’s Smartest Compact” article was not sufficient. This might be the best car on the market in general, with no caveats for size or price. It is that good. I am struggling to convey how outstanding a machine it is in all regards — …

May 07, 2014 Read more

3.7s 2014 TRIDENT Iceni Magna Fastback Supercar … Running 6.6L V8 Diesel Power! Specs + Options Detail

I certainly like the style of this latest Trident Iceni Magna a bit more now than when I first laid eyes on it. The hyper-rounded and flowing panels recall the best and wackiest TVR Tuscan design elements, but with details all Trident’s own. The black Iceni Magna joins the Iceni and Iceni Venturer family members in a three-strong range. Official Details below from Trident Sports Cars. TECH SPECS In Standard Specification the Trident Iceni is equipped with the following: Engine: 6.6ltr Turbo Diesel V8 Gearbox: 6 Speed fully automatic Brakes: Alcon 400mm steel vented discs at the front …

May 01, 2014 Read more

2014 Ford Fiesta Adds EcoBoost Turbo Triple, MyFord Touch and Tinted Lamps!

The colorful Ford Fiesta is refreshed for 2014 outside and in, enhancing what is already an amazing small-car package. Updates are subtle enough to miss outside, but really to bring the 2014 Fiesta a bit of the ST model’s coolness – without the price jump that comes with the sportiest Fiesta model. The EcoBoost 1.0-liter bumps max fuel economy from 39 MPG up to a whopping 45 MPG with the SFE package. But is it a hilarious riot to drive, as promised by its long-time best-seller status in the UK, home of TopGear and all things cars? We did not …

Apr 25, 2014 Read more

1966 Shelby Mustang GT350 Racecar Awaits Engine Buildout at Charlotte Motor Speedway

A few issues in the video above, namely that when I am in the engine compartment noting the steering components. I refer to the “rack” of the typical modern rack-and-pinion steering setup. The original Mustang ran a worm-gear setup, which goes a long way toward explaining the factory car’s waywardness on the road (versus a modern car.) This recreated and not-original Shelby GT350 racecar build is just about the ideal starting point for most people. Almost any engine, transmission and interior setup are feasible with such a clean example like this. 1966 Shelby Mustang GT350 Racecar

Apr 24, 2014 Read more

2015 INFINITI QX60 Buyers Guide – Pricing, Specs and Features – AWD Hybrid Highly Recommended

There was a time when the Hybrid models in many car ranges were much more of a style and eco-conscience type of choice. The biggest example of this paradox of the Hybrid actually being a far worse machine, but much more successful with consumers, is the Lexus RX350 versus the RX450h. The RX Hybrid is so ubiquitous that it is easy to forget the standard model still exists! But is it a better car? That is very open to debate – as the Lexus system of AWD with electric power to the back axle is less-than-helpful in many slick road …

Apr 23, 2014 Read more

2015 Hyundai Sonata Goes Huge – Forget Camry and Accord, This Sonata Is Benchmarking Buicks

Uh Oh. Old habits really do die hard, apparently. This new Sonata shows that some vile old standard-operating-procedures are back in vogue at Hyundai-Kia, in a BIG way: — shoddy design — shoddy performance — shoddy quality We could also add Shoddy Strategy and Shady Promises for handling, efficiency, value…. EXPLAIN: WHAT DO YOU MEAN? The recent model range changes from Hyundai are very, very bizarre in chucking the baby out with the bathwater. Three years of great sales have emboldened the team to go back to its roots in the worst possible ways. The latest ‘Busch-league’ maneuver? Ditching the …

Apr 22, 2014 Read more

2015 Chrysler 200 Aims For the Middle, But Design and Cabin Undeniably Much-Improved

By Special Contributor Anthony Alaniz There is little doubt that the forthcoming 2015 Chrysler 200 is important. The mid-sized car segment has been virtually void of any credible Chrysler product for some time—lest we forget about Eminem and that commercial. As maligned the Chrysler 200 is, it is hard to forget the 200 first appeared on showroom floors just a few years ago as a 2010 model, replacing the worst-car-on-the-market Sebring sedan. See a pattern here? For 2015, Chrysler has finally found the fire necessary to produce something competitive, or at least inoffensive and of a quality high enough …

Apr 21, 2014 Read more

VIDEO: Olthoff Racing Factory – Superformance GT40 Mark II – Specs, History + High-Res Photo Comparison Vs. GT40 Mark I

Is there beauty in functionality? That is the question to ask when debating a GT40 Mark I versus its successor, the GT40 Mark II. Is authenticity of the actual 1-2-3 1966 7.0-liter Mark II race win better than the clean lines and simple aesthetic of the Mark I — which was actually a trouble-prone testing bed for the losing 1964 and 1965 seasons? The 24 Hours of LeMans is widely known as the most grueling durability and endurance test ever fathomed, let alone run annually with a field of more than sixty cars across four racing categories: LMP1, LMP2, GT2 …

Apr 20, 2014 Read more

Build Your Own 500HP Chevy Truck with Valvoline! 5 Body Styles, 5 Engines, 10 Colors, Wheels, Graphics!

Valvoline and Hendrick Motorsports have nabbed two of the biggest names in US auto racing for the entertaining and fun ‘Reinvention Project.’ It pits Dale Jr. versus Jimmie Johnson in a battle of resto-modding wits — five vintage Chevy truck bodies to choose among, and engines up pushing nearly 600 horsepower! It is both an on-track grudge match with drag racing and burnout contests for the resulting real-life pickup trucks each racer designed himself — a riot of power and semi-politeness among the guys. Cruise over to Facebook.com/valvoline to give them a thumbs up, and vote on your favorite. The …

Apr 08, 2014 Read more

Iconic Classic: 1938 Dubonnet Hispano-Suiza H6C Xenia at Mullin Automotive Museum

Orig Published on: Nov 5, 2013 @ 13:12 If it seems like we have an unhealthy fascination for the Mullin Automotive Museum, you might be right. The cars inside this Oxnard, California collection just… write their own stories. I have a dozen more that I would like to feature, but we must start at the true nexus – or “Xenia” perhaps – of the art of French coach-building by Jacques Saoutchik and his contemporaries. How all these cars got to sunny California is no accident. In many cases – the cars in the collection were painstakingly built – sometimes …

Apr 01, 2014 Read more

1982 BMW 1.5-liter F1 Turbo Engine Makes 1100HP! Two Videos and 17 Detail Photos

1982 BMW 1.5-liter F1 Turbo I love a good turbocharger, and this is certainly one of the best. The carbon-fiber shell for the turbo unit and the engine cover itself has a very National Aeronautics and Space Agency feel to it — showing how advanced this material was in the early 1980s. No company had brought the artful woven patterns we take for granted today from Pagani and all the rest — C-F and Carbon-Kevlar were simply the strongest materials known to man. Looks were a firm afterthought on the space shuttles as much as for this F1 engine. But …

Mar 29, 2014 Read more

2014 INFINITI QX80 Review – Specs, Options, Pricing, Colors + 30 Real-Life Photos

When planning this article, I cannot help but think of the QX80 is a ‘reliable Range Rover,’ a smoother and better-handling Land Cruiser, or an Escalade with actual class. But throwing sand never wins any points in life. So let’s stick to the high road with this newly-renamed QX56 model for 2014. A few extra packages enter the fray for 2014, including a huge number of laser/radar and sonar-based active safety elements as standard — and even more with the optional Tech Package. 400-horsepower through a seven-speed automatic continues with this chain-driven marvel of a V8 — and the big …

Mar 26, 2014 Read more

Amelia Time Capsules — 1960 Rolls-Royce Phantom V Limo by Park Ward — 60 Delightful Photos — Sold for $99,000 By RM

This stately car was such a huge milestone for Rolls-Royce that the core template and style of this 1960 car barely changed for the next thirty years. In fact, Queen Elizabeth probably still wishes this were her daily cruiser. Such is its elegant simplicity, comfort and joyousness outside and in. The Phantom V Park Ward is still the utmost in formal living, so this realistic auction result is even more appreciable. Channel4 in the UK will air a relatively candid look inside Rolls-Royce this evening, but candid is a relative term in Goodwood. While the youthfulness of the staff and …

Mar 20, 2014 Read more

2014 Porsche Panamera S E-Hybrid — 30 Real-Life Photos — Live Configurator Link + 72 Images of Options, All Colors and All Wheels

Panamera desire but also confusion? Such is life in the fast lane. This hugely-successful model has bloomed into an eight-strong fleet this year. What is new? The Turbo S, Panamera LWB, Diesel and even this all-new plug-in e-Hybrid. (Versions outlined and pricing comparisons here in previous article.) The Panamera S e-Hybrid slides in between the Panamera S and the Panamera 4S on price. Surely, luxury limo’s are passe company cars for those with more dollars than actual eco guilt? No longer. The Panamera S e-Hybrid is the first-ever plug-in luxury car in existence. Doubtful? Count them down. 1. Tesla = …

Mar 15, 2014 Read more

East Coast West Coast Benz Battle: CLS550 4Matic versus CLS550

So you need a Mercedes-Benz with a giant V8, about 5.0-seconds to 60-mph or less, and perhaps four doors — perhaps only two. Options will lead you to the CLS, the original “foupe” and inspiring act for the very fashionable new CLA250 and CLA45 AMG. This is not really a Tupac vs Biggie-style rap battle. Just noting that the CLS550 is available both in rear-drive and AWD setups. They are both very tail-happy and will play along when you are in the mood. But once the CLS trigger is pulled, you might be compelled to only consider the CLS63 AMG. …

Mar 15, 2014 Read more

Pre-War Rolls-Royce Showcase — Phantom II Henley Roadster A Sweet, Smooth Operator — Gooding & Co. Amelia Island 2014

It was convertible Rolls-Royce season down in Florida last weekend! Three exceptional pre-war Rollers were in proud residence, with both soft-tops bringing in far more cash than the single hardtop: the 1929 Phantom I Newmarket. All are exceptionally-desirable, but clearly some more than others. Results for the cars featured here are included with headers noting which is which. The real star of the show was the Henley Roadster, but the 1933 Rolls-Royce 20/25 Three-Position Drophead Coupe has many merits of its own. One quick one? This was the firm’s official 1933 Paris auto show car. A running, bespoke concept …

Mar 12, 2014 Read more

We Called It! McLaren Sneaks 650S Spider into Geneva With 650S Coupe — Delicious Tarocco Orange

When you work alone and in almost a vacuum of feedback, you have to pat yourself on the back every once and a while. Sidebar: you also have to scratch your own back, and handle other appendages in a DIY way as well. But that is for a completely disgusting How-To article on a different website altogether =] Closing note: it looks like McLaren has finally nailed its signature McLaren Orange paint with the help of tech partner AkzoNobel. The new color is actually called Tarocco Orange — and is delightful in all lights and climates as a bright yellow/deep …

Mar 04, 2014 Read more