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A Look at What the Next-Gen Toyota 86 Could Be

Could the 86 Get a Funky Hatch?

We reported recently that the Toyota 86 will not be going away despite the fact that the Supra is here. According to the company, the vehicle will get another generation. This is good news for the well-loved coupe and sports car enthusiast everywhere. What the next generation 86 will be, however, is yet to be determined. Carscoops thinks it has the answer.

The publication shared the image above. It’s a rendering of what the next 86 could possibly look like. It’s a weird mashup of the current 86, the Supra, and a kind of funky hatchback. Carscoops points to the original Toyota AE86 as its inspiration. The AE86 was a masterpiece of a car, but the rendering from the publication doesn’t come close to its simplicity and beauty. It looks to us more like Toyota’s version of the Hyundai Veloster than the AE86.

Because Toyota has not hinted at changing the 86 coupe’s body style at all, we’d have to suggest that it won’t look much like this rendering at all. The one thing that Carscoops probably got right is the idea that it will take some styling cues from the new Supra, specifically on the front end. This rendering at least does that well.

The jury’s still out on whether or not the next 86 will have the same kind of body style as it currently does. We hope it doesn’t stray too far from its current form. There’s nothing wrong with the body style. All Toyota needs to do is update the styling a little and add a bit more power. If it can do that without cannibalizing sales from the Supra, it will have succeeded.

February 25, 2019 / Comments Off

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The Hummer H1 Is Given New Life By Mil-Spec Automotive

The latest design trends in the automotive marketplace can be depressing to enthusiasts. Fake exhaust tips, the ever-shrinking number of vehicles available with a manual transmission, four-door “coupes”, excessive amounts of badging — the list goes on and on. Today’s vehicles are objectively better in every measurable way, but the immeasurables and subjectives come up short. For that reason, the resto-mod market is booming. The appeal of a classic silhouette and obsessively perfect build-quality combined with just the right amount of modern technology is undeniable. From Defenders to Power Wagons to Broncos, the 4×4 resto-mod scene is rife with competition now, but only Mil-Spec Automotive has the audacity to take on the John Henry of trucks: the Hummer H1.

To put it plainly, outside the realm of military use the original Hummer H1 sucked. It was slow, inefficient, impractical and uncomfortable. Still, the H1 is one of those vehicles that stirs people, despite it being little more than an eight-foot-wide box on wheels. Fortunately for all of us with “the sickness,” the founders of Mil-Spec Automotive understand the simple beauty and huge potential of the H1. In just over three years the company went from lofty concept to striking reality: reimagining the truck to suit civilian connoisseurs of extreme vehicles. The company has produced a string of quarter-million-dollar final products, all mostly sold. And I drove Chassis #001, The Launch Edition.

It took all of five minutes talking with the CEO and Owner Adam Mitchell for me to fully understand that his work is above all else a labor of love. We walked around Chassis #001 before I drove away for the afternoon, and Adam’s eyes were glowing with pride as he pointed out each detail that makes their interpretation of the H1 special. Nearly every element of the platform has been replaced; only the original donor frame rails and body cores are retained. Of course, the 12-person team that hand-builds each Launch Edition pores over those meticulously as well, stripping them down to bare metal before they are essentially re-manufactured.

The first step in the process involves applying a gloss black powder coat to the frame and all its components to protect against corrosion. The aluminum body receives a thorough restoration from an in-house metal works specialist; Mil-Spec’s custom tri-level insulation system is also installed. The body receives a high-grade primer and coated sound/heat insulation products. Then the damn thing gets a coating of thermal deadening, sound deadening fiber — before Kevlar-infused exterior paint is applied. Adam is particularly happy with that last choice given that he grew up off-roading on trails in Michigan where branches wreak havoc on paint. Not only does Kevlar-infused paint make the truck look even more badass, but it also keeps the truck looking badass. The invisible effects of all these upgrades are equally impressive too. By significantly reducing the amount of heat around the truck’s powertrain, efficiency and performance increase greatly. Noise, vibration and harshness levels are also vastly improved by the coating process, resulting in a transformed cabin experience.

Mil-Spec’s attention to detail was immediately apparent when I set out on my drive. Everything feels tight, premium, carefully chosen. There are no rattles, no visible hints at design or engineering shortcuts, no reasons to doubt that this may be the finest hand-built 4×4 in America. It’s certainly the finest application of the all-star “LBZ” 6.6-liter Duramax Turbo Diesel on which GM built the reputation of their best generation of heavy-duty pickups. The Mil-Spec team has tuned the motor using their own software and the result is a truck that comes standard with 500 horsepower and 1,000 lb-ft of torque. Even in a vehicle this massive, that is astonishing grunt. Perhaps even more impressive are the fuel economy figures: 14mpg city and 20mpg highway, which surpass those of a number of new factory-built SUVs currently on the road. The tune also allows for bio-diesel compatibility. Who would have ever thought we’d be discussing the efficiency and environmentally friendly aspects of the H1 in 2019?

While the addition of some practicality to the equation here is welcome, I certainly didn’t forget that the H1 is one of the most unreasonable vehicles ever to pound the pavement. Thanks to Mil-Spec, this is now a truck that’s no more difficult to cruise on the highway in than a Mercedes-Benz G-Wagen or Jeep Wrangler. You certainly have to keep in mind how wide the damn thing is, but I found it easy enough to keep it centered in my lane of choice on the highway. Using the backup camera and large mirrors I was able to parallel park without breaking a sweat.

Mil-Spec has taken this once lumbering, impractical and intimidating truck and produced something that’s downright accessible and enjoyable in everyday life. Not only is that an improbable proposition, it’s also totally unexpected. Designs were done right the first time around on vehicles like the Bronco, Defender, and Land Cruiser, and similar to the H1, all three were subpar anywhere but off-road. Of the bunch, the H1 stands apart as a relic of a bygone era that was never meant for this kind of approachable, beautiful use. Mil-Spec has dusted off the beast and brought it to a whole new level.

None of that matters to me as the H1 and I sling mud around a mountain top. All that matters is how hilariously fun this truck is. I’ve got the remastered edition of Black Sabbath’s Vol. 4 pumping through the JL Audio system as I rollover more technical sections of this “top secret” test trail without hesitation. Shortly thereafter I’m back on the 101 freeway cruising comfortably at 75mph with one hand on the steering wheel. A minivan comes up alongside me on the right, and the driver gives Chassis #001 a once over and nods. A head appears from his far side: a kid leaning forward to catch a glimpse from the passenger seat. He gives me an enthusiastic thumbs up. If only he knew the half of it.

February 25, 2019 / Comments Off

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Sim Racing – eSports Sim Racer Enzo Bonito Defeats Former F1 Driver in a Real-life Race

Race of Champions Weekend in Mexico Highlights Sim Racing Narrative

“It’s not just a video game” – this is the ongoing narrative with regards to sim racing, and Enzo Bonito’s victory over former F1 driver Lucas di Grassi at the Race of Champions earlier this year adds further exclamation to it. For further insight into the world of sim racing itself, you can view my article here.

To provide some background on how everything ties in here, I should start by describing what exactly is the Race of Champions (commonly referred to as ROC). Started in 1988, ROC is an annual event that brings together some of the biggest current, past and emerging motorsport stars. It provides an equalized platform on which drivers from different disciplines and backgrounds are pitted against each other in a mano a mano, apples to apples fashion. In essence, ROC showcases competitors driving on seperate (but identically layed out) tracks simultaneously using different (but also identically set up) cars. This eliminates factors – outside of the driver’s technical ability – which could otherwise create an undue advantage or disadvantage for the racers.

ROC has come a long way since its inception, producing many memorable moments along the way – with the proliferation of eSports and sim racing, we’re bound to see many more. In recent years, the ROC has invited some of the top names in this on-the-rise discipline of motorsport, and this is where Enzo Bonito comes in.

Sim Racing

The Italian is one of the biggest names in sim racing, and has earned a spot as a driver for McLaren’s official Formula 1 eSports team known as McLaren Shadow. His victory at last year’s first ever eROC World Final (the sim racing equivalent of ROC) allowed him the chance to race at a real track and compete at the 2019 ROC in Mexico, where he produced his now famous underdog victory.

Taking on a former/retired F1 driver would be no easy feat in the first place, and it isn’t as if his opponent had gone grey and resigned himself to sipping mojitos on a beach for the better part of a calendar year (which by the way, I have nothing against…). Bonito’s opponent – Brazilian Lucas di Grassi – in fact, continues to race competitively and professionally in Formula E where his skills remain honed as ever.

While the above factors certainly make Bonito’s win an overall surprise, most of the world – even the motorsport world itself – is still coming to grips with the fact that sim racing demands, and can produce a skill-set that is remarkably transferable to, and really not that much different than that of real-life racing. This result certainly alters the trajectory of that thinking, with future events likely to continue doing the same as sim racers continue to take the motorsport world by storm.

And if you’re still not convinced, Enzo Bonito also beat Indy 500 and IndyCar champion Ryan Hunter-Reay in a race, that same weekend.

February 24, 2019 / Comments Off

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Geneva Motor Show 2019 Preview

The Geneva Motor Show 2019 begins next Tuesday (5 March 2019) and runs through to 17 March 2019. With the likes of Ford, Opel, Volvo and Jaguar Land Rover all absent, this year might prove to be quieter than recent years. Despite the no-shows, there is still plenty to see. We’ve collected all of the confirmed production launches below for a Geneva Motor Show 2019 preview!

Audi

Audi have already announced a number of new models for the Geneva show. The most recent was last week’s Audi SQ5 TDI, an SUV with an incredibly powerful diesel engine. At the other end of the spectrum, Audi are expected to release an Audi Q4 e-tron Concept. Expect to see the new Audi TT RS facelift for the first time and a possible Audi A6 Allroad. Hopefully there are some other surprises too. Perhaps a little early for an RS6 though…

Bentley

It’s a big year for Bentley. It turns 100 years old. Against the backdrop of the uncertainty surrounding Brexit, Bentley have released a faster, more expensive version of the popular Bentley Bentayga. The Bentley Bentayga Speed will be the first of two expected world premieres from the British company. The second will be a centenary model. Little is known about this at the moment, however, Bentley have released teaser images so we know that it is definitely on the cards!

BMW

BMW have the new 7 Series to show off. Released a month ago and sporting a massive front grille, it will be interesting to see what it looks like in the flesh. BMW will also display a range of new hybrids. At the other end of the scale, the BMW X3M and BMW X4M will inject some adrenaline. Surprises? BMW is normally predictable. Perhaps we will get something else this year?

Bugatti

Bugatti have already announced the Bugatti Chiron Sport ’110 ans Bugatti’. We are expecting it to make a debut at the Geneva show. Yet we have also been hearing rumours of a special, one-off version of the Bugatti Chiron commissioned by Former Volkswagen Group Chairman Ferdinand Piech. On social media, Bugatti have been talking about the legendary Bugatti Type 57SC Atlantic. The Bugatti stand could be exciting!

Cupra

Seat’s stand-alone performance brand will show an SUV concept in the form of the Cupra Formentor, named after the Majorcan peninsula. From the stats it looks similar to the Skoda Vision RS hybrid with a plug-in hybrid powertrain making a total of 250 hp.

GFG Style

GFG Style was started by legendary designer Giorgetto Giugiaro and his son, Fabrizio. As such, we have high hopes for the GFG Style Kangaroo, its first concept design. The company has created an SUV with four-wheel drive, four-wheel steering and two seats. It sits on a chassis donated by Chinese brand CH Auto.

Italdesign

Now in the ownership of the Volkswagen Group, Giugiaro’s old brand, Italdesign, will display a brand new supercar at the Geneva show. In past years, Italdesign have launched the Huracan-based Zerouno and the Nissan GT-R based GT-R50. Italdesign plans to introduce a new supercar every year. Few details have been released to confirm what it plans for this year, however, expect Volkswagen Group connections.

Koenigsegg

We have known for some time that Koenigsegg will release a replacement for the Agera at this year’s Geneva Motor Show. Its working title is Ragnarok. Rumours suggest that the 1,440 hp hypercar will be limited to a 125 car run. Koenigsegg recently announced a technical partnership with NEVS. That partnership is expected to propel Koenigsegg into the mainstream with a series of new models. We might hear more about this too.

Aston Martin Lagonda

Aston Martin will have a number of models on display. The biggest announcement so far is the Lagonda All-Terrain Concept which is expected to preview the sub-brand’s first production model. Alongside the All-Terrain Concept will sit examples of Aston Martin’s current range, refined by Aston Martin’s Q service. What will take up the rest of the space is up for debate. Aston Martin recently announced the Project 003 hypercar which we would love to see, otherwise, it could be Aston Martin’s SUV.

Lamborghini

Lamborghini have already announced the Lamborghini Huracan EVO. The Geneva Motor Show 2019 is the first opportunity for the Italian brand to publicly show the car (although journalists have already been let loose). Rumours have also been circulating about a limited edition hypercar set to preview at some point this year. Initial reports suggested that Lamborghini will reveal the hybrid hypercar at the Frankfurt Motor Show later this year, however, we have out fingers crossed for something special at Geneva.

Manifattura Automobili Torino

Italian brand Manifattura Automobili Torino will be at the Geneva Motor Show this year with its new Stratos. Reports suggest that the first production version will be on display, destined for a German customer. The company will be debuting a manual gearbox option. Last year MAT announced a Safari variant and a GT track-focused version. Perhaps we might see one or other of these?

Mercedes-Benz

Another of the big displays will belong to Mercedes-Benz. Our Geneva Motor Show 2019 preview would not be complete without them and Mercedes-Benz has already announced big plans. The German brand will reveal a sting of special editions including the SLC Final Edition, the SL Grand Edition and the Mercedes-AMG S 65 Final Edition. The CLA Shooting Brake is also confirmed alongside a new V Class and the Concept EQV van. Shoehorned into a corner, Mercedes-Benz will also have a facelift version of the GLC.

Peugeot

Peugeot introduced an interesting concept last week. The 508 Concept looks like a BMW M3 rival on paper. Officially named the Peugeot 508 Sport Engineered, it uses a petrol engine combined with two electronic motors to produce an output of 400 hp. Performance figures include a 60 mph sprint in just 4.3 seconds. The production version won’t be quite so brisk with an expected 225 hp output.

Pininfarina

Pininfarina have been drip feeding the new Battista hypercar in recent months. The Battista is the first of a new-generation of Pininfarina, stand-alone models. It will be joined by an SUV in the near future. For now, we know that the Battista will be all-electric with a 1,900 hp motor.

Porsche

Porsche are an unknown quantity at this stage. We have them down to release the new Porsche 911 to a European audience and the 911 Cabriolet on the world stage. Yet these are hardly crowd pullers. One possibility is that Porsche have the 718 Cayman GT4 ready to go…

Puritalia

Puritalia, a new Italian sports car manufacturer will reveal a hybrid powered Berlinetta. It will combine a proprietary hybrid system with a front-mounted V8 engine. The Berlinetta will be built on commission and will pack a 965 bhp punch, outgunning the McLaren P1 and LaFerrari. The teaser images look interesting and with a limited production run of 150 examples, it should prove to be an exciting alternative to the mainstream.

Morgan

Another Geneva regular will use this year’s show to debut a sports car. Morgan’s 110th year will see the debut of an all-new aluminium wide body model. Don’t expect revolutionary design, Morgan has developed a distinctive look over the years. The British brand is set to downsize with the introduction of a forced-induction six-cylinder engine. It will be the new flagship of the Morgan range.

Volkswagen

Volkswagen are expected to debut a number of new concepts and models. The Volkswagen ID Buggy is one of the first debuts. Based upon the Beetle which is not long for this world, Volkswagen will unveil the electrified beach buggy. Of more interest to us is the Volkswagen T Roc R, a performance SUV.

McLaren

McLaren are an unknown quantity at the moment. They released a press release last week detailing an MSO bespoke 600LT Spider which will be on display at the Swiss show. The 600 LT Spider gets Napier Green highlights which contrast the Dove Grey finish. Other than the 600LT, we were expecting to see the production version of the Senna GTR and, possibly, the McLaren Speedtail.

February 24, 2019 / Comments Off

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The ghoulish McLaren 600LT Spider by MSO lurks in the night

McLaren will use anything as an excuse to show off the customization prowess of its McLaren Special Operations (MSO) division. In the past, it has released bespoke cars to celebrate Le Mans, fashion designers, various historic racing achievements and Canada. With its recent creation, McLaren is using the 2019 Geneva Motor Show to display what a 600LT Spider could look like with a few special touches.

According to McLaren, about half of all 600LT Coupe buyers use MSO in some form or another, so it assumed fans and customers would like to see similar treatment on the open-top Spider version. McLaren has shown MSO projects regularly at Geneva, and with overall demand and production ramping up, it wasn’t about to stop in 2019.

This show car is meant to be somewhat of an ode to the 600LT’s predecessor, the 675LT, and uses Napier Green as the accent color, an original paint from the 675LT. The main body color is called Dove Grey and gives the car an under-the-radar smoky look.

To apply the Napier Green — which outlines several aero pieces, appears on the brake calipers, and stripes across the side of the body — McLaren used a method previously only done on race cars. As it did with the 720S GT3 and 570S GT4, McLaren applied the paint by compressing it into a “light and flexible film.”

No supercar is complete these days without splashes of carbon fiber, and the MSO 600LT adheres to the trend. The exposed carbon fiber aero kit and the door scoops were given a satin finish to contrast the gloss black wheels.

The interior has several optional features, as well. It has carbon fiber racing seats that were first developed for the McLaren Senna, with 600LT embroidered into the headrests. It also features an Alcantara headliner and steering wheel, as well as green contrasting elements all over the place. More carbon fiber was applied to the door inserts, the tunnel sides, the gear select housing and the infotainment surround.

The 600LT by MSO is not one of McLaren’s most outrageous works, nor does it have a specific theme for its debut, but it will surely draw plenty of attention in Geneva. Since driving one, we’ve spent most of our time daydreaming about what it’d be like to craft our own.

Related Video:

February 23, 2019 / Comments Off

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ABT Audi Q8 Adds Power and Aero Package

ABT’s package for the Audi Q8 has arrived. Due to be unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show 2019 in a few weeks time, the ABT Audi Q8 adds power and style through a subtle aero package. The display car is built upon an Audi Q8 50 TDI, although the parts will work for other engine variants in the range.

The ABT body kit consists of a front skirt add-on with a front blade and air inlet panels, rear skirt add-on and fins, an ABT rear wing and an ABT emblem set. Small parts but they set the ABT Audi Q8 apart from the standard model. All of the additional parts are available in a glossy black finish.

ABT Audi Q8

The Audi Q8 50 TDI gets an ABT Power boost. The German company installed an ABT Engine Control (AEC) unit boosting power from the 3.0 litre TDI from 286 hp up to 330 hp. Torque increases from 600 to 650 Nm. ABT have carried out some work on the suspension too. The ABT Level Control module allows greater control over the electronic air suspension.

ABT supply wheels for the Q8 too. This show car features an ABT Sport GR set. They measure 10 x 22 inches with a concave base, finished in matt black or gloss black with diamond polishing. Alternatively, ABT has revealed a 23-inch version of the same wheel design. Personalised interiors are also possible.

For some reason, the press release makes constant reference to James Bond with ABT reminding us that they modified an Audi 200 quattro for the film “The Living Daylights” in the 1980s. ABT think this might be the perfect car for 007, do we agree?

February 23, 2019 / Comments Off

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TechArt GTstreet RS: 770 hp Porsche 911 Turbo S Revealed

The king is dead, long live the king! In the case of the Porsche 911 Turbo S, we might now be waiting for the arrival of the 992 version, yet a worthy stop-gap appears to have arrived in the form of the lastest, 770 hp, TechArt GTstreet RS!

The top level of TechArt’s Porsche 911 program is set to debut at the Geneva Motor Show 2019 the week after next. the TechArt GTstreet RS won’t be widely available though. TechArt have announced a limited edition run of ten examples, based on the 991 Porsche 911 Turbo S.

Techart GTstreet RS with 770hp

Forged carbon is the flavour of the month. TechArt received the memo and have delivered in dramatic fashion. A new forged carbon fibre body kit underpins the project. It includes a new front apron with front spoiler, lip and additional air intakes. The headlights get carbon airframes and flaps optimise downforce. The new front hood gets a custom touch with the edition number lacquered into the clear paint. Design wise, NACA air inlets supply cooling air to the braking system.

The side profile includes a new set of carbon front fenders with larger carbon louvres to vent the wheel arch. A ram air scoop has been added to the rear lid to help with cooling. The active rear wing is redesigned and works in combination with the rear diffuser. To reduce weight, Techart has even replaced the rear and rear side mirrors with Gorilla glass.

Each axle receives a special version of the forged TechArt Formula IV Race centre lock wheels. Aero rings have been incorporated into the carbon fibre to protect the brake system from stone-chipping and to reduce air turbulence behind the wheels.

Headlines will be written (our own included) about the insane power outputs achieved by the TechArt GTstreet RS. The 3.8-litre twin-turbocharged flat-six engine produces more power than the GT2 RS. Among the modifications carried out by TechArt are the new turbochargers. A set of TechArt quad titanium tailpipes are visible at the back.

An additional 190 hp is generated for a total figure of 770 hp together with an additional 170 Nm of torque, a total of 920 Nm. The additional power allows blistering pace. 100 km/h is dispatched in just 2.5 seconds. 200 km/h in 8.1 seconds. Terminal velocity is an electronically limited 340 km/h.

TechArt offers a coilover suspension system for the PDCC. A retrofitted noselift system is also on offer and provides an additional 60 mm of ground clearance.

TechArt’s interior blends virgin wool with leather and Alcantara. A new sports steering wheel has been fitted together with a set of sports seats, 6-point racing seatbelts, a roll bar and colour-matched door openers. All customers will also receive a racing helmet, a helmet bag and a document wallet finished in the colour of the individual vehicle.

February 22, 2019 / Comments Off

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To Hell With the Purists. This AWD Porsche 356 Is Badass

Rod Emory is no stranger to kickback from the world of Porsche purists, but what do you expect of a resto-mod operation named Outlaw Porsche? Emory’s calling card is building hot-rodded outlaw Porsches, which are updated, non-numbers matching, not-period-correct 356s. His outfit has been well-known globally, but he just upped the ante. The Emory Motorsports 356 C4S is a 1956 356C with underpinnings from an AWD 911 form the ’90s. It’s dubbed the “AllRad.”

To the naked, untrained eye, Emory’s creations aren’t discernable from an original Porsche 356, but therein lies the beauty of an Emory Motorsports Porsche — each is a vintage body with modernity bubbling underneath. The AWD 356 C4S tips the scales at a Miata-taunting 2,150 lbs and comes packing a 200bhp Emory-Rothsport four-cylinder engine which in this case sends power to all four corners.

The AllRad doesn’t stop there, however. Emory likes to make his builds everyday-driving-friendly. Steel rims wrapped in off-road tires and a roof rack bolted up top help make this a surprisingly useful classic sports car. Want to tackle a few fire service roads? You’re covered. Going up to the mountains for a ski weekend? No problem.

For now, the AllRad is a one-off, but if you have the means, I’m sure Emory would happily oblige to build a sister car AWD 356 C4S.

February 22, 2019 / Comments Off

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Mid-engine Corvette spied with new details in up-close spy shots

New details are emerging on the mid-engine Corvette today, as spy shots reveal what appear to be production-ready headlights and taillights sitting under mesh camouflage. This one was caught right outside GM’s Milford Proving Grounds in southeast Michigan. The bountiful amount of close-up spy shots give us a chance to further scrutinize GM’s future mid-engine sports car. In the rear, our eyes are drawn to both the outstretched batwing spoiler and those sharply angled taillights. We’ve seen the spoiler before, but these photos define it to a far greater degree than we’ve seen in the past. The design is distinctive with those high flares on the outstretched edges arching down to mounting points in the center. Right below this sits the bright red taillights shining through the black mesh. They’re square in shape like the C7 but appear to angle downward even sharper. Our spy photographer was able to watch the turn signal sequence, and he says that the blinks commence inboard and progress out similar to that of the Mustang and some newer Audis.

An LED cluster sits in the headlight module now, presumably serving as the only headlight option for the C8. A white DRL strip sits above the headlight cluster that turns orange when the turn indicator is triggered. It’s tough to make any further guesses as to what’s going on up front in the camouflaged portions because they’re extensively covered in black vinyl, masking our view.

Everything else is pretty much on-par with the previous shots we’ve seen for this car. Not as if many would do it, but this tester appears to be fitted with winter tires. Snow driving in a Corvette could be eminently more doable with the engine sitting over those rear wheels, so why not try it? When we’ll finally see this thing for real is the big question now. GM missed its chance in Detroit this year, so it’s just a waiting game for the next viable auto show for this kind of debut.

Related video:

February 22, 2019 / Comments Off

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Consumer Reports Withdraws Tesla Model 3 Recommendation

The Tesla Model 3 received the top rating on Consumer Reports’ list of 10 most satisfying cars based on owner satisfaction. However, CR has rescinded its own recommendation for the Model 3 citing reliability issues. CR cited paint and trim issues, touchscreens going on the fritz, and glass defects from its owner survey. That dipped the Model 3 from an “average” to “below average” reliability rating.

Reliability issues don’t surprise given the reported problems with Model 3 production. The rush to meet Model 3 production targets led to Tesla manufacturing vehicles in tents, redesigning the vehicle mid-production, and overworked humans and robots. While we can kid about Tesla owners exhibiting a high level of self-satisfaction, Tesla owners loving a brilliant piece of paradigm-changing engineering and the car having a myriad of issues are not mutually exclusive.

The natural question, when CR doesn’t recommend a car, is what one should buy instead. That’s tough to answer. We’re approaching the tipping point with EVs. Nearly every manufacturer has an exciting EV planned if not an entire lineup. But, we haven’t tipped yet. There isn’t an exact parallel for the Model 3 in the luxury market.

Jaguar’s I-Pace, though maybe more of a rival for the Model X, would be the natural place to start. It’s a little more conventional looking than Tesla’s cars. But, it offers style, performance (4.5 seconds 0-60) and a claimed range over 200 miles which can compete with the Model 3. It is a bit more expensive than the Model 3, however, with a starting MSRP of $69,500. It also takes a long time to charge.

Read Now: The BMW M3 Has a Serious Competitor In the Tesla Model 3

Audi’s e-tron crossover is not quite as quick or stylish as the I-Pace but offers a similar range at the same slightly elevated price point. There are also concerns about how efficient the Jaguar and Audi are compared to Teslas.

A similarly budget-friendly, but still luxury option could be the BMW i3s. It definitely looks more like an early generation EV, like BMW tried to improve the Leaf. It’s under 200 horsepower. The 0-60mph times won’t astound anyone. But it can get 150 miles or so with the range extender and hits the $40,000 to $60,000 range of the Model 3.

Tesla should get ample competition with Polestar, Porsche, Mercedes, and others launching EVs over the next couple years. But, right now, competitors have not matched the Model 3’s combination of style, performance, and range at its price point. That’s why EV buyers will continue to take the risk with Tesla’s build quality over making sacrifices.

Alternatives:
Are Electric Cars Actually Cheaper to Own?
The Volkwagen GLI Finally Gets Some Soul
The Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio Is Already a Legendary Car

February 22, 2019 / Comments Off

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The Least Popular Car in America Is Secretly One of the Best

It doesn’t take NASA’s finest to figure out the most popular vehicle in America. Year after year the Ford F-150 takes the “Best Seller” accolade, but even if you were to flat-out guess “American pickup truck,” you’d still cover the top three. The owner of the “least popular car” crown? That belongs to the Fiat 124 Spider, which is a damn shame because it’s secretly one of the best cars currently on the road.

According to a report by The Detroit News, the Fiat 124 Spider lands on the list of least popular cars in America along with the Fiat 500L and 500x, Dodge Viper and Corvette. The list is based on the backlogs of each car or the stockpile of each model dealerships can’t seem to offload. In regards to the 124 Spider, that means a 461-day surplus. For perspective, on average, dealerships plan for a 60-day supply of any given car.

Fiat’s stateside comeback isn’t the most stellar, despite having the entire Chrysler dealer network, including both Dodge and Jeep stores, at its disposal. So it’s likely an image problem since the Mazda MX-5 (upon which the 124 Spider is based) has retained its iconic handling, reputation and popularity since the 124 came about.

The two roadsters have their unique personalities, for sure, even though the two cars share the same Mazda assembly line in Hiroshima, Japan. The 124 weighs slightly more than the MX-5 but packs more torque from its turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder engine to compensate. Even though the 124 carries a somewhat softer suspension, there’s not a canyon of differences between the ways the two cars handle. Is it the Spider’s looks? Or do the American people just not trust the Fiat name? It could be the latter, seeing as how there are two other Fiats on the list, making six FCA cars some of the least popular cars in the country.

Three Other Roadsters You Should Know About:
2019 Mazda MX-5 Review
2018 Polaris Slingshot Review
Superformance MKIII Review

February 22, 2019 / Comments Off

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EV’s Hitting the Track in 2019: The Future of Motorsport

While the electric vehicle has existed in one form or another since the mid-1800’s it is only in the last 30 years that technology has made them feasible for the masses. Starting in the 90’s automakers and EV technology leaders used motorsports as a test-bed and marketing tool for their hybrid-drive technologies, the stepping stone to full electric power.

Fast forward to 2019 and massive strides have been made in the power output and range of EV racecars. These speed machines boast impressive stats and are right at the cutting edge of EV technology.

BMW iFE.18

Image From BMW

The ABB FIA Formula E championship is the most recognized EV racing series, visiting exotic locales all over the world. This series serves as a proving ground and R&D lab for privateer teams and factory teams to test the latest EV tech.

The first generation car debuted in 2014 and while entertaining it lacked range and the all-out speed a lot of fans expect from formula car racing. Range was so short that drivers had to switch into full-charged cars part way through the races. For 2019, the Gen 2 car features an increased 280 kW power output, more downforce and enough power storage to last a full race length.

Check out these highlights of the 2019 Marrakesh E-Prix to see how exciting these cars can be.

Specifications

Power Output: 335hp (250KW)
Torque: Unknown
0-60: 2.8s
Top Speed: 280km/h
Weight: 1984 lbs

Jaguar I-PACE eTROPHY

Image from Driven

Developed by Jaguar’s Special Vehicles Operations the I-Pace E Trophy is built on a modified version of the standard I-Pace chassis. Using much of the same driveline as the production vehicle, the E Trophy sheds almost 500lbs of weight, adds a roll cage, racing brakes, suspension and driver-selectable settings to give Jaguar a test-bed with direct roots to its production vehicles.

This test drive gives a great impression of what it’s like to hustle one of these beasts around a track

Specifications

Power Output: 433hp (323KW)
Torque: 516 lb-ft
0-60: 4.0
Top Speed: 195km/h
Weight: 4332 lbs

EPCS V2.3 Tesla P100DL

Image from ElectricGT

One of the most exciting EV race car developments was the announcement of the Electric Production Car Series modified Tesla P100DL car. Coming in at a whopping 1100 lbs lighter than a production P100DL the V2.3 is tweaked to produce 778 HP and 734 ft-lb.

Combined with racing suspension and brakes the V2.3 pumps out some impressive performance figures. After some delays, a whole series of these EPCS cars are expected to start official competition in 2019.

Tiff Needell test drives the V2.3 and gives some fun insights into the vehicles mentioned above.

Specifications

Power Output: 778hp (585KW)

Torque: 734 lb-ft

0-60: 2.1

Top Speed: 250km/h

Weight: 3968 lbs (Incl. driver)

February 22, 2019 / Comments Off on EV’s Hitting the Track in 2019: The Future of Motorsport
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The other Hispano-Suiza unveils Maguari HS1 GTC with 1,070-hp V10

Earlier this month, Hispano-Suiza Cars of Barcelona, Spain, teased an all-electric “hyperlux” GT called the Carmen. Now, Hispano-Suiza Automobile Manufaktur AG of Zug, Germany, has revealed a twin-turbo V10 supercar called the Maguari HS1 GTC. Both companies claim ownership of the historic carmaker’s name, and it appears each wants to bolster its case by getting a car to market first. The German concern might have made its job easier by using what is likely the Lamborghini Huracán‘s 5.2-liter V10, boosted to the tune of 1,070 horsepower.

We’re not clear how many helpers provide all the boost. The press release mentions twin turbos with electric compressors, as well as “the supercharger of the 100-year-old ancestor.” Nine years ago, the same German Hispano-Suiza showed the Maguari’s ancestor at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show, the name back then simply V10 Supercharged. That first effort used an Audi R8 engine with two superchargers to make 739 hp and 516 pound-feet of torque. Regardless, the latest engine looks to have been upgraded in the process, getting “special cylinder liners” and sodium-filled valves.

The mid-mounted engine sends all that power through a seven-speed sequential automatic gearbox to the rear wheels only. Thanks in part to a lightweight carbon fiber body, the run from standstill to 62 miles per hour takes 2.8 seconds. Top speed gets electronically capped at 236 miles per hour.

Designer Oliver Boulay‘s styling is even more captivating than the specs. Look closely at the grille that redefines the word “gaping,” and you’ll spy a stork peeking from between two vertical strakes. That would be a shout-out to the original Hispano-Suiza, which decorated its cars with a gorgeous flying stork hood ornament. The name doubles down on the long-billed imagery, a maguari being a South American stork. The rear has plenty of attitude about it, but we can’t help the feeling that it looks like a Chrysler Crossfire joined The Avengers. We don’t mean that in a bad way. And someone put the climate vents where the exhaust pipes go.

Since the original Hispano-Suiza closed shop in 1968, none of the reborn concepts have made it to production. The company says the Maguari HS1 GTC “is in the last testing phase,” and promised a springtime launch at a price of 2.2 million euros, or $2.5 million U.S. That leaves us with two storks simultaneously vying to deliver two babies, but the chimney’s probably only large enough for one. We’ll get a better take on the odds come Geneva.

February 22, 2019 / Comments Off on The other Hispano-Suiza unveils Maguari HS1 GTC with 1,070-hp V10
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Mario Andretti’s 1991 Lamborghini Diablo

We recently covered a special Lambo Diablo Millennium Edition that went up for auction, but now comes something a bit rarer, at least by way of ownership. This red beauty was owned by none other…

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February 22, 2019 / Comments Off on Mario Andretti’s 1991 Lamborghini Diablo
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‘Petrolicious’ Is Launching a Subscription Service Complete with Quarterly Magazine

When it comes to automotive journalism, particularly the vintage set, the only thing that holds a candle to Top Gear (in its former glory) is Petrolicious. In case you’re not in the know, Petrolicious just…

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February 22, 2019 / Comments Off on ‘Petrolicious’ Is Launching a Subscription Service Complete with Quarterly Magazine
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Hispano Suiza Maguari HS1 GTC Announced with Lamborghini V10

Consider us confused! A few weeks ago Hispano Suiza put out a press release about a new supercar. It was named the Carmen. Now we hear about the Hispano-Suiza Maguari HS1 GTC, another hypercar carrying the same name!

The confusion is tied to the fact that the two are actually completely different companies, both claiming the right to use the Hispano Suiza brand for its cars. The Carmen is produced by Hispano Suiza Cars, and the Maguari by Hispano Suiza Automobile Manufaktur AG. The Maguari comes from the same company who displayed the Hispano Suiza Gran Turismo Coupé Concept Car at the Geneva Motor Show in 2010. At some point expensive lawyers will probably be deployed to settle the issue once and for all. Until then, we are forced to report on the two cars separately. Prepare to be confused!

Maguari HS1 GTC by Hispano Suiza

The Hispano Suiza Maguari HS1 GTC appears to be in its very early stages. Named after a South American stork, the brand’s traditional emblem, it uses the underpinnings of a Lamborghini Huracan. Power from the twin turbocharged V10, all 1,085 hp and 1,050 Nm of torque, is routed to the rear-wheels. 0 to 100 km/h is said to take just 2.8 seconds with a top speed of 380 km/h.

Despite the lack of any real-world images, the Hispano Suiza Maguari HS1 GTC is said to be in the advanced stages of development with deliveries scheduled for the end of 2019. The Swiss company plans to produce 300 of these models. The first ten cars will be special edition cars and will feature matching handmade drivers gloves, shoes, luggage and an exclusive handbag.

Hispano Suiza are marketing the Maguari HS1 GTC at a price point of €2.2 million.

February 22, 2019 / Comments Off on Hispano Suiza Maguari HS1 GTC Announced with Lamborghini V10
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Ruf bringing production CTR Yellow Bird Anniversary and Ruf GT to Geneva

In 1984, a tiny German car company from Pfaffenhausen beat every legendary go-fast carmaker at Road & Track‘s World’s Fastest Car competition. The Ruf BTR took the silverware with a 186-mph trap speed. Three years later, Ruf conquered an exotic-car Legion of Doom at next gathering for the same competition, with racing great Phil Hill taking the Ruf CTR Yellow Bird to 211 mph. The CTR beat the next-fastest car by 10 miles per hour. This year’s Geneva Motor Show will welcome the production version of the CTR Yellow Bird Anniversary, limited to 30 units.

Ruf showed off a prototype version of the anniversary model at the 2017 Geneva show. The transfer to production didn’t change any of the significant specs. Carbon fiber bodywork sits over a carbon tub and lightweight steel front crash structure. Whereas the original Yellow Bird worked a 3.4-liter twin-turbo flat-six to the tune of 470 horsepower, the celebratory version gets a 3.6-liter twin-turbo flat-six producing 700 hp and 649 pound-feet of torque. Snappy drivers can get to 62 mph in 3.4 seconds, on their way to the 225-mph top speed. Dry weight’s said to be 2,640 pounds.

Ruf will also bring its GT model, based on the 991-series 911. Powered by a 3.0-liter flat-six rated at 515 hp and 476 lb-ft, shifting through a seven-speed dual-clutch helps achieve the same 3.4-second dash to 62 mph as in the Yellow Bird. Top speed is 199 mph, though. Weight comes in at 3,197 pounds — a few hundred lighter than a 992-series 911 — the ducktail spoiler holding that lighter rear end down.

Among the other milestones the carmaker’s celebrating this year, perhaps the most important: 80 years ago, Alois Ruf Sr. opened a vehicle repair shop, most likely unaware of the global footprints his firm would leave. We expect plenty of beauty and stories on the company’s Geneva show stand next month.

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February 22, 2019 / Comments Off on Ruf bringing production CTR Yellow Bird Anniversary and Ruf GT to Geneva
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The 18 Most Gorgeous Shifters to Ever Grace an Automobile

Not only is the manual transmission creeping closer to extinction by the day, the actual art of shift lever design is all but lost as well. The shift lever is one of the driver’s main points of interaction with the car; just as much thought should go into its placement, ergonomics and design as do the pedals and steering wheel. The shifter is, literally and figuratively, the centerpiece of a car’s cabin — it should look the part.

2002 NSX-R

The titanium shift knob and mesh boot was an exercise in weight savings, but it also made for one good looking shifter.

1938 Delahaye 165 Cabriolet

You have to respect the wildcard column-shifter.

2007 Ferrari 599

The 599 was the last Ferrari to have a gated-shifter. Never has the end of an era looked so good.

1970 Dodge Challenger Hurst Pistol Grip

Old-West overtones aside, the pistol-grip is the most comfortable shifter you’ll ever lay a hand on.

2006 Giugiaro Mustang

A connecting rod shifter — got to love it.

1970 Datsun 240Z

There’s nothing like the feel of a bare wood shifter in the palm.

2016 Volvo XC90

Modern art.

2004 Porsche Carrera GT

A call back to to the beechwood shifters of the 917 race cars — lightweight and good-looking, too.

1967 Toyota 2000GT

Simply elegant.

1955 Mercedes 300SL

A no-frills shift knob perfectly balances the ostentatiousness of gull-wing doors.

2016 Pagani Huayra

The auto-interior equivalent of a tourbillon.

1936 Bugatti Type 57SC Atlantic

Jean Bugatti wasn’t going to phone in any detail of the 57SC Atlantic, no matter how small.

1975 Mk1 Golf

Golf. You get it.

2000 BMW M3

An illuminated shift pattern may be pointless, but damn if it isn’t cool.

1966 Lamborghini Miura

Ferruccio Lamborghini’s famous spat with Enzo Ferrari was over a transmission, so it makes sense the Miura’s shifter looks so good.

2001 Honda Civic Type-R

An unconventional placement seen in very few other cars — the Porsche Carrera GT being another — puts Civic is in good company.

2006 Audi R8

One of the last great gated shifters.

1970 Alfa Romeo Montreal

There’s absolutely no need for that much leather, but “restraint” isn’t in Alfa Romeo’s vocabulary.

Engine Bay Porn

You’ll find that if a car’s engine — as well as the bay it sits — is beautiful, then the rest of the car’s design follows suit. Read the Story

February 22, 2019 / Comments Off on The 18 Most Gorgeous Shifters to Ever Grace an Automobile
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Leak Provides an Early Look at the Porsche 992 Turbo

A leaked image has given us our first look at the Porsche 992 Turbo. It is believed that this photo shows the new Porsche 992 Turbo on the production line at the Porsche factory. The source of the images is unclear yet the Turbo air intakes and quad exhaust tailpipes are a giveaway!

We weren’t expecting Porsche to release the new Turbo until September, possibly at the Frankfurt Motor Show 2019. Seeing (almost) fully exposed photos in February, leaked from the factory, seems very premature!

Porsche only recently released the 992 generation of the Porsche 911. It debuted at the Los Angeles Motor Show 2019 last November. The Cabriolet has recently been released and we weren’t expecting a great deal more until the launch of the entry-level Carrera 2 and Carrera 4 Coupe and Cabriolet in a few months.

The Turbo is usually the most powerful version of the ‘normal’ 911’s. The version before we get to the GT3 and RS models. There is very little information about what powers the 992 Turbo at the moment.

The photo shows the rear section of the car with the tell-tale 992 rear lights. Atop the rear decklid sits a spoiler. The photo isn’t entirely clear but this looks larger than the outgoing model. The bodywork is wider and the rear end gets a set of narrow quad tailpipes.

February 21, 2019 / Comments Off on Leak Provides an Early Look at the Porsche 992 Turbo
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2020 Porsche 911 Turbo Leaked

The Images Look Straight from the Assembly Line

Here’s your first look at the 2020 Porsche 911 Turbo (992). The leak comes from an Instagram user named t_schleicher. Schleicher’s image provides what appears to be a very clear look of the upcoming car. It’s a gorgeous-looking version of the 911, and we’re more excited now than ever for it.

It’s easy to tell this is the new version of the 911, and if you compare it to the spy shots that are out there for the 911 Turbo, it looks like this could definitely be the real thing. As Carscoops notes, it has the squared-off quad exhaust tips, a unique rear bumper, and the rear wing seen in the test cars.

As far as powertrain options go, there’s not a whole lot of specific information out there. It will likely be a turbocharged version of the 3.8-liter flat-six engine. Carscoops suggests it could get as much as 600 hp, but that’s total speculation.

Past reports on the upcoming car indicated there would be electrified versions of the 911 eventually. Motor1 reported that wouldn’t come until 2022. An electrified 911 might sound like sacrilege to some, but with hybrid supercars looking to be the future, it’s really not a big shocker. Motor1 also reports the possibility of two hybrid variants. One could sit down by the Carrera while the other would sit higher in the lineup next to the 911 Turbo.

It will be interesting to see how the 911 Turbo is once Porsche officially releases photos and information about it. In the meantime, we’ll start at the image above and imagine what’s yet to come.

February 21, 2019 / Comments Off on 2020 Porsche 911 Turbo Leaked
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