1984 Ferrari F40 LM

By now RM Sotheby’s is a regular at Men’s Gear seeing that it never runs out of cool cars to show. The above, a 1984 Ferrari F40 LM coupe, is just one of many now up for auction.

The F40 was actually the last car Enzo Ferrari oversaw. It came out in 1987 to commemorate Italian automaker’s 40th anniversary. And also to capitalize on the 288 GTO, which was developed for the FIA Group B racing formula.

This particular model, chassis no. 74045, carries quite a history. The factory intended to use it as nothing more than a pre-production prototype, but Le Mans and IMSA driver Rene Herzog decided to buy it in 1992. Herzog sent the car to Michelotto for conversion to LM specification.

Shortly after its completion, however, Herzog ownership gave it to Charles Zuger. Then, in 1995, Stephane Ratel bought the car and raced it in the European GT Championship in the same year. Then he sold it mid-season to the French Pilot-Aldix team for use in the BPR Global GT Series.

That’s some historic imprint for a car never meant to be more than just a raw road car. If anything, it proves a great car can come from anywhere with the right modifications. As such, the F40 LM has a 2.9-liter V8 engine went up to 700 horsepower from 471 in stock trim. And it was slimmed down by more than 400 pounds following adjustments and chassis modifications.

This particular F40 LM model finished 12th overall in the at the 1995 24 Hours of Le Mans. Not only that, but it achieved such a feat eight years after it was built. No one does it like Ferrari.

BID HERE

Photos courtesy of RM Sotheby’s

February 1, 2019 / Comments Off on 1984 Ferrari F40 LM

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The Subaru BRZ and Toyota 86 Will Get Another Generaiton

This Coupe Isn’t Done Yet

There were rumors that the Subaru BRZ and the Toyota 86 would disappear after the current generation’s lifecycle was up. Both companies said that these rumors were false. Carscoops reached out to both companies and got a definite no from both Toyota and Subaru. This is good news. It means the 86 and BRZ will live on in a new generation. 

Subaru was very clear. “We are moving ahead with a next-generation Subaru BRZ, but have no further details at this time,” said Subaru USA spokesman Ron Kinno. 

On the Toyota side of things, the 86 should receive a new generation with Toyota’s Gazoo Racing giving it some upgrades and special treatment. That could seriously change the car. How is unclear, but what is clear is that neither car is going anywhere. 

What Will the Next Gen Be?

With that cleared up, we now have additional questions and can guess at some of the answers. Both car companies will continue selling their coupes into another generation. This means that they will likely be co-developed again. It would be dumb for Toyota or Subaru to go off on their own to make the cars at this point.

The vehicles are produced at the same facility, and it would just cost a lot of money to go off and do it on their own. This would make sense for a super high-seller but not a low-volume, low-selling sports car like the BRZ or the 86. What’s interesting is if the companies make the cars more powerful and generally better overall is that, in Toyota’s case, at least, it could steal sales from the new Supra. Subaru, on the other hand, is safe. It only has one sports car. 

Fans of the car have been asking for way more than 200 hp, and I would expect the BRZ and 86 to deliver. It could be interesting to see how high the companies decide to go. The car should punch up the ante in every way, but if it does so, it could get into a whole to level of competition. With the limited details at this point, it’s unclear where Subaru and Toyota will take the model. 

February 1, 2019 / Comments Off on The Subaru BRZ and Toyota 86 Will Get Another Generaiton

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EU Regulations Delay TVR Griffith Until 2020

EU Makes Things Tougher for TVR

British carmaker TVR has a new Griffith sports car, and it looks awesome. That car will take a little longer than originally thought to go to production and be cruising around on European roads. According to the Dutch publication AutoRAI, the company will have will have to push back the car until 2020 due to EU regulations. 

Carscoops reported on the Dutch publication’s findings and noted that the cause for the delay was the fact that the Welsh government owns a tiny percentage of the company. Despite the fact that only three percent of the company is under Welsh government control, TVR qualifies as a state-funded company. This means it needs to take EU-bids on the South Wales factory renovation before production can begin. 

“It takes more time than we expected to start production, thanks to the rules of the European Union. We are now aiming for a market launch in the course of 2020,” said Heritage Director of TVR, Paul Thompson. Judging by Thompson’s responses to journalists, he sounded understandably annoyed with the rules. 

When the TVR Griffith does finally hit roads it will be a serious performance sports car. It looks amazing and has a Ford-sourced 5.0-liter V8 under the hood. The mad scientists at Cosworth also got their hands on the engine. TVR says it will make 500 hp and all that power will go to the rear wheels. The car will only weight 2,755 pounds, meaning it should go like a rocket. The car’s 50-50 weight distribution and sporty suspension, brakes, and tires should make it a force to be reckoned with. 

February 1, 2019 / Comments Off on EU Regulations Delay TVR Griffith Until 2020

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1982 BMW Alpina B7 S Turbo Sedan

If you love Bimmers (BMW cars; BMW motorcycles are Beemers/Beamers), then you know about Alpina. The German company takes already great BMWs and makes them even more special via tuning and design. The current Alpina…

       

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February 1, 2019 / Comments Off on 1982 BMW Alpina B7 S Turbo Sedan

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Koenigsegg Teams Up With NEVS, Could Have Camless Engine on Next Car

Koenigsegg Looking to the Future

Koenigsegg recently sold 20 percent of the company to National Electric Vehicle Sweden (NEVS) for about $171 million. In case you don’t know, NEVS is a Swedish-Chinese company that also owns the rights to Saab. Now, it seems the two companies will debut an “affordable” supercar in 2020. 

Top Gear reported that the new supercar will cost around €1 million (about $1,144,000). The slightly less expensive supercar will allow Koenigsegg to sell hundreds of cars as opposed to dozens annually. That’s where NEVS comes into the picture. According to Christian von Koenigsegg, the CEO of Koenigsegg, the car will be C02 neutral thanks to the company’s camless combustion engine design and hybrid technology. 

“Given the freevalve technology, we can actually cold-start the car on pure alcohol, down to -30 degrees Celsius, so there’s no need for any fossil fuel mix then. The idea is to prove to the world that even a combustion engine can be completely CO2 neutral,” said Koenigsegg.

Koenigsegg said the new supercars will look similar to the hypercars the company is known for. However, he also said the cars will have a sense of style all their own. It will be interesting to see what the company comes up with. It may have elements of the Regera (pictured above) but it may take after the company’s other cars, too. 

The CEO said the reason the car company plans to try to develop a C02 neutral hybrid powertrain is that everyone else is going fully-electric and there could be a battery cell shortage in the future. With this new hybrid design, it would make a lightweight powertrain with a small battery pack. That could help the company when there’s a shortage of battery cells to go around to all automakers producing EVs. 

January 31, 2019 / Comments Off on Koenigsegg Teams Up With NEVS, Could Have Camless Engine on Next Car

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Jaguar Adds Checkered Flag Edition F-Type to Honor Racing Heritage

Will This Special Edition Jag Race Into Your Stable?

Jaguar unveiled its latest special edition F-Type with the Checkered Flag Limited Edition. The car features special touches designed to harken back to Jaguar’s long racing heritage. The company specifically points to the XK 120 from 1948. The version of the car is available in both coupe and convertible models and you can get it with four or six cylinders. 

The Checkered Flag Edition F-Type is based on the R Dynamic version of the car. From there Jaguar paints it in Caldera Red, Fuji White, or Carpathian Gray and adds a black contrast roof to all coupe models. Additional exterior features include 20-inch black wheels, red brake calipers, and black extended side sills. Ian Callum, Director of Design at Jaguar, said the following about the purpose behind these changes:

“In creating the Checkered Flag Limited Edition we’ve focused on details which enhance the presence of the F-TYPE and promise of performance – and in doing so, made a fitting celebration of 70 years of beautiful, fast, Jaguar sports cars.”

Jaguar put many special touches inside the car, including Ebony Windsor Leather on the standard performance seats, dark brushed aluminum trim on the dash, the InControl Touch Pro infotainment system features a Meridian audio system, and a Checkered Flag emblem embossed on the headrests. 

Power is unchanged from the regular versions of the car. The 2.0-liter turbocharged engine makes 293 hp and the 3.0-liter supercharged version makes 380 hp. Pricing for the Checkered Flag Limited Edition starts at $72,925 for the four-cylinder coupe. The convertible costs $75,325. The V6 coupe comes in at $95,525 and the convertible starts at $97,925. 

January 31, 2019 / Comments Off on Jaguar Adds Checkered Flag Edition F-Type to Honor Racing Heritage

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Ferrari profits rise 46 percent in 2018

MILAN — Italian luxury sports car maker Ferrari says profits last year rose 46 percent, driven by a surge in V12 sales and vehicle personalization.

Ferrari on Thursday reported 2018 net profit of 787 million euros ($904 million), up from 537 million euros the previous year. Shipments rose 10 percent to 9,251 vehicles, while net revenues were flat at 3.4 billion euros.

Ferrari set a forecast for 3-percent revenue growth to over 3.5 billion euros. It did not provide a shipment forecast.

Sales of 12-cylinder models surged 20 percent, led by the 812 Superfast, while sales of 8-cylinder models rose 8 percent. Sales rose across the globe, with double-digit increases posted in Europe and greater China.

The carmaker said fourth-quarter profits rose 40 percent to 191 million euros.

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January 31, 2019 / Comments Off on Ferrari profits rise 46 percent in 2018

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This 1987 Ferrari F40 LM is for the millionaire who dares to be different

Throughout the past decade, the Ferrari F40 has become one of the most highly regarded and highly coveted supercars ever built. When cars become so iconic, any red model no longer excites. It’s the specialty models, such as this stunning light blue Le Mans example, that catch the real attention at an auction house.

This 1987 Ferrari F40 LM is expected to go for up to perhaps $6,280,000 at the upcoming RM Sotheby’s in Paris on February 6 during Retromobile week. According to RM Sotheby’s, the Pilot exterior livery makes this one of the most recognizable F40 LMs ever built, although that pool is extremely small. Only 19 F40s were ever created by Michelotto to LM or Competizione spec.

Chassis No. ZFFGJ34B000074045 is reported to be only the third F40, not just of LM F40s, of all F40s built. It was a pre-production prototype, and the car’s insane history doesn’t stop there. It also participated in the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1995 and 1996, yet finished only 12th in 1995 (it did win the 1995 Anderstorp 4 Hours). That’s shocking considering the engineering and power this car is known for.

In Michelotto LM spec, the twin-turbocharged V8 was uprated to more than 700 horsepower using enlarged turbochargers, bigger intercoolers, and a better Weber-Marelli fuel injection system. Using tech learned from the Group B 288 GTO Evoluzione development, it also had a stiffer chassis, an upgraded transmission, better brakes, and altered exterior aero equipment. Rated at about 2,350 pounds, it was one of the fastest cars on the planet at the time. Wherever this car goes, we hope the owner takes advantage of its eligibility for numerous racing events.

Several other Ferraris will also roll across the auction stage, including a 1996 F50, a 1966 275 GTB/6C Alloy Berlinetta, a 2011 SP30, a 599 SA Aperta, a 2003 Enzo, and a 2006 Superamerica. Outside the Ferraris, the 1994 Bugatti EB110 Super Sport is catching our eye.

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January 31, 2019 / Comments Off on This 1987 Ferrari F40 LM is for the millionaire who dares to be different

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Lexus LC 500 Flare Yellow Edition

This is the 2019 Lexus LC 500 Inspiration Edition, in a bizarrely alluring Flare Yellow paint job. It’s one of the most notable sights at the Chicago Auto Show.

First seen as a concept at the Monterey Car Week, the coupe goes for sale in April for $106,210. Folks in the United States should act fast, though. Lexus is only bringing 100 of these bad boys stateside.

Apart from its striking color, the LC 500 Inspiration Edition is flecked with exposed carbon fiber elements. You’ll find those on roof and the lower grille insert. You’re also looking at a set of 21-inch wheels with an array of Y-shaped spokes. Needless to say the black wheels offer a sharp contrast to the car’s overall coat. It almost look like a sleeker version of Bumblebee.

The yellow bleeds inside. You’ll find yellow Alcantara door panel inserts that complement the exterior. The seats feature white semi-aniline leather upholstery with yellow stitching accents, no less.

Nothing special on the powertrain department, just the same as a regular LC 500. The 5-liter V8 engine tops up to 471 horsepower and routes to the rear wheels through a 10-speed automatic. The coupe hits zero to 60 in just 4.4 seconds.

In addition to the car, buyers get a garment bag with Flare Yellow lining and matching stitching.

It’s not clear if Lexus is planning to put this LC 500 variant into mass production. It’s seriously hinting about it, though. We’re totally here for it.

CHECK IT OUT

Photos courtesy of Lexus

January 31, 2019 / Comments Off on Lexus LC 500 Flare Yellow Edition

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Lexus LC 500 Inspiration Series Appears in Chicago

The Third Lexus Inspiration Series Model

Lexus has a new Inspiration Series car in the LC 500. The vehicle appeared at the Chicago Auto show and showcases the limited-edition version of the car. The vehicle is a beautiful example of the car with Flare Yellow paint and a $106,210 price tag excluding destination.

Lexus will build only 100 examples of the LC 500 Inspiration Series. Those lucky buyers will have a truly unique version of the car. The yellow paint is new for the model and special 21-inch wheels help accentuate the car’s curves and creases in ways no other LC 500 variant has done before. 

Inside, Lexus placed special yellow door inserts made of Alcantara, semi-aniline leather seating with yellow stitching, and yellow stitching around the center console and glove box. Additional touches include carbon fiber door sills with a special inscription for the model and a Lexus garment bag that folds into a travel bag that matches the car’s aesthetic. 

The vehicle is powered by the same 5.0-liter naturally aspirated V8 that makes 471 hp and 398 lb-ft of torque. It can move the rather heavy car from a standstill to 60 mph in just 4.4 seconds.

The performance isn’t at all different than the regular Lexus LC 500 coupe. However, the unique touches to the car for the Inspiration Series make it a car worth noting. We doubt Lexus will have much of an issue selling the 100 versions of the car. Its uniqueness should help it be a boon to collectors and those who were already considering an LC500 but wanted something a little special. 

January 30, 2019 / Comments Off on Lexus LC 500 Inspiration Series Appears in Chicago

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An All-New Tacoma Is Coming. Here’s What Toyota Should Fix

Toyota teased the 2020 Tacoma on Twitter ahead of its 2019 Chicago Auto Show reveal. Normally, Toyota would not change much. The Tacoma is a charming, capable off-roader. New Tacomas sell like crazy. Used Tacomas have absurd resale values. The company has owned the midsize truck segment. With sales up 24 percent in 2018, Toyota’s major Tacoma issue was producing enough of them to meet demand. Why take any risks?

Moving forward, however, that paradigm for Toyota may change. Big Three automakers are coming after the Tacoma’s market share. Chevy has a well-regarded competitor with the Colorado ZR2. Ford plans to resurrect the Ranger this year. Jeep is launching the Gladiator as well. The off-road-oriented midsize truck segment will get much more competitive.

The Tacoma is charming. But, it’s far from perfect. Here are a few weaknesses Toyota should address if changes move beyond what appear to be new headlights.

The Automatic Transmission

Most new trucks have modern, intuitive automatic transmissions. The Tacoma’s six-speed automatic is dated and brutal. It exacerbates the mediocre V6 powertrain, which is the bigger engine. The Tacoma accelerates and climbs with the verve of a just woken teenager. Highway passing is an unpredictable adventure. The persistent low rev upshifting for fuel economy does not improve fuel economy that much. Thankfully, Toyota has kept the six-speed manual as an option.

Lack of Luxury

Toyota builds trucks to be durable. Tacomas in their natural offroad habitat must be easy to clean. Still, the Tacoma veers too hard toward the utilitarian, airport terminal end of the spectrum. There’s a lot of cheap plastic. Even cheaper materials could look smarter with a bit of styling. Toyota could raise the luxury a bit at the top end to match the competition. If a Volkswagen feels like an Audi inside, the Tacoma feels like what should be a much older Toyota. Power seats are something to get excited about.

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto

Toyota has been futzing around with its proprietary Entune infotainment app suite through multiple generations. Like every proprietary automaker system, the setup is wonky and the functionality is minimal. The device in every potential buyer’s pocket will always be simpler and more capable. Toyota has been a notable laggard about adding Apple Carplay and Android Auto when that is all customers want or need.

Cabin Space

Confined space can charm in your impeccably restored British roadster. It should not be an endearing quirk of your brand new truck. The dual cab gets crowded quickly with multiple adults and an infant car seat. A Tacoma does not need to be cavernous, but it could be more comfortable. And, hey, a little extra storage wouldn’t hurt either.

January 30, 2019 / Comments Off on An All-New Tacoma Is Coming. Here’s What Toyota Should Fix

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2019 McLaren 720S Spider

McLaren Unveils 2019 720S Spider – Latest Convertible Does 202 MPH With Top Down

Late in 2018, McLaren unveiled its latest iteration of the current 720S – monikered “Spider” as is tradition, this is a convertible variant of the 720S which comes with a folding hard top. For the better and most part, the Spider retains the same DNA as the Coupe, utilizing a modified version of its carbon fibre tub chassis – called Monocage II-S – which accommodates the new folding roof and its mechanism.

The new roof and tonneau add an extra 49 kg to the chassis, with the Spider weighing in at a dry weight of 1,332 kg. McLaren proclaims that this makes it the “lightest car in its competitive set”, with its intended rival – the Ferrari 488 Spider – coming in at 1,420 kg dry. The fully-electric mechanism is no slouch either, as it is able to raise or lower the roof in just 11 seconds with the car travelling up to 31 mph.

The Spider shares the same 4.0L twin-turbocharged V8 engine as its fixed-roof stablemate, which produces 710-horsepower and 568 lb-ft of torque delivered via a 7-speed dual clutch transmission. McLaren claims that performance figures for the Spider are virtually identical to that of the Coupe (when the roof is up), citing 0-62 mph in 2.9s, 0-124 mph in 7.9s (just a tenth slower), and a top speed of 212 mph.

Thanks to its brilliant aerodynamic design, the Spider still achieves a remarkable top speed of 202 mph with the top folded. McLaren does a lot things better than anyone else, and throwing out the notion that convertible variants are just bogged down versions of their coupe counterparts, is no exception.

Like the Coupe, the 2019 McLaren 720S Spider will be offered in three trims – Standard, Performance, and Luxury; MSO is likely to continue entertaining bespoke options on top. Pricing starts at $315,000 USD, with the first units scheduled to arrive in March 2019.
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2019 McLaren 720S Spider Images Gallery

January 30, 2019 / Comments Off on 2019 McLaren 720S Spider

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Aspark Owl to Take on Nürburgring EV Record

Melt Your Face Fast

The Aspark Owl Hypercar comes from Japan, and it appears to be the next big thing in EV Hypercars. The model recorded 0-60 mph times under two seconds in 2018, and now the rumors are that it will take on the Nürburgring lap record for EVs.

According to Top Gear, the Aspark Owl will take on the track’s lap record for electric cars. A spokesperson for the company told the publication, “[The] Aspark Owl performances are allowing us to aim [for] the Nürburgring record.” It’s unclear when the car will attempt its lap run, but it would seem the vehicle has a good chance of making that happen based on its 0-60 mph runs and its other specs. 

The car is simply a performance beast with a countenance like a pissed off alien. The vehicle comes with 1,150 hp and 625 lb-ft of torque. All that power comes from four electric motors, and the vehicle’s battery pack can propel it for up to 180 miles. It has a top speed of 174 mph. 

The Nürburgring will be the true test for the car. While it has to be fast to even come close to the record, the track will test the car from an aerodynamic standpoint and a driving dynamics standpoint. With the Owl being specifically designed as a road car, it may have a hard time at the track.

The current record holder is the Nio EP9, which completed the Nürburgring lap in a super fast 6:45.9 in 2017. The Nio is a track only car. Aspark hasn’t ruled out a track version of its hypercar. A track car may be a smart idea if it’s going to take on the ‘Ring.

January 30, 2019 / Comments Off on Aspark Owl to Take on Nürburgring EV Record

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Koenigsegg super cars team with Saab successor NEVS to go electric

STOCKHOLM — The Chinese-backed company born from the remnants of bankrupt Swedish automaker Saab is investing 150 million euros ($171 million) in a venture with Swedish super car brand Koenigsegg, in a move that could see them develop new electric models.

National Electric Vehicle Sweden AB (NEVS), in which China’s Evergrande Health recently became the majority investor, said it would take a 65 percent stake in a new joint venture to “develop a product for new and untapped segments.”

Koenigsegg will hold the rest, and contribute intellectual property, technology licenses and product design.

The deal deepens China’s exposure to Swedish automakers, with Geely owning Volvo Cars and the largest investor in truckmaker AB Volvo, and another Chinese investor having created NEVS in 2012 after buying the core assets and IP rights of Saab Automobile following its demise.

NEVS, which owns production bases in Trollhättan in Sweden and Tianjin in China and plans another in Shanghai, has been trying to establish itself as a pure electric automaker, but has yet to produce a car.

Evergrande Health’s $930 million cash infusion into NEVS, announced this month, was seen as a second lifeline, giving it funds to develop costly electric vehicles and access to new auto technologies, where Evergrande is expanding.

The Chinese firm is a unit of property developer China Evergrande Group and is a former investor in U.S. electric vehicle developer Faraday Future.

Tuesday’s deal will give NEVS a 20 percent stake in Koenigsegg and could potentially pave the way for it to begin delivering products to the market, with its loose partnership with Didi Chuxing, China’s Uber, yet to yield anything concrete.

“Koenigsegg is an enticing company developing advanced cars with unique technology and with a customer base that is one of a kind. … We have both competencies and facilities to support Koenigsegg on their journey forward,” NEVS Chairman Kai Johan Jiang said.

Koenigsegg, backed by U.S. and Norwegian investors, sought to buy Saab after its 2011 collapse but the deal never materialized. While the luxury brand has built a plug-in hybrid, it has yet to develop a fully electric vehicle.

Tesla’s sales success in recent years has shown that a market for luxury electric cars exists, pushing traditional carmakers including Volkswagen’s Audi and Porsche, and Tata Motors’ Jaguar to develop their own versions.

In the ultra-luxury sports car category where Koenigsegg operates, however, Ferrari has said it may introduce an electric version after 2022, while Volkswagen’s Lamborghini has expressed willingness to explore the area.

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January 30, 2019 / Comments Off on Koenigsegg super cars team with Saab successor NEVS to go electric

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1982 BMW Alpina B7 S Turbo

This BMW beaut, now up for auction at RM Sotheby’s, is an Alpina B7 S. That’s a huge deal, and if you don’t know why, shame on you.

Just kidding. Of course, all vintage car fans know that Alpina makes high-performance versions of BMW cars. It’s been doing that for more than 50 years now, bringing spoked wheels and turbocharged motors to BMW’s otherwise vanilla models.

Suffice it to say that Alpina makes better BMW cars than BMW itself. You want proof? Look no further than the ride you see above, a 1982 Alpina B7 S. With its boxxy yet sleek corners and understated decals, this ride screams vintage.

But the car isn’t just about looks. Alpina didn’t skimp on the specs, that much its clear. We’re talking a twin-turbo 3.5-liter inline six that makes 330 horsepower. That’s not terribly impressive these days, of course. But those are insane numbers at the time and brought the car parallel to dedicated sports coupes of the era.

If you knew enough about Alpina, you wouldn’t be surprised at all. The automaker’s philosophy was that owning a sedan shouldn’t mean forgetting that you still deserve utmost speed and performance. As such, apart from the engine, Alpina threw in a lot of other upgrades for the Alpina B7 S. Like improvements to the suspension, new shocks, springs, and additional bracing, to boot.

This particular 1982 Alpina B7 S model is the 22nd made out of just a total of 60. We expect for hardcore vintage car collectors to eat this one up in no time. The car has been driven merely 36,000 miles, by the way. Owning it means also owning a thrilling chunk of the history of high-performance sedans.

SEE MORE HERE

Photos courtesy of RM Sotheby’s

January 30, 2019 / Comments Off on 1982 BMW Alpina B7 S Turbo

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David Bowie Inspired Concept Car to Debut in Paris

As far as tributes go, having a car designed in your name is a pretty big one. David Bowie is the inspiration for a concept car due to be unveiled in Paris tomorrow at the Exposition Concept Car Paris. The designer? Former PSA Peugeot Citroën designer Takumi Yamamoto.

Yamamoto’s design will debut in model form and dates back to a sketch the designer drew in April 1997. The artist is said to have developed an algorithm which extracted key words from David Bowie’s most recognised work to guide the concept car’s form. The result was subject to CGI work before it was 3D printed for display at the Paris show.

The Japanese designer is best known for his work on unique Gran Turismo designs for PGA. For example, he was responsible for the exterior styling of the futuristic ‘GT by Citroën’. Inspired by a poster of David Bowie hanging in his childhood room back in Tokyo, Yamamoto is looking to capture the attention of the automotive world once again.

The early drawings suggest that the David Bowie inspired vehicle will carry hypercar levels of drama. The frontal view shows a highly complex design with plenty to capture your imagination. The car wears the iconic David Bowie ‘DB’ badging too. We understand that there are no plans for production or support from any manufacturer, aside from support from a company called Marie 3D who own the largest 3D printer in the world. It will be interesting to see what the finished product looks like!

January 30, 2019 / Comments Off on David Bowie Inspired Concept Car to Debut in Paris

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Bugatti Veyron used wheels and tires for sale on eBay for $100,000

Here’s the perfect gift for your Bugatti Veyron-owning friend: a lightly used set of wheels and tires. What’s the eBay “Buy it Now” price? Only $100,000. A steal, surely.

The seller claims 85 percent of the tires’ life remains. As Bugatti recommends you change your tires every 2,500 miles, this means you’ll have approximately 2,125 miles of motoring left. If you’re reasonably thinking $100,000 might be better spent elsewhere, then you might not be cut out for Veyron ownership anyway. Annual servicing runs in the tens of thousands of dollars. Even an oil change will set you back $21,000.

These wheels will last longer than the tires, which is good. Bugatti says those only need to be replaced every two tire changes. Still, yikes. The eBay listing claims Bugatti charges $150,000 for a full wheel and tire replacement set. We can’t confirm that, but older information places tires at $40,000-$50,000 for a set and the Italian OZ wheels at about $50,000. Perhaps prices have increased in recent years? Bugatti owners, feel free to chime in down in the comments section on that one. Regardless, some haggling could be necessary — these are used after all, so a discount should be forthcoming for the frugal Veyron owner.

For those who’d like a quick refresher on Veyron tires, they’re some of the most specific tires ever built for a car. The Michelin Pilot Sport 2s were uniquely designed to allow safe travel at the car’s ludicrously high top speed. Even then, Bugatti says they’re only good for 15 minutes while traveling at top speed. Bugatti says even unused, the tires must be replaced after five years.

This seller is even kind enough to throw in free shipping on this set — what a deal. Check out the eBay post here for a laugh, or a close look if it’s that time of year for new rubber and wheels on the ‘ole Veyron.

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January 29, 2019 / Comments Off on Bugatti Veyron used wheels and tires for sale on eBay for $100,000

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Toyota Boss Says the Company Will Add More Sports Cars

Toyota Wants More Than the Supra

As pumped up as everyone was for the new Supra, it seems there could be more to come in terms of performance cars from Toyota. According to Autocar, Toyota’s boss Akio Toyoda said that he would like to see more performance cars in the future. 

“SUVs are nice but, at the end of the day, is there anything better than a tight rear-wheel-drive sports car? I hope this won’t be the last Toyota sports car you see from us in the future,” he told the publication. That’s not a confirmation for any particular model, but it would seem that he wants to see more sports cars. If anyone can make that happen, it’s him. 

Since the Supra made its official debut, there have been rumors of the company reviving the Celica and the MR2. In an interview with Road and Track, Masayuki Kai the Supra’s assistant chief engineer said that he wants to see the Celica and MR2 back in production. That car would likely come through a partnership between Toyota and Subaru, according to Motor1. 

Despite this possible move by the automaker, Motor1 thinks it more likely that Toyota would start with Gazoo Racing variants of its existing lineup. Cars like the Yaris, Corolla, and 86 could receive serious upgrades. This would be a cost-effective way of expanding the lineup.

However, those cars likely wouldn’t be monsters on the road, just more engaging models. The real test will be if Toyota brings back the Celica or MR2. With Toyota’s new TNGA platform, it may be relatively easy for the company to turn out some true performance models, so new sports cars could come sooner than you think. 

January 29, 2019 / Comments Off on Toyota Boss Says the Company Will Add More Sports Cars

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10 Vehicles Have Been Named the Best Value in America

Vincentric has released its 2019 Best Value in America Awards, and the list of well-built cars, trucks and SUVs is populated, thankfully, by a terrific number of truly desirable picks. The 10 below are our favorites from the list, but the full group consists of 37 in total.

In brief, the Best Value in America Award is determined by measuring “cost-of-ownership using eight different cost factors: depreciation, fees & taxes, financing, fuel, insurance, maintenance, opportunity cost and repairs. Using a statistical model, winners were identified by measuring which vehicles had lower than expected ownership costs given their market segment and price.”

If you’ve already got one or more of the below, well done. And if you’re in the market, this is a great place to start your search.

Passenger Cars

Compact Hatchback: Subaru Impreza

Read Now: We receontly named the Impreza’s big brother, the Subaru Outback, the best family car under $30,000.

Mid-Size: Volkswagen Passat

Read our overview of the all-new, forthcoming 2020 Passat here.

Sports Car: Mazda MX-5 Miata

Read our review of the Miata RF here.

Luxury Cars

Luxury Compact: Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class

Read our review of the 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLA here.

Premium Luxury Mid-Size and Large Sedans: Audi A6 and A7

Read our review of the 2019 A6 and A7 here.

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SUVs, Crossovers and Vans

Compact SUV/Crossover: Jeep Wrangler

Read our review of the new Jeep Wrangler here.

Mid-Size SUV/Crossover: Toyota 4Runner

Read our overview of the Toyota TRD SUVs and trucks here.

Luxury Crossovers

Luxury Mid-Size SUV/Crossover: Land Rover Discovery

Read our review of the Land Rover Discovery here.

Trucks

Small/Mid-Size Pickup: Toyota Tacoma

Read our review of the Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro here.

Full-Size 1/2-Ton Pickup: Ford F-150

Read our review of the Ford F-150 Raptor here.

January 29, 2019 / Comments Off on 10 Vehicles Have Been Named the Best Value in America

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Italdesign Teases Upcoming Geneva Motor Show Car

The Iconic Design House Will Reveal Its Mystery Model

Italdesign is one of the most storied companies in all of the automotive industry. Its rich history means you should pay attention whenever it teases a new model that will likely be a revolutionary car. That’s exactly what the company just did. 

The short teaser video doesn’t show much, but it does show some beautiful curves in what is bound to be a very fast car. The video shows what looks like a large rear wing. That means it will likely be a new supercar or hypercar. The car could be a road car or a track car. At this point, it’s a complete mystery. I have my hopes set on a road car, however. 

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Motor1 points to the Zerouno Duerta as a possibility of what’s to come. That car was based on the Audi R8 platform, and it came with a 5.2-liter V10 that made 610 hp.

Italdesign is owned by VW Group. With that in mind, it’s safe to assume that the car at this year’s Geneva Motor Show will use tech and designs from VW, more notably Audi or Lamborghini, which is also under the VW group umbrella.

Whatever Italdesign produces will be a serious stunner, that’s for sure. It will also likely be much higher priced than whatever car it’s based on. The Zerouno had a price tag of $1.6 million, and only five were built. I would expect this new model to be more of the same—super-limited production and a price tag well north of $1 million. 

January 29, 2019 / Comments Off on Italdesign Teases Upcoming Geneva Motor Show Car

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