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Most consumers wouldn't argue with adding extra refinement to performance-oriented cars, but when it comes to Dodge and Chrysler SRT models, we expect a little raw appeal. To make SRT vehicles just a bit more affordable, we've seen cars like the Dodge Charger Super Bee and the Dodge Challenger Yellow Jacket. At the 2013 Chicago Auto Show, the 2013 Dodge Challenger SRT8 Core and 2013 Chrysler 300 SRT8 Core debut, joining the 2013 Dodge Charger SRT8 Super Bee, all slightly more affordable than the regular SRT8 variants. 2013 Charger SRT8 Super Bee The SRT8 Super Bee model was revived for the 2012 model year, and it returns again for the 2013 model year with a few cosmetic not mechanical amendments for the new year. Let's start with paint. In 2012, one could order a SRT8 Super Bee in any color desired, so long as it was of course black or yellow. That's not the case any longer, as you'll be able to order the car in Hemi Orange pearl coat, Plum Crazy pearl, Bright White, Pitch Black, and TorRed (interestingly, the retina-searing Stinger Yellow appears to no longer be available). Other exterior revisions, including the black hood stripes, wrap-around decklid stripe with Super Bee logos, blacked-out grille with vintage Super Bee emblem, and 20-inch wheels with black accents are carried over for 2013. Mechanicals also continue into 2013 with little to no change, meaning power still comes from Chrysler's 6.4-liter Hemi V-8. As such, Charger SRT8 Super Bees offer up 470 hp and 470 lb-ft of torque, and a five-speed automatic sends that power to the rear wheels. We haven't received confirmation from Chrysler quite yet, but suspect the standard Charger SRT8's adjustable Bilstein dampers are nixed to cut costs. Likewise, we assume the SRT8's navigation is also removed, and that its Nappa leather seating surfaces are replaced with cloth fabric, but we don't yet know if last year's wild black-and-yellow cloth pattern will make another appearance in 2013. We do, however, know that the SRT8 Super Bee will once again be less expensive than a full-bore Charger SRT8. Pricing starts at $42,990, including $995 in destination fees. For comparison, a 2013 Charger SRT8 starts at $46,990 meaning the Super Bee package saves buyers $4000 while allowing them to relive their vintage Mopar flashbacks to the tune of a rip-snortin' Hemi. 2013 Challenger SRT8 Core SRT tried applying the Super Bee treatment to the 2012 Challenger SRT8, resulting in the SRT8 Yellow Jacket. The new 2013 Challenger SRT8 Core follows essentially the same recipe, but with a few new twists. Let's start with looks. SRT8 Core models gain all sorts of blacked-out trim, including a black grille, rear spoiler, "392" emblems for the front fenders, and Brembo brake calipers. Black is even offered as an exterior paint color, but buyers can also dip into Mopar nostalgia and order the aforementioned Hemi Orange and Plum Crazy, which are exclusive to the Challenger Core trim. With the exception of Phantom Black tri-coat pearl and Redline pearl, all other Challenger SRT8 colors are also available on SRT8 Core models. Power again comes from the 6.4-liter Hemi V-8, and should be mated with either a six-speed manual transmission or an optional five-speed automatic. We're awaiting more extensive detail on the car, but we suspect that, much like the Challenger Super Bee, the adaptive Brembo dampers have been nixed in lieu of less expensive parts. Likewise, you won't find leather-trimmed seating surfaces inside. Instead, front and rear seats are trimmed in the same "Ballistic" cloth used in base-grade 2013 SRT Viper coupes, and accented with slate gray cloth for bolsters and door panel inserts. These careful deletions result in a Challenger SRT8 that's just as powerful as the normal model, but quite a bit less expensive. SRT8 Core cars start at $39,990, including destination. That's a whopping $5780 less than a normal 2013 Challenger SRT8, and likely enough to make the Challenger SRT8 Core the least-expensive SRT8 model presently on the market. 2013 Chrysler 300 SRT8 Core But wait, there's more. Chrysler's SRT-tuned 300 sedan also gains a lower-cost Core model for the 2013 model year. Cosmetic changes largely echo those of Challenger SRT8 Core. 20-inch wheels with black pockets are standard, as are "6.4L" fender emblems (is Chrysler above Dodge's practice of counting in cubic inches?) and black Brembo brake calipers. Inside, leather seats are replaced with the same Ballistic fabric found on the Challenger SRT8 Core, although the interior is still accented with matte carbon and piano black trim pieces on the instrument panel, door bezels, and center console. Expect some niceties like the trick Bilsteins and navigation, for instance to be ditched in the process. Doing so does shed a boatload of money from the window sticker. Chrysler says 300 SRT8 Core models should start at $44,990, including destination, which is $5000 below a standard 2013 300 SRT8. We'd heard some scuttlebutt that a de-contented 300 SRT8 like this was being investigated for export markets, but we hope to uncover SRT's marketing plans later today when we view the cars in person. For now, expect them to roll into Dodge and Chrysler showrooms in North America by the summer of 2013. For all the latest news, photos, videos, and much more direct from the 2013 Chicago auto show floor, don't forget to CLICK OVER to our 2013 Chicago show coverage page . Source: Chrysler | 9 | 1,200 | autos |
The weakening yen has greatly impacted Honda's export-bound car production in Japan, and although the automaker has been looking into building more plants away from home , it appears things are looking up slightly. The automaker will be opening a new plant in Japan, marking nearly 50 years since it last built a factory in the country. Located about two hours away from Tokyo, the small town of Yorii will be home to the new plant, which will have an annual capacity of 250,000 vehicles. The facility will use more efficient technology and build compact models such as the Fit. Yorii's local government estimates that 3800 jobs will be created by fiscal-year 2017 thanks to the new plant, which Honda says is all part of domestic reorganization that includes alleviating production at local plant Sayama, which was the last Japanese Honda factory to open before Yorii, in 1964. The new plant, which officially opens in July, is bold move for the automaker considering several Japanese car companies have opened many overseas plants because of the strong yen . Honda factories outside of the Japan account for about three-quarters of the company's annual output, Bloomberg reports. In North America, Honda has several manufacturing plants, and the U.S.-spec Honda Fit will be made in Mexico . Source: Bloomberg | 9 | 1,201 | autos |
I'm 30 and have been married twice. My second marriage has truly benefited from my first experience and the lessons I learned the hard way ending up heartbroken and divorced in my early twenties. The conversations I later understood I needed to have, the qualities to look for (and the traits to avoid) and what mattered in a life partner was much clearer to me when I knew I wanted to marry my second husband. I was much more aware of what marriage involved. Choosing each other and talking openly about life's challenges was very conscious and deliberate for us. It was a reassuring and kind of blissful feeling feeling confident that this time, with a much stronger foundation, the partnership was going to last. Alignment on some key values and compatibility on certain topics is crucial to an enduring marriage. You are bound to experience tests as a couple, both internal and external. Therefore there are conversations that need to take place when you know you and your fiancé are going to spend the rest of your lives together, as teammates. These conversations can raise many other talking points and you need to remember that no matter how much ground is made, life is still dynamic and ever changing you need to be flexible. As the old proverb goes, "we make plans and the gods laugh!" But getting aligned before marriage is the key to making it last. The fact you can discuss and agree on central subjects (in a mature and calm way) is the most important thing. Even if in a few years life looks different or you feel different to how you did when you married. Our relationship has experienced many changes over the years as we moved to New York City from Sydney (and started over), changed jobs, had shifts in income, and decided for now to not have children. The goal as a couple is that no topic is off the table for discussion. This means that, with your teammate beside you, almost anything can be overcome. Money How will money be handled once you are married? Assets, paychecks, inherited sums. What happens if one of you loses a job unexpectedly? Being married means you are a team and need to be on the same financial page, as this is a huge, contentious issue for many couples who divorce. If there was a single thing that separated my first husband and I, it was completely opposing views about how to spend money. Harmony on this subject is crucial for long-term unity. Children Do you want them? When? How? How many? What values, ideals, and education do you want them to have? Will there be a stay home parent? "Yes, we both want children" is not enough. Workload This refers to all of the unpaid work at home. How will this be divided? This issue can be an unpleasant shock if you don't cohabitate before you wed, or discuss who will clean the toilets, take out the trash, or vacuum. Family What is your anticipation of the involvement of in-laws, siblings, holidays/vacations with extended family? Will you see them every weekend? Once a month? Two to three times a year? This can be an especially important conversation if one or both of you is an only-child. Elderly Parents What will your physical and financial commitment look like? This is remarkably easy to overlook if you marry in your twenties. But, marriage is supposed to be forever, so at some point this conversation is going to become relevant. People in their 40s are now referred to as the "sandwich generation" raising children while taking care of ageing parents. What will your roles and responsibilities be for your parents and in-laws? Sexual Expectations Sex while dating or being engaged can be very different from sex with your husband 10 years down the road. Many couples seek therapy or counseling if one or both partners do not feel satisfied in the bedroom after many years together. It's important to stay connected physically and having a recurring date night once a week can help keep the intimacy alive. Life Priorities What matters most to you both? Do you want to really nest and settle down or instead go traveling together? Go back to school? Do you want to volunteer in India? Save for a beach house? Talk about your aspirations and objectives and get comfortable with a relative timeline. Dealbreakers Watching sports all weekend with his friends on the couch. Coming home drunk at 1 a.m. on a work night. Working non-stop 16 hours days. Blowing cash in Vegas. Over-the-top flirtation with other people. Unnecessary jealousy. What won't you put up with over time? Repetitive behavior that upsets either of you does not bode well for a happy future together. Support In difficult times we all communicate differently. My husband likes time alone and I love to talk it out. We now allow for both and understand what the other requires. Its important to voice how you need to feel loved and supported and then you ask (and provide) what your spouse needs. | 4 | 1,202 | lifestyle |
Fret no more about a last-minute gift or party favour. This easy DIY works for any type of summer party and can be made in three simple steps. Dress your paper plate basket up with different-colored ribbons to welcome a neighbor, offer as a hostess gift, or thank guests at a baby or bridal shower. All you need is a paper plate, scissors, ribbon, and some delicious summertime berries, of course! STEP ONE: Snip off the outer lip of a standard paper plate. STEP TWO: Make four cuts toward the centre, as shown. Fold each section up to make a box. STEP THRE: Overlap the edges, and use craft glue to adjoin. (Paper clips will help hold the shape.) Once dry, remove the clips and wrap with ribbon. | 4 | 1,203 | lifestyle |
You may have seen reports in the news lately questioning the benefits of breakfast for weight loss, but I'm not ready to sanction skipping. In my experience, eating breakfast strongly supports weight control, and several studies back what I've seen in my 15-plus years of counseling clients breakfast fuels your body when you're most active, and therefore most likely to burn off what you've eaten. It also tends to prevent late night overeating, when you're less active, and more prone to racking up a fuel surplus that feeds fat cells. Also, weight loss aside, "breaking the fast" is a savvy nutrition strategy, because it's a chance to fit in servings of produce, whole grains, healthy fats, and lean proteins. Missing that opportunity, particularly day after day, can lead to shortfalls that deprive your body of important health protective nutrients. Eating breakfast, especially one with protein, is also a smart way to build and maintain metabolism-boosting muscle. One recent study, published in the Journal of Nutrition , found that muscle building was 25% greater among people who ate a diet with an evenly distributed protein intake, compared to those who consumed less protein at breakfast, slightly more at lunch, and the majority of their protein at dinner. Finally, a study published last year from the American Heart Association found that over a 16 year period, regular breakfast skippers had a 27% higher risk of a heart attack or fatal heart disease. If you're on board for a daily breakfast, but your biggest barrier is time, here are five tips and tricks to help you create shortcuts, so you can reap the benefits without running late. Chill your oatmeal Oatmeal doesn't have to be served warm. Cook, then chill individual portions, and stash them in the fridge in small containers you can grab, along with a spoon, on your way out the door. Just mix a protein powder (like pea, hemp, or organic whey) into rolled oats, add hot water, stir, fold in fresh fruit, cinnamon, and nuts, and chill. Or skip the protein powder, and mix the oats, fruit, cinnamon, and nuts into nonfat organic Greek yogurt, and chill to make a grab-n-go mueslix. Hard boil it Many of my clients enjoy omelets on the weekends, but feel like an egg-based breakfast takes too much time during the week. For a make-ahead option, prep hard boiled organic eggs on a Sunday for the upcoming week. While you're making dinner, take a few extra minutes to whip up a simple egg salad for breakfast the next morning. Mix chopped egg with either guacamole or pesto, diced or shredded veggies, and a small scoop of cooked, chilled quinoa or brown rice. Grab a portion with a fork in the a.m., and you're good to go. Have dinner for breakfast It may seem odd to chow down on a garden salad topped with lentils or salmon at 8 am, but who says breakfast meals have to look different than lunch or dinner? Many of my clients make double portions in the evening, and eat seconds for breakfast the next day. Give it a try you may just find that warmed up stir fry, veggie "pasta" or a crisp entrée salad is your new favorite way to start the day. Pre-whip your smoothie Smoothies are pretty fast, but I know that when you're running late, just tossing ingredients into a blender and pressing a button can require more time than you can spare. If that tends to be the case, blend up a smoothie just before bed, stash it in a sealed to-go jug in the fridge, grab it on your way out the door, and shake it up before sipping. If you're a chocolate lover, but you want to sneak some greens into your first meal of the day, check out my chocolate cherry kale smoothie recipe. Make a meal out of snack foods It's perfectly OK to cobble together a breakfast from an assortment of snack foods, including veggies with hummus and whole grain crackers, or trail mix made from nuts or seeds, unsweetened preservative-free dried fruit, and a whole grain cereal you can eat with your hands. For more easy and energizing ideas, check out Health's snack recipe database . Bon (breakfast) appetit! Photo: Getty Images Cynthia Sass is a nutritionist and registered dietitian with master's degrees in both nutrition science and public health. Frequently seen on national TV , she's Health's contributing nutrition editor, and privately counsels clients in New York, Los Angeles, and long distance. Cynthia is currently the sports nutrition consultant to the New York Rangers NHL team and the Tampa Bay Rays MLB team, and is board certified as a specialist in sports dietetics. Her latest New York Times best seller is S.A.S.S! Yourself Slim: Conquer Cravings, Drop Pounds and Lose Inches . Connect with Cynthia on Facebook , Twitter and Pinterest . | 7 | 1,204 | health |
A square of chocolate a day keeps the doctor away. | 7 | 1,205 | health |
Whether you like cognac or gin, this classic cocktail is for you. Learn to make the bubbly drink from top San Francisco mixologist Brooke Arthur. | 0 | 1,206 | foodanddrink |
You may think that as long as an item is on store shelves, it's got a proven health and safety record. But the truth is, the long-term impact of personal-care creations aren't always fully understood until years after they go to market. That's the case with several high-profile health and beauty products on the market today: Doctors and scientists are discovering that despite their popularity and "healthy" image, they may not be so good for us, or for the planet. So we asked Lisa Donofrio, M.D., associate clinical professor of dermatology at Yale University, for her take on the recent headlines. Here's her advice on which ingredients to avoid, plus her recommended alternatives. Antibacterial soaps and body washes Liquid hand and body soaps that boast "antibacterial" claims often contain an ingredient called triclosan, which has been linked to antibiotic resistance and hormone disruption . (Triclosan is also present in some toothpastes and cosmetics.) "It gets into the water supply and kills off beneficial bacteria," says Dr. Donofrio. Plus, she adds, research hasn't shown a true health benefit to antibacterial products. "We need to be a little dirty; it's good to give our immune systems something to do so they don't turn on us." The FDA has warned manufacturers that in the coming years, they'll need to prove that products containing triclosan are more effective in preventing illness and reducing the spread of infection than regular soap and water, or they'll have to reformulate their products. And Minnesota recently issued a ban on triclosan , which will go into effect in 2017. Antibacterial bar soaps can contain a similar chemical, called triclocarban, that should be avoided as well. Instead, says Dr. Donofrio, choose bars, liquid soaps, and body washes with natural antimicrobials (she likes formulas that contain benzoyl peroxide or sulphur, which are gentler on the environment and don't foster drug resistance), or use an alcohol-based sanitizer to clean your hands when you're not near soap and water. Face and body scrubs with microbeads These tiny plastic beads are added to face and body washes as an exfoliant, and they help scrub away dead skin. The problem is, recent studies have shown that they also slip through water filtration systems and are making their way into our streams and oceans, potentially hurting fish and wildlife. The synthetic ingredient was recently banned by Illinois , and several other states are following suit. In light of this news, a "natural" exofoliant may seem like the way to go but Dr. Donofrio cautions against face and body washes that contain ground up pieces of nuts, seeds, and pits, which can have jagged edges and scratch or irritate skin. Her best alternative? "A coarse washcloth is a great exfoliator, as are scrubs that contain fine sea salt or sugar." Anything with parabens These preservatives are found in everything from shampoos to soaps to lotions, and are used to prevent bacteria growth and extend shelf life. But they are also absorbed into our bodies, and research suggests that they may be tied to hormone disruption and certain cancers. "They bind to estrogen receptors and pose a potential health risk since they are stored in body fat," says Dr. Donofrio. "Since we are uncertain if they pose a real or theoretical health problem, why tempt fate?" Parabens are listed on ingredient labels as methylparaben, propylparaben, or other words ending in -paraben so it's easy to choose products that don't contain them, says Dr. Donofrio, or to limit your exposure by keeping their use to a small amount of skin area. Preservative-free products, or those with natural preservatives (such as grapefruit-seed extract, rosemary extract, or citric acid), likely won't last as long, but if you use them regularly you should still finish them before their expiration date. | 7 | 1,207 | health |
The one-story brick Victorian in Prahran, a suburb of Melbourne, had been extensively remodeled in the 1980s and was a jumble of small spaces that lacked light, access to the outdoors, and a logical floor plan. Enter Studio Four , a Melbourne architecture and design studio that righted all those wrongs by restructuring the internal flow and introducing a new kitchen and second story living quarters. Designed so that everything has its place and to withstand a daily pounding from its young occupants the house exudes practicality and good cheer. Photographs by Shannon McGrath via Est magazine , unless otherwise noted. Above: The new kitchen viewed from an outdoor dining area with concrete pavers and a freshly painted brick exterior wall. Concealed sliding doors link the two spaces. Above: The floors, island, and stools were custom-built of American oak that was selected, Sarah Henry of Studio Four told Dezeen , "because of its soft color and uniform grain." Svelte steel open shelves run along the main kitchen wall, providing storage and display space, and, notes Henry, "minimal visual bulk." Above: The island extends into a dining table surrounded by a set of Ch20 Elbow Chairs by Hans Wegner for Carl Hansen & Sons. Above: The seamless counter run has beveled-edge cabinet openings. Learn about Invisible Cabinet Hardware in Remodeling 101. The room in the back contains a butler's pantry and laundry. Photograph via Arch Daily . Above: The kitchen is open to the living room but raised on an oak plinth to separate the two. As Studio Four explains, "With subtle changes in floor and ceiling levels, and the introduction of new joinery elements and controlled openings, each space becomes further defined." Photograph via Arch Daily . Above: Built-in shelves frame a wall in the living room, which is at the heart of the original house. Above: A slatted wood chimney wall rises above a black steel hearth. The architects say they tied together the room by introducing a series of horizontal and vertical elements. The side table is the Around Table by Muuto. Above: The living room overlooks an internal courtyard that provides a green backdrop and, as Studio Four points out, "an apparent extension of space." Photograph via Dezeen . Above: Original Victorian detailing has been preserved in a hall off the living room that leads to the front door, the master bedroom, and a study. Above: The master bedroom has a platform bed that introduces the only color in the room. For similar wire-framed cotton lights, see today's post on Pierre & Charlotte's designs , and our earlier feature on the Koushi Lamp by Mark Eden Schooley . Above: A Jielde Loft Floor Lamp serves as a bedside light. Above: The clean-lined master bath overlooks one end of the courtyard. Photograph via Dezeen . Above: A crisp, white, Scandi-inspired palette extends to every room and fills the house with light. Above: Two children's rooms and a bath occupy the new second story. This one has a Jielde Loft Floor Lamp and a dandelion vinyl wall mural. Like the cheery look? See Here Comes the Sun: 10 Bedrooms with Yellow Accents and Trend Alert: 8 Yellow-Painted Floors . Above: A longitudinal sectional study of the house presents the tidy new room arrangement. The second story is stepped back and barely visible from the exterior. Notes Studio Four: "In contrast to the existing Victorian spaces in the front of the dwelling, which provide enclosure and a sense of seclusion, the new living areas to the rear promote openness and interaction." Image via Studio Four . Above: A cross section of the remodel. Image via Studio Four . Above: A plan of the first floor shows the kitchen addition, the courtyard off the living room, and the master suit discreetly sectioned off at the front of the house. Image via Studio Four . Above: The new second floor has two children's bedrooms and a shared bath. Image via Studio Four . For hundreds of Children's Room ideas, peruse our photo gallery, including 24 Built-In Bunk Beds . And for another Victorian remodel with a Scandi twist, see House Call: Endless Summer , plus The Designer Is In: An All-White Kitchen in London . This post is an update; the original ran on August 11, 2014, as part of our Down Under issue. More Stories from Remodelista In the Kitchen with Skye Gyngell, London's Chef du Jour The Architect Is In: The Family Cottage Reinvented, Austin Edition Gift Guide 2014: Books for the Architect | 4 | 1,208 | lifestyle |
Cute dog plays around then wipes butt on carpet. | 4 | 1,209 | lifestyle |
THE QUEST FOR a magic diet pill isn't new, of course. Scientists have been searching for a miracle drug that can carve out six-pack abs for decades. Some modern concoctions claim to speed up your metabolism. Others suppress appetite. One less-than-ideal option works as a diuretic. The new Gelesis100 which sounds more like a video game console than a drug takes a different approach: The capsule is consumed before meals with a glass of water, and then temporarily swells up in the stomach, causing you to feel full and eat less. So far, the results are impressive: During a recent study, people who took the pill lost 6.1 percent of their weight after 12 weeks, while those taking a placebo lost only 4.1 percent. Executives at Gelesis say weight loss would have been greater if the trial had lasted longer. For the study, 128 overweight or obese Europeans took a capsule before lunch and dinner along with a half-liter of water. They were also put on a reduced-calorie diet. The science is simple: The pill consists of tiny particles made of two substances, which expand to 100 times their original size once they're hydrated in the stomach and small intestine. (The company is tight-lipped when it comes to openly identifying those two substances, but we know they're already used in food so that's something.) After the particles travel through the small intestine, enzymes in the large intestine degrade them, they release water and are excreted. The study's lead researcher, Dr. Arne V. Astrup, head of the department of nutrition, exercise and sports at the University of Copenhagen in Denmark, says he's impressed and that the pill could be safer than other diet drugs because this one doesn't chemically affect the brain. Gelesis plans to run a larger study next year, with the ultimate goal to win final approval for the product. The takeaway: Let's not burn Dr. Oz at the stake just yet there just may be a magic diet pill. | 7 | 1,210 | health |
Parents get lots of advice. But instead of the experts telling parents what to do, perhaps it's time they tell parents to just stop it. Here are six things parents need to stop doing right now. | 4 | 1,211 | lifestyle |
Who in their right mind would enter the car business? Surely not a couple guys from Silicon Valley founding a company in a garage near the one in which Apple was founded, especially when these guys know that while GM and Apple garnered similar gross sales receipts last year, Apple kept 21 percent of its take and GM kept only 2.5 percent. Nevertheless, that's exactly what Jason Stinson and Christopher Heiser are doing in launching Renovo Motors. Just as Tesla did, these guys are starting out by electrifying an existing, well-engineered body and chassis, theirs being the Shelby American CSX9000 continuation-series Cobra Daytona, mildly redesigned (widened) and reengineered for greater comfort by the original designer Peter Brock. The chassis has already proven its ride/handling chops with combustion propulsion, and by preserving the weight balance and maintaining or increasing the weight-to-power ratio, the original's dynamic brilliance should be maintained (though we're eager to assess its new electric power steering). That's the theory that will be proven out over the next year leading up to the Renovo Coupe's anticipated late 2015 on-sale date. Three modular lithium-ion battery packs are employed, one behind the driver and two of them in the engine compartment, under the long rectangular power electronics units that are canted about 10 degrees each to sort of look like valve covers, with the orange wires that connect to them pretending to be big spark-plug leads. Two three-phase AC permanent magnet motors mount right behind them about where the bell housing would be on a gas Shelby, and they drive the rear axle directly (no forward gear ratios, just drive and reverse). The two motors are both rigidly mounted to the same output shaft, but selectively running them one at time or in tandem optimizes power and efficiency. Those thin orange cables are your first clue that Renovo is utilizing an operating voltage about double that of other high-output EVs 740 volts. This greatly reduces the current required to achieve the target horsepower (500-plus) and torque (1000-plus lb-ft), which in turn reduces the cable-gauge required to support it (halving the voltage would increase the amount of copper required by roughly 50 pounds). Renovo remains mum about many technical details, specific suppliers of the battery and other tech, and even the exact size of the batteries except to predict they'll last 100 miles and recharge in 5 hours via normal level-2 charger (using the port under the left "gas cap"), or in 30 minutes with a high-voltage fast-charger (under the right "gas cap"). That last claim bolsters the assertion that the battery chemistry is heavily biased toward power, and enables track-day lapping sessions with fast recharges in between. We're also assured that the car can regenerate more energy than most any other EV on the market, including the Porsche 918 Spyder. All of this is thanks to automotive-standard electronics operating on four CAN busses these entrepreneurs managed to resist the urge to reinvent the wheel with a Linux system or something similar. Several big-name Tier I suppliers like Delphi, Continental, and Bosch are onboard confirmed, with others to be named later, along with the technical nitty-gritty and the purpose of those white falsie side "exhaust" pipes (I'm postulating ultra-capacitors will go there). After 25 minutes or so of describing the car, Heiser invites me to jump in the shotgun seat for a blast around down California Highway 1 south of Carmel. The ride out of the neighborhood over iffy pavement reveals the adjustable Öhlins shocks to provide a reasonably supple ride. Out on the highway a blast of WOA (wide-open accelerator, no throttles here) pins me to the seat and reveals no tapering of torque delivery. It's very linear, and fairly epic. Heiser claims that with their control electronics, throttle requests can be processed and delivered in 37 milliseconds that's way faster than an air-pumping reciprocating-mass combustion engine of similar output can react, so Renovo reckons its car will be more fun to drive than most conventional supercars. Because the motors are very firmly mounted (via polyurethane bushings) to the structure just inboard of your knees, you hear them loud and clear. And the sound is oddly automotive and not enhanced at all via the radio. The interior looks entirely custom except for the Audi R8 shifter and a row of toggles that look Mini-sourced. Toggling that R8 shifter forward or back alters the amount of regen you get when lifting off the accelerator, which helps preserve the feel of the 6-piston front/4-piston rear Brembo brakes. Custom gauges indicate real-time torque delivery and electrical-system temperature on the left, speed and a "fuel" gauge on the right, and a small gauge indicating gear position, power/regen, and remaining range in the center. Speaking of temperature, the batteries and power electronics are liquid cooled via the Shelby radiator (a smaller more aerodynamic setup is coming). Pricing will be discussed much closer to the production date (customer deliveries are anticipated to start in late 2015) but you'd better budget for middle six-figures. For that you'll get 0-60 mph in a claimed 3.4 seconds, but with a top speed of just over 120 mph. That number concerns me because it might not be fast enough for some tracks' long straightways. You'd hate for this claimed 3250-pound low-CG car to pass everyone in the twists, only to be overtaken on the straights. The company hopes to sell just 100 units over several years, taking advantage of their low volumes to sidestep some pesky airbag and crash-testing laws, though I'm assured the crash protection is robust. We look forward to verify Renovo's performance claims before long. | 9 | 1,212 | autos |
Cancer isn't just a zodiac sign. | 7 | 1,213 | health |
Taking a look at some of America's most iconic manmade machines over the past century or so reveals much about our national psyche. The World War II Iowa class battleship was among the most powerful ever built, with 212,000 shaft horsepower, nine 16-inch guns, and a displacement of 58,000 tons by the time it went out of service. The big Grumman F6F Hellcat was one of the deadliest naval fighters of all time. The Saturn V rocket is the tallest, heaviest, and most powerful rocket ever made, producing more than 1 million pounds of thrust. Big power isn't just limited to our war and space machines. Our cars are powerful too, as evidenced by the two iconic musclecars gracing this article. The recently refreshed 2014 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 is the most powerful Camaro ever made, with 580 hp on tap. The 2015 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat , also new this year, is among the most powerful mass-production vehicles ever made, with 707 screaming ponies under the hood. With Ford and its 662-hp Shelby Mustang currently out of the production, the Camaro ZL1 and Challenger Hellcat and their combined 1287 horsepower represent the two toughest musclecars around. One has to be better than the other, though, and as was the case back in the musclecar's heyday, the winner of this comparo must show itself to be dominant at the test track, fast in a straight line, be the best boulevard cruiser, and ooze street presence. With that in mind, we saddled up and took these two steroid-injected ponycars to some of SoCal's most iconic Americana hot spots to figure out which is best. Comparing the 707-hp Challenger Hellcat to the 580-hp Camaro ZL1 isn't exactly a one-sided affair. Both musclecars are powered by supercharged 6.2-liter V-8s, with the Camaro's LSA featuring a 1.9-liter Roots type blower, while the Challenger's Hemi Hellcat has a 2.4-liter Lysholm blower on top. Though the Camaro only produces an SAE-certified 580 hp and 556 lb-ft of torque compared to the Challenger's 707 hp and 650 lb-ft of torque (at the crank; see our the related Challenger/Camaro blog for wheel hp, it makes up the difference with a curb weight about 400 pounds less than the Challenger's. Besides, the Camaro beat the 662-hp 2013 Ford Shelby GT500 in its last go-around. The Challenger sports the optional eight-speed automatic (a six-speed manual is standard) and the Camaro has the standard six-speed manual. Both cars feature electronically adjustable suspensions and a variety of performance driving modes. The first stop for our pearlescent Sublime Green Challenger Hellcat and our Silver Ice Metallic Camaro ZL1 was our test track, where we were eager to see what kind of numbers the two cars would throw down. The Camaro ZL1 was the poster child for consistency with a 3.9-second 0-60-mph run, blasting through the quarter mile in 12.2 seconds at 116.6 mph. That's fast any way you look at it, and yet the Dodge makes the Chevy feel oh so slow. Not surprisingly with more than 700 horsepower on tap and narrow 275-width Pirelli P Zero rear tires, the Challenger proved difficult to launch even with launch control enabled. The drag-race-ready Challenger's best 0-60 mph run was with a second-gear start, resulting in a 3.7-second time, and an impressive quarter-mile performance of 11.7 seconds at a stupid-fast 125.4 mph. That trap speed doesn't embarrass Camaro ZL1 owners alone, but both Nissan GT-R Nismo and Porsche 911 Turbo S owners, too. The figure eight did much to reveal the different intended functions of the Camaro and the Challenger. The Camaro is well-balanced; you can tell its engineers were just as interested in making a track-capable car as they were a street-racer. The ZL1 is well-suited for handling work, with quick, accurate steering that weights up nicely, and a well-controlled ride, thanks to GM's trick magnetic shocks. The ZL1 lapped the figure eight in 24.0 seconds at a 0.85 g average, and pulled 0.99 g average on the skidpad. Lapping the Camaro quickly is an exercise in point and shoot, as the Chevy for the most part just sticks and goes without the driver having to do much work at all. While the Camaro behaves like a sports car, the Challenger pretends to be nothing else than a straight-line dragster, and when you toss a corner its way it can be a handful. As associate editor Scott Evans put it, the Hellcat handles "just like a Challenger. Understeer into the corner, oversteer out." The quickest way around the figure eight ultimately was the old tried and true racing mantra of "slow in, fast out" as you lap the boat-like car. The result is still pretty impressive, even if it doesn't feel it, with a 24.7-second figure-eight time with a 0.85 average g, and a 0.94 lateral g average skidpad performance. The Hellcat may not inspire confidence in the corners, but it'll do the most glorious drifts you can possibly imagine as it shreds through its rear tires. Testing director Kim Reynolds summed up the differences in personalities between the Camaro and Challenger best. After lapping the Hellcat as well as a Camaro 1LE that happened to be at the track, he pointed to the Camaro and said it felt like it was designed by McLaren or Red Bull's Formula 1 teams. The Hellcat, on the other hand, "feels like it was developed by [Hot Rod's] Freiburger and Finnegan." After a day at the track, we kicked the next day off at Camarillo airport, where the Commemorative Air Force's SoCal wing was kind enough to pull out an F6F Hellcat and F8F Bearcat for a photo op. The F6F Hellcat strangely links both old GM and modern-day Chrysler together. The Hellcat's predecessor, the Wildcat, was built in large numbers by GM during World War II. GM's Buick division also built its own Hellcat during the war -- the M18 Hellcat Tank Destroyer. Now it's Chrysler pushing out its own Hellcat. While not armed like the other vehicles that share its name, its Hemi does produce more than twice as many horses as the M18 Hellcat, which 70 years later is still one of the fastest armored vehicles ever produced. Getting from the airport to our other locations required lots of highway driving, and this is where the Chevy and Dodge really began to distinguish themselves. The Camaro is the more relaxed of the two. Its V-8 quietly hums in the background, it rides beautifully, and it really makes a great grand touring car. The Challenger also excels on the freeway. Its ride is a bit busier, but its lounge seats make up the difference. The Hellcat Hemi has a burly exhaust note and a wicked supercharger whine while hustling, but the eight-speed transmission does much to tame the cat while cruising along, ready to swap cogs quickly should the need arise. On the highway we got our first real preview of the kind of reaction the two musclecars inspire. Evans and I were motoring along the freeway heading back into L.A. He led in the Challenger with me following close behind in the Camaro, when all of a sudden a California Highway Patrol Explorer made a beeline for us. The cop slowly passed me on the right, eyeing me as he moved up to flank the Challenger. The officer matched the Hellcat's speed for a good minute or two and I was convinced we were seconds away from getting pulled over. All of a sudden the Hellcat's Hemi roared to life as the Challenger sat back on its rear haunches and the car rocketed forward, right next to the Highway Patrol. "Way to go, Evans," I thought to myself as the Explorer raced forward to match his speed. Then something beyond strange happened: We didn't get pulled over. The cop dropped his pace and I could see he was holding up his phone, filming the Hellcat in all its glory. I pinched myself. Is this real life? I'd be in cuffs if I attempted the same thing in the Camaro. My phone rang seconds later. "Please tell me you saw that!" Evans exclaimed, as he went on to explain that the cop had motioned for him to make a quick highway pull. Never in our entire lives have either of us ever seen the feared CHP appreciate a car -- let alone a blue-collar Dodge Challenger -- in such a way. Public reaction to our Challenger, and to a somewhat lesser extent our Camaro, remained strong throughout the day along old Route 66 and at the Route 66 motel, but when we visited Irwindale Speedway for Thursday night drag racing it became pretty clear which car had more street presence. From the moment we pulled into the lots, it was obvious which car the crowds cared more about. People immediately began flocking to the Hellcat, leaving the poor Camaro, and Evans alone in line. Fathers and sons, young and old, import and domestic fans -- it didn't matter; all had to have a peek at the new Challenger for themselves. Even after our first photo runs down the eighth-mile strip, the initial curiosity didn't wear off. The Challenger drew constant crowds of kids, car enthusiasts, and even a random local journalist who wanted to know exactly what all the fuss was about. The Hellcat and ZL1 went head to head at least three times throughout the night, with the races neck and neck due to the Camaro's very real traction and weight advantage compared to the Challenger over the short strip. Still high after our night of drag racing, our first stop the next morning was the USS Iowa Museum in San Pedro. Even with the iconic battleship in the background, the two cars -- especially the Hellcat -- drew a crowd. Underneath the sinister sheetmetal and aside from the blown engine, the 2015 Challenger SRT Hellcat is really quite the complete package. It sports one of the best interiors in the segment with high-quality materials, a great infotainment system, an even better audio system, room for five, and a stunningly low starting price of just $60,995, with an as-tested price of $64,570. The Camaro ZL1 feels somewhat less special than the Challenger inside. Sure, it's got Alcantara just about everywhere, and snug bucket seats, but you can tell Chevy's focus was elsewhere. The Challenger gets all the little details that make a musclecar special right (like the Dodge Brothers logo hidden in the center console), whereas the Camaro doesn't really have a cohesive interior design, with things such as its navigation system tacked on like an afterthought. Even so, the Camaro ZL1 is the cheaper of the two, with a $57,650 base price and an as-tested price of $59,045. While the Camaro and Challenger have traded blows in straight-line versus cornering speed, and been evenly matched just about everywhere else, street presence is an important criterion. Simply put, the Challenger SRT Hellcat has tons and the Camaro ZL1 has considerably less. Musclecars are supposed to be as much about the show as they are about the go. Dodge proves that it still understands that with the new Challenger, while what's supposed to be the most potent Camaro on the block appears to have forgotten that. Ultimately, this is America, and in America, like in baseball, there are no ties. The Challenger Hellcat comes out on top. Its focus on power, presence, and straight-line performance shows that the Dodge boys still know how to make a killer musclecar after years of being consistently stomped on by Chevrolet and Ford. As capable and well-balanced as the Camaro ZL1 is, the Challenger SRT Hellcat cements itself as the ultimate musclecar. Like the musclecars of the late '60s and early '70s, it's built to be a street king with some serious power under the hood, and it looks the part with its new drool-worthy sheetmetal. The Hellcat proves that the heyday of the musclecar wasn't 45 years ago -- it's now. 2014 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 2015 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat DRIVETRAIN LAYOUT ENGINE TYPE Front engine, RWD Front-engine, RWD VALVETRAIN Supercharged 90-deg V-8, alum block/heads OHV, 2 valves/cyl Supercharged 90-deg V-8, iron block, alum heads OHV, 2 valves/cyl DISPLACEMENT 376.0 cu in/6162 cc 376.2 cu in/6166 cc COMPRESSION RATIO 9.1:1 9.5:1 POWER (SAE NET) 580 hp @ 6100 rpm* 707 hp @ 6000 rpm* TORQUE (SAE NET) 556 lb-ft @ 3800 rpm* 650 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm* REDLINE 6200 rpm 5750 rpm WEIGHT TO POWER 7.0 lb/hp 6.3 lb/hp TRANSMISSION 6-speed manual 8-speed automatic AXLE/FINAL-DRIVE RATIO 3.73:1/2.35:1 2.62:1/1.76:1 SUSPENSION, FRONT; REAR Strut, coil springs, adj shocks, anti-roll bar; multi-link, coil springs, adj shocks, anti-roll bar Control arms, coil springs, adj shocks, anti-roll bar; multi-link, coil springs, adj shocks, anti-roll bar STEERING RATIO 16.1:1 14.4:1 TURNS LOCK-TO-LOCK 2.5 2.5 BRAKES, F;R 14.6-in vented disc; 14.4-in vented disc, ABS 15.4-in vented disc; 13.8-in vented disc, ABS WHEELS, F;R 10.0 x 20-in; 11.0 x 20-in, cast aluminum 9.5 x 20-in, forged aluminum TIRES, F;R 285/35ZR20 100Y; 305/35ZR20 104Y Goodyear Eagle F1 Supercar G:2 275/40ZR Pirelli P Zero DIMENSIONS WHEELBASE 112.3 in 116.2 in TRACK, F/R 63.7/63.7 in 64.0/63.7 in LENGTH x WIDTH x HEIGHT 190.6 x 75.5 x 54.2 in 197.5 x 75.7 x 55.7 in TURNING CIRCLE 37.7 ft 38.5 ft CURB WEIGHT 4051 lb 4449 lb WEIGHT DIST., F/R 52/48 % 57/43 % SEATING CAPACITY 4 5 HEADROOM, F/R 37.4/35.3 in 39.3/37.1 in LEGROOM, F/R 42.4/29.9 in 42.0/33.1 in SHOULDER ROOM, F/R 56.9/42.5 in 58.5/53.9 in CARGO VOLUME 11.3 cu ft 16.2 cu ft TEST DATA ACCELERATION TO MPH 0-30 1.6 sec 1.8 sec 0-40 2.2 2.4 0-50 3.0 3.0 0-60 3.9 3.7 0-70 4.9 4.6 0-80 6.1 5.5 0-90 7.5 6.5 0-100 8.9 7.7 PASSING, 45-65 MPH 1.8 1.4 QUARTER MILE 12.2 sec @ 116.6 mph 11.7 sec @ 125.4 mph BRAKING, 60-0 MPH 100 ft 109 ft LATERAL ACCELERATION 0.99 g (avg) 0.94 g (avg) MT FIGURE EIGHT 24.0 sec @ 0.85 g (avg) 24.7 sec @ 0.85 g (avg) TOP-GEAR REVS @ 60 MPH 1700 rpm 1250 rpm CONSUMER INFO BASE PRICE $57,650 $60,995 PRICE AS TESTED $59,045 $64,670 STABILITY/TRACTION CONTROL Yes/Yes Yes/Yes AIRBAGS Dual front, front side, f/r curtain Dual front, front side, f/r curtain BASIC WARRANTY 3 yrs/36,000 miles 3 yrs/36,000 miles POWERTRAIN WARRANTY 5 yrs/100,000 miles 5 yrs/100,000 miles ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE 5 yrs/100,000 5 yrs/100,000 miles FUEL CAPACITY 19.0 gal 18.5 gal EPA CITY/HWY ECON 14/19/16 mpg Not yet rated ENERGY CONSUMPTION, CITY/HWY 241/177 kW-hrs/100 miles - CO2 EMISSIONS 1.22 lb/mile - RECOMMENDED FUEL Unleaded premium Unleaded premium * SAE Certified | 9 | 1,214 | autos |
For the first time since the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance began in 1950, a Ferrari has taken home the prestigious Best in Show prize. This 1954 Ferrari 375 MM Scaglietti Coupe is owned by car collector Jon Shirley, and is also the first post-war car to win the prize since 1954. This particular coach-built Ferrari 375 is a one-off vehicle that was built for famed Italian film director Roberto Rossellini. It is one of only five road-going versions of the 375 MM race car, and the body was rebuilt by coachbuilder Scaglietti after the original Pininfarina body was damaged in an accident. As Scaglietti's first passenger car design for Ferrari, it features a unique design with aluminum panels formed on a thin metal lattice mounted on the chassis. The 1954 Ferrari 375 MM coupe also had quite a journey before coming its current owner, Jon Shirley of Washington State. After it left Rosselini's hands, the car went on to two more owners in Italy and France until it was later found in an underground garage in Paris in less than tip-top shape. Shirley restored the car in 1995, and it has won multiple awards at the Pebble Beach Concours prior to this year's Best in Show trophy. Shirley also won the Best in Show prize in 2008 with his 1938 Alfa Romeo 8C 2900B Touring Berlinetta. Check out more 2014 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance coverage here and on our Instagram page . | 9 | 1,215 | autos |
Would you pay hundreds of thousands of dollars extra for Frozen Grey Metallic paint and Dalbergia Brown leather upholstery? What if it was for the opportunity to own a one-off special edition BMW i8 for Pebble Beach ? With the help of presenter Jay Leno, BMW auctioned off an $825,000 i8 supercar at the Gooding & Company's annual Pebble Beach Auctions on August 16. This car, dubbed the i8 Concours d'Elegance Edition, sold for a price six times higher than the model's $135,700 MSRP. Along with a unique exterior paint color and interior upholstery, the special i8 features the words "Concours d'Elegance Edition" laser etched in the interior and "BMW i8" embossed in the front headrests. All the proceeds went to the Pebble Beach Company Foundation, which raises money to support local youth in arts, athletics, sciences, and other programs. Along with presenting the special model, BMW also delivered the very first i8 cars to select customers at Pebble Beach. Some of the first people to get their hands on this model include Roger Penske, owner of automobile racing team Team Penske; Rick Hendrick, chairman of Hendrick Automotive Group; and Patrick Wachsberger, co-chairman of Lionsgate Motion Picture Group. Every BMW i8 features a turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine and electric motor that produce a combined 357 hp and 420 lb-ft of torque. Thanks to this combination, the car can hit 60 mph from a standstill in just 3.9 seconds. The plug-in supercar officially goes on sale this fall. Source: BMW | 9 | 1,216 | autos |
Our biggest beef with the 2013 Hyundai Elantra GT? Probably its model name, as the freshman hatchback announces its Grand Touring intention without ever making a proper GT impression. In testing it wasn't terribly eager to mow down a straight line, either, taking 9.7 seconds to hobble from 0-60 mph and 17.2 to punch through the quarter mile. Perhaps these performance numbers turned you off from shopping last year's Elantra GT, worried local traffic would eat you and your car alive. If that's the case, Hyundai has made amends with the 2014 model, swapping the 148-hp, 1.8-liter inline-four for 17 percent more old-fashioned muscle in the form of a 173-hp, 2.0-liter four-cylinder. The 0-60 time drops to 8.4 seconds, and a shedding of 0.8 seconds in the quarter mile generates a 16.4-second showing. It traps a few mph faster, brushing 84.5 mph to 2013's 81.0, meaning there's only 75.5 mph to go to the maximum 160-mph speedometer reading. Never forget that in the magazine test world, more power is always the answer. As expected, there's a trade-off to the higher performance ceiling and a more gratifying drive provided by a powertrain that doesn't perceptibly need to exert more effort to move the car. EPA fuel economy ratings for the six-speed automatic models are lower: 24/33/27 mpg city/highway/combined to the preceding year's 26/37/30 mpg. (The latter was already revised from 28/39/32 mpg prior to the great Hyundai/Kia mpg readjustment of 2012.) Against its segment competitors, it's not raising any gas-sipping bars, not with the Ford Focus, Mazda3, and Volkswagen Golf in the mix. The Motor Trend Real MPG program pegs the '14 Elantra GT at 24/32/27 mpg. (Our time with the '13 test car predates Real MPG.) Two-box, "active lifestyle"-ready hatchbacks deserve a dash of sporting pretension to distinguish them from their sedan counterparts, and manufacturers try to comply. With a specific suspension tuned to suit the Style ($2550) and Tech ($3250) Packages' 215/45-17 Nexen Classe Premiere CP671 tire, the Elantra GT feels like it enjoys tackling twisty roads more than the standard four-door Elantra. It might not have the sporty pedigree bestowed by the years of experience Ford (thanks, Ford of Europe), Mazda, and VW have in building entertaining yet frugal hatches for the masses, but you can tell Hyundai is at least trying. The three-way adjustable steering weight is decent -- the result of continuous development -- and the body movements mostly controlled. The cornering limit is numerically the same as last year (0.81 average lateral g), except 25 additional horses push the Elantra GT around the figure eight in a 0.4-second improvement from 28.1 to 27.7 seconds. That's about the full story of the 2014 Elantra GT. It has a bigger engine for enhanced performance and as a result fuel economy suffers, but the car is largely the same as we remember it. The exterior styling has no trouble standing out, and I think it looks attractive. You're never overly bothered by worries that you might have traded too much ride quality for handling. Everything works without drawing unwanted attention: The transmission shifts smoothly, interior noise could be lessened but it isn't overly intrusive, the cabin design is straightforward, and the 5-year/unlimited-mile roadside assistance is reassuring. (Only the Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback also comes with one.) The thing is, the whole package isn't especially memorable. Even if the Elantra GT never makes it to the dynamic level of its identified rivals, Hyundai should address a couple details. The first should be easy: making the backup camera display pop up more quickly and consistently once the shifter is slotted in reverse. There's a mechanical delay between the camera behind the hatch lid's Hyundai badge and the visual display on the touch screen. Next, either the back-seat bench should be angled lower or the seat back made thinner, because folding the second row for the extra 28 cubic feet of available cargo volume (23 cu-ft behind the second row to 51 behind the first) reveals a load floor that isn't close to being flat. The capacity is competitive for the class, but the other guys are significantly more successful when it comes to ensuring that longer objects sit low and flat instead of tilted up and possibly aimed at the windshield. Is it only two fixes away from being a bona fide GT car? Not quite, though the Elantra GT is certainly a more interesting option than it was last year. 2014 Hyundai Elantra GT BASE PRICE $19,560 PRICE AS TESTED $26,485 VEHICLE LAYOUT Front-engine, FWD, 5-pass, 4-door hatchback ENGINE 2.0L/173-hp/154-lb-ft DOHC 16-valve I-4 TRANSMISSION 6-speed automatic CURB WEIGHT (F/R DIST) 3009 lb (60/40%) WHEELBASE 104.3 in LENGTH x WIDTH x HEIGHT 169.3 x 70.1 x 57.9 in 0-60 MPH 8.4 sec QUARTER MILE 16.4 sec @ 84.5 mph BRAKING, 60-0 MPH 121 ft LATERAL ACCELERATION 0.81 g (avg) MT FIGURE EIGHT 27.7 sec @ 0.60 g (avg) REAL MPG, CITY/HWY/COMB 24/32/27 mpg EPA CITY/HWY/COMB FUEL ECON 24/33/27 mpg ENERGY CONS., CITY/HWY 140/102 kW-hrs/100 miles* CO2 EMISSIONS, COMB 0.71 lb/mile* *Derived from EPA estimates | 9 | 1,217 | autos |
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) recently finished testing the redesigned 2015 Subaru Legacy and Outback, both of which excelled in all the tests to earn the coveted Top Safety Pick+ designation. With the IIHS' revised criteria, scores of "good" or "acceptable" in the small overlap front crash test are now mandatory for Top Safety Pick consideration. The Legacy and Outback both earned a good rating in the small overlap crash test, which set it up for success in the other four tests: front moderate overlap, side, roof strength, and head restraints and seats.In the small overlap test, the dummy's position indicated that the driver's survival space was maintained very well. The IIHS also says the Legacy and Outback's frontal and side airbags worked well together to keep the dummy's head from getting too close to stiff structures or outside objects that could cause injury. In addition, the risk of injury to the dummy's legs and feet were rated low. It should come as no surprise that both Subarus performed so well, considering the 2014 models also earned Top Safety Pick+ status . However, safety revisions made to both the Legacy and Outback meant that they achieved "good" ratings in the small overlap crash test, an improvement over the 2014 models' "acceptable" rating. That can be attributed to the new front seat-cushion airbags and a new rollover-prevention sensor. Of course, both models can also be had with automaker's highly regarded EyeSight system, which includes a pre-collision warning and braking feature. The institute rates Legacy and Outback vehicles equipped with the Eyesight system with a "superior" rating for front crash protection. Source: IIHS | 9 | 1,218 | autos |
These silly T-shirts will keep your mini me adorbs and giggling whether you go for one that matches their sense of humor or yours. From top, left: 1 . $40; pinkchicken.com . 2 . Circo, $7; target.com . 3 . Art Study, $28; garnethill.com . 4 . $25; babesta.com . 5 . $12.80; forever21.com . 6 . $30; bodenusa.com . 7 . $12.95; gap.com . 8 . $22; darkcycleclothing.etsy.com . 9 . Ruum American Kid's Wear, $14.50; ruum.com (20% off with code RUUM4YOU). 10. $12.94; oldnavy.com . 11. $11.99; buybuybaby.com . On kids, from left: For the star of your camera roll $18; thekidsnextdoor.etsy.com . Because he's your fave li'l wild thing $19.95; llbean.com . This tiny socialista was "born to tweet" Self Esteem, $14; sears.com . | 4 | 1,219 | lifestyle |
Juggling a family, a social life, a job and community demands? A little stress can be a sign of a full life. But it is important to be extra-cautious about overdoing it because Latinas are considered a "high-risk" group for anxiety and depression, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness . One possible reason: "Like many women, Latinas tend to have the majority of the home responsibilities," says Anagloria Mora, PhD , a licensed psychotherapist in Miami. "My patients tell me they wish they could clone themselves." (Wouldn't that be nice!) Instead of worrying about how you're going to do it all, just incorporate these simple strategies, one day at a time, into your weekly routine. Monday: Say no to just one request. Realizing that it's OK to put yourself first every now and then can help you fight strain. For example, if your sister asks you to watch her kids during the half-hour that you normally do Zumba, say politely but firmly: "I'm sorry, but I can't at that time." Maybe you can compromise on another day or perhaps she'll ask someone else. Tuesday: Break up a large task. Instead of writing "clean the house" on your to-do list, break that task into seven smaller ones (such as "vacuum," "dust," "clean the bathroom") and schedule each one ("Tuesday, 7 to 8 A.M."). If you assign yourself a huge task without setting a time to finish it, chances are it won't get done and that will leave you even more anxious. See also: Feel Healthier, Happier, in 24 Hours! Wednesday: Eat oats for breakfast. Carb-rich foods like oatmeal and whole-grain bread calm you down by increasing your levels of serotonin (called "the happy hormone" because it regulates your mood). Eat a low-sugar version of avena in the morning to help your body (and mood) stay steady and even-keeled all day. Thursday: Reach out. Use the 5-minute rule. Whenever you're feeling overwhelmed, take just 5 minutes to call, Skype or text with a family member or friend. Releasing your worries will make you feel more relaxed and less alone. Friday: Take an activity break. In a recent study in the Journal of Physical Activity and Health, Latinas said "lack of time" was the top reason they skipped fitness. But you don't need hours: Simply going for a walk, biking around the block or dancing around your living room can boost circulation and lead to a more peaceful you. See also: 8 Easy Things You Should Do Every Single Day Saturday: Make a date with yourself. Pencil in at least 30 minutes a week to do something that makes you happy. A regular date to read a book or sit outside with manzanilla tea will help you feel fulfilled. Sunday: Cuddle. When you're too tired for sex, it's easy to skip even touching your husband. But snuggling for a few minutes can actually cause your body to release oxytocin, a feel-good hormone that eases tension. Tension Tamers that Work Steal these secrets for extra relief. "I dissolve 2 cups of Epsom salt into a very warm bath for a stress-relieving 'mineral spa.' Then I put on some calming music for about 20 minutes and feel my muscles relax." Elaine Costa, 38, Fort Lauderdale, FL "I turn on Janelle Monáe and dance for exactly 7 minutes nonstop. It's just enough time to get me out of my stressed-out funk, but not so long that I get distracted from whatever I was doing before." Bren Herrera, 34 Washington, DC "I sing a song in Spanish. It reminds me of my heritage and my mother because I used to hear her singing when I was growing up. It soothes me and reminds me that all is OK." Yesenia De Avila, 41, New York City When stress turns serious If you try these strategies and anxiety is still interfering with your daily life, consider reaching out to a mental health professional. Find one near you via Mental Health America ( NMHA.org ), or call 800-273-TALK to chat with a trained counselor for free. SOURCES: Ximena Jimenez, MS, RDN, Latino nutrition specialist. Anagloria Mora, PhD, licensed psychotherapist, Miami. Maria Ramos, licensed clinical social worker, Houston. Stefanie Julissa Torres Ramirez, MD, sleep medicine specialist, University of Kentucky Medical Center, Lexington. | 4 | 1,220 | lifestyle |
Though Maserati is celebrating 100 years, the Concorso Italiano at the 2014 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance featured an incredible variety of stunning sheetmetal. From Ferrari and Alfa Romeo to Jenson and even Volvo, here are our picks for the top 20 cars of the Concorso Italiano. Keep reading to see our picks, or hit VIEW ALL to see the best of this year's Concorso Italiano at once. 2006 Ferrari 575GTZ This year the Concorso Italiano rounded up a record crop of Zagato specials, a favorite of which was this Ferrari 575GTZ. It was commissioned by a Japanese collector and styled to hark back to the 1956 250GTZ and celebrate that storied model's 50th anniversary. 2010 Alfa Romeo TZ3 Stradale Zagato Billed as the first American Alfa, this brute is an Italian re-body (in aluminum over carbon fiber) on a Viper chassis, maintaining the American brute's 98.9-inch wheelbase and 640-hp/585-lb-ft pushrod V-10 engine. Conceived to celebrate Alfa Romeo's centennial, nine were reportedly built. 1967 Maserati Ghibli HMancini Our pick as best Ghibli of show was this 1967 Maserati Ghibli. It was sold new by American Ferrari importer Luigi Chinetti to "Pink Panther" composer Henry Mancini. This one is said to be the 39th Ghibli built, so it illustrates many details that were changed during the first year of production, such as the trunklid that comes down to meet the bumper. That, plus its very rare sky blue metallic paint job, set it apart from the other 20 or so Ghiblis on display. 1974 Alfa Romeo Montreal Alfa's lone V-8 road car was first shown at the World Expo in Montreal, hence the name. This one stood out in a pretty impressive row of four examples with its orange paint job and coordinating black with orange stripes interior, and its playful vanity plate: FLMONTE. 1970 Maserati Indy The Ghibli's 2+2 brother was penned by Giovanni Michelotti at Vignale and is quite handsome in its own right. This example earns big props by having been driven more than most of its brethren. The odometer has rolled over and now shows 2359 miles. Use 'em or lose 'em! 1970 Lamborghini Espada This lovely celery green 1970 Lamborghini Espada belongs to Car and Driver's Aaron Robinson it's his second Espada, marking him as an especially masochistic auto enthusiast. It survived not only the drive up from SoCal, but also an assault from a Ferrari 575 whose owner didn't set the parking brake, bending the Espada's front bumper slightly. 1953 Alfa Romeo 1900 AR51 This one's fun factor earns it a spot in our Concorso roundup. Enzo Ferrari is said to have quipped that America's only real sports car was the Jeep. Wonder what he thought of this Jeep-like 1900 AR51 built by his alma mater, Alfa Romeo? We bet a proper CJ would be winching this baby up the Rubicon. 1969 Intermeccanica Italia Hungarian-born, American-educated Frank Reisner founded Construzione Automobili Intermeccanica in Turin, Italy, and built some 600 of these gorgeous Italian built, Yank-powered "hybrids" between 1967 and 1972. The general design was originally penned by Robert Cumberford -- design editor at sister publication Automobile Magazine. 1967 Fiat Dino Coupe This svelte little Fiat coupe, introduced at the '66 Turin show, wears crisp fastback styling penned by Giorgetto Giugiaro during his time at Bertone and is powered by the Ferrari-built V-6 also found in that brand's mid-engine Dino sub-brand coupe. At first it was a 2.0-liter, then in '69 it grew to 2.4 liters. A true discount Ferrari. 1973-1982 Lamborghini R503 Tractor Any Italian car show list with room for an Alfa Jeep has to make room for a Lambo tractor, right? In marked contrast to the mighty V-12 cars, this little workhorse was powered by 2.8-liter diesel three-banger that belted out 47 hp. 1972 Dino 246 GTS The backstory of this 1972 Dino 246 GTS is somewhat shrouded in mystery, as its many modifications were undertaken by the Ferrari factory at the request of a client whose name was never recorded on any of the paperwork. Its bumpers have been removed, Campagnolo wheels and Lucas Injection were fitted (Weber carbs have since replaced the latter), and DinoPlex cams were fitted. 1962 Fiat Abarth 2000 OT America This little 1968 Fiat Abarth 2000 OT America coupe was so named because Karl Abarth was sure it could serve as a great Porsche 911 competitor in this country, marrying Abarth's 2.0-liter engine with Fiat's handsome 850 coupe bodywork. Three were built, but then Porsche announced pricing $5000 less than what Abarth could build the car for, and that was the end of that. 1970 Dino 246GT This year's field included a particularly impressive line of Dinos, the most fabulous of which was this Kermit green example. Ferrari's first mainstream mid-engine road car paved the way for the modern mainstream Ferrari lineup. 2009 RS Design Corsa Spyder This one is Italian in flare, not heritage. The RS Design Corsa Spyder has the look of a Ferrari or Alfa sports racer, and boasts mid-engine modern V-8 performance. 1988 Volvo 780 Bertone In 1980 Volvo commissioned Italian design house Bertone to create a new coupe based on and closely resembling the 760 sedan. The first sketches were deemed too radical, so it was toned down to this level and produced until 1991, with 8518 sold. This one was totaled and restored. Hard luck award! 2008 Ferrari 550 GTZ Barchetta Here's another quasi cloak-and-dagger Zagato Ferrari, the 550 GTZ Barchetta, which Ferrari barely acknowledges exists. It's based on the 550 Barchetta Pininfarina, and three were supposedly built. This one was delivered in England. All are gorgeous! 1959 Maserati 3500GT Vignale Spyder The 3500GT coupe was the car that saved Maserati, and as that model took off, a ragtop version was contemplated. Frua designed one, as did Touring (which bodied the coupe). Both looked too much like convertible 3500s. Vignale proposed this two-seat design on a shortened chassis, and Maserati was quite pleased. 1977 Maserati Khamsin The spiritual successor to the Maserati Ghibli was this Khamsin, which shares the Ghibli's V-8 but was engineered under Citroen's ownership. It boasts all the usual hydropneumatic hardware that can be so much fun to maintain. It also boasts taillamps mounted to a glass panel for improved rear visibility during parking maneuvers. 1973 Jensen Interceptor Yes, Jensens are born in England, but the Interceptor was designed by Federico Formenti working at Carrozzeria Touring. His other credits include the Ferrari 150MM, Maserati 3500GT, the Pegaso Thrill, and the Aston Martin DB4. This Brit GT's Italian design flair earns its spot on our list. 1965 Maserati Mistral The slinky two-seat fastback Maserati Mistral was penned by Pietro Frua, which explains its striking similarity to the larger British AC Frua. It succeeded the 3500GT, deriving power from the same 3.5-liter I-6 (later enlarged to 3.7 and 4.0 liters). The Mistral, named for a northerly wind that blows up the Rhone river valley in France, was the last Maserati to use the famous inline six-cylinder. Now that you've read about our picks, it's your turn: What was your favorite car at the Concorso Italiano from the 2014 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance? | 9 | 1,221 | autos |
The Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport Vitesse "1 of 1" is the latest in a slew of special edition models released by the automaker. This newest model debuted at Pebble Beach and features styling cues inspired by Bugatti's history. The "1 of 1" model features historical Bugatti family colors of black and yellow, continuing the tradition of models such as the Type 41 Royale, Type 55, and Type 44. On the back of the rear wing, the Bugatti emblem is displayed boldly in black. The grille border retains the familiar horseshoe shape, though the grille was laser cut with the customer's initials, "PL". Additionally, the grille features a two-tone black-anodized and natural anodized finish that required hand-polishing and over 200 hours of work. Peeking into the interior reveals the same black and yellow theme, with leather swathing the entire interior of the car. Yellow decorative stitching appears on the steering wheel, seats, and gear selector. A sketch of the historic Type 35 can be seen on the black carbon lid of the rear center box between the two seats. There is yet another surprise on the door panel, which features dual-tone black and yellow leather. Bugatti perforated the leather with laser to reveal an inner layer that displays an image of a Veyron. Under the hood, look for an 8.0-liter W-16 engine with 1200 hp and 1106 lb-ft of torque, which will launch the Veyron Grand Sport Vitesse from 0-60 mph in around three seconds. Like all Veyrons, the car embodies the "Nothing is too expensive, nothing is too beautiful" motto espoused by company founder Ettore Bugatti. Bugatti didn't reveal how much this one-off model sold for, but the company says the average net price of one of its cars is over $2.67 million. Source: Bugatti | 9 | 1,222 | autos |
This year's 2014 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance featured an incredible variety of stunning sheetmetal peppered all over the green lawn. From classics to futuristic concepts, there were cars to scope every which way you looked, but which reveal was your favorite? The Concorso Italiano is sure to make narrowing your choice down to one rather difficult, since several droolworthy Italian cars were showcased. Although tons of Ghiblis were on display, the 1967 Maserati Ghibli that was sold to "Pink Panther" composer Henry Mancini stood out with its very rare sky blue metallic paint job, while the Ferrari 575GTZ was the most stunning among the Zagato specials. For those looking forward to the future, some of the more memorable futuristic cars included the fantastical Mercedes-Benz AMG Gran Turismo. Although we've seen this concept before, we were reminded of its stunning design and awesome holographic head-up display. The Hennessey Venom GT also comes to mind, considering its formidable power - 1244 hp to be exact. With this amount of power, it took the Space Shuttle's landing strip for it to reach 270.49 mph to capture the top speed record for a two-seat sports car. While we were already impressed with the super quick acceleration in the Tesla Model S, the Saleen Foursixteen reportedly kicks it up a notch, sacrificing a bit of range for faster acceleration. And who could ignore the super sexy Lamborghini Huracan LP 620-2 Super Trofeo, which puts out 620 hp, 18 horses more than the "normal" version. Which was your favorite Pebble Beach reveal? Let us know in the comments below for today's TOTD. | 9 | 1,223 | autos |
Those who forget history are condemned to repeat it. We're not sure how that applies to the GM EV1, but we'd still like to share something from Autoline Daily , an online automotive new show with our friend John McElroy. He's been covering the business for decades now and recently found something interesting: pictures of the 1984 Chevrolet Citation IV concept, seen above. Displayed half a decade before the first electric concept that would become the EV1 (inset), McElroy says it's now clear that the elegant, aerodynamic EV1 took a lot of styling cues from the Citation IV, which was developed in part thanks to GM's new-at-the-time Aerodynamics Laboratory. We agree with him that the spats over the rear wheels, the flush glass, and the covered headlights all bear a certain kind of similarity between the two cars. That the colours almost match is a nice coincidence. The Impact (the concept version of the EV1) looked "frumpier," McElroy says, because it wasn't as long as the Citation. | 9 | 1,224 | autos |
Ever since leaving the New World in 1994 with its tail in between its legs, Alfa Romeo has looking for a way back into the lucrative North American marketplace. Fourteen years after it first left, Alfa attempted to return to the U.S. with the beautiful 8C Competizione, which was to spearhead an Italian invasion backed by the Alfa Brera and 159. Though the 8C sold out quickly, Alfa's plans for a national dealer network never panned out. With parent company Fiat now the proud owner of Chrysler, and a national network of Fiat and Maserati dealers backing it, the 2015 Alfa Romeo 4C Launch Edition is the brand's latest foray into the U.S. The question remains though: Is Alfa here for good? If the strength of the new 4C is any indication, we sure hope so. Our Rosso Alfa tester (we also recently tested the gray example seen in the gallery below) is the first of 500 Alfas set to hit our shores. The 500 2015 Alfa Romeo 4C Launch Edition models are also the sportiest 4Cs you can currently get, with the Track Package (consisting of a "race-"tuned suspension), sport seats, unique wheels, Pirelli P-Zeros, and a muffler-free "racing exhaust" all mandatory add-ons. Read our First Test review about a 4C equipped with smaller wheels and cloth seats HERE . Before even climbing down into the low-slung 4C's cabin, there's plenty to like. Its carbon fiber tub and aluminum chassis help keep the pounds off, with our tester weighing in at a scant 2440 pounds. The light weight is pretty important, because the mid-mounted 1.7-liter turbocharged I-4 produces only 237 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. That all-aluminum turbo-4 is. in turn, mounted to a six-speed twin-clutch automatic, which comes courtesy of the Dodge Dart. There's plenty to like about the Alfa. It drives exceptionally well on the right roads. Its 237-hp turbo-4 combined with its six-speed twin-clutch is more than enough to get the flyweight rocking and rolling quickly down the road. The run from 0-60 mph takes just 4.1 seconds, with the quarter mile coming in 12.8 seconds at 104.8 mph. With four-piston Brembo calipers up front (and dual-opposing calipers in back), the Alfa comes to a stop from 60 mph in just 96 feet. The pricey carbon fiber tub, mid-mounted engine, and manual steering rack pack dividends in the corners. The Alfa sped around our figure eight in 24.3 seconds, pulling an average of 0.84 g as it lapped the course. On the skidpad, the 4C averaged 0.98 lateral g. The Alfa Romeo compares well with its nearest competitor, the Lotus Exige, which you can no longer buy new in the U.S. The last Exige we tested, a 2009 Exige S260, hit 60 mph in 4.3 seconds and lapped the figure eight in 24.7 seconds at 0.76 g. A comparably equipped Corvette Stingray Z51 will hit 60 mph in 3.7 seconds and lap the figure eight in 23.8 seconds at 0.86 g average, while a Porsche Cayman S will do the same in 3.9 seconds and 24.2 seconds at 0.82 g, respectively. With impressive performance like that, you'd be right to believe the Alfa's log book would be filled with positive notes -- and it mostly was. "They should have called this car the Dino," said senior features editor Jonny Lieberman. "Ultra-light, ultra-stiff carbon fiber tub, no power steering, no mufflers, turbocharged four-banger sitting right behind your head, and looks that don't quit kill, but that do make you feel awfully tingly." Our resident racecar driver, Randy Pobst, declared, "It's a stunning rebirth of the Italian sports car." The praise isn't unwarranted. The Alfa can be tremendous fun on the right road, and especially on a track. The taut ride, communicative steering, and upright seating position give the 4C a racecar-like feel on the track. And on smooth pavement, the Alfa flows gracefully from corner to corner, its manual steering rack weighing up nicely, and its engine putting the power down through an open diff extraordinarily well. On anything other than glass-smooth pavement though, it's easy to fall out of love with the 4C. The stiff ride immediately becomes punishing and busy, while its steering rack, which is light on-center, rapidly firms and softens up without any real rhyme or reason, which proved difficult for some staffers (including me) to get used to. Said my colleague technical director Frank Markus, "Everyone knows Italians talk with their hands, and so does this one -- its hands are the steering wheel, which has to rank as the most communicative I've grasped in years. "Some will say it's too talkative and needs to know when to keep some secrets. The younger staffers don't seem to understand that the purpose of steering weight is to signal the level of lateral g the tires are generating. It's supposed to get heavy when the cornering gets heavy. That's how you know you're nearing the limits of adhesion." But as Lieberman said in his notes, "You really have to wrestle the car when you hit bad pavement. Some on staff think that's just good steering feel. Could be, but it's also a bit much." Aside from ride and handling performance that no one can seem to agree upon, the Alfa is a letdown inside. Sure, the carbon fiber tub is exposed, and the important bits like the steering wheel are covered in Alcantara and leather, but the rest of the interior feels extraordinarily cheap for a car that starts at around $55,000. Sure Alfa may be losing money on each 4C it hand-builds each year, but to me that doesn't justify the leather pouch for a glove box, seats that don't recline past a 90-degree angle, and hands-down the worst audio system ever put in a production car. The 4C's head unit, a Parrot head unit that Alfa likely got a bulk deal on from Costco, is god-awful. Apologies to Mr. Markus, who purchased the same head unit for his own car, but it's the worst unit I've ever experienced. It constantly turned the volume up and down on its own, wouldn't change stations, and often crashed. I know the audio system is an afterthought on a driver's car like the 4C, but for the love of God, Alfa, get rid of it. There's nothing like tearing up your favorite canyon road to all of a sudden having music blaring in your ears mid-apex. While those are issues unacceptable in a $55,000 car, they're just about inexcusable in a $69,545 car like our tester -- especially given how good the 4C's competition, including the new Corvette Stingray and Porsche Cayman, is. That's a lot of dough to throw at a car that would be borderline masochistic to drive every day. While an impressive performer, a treat on the track, and at home on glass-smooth surfaces, the Alfa 4C is ultimately tough to live with on a daily basis. Though the Alfisti will no doubt flock to it, I'm not convinced the buyers Alfa needs to give it a viable market in the U.S. will. That said, with Fiat Chrysler Automobiles throwing money at new rear-drive platforms for Alfa Romeo, here's hoping this one sticks. 2015 Alfa Romeo 4C Launch Edition Track Package BASE PRICE $55,195 PRICE AS TESTED $69,545 VEHICLE LAYOUT Mid-engine, RWD, 2-pass, 2-door coupe ENGINE 1.7L/237-hp/258-lb-ft turbo DOHC 16-valve I-4 TRANSMISSION 6-speed twin-clutch auto. CURB WEIGHT (F/R DIST) 2440 lb (41/59%) WHEELBASE 93.7 in LENGTH x WIDTH x HEIGHT 157.5 x 73.5 x 46.6 in 0-60 MPH 4.1 sec QUARTER MILE 12.8 sec @ 104.8 mph BRAKING, 60-0 MPH 96 ft LATERAL ACCELERATION 0.98 g (avg) MT FIGURE EIGHT 24.3 sec @ 0.84 g (avg) EPA CITY/HWY/COMB FUEL ECON 24/34/28 mpg ENERGY CONS., CITY/HWY 140/99 kW-hrs/100 miles CO2 EMISSIONS 0.70 lb/mile | 9 | 1,225 | autos |
We know, we know. Manuals rule. Automatics drool. It's one of the core arguments among the purest of the purists. But for GM and its crown jewel, the Corvette Stingray, this dispute is not if an automatic will be offered, but rather, which automatic will be offered. Facts are facts: 63% of the 37,000-plus 2014 Corvettes sold had a six-speed automatic. The rest, well, you know what they had. Such telling data is precisely why GM is sinking copious time, money, and effort into an updated eight-speed gearbox. It's dubbed the Hydra-Matic 8L90 and it's all GM, baby. More than 24 patents were awarded to the company's brainiacs during its creation. It's more efficient and more capable than the current six-speed 6L80 it replaces. But, before we get into its specifics, there's another reason why the 8L90 came to fruition: Z06. Yes, if you haven't heard by now, the forthcoming Z06 will have a torque-converter-packing, planetary automatic transmission option. "Really, this transmission was engineered around the upcoming Z06," admitted Tadge Juechter, Corvette chief engineer. "Corvettes are extremely tightly packaged with the transmission in the back, so we're bearing-limited in longitudinal space. So essentially, this transmission is custom designed for our package space, as well as the performance capabilities of the car. Our priority was that it had to be able to withstand the 650 foot-pounds of torque and 650 horsepower." Juechter and his team turned to Kavoos Kaveh, global chief engineer for GM's eight-speed automatic, to take on the task of building not just a gearbox for the Z06 and its crazy power, but a gearbox for the Stingray, other Corvette variants, and GM's 6.2-liter-powered SUVs and trucks. Kaveh's goals were simple, at least on paper: It had to be more efficient; it had to fit inside the Corvette chassis' already extremely cozy constraints; it had to be lighter; and, if that wasn't enough, it had to withstand all the stresses that come with the various applications. Amazingly, Kaveh and his team worked within the 6L80's existing space. They gave the 8L90 smaller step sizes (for better off-the-line go); four simple gear sets with a 7.0 overall gear ratio spread (4.56:1 first gear); a chain-driven, off-axis, binary vane pump (high output for performance, low output for fuel economy); synthetic Dexron 6HP fluid; and a torque converter turbine damper (to improve low-speed clutch smoothness). Just two open clutches reduce power flow losses now. Its updated Gen II controls include a T87 electronic control module (four times faster than Gen I), three speed sensors for more accurate multi-step shifts, and high and low variable force solenoids to better the accuracy of clutch pressure. The gearbox is eight pounds lighter due to its liberal application of magnesium and aluminum. Its piston housing and channel plate are made of the former, pricey metal; its case with bell housing, clutch pistons, input carrier, and rotating clutch housings are all aluminum. Its input carrier shell uses high-strength low-alloy steel to shed mass. The end result is a Stingray that is up to five percent better on GM's highway fuel economy test cycles in Tour mode (not Eco mode). That means 29 mpg or 29.4932 mpg, if you want to get exact compared to this year's 28 mpg EPA rating. "We have an Eco mode in the car, and you have an Eco mode on the label, but we expect more people to drive in Tour, Sport, Track, so we label the car based on the Tour mode," explained Juechter. He says that with additional fine tuning and testing, they'll get to 30, no problem. "We're going into production, so we don't have time to tweak or retest for this year, so we're going in with a 29 (mpg) label. In Eco Mode, it would do solidly in the 30s. And probably next year, we'll come back and tweak the calibration of the transmission to (officially) get to 30 miles per gallon. In Corvettes, you can actually get the number that's on the label." Still, as is sits, that means it's as efficient as its EPA-rated 2015 counterpart having a seven-speed manual. But get this: It's also quicker. In fact, the 8L90-equipped Stingray is quickest Corvette in a straight line (until the Z06 arrives) with a 0-60 mph dash in 3.7 seconds and quarter-mile run 11.9 seconds (no word on trap speed). Added Juechter: "(Those times) should be easily replicated. We've had cars in the 3.6s even some cars in the 3.5s, but we're going to market with the 3.7 as the performance (figure)." Wide open throttle second-to-third upshifts are 0.08 seconds quicker than those of its benchmark, Porsche's seven-speed PDK, says Kaveh (0.45 vs. 0.53). Downshifts from WOT at 60 mph in Sport mode are just as quick (0.95 seconds) too. The PDK also nips at the Hydra-Matic's heels during WOT first-to-second upshifts (0.49 vs. 0.52). To experience the gearbox's character, Chevrolet set us loose on its 2.9-mile twisty, undulating, blind-corner-filled track at the Milford Proving Grounds. Nil-to-wee sprints in Track mode, automatic shifts, were quite telling: The gearbox knocked off gears at its indicated 6500 rpm abruptly, spectacularly, with an accompanying violent explosion that only a 6.2-liter V-8 with quad pipes could produce. As corners neared, downshifts were again crisp. Deep inside corners, gears held with no moments of confusion or hesitation it was as if the CPU was more intuitive than reactive; more organic than robotic which ballooned my confidence and allowed me to pinpoint the longish nose. While Chevy's numbers beg to differ, the 8L90 in Track mode simply didn't feel as quick as the PDK when operated via its plastic paddles. Don't get me wrong, clicking off a WOT upshift is a glorious, stupidly fast affair. It is much the same for downshifts. Yet, Porsche, with its well-honed cohesion of an extra clutch and different structural packaging, still has the upper hand in smoothness and feel while on track. Even still, the 8L90 was impressive, especially when off the track. We drove more than 40 miles in highway and city settings around Milford. Smoothness was the name of its game. Intuitiveness was too. Multi-step highway passes in automatic mode required no pauses on its part. The 'Vette just flew. Then it calmly upshifted into a gear best suited for casual cruising. So, you may be thinking, why no dual-clutch? There were a few reasons why, says Juechter: Structural tunnel packaging, vehicle balance, durability, and fuel economy. It needed to be shared within General Motors as well. "There was no DCT or advanced transmission in the world that would just fit in that package and that would live behind the upcoming Z06 with 650 horsepower. So we were faced with a conundrum: We could have designed our own DCT, which could have worked for us, but it would not be useful anywhere else in General Motors. It wouldn't be good for heavy duty trucks and things like that. DCTs are great for some things, but they're not great for a lot of clutch slipping. One of the big fuel economy advantages of this car is being able to run in four-cylinder mode. DCT are not terribly compatible with AFM (Active Fuel Management). So having a torque convertor as a torsional damper in the system actually helps to use four-cylinder operation. That's a big fuel economy enabler. Between those two factors, we, GM, elected to say 'Ok, were going to do a planetary eight-speed transmission with a torque convertor, but we're going to model it after DCT performance characteristics.'' That election resulted in a very stunning, very capable, lightning-quick automatic transmission. It is gearbox that will surely have potential buyers scratching their heads, wondering if a five-, six-, or seven-speed manual is their way to go. Now, that's saying something. 2015 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray, Eight-Speed Automatic BASE PRICE $55,500 (est) LAYOUT Front-engine, RWD, 2-pass, 2-door hatchback, convertible ENGINE 6.2L/455-hp/460-lb-ft OHV 16-valve V-8 TRANSMISSION 8-speed automatic CURB WEIGHT 3450 lb (MT est) WHEELBASE 106.7 in LENGTH x WIDTH x HEIGHT 177.0 x 73.9 x 48.6 in 0-60 MPH 3.7 seconds EPA CITY/HWY FUEL ECON 16/29 mpg (est) ENERGY CONSUMPTION, CITY/HWY 211/116 kW-hrs/100 miles (est) CO2 EMISSIONS 0.97 lb/mile (est) ON SALE IN U.S. Fall 2014 | 9 | 1,226 | autos |
The 2015 Honda Accord is a little more expensive this year, in part because the midsize sedan and coupe has slightly more standard equipment on some trim levels. A 2015 Honda Accord LX sedan with a manual transmission now starts at $22,895 with destination, up $150 versus last year's base model price; the cheapest 2015 Honda Accord Coupe is an LX-S with a manual transmission, at $24,565; and the 2015 Honda Accord Hybrid sees its sticker rise $150 to $30,095. Changes for the 2015 Honda Accord begin with the addition of a HomeLink garage-door opener on EX-L and EX-L Navigation trims, Honda's LaneWatch camera system becoming standard on the EX coupe four-cylinder, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror joining the equipment list for Accord EX-L and higher coupes. The 2015 Honda Accord remains available with a 185/189-hp 2.4-liter inline-four engine, which can be paired to a continuously variable transmission or a six-speed manual, and a 278-hp 3.5-liter V-6 that can mate with a six-speed automatic or a six-speed manual. Pricing for the four-cylinder 2015 Honda Accord sedan is now as follows: the LX costs $22,895 with a manual or $23,695 with a CVT, the Accord Sport is $24,655 or $25,455 depending on transmission, and the EX is $25,820 or $26,620. The Honda Accord EX-L and EX-L Navigation sedans come only with the CVT, and cost $29,210 and $30,985 respectively. The 2015 Honda Accord coupe is slightly pricier than the sedan in four-cylinder guise. The LX-S is $24,565 with a manual or $25,415 with a CVT, and the EX is $26,240 or $27,090. The Accord EX-L and EX-L Navi coupes are available only with a CVT and sticker for $29,285 and $31,060. The V-6-powered 2015 Honda Accord EX-L sedan now starts at $31,285 and is offered only with an automatic transmission, while the 2015 Honda Accord EX-L V-6 coupe costs $31,565 with either a manual transmission or an automatic transmission. Pricing rises to $33,060 for the EX-L V-6 Navigation sedan and $33,340 for the coupe, and $34,420 for the 2015 Honda Accord Touring V-6 sedan. 2015 Honda Accord Hybrid pricing also increases slightly, to $30,095 for the base model, $32,845 for the Hybrid EX-L, and $35,845 for the Hybrid Touring. Honda has not yet released pricing for the 2015 Accord Plug-In Hybrid . With 220,351 sales in the U.S. through the end of July , the Honda Accord is currently America's second best-selling midsize car, after the Toyota Camry. Source: Honda | 9 | 1,227 | autos |
BMW has an in-house solution for customers who demand an off-road capable vehicle who are also concerned with the threat of small arms fire. The German automaker has revealed details of the new armored BMW X5 Security Plus. The BMW X5 Security Plus features security glass laminate with a polycarbonate coating on the inside to prevent glass fragments from entering the cabin. According to BMW, the security glazing offers protection against blunt objects, handguns, and even rounds from an AK-47. Steel reinforcement around door edges, window frames, and body panel joints also prevent bullets and fragments from entering cabin. With the security updates providing protection from the AK-47, the BMW X5 Security Plus meets protection level VR6 according to BRV 2009 guidelines. In order to meet the guidelines, hundreds of rounds werefired at a test vehicle to ensure it can provide the necessary protection. BMW says the raised seating position and driver-focused layout help put drivers at ease during stressful situations. The armored SUV is available in several color, leather, and wood trim options. The suspension has been modified to deal with the added weight from the vehicle armor , while the electronic driver aids has also been updated. Source: BMW | 9 | 1,228 | autos |
Autonomous cars are piloting their way into the wide philosophical sea of ethics. Right now the autonomous cars are unaware of this because the driver's will always comes first, but when we start getting cars that can overrule commands or choose a particular ethical outcome either without or in spite of driver input, we'll have a lot of decisions to make. Which means we have a lot of decisions to start considering right now. Patick Lin considers some of them in a piece in Wired , starting with the trolley problem - whether a person who has control of a runaway trolley should let it kill five people tied to the track without intervention, or should pull a lever so that only one person on another track is killed. From there, he wonders about the possibility of fixed ethics settings, created by manufacturers, versus user-adjustable ethics settings that, for example, allow a driver to prioritise his own safety over others, or prioritise the safety of children over that of the elderly. Lin admits that the examples are outrageous in order to stress the point of the question. Still, it's worth a read because we already have cars that can make driving decisions, and it might not be long before "Five-Mode Adjustable Prime Directive" shows up on the options sheet. Head over to Wired to read the full piece. | 9 | 1,229 | autos |
It's time to get ready for a new line of Aston Martins. For the past 11 years, the automaker has used the DB9 platform, and while we know a redesign is in the works , it's a breath of fresh air to see Aston Martin applying for new trademarks. While we don't yet know what the successor to the popular DB9 will be named, we can expect to see it in 2016 featuring a twin-turbo AMG V-8 engine, thanks to the agreement between Mercedes-Benz AMG and Aston Martin . If we had to wager a guess at the new name of the DB9 successor, we would say it will be called the DB10, as it would stick with the chronology of the numbers. However, the automaker applied to the DB14 trademark before the others, leaving some to speculate that Aston Martin might be saving the other four names for other future models. Aston Martin's design director Marek Reichman has been quoted previously as saying that the DB9 successor will "Definitely be a DB," but that the number has "yet to be decided." Other rumors claim that some execs want to keep the DB9 name for the new model. We'll just have to wait and see what the automaker decides to do. Source: Autocar UK | 9 | 1,230 | autos |
Because likes and interests are really secondary. | 4 | 1,231 | lifestyle |
No one wants to have their car stolen, but a new study by the National Insurance Crime Bureau has some bad news for older Honda owners and pickup drivers. Fortunately, it has better news for drivers overall. The group is reporting that according to preliminary data from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, thefts were down 3.2 percent in 2013 (versus 2012) to fewer than 700,000 cars. That's the lowest figure since 1967. That's also less than half of the peak of over 1.66 million thefts in 1991. "The drop in thefts is good news for all of us," says NICB President and CEO Joe Wehrle. "But it still amounts to a vehicle being stolen every 45 seconds and losses of over $4 billion a year." Honda drivers might not find it such good news with older Accord and Civic models topping this year's theft study. Toyota and Dodge can't really celebrate, either, with two models each on the list, as well. Overall, this year's list was split evenly between foreign and domestic models, which were mostly pickups. The 10 most likely vehicles to be stolen in 2013 were: Honda Accord - 53,995 Honda Civic - 45,001 Chevrolet Pickup (Full Size) - 27,809 Ford Pickup (Full Size) - 26,494 Toyota Camry - 14,420 Dodge Pickup (Full Size) - 11,347 Dodge Caravan - 10,911 Jeep Cherokee / Grand Cherokee - 9,272 Toyota Corolla - 9,010 Nissan Altima - 8,892 Those numbers don't exactly tell the whole story, though. First, the full-size pickup figures incorporate half-ton and larger models. Also, most of the cars stolen aren't exactly the newest vehicles on the road. For example, with the Accord, the most popular one among thieves was the 1996 model year (pictured above) with 8,166 taken, versus 276 from the 2013 model year. If you want to dig a little deeper or see which 2013 model year cars were pilfered most in 2013, scroll down to check out the NICB's release about the study, along with a video telling more about the data. NICB's Hot Wheels: America's 10 Most Stolen Vehicles A 50-50 Split between Domestic and Import The National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) today released its annual Hot Wheels report which identifies the 10 most stolen vehicles in the United States. The report examines vehicle theft data submitted by law enforcement to the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) and determines the vehicle make, model and model year most reported stolen in 2013. Also in today's release is a list of the top 25 2013 vehicle makes and models that were reported stolen in calendar year 2013. For 2013, the most stolen vehicles* in the nation were (total thefts in parentheses): 1. Honda Accord (53,995) 2. Honda Civic (45,001) 3. Chevrolet Pickup (Full Size) (27,809) 4. Ford Pickup (Full Size) (26,494) 5. Toyota Camry (14,420) 6. Dodge Pickup (Full Size) (11,347) 7. Dodge Caravan (10,911) 8. Jeep Cherokee/Grand Cherokee (9,272) 9. Toyota Corolla (9,010) 10. Nissan Altima (8,892) See the complete report here. Download an infographic here. To watch a video on Hot Wheels, click here. The following are the top 10 2013 model year vehicles stolen during calendar year 2013: 1. Nissan Altima (810) 2. Ford Fusion (793) 3. Ford Pickup Full Size (775) 4. Toyota Corolla (669) 5. Chevrolet Impala (654) 6. Hyundai Elantra (541) 7. Dodge Charger (536) 8. Chevrolet Malibu (529) 9. Chevrolet Cruze (499) 10. Ford Focus (483) Download 2013's complete top 25 most stolen list from this spreadsheet. After a slight increase in 2012, the FBI predicts a reduction in national vehicle thefts of 3.2 percent when final 2013 statistics are released later this year. The peak year for vehicle thefts was 1991 with 1,661,738. If the FBI's preliminary 2013 vehicle theft estimate holds, thefts will be under 700,000-a number not seen since 1967 and a reduction in vehicle thefts of over 50 percent since 1991.  "The drop in thefts is good news for all of us," said NICB President and CEO Joe Wehrle. "But it still amounts to a vehicle being stolen every 45 seconds and losses of over $4 billion a year. That's why we applaud the vehicle manufacturers for their efforts to improve anti-theft technology and pledge to continue to work with our insurance company members and law enforcement to identify and seek vigorous prosecution of the organised criminal rings responsible for so many of these thefts." Nonetheless, drivers must still be vigilant and protect their vehicles from theft. NICB recommends its four "layers of protection" against theft: Common Sense: Lock your car and take your keys. It's simple enough, but many thefts occur because owners make it easy for thieves to steal their cars. Warning Device: Having and using a visible or audible warning device is another item that can ensure that your car remains where you left it. Immobilising Device: Generally speaking, if your vehicle can't be started, it can't be stolen. "Kill" switches, fuel cut-offs and smart keys are among the devices that are extremely effective. Tracking Device: A tracking device emits a signal to the police or to a monitoring station when the vehicle is stolen. Tracking devices are very effective in helping authorities recover stolen vehicles. Some systems employ "telematics," which combine GPS and wireless technologies to allow remote monitoring of a vehicle. If the vehicle is moved, the system will alert the owner and the vehicle can be tracked via computer. Considering a used vehicle purchase? Check out VINCheckSM, a free vehicle history service for consumers. Since 2005, NICB has offered this limited service made possible by its participating member companies. Check it out at: www.nicb.org/vincheck. Anyone with information concerning insurance fraud or vehicle theft can report it anonymously by calling toll-free 800-TEL-NICB (800-835-6422), texting keyword "fraud" to TIP411 (847411) or submitting a form on our website. Or, download the NICB Fraud Tips app on your iPhone or Android device. About the National Insurance Crime Bureau: headquartered in Des Plaines, Ill., the NICB is the nation's leading not-for-profit organisation exclusively dedicated to preventing, detecting and defeating insurance fraud and vehicle theft through data analytics, investigations, training, legislative advocacy and public awareness. The NICB is supported by more than 1,100 property and casualty insurance companies and self-insured organizations. NICB member companies wrote $371 billion in insurance premiums in 2013, or more than 78 percent of the nation's property/casualty insurance. That includes more than 93 percent ($168 billion) of the nation's personal auto insurance. To learn more visit www.nicb.org. *This report reflects stolen vehicle data contained in NCIC and present in the "NCIC mirror image" when accessed by NICB on March 1, 2014. NCIC records may contain errors based on inaccurate entries submitted by reporting agencies. Full size pickups include half ton and larger capacity models for all makes. ### | 9 | 1,232 | autos |
UD stands for "intrauterine device." They're also known as IUCs (intrauterine contraceptives) or IUSs (intrauterine systems). Simply put: It's birth control that lives in your uterus, which makes perfect sense because that's where babies are made. These little T-shaped miracles are the most commonly used birth control method worldwide, which may come as a surprise to those of us in the U.S., since they're not nearly as popular here. Only 8.5% of Americans on birth control have an IUD, the lowest rate among developed countries. Because a dangerous, poorly designed version called the Dalkon Shield really did a number on the IUD's reputation in the '70s, Americans abandoned it in favor of other methods like the pill, shot, patch, and ring. But, now that modern, FDA-approved IUDs have been used safely for decades, they're enjoying quite the renaissance. This is just terrific, because IUDs are the longest-lasting and one of the most effective methods of reversible birth control (it's a tie between the IUD and the implant), with very high user-satisfaction rates. There are currently three FDA-approved IUDs available in the U.S.: ParaGard (a.k.a. "Copper T"), Mirena, and Skyla. How do the different types of IUDs work? A health care provider inserts an IUD through your vagina and up into your uterus, where it prevents pregnancy by making your reproductive bits hostile to sperm cells, so they can't fertilize an egg. The biggest difference between the three kinds of IUDs out there is whether or not they have hormones. The ParaGard (Copper T) IUD is hormone-free. It's wrapped with copper, which naturally makes your uterus super-unfriendly to sperm. Hormonal IUDs like Mirena and Skyla contain progestin (a synthetic form of the hormone progesterone). The progestin thickens cervical mucus, gumming up the works so sperm can't swim well enough to cause pregnancy. Hormonal IUDs may also stop your ovaries from releasing eggs (no egg = no baby). The ParaGard IUD is effective for up to 12 years. Mirena lasts for five years, and Skyla (a slightly smaller version of Mirena with less hormones) lasts for three. But, don't let fear of a long-term commitment scare you away IUDs are quickly reversible. Your health care provider can remove it whenever you want, and fertility returns almost immediately. There's been a lot of misguided controversy surrounding IUDs lately. Some people claim IUDs cause abortion. But, they don't. Multiple studies indicate that IUDs work by preventing sperm from reaching an egg. So, let's clear this up once and for all: IUDs are birth control. IUDs don't end pregnancies they prevent them. Pros & Cons The most obvious pro of the IUD is its pregnancy-preventing superpower. IUDs are over 99% effective, right up there with sterilization. They're also incredibly private and convenient, giving you long-term protection with minimal effort. You get years of pregnancy prevention from a one-time insertion IUDs are "set it and forget it" birth control. Some people even say the IUD improves their sex life because intimacy is more spontaneous and worry-free. Having an IUD put in can be uncomfortable, but it's also very fast. The whole process takes less than five minutes. People's experiences vary, but most say it feels like strong period cramps. Removal only takes seconds and is typically painless, but a health care provider must do it. There's a very slight risk of IUDs expelling (coming partially or all the way out) or embedding in the uterus, which usually isn't painful but does require medical attention. Many users love that hormonal IUDs (like Mirena and Skyla) almost always reduce both the length and heaviness of (or sometimes even eliminate) periods, but there may be spotting for the first few months. They often reduce period cramps, too. Hormonal IUDs tend to cause fewer overall side effects than other kinds of hormonal birth control (like the pill, patch, ring, or shot) because much smaller amounts of hormones get absorbed into your bloodstream, and they don't contain estrogen. Perhaps the biggest selling point for people who choose copper IUDs is the fact that they're hormone-free AND very effective. ParaGard is the only non-hormonal birth control option that's more than 99% effective, and it lasts longer than any other reversible method out there (10 to 12 years). Bonus the copper IUD also works as extremely effective emergency contraception if inserted up to five days after unprotected sex. The main drawback to copper IUDs is they can make periods longer, heavier, and/or crampier. This calms down after a few months for most users, and usually depends on how your periods acted before the IUD. While IUDs are fantastic at preventing pregnancy, they give you zero protection from STDs . So, always practice safer sex and add condoms to the mix to prevent sexually transmitted infections. The IUD sounds dope. How do I know if it's right for me? IUDs are great for people who REALLY don't want to get pregnant in the next few years. They're also ideal for those of us with busy schedules and hectic lives, who can't get down with the daily, weekly, or monthly maintenance that other forms of birth control require. Hormonal IUDs are sometimes prescribed to treat endometriosis, heavy periods, menstrual cramps, and anemia or for people who just want lighter, easier (or no) periods. In the past, misconceptions about who can safely use IUDs have prevented health care providers from recommending them to certain patients. It was previously thought that young people who haven't given birth and/or aren't monogamous shouldn't use IUDs. But, research shows IUDs are safe for most people, regardless of their age, relationship status, or pregnancy history. Everybody's different, so it's important to talk with your health care provider to find the best birth control for you. How do I get an IUD? You can get an IUD from your private doctor, many community clinics, and Planned Parenthood health centers. Under the Affordable Care Act (a.k.a. Obamacare), most insurance companies must cover all FDA-approved methods of birth control including IUDs with no out-of-pocket expense. Thanks, Obama! Unfortunately, insurance companies are only required to cover one type of each birth control method, which means not every kind of IUD may be included in your plan or available without a copay. Insurance varies quite a bit, so call your insurance provider to find out exactly what's covered under your plan. And, if you don't have health insurance, check out http://plannedparenthoodhealthinsurancefacts.com/ to find out how to get yourself some of that coverage. | 7 | 1,233 | health |
Cutting with a Chefs Knife | 0 | 1,234 | foodanddrink |
If you flip back to the December 2013 issue and the start of our Mazda6's long-term loan, you'll see that our initial plan was to spend six months in the mid-grade, 6 i Touring model, equipped with a six-speed manual transmission, before switching to the higher trim Grand Touring model with a six-speed automatic transmission and more premium goodies -- including, we hoped, Mazda's new Skyactiv diesel. The second part of this plan never materialized, because while Mazda has had tremendous success racing its diesel-powered Mazda6 in IMSA's Grand Am series (where it won the GX-class championship), it has yet to bring the production Skyactiv-D diesel engine to the U.S. in anything other than race cars. We didn't let this minor hiccup slow us down; we soldiered on quite happily with the manual Mazda6 and piled on a respectable 24,316 miles before turning it back in. Over those miles, the '6 returned 28.1 miles per gallon and 29.0 on our Real MPG combined city/highway cycle. Both are pretty good, considering the EPA estimates 29 mpg on the combined cycle and our vehicle spent the majority of its time sprinting around the cities of El Segundo, Redondo Beach, and Manhattan Beach -- usually with a surfboard wedged inside its capacious trunk. In terms of wear and tear, the '6 never missed a beat; any damage to it or our wallets was editor-inflicted. We accidentally skipped the first of three recommended oil changes, but the '6 demonstrated no ill effects. We mangled a front strut bearing with a racetrack shunt, but one day and $184.53 later, she was not just as good as new, she was as good as boring. Unless you're a vintage car collector, boring is exactly what you deserve in the new vehicle ownership experience. Who needs the thrill of calling your local tow-truck operator or the excitement of a recall notice? We don't, and thankfully never had to experience either, though Mazda6s built between October 25, 2012, and May 9, 2013, were subject to Mazda recall number 7414D covering a fuel tank issue. This isn't to say driving the Mazda6 was boring -- far from it. In fact, we say it's impossible to find another, similarly equipped family sedan as fun to drive as the Mazda6 -- primarily because there are so few remaining available with a manual transmission. (No family-sedan manual is better than the '6's.) And rowing your own is just part of the picture. But we've spent many updates praising the tossable nature of the '6; it's time for you hear about it from somebody else. We don't often learn what happens to one of our long-term vehicles after it leaves our garage, but in the case of the Mazda6 i Touring, we know exactly what happened: It came back to our company parking lot, with our friendly IT guy, Will Sheppard, behind the wheel. We asked him a few questions: MT: When and why did you decide to buy our long-term Mazda6? WS: "The first time I saw it, it was backed in next to a BMW and a couple of other cars and I thought, 'Wow, that doesn't look like a Mazda at all.' I was talking to [road test editor] Scott and toying with the idea of getting a new car soon, but my budget was pretty limited. I told him what kind of money I was looking at and he said, 'You should look at the Mazda3 -- or even the '6.' That weekend, he had it available and he let me take it. And I fell in love with it." MT: Why? What did you like about it? WS: "I like the fact that it rides nice, but it still rides 'in touch' -- I mean I know I'm IT, but I like to drive; I am an enthusiastic driver. I was just floored with the fact that it's a nice-sized sedan that's still a manual. You can't find that anymore and I love to drive a manual transmission. It drives really nice; it's fun to drive. I think it could probably use about an extra 20 horsepower, but the gas mileage is real nice compensation. One weekend with it and I was in love. I brought it back and said, 'Scott, this one right here.' " MT: You have had it now for just over a month. How is it? Have your feelings changed? WS: "I still like it. I think it's great. If it had a sunroof [only available on the Grand Touring trim level] it would be perfect. The mileage is just ridiculous -- it really is. I go up often to see my girlfriend and my brother. On the way back from the first weekend I went up there in it, I filled it up in Fresno (California). By the time I got back to my home in Inglewood, I burned up a quarter tank of gas and it was telling me I was getting 38 miles to the gallon. And then I commuted to and from work for another week after that. The gas mileage is great. "It's amazingly fun to drive. It rides real smooth for as well as it handles in corners. The styling is just fantastic. I'm not typically a four-door guy, but I figured I am pushing 50 and I'm supposed to grow up at some point. And this lets me grow up without growing up all the way." More on our long-term 2014 Mazda6 i Touring: Arrival Update 1: Interior Ergonomics Update 2: On the Track Update 3: Awesome steering, shifter, nimbleness Update 4: Will It Surf? Will It Breeze Past A Service Interval? Update 5: Shiny Happy People Driving Our Car Base Price $24,240 Price as Tested $24,540 Service life 24,316 mi Average fuel economy 28.1 mpg CO2 emissions 0.69 lb/mi EPA City/Hwy/Comb Fuel Econ 25/37/29 mpg Energy consumption 120 kW-hrs/100mi Unresolved problems None Maintenance cost $178.96 (2- oil change, tire rotation, inspection) Normal-wear cost $0 2014 Mazda6 i Touring POWERTRAIN/CHASSIS DRIVETRAIN LAYOUT Front-engine, FWD ENGINE TYPE I-4, aluminum block/head VALVETRAIN DOHC, 4 valves/cyl DISPLACEMENT 151.8 cu in/2488 cc COMPRESSION RATIO 13.0:1 POWER (SAE NET) 184 hp @ 5700 rpm TORQUE (SAE NET) 185 lb-ft @ 3250 rpm REDLINE 6500 rpm WEIGHT TO POWER 17.7 lb/hp TRANSMISSION 6-speed manual AXLE/FINAL-DRIVE RATIO 4.11:1/2.79:1 SUSPENSION, FRONT; REAR Struts, coil springs, anti-roll bar; multilink, coil springs, anti-roll bar STEERING RATIO 15.5:1 TURNS LOCK-TO-LOCK 2.8 BRAKES, F;R 11.7-in vented disc; 10.9-in disc, ABS WHEELS 7.5 x 19-in, cast aluminum TIRES 225/45R19 92W M+S Dunlop SP Sport 5000 DIMENSIONS WHEELBASE 111.4 in TRACK, F/R 62.8/62.4 in LENGTH x WIDTH x HEIGHT 191.5 x 72.4 x 57.1 in TURNING CIRCLE 36.7 ft CURB WEIGHT 3142 lb WEIGHT DIST., F/R 58/42% SEATING CAPACITY 5 HEADROOM, F/R 38.4/37.1 in LEGROOM, F/R 42.2/38.7 in SHOULDER ROOM, F/R 57.1/55.5 in CARGO VOLUME 14.8 cu ft TEST DATA ACCELERATION TO MPH 0-30 2.5 sec 0-40 4.2 0-50 5.7 0-60 7.8 0-70 10.1 0-80 12.7 0-90 16.1 PASSING, 45-65 MPH 3.9 QUARTER MILE 15.9 sec @ 89.4 mph BRAKING, 60-0 MPH 120 ft LATERAL ACCELERATION 0.85 g (avg) MT FIGURE EIGHT 27.4 sec @ 0.63 g (avg) TOP-GEAR REVS @ 60 MPH 2250 rpm CONSUMER INFO STABILITY/TRACTION CONTROL Yes/yes AIRBAGS Dual front, front side, f/r curtain BASIC WARRANTY 3 yrs/36,000 miles POWERTRAIN WARRANTY 5 yrs/60,000 miles ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE 3 yrs/36,000 miles FUEL CAPACITY 16.4 gal EPA CITY/HWY/COMB ECON 25/37/29 mpg ENERGY CONS., CITY/HWY 135/91 kW-hrs/100 miles CO2 EMISSIONS, COMB 0.66 lb/mile REAL MPG, CITY/HWY/COMB 26.5/32.7/29.0 mpg RECOMMENDED FUEL Unleaded regular | 9 | 1,235 | autos |
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave the 2015 Honda Fit a Top Safety Pick rating today, but this status only applies to models built after June 9, 2014. Honda announced it will issue a product update on early production 2015 versions so they can receive the same level of safety as the rest of the new Fit lineup. When the IIHS conducted its first tests, the 2015 Fit received good scores in every category except the difficult small front overlap test, in which it received a score of "Marginal." Honda then made changes to its car, improving the strength of the bumper beam welds for better frontal crash protection. The automaker then asked IIHS to re-test the car, and during this second test, the Fit achieved an "Acceptable" rating on the small overlap test, qualifying the car for Top Safety Pick status. Owners of early 2015 Fit models will be contacted by Honda in late-September to take their cars to dealerships to replace the bumper beams. According to Chuck Thomas, chief safety engineer at Honda R&D Americas, the simple process can likely be done in as little as 30 minutes. Approximately 12,000 early Fits are covered under this product update, which will be done free of charge to owners. Honda stresses that this is not a product recall, and that it volunteered this update to so that all Fits can achieve the Top Safety Pick rating. According to Thomas, Honda had originally set its sights on an "Acceptable" small overlap rating for the Fit. But the bigger question is: Was this safety concern the reason for the mysterious delay in introducing the Fit to the market? According to Honda, this was not the reason. The 2015 Honda Fit sits at the top of its segment in terms of safety ratings by IIHS. But it is matched by the Chevrolet Spark , which also earns "Good" scores in all moderate overlap front, side, roof strength, and head restraint tests as well as an "Acceptable" rating in the small overlap test. Source: Honda, IIHS | 9 | 1,236 | autos |
Earlier this week, the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) released its annual report on the most stolen vehicles in the United States. This year offered up some surprises, including a 50/50 split between stolen import and domestic vehicles. The report itself analyzes vehicle theft data obtained by law enforcement officials to determine the most reported stolen vehicles in 2013. This year, the Honda Accord topped the list with almost 54,000 units stolen. Rounding out the top five of the most stolen cars in 2013 are the Honda Civic, Chevrolet Pickup, Ford Pickup, and the Toyota Camry. However, between the first and second car, there's a gap of nearly 9,000 cars. Even though these numbers are staggering to think about, the FBI is hopeful that there will be a reduction in overall thefts by the time the full report is released later this year. Taking a look at the 2013 model year specifically, we only see one model that's in the top five of both lists. The Nissan Altima took the crown, followed closely by the Ford Fusion and Full Size Pickup, Toyota Corolla, and Chevrolet Impala. We're slightly surprised that no luxury makes cracked the top ten of either list, but we're not surprised that the top-selling cars in the country are also the most stolen. Check out the chart below to see what other cars made the lists. Most Stolen Cars in 2013 Most Stolen MY '13 Cars Total Thefts Honda Accord Nissan Altima 53,995 / 810 Honda Civic Ford Fusion 45,001 / 793 Chevrolet Pickup (Full Size) Ford Pickup (Full Size) 27,809 / 775 Ford Pickup (Full Size) Toyota Corolla 26,494 / 669 Toyota Camry Chevrolet Impala 14,420 / 654 Dodge Pickup (Full Size) Hyundai Elantra 11,347 / 541 Dodge Caravan Dodge Charger 10,911 / 536 Jeep Cherokee/Grand Cherokee Chevrolet Malibu 9,272 / 529 Toyota Corolla Chevrolet Cruze 9,010 / 499 Nissan Altima Ford Focus 8,892 / 483 | 9 | 1,237 | autos |
The 2015 Chevrolet Silverado gains a new appearance package called the Rally Edition, which adds blacked-out trim including a black bowtie badge. Although Chevrolet has not yet announced pricing, the Rally Edition is available for double cab and crew cab LT and LS models. Appearance changes for all versions of the 2015 Chevrolet Silverado Rally Edition start up front with a body-colored grille and a black bowtie along with black rally stripes on the hood. There are also black alloy wheels, black mirror caps and door handles, and additional black rally stripes on the tailgate. The LT model's Rally 2 package also includes larger 22-inch wheels and black tubular side steps. For LT models, the lower Rally 1 package also adds a trailering package, a rear defroster, and a backup camera, and the Rally 2 package includes an automatic locking rear differential, a power driver's seat, dual-zone automatic climate control, remote start, and an eight-inch MyLink infotainment system with 4G LTE connectivity. All of these slightly more sinister-looking Silverado trucks will be equipped with either the standard 4.3-liter V-6 engine with 285 hp and 305 lb-ft of torque or the optional 5.3-liter V-8 with 355 hp and 383 lb-ft of torque. Orders for double cab 2015 Chevrolet Silverado Rally Edition trucks will start September 4, with crew cabs to follow with orders starting in early October. Expect to find out more about the pricing of these packages within the next few weeks. Source: Chevrolet | 9 | 1,238 | autos |
We are less than two weeks away from the start of the season, and Campus Insiders' Shae Peppler sits down with our insider Dave Miller to discuss what's going on around college football, including who will be the starting quarterback for Texas and who is replacing Braxton Miller at Ohio State. | 1 | 1,239 | sports |
Mercedes-Benz and Smart has teamed up with the messaging app Yo to offer a special promotion in hopes of exciting the San Francisco millennial market with its new campaign. Anyone who sends the company a "Yo" will get a free ride in a Smart electric vehicle. To help spread the word about this promotion, the automaker will be placing pop-up signs in two locations in San Francisco, the Mission and SoMa. All those who send the small phrase will get picked up and taken anywhere in the city. While we won't see the next version of the smart until sometime next year, this is a good way to help build anticipation for the next model that features hefty updates. "The main priority is to get people to drive the vehicle, and tapping into that Yo audience is a great way to do that. We're giving 'Electricurious' San Franciscans the world's first-ever Yo-powered test ride," said Mercedes-Benz spokesman Eric Angeloro in an interview with TechCrunch. While this is a very niche campaign, Mercedes-Benz is hopeful that it will be as successful as similar programs, like Chevrolet's "Catch a Chevy" during SXSW in downtown Austin, Texas. As one of Smart's most successful markets, San Francisco provides the perfect city to hold this event, thanks to limited parking and even tighter parking spots. However, the automaker is concerned about the possibility of tipping, San Francisco's version of cow-tipping. While the city only had six cases, this trend has picked up in other cities since the launch of the first Smart cars. Despite all this, the Smart electric cars have a 68-mile range thanks to a 17.6 kW battery, making it a good fit for urban traffic. We enjoyed our time behind the wheel of the 2013 smart fortwo , and it's single-charge range is plenty to travel around the city of San Francisco. The new campaign will also be using gas-powered models, and out of the eight that will be out and about for use, only three will be electric. Will this be enough to draw in that supposed 'Electrocurious' crowd? Source: TechCrunch | 9 | 1,240 | autos |
The Spartans have a favorable schedule this season according to Managing Editor Pete Fiutak, but will it translate to a perfect season? Find out how many wins Pete predicts for the Spartans, Michigan, Iowa, and newcomers Maryland and Rutgers. | 1 | 1,241 | sports |
Going to bed early on a Saturday night is never a great idea. Unless of course you're dragging yourself into the shower at 5 a.m. so you can go and watch Dawn Patrol! Starting around 6 a.m., some of the cars featured in the abso-spectacular Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance begin driving onto the famed golf course's 18th fairway. The sights, the sounds, the smells -- the entire spectacle is pure car guy (and gal) fantasy stuff. Even if you don't make it for dawn, you can strut the lawn like a fancy pants while wearing your fanciest pants at the Concours d'Elegance. The cars, people, the cars! The following gallery is just a tiny sliver of what we saw at the greatest concours of them all. Keep reading to see all of our picks for the highlights of the 2014 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, or hit VIEW ALL for all of our picks at once. 1955 Maserati 300S Being 100 years old has its advantages -- such as getting your own special class at Pebble Beach. There were too many spectacular Maseratis to rightly pick a favorite, but, since we're in a pinch, this flawless 1955 300S with bodywork by Fantuzzi will do. Stunning, no? Look how happy the guy driving it is. 1938 Mercedes-Benz 540K Streamliner No one will ever think she's handsome, but this oddball engineering exercise sure has presence. By the late 1930s the car world was obsessed with the idea of streamlining, and this 1938 Mercedes-Benz was built to explore exactly that. Cranked out in 1938, the 540K Streamliner was a one-off, lost for decades, and then rebuilt by Mercedes' Classic Center just in time for this year's Pebble party. 1905 White Model E Light Touring Body We're not going to pretend we know anything at all about steam cars, but they were a featured marque at this year's Concours d'Elegance. This black beauty is actually a 1905 White Steamer Model E. Funny how the upcoming small Tesla is also going to be called the Model E. The more things change … 1934 Packard 1108 Twelve Dietrich Convertible Victoria Hard to beat an old Packard in terms of pure elegance, huh? This beauty, which bears a striking resemblance to the 1108 Twelve Dietrich Convertible Victoria that took home Best of Show honors in 2013, is an all-timer. Especially with that excellent Double Phaeton coachwork. We're not sure if we like the exposed hinges or the spats better. 1929 Duesenberg J Murphy Convertible Sedan Perhaps the only American car of the time that made Packards and Cadillacs look like cheap little playthings were Duesenbergs. This baby, a coachbuilt Model J, is about as classy as prewar cars get. Note the rearview mirrors strapped to the spare tire covers. Love it! 1941 Mercedes-Benz 770K W150 Offener Tourenwagen Ugly history, sure. But we won the war and to the victor go the spoils. Including this larger-than-life 1941 Mercedes-Benz 770K Series II W150. Loved by Hitler (he had seven at his disposal), a handful were rescued after World War II with a total production run of 88 vehicles. Curiously, 770Ks never had actual prices. Instead they were "auf Anfrage," essentially "price available upon request." So no one knows for sure what they went for new. Production began in 1938, and the last cars were delivered to customers in March of 1944, a month before the Führer ate cyanide. Like we said, ugly history. 1936 Tatra T77 Aerodynamic Limousine In 1934 Tatra, the third oldest carmaker after Mercedes-Benz and Peugeot went radical and introduced the elegant T77. Influenced by Hungarian Zeppelin designer Paul Jaray and built by future thinker Hans Ledwinka, the T77 feature a 3.4-liter, air-cooled, rear-mounted V-8. Combine that with highly advanced for the era streamlining and the T77 was one of the fastest cars on the road, as well as one of the most luxurious. Later replaced by the more utilitarian T87, this particular gorgeous green example just won the Tatra class in 2014. 1961 Rolls-Royce Phantom V James Young Sedanca de Ville Is there anything as decadently imperious as a Rolls-Royce Phantom Mark V James Young Sedanca de Ville, complete with a removable roof? We'll just go ahead and say no. 1967 Ferrari Dino 206 Competizione Love this one. It's a Ferrari Dino 206 Competizione Berlinetta Prototipo Pininfarina Coupe, or simply the Yellow Dino. Cars this wild-looking rarely see the light of day. Especially back in 1967. Currently owned by James Glickenhaus, it was a real treat to see it driving around the streets of Carmel. 1939 Talbot Lago T150C SS Pourtout Coupe Despite very similar appearances, this is not the world-famous Figoni and Falaschi Goutte d'Eau (teardrop coupe). It's still a Talbot-Lago T150, but the bodywork was done by Marcel Pourtout and the car is known as the Pourtout Aerocoupe. Say it 10 times fast. Or just gawk at its glorious curves. Cars like this one shocked the world back in 1935. 1957 Kurtis 500X "Caballo II" Sutton Sports Racer Open We know nothing about this old race car save for two things. The first is its name, 1957 Kurtis 500X "Caballo II" Sutton Sports Racer. The other is that it won the Mille Miglia postwar class. Wait! That means it raced the Mille Miglia. So that's three things! Total side note, but a 1949 Kurtis was the car that graced the first ever issue of Motor Trend. 1929 OM 665 SSMM Team Car Sport Milano Roadster Side valves rule! Well, they're historical curiosities if nothing else. This is a 1929 Officine Meccaniche -- OM for short -- 665 SSMM Team Car Sport Milano Roadster and it had a six-cylinder side-valve engine. Like the obscure Kurtis, the OM 665 SSMM won the Mille Miglia, only prewar instead of postwar. 1954 Ferrari 375 MM Scaglietti Winner, winner, chicken dinner. Actually, we're sure they dined on lobster-stuffed veal after this win. How could you not? Anyhow, this here 1954 Ferrari 375 MM Scaglietti Coupe is not only fantastically fabulous, but deserving of the highest prize at the Concours d'Elegance, the coveted Best of Show. This is the first time a postwar car has taken the BOS since 1968 and caught many of us off guard. But just look at it. Well earned. Classic Ferrari Testa Rossas Twenty, count 'em, 20 Ferrari Testa Rossas showed up to Pebble this year. Such is the power of featured marques. Called "redhead" because of the red valve covers, each and every one of these classic Italians is gorgeous. And worth 10 figures. Our personal favorite isn't pictured (yellow with a red skunk stripe) but we think these five will somehow suffice. Especially number 10 there (above), which is a long tail Fantuzzi Spyder. Lovely cars, the lot of them. Ruxtons Ruxtons Rule! Another featured marques, 15 of the surviving 19 Ruxtons made their way onto the lawn. Fewer than 100 were built between 1929 and 1932, when the Missouri-based company went bankrupt. And three were actually completed from parts after Ruxton was gone. Yes, the stripes are period and factory correct. All Ruxtons featured torquey straight-8 motors and front-wheel drive, the latter being a novelty for the time. Curiously, the guy who designed the Ruxton was Joseph Ledwinka, cousin of Tatra's Hans Ledwinka. Small car world. | 9 | 1,242 | autos |
Live in Maine? Then you've lucked out with the car insurance lottery. In a recent study of all 50 states (plus the District of Colombia) Insure.com found that drivers in Maine paid the least amount of money nationwide for auto insurance an average of just $934 per year . On the opposite end of the spectrum was Louisiana, where residents pay an average of $2699 per year for car insurance. The study, based on auto insurance rates for a single 40-year-old male with a clean driving record, sources rates for 750 2013-model-year vehicles from Allstate, Farmers, GEICO, Nationwide, Progressive, and State Farm. Despite Louisiana's place as the most-expensive state to insure a new car, Mercedes-Benz CL65 AMG owners in Oregon have the single most expensive car insurance bill, with a $5867 premium. The Mercedes-Benz S65 AMG also has the distinction of being the most expensive vehicle to insure in Louisiana. Similarly, despite Maine's distinction as the state with the cheapest annual premium, Toyota Tacoma owners in Wyoming will have the cheapest bill, at just $698 per year. Not surprisingly, the more urban a state is, the higher its average annual insurance premium. Adding to Louisiana's woes is the fact that a high portion of drivers in the state file bodily injury claims, Insure.com says, and that car accident lawsuits for less than $50,000 are presented to elected judges (not juries) who often side with state residents over insurance companies. Those who want to save a bit of money can buy a Jeep Patriot Sport , the least expensive vehicle to insure in the state. Maine's rock-bottom annual premium can be attributed to a graduated licensing program, and the fact that the state is largely rural. Check out the full list below: The most and least expensive states for car insurance 2013 1. Louisiana - $2,6992. Michigan - $2,5203. Georgia - $2,1554. Oklahoma - $2,0745. Washington, D.C. - $2,0066. Montana - $1,9147. California - $1,8198. West Virginia - $1,8169. Rhode Island - $1,73510. Kentucky - $1,72511. Connecticut - $1,72312. New Jersey - $1,69713. Alabama - $1,66714. Missouri - $1,63815. Massachusetts - $1,62516. Pennsylvania - $1,60417. Delaware - $1,58618. Hawaii - $1,58319. Texas - $1,54520. Arkansas - $1,54521. Maryland - $1,528 National average - $1,510 22. North Dakota - $1,50123. Wyoming - $1,49624. Alaska - $1,45525. Utah - $1,43826. Kansas - $1,43527. Minnesota - $1,43228. New Mexico - $1,43129. Tennessee - $1,40830. South Dakota - $1,39731. Oregon - $1,38732. Nebraska - $1,38433. New York - $1,36934. Florida - $1,36435. Mississippi - $1,34536. Nevada - $1,34137. Virginia - $1,32238. Illinois - $1,32239. South Carolina - $1,28840. Colorado - $1,27141. Wisconsin - $1,22842. Arizona - $1,22743. Washington - $1,22644. Indiana - $1,18345. Vermont - $1,17646. Idaho - $1,13347. New Hampshire - $1,11248. Ohio - $1,10648. North Carolina - $1,08550. Iowa - $1,02851. Maine - $934 How much do you pay for car insurance? What state are you in, and what do you drive? Sound off below. Source: Insure.com | 9 | 1,243 | autos |
The fact that we can't have the Ford S-Max and the Mondeo Vignale, which both shined on display at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show, makes us want them even more. While we appreciate all the impressive technology in the S-Max, we can't help but pine over the handsome Mondeo Vignale wagon, which reminds us once again that life just isn't fair. We thought the Ford Fusion was a looker, but if the sedan was in a beauty pageant with its European cousin, it would only win runner-up. The Mondeo Vignale looks more upscale than a Ford thanks to special 20-inch chrome wheels, chrome trim, a mesh grille, and full LED headlights. Inside, the Mondeo also steps it up with soft-touch quilted leather. But the Mondeo's most winning quality is that it also comes as a wagon. Here's hoping the Fusion can take a hint from the Mondeo Vignale, which will most likely never make it to the U.S. Although the S-Max isn't as attractive as the Mondeo Vignale, it has lots of desirable technology that any techie can appreciate. The sleek hatchback will include tablet computer placeholders in the second row, and everyone in the vehicle will have the ability to connect to Wi-Fi inside the vehicle. Also featured in the S-Max Concept is the next generation of safety equipment, such as car-to-car communication technology that could help prevent accidents. While Ford has already introduced Park Assist technology that helps with parallel parking, the S-Max's more advanced tech will help drivers park into perpendicular spaces as well. Take a closer look at the Mondeo Vignale and the S-Max in the photos below. | 9 | 1,244 | autos |
Bugatti announced the Bugatti Legends series at Pebble Beach this summer, revealing the first of a new six-part special edition series that pays homage to big names from Bugatti's history. Now at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show, the supercar maker has revealed that the second vehicle in the series honors the company founder's son and most famous vehicle. The Veyron Grand Sport Vitesse "Jean Bugatti" model pays tribute to Ettore Bugatti's oldest son, Gianoberto Carlo Rembrandt Ettore Bugatti. Mostly known as Jean, he was deeply involved with his father's company, taking over in 1936 before passing away three years later. During his time with Bugatti, Jean created the iconic Type 57SC Atlantic, and although only four were produced, none were quite as famous Jean's personal car, La Voiture Noire "The Black Car." Jean also designed the Type 41 Royale, Type 55 Roadster and Type 50, but Bugatti says La Voiture Noire was Jean's most impressive work of art, so it was only appropriate the automaker model the Jean Bugatti Veyron after the original car. Constructed entirely of jet black clear-coated carbon fiber, the Jean Bugatti model features the familial horseshoe grille and "EB" logo in platinum, a material that has never been used on a modern Bugatti until now. Black diamond-cut wheels add even more shine, while Jean's signature on the fuel cap demonstrates the car's significance. Inside, the Veyron is swathed with beige and brown leather like the original car. Jean's signature also appears on the door sill plates, and also like La Voiture Noire, the gear selector lever is constructed of rosewood. The Veyron Vitesse Legends' big 1184-hp 8.0-liter quad-turbo W-16 remains unchanged. Like the rest of the models in the Legend series, the Jean Bugatti model is limited to just three unit and priced at 2.28 million euros. The Jean Bugatti model serves as a modern interpretation of the famous 57SC Atlantic, of which only two still exist in their original condition. La Voiture Noire vanished during World War II, and it's disappearance is still a mystery. Source: Bugatti | 9 | 1,245 | autos |
Just as the Bentley Continental GT Speed upped the ante for the W-12-engined big coupe and surprised us in our 2013 Best Driver's Car competition , the new Bentley Continental GT V8 S will crank up the twin-turbo V-8 car's performance when it hits the stage in Frankfurt next week. The all-wheel-drive V8 S will be available as a coupe or convertible, and will bump output of the twin-turbo 4.0-liter V-8 by 21 hp and 15 lb-ft of torque, to 521 hp and 502 lb-ft. Bentley says this is achieved without negatively affecting the model's fuel economy or range of 500-plus miles, thanks in part to a variable displacement function that allows the V-8 to run on four cylinders for cruising. The engine also uses a high-pressure direct-injection system, low-friction bearings, advanced cooling, and an efficient turbocharger layout. The twin-turbo V-8 is mated to a close-ratio eight-speed automatic transmission, which has an "S" mode that tunes throttle response, holds gears longer, and shifts faster. Though the V8 S features cylinder deactivation , the car's exhaust system is tuned to keep the engine from sounding like anything less than a V-8 on the highway, and dramatically change tone at wide open throttle. The V8 S features the same aluminum double-wishbone front suspension and rear self-leveling trapezoidal multi-link air setup as the standard Continental, but is lowered and tuned for sportier driving characteristics. The suspension is lowered 10 mm, and receives 45-percent stiffer front springs and 33-percent stiffer rears. Damping is also tuned for better response, while bushing stiffness is increased by 70 percent and anti-roll bar stiffness by 54 percent. The speed-sensitive, power-assisted steering system is recalibrated for sharper turn-in and better feedback. V8 S models also get a unique electronic stability control system, which is tuned to allow more wheel slip at higher speeds and return full engine torque faster after the system intervenes. The Bentley Continental GT V8 S' exterior features are cosmetic and functional, with an aero-optimized front splitter, side skirts, and rear diffuser reducing lift and increasing high-speed stability. The V8 S rides on unique 20-inch split five-spoke alloy wheels, which hide red-finished brake calipers and large, cross-drilled carbon silicon carbide brake rotors. Bentley estimates that the V8 S coupe can accelerate from 0-60 mph in 4.3 seconds, while the convertible can complete the same sprint in 4.5 seconds. Considering we tested the regular Continental GT V8 coupe reaching 60 mph in 4.2 seconds , Bentley's estimates are definitely conservative. Top speed is estimated at 192 mph for the coupe, and 191 mpg for the convertible. Deliveries of the Bentley Continental GT V8 S begin in early 2014, but you can catch your first glimpse of the big two-door at the Frankfurt Motor Show next week. In the meantime, enjoy the photos in the gallery below. Source: Bentley | 9 | 1,246 | autos |
At a recent party celebrating the 50th Anniversary of Lamborghini , the company invited two automotive journalists collaborating on a book about the brand to dispel some common myths. Any company around long enough will begin to accumulate its own folklore. Over the years, these myths get repeated and exaggerated until no one knows what's true anymore. Here are five myths and facts about Lamborghini you might not know or might have wrong. 1. The argument between Enzo Ferrari and Ferruccio Lamborghini that caused the latter to go out and start his own car company probably never happened. In fact, there's no proof that the two ever met. So where did the story come from? It's believed that Lamborghini himself may have made it up, as he was reputed to be a bit of a showman in the P.T. Barnum mold and it made for a good story that put his brand at eye level with Ferrari. The part about Ferraris using clutches made by Lamborghini's tractor company, though, is true. 2. Former head of design for Chrysler and Motor Trend Car of the Year guest judge Tom Gale actually penned the Diablo . Chrysler owned Lamborghini at the time and wasn't sold on Countach designer Marcello Gandini's design for its replacement, so Gale was given the task of improving it. Hoping to maintain Lamborghini's exclusive image, Chrysler never took credit for the design. 3. The Gallardo , the most successful Lamborghini of all time, was in the works for more than a decade before it actually came out. Chrysler had plans to do a "baby Diablo" when it owned the company but financial troubles kept it from happening. Chrysler ended up selling Lamborghini to an Indonesian company. 4. Lamborghini was originally interested in the twin-turbo 2.7-liter V-6 being developed for the first Audi RS 4 as the Gallardo's powerplant before coming to an agreement on the V-10. This all happened before Audi had even considered purchasing Lamborghini and years before the Gallardo would actually debut. 5. When the Indonesians decided to sell Lamborghini, Franz-Josef Paefgen, CEO of Audi at the time, went to his boss, Ferdinand Piech, to ask permission to buy it. Piech told him "you'll have to do it without me because my family will be mad." It wasn't an explicit yes or no, but it didn't matter. Audi purchased Lamborghini in 1998 . | 9 | 1,247 | autos |
If you've ever wondered how a Kia would look like with butterfly doors, here's your answer. Set to debut at this year's Frankfurt auto show is the Kia Niro concept, a B-segment vehicle that the automaker says will "take on the urban environment with style and tenacity." In terms of style, the Niro showcases crossover-like proportions and familiar Kia design cues. Up front there's the automaker's signature Tiger Nose grille, while the rear end combines hints of the Rio hatchback and Sportage crossover. The two-tone paint job is mostly black with the upper half finished in silver metallic. Neon green accents are used in areas like the center hub caps, and a stripe running along the tire tread. The interior is relatively simple and utilitarian. The front seats and center console appear to be molded from one piece of metallic-looking material, and a mostly-black dashboard features a large infotainment display. Other elements include neon green accents and a flat-bottom steering wheel. Kia says the Niro concept, which was designed at the automaker's design studio in Frankfurt, will be "used to gauge potential customer response." No powertrain details were provided, but the Niro's B-segment designation means it could possibly ride on the Rio's platform and be powered by a version of its 1.6-liter I-4. Source: Kia | 9 | 1,248 | autos |
Before the 414-hp Toyota Yaris Hybrid-R concept rolls onstage at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show, the automaker has released additional images, showing what happens when a basic subcompact two-door hatchback is transformed into a racier concept. Seen driving on a track, the Yaris Hybrid-R concept wears a revised front grille with blue accents that continue along the side of the car. Toyota says the Yaris concept will produce 414 hp and use an all-wheel-drive system involving a turbocharged 1.6-liter I-4 driving the front wheels with a pair of electric motors for the rear wheels. Toyota says the concept uses a supercapacitor like that on the TS030 Hybrid Le Mans car to store energy. The supercapacitor can release about 40 hp from the two electric motors for up to 10 seconds per charge, or up to just under 120 hp for up to five seconds per charge, in track mode. A third motor is placed between the engine and the six-speed sequential transmission, sending torque to the rear wheels to improve acceleration and handling, Toyota notes. The Yaris Hybrid-R concept can help lower track times by applying more braking force to the inside wheel in fast curves, attempting to limit understeer, or sending additional torque to the outside rear wheel. It's especially clear with the latest images that no one will ever confuse the Toyota Yaris Hybrid-R concept with the production-spec Yaris Hybrid sold in Europe. Aside from the obvious front-end changes that include a big chin splitter and aggressive air intakes, the car has bold wheels and smoked taillights. For the U.S. market, the next-generation subcompact Toyota will be made by Mazda in Mexico. Source: Toyota | 9 | 1,249 | autos |
General Motors has announced it will invest $174 million into a new stamping plant that will make components for the Cadillac ATS, CTS, and a "future product." The new facility will be part of the company's Lansing Grand River Assembly Plant and is expected to be up and running in 2016. The Lansing assembly plant currently builds the ATS, CTS, and CTS Vsport models, so it only makes sense the new stamping plant be dedicated to making stamping components for the ATS and CTS. However, the Detroit-based automaker revealed the new stamping plant will also make components for a "future product." The Lansing plant added the fifth-gen Camaro to the assembly line in 2012, which means the "future product" that's in question could very well be the sixth-gen Camaro that's scheduled for 2016. We've reported before that changes to the sixth-generation Chevrolet Camaro should be major. The 2016 Chevrolet Camaro will reportedly ride on GM's rear-drive Alpha platform, which currently underpins the Cadillac ATS and Cadillac CTS. As for its source power, we expect the carryover 3.6-liter V-6 base engine (possibly with more than the 323 hp currently available) in the base Camaro, and the 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray's LT1 6.2-liter V-8 producing 455 hp in the Camaro SS. We spotted the next-gen Camaro for the first time last month , and we knew it wasn't the current car because it boasted a significantly lowered roofline and shortened trunk. Certain elements like the quad-tip exhaust and hood vents hinted that it wasn't just an ordinary Camaro, but perhaps the 2016 Camaro ZL1. The new stamping plant brings even more good news to those in need of a job, since GM says the extension will open up about 145 jobs. Source: GM | 9 | 1,250 | autos |
Jeep is introducing yet another cold weather-inspired special-edition Wrangler on the heels of the Arctic edition . The even-cooler limited-edition model will bow next week at the Frankfurt Motor Show as the Wrangler Polar edition, complete with a chilly Hydro Blue paint job. Based on the Wrangler Sahara model, the Polar edition is inspired by the extreme weather conditions that overrun the Antarctic region. The "Polar" badge on the Jeep's side also displays the exact coordinates of Vostok in Antarctica, which is where the harshest-ever temperature of negative 128.56 degrees Fahrenheit was recorded. Other unique exterior features include a three-color decal with the outline of the mountains on the powerdome hood, and gloss black accents on the front grille. A black Mopar fuel door and 18-inch gloss black wheels also contrast with the cool blue exterior paint color, while new features like a hard spare tire cover and a body-colored hardtop with a deep-tint sunscreen glass are also exclusive to the Polar edition. Inside the cabin, the black leather upholstery is offset with Pearl White accents to mimic the contrasting effect of the light on Antarctic glaciers. The Polar edition also gets an all-new cluster overlay with white and blue trim, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and Mopar tread-pattern slush mats. Standard heated front seats will keep passengers warm, while a UConnect infotainment system accessed through a 6.5-inch touchscreen will keep them entertained. Automatic climate control, and cruise control are also standard. Polar models are available in both two- and four-door form, and are powered by a 200-hp 2.8-liter turbo-diesel I-4 paired to a five-speed automatic. Like the diesel engine, expect the Polar Edition to remain unattainable in the U.S. Source: Jeep | 9 | 1,251 | autos |
The Mercedes-Benz CLA45 AMG is going racing. High on the success of the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT3 racecar , Daimler has unveiled the Mercedes-Benz CLA45 AMG Racing Series concept, a CLA45 race car concept. The CLA45 AMG race car is designed to compete in racing series' worldwide, and will be produced if enough interest is expressed in the turbocharged four-door. The Mercedes CLA45 AMG Racing Series concept certainly looks the part of a race car. Made with carbon fiber, the CLA45 AMG racecar sports a new front and rear spoiler, big air intakes for brake and engine cooling flared wheel arches, and a big carbon fiber rear wing. Available in front- or all-wheel drive (depending on race series regulations), the Mercedes CLA45 AMG has a wider front and rear track, and adjustable suspension, and an AMG-developed higher-performance braking system. Inside, the Mercedes CLA45 AMG Racing Series concept has a gutted interior with a roll cage, a carbon fiber Recaro racing seat, and a fire extinguishing system. Mercedes says the engine output from the 2.0-liter turbocharged I-4 is variable, and mentions it's shifted via steering wheel-mounted paddles. Though Mercedes has yet to commit to building a production version of the CLA45 AMG Racing Series concept, the automaker says it will produce the pocket rocket if international demand is high enough. The CLA45 AMG Racing Series concept will be displayed at the Frankfurt Motor Show alongside the Mercedes CLA250 Sport which appears to be the Euro version of our 2014 CLA250 with the AMG-inspired Sport Package. Source: Mercedes-Benz | 9 | 1,252 | autos |
Mitsubishi has teased three concepts ahead of the 2013 Tokyo Motor Show in November. The concepts include a next-gen MPV, small crossover, and full-size SUV -- possibly previewing the next Mitsubishi Montero/Pajero for markets outside the U.S. Like the concepts that eventually became the 2014 Mitsubishi Outlander , two of the concepts planned for Tokyo sport a plug-in hybrid drivetrain. Mitsubishi says the concepts represent a new design identity and showcase its next-gen advanced technologies, which it calls @earth. According to the Japanese automaker, @earth Technology is meant to "embody the concepts of environmental responsibility, driving pleasure, and toughness and safety." Mitsubishi named its Tokyo-bound full-size SUV Concept GC-PHEV (Grand Cruiser Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle). Of the three concepts, the GC-PHEV is the one we get to see the most of in a sketch showing the front end and a partial profile. The grille somewhat resembles that of the 2014 Mitsubishi Outlander , but slender headlight and fender-mounted foglights set it apart from any current Mitsubishi model. As its name suggests, the concept utilizes a plug-in hybrid drivetrain, which Mitsubishi calls "high-output." The brand's S-AWC (Super All-Wheel Control) all-wheel-drive system is used, granting the SUV off-road capability and "superior" handling and stability when combined with the integrated vehicle dynamic control system. Connectivity and preventative safety will also be a major focus on the GC-PHEV. The Mitsubishi Concept XR-PHEV ("XR" standing for Crossover Runner) previews a next-gen small crossover that could replace the Outlander Sport, and features a lightweight plug-in hybrid system that's said to be "highly efficient" with "dramatically enhanced environmental performance." Mitsubishi says the crossover will be nimble and get coupe-like styling. The Concept AR (Active Runabout) teases a future Mitsubishi people-mover, which will combine the passenger space of an MPV with the go-anywhere capability of an SUV. The vehicle will be powered by a downsized direct-injected turbocharged engine, though the company doesn't provide specifics. In our First Drive of the 2014 Mitsubishi Outlander , we said that model could benefit from a turbo-four replacing its ancient V-6. Perhaps such an engine isn't that far off. It's unknown if the eventual production vehicles previewed by the concepts will make it to our shores, but we should have a better idea of what Mitsubishi has in store closer to their Tokyo debut. Source: Mitsubishi | 9 | 1,253 | autos |
Lexus has just unveiled the LF-NX, a concept that previews a crossover that may one day become one of the brand's global best-sellers. The Lexus RX has been a luxury-segment best-seller for years, but that two-row, midsize crossover has a starting price above $40,000 including destination. The Lexus LF-NX -- and the refreshed 2014 GX -- indicate the production-spec compact crossover may be quite a bit bolder than the RX now in dealerships. The LF-NX is officially debuting at the Frankfurt Motor Show later this month. Lexus says the LF-NX has a hybrid powertrain "tuned for SUV performance." While we expected a CT-based compact crossover, it sounds like the future Lexus CUV will have more than the CT 200h' 134 hp, combined from a 1.8-liter I-4 and its electric motor. The concept's Lexus badges are tinted blue, pointing to the car's hybrid powertrain. Before you write off the LF-NX's huge front grille as the type of design detail that only makes it to concepts, we'd suggest you take another look at the 2014 GX and 2014 IS 350 F Sport. As with the new IS, the LF-NX separates the LED light swooshes from the LED headlights. As we saw with the teaser image last month , the LED light accents are cut in half at the corners by a sheetmetal fold that rises from the bottom of the car toward the headlights. Thankfully, the concept's huge lower front fascia openings at the corner will be toned down by the time we see a production model. The giant rear wheel well flares are angular and actually bold in a good way, and the rising side window line ("diamond shape" in Lexus-speak) is reminiscent of that on the existing RX. The back of the Lexus LF-NX appears a little busy to us, though when we see it on September 10 at the Frankfurt Motor Show, that impression could change. Inside the Lexus LF-NX concept is black and yellow leather with contrast stitching. Look closely and you'll see a new version of the automaker's Remote Touch Interface controller, which is paired with touch-sensitive electrostatic switches. From a design perspective, there's a lot going on with the Lexus LF-NX concept, and it will be interesting to see how much of the styling carries over to the production model . Stick with MotorTrend.com for updates on the Lexus crossover concept and other Frankfurt show debuts. Source: Lexus | 9 | 1,254 | autos |
From plenty of luxury crossover concepts to hybrid supercars, the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show hosted the debuts of a wide variety of hot new cars -- and Motor Trend was on the auto show floor to cover it. We asked Motor Trend editors who have spent the last few days in Frankfurt to tell us what cars impressed them and what vehicles left them wanting more. Check out MT Picks for the Best and Worst of the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show from editors at the show below. Scott Burgess: Best : Tie. Audi A8 - every time I looked at it, it looked better. It's mature, understated, and loaded up with those awesome matrix LED headlamps. Definitely a MILF - 'mobile I'd like to flog. And I suspect it will be driven by a few owners who meet criteria for the other definition of that term. Brabus B63S - what can I say? A 700-hp six-wheel drive system. This is simply awesome. Should war ever break out again in Europe, Brabus will win. Worst : Volvo Concept Coupe - concepts are supposed to make you ogle. They are meant to inspire, make your heart race. With its plain sheet metal and Swedish crystal gear shifter, this coupe made me yawn. It had as much enthusiasm as a Swedish father telling his daughter he loves her. Scott Evans: Best : I'm going to disagree with Scott B. The Volvo Concept Coupe is my favorite. It's sleek, refined and understated. It looks like a mature luxury coupe, not a flashy concept or boy racer. The interior is likewise elegant and uncluttered. I want to take a long, relaxing road trip to Paris or Monaco in it. Worst : My worst is the BMW i3 . It's painfully ugly, it's cramped and, per our First Drive review, it doesn't drive well. Its only redeeming quality is that it's efficient, even more so because you never want to be seen driving it so it'll never move. Ed Loh: Best : Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupe concept : The S is fur das SEX ON VHEELS, JAJAJA. Jaguar SUV - Gorgeous exterior, but if you stare at it long enough, BMW X5 and Mazda CX-5 influences (particularly in the proportions and surfacing) seem to emerge though that might be the blue color. Before I saw it, I questioned Jaguar doing an SUV, thinking that they should leave the heavy-duty haulers to Tata brother Land Rover. Now I get it. Meow. Worst? Lexus LF-NX: I think Lexus is getting unfairly dinged for the deeply polarizing LF-NX. Concepts are supposed to create a stir, provoke a response. Lexus used to be decried as being sleepy at best, derivative at worst. The LF-NX is clearly neither, and yet people still howl. Proof that you can't please everyone… Jonny Lieberman: Best : Audi Sport Quattro Concept - This car previews many important things for Audi and the Volkswagen Group. First of course is the 700-hp hybrid powertrain that consists of a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V-8 and electric assist that's going to appear in the yet-to-be-named Bentley SUV. Next is that the Sport Quattro is showing off the next generation of MLB, the modular longitudinal platform used for most Audis and large SUVs. The Sport Quattro is, in fact, within centimeters of the hard points of the current A5. The show car also shows off Audi's totally configurable digital dashboard that can show everything from gauges to track maps. Let's not forget the Matrix LED advanced headlight system that can shut individual LEDs down one by one. The Sport Quattro is my best of show, however, because it looks so damn mean. I'd very much like to drive this car. Worst : Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupe - It's not the worst in show in terms of design -- that award goes to everything at the Mansory booth, including the sunglasses. Design-wise, the Coupe concept is no peach. It still has the mismatched headlights and mega-grille of the sedan, as well as the odd dropping line running front to back. Only the coupe looks like an Audi A5 from the side and a BMW from the rear. But the worst part is the name, the S-Class Coupe. For the past 15 years, the CL has been the secret choice of the very rich. Your typical CL buyer is a man between the age of 50-60 who earns between $600,000-$2 million. A very sweet demographic, obviously, and a much wealthier one than other Mercedes products (save for the E-Class Wagon, but that's a long story). But by effectively eliminating the CL, I have to wonder whether they're alienating that cherry customer base. Mercedes has long had a problem with repeat CL owners getting bored and walking over to the Bentley dealer to check out a Continental GT. I think by calling the car S-Class Coupe, and thereby making it just a derivative of the fairly generic S-Class (in places where the wealthy congregate at least), CL customers will just start shopping at Bentley in the first place. Chris Clonts: Best : Lots of people are in agreement that there was no "star car" here. So I go with the Jaguar C-X17 logo. In all its symmetrical glory, it's simultaneously clean, modern and yet somehow evokes the image of a Jaguar, in front-view, leaping forward. I know it's a continuation of the C-X16, but in a group of displays, cars, and graphics driven by the world's best designers, it was a standout. AND it will stay symmetrical until they hit the C-X100 nuclear-core-powered crossover for Frankfurt 2100. Worst : The BMW i3. Not what it represents, a bold stab at the future from the normally performance-obsessed Germans, but the idea of using a silent electric car as a fleet shuttle in a crowded pedestrian mall made for some close calls and was real-life proof of the challenges of integrating them into public life safely. Nate Martinez on the tuners: Best : Techart. Simple, yet aggressive designs. Plus, moar powah. A tuner that's doing it right. Worst : Mansory. Holy Moly. Every one of them, save for the limited-edition, super-pricey golf cart. All carbon-fiber G63? Come on. Check out our 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show coverage here and then tell us -- What was your least and most favorite Frankfurt show car or concept? | 9 | 1,255 | autos |
The concepts were the stars of the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show, with a number of automakers exhibiting radical hardware. With everything from electric city cars to rally-inspired supercars, Frankfurt had a concept for just about anyone. Which one was your favorite? Catch up on some of the concepts that debuted at the Frankfurt show and answer in our poll below. Jaguar C-X17 Concept - The long-awaited Jaguar SUV didn't disappoint, drawing influence from the sporty XJ and XF sedans, as well as the new F-Type sports car. The crossover may be based on the Range Rover Evoque, which means you can expect a 240-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter I-4 and nine-speed automatic transmission in the base model, with an available supercharged 3.0-liter V-6 providing 340-380 hp. Audi Nanuk Quattro Concept - One of the biggest surprises of the show was the half rally car, half sports car creation from Audi. With design cues taken from the R8 and Quattro concept, the mid-engined, all-wheel-drive coupe looks like it would feel just as comfortable at the circuit as on a curvy dirt road. If that combination alone isn't enough to get an enthusiast's heart pounding, the Nanuk also boasts a twin-turbodiesel V-10 producing 550 hp and 738 lb-ft of torque. Volvo Concept Coupe - Previewing Volvo's design future, the Concept Coupe is a breath of fresh air from the brand that has gone without a sporty coupe offering since the 1960s P1800. The design language will live on in future Volvos, but could the Concept Coupe be suitable for production? Lexus LF-NX Concept - There's no denying Lexus has pushed the boundaries of design lately, and its latest concept may have completely gone off the deep end. With more character lines than we care to count, the LF-NX is anything but conservatively styled. Still, some of its features, including its unique interior, might make it to the next-gen RX crossover. Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupe Concept - Those simply expecting a two-door version of the S-Class sedan were in for a big surprise when the S-Class Coupe concept was revealed. Drawing inspiration from the entire Mercedes lineup, along with a whale and rock formations in Utah, the S-Class Coupe pulls off a curvy and sensual look that still manages to communicate that high-end luxury feel. Mercedes-Benz S500 Plug-in Hybrid Concept - More production-ready than the S-Class Coupe concept was the S500 PHEV concept. With 0-62 mph in an estimated 5.5 seconds and an EV mode that will last for up to 19 miles, the S500 is sure to reach production in a slightly tweaked form. Kia Niro Concept - The Kia Niro likely previews a vehicle soon to enter the growing B-segment crossover class. This could mean a production version may be little more than a lifted, bloated Rio hatchback, but at least the concept gets some interesting features like butterfly doors. Smart FourJoy - It just wouldn't be an international auto show without a zany concept from Smart, and this year the small city car brand didn't disappoint. The Smart FourJoy is a doorless, roofless electric four-seater that hints at an upcoming production model that will seat more than two passengers -- likely the next ForFour. We expect it to at least have doors when it arrives in late 2014. Ford S-Max Concept - The S-Max could be the non-minivan people-mover Ford needs in the U.S., if only the blue oval would pilfer it from its European branch. The concept boasts a turbocharged 177-hp, 177-lb-ft 1.5-liter EcoBoost I-4, seating for seven, and an assortment of tech features inside. BMW X5 eDrive Concept - Perhaps to balance the image of the upcoming X5 M, BMW introduced a concept version of an X5 plug-in hybrid. Acceleration from 0-60 mph is said to take 7 seconds, and if this concept doesn't lead to a production car, we'd be surprised. Opel Monza Concept - The GT concept from Opel showed that GM's troubled European wing still knows how to style a car. Two wide gullwing doors provide entry for both front and rear passengers to the sleek, futuristic cabin. In true concept car fashion, the Monza concept features an electric powertrain with a natural gas-powered 1.0-liter I-3 range-extender. Infiniti Q30 Concept - The Q30 represents Infiniti's next foray into the compact luxury class. With a body style meant to challenge conventional classification, the compact is a half-car, half-crossover attempt at winning over younger buyers. Toyota Yaris Hybrid-R Concept - This is no basic Yaris hatch -- the subcompact concept has a 414-hp hybrid powertrain and sportier dynamics that could make it fun on the track. Volkswagen Golf Sportsvan Concept - As the successor to the Golf Plus, we don't expect the production variant of the Golf Sportsvan to ever see the light of U.S. showrooms. Even so, the concept's higher seating position and extra interior space might be of interest to some American buyers. Audi Sport Quattro Hybrid Concept - We've seen the Audi Sport Quattro before, but here it is again in plug-in hybrid form. The look has evolved from its first iteration in 2010, but most notable is the replacement of the turbo I-5 powerplant with a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V-8 and electric motor. Though the ties to the original rally legend are now only skin-deep, 700 hp is a nice consolation. So which concept was your favorite from this year's Frankfurt show? Vote in our poll and tell us in the comments below. [polldaddy poll=7386968] | 9 | 1,256 | autos |
If you already thought the Ford Fusion looked upscale for a midsize sedan, the automaker presents the Mondeo Vignale concept. Debuting at the Frankfurt Motor Show as a Mondeo sedan and wagon (the European Fusion), Ford's Vignale is a Europe-only idea that includes more upscale exterior and interior vehicle accents, as well as a better ownership experience. With Lincoln out of the picture in Europe, the Ford brand can expand upward without encroaching on another brand's territory. Ford says high-end models comprise more than half of its large car sales in Europe. Pronounced "Vin-ya-lay," the two Mondeo concepts preview the Mondeo Vignale coming in early 2015. Other Ford vehicles will follow with the treatment, which appears to be a step up from the Individual models currently offered in Europe. Of course, the Mondeo Vignale concepts start with special 20-inch chrome wheels and additional chrome trim on the side mirrors and door handles. That paint is "Nocciola" dark brown, and the concept also wears a mesh grille. The 2014 Ford Fusion offers HID headlights, but this concept uses full LEDs. Inside, you'll find premium floormats and soft-touch leather everywhere. As with the refreshed 2014 Kia Optima SX-L , the Mondeo concept has quilted leather. Vignale is more than just minor feature and aesthetic upgrades, though. Ford promises Vignale drivers will benefit from a better ownership experience, too, without providing details at this point. Don't expect to ever see a 2014 Ford Fusion Vignale in the U.S. While Ford can't make enough Fusions to keep up with demand, Lincoln has introduced the Black Label series for the MKZ. Those looking for an upscale interior on a Fusion or MKZ in the U.S. may want to wait for the MKZ Black Label cars to arrive. What do you think of the Ford Mondeo Vignale concept cars? Source: Ford | 9 | 1,257 | autos |
The first image of the Infiniti Q30 concept has been revealed ahead of the concept's Frankfurt auto show debut. While not as radical as the sketch shown earlier this month , Infiniti says Q30 concept is the latest evolution of the brand's design language and fuses coupe, hatchback, and crossover body styles. Up front, the Q30 concept features slim headlights that connect with the front grille. Along the side, the deep upper and lower bodylines remain, though; those may be toned down for the production model. The Q30 concept also retains the sheetmetal kink behind the rear doors similar to that on the production three-row JX35/QX60 crossover . Infiniti says the Q30 concept merges the "dynamic design and sportiness of a coupe, the roominess of a hatch, and the higher stance of crossover." Though, with the Q prefix, the Q30 will be marketed as an entry level hatchback below the Q50 sedan rather than a small crossover/SUV, which get the QX prefix. With the Q30, Infiniti hopes to attract younger buyers shopping in the entry level premium market. Although no powertrain details have been revealed, the proportions suggest a front-drive layout, though all-wheel-drive is a possibility. The Q30 could be powered by a 208-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter I-4 from the Mercedes-Benz GLA crossover, which is among its competitive set. Other potential competitors include the Lexus CT 200h hatch,BMW X1, and Audi A3. Source: Infiniti | 9 | 1,258 | autos |
Good news for those who love their Vitamin D. We heard that Mercedes-Benz was planning an S-Class Cabriolet , and now we have proof that it could very well be a possibility since spy photographers recently snapped photos of the flagship car in drop-top form. Like the classic S-Class convertible from the 1960s, this prototype also boasts a soft-top. Its overall shape looks just like that of the S-Class Coupe , sans the hard top, and the fact that it's not covered up in bulky camouflage or a fake hardtop could indicate that the S-Class cabrio is close to production-ready, so it may not be too long until we see it join its sedan and coupe counterparts. Like them, we expect the S-Class Cabrio to be offered with the usual eight- and 12-cylinder engines: a 4.7-liter twin-turbo V-8 that makes 455 hp and 516 lb-ft; a 5.5-liter V-8 that makes 577 hp and 664 lb-ft; and a twin-turbo 6.0-liter V-12 that puts out 621 hp and 738 lb-ft. Scheduled for a debut in 2015, the new S-Class Cabrio should give the Aston Martin Vanquish Volante, BMW 6 Series convertible, and the Maserati Gran Turismo convertible a run for their money, especially since we expect it to feature the boatload of technological marvels packed in the S-Class sedan and coupe. Check out the upcoming Mercedes-Benz S-Class Convertible in the spy shots below. | 9 | 1,259 | autos |
At the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show, Nissan CEO and chairman Carlos Ghosn said the company will produce the e-NV200 (concept pictured above), an electric commercial van that he said is the second of four planned zero-emissions vehicles for the company. It had already been announced that production for the van, which debuted as a concept at the 2013 Detroit auto show, was slated for a plant in Barcelona. Nissan is in the final testing stage for the e-NV200, which will go on sale in the 2014 calendar year. Also being tested is the e-NT400 (pictured at right), a much larger commercial van based on the Nissan Atlas in Japan. Nissan executive vice president Andy Palmer was emphatic that electric is a heavy part of the company's road map. "Electric and cars are as inevitable as taxes and death," he said, saying that "connected, electric, and autonomous" are goals for Nissan. Asked about whether electric cars will ever be affordable for the public without incentives, Palmer said the company is relying on costs being reduced over time as more electric vehicles are produced. He also said government incentives, already being phased out in places, can't be counted on. The Nissan Leaf saw a sizable price cut for the 2013 model year, when production was moved to the U.S. "At some point, we will be able to be at a price equal to gasoline competitors," he said. Toyota relied on the same cost-reduction-over-time formula when it bet heavily on its now-ubiquitous hybrid technology. | 9 | 1,260 | autos |
Lately, Audi's approach to styling has been more about evolution than revolution, and the 2015 Audi A8 continues that trend. The refreshed model, which makes its public debut at next week's Frankfurt show, retains the outgoing car's shape and corporate face, but subtly revises certain details to keep it up to date. Do you think the new look suits the flagship sedan ? The most obvious difference can be seen in the headlights, with the 2015 Audi A8 receiving slimmer Matrix LED lamps. Those lights each utilize 25 LEDs controlled by an intelligent cornering light system, which can adjust brightness of each individual light. Inside the housing, the formerly check mark-shaped LED running lights now frame the Matrix LEDs, wrapping around and partially lining the top edge. The large reverse-trapezoidal front grille is still present, though the lower valance appears to be revised. In back, a thin chrome strip now connects the narrower taillights, continuing on into the lenses. Non-S8 models receive redesigned exhaust pipes, which are now more rectangular and molded into the rear bumper. Inside the A8, things haven't changed much. The dash still features a simple, contoured design, with an LCD screen that rises vertically out of the center stack. The interior is spacious and luxurious , with gracious amounts of wood, metal, and leather trim placed throughout the cabin. The button-heavy center console is wide, and the eight-speed automatic gear selector still sports the signature golf putter shape. So is the 2015 Audi A8's revised styling an improvement over the previous design, or do they not fit with the A8's elegant lines? Share your thoughts in the comments below. Last week, we asked you which premium compact crossover design you preferred among the BMW X1, Mercedes-Benz GLK, and new Mercedes-Benz GLA . Most of you liked the GLA's sleek styling best, but some took issue with the rear end. Commenter GreenGrape29 said, "GLA looks fantastic from the front and the side profile, but that back end...yikes. But it does make both the GLK and X1 outdated, especially the X1." Kerndp2 agreed, saying, "The tail lights on the GLA are absolutely laughable. They really screwed up an otherwise tasteful design." Still, others sided with the older GLK, with somewhat-biased user runnah saying, "GLK is the good looking one. Actually, it's great looking (I own a 2013 GLK350 4Matic)." Images of a silver 2015 Audi A8 are in the first and third columns, while pre-refresh shots of a black A8 are in the second and fourth columns. | 9 | 1,261 | autos |
Injectable dermal fillers are widely used by people seeking to smooth out wrinkles, but it's important to know the risks of these products before using them, a U.S. government expert says. Dermal fillers use a variety of materials to treat facial wrinkles. Most of these products are temporary and last for about six months or more. Only one permanent wrinkle filler is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Dermal fillers are not approved for use anywhere else but on the face. "As with any medical procedure, being injected with dermal fillers poses some risks. You should ask what you can expect and contact your health care professional if you are concerned about a particular side effect," Dr. Janette Alexander, an FDA medical officer, said in an agency news release. Common side effects include bruising, redness, swelling, pain and itching. Other side effects can include infections, lumps and bumps, discoloration or a change in pigmentation. Rare, but serious, risks include scarring, blurred vision, partial vision loss, blindness and severe allergic reactions (anaphylactic shock). Most side effects occur shortly after a dermal filler is injected and vanish within two weeks, according to Alexander. She said you should not use wrinkle fillers if you have: Severe allergies marked by a history of anaphylactic shock An allergy to collagen (if you want to use a filler containing collagen) An allergy to lidocaine (if you planned on using a filler with lidocaine) A tendency to form excessive scarring or thick scarring A bleeding disorder An active inflammatory condition -- such as cysts, pimples, rashes or hives -- or an infection. In such cases you should postpone treatment until the condition is controlled. Alexander also noted that the safety of dermal fillers is unknown when used in pregnant or breast-feeding women, in people younger than 18 or when used with Botox and other wrinkle treatments. She also warned to never buy dermal fillers on the Internet. They could be fake, contaminated and/or dangerous. More information The U.S. National Institute on Aging has more about aging and skin care . | 7 | 1,262 | health |
You like rumors? Hot, hard-to-resist rumors? Here's one to jack your blood pressure through the roof! The next Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 will be mid-engined. That's right, kids! Multiple sources have told us that the next version of the Corvette ZR1 will be mid-engined. One of these sources even stated that the next-generation Corvette -- the C8 -- will ship with its engine mounted in the middle. The rendering above, by Tom Matsumoto, shows what the mid-engined Corvette could look like. Yes, yes -- we know -- another story about a mid-engine Corvette . Will this madness never end? This particular fantasy tale, as some of you know, seems to have been continuously reported on since 1963 when the CERV II was built. The father of the Corvette -- Zora Arkus-Duntov -- seriously wanted to build a mid-engine 'Vette. Only GM's cement-shoed board stopped him. Chevrolet tried again in 1964 with the (admittedly rear-engined) XP-819 and then again with the XP-882 in 1969. Next came the XP-895 in 1972, the two-rotor (and Porsche 914-based!) XP-897GT in 1973 (odd side note: the XP-897GT eventually got a Mazda 13B mated to a front-drive Cadillac transmission installed by its private owner in 1997), the Aerovette in 1976 and finally the CERV III in 1986. Point is that a mid-engine Corvette has been in the collective Chevrolet consciousness for decades. The story of the (almost) mid-engine car has become part of the Corvette's lore, of its mystique. Grok this: Pre-bankruptcy, Chevrolet was working on a mid-engine C7, but it got shelved when Bob Lutz left GM and former Corvette chief engineer Tom Wallace retired. In other words, mid-engine work has already been done on this generation of Corvette. Further supporting the mid-engine Corvette hypothesis is the fact that on June 2, Chevrolet trademarked the name Zora for the intended use of "motor land vehicles, namely, automobiles." That suggests a future Corvette may be named Zora. What better way to honor the man who made the Corvette the performance icon it is today than by finally building the car he always dreamed of ? Remember that way back in 1959, Arkus-Duntov built the CERV I (CERV stands for Chevrolet Engineering Research Vehicle). It was of course mid-engined, as Zora firmly believed that a low polar-moment of inertia was the key to a world-class sports car. Emphasis on "world." Here's another reason to suspect that the mid-engine Corvette rumors are true: The next Camaro will be based on GM's Alpha platform, which underpins the Cadillac ATS. A 2013 ATS with the 2.0-liter turbo-four and a six-speed manual we tested weighed in at 3433 pounds. Presumably, a 2.0-liter Camaro (to fight the 2015 EcoBoosted Mustang ) with a shortened wheelbase would weigh even less than the lightweight Caddy. The new C7 Corvette Stingray coupe with a seven-speed manual? Around 3450 pounds. The last Camaro SS we weighed came in at 3893 pounds (the track-focused 1LE). Furthermore, we suspect the C7 Z06 with its supercharger and aero aids will weigh more than the base 'Vette, probably around 3500 pounds, about 100 pounds lighter than a Porsche 911 Turbo. In terms of power to weight, the 2016 Camaro is going to be stepping on the Corvette's toes, hard. Especially if you can imagine that the next-generation Z/28 is suddenly up to 600 pounds lighter than the current monster. If Chevrolet makes not just the C7 ZR1, but the entire C8 Corvette lineup mid-engine, the move would make sense from a sales and marketing as well as model-differentiation point of view. There's also some talk of a Corvette "family" for the C8. Corvette is obviously strong enough to stand as its own brand. Rather than doing that (like the short-lived SRT experiment at Chrysler), Chevrolet may very well do what Land Rover is doing with its families -- Range Rover, Range Rover Sport, and Range Rover Evoque; Discovery and Discovery Sport -- and create a Corvette family that could consist of both a front- and a mid-engine car. Can one platform support both engine locations? It's doable, though certainly unprecedented, and it would no doubt be freakishly expensive. If GM were to turn Corvette into a family of vehicles, we suspect the front- and mid-engine cars would be built on two distinct platforms. The front-engine model range (Stingray?) would use the existing C7 platform. That would keep prices down and allow GM to position Stingray as the entry-level Corvette. The C8 Stingray would probably not get the biggest horsepower engines. The Zora/ZR1 range (the mid-engine cars) would be more highly priced and would be given the most powerful engines to ensure a real performance differential between the two Corvette siblings. Interior finish would be more lavish. Horsepower of 750-800 is OK in a rear-drive-only format when you have a mid-engine platform ( Pagani Huayra , anyone?), though all-wheel drive would make sense, too. If Chevrolet chose to follow Ferrari's lead of driving the front axle off the front of the engine like the FF, that would be a nice nod to the all-wheel-drive mid-engine CERV II. Chevrolet would certainly be acting logically to allow for all-wheel drive in an all-new mid-engine architecture. Long term, a mid-engine layout also makes an advanced high-performance all-wheel-drive hybrid powertrain (like the Porsche 918, for example) easier to package. Will Chevrolet go down the electrified hypercar path? One of our sources indicated that such a car is in the cards. A new mid-engine platform would be expensive, but it would be the only way to take the Corvette brand upmarket, and to a higher price point. Remember, the name of the game these days is global sales. Keeping the entry-level range on the existing platform ensures the Corvette brand remains accessible. The front-engined Stingray is Corvette's 911. It's the heritage play. The mid-motored Zora would then be free to compete in the $200,000 playground against the usual suspects (Ferrari 458, Audi R8 V10, Lamborghini Huracan, McLaren 650S ), as well as Porsche's upcoming 960 (or maybe it will be called the 988?), the $250,000 mid-engined supercar due in 2016. The Zora could even go head-to-head with hyper-exotics like the Aventador. One final curveball on the mid-engine platform: Does Cadillac need a supercar? Well, did Audi need the R8? If so, sharing the Zora's mid-engine architecture makes all the sense in the world. (We know the XLR was a flop, but that was more in the execution than the idea.) A Cadillac supercar would give the Zora hardware more volume, and GM has been quite adept at sharing performance parts between models and brands as of late to keep prices low. Examples: The LSA motor was common to the last-gen CTS-V and the current Camaro ZL1, and that engine shared a great deal with the old ZR1's LS9. Magnetorheological dampers can be found on the ZL1, several Corvettes as well as many Cadillacs. The Z/28 shares its carbon-ceramic Brembo brakes with the upcoming Z06 and (we think) the upcoming CTS-V. There would be different Cadillac styling inside and out; toss in different engine specs, different suspension tune, and you would wind up with two contrasting cars with unique characters but underlying similarities. Exactly how Volkswagen differentiates the Audi R8 from the mechanically similar Lamborghini Gallardo/Huracan. The highest performance, hardest core version of the mid-engine car would remain a Corvette; the Caddy version would be more a GT. Also, the guy who's just taken over Cadillac (hi, Johan!) used to drive an R8 when he was running Audi U.S.… What would power the ZR1/Zora and its Cadillac cousin, and how much will the cars cost? The Z06 motor would be plenty adequate, what with 650 horsepower and 650 lb-ft of torque. However, a GM source recently told us that the Z06's supercharged LT4 is capable of producing 1000 hp, though traction is an issue in the C7. Mid-engine weight distribution would help to put more weight over the rear tires. Years ago, a different GM source told us that we could gauge the next ZR1's output based on the C7 Z06. If the Z06 made only 575 hp or so, expect 700ish ponies in the ZR1, a logical step up from 638 hp in the C6 ZR1. But if the Z06 makes 625 hp (this was a couple of years back) or more, the ZR1 engine could be, should be good for 750-800 hp. Americans love huge numbers (Hellcat!) so we're going with 800-plus hp for the range topper. It makes sense that there would be both a 650-hp version, as well as an 800-plus-hp stud. Just like how Audi creates space between the R8 V-8 and V-10. Price for a Corvette with the engine behind the driver? Figure a minimum of $150,000, though $200,000 isn't out of the question for the biggest boy. Add an additional $50,000 for the Cadillac. You might scoff at such prices for a Chevrolet, but the Zora/ZR1 would theoretically be capable of spanking a McLaren 650S, making it quite the hypercar bargain. Also remember that wealthy Chinese buyers don't care about price -- or brands -- the way we do and there are more of them than us. And you can't forget the kings, sheiks, and gangsters of Europe, the Middle East, and Russia. When would we first see the Zora, should these rumors prove true? In time for next year's Indy 500 is our best guess. Is all this domestic mid-engine supercar talk too good to be true? There are certainly several reasons to think so. First and foremost, no mid-engine Corvette rumor has come true, ever. And they've been around almost as long as the 'Vette itself. Building such a vehicle would cost a stupid amount of money, and it would sell in low volumes. Meanwhile, the C7 is experiencing a nice sales bump over the C6. GM has been happy with the Corvette as its halo car at the current price and market position for decades, and this is not an organization that's given to making snap changes in strategy. Sure, GM is selling more and more cars and trucks these days, but all those recalls have dinged the corporate piggy bank and likely the General's sense of adventure. There's almost every business reason to leave well enough alone. Wind the clock back two years, and every single car expert in the known universe said Tesla would fail and pointed to Tucker as proof of that fact. History is a guide, however, not an absolute. As much as a mid-engine, hyperpotent Corvette sounds like a 12-year-old's biggest fantasy, many pieces of the puzzle suddenly fit together, as our divergent sources are all saying the same thing. All the renewed mid-engine Corvette gossip feels different this time. Like an airplane disaster, the holes in the Swiss cheese are starting to line up. In conclusion, several signs point to Detroit going mid-engine, and in a big way. Hey, who knows -- maybe Ford will bring back the GT? Dare to dream. And stay tuned. | 9 | 1,263 | autos |
Some types of produce are more toxic than others. How to eat clean Health-conscious eaters have been long advised to eat organic produce, but it can be cost-prohibitive to eat exclusively organic. Although there is currently no concrete scientific evidence proving that organic foods are more nutritious, organic fruits and vegetables are safer to eat because they contain a lot less chemicals and pesticides. When pesticides and chemicals are sprayed on crops, they leach into the foods and are absorbed into our bodies. We still aren't sure about the long-term effects of ingesting these chemicals, so it's a good idea to avoid them just in case.It's important to be knowledgeable about which fruits and vegetables are more contaminated than others. By avoiding the non-organic produce on this list, you'll reduce your exposure to pesticides by as much as 80 percent. Apples Conventionally grown apples contain the highest traces of pesticides in supermarkets of all crops. Even after apples were washed, 48 types of pesticides were discovered by the Environmental Working Group (EWG), an organization devoted to raising awareness about toxic chemicals and agricultural practices. Farmers use a wide range of chemicals on apple crops because they're highly susceptible to regional insect infestation and blights. Apple skins absorb these pesticides to fight these environmental problems, but the chemicals remain in the fruit long after harvest. In addition to organic apples not being laden with as many pesticides, their skins have been shown to contain 15 percent more antioxidants than non-organic apples. Celery Celery has no protective skin, so it is vulnerable to contact with insecticides and pesticides. Celery stocks are also porous, so they retain the pesticides that they're treated with, which can be up to 13 different types. Cherry tomatoes In the EWG study, a single sample of cherry tomatoes tested positive for 13 different pesticides. Because of the way that they grow in dense clusters, there is more surface area to spray, which results in more chemical product on the fruit. Their thin skins make it easy for chemicals to leach into the flesh of the fruit. Cucumbers Non-organic cucumbers were found to contain 69 types of pesticides in the 2013 EWG study. If you can't find organic, peel the cucumbers because the waxes that are used to make them shiny also tend to hold onto chemical treatments. Grapes Grapes ripen quickly, so they are more prone to mold and insects. As a result, grapes are heavily sprayed. Grape crops were found to contain 34 pesticide residues by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Pesticide Data Program, four of which are known to be, or are probably carcinogenic. When tested, imported Chilean grapes contained 17 various chemicals. Peaches In the weeks before harvest, conventional farmers spray peaches with pesticides to guarantee perfect-looking fruits on the shelves. Even if you wash and peel a non-organic peach before eating it, it would be impossible to get rid of all 62 pesticides found by the USDA. Potatoes Even root vegetables that grow underground are susceptible to chemical treatment. Potato vines grow above the surface, and are regularly sprayed with pesticides when conventionally grown. The soil is also treated with fungicide to further prevent diseases like potato blight. For this reason, the average potato contains a higher total weight of pesticides than any other edible crop. Spinach Non-organic salad greens, especially spinach and lettuce, are sprayed with potent pesticides right onto their leaves. Organic farmers combat the insects and worms that like to snack on them by using traps, non-toxic repellents, and mesh nets to keep natural attackers at bay. Strawberries Strawberries are a delicate fruit with thin skin that is prone to growing fungus. To combat this, conventional farmers spray them with pesticides that linger when they hit the produce section. The nooks and crannies in strawberries also make for a higher concentration of pesticide compound. Almost 60 different types of pesticides have been detected in washed strawberries. Peppers Peppers, especially sweet bell peppers, are highly susceptible to insect infestation, so when they're grown non-organically, they're generously sprayed with insecticides. Their thin crunchy skins absorb pesticides like a sponge 50 different pesticides were detected on sweet bell peppers when tested. | 7 | 1,264 | health |
Infiniti's second Q-badged model was unveiled at this week's 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show, but we don't quite know what to make of it, since the Q30 concept was designed to look like a crossover , coupe, and hatchback all at the same time. The Japanese automaker calls the Q30 a "design mash-up," as it's clearly an amalgamation of all body styles. The result looks like a lowered crossover with a raked profile, which Infiniti hopes will draw the attention of a younger demographic. Although the front of the Q30 is clearly inspired by the Q50 sedan with the sleek headlights and mesh grille, it starts to resemble the JX crossover as you move toward the rear. Both have the same kink in the rear quarter window, as well as the rounded rear and the elongated taillights. With the Q30 positioned below the Q50 sedan, is it smart for Infiniti to have this half-car, half-crossover as its entry-level model? The unique hatchback model would compete in a class comprised of mostly sedans such as the Acura ILX, Buick Verano, and upcoming Audi A3. Given its competition, should Infiniti distill the Q30's styling elements into sedan form for the U.S.? Check out the photos below and let us know what you think in the comments section. | 9 | 1,265 | autos |
The Brabus B63 S: Eight cylinders with two turbos, 700 hp, 700-plus lb-ft of torque, and six-wheel drive. Oh, and those tires are 37-inch monster claws helping provide more than 16 inches of ground clearance. This beautiful monster, debuting at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show, is certainly capable of getting you past an army of the undead, an actual Warsaw Pact army, and maybe even Godzilla (no, the other one -- not the GT-R ) so you can get to Whole Foods in time to grab the last of the kale before they close. Sure it's over-the-top, but that's what the crazy geniuses at Brabus , the largest independent tuner of Mercedes-Benz products, do. Those horsepower and torque numbers are up about 150 each over the Mercedes-Benz G63 AMG 6x6 on which the B63 is based. Brabus reports the B63's drivetrain will propel the four-ton (four tons!) beast to 62 mph in about 7 seconds. The interior largely looks similar to the original G63 and is bathed in red leather. Maybe on something that gets your heart racing this much the color should be called "O Positive." The price? As with most Brabus creations, if you have to ask… but it should be well north of $500,000, which was the top of the range cited when the "plain" AMG six-wheeler debuted. It certainly has Frankfurt and the tough-vehicle crowd buzzing, but no doubt it's also making the person who created the infamous web site that aggregated photos of people flipping off the Hummer H2 SUVs (seriously, Google it) twitch juuuuust a little bit. Maybe like a zombie. | 9 | 1,266 | autos |
In a hand-out provided to the media at the 2013 Frankfurt Auto Show, Volkswagen Group partially revealed its plug-in hybrid (PHEV) rollout plan for the next several years across its three biggest brands: Volkswagen, Audi, and Porsche. The chart calls for seven specific new vehicles set to launch beginning in 2014; four Audis, two Volkswagens, and one Porsche. It doesn't give exact dates or an order by which they'll be launched, but some of that is relatively easy to predict based on current product cycles. The company with the most alternative powertrains on the docket is the one that, until recently, had canceled its hybrid and EV development . Audi is not only back in the game, but launching a full-court press. First up is the A3 e-tron PHEV , which just bowed in Frankfurt. It's a parallel hybrid matching a turbocharged four-cylinder engine to an electric motor and battery and can drive on pure electric, pure gasoline, or hybrid power. Also in the works from Audi are the A6 e-tron and A8 e-tron. The document doesn't specify whether these models will also be PHEVs like the A3, but it seems likely. The trend at Volkswagen Group appears to be moving from standard hybrids to PHEVs, evidenced in new product both from Porsche and Volkswagen. Speaking of the former, it's likely the A6 and A8 e-trons will share technology with the recently introduced Porsche Panamera S E-Hybrid, Porsche's term for PHEV. That car uses a supercharged V-6 engine mated to an electric motor and battery. It'll probably be the same setup on Audi's fourth new hybrid model, the Q7 e-tron. The current-generation Q7 never got a hybrid variant like the Volkswagen Touareg and Porsche Cayenne, but it looks poised to skip that step and jump straight to PHEV in the next-generation vehicle, which is due soon. That leads us into Porsche. Up next in Stuttgart is the updated Cayenne S E-Hybrid, which will see the current Cayenne S Hybrid upgraded to the PHEV technology currently found in the new Panamera S E-Hybrid . Purists can breathe a sigh of relief, because that's as far as it goes for Porsche right now. The company hasn't tried to shoehorn a hybrid drivetrain into one of its boxer-engined production cars yet. Finally, we have the volume brand, Volkswagen. On the slate are two cars, the Golf TwinDrive and Passat TwinDrive. You may recall the TwinDrive moniker from a concept Volkswagen presented several years ago. It was also called Golf TwinDrive and it was supposed to go on sale in 2011, which didn't happen. It's back now, and likely uses the same powertrain as the A3 e-tron mentioned earlier. Given that the new Golf, Passat, and A3 all use the same MQB platform, it's likely the Passat TwinDrive will also use the A3 e-tron's powertrain, but probably with a more powerful electric motor to compensate for the weight of the larger car. Though the chart provided doesn't show it, it's likely we'll see a new Jetta Hybrid (or TwinDrive or whatever they decide to call it) upgraded to PHEV somewhere down the road. The Jetta is one of the last vehicles released before the switchover to the MQB platform and is only a few years old right now, so its replacement is several years down the road. When it is replaced, though, expect a PHEV. Over at Audi , we can speculate that an A7 e-tron could be in the cards, since it's mechanically identical to the A6. Audi A4 and A5 e-trons are possible as well, though it's tough to say if there's enough room to package the electric motor and battery in those smaller, but still longitudinally arranged, cars. The A1 e-tron concept , with its rotary engine in the trunk generating power, seems far less likely to see production. We're likely to see new PHEV crossovers from these brands as well. Volkswagen says the seven-passenger crossover, based on the CrossBlue concept, is a top priority. As you may recall, it used a transversely arranged PHEV powertrain similar to the A3 e-tron. Likewise, the CrossBlue Coupe concept used that same powertrain, but upgraded the turbo four-cylinder to a turbo V-6, showing the scalability of the technology. With that, we can surmise that a PHEV powertrain is possible not only for the production version of the CrossBlue but for the next Tiguan. On the luxury side, it's tougher to call since the Audi Q5 and Porsche Macan use longitudinal setups, which brings up the same packaging question as the A4 and A5. | 9 | 1,267 | autos |
Audi showed two concepts at 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show this week: the mid-engine, rally-style Nanuk Quattro and the hybrid Sport Quattro . While both cars offer aggressive styling, unique powertrains, and the brand's Quattro all-wheel-drive system, the two cars will likely attract different enthusiasts. We want to know which Audi concept you prefer. The Audi Nanuk Quattro concept , designed by Italdesign Giugiaro with styling influenced by the Quattro concept and R8, is powered by a mid-mounted, 550-hp twin-turbodiesel V-10 with 738 lb-ft of torque. A beefed-up seven-speed dual-clutch transmission sends power to all four wheels. Despite mostly aluminum and carbon fiber construction, the engine, four-wheel steering, and three-height air suspension contribute to its approximately 4200-pound curb weight. Audi claims a 0-62 mph time of 3.8 seconds and a top speed of 190 mph as well as 30 mpg combined. Read more about the Audi Nanuk Quattro concept here . Exterior styling is angular, with the automaker's signature hexagonal grille, large lower side inlets, and four-ringed headlights up front. Audi R8-like side-blade air intakes and McLaren 12C style doors give character to the flanks. The turbodiesel V-10 is visible through a glass panel. The Audi Sport Quattro concept is the 2010 Audi Quattro concept redux, which was in turn a throwback to the original limited-production, barely streetable 1980-1985 Sport Quattro rally car. While the 2010 Quattro concept sported a turbocharged I-5 engine and sub-2900-pound curb weight like the original production Sport Quattro, this year's Sport Quattro concept is powered by a twin-turbo 560-hp 4.0-liter V-8 mated with an electric motor sandwiched between the engine and eight-speed automatic transmission. Total system output is estimated at about 700 hp. Electric energy is stored in a 14.1 kWh lithium-ion battery good for a 31-mile range in EV mode. Audi claims 0-62 mph in 3.7 seconds and a top speed of 190 mph in Sport mode. The larger engine, electric motor, and battery pack contribute to a near 4100-pound curb weight. Read more about the Audi Sport Quattro concept here . While styling is similar to the 2010 Quattro concept, the new concept loses the hood scoop, while the passenger-side air vents remain. LED headlights flank the honeycomb grille that is framed with brushed trim. The two-seater features a wide C-pillar and stubby rear deck with integrated spoiler and inward tilted taillights. Which 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show Audi concept do you prefer? Check out these images and then vote in our poll and leave your comments below. [polldaddy poll=7386780] | 9 | 1,268 | autos |
While the new Volkswagen Golf R and electric e-Golf and e-up! may be the stars of Volkswagen's 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show stand, the automaker is also showing the Golf Sportsvan concept, which is said to combine the "worlds of compacts and minivans" and, crucially, offer a high seating position. The Golf Sportsvan is the third Golf variant based on Volkswagen's new flexible MQB (modular transverse matrix) architecture that includes the Golf hatchback and wagon body styles. With its 105.7-inch wheelbase, the Golf Sportsvan has a two-inch longer wheelbase compared to the hatch and wagon as well as a 4.2-inch longer wheelbase than the outgoing Golf Plus. At 170.8 inches long overall, the Golf Sportsvan is 3.3 inches longer than the hatch and 5.3 inches longer than the Golf Plus, but 8.8 inches shorter than the Golf wagon. While the Golf Sportsvan is marginally wider than the hatch and Estate, the compact Sportsvan concept is 5.0 inches and 4.6 inches taller than the hatch and wagon, respectively. The Golf Sportsvan has a 0.8-inch shorter front overhang and a 1.8-inch longer rear overhang for more cargo space. Like the Golf Plus, the Golf Sportsvan has a higher seating position for better visibility, while the rear bench slides 7.1 inches fore and aft. In Europe, the production-spec Golf Sportsvan will be offered with six engines including two turbodiesel options. Power ratings for the turbocharged direct-injected gas engines range from 84 hp to 148 hp, while the TDI engines are rated 108 hp and 148 hp. Volkswagen's dual-clutch transmission is available on all but the base gas engine. We don't expect the showroom-ready version of the Golf Sportsvan concept to make it to the U.S. market. All Golf Sportsvan models will include the Golf GTI's cross differential lock (XDS+), which compensates for understeer during fast cornering, as standard. Volkswagen will also offer an Automatic Post-Collision Braking system, City Emergency Braking, adaptive cruise control, a parking assist system, new electronic parking brake with auto-hold function, a 5.0-inch touch screen, variable cargo floor, and cargo space cover. The Golf Sportsvan is the first Golf model to offer a heated steering wheel. The Golf Sportsvan will replace the Golf Plus in the automaker's European lineup when it goes on sale next summer. Be sure to check out all of our 2013 Frankfurt auto show coverage here . Source: Volkswagen The Volkswagen Golf Sportsvan concept is pictured below with the Golf Plus. | 9 | 1,269 | autos |
Volkswagen officials want to bring the e-Golf electric car to the U.S., as well as a range of vehicles running on compressed natural gas (CNG) . Calling it "a natural fit" for the U.S., Volkswagen's board member in charge of sales and marketing, Christian Klingler, implied heavily that the e-Golf, just introduced as a production model at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show, would eventually come to the U.S. The car will likely be introduced on the coasts and in major metropolitan areas first before eventually being offered across the country. With the standard Golf not arriving in the U.S. until the second quarter of next year, VW officials predict the e-Golf wouldn't show up until early 2015. The e-Golf uses a 114-hp electric motor with 199 lb-ft of torque, juiced by a 24.2 kWh battery, which should get it to 62 mph in 10.4 seconds, or slightly quicker than a Prius C. Volkswagen is also expressing a strong interest in bringing CNG-fueled vehicles to the U.S. The company already sells a number of CNG-powered cars in Europe , including the Passat and Golf, and is planning to expand the range as more vehicles switch over to the new MQB architecture, which is designed to hold a CNG tank . All the cars are and will be dual-fuel, allowing them to run on gasoline or CNG. Bringing them to the U.S. would be relatively inexpensive and easy for a big manufacturer like Volkswagen to do and the benefits are tempting. CNG burns cleaner than gasoline, reducing CO2 emissions by up to 25 percent, is very plentiful right now and is cheaper than gasoline. There are roadblocks, though. First and foremost is that there are only 800 or so CNG refueling stations in America (Germany, which is much smaller, has around 900). Volkswagen says that home fueling stations aren't especially popular, so public stations are the best way to get more customers on board. Getting more stations, though, will require some encouragement and VW hopes the EPA can help by endorsing the fuel. Right now, though, Volkswagen executives say the EPA is laser-focused on EVs as the future of the car and isn't throwing its weight behind alternative fuels. Should that attitude change, and Volkswagen is lobbying to make that happen, we could see a lot more CNG vehicles on our roads in the future. | 9 | 1,270 | autos |
It seems we can't go an auto show season without seeing at least one whacky Smart concept vehicle , and this year's Frankfurt show will play host to the brand's latest creation: the Smart Fourjoy. Though the concept lacks doors and a roof, Smart says the Fourjoy's design cues preview a four-seater production model it plans to launch at the end of 2014. The Fourjoy borrows styling elements from previous Smart concepts like last year's For-us and Forstars, with wheels pushed out to the corners for short overhangs, a body-integrated honeycomb front grille, and an overall rounded shape. Other notable exterior features include the polished aluminum tridion safety cell with integrated taillights, exposed, glassless headlights, and a pearlescent white finish applied to the bumpers, hood, and rear hatch. Most notable, though, is that the cabin is completely open to the elements. Smart says the openness provided by the lack of a roof, rear windshield, and doors "brings the city inside" while also offering an unobstructed view of the car's interior. That interior features futuristic seats made to look like floating modern lounge furniture. The curvy, sculpted seats match the pearl white hue of the exterior, and get dark chrome-finished backs and petroleum-colored surrounding piping. A spherical gauge cluster and single-spoke steering wheel recall the original Smart's interior, and smartphone docks on the dash and rear transmission tunnel allow both front and rear passengers to connect media. The concept relies on an electric powertrain based on that of the Smart Fortwo Electric Drive , which is comprised of a 74-hp electric motor and 17.6-kWh lithium-ion battery pack. Smart says the battery takes a maximum of seven hours to fully charge using most household sockets, while plugging into a wall charger or public charging station using the onboard 22-kW charger and cable reduces that time to less than an hour. If you do run out of juice, the Fourjoy has two electric skateboards mounted on the roof, which can cover short distances. Helmets can be found in back where the cargo area should be, along with a high-definition camera. Though the chances of this concept going into production as is are slim, Smart says at least some of its details, which were chosen based on feedback from previous concepts, will make it onto an upcoming production model. The concept likely hints at the next Smart Forfour , which we previously reported is being co-developed with Renault . Source: Smart | 9 | 1,271 | autos |
The new Lamborghini Gallardo LP 570-4 Squadra Corse makes its public debut today at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show. The street-going version of the Gallardo Super Trofeo racecar , the new Lamborghini Gallardo Squadra Corse promises to be the most extreme road-going Gallardo ever built. Though the Gallardo Squadra Corse's mid-mounted 5.2-liter V-10 makes the same 562 hp and 398 lb-ft of torque as the rest of the Gallardo lineup (and the Gallardo racecar), the extensive use of carbon fiber and aluminum, has allowed Lamborghini to get its all-wheel-drive supercar's dry weight down to just under 3000 pounds. Paired with a six-speed single-clutch automatic, Lambo expects the Gallardo Squadra Corse to accelerate from 0-62 mph in 3.4 seconds, and accelerate from 0-124 mph in just 10.4 seconds, before topping out at 199 mph. Braking duties are handled by standard carbon-ceramic brakes. Not only is the Lamborghini Gallardo Squadra Corse inspired by the Super Trofeo racecar, it shares quite a few parts, including its massive carbon composite rear wing and hood. The rear wing reportedly produces three times more downforce than the standard Gallardo's spoiler, while the carbon composite hood is equipped with a quick-release system, and thus removable. Aside from the menacing rear wing, the Gallardo Squadra Corse is distinguished from the rest of the Gallardo lineup by its Italian flag-inspired green, white, and red decal strip that starts just ahead of the V-10's side-air intakes, and a black-painted hood, diffuser, air intakes, and wheels. The Lamborghini Gallardo Squadra Corse comes in yellow, white, gray, or red, while its brake calipers come in red, black, or yellow. The interior of the Gallardo Squadra Corse sees extensive use of carbon fiber with everything from the door panels and standard racing seats (standard seats are available), to the center console, and handbrake frame made from the high-strength composite. Alcantara appears on the seats and even on the underside of the dashboard. Source: Lamborghini | 9 | 1,272 | autos |
The 2014 Nissan Rogue / X-Trail was unveiled today at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show with a more aggressive exterior and an interior aimed at providing more utility and comfort. Nissan also announced pricing on the 2014 Rogue compact crossover for the U.S. -- a 2014 Nissan Rogue S will start at $23,350 including destination when it goes on sale in November. All-wheel drive is available on every 2014 Rogue trim from the S to the SV and SL, at a cost of $1350. Auto show floor update : A Nissan official tells us about 70 percent of current Rogue buyers are women, but the company is hoping the new one will appeal to more male buyers. The new 2014 Rogue is said to perform more like a four-cylinder Altima with the CVT and, if that's true, the Rogue should provide a bit of a performance upgrade. Nissan Chairman and CEO Carlos Ghosn introduced the line, which will offer seating for seven, including a sliding second-row seat. Cargo area is easily created by folding the third row flat when necessary. Ghosn, who said the X-Trail (it will still be badged the Rogue in the U.S.) will present "class-leading levels of value, performance, and style" said that powertrain efficiencies mean the crossover will get 20-percent better fuel economy than the models it replaces. It will also earn Nissan's blue "Pure Drive" badge. The 2013 Nissan Rogue gets an EPA-rated 22-23/27-28 mpg city/highway, and Nissan is targeting 33 mpg highway for the 2014 model. Nissan announced in an accompanying release that the 2014 Rogue will start at $23,350 for the S front-drive model. That represents a price increase of over $2000 compared to the outgoing model. The top of the line will be the all-wheel-drive 2014 Rogue SL, which has a base price of $30,280. The tech available in the Rogue includes NissanConnect with Navigation and apps, Around View Monitor with Moving Object Detection, Blind Spot Warning, Lane Departure Warning, Forward Collision Warning, and full LED headlights. The Rogue will be powered by a 2.5-liter, 4-cylinder that produces 170 hp and 175 lb-ft of torque, the latter a number Nissan cites as being best-in-class. The exterior has definitely been retuned toward more aggressive front- and back-ends, with LED daytime running lights surrounding the available LED headlights. Muscular ridges around the wheel wells give the Rogue more of a sport-ute appearance rather than the around-town family vehicle many use it as. Inside, Ghosn said people would find "unexpected comfort and quietness" due to soft-touch materials and engineering focus on NVH. The NASA-influenced high-comfort driver seat design that debuted in the 2013 Nissan Altima will be picked up for the X-Trail. The X-Trail / Rogue will be built at nine different plants around the world. | 9 | 1,273 | autos |
Lamborghini today announced that it will be making a roadster version of the Lamborghini Veneno , which first debuted at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show . Highlighting the storied Italian automaker's fiftieth anniversary, this limited-run roofless supercar dazzles with the same cutting-edge design and mind-numbing performance. The Veneno Roadster comes only with a rollover bar, as Lamborghini has completely eschewed the roof for this race-inspired version of the Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4. In fact, there isn't even a folding roof, so don't drive if there's the remotest chance of rain. The Veneno Roadster adds only 88 pounds to its hard-top brother, totaling 3278 pounds. While this does not affect the 221-mph top speed, acceleration to 62 mph falls just barely, from 2.8 to 2.9 seconds. Its extreme bodywork, evocative of an enemy alien spaceship, is made from the same carbon-fiber reinforced polymer as the Veneno, designed for improved downforce and air diffusion. Lamborghini released images of the forthcoming Veneno Roadster in "Rosso Veneno," although each of the nine lucky owners will be able to pick their color of choice. Those who have already claimed one of the three Veneno coupe units may be having a bit of buyer's remorse, as Lamborghini will build them only red, green, and white, respectively, to represent the colors of the Italian flag. Despite the fact that the Lamborghini Veneno Roadster is a street-legal offering, we wouldn't count on seeing one out on the road. Lamborghini has set the cost of access to one of these nine Italian beasts is an approximate 3.3 million euros, or currently about $4.5 million -- before taxes. Source: Lamborghini | 9 | 1,274 | autos |
We'd advise consuming these foods as infrequently as possible. Eating healthy is about moderation, choosing "real" foods over fake processed ones, and portion control. It's also about making the right decisions and educating yourself as to why some foods are healthier than others. Read on to learn not only which foods are the worst that you can eat, but why they're so bad for you. Sausage Sausages (which includes everything from hot dogs to Slim Jims, bologna and salami), by definition, are processed. When you process meat (which serves to keep it fresh longer, among other things) by smoking, curing, salting it or preserving it via chemicals, you're loading it up with sodium, and the meat used usually also contains a ton of saturated fat, boosting the fat and cholesterol content into the stratosphere. Not only does sausage contain very little in the way of nutrients, excessive consumption has also been linked to colon cancer. Bacon Bacon may be one of the most delicious foods on earth, but it's also (unfortunately) horrible for you. Three slices of bacon contains about one-fifth of the suggested daily sodium allowance, but it's also cured using nitrates and smoke, which can contribute to increased chances of cancer and heart disease. Bacon is also fried in its own fat, which is full of saturated fat and cholesterol.More: If you need bacon in your life, check out these ridiculous bacon products you didn't know existed. Frozen dinners TV dinners might be convenient, but very few have anything to offer in the way of nutritional value. They're also pumped full of fat, calories and sodium in order to make something that's just been microwaved after sitting in a freezer for months palatable. Frozen dinners that are low in fat are also unhealthy, even though advertisements might tell you otherwise; they're still highly processed, and full of chemicals and sodium.More: Make sure you know before you buy. These are the 10 unhealthiest frozen dinners. Burgers The average restaurant burger contains upwards of 20 percent fat, which means that a fifth of that patty is pure animal fat, full of cholesterol and other unhealthy components. Once you start adding cheese and bacon, you drive the fat content into the stratosphere. Also, a supermarket-bought patty can contain meat from hundreds of cows and if just one of them was sick, that can be transmitted to you if the meat isn't cooked through. Our advice: If you're going to eat a burger, make it a small one, make sure the fat content isn't higher than 15 percent and cook it through unless you know it's from a reputable source.More: Ever wonder which fast-food burgers are the worst for you? Here are the 10 unhealthiest fast-food burgers around. Potato chips Potato chips are one of those foods that really have little to no nutritional value whatsoever. They're simply salted deep-fried starch, full of fat, calories, sodium and carbohydrates. To top it off, potato chips contain acrylamide, a carcinogen that forms when food is fried at a high temperature.More: Some chips are unhealthier than others. Click here to see the unhealthiest potato chips. "Diet" foods "Foods labeled 'fat-free' or 'diet' can often contain more sugar and chemicals than their full-fat counterparts," nutritionist Keri Glassman told us. "They end up being less satisfying and are over-consumed."Think of it this way: Fat is flavor, so when the fat comes out, the flavor needs to be replaced somehow, with artificial fillers, chemicals, salt and sugar. It's always healthier to eat real foods, even if they contain fat and calories, than their chemical-laden "diet" counterparts.More: Not only are diet foods bad, but 'diet miracles' are too. These are the ones you might want to avoid. Margarine There was a brief time when it was believed that margarine was healthier than butter, but that's gone out the window. The reason? Trans fats, quite possibly the worst thing you can put into your body, raise bad cholesterol, increase your risk of heart disease and stroke, and even damage the walls of blood vessels. Use a healthier fat like olive oil, or just stick with a small amount of real butter. Artificial sweeteners Sugar substitutes, like Equal, Splenda and Sweet & Low, are pure chemicals: acesulfame potassium, saccharin, sucralose, aspartame and neotame, to be exact. Because they're devoid of sugar and calories, we tend to think we can consume as much of it as we want, but in many ways they're unhealthier than using real, natural sugar. The fact is, we really don't know just how much damage they're causing. Recent research indicates that excessive consumption of artificial sweeteners can result in cardiovascular disease, weight gain, Type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome.More: Even though they're unhealthy, we taste tested them so you know which one is best for your coffee. Popcorn If you were to buy some popping corn, add a healthy oil and a sprinkling of salt, and pop it yourself, you'd be left with a healthy (if starchy) snack. But let's face it: Nobody actually does that. Microwave popcorn is loaded with chemicals, from the ones lining the bag to make sure oil doesn't leak through to others that prevent the bag from catching on fire. The popcorn itself is also usually coated in preservatives, salt and partially hydrogenated oils (also known as trans fats) masquerading as butter, which is given its flavor via a chemical called diacetyl, which is toxic when inhaled. As for movie theater popcorn, it's one of the unhealthiest things you can eat, especially when topped with that liquid "butter," which is nothing but artificially flavored oil. Movie theater popcorn portions are also simply out of control.More: Ever wonder how unhealthy that movie theater popcorn really is? Bagels Bagels are made with refined white flour, which has had all of its nutritional value processed out of it, and they contain on average upwards of 400 calories. They're also extraordinarily dense, in some cases the equivalent of eating six slices of bread. Once you pile on the butter and cream cheese, you're headed straight for a mid-workday nap. If you must have a bagel, choose a mini-bagel, preferably one with whole grains, and scoop out the middle. Deli meats Like sausages, deli meats are also processed, and you really wouldn't want to see what has to be done to an actual turkey breast in order to turn it into "deli-style" turkey. It's basically liquefied, mixed with fillers and sodium, then re-formed, with the finished product devoid of just about any nutritional value. Stick with the real stuff instead.More: Some deli meats are worse for you than others. These are some you may want to consider cutting back on. Toaster pastries Toaster pastries might be convenient, but they're also unhealthier than you might realize. The crust is made with white flour and unhealthy fats, and the filling is just pure sugar, with next to no actual fruit. Add icing and you're looking at upwards of 10 packets of sugar per two-pack! Now that's not a good way to start your day, is it? Pizza Anyone who's ever eaten a greasy slice of pizza knows that it's unhealthy, but the extent might surprise you. One slice of New York-style pizza can contain up to 500 calories and 10 grams of saturated fat, and the numbers get even higher if you make it deep-dish, which has a much-thicker crust which is usually made with butter. Once you start adding cholesterol-laden toppings like pepperoni and sausage, the unhealthiness factor gets out of control. If you need to eat pizza, stick to thin crust, blot the oil off of it, and use the opportunity to load it up with vegetables.More: We figured out which frozen pizzas are the worst for you. Check out the list here. Cheese The biggest offender on that slice of pizza? The cheese. Cheese is incredibly dense, and is packed with solid milk fat, which is very high in cholesterol and calories. One average-sized cheese cube (the kind you might find in a toothpick at a cocktail party) can contain four grams of fat, more than half of it saturated. By the time you realize that you just downed 10 of them without even thinking about it, you've nearly maxed out your fat quota for the day. Biscuits and gravy Yes, this might be a little specific, but a biscuit topped with cream gravy, usually flecked with chunks of sausage, is basically a heart attack waiting to happen. Biscuits are usually made with shortening in order to make them light and flaky, which is a major source of trans fat, and cream gravy is basically all fat: It starts with a roux (butter mixed 50/50 with refined flour and cooked), then milk or cream is added until it's diluted. Finally, chunks of fatty sausage are mixed in, and the whole mess gets ladled onto the biscuits. Cream gravy is also a common topping for country-fried steak, resulting in one of the unhealthiest foods man has ever produced. Ice cream Ice cream, especially the super-dense premium varieties, is the worst of both worlds: It's heavy cream, which is full of cholesterol, mixed with boatloads of sugar (and other add-ons like brownies and cookies). While it might be tempting to down that whole pint, you might want to cut yourself off after a couple of spoonfuls. Packaged cakes and cookies Few foods contain more trans fats than packaged sweet cakes and cookies. The reason? The addition of partially hydrogenated oils, which help keep the food shelf-stable and moist at the same time. Lots of preservatives are also added to prevent the fat from spoiling. It all amounts to nothing short of a "Frankenfood" that is devoid of just about anything that's natural. And that's before we even get to the sugar and fat content!More: These store bought cookies have calories that will make your head spin. Cinnabon Another specific food, but honestly, these things are so unhealthy that they're in a class all by themselves. A Cinnabon Classic contains 880 calories and 36 grams of fat, 17 of which are saturated. By comparison, a Big Mac contains 550 calories and 29 grams of fat, 10 of which are saturated. Don't forget that this is a dessert, however, so there are nearly 60 grams of sugar, the equivalent of nearly two cans of Coke. How about an apple? | 7 | 1,275 | health |
At the 2013 SEMA show, sometimes a very thin line separates aftermarket automotive brilliance from an over-the-top eyesore. We've walked the auto show floor in Las Vegas, seeking the absolute best and worst from automakers as well as aftermarket companies -- get our picks for the best and worst 2013 SEMA show cars below. BEST 2013 SEMA SHOW CARS Ringbrothers 1971 De Tomaso Pantera ADRNLN Mike Floyd : I've always had a soft spot for Panteras, and this is one of the most impressive examples of the famed Italian American you're going to find anywhere. There's a compelling backstory to this 1971 Pantera, which was owned by Randy Brickle, who passed away before he had a chance to complete his beloved car. Thanks to Ringbrothers and his wife Cheryl, the Pantera became the amazing yellow-sprayed De Tomaso you see here. Powering the car is a Wegner Motorsports built LS3 V-8 rated at a reported 600 hp, with power routed through a ZF five-speed gearbox from Bowler Performance Transmissions. The engine bay itself is a true work of art that dramatically highlights one of the elements that make every Pantera special. Mike and Jim Ring also collaborated with Nike's skunkworks design team to create a special interior with unique touches for both driver and passenger, and the folks at Royal Purple helped support and lubricate the project. Alex Nishimoto : There were quite a few solid builds at the 2013 SEMA show, which made it hard to pick a favorite. But the reimagined De Tomaso Pantera built by Ringbrothers really stood out with its attention to detail and overall quality. Called the ADRNLN, the custom exotic started out as a 1971 Pantera, then had its bodywork and interior restyled and the original Ford 351 Cleveland engine replaced with a 600-hp 6.2-liter LS3 V-8. The front end includes more than a few Ford GT notes, with the pop-up headlights replaced with wedge-shaped projector housings, and hood vents added with carbon fiber fan ducts. The two-tone interior was designed in collaboration with Nike's Skunk Works Innovation team, and utilizes unique materials not typically found in automotive upholstery. 1969 Ford Gran Torino Talladega GPT Special Jason Udy : While I saw many great builds at the show, one car really stuck out: a 1969 Ford Gran Torino Talladega GPT Special in BASF's booth. The two-tone restomod features BASF Glasurit 90-Line Daytona Sand Satin paint over Tennessee Whiskey Gold Gloss below. Although few mechanical details were available, the Gran Torino is powered by a 700-hp fuel injected BOSS 530 cubic-inch V-8 with Flowmaster exhaust. An Art Morrison chassis with an Eaton posi-traction rear end sits below the flawless body. The Gran Torino reminds us that the Mustang wasn't the only fast Ford from the 1960s. GoPro Pagani Huayra Nate Martinez : It's a million-dollar ride and no one else had one in Vegas. Admittedly, HRE Wheels' Ferrari F12 takes a close second place, but in the end, the rarest ride in the LVCC takes my top spot. Mr. Gasket "Lime Crush" Suburban Nate Martinez : Sitting pretty is just the beginning. This fully rebuilt 1966 Chevrolet Suburban by The Roadster Shop has a GM Performance ZZ502 crate engine and a very long list of other choice go-fast parts. Then you look inside to see the impeccable leather, teak wood, and vintage trim pieces. It's cool on every front. WORST 2013 SEMA SHOW CARS BASF/West Coast Customs Scion FR-S Nate Martinez: Among the vast sea of Scion FR-S and Subaru BRZs was this beautifully painted example from the guys at West Coast Customs. The BASF R-M Onyx HD paint looked spectacular. It's just that the 20-inch Asanti rims and gold accents didn't. DeviantArt 2014 Lexus IS 350 F Sport Mike Floyd : The new 2014 Lexus IS was the canvas for a design competition, and let's just say that the winning design, by Robert Evans and built by VIP Auto, is, uh, interesting. The exterior aero package starts out OK with an aggressive looking front clip and splitter that actually work with the IS spindle grille, but the fender flares are wavy messes. The front flares awkwardly terminate, and while a smidge more cohesive at the rear, they look tacked on and dramatically out of place on the car. The exhaust ports at the back seem to have no relation to the rest of the design. To be clear, we appreciate the effort and work that went into this car and the creative nature of the competition, but sorry, we're just not digging it. Electric Green Chrysler 300 With Rolls-Royce Front End Jason Udy : Unlike the last time I attended the SEMA show a few years ago, there were few completely bad cars this year. With its electric green paint job and Rolls-Royce front end, this first-generation Chrysler 300 convertible was the most over the top car I saw at the show. The 300 sports suicide hood and rear doors, side opening trunk, and four-seat fiberglass interior. With a stock 2.7-liter V-6 under the hood, we wonder if the car has enough power to turn the 26-inch Velocity Wheels. Alex Nishimoto : A Rolls-Royce front end conversion doesn't impart any class unto this roofless green Chrysler 300. Rear-hinged doors and large matching green wheels also don't help it much in the taste department. | 9 | 1,276 | autos |
Mazda's Skyactiv philosophy has yielded some innovative technologies, and the Japanese automaker plans to show off what it can do with alternative drivetrains at the Tokyo Motor Show in December. A number of vehicles will be exhibited, including Mazda3 variants with hybrid, diesel, and CNG powertrains. Mazda sees its new compact car as a "multi-solution" when it comes to alternative power. A Mazda3 with the Skyactiv-D 2.2-liter turbodiesel I-4 will be available in other markets beginning January 2014, and a hybrid version will be coming soon to Japan. Making its world debut in Tokyo will be the Skyactiv-CNG concept, which can run on gasoline and compressed natural gas. Because the Skyactiv-G already has a high compression ratio , the engine needed only minor adjustments to achieve the high pressure needed to burn CNG. Mazda developed the concept in response to rising demand for CNG-powered vehicles , and because the alternative fuel produces 20 percent fewer emissions compared to gas engines with the same displacement. The hybrid Mazda3 uses a specially designed 2.0-liter Skyactiv-G I-4 paired with an electric motor, and Mazda say the zoom-zoom driving experience is retained while achieving better fuel economy. Also on display at Mazda's Tokyo show booth will be a Mazda Atenza (the Japanese-market counterpart of the Mazda6) equipped with advanced safety technologies. One of the concept's systems is intended to prevent collisions using in-car autonomous sensors that can communicate with streetcars. While it's still unknown if the Mazda3 Skyactiv-D will make it to our shores , should Mazda consider bringing the hybrid and CNG model (if produced) to the U.S.? Tell us in the comments below. Source: Mazda | 9 | 1,277 | autos |
At its press conference on Day 1 of the 43rd Tokyo Motor Show, Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) will reveal three concept cars said to "point to the direction MMC's development and manufacturing will take in the near future." By the looks of things, MMC's horizon has some pretty aggressive looking hybrid SUVs. Mitsubishi's Concept GC-PHEV (at center) is a full-size, full time 4x4 SUV augmented by Mitsubishi's latest plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) system. GC stands for Grand Cruiser and is supposed to "bring the vision of an imposing yet eco-friendly vehicle speeding across a vast terrain." Delivering this eco-speed is a front-mounted 3.0-liter V-6 engine paired to an 8-speed automatic transmission and driving the rear wheels. The PHEV's high output electric motor and battery ostensibly provide the 4x4 capability to "deliver all-terrain performance truly worthy of all-round SUV." To right of the Grand Cruiser, is Concept XR-PHEV. XR means Crossover Runner, a name Mitsubishi claims "combines the concept's stylish crossover lines with peppy and nimble performance around town." This compact SUV concept is said to utilize a front-engine, front-wheel drive layout and PHEV system, built around Mitsubishi's latest 1.1-liter turbocharged, direct-injection gas engine. Like Concept XR, Concept AR, for Active Runabout, utilizes a front-engine, front-drive layout and a 1.1-liter turbo, DI engine. Instead of a PHEV system, the more compact AR uses a, lightweight, mild-hybrid system. While all three are concepts without any confirmed production intent, Concepts GC and XR have potential North American implications. Rumor has it MMC is studying the possibility of bringing the next generation Montero (Pajero in other markets) back to the US, and Concept GC is a look at what it could be, in its most fuel efficient form. Similarly the sporty and aggressive Concept XR, could be our next generation Outlander Sport. Wherever these three end up, their primary purpose is to tell the world that Mitsubishi is alive and kicking. MMC says these concept cars utilize a theme it calls @earth TECHNOLOGY which is a fancy catch-all term for the company's broad range of technologies. Categorized in three broad categories: Toughness and Safety, Driving Pleasure, and Environmental Responsibility, @earth TECHNOLOGY basically includes every system MMC currently uses in vehicle manufacturing, from the aforementioned PHEV and mild hybrid systems, to Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC) and Active Yaw Control (AYC), and safety systems such as Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Forward Collision Monitoring (FCM), and Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC). MMC will display these three concepts along with ten other vehicles during the press days of the 43rd Tokyo Motor Show starting November 20, 2013. We'll be there, so stay tuned. Source: Mitsubishi Motors Corporation, Mitsubishi Motors North America | 9 | 1,278 | autos |
Since its introduction in the U.S. in 2002, the Subaru WRX has been an enthusiast staple. Expectations couldn't be higher for the newest model, and Subaru gave us a taste of things to come earlier this year with the WRX concept. Now, the 2015 Subaru WRX has been fully revealed at the 2013 Los Angeles auto show, and things look promising for the successor to the famed rally special. Auto Show Floor Update: Yeah, yeah, the new 2015 WRX may have an optional CVT, but with a minor power bump, new six-speed manual, and handling lessons learned from the BRZ, the new WRX promises to be better than ever. The WRX really looks sharp in the metal, with many styling cues from the NYIAS concept carrying over. The new interior, while lacking the center-mounted tach, is worlds better than the outgoing car. The new Subaru Legacy concept is just that, a concept. That said, it looks as if Subaru has learned a few midsize sedan lessons from Mazda and Ford , perhaps realizing that you can build a family sedan that is both fun to drive AND nice to look at. - Christian Seabaugh The 2015 Subaru WRX is based on the current-gen Impreza sedan's body, and, as you might expect, features a similar profile. The WRX, however, gets a unique hood, rear doors, rear quarter panels, headlights, taillights, bumpers, and front fenders. Those fenders receive the characteristic flares, while the model's distinctive hood scoop is set more deeply to improve visibility. The front end vaguely resembles that of the concept, with the hexagonal grille jutting out past the headlights. Those headlights maintain the basic shape of the concept, but don't get the same wild, 3D LEDs. A C-shaped LED accent envelops the main lamps within the housing, which utilizes full LED low-beam lights on higher-trim models and halogens on others. Subaru says the front end look is meant to "evoke a raptor's stare." Of course, you can't have a WRX without a turbocharged flat-four engine and a performance-oriented all-wheel-drive system, and the 2015 model delivers on both fronts. Subaru borrowed the turbocharged, direct-injected 2.0-liter boxer four-cylinder from the Forester XT, and employs a high 10.6:1 compression ratio, twin-scroll turbocharger, and the Subaru Dual Active Valve Control System. The engine gets different camshafts and higher-rate valve springs, among other upgrades unique to the WRX, to bring output to 268 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, which peaks between 2000 and 5200 rpm. That represents an increase of 3 hp and 14 lb-ft of torque over the previous-gen model's turbo 2.5-liter. A six-speed manual transmission, the first-ever application in the WRX, is standard. All previous WRX models were available with five-speed manuals, and Subaru says the new transmission provides a wider ratio spread and features carbon synchronizers on first and second gears. In place of an automatic option is an available Sport Lineartronic CVT. As the WRX engine is related to that of the Forester turbo, a CVT makes sense from a logistical standpoint, but the choice may puzzle many enthusiasts as continuously variable transmissions aren't typically known for being sporty. To those doubters, Subaru says that the Sport Lineartronic CVT has been "engineered to enrich the performance driving experience," while maintaining the smooth, fuel-efficient characteristics the transmission type is known for. When in Sport Sharp mode, the CVT automatically shuffles through eight pre-selected stepped gear ratios, and the driver can choose from six- and eight-speed manual shifting modes using the steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters. CVT-equipped models also feature the Subaru Intelligent Drive system, which allows the driver to customize the driving experience by choosing from three modes, including Intelligent, Sport, and Sport Sharp. Each transmission gets its own version of Subaru's Symmetrical All-Wheel-Drive system. Manual-equipped models receive a viscous coupling locking center differential that splits torque 50:50 front and rear in normal driving conditions, and applies power to the wheel with the most traction when the Vehicle Dynamics Control system detects slippage. CVT models come exclusively with a Variable Torque Distribution (VTD) version of the all-wheel-drive system, which utilizes a planetary gear-type center differential and electronically controlled hydraulic transfer clutch to distribute torque. In most situations, the VTD splits torque 45:55 for a rear torque bias and better handling agility. The system constantly adjusts torque distribution based on the driving conditions and input from steering wheel angle, yaw, and lateral g-force sensors. The 2015 WRX rolls on a set of aerodynamically optimized 17-inch alloy wheels wrapped in 235/45R17-size Dunlop Sport SP Maxx RT high-performance tires. Electric power assist steering was used, and combined with the tires, sport-tuned suspension, and stiffer chassis compared to the outgoing WRX, the electric steering system yields response that Subaru says was benchmarked against some of the best-handling sports cars. The body features more high-tensile-strength steel than the previous model, and uses special stiffening elements. The improvements continue inside the new WRX's cabin, which is more spacious thanks to a wheelbase that's an inch longer than the outgoing model's. The dashboard is lower than before, and a higher seating H-point combined with lower door sills and doors that open wider contribute to easier ingress and egress. Almost 2 inches of legroom have been added in the rear, and the larger trunk also benefits from standard 60/40 split folding rear seats. Automatic climate control comes standard, while hands-free keyless entry, push-button start, heated front seats, a nine-speaker Harman/Kardon premium audio system, and navigation with Aha smartphone integration are available as options. Soft-touch materials are used in the dash, door trim, and center console armrest. A flat-bottom steering wheel comes wrapped in leather, and features audio and Bluetooth controls along with tilt and telescoping adjustment. Behind that is a dual-gauge cluster layout with a 3.5-inch central LCD screen, which can show oil level and selected gear. A new 4.3-inch LCD screen placed high and inset in the center stack can display a boost gauge, rearview camera feed, audio info, climate control settings, or VDC functions like traction control. Drivers can take in all this info from the comfort of the "Whiplash-reducing" front sport seats, which come standard covered in high-grip fabric but are available in leather. An eight-way power adjustable driver's seat is also available. The turbocharged, all-wheel-drive formula that has served the WRX well for more than 10 years appears to still be intact with the 2015 model, but we'll have to wait until we can drive it to see if it's a worthy successor -- and to find out if a CVT is an appropriate option for the performance car. | 9 | 1,279 | autos |
The Volkswagen CrossBlue Coupe concept is back, but this time with more realistic plug-in hybrid powertrain specs. Though we first saw the CrossBlue Coupe concept in Shanghai, the 2013 Los Angeles auto show will host the concept again, likely previewing a new Volkswagen SUV to sell at much higher volumes than the luxury-oriented Touareg. Under the hood, the Volkswagen CrossBlue Coupe concept has a 295-hp V-6 and a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission that works with two electric motors -- 54 hp up front and 114 hp in back -- for 415 total system horsepower. Acceleration from 0-60 mph is said to take 5.8 seconds, with a top speed of 147 mph. The concept's estimated fuel economy is now down to 70 MPGe (from 79 MPGe before), with a driving range of 570 miles, down from around 720 miles. For reference, the 2014 Volkswagen Touareg TDI -- with a 3.0-liter turbodiesel V-6 and an eight-speed automatic -- has an EPA-rated cruising range of 546 miles. If you drive carefully, the Volkswagen CrossBlue can now travel up to 13 miles in electric-only mode, and at speeds up to 75 mph (the Shanghai concept was said to go 21 miles at speeds up to 75 mph). Ultimately, what matters is not so much the revised CrossBlue Coupe concept powertrain estimates, but Volkswagen's comment that if a production version were produced, it would get a variety of gas, diesel, and CNG four- and six-cylinder engines. Keeping in mind the larger Volkswagen CrossBlue concept , it's clear the automaker's SUV lineup is about to get a serious boost of activity. Get the full story on the CrossBlue Coupe concept from our Shanghai First Look , and stick with MotorTrend.com for all your 2013 Los Angeles auto show updates . Source: Volkswagen | 9 | 1,280 | autos |
Gran Turismo 6 won't be released until December 6, but enthusiasts can get an up close and personal look at a super sports cars featured in the video game at the 2013 Los Angeles auto show. Mercedes-Benz has built the AMG Vision Gran Turismo, and from the photos, the concept looks absolutely stunning. Auto Show Floor Update: The Mercedes-Benz AMG Vision Gran Turismo concept wowed everyone in the automaker's booth when it appeared on a stage in a cloud of smoke. While the stunning concept is slated only to arrive in Gran Turismo 6 early next month, the AMG Gran Turismo concept isn't planned for production. During the SLS AMG GT Final Edition reveal, Mercedes mentioned that the sports car wouldn't have a direct successor, but rather a new kind of sports car would arrive next year. AMG boss Tobias Moers only showed a slide with a single brush stroke suggesting the profile of the new sports car. Curiously, the profile resembles that of the AMG Vision Gran Turismo concept. Combine that with the production-ready rumble of AMG's twin-turbo V-8, we can only speculate that the AMG Vision Gran Turismo concept hints at the AMG's future sports car. - Jason Udy Defined by extreme proportions, sexy contours, and high-tech gadgetry, the concept features a blend of old and new Benz traits. Like the SLS AMG GT , the AMG Vision Gran Turismo boasts a long hood that flows seamlessly into a compact greenhouse, while also borrowing the SLS' gullwing doors. Broad shoulders and bulging wheel wells add drama, while red glowing contour lines on the lower part of the car create a cool and futuristic effect. Looking at it head on, the AMG Vision Gran Turismo wears an exaggerated front grille reminiscent of the 1952 300SL race car , while the diamond-like grille from the CLA-Class adds a modern twist. Flanking the grille are two sharply angled headlights, which appear super-small in comparison to the humongous grille and three-pointed star badge. Other notable features on the concept's exterior include AMG ceramic high-performance brakes, and an exhaust system comprised of eight exhaust pipes. It gets even better inside the cabin, which was inspired by a Formula 1 cockpit. Red sport seats offset the black flooring, and the instrument panel appears to flow smoothly into the gullwing doors. Above the steering wheel is a floating glass surface, which displays important information such as speed and operating temperature. Rocker switches are located on the center stack and in an overhead compartment, giving the cabin an overall jet-like feel. We wouldn't expect anything less than a variant of AMG's twin-turbo V-8 under the hood, and that's exactly what this concept delivers -- tuned to 577 hp and 590 lb-ft of torque. Thanks to its aluminum space frame body, the concept only weighs 3053 pounds, which equals about 5.2 pounds per hp. While we'd certainly love to give this thing a go in the real world, we'd also settle for some virtual seat time when it's integrated in the new GT6 through online updates. The AMG super sports car will be the first of the "Vision Gran Turismo" series of vehicles unveiled in the game. Source: Mercedes-Benz | 9 | 1,281 | autos |
Jeep is keeping the Wrangler fresh by introducing another special-edition model. The 2014 Jeep Wrangler Willys Wheeler edition is inspired by the off-roader's predecessors from the 1940s. Debuting at the 2013 Los Angeles auto show, the 2014 Jeep Wrangler Willys Wheeler edition will arrive in early 2014 with a base price of $26,790 or $30,590 for the four-door Wrangler Unlimited. The Wrangler Willys Wheeler edition is more subtle than other special-edition models we've seen -- well, at least compared to the Dragon edition . The newest Wrangler model is available in any color, and comes with a gloss black grille plus a matching black Jeep badge, front and rear bumper trim, and unique 17-inch alloy wheels. Perhaps more important to those who may actually consider this vehicle, "Willys" hood decals make clear you're driving no ordinary Wrangler, and there is a black "4 Wheel Drive" rear tailgate decal, as well. A Sunrider soft top and tinted rear windows are also standard, as is Bluetooth and satellite radio. The Wrangler's half doors and a black-splatter Freedom Top are also available. The 2014 Jeep Wrangler is powered by a 285-hp 3.6-liter V-6 and uses a six-speed manual or five-speed automatic transmission. We've tested a 2012 Wrangler with the manual accelerating from 0-60 mph in 6.7 seconds. In the review, we noted that although peak torque with the 3.6-liter V-6 arrives at a higher rpm than the previous V-6, there was no noticeable difference when off-roading, which proved to be more fun than before. While the 2014 Jeep Wrangler may continue to be a good seller for the brand, EPA-rated fuel economy that tops out at 21 mpg on the highway could be a problem in the future. Recently, Jeep's Mike Manley suggested that there's a chance the next-generation Wrangler may live on without a solid axle. Until that SUV arrives, expect from Jeep more special editions like the 2014 Wrangler Willys Wheeler. For all the latest 2013 Los Angeles auto show updates, don't miss our auto show coverage page HERE . Source: Jeep | 9 | 1,282 | autos |
The SRT Viper launch hasn't gone as well as Chrysler may have hoped , but that's nothing a special-edition model can't help with. The 50-unit 2014 SRT Viper GTS Anodized Carbon special edition debuting at the 2013 Los Angeles auto show highlights the sports car's sexy curves in a new metallic matte exterior color. Production on the 50 Viper GTS Anodized Carbon cars begins in January. Along with the special paint, the Viper GTS wears black-chrome colored five-spoke Rattler wheels that contrast nicely with the orange brake calipers. Also included is a black GTS badge, carbon fiber brake ducts, and an Anodized Carbon fuel filler door. Step inside the 2014 Viper GTS Anodized Carbon and you'll be greeted by orange stitching on the Nappa leather-covered interior plus Alcantara interior accents. Orange accents also appears on the door panel and near the instrument cluster while carbon fiber accents and a special carbon GTS badge further dress up the interior. As with other 2014 Vipers , the special-edition model is powered by a 640-hp 8.4-liter V-10 with 600 lb-ft of torque. When we tested a 2013 SRT Viper GTS, the car accelerated from 0-60 mph in 3.4 seconds . "There's a very narrow envelope you can drive the Viper in," Randy Pobst told Motor Trend after some track time. "If you get into the throttle too quickly, it'll come out on you quick and the only way to fix it is to back out of the throttle. There's rotation, but you can't use it. Other cars, you can use the rotation to point you out of the corner. Not this car." What do you think -- does the matte silver paint make the most of the 2014 SRT Viper's exterior styling? Don't miss our comprehensive 2013 Los Angeles auto show page RIGHT HERE . Source: SRT | 9 | 1,283 | autos |
In a lot of these blogs I've been lecturing the customers, telling them what they should and shouldn't do. Well, this week, I want to share some rules for salespeople. I try to follow these rules myself, and I think all salespeole should, too. We'll start at Number Ten and work our way down to Number One. 10. Never ask a Customer if They're Buying Today. This is a question that benefits you, the salesperson, but does nothing to help the buyer. Never ask a question that only benefits you. Instead, focus on questions that benefit the buyer, and in the end you'll both benefit. Besides, very few people really know in advance when they'll be buying, and by asking for a commitment too early in the process you're only making them more defensive. 9. Never ask What Payment They Want. "Hey, what kind of payment you wanna be at?" Again, this is a question that benefits the salesperson, not the buyer. Also, silly questions invite silly answers, like "$300 a month," which may be impossible to reach. Instead, if you must ask a question like this to narrow down the choices, ask the customer what their current payments are. This doesn't come across as a "commitment question" and it will give you some idea of their comfort zone. 8. Never Make it Difficult to get Information or Direct Answers to Direct Questions. Ask anyone you know and they will tell you this is one of the most frustrating things about dealing with car salesmen. You never get a simple, straightforward answer to anything; you always get a runaround. But most buyers are less concerned with the answer they get than the difficulty involved in getting the answer. The harder we make it as salespeople to get answers to questions, the less likely they are to buy from us. So, make it easy-- and make yourself stand out from every other salesman they encounter. When the customer asks a direct question, answer them. They won't know what to do next. 7. Never Assume Anything About Your Customer's Ability to buy. If you've been in sales for any length of time, you should know by now that you can't judge a book by its cover. The guy who just pulled up in the ten year old rattletrap wearing overalls and dirty work boots maybe the richest guy in town. He just doesn't like to advertise it. Treat every customer with respect and as if he or she is a real buyer. Even first time buyers with no credit may have rich grandparents just itching to buy them their first car. 6. If you Don't Know the Answer, Don't Make up Something . The typical salesman response to a question they don't know the answer to is to try to BS their way through it. Don't do it. Chances are, the customer already knows the answer and is testing you. Once you've demonstrated your ignorance he probably won't buy from you. Even if they don't know the answer, they'll probably find out later that you were wrong and there goes your credibility. Learn your product, and your competitor's product. If you don't know the answer, say "I'm sorry, I don't know the answer to that, but when we get back inside I'll find out for you." And be sure to do it. 5. Don't Waste Your Customer's Time. The most valuable commodity any salesperson has is time. Guess what? Your customers are no different. If it's Saturday afternoon and you've gone to the desk to get numbers, don't stand there chatting up your manager about the football game, or talking about your party plans later on. Stay focused on the customer and get the job done. Then talk about where you're going Saturday night. 4. Never Ask a Woman to go Home and get her Husband (or vice versa). My favorite story in this regard is the story of Ursula Burns, the President of Xerox Corporation. Ms. Burns, who is an African-American woman, pulled up at a Porsche dealership one day and asked to testdrive a car. The salesman, not recognizing her as the CEO of a Fortune 500 company, told Ms. Burns he would be glad to let her testdrive his car . . . once she ran home and got her husband. Needless to say, Ms. Burns didn't buy a car from that gentleman. Instead, she drove down the street to a different dealership, where she stroked a check for a $125,000 Cayenne. In this day and age it's crazy to think there are salespeople who would do this, but they're out there. 3. Never ask for the Sale too Early . . . but Always Ask for the Sale! Studies have shown that one of the things customers hate is when salesmen ask for a buying commitment too early in the process. You cannot go from "Hello" to "Are ya ready to buy?" It just doesn't work that way. First you have to get to know the customer and find out what their needs are. Once you've found a vehicle that fills those needs, then you ask for the commitment. Always. 2. Never Forget to Follow-up on Promises You've Made. A lot of salespeople develop amnesia about their customers the instant they drive off the lot. But if you've promised them floor mats, or window tint, or a tow hitch, make sure they get it. Follow through. Never make the customer chase you down and force you to live up your obligations. It shows a lack of care for them, a lack of professionalism, and it almost always guarantees you no future sales from that customer, or referrals. 1. Never Lie to Your Customer This one should be obvious. First of all, it's a matter of morality. Even if it wasn't, it makes no sense to lie. For one thing, when you lie you have to remember to keep telling the same lie forever-- and you may even be forced to come up with a second lie to cover up the first. If your lie is ever discovered, your relationship with that customer is destroyed. You've just confirmed every negative thing they ever heard about car salesmen. Are they going to buy from you again? Not likely. Are they going to tell everyone they know you lied? Absolutely. Again, it makes no sense. So don't do it. So, there are my Top Ten Don'ts for Salesmen. I can't guarantee you'll make more money if you go by these, but at least you'll be able to live with yourself! | 9 | 1,284 | autos |
Among the many rumors surrounding the 2015 Jaguar F-Type coupe prior to its debut was that it would be more expensive than the convertible and that the 550-hp supercharged V-8 from the XKR S would be available under the hood. We're happy to report the former is false, while the latter is very true. Auto Show Event Update: Jaguar unveiled the new 2015 F-Type Coupe prior to its public debut at the 2013 Los Angeles auto show. The event was held in a large movie studio in West Los Angeles, providing plenty of space for the coupe's dramatic Hollywood-style entrance. With about two football fields worth of tarmac at its disposal, an F-Type R coupe drove toward the crowd at wide open throttle, proving that its supercharged 550-hp V-8 sounds just as good as its top-down sibling. As for the styling, the coupe looks just as athletic, if not more so than the convertible. The coupe's wide, creased haunches are perhaps its best feature, while the roofline slopes nicely to the edge of the rear trunk deck. Overall, the new coupe is looks just as stunning as the C-X16 concept Jaguar showed off a few years ago. -- Erick Ayapana That's right. Following the F-Type coupe's worldwide debut at the 2013 Los Angeles auto show, it will arrive in dealerships with a base price of $65,895, which is $4000 cheaper than the top-down equivalent powered by the 340-hp 3.0-liter supercharged V-6. The F-Type S Coupe with the higher-output 380-hp blown-six will carry a starting price of at $77,895. The big news, however, is the F-Type R Coupe. At $99,895, the R Coupe gets a 5.0-liter supercharged V-8 rated at 550-hp and 502 lb-ft of torque. All engines are mated to an eight-speed automatic, though the R Coupe gets its own special calibration. Jaguar says the R Coupe will run from 0-60 mph in 4.0 seconds, which is very conservative when you consider the lesser powered F-Type V8 S convertible (488-hp) accelerated to 60 mph in a mere 3.9 seconds. We'll also assume the R Coupe is lighter than the convertible, which tipped the scale at 3965 pounds. The supercharged six-cylinders are also far from slouches, with estimated 0-60 mph times of 5.1 and 4.8 seconds, respectively. Jaguar is introducing a few new performance goodies with the R Coupe. First is a next-generation Electronic Active Differential that features an improved and more responsive controller. The coupe will also come with a torque vectoring system that relies on the ABS to applying light braking force to the inside wheel during cornering. Speaking of brakes, all F-Type coupe models are available with Carbon Ceramic Matrix brakes, which Jaguar says zaps away a total of 46 pounds of unsprung-weight (20-inch forged rims are also included in the brake package). The 2015 F-Type R Coupe will also get unique tuning for its Adaptive Dynamics system and springs rates, which are higher than the V8 S convertible. Like the F-Type V8 S Convertible, the R Coupe will be fitted with an Active Sports Exhaust system, which can go from loud to very loud thanks to electronically controlled bypass valves tweaked with the push of a button. The R Coupe will feature quad exhaust tips, while the V-6 models are distinguishable by their center-mounted dual exhaust tips. If you were a fan of the C-X16 concept coupe that inspired the 2015 F-Type coupe, then you should be very pleased with the final product. It's almost impossible to decide if the convertible or coupe is the better looker, though the coupe provides the benefit of added structural rigidity. Like the convertible, the coupe features aluminum construction. An aluminum alloy beam runs from the A-pillar to the D-pillar for added rigidity and allows the absence of a B-pillar. The sloping roofline blends simply to the edge of the rear hatch, which is made from lightweight composite material and also houses the power-retractable spoiler. Another benefit of the coupe is its trunk capacity of 11 cubic feet, which is four more than the convertible. Those wishing for more sunlight can opt for the optional panoramic glass roof. 2015 Jaguar F-Type Coupe BASE PRICE $65,895-$99,895 LAYOUT Front-engine, RWD, 2-pass, 2-door coupe ENGINE 3.0L/340-hp/332-lb-ft supercharged DOHC 24-valve V-6; 3.0L/380-hp/339-lb-ft supercharged DOHC 24-valve V-6; 5.0L/550-hp/502-lb-ft supercharged DOHC 32-valve V-8 TRANSMISSION 8-speed auto 0-60 MPH 3.8-5.0 sec (est) WHEELBASE 103.2 in LENGTH x WIDTH x HEIGHT 176 x 75.7 x 51.5 in CURB WEIGHT 3600-3900 lb (est) EPA CITY/HWY FUEL ECON N/A | 9 | 1,285 | autos |
If you had told a Porsche purist at the turn of the century that within 13 years the 2015 Porsche Macan crossover would be joining a larger SUV and a sedan, you'd likely have gotten the same look that Toronto mayor Rob Ford gets whenever he puts his foot in his mouth. And yet here we are at the Los Angeles Auto Show, where the German automaker is introducing the Macan. Auto show event update : Porsche just introduced its second SUV at an event before the 2013 Los Angeles auto show and for the purists who already hate it, we've got one thing to say: get over it. With the Cayenne Porsche's best-seller, the 2015 Porsche Macan will help boost the automaker's bottom line so it can pay for more pet projects like the 918 Spyder. Though based on a Volkswagen platform, the Macan is full of Porsche DNA. The styling is pure Porsche, with plenty of 911 an 918 touches, as well as Cayenne traits. As expected, the Macan's interior feels both sporty, and luxurious. The Macan really looks and feels sharp in the metal. We suspect if it drives as good as it looks Porshe will have no problem reaching its goal of 50,000 sales per year. Can't wait to see what pet project this crossover pays for. --Christian Seabaugh On the face of it, Porsche purists have every reason to be scared of a product like the new 2015 Macan. Not only is it yet another SUV, but the Macan is built on Volkswagen's corporate MLB platform, which it also shares with most of Audi's lineup, including the Audi Q5 and the A4. Yet Porsche has done a bang-up job of making the 2015 Macan stand apart from its Q5 corporate sibling. It shares only about 20 percent of its parts with the Audi , and some Porsche DNA is evident in its bespoke powertrains, chassis revisions, and of course, its 911 and 918 Spyder-inspired sheetmetal. At the heart of the new 2015 Macan are two new gas engines. The 2015 Porsche Macan S is powered by a version of the 2014 Panamera's 3.0-liter twin-turbo V-6 making 340 hp, while the 2015 Porsche Macan Turbo is powered by a 3.6-liter twin-turbo V-6 (itself a stroked version of the Macan S mill) making 400 hp. Porsche hasn't released torque figures for either engine. Both the Macan S and Macan Turbo route their power to Porsche's Porsche Traction Management (PTM) all-wheel drive system via the standard seven-speed dual-clutch PDK transmission. While the Macan is capable of sending up to 100 percent of its power to either the front or rear axle, it's fitted with a rear-biased all-wheel drive system. A Sport mode that sharpens throttle response, transmission shifts, and the electric power steering rack is standard, while the Sport Chrono package, which includes a launch-control function, is optional. As for performance claims, Porsche says the Macan S' high-revving twin-turbo 3.0-liter V-6 will help it accelerate from 0-60 mph in 5.2 seconds, or 5.0 seconds with the available Sport Chrono pack. Top speed is electronically limited to 156 mph. The 2015 Macan Turbo can propel the cute 'ute from 0-60 mph in 4.6 seconds, or 4.4 seconds with the Sport Chrono pack. The Macan Turbo's top speed is 164 mph. Being a Porsche, the Macan's handling performance was just as important to the automaker as its outright speed. Porsche engineered the Macan to have the lowest center of gravity possible, while still having enough clearance for a comfortable ride and light off-roading (more on that in a sec). To do this, Porsche offers three different suspensions. The 2015 Macan S sports lightweight steel springs that Porsche says maintain a good balance between performance, driving pleasure, off-roading, and comfort. Standard on the high-zoot Macan Turbo is the automaker's Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) system. PASM offers Comfort, Sport, and Sport Plus modes that electronically adjust the suspension. An air suspension that works together with PASM is optional. The air suspension sits a little more than a half-inch lower than on a Macan with traditional springs, and can be lowered to ease entry and exit, or raised for light off-roading, providing just more than nine inches of ground clearance. Handling braking duties are six-piston front brakes and floating-caliper rear brakes. The Macan S' brake discs are 13.78 inches in diameter up front and 12.99 inches in back, while the Macan Turbo S gets larger 14.17 inch brakes up front and 14.02 inch brakes in back. The 2015 Macan comes shod with staggered 19-inch wheels, with optional wheels ranging in size from 18 to 21 inches. While performance was a priority for Porsche, so was efficiency and light off-road capability. Though Porsche isn't talking EPA estimates yet, the Macan comes with a slew of technologies designed to ease its fuel consumption. Start-stop comes standard, as does a sailing function like that seen on the Cayenne Hybrid that de-couples the engine from the transmission when the driver lifts a foot off the gas, allowing the Macan to coast freely without any engine braking. The Macan also comes standard with electric power steering, active radiator vents, and a brake regeneration system that'll charge the SUV's battery during braking, reducing the load on the engine. As for off-road capability, all 2015 Porsche Macans come standard with an Off-road mode. The mode is optimized to provide the greatest traction in dirt and snow. Engaging it changes the PDK's shift points, as well as pre-tensions the all-wheel-drive system's clutch, allowing the engine to send power to the front axle more quickly. When equipped with the air suspension, off-road mode also automatically raises the suspension. With the Macan raised up, the Porsche's approach angle is 26.6 degrees, departure angle is 23.6 degrees, and breakover angle is 19 degrees. Without the air suspension, the Macan's approach, departure, and breakover angles are 24.8/23.6/17.1 degrees, respectively. Non-air suspension models have just 7.8 inches of ground clearance. Visually, the 2015 Macan looks like a cross between the Cayenne, 911, and 918 Spyder, says Porsche. The Macan's nose is clearly inspired by the Cayenne, with similarly shaped headlights and an almost identical lower front fascia, but with Boxster bits like the air intakes -- thrown in. The Macan's profile reveals a window silhouette reminiscent of the 911, and what Porsche calls Sideblades at the bottom of the doors. Inspired by the 918 Spyder, the Sideblades are painted black on the Macan S, and are body color on the Macan Turbo. Carbon-fiber Sideblades are optional all around. The tail end of the 2015 Macan sports a clamshell tailgate, 918-inspired LED taillights, and a rear diffuser flanked by dual exhausts. The 2015 Porsche Macan's interior will feel immediately familiar to anyone who's spent any time in a late-model Porsche. The interior features a sloping center console complete with all the buttons you could ever dream of pressing. The instrument panel is also traditional Porsche, with a center-mounted tach flanked by three conventional gauges, and a 4.8-inch multi-function color display. The Macan's interior features sport seats, and a brand-new sport steering wheel that'll likely find its way onto other models in the Porsche lineup. As you'd expect, the 2015 Porsche Macan has loads of options, ranging from performance bits such as the Sport Chrono package, to safety, with lane departure warning and active cruise control. The 2015 Porsche Macan is expected to hit Porsche dealers in the spring of 2014, with prices estimated to range from $52,000-$62,000. 2015 Porsche Macan BASE PRICE $52,000-$62,000 (est) LAYOUT Front-engine, AWD, 5-pass, 4-door SUV ENGINE 3.0L/340-hp, 3.6L/400 DOHC twin-turbo 24-valve V-6 TRANSMISSION 7-speed dual-clutch automatic 0-60 MPH 4.4-5.2 seconds WHEELBASE 110.5 in LENGTH x WIDTH x HEIGHT 184.3 x 75.7 x 63.9 in CURB WEIGHT 4200-4400 lb (est) ON SALE IN U.S. Spring 2014 | 9 | 1,286 | autos |
When we first showed you the Honda S660 concept, we told you Honda has dreams of selling it around the world, not just in Japan's unique Kei car market. American Honda CEO Tetsuo Iwamura is fully behind that idea. "I would personally fight for it," Iwamura told journalists, if the American market demands the car. As Honda insiders have told us recently, having executive support behind a project can go a long way towards making it happen. Even with Iwamura onboard, though, it's an uphill battle. Iwamura admitted there would be significant cost in re-engineering the S660 to meet American front- and side-impact regulations. He'd also want to fit bigger wheels and tires, which means changing the fenders and more. Making the S660 viable in America would also require a new drivetrain. Currently, it's powered by a mid-mounted, 0.66-liter (660 cc, hence the name), three-cylinder engine making 64 hp and 72 lb-ft of torque, turning the rear wheels with a CVT that can be paddle-shifted like a seven-speed automatic. The most likely replacement would be the turbocharged 1.0-liter three-cylinder engine Honda's developing, which makes 127 hp and 148 lb-ft of torque. Not a lot, but plenty for a car that weighs in under 2000 pounds. Of course, all of this is contingent on strong demand for a tiny, two-seat roadster from the American market. Historically, that demand hasn't been strong, and even a stalwart like the Miata doesn't sell well today. Still, the possibility exists if the demand does. | 9 | 1,287 | autos |
The redesigned 2014 Toyota Highlander has been priced, and while the LE and LE Plus trims don't get bumped up by much, higher-end trims have price tags up from $1480 to $1700. A four-cylinder 2014 Toyota Highlander LE starts at $30,075 including destination, while the new top-of-the-line all-wheel-drive 2014 Toyota Highlander Platinum Hybrid carries an MSRP of $50,650. The 2014 Toyota Highlander Hybrid is debuting at the 2013 Los Angeles auto show. Even on the base-model 2014 Toyota Highlander LE ($125-$195 more than last year), seating for eight is standard equipment. Also standard is a rearview camera, Bluetooth, 18-inch alloy wheels, two years of complimentary maintenance, and heated side mirrors with turn signal indicators. The car's 2.7-liter I-4 produces 185 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque. Mated to a six-speed automatic, the 2014 Highlander LE I-4 is only offered with front-wheel drive. The LE V-6 starts at $31,380 and adds a 270-hp 3.5-liter V-6 with 248 lb-ft of torque. When we tested the last-generation Highlander in all-wheel-drive form with the same V-6 engine, it accelerated from 0-60 mph in 7.1 seconds, quicker than five other SUVs in a six-vehicle comparison. All-wheel drive is a $1460 option on every trim except the base LE I-4. Go for the $32,840 2014 Toyota Highlander LE Plus ($890-$900 more than last year) and you'll get fog lights, an adjustable-height power liftgate and flip-up rear hatch window, eight-way power driver seat with lumbar support, three-zone climate control, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. Things get a bit more luxurious on the $36,900 XLE, which includes leather seats (heated in front), roof rails, a moonroof, hands-free keyless entry, second-row sunshades, an eight-inch touch-screen display with navigation, and a 5000-pound towing capacity. Second-row captains chairs -- making the Highlander a seven-seater instead of eight -- is optional, as is a rear-seat Blu-ray entertainment system. The 2014 Toyota Highlander Limited costs $40,500 and throws in 19-inch wheels, LED daytime running lights, a blindspot monitoring system, rear parking sensors, seating for seven, perforated leather seats (heated/cooled in front), and a four-way power passenger seat, wile a panoramic moonroof and adaptive cruise control. The new Highlander Limited Platinum starts at $42,990 and includes a panoramic moonroof, a pre-collision system with adaptive cruise control, automatic high beam headlights, a heated steering wheel, and heated second-row captain's chairs. At the very top of the 2014 Toyota Highlander lineup is the V-6 hybrid model , which pairs a 3.5-liter V-6 with a hybrid powertrain for a net 280 hp. Starting in the Limited trim, the hybrid carries an MSRP of $48,160. Standard equipment includes navigation, an eight-inch touch-screen display, a 12-speaker JBL Green Edge sound system, all-wheel drive, 19-inch wheels, and more. The $50,650 Platinum model includes the same equipment found on the Platinum V-6 model. The 2014 Toyota Highlander arrives in dealerships in January while the hybrid will show up in February. The 2014 Toyota Highlander V-6 is shown below. Source: Toyota | 9 | 1,288 | autos |
It's easy to panic upon seeing the 2015 Subaru WRX at the 2013 Los Angeles auto show , because at the face of it, the new WRX represents drastic changes for Subaru's rally rocket. While true, it's still turbocharged and has standard all-wheel drive, Subaru has eliminated the hatchback body style (which previously accounted for half of all WRX sales), and fitted it with the most un-sporty of transmissions: the CVT. But I'm here to tell you that everything's going to be alright, as first impressions from the auto show floor reveal that the new WRX hasn't lost its edge. Let's first address the elephant in the room, the WRX's new CVT. While you won't find us calling the CVT a sports transmission, Subaru demonstrated with the 2014 Forester XT that it knows how to make the gearless box feel sporty. The 2015 WRX's CVT which Subaru says will only account for 20 percent of 2015 WRX sales is tuned to seemingly act as a traditional automatic in most instances. For example, with the Si-Drive in Intelligent mode, the transmission will act as a traditional CVT until the throttle is depressed more than 30-percent, where it'll revert to pretending to be a six-speed automatic. In Sport mode, any throttle application over 20 percent sends the transmission into fixed ratios. In Sport Sharp, the gearbox supposedly forgets it's a CVT and acts as an eight-speed automatic. More on the WRX: 2015 Subaru WRX First Look While it's no dual-clutch transmission, Subaru says it couldn't have developed one for the WRX without sending its sticker north of $30,000. The CVT-equipped WRX comes with launch control, and Subaru claims a 5.9-second 0-60 mph run with that car. Subaru's early fuel economy estimates for the CVT WRX are 19/25/21 mpg city/highway/combined, which is equal to the five-speed-manual-equipped outgoing car. While unimpressive, Subaru says that in Intelligent mode, the 2015 WRX is good for 30 mpg highway. One last note regarding the CVT many enthusiasts will lament the fact that Subaru is even offering an automatic transmission on the WRX, but this isn't the first time an auto has been offered in the WRX. The bug-eyed 2002 WRX offered a four-speed automatic is that really less-sporty than a CVT? And while yes, there's a CVT, the 2015 WRX gets a six-speed manual transmission for the first time. The six-speed model sports carbon fiber-reinforced synchros in first in second, and a wider spread of gear ratios, meaning the car won't be humming along at 3000 rpm on the highway. With the WRX's power output is relatively unchanged to leave room for the more-powerful WRX STI (the 2.0-liter turbo F-4 produces 268 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, but on a flatter curve than before), Subaru's 0-60 mph estimate is 5.4 seconds , which is the same as the outgoing WRX. That likely means a high four-second 0-60 mph run isn't out of the question with a hard launch. Subaru's early fuel economy estimates for the new WRX with the manual are 21/28/24 mpg. As for the lack of a hatchback variant, Subaru has a good reason for that too. Subaru had a choice when developing the 2015 WRX: either split their budget in half to develop a hatch and sedan, or commit that entire budget to one body style. Subaru obviously did the latter, committing to the sedan because it offers more sales growth potential than the hatch. The result is a WRX that not only looks distinctly like a WRX, but is unique from the Impreza from the greenhouse down. Other 2015 WRX notes: - While the car is about 60-pounds heavier than before, Subaru says it should have a 12 pounds-per-horsepower ratio. -Subaru claims the WRX has better turn-in than the BRZ, with equal body roll. -While a brake override feature, cutting power if both the brake and throttle are pressed, is installed on the WRX, Subaru says the system is unobtrusive and tuned to allow trail braking. -Subaru sees the WRX's primary rivals as the Volkswagen GTI , Ford Focus ST, Mazdaspeed3, and Honda Civic Si. -The interior features a completely unique center stack and instrument panel, and is much nicer than the outgoing car. -No gold wheels. -The next-gen Subaru WRX STI drops this auto show cycle we're thinking New York. Catch our comprehensive 2013 Los Angeles auto show coverage RIGHT HERE . | 9 | 1,289 | autos |
Hyundai -- like a lot of other manufacturers, has been quietly toiling away on a fuel-cell program for more than a decade, and this spring, some lucky Los Angeles and Orange County residents will at long last have the opportunity of leasing a Hyundai Tucson that runs on electricity generated by an onboard fuel-cell stack. The stack can be refueled in 10 minutes at a network of stations that will number 100 in the greater LA basin within a year. And the compact crossover will be able to travel about 250 miles on a fill-up. Best of all: Fill-ups will be free! That's right, the $499/month for 36 months lease payment ($3000 down, please) INCLUDES all the fuel you can burn in addition to what little maintenance is required, plus free roadside assistance (should your 250-mile sojourn fall short of an H2 station). The vehicles will qualify to whiz along in the High-Occupancy-Vehicle lanes, and because the standard Tucson loses only 0.6 inch of rear-seat legroom and 1.9 cubic feet of cargo space, it will rank as one of the roomiest, most versatile green vehicles available. If you own a light-delivery company with a service area that includes several of these H2 stations, you'd be a fool not to try to get one of these as your "personal" vehicle. The fuel-cell stack was entirely developed in-house at Hyundai , and research dates back to well before the 2000-200s Santa Fe and Sportage FCEV development cars first hit the roads. Since then the company has accumulated over 2 million test miles, including 140,000 real-world miles on the latest design -- not including mileage racked up by the first to take delivery of the European-market ix35 Fuel Cell model that became available back in June 2013. The Tuscon and ix35 Fuel Cell vehicles are built alongside the gasoline models on the same assembly plant in Ulsan Korea. The system has been tested at temperatures ranging from -4F to greater than 117F, at humidity levels as low as 0-20 percent (also hard on a fuel cell), and at altitudes higher than 8500 feet. It has also survived all standard crash tests plus an 8-g sled test without going all Hindenburg. It won't be a ball of fire performance-wise either. The fuel-cell stack, lithium-polymer buffer battery (it's not a plug-in, but it absorbs regenerative-braking energy to assist with acceleration), and related gear add about 800 pounds to the weight of a front-drive GLS. The electric motor produces 134 hp and 221 lb-ft as opposed to the gasser's 182 hp and 177 lb-ft. Hyundai pegs the 0-62-mph time at 12.5 seconds; our last front-drive GLS did 0-60 in 8.7. But it should easily attain freeway merging speeds (especially in LA, where those often aren't actual freeway speeds), and it tops out at 100 mph. The hydrogen gets stored in two 10,000-psi tanks, a large one under the cargo floor and one under the rear seat. They hold 5.64 kg of H2 (that's the equivalent of about 6.7 gallons of gasoline), so if it lasts 250 miles, it's averaging something like 37 mpg-e, but with Hyundai's lease deal, it's getting infinite miles per dollar! Look for a web site soliciting interested lessees to go live about the time you're reading this, with deliveries to the four SoCal dealerships beginning this Spring. If interested, act fast only about 1000 Tucson Fuel Cell models are expected to come stateside through 2016. Hydrogen Stations Open Now Burbank West LA Torrance Harbor City Fountain Valley Newport Beach Irvine (UCI) Under Development San Juan Cap Woodland Hills Anaheim Mission Viejo Chino Diamond BarHawthorne Hermosa Beach Santa Monica UCLA Beverly Hills Cal State LA Irvine | 9 | 1,290 | autos |
Its namesake and founder may have passed away but Shelby is still going strong at the 2013 Los Angeles Auto Show. Despite the fact that a new Mustang is about two weeks away, Shelby today unveiled the 2014 Shelby GT and Shelby GT/SC in L.A. Based on the current-generation Ford Mustang GT, we lucked out and got a chance to drive the top-spec 624-hp version a week before its debut. While those sick of Shelby's shtick will find nothing to be excited about in the 2014 Shelby GT and GT/SC, it is a pretty cool package. Paying homage to the 2007 Ford Shelby GT, the new Shelby GT takes a standard 2011-2014 Mustang GT, and upgrades it to make it look, sound, and drive better. Visually, the Shelby GT gets a unique front bumper complete with a billet grille, a Shelby-designed fiberglass hood, carbon-look hood louvers, and stripes. The interior also gets outfitted with Katzkin leather, and the Shelby-required number plaque with Carroll Shelby's signature. Functional upgrades on the Shelby GT include a Ford Racing suspension, upgraded brakes, a short-throw shifter, Shelby wheels, a cold air intake, and a Borla exhaust, among a few other things. With the upgrades, Shelby says the GT's 5.0-liter V-8 makes 430-hp, up 10-hp from stock. The Shelby GT package costs $14,995 on top of the 2014 Mustang GT's $30,900 base price. If you've got a bit more dough, though, you can get much more power. Shelby is also offering the supercharged 2014 Shelby GT/SC. The Shelby GT/SC gets upgraded with a Whipple supercharger, making either 525 hp, or 624 hp, like in the version we sampled. Other upgrades to the 2014 GT/SC include Wildwood brakes (6-piston front, 4-rear), a full Eibach coil over suspension, and additional cooling bits. The Shelby GT/SC starts at $27,995 for the 525 hp version. We imagine the big boy version will cost around $30,000 or so. Before its debut today at the L.A. auto show, Shelby loaned us the 624-hp 2014 Shelby GT/SC for a couple hours to sample. The Shelby GT/SC really left me with mixed feelings. First the good: the Shelby sounds so incredibly good. Everywhere you go you're accompanied by a symphony of roars, crackles, and pops as the GT/SC converts dead dinosaurs into little explosions. I could have listened to that exhaust note all day -- especially fully running it up through the rev range through tunnels. I was also pleasantly surprised with how smooth the power delivery is, with no hiccups in power -- a sign of a good, solid tune. And while the GT/SC rode rough, it ultimately felt much more drivable than the factory Ford Shelby GT500 . And then there's the bad: the 2014 Shelby GT/SC just didn't feel all that special. It just felt like a tuned Mustang, and nothing more; a Shelby should feel more special than that. Shelby used to be known for its innovation, and now things have changed. It feels like Shelby's just been going through the motions. But at the end of the day, I guess it comes down to expectations: Shelby has just changed. Hammering that point home to me was my drive up to the old Shelby headquarters in Venice Beach, where some of the first Shelby Cobras were made in the '60s. Now they sit mostly empty and vacant, waiting for a new tenant to breathe some life into them. I think Shelby's still waiting for a breath of fresh air too. | 9 | 1,291 | autos |
At the 2013 Los Angeles auto show, we attended a roundtable discussion with Audi's head of technical development Ulrich Hackenberg, where we covered everything from the new 2015 Audi A3 and the next-generation R8. Hackenberg also assured us that the new R8 and the upcoming Lamborghini Gallardo replacement will provide completely unique driving experiences, despite sharing a number of components like the new aluminum and carbon fiber frame. With the current R8 chassis constructed of aluminum, Hackenberg admits that the new frame won't be significantly lighter. He estimates a weight savings of about 110-130 pounds , thanks to carbon fiber bits used for the floorboard and center tunnel. We recently tested a 2014 R8 Spyder that tipped the scales at 3907 pounds, while an R8 V10 Plus weighed in at 3678 pounds. Meanwhile, the Lamborghini Gallardo carries a curb weight of 3109 pounds in the LP 560-4 variant. Audi recently updated the R8, finally replacing the archaic R-Tronic single-clutch automatic with the smooth and fast S-Tronic dual clutch gearbox. It's unknown whether the manual transmission will carry over. When asked if the next R8 will still be offered with a row-your-own gearbox, Dr. Hackenberg masterfully skirted around the question to discuss the benefits of the dual-clutch auto. He also dodged powertrain inquiries, though it's likely the R8 will continue with a V-8 and V-10 option. The current 430-hp 4.2-liter V-8 launched the R8 Spyder to 60 mph in just four seconds (with the dual-clutch auto), while the 550-hp 5.2-liter V-10 in the R8 V10 Plus did the deed in just 3.2 seconds. With the Lamborghini Gallardo successor, dubbed Cabrera, due to arrive late next year, the second-gen R8 should debut around the same time. The Cabrera has already been caught testing, running hot laps around Germany's Nurburgring. Hackenberg says the Cabrera's character will be ultra "masculine," meant to target Ferraris, while the R8 will remain as the livable supercar. Audi is currently constructing the R8's new Böllinger Höfe assembly plant Neckarsulm, which is slated to start producing the new supercar in the middle of 2014. The new plant will house everything needed to produce the R8, from body manufacturing to logistics. | 9 | 1,292 | autos |
Hyundai has shown several customized Zombie Survival Machine show cars and now the automaker has revealed one that will soon be available for sale. The 2014 Hyundai Tucson The Walking Dead Special Edition shown during a 2013 Los Angeles auto show event will go on sale early 2014. That on sale date corresponds with the 10th anniversary of The Walking Dead graphic novel series. Offered only with all-wheel drive ("to assist drivers when off-roading away from the undead," Hyundai says), the special edition Tucson features Ash Black paint with red graphics as well as exterior and interior badging. In addition "The Walking Dead" fans can also choose from decal themes from the series' four factions: Hilltop, Kingdom, Saviors, and Survivors. Inside, the special-edition model features black leather seats as well as a custom Zombie Survival Kit including a Walking Dead 72-hour survivalist's backpack and a Walking Dead Tucson Quick Reference Guide to explain all of the features unique to the special edition model. Other standard features include roof rack cross rails, mudguards, and fitted floor and cargo mats. In addition to the Walking Dead specific parts, the special-edition Tucson also features the larger 182-hp 2.4-liter I-4, LED taillights, dual climate control, HD Radio, navigation, and Hyundai's Blue Link infotainment telematics system. The navigation system includes a seven-inch touch screen featuring The Walking Dead graphics. The 2014 Hyundai Tucson The Walking Dead special-edition model is pictured above; below are Hyundai's zombie-themed Veloster and Santa Fe show cars. Source: Hyundai | 9 | 1,293 | autos |
Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC), parent company to Mitsubishi Motors North America (MMNA) showed three different SUV concepts at the 2013 Tokyo Motor Show that indicate the company's future styling direction: Concept AR (Active Runabout), Concept GC-PHEV (Grand Cruiser Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle), and Concept XR-PHEV (Crossover Runner Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle.) All three have the potential to be sold in North America, said Osamu Masuko, president of MMC, although the decision will depend on market research into each model's viability. Concept AR (the greenish gold vehicle) , a multi-passenger vehicle study, has the least potential to enter the North American market, since Mitsubishi does not currently sell such a vehicle in the US or Canada. The closest to potential production is Concept XR (the red vehicle) , as the next generation Outlander Sport, Mitsubishi's best selling vehicle in North America. Should the larger Concept GC (the silver vehicle) be greenlit, it would likely be as the Pajero (Montero in North America), Mitsubishi's flagship SUV. And should the next generation Montero come to the US, it would be the first time since it departed in 2006. If Concept XR and GC become Outlander Sport and Montero, they could be powered by variants of the PHEV system that is currently in the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV. This sophisticated two motor/generator plus gasoline engine system allows for full EV, parallel and series hybrid modes and provides the Outlander PHEV with around 30 miles of EV range at speeds up to 75 mph. According to Masaki Matsuhara, Head Mitsubishi Motors Design Office, Concept GC shows the styling direction the company will be taking when it comes the "face" (front end) and vehicle body. His team took cues from the original 1982 Pajero such as the "cat-eye" headlamps, wrap-around grille, and shape of the lower bumper and modernized them in a styling concept he calls, "diamond motion." We're not exactly sure what that means but the result is some very wide and fierce looking front ends. The aggressive styling continues in the GC's body surfacing which is accented with sharp character lines and faceted surfaces that bulge at the fenders towards the wheels and tighten back around the vehicle midsection. A short front overhang and dramatically lifted rear improve offroad approach and departure angles. Matsuhara says such styling gives the GC "a narrow waist and flared fenders for a strong, stable stance"; we say the GC looks like a cross between the new Range Rover and the Warthog truck from the original Halo video game - complete with the rendered polygon side surfaces. Inside, it's a video game player's dream. The windshield doubles as an augmented reality screen, providing heads up display information (speed, distance traveled, etc.), real time turn-by-turn navigation, traffic/weather/collision avoidance alerts, and night vision assistance. Separating the 4 occupants through the length of the cabin is a "tactical table" - a slick touchscreen display that's like a really long iPad in how it pinches and zooms through maps like and provides access to all sorts of hardware and software environments, from the air conditioning and nav/audio system to apps like Pandora and text/email messages. Even more wild is the Concept XR, which provides a less upright take on the diamond motion design theme. Concept XR's front end is more raked and racy than the GC's and looks a bit like what Lexus is doing with its spindle grill theme, though the XR's is better executed, without any weird viewing angles. A deep, chiseled character line sweeps back to the dramatically straked rear. There are so many sharp triangular bits on the XR, it can't help but look fierce. It compares favorably to the Range Rover Evoque without copying it. If the next generation Outlander Sports adopts this profile and even a few of these cues, it should continue to be one of Mitsubishi's best sellers. So do you like the new direction Mitsubishi is taking with their SUVs? Let us know in the comments below. | 9 | 1,294 | autos |
When the seventh-generation Nissan Sentra debuted last year, many were disappointed that there was no announcement of an SE-R model . When we got behind the wheel of the standard 2013 Nissan Sentra , we were left unimpressed by its driving dynamics . Now, Nissan's C-segment sedan may be showing signs of enthusiast life, as the brand has unveiled the Sentra Nismo concept at the 2013 Los Angeles auto show. The Sentra Nismo gets a paint scheme and exterior treatment similar to that of the Juke Nismo , with red stripe accents, unique racing-inspired bodywork, and larger wheels. But unlike that vehicle, the Sentra Nismo performance study gets a significant power boost to back up that look. The concept is powered by a turbocharged, direct-injected 1.8-liter I-4 similar to the 1.6-liter engine in the Juke Nismo RS -- which debuts alongside the Sentra Nismo -- tuned to more than 240 hp and 240 lb-ft of torque. That engine is mated to a six-speed manual transmission with a limited-slip differential, which routes power to the front wheels. The Sentra concept rides on 19-inch Rays alloy wheels wrapped in 225/35R19-size Michelin Super Sport tires. The wider rubber is accommodated by flared fenders which flow into the integrated side skirts. The Sentra's stock front struts and rear torsion beam suspension are aided by Nismo-tuned performance shocks and springs, while the sedan stops with help from red-painted Brembo brake calipers sourced from a 370Z. Out back is a large dual-tip exhaust, deep-skirted rear fascia, a rear spoiler, smoked taillights, and a custom rear fog light. In front, the Sentra Nismo gets smoked headlights, LED daytime running lights, and an aggressive-looking front valance. Nissan calls the Sentra Nismo concept's cockpit "engaging," with its leather- and Alcantara-wrapped Nismo steering wheel, Recaro Sportster front seats, and custom black leather and Alcantara surfaces. The instrument cluster in finished in a satin carbon fiber pattern, with dark chrome accents applied to the gauge bezel rings. The start button and tachometer feature red anodized rings, a Nismo trademark . For now, the Sentra Nismo remains a concept, but with the performance arm's recent expansion, a worthy successor to the Sentra SE-R may one day make it to production. We'll be waiting. Source: Nissan | 9 | 1,295 | autos |
Hyundai calls the funky Veloster its "reverse halo car," by which they mean it's a gateway car for performance enthusiasts, rather than an ultimate aspiration model. To make the 2014 Hyundai Veloster more appealing, the company is introducing the 2014 Hyundai Veloster Turbo R-Spec. Still creating the funky is the asymmetrical nature of the Veloster, which has two doors on the passenger side but one on the driver side. The new Veloster variant helps performance and the affordability of the turbo model. You still get the aggressive Veloster Turbo exterior styling flourishes (with available red accent splitter and side-sill "blades" and the 201-hp/195-lb-ft engine, but to reduce weight and cost it loses standard features such as the proximity key and push-button start, heated leather seats, auto-up windows (the anti-pinch gear is pricey), and electroluminescent gauges. In their place is sportier tuning of the steering and suspension (higher spring rates and a stiffer transmission mount), B&M Racing shifter, R-spec floor mats and badging, and special red leatherette and black cloth seats. All turbos also get brake/stability controlled torque-vectoring and Active Sound Design, which enhances the desirable engine frequencies via the sound system. Available in four colors -- Marathon Blue, Ultra Black, Elite White, and the R-spec exclusive Sprint Grey, this latest Veloster variant should hit dealers around February of 2014, at a price point about $1000 cheaper than the Turbo (which starts at $22,895). | 9 | 1,296 | autos |
Though it seems like just yesterday the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG arrived on the scene , it's already time for production of the front-mid-engine supercar to end. The first model to be fully developed by AMG will go out with a bang, as the final run of SLS coupes and roadsters will get special equipment and wear SLS AMG GT Final Edition badges. Mercedes will debut the limited-production model simultaneously at the 2013 Los Angeles auto show and the 2013 Tokyo Motor Show. The SLS AMG GT Final Edition will be powered by the familiar 583-hp, 479-lb-ft 6.2-liter V-8 , and production will be limited to just 350 models. The Final Edition can be had in coupe or roadster form, with each receiving unique bodywork to mark the occasion. A carbon fiber splitter extends from the front valance, while a fixed carbon fiber rear wing is meant to recall the look of the SLS AMG Black Series. An unpainted carbon fiber hood rounds out the Final Edition's exterior look, with a functional air outlet that dissipates heat from the engine bay and draws cool air from below the car. Read our Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT First Drive HERE . Inside, the SLS AMG GT Final Edition receives an upgraded Designo leather interior, with a diamond-stitch pattern used in the seatbacks and cushions as well as in the door panels. Silver contrast stitching is used to match the silver seatbelts and silver-bordered black floor mats, while high-gloss carbon fiber trim is used generously throughout the cabin. The Alcantara-wrapped AMG performance steering wheel features a silver strip at 12 o'clock to mark the on-center point of the wheel. On the carbon fiber center console is a commemorative plaque that reads "AMG Final Edition - 1 of 350." A set of Dunlop Sport Maxx Race Cup tires developed exclusively for AMG will be available as a no-cost option for the forged multi-spoke AMG alloy wheels. Other options include AMG carbon-ceramic brakes, a Bang & Olufsen BeoSound premium audio system, carbon fiber mirror caps, a carbon fiber engine cover, and even more carbon fiber interior trim. The 2015 SLS AMG GT Final Edition will arrive next March as a coupe or roadster. Source: Mercedes-Benz | 9 | 1,297 | autos |
After two days covering the latest production and concept car reveals at the 2013 Los Angeles auto show , we've compiled our list of worst cars on display. So what did we pick? Check out the Motor Trend staff's picks for the worst cars of the show below and see our picks of the best cars HERE . 2014 Acura RLX Sport Hybrid Scott Burgess :I keep waiting for Acura to turn around, and, I want it to turn around. This brand, more than many, has the potential to combine luxury, technology and performance. Instead, show after show, debut after debut, Acura manages to offer something "a little less ugly than before". It's not a design ethos I think works for any carmaker. The RLX Sport Hybrid may have some interesting features such as three electric motors and a sum total of 377 horsepower. But its slab sided milquetoast exterior will make any owner want to keep it parked in the garage, so as to never have to gaze upon it and run the risk for dying of boredom. Fuel Cell vehicles Mike Floyd :I can fully appreciate how much work and effort continues to go into fuel cell vehicles, but I also continue to question why we need to see what amounts to continued science experiments being breathlessly rolled out at auto shows as if they'll be in showrooms next year. At least the Honda FCEV was, um, interesting to look at. Again, kudos to all the development work and the effort put in here, especially Honda, who with the FCX Clarity demonstrated that a series production fuel cell is possible. And I am a firm believer in hydrogen as a potential answer to future propulsion without resulting emissions. But can we please stop rolling them out at auto shows until they're viable? That said, don't stop chasing those hydrogen earth dreams . 2014 Hyundai Veloster R-Spec Chris Clonts :It seems like a nice gesture: Take the turbo version of the quirky, asymmetrical Veloster, and with one hand enhance its handling and looks to get it closer to hot-hatch status than the standard Veloster or Veloster Turbo. But there are two problems here. First is that with the other hand, Hyundai deleted other, desirable features of the Veloster, like auto-up windows, electroluminescent gauges and push-button start, in an effort to drop the price by $1000 versus the regular Veloster Turbo. The second problem: Even with the turbo engine, the Veloster is a tepid performer. So even more than the original, the Veloster R-Spec 's appearance outstrips its performance. Youabian Puma Christian Seabaugh :While I was leaning toward picking the unimpressive 2014 Hyundai Elantra or the new Maxi Cooper, the Youabian Puma is hands down my pick for worst in show. Go ahead and look at it, and tell me I'm wrong. Allyson Harwood :It is a Murano CrossCabriolet on steroids and it's goofy-looking. I think if the Youabian Puma were a dune buggy or offered genuine off-road capability I might be on board, but it's neither here nor there. Ed Loh : I'll side with Allyson and Christian and say there is no question the Youabian Puma is the absolute worst of the L.A. show. That it stands so far apart from the rest of the sheetmetal here says two things: 1) That the quality of the L.A. show is really high; there really isn't another dog here. 2) Somebody at Youabian needs to have their head and eyes checked. 2015 Subaru WRX Jonny Lieberman : Subaru WRX . SO UGLY!! Now before you start screaming, I've purchased two WRXs so I get a little leeway. But how on earth can any designer look at this anonymous wallflower with a hood scoop and think, "My work here is done!"? The whole "OMG! CVT!" is a smoke screen/false flag to detract from what's really going on No hatchback/wagon body style, the world's most garish wheels and the bait-and-switch from the attractive baby- Jaguar looks of the NYC show car to this nothing of a production car. All that said, Subaru has a long tradition of each new WRX being uglier than the one that came before it . Moreover, the worse-looking they get, they better they drive. Here's to what would have been my next car, had they bothered to build a wagon! 2014 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Karla Sanchez :I'm looking at something new here? The Toyota Highlander Hybrid underwhelmed; while photographers were seen crowding several other cars at the show, the Highlander Hybrid wasn't so popular as it sat alone most of the time. 2015 Subaru Legacy Concept Erick Ayapana :Let's be honest. The production version will likely not look anything like the concept , which is already staid to begin with. 2014 MINI Cooper Alex Nishimoto :Mini increased the dimensions of the new Cooper , and you can really tell once you see the car in person. The term "Mini" still applies, but it's now a less accurate descriptor of the Cooper . I was also let down by the interior, as the quirky styling and form-before-function ergonomics remain, and in general not a lot has changed from the last generation. 2014 Hyundai Elantra Sport Jason Udy : While there were no truly terrible cars this year, the 2014 Hyundai Elantra Sport and 2014 Hyundai Veloster R-Spec underwhelmed. The Elantra Sport's new 173-hp 2.0-liter I-4 only matches the existing Kia Forte EX sedan's power and falls short of the 184-hp 2014 Mazda3 2.5 and the 201-hp Honda Civic Si. With few performance updates, the Veloster R-Spec fails to live up to its new badge. Then there is the blue exterior with bright red rocker panel trim that clashes with dark red/maroon leather seats. Check out our comprehensive coverage on the 2013 Los Angeles auto show here and read about our best-of-show picks HERE . | 9 | 1,298 | autos |
The 2015 Kia K900 is the most ambitious jump yet for the brand that about two decades ago was making Sephias and the first-generation Sportage. Debuting at the 2013 Los Angeles auto show, the 2015 Kia K900 is a full-size, rear-drive luxury sedan with an available V-8 engine, and we've got design detail photos live from the show floor. Unlike the Hyundai Equus , the Kia K900 will offer a base V-6 engine, a 311-hp 3.8-liter V-6. A 420-hp 5.0-liter V-8 is optional. The K900 has real big-car presence, an impression enhanced by the avialable multi-spoke 19-inch wheels. Conservatively styled headlights have thick LED "eyelashes" with full LED headlights, and the front grille is an upscale take on the design we've come to know on newer Kias. Given that even the non-premium, midsize Optima sedan has fender vents, it's not a surprise to see them on the flagship Kia K900 . The body sculpting on the K900 is subtle, and the car's profile is completely different than that of the Equus. From behind, the rear windshield flows smoothly to the top of the trunklid, and large, LED taillights are connected by a strip of chrome. The exhaust outlets integrated into the rear bumper is a nice touch, but we're not yet sold on the extra piece of trim extending from behind the rear wheels toward the exhaust outlets. Inside, the 2015 Kia K900's digital instrument cluster gives off a good first impression, though we wish the speedometer -- on the left side of the display -- would switch places with the tachometer. Otherwise, especially with the analog clock in the center dash and the slim gear selector stalk, the K900's interior looks sufficiently premium to justify its expected $50,000-$65,000 prices. For the full story on the 2015 Kia K900, read our First Look HERE , and stay tuned for our First Drive impressions. For all the latest 2013 Los Angeles auto show coverage, head to our show page HERE . | 9 | 1,299 | autos |
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