Autocars: July 2011

Friday 15 July 2011

Carscoop Redesign Update: New Commenting System Goes Live

Ever since our latest redesigns (5.0 & 5.1), we’ve been toying around with the idea of replacing our comments system, and now, after some late night research and beta testing, we decided to give Disqus a try on Carscoop.

For those of you unfamiliar with Disqus, it is a popular commenting platform for websites that provides readers with a variety of options for commenting and participating in conversations in a more active way. Other sites currently using Disqus include Time Magazine, CNN, Engadget and the UK’s Daily Telegraph.

Among other features, readers can spiff up their posts with videos and photos, reply to other comments directly, rate and flag users, have their own avatar (no, we’re not giving away blue-hued bomb shells from the planet Pandora) and some more.

We’ve opted to allow you to comment either as a guest by providing an email and a name or nickname, or if you prefer, by using your account on Disqus, Google, Twitter, Facebook, Yahoo or OpenID.

The latest figures form ACEA, the Brussels-based European carmakers’ lobby, show that the economic recession in Europe has taken its toll on automobile sales.

In June, new passenger car registrations dropped by a significant 8.1% across the EU, amounting to 1,233,298 units. According ACEA, contractions ranged from -0.3% in Germany to -1.7% in Italy, -6.2% in the UK, -12.6% in France, -31.4% in Spain and -34.1% in debt-ridden Greece and Portugal.

Alfa Romeo has commissioned a one-off art piece to mark the UK launch of its congestion charge free MiTo 1.3 JTDM-2 Sprint, which is powered by an 85-horsepower turbo diesel that emits 95g/km of CO2 . Read more »

Chrysler Announces Prices on New 2012 SRT8 Models Including the 300, Charger, Grand Cherokee and Challenger

The Chrysler Group’s newly formed Street and Racing Technology (SRT) brand has released pricing on its latest crop of models, which include the 2012 Chrysler 300 SRT8, the 2012 Dodge Charger SRT8, the 2012 Dodge Challenger SRT8 392 and the 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8.

Prices together with an $825 destination fee start at $47,995 for the Chrysler 300 SRT8, $46,660 for the Dodge Charger SRT8, $44,077 for the Challenger SRT8 and $55,295 for the Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8.

All four SRT8 models are powered by the Chrysler Group’s new 6.4-liter HEMI V8 with Fuel Saver Technology that cranks out 470 horsepower (351kW) and 470 lb-ft (637Nm) of peak torque (465 lb.-ft. / 630 Nm in the Grand Cherokee SRT8).

DIY: How to Drive Your Face into the Sand

Scooters can be a fun alternative form of transportation and recreation, especially during summer vacations. However, as with any other motorized bike or any type of vehicle for that matter, you really need to keep your head up – literally.

Despite the comical end of this young man’s attempt to fool around with a scooter, we reckon that using his face to dig a hole in the sand sounds much better than the alternative ending had he managed to ramp his way over the lump of sand… Follow the break for the video.

Chrysler’s Ram brand has notified the National Highway Traffic Safety Association that it is recalling 242,780 pickup trucks over a steering failure that could lead to “a loss of directional stability”.

The safety agency reported that the left tie rod ball may fracture during low speed parking maneuvers when the driver is making a sudden turn. This could lead to the loss of directional stability in the left front wheel.

As well as announcing the U.S. market launch of the JK-8 kit that carries a $5,499 sticker, Chrysler’s Mopar division also released a new time-lapse video that shows us a team of workers turning a four-door Jeep Wrangler Unlimited into a pickup truck with a small bed at the back.

According to Mopar Performance Team engineer, Steve Houtman, it took the four-man crew (or at least that’s our count of the number of people seen working on the Jeep) about an hour to complete the transformation using the JK-8 kit. Watch them in action for yourself in the clip after the break.

“Despite Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo’s excellent assessment of the New Stratos after his test drive at Fiorano, Ferrari does not consent to construction of the planned limited run by either Pininfarina or any other Ferrari-dependent suppliers.”

And with the above short statement, Ferrari announced to Michael Stoschek, the man behind the 21st century interpretation of the famous Lancia Stratos of the ‘70s, that it won’t let him use its chassis, engines nor allow any of its suppliers to participate in the build.

Audi’s new A6 model series will soon welcome a new member into the family, the sporty S6 that was snagged by our spy photographers in Avant trim during testing in Germany.

The prototype model was completely undisguised, however, there’s a reason for that. With the exception of some model specific details such as the telling quad tail pipes and unique alloy wheel designs, the S6 will remain unchanged from the A6 with the optional S-Line sport package. The latter adds an aero kit with restyled front and rear bumpers, among other parts.

One of the main attractions of the Porsche Club of America’s (PCA) parade in Savannah, Georgia from July 31 to August 7, will be a fully restored, US-Spec 1973 911 T Coupe. What’s more, one lucky winner of a raffle will get to own it.

The idea behind the “Revive the Passion” project, as the restoration process was named, came up four years ago in Daytona and involved offering a classic, instead of a new car, to the winner of the raffle. The search begun and the suitable car was found near LA. It was then presented at the 2010 edition of the Porsche Parade event.

Auto pricing website TrueCar studied the car buying behaviour of four million Gen Y (18 to 27 year-old) over a twenty-four month period and here’s what they found.

Scion took the crown for top brand, with 37.4% of the market and for top model (the tC coupe), with 21.2%, while second place went to Mitsubishi (32.1%) and their Lancer sedan (20.3%).

Mazda was the third most visited brand for Gen Y buyers, though only 17th in terms of model. The top four vehicle choices were Japanese, with a German in seventh place and a South Korean in ninth.

A lightly disguised concept version of Infiniti’s new JX luxury crossover will be shown to the public at the the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance in August, but until then, the Japanese automaker plans to keep us on our toes with a string of teaser shots. Read more »

Smart Announces First All-Electric Carsharing Fleet in the US

Daimler’s Car2go subsidiary has announced the introduction of the first all-electric carsharing fleet in North America. According to company, the plan calls for 300 zero-emission Smart ForTwo electric cars to arrive in the city of San Diego by the end of the year. Read more »

Toyota and Honda want to Win Back Sales Share from Hyundai Sonata with New Models

Not too long ago, if someone told you that a South Korean model would challenge America’s best selling sedan, the Toyota Camry, you would have probably laughed in his or her face.

Needless to say, a lot has changed over the past few years with Hyundai and in particular its latest Sonata sedan, not only challenging, but this past May even surpassing the Camry in U.S. sales for the first time in history.

Of course, the fact that Toyota’s production capabilities were seriously affected by the aftermath of the March 11 earthquake, tsunami and nuclear disaster in Japan, played a significant role in Hyundai’s accomplishment.

We have already seen and reported on the brand-new 2012 BMW 1-Series, which was revealed a couple of months ahead of its world premiere, which is scheduled for the rapidly approaching Frankfurt Motor Show this September.

Nevertheless, if the first batch of photos didn’t do the trick for you, you’ll be happy to know that today, BMW released a massive gallery with some 250 pictures of its compact sized hatchback, which may very well be the last version to feature a rear-wheel drive layout as the Bavarians are rumored to be planning a switch to a front-wheel drive platform for the next generation model.

But enough with the talking. Hop over the jump to check out all the high-res gallery.

Last month, Nobuhiro “Monster” Tajima broke his own record at the Pikes Peak Hill Climb with a sub 10 minutes time in a 910-horsepower modified Suzuki SX4 racecar.

Now, Nissan’s first all-electric car, the LEAF, has tackled the 156 turns of the “Race to the Clouds”. Naturally, “Monster” Tajima can rest assured that his record remains safe.

That’s not to say that the LEAF driven by Chad Hord didn’t record a respectable time. After all, 14 minutes and 33 seconds with an average speed of 51.2 mph (82.4 km/h) is not to be laughed at for an EV that used just 46% of its charge to cover the demanding 12.42 miles (20 km) hill climb.

Watch the LEAF climb the Pikes Peak after the jump.

Meet the new Opel Combo, GM Europe’s latest offer in the light commercial vehicle segment that will also be available in a passenger car version.

In case you didn’t notice, Opel’s newcomer is based on the Fiat Doblo van with the exterior styling changes over the Italian model limited to the design of the front bumper that somewhat awkwardly incorporates the German firm’s family grille.

Fiat SpA and Chrysler Group LLC will soon have a single management structure according to the CEO of both companies, Sergio Marchionne. The Bloomberg financial news agency reports that Marchionne told to journalists in Zurich that he intends to implement his unified management team “pretty quickly”, though he declined to specify a date. Read more »

Jeep Prices New JK-8 Kit to Transform Wrangler Unlimited to a Pickup Truck at $5,499

Those of you that fancy turning your four-door Jeep Wrangler Unlimited into a two-door pickup truck will be happy to know that the firm’s much-talked about JK-8 Kit is available for order now through Mopar at Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge and Ram dealerships, with pricing set at $5,499.

However, Jeep does note that the JK-8 kit, which comes with a three-year/36,000-mile warranty, is for “skilled do-it-yourselfers”. For the less handy amongst us, the company said that the kit may be purchased and installed at a Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge or Ram dealership.

Porsche deliveries have increased substantially last month, with the German luxury carmaker selling 10,667 vehicles, up 29.5% compared to June 2010. Porsche's first half of the year sales also increased by 36.8% compared to the same period in 2010, with a total of 60,659 units sold from January throughout June. Read more »

Now that’s Posh: Evoque “Victoria Beckham Special Edition” Delayed by Daughter’s Birth

Apparently, Land Rover views the Range Rover Evoque not only as its smallest, more frugal and most affordable model that will bring new customers to the brand, but also as a lifestyle statement.

That’s why, according to company insiders, Land Rover is ready for the launch of a “Victoria Beckham Special Edition” named after the former pop star and the company’s new creative design director.

The UK market is welcoming the launch of the third Gordini-badged model after the respective versions of the Twingo RS and Clio RS, this time in Wind roadster guise, with buyers having a choice of two engines, the 1.2-liter TCE 100HP and the 1.6-liter 133HP.

In addition to the Wind Gordini models, the French firm also slashed the list price of the Dynamique and GT Line trim levels by up to £2,215, with prices now starting at £12,995, instead of £15,205.

First Spy Shots of 2013 Lexus GS Sedan

Well now, that didn’t take long, did it? Less than three months after the presentation of the LF-Gh concept car at the 2011 New York International Auto Show and Lexus has already started testing the production model that will spawn a successor to today’s GS sedan at the Nürburgring circuit.

Naturally, the Lexus GS prototype is covered in plenty of camouflage but not to the point that it discloses its styling similarities to the LF-Gh study.

Aside from the body proportions, details like the protruding side sills, the high rising belt line, the “dotted” LEDs and large grille up front, and even the alloy wheel designs, appear remarkably faithful to the concept.

Car buyers’ preferences in China are shifting towards European models and away from domestic and even Japanese vehicles, according to a new study published today by JD Power Asia Pacific. This is the third year that the study takes place.

The latest edition included 65 brands and 161 separate models in nine segments and is based on responses from 4,979 potential buyers of new-vehicles located in 53 cities.

Did you know that there are holiday packages that bundle airfares, accommodation and cosmetic surgery? It’s a sort of incentive program for women (and some men) to have their surgery done overseas and is especially popular in Britain and Australia. Well, as some of you may already know, there are similar programs for people who want to buy a new car.

These so-called, “European Delivery Programs” are offered by companies as diverse as Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche and Volvo. Effectively you’re bundling a discount European vacation with your new car purchase.

Toyota has blessed its European market HiLux pickup truck with a mid-life facelift for the 2012 model year. The cosmetic surgery starts with the exterior that gains a redesigned front end sporting a different grille dressed in chrome, new bonnet, headlamps and front bumper. The changes continue with the redesigned front and rear wings, a new crop of 15- and 17-inch steel and alloy wheels, plus new door mirrors. Read more »

Skoda Posts Record Worldwide Sales in First Half of 2011

Skoda revealed today that it delivered 454,700 vehicles in the first half of 2011, which represents an increase of 20.1% compared to the same period in 2010. The Volkswagen Group brand also achieved its best ever June sales, with 81,300 deliveries, compared to 71,300 units in 2010, scoring a new sales record for the fourth month in a row. Read more »

Black Card Holders Just as Likely to own a Hyundai as a Bentley or an Audi

If you are one of American Express’ very special customers, and have US$16.3 million in assets and an annual household income of around US$1.3 million, you may be granted the privilege of one of their black Centurion Cards.

Simon Cowell has one, as does Kanye West, Denzel Washington and Lindsay Lohan. Interestingly, and of more concern to readers of this blog, you might also be the proud owner of a Hyundai.

During the course of a presentation at the South Korean automaker’s Ann Arbor engineering and research centre, Hyundai’s U.S. Chief John Krafcik revealed that some 6% of “Black Card” holders own a Hyundai – a percentage shared with those who own Bentleys and Audis.

A German couple living in Berlin was returning from a trip to Spain on Tuesday, when the Polizei stopped them on a motorway and detained them for questioning. The reason? The parent’s 14 year-old son had taken their new €200,000 (US$280,000) Ferrari (the police didn't reveal the model, just the make) for a spin, initiating a police operation for his capture that lasted many hours!

"The 14-year-old was unable to resist the temptation," the police told the AFP. "When an acquaintance of the family noticed the car and the boy were missing, he suspected theft or even an abduction."

The Mercedes-Benz Silver Arrows display team has released a new promotional video exhibiting the power-sliding capabilities of its drivers to attract fans to the Mercedes-Benz World at the Brooklands motor racing circuit in Weybridge, Surrey, UK. Read more »

SPIED: 2012 Bentley Continental GTC Speed

The upcoming 2012 Bentley Continental GTC Speed continues its…European tour as the British firm’s engineers have left the Alps and headed down to the Nurburgring racetrack for some high-speed tests. Read more »

Rumors: Porsche Mulling Modern-Day 928 GT Replacement

It’s been a while since Porsche had a front-engined GT in its range. Most car enthusiasts will remember the 928 that was launched in 1979 with the aim to replace the 911 by offering improved drivability and increased passenger and luggage space.

Even though it was named “Car of the Year” in 1978, and was continuously evolved until production ended in 1995, it failed in its original mission since the 911, despite its shortcomings, far outlived it.

Surely, it has happened to you. You embark on a journey driving your car and, when you feel tired or ready to fall asleep, you keep on driving because you just have to get there on time. At best, you drink a cup of coffee hoping it will wake you up. What you don’t realize is that you are setting up the scene for a, possibly fatal, accident.

A new UK study by Brake and Cambridge Weight Plan that was presented today at a Parliamentary reception attended by MPs and road safety professionals revealed than in the past year, one in eight drivers has “head-nodded” at the wheel, or in other words, fallen asleep between 2 and 30 seconds, often without even realizing it.

There’s nothing faster, short of a Formula 1 car, than a Bugatti Veyron, right? In particular, a Bugatti Veyron Super Sport boasting a 1,200HP quad-turbocharged 16-cylinder engine, four-wheel drive tech and a 258 mph (415 km/h) top speed. Whoever is behind its wheel must feel invincible, right?

Well, actually, no. A few days ago, at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, a Veyron Super Sport that was ready to begin its climb up the hill pulled over and let another car start first. What car was that?

Along with the introduction of the regular versions of its refreshed A5 series, Audi also presented the updated S5 range. The most important change concerns the S5 Coupe in which the outgoing model’s naturally aspirated 4.2-liter V8 engine with 354-horses and 440Nm (324.5 lb-ft) is replaced with the same 3.0-liter supercharged V6 found in the Sportback and Convertible S5s. Read more »

Redesign Update: Carscoop 5.1

As you probably already noticed, on Saturday, July 9, we passed on to the second phase of our redesign, which started out with a clean sheet back in May (read more about that here).

This time, we focused clearly on the design aspect tweaking and updating the styling after taking into consideration your constructive criticism and ideas. Changes include but are not limited to the larger and more prominent Carscoop logo, the font choices throughout the site and the more compact sidebar sections.

Owners of the entry-level Audi R8 with the 4.2-liter naturally aspirated V8 seeking a healthier output may want to take a look at O.CT. Tuning’s latest offering. The European tuning firm has developed a new performance package that bolts on compressor to the Audi model’s V8 engine while also tweaking the ECU and adding a custom exhaust system. Read more »

Mercedes Keeps 2012 M-Class SUV Prices Unchanged from 2011MY

Good news for those looking to shop Mercedes-Benz’s next-generation M-Class SUV as the German firm has kept pricing for the two available models at launch unchanged over the respective versions of the outgoing ML, despite the new design, improved engines and upgraded standard equipment.

Toyota today announced prices for its next generation Yaris hatchback in Europe including the UK where the supermini is available for order now with first customer deliveries to take place in September.

The new Yaris is available in three- and five-door body styles with British buyers offered a choice of four grades (T2, TR, SR and T Spirit) and three engines including 1.0 and 1.33-litre petrol units and a 1.4-litre D-4D turbodiesel. On-the-road prices start from £11,700.

The MINI Countryman may be, you know, British, but that hasn’t stopped Italian tuning house Romeo Ferraris from creating a special edition in celebration of Italy’s 150th anniversary as a nation.

The festive MINI is based on the flagship Countryman Cooper S that is powered by a 1.6-liter turbocharged petrol churning out 184-horses and a peak torque of 240Nm. After Romeo Ferraris technicians remap the ECU and add a new intercooler, a sports air filter and a race-spec exhaust system, the aforementioned numbers grow to 227HP and 328Nm (241.9 lb-ft).

Audi today unveiled the facelifted versions of its A5 range which includes the Coupe, the Sportback and Cabriolet models. The company’s goal was to freshen up the A5’s exterior looks and to improve both their driving dynamics and fuel economy.

The 2012 Audi A5 range is available exclusively with direct injection engines featuring forced induction and stop-start and energy regeneration system as standard. As a result, Audi says fuel consumption has been decreased across the range by 11% on average and CO2 emissions by as much as 22%.

It Came From eBay Hell: Mercury Cougar Based Bugatti Veyron Replica

Ladies and gentlemen, we have a winner. Of all the cars I’ve featured in “It Came From eBay Hell”, this one takes the cake. It’s a 2002 Mercury Cougar with 120,000 miles (193,120 kilometres) on the clock, though that’s not what makes it special. No, what makes it special is the composite and fibreglass Bugatti Veyron body draped over it.

That’s right: it’s a Cougatti Vercuryon! Not only does this modern masterpiece come with (Walmart™ Brand) 20-inch rims, two-tone paint and leather everything, it also comes with all the stuff that made the Mercury Cougar the modern classic it is today:

Friday 15 July 2011

Thursday 14 July 2011

Wednesday 13 July 2011

Tuesday 12 July 2011