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Showing posts from June, 2017

Aston Martin Vulcan Gets Even Wilder With AMR Pro Upgrade Pack

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The track-only Aston Martin Vulcan has just received a major upgrade package from the company’s newfound AMR performance sub-brand. The package focuses on extensive aerodynamic enhancements for more downforce and shorter gearing for better responsiveness, acceleration and faster lap times. The naturally aspirated 7.0-liter V12 remains unchanged, offering 820hp and 575lb-ft (779 Nm) of torque. The front end now features new louvered panels above the front wheel arches which help in extracting high-pressure air and reducing lift, with a pair of dive planes added to the sides of the nose. The front splitter has also gained turning vanes for better steering response. At the rear there is a new wing with a dual plane design, with its main element featuring a 20mm ‘Gurney’ flap supplemented by slotted wing endplates with additional 15mm Gurney flaps to increase downforce as much as possible. Aston Martin reckons that the overall downforce has been increased from the original 3150N...

BMW Launches Tech-Savvy 2018 X3, Gets M40i Performance Model

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Now in its third iteration, BMW's X3 compact SUV is bigger, more comfortable and more competent than ever when it comes to safety, performance and efficiency. The 2018 BMW X3 was unveiled today at the Bavarian automaker's Spartanburg plant, where it will be produced along with its X4, X5 and X6 siblings. It's also scheduled to arrive at BMW dealerships this November, with pricing to be announced closer to its market launch. Boasting a new exterior design with distinctive looks, the all-new X3 features a larger wheelbase (by 2.2 inches / 5.5 cm) and a 50:50 weight distribution between the front and rear axle. The new X3 is the first ever X model to feature a "three-dimensional" kidney grille and fog lights with a hexagonal design out front. At the rear, the taillight housings also have a three-dimensional appearance, while the downward-sloping roof spoiler and twin exhaust pipes make the X3 seem more muscular, according to BMW. The 2018 X3 also comes with ...

All-Electric Aston Martin RapidE Confirmed For Production, Arrives In 2019

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Aston Martin has announced plans to build a production version of the RapidE concept which was introduced nearly two years ago. While Aston Martin originally planned to partner with LeEco, the company's financial problems has apparently pushed the automaker to name Williams Advanced Engineering as the lead engineering partner on the project. The change will delay the launch of the RapidE to 2019 but Aston Martin and Williams Advanced Engineering worked together on the original concept so hopefully it's a change for the better. Details about the car are limited at this point but the model will be based on the Rapide AMR and have "four-door sports car looks" combined with the "dynamics of the Rapide S." The company also says the instantaneous power delivered by the car's electric motors means the "RapidE will offer a unique driving experience" unlike any previous Aston Martin. In a statement, Aston Martin CEO Dr Andy Palmer said “Havin...

Rezvani Teases Its First SUV, Launches Later This Year

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Following the successful launch of the Beast and the Beast Alpha, Rezvani Motors has released the first teaser images of its upcoming SUV. Described as an "extreme new utility vehicle inspired by the military," the mysterious model will be four-door, five-passenger vehicle designed by Samir Sadikhov. The teaser images don't reveal much but we can see the SUV has a rugged front bumper, a bulging hood, and a massive C-pillar. Other notable features include muscular fender flares, a unique roof, and large wheels with off-road tires. Rezvani is keeping details under wraps but the automaker confirmed the model will have "some of the most extreme off-road capabilities on the planet." Highlights will include a body-on-frame chassis, a standard four-wheel drive system, and an "extreme" off-road suspension. Buyers will also find skid plates and plenty of ground clearance. A variety of options will be available including and kevlar body panels, a kevl...

BMW X7 Confirmed For Launch Late Next Year

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Hard as it may seem to believe now, there was a time when BMW didn't make SUVs or crossovers. But this ended in 1999, with the launch of the first-gen X5, and the German automaker has now confirmed the addition of yet another model to its already comprehensive fleet next year. That model is the X7, the new flagship crossover that's set to hit showrooms in late 2018. The announcement came as part of the launch of the new X3. Slated to be positioned above the X5 in BMW's growing crossover lineup, the X7 is poised to take on the Mercedes GLS with a larger format allowing for as many as seven seats – or as few as four, depending on the specification. Moreover, hybrid and performance versions promise to further expand the appeal for what's surely to be a rather expensive set of wheels. The BMW X7 will be the fifth model to be produced at the company's Spartanburg plant in South Carolina, which has emerged as its largest in the world in terms of output. The manuf...

2018 Maserati GranTurismo Bows With Alfieri-Inspired Facelift

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Maserati CEO Reid Bigland recently revealed the company has extended the lifecycle of the GranTurismo and the automaker has just unveiled a minor facelift for the aging model. Shown at the New York Stock Exchange, the 2018 GranTurismo will be available in Sport and MC (Maserati Corse) trims. Both models gain a number of minor styling tweaks including a new "sharknose" grille which draws inspiration from the Alfieri concept. Additional changes are limited but there are larger air intakes and a modified rear bumper. Thankfully the interior hasn't been overlooked as Maserati installed revised switchgear and a new central console with a "double rotary knob" that is made of forged aluminum. Other highlights include a new Harman Kardon audio system and an 8.4-inch infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility. Power is provided by a naturally-aspirated 4.7-liter V8 engine that is hand-built by Ferrari and produces 460 PS (338 kW) and...

Jaguar's 600 HP XE SV Project 8 Will Make You Forget About The M3

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Following a preview last month, Jaguar has officially unveiled the XE SV Project 8. Created by Jaguar Land Rover Special Vehicle Operations, the XE SV Project 8 is a shot across the bow of the German establishment as it packs a supercharged 5.0-liter V8 engine that produces 600 PS (441 kW). The engine is connected to an eight-speed Quickshift transmission which allows the super sedan to rocket from 0-60 mph in 3.3 seconds before hitting a top speed of 200 mph (321 km/h). Those performance figures are supercar worthy and the baby Jag has the equipment to backup its position as the "pinnacle of the world’s performance sedans." Starting with the exterior, the model has been equipped with a carbon fiber front bumper, a carbon fiber hood, and an adjustable splitter. The SVO team also installed a flat underbody panel and a carbon fiber rear bumper with an aggressive diffuser. Other highlights include 20-inch forged aluminum wheels and an adjustable rear wing. To keep thi...