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Showing posts from January, 2018

Zenvo Teases New Supercar Ahead Of Geneva Motor Show Premiere

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Danish supercar maker Zenvo Automotive will be present at the Geneva Motor Show for the fifth consecutive time with a new exotic model. Teased in three official images that show an eye-catching shade of bright orange, contrasted by the bare carbon fiber parts, the new supercar follows on the success of the TS1 GT and TSR and is the brand’s third product. Nothing else is known about the vehicle so far, but given that Zenvo’s other two models put out mote than 1,000hp, this one will probably be just as powerful. “With everything now in place to launch this fantastic new model onto the market, it is hard for us to wait patiently for the Geneva International Motor Show to share this car with the world”, said Zenvo’s CEO, Angela Kashina. “The fact that we are holding back to the opening day of the exhibition on March 6 is a testimony to how much we value this event.” Amid the launch of their third product, Zenvo has kicked off a photo campaign said “to capture the exclusive...

GFG Style Teases An Electric Performance Concept For Geneva

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GFG Style and Envision Energy have teamed up to produce an all-new concept car which will be unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show on March 6th. Little is known about the concept but the teaser images suggest it will be a sleek sedan that features slender headlights, a ventilated hood, and a large grille. The photos also reveal a distinctive greenhouse and a relatively tall rear end. GFG Style chairman Giorgetto Giugiaro says the concept will be a four-seat electric vehicle which combines luxury, sportiness, space and dynamism. He went on to say “The proposal is not intended to be a synthesis of my work but a revisitation of a classic theme with the addition of solutions on accessibility and functionality that I believe are unique, also thanks to the use of new technologies.” One of the new technologies with be an autonomous driving system as Giugiaro said the car was designed for a sophisticated and demanding user who is “still driving but … is soon destined to be driven ar...

Formula E’s Second-Generation Electric Racer Looks As Futuristic As It Should

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“What’s the difference between Formula One and Indy?” If you’ve ever been asked that (by someone who has no idea about racing), it’s probably because, to the untrained eye, the cars look mostly the same – much as they do in Super Formula, Formula 2, or… well, any other single-seater, open-wheel racing series. Despite updates along the way, that’s largely been the case in Formula E as well, but it won’t be for long. After releasing initial teaser images earlier today, the series organizers have now revealed the first full images of their next-generation electric racing car before it’s unveiled in full at the Geneva Motor Show in March. And as you can see, it looks suitably futuristic – as would befit the fully electric racer of tomorrow. Set to form the backbone of the ABB FIA Formula E Championship from the next/fifth season onwards, the Gen2 electric racer looks more like something that Batman would drive than what we’ve come to expect to find on racing grids the world ...

New Renault Crossover Coupe Heading To Moscow Show

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Renault will expand its presence in Russia with a new “crossover coupe”, expected to arrive in the country later this year. Three people familiar with the matter have reportedly confirmed the information to Vedomosti, which goes on saying that the mysterious vehicle is based on the same platform as the Renault/Dacia Duster. The crossover, the name of which remains unknown for now, is said to be assembled at the brand’s factory in Moscow, probably before the end of the year. It will apparently be unveiled at the 2018 Moscow Motor Show, which starts on August 29. Renault’s new crossover is believed to slot above the Kaptur, which is another product aimed exclusively at the Russian market, and built in the country’s capital city. Presented in spring 2016, and launched a few months later, the Renault Kaptur sits on a modified version of the Dacia Duster’s BO platform, with a larger footprint than the European Captur with which it shares its styling. More importantly, unlike th...

Formula E Lets Us Glimpse At Its Second-Generation Electric Racer

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The FIA Formula E Championship has now officially kicked off its fourth season. And all the while, it’s used the same essential chassis first revealed back in 2013. But that’s about to come to an end as the electric racing series is preparing to unveil a completely new second-generation car. The all-new Formula E racer is set to debut at the Geneva Motor Show this coming March. But before it does, the organizers have released a trio of teaser images to keep fans of the series on their proverbial toes. Two of those teaser images give us glimpses at the front- and rear-end aerodynamic elements that look far more aggressive and angular than the current ones… especially that sinister-looking rear diffuser. Looks aside, they’ve surely been designed in the wind-tunnel to improve the spectacle and action, whether that means more downforce or less. More revealing, though, is the inclusion of an F1-style “halo” cockpit protection device that’s quickly becoming the standard across a ...

Official Sketches Reveal New Hyundai Santa Fe’s Overhauled Design

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Hyundai has released a pair of official design sketches of the next-generation Santa Fe, revealing the SUV’s overhauled exterior design. As expected, the latest-generation Santa Fe takes clear design inspiration from its smaller sibling, the Kona. Consequently, the South Korean automaker has designed a pair of slim headlights and a new grille to transform the SUV’s face. From the rear, the changes are just as apparent. There’s a pair of new headlights and numerous chrome trimmings. Additionally, the red car in the sketches has a faux silver diffuser as well as a small spoiler hanging over the rear window. Angular rear side windows add to the SUV’s exterior flair. Alongside the new exterior design, Hyundai will implement a host of interior changes to make the latest model a fitting replacement to the outgoing generation. For example, both rear legroom and headroom are expected to increase, while five- and seven-seat variants will continue to be offered. Powertrain details ...

2019 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter To Debut On February 6

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Except for a few updates, the current Mercedes-Benz Sprinter has been around in its current form since 2006, but that’s all about to change in a few days as a new generation is fast approaching. Teased on social media, the third generation light commercial vehicle will be unveiled next Tuesday, on February 6, in Duisburg, Germany, promising to be better overall than its predecessor. On the outside, the 2019 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter appears to have evolved, with plenty of changes made at the front, including new headlights and a generously-sized grille, with a large 3-pointed star logo taking center stage. Elsewhere, the light commercial vehicle, expected to arrive as a passenger van, cargo van, and cab chassis, will be a bit more aerodynamic compared to the current models, and this can be seen in spy shots and previous teasers. The interior of the van was already revealed last month, and it gets a significant overhaul, with a new infotainment system sitting in the middle...

Mercedes-Benz Teases Next-Generation A-Class Before February 2 Premiere

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Daimler has dropped a teaser image of the next-generation A-Class hatchback while confirming a global premiere in Amsterdam on February 2, 2018. The image confirms what we had long suspected; the new A-Class looks a lot more aggressive than the outgoing model. Taking obvious design inspiration from the Concept A Sedan, as well as the latest-generation CLS, the hatchback’s front end is dominated by a set of triangular headlights that taper down to a wide front grille. Elsewhere, we can see a pair of re-shaped air intakes and daytime running lights incorporated into the headlights. Mercedes-Benz has been testing the all-new A-Class for well over 12 months and doesn’t appear to be leaving any stones unturned. In recent spy shots, it’s been revealed that the car will be available with a dual-screen layout just like other vehicles in the Mercedes family. Elsewhere, we know that a fleet of new engines will be offered with the car. More specifically, there will be seven petrol and ...

McLaren Special Operations Reveals New Race-Inspired MSO X

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McLaren’s MSO division showcased their latest special MSO X models, based on the 570S. McLaren Newport Beach commissioned 10 MSO X cars that are designed and engineered to emulate the look and feel of the 570S GT4 race car but retain their road-legal status. The whole project took just eight months to be finished, from concept to reality and the finished cars were presented at a special customer event in Las Vegas. On the outside, the new MSO X mirrors the appearance of the 570S GT4 as closely as possible and even comes finished in liveries inspired by the legendary F1 GTR endurance race cars. The big rear wing provides an extra 100kg of downforce while the rest of the package includes a roof snorkel, dive planes, an MSO Titanium Super Sports exhaust, Pirelli P Zero Corsa tires and a GT4-style bonnet with air intakes that work in conjunction with the roof snorkel. The bodywork also makes extensive use of satin-finish carbon fiber, including the roof, bonnet,...

Toyota Teases ‘New Off-Road Rigs’ For The 2018 Chicago Auto Show

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Toyota has three off-roaders lined up for the 2018 Chicago Auto Show, which opens in two weeks from now, on February 8. However, nothing is known about them so far, except that they’re the “next batch of trail-ready four-wheels”, but zooming in on the picture that accompanies the announcement reveals the 4Runner, Tacoma, and Tundra. This probably means that all three vehicles have received some off-road enhancements, as part of what could be an updated TRD Pro Series Accessories package. Depending on the selected model, the package currently includes special shock absorbers, tuned front springs, skid plates, exhaust system, unique alloy wheels, floor mats, and shift knobs. If this turns out to be the case, then expect to see the Tacoma, Tundra, and 4Runner, equipped with their potentially updated TRD Pro Series features, in showrooms in the coming months. Later on, Toyota might bring back the FJ Cruiser, after “getting a lot of requests” from customers, according to the bran...

ABT’s Audi RS5-R Coming To Geneva Motor Show With 530PS

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ABT has announced its presence at the 2018 Geneva Motor Show with a tuned Audi RS5 Coupe, which is limited to only 50 units. The premium compact car’s 2.9-liter biturbo V6 engine has received a few upgrades that allow it to produce 530PS (523hp) and 690Nm (509lb-ft) of torque. That’s 80PS (79hp) and 90Nm (66lb-ft) of torque more than the stock model, enough for this Audi RS5 Coupe to complete the 0 to 100km/h (62mph) acceleration in 3.6 seconds, an 0.3sec improvement. The new ABT RS5-R also features an upgraded suspension with sport stabilizers and height adjustable springs, with the tuner claiming that a special coilover suspension is under development in collaboration with KW. Its head-turning ability has been enhanced by the special green shade, tweaked grille, front apron, side skirt add-ons, wheel arch vents, decklid spoiler, and rear diffuser with incorporated quad exhaust pipes. The 21-inch wheels replace the standard 19-inch ones, and are wrapped in 275/2...

Range Rover SV Coupe Announced, Debuts In Geneva

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Land Rover has released the first teaser image of the Range Rover SV Coupe ahead of its debut at the Geneva Motor Show. Billed as the “world’s first full-size luxury SUV coupe,” the model will be built by Jaguar Land Rover Special Vehicle Operations and feature a “seductive body design” as well as a “supremely refined interior.” The company isn’t saying much about the model but it was recently caught undergoing testing. Photos showed the coupe will have a familiar design but adopt a sportier greenhouse and a more dynamic roofline. The interior photo released by the company reveals an upscale cabin with premium leather upholstery, wood trim, and a full-length center console. We can also see individual rear seats and numerous metallic accents. Land Rover says the vehicle will pay tribute to the original Range Rover which was launched as a two-door coupe in 1970. Production will be limited to 999 units and it sounds like the coupe will be offered in a variety of international m...

New BMW 8-Series Coupe Gears Up For High-Speed Endurance Tests

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A BMW 8-Series Coupe near-production model is currently undergoing intensive tests on a high-speed race track in Aprilia, Italy. The German automaker is looking to optimize the car’s driving dynamics on surfaces with a high friction coefficient, as the 8-Series Coupe nears its launch date, scheduled for later this year. This 4 km (2.5 mile) long oval circuit features steep bends which in turn will help BMW asses the car’s acceleration, braking and steering characteristics. The ultimate goal is to find the sweet spot for all of the 8-Series Coupe’s drive and suspension systems. “The test drives under the most severe conditions show that we are right on target with our concept for the new BMW 8 Series Coupe. The vehicle dynamics values already achieved are absolutely impressive. Our customers and fans can look forward to a genuine sports car,” stated BMW R&D board member, Klaus Frohlich. One thing that shouldn’t be overlooked is that the new 8-Series Coupe is b...