Carscoops

Wow for the Car, Boo for the Price: 1992 Mercedes 500E Built by Porsche with Only 10k Miles!

noreply@blogger.com (John @ Carscoop) — Thu, 23 May 2013 18:53:25 PDT

Of all the high-performance sedans to come out of Europe over the past few decades, the 1990-1995 Mercedes-Benz 500E (renamed to E500 in 1994) must be one of the most understated and to some extent, under-appreciated models.

Due to the limited production numbers, finding one these days, isn't easy, let alone a stock version with just 10,000 miles (16,000km) on the odometer, like the one I discovered for sale on eBay today.

2013 Nissan GT-R Goes Up Against the BMW Alpina B6, the Outcome is Predictable…

noreply@blogger.com (John @ Carscoop) — Thu, 23 May 2013 16:40:00 PDT

British magazine Autocar has a habit pitting unlikely competitors against one another, then trying to find similarities, but ultimately admitting to the fact that the cars they choose are not the best matched.

Take their latest endeavor for example, which has them trying out the latest version of the Nissan GT-R, and having it compete against the BMW 6-Series-based Alpina B6 – the outcome is predictable.

GTA Spano V10 With over 900 Hp Shows Up in Monaco

noreply@blogger.com (John @ Carscoop) — Thu, 23 May 2013 16:12:39 PDT

We don’t normally feature video like the one we've attached below, but the GTA Spano (formerly Spania) is such a mad creation that we can’t ignore it. Powered by a twin-turbo version of the new SRT Viper’s 8.4-liter V10 engine, it makes in excess of 900 hp and has an electronically limited torque figure of 1,000 Nm or 737 lb-ft. Read more »

Jeremy Clarkson Criticized for Tweeting Anout Babies Belonging in Airplane Baggage Hold

noreply@blogger.com (John @ Carscoop) — Thu, 23 May 2013 15:50:54 PDT

Since Top Gear has taken a long break from our television sets to shoot new episodes (no more than six per season), Jeremy Clarkson is perhaps feeling a bit neglected and has therefor chosen to make a statement to get everybody talking about him. This time he used his Twitter account to ask, “When will British Airways realize that babies belong in the hold?”

His anger was caused by a recent flight he took to Scotland, which probably didn’t go so well because of child troubles. It was not explained what caused Clarkson to make the remark, but predictably, it sparked outrage in various circles.

Daimler Planning to Sell Some of Its German Mercedes Dealerships to Cut Costs

noreply@blogger.com (John @ Carscoop) — Thu, 23 May 2013 15:17:12 PDT

Daimler AG, the maker of Mercedes-Benz vehicles, is in talks to sell four of its German outlets and possibly more later on, as part of a new cost-cutting plan according to a Reuters report. Roughly half of Mercedes’ retail sales in Germany go through its own retail network made up of 98 dealerships, while rivals Audi and BMW rely more on franchises. Read more »

Elastic Scooter Boy Smashes Into One Car, Hits Another One as He Makes a Run for It

noreply@blogger.com (John @ Carscoop) — Thu, 23 May 2013 14:44:36 PDT

On one hand, you have to admire this scooter rider's fitness levels as he jumped back onto his feet and onto his bike faster than a full-throttle GT-R chasing a quarter mile record, after crashing into the rear end of a Suzuki Jimny.

On the other hand, though, the way he crashed and more importantly, how he abandoned the scene of the accident makes you wonder about a lot of things, some of which aren't at all appropriate…

2014 Chevrolet Spark EV Can Be Leased from $199 per Month

noreply@blogger.com (John @ Carscoop) — Thu, 23 May 2013 14:24:10 PDT

Chevrolet today announced that the new 2014 Spark EV 1LT is available for low mileage lease (12,000 miles/19,300 km) for as low as $199 per month for 36 months, with $999 due at lease signing including security deposit (tax, title, license dealer fees extra). The offer makes the Spark one of the most affordable EVs currently on the market, though, it's one of the smallest in size as well. Read more »

Scoop: New 7-Seater BMW 1-Series GT Eyes Compact MPV Segment

noreply@blogger.com (John @ Carscoop) — Thu, 23 May 2013 13:51:52 PDT

Here's a better look at the second iteration of BMW's brand new 1-Series GT with a longer body than the upcoming five-passenger version that makes room for a third row of seats and increased interior space, thus offering the Bavarian automaker it's first true minivan proposal.

The 7-seat version of the 1-Series GT sports an extended rear overhang and possibly, a longer wheelbase than the more compact 5-seat model that was previewed through last year's Concept Active Hybrid.

Nissan’s GT-R Track vs. Audi’s R8 V10 Plus in MT Test

noreply@blogger.com (John @ Carscoop) — Thu, 23 May 2013 13:17:39 PDT

We recently showed you MotorTrend’s review of the Nissan GT-R with the optional Track Pack fitted, and the conclusions at the end of that test were pretty clear – it is a very serious “supercar killer,” which is immensely competent, but a bit detached and not that fun to drive at regular speeds, needing to be pushed hard to get enjoyment. Read more »

Alfa Romeo Adds Some Color to the Giulietta and Calls it Collezione Edition

noreply@blogger.com (John @ Carscoop) — Thu, 23 May 2013 21:50:42 PDT

Not having much else to do these days, Alfa Romeo's design and marketing staff came together and created a new special series of the Giulietta compact hatch for the UK market. It is named the Collezione, which is Italian for Collection, and it brings some color along with additional styling and equipment features to the Giulietta range. Read more »

eBay Find: 1964 AMC Rambler 550 Has Potential

noreply@blogger.com (John @ Carscoop) — Thu, 23 May 2013 12:00:08 PDT

There are so many classics to choose from when starting a project, which might end up making a much bigger dent in your bank account than you were first anticipating, especially if you live in the US where an abundance of nice old cars are always close by in your area or/and just one click away, on eBay.

Like this 1964 AMC Rambler 550, which less fancy than other cars of its era, but it still has its own adepts, as do all cool rides from ages past.

Crazy Frenchman Sets World Speed Record on Rocket-Powered Bicycle at 163MPH or 263KM/H!

noreply@blogger.com (John @ Carscoop) — Thu, 23 May 2013 11:30:05 PDT

There are speed records, and there are speed records, and then there's what Frenchman François Gissy achieved, because it's one thing going fast on a bicycle using your feet to turn the pedals, and a completely different story when thrust comes from hydrogen peroxide-fueled (H2O2) rockets… Read more »

McLaren Announces Anniversary Edition 12C and 12C Spider for Its 50th Birthday

noreply@blogger.com (John @ Carscoop) — Thu, 23 May 2013 10:52:54 PDT

McLaren will produce an anniversary edition of the 12C and 12C Spider in a limited run of 50 units for each model. Named the McLaren 50 12C, the commemorative editions feature styling tweaks and enhanced specs.

Produced by McLaren Special Operations (MSO), the division responsible for the company's bespoke projects, the 50 12C and 50 12C Spider feature a remodelled, CFD-optimized front bumper inspired by the limited-run HS Edition models. The lower section of the bumper that frames the air intakes is constructed from carbon fiber, while the front floor is made from race-derived carbon Kevlar.

BMW Insider Say M4's Multi-Turbo Six to Redline Close to 8,000 RPM, New Spy Shots of Coupe

noreply@blogger.com (John @ Carscoop) — Thu, 23 May 2013 10:20:23 PDT

Our spies have gone in overboost mode in regards to the new BMW M4 Coupe securing another round of shots of the prototype finished in a Silverstone Metallic color (think ice-blue), while it was being thrashed in its…natural habitat, the Nürburgring Nordschleife.

But that's not the only news we have on the M4 as this morning, we were notified by the team over at the F80Bimmerpost forums about some fresh information on the car's powertrain specs.

Seat Launches New Leon in Mexico, Its Sixth Biggest Market Worldwide

noreply@blogger.com (John @ Carscoop) — Thu, 23 May 2013 09:55:42 PDT

Seat has released the new Leon in Mexico, a market where the Spanish marque is hoping to consolidate its position among the 10 best-selling brands. Over the past two years, Seat has grown 60 percent in Mexico, largely due to the success of its Ibiza subcompact.

In the first four months of this year, Seat has delivered 7,360 vehicles, accounting for a growth of 8.5 percent and ranking as the ninth best-selling brand in the country.

Nissan Hands Over Juke Nismo Batman Edition to Competition Winner

noreply@blogger.com (John @ Carscoop) — Thu, 23 May 2013 09:12:26 PDT

A one-off Nissan Juke Nismo inspired by the final Batman film of Christopher Nolan's successful Dark Knight Trilogy was handed over to the winner of a UK competition that started last year: self-confessed action film fan and local baker, Adam Williams from Wales. Read more »

Opel Plays Sweet Prank to VW Fans at the GTI Meet in Worthersee

noreply@blogger.com (John @ Carscoop) — Thu, 23 May 2013 08:25:07 PDT

As you very well know, the annual GTI Meeting in Worthersee, Austria, is a VW Group-exclusive tuning event where the VW, Audi, Seat and Skoda brands come to show wild concept cars and their customizing options. The event has many followers, especially among young people, which is normal given that it’s a tuning show. Read more »

New Maserati Levante to be Less Jeep-Like, will be Built in Italy, Says Report

noreply@blogger.com (John @ Carscoop) — Thu, 23 May 2013 07:57:10 PDT

We’re no longer surprised that Maserati is making an SUV, and in fact, we had a hunch they were going to do it even before they made their intentions official, with the revealing of the Kubang concept, back in 2011 at the Frankfurt Auto Show. Now we know it is set for production, bearing the Levante name, however, many details regarding it are still unclear. Read more »

Citroen DS3 Cabrio Scores Product Placement in The Saturdays’ New Music Clip [w/Video]

noreply@blogger.com (John @ Carscoop) — Thu, 23 May 2013 06:58:08 PDT

From the glittery and short-lived world of modern pop-stars comes our next story of marketing hype with Citroen promoting the appearance of its DS3 Cabrio in the brand-new music video from English-Irish girl group "The Saturdays". Read more »

VW to Add Misfueling Prevention System to Protect North American Diesel Car Owners

noreply@blogger.com (John @ Carscoop) — Thu, 23 May 2013 06:35:38 PDT

Diesel is growing in popularity among passenger cars in the US, Canada, and along with it, the danger of misfueling – putting gasoline into the tank which should contain diesel only.

Volkswagen of America is reportedly supporting the cost of having to fit a misfueling protection system to some quarter of a million Jetta and Golf TDIs, manufactured between 2009 – 2012 and 2010 – 2012 respectively.

Alert Truck Driver Foils Suicide or Grisly Insurance Scam Attempt

noreply@blogger.com (John @ Carscoop) — Thu, 23 May 2013 06:03:09 PDT

We live in a truly crazy world when people throw themselves under the wheels of a large truck for whatever reason. Who knows if the man featured in the video jumped under the carriage of the fuel-tank lorry to kill himself or attempt a twisted and utterly moronic insurance scam, but we're glad with the outcome. Read more »

Kia Soul EV to Cost $35,000 and Offer a Driving Range of 124 Miles / 200km

noreply@blogger.com (John @ Carscoop) — Thu, 23 May 2013 05:43:47 PDT

When it comes to the electric vehicle segment, Kia and its parent company Hyundai are lagging behind the competition, which is why the Korean companies are planning to launch their first mass produced EV as early as 2014.

According to a report from Kia World, an electrified version of the Kia Soul MPV is expected to launch in the first half of 2014 as a follow-up to the Kia Ray EV, which is a limited run vehicle destined exclusively for the South Korean government fleets.

Peugeot UK Improves 508's Equipment Specs for a Small Increase in Price

noreply@blogger.com (John @ Carscoop) — Thu, 23 May 2013 04:53:38 PDT

French carmaker Peugeot is attempting to draw more buyers into its UK showrooms by enhancing the standard specifications of the 508 Saloon and SW (Station Wagon) models, while also simplifying the range with the elimination of the SR trim grade. Read more »

Spied: New Citroen C4 Grand Picasso Adds a Controversial Rear End to the Awkward Face

noreply@blogger.com (John @ Carscoop) — Thu, 23 May 2013 04:30:25 PDT

The first spy photos showing the Citroen C4 Grand Picasso undisguised surfaced today on the Spanish website Auto Facil. The images were taken by a reader who spotted the larger, seven-seat version of the new C4 Picasso on a parked trailer in Spain.

Derived from the shorter-wheelbase model, the second generation of the C4 Grand Picasso shares the same front end, albeit with some subtle modifications such as the black line that unites the Citroen logo with the turn signals and the lower part of the bumper that gets a slightly different design.

Chrysler to Tesla: Not So Fast, We Were the First to Repay Government Loan

noreply@blogger.com (John @ Carscoop) — Wed, 22 May 2013 19:42:49 PDT

After Audi, it's Chrysler's to turn its guns on Tesla, only this time, it's not about a sales report from a news agency, but it regards a press statement made by the maker of the battery-powered Model S.

On Wednesday, Tesla announced that it paid off in full a $465 million loan that the Energy Department made in 2010, nine years earlier than scheduled. In the statement, the California-based company also added, "Following this payment, Tesla will be the only American car company to have fully repaid the government."