Carscoop

Ferrari 458 Italia Flips Twice in the Air after Exiting the Corkscrew at Laguna Seca

noreply@blogger.com (John @ Carscoop) — Tue, 22 May 2012 17:23:26 PDT

There is a reason why many consider the notorious corkscrew at the Laguna Seca raceway both fantastic and scary at the same time.

If you want to know about the scary part, then you should take a look at what happened during the 2012 Ferrari Racing Days this past weekend.

While tackling the corkscrew, one of the drivers came in way faster than he should of and the 458 Challenge just continued on straight. Due to the car's momentum, the gravel and tires did not stop the Italian racer, which was flung into the air like a toy before it landed on its roof. A very scary incident indeed.

Spy Shots: Porsche Lets the Sun in New 911 Turbo Convertible

noreply@blogger.com (John @ Carscoop) — Tue, 22 May 2012 16:36:11 PDT

Since the first thing you will notice about the 2013 Porsche 911 Turbo Cabriolet in these latest spy shots is the metal roll bar behind the front seats, let us start by pointing out that this is an engineering prototype and that the production model will feature a clean design.

With that out of the way, let us see what Porsche is preparing for the new turbocharged Cabriolet model.

This Accident Could Have Ended Much, Much Worse…

noreply@blogger.com (John @ Carscoop) — Tue, 22 May 2012 16:04:46 PDT

Watching a large truck tip over while negotiating a curve on the road and then seeing it coming towards your way without you being able to react is an experience that no driver would like to face.

That said, this driver should feel extremely fortunate that the only thing damaged in the incident you are about to view in the video below is the front end of his car...

SPIED: All-New 2013 Volkswagen Golf GTI MkVII Hits the Nürburgring for Testing

noreply@blogger.com (John @ Carscoop) — Tue, 22 May 2012 15:32:42 PDT

If there was ever a more important model in the vast lineup of the Volkswagen Group, it is the seventh generation of the Golf, which we will have the opportunity to see it in person for the first time at the upcoming 2012 Paris Motor Show this September.

Say we had to single out one variant out of the Golf's range, that would no doubt be the GTI, the model that gave birth to an entire segment. However, before you get too excited, learn that we will not be seeing the next Golf GTI in Paris but most likely in Geneva the following March.

Since its presentation is a full year away, we have the next best thing with our first spy pictures of the Golf GTI MkVII wearing its production outfit while testing on the 'Ring.

Compared to the regular Golf prototypes we caught earlier this year, the GTI is distinguished by the larger alloy wheels wrapped around beefier tires, the lowered body and the side skirts. The car seen here is the five-door model, but Volkswagen will also offer a three-door variant and possibly a convertible later on.

How to Turn a Lexus LS 400 into a Convertible on the Spot

noreply@blogger.com (John @ Carscoop) — Tue, 22 May 2012 14:41:38 PDT

Reinforced A-pillars and pyrotechnically charged roll hoops are obviously not on the menu for this second-generation Lexus LS 400 Cabriolet, which was created in a matter of minutes during a DIY coachbuilding lesson at the 2012 StanceWars event in Belgium this past weekend.

Make the jump to view the videos for yourself.

Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione Gets Wheels And More

noreply@blogger.com (John @ Carscoop) — Tue, 22 May 2012 14:23:55 PDT

German aftermarket specialist Wheelsandmore believes it can convince at least a few of the 500 owners of the Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione to make the plunge and shop its new tuning package for the Italian sports coupe.

First up is the hard-to-miss matte white foil wrap with black and red racing stripes running from bumper to bumper, and the 21-inch 6Sporz2 forged alloy wheels shod in Hankook S1Evo tires size 245/30 21 on the front axle and 345/25 21 on the rear.

Aussie Billionaire Wants to Build Titanic II but Refuses to Pay $333 Speeding Ticket...

noreply@blogger.com (John @ Carscoop) — Tue, 22 May 2012 13:37:09 PDT

At the end of April, Australian billionaire Clive Palmer made world headlines when he announced plans to launch a full-size replica of the Titanic that will make its maiden voyage from England to New York in 2016.

Fast-forward a few weeks to today, and the Australian Mining magnate is once again in the news, but for a very different reason.

The 58-year old businessman from the sunny state of Queensland was ticketed by Australian police back in January for going 87km/h (54mph) in a 60km/h (37mph) zone in his Mercedes-Benz. The police officer issued him an AU$333 (US$329 or €258) fine and deducted four demerit points from his driving license.

It Came from eBay Hell: The Plymouth PT Cruiser Limited

noreply@blogger.com (John @ Carscoop) — Tue, 22 May 2012 13:30:26 PDT

While originally conceived by the Chrysler Group as a Plymouth model, the PT Cruiser ended up being launched onto the market as a Chrysler branded vehicle in 2000, following the Detroit carmaker's decision to axe Plymouth the following year. The rest, of course, is history with the PT Cruiser becoming a moderate success for Chrysler. Read more »

Spied: All-New Skoda Rapid Compact Sedan Caught Undisguised

noreply@blogger.com (John @ Carscoop) — Tue, 22 May 2012 12:25:01 PDT

Czech carmaker Skoda is more or less done hiding its Rapid sedan prototypes, one of which was snagged by our scoop photographers while running around the Nürburgring racetrack in Germany.

Skoda's engineers simply applied some convincing, but fake, decals on the tail lamps, the top part of the headlamps, and the rear door lines, just to keep our spies on their toes.

Other than that, what you see in these pictures is what European buyers will get when the compact sedan model makes its first public outing at the Paris Motor Show this September before reaching dealerships at the end of the year.

The European market Rapid (Skoda also sells a smaller and unrelated Rapid sedan in India) is the production variant of the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show Mission L Concept.

Chinese Motorcyclist Attacks Cop with a Knife for Pulling Him Over!

noreply@blogger.com (John @ Carscoop) — Tue, 22 May 2012 11:49:42 PDT

No one likes being stopped on the road by a police officer for a traffic violation and while complaining or simply trying to justify your actions to avoid a ticket is part of the game, there is really no point in taking to the next level.

Try telling that to this motorcyclist, though. After a cop on foot pulled him over, the man on scooter blew a gasket and grabbed a large knife stacked in his bike and started chasing the officer! And all this on a busy street in broad daylight!

Anderson Germany's Aston Martin Casino Royale DBS Tune

noreply@blogger.com (John @ Carscoop) — Tue, 22 May 2012 11:31:04 PDT

While Aston Martin is preparing the current generation DBS for its last hurray before it reveals a replacement model, aftermarket specialist Anderson Germany has crafted a new styling and performance package named after the twenty-first film in the James Bond film series, Casino Royale. Read more »

Ferrari Recalls 74 Examples of 458 Italia and California in the States for Faulty Crankshafts

noreply@blogger.com (John @ Carscoop) — Tue, 22 May 2012 10:49:54 PDT

A defective engine crankshaft has forced Ferrari to issue a safety recall on certain 2011-2012MY 458 Italia and 2012MY California. The recall affects a total of 206 cars worldwide, of which 74 were sold in the States.

Ferrari said that due to an incorrect setup of the crankshaft-grinding machine, the crankshafts of the type F 136 engine found in the 458 Italia and California model were not manufactured according to specifications and may fail causing the engine to stall and possibly lead to a crash if the car is on the move.

2012 Life Ball Mini Roadster Designed by Vogue Editor, Franca Sozzani

noreply@blogger.com (John @ Carscoop) — Tue, 22 May 2012 10:04:54 PDT

After teasing us with a single sketch in the beginning of May, Mini went ahead and presented the Roadster Cooper S designed by Franca Sozzani, chief editor of Italian Vogue, at the 2012 edition of the annual Life Ball charity event in Vienna, Austria.

The one-off creation was auctioned off at the AIDS Solidarity Gala for €54,000 (US$69,000) to an unnamed buyer.

Mercedes-Benz Details New A-Class Hatch's Interior Design

noreply@blogger.com (John @ Carscoop) — Tue, 22 May 2012 09:15:05 PDT

We have reported extensively on the all-new Mercedes-Benz A-Class five-door hatchback, and now, just before its European market launch on June 15, the German firm has released one more video of its premium compact model

In this new clip, Mercedes-Benz designer Jan Kaul, who was responsible for the hatchback's inner works, gives us the low down on the styling of the interior, which for the most part, will be shared with the upcoming CLA compact four-door coupe.

SCOOP: 2013 Audi R8 Shows its Face, will Gain More Power and a 7-Speed Dual Clutch Transmission

noreply@blogger.com (John @ Carscoop) — Tue, 22 May 2012 08:51:01 PDT

Some six years after Audi wowed the world with its R8 supercar in 2006, Ingolstadt is getting ready to spruce up its flagship model with very mild styling updates on the outside but important changes under the skin.

Our spies sent us two sets of photos today, both of the R8 V10 model, with and without the swirly camouflage.

On the styling front, Audi's designers made a few tweaks here and there such as the new LED headlamp and tail light fixtures, the reshaped, six-point front grille with horizontal chrome slats and the circular instead of oval-shaped twin tail pipes on the V10 model.

Some may also notice that instead of two plastic slats on the front and rear side vents, the updated V10 model gets three plastic slats on both ends and corners.

Slammed Acura TSX Sparks up the Highway

noreply@blogger.com (John @ Carscoop) — Tue, 22 May 2012 08:06:56 PDT

If you have ever wondered what happens to those tuned cars with the ridiculous negative cambers and lowered ride height when they hit the road at highway speeds, the following video of a slammed Acura TSX sedan should prove enlightening, to say the least. Read more »

'Yellow Steam Hammer' is a Supercharged Camaro by O.CT-Tuning with 621-Horses

noreply@blogger.com (John @ Carscoop) — Tue, 22 May 2012 07:49:43 PDT

Germany's O.CT-Tuning tells us that the 2012 Chevrolet Camaro SS with its naturally aspirated 6.2-liter V8 that produces 426-horsepower and 420 lb-ft (569Nm) of peak torque is not fast enough and that owners should take a look at its new performance package called the "Yellow Steam Hammer". Read more »

Ralph Gilles Shows Off 2013 SRT Viper GTS at Moparpalooza

noreply@blogger.com (John @ Carscoop) — Tue, 22 May 2012 07:12:15 PDT

As the Chrysler Group's halo car, the Detroit carmaker does not pass on the opportunity to display the new 2013 SRT Viper to the brand's fans.

The most recent sighting of the snake was at the 2013 Moparpalooza fest, which took place on May 20 at the Fair Oaks Motors dealership in Chantilly, Virginia.

The SRT brands boss Ralph Gilles was on hand to talk with Mopar enthusiasts and detail the new Viper sports coupe.

New Gallery of 2013 Cadillac XTS Sedan with More than 50 Pictures

noreply@blogger.com (John @ Carscoop) — Tue, 22 May 2012 17:43:02 PDT

It is only a matter of weeks, if not days, before Cadillac begins U.S. sales of its new flagship XTS sedan model that will hits dealerships with a starting MSRP of $44,995, including destination.

Today, we have a fresh batch of high-resolution photos to share with you, which preview the Cadillac sedan in new shades and from different angles.

Jaguar Builds C-X16 Clay Model at Clerkenwell Design Week

noreply@blogger.com (John @ Carscoop) — Tue, 22 May 2012 05:56:30 PDT

As the official sponsor of the Clerkenwell Design Week that runs in London from May 22 to 24, Jaguar will have plenty to keep visitors entertained.

The highlight of the British firm's exhibition is the construction of a full size clay model of the C-X16 Concept sports coupe, with which Jaguar wants to divulge the artistry involved in sculpting cars.

Toyota and Lexus Cumulative Hybrid Sales Since 1997 Top 4 Million Vehicles

noreply@blogger.com (John @ Carscoop) — Tue, 22 May 2012 05:24:53 PDT

As of April 30, the Toyota and Lexus brands have both sold more than 4 million hybrid vehicles around the world since the market launch of Toyota's first hybrid model in Japan, the Coaster Hybrid EV in August 1997, followed by the Prius in December of the same year.

Global sales of the Prius began in Europe, North America and other regions in 2000, with the second-generation of the model landing in showrooms in 2003. The Japanese automaker then expanded the use of its hybrid system on other models such as minivans, SUVs, rear-wheel-drive sedans and compact hatchbacks.

Would you Believe that this Aston Martin DBS Replica is Based on a Toyota Supra?

noreply@blogger.com (John @ Carscoop) — Mon, 21 May 2012 18:58:32 PDT

Whereas some people transform the already wickedly fast in turbocharged outfit, fourth-generation Toyota Supra into mechanical beasts with 1,000-ponies under the hood, others, a very few to be honest, have slightly different plans for the Japanese sports car.

Take the British owner of this Toyota Supra, for example, who turned the coupe model into a replica of an Aston Martin DBS, supposedly inspired by the one featured in the 2008 James Bond flick, Quantum of Solace.

A Toyota Supra with 1,000 WHP, a Group of Motorcycles and a Cop

noreply@blogger.com (John @ Carscoop) — Mon, 21 May 2012 18:16:14 PDT

We are not aware of the laws in Sweden, but we have a hunch that the driver of the 1,000 wheel-horsepower, mid-1990s Toyota Supra and his motorcycle buddies featured in this video from Superretards broke at least a couple of them during their ride in the city of Västerås, located some 100km (~62miles) west of Stockholm.

No word on what happened after the police car appeared at the end of the short film. You can watch the two videos right past the jump.

Spy Shots: New Range Rover Strips Down to the Metal

noreply@blogger.com (John @ Carscoop) — Mon, 21 May 2012 17:25:43 PDT

These are by far our best pictures yet of the all-new, fourth generation Range Rover, as our spies managed to snag a prototype model without all the plastic cladding of the previous test cars.

Even though Land Rover engineers have covered select parts of the body with black and white decals that look like they came straight out of the Matrix, these new images afford us a clear view of the upcoming premium SUV's shape.

New Kia Cee'd Hatchback to go on Sale in the UK in June Priced from £14,395

noreply@blogger.com (John @ Carscoop) — Mon, 21 May 2012 16:34:08 PDT

The United Kingdom is the next stop for Kia's brand-new, second generation Cee'd hatchback, after its world premiere at the Geneva Salon earlier this year. The five-door model goes on sale in the UK on 1 June with on the road prices starting from £14,395 and topping out at £23,795. Read more »