Carscoop

Aston Martin Previews New DBS with AM310 Concept at Concorso d'Eleganza [Videos]

noreply@blogger.com (John @ Carscoop) — Sun, 27 May 2012 08:23:26 PDT

One of the surprise debutants of the 2012 edition of the Concorso d'Eleganza, which took place in Lake Como in northern Italy this weekend, is the Aston Martin Project AM310 Concept.

Mind you, this is not one of your run-of-the-mill concept studies but a pre-production version of the DBS replacement that will make its debut later this year before it goes on sale worldwide in early 2013.

With the exception of the two-tone alloy wheels and the visible carbon fiber aero kit and mirrors, this is the same car we showed you a couple of day ago testing on the Nürburgring.

The styling of the DBS replacement has been freshened up in a revolutionary kind of way with design cues from the One-77, especially in the profile with the sharper and more pronounced front and rear fenders, and the use of chrome on the window line, as well as the rounded rear with the stretched 'C' shaped tail lamps.

BMW Drops New Video Footage of Z4 Zagato Coupe

noreply@blogger.com (John @ Carscoop) — Sun, 27 May 2012 07:27:06 PDT

As the main sponsor of the prestigious Concorso d’Eleganza held at Villa d’Este, on Lake Como in northern Italy, the BMW Group occasionally feels the need to prepare something special for the show.

After last year's retro-futuristic 328 Roadster, a conceptual homage to the original model from the 1930s and the M1 Homage Concept in 2008, BMW readied a more down to earth concept based on the Z4 series and designed in collaboration with renowned Italian coachbuilder Zagato for this weekend's event.

Mitsuoka Launches Third Generation of its Retro-fused Viewt

noreply@blogger.com (John @ Carscoop) — Sat, 26 May 2012 10:21:34 PDT

For the past two decades, Mitsuoka, a Japanese company that specializes in the creation of eccentric designs, has been offering the Viewt, which is a small sedan model based on the Nissan March (also known as the Micra) that looks like a shrunken Jaguar Mark 2 from the 1960s.

This week, Mitsuoka presented the third generation of the Viewt built on the latest Nissan March / Micra (K12), which was launched in 2010.

BMW 5-Series Touring gets a Makeover and a Power Boost from Kelleners Sport

noreply@blogger.com (John @ Carscoop) — Sat, 26 May 2012 09:24:13 PDT

Just because you opted for a station wagon body style doesn't mean you have to deprive yourself from all the tuning goods available from the aftermarket industry.

Making its debut this week is a new and comprehensive range of accessories for the latest BMW 5 Series Touring (F11) from Germany's Kelleners Sport.

Subaru BRZ vs Mazda MX-5 vs Hyundai Genesis Coupe 2.0 Turbo in Four-Cylinder Grudge Match

noreply@blogger.com (John @ Carscoop) — Fri, 25 May 2012 17:45:27 PDT

In our ongoing $25k sports car poll, the Subaru BRZ has taken a clear lead with 20 percent out of more than 6,100 votes cast up until today.

Oddly enough, its Scion FR-S twin has only managed to gather 7 percent (despite being the same car), the same as the Hyundai Genesis Coupe 2.0 Turbo, which is still enough to place both higher than the Mazda MX-5 that has secured 4 percent of your votes.

Why do mention these cars specifically? Because Road&Track magazine brought together the Subaru BRZ, Hyundai Genesis Coupe 2.0 Turbo and the MX-5 soft-top roadster to find out which of the three ticks the most boxes for enthusiasts looking for a fun, rear-wheel drive sports car without breaking the bank.

Alfa Romeo Carlo Chiti Concept Shows what a MX-5 Based Coupe Could Look Like

noreply@blogger.com (John @ Carscoop) — Fri, 25 May 2012 17:03:30 PDT

Independent designer Marco Procaccini has come up with a new concept study for a modern day Alfa Romeo sports coupe with a front-engine, rear-wheel drive layout.

The study is named Carlo Chiti after the Italian racing car and engine designer, who was best known for his work at Alfa Romeo's motorsports division.

Sights and Sounds of Renault's 400hp Alpine A110-50 Concept

noreply@blogger.com (John @ Carscoop) — Fri, 25 May 2012 16:18:55 PDT

The Renault Alpine A110-50 Concept isn't just another motionless concept but a fully functional race-car with its impressive looking carbon fiber body covering the chassis and mechanical hardware of the Megane Trophy.

For all the non-believers, the French automaker dropped two videos of the ultra-lightweight A110-50, including one that shows the mid-engined sports car flexing its Nissan-sourced 3.5-liter V6 engine at the Mortefontaine racetrack.

Black Widow Treatment for Ferrari 458 Italia Spider

noreply@blogger.com (John @ Carscoop) — Fri, 25 May 2012 15:44:36 PDT

German tuning firm Wheelsandmore may have chosen to call its latest Ferrari 458 Italia program "Perfetto", which is Italian for perfect, but clearly, Black Widow is a far more appropriate name for its tune. Read more »

Watch a Truck Driver Make a 180-Degree Turn on a Dime

noreply@blogger.com (John @ Carscoop) — Fri, 25 May 2012 15:06:41 PDT

With so many preventable accidents and foolish failures caught on film and shared online, we would not blame you if you are on the verge of losing your faith in drivers in general.

Well, here is a video that may renew your hope that there are very capable, even though a bit risky, drivers out there. For a short clip, head on after the break to watch the video.

Refreshed 2013 Toyota Venza Priced from $27,700*

noreply@blogger.com (John @ Carscoop) — Fri, 25 May 2012 15:03:53 PDT

The arrival of the mildly facelifted Toyota Venza crossover for the 2013 model year brings some styling tweaks on the outside and improved standard features in all three grades but also an increase in pricing from $270 to $1,585, depending on the model. Read more »

Toyota to Roll Out 8 New and Cheap Compact Models for Emerging Markets by 2015

noreply@blogger.com (John @ Carscoop) — Fri, 25 May 2012 16:23:09 PDT

The relative maturity of the North American, European and Japanese markets are forcing Toyota Motor Corp. to look elsewhere for growth and in particular, emerging markets such as Brazil, China and India.

For this reason, the Japanese automaker said on Friday it plans to introduce eight new compact size models designed specifically for developing markets by 2015.

You Have to Hear this Gas Turbine Powered Datsun 280ZX Rat Rod

noreply@blogger.com (John @ Carscoop) — Fri, 25 May 2012 13:39:15 PDT

Normally, we are not in favor of customizing classic cars but this time we are going to make an exception, first because there are still plenty of Datsun 280ZX coupes out on the road and second because this conversion is truly cool and unique.

You may notice the Knight Rider-style hub caps or the matte black finish and those rocket inspired (or is that Madonna's Vogue bra?) headlamp replacements, but what really sets apart this 1983 Datsun 280ZX is well hidden under its bonnet.

This Dog is Cannier and a Lot More Careful than Many Pedestrians…

noreply@blogger.com (John @ Carscoop) — Fri, 25 May 2012 13:07:06 PDT

Mothers pushing baby strollers in front of busses, people throwing themselves in front of moving vehicles, young men crossing the road without looking – you name it, we have seen it being done by pedestrians.

Who would have guessed that some dogs are far sharper and careful than humans are when it comes to crossing the road… Scroll past the break to watch the short clip.

Lotus Boss Dany Bahar Suspended from his Role Following a Complaint

noreply@blogger.com (John @ Carscoop) — Fri, 25 May 2012 12:46:34 PDT

More problems for British sports car maker Lotus as the company's chief executive office Dany Bahar was suspended from his role today pending an investigation of a complaint against him by DRB-HICOM Berhad, which acquired Lotus back in January. Read more »

BMW Z4 Zagato Coupe Unveiled Ahead of Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este, Should it be Built?

noreply@blogger.com (John @ Carscoop) — Fri, 25 May 2012 12:25:20 PDT

From the late 1990s, BMW has been producing coupe versions of its Z series roadsters, namely the Z3 Coupe and the first generation of the Z4, both of which adopted a "love or loathe it but you cannot ignore it" kind of styling.

By replacing the soft-top with a retractable hardtop on the second-generation Z4 roadster, many assumed that the move would mean the end of the coupe model.

Today, however, BMW presented a new study for a Z4 Coupe designed by famed Italian studio Zagato in advance of its world premiere at the upcoming Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este in Italy.

The Italian firm's vision of a Z4 Coupe embodies traditional Zagato styling traits such as the double bubble roof and the classic Kamm Tail. But there is more to the Zagato Coupe as virtually every panel of the Z4 roadster has been redesigned.

Among other highlights that stand out are the countless small matt Zagato “z” letters that make up the double kidney grille, an elongated bonnet with air scoops and more muscular rear fenders.

Ferrari Officially Reveals Eric Clapton's One-Off SP12 EC

noreply@blogger.com (John @ Carscoop) — Fri, 25 May 2012 11:27:08 PDT

Ferrari sure took its time to bring up Eric Clapton's coachbuilt SP12 EC, but today, more than two months after we first laid eyes on the car through a set of pictures and a video shot at a London dealership, the Italians come out to tell us that the one-off exotic will be featured in the latest issue of the Ferrari Magazine. Read more »

Watch Heavy Rainfall Turn a Road Into a River in Ukraine

noreply@blogger.com (John @ Carscoop) — Fri, 25 May 2012 10:43:38 PDT

Sometimes, Mother Nature can be a real…wench. Check out this footage, reportedly shot in Odessa, which is third largest city in Ukraine, during heavy rainfall on Thursday, May 24, 2012.

The situation is already bad when the filming begins but it gets even worse in just a matter of minutes, turning the flooded road into a river. Video follows after the break.

First Videos of 2013 BMW 7-Series Facelift, Plus Full UK Pricing Details

noreply@blogger.com (John @ Carscoop) — Fri, 25 May 2012 10:42:50 PDT

After providing all the juicy details and plenty of pictures of its refreshed 2013 7-Series limousine, BMW has now released a string of videos explaining the changes it made and showing the car inside and out as well as on the road.

In addition, we also got our hands on full UK pricing. The updated 7-Series goes on sale in Britain on September 22, 2012, priced from £58,115 OTR for a 730d SE rising to £104,050 OTR for a 760Li M Sport.

Next VW Beetle Convertible Said to Launch with Several Retro-Flavored Editions

noreply@blogger.com (John @ Carscoop) — Fri, 25 May 2012 09:42:31 PDT

Even though Volkswagen executives have said that the recent E-Bugster Concept shown in Detroit in January and Beijing in April hints at the design of the next Beetle Convertible, our closest look at the open-top model comes from our spy pictures of the camouflaged prototypes.

For the final production variant, we will reportedly have to wait until the 2012 Los Angeles Auto Show at the end of November (unless it debuts at the Paris Salon this September).

Foolishly Risky Overtake by Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG

noreply@blogger.com (John @ Carscoop) — Fri, 25 May 2012 08:58:05 PDT

Just because you drive an exotic supercar like the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG with hundreds of ponies neatly tucked under its long hood, doesn't automatically give you super abilities or a pass on the laws of physics…

Take a look at what this driver of a red SLS AMG attempted during the 2012 Mille Miglia race in Italy in the video that follows right past the break.

Fiat Group Suspends Vehicle and Components Sales in Iran

noreply@blogger.com (John @ Carscoop) — Fri, 25 May 2012 08:34:12 PDT

Evidently, the Fiat Group has succumbed to international pressure to stop doing business in Iran, joining the ranks of other automakers like Porsche and Hyundai, both of which recently suspended sales in the country.

"Fiat supports the international efforts for a diplomatic solution of the issues relating to the relations with Iran," the Italian company said in a statement.

Man Erects Jeremy Clarkson Scarecrow in Front of His House to Slow Traffic

noreply@blogger.com (John @ Carscoop) — Fri, 25 May 2012 09:00:54 PDT

A Northumberland village man named Christopher Hodgkinson has set up a creepy looking scarecrow of sorts dressed as a police officer with a printed version of Top Gear host Jeremy Clarkson as his face and a…hairdryer as a speed gun, right in front of his house to deter drivers from speeding! Read more »

Fiat May Deepen Proposed Partnership with Mazda and Produce its Cars at Chrysler Plants

noreply@blogger.com (John @ Carscoop) — Fri, 25 May 2012 07:10:57 PDT

As it turns out, the Fiat Group's decision to tie the fate of its next generation Alfa Romeo Spider to the Mazda MX-5, could be the beginning of a new relationship between the two automakers.

Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of an event at a Chrysler plant in Belvidere, Illinois, Fiat and Chrysler Group CEO Sergio Marchionne said that the company is open to deepening its newly found partnership with Mazda in order to lower its manufacturing and developing costs as well as to expand its reach.

Renault Alpine A110-50 Concept with Nissan V6 Revealed in Full Detail with More than 70 Photos

noreply@blogger.com (John @ Carscoop) — Fri, 25 May 2012 07:07:59 PDT

The Alpine A110 Berlinette, one of the rally legends of old, turns 50 this year and to mark the event, parent company Renault has crafted a new concept model in its name that will make its world premiere at the Monaco Grand Prix this weekend.

"We wanted to make a Berlinette that was of our time, and which boldly embodies Renault's passion for motorsport. We were guided by our hearts and emotions," said Renault Concept and Show Car Director, Axel Breun.

Instead of developing and designing a concept model from scratch, Renault stylistically modified the body of the production-intent, all-electric DeZir sports coupe concept from the 2010 Paris Motor Show, and placed it atop of the Megane Trophy racecar, which as you may imagine, is not mechanically related to the production model.

The carbon-fiber bodywork of the A110-50 study combines a new shade of blue that reinterprets the famous original ‘Alpine Blue’ with orange accents. Being a track focused model, the Alpine also features an array of aero components such as the front spoiler, protruding side skirts, a rear diffuser and a large wing.

Nissan Juke R can be Fun on the Ice as Well

noreply@blogger.com (John @ Carscoop) — Fri, 25 May 2012 05:25:02 PDT

While Nissan does not need any help selling the small production run of its 545-horsepower and 160mph (257km/h) Juke R special, the Japanese automaker is constantly looking for a reason to create additional buzz around the high-performance crossover with the hope that some of it will rub off on the regular model.

Following a string of videos from Dubai that entailed a supercar grudge match, Nissan PlayStation GT Academy winner Lucas Ordoňez took the Juke R to trial it at the snow-capped mountains of Norway and the Losna Isbane Ice Track.