Carscoop

Spy Shots: Alfa Romeo Giulietta Spotted Again in Detroit

noreply@blogger.com (John @ Carscoop) — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 18:18:01 PST

An associate of one of our spy photographers stumbled upon a camouflaged Alfa Romeo Giulietta hatchback at a gas station in Detroit on Wednesday morning.

The Italian compact model was covered in what looks like a matte black vinyl wrap with all Alfa Romeo logos hidden. Now, before you jump to the wrong conclusions, let us tell you that this isn't the first time we've seen the Giulietta in the States.

In fact, back in 2010, a whole truckload of Giuliettas was snagged on a Michigan freeway heading towards the Chrysler Group's headquarters in Auburn Hills. For all we know, this may be one of the leftovers.

New 2012 Ford B-MAX Opens Up to Us, Shows its Sliding Doors

noreply@blogger.com (John @ Carscoop) — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 16:55:56 PST

Ford continues the slow strip tease of its all-new B-MAX small MPV prior to the production model's grand premier at the 82nd Geneva International Auto Salon in the beginning of March.

This time we get a full-blown photo of the B-MAX's innovative hinged front doors and sliding rear doors that integrate the central body pillars, which Ford called "Easy Access Doors".

The design allows for 1.5-metre (close to 5 feet) wide unobstructed openings on either side of the B-segment multi-activity vehicle.

Powerplay: Audi Unleashes New TT RS Plus Coupe and Roadster with 360-Horses

noreply@blogger.com (John @ Carscoop) — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 16:23:30 PST

Evidently, every little bit of power matters for Audi, which has just lifted the covers off a new version of the TT RS featuring some subtle mechanical and styling upgrades. The new model is called the TT RS Plus and will be available in both Coupe and Roadster formats.

At the heart of the new flagship TT lies a modestly beefed up version of the regular RS' 2.5-liter turbocharged five-cylinder engine that gains 20PS (20bhp) more power and 15Nm (11.06 lb-ft) more torque lifting output to 360PS (355bhp) and 465Nm (342.97 lb-ft). A new sound flap promises to improve the five-pot's aural beat.

Like the model it is based upon, customers can choose between a six-speed manual gearbox and a seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch transmission that comes with a launch control function to optimize acceleration from a standing start. Power is channeled to all four wheels through Audi's quattro permanent all-wheel drive system.

Opel and Vauxhall Refute Wall Street Report as “Speculation”

noreply@blogger.com (John @ Carscoop) — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 15:37:43 PST

GM regained the title of the world’s number one automotive group in 2011, but its European division losses must have surely dampened the celebrations.

In fact, the Wall Street Journal reported this week that General Motors is losing its patience with Opel and Vauxhall after their fourth quarter losses and wants to make deeper cuts – and fast. The newspaper cited an unnamed GM source as saying that “if Opel is going to get fixed, it is going to get fixed now and cuts are going to get deep.”

SCOOP: The Not so New Opel Astra Sedan Takes Shape

noreply@blogger.com (John @ Carscoop) — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 14:45:52 PST

Opel may have been responsible for the development of the Astra being the first to launch the five-door hatchback, Sports Tourer station wagon and three-door GTC variants amongst GM's global brands, but there's one body style it will be the last to get and that's the four-door sedan model.

The Astra sedan essentially made its debut as the new Buick Excelle GT in China back in the summer of 2010 followed by the North American 2012 Buick Verano at last year's Detroit Motor Show.

Now, our spies bring us pictures of the Opel Astra model while testing in Germany. There's no camouflage up front so we can see that the Opel-flavored version sports the same fascia as the European Astra.

The automaker's engineers covered the rear end, but from what we can tell, the only differences with the Buick models concern the tail lamp graphics and possibly the removal of the chrome eyebrows to create a more three-dimensional look, along with a differen license plate holder and the incorporation of a spoiler lip to the boot.

Mazda Records US$1.3 Billion Loss, “Actively” Seeks Partner

noreply@blogger.com (John @ Carscoop) — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 14:06:25 PST

Last week, Mazda forecast a net loss of 100 billion yen (US$1.29 billion) for the fiscal year that ends March 31 and a 2 percent drop in its global sales, to 1.25 million units.

This is the fourth year in a row than Mazda records negative results and it's also the company's second biggest loss in the last 11 years after the US$2.0 billion damage it posted in the previous fiscal year that ended in March 2011.

Infiniti Brings us a Behind the Scenes Video of the M Hybrid vs Porsche Panamera Spot

noreply@blogger.com (John @ Carscoop) — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 13:30:11 PST

Remember how Infiniti's M Hybrid beat the Porsche Panamera S Hybrid in a quarter mile duel for a new commercial that aired last month? Well now, the Japanese carmaker is gining a behind-the-scenes look at what went on during the filming of the spot.

Aside from seeing the M Hybrid burning some rubber the only other interesting bit in this video is the blacked out Mercedes-Benz ML film car - which, of course, goes unmentioned by Infiniti. Watch the two-and-a-half minute long clip after the break.

New Vauxhall Combo Goes on Sale in the UK, will Come to North America as a Ram

noreply@blogger.com (John @ Carscoop) — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 13:05:43 PST

The latest generation of the Fiat Doblo van has the fairly unique (but not sole) distinction of being offered more or less unchanged by several different auto brands. These include Opel and its sister company in the UK, Vauxhall, and starting from early 2013, the Chrysler Group's Ram Truck division will also offer the van in North America.

For the time being though, Vauxhall has launched sales of the New Combo in Britain. The light commercial vehicle is available with a choice of four diesel units ranging from a 1.3-liter CDTi with 89bhp (90PS) to a 2.0-liter CDTi delivering 133bhp (135PS).

Karma is, Indeed, a Bitch: Toyota Yaris Driver gets what he Deserves

noreply@blogger.com (John @ Carscoop) — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 12:31:16 PST

Don’t you just hate it when another driver won't let you merge into traffic or cross a road even though he or she won't move on more than a car's length? Of course you do which is why we're going to assume that you'll find the following video staring the driver of a previous generation Toyota Yaris hatchback extremely rewarding...

Aston Martin Cygnet: Project Kahn Tries to Make Something Out of Nothing

noreply@blogger.com (John @ Carscoop) — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 12:08:35 PST

There are plenty of reasons not to buy into Aston Martin's cover up of the Toyota iQ, but if you have already paid twice or perhaps even three times as much for a cooler grille and a luxed up interior and still aren’t happy about the way the Cygnet looks and sounds, Project Kahn has some select upgrades for you.

On the outside, the British tuner fits the Cygnet with its own alloy wheels that are available in various colors (size 17-in. up front and 18-in. at the back), a new set of brake calipers finished in heat resistant paint, again in whatever color the customer wants, and bespoke exhaust tail pipes.

Facelifted 2012 Seat Exeo Sedan and ST Arrive in the UK

noreply@blogger.com (John @ Carscoop) — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 11:32:59 PST

We first saw the mildly updated for 2012, Seat Exeo, at last year's Frankfurt Motor Show and now both the sedan and ST station wagon variants of the previous generation Audi A4-based model are available for order in the United Kingdom.

Prices start from £19,480 RRP (recommended price on the road) for the base sedan model fitted with an 118bhp (120PS) 2.0-liter turbo diesel. Other engine options include two more 2.0-liter TDI diesels with 141bhp (143PS) or 168bhp (170PS) and a 2.0-liter TFSI turbocharged petrol with 208bhp (211PS).

2013 BMW 640i Gran Coupe Priced at $76,895 in the States, See How it Compares against its Rivals

noreply@blogger.com (John @ Carscoop) — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 13:07:48 PST

Have US$76,895 to spare? For that coin, you can get in the brand new 2013 BMW 640i Gran Coupe, which is the initial model of the Bavarian firm's sports saloon that arrives in the U.S. showrooms early this summer.

The 640i Gran Coupe is powered by a 3.0-liter turbocharged straight-six gasoline engine delivering 315hp at 5,800 to 6,000 rpm and 330 lb-ft of peak torque on stream between 1,300 and 4,500 rpm. Power channeled to the rear wheels through an 8-speed automatic transmission.

New Smart Fortwo Edition Sharpred Brings Out its Darker Side

noreply@blogger.com (John @ Carscoop) — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 10:06:35 PST

"Sharpred" is the name of the latest special edition model from Smart and will be available this May in a limited run of 1,800 examples as a Coupé and as a Cabrio with either a 70bhp (52kW) mhd petrol engine or an 82bhp (62kW) petrol unit.

What separates the Sharpred from its lesser Fortwo siblings is the two-tone color theme with the main body and 15-inch alloy wheels painted in black and the Tridion safety cell and door mirror housings finished in a contrasting red color.

Nissan SUV Slams Stationary Honda Civic that was Getting Ready to Street Race [NSFW]

noreply@blogger.com (John @ Carscoop) — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 08:59:32 PST

We're not saying it can't happen, but the last thing you expect to see on an open road at night is two motionless vehicles occupying both regular lanes. Is it that difficult to see that this is something extremely dangerous for all parties involved? Apparently, the answer is yes…

Too bad these drivers had to find out the hard way when an unrelated Nissan SUV slammed into a Honda Civic hatchback that was standing still revving its engine as the owner was preparing to race another Civic on an unnamed road in Tampa, Florida.

The person who uploaded the video said that despite the severity of the crash, -fortunately- no one was hurt. You can watch the accident as it happened in the clip that follows after the break (beware; foul language).

Toyota Ramps up Production of Highlander SUV and Corolla at its U.S. Plants

noreply@blogger.com (John @ Carscoop) — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 08:36:19 PST

After the natural disasters that crippled its production in 2011, Toyota is pulling ahead with a new plan to make up for the lost ground. This week, the number one Japanese automaker announced that it will increase production of the Highlander mid-size SUV at its Princeton, Indiana plant from late 2013. Read more »

Nissan Asks Fans to Help Tune the Ultimate 370Z Coupe; How Would You Upgrade it?

noreply@blogger.com (John @ Carscoop) — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 08:12:58 PST

For the past decade or so, the 350Z and its successor, the 370Z, have offered mainstream buyers with a regular budget in many markets around the world the opportunity to own a fine-tuned and powerful rear-wheel drive sports car without breaking the bank.

Nissan is now reaching over to the same crowd to help create the ultimate Z car with the launch of "Project Z" that was announced today at the Chicago Auto Show where the Japanese company also unveiled the de-fanged 2013MY 370Z facelift.

And how will Nissan do that, we hear you ask? The answer is through its Facebook channel where fans will propose and vote on potential modifications while following the progress of the tuned 370Z online.

"Together we’ll create a vehicle that expands on the already outstanding performance and style of the Nissan 370Z with a balance of street and track ready modification," said Jon Brancheau, vice president of Nissan Marketing, NNA.

New 2012 Kia Optima SX Limited Edition adds Some Bling

noreply@blogger.com (John @ Carscoop) — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 07:41:20 PST

Along with the snazzy Track'ster concept study, Kia also revealed a new range-topping version of its Optima sedan called the SX Limited at the 2012 Chicago Auto Show.

The SX Limited, which as you may recall was teased through Kia's Super Bowl XLVI commercial this past Sunday, is based on the 274-horsepower turbocharged Optima SX adding a little bling to the mix with new 18-inch chromed alloy wheels, a chrome-accented rear spoiler, LED daytime running lights and red front-brake calipers.

Cadillac's CTS-V Coupe Racecar Enters the Virtual World as it Joins iRacing

noreply@blogger.com (John @ Carscoop) — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 07:01:22 PST

More and more automakers are looking to promote their vehicles to a younger and typically affluent crowd through popular racing games.

Today we learn that GM's Team Cadillac Racing has collaborated with iRacing.com, which is one of the most popular online motorsports games, offering players the chance to drive a virtual version of the CTS-V Coupe racer.

Meet the Final Production Version of the Aston Martin V12 Zagato

noreply@blogger.com (John @ Carscoop) — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 06:34:33 PST

Aston Martin has released the first official images of the final production version of its new limited run V12 Zagato that we first laid eyes on as a concept in both road going and racing flavors at last year's Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este in Italy.

The new V12 Zagato will make its world premiere at the 2012 Kuwait Concours d’ Elegance next week with its European debut to take place at the Geneva Salon in early March.

As the name suggest, it was designed as the ultimate Vantage by Italian coachbuilder Zagato to celebrate the 50th anniversary of its first partnership with Aston Martin, the 1962 DB4GT Zagato.

This is it: The New Chevrolet Cruze Station Wagon

noreply@blogger.com (John @ Carscoop) — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 05:56:11 PST

We've been hearing rumors about the possibility of GM adding a third body style to the range of its Chevrolet Cruze for quite some time now.

Well, there's no need to speculate any longer as this morning, the Detroit automaker officially revealed the all-new Chevrolet Cruze Station Wagon ahead of its global premiere at the 82nd International Geneva Motor Show early next month.

All-New Mitsubishi Outlander Breaks Cover, Lineup will Include a Plug-in Hybrid Variant

noreply@blogger.com (John @ Carscoop) — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 05:33:02 PST

Just a little over two months after Mitsubishi teased the new Outlander with the second iteration of its Concept PX-MiEV at the 2011 Tokyo Motor Show, the Japanese company lifted the wraps off the production model that will make its world premiere at the forthcoming Geneva Motor Show in early March.

Even though we only get a single picture from Mitsubishi, it's easy to see that the all-new Outlander is almost a carbon copy of the PX-MiEV II right down to the design of the alloy wheels.

This doesn't mean that there aren't differences over the study but that they are limited to details such as the conventional headlamp units, exterior mirrors and door handles while Mitsubishi also added a pair of fog lamps up front.

MT Pits 2012 Porsche 911 Carrera S Aganist 2012 Corvette Grand Sport

noreply@blogger.com (John @ Carscoop) — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 18:18:37 PST

Chevrolet's Corvette and Porsche's 911 are two of the most recognized and longest living sports car nameplates in history. Both models have evolved in many ways over the years but also remain true to their heritage.

The 2012 Porsche 911 was only just introduced into the market this year sporting an entirely new platform and a lighter body, while the sixth generation of Corvette has been with us since 2005 and has entered its final year of production as Chevrolet will present an all new model next year.

Nonetheless, since we live in the "today", Motor Trend's editor-at-large Angus MacKenzie took the 436-horsepower 2012 Corvette Grand Sport and compared it with the 400-horsepower 2012 Porsche 911 Carrera S.

Spy Shots: New BMW i8 Coupe Wears its Production Outfit for Testing

noreply@blogger.com (John @ Carscoop) — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 17:24:09 PST

The last time we showed you a prototype of the BMW i8 hybrid sports car it was in May of 2011 with a scoop video of the car undergoing cold-weather testing. Now, our spy photographers captured another prototype of the i8 being driven on the snow.

So what's new about this test car? Well, a lot actually, as whereas the previous prototype was based on BMW's second concept for an i8, the car featured here is the final production version.

The design of the i8 has progressed with BMW moving the exterior mirrors from the window to the corner of the doors and refining other details such as the door handles, headlamps, bumpers and even the alloy wheel designs.

But while the Bavarians have made some necessary changes, the overall shape of the car along with the aerodynamic details like the rear wings and air channels in front of the rear wheel arches remain unchanged. We still don't know if the production model will keep the concept's butterfly-style doors.

Fisker Forced to Halt Work on Delaware Factory After U.S. Blocks Loan

noreply@blogger.com (John @ Carscoop) — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 16:24:58 PST

Making yet another pun with Fisker and its Karma is easy. After all, the California based carmaker has faced several problems with its extended-range hybrid luxury sedan over the past couple of years. However, its latest issue is quite serious.

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has frozen Fisker’s access to the federal loan it was awarded for engineering of the Karma (US$169 million) and production of the midsize Nina sedan (US$359 million), which will be priced much lower than the $100K Karma.

Ford Says New B-MAX is Best In-Class when it Comes to Fuel Economy and CO2 Emissions

noreply@blogger.com (John @ Carscoop) — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 15:49:02 PST

Since we are getting closer to next month's Geneva Motor Show, Ford wanted to share more details on its all-new B-MAX, and more specifically to brag about its fuel consumption and CO2 emission ratings, which the Blue Oval says bring it to the top of its class.

When equipped with the 1.6-liter TDI diesel that produces 95PS (94hp), the new B-MAX delivers 4.0 lt/100km (70.6mpg UK or 58.8mpg US) and CO2 emissions of 104g/km. This compares to between 109 and 119 g/km CO2 and between 4.1 and 4.6 lt/100km for the Ford model's chief (diesel-powered) rivals, which include the Opel Meriva, Citroen C3 Picasso and Renault Modus.