Monthly Archives: July 2016
Spy Shots of the 2019 Chevrolet Corvette C8
A prototype of what looks to be a mid-engine Chevrolet Corvette was sighted near a General Motors Company facility in the United States.
These latest shots came after similar ones published last year that showed a “mysterious” test car whose body bore inspirations from several other vehicles such as the Holden Commodore Ute for the front and rear sections and the C7 Corvette for the mid-section.
Wasn’t it just last month that reports came about the next-generation Corvette, the C8? Back then, there were indications that the C8 will be launched in mid-engine form at the 2018 Detroit Auto Show.
However, if the C8 will arrive in 2018, that means it’ll be a 2019 model, giving the C7 a relatively short lifespan since it arrived as a 2014 model. The reason for this is because GM started working on a mid-engine design for the C7, though those plans get scrapped before the company announced bankruptcy in 2009.
Based on these photos, the C8 will be sized similar to the C7, except that the former has a lower and wider stance. There are chunky buttresses on the sides of the engine bay, and if reports are right, there will be a sheet of glass in the center to show the car’s engine. Just how cool is that?
Only a small group of people have seen the C8 prototype, meaning designers and engineers (the same thing happened when Ford came out with the GT supercar), as it has been protected even from employees.
There’s not going to be a new design. Rather, the platform will be based on the C7’s aluminum spaceframe structure. This shows that although the C8 is an exotic car by itself, it cannot exactly justify a pricey tag.
The C7’s starting price is close to $60,000 while the C8 would probably have a base price of $80,000, add-ons not included. Production of the C8 will be at the Bowling Green, Kentucky, which GM has upgraded for the new car. The company apparently spent $700 million for the facility.
Sightings of the 2018 BMW Z5 Give Details of What’s to Come
When BMW and Toyota announced their partnership in January 2013, many were speculating the revival of the Toyota Supra and the development of the next-generation BMW Z4.
But these recent spy shots confirmed what has long been a rumor—that instead of a next-generation Z4, the BMW-Toyota partnership will instead replace the Z4 with the Z5.
The Z5 recently made its first public appearance as a camouflaged prototype. The roadster was being tested in cold weather, suggesting that the German automaker has been working on this model for quite some time.
Based on these spy shots, it looks like the new roadster will have a new architecture that’ll make it sportier than the Z4.
On the outside, the Z5 has a long hood, a short rear deck, shorter overhangs and a low driving position. Compared to the Z4, the Z5 prototype seems to be slightly longer and wider. And instead of a soft top, the Z5 will have a folding metal roof.
It also has a lowered nose, bigger grille and larger headlamps. The sides don’t offer much, except that it might be missing a belt line, though we expect to see more once it is launched.
On the rear end, not much can be seen as well. The trunk lid looks similar to the Z4 with an integrated spoiler while the license plate recess has been moved upper into the right fascia.
There are no details yet for the interior, though we can expect premium feel and excellent fit. Seats should be made with premium leather with option for sportier seats on higher end models.
As for the drivetrain, we should expect a turbocharged four-cylinder with the higher range having a 3.0-liter inline-six. There are rumors that the Z5 would have a hybrid option, though some said it might divert from that route to differentiate itself from what Toyota is planning.
Customers will have an option of either manual transmission or dual-clutch automatic gearbox. An all-wheel drive might be in the works too.
We’re expecting the BMW Z5 to be unveiled in either late 2016 or early 2017. The Toyota counterpart, which will be different in looks and will revive the Supra nameplate, should be launched around the same time.
No information on prices yet, but the Z5 could go as high as $55,000 before options.
2016 Renault Captur Refreshed, Adds New Range-Topping Model
The Renault Captur was finally upgraded for 2016, and with it comes a new range-topping model. The Captur also gained a new powertrain to go along with its premium styling.
The 2016 Capturs in Dynamique or Nav spec are now coming out with Renault’s turbocharged 1.2-liter TCe petrol engine in manual gearbox. This new powertrain reportedly produces 118bhp, and has an output of 51.4mpg and 125g/km of CO2.
Capturs with this powertrain, which was only previously available with the dual-clutch EDC automatic gearbox, will have a starting price of £16,575.
That same engine with the EDC automatic gearbox will now have a base price of £18,075.
The Dynamique Nav and Dynamique S Nav models, meanwhile, can now be ordered with Flame Red metallic paint and a contrasting Diamond black roof for £595. If you want more interior-speaking, you can add a matching red color pack for £100.
There are four trim levels available for the new Captur range. The trim levels will go along with two diesel and petrol engines. If you want the new range-topping model—called the Iconic Nav Special Edition—to go along with these trim levels, you’ll have to shell out £14,575 to £19,175.
The new model will only come Arctic White pearlescent paint with a Diamond Black roof and door mirror covers. It will also get 17-inch wheels with the lower front and rear bumpers painted.
The interior is all about elegance, thanks to its part-leather upholstery, aluminium pedals and Renault’s R-Link Evolution infotainment system, which now comes packed with European mapping for the sat-nav as well as reverse parking camera view.
It gets Renault’s Grip Xtend pack too as standard. This adds a unique traction control system and special mud and snow tyres that will improve grip on slippery surfaces.
Reports said that orders are now being accepted for the 2016 Captur range. Rivals of the Captur include the Kia Soul, which starts at £12,800, and the Nissan Juke, which starts at £13,995.
Spy Shots of the 2017 Honda CRV Surface
The Honda CRV was, and remains to be, one of Honda’s most popular vehicles ever. Now, it looks like we have seen a prototype of this SUV for the next model year.
This will be the fifth generation of the popular compact crossover SUV, and it’s looking to be the most radical of the lot. Based on the spy photos, the new CRV will be larger than its predecessor (remember that the first generation CRV was a very compact SUV in form), but this makes sense for Honda since they already have the HRV for the smaller SUV segment.
Because of its size, we’re expecting that the new CRV can handle third-row seats, which will turn it into a direct competitor of the three-row Volkswagen Tiguan.
In truth, the new CRV is looking like it’s going to be based on the platform introduced in the 10th-generation Civic, though this one’s a little stretched. This platform is lighter and stiffer than anything we have seen from Honda. It should benefit the CRV’s dynamic qualities, too.
Aside from the Civic platform, the CRV will also be sharing other elements such as the turbocharged 1.5-liter 4-cylinder and CVT. When fitted on the Civic, this engine can deliver 174 horsepower and 163 pound-feet of torque. A higher output can be expected from the CRV.
Some may also be happy to know that a naturally-aspirated engine will be an option for the 2017 Honda CRV. It will also have a front-wheel drive system as standard while the all-wheel drive will remain as an option.
The 2017 Honda CRV is being geared for a debut late this year or early next year. Prices will reportedly begin very close to the $24,645 price tag the current model has. Of course, options for next year’s model will soon be released, so we’ll know soon enough the base and top-of-the-line price range..
Check out the spy shots in the gallery below:
Spy Shots Of The 2017 Opel Ampera-E Released
The Opel Ampera might be a flop when it was first released, failing to live up to the expectations, but for some reason, Opel thinks this new Ampera-E is going to be different. But the truth is, the Ampera-E is practically the same as the Chevy Bolt EV, which was announced back in January. Don’t expect anything new here aside from what we already saw in the Bolt EV.
On the exterior front, let’s not go into too much detail. The Ampera-E basically looks like the Bolt EV, except that with the camo on the headlight units, taillight units and the upper rear quarter, it makes us think there are minor differences there.
The Bolt EV’s headlights mesh seamlessly into the strip that runs along the car’s waistline. But since the Opel has this covered up, we’re thinking something new might come out when the camo is off. The Ampera-E logo would, of course, be positioned on the fender just beyond the taillight.
There are no spy shots of the car’s interior, but we’re betting it would look like the Bolt EV too with its three-tier console with an armrest at the rear, and the shifter in the middle. It also has a large horizontally-oriented infotainment screen in the center stack that goes well with the various HVAC controls.
Other things that would look similar to the Bolt EV are the digital instrument cluster, the steering wheel, and the center insert (which will have the Opel or Vauxhall insignia). The seats are two-toned—the front and the outside edges are in a lighter color, as well as the dashboard and the insert around the door handles.
You want space? The back seat can be laid down to provide more cargo space.
The 2017 Opel Ampera-E will be priced at $40,000 with taxes, options and destination fees.
Check out the spy shots of the car from Top Speed:
First-Ever Shelby Cobra Headed For Auction
Any self-respecting car enthusiast would tell you that Carroll Shelby is one of the most influential personalities in the auto industry. And now, it looks like you can get a piece of the legend, or at least, his creation. If you’ve got money to spare, you may be interested to know that the original Shelby will be up for auction at RM Sotheby’s Monterey Auction on August 19, according to a source.
We can now all begin wagering how much action and money this car is going to generate.
The CSX 2000 is the only car in the world created by Carroll Shelby himself, and it heralded the Shelby legacy that we still know of today. The first Cobra was created in 1962 when Shelby fitted the AC Ace with a 260-cubic-inch Ford V-8 engine. The V-8 was huge for that time but paled in comparison with the subsequent V-8s used in future Cobras.
Still, the technology was unique that time, and Shelby was the very first one to dive into it. The CSX 2000 became a sensation in the motorsports industry, especially because it was used as a promotional tool for many more Cobras that came after it. Shelby was so clever, in fact, that he painted the CSX 2000 many different colors to appear as if there was more than one Cobra out in the market.
So popular is the Cobra that Shelby’s company still makes “continuation” Cobras today, long after its creator passed away.
The original CSX 2000 remained with the company until it recently announced that it will be offered for the first time to the public. Unknown to many, Shelby and Rob Myers, RM Sotheby’s founder, were good friends. They made an agreement before that the CSX 2000 would eventually be up for auction, and Myers’ company will be the one to manage it.
Estimates said the Shelby Cobra could raise $10 million or more.
Bicentennial Edition Cadillac Eldorado Relives ’76 Convertible Spirit
In the 1970s, threats of air pollution and government safety regulations almost put an end to the convertibles. By 1975, only GM Motors was the lone producer of full-size convertibles, but it didn’t last long as the next year saw the departure of its sole surviving US convertible—the Eldorado.
This year marks the bicentennial anniversary of the 1976 Cadillac Eldorado, and GM wouldn’t let this year pass without something to commemorate it. According to a report, the final 200 units of the 1976 Eldorado convertibles were Bicentennial Edition cars. They are identical to the convertibles of the past, except for the California-emissions equipment choking the 500-cubic-inch V-8.
The Bicentennial Edition comes in triple white—Cotillion White exterior, a white top, and white leather interior with contrast red details such as the seat piping, dash, seatbelts and carpet. Red and blue pinstriping are on the hood, as well as red pinstriping on the sides.
Instead of the standard black, the wheel covers have white centers, giving the car an uber retro vibe. The car is packed with everything you can expect of a regular Eldo; options also remain the same. But for the Bicentennial Editions, you’ll find a gold dash plaque: “This 1976 Fleetwood Eldorado is one of the last 200 identical U.S. production convertibles.”
With GM keeping the last unit for itself, this means there are 199 Bicentennial Editions of the Eldorado out there. Most of these are assuredly in the hands of collectors, ready to show them to the world once convertibles became truly extinct.
Of course, that’s unlikely to happen anytime soon. You can walk into any dealership now and get yourself some modern top-down convertible, though that cannot diminish the charm and wonder of owning a ’76 Eldorado with its long hood and utter disregard for space utilization.
The Bicentennial Edition will most certainly not come cheap. It might two to three times the price of a standard Eldo.
2017 Porsche Panamera To Start At $100,950
Isn’t it only this week that Porsche released information about its new Panamera? We argued about the pricing, but here we are releasing details for all the world to see.
Porsche said the Panamera 4S will have a starting price of $100,950. This will even include the destination charge of $1,050.
The Panamera 4S is to be powered by a new 2.9-liter twin-turbocharged V-6 that produces 440 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque. Reportedly, it can go 0-60 mph in just 4 seconds when ordered with the Sport Chrono package.
But for the Panamera Turbo, you’ll have to spend $147,950, including the destination fee. This one features a new twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V-8 that can churn out 550 horsepower and 567 lb-ft of torque. To save fuel, the Turbo is also equipped with cylinder deactivation system that can shut down four cylinders under light load condition.
The Turbo is expected to reach 60 mph from standstill in just 3.4 seconds. Again, this can be done with the Sport Chrono package.
Aside from the aforementioned features, the Turbo will also be packing new three-chamber air suspension and 20-inch wheels compared to the 4S’ 19-inch ones. For those looking for bigger wheels, Porsche has a package with 21 inches.
Inside, there’s a four-zone climate control system that can also be controlled by rear passengers, thanks to a rear control screen that also displays infotainment functions. This is a cool addition to the already standard panoramic sunroof, massaging seats, ambient lighting, and the Burmester 3D sound system.
Furthermore, the Sport Chrono package includes a launch control, a Sport Plus button to tune the engine and chassis, an analog and digital stopwatch, and a performance display, among others.
Optional to the Panamera are the new Night Vision Assistant and InnoDrive system, which features adaptive cruise control, optimal acceleration and deceleration rates, coasting phases for the next 1.8 miles, and gear selections.
Is A 700-Horsepower Porsche Panamera Coming?
Porsche has finally unveiled its new Panamera this week. The supercar will come with a new 4.0-liter twin-turbo V-8 that produces 550 horsepower on a stylish four-door Porsche.
According to Motor Authority, there’s more to come because Porsche has employed the trickle-down technology that was first seen on the 918 Spyder hypercar. Apparently, there would be a 700-horsepower Panamera version with a hybrid powertrain that combines the V-8 engine with an electric motor.
Speculations said that this Panamera version will be called the Panamera Turbo S Hybrid since Porsche generally uses the Turbo S nomenclature for its top-of-the-lines.
The trickle-down technology mentioned above refers to how the 918 Spyder featured a 4.6-liter V-8-partnered with a pair of electric motors that can go from 0 to 60 mph in just 2.8 seconds.
Currently, Porsche is offering a hybrid version of the Panamera, and it has been doing so for quite some time. The current Panamera S E-Hybrid can deliver 416 horsepower from its 3.0-liter V-6 engine and 95-horsepower electric motor.
The company has yet to announce a new hybrid version for this Panamera model, but there has been some spotted testing of what appears to be a fresh Panamera hybrid. Reports said the new hybrid Panamera will be a plug-in version as evidenced by fuel filler caps on both sides of the vehicle (one is for the charging port).
The new hybrid will likely share the V-6 engine with its predecessor. It will be mated with an electric motor, which will have more power than the current S E-Hybrid’s 416 horsepower. It is also expected to be lighter and to have a higher-capacity battery than the previous one’s ability to travel 22 miles on a single charge on a 9.4-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery.
The Panamera will hit the European market later this year while Americans can expect it to arrive by January next year.
2017 Cadillac CTS Gets Minor Visual Updates
Because Cadillac’s core sedans—the compact ATS and the midsize CTS—were struggling to make sales against its competitors, the automaker has decided that its 2017 CTS will receive minor trim-level upgrades and mild visual refresh.
“Mild” might be overstating it as the only visual change we noticed in the pictures is the addition of a horizontal chrome bar for the grille and the reshaped exhaust outlets at the rear.
In terms of trim-level structure, the more significant changes on the 2017 Cadillac CTS are the 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder. It doesn’t offer much luxury equipment, but the base CTS will only have a starting price of $46,990, which is $435 higher than before.
On the other hand, the CTS Luxury, which starts at $52,690, has the standard 2.0T engine. Buyers, though, are allowed to upgrade to the 3.6-liter V-6 for an extra $2,000. Inclusions in the Luxury package are essentials such as leather seats, a sunroof, heated and ventilated front seats, along with several active-safety features including blind-spot warning, lane-keep assist, and forward-collision warning.
Another step up is the CTS Premium Luxury, which will have a standard 3.6-liter engine with the following features: adaptive dampers, rain-sensing wipers and park assist. It has a starting price of $60,190.
All models will be paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission while an all-wheel drive option is available for an additional charge of $2,000.
If you want more performance from the CTS, check out the 420-horsepower CTS Vsport. It is a 10Best winner for the last three years. We’ll also see the return of the 640-horsepower CTS-V. The two, however, did not receive the same minor updates as the standard CTS models.
The Vsport has a two-model lineup—the standard’s starting price is at $61,990 while the Vsport Premium begins at $71,790. The 2017 CTS-V’s price remains unchanged at $85,990.
Check out the photos of the new Cadillac CTS in the gallery below:
