Acura NSX Production Delayed

Acura NSX Production Delayed
BMW M4 GTS: The Next Era of M Performance
Gallery: The Epic Parking Lot of Pebble Beach
Final Koenigsegg One:1 on Display at Pebble Beach
Tips for Buying a Car on Craigslist

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Production on the new Acura NSX has been quietly delayed.

Originally scheduled to start production this fall, the Japanese automaker subtly revealed that NSX production is now scheduled to begin in spring 2016 although trial production is already underway. The news comes from a press release from Acura detailing the new Performance Manufacturing Center (PMC) in Marysville, Ohio where the Acura NSX will be produced. The delay also means that the hybrid sports car will no longer arrive as a 2016 model but a 2017.

Honda didn't release any details on why the NSX's production has been delayed, though an original delay in the car's creation came about when Honda decided to switch from a naturally-aspirated V6 hybrid to a twin-turbo V6 hybrid.

With the addition of forced induction, the Japanese automaker had to develop a longitudinal V6 engine which added time to the engineering process. As for its official sale date, a company summit with dealers is currently scheduled for October, when the company will not only answer that question but determine the car's pre- and at-launch marketing strategy.

Discuss this story at our Acura NSX Forum

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BMW M4 GTS: The Next Era of M Performance

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A thinly veiled BMW M4 GTS has been unveiled at the 2015 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance.

Carrying on a rich tradition of special BMW M3 models, the BMW M4 GTS concept previews a hardcore variant that is more than capable to hold its own on the track while being road legal.

The model has been rumored for quite some time now and showcases new technologies that will head to a series production model to be unveiled at a later date, BMW has promised. Although the German automaker is billing it as a concept, it looks more than production ready and don't be surprised when the production model debuts and doesn't stray very far from what you see here.

As expected, the BMW M4 GTS features an innovative water injection system that was first seen in the BMW M4 MotoGP Safety Car. In the rear are OLED tail lights proving that the technology is production ready.

But what makes the BMW Concept M4 GTS more ready for the track? To start, there's a manually adjustable front splitter and rear wing, both constructed in carbon fiber. The hood has also been swapped out for a carbon-constructed unit, helping lower the car's weight. In addition, a wide front air intake optimizes airflow and minimizes front axle lift.

SEE ALSO: 2015 BMW M4 Review

For the concept car that's on display, BMW chose to give it a Frozen Dark Grey Metallic exterior with Acid Orange accents. The wheels are staggered with 19×9.5-inch sizing in the front and 20×10.5-inch wheels in the rear paired to Michelin Sport Cup 2 tires.

Actual performance specifications weren't announced, but expect those to come when BMW confirms that the M4 GTS will be heading to dealerships in the near future.

"While the BMW M4 Coupe embodies the ideal combination of motor sport genes and unrestricted everyday usability, the BMW Concept M4 GTS previews an emotionally powerful and exclusive special model conceived with an eye for trailblazing technology and a keen focus on the race track," explains Frank van Meel, President BMW M Division. "Despite its outstanding track ability, it is still fully road-legal. This is racing technology for the road in the truest sense."

Discuss this story at our BMW Forum

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Gallery: The Epic Parking Lot of Pebble Beach

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Monterey Car Week in California is a celebration of exotic supercars and expensive luxury brands. Automakers from all over the world use Pebble Beach to show off their latest, most powerful models.

One of the week's highlight events is The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering, which is held at the Quail Lodge & Golf Club, Carmel, California. Automakers, enthusiasts and connoisseurs gather at the club to revel in the best the automotive industry has to offer, but before you even get into the grounds, you have to pass through the parking lot. And you will be forgiven for thinking that the parking lot is part of the actual show, because the supercars parked here are as awesome as the ones parked inside the gates. It's kind of surreal to see these supercars just casually parked as their owners roam The Quail.

SEE ALSO: Full Pebble Beach Coverage

This is the most epic parking lot I've ever seen. McLarens and Ferraris are as common here as Hondas and Toyota are back home.

Flip through the gallery above to see some of the craziest cars we saw at The Quail's parking lot.

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Final Koenigsegg One:1 on Display at Pebble Beach

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The Koenigsegg One:1 has made its U.S. debut at Pebble Beach.

As the first road-legal production vehicle to have a perfect power-to-weight ratio of 1 hp per kg, the Koenigsegg One:1 lives up to its name and automotive enthusiasts in the U.S. can finally see it up close and personal during 2015 Monterey Car Week. The supercar on display is also the final production One:1, of which only six units were ever produced. The tour around Monterey started at the Gordon McCall's Motorworks Revival before heading to The Quail on Friday. During the weekend, the Koenigsegg One:1 will be on display at the Rolex Reunion at the Michelin booth.

Sporting 1,360 hp to match its 1,360 kg curb weight, the Koenigsegg One:1 has been setting lap records around the world at tracks like Suzuka and Spa-Francorchamps and is capable of going from 0 to 186 mph and back to 0 in just 17.95 seconds. After being on display at the 2015 Monterey Car Week, the final production Koenigsegg One:1 will head to its new American owner.

"Classic Car Week in Monterey is the highlight of the classic and enthusiast motorist's calendar in the United States and it is a pleasure for Koenigsegg to be part of such a prestigious week," said Christian von Koenigsegg, founder and CEO. "To be able to present the One:1 at Monterey is extremely satisfying, a great chance to introduce Koenigsegg's pinnacle performance car to the American market."

Discuss this story at our Luxury Lifestyle Forum

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Tips for Buying a Car on Craigslist

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There are more and more ways to get your hands on a used car thanks to services like Craigslist and eBay. But if you don't know what you're doing you can end up with a car you regret buying, or even in an unsafe situation.

Here are some tips for buying a car on Craigslist which should help you deal with any private sale, whether its from Craigslist, eBay or AutoTrader.

Trust

The general feeling about buying a car from a private seller is that it seems shady.

"I had a lot of worries buying a car from a Craiglist posting," said Arthur Zakrzerski, who recently bought himself a used 2013 BMW X1. "It always felt like someone was trying to rip me off and it was hard to trust the seller. I always thought they were hiding something, or acting really unprofessional."

Unlike with a used car dealer, it takes a bit longer to trust the seller. And after the sale is complete, you're left with no customer support or any kind of service. Some used car dealerships have service departments or even extended warranties to offer, helping you get an extra piece of mind when buying a used car.

While a private sale doesn't have any of that, the key is to find a listing that you can trust.

"A lot of the concerns with buying from a third party stems from the quality of the vehicle," said Radek Garbowski, COO of Unhaggle. Unhaggle is a lot like a car broker. They help buyers find a car, and can take all the stressful negotiating out of buying a vehicle to purchase. "Finding a quality vehicle also means that there's no discrepancy with the description car in the posting compared to what they are actually offering."

He recommends finding a posting that has numerous pictures. "If they're being transparent, they're going to be showing everything they can," he said. "A used car will always have some imperfections, so they should show those imperfections."

Get a list of used car postings that provide you with the most amount of information. The postings should have a lot of pictures, and a detailed description.

"Make a list of all the people within a certain price range or distance, and find out which ones are similar," said Garbowski. That will be helpful when it comes to negotiating. This will also be your short-list of cars to see in person. Contact the buyers via email, asking for any additional details. If the seller is quick to respond and courteous, it means they're taking the sale seriously.

"If you're going to see the car in person, always meet in a public place," he said. "Meet during the day, it's very important from a safety perspective."

Double Checking

Let's say you've found an acceptable car and found the seller to be respectable and responsive when you contact them. One good idea is to get a Carfax or vehicle history report.

"That will tell you any damages or repairs that have been performed on the car," said Garbowski. "One downside though, is that it won't show you some things, like fixes that weren't done with an insurance company." So some accidents that were resolved without the interference of an insurance company won't show up on the report.

Furthermore, to help better inform you of a car's history and its future, Garbowski also recommends a pre-purchase inspection.

Testing A Car and Buying

Getting comfortable with the used car you're looking at buying? Then its time to meet the owner and take it for a test drive. We have a whole article about how to test drive a used car, but a main takeaway is that it's important to take your time during the test drive and thoroughly ensure the car is operating normally and safely.

Satisfied? Then its time to negotiate with the buyer. Remember that list of comparable vehicles on sale? That should help you gauge how much the car you're considering buying is really worth. Garbowski recommends not offering the asking price unless you're really desparate. "Start at a price you're comfortable with and then work towards what the vehicle commands" he said.

Paperwork

The seller should have a bill of sale that you will sign and take to the DMV. It will include the signatures of the seller and buyer and other information like the vehicle identification number (VIN). As the buyer, it's your responsibility to get the title and register the vehicle under your name.

Buying a car from a third party site like Craigslist or Kijiji requires more trust and a careful eye for the details. Be sure to ensure the car represented is as it's described, and take your time to give the seller your trust. Once you're comfortable with their posting and vehicle, it will be easier to proceed with the purchase.

How to buy a used car from craiglist

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Car Reviews

Saturday, 15 August 2015