Sunday 31 July 2016

Mercedes-AMG is Reportedly Working on a Bugatti Fighter

Mercedes-AMG is Reportedly Working on a Bugatti Fighter

Mercedes-AMG is Reportedly Working on a Bugatti Fighter

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A Mercedes-AMG Bugatti fighter is reportedly under development.

With the Mercedes-AMG GT R having been officially introduced, rumors are spreading that the German automaker has something even more serious coming up. Called R50, the megacar is set to take on the likes of the Bugatti Chiron and other exotics from Lamborghini and Ferrari, weighing around 2,900 pounds while packing 1,300 horsepower. If that doesn't sound crazy enough, the R50 reportedly uses a hybrid powertrain with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine combined with a pair of electric motors.

To get all the power to the ground, it will have a sophisticated four-wheel steering system along with an adaptive suspension to make it a true track warrior.

SEE ALSO: Mercedes-AMG to Boost CLA45, GLA45 to 400 HP

Digital Trends, citing German publication Autobild, says that the new model will borrow styling cues from the CLK GTR and you can expect to see a huge carbon fiber rear spoiler for aerodynamics.

It will be interesting to see if a turbocharged four-cylinder engine can really help provide a 1,300-hp total system output when combined with two electric motors that will make 150 hp a piece. That means the turbo-four engine will be tuned to around 1,000 hp, and while that isn't totally out of the question, it's not an easy thing to do reliably.

The good news is, we might not have to wait long to see if these rumors are true. The R50, if it is indeed real, will make its official debut next year to coincide with AMG's 50th birthday. Estimated pricing is around $2.2-million to $3.3-million, making it quite the exclusive, limited edition car.

[Source: Digital Trends]

Discuss this story on our Mercedes-Benz Forum

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Formula E Reveals Bold New Look for 2016 Race Cars

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Formula E has introduced a new look for its third race season that is set to kick off this October.

The race series has introduced a new front wing for the 2016/2017 race season that helps make the fully electric single-seater race car look even more aggressive. The two-tier wing also helps ensure Formula E racers are unique, creating a look that is different than any other race car out there.

This season will also be the first time that teams are allowed to make changes to their race cars, and the cars will not only be better but lighter as well. Power output this year will remain at 200 kW, although it will increase to 220 kW next year and 250 kW for the fifth year of competition. The regenerative braking level will also increase from 100 kW to 150 kW while weight drops slightly from 888 kilograms to 880 kg.

SEE ALSO: Watch a Stuntman Execute a Perfect Backflip Over a Speeding Formula E Car

The first public debut for the new Formula E race cars will take place during a group test at Donington Park on August 23.

"Formula E aims to be different, and this new front wing creates a look that's different to every other car out there," said Formula E CEO Alejandro Agag. "I think this is a great addition to our car and further emphasizes the fact that this is a modern, forward-thinking championship that is taking a completely different approach to all other racing series."

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British Automaker Bounces Back from Bankruptcy with Retro BMW-Powered Roadster

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British automaker Bristol has unveiled its first car since it was rescued from insolvency five years ago.

The Bristol Bullet bows just in time for the anniversary of the founding of Bristol Cars Limited, celebrating 70 years of luxury motoring. According to Bristol Cars, the new owners "discovered a speedster, neglected and ignored under a dusty tarpaulin in its old factory." And thus began a new journey to rejuvenate the brand, with the Bullet drawing its bold and confident design from decades of Bristol engineering innovation and heritage. The Bullet will be hand made in Chichester with the body manufactured from carbon fiber composites to achieve high strength, rigidity and a low weight.

SEE ALSO: Goodwood Festival of Speed Highlights

Although it certainly features retro styling, the Bullet is quite modern on the inside. It features a touchscreen embedded into the dash to provide digital radio, smartphone connectivity and both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connections. In addition, audio playback over Wi-Fi is possible, while screen-mirroring from supported smartphone devices allows the driver to use their preferred navigation app and playback of streaming audio.

Under the hood is a 4.8-liter V8 engine manufactured by BMW and finished by Bristol. It allows the Bullet to hit 62 mph from a standstill in 3.8 seconds, thanks to its 370 horsepower and 370 pound-feet of torque. Gross weight for the Bullet comes in at 2,755 pounds and it has a top speed of 155 mph.

Discuss this story on our Luxury Lifestyle Forum

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Watch the 24 Hours of Spa Live Streaming Online

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Spa Francorchamps is one of the world's great race tracks and while its best known for the annual Formula 1 race, each year it also hosts a can't-miss endurance race.

This year's 24 Hours of Spa is underway for the 69th time and promises plenty of high-speed action.

Not only is the racing going to be exceptional, but the story behind the race is just as good, with the six Mercedes being penalized with a 5 minute stop-and-go penalty as a result of an infraction that allowed them to dominate in qualifying.

So get yourself some French fries and mayonnaise and Watch the 24 Hours of Spa Live Streaming online below.

TOTAL 24hrs of SPA 2016 LIVE – ENGLISH by Blancpainendurance

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Poll: Dodge Journey or Hyundai Santa Fe?

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Which crossover would YOU rather own, the value-focused Dodge Journey or Hyundai's popular Santa Fe? Vote in our latest poll!

Crossovers are all the rage; it seems every manufacturer offers at least half a dozen of these car-based utility vehicles. In any event, two options in this market-dominating segment are the Dodge Journey, an older offering, and the Hyundai Santa Fe. Let's compare!

Age before beauty, we start with the Dodge. To be polite, this is an older product but it's still surprisingly popular, probably because of its attractive base price. You can scoop one up for around 21 grand. Still, you probably don't want the base powertrain, which consists of a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine and a four-speed automatic transmission.

The available Pentastar V6 is a much better option. Displacing 3.6-liters, it's good for 283 horses and 260 lb-ft of torque. It's paired with a self-shifting gearbox that brandishes six forward ratios, a much more acceptable number. Both front- and all-wheel drive is available. The Journey can also be had with three rows of seats.

As for the Hyundai, it's motivate by just one engine, a 3.3-liter V6 that's good for 290 horsepower and 252 lb-ft of peak torque. The only transmission offered is a six-speed automatic.

When it comes to standard features, the Santa Fe comes with goodies like 18-inch wheels, hill-start assist, a driver's knee air bag, power-operated side-view mirrors and more. All-wheel drive is available at extra cost.

Hyundai has always been about value but the Santa Fe is much more richly appointed than the Dodge in this comparison and it shows on the window sticker. This crossover kicks off around $31,000, A LOT more than the Journey.

So, that's a quick look at these two versatile vehicles, but which one do you prefer? Make sure to vote in our latest poll, though if you need more information feel free to compare the Santa Fe and Journey right here.

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IIHS Study Reveals Red Light Cameras Save Lives

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Turning off red light cameras can cost lives, a new study has revealed.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has found that red light cameras in 79 large U.S. cities saved nearly 1,300 lives through 2014. According to IIHS, shutting down the red light cameras resulted in an increase of 30 percent in fatal red-light-running crashes.

In 2014, red-light-running crashes caused 709 deaths and an estimated 126,000 injuries, with red-light runners accounting for a minority of the people killed in such crashes. Unfortunately, most of those killed in those crashes are occupants of other vehicles, passengers in the vehicle running the red light, pedestrians or bicyclists.

SEE ALSO: Congressman Wants to Ban Red Light Cameras

The study found that automated enforcement deters red light running, and since cameras increase the odds that violators will get caught, it discourages would-be violators from taking the odds. Programs that support red light cameras however are declining in the U.S., with opposition from a vocal minority leading to some jurisdictions to shut off their cameras. The total number of communities using red light cameras peaked in 2012 at 533 and has since fallen to 467 last year.

"We know we have a problem: people dying at signalized intersections because of people running red lights," said IIHS president Adrian Lund as he presented the new research at a red-light-camera forum hosted by the Institute. "We know red light cameras are part of the solution."

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Friday 29 July 2016

Mercedes Pulls E-Class Commercial Touting Self-Driving Tech After Complaints

Mercedes Pulls E-Class Commercial Touting Self-Driving Tech After Complaints

Mercedes Pulls E-Class Commercial Touting Self-Driving Tech After Complaints

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Mercedes USA is taking a commercial off the air that promotes the new E-Class' self-driving features. 

Earlier this week, a letter was sent to the Federal Trade Commission from the Center for Automotive Safety, the Consumer Federation of America, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Consumer Reports, urging the body to investigating a Mercedes-Benz E-Class commercial for giving buyers a "false sense of security" when is comes to its self-driving technology.

Now, Mercedes USA has stopped running the commercial according to spokeswoman Donna Boland. "The new 2017 E class is a technological tour de force and is a significant step towards achieving our vision of an accident-free future," Boland told Automotive News. "We do not want any potential confusion in the marketplace to detract from the giant step forward in vehicle safety the 2017 E class represents."

SEE ALSO: Ads About 'Self-Driving' Mercedes Cars Are Misleading, Safety Groups Say

In the commercial, a narrator says, "Is the world truly ready for a vehicle that can drive itself? Ready or not, the future is here," while at the same time, the fine print at the bottom of the commercial reads, "Vehicle cannot drive itself, but has automated driving features. The system will remind the driver frequently to keep hands on the steering wheel. Always observe safe driving practices and obey all road traffic regulations." The spot also shows the driver removing his hands from the steering wheel, leading to the argument that people will believe the car is full self-driving, when it is not.

Scrutiny of self-driving car advertising has been increased recently since a man died in an accident in his Tesla Model S while it was using its Autopilot system. Consumer Reports also accused Tesla of advertising its self-driving features in a disingenuous way.

[Source: Automotive News]

Discuss this story at our Mercedes Forum

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Ford Performance Power Packs Add GT350 Parts to Mustang GT

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Ford Performance has come up with three new "Power Packs" for owners of the 2015 – 2017 Mustang to cram even more power under the hood. 

Customers who order a Power Pack will be provided with a ProCal tool that requires a laptop and internet connection for installation. Using this unit, the Mustang will be re-calibrated for better throttle response on both manual- and automatic-transmission models, while the stick shift cars will be offered no-lift shifting. Power Pack upgrades require 91 octane fuel and are emissions-legal in all 50 states.

The base Power Pack 1 costs $539 and boosts overall power by 13 hp and 16 lb-ft of torque, bringing the car's total to 447 hp and 416 lb-ft of torque, though about 40 more lb-ft are available at 1,500 rpm, which means this car should jump off the line. A stock Mustang V8 makes 435 hp and 400 lb-ft of torque.  An upgraded K&N air filter is also included.

SEE ALSO: Ford Ole Yeller Mustang is a Patriotic Tribute to a Fighter Plane

Power Pack 2 costs $949 and adds the GT350's new high-flow air filter to these Mustangs. A wider 87-mm throttle body is also used, boosting power by 21 hp and 24 lb-ft of torque. With this package, the GT350's hardware can be purchased separately from new software for $539.

Finally, Power Pack 3 includes the larger GT350's cold air intake, throttle body and intake manifold, kicking horsepower up by 37 and bringing 51 more lb-ft of torque. Up at 7,500 rpm, the horsepower boost amounts to 60. Opting for this package will set you back $2,395.

Power Pack 1 will arrive this August, while the following two will follow in September and October.

Ford Performance Packs come with a 3 year/36,000-mile components limited warranty as along as the parts are installed at a Ford dealer.

Discuss this story at our Ford Mustang Forum

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Feature Focus: How Nissan’s Easy Fill Tire System Works

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When was the last time you checked the air pressure in your vehicle's tires? If you have to think about it, chances are it was too long ago.

Tires are hugely important, not just for safety but also comfort, handling and even fuel economy. In fact, they're the only part of your vehicle that should ever touch the road. Ignore their maintenance to your own peril.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), vehicles with tires that are under-inflated by as little as 20 percent are nearly three times more likely to be involved in a tire-related crash.

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Unfortunately, keeping tabs on your car or truck's inflation pressure is not a whole lot of fun. You need access to an air compressor, plus a tire gauge and some free time. Fortunately, Nissan has come up with a common-sense solution that takes much of the inconvenience out of this process.

SEE ALSO: 2016 Nissan Maxima Review

The Japanese automaker's Easy-Fill Tire Alert System was first introduced in 2013, but since then, it's been gaining traction… so to speak.

While it doesn't completely automate the process, it does take the guesswork out of it and eliminates the need for a tire-pressure gauge, working through the vehicle's existing tire pressure-monitoring system.

With the ignition on, you start adding air to a tire, as you do, the turn-signal lights flash letting you know the vehicle has noticed what you're doing. Once the correct pressure is reached, the horn honks to let you know it's all set; if it gets too high, it'll sound twice. It's that simple.

For all the juicy details about this technology — there's much more to it than just this — and to learn about the vehicles it's offered in, make sure to check out the video posted above.

Discuss this story on our Nissan Forum

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Exclusive: 2017 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV Postponed To Next Summer

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The long-anticipated Mitsubishi Outlander plug-in hybrid was expected later this year but has once again been postponed for the U.S. and Canada.

This is at least the fifth time it's been delayed launching in North America since its 2013 Japan-market launch.

"Following a thorough evaluation process, we have determined that, in order to meet a level of competitiveness that will exceed customer expectations in the United States, the launch of the Outlander PHEV will be delayed until the summer of 2017," said Alex Fedorak, manager of Mitsubishi public relations.

The all-wheel-drive SUV has been the best-selling PHEV in Europe, and would have filled a price-for-performance niche in the U.S. and Canada.

Mitsubishi has been troubled in recent months with a Japan-market mpg cheating scandal, and its first-quarter operating profits plummeted 75 percent.

SEE ALSO: Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV Hacked Through Car's Wi-Fi

In Japan, sales of the Outlander PHEV have been decimated from a consistent level of around 1,000 units per month prior to the mpg scandal to one-quarter that over the past three months. After selling 955 units in March, Mitsubishi reported 250 in April, 174 in May, and 253 in June.

At present, Mitsubishi is in the process of allying with Nissan. This tie-up is expected to be finalized in October and to begin a new chapter for the beleaguered automaker which still has plans for more electrification.

The Outlander PHEV was fully revised for 2016 and its 12-kWh battery promised enough usable range combined with all-wheel-drive SUV performance to fill a niche no other automaker has yet to fill in its mid-level price segment.

In all, just 13 plug-in hybrids – mostly front-wheel drive cars – are on sale now in the U.S.

A version of this article first appeared on Hybridcars.com

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Buick Avista Apparently Caused Some Internal Drama at GM

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Take this with a grain of salt, we've only heard one side of the story, and we're unlikely to ever get the other half. 

According to an insider at GM Inside News – who was not intimately involved in the project nor willing to reveal sources – not only is the Buick Avista dead, but it ruffled some major feathers internally at GM.

The crux of the issue seems to lay with Team Camaro, to which the swoopy Buick concept was a punch in the gut when it was revealed in Detroit. It received several design accolades in the weeks after Detroit and through the New York Auto Show, it was the darling of the media. People saw it and wanted to buy it, but the execs at Buick have said again and again that they can't comment on future product.

"We don't comment on future products as you know, but we've never suggested that the car does or does not have future plans. Others in the media certainly have, but we haven't," Buick brand communications manager, Stuart Fowle, wrote in an email to GM Inside News. "Avista was a project that brought Buick designers together and created a strong sense of community, teamwork, and future design direction."

It's quite possible the first time Team Camaro saw the Avista was right there in Cobo Hall, so many were probably caught off guard and didn't appreciate being kept out of the loop. Couple that with the drooling reactions the masses had in response to the Avista, and you can begin to imagine Team Camaro seething over stolen thunder.

For what it's worth, our source says mentioning Avista and Camaro anywhere near the GM design guys is analogous to farting in church.

Not only is the Avista slick and stylish, but it was shown shortly after the evolutionary styling of the sixth-generation Camaro debuted to a somewhat lukewarm response. On top of that, you could imagine if the Avista did make it to market, price points would certainly overlap with fully kitted Camaros.

There would also be a severe conflict of clients, because the Avista and Camaro SS would ostensibly share a well-to-do demographic. Between the two cars, Avista is ostensibly the one that appeals to an aging population with cash to dispose.

What do you think of these insider stories? Which side are you on?

This article originally appeared on GM Inside News

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Mercedes-AMG to Boost CLA45, GLA45 to 400 HP

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Mercedes-AMG is already squeezing 375 horsepower from its smallest models, but even more power is on the horizon. 

According to a report from Autocar, the next-generation A45 AMG, CLA45 AMG and GLA45 AMG models, which share an engine, will all pack over 400 hp. The small 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbocharged engine will receive an all-new turbocharger, new fuel injectors and revisions to the way it operates to obtain the extra power.

Mercedes wants to make sure its small sports cars are up to the task of competing with the upcoming Audi RS 3 and the freshly launched BMW M2.

SEE ALSO: Ads About 'Self-Driving' Mercedes Cars Are Misleading, Safety Groups Say

Besides packing more punch under the hood, the new compact models from Mercedes should be lighter with even more electronic driving aids. A nine-speed dual-clutch transmission will get the power to the ground through an all-wheel drive setup, which should launch these cars from 0 to 60 mph in about four seconds.

The A45 AMG, which is not sold in North America, is expected to arrive first in 2018 with the CLA45 AMG and GLA45 AMG to follow.

Just like with its larger cars, Mercedes is also planning a lineup of new 43 AMG model for its three small cars, which will use a down-tuned version of the same 2.0-liter engine that will make around 275 hp.

[Source: Autocar]

Discuss this story at our Mercedes Forum

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Thursday 28 July 2016

BMW 4 Series Convertible Also Spied Testing a Facelift

BMW 4 Series Convertible Also Spied Testing a Facelift

BMW 4 Series Convertible Also Spied Testing a Facelift

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The entire BMW 4 Series lineup has now been spied testing with its facelift.

Spy photographers have previously caught the BMW 4 Series Coupe and M4 testing with minor changes to its styling, and now the convertible model has made a public appearance. Before you get too excited thinking that the 4 Series Convertible is getting sportier styling, this particular prototype caught by spy photographers has actually been fitted with the M-Sport package. Just like the coupe, expect the droptop version to get subtle changes to the front and rear ends with slightly redesigned headlights, tail lights and bumpers.

SEE ALSO: BMW M4 Shows Off Updated Look to Spy Photographers

As we mentioned before, BMW is rumored to add a smaller, three-cylinder model to the lineup as part of the mid-cycle refresh. There should be some minor tweaks to the existing engine lineup as well as small changes to the interior with an updated infotainment system.

Discuss this story on our BMW Forum

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Mercedes-AMG GT C Roadster Spied Getting Ready to Drop its Top

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The Mercedes-AMG GT C Roadster is set to arrive sometime in 2017 and has been spied testing.

It would have been a safe assumption that the "C" in GT C stood for convertible, but according to a leaked road map, Mercedes-AMG is also readying a GT C Coupe, hinting that a new model will likely be slotted between the standard AMG GT and the AMG GT S. It's also a possibility that the new model could slide in between the GT S and the recently announced GT R, although based on the German automaker's nomenclature, it should be a lower trim model under the GT S.

SEE ALSO: Mercedes Pickup Truck Coming in 2017, According to Leaked Road Map

Spy photographers have caught the convertible variant testing once again, but this time we are treated with photos from all angles, exposing the soft top that will be used. Naturally, it will have a different roof line compared to the current coupe, but the AMG GT C Roadster is shaping up to be an enticing drop-top offering in the luxury sports car market.

The model could debut later this year, possibly at the 2016 L.A. Auto Show, where many convertibles go to drop their top.

Discuss this story on our Mercedes-AMG GT Forum

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2017 Infiniti Q60 Pricing Released, Coupe to Start at $38,950

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Pricing for the 2017 Infiniti Q60 has been released, and the luxury coupe will start at $38,950 in the U.S.

The base Q60 is the rear-wheel drive model that is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 208 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. Moving up from there, all-wheel drive models start at $40,950. These Q60s come with 19-inch wheels, LED headlights, eight-way power adjustable sport seats, contrast stitching, Bluetooth and a rear-view camera as standard equipment.

A RWD Q60 with a Premium trim starts at $41,300 and a Premium AWD model starts at $43,300. The Premium trim adds power sunroof, upgraded audio and more.

If you want more power, drivers can option up to a 3.0L twin-turbo V6 with 300 horsepower, which starts at $44,300 for a RWD model and $48,300 for an AWD model. All V6 Q60s come with the Premium package automatically.

ALSO SEE: 2017 Infiniti Q60 Coupe Gets Turbocharged

The 2017 Infiniti Q60 will begin hitting dealerships in early September, but Infiniti has opened up reservations for the car in on its website, and will include a free gift (GoPro camera, Bose sound system, or Tumi luggage) for people who register ahead of time. Prices don't include the $905 destination fee.

Pricing for the high-performance 2017 Infiniti Q60 Red Sport 400 will be announced at a later date.

Discuss this story on our Infiniti Q60 Forum

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Automakers Are Building Your Cars with Interesting Recycled Materials

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People make a big deal about being friendlier to the environment. It's why we have to limit our plastic bag usage at the grocery store, use less aerosol spray, and it's why automakers are using more recycled materials in the manufacturing of their vehicles.

Let's start with the big picture. Manufacturing vehicles is not the most green activity — harmful emissions and a lot of waste are byproducts of the process. As a result, more automakers are pledging to make their plants and HQs landfill-free. General Motors, Ford, Nissan, BMW and Subaru are among the big names that have changed their manufacturing to reduce the amount of waste produced.

But cars have become greener and more eco-friendly, too, and almost every vehicle on the road uses some kind of recycled material or biodegradable content. For example, General Motors collects the water bottles from the Renaissance Center, Warren Technical Center, Orion Assembly, and Flint plants, and converts them into the material used to insulate the sound in the new Equinox. Ford does something similar and also uses recycled nylon for many components found under the hood including air-cleaner housings, engine fans, fan shrouds, HVAC temperature valves, engine covers, cam covers and carbon canisters.

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But recycled water bottles are like the tofu of recyclable materials — there are no shortage of applications. The seat fabric in many Ford vehicles, including the Fusion, Focus and F-150, are made using water bottles. In fact, according to Ford, approximately 22 16-ounce plastic water bottles are used to make the seat fabric in a Focus; approximately 39 such bottles are used for seats in the Fusion S and SE; and between 63 and 110 such bottles are used for the F-150, depending on the model. Speaking of tofu, the seat cushion foam is also made from soybeans.

ALSO SEE: 2017 Ford Fusion Review

Ford is so invested in reducing its environmental impact that it's led them to tequila. They are teaming up with Jose Cuervo to explore the use of the tequila producer's agave plant byproduct to develop more sustainable bioplastics that can be used for vehicle interiors and exterior components. Ford believes that this composite could cut vehicle weight and lower energy consumption, while paring the use of petrochemicals and the impact of vehicle production on the environment.

"At Ford, we aim to reduce our impact on the environment," said Debbie Mielewski, Ford senior technical leader, sustainability research department. "As a leader in the sustainability space, we are developing new technologies to efficiently employ discarded materials and fibres, while potentially reducing the use of petrochemicals and light-weighting our vehicles for desired fuel economy."

While Ford is off playing with its tequila, Toyota is sugar coating its environmental impact by using another kind of sweet bioplastic in its cars that is based on sugar cane. This material is used in a variety of components including the seat material and radiator tank, but is based on sugar cane, rather than oil like traditional plastics. In fact, the Japanese automaker pioneered the art of using bioplastics in cars back in 2010 when the Lexus CT 200h used this eco-friendly plastic in the trunk liner.

BMW also uses plant fibers in its cars. While a somewhat niche vehicle, the i3 features a ton of organic materials in its car. The dashboard and door trim are made from renewable natural fibers, while the car also features naturally tanned leather. There's also open-pore eucalyptus wood found in there, too, which is sourced from Forest Stewardship Council-certified forestry. BMW estimates that about a quarter of the interior is made with renewable raw materials and recycled plastics. Additionally, 95 percent of the i3 can be recycled.

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German rivals Mercedes and Audi use recycled paper (probably from their massive press releases) in their cars, usually in the cargo liner. Korean automaker Hyundai even uses a volcanic rock-based plastic concoction in its roof support pillars.

It's clear that cars are not only more efficient than ever before, but are having less of a negative impact on the environment by using more recyclable materials and greener manufacturing. By using these smart manufacturing processes, automakers are doing a big part in cutting down their carbon footprints. Maybe if this trend continues, we can see cars that truly have zero carbon footprint.

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13-Year-Old Hits 202 MPH in a Bugatti Veyron, We Suddenly Feel Very Inadequate

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What were you doing when you were 13?

It was probably something awkward that you don't remember or care to remember, but one 13-year-old is making us all feel very inadequate all of a sudden with a feat that grown adults can be jealous of.

Steven Aghakhani is 13 and races all sorts of cars, including McLarens, Lamborghinis and a Porsche 918, and this past Father's Day, he hit 202 mph in a modified Bugatti Veyron. The 8th grader surpassed his personal best speed of 195 mph and he did it because wanted to hit a new top speed for his father. His dad said Aghakhani wanted to hit 210 mph on his next run.

He was asked how he felt leading up to his run on an airstrip, he responded with a nonchalant, "It should be easy."

Aghakhani started karting when he was 7 and things escalated quickly from there. His father, Armik Aghakhani, is also a serious car collector and racer.

Pretty cool for a kid who isn't even old enough to have a driver's licence.

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Ads About ‘Self-Driving’ Mercedes Cars Are Misleading, Safety Groups Say

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Mercedes-Benz is under fire by consumer advocate and safety groups for its ads on the E-Class that call the luxury sedan "self-driving."

The groups allege that calling the E-Class "self-driving" gives buyers a "false sense of security" because the car isn't truly autonomous. The groups say advertising the E-Class this way "is likely to mislead a reasonable consumer by representing the E-Class as self-driving when it is not."

The new E-Class comes with adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and active lane keep assist along with other such technology, but, of course, it isn't simply a "set it and forget it" situation because it actually requires driver input, needs the driver to pay attention at all times and intervene when necessary. For this reason, the E-Class cannot legally defined as a self-driving car.

ALSO SEE: 2017 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Review

In a letter to the Federal Trade Commission, Consumer Reports, the Center for Automotive Safety, the Consumer Federation of America, and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) are calling the FTC to investigate Mercedes for false advertising. 

"The E-Class does not meet the definition of either a fully or partially self-driving car, yet it is marketed in a way that a reasonable consumer would believe it does," the letter says. "In addition to a consumer possibly purchasing a car while being misled about its capabilities, the misrepresentations by Mercedes-Benz could give consumers a false sense of security in the ability of the car to operate autonomously. This misrepresentation is material because it significantly involves safety or is likely to affect a consumer's conduct or decision with regard to the car."

Watch the ad in question below:

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Wednesday 27 July 2016

Acura NSX GT3 Race Car Making Public Test Debut Tomorrow

Acura NSX GT3 Race Car Making Public Test Debut Tomorrow

Acura NSX GT3 Race Car Making Public Test Debut Tomorrow

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The Acura NSX GT3 race car will make a surprising public test debut in Ohio tomorrow.

The public test debut will take place during the Pirelli World Championship practice sessions at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in Lexington, Ohio. Piloting the race car will be development driver Peter Kox on Thursday, July 28 from 8:50 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. EDT and Friday, July 29 from 4:15 p.m. to 4:45 p.m. EDT. The Acura NSX GT3 is slated for homologation as an FIA GT3-class race car this fall as it gets ready to compete beginning next season.

SEE ALSO: The Acura NSX GT3 Looks Sexy Fully Exposed

Over the course of the race weekend, the race car will also be on display in the paddock of RealTime Racing, Acura's development partner for the GT3 program. The Acura NSX GT3 is powered by a 3.5-liter, twin-turbo V6 engine and uses the same design specifications as the production model.

"Based on a very successful test program, we're taking the next logical step in seeing how we stack-up against the competition," said Art St. Cyr, president of Honda Performance Development. "Mid-Ohio seemed like the perfect opportunity, given the demands it places on a racecar and its proximity to NSX R&D and manufacturing."

Discuss this story on our Acura NSX Forum

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Next Lotus Elise Sticking to its Roots When it Arrives in 2020

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Don't expect to see a revolutionary new Lotus Elise when the next-generation model bows in 2020.

Even though the Lotus Elise concept that debuted at the 2010 Paris Motor Show looked amazing, the next-generation model won't resemble it at all. That's because that concept was part of a wild dream from former Lotus CEO Dany Bahar, who wanted to move Lotus upmarket to compete with the likes of Ferrari, Lamborghini and Aston Martin. Instead, the 2020 Lotus Elise will stick to its lightweight roots and will use the same aluminum chassis originally developed on the Elise S1 that went on sale in 1996. That chassis still underpins all Lotus models today.

Current Lotus CEO Jean-Marc Gales confirmed the Elise will stick to what it does best: "The Elise chassis has often been copied but never equalled. Combine that with the steering feel and you have something truly special. The DNA of that car is its light weight, its steering feel and the balance of power and driveability. At every price point it is sold in, it is the fastest car for the money – and always the most special to drive."

SEE ALSO: Lotus Elise Will Return to US in 2020

The company has already shown that it can lose weight on the Elise, with the Elise Cup 250 tipping the scales at a scant 2,030 pounds. It is believed that Lotus has set a target weight of 1,984 lbs (900 kg) for the new Elise, while making sure it will meet U.S. regulations. That also means that while the new Elise likely won't be longer than the current model, it could get wider in order to accommodate side airbags and extra crash structures.

For now, power is expected to come from a Toyota-sourced engine that has been tweaked by Lotus.

[Source: Autocar]

Discuss this story on our Lotus Forum

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FCA Tries to Explain its Sales Reporting Process After Being Accused of Inflating Numbers

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Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) is trying to clear its name after being accused of inflating its sales numbers.

The automaker was recently under investigation by the SEC and FBI over its sales practices, presumably due to a lawsuit in which a Napleton dealership group in Illinois alleged FCA of paying dealers to improperly inflate sales. In response, FCA has released a detailed explanation on its sales reporting process, cautiously admitting that it recognizes "the limitations inherent in a process that collects data entered by some 2,600 dealers until midnight of the last reporting day of a month and releases the aggregate data typically within 8 hours of the final data entries."

The company said that its current process hasn't changed for more than 30 years, although reporting was previously made every 10 days before eventually evolving into monthly cycles.

FCA broke down its unit sales data reporting into three main components: sales made by dealers to retail customers, sales of vehicles shipped directly by FCA U.S. to fleet customers and other retail sales including sales by dealers in Puerto Rico, limited deliveries through distributors and a small number of vehicles delivered to FCA employees and retirees, as well as vehicles used for marketing.

SEE ALSO: Fiat Chrysler Under SEC, FBI Investigation Over Sales Practices

What is interesting is how sales reporting is mostly done by dealers, which FCA attributes through a reporting system called the New Vehicle Delivery Report (NVDR). According to the company, the date of sale recorded in the NVDR system begins the retail customer's warranty coverage on the vehicle. The recording of the retail sale also triggers FCA U.S.'s obligation to make any manufacturer's incentive payments to the dealer. Those retail sales are made by dealers out of their own inventory of vehicles.

Now, this is when things get a bit tricky. It is entirely possible for a dealer to "unwind" a transaction recorded in the NVDR system and return the vehicle to the dealer's unsold inventory. If a dealer "unwinds" a sale, any incentives paid by FCA U.S. is returned and the beginning of the warranty period is canceled. FCA said that these unwinds do occur for a number of reasons, such as a customer's inability to finalize financing for the purchase or a change in customer preferences. Although, it's a bit weird that a sale isn't documented when a vehicle leaves the dealership floor. But one key point is that FCA admits it is possible that a dealer may register the sale in an effort to meet a volume objective, but added that there is "no obvious economic incentive for a dealer to do so, since FCA U.S.'s policy is to reverse all incentives due or paid to a dealer that resulted from the unwound retail sales transaction."

The automaker believes that most unwinds are recorded shortly following the time the initial sale is registered, but it has not historically reflected either unwinds or the subsequent sales of these vehicles in its sales reporting. To prevent double reporting, FCA blocks the VIN in its NVDR files so that it can't be entered or counted towards a tally of reported sales in a future report.

As a result, the FCA sales reporting process is being revised and dealer reported sales will be the sum of: all sales recorded by dealers during that month net of all unwound transactions recorded to the end of that month plus all sales of vehicles during that month attributable to past unwinds that had previously been reversed in determining monthly sales. Fleet sales will now be recorded as sales upon shipment by FCA U.S. of the vehicle to the customer or end user. Lastly, other retail sales will either be recorded when the sale is recorded in the NVDR system, or upon receipt of a similar delivery notification.

The company also released an exhibit detailing how the new sales reporting process would have affected its previous reports, revealing that its annual sales volumes under the new methodology for each year in the 2011-2016 period are within approximately 0.7 percent of the annual unit sales volumes previously reported.

Discuss this story on our Fiat Forum

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Judge Grants Preliminary Approval on VW TDI Settlement

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Another important step in the Volkswagen emissions scandal has been reached with the preliminary approval of the 2.0L TDI Settlement Program.

Effectively, this means that U.S. District Court Judge Charles Breyer has looked over the settlement that Volkswagen and government regulators agreed to last month and thinks that it is fair, reasonable, and adequate.

There are a few more steps to go before this saga ends, but the next big one happens in the fall when the agreement goes back to court for final approval. At that time, the agreement will be looked over with a fine-tooth comb and the final judgment on its validity will laid down.

Following the final approval, Volkswagen says it will begin with the settlement program immediately.

ALSO SEE: Volkswagen Confirms it Will Stop Pushing Diesels in the US

The settlement that Volkswagen agreed to will amount to about $15 billion and involves a $5,000-$10,000 for the owners of the TDIs that were involved in the scandal, as well as an option to have their car fixed or bought back at pre-scandal prices.

As it stands, there is no approved fix for the 2.0L TDI engine, so VW would have to buy back all of the roughly half a million TDI vehicles included in the settlement. A VW executive, though, told dealers earlier this month that the automaker is testing a solution that it believes will fix the TDI vehicles. If approved, it could save VW billions of dollars.

Visit www.VWCourtSettlement.com to read more about the agreement and to find out if your car is included in it.

This story originally appeared on VW Vortex

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Every Bit of Trim on Your Car is Fake: The Skinny With Craig Cole

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Exterior design is a serious purchase consideration; for some new-vehicle shoppers, it even comes before safety, fuel economy and pricing. But in the 21st century, has vanity completely overshadowed versatility? Has style totally trumped substance?

One could argue that modern cars and trucks have become little more than costume jewelry because all that glitters is not gold. The frosty metal trim flanking a GMC Terrain Denali? Yeah, it's a polymer slathered in layer of shiny. The "dark chrome" accents adorning your Camry's grille? They were pumped out of the earth's crust and squirted into a mold. Almost nothing is genuine anymore. Even leather "seating surfaces" are often vinyl, another petrochemical.

But it's not just decorative items that are counterfeits. Believe it or not, there was a time when bumpers could actually take an impact and spring back unharmed. Now if you hit something while moving faster than a drunken stagger, you'll likely have cracked trim, damaged lamps and wrinkled sheet metal to contend with. Should these things really be called bumpers if they have less structural integrity than a rickety apple crate? Perhaps façade is a better name…

SEE ALSO: Why Mazda's Miata is the Best Green Car

Back in the day, vehicles had real chrome, or even better, stainless-steel trim. You could pull this stuff out of a muddy field after 50 years, hit it with some metal polish and it will shine like brand new. Try that with a modern chunk of simulated imitation metal. It's not going to happen.

Today's cars and trucks have become completely disposable, throwaways that get kicked to the curb when their owner becomes bored with them or wants more USB ports in the center console. No longer do cars stick around and become a beloved member of the family.

But do you agree with this opinion? Have vehicles become nothing but costume jewelry? For the rest of this rant, make sure to watch the video embedded above and please, leave a comment if you have an opinion one way or the other.

Check out more installments of The Skinny

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Poll: BMW 3 Series or Audi A4?

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Which German luxury sedan would you rather have, the BMW 3 Series, which is aging gracefully at this point, or Audi's all-new A4?

Chances are you'd be smitten with either of these thoroughbred automobiles, but surely one is better than the other, right? Let's explore.

The Audi has been totally reworked for 2017 and features a hybrid aluminum structure that saves 99 pounds on front-wheel-drive variants. Inside and out this sedan is new, with a fresh styling everywhere, even if it looks pretty much like it always has.

Under hood, a familiar 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine provides the motivation, a stable of 252 horses and 273 lb-ft of torque. It's matched to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission that's standard with both front- and all-wheel-drive models. All told, this powertrain provides enough oomph to propel the A4 to 60 miles an hour in as little as 6.1 seconds.

In 328i form, the BMW also features a 2.0-liter force-fed four-cylinder engine. It's good for 240 horses and 255 lb-ft of torque. Differing from its primary rival, this version of the 3 Series offers a six-speed manual transmission, though the vast majority of drivers will opt for the eight-speed automatic.

The 328i comes standard with a 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat, 17-inch wheels, heated, power-folding side-view mirrors and much more.

So, which car do you prefer in this mini comparison, the Audi A4 or BMW 3 Series? Both are solid offerings, but if you can't pick a favorite you can compare them directly right here. After you've made a selection, please vote in our latest poll!

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Tuesday 26 July 2016

Porsche Left a Secret Message for the NSX Development Team Inside a GT3

Porsche Left a Secret Message for the NSX Development Team Inside a GT3

Porsche Left a Secret Message for the NSX Development Team Inside a GT3

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Porsche found out that Honda was secretly using a 911 GT3 as a benchmark while developing the Acura NSX, but the German company wasn't going to let it slide without getting a jab in first.

It's no secret that automakers often purchase competitor's cars for research, and the Acura NSX was no different. The NSX development team over at Honda anonymously purchased a Porsche 911 GT3 and, according to NSX vehicle dynamics project leader, Nick Robinson, Honda was using the 911 GT3 to assess its steering.

But Porsche figured out that a particular 911 GT3 belonged to the NSX development team when the vehicle was recalled to fix an issue with the connecting rods. Robinson remembers that once the repaired sports car returned to the hands of Honda, there was a hidden message left under the engine cover that said, "Good luck Honda from Porsche. See you on the other side."

SEE ALSO: 2017 Acura NSX Review

In addition to purchasing a Porsche 911 GT3 for benchmarking purposes, Honda also used a McLaren 12C. Unlike Porsche, however, McLaren didn't realize who the vehicle belonged to when it went back to the dealership for remedial work. The British automaker did have an inquiry, said Robinson: "They wanted to know, where did you go 205 mph? What track?"

[Source: Automotive News]

Discuss this story on our Acura NSX Forum

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7 Things I Learned Driving a 4-Cylinder Chevrolet Camaro

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Chevrolet's brand-new Camaro is one of the most exciting cars on the market today – it's stylish and engaging yet still surprisingly affordable.

So far, I've been fortunate enough to evaluate it in both V6 and SS flavors, but there's a third option on the table, one that promises strong performance and even better efficiency.

For drivers that care about fuel consumption, GM has wisely decided to offer a four-cylinder engine in this legendary sports machine. Far from what you'd find in some malnourished economy car, this turbocharged 'banger delivers way more than you'd probably expect. After spending one week in a Camaro 1LT with the optional RS package, here's what I learned about it.

7. The Engine is a Winner…

2016-Chevrolet-Camaro-1LT-Engine

It may displace just 2.0-liters, but this car's base engine is quite impressive. With direct fuel injection, a turbocharger and plenty of other technology, it's good for 275 horsepower. But even better than that, torque measures 295 lb-ft.

Unfortunately, peak twist doesn't come on until 3,000 rpm, which makes the Camaro feel quite peaky. It's tuned to pull strongly at higher engine speeds, and it really comes alive at about 4,000 rpm on the tachometer. After that, it pulls eagerly to the 7,000-rpm limiter

This engine is smooth, quiet and muscular. According to GM, it's able to shoot the Camaro to 60 miles an hour in less than six seconds, which is plenty fast. However, despite several laudable traits, this powerplant is not perfect.

6. …But it Lacks Brute Force

2016-Chevrolet-Camaro-1LT-Tachometer

Sure, it delivers plenty of oomph, but there's not a lot of giddy-up to be had at normal driving speeds, plus there's a fair bit of turbo lag. Mash the gas, and you have to wait an uncomfortably long time for the engine to wake up and start hustling; after the delay, however, it moves enthusiastically.

In comparison, SS models with the burly 6.2-liter V8 respond instantly at any speed in any gear. Just a couple degrees of throttle input make these cars leap ahead; the four-cylinder needs time to catch its breath first.

SEE ALSO: 2016 Chevrolet Camaro SS Review

Unfortunately, when it finally does wake up, the sound it produces is as unappealing as screams from a dentist's office. Rather than singing a melodious tune, it grumbles all the way to redline. Eight-cylinder Camaros thunder like a broadside from the USS Iowa, but that's not the case with this car, which at best sounds like a Malibu, and at worst? Maybe microphone feedback mixed with a baby crying.

5. Transmission Troubles

2016-Chevrolet-Camaro-1LT-Shifter

The RS variant I tested was equipped with a manual transmission (Tremec TR-3160), which at first made me exceedingly happy. However, after a short trip around the block, my enthusiasm wore off; this gearbox isn't all it's cracked up to be, either that, or GM needs to totally redesign the shifter.

This ratio-selector is totally unsatisfying; every gear-change feels like you're causing irreparable harm to the transmission's innards. It's gritty and arthritic feeling, requiring an inordinate amount of effort to use. The TR-6060 found in Camaro SS models, and plenty of other high-performance cars, is infinitely more satisfying to shift.

Thanks to its shoulder-dislocating gear-selector, this is a rare time I'd recommend getting an automatic transmission. This manual is that unsatisfying.

4. Look on the Bright Side

2016-Chevrolet-Camaro-1LT-Interior

Aside from the Camaro's hoarse-throated base engine and unlovable gearbox, there's still plenty to like and even love about this car. For starters, it looks great and drives even better. Thanks to GM's rigid and lightweight Alpha architecture, she'll dance like a ballerina in the hands of a skilled driver.

Beyond these virtues, this car is also amazingly efficient. According to the EPA, it should return 21 miles per gallon in urban driving and 30 on the highway. All told, it ought to average 24 mpg, but it doesn't … it'll do waaaay better than that.

I easily exceeded 27 in mixed, heavy-footed driving; interstate jaunts were even thriftier. And believe me, I wasn't babying it; that figure includes PLENTY of trips to redline.

3. Yep, You Still Can't See Out of It

Not to continue bludgeoning a deceased equine, but it's worth noting … again: outward visibility is a severe issue in the Camaro, regardless of cylinder count. With that out of the way, let's move on…

2. Chassis Magic

2016-Chevrolet-Camaro-1LT-Main-Artt

With the $1,950 RS Package, the base 1LT Camaro gains stylish 20-inch wheels with run-flat tires, high-intensity discharge headlamps, LED tail lights and some minor styling tweaks.

So equipped, its suspension is quite stiff. Consequently, the car transmits every bump, rut and pothole in high-fidelity, which makes the ride less than ideal, though its harshness is livable. Still, the benefit of this starchiness is that the Camaro devours corners like a hungry child attacking a pack of chicken nuggets.

From the steering wheel, turn-in is eager, with the car changing direction easily while clearly communicating its intentions to the driver. It will rotate a bit if you want, but the SS is more appropriate for this sort of driving.

1. The Future, Today

2016-Chevrolet-Camaro-1LT-Rear

Sure, a four-cylinder engine may feel totally out of place in a muscle car, but the results it delivers are hard to argue with. The 2016 Chevrolet Camaro 1LT Coupe is incredibly stylish, engaging and reasonably speedy, plus the fuel economy it offers is so good you may not believe it.

Out this door this specimen cost $30,030, including about three grand in options, which is a totally reasonable price for a certifiably cool car.

Discuss this story on our Camaro Forum

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2017 Hyundai Elantra Improves to Earn IIHS Top Safety Pick+ Award

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The 2017 Hyundai Elantra received huge improvements in the safety department.

Redesigned for the 2017 model year, the Hyundai Elantra has improved on the small overlap crash test to earn a good rating, over the previous generation's acceptable rating. As a result, the compact has earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from IIHS, the top award given by the Institute. In addition, the new Elantra also offers an available front crash prevention system that helps it earn a superior rating.

SEE ALSO: 2017 Hyundai Elantra Review

According to IIHS, the previous Elantra's structure did not fare well in the small overlap front test, with maximum intrusion into the occupant space of nine inches. In contrast, the new Elantra's maximum intrusion was only two inches. IIHS did note that the good rating only applies to 2017 Elantras built after March, when additional modifications were made, which included strengthening the junction between the door sill and the hinge pillar, as well as modifying the frontal airbag.

The 2017 Hyundai Elantra earned good ratings across the board on the other crash tests. As for the optional front crash prevention system, it avoided a collision in the Institute's 12-mph track test. In the 25-mph test, the car's impact speed was cut by an average of 22 mph.

Discuss this story on our Hyundai Elantra Forum

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Idiot Tesla Model X Driver Shows How Autopilot Lets Him Play Pokemon Go While He Drives

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A Tesla Model X driver has posted a video showing other people how to play Pokemon Go while using Autopilot in bumper-to-bumper traffic.

The video taken on one of the most traveled highways in the U.S. – I-95 northbound nearing Washington, D.C. – comes two-and-a-half months after a man in Florida died while reports say he may have been watching a Harry Potter DVD when his Tesla running on Autopilot careened into a truck. Tesla is making updates to its Autopilot system, but automaker has adamantly said users assume all risk, and must agree to terms and conditions, which include keeping hands on the steering wheel (and presumably actually paying attention to the act of driving).

ALSO SEE: Tesla Working to Improve AutoPilot Safety

"For those of you who are not too familiar with some of the dynamics in Autopilot, one of the things I've noticed, I'm not sure exactly what the cutoff is, but I believe under 45 or 40 mph – as long as there's a good amount of surroundings and clear lane markers as you can see here – it will never ask you to kind of, remind you to put your hands back on the steering wheel," said Gary Zhou in the video as he traveled from North Carolina toward Pennsylvania. "So, in essence Autopilot works pretty much 100-percent fully autonomous in bumper-to-bumper traffic, minus, of course, lane changes and things like that, and again, it's fantastic for catching Pokémon on the go."

Numerous collisions and injuries have been caused by people playing Pokemon while driving even though the game has only been out for about two weeks, and the number of people who die because of distracted driving is still far too high.

Watch his video below, but PLEASE don't Pokemon and drive:

A verison of story originally appeared on HybridCars.com

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Tesla Claims to Have ‘World’s Fastest’ Electric Car Charger

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Tesla has boosted power in its Superchargers to reassert its claim that it provide the "world's fastest" charger, Electrek says.

Tesla Motors has boosted some Superchargers' power capacity from 135 kilowatts to 145 kW. That's still ahead of the current Supercharger capacity. Tesla's Supercharger website still says the power delivery rate tops out at 120 kW.

When originally built in 2012, Superchargers delivered 120 kW, but Tesla vehicles could only handle a maximum of 90 kW of charging. Tesla vehicles are Superchargers have gone up in capacity since then.

The Supercharger upgrade comes at a time the electric carmaker is going through an ongoing legal battle with U.K.-based Ecotricity, The renewable energy provider took issue with Tesla calling its Superchargers the fastest in the world.

The U.K.'s Advertising Standards Authority backed Tesla on the question. The authority verified that, between the upgrade and the charging capacity of Tesla's vehicles, the combination is accurately characterized as the fastest.

SEE ALSO: Upcoming Tesla Pickup Truck Imagined by Artist

Tesla and Ecotricity have been fighting each other for a leading position in the U.K. charging market for the past couple of years. In 2014, the U.K. energy company alleged that Tesla violated some non-disclosure agreements while attempting to sideskirt Ecotricity by trying to talk directly to some of the owners of the roadside stops throughout the U.K. Tesla responded last year by accusing Ecotrocity of trying to enforce a monopoly over U.K. charging stations.

A Tesla Model S or Model X can be recharged fast enough to deliver about 170 miles of range in a half hour. As of Friday, Tesla said that it has 681 Supercharger stations with more than 4,100 Superchargers worldwide.

This article originally appeared on HybridCars.com

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Mercedes Pickup Truck Coming in 2017, According to Leaked Road Map

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The Mercedes pickup truck should arrive in late 2017, if this leaked road map is accurate.

The road map, which was acquired by Auto Car, details what the German automaker has in the works for the coming year, including a convertible Mercedes-AMG GT model. It also confirms that Mercedes will launch nine new models and two new Smart models next year.

With the new E-Class sedan introduced this year, it's no surprise to see the E-Class coupe on the horizon for 2017. There is also a high-riding E-Class All Terrain in the works while the S-Class will receive a facelift. It also appears Mercedes will expand on the GLA crossover lineup with a coupe four-door coupe model, like the larger GLC.

SEE ALSO: Mercedes GLT Pickup Truck Spied Testing

Most interesting however is confirmation that the Mercedes-Benz pickup truck, expected to be called the GLT, will arrive by late 2017. Spy photographers have caught a prototype testing, so we know it's in the works. And for those anxiously awaiting a drop-top AMG GT, your wish will be fulfilled with a fabric soft top, similar to what's found on the SLS roadster.

Discuss this story on our Mercedes-Benz Forum

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