Hyundai, Google Discussing Possible Partnership

Hyundai, Google Discussing Possible Partnership
2017 Audi A4 Ultra is More Efficient, Less Powerful
Top 5 Most Expensive Auction Cars Sold at Past Monterey Car Weeks
2015 BMW M5, M6 Recalled Over Driveshaft Failures
BMW Diesel Models Still Delayed Despite Approval from Regulators
McLaren 570GT by MSO Concept Features Bespoke Goodies

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Hyundai and Google could be working together in the near future.

The company's president Jeong Jin Haeng confirmed that the two companies have some common areas that may require cooperation, and that the Korean automaker is in discussions with Google about a possible partnership.

Hyundai has been one of the most active automakers in adopting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto into its lineup, but is one of the few that is lagging behind when it comes to autonomous technologies.

For the most part, Hyundai and Kia have passed on joint ventures or alliances with other automakers, but now appear to be open to the idea, especially with tech companies.

Connected and self-driving cars are becoming a heavy focus for various automakers worldwide and Hyundai may be forced to team up with companies like Google to keep up with the competition. The company wouldn't confirm whether discussions about a partnership would be for autonomous technologies, but given Google's investment into self-driving cars, it is most likely. It also helps that Hyundai's former U.S. chief, John Krafcik, now leads Google's self-driving car division.

Earlier this year, Google and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) announced a partnership to outfit Chrysler Pacifica minivans with self-driving technology.

[Source: Bloomberg]

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2017 Audi A4 Ultra is More Efficient, Less Powerful

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For 2017, Audi has revised the front-wheel drive A4 Ultra to improve fuel economy, bringing the car's rating up to 27 mpg in the city and 37 on the highway.

The 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine is now paired to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission instead of a CVT like the 2016 model, while the combustion method was also revised, bringing the compression ratio from 9.6:1 to 11.7:1.

That results in less fuel used but also less power, with the 2.0-liter engine now making 190 horsepower and 236 lb-ft of torque, a drop of 30 hp and 22 lb-ft of torque compared to the previous model. The result is a 0 to 60 mph sprint that happens in 7.1 seconds, a distance that was covered by the 2016 model in 6.6 seconds.

While the drop in performance is noticeable, so is the jump in fuel economy, with the 2017 model gaining 6 mpg on the highway and 3 in the city.

Audi says that the A4 Ultra will be available with the brand's latest technology including the MMI infotainment system, Audi virtual cockpit and Audi Connect. Audi's suite of safety features will also be available with the car.

Best of all, Audi has announced that the A4 Ultra will start at $35,850, a full $1,000 less than the 2016 A4.

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Top 5 Most Expensive Auction Cars Sold at Past Monterey Car Weeks

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Classic Ferrari sports cars are a safe bet if you're looking for a collectible car.

As we enter 2016 Monterey Car Week, AutoGuide.com decided to take a look back at the most expensive cars ever sold during the event's prestigious auctions. This year's event should have plenty of high-profile cars crossing the auction block and it will be exciting to see if any set a record.

SEE ALSO: 2016 Monterey Car Week Coverage

One car to keep an eye on this year that isn't a Ferrari is the first-ever Shelby Cobra. Sporting serial number CSX 2000, the Shelby will cross the auction block on August 19 and there's a possibility it could become one of the most expensive cars to ever be sold at an auction.

5. 1961 Ferrari 250 GT SWB California Spider

Auctioned off on August 17, 2015 at a Gooding & Company auction, this 1961 Ferrari 250 GT SWB California Spider fetched $16,830,000. It was one of only 37 covered-headlight SWB California Spiders in existence, powered by a 3.0-liter V12 engine with 240 horsepower paired to a four-speed manual gearbox.

4. 1964 Ferrari 250 LM

A 1964 Ferrari 250 LM was sold by RM Auctions on August 13, 2015 for $17,600,000. Offered as part of "The Pinnacle Portfolio," the Ferrari 250 LM is one of just 32 units ever created and had recently competed in the Le Mans Classic and Tour Auto. It also featured matching chassis and engine numbers, proving it is all original. Like other Ferrari 250 LM by Scaglietti models, it is powered by a 3.3-liter V12 engine with 320 hp, paired to a five-speed manual transmission.

3. 1964 Ferrari 275 GTB/C Speciale

Netting $26,400,000 on August 16, 2014 at an RM Auctions event, this 1964 Ferrari 275 GTB/C Speciale was actually the fourth-most expensive car ever sold at auction at the time. Offers for the Speciale opened with a surprising bid of $15-million, stunning the crowd present. Two more offers pushed the bidding to $20-million before it reached $22-million. From there it was only a matter of time before the winning bid of $26.4-million was accepted.

2. 1967 Ferrari 275 GTB/4*S NART Spider

On August 17, 2013, this 1967 Ferrari 275 GTB/4*S NART Spider was sold by RM Auctions to the tune of $27,500,000. Before the auction, it was estimated this particular example would sell between $14-million to $17-million, but clearly, expectations were exceeded. Only 10 of these North American Racing Team cars were ever built and this specific car had only one owner from new. It was also announced that all of the proceeds from the auction would be given to charity. And who went home with the car? Lawrence Stroll, a Canadian entrepreneur who helped develop the Tommy Hilfiger clothing brand.

1. 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO Berlinetta

But all of these collectible Ferraris pale in comparison to the $38,115,000 this 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO Berlinetta fetched at a Bonhams auction. Sold on August 14, 2014 at Bonhams' Quail Lodge Auction in Carmel, California, it became the most valuable car in history to be sold at auction. Sporting serial number 3851 on the firewall, the auction car was the first public offering in many years.

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2015 BMW M5, M6 Recalled Over Driveshaft Failures

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BMW is calling back two of its performance models, the 2015 M5 and M6, over an issue with the driveshaft.

In the affected models, which includes the M6 Gran Coupe and Convertible, a weld on the driveshaft can fracture, leading to driveshaft failure. BMW received two reports of driveshaft failure about one year ago, while a third more recent failure prompted an investigation.

BMW engineers concluded that the failures likely occurred between 35 mph to 50 mph, specifically when the car shifts from second to third.

BMW technicians will inspect the driveshaft and replace it if a faulty weld is found.

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BMW Diesel Models Still Delayed Despite Approval from Regulators

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BMW's range of 2017 diesel models are still delayed despite being approved for sale in the U.S. from the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency).

Back on July 15, AutoGuide.com reported that BMW's 2017 diesel lineup was being delayed thanks to extra scrutiny from the EPA, though as of early August, the EPA announced that all of BMW's models were compliant with U.S. regulations.

A concerned customer notified us that his BMW X5 diesel was still delayed despite the reports in the press that BMW's diesel lineup had been certified by the EPA.

"Currently BMW is still pending additional agencies approvals," BMW spokesman Hector Arellano-Belloc told AutoGuide.com. "As a result, production of these models will commence once homologation has been finalized."

BMW would not offer any details regarding which agency is holding them up and for what reason, though the brand did confirm that it is certainly not the EPA. "BMW is pleased that all MY2017 BMW diesel models (328d Sedan, 328d Sports Wagon, X3 xDrive28d, X5 xDrive35d) have successfully completed EPA testing and certification process," he said.

Besides the EPA, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) is the other major emissions regulator in the U.S. Passing CARB's certification allows cars to be sold in a number of states that choose to follow CARB's rules, including New York, California, Maine, Vermont, Washington and more.

CARB spokeman Seongyup Kim confirmed to AutoGuide.com that all four diesel BMW models have been certified for sale in the U.S. The information is also available on the CARB website.

Since the Volkswagen emissions scandal, which involved the German automaker installing illegal software in its diesel cars that allowed them to cheat on emissions tests, the EPA has been applying extra scrutiny to all diesel vehicles. "There has been no indication that BMW's diesel models do not meet all requisite emission standards or that there is a defeat device in the vehicle," Arellano-Beloc previously told AutoGuide.com in an email.

So far, we haven't been able to confirm why BMW's diesel models have been delayed. It is curious that its gas-powered cars haven't been held up, so we think this might be an issue internally at BMW or with another regulatory body.

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McLaren 570GT by MSO Concept Features Bespoke Goodies

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McLaren is taking to the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance to show off a new custom version of the 570GT.

Put together by McLaren Special Operations (MSO), the 570GT features some bespoke add-ons that are destined to be offered by MSO in the future.

For added performance, the car gets a titanium exhaust that is 30 percent lighter and delivers a louder aural blast. The car is finished in Pearl White with Piano Black accents and deep gloss black finish on the wheels, side skirts, front and rear doors along with some interior details.

Also new from MSO and featured on this car is an Electro-Chromic Roof, which varies the darkness of the tint. Passengers can choose between five different levels of tint by making contact with the touch sensitive roof. Gloss-lacquered carbon fiber is also available and is seen here, covering the entire length of the 570 GT's sills.

McLaren says the 570GT is the most road-focused McLaren to date, thanks to is front and rear luggage areas and special suspension tuning. Power of course comes from a twin-turbo V8, making 526 horsepower.

Check back to AutoGuide.com for live coverage from 2016 Monterey Car Week.

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Car Reviews

Wednesday, 17 August 2016