Mazda is Celebrating the Millionth Miata With an Epic Road Trip

Mazda is Celebrating the Millionth Miata With an Epic Road Trip
Next Update of Tesla Autopilot Could Make Models Fully Autonomous
Next-Gen BMW i8 May Arrive in 2023 with 300-Mile Range
Ford is Improving its FM Radio with Dual Recievers
McLaren 688HS Makes Early Appearance Online
Here’s What to Expect at 2016 Monterey Car Week

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Mazda is bringing its millionth production Miata to the U.S.

Earlier this year, the Japanese automaker announced the production of the one-millionth Mazda MX-5 Miata and it will be taking a tour throughout the U.S. with 18 stops total.

The first stop will be during the 2016 Monterey Car Week with the milestone Miata showing up at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca from August 18 to August 21. From there, it will head to Quirk Mazda in Boston, Massachusetts on August 25 before stopping at Wayne Mazda in New York, New York on August 27. A day later, the millionth Miata will be at Young Mazda in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Kicking off the month of September, it will then head to Classic Mazda in Cleveland, Ohio on September 2 and the next stop will be a day later in Chicago, Illinois at Autobarn Evanston Mazda. The seventh spot will be Tom Roush Mazda in Indianapolis, Indiana on September 7 and then off it will go to Charlotte, North Carolina the very next day at Mazda of South Charlotte. As the tour heads to the southeast, it will make a stop on September 9 at Mall of Georgia Mazda in Atlanta, Georgia.

From there, it will then have two stops in Florida, with the first one at Duval Mazda at the Avenues on September 10 in Jacksonville, Florida. The last stop in Florida will be Daytona Mazda in Daytona Beach, Florida on September 17. Visiting the big state of Texas, the Miata will make three stops, first in Houston at Grandsport Speedway on September 23 as part of the MX-5 Experience. A day later it will be in Austin at Roger Beasley Mazda before heading to Dallas, making a stop at Globe Life Stadium.

As the tour comes to a close, it will make a stop in Phoenix, Arizona on September 27 at Earnhardt Mazda and then to Los Angeles, California on September 28 at Galpin Mazda. The 18-stop tour will come to an end back where it back on October 1-2 at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca.

"Last year was the 'Year of the Miata' with the launch of the all-new 2016 MX-5, but even a year into the sales of the fourth-generation roadster, that momentum has continued," said Robert Davis, senior VP, U.S. Operations, Mazda North American Operations (MNAO). "From winning the 2016 World Car of the Year and World Car Design of the Year, to the introduction of the all-new 2017 MX-5 RF, to our one-millionth Miata milestone, the MX-5 continues to symbolize the innovation and spirit that propels Mazda. With the Millionth Miata Celebration, we're excited to give back to those who, like us, continue to believe that driving matters."

[Source: Autocar]

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Next Update of Tesla Autopilot Could Make Models Fully Autonomous

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The next-generation Tesla Autopilot will receive upgrades in the hardware department.

According to a report from Electrek, Tesla Autopilot 2.0 will feature new hardware that includes a new sensor suite to enable level 3 autonomous driving, and potentially level 4 fully autonomous driving. The new suite will retain the current front-facing radar but will add more around the car, likely one in each corner. It will also add a new front-facing triple camera system, and it is believed that Tesla already started installing new housing to support the camera in production Model S sedans this week.

The American automaker has reportedly already written the software to run the currently available features on Autopilot on the new hardware and is now focusing on building on those features and data gathered from the Autopilot 1.0 program. The goal, of course, is to release more advanced autonomous and safety features to Tesla's lineup of vehicles.

Electrek believes the technology will arrive sooner rather than later, since several components believed to be associated with Tesla Autopilot 2.0 are already being applied to production cars, such as wiring harnesses and the housing for the triple camera system on the rearview mirror cutout. There are, however, other essential components that need to be implemented like a new dedicated computing channel since the current Media Control Unit (MCU) being used for Autopilot 1.0 won't suffice for the next-generation technology.

Last week, Tesla CEO Elon Musk made comments saying that the company's self-driving technology "will blow people's minds," and was likely alluding to what he's seen from internal testing of the next-generation Autopilot system.

[Source: Electrek]

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Next-Gen BMW i8 May Arrive in 2023 with 300-Mile Range

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BMW is putting a strong focus on its electric cars.

The BMW i sub-brand hasn't been as successful as the German automaker had hoped, but the company isn't giving up. It has previously been reported that engineers at BMW are working on the next i car, known internally as iNext. That model is expected to hit dealerships in late 2021 and will either sport the i5 or i6 nameplate. Using an all-electric drivetrain, this new model will also boast BMW's most advanced autonomous technologies yet, while offering a range of electric motors with anywhere from 136 to 247 horsepower.

As for the company's current models, replacements for the BMW i3 and i8 are due in 2022. The next-generation BMW i8, however, might not arrive until 2023. Automobile Magazine reports that BMW will equip the new i8 with a trio of electric motors capable of revving to 25,000 rpm, while producing up to 750 hp. With larger and better batteries, the next-generation i8 is aiming for a 300-mile range. Other features expected are all-wheel drive, four-wheel steering, torque vectoring and an active suspension system that scans the road ahead.

SEE ALSO: 2016 BMW i8 Review

The BMW i3 as we know it could also see some major changes. The company is reportedly looking at three proposals for the next-generation model, one of which would carry on the current car's carbon fiber construction. Another proposal looks at an all-aluminum construction, while the third is a blend of five or six materials. BMW has learned that carbon fiber construction remains expensive, despite the company's focus on mass production in order to reduce costs. As a result, don't be surprised if future BMW i models turned towards aluminum and steel, while using recycled carbon fiber wherever possible.

[Source: Automobile]

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Ford is Improving its FM Radio with Dual Recievers

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Ford has come up with a new way to get clearer FM radio signal: two receptors.

The system, which will debut on the 2017 Escape and Fusion, uses the rear window heater grid as a second antenna, allowing the vehicle to choose from multiple signals on the same frequency, depending on which is stronger.

"With dual antennas, the broadcast transitions seamlessly. No spits or wisps, and no hearing two radio stations at the same time," said Andy Adrian, Ford antenna and reception engineer. "The system delivers the clean, high-quality sound you expect from a Ford vehicle."

Ford says this technology should also help with listening to the radio while travelling long distance. The brand offers the example of driving from Chicago to Detroit, where somewhere in the middle the radio stations will become weak when two signals cross over. With Ford's new radio system, the brand claims there will be no interference at all.

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McLaren 688HS Makes Early Appearance Online

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McLaren's new top-dog model has made an early appearance online.

Thanks to a post at McLarenLife, we have our first look at the 688 High Sport (HS), a car that will succeed the now-retired P1 as the fastest car in the British automaker's lineup.

The new 688 is based on the 675, though power will be boosted up to 688 PS (678 horsepower) from the same twin-turbo 3.8-liter V8.

As can be seen in the image, the biggest changes to the car are aerodynamic enhancements including carbon fiber front canards, air extractors on the front wheels and a large roof scoop. A large fixed wing is also expected to be fitted out back, though it is cut off in this photo.

The 688 has been specially commissioned from McLaren Special Operations (MSO), the brand's bespoke outfit. Just 25 units of the 688 will be built in total, all of which are already spoken for.

The car is expected to make its full debut next week at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance. Check back to AutoGuide.com for live coverage from the event.

[Source: McLaren Life]

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Here’s What to Expect at 2016 Monterey Car Week

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For luxury and exotic car enthusiasts, Monterey Car Week is the ultimate event.

This year's festivities will start on August 15 and end on August 21, and there will be no shortage of events to showcase some of the world's finest automobiles. Highlights from the 2016 Monterey Car Week include The Quail: A Motorsports Gathering on August 19, Concorso Italiano on August 20 and, of course, the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance on August 21.

2016 Monterey Car Week Coverage

AutoGuide.com will be reporting live from the 2016 Monterey Car Week to bring you coverage of all the exciting debuts. But until then, here are some of the more exciting things we are anticipating to see.

Elvis Presley's BMW 507

BMW has already shown off its completed restoration of Elvis Presley's BMW 507, and the classic roadster will make its public debut at the 2016 Concours d'Elegance at Pebble Beach. The beautifully restored classic is chassis number 70079 and it will be shown exactly as it was when soldier Elvis Presley took delivery on December 20, 1958. Under the hood is a 3.2-liter V8 that was restored completely from spare parts, and even the Feather White exterior paint was applied with the same methods used some 60 years ago.

Bugatti Chiron and Vision Gran Turismo

For the first time ever, both the Bugatti Chiron and Vision Gran Turismo Concept will be attending the same event. The Chiron will make an appearance first on Friday, August 19 at The Quail: A Motorsports Gathering before it heads to the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance on Sunday. There, it will be joined by the Vision Gran Turismo Concept, presumably before it heads to its new owner in Saudi Arabia. That's right, a Saudi Prince has purchased the Vision Gran Turismo Concept from Bugatti along with the Chiron show car used at the 2016 Geneva Motor Show. It's unclear which Bugatti Chiron will be shown off at this year's Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, but here's to hoping it will be a different shade than what was presented in Geneva.

1962 Shelby 260 Cobra CSX 2000 Auction

It's probably a long shot, but a particular 1962 Shelby 206 Cobra could become the most expensive car to ever be sold at an auction. That's because it is the Shelby 206 Cobra sporting serial number CSX 2000, which was the very first-ever Shelby Cobra ever produced. When Shelby first built the Cobra and started loaning it out to the media for testing purposes, he wanted to leave the impression that more than one was produced. So CSX 2000 was actually repainted a different color so that it appeared Shelby had an entire fleet of test cars. Some would say that this is the most important car in American history and we shall see on August 19 when it crosses the auction block if bidders agree. It does have a huge task ahead of it, however, considering the most expensive car ever sold at an auction currently is a 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO that went for $34.65-million in 2014.

Lamborghini Huracan Superleggera

It would be a surprise if Lamborghini didn't have anything to debut at the 2016 Monterey Car Week, considering how prestigious the event is. Although the Italian automaker hasn't so much as teased what it will be bringing, we believe it will be the Huracan Superleggera that spy photographers have caught testing at the Nurburgring. After all, the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance was where Lamborghini debuted the Aventador SV Roadster last year, so we do expect something from the company. If Lamborghini however, does choose to disappoint by not bringing the Huracan Superleggera to Pebble Beach, expect it to bow at the 2016 Paris Motor Show.

Cadillac Concept

More of a hunch than anything, we believe Cadillac will be heading to the 2016 Monterey Car Week to show off a new concept car. The company has always had a presence at both The Quail: A Motorsports Gathering and the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, and it's about time that the American automaker showed off something new and exciting. While the brand did make a statement last year, it didn't have a major debut or reveal. We feel like that will change this year considering the Pebble Beach is where Cadillac introduced the Elmiraj concept to the world in 2013.

Genesis Concept

Last year, Hyundai had a pleasant surprise during the Monterey Car Week with the debut of the Vision G Coupe concept. Hyundai isn't typically a brand associated to the Monterey Car Week, but now that the Genesis luxury sub-brand exists, we expect the Korean automaker to make a bigger statement this year. In May, a roadmap leaked that showed the future plans for the Genesis brand, which includes a smaller G70 luxury sedan, a pair of SUVs and a sporty coupe. Whether Genesis follows up on the Vision G Coupe concept or an SUV concept debuts remains to be unseen, but Hyundai should have a presence in Monterey if it wants to be taken seriously in the luxury market.

Mercedes-Maybach Coupe Concept

It hasn't been confirmed that it will debut at Pebble Beach, but Mercedes-Maybach released the above teaser and based on the timing and the prestige of Monterey Car Week, we would be surprised if it wasn't revealed next week. Not much is known about the coupe concept, but Mercedes did say it will be almost 20-feet long and it will likely preview a future model for the ultra-luxury brand. Currently, the Maybach nameplate is only used for a long-wheelbase S-Class variant, so it will be exciting to see Mercedes-Maybach tackle an all-new model to take on the likes of Rolls-Royce.

McLaren 570GT U.S. Debut / McLaren Special Operations Project Debut

McLaren has announced that the 570GT will make its U.S. debut at the 2016 Monterey Car Week, and will also bring its race car variant the 570S GT4 along for the ride. But the most exciting news from McLaren is that the British automaker has promised the debut of a project from McLaren Special Operations, and based on the company's previous debuts, it should be exciting.

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Car Reviews

Friday, 12 August 2016