Saturday, January 31, 2015

Production of the 2016 Acura ILX Begins



At its core, the 2016 Acura ILX will always be a fancy version of the Honda Civic, but Acura has gone to great lengths in the latest model year to put as much distance as possible between the economy-minded Honda and Acura’s entry-level sedan. Acura has left no stone unturned in updating the 2016 ILX, and the most important change may have been moving production to Honda’s plant in Marysville, OH, which began rolling the new ILX off the line earlier this week.


If for nothing else, Acura can now boast that the ILX sedan is built in the same plant as Honda’s best-selling Accord, the all-new Acura TLX sedan and – by the end of this year – the long-awaited Acura NSX. That said, it’s not just the new assembly plant that Acura is counting on to improve this car. Acura also the 2016 model a refreshed exterior with a more current design language, a more advanced and more efficient powertrain, and a more refined interior, which are all elements luxury buyers demand.


In addition to kicking off the production of the reworked 2016 ILX, Acura is also celebrating key sales and production milestones by announcing that it has now built and sold two million North American-made vehicles in the U.S. since 1995 – the year Acura began building the CL at Honda’s East Liberty, OH plant. Last year, however, a full 94 percent of Acura’s U.S. sales came from vehicles that were made in America – a number that will improve in 2015. After the cancellation of the TSX, the only curent Acura product not produced in the U.S. is the Japan-built RLX sedan.


Click past the jump to read more about the 2016 Acura ILX.


Production of the 2016 Acura ILX Begins originally appeared on topspeed.com on Saturday, 31 January 2015 23:00 EST.


read more










from Top Speed http://ift.tt/1LxTzfq

via IFTTT

Video: Nick Offerman Welcomes Us to a New Season of NASCAR

The best commercial in this year’s Super Bowl won’t even take place during the game, but don’t worry, it will most certainly have cars. NBC Sports has released its advertisement ushering in the 2015 NASCAR season, and it does so with the unwavering Americanism of Nick Offerman – meat connoisseur, wood craftsman extraordinaire and Ron Swanson.


In “America, It’s Time For A Gut Check,” Offerman brings his usual comedy and machismo with one-liners like “Sure everybody at NASCAR gets a trophy/As long as they win the f***ing race” and “Where men and women compete together/Just like they did back in the 18-nevers.” AdWeek says that a 60-second version of the commercial will air immediately after the game, but you can see the full-length version right now. Trust me, it will be the best two minutes you’ll spend today, and you don’t have to be a NASCAR fan to get a kick out of it.


The true point of the ad, of course, is as a promotion for NBC Sports, which picks up coverage of the 2015 season starting on July 5.


Click past the jump to read more about the 2015 NASCAR Sprint Cup season.


Video: Nick Offerman Welcomes Us to a New Season of NASCAR originally appeared on topspeed.com on Saturday, 31 January 2015 18:00 EST.


read more










from Top Speed http://ift.tt/1zmsTt2

via IFTTT

Kia Teases New Concept For 2015 Chicago Auto Show



Rumors about an all-wheel-drive Kia Soul have been circulating for years now, but it looks like the model could be on the verge of appearing. Kia has just released a teaser of a new all-wheel-drive concept vehicle it will be debuting at the Chicago Auto Show, and it’s not hard to see that this is some sort of Soul-based product.


The most intriguing part of this concept vehicle is that it will use an electric AWD (e-AWD) system. Now, we’re not sure if that means this will be a fully electric car with AWD or if it might be plug-in version of a standard Soul using the conventional front-engine/front-drive setup and adding electric motors to power the rear wheels.


Even though Kia only supplied a single image showing the front of the car in profile, it’s easy to see some of the changes that should give this concept a stockier, SUV-like appearance. These include what looks to be a taller ride height, plastic cladding around the wheel openings along with more aggressive fascia, and a larger wheel and tire combo. Kia has a track record of showing two-door and even pickup-truck concept versions of the Soul, so we can’t wait to see the rest of this particular car.


The good news is that we don’t have too much longer to wait to see it, as Kia will unveil the concept on February 12.


Click past the jump to read more about Kia’s future concept car.


Kia Teases New Concept For 2015 Chicago Auto Show originally appeared on topspeed.com on Saturday, 31 January 2015 12:00 EST.


read more










from Top Speed http://ift.tt/1ClKAeq

via IFTTT

Friday, January 30, 2015

2015 Lexus ES

The 2015 Lexus ES 350 and ES 330h hybrid are based on the Toyota Avalon architecture (rather than, a few years ago, the Camry), and with a major redesign a couple of model years ago they gained more engaging road manners, a more interesting shape, improved technology features, and a new hybrid model that actually ends up giving the...



from The Car Connection http://ift.tt/1tpQq9G

via IFTTT

BMW Exec Confirms "High Demand" For M7



A full-blown M-version of the BMW 7 Series has long been in the cards as far as certain Bimmer aficionados are concerned, with every new generation of the model having been expected by some to feature such a model as a range-topper. Talks about the possibility of an M7 usually increase when a 7 Series generation is approaching the end of its life-cycle, so with the 2017 model being right around the corner, speculation is at a high level once again. According to an interview he recently gave to AutoGuide, even the director of product at BMW M, Carsteb Pries, kind of acknowledged that demand for an M7 is real.


With that being said, Pries also mentioned that the "real demand" may not actually be significant enough, and stipulated that there should be a good number of potential customers to "make such a project a priority ahead of other potential projects." You can take whatever you like from that phrase, but Pries also admitted to having received multiple emails with photoshopped M7 versions of the 7 Series and accompanying, "This is what I want" texts. If those don’t sound like potential customers, I don’t know what does.


Since the next generation of the 7 Series has already been spied completely undisguised almost a year before normal folks were supposed to see it, BMW’s marketing department has a lot on its mind in 2015. In other words, if an M-version is indeed in the cards, BMW has every reason to take everyone’s mind off of it and keep your attention on the current product line.


Click past the jump to read more about a possible BMW M7.


BMW Exec Confirms "High Demand" For M7 originally appeared on topspeed.com on Friday, 30 January 2015 20:00 EST.


read more










from Top Speed http://ift.tt/1ygTt2G

via IFTTT

2015 Nissan Sentra

Nissan has taken aim right at the middle of the compact-sedan market with the current Sentra. It's a competitive landscape where value is important and competition is tough. And with many of the Sentra's rivals now offering new technologies and features that were only available on luxury cars a few years ago, the Sentra gets what we'd...



from The Car Connection http://ift.tt/1tpQpT1

via IFTTT

2015 Toyota Corolla

Basic, trouble-free, and relatively comfortable transportation, without the frills, has been the focus of the Toyota Corolla for decades. But that all changed a bit a couple years ago, when Toyota added some more technology and flair to the Corolla, arguably breaking free of biases that have long pegged the Corolla the blandest of the...



from The Car Connection http://ift.tt/1tpQsye

via IFTTT

2015 Lexus GX

Following a format that was all the rage a decade ago -- the body-on-frame luxury SUV -- the 2015 Lexus GX 460 is the kind of 'tough-truck' luxury that's strictly a niche product today For the U.S. it's become an increasingly hard sell, as even while gas prices have kept down, Americans continue to gravitate to more road-bound...



from The Car Connection http://ift.tt/1vqsyzh

via IFTTT

Video: 2015 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat vs. 2015 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1

Many would have probably have thought of this as a highly unlikely feat when the 580-horsepower Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 was unveiled back in 2011, but not even four years later, the model has been outgunned by a Dodge. Actually, strike that, it has been completely obliterated by the most powerful production muscle car in history, the 707-horsepower Dodge Challenger Hellcat. Naturally, huge horsepower and torque numbers aren’t everything for some, so in order to put the record straight, Motor Trend’s Jonny Lieberman decided to pit the two cars against each other.


Choosing what is probably one of the most scenic roads in Northern California and with the local police providing a traffic-free play area, the two most powerful production muscle cars were let loose on each other. The results were pretty much as expected, especially since the event mainly consisted of spirited driving on a curvy back road and not a true comparison on a circuit.


Nevertheless, with Motor Trend actually staging a road race between the two cars, the overal time difference was less than a second, despite the fact that the Hellcat has a 127-horsepower and 94-pound-foot advantage over the ZL1. Sure, the Challenger is also about 500 pounds heavier, but on a mainly straight road that shouldn’t be a major issue. The Camaro sported a manual transmission while the Dodge had an automatic. All in all, this was not the most fair comparison one could have staged, but nobody should be mad about two muscle cars torturing their rear tires on a deserted road, right?


Clic past the jump to read more.


Video: 2015 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat vs. 2015 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 originally appeared on topspeed.com on Friday, 30 January 2015 19:00 EST.


read more










from Top Speed http://ift.tt/1CJqlWT

via IFTTT

Five Questions: U.S. Jaguar Land Rover CEO On Diesels, Brand, And Growth

Jaguar and Land Rover are together poised for quite the growth spurt. Both brands have been closely entwined since 2008, when they were sold by Ford Motor Co. to India’s Tata Motors, and given the opportunity to broaden their future portfolios with some significant investment in product development and engineering. Just over the past year...



from The Car Connection http://ift.tt/1uKrvL0

via IFTTT

Lamborghini Aventador SV Brochure Leaks Online



It was only yesterday that our paparazzi spotted the upcoming Lamborghini Aventador SV completely undisguised, and the first details of the supercar emerged by means of a leaked fragment of the vehicle’s official brochure. Posted by the folks over at TeamSpeed Forums, what appears to be a photo of a brochure that’s usually sent to dealers reveals the color combinations the Aventador SV can be had in. Six exterior colors are available, including Rosso Bia (red), New Giallo Orion (yellow), Arancio Atlas (orange), Verde Ithaca (green), Bianco Isis (white) and Nero Aldebaran (black).


The wheel center locks and the springs are painted either black or red, while the calipers match the exterior on the yellow and orange models and come in black on the others. As for the cockpit, it seems that all models will be shipped with black interiors and body-colored accents on the seats. That’s about all we get from this brochure, with no word on performance, chassis updates or pricing. However, a note at the bottom suggests deliveries of Aventador SV might commence in November 2015.


As for its global debut, I expect Lambo’s brand-new supercar to break cover at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show in March, with around 730 ponies at its disposal.


Click past the jump to read more about the Lamborghini Aventador SV.


Lamborghini Aventador SV Brochure Leaks Online originally appeared on topspeed.com on Friday, 30 January 2015 18:00 EST.


read more










from Top Speed http://ift.tt/167FAwD

via IFTTT

Yamaha YZF-R1



Yamaha has made it known that the new YZF-R1 isn’t just your typical supersports bike. Heck, using the word “typical” might not even do it justice. The YZF-R1 is a god send of a supersports bike, the rare kind of machine that can justifiably say that it was born straight out of the MotoGP technology.


The Japanese bike brand calls the YZF-R1 “the most MotoGP-inspired motorcycle ever.” I’m not going to argue with that because the bike certainly has the credentials to carry that title proudly. At the very least, you can call the R1 as the humanized version of the YZR-M1, the very machine that Yamaha riders Valentino Rossi and Jorge Lorenzo will use at the soon-to-begin 2015 MotoGP season.


Anytime a bike like the R1 can be compared to a machine for the ages like the M1, you know you have something special on your hands. Even if the R1 doesn’t carry the same frightful technology as the M1, this supersports bike remains right at home on the track as it does pretty much anywhere else.


Click past the jump to read more about the Yamaha YZF-R1.


Yamaha YZF-R1 originally appeared on topspeed.com on Friday, 30 January 2015 18:00 EST.


read more










from Top Speed http://ift.tt/1Kf9An2

via IFTTT

Jaguar XE named most beautiful car of 2014


Jaguar XE is the Most Beautiful car of 2014

There is no denying the fact that Jaguar is on a roll with Ian Callum at the helm of design. The F-Type is a sight for sore eyes and the Jaguar XE revealed late last year is also quite an attractive sedan. Now the XE has just picked up a coveted design award at the 30th Festival Automobile International in Paris. Adjudged the most beautiful car of 2014, the Jaguar XE faced stiff competition from the Mazda MX-5, Mercedes-Benz C-Class Estate and the Fiat 500X. The award is decided by a public vote, with more than 100,000 votes cast across 59 countries. The Jaguar XE won the award with 28 percent of the votes.


The Jaguar XE will be coming to India by early 2016 to take on the likes of the BMW 3-series, new Mercedes-Benz C-class and the Audi A4. Till now Jaguar didn't have a sedan in this range to take the fight to the big German three in a segment that has potential for high numbers. Jaguar has got the design spot on with a good mix of Jaguar family design cues in all its major elements. The front grille for instance resembles the XJ and the updated XF design and the long bonnet and gills are elements inspired by the gorgeous F-Type. The XE has a sporty stance in side profile accentuated by the sloping roofline and attractive alloy wheel design.


Jaguar Design Director Ian Callum with the Trophy

Jaguar has also developed a new range of engines christened the Ingenium family. Jagaur says that these new engines have inherently low levels of vibration due to low friction all-aluminium construction, stiff cylinder blocks and twin balancer shafts. They range from 2-litre 4-cylinder units to a 3.0-litre V6 with turbochargers and/or superchargers.






from zigwheels http://ift.tt/15QUYgi

via IFTTT

Massive discounts on BMW 3 Series and 5 Series


BMW 5 Series front static

BMW India hasn't had a very good year at the sales charts in India while Mercedes-Benz and Audi have soared way ahead. Demand for the 3 Series and 5 Series is quite low and faces stiff competition now from the C-and E-Class and the A4 and A6. BMW is yet to sell off stock of the two sedans manufactured in 2014 and so is offering discounts up to Rs 5 lakh.


The entry-level 520d 5 Series is being offered with a cash discount of Rs 5 lakh. The more powerful 530d with the 3-litre six-cylinder block gets a Rs 2.5 lakh cash discount. The 3 Series on the other hand is being offered with a flat Rs 3 lakh cash discount across all variants. These discounts are only being offered on 2014 car models though. These offers will be offered only at showrooms that currently hold stock of the 2014 cars.


These discounts will be on 2014 prices as well, which is lower than the 2015 car prices by 5 percent. BMW announced a price hike of 5 percent for 2015 which in essence makes the 2014 models even cheaper. December is a month most car buyers stay away from due to the higher depreciation cars receive by just being a month older, but with a tempting cash discount and a 5 percent price hike that will not be eligible for the 2014 models, it negates the depreciation losses when it is time to sell.






from zigwheels http://ift.tt/15QUVkG

via IFTTT

Video: Mercedes-AMG Mocks Porsche In New "Dreamcar" Commercial

While mudslinging is not only legal but actually pretty common in the U.S. and some other countries, it is lawbreaking in most of the world. In order to somewhat get around that, Mercedes-AMG decided to mock the Porsche 911 and its fans in a "relatively" subtle matter in its latest commercial. Starring the Mercedes-AMG GT, a small boy and the ghostly shape of a Porsche 911, the ad is clearly made to poke fun at the rear-engined sports car and all the fans who grew up wanting one — or have one.


Part of a worldwide launch campaign rolling under the message "Handcrafted by Racers," the commercial will soon be accompanied by ads in print, television and online, though not all of them will be shaking a stick at the 911. "Our campaign focuses on the essence of what makes the Mercedes-AMG GT so fascinating: the quest for pure, performance-oriented perfection and the desire to rise to challenges and win through. The claim embodying the Mercedes-AMG DNA, ’Handcrafted by Racers,’ serves as a leitmotif which is manifested in various guises throughout all communication activities and channels," said Jens Thiemer, head of PR at Mercedes-Benz Cars. "The campaign authentically positions the new Mercedes-AMG GT as a genuine challenge to the established contenders in its class."


In other words, if my understanding of wooden marketing language is correct, we can expect other sports-car makers to be also subtly referenced in the upcoming Mercedes-AMG GT ads, with the Jaguar F-Type Coupe probably in line for the same treatment. The Chevrolet Corvette, despite sporting a similar front-midship engine arrangement, would also be a good competitor performance-wise, but nobody will ever cross-shop the GT and the Vette, right?


Video: Mercedes-AMG Mocks Porsche In New "Dreamcar" Commercial originally appeared on topspeed.com on Friday, 30 January 2015 17:00 EST.


read more










from Top Speed http://ift.tt/1uKeHEG

via IFTTT

NHTSA Officially Issues Recall of Slingshot Three-Wheeler



We knew it was coming and it was only a matter of time before the bottom fell off of Polaris Industries’ “stop sale, stop ride” order on the three-wheeled Slingshot. Turns out, it didn’t even take a month for the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to take action.


A week after Polaris issued an order to its dealerships to stop selling the Slingshot and to owners to stop riding them, the NHTSA announced the recall after it was determined that the Slingshot had some issues with certain parts that could cause the rider to lose control of the vehicle. According to the NHTSA, around 1,896 Slingshot units are affected by the recall, specifically those built from August 26, 2014 up until January 9, 2015.


Interestingly enough, the NHTSA’s recall only pointed out the problem with the he upper pinion bearing in the steering rack assembly, which could disengage at any time. What the administration didn’t address was the separate issue regarding the roll hoops, which Polaris described in its stop-sale, stop-ride order as falling short of its own “performance specifications.”


With the recall now in place, owners of the Slingshot are being instructed to bring their trikes to local dealerships where certified Polaris engineers can replace the steering rack assembly entirely.


There you have it. The Polaris Slingshot recall is a go. If you happen to own one that was manufactured between the dates stated above, do the responsible thing and bring your Slingshots to your dealerships so they can be examined and, if need be, repaired back to tip-top condition. It may be an inconvenience, but at the end of the day, it’s still for your own good, and that of those who could borrow your Slingshots for a ride.


Click past the jump to read more about the Polaris Slingshot recall.


NHTSA Officially Issues Recall of Slingshot Three-Wheeler originally appeared on topspeed.com on Friday, 30 January 2015 16:00 EST.


read more










from Top Speed http://ift.tt/1wK0fMs

via IFTTT

McLaren-Honda MP4-30 Formula 1 Car



Much like Ferrari, the oldest surviving and the most successful team in the history of Formula One, McLaren started as a race-car manufacturer long before it began making road cars. Founded in 1963 as Bruce McLaren Motor Racing, the team joined F1 as a works entry in 1966. It has since competed in every single season of the series as of 2014, winning eight constructor’s championships and no fewer than 182 wins. Statistically, McLaren is second only to Ferrari when it comes to race starts, total wins, podium finishes, pole positions, fastest laps, and championship points, making it one of the most prominent names in the single-seat auto racing scene. Despite this, the British have not won the constructor’s title since 1998, but scoring podium finishes on 12 occasions through 2012. Both 2013 and 2014 were rather disappointing, with McLaren finishing fifth without scoring a single win. This bitter drought could come to an end in 2015, when McLaren tackles the F1 season with a brand-new chassis and an all-new hybrid powertrain.


While all engine manufacturers developed new power units for the 2014 season, McLaren had to wait until 2015 to benefit from Honda’s return to the sport as a powerplant supplier after a ten-year hiatus. The new alliance is of great historic importance, as it reunites the entities that won four back-to-back world championships between 1988 and 1991. It all began at the end of the iconic Turbo Era and continued well into the 3.5-liter, naturally aspirated engine period, when McLaren had two of the greatest drivers in history: Ayrton Senna and Alain Prost.


The partnership between McLaren and Honda ended in 1992, when Honda retired only to return with BAR and Jordan between 2000 and 2005. Meanwhile, McLaren continued with Ford and Peugeot engines for two seasons before turning to Mercedes for a partnership that lasted two decades. Come 2015, McLaren hopes to win its first championship in 16 years using power from Honda’s first F1 engine since 2005. The hybrid powerplant was developed alongside a new single-seater, the MP4-30, with refined aerodynamics, a new nose-box solution and revised livery. Keep reading for the full rundown on McLaren’s all-new Formula One contender.


Click past the jump to read more about the 2015 McLaren-Honda MP4-30 Race Car.


McLaren-Honda MP4-30 Formula 1 Car originally appeared on topspeed.com on Friday, 30 January 2015 16:00 EST.


read more










from Top Speed http://ift.tt/1Lsohq5

via IFTTT

Nick Offerman Gives You Every Reason You Need To Watch NASCAR In Two Minutes

Whether you already love NASCAR (or racing in general) or you think it’s a giant waste of time, we challenge you to spend two minutes with Nick Offerman—better known to some as Parks & Recreation’s Ron Swanson—and not come away convinced. A selection of some of Offerman’s reasons (delivered here without...



from MotorAuthority http://ift.tt/1A8glHf

via IFTTT

How Do You Remove The Roof Of A Pagani Zonda? Very, Very Carefully: Video

You definitely don’t want to get caught out in a rain storm in your Pagani Zonda 760 Roadster, because it will be filled with pools of water long before the top is out of its storage place in the nose and back on top of the car. But what is involved in taking it off? Quite a lot. Here’s the step-by-step: Protect the snorkel with a...



from MotorAuthority http://ift.tt/1BANjLO

via IFTTT

Mazda MX-5

Mazda has just revealed a bit of information on the JDM-spec MX-5, and a leak from the Chicago Auto Show reportedly puts the U.S.-spec output at 155 horsepower.


With a history that began in 1989, the Mazda MX-5 is one of the best-sold convertibles on the market. In its 21 years of history, the MX-5 saw three different generations, numerous design updates, and even more engine changes. However, the most impressive update has been announced for the fourth generation that is set to debut on September 3rd, 2014.


The Mazda MX-5 will remain a rear-wheel drive compact sports coupe with exterior design inspired by the Shinari Concept unveiled earlier this year. With the new generation, Mazda will focus on reducing the total weight to less than 1,000 kilos.


At the launch of the Shinari concept, Ikuo Maeda, general manager of Mazda Motor Corp.’s design division said: "this design will lead to the next generation of Mazda design and will lead to other elements." Guess the MX-5 will be among the first to adopt Mazda’s new "Kodo - Soul of Motion" design language.


Updated 01/30/2015: Mazda unveiled tons of new high res images and new driving footage for its brand new MX-5. Also, the company confirmed that on the Japanese market the MX-5 will deliver a total of 129 horsepower and 110 pound-feet of torque. On top of these official confirmations is a possible leak from the Chicago Auto Show’s Website that lists the U.S.-spec MX-5’s output at 155 horsepower — the leak has since been taken down. Mazda has since said that number is not accurate and it does not know where that number came from (AutoBlog).


Hit the jump to read more about the fourth generation Mazda MX-5 .


Mazda MX-5 originally appeared on topspeed.com on Friday, 30 January 2015 15:00 EST.


read more










from Top Speed http://ift.tt/1suieK1

via IFTTT

Video: The 2014 JK-Experience Is What Jeeps Were Made For

Follow a group of dedicated Jeep Wrangler enthusiasts through some of the harshest terrain in the Pacific Northwest.


Video: The 2014 JK-Experience Is What Jeeps Were Made For originally appeared on topspeed.com on Friday, 30 January 2015 14:30 EST.


read more










from Top Speed http://ift.tt/1CIDZJB

via IFTTT

Super Bowl XLIX: Toyota Reveals "How Great I Am" Inspiring Commercial

As usual, this year’s Super Bowl Sunday will be packed with commercials in what is traditionally the biggest event of the year in American television. With each 30-second ad selling for a whopping $4.5 million on average, you can guess that Toyota paid a hefty amount for the inclusion of the above 60-second spot, which will apparently be accompanied by another one during the big game on Sunday.


Part of the "One Bold Choice Leads to Another" campaign for the 2015 Camry, the Toyota ad above features Paralympic medalist and Dancing with the Stars finalist Amy Purdy taking part in a lot of courageous feats for someone who has no legs. If that wasn’t inspiring enough for a well-made Super Bowl commercial, the entire footage of Purdy is set to Muhammad Ali’s infamous "How Great I Am" speech. As some of you know, the uplifting speech was made right before the "Rumble in the Jungle" boxing event in 1974, which Ali won by knockout against the then-undefeated world heavyweight champion George Foreman.


"We’re very proud of the message our commercial sends about not only making bold choices, but living a bold life, and Amy Purdy represents that in everything she does. Amy inspires us, and to have her make her Super Bowl commercial debut with Toyota is something we’re thrilled about," said Jack Hollis, group vice president of marketing, Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc. The ad will probably strike a chord with those who feel put down by life, but I’m not entirely sure that it will put the rather boring Camry in a more adventurous light. A Lexus or a sportier Toyota would have made a better subject, in my opinion.


Super Bowl XLIX: Toyota Reveals "How Great I Am" Inspiring Commercial originally appeared on topspeed.com on Friday, 30 January 2015 13:00 EST.


read more










from Top Speed http://ift.tt/163CjO7

via IFTTT

2015 Nissan Juke Nismo RSnow



Nissan has seemingly built the craziest version of its Juke crossover yet: the Juke Nismo RSnow. It features tank-like treads that replace the 18-inch wheels and sticky tires for blasting through snow drifts atop a frozen lake.


2015 Nissan Juke Nismo RSnow originally appeared on topspeed.com on Friday, 30 January 2015 12:30 EST.


read more










from Top Speed http://ift.tt/163CdWM

via IFTTT

Volvo XC90

The XC90 is Volvo's largest crossover offering. It was introduced for 2003 and features three rows of seating, available all-wheel drive, and the sorts of luxuries and safety systems that Volvo is known for. Competitors include the BMW X5, the Mercedes-Benz M-Class, and Land Rover's LR4. For a more details on the various XC90 models, including...



from The Car Connection http://ift.tt/XBBIyx

via IFTTT

Lincoln MKX

The Lincoln MKX is a mid-size luxury crossover with room for five. It offers more infotainment and technology than some key rivals with high-prestige luxury badges. The MKX's design appeals to upper-class suburbanites who need all-weather usability in a roomy, comfortable car. See our 2014 Lincoln MKX review for more info, including specs and...



from The Car Connection http://ift.tt/Xqge7Q

via IFTTT

Lincoln MKT

The Lincoln MKT is a large crossover wagon that offers seating for up to seven and plenty of cargo room, all wrapped in what we like to call interesting sheetmetal. Within the Lincoln lineup, the MKT sits between the MKX mid-size crossover and the Navigator full-size SUV. See our 2014 Lincoln MKT review for pricing with options, specifications...



from The Car Connection http://ift.tt/12TU1kH

via IFTTT

Lincoln MKS

The Lincoln MKS is a large four-door sedan that's built on the same underpinnings as the Ford Taurus but packs a more luxurious interior and a high-tech feature set. See our 2014 Lincoln MKS page for more information, including pricing with options. You can also see the Lincoln MKS vs. its competitors. The MKS isn't as long overall as the old Town...



from The Car Connection http://ift.tt/Xn5fGq

via IFTTT

Lincoln Navigator

The Lincoln Navigator is a full-size luxury SUV that reigns over the Ford range; and It’s considered to be the originator of the large-size premium SUV market, while competing almost exclusively with the Cadillac Escalade. With a large V-8 engine and heavy body-on-frame construction, the Navigator has never in the past been considered very...



from The Car Connection http://ift.tt/XGMYaO

via IFTTT

GMC Sierra 1500

The GMC Sierra 1500 is one of the hallmark vehicles in the full-size pickup truck class. It's almost identical mechanically to the Chevy Silverado 1500, but unique features, design, and pricing help the Sierra stand out. GMC also offers very luxurious trim levels like Denali, and some unique technology, like an advanced all-wheel-drive system...



from The Car Connection http://ift.tt/WN1nCA

via IFTTT

Kia Optima

The Kia Optima is the South Korean automaker's four-door family sedan. Most recently revamped in 2011, the Optima is now one of the better-looking, better-equipped vehicles in its segment--though it's a tough crowd, with rivals like the Honda Accord, Nissan Altima, Ford Fusion, and Nissan Altima, as well as its cousin, the Hyundai Sonata. MORE...



from The Car Connection http://ift.tt/YrjTQq

via IFTTT

Cadillac CT2



It was 2012 when Cadillac launched the ATS, its first-ever compact sedan, in an attempt to enter a market dominated by the likes of the BMW 3 Series and Audi A4. But with the luxury brand set to expand even more by the end of the decade, it seems the ATS will remain the smallest vehicle of the Cadillac stable only until 2016, when the manufacture will reportedly introduce an even smaller sedan. Likely dubbed CT2, according to Cadillac’s new naming strategy, the compact four-door will walk in the footsteps of its bigger brother by entering a segment packed with German-built, premium cars. This time around, however, Cadillac will be targeting compacts such as the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class and the Audi A3 Sedan, both of which have been received with great enthusiasm in the U.S.


While the upcoming CT2 is nothing more than a trademark registered with the U.S. Trademark and Patent Office at this point, the company’s current strategy provides a great deal of info as to what this compact might bring to the market. From the already familiar design language seen on the CTS, the new in-car technology, to the powerful, yet still efficient 2.0-liter four-banger, the CT2 is far from being a mystery. I expect the new sedan, which will slot below the ATS, to debut in early 2016 and reach U.S. dealerships for the 2017 model year.


Click past the jump to read more about the 2017 Cadillac CT2.


Cadillac CT2 originally appeared on topspeed.com on Friday, 30 January 2015 12:00 EST.


read more










from Top Speed http://ift.tt/1wJ9QTX

via IFTTT

Tesla Model X Update: Prototype Caught Testing On Video

Over the next few months, the spies will be getting more and more of the first Model X prototypes as they roll out of an expanded production line at Tesla Motors’ [NSDQ:TSLA] Fremont, California plant. In late 2015, the first production examples are expected to reach reservation holders. Today, a video of the Model X in testing has surfaced...



from MotorAuthority http://ift.tt/1ihJd7X

via IFTTT

2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata Packs 155 HP, 148 LB-FT: Report

We’ve known for a while now that the new sports roadster from Mazda would be lighter, stiffer, nicer, and a whole lot prettier than the car it replaces. Now we know—or think we know—the car’s power and torque ratings. According to driving.ca, via information provided during the international drive launch of the car, the...



from MotorAuthority http://ift.tt/1CjJOib

via IFTTT

Kia Cadenza

The Kia Cadenza is a large family sedan, a size up from the brand's Optima four-door. Its competitors include cars like the Ford Taurus, Toyota Avalon, and related Hyundai Azera. The Cadenza is now the second most expensive car in the Kia showroom, sitting just below the range-topping K900 luxury sedan. Known in its home market as the K7, the...



from The Car Connection http://ift.tt/1pQe2SJ

via IFTTT

Video: Stunt Rider Forgets How To Disembark From a Wheelie, Crashes into Barricade

Today’s stunt-gone-wrong video comes to you by way of Jukin Video, which found this gem of a clip that best shows what it’s like to perform a stunt, only to have it backfire on you with some sprinklings of carelessness.


The video starts off pretty good. The rider, in full racing garb, performs a series of wheelies on his bike, mixing in a few pirouettes in the process. The stunt ride looks impressive and the rider even feels confident enough to wave to the crowd. Nothing unusual, right?


Well, things took a turn for the worse when the rider decides to bring his bike back to the ground, but as soon as he does, he accidentally twists the throttle, sending the bike straight into a metal barricade with no signs of slowing down.


As you can expect, the bike and the rider crash into said barricade before they both end up in a heap on the ground. The rider doesn’t appear too be hurt by the ordeal, although I’m a little certain that he’s ego is pretty wounded because of his reckless showing-off. It also looks like the bike suffered some damages, although that could be expected given how hard it crashed into the barricade.


Once again, an important lesson has been learned. If you’re going to hotdog with your bike, make sure you have the senses to keep yourself in upright position when you’re performing said stunt.


Otherwise, you might end up like this poor dude.


Video: Stunt Rider Forgets How To Disembark From a Wheelie, Crashes into Barricade originally appeared on topspeed.com on Friday, 30 January 2015 11:00 EST.


read more










from Top Speed http://ift.tt/165BB3N

via IFTTT

Audi Rules Out Models Smaller Than A3 In U.S.

Anyone in the U.S. hoping for Audi to eventually bring over its A1 subcompact range is going to be disappointed, as the automaker has ruled out bringing over anything smaller than the A3 compact. This means we’re also going to miss out on the new Q1 subcompact crossover that’s currently in the works and due for a reveal in 2016. The...



from MotorAuthority http://ift.tt/1uJdE7N

via IFTTT

First drive: 2015 Mazda MX-5

The lightweight roadster reaches its fourth generation, and it’s smaller and snappier than ever. Ollie Marriage reports

















from Top Gear Car News http://ift.tt/162Fu8B

via IFTTT

Kia Sportage

The Kia Sportage is a compact five-passenger crossover that slots into the South Korean automaker's lineup just below the mid-size Sorento. The Sportage was last fully revised for 2011, with updates arriving for 2014. The Sportage is in a family of compact Kia cars that includes the popular Soul hatchback as well as the Forte lineup of sedans...



from The Car Connection http://ift.tt/1mKJgpa

via IFTTT

Kia Soul

The Kia Soul is a hatchback with a strong visual personality--one that's given it a leg up in establishing its new nameplate. While other boxy vehicles like the Nissan Cube and Scion xB have withered on the sales vine, the Soul has become one of Kia's most popular vehicles in the U.S.--and that's in part because of its kicky look. The Soul is also...



from The Car Connection http://ift.tt/1tewKot

via IFTTT

Video: 2015 Subaru STI Rally Car Has Fun On The Snow

It’s 2015, which means it’s a brand new season for rally racing across the globe! While that may include the high-dollar hijinks of Sébastien Ogier and the World Rally Championship, you and I can get our own taste of sideways-through-a-forest-with-the-throttle-pinned action with Rally America.


Formally known as the SCCA ProRally Championship, Rally America is the premiere series for anyone in the U.S. looking to make a name in what many consider to be the most exciting sport in the world.


One such individual is the current Rally America champion, David Higgins, seen here showing his skills in the frothy white powder. Hailing from the Isle of Man, this British racing artist dominated the 2014 season, taking first place in every event save one, consequently earning a four-peat championship title.


Other notable drivers include Ken Block and Travis Pastrana. Featuring 13 races on both coasts, plus cars from Mitsubishi, Ford, Volkswagen, Scion, and Subaru, Rally America is every bit as exciting as the WRC. Check the event schedule here to see when you might catch a Rally America car flying through your neck of the woods this year.


First on the docket is the Sno*Drift Rally in Atlanta, Michigan, January 30th-31st, where David Higgins will once again return to defend his title in the open class. Expect plenty of slippery conditions and incredible displays of car control.


Click past the jump to read about the Subaru STI.


Video: 2015 Subaru STI Rally Car Has Fun On The Snow originally appeared on topspeed.com on Friday, 30 January 2015 10:00 EST.


read more










from Top Speed http://ift.tt/1yLqF11

via IFTTT

Toyota Prius V - Driven

Need and efficient grocery hauler? Our Mark McNabb tested one for you.


The Prius has certainly made a name for itself in the nearly 15 years it’s been around. Toyota has sold tons of them all across the globe. As the market started wanting more, Toyota came out with this: the Prius V, which according to Toyota, stands for “versatility.” That truly is the case, seeing as the Prius V has a large SUV-like rear cargo area with seats that fold flat. Starting in 2012, the big-boy Prius made a solid case against the need for large, gas-guzzling SUVs – at least with respect to interior volume. The cavernous interior actually boasts 67.3 cubic feet of cargo room with the second-row seats folded down. That’s four cubic feet more than a Chevrolet Equinox.


Besides the ability to haul five adults and their junk around, the Prius V does it while getting some respectable mpg numbers. The EPA rates the wagon at 44/40/42 mpg on its city, highway, and combined test loop. Add to that its 1.8-liter four-cylinder runs on regular gasoline, and you’ve got a money-saving, junk-hauling, passenger-pleasing green machine.


But how well does it execute its mission? I spent a week with a 2014 model to find out. My driving was mixed between city and highway roads, along with both gentle and aggressive driving styles. I did everything from hauling my two-year-old in a car seat to hauling a large bookcase for friends. Keep reading for the outcome.


Click past the jump for the full review


Toyota Prius V - Driven originally appeared on topspeed.com on Friday, 30 January 2015 09:00 EST.


read more










from Top Speed http://ift.tt/1yU6djv

via IFTTT

Kia Sorento

The Kia Sorento is a mid-size crossover that can seat up to five passengers. It has evolved from its earlier life as a traditional SUV to a more modern, car-like crossover, as has its platform mate, the Hyundai Santa Fe. The Sorento comes in several configurations, with optional all-wheel drive and the choice of four or six-cylinder engines. A new...



from The Car Connection http://ift.tt/Yp2uI3

via IFTTT

Kia Forte

The Kia Forte line of compact cars has been in existence only since 2010. The first generation lasted a short four years, with a new and redesigned version launched in 2014. The Forte replaced Kia's earlier Spectra and Spectra 5 models in the lineup, creating a more attractive and competitive contender in the small economy car segment. Today's...



from The Car Connection http://ift.tt/Yp2sjg

via IFTTT

2015 BMW X6, Low Fatality Rate Cars, Tesla Model S Update: What’s New @ The Car Connection

From The Car Connection: 2015 BMW X6 xDrive35i: Quick Drive Is the BMW X6 a niche vehicle, with space and versatility compromised in favor of a more rakish roofline? Some will rush to that conclusion. But anyone who makes such claims is more than a little misguided—and they clearly haven’t crawled around inside the latest X6, let alone...



from The Car Connection http://ift.tt/1vfiCza

via IFTTT