Carscoops

Take A Tour Of The Rimac Factory Building The C_Two Electric Hypercar

Tue, 27 Oct 2020 01:25:37 GMT

Rimac is one of a handful of supercar/hypercar manufacturers that have established themselves in recent decades and, in this 47-minute documentary, we get a more in-depth look at what makes the Croatian company tick.

The focus of this documentary is the upcoming Rimac C_Two that will act as the company’s second production model after the Concept One. Development and testing of the C_Two has been ongoing for more than two years and has continued throughout 2020, despite the coronavirus pandemic.

Watch Also: The Rimac C_Two Looks Like An Electric Drift Machine

Rimac first showcased the C_Two at the Geneva Motor Show in early 2018 and, while the hypercar has undergone some minor visual and aerodynamic modifications since then, it still looks striking and promises some pretty extraordinary performance.

Sitting beneath the sleek bodywork is a 120 kWh battery pack that powers four electric motors, which produce 1,888 hp and 1,696 lb-ft (2,300 Nm) of torque. Rimac says the C_Two will be able to hit 60 mph (96 km/h) in 1.85 seconds and reach a top speed of 258 mph (412 km/h). Perhaps just as impressive is the fact that the company is targeting a range of 342 miles (550 km) in the WLTP cycle.

In addition to the C_Two, the documentary shows what went into creating the Tajima Rimac eRunner, an all-electric race car that was built for Japan’s Nobuhiro Tajima to race at the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb in 2015.

What’s A 1991 BMW E30 M3 With 18k Miles Worth To You?

Tue, 27 Oct 2020 00:51:30 GMT

If you have a lot of spare cash and are looking to buy a desirable sports car that will continue to increase in value, this 1991 BMW M3 could be the perfect car.

It is no secret that prices for E30-generation M3 models have gone up remarkably in the past decade, but finding one with low miles and in good condition can be quite a challenge. This example has a lot going for it and is up for auction from Manhasset, New York. It is being sold with factory manuals, a window sticker, a clean Carfax report and a clean New York title in the seller’s name.

Watch Also: What Makes The BMW E30 M3 So Freaking Special?

The Bring A Trailer listing reveals the exterior is painted in a shade of red known as Brillantrot and the car is sitting on its standard 15-inch wheels that are shod in 205/50 Dunlop Direzza DZ101 tires.

Inside, the cabin features heated sport seats upholstered in Natur-colored leather, a finish that extends across the door panels, floor mats and carpets. There is also a leather-wrapped steering wheel, air conditioning, cruise control, a cassette radio, and an onboard computer. The seller has clearly kept good care of both the exterior and interior.

Powering the car is a 2.3-liter naturally aspirated four cylinder producing 192 hp and 170 lb-ft (230 Nm) of torque, which are sent to the rear wheels through a five-speed manual transmission. The car has 18,000 miles on the clock and was last sold on Bring A Trailer in June 2019, where it fetched $75,000, while, at the time of writing, the highest bid sat at $76,500.

The 2022 Genesis G70 Looks Even Better In The Flesh

Tue, 27 Oct 2020 00:14:10 GMT

Genesis recently unveiled the 2022 G70 and, in this clip, we get the opportunity to see the facelifted sedan up close for the first time.

The pre-facelift G70 had a very coherent design, but the South Korean car manufacturer has nevertheless done a very good job in freshening up the exterior and bringing its styling in line with other Genesis models like the G80, G90 and GV80.

As such, the front end sports new quad headlights with sleek LED daytime running lights and a large grille. The styling changes continue at the rear, where the revamped G70 has redesigned taillights.

This clip from Asian Petrolhead showcases a handful of different G70 models. The most striking of all is probably the royal blue example, which is the flagship 3.3-liter model, complete with large oval-shaped tailpipes and a color-matched diffuser.

Some updates have also been made to the cabin. Most notably, the 2022 G70 gets a larger 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system featuring Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility, as well as voice recognition and Genesis CarPay that allows owners to pay for parking and gas without leaving the vehicle.

The new G70 will be available in most markets with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder producing 249 hp and 260 lb-ft (353 Nm) of torque and a 3.3-liter twin-turbocharged V6 muscling out 365 hp and 376 lb-ft (510 Nm). Customers in South Korea will also get a 2.2-liter turbodiesel that’s rated at 199 hp and 376 lb-ft (441 Nm) of torque.

MINI Countryman Powered By X-Raid Rides Higher, Goes Farther

Mon, 26 Oct 2020 23:39:01 GMT

MINI has a longstanding partnership with the X-raid Team in the Dakar Rally and now their collaboration has expanded to road cars as well.

The result is the MINI Countryman Powered by X-raid, a more rugged variant that benefits from chassis modifications derived directly from rally raid events. The first and most obvious upgrade X-raid made was to increase ground clearance, with the Countryman now riding 40 mm (1.6 in) higher.

The off-road specialists also added sturdy wheel rims and Cooper Discoverer AT3 tires with higher flanks to improve the crossover’s behavior on challenging terrain.

The MINI Countryman with and without the X-raid treatment

As a result of the higher ride height, the fording depth and approach angle are significantly improved compared to the standard Countryman. The wheels developed specially for rallying provide effective protection against tire damage, with a robust rim ring ensuring that it is not necessary to change the entire wheel if damage is sustained on rocky ground. The feature also creates a powerful visual impact and masks the high tire flanks.

No other details are offered, but the photos reveal some decals on the doors, bonnet and tailgate, as well as a lightweight aluminum roof rack. While the name may suggest otherwise, the MINI Countryman Powered by X-raid features no powertrain modifications.

The model in the images is a Cooper S Countryman, which means power comes from a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine good for 189 HP (192 PS / 141 kW) at 5,000 rpm and 281 Nm (207 lb ft) of torque at 1,250 rpm. This variant can be had with the optional All4 AWD system, further adding to the Countryman Powered by X-raid’s appeal.

BMW M2 CS Takes On The Audi RS4 Avant In Quarter-Mile Sprint

Mon, 26 Oct 2020 23:05:48 GMT

Two of the best cars in their classes, the BMW M2 CS and Audi RS4 Avant, got together for a quarter-mile race.

At this point, you might say ‘hold on, they’re not exactly rivals’, and you would be right, because the M2 CS is a premium subcompact sports coupe with rear-wheel drive, whereas the RS4 Avant is a premium compact super estate with quattro four-wheel drive.

Watch Also: BMW’s Hardcore M3 CS Goes Up Against The Audi RS4 – And The Winner Is…

However, they are quite evenly matched when it comes to performance, since both need around 4 seconds to hit the 60 mph (96 km/h) mark from a standstill. The optional seven-speed DCT drops the time by 0.2 seconds in the Bimmer, but both versions max out at 174 mph (280 km/h) and pack BMW’s 3.0-liter TwinPower Turbo inline-six that produces 444 HP (450 PS / 331 kW) and 406 lb-ft (550 Nm) of torque.

Give the Audi a long straight and you will eventually see 155 mph (250 km/h) on the speedometer, or 174 mph (280 km/h) if you opt to lift the top speed limiter. In terms of power, it has an M2 CS-matching 444 HP (450 PS / 331 kW), and 443 lb-ft (600 Nm) of torque, or 37 lb-ft (50 Nm) more than the BMW.

It really could be anyone’s game in a straight-line acceleration, and we also have to factor in the drivers’ skills, so picking a winner is nigh impossible.

Overfinch Celebrates Five Years In America With $315,000 Range Rover Sandringham Edition

Mon, 26 Oct 2020 22:33:44 GMT

The Land Rover Range Rover has lost some of its luster thanks to newer competitors such as the Bentley Bentayga and Rolls-Royce Cullinan.

While the company is working on an all-new model which promises to be even more luxurious, Overfinch has unveiled the new Sandringham Edition which is based on the current long-wheelbase Range Rover Autobiography.

Designed to celebrate the company’s 5th anniversary in North America, the Sandringham Edition has been equipped with a carbon fiber body kit which includes a sportier front bumper with larger air intakes and LED daytime running lights. The model also has a carbon fiber grille, carbon fiber front fender vents and 22-inch diamond-turned alloy wheels.

Also Read: Overfinch Goes Over The Top With Tuned Range Rover Sport SVR

The changes don’t stop there as the luxury SUV has been outfitted with a carbon fiber spoiler and a sportier rear bumper with a prominent diffuser. The model also has a variable stainless steel exhaust system as well as a Nebula Black paint job which features purple flecks that “create a stunning, sophisticated hue in direct light.”

While the Range Rover Autobiography is already luxurious, Overfinch upped the ante by installing Capiz White diamond quilted leather with contrast micro-piping and stitching. There’s also a matching leather headliner as well as Argento pinstripe veneers and contrasting Calluna leather accents.

Rounding out the highlights are deep-pile sheepskin floor mats, illuminated sill plates and a knurled interior touchpack. There’s also subtle Overfinch branding as well as individual rear seats.

Production will be limited to five units and pricing starts at $315,000 before taxes. That’s a lot, but Overfinch North America Vice President Alex Sloane noted “This is a statement vehicle that is confident in its luxury and elegant in its execution.” He added, “The overall aesthetic is unique and stunning – a genuine special edition.”

This Beautiful 1953 Nash-Healey Roadster Is Looking For A New Home

Mon, 26 Oct 2020 22:02:28 GMT

When you think about American roadsters from the 1950’s, you’re probably envisioning the Chevrolet Corvette and Ford Thunderbird.

However, both were beaten to market by the Nash-Healey which was a joint British and American effort.

Introduced in 1951, the Nash-Healey was originally built in England but production moved to Italy following a redesign by Pinin Farina a year later.

Also Read: 1953 Nash-Healey Le Mans Coupe Is The Splendid Rolling Embodiment Of International Cooperation

That brings us to this 1953 model which features a red paint job that contrasts with the chromed front end and white wall tires that are mounted on wire wheels. It’s certainly a looker, but could probably use a little TLC.

Moving into the cabin, we can see a minimalist cockpit with a three-spoke steering wheel and old-school pull-knobs. There’s also red leather, red carpeting and an odometer which reads 86,453 miles (139,133 km). However, Mecum says the actual mileage is believed to be around 85,400 miles (137,438 km).

Regardless, the car features a three-speed manual transmission with overdrive as well as the original 4.1-liter six-cylinder engine. The latter is equipped with dual carburetors and reportedly produces 150 hp (112 kW / 152 PS).

While the Nash-Healey has an undeniable cool factor, it wasn’t terribly successful as only 506 cars were built over the course of its four year run. The failure can be chalked up to a variety of factors, but cost was most likely culprit as the 1953 model reportedly stickered for $5,908 which made it $2,395 more expensive than the Corvette. That doesn’t sound like much, but the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ inflation calculator reveals the price difference would amount to roughly $23,435 today.

Part of the high cost can be blamed on the expense of shipping the Nash powertrain over to England, where it was mounted on a Healey chassis. The car was then sent to Italy for final assembly, before being exported back to the United States.

The end result is a rare and relatively underappreciated car which can be yours at Mecum’s Kansas City action next month.

Picture credits: Mecum

Lordstown Motors Begins Trading On NASDAQ Stock Market

Mon, 26 Oct 2020 21:29:33 GMT

Following its merger with DiamondPeak Holdings Corp, Lordstown Motors has started trading on the NASDAQ under the ticker symbol ‘RIDE’ today, October 26.

The reverse merger was first announced back in August and comes on the back of other electric vehicle reserve mergers to have taken place this year, including the ones of Nikola and Fisker. It is hoped that, by going public, Lordstown will have the funds necessary to build its Endurance pickup truck.

“We are proud of this momentous occasion,” founder and chief executive of Lordstown Motors, Steve Burns said in a statement. “Electrification of the automotive industry is at an inflection point, and this transaction helps us play our part in this transformation. At Lordstown, we have built a differentiated company, and we look forward to combining our EV startup culture with the infrastructure and assets we already have in place in order to successfully achieve our production milestones. We have a near production-ready plant and approximately $675 million in proceeds from this transaction, which is more than enough funding to get us through initial production.”

Lordstown unveiled a pre-production prototype of the Endurance in June. The pickup is aimed at commercial users and features four in-wheel motors that produce a combined 600 hp. Lordstown says the truck will be able to hit 60 mph (96 km/h) in 5.5 seconds and travel more than 250 miles (402 km) on a single charge. Prices will start at a relatively reasonable $52,500.

“We are thrilled about the successful execution of this merger, which included a PIPE that is backed by General Motors and several long-term institutional investors, and we congratulate Lordstown on achieving this key milestone,” chairman and chief executive of DiamondPeak, David Hamamoto, added. “We look forward to our long-term partnership with Steve and the entire Lordstown team as they progress towards being first to market with an electric pickup truck for commercial fleets.”

Merger Between FCA And PSA Will Reportedly Be Approved By European Authorities

Mon, 26 Oct 2020 20:57:05 GMT

The merger between FCA and PSA is inching closer to reality as officials in the European Union are set to approve the tie-up.

Citing people familiar with the matter, Reuters is reporting European authorities will sign off on the merger which will create the world’s fourth largest automaker.

While nothing is official, it appears the companies were able to smooth over antitrust concerns by promising to help Toyota which has a van joint venture with PSA. As part of the deal, PSA will reportedly ramp up production of Toyota vans and sell them at “close to cost price.”

Also Read: FCA And PSA Agree To Merge, Create The World’s Fourth Largest Automaker

Thanks to that and other small changes, the European Union could sign off on the merger by the end of the year. If that happens, it would come well in advance of a February 2nd deadline.

While an official announcement could some soon, FCA and PSA recently announced who will be sitting on the board of directors for the combined entity known as Stellantis. It would include Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares, who currently runs PSA, as well as notable figures such as Andrea Agnelli, John Elkann and Robert Peugeot.

Before that, the companies amended their original “Combination Agreement” to cut a special dividend and thereby save €2.6 ($3.1 / £2.4) billion in cash. At the same time, the automakers suggested the merger could save them more than €5 ($5.9 / £4.5) billion annually.

Regardless of the financials, FCA and PSA have previously said they expect the merger to close by the end of the first quarter of 2021.

2021 Fiat Tipo Introduced With Updated Looks, Improved Tech And New Cross Variant

Mon, 26 Oct 2020 20:25:40 GMT

Fiat has freshened the Tipo lineup and introduced an all-new Cross variant which is described as the “missing link of a crossover.”

Starting with the exterior, the 2021 Tipo features a revised grille which now sports prominent “FIAT” lettering. It’s flanked by new LED headlights which promise to improve visibility.

Additional changes are limited, but the model adopts a revised front bumper and additional chrome trim. Elsewhere, there are new LED taillights and restyled wheels that measure 16- and 17-inches.

Also Read: New Fiat Tipo Sport Is All Show And No Extra Go

Continuing into the cabin, the Tipo features a new 7-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10.25-inch UConnect 5 infotainment system. Drivers will also find revised switchgear and an updated steering wheel.

Of course, the big news is the Tipo Cross which is based on the five-door hatchback. Designed to appeal to would-be crossover buyers, the model has a ruggedized exterior with plastic body cladding, silver skid plates and meatier tires. The car has also been equipped with a revised suspension that increases the ride height by approximately 1.6 inches (4 cm).

Under the hood, there’s a new 1.0-liter three-cylinder petrol engine that produces 99 hp (74 kW / 100 PS) and 140 lb-ft (190 Nm) of torque. It’s a sizeable improvement over the current 1.4-liter engine which develops 94 hp (70 kW / 95 PS) and up to 94 lb-ft (127 Nm) of torque. Despite the performance gains, Fiat said the 1.0-liter engine boasts “seriously lower consumption and emissions.”

On the diesel side, there’s upgraded 1.6-liter Multijet engine that now produces up to 128 hp (96 kW / 130 PS) – an increase of 10 hp (7 kW / 10 PS). Customers can also get a 94 hp (70 kW / 95 PS) diesel engine which promises to be more eco-friendly.

U.S.-Made Tesla Model S, Model X Recalled In China Over Suspension Issues

Mon, 26 Oct 2020 19:31:59 GMT

Certain Tesla Model S and Model X EVs built at the Fremont factory in California and exported to China have been recalled in the latter market over two different suspension defects.

The safety campaign affects 29,193 units, which were assembled between September 17, 2013, and August 16, 2017, China’s State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) has revealed in a statement.

The electric vehicles are said to possibly have faulty front and rear suspensions, which, when being subjected to large impacts, could get damaged, increasing the risk of an accident. As noted above, there are two different suspension defects, although not all vehicles suffer from both.

Driven: 2019 Tesla Model 3 Performance Is Charged With Appeal

Even if Tesla does not acknowledge the defects, they will collaborate with local authorities. As a result, the company’s local technicians will address the issues by replacing the upper connecting links on the rear axle and the rear connecting links at the front, in the affected cars.

When contacted by Bloomberg, Tesla’s China representative declined to comment. They did not respond to Car&Driver either, and neither did the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

However, in a letter sent to the NHTSA last month, Tesla disagreed with the SAMR’s decision, stating that “(Tesla) believes the root cause of the issue is driver abuse, including that driver usage and expectation for damageability is uniquely severe in the China market. If the customer inputs an abuse load (e.g., curb impact, severe pothole strike, etc.), then the parts may be damaged, leading either to immediate failure or delayed failure from the compounding effects of the initial abuse and subsequent load input”.

They also added that “Tesla is not conducting a recall outside of China” because “there is no defect in the subject components and no associated safety-risk”.

Opel Launches New Fully-Loaded Corsa ‘Ultimate’ Range-Topper In Europe, Priced From €24k ...

Mon, 26 Oct 2020 18:30:36 GMT

Opel has launched a new ‘Ultimate’ top-of-the-line variant for the Corsa subcompact hatchback in Europe.

As the name suggests, this Corsa Ultimate is a well-equipped model that brings many additional premium features as standard. Highlights include the IntelliLux LED matrix headlights, Multimedia Navi Pro infotainment system, OpelConnect Services, the luxurious Alcantara trim with black seat covers, and automatic climate control.

The top-of-the-line Multimedia Navi Pro infotainment system comes with a 10-inch color touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, as well as voice control for audio, telephone and navigation.

Watch Also: 2020 Opel Corsa SRi Sounds Hot, But It Ain’t Even Warm

Combined with the standard OpelConnect Services, the interface offers more practical and time-saving route guidance. In addition, OpelConnect offers a direct connection to breakdown assistance and emergency calls. From a comfort standpoint, the driver and passenger get six-way adjustable, heated seats, with the electrically adjustable driver’s seat also offering a massage function. The heated leather steering wheel also contributes to a more pleasant interior ambience.

As for the adaptive IntelliLux LED matrix headlights, they are said to increase safety in the dark thanks to glare-free LED elements which automatically and continuously adapt the light beam to the respective traffic situation and environment.
All Corsa Ultimate models ride on standard 17-inch alloys in a dual-tone finish. Prices for the range-topping model start from €23,870 ($28,190) in Germany, including VAT.

In addition to launching the new Corsa Ultimate, Opel has also updated the Corsa GS Line with the same 17-inch alloys, sports seats with red accents, and a standard black roof. The Corsa GS Line is available from €20,855 ($24,635).

Does Carlex’s Latest Custom McLaren 720S Racing Green Edition Have Your Attention?

Mon, 26 Oct 2020 18:05:52 GMT

Carlex Design has revised the looks of yet another McLaren 720S, only this time, the work is more discreet (compared to their previous project, at least).

Dubbed the Racing Green Edition, the supercar wears a bespoke deep emerald shade, inspired by British racing green color on the outside. The looks are completed by the graphite 19-inch front and 20-inch rear rims, which come from the same tuning company and are shod in grippy tires from Pirelli.

Watch Also: Porsche 918 Spyder and McLaren 720S Are Incredibly Close In A Straight Line

The interior of the British supercar has been reupholstered with top quality leather and Alcantara that was applied to the dashboard, central console, steering wheel, door cards, seats, armrest, headlining and pillars. It’s contrasted by white inserts, seams and laser-engraved motifs, while new carpets and floor mats complete the look.

For the low-low sum of €65,000 (equal to $77,058), excluding tax, Carlex will turn your 720S into the Racing Green Edition. Mind you, the conversion does not include extra horses, but even without any mods, the supercar is one of the quickest money can buy.

In case you forgot, the nought to 62 mph (0-100 km/h) sprint is officially dealt with in just 2.9 seconds, with the 720S hitting 124 mph (200 km/h) in 7.8 seconds after setting off. Flat out, you are looking at a dizzying 212 mph (341 km/h).

Powering the 720S is the twin turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 engine, which produces 720 PS – hence the name, or 710 HP (530 kW), and 568 lb-ft (770 Nm) of torque.

Lamborghini Urus Laps The Top Gear Test Track In An Impressive 1:21.7

Mon, 26 Oct 2020 17:29:50 GMT

SUVs have come a long way in recent years and eager to see just how good they’ve become, Top Gear tested out the almighty Lamborghini Urus in its latest episode and handed over the keys to The Stig for a flying lap of the Top Gear test track.

As you probably already know, the Lamborghini Urus is powered by a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 engine that produces 641 hp and 627 lb-ft (850 Nm). While this engine isn’t used exclusively by Lamborghini and is actually found in many VW Group vehicles from Porsche, Audi, and Bentley, it allows the Urus to out-perform all of its rivals.

Watch Also: Widebody Lamborghini Urus With Sand Wrap Would Look At Home In The Desert

With The Stig behind the wheel, the powerful SUV managed to lap the Top Gear test track in 1:21.7. While that’s more than 10 seconds slower than the record-holding Ferrari SF90 Stradale, it does put the Lamborghini in very good company.

A time of 1:21.7 means the Urus outperformed the latest Audi RS6 Avant that was tested in the same episode and recorded a best lap time of 1:21.9. The Lamborghini also beat out an Audi R8 V10 Spyder that was tested way back on season 15 and set a best time of 1:22.3, equal to that of the Ferrari 360 Challenge Stradale. Other vehicles to have lapped the circuit in the 1:21 range including the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG, Jaguar F-Type R Coupe, Tesla Model 3 Performance, Aston Martin DB11, and the Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio.

2022 BMW M3 Touring Prototype Dials Its Sport Settings To Eleven For The ‘Ring

Mon, 26 Oct 2020 17:00:48 GMT

It seems like we’ve been waiting for ages for BMW to finally build a Touring (wagon) version of its M3 sedan and now it’s finally happening, as the final product goes on sale in 2022.

Prototypes have been out testing for some time already, with these latest spy images showing us the upcoming M3 Touring attacking corners on the Nurburgring, looking very planted and quite aggressive, thanks to its massive grille, large intakes and wider fenders.

We also knew these Nurburgring runs were coming, since we already saw this prototype on video cruising the roads near the famous German racetrack very recently.

Now, if you’re a future buyer, the bad news is that just like the regular 3-Series Touring, the M3 Touring isn’t crossing the Atlantic either. However, if you happen to live in other markets, say Europe, you can look forward to driving a top-spec package from the get-go.

Some believe that the M3 Touring will launch exclusively in Competition spec, featuring BMW’s 8-speed automatic gearbox and M-tuned xDrive all-wheel drive system. This means that power will come from a twin-turbo 3.0-liter six-cylinder unit, putting down 503 HP (510 PS) and 479 lb-ft (650 Nm).

This setup can take the M3 Sedan Competition to 60 mph (96 km/h) in just 3.8 seconds, so given the longer roof and added weight, the Touring might be one or two tenths of a second slower – let’s say 3.9 seconds as a best-case scenario.

In the end, everybody wins, because the world gains another good-looking sporty wagon, while the Audi RS4 Avant and Mercedes-AMG C63 Estate gain a new direct rival.

Photo Credits: S. Baldauf/SB-Medien | CarPix for CarScoops

GM China Advanced Design Center In Shanghai Undergoing Massive Expansion

Mon, 26 Oct 2020 16:32:41 GMT

General Motors makes no secret of the importance the Chinese market has for its present and future, and launching cars designed for China is key to the automaker’s success there.

As a result, the company announced that it will upgrade the GM China Advanced Design Center in Shanghai, more than doubling current studio space and milling capacity. The center will adopt cutting-edge technology and incorporate a more flexible and multifunctional use of space “to enable GM to remain at the forefront of automotive design in the world’s largest automotive market.”

Adjacent to GM China’s headquarters, the GM China Advanced Design Center will grow to more than 5,000 square meters (53,819 sq ft), with the carmaker hoping the expansion will allow it to attract more local design talent. Work is scheduled to begin this month, with completion set for the second quarter of 2021.

Buick’s Electra Concept is the work of the GM China Advanced Design Center

“Since opening in 2012, the GM China Advanced Design Center has become an important and trusted source of creativity and insight into the Chinese auto market,” said Ken Parkinson, GM China and GM International vice president of Design. “This has led to significant programs and assignments being given to our talented creative team, which has stretched our current resources – leading to this expansion plan.”

The upgraded Advanced Design Center will include a new color and material studio, paint shop, VR lab and second clay modeling studio. In addition, the current VR Room, viewing patio, clay modeling studio and other facilities will receive comprehensive enhancements and upgrades.

Buick Electra Concept

Currently, the GM China Advanced Design team includes creative designers, clay sculptors, digital sculptors and VR specialists with an average age under 32. They are creating future visions of new energy and mobility concepts for China and global markets. The expanded design center in Shanghai is likely to have a more important role in designing future GM products not only for China, but also for other markets.

“Inspired by Shanghai’s vibrant and progressive energy, our mission is to create innovative and exhilarating designs across GM global brands to capture the imaginations of future customers,” said Harry Sze, director of Design at the GM China Advanced Design Center.

GM China Advanced Design Center in Shanghai

Publicity Stunt Or Not, Russian Vlogger Burns His Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S To A Crisp

Mon, 26 Oct 2020 16:01:24 GMT

The Russian owner of a Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S has set his luxurious four-door alight in a protest directed at the German car manufacturer.

This particular GT 63 S is owned by a Russian vlogger by the name of Mikhail Litvin who has almost 5 million subscribers on YouTube. In just a couple of days after being posted online, the video of him destroying the car with fire has attracted over 8 million views.

It is claimed that Litvin encountered a host of issues with the expensive Mercedes model and claims to have sent it to a local Mercedes dealership five times but the dealer apparently refused to repair it (we’re having a little difficulty believing this…).

Regardless of the reason, the video shows the GT 63 being parked in the center of a grassy field before the vlogger starts to pour gasoline across the exterior of the car, and then, throughout the interior. He then pours gasoline across the grass in a trail leading towards the AMG. He proceeds to use the remaining gasoline to cook up some sausages before lighting the gasoline-soaked grass.

While the vlogger may claim to have destroyed the car in a protest to Mercedes, we think it is far more likely he simply did it as a publicity stunt to attract views and subs. If this video gets enough views and he attracts lots of new subscribers (we’re talking millions of counts for both), he just might earn enough down the road to replace the car.

Interestingly, this isn’t the first time we’ve seen a popular Russian YouTuber destroy a Mercedes-Benz as last year, another social media influencer dropped a G63 from a helicopter.

Fisker Chooses Munich As Its European Headquarters, Will Launch Ocean SUV In Q4 2022

Mon, 26 Oct 2020 15:32:34 GMT

Fisker has announced that its European headquarters will be established in Munich, Germany, 314 kilometers (195 miles) from the Ocean SUV’s manufacturing site in Graz, Austria.

Named ‘Matrix’, Fisker’s European head office was chosen because it offers “convenient access to key European EV markets and close proximity to Magna’s Graz facility in Austria”.

The news follows the announcement regarding Fisker’s new global HQ, named ‘Inception’, which will be located in Manhattan Beach, California. It also comes shortly after the confirmation of the strategic cooperation with Magna International supporting the co-development and manufacture of the Fisker Ocean SUV.

“Munich has long been a major global hub for the automotive industry. Locating our regional headquarters in Southern Germany will enable us to make a fast and efficient start to building our sales and distribution operations across Europe,” said Henrik Fisker, chairman, and chief executive officer of Fisker. “Easy access to both the Autobahn network and alpine roads was also a consideration for validating our vehicle performance targets.”

Earlier this month, Fisker confirmed the signing of a significant vehicle order for 300 units with Viggo, a Danish ride-hailing service.

Fisker has also used the occasion to announce progress on the overall Ocean SUV program. More specifically, work on the advanced drivetrain is underway through a dedicated powertrain engineering team. The company also says its software designers and engineers are now running simulations for the Ocean SUV’s Human Machine Interface (HMI), as well as related User Interface (UI) and User Experience (UX) systems.

Fisker aims to bring its all-electric SUV to customers in Europe in Q4 2022 and open the first consumer experience center in Q4 2021, also in Munich.

F1-Powered Mercedes-AMG One Could Deliver 1,200 HP When It Reaches Customers

Mon, 26 Oct 2020 15:03:18 GMT

The Mercedes-AMG One has been a long time coming and a new report claims that when it does finally reach the hands of customers, it will do so with even more power than expected.

It is well established that the AMG One features the 1.6-liter turbocharged V6 engine from a Formula 1 car and complete with no less than four electric motors. The German car manufacturer has previously confirmed the vehicle would produce around 1,000 hp but it appears the final figure could actually be closer to 1,200 hp.

Mercedes-AMG’s engineers have encountered a host of issues getting the F1-derived powertrain ready for a road-going production vehicle, including a reported cold start issue, which has now been fixed. The Supercar Blog claims Mercedes has worked to optimize the hybrid powertrain so it will exceed the 1,000 HP previously promised, making over 1,200 HP in its final production form.

Work is still being done before the production of customer cars can begin. More specifically, Mercedes is still working to reduce the noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) levels of the car, something that we’re sure is proving to be quite a challenge.

Back in August, Mercedes confirmed that it would soon start testing the AMG One at the Nurburgring. While it remains to be seen if the car manufacturer will attempt to set a new production car lap record at the circuit, it certainly has all the right ingredients to handsomely beat the current record of the Lamborghini Aventador SVJ.

Lamborghini Advises Against Driving The Aventador SVJ, Issues Recall Stateside

Mon, 26 Oct 2020 13:33:30 GMT

Were you planning to head over to your local Lamborghini dealership and perhaps check out the financing for an Aventador SVJ? Well, you may want to put a pin in it, because the Italian supercar is being recalled over a suspension issue.

The defect is blamed on the supplier, who used an improper rework tool at some point, potentially damaging the aluminum frame threads where the suspension arm is fastened.

Thus, the latter part could collapse, which would result in the loss of control, increasing the risk of an accident.

Four units of the Aventador SVJ, in the Coupe and Roadster body styles, made between July 10 and August 31, 2020, are involved in this recall campaign in the United States, with a 100% estimated defect rate. All of them are still at the dealers, who have been notified and advised not to drive them until the safety risk is dealt with by the technicians, who will inspect each car and replace the front frame, free of charge.

Presented more than two years ago, the Aventador SVJ Coupe uses the naturally aspirated 6.5-liter V12, with 759 HP (770 PS / 566 kW) and 531 lb-ft (720 Nm) of torque. It does 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) in just 2.8 seconds and tops out at over 217 mph (350 km/h). The Aventador SVJ Roadster followed it in 2019, with the same amount of power, albeit with a slight weight penalty that has added 0.1 seconds to the acceleration time. Top speed is identical for both models.