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Creator of McLaren F1 looking to build new supercar

Gordon Murray, the creator of the legendary McLaren F1 supercar, is currently hard at work designing something new that invokes the very traits that made the F1 such a success. Murray himself has announced that he is indeed working on a limited-run flagship vehicle that will utilize an innovative design language.

He also admitted that his new supercar will incorporate the same design and engineering principles that made the McLaren F1 an instant hit about 25 years ago. The car had an engine bay that was lined with gold, a three-seat cockpit layout and was constructed from lightweight materials.

“The new manufacturing business significantly expands the capabilities of our group of companies,” explained Professor Gordon Murray. “With our first new car, we will demonstrate a return to the design and engineering principles that have made the McLaren F1 such an icon.”

According to an article by The Drive, unlike the current crop of supercars, Murray’s creation won’t utilize heavy and complicated machinery and mechanicals, rather a more minimalist approach will be preferred. This is a similar philosophy to that which has served as the bedrock of Lotus Cars for decades.

This new supercar will be launched under Murray’s own car company called Gordon Murray Automotive. Vehicles built under this brand will be based on a new version of the company’s automotive product system called iStream. This platform can be used to manufacture low-volume vehicles for customers with deep pockets.

In depth details regarding performance figures are a bit sketchy at the moment but further details of the car will be released on Friday, 3rd November at ‘One Formula’ exhibition, celebrating 50 years of Gordon Murray car designs.

Mazda debuts new concept car at Tokyo Motorshow

Mazda has revealed two concept vehicles at the ongoing Tokyo Motorshow, namely the Kai and Vision Coupe. This is the latter’s second outing, but the former’s first public debut. Based on first impressions, the car is nothing less than a masterpiece.

Incorporating the Japanese automaker’s Kodo design language, it has similar lines and contours as cars like the Mazda3 and Mazda6 but far more tastefully done. The curved grille, angular headlights and a low swooping bonnet accentuate the sporty front fascia.

Unlike other hatchbacks from the automaker, this car features an extremely short overhang. Apart from that, Mazda has also given it contours that add depth to the side profiles and a low roof line that that blends with the rear hatch to form one continuous line.

The elegant contours and lowered stance, provide the car with a presence and cool factor that has been absent from the product portfolio since the RX-7 was put out to pasture. Adding to that, the car will feature next-generation SKYACTIV-X petrol engine and the SKYACTIV-Vehicle Architecture.

As for the Vision Coupe, however, the styling is far more futuristic and less functional. But it showcases the capabilities of Mazda’s legion of designers and engineers. It features the ‘Soul of Motion’ exterior with minimalist aesthetics that loosely conforms to the company’s design philosophy.

Mazda says that the car’s design pays homage to Coupes like the Mazda R360, Mazda’s first passenger car, and the Mazda Luce Rotary, also known as the Mazda R130. Evidently, this is the Japanese automaker’s way of telling us that we can expect to see some amazing Mazda cars on our roads in the not so distant future.

As for the company’s long term version for technology development, its looking to fundamental appeal of the automobile to offer better driving pleasure in its new crop of vehicles.

Nissan to reveal new all-electric delivery vehicle in Tokyo

Nissan will unveil a new electric delivery vehicle during the Tokyo motorshow. Alongside it, a new emergency response vehicle called the Paramedic Concept will be on display too, showcasing some of the company’s life-saving technology as well as other features.

The new ambulance is based on Nissan’s NV350 Caravan and boasts a capacious cabin that will provide patients increased comfort and allow for a better work environment for paramedics. Nissan says that the vehicle builds upon the success of its predecessor, which was built exclusively for the Japanese market.

Nissan’s Intelligent Around View Monitor and tech help reduce the spread of germs. In addition to that, the vehicle is also fitted with an additional lithium-ion auxiliary battery that powers life-saving medical equipment when patients are in remote areas or in need of emergency assistance.

Like the standard NV350 caravan, the ambulance version will also get a slew of safety tech that include Intelligent Emergency Braking, Vehicle Dynamic Control with traction control system functions and Hill Start Assist.

That said, the all-electric van, called the e-NV200 Fridge Concept that is based on the standard NV200, will probably steal the limelight. Meant to be the future solution to current urban delivery challenges, its compact dimensions will enable it to maneuver and park fairly easily in the tightest of spaces.

Nissan’s concept vehicle will be able to overcome the hurdle that plagues many large delivery trucks – low height and width restrictions in urban areas. Apart from that, a sizable additional battery is packed into the cargo space to supply juice to a refrigeration unit.

This feature will allow the all-electric vehicle to deliver chilled foods to any destination without the massive carbon footprint that comes with operating a similar size diesel powered truck. The automaker believes that because of this, the vehicle will be of great value to commercial users in addition to the reduction in cost of ownership.

And since it will be able to enter areas that are strictly off-limits to larger vehicles, operators will be able to service more clients and generate better business than before. It’s a win-win situation that the Japanese automaker hopes will sway commercial users toward its all-electric van.

Mercedes-Benz release entertaining ad of upcoming X-Class

Mercedes-Benz has released a new TV ad to build more hype for its soon to be launched X-Class. The short video clip illustrates the versatility of Merc’s new pick-up truck as it tackles the toughest terrain while being docile enough to be used as an ‘elegant’ daily driver.

The vehicle is driven on some challenging terrain while being pursued by a heard of bison and rhinos, a team of hockey and rugby players, a weird looking monster, as well as a number of others. It’s a pretty entertaining 1 minute and 16 seconds, within which Mercedes-Benz tries to strongly drive home the notion that, though its a pick-up truck, it’s still a classy Merc.

https://youtu.be/Be6FLU1ny9E

Despite the fact that it is a pick-up truck, the German automaker believes that the vehicle will still appeal to a wide variety of drivers. Like the TV advert, the automaker says that the X-Class will be adored by adventure seekers, sports enthusiasts as well as those only needing utilitarian functionality.

Based on the Nissan Navara, the X-Class should reach global markets sometime next year. It shares quite a bit with its Japanese counterpart such as its wheelbase and dimensions. That said, the vehicle is more than just a Navara in a fancier suit.

https://youtu.be/MXIg3GFRNzg

https://youtu.be/7aGK4xW2jFM

The X-Class gets a Mercedes-Benz engine and transmission, typical All-Wheel-Drive capabilities and a slew of driver aids that include Active Brake Assist, Lane Keeping Assist and Traffic Sign Assist, Trailer Stability Assist, as well as broadcasting live traffic information.

For the full scoop on the Mercedes-Benz X Class, Click Here.

Top 9 most expensive Chevy trucks sold at auction

Vintage Chevrolet trucks are in high demand, especially those that have undergone restoration or customization work. Based on recent data, it appears that more and more trucks roll onto auction blocks around the country each year.

There are currently about 9 Chevrolet pick-up trucks that have commanded huge sums of money when they were put up for auction. These vehicles come in various shapes and sizes and were manufactured between 1950 to 1971.

This year marks the 100th anniversary of Chevy trucks and the best way to commemorate the occasion is to celebrate some of the finest custom trucks that will grace the auction floor. More than 60 Chevy trucks are reported to be on the docket for this years’ Barrett-Jackson auction, which is more than double that of any other competing truck brand.

While we count down the days to the upcoming auction, let’s look back at some of the memorable trucks that have sold for six figures:

1. 1957 Chevrolet 3100 Custom truck sold for $214,500 (RM908,193) in 2016

Better known as Quicksilver, this vehicle is the epitome of retro-modern restorations. Nearly everything on it is brand new including the 540 Big Block, 650-horsepower Chevy engine,as well as the handmade and reshaped body panels.

2. 1950 Chevrolet 3100 Custom Pickup, sold for $205,700 (RM870,933) in 2017

Despite extensive customization, this 3100 Custom Pickup looks similar to the regular cab. That said, it has received extensive mods that include an all-new TCI custom chassis with independent front suspension and a 500-horsepower LS3 crate engine. The interior has a reshaped dash and a handmade redesigned bench seat, console, door panels and headliner.

3. 1957 Chevrolet Cameo Pickup, sold for $159,500 (RM675,323) in 2007

Finished in full custom Orange Pearl paint, this American classic features a 500-horsepower Big Block Chevy engine. Interior upgrades include a full leather interior, vintage air conditioning, power steering, power disc brakes, power windows and a 400-watt stereo.

4. 1957 Chevrolet C-6 Custom Pickup, sold for $148,500 (RM628,749) in 2011

This beautiful handcrafted truck required 7,000 man-hours to complete. Thousands of unique pieces had to be machined and shaped for it. Upgrades include a LS3 engine, a complete Corvette C6 suspension and drivetrain with a six-speed transaxle and a full Air Ride suspension.

5. 1955 Chevrolet Cameo Custom Pickup, sold for $143,000 (RM605,462)in 2013

Featuring a mix of design elements of various other Chevy’s, this vehicle features Titanium Grey and Lipstick Red exterior as well as a red leather interior, complete with Dakota Digital VHX gauges, a graphite-wrapped Billet Specialties wheel and a Kenwood stereo system.

6. 1955 Chevrolet 3100 Custom Pickup, sold for $132,000 (RM558,888) in 2006

Requiring six years of customization work, the 3100 Custom Pickup has had a whole slew of upgrades that include a chopped roof, lowered ride height, fatter wheels and better performance. It has been featured in six different magazines and was named one of the top 50 trucks of the decade by Street Trucks Magazine.

7. 1960 Chevrolet El Camino Custom Pickup, sold for $126,500 (RM535,601) in 2017

El Caminos are still in high demand especially this one that is from Palm Beach, Florida. Custom from the ground up, it features a GM ZZ crate engine with a Ram Jet fuel-injection system, fully custom leather interior and highly detailed and painted undercarriage.

8. 1959 Chevrolet 3100 Custom Pickup, sold for $121,000 (RM512,314) in 2014

Anotther 3100 Customer Pickup that is to die for. It has been completely rebuilt and has a high-strength chassis complete with a four-link setup, chrome 9-inch Currie rear end and a Detroit Tru-Trac differential. Inside, there’s a white leather interior with black accents, air conditioning and green-tinted glass.

9. 1971 Chevrolet C-10 Custom Pickup, sold for $110,000 (RM465,740) in 2014

Nicknamed Adel, after being donated to the Austin Hatcher Foundation for Pediatric Cancer, this vehicle was rebuilt and customized then sold on behalf of the foundation.

It has a 430-horsepower LS3 engine and a 4L65-E transmission. Additional components include Odyssey Batteries, a complete air ride suspension from Ridetech, BeCool radiator system and Goodmark Industries body panels.

Kia Stinger GT gets West Coast Customs touch

Kia has teamed up with world renowned aftermarket modification expert, West Coast Customs, to turn the Korean automaker’s Stinger GT into something special. The car will be put on display at the upcoming SEMA motorshow that will take place on the 31st of October.

According to a statement by the automaker, the car will receive extensive upgrades that include design and performance modifications. The Stinger GT will spearhead Kia’s charge into the grand tourer segment of the market.

It’s striking good looks, rear-wheel drive platform, decent performance figures and practical layout may play a part in swaying would-be continental car owners toward the Korean brand. But the SEMA showcar, will build upon the strengths of the base model to showcase the possibilities and configuration options that are available.

Working together with West Coast Customs, Kia has revealed that the showcar will get lowered front and rear suspensions, a gloss black finish for its signature front grille, stylistic yet functional carbon-fibre aero kit and widebody fender flares.

Based on the teaser image that was revealed, it has been made apparent that West Coast Customs has lived up to its reputation of being one of the best at making good car even better. A custom made rear diffuser and squared-off quad exhaust tips provide car with a more prominent sporty presence.

The same can be said of the 21-inch forged wheels that sit perfectly snug within the custom made bodykit. However, the cambered stance may not be to everybody’s taste, especially when it comes to practicality, but as a show car, it definitely earns points for uniqueness.

There will probably be a number of other features will be added to the car before it heads to SEMA, but Kia has not divulged much else regarding details and specifications of the car. That said, all will probably be revealed as we approach the launch date.

Fernando Alonso to drive for McLaren in 2018

After a rocky few months, McLaren’s driver line-up for the 2018 season seems to be set in stone. Former F1 world champion Fernando Alonso, who recently gave the team an ultimatium, has chosen to stick around for another year, according to F1.com.

He will rejoin current teammate Stoffel Vandoorne as McLaren mounts its renewed title hopes next year with new engine supplier, Renault. After several dismal seasons trying to rekindle the glory days of the McLaren-Honda partnership, both companies have decided to go their own separate ways.

The under performing McLarens have lacked the much needed power that would have allowed them to compete further up the grid. Instead, plagued with several reliability issues and a noticeable power deficit, contributed to a lackluster few seasons.

Previously, McLaren F1 cars were powered by Mercedes-Benz engines, the very same ones that allowed the team to be a dominant force in Formula 1 for decades. Now, with Renault power, the UK based team should be able to harness all of its knowledge and resources to make a much needed comeback.

Source: F1.com

BAC gives customers track day around Isle of Man

BAC or Briggs Automotive Company, gathered 20 of its most deserving customers and treated them to a viseral driving pleasure with its lightweight racer around the Isle of Man. The Mono is a back to basics driver’s car that eschews the creature comforts of modern day vehicles to offer barebones driving enjoyment.

The automaker brought along 12 Mono cars to the Isle of Man for customers to experience on the legendary TT course. It’s part of the Mono Experiences, which are track events that are conducted throughout the year at amazing locations, globally.

In 2018, Mono Experiences will head to the Isle of Man (May), Ice Driving Experience on the frozen lakes of Sweden (February) and the Atlantic Road Trip (July). The vastly different climates and road surfaces will allow customers to fully experience the exhilarating thrill of being one with the car.

Regarding the event, BAC Co-Founder and Director of Product Development, Neill Briggs, said, “What a fantastic weekend we enjoyed on the Isle of Man! The island really is perfect for Mono, and we are incredibly grateful to have the chance to give our clients a taste of Mono lifestyle in such idyllic surroundings.”

“Mono Mania truly gripped the Isle of Man during our stay and we can’t wait to get back on the island next year and continue this annual tradition. The video perfectly captures the amazing nature of our trip and just how special our Experience tours are,” he added.

Carfection founder, Drew Stearne was part of the team who got to experience the BAC Mono at its finest, by meandering around the Isle of Man TT. It is the proving ground for daredevils around the world due to its unforgiving tight turns, gruelling straightaways and menacing road barriers that threaten to maim racers who lack the proper commitment.

Check out the amazing 10-minute video to witness Stearne’s experience as he takes on the Isle of Man in a car that looks like a cross between an open wheel Formula racer and a track focused sports car.

“Having never visited the Isle of Man before, it was the single best first impression I could have hoped for. A gathering of awesome cars, de-restricted roads, decent conditions and like-minded people all enjoying a machine the way it was built to be enjoyed, ” said Stearne.

Bugatti and Bentley get new CEOs, Winkelmann to head the former

Some changes are a foot at the Volkswagen Group according to an article by Top Gear UK. Bentley and Bugatti, two of its high performance sub-brands will each receive a new CEO. This news comes after Wolfgang Dürheimer who is currently the CEO of both brands, announced his retirement.

Instead of replacing Dürheimer with a single employee, VW has opted to separate both roles by picking Adrian Hallmark as the head honcho of Bentley and Stefan Winkelmann as the head of hypercar maker, Bugatti.

Hallmark previously held various top executive sales positions at Bentley, VW, Porsche and Saab. His appointment as CEO of Bentley is one of several major decisions that will take place over the course of the next few years. This is due to four Bentley board members, including Dürheimer, who are about to reach the retirement age at about the same time.

Stefan Winkelmann, who was elected to lead Audi Sport last year, will now be in charge of ensuring that Bugatti continues to dominate the high end market of luxury supercars. Prior to his appointment at Audi, Winkelmann was at the helm of Lamborghini for about 11 years.

During his tenure at the Italian manufacturer, Winkelmann helped to turn the company’s fortunes around from an ailing automaker into one that has a strong product portfolio and decent cash flow. He also saw the introduction of the Gallardo, Lamborghini’s most successful vehicle to date.

The car was also partly responsible for the Italian automaker’s financial health and relatively steady recovery. It shared quite a bit with Audi’s R8 supercar but was still unique enough to ensure that the essence of Lamborghini was not diluted in anyway.

Now, with the appointment of Winkelmann at Bugatti, the same magic that played a part in Lamborghini’s recovery, could work for the French automaker as well. If true, this would be the best time for it as the company looks to stave off attacks from Koenigsegg who seem hell bent on stealing the hypercar crown.

Source: Top Gear UK

Audi A7 Sportback comes loaded with AI technology

Audi’s new A7 Sportback sports improved looks, performance and is brimming with technology. It is said to combine the practicality of a station wagon with the svelte curves of a sedan. Featuring Audi’s new design language, the car has been fitted with the latest drivertrain and mild hybrid technologies.

At the front, the single-frame grille, narrower headlights and contoured air inlets provide the car, which is wider and lower than the A8, with a more elegant and more classy look. The design and arrangement of the 12 adjacent lighting segments that are separated by narrow spaces mimic that of the binary digits, 0 and 1.

The car’s long and sleek bonnet, short overhangs and muscular stance makes the A7 Sportback a very good looking car. As for its dimensions, the car is 4,969 millimeters long, has a wheelbase of 2,926 millimeters and is 1,908 millimeters wide, but is only 1,422 millimeters high.

https://youtu.be/rwbYr6Mzb7Y

Audi’s tapered rear design is retained for the new car with its larger rear harch terminating with a curved lip and an integrated rear spoiler that rises at high speeds. The animated rear lights turn on when locking and unlocking the car – its a sight to behold as are the turn signals.

Inside, Audi’s meticulous attention to detail has allowed for a neat layout of the array of switchgear. The 10.1-inch upper display that is titled toward the driver features black panel optics and a graphite grey aluminium clasp. It is operated by the MMI touch interface system that replaces the older rotary push button setup.

At the bottom of that, there’s a second 8.6-inch display that is used to access the climate control system, comfort functions and text input. Available as optional extras are a head-up display system and a more sophisticated 12.3-inch display that offers virtual switch gear instead of physical ones.

This MMI package will be made available with a choice of two sound system upgrades with the noteworthy onr being the Bang & Olufsen Advanced Sound System capable of delivering advanced 3D sound.

AI or artifical intelligence is at the heart of the A7 Sportback, and by pushing the AI button, drivers will be able to active the remote parking pilot and remote garage pilot systems. They allow the vehicle to maneuver in and out of parking spaces autonomously.The driver can even get out of the car and activate the system via the MyAudi app and allow the car to do the rest.

Monitoring the car’s autonomous activity is the central driver assistance controller (zFAS) that merges the data from a sophisticated set of sensors to continually compute an image of the surroundings. Depending the upgrades that are chosen, the A7 Sportback can come with as many as five radar sensors, five cameras, 12 ultrasonic sensors and a laser scanner.

This generation of the car is equipped with a new mild hybrid system that consises of a V6 engine and a 48-volt primary electrical system. A belt alternator starter (BAS) recuperates energy under braking, which can be up to 12kW of power, and stores it within a lithium-ion battery.

The V6 engine is a 3.0-litre TFSI turbo engine that produces close to 340bhp and 500Nm of torque. Coupled with a 7-speed S tronic dual clutch gearbox, it allows the car to sprint from 0-100km/h in just 5.3 seconds. The quattro drivetrain which consists of a clever all-wheel drive and steering systems allow for better maneuverability and stability.

At cruising speeds, the A7 Sportback is able to coast in freewheeling mode with the engine shut off but then restarts it via the BAS, once more power is required. Adding to that, the new start-stop function uses a front mounted camera that can anticipate when the vehicle in front is about to move, and activates or shuts off the engine accordingly.

Audi says that the new A7 Sportback will be in showrooms in places like the UK as early as the beginning of next year. Built in Neckarsulm, Germany, the car should hit markets worldwide sometime next year, though the exact details haven’t been revealed yet.

Piston.my

English

Creator of McLaren F1 looking to build new supercar

Mazda debuts new concept car at Tokyo Motorshow

Nissan to reveal new all-electric delivery vehicle in Tokyo

Mercedes-Benz release entertaining ad of upcoming X-Class

Top 9 most expensive Chevy trucks sold at auction

Kia Stinger GT gets West Coast Customs touch

Fernando Alonso to drive for McLaren in 2018

BAC gives customers track day around Isle of Man

Bugatti and Bentley get new CEOs, Winkelmann to head the former

Audi A7 Sportback comes loaded with AI technology

Mini Plant Oxford Resumes Production of Mini Cooper Convertible

BYD Celebrates 30th Anniversary with Historic 10-Millionth NEV Milestone

Surviving Borneo: We Experience Borneo Safari, One of The Toughest 4X4 Challenges In The World

QR Code Usage at Johor Causeway to Expand in 2024

Naza Eastern Motors Unveils the Suzuki Jimny Arctic in Malaysia

CATL Says That Elon Musk Does Not Know How to Make a Battery

Hyundai Unveils Elantra N TCR Edition: A High-Performance Sedan with Motorsport DNA

Lexus Unveils Facelifted ES Sedan in China with Updated Design and Features

BHPetrol Announces Contest Winners & Launches New Contest With RM200,000 In Prizes

Bugatti W16 Mistral Sets New Open-Top Speed Record at 453.91km/h

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