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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.

Ford opens new smart mobility centre in London

Ford Motor Company opened its Smart Mobility Innovation Office in London, with its President and CEO JIm Hackett officiating the launching ceremony. The team working at the facility will be in charge of near-term development of smart mobility technologies while focusing on the specific requirements of European cities.

It’s a prime location for the Smart Mobility team, which is headed by Sara-Jayne Williams. This is because it relatively easy for the team to access world-class digital companies, leading academic institutions, nimble start-ups, and existing partners.

This area is also home to Loughborough University, one of Ford’s most significant U.K. university research partners. It’s advanced Propulsion Centre, has been responsible and supported Ford’s powertrain research, which includes hybrid technology.

Ford will continue to work on projects with the UK city in areas that will help improve air quality, ease congestion and broaden mobility. And thanks to the new facility, the Blue Oval can work together with partners to develop its plug-in hybrid Transit van that is due for trial later this year.

“London is not only one of Europe’s biggest mega-cities, it is also one of the most progressive in its openness to new ideas and new partners, as we work together to create smart vehicles for a smart world,” said Hackett.

“Here East is the perfect location for Ford’s European smart mobility hub with Plexal’s incredible talent pool and start-up diversity right on the doorstep,” he later added.

This new London office joins Ford’s other smart mobility centres in Dearborn and Palo Alto at handling the automakers projects as well as supplement Ford’s global network of research and innovation centres, including RIC Aachen, in Germany.

Volkswagen readying EV hill climb racer for Pikes Peak

Volkswagen is currently developing an all-electric race car specifically for the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb in Colorado, USA in June 2018. This all-wheel drive prototype will be VW’s entrant in the world renowned mountain race that is considered a proving ground for manufacturers and daredevils alike.

The annual hill climb race has been one of the source of attraction for many since 1916, due to its challenging turns and steep 4.3km elevation. It’s 19.99km long course starts at a height of 1,440 metres above sea level, which rises gradually to 4,300 metres at the finishing line. US driver Rhys Millen holds the track record for electric prototypes with a time of 8 minutes and 57.118 seconds.

VW wants to break that record on the 24th of June 2018 with its new electric prototype that is being jointly developed by Volkswagen Motorsport and Technical Development in Wolfsburg. The German automaker, sees this competition as a way to challenge itself to reach greater heights. The new Le Mans looking racer has been fitted with massive front and rear spoilers to help it remain planted on Pikes Peak’s changing road surfaces.

“The Pikes Peak hill climb is one of the world’s most renowned car races. It poses an enormous challenge and is therefore excellently suited to proving the capabilities of upcoming technologies,” explains Dr Frank Welsch, Member of the Board responsible for Development.

“Our electric race car will be equipped with innovative battery and drive technology. The extreme stress test on Pikes Peak will give us important findings that will benefit future development, and it will showcase our products and their technologies,” he later added.

It’s been about 30 years since VW participated in the Hill Climb. The last time it fielded a racer in the competition was in 1987. And back then, it entered a twin-engine Golf that showed a lot of promise, but didn’t manage to finish the race. As such, VW sees the 2018 session as a chance of it to redeem itself and come back stronger than ever.

This Motorsport project is also considered part of the company’s process of transforming into a leading producer of electric vehicles. According to the automaker’s near future business plan, VW wants to be a leading producer of electric vehicles by 2025. And by then, it hopes to be able to offer customers about 23 all-electric models.

Rare Ford Sierra Cosworth RS500 expected to sell for big money

An ultra rare 1988 Ford Sierra Cosworth RS500 with just 9,656km on its odometer is about to head to the auction block. The Blue Oval only made 500 such cars but only 56 of them came with a white body colour. This is what makes the RS500 that is up for auction, very special.

A similar 1987 RS500 but with twice the mileage, was sold earlier at auction for £115,000 (RM641,460) during the Silverstone Auctions’ sale at the Silverstone Classic. Speculators suggest that the 1988 RS500 could sell for about £100,000 (RM557,791) – £115,000 (RM641,460), but considering the car’s relative rarity, it may sell for quite a bit more.

Ford developed this road going variant of the RS500 to comply with homologation rules in order for the racing version to compete in the British and European Touring Car Championships. This is the reason why only 500 of them were produced – no more and no less.

The car was discovered in 2007 by car dealer Joe Macarini in a classic Ferrari collection in Germany. He sold it to a private Ford collector who, after realizing the car’s significance, had it stored in a climate controlled storage facility, until now.

It’s rarity, low-mileage and the fact that it is in nearly perfect condition, are criteria that lead to cars being auctioned for huge sums of money. And unlike other performance Fords of that era, this one is free from any kind of modification. As such, preparing it for auction only required a service that included the changing of the engine belts, battery and various fluids.

The 1988 Ford Sierra Cosworth RS500 in white is expected to be put on on sale at Silverstone Auctions’ NEC Classic Motor Show that will be taking place from 11th – 12th November. There will be a number of other special cars, but this particular Ford will definitely be of interest to many.

McLaren preparing for release of new halo car, expected by ‘early’ 2018

McLaren has announced that it will unveil a new hypercar sometime during the first quarter of 2018. According to the British automaker, the car which remains nameless, will be an addition to its Ultimate Super Series product portfolio under its Track22 Business plan.

It is said to be the most extreme, track-concentrated road car McLaren has ever produced. Having said that, the automaker isn’t muddling its words regarding the purpose of this a vehicle. It has admitted that ‘daily usability will be sacrificed’ to offer the most intensive driving experience on track.

Though completely road legal, McLaren wants you know that, right from the onset, that this isn’t going to be the car of choice for daily commutes. Instead, its going to be a highly precise track-focused race car that can be driven on public roads – if you choose to do so.

McLaren describes the car’s look as ‘brutal’ and will be the ‘purest expression yet of the company’s ‘form follows function’ philosophy’. This could mean that the car will sport some outlandish looks and aero kits that will allow it to reduce drag and increase downforce.

Shortly after the launch of this car, McLaren will be following it up with the reveal of another vehicle that will also be part of the Ultimate Series. Codenamed BP23, the car is supposed to be the world’s first ever Hyper-GT. Both cars will be built in limited numbers and all are already spoken for.

Cars belonging to the Ultimate Series model line are positioned above McLaren’s core Super Series vehicles, which are considered relatively more affordable offerings. Cars like the McLaren P1 and P1 GTR, which are considered supercar royalty, fall under the Ultimate Series product line – the upper echelon of the UK-based automaker’s supercars.

McLaren will reveal further details of its new halo car by the end of this year, which should hopefully include some teaser images and performance specifications.

Hyundai N 2025 Vision included in Gran Turismo Sport vehicle pack

The highly anticipated PlayStation 4 racing game, Gran Turismo Sport, has now been made available for purchase worldwide. The game features some of the best graphics and gameplay ever seen on the gaming platform.

Like previous installments of Gran Turismo, the game has a whole host of amazing real world and concept vehicles that are bound to enthrall gamers and spectators alike. One of the main attractions of the game is the inclusion of a slew of concept vehicles designed by mainstream automakers especially for the game.

Manufacturers such as Mercedes-Benz, BMW and Hyundai have their own respective Gran Turismo vehicles that will be featured in Gran Turismo Sport. Hyundai’s N 2025 Vision GT, which was introduced last year will be especially intriguing to try out in the game.

It incorporates styling from the prototype racing series as well as other open wheel competitions to form a body that looks both menacing and functional. It has been placed in the game’s Group 1 Category where it will join other manufacturers’ own virtual racers that bear the Vision Gran Turismo nomenclature.

These vehicles will also join other well-known real-world prototype racing cars from different manufacturers including Aston Martin, Bugatti and McLaren. Besides this, the game also features a plethora of real world sports cars and supercars made by mainstream automakers.

Speaking of the N 2025 Vision GT, Chris Chapman, Chief Designer at the Hyundai Design Center in Irvine, CA, said, “The N 2025 Vision GT is our ambitious take on what we think prototype racing could look like in the not-too-distant future. We’re thrilled to see it presented anew in one of the most visually stunning racing simulations ever created.”

He then added, “This concept is a point of pride for Hyundai on so many fronts. It effortlessly combines beauty and function as a racing car, and it boasts a fuel-cell powertrain that is as progressive as the bodywork wrapped around it.”

The car will be joined by other Hyundai racers that are based on the Genesis Coupe platform that include racing and Group B rally cars. Check out the videos and picture galley below and let us know what you think of Hyundai’s virtual product portfolio.