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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

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