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Chevrolet Camaro Hot Wheels Edition to grace SEMA show

This year marks the 50th anniversary of Chevrolet and Hot Wheels’ partnership in producing some of the most memorable toy cars that have brought great joy to many young kids. The fruits of their efforts have spawned many innovations and incredible designs that attributed to the success of both companies.

And to celebrate this historic occasion, Chevrolet will be introducing a ‘commemorative package’ for its 2018 model year Camaro. This will allow owners to turn their vehicles into real life and size Hot Wheels racers.

The package has been made available for Camaro 2LT and 2SS models of both Coupe and Convertible body styles. Design elements that are offered with this package pay homage to iconic Hot Wheels features that include a Crush exterior color and stripes that replicate the toys’ famous orange tracks.

“In the 1960s Hot Wheels and Camaro challenged vehicle design by elevating the speed, power and performance of both die-cast and pony cars alike. For 50 years, both brands have developed high-performance cars that embody the challenger spirit,” said Chris Down, senior vice president and Global Brand GM, Hot Wheels.

The following is the extensive list of parts and trim that come with this ‘Commemorative Package’:

Satin Graphite stripes with Silver Ice Metallic accents
Satin Graphite ground effects
20-inch forged aluminum wheels (with summer-only tires on SS) in Satin Graphite with milled faces and unique center caps
50th Anniversary Hot Wheels fender badges
Unique grille with Galvano Chrome inserts
Orange brake calipers
Dark taillamps
Black taillamp panel with the Hot Wheels emblem
Black Chevrolet bowtie emblems
Jet Black leather-appointed interior with exclusive orange
inserts and orange accent stitching
Orange kneepads on the doors and orange safety belts
Embossed front-seat headrests
50th Anniversary Hot Wheels badge on the steering wheel
Illuminated doorsill plates with 50th Anniversary Hot Wheels badges
Premium carpeted floor mats with orange stitching and “ghost” stripes

https://youtu.be/PIiXfnKvV2Y

Chevy’s original Camaro, which was introduced in the mid-1960s had a distinctive design feature that allowed its headlights to be hidden in the front sub-frame when not in use. This provided the car with a menacing and rebellious look that may have partly contributed to its immense success.

The latest Camaro doesn’t have hidden headlights, instead it features a higher level of performance, cutting edge tech and a cozy interior. The Camaro Hot Wheels Edition will join approximately 20 other Chevrolet models at this year’s SEMA Show that will take place at the end of this month.

Honda reveals new concept sports car

Honda unveiled a new sports car concept at the Tokyo Motorshow called the Sports EV Concept. The car features similar retro-modern looks of the Urban EV Concept, that has been altered to suit a larger silhouette.

At the front, it gets the same iconic rounded headlights used by the early Civics and an elongated black grille that occupies the recessed section of the front fascia. The bulging front fenders and long swooping bonnet provide the car with a muscle car look.

The noticeably large windshield stretches the entire width of the car with the A-Pillars forming narrow partitions between it and the window glass. Toward the rear, the vehicle takes on a fastback look, reminiscent of the original Ford Mustang.

It’s raked roofline tapers toward the back and forms a muscular looking rear. The overall look makes the car look as premium as vehicles from European automakers. Despite being a compact sports car, its design fools people into thinking that the Sports EV Concept is a larger car than its dimensions would suggest.

According to Honda, this new concept combines EV performance with Artificial Intelligence in a car that has been purposefully built to offer decent driving enjoyment. This news suggests that the car will be aimed at enthusiasts as well as those who enjoy a well built machine.

It’s refreshing to see Japanese automakers embrace this newfound need to produce efficient vehicles that combine cutting edge technology with beautifully sculptured bodies. That said, this is only part of the story for Honda. The automaker also unveiled plans of developing various technology that may contribute to the realization of a carbon-free society.

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.