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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.

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 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.

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 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.

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

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