Richard L. Shaver Blog: September 2016

Friday, September 30, 2016

BMW i3 And i8 CrossFade Concepts Get Trippy Body Paints

BMW is no stranger to aftermarket partnerships, having established key tie-ups with some of the segments most known tuners. The 2016 Paris Motor Show played host to one such alliance as BMW and Garage Italia Customs unveiled the BMW i3 and i8 CrossFade concepts.

The two i models don’t carry any engine upgrades, but they do have a rather peculiar exterior feature that allows for the color of the i3 and i8 bodies to evolve between two unique colors. Up front, the i3 and the i8 are dressed in Protonic Dark Silver. But as color gradually moves to the back, triangle designs on the side of the cars somehow creates a smooth transition to the Protonic Blue paint finish in the rear of the two cars.

From a distance, the transition looks really smooth, but once you take closer look, you’ll notice that the triangle colors and patterns create a visual trick that allows the two colors to blend together and transition from silver to blue the way it does. The method is actually similar to pointillism, which the artistically-inclined among us will recognize as a painting technique that uses small distinct dots of color that are patterned to create a unique image. Even better, the same application was given to the door panels and the Alcantara headliner on the cabins of both the i3 and i8.

The results are unique to say the least. I’m not sure that it’s for everybody, but for those who are intrigued about owning either of these two models, BMW actually has plans to offer both versions to the public by early 2017. The respective prices are yet to be released, so stay tuned for updates on that end.

Continue after the jump to read the full story.

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Infiniti QX Sport Inspiration Concept Shows Off Restyled Design

Infiniti’s presence at the 2016 Paris Motor Show was highlighted by its new VC-Turbo, the first production-ready variable compression engine, but the luxury brand also brought the QX Sport Inspiration with it. Revealed for the first time at the 2016 Beijing Auto Show, the SUV made its European debut in Paris, but arrived in France with a mildly restyled exterior and extra features inside the cabin.

In case you’re wondering what’s with the changes all of a sudden, Infiniti says that they add to the vehicles confident look. And besides, it’s not the first time that the Japanese brand updates its concept cars for new auto shows.

So what’s new for Paris? Well, the first things that catch the eye are the larger, 22-inch wheels. The new rims feature the same intricate design as the first concept, but they are now finished in a bronze hue. The second big change on the outsite is the matt grey, which replaces the silver seen on the first show car. The larger wheels give the concept a more powerful stance, while the dark grey color provides an interesting contrast with the bronze wheels and the chrome trim.

Infiniti also meddled with the interior, adding kick plate lighting at the base of every door and brown leather inserts for the black and white upholstery. Other than that, the QX Sport Inspiration Concept remains identical to the Beijing model and will inspire the next generation of Infiniti QX SUVs and crossovers.

Continue reading for the full story.

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Porsche Panamera 4 E-Hybrid Brings Its High-Tech Features to Paris

Unveiled earlier in September 2016, the brand-new Porsche Panamera 4 E-Hybrid just made its official public debut at the Paris Motor Show. Based on the redesigned, second generation Panamera, Porsche’s new hybrid arrived in France with several new features, state-of-the-art technology, and a more powerful drivetrain.

Having already seen the standard Panamera earlier in 2016, the hybrid’s exterior design wasn’t a mystery, but the sedan has plenty of other features to brag out. It’s most important highlight is the new hybrid drivetrain that combines a twin-turbo, 2.9-liter V-6 gasoline engine, an electric motor, and a lithium-ion battery. The combo cranks out 462 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque, a 52-horsepower and 81-pound-foot increase over the previous model. Thanks to the extra power, the Panamera E-Hybrid is also more than a half-second quicker from 0 to 60 mph, needing only 4.4 seconds to hit the benchmark, while top speed increased from 168 to 172 mph.

The new drivetrain also makes the Panamera E-Hybrid a better part-time electric car. The sedan can cover 30 miles on electricity alone, while reaching a top speed of 86 mph (up from 20 miles and 84 mph, respectively). The sedan also benefits from a new hybrid module with shorter response times and a larger battery with shorter charging times.

More goodies can be found inside the cabin. First up, the analog rev counter is flanked by two seven-inch screens with bespoke power meters for hybrid operation. The new display function is similar to that used in the Porsche 918 Spyder supercar and provides data such as the amount of electrical energy being used, as well as the amount recovered through the sedan’s regeneration systems. The 12.3-inch touchscreen in the center dashboard also provides access to various items of hybrid-specific information. For instance, there’s a boost assistant that shows the energy available for boosting and a hybrid assistant that emits various visual signals for regulating the electrical drive power.

Look for the new Panamera 4 E-Hybrid in dealerships starting 2017.

Continue reading for the full story.

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October Workout Calendar!

Click to download the hi-res calendar

Hey guys!

The month of Halloween is upon us! Do you know what you will dress up as on the 31st? I JUST bought my costume today and I am SO EXCITED for you guys to see it! It’s comfy and cute!! And orange. I won’t give you any more details though…you’ll just have to wait!

3 more months until the new year…that is wildness. By the way, we just finished designing the 2017 Fit Planner :) We’ve been going at it for several months now and I feel soooo happy with it. You guys are going to love it. The graphics are beautiful…the colors are vibrant…and ugh, just everything is PERFECT! Also, we designed it to be more than just a planner for fitness and food – it’s a planner for life. The release will most likely be in a month or so! So hang tight!

NOW…ARE YOU READDDAAAYYYY for OCTOBER!!??

Your cardio, strength training, and rest days are all planned out for you. All you have to do is complete each video once, check them off, and boom, you’re done for the day! Rest days are Friday, but feel free to switch that day around with another if it works better for your schedule.

The exclusive video of the month is “Feel Good Pilates Workout” which can be found in the Blogilates Official App (iTunes or Google Play). It’s a lot of core strengthening exercises that will help build a solid abdominal wall. This special video comes free with a subscription to the monthly calendar, which is only 99c! The calendar in the app is awesome because there is no need to search for the videos on YouTube – they are already curated for you! The app is available for Android and iPhone.

If you’ve been doing the Blogilates Calendar for a while now, are short on time, and want to try something new, try out PIIT28! It’s a 28 day program (follow along videos + ebook + online portal) that I developed this year because I found myself “too busy to work out.” The workout is only 28 min and 40 seconds long and it’s all about Pilates Intense Interval Training. Prepare to sweat and be sore!

Whether you’re doing PIIT28 or the Blogilates calendar, BOTH will work to transform you if you give it 100% commitment. What’s the better one? The one you can stick with.

I’ll leave you with some inspirational before and afters from POPsters who decided to give their work out EVERYTHING they’ve got. So proud of what they’ve accomplished and what YOU’RE about to do too.

before-and-after

This is beautiful Belinda (@belindasays) who has been doing Blogilates workouts on YouTube for 3 years while watching her diet. She is now 90 lbs down. Love the hair color change too!

This is Theresa (@theresa_piitlates). She just finished 7 rounds of PIIT28 while digging herself out of a dark hole. This girl is on FIRE and shining so bright now! You can read her story here.

This is Corina (@chill678)! She lost 27 lbs in 6 months doing PIIT28 and is from the beautiful island of Hawaii! I had the chance to meet her a few months ago while I was there for a meetup! Read her journey here.

love-cassey-transparent-150px

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Ferrari Launches 70 New Liveries To Celebrate 70th Anniversary

Although Enzo Ferrari founded the company in 1939 as Auto Avio Construzioni, Ferrari wasn’t recognized as a full-fledged automaker until 1947. Maranello is getting ready to celebrate its 70th anniversary next year and the celebration began at the 2016 Paris Motor Show, where the Italian brand announced the introduction of 70 special liveries that pay tribute to iconic Ferraris from the past.

Five models were selected for the livery feast: the F12beriletta, 488 GTB, 488 Spider, GTC4Lusso, and California T. Each sports car is available with any of the 70 liveries, but there’s a catch. Ferrari will only build one of each model in that livery, meaning there’s won’t be two identical cars with the same paint scheme. For instance, once someone orders a F12berlinetta in livery, that same livery won’t be offered on the same car again. However, it will be available on any of the remaining models (as long as they haven’t been ordered already, that is!).

As a result, Ferrari will build only 350 cars with the special, 70th anniversary liveries.

At the Paris Motor Show, Ferrari showed off four of its new liveries. There was an F12berlinetta inspired by Stirling Moss’ 250 GT SWB race car, a brown California T painted like Steve McQueen’s 250 Lusso, a 488 GTB that pays tribute to Michael Schumacher’s 2003 Formula One racer, and a Ferrari 488 Spider inspired by the 365 P2 that won the Nine Hours of Kyalami in 1965. The latter features the race car’s atypical metallic green paint.

The remaining 66 liveries also include several iconic paint schemes from the company’s past. There’s a red, No. 56 livery paying tribute to the first Ferrari race car from 1947, a red paint with yellow and blue accents on the nose based on Juan Manuel Fangio’s F1 car, as well as liveries inspired by the many Ferraris raced at Le Mans in the late 1950s and early 1960s. Ferrari offers Can-Am- and Sunoco-inspired liveries, as well as paint schemes based on car built for celebrities back in the day.

Each livery comes with its very own name, and some of them are quite interesting. Customers can order "The Heartthrob," "The Patriarch," "Gran Turismo Perfection," "The Lucybelle", "California Dreaming," "The Lauda," "The Wedding Gift," or "The Pro."

There’s no word on pricing, but expect these models to be significantly more expensive than their standard counterparts since they will be unique. Also expect them to sell out quickly, as Ferrari has already received inquiries about matching sets of five cars in one livery.

Continue reading for the full story.

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Audi RS3 LMS Comes Track Ready with 330 Horsepower on Tap

Audi is offering a fresh racing car for apex-oriented customers with the new track-ready RS3 LMS, transforming the updated four-door sedan into a bona fide competition vehicle. The RS3 LMS joins the Audi R8 LMS in the automaker’s lineup of out-of-the-box grid stars.

The Audi R8 LMS was first introduced in 2009, offering privateers a chance to rocket around in genuine GT3 style at events like the 24 Hours of Nurburgring. However GT3 racing is expensive, and as an alternative, the RS3 LMS arrives primed and ready for the TCR International Series, which is considered a more cost-effective entry to the world of touring car racing.

Drawing on experience gained in such high-profile series as the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) and Germany’s Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters (DTM), the RS3 is outfitted with all the usual go-faster goodies. The suspension was massively upgraded, while large wheels and enormous brakes were fitted in the corners. The fenders were hugely flared, and new aero keeps it planted.

Inside, it’s all business, all the time, with a back-to-basics layout, carbon-fiber steering wheel, and digital instrumentation.

Behind the polished rings on the grille, you’ll find a 2.0-liter four-cylinder TFSI engine that’s turbocharged to 330 horsepower. Acceleration looks like 4.5 seconds to hit 62 mph from a standstill, while top speed is rated at roughly 150 mph. Interestingly, that’s quite a bit slower than the road-going RS3, which uses a 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine to make 400 horsepower and hit 62 mph in 4.1 seconds, with a top speed of 174 mph.

But don’t worry – this thing will still melt your face in the corners, and as such, it needs to be safe. That means it’s got an FIA-spec fuel tank, safety cell, PS3 safety seat, FIA-approved window nets, and a rescue hatch in the roof.

Continue reading for the full story.

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The Audi Q5 Drops Some Weight, Gains Some Power, and Gets an Updated Quattro AWD System

Quick! Which Audi model just got a reduced curb weight, bump in engine output, and a few updates to its legendary, motorsport-derived AWD system? Surprisingly, I just described some of the new stuff on the German brand’s compact SUV, a.k.a. the Q5.

First up, thanks to the utilization of materials like high-tensile strength steel and aluminum in the body, the Q5 cuts upwards of 200 pounds from the curb weight, depending on the trim level. And that’s on top of an increase to the Q5’s exterior dimensions, by the way.

Next up is the drivetrain, where we see the inclusion of something called “ultra technology” to the quattro AWD system. Equipped as standard on models sporting a 2.0-liter TDI oil burner (and offered as an available option on the 150-horsepower diesel trim), ultra tech essentially ups fuel mileage by disengaging the rear axle while cruising, transforming the Q5 into a front-wheel driver. The rear axle will then automatically reengage when more traction is called for, making for a nice mix between FWD efficiency and AWD grip. No word yet on whether or not U.S.-spec models will get ultra technology, but it’s doubtful considering the only engines offered here will be the gas units.

Further AWD upgrades include torque vectoring tech, new driving modes for a little soft-roader action, and a sportier rear differential for models equipped with a diesel V-6 engine.

Speaking of engines, Audi says it’s making the various powerplant options both more powerful and more efficient. There will be four TDI specs and one TFSI engine on the table, but again, don’t expect the diesels to make it to these shores (thanks, Dieselgate). All in all, we can expect up to 27 extra ponies, plus a substantial increase to mpg. The 2.0-liter turbocharged gas burner, for example, will produce 252 horsepower (up from 220 horsepower) and return nearly 35 mpg (up from 27 mpg on the highway).

Continue reading for the full story.

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Ram Appeals to Texans With Lone Star Silver Edition

Ram is adding a special edition to its Ram 1500 Lone Star trim level. It’s called the Lone Star Silver Edition and its new for 2017 and exclusive to the state of Texas. The special edition gets premium upgrades like a new wire-mesh chrome grille, bright belt moldings, chrome mirror caps, chrome wheel-to-wheel side steps, polished 20-inch wheels, and front tow hooks. Of course, special badging on the grille and tailgate help identify the truck.

“The Ram Lone Star Edition is the original Texas truck,” said Mike Manley, Head of Ram Brand, FCA – Global. “It’s impossible to overstate the significance of the role Texas plays in the pickup truck segment. At the same time, Ram trucks are an iconic part of the Texas landscape. As the longest-lasting truck in Texas, there are literally millions of Ram pickups still on the roads.”

Other unique features include cloth and vinyl high-back bucket seats colored in either Canyon Brown and Light Frost Beige or Black and Diesel Gray. Of course, other options like the front buckets seats with full center console, power-operated moon roof, 32-gallon fuel tank, rear-window defroster, trailer brake controls, the tri-fold tonneau cover, Ram Box bed, spray-in bedliner, upgraded Uconnect with navigation, all-weather floor mats, and the Alpine sound system can be had as well.

Powertrain choices include the 3.6-liter V-6, the 5.7-liter Hemi V-8, or the 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V-6. RWD and the eight-speed automatic transmission come standard in with all engine choices. 4WD can also be had. Cab and bed configurations are limited to the Crew Cab with either the short or long bed option.

The Lone Star Silver Edition will arrive in showrooms sometime within the fourth quarter of 2016 and cost an additional $900 over the standard Lone Star trim. That pushes the base price for the Lone Star Silver Edition to $38,995 plus destination charges of $1,320.

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Rumors Turned Fact: The 2017 Ford Raptor Makes 450 HP, 510 lb.-ft of Torque!

The early rumors are confirmed – the 2017 Ford F-150 Raptor’s 3.5-liter high-output EcoBoost V-6 makes 450 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque. This comes as Ford makes the official announcement at the 2016 Texas State Fair. The new EcoBoost is the crown jewel of the all-new, second-generation Raptor, headlining other awesome mechanical, software, and design achievements.

What’s more, Ford announced the EPA estimated fuel economy for the Raptor. It stands at 15 mpg city, 18 mpg highway, and 16 mpg combined. That’s a 23-percent improvement in fuel efficiency over the first-generation’s 6.2-liter V-8.

On top of the 39 additional horsepower and 76 pound-feet of additional torque, the 2017 Raptor is also 500 pounds lighter than the first-generation truck. That’s thanks to its aluminum body and lighter weight, yet high-strength, fully boxed steel frame. This huge increase of power to weight should make the 2017 Raptor one of the hottest performing trucks in history.

The boost in power comes from a new direct and port fuel injection system, lighter crank assembly components, a redesigned twin-turbocharger system with an electronic wastegate and an increased boost calibration, stainless steel manifolds, a full dual exhaust system, oil-cooled pistons, a reworked valvetrain system, and a more aggressive ECU tune.

Of course, Ford’s new 10-speed automatic transmission likely helps the Raptor get better EPA fuel economy ratings. It also gives the EcoBoost more gears to choose from, optimizing the gearing for more circumstances – from low gearing at slow speeds to tall gearing at high speeds. The transmission even features a one-way clutch that allows for non-sequential shifting, meaning you’re not shifting through all 10 speeds every time. Integrated into the engine and transmission electronic controls is Ford’s new Terrain Management System. Its drive modes include Normal, Sport, Weather, Mud/Snow, Rock/Crawl, and Baja settings.

The 2017 Ford F-150 Raptor will hit showrooms this fall and carry a starting price just under $50,000.

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Porsche 911 GT3 Cup Debuts with New Engine and Aerodynamic Enhancements

In its never-ending search for quicker and quicker lap times, Porsche has updated the highly popular 911 GT3 Cup racing car with a new, more powerful engine, enhanced reliability, and extra aerodynamic tricks along the body panels.

The update coincides with the release of the second-generation 991, a.k.a. the 991.2. Porsche unveiled the 991.2 last year, but the GT3 Cup stands apart from its road-going brethren as the track-only, race-ready variant aimed at hitting the starting grid right out of the box.

Per usual, you’ll find a flat six-cylinder engine mounted in the rear. This time around, the powerplant comes packing with direct fuel injection, an even four liters of displacement, and 100 percent naturally aspirated induction (cue cheering fan boys).

The 4.0-liter powerplant replaces the outgoing model’s 3.8-liter flat-six, with peak output rated at 485 horsepower – an increase of 25 ponies. Not bad for a car that weighs less than 2,700 pounds.

In addition to being more powerful, the 4.0-liter six-cylinder is also more reliable, offering a valve drive with rigidly mounted rocker arms and a central oil feed – a first for the model. There’s also an integrated oil centrifuge for enhanced oil defoaming, and a more rigid crankshaft.

Making the most of the newfound power is upgraded aero, which takes a few cues from the most recent 911 facelift. There’s a new front bumper apron, and a new rear end. Porsche declined to specify exactly how it managed to “improve” the aero, but did mention “enhanced traction and performance,” so I’m guessing there’s just more downforce. Meanwhile, you’ll find the same rear wing as the outgoing model, measuring in at 184 cm in width. That’s over six feet, by the way.

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The Most Powerful Kia Soul Ever Built Rolled into the Paris Motor Show

Kia put a lot of work into the Soul for the 2017 model year. Highlights include restyled front and rear fascias to go with a new metallic skid plate, HID headlights, LED running lights, and an all new finish to the Tiger Nose grille. A few new exterior paint finishes are available to go with a new pair of optional 10-spoke 16- or 17-inch aluminum alloy wheels. Inside, new upholstery can be hand in a single or two-tone color scheme to go with the customer’s choice of a 5-, 7-, or 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto phone connectivity. But, Kia didn’t stop there, as it also brought a new trim level into the lineup – on that boasts 201 horsepower from a new turbocharged gasoline engine.

Dubbed the Soul T-GDI, it is quite literally the most powerful Soul every created by Kia. That 201 horsepower is enough to get the Soul to 62 mph in 7.8 seconds on the way to a top speed of 124 mph. The front wheels are driven forward with this power via Kia’s new seven-speed dual clutch transmission that is only available on the T-GDI. But, the engine and performance isn’t the only unique thing about it. IT also gets a more aggressive front fascia and air intake to go with twin exhaust exits out back and a pair of 10-spoke, 18-inch aluminum wheels. The front fascia and side sills get red accents while the Soul logo is finished in red as well. Inside, the car gets black cloth and leather upholstery that is all held together with orange contrast stitching. There are other orange highlights throughout the passenger cabin, and the steering wheel takes on a D-shape, further differentiating this model from the rest of its stablemates.

All told, it’s a pretty big move for Kia, and while 201 ponies or the 124 mph top speed might not sound too appealing, you’ve got to remember this thing is a little SUV. That kind of performance is certainly commendable, and this new model will surely turn a lot of heads when it finally hits showrooms. For now, the ordering books are open, so even though you can see it in the metal at your local Kia dealer quite yet, you can still get your hands on one.

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Hyundai RN30 Concept Features a Powerful Engine, AWD, and Lots of Lightweight Materials

The slick little speed hatch you see here is called the RN30 Concept, and it just broke cover at the 2016 Paris Motor Show. Using the latest-generation i30 as a foundation, Hyundai built the RN30 as a track-only specialty that showcases the company’s performance chops.

Making it go is a modified 2.0-liter engine, the same powerplant slated for use in a forthcoming high-performance production model. Extra grunt is added courtesy of a larger turbocharger, with forged engine components installed to handle the increased boost. All told, Hyundai says output peaks at 375 horsepower and 333 pound-feet of torque, far surpassing the current road-going i30’s 138 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque.

Complementing the high-strung 2.0-liter is a variety of weight saving measures, including a stripped-down interior, and extensive use of a new high-performance plastic. Hyundai says it wasn’t satisfied with the current crop of carbon fiber-reinforced polymers out there, so it developed its own material with the chemical company BASF to create something that’s strong, lightweight, and funny enough, environmentally friendly.

Cog swaps are handled by a wet-type dual-clutch transmission, which sends the muscle to the pavement via a high-performance AWD system and electronic limited-slip differential setup. There’s also a “sport mode” and Electronic Variable Exhaust, although I don’t know why you’d need anything other than max attack for a race car.

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Infiniti Debuts the VC-Turbo: The World's First Production-Ready Variable Compression Engine

The Paris Motor Show opened its doors to the press today, and over at the Infiniti booth we got to lay eyes on a new evolution of design for the 2016 QX Sport Concept, along with the 2017 Infiniti Q50. But, more importantly, Infiniti also broke cover on its brand new VC-Turbo variable compression engine. We’ve talked about this engine back in August when Infiniti first announced this new technology, but at the time we didn’t know very much about it. Now, Infiniti has spilled the beans, or at least a few more of them, anyway.

To put it simply, this engine is basically a 2.0-liter, turbocharged, gasoline mill that can deliver the torque and efficiency of an advanced diesel engine without all the nasty noxious gasses normally associated with oil burners. Shown in operating condition in the Infiniti QX Sport Inspiration Concept, the engine has a targeted output of 268 horsepower and 287 pound-feet of torque. Its compression ratio can be changed from 8:1 to 14:1 depending on the conditions at the time. 8:1 compression is used when there is a need for high performance while 14:1 comes into play when fuel economy is of the utmost importance.

In order for this variable compression technology to work, Infiniti designed a special multi-link system that can raise or lower the height of the pistons on demand. According to Infiniti, this little 2.0 little will be able to deliver the same power of V-6 units while remaining rather compact and significantly more efficient.

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Ram Just Debuted A Hellcat-Powered Raptor Killer!

The Paris Motor Show might be happening, but half a world away, the 2016 Texas State Fair is the epicenter for truck debuts today. Impressive stuff is debuting from the Big Three, but nothing competes with Ram’s new concept truck – the Ram Rebel TRX. It’s a Hellcat-powered Ram 1500 with 37-inch tires, a fully custom suspension with 13 inches of wheel travel, a six-inch wider track, and a one-off interior that showcases just what Ram engineers and designers want to build.

First off, the engine. Okay, so it might be a Hellcat Hemi V-8 displacing the familiar 6.2 liters, but it’s been tuned for high-speed off-road truck duty. That means dropping the horsepower and torque figures to keep from snapping axles or exploding the transfer case. The supercharged V-8 makes a still-respectable 575 horsepower. Torque figures aren’t release, but expect a drop from the 650 pound-feet in the standard-tune Hellcat. Nevertheless, the Rebel TRX Concept is the most powerful Ram ever built – even more powerful than the 500-horsepower, Viper-powered Ram SRT10.

There’s so much more to this truck, though, so keep on reading for the full run-down.

Continue reading for more information.

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GM Officially Debuts Next-Gen 6.6-liter Duramax Turbodiesel

The wait is over and the anticipation is now satisfied – GM has officially debuted its heavily revised 6.6-liter Duramax V-8 turbodiesel. Actually, “heavily revised” might be an understatement. GM says only the stoke and bore remain unchanged over the outgoing LML Duramax, letting the new engine retain the familiar 6.6-liter displacement. Nearly every other component is updated or completely new for the 2017 model year.

The benefit? An increase of 48 horsepower and 145 pound-feet of torque, along with cooler operating temperatures leading to increased durability during sustained high-load events, strong cylinder heads, a stronger main block, increased oil flow capacity, a new electronically actuated and controlled turbocharging system, and an acoustically tuned oil pan and valve covers that dramatically reduce engine noise.

“Nearly everything about the Duramax is new, designed to produce more torque at lower rpm and more confidence when trailering or hauling,” said Gary Arvan, chief engineer for the new Duramax. “You’ll also notice the refinement improvements the moment you start the engine, and appreciate them as you cruise quietly down the highway — with or without a trailer.”

The advancements allow the turbodiesel to generate 90 percent of its peak torque at only 1,550 rpm and maintain it through 2,850 rpm. It’s at 1,600 rpm that all 910 pound-feet is realized. Within that power band at 2,800 rpm, the engine reaches peak its horsepower of 445. This sustained torque curve gives the Duramax a wider power band for hauling and towing. The new torque spec represents a 19-percent increase from the previous engine. Despite the added power, the Duramax is 38 percent quieter at idle.

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Mercedes-AMG's Growth Proves That Pure Performance Cars Are Still Thriving

The announcement of a Mercedes-AMG hybrid hypercar may have grabbed the headlines during Mercedes-AMG’s Media Night presentation of the AMG GT and GTC Roadsters, but lost in the hoopla surrounding the hypercar’s announcement is the other new model that AMG is preparing to add to its growing AMG GT family: the AMG GT C Coupe.

AMG boss Tobias Moers confirmed the arrival of the GT C Coupe moments before unveiling the GT C Roadster. He didn’t dive into the details behind the next model up in the AMG GT family, but it is reasonable to at least expect some striking similarities to the GT C model. Moers did say that it will carry identical technical specifications to the roadster model so at the very least, expect it to carry a 4.0-liter, biturbo, V-8 engine that spits out 557 horsepower and 502 pound-feet of torque. Likewise, the GT C Coupe is also likely to get some of the technology that was used on the roadster version. That includes, among other things, a modified front axle and an all-new rear axle with rear-wheel steering.

The upcoming AMG GT C Coupe also touches on an even bigger point that Moers made during the GT C Convertible’s presentation. Despite the interest and the time spent pursuing electrification and autonomous driving (Mercedes even counts itself in this group), pure performance brands are still thriving, and AMG is living proof of that. AMG-branded models are selling like crazy with almost 70,000 units being sold in 2015 and this year, the company is expected to have 48 different performance models in the market, with at least 10 newcomers slated to arrive this year. That’s the widest range of any performance brand in the business today. That success is a testament to the company’s pursuit of giving its customers the best performance cars on any price range, but just as important, it also shows that there’s still plenty of room for these ball-busting machines in the garages of customers all over the world.

Continue after the jump to read the full story.

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Lexus UX Concept Showcases Vision for an "Inside-Out" Future

Lexus joined this year’s Paris Motor Show with no fewer than four vehicles, but none is as intriguing as the UX Concept. Essentially a preview for the company’s upcoming compact crossover, which will slot under the NX and compete against the newly-launched Audi Q2, the UX Concept also showcases some of Lexus’ future styling language. The Japanese brand calls it "inside-out" and describes it as a "synergy between exterior and interior styling" represented by an "X-shaped movement in the architecture from the cabin outwards and vice-versa."

Sounds pretty confusing huh? Well, in order to make it simple, let’s skip the PR talk and have a closer look at the UX’s design.

The first thing that catches the eye is massive "Spindle" grille up front. Granted, this isn’t a new feature, but if you look closely you’ll notice that its quite different from the element seen on production cars. First, the mesh is new and features a spectacular 3D-like layout that makes the grille look like it’s wearing hedgehog spines. Second, the upper arms extend well into the hood, giving the engine more room to breathe on top of making the front fascia seen downright menacing.

Another feature we have yet to see on production Lexus cars are the way the front fenders flow seamlessly into the cabin to form housings for the screens that display images from door-mounted cameras. The wheel arches are also incredibly muscular, while the the rear fenders are shaped like an armored truck. Granted, we probably won’t see a production UX with such aggressive lines, but some of these features could make it into dealerships in a less exaggerated form. The rear is also pretty wild with its high-mounted red LED strips and big, rectangular exhaust pipes.

Inside, the UX Concept looks like a spaceship. The cabin is made of organic design features that look as if they could catch life in any given moment. The spaceship-like atmosphere is also fed by the blue displays in the dashboard and center console. I can’t decide whether it’s cool or scary, but this interior definitely won’t be approved for production anytime soon.

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The Civic Type R Will be the Ultimate Tuner Project

The new Civic Type R Concept has made its debut in near-production form, and it’s damn near breaking the internet with everyone from around the globe dying to learn all about it. And, rightfully so, everyone should be pretty excited. I mean, just look at it. That aggressive aerodynamic styling, the wing designed for function, that brushed aluminum vinyl wrap, and that WRX STI-looking scoop on the hood. It’s pretty clear that Honda is looking to take back its throne in the hot hatch department. Needless to say, the road-going production model is going to be all that and a bag of chips.

But, before I go making a mess all over myself getting too excited about this concept, let’s talk about why I think it’s going to be the world’s ultimate tuner. We don’t know for 100-percent certainty what will actually motivate the road-going Type R, but Honda just went to all the trouble of building the 2.0-liter, turbocharged, VTEC powerplant with 306 horsepower, so that’s the most likely candidate. In the old Type R – you know, the one we didn’t get here in the U.S. – it was enough to push the car to 62 mph in 5.7 seconds on the way to 167 mph. But, the Civic Type R now has to compete with cars like the Ford Focus RS, so we expect to see a fair jump in performance. How big of a bump is the real question.

Given the fact that the Focus RS pushes 350 horsepower and 350 pound-feet of torque here in the U.S., you can expect similar numbers from the Type R. Even better yet, that 2.0-liter VTEC tachs out 200 rpm higher that the Focus RS, so the Type R could have just a little more push in that department. Sure, the Civic is FWD, and the Focus RS is RWD, but that doesn’t matter at this point. In the end, if the road-going Type R looks as good as this concept, and we suspect it will, it already looks better than the RS, and I think Honda is going to do well on the power front too.

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Cosmetic Improvements Put The Spotlight On The Lexus NX Sport

The Lexus NX Sport has arrived at the 2016 Paris Motor Show and just like the Lexus CT and IS before it, the NX comes to the event wearing the “Sport” trim. Lexus touts the NX Sport trim as a unique variant of its crossover model, largely because of the exterior and interior modifications the model has been given to showcase a more aggressive side to the NX. In a nutshell, it’s still an NX, but it’s a sportier and more menacing looking NX that comes with an inherent confidence about itself.

Subtle cosmetic upgrades is the name of the game with the NX Sport. The exterior, for instance, gets a blacked-out front spindle grille and grille frame, which strikes a far more imposing visual appeal than its chrome counterpart. The crossover’s mirror housings have also been finished in black, and the special set of 18-inch black alloy wheels finish off the exterior additions to the NX’s makeup. Move inside the cabin of the NX and you’ll be greeted with a few silver inserts and a leather upholstery that can be dressed in either black or a unique fabric that Lexus is exclusively offering for the Sport trim.

The Sport trim will be available for both the NX 200t and the NX 300h. Current owners of either variant can also oder the Sport package if they so desire. Just don’t expect anything more than the promised upgrades on the exterior and interior. The Lexus NX Sport is all about the giving the NX a fresher and sportier look, both in the body and in the cabin. Nothing more, nothing less.

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Ferrari LaFerrari Aperta Has Sold Out

Before everything else, it’s important to finally call it the way Ferrari wants us to call it. It’s the Ferrari LaFerrari Aperta, not the LaFerrari Spider. Okay, now that we’ve gotten that out of the way, the big news is that the LaFerrari Aperta is sold out. All gone. All 200 units earmarked for the public.

The revelation was made at the 2016 Paris Motor Show to the shock of absolutely no one. For now, only nine units are unaccounted for and all nine are still with Ferrari. That’s because those nine units will be used as part of Ferrari’s 70th anniversary. This ties up to a past report that the company plans to build 350 unique special editions as part of its momentous celebration.

In any event, don’t expect any Ferrari LaFerrari Apertas to appear in the classifieds anytime soon. All available units are gone, and we’re left with the bitter realization that the closest we’ll get to driving one is in the virtual world.

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Thursday, September 29, 2016

Audi RS3 Sedan Shakes Its 400 HP Engine In Paris

Introduced in 2011, the Audi RS3 became the company’s most affordable high-performance car. However, it was only made available in the five-door body styles, with the sedan, which was launched in 2013, still waiting for its RS badge. The wait ended at the 2016 Paris Motor Show, where Audi unveiled its smallest performance sedan to date. But despite being small, the RS3 Sedan has a five-cylinder heart that pumps out a massive 400 horsepower.

Developed to grab some market share from the Mercedes-AMG CLA45, the new RS3 Sedan was built on the same recipe that gave birth to the RS4. Audi slapped a menacing body kit onto the A3 Sedan, and replaced the mild and efficient four-pot engines with a beefed-up version of its already iconic 2.5-liter five-cylinder unit. The end result is remarkable, with the sedan having 400 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque at its disposal, 25 horses more than its AMG-badged competitor. It’s also quick too, needing only 4.1 seconds to hit 62 mph from a standing start. Its top speed is also impressive at 174 mph, but this is only available when the 155-mph limited is removed optionally.

Highlights continue beyond the engine, which is 57 pounds lighter than its predecessor, with an updated dual-clutch transmission and Quattro AWD system, wheel-selective torque control, progressive steering, and carbon-ceramic front brakes.

Styling-wise, the RS3 has a rather subdued appearance beyond the blacked-out chrome, the honeycomb grille mesh, and the larger intakes. Inside, there’s a seven-inch MMI screen, sporty instrument dials, a boost pressure indicator, and as expected on a performance-oriented car, a lap time. This setup can be replaced by a fully digital instrument cluster if you’re not planning to set any Nurburgring records.

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A Preliminary Tale Of The Tape Between The Mercedes‑Benz "Generation EQ" Concept And The Tesla Model X

Up until this point, the premium electric SUV market has been dominated by the Tesla Model X. But Mercedes-Benz has taken the first step to putting an end to the Model X’s dominance with the launch of the Generation EQ Concept, the German automaker’s preview piece for one of the foundational models of its future electrified lineup.

Predictably, my first instinct upon seeing the Generation EQ Concept was to compare it to the Tesla Model X. I know it’s too early to say how this comparison is going to be considering that the Mercedes EV SUV is still in concept guise. For one, it’s hard to compare the two physically because the production model of the Generation EQ will likely look different from one Mercedes has presented at the 2016 Paris Motor Show.

But there are some noteworthy comparisons that can be made now in various categories, including power and performance, range, and technology.

Based on the numbers that Mercedes has released, the Generation EQ’s combined output of 402 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque is impressive. But it still doesn’t measure up to the Model X 90D’s output of 518 horsepower (combined), more so with the P90D’s titanic output of 762 horsepower (combined). At least in this category, the Model X takes the cake, quite handily even.

Here’s the question though: is the Model X still superior to Merc’s presentation of the Generation EQ Concept?

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BMW X2 Arrives In Paris In Concept Form

Rumored for quite a few years, the BMW X2 just made its debut at the 2016 Paris Motor Show. Although just a concept for now, the X2 is not overly wild for a show car and previews the company’s third coupe-like crossover.

Described as a vehicle for "active people looking for a combination of enjoyment and practicality," the X2 concept looks like a mash up between the X1 and X4, but seasoned with a number of conceptual styling cues that will find their way on the production car in a more toned-down form. Although part of the same family that includes the X4 and X6, the X2 isn’t as sleek as it bigger cousins. The roof line is closer to those of the X1 and X3, missing the familiar hump of the X4.

On the flipside, the glasshouse is lower, while the tailgate is significantly smaller compared to the rest of the rear fascia. This gives the small crossover a more imposing look, as do the massive grille and bumper at the front. Speaking of the latter, it houses two big side vents and a wide center intake that remind of M-spec Bimmers. Onto the sides, the X2 showcases large wheels, gray wheel arch and side skirt inserts, slender mirrors. The window surrounds are made from brushed aluminum instead of the usual chrome or black trim. Another notable feature is the rear diffuser, which features two big exhaust outlets at each corner.

Other than that, the X2 remains true to BMW’s current styling language for crossovers, highlighted by the two-box design, short overhangs, and heavily forward-slanting C-pillar. The trademark Hofmeister Kink is also present. Naturally, the production model will drop the exaggerated wheels, grille, and bumpers and will adopt larger windows, but for the most part this concept is a good preview of things to come.

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Opel Ampera-e Debuts In Paris With 310-Mile Range

American cars rarely take center stage at European auto shows, but it has happened quite often in recent years, especially with the sixth-generation Ford Mustang and several Cadillac nameplates going global. This year’s Paris Motor Show will also feature a number of American vehicles, one of which is the Chevrolet Bolt. However, don’t go looking for it at the Chevy booth, as the compact electric car will sold in Europe under the Opel badge. And it will called the Ampera-e.

If the name sounds familiar, it’s because Opel is already using it for the Euro-spec version of the Chevrolet Volt. But the extra "e" in the name makes quite a difference, hinting that new hatchback features an all-electric drivetrain. And, much like its American sibling, it promises to return an impressive range.

Specifically, Opel claims that the Ampera-e will be good for at least 500 km (310 miles) on a single charge. That’s at least 100 km more than any other vehicle in similar segments can offer and some 200 km more than the BMW i3. However, that 500-km range might not be reached in the real world. After taking into consideration factors such as road characteristics, weather conditions, driving style, and load, Opel concluded that the Ampera-e can travel for more than 380 km (236 miles).

The impressive range also comes with strong performance figures such as a 0-to-50 km/h (31 mph) sprint of 3.2 seconds and a top speed of 150 km/h (93 mph). All these figures are courtesy of the 60-kWh battery and the 204-PS (201-horsepower) and 360-Nm (266-pound-feet) electric motor. Opel’s new electric car is scheduled to arrive in showrooms in 2017.

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