Bamford X Bentley Mulliner Mulsanne Speed

It’s safe to say that Mulliner, Bentley’s in-house bespoke personalization division, has established a reputation for being a purveyor of some of the most unique Bentleys we’ve seen in a long time. That’s what happens when you’re responsible for building one-off to limited edition models for the British auto brand. You’re afforded the freedom to be creative with your work and as far as recent examples are concerned – the Mulsanne Sinjari Edition being one of them – that’s exactly what Mulliner has done. Now, it’s at it again with another creation: a one-off Mulsanne Speed built specifically for George Bamford, the man behind Bamford Watch Department, regarded by many as the U.K.’s premier bespoke timepiece personalization company.

The one-off Mulsanne is formally called the Bamford X Bentley Mulliner and if you’re sensitive to cars that have been turned upside their heads, you might want to look away for this one. But if you can take the proverbial heat, then feast your eyes on this enthralling work by Mulliner.

Like most of the bespoke division’s past works, the Bamford X Bentley Mulliner is more than just an expression of extreme personalization. There’s a story behind the work that Mulliner put into this Mulsanne to make it a true and legitimate one-off piece. Specific materials and methods were used to represent the identity of the BWD brand, and like a true craftsman whose name and reputation are worth the land he’s standing on, Mulliner went over and above it’s own capabilities to create a bespoke Mulsanne that’s unlikely to be replicated anytime soon.

“This is personalization. This is how you do personalization.” This is what George Bamford himself said when he saw the Bamford X Bentley Mulliner.

Wiser words have never been spoken.

Continue after the jump to read more about the Bamford X Bentley Mulsanne by Mulliner

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Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs) and Lifejackets

There’s a risk of drowning when your work involves being on the deck of a fishing vessel or a seine skiff. In these cases, it is required for a worker to use an approved PFD or lifejacket.  There are some things to consider when choosing the right device for a certain job – continue reading to learn more.

Image Source: Flickr

Buoyancy Rating
What is a buoyancy rating? It is the measure of how much weight a PFD or lifejacket is capable of holding up beyond the amount that water normally supports. Aside from your weight, the gear or any material you’re wearing should be taken into consideration too when deciding which buoyancy rating is requited.
The minimum buoyancy rating you can go for is 69 Newtons (15.5 pounds) – this is intended to keep an awake person’s head afloat. When working alone, the minimum buoyancy rating changes to 93 Newtons (21 pounds) because a self-righting PFD or lifejacket is required.  This type of PDF or lifejacket is capable of supporting an unconscious person’s chest so that their face turns away from the water which is essential when no one is around to help in case of an accident.

Size
Getting the right size is an extremely important part of wearing a PFD or lifejacket. Picking something too small can make you feel uncomfortable while something too large might slip over your head upon contact with water. The right size depends largely on your chest size and weight. To know which one suits you best, check out the tips below:

• Check the manufacturer’s instructions on how to properly put it on.
• Fasten all straps until it fits snugly but does not feel uncomfortable.
• When tugged upwards from the shoulders, it shouldn’t move up past your nose.
• Try it out with the clothes you wear at work and if you can, try testing it in a pool and familiarize yourself with how it works. Taking the time to do this will help get you prepared in case of an emergency.
  

Before You Use a New PFD
Whenever you’re buying personal protective equipment, whether it’s a PFD or lifejacket, it’s always best to check the manufacturer’s instructions first.  There you can find important information on what the proper usage is, how to deflate it after use (if applicable), what maintenance is required, how to repack and store it, and all the other important things you should know.

Maintenance
It’s important to keep your PFD or lifejacket in good condition at all times. Report any tears, open seams, rips, or any damage that is enough to cause loss of buoyant material to your employer or supervisor immediately. Any other distinct damage in the straps, fasteners, or any other parts should be attended to too.
Last but definitely not least, find the permanent label that shows that your device has met a specific standard acceptable by WorkSafeBC.

Contact:
Working Safety Solutions
#200-4170 Still Creek Drive, Burnaby, B.C.
604-320-7850

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Porsche 718 Boxster GTS

First introduced in 1996 as the company’s entry-level sports car, the Porsche Boxster is now in its third generation, which was launched in 2012. Redesigned to include styling cues from the 911 and 918 Spyder, the third-gen Boxster also received a new, more rigid chassis, revised engine, and a small weight reduction compared to its predecessor. The engine lineup included three flat-six units at first, but this changed in 2016 when a comprehensive facelift replaced them with smaller, turbocharged flat-four powerplants. The update also brought a new name, with the "718" denomination added to the "Boxster" badge as a tribute to Porsche iconic race car from the late 1950s.

With both the base model and the higher-performance S version already in showrooms, Porsche has two more variants to launch before the fourth-generation car steps in to replace the current one. The models in question are the GTS and the Spyder, and the former has already been spotted testing on public roads.

Not much is officially known about the upcoming 718 Boxster GTS and the test car doesn’t look quite ready to hit the assembly line, but the its design isn’t much of a mystery given the fact that we already know what the base and S versions look like. However, the engine is a complete mystery at this point with two scenario being discussed in recent months. Will the GTS continue to use the naturally aspirated six-cylinder or will it get a turbocharged flat-four? How much extra power will it get over the Boxster S? These are the two most important questions that revolve around the new GTS and I plan to answer them in the review below.

Continue reading to learn more about the Porsche 718 Boxster GTS.

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McLaren 570S with Track Pack

A lot of people may associate McLaren as a purveyor of exotic cars, but those who know their McLaren history know that the British automaker traces its roots to the race track. This particular information comes in handy when considering the genesis of the automaker’s new Track Pack option for the McLaren 570S.

Introduced in 2015, the 570S was developed specifically to open McLaren up to a range of new customers, specifically those who don’t have the finances to afford any of the brand’s more exotic lineup of supercars. Despite the description though, the 570S is still a menacing piece of machinery that boasts a 3.8-liter twin-turbo V-8 engine, producing 562 horsepower and 443 pound-feet of torque. That’s enough power to propel the sports car from 0 to 62 mph in 3.2 seconds to go with a top speed of 204 mph.

Clearly, the 570S isn’t lacking in power and performance, but it was developed to be a road car above everything else. That’s a big reason why the new Track Pack option for the 570S is an important addition to owners of the sports car who may want to get more out of their prized beauty when it hits a race track.

The Track Pack does not include any engine upgrades so let’s get that out of the way. What it does have though are subtle aerodynamic additions that not only makes the 570S lighter, but also more in-tune for the race track. It also comes with cosmetic upgrades courtesy of McLaren Special Operations so let’s not forget about those too.

Consider what the McLaren 570S is in “standard” form and think of what it can turn into when it receives the Track Pack. A slimmer, tighter, and more polished 570S? Sounds delightful, doesn’t it?

Continue after the jump to read more about the McLaren 570S Track Pack.

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2018 Ford Expedition

Ford worked tirelessly to improve the current F-150 by reducing mass and adding efficient turbocharged engines all mounted on a high-strength steel frame. It’s now likely those same advancements will make their way onto the heavily, if not all-new 2018 Expedition SUV. And as our spy photographer caught, the Expedition is currently in development.

The Expedition has traditionally been based on the F-150, though the relation has grown distant over the last few years. Since the second generation, the Expedition has used an independent rear suspension system rather than the F-150’s solid axle and leaf spring setup. Exterior and interior styling also drifted apart from the F-150 for the second generation, which debuted for the 2003 model year. Nevertheless, the two vehicles have shared a close relationship since the Expedition’s introduction for the 1997 model year.

Vast improvements were made for the 2007 model year when Ford introduced the third generation Expedition. It borrowed the then-current F-150’s fully-boxed frame, updated suspension components and geometry, and Ford’s six-speed automatic transmission. A mid-cycle update for 2014 brought Ford’s 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6 into the picture, making it sole engine choice. The twin-turbo V-6 replaced the 5.4-liter Triton V-8, which had replaced the 4.6-liter Triton V-8 before it.

Now as the Expedition moves toward 2018, Ford is reportedly giving this three-row, body-on-frame SUV a full parts list form the F-150, including the updated 3.5-liter EcoBoost, the rumored introduction of the 2.7-liter EcoBoost, an all-aluminum body, a stronger yet lighter high-strength steel frame, and styling that mirrors that of the F-150. These improvements will be for both the Expedition and its long-wheelbase brother, the Expedition XL.

Let’s have a closer look at these spy shots of the long-awaited 2018 Ford Expedition.

Update: 11/30/2016 We have created a rendering showing what we suspect the 2018 Ford Expedition might look like. Check out the “Rendering” section for all the details. Let us know what you think in the comments below.

Continue reading for more information.

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Mercedes-Benz All-Electric SUV

Believe it or not, the world’s first all-electric cars were invented nearly 200 years ago, offering quiet, easy operation for quick around-town trips (check out my in-depth examination of EVs here). Mercedes-Benz, being the old automotive standby that it is, first got into the EV game in 1906, but like every other major automaker, eventually ditched the batteries in favor of a gas tank. Now, with all-electric transportation once again on the rise, Mercedes has decided to double down on EV investment, and it’s looking like its new major effort will be an SUV. Packing more than 300 miles of range, oodles of luxury, the very latest autonomous tech, and a serious amount of muscle, Merc’s new upcoming model looks to dominate a segment that’s only now starting to emerge.

Mercedes’ parent company, Daimler AG, has been tinkering with EVs here and there for the past few years, with recent offerings including electrified versions of the Mercedes B-Class and Smart ForTwo. But now, with corporate scandal, political pressure, and increasing demand for EVs all coalescing into a single motivating force, the move away from internal combustion seems all but inevitable.

As such, Daimler is pouring billions into EV R&D, and hasannounced plans debut 10 new all-electric vehicles by 2025. The new lineup will fall under the newly created “EQ” sub-brand, and will supposedly stand on “four pillars” – “Connected, Autonomous, Shared, Electric.”

Ambitious? Absolutely. But apparently, the first EQ offering is nearly complete, debuting in concept form at the Paris Motor Show earlier this year. Merc says the concept is close to production-ready, but concepts can be deceiving, so we took a hard look, figured out what’ll make it to dealers, drew up a rendering, and wrote the following speculative review.

Continue reading to learn more about the upcoming Mercedes-Benz All-Electric SUV.

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Your 2016 December Workout Calendar!

Hey guys!!!

HAPPY DECEMBER!!!!

AHHHH I love this time of year so much. The sparkly lights, the Christmas trees, and the cheery attitude of everyone around me – ahh it just makes me so happy inside! I also LOVE buying presents for people. It’s so much more fun than getting presents! Watching my friends’ and family’s reaction when they open the perfect gift is EVERYTHING to me. I live for it!

Anyway guys, 1 more month until JANUARY 1st, 2017.

WHATTTTTT.

Like, what. It’s also going to be my burrrday in Jan and it’s gonna be a milestone for me! EEK!! I’ll be leaving my twenties. OH BOY… But let’s not talk about that…let’s talk about the very last month of 2016! It is your chance to prep for all the amazingness that will be 2017. Let’s get a head start on everyone! So, with that said *deep breath* here is your FINAL CALENDAR of 2016!

Click to save hi res version

Let’s get through this together! Don’t miss a day! And to add a little more cheeriness into our lives, I’m hosting a 12 day IG challenge and giveaway! Have a look:

For the first 12 days of December, we’re all going to post a picture a day based on the guidelines above! It should get your creative juices flowing, PLUS it’s such a great way to meet other POPsters! Be sure to hashtag EACH PHOTO you post #12daysofPOPmas so that you can be entered to win…one of the three 2017 Blogilates Fit Planners I’m giving away!

UMM YAH!! This is going to be super exciting! And so much fun! So here’s how to officially join in with me and everyone in the community!

1. Save the graphic above and post it to your IG account! This way I know you’re in!
2. Follow @poppilatesofficial, @blogilates, and @popflex_active on IG because we’re giving away 1 planner on EACH ACCOUNT!
3. Tag 2 friends to join you!

The challenge is open to everyone internationally, all over the world!! And we will pick 1 winner on each IG account! So you have 3 chances to win this beauty…aka…the best Fit Planner we’ve ever designed!!!

Alrighty guys, I’m SOOOOOO EXCITED FOR THIS MONTH!!!! The Blogilates HQ XMAS tree is almost fully decorated. Just waiting on like 14 more ornaments, but who’s counting!!?? :P Once I have it all decked out, I will take a pic and show you guys!

K I love you so much. Time to go stretch and get ready for the POPFLEX shoot on Friday. If everything goes as planned, I really think you will LOVE these pics…and the clothes :) I’ll give you a release date soon. But just gotta finalize a few things!

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Prepare Your Checkbooks If You Want To Get The Final Production Ferrari LaFerrari

Ferrari CEO Sergio Marchionne announced last September that the Italian automaker was building a 500th example of the Ferrari LaFerrari that would eventually be auctioned off to benefit the victims of the massive earthquake that devastated Central Italy. No details were given then on the when and where of the auction, but now, the information’s out.

The 500th and last production Ferrari LaFerrari will auctioned off by RM Sotheby’s on December 3 during the Ferrari Finali Mondialia event at the Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Florida. The event is being organized by the auction house, in partnership with the National Italian American Foundation’s Earthquake Relief Fund.

Is now the time to remind all of you to prepare those checkbooks? I can’t be certain, but seeing as this particular LaFerrari will go down in Ferrari history as the “LaFerrari that wasn’t supposed to exist,” it’s going to fetch a lot of money from collectors looking to score one of the most famous LaFerraris in the model’s entire lineup.

In addition to being the fastest and most powerful Ferrari in history, the LaFerrari is historic for a number of other reasons, not the least of which is its status as the first Ferrari to utilize a hybrid powertrain. That status is afforded to all 500 LaFerraris, but only one can lay claim to not being part of the automaker’s planned first production run.

That one Ferrari LaFerrari will go under the hammer this Saturday in Daytona Beach, Florida. Here’s what I do know: don’t expect this LaFerrari to be sold for the price of any of the “standard” models. Nope. $1.3 million may have gotten you any of the 499 LaFerrari models before it, but seeing as this is the 500th production model, don’t expect it to fetch for anything less than $2 million, and that may even be a conservative estimate.

Continue after the jump to read the full story.

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Join me in the #12DaysofPOPmas!

 

Hey guys!

I thought it’d be fun to do a 12 day challenge for the first 12 days of December as we gear up for the holidays! It’ll be a great way to meet other POPsters, feel the love of our community, and spruce up your Instagram! Plus, if you do all 12 days, you’ll be entered to win the 2017 Blogilates Fit Planner! Here’s how to join:

1. Save the photo above and post it to your IG account! This way I know you’re in!
2. Follow @poppilatesofficial, @blogilates, and @popflex_active on IG because we’re giving away 1 planner on EACH ACCOUNT!
3. Tag 2 friends to join you!

From Dec 1 – Dec 12, just post the pic of the day and be sure to hashtag #12DaysofPOPmas so other POPsters can find and like your pics! After the 12th day of POPmas, we will announce 3 winners who will each be receiving the 2017 Fit Planner! One winner for each account! The challenge is open to everyone internationally, all over the world!!

Here’s a look at your gorgeous 2017 planner:

The cover. Foil details. Succulents.

Sparkly silver strap to securely hold your planner closed. Or it can be used as a bookmark!

Track your water, your food, your workouts, your sleep, plus your to-do list of the day! This is more than a Fit Planner, it’s a LIFE PLANNER!

Art. Every month showcases the flora of the season.

Motivational quotes to push you along!

I’m so excited that you guys have been posting your selfies with the planner! I look at these everyday and it makes my heart so happy! Continue to post pics using the hashtag #popflex and you may get featured on the popflexactive.com homepage! (Just scroll down a little!)

Also, have if you guys watched my Belly Bloat Blaster workout, then you’ll know that today is the day that I am announcing the 3 winners of the 3 Google Chromecasts! And well, here are the lucky POPsters!

Congrats girlies! I’ll be contacting you soon!

OK Y’ALL!!! Let’s do the #12daysofPOPmas together k!? Comment below if you’re in!

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Nissan GT-R by Alpha-N Performance

The Nissan GT-R is one of the cars in this world that can hold its own against any other performance vehicle. It may not have the power figures of other exotic vehicles, but it’s a load in itself to deal with on any road surface. Now imagine what the GT-R is capable of if you put it in the hands of an aftermarket tuner. Okay, that’s a rhetorical question because we all know what a tuned GT-R can do. What we’re here for is Alpha-N Performance, the German tuner that has been up to his head developing tuning programs this year, including its latest pride and joy for, you guessed it, the Nissan GT-R.

The program itself is relatively straight-forward, at least when you compare it to some of the previous works of Alpha-N Performance, including the BMW M2 and Mercedes-AMG GT R. In fact, if you line up those two kits with the one the German tuner prepared for the GT-R, the latter is tame by comparison.

Not that it’s going to matter because the GT-R is already a powerhouse in its own right. All Alpha-N Performance is doing here is massaging Godzilla’s 3.8-liter twin-turbo V-6 engine and giving it an extra bump in power and performance. Even better, the cost of availing this upgrade is cheap – it doesn’t even reach four figures – and owners of the GT-R R35 should have no problem giving their supercars an extra shot in power.

Given how some tuners have taken over-the-top approaches in building tuning kits for the GT-R, it’s a good sign that there’s another aftermarket company out there willing to take a different approach on Godzilla.

Continue after the jump to read more about the Nissan GT-R by Alpha-N Performance.

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BMW 6 Series Convertible

The BMW 6 Series is currently in its third-generation and went through a minor update for the 2015 model year. Just recently our photographers caught the next-gen 6 Series Coupe doing some real world testing, and just weeks later, we finally got our hands on shots of the next-gen 6 Series Convertible. The exterior of the next-gen model will change a little to freshen things up, but the real news is what’s happening below the skin. The new 6 Series is expected to shed a few pounds in the chassis department, get some new technology on the inside, and get a healthy selection of powerplants that will produce enough power to keep competing models like the Mercedes E-Class Cabriolet and the Audi S5 Cabriolet at bay.

But, the 6 Series has one major problem, and that’s its starting price point. While similar offerings from the likes of Mercedes and Audi start out in the $60,000 range, the 6 Series starts out closer to $90,000. That’s a hard sell in any market, but with the next-gen model expected to debut as a 2018 model, it will at least be fresh inside and out, and will hopefully come out of the gate a little quicker thanks to that lighter chassis. We still have a while to wait before we get to see the new 6 Series in the metal, but let’s take a good look at the first round of spy shots and talk a little more about what’s coming in 2018.

Continue reading to learn more about the BMW 6 Series Convertible.

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2018 Mercedes-AMG G63

It’s no secret Mercedes is preparing its next generation of G-Class – the go-anywhere luxury SUV that started life nearly 40 years ago as a military truck. Spy shots and rumors have surfaces regarding the upcoming Geländewagen, or G-Wagen, but no news has surfaced about Mercedes’ sportier version built under the AMG badge. That has all changed now thanks to our lucky spy photographer who captured a camouflaged test mule running around the hills of Spain.

The new generation of G-Wagen, even sans-AMG badge, is visibly larger than the outgoing model. Its track is wider, its wheelbase is slightly longer, and the overall height seems to be slightly increased. All this in the name of interior comfort and on-road driving dynamics, rumors suggest. The current G-Wagen is notorious for its cramped, outdated interior. Mercedes is undoubtedly ready to update its most iconic and longest-lived platform.

Concerning the AMG version seen here, it’s wearing a taller bumper with larger air scoops, AMG-specific wheels, and wider fenders that accommodate the wider tires. We’ve compiled all the rumored into a speculative review, so keep reading for the all the info.

Continue reading for the full review.

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How Will Virtual Reality Affect The Car World?

‘Tis the season to be buying stuff, and so far, 2016 is looking like it’s pushing virtual reality headsets as the number one hot ticket item. But unlike a Tickle Me Elmo (oh God, I’m old), VR tech has a very real potential to upend a variety of well-established industries, including the automotive space. There’s no way to know for sure what’ll happen until VR hits the mainstream in a major way, but in the interim, we can put on our collective thinking caps and do a little chin scratching.

If we were to guess, VR will probably benefit the car world in some ways, while hampering it in others. The net effect most likely won’t fall definitively on either side of the fence – rather, the technology will simply change the industry, transforming it in potentially unexpected ways.

Of course, what follows is little more than a few educated guesses. Got some insight of your own? Let us know what you think in the comments!

Continue reading for our take on how virtual reality will affect the car world.

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What Can We Expect From The Alpine A120 And Its Hotter Variants?

Renault’s long drawn out plan to bring back the Alpine brand is now taking shape with the arrival of the mid-engined Alpine A120 sports car. The sports coupe is expected to make its debut at the start of 2017 ahead of the planned release sometime in the third quarter of the year. But new details have emerged about the Alpine A120 as there now appears to be plans to expand the brand’s lineup with different variants of the A120.

Word from Autocar reveals that a convertible is expected to follow the coupe in due time and a high performance variant is also in the pipeline. Details surrounding these additional variants are still being kept under wraps, but it is understood that both models are already in “advanced” development so information about them could be coming sooner than later.

For now, all eyes are on the A120 as it gears up for its long-awaited unveiling, which in itself has been years in-the-making as a result of several false starts that plagued the project. But now that it’s getting close to finally becoming a real thing, the expectation is that the A120 will be using a 1.8-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that will develop close to 300 horsepower, giving it a higher output than both the 240-horsepower Alfa Romeo 4C and right about the same figure as the Porsche 718 Cayman. All of the power generated by the A120’s turbo four will likely course through a revised version of the Renault Clio RS’s six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, allowing it to sprint from 0 to 62 mph in just under 4.5 seconds.

Once sales for the A120 commences next year, the sports coupe is tipped to get a starting price of about £50,000 to £55,000, or the equivalent of about $53,000 to $58,000 based on current exchange rates. Alpine managing director Michael van der Sande also hinted that production for the car could range from 5,000 to 7,000 units on an annual basis with models being sold in a handful of dealerships across Europe. Don’t expect the A120 to hit U.S. shores anytime soon.

Continue after the jump to read the full story.

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Chevrolet Corvette ZR1

The seventh-generation Chevrolet Corvette was unveiled in early 2013 and introduced for the 2014 model year. It replaced the nine-year-old C6 and essentially changed the way enthusiasts viewed the Corvette thanks to its significant upgrades. Besides the more angular and aggressive styling, the C7 also received a revamped interior that no longer made use of cheap plastics. The cabin was finally moved into premium territory, putting an end to decades of criticism. Under the hood, the ’Vette continues to use a naturally aspirated, 6.2-liter V-8 powerplant, but the old LS3 was replaced with the brand-new LT1.

While it spawned the usual supercharged Z06 and race-spec R versions, as well as a Grand Sport and numerous limited-edition models, the seventh-generation Vette entered its third model year without a range-topping ZR1 in its lineup. A successor to the most powerful version of the C6 was rumored ever since the standard C7 arrived in dealerships, but in three years we got nothing more than unconfirmed rumors and speculation. Actually, at some point GM did say that a ZR1 won’t happen, and then the upcoming mid-engined Corvette, likely called the Zora, caught our entire attention.

The supercharged ’Vette gained more traction in May 2016, when General Motors filed a trademark for the "ZR1" name. Although a trademark doesn’t necessarily mean the car in question is actually coming, the spy shots we received from our paparazzi in the second half of 2016 pretty much confirm there’s a new ZR1 underway. The high-performance coupe is expected to arrive for the 2018 model, meaning that its official debut could take place in early 2017. Keep reading for more info on the new ZR1 and stay tuned for updates.

Updated 11/29/2016: Our spy photographers caught the upcoming Corvette ZR1 out for a new testing session. When compared to the previous prototypes, this new one dropped significant camouflage, meaning its world debut is imminent.

Continue reading to learn more about the 2018 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1.

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TopSpeed's Top 5 Automotive Leftovers

If you’re like me, you’re probably just coming around from your annual post-Thanksgiving tryptophan-induced coma, and paired with your newfound consciousness is a renewed hunger for all those delicious dishes chilling out in the fridge. As long it’s properly stored, the extra turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, and gravy will last for a while – kinda like a well maintained used car. So in that spirit, we’ve put together a list of five older enthusiast cars ready for Round Two.

As you might suspect, we’ve focused primarily on performance and fun factor behind the wheel for this list, but daily drivability, reliability, and cost to own were also factored in.

So then – are you picking through the automotive cupboard looking for something to satisfy? If you answered “yes,” then consider the following tasty possibilities…

Continue reading for our list of Top 5 Automotive Leftovers.

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Tesla Software 8.1 Coming In A Few Weeks Will Unlock Enhanced Autopilot

Tesla CEO Elon Musk has finally pinned down a date for the arrival of the 8.1 version of the automaker’s “Enhanced Autopilot” software suite, replying to a tweet from a new Tesla Model S owner and saying the new software will go live in “about three weeks” and that its features will be rolled out “incrementally in monthly releases.”

Musk’s response is not as specific as we’d like it to be, but it does fit into the company’s previous statement that the autonomous functions to the new system would only be enabled as soon as the new Autopilot hardware has been validated and calibrated through real-world driving by owners of the Model S and Model X. The automaker’s “Tesla Vision” system is expected to enhance the car’s autonomous driving features and leading to it being capable of Level 5 full autonomous driving by 2018.

To get there, Tesla, according to Musk, will be making monthly updates to the system to add new features into the mix and restore old features like lane keep assist, self-parking, active cruise control, and self-parking. All these features were disabled when Tesla introduced Autopilot 2.0 last month, saying that it was done to “further calibrate the system.”

Now that these features are expected to return in the coming weeks, the clock now starts for Tesla to see through its goal of taking Autopilot 2.0 to levels that its predecessor couldn’t attain. The electric carmaker has never been the type to shy away from setting lofty goals for itself and it did so during Autopilot 2.0’s “surprise” announcement last October when it laid out a timetable to get Tesla models built in 2016 to advance to level 3 autonomy in the coming months, before moving on to level 4 autonomy and then to level 5 autonomy in two years’ time.

That said, these updates are still “subject to regulatory approval” so that’s another angle that owners of the Tesla Model S and Model X should pay attention to once the first wave of Autopilot 2.0’s software updates goes live.

Continue after the jump to read the full story.

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Mercedes G-Class G-Cross by Hofele Design

The Mercedes G-Class’ appeal is undeniable, even if it caters to a specific clientele. Let’s face it; it’s the only Mercedes model that flies against the company’s existing design language with a utilitarian look that hits off well with the same people who enjoy models like the Jeep Wrangler and the Land Rover Defender. But the G-Class’ appeal also extends to the tuning world where a handful of aftermarket companies have developed kits specifically for the off-road conquering SUV. Most of these kits revolve around the AMG G63, but every so often, a tuner comes by with a kit specifically for “lesser” variants of the G-Class. Here then is Hofele Design, one of the most renowned German tuners in the business, and it’s presenting the “G-Cross,” a tuning program for the G-Class with an extra engine tune specifically for the G350 Diesel variant.

Hofele Design has also taken pride in being different so it’s no surprise that the G-Cross program follows that template. Remember when it developed an Audi R8-inspired kit for the convertible variant of the Audi A5 back in 2009? The G-Cross kit isn’t audacious as that program, but it does come with upgrades that alters the G-Class’ overall look, which in itself is a challenge considering that Mercedes has resisted on making sweeping aesthetic changes of its own.

The program itself is admittedly not for everyone, but for those who want their G-Class SUVs to get a different look, this kit is certainly worth a look or two. At the very least, you can take comfort knowing that the G-Cross tuning program is from a German tuner that has been in the business for more than 30 years. You don’t get to have that kind of longevity in a business as cutthroat as the aftermarket auto tuning scene without knowing what you’re doing.

Continue after the jump to read more about the Mercedes G-Class “G-Cross” by Hofele Design.

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from Top Speed http://ift.tt/2fJAHhs

Are Automakers Force Feeding Us Subliminal Messaging in Regards to Autonomous Vehicles?

With fully-autonomous cars on the horizon, automakers and regulatory boards everywhere are pushing the envelope as hard as possible. We keep hearing about how great, safe, and time-saving a world full of autonomous vehicles will be, but do you honestly hear anyone you know saying something like “I can’t wait for self-driving cars” or “I’m so ready to give put my life in the hands of some complex computer algorithms?” No, you probably don’t, and some studies even show that a majority of people aren’t ready to give up the steering wheel. But, autonomous cars are still being pushed on us anyway, with new vehicles including semi-autonomous features like automatic braking and adaptive cruise control built in without the user option to disable.

Then there’s Tesla who’s practically heading off the self-driving idea and allowing its customers to put their life and that of others in risk to help build awareness that the technology is safe. Still, there are lots of people who enjoy driving, and will do their best to not give up the wheel, myself included. So, what’s the best way to build trust in something new with the masses quickly and efficiently? Easy, force them to use the features (think emergency braking) then subliminally convince them to trust those systems via tacky and annoying commercials.

There are quite a few out there, but I’m just going to highlight two because they are perfect examples of what I’m talking about. Let’s dive in.

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from Top Speed http://ift.tt/2gDRlnl

Rezvani Beast Alpha

The Rezvani Beast came to be in 2014, less than a year after Rezvani Motors was established in 2014. Developed as a street-legal race car, the Beast is based on the British-made Ariel Atom, using not only its lightweight chassis, but Honda Racing engine too. Much like any carmaker focused on track-ready, limited-production cars, Rezvani focuses on creating various versions of its original sports car rather than developing new products. The initial Beast was followed by a Speedster version in 2016, while the 2017 model year brought the Beast X, Rezvani’s quickest and most powerful vehicle to date. At the 2016 Los Angeles Auto Show, Rezvani unveiled yet another variant of the Beast, called the Alpha.

Although much of the styling is identical to any other Beast we’ve seen so far, there are two very important features that set the Alpha apart. First, it has a targa-style roof. Granted, it’s removable and turns the car into a proper roadster, but when in place, it provides the comfort of a regular coupe, as well as better aerodynamics. Second, the Alpha uses a Lotus-derived chassis instead of the Ariel Atom underpinnings found in other Beast models. Third, the engine is turbocharged rather than supercharged. Finally, it comes with a rather unconventional door system, which Rezvani dubbed "SideWinder."

Despite the updates, it’s not significantly more expensive than the standard Beast ,which is a real treat given that the limited-edition Beast X had a nearly 60-percent premium. But let’s find out more about that as well as what makes the Alpha special in the review below.

Continue reading to learn more about the Rezvani Beast Alpha.

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from Top Speed http://ift.tt/2fJDAij