Nissan Skyline celebrates 60th anniversary with Hokusai’s art

Who doesn’t know the Nissan Skyline? The Skyline was first introduced by the Japan-based Prince Motor Company in 1957, as the successor of the Prince Sedan, and later on when Nissan and Prince merged in 1966, the Skyline was then sold in dealership stores called Nissan Prince Shop.

The main designer and engineer of the Skyline was Shinichiro Sakurai, he was a chief influencer from the beginning until his death in 2011. The Skyline comes in several body types including: sedan, coupe, crossover, convertible, and station wagons.

To celebrate the anniversary of the Skyline sixty years later, Nissan commemorated each generation of the model with a woodblock print from famed artist Hokusai - each poster comes as a scroll with an illustration of the car model and a backdrop of one of Hokusai’s work of art.

For instance, the original 1957 model is drawn over Hokusai’s famous giant wave print with a small Mount Fuji on the ride hand side, which serves as a background of the Skyline. In fact, the first two generations of the Skyline are actually not Nissans, but they still remained in the lineup after the merger was established.

LeVolant Boost says that the artworks will be on display at the Grand Sumo wrestling location for a limited time only from May 14 to May 28. So if you’re going to be in Japan in the next two weeks, you know where to go.

At last year’s Europe’s Japfest, the largest show celebrating Japanese culture and cars, there was a poll for the “Most Iconic Japanese Car Ever”, and it was a landslide. The Skyline got the most number of votes - therefore winning the poll. The Toyota Supra came in second place, while the Subaru Impreza WRX came in third.

In Japan, the Skyline and the GT-R are considered two separate elements in Nissan’s lineup. And for other markets, the Skyline is known as the Infiniti Q50. However, it seems like the plan to equip the model with GT-R’s 3.8 liter biturbo V6 engine will not be happening. Too bad, as it will be nice to have a top-performing four-door.

But today, the GT-R is still on sale after it was given a facelift by Nissan. And we can expect a hybrid version of it for the next generation model, though there is no timeframe yet for the arrival of the new coupe.

It would be a great idea if the Japanese company can actually print a lot more copies of these and sell them individually, or better yet, as a set. Skyline enthusiasts will definitely be interested to buy the prints. The cool thing about this is the fact that art has been combined with iconic cars.

The World's Coolest Taxi Driver Has A Ford Focus RS As His Work Wheels

Over 18 months, Norwegian taxi driver Evald Jåstad has clocked nearly 80,000 miles in his Focus RS

If you’re a taxi driver, ideally you want a car that’s roomy and frugal. Something like a five-year-old Skoda Superb, perhaps. Evald Jåstad is no ordinary taxi driver though, as he has a Ford Focus RS as his work wheels. And in 18 months, he’s clocked a heroic 78,000 miles. Presumably free of any head gasket issues…

Ford Is Planning Automated Police Cars And Skynet Is Coming For Us

The once-laughable dystopian future envisaged in James Cameron's The Terminator is creeping ever closer, with Ford's plans to put unprecedented power in the hands of machines

Ford is designing systems that would permit fully-automated police cars that could, with all the coldness of science, dish out arbitrary punishments to law-breaking drivers.

Patent applications from Ford reveal the company’s plans to automate police cars so that they could send warning messages direct to your car, issue fines and points penalties over the airwaves, chase offenders down or even take direct control of your car’s steering, brakes and throttle against your will.

Officers could sit on board if they wished, but they wouldn’t be needed. On-board artificial intelligence, described as ‘deep neural networks,’ would let the crafty car seek out the best places to hide in order to catch rule-benders and breakers in the act.

It would also be linked via the Internet to CCTV, number plate recognition cameras and static speed cameras, which could all help PC Ford zero in on its targets. The idea is to ‘free’ police staff to catch crims that computers never could. But… we can’t be the only ones who find this deeply unsettling, right?

Anonymous 4thEstate@4thAnon

Welcome to hell, everyone. Ford aims to patent an autonomous police car that can ticket you https://www.cnet.com/roadshow/news/ford-patents-an-autonomous-police-car-that-can-ticket-you/ …

8:15 AM - Jan 27, 2018

Ford patents an autonomous police car that can ticket you

Welcome to hell, everyone.

cnet.com

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Take this quote from The Times:

“Mark Skilton, of Warwick Business School, said that Ford’s patent was realistic. Autonomous police cars could also have the ability to take over the controls of suspect vehicles, he said.”

Soon there might not be much call for the good old Focus and Transit on police fleets

Intriguingly, the documents describe the future Robocop(car) as dealing with infractions made not just by human-driven cars, but by automated ones as well. How would automated cars break the law without outright consciousness, and how could you possibly punish anyone for it if they did? A fine for the manufacturer, maybe? A slapped bumper for the car?

This one raises more questions than answers, and, frankly, for the sake of steering Earth clear of a The Terminator scenario, we kind of hope it doesn’t get built at all.

Mazda's MX-5 RF Is Massively Out-Selling The Traditional Soft-Top

It looks like a hard-top roof is a priority for MX-5-buying Brits, as sales figures reveal a huge swing towards the RF during 2017 despite less time on sale

The Mazda MX-5 RF outsold the traditional soft-top version in the UK by almost 40 per cent last year, despite being on sale for two months less.

The RF hit showrooms on 4 March last year, giving the soft-top a two-month, three-day head-start, but the electrically folding hard-top is clearly a winner with buyers. Sales figures obtained by Car Throttle show that the MX-5 RF found 2911 homes in Britain last year, versus 1787 sales for the rag-top.

Mazda’s available global sales figures don’t break things down by body style, so we can’t compare the UK’s results to those from around the world, but it’s a clear indicator of how much a tin-top roof matters to British convertible buyers – at least towards the lower end of the market.

The likes of Audi, Bentley, BMW and Mercedes have all previously stated that their customers prefer a canvas roof, because they want people to know they’re in an expensive convertible.

MX-5 buyers seem to want the extra security of metal protecting their heads – and potentially their valuables – instead of the lower centre of gravity and lighter weight of the original ND variant.

As long as the soft-top keeps its position as the original and best, we don’t mind one bit. It’s still one of this writer’s favourite new cars on sale today. In 2.0-litre Sport Nav guise, thanks, or better yet, the 1.5-litre car after a visit to BBR…

Mazda Is Planning To Make Petrol Cars As Clean As EVs

The Japanese internal combustion-enthusiasts at Mazda are targeting vast leaps in petrol engine efficiency for future generations

Mazda says it is working on petrol engines that, once the energy supply chain is taken into account, are as clean as battery-fed powertrains.

There’s plenty of debate behind the scenes as to the true environmental benefits of electric cars when so much of the electricity that powers them comes from burning fossil fuels. Some companies, like Ecotricity, promise to supply their EV-charging outlets only from renewable sources, but Mazda says electrification isn’t the only way to save the planet.

In a technical conference the company has announced its plans for a range of engines called SkyActiv-3. They will eventually follow on from the SkyActiv-X units that feature Spark Controlled Compression Ignition, or SPCCI. Arriving before the end of March 2019 at the latest, the SPCCI engines will already offer a step change in fuel economy potential.

SkyActiv-3 will mark a gargantuan leap, though, if Mazda can pull it off. It committed itself to internal combustion last year, and now we know how it plans to do it. Its target is to almost double the thermal efficiency of its petrol engines, raising them by 27 per cent and reaching 56 per cent overall.

At the moment that’s simply impossible. If Mazda can find a way, though, stratospheric efficiency is on the cards, along with a target of 25 per cent less carbon emissions. That would serve buyers with well-to-wheel emissions ratings on a par with electric cars that run on electricity generated by gas-fired power stations.

Naturally, because Mazda is trying to achieve what is, today, technically impossible, there’s no time-scale for bringing SkyActiv-3 to market. We doff our caps to the Japanese firm for trying, though.

Geneva Motor Show Preview: Mansory Cormeum is a strange SLS AMG

After we saw the Hamann Hawk, it is time to see another tuning programme for the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG: behold the Mansory Cormeum. As you can see from the photos, the front end of the car is completely changed and now features a brand new front bumper, bonnet and new headlights borrowed from the Ferrari 599 GTO. We have to admit, the design is quite interesting but we do like the original design, it is much better than this one.

Moreover, the new design also includes new front and rear fenders, side sills, a new rear apron with integrated exhaust system and a new big rear wing. The design is completed by the new 20-inch wheels (21-inch on the rear) nsory wheels wrapped in high performance tires.

Under the hood, the 6.2-liter engine delivers an impressive 660 hp / 485 kW (standard version delivers 563 bhp), but Mansory offers a new performance level where the total output can be increased to 800 hp. Inside, the car features a newly designed centre console, a newly developed full size airbag sports steering wheel, aluminium pedals and real carbon applications.

At first glimpse, the MANSORY Cormeum may appear like a Mercedes SLS AMG, although some people may do a double take. After all, the MANSORY Cormeum was derived from the Mercedes SLS AMG, with several differences separating the development of MANSORY Design & Holding GmbH and the creation of Mercedes-AMG.

The head-turning stunning design of the MANSORY Cormeum was the brainchild of owner and head designer Kourosh Mansory, who himself personally selected the name for the Mercedes SLS AMG derivative. Just like the Bugatti Veyron derivative Vincero, the Mercedes SLS AMG was inspirationally named after an aria -- Vide Cor Meum. Compared to the base Mercedes SLS AMG, the MANSORY Cormeum is around 90 kg lighter but is stiffer, thanks to the optimizations that Kourosh Mansory's team has implemented.

Moreover, MANSORY replaced the roof and the wing doors with its ultra-light developments. MANSORY also replaced the serial bumper with its own front skirt, which has a carefully designed and engineered shape to help reduce the uplifting forces at the front axle.

The front end of the MANSORY Cormeum now features a new LED light unit as well as larger air inlets, giving its front fascia a more dynamic appearance. On the other hand, the interior of the MANSORY Cormeum has been transformed into a highly functional control center that features a state-of-the-art design and a high-level of quality.

Kourosh Mansory's team also employed only the most exquisite materials to provide the interior with a high level of comfort and highly refined elegance. In fact, the highly acceptable and superiorly soft processed leather used on the newly designed center console of the MANSORY Cormeum features special grain and perfect decorative stitches.

Moreover, the MANSORY Cormeum is specified with a full size airbag sports steering wheel as well as aluminum pedals and real carbon applications. Providing superb power output of around 660 hp, the MANSORY Cormeum would have limited production of only 15 examples to be built.

PRESS RELEASE

MANSORY Cormeum – super sports car in a striking carbon shell

The MANSORY Cormeum leaves few reminders of the Mercedes SLS AMG. The sports car manufactured in Affalterbach is only the basis for the latest development of the automobile manufacturer MANSORY Design & Holding GmbH situated in Brand near Bayreuth. 660 hp and 90 kg less weight are only two unique selling points of this exceptional automobile which can only be obtained in a limited edition of 15 cars. At first glance, the striking design created by its owner and head designer Kourosh Mansory can easily be discerned. Also the name was picked personally by Kourosh Mansory: An aria was already the source of his inspiration for the refined Bugatti Veyron (Vincerò) and this time this is the aria Vide Cor meum.

In order to meet the increased requirements of the sports car when it comes to light weight and torsional stiffness, Kourosh Mansory's team optimises almost the entire car body and also exchanges the roof and the wing doors with ultra-light own developments. A MANSORY front skirt replaces the serial bumper and due to its well-engineered shape it reduces the uplifting forces at the front axle. Larger air inlets in connection with a new LED light unit provide the two-seater with an even more dynamic face.

Additionally, the new front skirt supplies the enlarged cooler with more fresh air and subsequently propels the air out of the new bonnet. MANSORY also replaces the front and rear mudguards with broader newly designed light-weight parts. Therefore, the Cormeum extends by 66 millimetres at the front axle and impressive 84 millimetres at the rear axle. MANSORY side skirts make the two-seater look even lower and longer and perfectly enhance the rims. The rear has also been significantly redesigned by the aerodynamic specialists. The apron has been exchanged and a race diffuser renders additional downforce. A rear spoiler with carbon flaps completes the aerodynamic overall package.

The extended wheel houses of the MANSORY Cormeum are filled with exclusive forged wheels with central locking. They measure 9x20 inches with 265/30er tyres at the front and 11x21 inches with 295/25er tyres at the rear axle. The tyres are provided by MANSORY's partner Michelin. Due to new springs and dampers, the Cormeum' s centre of gravity is 20 mm lower than the basic model and therefore additionally emphasises the exclusive rims.

The core part of the engine modification is the adjustment of high-performance compressors. Also a sports air filter and a sports exhaust system made of stainless steel are fitted. These components are adjusted to each other with the help of a new map for engine electronics. With a top performance of 660 hp / 485 kW and a maximum torque of 4,850 r.p.m., the MANSORY engine exactly meets the wishes of its ambitious motor sports clientele. Another performance increase up to 800 hp is already tested.

As usual, MANSORY turns the interior into a highly functional control centre with unsurpassable quality and innovative design. Only most exquisite materials are used for the interior design and therefore render a high level of comfort. The leather which is processed with masterly skill is very endurable and still extraordinarily soft. The characteristic natural product with its special grain and the masterly perfected decorative stitches render an extravagant impression around the newly designed centre console. Another highlight is the newly developed full size airbag sports steering wheel. The aluminium pedals and the real carbon applications complete the luxurious overall impression of the Cormeum.

Lexus UX crossover may officially debut at the 2018 Geneva Motor Show in March

It is only a little over a month away until the 2018 Geneva Motor Show, where Lexus is reported to unveil the small crossover, UX. And yet, we still have not seen any spy shots of it until now. Back in 2016, it was previewed at the Paris Motor Show by a namesake concept, as a competitor of the BMW X1 and Audi Q3.

But whether or not we will see the model in Geneva in a few weeks or not, the UX will be the model to take the place of the CT 200h in the United States, and it will actually stand as the entry level model from Lexus.

The automaker has actually already taken measures to register the UX200, UX250, and UX 250h with the United States Patent and Trademark Office. It doesn’t guarantee anything yet but it likely means that there is a good chance it will sooner or later land in U.S. shores. Sales of crossovers and SUVs in this country add up to about 60 percent of the company’s sales. Therefore, adding the small crossover to the lineup just makes more sense.

Unlike the concept that we saw before, the road going model will not look as outrageous or avant-garde. But of course, the concept still acts as a preview of the production model, so we are expecting to see similar design elements. Moving into the interior, this is where we will see most of the changes, though we don’t know yet exactly what to expect. We believe the production model will abandon the suicide doors of the concept and instead stick to a more traditional layout with B-pillars.

Since the UX will be the company’s entry level model, Lexus plans to target this model at the younger audience. The model will even get a piece of the GLA’s pie, another small premium crossover that will likely make the transition to a new generation sometime in 2019.

So far, Lexus has not shared any details when it comes to the UX’s pricing. Though it will definitely not go under $30,000 MSRP in the United States, we know that it will at least be priced that much. We are guessing it will have similar pricing as its competitors including the X1 that costs $33,900, the GLA with a price tag of $33,400, and the Q3 that starts from $32,900.

The Geneva Motor Show will take place at the Palexpo Arena in Switzerland, and will be open to the public from March 8-18. What other models can we expect to see at the Geneva Motor Show? Well, a lot! Expect to see models from Bentley, BMW, Citroen, Ferrari, Fiat, Jaguar, Jeep, Kia, Lexus, McLaren, Mercedes-Benz and many more.

Recall issued for Jeep’s Grand Cherokee Trackhawk to repair easily detachable fuel lines

There are various challenges attached to creating a vehicle with an output of 707 horsepower. First of all, the vehicle will have to be constantly supplied with a generous stream of fuel. Apparently, that task proved to be too much for one of the suppliers of the components for the Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk.

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that the fuel lines of this Trackhawk could detach. And when that happens, not only will the 6.2 liter supercharged V8 engine starve, but it will also start a fire.

Having said that, the FCA has reportedly recalled 1,242 units of these models in the United States to check and repair their fuel lines. The automaker estimates that these models were produced between October 10 during the beginning of the production and December 10, which is when a new quality control process was initiated. Lower versions of the Grand Cherokee are not affected here even if they have been furnished by the same supplier. This is because their fuel lines were made on a separate production line.

The recall process is scheduled to begin on March 2. For now, the manufacturer has halted sales of units that are still sitting in the dealer lots.

Among the FCA’s pool of cars, the Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk is the third model to be fitted with the Hellcat’s engine. The first two are the Dodge Charger sedan and Challenger coupe. Under its hood is a 6.4 liter Hemi V8 that has been modified to fit a longer camshaft. It has also been given a supercharger so it can produce as much as 707 horsepower and 645 pound feet of torque.

Unlike the Charger and the Challenger that are offered with an all wheel drive variant, the Trackhawk is the only model that pairs the Hellcat engine with a four wheel traction. This lets the Grand Cherokee accelerate from zero to 60 miles per hour in just 3.5 seconds, and continue on to cover a quarter mile in 11.6 seconds, before maxing out at 180 miles per hour.

The Grand Cherokee Trackhawk is currently the most powerful SUV in the world right now. In fact, not even the Lamborghini Urus can outplay it.

If you’re reading this and you own a Grand Cherokee Trackhawk, ask your dealer if your unit is among those affected by the recall. There’s absolutely no reason to delay the inspection and repair of the fuel lines as the repercussions could be serious in this case.

2019 Ram 1500 Laramie Longhorn Edition is for leather lovers

We first saw the 2019 Ram 1500 pickup truck during the recent 2018 Detroit Auto Show where it made its very first debut, and as early as now, it already has a first special edition - the 2019 Ram 1500 Laramie Longhorn Edition. This version comes loaded with lots of leather to make the largest biker gang jealous with its tan covered cabin.

Mike Manley, Head of Ram Brand, said that the all new 2019 Ram Laramie Longhorn luxury truck will not be forced to endure any compromises. It gives customers everything they want, from strength, durability, technology, and efficiency.

When looking at it from the exterior, the luxury pickup now comes with a new grille and wheels, LED headlights and tail lights, and matching paint in Walnut Brown in either two-tone or monotone finish, making it so easy to find your truck in the parking lot.

But in the cabin is where all the cool things are. As mentioned earlier, there’s a generous amount of 100 percent full grain leather that stretches from the dash, the door panels and armrests. The seats, on the other hand, get alligator embossed leather skin covers, which match the center console, instrument panel, and door panel inserts. The seats, as well as the glove box door, get embossed Longhorn branding.

Moreover, there’s more interior trim that comes in the form of satin chrome accents and brushed nickel badging. It also comes with real wood from the barn, giving it a hint of country accents. These parts have actually been reclaimed from old bars and come standard with the package.

Like with any other models, customers could customize their Ram 1500 Laramie Longhorn Edition in the colour combination they want for the cabin. However, take note that most of the choices are mostly different shades of brown. Some of these options include a Mountain Brown / Light Mountain Brown combo, or Cattle Tan with Black, which actually is a very dark shade of brown. But no matter which colour you go for, the Laramie Longhorn’s cab is meant to be warm and inviting, and we will definitely agree with that based on the photographs we have seen. The luxury truck also features heated seats and full heat and ventilation in the back, which you really cannot get in other pickup trucks out there, making the Ram a little more special.

So far, Ram has not shared any information regarding the price of the new pickup truck line, and of course, that includes the special Laramie Longhorn Edition. But we expect them to announce the price tags of both models very soon, as they are scheduled to arrive in dealerships during the first quarter of 2018.

PRESS RELEASE

ALL-NEW 2019 RAM 1500 LARAMIE LONGHORN EDITION

Ram announces the all-new 2019 Ram 1500 Laramie Longhorn Edition — the no compromise luxury pickup leading in style, durability and efficiency.

The Ram Laramie Longhorn is the world’s benchmark for upscale pickup trucks, earning the title Luxury Pickup Truck of Texas from the Texas Auto Writers Association (TAWA) two years in a row.

“The all-new 2019 Ram 1500 Laramie Longhorn is a no-compromise luxury truck that delivers what buyers want most: strength, durability, technology and efficiency,” said Mike Manley, head of Ram brand. “Wherever you look, whatever you touch, the Laramie Longhorn is filled with more craftsman-like details, including wood surfaces and 100 percent full-grain leather seats, than any other truck in the segment.”

Layered with premium materials, the Laramie Longhorn carries iconic features and design cues from traditionally handcrafted, time-tested wares such as the antique pocket watch, hand-tooled leather cowboy boots or a horseman’s saddle. The Ram Laramie Longhorn’s wood, metal and leather elements are all authentic.

Ram 1500 Laramie Longhorn models are distinguished externally by the standard two-tone RV Match Brown trim or monotone paint, premium LED headlamps and tail lamps, and unique wheels and grilles.

Inside, the 2019 Ram 1500’s Laramie Longhorn trim exudes quality with a segment-exclusive hand-wrapped, 100 percent full-grain leather dashboard and southwestern-design-inspired door-panel and armrest coverings. Throughout the cabin, a new embossed alligator skin pattern leather covers surfaces including the center console, instrument panel, seats and door panel inserts. Other unique details include satin chrome accents, a brushed-nickel metal badge flush-mounted on the console lid and a new “Longhorn” branding mark burned on the wood-trimmed upper glove box door.

Real barn-wood accents are used throughout the cabin. Wood tandem doors on the center console reflect the heightened attention to detail and provide closed storage. At night, the cabin is accentuated with ambient lighting to create a luxurious and soothing atmosphere. Longhorn interior colors include Mountain Brown/Light Mountain Brown and Black/Cattle Tan full-leather seats with contrast piping. Heated, full-leather rear seats and class-exclusive rear seat ventilation are available on Longhorn.

A chrome billet “RAM” grille and chrome header surround the premium LED lamps with Adaptive Front-lighting System (AFS). Chrome bumpers, tow hooks and side steps come standard as do wheel flares. Two-tone color options complement the RV Match Walnut Brown paint. New 20- or 22-inch wheels are offered with a variety of complementary finishes. The Laramie Longhorn Edition belt-buckle badge appears on the front doors and tailgate.

Ram's new 1500 is the benchmark for technology and connectivity in pickups offering 4G WiFi hot spot, exclusive SiriusXM 360L personalized listening experience, SiriusXM Guardian, five USB ports to link with the award-winning Uconnect system and a segment-leading 12-inch touchscreen featuring split-screen capability for dual-application operation or full-screen single application operation.

The new 2019 Ram 1500 offers truck buyers leading-edge innovation with 225 pounds of weight reduction, up to 12,750 pounds of towing capability, the eTorque mild hybrid system and active systems that improve fuel efficiency and assist drivers. The Ram 1500 stands out as the benchmark in a very competitive segment.

About Ram Truck Brand
Since its launch as a stand-alone division in 2009, the Ram Truck brand has steadily emerged as an industry leader with trucks that are proven to last.

Creating a distinct identity for Ram trucks has allowed the brand to concentrate on core customers and the features they find valuable. Whether focusing on a family that uses a Ram 1500 day-in and day-out, a hard-working Ram 3500 Heavy Duty owner or a business that depends on its Ram ProMaster commercial van every day for deliveries, Ram has the truck market covered.

In order to be the best, it takes a commitment to innovation, capability, efficiency and durability. Ram Truck invests substantially in its products, infusing them with great looks, refined interiors, durable engines and exclusive features that further enhance their capabilities.

Ram continues to beat the competition in the most sought-after titles:

Over the last 30 years, Ram has the highest percentage of pickups still on the road
Highest owner loyalty of any half-ton pickup
Highest Ram torque ever – 930 lb.-ft. with Ram 3500 Cummins Turbo Diesel
Highest 5th wheel towing capacity – 30,000 lbs. with Ram 3500 Cummins Turbo Diesel
Best ride and handling with exclusive link coil rear and auto-level air suspensions
Best-in-class fuel economy and longest range with exclusive EcoDiesel – 27 mpg with Ram 1500
Best-in-class gas towing – 16,320 pounds with Ram 2500
Highest snow plow rating – Ram 2500 and 3500
Most luxurious trim available in pickups with Ram Tungsten Limited Edition
Most interior space with Ram Mega Cab
Most capable full-size off-road pickup – Ram Power Wagon

Truck customers, from half-ton to commercial, have a demanding range of needs and require their vehicles to provide high levels of capability. Ram trucks are designed to deliver a total package.

Mercedes-Benz’ new SL will be developed alongside the next AMG GT

At one point, the Mercedes-Benz SL was at the peak of the automaker’s lineup, but this model has lost its appeal after the Mercedes introduced newer vehicles like the AMG GT Roadster, with the latter boasting a more interesting style. Because of this, SL sales have decreased over the past few years, and now the company is trying their best to reverse this by developing a new model that will be introduced in 2021.

For a couple of months now, Mercedes-Benz has been quiet about this model. But according to Automobile, this is because the automaker is debating whether or not the next generation model should just transition into an AMG exclusive vehicle. If they decide to push through with this, that will be a huge change for them. However, the publication says that because it will be developed alongside the next-generation AMG GT that is scheduled to come out in 2022, it kind of makes sense too.

The next generation SL will be sportier than its predecessor, which really should not come as a surprise despite its AMG origins. This is because it will adopt an aluminum intensive design, together with a rear wheel steering and active stabilizer bars. Customers will also have an option to add an air suspension and a 4MATIC all-wheel drive system.

Even if the new SL will become sportier, we also expect it to come with a longer wheelbase and two rear seats. Furthermore, sources confirmed that the model will not be a full-on sports car, also because there will still be the AMG GT model that will take that role.

As for the engine, Mercedes did not confirm anything just yet, though some reports say that the model will be getting a number of hybridized powertrains including a 3.0 liter straight six with 435 hp (324 kilowatts) and a twin-turbo 4.0 liter V8 that can carry out as much as 522 horsepower (389 kilowatts) and 612 horsepower (456 kilowatts).

If rumours prove to be accurate, the Mercedes-Benz SL will also likely get a plug-in hybrid variant that will feature the larger engine, and this will be paired to an electric motor that gives out and extra 204 horsepower (152 kilowatts). When working together, both models will have a combined output of over 800 horsepower (596 kilowatts) and 738 pound-feet (1000 Newton metres) of torque.

We hope that when the Mercedes SL comes out in dealerships in 2021, this will help Mercedes improve sales for the said model. But that will all depend on how this model would turn out to become, and whether the market will love it.

Scuderia Cameron Glickenhaus previews the Boot utilitarian buggy

Scuderia Cameron Glickenhaus is not a name we always hear in this industry, but they are making quite some noise this time as they announced that they are working on a new project. This time, it is unlike their past models such as the SCG003 hypercar or an upcoming sports car, because this one can apparently go off road.

And the automaker calls this utilitarian buggy the Boot. The company is very confident with this vehicle that they will actually take it up the Ojos del Salado volcano in the Andes Mountains, with a height of 22,615 feet (6,893 meters) tall, to test it. If SCG succeeds, it will be bringing home a world record for high altitude driving.

At this point, SCG is still developing the Boot, so the specs are likely going to change. But the current prototype of the off roader gets its power from a mid-mounted, naturally aspirated 5.0 liter V8, which is paired to an automatic gearbox (and the only one that will be available). A manual gearbox isn’t possible, as the automaker does not see a demand for this. In fact, even on the 004S, the firm’s manual orders are far outweighed by the automatic ones. Nonetheless, SCG states in a post on Facebook that their 004S will be manual.

When SCG engineers built the Boot, they took most of their inspiration from off-road racers. The off roader’s suspension is actually like those in Baja and Paris Dakar. In fact, the company set out for this vehicle to have an impressive 20 inches (50.8 centimeters) of wheel travel.

Externally, one would notice that the fenders rise higher than the rest of the hood, as a way to provide more suspension travel. So the headlights have been pushed closer to the A-pillar. There is also a roof mounted snorkel, and exhausts that exit above the rear fenders. The company rendered the Boot in two variants: a four-door version that will attempt the drive up the Ojos del Salado, and a two-door version they call Steve.

Moving inside the cabin of both versions, you’d quickly notice that it features a central driving position. The layout maximizes the cabin occupancy, fitting three people into the Steve. Of course, both a heater and air conditioning will be installed.

In the United States, SCG has a low-volume manufacturer status, letting the company sell 325 vehicles annually. The automaker believes that adding the Boot could easily help them reach that figure in terms of sales. When this comes out of the market, expect it to have a base price of $100,000. That actually makes the off roader their most affordable model to date. Expect deliveries to begin sometime in 2019 or 2020.

Porsche Panamera gets a dose of GrandGT widebody kit from TechArt

After giving the Porsche 911 Cabriolet a new boost in performance, German automobile tuner TechArt is back once more with a styling kit for the new Porsche Panamera. TechArt’s GrandGT widebodykit as they call it will increase the four door sedan’s overall width by as much as 80mm at the rear and 50mm at the front.

Aside from the new front and rear bumpers, the tuning house has also included special accessories into the package. Among which includes a new sport exhaust system, carbon fiber quad tailpipes, a rear boot spoiler, rear diffuser and new side skirts.

For better variety, clients can further enhance their Panameras with a brand new set of 22-inch Formula IV alloys or with a new carbon fiber bonnet. Like the Nano Grey Porsche Panamera on the recent press release, the wheels can be had in the same color as the body paint while the brake calipers can be coated in special color as well. The twin spoke wheels are then fitted to a new set of tyres measuring 285/30 ZR 22 and 335/25 ZR 22—- for the front and rear respectively.

Inside, TechArt provides the luxurious four door’s interior with a new blend of Alcantara and leather for its upholstery. Apart from offering a wide range of color scheme for the cabin, the German auto tuner has whipped out an ergonomically enhanced steering wheel especially for the GrandGT. The Type 7 Sport steering wheel come with a size of only 360mm in diameter while owners can further highlight the cabin’s surface either with carbon fiber or gloss finish.

Outside, TechArt’s Porsche Panamera tuning package not only provides the sedan a more aggressive look but is also meant to improve the vehicle’s overall performance. At the front, the new splitter and air intakes are large enough to deliver better airflow. The bumper has a built-in radar sensors to be used with Panamera’s adaptive cruise control system. Similarly, the sedan’s overall weight has also been reduced in the process. This is made possible by the super lightweight carbon fiber hood, which now comes with new power domes at the center.

In its entirety, TechArt’s Grand GT package will make the new Porsche Panamera leaner and more menacing at the same time. Other special modifications come in the form of a fixed rear spoiler, a sportier set of wheel arches, meaner side skirts plus massive rear diffuser with carbon fiber accents.

For interested Porsche owners, TechArt’s Panamera Grand GT conversion kit is expected to come out this June while the exhaust system and power upgrades will arrive sometime in the middle of the year.

PRESS RELEASE

Uncompromisingly intense: The new TECHART GrandGT

TECHART launches a new stage of highly individual sports saloons – the new TECHART GrandGT based on the Porsche Panamera. A specific combination of dynamic design and 80 mm increased bodywidth generates the athletic appearance of the GrandGT. The distinctive aerokit sharpens the emotional appeal of the new Panamera while increasing the downforce at the same time. A large contact patch is ensured by weight-optimized, extra wide 22-inch Formula IV alloy wheels. When it comes to the interior, the TECHART Interior Manufactory refines the GrandGT according to the customers' requests in order to fulfill any luxurious or sporty prefernces.

The GrandGT conversion will be available worldwide from June, TECHART powerkits and exhaust systems will be released in the second half of 2017. The exterior of the new GrandGT. The electrifying design line combined with the increased track width express the individuality of the new GrandGT. A distinctive front apron with integrated splitter dominates the front view.

Larger air intakes optimize the airflow to the intercoolers and increase the cooling of the braking system. Visually hovering airframes host the radar sensors of the adaptive cruise control (ACC) as well as the front lights. The central air outlet underlines the sportiness of the GrandGT. The TECHART Aero Engine Lid – entirely made of carbon fiber - provides the GrandGT with an even more characteristic look. Two prominent lines and an indicated powerdome with a central air outlet point out further sporty accents.

The energetic sideview continues the masculine GrandGT design line. The vehicle width is increased by 50 mm at the front and 80 mm at the rear. Dynamic side skirts and elegantly shaped wheel arch extensions underline the powerful appearance of the GrandGT. At the GrandGT’s rear a diffusor with hovering design and four distinctive fins borders the titanium double-tailpipes with carbon fiber surrounding. The GrandGT’s athletic look is topped off by the spectacular rear spoiler on the tailgate. Impressive: Large track width and tires. The new Panamera is available with 21-inch wheels as a maximum from the factory. The tire dimensions are 275/35 ZR 21 at the front and 315/30 ZR 21 at the rear. Combined with the GrandGT aerokit, the Panamera gets equipped with wider 22-inch TECHART alloy wheels in the weight-optimized Formula IV design.

The new tire dimensions are 285/30 ZR 22 at the front and 335/25 ZR 22 at the rear, providing both, stunning design and sporty road handling. The dynamic twin-spokes wheel is available in attractive standard color variants as well as in custom colors to match the color concept of the particular GrandGT. The brake calipers can be individualized with a high temperature resistant coating in custom color, too. Unlimited individuality: The interior. Geared to the overall concept of the car, the TECHART Interior Manufactory refines the interior down to the last detail. The master craftsmen at TECHART are prepared to create a custom-made interior according to the customers very personal perception and taste.

Finest leather and Alcantara® is merged with laquered or carbon refined surfaces to a completely individual composition. The TECHART Type-7 sport steering wheel impresses with its smaller diameter (360 mm) and its ergonomic shape. From the raw steering wheel rim, TECHART’s master craftsmen then give it its typical ergonomic shape, padding and finishing with finest leather, lacquered trims, carbon fiber segments, Alcantara®, leather piping and any other TECHART options the customers may choose to individualize their steering wheel before it is finally sewed by hand. Even the paddle shifters can be refined with TECHART’s paddle trims, made of fine leather or Alcantara®. Illuminated door entry guards with individual logotype and anodized TECHART aluminium sport pedals complete the GrandGT’s interior.