Sports Cars

Hennessey recently introduced their own unique take on a Ford F150 Raptor-based SUV, called the VelociRaptor SUV, which essentially takes the said Ford F150 Raptor and makes it into an SUV, complete with a unified body. Hennessey designed it to be an official conversion kit for those who wanted more seats and space. “Over the past three years we have built nearly 400 upgraded Raptor trucks for enthusiasts around the world”, said Don Goldman, Hennessey Performance’s head honcho. “We are now very excited to be able to offer the VelociRaptor SUV to those who like the Raptor but want more seats and space.” All of the Ford’s original equipment carries over and has also been emphasized by Hennessey not to beat the truck down on the hardest trails you can find—probably after the controversy with the F150 Raptor’s cases with bent frames after hard off-roading. Though the 6.2L V8 is still good for 411hp and a 0-60 time of 7.5 seconds. It can also be optioned with a VelociRaptor 600 Supercharged upgrade, which boosts power to 600hp for a 0-60 time of 5.9 seconds. “Don’t plan on pre-running Baja or negotiating Rubicon with our SUV – that is not why we built it,” said the man himself, John Hennessey. “But, if you’re looking for the ultimate vehicle to drive from Aspen to Telluride in January, the VelociRaptor SUV would be perfect.” With a base price of $149,500, the VelociRaptor SUV will only be limited to 30 units per year. - By: Chris Chin

PistonHeads reports on receiving the scoop on the potential possibilty for a new E63 AMG Coupe and Convertible, which according to the outlet, the Silver Arrow admitted its own mistake for not doing that the first time around. Even with the newly updated models just about hitting showrooms next month, now AMG-ififed E-Class Coupe or Convertible still exists. And this is an interesting gap as well since the E-Class Coupe was once fulfilled by the old CLK-Coupe, which was not only produced in AMG form, but in AMG Black Series form. “Seen from now, yes it was a mistake,” Benz’s product manager, Gerd Junginger said to PistonHeads. “At that time, AMG had a different strategy. Now they offer an AMG version in almost all the range.” Should buyers want to get the closest thing to an E-Class AMG Coupe or Convertible, their only option would be to get the new E400, which sports a twin-turbo V6 for a very respectable 0-62 time of 5.2 seconds and the choice of an AMG sports package. Junginger also concluded that nobody should get their hopes up for a last-minute change since it’s “too late in the model cycle.” But he did say that they won’t make the same mistake next time. Guess we’ll just have to wait for the next time around. - By: Chris Chin Source: PistonHeads

WhatCarUK reports that Lexus is gearing up to release their next generation IS Coupe for the 2014 model year very soon. Much like the last generation’s IS convertible, the all-new IS Coupe will be based on the IS sedan. But it is also said be taking styling cues from the LF-CC Coupe that debuted at the 2012 Paris Auto Show. The new 2014 Lexus IS Coupe will most likely be offered with the same engine choices as the current IS sedan, which include either a 2.5L food for 204hp or a 3.5L V6 good for 306hp. A new plug-in hybrid addition may be added into the mix complete with a 2.5L four-banger for a total combined output of 220hp. Check out our original post on the Lexus LF-CC Concept. In the same report, there is a rumor that an IS-F Coupe variant is also being considered. Though no official word from Lexus has been shared whatsoever on any of the matters with the IS Coupe. Though considering the current market climate, the IS Coupe is most likely going to be the contender to the next generation BMW 3-Series Coupe (to be called the 4-Series), the next generation Infiniti G Coupe, and Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe. - By: Chris Chin Source: WhatCarUK

General Motors has officially announced that the new 2014 Spark EV will begin its leasing programs for customers beginning at $199 per month for a 36-month term with $999 due at signing. From the factory, Chevrolet’s latest EV runs with a MSRP of $27,495, though tax incentives could bring it down to as low as $19,995. The 2014 Chevrolet Spark EV is said to be capable of a total of 82 miles on a full charge for the MPGe equivalent to 119 mpg. This comes thanks to a 21 kWh lithium-ion battery pack that is also guaranteed for eight years or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first. The Spark EV can be charged up to 80% within 20 minutes on a DC Fast Charging station when they begin showing up in select locations. A full charge from empty would otherwise take seven hours on a 240V charger. A 120V charger comes standard. For full details, check out the press release after the jump. Chevrolet Spark EV Lease as Low as $199 per Month Could save owner average $150 monthly in fuel costs based on EPA assessments 2013-05-23  DETROIT. – Chevrolet announced today a low mileage lease on the new 2014 Spark EV 1LT for as low as $199 per month* for 36 months, with $999 due at lease signing including security deposit (tax, title, license dealer fees extra), making the vehicle one of the most affordable EVs on the market. Spark EV’s Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price starts at $27,495 – as low as $19,995 net of the full federal tax credit which ranges from $0 to $7,500 – and includes $810 destination freight charge. Depending on their tax situation, California Spark EV owners may also qualify for other state and local tax credits and incentives ranging from $0 to $2,500, potentially reducing the price to $17,495. Spark EV owners in California are also eligible for High-Occupancy Vehicle, or carpool lane, access.    Compared to the average new gas-powered vehicle, the Spark EV can save drivers, on average, about $150 per month in fuel costs based on EPA assessments.** The Spark EV will be available at select Chevrolet dealers throughout California and Oregon beginning mid-June 2013. “The Chevrolet Spark EV is the most efficient – and now one of the most affordable – EVs you can buy” said Chris Perry, vice president, Chevrolet Marketing. “Combined with outstanding infotainment and great design, the fun-to-drive Spark EV is engineered to impress.” The Spark EV features a combined city/highway EPA estimated range of 82 miles when fully charged and an EPA-estimated combined city/highway 119 MPGe fuel economy equivalent.  The vehicle’s 21 kWh lithium-ion battery pack will continue Chevrolet’s tradition of offering outstanding limited warranty protection – eight years or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first. Spark EV will be the first vehicle on the market to offer as an available option compatibility with the recently approved SAE combo charger for DC Fast Charging. The capability, available shortly after launch, will enable the Spark EV to recharge up to 80 percent of its capacity in approximately 20 minutes at select DC Fast Charging stations when they become available. Unlike most competitors, the Spark EV’s battery system is capable of handling multiple compatible DC Fast Charges daily. Charging can also be completed in less than seven hours using a dedicated 240V charge. A 120V charge cord set comes standard.  Charging can be managed and monitored remotely using the Spark EV’s smart phone application, provided by OnStar, which is standard for three years. Connectivity to Enhance Efficiency The 2014 Chevrolet Spark EV will offer several forms of in-vehicle connectivity, including the MyLink infotainment system that includes a seven-inch touch screen and integration with third-party apps and features such as Siri Eyes Free, Pandora and BringGo navigation. These features require the user to purchase third party apps separately on a compatible smart phone. See Chevrolet.com/MyLink for more details. The Spark EV RemoteLink application is des

Posted on 05.24.2013 11:00 by Simona Filed under: Pagani | coupe | Supercars / Exotic cars | Pagani Zonda | future cars | Cars | Car Reviews | Pagani Last year, it was rumored that Pagani would unveil a special Zonda R Evo at the 2012 Goodwood Festival of Speed. Still, nothing happened and people pretty much forgot about that model. Now, it comes into focus one more time, as it looks like an official debut is nearing.Quite a strange move from Pagani, considering that Zonda’s production ended in 2011; but even so, it looks like the company plans to build a total of five Zonda R Evolution models, which will be a faster and more powerful version of the discontinued Zonda R.Rumors suggest the new Zonda R Evolution will be powered by a 6.0-liter V-12 engine with a total output of 800 horsepower - a 50 horsepower improvement over the Zonda R. With the extra power, the Evolution will sprint from 0 to 60 mph in just 2.7 seconds and up to a top speed in excess of 217 mph.Of course, exclusivity costs, as the future Zonda R Evolution is rumored to be priced at €2 million ($2.5 million at the current exchange rates).Updated 03/24/2013: New details on the Pagani Zonda R Evolution have surfaced on the internet, thanks to the folks over GTSpirit and Prototype0.Click past the jump to read more about the Zonda R. Pagani Zonda R Evo originally appeared on topspeed.com on Friday, 24 May 2013 11:00 EST. read more

Posted on 05.24.2013 10:00 by Simona Filed under: Maserati | coupe | sports cars | car tuning | Maserati GranTurismo | Cars | Car Reviews | Maserati If you ask us, most of the sports cars coming from Italian makers rarely need many upgrades as they are nearly perfect from the factory, and the Maserati MC Stradale is no exception. After all, it has everything it needs: beauty, power and impressive performance figures.Still, there are tuners out there that think the MC Stradale can do much better. One of these tuners is Wheelsandmore and today it unveiled the Demonoxious - a specially prepared MC Stradale with an output of no less than 666 horsepower.From start you have to agree the name is rather strange. It has "Demon" in it - most likely an indication of that 666 output level - but it also has "noxious" which means poison, or "substances that can harm or kill.”Leaving the name aside, the kit is very cool. Wheelsandmore decided the car looks perfect from factory and decided to leave it that way - thanks for that - and focused only on upgrading its performance figures.Click past the jump to read more about the Maserati MC Stradale "Demonoxious" by Wheelsandmore. Maserati MC Stradale "Demonoxious" by Wheelsandmore originally appeared on topspeed.com on Friday, 24 May 2013 10:00 EST. read more

Posted on 05.24.2013 09:00 by Kirby Garlitos Filed under: | video | car racing | Need for Speed | XBox | PlayStation 4 | Cars | Car News With the upcoming launch of both the Xbox One and the Playstation 4, a new generation of video games is about to follow. Both Forza Motorsport and Gran Turismo have already released previews of the next-gen versions of their video game franchises.Now, it’s Need For Speed’s turn.Just like its predecessors, Need For Speed: Rivals takes a different approach to the usual hardcore street racing involved in Forza and Gran Turismo. Instead, its gamers will be given the opportunity to either play the game as a the street racer or the cop, ensuring that they can experience the thrills of being the chaser or the runner, depending on what suits their style better.Even better, the cars available for Need for Speed: Rivals will be some of the finest you can ever drive, including the Ferrari F12berlinetta, which has found its way into the game as part of a new partnership with the Italian automaker.Need for Speed: Rivals will hit shelves on November 19, 2013 and will be available for the Xbox 360, the Xbox One, and the PlayStation 4.Click past the jump to watch the teaser trailer of Need For Speed: Rivals Video: Need For Speed Releases NFS: Rivals Teaser Trailer originally appeared on topspeed.com on Friday, 24 May 2013 09:00 EST. read more

Posted on 05.24.2013 08:00 by Kirby Garlitos , Justin Cupler Filed under: Lexus | coupe | Lexus IS | sports cars | future cars | Cars | Car News After much teasing and prodding, Lexus finally unveiled the third-generation IS sedan earlier this year at the Detroit Auto Show.Well, it looks like the Japanese automaker isn’t done with its IS lineup just yet.According to What Car, Lexus is expected to launch a coupe version of the IS in 2014, which will be based on the IS sedan.As far as styling goes, the IS Coupe will take inspiration from the 2012 LF-CC Concept that we first saw at the 2012 Paris Motor Show. Should that be the case, you can expect the IS Coupe to carry some of the concept’s design elements, including the large trapezoidal front grille, the contoured and aggressive looking profile, and the expansive use of LED lights.As far as powertrain is concerned, the thinking within Lexus is to outfit the IS Coupe with the same 2.5-liter hybrid engine, which would only be available in Europe, Japan and other markets, if the coupe model stays consistent with the sedan. In this case, U.S.-bound IS Coupe models would likely arrive with the same 2.5 and 3.5-liter engines as the American sedan, which produce 204 horsepower and 306 horsepower, respectively.Click past the jump read about the Lexus LF-CC Concept and the upcoming IS Coupe Lexus IS Coupe originally appeared on topspeed.com on Friday, 24 May 2013 08:00 EST. read more

Alfa Romeo Giulietta Collezione limited edition announced Alfa Romeo is introducing a new special edition of the Giulietta, this time entitled Collezione. About a month ago, Alfa Romeo Giulietta launched a limited time to celebrate the vehicle’s involvement in Fast & Furious 6 and now bring the Collezione range that starts from £ 18,265. It is available in three colors: solid black, white and red Alfa Ghiaccio with all feature a contrasting roof. The car rides titanium alloys and 17-inch look is further distinguished by chrome door handles, headlights and mirrors surrounding dark titanium-effect. The wins cabin interior black and red fabric upholstery with contrasting stitching and inlays titanium finish. Blue & Me and the air conditioning is provided as standard, while engine options include the 120 hp (89 kW), 1.4 TB and 170 hp (127 kW) 1.4 TB MultiAir petrol mills, along with 105 hp (78 kW) 1.6 JTDM and 140 hP (104 kW) 2.0 JTDM diesel.

BMW 7-Series V12 Bi-Turbo special edition launched in Japan BMW has released a limited edition 7-Series V12 Bi-Turbo in Japan available for ¥ 22,600,000 (about $ 223,000 / 172,000 / € 147,000 GBP). In the background is a twin-turbo 6.0-liter V12 with VANOS technology mass production of 554 hp (407 kW). It is equipped with the M aerodynamics package and sits on wheels V-spoke 21-inch alloy, while gains Nappa leather interior. Other highlights include dark chrome finish exhaust pipe and the kidney grill, ceramic finish vents and iDrive controller, plus a sound system 16 speakers featuring Bang & Olufsen 1200 watts. Limited to 52 units exclusively for Japan, the BMW 7-Series special edition V12 Bi-Turbo will be available on request through August, with deliveries starting in October.