Ferrari has confirmed that it will reveal a new model later today in a post on its official Instagram page. An accompanying image reveals little about the new car, but we can see a blurred grey silhouette travelling at speed, reflected in a pair of sunglasses. A video posted to the same account earlier this week features clips of famous Italian landmarks and traffic in urban areas, suggesting that it will be a less performance-focused model than the recently revealed F8 Tributo and SF90 Stradale. One possibility is that the firm will reveal a hardtop coupé variant of its entry-level Portofino sports car, following the unveiling last month of the 812 GTS and F8 Spider convertibles. In that case, we can expect it to retain the grand tourer’s turbocharged 3.9-litre V8, which produces 592bhp and 561lb ft. The new car is likely to offer a slight performance advantage over the drop-top, however, with the loss of a weighty roof mechanism. Full details of the new model will be available later today at
Origin: Ferrari to reveal new model later today
New Land Rover Defender to star in 25th James Bond film
Land Rover has confirmed that the new Defender will have a starring role in the next James Bond film. The latest instalment in the iconic secret agent series, No Time to Die, will be released in the UK on April 3 2020, and will feature the reborn off-roader taking part in a traditional car chase sequence. The exact nature of the Defender’s role is yet to be confirmed, but Land Rover claims the production’s stunt team have driven it in “the most extreme off-road conditions, demonstrating its unstoppable nature”. A video clip released by the firm shows a group of Defenders being driven at speed on challenging off-road terrain and jumping high into the air, with one clip showing the car seemingly rolling onto its side. The Defender selected for the film is the mid-sized 110 variant, which will arrive in UK dealerships ahead of the shorter 90 and longer 130. It has been specified in range-topping X trim, and equipped with optional equipment including darkened skid plans, 20in black alloy wheels and heavy-duty off-road tyres. Speculation that the Defender could appear in No Time to Die was fuelled by spy shots of the model on set in August, a month before it was officially unveiled at the Frankfurt motor show. The SUV will appear alongside Aston Martin’s upcoming Valhalla hypercar, which was confirmed as the hero car in June. The mid-engined hybrid is the latest in a long line of Aston models to feature in Bond films, following past appearances from the firm’s DB5, DBS, Vanquish, V8 Vantage and one-off DB10 models. Land Rover has also confirmed that its Range Rover Sport SVR will appear in the new film, alongside a selection of historic models including the Series III and Range Rover
Origin: New Land Rover Defender to star in 25th James Bond film
Brampton-built Dodges recalled for having the wrong wheels installed
2019 Dodge Challenger Hellcat RedeyeNick Tragianis / Driving Dodge is recalling 173 new Challengers and Chargers in North America because the factory installation of the incorrect wheels could inadvertently cause the tires to burst.Some 111 Chargers and 62 Challengers of various trims built in Dodges Brampton, Ontario assembly plant between May 28 and September 25, 2019 may have seen fitted a particular high-gloss black wheel and brake package that should not have been an available option from the factory.These wheels could allow the steering knuckle to contact the front tires, rubbing and possibly causing a puncture, assembly line workers noted before raising a red flag. No incidents related to the issue have been reported so far.Dealers will replace the front wheels on affected cars, and, if necessary, the front tires as
Origin: Brampton-built Dodges recalled for having the wrong wheels installed
Rolls-Royce gives the Cullinan the Black Badge treatment
Rolls-Royce’s interpretation of super-luxury in 2019 is this: black. Actually, that’s been the British automaker’s idea of ultimate luxury for a few years now. It created the Black Badge series back in 2016 with the Wraith and Ghost, followed by the Dawn in 2017. Now, after a two-year hiatus, R-R is back in black, this time with its SUV having received the shadow treatment to become “the darkest and most urban statement of Black Badge yet.”The Rolls-Royce Black Badge Cullinan is all-around more ominous, with a black exterior that’s been hand-finished at Rolls HQ in Goodwood; darkened chrome on details like the grille surround and exhaust pipes; a high-gloss black chrome Spirit of Ecstasy badge; and 22-inch forged alloy wheels finished in black and dark chrome. Power gets amped a decent boost, too. The Black Badge model boasts an upgraded 6.8-litre V12 good for 600 horsepower and 664 lb.-ft. of torque, up from the 563 hp and 627 lb.-ft. delivered by the standard Cullinan model. To fully appreciate the symphony of that turbocharged V12, Rolls-Royce has installed a ‘Low’ button on the gear selector that amplifies the sound to give off a deep growl to match its sinister look. Now, some have referred to the Cullinan as “the world’s most expensive mullet,” which it may be, but even mullets, if given the proper attention, can look respectable in a tailored black suit. Think John Wick, but with more business in the front. “Black Badge reflects the desires of a distinct group of Rolls-Royce clients: men and women who take risks, break rules and build success on their own terms,” said Torsten Müller-Ötvös, Chief Executive Officer, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, in a press release, unintentionally playing straight into my John Wick reference. “Indeed, before we launched Black Badge in 2016, the idea of creating a product that would satisfy this subversive cohort (…) caused a great deal of internal debate. However (…) it became clear that these motor cars could not only exist comfortably beneath this revered and historic brand but they would define a new space within the super-luxury market.”“In this spirit, the time has come for Rolls-Royce’s boldest and darkest expression of Black Badge yet. The King of the Night, Black Badge Cullinan.”King of the Night or mullet in a black suit? You be the
Origin: Rolls-Royce gives the Cullinan the Black Badge treatment
Original ‘Eleanor’ Mustang from newer ‘Gone in 60 Seconds’ for sale
One of the 11 screen-used Eleanor Mustangs from the 2000 film Gone in 60 Seconds specifically the main Dream Car is scheduled to cross the auction block early January, and will likely clear US$1 million.The car was built for the movie by none other than Chip Foose, and it has just about every now-typical resto-mod touch on it, but its this car that has the distinction of being the inspiration for many of those tweak ubiquitous in hot rods now.Being the hero car or Dream Car of the 11, theres nothing fake about this Shelby-inspired 1967 Ford Mustang every component on it works, even the NOS system. This isnt some shell of a car used to model some CGI around, its a real, driveable hot rod.The Dream Car was used for exterior and interior shots, as well as chase scenes through the shipyard, city and along the Los Angeles River. Its the vehicle that likely would have been on-screen the longest. Not all of the 10 or 11 other vehicles used in filming had such cushy roles, or made it out in one piece.The last time this Mustang sold was at Mecum Auctions in Indianapolis, for US$1,000,000 coincidentally the budget of the original 1974 version of the film.The winner of this upcoming auction, held by Mecum in Kissimmee, Florida at the beginning of January 2020, can pretend to be Nicolas Cage, like all the other guys whove resto-modded their vehicles to look just like this one! Except now at car shows, youll have to explain this is one of the originals actually used by Disney to ruin H. B. Halickis legacy.(Okay, yes, were fans of the 74 film, you caught us.)Dont forget the real Eleanor from the old movie is a 1971 Mustang with a 1973 Mustang grille, painted with school-bus-yellow
Origin: Original ‘Eleanor’ Mustang from newer ‘Gone in 60 Seconds’ for sale
Is the Acura NSX too heavy to be a great track car?
2019 Acura NSX Track Test Bowmanville, Ont. Visit Acuras website, click on the models tab at the top of the page, and the companys models will pop up below, categorized by type. Youll find a column of sedans, a couple of SUVs, and a supercar. Acura is the only Japanese manufacturer to list a supercar in its model lineup, and its the only Japanese company currently offering any vehicle at anything approaching $200K.Supercar CredentialsAnd the 2019 Acura NSX is a bona fide supercar; if its low-slung, streamlined silhouette doesnt tip you off that it is, its $189,900 starting price will. As will its spec sheet. Its mid-engine-mounted 3.5-litre turbocharged V6 combines with three electric motors to produce a total of 573 horsepower and 476 lb.-ft. of torque. One electric motor mounts to the rear of the engine, which drives the rear wheels through a nine-speed dual-clutch gearbox. The remaining two electric motors drive the front wheels, one motor each. This effectively makes the NSX an all-wheel drive hybrid, and which power unit drives what depends entirely on which of the four drive modes are selected (Quiet, Sport, Sport +, Track) and whats going on at the wheel. Track Tested, Costa ApprovedWere testing the NSX at a special event held at the Canadian Tire Motorsport Park Driver Development track. While the Development track lacks the high-speed sections of the longer Grand Prix circuit, it does offer a highly technical course that tests the cars handling, brakes, and corner-exit thrust. Were also treated to a few hot laps in an NSX GT3 Evo race car, driven by 17-year-old former kart driver Antonio Serravelle, who currently competes in the Indy Pro 2000 championship.Electrification makes the NSX porky by supercar standards, weighing between 1,725 and 1,800 kg depending on the trim. Despite the extra heft of the added batteries and electric motors, the NSX is a brutally fast car. Its manufacturer claims just 2.7 seconds to go from zero to 100 km/h and it feels as quick. What really helps it blast out of corners is the all-wheel drive assistance of the electric motors. The NSX sinks you deep into the seat exiting every turn, and keeps doing so each time a steering-wheel paddle is pulled to gear up. This is especially exemplified after a stint in the passenger seat of the GT3 race car. While the roll-cage and slick-tire equipped NSX weighs about 485 kg less than its street-oriented sibling, it lacks the forceful punch coming out of corners, taking time to build revs before it sinks you into the seat. Make no mistake: its a faster car with much more grip, diving deeper and harder into corners, and maintaining higher cornering speeds than the street car. But the latter certainly feels faster just based on the seat of the pants.Point and shootAnd it handles remarkably well. My test car is equipped with sticky Pirelli P Zero tires, as well as the optional carbon-ceramic brakes, both of which facilitate better racetrack outings. A multitude of electronics are doing things in the background in Sport + mode (Track mode works best with slicks, were told), including managing the electric motors, and the torque vectoring at the four wheels. This helps the car steer precisely, masking its weight well, and as long as youre looking where you want to be on the track, the NSX takes you there with little need for correction. It feels balanced, neither over- or under-steering unless it is coaxed to do so, either deliberately or by driver error.it is almost flawless.And those optional brakes! You can hammer on the pedal repeatedly, lap after lap, and it loses neither feel nor power. The composite brakes are, however, a $12,700 option, and if you never take your NSX to the track, theyre an option you can overlook.Driving the NSX near its limit on a racetrack revealed that it is almost flawless. Unfortunately, this test didnt include any street time, and though Im far for complaining, some time in a more normal driving environment would surely reveal some other aspects of this car that should be equally as
Origin: Is the Acura NSX too heavy to be a great track car?
Kia K5 reveal hints at upcoming Optima
Kia has previewed the new Korean-market K5 fastback saloon, which hints at the design of the upcoming fifth-generation Optima, ahead of its release in December. The pictures show several stylistic changes for the new car, which are likely to be adopted by the next generation of its European sister model. The Optima is expected to be unveiled within the next year. The new car’s profile is now more muscular, due in part to the body being narrowed between its wheel arches and the greater swage lines adding heavier creases along its side panels. The windows receive chrome detailing and are frameless for the first time, with chrome touches extending to the rear bumper. At 4905mm, the new K5 is 50mm longer than the outgoing model and 25mm wider at 1860mm, making it similar in size to the Vauxhall Insignia Grand Sport. The wheelbase has grown to 2850mm, but the height has been lowered by 20mm for a sportier look. Kia has yet to release any performance figures, only confirming that the car would benefit from a range of new alloy wheels, available in 16, 17, 18 and 19in, with gloss black, dark grey and light grey colour options. The K5 will not be released in the UK, and it is unclear whether the next-generation Optima will make it here either: Kia recently pulled the model from sale, at the time telling Autocar that it had no plans to launch a
Origin: Kia K5 reveal hints at upcoming Optima
PHEV option for new Skoda Octavia
PHEV option for new Skoda Octavia The Octavia will be part of the Skoda iV plug in range Skoda has revealed its new Octavia, with the latest generation due to be available with a plug-in hybrid powertrain. The popular hatchback and estate will be fitted with the VW Group’s latest PHEV set-up. This sees a 1.4 litre TSI petrol engine work with an electric motor for a combined power output of 204hp. The 75 kW electric motor is powered by a 13 kWh battery, which Skoda says is good for an electric-only range of 34 miles on a single charge. Performance and fuel economy specifications are yet to be announced, but the Octavia iV plug-in hybrid will join the forthcoming Skoda Superb iV PHEV and pure-electric Citigo-e in the electrified line-up. Because the Octavia sits on the same platform as the new Golf, there will be also hybrid and mild hybrid options coming down the line, alongside the range of conventional petrol and diesel units. No fuel economy figures are quoted yet for any powertrain, but manual and DSG transmissions will be on offer, with the a shift-by-wire DSG gearbox new to Skoda. Front- or four-wheel drive systems will be available. The interior features a significantly redesigned cabin, with a greater focus on technology. A new infotainment screen and steering wheel are the most obvious changes, though there are more subtle improvements too, such as the USB-C only sockets, wireless phone charging, and in-built connectivity. Head-up display, gesture control and a new voice control assistant – which Skoda calls Laura – are included on certain trim levels. It wouldn’t be a Skoda without some clever little ideas that make a difference to day-to-day life. For example, the rear seat pockets have a small pouch added to hold things like a mobile phone, without it dropping all the way to the bottom of the conventional pocket. There’s also an in-built funnel for refilling the screen wash, a storage pocket below the boot cover, and the addition of an umbrella and hand brush in the front doors. The new Octavia is a little longer than the outgoing models – around 2cm for both estate and hatch – and is slightly wider too. This frees up occupant space in what was a far from squashed interior in the previous model.
Origin: PHEV option for new Skoda Octavia
News Roundup: A sidewalk scooter scandal, BMW’s Halloween Tweet gone wrong and the Bronco R
Welcome to our weekly round-up of the biggest breaking stories on Driving.ca from this past week. Get caught up and ready to get on with the weekend, because it’s hard keeping pace in a digital traffic jam.Here’s what you missed while you were away.Alberta gov’t spokesperson gets hell for Tweet of grandfather using enclosed scooter on sidewalkSamantha Peck, Press Secretary to Alberta’s Associate Minister of Natural Gas, figured she was sharing a message the public could get behind when she Twitter-posted a video of her grandfather, who’d lost his license following a car accident two years ago, driving an enclosed scooter on a snowy sidewalk. But it turns out Twitterers were less happy about one man’s reclaimed freedom of mobility and much more concerned about the fact i) someone deemed unfit to drive a car on the roads was now basically driving one on the sidewalks; and ii) the video looked like it was shot by someone driving in a car. The Tweet has since been removed, but the question stands: do scooters that look like small cars belong on sidewalks? Take our poll here. BMW’s Halloween prank Tweet to Mercedes kinda backfiredNice one, @BMWUSA. That’s a really scary costume! Especially that radiator grille Daimler AG (@Daimler) October 31, 2019Feeling frisky on Halloween, BMW USA Tweeted out an image of a Mercedes-Benz wearing a ‘costume’ to make it look like a BMW, captioning the post “Now every car can dress up as its favourite superhero.” But M-B parent Daimler clapped back quickly, quipping “That’s a really scary costume! Especially that radiator grille…” Now, we say the Tweet only “kinda” backfired, because it only kinda fired to begin with. Partially because this is a heavy dad joke cloaked in some fancy Photoshop, and also because Pepsi did basically the exact same thing back in 2013. Dum-dum drivers close down Toronto highway to display sloppy drifting skills View this post on Instagram This is not only dangerous and illegal, it is disapointing when a mob mentality of hijacking a highway to make a scene like this is conducted. We are better than thisaren’t we? A post shared by Sgt Kerry Schmidt (@sgtkerryschmidt) on Nov 3, 2019 at 6:24pm PSTToronto police have shared a video of a group of young – let’s call it like it is, shall we? – idiots blocking a major highway in order to perform a bunch of sloppy donuts. The video shows a lineup of vehicles stopped by a crowd and waiting on Highway 409 as a few cars spin around on the road. The video’s caption reads “You car meetup mans are savages for closing down the highway like this…” The police re-captioned it: “We’re better than this…aren’t we?” The Bronco R prototype gives us a taste of truck to comeFord has revealed a Baja racing prototype of its upcoming Bronco SUV, providing the most in-depth look at what (might) be so far. The Bronco R is heading off to the Baja Peninsula to test its mettle and metals on the demanding off-road terrain. The prototype features a lightweight composite body with a clamshell hood and roof and body panels that throw back to the first-gen off-roader. Will the old-school design elements make it through to production? We’ll find out when the Bronco arrives next spring. Canada to get VW Mk. 8 Golf and ID.4 in 2021When the latest Golf debuted last month, it was unclear whether Canada and the U.S. would receive any trims other than the high-end GTI and R spec. But Volkswagen Canada recently confirmed that Canada will definitely be getting the base model Mk.8 Golf as well as the fully electric ID.4. Delivery of these products to the U.S. market on the other hand, is still TBD. The cars are expected to arrive in Canadian dealerships in 2021 as 2022
Origin: News Roundup: A sidewalk scooter scandal, BMW’s Halloween Tweet gone wrong and the Bronco R
Aston Martin teams up with an icon to build its first-ever motorcycle
The Aston Martin and Brough Superior AMB 001Aston Martin When Aston Martin recently announced it was building a motorcycle in conjunction with Brough Superior, most car enthusiasts were probably wondering why the storied automaker was stooping to build a motorcycle.In fact, if anyone is slumming in this new relationship, it is Brough, once the pinnacle of two-wheeled exclusivity and favourite of the most famous motorcyclist of all time.Brough Superior was the brainchild of George Brough, who between 1919 and 1940 crafted some 3,000 some of the most exquisite and exclusive motorcycles the world had ever seen. Most were custom-built, and though the engines were outsourced usually from J.A. Prestwich but later also Matchless almost everything else was hand-hewn in house.Indeed, legend has it that, after H. D. Teague of The Motor Cycle labelled Brough the Rolls-Royce of motorcycles, the famed automaker sent over a representative to tell George to cease and desist advertising as such.Luckily, Brough and his crew were in the process of final assembly for an impending motor show and the Rolls representative was so impressed the techs were supposedly wearing white gloves whilst assembling bikes that he reported back that Broughs motorcycles really did deserve the appellation.What has made the Brough name an enduring legend, however, is the devotion of its most famous client, T.E. Lawrence. You know him better as Lawrence of Arabia, and his love of motorcycles A skittish motor-bike with a touch of blood in it is better than all the riding animals on earth and Broughs in general he owned eight, and gave them all names knew no bounds.He famously died on an SS100 he was trying to avoid two young boys who had wandered into the road and his passing so traumatized his attending physician, Hugh Cairns, that he went on to create the research that paved the way for mandatory helmet use. More recently, Brough was resurrected by long-timer enthusiast Mark Upham in conjunction with Thierry Henriette of Boxer Design, who craft the double-overhead-cam 990-cc 88-degree V-twin on which the AMB 001 is based.In Aston Martin guise, said big-twin is turbocharged for an output of 180 horsepower stock modern Broughs are good for about 120 hp and is mated to a chassis constructed of aluminum, titanium and carbon fibre.According to Aston Martins chief creative officer, Marek Reichman, in addition to applying the skills we have developed for cars such as the groundbreaking Aston Martin Valkyrie, we have also been able to bring our special expertise in the traditional craft techniques to this project.The result is a motorcycle with a double-wishbone front suspension still something of a rarity in the biking world and a completely carbon-fibre body which helps keep the AMB 001s overall weight down to 180 kilograms.Only 100 examples of the 001 will be made available to the public, at a price of 108,000 Euros about $157,200 Canadian and delivery will begin at the end of
Origin: Aston Martin teams up with an icon to build its first-ever motorcycle
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