Peugeot e-Legend ConceptPeugeot Fiat Chrysler Automobiles is considering a merger with European conglomerate PSA, the group that owns Peugeot, Citroen, DS, Opel and Vauxhall, according to a report from The Wall Street Journal breaking late October.If the deal goes through, it could create a US$50-billion global Goliath of a company, with Peugeot CEO Carlos Tavares at the helm of the joint venture, says the Journal.FCA chairman John Elkmann would continue in his current role after the merger.Tavares is, among other things, credited with saving Opel from the dustbin. PSA purchased the brand from General Motors back in 2017, and the exec got Opel to turn a profit just 18 months later. PSA is hoping to break back into the U.S. markets, where it hasnt sold a car in more than 20 years. Its unclear how brand operations would be structured after the merger.FCA had previously tried to merge with another French car company, Renault, at the beginning of 2019. That deal would have seen FCA take over a 50-per-cent stake in that company, but instead, the deal fell apart when the French government, which has a 15-per-cent stake in Renault, got between the two automakers.Even before FCA courted Renault, PSA had originally talked about a merger with the Italian-American carmaker, but FCA rebuffed it; at the time, Fiat Chrysler execs felt as if a merger wouldnt solve any of its money problems in the weakening European market.PSA and Fiat Chrysler already build commercial vans together as a joint-venture; the products of that partnership include the Fiat Ducato, Peugeot Boxer and Citroen
Origin: Fiat Chrysler reportedly looking at a merger with Peugeot
New De Tomaso to be Ford-powered like original — though now with 700 hp
The De Tomaso P72 is a revival of old-school muscle mixed with a modern take on 1960s Le Mans racers, and were finally learning what powers the beast a throwback engine in and of itself.Yes, the supercar is getting a Coyote V8, built in collaboration with Roush performance. The motor is sourced from Ford, just as the original P70s engine was, except this time its been fitted with a supercharger to bring it up to a ridiculous 700 horsepower and 608 lb.-ft. of torque.Connected to a six-speed manual transmission, the P72 promises to offer a fully old-school experience.While 700 horsepower doesnt seem like a lot today in a world of 1,000-plus-horsepower monsters the folks at De Tomaso say they kept the numbers there on purpose. According to De Tomasos general manager, Ryan Berris, the choice to give the car a modest amount of horsepower and a manual transmission was to spite the dearth of hypercars in todays world.In our opinion, the market is now over-saturated with commercially driven limited-edition models primarily marketed on performance metrics, he says. We have grown tired of this notion and thus took a contrarian approach with the P72.The added benefit of ignoring the chase for speed and horsepower means that De Tomaso has had time to focus on the driving experience. The engine will have a smooth torque curve and has a specially tuned exhaust to make it sound like 60s race car while drowning out the modern sound of the supercharger.The price of the P72 is expected to be around US$850,000, and only 72 of them will be
Origin: New De Tomaso to be Ford-powered like original — though now with 700 hp
Man tired of being low-balled by buyers crushes classic Dodge Charger
Video of the owner of a classic Dodge Charger willfully crushing his car to send a message to prospective buyers that instead have just jerked (him) around is blowing up across Mopar pages and muscle car enthusiast groups on Facebook.1970 Charger 500 Im bringing to the scrap yard today because Im tired of being jerked around, the owner posted October 28 in one group, with a photo of a worn-but-solid-looking black Dodge with a white drivers side door.The man was allegedly asking for US$10,000 for the car, reports TireMeetsRoad.com in a post in one group, he says he was actually asking US$8,500 before lowering it to US$5,000 but instead of offers for around that price, he was, apparently, low-balled, visited by tire-kickers not interested in paying that much for the car, or, mostly, contacted by prospective buyers who just simply not show up. Insurance company Hagerty values a daily-driver condition 1970 Dodge Charger 500 with a 318 V8 at US$27,000 on average. To the dismay of Mopar enthusiasts everywhere, the owner followed up on his threat and had the car crushed at a wrecking yard while a friend filmed it. Beautiful! Thats what you guys f**kin get! the cameraman can be heard shouting as the forks of the tractor first come down on top of the Chargers roof. Everybody wants to be a car guy until its time to do car guy shit!As TireMeetsRoad.com notes, in the video, the engine can be seen still in the car, suggesting the owner hadnt really attempted parting out the Charger. Its not certain if the car still ran or not.The reaction on Facebook was mostly one of disgust over someone putting to waste a classic car or, at the very least, a classic set of fenders, glass, and other good parts because they were obstinate about getting their asking price. However, many also defended the owners actions, saying he is free to do with his property as he sees fit.At the end of the video, the owner dispels any speculation about his motives for crushing the Dodge Charger. He insists he doesnt use drugs, and is not doing it for moneyits strictly to send a message.He even seems to revel in the cars destruction as the tractors forks pierce through the sheet metal: Im gonna sleep good
Origin: Man tired of being low-balled by buyers crushes classic Dodge Charger
Bristol City Council plots diesel vehicle ban
Bristol City Council is consulting on proposals to introduce the UK’s first no-diesel zone by 2021, as part of a drive to improve air quality in the area. The so-called Clean Air Zone has been devised as a means of delivering “the fastest possible improvement in air quality against targets for nitrogen dioxide (NO2) legal limits”, according to the council. If implemented, the measures would see privately-owned diesel vehicles banned from entering a designated section of the city centre between 7am and 3pm every day. A wider charging zone would be in constant operation for high-emission commercial vehicles, including buses, taxis, HGVs and LGVs, with suggested costs yet to be announced. A diesel vehicle scrappage scheme would launch at the same time, to encourage Bristol drivers to swap into less polluting cars. The announcement comes two years after Bristol City Council was ordered by the government to produce a plan for bringing the area’s NO2 levels to within legal limits. It has been suggested that the Clean Air Zone could help to achieve this by 2025. Bristol Mayor Marvin Rees said: “These ambitious plans demonstrate our commitment to tackling air pollution so we meet legal limits within the shortest time, without disproportionally affecting citizens on lower incomes, which would happen with a blanket approach to charging vehicles. “Protecting the most vulnerable people from pollution is central to these plans and we have ensured that all impacts have been carefully considered. If approved, mitigation measures will support those most affected, especially those living in the most deprived communities.” The predicted cost of implementation of the scheme totals £113.5 million, with comprehensive upgrades to the city’s ANPR network, road marking and signage necessary to its successful operation. The proposals will be fully detailed and debated at a meeting of Bristol City Council’s cabinet on 5 November. The final business case is due to be submitted to government in February next
Origin: Bristol City Council plots diesel vehicle ban
The 2021 Optima just teased by Kia looks outrageous
Kia released some teaser images of its 2021 Optima late October, revealing a dramatic and different shape than were used to.Just like its cousin, the new Hyundai Sonata, the styling is bold. Conventional headlights have been replaced with thin LED strips that curve around the central beams. The rear taillights are full-width and sit under a pseudo-ducktail.As is the style nowadays, the roofline swoops gracefully from the windshield all the way back to the taillight panel to create a fastback (please, for the love of god, dont call it a Grand Coupe). A chrome strip curves around the top of the side windows and the bottom of the rear window.Inside the Optima is a similarly futuristic interior, with a large digital gauge cluster and wide infotainment screen. There isnt a clear provision for the shifter, suggesting the Optima will either have a knob-operated transmission; or a push-button transmission like the Sonata.The Optima will, more than likely, share drivetrain options with the Sonata. That means it will probably feature a naturally aspirated 2.5-litre four-cylinder; and a turbocharged 1.6-litre four-cylinder. As far as the 2.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder rumoured for the N-Line Sonata, that might make its way onto a more sporty Optima dubbed the SX.Expect the 2021 Optima to drop sometime in
Origin: The 2021 Optima just teased by Kia looks outrageous
Car Review: 2019 Subaru BRZ Raiu
2019 Subaru BRZNick Tragianis / Driving OVERVIEW Subarus BRZ still has a few tricks up its sleeve PROSFantastic handling, low weight, sharp looks, excellent platform for tuners CONSShifter isnt the most precise, back seats are virtually useless, engine doesnt sound particularly refined at lower RPMs VALUE FOR MONEYGood WHAT TO CHANGE?I dont think it needs more power, but I cant help but think what itd be like with another 50 horses HOW TO SPEC IT?Sport-tech RS Car enthusiasts are a stubborn bunch. They chide automakers for building boring appliances devoid of soul and feedback, and for cramming an alphabet soups worth of driving assists and technology down their throats. Then, they list their demands of their perfect car as if theyve conducted countless hours of market research before taking all of Nakatomi Plaza hostage.We want a simple and fun rear-wheel-drive sports car! And we dont want it to cost a penny over $30,000! Oh, and a fully gassed-up helicopter waiting on the roof in five minutes, or else well, uhh, post even meaner comments online!Trouble is, when an automaker actually comes trough and gives enthusiasts what they supposedly want, theyre met with crickets. See, if theres anything most enthusiasts are exceptionally capable of, its not putting their money where their mouths are. Case in point, the Subaru BRZ. On paper, its the perfect affordable sports car. Two doors, manual transmission, and rear-wheel drive is a solid formula, but after nearly seven years on the market, this plucky little number is largely unloved and ignored. Maybe its because it isnt a crossover, or because Subaru (and Toyota) refuse to give it more power. Whatever it is, the BRZ deserves more love, because hope youre ready for this hot take its still a damn good car. Period. At the heart of the BRZ is Subarus familiar 2.0-litre Boxer four-cylinder engine. Putting out 205 horsepower and 156 lb.-ft. of torque, its hooked up to a six-speed manual. For the most part, its a good combination although the engine sounds coarse, almost tractor-like puttering around town, it comes alive after 5,000 rpm. It loves to be wrung out, melting away most qualms you have about it needing more power. But if you do care about such metrics, the BRZ does the zero-to-100 km/h sprint in the mid six-second range. Yes, like the Mazda MX-5 Miata, a V6-powered Sienna will outrun you at a stoplight. And yes, like the Miata, thats not what the BRZ is about. Its not a point-and-shoot type of car; you need to pay attention to your RPMs, gears, and your hands and feet.By and large, the BRZ is a satisfying drivers car. You sit low to the ground, the seats are well-bolstered, and steering is communicative and incredibly responsive, though its a bit disappointing to see Subaru succumbing to buttons on the steering wheel when earlier BRZs were blessedly free of such distractions. Steering wheels are for steering, after all. It does ride stiff over bumps and its loud on the highway, but come on, the BRZ is a sports car it lets you carry a fair bit of speed through tight corners and stays remarkably flat and composed when you push it. Its one of the very few sports cars today that lets you appreciate its performance capabilities on the road, without getting in trouble with the law.The six-speed manual is a bit of a mixed bag, though. It’s considerably more engaging than the automatic, especially considering the BRZ weighs about 1,270 kilograms. The stick is also pleasantly notchy, but not exactly precise; the shifter itself is rather tall, and theres a bit of play when youre actually in gear. And while the BRZ is an absolute riot to bang through the gears, downshifting can be frustrating going from third to second, the shifter sometimes catches on the reverse lock-out, lending to some less-than-graceful handiwork. Youll definitely need to finesse your technique a little bit. Its easy to knock the BRZ for its age save for a minor rework two years ago, the cars largely unchanged since it first launched for the 2013 model year but thats arguably what makes it good. Unlike the Miata, the BRZ doesnt quite become an extension of your mind and body, but the footprint is rather small and the car itself feels pleasantly mechanical. Youre actually in control when you sit behind the wheel, and there isnt a collection of computers programmed to make you look like a better driver than you really are. Oh, sure, you can tailor when exactly the stability and traction control intervenes, but thats about it. Fans of active exhaust systems, line lock, and launch control need not apply. Hell, you dont even get blind-spot monitoring, automatic braking, or various proximity sensors.You do, however, get Subarus snazzy Starlink infotainment system. Controlled through a seven-inch touchscreen, its rather intuitive and includes all the usual refinements GPS navigation, Bluetooth, satellite radio, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
Origin: Car Review: 2019 Subaru BRZ Raiu
GM, Toyota and Chrysler side with Trump in emissions battle with California
US President Donald Trump leaves after speaking at the Major Cities Chiefs Association and Major County Sheriffs Association Winter Meeting in Washington, DC, February 8, 2017.Getty General Motors, Toyota and Fiat Chrysler plan to back President Donald Trump in a contentious battle with California officials over automobile emissions rules, splitting with major rivals including Ford.GM, Toyota and several other automakers plan to intervene on the administrations behalf in a lawsuit filed by environmental groups challenging the U.S. Department of Transportations rule stripping California of its ability to regulate tailpipe greenhouse gas emissions.The move was announced Monday by John Bozzella, a spokesman for the companies siding with the administration, who call themselves the Coalition for Sustainable Automotive Regulation.California and more than 20 other states have filed suit to block the administration’s plan to revoke the state’s powers, a legal battle that threatens to tie up the critical industry standards in litigation for years with an uncertain outcome. With our industry facing the possibility of multiple overlapping and inconsistent standards that drive up costs and penalize consumers, we had an obligation to intervene, said Bozzella, who is also chief executive officer of the Association of Global Automakers, an industry trade group. The decision to intervene in the lawsuit is about how the standard should be applied, not what the standard should be.The Trump administration last year proposed to dramatically ease federal automobile greenhouse gas emission and fuel economy standards that had previously been coordinated with California. California officials rebuffed and vowed to continue to enforcing their more stringent standards, which are in place through 2025.The move by GM and the other companies breaks with Ford, Honda, BMW and Volkswagen, which in July agreed to meet tougher emissions targets set by California. The automakers siding with the administration were harshly criticized by some Democrats, environmental organizations and California regulators.Mary Nichols, chairman of the California Air Resources Board, said in a statement that the state regulator was disappointed in automakers hiding behind the Trump administrations skirts and its assault on public health.Most automakers have urged officials in Washington and Sacramento for more than a year to compromise, but no deal materialized after limited talks broke down earlier this year.Still, Bozzella said he held out hope for a middle ground. We can still reach an agreement that is supported by all the parties, he
Origin: GM, Toyota and Chrysler side with Trump in emissions battle with California
Mazda now selling first-gen Miata restoration parts in North America
Mazda NA MiataMazda Mazda knows the world loves its Miata. The MX-5 Miata actually holds the Guinness World Record for the world’s best-selling two-seat sports car, so the secret’s very much out. Now, in an effort to encourage Miata restorations, the brand is introducing a new list of authentic reproduction parts for first-gen models. Mazda consulted Miata Clubs and specialty shops to curate the list of over 1,100 new and legacy parts, all of which it plans to re-manufacture in Japan. Included on the list is a new fabric soft top made from the same material as the original; replica aluminum wheels made lighter and with a protective finish; and “many moving parts – from the roller for the side windows to the brake piston caliper – that are likely in need of replacement.” “There is a pure feeling of joy when it comes to driving a Miata, of any generation,” said Masahiro Moro, Chairman and CEO of Mazda North American Operations. “Our unique Jinba-Ittai – ‘horse and rider as one’ – engineering philosophy has allowed for the engaging and exhilarating driving dynamic that has remained constant over the years, helping make the Miata an important vehicle for the brand and our fans.” “By helping prolong the life of MX-5 Miata NA models, Mazda is committed to supporting the roadster culture and looks forward to seeing these historic vehicles on the road – and on the track – for years to come.”So, if you know someone who’s got a less-than-perfect Miata sitting in their garage, give them a nudge in this direction — you can scope the full list of first-generation Mazda MX-5 parts right
Origin: Mazda now selling first-gen Miata restoration parts in North America
The Hyundai Veloster N Concept channels its inner Civic Type R
Hyundai has brought a few strange concepts to SEMA the past few years, with jacked-up Santa Fe SUVs and hypermiler-inspired Ioniqs, but this year the theme is Veloster, and theres a new performance version thats sure to garner some attention.Its called the Veloster N Performance Concept, and to us it looks like Hyundais stopped in Japan for some upgrade parts on the way to Las Vegas.With a huge, angular rear wing; large intake scoops adorning the fascia and hood; and air deflectors on the front bumper and side skirts, you could mistake this thing for a Honda Civic Type R. All parts are made by KWA.Like the Type R, the changes arent just skin-deep. An HR coil-over suspension and Daewon anti-roll bars have been fitted, as well as upgraded brakes with 15-inch rotors and six-piston calipers in the front, 14.2-inch rotors and four-piston calipers in the rear.Four 19-inch OZ wheels wrapped in 235-section-width Pirelli P-Zero Corsa tires keep it stuck to the pavement. A cat-back exhaust from Capristo and a WIF chassis brace stiffen up the body.As if a performance car needed more luxury, this one has been fitted with a crazy amount of Alcantara and aluminum. Exterior parts are accented with orange instead of red pinstripes.The vehicle wont be for sale in this spec, per se, but Hyundai says tthe upgrades have a high potential for aftermarket availability, meaning youll probably be able to put one together by yourself in an afternoon or
Origin: The Hyundai Veloster N Concept channels its inner Civic Type R
PSA Group and Fiat Chrysler confirm merger talks
Fiat Chrysler Automobiles is holding merger talks with the PSA Group that would create one of the world’s biggest car groups. The Financial Times has reported that the two firms have been in talks for several months over a merger. Both companies have now confirmed the talks. PSA issued a statement that said: “Following recent reports on a possible business combination between Groupe PSA and FCA Group, Groupe PSA confirms there are ongoing discussions aimed at creating one of the world’s leading automotive groups.” A similar statement from FCA read: “Following recent reports on a possible business combination between Groupe PSA and FCA Group, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles NV confirms there are ongoing discussions aimed at creating one of the world’s leading mobility groups. “FCA has nothing further to add at this time.” The potential merger would create a car giant worth around £40 billion and encompassing some of the world’s biggest car brands. FCA owns Fiat, Jeep, Alfa Romeo, Maserati, Ram, Lancia and Chrysler, while the PSA stable includes Peugeot, Citroën, DS and Vauxhall-Opel. FCA has been looking for a partner for some time, and earlier this year held extended talks with Group Renault over a possible partnership. But those talks broke down after the two firms could not reach an agreement. PSA boss Carlos Tavares led the purchase of Vauxhall-Opel and has been keen to expand the firm for some time, either through partnership or further acquisition. PSA is understood to have previously looked at buying Jaguar Land Rover, and has previously held talks with
Origin: PSA Group and Fiat Chrysler confirm merger talks
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