Jaguar is getting ready to reveal an updated F-Type, and the latest spyshots give us our best look yet at the redesigned sports car ahead of an anticipated reveal in the coming weeks. The photographs, taken near Jaguar Land Rover’s Gaydon technical HQ, show a number of prototypes are shedding camouflage as testing ramps up. We can now see the restyled front end more clearly, with a new clamshell bonnet, slim, angular LED headlights mounted lower down the nose and a more prominent grille. A look at the rear shows it retains the same vertical bootlid, but with new wraparound tail-lights and a reshaped bumper. A quick glimpse at the cabin doesn’t reveal much, but it looks like the infotainment has moved on a generation, while the rotary dial climate display remains. It’s expected that much of the more advanced technology and infotainment features from the I-Pace and the 2019 XE will make its way into the F-Type. That means new digital dials, a larger and more feature-laden touchscreen, and substantial upgrades to the materials. Jaguar Land Rover is now phasing out its long-running supercharged V6 in favour of a new turbocharged and hybridised straight six, and the F-Type will benefit from this more efficient powertrain. The turbocharged four-cylinder and supercharged V8 engines should be carried over to the new car with limited changes, however. Indeed, this prototype registers as a 5.0-litre V8, putting paid to rumours JLR would bring in a BMW-sourced 4.4-litre unit. What remains unclear is whether the new F-Type will retain a manual gearbox option. The current V6 is still offered with one in the UK, although it has reportedly been removed from sale in the US. Regardless, manuals account for a tiny fraction of overall F-Type
Origin: Jaguar F-Type 2020 facelift seen again ahead of imminent reveal
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Newfoundland man who sold the first-ever Ford Mustang will finally see it again
The first preproduction Mustang, with serial number 1. FORD MOTOR COMPANYFord A retired car salesman in Newfoundland who accidentally sold the first Ford Mustang ever built will be reunited with it this coming weekend.As reported by CTV News, Harry Phillips will be a special guest at the Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn, Michigan after his granddaughter started a Send Harry to Henry social media campaign.Prior to the Mustang actually going on sale, Ford sent pre-production models to its dealers, intended strictly for display.In order for all showrooms to have one for the official sales launch on April 17, 1964, the earliest cars built went to the dealerships that were farthest away. George G.R. Parsons Ford in St. Johns, where Phillips worked, got the very first one, a white convertible with serial number 5F08F100001.Captain Stanley Tucker, an airline pilot, saw it and immediately wanted it. He paid $4,300 for it, Phillips said, sealing the deal three days before the launch but agreeing to let the dealership display the car for a while.The whole thing was a mistake. The car, a pre-production model, wasnt meant for sale and was supposed to be returned to the automaker. When it didnt come back, Ford went looking for it.It took two years of negotiation before Tucker agreed to relinquish it, accepting in trade a fully-loaded 1966 Mustang that was the millionth one built. The car went on display at the Henry Ford Museum in 1984. Tucker died in 2008.Canada also got the second one built, a hardtop (pictured above) that went to a dealer in Yukon. That car sold at auction in January 2019 for US$192,500. Only one other pre-production model is known to exist. The first production Mustang intended for sale went to Gail Wise, a schoolteacher in Chicago, who still owns it.Phillips has never visited the Henry Ford Museum, and it will be the first time hes seen the car since he sold it 55 years ago. Museum officials have planned a VIP day for him, including a tour of the Rouge factory where the car was
Origin: Newfoundland man who sold the first-ever Ford Mustang will finally see it again
Aston Martin teases us again, this time with the DBX’s soundtrack
My God, you know this whole tease-you-new-hot-rod has reached new levels of silliness when you put out a press missive detailing a Youtube video consisting of nothing more than the revving of an engine. I love the sound of pistons compressing more than most, but surely there are better uses for Amazon server space than 30 seconds of frenetic internal combustion.That said, I have to admit that, despite the long, drawn-out nature of Aston Martins news-making foreplay, I am intrigued by the companys new DBX. For the companys first SUV, the good folks from Gaydon are making some outlandish claims for the so-far-disguised as in camouflaged photos sport brute. For instance, in no particular order, they are saying that DBX can corner as hard as its seriously-fast Vantage, brake harder than the companys DBS Superleggera and that its engine the Mercedes-sourced, Aston-tuned twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8, pumps out 550 PS (about 542 SAE horsepower), more than any of its V8-powered coupes and roadsters. If true and, my Lord, they did release a Youtube sound video as proof the DBX may be just the Urus-chasing SUV Aston needs to keep up with rapidly-growing Lamborghini sales.Officially, though this is still the reveal of the DBXs exhaust system, which, in official parlance, has been tuned to reflect a deep bass with increasing mid-tones, creating true auditory exhilaration. I will leave it your fine ears as to whether Aston has indeed created the broader, more solid acoustic note they were
Origin: Aston Martin teases us again, this time with the DBX’s soundtrack
Hyundai’s retro-styled 45 EV previewed again ahead of unveil
Hyundai has again previewed its Frankfurt motor show star car, a retro-styled electric concept. Called the 45, it’s said to feature styling references to the brand’s first production car, the Mitsubishi-powered Pony hatchback, which was launched in 1974. The first preview image of the EV showed off an LED bar across the rear that will display a matrix flourish upon start-up. Now a rear-side view reveals the car’s large wheels and minimalist profile. Elsewhere, we can see hints that the 45 will bear a resemblance to sibling brand Genesis’s recent Mint concept, with a rakish roofline, a narrow rear window, extended wheel arches and a low, wide stance. As well as paying tribute to the brand’s historic design work, Hyundai says the 45 will “act as a symbolic milestone for Hyundai’s future EV design”. There’s currently no production intent for the 45; it acts as a design study, rather than a preview of a particular future model. However, a Hyundai spokesperson said the concept is based on a new EV platform and will “preview the potential for EV designers in the future”. The 45 will make its first public appearance alongside an all-new version of the i10 city car and the limited-run i30 N Project C hardcore hot hatch. Luc Donckerwolke, Hyundai’s design chief, said earlier this year that the firm’s styling language needs to be further differentiated from that of sibling brands Genesis and Kia. He said: “Our core task is to differentiate the design philosophy of the three brands, not least because we have a big share in Korea. “We need to differentiate each model, otherwise the landscape is too
Origin: Hyundai’s retro-styled 45 EV previewed again ahead of unveil
New Mercedes-Benz GLA: Audi Q2 rival spied again
The new Mercedes-Benz GLA has been spied testing again ahead of a likely debut at the Frankfurt motor show in September, with the interior of the compact crossover captured for the first time. The second-generation GLA shares several styling details with the A-Class upon which it’s based, with the latest images showcasing how it will sit lower to the ground than the previous model. The swollen rear haunches and profile unique to its siblings remain. The interior image shows that the dashboard is also set to be very similar to that of the A-Class and the firm’s other new compact models, featuring rounded air vents and the twin-touchscreen MBUX displays. The new GLA will join Mercedes’ MFA platform-based range alongside the A-Class hatchback, A-Class saloon, CLA four-door coupé, CLA Shooting Brake estate and B-Class MPV. It also now sits below the GLB, the largest car on that platform and a new, fully fledged rival to the BMW X1 and Audi Q3. That leaves the GLA to compete with smaller compact crossovers such as the Audi Q2 and Ford Focus Active, and is also why it likely has a lower, more car-like profile. Although no technical details of the GLA have been released yet, we know it will be closely linked to the A-Class in terms of interior design and technology, engines and gearboxes. That means it will adopt Mercedes’ latest touchpad and voice-controlled MBUX infotainment system, alongside more advanced safety features and increased material quality. The engine range will kick off with a 1.3-litre turbocharged petrol unit developed in conjunction with the Renault-Nissan Alliance. This will likely be available in two states of tune, while a 2.0-litre engine will top out the range for the time being. A 1.5-litre diesel will also be offered. Later on in the GLA’s lifespan, we expect to see a return of the AMG-tuned GLA 45, putting out anything up to 416bhp through a performance-focused four-wheel drive system. Before that arrives, there will be a 302bhp 35 variant, as is now available on the A-Class. The GLA will be produced alongside the A-Class at Mercedes’ factory in Rastatt, Germany. The A-Class will also serve as the basis of the EQA, an electric hatchback that’s scheduled to arrive next
Origin: New Mercedes-Benz GLA: Audi Q2 rival spied again
Emory does it again with the gorgeously resto-modified Outlaw 911K
Rod Emory has carved out a place for himself and his business in the world of Porsche by taking vintage 356s and bringing them into the modern era with mad style, grace and motorsport engineering. Now, with the Outlaw 911K, the Porsche experts at Emory Motorsports have completed their first project based on a Porsche 911. Commissioned by a special client, the project is based on a 1968 SWB 911 and inspired by the short-tailed Porsche 908-010 K-body prototype. It’s a new-age beauty with shades of retro stylings, which is classic Emory. But there’s a certain amount of playfulness here that not all the other Outlaws have. Features like the air horns mounted under the front, auxiliary lights, the Mobil Pegasus painted on the side, the 901 five-speed manual transmission or the cream-and-orange paint combo all bring a sense of fun to the custom build. Powering the 911K is a 2.5-litre twin-plug six-cylinder 911 engine that makes 190 horsepower with a modern ECU and a cooling fan from a 935. The car also got upgraded brakes with 911 S alloy calipers, a fully adjustable three-way KW shocks and Pirelli tires. Inside, there are 908-inspired seats with red covers and racing harnesses, a Prototipo steering wheel, an amber-coloured fibreglass dash cover and leather straps for the windows to round out the vintage rally feel.The Emory Outlaw 911K hasnt revealed the price the customer paid yet, so feel free to browse through the gallery of photos below and take a guess at the number of zeroes the tagll end
Origin: Emory does it again with the gorgeously resto-modified Outlaw 911K
Toyota wins Le Mans again despite late drama
Toyota took full advantage of its open goal to win a second consecutive Le Mans 24 Hours on Sunday. But even without opposition in the top LMP1 hybrid class the Japanese manufacturer offered a story befitting its 30-year drama-filled epic at the great endurance race. The #7 entry driven by Briton Mike Conway, Komui Kobayashi and Jose-Maria Lopez comprehensively outpaced the #8 sister TS050 Hybrid driven Fernando Alonso, Sebastien Buemi and Kazuki Nakajima from the first qualifying session on Wednesday evening until one minute before 2pm on Sunday afternoon. Lopez had just pitted with just over an hour to go of the 24 hours, when a sensor reported a puncture to his front-right Michelin. As it turned out it, was his right-rear tyre that had failed and the Argentinian was forced to pit again – handing victory to Alonso, Buemi and Nakajima. The victory ensures a second consecutive Le Mans victory for the trio, and also confirmed the World Endurance Championship 2018/19 ’super season’ title that would have been theirs anyway had they finished in the runner-up position they truly deserved on this occasion. It means Alonso adds a third FIA world title to the pair he won in Formula 1 with Renault back in 2005 and ’06. The puncture robbed the #7 crew of a win that had been theirs on merit. From pole position, the crew had an edge on their team-mates and rivals, with Conway in particular putting in a performance that suggests he is the world’s top sports car driver at this moment in time. Yet he is yet to boast the Le Mans victory his talent deserves. Ferrari claims close-fought GTE honours Ferrari beat Porsche to class honours in the hardest fought category at Le Mans, as GTE once again offered the best racing at the 24 Hours. Briton James Calado – a lost Formula 1 talent if ever there was one – spearheaded AF Corse’s victory, joined by Italian Alessandro Pier Guidi and Brazilian Daniel Serra. The trio in a 488 GTE saw off a double Porsche assault from Gianmaria Bruni, Richard Lietz and Frédéric Makowiecki in the #91 911 RSR and Michael Christiensen, Kevin Estre and Laurens Vanthoor in the #92 car. There was heartbreak for both Corvette, on the 20th anniversary of Chevrolet’s modern-day Le Mans programme, following accidents, and likewise for Aston Martin, with both Pro-class Vantage entries falling within 20 minutes. Ford signed off its GT programme at Le Mans without a podium in the Pro class, but all four entries at least made the finish in fourth, fifth, sixth and seventh in class. But there was joy for the Keating Motorsports team – the first to run a privateer Ford GT – in the Am class as Jeroen Bleekemolen, Ben Keating and Felipe Fraga claimed victory in their luridly purple and orange Wynn’s livered car. Lapierre remains unbeaten in LMP2 In the secondary prototype class, Frenchman Nicolas Lapierre kept up his remarkable four-race unbeaten run at Le Mans by helping the Signatech Alpine team to a third class victory in four years. He was joined by team-mates André Negrao and Pierre Thiriet. The trio benefitted from the misfortune that befell the G-Drive entry headed by ex-F1 star and current Formula E champion Jean-Eric Vergne. The team that was disqualified from LMP2 victory last year for using an illegal refuelling rig dominated the class this time until the 19th hour, when a starter motor problem at a pitstop cost the entry 20 minutes – and robbed the team of a victory that Vergne had described as potential “revenge” for the disappointment of
Origin: Toyota wins Le Mans again despite late drama
Maserati just wants to build race cars again, won’t go full-EV
A Maserati 6C 34 at the Panini Motor Museum.David Booth Maserati will have a totally new lineup by 2022, complete with a full suite of hybrid, PHEV and electric vehicles, but if you thought the marque was looking forward to a fully battery-driven future, well, North American head Al Gardner has a different plan. According to Gardner, Maserati needs to go back to its roots, which of course means racing cars. The Maserati brothers founded the company in 1914 and produced some great motorsports-focused machines, but never quite managed to keep up with the likes of Alfa Romeo and Bugatti. All that Maserati seems focused on these days is crossovers and electric vehicles, but Gardner says the brand will never go fully electric. This is a brand that needs combustion engines, he suggested. It needs that raw emotion. So Maser won’t lose the brand’s core values, even if it’s using engines from one of its oldest competitors, Ferrari. FCA CEO Mike Manley says there’s no problem with Maserati’s products, it’s a problem of awareness, Motor Trend reports. That’s why Maserati will receive some additional support from FCA in the sales and marketing department to help boost sales. The brand struggled with its first quarter 2019; shipments were down 41 percent and net revenue fell 38 percent. That’s not exactly stellar. Manley said the brand is gaining momentum again, though, after slowing sales in China, and the onslaught of new products that will be released, including performance versions of its Levante SUV, should help,
Origin: Maserati just wants to build race cars again, won’t go full-EV
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