Koenigsegg Founder Races A Bugatti Veyron Against His Own CCXR: Video

It’s not often you see a Koenigsegg go up against a Bugatti Veyron, but what’s even rarer is seeing the boss of one of the supercar brands behind the wheel.

It’s not often you see a Koenigsegg go up against a Bugatti Veyron, but what’s even rarer is seeing the boss of one of the supercar brands behind the wheel. In this case it’s Koenigsegg CEO and founder Christian von Koenigsegg, and he’s actually behind the wheel of the Veyron instead of his own CCXR.

ALSO SEE: Modified E34 BMW M5 Outmuscles Bugatti Veyron: Video

The video is from YouTube user Trust and comes to us via the guys at duPont Registry . It was filmed at an old airstrip in Ängelholm, Sweden where Koenigsegg is based and develops all of its cars. What’s most impressive is seeing von Koenigsegg’s head snap back when he floors the Veyron.

The Veyron, as most readers would know, comes with a quad-turbocharged 8.0-liter W-16 with 987 horsepower and 922 pound-feet of torque dished out to all four wheels. The CCXR is powered by a supercharged 4.7-liter V-8 designed to run on biofuel. It produces a peak 1,018 hp and 740 lb-ft of torque, and like all Koenigseggs it has rear-wheel drive.

CHECK OUT: Bugatti Previews Veyron Successor With Vision GT Concept: Live Photos & Video

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2017 Bentley Bentayga Is World’s Most Powerful, Most Luxurious SUV: Live Photos & Video

There’s an insatiable thirst for SUVs affecting the globe and the ultra-luxury segment certainly hasn’t been spared.

There’s an insatiable thirst for SUVs affecting the globe and the ultra-luxury segment certainly hasn’t been spared. That’s why you have the likes of Mercedes-Maybach and Rolls-Royce planning high-riding models for the first time, but Bentley has beaten them to the punch with its new Bentayga.

Revealed in full at the 2015 Frankfurt Auto Show, the Bentayga is currently the most powerful, most luxurious SUV in production—it’s also the fastest thanks to a 187-mph top speed. It’s set to reach showrooms in the United States in the first half of 2016, as a 2017 model and with a starting price of $230k.

ALSO SEE: 2016 Rolls-Royce Dawn Drops Top Ahead Of Frankfurt Debut: Video

The general styling of the Bentayga is based on Bentley’s EXP 9 F concept from 2012, although the somewhat gaudy front-end design of the concept has been updated to something more elegant and athletic. There are LED headlights, paired with oval-shaped daytime running lights that incorporate telescoping headlamp washers.

As standard, the Bentayga comes with a panoramic glass roof. Making up almost 60 percent of the roof, the massive glass surface is split into two panes. The front panel tilts and slides, and the whole glass feature can be covered by an automated blind. Either side are aluminum roof rails that combine a high-gloss black base and bright anodized top section. Wheel sizes for the Bentayga range from 20-22 inches in diameter.

2017 Bentley Bentayga

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Inside, you find Bentley’s traditional leather, wood and metal elements. Five seats are standard but a four-seat version can be ordered and further down the track a third-row option enabling seven seats to be fitted will be offered. Rear seat passengers benefit from the introduction of the Bentley Entertainment Tablet—a removable 10.2-inch Android device with 4G, WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity. Another handy item is park assist, which detects suitable parking spaces (both parallel and perpendicular) before autonomous steering takes over.

There are plenty of other tech features, such as a head-up display, digital instrument cluster, night vision mode, and a vehicle dynamic mode selector allowing the driver to pick the ideal vehicle setup depending on the situation. The latter includes an optional Responsive Off-Road Setting that allows the driver to select the appropriate vehicle settings for a wide range of off-road surfaces. In this mode, key metrics such as pitch, roll, wheel articulation, steering angle, compass bearing and altitude are shown on the main display.

Lamborghini Huracán LP 610-4 Spyder Revealed: Live Photos & Video

Lamborghini’s new Huracán LP 610-4 burst onto the scene a year ago and immediately impressed us with its stunning looks, screaming V-10 engine and precision handling.

burst onto the scene a year ago and immediately impressed us with its stunning looks, screaming V-10 engine and precision handling. Now the lineup is being expanded with a convertible in the form of the Huracán LP 610-4 Spyder, revealed today ahead of an official debut tomorrow at the 2015 Frankfurt Auto Show.

WATCH: Bugatti Veyron Suffers Breakdown On The Streets Of London: Video

The car's roof is an automated soft-top similar to the one on the previous Gallardo Spyder, which this model directly replaces. The roof is available in three different colors—black, brown and red—and fits nicely into the Spyder’s silhouette while up. At the push of a button, it folds away neatly in a compartment behind the seats in just 17 seconds. And it’s been designed to operate at speeds of up to 31 mph.

The rear window can be raised or lowered, regardless of whether the roof is up or down. When the roof is down, this window continues to serve as a rear windshield. An integrated duct helps to reduce turbulence during open top driving, and for additional comfort there is a removable wind guard on either side of the cabin. Last but not least, two new fins help to channel air flow to the engine.

That engine, by the way, is identical to the one in the coupe. It’s a 5.2-liter V-10 delivering 601 horsepower and 413 pound-feet of torque to all four wheels. The only transmission remains a seven-speed dual-clutch unit. Lamborghini quotes a 0-62 mph time of 3.4 seconds and a top speed of 201 mph for the Huracán Spyder.

2016 Lamborghini Huracán LP 610-4 Spyder

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DON'T MISS: 2017 Bentley Bentayga Is World’s Most Powerful, Most Luxurious SUV: Video

Lamborghini hasn’t mentioned any modifications to the chassis, which combines aluminum components front and rear with extensive carbon fiber elements in the passenger cell. More aluminum is used for the exterior shell. The quoted dry weight of the car is 3,399 lbs.

“The Huracán LP 610-4 Spyder is the next chapter in the success story of the naturally aspirated V-10 Huracán, and continues a Lamborghini tradition of open air motoring,” Lamborghini CEO Stephan Winkelmann said at the reveal. “Its predecessor, the Gallardo Spyder, was the best-selling open top model in Lamborghini’s history—we expect the Huracán Spyder to exceed its predecessor in every way.

For more from the Frankfurt Auto Show, head to our dedicated hub.

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2017 Jaguar F-Pace Revealed With $41,985 Starting Price

Jaguar’s new F-Pace has been revealed ahead of its debut tomorrow at the 2015 Frankfurt Auto Show.

Jaguar’s new F-Pace has been revealed ahead of its debut tomorrow at the 2015 Frankfurt Auto Show. The small, sporty crossover SUV represents the British automaker’s first foray into the world of high-riding vehicles and is sure to sizzle in the marketplace thanks to a combination of handsome styling and impressive engineering. It arrives next spring, as a 2017 model.

ALSO SEE: Porsche Mission E Is A Mid-Size Electric Sedan With 310-Mile Range, 15-Minute Charging: Live Photos And Video

Prototypes have already been seen proving the everyday usability and exceptional ride and handling of the vehicle, by supporting Team Sky on the Tour de France, enduring more than a quarter of a million miles of extreme testing, and tackling some of the most challenging roads in world. The F-Pace has up to 8.4 inches of ground clearance plus approach and departure angles of 25.5 degrees and 25.7 degrees, front and rear. It can also wade through water up to 20.7 inches high.

2017 Jaguar F-Pace

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But what really makes the F-Pace stand out from the crowd is its aluminum-intensive construction, namely Jaguar’s Lightweight Aluminum Architecture that features in the latest XE and XF sedan models. Combined with some pretty sophisticated chassis technology, the lightweight yet rigid construction should ensure the F-Pace handles brilliantly and like no other SUV in its segment. The curb weight measures in at approximately 4,000 lbs.

At launch, buyers in the United States will have their choice of a supercharged 3.0-liter V-6 in 340- or 380-horsepower outputs, with the more powerful output being reserved for an F-Pace S. Late in 2016, Jaguar will add a diesel-powered F-Pace. This one will get a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder diesel mill good for 180 hp. All F-Pace SUVs in the U.S. will come with an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive as standard.

CHECK OUT: Lamborghini Huracán LP 610-4 Spyder Revealed: Live Photos

Clearly the F-Pace S is the quickest of the bunch. Jaguar says it needs just 5.1 seconds to hit 60 mph. Top speed on all models is limited to 155 mph. Of course, more powerful versions are planned. We should see an F-Pace R at some point, and there may even be an F-Pace SVR built by the men and women at Jaguar Land Rover's Special Vehicle Operations. After all, Jaguar describes the F-Pace as an all-weather sports car that also happens to fit five people and their belongings.

2017 Jaguar F-Pace

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Inside the five-seat cabin, the details are sparse but the look remains elegant. Touchscreens and digital displays factor in conspicuously; there's an 8.0-inch interface on base versions with a streamlined infotainment interface. A more capable system brings a 10-inch center screen with gesture control plus a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. As finishing touches, the F-Pace wears polite amounts of aluminum and wood trim and ambient lighting.

Pricing for the 2017 Jaguar F-Pace starts at $41,985, which nets you the diesel model. Opt for the 340-hp V-6 and you’re looking at starting price of $43,385, and if you go for the F-Pace S with a 380-hp V-6 you’ll need to pay at least $57,695. All figures include Jaguar’s standard $995 destination charge.

For more from the Frankfurt Auto Show, head to our dedicated hub.

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Optional Clock Will Set Bentley Bentayga Buyers Back Nearly $170K

As you might expect, it's not just any clock.

For $170,000, you could buy a Maserati GranTurismo MC Stradale Centennial Edition. Or you could buy a fancy clock for your Bentley Bentayga.

CHECK OUT: Porsche Mission E Electric Sedan Concept: 310-Mile Range, 15-Minute Charging--Live Photos & Video

The body of the Mulliner Tourbillon by Breitling unit is solid gold, the number markers are emblazoned with diamonds, and the face—depending on the customer's inclination—is crafted from either ebony or mother-of-pearl. Operation is mechanical, and while perpetual watches usually wind themselves using the wearer's body motion, Bentley has developed a system that will accomplish something similar in the Bentayga. Which is too bad, because it's kind of hilarious to think about high-society folks setting iPhone alarms to remind them to wind the clock in the old daily driver.

Of course, even at the Bentley's lofty price point, which begins at $229,000 and climbs to $300,000 for the Edition One model, nearly $170,000 is a decent chunk of change for clock that doesn't let you travel back or forward in time.

ALSO SEE: Bugatti Previews Veyron Successor With Vision GT Concept: Live Photos & Video

But the Crewe contingent's desired clientele for the uber-luxurious SUV probably won't blink at the cost, even if the tarted-up timepiece doesn't keep track minutes and seconds any better than a $70 Swatch.

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Porsche ‘Pajun’ Mid-Size Sedan To Feature Tesla Model S-Rivaling Electric Variant: Report

It was in 2010 that Porsche first announced plans for an all-electric car, which it followed up a year a later by rolling out a battery-powered prototype based on its Boxster sports car.

Porsche Boxster E electric car prototype

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based on its Boxster sports car. Since then, Porsche has been testing the waters for electrified performance cars, starting initially with hybrids and more recently moving into plug-in hybrids. According to a new report out of Germany, Porsche’s next major move in the area of electrified vehicles will see it come out with a battery-powered model.

The information was reported by Manager Magazin , citing industry sources. The battery-powered model is said to be based on a new mid-size sedan to be launched towards the end of the decade. Nicknamed the Pajun, short for Panamera junior, the mid-size sedan is being developed as a rival for the Maserati Ghibli and high-end versions of the BMW 5-Series and Mercedes-Benz E-Class, and in all-electric guise would challenge Tesla Motors' [NSDQ:TSLA] Model S and upcoming Model 3.

The new report also claims that fellow German automakers Audi and Mercedes-Benz are also planning all-electric Tesla rivals of their own. Audi is thought to be planning a battery-powered SUVto take on the upcoming Model Xwhile Mercedes is thought to be looking at a Model S-style battery-powered sedan.

As for the Pajun, it’s likely to debut in gasoline and diesel guises, with the battery version to arrive later. The vehicle is expected to ride on a shortened version of the MSB platform, which debuts in the next-generation Panamera, and could be on the market by 2018 or 2019. Thanks to lightweight construction, battery-powered versions of the Pajun should be considerably lighter than the Model S, which weighs 4,647 pounds.

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Halcón Falcarto Sports Car, 2016 Audi Q2, 2017 Buick LaCrosse: Car News Headlines

A company in Germany by the name of Halcón (that’s Spanish for “falcon” in case you were wondering) has come out with a new sports car dubbed the Falcarto.

Halcón SuperSport Falcarto, 2015 Frankfurt Auto Show

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A company in Germany by the name of Halcón (that’s Spanish for “falcon” in case you were wondering) has come out with a new sports car dubbed the Falcarto. It made its debut last week in Frankfurt, which, incidentally, is where Halcón is based.

Audi’s previously announced Q1 will actually be called a Q2 when it makes its debut in production trim. That debut is said to take place at the 2016 Geneva Motor Show, but sadly we’re not expecting the Q2 to make it Stateside.

Buick has dropped the first official teaser shot for its all-new, third-generation LaCrosse. The new large sedan rides on a stretched version of the platform underpinning the latest Chevrolet Malibu, and it’s said to feature styling inspired by Buick’s stunning Avenir concept.

You'll find all of these stories and more in today's car news, right here at Motor Authority.

German Sports Car StartupHalcón Unveils Falcarto At Frankfurt Auto Show: Video

2016 Audi Q2 Spy Shots

2017 Buick LaCrosse Teased Ahead Of 2015 Los Angeles Auto Show Debut

2016 Hyundai TucsonVideo Road Test

VW Emission CheatingCould Kill Diesel Passenger Cars In U.S., Even Globally

2017 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Wagon Spy Shots

Apple To Debut Car By 2019, But Bob Lutz Says It's A Disaster In The Making

2016 Buick Cascada Priced From $33,990

Vermont B&BOffers Solar-Powered Electric-Car Charging

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Hear The Bugatti Vision GT Concept’s Engine Start Up And Rev: Video

If you’ve ever seen a Bugatti Veyron in real life and were lucky enough to actually see and hear it driving, you may have been impressed, but you were almost certainly let down a bit by the exhaust note.

If you’ve ever seen a Bugatti Veyron in real life and were lucky enough to actually see and hear it driving, you may have been impressed, but you were almost certainly let down a bit by the exhaust note. As delivered, the Veyron sounds a bit … well, underwhelming. That won’t be the case for the car’s successor, at least if the sound of Bugatti’s Vision Gran Turismo conceptis any indication of what’s to come.

This video from Autoforum (via World Car Fans ) was taken at the recent Frankfurt Auto Show where the Vision GT concept was shown for the first time. And even though the concept is only a life-size model of a virtual car for Gran Turismo 6 , it has a version of Bugatti’s famous quad-turbocharged 8.0-liter W-16 under its pretty carbon fiber skin—a version that sounds absolutely menacing even when only starting up and sitting at idle.

Bugatti didn’t reveal any specs for the Vision GT, though the automaker did say that the car—in the virtual world—should be able to hit 250 mph at no less than four sections of the famous Circuit de la Sarthe, home of the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

The automaker also said that the Vision GT features the new design language that Bugatti has developed for the Veyron successor thought to debut at the 2016 Geneva Motor Show next March. In fact, we can already see some lines that are common to both the Vision GT and prototypes for the Veyron successor.

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Morgan Bringing 4/4 80th Anniversary Model And EV3 Electric 3 Wheeler To Geneva

Morgan, the British firm that builds advanced, high-tech sports cars that look like they stepped out of the first half of the last century, is headed to the 2016 Geneva Motor Show with two new additions.

Morgan's 4/4 75th Anniversary Edition.

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One is a special edition of Morgan’s 4/4, the company’s first car with four wheels. The 4/4 has been in production since 1936, making it 80 years old this year. (Production was suspended during the years of World War II.)

That’s certainly reason to celebrate. Unfortunately, we don’t have any details on the car. However, we can expect it to be a lot like the special edition 4/4 Morgan built to celebrate the car’s 75th anniversary in 2011, which is shown above.

ALSO SEE: Complete 'Top Gear' Cast Revealed, Includes Chris Harris, Sabine Schmitz & Eddie Jordan

Morgan EV3 electric 3 Wheeler prototype

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The second car Morgan will introduce in Geneva will be an electric car. It will be a more advanced version of the EV3 prototypethat we saw at last year’s Goodwood Festival of Speed. The EV3 is an all-electric version of Morgan’s famous 3 Wheeler.

The version Morgan will show in Geneva is described as a “production intent” car. Hopefully that means we’ll see the all-electric 3 Wheeler on sale soon. Last year’s prototype had a 60-horsepower electric motor spinning the single rear wheel and was said to be capable of covering 150 miles on a single charge.

The Geneva Motor Show starts March 1. In the meantime, you can learn about some of the other cars appearing by visiting our dedicated hub.

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Superformance Launches 50th Anniversary Ford GT40

Fifty years ago, the Ford Motor Company [NYSE:F] together with Shelby American secured a historic 1-2-3 finish at the 24 Hours of Le Mans with a trio of GT40 MkII racers.

Fifty years ago, the Ford Motor Company [NYSE:F] together with Shelby American secured a historic 1-2-3 finish at the 24 Hours of Le Mans with a trio of GT40 MkII racers. While Ford is celebrating the anniversary with its new GT, entering the car in this year’s race, Superformance, which has a license to build replicas of the original GT40, is celebrating the anniversary with a series of special edition GT40 MkII replicas.

ALSO SEE: Pagani Huayra BC Leaked

Superformance plans to build just 20 examples, each of them an exact replica of the Le Mans-winning cars—right down to their right-hand-drive layout and gear shifter between the driver’s seat and door. The cars will also come with special badging, logos and features.

They will be sold as rolling chassis, which means buyers will have to find their own engine. The recommended unit is a custom 7.0-liter V-8 built by Shelby. The engine features its own badge stating what number in the limited edition sequence it is, starting with GT40 P 2050 and ending at 2069. And since this is a licensed product, Shelby will list the particular sequence number in its official registry.

DON'T MISS: Ford GT40 Mk I Unearthed In Southern California Garage

There are three colors to choose from, each representing one of the more famous personalities to have driven the GT40 at Le Mans. There’s the Bruce McLaren edition (black with silver stripes), Ken Miles edition (blue with white stripes) and Dan Gurney edition (red with white stripes).

The Superformance GT40 replicas are so exquisitely built you could consider them pieces of art. The design team paid such close attention to detail when recreating the car that over 90 percent of the replica’s parts are interchangeable with the original, including the steel monocoque chassis. Superformance’s car also gets modern touches such as air conditioning, an adjustable pedal box and Bilstein shocks with H & R springs.

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BMW celebrates centenary with Vision Next 100 autonomous concept

It was 100 years ago today that the company currently known as the Bayerische Motoren Werke was first registered, though it would be more than a decade until it started churning out cars.

It was 100 years ago today that the company currently known as the Bayerische Motoren Werke was first registered, though it would be more than a decade until it started churning out cars. Nevertheless, BMW is keen to celebrate and is doing so with a gala event today in Munich, Germany that saw the reveal of the Vision Next 100 concept.

The Vision Next 100 is the first in a series of forward-looking concepts, one for each division within the BMW Group (BMW, BMW Motorrad, Mini and Rolls-Royce), and much like the F015 concept unveiled a year ago by Mercedes-Benz, the Vision Next 100 produces zero emissions and is capable of autonomous driving.

Specific details on the concept are yet to be revealed but there are four main capabilities BMW wants to stress. Autonomous capability, digitalization, new materials and construction methods, and emotion.

BMW Vision Next 100 concept

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When it comes to autonomous capability, BMW says cars capable of driving themselves without any human intervention will be here sooner than you think. But a BMW will always allow a human to take over, the company promises.

Beyond self-driving capability, BMW says the digitalization of the car will also be major area of focus in the coming years. The company says to expect further convergence of the auto and tech industries, with new ways of interacting with the car, such as artificial intelligence predicting many of our wishes and working away in the background to perform the jobs we delegate to it, being one of the results. BMW wants the interaction process to be as intuitive as possible.

New materials will also play a significant role in the further evolution of the car, according to BMW. This has already started with the increasing use of carbon fiber and other composites instead of conventional steel. Looking further forward, technologies such as rapid manufacturing and 4D printing (3D-printed materials that change depending on conditions) will open up new possibilities.

BMW Vision Next 100 concept

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Finally, BMW says its vehicles of the future will still provide the feel fans of the brand enjoy today. This includes sporty handling, a sense of power when you hit the accelerator and the anticipation of a great drive ahead. These are all things BMW hopes to retain.

During the coming year, the Vision Next 100 concept will visit some major cities. The first top will be Beijing on May 5. The concept will then head to London on June 16 where similar forward-looking concepts for Mini and Rolls-Royce will be unveiled. The last stop will be Los Angeles on October 11 where we’ll see a BMW Motorrad concept unveiled.

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Chevy celebrates Camaro's 50th birthday with special edition

To mark the Camaro's golden anniversary, Chevrolet has announced a 50th Anniversary Edition trim level loaded with unique cosmetic touches.

The first Camaros popped on the scene as 1967 models, so the 50th Anniversary Edition trim will be offered for the 2017 model year.

Chevrolet reminds us that it actually took the wraps off of the original Camaro on September 26, 1966. By then, the Ford Motor Company [NYSE:F] Mustang, which debuted in 1964, had already developed a cult following, but careful positioning and an aggressive marketing campaign meant that the Camaro was so well received that one of motoring's great rivalries was born. The current Camarorepresents the sixth generation of the nameplate.

The celebratory Camaros will be swathed in Nightfall Grey metallic paint with an orange and black stripe kit running from nose to tail. Unique 20-inch alloy wheels will cover orange brake calipers (front only on V-6-powered models), and special "Fifty" badges" will be festooned to their front fenders. Inside, the 50th Anniversary Edition models gain badges and orange stitching for their seats.

The package will only be offered on top-trim versions of the V-6 and V-8-powered Camaros, the 2LT and 2SS, respectively.

Pricing and an on-sale date for the Camaro 50th Anniversary Edition haven't been announced.

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Bosch knew about VW's "defeat device" in 2007: Report

According to multiple German-language media outlets, automotive parts supplier Bosch knew about the Volkswagen Group's 'defeat device' software as early as 2007.

VW TDI badge

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Details come from Bild am Sonntag , which first reported that Bosch designed the software to be used in testing applications, and that it made clear to VW the code would not be legal for production vehicles. Not surprisingly, the motive for deploying the software was cost-based, and it spared the company the expense of adding a pollution-countering AdBlue urea solution system to some of its TDI models.

ALSO SEE: VW Dirty Diesel Scandal Expands To Audi: 2.1M Cars Affected

While Bosch, the world's biggest supplier, was not responsible for the final application of the technology, it's unclear whether its knowledge regarding the existence of the emissions-evading software exposes the company to legal liability.

There was no comment from VW or Bosch regarding the latest revelation in the rapidly developing story.

For a complete breakdown of the dirty diesel scandal, head to Green Car Reports . VW also has a special website (vwdieselinfo.com) providing information for concerned owners.

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Mercedes-AMG’s Next Four-Cylinder To Be Developed By F1 Team

Mercedes-AMG has just upgraded the turbocharged four-cylinder engine found in its compact cars to deliver 375 horsepower and 350 pound-feet of torque , but for further upgrades the official Mercedes tuner will turn to an all-new engine—one developed by the Mercedes AMG Petronas Formula One team.

Mercedes-AMG turbocharged four-cylinder engine

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The information was revealed by Mercedes-AMG boss Tobias Moers during a recent interview with Australia’s Motoring . He said the current engine had reached its limit and that for a replacement Mercedes-AMG will turn to the F1 team, specifically the Mercedes AMG High Performance Powertrains (formerly Mercedes-Ilmor, then High Performance Engines) division responsible for the power units used by several teams this season.

CHECK OUT: Lamborghini Huracán GT3 To Make North American Debut At 2016 Daytona 24 Hours

Mercedes-AMG is reportedly turning to the F1 team because of its experience with small, lightweight, high-output engines and the sophisticated energy recovery systems being used this season. It’s not clear what form of technology transfer will happen but one possibility that can be ruled out is an electric-aided turbocharger, where an electric motor is used to spool the turbo at low revs.

Moers explained that the technology, often referred to as E-Boost, would require an upgraded electrical system and extra batteries and may not make much financial sense at present. As previously reported, Mercedes-AMG already uses E-Boost technology in motorsport but will only add it to its fleet of road cars if the customer can afford it.

In his interview with Motoring , Moers also revealed that Mercedes-AMG had ruled out diesel engines and another all-electric car (the first was the SLS AMG Electric Drive) due to a lack of demand. Instead, he sees hybrid power as being the next frontier for the Affalterbach-based squad.

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Artega SE Electric Coupe: 2011 Geneva Motor Show

The last we heard of German start-up Artega and its Henrik Fisker designed GT sports coupe , the company had just started building and selling a limited run of its cars, which at the time were available exclusively with a 300 horsepower V-6.

At this past week’s 2011 Geneva Motor Show, Artega has unveiled a new, greener version of the GT dubbed the Sports Electric, or SE for short. Instead of featuring a mid-engine layout, the new Artega SE ditches the gasoline V-6 in favor of two zero-emission electric motors mounted on the rear axle. They provide a combined output of 380 horsepower and can operate independently for better traction.

The entire drivetrain weighs just 330 pounds but this does not include the 727 pound weight of the lithium ion polymer batteries required to power the motors. For better weight distribution, the water-cooled batteries are split up and located at both ends of the vehicle resulting in an axle distribution of 57 percent in the rear and 43 percent in the front--identical to that of the gasoline powered Artega GT. Overall curb weight comes in at a reasonable 3,086 pounds.

Artega SE electric sports coupe

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A special feature of the vehicle is a toggle switch on the steering wheel, which enables the driver to adjust the recuperation rate of the regenerative brakes when he or she removes their foot from the accelerator.

The settings are variable from about 75 kW to zero recuperation, a level referred to as 'sailing'.

The Artega SE accelerates from 0-62 mph in just 4.3 seconds (4.8 seconds with an internal combustion engine) and can reach a top speed of 155 mph.

The vehicle is expected to be introduced in Europe in late summer, with the production version set to make its official world debut at the 2011 Frankfurt Auto Show this September.

For our complete coverage of the 2011 Geneva Motor Show, click here.

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Artega GT Gets Removable Glass Roof: 2012 Geneva Motor Show

While it didn’t get the new convertible bodystyle we were expecting , the GT sports car from Germany’s Artega has been previewed with a wide panoramic glass roof at this week’s 2012 Geneva Motor Show.

We say preview as the car in Geneva is still at concept, although given the positive feedback we wouldn’t be surprised to see the glass option made available to customers in the not too distant future.

Artega has managed to install a removable glass roof on its GT concept while still keeping the Henrik Fisker designed body in its full originality.

And despite its small size, the car is big enough to store the glass roof piece whilst on the move (it tucks away neatly behind the seats). Once it’s back in place, the transparent glass lets plenty of sunlight in, but at all times maintains the qualities of a confined coupe.

Artega also used the Geneva event to announce a series of updates to its regular GT. The stylish sports car still comes with a Volkswagen-sourced 3.6-liter V-6 rated at 300 horsepower and matched to a six-speed DSG dual-clutch, but it now comes with an upgraded Pioneer infotainment system, a redesigned instrument panel, new leather trim, and slightly revised side mirrors.

The all-electric SE, which packs two electric motors and is rated at a combined 380 horsepower, is also still available.

Unfortunately, the Artega GT is available to European sports car lovers only. Currently, Artega sells most of its cars in Germany but the company has announced that it is expanding its dealer network to Austria, Belgium, France, Italy, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands.

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New Ford GT, 2016 Jaguar XFL, 2017 Mercedes-AMG E63: Today’s Car News

Ford Motor Company [NYSE:F] has opened up the order books for its new GT supercar.

New Ford GT

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Ford Motor Company [NYSE:F] has opened up the order books for its new GT supercar. Anyone can apply though the applications will be vetted so that the car ends up in the hands of genuine fans only. Ford has also confirmed that the price will be around $450k.

Tesla Motors [NSDQ:TSLA] has revealed an updated version of its Model S. The car benefits from some styling tweaks that make it resemble Tesla’s more recent Model X and Model 3.

Mercedes-AMG will launch its new E63 later this year. Some of the performance numbers have leaked. If accurate, it means the new E63 will be quicker to 60 mph than Mercedes-AMG’s GT S sports car.

You'll find all of these stories and more in today's car news, right here at Motor Authority.

Ford GT order booksopen, pricing in the mid-$400,000s

2016 Tesla Model S gets first styling update since launch

Leaked info suggestsMercedes-AMG's new E63 coming with 603 hp, 3.5-second 0-60 time

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Germany’s Artega And Roding To Show New Roadsters In Geneva

Two manufacturers of sports cars hailing from Germany are planning to debut some new models at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show taking place next month.

Artega GT sports car

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One of them is Artega, the maker of the Henrik Fisker designed GT sports car, which is expected to unveil the long-awaited convertible version of its GT.

The information was first reported by GTSpirit , which claims the new convertible sports car will be called the Artega GT Roadster and it will come with the same Volkswagen-sourced 3.6-liter V-6 rated at 300 horsepower that’s found in the hardtop.

The second model is the recently spied Roding Roadster. Like the Artega GT, the new Roding Roadster is a two seat mid-engine sports car but with its chassis made from carbon fiber. It, too, gets a six-cylinder engine but one sourced from BMW. Peak power of the Roding is also expected to rest at 300 horsepower.

Stay tuned for more details once the 2012 Geneva Motor Show gets underway. The first press days don’t commence until March 6 but in the meantime follow our ongoing coverage via our dedicated show page.

Roding Roadster official teaser

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German Sports Car Manufacturer Artega Files For Bankruptcy

The small scale manufacturer, based in Delbrück, stated that it has become insolvent and that it is seeking to find new roles for its 34 employees.

Artega SE electric sports coupe

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It’s a sad day for sports car fans, with news coming out today that German firm Artega, manufacturer of the Henrik Fisker-designed GT sports car, has filed for bankruptcy.

Artega also claims that part of the decision to file for bankruptcy was due to a proposed sale of the firm to an Asian investor failing at the last minute.

Court-approved administrators are currently examining Artega’s remaining assets while management looks for new investment possibilities. We hope they are successful as the firm’s GT, though limited to the German market, is a great little sports car and would certainly be a welcome addition to our garage.

Two different versions were available, the gasoline-powered GT rated at 300 horsepower and all-electric SEwith more than 380 horsepower on tap.

Artega was also working on a targa-style model with a removable glass roof, which it previewed in concept formas recently as March’s 2012 Geneva Motor Show. At the time, Artega said it was preparing to its dealer network to Austria, Belgium, France, Italy, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands.

This isn’t the first time that Artega’s viability has come into question. In 2010 the firm was sold to Mexican private investor Tresalia Capital, run by beer baroness Linda Alvarado, though this deal also failed to be completed.

Artega GT sports car

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Infiniti QX concept, 2016 MOMO Edition VW Jetta, 2017 Lincoln Continental: Car News Headlines

Infiniti has teased a new concept car it plans to debut at this month’s 2016 Beijing Auto Show.

Teaser for Infiniti QX Sport Inspiration concept debuting at 2016 Beijing Auto Show

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Infiniti has teased a new concept car it plans to debut at this month’s 2016 Beijing Auto Show. The concept previews the styling of the automaker’s next-generation SUVs, in particular the next QX50.

We’ve just taken a spin in the latest MOMO Edition Volkswagen Jetta. This one has 270 horsepower on tap, putting its performance somewhere between the standard Jetta GLI and Golf R.

Lincoln has announced pricing for its 2017 Continental. The big sedan is more expensive than the MKS it replaces but undercuts virtually all of the competition, including Cadillac’s CTS.

You'll find all of these stories and more in today's car news, right here at Motor Authority.

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Artega’s New Owner Ceases Production Of GT Sports Car

Production at niche sports car manufacturer Artega, based in Delbrück, Germany, has come to an end, with the company stating on its website that the last of its Henrik Fisker-designed GT sports cars rolled off the line on September 30.

Artega GT sports car

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Artega filed for bankruptcy protectionin July of this year and announced it was in the process of seeking new investors. Two key deals with Chinese and Mexican firms were close to being finalized though fell out at the last minute.

A deal was eventually struck with fellow German firm Paragon, an automotive supplier also based in Delbrück. All 34 employees at Artega have been retained by Paragon, which also gains the company’s engineering talents and production facilities.

Sadly, Paragon has confirmed it has no plans to restart production of the mid-engined Artega GT and its electric variant as sports cars do not fit within the company’s portfolio of products.

Two different versions of the Artega GT were built since the car was first announced in 2007, the gasoline-powered GTrated at 300 horsepower and all-electric SEwith more than 380 horsepower on tap.

Artega was also working on a targa-style model with a removable glass roof, which it previewed in concept formas recently as March’s 2012 Geneva Motor Show. At the time, Artega said it was preparing to expand its dealer network to Austria, Belgium, France, Italy, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands. Part of the reason for the brand's demise was that its cars were only sold in Germany.

Artega was established by former Rolls Royce exec Klaus Dieter Frers and several former Volkswagen employees. As mentioned, Fisker founder and chairman Henrik Fisker designed the body of the GT sports car, while former Porsche engineer Hardy Essig was responsible for much of the mechanicals. The V-6 engine that powered the GT was a 3.0-liter unit sourced from VW and used in the previous R32 Golf.

Artega SE electric sports coupe

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Porsche 911 GT2, Aston Martin Vantage GT8, American Ferrari theme park: Today’s Car News

An early mule for what’s believed to be the new Porsche 911 GT2 has been spotted.

2018 Porsche 911 GT2 spy shots - Image via S. Baldauf/SB-Medien

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An early mule for what’s believed to be the new Porsche 911 GT2 has been spotted. It may look like the latest 911 GT3 RS but if you look closely you’ll notice a few elements that give away its true identity.

Aston Martin has unveiled the Vantage GT8, the most extreme V-8-powered sports car in the company’s history. Just 150 examples will be built and sadly none are expected in the United States.

Ferrari [NYSE:RACE] is making headlines today because of rumors it’s planning one of its branded theme parks in North America. The theme parks are just one of the new areas Ferrari is entering to expand its business.

You'll find all of these stories and more in today's car news, right here at Motor Authority.

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New Volkswagen Touareg, updated Mazzanti Evantra, 2017 Subaru WRX: Car News Headlines

Volkswagen will present a concept at next week’s 2016 Beijing Auto Show that very likely previews the next-generation Touareg.

Teaser for Volkswagen SUV concept debuting at 2016 Beijing Auto Show

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Volkswagen will present a concept at next week’s 2016 Beijing Auto Show that very likely previews the next-generation Touareg. The new Touareg has already been spotted in test mule form and is expected on the market next year as a 2018 model.

Italy’s Mazzanti used this past week’s 2016 Top Marques Monaco to unveil an updated version of its Evantra supercar. The updated model features some aerodynamic enhancements and marks 10 years since the unveiling of Mazzanti’s first model, which also took place in Monaco.

Subaru has unveiled a new generation of its Impreza but the new versions of the high-performance WRX and WRX STI are still in the works. In the meantime, the current WRX and WRX STI will receive some updates.

You'll find all of these stories and more in today's car news, right here at Motor Authority.

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Tesla Model X Will Get Ludicrous Speed, Could Be World's Quickest SUV

As such, the electric sedan to launch from zero to 60 in just 2.8 seconds and blast through the quarter mile in just 10.9 seconds.

The Tesla Models S just keeps getting better. With the Ludicrous high-performance modeoption, announced late this past week, the Model S will go a step beyond the Insane modecurrently offered.

ALSO SEE: Forget 'Insane': Tesla Model S Adds 'Ludicrous' Mode, 90-kWh Battery Option

And it won't be the only Tesla Motors [NSDQ:TSLA] model with such performance potential.

According to CEO Elon Musk, Ludicrous will also be available to buyers of the the forthcoming Tesla Model X. Along with the upgraded 90-kWh battery, which could allow the gull-wing door SUV to spring to 60 mph in a little as 3.3 seconds.

Of course, testing hasn't even started yet, so real-world performance is still an estimate. But for those keeping score, that's a half second quicker than a Porsche Cayenne Turbo S, and within spitting distance of the Lamborghini Huracán LP 610-4'sreported zero to 62 time of 3.2 seconds. If Tesla is able to deliver on the 3.3 second figure that would make the Model X the quickest SUV in the world.

The Model X is scheduled to start reaching buyers early in 2016, but when Ludicrous examples will be available is anyone's guess. Stay tuned.

Elon Musk: Tesla Could Get 600-Mile Range by 2017

Tesla Motors [NSDQ:TSLA] CEO Elon Musk said we can expect to see a Tesla with over a 600-mile range as soon as 2017, and that by 2020, the figure could climb to 725 miles.

Currently, the highest range Tesla can go 300 miles between charges.

CHECK OUT: Porsche Design Chief Talks About The Mission E Concept: Video

Musk made the statement during an interview on Danish television. During the discussion, he also said the company's forthcoming Autopilot programwill be available by the end of October. The news comes just ahead of the first deliveries of the company's long-awaited Model X electric crossover, set to begin September 29th with an official launch event.

Expanding its lineup will be key for Tesla, as the California startup is about to face unprecedented competition from established players like Mercedes-Benz—reportedly readying its own electric SUV—and Audi, which showcased an e-tron quattro Conceptat this year's Frankfurt Motor Show.

The next major landmark on Tesla's product roadmap is the 2016 debut of the entry-level Model 3 sedan, But if history is any guide, there will be plenty more revelations from Musk before then.

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Elon Musk: Tesla Model X Starts Delivery Sept. 29, Costs $5k More Than Model S

Yesterday we got our first look at Tesla Motors’ [NSDQ:TSLA] highly anticipated Model X electric SUV thanks to some leaked shots taken from a special configurator set up for early bird customers that reserved the Model X Signature launch edition.

The Signature cars are the first to come off the line and they’re equipped with the biggest battery, the most powerful motors and almost all of the vehicle’s available features. That’s why the Model X Signature has a hefty starting price of $133,200, including a $1,200 destination charge.

ALSO SEE: Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk: 0-60 In 2.7 Seconds, $79,999?

Fears of price gouging, though, prompted CEO Elon Musk to take to Twitter to alleviate any concerns that the Model X will be much more expensive than the existing Model S. He said that the Model X will cost $5,000 more than a comparable Model S, pointing out that the extra cost was due to the increased size and complexity of the body which features ‘Falcon Wing’ lifting rear doors.

“With same options, Model X is $5k more than an S due to greater size & body complexity,” Musk said.

Considering a Model S equipped with the company’s dual-motor all-wheel-drive system starts at $76,200, based on Musk’s comments the Model X will likely start at $81,200 (there is no rear-wheel-drive option for the Model X). Both prices include destination. This is for a model with a 70-kilowatt battery and 328-horsepower output.

Other tidbits Musk revealed in his Tweets included confirmation that deliveries of the Model X would start on September 29, with the first cars to be handed to customers at the factory in Fremont, California.

He also said that the smaller Model 3 sedanwould be shown in March of next year and that pre-orders would start at that time. Production of the small sedan, however, won’t start until late 2017, or about two years from now, he said.

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2016 Tesla Model X Makes Debut

It was in early 2012 that Tesla Motors [NSDQ:TSLA] first unveiled a prototype version of the Model X and confirmed the electric crossover for production.

and confirmed the electric crossover for production. Now the first examples have been handed over to their eagerly awaiting customers, an event that took place overnight at a special ceremony held at Tesla’s plant in Fremont, California.

During the event, Musk conceded that some of the unique requirements for the vehicle went a little too far. There are, of course, the much-hyped ‘Falcon Wing’ rear doors, and in addition to these there’s a huge windshield that stretches from the hood to the center of the roof, an automatic front door and a special cabin filter capable of hospital-grade cleanliness.

2016 Tesla Model X

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Just two versions are being offered at launch, a 90D and a P90D, and both are fitted with a 90-kilowatt-hour battery, the biggest Tesla is offering at present. Both also come standard with Tesla’s dual-motor all-wheel-drive system. As previously reported, the 90D starts at $133,200 while the P90D will set you back $143,200. Both figures include Tesla’s $1,200 destination charge.

As measured by the EPA, the 90D is good for 90/94 mpge city/highway and 92 combined, and with a range of 257 miles. The P90D’s numbers come in at 89/90 mpge city/highway and 89 combined,  and with a range of 250 miles.

The P90D is the one with the “Ludicrous Speed” option; this enables the Model X to hit 60 mph in just 3.2 seconds and pass the quarter mile in 11.7 seconds—truly mindboggling figures for a mid-size crossover with the capacity to carry seven adults and tow up to 5,000 pounds. Versions with smaller batteries—and smaller price tags—will come later, and a rear-wheel-drive model hasn’t been ruled out. In general, the Model X will cost you $5k more than a comparable Model S, so it’s possible we’ll see Model X pricing approach $70k.

2016 Tesla Model X

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Inside, the look is the similar to what you’ll find in the Model S—with the big 17-inch display included. Tesla says the Model X, along with the Model S, will also get all of its Autopilot autonomous driving features, as they become available. The features will be added via software updates in the near future.

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Kahn Design shows off two very bespoke Range Rovers

However, the British coachbuilder hasn’t neglected the marque that made it famous around the globe, Land Rover, and has expressed this with two very bespoke versions of the Range Rover and Range Rover Sport.

Kahn Design made headlines recently for its brutish take on the Aston Martin DB9, the unforgettable WB12 Vengeancethat made its debut at the 2016 Geneva Motor Show.

However, the British coachbuilder hasn’t neglected the marque that made it famous around the globe, Land Rover, and has expressed this with two very bespoke versions of the Range Rover and Range Rover Sport. They’re called the RS Pace Cars and were designed to show off the extensive modifications Kahn Design is currently offering for the luxury Land Rovers.

WATCH: 2016 Volvo XC90 T6 video review

The star is the Range Rover RS Pace Car, which features a two-tone exterior Kahn Design refers to as Black Kirsch Over Madeira Red. Real carbon fiber has also been used on the exterior and you’ll easily spot the widened wheel arches and black detailing all around. The wheels are a set of Kahn Design’s famous RS pieces, measuring 23 inches across.

2016 Land Rover Range Rover RS Pace Car by Kahn Design

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Inside, the Range Rover RS Pace Car has been redesigned with plush leather sporting an interesting pattern. It’s used for the seats and features a burnt orange hue. Some of the interior pieces have been painted to match the exterior and new stainless steel treadplates have been installed to greet passengers when they open the doors.

CHECK OUT: 2017 Maserati Levante pricing revealed

For the Range Rover Sport RS Pace Car, Kahn Design has gone for a sportier look. The exterior is finished in Imperial Blue and also wears widened wheel arches. There are also gray accents around the body as well as real carbon fiber. This model also wears 23-inch RS wheels and at the rear you’ll find Kahn Design’s popular crosshair exhaust tips.

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A close look at the Bugatti Chiron’s monster W-16 engine

Bugatti’s Chiron is a pure masterpiece where every inch has been meticulously designed and engineered to ensure the car can safely and reliably travel well above takeoff speeds for commercial jets.

is a pure masterpiece where every inch has been meticulously designed and engineered to ensure the car can safely and reliably travel well above takeoff speeds for commercial jets. Bugatti isn’t saying how fast the Chiron will go, though the company does state that the car’s top speed will be “significantly” higher than that of the Veyron, which in Super Sport trim set the current 267.8 mph land speed record for a production car.

The beating heart of the Chiron is its newly developed W-16 engine. The engine matches the quad-turbocharger, 8.0-liter displacement setup of the unit in the Veyron but virtually every element has been redesigned for improved performance. Bugatti quotes official numbers of 1,480 horsepower and 1,180 pound-feet of torque, which is up on even the Veyron Super Sport’s 1,183 hp and 1,106 lb-ft.

The 25 percent jump in power is mainly due to increased boost pressure. To achieve this, bigger turbos were needed. However, to address the issue of lag Bugatti developed a sequential setup where two smaller turbos work at engine speeds of up to 3,800 rpm and then two bigger units take over. Incredibly, the Chiron’s engine delivers its peak torque at just 2,000 rpm and maintains this all the way to 6,000 rpm. Not surprisingly, Bugatti says the power delivery in the car is “absolutely linear.”

Bugatti Chiron

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There has been a weight penalty with the new setup so to compensate for this greater use is made of lightweight materials such as titanium and carbon fiber. For example, the intake tube, the charge air system and the chain housing are all made of carbon fiber. Lighter yet stronger internals have also been employed, like the specially developed crankshaft.

As anyone who has played around with turbos will know, more charge pressure needs to be matched with increased fuel flow as well as cooling capabilities for the charge air. For the fuel, Bugatti relies on duplex fuel injection with 32 injectors. And for the charge air, complex cooling systems have been employed, which we will get to later.

As a result, more than 60,000 liters of air per minute are pumped through the engine. The coolant pump is also a very high-performance unit. In one minute, it circulates 800 liters of water through the entire engine. At full tilt, we’re guessing the Chiron will empty its gas tank even quicker than the 12 minutes it takes the Veyron.

2017 Maserati Levante pricing revealed

Fresh from its world debut at the recent Geneva Motor Show, the 2017 Maserati Levante is set to appear next week at the New York Auto Show and start rolling into showrooms all across the country as early as next month.

We can now reveal that the mid-size luxury SUV will have a starting price of $72,000, before destination. Maserati hasn’t said how much destination will be for the Levante but for the similarly priced Ghibli it’s $1,250.

CHECK OUT: 2017 Alfa Romeo Giulia U.S. specs confirmed

The $72k figure is for the base Levante, which comes with a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6 good for 345 horsepower. Those seeking more power can opt for a Levante S, which sports the same engine but a more generous output of 424 hp. Pricing for the Levante S will start at $83,000, once again excluding destination.

2017 Maserati Levante

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The Levante’s pricing positions it well above most of the German rivals, including Porsche’s Cayenne which starts at $60k. Of course, Maserati is a much more exclusive marque so there was always going to be a premium for its new SUV.

WATCH: 2016 Volvo XC90 T6 video review

The Levante is based on Maserati’s own platform, a modular design that also underpins the Ghibli and Quattroporte sedans. An 8-speed automatic transmission, all-wheel drive, locking differential, air suspension with adjustable dampers, and driving modes selector are standard across the range.

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Nick Kyrgios into 2016 Miami Masters semi-final after beating Milos Raonic

Nick Kyrgios has upset in-form Milos Raonic to march into his first Masters 1000 semi-final in Miami.

Punter's pick: Nick Kyrgios' impressive performance in Miami has left many thinking he will win a Grand Slam this year. Photo: AP

Kyrgios is also set to crack the world's top 20 and leapfrog Bernard Tomic to become Australian tennis's new No.1 following his impressive 6-4 7-6 (7-4) defeat of the power-serving Canadian on Thursday (Friday AEDT).

The straight-sets victory vaulted Kyrgios into a last-four meeting with Japanese sixth seed Kei Nishikori and tantalisingly close to a potential title showdown with world No.1 Novak Djokovic.

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Raonic has been one of the hottest players on tour in 2016, downing Roger Federer to win the season-opening crown in Brisbane and racking up 18 wins from 20 matches.

His only previous losses this year came against Andy Murray in a five-set Australian Open semi-final thriller and to Djokovic in the Indian Wells Masters final.

But the 12th seed was on the back foot from the outset against Kyrgios, the youngest player - at almost 21 - to ever make the semi-finals in Miami.

Kyrgios broke Raonic in the opening game of the match and consolidated for an early 2-0 lead.

Struggling with his own first serve, Kyrgios showed his mettle by fighting off two break-back points in the fourth game, one with an exquisite backhand drop volley and a second with a booming forehand winner.

And with that it ends.

Kyrgios sends Raonic packing with a 6-4, 7-6 win #MiamiOpen pic.twitter.com/gBk5ourAvU

— Miami Open (@MiamiOpen) April 1, 2016

He saved a further two break points before clinching the first set with a sizzling crosscourt forehand winner.

The second set was a much tighter affair, with Kyrgios holding his nerve to secure victory in a tiebreaker.

Earlier, Nishikori overcame five match points to deny Frenchman Gael Monfils 4-6 6-3 7-6 (7-3) in their quarter-final.

The 16th-seeded Monfils was soaked with sweat on a sweltering afternoon but rallied from a 4-1 deficit in the final set.

Nishikori fell behind 0-40 serving at 4-5 but erased those match points and another in that game, and overcame one more match point serving in the 12th game.

He played a solid tiebreaker and closed out the victory with a forehand winner.

Djokovic faces Belgian 15th seed David Goffin in the first semi-final on Friday (Saturday AEDT) before Kyrgios takes on Nishikori.

Agencies

Novak Djokovic wins Miami Masters for 63rd career title

MIAMI: Top seed Novak Djokovic continued his domination of men's tennis with a 6-3 6-3 win over Japan's Kei Nishikori in the Miami Open final in Florida, a win which sees him become tennis' all-time leading money winner.

Miami master: Novak Djokovic. Photo: Getty Images

Djokovic collected $US1,028,300 ($A1.34 million) on Sunday. His career earnings approach $US100 million.

Now, having won four titles already in 2016, he will turn his thoughts to the upcoming clay court season.

The French Open is the only grand slam missing from Djokovic's otherwise glittering resume, but he has already been installed by the bookmakers as odds-on favourite for Roland Garros after a magnificent start to the year.

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Djokovic dropped serve in the first game against Nishikori on Sunday but it was pretty much one-way traffic after that as he outclassed the sixth seed in all facets of the game on the hardcourt at Key Biscayne.

The 28-year-old Serb took 85 minutes to join American Andre Agassi as a six-time Miami Open winner.

Djokovic said his first Miami win in 2007 paved the way for a career that now includes 63 ATP titles.

"It gave me a lot of confidence, a lot of self belief that I can finally win these big tournaments, finally beat the top players," he said.

"Every year I come back to this tournament I get goose bumps from those days. I was still 19 years old and making my way to the top."

It was his fourth consecutive championship, and a record 28th overall, in the Masters 1000, a series of nine tournaments considered the most prestigious other than the four grand slams.

"First set was a real battle, but towards the end of the first set I started serving better... which means a lot in matches like this against top players," he said of his latest victory.

It was Djokovic's fourth title of 2016, following victories at the Australian Open, Qatar and Indian Wells.

His only blemish on an otherwise perfect record so far this year came in Dubai in February, when he retired during a quarter-final with an eye infection.

"I have plenty of energy and lots of motivation for the beginning of the clay-court season that ends up, hopefully, with a crown in Paris (in June)," he said.

"That's obviously one of the top goals each year, but I'm not the only one that wants to win that big trophy."

Reuters

Tennis ACT rising star Kaitlin Staines joins Fed Cup team as Nick Kyrgios rises

Rising Tennis ACT star Kaitlin Staines will use her junior Australian Fed Cup debut to prepare her for a step onto the senior circuit to see if she's ready to take on women.

Kaitlin Staines hopes the junior Fed Cup helps launch her on to the professional circuit. Photo: Jamila Toderas

Staines, 16, has been included in the junior female team to play a tournament in Delhi as she continues to carve out a promising career.

Staines' continued rise comes as Canberra's Nick Kyrgios moved to a career-high ranking of No.20 this week and announced he will play at the Queen's Club in preparation for Wimbledon.

Lake Ginninderra College student Staines hopes the junior Fed Cup will be a stepping stone to a future professional career.

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Staines is ranked No.2 in Australia for her age group and played in the junior Australian Open singles and doubles earlier this year.

"When you're around 16 or 17 you look to test yourself overseas a little bit more," Staines said.

"I'd like to play of a few of the professional tournaments and keep working hard. Everyone takes a different step and I'm going to try to head overseas and see what's around and how I go against some of the older girls.

"I'm looking to head over to Thailand at the end of term two at school. There's a few professional tournaments over there so hopefully everything goes to plan.

"I'm excited for the chance to play Fed Cup. It's my first time representing Australia in a team so hopefully that goes well as well."

Staines will team up with Jeanette Lin and Jessica Zaviacic for the junior Fed Cup.

Meanwhile, Kyrgios will join grand slam champions Andy Murray, Rafael Nadal and his nemesis Stan Wawrinka at the famous lead-in event.

The 20-year-old Kyrgios has gone up six places in the rankings on the back of an impressive semi-final showing at the ATP event in Miami last week and a maiden title in Marseille recently.

"Grass is my favourite surface," said Kyrgios, who lost to Wawrinka in the first round at Queen's last year but enjoyed a memorable second-round victory over Nadal at Wimbledon two years ago.

"I've had my best results on it, my expectations are high and I'm expecting some good results from myself at Queen's this year.

"The conditions are perfect, great preparation for Wimbledon, and all the Australians have played well there over the years. I'm pumped to be coming back."

Also taking part will be world No.12 Milos Raonic, who reached the Australian Open semi-finals this year. The tournament runs from June 13-19.

Daria Gavrilova through to Charleston second round

Rising Australian tennis star Daria Gavrilova has fought her way into the second round of the WTA event in Charleston, South Carolina, with a gutsy three-set win.

Daria Gavrilova. Photo: Eddie Jim

The 22-year-old beat Kazakhstan's world No.86-ranked Zarina Diyas 6-1 1-6 6-3 on Monday (Tuesday AEST).

The 12th seeded Australian will next face either China's Shuai Zhang or Dutch hopeful Lesley Kerkhove.

Compatriot Sam Stosur is due to play Aleksandra Krunic in her first round match, also on Monday.

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First Of Volvo’s Next-Generation Compact Cars Arriving In 2017

Just as it has the SPA platform for its larger models, Volvo is working on another modular platform just like SPA that it will use for its range of next-generation compact cars.

Just as it has the SPA platform for its larger models, Volvo is working on another modular platform just like SPA that it will use for its range of next-generation compact cars. This second modular platform is called the Compact Modular Architecture, or CMA for short, and the first model to be based on it will arrive in 2017.

ALSO SEE: Tesla Version 7.0 Software Update Activates First Autopilot Features

Volvo hasn’t released much in the way of details on its future compact car plans, though we already know there will be at least two models: a next-generation V40 five-door hatch as well as a new crossover dubbed the XC40. It’s possible that a new S40 sedan targeting the likes of the Audi A3, Buick Verano and Mercedes-Benz CLA is also launched at some point, though Volvo is yet to even hint at such a vehicle.

We also know that Volvo’s new compact cars will be sold globally, including here in the United States, and that for most markets the cars will be sourced from a plant in Belgium. Volvo will also probably build some compact cars in China, perhaps even sharing a plant with its Chinese parent Geely. Geely has been fully involved in the development of the CMA platform and will be using it for its own compact range.

CHECK OUT: Hyundai Uses LEDs To Highlight Benefits Of Its HTRAC All-Wheel Drive: Video

Volvo states that the CMA platform will change the way it develops and builds its products in the future by allowing a wide range of cars, powertrains, electrical systems and technologies of varying complexity to be fitted on the same architecture, generating significant economies of scale and a more streamlined manufacturing process. The most powerful models will wear a “T5” badge and feature a ‘twin engine’ plug-in hybrid powertrain consisting of an internal combustion engine and electric drive system, just like in the XC90 T8. At the end of the scale, there will be versions with three-cylinder engines.

The introduction of the SPA and CMA platforms is the cornerstone of Volvo’s product renewal and growth strategy, which involves the replacement of every single car in its lineup in the next four years and a doubling of its annual sales volume to around 800,000 cars. This process started with the launch of XC90 last year and will continue shortly with the launch of the new S90 sedan.

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Ford GT40 Replica, Pagani Huayra BC, Next-Gen Rolls-Royce Phantom: Today’s Car News

Ford Motor Company [NYSE:F] is celebrating the 50th anniversary of its historic win in the 24 Hours of Le Mans with the GT40 MkII by entering the car’s spiritual successor, the GT, in this year’s race.

Pagani Huayra BC teased ahead of 2016 Geneva Motor Show

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Ford Motor Company [NYSE:F] is celebrating the 50th anniversary of its historic win in the 24 Hours of Le Mans with the GT40 MkII by entering the car’s spiritual successor, the GT, in this year’s race. You can celebrate in your own way by snapping up one of 20 50th anniversary GT40 replicas built under license by Superformance. The car is simply stunning.

Pagani’s latest Huayra variant is called the BC. It’s set for a debut at March’s 2016 Geneva Motor Show but an undisguised version has already been spotted. Its key feature is an oversized and somewhat odd-looking rear spoiler.

Rolls-Royce has confirmed that the tester we recently spotted is still only a test mule for the automaker’s new platform and not an early prototype for the next-generation Phantom, as was previously thought. The first vehicle based on the new platform will arrive in early 2018.

You'll find all of these stories and more in today's car news, right here at Motor Authority.

Superformance Launches 50th Anniversary Ford GT40

Pagani Huayra BCLeaked

Next-Gen Rolls-Royce Phantom Spy Shots

2017 Smart ForTwoCabriolet First Drive

2016 Chevrolet Volt: Gas Mileage Review

Heavy Rain Mars 2016 Rolex 24 At Daytona Qualifying

2016 Lexus RXRecalled To Replace Faulty Airbags

Two Hemi Cuda Convertibles And A Dodge Charger Daytona Go Under The Hammer

Ford F-150 DieselWill Beat Ram EcoDiesel For Fuel Efficiency: Report

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Ford GT40 Replica, Pagani Huayra BC, Next-Gen Rolls-Royce Phantom: Today’s Car News

Ford Motor Company [NYSE:F] is celebrating the 50th anniversary of its historic win in the 24 Hours of Le Mans with the GT40 MkII by entering the car’s spiritual successor, the GT, in this year’s race.

Pagani Huayra BC teased ahead of 2016 Geneva Motor Show

Enlarge Photo

Ford Motor Company [NYSE:F] is celebrating the 50th anniversary of its historic win in the 24 Hours of Le Mans with the GT40 MkII by entering the car’s spiritual successor, the GT, in this year’s race. You can celebrate in your own way by snapping up one of 20 50th anniversary GT40 replicas built under license by Superformance. The car is simply stunning.

Pagani’s latest Huayra variant is called the BC. It’s set for a debut at March’s 2016 Geneva Motor Show but an undisguised version has already been spotted. Its key feature is an oversized and somewhat odd-looking rear spoiler.

Rolls-Royce has confirmed that the tester we recently spotted is still only a test mule for the automaker’s new platform and not an early prototype for the next-generation Phantom, as was previously thought. The first vehicle based on the new platform will arrive in early 2018.

You'll find all of these stories and more in today's car news, right here at Motor Authority.

Superformance Launches 50th Anniversary Ford GT40

Pagani Huayra BCLeaked

Next-Gen Rolls-Royce Phantom Spy Shots

2017 Smart ForTwoCabriolet First Drive

2016 Chevrolet Volt: Gas Mileage Review

Heavy Rain Mars 2016 Rolex 24 At Daytona Qualifying

2016 Lexus RXRecalled To Replace Faulty Airbags

Two Hemi Cuda Convertibles And A Dodge Charger Daytona Go Under The Hammer

Ford F-150 DieselWill Beat Ram EcoDiesel For Fuel Efficiency: Report

_______________________________________

Follow Motor Authority on Facebookand Twitter.

Samantha Stosur, Matthew Barton into second round at Charleston

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Plays of the Week

From bicycle kicks to body slams, these are the most exciting, silly and downright crazy plays in the sport world this week.

PT2M2S 620 349

Samantha Stosur has battled her way through to the second round of the WTA event in Charleston, South Carolina.

The 10th-seeded Australian saved 16 break points in the 6-4 6-4 win over world No.124 Aleksandra Krunic on Monday, in a match that lasted an hour and 39 minutes.

World No.26 Stosur, who won the event in 2010 and made the semi-finals in 2012, struggled with strong winds as she was broken four times and sent down 11 double faults in the topsy-turvy performance.

Samantha Stosur returns a shot to Aleksandra Krunic. Photo: AP

"My tennis could have been a little bit better, and my serve especially," she said.

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"Whether it was the conditions, a bit of lack of focus at times, whatever the case, it's certainly something that I need to rectify for the next round."

She will now face Slovakian Jana Cepelova in the second round.

Meanwhile, Australian qualifier Matthew Barton won through to the second round of the US Men's Clay Court Championship in Houston.

The 24-year-old defeated Argentine seventh seed Guido Andreozzi 6-3 6-4 without conceding a break of serve.

The world No.270 Barton also won an ATP Challenger Tour tournament in California last month, before qualifying for the main draw of the clay championships.

Barton, the only Australian in the main draw, will now face world No.25 American Jack Sock.

AAP

The Subaru BRZ Isn't A Miata And That's A Good Thing: Video

The Subaru BRZ is a delightful little sports car that should be loved by all automotive enthusiasts.

that should be loved by all automotive enthusiasts. When it comes to the competition for the enthusiast dollar, however, it has a surprising uphill battle in front of it. That's due to the existence of the new ND Mazda MX-5 Miata. That car is the benchmark for relatively affordable plain-Jane rear-wheel-drive excitement. And that's for good reason, as the new Miata is a tremendous machine, and the Subaru BRZ is certainly no Miata. But that's a good thing.

ALSO SEE: Was The First Fast And Furious Movie Almost Called Redline?

Here's what you need to know about the BRZ and how it stacks up against the "always-the-answer" MX-5. The steering is sharper and has a more on-center feel. There's more room, and the backseat will accept a modern baby seat (ask me how I know). There's far less body roll during cornering, which lets the Subie feel more confident in sweeping turns. It also comes at a slightly lower price tag.

Miata fans will counter by saying their favorite car is lighter and quicker, and its styling is more adventurous. The claims about the weight and speed are true, as the Miata makes the 0-60 dash in significantly less time. The styling aspect, however, is always debatable and there is no one winner in that category.

MUST WATCH: Valet Takes Lamborghini Aventador For Joyride, And Of Course It Catches Fire

There is a winner overall though, and that's us...those who love driving. The fact that we can even have this debate is a great thing, and it means there are cars out there for people who want to shift their own gears, get sideways on occasion, and simply love the act of taking a car on a twisty road to nowhere in particular.

Let's hope the debate rages on.

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Rear-wheel-drive Opel GT concept debuts in Geneva: Live photos and video

Behold the new Opel GT.

Behold the new Opel GT. The car is a concept built in true sports car form, with lightweight construction, a rear-wheel-drive layout and a cabin with only the bare essentials. It’s not clear what platform the concept rides on but perhaps it’s the one being developed for the rear-wheel-drive compact sedan Cadillac bosses have been hinting at recently.

Opel won't put this particular concept into production, though. Opel explains that it built the concept to signal the sporty, youthful image the brand is seeking. It also advances the design language Opel first previewed with the Monza concept from 2013. The design reminds us of the old Smart Roadster, though it’s much prettier and distinctively Opel.

ALSO SEE: 2017 Porsche 718 Boxster Revealed With Four-Cylinder Engines: Video

For example, the red front tire pays homage to the Opel Motoclub 500 motorcycle from the 1920s. And the twin tailpipes, with the GT logo in the middle, alludes to the Opel Experimental GT concept of the 1965 Frankfurt Auto Show. That concept eventually went on to spawn the original Opel GT sports car just a few years later.

Scenes from Opel's history - the 1968 Opel GT

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Powering the new Opel GT concept is a turbocharged 1.0-liter three-cylinder engine used in several production models. The engine is mounted in a front mid-ship position and directs power to the rear wheels via a six-speed sequential gearbox with paddle shifters, plus a limited-slip differential. The curb weight of this tiny two-seater is less than 2,200 pounds.

Peak output registers at 145 horsepower and 151 pound-feet torque, which delivers 0-62 mph acceleration in less than 8.0 seconds and a top speed of just over 130 mph. Not exactly exciting numbers but definitely adequate for sprinting around town.

One of the interesting innovations showcased on the concept is the  window design. The glass is integrated with the doors, with a seamless transition from glass to painted surfaces. Access to the cabin is via a touchpad surface on the roof and doors hinged near the wheel arch to create a wider opening.

Opel GT concept, 2016 Geneva Motor Show

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The interior is styled to mirror the exterior, with the same combination of dominant silver with red and black accents. The instrument panel is made from brushed aluminum as a visual reminder of the GT's lightweight construction, and is also a structural member, Opel says.

A final innovation worth mentioning is the headlight system which features LED matrix technology, where the lights can be left with the high beams permanently on as a camera system detects other vehicles and blocks out part of the light path to prevent other drivers being dazzled.

For more from the Geneva Motor Show, visit our dedicated hub.

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Porsche Boxster And Cayman To Carry 718 Name From 2016

Porsche today announced that its mid-engine Boxster roadster and Cayman coupe will carry the 718 name when they undergo their mid-cycle update in 2016.

Porsche today announced that its mid-engine Boxster roadster and Cayman coupe will carry the 718 name when they undergo their mid-cycle update in 2016. The models will be called the 718 Boxster and 718 Cayman and both will use turbocharged four-cylinder engines, as previously confirmed.

We've already spied prototype versionsof both cars, and given the timing, the 718 Boxster and 718 Cayman should be 2017 models.

There is precedent for the 718 name with four-cylinder power. Porsche built the open-cockpit, mid-engine 718 from 1957 to 1962 as a successor to the 550. It competed in and won several races powered by a flat four-cylinder engine. There was a time when it was thought a spiritual successor to the original 718 could be launched as a new entry-level model positioned below the Boxster, but Porsche ruled out such a car. Instead, the Boxster and Cayman have become that spiritual successor.

DON'T MISS: 2016 Porsche Boxster Spyder First Drive

Porsche hasn't announced the power figures for the new 718 models, but the press release says that the cars will have equal power. Two engines are rumored, both turbocharged. A 2.0-liter flat-four is expected to produce 286 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, while a 2.5-liter, likely slated for S models, should make 360 hp and 347 lb-ft of torque. Direct injection will help achieve those numbers, and Porsche is hinting that some type of hybrid technology may be offered as well. Porsche says that the 919 Hybrid race car "serves as a platform to further fundamental technology research for future production models–combining two different energy recovery systems with a 2.0 liter four-cylinder turbocharged engine."

Porsche also says that the cars will share more similarities than ever, both visually and mechanically, and that the Boxster will be the more premium model. The current Cayman costs a little more than the Boxster, with the difference being $500 to $1,900, depending on the model. As for visual similarities, the latest Cayman GT4 and Boxster Spyder share front and rear fascias. We would expect the same of the rest of the lineup moving forward.

Timing and pricing for the new four-cylinder 718s hasn't been announced, but we'll keep you up to date as that information is released.

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Bob Hewitt expelled from International Tennis Hall of Fame in wake of rape conviction

Disgraced former grand slam doubles champion Bob Hewitt has been expelled from the International Tennis Hall of Fame due to his 2015 conviction for rape and sexual assault in South Africa.

Guilty: Bob Hewitt was convicted in a South African court. Photo: AP

The Australian-born Hewitt, 76, was sentenced to six years in prison last May after being found guilty of assaulting three underage girls he was coaching in South Africa during the 1980's and 1990's.

"The expulsion is a result of a conviction against Hewitt on two counts of rape and one count of sexual assault," the Hall of Fame said in a statement on Wednesday.

"The conviction was issued by a South African court in March 2015, and the appellate courts have now denied the right to further appeals of the conviction."

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The allegations first surfaced in 2011.

Hewitt was inducted in 1992 and was indefinitely suspended from the Newport, Rhode Island-based Hall of Fame in 2012.

Upon his suspension, Hewitt's plaque and all references to him at the Hall of Fame were removed.

Hewitt was a doubles and mixed doubles champion at all four grand slam events, winning seven Wimbledon titles.

He also reached the semi-finals of the men's singles at the Australian Open three times, and won the Davis Cup with South Africa in 1974.

Reuters

Scion Axed, Most Models To Become Toyotas: Official

Toyota confirmed today that its Scion brand will be axed.

Scion C-HR Concept

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Toyota confirmed today that its Scion brand will be axed. All existing Scions apart from the tC coupe will become Toyotas. The changeover will take place once the first 2017 models start arriving, currently scheduled for this August.

This means cars like the FR-S sports car, iA sedan and iM 5-door hatchback will soon be Toyotas. It also means that the upcoming subcompact crossover previewed recently by the Scion C-HR conceptwill also be a Toyota.

ALSO SEE: Cadillac Unlikely To Renew ELR

With annual sales for the past three years hovering around 60,000 units, today's announcement doesn’t come as a complete surprise. But the experiment wasn't a total failure, as Toyota Motor North America CEO Jim Lentz explained.

“This isn’t a step backward for Scion; it’s a leap forward for Toyota,” he said. “I was there when we established Scion and our goal was to make Toyota and our dealers stronger by learning how to better attract and engage young customers.”

READ: Toyota To Suspend Japanese Production Due To Blast At Steel Supplier

Scion was established in 2003 to be Toyota’s youth brand and it certainly achieved that thanks to an average customer age of 36, which we're told is the youngest in the industry.

It’s not clear what will happen to Scion’s 1,004 dealers. Toyota says it will work closely with them to deal with the change. Customers need not worry, as the service and repair process will be unaffected. They will simply be able to visit service departments at Toyota dealers.

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2016 Cadillac CT6 first drive review

Cadillac has a problem.

Cadillac has a problem. Over the past few years it has developed and delivered a pair of sedans—the ATS and CTS—that are as good as or better than anything Europe has to offer. And yet, car sales were down last year and those cars really haven’t put a dent in the sales of the class leaders. For instance, Cadillac sold 26,873 ATS sedans and coupes last year compared to some 140,000 BMW 3- and 4-Series models. The CTS did a bit better on a percentage basis, as Cadillac churned 19,485 examples of its mid-size sport sedan compared to about 50,000 Mercedes E-Classes.

So what’s a brand that wants to prove it delivers top-notch luxury to do? Well, keep plugging away and keep building great cars.

ALSO SEE: 2018 Maserati Quattroporte Spy Shots

Cadillac’s latest offering to take on Europe’s best is the 2016 CT6 full-size sedan, which is arriving in March. A new flagship model for the brand, the CT6 is actually a “tweener.” It’s sized like the BMW 7-Series, which makes it about four-to-five inches shorter than the Audi A8 and Mercedes-Benz S-Class, and priced more like the smaller Audi A6, BMW 5-Series, and Mercedes E-Class.

We recently headed to Los Angeles to see if the CT6 has the chops to rival those revered cars.

A Cadillac experience

This wasn’t a typical press trip. Cadillac provided a curated experience along the lines of a day in the life of a prospective buyer. It started with a lunch at a chic downtown Italian restaurant, followed by a quick $14 drink at a rooftop bar that I was far too uncool to patronize. For every attractive woman in the place there was a twenty-something guy with a man bun, knit cap, or decorative neck scarf. The first day ended with dinner in an artist’s studio. You know, like the typical Cadillac owner might schedule for any given Wednesday night.

2016 Cadillac CT6

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2016 Cadillac CT6

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2016 Cadillac CT6

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DON'T MISS: Cadillac Details New CT6’s Multi-Material Construction

However, I have a couple of complaints that I wouldn’t have in the German cars. The seat belt receptacles sit too low, making them hard to find when you try to buckle in, especially with the center console down. The middle seating position is extremely unfriendly, as the outboard seats are practically buckets and the middle occupant has to sit on a perch and deal with the transmission tunnel. And, though minor, the rear doors should have automatic closers. On several occasions, greeters had to shut the door more than once to get it to fully latch. That doesn’t happen in an S-Class.