Transformers 4 Movie Will Be A Supercar Fest, Pagani Huayra Joins Robot Cast

Here's another update from the man who will be directing the fourth movie of the Transformers franchise. Michael Bay revealed that the impressive Pagani Huayra will be part of the robot-cast joining the likes of other supercars such as the Bugatti Veyron and Lamborghini Aventador LP 700-4, as well as more down-to-earth sports cars, including the new 2014 Corvette Stingray.
From what we see and understand, Bay plans to keep us up to date on the vehicles that will form the Autobot and Decepticon armies with a constant flow of releases on his personal blog.
Talking about Bay's website, the 48-year old director also addressed rumors regarding the name of the Transformers 4 film.
"There are rumors flying around from various media sites about the title of the next Transformers," Bay said. "I wanted you to hear from me directly that we have not yet chosen a title and anything being reported is absolutely not true. When we have a title to announce, I promise you will hear it from me first."

 

Michael Schumacher’s Unique Black Ferrari FXX Could Be Yours for €2.03 Million

It goes without saying that, when the people at Ferrari offer one of their drivers a unique car as a gift, they don’t expect to find it later up for sale in online classifieds… If the folks at Maranello were to check the website of a Swiss exclusive car dealer called Garage Zénith, they would be surprised to find two very special Ferraris that belonged to Michael Schumacher.
While we don’t know the story behind Michael Schumacher’s decision to sell his Ferrari FXX and Enzo supercars, we assume he didn’t have an easy time parting ways with the red Enzo and the black FXX – the only one ever painted like this.
The black FXX is the last one made (No. 30) and it was especially built by Ferrari for Schumacher. It is the only FXX without a central stripe and it has red trimmed wheels, matte exhaust tips instead of chrome and Michael Schumacher’s personal logo stitched on the black racing seats. The car was built in January 2005 and has only 900 km (559 miles) on the clock. Garage Zénith asks 2,500,000 Swiss Francs for the car – about €2.03 million or US$2.66 million at the current exchange rates.
The sane dealer is also selling the red Enzo that belonged to Schumacher. First registered in June 2003, the Enzo has a beige interior and Schumacher’s logo on the sills and seats. Its odometer reads 8,500 km (5,282 miles), which means Schumi spent more time behind the wheel of the Enzo – which is normal given that the FXX is a track-exclusive car. The asking price for the Enzo is 1,375,000 Swiss Francs (€1.12 million/$1.46 million).

 

Mercedes Boss Says S-Class Pullman will Rival Rolls-Royce Phantom

With the demise of the Maybach brand, Daimler has been left without a player in the top segment of luxury cars, where the Rolls-Royce Phantom is now virtually on its own. One could say the Bentley Mulsanne is up there too, but I for one (and RR too), see it more as competitor for the Ghost than the monumental Phantom.
However, it looks like the Phantom will soon have competition, since the all-new Mercedes-Benz S-Class will spawn a Pullman model that will act as the flagship of the brand. In an interview with Autocar, Daimler CEO Dieter Zetsche has confirmed that the S-Class Pullman will be aimed at the Rolls-Royce Phantom.
Zetsche said Mercedes-Benz has developed the new S-Class to support six different models with three different wheelbases. On top of the range will sit a new Pullman model that will replace the Maybach. The ultra-luxurious sedan will be based on an extra-long-wheelbase version of the S-Class and will be differentiated from regular S-Class models by individual styling touches. These will include a unique grille that will give it a more noble presence.
“We will continue in the market segment above €200,000 (£170,000). It is important that Mercedes-Benz is represented. We have tradition at this level,” Zetsche told the magazine. “We see a chance to extend our leadership at the top end of the luxury car market. We plan to extend the number of models, and a Pullman is included in those plans,” he added.
The CEO stated that the new S-Class will be offered with three wheelbases in selected markets: standard, long, and extra-long variants. The latter will be aimed especially at markets such as China they are likely to form the base for the Pullman models. In the past, the Pullman name designated stretched versions of the S-Class limousines.

 

2014 Mazda3 Hatch: The Official Details on the U.S. Specification Model

Despite the leaked images earlier today, Mazda hasn't officially released the new "3" on its press website yet, but much in the same way as Mercedes did with the SLC AMG scoop shots, it has provided the official release to its media-partners (that doesn't sound right, and it’s not…) like Autoblog.com.
Since we've already seen what the compact hatchback looks like inside and out with this author's opinion being a very positive one based on the images alone (I'll wait for a real life look at the car for the final judgment), we'll concentrate on the details and especially the ones for the U.S. specification model referenced in the press release.
Beginning with the five-door model's (we expect a four door sedan to follow at a later stage) dimensions, while the third generation Mazda3 rides on a wheelbase of 106.3 inches (2,700mm), which is 2.4 inches (61mm) longer than the previous "3", it is 1.8 inches (45.7mm) shorter in length at 175.6 inches (4,460mm). The height is also reduced by 0.6 inches (15.2mm) but the car gains 1.6 inches (40.6mm) in width. According to Mazda, "the rear seatbacks are nearly 2.0 inches taller for added passenger comfort", while front and rear shoulder room has increased to 57.2 and 54.4 inches, respectively.
Like all new Mazda models, the Japanese firm's VW Golf and Ford Focus challenger has been given the "SKYACTIV TECHNOLOGY" treatment, which translates to weight reduction measures and fuel-efficient engines and transmissions.
According to the automaker, a European-specification 2014 Mazda3 fitted with a SKYACTIV-D 2.2-liter engine, which from what we've heard, will likely be offered later on in North America as well, and a SKYACTIV-MT manual gearbox, weighs about 198 pounds (90kg) less than the outgoing model.
At launch in North America, the 2014 Mazda3 will offer customers a choice of two four-cylinder gasoline engines, a SKYACTIV-G 2.0-liter unit producing 155hp at 6,000rpm and 150 lb-ft of torque at 4,000 rpm, and the larger SKYACTIV-G 2.5-liter unit delivering 184 horsepower at 5,700 rpm and 185 lb-ft of torque at 3,250 rpm. A standard SKYACTIV-MT six-speed manual and an optional SKYACTIV-Drive six-speed automatic transmission will send power to the front wheels.
Mazda's i-ELOOP brake energy regeneration system that employs a capacitor to store electricity generated when the vehicle decelerates, also makes its appearance on the new hatchback. Other tech highlights include an Active Driving Display, a new infotainment system and an array of safety systems marketed under the "i-ACTIVSENSE" moniker which include High Beam Control, Blind Spot Monitoring, Lane Departure Warning System, Forward Obstruction Warning, Smart City Brake Support and Radar Cruise Control.
While Mazda didn't give a sales date yet, we have heard that the new "3" will reach U.S. dealerships before the end of the year.

 

McLaren MP4-12C Matches the Nissan GT-R’s 0 to 60 MPH Time of 2.8 Seconds

According to official data from McLaren, the MP4-12C sports car covers the sprint from 0 to 62 mph (100 km/h) in 3.1 seconds. Naturally, the car should accelerate to 60 mph (96 km/h) slightly quicker, but by which margin? Well, the people at Drag Times put the MP4-12C to the test and found out the car accelerates from standstill to 60 mph in an impressive 2.8 seconds.
This matches the time set by a 2012 Nissan GT-R, also tested by Drag Times. Taking into account that the Nissan has an advanced AWD system and a brutal 4,100rpm launch control, the McLaren’s result is even more impressive.
The car tested was fitted with Toyo R888 street tires, which are of the same compound and tread wear rating as the factory-fitted Pirelli Corsa tires. The impressive off-the-line acceleration of the McLaren is partly due to its launch control system and the 7-speed SSG transmission, with the 616hp 3.8-liter Twin Turbo V8 engine of course having the decisive role.
Tests revealed the McLaren reached 100 mph (161 km/h) in just 6 seconds flat, 1 second faster than the Nissan. The test drivers said the MP4-12C’s launch control felt much easier and less abusive than the GT-R’s.
Scroll down to see the test video and another video showing a comparison between the McLaren MP4-12C’s launch control system and those of the Chevrolet Corvette ZR1, Ferrari 458, Porsche 911 Turbo S and Nissan GT-R. 



 

Refreshed 2014 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe Gets a Digital E63 AMG Treatment

There never was, and there will never be, an official AMG high-performance version of the C207-codenamed Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe that was just recently launched in facelifted form, something that the German brand has already admitted as being a big mistake that will be corrected with the next generation model.
Nevertheless, this admission has not stopped Photoshop artist Khalil Bouguerra from imagining (at least from a rear-quarter profile aspect) what a new E63 AMG Coupe would look like if Mercedes had given it the green light.
In theory, along with the minor changes to the bodywork and wheel combinations, the coupe would adopt the 2014MY E63 AMG sedan's bi-turbocharged 5.5-liter V8 pumping out 550HP (557PS) and 531 lb-ft (720 Nm) of torque in regular guise and 577HP (585PS) and 590 lb-ft (800Nm) with the optional S package.

 

Seat Unveils Leon Verde Plug-In Hybrid Prototype

Seat has presented a plug-in hybrid prototype based on the latest Leon compact hatchback as part of the Cenit Verde public-private project, which is devoted to the study and development of the technologies designed to facilitate the introduction of the electric vehicle in Spain.
The prototype is equipped with a 75 kW (100 hp) zero-emissions electric motor as well as a 1.4-liter 90 kW (120 hp) gasoline engine with a 6-speed gearbox adapted and optimized for hybrid driving.
According to the VW Group-owned automaker, the Leon Verde has an electric mode range of 50 kilometers (31 miles), thanks to an 8.8 kWh Ficosa battery, and an integrated advanced cooling system for the optimization of heat management.
Seat didn't just stop at simply making an plug-in hybrid, as together with partners Cobra, Endesa, Iberdrola and Red Eléctrica de España, it defined a system of tariff negotiation and smart management which allows for full interaction of the vehicle with the electricity grid.
This makes possible the efficient recharging of the vehicle when overall energy consumption is low. Therefore, recharging at times of energy production surplus is incentivized, and the use of renewable energy sources is encouraged. For instance, in the case of a vehicle parked for 12 hours, recharge starts as soon as energy demand drops, and not immediately after plugging the vehicle into the grid, thus reducing the cost of the recharge.
Fitted with a Lear 20kW on-board battery charger, the Seat Leon Verde allows for two-way connection to the grid and not only for battery recharge but also for the vehicle to feed-in electricity to the grid itself.
The project has also developed the Driving Cycle Predictor, a smart system that memorizes the routines and driving styles of each user. The device predicts habitual routes and detects drivers’ mood-associated driving styles in order to optimize energy consumption and cut CO2 emissions.

 

POV Test Drive of the BMW M3 Lime Rock Park Limited Edition

It suffices to say, few enthusiasts wouldn’t be content with owning and driving a BMW M3. It’s amazing how much more of a lasting impression it leaves, compared to its more mundane 3-Series siblings.
Now approaching the end of the road, the current incarnation of the M3 has served well and has definitely earned its status as a desirable car, which is why it will make an excellent second-hand buy, especially after deliveries of its successor start – this will push prices down.
Now, all nice cars are entitled to a befittingly good final sendoff version, and while BMW isn’t necessarily selling the M3 Lime Rock Park Edition from that perspective, it will be remembered as one. Winding Road Magazine has made another one of its trademark POV (Point Of View) video drives, this time centered on this strikingly orange car, one of only 200 specifically built for the US market, all of which share the same paint color finish.
However, starting at $70,995 with destination charges included, it’s about $10,000 more expensive than a normal M3 - that’s a bit steep, and perhaps not worth it for some. At least here, you let BMW choose the (only) color, and not choose it yourself and have them mix it up…

All-New 2014 BMW X5 Detailed by Company Execs in New Video

The third-generation of the BMW X5 is an evolution of the current model that will certainly be appreciated by some and criticized by others, as design has always been a subjective matter. For those who haven't warmed up to the new X5, maybe a look at the M Sport version will help.
Having already released the essential details about its new SAV (Sports Activity Vehicle), BMW has now uploaded a video in which three of its executives talk about the main features of the car.
There’s Wolfgang Breyer, BMW’s head of international advertising, online marketing and social media, Thomas Giuliani, vice president for product management and the person responsible for BMW’s design department, Karim Habib. He says that the new X5’s main design feature is the integration of headlights with the kidney grille, which is arguably the most discussed element of the car.
We’ll let you find out for yourselves what else BMW execs say about the new X5 by watching the video below. 

Maserati Ghibli Makes First Public Video Appearance in Rotterdam

Often, when you see a new car in its official press photos and videos for the first time, you often get the impression that you’re seeing it in one specific way, and that your perspective is somewhat limited.
Furthermore, some cars may not look that pretty at first, but once user videos and photos start popping up, showing the shape from different angles and in various lighting conditions, one will get a much better idea of what the specific vehicle’s aesthetic qualities really are.
This happened to me with the all-new Maserati Ghibli, the Trident’s attempt at a more mainstream sedan. When the car first came out, and we had the chance to see the first press photos, some were not convinced by the styling. However, now that it is becoming a more common sight on the web, I'm actually beginning to shift towards liking it, especially after watching it do its thing during the possible shooting of one of its ads, in Rotterdam, the Netherlands.
It may have been the striking blue paint, coupled with the reflections provided by the overcast day chosen for shooting, but this will definitely grab your eye when it passes by, certainly a lot more than, let's say, a BMW 5-Series – facelifted or not. In addition, the three-liter turbocharged V6 doesn’t sound half-bad, easily breathing out through the oversized quad exhausts.
Watch the video, courtesy of YouTube channel,  The Maximumcars, right after the break. 

BMW F10 5 Series 550i on 20" Vossen VVS-CV3 Concave Wheels / Rims

VW Golf 7 2013 Light-Tron Tuning-Showcar

Video produced by
Bernd Eckl & Peter Grünbacher
http://www.VolksCarPhoto.com
http://www.facebook.com/VolksCarPhoto

Hamann Tycoon II M is a BMW X6M Turned Up to Eleven!

The BMW X6M is an SUV with a coupe profile, four seats and one very powerful engine. It has more than enough performance to meet all needs, with a claimed 0-60 mph (0-100 km/h) sprint time of 4.7 seconds and an electronically-capped top speed of 155 mph (248 km/h).
Yet there seems to be a bit of room for improvement, and Hamann is only too happy to oblige with their latest kit for the vehicle, called Tycoon II M – I won’t make fun of its name, but it’s not the best they could have come up with.
The first thing one notices is the increased width, which comes courtesy of a custom body kit specially designed to “flow seamlessly from the new front wings across specially designed side skirts into the broader body that consists of six pieces and continues around the rear wheels to the center rear panel, according to the Hamann press blurb.
The kit gets the desired look spot on, with lots of custom parts and noticeable LED lights on the front bumper. The other important part of the Tycoon II M experience is the boost in power.
They are able to ramp up the power to 661 hp and torque all the way up to 950 Nm – that will really put a strain on all four tires under strong acceleration. Still, that unwanted characteristic in a surefooted vehicle such as this, which has heavy reliance on electronics to ensure a safe experience, is also kept in check by the lowered suspension and very wide rims and tires.
Final things to note is the scary fact that its top speed is raised to 320 km/h (199mph), as well as the special attention which has been paid to the interior.
Hamman says the interior is completely revamped, and as is the case with other special vehicles like this, I believe them, and also don’t blame them for doing it, because for instance, the quality of some BMW leathers in newer models is questionable at best.

 

Hamann Releases New Range Rover Mk4 Mystere Onto the Market

There are many ways to make your fourth generation Range Rover stand out from a sea of luxury SUVs, but if you're not sure how, just ask the tuners over at Hamann Motorsports. Following the world premiere of the German company's Range Rover “MYSTÈRE” at the March 2013, Geneva Auto Salon in Switzerland, Hamann has now made the package available for order.
Naturally, the first thank that catches your eye on the Mystère is the pink tinted chrome body wrap, which Hamann says, is "a color that exhibits nothing more but self-confidence".
If that's not enough, the package includes a wide-body kit comprising a front bumper with plenty of air vents and LED daytime running lights, smoked head- and tail-lamps, fender extensions with matching side skirts that add 80mm (3.2 inches) to the SUV's width, a restyled rear-bumper and an available hood scoop.
You also get a unique front grille and 23-inch alloy wheels wrapped around rubber size 305/30/23, while other options include a lowering suspension module that drops the right height by 40mm (1.6 inches), sports exhaust with quad pipes, and all sorts of upgrades for the interior ranging from door sill trims to personalized leather upholstery.
Hamann said it is also working on a performance package for the V8 engines, which will be released in the coming months.

Get Behind the Wheel of a Manual 2013 BMW M5 with POV Test Drive

I like Winding Road's POV test drives, because they offer the closest thing to actually driving various car, with no chit-chat in the background, no personal opinions and no bias. It’s just a car being driven on an assortment of roads, and you can really get a sense of what it’s like far more than in some other (narrated) reviews.
The latest cars they managed to get their hands on is a 2013 BMW M5. However, it’s not the mainstream version with the eight-cog self-shifting transmission – this one has the six-speed manual.
I don’t really know if it adds to or detracts from the driving experience, but one thing is for sure: you use your right arm and left leg to operate it so it’s definitely more engaging than letting it shift on its own or using the paddles.
However, this manual gearbox doesn’t make me like this new M5 more than the old one because of the dull engine noise – hugely important for me in an M-car - won't give examples, but there are many. It sounds very flat and uninspiring in stock form, and even if you spend time and money to fit a custom exhaust, it won’t make it any better, just louder.
Nevertheless, it’s a hugely powerful and capable machine, and my own personal preference should do nothing to detract from the video drive, which is entertaining and posted after the virtual jump.