Jaguar C-X75 Would Have Made for a Great Fourth Hybrid Hypercar

Jaguar went to all that trouble to develop the road-legal C-X75 hybrid hypercar, made all of its systems interconnect seamlessly and successfully, but then realized there was no business case for the 250 units they wanted to make and just stuck to producing five prototypes and then allowing journalists to have a go and say how lovely it would all have been…

Below we have another of these hands-on experiences, in video form, courtesy of XCAR. We are reminded once more that it looks pretty cool from any angle and that it already has a functional interior but uses a standard Jaguar steering wheel.

Its 1.6-liter engine makes an unreal power figure for something that’s also road legal – 502 hp plus the an extra combined 400  hp from the electric motors; performance is very brisk, as we’ve already seen.

Scroll down, click play and to imagine the four-way battle between it and the three other hybrid hypercars, the ones that did make it into production, like the Porsche 918 Spyder.

By Andrei Nedelea

VIDEO

What Do You Say About This Modern Lancia Delta Integrale HF Study?

The Lancia Delta Integrale needs no presentation, as it is probably the brand’s most fabled mode. Unfortunately, the sorry state in which Lancia is right now doesn’t allow fans to hope for a modern day Delta Integrale, but that doesn’t mean they can’t dream about it.

Designer Angelo Granata from Italy has imagined a retro-styled contemporary Lancia Delta fitted with Fiat Group’s 1.75-liter turbocharged gasoline engine.

Granata describes his Lancia Delta Concept as a relatively simple design that reunites all the features that have fascinated Lancia fans in the past: sharp edges, aggressiveness, dynamics, all on a small and light car.

The front end of the car is unmistakably Lancia Delta, thanks to the double round headlights, the grille with the T-shaped motif and the “shark nose” that becomes more visible when viewed from the side. The study has a low, sleek profile that resembles a coupe, but offers the practicality of a five-door hatchback.

While the design is clearly a reinterpretation of the original Delta’s styling, the car is longer, wider and has an increased wheelbase. Only the height remains the same. The rear end is low and wide, while the taillights are a tribute to the original car but feature modern LED technology.

The designer says the car could be powered by Fiat’s 236hp 1.75-liter turbocharged gasoline engine mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox and a four-wheel drive system. Granata theorizes that the car could sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.2 seconds and reach a top speed of 242 km/h (150 mph). All for a base price of €32,000 ($43,445) – always according to the designer.

By Dan Mihalascu

Designer: Angelo Granata

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Next Batmobile May be Built by GM Division Behind Transformers; No More Military Looks!

Batman wouldn’t be the cool masked vigilante/detective/billionaire by day that he is, without his assortment of toys that always seem to be perfectly suited for the situation in which they are used.

The same principle applies to Batmobiles, which are easily the most noticeable pieces of kit he is seen using, and now, there’s going to be a new one being made for the upcoming big screen confrontation that needs no explanation: “Batman vs Superman.”

However, unlike the previous one, The Dark Knight’s Tumbler, this new one will not be military inspired in any way, and will have a different team than before working on it.

Jalopnik has information that GM’s division, at the Advanced Design Studio in North Hollywood, will apparently be the one behind the new Batmobile. They were the ones who also designed some of the cars seen in the latest Transformers movie, including the Camaro Bumblebee, which is now known world-wide.

However, there’s more… Apparently, it will be based on one of GM’s own models, most likely a concept and possibly a Cadillac (not a new one), though certainty regarding the latter is something we don’t have.

GM has been making more and more appealing cars recently, and if they do go down the new model or concept route, well then they have a large pool of cars to cherry-pick from, to not only give their own image a boost, but also act as a base for a memorable Batmobile.

Which do you think is most suitable, and do you think there’s any chance of it beating its illustrious predecessors? Tells, and why not, show us too with pictures below in the comments.

By Andrei Nedelea

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Ferrari Enzo Drifts in Slow Motion Are Simply Fascinating

Remember the crazy video from mysterious YouTube channel “Tax the Rich” featuring a Ferrari Enzo pretending to be a rally car in the mud? Well, the Enzo is back for a new series of powerslides and hoonage, but this time, the video is played in slow motion.

You’ll probably ask what difference does that make, but I have to admit, it’s a beautiful thing to watch. There’s something fascinating about seeing a Ferrari Enzo doing donuts in an unlikely place in slow motion. I can’t explain it, but then again, I can’t explain why I like watching a burning fire either. I just do.

So, without further ado, let your mind unwind by watching the Enzo slowly and spectacularly burn its tires.

By Dan Mihalascu

VIDEO

Mini Turns Maxi: Bigger Model than Countryman Possible

With the all-new Mini hatch, the UK-based carmaker has debuted a new platform, the UKL1, which will also be used by a series of BMW models like the 1-Series GT MPV and even the next X1 crossover. This means the platform allows bigger models than the Mini hatch, and the British brand will take advantage of that too.

The new platform will give Mini “scope to be far more adventurous” on spin-off model derivatives, according to BMW sales and marketing boss Ian Robertson. Among these new models, there could be a car even bigger than the Mini Countryman crossover, the exec added.

“The Countryman is 4m 17cm [164.2 inches] and when we launched it we were very conscious that we had to remain true to the Mini brand. But sales of 100,000 Countrymans a year show that it has been a success, and that we are capable of more,” the executive was quoted as saying by Autocar.

So what exactly does he mean by “more”? There are some limits for a brand like Mini, Robertson believes. “I'm not sure we could sell a 5m [196.8in] Mini. But so long as we remain true to the principles of it being very much an urban car, with a good turning circle, a decent size to park and so on then I think there are areas we can explore,” the exec explained.

It looks like the only way for Mini is to go bigger, as Robertson said smaller models than the Mini hatch are off-limits, since they would have to be based on an all-new platform – which would be very expensive to develop. Sadly, this means the Mini Rocketman concept will probably be shelved forever.

By Dan Mihalascu

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Future Cars: It’s Deja Vu Time For BMW’s Next Generation X6 SUV

Ever since the BMW X6 Sports Activity Coupe was launched back in 2008, it has been widely regarded as a love or hate-it affair. Why? Because in BMW’s ever-growing quest for creating new niche segment vehicles, someone in Munich decided that blending a X5 SUV and a coupe-like hatch would be a good idea.

Now, while some combinations work well - like wine and cheese, some do not. BMW’s X6 approach was akin to mixing eggnog and mince in a blender. Some strangely warmed to this concoction while others didn’t.

Nevertheless, the Bavarian automaker believes there is still success to be made with this format, hence why a new generation X6 is currently full-steam in development.

Previously, we’ve shown you spy shots of the next-generation X6 trotting around the Nurburgring. However, now we’re skipping straight to main meal; with a rendition of the final product seen here in all its blue glory.

Design:

Okay, first impressions may have some checking their glasses, as it appears not a lot has actually changed; however on the contrary, it is indeed all-new.

The front-end now joins the rest of the BMW range with its headlights intersecting the famous twin-kidney grille for a more contemporary look. Below these are circular fog-lights and a front bumper arrangement that mimics that of the latest X5 off-roader.

Even the hood creases mirror that of its more conventional sibling, while the front fenders encompass narrow vertical vents - a design element seen on many other of BMW’s recent offerings. The glasshouse takes on an established approach with its ‘Hofmeister kink’ - again very similar to that of the outgoing SUV.

BMW have spiced things up with increasingly dynamic surface language - a sculptured ‘c-channel’ horizontally flows down both sides of the bodywork. This is then interrupted by a separate shoulder crease that flicks up over the rear haunches, further emphasizing the vehicles strong stance.

Interior:

While we’ve yet to set eyes on the entire cabin layout, it’s expected to adopt most of the interior fundamentals from 2014 X5. Where it differs, is within the minor details. Dashboard design is rather conventional with a high-mounted infotainment screen and dashboard-wide walnut trim - again, following the new X5 in similar fashion.

Audiophiles will be catered for by Bang & Olufsen and there is a bevy of rear-seat entertainment options; TV, DVD and radio can be enjoyed via dual color screens and wireless headphones. 

Unfortunately, as our rendering attests - rear passenger headroom appears to still be a carryover bugbear from the outgoing X6. Head-banging aside, this Bavarian trendsetter is more about making a visual statement than a chariot used for ultimate practicability.

Under The Hood:

Beginning at the lower end of the spectrum, turbocharged in-line six-cylinder engines available in both diesel and petrol configurations should provide enough oomph for regular day-to-day duties. While at the other end of the equation, a twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8 will tackle the performance SUV arena once again in X6 ‘M’ format. 

Power will be transferred via an 8-speed automatic to the rear wheels in typical BMW tradition; however, the xDrive all-wheel drive system will be available for those adventurous folk that commute ski-field access roads, farm tracks, school runs and its biggest obstacle - the generic tree leaf.

For the ultra fuel-conscious amongst us, a plug-in hybrid may also be on the cards. If so, BMW’s Concept X5 eDrive plug-in hybrid is a strong pointer as to what system could be utilized. In that application, a 90-horsepower electric motor is mated to a turbocharged four-cylinder engine yielding at least 61-mpg.

Platform & Handling:

BMW’s ‘Ultimate Driving Machine’ tagline is banded around a bit, yet it’s still applicable with the departing X6 - a decent steer, even if SUV’s aren’t your thing. So expect the formula to be tweaked further to emphasize its more youthful and sporting pretensions.

Base versions will adopt a fairly conventional setup, while higher-level models will tout Active Suspension Packages with adjustable comfort and sport settings. These utilize Dynamic Damper Control and air suspension at the rear axle for better body control and ride comfort.

Driver assist options are likely to range from Anti-dazzle high-beam lighting, Park Assist and Night Vision - the latter uses thermal imaging using Heads-Up Display to detect straying wildlife and drunken pedestrians.

Market Positioning:

As BMW’s range-topping Sports Activity Coupe, the 2015 X6 sits in a unique segment with little in the way of direct rivals. Until Mercedes-Benz and Audi front up with opponents, the Munich-based manufacturer has the Acura ZDX to battle against. Well, that’s until the unloved ZDX disappears from sale come January 2014.

Expect the upcoming X6 to debut late 2014 or 2015 at the latest; any longer and BMW will have to employ some creative marketing strategies to keep the punters interested.

Overall, BMW has a rather refined answer to a question that nobody really asked. Although I have to admit, such a niche vehicle does have an audience and sells in reasonable quantities. Coupled with strong heritage-bred driving dynamics and intriguing styling - it just may have the right formula to ensure that successive generations of ‘SAV’ come to fruition.

Finally, does the next X6 play it too safe for a redesigned model or has it hit the mark? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.

By Josh Byrnes

Photo Renderings Copyright: Carscoops / Josh Byrnes

PHOTO GALLERY

Mystery Crash: Where Did This Scooter Rider Come From?

Warning: Some viewers may find the accident scene disturbing

Okay, so here's the thing; we've watched this dash-cam footage of an accident involving a car and a scooter that took place in Taiwan's Kaohsiung City a number of times, but we still haven't figured out where the motorcycle rider came from.

Obviously, we're missing one or more clues from this scene, which would explain how the motorcyclist crashed into / hit the dark-colored sedan on the right hand side.

Unfortunately, the rider appears to be hurt, though we can't say for sure as the footage ends at that point.

Make your move across the break to carefully watch the incident and if you can, tell us from where the bike came from.

VIDEO

Buick Regal Celebrates 40th Birthday, We Look Back at All Five Generations

Four decades ago, Buick introduced the Regal nameplate as a mid-size luxury vehicle for North America. Since then, the Regal was produced without interruption across five generations - except for a five-year hiatus in the 2000s when the car was only available in China.

The nameplate was first used on the 1973 Buick Century Regal, which was an upmarket model in the Century line and one of GM’s first “personal luxury” cars.

Launched with a standard 350 cubic inch (5.7-liter) V8 engine, the Regal shortly started downsizing, as it had to face a major crisis during the 1970s Arab oil embargo.

The event forced manufacturers to use smaller engines and the Regal was the only mid-size vehicle in the U.S. to switch from a standard V8 engine to a V6 unit. The trend continued over the years, with Buick turning to turbocharging beginning with the 1978 Regal and continuing until today with the Opel Insignia-based model.

But let’s go back to 1973 and see what each of the Buick Regal’s five generations brought to the automobile world.

 

First generation: 1973-1977

The first Regal’s main styling cues were the large swooping bodylines and opera windows. Offered with many luxury features at the time, the ‘73 Regal coupe sold 91,557 units, helping Buick surpass its 1955 all-time sales record. The 1975 Regal was the only mid-size car in the United States to come standard with a V6 engine.

 

Second generation: 1978 - 1987

Downsized from the previous generation, the 1978 Regal came with a 3.8-liter turbocharged V6, making Buick the first mainstream brand to offer a turbocharged unit. This breakthrough would pave the way for the 1980s Grand National and GNX.

 

Third generation: 1988 - 1996

The trend of scaled down cars continued in the U.S. and the third-generation Regal was no exception. The Regal underwent a major technical change, switching from rear-wheel drive to front-wheel drive. Power came from an all six-cylinder engine lineup including the 3,800 V6.

 

Fourth generation: 1997 – 2004

Just like the 1973 model, the 1997 Regal became once again an upmarket version of the Buick Century. The 1997 Buick Regal GS debuted with the brand’s first supercharged V6 engine, rated at 240 hp and 280 lb-ft (379 Nm) of torque.

 

Fifth generation: 2009 - Present

After a five-year period during which Buick built the Regal only for China, the fifth-generation Regal debuted on the Chinese market for 2009 and a year later in the U.S. Based on the Opel Insignia, the Regal also saw the introduction of a high-output GS model for 2012. Introduced in 2013, the 2014 model is the first Regal to offer all-wheel-drive. Today’s Regal is equipped with its most-powerful standard engine in the car's history, a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder producing 259 horsepower and 295 lb-ft (400 Nm) of toque.

By Dan Mihalascu

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