Tag Archives: future cars

Porsche 911 Sport Classic Caught Testing

December 22, 2021 admin

Our spy photographers caught the upcoming Porsche 911 Sport Classic out for a new testing session on the public roads of Germany. As you can see the car is missing most of the camouflage which means the testing sessions are pretty much done, and all that is left is mostly fine tuning.

The prototype follows the design lines of the 911 models, but there will be a few distinctive features. First one is of course that little ducktail at the back – a signature of the Sport Classic models. The 911 Sport Classic will also feature a double bubble roof and the lines of the special hood will match perfectly the lines of the roof.

Porsche 911 Sport Classic Caught Testing Exterior Spyshots
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The only camouflage we can see on this prototype is some tape around the sides of the ducktail spoiler and in the middle of the rear light arrangement.

As for the engine, rumors suggest the 911 Sport Classic will get the same engine as the 911 GTS: a 3.0-liter twin-turbo flat-six that delivers 480 horsepower
and 420 pound-feet of torque.

Rumors suggest Porsche will only build 2,000 units of the 911 Sport Classic.

Here’s Your First Look At The 2022 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren HDK

December 22, 2021 admin

His post says: “Ooh what is this for??? I could not possibly say… look out 2022.” Which means of course that the new SLR McLaren will make its world debut sometime next year.

For the moment we have very limited information on the new SLR McLaren, but rumors suggest it will be called HDK – High Downforce Kit. Previous rumors suggested Mercedes will build a total of 12 units, but Khoshbin’s post suggest his car will be a “one-off.” So, it is very possible that all those 12 units will be tailored to each customer’s personal taste.

Here's Your First Look At The 2022 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren HDK
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The scale model posted by Khoshbin reveals an aggressive look, with a vented hood, a massive rear wing, a large rear diffuser, bulkier side skirts, and a single-exit exhaust pipe on each side. In fact it looks quite a lot with the SLR 722 GT – the car on which rumors suggest it will be based on. If so, expect the SLR HDK to deliver more than 617 horsepower – the power of the SLR 722 GT.

One thing is for sure, all 12 units were spoken for, so there is no hope you could get one.

Source: thesupercarblog

The Mazda MX-5 Miata Will Live On Though Electrification

June 26, 2021 admin

Keeping the Mazda MX-5 On the Roster Won’t Be So Easy

The Mazda MX-5 Miata Will Live On Though Electrification High Resolution Exterior
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Mazda hasn’t been nearly as aggressive as other automakers when it comes to electrifying its range. In fact, the brand’s first EV, the MX-30, isn’t even on the market yet, but is expected to launch in California sometime in the fall of 2021. We also know that the Rotary engine is supposed to serve as a range-extender (electric power generation only) for that very car, but outside of this, the brand has been rather slow to embrace electrification.

Shortly after news that the next-gen Mazda 6 would feature a new inline-six, Mazda released its electrification strategy for the next few years. That plan includes the launch of five hybrid models, five PHEVs, and three EVs between 2022 and 2025, all based on Mazda’s “Skyactive Multi-Solution Scalable Architecture.” Details beyond this were slim, and it has led some to question what will happen to the MX-5 Miata. It fights in a very tough, small niche and will be very difficult to electrify without taking away what makes it special – its lightweight, compact nature and impressive handling.

The Mazda MX-5 Miata Will Live On Though Electrification High Resolution Exterior
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Now, a new report from Japanese outlet Kuruma-news says that Mazda Mx-5 will only live on as either a hybrid or an EV. Shortly after that report went out, Motor 1 received confirmation from Mazda via an official statement that at least hints that the company will try to keep the car as nimble and lightweight as possible:

“Mazda is seeking to electrify the MX-5 Miata in an effort to have all models feature a form of electrification by 2030. We will work hard to make it a lightweight, affordable, open two-seater sports car in order to meet the needs of customers.”

The Mazda MX-5 Miata Will Live On Though Electrification High Resolution Exterior
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So, while we know the Mx-5 will likely live on, we’re not sure as to what end electrification will come into play. Making the Mx-5 all-electric would encourage other automakers to do the same with their compact sports cars, with the Porsche 718 Boxster Concept being the first that comes to mind. And Electric MX-5 could also encourage Honda to bring back the S2000 as an EV, for example, or push Toyota and Subaru to electrify the GR86 and BRZ twins.

The Downside to Electrifying the Mx-5

The Mazda MX-5 Miata Will Live On Though Electrification High Resolution Exterior
- image 614471

There’s no denying that EVs, in general, can put down some serious performance thanks to their instantaneous torque delivery. However, the big downside is that EVs are naturally heavy and generally feature a limited range. When it comes to the MX-5, that is a very crucial thing to keep in mind since it is a lightweight and nimble car that’s also affordable.

Transforming the MX-5 into an EV would be very difficult to keep its lightweight nature intact and, since it’s so small, there’s not a lot of room for battery, which means an MX-5 EV would probably mean little range – maybe even as low as 150 miles.

Of course, that could change in the years to come with advancements in battery tech, but as things sit now, batteries are very heavy and very big, two things that don’t mix well with what the MX-5 is at its core.

Hybridization Could Be The Right Move For the Next-Gen MX-5

The Mazda MX-5 Miata Will Live On Though Electrification High Resolution Exterior
- image 614543

Mazda’s electrification plans aren’t as ambitious as that of other automakers. By 2030, the company expects only 25-perecent of its vehicles to be all-electric with the remaining 75-percent being powering by hybridized internal combustion engines. This is a big deal because going the mild hybrid route means Mazda can cut down on the weight it needs to add since the battery pack will be much smaller. There won’t be any electric range to speak of, but this setup would also open the door for even better performance since even a small electric motor can add a considerable amount of torque to a car’s bottom line – this is exactly how Mercedes is able to scall down to a four-cylinder engine, even in the range-topping AMG versions of the new C-class.

Final Thoughts

The Mazda MX-5 Miata Will Live On Though Electrification High Resolution Exterior
- image 614511

At this point, there’s no telling when we’ll know what Mazda is going to do for sure, but at least we can say that there’s a good chance that the MX-5 will live on until at least 2030, and probably beyond. With the current model hitting the market for the 2015 model year, there’s a good chance the next-gen model will be revealed in 2023 or 2024, and I’m willing to bet it’ll be a mild hybrid. However, that’s not to say that Mazda won’t offer at least one all-electric version of the MX-5. If the R&D is done, it might be a feasible option if there’s actually enough demand for it. Then again, some would argue that Honda bringing back the S2000 as an EV would be a horrible idea, simply because a lot of what made that car special was its engine and chassis. Will the world think the same about the MX-5? Should the car be shelved instead of going electric in the future? I guess only time will tell.

2022 Cadillac CT4-V and CT5-V Blackwing: Hold That EV Order

February 2, 2021 admin

Last week, GM announced plans to go 100 percent EV with its light-duty vehicle fleet in less than 15 years. Tonight, Cadillac took the wraps off two high-performance luxury sport sedans that probably won’t pass too many gas pumps.

Talk about whiplash.

To be fair, development lead times are long – almost certainly longer than the time it took GM to come up with its ambitious EV goal. Furthermore, GM’s goal set a target for the dim, distant future, and there’s still room for high-zoot engines on the marketplace – at least in the short term.

The mills here are a 6.2-liter supercharged V8 for the CT5-V Blackwing and a 3.6-liter twin-turbo V6 for the CT4-V Blackwing.

Oh, hey #savethemanuals folks, you should take note – a six-speed manual with rev-matching and no-lift shifting is standard. If clutching is too much work for you, a 10-speed automatic with paddle-shifters is available.

There’s an electronic limited-slip differential, a suspension tuned for sport, magnetic ride control, structural changes that Caddy says will improve steering response and handling for on-track driving, large brakes (Cadillac claims the largest its ever put on a production car – up to 15.67-inch rotors), customizable digital gauges, launch control, and Performance Traction Management.

The V8 is slated to make 668 horsepower and 659 lb-ft of torque and will be hand-built in Bowling Green, Kentucky. It will even be signed. Compared to other versions of this engine, it has a higher-flow air intake and tweaked exhaust system.

It also has a 1.7-liter, four-lobe Eaton blower. Cadillac is claiming a top speed of over 200 mph and a 0-60 time of 3.7 seconds when equipped with the slushbox, as well as a 46 percent improvement in intake airflow over the CTS-V.

Track people, take note of the wet-sump oil system with external oil separator. Other goodies include titanium intake valves and aluminum cylinder heads that are supposed to be stronger and better at handling heat than conventional aluminum-alloy heads.

The V6 appears to be no slouch, either, with 472 horsepower and 445 lb-ft of torque. Intake airflow is projected at 39 percent better than the ATS-V, and the top-speed number is claimed to be 189 mph. Zero to sixty is said to flash by in 3.8 seconds if you opt for the automatic.

Manual-trans cars get titanium connecting rods, and cars with either transmission get a whole bunch of other tweaks, including revised crankshaft counter weights, better temperature control via piston oil squirters, and a cooling system that is meant to improve torque response.

Brakes are Brembos, naturally, with six-piston calipers up front and four-pistons out back, and available carbon ceramics on the CT5-V. Brake-pedal feel can be adjusted via the drive modes.

Both transmissions feature differential cooling.

The suspension tweaks include stiffer spring rates, unique hollow stabilizer bars, and higher-rate bushings. It’s a MacPherson strut setup in front and five-link independent setup out back.

Track rats will like the available carbon-fiber aerodynamics kit and Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires. Wheels are forged aluminum-alloy (standard) and widths are staggered. V6s roll on 18s, with the CT5-V on 19s.

The grilles (yes, plural – the main grille is meant to improve airflow while the secondary grilles assist with airflow and cooling), rear spoiler, front splitter, rear diffuser, and fender vents are among the body panels/features that are tweaked, and all exterior lighting is LED. Underbody panels reduce drag and the aforementioned optional carbon-fiber aero kit reduces lift. The brake calipers are available in different four different colors, while there are three interior trims (base, mid, and top level). Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard along with wireless cell-phone charging.

Interior options will include a head-up display, heated seats, cooled seats, massaging seats, carbon-fiber accents, performance steering wheel, sueded microfiber headliner, uplevel audio, and Performance Data Recorder for on-board video of all your track-day exploits.

If you want one of these cars, Cadillac will happily take your reservation 15 minutes after this post goes live, at 7:30 EST on Feb. 1, 2021. Pricing starts at $59,990 for the CT4-V Blackwing and $84,990 for the CT5-V Blackwing. That’s including the $995 destination fee.

Deliveries begin this summer.

[Images: Cadillac]

McLaren Has Something HUGE Planned for Early 2021

October 24, 2020 admin

What do we make of this new McLaren supercar?

McLaren Has Something HUGE Planned for Early 2021 Exterior Spyshots
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Details are still sketchy, but McLaren already mentioned this particular model, referring to it as the HPH, or “High Performance Hybrid.”

Obviously, it’s not going to take that name, nor will it carry the “P16” codename that Automobile magazine referenced earlier this week.

Speaking of Automobile, the news site also provided patent photos of the said supercar that McLaren may have inadvertently revealed in the Wipo IP Portal. Even with all the questions surrounding the new supercar, what’s clear is this: the patent photos reveal a lot about the new Mac’s appearance.

What do the patent photos show?

McLaren Has Something HUGE Planned for Early 2021
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The photos show what looks to be a very saucy McLaren, revealed in all the angles you can imagine. The front section, for example, shows an evolved look from previous McLaren models. The recessed headlights and the side air intakes are connected to create McLaren’s unmistakable boomerang logo. The front fender vents are also easy to spot, as is the rakish windscreen and the very prominent side air scoops. Over at the back, the slender taillights and the dual exhaust tips are integrated into what looks to be one of the biggest rear air vents we’ve seen in a performance car. It’s so big that you don’t actually notice the rounded bumper and the split rear diffuser until you take a closer look at the photo. The character lines on the side are where they should be, adding to the provocative visual appeal of what figures as one of the most dramatically styled McLarens we’ve ever seen.

McLaren Has Something HUGE Planned for Early 2021
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At the very least, the patent photos are in line with recent spy shots of the HPH — or P16 — that we received from our trusty spy photographers. These photographs show the defining design points of the new McLaren in better detail. The triangular air intakes in the front, the side scoops, and the huge mesh vent at the back are all there.

What kind of powertrain will it carry?

McLaren Has Something HUGE Planned for Early 2021 Exterior Spyshots
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Powertrain details have yet to be revealed, but Automotive News has reported that the new McLaren will be a plug-in hybrid that will include an all-new twin-turbocharged V-6 engine.

It’s a smaller engine that the twin-turbo V-8 that McLaren has used on the 570S and every road-going McLaren in recent years, but the new Mac will also feature a yet-to-be-determined number of electric motors. It’ll most likely be two motors and a battery pack that will offer 19 miles of EV range and a three- to four-hour charge time.

The output is anyone’s guess at this point, but since this model is tapped to sit between the 612-horsepower GT and the 710-horsepower 720S, the output will likely sit somewhere between those two numbers. 660 horsepower, perhaps?

When’s it coming out and how much will it cost?

McLaren Has Something HUGE Planned for Early 2021 Exterior Spyshots
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It’s been established that McLaren has plans to launch a new plug-in hybrid supercar in 2021. Unless the company has another model that it has said nothing about, the 2021 release will almost certainly be this model. For now, we can call it the HPH or the P18. But it’ll definitely take a different name when it comes out.

As far as price goes, a price tag in the neighborhood of $240,000 is likely. It’ll definitely be more expensive than the $210,000 GT and cheaper than the $295,000 720S.

Source: Automobile Mag

Mazda CX-30 Turbo

September 20, 2020 admin

What makes the 2021 Mazda CX-30 special?

2021 Mazda CX-30 Turbo Exterior
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The turbocharged CX-30 is nothing special on the outside, so don’t expect to find sportier body elements or go-fast stripes.

The only thing that will tell you this is the more powerful version is the “Turbo” lettering underneath the “Skyactiv G” badge on the tailgate. The Turbo model is also equipped with black, 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, gloss-black mirror caps, and slightly larger tailpipes as standard. The same goes for the interior, where you’ll find the usual stuff and tech, including the 8.8-inch infotainment display, auto-dimming rearview mirror, and chrome trim on the black dashboard.

2021 Mazda CX-30 Turbo Exterior
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Under the hood is where things look a bit different. Although it features a Skyactiv-G 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine like the standard U.S. CX-30, this mill is turbocharged and cranks out more oomph.

The turbo-four cranks out 227 horsepower and 310 pound-feet on regular 87-octane fuel, but output jumps to 250 horses and 320 pound-feet of twist on premium 93-octane gas.

This means it generates up to 64 horsepower and up to 134 pound-feet more than the naturally aspirated model. There’s no word on performance, but that extra power and torque should make the Turbo model significantly quicker than its all-motor sibling.

This new Turbo model also comes with the i-Activ all-wheel-drive system, which incorporates off-road traction assist, as standard, so performance improves on all types of terrain.

2021 Mazda CX-30 Turbo Exterior
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In addition to that, the CX-30 Turbo is available with a suite of technologies, starting with i-Activesense safety features, which include Smart City Brake Support Reverse with Rear Cross-Traffic Braking. This function will automatically apply the brakes when the vehicle is reversing at speeds between two to four mph if an obstacle or a crossing vehicle is detected. Mazda also added a new support feature, Traffic Jam Assist, which enhances the Radar Cruise Control by providing steering inputs that can help you stay within lane markers at speeds under 40 mph. A new 360-degree View Monitor is also available, as are Active Driving Display, Traffic Sign Recognition, and Adaptive Front-lighting System.

The 2021 Mazda CX-30 Turbo is a solid alternative to the Volkswagen T-Roc

The New Volkswagen T-Roc R Is More Than Just a Sporty Variant Of The T-Roc
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This new engine turns the CX-30 into a better alternative to the Volkswagen T-Roc.

While the naturally aspirated version had sufficient power for the T-Roc 2.0 TSI, rated at 187 horses, it lagged behind in the torque department, where the VW delivered an extra 50 pound-feet at 236 pound-feet of torque. The Turbo model not only trumps the 2.0 TDI in terms of power, torque, and performance, but it also comes close to the range-topping T-Roc R. Fitted with a turbocharged, 2.0-liter four-cylinder, the R model comes with 296 horsepower, 46 more than the Mazda, but generates “only” 295 pound-feet of torque, 25 less than the CX-30 Turbo.

Read our full review on the
Volkswagen T-Roc

2021 Mazda CX-30 Turbo Exterior
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The 2021 Mazda CX-30 Turbo goes on sale by the end of 2020, but pricing information is not yet available. The standard CX-30 starts from $21,900 in base trim, but Mazda might not offer this powerplant on the entry-level model. The Select trim is likely to be a base option for the Turbo, which starts from $25,300 with AWD and the naturally-aspirated engine. This means that the CX-30 Turbo could retail from around $28,000 before options, while the range-topping Premium trim could cost around $32,000.

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