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Nissan GT-R Nismo leaks – gets 595bhp

Nissan GT-R Nismo leaks – gets 595bhp Nissan has been planning to add Nismo performance versions across their range of production cars for the last couple of years, and we’ve seen the Juke Nismo and 370Z Nismo already. Next up is the Nissan GT-R Nismo (even though you’d think it might be tough to make the mad GT-R any more ‘sporty’), an arrival confirmed by Carlos Ghosn back in February when he said “It would be unthinkable for us to develop a range of Nismo road cars without including the GT-R“. Now, ahead of a reveal this week, the first photo of the new GT-R Nismo has arrived together with some detail on what’s on offer.

It's not too late to register for today's Autodesk 'Concept Modeling for Automotive' Webinar

It's not too late to register for Autodesk's penultimate Webinar in the series, ‘Concept Modeling for Automotive', which takes place today at 1400 (GMT). This webinar focuses on the use of Autodesk Maya, the powerful 3D modeling software. dreiformSTUDIO's managing partner/CEO Seifke Luers will demonstrate efficient but also creative 3D sketching tips, as well as tricks for rapid concept development and refinement.  dreiformSTUDIO was founded in 2011 to meet the demand from automotive clients for fast concept modeling with Autodesk Maya and now provides concept modeling of interiors, exteriors and motorcycles for BMW, Daimler and Audi.

2014 Nissan Sentra will start at $16,800

Nissan's seventh-generation Sentra has proved to be a successful model for the brand, with sales up 16.6 percent. It was announced today that the 2014 Sentra will start at $16,800 for the base model including destination, the same as the 2013 model. Nissan will be making some improvements to the Sentra to further enhance its “class above” look and feel.

Citroen C1 gets updated for 2014

Citroen C1 gets updated for 2014 The Citroen C1 has been around for some time, and it’s getting towards the end of its shelf life. But the C1 is still a great little city car – far better than you’d expect – and makes much more sense on any level than an overpriced EV for running round urban areas. And Citroen have now improved the C1 for 2014.

Jaguar F-Type R Coupe unveiled!

When Ian Callum speaks design, it doesn't feel entirely like he's speaking from a teleprompter, listlessly reading from a speech carefully combed over and picked apart by public relations professionals. No, Callum -- 59, and broadly Scottish -- speaks like an old, tenured college professor, a living institution at an institution, as if he's trying to inspire a troubled student. "Cmon," he seems to tell us, "this is how it's done." For Callum, the F-Type Coupe has been an "emotional journey" since he started 15 years ago at Jaguar.

VW debuts Twin Up! Concept at Tokyo Motor Show

Volkswagen introduced the newest member of the XL1 family at the Tokyo Motor Show, the Twin Up! Essentially the plug-in hybrid version of the Up!, this four-seater concept car shares some of its drive system with the Volkswagen XL1 including its dual-clutch automatic transmission, diesel engine and electric motor. The Twin Up!

Tesla asks NHTSA to investigate fires

In response to concerns following a recent accident which appeared to result from road debris damaging the underside of a battery compartment of a Tesla Model S, causing a fire in the engine compartment, the company has announced that it has requested that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration conduct a full investigation into the fire incidents. In a blog post, Tesla CEO Elon Musk wrote the following about the investigation: "While we think it is highly unlikely, if something is discovered that would result in a material improvement in occupant fire safety, we will immediately apply that change to new cars and offer it as a free retrofit to all existing cars. Given that the incidence of fires in the Model S is far lower than combustion cars and that there have been no resulting injuries, this did not at first seem like a good use of NHTSA's time compared to the hundreds of gasoline fire deaths per year that warrant their attention." Tesla has also released a software update to the cars which will maintain their standard ride height at highway speeds, preventing the air suspension from lowering the car an extra inch at highway speeds for greater aerodynamic efficiency.

Dodge introduces 100th Anniversary Editions for LA Auto Show

Dodge is celebrating 100 years of mass-producing automobiles next year. To celebrate, the company is introducing two special 100th Anniversary Editions of the Charger and Challenger at the Los Angeles Auto Show. John and Horace Dodge were already making a decent living supplying parts to Detroit’s burgeoning automotive industry when they decided to introduce their own car, the Dodge Model 30, in 1914.

Jaguar F-Type Coupe revealed early

Jaguar F-Type Coupe revealed early The new Jaguar F-Type Coupe will be officially revealed later today (well, the early hours of tomorrow in the UK) as Jaguar stage a Range Rover Sport style dynamic reveal in Los Angeles. But the new F-Type – teased to death by Jaguar in the last few weeks – has arrived a little early thanks to a scanned page from a German car magazine which had access to the details of the new F-Type ahead of its reveal to get their copy in place. It reveals an F-Type that looks very like the original C-X16 Concept the F-Type was heralded by, but with the glass roof we saw in an earlier tease, although the haunches and the transition in to the tail gate look a little rounder than they did on the C-X16 (but that could be an illusion in the images).

Mercedes GLA 45 AMG Concept teased (video)

Mercedes GLA 45 AMG Concept teased This was a surprise – the Mercedes GLA 45 AMG Concept. With Mercedes take on a compact SUV with the new GLA revealed at Frankfurt in September, we’d expected Mercedes would put the 4WD power plant from the A 45 AMG and CLA 45 AMG under the skin of the new GLA to make a very hot compact SUV. But we hadn’t expected it yet.

Audi debuts A8 Exclusive Concept special edition

Perhaps feeling the pressure from other luxury automakers and the debut of a number of special edition executive sedans, Audi has announced a limited run of 50 examples of its 6.3-liter 500-hp W12-engined A8L flagship. Dubbed the A8 Audi exclusive concept, the long-wheelbase executive yacht will feature a leather interior from Italian designer furniture maker Poltrona Frau. The A8 Audi exclusive concept will feature aniline leather in the color of Agatha Cognac, which is said to be very soft, and the center sections of the seats will have diamond quilting.

Ian Cameron receives Welsh Motoring Writers' Automotive Achievement Award

Former Rolls-Royce chief designer Ian Cameron is the latest recipient of the Welsh Motoring Writers (WMW) Automotive Achievement Award. The award was presented at the WMW annual dinner at HMS Nelson's Wardroom in Portsmouth, UK, by the group's patron and former winner, Land Rover director of design Richard Woolley. "As we celebrate a decade since the launch of Phantom and the establishment of the new home of Rolls-Royce in Goodwood, West Sussex, it is a most fitting time for Ian to be bestowed with this honor," said James Warren, Rolls-Royce product and corporate communications manager, UK.

Jaguar F-Type Coupe leaks before LA Auto Show reveal

Photos of the Jaguar F-Type Coupe were spotted on Tuesday in a German car magazine by the Zero2Turbo website, just hours before its scheduled debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show. In short, it looks just as sexy, if not more than its convertible counterpart. The full reveal of the new coupe will be streamed live right here at Autoweek at 10 p.m.

Watch the Jaguar F-Type Coupe live stream ahead of its LA Auto Show reveal

Promising a "breath-taking and dramatic sequence from a secret location in Los Angeles," Jaguar's PR handlers have offered a worldwide look at the unveiling of the new F-Type Coupe ahead of its LA Auto Show debut. The show starts Tuesday, November 19 at 10 pm EST (7 pm Pacific), and you'll be able to watch the entire presentation right here, so stay tuned!

2014 Acura RLX Sport Hybrid to make 377 hp

The 2014 Acura RLX Sport Hybrid will make its debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show this week. It will feature a new three-motor hybrid system and Acura's torque-vectoring Super-Handling All-Wheel-Drive, along with 377 combined hp. The RLX continues with Acura's 3.5-liter V6 making 310 hp with variable cylinder management.

Volvo aims for global market with police-spec XC70

Volvo is staking its police-car fleet ambitions in Europe and beyond on a newly upgraded chassis underpinning the Volvo XC70, already a popular choice among police forces across Europe. The Swedish police force recently designated the 2014 Volvo XC70 D5 AWD as the best car in its fleet after carrying out exhaustive tests, with an overall score of nine out of 10. That's right, the diesel XC70 D5 AWD was chosen as the best vehicle in the police-car fleet in Sweden, even though on this side of the pond, the car is still associated more with ownership of multiple golden retrievers and the school run.

Bonkers KTM X-Bow GT with 435hp

KTM’s X-Bow is the Austrian firm’s answer to the Caterham Seven – a lightweight, two-seater track car that makes no sacrifices when it comes to luxuries. Which is why KTM added a bit more in the way of creature comforts (including a windscreen) for its more relaxed ‘GT’ model. And now German tuners Wimmer Rennsporttechnik have got their hands on the X-Bow GT, playing with the engine to turn up the heat… Please click on the image above to read more on the KTM X-Bow GT by Wimmer Rennsporttechnik…

Drivers walk to avoid parking fees

DRIVERS are voting with their feet over parking charges, with most prepared to walk so they do not have to pay. On average, drivers are willing to walk up to half a mile to dodge parking charges, a survey from market research company Viewsbank found. A fifth of motorists were prepared to walk a mile or more rather than pay up, with only 11% saying they would rather pay than walk, the poll of 2,053 drivers revealed.

Ferrari 458 dedicated to F1 driver Niki Lauda

In the aftermath of Formula One-inspired Hollywood blockbuster film Rush, one Ferrari owner has dedicated a very special 458 Italia to three-time F1 world champion and former Maranello driver Niki Lauda. It’s a real treat, too, as the mid-engined supercar combines cutting edge design and technology with a stunning 1970s-inspired retro livery created by Ferrari’s Tailor Made customisation programme. Please click on the image above to read more on the Niki Lauda Ferrari 458 Italia…

Latest generation of Mini unveiled

CAR GIANT BMW has finally taken the wraps off the eagerly-awaited new Mini. The latest reincarnation of the popular car which first took to the road in 1959 shows a Mini that is quieter, longer, wider and taller than its predecessor. Shown off at BMW's plant at Cowley in Oxford where it will be made, the new Mini will start at £15,300 and will be available in the UK in spring 2014.

Aston Martin to recall nearly 17,000 cars

Aston Martin has announced it is to recall 16,825 cars globally to rectify an issue that has emerged with the throttle pedal of its cars. Models built between November 2007 and October 2013 will be recalled, the firm says, because they “may exhibit a defect in the throttle pedal”. Aston Martin V12 Vantage S review (2013 onwards) Driving the Lord Mayor’s Show in an Aston Martin This includes 1,382 right-hand drive cars built between May 2012 and 3 October 2013, plus 15,443 left-hand drive cars built between 11 November 2007 and 3 October 2013.

We sample Honda's car technology of the future

Ahead of the Tokyo Motor Show 2013 we’ve been to Honda’s research and development facility in Tochigi to see and experience some of the Japanese firm’s new and upcoming products and technology. We’ve covered the new Honda Civic Type R in some detail separately, but among the other cars driven here is the next generation Honda Jazz (known as the Fit in Japan), no less than three different types of Honda hybrid system, including one similar to that fitted in the forthcoming NSX supercar, and an all-carbonfibre CR-Z prototype. On top of which, we’ve also experienced a self-driving car, watched a crazy automatic-parking demonstration and sampled the latest version of the all-electric Micro-Commuter, Honda’s equivalent of the Renault Twizy.

Call for ban on in-car hands-free phones

Road safety charity Brake is calling for a blanket ban on in-car hands-free phone systems. Using a hand-held phone while driving is already illegal in the UK, so a proposal to prohibit even hands-free kits would completely eradicate calling from behind the wheel. On Bing: see pictures of people using mobile phones while driving 1 in 3 use mobile phone behind the wheel A decade on from when the mobile phone ban was introduced, Brake is asking the government to assess its policy on all forms of telephone communication while driving.

Cyclists warned to ride safely

BICYCLE RIDERS need to take more responsibility for their own safety in the wake of a spate of cyclists' deaths, one of London's top police officers has said. Chief Superintendent Glyn Jones's comments came after launching a new initiative that will see 2,500 officers being asked to reinforce traffic rules in the capital's most notorious black spots from tomorrow. The initiative was in response to the worrying statistic that six cyclists have been killed on London's roads in two weeks.

'Bloody cyclists' driver convicted

A MOTORIST from Norfolk who tweeted about "bloody cyclists" after a collision described the post as "my biggest regret" as she was convicted of driving offences. Former trainee accountant Emma Way, 22, from Watton, was found guilty at Norwich Magistrates' Court of failing to stop after a collision and failing to report an accident. She was cleared of driving without due care and attention.

'400,000 children in smoky cars'

HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS of children travel in smoke-filled cars every week, a charity has warned. The British Lung Foundation (BLF) estimates that in England more than 430,000 children aged 11 to 15 are exposed to second hand smoke in cars each week. The charity, which conducted analysis on official NHS data, said that 185,000 children of the same age are exposed to smoke while in the family car on "most days", if not every day.

Warning over winter driving dangers

A LEADING company car management firm has warned of the dangers approaching on the roads with the onset of winter. To coincide with National Road Safety Week LeasePlan UK has urged all drivers to consider the implications of their driving decisions as grip levels go down and accident rates go up. Government statistics reveal more than 6,200 accidents attributable to ice and snow last winter, and those are just the ones that were reported.

Top Gear presenters banned from driving in France

Top Gear presenters Jeremy Clarkson and Richard Hammond have been banned from driving in France for three months after they were caught speeding. While filming for the show’s Top Gear Christmas DVD – called ‘The Perfect Road Trip’ – Clarkson and Hammond were allegedly caught travelling at over 87mph in a 56mph limit. Jeremy Clarkson: a life in pictures Jeremy Clarkson’s most infamous quotes That means the duo were more than 50kph over the legal speed, which attracts an instant driving ban in France.

Mini Cooper (2013) tech-spec and prices of new Mini

By Damion Smy First Official Pictures 18 November 2013 14:30 The new Mini model line-up starts with the Mini Cooper, Mini Cooper S and Mini Cooper D at launch, with a full line-up expected to trickle through after the March 2014 expected showroom arrival. The new stiffer, more rigid platform makes this the biggest Mini ever: the Cooper, which sits on 15in alloys, is 98mm longer, 44mm wider, sites 7mm higher and has wider tracks front and rear, too. The longer wheelbase means more stability and less of that Mini go-kart like skittishness around corners, as well as more passenger room and a larger, 211-litre boot.

Nissan GT-R Nismo (2013) first official pictures

By Ollie Kew First Official Pictures 18 November 2013 10:00 This is the new Nissan GT-R Nismo, a fettled and powered-up version of Japan’s giant-killing super-coupe. Like Porsche’s GT3 and Ferrari’s 458 Speciale, the recipe for the GT-R Nismo has been to add power, strip weight and improve aerodynamics. The price has been tweaked too: from £76,610 to over £120,000.