Latest Schumacher rumours not true - manager

Michael Schumacher / XPB

Michael Schumacher's manager has denied reports she told German television that the F1 legend had finally emerged from his long coma.

Late last week, multiple media sources claimed the former Ferrari and Mercedes driver's manager, Sabine Kehm, had told the RTL broadcaster that Schumacher had woken up after 17 weeks in a coma and 'recognised his wife' Corinna.

"Sorry," said Nicola Pohl, a respected correspondent for the major German daily Bild, "but those rumours from Spain are apparently not true.

"Kehm just texted me (saying) she hadn't confirmed anything to RTL," she added.

Indeed, Kehm has now told the German tabloid Kolner Express that she made no such comments about Schumacher's continued awakening to RTL or anyone else.

"Since doing the ARD talk show (two weeks ago) ... I have not spoken to anyone about Michael Schumacher," she confirmed.

Ferrari SP FFX one-off spotted once again

Ferrari SP FFX / Jalopnik

Has a coupe profile

Ferrari's one-of-a-kind SP FFX has been photographed in Japan at a recent Ferrari festival.

The one-off model was seen for the first time in late January when we found out it was commissioned by a wealthy Japanese client. It was developed through Ferrari's Special Projects division and it's based on the FF. However, the car's styling has gone through some considerable changes and dare we say it looks worse than the regular Ferrari Four.

Gone is the shooting brake-like rear hatch of the standard FF as the client wanted a coupe profile. Other changes include more aggressive front vents, two vertical bars in the front grille flanking the prancing horse logo along with three vent slats in the front wings.

Since this is kind of like an FF Coupe, we should remind you a rumor emerged earlier this month indicating a regular FF Coupe will see the light of day towards the end of the year or early 2015. Aside from the coupe-like look, the new model will have an updated front fascia, different side vents and will lose the rear seats.

Toyota to build a new North American headquarters in Texas

Toyota Motor Sales USA headquaters in Torrance, Calif

Building will be completed in late 2016 or early 2017

Following rumors this weekend, Toyota has officially announced plans to establish a new North American headquarters in Plano, Texas.

While Toyota has called Torrance, California home for nearly 60 years, the company says the move is "designed to better serve customers and position Toyota for sustainable, long-term growth."

As a result of the move, Toyota's three separate North American headquarters - for manufacturing, sales / marketing, and corporate operations - will be relocated to a single "state-of-the-art campus" in the Lone Star state. The company will also expand the Toyota Technical Center in Michigan to accommodate employees from Erlanger, Kentucky.

The moves will affect approximately 4,000 employees and "small groups" will begin being relocated this summer. However, a majority of employees will stay put until the company's new campus in completed in late 2016 or early 2017.

In a statement, Toyota North America CEO Jim Lentz said “With our major North American business affiliates and leaders together in one location for the first time, we will be better equipped to speed decision making, share best practices, and leverage the combined strength of our employees. This, in turn, will strengthen our ability to put customers first and to continue making great products that exceed their expectations." He added, "This is the most significant change we’ve made to our North American operations in the past 50 years, and we are excited for what the future holds.”

While California will feel the brunt of the reorganization, the company announced a "$10 million philanthropic commitment to provide continued funding for local non-profits and community organizations" in California and Kentucky over a five-year period beginning in 2017.

Check out the press release for additional information

EKS unveils their Audi S1 for the FIA World Rallycross Championship

EKS Audi S1

Reportedly produces 600 bhp (447 kW)

EKS has unveiled their Audi S1 which will compete in the 2014 FIA World Rallycross Championship.

Set to be driven by Mattias Ekstrom and Pontus Tidemand, the model will reportedly feature an all-wheel drive system and a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that develops 600 bhp (447 kW). This should enable the car to accelerate from 0-60 mph in 1.9 seconds which is 3.9 seconds faster than the standard car can accelerate from 0-62 mph.

Additional information will be released next month but Ekstrom said “This year our plans are to complete as much research and development of the car that we can for the future. Our goal is of course to build the best car."

Volvo S60L PPHEV Concept 2014

Volvo introduced a new member for its plug-in hybrid family. The new Volvo S60L PPHEV ( Petrol Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle ) will be introduced at the 2014 Beijing Auto Show and is destined for the Chinese auto market (early 2015).

The 2014 Volvo S60L PPHEV Concept is powered by a 4-cylinder petrol turbo - Drive-E engine which delivers 238 hp of power and 350 Nm of torque. Also in the powerplant is the 68 hp electric motor powered by a 11.2 kWh lithium-ion battery pack.

The S60L PPHEV Concept Car can be recharged from a regular power outlet and the recharging time varies with the amperage. A full charge with 10A takes 4.5 hours, while a 16A charge takes it down to 4.0 hours.

Dodge Challenger 2015

Dodge has lifted the curtains of its all-new 2015 Dodge Challenger at the New York Auto Show. Dodge will celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2014, which is a remarkable achievement for any company.

The 2015 Challenger is inspired by the 1971 design, both inside and out, sports a new split grille, power buldge hood, LED halo headlamps and LED tail lamps on the exterior.

On the interior, we have high-sill center console and driver-focused instrument panel, aluminum bezels and 14 interior color and trim options, including throwback Houndstooth premium cloth, Radar Red, or Pearl and Alcantara suede and leather high-performance seats.

The new Scat Pack 6.4-liter HEMI V8 powers the new Challenger and delivers 485 hp of power and 475 lb-ft of torque via a six-speed manual or (optional upgrade of new TorqueFliter 8-speed automatic transmission).

The 2015 Dodge Challenger arrives at the dealerships in late summer 2014. However, no official pricing has been announced as of now.

Video: Chris Harris Drifting The 2015 McLaren 650S

width="460" height="370" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/xuqJwg0Ei_s" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen>

Last time the McLaren 650S made it into our news we saw a Spider version hitting 205.6 miles per hour at the Hockenheim track. The video was more interesting that regular sports car hooning footage because the 650S managed to overcome its official 204-mph top speed.

We are now back with more McLaren 650S track goodness, but this time it has nothing to do with pushing the speedometer to the limit. The British sports car has now fallen into the hands of Chris Harris, who took it to the Ascari Racing Resort in Spain for a few unconventional laps. We say that because Harris never intended to set a new course record, but approached every corner the Ken Block way. Drifting that is.

Unlike most similar videos, this one is filmed with a camera mounted inside the cockpit, so you won't be able to actually see the McLaren as it goes sideways through the curves. Don't be disappointed though, seeing Harris work on that steering wheels is equally entertaining.

As a brief refresh, the McLaren 650S is powered by a turbocharged, 3.8-liter, V-8 engine that sends 650 horsepower and 500 pound-feet of torque to the wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch box. The sports car needs only 2.9 seconds to sprint from naught to 60 mph and 10.5 to complete a quarter-mile run. The coupe's top speed sits at 207 mph, while the Spider is officially rated at 204 mph.

Video: Chris Harris Drifting The 2015 McLaren 650S originally appeared on topspeed.com on Friday, 25 April 2014 11:00 EST.

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Volkswagen Scirocco

The Volkswagen Scirocco is undoubtedly one of those models that American customers would love to have come to the U.S. Judging by how much frustration we've seen and heard from some of our readers, there's a decent chance that their opinions reflect that of a majority of VW fans. But the Scirocco still doesn't have a timetable to make its US debut, and it probably won't have one until the big bosses in Germany say so.

For now, all we can do is sit back and enjoy (from afar) what the 2014 Volkswagen Scirocco has to offer. It's still one of the better-looking models in VW's lineup, that much we can tell you. Even then, the updated styling on the front and rear sections definitely did their jobs in giving the Scirocco a more distinctive look.

Combine that with new exterior lighting and some new retro touches to the interior, like the auxiliary instruments and you have the makings of a car that will once again leave a lot of U.S. customers pining for the day Volkswagen brings the Scirocco across the pond.

Maybe it's going to be sooner than we think, or maybe it won't happen at all, but we all can still hope, right?

Click past the jump to read more about the 2014 Volkswagen Scirocco.

Volkswagen Scirocco originally appeared on topspeed.com on Friday, 25 April 2014 13:00 EST.

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HYUNDAI CAR MODELS

KOENIGSEGG CAR MODELS

KTM CAR MODELS

ACURA RSX-A Spec Concept pictures

ACURA RDX Concept pictures

ACURA ZDX Concept pictures

2014 BMW X5 Photo 1001

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2014 BMW X5 Photo 1002

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HYUNDAI Blue Will Concept pictures

KTM X-Bow Race pictures

KTM X-Bow car pictures (1)

KTM X-Bow car pictures (2)

A new take on urban chic: smart fortwo coupé BoConcept Edition

Here is perhaps the last run-out model of smart's popular micro-car. Dubbed the fortwo BoConcept edition, it's the combined efforts of smart and a 'Danish urban interior design specialist' and is available in both coup and cabrio bodystyles. This super-stylish smart gets numerous design detailing differences to separate it from regular models. Outside there are...

Modified 2013 Volkswagen Polo 1.4 Comfortline

MASERATI CAR MODELS

The Vencer Sarthe Holland new Supercar

Following in the trail blazed by the likes of the Savage Rivale GTS and the Spyker C12 Zagato comes another super car bearing the proud colors of the Oranje.

This new piece of four-wheeled exoticness goes by the name of Vencer Sarthe, a hand-built model by the fine folks of Vencer, who apparently want to break into the growing super car market of the European country.

Despite looking a little bland for a super car - the rear end looks like a boring mess of blah - the Sarthe boasts of the finest materials that are "supercar worthy." For example, the entire body is made out of carbon fiber - always a good thing - while also carrying a space frame chassis that's been built of steel and chrome-moly tubing. It rides on a new set of either 19 or 20 alloy wheels. Again, that's cool to know.

More than that, the Sarthe's calling card - as with any other exotic for that matter - is its power train. Packing a mid-mounted V8 engine, the Dutch super car is capable of producing 503 horsepower and 480 lb/ft of torque while mated to a six-speed manual transmission. Those figures translate to a 0-62 mph time of just 3.8 seconds with an impressive top speed of 202 mph.

As with most niche super car models, don't expect a mass produced Sarthe anytime soon. Vencer has already said that production will be very limited and we're not about to start questioning that decision.

After all, for a company that's still looking to break into an extremely competitive industry, testing out the waters sounds like a pretty good idea.

More Pictures of Vencer Sarthe

2015 Nissan Murano unveiled in New York

2015 Nissan Murano live in New York

Goes on sale later this year

The New York Auto Show continues as Nissan has taken the wraps off the 2015 Murano.

Set to go on sale later this year, the redesigned crossover has a stylish exterior that borrows cues from the Resonance concept. As a result, the model has a "V-Motion" front fascia with a prominent grille that is flanked by boomerang-shaped headlights with integrated LED daytime running lights. The crossover also has a "floating" roof, privacy glass and 18-inch alloy wheels. If that's not impressive enough, customers can order LED headlights, a panoramic moonroof and 20-inch alloy wheels.

The styling renaissance continues in the cabin as the model features high quality materials and an upscale design. Nissan hasn't released specifications but they confirmed the model will feature Zero Gravity seats, a dual-zone climate control system, a push-button ignition and a 7-inch Advanced Drive-Assist Display in the instrument cluster. Options include heated / ventilated front seats, leather upholstery, a Bose audio system and an infotainment system with an 8-inch display.

Under the hood, there's a 3.5-liter V6 engine that develops 260 bhp (194 kW) and 240 lb-ft (325 Nm) of torque. It is connected to an Xtronic transmission which can be paired to an optional all-wheel drive system.

2015 Volkswagen Jetta brings its Passat-ish face to New York

2015 Volkswagen Jetta live in New York

Features revised styling inside and out

If you're struggling to stay awake, you might want to look away as Volkswagen has introduced the 2015 Jetta at the New York Auto Show.

Modestly revised, the facelifted model is distinguished by a new front bumper, a revised grille and a new trunk with an integrated spoiler. The model can also be equipped with restyled fog lights and optional bi-xenon headlights with integrated LED daytime running lights.

The subtle updates continue in the cabin as there's a new multifunction steering wheel, updated upholstery and additional chrome trim. Other changes include revised air vent controls and new piano black trim on the center console.

On the safety front, the Jetta offers a new rear cross-traffic alert system which warns drivers of stationary and moving vehicles directly behind the car. There's also a new frontal collision warning system which alerts drivers - with visual and acoustic warnings - to an impending front end collision.

In the United States, engine options carryover with the exception of a new 2.0-liter TDI that produces 150 bhp (112 kW). When paired with a manual transmission, the model should return 32 city / 45 highway mpg / 37 mpg combined.

The Next Audi S3 creates great competition to BMW M135i

BMW's latest M135i hatchback is about to get some hot competition with the upcoming release of the Audi S3.

Audi's newest edition to the S models is reported to be powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter 5-cylinder engine, and is rumored to produce 276-hp and 280 lb-ft of torque. This will the replacement for the last S3's ten-year old 'EA113' motor, and will be the first model to be powered by the updated 'EA888' engine. It will feature a freshly engineered turbo, Audi Valve Lift system to improve low-end response, and an estimated improvement of 15 hp and 22 lb-ft of torque.

In addition to the added power, the S3 will get larger by 22mm in length, 201 mm in width and 21mm in height. Still, the car will weigh roughly 176 lbs. less than its predecessor's weight with the use of aluminum for select parts.

Reports suggest that the 2.0l-liter five-cylinder will be mated to a standard six-speed manual gearbox, with a seven-speed transmission dubbed DQ500 as an option.

Audi is anticipating a 0-62mph time of 5.5 seconds, which shaves 0.2 seconds off the previous generation's time. Top speeds will be governed at 155mph.

More Pictures of The Next Audi S3 creates great competition to BMW M135i

The New 2013 Honda Accord Sedan

While many think the Honda Accord has lost its way since the 1990s, the car continues to sell very well, finding a sweet spot of style, performance, and function for many drivers. The 2013 model looks to update the car with a fresher, more dramatic take on the Accord's proportions and theme.

Previewed by the Accord Coupe Concept at the 2012 Detroit Auto Show, the new car looks rather similar to the current Accord, but at the same time, blends its elements more harmoniously, presenting a more refined, modern look.

The spy shots show a car that's still heavily clad in camouflage, however, keeping the changes from the Accord Coupe Concept to the production sedan from our view. Given Honda's affinity for showing barely-disguised production models as concepts, however, we have every reason to think that what's under the covers will closely resemble the Detroit concept.

Information on what sort of interior design changes, technology upgrades, or powertrain improvements might be in order remains closely held, however.

The 2013 Honda Accord is expected to arrive in dealer lots later this year, with the sedan preceding the coupe by several months to a year.

More Pictures of 2013 Honda Accord Sedan

2013 Chevrolet Traverse Debut

Chevrolet carmaker has announced new car with called 2013 Chevrolet Traverse. The 2013 Chevrolet Traverse has a new, athletic exterior design, complemented by a more expressive front end that introduces a new face for Chevrolet crossover utilities.Space is the hallmark of the Chevy Traverse interior. With its class-leading spaciousness, comfortable and flexible seating for up to eight adults, and more cargo-carrying capacity than any other vehicle in its segment, the 2013 Chevy Traverse builds on these established attributes by offering an interior environment with new features and refined appointments.

The front features a new shape supported by a powerdome hood, a three-bar upper and two-bar lower grille design, new lamps, chrome accents around the grille and fog lamps, and sculpted front corners similar to the Malibu sedan. The new design captures the overall character of Chevy's new car lineup, for a consistent family resemblance.Chevrolet Traverse's second-row seat comes with a pair of captain's chairs or a three-passenger bench. Each incorporates Chevrolet Traverse's child-friendly, second-row SmartSlide feature that enables unobstructed access to the third-row bench seat with one hand - and is easy for children to operate.
The third-row seat can comfortably accommodate three adult passengers. Chevrolet Traverse's 24.4 cu. ft. (691 liters) of cargo room behind its third row is larger than many full-size utility vehicles. 2013 Chevrolet Traverse also has easy-to-operate safety belts, up to 12 cup holders and an available rear-seat entertainment system.

For 2013, Chevrolet Traverse is offered in LS, LT and LTZ models (with two LT packages: 1LT and 2LT), in both front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive configurations. It is built in Lansing, Mich.

More Pictures of 2013 Chevrolet Traverse

2012 Mazda 3 i Grand Touring with SKYACTIV engine

Five weeks ago, we gave you our first impressions based on a very short (fewer than 100 miles) time behind the wheel of the Mazda 3 Skyactiv. Bottom line for the link-averse, it was all good things we expect from Mazda in general and the Mazda 3 in particular, with some promising gas mileage figures (we averaged 29.5 miles per gallon, the EPA estimates are 28 city, 40 highway).

The first car was a bare-bones stock model...zero options, with a price tag of $19,300 plus delivery charges.

This time around, things were different. Mazda USA's press folks sent an i Grand Touring model with Skyactiv. Base price $4,000 higher at $22,300...and there were options.

The tester added the Technology Package...blind spot monitoring system, Sirius satellite radio, perimeter alarm, rain-sensing front wipers, bi-xenon headlights with auto-leveling, pivoting adaptive front lighting system and auto on/off headlights. Price tag for that package? $1,400. So, with the $795 for delivery, the bottom line on this Mazda 3 Skyactiv wound up at $24,495. And although that's very nearly 5 grand or 20 percent more than the one we reviewed in early January, it's exactly how we'd order one if we were buying.

Stepping up to the i Grand Touring from the i Touring model gets you the same basic underpinnings (2.0 liter, 155 horsepower 4, 16-inch alloy wheels, four-wheel disc brakes) but brings a moonroof, center armrest, heated front seats, compact nav system with color display and color multi-information display to the party, along with an upgrade to a 265-watt Bose Centerpoint audio system. And, if you check "Dune" instead of "Black" on the interior color option box, the result is a pleasing two-tone that lightens and brightens the mood inside the car.

Skyactiv, as we described before, is Mazda's solution to better gas mileage without the complexity of a hybrid system and with the payoff of improved performance thanks to lower weight, and a more efficient engine/transmission combo.

This time, we put a near-TireKicker record 840 miles on the Mazda 3 in our week at the wheel...and unlike our usual 60/40 mix of city streets and urban freeways, it was more like 80/20...and the 20 was in the worst stop-and-go freeway driving you're likely to encounter this side of Manhattan.

Our average? 33 miles per gallon. That's impressive when you figure that the EPA estimate is 28 city, 40 highway. Even our freeway miles weren't at highway speeds...or not many of them and not for long. So our entire 840 miles was the equivalent of what the EPA considers city....and we beat the estimate by 5 MPG...and equalled the EPA's combined fuel economy estimate.

More Pictures of 2012 Mazda 3 i Grand Touring with SKYACTIV engine

Dodge Charger

Introduced in 2005 for the 2006 model year, the Dodge Charger was in dire need of a facelift. We already knew Chrysler was working on a refreshed four-door muscle car for the 2015 model year, but the big question was when will we see it? Well, the Detroit-based company has confirmed that the 2015 Charger will be showing its facelifted body and underpinning at the New York Auto Show next week, also releasing a teaser in the process.

Dodge refrained from going into specifics, but said the new Charger has received "a full-body makeover with nearly every single body panel being resculpted." This can only mean one thing, the sedan will get more than just a mild facelift, and the adjacent photo showing the vehicles new front grille and headlamps comes to back that claim.

No longer embedded in a front bumper that goes all the way up to the hood, the crosshair grille is now narrower and previews a sleeker look. The redesigned headlamps are also smaller and slimmer, with LED daytime running lights integrated above and below the main bulb.

No longer rounded above the grille, the new hood extends a bit above the headlights in an attempt to bring the looks of the early 1970s Charger into the 21st century. The teaser shows the new blacked-out grille continues into the upper part of the redesigned bumper, but that's about all we get so far.

There's big news under the hood as well, where a much-rumored supercharged 6.2-liter V-8 engine will be dropped in for some serious power. Word has it the new mill, reportedly dubbed "Hellcat", will pump out at least 640 horsepower. Of course, the 2015 Charger will also be available with updated versions of the existing units, which include the 3.6-liter, Pentastar V-6; the 5.7-liter, Hemi V-8; and the naturally-aspirated, 6.4-liter V-8.

Stay tuned to TopSpeed for more details on the 2015 Charger and Challenger from the New York Auto Show. We'll be back to report it as soon as Dodge spills the beans.

Updated 04/14/2014: Ahead of its debut in New York, we've created a quick rendering of what we think the upcoming Charger will look like.

Click past the jump to read more about the 2015 Dodge Charger.

Dodge Charger originally appeared on topspeed.com on Monday, 14 April 2014 09:15 EST.

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Lamborghini Aventador Nazionale

Supercar manufacturers understand what the Chinese market can do for their bottom line so its becoming incredibly important to specifically cater to this market. Lamborghini knows this full well and at the Beijing Auto Show, the Italian automaker is presenting a special edition Aventador called the Nazionale.

The unique Aventador was created by Lamborghini's Ad Personam personalization program, and like every other model that was born from customer customization, the Nazionale is tipped to be as unique an Aventador as Lamborghini has ever built.

One can expect it to be as distinct as the Aventador LP720-4 50 Anniversario that Lamborghini proudly showed off at the Shanghai Auto Show last year. Remember, that model was limited to just 100 units so the Aventador Nazionale could follow in the same path.

Lamborghini hasn't released any details on what the Aventador Nazionale will look like or what kind of power upgrades it could have, but anytime the company makes an announcement like this, you know its preparing something that'll really get a lot of peoples' attention.

More so now in the Chinese market, where these cars fly off the shelves faster than most people can write a check.

Click past the jump to read more about the standard Lamborghini Aventador (pictured here).

*Note: The above image is of a stock Aventador, not the Nazionale model.

Lamborghini Aventador Nazionale originally appeared on topspeed.com on Monday, 14 April 2014 10:00 EST.

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Volkswagen Beetle Fender Edition debut

VW first unveiled the VW Beetle Fender Edition as a concept car last year at the 2011 Frankfurt Auto Show, but now the production version has debuted at the Leipzig International Auto Show. As the name states, the VW Beetle Fender Edition packs a 9-speaker, 400-watt Fender sound system and a few other interior and exterior styling tweaks.

On the outside all Beetle Fender Edition models comes painted in Deep Black Metallic with brushed chrome exterior mirrors, 18-inch "Disc" aluminum-alloy wheels, Bi-Xenon headlights, and the Fender logo. Inside the painted dashboard features the quintessential sunburst color of Fender guitars, and the vehicle's interior is accented with color-contrasting seams that complement the dash's colors. Beetle Fender Edition vehicles equipped with the 200-horsepower 2.0-liter turbocharged engine will receive seats with exclusive fabric inserts.

The VW Beetle Fender Edition will first go on sale in Europe and will be available in America in the fall of 2012. Pricing will be announced at a later date.

More Pictures of Volkswagen Beetle Fender Edition

MadWhips Launches New Website & iOS APP

Congratulations to MadWhips.com for their successful re-launch of their website (established in 200) and iOS App! Madwhips.com is the worlds largest automotive social network with more than 2 Million followers across their channels that consist of Madwhips.com, Instagram, Instagram Facebook, Twitter, Flickr & YouTube.

Visit their MadWhips.com and download their iOS app (Android Coming Summer 2014).

MadWhips was featured by the following sites:

iPhoneInCanada.com
TechVibes.com
TechCocktail.com
DigitalTrends.com
BetaKit.com

Lotus Exige S V6 CUP Photo 1001

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Lotus Exige S V6 CUP Photo 1002

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