LA Auto Show

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Live Photos: New Range Rover, Cayman GT4 RS, 2023 Corvette Z06 and More

These are live images from the LA Auto Show 2021 which is currently underway. We now get to see how the latest batch of car debuts looks in real life.

New 2022 Range Rover Photos

New Range Rover

Leading pack is the all new 5th generation Range Rover. The new Range Rover once again defines modern luxury and provides more refinements and personalisation than ever before. It comes with a suite of efficient mild-hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains. It is available in a choice of four, five or seven seats across Standard and Long Wheelbase body designs.

2022 Range Rover Interior

Porsche Cayman GT4 RS Photos

Cayman GT4 RS

The new king of compact supercars, the first ever RS model in the Cayman family. This is the new Cayman GT4 RS and it comes with a 992 GT3 engine in mid-engine layout. 500hp and 450nm of torque sent to the rear wheels exclusively by a PDK gearbox. Bonus photos of the new Taycan GTS and Taycan GTS Sport Turismo. Yes, the Taycan now has a Sport Turismo model joining the sedan and Cross Turismo variants.

Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS Specs and Pricing

Engine	4.0L Flat 6, Naturally Aspirated
Output	500hp, 450nm torque
Gearbox	7-Speed PDK ONLY
0-100km/h	3.4s
Top Speed	315km/h
Price in USA	$141,700 (USD)
Price in Germany	€141,338 (Euros)
Price in UK	£ 108,370 (GBP)
Price in Canada	$166,000 (CAD)

2022 Cayman GT4 RS

2023 Corvette Z06 Photos

2023 Corvette Z06

The all American supercar for the masses with a price that rivals anything that wears the supercar title out there. This is the 2023 Corvette Z06 and it has the most powerful naturally aspirated engine ever put in a production car.

2023 Corvette Z06 Specs and Price

Engine	5.5L LT6 V8, Naturally Aspirated, Flat Plane Crankshaft
Output:	670hp and 623nm torque
Redline	8,600rpm
Gearbox	8-speed DCT
Oil System	Dry Sump
Price	from $97,000

Chevrolet Silverado ZR2

2022 Chevrolet Silverado ZR2

This is the new Chevrolet Silverado ZR2 and it’s flagship Silverado model, Chevy’s latest addition to the off-road, factory-installed lifted trucks. It’s big, has a big V8 and will only be sold in America. It’s main competitor is the Ram 1500 and the Ford F-150 Raptor which stepped away from a V8 powertrain to a V6 eco-boost engine (although a supercharged V8 will make a comeback in the upcoming Raptor R to rival Ram’s supercharged TRX).

Below are additional photos live from the LA Auto Show 2021. Anyone knows what is happening with those two Defenders?

LA Auto Show 2021

November 18, 2021 / Comments Off

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2020 Mercedes-AMG GLS 63 S: Flagship AMG SUV Revealed

During a week when the Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 captured most of our attention, Mercedes-AMG also had a few announcements to make. The biggest (literally) was its new flagship SUV, the Mercedes-AMG GLS 63 S!

The biggest story here is that the Mercedes-AMG GLS 63 S gets the latest version of the ’63’ drivetrain. It receives mild-hybrid treatment for the first time.

As with other Mercedes-AMG models, it comes equipped with an integrated EQ Boost starter-alternator. The performance is short-term, however, it allows 22 hp of output and 250 Nm of torque. As well as the additional performance, the EQ Boost system supplies the 48-volt electrical system, recuperates energy, shifts the load point, enables gliding and restarts the engine with the start/stop function.

Mercedes-AMG GLS 63 S

Otherwise, the V8 engine is pretty familiar with twin turbochargers mounted within the V. It produces 612 hp and 850 Nm of torque which helps reduce the 100 km/h sprint time to 4.2 seconds, with a top speed of 250 km/h or 280 km/h with the optional AMG Driver’s package. The power is routed through a 9-speed automatic transmission, configured specifically for this model.

The suspension benefits from AMG Ride Control+, air suspension with special spring/damper set-up and adaptive adjustable damping ADS+. The damping can be preselected in the usual three stages – “Comfort”, “Sport” and “Sport+”. The air suspension allows the ride height to be lowered by 10 mm in the latter two. In Comfort, the ride height only lowers at 120 km/h.

The Mercedes-AMG GLS 63 S uses active roll stabilisation for the first time too. Much like the system which Audi uses, the Mercedes-AMG system uses two independently operating, electro-mechanical actuators on the sway bars at the front and rear axle.

Safety systems also receive an update with the latest versions of the Active Distance Assist Distronic system and the Driving Assistance package Plus.

Overall, the Mercedes-AMG GLS 63 S also gets the usual AMG Dynamic Settings, Comfort, Sport, Sport+, Individual, Trail and Sand. The ESP settings also include “Basic”, “Advanced” and “Pro”.

The rest is pretty much the same as the new Mercedes-Benz GLS. The interior gets the latest MBUX infotainment system. The displays form a Widescreen Cockpit. The instrument cluster and touchscreen multimedia display merge into one and can be operated through a touchpad, Touch Control buttons on the steering wheel, by voice control or gesture control.

The interior also benefits from AMG sports pedals, ARTICO man-made leather and high-gloss anthracite limewood trim elements. The AMG seats use black AMG nappa leather as standard. The 3-spoke AMG steering wheel is also a new addition.

On the outside, the Mercedes-AMG GLS 63 S gets an AMG-specific radiator grille with vertical louvres in high-gloss chrome. The bonnet gets a heavily contoured power dome, AMG has also added flared wheel arches, side skirts and new exterior mirror housings. 21-inch, 10-spoke lightweight-alloy wheels are standard painted in tantalite grey with a high-sheen finish. Six further wheel variants up to 23 inches are available.

GTSPIRIT NEWSLETTER

November 23, 2019 / Comments Off

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Karma Revero GTS and SC2 concept plot the way forward

The Karma Revero GTS and SC2 concept occupy two places in the automotive spectrum, but point to a single destination for Karma Automotive. In their ways, Karma has designed them to exhibit the brand’s intent to expand beyond the mechanics of electric car production. The Revero GTS pushes the Revero GT further, using the same 536-horsepower twin-motor setup and Karma-designed inverters integrated with the motors. The sprint to 60 miles per hour has been cut by 0.7 seconds to 3.9 seconds, top speed increases five miles per hour to 130 mph. Dynamic improvements include new suspension bushings and valving for more supple damping.

Changes are subtle throughout, nothing but a splash of carbon fiber exterior trim and GTS badging appearing to separate the hotter sibling from the GT. The interior is fitted with haptic steering wheel switchgear, Karma’s proprietary 570-watt Soloscape audio, ventilated seats, and Bridge of Weir leather. Preorders are being taken now for $149,950 before destination, a $15,000 bump over the Revero GT. Production will begin in the first quarter of 2020.

The Vapor Gray SC2 concept strikes us as the second coming of the Mercedes-McLaren SLR, and we’re totally OK with that; the pure electric hypercar puts a roof on the SC1 roadster concept Karma took to Pebble Beach this year, and looks more well-proportioned for it. In the previous teaser photo, we thought we were in for another set of gullwing doors, but those long, unfurling, insectoid wings would make a set of gullwings shy. And check out what looks like a piece of integrated luggage set into the front fender under the door. The interior is all the sharp-edged, color-keyed, future-cool minimalism tomorrow’s hitman could want. Entry is done through fingerprint and facial recognition, the seats and steering wheel respond to biometrics, fiber optics run through the headliner, and the side glass is electrochromatic.

A mongo, I-shaped 120-kWh battery powers electric motors delivering 1,100 hp and 10,500 lb.-ft of torque, said to be good for a 0-60 mph blast of less than 1.9 seconds, that time having become the magic benchmark for EV screamers. Claimed range is 350 miles, not that you’d ever get that far thanks to acceleration runs and the promise of exceptional handling thanks to a pushrod suspension.

Another piece of in-house tech is the Drive and Play technology. The SC2’s HD camera and lidar sensors capture a 360-degree rendition of the environment during a spirited drive, and a data logger records driver inputs. The drive can then be played back as theater using an adaptive laser projector inside the cabin, right down to the temperature and playlist. A smartphone mount above the windshield even acts as a rearview mirror for verisimilitude.

This SC2 previews Karma’s future design, and the electronic bits give a glimpse into Karma’s ideas for wider interactions with EVs. There’s a brand new platform on the way come 2021, so we’re looking forward to what filters through to production.

November 20, 2019 / Comments Off

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Mini John Cooper Works GP Revealed in Los Angeles

A new range-topping, special edition Mini has been released at the Los Angeles Auto Show 2019, the Mini John Cooper Works GP. The GP has been teased for a long time with teaser runs up the Goodwood hill climb earlier this year and plenty of leaks.

The Mini John Cooper Works GP is the most extreme production Mini to date. It is set to give bigger hot hatches a run for their money!

Design

The Mini Cooper receives a variety of modifications to its design. The most noticeable is the wheel arch trim. Made from carbon fibre-reinforced plastic, it is the first time BMW has used this material. It is made using material recycled form he BMW i8 and BMW i3 production, making it highly efficient. It flares the wheel arch in a new and distinctive way.

Other changes include a new set of wheels and black painted trim pieces. At the rear is a massive rear spoiler, the biggest we’ve ever seen on a production Mini. The rear gets a redesigned rear diffuser and a smaller set of air outlets.

Powertrain

Under the bonnet sits a 2.0 litre, twin-turbocharged, 4-cylinder engine. Power is pushed up by 75 hp to 306 hp and 450 Nm of torque. It sits on a new engine mount with new tunnel bridges.

The power is achieved through a variety of changes. The turbocharger is also new. Fitted to the exhaust manifold, a divert-air valve helps it achieve better response times. The compression ratio is lower by 0.7, but the system has increased boost pressure. The intake air duct is all-new with enlarged inlet and flow cross-sections.

The injection system is revamped too. New multi-hole injectors are arranged centrally and push at increased flow rates with an injection pressure of up to 350 bar. The final modification is an all-new engine oil sump. The modifications to the engine mean that the Mini should be more responsive.

The reinforced crankshaft uses an enlarged main bearing diameter, specific pistons, bushless connecting rods and a torsional vibration damper with enhanced cooling.

The John Cooper GP Works hits 100 km/h in 5.2 seconds and a top speed of 265 km/h (with no limiter). Naturally, Mini have installed a new exhaust system with a fuller, more sonorous sound. The system is unique to the GP Works and with a straight pipe, large rear silencer and two 90 mm brushed aluminium stainless steel tailpipes.

Power is routed to the front wheels through an 8 speed Steptronic transmission as standard with an integrated differential lock. The mechanical differential distributes traction between the right and left wheels. It locks up to 31 per cent under load and the helps counteract any loss of traction.

Suspension

Changes have also been made to the suspension setup. The single-joint spring front suspension and rear multilink axle receive a completely new tune. The track width is wider and the body is lowered by 10 millimetres.

New swivel bearings are installed which increaser front wheel and rear wheel camber. Rigidity is enhanced through a stiffer rubber support bearings.

A special GP mode in the DSC settings allows increased stability intervention through the brakes to improve agility. Talking about brakes, those are completely new too. At the front, you have 4-piston units with a floating-calliper. At the rear, a single-piston, both made of aluminium. They are hidden by a set of 18 inch forged wheels.

Availability

The Mini John Cooper Works GP gets its debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show 2019 this week.

It will be replicated 3,000 times with production set to get underway in March 2020. Pricing has been announced at 45,000 euros in Germany, £33,895 in the UK and $44,900 in the US.

Competition

The hot hatch market isn’t as buoyant as it has been in the past, yet the Mini Cooper GP Works has no shortage of competition.

The Renault Mégane RS Trophy is clearly Mini’s immediate benchmark. The British marque is keen to lap the Cooper GP Works around the Nurburgring faster than Renault’s 7 minutes 40.1 seconds earlier this year.

At this price tag, the Honda Civic Type R, Volkswagen Golf R and Ford Focus ST. Of course, all three are considerably larger than the dominative Mini Cooper.

Gallery

Mini John Cooper Works GP Exterior

Mini John Cooper Works GP Studio

Mini John Cooper Works GP Heritage

Mini John Cooper Works GP Interior

GTSPIRIT NEWSLETTER

November 19, 2019 / Comments Off

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BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe – BMW Reveals Front-Wheel-Drive Sedan

BMW has today announced that it will offer a BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe for the first time. The Gran Coupe model follows from the recent release of the BMW 1 Series. Interestingly, it precedes the expected release of an updated BMW 2 Series Coupe.

The 2 Series Gran Coupe is also the first front-wheel-drive BMW sedan in recent memory (aside from a 1 Series Sedan – sold exclusively in China). With the development of BMW’s xDrive platform permeating higher up in BMW’s model range, traditionalists might want to look away now!

Design

We’ve seen BMW’s Gran Coupe concept time and time before. The format is similar for the 2 Series Gran Coupe. BMW stretches the silhouette of the BMW 1 series, adding four-doors with frameless side windows and full-LED headlights as standard.

The side taper of the C-pillar is clear, accentuating the shoulders of the car. Other design elements include the contoured kidney grille bars with a different mesh design for the flagship M235i xDrive. The rear lights are completely new too, stretching further into the back until they reach a gloss black band.

The Gran Coupe measures 4.5 metres in length, 1.8 metres in width and 1.4 metres in height. Interior space has been a driving factor behind the project, BMW claims a 430-litre load space, 40 litres more than the Coupe version.

Drivetrain & Performance

The 2 Series Gran Coupe uses the FAAR platform which debuted this year in the 1 Series. The Gran Coupe is front-wheel drive predominantly; the first BMW sedan to use this configuration. Performance versions use the xDrive system in preference to BMW’s usually preferred rear-wheel-drive setup.

The 2 Series Gran Coupe also carried over the near-actuator wheel slip limitation system. A slip controller is positioned in the engine control unit rather than in the DSC system. It works together with the DSC system, to reduce the time it takes to relay information, operating ten times faster than a conventional system. Additional bracing in the engine bay and struts linking the rear sub-frame to the body improve stability.

One diesel engine and two petrol engines will be available straight away. The BMW 218i uses a three-cylinder petrol engine with 140 hp, a four-cylinder model, with 190 hp, will be available in the BMW 220d. Finally, the range-topping BMW M235i xDrive will use a 306 hp, four-cylinder engine. The US market will get an additional 231 hp BMW 228i xDrive model with the 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine.

In terms of performance, the 218i hits 100 km/h in 8.7 seconds, the M235i xDrive in 4.9 seconds and the 220d in 7.5 seconds.

The power is relayed with a six-speed manual gearbox as standard. A seven-speed dual-clutch transmission is an option while the eight-speed transmission is reserved for the diesel and the M235i xDrive.

The BMW M235i xDrive adds a mechanical Torsen limited-slip differential, M Sport steering and M Sport brakes. Three different suspension setups are on offer, tailored to each model. M Sport suspension reduces the ride height by 10 mm while the Adaptive suspension option includes variable damper controls.

All models will be available with a Lane Departure Warning, active lane return and collision and pedestrian warning with city braking function. Active Cruise Control, the Driving Assistant including Lane Change Warning, rear collision warning and crossing traffic warning, plus the reversing assistant are all available as options.

Interior

Five trim levels are available; Basic, Advantage, Sport Line, Luxury Line and M Sport. Six colours will be available from launch.

Space is generous too. the 2 Series Gran Coupe offers 33 mm of extra legroom over the existing 2 Series Coupe with a seating position 12 mm higher. The rear seats split 40/20/40 to add more space.

The BMW Operating System 7.0 is installed onto the two large screens. The BMW Live Cockpit Professional increases the size of the centre screen to 10.25 inches with the further option of a 9.2-inch head-up display.

As always, iDrive Controller, touch, vice and gesture options combine for easy input of information into the infotainment system.

Competition

The BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe slots into the marketplace alongside the 1 Series. The 2 Series badge has always been reserved for a coupe version of the 1 Series, the Gran Coupe adds a Sedan body-style to the lower end of the range. BMW’s target is the young professional, clearly.

This makes BMW’s competition, the likes of the Mercedes-Benz CLA Class and the Audi A3 Sedan. Both fill niches but have sold well, marketed towards younger buyers who want something small, practical, but with a certain amount of style.

Whether you prefer one to the other likely comes down to personal choice. In terms of the 2 Series Gran Coupe’s defining features, it carries less luggage than the Mercedes-Benz but more than the A3 Sedan. Infotainment is also likely to factor in any buying decision.

Availability

The 2 Series Gran Coupe will make its debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show 2019 which takes place towards the end of November.

Afterwards, expect a market launch in March 2020 with sales to begin soon after

Pricing in Germany will start at €31.950 for the BMW 218i, with the range-topping BMW M235i xDrive commanding €51,900.

Photo Gallery

BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe

BMW M235i xDrive Details

BMW M135i Gran Coupe

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October 15, 2019 / Comments Off

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LA Auto Show 2018: Mercedes-AMG GT R PRO

GTspirit are live at the LA Motor Show 2018 and the wraps have just been pulled off the Mercedes-AMG GT R PRO. When you buy a Porsche RS car you have the option of ticking a box for something called the Weissach Package. This adds an extra track focus you the already crazy fast GT3/2RS that you are buying. Now AMG have cooked up something similar for the bonkers AMG GT R – meet the GTR PRO.

The new PRO shares its powertrain with the AMG GT R. It differs in what it offers for the suspension, aerodynamics and weight reduction packages. The PRO gets a new coilover suspension system which can be mechanically adjusted by the driver depending on the circuit they are driving. The front axle gets an adjustable carbon fiber torsion bar, the rear steel unit is also adjustable. Dynamic engine and transmission mounts have been re-tuned specifically for the PRO.

Cars delivered outside of the Chinese, US and Canadian markets will get the option of a track pack. This adds roll over protection, a four point safety harness and a 2 kg fire extinguisher. Ceramic brakes are fitted as standard in the PRO as well as AMG bucket seats. Aerodynamics are taken care of with a variety of unique carbon fiber pieces. These include two front flicks, a larger front splitter, a larger rear diffuser and rear air vents.

This culminates, along with the new facelift lights and dashboard, to make the AMG GT R even more angry and menacing. This really is a racecar for the streets that holds the title of being the fastest front engined production car ever to lap the fearsome Nurburgring.

November 30, 2018 / Comments Off

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Top 8 Cars to See at LA Auto Show 2018

The LA Auto Show 2018 starts in a few weeks. There will be plenty to see in Los Angeles this year. Many of the big European names have shunned the Detroit Motor Show next year meaning that the Los Angeles Auto Show (together with CES and the New York Motor Show) will see some of the biggest US releases of the year.

The event takes place at the LA Convention Center in Downtown Los Angeles. Press days run between 28th and 29th November 2018 with the show opening to the public on 30th November 2018, running through to 9th December 2018.

We will of course be available to bring you all the latest from the show through our front page and social media channels. Below is a list of the top 8 cars to see at the LA Auto Show 2018 if you are expecting to visit!

1. Porsche 992 911

The new Porsche 911 is expected to make its debut in a few weeks at the LA Auto Show 2018. Prototypes have recently been spotted testing in the wild. Porsche have opted for the minimal camouflage approach so we have been able to get an idea as to what will change.

The Porsche 991 911 is widely expected to be faster, more efficient and more fun to drive than before. It will retain the iconic flat-six engine mounted past the rear axle. Don’t expect a brand new car though. The 992 will build upon the platform of the 991 with more power and electric assistance systems.

2. Audi e-tron GT

Audi have focused on alternative fuels at the LA Auto Show in recent years. This year will be no different. We expect Audi to debut the e-tron GT, a four door rival to the Tesla Model S. It is due to debut in production form by 2020 and will feature similar technology to the e-tron SUV.

In concept form at this stage, we expect Audi to provide us with some insight into the direction of the brand. That said, the German company have promised that the e-tron GT will be “steered towards performance”. This implies that Audi have targeted the Tesla Model S P100D’s 100 km/h sprint time of 2.7sec and 155mph top speed.

3. Bentley Continental GTC

Very little has been said about the Bentley Continental GTC, however, we understand that it is also set to debut in Los Angeles this month. The current generation of Continental GT is the best yet. The platform is based upon that which underpins the Porsche Panamera. The two were developed in tandem and the GTC will be the only model to lose its roof.

We are expecting Bentley to stick with the tradition of a folding soft-top with little changes from the coupe version of the Continental. That means a 630 hp W12 engine and potential for a V8 and plug-in hybrid version to join soon after!

4. BMW X7

The BMW X7 was revealed last month. The gigantic SUV makes it’s world debut at the LA Motor Show 2018, its first public debut since details were announced. It measures 5.1 metres in length, 2 metres wide and 1.8 metres tall, making it the largest BMW X model.

Inside, there are three rows of seats. Seven seats are fitted as standard with the middle row optionally available with two comfort seats.

5. Audi R8 Facelift

Another new model, released on the internet but not yet seen in public is the Audi R8 Facelift, The R8 get new front and rear bumpers, together with a set of redesigned side sills.

The 5.2 litre V10 powerplant remains with 580 horsepower (plus 20) for the base model, 620 horsepower (plus 10) for the Performance version.

6. BMW M340i xDrive

BMW’s 3 Series was first unveiled at the Paris Motor Show 2018, earlier this year. BMW’s hottest version at that point was the 330i, a turbocharged, four cylinder, 2.0-litre powerplant developing 260 hp and 400Nm of torque. The M340i xDrive expands the range, offering a turbocharged, straight six engine, 382 hp and 500 Nm of torque.

The M340i should give us an idea as to what we can expect from the upcoming BMW M3.

7. BMW 8 Series Convertible

The BMW 8 Series Convertible is another world premiere, having been released at the start of the month. Based on the 8 Series Coupe, it is the second model of the revived 8 Series range. It is also the first time that BMW have offered a Convertible 8 Series.

BMW are likely to show the range topping BMW M850i xDrive Convertible which uses the 4.4 litre V8 unit, producing 530 hp and 750 Nm of torque. US markets have little interest in the 840d.

8. Porsche Panamera GTS

We recently drove the Porsche Panamera GTS, its world premiere at the LA Auto Show 2018 feels strange as a result! Yet it will be an interesting addition to the Porsche 992 911.

The GTS uses the 4.0 litre V8 biturbo engine. Producing 460 hp and 620 Nm of torque in both models, it outperforms the predecessor by 20 hp and 100 Nm.

November 13, 2018 / Comments Off

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