Monday, February 29, 2016

This BMW X6 Got Cranked Up to 650HP

BOLD RIDE

Copyright © 2016 Bold Ride LLC.
 
bmw-x6-falcon-ac-schnitzer-1b

Most people would look at the products of BMW’s M division and think, “you know, I don’t need any more horsepower than that.” The figures are typically immense. But tuning companies don’t modify cars for “most people,” and that’s pretty apparent from AC Schnitzer’s latest creation. 
 
Meet the AC Schnitzer BMW X6 FALCON.
The German tuning company plies its trade on the X6 sports activity coupe, treating it to a mean body kit, sonorous exhaust pipes, and oh yeah…a 650-horsepower falcon punch of power. Sure, this bird may be flightless, but just barely.

bmw-x6-falcon-ac-schnitzer-2b

That heroic power output is achieved through engine tuning on the top-of-the-pile BMW X6 M, an increase of around 75 horses.

Seeing as not everyone has $100,000 to spend on an M-badge X6, the company says it can also tune-up lesser models, such as the 300 horsepower X6 xDrive35i (now 360hp) and the European-spec X6 xDrive30d (from 258 hp to 309 hp). Acceleration and top speed figures have gone unmentioned, but something tells us they haven’t gone down.

AC Schnitzer’s modifications hone in on the X6’s exhaust as well, providing multiple levels of silencing and a version tailored to make your X6 diesel sound less diesel-y. The performance mods complement the SUV’s new beefy look, courtesy of a 10-piece widebody kit, which pumps out an extra two inches in the front and 3.5 inches in the rear. It sits lower too, about an inch at both ends, and on new rolling stock—AC1 alloy wheels.



bmw-x6-falcon-ac-schnitzer-3c

As with all of AC Schnitzer’s gear, you can modify what you want, and ditch what you don’t. For more, check out the X6 FALCON when it debuts on the Geneva Motor Show floor this week.

Your First Look at the Stunning 2017 Aston Martin DB11

BOLD RIDE

Copyright © 2016 Bold Ride LLC.
 
Asont Martin DB11

These images of the Aston Martin DB11 are your first look at the successor to the DB9. It kicks off a whole new era for the brand as they move in a new design direction with a new partnership.

The idea with the DB11 is to stop simply replicating the same design of every other Aston Martin. It takes some design elements from the old, but melds them with the new to create what is an exceptionally beautiful car.

 
Aston Martin DB11 Full

The leaked images come from CarScoops, and you can see hints of the DBX crossover, the DB10 that appeared in Spectre, and a little of the CC110 worked into the vehicle’s lines. These blend with sharper, more angular elements that keep it distinctly Aston Martin, yet entirely new and fresh.

The DB11 is also one of the first Aston Martin’s built in partnership with Mercedes-AMG, which also helps move the company in a new direction. The car will make its world premiere at the Geneva Motor Show on Tuesday morning, where we’ll get full specs and details. Stay tuned.




Aston Martin DB11 Rear



 

Bugatti Debuts 1,500HP Chiron Hypercar—Here’s 5 Things You Should Know

BOLD RIDE

Copyright © 2016 Bold Ride LLC.

bugatti-chiron-hypercar

 
“We want to make the best significantly better.” That’s what Bugatti President Wolfgang Durheimer had to say about the new Chiron—the outgoing Veyron being “the best” in that sentence.
But how does a company go about making a car like the Veyron even better? For one, it needs to be faster. In a broader spec, it also needs to be better looking, more efficient, more luxurious, and modern. Piece of cake, right?


bugatti-chiron-hypercar-06

What’s In a Name?
 
If you think Chiron sounds a lot lot Veyron, you’d be right. But Bugatti didn’t choose the name of its latest supercar based on alliteration. The name comes from legendary Bugatti racing driver Louis Chiron, who was the number one driver for Bugatti’s works team in 1929.

In his five-year career with Bugatti, he won over a dozen races, including the European Grand Prix in Monza. He retired at age 56, making him still the oldest driver ever in a Formula One race, and a legend back home in France.


bugatti-chiron-hypercar-03

Go Turbo or Go Home

Naturally-aspirated engines are dying a slow death, it’s a sad fact of life. Bugatti understands this change, and stuck true to its turbocharging roots in the development of the Chiron.

While most expected to see a hybrid variant of the already powerful W16, Bugatti instead decided to go with good ol’ fashioned turbocharging. Four turbos power the 8.0-liter W16, producing an earth-shattering 1,500 metric horsepower (or 1,478 horsepower in American speak), and a 0-100 km/h (62 mph) time of 2.5 seconds. That makes it the most powerful production car ever made. Ever.



bugatti-chiron-hypercar-04

Designed to Drive

Development of a car like the Chiron isn’t all about engine and transmission (though, that’s a pretty big part). Creating a car of this magnitude takes time, and plenty of thought in design.

Bugatti’s thinking: if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. The Chiron shares many cues with the outgoing Veyron, including a very Bugatti-esque grille and front end. The aerodynamics have been improved, as has the weight. At 4,400 pounds, the Chiron is 340 pounds lighter than the Veyron thanks to a healthy heaping of carbon fiber.

Oh, and if you thought Bugatti was all about straight line speed, consider this: the new Chiron has a drift mode. That’s right, a damn drift mode.



bugatti-chiron-hypercar-02

Elegance Meets Speed

Bugatti once again built one of the fastest cars on the planet. But maybe not the fastest car on the planet. Top speed is estimated at 261 mph, significantly slower than early rumors of 290 mph. But from 0-186 mph, the Chiron gets there in just 13.5 seconds. That’s a full three seconds quicker than the Veyron.

It’s definitely faster than the outgoing Veyron (261 mph vs 254 mph), but the Hennessey Venom’s 270 mph top speed seems to still be out of reach. Though, the Chiron is significantly classier.


bugatti-chiron-hypercar-05

Speed Comes With a Price

What, you didn’t think Bugatti was going to make a cheap hypercar, did you? The Chiron definitely isn’t cheap, exceeding even the Veyron with a €2.4 million ($2.6 million) price tag. At least the performance definitely matches the price.

Super Rare 1-of-24 Ford RS200 Evolution Comes Up For Auction

BOLD RIDE

Copyright © 2016 Bold Ride LLC.

1985-ford-rs200-ext-1rs

There are cars that are reflective of their time period, and then there are cars that defined it. The beautiful-to-look-at and fearsome-to-drive Ford RS200 is certainly one of the latter. 

In the mid-1980s, Ford returned to the World Rally Championship with the aim of dethroning the reigning Audi Quattro and Peugeot 205 T16 titans of Group B rallying. Its weapon of choice would be the clean-sheet RS200, a specially-design car with four-wheel drive and tremendous turbocharged speed.

A series of fatal accidents would prematurely close the door on Group B forever, just as the Ford RS200 was making its racing debut, nevertheless its story still remains intertwined with the golden era of rally racing. And this car—a special 1985 “Evolution” version—is one of just 24 RS200s built, and on March 12 it will cross the RM Sotheby’s auction block in Amelia Island, Florida, expected to sell for between $475,000 and $675,000.


1985-ford-rs200-ext-2rs

In order to go racing, the International Automobile Federation (FIA) required that constructors build 200 road-going examples of their Group B race cars, which gave a lucky few quite the daily driver. The Ford RS200 featured a sleek composite fiberglass body styled by Ghia, a tough space frame chassis designed by some of the greatest Formula One minds of the day, and a Cosworth BDT 1.8-liter four-cylinder, which garnered 450 horsepower in race-guise.

In its day, these cars were regarded to be the most balanced of the Group B monsters, as well as the quickest. The Ford RS200 could dash from zero to 60 mph in just over three seconds.

The most feared of the road-legal bunch however were the Evolution models, of which Ford originally planned to build 20, but later produced four extras. These RS200 “Evo” cars were fitted with upgraded suspension, brakes, and a larger 2.1-liter BDT engine, which pumped out an incredible 600 horsepower.

 Understandably, these were not for the faint of heart.



1985-ford-rs200-int-3rs

According to the auction house, this 1985 Ford RS200 Evolution was originally sold to Texas oilman Dennis O’Conner, who reportedly purchased three other base-spec RS200s just to get this one. Imagine that garage! It was imported into the US in 1990 and would remain with his estate until 2010, when it was sold to Steve Rimmer, founder of the DirtFish rally school. In 2014, it was sold again to its current owner in the UK.

With less than 280 miles to its name, this is likely one of the world’s most unused and original Ford RS200 Evolutions, and it should have no problem cracking into the upper part of its $675,000 estimate.

Photo Credit: RM Sotheby’s

 

Sunday, February 28, 2016

The McLaren 570S Kayak Rack You’ve Always Wanted

BOLD RIDE

Copyright © 2016 Bold Ride LLC.
 

He didn’t stop with just creating a kayak rack for the car. McLaren owners are fancy people and they like fancy stuff, so he decked out his vision with matching paintjobs. There’s a bright red version for those who are more subdued and a psychedlic multicolored version for those who want to attract attention.

McLaren Kayak Rack 2

Rain Prisk also added a big rear wing and deep dish rims. In the real world where outdoor types buy somewhat more appropriate vehicles for their kayaks, the Sport Series boasts a 3.8-liter twin-turbo V8 with a reduced 562 horsepower compared to the rest of the lineup.

The McLaren 570S sells for $184,900 making it an expensive ride. It would probably cost a pretty penny to see this kayak rack version come to life, but anyone dropping that kind of change on a car in the first place probably wouldn’t even care.

McLaren Kayak Rack 3
 

Hyundai Ups the Ante With Handsome New Elantra: First Drive

BOLD RIDE

Copyright © 2016 Bold Ride LLC.
 
hyundai-elantra-review-04

Remember when the fifth-generation Hyundai Elantra first hit the market in 2010? It was somewhat of a design revolution, at least as far as small sedans go. It had a sweeping profile and some aggressive features—and Hyundai sold like a million of them.

Fast forward five years, and America’s love affair with the Elantra hasn’t slowed much. Hyundai sold 9,885 Elantras in January of this year, and that’s riding on a platform that’s already almost six years old. Now Hyundai has a new one, and as far as sedans go…it’s pretty darn nice.



hyundai-elantra-review-02

Up-Market, Upscale
 
There’s a big grey area between compact and mid-size sedans. Actually, I’d call it less of a grey area and more of a total overlapping. The new Elantra has almost as much interior volume as the outgoing Cadillac CTS (110.2 cu. ft. vs 110.7 cu. ft.). My brain hurts just thinking about how that’s even possible.

With those 110.2 cubic feet of space, the EPA classifies the Elantra—and actually the Civic and a few others—as mid-size sedans. Granted, to most of you this literally means nothing, but for a normally significantly segmented market this is a dramatic, confusing shift.


2017 Elantra Sedan

But it’s not just all space and no substance. Optional leather seats make all that room more comfortable. Rear legroom is abundant, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto bring the Elantra into the modern age of infotainment.

Interior quality is what you’d expect, but often shows signs of being more upscale than it actually is. Among the cheap, silver, plastic finishes, a few knobs and buttons feel like they belong in a more expensive vehicle (probably because they do).



hyundai-elantra-review-03

Expensive Looks

Gone is the Elantra’s signature swooping design. Like the rest of its lineup, Hyundai tightened up the Elantra package to make more of a lasting impression than an initial ‘wow’ factor.

Lines are sharp, specifically on the rear where the taillights might be some of the most handsome fitments around. Yes, I’m telling you how good the taillights look. The front end is less subtle with a gaping hexagon grille and some sharp LED fixtures.



hyundai-elantra-review-07

Better Than Ever, But Not Perfect

It’s kind of surprising when you hear Hyundai engineers aren’t as concerned with driving feel as much as they are wind noise.

 Granted, it’s definitely quiet. Not even the bulky 17-inch wheels can be heard much from inside the cabin. But it’s that first part that’s disconcerting—and it shows.

You only get 148 horsepower from a 2.0-liter engine that feels like its best days are behind it. The power is there, but it takes someone with a serious lead foot to coax all 148 horses out of hiding. Not to mention the lackluster autobox.

The steering is about as numb as you’d expect in a small sedan that isn’t wearing a Honda or Mazda badge. Don’t worry, the suspension wasn’t necessarily built for cornering anyways, but is instead soft and spongey to soak up any impurities in the road.

 Be thankful this Thanksgiving when the Elantra Sport shows up at SEMA with 200 horsepower and a tighter suspension. It needs it.



hyundai-elantra-review

The Verdict

Deciding on which mid-size sedan best fits your needs is like deciding between flavors of ice cream. No matter what you get, it’s probably going to be good.

In that sense, the Hyundai Elantra is bound to be one popular flavor. Though it may not be the best driving sedan on the planet, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto make it even more relevant to young consumers, a $17,150 starting price keeps it affordable, and its design bridges segments. It’s hard to imagine anything but success for the small Hyundai.

Specs

Engine: 2.0L 4-Cylinder
Horsepower: 148
MPG: 29 / 38
Price (base): $17,150


Positives

Upscale design
Modern amenities
Spacious interior


Negatives

Low on power
Not-so-refined drive


Photo Credit: Jeff Perez for BoldRide

 

Allstate Says Driverless Cars Could be Bad for Insurance Industry

BOLD RIDE

Copyright © 2016 Bold Ride LLC.
 
Self-Driving-Lexus-Google

One of the benefits of autonomous cars is that there will, hopefully, be fewer accidents. A driverless vehicle should be safer and that’s a good thing—unless you happen to be an auto insurance company like Allstate.

According to Chicago Tribune, Allstate’s 2015 annual report indicated driverless cars are a threat to its business. This is something that wasn’t a part of their 2014 annual report making it an issue that’s only become real enough to worry about in the last year.

Google-driverless-car

Right now, autonomous cars aren’t commonplace, although there are autonomous features in many new cars and they’ve been proven to reduce accidents. As these cars become more prevalent and accidents are reduced, the current auto insurance model stands to become obsolete.

The potential for driverless cars to challenge the insurance industry has been on the horizon for years, but Allstate’s acknowledgement of the issue as a risk in its annual report shows that it’s no longer a part of the far distant future. Insruance companies need to worry now. Who needs auto insurance when there aren’t any driver’s to insure?


google-auto-llc-prototype-2

 

This guy’s 1966 Volvo has over 3 million miles — and isn’t slowing down

NEW YORK POST

© 2016 NYP Holdings, Inc. All Rights Reserved  

           
This guy’s 1966 Volvo has over 3 million miles — and isn’t slowing down

 

A Long Islander’s revered red Volvo — known for having racked up more than 3 million miles — is still hitting the pavement in mint condition.

Irvin Gordon says he has cranked out another 273,895 miles in his 1966 P1800 convertible since he hit the triple-million mark in September 2013 — with no signs of stopping.

“It’s better than new,” the 75-year-old retired teacher told The Post. “Everything is 100 percent. It has never broken down and it always starts right up no matter how hot or cold it is outside.”

Gordon has given his baby 28 oil changes, four tuneups and changed the transmission fluid four times in the last year.

At first, people have a hard time believing that Gordon has tallied as many miles as it would take to go around the Earth 126 times.
“Everybody says, ‘It’s not possible,’ but not everybody has the same work ethic as me,” he said.

“The biggest secret is as simple as reading the owner’s manual. Most people just tuck it under the kitchen sink or in the glove compartment and never look at it. You gotta make the effort.
When it’s time for the oil change you do it — not just talk about it,” Gordon said.

Since the East Patchogue resident plunked down $4,000 to buy the two-door beauty in 1966, the car has gotten a total of 885 oil changes and gone through 124 bottles of transmission fluid.
Jordan Weine, a Volvo expert and owner of the Brooklyn auto shop Bay Diagnostic, said Gordon’s diligence is “a testament” to regular upkeep.

Modal Trigger
Gordan says the car is “better than new” and he’s never had any problems with it.
Photo: VICTORALCORN.COM
“The story of Irv is a fantastic example of what is possible when you take meticulous care of your vehicle,” said Scott Doering, vice president of Volvo Car USA
.
Also important to maintaining a showpiece like Gordon’s, other than oil changes every 3,500 miles, is to use a little elbow grease.
“Besides just following the manual, it’s important to keep it clean. Not just the inside — get underneath. If you leave all that sand and dirt laying around it’s going to corrode,” said Gordon.

Another tip: use it or lose it.

Over the years, Gordon and his ride — who made the 1998 Guinness Book of World Records for High Mileage Vehicle at only 1.69 million miles — have cruised through all 50 states multiple times.

This past year, he hit San Francisco, Los Angeles, Las Vegas and Ontario, Canada, car shows.
“Nobody likes to travel like I do,” said Gordon, who prefers to drive solo. “That way I don’t have to put up with anybody’s nonsense.”

Gordon can’t imagine parting with the 50-year-old vehicle, but admits he tried to make a deal once.

“I offered it to Volvo for $1 a mile,” said the car buff, laughing. “Obviously, they didn’t take me up on it.”

Saturday, February 27, 2016

This Snowmobile/ATV Hybrid Might be the Coolest Toy We’ve Ever Seen

BOLD RIDE

Copyright © 2016 Bold Ride LLC.
 
ktm-x2-hybrid

If we’re to believe good ol’ Punxsutawney Phil, spring should be right around the corner. That means it’s time to put up our skis and snowmobiles in place of something more akin to dirt roads. But what if you could have both a snowmobile and an ATV in one?
 
The KTM X2 Hybrid was created by Finnish designer Anssi Mustonen (digitally, of course), and it’s his vision for the perfect go-anywhere, do-anything vehicle. The ‘hybrid’ aspect of this unique vehicle isn’t in the engine, but actually in the combination of both the usefulness of a snowmobile during the winter, with the capability of an ATV during summer and spring.

ktm-x2-hybrid

Rather than having to buy one or the other—or both—the KTM X2 is able to literally transform depending on the climate. Owners would be able to simply plug and play the desired method of transportation. Thick, chunky tires give the X2 off-road prowess, while sleek snowmobile skis and a rubber track allow for winter hoonage. Engine and transmission would remain the same, though, an added on windshield and engine cover might be useful in the snow.
 
At this point, it’s just a concept. But for those living in rural, cold climates, it combines two of the most essential vehicles into one. KTM, take note.

 

Forbidden Fruit: This Holden Ute Lives in the USA

BOLD RIDE

Copyright © 2016 Bold Ride LLC.
 
usa-2010-holden-ute-1hu

It’s human nature to want what you can’t have, and for many American car enthusiasts that notion is awfully familiar. Fans can rattle off endless lists of cherished cars that have never officially been welcomed to US shores. And usually high atop those lists is one of these—a Holden Ute. 
 
Born from the need of one farmer’s wife for a vehicle that could go to church on a Sunday and carry the pigs to market on a Monday, the “ute” (or “coupe utility”) is an Australian icon. They caught on in the US during the El Camino and Ranchero heyday, though nowadays you won’t find any late model utes stateside… or will you?

This VE Holden Ute sprouted up on eBay in Las Vegas, Nevada, and it’s likely one of a very, very select few in the US. Talk about forbidden fruit.

usa-2010-holden-ute-2hu

For the most part, US vehicle emission and traffic safety legislation is notoriously unkind to vehicles not designed for sale in the US (and on the short side of 25-years-old). Subsequently the cost to have them conform is prohibitively expensive.

Nevertheless, some specialty shops have perfected the recipe for converting these Holdens, and they do so by melding them with bits from their US Zeta-platform cousins. Think Chevrolet SS, Caprice police cruiser, and the now-deceased Pontiac G8. The end result is commonly a ute that’s been converted to left-hand drive, been given a US compliant engine, and seeing as you’d want to drive one with regularity—a US title and VIN.



usa-2010-holden-ute-3hu

According to the listing, this particular ute is said to have been imported to the US, converted to left-hand drive, claimed registered in Colorado, and given a light modification of low springs and 22-inch wheels. Under the hood lives a GM 6.0-liter V8, and it backs up to an automatic transmission.

It’s a vehicle you certainly aren’t apt to see too often on these American shores, and considering that both Ford and Holden production on the Australian continent is winding down, their days could sadly be numbered.

 

Roush is Bringing Back the Ford Mustang “Warrior” for 2016

BOLD RIDE

Copyright © 2016 Bold Ride LLC.
 
2016-roush-warrior-ford-mustang-1r

Back in 2015, Roush Performance made a splash when it partnered with Military AutoSource to bring one very special Ford Mustang to market—the 2015 Roush Warrior Mustang

Based on the V8-powered GT and turbocharged EcoBoost pony cars, the “Warrior” boasted abundant power, unique styling, and was available exclusively to the brave men and women of the United States military serving overseas. Now for 2016, the special edition Ford Mustang Warrior will return once again… and it’s tougher than before.

Whereas the previous V8-powered Warrior ‘Stang summoned a punchy 627-horsepower, the 2016 model cranks the dial up to 670 hp and a hefty 545 lb.-ft. of torque. The increase comes courtesy of a new 2.3-liter TVS supercharger setup, and you’ll find that larger “670” figure represented at the top of the car’s “hockey stick” side stripes.

2016-roush-warrior-ford-mustang-2r

To ensure that literal boost in power is made known, Roush adds their sport exhaust system with new quad tips to the Mustang, plus new racing-spec half shafts to see to it that power is transmitted to the ground. Each of the Mustang Warriors brandishes Ford’s GT Performance Package as standard, which includes strut tower bracing, an upgraded radiator, sturdier rear sway bar, Brembo brakes, and 19-inch black alloy wheels, among other enhancements.

The biggest identifier that these Mustangs are something out of the ordinary comes by way of the exterior, which features a bevy of minor modifications from its tweaked fascia and chin splitter to its rear spoiler and graphics. And if you look right below the “670″ script you’ll find unique “Roush Warrior” badging as well.



2016-roush-warrior-ford-mustang-3r

The treatment continues inside as well, including an upgraded Shaker Pro Audio system, plus a Roush shifter, serialized plaque, embroidered headrests, and pedal covers. All the Warrior modifications do have their price however; the cars retail starting at $61,969. Then again, not everyone can buy one.

Photo Credit: Military AutoSource.
 

Jeep Rolls Out New European Trims for the 2016 Geneva Motor Show

BOLD RIDE

Copyright © 2016 Bold Ride LLC.

jeep-wrangler-renegade-75th-1j

With the 2016 Geneva Motor Show just days away, Jeep has shown its cards and revealed what showgoers can expect to see at the 4×4 brand’s booth. Not all of the models are new, however. 
 
This year Jeep celebrates its 75th anniversary and to celebrate it has hauled some of its past heroes out of its collection. A 1941 Willys-Overland MB—the vehicle that spawned the Jeep legacy—will climb the stage, followed by a 1946 Willys Wagon and 1963 Jeep Wagoneer.

Jeep will also debut its full family of 75th Anniversary special editions for the European, Middle Eastern, and African markets at the Geneva event, which come dressed exclusively in green and feature special badging, among other equipment. The brand says 8,000 will be built covering all three markets and are expected to go on sale by the second quarter of 2016; the 75th Anniversary editions are already available in the US market.

jeep-renegade-dawn-of-justice-2j

The new Cherokee Overland trim makes landfall in Europe for the first time. The Overland debuted at the New England International Auto Show and adds one more top spot to the Cherokee’s range. It’s expected to retail for $34,695 in the US this spring and in Europe by summer

Jeep’s only concept car at the event is expected to be a custom Cherokee show car, modified by Garage Italia Customs (the company that built the Fiat 500 “Stormtrooper”).

Rounding out the new-to-Europe models is the Jeep Renegade “Dawn of Justice” special edition (above), which highlights the Renegade’s silver screen debut in the upcoming film Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice and adopts the caped crusader’s dark costume appearance with special badging. Another sinister model, the dark Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT Night closes out the motor show lineup.

Stay tuned for more as the 2016 Geneva Motor Show kicks off on Tuesday, March 1st.

Friday, February 26, 2016

Would This Tesla Pickup Truck Make Any Sense?

BOLD RIDE

Copyright © 2016 Bold Ride LLC.
 
tesla-pickup-concept

We live in a weird world. But it could get even weirder if Tesla decided to build an electric pickup truck. Thankfully, Elon Musk hasn’t decided on that (yet), but one rendering artist thinks the company should, and use some cues from the Model X SUV in the process.
 
This is the concept Theophilus Chin came up with. The front end comes ripped right off the Model X, while the body itself doesn’t necessarily resemble classic pickup truck styling, but looks something closer to a lifted Subaru Baja (not that that’s a bad thing).


 
tesla-pickup-concept-02

But where did this whole idea come from? Well, it came from Tesla, actually. You might remember back in 2013 when CEO Elon Musk told the press that Tesla would in fact be building a pickup truck. Though, we suspect it was just some clever PR to distract from recall talk.
 
So far, we haven’t seen any more ideas of an electric pickup from the California automaker. But if it looks anything like the concept we see in front of us, that might be a hard pass.

 

7 Supercars Debuting in Geneva With Hybrid or Electric Powertrains

BOLD RIDE

Copyright © 2016 Bold Ride LLC.
 
geneva-supercars-list
Geneva is always the most over-the-top auto show of the season. Typically the stages are filled with hypercars, supercars, and sports cars all putting up big numbers trying to out do one another.

This year will be a bit different though. A surprising number of cars will be shown with either hybrid engines or electric motors. These 7 below, specifically, will be using the alternative fuel to their advantage  on the track.
 
                                                                                  
But the UK-based manufacturer hopes to turn things around at Geneva. The new AF10 will grace the stages of the Palexpo with a 2,080-horsepower, five-motor powertrain (hopefully) in tact.

ApolloN

apollo-n-hypercar

When you say things like, “Today we are still building the fastest road car on the planet,” you have to show up to Geneva with something dramatic. That’s exactly what Apollo (formerly Gumpert) hopes to do when doors open to the media next week.

Bugatti Chiron


bugatti-chiron-geneva-16-4a

If you haven’t already heard the rumors surrounding Bugatti’s new Chiron supercar, I’m not sure what rock you’ve been living under. The Veyron replacement will debut in Geneva, and it will have a hybrid powertrain—at least, that’s what we’ve been told.

Slated to be one of the world’s fastest production cars, the Chiron will likely pair a W16 engine with a hybrid setup similar to the McLaren P1 and LaFerrari. Bugatti hasn’t yet divulged horsepower or top speed just yet.

Lexus LC 500h


lexus-hybrid-sports-car

Lexus gave us quite the surprise with the LC 500. It was even more surprising, then, when it unveiled the same car with a hybrid powertrain and a 5-speed gearbox. The LC 500h will make its debut in Geneva.

Rimac Concept_One


LEAD-rimac-concept-one

It seems like Rimac has been teasing and testing its Concept_One supercar for a number of years now. Actually, if my memory serves correct, it was in 2011 that we saw the Concept_One for the first time in the flesh.

Next week at Geneva, Rimac assures us that a production-version of said electric supercar will finally debut. Finally.

Spyker C8 Preliator


spyker-teaser-1

Spyker is back from the dead—and it’s coming out swinging. The C8 Preliator will debut in Geneva, though, it hasn’t been confirmed that this is the electric sports car we were promised a few years back. Some rumors are suggesting it is, but we won’t know for sure until it shows up on stage.

Trev EV

techrules-geneva-concept-1t

Probably the most shocking of all these reveals is the unknown Trev. It’s a company we’ve never heard of, but the Chinese-backed supercar startup promises to deliver a 1,000-horspeower electric turbine hypercar in Geneva next week. We’ll believe it when we see it…

 

Hennessey Unleashes Hell With Twin-Turbo 1,032HP Hellcats

BOLD RIDE

Copyright © 2016 Bold Ride LLC.
 
hennessey-hpe1000-charger-hellcat-1x

One can imagine the phrase “you can never have enough boost” gets said pretty regularly around the Hennessey Performance headquarters. How else would monsters like this be cooked up on a regular basis?
 
A car that needs no introduction is a 707-horsepower Dodge Charger Hellcat. Or at least this one was. The mad scientists at Hennessey have poked, prodded, and retooled the muscle car to accept two turbochargers, and now it’s pushing out a gargantuan 1,032 horsepower. That’s in addition to the big supercharger it already packs!

According to the Texas tuning shop, Hennessey will build only 12 of its “HPE1000” Hellcat Chargers per year along with—you guessed it—12 similarly twin-turbocharged Hellcat Challengers too.

hennessey-hpe1000-challenger-hellcat-2x

The Dodge duo’s 6.2-liter Hellcat V8s now ready 15 psi of boost and make their peak power at a roaring 6,500 rpm. Peak torque comes a tad sooner, 987 lb.-ft. at 4,200 rpm. The real benchmarks are speed however, and well… you can consider them met.

Slap on a pair of drag radial tires and the Charger and Challenger Hellcats will do zero to 60 mph in just 2.7 seconds and leave the quarter mile drag strip smoking with a pass of 9.9 seconds at 142 mph.

The new turbochargers complement a new air-to-water intercooler, stainless steel headers and downpipes, dual wastegates, inlet tubing and blow-off valves, fuel injectors, fuel pump, new air filter, and an ECU tune. You’ll also get some non-mechanical goodies too—signed plaques, “Powered by Hennessey” floor mats, and “Twin Turbo” badges to name a few.

Like ‘em? Just be careful you don’t blast-off into orbit.