Author: karla

Back in 1984, Porsche looked to be a key part of Group B racing in an effort to develop and explore technology for it’s road-going cars. After a weak start and two years of lackluster performance though, the Rally 959 in 1986 went on to achieve a 1-2 finish at the Paris-Dakar. However with the cost involved with motorsports, the viability of the project, along with the knowledge gained in racing decreasing, the Rally 959’s days of driving over rough dusty terrain came to an end. Today, almost 30 years later though, with all the speculations about Porsche’s return to rallying   with a possible rally version of the 911 to be unveiled at the Beijing Motor Show. it seems we could soon see some new Porsche’s swapping asphalt with rough terrain.

Source: Top Speed

Dune buggies meant freedom and rebellion all at the same time. Based around the evergreen Volkswagen Beetle, builders stripped away the bodies, added some fiberglass and big tires, and created an instant California-style classic. Now Volkswagen is going back to the well, promising more freedom, but a lot less rebellion with its Volkswagen Beetle Dune. Pitched as an off-road version of the Golf-based Beetle, the Beetle Dune concept car is a near-production design that will give the two-model Beetle range a crossover niche-filler. Based off the Golf Alltrack soft roader, Volkswagen is hinting that the Beetle Dune could be in production as early as this summer.

Source: Road & Track

The sixth generation of the pony car is being showcased in the metal at the North American International Auto Show where visitors can take a closer look at the Convertible which looks virtually the same as the coupe – from which it borrows the three engines – with the exception of the multi-layer cloth top providing extra insulation for a quieter cabin. The Blue Oval company says the top can now be lowered twice as fast compared to its predecessor. Ford is also exhibiting the range-topping Mustang GT with its V8 5.0-liter engine delivering more than 420 bhp (313 kW) and a maximum torque of 390 lb-ft (528 Nm). The GT variant comes equipped as standard with launch control system that according to Ford provides “smooth, consistent starts every time.”

Source: World Car Fans

As business plans go, taking Fisker’s attractive Karma sedan and dropping a GM V-8 engine under the hood is quite a good one. Not only do you have yourself a fast luxury sedan, but an uncomplicated one too–not something that can be said of the original Karma. The above business plan can be attributed to VL Automotive, the Bob Lutz-backed startup automaker giving Karmas a new lease of life. And at the 2014 Detroit Auto Show, the company has revealed the Destino Red concept–in VL Automotive’s words, a “two-door hard top convertible touring coupe”. The car itself is a whole lot more interesting than the long-winded title, taking that sleek Henrik Fisker-designed body and turning it into a stunning four-seat convertible.

Source: Motor Authority

Toyota developed its FT-1 Concept for the sixth instalment in the Gran Turismo video game franchise, and rendered it real for audiences at the 2014 Detroit auto show. The FT-1 – “Future Toyota 1” – follows in the broad tire tracks of the Mercedes-Benz AMG Vision Gran Turismo concept car revealed at the 2013 Los Angeles auto show in November. Acura also released a virtual demonstration of its coming NSX for Gran Turismo 6, prior to an ever-extending striptease leading up to the car’s on-sale date. A driver-oriented cockpit recalls the designs of recent Ferraris, replete with Ferrari Manettino-style steering wheel controls, and a digital dashboard display. In a debt of gratitude to gamers, the FT-1 will be available for download within Gran Turismo 6 starting 14 January.

Source: BBC Autos