Exclusive Interview with KTM Reveals Plans for World Domination

In a way, it has become a habit to drop by KTM's booth each year at EICMA and have a chat with its PR Manager, Mr. Thomas Kuttruf. This time we skipped coffee and went for a can of Red Bull, but still we talked a lot. autoevolution: Hi Thomas, nice to meet you again. How's the show going? Thomas Kuttruf: Hi there, for me it's actually a bit weird. I feel... (continue reading >>)

Volkswagen Scirocco GT Black Edition Announced in Britain

Volkswagen's lineup of Scirocco models sold in Britain has just been extended with the arrival of two Black Edition models. The idea is simple: you take the standard car and make it look cooler by adding black everywhere. But it's not a transformation you feel obliged to write home about. The Black Edition package is available on the GT and R-Line trim levels. Both cars feature black painted alloy wheels, a black contrasting roo... (continue reading >>)

9s Charger Hellcat Is the Quickest in the World: Mother Takes Daughter to the Drag Strip - Video

When we heard about a Dodge Charger Hellcat descending into the 9s quarter mile area, we were mildly impressed (this kind of records can easily fall overnight). Nevertheless, upon hearing a rumor about the woman behind the wheel having brought her daughter to the drag strip, we felt like we had to share the story with you. In her 50s, Linda is the kind of driver who knows a thing or two about the drag strip routine. The rumor mill talks a... (continue reading >>)

A Front Loader and a Car Perform Weird Highway Routine after Initial Crash - Video

Some things on the Internet are plain weird while others are downright unexplainable. And you know what's the most scary part? They’re all taken from what you and I call “the real life.” It has to be said that real life is very much different depending on where you happen to have been born. What you’ll see below will probably never happen on the German autobahn, but it did ... (continue reading >>)

2017 Renault Scenic Accurately Rendered

Come mid-2016, Renault will introduce a brand new generation of the Scenic. We don't know much about it, but company officials said it's going to be so good that you'll forget all about crossovers. Let's hope they are right, because we didn't exactly fall in love with the Kadjar. Like foie gras, truffles and es... (continue reading >>)

Car Versus Tree: Make Sure You Have Your Priorities Straight This Christmas - Video

Christmas is that time of the year when we all suddenly remember there’s more to life than work, work and then some more work, for example, things like excessive shopping and careless money spending. It’s a moment when our values suddenly change and stupid things like cut-down baby-trees become a must-have and covering our houses with as many LEDs as possible is so important that we’re willing to skip food fo... (continue reading >>)

Cummins Diesel Drift Miata Waiting for Your Funding to Roll Coal Sideways in 2016 - Video

When placing “Miata” and “Canada” in the same sentence, stereotype fans might be tempted to think of a rather peaceful canyon drive. However, we are here to bring you a Canadian Miata project that promises to... roll coal all over North America next year. We’re talking about the Cummins Drift Miata. While this oil-burning, sideways-going Mazda currently lives in the imagination of a crew c... (continue reading >>)

Land Rover Defender Chelsea Wide Track Is Tuning Done Right - Photo Gallery

Automotive designer Afzal Kahn is a true petrolhead. Through the Chelsea Truck Company, the founder of the Kahn group of companies transforms the iconic Land Rover Defender from a rugged off-road machine into a stylish urban explorer. Take the Chelsea Wide Track tuning package as a case in point. Built in 2012 and showing just 25,000 miles (40,233 km) on the odometer, the Land Rover Defender at hand is a 90 Hard Top with all the bells and... (continue reading >>)

Traveling the World Takes Minutes with This Walkable Map of the Planet - Video, Photo Gallery

With each holiday like the one most Americans have just celebrated, both globetrotters and petrolheads think about their next road trip. It’s a natural thing to do; humans have been exploring our beautiful planet for millenniums, but getting to know all of its attractions implies a significant amount of resources and time, which most of the people unfortunately lack. Luckily, there’s a place in Hobro, Denmark, that cou... (continue reading >>)

Vinyl Record Player Shaped like a VW Van Claims to Be the Smallest in the World - Video

A fellow unpacking this miniature van at a party should be nicknamed DJ Volkswagen, and that’s just the simplest joke one could come up with. Believe it or not, such a thing exists and it’s made in Japan. The question is, do you have enough records at home to throw a proper bash? Because if you do, nothing is standing between you and a perfect weekend. And the best part is that you don’t even need to worry a... (continue reading >>)

Panasonic’s $1,287 E-Bicycle Has New Generation Li-Ion Batteries and a Top 54 Miles Range

Remember that partnership Panasonic has with Tesla Motors’ Gigafactory? Well, these new models of electric bicycles may not be related to it, but they do use a new generation of Li-Ion batteries. Panasonic has just announced it’s about to launch a new model of an ele... (continue reading >>)

2016 Renault Megane Mega Photo Gallery Possibly Shows the Sexiest Compact Hatchback

We just finished detailing all the engines that come with the new Renault Megane, but we thought it would be interesting to make a separate story about the design. And why wouldn't we, when there are over one hundred photos available, plus a new video. Just like the VW Golf looks a little bit like the Passat, so too does the Megane resemble the Talisman ... (continue reading >>)

Original Pagani Zonda with Record Mileage Gets Restored - Video

If there were a Guinness World Record for the supercar with the highest mileage, then this one-off Pagani Zonda La Nonna (The Grandmother) would surely win it by a very long shot. Nicknamed “The Grandmother” by Pagani workers, this is technically the second Pagani road car ever built, but that is far from being its most important feature. The car was manufactured back in 1998 as a Zonda C12.... (continue reading >>)

1963 Volkswagen Beetle "Herbie" Sells for an Impressive $86,250 at Auction

It may seem like a bad time to sell classic Volkswagen cars at auctions from the point of view of a petrolhead, but this is not just an old Beetle, it’s the one that will be remembered as the car with personality that drives itself. For the younger ones, it should be noted the vehicle is seen as an iconic Hollywood character of a franchise that started in 1968. Perhaps you do remember Herbie The Love Bug, but what you probably ... (continue reading >>)

Caterpillar Hot Rod by Snapper Is Built on a Large Scale - Video

Who could resist such a car? It's part workhorse, part classic coach and 100% unique. Some call it a hot rod, but for some reason its creators at Snapper's Buggy & Machine Co. disagree. After doing a bit of research, we realized that we won't be able to find much in the way of specs and details. But based on some original shorts made by its owner, we concluded that fabrication began way back in 2010. &... (continue reading >>)

AMG Goodness with GT S and MV Agusta F3 800 in One Place - Live Photos

The F3 800 AMG is probably the first palpable outcome of the tie-up between MV Agusta and Mercedes-Benz. Even though the bike doesn't share any high-performance prowess from Mercedes' top-of-the-line AMG brand, simply associating the two names makes things look awesome. MV Agusta's special edition F3 800 AMG is not a production model, and so far, we suspect it is only a show bike. This means a one-off sport bike that can on... (continue reading >>)

Mercedes to Launch ELA and ELC Bespoke Electric Models from 2018: What?

Mercedes is working with pretty much everybody these days, whether it's developing smart cars with Renault or making an entire hatchback for Infiniti. There are even a couple of Mercedes window switches in the Tesla Model S. That's not going to stop the Stuttgart automaker from keeping some of its cards close to its chest and making some competitive EVs. But like Audi ( (continue reading >>)

SWM Prepares the Superdual 600cc Adventure Machine - Photo Gallery

"Good things come to those who dare" seems to be the new philosophy for the reborn Italian motorcycle manufacturer SWM. With help from Chinese maker Shineray, SWM is back in business, and a new bike launch is imminent, so prepare for something that looks very cool. The upcoming SWM machine is the Superdual, a true adventure-travel bike. No, it's not a liter-class or bigger beast, but a very nifty middleweight bike t... (continue reading >>)

Using Darth Vader and Storm Troopers to Sell 1984 Lamborghini Countach 5000 S May Work

Star Wars: The Force Awakens is one of the most expected movies of the year, if not of the decade. It’s so big that Lucasfilm has partnered up with not one but seven automakers to promote the film. Since both the exterior and interior of this 1984 Lamborghini Countach 5000 S were finished in white, this British auction house figured it could use Darth Vader and a bunch of Storm Troopers to market it. The idea is not the worst, ... (continue reading >>)

Fool Points Laser at New York Bus Driver Leading to His Hospitalization - Video

The New York Police Department has released a short surveillance video taken by an on-bus camera which shows an unidentified passenger laughing as he is pointing a laser at the driver's rear view mirror. The clip was made public in the hopes that somebody could help investigators catch the man, especially since it appears that the bus driver was injured and ended up in a hospital. It may seem like a funny joke teenagers pull off, bu... (continue reading >>)

The Range Rover Sport SVR Can Kick Bottoms on an Ice-Carved Silverstone Circuit - Video

Remember the Range Rover Sport SVR? Of course you do, it's the fastest and most powerful production Land Rover in history, currently holding the “world's fastest SUV on the Nurburgring” title. Apparently, that title isn't enough for Jaguar Land Rover, since the company wants to make it clear that the Range Rover Sport SVR is cool on any race track, including one situated right in Sa... (continue reading >>)

Kia Reveals New K3 / Forte / Cerato in Korea - Video, Photo Gallery

Back when Kia was a relatively unknown Korean automaker trying to make a name for itself, automotive journalists were always told that some sort of compact sedan that had three names was the most successful model. Things have changed and the Korean Jetta, as we like to call it, is not the most important Kia. Nevertheless, we want to show you the latest K3 model, also known as the Forte or Cerato in some overseas markets. (continue reading >>)

Airbus Considers Using Drop-In Modules for Airplanes to Reduce Turnaround Time

Formally, Airbus calls it “method for boarding and unloading of passengers of an aircraft with reduced immobilization time of the aircraft, aircraft and air terminal for its implementation.” In earthlings words, think of the airliner as a bus carrying containers, only that it’s more like a tube with passengers. You too have blamed the airline flying you home for Thanksgiving or perhaps ... (continue reading >>)

2016 Renault Megane Full Specs Released: 1.6L Base Engine, New 7-Speed EDC

Even though we discovered some leaked specs of the new Renault Megane about one month ago, the official numbers that were released today had some surprises in store. According to the tech spreads, the 2016 hatchback will have a wide range of available mills including a 115 horsepower 1.6-liter that's not turbochar... (continue reading >>)

2015 Nissan Leaf Gets Three Times Cheaper During Black Friday in Northern Colorado

If you were to buy a Nissan Leaf now, its stock price would range between $28,980 and $35,020 depending on the configuration you opt for. Thanks to the government’s incentives and a special offer created for Black Friday, EV fans in Colorado can get one for as much as a third of the price. Whoever said Black Friday is only for geeks who believe a smartphone is not losing its value three months after they bought it should know th... (continue reading >>)

Self-Moving Mechanical Models Prove Creativity Is 21st Century Safeguard - Video, Photo Gallery

A start-up company founded last year is using laser-cut plywood tiny pieces to create mountable mechanical model kits that need no glue to be stuck together. An older tram that moves, a live theater with actors performing, a tractor with transmission options or a chronometer that can be set for 20 minutes are just some examples. Not to sound in any way dramatic, but in times when various conflicts seem to worry the many, creativity is th... (continue reading >>)

2017 BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo Spied Again with Improved Design - Photo Gallery

The current BMW 5 Series GT is a car for sober German businessmen who know SUVs are useless or for rich people that want to stand out. It's never been particularly popular, but BMW doesn't want to give up on the idea and is developing a successor. This is the second time our German spy photographers have (continue reading >>)

Chevrolet Camaro Gen 5 Production Ends, The Last Example of the Breed is a Red-Painted Camaro ZL1

The Chevrolet Camaro story started in 1966 and it’s far from over. The all-new sixth-generation Camaro is a weapon of mass distraction, but lest we forget the Gen 5 is not the least bit shabby either. But you know how the cookie crumbles in the pony car world - out with the old, in with the new. Without further ado, it pains us to announce that production of the 2015 Camaro ended with a bang. More specifically, a red-painted ZL1. <... (continue reading >>)

SEAT Leon Cupra ST Gets Wide Body Kit from JE Design - Photo Gallery

While SEAT's line of hot hatchbacks is one of the widest of any company, the Spanish carmaker has lost its aggressive touch. Before, you could only buy the Leon Cupra if you liked big subwoofers and wore your hats back-to-front. However, the 2015 models are about as subtle as a pair of body-colored stockings. Fortunately, specialist tuner JE Design has the cure. You know how some shirts make you look like you've just been to the... (continue reading >>)

New Ducati Rumors Don't Exclude Forced Induction

With the 2016 model year bikes being forced to meet the Euro 4 emission standards, the manufacturers have a big problem. In certain cases, new engines might be needed, and Ducati's superbike L-twin is rumored to be on the list. It's not the first time such rumors emerge, and with each occasion, something seems to add to their credibility. To keep the current power ratings AND comply with Euro 4, the manufacturers have to revise ... (continue reading >>)

Clarkson, Hammond and May Bought Reliant Robin 3-Wheeled Cars as Company Runabouts - Video

Who said there’s no life after Top Gear for Clarkson, Hammond and May was wrong. We know for certain that their new car show on Amazon Prime will feature a comparison (continue reading >>)

Sith Twins: Porsche 911 GT3 RS and Cayman GT4 on Vossen Wheels - Video, Photo Gallery

Vossen wheels work with anything from a trike to a supercar. Somewhere in between, we find Porsche's competent but discreet sportscars. 2015 has been a great year for the German company, as two finger-tippy coupes have made their way into showrooms. We're talking about the 911 GT3 RS and its slightly cheaper brother, the Cayman GT4. Both were born to go fast; both have flared bodies; both sport massive rear wings. &... (continue reading >>)

Spencer The Robot Will Show Travelers the Way Through Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport

It may not be ready to conduct a dialogue, but it’s learning how to keep passengers entertained, especially those who have lost their flight because they couldn’t find their way to the terminal. As a matter of fact, going through the Netherlands’ main international airport has been cited to be rather difficult by some people before, which is one of the reasons there’s going to be a robot leading the way starting with next week. ... (continue reading >>)

Analog Motorcycles Deliver Whiskey Grade Dirt Custom H-D Street 750 - Photo Gallery

We knew Analog Motorcycles for some time now, and we know that these fellows can turn a mediocre bike into a good-looking, head-turning thing of beauty. This is exactly what happened to the Street 750, the first H-D they modified. The machine was commissioned by Tom Wronkovich, the owner of Whiskey Grade, who first approached Analog with the idea of developing some custom parts. The main thing was to try and come up with aftermarket acces... (continue reading >>)

AC Schnitzer Shows BMW 150d, a 1 Series Stuffed with Tri-Turbo Awesomeness - Photo Gallery

The cool thing about BMW is that the company makes everything from a 1.5-liter to a big V12 twin-turbo engine. Somewhere in between, we find one of the few tri-turbo engines available at the moment. It's fitted to several xDrive models that wear the M50d badge. However, they are all pretty big, so for the 2015 edition of the Essen Motor Show, German tuner AC Schnitzer decided to show the world you can stuff it inside the body of a 1 ... (continue reading >>)

Big Force Is a Mini Jeep That Weighs 330 Pounds and Can Fit in a Pickup Truck - Video

Just another of those Power Wheels, electric cars for kids - one would think - but it should be noted this is far from being a toy. It’s small alright, but that’s about the only thing that makes it look like one. A 49cc motorcycle engine powers it and, believe it or not, you need a driver’s license to take it on the road. Ten years ago, an Iranian-born Japanese entrepreneur, Zandi Mehdi Moghaddam, establishe... (continue reading >>)

Moto Guzzi MGX-21, the Flying Fortress - Live Photos

Back at EICMA 2015, I managed to shoot several photos of the MGX-21 Flying Fortress, now seemingly fresh out of the prototype stage and looking almost eager to hit the road. When Moto Guzzi introduced the California 1400 machines, I thought this was a model that was still under the dominion of huge inertia, one of the attributes that go hand in hand with classic motorcycles. I am ever so glad to see Guzzi proving me wrong! &l... (continue reading >>)

Mcchip-DKR Does Christmas Photo Shoot with Sexy Santa Helpers - Photo Gallery

They say we should get into the holiday spirit once Christmas approaches. For some, that means going to church more often or buying sweaters with Rudolph the reindeer. But for us, it's usually about buying those car parts for 20% off. While the missus slaves over the latest recipe for a pig roast, you install a supercharger for the Miata or a performance exhaust on the GTI. It wouldn't hurt to have a sexy brunette dressed as on... (continue reading >>)

The Future for 600cc Sport Bikes Is Still Gloomy

Somehow, I expected to see signs of revival for the 600cc sport bike class at this year's EICMA show, but the reality proved me wrong. No major improvements and updates for 600cc bikes arrived, and this only makes my gloomy anticipations seem more likely to be true. Last year I talked to BMW and Kawasaki officials, who told me that the supersport class was dwindling, and new discussions I had this year confirmed the trend. (continue reading >>)

Self-Moving Mechanical Models Prove Creativity Is 21st-Century Safeguard - Video, Photo Gallery

A start-up company founded last year is using laser-cut plywood tiny pieces, which form mountable mechanical models kits that need no glue to be stuck together. An older tram that moves, a live theater with actors performing, a tractor with transmission options or a chronometer that can be set for 20 minutes are just a couple of examples. Not to sound in any way dramatic, but in times when various conflicts seem to worry the many, creati... (continue reading >>)

Self-Driving Cars Will Be the End of Domestic Flights, Audi Strategist Claims

With the fast development of self-driving cars, drivers have started discussing how the streets will look like in the future. While city officials around the world are slowly allowing carmakers to test their autonomous cars on the road, vice president of brand and sales development at Audi, Sven Schuwirth, believes this technology will change the entire world 20 years from now. The German brand’s strategist has recently (continue reading >>)

2017 Ford F-Series Super Duty Tested in Michigan, It’s Built Tough – Video, Photo Gallery

The 2017 Ford F-Series Super Duty isn’t ready to hit showrooms yet, but the Blue Oval is working on that as we speak. Before it gets the green light for production, the fourth generation of the F-Series Super Duty was tested in true Built Tough style at the automaker’s proving grounds in the Great Midwest. After virtual torture testing with the aid of supercomputers, the time has come for Ford to put the 2017 F-Series ... (continue reading >>)

Robot Moving in Four Directions Without Twisting Could Reinvent the Wheel - Video

Here’s one case when claiming somebody is reinventing the wheel actually applies. Sure, it’s not some odd technology or a different type of material that make it special, it’s just a different approach if you wish. It may have a geeky name, but the 4WD Mecanum Wheel Robot Kit is actually an excellent way to assure your girlfriend she will have no problem parallel parking in the future. And it’s not... (continue reading >>)

Takata Engineers Altered Airbag Testing Data for 10 Years, Whistleblowers Were Ignored

According to a stack of documents produced by Takata during litigation, Japanese engineers were doctoring testing data for the better part of 10 years. To put it plainly and simply, everything is wrong with this picture. Altering airbag testing data by minimizing results of malfunctions is not excusable. A report published by the (continue reading >>)

This Dealership from Plainville, Massachusetts, Really Tries too Hard to Sell Its Cars

Selling cars is a very competitive activity, regardless whether we’re talking about new or used ones. And since the best way to get in front is through advertising, things like these ads happen. Have you ever seen an Indian action movie? Believe me, if you had, you’d know. The only way to describe them is that they’re so bad, so absolutely terrible, they’re actually good. It’s true, you&am... (continue reading >>)

Akram Ojjeh’s Son Is a Player Who Loves Cats and Hypercars - Video, Photo Gallery

Famous for founding Techniques d’Avant Garde (TAG), Akram Ojjeh was a Syria-born Saudi business magnate who brokered the sale of tanks, aircraft, Thomson electronic equipment to Saudi Arabia and large French purchases of oil. His youngest son lives in Paris’ famous Place des Etats-Unis, in one of the largest and most magnificent homes in the French capital. It’s here where he keeps his luxury fleet. And his cats. (continue reading >>)

Kawasaki Ninja H2R Available Again, Pre-Orders Taken Until December 11

Fancy getting a Kawasaki Ninja H2R even though you thought it was gone for good after the first lot sold out? Well, we have good news for you, as the house of Akashi is taking orders for this 300 hp bike once more. Like it happened previously and in the case of the new Ninja H2, no numbers were mentioned. The only things we know about the new move from Kawasaki is that the Ninja H2R will be a 2016 model year machine, and those willing to ... (continue reading >>)

Flying-Squirrel Men Steal New Lexus RX in Latest Commercial Filmed with a 360 Camera

Wasn't Lexus that company making cars for old people? As if the brash design wasn't enough, the company also made a couple of new performance cars this year, followed by a Back to the Future-inspired hoverboard. Not surprisingly, the SUV lineup has become more advent... (continue reading >>)

Civilian Woman Tries to Help Cops on a Chase, Goes to the Station in Handcuffs - Video

There is something with Americans and high-speed chases. It’s hard to tell whether it’s because of the plenitude of movies portraying this sort of thing or the wide roads with relatively light traffic - whatever the reason, one thing is certain: people have and always will run away from the police in their cars. Even when said car is a pickup truck with one front wheel driving on its rim. That’s because the ... (continue reading >>)

2016 Ducati XDiavel Is the EICMA 2015 Best-Looking Bike

No less than 11,369 of the 628,000+ visitors at EICMA 2015 took their time to vote for the best-looking bike in the show. Now that I learned that the "beauty queen" title went to Ducati XDiavel, a broad smile appears on my face, as the result confirms my expectations. The voters who believed that the (continue reading >>)