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This Subaru BRZ has a snowmobile engine and gets 104 mpg

A hybrid powertrain didn't win the Honda CR-Z numerous fans, but it might be the magic ingredient in making the Subaru BRZ more potent. This is the "Car of the Future" as envisioned by Mississippi State University's Center of Advanced Vehicular Systems – the result of a two-year project, which married a front-mounted 850 cc snowmobile engine with two electric motors powering the rear wheels. The battery pack accounts for 12.7 kWh, which enables the car to go 50 miles on just electric juice. The two-liter boxer engine is no more, but what the car loses in cubic inches it gains in MPG. According to MSU engineers, the re-engineered car gets 104 mpg equivalent, and it only weighs 2,904 lbs: about 60 lbs more than an unmodified Sportshift BRZ. It clocks a 0-60 mph run at around 5.7 seconds, too, which beats a stock automatic BRZ by a second. The electric brain of the car improves the range by calculating optimizing algorithms, based on earlier driving. The guys from MSU's Bagley College of Engineering call this Predictive Engine Control. The most likable thing about this project might be that it's still clothed in a sports car body. Future-proof car designs are often focused on mobility instead of the driver, and choosing a BRZ as the basis shows how there's still room for petrolheads in the future.

Last Ferrari 275 GTS/4 NART Spider could top $26m at auction

One of the prettiest convertible Ferraris built, the NART Spider is also one of the rarest – only ten cars ever left the factory. This specific car was the last off the line, and has the additional distinction of being the only NART Spider sold new in Europe. It was also the only one painted in the Grigio Scuro shade of medium grey from factory. It has been redone in a tasteful red, which is an interesting change from the usual bright Ferrari color. It is also the third-to-last Ferrari 275 to be built altogether. The NART name stands for North American Racing Team, and the drop-top production run is credited to the U.S. Ferrari distributor Luigi Chinetti, who wanted to boost the 275 model's sales with a limited edition convertible model. Originally, Ferrari planned to build 25 cars, but despite the racing pedigree only ten found owners. The first NART Spider finished second in class at the 1967 12 Hours of Sebring, and the model also has some Steve McQueen cool about it due to a starring role in The Thomas Crown Affair. This car, chassis #11057, was sold new in Madrid to a Spanish Foreign Legion colonel, and spent its first 14 years in Spain. In the early 1980s it was bought by a Swiss collector, who had it restored for the first time, and in the mid-90s it moved to the UK. The current paint scheme dates back to 2001, while the interior's beige leather re-trim is from 2009. Despite a gradual change in appearance, it is a fully numbers-matching car that still retains the 300-horsepower Colombo V12 it received at the Maranello factory. A similar NART Spider was auctioned at RM Auctions' Monterey event in 2013, for a staggering $27.5 million. That specific example, finished in a brighter hue was estimated at 17 million tops, so it will be interesting to see whether this darker car will surpass its estimate at the auction held on May 14th. Related Video: Featured Gallery RM Sotheby's 1968 Ferrari 275 NART Spider View 16 Photos Image Credit: RM Sotheby's Auto News Ferrari Auctions Convertible Classics Steve McQueen RM Sotheby's ferrari 275

Jaguar F-Pace, XE getting SVR treatment with supercharged V8

The folks at Jaguar Land Rover's new Special Vehicle Operations division have been fast at work creating new SVR performance models. And they're not about to stop now. Two new Jaguar models are currently in the works, according to Car and Driver, both packing the company's long-serving and celebrated supercharged V8. First up is the F-Pace crossover, which currently tops out with a 380-horsepower supercharged V6. Slotting the bigger engine in under the hood with more than 500 horsepower on tap would go a long way toward living up to the name that suggests both speed and a correlation to the F-Type sportscar. But that's not all JLR's new skunkworks department has in store. Car and Driver reports work is also under way on a more powerful XE to take on the likes of the BMW M3 and Mercedes-Benz AMG C63. The automaker is reportedly yet to give it the green light, hemming and hawing over its environmental image, but we hope hotter heads, in this case, prevail. Jaguar's V8 engine is one of its most enduring powertrains and is approaching double the output it originally offered. The 4.0 introduced in 1997 packed 375 horsepower. The latest version in the F-Type SVR (and expected soon to slot into the Range Rover Sport SVR) displaces 5.0 liters and produces 575 supercharged horsepower. With that much muscle, the F-Pace SVR would overpower the Porsche Cayenne Turbo S, BMW X5 M, and Mercedes-AMG GLE63, while the XE SVR would outgun the M3, Cadillac ATS-V, Alfa Romeo Giulia QV, and just about anything else in its class. Related Video:

This classic Firebird restomod swallowed a Prius

It takes an unusual eye to look at a 1967 Pontiac Firebird and see the Toyota Prius hidden inside. But that's just the kind of eye that a creative mechanic known online as "Bill the Engineer" has. Bill is updating his old Firebird into a true classic for the 21st century and has documenting the changes over at Priuschat and EcoModder. The TL,DR version of the story: he's replacing the worn-out powertrain with the gas-electric hybrid one from a Prius V, because it turns out the two vehicles have almost exactly the same wheelbase. Bill, who's from Columbus, Ohio and doesn't want his full name used, said in his posts on the conversion project that he's made many memories with this vehicle since buying it back in 1979. Since then, a few moves, a few decades, and some time in storage meant that the car would no longer function as he wanted it to. As he wrote, "when it comes to mice in the vehicles IT IS WAR." His solution is to make new memories and making a greener vehicle, and so we wanted to ask him how things have been going. Bill's been traveling a bit recently, but told AutoblogGreen that he's now figuring out the next steps for this amazing and complicated project. "I always plan things out before I do them," he said. That's the only way something like this can work. ABG: I think we have to start with what gave you the inspiration for this project. Was it simply that you had the two cars and wanted to see them merged into one cool mashup, or was it something else? "One day my wife wondered out loud if the car could be converted into a hybrid... The rest is history." Bill: I have been the owner of my 1967 Firebird convertible since 1979 when I bought it for $750.00. I drove it for years and made many memories. Afterward it was in storage for many years during which time mice at their way into the car and trashed the interior and wiring. I started working on a conventional restoration but always ran into major problems with hidden corrosion, electrical issues and an engine on its last legs. The car was never going to be as nice as I wanted going the conventional route. One day my wife wondered out loud if the car could be converted into a hybrid like our two daily driver Prii. That got me thinking about how it could be done. The rest is history... ABG: It looks like you started in late 2014. Have things gone well since then, or has it been one hassle after another? What has been the biggest setback, and what were the biggest victories?

This Porsche 911 GT3 sounds awesome at Targa Tasmania

Unleash high-performance vehicles on closed public roads, and you're practically guaranteed to see something great. Watch a 991-generation Porsche 911 GT3 singing on those picturesque highways, and things just get better. The Targa Tasmania challenges drivers and their machines to negotiate tricky stages in a beautiful setting every year, but there's something mesmerizing about watching this video of a GT3 take the victory in the GT2 class in the rally's 2016 running. Just turn up the speakers, sit back, and enjoy Matt Close and Cameron Reeves put on a show. They take the Porsche from small villages through mountain roads and verdant pastures to eventually attain a class victory. It's a beautiful sight and well worth briefly enjoying in this four-minute video, especially for the great sound. Related Video: This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings.

Jaguar models could rev with inline-six engines again

Rumors are swirling once again that Jaguar might return an inline-six engine to its lineup. Autocar claims Jaguar Land Rover will use the modular Ingenium engine family to create a 3.0-liter straight-six. The new motor will replace the automaker's current V6. As with the Ingenium 2.0-liter four-cylinder, JLR will likely offer the powerplant in gasoline- and diesel-fueled versions. A rumor in May 2015 also suggested JLR would create an Ingenium-based turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six and a 1.5-liter three-cylinder unit. According to Autocar, the engine bay in the XE, XF, and F-Pace can already fit the longer engine. The automaker isn't talking, though. "We can't comment on future product one way or another," company spokesperson Nathan Hoyt told Autoblog. Jaguar built much of its performance legacy with straight-six-powered vehicles. While the C-Type and D-Type were winning races with the engine layout, practically every Jaguar production model used them as well. Today, straight-sixes are less common. BMW continues to use them, and Mercedes-Benz reportedly also plans to offer one soon. While Autocar's report is still just a rumor, the move to an inline-six could be advantageous for JLR. For example, using an Ingenium-derived design could simplify manufacturing by allowing the company to build the powerplant in one factory alongside the 2.0-liter version. Returning to a design with such an important heritage for Jaguar would also make life easy for the brand's marketing team because it could link the new engine to past racing glory. Related Video:

Ferrari 488 GTB rocks throwback '80s livery in Paris

We have a soft spot for retro racing liveries – especially when they're applied to road-legal supercars. Like a Porsche 918 Spyder with Martini racing stripes, a Ford GT in Gulf blue and orange, or this latest Ferrari 488 GTB unveiled in Paris. The Tailor Made department in Maranello prepared this one-of-a-kind 488 in tribute to the 308 GTB that Jean Claude Andruet drove to victory twice in the Tour de France Automobile – in 1981 and '82 – only a few years before the event was discontinued. It was one of the most iconic of Ferrari racing liveries (aside from the classic rosso corsa of course) and is beautifully reinterpreted for that car's modern successor. The unique treatment includes a French racing blue and white exterior with Pioneer sponsorship, matte gold wheels, and matte black brake calipers. The interior looks as stripped-out as the 458 Speciale's and features red fabric seats with matte-finish aluminum and carbon-fiber trim. Commissioned by Charles Pozzi, the same Paris dealer that campaigned the original decades ago, the turbocharged retro smurf was unveiled yesterday at the Grand Palais. It marked the start of the Tour Auto Optic 2000, a French rally. This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings. The GTC4Lusso makes its French premiere at the Grand Palais The 488 GTB Tailor Made Pioneer also unveiled for the first time Paris, 18th April 2016 – What better setting than the Grand Palais in Paris for the GTC4Lusso, Ferrari's latest creation, to make its debut on French soil? The new Prancing horse V12 four-seater, four wheel drive with rear-wheel steering, was a magnet for the over 200 journalists who attended the premiere this afternoon on the opening day of the Tour Auto Optic 2000 rally. The GTC4Lusso will be also the star attraction at a gala cocktail in the evening for over four hundred guests who will have the opportunity to see this superb example of a unique mix of benchmark sports car performance, all-weather versatility and sublime elegance. This very important "rendez-vous" is also the occasion for Ferrari to present a unique version of its 488 GTB. In association with its Parisian dealer Charles Pozzi, the very exclusive Tailor Made program imagined a car which pays homage to the 308 Gr4 Pioneer driven by Jean Claude Andruet and two times winner of the Tour de France Auto in 1981 and 1982.

Maserati Levante could get a V8 to battle the Cayenne Turbo

Maserati's new Levante crossover is based on the platform shared by the Ghibli and Quattroporte sedans. The Quattroporte's top engine is a 523-horsepower, twin-turbo 3.8-liter V8. When asked if that engine would fit in the Levante, a Maserati engineer gave the answer we were hoping to hear almost immediately. "Yes, it fits, and we have a prototype already," said Davide Danesin, the head of Maserati vehicle programs. The Levante will launch with two models, both of which use the 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 that Ferrari builds for Maserati, but in two different tunes. The first generation of the V6 launched in the Ghibli and Quattroporte. While the V8 is only currently used in the rear-drive Quattroporte GTS, Danesin assures us that packaging the V8 and an all-wheel-drive system works. There is that prototype, after all. The fact that Danesin volunteered that a V8 prototype exists leads us to believe it's being very seriously considered, since manufacturers reluctantly acknowledge that there will even be a future, let alone one that will bring new, as-yet-unannounced products. Maserati officials caution that it may be tough to make a case for such a vehicle, however, as the over-500-hp SUV segment is pretty small, at about 12,000 units per year by their estimates. It's also relatively crowded, with the logical bogeys being the Porsche Cayenne Turbo (520 hp) and Turbo S (570 hp) and the Range Rover Sport SVR (550 hp). None of them will touch the Levante's upcoming American cousin, the Hellcat-powered Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk, but that's cool. View 21 Photos We'd guess that the yay/nay on a V8 Levante will hinge on the overall popularity of the new model as well as the mix of 345-hp Levante versus 424-hp Levante S models once customers start ordering. Which is to say, if you think you'll want a V8 Levante eventually, get out there and buy a few Levante S models when they hit dealers this October. In other Maserati powertrain news, we're told the second-generation V6, which makes 20 more horsepower in its angriest tune and debuts in the Levante, will show up in the Ghibli and Quattroporte "soon." We'd peg that at mid-cycle refresh time, which should be in a year or so. The second-gen V6 gets its extra power from re-profiled camshafts, some redesign work on the heads, and other tweaks, likely in software. Oh, and for more on the first Maserati crossover and that updated engine, watch for our first drive of the twin-turbo V6 Levante very soon.

Newlyweds crash rented Ferrari into a house

A newly married couple had a rough wedding day when they crashed their rented Ferrari into a house in Burnley, Lancashire. Lancashire Road Police tweeted a photo on April 17 of a white Ferrari 458 Spider that crashed into a row house. The crash folded the hood nearly in half and completely destroyed the car's front fascia but no one was injured, according to the Daily Mail. The car, worth a cool 240,000 pounds, or 342,500 dollars, is owned by a rental company called Platinum Executive Travel. The son of the company's owner, Aleem Iqbal, made a statement on Twitter after the crash, assuring his tens of thousands of followers that he was not at the wheel of the mangled Ferrari when it went into the wall. "Thanks for all the kind messages," Iqbal tweeted from his personal account. "I wasn't at the wheel and nobody was injured that's the main thing, have had a lot worse in business." In a follow up tweet he stated, "At least people in Burnley will have something to talk about for a few weeks." Iqbal's statement about worse things happening in his business is true, and this is not the first of PET's pricey supercars to be destroyed. Within a five-week period in 2014, arsonists destroyed four of PET's cars worth more than 500,000 pounds or 713,000 dollars. In one attack, a Lamborghini Aventador rented for a wedding was torched outside a house in Luton. Iqbal called that attack a "vile act of jealousy" targeting the family of the newlyweds. Weeks later, two Audi R8 Spyders and a Bentley Flying Spur were firebombed at the PET offices in Yardley. The Daily Mail has contacted Platinum Executive Travel for an official statement about the Ferrari crash, but has not received a response. The driver and passenger of the wrecked Ferrari were not identified. Related Video: News Source: The Daily Mail, The Mirror, TwitterImage Credit: Lancashire Road Police Weird Car News Ferrari Driving Performance Supercars rental car

Driver saved from sinking car in Houston by live news reporter

Heavy rains in Houston, Texas, have turned some roadway underpasses into temporary lakes. While covering the adverse weather, a reporter named Steve Campion engaged in what may be the most half-hearted rescue attempt ever captured on video. The whole clip is a slow-motion disaster that's hard to look away from. The reporter and a cameraman are already on the scene when a driver in a Honda Insight arrives and thinks he can ford the deluge. The plan fails immediately, and the car is quickly in too deep. Despite trying to reverse out of the bad situation and even turning on the windshield wipers, this guy is stuck. Floating, in fact. Campion doesn't even try to hide his contempt and confusion as this unfolds in front of him. "Why are you doing that," the journalist initially asks. He and the cameraman don't leap to action at this scene, either. "What do we do? I don't want to..." the reporter says. The Insight driver seems to be in shock, seemingly unable to process the situation even as his vehicle is sinking. Eventually, the reporter and cameraman convince the guy to leave his vehicle. By the time the driver gets to dry land, his Honda is barely visible above the water. The Honda owner seems unharmed, but the reporter probably doesn't deserve much credit for the rescue, regardless of how it's portrayed on KTRK in Houston. See if you agree after watching the video. Related Video:

Porsche 919 Hybrid collides with 911 at Silverstone

Endurance racing is tough, in part because drivers must share the track with a whole variety of cars traveling at different speeds. That can be especially difficult for the front-running prototypes, which have to keep up the pace while overtaking slower cars. Just ask Brendon Hartley, whose spectacular crash in a Porsche 919 Hybrid while overtaking a 911 thankfully resulted in no injuries. The defending champion was scything his way through lapped back-traffic in the season opener this past weekend for the FIA World Endurance Championship when he apparently miscalculated a passing maneuver while exiting the corner. Hartley was reprimanded for the collision that took both cars out of the race but fortunately left both drivers unscathed. Worse yet was that he and his teammates were on track to win the race, and ended up watching the rest of the race from the pit lane. Instead an Audi R18 crossed the finish line first – but the race win was subsequently handed instead to another Porsche 919 during post-race scrutineering. Audi is appealing the decision, but Hartley and his co-pilots Timo Bernhard and Mark Webber will have some ground to make up if they hope to retain their crown this season. Related Video: News Source: bmwcrash1 via YouTube Motorsports Porsche Videos silverstone fia wec porsche 919 hybrid

Apple Car's latest EV secret? Magna could be its new Foxconn

There have been rumors and noises and noisey rumors about a potential EV from Apple. We certainly don't know what's true and what's not, but a new whisper says that the California computer company might be secretly working on an upcoming electric car in Berlin. According to the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung (FAZ), which cited "sources with knowledge," there are about 15-20 "progressive thinkers" working on the car in Berlin. FAZ comes up with a few more details for this potential EV, including that the first-gen might not be autonomous. The small car might be available by like 2019 or 2020 and that it might be available through car sharing as well as purchase. The most concrete new detail that FAZ offers up is that Apple will build the car in Germany with automotive supplier Magna. That sure does mesh well with a statement from Magna CEO Don Walker from last year, when he said: We are, in my opinion, the best contract manufacturer in the world. [With] our ability to do small-volume niche vehicle production and help with the engineering and the launch and the procurement ... we'd be a logical person for anybody if they have small volume or [are] a new entrant coming out. Plus, it's not like Apple CEO Tim Cook understands auto manufacturing and already uses outside help like Foxconn to build its computer products. Lyle Dennis, who now runs Apple Car Fans, told AutoblogGreen that he thinks this rumor about the Germany connection is true. "I suspect this is real," he said. "There have been discussions between Apple and BMW. It wouldn't surprise me if they did build the Apple car there." Well, maybe those discussions happened and maybe they didn't.Related Video: News Source: Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung via Apple Car Fans Green Rumormill BMW Electric Magna project titan

Japanese earthquakes send ripples through auto industry

The earthquakes since April 14 in Japan's Kumamoto Prefecture on the island of Kyushu are having aftershocks on the US auto industry, particularly for Toyota. The company shut down most of its factories in the country due to parts shortages, and the plants will be closed at least through April 23. "Decisions regarding recommencement of operation at plants in Japan will be made on the basis of availability of parts," the company said in a statement. According to Automotive News, Toyota's closed factories include a vast range of popular models in the US, including the Toyota Prius, Mirai, RAV4, 4Runner, Land Cruiser, Lexus ES, LS, IS, GS, RC, NX, RX, GX, and LX. The company's only sites in Japan that are still open build Hino trucks, Daihatsu models, and the Toyota Century limo. Toyota isn't yet sure whether these shutdowns could lead to vehicle shortages in the US. "As you can imagine, we are still reviewing the situation and working to learn more," company spokesperson Aaron Fowles told Autoblog. "While we know that production will be suspended in stages at most of our vehicle assembly facilities in Japan between April 18th and the 23rd, we do not know if they will continue production suspensions. Also, any effects to our inventory and/or sales have yet to be determined." He expects the automaker to know more in the coming days. Many of the affected Toyota plants aren't even in Kumamoto Prefecture, but major suppliers have factories in the region. For example, Aisin Seiki and Renesas Electronics both had to shutdown operations at plants in the area, according to Automotive News. Toyota isn't the only automaker affected. Nissan experienced a brief slowdown but was back to work on Monday, and Honda has suspended a motorcycle plant in the region until Friday. Mitsubishi had to close a production line due to the parts shortage, according to The Japan Times, but it didn't affect US models. "A supplier to our Mizushima plant has been impacted but they only supply an engine part for our mini car line. That line has been temporarily shut down due to that situation," spokesperson Alex Fedorak told Autoblog. "That same plant builds the Lancer and i-MiEv and there has been no impact to that line and production continues uninterrupted." Two major quakes hit Kumamoto Prefecture around Kumamoto city in the past week. The first on April 14 measured 6.4 magnitude, and a second on April 16 measured 7.3.

Audi SQ7 stars in Captain America: Civil War

When Captain America: Civil War hits theaters next month joining the Captain and all his friends and foes in the latest Marvel action movie will be the Audi R8 V10 Plus, A4, A7, and the new SQ7, launched last month in Europe with a trick new electric-charged diesel engine. We've been hopeful over the prospect of the SQ7 making its way across the Atlantic, and its inclusion in a major Hollywood blockbuster gives us new hope. To coincide with the film's debut (and highlight its product placement), Audi had the film's directors Anthony and Joe Russo direct this promotional clip entitled "The Chase" and starring the aforementioned SQ7. Given the hodgepodge of US and German license plates, it's hard to tell where the scene is supposed to take place, much less draw conclusions over the SQ7's arrival, but we remain hopeful just the same. The minute-and-a-half version is online only, but a 30-second spot will be hitting the airwaves this month before the movie hits theaters on May 6. Until then – and the hopeful arrival of the new performance crossover in North American showrooms – this will just have to hold us over, so sit back and enjoy. Audi returns to the Marvel cinematic universe for hero-versus-hero epic, Marvel's Captain America: Civil War April 18, 2016 | HERNDON, Virginia - Audi teams with Marvel Entertainment for May 6 release of Marvel's Captain America: Civil War - Featured models include the all-new 2017 Audi R8 V10 plus Coupe, 2017 Audi SQ7, 2017 A4 and 2016 A7 Sportback - Audi to release global advertising and marketing campaign to support the film Audi and Marvel Entertainment team up once again for the release of Marvel's newest blockbuster, Captain America: Civil War, set to be released in the U.S. on May 6, 2016. The collaboration continues the Audi brand's commitment to one of Hollywood's biggest franchises and its passionate fans. After nearly a decade of successful collaborations, the Audi and Marvel alliance remains strong. Multiple models from the luxury carmaker are featured in the film with a robust association that includes an advertising and marketing campaign kicking off with the World Premiere in Los Angeles. Released today, the campaign includes an exclusive digital video called "The Chase," directed by the film's directors Anthony and Joe Russo. Audi excites the Marvel universe by previewing a pivotal scene featuring the all-new Audi SQ7.

US Customs takes break from crushing Skylines, returns stolen Ferrari [UPDATE]

Update: A spokesperson from US Customs and Border Protection told Autoblog more details about the case. The thieves "completely removed the '81 VIN, and changed it to the '82 VIN," the spokesperson said. "The true VIN was identified through secondary numbers." US Customs and Border Protection often gets a bad rap among auto enthusiasts for the agency's propensity to crush fun cars, including Minis, Land Rovers, and Skyline GT-Rs. However, the group also sometimes finds stolen classic vehicles just before they leave the country. For example, officers recently recovered a stolen Ferrari nearly 30 years after the owner reported it stolen. The 308 GTSi was on its way to Poland from the Los Angeles/Long Beach Seaport on April 8th, but the officers found something fishy. This Ferrari was supposed to be a 1982 308 GTS, but running a check indicated that the coupe with that VIN left the US for Norway in 2005. "This VIN discrepancy is what 'raised a red flag' and prompted further scrutiny," CBP LA/LB Seaport Port Director Carlos Martel said in a statement. The CBP contacted the California Highway Patrol and the National Insurance Crime Bureau. A Ferrari expert eventually identified the car as a 1981 308 GTSi. Once the authorities obtained the correct VIN, the system listed the Ferrari as stolen from a consignment lot in Orange County, CA, on July 19, 1987. Unfortunately, the original owner doesn't get to enjoy having the Ferrari back. The Prancing Horse now belongs to the insurance company because it paid off the claim on the car decades ago. It might be worth trying to buy the Ferrari again, though. The red 308 GTSi still looks like a beauty in CBP's photo, and coupe has only covered 45,000 miles since 1981. Stolen 28 Years Ago, CBP Seizes Classic Red Hot Ferrari Release Date: April 14, 2016 "Red Flag" Prompts FEAR Team Scrutiny LOS ANGELES — U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at Los Angeles/Long Beach (LA/LB) Seaport complex intercepted and seized a red 1981 Ferrari 308 GTSi, destined to Poland, on April 8. It was stolen 28 years ago, has 45K miles and an estimated value of $50K. red 1981 Ferrari 308 GTSi seized by CBP CBP officers at LA/LB seaport seized this 1981 Ferrari 308 GTSi, destined to Poland. It was stolen 28 years ago. Falsely manifested as a "1982 Ferrari", analysis of its purported vehicle identification number (VIN) revealed that the VIN was previously used for a 1982 Ferrari 308 GTS exported in 2005, from the U.S.

2016 Formula 1 Chinese Grand Prix recap: another wild show on and off track

Normally we use this space to provide a lengthy recap of the weekend's Formula 1 race, but we're going to try something different since most folks reading this know what happened at the Shanghai International Circuit on Sunday. Instead, we'll alight on what we saw as the big issues in and around the race. Let us know what you think in Comments. Proper qualifying is back. Thank goodness. It only took a month of embarrassment to fix it. And so is passing! For the third race in a row, big performance improvements at the ten teams behind Mercedes-AMG Petronas and a wider tire selection at this race graced us with opening stints filled with dicing cars. Seeing the McLarens on screen doesn't make us cringe. Manor doesn't only make the global feed when it's being lapped. We've been complaining about parade races for so long that we forgot excitement was possible without rain or wholesale regulation changes. Yes, Mercedes is still the king of the jungle, but there are some other proper midfield beasts on the hunt, too. Malfunctions up and down the grid did help the show in Shanghai, like Lewis Hamilton suffering perpetual troubles, Nico Hulkenberg's runaway front wheel which red-flagged Q2, and Sebastian Vettel's and Kimi Raikkonen's flubbed hot laps in Q3 that let Daniel Ricciardo slip by into second on the grid. Come race day things went all Grand Theft Auto at Turn 1 on the opening lap, sending some of the best cars to the pits. Then came Ricciardo's puncture while leading, then came the Safety Car – all by Lap 5. Nico Rosberg got 38 seconds of airtime on the way to victory – at the start and the finish, and that happened to be his margin of victory, too – otherwise he was a ghost. Everyone else was struggling and juggling. Rosberg's win at the Bahrain Grand Prix put the German at five consecutive victories going back to last year's Mexican Grand Prix. The history books show that any driver who's won five straight contests has gone on to win the championship. With his triumph in China, the German has won the season's first three races, the history books again show that the other nine drivers who've pulled that off have gone on to win the championship. Rosberg, 36 points ahead of his teammate in the standings, is having none of it. He said of the other victors, "But they didn't have Lewis Hamilton as their team-mate." Perhaps Mercedes was right not to make an engine deal with Red Bull last season.

This Audi R8 V10 sounds great with a Capristo exhaust

No matter how rainy or grey your Monday morning is, it only takes a video of an Audi R8 V10 Plus with an aftermarket exhaust to brighten it up a little. This black 2016 example has been modified with an exhaust built by the German specialist Capristo, and the results are impressive. The piping makes the R8 crackle and scream in a wonderful way at a recent Gumball event, with cars lining up on the track tarmac to perform a few neat launches despite the drizzly weather. The Capristo exhaust takes advantage of the R8 V10's existing valve system in the stock exhaust setup, and improves upon that with programmable valve control offering different modes. By pressing buttons on the keyfob, the driver can go from "Cruise" mode to "Sports" or "Open", all differing in loudness. Stock the V10 plus produces 610 horsepower, and the Capristo setup is sure to throw in a few extra ones. Related Video: News Source: GumbalImage Credit: Capristo Exhaust Aftermarket Audi Supercars Videos

Watch Jay Leno's Garage work on a Porsche 911 and others

Jay Leno doesn't just own a bunch of cars – he restores them. (Or has people who restores them, at any rate.) For this latest video, he's showing us some of the projects he and his team are currently working on. The tour-de-garage starts with a 1953 Cunningham that had been in storage since '68, complete with a copper grille ready for plating and a 331 Hemi V8. Jay says that every one of the cars that Briggs Cunningham made is still on the road – but that's just one of the dozen or so projects Jay and company are working on. There's a suitably brown '71 Porsche 911 T in near-original condition having sat untouched parked underground in Beverly Hills for decades, and a '58 Chrysler Imperial convertible once driven by Clark Gable and Frank Sinatra, and now getting a brake upgrade. There's a Volvo 122 wagon that's been stripped down, media-blasted, and powder-coated, a thousand-horsepower Rolls-Royce, a 1960 Nash Metropolitan, a supercharged Mercedes-Benz 600 Pullman, and a 1914 Detroit Electric. And those are just the four-wheeled automobiles. Over in the two-wheeler section there's a pair of Brough Superiors, a BSA, an Indian, and a custom racing sidecar that Jay's mechanic Bernard is working on. In short, Jay Leno's Garage isn't just one where vehicles are kept – it's one where vehicles are brought back to life. Related Video: News Source: Jay Leno's Garage via YouTube Chrysler Mercedes-Benz Porsche Classics Videos Jay Lenos Garage bsa

If Tesla Model 3 is successful, Sergio Marchionne will copy it

Fiat Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne hasn't hidden his disdain for electric vehicles, but he would copy the Tesla Model 3 if it is successful, according to Automotive News Europe. If Elon Musk "can show me that the car will be profitable at that price, I will copy the formula, add the Italian design flair and get it to the market within 12 months," Marchionne told Automotive News Europe during FCA's annual meeting in Amsterdam. In terms of pre-orders, the Model 3 is a success. Musk tweeted on April 7 that the company had over 325,000 reservations for the sedan, which he estimated were worth around $14 billion. The car will start at $35,000 before incentives. Marchionne, however, isn't optimistic Tesla can actually make the electric sedan work financially. "I'm am not surprised by the high number of reservations but you have then to build and deliver them and also be profitable," he told ANE. The FCA boss is a noted skeptic of EVs. In 2012, he said that the company only built the 500e because of California's zero-emissions vehicle mandate and to give engineers experience with the technology. He doubled-down in 2014 when he claimed FCA lost $14,000 on each 500e and said he would rather people didn't buy them. More recently, he infamously said "you'd have to shoot me first," before he'd allow a fully electric Ferrari. Related Video:

Audi service tech joyrides customer car, allegedly takes drugs on the way [UPDATE]

UPDATE: We've received and added an official statement from Audi Palo Alto. Dealerships get a bad rap. Stories about sleazy salespeople and overpriced service procedures abound, even though the reality is that most dealers are run by and employ honest, fair folks. But just because the bulk of dealers and their employees are good people, it doesn't mean some bad eggs won't slip through the cracks. Audi Palo Alto, in the heart of Silicon Valley, is finding this out the hard way after dash cam video of a service tech abusing a customer's car started blowing up on YouTube. In the video, which you can watch above, the unnamed service tech took YouTube user Carrera Chris's Audi – it's not clear what model, but it sounds like one of the company's higher-performance 3.0-liter, supercharged V6 models – for a rather spirited test drive. There are plenty of wide-open-throttle runs mixed in with some speeding – the dash cam's lower display shows 90 miles per hour at one point on the freeway – and you can hear the driver laughing throughout. None of this is too remarkable on its own, and maybe not enough to get the tech fired. Until, that is, he pulls into a parking lot and begins snorting something. The dash cam doesn't show the technician, so it's impossible to determine what substance – if any – the driver is allegedly taking. It could be coke, could be crushed up pills, or, hey, it could be a prescription nasal spray (it is allergy season, even in perpetually lovely northern California). Carrera Chris does say he found white powder in the seams of the driver's seat, so take that for what it's worth. There are five videos that include 12 minutes of footage – the one up top is a summary, while the four below show the alleged drug use and some more mundane footage. We've reached out to Audi Palo Alto's general manager, Jason Mattia. He wouldn't answer our questions over the phone, but did forward an official statement from the dealer. An unfortunate incident was brought to our attention earlier this week. We immediately began our investigation and have already taken action. We are working with the customer involved and have thanked them for bringing this matter to our attention. At Audi Palo Alto, we are proud to be a part of the San Jose community. We value and respect our customers, and our team of 75 employees strives to deliver the highest level of customer service.

BMW GoPro integration now works with your iPhone

Coming this summer an upgrade to BMW's GoPro integration will combine the camera's feed with the M Laptimer app. This will let Bimmer drivers get a look at both lap telemetry and video replay at the same time. Despite the upgrades, BMW's setup lacks some of the features of the impressive Performance Data Recorder found on the Chevrolet Corvette and Camaro. BMW already let drivers control a GoPro through iDrive, but this improvement makes the functionality a lot more for track use. As soon as someone activates the M Laptimer app, the GoPro automatically starts recording. The video still saves in the camera's memory, but a low-res version also goes to the connected iPhone to sync with the app's data. Drivers can then see driving data on top of the phone's screen and the clip on the bottom (right). The M Laptimer monitors details like throttle input, speed, braking, steering angle, engine revs, fuel level, and g-force. Plus, the system records top speed, number of laps, best lap time, and the ambient temperature. We wish this system were as neatly integrated as the GM's Performance Data Recorder. For this system to work, a driver needs a GoPro HERO3 or later camera, the BMW M Laptimer app on their iPhone (4S or newer), a BMW model capable of running BMW Apps, and the phone must be connected to the infotainment system. Anything that can help shave a few tenths off a lap and then share the video of that accomplishment with buddies is a welcome improvement, though. Related Video: GOPRO INTEGRATION FOR BMW M LAPTIMER APP Two of BMW enthusiasts' favorite app integrations team up to offer an unparalleled way to capture and share their on-track experience Mountain View, CA/Woodcliff Lake, NJ – April 14, 2016 The BMW Group Technology Office USA and GoPro announced today that beginning summer 2016 the BMW M Laptimer app, a favorite app integration among driving enthusiasts, will include the ability to control a GoPro camera on iOS devices, using BMW's state-of-the-art iDrive controller and high-resolution screen. With this enhancement, when BMW drivers start and stop the BMW M Laptimer they simultaneously start and stop the recording of the connected GoPro camera. In addition to the video stored on the GoPro camera, a low-res version is saved on the phone so that it can be played back next to the map view on the BMW M Laptimer app. "The BMW M Laptimer and GoPro integrations have both proven to be incredibly popular with driving enthusiasts.

2017 Ferrari California T Handling Speciale First Drive

There was a time when snow, rain, and even thick traffic were higher up the list of Ferrari's enemies than Porsche. These were mostly weekend cars, but even wet roads would see them snugly tucked up in their heated garages, and not just because to avoid scrubbing muddy shoe prints out of the carpets. Some of them were difficult enough to handle in the dry, and slick pavement sure didn't make them any more tolerant. The hottest modern Ferraris still don't enjoy being stuck in heavy traffic. Not for any mechanical reasons, mind you. They just don't bother hiding their utter disregard for the mundane, or their disregard for a driver forcing them to endure it, because they feel it's beneath them. And it is. That's where the California came in. Launched in 2008, the retractable-hardtop convertible is the most approachable in the company's range. It was aimed at newly moneyed buyers who weren't saturated in supercar folklore and wanted the badge, but not necessarily all of that attitude. Some, but not all. There are those California buyers who want the convenience with a little more attitude and the trademark crankiness. So, as it did with the original California, Ferrari has added a Handling Speciale Package to the new turbocharged California T's repertoire. This $8,120 option turns the least expensive Ferrari into something that's stiffer and faster and more fun, and the trade-off is a slightly firmer ride, all the time. 30 percent of Ferrari buyers would be happier to dump some of the California T's comfy ride in favor of more grip and more crankiness. Ferrari has left the core of the California T's engine untouched, so the 3.9-liter, twin-turbo V8 still has 557 lb-ft of torque from 4,750 rpm and 553 horsepower at 7,500 rpm. Like on every California T, the engine's boost manager only lets you access 442 lb-ft in the first three gears, with each successive gear unlocking a little more torque until you reach seventh, where the maximum is available. This helps make the California T drivable and has the added benefit of flexibility once in the tall top gear. While that is all stock on the California T, the seven-speed dual-clutch Getrag gearbox is the first part of the car to receive the Handling Speciale treatment. Ferrari rewrote its software to make it shift more aggressively both up (30 percent quicker) and down (40 percent quicker), particularly in the car's two sportier driving modes.

Custom-built Subaru Impreza is set to break Isle of Man record

Last week Prodrive showed off the 2016 Subaru WRX STI it built for a record attempt at the Isle of Man TT's Snaefell Mountain Course. And now Subaru is officially going back to the Isle of Man to break its own record. Once again Mark Higgins will drive the Impreza around the 37.7-mile road course. Higgens piloted record runs in 2011 and 2014. The most recent run established the current 19-minute, 15.9-second best time. This new car "will be considerably faster than the previous car," according to Dominick Infante, Manager of Product Communications for Subaru America. That's because the previous attempts were in mostly-stock versions of the Impreza WRX STI. The new car is a completely rebuilt, track-only special. Details on the engine and other specifics like aerodynamic tweaks are being held until the car's official launch. The Isle of Man Tourist Trophy is an annual time-attack motorcycle race on the small island located between the United Kingdom and Ireland. This year the event runs from May 28 to June 10. There are no sanctioned automotive races on the Isle of Man, so Subaru is essentially running the course for our entertainment. And as you can see in the video below from last year, it's riveting. We can't wait to see if the new car will break the 19-minute barrier. Subaru Racing Vehicles mark higgins

GM seatbelt recall affects over 1m Silverados and Sierras

The Basics: General Motors will recall 895,232 examples of the 2014-2015 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra 1500 pickups in the US. The campaign will also affect the trucks in markets worldwide, and the total number the company will recall is 1,037,982. The Problem: A steel cable connects the seatbelt to the vehicle, but over time repeated bending can cause the part to fatigue and separate. Injuries/Deaths: None reported. The Fix: Dealers will enlarge the side shield opening and install a pusher bracket on the tensioner. Technicians will also replace the entire tensioner assembly if necessary. If You Own One: GM will contact owners about the recall. The company hasn't said when those notifications would begin. More Information: There are still about 3,000 new examples of these older pickups at dealerships. Until mechanics fix the problem, these vehicles are subject to a stop-sale. Similar problems have affected the General's vehicles in the past. In 2015, the company recalled over 400,000 units of the 2011-2012 Chevrolet Malibu for fatiguing cables. It also hit over a million Lambda platform crossovers in 2014. GM Recalling Certain 2014-15 Pickups to Repair Seat Belts DETROIT – GM is voluntarily recalling 895,232 model year 2014-15 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra 1500 pickups in the United States because the flexible steel cable that connects the seat belt to the vehicle can fatigue and separate over time as a result of the driver repeatedly bending the cable when entering the seat. This issue was discovered through warranty data, and there have been no reports of crashes, injuries or fatalities related to this issue. For trucks in the field, dealers will enlarge the side shield opening, install a pusher bracket on the tensioner, and if necessary, replace the tensioner assembly. The recall in the United States includes a stop-sale of approximately 3,000 new 2014 and 2015 model year pickups still on dealer lots. Dealers will repair the vehicles prior to delivering them to customers. Customers will be notified by General Motors. They also can look up their vehicle identification number (VIN) at either https://vinrcl.safercar.gov/vin/ website or at https://my.gm.com/web/portal/ownercenter to see if their vehicle is part of the recall. GM also will voluntarily recall and repair these models in other countries where they are sold, including Canada, Mexico, and several countries in Latin America and the Middle East.

Someone is tipping over Car2go Smart ForTwos again

Reportedly, a Car2go ForTwo was tipped over in Seattle on Wednesday, and the Denver police are currently investigating five incidents. "Technically, yeah it is cow tipping, but I'm hoping that it doesn't catch on," says Car2Go customer Daniel Martin from Seattle. "Car tipping" has been a thing ever since microcars became widely available last century. Many a BMW Isetta or a Mini owner left for work only to find their vehicle lifted to another spot or tipped over. In Europe, where plastic-bodied, diesel-engined quadricycles are popular with teenagers too young for a full driver's license, the light vehicles can sometimes be found lying on their roof or on their side – and it's not uncommon for Dutch microcars to end up in the country's numerous canals. Smart cars are especially vulnerable in the eyes of troublemakers, and Car2go ForTwos repeatedly fall victim to night time shenanigans. Multiple vehicles were also damaged during Vancouver's hockey riots in 2011. San Francisco has also had its share of not-so-Smart car vandalism, and the image above shows a car being inspected after a 2014 incident during a "spree" of Fortwo tippings. Car2go says that if your rental car is found not sitting on its wheels, they should be contacted so a solution can be found. Trying to lift a 1,800-pound city car by yourself isn't the kind of morning workout anyone needs. Related Video: Image Credit: Bloomberg via Getty Images Auto News Green Weird Car News smart Transportation Alternatives Ownership car2go smart car vandalism fortwo

Would you pay Lamborghini Aventador money for a Countach?

This pair of Lamborghini Countaches going up for auction at Silverstone are both anticipated to sell for around GBP300,000, which is equivalent to over $400,000. For that kind of money, you could buy a new Aventador – which only goes to show that supercars like the ones we had posted on our childhood bedroom walls are coming of age, and that some members of that generation have evidently done better financially than others. The red example is a 25th Anniversary edition, arguably the ultimate version of the Countach with all its squared-off vents, slats, and miscellaneous aerodynamic appendages. This particular example belonged to Cleo Roberts, wife of Carroll Shelby, and it's the first time it's going up for sale in 16 years. Joining it is an earlier Countach 5000 S in white that once belonged to a Saudi Prince. This variant was even more rare than the 25th Anniversary edition (with 320 made versus 627), boasts royal pedigree, and recently underwent a thorough restoration. So even with more miles on the clock (30,000 versus 8,000), it's expected to bring in slightly more once the two cross the auction block at the famed British racing circuit later next month. Related Video: PAIR OF SPECIAL LAMBORGHINIS COULD BE YOURS Two very special Lamborghini Countachs have recently joined Silverstone Auctions' May Sale, taking place on Friday 20th May at Silverstone race circuit. The first of the two examples is a 1989 Lamborghini Countach 25th Anniversary edition, one of just 627 made to celebrate Lamborghini's 25th birthday, and the most refined and powerful version of the Countach produced before it was superseded by the Diablo. Designed by none other than Horacio Pagani, creator of the iconic Zonda, the 25th Anniversary edition features bespoke wheel arch extensions, extended air intake ducts and a new rear engine cover design, as well as increased torque and performance with a top speed of 185mph. Now offered for sale for the first time in 16 years, this particular right-hand drive example was previously owned by Cleo Roberts, who went on to become the wife of legendary automotive designer, racing driver, and entrepreneur Carroll Shelby. This highly collectible Lamborghini is expected to achieve GBP250,000 to GBP300,000 at auction having covered just 8,000 miles from new, and is presented today in excellent condition and finished in its original colour combination of Rosso with Bianco leather.

2017 Subaru Forester has new face, better EyeSight, torque vectoring

The Forester was Subaru's best-selling vehicle in the US last year, and holds that title so far in 2016. With stiff competition in the crossover segment, though, Subaru isn't resting on that success. A refresh to the Forester for the 2017 model year adds more tech, and updated face, and a quieter interior. Plus you can now get torque vectoring on the 2.0-liter turbo, just like in the Impreza WRX and STI. The updated Forester arrives at dealerships in July. Most significant among the updates is a an upgrade to Subaru's Eyesight safety system. Eyesight uses two cameras in the windshield to read the road ahead and provide emergency braking and adaptive cruise control. With the new model year the system now uses color cameras with a winder and longer field of view. The tech suite includes Lane Keep Assist, and higher trims benefit from additional improvements like High Beam Assist, Steering Responsive Headlights, and Reverse Automatic Braking, which can automatically stop the CUV if it detects an obstruction behind the car. The 2017 Forester's design tweaks are minor but attractive. The new grille features horizontal bars, and the updated front fascia for naturally aspirated models has a larger body-color section around the air dam. The headlights feature C-shaped LED running lights, too. Riding in the Forester should be quieter thanks to thicker door glass, new seals, additional under-floor insulation, and an acoustic glass windshield. There's also a redesigned steering wheel, and it's even heated on the Touring trim. Customers can still choose between a 170-horsepower naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four cylinder or a 250-horsepower 2.0-liter turbo four. Subaru worked some engineering magic on the 2.5 and upped the fuel economy 26 miles per gallon city, 32 mpg highway, and 28 mpg combined – gains of 2 mpg city and 1 mpg combined. Subaru's venerable all-wheel drive layout also now includes Active Torque Vectoring on the Forester 2.0XT Touring with EyeSight for even sharper handling. Related Video: 2017 SUBARU FORESTER OFFERS ADVANCED SAFETY FEATURES AND GREATER COMFORT AND PERFORMANCE April 14, 2016 New Driver Assist Technology Improved MPG Upgraded Comfort and Style Turbo Model Now Features Torque Vectoring Cherry Hill, N.J. - Subaru of America, Inc. today announced a comprehensive update to the 2017 Forester including revised styling, new driver assist technology, more interior comfort, enhanced driving performance, and better fuel economy.

Aston Martin GT8 is lightest and most powerful V8 Vantage ever

Aston Martin has revealed the upcoming GT8 variant, a race-inspired limited edition much like the earlier GT12. Only 150 will be built – 50 more than the 12-cylinder sibling. And like the GT12, none of those will be coming to North America, either. The car has already been offered to select customers, with a sketch depicting the car but without finalized photos, as the manufacturer wanted to keep the car under wraps until the unveiling. As the GT12 uses the six-liter V12 engine, the GT8 is based on the Vantage V8 and uses a 4.7-liter powerplant with 446 horsepower, a slight hike from the regular car's output. The bodywork has been made out of carbon fiber, granting it the title of being the lightest and most powerful V8 Vantage built. According to Aston Martin, all the bodywork is race-bred and not just there for show. Aston's Director of Special Projects and Motorsport, David King says that Aston Martin has "long desired to create a road car that truly reflects our racing activity at Le Mans", and that the GT8 achieves that. View 13 Photos Regarding the choice of transmission, the GT8 follows in the footsteps of the GT12 – either a six-speed manual or the seven-speed Sportshift II paddle-shift, whichever seems to suit the buyer of the motorsport-themed car. The buyer can also decide on optional weight saving measures, as the roof is also available in carbon fiber and the side and rear windows in polycarbonate. Still, there are A/C and audio systems to make the limited edition car a little more bearable than its racing counterparts. There are three optional "Halo" paint schemes to choose from, combining China Grey with blue, Stratus White with green and Stirling Green with lime detailing, the last of which is seen in these press images. Prices start from GBP165,000 ($233,880) and deliveries commence in late 2016. Related Video: News Source: Aston MartinImage Credit: Aston Martin Aston Martin Coupe Racing Vehicles Special and Limited Editions Supercars Videos vantage v8

BMW recalls 2016 7 Series because airbags might not deploy

The Basics: BMW will recall 6,110 units of the 2016 7 Series, including versions of the 740 and 750 models with production dates from July 1, 2015, to December 11, 2015. The Problem: The luxury sedans have an airbag control module that could randomly reset because of an electrical short. If a driver has an accident while the system is resetting, then the airbags might not deploy. Injuries/Deaths: None reported. The Fix: Dealers will replace the air bag control module. If You Own One: The recall will begin on May 16. Related Video: RECALL Subject : Air Bags may not Deploy due to Residue on Module Report Receipt Date: MAR 25, 2016 NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V173000 Component(s): AIR BAGS Potential Number of Units Affected: 6,110 All Products Associated with this Recall Vehicle Make Model Model Year(s) BMW 740LI 2016 BMW 750LI 2016 BMW 750LXI 2016 Details Manufacturer: BMW of North America, LLC SUMMARY: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2016 740Li, 750Li, and 750Lxi vehicles manufactured July 1, 2015, to December 11, 2015. The affected vehicles have an air bag control module that may randomly reset due to an electrical short circuit as a result of residual metallic particles from the manufacturing process. CONSEQUENCE: In the event of a crash while the air bag module is resetting, the air bags may not deploy, increasing the risk of occupant injury. REMEDY: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the air bag control module, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin May 16, 2016. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417. NOTES: Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Celebrate Volvo's 89th birthday with some neat facts

Volvo, arguably Sweden's best-known non-ABBA export, will celebrate the big 9-0 next year. The company has always operated somewhat under the radar, but it has its share of stories to tell despite an image formed by decades of solid, safe, and sensible cars. To celebrate the occasion, here are five lesser-known facts about Sweden's last remaining car brand. 1. It opened North America's first foreign car plant. Idyllic Halifax was a small fishing city of about a quarter-million in the early 1960s when Volvo arrived and became the first import brand to build cars en masse in North America. American consumers on the East Coast developed a fondness for the Volvo Amazon line in the late 1950s, leading Volvo to seek out a plant in the Americas. Halifax ponied up incentives, allowing Volvo to take advantage of a pact eliminating tariffs on cars built and exported between the United States and Canada. Volvo built cars there until the end of 1998, when it said its facility was no longer viable compared to larger factories in Europe. That brings us to The Netherlands, where Volvo bought a quirky, innovative automaker that once sold a car called the Daffodil (which was actually its luxury model). 2. You can thank Volvo for CVTs – even though it doesn't use them. Volvo wasn't interested in picking flowers. It wanted the automotive arm of truck manufacturer DAF, which would include its assembly plant, its Renault engines, and the first mainstream application of the CVT gearbox. Volvo acquired DAF's car business over the course of a few years in the early 1970s and, in typical Volvo safety-oriented style, it slapped big bumpers and head restraints on the little DAF 66 and rebadged it as the Volvo 66. The Dutch assembly plant would grow to include a partnership with Mitsubishi in the early '90s. Today, it operates as NedCar and builds Mini Coopers for BMW. Volvo is no longer involved in NedCar or DAF (which sold its CVT division to Bosch, by the way), but its acquisition of DAF helped ensure the success of CVTs. Ironically, even though Volvo's investment helped make CVTs mainstream, the Swedish automaker's affair with them was brief, and today it utilizes only conventional automatics. 3. The Swedish carmakers were pals. Over its 89 years, Volvo has been closely connected to a number of automakers – most notably Ford, which ran the company for a decade, and its current owner Geely. But Volvo is most closely linked to its longtime competitor, Saab.