In less than two months time, the premium compact SUV segment welcomed no less than three new memebers: the Volvo XC60 that premiered in Since design is a major plus in this segment, what we want ask you is if, and which of the three compact SUVs impressed you the most in terms of styling. You can see pictures of the Volvo XC60 here, of the Audi Q5 here and of the Mercedes Benz GLK here. Leave your thoughts in the comment section below.
We weren’t planning on fully redesigning our site but as we were searching for ways to optimize our template, one thing lead to another and two weekends latter, voila; the all-new Carscoop 3.0. Designed in-house (literally….) this is a brand new template that’s based on an XML and not HTML platform as the two previous facelifts. Upon designing the new Carscoop, we set two basic goals: function and aesthetics. If we were to pick out the most prominent changes from each category we’d choose the new header with the Carscoop logo that was inspired from car badges (hence the glossy, chrome look) and the “previous” and “next” page function. The latter allowed us to reduce the number of posts on the first page since all you have to do to see our previous articles is to simply press the “next page” button.
We’re still working on some minor cosmetic details along with adding more goodies on the side bars, but for time being, we would really like to hear what you have to say about our redesign and most importantly, let us know any suggestions you may have to better improve Carscoop. Have your say in the comment section below.
A couple of weekends ago we asked you to tell us if you had about $20k+, what would you buy; a base Dodge Challenger SE V6 or a VW Golf GTi – see here. To be blunt, neither of those models have that something special. The Challenger that we all openly want is of course the top-end SRT8 with its 425 Hp 6.1-liter HEMI V8However, at about $38k, it’s just a mere $2k cheaper from one of the best RWD 4seater-coupes in the market; the BMW 335i Coupe with its high-tech, twin-turbocharged six-cylinder unit. At a first glance, the bimmer’s 305 Hp straight-six seems no match for the HEMI’s 425 Hp.
And truth is, that according to the manufacturers’ official data, the SRT8 is manages to beat the 335i in the zero to 60 MPH sprint by nearly half a second (SRT8: 4.9 sec vs 335i: 5.3 sec). On the other hand, Motortrend managed to lower the 335i’s 0-60 time to just 5.1 sec while C&D did even better with just 4.9 sec (the SRT8 hasn’t been tested yet). So having said that, where would your $40k go: the retro-styled V8 American muscle car or the sleek, high-tech German GT? Have your say at the comment section.
Our question of the day is rather simple but also quiet interesting; we’d like to know what’s the highest sum you ever paid for a planned service on your car. For example, I still remember with ache the equivalent of 700 USD that I paid in
Whilst Even though we warmly support our "amigos" over at Jalopnik who have launched a campaign supporting the name "El Camino", we'd like to hear what you think is the most appropriate name for the G8 Sport Truck. Mind you, since we deeply appreciate people with a good sense of humor, your naming propositions don't have to be serious... (Pic: Carscoop)
While I figure that I still have a few years in front of me until I settle in, open up a house, get two or three dogs, make a couple of kids and if all goes well, get married too (…), I’ve spotted a few station wagon models out there that I wouldn’t mind at all owning right here, right now. First of all, it goes without saying that just because you want a practical station wagon model, it doesn’t mean that it has to look like your uncle Tom’s Buick Roadmaster…With that said, I picked out the two most beautiful SWs in my opinion: the Audi A4 Avant and the Alfa Romeo 159 SportWagon. While both models are available with punchy V6 gasoline engines, I’d opt for a diesel version and in particular, the 240 Hp 3.0 TDI quattro for the A4 Avant and the 200HP 2.4 JTDM Q4 (AWD) for the utterly sexy Alfa 159 SW (in Ti spec).
If money isn’t an issue, then all roads point to the trio of German powerhouses: the 507 Hp V10-powered BMW M5 Touring; the 580 Hp twin-turbocharged V10 Audi RS6 and the 453 Hp 6.3-liter V8-powered Mercedes-Benz C 63 AMG Estate (it looks so much better than the E 63 AMG). Now, would you have a problem tying the knot if your future father in law promised you one of these supercars dressed in sheep’s skin? That is, unless you have reasons to beleive that the bride is in fact a wolf dressed in a sheep's clothing... (Pics edited by Carscoop)
The term déjà vu is French and it literally means, “Already seen”. As with most auto shows, we got that overwhelming sense of familiarity with some of the vehicles that made their debut at Just to set things straight, we’re not saying that these vehicles are the product of cloning, but they do share a number of common design elements with other cars. Sometimes, this is more obvious like for example the front-end of the Kia KOUP Concept with that of the Euro Honda Civic Type-R, other times, less apparent, like the overall shape of the Hyundai Genesis Coupe compared to that of the Infinit G37 Coupe. –Check out our comparisons right after the jump
Saleen Raptor vs Lamborghini Gallardo
Scion Hako Concept vs Rolls Royce 101EX (Coupe)
Kia KOUP Concept vs Acura RSX
Kia KOUP Concept vs European Honda Civic Type-R
2009 Acura TSX vs 2009 European Honda Accord
Pontiac G8 Sport Truck vs Holden Ute
Hyundai Genesis Coupe vs Infiniti G37 Coupe
At the New York Auto Show, Dodge announced that the entry-level version of the 2009 Challenger coupe, the SE that’s powered by Chrysler’s 250 Hp 3.5-liter V6 unit matted to a 4-speed automatic gearbox will be priced in the low $20,000s. Now, let’s say you’re in the market searching for a brand-new sports car in that price range. Would you prefer an underpowered but attention grabbing rear-wheel-drive coupe like the base Challenger SE from an undiluted sport hatch like the 200Hp VW Golf GTI (priced from around $22k)? We’d also like to hear what our European friends have to say if these two cars where available for the same price in their home turf. Have your say in the comment section below. (Pic: Carscoop)
There’s not a single doubt in anyone’s mind that Alfa Romeo’s Mi.To sport hatch (pics & details here, video here)is aimed directly towards the MINI. And while we’ll have to drive the Mi.To to see if Alfa’s engineers have magically transformed its Fiat Grande Punto underpinnings, few will disagree with us when we say that the Mi.To’s 8c Competizione-inspired styling is awe-inspiring. What we want to hear from you is your initial thoughts on Alfa’s newest proposition and whether you’d seriously consider buying it over the MINI Cooper. Have your say in the comment section below. (Pic: Carscoop)
Speaking at the New York Auto Show, GM’s Vice Chairman Bob Lutz revealed that General Motors is considering a 4-cylinder engine for the new Chevrolet Camaro if fuel prices continue to hike. In particular, Lutz said that the drivetrain under consideration is the 260 Hp 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder unit from the Pontiac Solstice GXP.Now that made us think how V6 and V8-hungry American buyers would react to a 4-cylinder-powered muscle car, even if we’re talking about a modern, high-output, turbocharged unit. Our question is simple; would you prefer a 4-cylinder turbocharged engine over a naturally aspirated V6 unit with a similar output but with better fuel economy ratings and lower emissions on a Ford Mustang, Chevrolet Camaro or Dodge Challenger? Tell us what you think in the comment section below. (Pic: Carscoop)
This is an unusual post from Carscoop but we felt that we had to say something about a series of comments that we have been receiving from an individual(s) whenever we post something about Korean cars. Being negative or sarcastic is one thing and we totally appreciate hearing your thoughts, but calling people “idiots” or saying that they are worth dying in an accident if they own a Korean car for instance, is something unacceptable on our behalf (see one of the rejected comments after the jump). Don’t get us wrong; we support the freedom of speech with all our heart, but you have to draw the line somewhere. Your freedom stops where the other's freedom starts… -Continued
Just to get a taste fo what we're talking about, here’s one of the comments we decided to remove from our post on the Hyundai Genesis Coupe:
Anon#2: You are doing a GREAT JOB!!
Eveyone should know the truth about hyundai/kia, koreans know nothing but CHEATING,COPYING and PASTING.
I wonder what's in their brain... dog crap??
So as those ppl who said those garbages are "good"?! It's really SAD...
There should be a law: "People who have hyundai/kia, when they have accidents on the road, they should not be saved by people, they deserve to die in the accidents anyway, dont waste the resources on them please!!"
Since we learned last night that NBC has decided to revive Knight Rider (click here) with a new TV series next fall, we've been raking our brain to try and find the best candidate to surrogate Knight’s 1980’s Pontiac Firebird Trans-Am. Heck, we even stayed up last night playing around with photoshop just to see what KITT would look like if he were a Chevy Camaro –mmm, maybe, a Cadillac Cien –we liked this one, an Audi R8 –that sucked, even an Impreza WRX STi –that’ll piss off many Texans. Which one of today’s production cars/concepts do you think would be the ideal choice for KITT’s role? And oh, if you know your way around with Photoshop, don’t hesitate to e-mail us a pic! Have your say in the comments below. -Chops after the jump
Pics: Carscoop
With gas prices hiking up every month in the Question is, would you consider buying one, and if yes, it would be interesting to see if you'd be more prone to buy an American, Japanese, Korean or European diesel powered passenger vehicle. And if you’re wondering why we added American carmakers in the equation, the reason is, thanks to Ford’s, Chrysler’s and GM’s tie ups with their Euro counterparts, the former big three won’t have any trouble equipping several models in their range with diesel powertains. Share your thoughts with us by leaving a comment below. -Continued: Click "Read More..." below
Fuel chart via: gasbuddy
