Volkswagen has taken the Golf TDI BlueMotion for a 1,602-km (995-mile) trip from Nantes, France, to Copenhagen (Denmark) to demonstrate the fuel economy of the most frugal Golf model. The test run called "Think Blue. Eco Ride." was supervised by vehicle inspection company DEKRA and consisted of a trip from Nantes to Copenhagen without refueling.

The Golf TDI BlueMotion managed to cover the entire distance on a single tank of fuel, posting an average fuel consumption of 2.92 l/100 km (80.5 mpg US).

This figure was reached in normal traffic over a driving time of 20 hours and 45 minutes. The standard 50-liter fuel tank was filled in Nantes, where it was sealed by a DEKRA inspector. At the end of the trip, 46.92 liters of diesel were filled into the same tank under the supervision of the same inspector.

The route chosen by VW led from Nantes, the "European Green Capital 2013", via Paris, Antwerp, Bremen and Hamburg to Copenhagen, the "European Green Capital 2014".

The fuel economy result is below the Golf TDI BlueMotion's standard consumption figure based on the NEDC driving cycle of 3.2 l/100 km (73.5 mpg US). Powered by a 1.6-liter turbodiesel engine developing 110PS (108hp) and 250 Nm (184 lb-ft) of torque from as low as 1,500 rpm.

Aside from the frugal diesel engine, the Golf TDI BlueMotion also features a standard start-stop system and regenerative braking mode. In addition, fuel economy is boosted by the car's improved aerodynamics, lower weight, modified six-speed manual gearbox and low rolling resistance tires.

By Dan Mihalascu

When you have an army of cars fitted with cameras that are travelling around the world's four corners, recording spying every instance on the road and beyond, they're bound to capture all sorts of situations, ranging from embarrassing to illegal, and from strange and scary to just plain funny and everything in between.

Welcome to the fascinating world of Google Street View. The people at YouTube's Buzzfeed surfed around the internet and found some of the more special collections that have been discovered by a number of people – at least one (NSFW) of which, has been featured in our pages in the past.

Head past the jump for the (NSFW) video assembly as well as the actual Google Street View maps of all the scenes it contains.

Note: This page might take some time to fully load due to the maps, depending on your connection, so be patient...

Nissan has announced pricing for the all-new Qashqai crossover in the UK, with the base Visia model starting from £17,595 (€20,810). That is £700 (€828) more than the base model of the previous generation, according to Nissan's website. On sale from January 2014, the new Qashqai will be offered in four trim grades: Visia, Acenta, Acenta Premium and Tekna.

Base Visia models come with a range of new standard features including automatic air conditioning, Hill Start Assist, a five-inch colour HD infotainment screen, Chassis Control, TPMS (Tyre Pressure Monitoring System) and Speed Limiter/Cruise control.

Acenta models are available from £19,145 (€22,645) and add more features like dual-zone automatic air conditioning, leather steering wheel and gear knob, 17-inch alloy wheels and a Luggage Board System. Safety equipment includes front fog lamps, auto headlamps and rain-sensing wipers.

Both the Visia and Acenta models are available with the optional Smart Vision Pack (£450) that includes Nissan's Safety Shield system and other driver aids such as Front Collision Avoidance, Driver Attention Support and Traffic Sign Recognition.

Moving on up the line, Acenta Premium models are priced from £20,995 (€24,835) and bring additional equipment, including the new-generation NissanConnect infotainment system with DAB radio, a rear view camera, i-key Start Push Button, parking sensors and a panoramic glass roof. Safety features include Front Collision Avoidance, High Beam Assist and Lane Departure Warning.

Finally, top-of-the-line Tekna models start from £23,145 (€27,370) and add elements like Bi-LED headlamps, Safety Shield with Traffic Signal Recognition, High Beam Assist, 19-inch alloy wheels, roof rails, part-leather seats, a large glass roof, heated seats, front and rear parking sensors and Intelligent key with engine start button.

By Dan Mihalascu

Alfa Romeo has been trying to regain its status as a luxury sports car manufacturer in recent years, with models like the 8C Competizione/Spider and more recently, the 4C, both paying tribute to past models, in terms of naming and design.

Back in the golden days of Alfa Romeo, the carmaker also built a series of six-cylinder models called 6C, with various engines displacements and different bodywork types made by various coachbuilders.

A superb example is this 1947 Alfa Romeo 6C 2500 Sport Touring Berlinetta Coupe recently surfaced on eBay. The seller says the car still runs, although it has not been driven in 25 years and needs repairs.

As you can see from the pictures, this car must have made a powerful impression back in its day, thanks to its beautifully sculpted body crafted by Milan-based coachbuilder Carrozzeria Touring.

The seller says the Superleggera bodywork is in a good and sound state, and so is the red paint, which was applied back in the 1980s. There are, however, some chips in the paint and a couple of dents on the top of the front right wing.

On the inside, the 6C 2500 features loose-fitted light brown/beige leather and still features the original headlining. The car has been part of a collection for nearly 25 years and was last driven in the late 1980s. Necessary repairs include the engine (which needs to be gone over mechanically) and the electric wiring, that needs replacing.

Bidding originally started at $70,000 (€52,415), with the car changing hands for $245,100 (€182,000).

By Dan Mihalascu

We recently posted a story about Subaru's renunciation of the Tribeca SUV, a model that was the exact opposite of a sales hit, despite there being nothing terribly wrong with it. Now, Automotive News tells us that the Japanese manufacturer has confirmed through its president Yasuyuki Yoshinaga, that the replacement for the model being phased out will have seven seats, though he did not say when it was due exactly.

"I've received very strong requests from U.S. dealers for a multi-passenger, seven-seat vehicle," while adding that they "are planning to introduce it to the U.S. market."

However, Subaru will not merely switch production from the old model to the new one, as the two will have nothing in common. Yoshinaga explained, "The seven-passenger vehicle project is completely different… You won't see the new vehicle coming out immediately when Tribeca production ends."

Moreover, since the Tribeca is currently built in the US, and the upcoming seven-seater will also be US-biased, we can hypothesize that it too will be US-built. It's even suggested it may share underpinnings with the Exiga, a JDM-only estate-type of vehicle that has ample space inside and can seat the required number of passengers – it gets a raised third row of seats too.

By Andrei Nedelea

Note: STI-tuned 2009 Subaru Exiga pictured

Toyota is leaving plenty to our imagination with its latest release regarding a new study for a "Driver Awareness Research Vehicle" that will be officially revealed at the 2013 Los Angeles Auto Show next Wednesday, November 20.

Besides the fact that the Japanese carmaker did not publish any photos of the car whatsoever, the release itself is has an unnecessary…air of mystery about it:

"What if we could reduce driver distraction before ever putting a key in the ignition? That's the focus of the Driver Awareness Research Vehicle that Toyota will show."

If you're still with us (we won't blame if you've already changed page, but we will tip our hats to you if you didn't…), Toyota added that at the show, it will also share findings on driver distractions associated with voice command systems, and talk about a new driving simulator "that will enhance our understanding of how drivers and cars interact as we move closer to fully automated forms of driving".

There's a reason for which the Cayenne is by far Porsche's best-selling model - apart from being an SUV. Few cars of this type manage to combine sports car-like performance with good off-road capabilities, and the contrast is most striking on the Porsche Cayenne Turbo S.

Packing 550 PS (543hp) and 750 Nm (553 lb-ft) from a 4.2-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine, the range-topping Cayenne sprints from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 4.3 seconds – the same as the Porsche 911 Carrera S coupe.

Furthermore, it holds itself well in curves and has been described by many reviewers as the best SUV in terms of dynamics. What we haven't seen too often though is a Cayenne Turbo S taking on an off-road course.

Porsche's Chief Driving Consultant Gordon Robertson drove the Cayenne Turbo S at the Porsche Experience Centre Silverstone both on the handling and off-road circuits to demonstrate the SUV's dual personality. Scroll down to see the 543hp Cayenne tackling 45-degree hill descents, as well as steep and uneven side-slopes.

By Dan Mihalascu

Welcome to today's guessing game, courtesy of Mercedes-Benz's high-performance AMG arm, which released the above cropped photo of an upcoming new model together with the following message:

"Want to take a glimpse into the future? Over the next few days we will uncover a new member of the AMG family, bit by bit. This first picture shows a front splitter made of visible carbon. Any idea what is coming?"

To help you out, we've lumped together a gallery of photos of AMG's current portfolio of models.

For what it's worth, the lower bumper vents seen in the teaser look similar to those of the SLS AMG, which we will remind you, is rumored to appear in a new Final Edition guise at the Los Angeles Auto Show next week.

Story References: AMG via Worldcarfans

Modernizing classic cars is nothing new in the tuning industry, but the creative minds at Ultimate Auto, whom you may remember from last year's Dodge Challenger SRT-8 Widebody tune, went the whole nine yards with the 2013 SEMA Show offering, aptly named "Ultimate 67".

And yes, it's based on a first generation 1967 Chevrolet Camaro, but the similarities might as well end there as Ultimate Auto, with the support of a number of aftermarket companies, turned the classic muscle car inside out.

There's a host of exterior modifications such as the hand fabricated, widened rear fenders, sectioned and recessed bumpers, a modern front valance with LED headlamps, custom grille, carbon fiber spoilers, aprons and skirts, custom Borla exhaust pipes and LED tail lamps.

The body itself is painted in a unique BASF R-M Carizzma "Ruthless Red" finish and comes with hand laid carbon fiber accents, while the car rides on bespoke Vellano VKS wheels size 20-inches at the front and 21-inches at the back, wrapped in Pirelli's 265/30-20 and 355/25-21 P-Zero ultra-high performance tires respectively.

The interior melds components from the 2013 Camaro with hand fabricated composite panels wrapped in Italian leather, and also features a high-end audio system.

At the heart of the tune and under the futuristic engine compartment cover lies a supercharged GM Performance LS9 V8 paired to a Tremec T-56 transmission.

Mercedes-Benz is reportedly developing a new range of in-line six-cylinder engines that will debut on the next-generation E-Class. Straight-six engines had long been a hallmark of Mercedes-Benz vehicles, but in the mid-1990s, these powerplants were discontinued, with V6 units taking their place.

However, according to a report from Autocar, Mercedes-Benz wants to bring them back, with the new engines being part of a new modular powertrain architecture that will also include three- and four-cylinder units. The new engine family is expected to launch in 2016 on the next-generation E-Class (codenamed W213).

There are no details yet about the new inline-six cylinder engines, but Mercedes will probably launch both petrol and diesel variants. What is also uncertain is what will happen to V6 units: they could be replaced by the new straight-six units or the new engines could simply complete the range.

The upcoming C-Class is likely to get the new engine family in 2017 when its first restyling is scheduled. The three-cylinder unit will no doubt be a peculiar presence among the new engines, but the small powerplant is said to offer enough refinement to be worthy of the star brand.

The report says the future E-Class will also debut the "Autobahn Pilot" system, which is an "autonomous driving assistant with an overtaking function". The technology will be offered on the C-Class as well.

Speaking of the C-Class, the AMG model is said to get a new twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 engine, mated to a seven-speed automatic transmission and optional all-wheel drive.

By Dan Mihalascu

It's only human to experience a certain degree of fear when exposed to heights. How much, naturally, differs from person to person.

Who knows if these men in the SUV trying to cross an extremely narrow and dangerous dirt road on a mountain, some "2,000 feet" above a river (about 600 meters, according to one of the passengers), are laughing because they find it amusing or if they're trying to mask their fears.

I'll be the first to admit that I wouldn't feel one bit comfortable in this situation, especially If I wasn't the one behind the wheel…

There's no mention where this drive took place, nor if this is the original video, so if you happen to know more, please do share in the comments.

Toyota's Aqua G Sports concept won't be the only car using the Aqua name at the upcoming Tokyo Motor Show. Toyota will unveil two more concepts called Aqua Cross and Aqua Air.

While there's not much information about the former, the latter came to our attention via a report from Yahoo Japan. The roadster study approaches the hybrid vehicle theme in a more entertaining way and may preview a future convertible hybrid model.

The concept has B-segment proportions, as it is 3,990mm (157 in) long, 1,690mm (66.5 in) wide and 1,440mm (56.7 in) tall, with a wheelbase of 2,550mm (100.4 in).

The Aqua Air study features the same hybrid powertrain of the Aqua G Sports, consisting of a 1.5-liter Atkinson cycle petrol engine, an electric motor and a CVT transmission. Combined output is 100 horsepower, with average fuel economy rated at 35.4 km/liter in Japan (2.82 l/100 km/83.2 mpg US).

Design-wise, the Aqua Air looks sportier and sleeker than the Aqua G Sports, but retains elements like the wide trapezoidal grille and triangular headlights. There are no other details so far, other than the concept will join an extended range of Toyota studies at the show, including the JPN Taxi, Noah and Voxy minivans, the futuristic FV2, the FCV and the FT-86.

By Dan Mihalascu

Coming soon to Mercedes-Benz's freshened lineup is the new, second generation GLK luxury crossover. While we have spied it before, this time, our man with the stretched lens sneaked up to a tester and for the first time, captured photos of its interior.

If you've seen the official imagery of the upcoming 2015 Mercedes-Benz C-Class –if you haven't, click here – you will immediately notice the similarities in the design and layout, from the three-spoke steering wheel and deeply recessed instrument panel gauges, to the HVAC controls and the absence of the traditional auto shifter.

As with the new C-Class, with which the next GLK is mechanically related to, the SUV will come with a 7- or an optional 8.4-inch screen with the COMAND Online package hooked on the top of the center console. Overall, the design of the dashboard is a welcome change over the timeworn current model.

On the outside, Mercedes seems to have abandoned the first GLK's overly square lines for a more streamlined and stylish body that will grow in size to better accommodate passengers and their luggage.

The entire engine lineup will be shared with the new C–Class, including gasoline, diesel and possibly even hybrid powerplants, with the next GLK also benefitting from the same weight savings as its sedan brethren for improved performance and fuel economy.

Photo Credits: CarPix for CarScoopS

The 1980s Audi Sport Quattro was essentially a road-going version of the Audi Sport Quattro S1 rally car, and in this respect, it is one of the most sought-after and rare "young-timer" cars. With 306PS (302hp) on tap from a 2.1-liter 5-cylinder turbocharged engine and all-wheel drive, it remains a very capable sports car even when compared to today's models.

In a promotional video meant to highlight the connection between the Sport Quattro and the latest S3, Audi staged a rally duel between the two cars. The Audi S3 hatchback features a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine producing 300 PS (296hp).

The location for the duel was an old stage of the Rallye San Remo in Italy, between Torre a Castello and Asciano. The Sport Quattro, which may be revived in the near future, was driven by legendary rally driver Stig Blomqvist, while the S3 was driven by Hermann J. Müller.

You'll have to watch the video to find out which car was faster.

By Dan Mihalascu

Deep down inside you knew it was only a matter of playing the waiting game before someone took the purportedly, but not yet confirmed, official photos of the 2015 Subaru WRX and applied some Photoshop magic to turn them into the new STI.

The rendering job from the folks over at Autofans includes the STI sub-brand's traditional blue color for the body and gold rims, together with a more prominent hood scoop, a weight-saving carbon fiber roof and naturally, a massive rear wing.

As of now, Subaru has only confirmed the world premiere of the lesser WRX at next week's LA Auto Show, and has made no mention of the 2015 WRX STI, which may be presented at another event.

Thanks to Sven from Autofans for the photos!

The Peugeot 208 will apparently follow in the footsteps of the 308 in terms of high-performance versions. Peugeot has already confirmed that it will build the 308 R concept, and now it looks like the 208 will get an R version as well.

Peugeot CEO Maxime Picat said the carmaker is currently working on a 208 R that would sit on top of the 208 GTI in the company's B-segment lineup.

"Above the 208 GTI, we will soon have an even sportier 208 R, which is a good example of what we would like to add to top the 308 range," Picat said in an interview with Autonews Europe.

Although he gave no other details about the hot 208, it's safe to assume the 208 R will be built using the same formula as the 308 R pre-production study and the RCZ R.

While the 208 GTI is powered by a 197hp (200PS) version of the 1.6-liter turbocharged petrol engine, the 208 would probably get the highly-tuned version of the same unit that produces 267hp (271PS) on the RCZ R. Peak output may be reduced, however, so that the 208 R's performance doesn't eclipse the 308 R and RCZ R.

Just like in the case of the 308 R, Peugeot may preview the production version of the 208 R with a thinly disguised concept car.

By Dan Mihalascu

Note: Peugeot 208 GTI pictured

If BMW keeps its usual seven- to eight-year long product cycle, then the prototypes of the next, seventh generation 5-Series Sedan and Touring (estate) seen in these spy pictures will mature into production models sometime from late 2016 to early 2017, given that the current F10 was revealed in November 2009 and released in May the following year.

There are very few confirmed details about the new 5-Series, but we can expect some significant weight savings, possibly up to 100kg (220 pounds) on average over the current car through the use of more aluminum and other light materials on both the chassis and body panels, as well a wave of improved turbocharged gasoline and diesel, units.

Hybrid and plug-in hybrid variants that will benefit from the cooperation between the BMW Group and Toyota, together, of course, with a range topping M5 version, will complete the range.

As for the styling, BMW is likely to follow an evolutionary approach, with these early (and heavily camouflaged) examples featuring a lower front end, and in the case of the sedan, a sleeker roofline ending as well.

Photo Credits: CarPix for CarScoopS

Who would have ever thought that your regular BMX bike, you know, the one you used as a kid imagining it was a Ducati, cannot handle highway speeds…

These gifted men took their friend on a BMX for a ride on the road and he let go after they reached a speed of around 50 mph (approximately 80 km/h). Need we tell you what happened next?

No we don't, but we will mention what the rider said on his YouTube channel after the incident, which took place last year:

"I was blasting down this hill like iv done 100s of times but this time my headset came loose and my tire stared swapping side to side and sent me into a speed wabble."

You can "wabble" your way down the break and entertain yourself for a minute (more if you press replay, which you will likely do) with the video. 

Regardless if you approve or disapprove of the styling choices made by the teams that worked for TS Designs and Forgiato on the SEMA Show Chevrolet Corvette Stingray, you must admit that their creation doesn't go by unnoticed.

Finished in what Forgiato describes as an "Aston Martin blue paint job", the C7 parade car is fitted with a wide body kit that adds several inches on both ends of the ride to make space for the deep-dish Forgiato Maglia-ECL cut-spoke wheels (21-inches at the front and 22-inches at the back) in a two-tone shade that matches the rest of the build.

Other touches include the reworked rear diffuser and the completely new front grille that works together with a carbon fiber lip spoiler.

Take a closer look at the car in the gallery and videos below before you share your thoughts in the comments.

Mercedes-Benz is refreshing its UK lineup of A-Class hatchbacks and B-Class small MPVs with the introduction of new ECO versions and the addition of AWD editions for both models.

Available from January 2014, the new A 180 CDI ECO SE and B 180 CDI ECO SE replace the regular A 180 CDI and B 180 CDI.

They combine the Renault-sourced 109bhp 1.5-liter turbo diesel with a series of fuel-saving measures that include the use of an aerodynamic grille element, underbody paneling and lowered suspension (-10 mm front and 15 mm rear for A-Class, and 20 mm at the front and 15 mm at the rear for B-Class). They also feature manual gearboxes with longer ratios in the higher gears, an improved energy recuperation system and a lighter fuel tank

Mercedes says that compared to the standard A 180 CDI, CO2 emissions have been reduced by six per cent to 92 g/km, with combined fuel consumption increased to 78.5 mpg UK (versus 74.3 mpg on the outgoing model). On the B 180 CDI ECO SE emissions were reduced to 98 g/km CO2 or nine percent, while fuel economy jumped eight per cent to 74.3 mpg UK.

Despite the economy gains, Mercedes states that power, torque, top speed and 0-60 mph acceleration, remains unchanged for both models.

Along with the new ECO variants, Benz is introducing the four-wheel drive system first seen on the CLA 250 4MATIC, on both the A- and B-Class, again from January 2014. In particular, the A 250 4MATIC will be available in both AMG Sport and Engineered by AMG trim, while the the B 220 4MATIC, exclusively in Sport trim.

In terms of pricing, the A 180 CDI ECO SE will start from £21,965 on the road, the B 180 CDI ECO SE from £22,950 OTR, the A 250 4MATIC from £28,985 OTR for the AMG Sport trim and £30,905 for the Engineered by AMG trim, and the B 220 4MATIC, at £28,135 OTR.

Mercedes-Benz is one of Wald International's favorite brands, so it makes sense that the Japanese tuner would jump on the opportunity to develop a package for the German carmaker's new top luxury saloon offering, the recently launched W222 S-Class.

Wald has named its kit the Sports Line Black Bison Edition and from the single rendering released today, we see that it will include a re-done front bumper with added LED daytime running lights, lower ride, different (optional) alloy wheels and side skirts, while a different rear bumper with the company's signature stacked exhaust pipes is a given.

That's all we have for the time being, with Wald promising to reveal photos and details of its S-Class tune in the very near future.

In spite of what the title of this article may have you believe, the recently revealed 2015 Ford Ka concept doesn't really appear to have anything in common with what those who know the Ka associate with.

The car we have here is for all intents and purposes, a different Fiesta that uses a name that since 1996 has been synonymous with very small dimensions, two doors and unbeatable agility around crowded cities (more so with the first-gen and less so with the latest Fiat 500-based model).

Granted, no information on dimensions were provided, so it may very well be smaller than the regular Fiesta, though knowing that car, it would translate into a completely unusable back seat if the same style of interior packaging is used.

This all-new model, which seems to have been styled along the same lines as the older Escort concept, and since the old one wasn't an eyesore, this new Ka is not bad either. Revealed yesterday in Brazil, it's design is the work of Ford's Brazilian design team, but unlike the Escort, this is a production model in disguise, with blacked out windows and most likely no interior (yet).

It features LED headlights, the now-trademark Aston Martin-esque grille and pleasing proportions from any angle, though the back is a bit anonymous - if we were to edit out the badge, and not tell you what it is, you'd be hard-pressed to peg it down as a Blue Oval car…

Expect to see this again, actual production form, closer to its suspected release date, sometime around the middle of next year when it becomes available in Brazil, likely as the Figo.

Scroll down and check out the gallery below.

By Andrei Nedelea

Story References: Indianautosblog via Novidadesautomotivas

The MKC, the second of four all-new vehicles Lincoln plans to launch to facilitate the brand's "reinvention," has just been revealed (likely ahead of its debut at the Los Angeles motor show – the automaker didn't say).

First shown in concept form in Detroit earlier this year, the MKC changes little from show car to production model, and retains the stylish edge it has over the more mundane Ford Escape (Kuga in Europe) on which it's mechanically based.

So, since it basically looks the same as the concept which we already know, we'll try to focus on the more practical stuff, like engine choices. The MKC's basic power plant will be Ford's 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine that delivers 240 hp, however, it will also serve as the rollout vehicle for the new 2.3-liter EcoBoost unit that will also be found under the bonnets of the new Ford Mustang and new Focus RS. It makes a claimed 275 hp in this application at a lowly 5,500 rpm, as well as 300 lb-ft (406 Nm) at 3,000 rpm.

As standard, it will come with front-wheel drive, though Lincoln's Intelligent All-Wheel Drive and 19-inch wheels are available to enhance the driving dynamics.

On the tech side of things, it offers frontal collision warning and mitigation, lane-keep assist and a smart parking system that not only steers the car into a spot, but also out of it. A Blind Spot Information System is also available, as is cross-traffic alert, "which detects traffic as the vehicle backs from a parking space."

It can even be specified with a new system called Approach Detection, which as its name so evidently suggests is aware of the driver's position, and once he or she gets close enough it "issues a warm welcome that includes illuminated welcome mats next to both front doors and soft lighting in the door-handle pockets" – it's one of the videos linked below.

The rest is pretty much what you'd expect from a production version of the MKC, coming with all the gadgets already offered on other Fords and Lincolns and the inherent image problem that the latter brings about. However, they're hopeful with this one, as it is set to go into production in the second quarter of 2014, with first showroom deliveries beginning next summer.

Finally, along with the new posh crossover, Ford's luxury arm is also launching Lincoln Experiences "to cater to today's progressive luxury car buyer," that feature "highly crafted new products, luxurious automotive features and an enhanced dealership experience."

By Andrei Nedelea