Production Cars
The latest info on production automobiles based off facts, not speculation.
The G-Power BMW M6 Coupe. Bringing Power To The Masses.
![G-Power-2012-BMW-M6-Coupe-2$[5]](http://gearheads.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/G-Power-2012-BMW-M6-Coupe-25.jpg)
For many drivers who perform the everyday tasks of taking themselves to, and from work on an everyday basis, would normally never notice something different when it passes them by on the road. Not unless it was something either in an extremely hideous color, or a very odd shape, but nevertheless they really wouldn’t catch sight of anything remotely odd. With that said what of the drivers who notice just about everything on the roads? The ones like you or me, who would notice that body kit on a car that’s traveling in the opposite direction at over 55mph, and could actually name the type of kit it was? Yes, we do exist.
So like me, there were some other people who noticed similar vehicular car qualities, and decided to make something better out of something that was already great. There’s a company by the name of G-Power that has been around for quite a bit of time, and they seem to love to do nothing more than tune the HELL out of a BMW. In this instance, we find that the teams over at G-Power have decided to bust up a few knuckles on a brand new BMW M6 Coupe. Just to let you know, this isn’t their first rodeo.
When the BMW M6 Coupe rolls of the assembly line, it comes with a standard 553hp, and 500lb feet of torque, but like with any good tuner, stock numbers are not enough to
live by. G-Power bumped up the power to a whopping 631hp, and 558lb feet of torque, by adding in a twin turbo charged system, which is just enough to get this slick looking car going sideways, or in any direction for that matter.
Just like their last projects, G-Power included more in their projects than just power. In this highly tuned BMW M6, there is also a newly developed sport suspension package consisting of coil over shocks, and upgraded bushings. Low profile Z rated tires help deliver all of the new found torque that’s hitting the road, and stopping this beast is the latest in Carbon Fiber braking technology. Finish off the package with a Titanium exhaust, and a very sexy looking body kit and you have yourself a winner. Being that this BMW M6 is G-Power’s third time messing around with a Beemer, you can expect to see more parts being thrown at this model in the upcoming future.
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Categories: Auto Speculation & Rumors, Automotive News, Production Cars Tags: BMW M6, G-Power Tuning
Automotive Recalls. The 2013 VW Beetle’s Airbag Issue.
With all of Volkswagen’s great, and colorful improvements that have been made to the 2012, and 2013 Beetle, you had to figure there was some bad news that was bound to pop up at some point right? Well, here we are on the negative side of the information pool, with news of an automotive recall that Volkswagen themselves have issued out.
This automotive recall pertains to a safety issue that Volkswagen themselves have found out just recently, and urgently moved forward with the process of alerting all Beetle owners. The new Beetle affected is that of the 2012 to 2013 model that was manufactured between, February 2012 throughout August 2012.
The 2,500 Volkswagen Beetle models have a potential air bag safety fault that will be addressed as soon as possible. In an official letter sent to the NHTSA, it was stated that if the front passenger seat gets wet for any reason, the module that has built inside of the seat just might malfunction to the point where the air bag that corresponds to it will not deploy properly. 
In other words, if the module in the seat gets wet, the sensor will not recognize that there is a person sitting there, and in the event of a crash, the air bag will not deploy.
Volkswagen has already started mailing letters to alert owners of certain model 2012 & 2013 Beetles. This automotive recall comes at an inopportune time, when the automaker has doing whatever it can to keep the 2013 Beetle relevant in the auto industry. As it stands now, Volkswagen hasn’t issued an official date of when owners can start bringing in their cars, but they made it known that all defective modules will be replaced free of charge. For more information, please contact your Volkswagen dealership, or contact the NHTSA for further details.
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Categories: Auto Speculation & Rumors, Automotive News, Production Cars Tags: Automotive Recall, Volkswagen, VW Beetle
VW To Spend Through Euro Crisis
Volkswagen’s decision to spend its way through times of economic uncertainty may be paying dividends. (Photo courtesy Volkswagen of America.)
Volkswagen will not allow its research and development to be deterred by uncertainties in the European economy, according to Reuters. Read more…
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Categories: Automotive News, Production Cars Tags: Euro Crisis, Europe, Investment, Uncertainty, Volkswagen, VW
Ford Says Three-Cylinder EcoBoost Coming for U.S. Fiestas
Ford says it is bringing the three-cylinder, 1.0-liter EcoBoost engine pictured here to its Fiesta subcompact in North America. (Photo courtesy Ford Motor Company.)
Are you ready for the smallest mainstream car engine to be sold in the U.S. outside a Smart Fortwo? Well, get ready. Read more…
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Categories: Automotive News, Production Cars Tags: 1.0, EcoBoost, Fiesta, Focus, Ford, Three Cylinder, turbo
The Raptor Assault School. Serious Raptor Control.
As we all know, the 2012 Ford F150 Raptor has been on the road for quite some time now, and it has been making a pretty good name for itself while being on the road. Since it’s introduction back at the 2010 SEMA Show the general consensus about the Raptor was borderline enthusiastic. In simple terms many people took the Raptor as another attempt by Ford to rekindle the extinguished flame formally known as the SVT Lightning. This effort was so not going in that direction.
As it stands now, the 2012 Ford F150 Raptor has established itself as being a dominant force in the pick-up truck world, and even with automakers like GM, and Dodge trying to match the success that Ford has achieved, the Raptor is going to be solidified in it’s position at number one. Now what some people may not
realize is how popular the Raptor has become. It’s not often that you come across a professional auto tuner the likes of John Hennessey who wants to get his hands dirty in the engine bay of the Raptor.
So now that the 2012 Ford F150 Raptor has damn near become the “Staple” pickup truck, what does one do to ensure that they are the master of their Raptor, and not the other way around? You would enroll in a driving class the completely embodies what it is to be able to handle your Raptor anywhere, anytime. You would enroll in the Raptor Assault driving course provided by Miller Motorsports.
The Raptor Assault school is the place where you hone your abilities to handle your truck, 
while becoming a much better driver. Miller Motorsports has been teaching people who are everyday drivers all the way up to 5 day a week, race car enthusiasts. To take it a step further, they work with Ford directly to also help in testing of certain undisclosed projects. The way the Raptor Assault school works is, a driver would be introduced to basics of driving, and handling. Acceleration, braking techniques, approach speeds, things of that nature. Pretty much this is all covered in Part , during the in class session. Part 2 consists of the physical introduction to the vehicles at hand, and this is where the fun begins. Drivers are then set off on a controlled custom built track that encompasses what the school is all about. One of the key starting points is low speed handling, and control. The third, and final step is to perform everything you learned, at a much higher speed. All of what you learned, will be displayed in front of the instructors, and from that point they will decide whether to let you go all out, or turn it down a notch.
After everything is said, and done, the certificates of diplomacy and achievement are handed
out to just about everyone who enrolled in the first place. There are a seldom few that need to continue the course, but nevertheless they graduate in the end. For what it’s worth Motor Trend sent one of their star reporters to this training camp, and she enjoyed the Hell out of it. This type of driving school would be beneficial to just about anyone who wants to be a better driver. So, be sure to look up Miller Motorsports, and the Raptor Assault school, you will not regret that you did.
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Automotive Recalls GM’s Safety Woes.
It looks like the automotive recall bug has bitten General Motors for the second time in under
a week. Just last week the Detroit automaker painfully had to admit that there was a fault with their latest, and greatest, the 2013 Cadillac XTS. Now they are faced with yet another automotive recall that will potentially do more harm than it will do good.
After the 2013 Cadillac XTS was called out for it’s faulty rear head restraint issue, General Motors has had to once again get in contact with the National highway Traffic Safety Administration, and give them a few more names off of their newly designed roster. Well this time there’s some good news, and bad news. The Good News is, the problem is a small, potentially 
harmful, but small. The Bad News, is that it affects at least three different cars in General Motors line up.
First of all, lets hear what the actual problem is. GM’s official notice to the NHTSA explains that the problem lies with a small bar that is positioned in the dual-stage driver’s airbag module. As it’s explained further, that the bar itself may cause short circuit, thus stopping the airbag to actually deploy during a crash, or impact with the vehicle. As it stands now, General Motors has begun calling owners of the affected vehicles to come in, and have the steering wheel airbag coil replaced free of charge.
Being that this recall is only hours old, all of the info isn’t readily available, so all I have to 
offer you are the specific car models that are on this automotive recall list. The models of the 2,994 cars affected by this recall are the 2012 Buick Verano, the 2012 Chevrolet Sonic, and lastly the 2012 Chevrolet Cruze.
This is all of the information that is available, if and when there is more info to be had, please either contact your local Chevy, Buick, or GM dealerships, or contact the NHTSA for more details.
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Categories: Auto Speculation & Rumors, Automotive News, Production Cars Tags: Buick, Buick Verano, Chevy, Chevy Cruze, Chevy Sonic, GM
The 2013 Beetle Fender Edition. Music To Our Ears.
![VW-Beetle-Fender-7Carscoop[2]](http://gearheads.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/VW-Beetle-Fender-7Carscoop2.jpg)
About a week ago I submitted an article about a new, but classic spin of a design that automaker Volkswagen had made an official announcement for. That new spin was their 2013 rendition of “Herbie, The Lovebug” also known as Edition 53.
This 53 Edition of the 2013 Turbo Beetle was of course inspired by the original Volkswagen bug of the 19060′s that ran up, and down the streets of Italy during the filming of the original movie. The Herbie styled Bug has been in the minds of many VW fan’s all over the world, but the problem came when the announcement was made that the 53 Edition 2013 Beetle would only be sold in Portugal. I know that so sucks, but nevertheless there’s a new collaboration in the works for the new 2013 Beetle.
It seems like Volkswagen can’t get enough of promoting their newly designed bug for the
Always the center of attention.
world to see, and this time around the new look is a little more close to home. This time around, the new Bug in question is apply named the 2013 Beetle Fender Edition. (Not Bender from Futurama, Fender the stringed audio specialist.) Yes, the German automaker decided to dive in feet first into the musical end of the design pool, and pull off a very sleek, and “Sleeper-ish” style of vehicle for some new aspiring talented VW fans.
The 2013 Beetle Fender Editioncomes to us with a very smooth, and pristine Deep Black Pearl Metallic paint job, that can only be contrasted by the Chrome Metallic trim pieces, and 18” VW Disc style wheels. For the most part the Fender Beetle has most of it’s styling cues on the inside where it really
Eat your heart out Steven Tyler.
counts. Inside we find that Fender’s well known Starburst pattern adorns the trim panels, in a few locations. Being that this 2013 Beetle Fender Edition comes in a few different trim levels, you will be sure to find slightly different variations of the Fender trim pieces in numerous spots on the Beetle.
Even with there being different trim options, all of the Beetles will come with the fender designed Premium Audio Head Unit that has been coupled with quite a few Fender approved built in components. The audio system is comprised of a 400 watt Head Unit, a Fender Bassman Sub-woofer, two Fender Rear speakers (size not specified), two more twin speakers, and a set of four tweeters. This level of audio greatness could only possibly be topped by the BOSE system that some rare Wolfsburg Edition Jettas, and Passats used to have.
Wrapping up this musical melding of the minds is Volkswagen’s ever reliable motor options
. There will be the typical options such as the 2.5L five cylinder engine that makes about 170hp, and then there’s the 2.0L turbo-charged four banger that pushes out 200hp. Either way prices range from $24,440 for the manual, and go up to around $28,200 for the Turbo with the DSG tranny in it. Just expect to see quite a few more summer parties being held around a 2013 Fender Beetle, as the owner rocks out, and makes a name for themselves.
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Automotive Recalls. The 2013 Cadillac XTS Has Restraining Issues.
In recent automotive news GM has issued an automotive recall on one of their newest 
vehicles the 2013 Cadillac XTS. As far as recalls have been concerned, GM has been able to keep their noses clean, but it seems that the recall bug has bitten a car in their fleet of excellence.
The 2013 Cadillac XTS automotive recall involves a particular part, or section of the safety restraint system. As it was explained in the official report to the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic & Safety Administration) that the rear seat head restraints may potentially fail if the head rests had been recently folded in the forward position. In other words, after folding the rear head rest forward, and then when you need to move it back where it belongs, the head restraint just may fail if you were to get into an accident. At best this does sound a little confusing, but it would be better understood by the owners of this car.
It is speculated, but not yet proven that the failure of this restraint may cause, or increase the risk of head, and or neck injury during a crash. This automotive recall is only affecting certain models that were built during the time period between October 12th, 20111 through August 30th, 2012.
As it stands now, the recall only affect this part, or portion of the 2013 Cadillac XTS. None of the major functions that the safety system normally performs are, or will be affected. General Motors has assured that drivers of the affect model car, can come into their local Cadillac, or General Motors dealership, and have the head restraint replaced free of charge. GM wants this recall to be resolved as quickly as possible, and being that this recall started on the 15th of this month, they are aiming to have this completely finalized before the end of the year. For more information about this automotive recall, be sure to either call your local GM, or Cadillac dealerships, or get in contact with the NHTSA for more details. Thanks for reading, and be safe.
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Categories: Auto Speculation & Rumors, Automotive News, Production Cars Tags: Automotive Recall, Cadillac, Cadillac XTS
The 2013 Subaru Legacy STi. Move Over Forester.
Well in recent news, automaker Subaru has the world all a buzz with the official release of the 2014 Subaru Forester , and only after making so many people scratch their heads over the leaked printing about a month ago. While all of that clamor has been going on, Subaru’s internal JDM tuning counterpart STI has been keeping their hands busy with a little project of their own.
Apparently STI has found a the perfect models to work some of their tuner magic on, and it’s not an Impreza like you would typically think. It seems like that the perfect model for the tuning project was, and is the Subaru Legacy. Now most people would never really consider a Legacy as a prime candidate for an in house tuning upgrade, but little does the average driver know how well the Subaru Legacy accepts some mechanical love. Now for what we know about this project, is that the STI Legacy’s will be sold as a limited edition vehicle, and the speculated number sits at 300, for now.
As it stands the upgrades will be given to both the sedan, and wagon Legacy models. So there
will be some sweet looking 2013 Subaru Legacy STI’s running the streets pretty soon. The modifications on these models will about 70% cosmetic, 20% drive train, and 10% simply awesome.
Both of these 2013 Subaru Legacy STI’s will adorn rear deck lid spoilers that just completes the already smooth look of the slick looking mid-sized sedan. Front, and rear lower skirts assist in giving these cars a severely hunkered down look. As if the Legacy didn’t already look spot on, there’s now a set of honeycomb grille inserts that now reside in air damn openings. Also adding to the slick tuner mystique of these cars are some chrome exhaust tips, and 18” alloy wheels. The tuning treatment continues on the inside of the 2013 Subaru Legacy STI as well. Where the lucky driver of one of these great looking cars will be treated to some Black leather seating with Red stitching, along with a handsome, but yet sporty steering wheel with the same matching look. Gray Carbon trim pieces contrast the color pallet, while a “Nick Toro” Gear shifter makes it’s appearance for the first time in one of these cars.
The ‘Best Supporting” role goes to the upgraded suspension that is aiding the 2.5L Boxer four cylinder motor, that unfortunately remains unchanged. Any power adders that will be had in these cars will need to come the owners themselves. Included in the suspension upgrades are a new set of sport coil overs, lower control arms, shock absorbers, bushings, and an improved strut bar. Finally making that raspy rumble that most Subaru lovers know, and love is a sport modified exhaust system. Pricing as it stands in Japan is at 3,528,00 Yen which translates into roughly $45,100 USD, or 35,000 Euros. It hasn’t been officially released when these cars will appear in showrooms, but best believe that they will not last long when they do pop up.
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Categories: Auto Speculation & Rumors, Automotive News, Production Cars Tags: Impreza, STi, Subaru, Subaru Legacy
Subaru Breaks Sales Record in USA, Too
Subaru credits the 2012 redesign of the Impreza along with the introduction of the XV Crosstrek and the BRZ sports coupe with helping the brand set another sales record in 2012– two months before the year officially ends. (Photo courtesy Subaru of America.)
Remember a few days ago how we told you Subaru was setting sales records in Canada? Somehow we missed that the brand was breaking sales records in the States, too. Sorry, Scoob. Read more…
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Categories: Production Cars Tags: Impreza, October, Record, Sales, Subaru, XV Crosstrek
