Shelby GT500CR – Unicorn
We received this Classic Recreations Shelby GT500CR for a paint correction and C.Quartz Professional Ceramic Coating treatment. Jason just made a video about the car, so if you are interested in the correction and coating process, be sure to check it out. If you just want to see some amazing after photos, then look no further! Video link:
Daihatsu Rocky Crossfield’s unpainted exterior makes its stunning debut
The revised version of the small SUV debuted at the Gaikindo Indonesia International Motor Show Daihatsu unveiled the Rocky Crossfield concept at the 2024 GIIAS. Modifications include unpainted bumpers, roof racks and all-terrain tires. The concept highlights the tuning potential of an urban SUV. The Daihatsu Rocky and Toyota Raize twins have been around since 2019, but that hasn't stopped the automaker from using them as the basis for a new and interesting concept. The Daihatsu Rocky Crossfield made its debut at the 2024 Gaikindo Indonesia International Motor Show, and several off-road modifications highlight the tuning potential of this subcompact SUV. The concept uses the same formula as the Toyota RAV4 Adventure Off-Road Package II, including unpainted plastic bumpers that complement the cool grille cover, black wheel arch moldings, and "Rocky Crossfield" decals on the side of the body. More: Subaru Rex is a trio of Daihatsu Rocky and Toyota Raize city SUVs The Rocky comes with LED headlights, while…
Lincolnshire Cars and Coffee | Chicago Car Experts
This week we are doing something a little different and will be bringing you our report from last Sunday's Cars & Coffee event in Lincolnshire. We felt it would be best to not just report on the details this week but to show you some of the incredible cars in the area as well as meetings and events that you shouldn't miss! This is the first time we have written a blog like this, so please feel free to let us know what you think. We are planning on attending some big events in the future and hope to bring you coverage from those events. One of the things that makes this event so great is the variety of cars you'll see. From exotics worth hundreds of thousands of dollars to simple hot rods and everything in between, cars come together on certain Sundays to show up and spend a morning around the cars. Everyone is friendly and more than…
3K Miles 2001 Ford Mustang Bullitt GT
Today's Picks This is a 2001 Ford Mustang Bullitt GT, sold by a New York dealer on ClassicCars.com. Did you know that the 2001 model was the first Bullitt Mustang? Technically, yes. The GT Fastback built by Steve McQueen became an automotive and movie icon, a Mustang featured in a movie called "Bullitt." The 2001 Ford Mustang GT Special Edition (aka the "Mustang Bullitt GT") shown here honors the car from the legendary movie and is the first "Bullitt" model officially produced by Ford. It was followed by the S197 Edition in 2008 and 2009, and the S550 Edition in 2019 and 2020. The retro New Edge model originated at the 2000 Los Angeles International Auto Show, when the Blue Oval showed a concept version of it in homage to the star of one of the greatest car chases in movie history. Given the public's reaction to it, Ford decided to build a production version based on the Mustang GT…
Audi RS3 – XPEL C.Quartz
As the new Audi RS3 begins arriving at dealerships across the country, we knew it was only a matter of time before we got our first one. A few weeks ago, a beautiful Nardo Gray RS3 stopped by our shop with plans to install XPEL paint protection film in high impact areas and apply C.Quartz professional paint over the entire car. Let's get started: Since the car is so new, very little paint restoration was needed.It all starts with thorough cleaning and decontamination, followed by light blending and buffing to bring the paint to flawless perfection.Once polishing is complete, you can start installing the paint protection film. All of our paint protection films are computer cut, giving us a perfect template every time. Once cut, the film is loosely taped and positioned to fit. Once perfectly aligned, it is time for final installation. Whenever possible we use a larger film. This allows the excess film to be wrapped around the…
General Motors sued over paint defects on some SUVs
Paint on some models is prone to peeling, cracking and bubbling go through Brad Anderson 17 hours ago Affected models include the Chevrolet Tahoe, Suburban, GMC Yukon and Cadillac Escalade. The plaintiffs seek damages, fees and restoration costs. A class-action lawsuit has been filed against General Motors in the United States, alleging that the paint on some vehicles is defective and prone to peeling, cracking and delamination. The lawsuit alleges that GM knew about the paint problems and sold 2015-2020 Chevrolet Tahoes, 2015-2020 Chevrolet Suburbans, 2015-2020 GMC Yukons, 2015-2020 GMC Yukon XLs and 2015-2020 Cadillac Escalades. The class action lawsuit was filed by four owners: Byron Lyman, Kelly McAteer, Jason Merkel and Mark Volk. Read: GM stops sharing driver behavior with data brokers, insurers after lawsuit Plaintiffs said they had expected premium paint for their high-end vehicles and would not have purchased or paid less if they had known about these problems. Many owners complained that the paint on their…
BMW 328D | Llumar FormulaOne Window Film Installation
One of our most popular services is window tinting. This is the product we get asked about the most and we thought we would take a moment to walk you through the window tinting process to answer any questions you may have. We recently had this BMW 328D in our shop to have a Llumar FormulaOne film installed. With this film, the driver gets the ultimate in looks, comfort and protection, a feature of an exclusive range of window tints that create an unparalleled driving experience.First the film has to be cut. All of our films are laser cut using a plotter. This ensures a precise fit of the film and minimizes the risk of scratching the glass by hand cutting. Once the film has been printed and cut, it’s time to thoroughly clean the windows and prepare them for installation. The exterior of the film is then molded to conform to the exact curvature of the glass.Once the film…
Want to write for Carscoops? Come join us!
We're looking for writers who can turn their automotive knowledge and passion into engaging content go through staff 14 hours ago Calling all car enthusiasts! Do you love automotive news and horsepower dreams? Can you light up your readers' engines with words? We're looking for passionate car fan writers to join our remote team and bring fresh, insightful content to Carscoops. Want to join the team? Read on to learn how to apply. qualifications: 3+ years of experience writing automotive content for English automotive websites. Strong research, editing and independent content uploading skills. Get the latest knowledge on the global automotive industry. Proactive, with excellent news judgment and the ability to identify and present compelling stories. Become familiar with automaker news sites and social media. Commit to writing at least 4 articles per day. Willing to learn and adapt, and have good communication skills (we work as a team). Basic understanding of copyright law. Ready to apply? Please send an…
Jason’s detailed tips | Vehicle drying tips
This has been an exciting week for us. Last week we announced the launch of our newest title: Jason’s Tips for Detailing. If you didn’t already know, it’s a straightforward, no-nonsense video series designed to teach you tips, tricks, and techniques for detailing. Just a few days ago we released our first video: Tips for Drying Your Vehicle. This blog will follow up on that video and provide more insight into what products and techniques you should be using to dry your vehicle quickly and most effectively. If you haven't seen the video yet, check it out below: [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9BU8wTN8ND0[/embed] So you just washed your car and it's clean, shiny, and moist. The next step is very important: drying your vehicle. If you don't do it correctly, you can end up with tiny scratches and swirls all over your vehicle, and then you have to wait until episode 43 to figure out how to fix them. So here are the best…
Hyundai Sonata Hybrid owners have to wait nine months for
Hyundai is dealing with supply issues for replacement batteries for the Sonata Hybrid A Hyundai owner in Florida had to wait nine months to get her hybrid sedan fixed. Her 2015 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid needed a replacement battery, but it was hard to find one due to supply issues. Hyundai provided the customer with a loaner car and offered to buy back her car, but this was rejected. Hybrid cars are becoming more and more popular these days, but it seems not all maintenance issues have been simplified. A Florida woman had to wait more than nine months to find a replacement battery for her 2015 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. Kari Kind of Osceola County's problems began when her Hyundai's battery unexpectedly died. "It sounded like a pinball machine started up," she told News 6. "The car was pinging and the lights were off." More: Is it worth replacing the battery in an older hybrid like the Toyota Camry? When she…
Ceramic coatings | Everything is not always what it seems
At first glance, this Audi looks like a simple, nicely modified A4 wagon, and you'd be right, except for one thing. This car is so much more than that. It's someone's dream, an expression of their love for cars and the long hours of building and crafting they put into it. It started out as a fairly simple A4 wagon, and has now been transformed into the S4 Avant, a car we've never seen in the United States. The 2.0L 4-cylinder turbo engine has been replaced by a tuned supercharged V6, and a massive brake kit now fills the Vorsteiner wheels as a KW suspension and aftermarket anti-roll bars help keep the car stable. The interior has been changed, and the exterior has had many subtle modifications to make everything blend in. The small details in the build will grab your attention and hold onto it as you try to discern what's original and what's been altered. In order to…
The Mitsubishi Triton Black Edition is darker, more aggressive, and
The dark-themed Triton is only available with rear-wheel drive and automatic transmission Mitsubishi expands its truck lineup in Thailand with the Triton Black Edition. The new trim is based on the Ultra and adds glossy black trim around the entire body. The Black Edition is available exclusively with rear-wheel drive and an automatic transmission. Black Edition models have almost become a cliché in the automotive world, but people seem to love them so much, so why not give them what they want? Mitsubishi has joined the dark forces with the latest version of its Triton pick-up truck. Typically, automakers reserve dark-themed trims until later in a vehicle's life cycle. But Mitsubishi has bucked that trend with the new Triton Black Edition. Unlike the Ultra trim it's based on, the new version features a gloss black finish for its front grille and Dynamic Shield. More: Ironman 4×4 joins the battle with the new Mitsubishi Triton pickup The black theme extends to…
Paint Protection Film | See Double
If you ask people what their dream car is, I’m sure you’ll get a variety of answers, from exotic supercars to vintage muscle cars. I believe one car that is often mentioned is the Porsche 911. This is arguably one of the most iconic sports cars in history and is still very popular today. We recently took delivery of this 2018 Porsche 911 GT3. This car is a true race car that performs well both on the track and on the street. This is how we protected this 911 GT3, hoping to preserve it for future generations. First comes cleaning and decontamination to prepare the paint for the film. Next comes paint repair, which is the removal of any scratches or imperfections in the paint that may have been sealed by the paint protection film. This is really one of the most important steps. We have covered how to install paint protection film in detail a few times now, but…
Vinyl Wrap | Matte Bronze
This week, we wanted to take a break from paint corrections and detailing to give you an overview of everything that is involved in a full color change vinyl wrap job. There are a lot of things that need to be done to do this job properly. Most importantly, the car needs to be cleaned and prepped so it is smooth and free of stains. This will allow the vinyl to fully adhere and lay neatly. Next is to disassemble the vehicle. Now this step is not necessary, in fact many installers don't, but in our experience the cleanest results come from disassembling the car. This allows us to better wrap the edges and finish the corners. Once everything is prepped and disassembled, we can begin laying the vinyl. Before we get into taking pictures, it's worth understanding why someone would wrap a car with vinyl. Vinyl wraps are not meant to replace paint, and there will almost always be…
Chevrolet dealers selling Silverado EV at 20% discount
It's also not the only dealer willing to slash the price of its all-electric Silverado pickup truck. Hohl Chevrolet is offering a $12,500 discount on the Silverado EV. Other dealers are also selling the electric trucks at discounts of thousands of dollars. The move could still pay off for these dealers even as the electric vehicle market is cooling. Twelve months ago, the idea of a 20% price cut on a new, all-electric truck would have sounded absurd. Today, such price cuts are a key factor in increasing sales for some dealers. We found at least three dealers slashing prices on Silverado EVs by thousands of dollars, with one openly offering a $12,500 discount. The biggest discount is at Hohl Chevrolet in Carson City, Nevada. It has 28 Silverado EVs, and as of this writing, the vast majority have a $12,500 discount. Interestingly, they are all Work Truck trims, which are slightly different. The RST trims don't get the same…
Carbon fiber protection and maintenance
Carbon fiber. Who doesn't love it?It looks good with most cars and any color. Let's first understand what carbon fiber is: Carbon fiber is a polymer that, when woven together, creates an extremely strong and lightweight material. Carbon fiber is five times stronger and twice as stiff as steel. While carbon fiber is stronger and stiffer than steel, it weighs much less; making it an ideal material for many parts. Not to mention it looks beautiful (because it's a race car, right?)!So are there any disadvantages to carbon fiber? The problem with carbon fiber is that it deteriorates quickly if not protected. The nice, smooth surface we know and love will begin to yellow and fade when exposed to UV rays without a protectant. So how do you protect it?Carbon fiber is a common choice for many cars today. Depending on the brand, roofs, spoilers, mirrors, and other trim can come in carbon fiber. Most OEM carbon fiber parts come…
2025 Kia K4 injects style into humble hatchback
The VW Golf rival will go on sale after the K4 sedan is launched later this year and will have strong EV9 and EV5 design influences. go through Chris Chilton 8 hours ago The all-new 2025 Kia K4 hatchback has been spotted testing in prototype form. The K4 will likely be called the Ceed in Europe, where it will compete with the Volkswagen Golf and Opel Astra. The hatchback will be available in the U.S. later this year, along with the K4 sedan that replaces the Forte. Although the boom in small crossovers and SUVs has made hatchbacks obsolete, Kia thinks there's still room for the half-century-old vehicle. But the Korean company's designers have made sure the K4, hidden under camouflage in the photos, won't be a boring knockoff shopping cart. The K4 hatchback is a shorter, chunkier version of the K4 sedan that was unveiled in New York earlier this year as a replacement for the Forte. Kia even…
Dare to be different – Porsche GT3
As a car enthusiast, nothing excites me more than a Porsche 911. It is iconic in so many ways and arguably one of the best looking sports cars ever made, even to this day. So in a sea of drab family sedans and minivans, a car like this really stands out. On one of those rare warm, sunny days in the middle of a Chicago winter, our client took delivery of this gorgeous 2018 Graphite Blue Metallic Porsche 911 GT3. This GT3 was only a few miles from the dealership and was left in our possession for the ultimate protection before it actually hit the road. First, we coated the windows with Llumar FormulaOne Pinnacle film at a 35% darker tint. Not only is this the legal limit in Illinois, but it's also the perfect look in our opinion. The color is dark enough to bring out the black wheels and trim around the car, but light enough to maintain…
U.S. government steps up efforts to help laid-off Tesla employees
The United States is stepping up efforts to help workers affected by layoffs at Tesla's Austin Gigafactory. The Department of Labor has awarded more than $1 million to Texas to provide employment and retraining services to affected workers. The layoffs affected 2,688 people, according to the WARN notice. The U.S. Department of Labor has awarded more than $1 million to the state of Texas to help employees affected by the massive layoffs at Tesla's Austin Gigafactory, following a WARN notice the department issued in April disclosing that the automaker would cut 2,688 jobs. var adpushup = window.adpushup = window.adpushup || {que:()}; adpushup.que.push(function() { if (adpushup.config.platform !== "DESKTOP"){ adpushup.triggerAd("4d84e4c9 -9937-4f84-82c0-c94544ee6f2a"); } else{ adpushup.triggerAd("6a782b01-facb-45f3-a88f-ddf1b1f97657"); } }); The government said the funds will be used to provide employment and training services to affected workers. The Department of Labor also noted that the funds "enable the state to provide retraining and skills development to displaced workers in Bastrop, Blanco, Burnet, Caldwell, Fayette, Hays, Lee,…
How to protect your Tesla Model 3
We got our first Tesla Model 3 in Chicago, and the best way to get acquainted with Tesla's latest product is to protect it with the best. First, we applied LLumar Stratos window film to all of the vehicle's windows, including the front windshield. Stratos film not only makes the vehicle look great, but also provides maximum insulation from heat and UV rays for ultimate comfort. Next, we wrapped the entire vehicle in XPEL Paint Protection Film. We took great pains to ensure that not only the entire exterior was wrapped, but also the door frames, headlights, and door handles. Finally, what better way to finish such a special car than with Cquartz Professional Services Finest Reserve on the exterior and CQuartz Leather Finish on the interior? This car is really cool. I have learned so much about Tesla already, and it was a real pleasure to get up close and personal with the new Tesla Model 3. Do you…
How to protect your Tesla Model 3
We got our first Tesla Model 3 in Chicago, and the best way to get acquainted with Tesla's latest product is to protect it with the best. First, we applied LLumar Stratos window film to all of the vehicle's windows, including the front windshield. Stratos film not only makes the vehicle look great, but also provides maximum insulation from heat and UV rays for ultimate comfort. Next, we wrapped the entire vehicle in XPEL Paint Protection Film. We took great pains to ensure that not only the entire exterior was wrapped, but also the door frames, headlights, and door handles. Finally, what better way to finish such a special car than with Cquartz Professional Services Finest Reserve on the exterior and CQuartz Leather Finish on the interior? This car is really cool. I have learned so much about Tesla already, and it was a real pleasure to get up close and personal with the new Tesla Model 3. Do you…
2025 Jeep Compass to get lighter colors and higher prices
Jeep announced that the 2025 Compass will start at $26,495. While there aren't dramatic changes, it's still $595 more expensive than last year's model. A redesigned Compass is coming soon, expected to be available in late 2027. Jeep recently confirmed plans for an all-new Compass, which will be available before the end of 2020. However, there is still some time before it goes on sale, which means that the 2025 Compass will be largely unchanged. var adpushup = window.adpushup = window.adpushup || {que:()}; adpushup.que.push(function() { if (adpushup.config.platform !== "DESKTOP"){ adpushup.triggerAd("4d84e4c9 -9937-4f84-82c0-c94544ee6f2a"); } else{ adpushup.triggerAd("6a782b01-facb-45f3-a88f-ddf1b1f97657"); } }); The crossover will be available in dealerships soon with a starting price of $26,495, which is $595 more than last year's model, which started at $25,900. MORE: Jeep confirms new Compass, updated Grand Cherokee and Wagoneer Price increases vary among higher-end models, with the Latitude starting at $30,865, up $100, and the Limited starting at $34,540, up $795. window._taboola = window._taboola || (); _taboola.push({…
2018 Chicago Auto Show Recap
Yesterday was the last day of the 2018 Chicago Auto Show. We had the opportunity to attend two days of media days and visit the show before the public. This meant no crowds and being able to get up close and personal with each car. This was a big challenge for me personally as I was shooting in a place I had never shot before with a new camera. While I'm not 100% happy with the photos, I wanted to give you a quick recap of the show in case you weren't there or missed anything.
BMW recalls nearly 300,000 X3s over cargo rail issue
The cargo rail bolts of 291,112 X3 SUVs produced from 2017 to 2022 need to be replaced to prevent the cargo rail from breaking in a rear-end collision go through Chris Chilton 2 hours ago BMW is recalling nearly 300,000 X3s in the United States over concerns that cargo rails in the trunk could fall off in an accident. A total of 291,112 SUVs will need to be returned to dealers to have the cargo rail mounting bolts replaced. X3 sDrive30i, X3 xDrive30i, X3 M40i and X3 M models produced between 2017 and 2022 are affected. Cargo rails in a car's trunk help keep messy cargo from scattering everywhere and protect us from heavy luggage hitting the front seat during emergency braking. But BMW has been forced to recall nearly 300,000 SUVs because their rails could break. A total of 291,112 2018-2023 X3 vehicles produced between March 2017 and September 2022 are affected by this announcement and must be sent…
Window Tint Laws for Illinois Residents
There are many benefits to having car window tints, and with the weather getting warmer, now is the perfect time to have your car tinted. Not only does tinting enhance the exterior of your car, it also protects your passengers and interior through UV protection and heat-blocking properties. There are a few things you should know before booking an appointment to have your car tinted. If you are interested in the different types of window film or the installation process We covered this in another blog which you can find here . This blog will cover tint laws for Illinois residents. This varies from state to state, so if you are reading this and live outside of Illinois, be sure to check your local laws before wrapping your vehicle. Important reminder: While these are Illinois laws, many customers choose not to comply. You should use your own judgment. We offer films in a variety of tints, from 5% (Limousine) to…
Thornley Kelham’s European RS is a $750,000 911 Restomod
UK-based Thornley Kelham has revealed a retro-cooled 911, the second of four distinct retro-tuned models. Priced at around $750,000, the 911 will be limited to just 25 units and can be had with one of three engines, the wildest being a 3.8 that revs to 10,000 rpm. A modified Porsche 356 and Jaguar XK will continue the series later this year, as will TK's 2021 Lancia Aurelia Outlaw. I know, I know, it's another 911. But you've read this far, so you obviously think Thornley Kelham's retro Porsche deserves further inspection, and we agree. Maybe, like us, you remember the gorgeous Desperado-style Lancia Aurelia CSL these guys pulled off back in 2021, or maybe it's because the RSR-style front end (with shades of the 993 GT2) makes TK's European RS look a little different than some other modified 911s. var adpushup = window.adpushup = window.adpushup || {que:()}; adpushup.que.push(function() { if (adpushup.config.platform !== "DESKTOP"){ adpushup.triggerAd("4d84e4c9 -9937-4f84-82c0-c94544ee6f2a"); } else{ adpushup.triggerAd("6a782b01-facb-45f3-a88f-ddf1b1f97657"); } });…
Waxes, paints, sealants and ceramic coatings
Protecting your vehicle's paint is essential to protecting your investment and keeping your vehicle clean and beautiful. There are many ways to protect your vehicle's paint, each with varying costs, performance, and quality. Protectants generally fall into three main categories, and since we receive so many questions about them, we'll take a moment to explain the differences here. Wax has been around for thousands of years, but the first wax wasn't invented until around 1800, to protect the paint on horse-drawn carriages. It was nearly another century before the first car wax was invented and people began waxing their newly purchased cars. Wax products will have some form of natural wax on their ingredient list, such as carnauba, beeswax, montan, etc. Carnauba wax is by far the most durable natural wax and the most common. Unfortunately, even the best waxes aren't very durable. The wax sits on top of the paint, rather than bonding to it like a sealant or…
How Car Window Film Works
Window tints have many benefits and with the weather getting warmer, now is the perfect time to get your car tinted. Window tints not only enhance the look of your car, but they also protect your passengers and interior through UV protection and heat-blocking properties. Before you book an appointment to have your car windows tinted, watch a video to learn how window tint works.
Kawasaki reveals new hydrogen-powered motorcycle
Kawasaki plans to launch hydrogen-powered motorcycles early next decade Kawasaki has launched a hydrogen-powered motorcycle in Japan. The prototype's engine has been modified to run on hydrogen instead of gasoline. Kawasaki plans to launch a "hydrogen fuel cell" motorcycle early in the next decade. Kawasaki has unveiled a hydrogen-powered motorcycle that promises the benefits of a traditional motorcycle but with far fewer emissions. Based on the Ninja H2, the motorcycle features a 1.0-litre (998cc) supercharged four-cylinder engine modified to run on hydrogen instead of petrol. The motorcycle uses a conventional combustion process, with hydrogen injected directly into the cylinders. More: LiveWire S2 Mulholland combines hemp fenders with electricity The engine isn’t the only change, as the motorcycle comes with hydrogen fuel tanks as well as an onboard “hydrogen fuel supply system.” These components are apparently placed at the back and are designed to look like hard saddle bags. Kawasaki recently held the "world's first public demonstration of a hydrogen-fueled motorcycle…
Kawasaki reveals new hydrogen-powered motorcycle
Kawasaki plans to launch hydrogen-powered motorcycles early next decade Kawasaki has launched a hydrogen-powered motorcycle in Japan. The prototype's engine has been modified to run on hydrogen instead of gasoline. Kawasaki plans to launch a "hydrogen fuel cell" motorcycle early in the next decade. Kawasaki has unveiled a hydrogen-powered motorcycle that promises the benefits of a traditional motorcycle but with far fewer emissions. Based on the Ninja H2, the motorcycle features a 1.0-litre (998cc) supercharged four-cylinder engine modified to run on hydrogen instead of petrol. The motorcycle uses a conventional combustion process, with hydrogen injected directly into the cylinders. More: LiveWire S2 Mulholland combines hemp fenders with electricity The engine isn’t the only change, as the motorcycle comes with hydrogen fuel tanks as well as an onboard “hydrogen fuel supply system.” These components are apparently placed at the back and are designed to look like hard saddle bags. Kawasaki recently held the "world's first public demonstration of a hydrogen-fueled motorcycle…
What is automotive ceramic coating?
[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kss8cggQVfo[/embed] What is Ceramic Coating? Hi everyone, my name is Jason from Chicago Auto Expert and I have created a series of videos to teach you all about ceramic coatings. This is a 5-part video series covering what ceramic coatings are, who should use ceramic coatings, which coating is right for you, coating myths and coating maintenance, In the first video you are about to see, I will explain what ceramic coating is. You may often hear them referred to by different names like ceramic coating, nanotechnology, glass coating, and quartz coating, but generally speaking, they are all the same. They are all long-term protection options. Before we discuss ceramic coating options, we need to discuss why you need to protect your vehicle’s paint in the first place. Your vehicle's paint consists of a primer layer, a base coat or color coat, and a clear coat. The clear coat layer gives your vehicle's paint its shine and depth. If you…
Cruise Cans Origin Robotaxi Project, Will Focus on Next Steps
GM CEO Mary Barra says 'regulatory uncertainty' led to cancellation of self-driving taxis without steering wheels go through Chris Chilton July 24, 2024 16:45 General Motors' Cruise division has abandoned its Origin robotaxi project. GM CEO Mary Barra said "regulatory uncertainty" led to the cancellation of plans for self-driving taxis without steering wheels. Cruise has turned its focus to building a self-driving version of the next-generation Chevrolet Bolt. General Motors' self-driving car division Cruise, which made headlines last year when it lost its license after a collision with a pedestrian, has abandoned its high-profile Origin robotaxi project. Unlike Cruise's current lineup of self-driving taxis, which are converted Chevrolet Bolts, the Origin is a specially designed box-shaped robotaxi with no steering wheel or pedals and front and back seats facing each other. GM CEO Mary Barra said "regulatory uncertainty" about the design was at the heart of her decision to cancel it. RELATED: Cruise will return to Phoenix streets with human…
Is ceramic coating suitable for me?
Is ceramic coating suitable for me? Welcome to the second video in our Ceramic Coating Series. Now that you understand what ceramic coating is and what it does, let’s look at whether ceramic coating is right for you? Let's face it, not everyone is a car enthusiast. Some people own a car just for transportation, and they don't care what kind of car they have. They want a way to get from point A to point B. If you're watching this video, there's a good chance you're a car enthusiast, and even if you're not, there are plenty of reasons to get ceramic coatings. First let's understand the reasons why you can't get the coating. 1.) If you like to spend all day washing, cleaning and waxing your car, then coating may not be for you. For many of us, spending time in the garage cleaning and waxing our car is therapeutic. Waxing is a great way to protect your…
Range Rovers of India’s rich and famous: Ambani to Shah Rukh
When it comes to the car of choice of Bollywood stars and business tycoons in India, the name of Range Rover cannot be missed. Many well-known stars in India own the latest generation Range Rover and today we have compiled a list of all of them for you. So, without further ado, let’s jump right into the list. Pooja Hegde One of the rising stars of Bollywood, popular actress Pooja Hegde recently bought herself a brand new Range Rover Autobiography worth Rs 4 crore. The beautiful SUV comes in a stunning Batumi Gold paint job. The exact engine model chosen by the actress is not known yet. Sonam Kapoor Like Pooja, Sonam Kapoor also opted for a Range Rover Autobiography LWB (Long Wheelbase). However, her model came in a dark grey colour. She paid around Rs 3.76 crore for the SUV and was seen arriving at the airport in it. Currently, it is not known which engine Sonam Kapoor opted…
A 15-year-old AMG Mercedes, three beauticians, 36 hours
The sound of the dyno spinning echoes through the garage. The whine grows in intensity, while the echo of the German-built 5.5-liter V8 assaults the ears with a deafening roar that could drown out most rock concerts. This is a 2003 Mercedes-Benz E55 AMG built by Alex' Palmeri, and the dyno run was the subject of one of his recent videos, which came to our attention about a month ago. Another thing that blew our minds was the Obsidian paint finish on this car. He thinks the car's exterior is top-notch. And, most of us agree with him. See, this E55 is unique because, in the purist W211 community, it's considered a unicorn. From the paint to the options list on this particular example, where details like the factory-installed "blue" hue on this car are very important, it has all the characteristics that make this E55 a "future classic." However, there's one thing that really made this car a local…
Crane unable to pull stuck truck out: Mahindra Thar
Over the past few years, the Mahindra Thar has proven itself to be a tough off-roader. We have seen this SUV perform well off-road. Moreover, this SUV has even proved itself to be a great rescue vehicle. Recently, a video was shared online showing the Mahindra Thar rescuing a truck stuck in the mud of an overpass. The rescue mission was initially attempted by a crane. However, it failed to complete the task. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Praveen Bhaskaran (@ilostdimension) Mahindra Thar rescues truck stuck in mud I Lost Dimension shared a video of the Mahindra Thar rescue truck on Instagram. The video starts with a shot of a truck tied to a crane under an overpass. It can be seen that there is a large puddle of water there, and the entire road has become muddy and slippery. The truck is likely stuck because of this reason. Crane failed to free truck…
Crane unable to pull stuck truck out: Mahindra Thar
Over the past few years, the Mahindra Thar has proven itself to be a tough off-roader. We have seen this SUV perform well off-road. Moreover, this SUV has even proved itself to be a great rescue vehicle. Recently, a video was shared online showing the Mahindra Thar rescuing a truck stuck in the mud of an overpass. The rescue mission was initially attempted by a crane. However, it failed to complete the task. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Praveen Bhaskaran (@ilostdimension) Mahindra Thar rescues truck stuck in mud I Lost Dimension shared a video of the Mahindra Thar rescue truck on Instagram. The video starts with a shot of a truck tied to a crane under an overpass. It can be seen that there is a large puddle of water there, and the entire road has become muddy and slippery. The truck is likely stuck because of this reason. Crane failed to free truck…
Take a closer look at Paul’s Acura NSX
As the modified Casino White supercar pulls up to the entrance of the hotel where we'll be shooting, the purring sound of the NSX's twin-turbo V6 engine can be easily heard. It's a unique sound, and aside from the cosmetic modifications, it's what sets it apart from every other NSX on the road. The car belongs to Paul, a local resident and longtime customer of ours. His NSX holds a special place in Chicago (and in our shop), and I wanted to see what makes this Acura so unique. So, on a sunny summer evening, I set up my camera and, in perfect light, began to explore what sets Paul's NSX apart from every other car on the road. The XPEL STEALTH paint protection film we installed gave the crisp white paint a nearly matte look. And, while the film provides a matte look, it's still clear enough to let light shine through and get some of the original shine…
AutoHunter Spotlight: 1970 Dodge Challenger R/T
Featured Car Hunter Networkan online auction platform operated by ClassicCars.com, is this 1970 Dodge Challenger R/T. If you want to make an impression at your local car show, the Dodge Challenger is the car for you. The Challenger has iconic styling, so it's sure to turn heads at fan gatherings. The example featured in this AutoHunter Spotlight is a 1970 Dodge Challenger R/T that has undergone a full rotisserie restoration. It is powered by an upgraded Magnum 440ci V8 engine and is mated to a 727 TorqueFlite three-speed automatic transmission. The exterior is painted Dark Green Metallic (code F8). Features include hood scoop, black R/T stripes, rocker moldings, fender antennas and dual side mirrors. This Challenger rides on a set of factory Rallye wheels and BFGoodrich Radial T/A tires. The interior features a factory correct green vinyl interior (code H6F8) with bucket seats, manual windows, power steering, center console mounted automatic transmission shifter, wood rim steering wheel and AM/FM radio.…
Using infrared light to provide the cleanest ceramic coating
Ceramic coating is a stronger alternative to traditional waxes, adding protection and shine to your vehicle's paint. Once applied, the coating hardens into a "shell", which helps reduce the risk of swirls or scratches damaging the paint. In addition, it makes washing your car easier, as there is no need to wax it again after washing. One way we like to ensure a smooth, clean coating application is by using infrared curing lamps. This tool helps speed up the curing process by applying heat to a concentrated area of the vehicle surface for a predetermined period of time, causing the coating to harden faster. This is an important part of our coating process because we know that the less time it takes for a coating to cure, the less likely it is that the curing environment will allow stray particles to settle during the curing process. If you're wondering if your shop needs to have infrared lights, it doesn't. No…
Toyota Taisor S+ interior: Badge design for Maruti Fronx
Toyota launched the Urban Cruiser Taisor in April 2024. The car is a badge-engineered version of the Maruti Suzuki Fronx and gets some minor cosmetic changes. Today, we will discuss the mid-spec and most popular version of the Taisor, the S+. The car was showcased in a walkthrough video uploaded by The Car Show on YouTube. Style Changes The video starts with the front silhouette of the car, which might remind some people of the Innova Hycross. The styling of this car is bold. The front light clusters are completely LED. The grille is completely matte black with minimal chrome elements. Fog lights are not offered on this car. As for the side profile, the car rides on 16-inch black alloy wheels that give the vehicle a sporty feel. The ORVMs come with integrated turn signals and offer electric adjustment and folding capabilities. Other key features of the side profile include thick body cladding, shark fin antenna, and roof rails.…
Tesla Model-X Windshield Tinting
Tesla Motors has made a huge impact on the automotive world since its inception. From completely abandoning the concept of the internal combustion engine in favor of 100% battery power to doing away with its dealer network in favor of factory direct sales, Tesla has been bucking the trend since day one. But it's not just the enthusiast community that's been shaken by Tesla's lineup of vehicles - the beauty industry has felt the shockwaves in a big way, too. Trust us, we're no strangers to any of Tesla's vehicles, and we're no strangers to the challenges that come with protecting them from the elements. In our experience, the bottom line is that most customers who bring Teslas into our stores are not concerned with speed, but rather with protecting their cars from Chicago’s harsh seasonal cycles. As a result, both of our stores are inundated with Model S, Model 3, and gullwing Model X vehicles—perhaps the biggest challenge Tesla…
Tesla Model-X Windshield Tinting
Tesla Motors has made a huge impact on the automotive world since its inception. From completely abandoning the concept of the internal combustion engine in favor of 100% battery power to doing away with its dealer network in favor of factory direct sales, Tesla has been bucking the trend since day one. But it's not just the enthusiast community that's been shaken by Tesla's lineup of vehicles - the beauty industry has felt the shockwaves in a big way, too. Trust us, we're no strangers to any of Tesla's vehicles, and we're no strangers to the challenges that come with protecting them from the elements. In our experience, the bottom line is that most customers who bring Teslas into our stores are not concerned with speed, but rather with protecting their cars from Chicago’s harsh seasonal cycles. As a result, both of our stores are inundated with Model S, Model 3, and gullwing Model X vehicles—perhaps the biggest challenge Tesla…
JCB sends commuters home after Kochi roads flooded
Kerala has been experiencing heavy rains in the past week. Kochi is facing waterlogging as most of the rivers are swollen. The rains have severely affected people's lives. Offices are still open and some have asked their employees to come to work. Travelling or commuting in the rains is very difficult. Here is a video from Kochi showing a group of people staying in a hotel returning to their hotel in a JCB. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Trollathi (@_trollathi_) The video was shared by Trollathi Instagram page. In the video, we can see waterlogging on the road in a residential area in Kakkanad area of Kochi. The narrow roads in the area are extremely difficult to navigate once waterlogged. There are open drains in the area, which pose a threat to commuters. In these conditions, traversing these areas on foot or by car becomes a challenge. Employees returning home from work may be…
Customer Featured: Jeep Trackhawk – Avery Satin Black Vinyl
If you want the perfect car with staggering numbers, you don't have to dig as deep into supercar archives as you might think. In fact, your search for such a car will most likely stop once you see the spec sheet for the Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk. It weighs slightly less than a football field—amazingly, it weighs 5,363 pounds. It seats five, is right at home on snowy streets, and zips around a racetrack in less than 12 seconds on a summer night, thanks to the 707-horsepower 6.2-liter supercharged V8 under the hood. All of these numbers are indeed very big. But the only small number is the result of all this absurdity, a 0-60 time of 3.7 seconds. Is that crazy? Of course. It's basically the Mercedes-Benz G-Wagen's rowdy, American, gun-toting, rowdy cousin. It's another to make all that noise stop—because the Trackhawk is equipped with what Brake Report called in 2017 "the largest brake calipers ever put on…
Mini builds a car that’s not so mini | ClassicCars.com Magazine
When Mini hits When the Mini was introduced to the U.S. in 2002, it was a refreshing car that was fun to drive, well marketed, and had decent performance in the Cooper S model. Over the past few years, the brand has gone through several changes that have hurt what Mini is all about. For 2025, the worst model we have right now is the redesigned 2025 Mini Countryman. I once owned a used first-generation Mini Cooper S with a six-speed transmission and tons of options. It was the first time I realized the adage "German cars are meant to be rented, not owned." It was the most troubled car I've ever owned. Everything started to break down at the classic 100,000-mile mark, but I complained about it every chance I got, like someone who loves Alfa Romeos. Am I such a masochist? I never thought of it that way, but here I am, writing this article complaining about the…
Repairing ceramic coatings after an accident
Picture this: You just recently purchased a ceramic coating for your car, and it looks better than you ever imagined. That hard, shiny finish is unmatched, and your car is an eye-catcher wherever you go. But then, one day, despite your careful driving and best efforts to avoid other vehicles, you face a disaster: someone backs up and hits your car. You stand there, stunned and speechless, staring helplessly at the new damage your precious car has just inflicted, not knowing how or even who did it. As you look at the damage and figure out how much work will need to be done, a question pops into your mind - what about ceramic coating? In most cases, ceramic coatings require a thousands-dollar investment, so it's important to know what you can do with your vehicle after an accident. Our good friend, well-known Chicago YouTuber Alex Palmeri of Legit Streetcars, had the same thing happen to his 2003 E55 AMG…
Out-of-control Mahindra Scorpio hits multiple cars: Public
Accidents happen on the roads. On an average, hundreds of accidents happen every day. Most of the time, accidents are caused by negligence of the driver or others. We recently came across an accident where a white Mahindra Scorpio lost control and hit several cars parked on the roadside. The video of this tragic accident is doing the rounds on various social media platforms and news portals. The accident took place in Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar, Maharashtra. In the video, we see a Mahindra Scorpio that was parked on the roadside moving forward. While moving forward, it hit a car that was parked on the right side of the road. The driver might have panicked, which led to him losing control of the vehicle. It could also be that the driver was inexperienced and was frightened after the first crash. After hitting the parked vehicle, the Scorpio drove onto the road and continued to drive in the wrong direction. It hit…
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