CEO of armoured car company sits in Merc as it gets sprayed by an AK-47

Mercedes being sprayed by AK-47

More often than not, companies over promise and under deliver when selling products to consumers. However this is not the case with the San Antonio based company – Texas Armoring Corporation. They are so confident with their products that they are willing to risk their own lives when putting them to the test.

In their latest promo video TAC President and CEO Trent Kimball is so sure of his company’s armoured cars that he volunteered to get behind the wheel of one of their custom bullet proof Mercedes Benz SUV’s, while another employee unloaded an AK-47 on the windshield of the car – I’m guessing he has a good medical plan. *Spoiler alert* No one dies in this video. Infact, its a little underwhelming as the bullets bounce off the windscreen like snowballs.

At the end of the video boss Kimball can be heard saying “That was frigging amazing… it could have taken a lot more!”

Take a look for yourself…

THE NEW AUDI Q3 AND RS Q3

Audi RS Q3

Following on from yesterdays news from Porsche on their new Cayenne GTS, Audi have revealed their latest offering to the SUV market in the form of the AUDI Q3 AND RS Q3.

The VW owned group say that “the latest incarnation of Audi compact SUV features an even sharper new look, more equipment and a more efficient EU6-compliant engine range.”

Stytling has been updated with new “coupe‑like lines” and the characteristic wrap-around tailgate has been lifted further by a striking new 3D effect Singleframe grille. Other items that have been revised include the bumpers and it’s also been given some updated alloy wheels. Additionally, the full body-colour paint finish which was previously standard for S line versions and above also now extends to SE models.

The headlights have been revised and now feature xenon bulbs and LED daytime running lights as standard in SE versions, and these are complemented at the rear by reworked LED tail lights. S line and S line plus specification levels upgrade to all-weather LED headlights and dynamic ‘scrolling’ rear indicators which illuminate sequentially within two-tenths of a second from the inside out in the direction the driver intends to turn.

Under the bonnet, there is a range of engines available for the Q3, with two TDI diesel and three TFSI engines on offer. Audi say that they not only boast higher power outputs and improved fuel economy, but also lower CO₂ of as much as 17 per cent.

The improved RS Q3 compact performance SUV is now more purposeful than ever. Its 2.5-litre, five‑cylinder engine now produces 340PS and 450 Nm (331.9 lb‑ft) of torque – a boost of an additional 30PS. The top model in the series now accelerates from 0 to 62mph in 4.8 seconds and is capable of reaching a top speed of 155mph. An RS exhaust system with a switchable flap adds even more volume to the unmistakable sound of the five‑cylinder engine.

The RS Q3 will be available in January 2015 and, like its ‘standard’ counterpart, is expected to reach its first UK customers next spring. Prices of the new Audi Q3 will start from £25,340 and RS Q3 prices have yet to be confirmed – though don’t expect it to be cheap!

Audi Q3

Audi Q3

Audi Q3

Audi Q3

Audi Q3 Side on

Audi Q3 Interior

Audi Q3

Audi RS Q3

Audi RS Q3

Audi RS Q3 Front

Audi RS Q3 Interior

MX-5 Cup car revealed at SEMA Motor Show

Mazda MX-5 Cup at home on the track

At this years SEMA motor show Mazda revealed a special track edition of the MX5 that will go on sale in 2016 and will be known as the MX-5 Cup car.

Starting in 2016, there will be multiple Mazda Global MX-5 Cup series around the world, all using identically prepared cars.  Full details of the Global MX-5 Cup, including which countries will be involved and when the races will take place, will be announced as they are confirmed.  The Global MX-5 Cup will culminate at the end of 2016 with a Global Shootout at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca in Monterey, Calif., to crown the series champion.  Among other prizes, the series champion will receive a one-day test in Mazda’s top-level TUDOR United States SportsCar Championship SKYACTIV prototype racecar.

“Since the first Mazda MX-5 Miata took the green flag back in 1990, the car has been the ideal platform for both veterans and rookies alike,” noted John Doonan, director of motorsports for Mazda North American operations.  “Because the MX-5 is inherently such a good car to drive, it is an ideal platform to learn basic and advanced race-craft, and this has made the professional MX-5 Cup series very successful to date.”

“We’re excited to take the elements of success of the existing Mazda MX-5 Cup series, and introduce them to a new global audience,” added Masahiro Moro, Managing Executive Officer in charge of Global Sales, Marketing and Customer Service for Mazda Motor Corporation.  “It has long been our goal to see Mazda fans around the world competing in identical MX-5s, and the launch of the 2016 MX-5 Miata is the perfect time to make this goal a reality.”

While Mazda did not release final specifications, equipment or technical partners for the car, it was confirmed that the Global MX-5 Cup racecar will be equipped with a 2.0 litre SKYACTIV-G four cylinder engine.  Beginning this winter, Mazda Motorsports will undertake a development period to select the optimum tires, suspension and powertrain and safety modifications.  The final specifications will be announced in 2015 when Mazda is ready to accept orders for the 2016 series.

In a first for Mazda, the Global MX-5 Cup racecars will be sold “ready to race” from a single supplier.

Mazda MX-5 Cup at home on the track

Mazda MX-5 Cup side view

Mazda MX-5 Cup interior

Mazda MX-5 Cup Tyre Shot

Flying cars could soon be a reality – meet the AeroMobil 3.0

AeroMobil 3.0

The thought of a flying car was once just that – a thought, it was merely the conjuring of an over-enthusiastic mind, or something that could only be found within the realms of science fiction.
Not anymore! The AeroMobil 3.0 transforms effortlessly in a matter of seconds from an car to an airplane.

The outstanding design is a flying car that perfectly makes use of existing infrastructure created for cars and planes, and opens doors to real door-to-door travel. As a car it fits into any standard parking space, uses regular gasoline, and can be used in road traffic just like any other car. As a plane it can use any airport in the world, but can also take off and land using any grass strip or paved surface just a few hundred meters long.

It’s predominantly built from advanced composite material – that includes its body shell, wings, and wheels. It also contains all the main features that are likely to be incorporated into the final product, such as avionics equipment, autopilot and an advanced parachute deployment system.

The AeroMobil 3.0 also implements a number of other advanced technologies, such as a variable angle of attack of the wings that significantly shortens the take-off requirements, and sturdy suspension that enables it to take-off and land even at relatively rough terrain.

I don’t know about you, but I’d sure like to have a go in this – maybe I should get my pilots license first though?!

A Traumatic Bond is formed with the Lamborghini Urraco

Lamborghini Urraco via Petrolicious

With the passing of yet another Tuesday, Petrolicious have been so kind to impart upon us another automotive based gift in the form of their latest video, this time featuring the ultra rare Lamborghini Urraco.

Gene Ondrusek first spotted the Urraco for sale in a Dallas Morning News classified advertisement in 1987. The listing described the car as a solid runner with a mere 40,000 miles, and while the interior was, to put it mildly, in rough shape, Ondrusek figured that the market for classic Italian cars was such that he could foot the bill for a cosmetic restoration and still come out ahead.

Originally intended as “the workingman’s Lamborghini,” the Urraco’s 1975 price tag of $22,500 (approximately $98,000 in 2014 dollars) meant that the cars often ended up in the hands of people who could afford to buy them but couldn’t keep up with the maintenance costs of an Italian exotic. Ondrusek would soon learn this firsthand.

After being treated to a full restoration, the owner of this Urraco made sure it wouldn’t be garage queen.As he correctly puts it, “you can either run the car and things will break, or you can leave it sitting and things will break, so he might as well enjoy breaking it on the open road.”

Mōtā’s Top 5 Tax Free Cars

Petrol prices may be on the way down for the time being, a welcome step from cash strapped motorist’s at the minute – but no one likes paying more than they have to.
If you begrudge paying the government anything in car tax, then you can always opt for a car that emits less than 100g of CO2 per km.

A few years ago this would have limited your choices to a small selection of city cars and superminis, however now car buyers have a much greater choice in terms of “eco-cars” that not only cut the amount of money you pour into the Treasury’s pockets due to their low emissions, but should also save you money at the pumps too, with their strong fuel economy.

We’ve rounded up five of the most appealing car tax-free machines, which can be bought from under £30,000, that prove that going for a low-emissions car doesn’t have to mean skimping on performance, equipment or style.

The Hyundai i10 City Car

City car – Hyundai i10

The Hyundai i10 is a lot quieter and in many ways more practical than its rivals. It’s very cheap to buy with prices starting at just £8,595 and its very easy run, with a claimed average fuel economy of around 60mpg with low CO2 emissions.

Another plus point is the fact it’s such a small city car, makes parking the i10 exceptionally easy.

Skoda Octavia Estate

Medium car – Skoda Octavia Estate

With its huge boot and spacious interior the Octavia Estate ticks a lot of boxes when it comes to practicality. Skoda give the choice of several different fuel efficient engines which help keep running costs low and a generous amount of in car equipment also weigh in the Octavias favour.

Citroen C4 Grand Picasso

MPV – Citroen C4 Grand Picasso

In a similar vein to the Octavia Estate, this particular MPV offers plenty of room and with its 7 seats it makes the C4 Grand Picasso a practical and comfortable place for all the family to sit in.

Jaguar XE

Luxury car – Jaguar XE (Mercedes C-Class)

If your looking for something a little sportier than the aforementioned cars, fear not, as Jaguars latest offering in the XE, promises performance yet it won’t break your bank with running costs – thanks to its eco-friendly engine. A choice of five engines are available in the XE, starting with the 161bhp 2.0-litre diesel. Low levels of internal friction help towards a tax-friendly 99g/km CO2 figure and a claimed 75mpg. If the Jaguar XE doesn’t do it for you, then another option could be the latest Mercedes C Class.

Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV

4×4 – Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV

If you’re after something a little bigger but need something with off-roading capabilities, then perhaps the Outlander PHEV is for you. This super frugal hybrid comes at a price relative to the diesel-engined mid-sized 4×4 standard while returning a claimed 148mpg. If the Outlander isn’t appealing to you but you want something similar, the Nissan Qashqai might be worth having a look at.

FIRST LOOK AT THE TRACK-FOCUSED McLAREN P1 GTR INTERIOR

McLaren P1 GTR at home on the track

As of late, supercar manufacturers have been trying to go that extra mile in order to make their cars and their brand has to offer even more exclusive than what their competitors are offering. Whether it be a limited edition, of a what is already a highly sought after car, or a heritage track day – offering buyers history and insight into the brand they have bought into.

And this exactly the kind of thing McClaren are offering with their McLaren P1 GTR, as the Woking manufacturer reveals details of its customer driver development program.

With the GTR version, McLaren have taken what is already an insanely fast car – the P1, and stripped it of the red tape set out to ensure that a car is road legal. In doing so, McLaren have created what they describe as “the best driver’s car in the world on track”.  This drastic weight loss in the GTR has also seen a rise in the previously insane power figure of 903bhp to a heart-stopping 986bhp.
And as a direct result of the new GTR version of the P1, McLaren’ is now offering the 35 customers – all of whom were picked from buyers of the road-going P1 – the chance to join its driver development program. Outlined in the video below, the scheme sees owners treated like F1 stars, receiving exclusive access to the inner workings of the McLaren machine, and getting one-to-one track driving tuition from professional test drivers.

In addition to this, McLaren will even look after owners’ cars by maintaining them and they will even transport them to top-flight circuits across the globe.

The luxury car maker have also unveiled new images of the P1 GTR, including detailed interior shots. Complete with full racing harnesses, and seats inspired by those fitted to touring car racers, the cabin is essentially a stripped back version of that found in the standard P1. The thing that stands out the most however, is the quartic steering wheel, which is based on the one used in Lewis Hamilton’s 2008 F1 Championship winning MP4-23 race car.

Take a look at the latest images of the P1 GTR in the gallery below.

McLaren P1 GTR at home on the track

McLaren P1 GTR Rear

McLaren P1 GTR head on

McLaren P1 GTR overview

McLaren P1 GTR rear track

McLaren P1 GTR Overhead

McLaren P1 GTR Interior

McLaren P1 GTR Interior 2

McLaren P1 GTR Interior 3

McLaren P1 GTR garage

Bentley launches £10,700 smartphone

Bentley Vertu

In a world where technology is ever changing, smart phones are becoming increasingly expensive, as their creators constantly stuff more features into their latest devices.

With some of the most popular handsets selling for more than £500, buying a new phone outright is a pricey process for most buyers. However, if you’re riled that even supposedly penniless students can afford the phone you’re using, one manufacturer has come to the rescue: Bentley.

For those who can afford to splash €12,500 (£10,000) on their phone and have a penchant for the British brand, renowned luxury smartphone manufacturer Vertu has unveiled Vertu for Bentley.

According to Vertu: “The unmistakable Vertu for Bentley has a knurled, Grade 5 titanium casing and a sleek quilted trim to match Bentley styling. With a Grade 5 titanium, engine-turned back plate, echoing Bentley’s instrument panel, this edition also carries a forged metal winged Bentley badge and contains exclusive Bentley content”.

We’re not sure what the benefits of having a knurled, Grade 5 titanium casing are, however, we do know that the phone has suitably upmarket Bang & Olufsen speakers to provide the sound, along with a 13-megapixel camera on the back from the high-end camera manufacturer, Hasselblad.

And if you’re tired of those commonplace noises that come out of everyone else’s phones, fear no more, as the London Symphony Orchestra created the ringtones and alert sounds for this device.

If the high quality components and ringtones composed by the musical talents of the London Symphony Orchestra don’t justify the price tag on this phone for you, then perhaps the 24-hour concierge service will.

This is a 12-month subscription that provides users with a “dedicated personal lifestyle manager” and worldwide “team assistance”. There is also “Life”, for invitations, exclusive access to events and such, and “Certainty”, which is a dedicated smartphone and data support service.

We’ll have two, please.

This article was also featured on AOL Cars

Lamborghini Countach Abandoned on Tower Bridge

The driver of a Lamborghini Countach was arrested this week, after he abandoned his car on Tower Bridge during peak time traffic.

After initially not being able to get in contact with the owner, a recovery vehicle was called to the scene with instructions to remove the vehicle.

The police were keen to speak to the driver due to the disruption caused as the classic supercar was left unattended on the busy city-centre road at around 6.30pm on Wednesday evening.

Spectators and social media commentators were quick to compare the incident to the scene in ‘The Wolf of Wall Street”, where character Jordan Belfort (played by Leonardo DiCaprio) ruins his own Lamborghini Countach.

However, the owner was soon tracked down when police checked the car’s number plate. They discovered that the plate was registered to a Land Rover, the owner had a warrant out for his arrest for alleged harassment and the reason the car was abandoned was because it had run out of petrol.

Click play below to view footage of the rare supercar being removed from Tower Bridge.

This story was also featured on AOL Cars

Government Launches New Video Safety Campaign

The government has launched a new road safety video campaign in an attempt to combat the high fatality rate on country roads.

Rural roads account for 60% of deaths on the road yet drivers continue to underestimate the dangers, says the Department for Transport.

This film allows viewers to ‘see’ through the bends on a country road and spot the unexpected dangers ahead, pointing out that in the real world drivers can’t see the risks that lay ahead, so it’s always best to slow down in order to give yourself time to react.

The message behind the video is clear and there’s no arguing that it’s an important one, though perhaps it could have been addressed with a more likely scenario, as opposed to having a car crash into a tractor after inexplicably going around a corner on the wrong side of the road – which does seem far fetched.

This article was also featured on Motors.co.uk