2014 Chevrolet Silverado Hands on Demonstration

Join us on October 2nd, 2013 at Randy Marion Chevrolet Buick Cadillac in the Truck Department building (220 W. Plaza Dive, Mooresville, NC 28117. Across HWY 150 from Gold's Gym) for the opportunity to interact with the all new 2014 Chevrolet Silverado.

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The Spyker B6 Venator Spyder Concept

All images courtesy of Spyker

In case you haven't heard, Dutch automaker is back from the dead after trying to resurrect poor Saab (which is also back,interestingly enough). With some new Chinese backers the automaker is back to making some of the rarest and most unique cars in the industry. And it recently showed off the B6 Venator Spyder Concept, the drop top version of its earlier concept car.

The concept is supposedly essentially the production form of the car. Normally automakers tone down the crazy aspects of concept vehicles when they turn into production models, but Spyker is far from normal. I expect what we are looking at will be pretty much what you can purchase.

Another piece of good news: you might not have to drain your rainy day trust fund to afford the car. It will be a "downmarket" vehicle and so will likely only cost what you would pay for an AMG or two (approximately).

But look what you get for the price! Spyker has engraved its name and motto not only on the wheels, but the edges of the tailpipes. You don't find that kind of attention to detail in many cars these days. Oh, and in case you were wondering what "nulla tenaci invia est via" means, it is Latin and says "For the tenacious, no road is impassable." It's a fitting logo for an automaker that just doesn't give up.

The Venator also comes with green glowing gauges that look so very much like the instruments in old airplanes. The large switches and metal center stack are also a tribute to past airships.

My favorite detail is the quilted leather. It's a feature you can find on mass production vehicles like Infinitis, but Spyker did one better and wrapped the headrest fairings with quilted leather! It's touches like these that make Spyker a breath of fresh air in a field crowded with spontaneously combusting prancing ponies and Teutonic sledgehammers.

I'm a fan of funky design. This car looks almost steampunk and I hope it sees production.

What do you think of the Spyker B6 Venator Spyder?

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2015 Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban

Chevrolet renewed its large SUV series and presents a completely new 2015 Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban.

The new generation Tahoe and Suburban has only the name in common with its predecessor, and again very huge dimensions. The design of the new model has even higher quality, and Tahoe and Suburban now show more edges. Was maintained, the beefy front end, which can now boast more striking light units.

However, the new SUV should not only be attractive in design, but can also shine with a wealth of new equipment highlights and assistance systems.

The interior has been adapted more to that of the sedans and looks very high quality. Both models offer plenty of space again, of course the longer Suburban is the king of the loadmaster. Both models can be equipped with up to seven seats.

Is the 518.1 cm long Tahoe full, still 433 liters of storage space available to the 569,9 cm long Suburban there are even incredible 1,098 liters, the third behind the Find row space.

The two rear seats feature a new folding design and can be folded with little effort, so a flat cargo area. When you remove the 3rd Series, the Tahoe and Suburban offers 1,464 liters 2,163 liters of cargo space.

Who is second only to the road, is also pleased about 2,681 liters and 3,429 liters in the Tahoe Suburban, which can also accommodate large vans with the Suburban.

Besides the beautiful and spacious interior design, there are also the latest assistance systems for the new SUV models from Chevrolet. On request there is an adaptive cruise control, a collision warning system, a lane departure warning or a "rear cross traffic alert".

For the comfort features Tahoe and Suburban can shine among other air-conditioned seats, 8 "touch screen for audio and navigation, 2-zone automatic climate control, keyless entry & go and an entertainment system for the rear passengers.

Standard feature, the new all-terrain area also wonder about 18 "alloy wheels, the request to up to 22" can be changed.

To start, there will be only with the Tahoe and Suburban EcoTec3 5.3 liter V8 with an output of 355 hp (250 kW). As standard, the motor is coupled to a 6-speed automatic.

Both models are available with both 2WD and 4WD with drive. To dealers roll the new Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban models early 2014.

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Jaguar Track Days 2013 at Salzburg

In the Jaguar Track Days 2013 at Salzburg ring we had the opportunity to experience the new Jaguar F-Type in his element.

The Jaguar F-Type has certainly delivered one of the hottest releases of 2013. The successor to the legendary E-Type boasts a crisp design and is instantly recognizable as a Jaguar again.

Considered especially from the side it looks like a real wild cat jump on to kill the next prey. The front end is just as distinctive design as the tail and leaves no confusion with other car models arise.

The all-new roadster but can also come up with the perfect mix of fun and combines rear-wheel drive with powerful engines.

Thus, the contact pressure at high speeds will be even better, there is a automatically extending rear spoiler, which presses of 120 kg on the rear axle. The weight of 120 kg is also that of other adult male jaguar, which the circle between car and big cat closes again.

Even if the F-type is as snappy as a jaguar, the sprint he hangs loosely from the cat. Customers can choose between three engines, it already has the 3.0-liter V6 as the base engine 340 hp (250 kW) and accelerates in 5.3 seconds from 0 to 100 km / h

Is slightly stronger then the 3.0 V6 S which conjures from the same engine a performance of 380 hp (280 kW) and do the parade sprint from 0 to 100 km / h in 4.9 seconds already.

As the top model is a 5.0-liter V8 compressor available, the 495 hp (364 kW) speed up the approximately 1660 kg heavy feline in just 4.3 seconds from 0 to 100 km / hr.

The 5.0 liter V8 is the top speed at 300 km / h of just 3.0 V6 S 285 km / h, the base model is still considerable 260 km / h

All three models feature an 8-speed Quickshift automatic, which is to provide fast and gentle gear changes.

As sporty is the Jaguar from the outside so athletic he is also the interior. Finest leather upholstery and many decorative elements made of aluminum shape the modern and dynamically designed interior.

In our first encounter with the F-Type on Salzburg ring we have therefore also felt immediately at home. The space suits for tall people, and when you press the start button, you will be welcomed by the snarling big cat, which must be considered in this case as a positive sign.

Even the basic version offers very attractive performance and is very good on the road. But the big surprise was the 3.0-liter V6 S, which on paper though "only" has 40 more horsepower, which makes brute force but still available.

In addition, the S also has a configurable dynamic program and is thus again better on the road than the basic version.

The model driven by us possessed also still on the active exhaust system in which you create via pressure on the sound button to the right start an even more glorious crescendo.

Under hard acceleration, the engine develops a stunning sound that is otherwise only be achieved by cars that still have much more power.

The crowning glory of the series then puts the V8 still a shovel after and is in its power delivery just a little bit better than the 6-cylinder sharpened.

The vehicle is harmonious but the V6 S, which allows smoother ride, yet still provides enough fun.

On the handling course we could also convince the agility of us. Even the basic version allows a fast pace around the pylons, and the brakes grab even on wet roads very well and to allow optimal delay.

How safe is the F-Type with ESP, we could see on the slide. Without ESP drifts are not a problem, and the F-Type can be intercepted well if you react quickly enough. With ESP, however hardly a drift is possible, and the F-Type remains safe on the road. The tail may indeed prance easily than would be the Jaguar on the watch, the electronics, it begins again immediately and brings the F-Type on track.

Among other things, there is an additional charge a super high performance brake system, 20 "alloy wheels, premium leather upholstery, a Meridian sound system or a navigation system.

In any case, Jaguar has succeeded with the F-Type a more than worthy successor to the E-Type. The F-Type is as it was then blessed the E-type with a unique design that will not lose its charm even after many years. Compared to its predecessor but it's still much more dynamic to move and also provides more safety and comfort.

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2015 Honda Civic Type R Prototypes

Honda Civic Type R coming in 2015.
Honda's for the current version of the 2015 Civic Type R again a sharp version.

The Type R models have been at Honda continues a long tradition, especially the Civic Type R has the hearts of Honda fans can beat higher and higher.

With the laid entirely on high speed engines the Civic Type R has always offered a lot of fun and provided for generating steam.

Also, the current version of the Civic is now again be as sporty Type R version, the first prototypes already turning their test laps at the Nürburgring.

The 2.0-liter turbo engine in the new Civic Type R will have at least 280 hp, and Honda would make the new front-wheel drive compact sports car the fastest at the Nurburgring.

The launch is planned for 2015, so interested parties must still practice patience and dive through the year 2014.

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Bad Things Happen When Non-Car People Write About Cars Without Researching

Volvo Coupe Concept

I just barely ran across this article on the Motley Fool website that talks about three car brands that might not be around by the year 2020. I always click on these sorts of articles because I find them interesting -- I'm a car nerd! I started  to read through the article and it quickly became apparent the guy who wrote it knows nothing, absolutely NOTHING about the automotive industry. I doubt he looked up a damn thing before he started tapping away on his computer to spew out his ill-conceived notions.

Volvo Coupe Concept

So which car companies did he pick? First up was Volvo, because it's a popular one for ignorant morons to pick on. Disclaimer: I have owned two Volvos. I have mixed feelings on the cars, to be honest, but that's another story for another time. So why did this guy pick Volvo for an untimely death? I would bet it has something in part to do with the death of Saab, because they're both Swedish and quirky so of course Volvo is also on its way out, right? Wrong! A few years ago Volvo was bought by Chinese automotive giant Geely, meaning Volvo is flush with cash. The Swedish automaker just finished showing off its concept Coupe that turned a lot of heads worldwide. The new generation of the XC90 comes out next year, which will be the first production vehicle to use the same design language. But yeah, they're on death's doorstep. The only thing the guy could cite was that Volvo has not seen a recent uptick in sales like most automakers. The company is going through a transformation at the moment, so before declaring it dead let Volvo show us what it can do.

Next up is Suzuki. Why is Suzuki almost dead? Oh, because it is pulling out of America, and as we all know some Americans think the world ends at California and New York! This guy's a moron, did no research about Suzuki's sales in Asia, Australia or anywhere else in the world. If he had, he would have not been so fast to declare Suzuki a goner.

Jaguar X-C17 Concept

This third choice really tickles me because it most definitely exposes the guy's ignorance. Of course Jaguar is about to be put down! Why? I don't know, the guy doesn't like them? He doesn't know anyone who owns one or wants one? Since Jaguar and Land Rover were bought by an investment group, both automakers have been doing markedly better. The design and construction quality of their vehicles have improved by leaps and bounds. And now Jaguar is on the cusp of a new vehicle blitz, possibly as much as tripling the number of vehicles it offers. It just showed off a concept SUV and is about to pounce into 3 Series territory with a new compact sedan that looks likely to make waves in the industry. But yeah, guy who needed to make an editorial deadline and so did NO research, Jaguar is as dead as a door nail, because obviously its not innovating in any way.

Maybe I should contact the Motley Fool and ask if it needs a writer who knows something about the automotive industry? Judging from the comments at the end of the article, this guy pissed off quite a few people. I'm not mad at him but instead am just snickering at how lazy of a job he performed.

Jaguar C-X17 Concept

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A Night with Cue at Randy Marion Cadillac

Making Today’s Cadillac Technology Easier to Understand and Utilize.

Thursday September 19th, 2013

6:30 pm - 8:30 pm

Randy Marion Automotive AdministrationBuilding

(Directly across Hwy 150 from the Randy Marion Cadillac showroom)

215 West Plaza Drive, Mooresville, NC28117

Second Floor

Seminar will Feature; 

Jonathon Bossick

General Motors Customer Specialist 

Plus, Your Randy Marion Certified Technology Experts

Complimentary Hors d'oeuvres and Beverages Available

Please RSVP 

by September 16th to Ruben Rosario at 704-664-3303 or rrosario@randymarion.com

Open to the public. Space is limited.

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BMW Unveils the BMW i8 at IAA

At the IAA now the production version of the BMW i8 has celebrated its world premiere.

The BMW i8 presents the second model of the i-series and its first plug-in hybrid sports car. The futuristic design of the study, the production version maintained, but also shows typical BMW design features.

Also, the legendary BMW M1 reflected in the design of the i8 new again. With classic sports car proportions and soaring wing-like swing doors, the i8 stands out from the other BMW models, without losing the brand identity.

As standard, the i8 has full LED headlights on request there is also world's first laser beam headlamps as an option that will provide for an even better lighting.

Inside, the i8 has a perfect mix of well-known design elements and yet new interpretation of BMW's interior designs. The 2 +2 seater features a high quality ambience that combines sportiness and luxury alike.

When driving, the combination comes from a 1.5 liter 3-cylinder BMW TwinPower Turbo with an output of 231 hp (170 kW), which brings the power to the rear wheels and a hybrid synchronous electric motor with 131 hp (96 kW), directs its power to the front wheels.

The total power output is 362 hp (266 kW) and maximum torque at 570 Nm. The lightweight construction of the empty weight is only 1490 kg, and so the i8 sprint in just 4.4 seconds from 0 to 100 km / h

The driver can choose the driving experience switch and eDrive five driving modes available. In addition to the mode Comfort, which provides an optimal balance between dynamism and efficiency, are still a sport mode with a particularly intense boost function by the electric motor, a pure electric mode and ECO PR mode in both pure electric and hybrid operation is available, is available.

The pure electric range is 35 km, while the top speed is limited to 120 km / hr. The consumption should be as low as 2.5 liters per 100 kilometers on average. The batteries can be charged with the fastest BMW i wallbox or in public charging stations, so you can be up to 35 kilometers purely electrically complete again.

For the typical BMW driving pleasure and a high-quality suspension technology with double-wishbone front suspension and five-link rear suspension provides. Dynamic Damper Control and 20 "alloy wheels are also standard equipment. Due to the low center of weight of the i8 will also be extremely well on the road.

Of course, the i8 also spoiled with a lot of luxury and a high level of security. To stand among other things, an adaptive cruise control, a Collision Warning, Surround View, a reversing camera, the BMW Head-Up Display and BMW Online Entertainment available.

How much of the new i8 will cost and when it is exactly the dealer, BMW has not yet revealed.

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2014 New Nissan X-Trail

At the IAA in Frankfurt, the 2014 new Nissan X-Trail celebrates its world premiere. But it is only available from 2014.

The new Nissan X-Trail celebrates its premiere in Frankfurt with its predecessor and has only the name in common. Compared to its predecessor, the new X-Trail is identical to the U.S. model Nissan Rogue and presents itself as a much more dynamic than its predecessor.

The design corresponds to the current Nissan DNA and fits the X-Trail outstanding. Its dynamic performance is also influenced by the new LED headlights, the scope of the series are in the top equipment line. A decidedly muscular lines give the X-Trail is not only a lot of momentum, but also a muscular appearance.

Here, the new X-Trail has a very high quality, this impression is then continued in the interior. A completely new design with an attractive design of the valve unit promises comfort and a high level of quality. Chrome, metal and lacquered surfaces also increase the premium claim.

As an option there is also a full leather interior with contrasting stitching and up to seven seats. Due to the longer wheelbase compared with the predecessor especially for the passengers in the second row should benefit from more knee room.

The Nissan X-Trail also features the latest generation of navigation and infotainment systems now also offer a variety of Internet functions.

For more security, the Nissan Safety Shield, which provides a wealth of assistance systems makes. The new X-Trail is available with either front-or all-wheel drive. The ALL-MODE 4x4i all-wheel drive is intended to make good progress on unwegsamstem terrain and is equipped with a lot of technical subtleties. In the area of ​​the driver is also supported by a hill-start assist and hill descent control.

Also new are the Active Ride Control and the Active Engine Brake, celebrating their world premiere at the X-Trail. Active Ride Control monitors while driving the road surface and automatically adjusts the damping of the vehicle. Thus, the effects can be compensated for possible irregularities and prevent pitching movements of the body.

Exact data on the engine has not yet betrayed Nissan, but are also new downsized engines come to the start of the new X-Trail for use in the first quarter of 2014, bringing plenty of driving pleasure and low fuel consumption.

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Bugatti Grand Sport Vitesse Jean Bugatti

At the 2013 IAA, the Bugatti Grand Sport Vitesse "Jean Bugatti" celebrated its world premiere.

After the successful launch of its Legends series "Les Légendes de Bugatti" (Bugatti Legends) a few weeks ago at Pebble Beach, California Bugatti presented at the Frankfurt Motor Show world premiere of the second vehicle this exclusive edition.

The Bugatti Grand Sport Vitesse "Jean Bugatti" the French luxury manufacturer celebrates the eldest son of company founder Ettore Bugatti and jeans famous creation, the Type 57SC Atlantic. Like all the other five vehicles of the edition is limited to three vehicles and the legend "Jean Bugatti." The price is 2.28 million euros net.

Bugatti honors the legend "Jean Bugatti" a striking head of the automotive history of the 20th Century. Gianoberto Carlo Rembrandt Ettore Bugatti, Jean called by all, was the eldest son of Ettore Bugatti and the most gifted of his four children.

From the late twenties he took with his own construction and design ideas growing influence on the development of the company in Molsheim, Alsace. In 1936 he took over at the age of 27 years, the management of the company and secured with its bodies and groundbreaking designs of engines and chassis until his tragic death in 1939 a place in automotive history.

One of the most outstanding designs of Jean Bugatti Type 57SC Atlantic is undoubtedly, one of the most exclusive and extraordinary sports coupe that were ever built, and today is one of the most expensive vintage cars. The now presented in Frankfurt Legends car is a throwback to the lost since the Second World War "La Voiture Noire" (French "The Black Car") of the Atlantic, the Jean Bugatti himself down.

The Bugatti Legend "Jean Bugatti" is technically based on the Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport Vitesse, the 8-liter W16 engine massive 1,200 horsepower and a torque of 1,500 Nm at unprecedented 3,000 to 5,000 rev / min and developed in 2.6 seconds accelerates from zero to hundred.

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Pay Your Way

Affording a large repair can be burdensome on today's tighter budgets. At Randy Marion Automotive we want to make life a little bit easier for you by keeping your cash, and allowing you to choose your way to pay. Now available at all Randy Marion service locations, you can finance the repairs or parts needed to get your vehicle back on the road. No matter the make, model, or year of your vehicle, or even the service needed, easy financing is available upon approved credit. See one of our knowledgeable Service Advisor in our service department to fill out a no hassle application today. Don't put off that necessary repair any longer.

 

For more information on this program contact us with your questions. 

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The Porsche 918 Spyder Sets a Nurburgring Track Record!

Photograph courtesy of Porsche

The Nurburgring in Germany is a notorious racetrack. It is a place many automakers go to test their vehicles since the track will push a car to its limits, exposing performance weaknesses. It is also a track where a vehicle that turns out a good lap time automatically garners some huge bragging rights.


The latest car to score big on the 'Ring is the new Porsche 918 Spyder. The hybrid supercar set a record with a lightning fast lap of just six minutes and fifty-seven seconds. That is a new record for any street-legal vehicle, beating out times logged by some pretty impressive cars. Anyone who doubted how much of a performance machine the 918 Spyder is should be a believer by now. Porsche definitely did not build another Prius!

Check out the on-board video of the record-setting lap:

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Why Are Manuals Dying? Is it Because of Software Difficulties?

I ran across this interesting article on Jalopnik, which starts off trying to make the case that manual transmissions are dying because they do not behave well with software used in cars' various systems. Read the article by clicking here if you want to see all the nitty gritty details.


Basically what it came down to was a reader who worked for an OEM said that the real problem is that it's too expensive to produce software that works well with both manual and automatic transmissions if very few buyers opt for the manual transmission. In other words, its about the price of investment versus the derived benefit from that investment. Automakers aren't running charities (actually they all run charities, but that's another discussion for another day). They are in the market to make money, so they produce what they believe will be profitable.

The sad truth is manual transmissions are not dying outside of the United States. If you go car shopping in Europe you will find that many models can still be had with a manual transmission. Americans like a computer to do the shifting for them, despite issues like gear-seeking and a general lack of control. Sadly, I have to admit that right now I do not own a car with a manual transmission and have not for a while. Do I like that? No! If I had the extra cash right now I would buy something with a manual transmission just so I can feel the exhilaration of letting the RPMs climb before throwing the car in the next gear or of dumping it into a lower gear and feeling the car rocket forward.

And that's exactly what we as driving enthusiast Americans (if you are American, like me) need to do. We need to get out there and buy models with manual transmissions! If nobody buys them they will go away. You can get them on a number of vehicles still, so go find a vehicle that works for you and have at it. Now for me to figure out how to afford a new BRZ with a manual transmission so I can support the effort...

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Audi Nanuk Quattro Concept

The Audi nanuk quattro concept at the 2013 IAA shows an exciting show car, which is a blend of SUV and sports car.

Nanuk the Audi quattro concept is certainly one of the most exciting show cars at this year's IAA. It was jointly developed by Audi and the designers of Italdesign Giugiaro. His crossover concept that combines the dynamism of a high-performance sports car with quattro Audi's expertise in road, track and off-road.

The blend of sports car and SUV presents itself emphasizes dynamic and very consistent. With a length of 454.1 inches, a width of 199 cm and a height of 133.7 cm combines the nanuk quattro concept and especially the benefits of a sports car and offers only two people. Only the high ground clearance is a tribute to the SUV character.

The drive is a 5.0-liter V10 TDI with an output of 544 hp (400 kW) and a maximum torque of 1,000 Nm for use. The sprint from 0 to 100 km / h does the sleek concept car in 3.8 seconds, top speed is 305 km / h

The consumption of around 1,900 kilos crossovers is intended to be as low as 7.8 liters per 100 kilometers. For a good road then not only ensures the quattro all-wheel drive, but also the air suspension "adaptive air suspension".

Depending on the application, the driver can adjust the ground clearance of nanuk quattro in three stages. In automatic mode, the vehicle by itself provides for optimal ground clearance.

For a lot of fun and a good driving dynamics, the integral steering to provide. At low and medium speeds, the rear wheels are turned against the front wheels up to nine degrees, this reduces the turning circle.

At higher speeds, the system proposes the rear wheels up to an angle of 2.5 degrees in the same direction to the front wheels and thus improving stability.

Inside, the show car is also very futuristic design and reduced to the essentials. Much carbon and aluminum provide a sporty touch. A freely programmable instrument cluster informs the driver about all the important things.

Even if the nanuk quattro concept was conceived only as a show car, it shows that Niche is still occupied and thus still leaving room for a new model.

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