cars

Nissan Teases the 2017 GT-R

All systems are go! Nissan just recently released a teaser photo for the 2017 Nissan GT-R, which is set to make its debut at the New York International Auto Show.

Nissan. New York. 2016.

In the photo, the 2017 GT-R taillights appear to be quite similar to the current model, which only leaves us more in a great deal of suspense as to what’s changed. One thing is for sure — Nissan won’t disappoint. Nissan has not released any further information regarding the 2017 GT-R other than it will debut this year at the New York International Auto Show.

The 2016 GT-R comes standard with a 3.8-liter twin-turbocharged V6 which cranks out 545 horsepower AND only comes in all-wheel drive, to boot! For those that want a little something extra, Nissan offers the GT-R Nismo which boosts power 55hp, bringing that up to 600. With power like that at a fraction of the price of a supercar, who wouldn’t want to give the GT-R a chance?

The GT-R’s competitors include the Porsche 911 Turbo and Chevrolet Corvette Z06, which are some solid models to be in competition with.

The Autocracy will be in full force covering the Auto Show and we’ll be posting live to Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. Be sure to keep checking back for Auto Show coverage, as well as a first look at the 2017 Nissan GT-R.

No Porsche for You!

It’s no secret Jerry Seinfeld is a car guy – but did you know that he’s a major Porsche fan? According to Complex Magazine, Seinfeld owns over 45 of the brand’s most sought after models. Car collectors seized the opportunity of a lifetime, taking up the chance to own some of the comedy legend’s beloved Porsches that he recently unloaded — for over $22,000,000.

Considering the “cheapest” vehicle that sold was a 1964 Volkswagen Bus for $99,000 (and the most expensive car from his collection sold for over $5 million!), you know these vehicles came from a very well maintained and well-cared-for collection from someone who truly loves his Porsches (and Volkswagen’s).

Check out some of the cars that hit the auction block – the only one that didn’t sell was his 2000 Porsche Carrera GT prototype. We can only imagine what else he has in his garage.

1955 Porsche 550 Spyder — $5,335,000
1957 Porsche 356A Speedster — $682,000
1958 Porsche 356A 1500 GS/GT Carrera Speedster — $1,540,000
1958 Porsche 597 Jagdwagen — $330,000
1959 Porsche 718RSK — $2,860,000
1963 Porsche 356B 2000 GS Carrera 2 Coupe — $825,000
1966 Porsche 911 — $275,000
1973 Porsche 917/30 Can-Am Spyder — $3,000,000
1974 Porsche 911 Carrera 3.0 IROC RSR — $2,310,000
1989 Porsche 911 Speedster — $363,000
1990 Porsche 962C — $1,650,000
1994 Porsche 964 Turbo 3.6 Turbo S Flachbau — $1,017,500
1997 Porsche 993 3.8 Cup RSR — $935,000
2011 Porsche 997 Speedster — $440,000
2012 Porsche 997 GT3 Cup 4.0 “Brumos Commemorative Edition” — $462,000
1960 Volkswagen Beetle — $121,000
1964 Volkswagen Camper — $99,000

Photos from Gooding & Company Auction House.

The Autocracy’s Top 10 Car Films

Who doesn’t love a good car movie? With enough car chases, crashes and explosions to get your adrenaline pumping, there’s nothing better than plopping down on the couch after work or on a weekend and getting in your “car movie” fix. Here’s a few of our favorite films – leave us a comment below and tell us what your favorite car movie is!

Greg’s Picks:

Smokey and the Bandit (1977) – The Bandit is hired on to run a tractor trailer full of beer over county lines in hot pursuit by a pesky sheriff. Starring Burt Reynolds, Jackie Gleason, Jerry Reed, Sally Field and Mike Henry.

Fast Five (2011) – Dominic Toretto and his crew of street racers plan a massive heist to buy their freedom while in the sights of a powerful Brazilian drug lord and a dangerous federal agent. Starring Paul Walker, Vin Diesel and Dwayne Johnson.

Blues Brothers (1980) – Jake Blues, just out from prison, puts together his old band to save the Catholic home where he and brother Elwood were raised. Starring John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd.

Used Cars (1980) – When the owner of a struggling used car lot is killed, it’s up to the lot’s hot-shot salesman to save the property from falling into the hands of the owner’s ruthless brother and used-car rival. Starring Kurt Russell, Jack Warden and Al Lewis.

Transporter (2002) – Frank is hired to “transport” packages for unknown clients and has made a very good living doing so. But when asked to move a package that begins moving, complications arise. Starring Jason Statham, Matt Schulze, Qi Shu and François Berléand.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SRSxyXqBgCA

Dave’s Picks:

The Fast and the Furious (2001) – Los Angeles police officer Brian O’Connor must decide where his loyalties really lie when he becomes enamored with the street racing world he has been sent undercover to destroy. Starring Paul Walker, Vin Diesel, Michelle Rodriguez and Jordana Brewster.

Dukes of Hazzard (2005) – Cousins Bo and Luke Duke, with a little help from their cousin Daisy and Uncle Jesse, egg on the authorities of Hazzard County, Boss Hogg and Sheriff Coltrane. Starring Johnny Knoxville, Seann William Scott, Jessica Simpson, Burt Reynolds and Willie Nelson.

Bad Boys (1995) – Two hip detectives protect a murder witness while investigating a case of stolen heroin. Starring Will Smith and Martin Lawrence.

Starsky and Hutch (2004) – Two streetwise cops bust criminals in their red-and-white Ford Torino with the help of police snitch called Huggy Bear. Starring Owen Wilson, Ben Stiller, Vince Vaughn and Snoop Dogg.

Gran Torino (2008) – Disgruntled Korean War veteran Walt Kowalski sets out to reform his neighbor, a Hmong teenager who tried to steal Kowalski’s prized possession: a 1972 Gran Torino. Starring Clint Eastwood.

Honorable Mentions:

My Cousin Vinny (1992) – Not a true car movie in the sense of the genre, although the defense’s case comes to a close thanks to evidence found in a photo of a tire mark. Vincent Laguardia Gambini’s 1962 Cadillac Series 62 Convertible also does play a small role in the film, a la “mud in the tires” and the scene where he gets stuck in the mud and drops his freshly dry-cleaned suit.

Tommy Boy (1995) – How can you not like David Spade’s 1967 Plymouth Belvedere GTX in the film? Though, any true car guy has probably shed a tear or two after what happens to his car.

Bugatti’s Chiron Configurator

Is blue not your color? With Bugatti passing around some photos of the new Chiron in a solid navy blue and a two-tone configuration with a lighter blue, it may not suit your fancy.

The answer: Bugatti’s new configurator. Customization is part of what makes Bugatti so unique, so surely there will be some very impressive renditions coming out, similar to Bugatti’s 20+ different versions of the Veyron. With the online configurator, you have your choice of 8 color combinations, with several corresponding wheel options, while viewing the car from a few different angles.

What’s your favorite color combo? Ours is the carbon fiber, below.

Two Grannies, One Lamborghini

How often can you say you’ve seen a grandma driving a $300,000+ Lamborghini? I know I can’t, but a video has been making its’ rounds on social media that proves other people have.

Starting off with a near-miss at hitting a garage, the video by Donut Media features two women, Peggy and Audrey, piloting a lowered, wide-body Lamborghini Murcielago through Southern California. Lamborghinis in general are not very subtle cars, but with a giant spoiler, lower stance, widebody-kit and other upgrades, this one sets it over the top.

After struggling at getting the car into gear, they go for a cruise around Los Angeles – even garnering the attention of another Lamborghini driver. Grocery getting proves futile in this video, with the duo not being able to find the trunk to place their groceries. Check out the video and let us know what you think!

REVIEW: 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE350 4MATIC

Look familiar to you? That’s because it is. As part of Mercedes-Benz’s new naming convention, the GLE-Class positions itself in the middle of the SUV segment between the GLC and GLS-Classes (the former GLK and GL, respectively), similar to how the E-Class is positioned in relation to the C and S-Classes.

With the same underpinnings as the previous ML, the GLE blends luxury, comfort and sportiness. Ours was outfitted with a Polar White exterior with Saddle Brown leather and Anthracite Poplar wood. Overall, our GLE350 was great to drive – much better than the outgoing ML350. The GLE350 was very smooth and didn’t feel like you were driving an SUV, however, when you need it to, the SUV capabilities are there. We were amazed by the tight steering and excellent turning radius, and the less-boat-like handling over the previous model was great also. With a 3.5L V6 producing 302hp, the GLE350 4MATIC gets you to 60 miles per hour in 7.5 seconds, which is relatively quick for an almost 5,000lb sport utility vehicle. With an as-tested price of $60,385, the GLE350 is a great choice for a luxury SUV.

On the inside, standard features include heated front seats, power lift gate, power driver’s seat with memory and an 8-inch high-resolution color screen. Our GLE350 4MATIC came equipped with the Premium 1 package (a $3,830 option) which includes Mercedes-Benz’s COMAND hard-drive navigation, COMAND with touchpad controller, Blind Spot Assist, Rearview camera, Keyless-Go, household-style 115V power outlet and SiriusXM radio.

Loaded with a plethora of safety features, the GLE350 has adaptive braking technology, Agility Control Suspension, Collision Prevention Assist Plus, Attention Assist, Pre-Safe, 11-way airbag protection, Mercedes-Benz mbrace, and Night Security Illumination.

Pros: Great safety features, Night Security Illumination is pretty neat, attention to detail, beautiful interior

Cons: Media interface/COMAND system takes time getting used to

QUICK FACTS:

Base Price: $51,100 || Price as Tested: $60,385

Vehicle Layout: Front-engine, four-wheel-drive, five-passenger, 4-door sports utility vehicle

Engine: 3.5-liter, 6-cylinder, 302-hp, 273 lb-ft torque || Transmission: 7-speed automatic, with paddle shifters

Curb Weight: 4,751 lbs || Length/Width/Height: 189.1/84.3/70.7 inches

0-60: 7.5 seconds || EPA City/Highway Fuel Economy: 17/22 MPG

Mercedes’ Night Security Illumination

RATING: 8.2/10

Exterior: 8

Interior: 8

Acceleration: 8

Braking: 9

Ride: 9

Handling: 8

Gearbox: 8

Audio: 8

Tech: 8

Value: 8

We’d like to thank Pamela Sieradzki at Benzel Busch Mercedes for getting us into a 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE350 4MATIC. For all of your luxury vehicle needs, go check out Benzel-Busch Mercedes in Englewood, NJ and online at www.benzelbusch.com/mercedes-nj. Make sure you tell them Greg sent you!

How do you like your Mercedes?

Armored or unarmored? Mercedes-Maybach just recently announced their newest armored vehicle – the S600 Guard. Based on the Maybach S600, the S600 Guard features armor upgrades to keep heads-of-state, celebrities and the world’s elite protected. Mercedes says the car features “innovative voice amplification”, so you can still yell at your attackers while being protected from steel-core ammo from an assault rifle.

Powering the gargantuan vehicle is the S600’s twin-turbocharged V12 with 523 horsepower and 612 lb-ft of torque. Armor protection includes special steel that is inserted between the unibody and outer body panels, which overlap at crucial points for “comprehensive ballistic protection”. Thicker windows are coated with polycarbonate to help the car achieve a VR10 armor rating.

Fun Fact: VR10 armor protects occupants from all soft core bullets and most armor piercing and armor piercing incendiary bullets.

In addition to the VR10 armor rating, the S600 Guard also protects form explosives along the side of the car and under the passenger compartment – earning itself an ERV 2010 rating, which protects the passengers from a 15kg TNT explosive blast from 2 meters. With armored protection normally reserved for military vehicles, the S600 Guard is billed to offer the highest level of protection available on non-military vehicles.

No surprise here – you’re going to have to cough up quite a bit of dough to stay protected: about $518,000. The S600 Guard joins Mercedes’ G500, GLE and S-Class armored vehicle lineup.

Photos from Mercedes-Benz.

Dealer Spotlight: Lamborghini Paramus

Introducing Dealer Spotlights – a new thing we’re going to be doing at The Autocracy, where we go to premium brand dealers or locations that have a unique variety of vehicles and share information about them and the products and services they provide. Here is our first Dealer Spotlight, Lamborghini of Paramus.

As the only authorized Lamborghini dealer in New Jersey, Lamborghini of Paramus proudly offers a vast selection of new and selected pre-owned cars as well as service, parts and merchandise. Established in 1969, Lamborghini of Paramus has been around just 6 years less than the Lamborghini brand itself. Lamborghini was founded in Sant’Agata Bolognese Italy in 1963, and since then, they’ve produced some of the greatest looking, most highly detailed sports cars over the last century.

Some select models in their inventory include an Arancio Argos Pearl 2013 Aventador with under 5,000 miles, a Nero Noctis 2012 Gallardo with 6,000 miles and the pièce de résistance, a white 1990 25th Anniversary Edition Countach with just over 12,000 original miles. Renowned for their excellent customer service and close proximity to New York City, Lamborghini of Paramus invites you to stop in – located on Route 17 South in Paramus, New Jersey – and check them out online.

Jaguar F-Type Project 7

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nXJ2wY0JjzM

Jaguar has one of the most famous racing pedigrees of automative manufacturer history – so, it’s only fitting they give us something true to their roots: the F-Type Project 7.

We took a visit to Prestige Jaguar of Paramus to see what that was all about. Reminiscent of Jaguar’s D-Type race car, the F-Type Project 7 has the same tail fin that adorned the car that won the 1955 and 1956 Le Mans races.

Limited to only 250 units (and only 50 in the US), the F-Type Project 7 features the same 5.0-liter supercharged V8 from the regular F-Type, though this one has a bit of a power boost to the tune of 575 hp. That makes it the most powerful and fastest production car Jaguar has offered. Other accoutrements include carbon-ceramic brakes and a fixed rear spoiler. Check out Jaguar’s video above and make sure you turn up that volume!

Quick Facts:

Price: $165,995

Powertrain: 5.0-liter supercharged V-8, 575 hp, 516 lb-ft; RWD, 8-speed automatic

Weight: 3550 lb

2013 New York International Auto Show – See you there!

Are you getting ready for the 2013 New York International Auto Show?! With more than 50 cars making their first time debut, the 2013 NY Auto Show is something you don’t want to miss! We’ll be there before the public even gets a chance to so we’re going to show you everything!

Check out the trailer:

Photo and video from NYIAS.