Matthew Wilde

Articles by Matthew Wilde

Aston Martin, James Bond DB10: Own It, Can’t Drive It (VIDEO)

Would you still want to own the only Aston Martin DB10 for sale if you couldn’t drive it? That’s exactly the scenario for the 10 bespoke Aston Martin cars made specifically for use in the new James Bond film, “Spectre.” The luxury automaker plans to auction off one DB10 next year, but the car doesn’t have the necessary road certifications for driving. “Spectre” marks a departure from past Bond films because the two main cars featured in the movie were created solely for the film and are not available to the public. “This is the first time we created a car that was completely bespoke for Bond,” said David Adams, a spokesperson at Aston Martin. The villian’s car, Jaguar C-X75,

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Mercedes-Benz, Honda models among 10 cars gone in 2016

New year car models used to be available for the first time in September. But manufacturers now debut cars for different reasons at the different times of the year. While some 2016 models are still pending, some 2017 models have been available for months. But consumers beware. If you’re considering a 2016 model, it may no longer be available. Honda to Toyota, Mercedes Benz to Nissan, some models of prominent cars ended their tenures after their 2015 models. Here’s a list of 10 well-known cars available as 2015 models, but defunct as 2016 models: 1. Mercedes-Benz M-Class — The German manufacturer’s midsize SUV has been replaced by a sleeker-looker models, the GLE-Class. 2. Honda Crosstour — It was funny looking

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Blake Griffin benched by Kia as NBA season begins (VIDEO)

As the NBA season unfolds, Blake Griffin has been benched. But the all-star forward hasn’t done anything wrong. Rather, the Los Angeles Clippers’ forward will be featured in a new series of television commercials for Kia. Griffin, who began his relationship with Kia in 2011, will appear in four new commercials under the theme of “Next Level” for Kia’s best-selling Optima midsize sedan. With his dry sense of satire, Griffin has been “benched” in the commercial in a lounge chair “zone.” Griffin finds an eternally calm while reading the newspaper, playing chess, making the ultimate peanut butter and jelly sandwich or acting as a weather forecaster in the midst of an impressive basketball performance. BLAKE GRIFFIN JUMPING THROUGH HOOPS FOR

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Tesla oddity: Safest car ever tested but unreliable? (VIDEO)

Telsa has revolutionized the automotive industry, but the super luxury electric car has just received its first major dubious honor. Consumer Reports has described $127,000 Tesla Model S has “worse than average” in reliability. The unexpected rating is odd considering the prestigious publication in recent months selected the Tesla as the safest car ever made. It’s also rated as the publication’s best performing car. According to the publication, results from the 1,400 responses from consumers detailed a long list of “maladies with the drivetrain, charging equipment, big-screen center console and evidence of a poorly-built vehicle with squeaks, rattles and leaks.” Tesla Model S sets record as safest car in history As a result, a Consumer Reports’ representative commented, “We are no longer

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Toyota Prius, Chevy Volt green car of the year finalists

The pioneering hybrid Toyota Prius and the second generation of the Chevrolet Volt have been selected among five finalists for the 2016 Green Car of the Year. The 11th annual award will be presented as per tradition on November 19 as a preamble to the LA Auto Show. The Green Car Journal, which debuted the award in 2005, has selected the Audi A3 e-tron, Honda Civic Hyundai Sonata as well as the Prius and Volt. According to the publication, and increasing number of vehicle models are considered for the Green Car of the Year program each year, a reflection of the auto industry’s expanding efforts in offering new vehicles with higher efficiency and improved environmental impact. “This is the strongest

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Volkswagen can’t sell 2016 diesels in the U.S.

Volkswagen of American won’t be able to sell 2016 diesel 2.0-liter engine models in the United States, and the carmaker has withdrawn its application for EPA certification. If the manufacturer complies with U.S. emissions standards, it can again begin selling its vehicles currently in violation of emissions policies. Volkswagen had been awaiting EPA approval for the 2016 diesels, but withdrew its request as part of ongoing discussions with U.S. regulators following emissions violations. Volkswagen of America CEO Michael Horn disclosed the decision in written testimony he delivered at a hearing before the House Energy and Commerce committee. In his testimony, Horn said part of VW’s emissions control strategy included a “software feature” that should be “disclosed to and approved by”

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700 Horsepower Ford Mustang too good to be true

Neiman Marcus, in its famed annual Christmas catalog, is offering 100 examples of the most unique Ford Mustang ever manufactured. It will be a supercharged 700 horsepower, 195 mph Mustang convertible. Powered by a specially tuned supercharged V8, the vehicle is rated at 60 mph in 3.5 seconds. The exotic Mustang is further enhanced with unique chassis and suspension tuning, a dual exhaust system, lightweight forged 20-inch wheels, and body panels and aesthetic modifications specific to the Neiman car. The Neiman Marcus catalog lists the vehicle as having all-wheel drive. Several automotive website outlets are reporting that description was erroneous. Several other features of the limited Mustang have also been questioned by national automotive writers, but Neiman Marcus hasn’t yet

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Hyundai, Infiniti among world debuts at LA Auto Show

Thirty global debuts, including the new Hyundai Elantra, Jaguar’s first luxury sport utility vehicle and the Infiniti QX30 crossover, will be among highlighted vehicles at the 205 Los Angeles Auto Show. More than 50 vehicles will debut from Alfa Romeo, BMW, Bentley, Fiat, Ford Motor Company, General Motors, Honda, Jaguar Land Rover, Mazda, Mercedes-Benz, MINI, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Porsche, Subaru and Volkswagen. The show is scheduled November 20-19 at the Los Angeles Convention Center. This year’s global and North American debuts will deliver production and concept vehicles representing the ever-growing performance, mid-size cross over, electric and high-technology categories.  Debut categories range from luxury SUVs and flagship sedans to new compact sedans. CNET.com will live-stream and provide commentary about the latest debuts

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New Bugatti Chiron: 0-60 mph, 2.0 seconds, $2.5 million

A decade ago, the Bugatti Veyron set the standard for supercars. Now the iconic carmaker is attempting to reclaim its former top perch with the Bugatti Chiron. While vehicles like the Porsche 918 Spyder and McLaren P1 have come into prominence, the Bugatti Chiron will debut at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2016 with numerous upgrades from its current sibling. The more powerful Bugatti is expected to have direct injection and electrically-powered turbochargers. It’s reportedly also going to feature 1,500 horsepower and 1,100 pound-feet of torque. The current Veyron is an 8.0-liter, 16-cylinder motor in a W configuration and with four turbochargers. It produces 1,000 horsepower and 922 pound-feet of torque. Power in the original Veyron is delivered via

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Tesla debuts super fast $130,000 gullwing SUV

After nearly two years of delays, Tesla has unveiled its $130,000 sport utility vehicle Model X with the electric carmaker’s owner claiming it’s the “safest, fastest and most capable sport utility vehicle in history.” Elon Musk, founder and CEO of Tesla, debuted the vehicle at the company’s factory in Fremont, California, and also gave keys to a handful of new customers. According to the Tesla website, the Model X can seat seven adults and accelerate from zero to 60 miles per hour in 3.8 seconds. There’s also an option for the standard 0-60 mph test in 3.2 seconds with Tesla’s “Ludicrous Speed Upgrade.” The new Tesla is equipped with a 90 kilowatt-hour battery, with the manufacturer stating the SUV can

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Ford recalls 375,000 cars, trucks, including F-150

Ford Motor Company has issued five safety recalls and one safety compliance recall in North America on a diverse group of vehicles dating to 1998 and totaling about 375,000 vehicles. The recalled vehicles range from 18-year-old from Ford Windstar vans to some models of the 2016 Ford Fusion. Here are the details: 1998-2003 Ford Windstar — About 340,000 units have been recalled for rear axle inspection for a potential issue with a previous safety recall repair. The risk is the combined effects of corrosion and stress that can lead to cracks and fracture. The previous recall repair involved installing a rear axle reinforcement bracket to mitigate the safety risk in the event of an axle fracture. A bracket incorrectly installed

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Pope Francis goes climate big in small way with Fiat 500

The frugality of Pope Francis is not a new topic. But when the pontiff disembarked the plane at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland on Sept. 22 he showed the world audience another example of his preferred lifestyle. He chose a black Fiat 500L in which to ride from the airport into Washington, D.C. The Fiat 500L, which has a base price of just under $20,000, was dwarfed by numerous blacked-out SUVs in the Pope’s motorcade. But for his first visit to the United States, Pope Francis was simply continuing his preferred method of travel. During his papacy, Pope Francis has used modified Toyotas, Kias, Hyundais and Land Rovers among others. When he is in Rome, he often opts for either

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Volkswagen CEO Winterkorn quits in emissions scandal

Martin Winterkorn, the CEO of Volkswagen, resigned Sept. 23, one day after the manufacturer acknowledged 11 million Volkswagen-made cars have software that dupes official emissions tests. “I am shocked by the events of the past few days,” Winterkorn said in a statement. “Above all, I am stunned misconduct on such a scale was possible in the Volkswagen Group.” The announcement came less than one week after the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency said the car company put software in diesel cars that turns emissions control systems off when the car isn’t undergoing official tests. Volkswagen is faced with several fallouts, investors punished its stock to the chance that the U.S. government will levy billions of dollars in fines. There’s also the

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Volkswagen emissions scandal affects 11 million cars globally

The software Volkswagen used to cheat on official diesel engine emissions tests affects 11 million cars globally dating to 2009, the carmaker and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have announced. The EPA, which unveiled its findings on Sept. 18, reported it found wide variations in emissions from VW cars that use a “defeat device” to fool emissions tests. The EPA also announced it’s ordering VW to issue a recall for about 482,000 VW and Audi cars that have 4-cylinder turbo diesel engines. The cars being recalled are equipped with software that detects when an official emissions test begins — and when the cars aren’t being tested, they “emit up to 40 times more pollution” than allowed under U.S. standards, according

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Janis Joplin’s psychedelic Porsche set for Sotheby’s auction

The 1965 Porsche 356C 1600 Cabriolet that Janis Joplin drove as a daily driver throughout California will be part of the RM Sotheby’s exclusive “Driven by Disruption” sale in New York City on December 10. The vintage sports car is described by an auction representative as, “without question one of the most important Porsches of all time.” Joplin purchased the Porsche in September 1968, but she decided the original Pearl White finish was slightly too conservative. She engaged Dave Richards, a friend and roadie with her band, Big Brother and the Holding Company, to customize the car with a kaleidoscopic mural. Described by Richards to represent ‘The History of the Universe’, the dramatic artwork included such graphics as butterflies and

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Porsche goes electric to chase Tesla dominance

Porsche, the sports car manufacturer well-established in performance and craftsmanship, is now seeking to establish a market to counter the dominance of Tesla in the luxury electric car segment. Porsche recently unveiled its first electric concept, the Mission E, at the Frankfurt Auto Show. Observers commented it looked like a futuristic version of a Porsche 911. The German carmaker said the four-door Mission E will be able to drive approximately 310 miles on a single charge. Porsche said the model should take 15 minutes to charge to about 80 percent of its capacity. The Tesla currently requires about 30 minutes to reach the same level of charge. With an 80 percent capacity charge, the Porsche Mission E is predicted to

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