American startup Lyons Motor Car has announced it will travel to next week’s New York Motor Show to introduce a futuristic-looking supercar called LM2 Streamliner.
The LM2 Streamliner is powered by a twin-turbocharged 8.2-liter V8 engine tuned to make 1,700 horsepower at 9,000 rpm and 1,610 lb-ft. of torque at 4,000 rpm. Power is sent to all four wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, allowing the Streamliner to reach 62 mph from a stop in less than 2.2 seconds. The engine’s origins were not revealed.

The LM2 is equipped with Brembo-built carbon ceramic brakes and an adjustable suspension setup that offers two modes called Luxury and Sport, respectively. Selecting Sport mode lowers the ride height, stiffens the suspension and makes the car noticeably louder by activating an electronic exhaust cut out.

The coupe stretches 182.6 inches long, 83.5 inches wide and 43.5 inches tall, dimensions that make it a few inches longer and wider than the defunct Bugatti Veyron. It tips the scale at 3,100 pounds thanks in part to body panels and a chassis crafted entirely out of carbon fiber.

What the future holds for Lyons Motor Car’s LM2 Streamliner is up in the air. The company promises that it will outline its plans for the next few years next week in New York.

Mercedes-Benz has issued two recalls for C-Class cars from the 2012 through 2015 model years.
The larger campaign includes more than 30,000 cars including the 2015 CLS 400, 2012-2015 CLS 550 and the 2012-2015 CLS 63. Affected vehicles have LED taillights that may not illuminate on the sides, in violation of federal safety standards.

“Reduced rear side marker illumination may prevent other drivers from seeing the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash,” the company notes.

The issue is said to be resolved via a software update for the lighting controller, rather than requiring installation of new taillights.

The smaller recall affects approximately 3,000 C300 4Matic and C400 4Matic sedans manufactured from April 7 through July 25, 2014. The cars may have been built with a fuel-delivery module that is not properly secured to the fuel tank, or secured with pinched wires between the module flange and the tank.

Affected vehicles can eventually leak fuel, increasing the risk of a fire, or the fuel pump can stop working and potentially cause a crash.

The company plans to inspect the cars and properly install the fuel-delivery module if it was not properly assembled from the factory.

It is unclear if either issue has been associated with any accidents or injuries.

Subaru is reportedly undecided about the design direction for its upcoming seven-seat crossover.
The three-row model was expected to draw inspiration from the VIZIV 2 concept (pictured), revealed at the 2014 Geneva Motor Show. The concept features a sporty styling, but the production version is said to be headed toward the direction of the Forester or the Outback.

The company has good reason to be cautious, as controversial aesthetics were blamed for the Tribeca’s failure. Executives are also said to be worried about competing too directly with segment rivals, such as the Nissan Pathfinder and Toyota Highlander.

“How can we differentiate the position of our product?” Nobuhiko Murakami, a senior marketing exec at Subaru parent Fuji Heavy Industries, recently told Automotive News.

The Levorg — essentially a WRX wagon — was well received following its unveiling in Geneva. The model will not be sold in the US market, but it is unclear if some of the design cues could be used for the larger three-row crossover.

Whatever design direction Subaru decides to follow, the crossover is expected to arrive in 2016 or 2017.

BMW has rejected rumors of a shooting-brake edition of the next-generation 6-Series, referred to as the Gran Tourer.
Reports circulating last summer suggested the company was developing a rival to the Mercedes-Benz CLS Shooting Brake, stretching the roofline back to a raked hatch for a new look. An optional wood-lined cargo floor and electric tailgate were listed among the expected features.

“Three body styles are sufficient if you look at sales volumes and investment requirements,” BMW executive Markus Baur told Dutch outlet Autovisie.

Baur also detailed the current split between various 6-Series bodystyles, noting that half of buyers opt for the Gran Coupe. The rest of the sales are split between the convertible and standard coupe.

Rumors had also raised hopes of an M6 Gran Tourer to take on the CLS63 AMG Shooting Brake. Baur did not hint at such a package down the road, but he did note that one in eight 6-Series carry an M badge and the M6 Gran Coupe is the most popular sport-tuned variant.

GM is recalling almost 92,000 Chevrolet Malibus for sunroof control switches that are prone to accidental activation.
The recall covers 2013 through 2015 model year Malibus. According to the AP (via CNBC), the switches can be activated with less force than is mandated by federal safety regulations. GM is not aware of any incidents related to the defect.

Dealers will address the issue by disabling one-touch open functionality. The same issue was responsible for the recall of 67,000 Cadillac ATS sedans earlier this year.

The all-new 2016 Malibu is scheduled to make its formal debut next week in New York. Video of the new model undergoing durability testing was released earlier this month.