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'Gran Turismo Sport' Super Bundle comes with a real Mazda Miata

"Gran Turismo Sport" is now on sale (stay tuned for a full review in the near future), and as with most video games now, there are basic versions and those that come with a few extras. For instance, in the United States there's a Limited Edition version that includes the full game, plus a metal box, several Group B rally cars and a couple of prototype cars unlocked, as well as 1,000,000 credits available at the start. It's a pretty meager special edition compared with the "Gran Turismo Sport" Super Bundle on offer in Taiwan, though. The Super Bundle lives up to its name primarily because it comes with a real, drivable Mazda MX-5 Miata. It comes in Soul Red and features custom Gran Turismo vinyl graphics. On top of that, the bundle comes with a Bravia 4K HDR OLED TV, a Playstation 4 Pro, Playstation VR, a year of Playstation Plus (the online multiplayer service), a Thrustmaster T-GT steering wheel controller, and an Apiga AP1 racing seat for playing the game. Oh, and of course it comes with a copy of the game. Funny enough, this isn't the first time a car has been offered as part of a video game bundle. When " Grid 2" launched a few years ago, the developer, Codemasters, partnered with BAC to sell a Mono edition. This special edition of the game came with a real life BAC Mono with "Grid 2" livery. There's no such thing as a free lunch, or a free car for that matter. At current exchange rates, the " Gran Turismo Sport" Super Bundle costs just shy of $46,300. Now that's a much more affordable proposition than the " Grid 2" BAC Mono package, which rang in at about $189,000, though the Miata is a much more affordable car with less performance. Americans shouldn't be disappointed the " Gran Turismo Sport" Super Bundle isn't available here, though. This is because the Super Bundle can be re-created here for much less money. Every item in the bundle plus a Miata Sport with a manual transmission and the Soul Red paint would come to a little under $32,000, a savings of over $14,000. Related Video: This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings.

2021 Hyundai Elantra vs. compact sedans | How they compare on paper

Despite the rising popularity of crossovers, the sedan market remains packed and fiercely competitive. It looks like it will stay that way with the introduction of the strikingly redesigned 2021 Hyundai Elantra. And since Hyundai was kind enough to provide plenty of specifications on the new car, we figured we ought to see how it stacks up to some of the latest and greatest small sedans on the market. For this comparison we picked the two best-sellers, the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla, one of the other recently redesigned sedans, the Nissan Sentra, and a perennial enthusiast favorite, the Mazda3. Below you'll find a chart with all the raw numbers for your perusal. Following that will be our usual break down and analysis of the numbers and any other noteworthy features not included in the chart. Performance and Fuel Economy While the design and chassis are all-new on the Elantra, the base powertrain isn't. It uses a version of the naturally aspirated 2.0-liter four-cylinder shared throughout the Hyundai and Kia line-ups, and it's again paired with a CVT. With 147 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque, it's the second least powerful entry for conventionally-powered sedans, only ahead of the sluggish 1.8-liter base engine in the Toyota Corolla. For those looking for a peppy small sedan, the Mazda3's naturally aspirated 2.5-liter has the most power and torque, even ahead of the turbocharged Honda Civic's 174 ponies. On the other hand, the Elantra, which Hyundai says will have better fuel economy than the outgoing model, should get at least 36 mpg combined, and probably better, making it the most efficient non-hybrid of this group. For the best blend of power and efficiency, the Civic is likely the way to go, as its turbo engine can return 36 mpg combined in lower trims. If you want a manual transmission in this body shape, only the Civic and Corolla offer it. A manual transmission is available on the Mazda3 hatchback, and the turbo Civic can also be had with a manual in hatchback or Si forms. A new powertrain for the Elantra is the hybrid. It's unique compared to other hybrids in that it's coupled to a six-speed dual-clutch transmission, rather than an electronically controlled CVT (which is not the same thing as a CVT) or something too complicated to describe in this sentence (the Honda Insight).

Weekly Recap: Toyota, Mazda team up to 'make cars better'

Toyota and Mazda are teaming for a noble purpose: to "make cars better." That's how the two Japanese automakers termed their partnership, which was announced this week. So what does this actually mean? The companies said they will set up a joint committee to look for areas of cooperation and named safety and the environment as issues they plan to tackle. From a product perspective, it's believed that Toyota is interested in Mazda's Skyactive engine portfolio. In turn, Mazda has its eye on Toyota's fuel-cell and plug-in hybrid technology. While more specifics were not confirmed, the companies said the "agreement will go beyond the traditional framework of cooperation," and it has the potential to be a long-range partnership. "The main purpose of this initiative is to enhance the appeal of our cars," Toyota president Akio Toyoda said at the announcement. Previously, Mazda has licensed Toyota's hybrid tech and assembled compact cars for Toyota in Mexico. Akio Toyoda said these projects "triggered" the automakers to explore further collaboration. Dave Sullivan, product analysis manager for AutoPacific, said the tie-up echoes Daimler's wide-ranging work with the Renault-Nissan alliance. "This could be a well-groomed match due to each having very unique skill sets," he said. OTHER NEWS & NOTES Volvo selects South Carolina for US factory Volvo confirmed this week that it will build its first US factory in South Carolina, with construction set to begin this fall. The company first revealed plans in March, though it didn't announce a site. The plant will have initial annual production of 100,000 units, though the vehicle or vehicles to be assembled were not specified. The factory, located near Charleston, will open in 2018 and ultimately employ 4,000 people. The facility will help Volvo continue its growth strategy, which includes strengthening its presence in the US market, where it wants to sell more than 100,000 cars per year. "Building a plant in the US is a reflection of Volvo Cars' commitment to the US and the key role the US plays in our growth objectives," Lex Kerssemakers, senior vice president, Americas, said in a statement. Ford GT spied on the road The 2017 Ford GT was spotted testing around the Blue Oval's headquarters in Dearborn, MI, this week. The raw body panels were exposed, and they lacked paint or camouflage. It's the first time the GT has been captured on the street after a spring of auto show reveals.