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2018 Mercedes-AMG GLC63 Makes for A More Crowded Family

Mercedes' AMG lineup is already crowded with models but that isn't stopping from introducing two new models for New York next week. Meet the 2018 GLC63 and GLC63 Coupe. 
The GLE63 comes with a 4.0L biturbo V8 engine producing 469 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque. Those who are power hungry will be pleased with the GLE63S Coupe with 503 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque. Both come paired with a nine-speed AMG Speedshift MCT transmission and 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive. 0-60 mph takes 3.9 seconds in the GLC63 and 3.7 seconds in the S. Other mechanical changes include an air suspension, speed-sensitive steering, three-stage stability control, and a rear limited-slip differential.
AMG stylists were given some free reign in terms of making the GLE63 look aggressive. The front comes with the Panamericana grille first seen on the AMG GT and a new bumper. Wider fenders hide a set of either 20 or 21-inch wheels. In the back, a rear diffuser, and quad exhaust outlets give a heavy dose of presence.
Mercedes will launch the GLE63 family early next year.
Source: Mercedes-Benz
Press Release is on Page 2


The new Mercedes-AMG GLC63 SUV, GLC63 Coupe and GLC63 S Coupe
Mercedes-AMG Combines Performance SUV and V8 Expertise Mercedes-AMG set a milestone when it launched the first ML55 in 1999. The combination of a high-performance engine with the space and practicality of an SUV opened up an entirely new market segment in which AMG has continued to thrive. With the new GLC63 SUV, GLC63 Coupe and GLC63 S Coupe, Mercedes-AMG once again occupies an exceptional position in the marketplace. For the first time in the Mercedes- AMG lineup, a mid-size SUV will now be available with a powerful eight- cylinder biturbo engine. The handcrafted AMG 4.0L V8 biturbo engine produces 469 hp in the GLC63 SUV and GLC63 Coupe and a mighty 503 hp in the GLC63 S Coupe. Acceleration from 0-60 mph takes just 3.9 seconds in the GLC63 SUV and Coupe, and an impressive 3.7 seconds in the GLC63 S Coupe. Each of these three new performance models feature an air spring suspension with adaptive, adjustable damping, AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive with fully variable torque distribution, a rear-axle limited-slip differential and a high-performance braking system. As a visual indication of their links with Mercedes-AMG sports cars, all new GLC63 models sport the AMG Panamericana grille, which was previously reserved for the AMG GT family of sports cars. In addition, the new models offer all the advantages of a Mercedes SUV: ample room for passengers and luggage, comprehensive array of safety equipment and superior traction in all road conditions.
The new Mercedes-AMG GLC63 SUV, GLC63 Coupe and GLC63 S Coupe occupy exceptional positions in their respective markets on every front. They are the only vehicles in their segment to be powered by an eight-cylinder biturbo engine, thus meeting the wishes of customers who are looking for a midsize SUV with superior power delivery and a highly emotional, unmistakable engine sound.
"For us, the new GLC63 is a quite special vehicle. It is no easy job designing an SUV to be highly sporty and dynamic while at the same time offering inherent extreme driving stability and efficiency. This required us to put our heart and soul, along with our many years of SUV expertise, into the development of this vehicle. The result is an SUV that can be driven with high precision and agility and which, if required, is equally at home on a high-speed lap of the race track. With our V8 biturbo engine, we hold a decisive unique selling point in the performance market. What is more, with both SUV and Coupe variants available, we offer the widest choice in the segment. The technical closeness to our sports cars is visually underlined by the Panamericana grille, which was previously reserved for our AMG GT models," says Tobias Moers, CEO of Mercedes-AMG GmbH.
Unique offering in the segment with V8 biturbo engine
Both SUV and Coupe variants of the GLC63 are offered with the proven, handcrafted AMG 4.0L V8 biturbo engine, producing 469 hp and 479 lb-ft of torque. The GLC63 S Coupe produces a massive 503 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque. Acceleration from 0-60 mph takes just 3.9 seconds in the GLC63 SUV and Coupe, and an impressive 3.7 seconds in the GLC63 S Coupe.
V8 biturbo closely related to engine in the Mercedes-AMG GT
The handcrafted AMG 4.0L V8 biturbo engine is already used in numerous AMG Performance vehicles, including in the AMG GT sports car family (with dry sump lubrication). A characteristic feature of this engine is that the engine's two turbochargers are positioned inside the cylinder "V". The main advantages of this design are the compact engine construction, optimal throttle response and low exhaust emissions. Each engine is assembled by one mechanic in the engine shop at AMG's headquarters in Affalterbach, Germany according to the "one man - one engine" principle.
Short shift times, high efficiency: AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 9-speed transmission
The new GLC63 SUV, GLC63 Coupe and GLC63 S Coupe all feature the AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 9-speed transmission, which made its debut in the Mercedes- AMG E63 S. The driver benefits from extremely short shift/response times. Fast multiple downshifts and the double-declutching function make for highly emotional shifting. A start-off wet clutch replaces a traditional torque converter in this new transmission, saving weight and optimizing the response to the driver's accelerator pedal input.
AMG Performance 4MATIC+ variable all-wheel drive
After the Mercedes-AMG E63 S Sedan, the GLC63 now comes with AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive. This intelligent system unites the advantages of different drive concepts: fully variable torque distribution to the front and rear axles ensures optimal traction right up to the physical limit. The driver is also able to rely on high driving stability and handling safety under all conditions, even in snow. The transition from rear-wheel to all-wheel drive and vice versa is seamless, as intelligent control is integrated into the overall vehicle system architecture.
An electromechanically controlled clutch connects the permanently driven rear axle to the fully variable front axle. The best possible torque distribution is continuously computed according to driving conditions and driver's input. Transitions are seamless and based on a sophisticated matrix. Alongside traction and lateral dynamics, the all-wheel drive also improves the longitudinal dynamics for even more powerful acceleration.
For a personalized experience: AMG DYNAMIC SELECT drive programs
The four AMG DYNAMIC SELECT drive programs "Comfort," "Sport," "Sport+" and "Individual" allow the driver to extensively influence the characteristics of the GLC63 SUV, GLC63 Coupe and GLC63 S Coupe by modifying key parameters such as the response of engine, transmission, suspension, steering, ESP® and all-wheel drive. Independent of the DYNAMIC SELECT drive programs, the driver has the option of pressing the "M" button to switch directly to manual mode, in which gearshifts are executed exclusively using the shift paddles on the steering wheel. The suspension settings can also be specially selected if required.
"Comfort" is a balanced drive program with a comfort-oriented suspension and steering set-up as well as a fuel-efficient powertrain configuration with early upshifts – including smooth gearshifts and a restrained engine sound. The ECO start/stop function and coasting function are activated in this mode. When the driver releases the accelerator in a speed range between 37 and 99 mph, the clutch of the MCT transmission opens and the engine is decoupled from the powertrain. Electronics lower the engine speed to idle and driving resistance is reduced by the compression and friction forces of the engine on overrun.
The DYNAMIC SELECT "Sport" and "Sport+" drive programs are designed for high driving dynamics. This results from an agile accelerator pedal characteristic with direct set-up and emotively appealing gearshifts with shorter shift times and double-clutching function on downshifts. The increased idle speed in "Sport+" enables especially fast acceleration from rest.
The GLC63 Coupe and GLC63 S Coupe have an additional "RACE" drive program, in which all driving parameters are configured for maximum performance. With a total of five drive programs, this Performance SUV once again offers the widest choice in the segment.
Exhaust system with flap technology for variable engine sound
An emotional V8 engine sound comes courtesy of an exhaust system with flap technology. This flap is controlled automatically depending on the AMG DYNAMIC SELECT drive program, the power demanded by the driver and the engine speed. Optionally available is the AMG Performance exhaust system, which allows the exhaust sound to be modulated at the press of a button.
Specific suspension for maximum lateral and longitudinal dynamics
The agility, highly dynamic lateral acceleration and maximum grip of the new GLC63 SUV, GLC63 Coupe and GLC63 S Coupe models comes courtesy of a new AMG suspension system which features fully-supporting multi-chamber air springs. This suspension setup ensures exceptionally high levels of camber stability, driving dynamics and steering precision.
The front axle features a four-link design with special steering knuckles, optimized elastokinematics and radial brake connections. Independent wheel control and wheel suspension elements enable higher lateral acceleration with minimal torque steer.
The concept for the rear axle was carried over from the AMG E63 S Sedan and specially matched to the requirements of the GLC. The model-specific multi-link concept impresses with highly precise wheel control and increased stiffness. The AMG-specific rear axle carrier makes the wider track possible in comparison with the GLC from Mercedes-Benz, while the contact surfaces of the wheel bearings have also been moved further outwards. Other measures include AMG-specific wheel carriers, stiffer elastokinematic tuning and higher negative camber.
Individual driving experience thanks to three-chamber air suspension system
Thanks to a sporty spring and damper set-up and continuously variable damping, the new three-chamber air suspension system combines exemplary driving dynamics with excellent road roar and tire vibration characteristics. The stiffness of the air springs can be adjusted over a wide range by activating or deactivating individual air chambers, making for perceptibly enhanced comfort and handling.
There are three degrees of spring tuning depending on the selected drive program and current driving status. The spring rate is hardened automatically in the event of sudden load changes, fast cornering, heavy acceleration or heavy braking, effectively reducing roll and pitch while stabilizing the GLC63 SUV, GLC63 Coupe and GLC63 S Coupe.
The adaptive damping can be set in three stages – "Comfort," "Sport" and "Sport+" - thus, both relaxed comfort on long journeys and maximum sportiness are possible. Rebound and compression levels are adjusted independently of each other, and the freely programmable maps permit a wide spread between minimum and maximum damper force. The difference between the comfortable and sporty suspension settings is even more refined and is clearly perceptible – depending on driving style.
The GLC63 SUV and Coupe both come equipped with standard 10-spoke Titanium Grey light-alloy wheels with a high-sheen finish (front: 8 x 19 / rear: 9 x 19) with 235/55 R 19 tires at the front, and 255/50 R 19 tires at the rear. The GLC63 S Coupe comes with 5-twin-spoke light-alloy wheels painted in Titanium Grey with a high-sheen finish (front: 9.5 x 20 / rear: 10 x 20) with 265/45 R 20 tires at the front and 295/40 R 20 tires at the rear. Several other wheel and tire combinations are available, including forged, staggered fitment wheels with especially wide tires.
Rear-axle limited-slip differential: optimal traction under all conditions
For improved traction and driving dynamics, both the GLC63 SUV and Coupe come with a mechanical rear-axle limited-slip differential, while the GLC63 S Coupe uses an electronic rear-axle limited-slip differential. Both differentials reduce the slip on the inside wheel when cornering, without control intervention by the brakes. As a result, the driver is able to accelerate out of corners even earlier thanks to the improved traction. The vehicle remains more stable when braking from high speed, while the limited-slip differential also improves traction when accelerating from a standstill. Overall, the rear axle has been specially matched to the higher driving dynamics of the new Performance SUVs.
The greatest benefit of the electronic rear-axle limited-slip differential is even more sensitive and precise control, which pushes the critical threshold higher, making it even easier to drive at the vehicle's limits. The three-stage ESP® with "ESP ON," "ESP SPORT Handling Mode" and "ESP OFF" settings work in perfect unison with the rear-axle limited-slip differential and is optimally tuned to provide outstanding dynamics.
Precise, agile handling: speed-sensitive sports steering
The electromechanical, speed-sensitive sports steering provides precise, agile handling with authentic feedback. The driver benefits from the variable steering ratio and optimized response.
The steering also features variable power assistance with the two modes "Comfort" and "Sport." The power steering is dependent not only on the vehicle's speed, but also on the instantaneous lateral acceleration, selected AMG DYNAMIC SELECT drive program and setting of the adjustable damping.
Expressive front end with Panamericana grille
A striking characteristic of the exterior design is the expressive front end: the new GLC63 SUV, GLC63 Coupe and GLC63 S Coupe are the first Mercedes-AMG Performance vehicles to feature the Panamericana grille, which was previously reserved for the AMG GT family of sports cars. This design statement affirms the consistently dynamic design of the new Performance SUV and Coupe. A wide front bumper inspired by the design of a jet wing and a large front splitter embodies the power of both new models. The Panamericana grille gives a clear view of the GLC63's cooling technology – a typical attribute from the world of motor sport and a further differentiation from the other GLC models. Wider wheel arch claddings at front and rear lend emphasis to the muscular looks.
The new side sill panels make the SUV and Coupe appear to sit lower on the road while elongating the overall lines. On the GLC63 S Coupe, Matte Iridium Silver inserts make for a distinctive appearance. The muscular rear end is dominated by a wide rear bumper and a diffuser in grained black. The trim on the diffuser board is also finished in Matte Iridium Silver.
The GLC63 SUV is provided with a spoiler lip on the roof, while the spoiler lip on the GLC63 Coupe and GLC63 S Coupe is familiar from its prior appearance on the AMG GLC43 Coupe. The exhaust system is finished with two high-gloss chrome- plated twin tailpipe trims.
Interior also with a consistent focus on driving dynamics
The interior underscores the leadership ambition of the new GLC63 SUV, GLC63 Coupe and GLC63 S Coupe in terms of driving dynamics. Driver and front passenger seats are finished in MB-Tex man-made leather combined with DINAMICA microfiber, which unite excellent lateral support with functional ergonomics.
The instrument panel is trimmed in Black MB-Tex man-made leather, with the GLC63 S Coupe additionally receiving contrasting topstitching. The high-grade look is underlined by aluminum trim. The touchpad is flanked by the AMG DYNAMIC SELECT switch and numerous AMG-specific controls, such as the button for the 3- stage AMG RIDE CONTROL suspension, 3-stage ESP® or optionally the button for the AMG Performance exhaust system with flap control.
The GLC63 S Coupe variant comes with an even more extensive equipment package, including an AMG Performance steering wheel in Black Nappa Leather / DINAMICA microfiber, in combination with leather appointments and an AMG instrument cluster with red highlights.
Exclusive optional extras
The AMG Performance Studio offers technical and design highlights to make the Mercedes-AMG GLC63 SUV, GLC63 Coupe and GLC63 S Coupe even sportier, more exclusive and more individual. The following provides just a selection:
AMG Performance exhaust system with flap control at the push of a button Greater differentiation of the sound characteristics by two additional exhaust flaps Sound characteristics dependent on selected drive program - clear differentiation between a full sound in the "C" and "S" drive programs and a distinctly sporty sound in the "S+" and "RACE" drive programs (GLC63 Coupe and GLC63 S Coupe only) Additional control of the sound characteristics via button on the center control panel in the center console AMG Night package: Front splitter of the AMG front bumper in High-Gloss Black Inserts in the AMG side sill panels in High-Gloss Black Exterior mirror housings in High-Gloss Black Waistline trim strip and window frame in High-Gloss Black Roof rails (SUV only) finished in Matte Black AMG Exterior Carbon Fiber package: Exterior mirror housings in carbon fiber Spoiler lip in carbon fiber 20-inch light-alloy wheels 21-inch light-alloy wheels 21-inch forged wheels AMG Performance Studio interior: Upper section of instrument panel and waistlines in Black Nappa- look MB-Tex man-made leather with contrasting topstitching (GLC63 S Coupe) Two-tone Nappa leather in Red Pepper/Black or Platinum White/Black Black Nappa Leather AMG Performance seats for driver and front passenger with more heavily contoured seat shape for enhanced lateral support, with integral head restraints and "AMG" badge in the seat backrests The new 2018 Mercedes-AMG GLC63 SUV and Mercedes-AMG GLC63 Coupe will celebrate their auto show debuts at the New York International Auto Show.

  • More AMG models arrive at New York

William Maley

2018 Buick Regal Sportback and TourX Make Their Debut

Ever since we first got our first look at the Opel/Vauxhall Insignia Grand Sport and Sportwagon, we have been wondering when would see the next Buick Regal. Today at a press event at GM's Technical Center in Warren, MI, the 2018 Buick Regal made its debut in a hatchback and a wagon.
We'll begin with the Regal hatchback or Sportback as the brand calls it. There isn't any significant design changes when compared to the Insignia aside from the badge swap. The only thing we would change are the wheels used in the media photos, they just don't fit the Regal at all.
Next up is the Regal TourX (pronounced Tour X, not Tour Cross). Based on the Insignia Sports Tourer, Buick has made it slightly more rugged by raising it 0.6-inches and adding body cladding. We can already hear a few you complaining that why doesn't Buick bring over the Insignia Sports Tourer as it is and we would remind you that Americans don't really buy wagons except when they have been SUVized/Crossoverized - see Subaru Outback and Audi A4 Allroad as examples.
Power for the Regal comes from a turbocharged 2.0L four-cylinder. Output is rated at 250 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque for the front-wheel drive Sportback. Opt for the Sportback AWD or TourX and torque rises to 295 pound-feet. A nine-speed automatic comes standard on the front-wheel drive model while an eight-speed automatic comes on AWD models.
In terms of safety, both Regal models come with an active hood pedestrian safety system. At speeds between 16 and 30 mph, a pyrotechnic actuator can lift back of the hood up about four inches if it "detects the imminent impact of a pedestrian". Raising the hood will lessen the impact and "potentially reduce injury.”
Inside, Buick is claiming both Regal models will offer best-in-class cargo room. Standard equipment includes ten air bags, heated side-view mirrors and a seven-inch infotainment system that supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. An eight-inch screen is available as an option.
Buick says the 2018 Regal will arrive at dealers towards the end of the year. Details on pricing will be announced sometime before then.
Source: Buick
Press Release is on Page 2


Buick Introduces Expressive New 2018 Regal Sportback
Sleek appearance, excellent driving performance and unexpected flexibility DETROIT — With the 2018 Regal Sportback, Buick builds on its track record of making bold moves outside traditional vehicle segments to deliver unique customer offerings that fit modern lifestyles. The Regal Sportback provides a sleek, sporty, coupe-like design, the spirited performance of a premium sports sedan and unexpected versatility in one sophisticated package for a perfect balance of form and function.
The coupe-like roofline captures the expressive style and passion customers want, while the five-door layout enables easier access to cargo space. With the split-folding second row seats in place, the new Regal Sportback offers 31.5 cubic feet of cargo space, more than twice as much as the 2017 Regal.
In keeping with its sporting nature, the Regal Sportback’s cabin takes a driver-centric approach, with the center stack skewed towards the driver for a cockpit feel. The cabin’s craftsmanship is characterized by clean lines, uncluttered surfaces and premium seating materials.
“The new Regal Sportback was developed with today’s active, independent, premium car customer in mind,” said Duncan Aldred, vice president, Global Buick and GMC. “They have an SUV in the garage and are looking to complement it with a sport sedan, but have an appreciation for the usefulness of a versatile cargo space when an occasional need arises.”
Regal Sportback highlights:
Available intelligent all-wheel drive (AWD) with active twin-clutch for improved vehicle control and efficiency in any conditions. AWD models have an eight-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel-drive models have a nine-speed automatic. The 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine produces a GM-estimated 250 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque (FWD) and 295 lb-ft of torque (AWD). The discreetly integrated rear opening has a tri-folding 40/20/40 rear seat available and a 60/40 split-folding seat standard. Safety innovations include a Buick-first active hood pedestrian safety system, Front Pedestrian Braking and Lane Keep Assist. There’s more overall cargo space than the Audi A5 Sportback and BMW 4-series Gran Coupe, with 60.7 cubic feet behind the first row. Signature Buick QuietTuning includes all-new tire insulation to help reduce road noise on front-wheel-drive models and premium five-link rear suspension on AWD models. The Regal Sportback’s spirited performance comes by way of a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine standard producing a GM-estimated 250 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. The power is routed to the front wheels via an all-new nine-speed automatic transmission. An available 295 lb-ft of torque is sent through an eight-speed automatic transmission on models with optional intelligent AWD with an active twin-clutch differential. The engine comes standard with advanced start/stop technology.
With the Regal Sportback, Buick continues to establish itself as a leader in all-wheel-drive technology. Also available on the Regal TourX, Envision and LaCrosse, Buick’s innovative new system uses two clutches at the rear wheels for seamless, smart torque distribution. Beneficial not just in snowy weather but also during spirited driving, the system relies less on braking to maintain maximum performance and efficiency.
Buick offers AWD across its entire portfolio, with the exception of the Cascada convertible.
The exterior design of the 2018 Regal Sportback is visually low and tailored, hinting at an advanced body structure that is stiffer, stronger and approximately 200 pounds lighter than the previous generation Regal. Customers will notice this reduction through more athletic handling and improved efficiency. With wheels pushed farther to the corners and a wheelbase stretched more than 3 inches than its predecessor, more expressive proportions are paired with improved passenger space.
The chassis has been tuned for refined control and a confident everyday driving character. AWD models feature an all-new five-link rear suspension that provides improved road noise isolation and tuning designed to match that drivetrain’s advanced capabilities.
The 2018 Regal Sportback offers new levels of crash prevention and protection. It is the first Buick to offer a standard active hood pedestrian safety system that senses the imminent impact of a pedestrian between 16-30 mph and uses a pyrotechnic actuator to lift the back of the hood up about 4 inches to lessen the impact and potentially reduce injury.
Available Driver Confidence I package adds popular active safety features including Lane Change Alert with Side Blind Zone Alert, Rear Cross Traffic Alert and Rear Park Assist. A more advanced Driver Confidence II package adds Front Pedestrian Braking, Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning, Forward Collision Alert and Adaptive Cruise Control with Forward Automatic Braking.
Standard equipment on every 2018 Regal Sportback includes push-button start and entry, Hill Start Assist, 10 air bags, universal home remote and heated side mirrors.
Every Regal Sportback also comes equipped with an OnStar 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot (AT&T data plan purchase required after limited data trial period) and five years of the OnStar Basic Plan at no additional cost. Among other benefits like an industry-leading myBuick app, this connectivity plan features OnStar Smart Driver, an opt-in service designed to help Buick owners maximize their vehicle’s overall performance and become better drivers.
A 7-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility is standard, while an 8-inch system with available embedded navigation is optional. Bose premium audio is also available, while Sportback offers standard active noise cancellation on all AWD models.
Available in four trim levels — Regal, Preferred, Preferred II and Essence — the Regal Sportback is aimed at those who possess a passion for driving and demand a vehicle that represents their personality and style. 
While pricing and other details will not be announced until closer to the on-sale date in the fourth quarter of 2017, the Regal Sportback will offer style and performance on par with more expensive competitors, with a pricing strategy consistent with why Buick has been named Kelley Blue Book’s Best Value Luxury Brand four years in a row.
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2018 Buick Regal TourX Brings Adventure to Every Drive
Rugged utility and upscale amenities are purpose-built for active lifestyles DETROIT — Coming off a historic year with record sales, four new vehicle launches and awards validating Buick’s quality and customer experience, the brand’s introduction of the all-new Regal TourX brings the latest product to broaden the brand’s lineup in the U.S. Like the successful Encore and Cascada, TourX proves Buick continues to make bold moves outside traditional vehicle segments.
“Regal TourX is a crossover in the truest sense of the word, with the drive dynamics of a car and the versatility of an SUV,” said Duncan Aldred, vice president, global Buick and GMC. “Additionally, it continues a trend set by the Cascada and Encore of bringing Buick’s contemporary design and attainable luxury credentials to new segments where customers are looking for more. TourX enters a vibrant segment with passion and youthful energy where drivers are able to experience the new Buick.”
The TourX rides higher than its Sportback counterpart, enabling greater capability. Its rugged exterior appearance, standard roof rails, interior amenities, standard intelligent all-wheel drive (AWD) with active twin-clutch and functional cargo area epitomize upscale utility, capability and convenience backed by the quality and safety expected from Buick.
With the new Regal TourX and Sportback, Buick now offers two new products that expand the expectations and opportunity for individuality in the premium midsize segment. One is a sports sedan with sleek, coupe-like design with five-door versatility; the other, a vehicle with the drive dynamics of a car but with all the usefulness of an SUV.
Highlights of Regal TourX:
It has more overall cargo space than the Volvo V60 Cross Country, the Audi A4 Allroad, BMW 3-series Sport Wagon and the Subaru Outback, with up to 73.5 cubic feet behind the front seats. Standard intelligent AWD with active twin-clutch provides improved vehicle control and efficiency in any condition. The purpose-built exterior’s ride height increased over the Regal Sportback and it has durable fascia and fender moldings. The hands-free power liftgate has a Buick tri-shield logo lamp that illuminates the ground beneath the sensor, standard on upper trim levels. The 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine produces 250 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. Customer-minded available accessories including a variable roof rack, portable Bluetooth speaker and keyless keypad entry. An eight-speed automatic transmission is standard. Safety innovations include a Buick-first active hood pedestrian safety system, Front Pedestrian Braking and Lane Keep Assist. Memorable adventures need capable performance, and TourX answers the call with a standard 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine featuring 250 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. That power is routed to the ground via a standard eight-speed automatic transmission and intelligent AWD with active twin-clutch for greater control on any surface. The engine also comes standard with advanced start/stop technology.
Also offered on the Regal Sportback, Envision and LaCrosse, Buick’s innovative new system uses two clutches at the rear wheels for seamless, smart torque distribution. Beneficial not just in snowy weather but also during spirited driving, the system relies less on braking to maintain maximum performance and efficiency.
Compared to the 2018 Regal Sportback, the TourX is 3.4 inches longer, showcasing a confident side profile and a roofline accent piece that arches along the entire length of the roof and D-pillar, eventually culminating in the LED-accented taillights.
Up front, Buick’s winged grille is flanked by standard LED daytime running lights and available LED headlights that are thinner and more landscaped to enhance the low, wide appearance of the front end.
Inside the luxurious cabin, the new Regal’s interior design takes a tailored, driver-centric approach, featuring premium materials and host of modern technologies. Refined materials in the cabin feature clean lines and uncluttered surfaces, all while keeping utility and capability of utmost importance. Folding down the second row gives the Regal TourX 73.5 cubic feet of cargo capacity, more than its key competitors, and 32.7 cubic feet in the rear hatch area with seats up.
Standard equipment on every 2018 Regal TourX includes intelligent AWD with active twin-clutch, push-button start and entry, Hill Start Assist, 10 air bags, universal home remote and heated side mirrors.
Every Regal TourX also comes equipped with an OnStar 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot (AT&T data plan purchase required after limited data trial period) and five years of the OnStar Basic Plan[1] at no additional cost. Among other benefits like an industry-leading myBuick app, this connectivity plan features OnStar Smart Driver, an opt-in service designed to help Buick owners maximize their vehicle’s overall performance and become better drivers.
A 7-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility is standard on TourX and Preferred trims, while an 8-inch system is standard on the Essence trim with available embedded navigation optional. Bose premium audio with an innovative subwoofer mounted in the spare tire well is also standard with active noise cancellation.
The 2018 Regal TourX offers new levels of crash prevention and protection. Along with the Regal Sportback, it is the first Buick to offer a standard active hood pedestrian safety system that senses the imminent impact of a pedestrian between 16-30 mph and uses a pyrotechnic actuator to lift the back of the hood up about 4 inches to lessen the impact and potentially reduce injury.
The Regal TourX’s available Driver Confidence I package adds popular active safety features including Lane Change Alert with Side Blind Zone Alert, Rear Cross Traffic Alert and Rear Park Assist. A more advanced Driver Confidence II package adds Front Pedestrian Braking, Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning, Forward Collision Alert and Adaptive Cruise Control with Forward Automatic Braking.
Available in three trim levels — TourX, Preferred and Essence — TourX is designed around a lifestyle and exposes a new generation and a new segment of buyers to the Buick brand. Pricing and other details will be announced closer to the on-sale date in the fourth quarter of 2017.

  • FINALLY!

William Maley

Holden Offering Customers the Chance To Pick the Build Number of Final Commodores

Holden is doing something quite special for buyers of the final Australian-built Commodore. CarAdvice got their hands on an email sent from a Holden dealer showing that customers will have the chance to pick a build number on a first come, first serve basis for the Commodore.
Here is how the ordering process will work:
On April 10th, eligible customers will get a test email from Holden to make sure they have the correct email. A week before May 3rd, customers will get access to a landing page along with login credentials On May 3rd at 12 PM, customers will be able to log in and a build number, 1-1200 for Motorsport 1-360 for Director 1-240 for Magnum All numbers will be on a first-come, first-served basis. This will last until May 10th. After this, the remaining numbers will be randomly allocated to owners who didn't pick a number. We haven't heard about an automaker doing something like this before. But it shows that Holden wants to end local manufacturing on a somewhat postive note.
Source: CarAdvice

  • Pick a number, any number

William Maley

Ford's Head of Research Says It Will Be Sometime Before Consumers Can Buy Autonomous Vehicles

Ford is looking to make big strides in autonomous vehicles. Last year, CEO Mark Fields said that by 2021, the automaker would have a Level 4 self-driving vehicle (minus the steering wheel and pedals for the gas and brake) for ride sharing services. Then Fields said the Blue Oval would offer self-driving vehicles to consumers by around 2025. However, Ford's vice president of research and advanced engineering has put the brakes on this slightly, saying it might be closer to ten years after that first fleet implementation.
“It’s really hard to guess and predict the pace of the technology. Our current view is the adoption rates will be relatively gradual,” said Ken Washington at a keynote address for the SAE WCX World Congress Experience.
That doesn't mean that Washington believes self-driving cars will not to come to fruition for consumers, it will take a little bit longer for it to happen.
“This is not science fiction. This is not a research project. This is something we’re going to make happen, and others will, too.”
Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required)

  • It might be sometime before you can get a self-driving Ford vehicle

William Maley

2018 Volkswagen Atlas To Begin At $30,500

Volkswagen dropped the pricing information for the 2018 Atlas crossover arriving at dealers next month and it is right on the nose of the automaker's promise of starting somewhere around $30,000.
The entry-level Atlas S kicks off at $30,500 and comes with a turbocharged 2.0L four-cylinder producing 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. Standard equipment includes 18-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights with LED daytime running lights, rearview camera, 6.5-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, and a six-speaker audio system. A 3.6L VR6 with 276 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque adds $1,400 to the price. If you want AWD, be prepared to pony up $33,700 as it is only available with the V6.
Here is how the rest of the Atlas lineup is comprised,
Atlas S Launch: $33,500 for VR6 FWD, $35,300 for VR6 AWD - Available for a limited time, the S Launch adds a panoramic sunroof, Homelink garage opener, 8-inch infotainment system, and a three-month trial of SiriusXM Satellite Radio. Atlas SE: $33,590 for 2.0T FWD, $34,990 for VR6 FWD, $36,790 for VR6 AWD - Adds automatic headlights, rain-sensing windshield wipers, Blind spot monitoring with cross-traffic alert, push-button start, leatherette upholstery, 10-way power driver's seat, and eight-speaker audio system. Atlas SE with Technology: $35,690 for 2.0T FWD, $37,090 for VR6 FWD, $38,890 for VR6 AWD - Adds adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, forward collision warning with automatic braking, three-zone climate control, power liftgate, and remote start. Atlas SEL: $39,160 for 2.0T FWD, $40,890 for VR6 FWD, $42,690 for VR6 AWD - Adds Easy Open liftgate; 8-way power passenger seat, memory function for driver's seat, Park Distance Control, and an 115V power outlet for second-row passengers. Atlas SEL Premium: $48,490 for VR6 AWD - Adds 20-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, LED taillights, power folding mirrors, 12.3-inch Volkswagen Digital Cockpit system, navigation, Fender Premium audio system, 360-degree camera system, leather upholstery, ventilated front seats, and heated rear seats. Source: Volkswagen
Press Release is on Page 2


VOLKSWAGEN ANNOUNCES PRICING OF CHATTANOOGA-BUILT 2018 ATLAS, STARTING AT $30,500
The thoughtfully-designed Atlas packs a great value, offering generous space, sophisticated driving dynamics and a host of available driver assistance and technology features Pricing starts at $30,500 for the four-cylinder turbocharged 2.0L TSI® S FWD model (late availability) Five trim levels, priced for the heart of the competitive SUV market Two engine options: four-cylinder TSI® turbo or the available powerful VR6®, both with eight-speed automatic transmissions Optional 4Motion® all-wheel-drive system on V6 models Comfortable seating for up to seven adults, with innovative access system for the third row Available interior features include innovative Volkswagen Digital Cockpit instrumentation Only vehicle in its class to offer Automatic Post-Collision Braking System HERNDON, VA (April 3, 2017) — Volkswagen of America, Inc., today announced pricing of the all-new, seven-passenger 2018 Atlas. With a starting Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $30,500 for the four-cylinder turbo 2.0L TSI® S FWD model (late availability), and $31,900 for the 3.6-liter V6 S FWD model, the Chattanooga-built SUV is loaded with standard equipment and available technology features. For maximum utility and comfort, the Atlas offers a spacious interior, with innovative access to the third row.
Based on the award-winning Modular Transverse Matrix (MQB) architecture, the Atlas is also fun-to-drive, a signature of Volkswagen vehicles. Atlas models will be available with two engine options, both with an eight-speed automatic transmission: the four-cylinder turbocharged and direct-injection 2.0-liter TSI engine, which produces 235 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque (achieved using premium fuel), and the 3.6-liter VR6® engine, which makes 276-horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque. An optional 4Motion® all-wheel-drive system is available on VR6 models.
The 2018 Atlas is scheduled to arrive in dealerships in May, and will be available in five trim levels to meet the diverse needs and tastes of U.S. customers.
MODEL LINE UP
Atlas S (Late availability)
The Atlas TSI S starts at $30,500 and features a standard four-cylinder turbocharged 2.0L TSI engine. Standard exterior features include 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels; stainless-steel roof rails; LED headlights with LED Daytime Running Lights (DRL); and a rearview camera. Inside, standard equipment includes a 6.5-inch Composition Color touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth® connectivity for compatible devices, USB port, Car-Net® App-Connect for compatible devices, enabling seamless integration with the three major smartphone platforms—Apple CarPlay™, Android Auto™ and MirrorLink®; 6 speakers; cruise control; and privacy glass. A 3.6-liter V6 S FWD model is available for $31,900. A 3.6-liter V6 S AWD model is available for $33,700.
Atlas S Launch (Limited availability)
Available at launch, and only with the 3.6-liter VR6 engine, the Atlas S Launch model is available as a frontwheel-drive model for $33,500, and with all-wheel drive for $35,300. This model adds the following features to the S trim offerings: panoramic sunroof; Homelink® garage door opener; footwell lighting; 8.0-inch Composition Media touchscreen infotainment system; and SiriusXM® Satellite Radio with a three-month trial subscription.
Atlas SE
Starting at $33,590, the Atlas SE builds off of the S trim. Features include heated door mirrors; automatic headlights; rain-sensing windshield wipers; Blind Spot Monitor w/Rear Traffic Alert; foglights; KESSY® keyless access w/push-button start; multi-function leather-wrapped steering wheel; V-Tex leatherette seating surface; heated front seats; rear sunshades; and 10-way power driver seats. The SE trim also features the 8.0-inch Composition Media touchscreen infotainment system with SiriusXM® Satellite Radio; 8 speakers; and 3 additional USB ports. A 3.6-liter V6 SE FWD model is available for $34,990. A 3.6-liter V6 S AWD model is available for $36,790.
Atlas SE with Technology
The Atlas SE with Technology model starts at $35,690, and includes a slate of modern convenience and advanced connectivity and driver assistance features, including: Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC); Forward Collision Warning and Autonomous Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Monitoring (Front Assist); Lane Departure Warning (Lane Assist), which actively helps the driver steer the car back into its lane if the driver takes his or her hands off the wheel for a defined period of time, or the vehicle crosses a lane marking without use of a turn signal; power liftgate; remote start; Climatronic® 3-zone automatic air conditioning; and an autodimming rearview mirror. A 3.6-liter V6 SE with Technology FWD model is available for $37,090. A 3.6-liter V6 SE with Technology AWD model is available for $38,890.
Atlas SEL
The Atlas SEL builds on the specifications of the SE with Technology model. For a starting price of $39,160, customers can enjoy even more upscale features: a panoramic sunroof; Easy Open liftgate; 8-way power passenger seat; memory function for driver’s seat and exterior mirrors; front and rear Park Distance Control and a convenient 115v power outlet in the second row (rear of the center console). VR6 models are equipped with a factory-installed tow hitch. A 3.6-liter V6 SEL FWD model is available for $40,890. A 3.6-liter V6 SEL AWD model is available for $42,690.
Atlas SEL Premium
Available only with 4Motion AWD system and 3.6-liter VR6 engine, the Atlas SEL Premium starts at $48,490. This top-of-the-line model increases the luxury quotient with: the sophisticated 12.3-inch Volkswagen Digital Cockpit, allowing drivers to reconfigure how they view vehicle information; 20-inch aluminum-alloy wheels; navigation; LED taillights; power-folding door mirrors; door mirrors with puddle lights; leather seating surfaces; ventilated front seats; heated rear seats; heated steering wheel; automatic High Beam Control (Light Assist); and ambient lighting. The Atlas SEL Premium also adds the following driver assistance and infotainment features: Parking Steering Assistant (Park Assist); Area View camera; and the Fender® Premium Audio System, with a 12-channel, 480-watt amplifier and 12 speakers.
Option Packages
Captain’s Chairs. Replacing a second-row bench seat, for a total seating capacity of six, Captain’s Chairs will be available in the SE, SE w/ Technology, SEL and SEL Premium models for $625. (Late availability)
R-Line. A performance-inspired R-Line package will be available on Atlas SE and SEL trims for $1,960, and augments the SUV with exterior and interior design elements that give it an even sportier appearance. (Late availability)
Black Wheels. Black 20-inch aluminum-alloy wheels are available on the SEL model for $995 and on the SEL Premium model for $235.

  • How much will the new Volkswagen Atlas set you back?

William Maley

Sales Figure Ticker: March 2017

Jaguar Land Rover North America - Up 18.9% (12,918 Vehicles Sold This Month, 31,251 Vehicles Sold This Year)
Subaru of America, Inc. - Up 11.3% (54,871 Vehicles Sold This Month, 144,250 Vehicles Sold This Year)
Mitsubishi Motors North America - Up 6.2% (11,766 Vehicles Sold This Month, 29,147 Vehicles Sold This Year)
Mazda North American Operations - Up 4.9% (24,549 Vehicles Sold This Month, 69,071 Vehicles Sold This Year)
Porsche Cars North America, Inc. - Up 3.6% (4,479 Vehicles Sold This Month, 12,718 Vehicles Sold This Year)
BMW Group U.S. - Up 3.5% (36,002 Vehicles Sold This Month, 81,933 Vehicles Sold This Year)
Nissan North America - Up 3.2% (168,832 Vehicles Sold This Month, 416,891 Vehicles Sold This Year)
Volkswagen of America - Up 2.68% (27,635 Vehicles Sold This Month, 76,290 Vehicles Sold This Year)
Mercedes-Benz USA - Up 2% (32,352 Vehicles Sold This Month, 87,635 Vehicles Sold This Year)
Audi of America - Up 1.7% (18,705 Vehicles Sold This Month, 45,647 Vehicles Sold This Year)
General Motors Co. - Up 1.6% (256,224 Vehicles Sold This Month, 689,521 Vehicles Sold This Year)
American Honda Motor Co. - Down 0.7% (137,227 Vehicles Sold This Month, 365,293 Vehicles Sold This Year)
Toyota Motor Sales - Down 2.1% (215,224 Vehicles Sold This Month, 532,611 Vehicles Sold This Year)
FCA US LLC - Down 5% (190,254 Vehicles Sold This Month, 510,798 Vehicles Sold This Year)
Ford Motor Company - Down 7.2% (236,250 Vehicles Sold This Month, 617,302 Vehicles Sold This Year)
Hyundai Motor America - Down 8% (69,265 Vehicles Sold This Month, 168,792 Vehicles Sold This Year)
Kia Motors America - Down 15% (49,429 Vehicles Sold This Month, 127,728 Vehicles Sold This Year)
Volvo Cars of North America, LLC - Down 21.9% (5,357 Vehicles Sold This Month, 13,479 Vehicles Sold This Year)
Brands:
Acura - Down 21.2% (11,696 Vehicles Sold This Month, 31,762 Vehicles Sold This Year)
Alfa Romeo - Up 1,191% (555 Vehicles Sold This Month, 1,106 Vehicles Sold This Year)
Audi - Up 1.7% (18,705 Vehicles Sold This Month, 45,647 Vehicles Sold This Year)
BMW - Up 3.3% (31,015 Vehicles Sold This Month, 71,682 Vehicles Sold This Year)
Buick - Up 15.1% (20,957 Vehicles Sold This Month, 50,205 Vehicles Sold This Year)
Cadillac - Down 1.5% (12,861 Vehicles Sold This Month, 33,982 Vehicles Sold This Year)
Chevrolet - Down 2.2% (172,458 Vehicles Sold This Month, 471,723 Vehicles Sold This Year)
Chrysler - Down 33% (16,969 Vehicles Sold This Month, 47,706 Vehicles Sold This Year)
Dodge - Up 10% (50,076 Vehicles Sold This Month, 134,063 Vehicles Sold This Year)
Fiat - Down 5% (2,922 Vehicles Sold This Month, 7,231 Vehicles Sold This Year)
Ford - Down 7.5% (226,696 Vehicles Sold This Month, 590,219 Vehicles Sold This Year)
Genesis - N/A (1,755 Vehicles Sold This Month, 5,155 Vehicles Sold This Year)
GMC - Up 12% (49,948 Vehicles Sold This Month, 133,611 Vehicles Sold This Year)
Honda - Up 1.8% (125,531 Vehicles Sold This Month, 333,531 Vehicles Sold This Year)
Hyundai - Down 10.4% (67,510 Vehicles Sold This Month, 163,637 Vehicles Sold This Year)
Infiniti - Up 32.6% (18,266 Vehicles Sold This Month, 43,561 Vehicles Sold This Year)
Jaguar - Up 132.2% (4,953 Vehicles Sold This Month, 11,376 Vehicles Sold This Year)
Jeep - Down 11% (67,983 Vehicles Sold This Month, 188,743 Vehicles Sold This Year)
Kia - Down 15% (49,429 Vehicles Sold This Month, 127,728 Vehicles Sold This Year)
Land Rover - Down 8.8% (7,965 Vehicles Sold This Month, 19,875 Vehicles Sold This Year)
Lexus - Down 7.5% (27,935 Vehicles Sold This Month, 61,845 Vehicles Sold This Year)
Lincoln - Down 1.4% (9,554 Vehicles Sold This Month, 27,083 Vehicles Sold This Year)
Maserati - Up 32% (1,312 Vehicles Sold This Month, 3,288 Vehicles Sold This Year)
Mazda - Up 4.9% (24,549 Vehicles Sold This Month, 69,071 Vehicles Sold This Year)
Mercedes-Benz - Up 3.3% (29,092 Vehicles Sold This Month, 79,141 Vehicles Sold This Year)
Mercedes-Benz Vans - Down 6.5% (2,871 Vehicles Sold This Month, 7,433 Vehicles Sold This Year)
MINI - Up 4.7% (4,987 Vehicles Sold This Month, 10,251 Vehicles Sold This Year)
Mitsubishi - Up 6.2% (11,766 Vehicles Sold This Month, 29,147 Vehicles Sold This Year)
Nissan - Up 0.5% (150,566 Vehicles Sold This Month, 373,330 Vehicles Sold This Year)
Porsche - Up 3.6% (4,479 Vehicles Sold This Month, 12,718 Vehicles Sold This Year)
Ram Trucks - Up 6% (51,749 Vehicles Sold This Month, 132,579 Vehicles Sold This Year)
Smart - Down 18.8% (389 Vehicles Sold This Month, 1,061 Vehicles Sold This Year)
Subaru - Up 11.3% (54,871 Vehicles Sold This Month, 144,250 Vehicles Sold This Year)
Toyota - Down 1.2% (187,289 Vehicles Sold This Month, 470,766 Vehicles Sold This Year)
Volkswagen - Up 2.68% (27,635 Vehicles Sold This Month, 76,290 Vehicles Sold This Year)
Volvo - Down 21.9% (5,357 Vehicles Sold This Month, 13,479 Vehicles Sold This Year)

  • Time to find out who had the luck and who was just plain out of it

William Maley

Review: 2017 Volvo S90 T6 Inscription

When trying to describe Volvo, you may use terms such as sensible, anonymous, or different. The Swedish automaker has always gone down a different road than everyone else and at times it has proved to be a success. But at other times, it has put the automaker behind the pack. Currently, Volvo is on the upswing with the XC90 SUV that shocked everyone with its handsome looks, polished interior, and a comfortable drive. This has garnered a lot of attention from the press as the XC90 walked away with numerous awards.
But it has also put the next 90 Series model, the S90 in a tough spot. It already finds itself in a tough position competing in the midsize luxury sedan class where there are plenty of models to draw people away. Now, the S90 faces a tough yardstick in the form of the XC90. Can the S90 meet these high expectations put upon it?
Restraint is the key word when it comes the S90’s exterior design. Volvo could have gone ahead and go all out with the latest design trends, but instead their designers went with something simple and it works beautifully for the most part. You can tell Volvo is paying homage to their older models as the profile is somewhat boxy, but the corners have been rounded to give a sleek appearance. The front end comes with a large concave grille and headlights featuring the distinctive ‘Thor’s Hammer’ daytime-running lights. For the back, Volvo fitted a set of C-shaped taillights and a peculiar trunk lid design. However, the design choices made here don’t fully mesh with the rest of the S90.
Step inside and the S90 becomes a feast for the eyes. Our Inscription tester came with elegant materials such as matte wood trim, Nappa leather, and metal surrounds for the optional Bowers & Wilkins audio system. There is also a lot of minimalism in the S90’s interior with many of the vehicle’s functions being controlled through a nine-inch touchscreen featuring Volvo’s Sensus infotainment system. Using this system is a bit of a hit and miss. The pluses are how simple it is to use Sensus thanks to an easy to understand interface and the ability to use gestures like on a smartphone such as swiping left to right. A downside to Sensus is how long it takes to boot-up when you first start the vehicle (on average, we found it took about a minute before we could fully use the system). The system also becomes somewhat distracting to use when you’re on the move. There were times where I found myself wishing for an extra knob or button to control the climate system for example.
One area Volvo didn’t skimp on was comfort. Up front, both driver and passenger get 10-way power adjustments with the option of adjustable side and thigh bolstering. It is easy to find a position that will work for you and the seats provide excellent support for the long distance. Those sitting in the back will be happy with the extensive amount of head and legroom on offer. Plus, passengers sitting in the back get their own set of climate controls and manual window shades.
Volvo differs from the rest of competition by only offering four-cylinder engines in the S90. Our test S90 came with T6 which is a 2.0L four-cylinder with super and turbocharging. Output stands at 316 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. This is paired with an eight-speed automatic and all-wheel drive. While the T6 engine may not offer thrilling acceleration, what it does offer is a smooth and steady stream of power. Plus, the supercharger makes turbo lag nonexistent on the low end of the rpm band. Volvo also deserves a lot of credit for the amount of work done in the refinement department. Those who went for a ride in the S90 thought it was powered by a V6 because of how smooth and quiet it was. Imagine the look of surprise when I told them that it was a twin-charged four-cylinder.
EPA Fuel Economy figures for the S90 T6 is rated at 22 City/31 Highway/25 Combined. My average for the week landed around 23.2 mpg with most of the time being spent in urban areas.
The S90’s ride is almost like the one you would find in a proper luxury sedan. Most bumps and imperfections are smoothed over by the S90’s compliant suspension. We say most because of one feature fitted to our tester; the optional 20-inch wheels made the ride a little bit harsher than if we had the standard 19-inch wheels. The larger wheels also cause more tire noise to come inside the cabin. Volvo does offer an optional air suspension which should solve this issue. But for our money, we would recommend skipping both the larger wheels and air suspension. Wind noise is kept to almost near silent levels.
Where the Volvo S90 will fall apart for some is in the handling. Compared to some of the competition, the S90 doesn’t feel as athletic when going around a corner. The suspension does a decent job of keeping body roll in place, but the steering doesn’t quite have the feel you would want in these situations. Also, we found the steering to be slightly too heavy for the daily grind.
One feature that may surprise people on the S90 is Volvo’s Pilot Assist system. Standard across the board, Pilot Assist is a semi-autonomous driving system that can drive the vehicle at speeds up to 80 mph on the freeway. I tried this system out and found to be somewhat disconcerting to use. The main reason for this was the vehicle automatically making small steering adjustments to keep it in the lane. One thing you cannot do with Pilot Assist is to take your hands off the steering wheel. The system will detect this and flash warning to put your hands on the wheel. If you don’t, Pilot Assist will automatically turn off.
The Volvo S90 may not be exciting to look at or drive, but that might its greatest strength. The understated look of the exterior hides one of the best interiors not only in the class but in the industry as a whole. It is also nice to be in a vehicle that cares more about providing a comfortable ride than sharp handling. 
The XC90 set a high bar for future Volvo models and the good news is that S90 was able to clear it.
Disclaimer: Volvo Provided the S90, Insurance, and One Tank of Gas
Year: 2017
Make: Volvo
Model: S90
Trim: T6 Inscription
Engine: Super & Turbocharged 2.0L DI Four-Cylinder
Driveline: Eight-Speed Automatic, All-Wheel Drive
Horsepower @ RPM: 316 @ 5,700
Torque @ RPM: 295 @ 2200–5400
Fuel Economy: City/Highway/Combined - 22/31/25
Curb Weight: 4,080 lbs
Location of Manufacture: Gothenburg, Sweden
Base Price: $52,950
As Tested Price: $66,365 (Includes $995.00 Destination Charge)
Options:
Inscription Package - $3,300.00
Bowers & Wilkins Premium Sound - $2,650.00
Climate Package with HUD - $1,950.00
Vision Package - $1,950.00
20" Inscription Alloy Wheels - $1,010.00
Convenience Package - $1,000.00
Metallic Paint - $560.00

  • The automotive equivalent of comfort food

William Maley

Rumorpile: Peeking Into Cadillac's Product Crystalball

We know Cadillac is planning a major product offensive beginning with the XT3 crossover next year, along with a few other products such as a seven-seat crossover and a competitor to the Audi A3 and Mercedes CLA. Automobile Magazine reports that Cadillac is planning eight all-new or redesigned models by 2022. They include,
XT3: (Compact crossover) in 2018 CT3: (ATS Replacement) in 2018 XT7: (Seven-seat crossover that is reported to be on Omega. Other reports put say it will use the platform underpinning the redesign Buick Enclave/Chevrolet Traverse) in 2019 CT5: (Replacement for the CTS) in 2019 XT1 or XT2 (Subcompact crossover) in 2020 XT5 Redesign (Possibly going on Omega) in 2021 CT1 or CT2 (A3 and CLA fighter) in 2021 CT8: (Flagship using Omega) in 2021 All of these models are expected to use an evolutionary design theme from the Escala concept. It is still unknown whether or not the CT1/CT2 will use the Delta front-wheel drive platform or use Alpha.
The brand is also planning investments totaling $800 million into their retail operations in the U.S.
Source: Automobile
Pic Credit: William Maley for Cheers and Gears

  • More crossovers! Plus some key redesigns and name changes!

William Maley

As the Diesel Emits: EPA Gives the Go-Ahead for Volkswagen To Sell Repaired TDI Models

More good news for Volkswagen as the EPA has finally given the ok for the company to start selling repaired TDI vehicles. Bloomberg has learned from Volkswagen Group of America spokeswoman Jeannine Ginivan that dealers can sell TDI models from the 2015 model year once they have been updated with new software. The fix will also include new hardware for the diesel engine, but dealers don't have to wait for the parts to come in early next year.
"We are still finalizing the details of this program and will provide more information on its implementation at the appropriate time,” said Ginivan.
It should be noted this is only a symbolic step as only 67,000 vehicles are eligible for this - 12,000 of which are currently sitting on dealer lots. The big question is whether or not anyone is interested in buying a Volkswagen TDI vehicle considering all of the trouble it has brought.
Source: Bloomberg

  • Can Volkswagen interest you in a fixed TDI?

William Maley

Mercedes-Benz Plans on Offering 10 EVs By 2022

Mercedes-Benz is going all in on electric vehicles with the launch of the EQ sub-brand by the end of this decade. Previously, the German automaker planned to have ten electric vehicles in the EQ lineup by 2025. But a new report from Automotive News says that timeframe has been pushed up to 2022.
Why move this goal forward? According to the report, Mercedes wants to lessen the backlash various automakers are currently dealing with due to the diesel vehicles. Diamler, Mercedes-Benz's parent company is currently under investigation by German prosecutors for possible fraud and false advertising on some of their diesel models. Also, Diamler's plan on reducing CO2 emissions across their entire fleet hit a snag last year due to buyers going for larger vehicles.
"We want to shape the profound transformation of the automotive industry from the forefront," said Daimler Chairman Manfred Bischoff in a statement.
"Further fundamental changes will be required for Daimler to remain successful," as the industry adjusts to cars running on electric motors and capable of driving themselves, he said.
We know that the EQ lineup will include two SUVs (one previewed by the Generation EQ concept from last year) and two sedans.
Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required)

  • By 2022, Mercedes plans on having 10 electric vehicles for sale

William Maley

Aston Martin Readies Lagonda As A Rolls-Royce Fighter

Aston Martin will soon be relaunching the Lagonda brand as a competitor to the likes of Bentley and Rolls-Royce. Speaking with Motoring, Aston Martin boss Andy Palmer said Lagonda would standard apart from its parent company.
“Historically, Lagonda competed with the likes of Rolls and Bentley. [but] it has been largely dormant or has often been used as a sub brand… or a pet name of Aston, so lots of confusion. We’re going to get rid of the confusion… The direction I gave to Marek [Reichman, Aston Design boss] was look, Rolls Royce, is the epitome of luxury. It’s first class in a [Boeing] 777 – big, comfortable, we can’t compete with them. [So instead] Give me Concorde – the best of speed; the finest of fastest cars," said Palmer.
The Lagonda lineup will comprise of two models, although what they will be is unknown at this time. Palmer says he hasn't signed off on plans for either model. He does admit it will likely be a sedan and SUV. Both models will use Aston's bonded aluminium platform and not one from their partner, Mercedes-Benz. Both models are expected to debut sometime in the next decade.
Source: Motoring

  • Watch out Bentley and Rolls-Royce!

William Maley

2018 Acura TLX Previews Its New Nose

The 2017 Acura MDX was the first model to lose the beak grille and the next model that is destined to lose it is the 2018 TLX. Acura has released a teaser for the model before its debut at the New York Auto Show next month. 
The image shows off the TLX's new front end with the diamond shape grille and oversized Acura logo first shown on the Precision concept from last year. There is also a set of the company's 'Jewel-Eye' headlights.
"The 2018 TLX will receive new styling elements that ratchet up its emotion and reflect Acura's focus on Precision Crafted Performance. Acura customers embraced the MDX when we raised its game with bold, new styling, and we're pumped to show how we're elevating the TLX experience," said Jon Ikeda, Acura vice president and general manager.
Acura also says that the 2018 TLX will come with "new premium features and technology enhancements".
Source: Acura
Press Release is on Page 2


Refreshed 2018 Acura TLX to Make World Debut on April 11: Bringing Precision Crafted Performance Design Language to Acura Sedan Lineup
Mar 28, 2017 - LOS ANGELES

Acura will unveil the refreshed and significantly enhanced 2018 TLX performance sedan in New York on April 11. The 2018 TLX will boast a more aggressive, sporty and alluring look inspired by the Acura Precision Concept that debuted at the North American International Auto Show in 2016, a design direction that already has successfully influenced the styling of the 2017 Acura MDX. The TLX refresh also includes new premium features and technology enhancements that place the TLX among the most technologically advanced and well-equipped cars in its segment. Watch the 2018 Acura TLX reveal live on April 11 at 4:45 p.m. ET at acura.us/2018TLXDebut.
"The 2018 TLX will receive new styling elements that ratchet up its emotion and reflect Acura's focus on Precision Crafted Performance,"said Jon Ikeda, Acura vice president and general manager. "Acura customers embraced the MDX when we raised its game with bold, new styling, and we're pumped to show how we're elevating the TLX experience."
The 2018 TLX five-passenger performance sedan was designed by the Acura Design Studio in Torrance, Calif. and will continue to be produced at the company's Marysville Auto Plant in Ohio with domestic and globally sourced parts.

  • All about that nose job

William Maley

Quick Drive: 2017 Mazda6 Grand Touring

Mazda is already known for building vehicles that are fun to drive and is garnering one for their distinctive designs. One area that Mazda might not get a lot of credit is the constant improvements they make to their lineup. Take for example the Mazda6 sedan. Since its launch back in 2013 as a 2014 model, Mazda has been updating the 6 with new improvements and features to make it better. For example, when we drove the 2016 Mazda6 back in 2015, it featured new dashboard and infotainment system that made it more pleasant to be in. For 2017, Mazda has introduced two big changes for 6 - one dealing with handling and the other dealing with overall refinement.
First up is Mazda’s G-Vectoring Control. This system monitors steering and throttle input (along with a few other things according to the brand), and when it deems necessary, will reduce engine power to shift weight to the front. This is said to improve overall handling in a corner. Here’s the thing, I really can’t tell if this system makes the 2017 Mazda6 a better handler than the previous 6 I drove back in 2015. The model shows the sharp handling characteristics that has made it one of the best driving models in the class with little body roll and steering that feels direct.  I would need to drive both a 2016 and 2017 Mazda6 back to back to see if there is a difference. The other improvement for the 2017 Mazda6 will be noticed by anyone going for a ride; a quieter interior. Mazda has added a bit more sound insulation for the 6 and it makes for a more pleasant driving experience. There isn’t as much wind whistle as there was in previous 6s I have driven. You still do get a fair amount of tire noise, but that’s more due to the 19-inch wheels fitted on the Grand Touring. The 19-inch wheels also make the ride slightly rough with various bumps being transmitted clearly to the backsides of you and your passengers. Mazda hasn’t messed with anything else for the 2017 6 and that’s mostly a good thing. It still retains the striking good looks of the outside, especially in this bronze color seen here.  The Mazda6’s interior is towards the top of the class with a modern design, high-quality materials, and an easy to understand control layout. The leather seats offer the right amount of comfort for long trips. Those sitting in the back will have no complaints in terms of head and legroom. Under the hood is a 2.5L SkyActiv-G four-cylinder engine with 184 horsepower and 185 pound-feet of torque. Sport and Touring models get the option of either a six-speed manual or automatic, while the Grand Touring makes due with only the automatic. The engine is a spritely performer with strong acceleration and having the power ready to go when needed. The six-speed is quick when it comes to downshifts. But the transmission does stumble when it comes to upshifts as it is slow to respond when you need that punch of power. At least the automatic transmission does feature paddles on the steering wheel to allow for some manual control to solve this. The continuous updates Mazda makes to the vehicles should be applauded as it helps keep them competitive in light of tougher competition. The 2017 Mazda6 is a key example of this. You might not be able to detect one of the changes made, but the other one us quite noticeable and makes the 6 that much better. Disclaimer: Mazda Provided the 6, Insurance, and One Tank of Gas
Year: 2017
Make: Mazda
Model: 6
Trim: Grand Touring
Engine: 2.5L DOHC Skyactiv-G Four-Cylinder
Driveline: Front-Wheel Drive, Six-Speed Automatic
Horsepower @ RPM: 184 @ 5,700
Torque @ RPM: 185 @ 3,250
Fuel Economy: City/Highway/Combined - 27/35/30
Curb Weight: 3,305 lbs
Location of Manufacture: Hofu, Japan
Base Price: $30,695
As Tested Price: $34,530 (Includes $835.00 Destination Charge)
Options:
GT Premium Package - $2,500.00
Machine Gray Metallic - $300.00
Door Sill Trim Plates - $125.00
Cargo Mat - $75.00

  • The little changes make a difference

William Maley

The 2018 Chevrolet Equinox Could Have Looked So Much Different

If it weren't for focus groups, the design of the 2018 Chevrolet Equinox could have looked so much different.
Speaking to Automotive News, chief engineer of the 2018 Equinox Mark Cieslak revealed that focus groups weren't not impressed with the first designs of the redesigned model. They described the design as being bulky, 'not compelling', and looking a bit odd. If this was old GM, they would have gone forward with the design.
"Back in the day, we would have probably just kept going," said Cieslak.
"What we had on paper we felt was not going to win."
But this being the new GM where bean counters lost a fair amount of influence, the decision was made to go back to the drawing board. At the time, GM was scrambling to fix the Malibu as its redesign earned poor reviews and a drop in sales which likely played a part in this decision. They needed to get the Equinox redesign right as the model it would replace was very popular. There were concerns that this could cause the new Equinox to be delayed. But in the end, the team were able to design a new Equinox without falling off schedule.
Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required)

  • How focus groups caused Chevrolet to go back to the drawing board

William Maley

Oops! Honda Accidentally Reveals the Upcoming Civic Si's Torque Figure

Honda was hoping to surprise us all with the power figures of the upcoming Civic Si, but part of the surprise has been spoiled.
A member of the CivicX forum posted an email from Honda saying the Civic Si would boast 192 pound-feet of torque from a turbocharged 1.5L four. This number was confirmed by a Honda representative to Road & Track. Compared to the outgoing Si's naturally-aspirated 2.4L engine, the new engine produces 18 more pound-feet (174 vs. 192). 
We still have questions for the upcoming Civic Si. What is the horsepower rating for the Civic Si? Also, does all of the torque arrive on the low end or high end of the rpm band? We'll hopefully have answers in the near future.
Source: CivicX, Road & Track

  • Who let the torque figure out?!

William Maley

How to Get A Right-Hand Drive Camaro ZL1 in Australia

Those who want some V8 muscle after the current Holden Commodore goes away have a new option from an Australian company. Motor reports that Crossover Car Conversions (CCC) has announced they can import a Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 and convert it to right-hand drive for only $150,000 AUD (yikes!).
What does this $150,000 AUD sum get you? First, it gets you the Camaro that will cost $79,000 AUD. Here is the rest of the pricing breakdown:
Shipping - $5,000 5 percent import tariff - $3,000 Luxury Car Tax (LCT) - $6209 GST - $8200 Conversion to RHD: $44,000 The process will take around six months with the conversion taking about eight to ten weeks.
But if you can hold off, there is the possibility of the next-generation Chevrolet Camaro arriving in Australia in 2021 or later.
Source: Motor

  • If you really want a Camaro ZL1 in Australia, there is a company that will help (But it will cost you)

William Maley

Ford Performance Considers RS Versions of their Crossovers

It is unlikely that the Focus RS will be the only Ford model sporting the RS badge, although which models will follow have been up for debate. The chief of Ford Performance has hinted that the brand's crossovers could go under the RS treatment.
"I think customers love performance. I think the definition of what that means for an SUV might be different than what it means for a Focus or for a Fiesta. But I think that we’ve seen, even in the US and globally, that people like aggressive-looking cars, they like sporty, they want the power and pick-up and engine improvement, so I think the answer is yes. SUV customers would appreciate performance, for sure," said Dave Pericak, head of Ford Performance to Car Dealer Magazine.
Pericak goes on to say that he believes there are "no real credible (performance SUVs)." (Though we are sure the likes of BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Porsche would like to have a conversation with him about this -WM).
"If you look at the SUV market right now, there aren’t too many credible performance SUVs out there. here are people who have made partial attempts at it and there are different things that have happened, but there are no real credible ones. So, I think that’s an area of some opportunity, for sure."
Car Dealer Magazine speculates that the Kuga (Escape to us) could be the most likely candidate, followed by the EcoSport and Edge.
Source: Car Dealer Magazine

  • Ford Performance + Crossover = ?

William Maley

As the Diesel Emits: Parking Lot Full of TDIs Become A Legal Problem

With Volkswagen buying back a large chunk of the 2.0L TDIs involved the diesel emission scandal, the question arises of where to store them. The answer according to the German automaker is they are storing them at "regional facilities." One of those regional facilities is the parking lot of the Pontiac Silverdome - former home to the Detroit Lions - in Pontiac, MI. However, the vehicles stored there find themselves in a bit of legal trouble.
The Oakland Press reports that the City of Pontiac has filed a lawsuit against the owners of Silverdome, the Triple Investment Group for numerous violations in zoning, safety, and a municipal code dealing with the storage of vehicles; "a special exemption permit is needed for parking and exterior storage of vehicles." A hearing was planned last week, but was adjourned.
“Our client is actively engaged and working with the city. We hope to resolve our differences with the city and we believe we are making good progress and working together. We are still waiting on a schedule for (the hearing) but we are hopeful that we will resolve the differences in the meantime and further hearings won’t be necessary,” said J. Patrick Lennon, a partner at Honigman Miller Schwartz and Cohn, the lawfirm representing Triple Investment Group.
A Volkswagen spokeswoman told Automotive News the company is talking with their “service provider” to see if all of the permits that allow vehicles to be stored at the Silverdome are up to date.
Source: The Oakland Press, Automotive News (Subscription Required)
Pic Credit: WXYZ

  • One of Volkswagen's storage facilities for TDIs buybacks is in a bit of legal trouble

William Maley

Shelby GT350 Owners Sue Ford Over Overheating Issues

A group of Shelby GT350 owners are not happy with Ford.
Yesterday, a lawsuit was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida claiming that the track-ready GT350 isn't. According to filling, owners complain that the vehicle overheats in as little as 15 minutes due faulty transmissions and rear differentials when driven on a track. When the vehicle does overheat, it goes into a limp mode that reduces power to protect the powertrain. The filing goes on to say that Ford fixed this issue in the 2017 model, but told owners of the 2016 model to make the fixes themselves - a possible breach of the car's warranty.
“When Ford marketed and sold these Shelby GT350 Mustangs, it knew exactly how to appeal to track-enthusiasts: it marketed enhanced performance in a limited-edition iconic vehicle that has been associated with racing for generations,” said Steve Berman, managing partner of Hagens Berman, the law firm handling the case.
“We believe that Ford induced purchasers with its ‘track-ready’ marketing, when in fact it knew that this defect would ultimately bar these Mustangs from ever being the hotrod consumers paid for.”
At the moment, the lawsuit has four named plaintiffs. Hagens Berman estimates about 4,000 owners are affected by this issue. 
“Ford is committed to providing our customers with top-quality vehicles. However, we do not comment on pending litigation,” said Ford spokesman Bradley Carroll to The Detroit News.
Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required), The Detroit News

  • The Shelby GT350 not so track ready? A new lawsuit alleges this

William Maley

Audi Plans More RS Crossovers

The only Audi crossover that has the vaunted RS badge is the Q3, but that is going changing in the near future.
Speaking with Car and Driver, Audi Sport boss Stephan Winkelmann said there would be more RS-badged crossovers in the near future.
“We don’t have a big lineup. The right cars means having them in segments that are growing, and also segments that are equally distributed in the regions of the world. Therefore a CUV shift is due; we are working on it, and you will see it coming.”
Sources have previously said that the Q7 and upcoming Q8 will get the RS treatment. There is also the possibility of an RS Q5. One item you will not see under the hood of any RS crossover is a diesel engine.
"If I have to put money down for an investment which has to make a return worldwide, then diesel will never be the priority,” said Winkelmann.
Source: Car and Driver

  • Audi Sport's boss says there will be more crossovers wearing the RS badge

William Maley

BMW and Mercedes Admit They Have Too Many Models, Plan Cuts

For the past few years, luxury automakers have been trying to fill every single niche they could think of. It's why we have such models as the BMW 5-Series GT and Mercedes-Benz GLC-Coupe for example. But now, BMW and Mercedes-Benz admit they have too many models and are planning to cut some.
“The checkerboard of body styles and segments is rather full, although there are still a few to be finished. We’ve got an X2 and an X7 coming, and there are a few others, but I also know—because we’ve taken decisions—that some body styles will be removed in the future,” said Ian Robertson, BMW’s head of sales and marketing, to Car and Driver.
“There’s definitely more of a move toward four-door coupes. We’ve done the Gran Coupes; they’ve really worked. People like the lower seating position and the sporty dynamics but also the fact there’s a door in the back. It’s fair to say that when we look at the checkerboard, because of the new things we’re putting in, there are some things we can take out,” Robertson went on to say.
Dieter Zetsche, head of Mercedes-Benz cars harbors the same thoughts.
“The specialty cars, these coupes and convertibles, were always niche cars. The expansion into China and other emerging markets [has given] huge opportunities for sedans, but they did not take up these specialty cars. Which makes the business case for these vehicles less easy.”
Yep, it seems coupes and convertibles are on the chopping block - not the SUV-coupe things you were likely hoping for. Now Zetsche did say that would still offer two-door models, but it would not be “in the variety we are having them right now.” Taking into consideration there are coupe and convertible versions of the C, E, and S-Class, along with the SLK and SL roadsters, and the AMG GT coupe and convertible, we wouldn't be shocked if a couple of those models disappear.
Source: Car and Driver

  • Bad News, coupes and convertibles are on the chopping block

William Maley

Spying: Subaru 'Ascends' the Three-Row Crossover Mountain

It is no secret that Subaru is wanting to get back in the three-row crossover fight after the failure of the Tribeca. We got our first preview last year at the LA Auto Show with the Viziv-7 Concept and now we're getting some idea of what the production version will look like thanks to some spy shots.
From all angles, the production version (possibly named Ascent) is heavily toned down from the Viziv-7 concept. The front end is reminiscent to the Outback with the large grille and smaller headlights. Around back, the Ascent loses the aggressive bumper design found on the concept but it looks like the design of the tailgate remains.
It is expected that Subaru's upcoming crossover will use the new modular platform that underpins the Impreza. We still don't have any idea on what will power it, but it would be safe to assume a CVT and all-wheel drive will come standard.
Subaru will reveal the Ascent sometime next year.
Source: Left Lane News, Motor1

  • Three-Row Crossover for Subaru, Take 2

William Maley

Rumorpile: Volkswagen T-Roc Crossover to Head to U.S.

Last week, we reported on comments made by Volkswagen NA CEO Hinrich Woebcken on wanting to expand the number of crossovers in their lineup. It seems there is another crossover possible destined for the U.S.
According to a source, Volkswagen is planning to launch the T-Roc compact crossover for the U.S. beginning in 2019. First shown as a concept back at the 2014 Geneva Motor Show, the production model will launch this summer in Europe. The decision was made by Volkswagen once dealers in the U.S. gave a firm commitment to the company they would be able to sell enough T-Rocs to make a profit. It also appears this decision was made only last week judging from a comment made by VW brand chief Herbert Diess.
"It was only yesterday that we decided on an additional SUV for 2019," Diess told reporters when asked about product strategy for the U.S.
There are still a number of items up in the air, however. For one, Volkswagen needs to decide where it will build the T-Roc. It could import the model from Volkswagen's Portugal plant, build it in Puebla, Mexico, or have it in the same assembly plant as the Atlas in Chattanooga, TN.
Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required)
Pic Credit: Newspress

  • Another crossover joins Volkswagen's U.S. lineup

William Maley

What's In Store for Opel After PSA Group Sale

One of the big questions facing the sale of Opel to PSA Group is what will happen in the future. Opel CEO Karl-Thomas Neumann spilled some of the beans in an interview with German magazine Auto Motor und Sport.
Neumann will remain the CEO of Opel, but tells the magazine that he will work closely with PSA's CEO Carlos Tavares.
"It is important for me to stand before employees and show leadership. I have done this in the past and will continue to do so," said Neumann.
"I think we have great respect for each other. That is why I see a good foundation for continued cooperation," the magazine quoted Neumann as saying.
Opel will also have its own leadership, and the ability to design and develop its own cars. The only difference is that it will be using platforms from PSA. Neumann says it will take several years for the brand to transition from GM to PSA platforms.
The main priority is to get Opel profitable once again. This will be accomplished by deepening cooperation with PSA and lowering development costs. Opel is also planning their largest product offensive with 7 new models being launched in the near future. They include a new SUV that will serve as the second flagship model alongside the new Insignia and new electric models. Neumann declined to comment on a report he was planning to make Opel an electric-vehicle only brand.
Interestingly, Neumann revealed that he was very skeptical about introducing Opel into the Chinese marketplace.
"This is a complete misunderstanding of the situation. PSA has long since ceased to be sick, but has recovered very strongly and just presented a super result for 2016. And we are clearly on the road to recovery. From a strong and a well-being, two might now become strong."
Source: Auto Motor und Sport

  • Opel's CEO talks about what's in store for the future

William Maley

Tesla Will Drop the Entry-Level Model S 60 and 60 D Next Month

Tesla will be dropping the Model S 60 and 60 D next month. According to Electrek, Tesla sent out emails to potential buyers last week letting them know that they have until April 16th to place an order for the 60. 
The 60-kWh version of the Model S was an odd model since it was equipped with a 75kWh battery pack that was limited via software to act like a smaller battery. Tesla offered the ability to unlock the full capacity of the battery for only $9.500.
Tesla confirmed this and explained the reason they are dropping the 60 is most buyers tend to go for the battery upgrade and they want to streamline the ordering process.
Source: Electrek

  • Good-bye 60-kWh Model S

William Maley

Rumorpile: Mitsubishi Pushes Back Redesigns Of Some Models Due To Nissan Deal

We have been wondering what kind of impact the Mitsubishi and Nissan alliance would bring to the table. According to a report from Automotive News, it looks like delays for a couple of key products for the diamond star brand.
Speaking with supplier sources, Mitsubishi has pushed back the redesigns of the Outlander and Outlander Sport crossovers. Originally, Mitsubishi was planning to launch the next Outlander "in the fiscal year ending March 31, 2019", while the Outlander Sport would follow a year later. Now, the Outlander has been pushed back to late 2019 or 2020 and the Sport to after 2020.
The delay is due to a review being undertaken by Mitsubishi and Nissan to search for a way to share architecture and parts with the Rogue and Rogue Sport. According to sources, the goal is to "commonize underpinnings and components" to save money while keeping an outer identity distinct to each brand.
Mitsubishi confirmed the review but declined to comment on any delays.
This delay could be a big blow for Mitsubishi's dealers in the U.S. who have been clamoring for new products. Joe Bizzarro, chairman of Mitsubishi's national dealer advisory board told Automotive News that no such delay was discussed during a meeting with dealers earlier this year - leading us to suspect this delay has come up recently. Dealers have yet to be notified about this delay.
Right now, the only new product destined for Mitsubishi's U.S. dealers is the upcoming Eclipse Sport due in early 2018.
Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required)

  • Two of Mitsubishi's key products have been pushed back

William Maley

Volkswagen NA CEO: 40 Percent of Model Mix Will Be Made of Crossovers Within A Few Years

Volkswagen sees crossovers as its savior in the U.S. marketplace. Speaking with Wards Auto, Volkswagen North America CEO Hinrich Woebcken said their model mix would change from 10 to 12 percent crossovers to 40 percent in the next few years. 
“We are shifting the brand into a position where we will enjoy more business volume because we were not present in those segments. We’re currently at 12% and the industry is nearly 60% light trucks and SUVs, so we are severely underrepresented,” said Woebcken.
To accomplish this, Volkswagen will be launching the brand-new Altas and redesign Tiguan later this year. Interestingly, Volkswagen will keep the current Tiguan for a bit to act as an entry-level model for the crossover lineup. Down the road, Volkswagen will introduce an all-new Touraeg and is considering doing another crossover using the Atlas' platform.
One vehicle that is still off the table is a truck. Rumors have been flying around about Volkswagen doing a car-based pickup (i.e. Honda Ridgeline). Woebcken said there is little interest for this at Volkswagen's HQ due to how small the segment is. 
Source: Wards Auto

  • Expect more crossovers at your local Volkswagen dealer

William Maley

Volvo CEO Admits He Wasn't Fully On Board With Four-Cylinder Plan

When Volvo announced that all of their vehicles would be powered by only four-cylinder, it caught a lot of people off guard, including Volvo Cars CEO Hakan Samuelsson. Speaking with various media at the Geneva Motor Show, Samuelsson revealed that he wasn't sold on this idea. But since then, he has been convinced.
“Two years ago you could ask me that, and probably I would have had to answer a different way. But today, I’m absolutely convinced," said Samuelsson.
“The reaction of that decision has been very positive. Even in the US – the XC90 was even truck of the year in the US, a big SUV with a four-cylinder engine: that’s a good indication that we took the right decision."
Volvo explained back in 2011 the move to only using four-cylinders would help with fuel economy and future plans for hybrid variants.
Source: CarAdvice
Pic Credit: William Maley for Cheers & Gears

  • Volvo's current CEO wasn't fully on board with the move to four-cylinder engines only

William Maley

Porsche Mission E To Cost Less than Panamera

Porsche's upcoming Mission E is an important vehicle for the brand and they want to give the best shot of succeeding. To do this, the German sports car builder is planning to price it to compete in a "segment below the Panamera".
This information comes to us from Porsche's chairman Oliver Blume. Speaking with Drive.com.au, Blume says the model will be offered in various power outputs (something akin to other Porsche models like the 911 and Cayenne).
"We're thinking of different options. There will be more than one model, with different levels of power." said Blume.
Considering the Panamera begins at $85,000, we wouldn't be surprised if Porsche prices the Mission E around the $65 to $75,000 mark.
Previously, Porsche has said the initial Mission E would have an output of 600 horsepower and a range of 300 miles. 
Source: Drive.com.au

  • Porsche's chairman says Mission E will cost less than the Panamera

William Maley

CARB Certificate Reveals Existance of Regal Tour X

It was nearly two years ago that we learned that General Motors trademarked 'Regal Tourx'. At the time, we speculated this could mean the next-generation Regal would have a wagon variant - possibly something along the lines of the Audi A4 Allroad and Subaru Outback. Since then, we have been hearing rumors and various reports saying that the Regal wagon is coming - the most recent one coming this week. Now we have more evidence thanks to the California Air Resources Board (CARB).
Motor1 got their hands on an emission certificate listing a number of General Motors vehicles equipped with the 2.0L turbo-four. In this list, we see the Regal, Regal AWD, and Regal Tour X AWD. This list also reveals the Regal will get an eight-speed automatic, while AWD models get either an eight or nine-speed automatic. Sadly, this document doesn't provide any information on power figures. The turbo 2.0L comes has a wide range of outputs from 250 horsepower (Chevrolet Malibu) to 272 horsepower (Chevrolet Camaro).
We don't have to wait long for answers as Buick will be debuting the Regal on April 4th, a week before New York.
Source: Motor1

  • A new document points to the existence of the Regal wagon

William Maley

President Trump Announces EPA Will Reopen Reivew of 2025 Fuel Economy Rules

In a not surprising move, President Donald Trump announced today that his administration will reopen a review into the 2025 fuel economy standards set by the EPA before the end of President Barack Obama's term. 
“We’re going to work on the CAFE standards so you can make cars in America again. There is no more beautiful sight than an American-made car,” said Trump at an event in the former Willow Run bomber factory in Ypsilanti, Michigan - soon to become a testing ground for autonomous vehicles.
"These standards are costly for automakers and the American people. We will work with our partners at DOT to take a fresh look to determine if this approach is realistic. This thorough review will help ensure that this national program is good for consumers and good for the environment," said EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt.
In the closing days of President Obama's second term, the EPA announced that it would keep the strict standards that will require automakers to raise their fleetwide fuel economy average to 54.5 mpg by 2025. Automakers cried foul, saying the upcoming standards are costly and out of touch with the current market (i.e. low gas prices and people gobbling up crossovers, pickups, and SUVs). 
It is expected that the 54.5 mpg average will drop, but no one is sure how much it would drop.
Reaction to this announcement has been mixed. Automakers and lobby groups approve of this move as it allows them to focus on building vehicles people want, instead of being pushed into building vehicles that will not sell.
"The Trump Administration has created an opportunity for decision-makers to reach a thoughtful and coordinated outcome predicated on the best and most current data," said Mitch Bainwol, chief executive of the AutoAlliance, an industry lobby group that represents a number of automakers including Ford and GM.
Other groups are not so pleased with this move.
"Today's announcement of backtracking on vehicle standards for model years 2022-2025 puts at risk tens of billions of dollars of fuel savings for consumers and big reductions in tailpipe emissions," said Therese Langer, transportation program director for the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy, in a statement.
"Any delay in settling efficiency standards introduces uncertainty that will disrupt manufacturers' product planning. What is certain is that technological stagnation is not a recipe for continuing the remarkable success our domestic manufacturers have achieved in recent years."
Democratic U.S. Senator Edward Markey of Massachusetts tells Reuters this move could actually hurt consumers.
"Filling up their cars and trucks is the energy bill Americans pay most often, but President Trump's roll-back of fuel economy emissions standards means families will end up paying more at the pump," said Markey
Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required), Reuters, Roadshow

  • Back to the review desk

William Maley

Buick Teases 2018 Enclave Before New York

At first glance, you might be thinking why is Buick teasing the LaCrosse sedan again. But actually, what you are looking at is the 2018 Buick Enclave that will be debuting next month at the New York Auto Show. The image shows the Enclave following the footsteps of the Encore and LaCrosse with a new waterfall grille and slimmer headlights. From spy shots we reported on last month, we're not expecting any major changes in the overall shape.
Expect the current 3.6L V6 producing 305 horsepower to be residing under the hood, paired with a nine-speed automatic.
Source: Buick

  • We're getting closer to seeing the next Enclave

William Maley

Afterthoughts: Answering the Unknown with the Opel/Vauxhall Sale

Last week saw the PSA Group (parent company of Citroen and Peugeot) purchasing Opel and Vauxhall from General Motors for $2.3 billion. This move would make the PSA Group the second-largest automaker in Europe. We already know some of the plans that PSA Group has for their new brands such as setting operating profit targets of 2 percent in 2020 (jumps to 6 percent by 2026) and the next-generation Opel/Vauxhall Corsa being the first new product developed with PSA. But as we alluded to in the original news story, there are a lot of questions that remain unanswered such as possible job cuts or what happens to Buick and Holden as they share products with Opel. I have been doing a bit of thinking on these and some other questions. The end result is this piece.
1: Will there be job cuts and plant closures?
In 2016, PSA Group employed 172,000 people worldwide. With the acquisition of Opel and Vauxhall, they will be adding close to 42,000 workers (the majority of those from Opel). The number of plants will also increase to 28 due to this purchase. Sooner or later, PSA Group is going have to make cuts. During the press conference announcing the deal, PSA Group CEO Carlos Tavares said the company “would honor existing labor agreements and closing plants is a “simplistic” solution.” That may be true for now, but this might change within the coming years. Some analysts believe PSA Group will close two to three plants within five years.
The most likely place where the closures and layoffs could take place is in Great Britain. The reason as we talked about in a story back in February deals with the decision made by British citizens last year with leaving the European Union.
“By leaving, the country would lose access to the EU Single Market which guarantees unconstrained trade across the member states. It would mean various countries would be leveraging tariffs on British-made goods, making production in the country less competitive.”
Former British member of parliament and business secretary Sir Vincent Cable outlined how bad this decision looks for Vauxhall in a recent interview on BBC Radio 4.
There could be a way that the British Government could at least stall the possible closures. Back in October, the British Government worked out a secret deal with Nissan to keep them investing in British car production at their plant in Sunderland. This deal caused an uproar as the details were kept as many believed the British Government would be handing over money to keep Nissan happy. But sources told British newspaper The Independent back in January that the deal had no mention of money.
It could be that the British Government could do something similar for PSA Group to keep jobs, but it is too early to say if this will happen or not.
2: Will this affect PSA’s plans of entering the U.S.?
Probably not. Let’s remember that PSA Group is working through a ten-year plan that may or may not see the return of the Citroen and Peugeot, along with the introduction of DS to the country. Already, the first part of this plan is gearing up for the launch of a car sharing service next month. There is also extensive research going on into the U.S. marketplace. 
But could there be a possibility of Opel or Vauxhall vehicles being sold here? It would not be surprising if there isn’t talk about this at PSA Group’s HQ. But there is a slight complication to this idea. As part of the sale, PSA Group cannot sell any Opel vehicles developed by GM anywhere in various markets outside of Europe (China and U.S. for example) until they transition to PSA platforms. That means a number of models such as the Astra, Insignia, and Mokka are out of the question for the time being. If Opel was chosen to be one of the brands PSA would sell in the U.S., they might not have a full line of vehicles to sell due to this clause.
3: What does the future hold for Buick and Holden?
If there are some losers from the sale of Opel, it has to Buick and Holden. Buick has found some success with Opel products as the Encore (rebadged Mokka) has become one the best-selling models for the brand. Holden is getting a shot in the arm as the Astra will hopefully help their fortunes in the compact space, and the new Commodore (rebadged Insignia) has a tough task ahead of it with living up to an iconic name. For the time being, Opel will continue supplying models to both brands. It is what happens in the future that many are concerned about.
During the Geneva Motor Show, GM President Dan Ammann said something very interest to Australian journalists about the future of Holden’s products.
This makes sense as the Astra was only launched and the Commodore is getting ready to go on sale. But I wouldn’t be surprised if talks begin very soon about this very topic. The same talks are likely to begin at Buick soon where they face the same issue for the Regal and Encore. Our hunch is Buick might have the easier time of two. The Encore would continue on since it shares the same platform as the Chevrolet Trax. As for the Regal, it could leave Buick’s lineup once the next-generation model runs its course.
4: Does GM lose anything with this deal?
There has been a lot of talk about how much money will be freed up from the sale of Opel/Vauxhall for GM, along with making a bit more profit. But it comes at a cost that could hurt GM down the road. The recent crop of compact and midsize sedans from GM owe a lot to Opel’s engineering knowledge. Vehicles that excel in driving dynamics and fuel economy are worth their weight in gold when it comes to the European marketplace. As we know, one part of why GM went into bankruptcy was the lack of competitive small and midsize cars that got good fuel economy. Opel would prove to be GM’s savior with this key knowledge.
Right now, compacts and midsize sedans aren’t selling as consumers are directing their attention to crossovers and SUVs. This is due in part to lower gas prices. But sooner or later, the price of gas will go back up and cause many to go back to smaller vehicles. With talk about GM scaling back on their small and midsize car lineup, this decision could have consequences down the road. Plus with Opel out of the picture, GM doesn’t have someone it can rely on to get these models back to the forefront. We can hope GM’s North American office has learned some stuff when working with their European counterparts.

  • We have some questions concerning the Opel and Vauxhall sale

William Maley

Quick Drive: Alfa Romeo Giulia Ti Sport Q4

This short drive, I drove something I didn’t think I ever would. It wasn't a six-figure super car that can do over 200 mph. No, I never thought I would be driving a modern Alfa Romeo in the United States. For the last 10 years, only two Alfa Romeos have made it to our shores carrying ridiculous price tags. Now, Alfa Romeo is taking a stand with its new Giulia sedan and it’s not what I expected.
That isn’t a bad thing. What I expected was the same old stereotype of every Italian sedan. Beautiful design and leather, electronics that don’t work and eventually can’t keep up with the Germans. In terms of style, the Giulia isn’t actually pretty. In fact, I would say it seems a bit tame. I understand why they would stay a bit conservative coming back into the market, and the styling cues on the top-of-the-line Quadrifoglio are more dramatic. The front end is classic Alfa Romeo with its upside-down triangle grill.
Hop inside and the first thing you see is a rather large steering wheel. Alfa probably figured that if Ferrari puts their start/stop button on their steering wheel, why shouldn’t they? The gauges are large and clear as is the 8.8” widescreen display right next to them. Place your hand behind the shifter and a large disc controls that display similar to the systems in Mercedes-Benz and BMW. Sadly, while everything in the front of the cabin feels modern, the navigation system looks like it came from the early 2000s. The graphics aren’t quite as detailed as its rivals but the system does work well .
Once you turn the Giulia on, the magic starts to happen. The steering is sharp and direct. Stomp on the gas pedal and the 2.0-liter turbocharged inline four sounds fantastic. The engine produces 280 horsepower and 306 lb-ft of torque at 2,000 rpm. Combine this with both all-wheel-drive and an 8-speed automatic, Alfa claims 60mph will be hit in around the 5 second mark. While driving the car, you get the feeling that the spark is really coming back with Alfa Romeo. No longer do you have to pine for an Italian vehicle that is usable but not too quirky like a Fiat. Shifting gears can be done with the oversized paddle shifters or with the gear selector. I found the paddle shifters to be a bit too big but they worked well.
While driving, you will notice a rotary nob with “DNA” on it. D is for Dynamic, N is for Natural, and A is for Advanced Efficiency. Since the weather was dry, I did half of my drive in Normal and half in Dynamic. If this was my vehicle, I would keep it in Dynamic at all times since Dynamic has a sharper throttle and a more robust exhaust note. As for efficiency, the two-liter engine is rated at 22 mpg city and 31 mpg highway.
This particular Alfa Romeo did have a few features worth mentioning. First is the 900-watt Harmon/Kardon 14-speaker sound system. There also was a panoramic sunroof (which in my tester was broken. Not a good sign before driving it). It also had the Driver Assistance Dynamic and Driver Assistance Static Packages. Dynamic gets you adaptive cruise control, automatic high beam headlight control, and forward collision warning. Static gets you blind spot monitoring and cross pass detection. There were also the beautiful 19” wheels which made my test car look great.
I left my drive wondering how this will do against competition. Pin it against German rivals and I think the Giulia can go blow-for-blow against them. It may not have all the safety of a Mercedes or a complex all-wheel-drive system of an Audi, but the way that it drives, stops, and corners makes up for it. Finally, we have an Italian sedan that is attainable. Hopefully it doesn't suffer from "Alfa-itus" of older Alfa Romeos.
Photo courtesy of FCA Media

  • Not perfect, but quirky in an Italian way.

Anthony Fongaro

Buick Regal To Be Offered As a Hatchback and Wagon Say Two Forecast Firms

We're excited by the new Opel and Vauxhall Insignia, especially considering we'll be getting our hands on it as the Buick Regal. But we don't know what form the Regal will come in. Opel has shown off a five-door hatchback and wagon, and there is talk about a sedan for China. 
According to a report from Automotive News, Buick will be selling the Regal as a hatchback and wagon. This information comes from two auto forecast firms: LMC Automotive and AutoForecast Solutions. Dropping the Regal sedan may seem odd, but there is some method to this madness. Sales of midsize sedans has been falling for the past two years and the segment has seen a 20 percent drop in the first two months. Going a different route could give the Regal a possible chance in the U.S.
As for the wagon, it is unclear if it will be the standard Insignia wagon or an off-road variant like the Audi A4 Allroad.bu
Not surprisingly, Buick spokesman Stuart Fowle declined to comment.
Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required)

  • We get a possible idea of what Buick has in store for the Regal lineup

William Maley

Muller: On Second Thought, We Would Be Willing To Talk With FCA

It was only a week ago that Volkswagen CEO Matthias Müller rebuffed FCA's CEO Sergio Marchionne'sidea of having talks between Volkswagen and FCA.
“We are not ready for talks about anything. I haven’t seen Marchionne for months,” said Müller.
“We have other problems.”
This week, Müller seems to have changed his tune. Speaking with reporters at the company's annual press conference, he said that he was open to talks with FCA.
"I am not ruling out a conversation," Müller told reporters. “It would be very helpful if Mr. Marchionne were to communicate his considerations to me.”

What changed? There are two possibilities. First is the sale of Opel and Vauxhall to PSA Group, which makes them the second-largest automaker in Europe. Volkswagen could see this as a threat and might consider teaming up with another automaker as an additional layer of protection. The other comes from the massive costs as a result of the diesel emission mess. Volkswagen has so far agreed to pay $25 billion in fines and buyback programs.
Source: Reuters

  • Change of heart?

William Maley

2017 Honda Ridgeline RTL-E Review: Unibody Comfort Meets Midsize Truck Practicality

Is the Honda Ridgeline a truck or not? Depends on to whom you ask this question. A truck person would say no since the Ridgeline isn't a body-on-frame vehicle. Instead, it uses a unibody platform from the Honda Pilot. A consumer would say yes because it looks like a truck and has all the attributes you would find on one such as a bed. I spent some time in a Ridgeline over the holidays to see if I could figure out the answer.
Exterior Design
The previous Ridgeline looked like an auto show concept squared-off shape and missing the design cues you would expect on a truck such as a gap between the cab and bed. This put a lot of people off from looking at the Ridgeline. The new model looks more in line with the current crop of midsize trucks as Honda adopted the standard cab and bed design. This includes the gap between the bed and cab, although this is more of a design touch. Stick your hand in the gap and you'll realize that both parts are connected (thanks unibody construction).
The front end is where you'll make your decision as to whether you like the Ridgeline or not. There is an imposing grille with a long chrome bar on top. A set of large headlights sits on either side of the grille. Other design items to take note of are the sculpted hood and front bumper. Personally, I found the front end to a bit over the top. Honda was trying to make the Ridgeline look tough and imposing, but the end result is a look that is trying too hard.
Bed and Practicality
At least Honda got the Ridgeline's bed right. Compared to the last model, Honda added four inches to the overall length of the bed (64 vs. 60 inches). This gives the Ridgeline the longest standard bed in the class. Unlike competitors, you cannot option a longer bed for the Ridgeline. Honda has also fitted some clever ideas for the Ridgeline's bed. First is the in-bed trunk that offers 7.3 cubic feet of space where you can stow tools or luggage, giving the Ridgeline a significant edge in practicality than its competitors. Second is the dual-action tailgate which allows the tailgate to be opened downward or to the side.
Interior and Comfort
The recent crop of trucks have been stepping up their game when it comes to interiors and the Ridgeline is no different. The interior is borrowed from the Pilot crossover and brings forth an easy-to-understand control layout and high-quality materials. One item that wasn't carried over from the Pilot was the push-button transmission selector. Instead, the Ridgeline sticks with a good-ole lever. Thank you, Honda.
The Ridgeline proved to be a very comfortable pickup truck thanks to supportive leather seats, and power-adjustments for the driver. I took this truck to Northern Michigan and back during the holidays, and I never felt tired or had any soreness afterward. The back seat provides more than enough head and legroom for passengers. The bottom cushion of the back seat can also be folded up to provide a decent amount space for carrying larger items.
Infotainment
Honda's infotainment system in the Ridgeline has to be one of the most frustrating systems we have ever come across. The eight-inch system gets off on the wrong foot by using touch-sensitive controls for the volume and other functions that don't always respond whenever pressed. At least you can use the steering wheel controls for a number of these functions. HondaLink needs a serious revamp in terms of its interface as trying to do simple things is very convoluted. For example, if I want to pick a podcast episode from my iPod, I have to jump through a number of menus to just to get to the listing of the specific show I want to listen to. You can avoid using HondaLink by plugging in your iPhone or Android phone and using CarPlay or Android Auto.
Powertrain and Performance
All Honda Ridgeline's come with a 3.5L V6 producing 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. This is paired up with a six-speed automatic. The base RT to the RTL-T has the choice of front or all-wheel drive. The RTL-E and Black Edition only come with all-wheel drive. No other V6 truck in the class can match the performance of the Ridgeline's V6. Acceleration is strong whether you're leaving a stoplight or making a pass. The run to 60 mph is said to take around 7 seconds, making this one quick midsize truck. The six-speed automatic delivers fast and smooth shifts.
AWD and Off-Road Capability
All-wheel drive Ridgelines like our tester come with Honda's Intelligent Variable Torque Management system. This system quickly redistributes the amount of torque going to each wheel to improve handling and traction. AWD models also get the Intelligent Traction Management system which adjusts the settings of the powertrain to help you get through whatever terrain you find yourself in. We put these systems to the test by driving through an unplowed road with deep snow. The Ridgeline was able to make it through without breaking a sweat. That doesn't make the Ridgeline a truck you want to take on an off-road trail as it only offers 7.9-inches of ground clearance and no low-range.
Payload and Towing
The Ridgeline's payload is towards the top the of class when compared with other midsize crew cab trucks. Front-wheel drive models can haul between 1,447 to 1,565 pounds in the bed. All-wheel drive models have a payload capacity of 1,499 to 1,584 pounds. For towing, the Ridgeline falls a bit short. Front-wheel drive models have a max tow rating of 3,500 lbs, while AWD models are slightly higher at 5,000 lbs. For most people, the Ridgeline will be enough to handle various towing needs. If you need a bit more, then the Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon are ready to help.
Fuel Economy
The EPA rates the Ridgeline AWD at 18 City/25 Highway/21 Combined. My average for the week landed at 23.6 mpg in a 60/40 mix of highway and city driving.
Ride and Handling
Previously, we've considered GM's midsize trucks as having the best ride in the class. The Honda Ridgeline now holds that honor. The unibody platform and four-wheel independent suspension setup give the Ridgeline a ride that is almost equal to a passenger sedan. Bumps and other imperfections are smoothed out. The Ridgeline is a decent handling truck as well. There isn't much body roll and it feels stable when going into a corner. We do wish Honda would make the steering slightly heavier for the Ridgeline.
Final Thoughts
The Honda Ridgeline may not meet the true definition of a pickup truck, but it is one in spirit. Yes, the unibody architecture does limit the capabilities of the Ridgeline as it cannot haul or tow heavy items. Nor can it go deep into the wilderness due to decisions made by Honda on the Ridgeline's off-road capability. But it is in other areas that the Ridgeline begins to stand out such as the clever ideas in the bed, comfortable interior, and a ride that is more in tune with a regular car. They might not be the advantages you would expect in a truck, but they are something that Honda believes will bring in those interested in a pickup minus a lot of the issues that other models have.
To put it another way, the Honda Ridgeline is like Festivus from Seinfeld; they're both for the rest of us.
Disclaimer: Honda Provided the Ridgeline, Insurance, and One Tank of Gas
Specifications and Pricing
Year | 2017
Make | Honda
Model | Ridgeline
Trim | RTL-E
Engine | 3.5L SOHC 24-valve i-VTEC V6
Driveline | Six-Speed Automatic, All-Wheel Drive
Horsepower | 280 @ 6,000 RPM
Torque | 262 lb-ft @ 4,700 RPM
Fuel Economy (City/Hwy/Combined) | 18/25/21 MPG
Curb Weight | 4,515 lbs
Assembly Location | Lincoln, Alabama
Base Price | $41,370
As Tested Price | $42,270 (includes $900 destination charge)
Options | N/A

  • The 2017 Honda Ridgeline RTL-E trades body-on-frame toughness for unibody comfort, a clever in-bed trunk, and the best ride in the midsize truck class.

William Maley

General Motors Plans More Cuts

General Motors seems being in a cutting mood as it drives to improve its profit margins and stock price. Last week saw the sale of Opel and Vauxhall to PSA Group and it's only the beginning said GM CEO Mary Barra.
Automotive News reports that GM is considering reducing investments in North American cars and "select" international markets according to a chart that was shared during a conference call with analysts last week. The chart says these two earned a spot on the chopping block due to low profit potential and weak strength in franchises.
"There's a little bit more work that we're doing in the international markets. Our overall philosophy is that every country, every market segment has to earn its cost of capital," Barra said on the conference call. 
Barra and GM President Dan Ammann declined to go into details about these plans.
GM has already made significant changes in terms of their international operations by ending or reducing operations Australia, Indonesia, Russia, and Thailand. The automaker has also scaled back plans in India. The comments made during the call suggest more cuts could take place here and possibly elsewhere.
As for 'reducing investments in North American cars', this likely means GM is taking a hard look at various segments in passenger car segment. With consumers trending towards utility vehicles and trucks, sales of passenger cars have been falling precipitously. As of March 1st, dealers had four month's worth of inventory of cars, compared to an 81-day supply for light trucks and less than 60-days for full-size SUVs. GM could walk away from certain segments such as compacts or full-size sedans, or delay investments in certain models.
These moves will allow GM to funnel money into models that make more money, and returning capital to shareholders.
"That's an immediate opportunity for us to reward shareholders without changing the risk profile of the company or our ability to manage through a downturn," GM CFO Chuck Stevens said.
Analysts are mixed on GM's plans.
"It takes a lot of discipline to shift away from a volume-is-king kind of mentality," she said. "In the end, that's going to make a better GM -- a longer-standing company that's not only more profitable but more relevant," said Rebecca Lindland, a senior analyst with Kelley Blue Book to Automotive News.
John Murphy, an analyst with Bank of America Merrill Lynch isn't so sure about this plan.
"It appears that GM's recent decision-making has become much more short-term-focused and, in our opinion, could create challenges for the company in the coming years," Murphy wrote in a report.
Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required)

  • The sale of Opel/Vauxhall was only the beginning

William Maley

Don't Call It XT3, Call It XT4

In various reports about Cadillac's upcoming small crossover, we have been calling it the XT3. But recently at Geneva Motor Show, Cadillac president Johan de Nysschen revealed the actual name.
“A new compact crossover called XT4 will debut in 2018 in the US and subsequently in Europe, with an entirely new series of efficient and powerful engines. Starting with the launch of XT4, a new Cadillac will be brought to market every six months, a total of five carlines in the space of two years,” said de Nysschen.
It is expected that the XT4 will use the bones of the new Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain. Power will come from a 2.0L turbo-four paired with a nine-speed automatic
Source: Cadillac

  • We have been calling it XT3, but there's another name to it

William Maley

Rumorpile: Next-Generation Camaro To Head Down Under

The departure of the current Holden Commodore means Australians will not get their fill of V8 muscle. But it seems help could be on the way from America.
A new report from Wheels says the Camaro will be heading down under to give the Ford Mustang some much needed competition. But don't expect to see the current Camaro make the trip. Wheels says it will be the next-generation model due in 2021 that will do battle. This is due to the engineering work needed to do a right-hand drive version. 
We know that that the Camaro team has been watching the Australian marketplace since the Mustang went on sale to see how it would do. Since the Mustang was introduced in Australia last year, 6,000 models have been sold. This is likely one of the key reasons GM decided to go forward with these plans.
It should be noted there is a fail-safe to these plans. If the Australian market loses interest in rear-drive, V8 muscle cars, GM can pull the plug on this project as late as 2019.
Source: Wheels

  • Australia could soon be having a Mustang vs. Camaro fight

William Maley

As the Diesel Emits: Volkswagen Pleads Guilty On Three Felonies In Emission Scandal

Today at U.S. District Court in Detroit, Volkswagen pleaded guilty on three felony charges relating to the diesel emission scandal as part of a plea agreement. The three felonies are conspiracy, obstruction of justice, and introducing imported merchandise into the United States by means of false statements.
"Your honor, VW AG is pleading guilty to all three counts because it is guilty on all three counts," said Volkswagen general counsel Manfred Doess at the hearing.
As part of the plea deal, Volkswagen will pay $4.3 billion in penalties and have an independent monitor to oversee U.S. operations over the next three years. The deal also requires Volkswagen to continue cooperating with federal and state investigators.
A sentencing hearing has been scheduled for April 21st. 
Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required), Reuters

  • The curtain begins to fall on Volkswagen's diesel emission scandal

William Maley

Next Wrangler To Boast Hybrid Powertrain, But Not Sure What Tech Will Be Used

Jeep is planning to offer a hybrid version of the next Wrangler, but it will be some time before it comes to fruition.
Speaking with Auto Express, Jeep head Mike Manley said there are plans to offer some sort hybridisation,
"We have continued our studies on hybridisation for the Wrangler, and it’s a balance for us. Obviously there are loads of different hybrid technologies, from mild to 48v through to full battery-electric," said Manley.
But don't expect Jeep to do a full-EV version of the next Wrangler.
“For the Wrangler you need to strike the right balance; we don’t want to do something that will leave you stranded on a hillside. So for me, full battery EV is not a great fit. But hybridisation works well with the brand because of the attributes that come with electric motors – not just the torque, but also the control.”
If we were to take a guess what the hybrid powertrain could look like, we're thinking a turbo-four paired up with an electric motor. We would expect to see a hybrid Wrangler sometime after 2020.
Source: Auto Express

  • Hybrid Wrangler? Jeep's boss says it is in the cards.

William Maley

GM ‘100 percent’ Commited To Holden Following Sale of Opel

Holden was relying on Opel to help supply its upcoming lineup with models such as the Astra and Insignia rebadged as the Commodore. But with the sale of Opel and Vauxhall to PSA Group, the future of Holden's lineup hangs in the balance. But GM is still committed to the Australian brand and the sale of Opel should not have any impact in the near future according to GM president Dan Ammann.
“What I want to emphasise is we are 100 per cent committed to the business in Australia and New Zealand, and we have a lot of exciting things in the pipeline. It’s going to be a really good period of time for the business down there,” said Ammann.
"As a lot of you know there are a lot of people in the business at General Motors that have a lot of history and linkage to Holden and there's nothing we want to see more than seeing the business prosper down there. So we're really committed to making the business work down there."
For the time being, Holden will be getting the Astra and Commodore from Opel as part of the deal between GM and PSA. Ammann did admit that decisions concerning long-term product plans for Holden are up in the air. 

"So no specific decisions have been taken on that front. We have, I'd say as a result of yesterday's announcement, more not less opportunities going forward," said Ammann.

"Clearly the current models that are just launching will run through their full lifecycle and what we do after that is yet to be determined."
Source: CarAdvice , Drive.com.au, Wheels

  • GM is standing behind Holden despite the sale of Opel

William Maley

Rumorpile: The MR2 Might Make A Return to Toyota's Lineup

Toyota appears to be building out their sports car lineup with the 86 and the rumored Supra coupe. There is now talk of third sports that would mark the return of the 'Three Brothers'; MR2, Celica, and Supra.
Evo reports that Tetsuya Tada, chief engineer of the Toyota 86 and head of Gazoo Racing revealed that a spiritual successor to the MR2 is in the works. The successor would act as the starting point for the 'three brothers,' with the 86 serving as the successor to the Celica and the Supra as the top dog. Tada said the company hopes to have the trio in production together, "as soon as possible."
Details are slim, but Evo expects the model to be smaller and lighter than the 86 coupe. There is the possibility of a hybrid powertrain, using tech from Toyota's Le Mans prototype race car.
Source: Evo

  • Return of the 'Three Brothers'

William Maley

Marchionne Still Dreams of A FCA-GM Merger

You have to admire Fiat Chrysler Automobiles' CEO Sergio Marchionne for still hanging onto the dream of FCA and General Motors merging, despite being told repeatedly that isn't going to happen. At the Geneva Motor Show this week, Marchionne put out there that he is still interested in getting together with GM.
"I never close any doors. I may shamelessly try and knock again ... on the GM door or any door if I thought it was a good thing for the business. Absolutely, without even blinking. The desirability of GM as a potential merger candidate remains untouched," said Marchionne.
Unsurprisingly, GM shot down Marchionne's dreams.
"We weren't interested before and we're even less interested now," said GM President Dan Ammann.
Marchionne isn't one to give up however, he has a plan B: Volkswagen. As he told Bloomberg, with PSA Group becoming the second largest automaker in Europe with the acquisition of Opel/Vauxhall, this could put Volkswagen in a vulnerable position. He sees the company possibly looking for a partner.
“I have no doubt that at the relevant time VW may show up and have a chat” about a merger, said Marchionne.
Volkswagen CEO Matthias Müller slapped down that idea when asked.
“We are not ready for talks about anything. I haven’t seen Marchionne for months,” said Müller.
“We have other problems.” 
Source: Bloomberg , Reuters, (2)

  • Marchionne, No means no.

William Maley

2017 Mazda CX-5 To Begin At $24,985*

Later this month, the 2017 Mazda CX-5 will begin arriving at dealers in the U.S. Before this happens, Mazda has revealed the pricing for the upcoming crossover. The base CX-5 Sport will carry a price tag of $24,985 (includes a $940 destination charge).
All CX-5s will come equipped with a 2.5L SkyActiv-G four-cylinder and six-speed automatic (sorry, no manual transmission is on offer for this generation). The 2.5 produces 187 horsepower and 185 pound-feet of torque. Front-wheel drive comes standard, while Mazda's i-ACTIV all-wheel drive system adds $1,300 to the base price.
The CX-5 Sport comes decently equipped with 17-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, Smart City Brake Support, 7-inch color touchscreen with Mazda Connect, push-button start, and power accessories. 
The CX-5 Touring ($26,855) adds blind-spot monitoring with rear-cross traffic alert, dual-zone climate control, leatherette upholstery, heated front seats, six-way power driver's seat, keyless entry, and auto-leveling LED headlights.
Wrapping up the CX-5 lineup is the Grand Touring ($30,335). This model features full LED lighting outside, 19-inch alloy wheels, leather seats, eight-way power driver's seat with lumbar, rain-sensing wipers, and heated exterior mirrors.
Options for the CX-5 include navigation, Bose audio system, heated steering wheel, heated rear seats, radar cruise control, lane departure warning, and automatic high beams.
Source: Mazda 
Press Release is on Page 2


2017 MAZDA CX-5 PRICED FROM MSRP OF $24,045
Mazda’s Best-Selling Compact Crossover SUV a Remarkable Value with Segment-Exclusive Standard and Available Technologies IRVINE, Calif. (March 8, 2017) – The previous Mazda CX-5 ended its tenure as a compact crossover SUV segment favorite, winning the praise of automotive critics and the hearts of consumers. CX-5 became Mazda’s best-selling vehicle in the U.S. Its successor, the all-new 2017 CX-5, will arrive in late March at dealerships nationwide with a starting MSRP of $24,045, building on the momentum that has made the model an unequivocal hit.
The 2017 CX-5 hits a sweet spot in the compact crossover SUV segment for its refinement, quality, craftsmanship, design, efficiency, safety and dynamics among a long list of other reasons. No matter which trim level is selected, CX-5 also represents a remarkable value.
The entry CX-5 Sport trim features 17-inch alloy wheels, black cloth-upholstered seats, cruise control, air conditioning, power windows, power mirrors, pushbutton starter, LED headlights, variable intermittent windshield wipers, carpeted floor mats, a 40:20:40 split-folding rear seat, Smart City Brake Support and power door locks. Additionally, CX-5 comes standard with MAZDA CONNECTTM, which pairs a 7-inch color touchscreen- and Commander-control-knob-operated infotainment display that incorporates AM/FM/HD radio, vehicle diagnostics, a backup camera, Bluetooth phone and audio integration and two USB ports for phone connectivity and charging.
CX-5 Touring adds a six-way power driver’s seat, leatherette seating surfaces with Lux Suede inserts, Blind Spot Monitoring with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, heated front seats, rear privacy glass, auto-leveling LED headlights, a six-speaker audio system, Mazda Advanced Keyless Entry, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter handle, illuminated vanity mirrors, a rear center armrest, rear HVAC vents, dual-zone climate control, rear USB ports and a reclining rear bench seat.
Further building on CX-5 Touring is the Preferred Equipment Package, which includes a BOSE® 10-speaker audio system with CenterPoint 2 and AudioPilot 2, a power glass moonroof, power liftgate, navigation, auto-dimming mirrors with Homelink and auto on/off headlights. Customers can also opt for the Touring i-ACTIVSENSE Package on top of the Preferred Equipment Package, adding High Beam Control, Lane-Departure Warning, Lane-Keep Assist, Mazda Radar Cruise Control and Smart Brake Support.
Adding greater levels of equipment yet is CX-5 Grand Touring, adopting black or parchment leather seating surfaces, 19-inch alloy wheels, eight-way power driver’s seat with power lumbar support, SiriusXM satellite radio, rain-sensing wipers and heated exterior mirrors. Other additions include Adaptive Front-lighting system, LED fog lights and LED tail lights. Finally, CX-5 Grand Touring’s Premium Package comes with a windshield-projected Active Driving Display with Traffic Sign Recognition, a power front passenger seat, heated rear outboard seats, heated steering wheel and windshield wiper de-icer.
All models come standard with the SKYACTIV-G 2.5 engine and six-speed SKYACTIV-DRIVE automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard, with Mazda’s predictive i-ACTIV all-wheel drive available on all trim levels.
MSRP FOR ALL MODELS IS AS FOLLOWS:
Model/Trim Package Front-Wheel Drive i-ACTIV AWD CX-5 Sport $24,045 $25,345 CX-5 Touring $25,915 $27,215 •Touring Preferred Equipment Package $780 $780 •Touring  
i-ACTIVSENSE Package
$625 $625 CX-5 Grand Touring $29,395 $30,695 •Grand Touring Premium Package $1,830 $1,830  
AVAILABLE PREMIUM PAINT COLORS:
Soul Red Crystal $595 Machine Gray Metallic (CX-5 Touring and Grand Touring models only) $300 Snowflake White Pearl Mica $200  

  • Soon to be arriving at your local Mazda dealer

William Maley

2018 Subaru XV (Crosstrek) Becomes Slightly More Off-Road Capable

Subaru felt it was time to give the XV Crosstrek a makeover. The end result made its debut at the Geneva Motor Show as the XV (the U.S. version will be known as the Crosstrek).
The big news for the XV/Crosstrek is Subaru's modular platform. First making its debut in the new Impreza, the new platform gives the XV a 70 percent increase in overall rigidity. Subaru says this helps give the XV improved driving dynamics and makes it much safer in the event of an accident. 
Subaru has also made the XV a bit more capable when it comes to the rough stuff by adding hill descent control and X-Mode that optimizes the engine, all-wheel drive system, and brakes to improve traction on slipperier surfaces like mud and snow. This is on top of a ground clearance of 8.6-inches. 
Power comes from a 2.0L four-cylinder with 154 horsepower and 145 pound-feet of torque. This is paired up with Subaru's Lineartronic CVT. 
There isn't a dramatic change to the XV's exterior aside from a revised front end that comes with a new grille and reshaped headlights. The interior is a different story as it features a revamped dashboard design with a 7 or 8-inch touchscreen, along with improved materials. 
The XV will come with Subaru's EyeSight safety system - pre-collision braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keep assist - as standard. The Crosstrek in North America will get this an option.
Subaru will begin sales of the XV in Europe later this year. We'll learn about when we get our hands on the Crosstrek next month at the New York Auto Show.
Source: Subaru
Press Release is on Page 2


WORLD PREMIERE OF ALL-NEW SUBARU XV AT 2017 GENEVA INTERNATIONAL MOTOR SHOW 
Mar 7, 2017
Built on Subaru’s new Global Platform - which significantly enhances refinement, safety, ride comfort, and agility. A newly-developed 2.0-litre Direct Injection Boxer engine and Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive are standard on all models. Equipped with X-MODE which enhances off road ability of Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, offering increased SUV capability. XV’s rugged and sporty styling is influenced by Subaru’s DYNAMIC x SOLID design philosophy. Standard EyeSight driver assist technology delivers outstanding preventative safety. Subaru has unveiled the all-new XV at the 2017 Geneva International Motor Show. XV is a crossover which combines a compact body with SUV capability based on Subaru’s distinctive Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system and rugged yet sporty design, offering versatility in both urban areas and the countryside.
For the first re-design since launch in 2012, XV will be built on Subaru’s completely revamped Subaru Global Platform architecture, significantly enhancing the body and chassis rigidity and strength.
The new Subaru XV also offers world-class collision safety and hazard avoidance performance, as well as more responsive handling and ride comfort while enhancing the Subaru XV’s unique design and off road capability. The model is the first strategic offering in Europe under the company’s Prominence 2020 mid-term management vision which delivers “enjoyment and peace of mind” for customers.
Key Features of All-New Subaru XV
XV’s unique design is filled with rugged and sporty character, incorporating the Subaru design philosophy DYNAMIC x SOLID. Functional enhancements have also been included with a high-quality interior and exterior finish.
Exterior
The Wide & Low stance provides a sporty impression and adds to the Subaru family look, from the hexagonal grille to the hawk-eye headlights. The design flows from the grille through to the rear, providing a united scheme. The grille design and matte black cladding on the bumper elude to XV’s rugged character and SUV functionality. The character line runs from front wheel arch to rear shoulder and rises energetically; adding dynamism to the side profile. The extended wheel arches suggest the intent and capability provided by Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and is finished off with matte black cladding. The Wide & Low stance applied to the front design carries over to the rear combination lights. The shoulder silhouette with black roof spoiler are juxtaposed against the rugged matte black cladding on the rear bumper, playing up to XV’s versatile character. The new model also combines the Subaru performance essentials of superior aerodynamics and visibility with advanced styling. Newly designed alloy wheels embody the Subaru XV’s sporty, casual, and rugged character. New exterior colours “Cool Grey Khaki” and “Sunshine Orange” have been added, which contrast with the matte black cladding adding to XV’s active and functional image. Interior
The body-hugging seats have been revised for improved quality and feature grey trim to enhance XV’s character. In the centre of the instrument panel is an 8.0-inch touchscreen display for the infotainment system, with smartphone connectivity. Detailed orange stitching on the instrument panel complements the cabin’s quality. In addition to enhanced interior design, signature Subaru attributes have been further strengthened; excellent all-round visibility, spacious cabin, and cargo room. Enhanced dynamic driving performance paired with off road capability
All-new XV has been improved in several areas to achieve an enhanced dynamic feel. Steering and pedal feedback, vehicle response, noise and vibration have been refined to achieve a positive driver experience. XV’s impressive off road capability has also been enhanced with X-MODE.
Body & Chassis
The new platform dramatically increases rigidity throughout the body and chassis (70-100% increase over present models). Substantial improvements to the suspension system are incorporated, and help achieve a lower centre of gravity allowing precise steering control. Increased precision allows for superior straight line stability and cornering performance whilst maintaining 220mm ground clearance. Torsional rigidity has been improved by 70% over present models by optimising frame structure and joints. This distributes resonance and distortion throughout the body, reducing vibrations. Suspension mounts are more rigid, improving absorption without twisting the chassis and providing a smooth and comfortable drive. Body roll of the vehicle has been reduced by 50% compared to present models. The steering gear ratio has been modified from 14:1 to 13:1 compared to the previous model, offering superior drivability. Active Torque Vectoring enhances turning and steering performance. Electronic parking brake has been added for more convenience. All-Wheel Drive control
In addition to Subaru’s unique Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system, new XV is equipped with X-MODE. X-MODE is designed to increase drivability by optimising integrated control of the engine, All-Wheel Drive system and brakes to provide additional control when tyres slip and lose traction on a slippery road surface, including when descending hills. Engine
80% of the parts on the FB series 2.0-litre Direct Injection Boxer engine have been revamped compared to previous naturally aspirated engines. The new engine is lighter, delivering more power and improved fuel economy. The improved Lineartronic greatly enhances ratio coverage and lightness to boost acceleration performance and fuel economy. As well as employing full auto-step shift control, the Subaru XV features a 7-speed manual mode function for a more engaging driving experience. Engine and transmission noise and vibration are greatly reduced, for a more dynamic experience. Safety
Subaru’s safety performance has continuously been highly rated by third-party organizations. The new Subaru XV has adopted technologies to further enhance its safety including the new platform and the advanced preventative safety system, to ensure XV will achieve high safety ratings.
Active safety
The new platform achieves a centre of gravity that is 5 mm lower than present models. Together with the major improvements in rigidity and the evolution of the suspension system, this lower centre of gravity offers outstanding hazard avoidance capabilities on a level with a high-performance sports car. Passive safety
Impact energy absorption is improved by 40% over present models by using a frame structure that absorbs more energy and high-tensile steel plates. Preventive safety
EyeSight, Subaru’s innovative and highly acclaimed driver assist technology, delivers extremely reliable preventive safety and assists drivers through features such as Pre-Collision Braking Control, Adaptive Cruise Control, and Lane Keep Assist function. The new High Beam Assist employs a monocular camera, automatically switching from high to low beam as per road conditions. Steering Responsive Headlights move the beam right or left whilst cornering or at junctions to illuminate the direction of travel. The Subaru XV uses two headlight controls for the first time, dramatically improving night-time visibility and the recognition capabilities of EyeSight. The Subaru Rear Vehicle Detection has been fitted, offering blind spot detection, lane change assistance and reversing assistance to enhance all-round preventive safety.
William Maley

Mercedes-AMG GT Adds Two Doors for New Concept

With a name of the Mercedes-AMG GT Concept, you might think this is a teaser for the next-generation GT Coupe. Instead, it is the name for a four-door coupe concept that will spawn a production model within the next few years.
It is clear that AMG wanted to draw a family connection from the GT Coupe to the GT Concept in terms of the design. The GT Concept gets the "Panamericana" grille and narrow headlights found on the coupe. The back features bulging fenders, narrow taillights, and a sloping roofline similar to the coupe. 
The GT Concept's powertrain is very interesting. A 4.0L twin-turbo V8 is paired up with an electric motor to deliver 805 horsepower. Power is routed to all four wheels via Mercedes' 4Matic all-wheel drive system. Mercedes says the GT Concept can hit 60 mph in under three seconds. While the concept doesn't scream hybrid, the badge on the back does give a hint. 'EQ Power+' will be the designation AMG will be using this on future performance hybrid models.
“With the Mercedes-AMG GT Concept, we are giving a preview of our third completely independently developed sports car and are extending the attractive AMG GT family to include a four-door variant,” Tobias Moers, Mercedes-AMG chairman of the board of management, said in a statement.
Source: Mercedes-AMG
Press Release is on Page 2
Mercedes-AMG GT Concept
The Mercedes-AMG GT Concept, a four-door coupe that heralds a further extension of the AMG GT family As part of its 50th anniversary, Mercedes-AMG is celebrating a successful past while also continuing to look forward. With the Mercedes-AMG GT Concept show car, the sports car and performance brand is giving an indication of the alternative drive configurations AMG is designing. This four-door coupe heralds a further extension of the AMG GT family, following the legacy of the SLS AMG and AMG GT, which were completely developed at AMG’s headquarters in Affalterbach. The designation and fundamental design elements on the front and rear end denote the family affiliation to the AMG GT. The "EQ Power+" badging on the mirror camera indicates the increased performance that can be expected from hybridization at AMG.
"With the Mercedes-AMG GT Concept, we are giving a preview of our third completely independently developed sports car and are extending the attractive AMG GT family to include a four-door variant,” said Tobias Moers, Chairman of the Board of Management of Mercedes-AMG GmbH. “The AMG GT Concept, like the AMG Hypercar, which we are presenting at the International Motor Show in Frankfurt, illustrates how we are defining performance of the future at AMG. Impressive driving dynamics coupled with high efficiency, resulting from an innovative drive system tailored specifically to the vehicle segment – that is ‘Future Performance’ made by AMG. With our AMG GT Concept, that means a combination of an ultra-modern V8 gasoline engine and a high-performance electric motor, both intelligently networked with an extremely powerful yet lightweight battery concept. This performance hybrid powertrain offers an impressive electric range and the opportunity to generate a system output of up to 805 horsepower in its last level of development, and covers the sprint from 0-60 mph in less than three seconds – which corresponds to the performance of a super sports car."
The four-door sports car from Affalterbach will seamlessly continue the success story of the AMG GT. The dynamic fastback will be highly suitable for everyday use thanks to a large tailgate, luggage compartment and comfortable interior. The AMG GT Concept blends the high functionality of performance cars with the sportiness of AMG GT sports cars, and gives a sneak preview of the exterior design coming to the series production model.
Muscular proportions and clear surface design
With the aid of an unmistakable design idiom featuring a deeply drawn hood and powerfully raked windscreen, the AMG GT Concept is recognizable at first glance as a genuine AMG GT. The exterior design stands out with extremely muscular proportions and sensuous surface styling. The concept car represents the design philosophy of “Sensual Purity” with the added performance characteristics of AMG.
"The AMG GT Concept embodies the most extreme expression of our design idiom and underlines the autonomous profile of AMG as a performance brand," said Gorden Wagener, Chief Design Officer, Daimler AG. "Through ideal proportions it creates a pure design with emphasis on its surfaces, featuring sensuous shapes, and is hot and cool at the same time."
Advanced AMG GT characteristics
The Panamericana grille—with vertical ribs painted red on the sides—newly configured and extremely slim headlamps and side air gills with a dominant design in the front bumper are hallmark AMG GT design characteristics which have been advanced to a new level in order to express pure power. The hood, reaching right to the wheel arches, underscores the AMG GT Concept’s sports car genes. This is also expressed by the eye-catching “Hot Red” paintwork featuring a finish that shimmers in the light like liquid metal thanks to a special formulation.
The Mercedes-AMG principle that fascination is always linked with function also applies to the AMG GT Concept. Proof of this includes moving radiator shutters in the center and side air intakes which improves both aerodynamic and thermal efficiency, and are inspired by the AIRPANEL active air control system found in the AMG GT R.
Rear assembly in hallmark AMG GT look
The wide rear assembly provides an unmistakable AMG GT look with extremely slim horizontal tail lamps and the shape of the tailgate. The taillamp also has new light technology, located beneath the three-dimensional lens of the rear lamps: a ribbed cooling module is integrated into the lens to guide waste heat away.
Further design elements at the rear end include a wide carbon-fiber diffuser curved downwards at the sides and a centrally arranged tailpipe reminiscent of the Mercedes-AMG GT R.
The crouched, dynamic greenhouse, with its steeply sloping roofline and slim layout of the frameless side windows, emphasizes the dynamic forwards thrust of the AMG GT Concept when seen from the side. The tapered side, broad rear shoulders and flared wheel arches reinforce the overall muscular expression. Exterior side mirrors on this concept are replaced with aerodynamically favorable miniature cameras, known as “mirror cams.” The roof, A-wing of the front spoilers, rear diffuser and side sill panels are finished in carbon fiber and make a distinct connection with motorsports.
Uniquely styled wheels allow for a good view of the AMG ceramic high-performance compound braking system. The brake calipers are painted in a bronze color and showcase "AMG Carbon Ceramic" lettering.
"Nano active fiber technology" for daytime running lamps and tail lamps
With "nano active fiber technology," Mercedes-AMG is presenting future-oriented daytime running lamps for the first time. This is produced by a special bright light system in a freely styled light cord. The three-dimensional illumination effect lends the AMG GT Concept an autonomous light signature, which is flanked by numerous further accents in the high-tech headlamp. Two tubular rod lights illuminate the road surface directly in front of the car and constitute the driving light together with a large LED main headlamp. A red AMG logo within the headlight denotes a special attention to detail. Overall, the front headlamp is a three-dimensional, multilayered, high-tech component which underscores the technical standards of the AMG GT Concept.
AMG Future Performance: forward-thinking hybrid drive system
The drive system of the AMG GT Concept represents a completely new development. In 2010, Mercedes-AMG proved that a super sports car with a battery/electric drive system can be realized with the SLS AMG Electric Drive. Additionally, Formula 1 driving dynamics and impressive efficiency are promised by the planned AMG Hypercar, which will give a sneak preview of the ultimate application of what is currently feasible with hybrid technology.
Following the AMG brand pledge "Driving Performance," Mercedes-AMG will develop segment-specific hybrids in the future that will boast impressive performance and maximum efficiency.
Innovative combination of combustion engine and electric motor
After the W08 EQ Power+ Mercedes-AMG Petronas Motorsport Formula 1 car, the AMG GT Concept show car is the second AMG model to bear the new designation "EQ Power+," a designation which all performance hybrids from Mercedes-AMG will be given in the future.
The performance hybrid system combines a powerful Handcrafted AMG 4.0L V8 biturbo engine with an additional powerful electric motor, ensuring immediate response and offering extraordinarily high performance. A sprint from 0-60 mph takes the AMG GT Concept less than three seconds, demonstrating the performance of a super-sports car.
Maximum driving performance AMG’s primary focus on all projects and is why the AMG GT Concept has a balanced axle load distribution. The fully variable AMG performance 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive system is supported by an electric motor which drives the rear wheels directly and has the effect of an additional booster. Additionally, with torque vectoring, every wheel can be allocated torque individually resulting in a tangible increase in performance.
The electric drive unit
Three operating modes can be preselected via the electric drive unit: the AMG GT Concept can either drive purely electrically, purely with the combustion engine or with an optimal combination of both drive sources as a hybrid.
The exclusive AMG-developed hybrid components aim to facilitate a unique and dynamic “Driving Performance” experience.
Power from two drive systems: performance operating strategy from Formula 1
The operating strategy of the AMG GT Concept is derived from the hybrid powerpack of the MERCEDES PETRONAS AMG Formula 1 racing car and was developed through cooperation with the development engineers at Mercedes-AMG HPP (High Performance Production GmbH). As in Formula 1, the battery is charged while the vehicle is driven in order to have the maximum amount of electrical power available for use at all times.
Scalable performance battery
The energy storage unit in the AMG GT Concept is more powerful than conventional hybrid batteries, but at the same time is more compact and lighter – further proof of the systematic way in which the AMG Lightweight Performance Strategy is being implemented. Charging of the battery while driving can occur via brake recuperation or with the aid of the combustion engine if the battery charge has dropped beneath a certain charge threshold.
On a modular basis this system is scalable upwards — the performance and capacity of the battery can be adjusted to meet specific requirements of customers or markets, for instance.

  • Yeah, we're not sure why they went with this name

William Maley

Honda Finally Unveils the Civic Type R

It has been quite a while since Honda has offered a bonafide performance vehicle in its lineup (S2000 in 2009). So it was great news to hear that Honda would be bringing the next-generation Civic Type R to our shores. Today at the Geneva Motor Show, Honda pulled the curtain back on the production version.
Honda wanted to make the Civic Type R's intentions clear to everyone. The exterior comes with aggressive bumpers, hood scoop, 20-inch wheels finished in black, carbon-fiber-look body kit, huge rear wing, and center-mounted exhaust makes the Civic Type R the most aggressive Honda ever sold in the U.S. For the interior, Honda has fitted the Type R with a set of sport seats, red accent trim, and a serialized Type R plaque on the center console.
Power comes from a turbocharged 2.0L four-cylinder found in the current Civic Type R. Output for this engine is rated at 306 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. As we reported a few months ago, the Type R will only come with a six-speed manual. Those wanting an automatic are just plain out of luck. 
In terms of handling, Honda is fitting their Dual-Axis front-strut setup “to minimize torque steer and maximize sporty handling,” by letting the front wheels steer closer to their centerlines. The Type-R will also come with a limited-slip differential, new adaptive dampers, and larger Brembo brakes.
Honda says the Civic Type-R will carry a base MSRP in the mid-$30k range when it goes on sale later this spring.
Source: Honda
Press Release is on Page 2


The Wait Is Nearly Over: New 2017 Honda Civic Type R Makes Global Debut at Geneva Motor Show

Mar 7, 2017
First Type R-badged Honda available in the U.S. goes on sale late spring Most powerful, quickest, fastest and most agile Civic ever 2.0-liter i-VTEC® DI TURBO: 306 horsepower and 295 lb-ft. of torque Major chassis and suspension upgrades for track-ready performance GENEVA – Honda today took the wraps off one of the most anticipated models in its history with the unveiling of the production 2017 Civic Type R at the Geneva Motor Show. The long-awaited Civic Type R, slated to go on sale in the U.S. in late spring with an MSRP in the mid-$30k range, is the first ever Type R-badged Honda to be sold on American soil. The Type R will feature a high performance 2.0-liter turbocharged powertrain, substantially upgraded body and chassis, and other track-ready, Nürburgring-tuned and tested performance components. The 2017 Civic Type R will make its U.S. debut at the New York International Auto Show on April 12, 2017.
"The fastest, most powerful Honda ever sold in America, the Type R caps off the incredible success story of our 10th generation Civic lineup," said Jeff Conrad, senior vice president & general manager of the Honda Division, American Honda Motor Co., Inc. "We're happy to inform our U.S. enthusiasts that the long wait for the forbidden fruit of Honda Type R performance is nearly over!"
The new Civic Type R, sharing the body style of the 5-door hatchback variant of the tenth-generation global Honda Civic platform, will be powered by a U.S.-built 2.0-liter DOHC, direct-injected and turbocharged i-VTEC in-line 4-cylinder engine with peak ratings of 306 horsepower at 6,500 rpm and 295 lb.-ft. of torque from 2,500 to 4,500 rpm. The engine will be mated exclusively to a short-throw 6-speed manual transmission with rev matching capability – employing automatic throttle blips for smoother shifts and power delivery. A new single-mass flywheel reduces clutch inertia by 25 percent versus the previous (European) Type R and a lower final gear ratio is employed to improve acceleration response.
The Civic Type R chassis builds on the major upgrades undertaken for the 10th-generation Civic makeover with model-exclusive spring, damper and bushing settings, a new Dual-Axis front suspension setup with aluminum lower arms and steering knuckles for improved at-the-limit cornering and reduced torque steer; a new four-wheel Adaptive Suspension System with three-chamber dampers; a retuned and adaptive dual-pinion electric power steering system with variable gear ratio; and a helical limited-slip front differential. Mounted to the suspension are 20-inch aluminum alloy wheels shod with 245/30R 20 Continental ContiSportContact 6 performance tires. Decisive stopping power comes from Brembo 4-pot aluminum calipers squeezing 350mm (13.8-inch) cross-drilled rotors at the front. The rear braking system features solid 305mm (12-inch) rotors.
The Type R's scalpel-sharp responses are further enhanced by a body more rigid than the substantially improved Civic Hatchback on which it's based – with a 38 percent increase in torsional rigidity and 45 percent gain in bending rigidity versus the previous Civic Type R – enhancing steering response and cornering stability while mitigating body vibration and cabin noise. The improvements are made possible by the application of structural adhesive throughout the body. Ultra-high strength steel is used for 14 percent of the body structure, and the Type R has an aluminum hood, contributing to a 16 kg (35 lb) reduction in body weight versus the previous Type R, and a 7 kg (15 lb) reduction versus the base 2017 Civic Hatchback.
The 2017 Civic Type R is designed to reward the driver in all driving conditions, on the track and on the street, and features three driving modes: Comfort, Sport (default) and +R.  The driver selectable modes adjust steering and throttle response, transmission rev-matching, Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) and the Adaptive Damper System. Utilizing new, three-chamber dampers, individual stroke sensors and three vehicle-G sensors, the new damper system offers a wider range of variability for ride comfort and dynamic handling response.
The 2017 Civic Type R will launch this spring in a single, premium-contented Touring trim. A 7-inch Display Audio touchscreen interface with embedded Honda Navigation system has both Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™ compatibility; and should the driver ever tire of hearing the Type R growl, a 540-watt, 12-speaker audio system with SiriusXM 2.0, HD Radio and Pandora compatibility is also provided as standard.
Additional interior Type R features include heavily bolstered sports seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift boot, aluminum shift knob, aluminum sport pedals, red Type R driver's meter and serialized Type R plate on the center console.
The Civic Type R will be manufactured by Honda of the U.K. Manufacturing in Swindon, England, with its 2.0-liter turbocharged engine made by Honda of America Mfg. at its Anna, Ohio engine plant using domestic and globally sourced parts. Pricing specifics and additional details on the 2017 Civic Type R will be provided closer to launch.
Specifications and Features Overview

Powertrain Engine Type
L-4 2.0L DOHC i-VTEC turbocharged engine with dual valve timing control
Horsepower
306 horsepower @ 6,500 rpm
Torque
295 lb-ft of torque @ 2,500-4,500 rpm
Transmission
6-speed manual transmission
Chassis
Drivetrain
Front wheel drive with limited slip differential
Steering
Dual pinion electric power steering with variable ratio and active steering
Suspension
Dual axis front strut suspension and independent multilink rear suspension with adaptive damper system
Brakes
Front Brembo aluminum four piston calipers with drilled 350mm (13.8-inch) rotor brakes. Rear brakes feature solid 305mm (12-inch) rotors
Wheels
20-inch aluminum alloy wheels
Tires
245/30R 20 Continental ContiSportContact 6 performance tires
Driving Modes
Three-mode driving dynamics control with Comfort, Sport (default) and “+R” modes adjust dampers, steering, throttle response, transmission (rev matching), VSA (vehicle stability assist) and traction control systems Body
Increased body stiffness over current Civic Hatchback and previous generation Type R Exterior
LED headlights, fog lights, brake lights and turn signals Interior
High-bolstered sport seats with red/black suede-effect fabric Leather wrapped steering wheel Leather wrapped shift knob Sport/racing pedals Illuminated visors Features
Display Audio with Navi Dual Auto HVAC XM and HD Radio 12 speaker 540-watt premium audio system Android Auto™ and Apple CarPlay™

  • A piece of Honda's forbidden fruit finally comes to the U.S.

William Maley

2018 Volvo XC60 Kicks Off the Renaissance of the 60 Series

The XC60 crossover is an important vehicle for Volvo. Despite being one of the oldest models in the lineup, the XC60 made up 30 percent of Volvo's total global sales last year. Getting the second-generation XC60 right is a big deal and it seems Volvo may have pulled it off.
Making its global debut today at the Geneva Motor Show, the 2018 XC60 is the first model of the revamped 60 series lineup. At first glance, you might think Volvo's design team just used the reduce function on the copy machine since it looks like a scaled-down XC90. But Volvo's designers did make some small changes to have the XC60 stand apart from its bigger brother. The XC60 has a lower front end with a hood that drops down to the nose. The windshield has been raked to give the model a sporty look.
The interior mirrors the 90 series with a clean layout and a large screen housing Volvo's Sensus infotainment system. One new feature for the XC60 is a four-zone climate control system that has the ability to remove harmful pollutants and particles from the air.
For power, the XC60 mirrors the larger XC90.
T5: Turbocharged 2.0L four-cylinder, 250 horsepower T6: Turbo and Supercharged 2.0L four-cylinder, 320 horsepower T8: Plug-In Hybrid, 407 horsepower At launch, all XC60s will get an eight-speed automatic and all-wheel drive. 
Safety is an important trait for Volvo and the XC60 proves this with the introduction of Steer Assist. This system will automatically steer the vehicle if it detects an imminent collision. Optional is Volvo's Pilot Assist system that provides semi-autonomous driving capability at speeds of up to 80 mph on “well-marked roads”.
The 2018 Volvo XC60 arrives at dealers this fall.
Source: Volvo
Press Release is on Page 2


Volvo Cars reveals new XC60

Volvo Cars, the premium car maker, today revealed the long-awaited new XC60 SUV at the Geneva Motor Show.
 
The new car replaces Volvo’s highly-successful original XC60, which in the nine years since its launch became the bestselling premium mid-sized SUV in Europe with nearly a million units sold globally. The XC60 today represents around 30 percent of Volvo’s total global sales.
 
“We have a strong heritage in designing stylish and dynamic SUVs that offer the latest in technology. The new XC60 will be no exception. It’s the perfect car for an active lifestyle, and it represents the next step in our transformation plan,” said Håkan Samuelsson, President and Chief Executive, Volvo Car Group.  

New comfort and safety technology
The new XC60, one of the safest cars ever made, is fully-loaded with new technology. Steer Assist has been added to the ground-breaking City Safety system. A new safety system called Oncoming Lane Mitigation uses steer assist to help mitigate head-on collisions, while Volvo’s Blind Spot Indication System (BLIS) now uses Steer Assist functionality to reduce the risk of lane-changing collisions.
 
“We have focused on building a car that can deliver pleasure to all of your senses – from a commanding view of the road ahead in a beautifully appointed and calm cabin, to a safe, inspired and confident ride,” said Henrik Green, Senior Vice President Product & Quality at Volvo Car Group. “We’ve paid particular attention to making life easier for our customers by providing them with the creature comforts and services that take the hassle out of everyday life.”
 
Pilot Assist, Volvo’s advanced semi-autonomous driver assistance system, which takes care of steering, acceleration and braking on well-marked roads up to 80 MPH, is available in the new XC60 as an option.
Performance
The new XC60 offers Volvo’s award-winning T8 Twin Engine gas plug-in hybrid at the top of the powertrain range, delivering 400 hp and acceleration from 0-100 Km in just 5.3 seconds.
 
But it is not just under the hood that the new XC60 delivers healthy performance. The new CleanZone four-zone climate system removes harmful pollutants and particles from outside the cabin to deliver Scandinavian-fresh air on the inside.
 
Volvo Cars’ driver infotainment and connected services offer, Sensus, and the Volvo On Call app both receive a graphical update with improved usability. As in the 90 Series cars, smartphone integration with CarPlay and Android Auto is also available.
 
Sculpted feel
“The XC60 is an SUV not designed to look down on others but to drive. The exterior has an athletic sculpture with a subtle, timeless quality. The interior is a masterful composition of well-resolved architecture, beautiful materials and the very latest technology - all perfectly blended together. The XC60 provides a true Scandinavian experience which will make our customers feel special,” said Thomas Ingenlath, Senior Vice President, Design at Volvo Car Group.
 
Volvo Cars’ new XC60 is set to go into production in mid-April at the Torslanda Plant in Sweden.

  • Volvo readies the second act of the XC60

William Maley

General Motors Will Remain In Europe As A Niche Player

As General Motors begins to close the sale of Opel and Vauxhall to PSA Group, there are questions as to what GM will do in the European market afterwards. According to Automotive News, GM is planning to become a niche brand with selling Cadillac models, along with the Chevrolet Camaro and Corvette.
“That is the plan at this time, to continue with those models and brands in Europe. We continue to grow the Cadillac brand. We’ll continue to do that in a very disciplined fashion,” said GM CEO Mary Barra on a conference call this morning.
Cadillac has been trying to make end roads into Europe for a decade with middling success. Last year, Cadillac's 45 dealers in Europe (mostly in Germany and Switzerland) sold 781 vehicles, up 33 percent when compared to 2015. The brand has the goal of selling 5,000 vehicles yearly in Europe by the end of this decade. This includes sales of the Camaro and Corvette which are doing much better - more than 1,800 models sold last year. 
Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required)

  • What does GM plan on doing in Europe after Opel and Vauxhall head off to PSA?

William Maley

Volkswagen Replaces CC with Arteon

The Volkswagen CC held a distinction that very few models in their lineup could (aside from not being involved in the diesel emission mess); it was a model that actually had some style. The CC's successor, the Arteon looks to be taking this a step further.
To be shown later this week at the Geneva Motor Show, the Arteon is mostly a carbon copy of the Sport Coupe Concept GTE shown two years ago. The front end gets a massive grille that extends into the LED headlights. Fenders bulge out and the swoopy roofline flows gently into a fastback. For the interior, Volkswagen is giving the Arteon some serious luxury credentials with available Alcantara/”Vienna” leather seats, Volkswagen's Digital Cockpit, and a 9.2-inch infotainment display with gesture controls.
Europe will have the choice of six turbocharged engines; three gas and three diesels.
1.5L TSI Evo: 148 horsepower 2.0L TSI: 188 horsepower 2.0L TSI:  276 horsepower 2.0L TDI: 148 horsepower 2.0L TDI: 188 horsepower 2.0L TDI: 236 horsepower A six-speed manual or seven-speed DSG will be on offer, as will Volkswagen's 4Motion all-wheel drive.
Volkswagen says the Arteon will go on sale in Germany in June. North America has to wait till next year when the Arteon arrives as a 2019 model.
Source: Volkswagen
Press Release is on Page 2


VOLKSWAGEN ARTEON MAKES WORLD DEBUT AT THE GENEVA AUTO SHOW
Mar 6, 2017
Premium four-door coupe is positioned above the Passat mid-size sedan Five-seat Arteon combines the design elements of a sports car with the elegance and space of a fastback Standard LED headlamps merge with the radiator grille and bonnet to form a completely new front end Very long wheelbase in relationship to the overall length offers excellent space Six turbocharged engines offer power outputs from 148 to 276 horsepower Top engines come with a DSG® dual-clutch automatic gearbox and 4Motion® all-wheel drive as standard Infotainment options include available Volkswagen Digital Cockpit and 9.2-inch Discover Pro system Herndon, VA – Volkswagen is adding the avant-garde Arteon Gran Turismo to its lineup and will reveal the vehicle to a global audience for the first time at the Geneva International Motor Show (9 to 19 March). Volkswagen Head Designer Klaus Bischoff says: "The Arteon combines the design elements of a classic sports car with the elegance and space of a fastback. It’s an avant-garde business-class Gran Turismo that speaks to the heart and head alike."
Tobias Sühlmann, responsible for the Arteon's exterior design, further explains: “The athletic lines of the Arteon embody a highly functional overall concept. Form and function find common ground here in a progressive way. Thanks to its long wheelbase, stretched roofline, coupe-style fastback design and large rear hatch, this Gran Turismo provides more space and flexibility than conventional sedans."
The new Arteon was designed on the Modular Transverse Matrix (MQB). The architecture allows for a long, 111.9- inch wheelbase and for short overhangs on the 191.4-inch long body. With a width of 73.7 inches and a height of 56.2 inches, the Arteon delivers truly dynamic proportions and a visual starting point for the Volkswagen designers.
One of the most important design elements of the Arteon is the completely new front section. Stand-out features include a hood that extends a long way forward and over both fenders and a radiator grille that encompasses the vehicle's full width. The standard LED headlights and Daytime Running Lights combine with the chrome-plated crossbars of the radiator grille and hood. The powerful shoulder section at the rear, the muscular fenders, the waistline, and the flared wheelarches are also reminiscent of a sports car.
Just 24 months ago, Volkswagen unveiled the Sport Coupé Concept GTE, which was one of the stars of the Geneva Auto Show in 2015. Klaus Bischoff said then that: "The Sport Coupé Concept GTE is another milestone of expressive design. Unmistakably reinvented, from the first to the last stroke. A stylistic compass. In this concept car, Volkswagen is not only presenting the new design of a new model, but also initial glimpses of a new era in design."
Now that Volkswagen is showing the production version, Klaus Bischoff adds: "The fact that the Arteon has gone into production with only minimal design changes from the show car demonstrates Volkswagen's appetite for innovation. Exactly like the concept car, the Arteon generates that 'I want it' feeling. As forecast in 2015, this car does indeed mark the start of a new design era."
The Arteon takes its place in the Volkswagen model range above the Passat. The new Volkswagen is being produced at the Emden plant and will go on sale in mid June in Germany.
The Arteon reinterprets the Gran Turismo concept with its combination of avant-garde design, sportiness, great flexibility and generous space. There is excellent legroom in the back and generous luggage space of 19.9 to 55.0 cubic feet. On the technical front, the new Volkswagen impresses with six highly efficient engines with power outputs that range from 148 to 276 horsepower, front-wheel and 4Motion® all-wheel drive, plus digitalized displays and controls. Further features include the Active Info Display (Volkswagen Digital Cockpit in the U.S.), a headup display and the new Discover Pro infotainment system with a 9.2-inch glass screen and gesture control.
The Arteon's innovative driver assistance systems match its avant-garde looks. Three of the new technologies stand out here. First, the latest generation Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) now takes into account data such as speed limits and/or route information and automatically adjusts the speed accordingly. Thanks to the navigation system's GPS and road data, the new dynamic cornering light system with predictive beam control recognizes when a bend is approaching and is already lighting it before the driver actively turns into it. Further added safety is provided by the second generation of Emergency Assist: if the driver becomes incapacitated by illness, the system not only (within its system limits) slows the car down, but now also steers it into the nearside lane, traffic behind permitting.
Despite the high-end looks and equipment, the Arteon is available at an attractive price. In parallel with the high-quality base version, the car will be available in two exclusive equipment lines: the Elegance and R-Line®. The Arteon Elegance is focused heavily on luxury and design. The Arteon R-Line, meanwhile, puts sportiness at its heart. It is possible for the vehicle to be extensively personalized.
Every Arteon model has the following standard features:

Exterior
Chrome strips on side windows LED taillights LED headlamps with LED Daytime Running Lights Aluminum-alloy wheels Keyless Go access Interior
Stainless steel door kickplates, front and rear Composition Media infotainment system, including eight loudspeakers, AUX-IN and USB Electronically controlled air conditioning system Leather multifunction steering wheel (with paddle shifters on DSG models) Six-way power adjustable front seats Driver assistance and handling systems
Driver Alert System Progressive steering system The Arteon Elegance includes the following custom details:

Exterior
Chrome door mirror caps LED taillights with dynamic indicator light function 18-inch 'Muscat' aluminum-alloy wheels Continuous chrome trim strip on lower bodywork Heated windshield washer jets Interior
Contrast stitching on seat covers and floormats Aluminum-look pedal covers Alcantara/ “Vienna” leather seating surfaces Heatable front seats The Arteon R-Line includes the following custom details:

Exterior
High gloss black finish of the C-signature in the front air intakes Leather multifunction R-Line design sport steering wheel 18-inch 'Sebring' aluminum-alloy wheels Heated windshield washer jets Special R-Line bumpers Continuous chrome trim strip on lower bodywork Chrome-plated exhaust tips Interior
'Titan Black' headliner Stainless steel door kickplates front and rear (with R-Line logo on front plates} Aluminum-look pedal covers Alcantara/ “Vienna” leather ('Vienna') seating surfaces with R-Line logo Special R-Line steering wheel Heatable front seats Powertrain
The new Arteon is launching with a range of six turbocharged direct-injection engines. All are four-cylinder units: the entry-level petrol (TSI) and diesel (TDI®) engines each develop 148 horsepower. The most powerful TSI gasoline engine delivers 276 hp, while the most powerful TDI produces 236 hp.
All the engines, except the 148-hp TSI in Germany, can be combined with a DSG dual-clutch automatic transmission. For the TSI, the DSG is standard for the 188-hp engine and above. In the case of the TDI, it is fitted as standard with the 236-hp version. The most powerful TSI and TDI models also have 4Motion all-wheel drive as standard, while this is available as an option for the 188-hp TDI. All other models have front-wheel drive.
NEDC fuel consumption for the 276-hp gasoline engine is: 25.6 mpg on the urban cycle, 38.6 mpg on the extraurban cycle, and a combined rating of 32.2 mpg.
The Arteon's engines in summary:
Gasoline Output Gearbox / Drive system 1.5 TSI Evo 110 kW / 148 hp 6-speed / optional 7-speed DSG (DSG not in Germany) 2.0 TSI 140 kW / 188 hp 7-speed DSG 2.0 TSI 206 kW / 276 hp 7-speed DSG plus 4Motion Diesel Output Gearbox / Drive system 2.0 TDI 110 kW / 148 hp 6-speed / optional 7-speed DSG 2.0 TDI 140 kW / 188 hp 6-speed / optional 7-speed DSG / optional 4Motion 2.0 TDI 176 kW / 236 hp 7-speed DSG plus 4Motion  

  • Volkswagen does the seemingly unthinkable, create a stylish vehicle!

William Maley

Its Official! PSA Group To Buy Opel and Vauxhall In $2.3 Billion Deal

It is now official. This morning, PSA Group has agreed to buy Opel and Vauxhall from General Motors for 2.2 billion euros (about $2.3 billion). The deal is comprised of a 1.8 billion euros ($1.9 billion) payment for Opel and Vauxhall, along with a stake in Opel's financing arm. This makes PSA Group the second-largest automaker in Europe.
“It gives us the opportunity to become a real European champion. Our plan is to build a common future for Opel and Vauxhall and fix the existing issues,” said PSA Chief Executive Officer Carlos Tavares.
Those existing issues include Opel and Vauxhall never breaking even for GM. Over the past two decades, Opel and Vauxhall have lost almost $20 billion. In 2016, the division was projected to break even, but the complications of Great Britain leaving the EU meant they posted a loss of $257 million.
"The way I look at this is positioning Opel-Vauxhall to be incredibly successful in the future," said GM CEO Mary Barra when asked by a reporter if she was relieved about the sale of Opel and Vauxhall. 
"General Motors doesn't have to be relieved. They can be proud of giving Opel-Vauxhall a better future," said Tavares.
PSA Group is aiming to make Opel and Vauxhall profitable once again, with operating profit targets of 2 percent in 2020 and 6 percent by 2026. These targets will be reached by joint cost savings of 1.7 billion euros (about $1.8 billion) by spreading the costs of developing new vehicles and sharing purchasing costs.
General Motors won't be fully cutting its ties with Opel and Vauxhall for the time being. GM has allowed PSA Group to license technology rights to keep selling current models (including the upcoming Insignia) until they transition onto PSA platforms. According to Reuters, the next-generation Opel/Vauxhall Corsa will be the first PSA developed model. GM will also collaborate with PSA on various projects such as hydrogen fuel cells. Finally, GM will pay PSA 3 billion euros ($3.18 billion) to settle transferred pension obligations.
But there are still a number of unanswered questions with this deal. The big one deals with job cuts and plant closures. With this deal, PSA group will add roughly 38,000 workers and 10 production facilities. Some analysts believe that PSA Group will close two to three plants within the next five years, with the possibility of those closures taking place in Great Britain due to Brexit. Taveres has said that the automaker would honor existing labor agreements and closing plants is a “simplistic” solution.
“We don’t need to shut down plants,” said Tavares.
Second is what will happen for Buick and Holden when models they share with Opel transition to PSA platforms. Both Buick and Holden will be getting the next-generation Insignia as the Regal and Commodore. Buick also gets the Opel Mokka to sell as the Encore, while Holden sells the Astra compact.
Finally, there is the question about PSA Group's plans to re-enter the U.S. How does the purchase of Opel and Vauxhall affect their plans?
Source: Bloomberg, Reuters, Automotive News (Subscription Required), General Motors, PSA Group
Press Release is on Page 2


Opel/Vauxhall to join PSA Group
Establishes PSA Group as #2 in Europe. This strong and balanced presence in its home markets will serve as the basis of profitable growth worldwide Joint venture in auto financing with BNP Paribas to support development of Opel/Vauxhall brands €2.2 Bn transaction advances GM’s transformation and unlocks shareholder value through disciplined capital allocation Detroit and Paris – General Motors Co. (NYSE:GM) and PSA Group (Paris:UG) today announced an agreement under which GM’s Opel/Vauxhall subsidiary and GM Financial’s European operations will join the PSA Group in a transaction valuing these activities at €1.3 Bn and €0.9 Bn, respectively.
With the addition of Opel/Vauxhall, which generated revenue of €17.7 Bn in 20161, PSA will become the second-largest automotive company in Europe, with a 17% market share2.
Creates sound European foundation for PSA to support its worldwide profitable growth
“We are proud to join forces with Opel/Vauxhall and are deeply committed to continuing to develop this great company and accelerating its turnaround,” said Carlos Tavares, chairman of the Managing Board of PSA. “We respect all that Opel/Vauxhall’s talented people have achieved as well as the company’s fine brands and strong heritage. We intend to manage PSA and Opel/Vauxhall capitalizing on their respective brand identities. Having already created together winning products for the European market, we know that Opel/Vauxhall is the right partner. We see this as a natural extension of our relationship and are eager to take it to the next level.”
“We are confident that the Opel/Vauxhall turnaround will significantly accelerate with our support, while respecting the commitments made by GM to the Opel/Vauxhall employees,” continued Mr. Tavares.
Advances GM’s Transformation and Unlocks Value
“We are very pleased that together, GM, our valued colleagues at Opel/Vauxhall and PSA have created a new opportunity to enhance the long-term performance of our respective companies by building on the success of our prior alliance”, said Mary T. Barra, GM chairman and chief executive officer.
“For GM, this represents another major step in the ongoing work that is driving our improved performance and accelerating our momentum. We are reshaping our company and delivering consistent, record results for our owners through disciplined capital allocation to our higher-return investments in our core automotive business and in new technologies that are enabling us to lead the future of personal mobility.
“We believe this new chapter puts Opel and Vauxhall in an even stronger position for the long term and we look forward to our participation in the future success and strong value-creation potential of PSA through our economic interest and continued collaboration on current and exciting new projects,” Ms. Barra concluded.
Strengthens Each Company for the Long Term
The transaction will allow substantial economies of scale and synergies in purchasing, manufacturing and R&D. Annual synergies of €1.7 Bn are expected by 2026 – of which a significant part is expected to be delivered by 2020, accelerating Opel/Vauxhall’s turnaround. Leveraging the successful partnership with GM, PSA expects Opel/Vauxhall to reach a recurring operating margin3 of 2% by 2020 and 6% by 2026, and to generate a positive operational free cash flow4 by 2020.
PSA, together with BNP Paribas, will also acquire all of GM Financial’s European operations through a newly formed 50%/50% joint venture that will retain GM Financial’s current European platform and team. This joint venture will be fully consolidated by BNP Paribas and accounted under the equity method by PSA.
The transaction is another step in GM’s ongoing work to transform the company, which has delivered three years of record performance and a strong 2017 outlook, and returned significant capital to shareholders. It will strengthen GM’s core business, support its continued deployment of resources to higher-return opportunities including in advanced technologies driving the future, and unlock significant value for shareholders.
By immediately improving EBIT-adjusted, EBIT-adjusted margins and adjusted automotive free cash flow and de-risking the balance sheet, the transaction will enable GM to lower the cash balance requirement under its capital allocation framework by $2 Bn, which it intends to use to accelerate share repurchases, subject to market conditions.
GM will also participate in the future success of the combined entity through its ownership of warrants to purchase shares of PSA. GM and PSA also expect to collaborate in the further deployment of electrification technologies and existing supply agreements for Holden and certain Buick models will continue, and PSA may potentially source long-term supply of fuel cell systems from the GM/Honda joint venture.
Additional Information
Terms of the Agreement
Opel/Vauxhall automotive operations will be acquired by PSA for €1.3 Bn. GM Financial’s European operations will be jointly acquired by PSA and BNP Paribas for 0.8 times their pro forma book value at the closing of the transaction, or approximately €0.9 Bn.
The transaction has a total value of €2.2 Bn, for Opel/Vauxhall automotive operations and 100% of GM Financial’s European operations.
The transaction value for PSA, including Opel/Vauxhall and 50% of GM Financial’s European operations, will be €1.8 Bn.
In connection with this transaction, GM or its affiliates will subscribe warrants for €0.65 Bn. These warrants have a nine-year maturity and are exercisable at any time in whole or in part commencing 5 years after the issue date, with a strike price of €1. Based on a reference price of €17.34 for the PSA share5 , the warrants correspond to 39.7 MM shares of PSA, or 4.2% of its fully diluted share capital6. GM will not have governance or voting rights with respect to PSA and has agreed to sell the PSA shares received upon exercise of the warrants within 35 days after exercise.
The transaction includes all of Opel/Vauxhall’s automotive operations, comprising Opel and Vauxhall brands, six assembly and five component-manufacturing facilities, one engineering center (Rüsselsheim) and approximately 40,000 employees. GM will retain the engineering center in Torino, Italy.
Opel/Vauxhall will also continue to benefit from intellectual property licenses from GM until its vehicles progressively convert to PSA platforms over the coming years.
In connection with the transaction, GM will take a primarily non-cash special charge of $4.0-4.5 Bn.
Ongoing Pension Fund Commitments
All of Opel/Vauxhall’s European and U.K. pension plans, funded and unfunded, with the exception of the German Actives Plan and selected smaller plans will remain with GM. The obligations with respect to the German Actives Plan and these smaller plans of Opel/Vauxhall will be transferred to PSA. GM will pay PSA €3.0 Bn for full settlement of transferred pension obligations.
Closing Conditions
The transaction is subject to various closing conditions, including regulatory approvals and reorganizations, and is expected to close before the end of 2017.
Warrants
The issuance of the warrants is subject to the vote of shareholders at PSA’s General Meeting of May 10th, 2017. The three main shareholders of PSA (the French State, the Peugeot family and DongFeng) representing in aggregate 36.6% of the share capital and 51.5%7 of the voting rights of PSA have undertaken to vote in favor of the resolution related to the issuance of the warrants to GM. In the event the warrant issuance reserved to GM and its affiliates is not approved by PSA’s General Meeting, PSA will settle the €0.65 Bn in cash over five years.

  • Opel and Vauxhall say goodbye to GM and hello to PSA Group

William Maley

Jeep Wrangler Pickup Pushed Back To 2019

One vehicle that we are currently excited to see is the new Jeep Wrangler pickup. We last heard production of this model would begin in 2018 at FCA's assembly plant in Toledo, OH. But production has been pushed back.
Speaking with The Detroit News, Jeep head Mike Manley revealed the production of the Wrangler pickup has been pushed back till late 2019. No reason was given for this pushback. As we reported back in December, production of the Wrangler pickup would begin sometime after March 2018 - the month that production of the current Wrangler is expected to end.
The Detroit News also says a name hasn't been chosen for the upcoming Wrangler pickup. If we may make a suggestion, Gladiator or Scrambler.
Source: The Detroit News

  • Expecting a Wrangler pickup by 2018? We have some bad news.

William Maley

Rumorpile: PSA and GM Reach An Agreement on Opel, Announcement Expected Next Week

Only a few weeks after first learning about the talks between General Motors and PSA Group on the possible purchase of Opel/Vauxhall, Reuters reports that a deal has been reached.
This afternoon, two sources told the news service the board of PSA Group approved the deal. An announcement about the purchase is expected on Monday. Also, Opel cut short a town hall meeting today at their headquarters in Ruesselsheim, Germany due to management being unable to discuss details about the potential acquisition. A town hall meeting possibly discussing this will take place on Monday morning.
Details about the deal are being kept under wraps, but earlier in the week, sources revealed that the two parties had narrowed the differences on the almost $10 billion in Opel pension liabilities and other issues. 
Source: Reuters

  • Rumor has it that a deal has been reached by PSA and GM on Opel

William Maley

Infiniti Goes Black With Q60 Project Black S

Infiniti has a habit of teasing high-performance concepts and then not doing anything with them. This trend looks to continue with the Q60 Project Black S that will be debuting next week at the Geneva Motor Show. 
The concept is the result of a collaboration between Infiniti and the Renault Sport Formula 1 team. Starting with an Infiniti Q60 Red Sport as a base, engineers from the two groups paired the twin-turbo 3.0L V6 with an F1-style KERS (kinetic energy recover system) motor generator. Infiniti says this setup boosts horsepower about 25 percent (around 500 horsepower).
For the exterior, Infiniti fitted a new front splitter, side skirts, and rear diffuser made from carbon fiber. There is also a large rear wing and a set of twin titanium exhaust tips.
"INFINITI is the premium car manufacturer within the Renault-Nissan Alliance, and a technical partner to the Renault Sport Formula One Team, so it is natural that we come together to explore the possibility of bringing innovative high-performance hybrid technology to our customers. INFINITI has constantly led the way in making innovative new powertrain technology available, and we're extremely excited by the potential of Project Black S," said Roland Krueger, President of Infiniti in a statement.
We'll have more details on this next week.
Source: Car Magazine, Infiniti 
Press Release is on Page 2


Introducing Project Black S – an exploration of a new INFINITI high-performance model line
Collaborative venture between INFINITI and the RenaultSport Formula One Team INFINITI investigating Formula One-inspired performance hybrid technology Project Black S explores the potential for an innovative new performance model line HONG KONG – Featuring Formula One-inspired technology, Project Black S is an exploration of a new INFINITI high-performance model line. Developed in collaboration with the RenaultSport Formula One Team, Project Black S will be revealed for the first time globally at a special media event on the eve of the Geneva International Motor Show.
A radical reinterpretation of the Q60 coupe, Project Black S features a stand-out, aerodynamic design, and hints at how a unique-for-the-road performance hybrid powertrain could significantly enhance the dynamics of an INFINITI production car.
"INFINITI is the premium car manufacturer within the Renault-Nissan Alliance, and a technical partner to the Renault Sport Formula One Team, so it is natural that we come together to explore the possibility of bringing innovative high-performance hybrid technology to our customers. INFINITI has constantly led the way in making innovative new powertrain technology available, and we're extremely excited by the potential of Project Black S."
- Roland Krueger, President of INFINITI
The performance hybrid powertrain being explored through Project Black S features an 'energy recovery system' (ERS) to harvest energy, deploying recovered electric power to boost power and torque. The result is instant, significant, lag-free acceleration. Inspired by the dual-hybrid system proven in Formula One, the technology does not yet exist in a current road car.
The reveal of Project Black S in Geneva will help to gauge potential public interest in high-performance derivatives of INFINITI cars.

  • What happens you mash up a production coupe with F1 tech

William Maley

Porsche Decides To Make the Panamera More Practical, Introduces Sport Turismo

Porsche is expanding the Panamera lineup once again with the introduction of the Sport Turismo (wagon). Riding on the same wheelbase as the standard Panamera, Porsche extended the roofline and increased the size of the rear hatch. If you're expecting a noticeable increase in cargo, prepared to be disappointed. The Sport Turismo only adds 1.8 cubic feet of additional cargo space. The Sport Turismo also boasts a unique rear spoiler. At low speeds, the spoiler will trim itself to reduce drag. Higher speeds see the spoiler rise to add downforce. The spoiler will also rise when the panoramic sunroof is opened to cut down on wind noise.
The Panamera Sport Turismo's engine lineup will mostly match up with the Panamera, except the Sport Turismo will all-wheel drive as standard.
Panamera 4: 330 horsepower Panamera 4S: 440 horsepower Panamera 4 E-Hybrid: 462 horsepower Panamera Turbo: 550 horsepower Porsche says the Panamera Sport Turismo will go on sale in North America towards the end of this year with pricing starting at $97,250 (includes $1,050 destination charge). 
Source: Porsche 
Press Release is on Page 2


SPORT TURISMO EXPANDS THE PANAMERA MODEL LINE
New body style with 4+1 seating configuration to debut in Geneva ATLANTA, March 1, 2017 -- Porsche is expanding the Panamera family with the addition of a new body style: The all-new Panamera Sport Turismo will be unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show (March 7 - 19, 2017). Four different versions will be available for ordering in the U.S. at launch: Panamera 4, Panamera 4S, Panamera 4 E-Hybrid, and the Panamera Turbo. Based on the successful sports sedan, the new Panamera variants make a profound statement in the premium segment with their unmistakeable design. At the same time, the Sport Turismo, with up to 550 hp, is one of the most versatile models in its class. With a large tailgate, low loading edge, increased luggage compartment volume and a 4+1 seating concept, the new Panamera model offers the perfect combination of everyday usability and maximum flexibility. "For Porsche, the Panamera Sport Turismo is a step forward into a new segment, but retains all of those values and attributes that are characteristic of Porsche", says Michael Mauer, Director of Style Porsche.
From a technological perspective, the Sport Turismo is available with all of the innovations introduced with the brand new Panamera model line announced last year. These include the digital Porsche Advanced Cockpit, the advanced assistance system Porsche InnoDrive, Porsche Communication Management (PCM), adaptive cruise control, and turbocharged powertrains.  Chassis systems such as Rear Axle Steering and Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control (PDCC Sport), the electronic roll stabilization system, are also available. In addition, all Panamera Sport Turismo vehicles are equipped with Porsche Traction Management (PTM) — an active all-wheel drive system with an electronically controlled multi-plate clutch, and adaptive air suspension with three-chamber technology as standard.
The design and concept of an all-round sports car
Just like the coupe-style Panamera sports sedan, the Sport Turismo is characterized by its very dynamic proportions — a reflection of the Porsche design DNA. The vehicle is 198.8 inches long, 56.2 inches high and 76.3 inches wide, while the wheelbase spans 116.1 inches. The silhouette is further characterized by short body overhangs and large wheels measuring up to 21 inches.
Beginning from the B-pillars back, the Sport Turismo features a unique rear design. Above the pronounced shoulder, an elongated window line and equally long roof contour lend the vehicle its striking appearance. At the rear, the roof drops away less dramatically than the window line, resulting in a prominent and distinctive D-pillar which transitions into the shoulder section in a coupe-like fashion.
First adaptively extendible roof spoiler
At the top of the vehicle, the roof extends into an adaptive spoiler. The angle of the roof spoiler is set in three stages depending on the driving situation and selected vehicle settings, and can generate an additional downforce of up to 110 lbs. on the rear axle. In normal driving, the aerodynamic guide element — a central system component of the Porsche Active Aerodynamics (PAA) — stays in its retracted position with an angle of minus seven degrees, which reduces drag and thus optimizes fuel consumption.
At track speeds, the roof spoiler automatically moves to the performance position with an angle of plus one degree, thereby increasing driving stability and lateral dynamics. When in the Sport and Sport Plus driving modes, the roof spoiler automatically moves to the performance position at speeds in excess of 55 miles per hour. PAA also provides active assistance by adapting the roof spoiler's angle of inclination to plus 26 degrees when the panoramic sliding roof is open at speeds above 55 mph. In this case, the spoiler helps to minimize wind noise.
Redesigned rear compartment
The new Sport Turismo is the first Panamera to feature rear seating for three passengers. The two outer seats take the form of individual seats — in keeping with the model line's reputation for sporty performance with maximum passenger comfort — thereby producing a 2+1 configuration in the rear. As an option, the Panamera Sport Turismo is also available in a four-seat configuration with two electrically adjustable individual seats in the back.
The raised roof line of the Sport Turismo allows for easy entry and exit at the rear of the vehicle and offers excellent head clearance. The usability of the luggage compartment benefits from the wide opening tailgate and a loading edge height of just 24.7 inches. Measured to the upper edge of the rear seats, the  18.4 cu.ft storage capacity of the Sport Turismo (Panamera 4 E-Hybrid Sport Turismo: 15 cu.ft) betters that of the sports sedan by 0.7 cu.ft. When loaded up to roof level and with the rear seats folded down, the gains amount to approximately 1.8 cu.ft (50 liters). The backrests of the three rear seats can be folded down together or individually (in a 40:20:40 split) and are unlocked electrically from the luggage compartment. When all of the backrests are folded down, the loading floor is practically level. In this case, the storage volume is expanded to up to 49 cu.ft (1,390 liters) (Panamera 4 E-Hybrid Sport Turismo: 45.7 cu.ft).
A luggage compartment management system is available as an option for the Panamera Sport Turismo models. Among other things, this variable system includes two rails integrated in the loading floor, four tie-down points, and a luggage compartment partition net.
Four engines at market launch
The Panamera Sport Turismo models will be available with the four engines launching with the sports sedan, and they consequently maintain the same 0 to 60 acceleration figures. The Panamera 4 Sport Turismo is powered by a 3.0 liter turbocharged V6 generating 330 hp, and it will accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 5.0 seconds with launch control. The Panamera 4S Sport Turismo reaches 60 mph (with launch control) in 4.0 seconds and is powered by a 2.9 liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine. The Panamera 4 E-Hybrid Sport Turismo is powered by the same combustion engine as in the 4S, and it has an additional 136 hp electric motor which in combination propel it from 0 to 60 in 4.4 seconds. The Panamera Turbo Sport Turismo reaches 60 (with launch control) in 3.4 seconds and is powered by a 4.0 liter twin-turbocharged V8 generating 550 hp.
Availability and pricing
The MY18 Panamera Sport Turismo models are expected to arrive in the United States at the end of 2017. Prices will start at $96,200 for the Panamera 4 Sport Turismo, $104,000  for the Panamera 4 E-Hybrid Sport Turismo, $109,200 for the Panamera 4S Sport Turismo, and $154,000 for the Panamera Turbo Sport Turismo, excluding the $1,050 delivery, processing, and handling fee.

  • How to make the Panamera somewhat more practical 

William Maley

Spying: Opel Insignia Takes A Country Tour(er)

As Opel and Vauxhall get ready to introduce the all-new Insignia Grand Sport and Sports Tourer for Geneva, a new set of spy shots reveals Opel is working on the next member of the Insignia family, the new Country Tourer.
The mule seen in the photos obtained by Motor1 and The Truth About Cars reveal some noticeable changes from the standard Sports Tourer. First off, there are new bumpers and plastic body cladding to give it a more rugged look. It also appears the ride height has been raised, though how much is unknown at this time. All-wheel drive is expected, though there is talk about offering front-wheel drive to provide better fuel economy. As for power, expect some form of GM's 2.0L turbo-four. But The Truth About Cars says there is the possibility of a V6.
Motor1 says Opel will be revealing the Insignia Country Tourer this fall at the Frankfurt Motor Show. There is, of course, the rumor of Buick getting a wagon variant of the Insignia, possibly this model and being named the Regal Tourx. Whether that comes to fruition or not remains to be seen. 
Source: Motor1, The Truth About Cars

  • Are you the long-rumored Buick Regal Tourx?

William Maley

The Name's Velar, Range Rover Velar

The next member of the Range Rover family was introduced a week before its official showing at Geneva Motor Show. Called the Velar, it will slot into the small space between the Range Rover Evoque and Range Rover Sport. We're not kidding about the small space. The Velar is 17-inches longer than the Evoque and two inches shorter than the Sport.
In terms of its design, think Range Rover Sport with a lowered roofline and the front end from the Range Rover. The door handles have been integrated into the body to help with aerodynamics (this makes it the most aerodynamically efficient Range Rover with 0.32 coefficient of drag ). All Velars will come with a panoramic sunroof as standard. The interior features Land Rover's Touch Pro Duo infotainment system which is comprised of two 10-inch HD screens. The top screen handles infotainment duties, while the bottom is for climate control (with control knobs) and Terrain Control system.
For North America, the Velar will have three engines on offer,
2.0L Ingenium Turbodiesel-four - 180 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque 2.0L Ingenium Turbo-four - 247 horsepower 3.0L Supercharged V6 - 380 horsepower A ZF eight-speed automatic and all-wheel drive is standard across the board. For the suspension, Land Rover uses coil springs on four-cylinder models and an air-suspension setup for the V6. Land Rover's off-road technologies such as Terrain Response 2, Low-Traction Launch, hill-descent control, and All Terrain Progress Control are here. Don't expect to be taking the Velar into the muck as it doesn't get a low-range transfer case.
You won't be waiting long for the Velar to arrive at Land Rover showrooms. The Velar will arrive this summer with a starting price of $50,895 (includes a $995.00 destination charge).
Source: Land Rover
Press Release is on Page 2
LAND ROVER INTRODUCES FOURTH MEMBER OF RANGE ROVER FAMILY, THE RANGE ROVER VELAR
Range Rover Velar showcases a compelling new design, all-new technology and unrivalled capability across a variety of surfaces and weather conditions A mid-size luxury SUV that delivers new levels of refinement, elegance and technology to the segment Range Rover Velar arrives at U.S. retailers later this year; priced from $49,900 (MAHWAH, NJ) - March 01, 2017 – Land Rover today unveiled the fourth member of the Range Rover family, the Range Rover Velar, at London’s famed Design Museum. Bringing a new dimension of modernity and elegance to the Range Rover family, the Velar is positioned between the Range Rover Evoque and Range Rover Sport; offering levels of luxury, refinement and all-terrain capability never before seen in the mid-size SUV segment.
Five elements define the absolute desirability of the Range Rover Velar:
DRIVEN BY REDUCTION:

Stripping Away Complexity to Reveal True Quality
Designed and engineered with an unwavering belief in ‘reductionism’ The luxurious, spacious interior is a calm sanctuary, combining elegant simplicity with premium materials and beautiful details such as hidden-until-lit controls THE FOURTH RANGE ROVER:
The Next Revolution in SUV Design, With Precision in Every Detail
The Range Rover Velar fills the ‘white space’ between Evoque and Range Rover Sport Born from reductionism, Range Rover Velar relies on technology-enabled design, providing the next logical step in expanding the Range Rover portfolio A BLOODLINE LIKE NO OTHER:
Respecting Range Rover Heritage without Being Harnessed by it
Almost fifty years of Range Rover pedigree provides the confidence to aim higher and allow customers to make more of their world The royalty of the SUV world, Range Rover heritage began with the original prototypes in 1969 which were named Velar ESTABLISHING THE TRENDS OF TOMORROW:
Progressing a History of Technology and Innovation for Range Rover
Continuing on a history of innovation for Range Rover, the Velar incorporates advanced technologies, compelling design and an absolute attention to detail that portend Range Rover design language for future models Dual touchscreen infotainment system2  called Touch Pro Duo, full color Heads Up Display, super-slim LED headlights, flush deployable door handles and burnished copper detailing offer a glimpse at design trends for future Range Rover models REFINED FOR EVERY OCCASION:
Exceeding Expectations with Land Rover’s Legendary Capability On Varying Terrains
The refinement customers expect, combined with the unrivalled capability Land Rover is known for Exceptional on-road performance and agility combined with outstanding ride quality and composure RANGE ROVER VELAR
AT-A-GLANCE:
A compelling, stand out design which features perfectly optimized interior space, powerful, taut surfaces and a stunning silhouette Design purity emphasised by segment-first flush deployable door handles. The debut of a new, state-of-the-art, Land Rover InControl® infotainment system, Touch Pro Duo, featuring two high-definition 10-inch touchscreens for improved functionality and intuitive operation Constructed from a lightweight and stiff aluminium-intensive body structure which enhances performance, agility and efficiency versus traditional steel construction The 113.15 in. wheelbase and intelligently-designed interior deliver an exceptionally large 34.4 cu ft luggage compartment Available air suspension is standard on six-cylinder models improving on- and off-road refinement and capability, while Adaptive Dynamics damping technology further enhances comfort and control All-wheel drive with Intelligent Driveline Dynamics and an optional active locking rear differential (available on six-cylinder derivatives only) deliver maximum driver engagement on-road and ensure Velar leads its segment in all-terrain capability Available traction technologies include Terrain Response®, All Terrain Progress Control, Low Traction Launch, Hill Descent Control(HDC®) and Gradient Release Control A towing capacity of up to 5,500 lbs in six-cylinder models is complemented by the Advanced Tow Assist function – instead of directly steering the vehicle when backing up, the driver can aim where they want the trailer to go using the Touch Pro Duo rotary controller, and the vehicle determines what steering inputs are needed to park the trailer where directed Three available powertrains include a responsive 180HP 2.0-liter Ingenium diesel 4-cylinder, a 247HP 2.0-liter gas Ingenium 4-cylinder and a potent 380HP supercharged 3.0-liter gas V6 engine. Each engine is mated to an 8-speed ZF transmission with all-wheel drive standard. Full suite of available advanced drivers assistance systems including Autonomous Emergency Braking with pedestrian detection, Reverse Traffic Detection, and Driver Condition Monitoring Created from a clean sheet using Jaguar Land Rover’s Lightweight Aluminium Architecture, the Range Rover Velar represents the next chapter of the Range Rover success story. Velar is defined by a visually reductive approach and meticulous attention to precision in every detail; this helps evolve Range Rover DNA and previews the next generation of Range Rover vehicles.
Beautifully balanced with optimized proportions, a proud Range Rover lineage is instantly recognizable from the formal, horizontal feature lines, floating roof and continuous waistline, through to the taut and tapered lines at the rear. An optional 22-inch wheel further complements the vehicle’s stunning silhouette while further enhancing a dramatic sense of presence for the Range Rover Velar.
Advanced technology is pivotal to the contemporary design: the full-LED headlights are the most slender ever to appear on a production Land Rover vehicle. The flush deployable door handles on the Range Rover Velar help emphasise a taut, elegant design language and contribute to a coefficient of drag of only 0.32Cd – this is the most aerodynamically-efficient Land Rover ever produced.
The interior has been designed as a calming sanctuary; combining an exceptional sense of space with luxury materials and finishes, beautiful simplicity and precise execution. Unique in the segment, the Range Rover Velar offers a sustainable, premium textile seat material as an optional alternative to leather. The Dapple Grey woollen upholstery material was developed together with Kvadrat, one of Europe’s leading manufacturers of high-quality design textiles, and is complemented with Suedecloth inserts finished in Ebony or Light Oyster.
The interior space of the Range Rover Velar is also defined by a new Land Rover Touch Pro Duo infotainment system. Two 10-inch high-definition touchscreens integrate seamlessly into the cabin architecture reducing the complexity of the dash and enhancing a sense of elegant simplicity. The Range Rover Velar is also practical. Built with seating for five and space for everything that comes with them, the Range Rover Velar features a luggage compartment volume of 34.4 cu ft. behind the second row seats.
The incredibly lightweight and stiff aluminium-intensive body structure, together with double-wishbone front- and Integral Link rear suspension provides the perfect basis for agile handling, exceptional ride comfort and outstanding refinement.
Combined with a comprehensive restraint system that includes six airbags, and a suite of advanced driver assistance systems including Autonomous Emergency Braking, Adaptive Cruise Control with Queue-Assist and an Adaptive Speed Limiter (3), the Range Rover Velar integrates the latest automotive technology.
The Range Rover Velar – like all Range Rover vehicles – offers exceptional capability on a variety of surfaces, terrains and weather conditions. The Range Rover Velar features a highly sophisticated all-wheel drive system, available four-corner air suspension and, when equipped with air suspension, a ground clearance of 9.88 in. (8.38 in. with coil springs), wading depth of 25.59 in. (23.62 in. with coil springs) and a suite of traction technologies which include Terrain Response® 2 and All Terrain Progress Control.
Exceptional performance comes from the range of three petrol and diesel powertrains, all matched to a smooth-shifting ZF eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive with Intelligent Driveline Dynamics.
A clean and refined 180HP four-cylinder Ingenium diesel delivers 317 lb-ft. of torque and will lead the range. The diesel engine is joined by a new and highly-advanced 247HP four-cylinder Ingenium petrol engine which enables acceleration from 0-60 mph in just 6.4seconds. An even more powerful, 380HP supercharged V6 petrol engine combines sports car performance with a unique soundtrack and enables the Velar to accelerate to 60 mph from a standstill in only 5.3seconds before reaching an electronically-limited top speed of 155 mph.
The Range Rover Velar and Velar R-Dynamic range comprises of four selectively available specifications including Standard, S, SE or HSE, with three powertrain options depending on trim. Customers can also specify Black and Premium Exterior Packs for an even more distinguished appearance.
Most exclusive of all will be the Velar First Edition. Limited to approximately 500 units in the U.S. and available for one model year only, the Velar First Edition is even more luxurious than the HSE specification. This model is powered solely by the 380HP 3.0-liter V6 petrol engine and features a wealth of extra features as standard, including a full extended leather interior, as well as a copper weave carbon fiber trim finisher, to complement the perforated Windsor leather seats finished in two tone Light Oyster/Ebony, a 1,600W Meridian Signature Sound System, and special 22-inch Split-Spoke wheels with diamond-turned finish.
First Edition models are available exclusively in one of three colors; Corris Grey, Silicon Silver, or Flux Silver– a unique added cost satin finish exclusive to the First Edition, which will be meticulously hand-sprayed at Jaguar Land Rover Special Vehicle Operations’ Oxford Road Technical Centre in the UK.
Land Rover set a new all-time sales record for the U.S. in 2016. In 2017, the brand will launch the all-new fifth generation Discovery and Range Rover Velar, expanding the line up to six models. Designed and engineered at Jaguar Land Rover’s development centers in the UK, the Range Rover Velar will be produced at the company’s Solihull production facility. In the U.S. it goes on sale later this year, priced from $49,900.
2018 LAND ROVER RANGE ROVER VELAR PRICING:
Model/Trim Engine Priced From (1) Range Rover Velar
2.0T Si4 247HP
$49,900
Range Rover Velar S
2.0T Si4 247HP
$54,700
Range Rover Velar R-Dynamic SE
2.0T Si4 247HP
$60,100
Range Rover Velar R-Dynamic HSE
2.0T Si4 247HP
$67,600
Range Rover Velar S
2.0 Td4 180HP Diesel
$56,200
Range Rover Velar R-Dynamic SE
2.0 Td4 180HP Diesel
$61,600
Range Rover Velar R-Dynamic HSE
2.0 Td4 180HP Diesel
$69,100
Range Rover Velar S
3.0 SC V6 380HP
$64,200
Range Rover Velar R-Dynamic SE
3.0 SC V6 380HP
$69,600
Range Rover Velar R-Dynamic HSE
3.0 SC V6 380HP
$77,100
Range Rover Velar First Edition
3.0 SC V6 380HP
$89,300
(1) All prices shown are Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price. Excludes $995 destination/handling charge, tax, title, license, and retailer fees, all due at signing, and optional equipment. Retailer price, terms and vehicle availability may vary. See your local authorized Land Rover Retailer for details.

  • Because Land Rover thought the gap between the Evoque and Range Rover Sport needed to be filled

William Maley

Rumorpile: Dont Fret. A New Camaro Z/28 is Coming

The Camaro Z/28 will be returning for an encore act and it might be using the next-generation of Chevrolet's small-block V8.
Car and Driver reports that GM is working on the next-generation LT engines, codenamed LT6 and LT7. These new V8 engines will lose the pushrods and two-valve combustion chambers that have been a key part of the small-block V8. Instead, the new engines will feature dual overhead camshafts, four-valve combustion chambers, flat crankshaft, titanium connecting rods, and possibly dual injection (port and direct). For the Z/28, a 5.5L LT6 could produce 700 horsepower (that's without any sort of forced induction). 
Car and Driver speculates there could also be a twin-turbo LT7 that could be used in the next Corvette, high-performance Camaros, and Cadillacs.
The Camaro Z/28 could arrive next year as a 2019 model year vehicle.
Source: Car and Driver

  • New Z/28? Possibly.

William Maley

Sales Figure Ticker: February 2017

Maserati North America, Inc. - Up 49% (1,087 Vehicles Sold This Month, 26,942 Vehicles Sold This Year)
Mitsubishi Motors North America - Up 38.8% (10,924 Vehicles Sold This Month, 17,381 Vehicles Sold This Year)
Audi of America - Up 17.3% (9,102 Vehicles Sold This Month, 26,942 Vehicles Sold This Year)
Jaguar Land Rover North America - Up 16.4% (9,231 Vehicles Sold This Month, 18,333 Vehicles Sold This Year)
Volkswagen of America - Up 12.65% (25,145 Vehicles Sold This Month, 48,655 Vehicles Sold This Year)
Subaru of America, Inc. - Up 8.3% (45,500 Vehicles Sold This Month, 89,379 Vehicles Sold This Year)
Mercedes-Benz USA - Up 6.8% (27,383 Vehicles Sold This Month, 55,283 Vehicles Sold This Year)
Mazda North American Operations - Up 5.9% (22,824 Vehicles Sold This Month, 44,522 Vehicles Sold This Year)
General Motors Co. - Up 4.2% (237,388 Vehicles Sold This Month, 433,297 Vehicles Sold This Year)
Nissan North America - Up 3.7% (135,740 Vehicles Sold This Month, 248,059 Vehicles Sold This Year)
American Honda Motor Co. - Up 2.3% (121,686 Vehicles Sold This Month, 228,066 Vehicles Sold This Year)
Porsche Cars North America, Inc. - Up 2.1% (3,637 Vehicles Sold This Month, 8,239 Vehicles Sold This Year)
BMW Group U.S. - Down 2.5% (208,440 Vehicles Sold This Month, 381,052 Vehicles Sold This Year)
Ford Motor Company - Down 4% (208,440 Vehicles Sold This Month, 381,052 Vehicles Sold This Year)
Toyota Motor North America - Down 7.2% (174,339 Vehicles Sold This Month, 317,387 Vehicles Sold This Year)
FCA US LLC - Down 10% (168,326 Vehicles Sold This Month, 320,544 Vehicles Sold This Year)
Volvo Cars of North America, LLC - Down 11.6% (4,651 Vehicles Sold This Month, 8,123 Vehicles Sold This Year)
Kia Motors America - Down 14.2% (42,673 Vehicles Sold This Month, 78,299 Vehicles Sold This Year)

Hyundai Motor America - 

Brands:
Acura - Down 14.9% (10,864 Vehicles Sold This Month, 20,066 Vehicles Sold This Year)
Alfa Romeo - Up 843% (443 Vehicles Sold This Month, 551 Vehicles Sold This Year)
Audi - Up 17.3% (9,102 Vehicles Sold This Month, 26,942 Vehicles Sold This Year)
BMW - Up 0.3% (22,558 Vehicles Sold This Month, 40,667 Vehicles Sold This Year)
Buick - Down 9.4% (16,131 Vehicles Sold This Month, 29,248 Vehicles Sold This Year)
Cadillac - Down 8.6% (10,823 Vehicles Sold This Month, 21,121 Vehicles Sold This Year)
Chevrolet - Up 3.4% (164,095 Vehicles Sold This Month, 299,265 Vehicles Sold This Year)
Chrysler - Down 28% (16,730 Vehicles Sold This Month, 30,107 Vehicles Sold This Year)
Dodge - Down 7% (43,878 Vehicles Sold This Month, 83,987 Vehicles Sold This Year)
Fiat - Down 19% (2,145 Vehicles Sold This Month, 4,309 Vehicles Sold This Year)
Ford - Down 4.5% (199,696 Vehicles Sold This Month, 363,523 Vehicles Sold This Year)
Genesis - 
GMC - Up 17.2% (46,339 Vehicles Sold This Month, 83,663 Vehicles Sold This Year)
Honda - Up 4.3% (110,822 Vehicles Sold This Month, 208,000 Vehicles Sold This Year)
Hyundai - 
Infiniti - Up 32.5% (13,737 Vehicles Sold This Month, 25,295 Vehicles Sold This Year)
Jaguar - Up 130.4% (3,484 Vehicles Sold This Month, 6,423 Vehicles Sold This Year)
Jeep - Down 15% (62,345 Vehicles Sold This Month, 120,760 Vehicles Sold This Year)
Kia - Down 14.2% (42,673 Vehicles Sold This Month, 78,299 Vehicles Sold This Year)
Land Rover - Down 10.4% (5,747 Vehicles Sold This Month, 11,910 Vehicles Sold This Year)
Lexus - Down 20.6% (18,338 Vehicles Sold This Month, 33.910 Vehicles Sold This Year)
Lincoln - Up 8.8% (8,744 Vehicles Sold This Month, 17,529 Vehicles Sold This Year)
Maserati - Up 49% (1,087 Vehicles Sold This Month, 26,942 Vehicles Sold This Year)
Mazda - Up 5.9% (22,824 Vehicles Sold This Month, 44,522 Vehicles Sold This Year)
Mercedes-Benz - Up 6.9% (24,522 Vehicles Sold This Month, 50,049 Vehicles Sold This Year)
Mercedes-Benz Vans - Up 10.8% (2,513 Vehicles Sold This Month, 4,562 Vehicles Sold This Year)
MINI - Down 24.1% (2,154 Vehicles Sold This Month, 5,264 Vehicles Sold This Year)
Mitsubishi - Up 38.8% (10,924 Vehicles Sold This Month, 17,381 Vehicles Sold This Year)
Nissan - Up 1.2% (122,003 Vehicles Sold This Month, 222,764 Vehicles Sold This Year)
Porsche - Up 2.1% (3,637 Vehicles Sold This Month, 8,239 Vehicles Sold This Year)
Ram Trucks - Up 4% (42,785 Vehicles Sold This Month, 80,830 Vehicles Sold This Year)
Smart - Down 17.5% (348 Vehicles Sold This Month, 672 Vehicles Sold This Year)
Subaru - Up 8.3% (45,500 Vehicles Sold This Month, 89,379 Vehicles Sold This Year)
Toyota - Up 5.4% (156,001 Vehicles Sold This Month, 283,447 Vehicles Sold This Year)
Volkswagen - Up 12.65% (25,145 Vehicles Sold This Month, 48,655 Vehicles Sold This Year)
Volvo - Down 11.6% (4,651 Vehicles Sold This Month, 8,123 Vehicles Sold This Year)

  • Who had their heart broken in February?

William Maley

Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross Brings Back An Iconic Nameplate for A Crossover

Mitsubishi has revealed their showing for the Geneva Motor Show today called the Eclipse Cross. Yes, the Eclipse name which is best known for Mitsubishi's iconic sports coupe from the early 90's has returned for a crossover. 
The Eclipse Cross might be the most stylish vehicle to come out of Mitsubishi in quite awhile. The front end is similar to the Outlander crossover with the distinctive grille, narrow headlights, and a chiseled bumper. The rest of the Ecllipse Cross' design is cribbed from the XR-PHEV II Concept from a few years back - raked rear hatch and a crease running along the side. The Eclipse Cross will slot between the Outlander and Outlander Sport. It should be noted that the Outlander Sport is within an inch or two of the Eclipse Cross in overall size - something that will be addressed when the a new and smaller Outlander Sport is introduced. The interior features a uniquely styled center stack with an infotainment screen on top. There also appears to be a pop-up screen for the heads-up display - something akin to Mazda.
In Europe, the Eclipse Cross will be available with two engines; a turbocharged 1.5L four-cylinder and a 2.2L turbodiesel four-cylinder. The 1.5L is connected to a CVT, while the diesel gets an eight-speed automatic. No mention was made as to what engine will come to the U.S., but it would be a safe bet that the 1.5L will be the one. All-wheel drive will be standard for both engines.
Mitsubishi will launch the Eclipse Cross in Europe this fall, with other markets to follow thereafter.
Source: Mitsubishi
Press Release is on Page 2


GLOBAL PREMIERE OF MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE CROSS AT THE GENEVA INTERNATIONAL MOTOR SHOW 2017
CIRENCESTER – Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) will debut the all-new Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross at the 87th Geneva International Motor Show on 7 March 2017 (Hall 2, 10:15 UK Time).
The all-new Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross will join MMC’s global line-up of 4X4 and SUV vehicles - including the Mitsubishi ASX compact SUV, Outlander mid-size SUVs – and is due to go sale in the UK early in 2018.
The Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross will compete in the C-SUV segment and will appeal to style-conscious drivers its sharp coupé looks and muscular SUV stance, as well as its advanced levels of connectivity and all-wheel control technology which delivers an enjoyable, reassuring feel that elevates the driving experience.
Characteristic Dynamic Design
The sharp and dynamic Mitsubishi SUV coupe form is distinguished by its wedge profile with its bold beltline and strong character line; a forward raked rear window; the sharply truncated rear gate and short overhang; and muscular wings that contribute to an athletic appearance.
The front design of the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross features MMC’s trademark Dynamic Shield concept, which refers to the protective shield shape visually formed by the black central area and highlighted by bold brightwork on either side of the grill. Distinctive auxiliary lamps are recessed deep in the front fascia adding drama and sophistication to the SUV’s front-on appearance.
At the rear, the high-mounted, stretched rear lamps divide the rear window into eye-catching upper and lower segments and when illuminated the tubular LED and central LED brake lights form a single bar of light running across the tail, giving the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross a broad and unmistakable appearance from the rear.
The Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross also heralds the arrival of a new red body colour. The standard coating is layered with semi-transparent red and clear coating, and this creates high levels of colour saturation with a highly-refined finish.
Inside, the new SUV’s dashboard is shaped using horizontal lines, with silver metal frames and a black and silver monotone color scheme helping create a sense of refinement that is both dynamic and sporty. With its table-like infotainment display and new Head Up Display, the futuristic cockpit inspires a sense of excitement for the driver. For maximum comfort and flexibility, the rear seat features a 60:40 split with long slide-and-recline adjustment.
Connectivity that inspires new adventures
The Eclipse Cross is fitted with the Smartphone Link Display Audio system, a Touchpad Controller and Head Up Display. Together they allow the driver to access different types of information conveniently and safely.
Smartphone Link Display Audio supports Apple CarPlay*1, the smarter, safer way to use your iPhone*1 in the car. The driver can use Siri*4 or the Smartphone Link Display Audio’s touch screen to receive directions optimised for traffic conditions, make and receive calls, access text messages, and listen to music, all in a way that allows them to stay focused on the road. Smartphone Link Display Audio also supports the Android AutoTM*2 which provides voice-controlled operation of Google MapsTM,*2 Google PlayTM*4 music and other apps. The Touchpad Controller can operate audio functions like radio, as well as Apple CarPlay.
Placing the Touchpad Controller in the centre console allows the driver to easily operate the Smartphone Link Display Audio.
The Head Up Display unit makes driving safer by presenting vehicle speed, data from the active safety systems and other necessary information that minimises eye movement and provides instant readability.
Enjoyable and stable driving dynamics with all-wheel control technology
Eclipse Cross uses an electronically-controlled 4WD system that feeds the optimum amount of torque to the rear wheels depending on the driving situation and the road surface. MMC’s Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC) integrated vehicle dynamics control system incorporates brake-activated AYC*3.
The addition of a three-point strut tower brace at the front and the strategic use of structural bonding at the rear in particular have increased body rigidity. The stronger body and detail optimisation of the suspension ensure precise handling and superior vehicle stability.
Eclipse Cross offers two powertrains that deliver an outstanding balance of power, performance and efficiency. The new 1.5-litre direct-injection turbocharged petrol engine is available with a new CVT transmission with 8-speed Sport Mode manual override, while MMC’s proven 2.2-litre common rail direct-injection turbocharged diesel engine is modified specifically for Eclipse Cross is fitted with a new 8-speed automatic transmission.
The new Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross is due to go on sale in the UK early in 2018 with pricing and final UK specification to be announced closer to its on-sale date.

  • The Eclipse is making a comeback, but not in the way you were likely expecting

William Maley

Quick Drive: 2017 Volkswagen Golf R

When it comes to hot hatchbacks, there is a line that floats around in my head from one of the earlier episodes of Top Gear.
“I love hot hatchbacks as they offer drawback free motoring. You can put a chest of drawers in the back and then take it home at a million miles per hour.”
The only hot hatch that has come close to this is the Volkswagen Golf GTI. Not only is a hoot to drive, but you can carry your friends and stuff with no real issue. But what about the Volkswagen Golf R? It offers the space as the GTI, but with a more powerful turbo engine and all-wheel drive. But the Golf R also comes with a price tag that is nearly $10,000 more than Golf GTI. Is it worth the extra cost?
The Golf R uses the same turbocharged 2.0L four-cylinder found in the Golf GTI, but the wick has been turned up. The R’s 2.0L pumps out 292 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. This comes paired with either a six-speed manual (what my tester featured) or six-speed DSG. No matter the transmission, Volkswagen’s 4Motion all-wheel drive system comes standard. Acceleration in the Golf R is an exciting experience. It only takes a brief moment for the turbo to spool up and then hold on. Power comes on a fast and steady rate. The six-speed manual is a bit notchy when changing gears. Like other Volkswagens equipped with the manual, the take-up point for the clutch is very narrow and you’ll have to have your foot almost off the floor to find it. It should be noted that the manual is over a half-second slower than the DSG - 5.1 vs. 4.5. But the manual does give you a bit more control with controlling the engine’s performance and making you feel that you’re playing a role. The 4Motion AWD system helps put the power down and keep the Golf R glued to the road when it’s dry. But the system really comes into its own when it is snowy. A few days into my loan and Mother Nature decided to drop a bit on snow in the Metro Detroit area. Driving through unplowed roads, the 4Motion system was able to keep the vehicle moving through some deep snow. One issue that arose was a too-eager stability control system that would come on every few seconds to combat wheelspin when driving through the deep snow - something you don’t want. At least Volkswagen was smart to equip the Golf R with a sports mode for the stability control to allow some wheelspin. This made all of the difference to keep the Golf R moving. Handling-wise? It is like a Golf GTI. Entering a corner, the Golf R feels composed and doesn’t show any sign of body roll. Steering is a bit disappointment as the R doesn’t have the weight or feel you would expect in a performance car. The ride is slightly firmer than what you find on the GTI as some bumps and road imperfections will make their way inside. There are adaptive dampers, but you’ll need to spend an extra $3,000 to get it (along with some other features). Personally, I find the standard suspension setup is ok for most people. Volkswagen has made some slight exterior changes for the Golf R such as a new slim grille, 19-inch wheels, a set of quad exhaust tips. On one hand, I wished Volkswagen could have done some more work to make the Golf R a bit more exciting to look at. On the other hand, the downplayed nature of the Golf R’s changes gives it the ability to hide its true nature. The interior of the Golf R is mostly the same as the standard Golf, which isn’t a bad thing. A lot of the traits that we like in the standard Golf such as high-quality interior, loads of space for passengers, and one of the easiest infotainment systems to use. The only changes Volkswagen did make are a set of sport seats, flat-bottom steering wheel, and carbon fiber trim. If there is one problem for the Golf R, it is the price. As I mentioned in the introduction, the base Golf R is about $10,000 more than the base GTI. For some folks, this is tall order as the GTI can you 85 to 90 percent of the Golf R’s performance at a reasonable price. But for others, that extra 10 to 15 percent the R offers is very much worth the extra cash. Disclaimer: Volkswagen Provided the Golf R, Insurance, and One Tank of Gas
Year: 2017
Make: Volkswagen
Model: Golf R
Trim: N/A
Engine: Turbocharged 2.0L TSI DOHC 16-Valve Four-Cylinder
Driveline: Six-Speed Manual, All-Wheel Drive
Horsepower @ RPM: 292 @ 5,400
Torque @ RPM: 280 @ 1,800
Fuel Economy: City/Highway/Combined - 22/31/25
Curb Weight: 3,305 lbs
Location of Manufacture: Wolfsburg, Germany
Base Price: $35,655
As Tested Price: $36,475 (Includes $820.00 Destination Charge)
Options:
N/A

  • Distilled Madness, With A Large Cost

William Maley

Bentley's Second SUV Could Go Electric Only

Bentley has been hinting for awhile about adding a second SUV to its lineup, something smaller than the current Bentayga. This new SUV could go all-electric according to a report from Automotive News.
"I can assure you that Bentley -- on the long term view -- will not stay with one model only in the SUV lineup. We have clear indications that a smaller Bentayga as a Bentley SUV would find great acceptance," said Wolfgang Duerheimer, Bentley CEO.
But there is the concern that the smaller SUV could eat into the sales of the Bentayga. Hence the idea of making it an EV.
"If you are looking for such a car [small SUV] then we are looking to that in combination with the possibilities to go full electric. It only makes sense if you get really new customers into the brand," said Rolf Frech, Bentley's board member for engineering.
Frech said that if this idea was to go forward, it would likely come in 2020 or beyond when Bentley reaches stage two of their electrification plans. Part one is the introduction of the Bentayga PHEV this year, followed by the Flying Spur and Mulsanne.
Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required)

  • An electric SUV? It could be in the cards for Bentley.

William Maley

Honda's Upcoming Clarity EV Falls Short In Terms Of Range

Honda will soon be entering the electric car arena with the introduction of the Clarity EV this spring. But as Automotive News has learned, the Clarity EV will have a big disadvantage right out of the gate.
The Clarity EV will only offer a range of 80 miles on a single charge. This puts it well behind nearly all of the electric vehicles on sale.
2017 Nissan Leaf: 107 mile range 2017 Ford Focus Electric: 115 mile range 2017 Hyundai Ioniq Electric: 124 mile range 2017 Volkswagen e-Golf - 125 mile range 2017 Chevrolet Bolt - 238 mile range Why the limited range? Honda explained to Automotive News the decision came down two parameters that were non-negotiable: the size of the Clarity's platform - underpins a fuel cell and upcoming plug-in hybrid - and keeping the starting price around $35,000. With these two points, Honda's engineers were hamstrung from putting in a larger battery. Still, Honda is trying to put a positive spin on this, saying they believe they have found a sweet spot in the EV marketplace.
"A pillar of the Honda brand is affordability, and if Honda came out with some obscenely priced long-range electric car, what does that do for the brand? Most of our customers would not be able to acquire it," Steve Center, vice president of environmental business development at American Honda Motor.
"These people want a battery car and they know what they do and where they go. They're very rational and they don't need to lug around or charge up a 300-mile-range battery because that costs them electricity."
But how many of those people are out there? Studies within the past year or so have shown that while most people would be able to get away with an electric vehicle providing a range of under 100 miles, the fear of range anxiety rears its ugly head.  
Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required)

  • Cue Sad Trombone

William Maley

Part 1 of PSA Group's Return To the U.S Begins In April

While the big story at PSA Group (parent company of Citroen and Peugeot) is about the possible sale of Opel, they are also getting ready to begin to take their first steps into re-entering the U.S. marketplace.
In April, car-sharing service TravelCar will launch at airports in Los Angeles and San Francisco. The service has been operating at various airports and train stations in Europe since 2012. The expansion into the U.S. is thanks to a 15 million euro (about $18.5 million) investment by PSA Group and MAIF, a French insurance company.
TravelCar is different from other car-sharing services such as ZipCar and GM's Maven as it rents out other people's cars. The service allows owners free parking at airports if they allow their vehicles to be rented out. In turn, TravelCar says their rental rates are about half when compared to those from rental car companies. MAIF will be providing the insurance on the vehicles that are rented.
“We announced our progressive entry to North America by launching mobility services with our partners. We deploy these services worldwide to meet customers’ expectations. With TravelCar today, we’re writing the beginning of this new step overseas,” said Grégoire Olivier, Head of Mobility Services, PSA Group.
This investment is the first part of 10-year plan announced by PSA Group last year to possibly re-enter the U.S.
Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required), PSA Group
Press Release is on Page 2


PSA Group and MAIF join forces to bring TravelCar to the United States with carsharing services
As part of the Push to pass strategic plan, an operation which fuels PSA’s ambition to become the preferred mobility provider for customers worldwide A concretization of the 10 years’ PSA project for the progressive entry into North America with mobility services launching As of April 1st 2017, TravelCar with the support of PSA Group and MAIF enters the United States with car rental offers for travelers, in Los Angeles and San Francisco airports. The offered solutions are designed to optimize cars ensuring they rarely go unused and become a resource for car owners.
Three kind of services are offered to travelers; either owner or car user. Car owners who make their vehicle available for rent benefit from free parking. If the vehicle is rented out, the car owner is also paid. An advantageous-price parking solution is also available for car owners who prefer not to share their vehicle. Last, car users looking for a vehicle can have access to a private car at a reduced price – approx. 50% less expensive than with a traditional car rental offer.
This kind of offer is today unique on the American market, which has more than 850 million travelers per year. Los Angeles and San Francisco airports are respectively the 2nd and the 7th biggest airports in the United-States. Moreover, the 2 cities located close to the Silicon Valley are favorable for these new offers deployment.
For this launch, TravelCar just finalized a fundraising of €15 million thanks to PSA Group and MAIF. It is a significant deployment for the French company TravelCar, which was founded in 2012, and has a network of over 200 agencies and 300,000 users in ten European countries, before entering the American continent.
“We announced our progressive entry to North America by launching mobility services with our partners” declares Grégoire Olivier, Head of Mobility Services, PSA Group. “We deploy these services worldwide to meet customers’ expectations. With TravelCar today, we’re writing the beginning of this new step overseas.”
“With PSA Group and MAIF support, TravelCar entering the American market is taking a new step forward in its international growth”, declares Ahmed Mhiri, Founder & CEO TravelCar. “Our offer takes care of travelers from their departure, offering them a parking solution, and their arrival with an accessible and eco-responsible mobility solution.”
“We are pleased to support our partners in their growth and development, especially at the international scale when the time has come  ... and that’s now for TravelCar!" declares Eric Berthoux, Deputy CEO of MAIF Group.

  • Via CarSharing

William Maley

2018 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 1LE Is Turned Up To 11

The Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 is already a monster with 650 horsepower from a 6.2L supercharged V8 engine. But the people on the Camaro team thought they could further and the end result is the 2018 Camaro ZL1 1LE.
It certainly looks the part with new canards, revised grilles, an exposed carbon-fiber air extractor for the hood, and a massive carbon fiber wing. A set of 19-inch forged wheels come wrapped in the widest tires ever offered on a Camaro - 305 mm wide tires in the front, and 325 mm tires at the back. The interior hasn't changed much aside from a lighter back seat.
Under the ZL1 1LE's skin, there is a set of Multimatic Dynamic Suspension Spool Valve dampers (the same ones used on the Colorado ZR2), adjustable rear anti-roll bar, and a set of race springs. A six-speed manual is the only transmission on offer.
GM says the Camaro ZL1 1LE laps their Milford handling course three seconds faster than the standard ZL1.
No word on pricing, but the 1LE package for the Camaro ZL1 will be available later this year.
Source: Chevrolet
Press Release is on Page 2


2018 CAMARO ZL1 1LE SETS BENCHMARK FOR TRACK CAPABILITY
Special aero, adjustable suspension, exclusive tires drive unprecedented performance for a production sports car DAYTONA, Fla. — Chevrolet has established a new performance benchmark with the introduction of the 2018 Camaro ZL1 1LE — the most track-capable Camaro ever.
Taking the track-focused 1LE formula to an unprecedented level, the ZL1 1LE incorporates racing-based suspension and aero technologies, as well as exclusive Goodyear Eagle F1 Supercar 3R summer-only tires,* in an extreme track performance package.
“The track-focused 1LE package offers progressive levels of performance across the Camaro lineup, from the V6 1LE to the SS 1LE,” said Al Oppenheiser, Camaro chief engineer. “But with the new ZL1 1LE, the progression takes a quantum leap — this is the ultimate track-day Camaro.”
In preliminary testing, the new ZL1 1LE was 3 seconds faster than the standard ZL1 Coupe around General Motors’ 2.9-mile, 18-turn Milford Road Course test track.
The improved track performance is driven by four key elements:
Aerodynamics: New aero features including a carbon fiber rear wing, specific air deflectors and dive planes on the front fascia produce grip-generating downforce to help the car stick harder and drive faster in turns.
Adjustable suspension: The ZL1 1LE features racing-derived, lightweight Multimatic DSSV® (Dynamic Suspension Spool Valve) dampers front and rear for exceptional wheel and vehicle control. The front-end ride height is adjustable with the front dampers, which are used with all-new, adjustable camber plates. The rear stabilizer bar also offers three-way adjustability. All of the components are designed for quick changes at the track for optimal performance and a quick return to street settings when the track day ends.
Wheels and tires: New, lightweight forged aluminum wheels are an inch wider but an inch smaller in diameter, front and rear, than standard ZL1 wheels and are used with new Goodyear Eagle F1 Supercar 3R tires that deliver max lateral grip of 1.10g. Developed exclusively for the Camaro ZL1 1LE, the 3R tires are designed to warm up faster to help maintain more consistent grip and speed, lap after lap. The overall footprint grows approximately 10 percent over the ZL1, but the wheel-and-tire package weighs about 1.5 pounds (3.3 kg) less per corner.
Lighter weight: The lighter wheels and dampers, along with reduced thickness rear glass and a fixed-back rear seat, contribute to an approximately 60-pound (27 kg) lower curb weight than a standard ZL1 Coupe.
“The new Camaro ZL1 1LE offers the supreme track experience,” said Mark Dickens, executive director, Chevrolet Performance Variants, Parts and Motorsports Engineering. “It’s the pinnacle of Camaro performance and advances the 1LE’s nearly 30-year legacy of uncompromising, track-tailored capability.”
The power behind the ZL1 1LE is the 650-horsepower, supercharged LT4 engine backed by a six-speed manual transmission featuring Active Rev Match. Brembo brakes, including red calipers with the 1LE logo, are also included. Additional standard features include dual-zone automatic climate control, Bose premium audio system, heated/ventilated front seats and heated steering wheel.
The 2018 Camaro ZL1 1LE goes on sale later this year. Pricing will be announced closer to the on-sale date.

  • How to make a Camaro ZL1 even more monstrous

William Maley

2018 Ford Fiesta ST, Now With Three-Cylinder Power!

Ford has ripped off the sheet of the next-generation Fiesta ST that will make its official debut next month at the Geneva Motor Show. 
The big news is what lies under the ST's hood. A new 1.5L EcoBoost three-cylinder produces 197 horsepower and 214 pound-feet of torque. This is a noticeable increase from the current Fiesta ST sold in Europe as it only produces 180 horsepower and 177 pound-feet of torque from a 1.6L EcoBoost four. Paired with a six-speed manual, the Fiesta ST hits 60 mph in 6.7 seconds - 0.2 seconds faster than the outgoing model.
The new three-cylinder also comes with cylinder-deactivation. Under light loads, the engine can run on just two-cylinders to save fuel.
Another big change is the introduction of three driving modes - Normal, Sport, and Track. The modes alters the response of the engine and throttle; steering, stability control, and exhaust sound. (Yes, the new Fiesta ST comes with a sound enhancement system). Torque vectoring is standard and will help reduce understeer when entering a corner.
The European market will get the choice of three and five-door body styles of the ST. It is quite the looker up front with the new mesh grille and reshaped headlights. The same cannot be said for the back which looks a bit boring. Inside, there are a set of Recaro seats to hold you and a passenger in during enthusiastic driving. Other items of note include a flat-bottom steering wheel and a 8-inch touchscreen featuring SYNC 3.
Ford says the Fiesta ST will go on sale in Europe early next year. There's no word on if and when the Fiesta ST (or for that matter the Fiesta itself) will come to the U.S.
Source: Ford
Press Release is on Page 2
Next-Gen Ford Fiesta ST Debuts 200PS, Three-Cylinder, 1.5-Litre EcoBoost Engine and Drive Modes
Ford Performance reveals next generation Ford Fiesta ST powered by an all-new 200PS, three-cylinder, 1.5‑litre EcoBoost engine at the Geneva Motor Show First three-cylinder Ford Performance model also features Drive Modes that adjust engine, steering, stability controls and even exhaust sound for optimised driving fun Electronic Sound Enhancement and active exhaust valve amplify sporty sound of three-cylinder engine that also features cylinder deactivation for further reduced CO2* Enhanced range of personalisation options and technology includes newstyling packs, SYNC 3 connectivity with eight-inch touchscreen and B&O Play high-end audio BRENTWOOD, UK, Feb. 24, 2017 – Ford Performance today announced the next generation Ford Fiesta ST, powered by an all-new three-cylinder, 1.5-litre EcoBoost engine.
Shown for the first time ahead of its global public debut at the Geneva Motor Show next month, the next‑generation Fiesta ST will deliver 200PS, 290Nm of torque and anticipated 0‑62mph acceleration in 6.7sec.
The third generation of Fiesta ST will be the first ever Ford Performance model powered by a three-cylinder engine, and the first Fiesta ST to feature selectable Drive Modes – enabling engine, steering and stability controls to be configured to Normal, Sport and Track settings for an optimised fun-to-drive experience in conditions from motorways to track days.
Drive Modes will also adjust Fiesta ST’s Electronic Sound Enhancement (ESE) technology and active exhaust noise control valve to deliver an even more satisfying driving experience. The technologies amplify the naturally sporty sound of the new 1.5-litre EcoBoost engine that also features Ford’s industry-first cylinder deactivation system for a three-cylinder engine, for further reduced CO2 emissions of an anticipated 114g/km.*
Available from launch in early 2018 in both three-door and five-door bodystyles, the next generation Fiesta ST will be offered with a greater variety of interior trim and personalisation options than ever before, with bold and distinctive exterior styling that includes a unique race-car-inspired mesh grille and exclusive 18in alloy wheels.
“Our next generation Fiesta ST is true to the philosophy of delivering cutting-edge technology to enhance every facet of the responsive Ford Performance chassis and powertrain,” said Joe Bakaj, vice president, Product Development, Ford of Europe. “With selectable Drive Modes and an all-new EcoBoost engine delivering an unprecedented combination of performance and fuel-efficiency, the new model will deliver the most versatile, fun, engaging and rewarding Fiesta ST driving experience yet.”
All-new 1-5-litre EcoBoost engine
Part of Ford’s EcoBoost range of petrol engines that also includes the multi-award-winning 1.0‑litre EcoBoost, the all-new 1.5-litre EcoBoost engine uses technology including turbocharging, high-pressure fuel injection and Twin-independent Variable Cam Timing to deliver optimised performance and fuel efficiency.
The engine’s three-cylinder architecture delivers naturally high torque at low rpm. Performance is further boosted by a new turbocharger that uses an optimised turbine design to build boost pressure faster and minimise lag for a more responsive and fun driving experience.
A new combination of port fuel injection and direct fuel injection technology helps deliver high power and responsiveness alongside reduced CO2 emissions,* with a particular increase in fuel efficiency under light engine loads.
Ford’s new cylinder deactivation technology – first announced for the 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine and a world first for a three-cylinder engine – will further improve fuel efficiency for Fiesta ST customers without affecting performance by automatically stopping fuel delivery and valve operation for one of the engine’s cylinders in conditions where full capacity is not needed, such as when coasting or cruising with light demand on the engine. The technology can disengage or re-engage one cylinder in 14 milliseconds – 20 times faster than the blink of an eye – to seamlessly deliver full performance on demand.
The all-aluminium engine also features an integrated exhaust manifold thatimproves efficiency by helping the engine reach optimal temperatures faster, and delivers torque more rapidly by minimising the distance exhaust gasses travel between cylinders and turbocharger. Gas particulate filter technology that reduces soot emissions will also feature.
New Drive Modes
Selectable Drive Modes add even more versatility for the next generation Fiesta ST, enabling drivers to optimise the driving experience to suit scenarios from school run to the race track:
In Normal mode, engine mapping, traction control, electronic stability control (ESC), ESE, exhaust sound and electronic power assisted steering (EPAS) are configured to deliver natural responsiveness and a connected feel In Sport mode, engine mapping and throttle pedal response are sharpened, and EPAS settings adjusted to deliver more feedback and finer control for fast road driving. The active noise control valve opens and ESE is adjusted to intensify the sporty exhaust note and engine noise within the cabin In Track mode, all vehicle dynamics features are tuned for the fastest possible lap times, traction control is disabled and ESC interventions are set to wide-slip mode for hard circuit driving  The agile and responsive Ford Performance-tuned chassis will be supported by enhanced Torque Vectoring Control technology that improves road holding and reduces understeer by applying brake force to the inside front wheel when cornering. Three-mode ESC will enable drivers to choose between full system intervention; wide-slip mode with limited intervention; and full system de-activation.
Greater personalisation
The next generation Fiesta ST will offer more personalisation options than ever before. Customers will be able to choose from a range of trim elements for the gear lever, steering wheel, door pulls and decorative dashboard spear, and select from distinctive styling packs.
The ergonomic Fiesta ST interior will feature supportive Recaro seats and a flat-bottomed steering wheel. Exterior colour options will include new Liquid Blue and the Fiesta ST will feature exclusive 18in alloy wheels.
“Our ST models are designed to make a Ford Performance driving experience accessible to customers regardless of lifestyle,” said Matthias Tonn, Fiesta ST chief programme engineer. “With three- and five-door bodystyles and distinctive styling options that complement the model’s performance characteristics available from day-one, the next generation Fiesta ST will deliver a broader appeal for an even wider range of car-buyers.”
Ford’s SYNC 3 communications and entertainment system will enable Fiesta ST drivers to control audio, navigation and connected smartphones using simple, conversational voice commands. Compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto™, SYNC 3 is supported by floating, tablet-inspired touchscreens up to eight inches in size that can be operated using pinch and swipe gestures.
The next generation Fiesta ST also will be offered with a high quality B&O PLAY Sound System for a high-end audio experience – among features Ford first announced last year for the next generation Fiesta.

  • Drops one cylinder, adds more power

William Maley

2018 Porsche Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid: Long Name, Massive Power!

Meet the most powerful Porsche Panamera - the Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid. 
Using a twin-turbocharged 4.0L V-8 (550 horsepower) and electric motor (136 horsepower), the Turbo S E-Hybrid boasts a total output of 680 horsepower and 626 pound-feet of torque. 0-60 mph takes only 3.2 seconds and the Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid will hit a top speed of 192 mph. The E-Hybrid comes with a 14.1kilowatt lithium-ion battery pack to provide juice for the electric motor, and allows the model to travel up to 31 miles on electric power only. Porsche says the Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid's battery can recharge in under 12 hours when plugged into a 120V outlet, or less than 3 hours using a 240V outlet.
Porsche will offer the Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid in the standard and Executive (Porsche speak for long-wheelbase). Standard equipment for the U.S. model includes 21-inch wheels, air suspension, carbon-ceramic brakes, and a a special auxiliary air-conditioning system that allows the A/C or heater to run while the vehicle is charging.
The Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid will debut at the Geneva Motor Show next month will sales kicking off towards the end of this year. Pricing will begin at $185,550 (includes a $1,050 destination charge).
Source: Porsche
Press Release is on Page 2
2018 Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid Debuts As the Most Powerful Panamera Model
World premiere in Geneva: Second hybrid variant of the Panamera introduced ATLANTA, Feb. 23, 2017 -- With the 2018 Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid, Porsche is introducing a plug-in hybrid as the flagship of the model line for the first time. Combining the 4.0-liter V8 engine from the Panamera Turbo with an electric motor, the Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid delivers a total output of 680 hp and 626 lb.-ft. of torque. Only the limited production 918 Spyder has ever had more power. The Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 3.2 seconds (3.3 seconds for the Executive model) and has a top track speed of 192 mph. According to the New European Driving Cycle, the average fuel consumption is 2.9 liters per 100 kilometers, and the new top-model Panamera can drive on fully electric power for up to 50 kilometers. EPA-rated fuel economy and range will be available closer to launch.
Unique drive concept with V8 engine and electric motor
After the successful debut of the Panamera 4 E-Hybrid – which uses a twin-turbo V6 engine combined with an electric motor – the Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid is another compelling demonstration of the performance advantages of hybrid technology. The new Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid utilizes a boost strategy derived from the 918 Spyder and combines a 136 hp electric motor with a 550 hp twin-turbo V8 engine. The decoupler installed in the Porsche hybrid module is actuated electromechanically by an electric clutch actuator (ECA), just like in the Panamera 4 E-Hybrid. This ensures quick response and exceptional comfort. Like other Panamera models, the quick-shifting eight-speed Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK) dual-clutch transmission sends power to the standard active all-wheel drive system with Porsche Traction Management (PTM).
The electric motor is powered via a liquid-cooled lithium-ion battery with an energy capacity of 14.1 kWh. The high-voltage battery takes 12 hours to fully charge via a common 120 V, 10 amp connection. If the optional 7.2 kW on-board charger is utilized instead of the standard 3.6 kW unit, the charging time decreases to less than three hours with a 240 V, 40 amp connection. The charging process can also be started using a timer via Porsche Communication Management (PCM) or the Porsche Connect app (for smartphones and Apple Watch). Moreover, the Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid is fitted with auxiliary air conditioning to cool or heat the passenger compartment prior to driving.
Connectivity and comfort at your fingertips
The console between the driver and the front passenger is dominated by the 12.3-inch touchscreen of the next generation Porsche Communication Management (PCM) system. The driver and front passenger can set the configuration for this display individually. Integrated into the PCM are features such as navigation, the online functions of Porsche Connect Plus and smartphone integration via Apple® Car Play. The control panel with touch-sensitive switches on the center console enables intuitive control of various functions.
Three-way combination of sports car performance, comfort on long trips and efficiency
Performance, comfort and efficiency form a perfect three-way combination. The Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid comes with air suspension as standard and offers a unique balance in this segment: the comfort of a luxury sedan paired with the performance of a sports car. The Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid starts in the purely electric "E-Power" mode, and is capable of covering up to 50 kilometers on pure electric power according to the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC). When a specific pressure point on the accelerator pedal is reached, or when the battery charge drops below a minimum level, the Panamera switches to "Hybrid Auto" mode, at which point the total system is available. Consumption in the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC) amounts to 2.9 l/100 km. EPA-rated fuel economy and range will be available closer to launch.
Debut with two wheelbases
Celebrating its world premiere at the Geneva Motor Show (March 7 to 19, 2017), the 2018 Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid is expected to reach U.S. dealers by the end of 2017. It will also be offered in an Executive version with a 5.9 inch longer wheelbase. Standard equipment on the Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid includes Porsche Ceramic Composite Brakes (PCCB), Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control Sport (PDCC Sport) including Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus (PTV Plus), Power Steering Plus and Sport Chrono Package. Auxiliary air-conditioning, adaptive aerodynamic elements and a three-chamber air suspension including Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) are also standard. The Executive version is additionally equipped with rear axle steering, 8-way power rear seats with comfort head rests, and 4 – zone climate control. Both models are equipped with 21- inch 911 Turbo Design Wheels. The price for the 2018 Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid will be $184,400, while the Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid Executive will start at $194,800. These prices exclude the $1,050 delivery, processing and handling fee.

  • Redefining what it means to be mean and green

William Maley

Cadillac Teases Super-Cruise in Awesome New Ad For Oscars

Whoah!!! Dare Greatly takes on a whole new meaning as Cadillac moves FORWARD in their quest to re-conquer the World. Once deemed the Standard of the whole World.. Cadillac hit hard times, falling from its once lofty post above all other brands.  To me, it is a time game of continual hard work and making the best. They can't let up and I don't see them doing that anytime soon.  Set to debut during Oscar night.. this ad showcases some of the awesomeness that is and will be soon.. at a Cadillac dealer near you.
 

  • While putting the Escala Concept on a Pedestal!!!

     

Cmicasa the Great

The Order Books Close On Chevrolet SS

With the clock winding down on production of the Holden Commodore, Chevrolet dealers are snapping the remaining lot of SS models being exported to the U.S. Wheels has learned from Chevrolet that the extra 1,000 SS models Holden was planning to build for the U.S. market have been snapped up.
“All US dealer orders are in for the allocated production of the 2017 Chevrolet SS. This includes any additional units that were confirmed for production last year,” said Chevrolet.
Originally, Holden was planning on building 2,000 SS for the U.S. However, the large demand by dealers for the last SS models caused Holden to add an additional 1,000 models for export.
Source: Wheels

  • If you're planning to order a Chevrolet SS, you might want to hurry

William Maley

Carlos Ghosn To Step Down As Nissan CEO

Carlos Ghosn announced yesterday that he would be stepping down as CEO for Nissan on April 1st. In a statement, Ghosn explained that he wants to focus on the expansion and stewardship of the alliance between Nissan, Renault, and Mitsubishi. That doesn't mean Ghosn is fully stepping away from Nissan. He will still serve as the chairman of the board for the brand.
"As Nissan's Chairman, I will continue to supervise and guide the company, both independently and within the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance. This planned change will also allow me to devote more time and energy to managing the strategic and operational evolution and expansion of the Alliance and ensuring that all its members benefit from the competitive advantages that its scale will deliver. I am committed to supporting the Alliance as it evolves and expands, and will continue to serve each member of the Alliance wherever and whenever necessary," said Ghosn.
Ghosn's replacement is Hiroto Saikawa, currently the co-CEO of Nissan. Saikawa joined the company back in 1997 and has held a number of roles including the company's Chief Competitive Officer.
"I would like to thank Mr. Ghosn and the Nissan board for entrusting me with this new responsibility. Under Mr. Ghosn's chairmanship and with the support of the excellent leadership team that has been built at Nissan, my focus will be delivering our company's continued performance and development and on continuing Nissan's contribution to the success of the Alliance," said Saikawa.
Source: Nissan
Press Release is on Page 2


Hiroto Saikawa appointed as Nissan Chief Executive Officer
Carlos Ghosn to continue to serve as Chairman of Nissan’s Board of Directors YOKOHAMA, Japan – At the recommendation of Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer Carlos Ghosn, the Nissan Board of Directors has decided that as of April 1, 2017, Hiroto Saikawa will assume the position of Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Ghosn will continue to serve as Chairman of the Board of Directors, and he will seek a renewal of his mandate at the company's general shareholders meeting in June 2017.
This planned management evolution follows Mr. Ghosn's leadership of the recent expansion of the Renault-Nissan Alliance to include Mitsubishi Motors, which positions the Alliance among the top automotive groups in terms of scale.
As Chairman of all three Alliance companies, and as Chief Executive Officer of the Renault Group, Mr. Ghosn wishes to focus more of his attention on the expansion and stewardship of the Alliance, as its Chairman and CEO. In this role, he will ensure that the opportunities available to Alliance members are fully harnessed.
Mr. Ghosn stated, "I am confident that the management team I have developed at Nissan over the past 18 years has the talent and experience to meet the company's operational and strategic goals. Having recently taken on new responsibilities at Mitsubishi Motors, and taking into consideration the upcoming Nissan general shareholders meeting, I have decided that the time is right for Hiroto Saikawa to succeed me as Nissan's CEO."
He continued, "As Nissan's Chairman, I will continue to supervise and guide the company, both independently and within the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance. This planned change will also allow me to devote more time and energy to managing the strategic and operational evolution and expansion of the Alliance and ensuring that all its members benefit from the competitive advantages that its scale will deliver. I am committed to supporting the Alliance as it evolves and expands, and will continue to serve each member of the Alliance wherever and whenever necessary."
Mr. Saikawa currently serves as Nissan's co-CEO and a representative director. Between April 2013 and October 2016, he was Nissan's Chief Competitive Officer. Mr. Saikawa joined Nissan in 1977, and since 1999 he has served in a variety of senior management positions, including Chairman of the Management Committees of the Americas and Europe, as well as the Executive Vice President of Purchasing. In addition to his responsibilities at Nissan, Mr. Saikawa is the current Chairman of the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association (JAMA). He previously served as a member of the board of directors of Renault between 2006 and 2016.
Mr. Saikawa stated, "I would like to thank Mr. Ghosn and the Nissan board for entrusting me with this new responsibility. Under Mr. Ghosn's chairmanship and with the support of the excellent leadership team that has been built at Nissan, my focus will be delivering our company's continued performance and development and on continuing Nissan's contribution to the success of the Alliance."

  • But that doesn't me he is fully going away from the company he saved

William Maley

Review: 2017 Cadillac XT5 Platinum

Cadillac has been trying to position itself being as an alternative to German brands with models that offer exemplary handling characteristics and sharp designs. But the brand has the issue of models that don’t quite fit the image being presented. The SRX is the poster child for this. Yes, it had the sharp looks the brand was getting known for. But you wouldn’t call it sporty. It was more along the lines of a Lexus RX where luxury and comfort were the main priorities. Enthusiasts and critics were not pleased with this, but consumers gobbled them up. The SRX for a time was Cadillac’s best-selling model.
Now we come to the successor of the SRX, the 2017 XT5. Those who were hoping for a change in the priorities will be disappointed as the XT5 doesn’t mess with the SRX’s recipe. But is that bad thing?
Evolution is the impression you get when walking around the XT5. Cadillac’s designers didn’t make any drastic changes to the design profile aside from softening the Art & Science design language. The front now features a comically-large grille and headlights with a strand of LEDs that run into the bumper. Towards the back is an integrated spoiler that extends the roofline, a set of large taillights, and a rear bumper that comes with chrome exhaust ports and a faux skid plate. The XT5 does lose some of the polarizing details that made the SRX stand out, but it still stands out slightly in what is becoming a crowded class.
Cadillac has been stepping up its game in terms of their interiors with their new models. Case in point is the XT5. Our top-line Platinum tester featured faux suede, leather, and wood trim on a number of surfaces that make it look and feel quite luxurious. We’re glad to see the removal of the Piano Black panel for the center stack as it looked out of place and was a magnet for fingerprints. One design idea we’re not so keen on is the gear selector. Instead of a lever, Cadillac went with a joystick controller to engage the various gears. The controller isn’t intuitive as you’ll find yourself going into the wrong gear or not going into one at all on a somewhat regular basis. You will get the hang of it after a bit, but you can’t help but wonder why Cadillac decided to change this in the first place.
The leather used for the seats feel quite supple and help fix the issue of uncomfortable seats in the SRX. Interior space has grown, thanks to a two-inch increase in the wheelbase. Rear legroom has grown 3.2 inches and it allows anyone sitting back there to stretch out. Headroom is still slightly tight thanks in part to our tester coming with the optional panoramic sunroof. But this can be alleviated by recalling the rear seat slightly. Cargo space in smack dab in the middle - 30 cubic feet with the rear seats up and 63 cubic feet when folded.
Cadillac User Interface (CUE) has been one of our least favorite infotainment systems to use since it was introduced a few years ago. The litany of problems ranging from a touch sensitive buttons not responding to inputs to the system crashing have dragged Cadillac down. But the system has been getting a number of changes and updates over the past few years. For starters, Cadillac has removed most of the touch-sensitive buttons from the system. Being able to press an actual button to turn on the heated/ventilated seats or adjust the temperature is really nice. It is a shame Cadillac didn’t bring back an actual volume knob for CUE - the touch-sensitive strip is still there. But at least there are volume controls on the steering wheel that allow you to avoid it. The system itself has been overhauled with a faster processor and a slightly improved interface. The changes make a difference as the system is snappier and a little bit easier to understand. If you still find CUE a bit overwhelming, you’ll be happy to know that CUE now features Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration.
Cadillac bucks the trend in the midsize luxury crossover class by only offering one engine - a 3.6L V6 producing 310 horsepower and 271 pound-feet of torque (@ 5,000 rpm). This comes paired with an eight-speed automatic and the choice of front or all-wheel drive. The V6 is the weak link in the XT5. When leaving a stop, it takes a moment for the engine to realize the accelerator pedal has been pressed before it starts working. This is even worse when you’re trying to make a pass as it seems the engine was busy taking a nap before it was hastily woken up. Once the engine is awake, it takes its time to get up to speed. There is a positive to the V6 engine and that is the stop-start system. Unlike some previous systems that are slow to restart the engine or do so in a very rough fashion, Cadillac’s system is quick and smooth when you let off the brake. The eight-speed automatic seems reluctant to downshift at times. We’re guessing this transmission was calibrated for fuel economy. At least the eight-speed automatic delivers smooth shifts.
Fuel economy figures for the 2017 Cadillac XT5 all-wheel drive stand at 18 City/26 Highway/21 Combined. Our average fuel economy for the week landed around 22.3 mpg in mostly city driving. 
One characteristic we liked about the SRX was its comfortable ride. Yes, it flies in the face of Cadillac’s message of beating the German’s at their own handling game. But buyers loved the smoothness on offer. Sadly, the XT5 loses a bit of the smoothness. Despite our tester featuring an adaptive suspension system, the XT5 wasn’t able to fully iron out bumps. Some of this can be attributed to 20-inch wheels fitted to our tester. At least the XT5 keeps road and wind noise out of the interior. Like the SRX, the XT5 isn’t sporty. Body motions are kept in check, but the light weight and nonexistent feel from the steering puts a halt to that idea. 
An item Cadillac has been touting on the XT5 is the Rear Camera Mirror. Available only on the top-line Platinum, the mirror can stream the view from the rear camera by flicking a switch. We found this to be really helpful when backing out of parking lots as it gave a view that isn’t hindered by the thick rear pillars. Hopefully, Cadillac spreads this feature down to other trims of the XT5. 
In some respects, the 2017 Cadillac XT5 is a step forward. The model improves on certain parts of the SRX such as a more luxurious and spacious interior, improved CUE system, and sharper looks. But in other respects, Cadillac messed up with the XT5. The 3.6L V6 needs to be shown the door and a new engine that offers better low-end performance to take its place. The loss of the smooth ride that the SRX was known for hurts the XT5 as well. Finally, there is the price. Our XT5 Platinum tester came with an as-tested price of $69,985. It is a nice crossover. But if we’re dropping close $70,000 on a luxury crossover, we can think of a few models that would be ahead of the XT5.
It should be noted that the Cadillac XT5 has taken the place of the SRX of being the brand’s best selling model. At the end of 2016, Cadillac moved 39,485 XT5s. But unlike the SRX which we could recommend without hesitation, the XT5 comes with a number of caveats that we cannot do the same.
Disclaimer: Cadillac Provided the XT5, Insurance, and One Tank of Gas
Year: 2017
Make: Cadillac
Model: SRX
Trim: Platinum
Engine: 3.6L V6 VVT DI
Driveline: Nine-Speed Automatic, All-Wheel Drive
Horsepower @ RPM: 310 @ 6,700
Torque @ RPM: 271 @ 5,000
Fuel Economy: City/Highway/Combined - 18/26/21
Curb Weight: N/A
Location of Manufacture: Spring Hill, TN
Base Price: $62,500
As Tested Price: $69,985 (Includes $995.00 Destination Charge)
Options:
Driver Assist Package - $2,340.00
20-inch Wheels - $2,095.00
Trailering Equipment - $575.00
Black Ice Body Side Moldings - $355.00
Compact Spare Tire - $350.00
Black Ice License Plate Bar - $310.00
Black Roof Rails - $295.00
Black Splash Guards - $170.00

  • Not the SRX, which is good and bad

William Maley

And Velar Makes For Four Models At Range Rover

Next month at the Geneva Motor Show, Land Rover will unveil the newest member of the Range Rover family. Called the Velar, the model will slot between the Range Rover Evoque and Sport models. Rumor has it that Velar will look somewhat similar to the Sport with a more rakish roofline. It is also speculated that the Velar will use the underpinnings of the Jaguar F-Pace.
"We call the Velar the avant garde Range Rover. It brings a new dimension of glamour, modernity and elegance to the brand. The Range Rover Velar changes everything," said Land Rover's chief design officer, Gerry McGovern in a press release.
If you're wondering about Velar, it is derived from the Italian word 'velare' meaning to cover or veil. Velar also has some history with Land Rover as it was the codename for the original Range Rover.
Source: Land Rover
Press Release is on Page 2


Introducing the Range Rover Velar
New addition to the Range Rover family, filling the white space between the Range Rover Evoque and the Range Rover Sport ‘Velar’ name derived from the original Range Rover prototypes of 1969 World premiere on March 1, 2017; US debut at the 2017 New York International Auto Show (MAHWAH, N.J.) – February 21, 2017 - In 1970 Land Rover launched the original Range Rover. Almost half a century later that spirit of innovation continues with the introduction of the fourth member of the Range Rover family, to be unveiled on March 1, 2017.
Elegant simplicity, a visually reductive approach and all-new consumer technologies are the hallmarks of the new Range Rover Velar. 
Land Rover Chief Design Officer, Gerry McGovern, said: “We call the Velar the avant-garde Range Rover.  It brings a new dimension of glamour, modernity and elegance to the brand. The Range Rover Velar changes everything.”
Refined for every occasion and for various terrains, the Range Rover Velar uses unique sustainable materials and advanced engineering to continue Land Rover’s drive to go Above and Beyond.
The origin of the Velar name (pronounced vel-ar) dates back to the first Range Rover prototypes of the Sixties: the pioneers of the luxury SUV landscape.
When development engineers needed to hide the true identity of the 26 pre-production Range Rover vehicles, they chose the name Velar, derived from the Latin ‘velare’ meaning to veil or cover.                               
Full details of the Range Rover Velar will be announced on March 1, 2017.

  • What is this Velar?

William Maley

Denali Makes Big Money For GMC

Nearly 20 years ago, GMC decided to create a luxury version of its Yukon SUV called the Denali by putting on some chrome wheels and leather upholstery. Today, Denali is available on most of GMC's lineup and makes up 25 percent of total sales. It also makes GMC a lot of money.
Motor Authority reports that the Denali trim gives GMC highest transaction price of any non-luxury brand in the industry. To put it another way, if GMC was its own automaker, it would be ranked 150th in the Fortune 500 list. How is this possible? You only need to look at GMC's top vehicles. Close to three out of four Yukons sold are Denali with price tags beginning at $65,000 and climbing. 50 percent of Sierra HDs are Denalis with average transaction prices ranging from $60,000 to $75,000.
Source: Motor Authority

  • GMC is raking in the money thanks to Denali

William Maley

Next Ford Fiesta ST To Be Revealed On Friday

Ford has teased the next-generation Fiesta ST before its official debut later this week. In a video posted to Ford's Instagram, a pre-production model is seen driving through a factory. From what we can see, it looks like the ST will look similar to the standard Fiesta ST-Line shown back in November. We're expecting some other design changes to make the ST stand out from other Fiesta models. No word on the powertrain, though some suspect it will a 1.5L EcoBoost three-cylinder four-cylinder.
Source: Ford Europe's Instagram
 

  • Coming later this week, the next Fiesta ST

William Maley

Spying: Buick Enclave Shows Off Its New Face

We have been wondering what the next-generation Buick Enclave would look like and now we have a general idea. Automotive News got their hands on some new spy shots showing an Enclave test mule sitting at a gas station. It appears Buick has made the Enclave less bulbous than the current model. The front end features Buick's new waterfall grille that debuted on the LaCrosse and a set of slim headlights. For the back, there's a new set of taillights and dual-exhaust system.
If the Chevrolet Traverse is anything to go by, the Enclave will get the current 3.6L V6 producing 305 horsepower hooked up to a nine-speed automatic. There is the possibility of a 2.0L turbo-four with 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque.
The next-generation Buick Enclave is expected to debut at the New York Auto Show.
Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required)
Pic Credit: William Maley for Cheers & Gears

  • Say hello to the next Buick Enclave

William Maley

Rumorpile: Mercedes-AMG GT4 To Debut At Geneva Motor Show

Back in November, we first learned about Mercedes-AMG's next standalone model possibly known as the GT4, a four-door coupe. The new model would be previewed by a concept before going on sale in 2019. We now have some new details on this model.
Autocar reports the GT4 concept will be shown next month at the Geneva Motor Show to celebrate the 50th anniversary of AMG. A production model will soon follow a year later for European markets.
The GT4 will serve as the replacement for the CLS Shooting Brake and use a modified version of Mercedes' modular rear architecture (MRA). According to sources at AMG, the GT4's variant of MRA will come with 'unique' wheelbase and track width measurements. The GT4 will also utilize aluminum and hot-formed high-strength steel in an effort to help cut weight.
Power will come from a 4.0L V8 biturbo engine that will be offered in two states of tune - the highest one offering 600-plus horsepower. A performance-oriented version of Mercedes' 4Matic all-wheel drive will come standard. There is also talk about adding integrated starter generator (ISG) that would add a brief boost of power along with improving fuel economy.
A 3.0L turbocharged V6 is possibly in the cards as well.
Source: Autocar

  • More details spill on Mercedes-AMG's upcoming sedan

William Maley

General Motors Expands Their Diesel Lineup To Meet Upcoming Fuel Economy Regs, Win Over Former VW Customers

Despite the dark cloud that diesel has gotten due to the Volkswagen diesel emission scandal, General Motors sees a bright future for it.
“The outlook for diesel in the U.S.A. is actually promising. We definitely see certain segments reaching 10 percent penetration and yes, an upside potential of 10 percent overall,” said Dan Nicholson, GM’s vice president of global propulsion systems to The Detroit News.
Case in point, nine percent of Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon trucks sold are equipped with a diesel.
General Motors already has six vehicles available with a diesel (Silverado and Sierra HD: Colorado, Canyon, Express, and Savana). But they are planning to add three more diesel models in the coming year - Cruze, Equinox, and Terrain.
Why? A lot of it comes down to the upcoming CAFE mandate that an automaker's fleet average must meet 54.5 mpg by 2025. GM sees diesel as a way to help reach this goal. Also with the ongoing Volkswagen mess, GM sees an opportunity to possibly draw former Volkswagen TDI owners to one of their models.
Source: The Detroit News

  • Why is GM expanding their diesel offerings?

William Maley

Rumorpile: General Motors, PSA Group Value Opel At $2 Billion

How much is Opel worth? According to Bloomberg, the valuation being discussed by General Motors and PSA Group puts it around $2 billion dollars. According to sources, the total comprises about $1 billion in cash and about $1 billion in liabilities. The amount could change as two are still assessing a number of items such as the value of brand rights and savings potential.
The sources also the framework for PSA to buy Opel could be finished by Thursday. This would be the same day when PSA Group reports full-year earnings. The sources go on to caution this could be pushed back because of the complex nature of the deal such us finding ways to reduce costs while keeping workers and the various unions happy.
Source: Bloomberg

  • Its how much?!

William Maley

Rumorpile: Jaguar XE SVR Could Boast 500 Horsepower

A new report from Auto Express says Jaguar's Special Vehicle Operations (SVO) is putting the finishing touches on high-performance XE to take on the likes of the Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio, BMW M3, and Mercedes-AMG C63.
The XE SVR will boast Jaguar's 5.0L supercharged V8 engine with around 500 horsepower. This will be hooked up with an eight-speed automatic. The current SVR lineup - F-Type and Range Rover Sport - utilize all-wheel drive and there is the possibility the XE SVR could go down this route. There has also been some work done on the chassis with new springs, dampers, and a limited-slip rear differential. Expect a more aggressive exterior look to go with the mechanical changes. 
Auto Express says the XE SVR "will arrive almost halfway through the saloon’s lifecycle," leading us to believe it could be next year or so.
Source: Auto Express

  • Watch out Alfa Romeo, BMW, Mercedes-AMG!

William Maley

Rumorpile: Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk Could Appear At New York

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles' New York showing looks to be all performance. We already know the Dodge Challenger Demon which looks to be even madder than the Hellcat will show up, but there is also the possibility of a high-performance Jeep coming as well.
Motor Authority has learned from a source that Jeep will be showing the Grand Cherokee Trackhawk - the one with the Hellcat V8 - in New York. This follows a report from last year where Jeep CEO Mike Manley said the model would debut sometime in 2017.
The Trackhawk is one of the worst kept secrets in the past few years. Various spy photos and videos have shown Grand Cherokee mules of all sorts running around with key changes to indicate a more powerful engine - larger vents and brakes for example. A number have also reported the distinctive sound of the Hellcat V8. It is still unclear if the Trackhawk will get the full 707 horsepower or be detuned.
Source: Motor Authority

  • FCA's New York debut appears to be about power x2

William Maley

2018 Hyundai Accent Aims High In Toronto

Hyundai chose the Canadian International Auto Show in Toronto, Ontario to debut the all new 2018 Accent. Why Toronto and not Chicago a week before? You only need to look at the sales numbers to find the reason why. In 2016, the Nissan Versa soundly beat the Hyundai Accent by a margin of 52,448 vehicles (132,214 for Versa vs. 79,766 for the Accent) in the U.S. Over in Canada, the Accent is the best selling model in the class with 19,198 models sold last year. The Honda Fit which was the second best-selling model in the class only moved 8,622 models.
You might mistake the Accent sedan for the Elantra. This is due to the Accent's new front and rear end styling looking like its bigger brother. At least the overall profile lines up with the current Accent. Before you ask, a hatchback will debut at a later time. The interior is somewhat plain to look at, despite the red and black seat fabric as seen in the photos. A backup camera comes standard, while higher trims get a proximity key and automatic emergency braking.
Under the hood is an updated version of the 1.6L four-cylinder powering the current Accent. Power figures are slightly down to 132 horsepower and 119 pound-feet of torque. The upsides according to Hyundai is that overall fuel economy is up seven percent and that low-rpm torque has been improved. Buyers will have the choice of a six-speed manual or automatic. Hyundai has also worked on making the Accent more rigid. Thanks to more high-strength steel being used throughout, Hyundai says the 2018 Accent is 32 percent stiffer.
No word on pricing, but the Accent sedan will go on sale sometime in the third quarter.
Source: Hyundai
 

  • Hyundai tries a Canadian accent with the debut of a new model

William Maley

Rumorpile: Opel CEO's Secret EV Plan

As General Motors and PSA Group continue their discussions (and damage control) on the possible sale of Opel/Vauxhall, a secret plan being developed by Opel CEO Karl-Thomas Neumann has been put on the back burner for the time being.
German magazine manager magazin reports that Neumann had been working on a plan that would see Opel transition to selling electric vehicles only in an effort to ensure the brand's survival. GM Europe has been losing money for the past 15 years. In 2016, the branch posted a $257 million loss.
Neumann was worried that Opel didn't have the resources to develop both combustion engine and electric drivetrains. The plan would see Opel end sales of combustion vehicles by 2030. To pull this off, the plan would have Opel divide into 'old' and 'new'. Vehicles would be using GM's electric vehicle platform that underpins the Chevrolet Bolt and Opel Ampera-e.
manager magazin says the board was going to make a decision on Neumann's plan this spring - May at the latest.
Source: manager magazin

  • Opel's CEO had a plan to make the brand electric only

William Maley

Spying: 2018 Cadillac XT3 Comes Fully Camouflaged

Cadillac is going to have a quiet 2017, but 2018 looks to be a blockbuster year as the first of their needed crossovers will launch - the compact XT3. Thanks to a spy photographer, we have gotten our first look at it.
General Motors' camouflage department did a really good job of covering up the XT3, so we can't really tell much about the design except that it looks like an even smaller XT5. One detail they weren't able to cover up is the intercooler, leading us to believe that the XT3 will come with turbocharged power - most likely the 2.0L turbo. A nine-speed automatic and the choice of front or all-wheel drive is likely. Platform-wise, expect the XT3 to use the underpinnings of the Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain.
Source: Car and Driver

  • I see you XT3!

William Maley

GM and PSA CEOs Head Off To Germany For Discussions As Backlashes Begin

Yesterday, news broke that General Motors and PSA Group (owner of Peugeot and Citroen) were in discussions on possibly selling Opel and Vauxhall. Already, the possible sale is under intense scrutiny from various European governments and unions. There are concerns about jobs being cut with this deal, and none are too happy that officials from local governments and unions were not included in the talks. There is also the possibility of political backlash coming to Germany and France as both will be holding elections later this year.
"It's unclear whether GM will keep an Opel stake, who pays what and if anything will go through at all, given the political backlash," a source told Reuters.
GM and PSA have declined to say what possible cuts to the workforce, plants, and other items that could be part of the deal. GM Europe employs roughly 38,000 workers - 19,000 are in Germany.
“Almost all experts say that with this deal now being prepared between the large French, almost state-owned conglomerate and Opel, that especially the German Opel plants may be on the losing side,” saud Rainer Einenkel -- former works council chief at Opel’s Bochum plant, which was shut down.
“The government has an interest in a successful future for the company and its sites. The government will, in light of the talks it’s holding with all parties involved, form an opinion,” said Steffen Seibert, German Chancellor Angela Merkel’s chief spokesman.
Over in Great Britain, there are concerns of Vauxhall being on the chopping block. Part of this comes from Britain deciding to the European Union. By leaving, the country would lose access to the EU Single Market which guarantees unconstrained trade across the member states. It would mean various countries would be leveraging tariffs on British-made goods, making production in the country less competitive. Also, if the deal was to go through, Vauxhall could be one of the first things to go when it comes time to cut costs.
Unite, the British worker's union said the president of GM gave them assurance last year that there would not be any surprises in terms of GM's plants in Britain. With this deal, the union says those commitments had not been held.
"It cannot be that the future of UK car workers’ jobs now lie in the hands of the French government and their backing for Peugeot," said Unite General Secretary Len McCluskey.
Because of this, General Motors and PSA Group find themselves in damage control mode. GM CEO Mary Barra sent a memo to staff in the U.S. and Germany explaining the deal would be good for GM's future growth, the longevity of Opel's German operations, and shareholder value.
“While there can be no assurance of any agreement, any possible transaction would enable PSA Groupe and Opel Vauxhall to leverage their complementary strengths, enhancing their competitive positions for the future in a rapidly changing European market,” said Barra in the message.
A source tells Bloomberg that Barra and GM President Dan Ammann plan to meet with German government officials sometime in the future about the deal. Next week, PSA Group CEO Carlos Tavares will meet will officials. According to a source, Tavares plans on keeping Opel's management structure and keeping the brand as a German one.
Source: Bloomberg, Reuters, 2

  • Activate damage control!

William Maley

Spying: 2019 Ford Focus Comes Into, Well Focus

The current Ford Focus has been with us since 2012 and it is getting somewhat long in the tooth when compared with the likes of the Chevrolet Cruze, Honda Civic, and refreshed Mazda3. But Ford is on the case as we have gotten our first look at the next-generation Focus caught by a spy photographer.
It looks like Ford is planning to do some evolutionary changes in terms of the Focus' exterior to keep it in line with other Ford models. The interior looks to be taking some ideas from the new Fiesta and refreshed EcoSport with a similar center stack design. Reports say Ford will go with an all turbocharged engine lineup with the 1.0L three-cylinder EcoBoost being the base engine. ST and RS variants are expected down the road.
We expect to see the next-generation Focus sometime next year.
Source: Car and Driver, Left Lane News

  • Come on, you could have seen this one coming

William Maley

Smart To Be Electric Only For North America

Smart already finds itself in a small niche by selling small city cars in North America, but a new letter reveals that the brand will be entering an even smaller one.
Automotive News obtained a letter from Dietmar Exler, CEO of Mercedes-Benz USA which says the brand will cease sales of gas-powered models by the end of this year, becoming an electric-only brand.
“Developments within the micro-car segment present some challenges for the current Smart product portfolio. Therefore, with the launch of the fourth-generation Smart ForTwo electric drive this summer, the Smart lineup will consist exclusively of the zero-emissions Smart electric-drive coupe and cabrio in the U.S. and Canada,” Exler said in the letter. 
Mercedes-Benz spokesman Rob Moran tells Automotive News the plan at the moment is to stop production of the gas model for North American in April and continue sales until all of the models are gone.
Smart has never done well in the U.S. Their best year was in 2014 with 10,453 models sold. Since then, sales have been steadily declining thanks to low gas prices and consumers going towards crossovers. In 2016, Smart only sold 6,211 models.
Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required)

  • Next year, the only Smarts you can buy will be electric only!

William Maley

PSA In Discussions With GM About Possibly Acquiring Opel

PSA Group is in discussions with General Motors on various strategic initiatives, including the possibility of acquiring Opel/Vauxhall. The news was first broke by Bloomberg and Reuters early this morning as sources revealed the two were in talks about swapping the ownership of Opel. Since then, a spokesman for PSA Group confirmed the talks.
The maker of Peugeot, Citroen and DS cars is "exploring a number of strategic initiatives with GM with the aim of increasing its profitability and operating efficiency, including a potential acquisition of Opel."
The two automakers already share production of SUVs and commercial vans, a key remnant of a possible alliance between the two automakers back in 2013.
Why would GM sell Opel? Why is PSA Group interested in it? 
“I can see why GM may possibly seek to sell its European division, which hasn’t made money in many years. It is less clear why Peugeot would be interested in buying GM’s assets. The purchase would give them capacity in Germany, one of the most expensive countries to produce cars and would lead to excess capacity,” said George Galliers, an analyst with Evercore ISI.
For PSA Group, the purchase of Opel would give them access to Opel's engineering and electric-car tech, along with increasing their scale and cost savings from joint purchasing a source tells Bloomberg. 
Source: Bloomberg, Reuters

  • Please do not adjust your monitor

William Maley

2017 Chevrolet Cruze Diesel Gets EPA Figures

Another piece of the 2017 Chevrolet Cruze Diesel puzzle has been revealed. The official EPA numbers have been released and they are quite impressive. 
Six-Speed Manual: 30 City/52 Highway/37 Combined
Nine-Speed Automatic: 31 City/47 Highway/37 Combined
“Chevrolet is dedicated to offering customers a wide range of propulsion options. We know there are customers looking for the right combination of fuel efficiency, driving dynamics, fuel type and more. With the EPA-estimated 52-mpg highway Cruze Diesel Sedan, they can get it all,” said Steven Majoros, director of Chevrolet Marketing in a statement.
A quick refresher on the Cruze Diesel: it will use a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder producing 137 horsepower and 240 pound-feet of torque. The sedan will be arriving in the coming weeks with prices beginning at $24,670. The hatchback will get the diesel option next year.
Source: Chevrolet
Press Release is on Page 2
CRUZE DIESEL SEDAN SETS 52-MPG BENCHMARK
EPA Certifies Segment-Best Highway Mileage DETROIT — The 2017 Cruze Diesel Sedan offers up to an EPA-estimated highway mileage of 52 mpg — the highest highway fuel economy of any non-hybrid/non-EV in America. Based upon the EPA highway estimate, Cruze Diesel with the six-speed manual transmission has an estimated range of up to 702 highway miles on one tank of diesel fuel.
“Chevrolet is dedicated to offering customers a wide range of propulsion options. We know there are customers looking for the right combination of fuel efficiency, driving dynamics, fuel type and more. With the EPA-estimated 52-mpg highway Cruze Diesel Sedan, they can get it all,” said Steven Majoros, director of Chevrolet Marketing.
The 2017 Cruze Diesel Sedan features a new Ecotec 1.6-liter inline four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine offering an SAE-certified 137 horsepower (102 kW) and 240 lb-ft of torque (325 Nm). Cruze Diesel passed all stringent U.S. environmental standards and validation, including Tier 3 Bin 125 emissions standards.
Buyers will be able to option their Cruze Diesel Sedans with either a standard six-speed manual or a new, optional Hydra-Matic nine-speed automatic transmission that includes fuel-saving stop/start technology.
In addition to its segment-leading EPA-estimated 52 mpg highway fuel economy, Cruze Diesel with the six-speed manual returns an EPA-estimated city mileage of 30 mpg, resulting in 37 mpg combined. Cruze Diesel with the nine-speed automatic achieves an EPA-estimated highway economy of up to 47 mpg and 31 city mpg, which results in 37 mpg combined.
A suite of connectivity features complements the Cruze Diesel Sedan’s inherent efficiency. These include available OnStar with 4G LTE connectivity and built-in Wi-Fi hotspot and available Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility through Chevrolet MyLink.*
Pricing for 2017 Cruze Diesel Sedan starts at $24,670 including $875 destination charge. Cruze Diesel Hatch will follow Cruze Diesel Sedan later this year for the 2018 model year.

  • The numbers are in!

William Maley

Hatchbacks Could Be Bucking the Downward Trend In Passenger Car Sales

Hatchbacks have never sold well in the U.S., but that could be changing thanks to new entrants and hotted-up models. According to a forecast done by IHS Markit, sales of hatchbacks are projected climb 19 percent this year. By 2020, the firm projects sales of 567,000 hatchbacks. What has changed?
Some of this comes down to hatchbacks finding a niche market. Michelle Malcho, spokeswoman for Chevy cars and crossovers tells The Detroit News that active, urban buyers who are wanting a bit more functionality with their vehicle are turning to hatchbacks.
“I think the U.S. likes the functional thought. The hatch for some people offers that without stepping up to that next level ... It really does fit what you need to do on a daily basis,” said Malcho.
Helping out are new models and hotted-up versions. The Chevrolet Cruze hatchback made up 10 percent of the model's total sales in January. Over at Ford, the sales of hotted-up versions of the Fiesta and Focus grew 21 percent last year.
But Stephanie Brinley, senior analyst with IHS Automotive cautions this will only cause a slight spur some growth in the compact class.
“Hatchback sales have not traditionally been good in the U.S. It’s a relatively small opportunity ... they should help stem the losses in the (small car) segment,” said Brinley.
“The cars are just so much better than they were, and it’s no longer a penalty (to drive a hatchback). It’s taking a while, but people are starting to understand.”
Source: The Detroit News

  • The bright spot in the passenger car market could be the hatchback

William Maley

Quick Drive: 2017 Hyundai Elantra Sport

I wasn’t too keen on the redesigned Hyundai Elantra I drove last year. In the review, I said it didn’t really do enough to compete with the likes of the Chevrolet Cruze and Honda Civic. But maybe the model could redeem itself with the introduction of the Elantra Sport. Hyundai made some key changes such as adding a turbo engine, revised rear suspension, and slight tweaks inside and out. 
I was really excited to check it out and spend some quality time with it. But life had other plans. The day I was supposed to get the Elantra Sport, I took a tumble down a flight of stairs, causing a fracture in my right leg. Because of this, I really didn’t get to spent a lot of time in the Sport. This is going to be more of a first impressions piece than a review. Hopefully, in the near future, I get to spend some time in the Sport again, barring any injuries.
Hyundai only made some small changes such as a blacked out grille, side skirts, rear diffuser, and 18-inch alloy wheels for the Sport. The end result is something that stands out from other Elantra’s, but not to the point where it looks like someone went on a shopping spree in the JC Whitney catalog. The only changes the Elantra Sport gets inside are new front seats with extra side bolstering, different gauge layout, and a flat-bottom steering wheel. Otherwise, it is your standard Elantra interior which isn’t a bad thing. The simple dash layout comes paired with the use higher quality materials. Back seat space has seen a nice improvement in terms of legroom, while headroom is still slightly tight for taller folks. Under the hood is a new turbocharged 1.6L four-cylinder with 201 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque. This can be paired with a six-speed manual or my tester’s seven-speed DCT. It should be noted this engine is also being used in the recently refreshed Kia Soul! (Exclaim), but it only comes with the DCT. First impressions of this powertrain were disappointing. It doesn’t feel eager to accelerate quickly as the DCT bogs down at lower speeds. Once above a certain speed, the powertrain becomes alive. Hyundai engineered the 1.6 to deliver torque evenly across the rpm band which gives the impression that you will not run out of steam anytime soon. The DCT delivers quick up and downshifts. You can remove most of the bogginess by putting the vehicle into the Sport mode which sharpens the throttle response and quickens gear changes. This makes the Elantra Sport raring to go when leaving from a stop or acerbating from a corner. Underneath the Elantra Sport’s skin, Hyundai has made some significant changes to the chassis. The big change is a new multi-link rear suspension setup that is said to improve the driving dynamics. There is also revised springs, dampers, and steering ratio. End result? This is Hyundai’s best effort in making a fun to drive vehicle. Body roll is minimized and the vehicle feels poised when going into a corner. Steering is still a mixed bag. Turn-in is quick and there is plenty of weight, but there is barely any feedback from the road. For a sporty model, it is a bit disappointing. Compared to the standard Elantra, the Sport does let a few bumps come inside. But it isn’t to a point where your back will be in pain. There’s a nice balance between handling and comfort. Pricing for the Elantra Sport starts at $21,650 for the manual and $22,750 for the DCT. The Elantra Sport seen here came with an as-tested price of $25,985 as it featured an optional premium package that adds a number of features such as an 8-inch touchscreen with navigation, sunroof, blind-spot monitoring with rear-cross traffic alert, and upgraded audio system. Where does the Elantra Sport fit in? It is like the Nissan Sentra SR Turbo/NISMO where it is sportier than the standard model, but not a full blown sport compact like the Volkswagen Golf GTI or Ford Focus ST. Think of it a warm compact and one that is quite surprising (for the brief time I drove it). Disclaimer: Hyundai Provided the Elantra Sport, Insurance, and One Tank of Gas
Year: 2017
Make: Hyundai
Model: Elantra
Trim: Sport
Engine: 1.6 Turbo GDI DOHC 16-valve four-cylinder
Driveline: Seven-speed DCT, Front-Wheel Drive
Horsepower @ RPM: 201 @ 6000 
Torque @ RPM: 195 @ 1500~4500
Fuel Economy: City/Highway/Combined - 26/33/29
Curb Weight: 3,131 lbs
Location of Manufacture: Montgomery, Alabama
Base Price: $22,750
As Tested Price: $25,985 (Includes $835.00 Destination Charge)
Options:
Premium Package for Sport - $2,400.00

  • Briefly sampling Hyundai's somewhat hot Elantra

William Maley

Mazda's Premium Ambitions for the U.S.

Mazda is in the process of trying to position themselves as a premium brand that you can actually afford. Autoblog had the chance to speak with Jacques Flynn, a lead exterior designer, and Jacob Brown, a PR representative for Mazda. 
A key part of Mazda's premium plans is their Kodo design language. Flynn explained that Mazda will be simplifying and evolving the look of Kodo on their various models. A key example is the recently introduced second-generation CX-5. Compared to the outgoing model, the new CX-5 features fewer curves to make it look tauter. 
Diesel will also play a key part in Mazda's premium ambitions. Brown explained that diesel has the air of premium surrounding it as luxury automakers, for the most part, offer them in the U.S. Mazda was hoping not to use urea-injection for their diesel models, but ultimately had to give in to meet emission standards and performance benchmarks.
Those hoping that Mazda would bring back Mazdaspeed on some performance models will be disappointed to hear it could be a while before this happens. Both Flynn and Brown said the company's focus is "on making the core line-up cohesive." Being a small company, they cannot take any chances on working a number of projects at the same time since that could result in a misstep or two.
Source: Autoblog

  • Mazda plans on becoming more premium. How do plan on accomplishing that?

William Maley

Alfa Romeo Scraps Plans For Giulia Wagon

Alfa Romeo was planning to build out the Giulia lineup with a coupe, convertible, and wagon. But one of those variants has been canned.
Alfa Romeo's manufacturing chief, Alfredo Altavilla tells Car Magazine that plans for the wagon have been canceled.
"We decided not to do a Giulia Sportwagon. Do we really need it if the Stelvio SUV [below] drives that well? Maybe not. With our fine-tuning, the Stelvio can capture all the people who would otherwise have been interested in the SW."
Alfa's reasons for canceling the wagon makes sense. More and more people are turning to the SUVs and crossovers. Why spend the money on developing a model that might not sell as well as an SUV?
Source: Car Magazine

  • Remember how Alfa Romeo was going to do A Giulia wagon?

William Maley

Volvo XC40 To Debut Later This Year

As Volvo finishes up the launch of their 90 series lineup, the company's focus will turn to the 40 series lineup. Speaking with Autocar, Volvo's R&D boss Henrik Green revealed the XC40 compact crossover will launch this fall. The model is expected to look somewhat similar to the Concept 40.1 shown last year and utilize the all new CMA platform that was jointly worked on by Volvo and their parent company, Geely. 
Down the road, Volvo plans on launching other versions of the 40 Series such as a hatchback. 
Also launching this year is the second-generation XC60. This is an important model for Volvo as it is their most popular model.
“The XC60 is our biggest-volume car that sells broadly in Europe, China and America. It brings significant profits so is crucial in many aspects. [The new model is] a fantastic car, a big step forward,” said Green.
Source: Autocar

  • With the 90 series all done, what does Volvo plan on launching next?

William Maley

As the Diesel Emits: Former Chairman Says Top Managers Knew About Cheat, Volkswagen Threatens Legal Action

The blame game over the Volkswagen diesel emission scandal continues with the former chairman Ferdinand Piëch saying that Volkswagen's top brass knew about the cheating months before it came to light.
German newspaper Bild reported yesterday that Piëch told prosecutors that he informed Martin Winterkorn and four other members of Volkswagen's supervisory board about the possible cheating with their diesel engines. The other members include,
Stephan Weil, prime minister of the German state of Lower Saxony Bernd Osterloh, works council chief Berthold Huber, former IG Metall union head Wolfgang Porsche These members have "unequivocally and emphatically" reject the allegations laid forth by Piëch. Volkswagen is none to happy about these accusations either and is considering possible legal options. 
"The Board of Management will carefully weigh the possibility of measures and claims against Mr. Piëch," the company said in a statement. 
A spokeswoman for Braunschweig prosecutors declined to comment when asked by Reuters about this story.
It should be noted there is a bit of bad blood between Piëch and Volkswagen. In April 2015, Piëch was ousted as chairman for Volkswagen after a power struggle between him and Winterkorn. This might be Piëch wanting to settle some old scores and cause more problems for the company he once led.
Source: Bild via Bloomberg, Reuters

  • The blame game at Volkswagen continues

William Maley

Chicago 2017: Mitsubishi adds a Limited Edition to the Outlander Sport

Today in Chicago, Mitsubishi showed a new Limited Edition version of their best selling Outlander Sport.  The Limited Edition will only be available for the remainder of the 2017 model year. 
The Outlander Sport Limited Edition is positioned just above the base ES version. It adds blacked out door mirrors, blacked out 18" alloy wheels, custom seat fabric with a red stitched steering wheel, alluminum pedals, heated front seats, and an infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple Car Play. 
Starting at $21,995, the Outlander Sport Limited Edition goes on sale later this month.

  • It's limited in that they will only build this package for the remainder of model year 2017

Drew Dowdell

Hyundai's i30 Makes The Atlantic Crossing As the 2018 Elantra GT

Last week, Hyundai teased the next-generation Elantra GT before its official debut at the Chicago Auto Show. We figured out that this could be the European i30 from a couple of pictures. It seems our guess was correct.
Aside from the name and one engine, the 2018 Elantra GT doesn't share any design traits with the standard Elantra. The model is a bit more squarish and features touches such as a more aggressive front bumper, bold character line, and a distinctly shaped tailgate. Inside, there is a European flavor with an uncluttered dash and 8-inch touchscreen sitting on top of the dash. Cargo space is towards the top with 25 cubic feet behind the rear seats, and 55 cubic feet when folded.
Two engines will be on offer for the Elantra GT. Base will be a 2.0L four-cylinder with 162 horsepower. This can be paired with a six-speed manual or automatic. The Elantra GT Sport comes with a turbocharged 2.0L four with 201 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed manual or seven-speed DCT will be on offer for the Sport. Other changes for the Sport include swapping the torsion-beam rear suspension setup for a multi-link one, 18-inch alloy wheels, and larger brakes.
Hyundai says the Elantra GT will arrive at dealers this summer.
Source: Hyundai
Press Release is on Page 2


ALL-NEW 2018 ELANTRA GT MAKES DEBUT AT CHICAGO AUTO SHOW
CHICAGO, Feb. 9, 2017 – Hyundai Motor America debuts the all-new 2018 Elantra GT at the 2017 Chicago Auto Show. Lower, wider, and longer, the all-new Elantra GT adds a more aggressive stance and interior volume to its clean European style and driving dynamics. When the new hatchback arrives this summer, shoppers can choose between two models, the efficient, smooth running GT, or the more powerful and fun-to-drive GT Sport. Elantra GT is based on the new-generation i30 model designed for the European market.
“The new Elantra GT brings more to the North American shores for the 2018 model year,” said Scott Margason, director, product planning, Hyundai Motor America. “More space and features inside. More aggression and European flair outside. And more options under the hood. I’m particularly excited to showcase the GT Sport, a true hot hatch.”

HIGHLIGHTS FOR 2018 ELANTRA GT
Lower, wider, more aggressive stance European styling Nearly 25 cubic feet of behind rear seat storage Standard vertical LED daytime running lights Standard eight-inch display audio with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration Available dual-zone climate control Available high and low beam LED headlights Available wireless smartphone charging Amazon Alexa Blue Link remote starting Blue Link heated features STRONG STRUCTURE AND STRIKING FIGURE
With clean proportions, flowing character lines, and an attention grabbing new cascading grille design, the new GT imbues class and sophistication. It’s posture; lower, wider, and longer; shows the GT means business. The GT lands where European style meets American can-do attitude and ability. And it’s not merely skin deep, over half the structure (53-percent) comprises of advanced high-strength steel, nearly double the outgoing generation. And it’s bonded together with just over 367 feet of structural adhesive. This combines to make the Elantra GT, stiffer, stronger, and lighter. It’s 22-percent more rigid than the last GT to be specific. And the body-in-white weighs 61 pounds less. That combines with a slippery 0.30 coefficient of drag making the GT feel solid, efficient and smooth.
CAPACIOUS CABIN
While the outside dimensions effectively match that of most compact hatchbacks, clever ergonomics and packaging make room inside for five and so much more. In fact, with 96.5 cubic feet of passenger volume and nearly 25 cubic feet of cargo volume, we expect the EPA to classify the Elantra GT as a large car, rarified territory for this class. And with the rear seats folded, the GT offers massive amounts of space for cargo.
  Capacity (cubic feet)
Elantra GT advantage
Elantra GT
55.1
--
Civic
46.2
19.3%
Cruze
47.2
16.7%
Mazda3
47.1
17.0%
Focus
43.9
25.5%
Golf
52.7
4.6%
GREAT POWERTRAIN OPTIONS
For 2018, choose between two inline-four-cylinder engines in the Elantra GT. The efficient yet robust, direct injection 2.0-liter makes an estimated 162 peak horsepower. It mates to either a six-speed manual or automatic transmission. Opt for the GT Sport and get the 1.6-liter turbo engine found in the Elantra Sport and enjoy an estimated 201 peak horsepower along with a broad band torque peak of 195 pound feet. The six-speed manual is available here too, or an athletic, seven-speed dual-clutch gear box.
RIDE AND HANDLING
Taking advantage of the stiff and strong new structure, Hyundai tested and developed the Elantra GT on the Nürburgring Nordschleife in Germany. Running hundreds of laps, the engineers tested for ride, handling, and durability. This resulted in a suspension tune that feels taut yet comfortable, minimizing unwanted body roll yet maximizing wheel impact absorption. Opt for the GT Sport and the rear torsion beam suspension is switched for a fully-independent multilink setup, standard 18” alloy wheels and larger front and rear brake rotors for even more fun when the going gets twisty. All-in-all, whether it’s a spirited drive through a canyon road, or carrying your mountain bike to the trailhead up the canyon, the Elantra GT is ready.
ILLUSTRIOUS INSIDES
Aside from great available appointments inside the Elantra GT, like leather seats, alloy pedals, and dual-zone climate control, Hyundai added several new items to keep you comfortable and safe. The Elantra GT is available with conveniences like Infinity Premium Audio with Clari-Fi™, Apple CarPlay™, Android Auto™, and wireless smartphone charging. That’s on top of great standard features such as 8-inch display audio and 17-inch alloy wheels. For safety, the GT is available with several systems usually found in expensive luxury vehicles, such as Smart Cruise Control with stop/start capability, Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Keep Assist, Attention Assist, High-Beam Assist, and Blind Spot Detection with Rear Cross-traffic Alert.
Vastly improved structure, Nürburgring refined driving-dynamics, and top-notch features in the new Elantra GT redefine what it means to be a “compact” hatchback.
ENHANCED HYUNDAI BLUE LINK REMOTE START AND THE BLUE LINK® SKILL FOR AMAZON ALEXA
Hyundai Blue Link customers have performed more than 25 million remote starts since its debut in 2011. Although remote start is a great feature for hot weather, most take place in cold climates during January, February and March. In fact, Blue Link Remote Start with Climate Control is three times more popular in the winter. With this in mind, Hyundai engineers have enhanced the Remote Start with Climate Control feature to include control of the rear defroster and heated side mirrors into the Blue Link mobile app. These new enhancements debut with the launch of the 2018 Elantra GT and will be available on other models in the future.
For the ultimate level of convenience when it comes to remote starting a car on a bitterly cold winter morning, Hyundai has its new Blue Link skill for Amazon Alexa. The skill works by a customer simply asking an Alexa-enabled device, like an Amazon Echo or Dot, to start their car. The interaction actually sounds like this “Alexa, tell Blue Link to start my car at 80 degrees.” To send commands to Hyundai vehicles via Alexa, users must enable the Blue Link skill in their Alexa app available on: iOS, Android and Fire devices; and then link their existing Blue Link account within the Alexa app. Voice commands will only be sent to Hyundai vehicles after Alexa prompts owners for their Blue Link Personal Identification Number (PIN).
NEXT GENERATION INFOTAINMENT: AUDIO/VIDEO/NAVIGATION (AVN) 5.0 WITH HD TRAFFIC
The 2018 Elantra GT also debuts Hyundai next generation AVN 5.0 infotainment system. This system features an upgraded processor for greater responsiveness, as well as an eight-inch screen vs. the seven-inch screen in last generation Elantra GT. Using presets with AVN 5.0 is a snap because AM, FM and SiriusXM channels are now combined on one screen. A bird’s eye view has also been added to Navigation maps and drivers can now get traffic flow and incident data without ever paying for a subscription via HD Radio.

  • It seems our guess was correct

William Maley

Chicago 2017: Nissan Adds King Cab Models to Titan Lineup

At the 2017 Chicago Auto show today, Nissan introduced its latest edition to the Titan lineup, adding King Cab options to the existing single cab and crew cab versions.  
The Titan King Cab can seat 6 or has the option of a rear seat delete for secure in cab storage ideal for commercial use.  Titan King Cab will be available in 4x2 and 4x4 configuration with the 5.6 liter 390 horsepower Endurance V8 and 7-Speed Automatic standard. When properly equipped, the half ton King Cab can tow up 9,420 lbs and carry up to 1,640 pounds of payload.
Titan XD King Cab comes standard with the same powertrain as the regular Titan or can be equipped with the Cummins 5.0 liter Turbo Diesel good for 310 hp or 555 lb-ft of torque routed through an Aisin 6-speed automatic transmission. Titan XD fills a niche between half-ton and 3/4-ton trucks by offering a maximum towing capacity of up to 12,510 lbs and a payload 2,710 lbs when properly equipped. 
Both Titan and Titan XD come with a 5 year / 100,000 mile bumper to bumper warranty, the best warranty in the truck segment. 
Titan and Titan XD are assembled in Canton, Mississippi and will go on sale this spring.
 
 
Press Release on Page 2


Nissan adds new King Cab body style to complete lineup of award winning TITAN and TITAN XD models 
 
• New King Cab body added to previous Crew Cab and Single Cab configurations – on sale spring 2017 • King Cab available for both TITAN half-ton and TITAN XD with 6.5-foot bed length • Retains rear hinge door design with wide-opening feature for easy access to 2nd row • Offered in S, SV and PRO-4X trim levels, available with first-in-segment “rear seat delete” for extra utility, fully flat load floor and secure storage space • Like all 2017 TITAN and TITAN XD models, new King Cab backed by America’s Best Truck 100,000-mile / 5-year Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty1 
 
CHICAGO (Feb. 9, 2017) – Nissan today revealed the new 2017 TITAN and TITAN XD King Cab models, completing the lineup of innovative new full-size pickups. The world debut announcement came during a media event at the Chicago Auto Show. Also on display at the show, which runs at Chicago’s McCormick Place from February 11-20, are a specially built Nissan NV Cargo X and two specially modified TITAN PRO-4X models. 
 
The new King Cab is marked by its available 6-person seating, wide-opening rear doors and available “rear seat delete” option that is ideal for commercial use with its flat floor and secure in-cab storage space. 
 
“The launch of the new King Cab body is the last step in a journey that began in December 2015 with the debut of the breakthrough TITAN XD, which continues to carve out a unique white space between competitors’ heavy-duty and half-ton trucks,” said Fred Diaz, division vice president and general manager, North America Trucks and Light Commercial Vehicles, Nissan North America, Inc. “Now, with the addition of a half-ton TITAN, our new Endurance® V8, three body configurations, three bed lengths and a range of grade levels and equipment packages, we’re covering nearly every segment in the personal and commercial full-size truck markets. Add to that the industry’s best 5-year/100,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty and the TITAN family is even more compelling.” 
 
The TITAN King Cab will be offered in 4x4 and 4x2 drive and three grade levels – S, SV and PRO-4X – each with a standard 390-horsepower 5.6-liter Endurance® V8 engine and 7speed automatic transmission. TITAN King Cab offers an available maximum towing capacity of 9,420 pounds and maximum payload capacity of 1,640 pounds when properly equipped. 
 
The TITAN XD King Cab similarly will be available in 4x4 and 4x2 drive and three grade levels – S, SV and PRO-4X. Two driveline choices are offered with the TITAN XD King Cab: the 390-horsepower 5.6-liter Endurance® V8 engine with 7-speed automatic or powerful Cummins® 5.0L V8 Turbo Diesel – rated at 310 horsepower and a hefty 555 lb-ft of torque – matched with a heavy-duty 6-speed Aisin A466ND automatic transmission. TITAN XD King Cab offers an available maximum towing capacity of 12,510 pounds (diesel engine) and maximum payload capacity of 2,710 pounds (gas engine) when properly equipped. 
 
Like the TITAN and TITAN XD Crew Cab and Single Cab models, the new King Cab body was designed by Nissan Design America in San Diego, California. The body features a roomy cab with a choice of front split bench seat or front bucket seats (standard on PRO-4X, optional on SV grade). A 60/40-split fold-down rear seat is also standard. Heated front seats are available with PRO-4X and SV grade, along with optional heated and cooled front seats on PRO-4X. 
 
The new King Cab also offers a first-in-segment “rear seat delete” option, which removes the rear seat, rear heater duct and rear roof-mounted assist grips and adds a flat rear load floor and rear wall finisher with tie-down hooks.  
 
 “This feature is going to be extremely well received by commercial truck buyers for its extra utility and secure, climate-safe storage space inside the cab. It’s a real workhorse like the new Single Cab, but with more flexibility to stow equipment and other valuables,” said Diaz. “Nissan is becoming a strong player in the commercial vehicle market with our NV vans and industry leading warranty. Now, with the new King Cab and Single Cab models, we expect to grow our worksite presence with TITAN and TITAN XD as well.” 
 
As part of the American TITAN lineup, the new King Cab was developed with core Nissan planning, design, engineering and manufacturing teams contributing from Tennessee, California, Michigan, Arizona and Mississippi. The TITAN and TITAN XD King Cabs are assembled in Canton, Mississippi, with its V8 engines assembled in Decherd, Tennessee and Cummins diesel engines assembled in Columbus, Indiana. 
 
All 2017 TITAN and TITAN XD models are covered by Nissan’s “America’s Best Truck Warranty”1 – featuring bumper-to-bumper coverage of 5-years/100,000-miles, whichever comes first. Vehicles covered by the new warranty, which includes basic and powertrain coverage, include all V8 gasoline and diesel powered models.

  • Nissan continues its push into the truck market with King Cab versions of the Titan and Titan XD.

Drew Dowdell

Toyota Adds Some TRD Spice For Sequoia and Tundra, Makes RAV4 More Adventurous

The spotlight for Toyota's truck and SUV lineup has been on the Tacoma TRD Pro. But the company is moving the spotlight on three models; RAV4, Sequoia, and Tundra with the introduction of new trims and various updates.
We'll work our way on three models that made their debut this morning at the Chicago Auto show in alphabetical order. First up is the 2018 RAV4 Adventure, position for those who live an active outdoor lifestyle. It certainly looks the part with a taller ride height, larger fender flairs, blacked-out 18-inch alloy wheels, and lower body cladding. The interior comes with all-weather floor mats, door sill protectors, and 120V outlet in the cargo area.
Power still comes from a 2.5L four-cylinder with 176 horsepower and a six-speed automatic. But the Adventurer gets the RAV4's optional towing package as standard. This includes an upgraded radiator, engine oil cooler, and transmission oil cooler. The Adventurer goes on sale this September with pricing to announced at a later date.
Next is the 2018 Sequoia. All trims will get the Toyota Safety Sense-P suite of active safety features as standard. This includes adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, lane departure warning, and pedestrian detection. Outside, the Sequoia boasts a new front bumper and grille.
There is a new trim joining the Sequoia lineup known as the TRD Sport. This trim features black mirror caps and exterior badges; smoked taillight lenses, and 20-inch alloy wheels finished in black. Black fabric covers the seats, with leather an option. There is also a TRD gear knob and TRD floor mats. Power comes from a 5.7L iForce V8 with 381 horsepower paired with a six-speed automatic. There is the choice of rear-wheel or four-wheel drive. Toyota has done some suspension work for the Sequoia TRD Sport with Bilstein shock absorbers and TRD antiroll bars.
Finally, there is the 2018 Tundra. Like the Sequoia, the Tundra will get Toyota's Safety Sense-P suite as standard equipment, along with a revised grille and headlight designs. There will also be a TRD Sport trim on offer as well. For the Tundra, this includes a hood scoop, body color mirrors and bumpers; LED headlights, 20-inch silver aluminum wheels with black insets, and TRD Sport decals on the bedsides. Bilstein shocks and TRD front and rear antiroll bars are used to improve handling.
The TRD Sport will be available on the double cab and CrewMax body styles, along with the choice of rear-wheel or four-wheel drive.
The 2018 Sequoia and Tundra arrive at dealers in September.
Source: Toyota
Press Release is on Page 2


Roughing It in Style - - Toyota Introduces the New 2018 Tundra and Sequoia TRD Sport and RAV4 Adventure Models
New Tundra and Sequoia TRD Sport Grades Receive added Styling and Performance Handling Upgrades Standard Toyota Safety Sense – P Refreshed Styling on all Tundra and Sequoia Models New RAV4 Adventure adds Dirt-Inspired Styling and Higher Ride Height CHICAGO, Feb. 9, 2017 - - Families on the go, TRD style!  Toyota’s Tundra full-size pickup truck and Sequoia large SUV have long been ideal for adventuresome families in need of that unique combination of performance, utility, towing ability and comfort.  For 2018, the experts at Toyota Racing Development (TRD) have developed the new TRD Sport grade for Tundra and Sequoia, offering active families an extra dose of sportier styling and performance for added fun and excitement on their next journey.   
In addition to the new TRD Sport grades, Tundra and Sequoia will receive new styling, convenience and safety features for all 2018 models, including Toyota Safety Sense-P (TSS-P) as standard equipment.
Outdoor family fun isn’t exclusive to Toyota’s two largest truck and SUV models.  For the 2018 model year, the popular RAV4 compact crossover adds a new Adventure grade for young families looking for fun in out-of-the-way places.   Already a fun-to-drive crossover for young families with active lifestyles, the new RAV4 Adventure adds a sportier take-me-anywhere attitude for the weekend warrior.
Tundra TRD Sport
The new Tundra TRD Sport is available on 4x4 and 4x2 grades in CrewMax and Double Cab configurations and powered by the proven 381-horsepower 5.7-liter i-Force V8 engine.  Driving performance will be enhanced with the addition of TRD Sport Tuned Bilstein Shocks and TRD front and rear anti-sway bars.  Key exterior features for the TRD Sport include:
Color-keyed mirrors, front and rear bumpers Color-keyed hood scoop 20-inch alloy silver sport wheels LED Headlights with smoked chrome bezel, Daytime Running Lights (DRL), and LED Fog Lights Mesh grille with body color surround TRD Sport bedside graphic Exterior colors for the TRD Sport will include Super White, Magnetic Gray, Midnight Black Pearl, Blazing Blue Pearl and Barcelona Red Metallic.
The exterior styling is complemented with interior features that include a TRD shift knob and TRD Sport floor mats. 
The TRD Sport is just part of an overall refresh for the 2018 Tundra.  Safety will be enhanced on all Tundra models with the addition of Toyota Safety Sense™ (TSS-P) as standard equipment.  This multi-feature advanced active safety suite bundles a Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection (PCS w/PD), Lane Departure Alert (LDA), Auto High Beams (AHB) and Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC).  Drivers can view the status of TSS-P through an upgraded Multi-information Display.
The 2018 Tundra will receive exterior updates that include a new mesh grille on select trims while the Tundra Limited and 1794 Edition will receive a new billet style grille.  The Limited, Platinum and 1794 Edition will be equipped with new LED Headlights and Daytime Running Lights (DRL), and LED Fog Lights.  LED headlights and Fog Lights are also available when the TRD Off-Road Package is selected on SR5 models.  The SR and SR5 grades will receive halogen headlights with a black bezel and LED Daytime Running Lights (DRL). 
Sequoia TRD Sport
The brawny 2018 Sequoia TRD Sport will be available in 4x4 and 4x2 models equipped with the 5.7-liter i-Force V8 engine.   Road handling is enhanced with TRD Sport Tuned Bilstein Shocks and TRD front and rear anti-sway bars.  Key exterior features on the Sequoia TRD Sport will include:
New front grille and bumper grille insert Metallic black mirror caps 20-inch alloy black sport wheels Darkened rear tail light housing Black satin finish TRD Sport badging on the front doors and a Metallic black and chrome Sequoia badge on the liftgate Exterior colors for the Sequoia TRD Sport will include Super White, Magnetic Gray Metallic, and the new Midnight Black Metallic.  The stylish exterior treatment will be complemented by an assortment of interior convenience features exclusive to the Sequoia TRD Sport including:
Standard black fabric seven-passenger seating Optional Black leather captain chair seats (part of the optional Premium Package) TRD shift knob TRD Sport floor mats TRD Sport sill protectors In addition to the TRD Sport, Sequoia will be available in SR5, Limited and Platinum grades in 4x2 and 4x4 configurations.  All will be powered by the i-Force V8 engine. Like Tundra, the 2018 Sequoia will raise the bar in the area of safety as TSS-P will be standard on all models (includes PCS w/PD, LDA, AHB, and DRCC).    
All Sequoia models will also come standard with new LED headlights with LED DRL, and LED fog lights.  Additional exterior updates include a new front grille and bumper grille insert, distinctive to each grade.  A bumper opening chrome surround will be equipped on TRD Sport, Limited and Platinum grades. 
The 2018 Sequoia will be available in eight exterior colors including three new colors: Midnight Black Metallic, Shoreline Blue Pearl and Toasted Walnut Pearl.  Additional colors include: Super White, Magnetic Gray Metallic, Silver Sky Metallic, Blizzard Pearl, and Sizzling Crimson.
Inside, all Sequoia models will come standard with a new instrumentation panel gauge cluster and 4.2-inch Multi-information Display (MID) that tracks the status of TSS-P.  Also new are an updated center speaker grille smoothed to the surrounding dashboard and interior trim with wood-like accents for Platinum grade.
RAV4 Adventure
The active lifestyle-inspired RAV4 Adventure will be available in front-wheel drive with an Automatic Limited-Slip Differential, or with Dynamic Torque Control all-wheel-drive.  Both versions feature a standard Tow Prep Package that includes an upgraded radiator and supplemental engine oil and transmission fluid coolers, as well as a suspension system with a higher ride height.  As with all RAV4 models, the Adventure grade will come standard with Trailer Sway Control (TSC), Hill-Start Assist Control (HAC), and TSS-P.  Exterior styling features exclusive to the RAV4 Adventure includes:
Large overfender flares 18-inch five-spoke black alloy wheels with 235/55R18 tires Lower body guards Black headlight bezels Black fog lamp surround, roof racks and Adventure badging The RAV4 Adventure will be available in five exterior colors including Black, Magnetic Gray Metallic, Silver Sky Metallic, Super White, and one new color for RAV4 models, Ruby Flare Pearl.
The sporty exterior features of the RAV4 Adventure are mated to exclusive interior features that include:
Unique interior trim panels Leather-wrapped shift knob 120V/100W power outlet in the cargo area Adventure door sill protectors All-weather mats floor and cargo mats with Adventure logo Additional features new for 2018 in select RAV4 models include optional heat/power fabric front row seats, heated steering wheel, and wiper de-icer as part of a new Cold Weather Package.
The 2018 RAV4 Adventure grade along with the Tundra and Sequoia TRD Sport grades will begin arriving in dealer showrooms in September.

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