William Maley

For the past year or so, Bentley executives have faced a tough decision; do they do a smaller SUV or a sports car? Speaking with Autocar, Bentley boss Wolfgang Durheimer said they had made the choice to do the sports car, albeit one with an electric powertrain. “What I can say is that a small SUV is no longer on the scheme. We’re favouring a car with a full electric powertrain,” said Durheimer. “We intend to be the leader in electrification in the luxury segment. We see that it fits into the Bentley scheme – low rev torque with seamless acceleration.” Bentley previewed this idea earlier this year with the EXP12 Speed 6e concept that featured two electric motors and ability to use inductive charging. The production model is expected to be slightly larger and use the platform that will underpin the upcoming Porsche Mission E. Source: Autocar View full article

Automakers have been trying different technologies and ideas in an effort to boost fuel economy and reduce emissions. On paper, the new technologies do make a difference. But in the real world, it is a completely different matter. Emissions Analytics, an independent U.K.-based company has been investigating what technologies actually make a difference in reducing emissions and fuel consumption. For the past four years, the company has tested over 500 vehicles in the U.S. since 2013 in real-world driving situations. Globally, it has tested over 1,000 vehicles. Next month, the company will be releasing a study showing which of those technologies help and hurt. "You can only decide if you have the right information. The EPA sticker is — I would say — good up to a point, but we can give a lot more information," said Nick Molden, Emissions Analytics' founder and CEO. Their data shows that over four years of testing in the U.S., there is "no actual improvement in overall fuel economy and no decrease in CO2 emissions," despite new technologies and complex powertrains. EA's data also revealed that downsized turbo engines show huge discrepancies between the EPA's findings and the real world. In the lab, the engines aren't put under stress and can produce high fuel economy figures. But it is a different story out in the real world when the turbos are engaged to keep up with traffic and becomes less efficient than a non-turbocharged engine. "Downsizing is a good thing up to a point. You go past a certain inflection point and actually you can find that the real-world mpg will actually get worse if you go too small," said Molden. "As soon as you start going below 2 liters, that's where we start seeing the gaps open up between EPA sticker and real world." The study did deliver some good news for hybrids. EA found traditional hybrid vehicle provided high fuel economy figures and reduced emissions. Other technologies such as multispeed transmissions, adding lightness, and picking the right tires provide a meaningful impact. Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required) View full article

Yes, there is an XC40 coming. It will possibly debut later this month according to a news story that I'm reading as I type this. Autocar: Volvo XC40 Previewed in New Video

A few weeks ago, we reported that Volkswagen wasn't planning to bring the T-Roc over to the U.S. No reason was given, but we suspected price was a key reason. At the Frankfurt Motor Show, Volkswagen's director of development, Dr. Frank Welsch confirmed the T-Roc isn't coming. "Let's be very clear: The T-Roc will not go to the U.S. I don't believe it's too expensive, but it's because it's a very small car. They tell us people in the U.S. expect more size for that money. It is too small. We are going to have an SUV that is even smaller than a T-Roc [the T-Cross] and it will also not go to the U.S., but will go to South America. We have the new Polo and the T-Cross in Brazil, but for North America, this car is also too small," he told Autoblog. That doesn't mean Volkswagen isn't planning something smaller than the Tiguan for the U.S. Welsch explained the company is working on a new model for China that will launch late next year. The model will around the size of the Tiguan Limited and feature gas and plug-in hybrid powertrains. There is talk about this vehicle coming to the U.S. "We are checking the feasibility of a car which is right between T-Roc and Tiguan, and this could be interesting for America," Welsch said. "In the U.S., you have Tiguan long wheelbase, and the other [new] one is close to what we have here in Europe as the Tiguan SWB. It's a little bit smaller than that, about the size of the old Tiguan, but new and it's off the MQB. This is the idea behind it. In China, we will have this car next year, and we are thinking whether this could be a good idea for America and Russia." Source: Autoblog View full article

Lexus might not be the first choice when it comes to a compact luxury coupe. But when I drove the RC 350 F-Sport back in 2015, we found it to be a very capable coupe. Aside from the creamsicle paint color, the RC impressed me with distinctive styling, punchy V6, and sharp handling. Two years later, I find myself revisiting the RC - this time with the base 2.0L turbo-four engine. As I would find out during our week, there is a lot to like about the standard RC. But there is one glaring issue that would make me look at a competitor. The standard RC’s design somehow balances a handsome shape with extroverted details. The front features the widest version of the spindle grille, slits in the front bumper, and LED lighting under the headlights. Bulging fenders and rounded roofline make the RC stand out from the crowd. There are only two things I would change about this RC. First is the color. The silver paint on our tester makes the RC a bit dull to look at. Something more vibrant such as a red would really help out. We would also swap the 5-spoke, 18-inch wheels for the wheels found on the F-Sport package. The interior hasn’t changed since we last drove the RC and that’s both a good and bad thing. The good is that the RC still has the IS’ dash design which makes the vehicle’s sporting intentions clear. It is easy to find a comfortable position in the front seats thanks to the power adjustments on offer. The bad? It begins with the infotainment system. A 7-inch screen is nestled far back in the dash, making it hard to read at a quick glance. I wished Lexus had upgraded the screen to the 10.2-inch version found in the refreshed IS. The optional Remote Touch system is a bit frustrating to use as you have be very precise when making your selection. One slip of the finger and you’ll end up with a different selection. Don’t expect to carry passengers in the RC’s backseat as leg room is non-existent. It's better to use it as a place for cargo. What is that glaring issue I mentioned at the beginning? That would be the turbo 2.0L. It produces 241 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. Power delivery can best be described as the engine delivers enough oomph to move the vehicle from a stop, before falling off a cliff. There isn’t that rush of power throughout the rpm band that you would have in another model such as the Cadillac ATS 2.0T. On the upside, the 2.0L turbo in the RC didn’t have the horrendous turbo lag that I experienced in the IS 200t last year. The eight-speed automatic that comes standard on rear-drive models delivers smooth gear changes. I did find myself wishing the gear changes were somewhat quicker when the RC is put into the Sport mode via the drive selector. The standard RC fits the definition of a ‘Gran Tourer’. It may not handle as well as the RC 350 F-Sport in the bends - there is little bit more body roll and the steering isn’t as direct. But most people who drive it will be ok with that as it is ‘just right’. On rough roads, the RC 200t excels as bumps are smoothed over. Wind noise is mostly nonexistent, while there is a fair amount of road noise coming inside. The 2017 RC 200t begins at $40,155. With a modest amount of options such as navigation, blind spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control, the as-tested price came to $45,234. The RC 200t is mostly show and not much go. For some folks, that’s all they want. A coupe that stands out in and tells the world to look at me. For others, save up a bit more money and go for the 350. The added performance of the V6 gives the coupe the go it deserves. Disclaimer: Lexus Provided the RC 200t, Insurance, and One Tank of Gas Year: 2017 Make: Lexus Model: RC Trim: 200t Engine: Turbo 2.0L DOHC 16-valve with Dual VVT-i Driveline: Eight-Speed Automatic, Rear-Wheel Drive Horsepower @ RPM: 241 @ 5,800 Torque @ RPM: 258 @ 1,650-4,400 Fuel Economy: City/Highway/Combined - 22/32/26 Curb Weight: 3,737 lbs Location of Manufacture: Tahara, Aichi, Japan Base Price: $40,155 As Tested Price: $45,234 (Includes $975.00 Destination Charge) Options: Navigation System - $1,470.00 Premium Package - $1,240.00 Dynamic Radar Cruise Control w/Pre-Collison - $500.00 Illuminated Door Sills - $449.00 Windshield Deicer and Headlamp Cleaner - $220.00 Door Edge Guards - $115.00 All-Weather Floormats - $110.00 View full article

Toyota's European division wants to show there is another side to hybrid vehicles than fuel economy. Speaking with Automotive News Europe, Toyota Europe boss Johan van Zyl says they are planning to launch a lineup of hybrid vehicles that will boast more performance and be fun to drive. “One will provide the traditional benefits of efficiency and fuel economy, like in the current offer. The second will build on this, adding more power and a more dynamic driving character,” said van Zyl. Toyota previewed this with the C-HR Hy-Power concept this week at the Frankfurt Motor Show. The concept features a gloss black finish on various trim pieces, ‘Burning Orange’ finish on the front pillars, and the interior finished in black and orange. Oddly, Toyota doesn't provide any figures on the “higher powered” hybrid powertrain used in this concept. More details on the high-performance hybrids will be revealed 'early next-year' van Zyl explained. Hybrids currently make up 40 percent of Toyota's sales in Europe, with Western Europe being close to 50 percent. Source: Automotive News Europe (Subscription Required) View full article

The current Nissan Frontier has been with us for over a decade and not much has changed with it. It has put Nissan well behind the pack of newer models from GM, Honda, and Toyota. Back in April, Nissan's North America vice president Christian Meunier the Frontier has future, hinting to us that a new model is on the horizon. Car and Driver reports that Nissan has officially announced that a new Frontier is coming and will be built at the company's Canton, Mississippi plant - currently home to the current model. Nissan also said that the arrival of the new Frontier is more than a year away. Not much more information was given on the next Frontier. A previous rumor had Nissan using the Navara pickup sold elsewhere in the world. But as we reported back in April, Meunier put a stop to this idea. He explained that the Navara was more of lifestyle vehicle, like a Honda Ridgeline. The next Frontier would be a true truck. Though we're wondering if Nissan's North America office has ever driven the Navara as reviews have it being as capable and riding as well as the Frontier. Source: Car and Driver View full article

If you were hoping that Kia would bring over the Stonic crossover as an alternative to the upcoming Hyundai Kona, we have some bad news. A Kia representative told Autoblog there are no current plans for selling the Stonic in the U.S. This is a bit surprising as the U.S. has gone crossover crazy and automakers are beginning to fill out their lineups with models of varying sizes. Autoblog throws out the suggestion that the Stonic could cannibalize the sales of the Soul and upcoming Rio (which the Stonic is based on). We would also throw in the Niro crossover as it's about the same size as the Stonic (both are considered subcompacts). But there might be another reason. Kia may be watching closely how its sister brand, Hyundai does with Kona. If sales are ok in the U.S., then Kia might make plans to sell the Stonic. Note, we're only guessing this might happen because of 'current' appearing in the representative's answer. Source: Autoblog View full article

It was only a few weeks ago when Porsche introduced the third-generation Cayenne. We knew there would more powertrains coming down the road. So we were a bit surprised that at the Frankfurt Motor Show, Porsche unveiled the high-performance Cayenne Turbo. Under the hood is the same engine you'll find in the Panamera Turbo; a twin-turbo 4.0L V8 offering up 550 horsepower and 567 pound-feet of torque. This comes paired with an eight-speed automatic and all-wheel drive. Porsche quotes a 0-60 mph time of 3.9 seconds (3.7 seconds if you add the Sport Chrono package). Top speed stands at 177 mph. The chassis features a three-chamber air suspension system, Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control roll stabilization (with a 48-Volt electrical system), and rear-wheel steering. Outside, the Cayenne Turbo bares its aggression with larger air inlets, 21-inch alloy wheels wrapped in meaty tires, and a set of quad exhaust tips. The 2019 Cayenne Turbo will set you back $125,650 with destination. Porsche dealers will begin taking orders later this year, with deliveries taking place next fall. Source: Porsche Press Release is on Page 2 The new 2019 Porsche Cayenne Turbo New top model in the Cayenne line with 550 hp, active aerodynamics and high performance brakes 4.0L twin-turbo V8 makes 550 hp, 567 lb-ft of torque Quicker and faster than previous generation Cayenne Turbo S Zero to 60 mph in 3.7 seconds (with optional Sport Chrono Package) Top track speed of 177 mph Significantly enhanced standard equipment over previous Cayenne Turbo MSRP of $124,600 excluding processing and delivery fee of $1,050 Expected to arrive at dealerships in Fall 2018 Atlanta, Georgia. The 2019 Porsche Cayenne Turbo took its place at the top of the model line at the 67th Frankfurt International Motor Show. The new model from the third-generation Cayenne range is once again raising the bar for sporty performance in the segment. Its twin-turbo four-liter V8 engine delivers 550 hp. The combination of innovations including a three-chamber air suspension, staggered tire sizes and new high-performance Porsche Surface Coated Brake (PSCB) technology result in improved driving dynamics. With additional options, such as rear-axle steering and electric roll stabilization with a 48-volt system, the SUV achieves the driving characteristics of a sports car. The new Cayenne Turbo accelerates from zero to 60 mph in as little as 3.7 seconds when equipped with the optional Sport Chrono Package toward a top track speed of 177 mph, representing gains over the previous-generation Cayenne Turbo S. With an exclusive front end and the LED main headlights of the Porsche Dynamic Light System (PDLS), the Cayenne Turbo has a dominant appearance. At night, the new Turbo sets itself apart from other Cayenne models with its double-row front light modules. Widened wheel arches with painted trim and special 21-inch wheels reserved for the Cayenne Turbo characterize the side view. Turbo-specific twin tailpipes distinguish this model from its six-cylinder siblings. Interior design elements including the center-mounted grab handles continue in the third-generation Cayenne Turbo. Like other members of the new Cayenne family the newest model features the Porsche Advanced Cockpit, which includes a high-definition 12.3-inch screen in the dashboard and an analog tachometer flanked by two seven-inch full-HD screens. Virtually all of the vehicle functions can be displayed and operated using the high-resolution display and touchscreen of the Porsche Advanced Cockpit. Among them, for example, is the standard 710-watt BOSE® Surround Sound System. Other equipment newly included by default in the latest Cayenne Turbo includes 18-way sport seats, seatbacks with integrated headrests, and standard heating functions for all outboard seats as well as the steering wheel. Greater power, greater torque: twin-turbo V8 with 550 hp At the heart of the Cayenne Turbo is the twin-turbo four-liter V8 with 550 hp and 567 lb-ft of peak torque (increases of 30 hp and 14 lb-ft versus the previous Cayenne Turbo). Standard Porsche Traction Management (PTM) all-wheel drive works with the new eight-speed Tiptronic S automatic transmission to improve acceleration, speed, and highway cruising comfort. The new Cayenne Turbo exceeds the previous Cayenne Turbo S in many areas. For example, it sprints to 60 mph in 3.9 seconds (or 3.7 seconds when equipped with the optional Sport Chrono Package, 0.1 second quicker than the previous Cayenne Turbo S) and boasts a higher top track speed of 177 mph. The turbochargers are arranged inside the cylinder V, in a "central turbo layout." The shortened exhaust paths between the combustion chambers and the turbochargers improve engine responsiveness and power delivery. This setup also creates a more compact package that is advantageous because it allows for a lower engine installation that helps to lower the center of gravity for improved handling characteristics. Active chassis with three-chamber air suspension and staggered tires The new lightweight chassis of the Cayenne Turbo helps improve driving dynamics versus its predecessor. In particular, the combination of a new three-chamber air suspension with the Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) active shock-absorbers extends the range considerably. By using three air chambers per spring strut, the chassis is able to map a wider range of spring rates than the previous system could, allowing for improvements in both comfort- and performance-focused settings. With six selectable height levels, the ground clearance can be manually adjusted to suit the off-road terrain. These are also actively controlled via five new driving programs for on- and off-road use. The default setting is the on-road program. Four other modes activate the conditioning for mild off-road terrain: Mud, Gravel, Sand, or Rocks. The drive mode, chassis settings, and differential locks can be selected to adapt to the relevant setting. Complemented by optional rear-axle steering, electric Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control (PDCC) roll stabilization connected to a 48-volt vehicle electrical system and Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus (PTV+), the new Cayenne Turbo achieves impressive driving dynamics. Sports car performance is an even greater emphasis in the new Cayenne than past models. Accordingly, the front and rear wheel sizes are staggered to measure 285/40 at the front and 315/35 at the rear. This produces even greater longitudinal and lateral power application for agile handing. New Cayenne Turbo gets active aero and Porsche Surface Coated Brakes The new Cayenne Turbo integrates an adaptive roof spoiler as a component of its active aerodynamics. Depending on the position, this optimizes efficiency, increases downforce on the rear axle, or shortens braking distances from higher speeds in the airbrake position. At full braking from 155 mph, the Cayenne Turbo comes to a stop up to 79 inches earlier as a result. The aerodynamic system therefore complements the effect of the new high-performance Porsche Surface Coated Brake (PSCB) which is included as standard with the Cayenne Turbo. The tungsten carbide layer applied to the cast-iron discs increases braking performance and wear resistance while reducing the amount of brake dust at the same time, meaning less dirt on the rims. The Porsche Ceramic Composite Brake system (PCCB) is still available as the top-performing option. The new 2019 Cayenne Turbo will be available for ordering in the U.S. market in December, 2017 with arrival at dealers in Fall 2018. MSRP is $124,600 excluding $1,050 for delivery, and processing. View full article