William Maley

It seems the EPA has had its eye on Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and their EcoDiesel V6 for quite a while. Jalopnik and Reuters obtained emails from the EPA via the Freedom of Information Act that revealed the government agency had suspicions about possible cheating at FCA back in November 2015 - almost two months after the EPA announced Volkswagen's cheating with its diesel engines. In an email sent on January 7, 2016 to Vaughn Burns, FCA North America’s head of vehicle emissions, certification, and compliance, director of the EPA's Transportation and Air Quality compliance division Bryon Bunker expressed concerns about FCA's slow response to explaining why their EcoDiesel engine was producing excess nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions. “I am very concerned about the unacceptably slow pace of the efforts to understand the high NOx emissions we have observed from several [redacted] vehicles with the [redacted],” said Bunker in his email. Bunker also noted at meeting with FCA back on November 25, 2015 that at one of the auxiliary emission control devices used possibly violated EPA regulations. A few days later, FCA’s head of vehicle safety and regulatory compliance, Mike Dahl sent an email to Christopher Grundler, director of the EPA’s office of transportation and air quality saying that he wanted to discuss the issues brought up by the EPA. Dahl noted that the company was hard at work investigating the issue. There is also this tidbit from Dahl's email. The emails between the EPA and FCA go back and forth throughout 2016 talking about the possible violations and additional testing. Jalopnik notes that the EPA was planning to make an announcement in December, but it is unclear whether it was to deal with the violation. Source: Jalopnik, Reuters View full article

So cold. I would put some of Hyundai and Kia product being much better than some other marginal goods (looking at Nissan, certain Volkswagens..)

Hyundai has been busy teasing their N Performance brand for Europe with the upcoming i30 N (Elantra GT to us). But soon, they will begin to do the same for the U.S. Speaking with various outlets this week in South Korea, head of N Albert Biermann said the U.S. would get their first taste of an N product next year. For a time, we thought that it would be Elantra GT. But it seems Hyundai has another product in mind. While Hyundai and Biermann aren't saying what it could be, everyone thinks it will be the next-generation Veloster. Evidence for this comes from various spy shots from the past few months that show heavily camouflaged Velosters with various tweaks such as larger brakes and exhausts pushed out to the edges of the bumper. We know the i30 N will utilize a turbocharged 2.0L four-cylinder producing at least 250 horsepower and we would not be shocked if the Veloster N gets this engine as well. Stay tuned. Source: Autoblog, Motor Trend View full article

Cadillac has said that elements of the Escala concept that was shown last year would be showing up on future models. Thanks to a spy photographer, we have our first look at what elements will be popping up. A camouflaged CT6 mule was caught driving out on some European roads and we can make out some key details. For one, the grille and badge seem to match up with the Escala concept. We can't say for certain as the grille outline is covered up. It appears the headlights are more horizontal and smaller than the ones found on the current CT6. Expect to see the updated CT6 next year as a 2019 model. Source: Autoblog, Motor Authority View full article

When Ford unveiled the updated 2018 F-150 back in January, they had announced new and updated engines. But they only spilled the performance figures on one, a 3.3L V6 producing 290 horsepower and 265 pound-feet of torque. Today, the blue oval reveal performance details on a couple more engines. The 2.7L EcoBoost V6 remains at 325 horsepower, but torque is up 25 pound-feet to 400. Part of the increase comes from the 2.7 getting port injection. The 5.0L V8 sees increases of 10 horsepower and 13 pound-feet for power figures of 395 and 400 respectively. It gets port injection and spray-in bore liners that is used in the Mustang GT350. Both engines will come paired with a new 10-speed automatic. Ford is still keeping quiet on power figures for the upcoming 3.0L PowerStroke turbodiesel V6. We'll likely learn about that sometime next spring. Ford also detailed the power figures for the upcoming 2018 Expedition. As we suspected back in February, the 3.5L EcoBoost V6 will produce 375 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque. If you go for the top-line Platinum, power increases to 400 and 480 respectively. Source: Ford View full article

Last month, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles announced that it had submitted certification paperwork for the 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee and Ram 1500 EcoDiesel. The 2017 models come with new software that should hopefully get the approval of the EPA and be installed on older models. But at a court hearing yesterday, the brakes were put on FCA's hopes of a quick approval. Leigh Rende, a Justice Department lawyer, said at a hearing in San Francisco federal court hearing "there is uncertainty" about whether the fix will be approved by the EPA. "It could be weeks or months away. This is really a technical decision," said Rende. FCA's lawyer Robert Giuffra told the court the company is optimistic that regulators will approve the proposed fix for the 2017 models, which in turn would be installed on 2014 to 2016 EcoDiesel models. As we reported last month, the Justice Department sued FCA for using “defeat device” on 104,000 Jeep Grand Cherokee and Ram 1500 EcoDiesel models built between 2014 to 2016. Source: Reuters View full article

Honda has announced pricing for the maddest Civic to date. The 2017 Civic Type R will set you back $34,775 (includes $875.00 destination charge). This confirms the price we saw on a window sticker last month . Honda will only be selling the Type R in the high-spec Touring trim. This will net you LED lighting, 12-speaker audio system, 7-inch touchscreen with HondaLink, navigation, keyless entry, and push-button start. A turbocharged 2.0L four-cylinder produces 306 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. This comes paired solely with a six-speed manual. Other performance tweaks for the Type R includes an aero package, revised suspension with adaptive dampers, Brembo brakes, and high-performance tires. The Type R is now available at Honda dealers. Source: Honda Press Release is on Page 2 First-Ever Civic Type R for America Goes On Sale Tomorrow Jun 13, 2017 - TORRANCE, Calif. 306-horsepower Civic Type R is most powerful production Honda ever sold in the U.S. World's fastest production front-wheel-drive car at the Nürburgring Civic Type R capstones Honda's epic 10th generation Civic lineup The all-new 2017 Honda Civic Type R – the ultimate performance variant of America's best-selling car1 and the first-ever Type R-badged Honda sold in the U.S. – goes on sale starting tomorrow in one comprehensively-equipped Touring trim with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP)2 of $33,900. The most powerful production Honda ever sold in America, the track-ready 2017 Civic Type R embodies Honda's racing spirit, making 306 horsepower (SAE net) at 6,500 rpm and 295 lb.-ft. of torque (SAE net) from 2,500-4500 rpm from its 2.0-liter DOHC direct-injected and turbocharged i-VTEC® engine. A pre-production version of the new Type R claimed the title of world's fastest production front-wheel-drive (FWD) car on April 7, 2017, setting a record lap time of 7 minutes 43.80 seconds on Germany's legendary Nürburgring Nordschleife (North Loop), more than three seconds faster than the previous FWD best. The Type R puts the power down through a short-throw 6-speed manual transmission with helical limited slip differential hooked up to 245/30ZR20 Continental SportContact 6 high-performance tires on 20x8.5-inch black-finished aluminum wheels. Speed is scrubbed by 13.8-inch cross-drilled rotors clamped by 4-piston Brembo aluminum calipers in front and 12.0-inch rotors with single-piston calipers in the rear. The Type R chassis features a dual-axis strut front suspension and multi-link rear, front and rear anti-roll bars, Type-R exclusive springs, bushings and damper mountings and a newly designed Adaptive Damper System with the ability to continuously adjust damping force at all four corners using input from three on-board G sensors, four suspension stroke sensors and a steering angle sensor. The Adaptive Damper System, along with the dual-pinion variable-ratio electric power steering, drive-by-wire throttle, and brake system, are tied to the Type R's three selectable driving modes, with COMFORT, SPORT and +R settings, allowing the driver to dial up the Type R's reflexes depending on the driving environment. The throttle ECU also features driver-selectable automatic rev matching with two profiles, one for COMFORT and SPORT modes and one for +R mode, to assist drivers in making smooth downshifts without the need for heel & toe downshifting. Additional performance-enhancing Type-R exclusive features include a weight-saving all-aluminum hood (-11.7 lbs.) and the application of structural adhesives to the body for added structural rigidity, as well as a high-flow exhaust system with three center-mounted exhaust outlets, and a comprehensive aerodynamic package that delivers an exceptional balance of high-speed stability and low drag. 2017 Civic Type R Pricing and EPA Fuel Economy Ratings Trim MSRP1 EPA MPG Rating3(city/highway/combined) Civic Type R $33,900 22/28/25 Key Exterior and Interior Features The all-new 2017 Civic Type R offers a sporty and stylish exterior with advanced aerodynamics that immediately distinguishes the hatchback at a glance, while also providing a performance-focused interior with comfort, convenience and the latest in technology and connectivity features. Exterior Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure with crash stroke front frame design Acoustic windshield Unibody structural adhesive at key points Triple door sealing Security System with Remote Entry and Trunk Release Advanced Noise, Vibration and Harshness (NVH) countermeasures LED daytime running lights (DRL) LED headlights with auto on/off LED fog lights, turn signals, taillights, brake lights 2-speed intermittent windshield wipers Smart wipers Body-colored power side mirrors Body-colored door handles Capless fueling system Aerodynamics package with front splitter, side winglets, air-stabilizing vents, large rear wing, and roof-mounted vortex generators Interior 97.0 cubic feet of cabin space Class-leading 22.6-cubic foot cargo area with rear seats up 60/40 split and folding rear seat Soft-touch, one-piece instrument panel upper 7-inch Display Audio touchscreen with integrated HVAC controls 7-inch Driver Information Interface (DII) with selectable performance content Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™ compatibility 540-watt, 12-speaker stereo Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System™ Driver Information Interface with performance-oriented information displays Smart Entry and Push Button Start Hill Start Assist Walk Away Door Locking Electric Parking Brake In-Vehicle Connectivity Like the rest of the Civic family, the new Civic Type R significantly benefits from advanced in-vehicle connectivity and audio performance with a new generation of cutting-edge technologies. Type R standard features include a 7-inch capacitive touchscreen Display Audio interface with Android operating system, with a unique red graphic theme. Matching the aggressive spirit of the Type R is a standard 540-watt 12-speaker audio system. The system enables simplified smartphone connectivity with a single cable connection and is compatible with the Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™ platforms. Featuring standard Pandora® compatibility, streaming Bluetooth® audio and many other content choices, including SiriusXM®, the Civic Type R offers a rich selection of audio and connectivity choices. The Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System™ with Voice Recognition and Honda HD Digital Traffic is standard equipment on the Civic Type R. The Type R's red-illuminated meter cluster features a 7-inch Drivers Information Interface (DII) that includes a range of selectable real-time information designed to support performance driving. The system can display throttle and brake application in a graphic percentage format, turbocharger boost pressure, lap time (intended for use on closed circuits) and shift lights. A graphical G-meter provides a representation of acceleration, braking and cornering forces. Safety Performance The 2017 Civic Type R is equipped with numerous safety and driver-assistive features. Active safety features include Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®) with Traction Control, Advanced 4-Channel ABS, Electronic Brake Distribution (EDB), Brake Assist, LED daytime running lights, headlights and fog lights, a multi-angle rearview camera with guidelines, and an Indirect Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). Passive safety begins with advanced unibody engineering and construction, which includes the Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure and energy-dispersing crash stroke front frame rails are employed, and additional passive-safety features include advanced front airbags (i-SRS), front side airbags, and side curtain airbags with rollover sensor. View full article

I don't think BMW knows at this rate.

North America never got their hands on the first Jaguar XF Sportbrake, but the British automaker is making up for that with the debut of the second-generation XF Sportbrake. Introduced today in the United Kingdom, the XF Sportbrake shares a lot with the sedan in terms of design. Both have the same front end styling with narrow headlights and aggressive bumper. Where it differs is in the back as Jaguar extended the roofline and installed a tailgate that is somewhat similar to the one seen on the F-Pace crossover. The longer roofline also means more cargo space. Open the rear hatch and you're greeted with 31.7 cubic feet behind the rear seats. Fold them to expand the space to 69.7 cubic feet. Jaguar will only offer one engine for North America; a supercharged 3.0L V6 offering up 380 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque. This comes paired with an eight-speed automatic and all-wheel drive. Jaguar has made some changes to the XF Sportbrake's suspension. The back swaps the coil springs for a self-leveling rear air suspension to cope with heavy weight. Pricing for the 2018 XF Sportbrake begins at $71,445 (includes a $995.00 destination charge) and will arrive at dealers this winter. Source: Jaguar Press Release is on Page 2 Introducing the new Jaguar XF Sportbrake: grace, space and pace for the 21st century All-new body-style joins the Jaguar line-up this Winter as the first XF wagon to be offered in the United States by Jaguar Smart design delivers an aerodynamic efficiency of 0.29Cd 31.7-cu. ft. of loadspace expands to 69.7-cu. ft. with the 40:20:40 split folding second row seats lowered Self-leveling rear Integral-Link air suspension ensures an effortless ride even when carrying a load Convenience features such as an all-new available Gesture Controlled Blind for the panoramic sunroof enhance the practicality of the new wagon All-new optional Cabin Ionization system filters air and reduces pollutants entering the vehicle Powered by a 380HP supercharged V6 mated to a ZF® eight-speed automatic transmission Standard all-wheel drive offers added confidence in adverse conditions (1) Priced from $70,450 (2) (MAHWAH, N.J.) – June 14, 2017 - The new Jaguar XF Sportbrake returns Jaguar to the premium wagon segment with a compelling combination of design, driving dynamics and advanced technologies that make it a standout performer. Available user-friendly features and technologies make the Sportbrake the perfect companion for customers with active lifestyles. With a design that retains the distinctive curves of the sedan at the front, the new XF Sportbrake embodies key Jaguar design DNA and incorporates an eye-catching roofline, which sets it apart from competitors. Its sleek silhouette projects a dynamic and purposeful profile that previews the amount of space available inside. The interior provides spacious accommodation flooded with natural light from the full-length panoramic sunroof. Rear occupants benefit from enhanced knee room and improved headroom, while the practical layout creates more than 69 cu-ft of loadspace behind the first row. “As with the XF sedan, every line on the Sportbrake serves a clear purpose, creating a fast sweeping silhouette,” said Jaguar Director of Design, Ian Callum. “This gives the car a sense of speed and a very dynamic appearance. As a result, I think it looks just as sporty as the sedan, if not more so.” The new XF Sportbrake builds on the success of the sedan and has all of the advanced all-wheel drive (AWD) technologies1 and aluminum-intensive architectures that have made the Jaguar XF popular. The suspension set-up has been specially calibrated to reflect the demands placed on premium lifestyle wagons. The stiff and lightweight set-up gives the spacious wagon signature Jaguar dynamics – a sports car-inspired character with agile handling and dynamic responses. Self-leveling rear air suspension is fitted as standard to ensure the XF Sportbrake maintains its composure, even when fully loaded. The standard Adaptive Dynamics with Configurable Dynamics system enables drivers to fine-tune settings for the steering, transmission and throttle. Customers can also tune the suspension settings for an even more personalized driving experience1. Advanced software functions developed by Jaguar Land Rover, such as All Surface Progress Control (ASPC), Adaptive Surface Response (AdSR) and Intelligent Driveline Dynamics (IDD)4 put the vehicle’s traction in low-grip situations and cornering ability on the same level as the sedan. All-wheel drive and the Jaguar IDD system come as standard, helping to minimize understeer and electronic interventions that typically characterize dynamic driving in all-wheel drive models. As a result, the AWD XF Sportbrake retains trademark Jaguar rear-wheel drive feel and agile steering responses4. The XF Sportbrake features an aluminum-intensive body construction which delivers a lightweight design that is both stiffer and lighter than the previous generation XF wagon which was offered outside the United States. Featuring an innovative new single-piece polymer tailgate, the Sportbrake delivers a near perfect 50:50 front-to-rear weight distribution providing the foundations for its exceptional handling. Measuring 195.0-in in length, with a wheelbase of 116.5-in, rear legroom and load space has been optimized and contributes to the vehicle’s refined ride quality. The XF Sportbrake features the Jaguar 380HP supercharged V6 gasoline engine as standard. Paired with a ZF eight-speed automatic transmission and advanced all-wheel drive, this combination provides sports car performance; achieving 0-60mph times of just 5.3 seconds3. “The XF Sportbrake is the embodiment of everything our brand stands for, bringing together Jaguar design and dynamics to create vehicles that excite the senses and support active lifestyles,” said Steven de Ploey, Global Marketing Strategy and Planning Director, Jaguar. “It’s dynamic performance, desirable styling and cutting-edge technologies will introduce a new generation of drivers to Jaguar’s drive, passion and comfort.” The XF Sportbrake is the perfect choice for customers with active lifestyles and features a series of new optional convenience features that enhance the practicality of the premium wagon. These include a wearable Activity Key, which lets users secure their vehicle while enjoying outdoor sports or activities without fear of losing their main key fob. Drivers are also able to set the maximum opening height for the gesture tailgate to prevent damage in areas where height is restricted, such as multi-story parking lots and garages. Optional Cabin Air Filtration and Ionization prevents air pollutants from entering the vehicle and removes contaminants from the air, promoting health and wellness, while optional gesture controls for both the tailgate and the sunblind for the panoramic sunroof underline the brand’s commitment to customer convenience. A full suite of driver assistance features are available, bolstered by Jaguar Driver Condition Monitor which is designed to examine a range of inputs to detect signs of drowsiness and to warn drivers when they need to take a break4. The XF Sportbrake joins the existing XF sedan derivative manufactured at the Jaguar Land Rover Castle Bromwich Plant in the U.K. View full article