William Maley

Even though it has only been on sale for a year and a half, the Ford Mustang has garnered a huge following in Australia. Last month, Ford moved 1,351 Mustangs in the country - a massive 372 percent increase from last May. Year-to-date sales stand at 3,772 models, an increase of 78 percent. This puts the Mustang as Ford's second best-selling model behind the Ranger - 4,069 units sold last month. While the sales numbers are impressive, it also makes Australia the second-largest market for the Mustang. “We’ve worked incredibly hard to secure more Mustangs for those who want to realize their dream, and we’ve achieved that for 1351 customers in May,” said Ford Australia sales director Greg Davidson to Wheels. “It’s far exceeded our expectations, and we have Australian enthusiast and sports car lovers to thank for this.” Ford has increased the number of Mustangs being sent to Australia to help keep up with the huge stack of orders being placed by customers. Source: Wheels View full article

Not wanting to be left in dust, Kia has released some sketches of their upcoming subcompact crossover called the Stonic. No, we're not sure how to pronounce it. But Kia explains the name comes from combining "‘Speedy’ and ‘Tonic’, which refers to the first and last note in the musical scale." Let's move on to the crossover itself. It is clear that Kia is pulling from the Nissan Juke and Toyota C-HR design playbook as the Stonic. The concept sketches show a low roofline, angled headlights, and a tailgate design from the Sportage. The interior is mostly the same as the upcoming Rio subcompact with the floating infotainment screen and control layout. Kia isn't spilling any details on the Stonic's powertrain, but we're guessing a four-cylinder of some kind with the option of front or all-wheel drive. The Stonic will debut later this year at the Frankfurt Motor Show, with sales following sometime after. Source: Kia Press Release is on Page 2 Kia introduces the Stonic: an eye-catching and confident compact crossover Kia’s new B-segment crossover will be named ‘Stonic’. An eye-catching and confident compact crossover with true European design flair, the Stonic is inspired by the form and function of larger Kia SUVs. The name ‘Stonic’ combines ‘Speedy’ and ‘Tonic’, which refers to the first and last note in the musical scale. Thus, ‘Stonic’ suggests that the vehicle is agile and offers something new and fresh in the compact SUV segment. A sweeping roofline and uniquely designed roof rack add a sporty look to the vehicle. The unique tail lamp graphics amplify Stonic’s young and futuristic appearance. The car blends sharp horizontal feature lines with softer sculpted surfaces, and brings compact dimensions and a low centre of gravity to the class. The European-designed cabin echoes the appearance of the exterior, with straight lines, smooth surfaces and geometric design forms. The Stonic’s interior places technology and ergonomics at its heart, with smart packaging maximising space for all occupants, and a ‘floating’ HMI (human-machine interface) seamlessly blending smartphone access with the car’s many functions. On sale in the second half of 2017, the Stonic will be the most customisable Kia ever, inside and out. View full article

If you are one of the lucky people to order their Tesla Model 3 first, you'll be somewhat disappointed in the number of options available. At Tesla's annual shareholder meeting, CEO Elon Musk said buyers of the first Model 3s will only have two configuration options; colors and wheels. This is an effort to help ramp production of the Model 3 quickly. "You just need to decide what color you want and what size wheels, at least for the initial production," said Musk. Musk went on to say there would be more options for the Model 3, but didn't give a timeframe as to when they would arrive. Also, the Model 3 would only be rear-wheel drive for the time being. An all-wheel drive option will arrive next year. Source: Reuters View full article

As if the Volkswagen Group hasn't had enough bad news, there are new accusations of cheating involving Porsche. German weekly Wirtschaftswoche reports the German transport authority KBA is investigating Porsche for possibly using a piece of illegal software to cheat emission tests. The software in question detects movements in the steering wheel and will turn the emissions control off if the steering wheel is turned 15 degrees or more. This is the same software Audi was accused of using in certain models last year. "We can confirm for all Porsche models: We are not using steering movements for the sake of detecting a test bench driving cycle and reacting to it," Porsche said in an email to Reuters. Source: Wirtschaftswoche, Reuters View full article

There could be some competition for the Chrysler Pacifica Plug-In Hybrid. Speaking with Wards Auto, Honda's lead r&d engineer Tom Sladek hinted that Odyssey minivan could be getting a hybrid powertrain. “The electrification initiative is definitely coming, but on which products and which timing is not 100% clear yet,” said Sladek. “We just released the hybrid (Acura) MDX so that powertrain could be considered in the future, although we can’t comment on particular plans.” That line gives us some idea that Honda is looking at possibly using this powertrain in other vehicles. Why the Odyssey? The main reason is that both vehicles utilize the same platform - known as 2SL according to Wards. The MDX Sport Hybrid uses a 3.0L V6 and three electric motors (one in the transmission and two for the rear wheels) to produce a combined output of 321 horsepower. While the MDX emphasizes performance with its hybrid powertrain, the Odyssey will likely focus more on fuel economy. Honda has set a goal of having two-thirds of its global sales to be electrified by 2030. Source: Wards Auto View full article

Towards the end of Obama presidency, the administration unveiled guidelines for testing and deployment of self-driving cars in the US. But there is a new presidency in the White House and that means things will be changing - although details are scarce as to how. U.S. Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao said in Detroit yesterday the Department of Transportation would revisit and revise the guidelines put forth by the previous administration within the next few months. "The pressure is mounting for the federal government to do something" about autonomous vehicles, said Chao. "We don't want rules that impede future technological advances." Chao didn't go into details about the changes that would be made or how it would differ from those made under the Obama presidency. The current guidelines introduced last fall includes a 15-point assessment that automakers would use to determine whether an autonomous vehicle was ready to go on the road or not. The assessment includes such items as privacy and validation methods. Automakers have voiced concerns on the guidelines, saying it would delay the testing by months and requires them to hand over data. Source: Reuters View full article

We know a fair amount about the upcoming Buick Regal GS such as what it might look like and a possible powertrain. Thanks a spy photographer, we have got our first look at what is in store for the U.S. The most apparent item that the photos reveal is that the U.S. version of the Regal GS will mostly mimic the one China. Both models feature the aggressive front end with narrow headlights, revised waterfall grille, and large vents in the bumper. The U.S.-spec GS differs from the Chinese one as it will only come in the sportback variant - China gets the sedan. Another key difference is the wheels. Whereas the Chinese-market looks to be sporting some five-spoke wheels with a dark finish, the U.S. model gets one with split spokes. There are still a couple of details up in the air. First is how much power the 3.6L V6 will produce. Some outlets believe it will boast 335 horsepower like in the Camaro, though our hunch is around 306 since the Holden Commodore will be using the same engine. Second is when Buick will reveal it. We think it might be later this year as a 2018 or 2019 model. Source: Autoblog, Left Lane News View full article

Buick is rolling out some big changes for the 2018 LaCrosse, including a new eAssist mild hybrid system. The eAssist system is said to be smaller and powerful than the previous system used in the last-generation LaCrosse and Regal eAssist models. A 2.5L four-cylinder is paired with a small electric motor and a 0.45-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery pack that work together to improve acceleration and bump fuel economy - Buick says the system improves city fuel economy by 19 percent when compared to the 3.6L V6. The eAssist powertrain will become the LaCrosse's base powertrain and will lower the price to $30,490 (no mention if this includes destination or not). As for the 3.6L V6, it will get a new nine-speed automatic for 2018. Buick will also expand the availability of all-wheel drive to the Essence trim. Source: Buick Press Release is on Page 2 Light Electrification Leads 2018 Buick LaCrosse Updates Buick’s technology flagship just got more sophisticated DETROIT — The Buick LaCrosse expands its technological credentials by adding eAssist light electrification for the 2018 model. The combination of an electric motor with Buick’s latest 2.5L four-cylinder engine delivers quiet, refined and spirited efficient performance backed by the value and customer experience expected of Buick. This new eAssist system, when coupled with the four-cylinder engine, has a 19 percent increase in city fuel economy compared to the LaCrosse’s advanced V-6 and leverages a compact lithium-ion battery pack to provide select benefits found in fully electric vehicles, such as torque-assisted launch, energy-saving regenerative braking and exceptionally smooth stop/start. It will be the standard powertrain for the 2018 LaCrosse, which goes on sale this fall. “Executing innovative technologies in an approachable and meaningful way is core to Buick,” said Duncan Aldred, vice president, Global Buick and GMC. “By adding the eAssist system to the LaCrosse, our technology flagship, we are making electrification accessible to our customers as we chart our course to the future of mobility." Compared to previous Buick eAssist executions, this newest iteration is more sophisticated, powerful and compact. With its 9 percent increase in overall torque, drivers get the responsiveness expected from a full-size sedan. In addition, the newest eAssist system is discreetly packaged to maintain the LaCrosse’s fold-down rear seat and ample trunk space. The new standard 2.5L four-cylinder with eAssist is the perfect complement to the powerful V-6 that launched on the 2017 LaCrosse last September. With the introduction of this new standard powertrain, the 2018 LaCrosse starting price will be lowered to $30,490. The 3.6L V-6 will be an available option on select trims. Other notable updates to the 2018 Buick LaCrosse include expanded availability of AWD and an all-new nine-speed automatic transmission for V-6 models that will provide customers with a smooth and refined shifting experience. By this time next year, five Buick models will offer this advanced transmission. In response to customer demand, Buick’s intelligent AWD with active twin clutch is now available on the Essence trim level. In addition, the 2018 LaCrosse will have three new exterior color options: Satin Steel Metallic, Dark Slate Metallic and Red Quartz Tintcoat. About eAssist Buick’s eAssist propulsion system combines a compact electric motor and an advanced 24-cell air-cooled 0.45kWh lithium-ion battery pack with the 2.5L four-cylinder gas engine to enhance efficiency and maintain refined performance through: Motor Generator Unit (MGU): Replaces the traditional alternator and acts as an electric motor to assist the engine when needed. It also acts as an electric generator providing the energy stored in the lithium-ion battery pack. Electric Assist: The MGU’s electric motor function provides a power boost for an extremely smooth launch from the Auto-Stop mode. It funnels additional torque to the engine when needed to optimize overall driving performance and efficiency. Regenerative Braking: When braking or coasting, some of the energy normally lost is converted to electricity through the MGU and stored in the lithium-ion battery pack. Lithium-Ion Battery Pack: The 86V lithium-ion battery pack, which has been repackaged to be more compact, stores energy captured during regenerative braking. This energy powers the electrical system when the vehicle is in Auto-Stop mode. It also powers the MGU to provide a smooth launch from Auto-Stop mode or additional torque to the engine as needed. Seamless Stop/Start Technology: Contributes to added fuel savings3 by seamlessly turning off the engine when in Auto-Stop mode (e.g., at a stoplight or in heavy traffic) and restarting when the foot lifts off the brake pedal or presses the accelerator. Aero Improvement: Upper and lower active aero shutters in the front fascia close under certain driving conditions to help maximize aerodynamics and contribute to improved fuel economy. View full article