William Maley

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) View full article

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 View full article

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. View full article

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 View full article

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) View full article

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 View full article

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 View full article

Yes I don't know, but I'm assuming it would cost more Volkswagen to do this than repair the diesels. They are trying to get EPA approval on fixes. We know they got the go-ahead on repairing the latest-generation of the diesel engines involved in the scandal. The concern is what will happen to the older ones. Volkswagen is trying to figure out a fix that will hopefully get approved. Otherwise, they will get crushed (and cause more pollution and waste ironically). Nope I don't believe they can at the moment because of the deal reached with the EPA. But I'll need to check.

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 View full article