William Maley

Trying to figure out what is coming down the pipeline at Alfa Romeo is an exercise in frustration. It seems a month doesn't go by without something changing, whether it be a new model or plans being scrapped for another. Automotive News has done their best to figure out what's in and out for Alfa Romeo. Let's begin with what has been scrapped. First is the flagship sedan to take on the likes of the BMW 5-Series and Mercedes-Benz E-Class. This sedan would have used an extended version of the Giulia's RWD platform known as Giorgio. Second is a larger roadster that would have shared the platform and powertrains of the Giulia. The roadster being shelved is due to global sales of roadsters declining. So what's left in the pipeline? There is large crossover that will share the underpinnings with the upcoming Stelvio. This model is being primarily aimed for the Chinese and U.S. markets. The other is a Giulia coupe that will take on the BMW 4-Series. Expect a similar engine lineup to the sedan. No date was given for either model. One model still up in the air is the possible replacement for the Giulietta compact. Alfa Romeo is running the numbers to see whether it makes sense to go with rear-wheel drive with a shortened Giorgio platform or stick with front-wheel drive. Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required) View full article

Volkswagen has announced pricing and various details on the upcoming 2017 Golf Alltrack this week. The Golf Alltrack differs from the Golf SportWagen with 0.6-inch higher ride height, underbody guard for the front bumper, a larger gas tank (14.5-gallon for Alltrack vs. 13.2-gallon for Golf SportWagen), and 4Motion AWD as standard. Power comes from a turbocharged 1.8L four-cylinder with 170 horsepower and 199 pound-feet of torque. Fuel economy is rated at 22 City/30 Highway. Pricing begins at $26,670 for the Golf Alltrack S with the manual and $27,770 for the DSG (prices include an $820 destination charge). The S gets leatherette seats, heated front seats, cruise control, an eight-speaker audio system, and a 6.5-inch touchscreen with a backup camera. The Golf Alltrack SE starts at $30,250 with the manual or $31,350 with the DSG. SE models feature a panoramic sunroof, keyless entry with push-button start, and a Fender audio system. Wrapping up the Golf Alltrack lineup is the SEL which kicks off at $33,710 for the DSG. SEL models come with a 12-way power driver seat, dual-zone climate control, and navigation. S and SE models can be equipped with an optional Driver Assistance package that adds adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, parking steering assist, and rear park distance control for $845. SEL models get all of these features along with high beam control and bi-xenon headlights with adaptive front lighting for $1,995. The 2017 Golf Alltrack arrives at dealers in a few weeks. Source: Volkswagen Press Release is on Page 2 2017 GOLF ALLTRACK: VOLKSWAGEN’S STYLISH AND SOPHISTICATED WAGON IS READY FOR ADVENTURE Sep 11, 2016 MSRP ranges from $26,950 for the S model to $32,890 for the top-tier SEL trim 4Motion® all-wheel drive, Hill Descent Control, Alltrack-exclusive “Off Road Mode,” and increased ground clearance provide exceptional performance on a variety of road conditions Available advanced driver assistance systems include: Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) and Forward Collision Warning and Autonomous Emergency Braking (Front Assist), front and rear Park Distance Control (ParkPilot), Parking Steering Assistant (Park Assist), Lane Departure Warning system (Lane Assist), and High Beam Control (Light Assist) Golf platform offers the utility of a compact SUV—cargo volume, roof rack—without compromise in road manners High-tech features include a standard 6.5-inch touchscreen with rearview camera, Volkswagen Car-Net® App-Connect and an available Off-Road HMI section for the MIB infotainment platform Herndon, VA – The Golf Alltrack, the eagerly awaited derivative of the Golf SportWagen, marries that vehicle’s practicality and fun-to-drive nature with the capabilities of 4Motion® all-wheel drive and rugged exterior styling. The Alltrack offers an affordable yet upscale alternative to existing all-wheel-drive wagons that are on the market. The Alltrack uses Volkswagen’s powerful yet fuel-efficient 1.8-liter TSI® turbocharged and direct-injected four-cylinder engine, which makes 170 horsepower and 199 pound-feet of torque. The TSI engine will initially be offered with a six-speed DSG® dual-clutch automatic transmission, with a six-speed manual transmission available later in the model year. The latest generation 4Motion all-wheel-drive system features a fast-acting center differential. Golf Alltrack will be available in three trims—S, SE and SEL—and will be in dealer showrooms in October. Exterior The Golf SportWagen body shape is immediately evident in the Alltrack, but there is absolutely no mistaking the two. Despite the overall length and width remaining roughly the same at 180.2 inches and 70.8 inches, the overall height has been increased because ride height is elevated by 0.6 inches. This change in proportions helps to make for a bolder, more capable appearance without compromising the pillars of Volkswagen design DNA—tight, crisp lines and understated-yet-modern surfaces. From the front, the Alltrack’s rugged character becomes even more apparent, with a redesigned bumper and added underbody guard, a matte-aluminum low-profile radiator grille crossbar extending into the headlights, a lower silver crossbar that incorporates standard foglights and unique black honeycomb grilles. The Alltrack’s profile also provides differentiation from the SportWagen, with body cladding on the side sills and around the wheelarches that carries over to the lower areas of the redesigned bumpers. Unique accenting can also be seen in the silver roof rails, Reflex Silver side mirrors and lower window chrome molding. A panoramic sunroof is standard equipment on SE and SEL grades. Also obvious from the side are the standard 17-inch aluminum-alloy “Valley” wheels (18-inch “Canyon” on the SEL) and the impressive ground clearance of 6.9 inches. At the back, the Alltrack sports dark-red taillights and a new bumper that is highlighted by dominant silver underbody protection, matching the style of the side sills and incorporating chrome exhaust outlets on either side. “Alltrack” and “4Motion” badging also make it clear this is a distinctly different vehicle than its Golf brethren. In addition to the standard foglights and LED Daytime Running Lights (all trims) with automatic headlight activation (SE and SEL only), a Driver Assist & Lighting Package is available for the Alltrack SEL that adds automatic headlight adjustment and replaces the halogen headlights with Bi-Xenon units. Interior Inside, the Alltrack offers the same spacious 94.3 cubic feet of passenger volume as the SportWagen, as well as 30.4 cubic feet of cargo room behind the rear seats and 66.5 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. Headroom also remains the same at 38.6 inches, as does the front and rear shoulder room of 55.9 and 53.9 inches and front and rear legroom of 41.2 and 35.6 inches. Despite having the same measurements, there are some notable differences that make the Alltrack’s upscale cabin stand out. V-Tex leatherette seating surfaces—including a unique “Marrakesh” brown color option—are standard equipment across the line, along with heatable front seats. A 12-way power driver seat is standard on the SEL trim. The unique interior equipment of the Alltrack adds a black headliner, a 4Motion-branded chrome strip on the center console, stainless-steel door kickplates with the Alltrack logo, and custom aluminum-look pedals. In addition to the expansive interior space, driver controls are positioned to help optimize ergonomics and usability. The seat position, height of the shifter and the spacing between the pedals are fine-tuned for increased driver comfort. This driver-centric design focus is evident from the center stack, which is angled towards the driver, a feature frequently seen in premium luxury or performance vehicles. Ambient lighting further highlights this upscale character, as well as the use of premium materials throughout, such as the soft-touch plastics and leather-wrapped handbrake, shifter knob and multi-function steering wheel. An equal amount of attention has been paid to helping to optimize comfort and convenience throughout the lineup. The Alltrack comes equipped with a long list of modern comfort, convenience and entertainment features, including power windows, locks and mirrors, rearview camera, Bluetooth® technology and Volkswagen Car-Net® Security and Service. KESSY® keyless access with push-button start is standard equipment on SE and SEL trim levels, as is the Fender® Premium Audio System, while Climatronic® automatic dual-zone climate control is standard on SEL models. The Alltrack S is equipped with an eight-speaker audio system. As standard equipment across the Alltrack line, the MIB II infotainment system not only creates the foundation for the next generation of Volkswagen’s Car-Net connected vehicle services platform, but also offers one of the most comprehensive suites of connected vehicle services and features available in the automotive industry today. The Composition Media unit is standard in S and SE trims, while the Discover Media navigation unit is found in the SEL trim. Both MIB II units are anchored around a 6.5-inch, 800x480 capacitive color touchscreen display with proximity sensor. The Alltrack SEL also features the Discover Media unit, which upgrades the 6.5-inch touchscreen with 2.5D Navigation, one-shot voice destination entry, predicts possible destinations based on often used routes, and Destination Entry with Quick Search and Auto-complete, and Car-Net Guide & Inform. Compatible smartphone integration is a key part of this system, offering users the ability to run certain smartphone apps directly on the vehicle’s display through services like Apple CarPlay®, Android Auto™ and MirroLink®. Alltrack’s infotainment system also offers AUX-in, SD card and USB multimedia interfaces with Apple iPhone® and iPod® compatibility, as well as a rearview camera display and Bluetooth technology with audio streaming for compatible phones. Other features include the ability to sync two phones simultaneously, along with a JPEG viewer, SiriusXM® Satellite Radio, HD Radio and support for lossless audio file format (Free Lossless Audio Codec FLAC). Security & Service With the Car-Net Security & Service suite, owners can access their VW remotely through vw.com/carnet as well as a smartphone app, providing access to the features available from virtually anywhere your mobile device is connected to wireless internet. Available security related features include Automatic Crash Notification, which can automatically notify an operator who can contact first responders in the event of an collision; Manual Emergency Call, a feature that allows for quick access to customer specialists at the touch of a button; Roadside Assistance, for added peace-of-mind in the event of trouble on the road; and Stolen Vehicle Location Assistance, which uses VW Car-Net Security & Service to assist law enforcement with locating your vehicle in the event that it is stolen. In addition, Volkswagen Car-Net Security & Service offers layers of convenience, such as remote vehicle access, remote door lock and unlock, remote honk and flash (of lights), last parked location information, and remote status check (doors and windows). The Car-Net Security & Service also offers Family Guardian, a suite of features that help families. Features including speed alert, which can notify the owner of the vehicle when the preset maximum speed limit is exceeded; and boundary alert, which can alert you if the vehicle has traveled outside of a pre-set virtual boundary. Diagnostics and maintenance information is also available through VW Car-Net. A Vehicle Health Report allows Volkswagen customers to check to see an overview of vehicle diagnostics. When it’s time for scheduled service, Car-Net Security & Service can not only alert the customer, but also provide a simple way to schedule a dealer visit. It can even identify the closest dealer in case you need a recommendation. Customers purchasing new Volkswagen models equipped with Volkswagen Car-Net Security & Service connected vehicle services (not including App-Connect) will receive a no-charge trial for six months after purchase. To extend the benefits of this connectivity system, customers can choose from a number of Volkswagen Car-Net payment options: 1 year, for $199; 2 years for $378; 3 years for $540; or, month-to-month, for $17.99. Guide & Inform. Car-Net Guide & Inform offers an enhanced navigation and infotainment experience for Volkswagen customers. Volkswagen has incorporated technologies that enhance existing navigation offerings while adding an additional level of information that empowers owners. Satellite navigation is refined with Car-Net Guide & Inform, which incorporates several layers of information right onto the screen. MIB II-equipped Volkswagen models with in-vehicle navigation systems feature real-time fuel prices, sports scores, movie information and weather data as part of the three month SiriusXM Travel Link trial. Volkswagen customers will also enjoy real-time traffic information and a complimentary three-month SiriusXM Traffic trial. Customers purchasing new Volkswagen models equipped with Volkswagen Car-Net connected vehicle services (not including App-Connect) will receive a no-charge trial for six months after purchase. To extend the benefits of this connectivity system, customers can choose from a number of Volkswagen Car-Net payment options: 1 year, for $199; 2 years for $378; 3 years for $540; or, month-to-month, for $17.99. App-Connect can be used free-of-charge and is not included as part of the subscription-based services. Car-Net Guide & Inform services are provided by SiriusXM, and following the three-month trial period of SiriusXM Travel Link and SiriusXM Traffic, customers can contact SiriusXM at www.siriusxm.com to learn how to initiate paid subscriptions to these services. Powertrain The Alltrack shares its 1.8-liter TSI engine with other members of the seventh-generation Golf lineup. This four-cylinder gasoline unit is a member of the latest EA888 engine family, utilizing turbocharged induction and direct fuel injection to help achieve excellent efficiency while still delivering impressive power. Output is rated at 170 horsepower at 4500 rpm and a stout 199 pound-feet of torque beginning at just 1600 rpm. Across all grades, Alltrack is launching with a six-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic transmission. A six-speed manual transmission will be available early in 2017 on the S and SE trimlines. Regardless of transmission, power is routed to all four wheels via the 4Motion all-wheel-drive system. Also unique to Alltrack is a large 14.5-gallon fuel tank, which offers a greater range for adventure than SportWagen’s 13.2-gallon tank. The EPA-estimated fuel economy is 30 mpg highway and 22 mpg city. 4Motion all-wheel-drive system One of the Alltrack’s key features is the 4Motion permanent all-wheel-drive system. The latest-generation 4Motion system is activated before any wheelspin occurs, helping eliminate nearly all traction losses. The system achieves this by using an advanced control function based on specific driving conditions. When operating under a relatively low load or when coasting, the front wheels are driven and the rear wheels are decoupled, which can help save fuel. However, the rear wheels can be engaged in fractions of a second whenever necessary via the center differential, which is activated by an electro-hydraulic oil pump. A control unit continually calculates the ideal drive torque for the rear wheels and controls how much the multi-plate clutch should be closed by activating the oil pump. The oil pressure increases the contact pressure at the clutch plates in proportion to the torque desired at the rear axle. So, the amount of pressure applied to the clutch plates can be used to continuously vary the amount of torque going between the front and rear wheels, up to a maximum of 50 percent at the rear axle. In addition to the center differential that acts longitudinally, electronic differential locks (EDL) that are a function of the electronic stability control system act laterally. The system can briefly brake a wheel that is slipping, enabling uninterrupted and stable transfer of drive power to the wheel on the opposite side. Chassis As a member of the modern Golf lineup, Alltrack is built on the same MQB chassis architecture as the rest of the line. The unitary construction chassis has two solid-mounted subframes with bolt-on front fenders, and utilizes new technologies such as laser clamp welding, which produces “wobble seam” welds in a wave pattern to help maximize strength in a limited space, offering up to four times the strength of a traditional spot weld. The stamped steel body and chassis boasts a large percentage of high-strength, hot-formed steel. This technology, along with the use of newly developed ultra-high-strength steels, allows much of the chassis and body to be constructed from thinner and lighter parts without any loss in strength. Additionally, thanks to the use of selective thickness for parts, a single component can be tailor-rolled to have as many as 11 zones of varying thicknesses. Thanks to the extensive use of modern construction techniques and high- and ultra-high strength steels, Alltrack’s chassis manages to remain lightweight despite its upscale features and enhanced crash structure. Throughout the car, incredible attention to detail has optimized components—such as the seats, air conditioning system, and even the electrical architecture—to help save weight. The Alltrack has its own, unique suspension tuning, with a ride height that is raised by 0.6 inches. Up front, a strut layout uses coil springs, telescopic dampers, and an anti-roll bar, with a multilink arrangement with coil springs, telescopic dampers and anti-roll bar at the back. The Golf Alltrack’s braking system features 11.3-inch vented front discs and 10.7-inch solid rear discs with standard three-channel ABS with electronic brake pressure distribution. The rack-and-pinion steering features electric power assist and features a 13.6:1 ratio that allows for 2.76 turns from lock to lock and a vehicle turning circle of 35.8 feet. The Alltrack features a unique Driving Mode Selection that enables an Off Road Mode setting. This driving profile alters the ABS system and accelerator pedal character and activates the hill descent function, helping Alltrack deliver exceptional performance off the beaten path. The available Off-Road HMI that is part of the navigation system displays compass, steering angle, and altitude when driving off-road. Alltrack is also equipped with the XDS+® Cross Differential System—a feature originally developed for the performance-oriented GTI model. This technology acts somewhat like an electronic substitute for a traditional mechanical limited-slip differential, working by actively monitoring data from each wheel sensor. If the suspension becomes unloaded, the system automatically applies braking to the driven inside wheel as needed to help reduce understeer (the tendency for the front wheels to run wide). This not only helps stability, but can also help improve handling and cornering performance. Safety Like the rest of the Golf line, Alltrack provides an intelligent combination of both passive and active safety systems. The 2017 Alltrack has been given a 5-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA). A standard feature on all 2017 Alltrack models is the Automatic Post-Collision Braking System. This builds on the premise that a collision is rarely a single, instantaneous action, but rather a series of events that follow the initial impact—the most significant of which can cause additional collisions. The Automatic Post-Collision Braking System addresses this by applying the brakes when a primary collision is detected by the airbag sensors, thus helping to reduce residual kinetic energy and, in turn, the chance of additional damage. The Alltrack also includes Volkswagen’s Intelligent Crash Response System that shuts off the fuel pump, unlocks the doors, and switches on the hazard lights if the car is involved in certain types of collisions. All Alltrack models are equipped with standard Electronic Stability Control (ESC). Driver Assistance Systems The Alltrack S and SE are available with the Driver Assistance Package (MSRP $845) that adds Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Forward Collision Warning and Autonomous Emergency Braking (Front Assist), front and rear Park Distance Control (ParkPilot), and Parking Steering Assistant (Park Assist). The Alltrack SEL can be equipped with the Driver Assistance & Lighting Package ($1,995), which includes the above-listed systems and adds an auto-dimming rearview mirror, Lane Departure Warning system (Lane Assist), High Beam Control (Light Assist), and Bi-Xenon headlights with the Adaptive Front-lighting System (AFS). Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) uses forward facing radar to maintain a set speed while helping maintain a set distance to the vehicle in front. The driver sets the speed and the desired spacing via buttons on the multifunction steering wheel and can use the accelerator, brake pedal, or steering wheel to cancel or override the ACC function. All system messages appear in the central multifunction display. When the roadway ahead of the vehicle is empty, the system maintains the set speed. Alltrack models fitted with automatic transmissions and ACC can match the speed of a vehicle in front and come to a stop, as well as resume ACC control after the driver presses the accelerator pedal or the “resume” button on the steering wheel. On manual transmission Alltrack models, the ACC ceases to operate below 19 mph. Within physical system limits, Forward Collision Warning helps warn the driver of critical front-end collision situations, both acoustically and visually by a warning symbol in the instrument cluster, and, if necessary, Autonomous Emergency Braking is activated to slow the vehicle if the driver fails to brake. If the brake pedal is applied but the driver brakes too lightly, the brake pressure is increased by the system. If there is an indication that the vehicle is unintentionally straying from its lane, an available Lane Departure Warning system can actively countersteer to help keep the vehicle in the lane above 40 mph. The system’s camera can recognize visible lane markings (one side can suffice) and, using a special algorithm, calculates the risk of the car leaving the lane. If the driver takes their hands off the wheel for a defined period of time, or the vehicle crosses a lane marking without use of a turn signal, the system countersteers and later provides an audible warning and a visual signal in the instrument cluster, asking the driver to take over steering. The system works in the dark and/or in fog, but will not engage if it cannot properly detect lane markings. If the turn signal has been set before crossing a lane marking, the Lane Departure Warning system will not engage or give a warning. The driver can “override” the system at any time by applying minimal force, and is not relieved of responsibility to make conscious driving decisions. Park Distance Control uses ultrasonic sensors located in the front and rear bumpers to monitor a range of up to five feet in front or behind the vehicle. The system is activated when reverse gear is engaged or below a speed of 9 mph and helps provide guidance when parking or in tight situations. The system has audible and visual warnings when the car starts to approach parked cars or static objects from the front or rear. Park Assist can automatically steer the car into parallel and perpendicular parking spaces in reverse. After pressing the Park Assist button – once for parallel and twice for perpendicular – the driver only needs to activate the accelerator pedal and brake once a gear is selected. The driver can override or deactivate the steering assistance at any time by turning the steering wheel, disengaging reverse gear or pressing the button. Below 25 mph, the system can scan both the left-hand and right-hand sides of the road, for example in a one-way street, for any parking spaces as it drives past. By activating the turn signal, the driver stipulates which side of the road they wish to park on. Limited Warranty 2017 Golf Alltrack models are offered with Volkswagen’s standard five-year/60,000-mile (whichever occurs first) powertrain limited warranty and three-year/36,000-mile (whichever occurs first) new vehicle limited warranty. Model Line-up Destination on all Golf Alltrack models is $820 Alltrack S $25,850 with manual transmission (late availability) $26,950 with automatic transmission Alltrack SE $29,430 with manual transmission (late availability) $30,530 with automatic transmission Alltrack SEL $32,890 with automatic transmission Competitive Set Subaru Outback Subaru XV Crosstrek View full article

*quietly begins weeping*

You have to wonder who was asleep or not paying any attention at Alfa Romeo during the editing of a video. Because a video that was published and subsequently made private possibly revealed the upcoming Stelvio crossover. Motor Trend reports that in a video posted on Fiat Chrysler Automobile's YouTube page, there is a crossover on Fiat's Cassino assembly plant in Italy that appears to be going through an inspection. We can pick out a front end that is similar to the Giulia sedan and a coupe-like roofline. Comparing this shot with recent spy shots of the Stelvio and we can say with some confidence, this is the upcoming Stelvio. It should be noted that Cassino is home to the Giulia, a vehicle that will be sharing its platform with the Stelvio. Alfa Romeo is planning to reveal the Stelvio later this year at the LA Auto Show. Source: Motor Trend View full article

Wait, how does the Volt get active cruise control and the Bolt doesn't?

Jaguar has reportedly been given the go-ahead for their electric SUV project. Autocar reports that the vehicle, possibly named E-Pace will be revealed later this year and go into production in 2018. Sources at Jaguar said the vehicle was going be a Range Rover, known as the Evoque-e. However, the project was moved over to Jaguar. This little bit of information confirms a part of a rumorpile story from last month talking about Jaguar's future EV plans. The E-Pace will be smaller than the new F-Pace and feature more aggressive styling. Power will come two electric motors - one on the front axle with 114 horsepower and one on the rear with 195 horsepower. Total output is said to be around 308 horsepower. The battery size is unknown. Prototypes running around had a 70 kWh battery. But Autocar expects a larger battery to deliver a range of 280 to 300 miles. Source: Autocar View full article

The key problem with most electric vehicles is the lack of range. Currently, a number of electric vehicles only offer a range of under 120 miles. The general consensus is that for electric vehicles to take off, they would need at least 200 miles of range. Tesla made headlines earlier this year when it announced their upcoming entry-level model, the Model 3 would offer a range of 215 miles. But the Chevrolet Bolt, due out later this year will offer a longer range. This morning, Chevrolet announced the Bolt is rated by the EPA to deliver an estimated range of 238 miles. “While range is important, we knew Bolt EV owners would want more — more space and more power — and the Bolt EV delivers. Our team took special pride in optimizing every aspect of this vehicle, especially its impressive range and ride dynamics,” said Bolt EV Chief Engineer Josh Tavel in a statement. Chevrolet says Bolt pricing will start at under $37,500 and will qualify for the $7,500 federal tax credit. Source: Chevrolet Press Release is on Page 2 Bolt EV Offers 238 Miles of Range DETROIT – Chevrolet promised to offer the first affordable electric vehicle with 200 miles or more of range and will exceed those expectations when the 2017 Bolt EV goes on sale later this year. With the vehicle’s EPA-estimated range of 238 miles, owners can expect to go beyond their average daily driving needs — with plenty of range to spare — in the 2017 Bolt EV when charging regularly. “Chevrolet showed the world the production version Bolt EV earlier this year and in a few short months we’ve moved from that vision to a reality,” said GM North America President Alan Batey. “The Bolt EV is a game changer for the electric car segment and it will start to become available at Chevrolet dealerships later this year.” Bolt EV buyers won’t be able to find a better value for an all-electric, thrill-inducing ride with an expected MSRP below $37,500 and before available federal tax credit of up to $7,500*. Plenty of range, cargo space, technology and safety features make the Bolt EV a great package for any driver. “While range is important, we knew Bolt EV owners would want more — more space and more power — and the Bolt EV delivers,” said Bolt EV Chief Engineer Josh Tavel. “Our team took special pride in optimizing every aspect of this vehicle, especially its impressive range and ride dynamics.” When the Bolt EV arrives at select Chevrolet dealerships in late 2016, Chevrolet will offer a flavor of electrification to meet any customer’s needs. Whether it’s the pure electric Bolt EV, the Chevrolet Volt or the Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid, Chevrolet dealerships are full of affordable options for an efficient and engaging driving experience. More information on the Chevrolet electric family and the benefits of driving electric can be found at ChevyEVlife.com. *Final Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price not yet announced and does not include, tax, title, license or optional equipment. Actual savings from the federal government depend on individual tax situations. View full article

Three years might not seem like a long time. But in the automotive industry, it is an eternity. In that short amount time, a vehicle may be surpassed by competitors and sales may take a dive. Take for example the Nissan Altima. When the redesigned model was launched back in 2013, it was considered to be above-average and some key advantages over rivals. But time has passed and the Altima has been surpassed in a number of key areas by refreshed/redesigned competitors. Nissan knew they needed to do something to get the Altima back in contention. Last year, they introduced a refreshed Altima that would hopefully give them a fighting chance in the class. Let's see if it does. If you were expecting some big changes to the Altima’s exterior in this mid-cycle refresh, then you’ll be disappointed. The front end features a new V-shaped grille and revised headlights to bring the model in line with the current Nissan design language. Updated taillights and new wheel choices finish off the changes. The interior is mostly left alone in this refresh aside from some new choices of trim pieces. That isn’t a bad thing as the Altima’s interior is a nice place to be in with ample space for passengers, a fair amount of soft-touch materials used throughout, and a simple dash layout. One item we do wish Nissan would have addressed in this refresh is the NissanConnect infotainment system. All Altimas come with a five-inch touchscreen as standard, while our SL tester featured the optional seven-inch screen. This system has a number of issues ranging from an interface that makes it look older than it really is to the system crashing our iPod on a regular basis. More worrying was the system crashing and rebooting twice during our week-long test. It would be nice for Nissan to take the system out of the Maxima and Murano and put it into the rest of their lineup as it doesn’t have the issues listed here. Under the hood of the Altima are the same engines that have powered it since 2013. Our Altima SL tester came with the standard 2.5L four-cylinder with 183 horsepower and 180 pound-feet of torque. Optional is a 3.5L V6 with 270 horsepower and 251 pound-feet of torque. No matter which engine you pick, a Xtronic CVT routes the power to the front wheels. The 2.5 does quite well around town as the engine gets up to speed at a decent rate. Getting onto the highway is another story as you’ll need to almost floor the gas pedal to get up to speed at a somewhat decent rate. This also brings forth an abundance of engine noise, something we complained about in our 2014 Nissan Altima SL review. At least the Xtronic CVT is responsive when you step on the accelerator and the illusion of the stepped gears can make most buyers believe they’re driving an automatic. The EPA rates the Altima’s fuel economy at 27 City/39 Highway/31 Combined. Our average for the week landed around 31.7 MPG. The Altima’s ride and handling characteristics are in the middle. The suspension does a decent job of soaking up most bumps, but some larger ones will make their way inside. The recently redesigned Chevrolet Malibu and Volkswagen Passat do a better job in this regard. In the bends, the Altima feels composed and shows little body roll. But the steering is way too light and doesn’t offer enough feel to feel sporty. If you want that, a Mazda6 or Ford Fusion should be on the list. How do you sum up the 2016 Nissan Altima? It is a competent midsize sedan. But competent isn’t a strong selling point to a midsize sedan as you can apply to any model in the class. What you need is something that makes your model stand out whether in terms of design or features. The Altima doesn’t have anything like that. Picking the Altima may be the safe choice, but it be might a choice you regret. Disclaimer: Nissan Provided the Altima, Insurance, and One Tank of Gas Year: 2016 Make: Nissan Model: Altima Trim: 2.5 SL Engine: 2.5L DOHC Four-Cylinder Driveline: Front-Wheel Drive, Xtronic CVT Horsepower @ RPM: 182 @ 6,000 Torque @ RPM: 180 @ 4,000 Fuel Economy: City/Highway/Combined - 27/39/31 Curb Weight: 3,254 lbs Location of Manufacture: Smyrna, TN Base Price: $28,570 As Tested Price: $32,115 (Includes $835.00 Destination Charge) Options: Technology Package - $1,700 Moonroof Package - $800.00 Carpeted Floormats and Trunk Mat - $210.00 View full article