William Maley

The problem with the previous spy shots of the mid-engine Chevrolet Corvette was you couldn't really tell what it was. The shots showed a blurry mule on GM's test track. For all we knew, it could have been bigfoot terrorizing GM employees. But finally, we have gotten the first clear and detailed shots of the mid-engine Corvette. It is clear this mule is mid-engined because of the proportions - short front and long rear end. There also appears to be some bits from the C7 such as the taillights. Other details are hidden by the heavy camouflage. Details on the mid-engine Corvette are very sketchy. As we have reported previously, the mid-engine Corvette could be shown as soon as 2018 at Detroit, possibly use a twin-turbo V8 and a ten-speed automatic, and be the sole Corvette model when C7 production ends in 2021. Source: Autoweek, Autoblog, Motor1 View full article

It seemed this day would never come, but the Fisker Karma has risen from the ashes to become the Karma Revero. Thanks to Chinese supplier Wanxiang buying the assets of Fisker Automaker back in 2014, the company would be renamed to Karma Automotive and work would begin on the resurrection. There aren't any real changes of note for the exterior aside from new badging and the 'Revero' name on the fenders. The interior does see a big change with a new infotainment system. The new system runs at 60 frames per second, can be updated over-the-air thanks to a dedicated 4G connection, and will feature Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support in the near future. The powertrain is still a plug-in hybrid with a GM-sourced turbocharged four-cylinder producing 260 horsepower. At least the rest of it has seen some major changes. The battery capacity has been increased from 20.4 to 21.4 kWh that will give 50 miles of electric only range. The 3.3kW on-board charger has been swapped for a 6.6 kW to provide faster charges. The Revero also features the ability to use DC fast-charging at 40 kW. A solar roof on top can provide up to 1.5 miles of electric range per day - depending on weather conditions. Pricing for the Revero begins at $130,000 (about $27,000 more than the Karma) and you can place an order right now. Source: Karma Automotive, Autoblog Press Release is on Page 2 Karma Automotive Unveils 2017 Revero Luxury Vehicle COSTA MESA, Calif., Sept. 8,2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Karma Automotive officially unveiled the 2017 Revero luxury hybrid automobile to a select group of customers, media and retailers at a private event in Laguna Beach, CA. Orders are now being accepted for the much-anticipated, and stylishly appointed Revero. The list price of $130,000 was announced at the unveiling. Originally hailed as one of the most beautiful vehicles ever conceived, these one-of-a-kind cars embody the sensibilities of a passionate, charismatic, California-based company. The car is being built in an all new custom, low-volume production facility in Moreno Valley, California. "The car unveiled tonight was designed with a specific customer in mind. Karma customers are self-made, proud, risk-takers who love cars, and they can tell you about each one they have owned since childhood," said Jim Taylor, Karma Chief Revenue Officer. "We are building each Revero with the workmanship and attention to detail required for a discerning customer looking for a car without compromises." The Revero includes several features that set it apart. A clean and elegant infotainment system has been designed from the ground up to be fast and intuitive, and will incorporate over-the-air updates as well as Apple CarPlay. It will be the first car sold in the U.S. powered by electricity, gas and solar. The solar roof not only charges the 12V battery, but also charges the HV battery adding to the electric range. Individually hand-painted emblems grace the front and rear of every vehicle. It is a small but symbolic statement about the company's desire to give each owner a unique vehicle. The Revero is quick, going from 0-60 in 5.4 seconds in Sport mode. Owners can plug in for a battery range up to 50 miles and the gas-powered generator extends the total range to approximately 300 miles. Fast-Charging brings the HV battery to 80 percent state-of-charge in a remarkable 24 minutes. View full article

Touche

I think you mean 2.5. Yes, that is a terrible engine. I drove an Altima a couple of months back with the 2.5, and it reminded me why Nissan should go back to the drawing board with it.

It seems odd that Nissan didn't choose one of the major auto shows to introduce a refreshed model. Instead, they chose the Miami Auto Show to introduce the updated 2017 Rogue crossover. The first change you'll notice is the revised front end. Nissan took some ideas from the Murano with a large V-Motion grille that dips into the front bumper and sharper headlights with LEDs. Around back are new taillights and bumper. The interior is mostly unchanged aside from a new steering wheel and new trim pieces. Under the hood is where you'll find the biggest change. Nissan has added a hybrid powertrain for the Rogue. There is a 2.0L four-cylinder engine with 141 horsepower and 144 pound-feet of torque teamed with a 30 kW electric motor. Total output stands at 176 horsepower. You can get the hybrid with either front or all-wheel drive. Fuel economy figures for the Rogue Hybrid stand at, FWD: 33 City/35 Highway/34 Combined AWD: 31 City/34 Highway/33 Combined The Rogue also features a 2.5L four-cylinder with 170 horsepower and 175 pound-feet of torque. No matter which powertrain you pick, Nissan's xTronic CVT comes standard. On the safety front, the Rogue adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring, forward emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, lane departure prevention, and rear cross traffic alert. Nissan hasn't announced pricing for the 2017 Rogue, but it will arrive at dealers later this year. Source: Nissan Press Release is on Page 2 New 2017 Nissan Rogue offers advanced safety and security, connectivity, infotainment and driving aid technologies New Safety Shield technologies include Intelligent Cruise Control and Forward Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection Connectivity and infotainment features range from NissanConnectSM with Navigation, Mobile Apps and Services to Bose® audio system with nine speakers and Siri® Eyes Free Driving aids include High Beam Assist headlights, Blind Spot Warning, Lane Departure Prevention and Lane Departure Warning, and Around View® Monitor with Moving Object Detection As part of a major revision for the 2017 model year, the popular Nissan Rogue crossover now includes the widest range of available advanced technology features ever. For example, adding to the list of previously available Nissan Safety Shield technologies such as radar-based Blind Spot Warning (BSW) and Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) (both now standard on Rogue SV grade in addition to Rogue SL), the 2017 Rogue is also available with Lane Departure Warning (LDW) and Lane Departure Prevention (LDP). Two additional Safety Shield technologies that are newly available for 2017 are Intelligent Cruise Control (ICC)1 and Forward Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection2. Intelligent Cruise Control uses radar to maintain a set distance between the Rogue and the vehicle ahead, even braking to help maintain that distance. Forward Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection provides audio and visual display warnings to help alert the driver of a potential frontal collision and help reduce speed if necessary. If a collision is unavoidable, the feature can engage the brakes to help reduce both the speed of the impact and the severity of the collision. The system is also designed to help avoid or mitigate frontal collisions with pedestrians, using a camera-based system to recognize human shapes. Both Intelligent Cruise Control and Forward Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection are optional for Rogue SL as part of the new Platinum Package – along with Lane Departure Warning, Lane Departure Prevention and new 19-inch aluminum-alloy wheels. Rogue connected technology and smartphone integration features include available NissanConnectSM with Navigation and Mobile Apps. The system, which is standard on Rogue SL and optional on Rogue SV, offers a 7.0-inch color touch-screen display, Nissan Voice Recognition for navigation and audio, SiriusXM® Traffic and SiriusXM® Travel Link™ – which provides 24/7 access to sports scores, movie listings, stock prices, gas prices, weather and other information (SiriusXM® subscription required, sold separately). NissanConnect Services powered by SiriusXM® (SiriusXM® subscription required, sold separately), which comes standard on Rogue SL model, offers available services including Automatic Collision Notification, Emergency Call and Stolen Vehicle Locator, Maintenance Alerts and Vehicle Health Report. Remote Access is another key feature, with help accessible through a compatible computer or smartphone. Services include Remote Door Lock and Unlock3, and Remote Horn and Flashing Lights to help find the Rogue in a garage or parking lot. NissanConnect Services also provides enhanced Internet Navigation searches. Navigation search options include Assisted Search (live agent), Connected Search, Destination Download, Journey Planner, Send-to-Car, and navigation search (points of interest). The system also offers customizable alerts via email, text message or automated phone call. Alerts include Vehicle Speed, Curfew Alert (with available notification to the driver 20 minutes before the Curfew Alert), Valet Alerts (more than two miles from drop-off) and geographical boundaries setting. Also available is Siri® Eyes Free4, which makes it easy to make and receive calls, hear and send text messages and emails, select and play music from a compatible device, get notifications, request directions and more. In addition, Rogue offers available Around View® Monitor (AVM) with Moving Object Detection (MOD)5, which utilizes four small wide-angle cameras mounted on the front, sides and rear of the vehicle to provide a “bird's eye” virtual 360° view of objects around the vehicle. It provides additional selectable split-screen close-ups of the front, rear and curb views, helping the driver maneuver the car in or out of tight spots. Moving Object Detection builds on the capabilities of the AVM system, helping enhance the driver's situational awareness by providing visual and audible warnings if the system detects large moving objects around the vehicle in situations such as when pulling out of a parking space. Available audio systems start with the standard 4-speaker AM/FM/CD audio system with 5.0-inch color audio display, auxiliary audio input jack, USB connection port for iPod® interface and other compatible devices, Streaming Audio via Bluetooth®, SiriusXM® Satellite Radio (SiriusXM® subscription required, sold separately) and Hands-free Text Messaging Assistant (compatible smartphone required). Rogue SV grade adds two additional speakers, bringing the total to six. Rogue SL grade includes a Bose® audio system with nine speakers and 7.0-inch audio display. The Bose® system is available on SV models as part of the new Sun and Sound Touring Package. In addition, standard on all Rogue grade levels is the Advanced Drive-Assist™ Display (ADAD), located in the center of the instrument display between the tachometer and speedometer, which features infotainment and driver assistance displays. Finally, High Beam Assist headlights, which are standard on Rogue SL, automatically change between high and low beam settings and back again as needed, such as when headlights or taillights from other vehicles are detected. Nissan offers Rogue drivers more choice – new Rogue Hybrid model launched for 2017 The Nissan Rogue Hybrid, the newest addition to the popular Rogue crossover lineup, offers a second powertrain choice for Rogue buyers for the 2017 model year – in both FWD and AWD applications. Like the 2.5-liter inline 4-cylinder gasoline engine-equipped standard Rogue models, the Rogue Hybrid offers freshened exterior and interior styling, additional safety, security and driving aid technology and a wide range of standard and available comfort, convenience and utility features. The new, compact hybrid powertrain is designed to balance performance with significant increases in fuel efficiency. It takes full advantage of an electric motor's instant torque for exceptional acceleration and, in combination with the 2.0-liter engine and advanced Xtronic transmission, provides an energetic feel under all driving conditions. The 2017 Rogue Hybrid produces projected fuel economy1 of 33 mpg city, 35 mpg highway and 34 mpg combined (estimated) for the front-wheel drive model. Rogue Hybrid all-wheel drive models are projected at 31 mpg city, 34 mpg highway and 33 mpg combined (estimated)1. Most significantly, it does so with virtually no compromise of performance, interior roominess or cargo space (compared to standard Rogue models). The hybrid system combines an advanced 2.0-liter 16-valve DOHC aluminum-alloy inline 4-cylinder engine and a compact lithium-ion battery with an innovative one-motor, two-clutch control. The system's gasoline engine is rated at 141 horsepower and 144 lb-ft of torque, while the advanced 30 kW electric motor is rated at 40 horsepower and 118 lb-ft of torque. The hybrid system net power is 176 horsepower. At the core of the Rogue Hybrid gasoline-electric hybrid system is Nissan's advanced Intelligent Dual Clutch Control system. The first of the two clutches is a dry clutch installed between the 4-cylinder engine and the electric motor, where the torque converter would normally be, and the second is between the motor and Xtronic transmission. The high-output lithium-ion battery is able to charge/discharge quickly, which contributes to high-speed, precise control of the electric motor and optimum clutch control, and in combination enable smooth start and quick shift changes. An Intelligent Regenerative Braking system partially recharges the battery during vehicle braking and additional fuel economy is provided by an Idle Start/Stop system. In addition, with use of the compact Lithium-ion battery located under the rear cargo area, the Rogue Hybrid maintains its flat rear floor for easy passenger access to the rear seat and little reduction of cargo room. 2017 Rogue Hybrid 2017 Rogue Powertrain 2.0-liter 16-valve DOHC aluminum-alloy inline 4-cylinder, 30 kW electric motor, Nissan Intelligent Dual Clutch Control 2.5-liter DOHC 16-valve inline 4-cylinder Horsepower (hp) 176 (net) 170 @ 6,000 rpm Torque (lb-ft) - 175 @ 4,400 rpm Transmission Xtronic transmission with manual gear shifts and standard Sport and Eco Mode switches Xtronic transmission with manual gear shifts and standard Sport and Eco Mode switches Projected Fuel Economy (estimated)1 – FWD 33 mpg city 35 mpg highway 34 mpg combined 26 mpg city 33 mpg highway 29 mpg combined Projected Fuel Economy (estimated)1 – FWD 31 mpg city 34 mpg highway 33 mpg combined 25 mpg city 32 mpg highway 28 mpg combined Cargo Volume (cu. ft.): Behind 1st rowBehind 2nd row 61.4 27.3 61.6 28.4 View full article

The first person has been charged in the U.S.' Volkswagen diesel emission probe. Today at the U.S. Federal Court in Detroit, James Robert Liang, leader of diesel competence for Volkswagen from 2008 until June of this year entered a plea of guilty to conspiracy to defraud the U.S. government, commit wire fraud, and violate the Clean Air Act. According to grand jury indictment filed back in June and unsealed today, “Liang and his co-conspirators, including current and former employees, and others, agreed to defraud the U.S. and VW customers, and violate the Clean Air Act, by misleading the U.S. and VW customers about whether VW diesel motors complied with U.S. emissions standards,” prosecutors wrote. Documents showed Liang was on the team that developed the diesel engine at the center of this scandal, the EA 189 2.0L four-cylinder back in 2006. The team realized that the engine wouldn't meet the strict U.S. standards on nitrogen oxide emissions while also attracting “sufficient customer demand.” Thus the decision was made to develop and install the 'defeat device' software on the EA 189 to pass emission tests. This engine would be installed on various Volkswagen vehicles starting in 2009. In 2014, Liang's team would update the software to help cut down on warranty claims. Engineers believed the reason for the increase in claims was due to the vehicle operating with the defeat device on for too long. Around this time, U.S. regulators would begin asking Volkswagen questions about the discrepancies between the amount of emissions being emitted during lab tests and in real-world driving. Various Volkswagen employees either lied when talking with regulators. “I know VW did not disclose the defeat device to U.S. regulators in order to sell the cars in the U.S. That’s what makes me guilty,” said Liang to the court. Liang faces up to five years in jail and a fine of up to $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss. In a plea agreement signed on August 31st, prosecutors say in exchange for his agreement to cooperate with the probe, the U.S. government agrees not to use any new information about Liang’s own criminal conduct during the sentencing hearing expected to take place on January 11th. Liang's cooperation could help out in the investigation and shine a light on more people involved. When asked for comment, Volkswagen spokeswoman Jeannine Ginivan declined. Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required), Bloomberg, The Detroit News View full article

The Buick Enclave and Chevrolet Traverse are well past their sell-by-date. GM knows this and will be introducing new versions of both within the next year. We haven't seen any spy shots of either model, til today. Autoblog published some spy shots of the next-generation Buick Enclave undergoing some hot-weather testing in Death Valley. From the shots, it looks like Buick will be retaining the shape of the current model. Although, it looks like the roofline has changed somewhat towards the back. We can pick out the new grille that we first saw on the new LaCrosse along with a set of LED running lights. The Enclave is expected to use a stretched version of the Chi platform that currently underpins the new GMC Acadia. Source: Autoblog View full article

Since the Volkswagen diesel emission scandal came to light, more scrutiny has been put on automakers and emissions standards. Recent real-world tests of European market diesel vehicles have revealed a number were 10 times over the legal limit for emissions. With stricter regulations coming into effect next year, automakers are reconsidering their investment in diesel. Case in point is Renault. Reuters has learned from sources at the company that it believes diesel engines will disappear from their lineup due to stricter regulations. This comes from an internal meeting before a summer break where Renault went over the costs of meeting these stricter regulations. According to two people who were at the meeting, Renault's Chief Competitiveness Officer Thierry Bollore said the investment in diesel had dimmed significantly due to upcoming regulations. "He said we were now wondering whether diesel would survive, and that he wouldn't have voiced such doubts even at the start of this year," said one of the people. "Tougher standards and testing methods will increase technology costs to the point where diesel is forced out of the market." Next year will see Europe adopting emission standards similar to the ones in the U.S. known as Euro 6b. This will become more stringent as time goes on. Two years after Euro 6b comes into affect, European regulators will begin doing real-world testing of fuel economy and emissions. The combination of these two things means automakers will need to spend more money to make their vehicles meet these standards. "Everybody is backtracking on diesel because after 2017-18 it becomes more and more expensive," said Pavan Potluri, a powertrain analyst with consulting firm IHS Automotive. Already, diesel engines have been disappearing from city cars. Sources say Renault predicts that diesel will disappear from all B-Segment and some C-Segment models by 2020. Source: Reuters View full article

Like every other luxury automaker, Rolls-Royce is working on an SUV. But they will not be calling it an SUV. “Project Cullinan? We call it a high-sided vehicle. SUV is not necessarily the right thing to call it because it’s not necessarily sports, it’s not necessarily utility,” said Andrew Boyle, Rolls-Royce's global product communications manager to Motoring. “A number of other brands are entering into this area as well, with their own interpretations of what a luxury SUV should be. You’ll have to wait to see what we decide it should be, but I think you’ll find that it’ll be a different interpretation to what’s available today.” Some believe the Cullinan will be high-riding wagon (think really fancy Subaru Outback), which might explain why Rolls is hesitant to use SUV. What we do know is that Project Cillinan will arrive with the next-generation Phantom in 2018. Source: Motoring.com.au View full article

I think that needs to be necessary for any automotive purchase.

If there is one thing we have learned during the Volkswagen diesel emission scandal, it is this: Just when you think you have everything figured out, there is always a surprise waiting around the corner to add a new twist. Bloomberg reports that Bosch allegedly asked Volkswagen for legal protection over damages from the defeat device it helped developed. This allegation comes from a revised lawsuit filed by Volkswagen owners in the U.S. against the two companies. The filing says this request was in a letter sent to Volkswagen June 2, 2008. “Plaintiffs do not have a full record of what unfolded in response to Bosch’s June 2, 2008, letter. However, it is indisputable that Bosch continued to develop and sell to Volkswagen hundreds of thousands of the defeat devices for U.S. vehicles” even after it acknowledged in writing that the use of software as a “defeat device” was illegal in the U.S. according to the filing. “Volkswagen apparently refused to indemnify Bosch, but Bosch nevertheless continued to develop the so-called ‘akustikfunktion’ (the code name used for the defeat device) for Volkswagen for another seven years,” the filing goes on to say. In the original suit filed last month, it alleged Bosch played a key role in conspiring with VW on developing the defeat device and concealing information about it when U.S. regulators started asking questions. At the time, Bosch rejected the claims as “wild and unfounded”. What changed within a month? Lawyers representing the owners uncovered more information. Bosch spokesman Rene Ziegler declined to comment on this story to Bloomberg. Source: Bloomberg View full article