William Maley

The Tesla Model S is becoming a problem for the German luxury automakers as its stealing away customers from their flagship sedans. Audi is hoping to turn the tide as they have approved a flagship electric luxury sedan to take on the Model S. Autocar reports that the German automaker has given the go-ahead on a new electric sedan. Audi CEO Rupert Stadler describes the sedan “as high up as possible, in the A8 segment”. This model will likely be part of three new EVs joining the Audi lineup by 2020. Autocar believes the model will be named the A9 e-tron and utilize the powertrain from the upcoming Q6 e-tron. This means one electric motor for the front axle and two on the rear. A 95 kWh liquid-cooled battery is expected to provide a total range of over 300 miles. One key item that the A9 e-tron will feature is Audi's answer to Tesla's Autopilot system. Audi's system will be classified as 'level four' (vehicle will perform all critical driving functions and monitor the road during a trip). Source: Autocar View full article

There are days where I find myself banging my head against the desk. Today is one of those days.

Guys, I really did not want to do this, but with amount of vitriol and trolling on this thread on various members, I have locked the thread. I might unlock it in the future.

There is a running joke in the automotive world that the perfect vehicle for an enthusiast is a rear-drive station wagon with a diesel engine and manual transmission. The closest we ever got to this ’nirvana’ was the Volkswagen Jetta and Golf SportWagen. While not rear-wheel drive, the Jetta and Golf wagons did offer a diesel and manual transmission combination. Not only did they become one of the darlings of the automotive press, but consumers would soon jump on the diesel wagon bandwagon thanks to Volkswagen’s ‘clean diesel’ ad campaign. But we would learn this ‘clean diesel’ campaign was a fallacy as Volkswagen was found to be using illegal software that allowed their diesel vehicles to cheat emission tests. One of the key selling points for the Golf SportWagen was taken off the table and Volkswagen’s reputation would take a nose dive. This brings up an interesting question, is there more to the Golf SportWagen than the availability of a diesel engine? Describing the design of the Golf SportWagen is quite simple - take a standard Golf and add a foot to the overall length. Otherwise, the clean design of the Golf is still here with a narrow front grille and smooth side profile. Some will complain that the SportWagen is a bit boring to look at. We can’t disagree with this as it kind of exists with no real standout design trait. The interior follows the same ideals as the exterior with a plain jane look. The choice of black and sliver for the interior trim only reinforces this thought. But Volkswagen should be given some credit as the design does allow for a simple layout of controls and are within easy reach for driver and passenger. Also, a lot of the materials used throughout the interior are soft-touch and make the SportWagen feel quite premium. Finding a seating position in the SportWagen is simple thanks to the combination of manual and power adjustments for the front seats and a tilt-telescoping steering wheel. The seats earn top marks for comfort and support for long trips. The back seat offers plenty of head and legroom for most folks. This is impressive when you take into account our SE tester comes with a panoramic sunroof as standard. As for cargo space, the SportWagen offers 30.4 cubic feet behind the rear seats (7.6 cubic feet larger than the standard Golf) and 66.5 cubic feet when folded (13 cubic feet larger than the Golf). To give you some idea of the space on offer, I was able to fit a desk from Ikea that measured 53.5 inches long with no issues. On the technology front, all Golf SportWagens feature a 6.5-inch touchscreen with Volkswagen’s Car-Net infotainment system. This is one of our favorite systems thanks to an easy to understand interface, buttons around the screen to take you to the various parts, and fast performance. The only item we would like to see Volkswagen address is the screen. The matte finish on it sucks some of the color and brightness. Any 2016 Volkswagen fitted with the Car-Net infotainment system will feature Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. Being an iPhone person, I tried out the CarPlay integration and find it to be one of the best implementations. It only takes a few seconds for the system to detect the phone before bringing up the CarPlay interface. Apps launched quickly and showed no signs of slowdown or crashing. At the present moment, the Golf SportWagen is only available with a turbocharged 1.8L four-cylinder producing 170 horsepower and 199 pound-feet of torque. This engine is paired with a five-speed manual (only available on the S) or a six-speed DSG dual-clutch transmission. The 2.0L TDI four-cylinder is currently on probation due to the diesel emission scandal. The 1.8T is one our favorite engines as you never feel wanting for power. Torque arrives at low 1,600 rpm which allows the Golf SportWagen to leap away from a stop. More impressive is engine responding with power in an instant if you need to make a pass or merge onto the freeway. We wish we could say the same of the DSG transmission. As we noted in our quick drive of the Passat V6, the DSG doesn’t like low-speed maneuvers as it exhibits signs of hesitation and lurching. At higher speeds, the transmission is lightning fast with shifts. EPA fuel economy figures for the Golf SportWagen stand at 25 City/35 Highway/29 Combined. Our average for the week landed around 28 mpg. Ride and handling characteristics for the Golf SportWagen can be described as balanced. The suspension provides a well-damped ride over rough roads. In the corners, body motions are kept in check and the wagon feels very agile. The steering provides a decent amount of weight and feel that will please most drivers. One area where the Golf SportWagen truly shines is in noise isolation. Barely any wind and road noise makes inside the cabin, making it a perfect long-distance companion. The 2016 Golf SportWagen kicks off at $21,625 for the base S. Our midlevel SE tester starts at $27,025 and comes with keyless entry, push-button start, leatherette upholstery, Fender audio system, and 17-inch alloy wheels. We had the optional driver assistance (adds adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning with autonomous braking, blind spot monitoring, lane departure warning, park distance control, and park assist) and lighting (bi-xenon headlights that can swivel when the steering wheel is turned and LED daytime running lights) packages that brings our as-tested price to $30,335. We think the SE with the driver assistance package is the sweet spot for Golf SportWagen as you get most everything you need. The dark cloud of the diesel emission scandal still lingers over Volkswagen. Whether or not the company can turn back their fortunes in the U.S. remains to be seen. But if I was Volkswagen, I would be putting the likes of the Golf SportWagen in the spotlight. Yes, it is one of the vehicles affected in the diesel emission mess. But take the diesel out of the equation for a moment and you still have a strong vehicle. From increased practicality for both passengers and cargo to the right balance of comfort and support in the ride, the Golf SportWagen is an interesting alternative to growing segment of compact crossovers. Disclaimer: Volkswagen Provided the Golf SportWagen, Insurance, and One Tank of Gas Year: 2016 Make: Volkswagen Model: Golf SportWagen Trim: SE Engine: Turbocharged 1.8L TSI DOHC Four-Cylinder Driveline: Six-Speed Dual-Clutch Automatic Horsepower @ RPM: 170 @ 4,500 Torque @ RPM: 199 @ 1,600 Fuel Economy: City/Highway/Combined - 25/35/29 Curb Weight: 3,120 lbs Location of Manufacture: Puebla, Mexico Base Price: $27,025 As Tested Price: $30,335 (Includes $820.00 Destination Charge) Options: Driver Assistance Package - $1,495.00 Lighting Package - $995.00 View full article

Last week, we brought you the details of the 2017 Chevrolet Colorado and its new 3.6L V6 and eight-speed automatic. As we noted in our story, a similar announcement for the GMC Canyon was likely incoming. That day has come. Today, GMC has announced the 2017 Canyon would be getting the updated 3.6L V6 and eight-speed automatic. If you want more details on the updated powertrain, we highly recommend checking out our Colorado story. If you want the TL;DR version, 308 horsepower and 275 pound-feet of torque (up 3 horsepower and 6 pound-feet) Engine boasts a revised direct injection system, updated variable valve timing, and cylinder deactivation Eight-speed automatic (only on the V6) features a higher first-gear and lower rear-axle ratios Unlike the Colorado, the 2017 Canyon does come with a few more updates. First is a new All Terrain X model. Following in the footsteps of the Sierra All Terrain X, the Canyon variant gets a set of Goodyear Wrangler DuraTrac 255/65R17 all-terrain tires, distinctive 17-inch wheels, an off-road suspension, hill descent control, and a few other goodies. 2017 will also GMC launch the Canyon Denali which brings a number of luxury appointments such as leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, heated steering wheel, Bose sound system, and a set of 20-inch wheels. The 2017 GMC Canyon arrives at dealers late this year. Source: GMC Press Release is on Page 2 GMC Canyon Extends Momentum with Broader 2017 Lineup New Canyon Denali, All Terrain X expand choices, offer new propulsion system DETROIT – Building on the momentum of an 18-percent sales increase so far this year, GMC today announced a broader 2017 GMC Canyon lineup led by the new, range-topping Canyon Denali and new, off-road-inspired All Terrain X. Like all GMC Denali models, the new Canyon Denali is distinguished by chrome exterior details and unique wheels, along with exclusive interior trim and content. It also features a new 3.6L V-6 engine that’s paired with a segment-first eight-speed automatic transmission. This new propulsion system is offered across the 2017 Canyon lineup, including the new All Terrain X package, which takes the popular All Terrain model farther down the trail, with Goodyear DuraTrac all-terrain tires, all-weather floor liners and more. “Canyon continues to carve out its own niche as the only premium truck in the midsize segment,” said Duncan Aldred, vice president of GMC Sales and Marketing. “With a broader 2017 Canyon lineup and the redesigned Acadia, GMC is offering more choices for finding the premium truck or SUV that matches customers’ design preferences and capability needs.” Additional new and revised features for the 2017 Canyon lineup include: New IntelliLink radio with 7-inch-diagonal color touchscreen Standard Teen Driver Mode through IntelliLink Available heated steering wheel Exterior colors Dark Slate Metallic, Mineral Metallic and Red Quartz Metallic Canyon Denali In addition to its Denali-signature chrome grille, the 2017 Canyon Denali features specific wheels — 20-inch ultra-bright machined aluminum with painted accents — along with tubular chrome assist steps, polished exhaust tip (V-6 only) and spray-on bedliner. Inside, a Jet Black interior features unique leather-appointed, heated and ventilated front seats — exclusive content in the Canyon lineup — along with unique instrument panel and console trim and Denali-logo sill plates and floor mats. Additional standard features include: Heated steering wheel GMC IntelliLink with Navigation and an 8-inch-diagonal color touchscreen 4G Wi-Fi hotspot Automatic climate control Full-color driver information center Remote start Bose® premium seven-speaker audio system Two USB charging ports on the rear of the center console and another inside the console Forward Collision Alert and Lane Departure Warning All Terrain X This special version of the popular All Terrain package offered on the SLE model is the most off-road-capable Canyon for those who travel beyond the paved path. The X adds Goodyear Wrangler DuraTrac P255/65R17 all-terrain tires and all-weather floor liners to All Terrain content, which includes: Off-road suspension and transfer case shield Body-color grille surround and rear step bumper Unique interior with red stitching and heated front seats Hill Descent Control Unique 17-inch aluminum wheels 3-inch-diameter round step bars Spray-on bedliner Remote start Automatic climate control and sliding rear window The All Terrain model requires the new 3.6L V-6/eight-speed automatic propulsion system. The 2.8L Duramax turbo-diesel engine is available. 3.6L V-6 and eight-speed automatic The new 3.6L/eight-speed propulsion system offers stronger, more confident acceleration and smoother shift performance than the Canyon’s previous V-6/six-speed combination. This new combination focuses on refining everyday driving performance, including accelerating from a stop, passing on the highway and cruising at a constant speed. The 3.6L leverages technologies such as continuously variable valve timing, direct injection and Active Fuel Management (cylinder deactivation) to balance performance and efficiency. It is rated at an SAE-certified 308 hp (230 kW) and 275 lb-ft of torque (373 Nm). Canyon’s new Hydra-Matic 8L45 eight-speed automatic complements the 3.6L with a technologically advanced design and control system that supports smoother, more refined performance. Smaller “steps” between the gears as the vehicle accelerates allow the transmission to shift quicker, with almost imperceptible upshifts. The 8L45 eight-speed also has a wider 7.0 gear ratio that enables a numerically higher first gear ratio — helping drivers start off more confidently with a heavy load or when trailering — and numerically lower overdrive ratios that reduce engine rpm on the highway. A lower engine speed has two benefits: It can reduce fuel consumption to enhance efficiency and it reduces engine noise for a quieter cabin. The new powertrain supports a 7,000-pound max trailering rating that is second in the segment only to the Canyon’s available 2.8L Duramax diesel, which is rated at 7,700 pounds. The 2017 model year updates, including the new V-6 and eight-speed combination, will arrive at dealerships in the fourth quarter of this year. View full article

Yeah, but that's true of any decision that moderators decide to take. Sorry to burst this fantasy bubble.

Dear ConfusedPoster: It ultimately comes down to the discretion of the moderators. Just because we hide/delete/edit one post doesn't mean we aren't looking at other items in the thread that are red flags or something that goes off topic. We do have lives outside of C&G and can't always police stuff the way we would like to. That doesn't mean we won't go back and look into various threads if something is heating up.

Sales of new cars have been reaching all-time highs and part of the reason comes down leases. The Detroit News reports that nearly one in three vehicles built for the U.S. is leased. Data from Edmunds shows 2.2 million vehicles were leased in the first half of 2016. Not only is this up 13 percent from the same time year, it is double the volume from 2011. Steven Szakaly, chief economist for the National Automobile Dealers Association tells the Detroit News there is plenty of space for more leases. “I think this could easily be 40 percent of the market,” said Sazkaly. Why have leases become popular? It comes down to the monthly payment. Compared with payments for auto loans, lease payments are on average 23 percent less. Leasing is also a popular option for younger folks. Jessica Caldwell, analyst for Edmunds says the reason is leasing is like a cell phone contract; low monthly payments and knowing that you can get into a new car in a few years. But while leasing is helping new car sales, some analysts are worried this could cause used car prices to go down. Why? A glut of turned in leased vehicles will flood the used car market, causing prices to be slashed to move metal. “They’ll swamp the market, they’ll force residuals down,” said Sean McAlinden, chief economist for the Center for Automotive Research. The increase in leasing is already having an effect on used car values. Tom Webb, chief economist for Cox Automotive Inc., said 2.55 million vehicles came off lease last year. That number will increase to 3.1 million this year. Automakers are now figuring out ways to sell this glut of vehicles while keeping values up. Source: The Detroit News View full article

Maybe for 2018 or later. The Duramax is unchanged for 2017.

In light of fresh competition in the form of the refreshed Toyota Tacoma and new Honda Ridgeline, Chevrolet has announced some updates for the 2017 Colorado. First is a new 3.6L V6 producing 308 horsepower and 275 pound-feet of torque (up 3 horsepower and 6 pound-feet). Changes to the engine include a revised direct injection system, updated variable valve timing, and cylinder deactivation. We can't help but wonder if this is the same engine that resides in a number of Cadillac models. A new eight-speed automatic transmission is hooked up to the V6. The transmission features a higher first gear (helps with towing or hauling a heavy load) and lower rear axle ratios will improve fuel economy. At the moment, we don't have EPA numbers for the V6 or pricing details. We do know the 2017 Colorado will go on sale later this year. Expect a similar announcement for the GMC Canyon in the near future. Source: Chevrolet Press Release is on Page 2 Chevrolet Colorado Resets the Bar for Midsize Segment 2017 model updated with all-new V-6 and class-exclusive eight-speed automatic DETROIT – For 2017, the Chevrolet Colorado offers an all-new V-6 engine and class-exclusive eight-speed automatic. It is the latest major update for Colorado, which entered the market for model year 2015. Chevrolet is on track to sell more than 160,000 Colorados in the first 24 months on the market, reigniting the midsize segment. “Customers made the Colorado an overnight success and it remains one of the industry’s hottest-selling products,” said Anita Burke, Colorado chief engineer. “That fast success has justified our continued investment in midsize pickups, introducing new features for our customers such as the class-exclusive diesel engine, advanced technologies like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and now a class-leading V-6 and eight-speed automatic powertrain combination.” Class-exclusive powertrain combination The most significant update for the 2017 Colorado is an all-new V-6 engine and eight-speed transmission, creating a combination that’s unmatched in the midsize segment. According to Stan Ludlow, chief engineer for the 2017 Colorado, the engine and transmission were calibrated to emphasize performance and refinement while optimizing fuel economy: “The Colorado is currently the most fuel-efficient pickup truck in America, with an EPA-estimated 31 mpg highway when equipped with the diesel engine. As such, for the new V-6 and eight-speed combination we focused on improving everyday driving performance. Drivers will immediately notice that it pulls harder when accelerating from a stop or passing on the highway; it is more confident pulling a trailer up a steep grade and it is more refined cruising at a constant highway speed.” This second generation of Chevrolet’s double-overhead-cam engine architecture retains the same 3.6L displacement as before, with an updated suite of advanced engine technologies. This includes improved variable valve timing for intake and exhaust, improved direct injection and for the first time, Active Fuel Management (cylinder deactivation), which disables two cylinders under light throttle applications. Horsepower and torque increase to an SAE-certified 308 hp (230 kW) at 6,800 rpm and 275 lb-ft (373 nM) at 4,000 rpm. The engine is mated to the class-exclusive eight-speed automatic. The GM-developed Hydra-Matic 8L45 is roughly the same size and weight as the 6L80 six-speed automatic it replaces. However, the eight-speed automatic offers a wider 7.0 overall gear ratio spread than the 6L80 transmission’s 6.0 ratio. This results in a numerically higher first gear ratio, helping drivers start off more confidently with a heavy load or when trailering, and numerically lower rear axle ratios that reduce engine rpm on the highway for improved efficiency. Extensive use of aluminum and magnesium, combined with similar packaging to the outgoing 6L80 transmission, equates to no increase in overall weight for Colorado models equipped with the new 8L45 transmission. The 2017 model year updates, including the new V-6 and eight-speed combination, will arrive at dealerships in the fourth quarter of this year. View full article