Drew Dowdell
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Everything posted by Drew Dowdell
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Land Rover is rumored to be working on a new entry level model believed to be codenamed L860. This new model would draw heavily on the new Defender for design inspiration for both the interior and exterior. It would be placed on a cheaper and more modern version of the platform under the Range Rover Evoque and Land Rover Discovery Sport. Four cylinder engines are expected as well as a 1.5-liter 3-cylinder turbo that would be connected to a mild-hybrid system. Feature content for the new vehicle would be, as expected, lower than the Defender given its entry level status. As of now, the rumor is that the new model could be named Land Rover 80 and have a starting price around $33,000. On the opposite end of the pay scale, Land Rover is also looking at a Land Rover Defender Sport model that would appear at least 4 years from now. This version could get an all-electric powertrain and much more luxury. It would be the flagship of the Defender lineup. View full article -
Land Rover is rumored to be working on a new entry level model believed to be codenamed L860. This new model would draw heavily on the new Defender for design inspiration for both the interior and exterior. It would be placed on a cheaper and more modern version of the platform under the Range Rover Evoque and Land Rover Discovery Sport. Four cylinder engines are expected as well as a 1.5-liter 3-cylinder turbo that would be connected to a mild-hybrid system. Feature content for the new vehicle would be, as expected, lower than the Defender given its entry level status. As of now, the rumor is that the new model could be named Land Rover 80 and have a starting price around $33,000. On the opposite end of the pay scale, Land Rover is also looking at a Land Rover Defender Sport model that would appear at least 4 years from now. This version could get an all-electric powertrain and much more luxury. It would be the flagship of the Defender lineup. -
Mercedes-Benz is trying something new with the debut of the GLA. Rather than holding an event, they are doing an online reveal of the new GLA class. We got a preview of the new GLA in the form of a sketch released from Mercedes. Ignore the ridiculous sized wheels and you'll get a good view of what it will look like. The new GLA rides on a new platform, the same that underpins the new A-Class, CLA, and GLB. That means, yes, it is a front-wheel drive model, but expect 4matic to be available as well. The overall size of the car will be reduced very slightly, but the wheelbase has been increased. This should increase legroom for passengers, but we don't have any of those dimensions yet. The roof will be slightly taller too. Unlike its predecessor, it will not be shared with Infiniti to create another QX30. Front end styling won't be that different from the current A-Class or CLA and expect the interior to be very similar, if not the same, as what you'd get in an A-Class. Powertrains will be the same as well, with an AMG GLA 45 coming. Rumor has it a hybrid version could also be in the works. -
Nissan News: Nissan Cuts Two Days of Pay for North American Employees
Drew Dowdell replied to Drew Dowdell's topic in Nissan
I think they were betting on the new variable compression turbo 2.0 to be their killer app. But I've driven it a few times and it is unremarkable, even a bit coarse. It doesn't get amazing fuel economy like they said it would either. -
BTW, this means that the Camry is the last mid-size family car to offer a 6-cylinder. Even the Legacy has dropped its 6 in favor of a Turbo-4.
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Due to knowledge gained at the I-Pace eTrophy racing series, Jaguar is releasing an update, available at dealerships, for its I-Pace EV CUV. The update allows the vehicle to travel up to an additional 12 miles on a full charge over the previous range estimate of 292 miles WLTP. The update improves thermal management of the powertrain, alters the torque split front to rear, and improved regenerative braking. The EV system has also been updated to more accurately reflect driving range based on driver habits. The battery will allow the battery to run to a lower state of charge before requiring a recharge without effecting drivablity, durability, or performance. The update is complimentary and can be done at Jaguar dealerships. The update also includes a new Software-Over-The-Air functionality which will allow the vehicle to receive future updates without visiting a dealership. Jaguar is not changing the estimated 292 range on the WLTP rating though, citing costs required to go through certification again. View full article
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Due to knowledge gained at the I-Pace eTrophy racing series, Jaguar is releasing an update, available at dealerships, for its I-Pace EV CUV. The update allows the vehicle to travel up to an additional 12 miles on a full charge over the previous range estimate of 292 miles WLTP. The update improves thermal management of the powertrain, alters the torque split front to rear, and improved regenerative braking. The EV system has also been updated to more accurately reflect driving range based on driver habits. The battery will allow the battery to run to a lower state of charge before requiring a recharge without effecting drivablity, durability, or performance. The update is complimentary and can be done at Jaguar dealerships. The update also includes a new Software-Over-The-Air functionality which will allow the vehicle to receive future updates without visiting a dealership. Jaguar is not changing the estimated 292 range on the WLTP rating though, citing costs required to go through certification again. -
Instant collectible... if you can even find one.
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The Genesis G70 just came out last year, but fast moving Genesis already has a refresh in the works. Due in the 2021 or 2022 model year, we got a hint of what may power the G70. Someone at Genesis let it slip that the Hyundai Sonata N-Line engine would find its way into the G70 as the new base engine. The current 2.0-liter inline 4-cylinder turbo that serves as the base powerplant today produces 252 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. The Sonata N-Line engine is a 2.5-liter turbo 4 produces 290 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, a significant boost over the current car. This would likely carry over into the Genesis despite being oriented in a north-south fashion. This engine could also find its way into the Genesis GV80 SUV that is due to be released next month. What will likely carry over is the current 3.3-liter twin-turbo V6, though with a possible power boost. What will likely not carry over is the 6-speed manual transmission. According to Genesis, the manual makes up only 4% of sales. View full article
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Chrysler 300?
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Nissan is forcing employees to go without pay for two days at the beginning of January 2020 by remaining closed on the 2nd and 3rd of January. The move equates to a 9.2% pay cut for those paid monthly. In addition to the pay cuts, Nissan is cutting travel expenses by half effective immediately. All of Nissan's US operations, including Infiniti an Nissan Motor Acceptance Corp, the company's in house financing unit are included in the shut down. Nissan has been plagued with falling sales in the U.S. with the entire group falling 16 percent in November. Nissan brand fell 13 percent and Infiniti fell 33 percent (You can view the industry sales figure ticker for November here). Nissan has been moving away from high volume fleet sales and cutting back on retail incentives in a drive to be more profitable. View full article
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Nissan is forcing employees to go without pay for two days at the beginning of January 2020 by remaining closed on the 2nd and 3rd of January. The move equates to a 9.2% pay cut for those paid monthly. In addition to the pay cuts, Nissan is cutting travel expenses by half effective immediately. All of Nissan's US operations, including Infiniti an Nissan Motor Acceptance Corp, the company's in house financing unit are included in the shut down. Nissan has been plagued with falling sales in the U.S. with the entire group falling 16 percent in November. Nissan brand fell 13 percent and Infiniti fell 33 percent (You can view the industry sales figure ticker for November here). Nissan has been moving away from high volume fleet sales and cutting back on retail incentives in a drive to be more profitable. -
I think that was the big issue.... cheap cars coming with it standard.
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General Motors and LG Chem are joining forces to invest $2.3 billion in a new battery plant near its old Lordstown Assembly complex in Lordstown, Ohio. The deal is a 50/50 partnership between GM and LG Chem and will create 1,100 jobs in the area. Construction of the plant will begin mid-2020 at a greenfield former manufacturing site. The employees will work for the joint-venture and will not be direct GM employees. Initially, the plant will solely supply batteries for GM vehicles, though with a maximum capacity of 30 gigawatt-hours annually, the company could expand to supply other manufacturers as well. GM and LG Chem are forming this joint venture in an attempt to bring down the unit cost of batteries for future vehicles. The plant's capacity, once completed, will be among the largest in the world. General Motors has said it wants to introduce 20 electric vehicles globally by 2023. View full article
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Cadillac News: Cadillac CT6 DHam Production to End in January
Drew Dowdell replied to Drew Dowdell's topic in Cadillac
They're not going to use it because it costs too much. -
Cadillac News: Cadillac CT6 DHam Production to End in January
Drew Dowdell replied to Drew Dowdell's topic in Cadillac
The Blackwing would make more sense in the Escalade, and that's headed to the bin. -
Cadillac News: Cadillac CT6 DHam Production to End in January
Drew Dowdell replied to Drew Dowdell's topic in Cadillac
Unlikely. It will be the same 6.2 liter most likely -
Cadillac News: Cadillac CT6 DHam Production to End in January
Drew Dowdell replied to Drew Dowdell's topic in Cadillac
The navigator's engine is perfectly fine. It has gobs of torque and it pulls hard. and I'm not one who particularly likes the Ecoboost engines. -
Cadillac News: Cadillac CT6 DHam Production to End in January
Drew Dowdell replied to Drew Dowdell's topic in Cadillac
They're not really out yet. Just about hitting dealers now. Though I suspect you are right if only because sedan sales are tanking so hard lately. -
Even that apparently had issues.
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Cadillac News: Cadillac CT6 DHam Production to End in January
Drew Dowdell replied to Drew Dowdell's topic in Cadillac
I have some serious doubts that the new Escalade is going to go to the next level like the Navigator did in the most recent iteration. I just no longer have the confidence that GM will do the right thing. Dropping the Blackwing from the option sheet on the Escalade is what convinced me of that. -
In 2018, when BMW launched it's 7.0 operating system for its in-car infotainment, it included Apple Car Play for free for the first 12 months. After that, the owner was asked to pay $80 for a 1 year subscription to Car Play or $300 for a 240 month subscription. This caused a stir among BMW owners because Apple Car Play is included at no charge in nearly every other brand out there and because Apple doesn't charge manufacturers to use Apple CarPlay in their models. Models as basic as the Chevrolet Sonic have CarPlay as standard and without any subscription fees. Now BMW has confirmed it is backing away from the subscription model in order to keep customers happy. All compatible 2019 and 2020 vehicles sold will be offered a free unlimited subscription once the initial 12 months are up. Older models that have CarPlay such as the i3, i8, 4-series, and older 2-series will have to pay for a lifetime subscription. For now, Android users are still stuck without a solution as BMW does not support Android Auto in its vehicles yet. View full article
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In 2018, when BMW launched it's 7.0 operating system for its in-car infotainment, it included Apple Car Play for free for the first 12 months. After that, the owner was asked to pay $80 for a 1 year subscription to Car Play or $300 for a 240 month subscription. This caused a stir among BMW owners because Apple Car Play is included at no charge in nearly every other brand out there and because Apple doesn't charge manufacturers to use Apple CarPlay in their models. Models as basic as the Chevrolet Sonic have CarPlay as standard and without any subscription fees. Now BMW has confirmed it is backing away from the subscription model in order to keep customers happy. All compatible 2019 and 2020 vehicles sold will be offered a free unlimited subscription once the initial 12 months are up. Older models that have CarPlay such as the i3, i8, 4-series, and older 2-series will have to pay for a lifetime subscription. For now, Android users are still stuck without a solution as BMW does not support Android Auto in its vehicles yet. -
The Genesis G70 just came out last year, but fast moving Genesis already has a refresh in the works. Due in the 2021 or 2022 model year, we got a hint of what may power the G70. Someone at Genesis let it slip that the Hyundai Sonata N-Line engine would find its way into the G70 as the new base engine. The current 2.0-liter inline 4-cylinder turbo that serves as the base powerplant today produces 252 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. The Sonata N-Line engine is a 2.5-liter turbo 4 produces 290 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, a significant boost over the current car. This would likely carry over into the Genesis despite being oriented in a north-south fashion. This engine could also find its way into the Genesis GV80 SUV that is due to be released next month. What will likely carry over is the current 3.3-liter twin-turbo V6, though with a possible power boost. What will likely not carry over is the 6-speed manual transmission. According to Genesis, the manual makes up only 4% of sales.
