Drew Dowdell

Most Luxury dealerships offer a loaner car when a customer brings their vehicle in for service. But Audi is offering something different for new owners of 2019 or newer Audi vehicles. Audi owns the rental car company Silvercar, a firm that exclusively offers silver Audis as their rental fleet. The new program called "Always Audi" allows purchasers of a new Audi seven days rental at no additional cost. Customers can choose from the Audi A4, A5 Cabriolet, Q5, or Q7 from one of their 20 locations around the US. All Audis at Silvercar come with GPS, Wifi, and SiriusXM at no additional cost. Of course, there are a few catches. The rental days must be used within the first 3 years of ownership, and drivers are still responsible for fuel, airport fees, taxes, tolls, optional insurance, and other options. Now Audi owners can take "their" Audi along on vacation with them. View full article

For Buick specifically, there is room between Envision and Enclave. The Envision is tight inside, feels smaller than the Equinox and Terrain by a good bit. The Enclave is, of course, cavernous. That said, I think the contraction will mostly hit cars rather than SUVs. Expect to see the Regal canceled. In the event of a recession, Buick could be in the right spot for people who can't justify the cost of an Audi lease anymore. Buick is going to end up the brand of an SUV for every purse or pocket. 2 Encores (small and smaller), Envision, Envoy??, Enclave, and somewhere in there Enspire. What GM is doing with these SUVs is smart from a business perspective. If they make the Envoy the same shell as the XT6 but with Buick exterior panels and interior, they'll save a ton on development costs and still be able to market a lower price

They're playing with wheelbases and overhangs. Just like the XT6 is on the Acadia wheelbase but with a longer rear overhang, they could do a Buick one the same way. Heck, they could even build one the same length as the blazer and add that to the lineup too.

And yet, it is coming. There is supposed to be a vehicle in the works between the Envision and Enclave.

Faster and smoother engine than an Arteon, not as nice of an interior. Slower than a Stinger GT, about equal on the interior. Still, a decent handler, but a total sleeper.

I really don't know where Infiniti is trying to go right now. They've already killed the QX30. The QX50 is flopping hard.

I think diesel trucks have quit a few hurrahs left in them before electrics take over. I like to see this kind of competition between the big three anyway.

Not even Lincoln? I think their new styling has really come into its own.

Sunday

Infiniti today released a teaser image of an upcoming crossover coupe due to be shown at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance this year. The QX55 will slot between the QX50 and QX60 in the lineup but will borrow heavily from the QX50 platform. Not much is known about the crossover except that it will likely be a front-wheel drive based vehicle and feature Infiniti's new 2.0 liter variable compression engine. Infiniti says the QX55 will be in dealerships in Summer of 2020. View full article

How.... almost Cadillac..

Ram has announced the pricing on the Ram 1500 EcoDiesel. The lowest priced model will be a Quad Cab 2wd Tradesman model, starting at $38,585 including destination charges. The EcoDiesel is a $4,995 option, making it about $3,000 more expensive than a V8 Hemi-eTorque. The EcoDiesel takes the crown as the half-ton diesel with the highest amount of torque, 480 lb-ft at 1,600 rpm, and highest towing capacity in the class at 12,560 lbs. Horsepower is rated at 260 at 3,600 rpm, an 8 percent increase over the previous version. Fuel economy ratings will be announced closer to release in Q4 this year. The new EcoDiesel will be available in all trims and configurations including the Ram Classic and the Ram Rebel. Here is how the Ram EcoDiesel stacks up to the completion from GM and Ford. RAM - 260 horsepower / 480 lb-ft at 1,600 rpm GM - 277 horsepower / 460 lb-ft at 1,500 rpm Ford - 250 horsepower / 440 lb-ft at 1,750 rpm Related: GM Delays Diesel Launch; Expands 6.2 V8 Availability GM Inline-6 Diesel Rated Ford Releases Details on 2018 F-150 Diesel Ram Press Release on Page 2 Pricing Announced for New 2020 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel 2020 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel pricing starts at $36,890, plus $1,695 destination New Ram 1500 EcoDiesel produces the highest half-ton diesel torque at 480 lb.-ft. and highest half-ton diesel towing capacity at 12,560 pounds Ram 1500 Rebel now available with EcoDiesel option for the first time Ram focused on establishing powertrain technology leadership in the truck segment Class-exclusive air suspension enhances fuel economy, improves ride control, off-road capability, ease of entry and exit, cargo-loading effort and features automatic load leveling August 16, 2019 , Auburn Hills, Mich. - Ram Truck today announced pricing for the 2020 Ram 1500 powered by the new 3.0-liter V-6 EcoDiesel engine with a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) starting at $­­­­­­36,890 for the Tradesman Quad Cab 2WD, plus $1,695 destination. The EcoDiesel is a $4,995 option, or $3,000 premium over the 5.7-liter HEMI® V-8 eTorque ($3,300 on Tradesman, Big Horn/Lone Star, Rebel and Laramie base models). “The Ram 1500 EcoDiesel offers the best torque and towing among all half-ton diesel trucks,” said Reid Bigland, Head of Ram Brand. “Now with a 10-year track record, the Ram brand has emerged as a truck powertrain technology leader. Overall, the Ram 1500 EcoDiesel has outstanding pick-up truck capability and is truly in a class of its own.” The 2020 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel is available across all models and configurations, including a first-time offering in the Ram Rebel. The Ram 1500’s all-new 3.0-liter V-6 EcoDiesel leads the half-ton pickup truck segment in torque with 480 lb.-ft. and diesel towing capability of 12,560 pounds. The 2019 Ram 1500 Classic is also offered with the second-generation 3.0-liter EcoDiesel. Pricing for the Ram 1500 Classic EcoDiesel (Crew Cab 4x2) starts at $39,140, plus destination. Fuel economy ratings will be announced closer to when trucks go on sale early in the fourth quarter of this year. All-new EcoDiesel engine The third generation of the turbocharged EcoDiesel V-6 delivers increased torque and horsepower, along with superb fuel economy and minimal levels of noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) to meet the needs of Ram 1500 owners. In the 2020 Ram 1500, the 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V-6 is rated at a best-in-class 480 lb.-ft. of torque at 1,600 rpm, a 14 percent increase from the previous-generation EcoDiesel V-6, which peaks 400 rpm earlier. Horsepower increases 8 percent to 260 hp at 3,600 rpm. Several significant changes contribute to the new EcoDiesel’s improved dynamic and fuel economy performance. A new-generation water-cooled turbocharger with variable geometry is more efficient and provides improved response as engine rpms rise and fall Redesigned intake ports to improve engine performance and fuel economy Introduction of a dual, high-pressure and low-pressure exhaust gas recirculation system, a first for a diesel engine in North America. The EcoDiesel’s existing high-pressure EGR, with cooling exhaust gases drawn from the exhaust manifold, is augmented with a low-pressure EGR system that draws exhaust gases after they exit the diesel particulate filter. The addition of cooler, low-pressure exhaust gas makes a significant contribution to improved fuel economy and lower oxides of nitrogen (NOx) The compression ratio is changed to 16.0:1 from 16.5:1, which helps reduce exhaust emissions, particularly NOx Redesigned high-pressure (29,000 psi/2,000 bar) direct-injection fuel injector nozzles Combustion chamber geometry optimized to improve fuel economy Redesigned aluminum-alloy pistons improve fuel economy. The redesigned pistons use thinner piston rings and coating on the side skits to reduce friction The piston pin is offset 0.3 degrees from the centerline to reduce “piston slap” against the cylinder wall, minimizing NVH The lower portion of the two-piece oil sump uses a sandwiched polymer/metal material to reduce NVH The Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) system is 50 percent larger and incorporates a new-generation diesel oxidation catalyst with the Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) system to reduce NOx New-generation brake system vacuum pump with low-friction blades contributes to improved fuel economy The upgrades build on the EcoDiesel V-6’s attributes and performance that made it a winner of Wards 10 Best Engines award for three consecutive years. The 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V-6 uses dual overhead camshafts (DOHC) with four valves per cylinder and a 60-degree angle between the cylinder banks. The block is cast with compacted graphite iron, which provides strength to dampen vibrations, but weighs less than grey cast iron. A compacted graphite iron bedplate adds rigidity to the block. The EcoDiesel V-6 uses a forged steel crankshaft and connecting rods for strength and durability. The aluminum alloy pistons are cooled on the underside via oil jets. Heat-treated aluminum cylinder heads use individual bearing caps to reduce friction and minimize NVH. The chain-driven overhead camshafts employ roller-finger followers. The 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V-6 is produced at the FCA Cento facility in Ferrara, Italy. Ram 1500 The 2020 Ram 1500 is the no-compromise benchmark for durability, technology, efficiency and convenience with features never before offered in a pickup. The Ram 1500 features up to 12,750 pounds of towing capability (5.7-liter HEMI V-8) and 2,300 pounds of payload. Ram’s eTorque mild hybrid system delivers improved fuel efficiency in both V-6 (standard) and V-8 configurations. As a segment disrupter, the new Uconnect 4C with a massive 12-inch touchscreen leads the pickup world in technology, featuring split-screen capability, 360-degree camera views and exclusive content from SiriusXM with 360L. Active safety and security systems include adaptive cruise control, Forward Collision Warning, Blind-spot Monitoring and Ready Alert Braking. Class-leading ride and handling is accomplished via a class-exclusive link-coil rear suspension system with optional Active-level four-corner air suspension. The 2020 Ram 1500 also features twice the interior storage capacity versus the competition. Unsurpassed powertrain warranty – five years/100,000 miles The 2020 Ram 1500 is backed with a five-year /100,000-mile Powertrain Limited Warranty. The powertrain-limited warranty covers the cost of all parts and labor needed to repair a covered powertrain component – engine, transmission and drive system. The standard three-year/36,000-mile Basic Limited Warranty provides bumper-to-bumper coverage for the Ram 1500, from the body to the electrical system. Manufacturing The 2020 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel is built at the Sterling Heights Assembly Plant (SHAP) in Sterling Heights, Michigan. About Ram Truck Brand In 2009, the Ram Truck brand launched as a stand-alone division, focused on meeting the demands of truck buyers and delivering benchmark-quality vehicles. That focus leads Ram to design the industry’s most innovative, award-winning trucks, emphasizing durability, strength, technology and efficiency. With a full lineup of trucks, including ProMaster and ProMaster City vans, the Ram brand builds trucks that get the hard work done and families where they need to go. From the no-compromise Ram 1500 that defines the future of pickup trucks with innovative design, the highest quality materials and class-exclusive technology, to the Ram Heavy Duty which combines the ability to out-power, out-tow and out-haul every single competitor with the segment’s most comfortable ride and handling, Ram is committed to product leadership. Ram continues to outperform the competition and sets the benchmarks for: Most powerful: 1,000 lb.-ft of torque with Cummins Turbo Diesel Highest towing capacity: 35,100 lbs. with Ram 3500 Heaviest payloads: 7,680 lbs. with Ram 3500 Most luxurious: Ram Limited with real wood, real leather and 12-inch Uconnect touchscreen Best ride and handling with exclusive link coil rear and auto-level air suspensions Most interior space with Ram Mega Cab Most capable full-size off-road pickup – Ram Power Wagon Most-awarded light-duty truck in America Highest owner loyalty of any half-ton pickup Over the last 30 years, Ram has the highest percentage of pickups still on the road Giving maximum effort all day, every day with confidence, the Ram Truck lineup steps forward with the full force of modern capability providing confidence-inspiring features and class-exclusive vehicle safety. View full article

Volkswagen is introducing a new generation of diesel engines with the 2.0 TDI Evo. This new engine is said to greatly undercut the limits of the tough new Euro 6d-Temp emissions standards. Volkwagen posted an interview with Sebastian Willmann, the Head of Diesel Engine Development at Volkswagen. In that interview he says that VW was able to reduce fuel consumption by 0.4 L/100km compared to the previous engine and reduce CO2 emissions by 10g/km. They did both of these things while also increasing power output. He further went on to explain that while there is a stigma surrounding diesel engines because of dieselgate, the diesel is still quite popular for its efficiency, range, and torque. Now, with this new engine, it is also substantially cleaner compared to prior engines. He says that diesels will remain especially effective for vehicles that require a longer range or extra torque for towing. These statements are in contrast to the direction that VW as a whole is taking in the segment of electric vehicles. VW has committed billions of euros to the development of an entire EV range. The first EV, the ID.3 is expected in Europe in early 2020 with top line models having a range of 342 miles on a charge. Reservations of the Volkswagen ID.3 topped 10,000 in its first 24 hours it was available. View full article

Except... not in the U.S.

Next up, a Volvo XC30 Cabriolet....

Volvo is looking to expand, and not just in volume. They are looking to add models to their current crossover lineup at the top and bottom of the range. At the bottom could be a new XC20 (If we follow the pattern of XC40 and XC60). This car would compete directly with the Audi Q2 and BMW X1 and would ride on a shortened version of the company's CMA (Compact, Modular Architecture) Platform that underpins the Volvo XC40, Polestar 2, and a few Chinese branded vehicles. This model is most likely to be the next one introduced to the Volvo lineup. It is possible that this car may be offered as a pure electric vehicle only. At the top end could be a new XC100. Built on the next generation of SPA (Scalable Product Architecture) that supports all the rest of Volvo's lineup except the XC40, it could be up to 18 feet long. While the Volvo would feature the standard set of Volvo powertrains, a large Polestar SUV, all electric, could also be built on this platform. Interestingly, Volvo has also trademarked the XC50 name, meaning it could be thinking of some variation on either the XC40 or XC60. View full article

I don't think they can.

Keep in mind that Nissan, Kia, Hyundai, are ahead of GM and Ford in the small cheap crossover area. Nissan Kicks, Hyundai Venue, Kia Seltos and Soul, all start under $20k. Trax is over $20k and Ecosport sits right at $20k.