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Sales Figure Ticker: July 2016

Volvo Cars of North America, LLC - Up 52.8% (8,584 Vehicles Sold This Month, 45,238 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year)
Mercedes-Benz USA - Up 7.2% (32,288 Vehicles Sold This Month, 213,420 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year)
Kia Motors America - Up 6.5% (59,969 Vehicles Sold This Month, 388,296 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year)
Hyundai Motor America - Up 5.6% (75,003 Vehicles Sold This Month, 449,063 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year)
American Honda Motor Co. - Up 4.4% (152,799 Vehicles Sold This Month, 945,154 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year)
Audi of America - Up 4% (18,364 Vehicles Sold This Month, 115,298 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year)
Subaru of America, Inc. - ​Up 3.1% (52,093 Vehicles Sold This Month, 331,551 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year)
Mazda North American Operations - Up 2.8% (27,915 Vehicles Sold This Month, 173,269 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year)
Nissan Group USA - Up 1.2% (132,475 Vehicles Sold This Month, 930,589 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year)
Mitsubishi Motors North America - ​Up 0.3% (7,890 Vehicles Sold This Month, 59,824 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year)
FCA US LLC - 0.0% (180,727 Vehicles Sold This Month, 1,325.536 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year)
Toyota Motor Sales - Down 1.4% (214,233 Vehicles Sold This Month, 1,412,033 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year)
General Motors Co. - Down 1.9% (267,258 Vehicles Sold This Month, 1,706,173 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year)
Ford Motor Company - Down 2.8% (216,479 Vehicles Sold This Month, 1,569,527 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year)
BMW Group U.S. - Down 5% (30,551 Vehicles Sold This Month, 209,131 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year)
Volkswagen of America - Down 8.12% (28,758 Vehicles Sold This Month, 177,772 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year)
Maserati North America, Inc. - Down 15.3% (811 Vehicles Sold This Month, 6,013 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year)
 
Jaguar Land Rover North America -
Porsche Cars North America, Inc. -
 
Brands:
Acura - Down 8.3% (13,674 Vehicles Sold This Month, 92,668 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year)
Alfa Romeo - Down 12% (43 Vehicles Sold This Month, 338 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year)
Audi - Up 4% (18,364 Vehicles Sold This Month, 115,298 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year)
BMW - Down 4.4% (25,777 Vehicles Sold This Month, 179,213 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year)
Buick - Up 10.4% (22,960 Vehicles Sold This Month, 127,167 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year)
Cadillac - Up 1.3% (14,341 Vehicles Sold This Month, 87,572 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year)
Chevrolet - Down 5.3% (178,820 Vehicles Sold This Month, 1,185,710 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year)
Chrysler - Down 4% (19,095 Vehicles Sold This Month, 148,398 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year)
Dodge - Down 10% (35,520 Vehicles Sold This Month, 311,658 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year)
Fiat - Down 14% (2,754 Vehicles Sold This Month, 19,346 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year)
Ford - Down 2.7% (207,381 Vehicles Sold This Month, 1,507,132 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year)
GMC - Up 4.8% (51,137 Vehicles Sold This Month, 305,724 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year)
Honda - Up 5.9% (139,125 Vehicles Sold This Month, 852,486 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year)
Hyundai - Up 5.6% (75,003 Vehicles Sold This Month, 449,063 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year)
Infiniti - Down 4.7% (9,945 Vehicles Sold This Month, 74,923 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year)
Jaguar -
Jeep - Up 5% (79,246 Vehicles Sold This Month, 543,714 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year)
Kia - Up 6.5% (59,969 Vehicles Sold This Month, 388,296 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year)
Land Rover -
Lexus - Down 6.5% (27,890 Vehicles Sold This Month, 179,454 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year)
Lincoln - Down 4.6% (9,098 Vehicles Sold This Month, 62,395 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year)
Maserati - Down 15.3% (811 Vehicles Sold This Month, 6,013 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year)
Mazda - Up 2.8% (27,915 Vehicles Sold This Month, 173,269 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year)
Mercedes-Benz - Up 3.6% (28,523 Vehicles Sold This Month, 191,300 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year)
MINI - Down 8% (4,774 Vehicles Sold This Month, 29,918 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year)
Mitsubishi - Up 0.3% (7,890 Vehicles Sold This Month, 59,824 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year)
Nissan - Up 1.7% (122,530 Vehicles Sold This Month, 855,666 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year)
Porsche -
Ram Trucks - Up 5% (44,069 Vehicles Sold This Month, 302,082 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year)
smart - Up 11.8% (493 Vehicles Sold This Month, 3,086 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year)
Sprinter - Up 51.3% ( Vehicles Sold This Month, 3,086 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year)
Subaru - Up 3.1% (52,093 Vehicles Sold This Month, 331,551 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year)
Toyota - Down 0.5% (186,343 Vehicles Sold This Month, 1,232,579 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year)
Volkswagen - Down 8.12% (28,758 Vehicles Sold This Month, 177,772 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year)
Volvo - Up 52.8% (8,584 Vehicles Sold This Month, 45,238 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year)

  • Which brands fizzled out and which ones had a spectacular showing?

William Maley

2017 Genesis G80 To Start At $42,350*

As the Hyundai Genesis transitions into the Genesis G80 for the 2017 model year, the price also transitions to a higher point.
 
The 2017 G80 will begin at $42,350 (includes a $950 destination charge), which is $2,650 premium over the outgoing model. That will net you the 3.8L V6 with 311 horsepower paired with an eight-speed automatic. The V6 is also the only way you'll be able to get all-wheel drive (adds $2,500 to the base price). If you want a V8, you'll need to pony up $55,500.
 
Being a Genesis model, the G80 will feature 3 years or 36K miles complimentary scheduled maintenance and valet services.
 
The 2017 G80 will arrive at dealers next month.
 
Source: Genesis
 
Press Release is on Page 2


 
GENESIS ANNOUNCES PRICING FOR 2017 GENESIS G80 MID-LUXURY SEDAN
New luxury car brand Genesis announces starting price of $41,400 for its first model Standardized advanced safety technology unsurpassed in the mid-luxury segment Genesis G80 provides a stress-free ownership experience with exclusive service valet and maintenance programs

FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., Aug. 1, 2016 – Genesis today announced pricing for the new 2017 Genesis G80 mid-luxury sedan, which offers the ultimate in refined performance, human-focused technology and first-class quality. Genesis represents a progressive step forward with a new approach to luxury, focused on providing world-class safety, unprecedented convenience and an exclusive customer experience.
 

Starting at $41,400, the G80 standardizes advanced safety technology with a suite of active safety features for superior passenger and vehicle protection. Even more, like all Genesis models, the G80 carries an unparalleled Genesis Experience and industry-leading warranty. The 2017 Genesis G80 is manufactured in Ulsan, Korea and will be available next month across the United States.
 
“The launch of the Genesis brand is an exciting time and opportunity to pioneer change and rethink luxury within the automotive space,” said Erwin Raphael, general manager of the Genesis brand in the U.S. market. “The ultimate luxury is time, and it is our goal to not only develop best-in-class products, but also create a stress-free ownership experience through thoughtful and personalized processes.”
 
The Genesis G80 is incredibly well-equipped in every configuration and is powered by either a 3.8-liter V6 or 5.0-liter V8 engine. To meet the needs of consumers, the V6 engine offers the option of a sophisticated AWD system, known as HTRAC®, which broadens the luxury sedan’s appeal in the snowbelt regions throughout the U.S.
 
2017 Genesis G80
Engine
MSRP*
 
G80 3.8 RWD
3.8L V6
$41,400
 
G80 3.8 AWD
3.8L V6
$43,900
 
G80 5.0 RWD
5.0L V8
$54,550
*MSRP excludes $950 freight charge
 

The G80 provides an unrivaled standard suite of active driver safety technologies unsurpassed in the mid-luxury segment. These features cover the full spectrum of safety, from driver aids to prevent accidents to total occupant safety, and even the safety of other drivers on the road.
 
Standard Advanced Safety & Technology Highlights:
Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) Blind Spot Detection (BSD) with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (RCTA) Lane Keep Assist (LKA) and Lane Departure Warning (LDW) High Beam Assist Pre-safety seat belt and nine airbags Smart Cruise Control with Stop/Start capability Electronic Parking Brake with Automatic Vehicle Hold 8-inch touchscreen navigation system with rearview camera

The G80 3.8L also offers Premium and Ultimate equipment packages to provide customers with additional luxury and convenience features such as a panoramic sunroof, full color heads-up display, and a 17-speaker Lexicon® premium audio system. The top of the line G80 5.0L comes fully equipped with larger 19-inch wheels, quad exhaust tips and illuminated door sill plates.
 

To further differentiate itself within the luxury space, the Genesis G80 will launch with exclusive customer programs to truly elevate the ownership experience. From valet service appointments scheduled using the Genesis mobile app, to complimentary maintenance and Genesis Connected Services, the Genesis Experience is designed to provide time-saving conveniences that in total no other luxury brand offers. These programs will be applied to all future Genesis models.
3 years/36K miles Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance 3 years/36K miles Complimentary Valet Services 3 years Complimentary Genesis Connected Services including Connected Care, Remote, and Guidance 3 years Complimentary SiriusXM Travel Link (Traffic & Data) 3 years Complimentary Map Care – map updates Best-in-Industry Warranty with Enhanced Roadside Assistance and Concierge Services

  • A month before it arrives at dealers, Genesis announces pricing for the G80

William Maley

As the Diesel Emits: CARB and Volkswagen To Begin Testing Potential Fixes for 2.0L TDI

One of the stumbling blocks for Volkswagen with the diesel emission scandal has been trying to find a fix that the feds would agree to. Previous attempts for the 2.0 and 3.0L TDI have ended with rejection from the California Air Resources Board due to the "submissions are incomplete, substantially deficient, and fall far short of meeting the legal requirements to return these vehicles to the claimed certified configuration." But it seems progress is being made on this.
 
In an interview with Reuters, CARB's head Mary Nichols said they are working with Volkswagen on testing potential fixes for the three generations of the 2.0L TDI four-cylinder engine.
 
“They brought in a whole new team of people to work on various aspects of this. There’s just a greater sense that we’re dealing with people who have access to the decision makers in Germany, and who understand their credibility is on the line," said Nichols.
 
The potential fixes must improve emissions by 80 to 90 percent of federal pollution standards. This seems odd since regulators wanted Volkswagen to get the vehicles fully meeting standards, but they are willing to give the company some breathing room as Volkswagen will be paying $2.7 billion to reduce the excess NOx emissions spewing from their vehicles.
 
Getting a fix approved could be Volkswagen's saving grace as they could offer owners the choice of either having their vehicles bought back or having them fixed, which in turn could lessen the hurt of buying back all of the affected vehicles. Whether this pans out remains to be seen.
 
Source: Reuters

  • Some good news concerning a possible fix for the 2.0L TDI

William Maley

Skoda's CEO Says New SUV Could Lead A Possible Charge In the U.S.

Back in June, we learned that Skoda (a Czech brand under the Volkswagen group) was investigating possibly entering new markets. One of those new markets was North America, a place where 20 percent of global car sales take place. At the time our original report, Skoda hasn't set a timeframe for a decision. Also as we noted, Skoda would need to get more crossovers and SUVs ready if they want to try and make inroads in the U.S.
 
Speaking of SUVs and the U.S., a recent article done by Autocar piqued our interest. Skoda CEO Bernhard Maier said if they were to launch the brand in the U.S. in the near future, they would have their upcoming seven-seat Kodiaq leading the charge.
 
“If we do decide to compete in the US, we will have one chance to make a good first impression. We feel that if we were there now, the Kodiaq would be a home-run car,” said Maier.
 
Maier did stress that the U.S. isn't on Skoda's immediate radar. At the moment, the brand is looking closely at Iran, Singapore, and South Korea as possible new markets. But Maier isn't saying the U.S. isn't on their radar at all.
 
“America is the one that we don't currently compete in with the biggest potential.”
 
Skoda appears to have taken a page out of PSA Peugeot Citroën's playbook. Autocar says the automaker has begun a feasibility study as to whether or not it makes sense to enter the U.S.
 
Source: Autocar

  • If Skoda was to launch in the U.S. within the near future, what car would they choose to lead the charge?

William Maley

2017 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 Produces 650 Horsepower and Pound-Feet

When Chevrolet revealed the 2017 Camaro ZL1 at the New York Auto Show earlier this year, it was said that the supercharged 6.2L V8 would produce 640 horsepower and 640 pound-feet of torque. But a leaked order guide shows that the Camaro ZL1 actually has a little bit more power.
 
The folks at Camaro6 forum got their hands on a leaked order guide for the 2017 Camaro and found out that the ZL1 actually produces 650 horsepower and 650 pound-feet of torque. Just to put that in perspective, the Corvette Z06 has the same power numbers. We're sensing there will be a fight when the ZL1 arrives later this year.
 
Source: Camaro6.com

  • We like surprises, especially when they concern power figures

William Maley

2017 Infiniti Q60 Coupe To Start At $39,855

Infiniti has announced pricing for most of the 2017 Q60 Coupe lineup. When it arrives at dealers in September, The Q60 will start at $39,855 (includes a $905 destination charge). Compared to the outgoing Q60 Coupe, the new model costs $2,000 less.
 
A lot of price drop can be attributed to a new base engine, a turbocharged 2.0L four-cylinder with 208 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. Standard equipment on the base model includes 19-inch wheels, eight-way bolstered sport seats, Bluetooth, and LED headlights. All-wheel drive adds $2,000 to the bottom line.
 
Next is the Q60 2.0t Premium which kicks off at $42,205 ($44,205 for all-wheel drive). The trim adds a power moonroof and a 13-speaker Bose audio system.
 
If you want a more powerful engine, then you can step up to the twin-turbo 3.0L V6 found in the Q60 3.0t Premium. Starting at $45,205 ($47,205 with all-wheel drive), the model boasts 300 horsepower and 295 pound-feet.
 
A Red Sport version of the Q60 with a 400 horsepower twin-turbo 3.0L V6 will be added down the line.
 
Source: Infiniti
 
Press Release is on Page 2


 
Infiniti announces U.S. pricing and reservation program for all-new 2017 Q60 Sports Coupe
Select models of the third-generation of INFINITI’s iconic sports coupe set to arrive in early September at INFINITI retailers nationwide Pricing begins at $38,950 for Q60 2.0t rear-wheel drive model Special INFINITI Q60 Reservation Program now available online at InfinitiUSA.com Curated gifts for Reservation Program participants include GoPro® Hero4 Silver camera, Bose® SoundTouch® 20 Series III Wireless Music System, Rosewood Hotel one-night accommodation, Tumi Tegra-Lite® carry-on luggage and specially curated culinary experience

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – INFINITI today announced pricing for select models of the all-new 2017 INFINITI Q60 sports coupe, which will begin arriving at INFINITI retailers nationwide in early September. The Q60 is offered in a range of grade levels, including all-new advanced turbocharged engines and rear-wheel and all-wheel drive configurations.
 
For buyers desiring to be among the first in line for the completely redesigned third-generation INFINITI sports coupe, a special Q60 Reservation Program is available at InfinitiUSA.com. Those who sign up for the program will not only be rewarded with their new Q60, but will receive their choice from a selection of gifts – including a GoPro® camera, Bose® music system and Tumi luggage.
 
"Like the new Q60 sports coupe, we've selected Reservation Program rewards that fit INFINITI owners' lifestyles," said Randy Parker, vice president, INFINITI Americas. "The real reward, of course, is the new Q60 with its next generation ride and handling technologies and the very latest INFINITI infotainment and driver assist systems."
 
The Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Prices* (MSRP) for the 2017 INFINITI Q60 are:
 
Model Engine/Drive MSRP
Q60 2.0t 2.0L I4 Turbo / RWD $38,950 USD Q60 2.0t AWD 2.0L I4 Turbo / AWD $40,950 USD Q60 2.0t Premium 2.0L I4 Turbo / RWD $41,300 USD Q60 2.0t Premium AWD 2.0L I4 Turbo / AWD $43,300 USD Q60 3.0t Premium 3.0-liter V6 Twin Turbo 300 hp / RWD $44,300 USD Q60 3.0t Premium AWD 3.0-liter V6 Twin Turbo 300 hp / AWD $46,300 USD

Destination and Handling $905 USD
 
Pricing for the 2017 Q60 Red Sport 400 will be announced at a later date.

  • About $2,000 less than the outgoing model

William Maley

Mixed Messages As To When Cadillac's Super Cruise Will Come Out

In light of the fatal crash involving a Tesla Model S and Autopilot back in May, automakers are reconsidering their plans for rolling out their autonomous technologies. General Motors was planning to introduce Super Cruise on the Cadillac CT6 sometime next year. But in light of Tesla crash, GM is rethinking their plans.
“We aren’t putting a specific date on it,” said GM CEO Mary Barra at a cybersecurity conference.
Officials told The Detroit Bureau later on that the feature would still appear next year. This would be corroborated by a Cadillac spokesman to Motor Trend.
“Right now, the plan continues to be that we will introduce [super Cruise] in the Cadillac CT6 in calendar year 2017,” said Cadillac spokesman Donny Nordlicht.
“We want to make sure it is safe for our customers to use and we’ll launch it when we’re confident in the technology,” Nordlicht said. “Our engineers have been testing and validating the technology for the past several years to make sure all of our systems are focused on providing the customer among the most intuitive and safe solutions. We’re not driven by a deadline, we’re driven to make the system customer-friendly and safe so the exact month of introduction cannot be announced at this time.”
Insiders at GM believe that Super Cruise should be able to avoid some of the problems that plague Tesla's Autopilot. Like Autopilot, Super Cruise blends information from radar and cameras. But Super Cruise will also use a high-definition map that provides more details than what you can get on a current navigation system. This map will help the system determine where the vehicle is and whether it is safe to engage the system. There is also a retina detection system that monitors the driver and will switch off Super Cruise if it detects if the driver isn't paying attention.
Source: The Detroit Bureau, Motor Trend

  • Is GM's Super Cruise coming out next year or not?

William Maley

Review: 2016 Fiat 500X Trekking Plus and Jeep Renegade Limited

Subcompact crossovers are the hot thing at the moment and automakers are trying to make their models stand out. Whether it is using sleek styling, sporty driving dynamics, or value for money, every automaker is trying their best to get their vehicle noticed. For Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, they’re going for a two-prong attack in the class with models from Fiat and Jeep. The Jeep Renegade is aimed at those who want a subcompact that can tackle a trail, and the Fiat 500X provides some chicness for the class. We spent some time in both models to see if they can make some end roads in this growing class.
 




While the 500X and Renegade may share a fair amount of mechanicals, the design of the two is worlds apart. The Renegade is classic Jeep with a square body, seven-slot grille, and a set of large headlights. The Renegade also features a fair number of Easter eggs throughout the exterior. The head and taillights feature little Jeep grille-and-headlights logos, and a small Willys MB on the bottom of the windshield. This is basically the vehicle equivalent of a hidden object puzzle you might have done back in school. 
Remember the first commercial for the Fiat 500X where a blue pill falls into the fuel filler of a standard 500. The owner turns around and somehow his vehicle has engorged into something bigger. That’s how you can summarize the design of the 500X. Compared to your standard 500, the 500X is 28.6 inches longer and 15.6 inches wider. A lot of the design traits from the 500 such as the round headlights, long chrome bar holding the emblem, and rectangular taillights are present on this crossover.
 
Moving inside, the Renegade takes some inspiration from the Wrangler with a rugged dash design and a grab bar for the passenger. Higher trims such as our Limited tester feature a decent amount of soft-touch materials. Like the exterior, the Renegade’s interior has Easter eggs strewn about. The tachometer with has a splash of mud to illustrate the redline, a seven-slot grille design for the speaker grilles, and the frame around the radio having ‘Since 1941’ stamped. The only complaint we have with the Renegade’s dash is the placement of the climate controls. They are mounted a bit too low to reach easily.
 




 
The 500X’s interior is Fiat’s best effort to date. The overall look has some traits of the standard 500 such as a retro design for the dash. But where the 500X stands out is in the material choices. Fiat went all out with adding soft-touch materials on the dash and door panels to help make the model feel very premium. Our Trekking Plus tester came upholstered in brown leather that added a touch of class that’s nonexistent in other competitors.
 
Both models offer plenty of head and legroom for passengers sitting up front. In the back, headroom is decent for most passengers even with the optional sunroof fitted. Legroom ranges from decent for most folks to almost nonexistent depending on how tall the person sitting up front is. The seats themselves are lacking sufficient support for long trips. If cargo capacity is a priority, then consider the Renegade as it offers 18.5 cubic feet with the rear seats up. The 500X is towards the bottom of the class with only 12.2 cubic feet mostly due to the design of the vehicle.
 
For your infotainment needs, Fiat and Jeep offer a lineup of Uconnect systems from three to 6.5 inches. Our test vehicles featured the optional 6.5-inch system. Uconnect is still one of the easiest systems to use thanks to a simple interface and very fast performance. We hope FCA considers adding Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility in the future.
 




In terms of engines, both the 500X and Renegade come standard with a turbocharged 1.4L with 160 horsepower. The downside to this engine is that it is only available with a six-speed manual. If you want an automatic, then you’ll need to get the engine found under the hood of our test models; a 2.4L four-cylinder with 180 horsepower and 175 pound-feet of torque. We’re not fans of the 2.4L in the any of the FCA vehicles we have driven and this trend continues with the 500X and Renegade. Leaving a stop, there is plenty of oomph to get up to speed in urban environments. Out on the rural roads and highways, the 2.4L struggles to get up to speed at a decent clip. Not helping matters is the engine sounding unrefined. The engine noise during hard acceleration could actually drown out the radio. 
The one bright spot for the powertrain is the nine-speed automatic. This transmission has been a sore point in a number of FCA vehicles for sluggish shifting and not feeling refined. With the 500X and Renegade, it seems FCA has been able to fix many of the wrongs of the nine-speed. Gear changes are much faster and smoother than in previous models.
 
Both models can be equipped with either front-wheel or all-wheel drive. Both models came equipped with all-wheel drive. This system primarily works in front-wheel drive to help improve fuel economy. But if the system detects slip, it will hook up the rear axle and start sending power for better traction. The Renegade has the more advanced all-wheel drive system known as Jeep Active Drive. This system gives the driver the choice of various drive modes (Auto, Snow, Sand, and Mud) that adjusts the all-wheel drive, steering, and transmission to provide the best settings for the conditions at hand. There’s also a 4WD lock that splits power 50:50 to provide added traction. Thanks to a freak snow storm in April, I was able to put the system to the test. Driving on some snowy roads, the system was able to keep the Renegade moving without the tires spinning.
 
The Renegade Trailhawk takes the system a step further with Active Drive Low. As the name suggests, this system features low range via a two-speed transfer case. This allows the Trailhawk to tackle more difficult obstacles such as rocks.
 
Fuel economy is terrible for the class. The Fiat 500X is rated at 21 City/30 Highway/24 Combined. The Renegade matches the 500X in city and combined fuel figures but is only rated at 29 for the highway. Our average for the week was a very disappointing 22.1 MPG in both vehicles. This is a figure you would expect in a larger crossover, not a subcompact.
 




 
The ride in both vehicles is on the firm and harsh side. You’ll be able to tell how bad the roads around you are as bumps and road imperfections are transmitted to the seats. Interestingly, both the 500X and Renegade are quite fun around corners. The vehicles feel agile and the steering has some decent weight. But as the Mazda CX-3 has shown, you can have excellent handling characteristics and a decent ride in a crossover. On the highway, the Renegade is the noisier of the two with a large amount of wind noise coming inside.
 
As for pricing, the 500X and Renegade get off to a good start. The Renegade starts at $17,995 and the 500X comes in at $20,000. Where it falls apart comes in the higher trims. Our two testers had price tags of just under $32,000 - $31,695 for the Renegade Limited and $31,800 for the 500X Trekking Plus. For that same amount of money, you can get into a well-equipped or even a loaded compact crossover. Neither one of these models is worth their high price tags.
 
The subcompact crossover class has become a hotly contested class in only a couple of years and you have to show up with your a-game if you want to make an impact. In the case the 500X and Renegade, FCA dropped the ball. The larger four-cylinder engine should be shown the door for its issues in terms of refinement and fuel economy. The ride characteristics need a rethink and the value for money argument is tough when dealing with the higher trim models. This is very disappointing as the two models have some characteristics that should put them a bit higher in the class. The Fiat 500X’s interior looks and feels like something you would find in a luxury model. The Jeep Renegade can go into places that other subcompact crossovers not even dare try thanks to a clever all-wheel drive system and Jeep’s off-road know-how.
 
But these positive points cannot overcome the numerous issues both of the vehicles have. It would be best to avoid them.
 
Cheers: Off-Road Ability (Renegade), Interior Styling and Features (500X), Nine-Speed Automatic Is Much Better
Jeers: 2.4L Is Terrible, Rough Ride, Pricing for Higher Trims
 


Disclaimer: FCA Provided the 500X and Renegade; Insurance, and One Tank of Gas
 
Year: 2016
Make: Fiat
Model: 500X
Trim: Trekking Plus AWD
Engine: 2.4L Multi-Air Four-Cylinder
Driveline: Nine-Speed Automatic, All-Wheel Drive
Horsepower @ RPM: 180 @ 6,400
Torque @ RPM: 175 @ 3,900
Fuel Economy: City/Highway/Combined - 21/30/24
Curb Weight: 3,278 lbs
Location of Manufacture: Melfi, Italy
Base Price: $29,000
As Tested Price: $31,800 (Includes $900.00 Destination Charge)
 
Options:
Trekking Plus Collection 1 - $1,900
 
Year: 2016
Make: Jeep
Model: Renegade
Trim: Limited 4X4
Engine: 2.4L Multi-Air Four-Cylinder
Driveline: Nine-Speed Automatic, All-Wheel Drive
Horsepower @ RPM: 180 @ 6,400
Torque @ RPM: 175 @ 3,900
Fuel Economy: City/Highway/Combined - 21/29/24
Curb Weight: 3,348 lbs
Location of Manufacture: Melfi, Italy
Base Price: $26,995
As Tested Price: $31,695 (Includes $995.00 Destination Charge)
 
Options:
6.5-inch Navigation Group with Uconnect - $1,245
Advanced Technology Group - $995
Beats Premium Audio System - $695
Safety and Security Group - $645
Passive Entry Keyless Enter n' Go Package - $125

  • Missing the mark in the subcompact crossover class

William Maley

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles Will Not Build Any Passenger Cars In the U.S. Early Next Year

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles will produce no more passenger cars in the U.S. early next year. The Dodge Dart will end production in September, while production of the Chrysler 200 will cease in December. This is to make way for more production of SUVs and trucks - Jeep Cherokee at Belvidere, Illinois and Sterling Heights, MI for the next-gen Ram 1500.
 
"By the time we finish with this, hopefully, all of our production assets in the United States — if you exclude Canada and Mexico from the fold — all those U.S. plants will be producing either Jeeps or Ram," said FCA CEO Sergio Marchionne during a call with analysts yesterday.
 
Why would FCA end passenger car production in the U.S.? Profit margins. The Detroit Free Press reports this is part of Marchionne's multibillion-dollar plan to match the profit margins seen at Ford and General Motors. Part of the plan involves taking advantage of the popularity of crossovers, SUVs, and trucks in the U.S.; low gas prices, and the lower costs of producing passenger cars in Mexico.
 
"When you look at the economics of car manufacturing ...the margins that we were getting from our experience of both the Dart and the Chrysler 200 ...yielded returns that would not, on a competitive basis, match even anything close or remotely close to what we could derive from utilization of those assets in the Jeep or Ram world. So we have made that shift," Marchionne said.
 
Despite FCA ending production of both the Dart and 200, Marchionne said he is still looking for a partner to build these vehicles.
 
“I think we have made progress. We’re not in a position to announce anything."
 
But would any automaker be willing to take up FCA's offer?
 
"Who would want to commit to that capacity in their own plant when they didn't sell well when they were new?" said Dave Sullivan, an analyst with AutoPacific to Automotive News.
 
"No one wants to build sedans when their own capacity is at a premium and they can't build enough crossovers to satisfy demand."
 
Source: Detroit Free Press, Automotive News (Subscription Required)

  • Come 2017, FCA will not be building any passenger cars in the U.S.

William Maley

Rumorpile: BMW Could Supply V8s to Jaguar Land Rover

Luxury automakers are finding it difficult to make the business case for building V8 engines. Stricter fuel economy and emission standards, along with sales of V8 powered models dropping have them wondering if they should continue work on developing new variants.
 
Take for example Jaguar Land Rover. The current V8 in naturally-aspirated and Supercharged forms has been with us for 20 years. While the company has been trying its best to keep the engine up to date, the thirsty nature and possibility of it not meeting future emission standards has the future of V8 up in the air.
 
But Automobile reports that a deal is currently being worked out by JLR and BMW for the German automaker to supply V8 engines to the British. The possible engine is a new 4.0L twin-turbo V8 that promises to be more powerful, fuel efficient, and lighter than the current V8s on offer from either automaker.
 
Why is BMW making a possible deal with JLR? Most likely it comes down making a stronger business case as to why they should go forward with developing a new V8 engine.
 
Source: Automobile

  • BMW's V8 + Jaguar Land Rover Vehicles = Possible Future

William Maley

As the Diesel Emits: U.S. Federal Judge Gives the Preliminary Approval On Volkswagen's Settlement

Last month, Volkswagen announced that it had reached a $14.7 billion settlement with the U.S. Government over the illegal software used on the 2.0L TDI engine. But before anything could be put into motion, it had to get the go-ahead from U.S. District Court Judge Charles Breyer.
 
Yesterday at a hearing in San Francisco, Judge Breyer gave his preliminary approval on the settlement. This now means Volkswagen and Audi can start sending out official notices to owners explaining what happens next. Those hoping for buyback offers will need to wait a few more months. Breyer has scheduled a hearing on October 18th to hopefully give the final approval.
 
Also, a lawyer for the Department of Justice told the court yesterday that Volkswagen would be proposing a new fix for the 3.0L TDI V6 within the next month.
 
Source: Reuters, Volkswagen
 
Press Release is on Page 2


 
VOLKSWAGEN ANNOUNCES PRELIMINARY APPROVAL OF 2.0L TDI SETTLEMENT PROGRAM IN THE UNITED STATES
 
Wolfsburg / Herndon VA 2016-07-26 -- Volkswagen AG announced today that Judge Charles R. Breyer of the United States District Court for the Northern District of California has granted preliminary approval of the settlement agreement reached on June 28 with private plaintiffs represented by the Plaintiffs’ Steering Committee (PSC) to resolve civil claims regarding eligible Volkswagen and Audi 2.0L TDI vehicles in the United States.
 
Individual class members will now receive notification of their rights and options under the agreement. Volkswagen will begin the settlement program immediately after the Court grants final approval to the class settlement, which is anticipated on October 18, 2016.
 
Under the proposed settlement, eligible customers will have two choices: (1) they can sell back their vehicle to Volkswagen or terminate their lease without an early termination penalty, or, (2) keep their vehicle and receive a free emissions modification, if approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the California Air Resources Board (CARB). Customers who select any of these options under the settlement will also receive a cash payment from Volkswagen. More information about the program can be found at www.VWCourtSettlement.com.
 
Volkswagen appreciates the constructive engagement of all the parties, under the direction of Judge Breyer and with the active participation of Special Master Robert S. Mueller III, as the settlement approval process moves forward. The parties believe that the proposed settlement program will provide a fair, reasonable and adequate resolution for affected Volkswagen and Audi customers.
 
Notes to Editors
 
The following 2.0L TDI engine vehicles are included in the proposed 2.0L TDI settlement program:
 
VW Beetle VW Golf VW Jetta VW Passat Audi A3
 
2013- 2015 2010-2015 2009-2015 2012-2015 2010-2013; 2015
 
Volkswagen continues to work closely with the EPA and CARB on an approved emissions modification for each of the 2.0L TDI engine vehicles listed above. Volkswagen is also trying to secure approval of a technical resolution for affected vehicles with a V6 3.0L TDI engine as quickly as possible.
 
In addition to the proposed class settlement, Volkswagen has entered into a separate Consent Decree with the United States Department of Justice (acting on behalf of the EPA), CARB and the California Attorney General and a separate Partial Stipulated Order for Permanent Injunction and Monetary Judgment with the United States Federal Trade Commission regarding 2.0L TDI vehicles. Volkswagen has also resolved current and potential consumer protection claims of 44 U.S. states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico.
 
The agreements are not an admission of liability by Volkswagen. By their terms, they are not intended to apply to or affect Volkswagen's obligations under the laws or regulations of any jurisdiction outside the United States. The company continues to work to resolve other outstanding legal matters in the United States.

  • Progress is being made on getting the $14.7 billion settlement on the road

William Maley

NTSB Issues Preliminary Report On Fatal Tesla Autopilot Crash, Mobileye Ends Relationship With Tesla

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has issued their preliminary report on the fatal crash involving a Tesla Model S in Autopilot mode and a semi-truck back in May.
 
According to data that was downloaded from the Model S, the vehicle was traveling above the speed limit on the road (74 mph in 65) and that Autopilot was engaged. The speed helps explain how the Model S traveled around 347 feet after making the impact with the trailer - traveling 297 feet before hitting a utility pole, and then going another 50 feet after breaking it.
 
The report doesn't have any analysis of the accident or a possible cause. NTSB says their investigators are still downloading data from the vehicle and looking at information from the scene of the crash. A final report is expected within the next 12 months.
 
Car and Driver reached out for comment from both Tesla and Mobileye - the company that provides Tesla the chips that process the images being captured by Autopilot's cameras. Tesla didn't respond, but a blog post announcing the crash said: "neither Autopilot nor the driver noticed the white side of the tractor trailer against a brightly lit sky, so the brake was not applied."
 
A spokesman for Mobileye told the magazine that their chips aren't designed to flag something like the scenario that played out in the crash.
 
“The design of our system that we provide to Tesla was not . . . it’s not in the spec to make a decision to tell the vehicle to do anything based on that left turn, that lateral turn across the path. Certainly, that’s a situation where we would hope to be able to get to the point where the vehicle can handle that, but it’s not there yet,” said Dan Galves, a Mobileye spokesperson.
 
It should be noted that hours before NTSB released their report, Mobileye announced that it would end its relationship with Tesla once their current contract runs out. The Wall Street Journal reports that disagreements between the two on how the technology was deployed and the fatal crash caused the separation.
 
“I think in a partnership, we need to be there on all aspects of how the technology is being used, and not simply providing technology and not being in control of how it is being used,” said Mobileye Chief Technical Officer Amnon Shashua during a call with analysts.
 
“It’s very important given this accident…that companies would be very transparent about the limitations” of autonomous driving systems, said Shashua.
 
“It’s not enough to tell the driver to be alert but to tell the driver why.”
 
Recently, Mobileye announced a partnership with BMW and Intel in an attempt to get autonomous vehicles on the road by 2021.
 
Source: NTSB, 2, Car and Driver, Wall Street Journal (Subscription Required)

  • NTSB confirms certain details of the crash, along with revealing the speed the Model S was traveling.

William Maley

FCA Admits Sales Streak Ended Three Years Ago, Makes Changes In How It Reports Sales

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles is making some major changes in how they report sales and has admitted that their 75-month streak was only 40 months and it ended in September 2013.
 
The new sales reporting methodology announced by FCA in a statement will comprise of,
Sales reported by dealers Fleet sales delivered directly by the company Retail 'other' sales, including those by dealers in Puerto Rico

Using this new methodology, FCA went back and reviewed past monthly reports and found a 3 percent decrease in sales in September 2013 - a month that it had reported a 1 percent increase. Likewise, in August 2015, sales would have dropped 1 percent - not an increase of 2 percent.
 
FCA says its “annual sales volumes under the new methodology for each year in the 2011-16 period are within approximately 0.7 percent of the annual unit sales volumes previously reported.”
 
"Recent press reports have raised questions about the manner in which FCA US reports vehicle unit sales data on a monthly basis. These reports have mistakenly suggested that potential inaccuracies in the monthly data somehow impact the integrity of FCA's reported revenues in its financial statements," FCA said in a statement.
 
This implies that there isn't a connection between monthly retail sales reporting and revenue disclosures, something the company is being investigated for by the Department of Justice and Securities and Exchange Commission.
 
FCA went on to say that individual dealers were to blame for inflating sales and then 'unwinding' the transaction the following month. The company says there isn't any economic incentive for a dealer to do this as any incentives are reversed once the sale is unwound.
 
Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required), Fiat Chrysler Automobiles
 
Press Release is on Page 2


 
FCA US LLC EXPLANATORY NOTE ON SALES REPORTING PROCESS
July 26, 2016 , Auburn Hills, Mich. - Recent press reports have raised questions about the manner in which FCA US reports vehicle unit sales data on a monthly basis. These reports have mistakenly suggested that potential inaccuracies in the monthly data somehow impact the integrity of FCA’s reported revenues in its financial statements.
 
This note is intended to explain how FCA US’s monthly sales reporting process has worked, recognizing the limitations inherent in a process that collects sales data entered by some 2,600 dealers until midnight of the last reporting day of a month and releases the aggregate data typically within 8 hours of the final data entries.
 
FCA US believes that its current process has been in place in more or less the same form for more than 30 years, with reporting previously being made every 10 days and eventually evolving into monthly cycles.
 
The vehicle unit sales data reported by FCA US is comprised of three main components: (a) sales made by dealers to retail customers; (b) sales of vehicles shipped directly by FCA US to fleet customers and © other retail sales including sales by dealers in Puerto Rico, limited deliveries through distributors and a small number of vehicles delivered to FCA employees and retirees and vehicles used for marketing.
 
Dealer Sales
Retail sales data is collected from the dealers (through a reporting system called the New Vehicle Delivery Report, or NVDR). This system is primarily designed to capture the time of a retail sale for two purposes. First, the date of sale recorded in the NVDR system begins the retail customer’s warranty coverage on the vehicle. Second, the recording of the retail sale in the NVDR system triggers FCA US’s obligation to make any manufacturer’s incentive payments to the dealer. These incentives may be based on the particular model sold, the number of certain models sold in the period and the achievement of certain overall dealer volume objectives.
 
These retail sales are made by dealers out of their own inventory of vehicles. This inventory was purchased by the dealers from FCA US before any retail delivery to the customer. Consistent with other automakers’ practices, it is this initial sale -- by FCA US to the dealer -- that triggers revenue recognition in FCA US, and not the ultimate sale of the vehicle by a dealer to a retail customer. It is for this reason that the process of reporting monthly retail unit sales has no impact on the revenue reported by FCA in its financial statements.
 
It is possible for a dealer to “unwind” a transaction recorded in the NVDR system and return the vehicle to the dealer’s unsold inventory. This “unwind” results in the return by the dealer of any incentives paid by FCA US to the dealer for the sale and it cancels the beginning of the warranty period. These unwinds may, and in fact do, occur for a number of reasons including: inability of the retail customer to finalize financing for the purchase or a change in customer preferences, among others. It is admittedly also possible that a dealer may register the sale in an effort to meet a volume objective (without a specific customer supporting the transaction). There is, however, no obvious economic incentive for a dealer to do so, since FCA US’s policy is to reverse all incentives due or paid to a dealer that resulted from the unwound retail sales transaction.
 
When reporting monthly retail sales in the morning of the first day of the following month, a manufacturer cannot know which, if any, transactions may be unwound after the data is released. Because FCA US believes that most unwinds are recorded shortly following the time the initial sale is registered in the NVDR system, FCA US has not historically reflected either unwinds or the subsequent sales of these vehicles in its sales reporting. As a safeguard against double reporting, however, FCA US blocks the vehicle identification number (VIN) in its NVDR files to ensure that a subsequent retail sale of the vehicle does not enter into any tally of reported sales in any future month (i.e. a vehicle cannot be counted twice as a retail sale by the dealer).
 
Fleet and Other Retail Sales
The other component of the monthly reported unit sales has been vehicles that FCA US delivers directly, principally to fleet accounts, and retail and other sales consisting of limited deliveries through distributors and a small number of vehicles for company and marketing uses. Sales by dealers in Puerto Rico have also been included in other retail sales.
 
It has been a matter of historical practice (going back many years before 2009 bankruptcy) for FCA US and its predecessors to maintain a “reserve” of vehicles in this category that had been shipped but not been reported as “sold” in the monthly sales reports. While the origin of this practice is unclear and is being looked into, FCA US believes that it was probably originally designed to exclude from the reported sales number vehicles that were in transit to fleet customers, as well as vehicles that were not yet deployed in the field (because, for example, they were being tailored by the fleet customer or a third party to the fleet customer’s specifications). The rationale for this exclusion, we believe, was to introduce some level of conformity in the reported monthly numbers, since the sales data was intended to reflect vehicles put in use during the month.
 
This “not-in-use reserve” has ranged in size from month to month, and resulted from a subjective assessment at month-end. A review of the data suggests that the reserve has always been positive, such that FCA US has always, in the aggregate, reported fewer sales than the aggregate number of shipped units on a running basis. Nevertheless, there appears to be no objective methodology for establishing and maintaining such a reserve and thus several plausible values exist for such a reserve. To the extent that the methodology historically used does not yield a unique value, the outcome is inherently arbitrary.
 
Our Evaluation of Past Practices and a Way Forward
Our review of industry practice has not revealed a standard reporting practice among OEMs in the U.S., although we believe that FCA US’s competitors have used broadly similar approaches in compiling monthly sales data.
 
The complexity of this compilation task is unique to the U.S. In Europe, for example, automakers generally report data generated by the national vehicle registration offices on the basis of the number of vehicles licensed by government agencies in a given month. The data is thus verified by a third party and is not subject to interpretation by the automakers. Due to the nature of the U.S. registration system involving 50 states with diverse recording and reporting practices, applying a registration-based system in the U.S. has never been thought to be feasible.
 
FCA US has seriously considered simply ceasing to report this sales data on a monthly basis, and to rely only on published quarterly financial statements as a gauge of improvement or deterioration in our U.S. activities. We understand the sales data are used by some market followers, the automotive press in particular, to opine about the state of the industry and we accept that our decision to suspend monthly reporting would impact those constituencies and possibly may impair their perception, and in turn the public perception, of FCA US.
 
FCA US has therefore decided to continue monthly sales reporting with a revised methodology.
Total sales will be comprised of Dealer reported sales in the U.S.; Fleet sales delivered directly by FCA US; and Retail other sales including sales by dealers in Puerto Rico.
[*]Dealer reported sales (derived from the NVDR system) will be the sum of
All sales recorded by dealers during that month net of all unwound transactions recorded to the end of that month (whether the original sale was recorded in the current month or any prior month); plus All sales of vehicles during that month attributable to past unwinds that had previously been reversed in determining monthly sales (in the current or prior months).
[*]Fleet sales will be recorded as sales upon shipment by FCA US of the vehicle to the customer or end user. [*]Other retail sales will either be recorded when the sale is recorded in the NVDR system (for sales by dealers in Puerto Rico and limited sales made through distributors that submit NVDRs) or upon receipt of a similar delivery notification (for vehicles for which NVDRs are not entered such as vehicles for FCA executives and employees).


 

The objective of this new methodology is to provide in FCA US’s judgment the best available estimate of the number of FCA US vehicles sold to end users through the end of a particular month applying a consistent and transparent methodology. It continues to include some level of estimation in respect of, for example, unwound transactions that straddle a month end and fleet deliveries, which may be placed into service at various times after shipment and delivery. FCA US believes, however, that the consistency in application and transparency of this new methodology provides the most appropriate data for the limited uses to which the monthly vehicle unit sales data should be applied.
 
FCA US has prepared unit sales reports going back to the beginning of 2011 using this approach, and has included the results in the attached Exhibit. The Exhibit also compares the data derived under this new methodology with previously reported US monthly sales data. This comparison yields the following results.
 
1. FCA US in March of this year last commented specifically about a “streak” of year-over-year monthly sales improvements since April of 2010. Applying this new methodology, during the periods presented below, year-over-year monthly sales would have declined in September 2013 (-3%), August 2015 (-1%) and May 2016 (-7%). The so called “sales streak” would have stopped in September 2013 (after 40 months) and would have had three additional periods of sequential year-over-year improvements of 22, 8, and 1 month(s).
 
2. Annual sales volumes under the new methodology for each year in the 2011-2016 period are within approximately 0.7% of the annual unit sales volumes previously reported.
 
3. The monthly adjustments to previously reported sales as a result of the adjustment to deduct sales later unwound and add back sales attributable to previously unwound sales over the period January 1, 2011 to June 30, 2016 are a mix of positive and negative numbers which did not exceed 0.5% of the reported data in any month. The maximum numerical reduction from previously reported data was 770 units (0.5% of the month’s volume) in May 2015 and the maximum numerical addition to previously reported data was 437 units (0.4%) in September 2014. The total over the 2011 to 2016 period representing unwound transactions previously reported as sold for which vehicles remain in dealer stock at June 30, 2016, is approximately 4,500 vehicles, or 0.06% of the total volume reported over the period (7.7 million cars).
 
FCA US will report its July 2016 sales using the new methodology.

  • New sales reporting practices reveal that FCA's sales streak ended in 2013

William Maley

Revealed! 2017 Nissan Titan and Titan XD Regular Cab

For the first time ever, Nissan will be offering a single cab variant of the Titan and Titan XD models.
 
The Titan regular cab measures out to the same length as the crew cab (228.1 inches) and uses the same wheelbase length (139.8 inches). The Titan XD regular cab is about a foot shorter than the XD crew cab (231 vs. 242.8 inches). Both models will get an eight-foot bed.
 
Both the Titan and Titan XD will feature a 5.6L V8 with 390 horsepower paired with a seven-speed automatic. The Titan XD will also get a 5.0L Cummins turbodiesel V8 with 390 horsepower. The Titan will get a V6 engine, though specs on this engine will be announced later.
 
Here is how the Titan regular cabs stack up in terms of payload and towing,
Titan: Maximum Payload - 1,930 pounds, Maximum Towing - 9,730 pounds Titan XD: Maximum Payload - 2,910 pounds, Maximum Towing - 12,640 pounds

Nissan says the Titan and Titan XD regular cabs will go on sale later this fall. Both models will be offered in the S and SV trims.
 
Source: Nissan
 

 
Press Release is on Page 2


 
Nissan TITAN full-size pickup line-up expands for 2017 with the addition of new TITAN Single Cab model
New TITAN XD and TITAN Single Cabs join currently available TITAN XD and TITAN Crew Cabs at Nissan dealerships in late fall First single cab in TITAN history, offers Nissan durability and innovation in ideal fleet/work truck configuration Equipped with choice of advanced Cummins® 5.0L V8 Turbo Diesel (XD) or Nissan's new 5.6-liter Endurance® V8 gasoline engines (XD and TITAN) Available in two entry grade levels and choice of 4x2 and 4x4 drive Integral part of Nissan's "Year of the Truck" – celebration of Nissan's new TITAN lineup, Armada, Pathfinder and more throughout 2016.

CARMEL, Calif. – The next chapter of Nissan's "Year of the Truck" was unveiled today with a sneak peek of the latest members of the TITAN full-size pickup family – the 2017 TITAN XD and TITAN Single Cab models. The first-ever single cab offering in TITAN history, the new trucks are designed to provide an affordable and rugged entry-point in the commercial fleet/work truck market. The Single Cab is the second of three eventual TITAN body configurations, joining the current Crew Cab and future King Cab. The Single Cab models are scheduled to go on sale in late fall 2016.
 
"Once we complete the roll-out of all TITAN cab, bed, powertrain and grade level configurations, our all-new TITAN family will cover about 85 percent of the total light pickup marketplace," said Rich Miller, director of Product Planning for Trucks, SUVs and Commercial Vehicles, Nissan North America, Inc. and chief product specialist for TITAN and TITAN XD. "More importantly, the TITAN XD and TITAN single cabs will have the power, torque, heavy duty chassis and durability demanded by today's demanding worksites – including the highest towing capacities and payloads in the lineup."
 
TITAN will ultimately be available in a total of three cabs, three bed lengths, three engines, 4x4 and 4x2 drive and S, SV, SL, PRO-4X and Platinum Reserve trim levels. The new single cab will be offered in both TITAN XD and TITAN configurations, with both versions sharing the same cab dimensions and 8.0-foot pickup beds but completely separate fully boxed ladder frame chassis.
 
The TITAN XD Single Cab, like the TITAN XD Crew Cab, will be offered in a choice of two engines – the Cummins® 5.0L V8 Turbo Diesel, which is rated at 310 horsepower and 555 lb-ft of torque; and the 5.6-liter Endurance V8, rated at 390 horsepower and 394 lb-ft of torque. The TITAN Single Cab, with about a foot shorter wheelbase, will be offered initially with the new 5.6-liter Endurance V8 (a V6 engine will be available at a later date). Diesel equipped models feature an Aisin 6-speed automatic transmission and V8 gasoline engine equipped versions will utilize a 7-speed automatic transmission.
 
Along with a choice of 4x4 and 4x2 drive configurations, two grade levels will be available with both TITAN XD and TITAN Single Cabs – S and SV, along with a number of optional equipment packages.
 
"The new Single Cab takes TITAN into new territory, bringing the innovative design and bed utility that TITAN has been known for to a wider base of commercial use buyers," added Miller.

  • Nissan introduces the regular cab versions of the Titan and Titan XD trucks

William Maley

Mazda Could Be Hitting A Ceiling When It Comes To Fuel Economy

Mazda has been leading the pack when it comes to fuel economy. This year, the Japanese automaker became the first non-electric automaker to reach 100 percent compliance with the 2016 CAFE standards (fleet average of 34.1 mpg). Mazda credits their Skyactiv technologies of pulling this feat off. But future standards may put Mazda in a difficult spot.
 
During a roundtable last week, Masahiro Moro, CEO of Mazda North American Operations said meeting CAFE standards for 2025 will be very tough.
 
“For 2021, we are very confident we will meet the CAFE standards. 2025 is another story because the requirement level is very, very high,” said Moro.
 
At the time of the roundtable, the U.S. Government hadn't cut the 2025 goal of 54.5 mpg. But even achieving between an average of 50 to 52.6 for the fleet will be difficult, especially with Mazda wanting to sell more crossovers. Moro said that the automaker would have to likely embrace some sort of electrification plan, most likely a hybrid system.
 
But there is another stumbling block Mazda needs to figure out. By 2025, California and nine other states have mandated that 15 percent of new car sales need to be zero-emission vehicles.
 
“To me, the biggest regulatory headache right now is ZEV,” said Moro.
 
In the meantime, Moro said that the company would be introducing the second-generation of their Skyactiv technologies in 2017. This will be the main motivator for Mazda to meet the 2021 standards. The key part of the second-generation Skyactiv technologies will be homogenous-charge compression ignition combustion (HCCI) engines that mimic the compression combustion found in diesel engines. We have heard automakers working on this technology and some even announcing that it would be out in few years time, and not happening. Moro admits that HCCI engines are a “very difficult and delicate technology,” so Mazda is trying its best to make sure the engines are durable.
 
As for the diesel engine in the U.S., Moro said a decision would be coming shortly. Later in the week, Mazda CEO Masamichi Kogai to Automotive News that the company is still planning a debut of their diesel engine for the U.S. In fact, there is an internal timeline for the launch. But he isn't saying anything about the timeline.
 
Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required), 2

  • Mazda has a tough road ahead when it comes to meeting fuel economy standards for their fleet

William Maley

Internal Audit Reveals FCA Found 5,000 to 6,000 Bogus Sales

Following the news last week that Fiat Chrysler Automobiles was under investigation by both the Department of Justice and Securities and Exchange Commission over inflated sales, Automotive News has learned from various sources that an investigation done by the company revealed misreported sales numbers.
 
According to the sources, FCA ordered an internal review last year over their sales reporting. What the review found is "that 5,000 to 6,000 vehicles had been reported as sold by dealers and then "unwound." It is unknown the time period that was covered by the review. After the review, U.S. sales head Reid Bigland attempted to put a stop to the practice. But a source said the overstating of sales has been creeping back in this year due to increased competitive pressures on FCA's field staff. Another source says this increased pressure is causing the turnover rate of FCA's sales staff to be four times higher than the rest of the company.
 
But why inflate the numbers in the first place? According to the sources, the inflation was to help preserve FCA's of U.S. monthly year-over-year sales increases (which currently stands at 75 months). This run is the longest streak of any automaker and has been a source of pride for them. But interestingly, Automotive News notes that FCA stopped mentioning this fact on its March sales release. This is also the same time they added this disclaimer,
 
"FCA US reported vehicle sales represent sales of its vehicles to retail and fleet customers, as well as limited deliveries of vehicles to its officers, directors, employees and retirees. Sales from dealers to customers are reported to FCA US by dealers as sales are made on an ongoing basis through a new vehicle delivery reporting system that then compiles the reported data as of the end of each month."
 
"Sales through dealers do not necessarily correspond to reported revenues, which are based on the sale and delivery of vehicles to the dealers. In certain limited circumstances where sales are made directly by FCA US, such sales are reported through its management reporting system."
 
FCA declined to comment.
 
Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required)

  • Where there is smoke, there is a possible fire. An internal audit reveals bogus sales at FCA.

William Maley

FCA Considers A Full-Size SUV Using Next-Gen Ram 1500

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles is considering whether or not to do a large SUV. This model would take on the likes of the Chevrolet Tahoe/GMC Yukon and Ford Expedition. Large SUVs are also big money makers. According to analysts, GM makes $10,000 or more on their large SUVs.
 
"While crossovers are all anyone wants to talk about, the money is still in pickups and SUVs. FCA needs to enter this segment. FCA is chasing profit-driving vehicles and they are missing out on a major one, just as Ford is getting ready to launch an all-aluminum Expedition," said Dave Sullivan, an automotive analyst for Auto Pacific to the Detroit Free Press.
 
Mike Manley, head of Jeep and Ram brands told the paper last month they are putting some thought into doing a large SUV. This possible new model might use the platform for the next-generation Ram truck - due out in 2018.
 
"You have the opportunity with a new frame for the next-generation Ram. You have the opportunity to take a large SUV off of it because we already have a very, very capable frame today that is going to be upgraded," said Manley.
 
One item Manley made very clear was this new SUV wouldn't be wearing a Ram badge. If FCA was to go forward with this, it would be part of the Chrysler, Dodge, or Jeep.
 
Source: Detroit Free Press

  • FCA Could Have A Competitor to the Tahoe and Expedition

William Maley

2017 Corvette Z06 To Become A Bit Cooler

The Chevrolet Corvette Z06 is a hot car. Both in terms of performance and problems. Motor1 reports that Chevrolet will be introducing improvements for the Z06's cooling in 2017.
 
Tadge Juechter, Corvette executive chief engineer said a small number of Z06 owners were experiencing heatsoak or overheating issues when running their models hard on the track. Juechter said this group was small, but very vocal with this issue.
 
Chevrolet says full details about the changes will be announced later this year, but did say one of the changes will be a new hood with improved cooling vents.
 
Source: Motor1.com

  • Changes are incoming for the 2017 Corvette Z06 to help it keep cool

William Maley

As the Diesel Emits: Volkswagen Gets Hit with Lawsuits from Three States

Volkswagen finds itself in legal trouble once again as three U.S. states - Massachusetts, Maryland, and New York - have filed separate lawsuits over the diesel emission scandal. The lawsuits allege that the automaker undertook a massive cover-up of the illegal software and was orchestrated by high-level executives - including the former CEO.
 
“The idea that this level of fraud could take place and involve so many people at such high levels of a major international corporation is appalling,” said New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman at a press conference this week.
 
The New York Times, Road & Track, and Car and Driver got their hands on the New York lawsuit and it is quite damning. The suit cites internal documents, staff emails, interviews, and investigation as to how Volkswagen got to this point.
The defeat device was originally developed back in 2004 by Audi. Internally known as "Acoustic Function," the system would reduce emissions by turning off a system called "Pilot Injection" Pilot Injection would inject additional fuel during engine start to help reduce diesel clatter This system would be used on the European market 3.0L TDI V6 from 2004 to 2006
[*]In 2006, Volkswagen was trying to figure out how to make the 2.0L TDI four-cylinder meet U.S. emission standards
Engineers apparently looked at selective catalytic reduction (SCR) that uses urea injection to reduce nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions. This was thrown out due to needing a separate tank for the urea and paying Mercedes-Benz for a license to use it. Instead, the decision was made to use a lean-trap system. This system works by trapping particulates in a soot filter. The particulates would be burned off by running the engine in a fuel-rich mode. This system had a major problem as the filter would prematurely fail due to excess build up. Thus the fateful decision of employing the "Acoustic Function" was used.
[*]The complaint also notes that communications between executives within each brand, along with lateral moves of employees and executives between the brands meant that everyone knew about the use/possible use of this device in various vehicles.


We highly recommend checking out the pieces from the sources below as we only scratched the surface on this.
 
Source: Car and Driver, The New York Times, Road & Track

  • Alleges a massive cover-up with help from executives

William Maley

Spying: The Jeep Wrangler Pickup is Real!

The next-generation Jeep Wrangler is bringing forth something that a lot of people have been clamoring for a long time; a pickup. We already know that the Wrangler Pickup will be coming out sometime late next year. Now we have the first spy shots of it.
 
According to Car and Driver, this mule is based on the Unlimited model. We can't tell you much about the design, aside from it appearing to have the iconic Wrangler shape. What we can tell you is that the pickup will use a new body-on-frame architecture that will use a steel frame, and a combination of aluminum and plastic for the body panels. Engines might be a new 2.0L turbo-four (possibly codenamed Hurricane) and Chrysler's 3.6L V6. A new eight-speed automatic will help with fuel economy.
 
Source: Car and Driver

  • Why hello there Wrangler Pickup

William Maley

BMW Australian Exec: “Never Say Never,” To A Pickup

There are days where we find ourselves wondering what goes through the head of executives of German automakers on some of the things they say. For example, BMW Australia’s Managing Director, Marc Werner told Motoring there could be a BMW pickup.
 
“Never say never,” said Werner when asked about Mercedes-Benz's upcoming truck. “We’re watching the space closely.”
 
“It’s easier for Mercedes [to bring a ute to market] because they have commercial vehicles and trucks and vans. We do not.”
 
If BMW was to go forward, Motoring speculates that the tie-up with Toyota could grant them access to the HiLux truck.
 
These comments are the complete opposite from those made by BMW Group’s senior vice-president of Asia, Pacific and South Africa, Hendrik von Kuenheim.
 
“Definitely not, because this does not fit to our genes and our culture.”
 
“There is huge potential in pick-ups. In North America you look at the Ford F-150 pick-up it is the best-selling car. You can do it but then you cannot be BMW. You have to be a different company, but this company is not ready to change from the ultimate driving machine and the ultimate successful company in luxury to a mass manufacturer who goes after the volume of pick-up trucks. Despite that the Ford F-150 is one hell of a vehicle. If you have that in a twin-cab version it is a great car. But that is Ford,” said von Kuenheim.
 
Source: Motoring

  • A BMW Pickup? (And no, not an M3/M4 one)

William Maley

Tesla Unveils Their Second Master Plan

Tesla's CEO Elon Musk teased last week of a new master plan that would be appearing early this week. But like the launch of one of their new vehicles, there was a bit of delay. Last night, the plan was unveiled. If you were hoping for some exciting announcements, then you'll be disappointed with this plan.
 
One of the big parts of 'Master Plan, Part Deux' is to "the major forms of terrestrial transport." What this means is the company is working on developing a compact SUV and a and a "new kind of pickup truck." Musk also says early development work has begun on a Telsa-Semi (Musk's name, not ours) and methods of urban transportation.
 
Musk goes on to talk about developing Tesla's semi-autonomous systems further. A lot of this will rely on utilizing fleet learning (i.e. Autopilot) to help speed up development to a fully autonomous system. The post says the world could be ready to accept autonomous vehicles after they've driven 6 billion collective miles. Using three million miles per day as an estimate, it could take up about 2,000 days (about 5.5 years).
 
Musk stands behind the Autopilot, saying “deploying partial autonomy now, rather than waiting until some point in the future” because “when used correctly, it is already significantly safer than a person driving by themselves (sic) and it would therefore be morally reprehensible to delay release simply for fear of bad press or some mercantile calculation of legal liability.”
 
Other bits of this master plan include,
Setting up a car sharing service allowing owners to make some cash Creating solar-panel roofs with "seamlessly integrated battery storage." (Would involve the merger of Tesla and solar panel installer SolarCity)

Source: Tesla

  • What does Elon Musk have in store for Tesla?

William Maley

As the Diesel Emits: Volkswagen Steps Back from Diesels

The diesel emission scandal has left Volkswagen at a bit crossroad in a number of areas. One of them deals with their brand identity in the U.S. For a better part of a decade, Volkswagen was known as the brand that sold 'clean diesels'. But the company is working to rebuild and change their identity. Part of that plan is taking diesel and putting it on the backburner.
Volkswagen Group of America CEO Hinrich Woebcken tells Automotive News that diesel will not be a core element of their identity going forward. That isn't to say diesel will be banished from the brand. Woebcken said the fuel are still in their plans from 2017 to 2019 if they can get regulatory approval. But he did say they are re-evaluating diesel in their future lineup for the U.S.
“We are not stopping diesel. Wherever diesel makes sense as a package to the car, we’ll continue. But in reality, we have to accept that the high percentage of diesels that we had before will not come back again,” said Woebcken.
“The regulations from 2019-2020 are going to be so hard that we would have had to find an alternative to a certain extent anyhow. The diesel crisis is forcing us simply to think about this earlier.”
Volkswagen's image rebuilding process in U.S. will see them at the beginning putting more emphasis on crossovers and all-wheel drive offerings. The first part of this process kicks off with the Golf Alltrack launching later this year. This will be followed by the long-awaited three-row crossover next March or April, and the long-wheelbase version of the Tiguan sometime in the summer.
In 2020, Volkswagen will launch the first of many electric vehicles using their MEB modular platform in the U.S.
Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required)

  • Diesel isn't going to be taking center stage for Volkswagen in the future

William Maley

Review: 2016 GMC Canyon SLT Crew Cab & Toyota Tacoma Limited Double Cab

It seemed for a time that the midsize truck was a dead vehicle driving. If you wanted one a few years back, you only had the choice of the Nissan Frontier and Toyota Tacoma. All of the other midsize trucks had disappeared due to pricing and fuel economy figures being very close to full-size trucks, causing many buyers to go with the larger option. But the midsize truck has been enjoying a resurgence thanks to General Motors introducing the latest versions of the Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon into the U.S. This, in turn, has caused automakers to reconsider this class with Toyota introducing a ‘redesigned’ Tacoma last year and news coming out that Ford readying a new Ranger towards the end of this decade. GM hasn’t been resting on their laurels either. Last year saw them introduce a diesel engine that gives the Colorado and Canyon best-in-class towing numbers.
 
A check-up in the midsize truck class was needed. Over the past few months, we spent some time in the 2016 Toyota Tacoma and GMC Canyon with the diesel option. Here is what we found out.
 
Exterior:
 
First up is the Toyota Tacoma which doesn’t look that much different from the previous model we drove back in 2013. The design brief for the 2016 model must have something to the effect of ‘if it ain’t broke, why fix it’ in terms of the overall shape. But that isn’t to say Toyota hasn’t made some changes to the design. The front end gets a larger grille, new headlights, and a more aggressive front bumper. Around the back, the tailgate has the ‘Tacoma’ name embossed.
 



The GMC Canyon takes some ideas from the full-size Sierra in design. The front features a large chrome grille and rectangular headlights with LED daytime running lights. Our truck came fitted with a set of 18-inch wheels finished in what GM calls ‘ultra-bright chrome’. The rest of the truck is similar to Colorado in terms of the cab and bed design. I have to admit I prefer the Colorado over the Canyon in terms of design. The Colorado just stands out slightly more due to its more distinctive front end. 
In terms of beds, both trucks came with their short bed option - measuring about 5 feet. Those needing a bigger bed can option a 6-foot on both trucks. But it should be noted that the Tacoma Limited only comes with the 5-foot bed option. If you want the longer bed, you’ll need to drop down to one of the lower trims. As for bed features, both trucks feature a dampened tailgate and adjustable tie-downs on the bed rails. But the Tacoma begins to pull ahead as it features tie-downs integrated into the floor, storage compartments, and the option of a 120V/400W outlet.
 
Interior:
 
Like their full-size brethren, midsize trucks have been seeing a noticeable increase in terms of interior design and materials. Sitting in either truck, you’ll be impressed with the amount of soft-touch materials and the small design touches throughout the interior. Between the two trucks, we would say the Tacoma is the sharper looking with dash inserts that match the color of the seats and silver trim running around various parts. As for the dash layout, both trucks feature a simple layout with controls within easy reach.
 



In terms of seating, the Canyon and Tacoma offer seating up to five. But the Canyon is the most comfortable of the two trucks. The front seats provide the right balance of comfort and support. For 2016, GM has added a height adjustment for the power seats. This little addition makes finding a comfortable position that much easier. As for the back, there is a decent amount of headroom. Legroom varies on how tall the passenger sitting up front is. It ranges from decent to nonexistent. 
The Tacoma, on the other hand, is a comedy of errors. First off, the front seats are mounted quite low and cause you to think that you’re sitting in a bunker. This wouldn’t be an issue if you could adjust the height, but the Tacoma doesn’t offer that. Making matters worse is the tilt and telescoping steering doesn’t offer enough range in terms of its adjustments. As I wrote my notes about the Tacoma, “instead of the truck fitting around you, you have to fit around it.” The back seat is best reserved for either small kids or cargo. An average size adult like your’s truly will find barely any head and legroom.
 
Infotainment:
 
The base Canyon SL and Canyon get a 4.2-inch color screen radio, while SLE and SLT trims get an 8-inch IntelliLink system. Our Canyon SLT tester featured the optional 8-inch IntelliLink system with navigation. General Motors has been improving IntelliLink/MyLink over the past few years in terms of overall stability. The system still stumbles in terms of performance and recognizing various devices plugged into the USB inputs. For 2016, GM has added Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability. We tried out CarPlay in the Canyon and found it to be slightly better than IntelliLink in terms of the iPhone-like interface and snappy performance. But like in previous GM models with CarPlay, we found various applications would crash and the system wouldn’t always see my iPhone. Since driving the Canyon, we have tried out CarPlay in vehicles other manufacturers and didn’t have any issues.
 
All Tacomas feature Toyota’s Entune infotainment system. Depending on the trim, the screen will measure either 6.1 or 7-inches. Our Tacoma Limited tester came with the 7-inch screen. Entune might not be newest-looking infotainment systems on the block, but its simple interface and fast response times make it one of the better systems on sale. We also like how you can customize the home screen to provide various information such as audio and navigation. At the moment, Toyota hasn’t added Apple CarPlay or Android Auto to Entune.
 
Powertrain:
 
The GMC Canyon is the most well-rounded when it comes to powertrains. There is a 2.5L inline-four, a 3.6L V6, and the engine found in our tester, a 2.8L Duramax Turbodiesel four-cylinder. The diesel produces 181 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. This is paired with a six-speed automatic and either two-wheel or four-wheel drive. When leaving a stop, you’ll find yourself wondering where that turbodiesel thrust is. Turbo lag is very apparent with this engine. Once the turbo does spool up, the engine delivers power at a smooth and immediate rate. The six-speed automatic provides quick gear changes. In terms of towing, GMC says the Canyon diesel with four-wheel drive can tow up to 7,600 pounds.
 



For the Toyota Tacoma, you can choose from a 2.7L four-cylinder or a 3.5L V6. We had the V6 in our tester which boasted 278 horsepower and 265 pound-feet of torque. The V6 can be paired with a six-speed manual or automatic, and either two or four-wheel drive. Our truck came with the automatic and four-wheel drive. On paper, the Tacoma trails the Canyon’s V6 (305 horsepower and 269 pound-feet of torque). Out in the world, the Tacoma surpasses GM’s V6 partly due to it feeling more grunty at low rpms. You don’t feel that you need to give the Tacoma’s V6 more gas to get moving at a decent clip. The six-speed automatic delivers smooth gear changes, but we wished it would go through the gears quicker. Towing is rated at 6,400 lbs, about 600 pounds less than the Canyon with the V6. 
Fuel Economy:
 
The EPA rates the 2016 GMC Canyon four-wheel drive with the diesel at 20 City/29 Highway/23 Combined and the 2016 Toyota Tacoma V6 with four-wheel drive at 18 City/23 Highway/20 Combined. Our average for the week in both trucks were 25 MPG for the Canyon and 19.2 MPG for the Tacoma.
 
Ride & Handling:
 
No other midsize truck can come close to the GMC Canyon in terms of ride. Like the Chevrolet Colorado I drove last year, the Canyon’s suspension smooths over bumps and other road imperfections. You think that you’re riding in a sedan and not a truck. GM has done a lot of work in terms of sound-deadening for models equipped with the Duramax diesel. Thicker windows and more soundproofing means you’ll the clatter of the diesel engine when accelerating. The extra soundproofing also means the Canyon doesn’t have much wind and road noise coming inside.
 
Contrast this with the Tacoma which feels more like a bucking bronco. You’ll able to tell how smooth or rough various roads are as the suspension will transmit a good amount of the surface into the seats due to the Tacoma retaining a solid-rear axle. Put a heavy load into the bed and the ride does smooth out. This is ok if you’re coming from an old pickup truck. Not so much if you’re coming from a sedan or crossover. Road and wind noise are very apparent at speeds above 45 mph.
 



But the Tacoma does redeem itself when it comes to off-roading. Thanks to 9.4 inches of ground clearance, flexible suspension, and loads of off-road tech (hill start and descent control to name a couple), the Tacoma can tackle a trail with no issue. Thanks to winter storm during our week in the Tacoma, we were able to put the four-wheel drive system to the test. Fitted with a set of Michelin off-road tires, the Tacoma went through deep snow with no issues. It should be noted that if you’re serious about taking a Tacoma off-road, then you should look at the TRD Off-Road which adds new shocks, meatier off-road tires, the Multi-Terrain Select system that varies the traction control system for different conditions, and crawl control that modulates the brakes and engine when dealing with some treacherous obstacles such as a steep hill. 
The Canyon isn’t as capable off-road. For one, it is about an inch shorter in terms of overall ground clearance. Second, the front air dam which is used to improve overall aerodynamics hampers off-road performance. A key example of this comes in approach angle. The Canyon only has an 18-degree approach angle while the Tacoma has either a 29 or 32-degree approach angle.
 
Value:
 
Both of these test trucks make a strong case for going with one of the lower trims. The 2016 Toyota Tacoma Limited Double Cab starts at $37,820 for the four-wheel drive model. With options, the as-tested price came to $41,024. Yes, you do get a lot of standard equipment such as blind-spot monitoring, dual-zone climate control, navigation, heated seats, push-button start, and a JBL audio system. But you can get a fair amount of those features as options on the SR5 and the two TRD models. One other thing to consider. The Toyota Tacoma is one of the best vehicles to retain its resale value. Kelly Blue Book says the Tacoma will retain 73 percent of its resale value after three years.
 
The Canyon SLT has a slightly lower base price of $37,450. But it is the more expensive of the two with an as-tested price of $44,365. A fair chunk of the price comes from Duramax diesel which will set you back $3,730. For the as-tested price, you can get into a decently equipped full-size truck. Again, the lower trim SLE gets most of the equipment from the SLT as options for a slightly lower price.
 
Final Thoughts:
 
If you’re expecting me to say the GMC Canyon is better than the Toyota Tacoma or vice-versa, then you’ll be surprised at what I’m going to say. Both of these trucks are good choices in the midsize truck class. The choice comes down to what are your desires and needs. For example, if you’re coming from passenger sedan into your first truck or planning to do some towing, the GMC Canyon and sister Chevrolet Colorado are what you should go for. On the opposite end, the Tacoma is perfect for those who want something to tackle the trail or need a V6 with a bit of punch.
 
2016 GMC Canyon SLT Crew Cab
Cheers: Fuel economy of the diesel, barely any wind and road noise, smooth ride
Jeers: Price, GMC Intellilink still has some bugs, fair amount of turbo lag
 

 
2016 Toyota Tacoma Limited Double Cab
Cheers: Very capable off-road, V6 feels quite punchy, clever features in the bed
Jeers: Rides like an old school truck, difficult to find a comfortable seating position, fair amount of road and wind noise
 

 
Disclaimer: GMC and Toyota Provided the trucks, Insurance, and One Tank of Gas
 
Year: 2016
Make: GMC
Model: Canyon
Trim: SLT 4WD Crew Cab Short Box
Engine: 2.8L Turbodiesel Four-Cylinder
Driveline: Six-Speed Automatic, Four-Wheel drive
Horsepower @ RPM: 181 @ 3,400
Torque @ RPM: 369 @ 2,000
Fuel Economy: City/Highway/Combined - 20/29/23
Curb Weight: 4,698 lbs
Location of Manufacture: Wentzville, MO
Base Price: $37,450
As Tested Price: $44,365 (Includes $925.00 Destination Charge)
 
Options:
2.8L Duramax Turbodiesel Four - $3,730
Bose Audio System - $500.00
8" Color Touchscreen with GMC Intellilink and Navigation - $495.00
Spray-On Bed Liner - $475.00
Copper Red Metallic Pain - $395.00
Driver Alert Package - $395.00
 
Year: 2016
Make: Toyota
Model: Tacoma
Trim: Limited 4X4 Double Cab
Engine: 3.5L Atkinson Cycle V6 with Dual VVT-i
Driveline: Six-Speed Automatic, Four-Wheel Drive
Horsepower @ RPM: 278 @ 6,000
Torque @ RPM: 265 @ 4,600
Fuel Economy: City/Highway/Combined - 18/23/20
Curb Weight: 4,480 lbs
Location of Manufacture: San Antonio, TX
Base Price: $37,820
As Tested Price: $41,024 (Includes $900.00 Destination Charge)
 
Options:
Tonneau Cover - $650.00
V6 Tow Package - $650.00
5" Chrome Oval Tube Step - $535.00
Carpet Floor Mats w/Door Sill - $209.00
Mudgaurds - $140.00
Bed Mat - $120.00

  • Looking at the current state of midsize trucks

William Maley

Federal Government Says 54.5 MPG Goal for 2025 Isn't Going to Happen

The EPA, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, and California Air Resources Board have released their draft Technical Assessment Report on the 'Midterm Evaluation of Light-duty Vehicle GHG Emissions Standards for Model Years 2022-2025'.
 
Despite the long name, this report is important as the results will help determine if the 54.5 mpg corporate average fuel economy target for 2025 needs to be adjusted or not.
 
Let's begin with the good news. The report says the industry is “adopting fuel economy technologies at unprecedented rates.” Automakers and suppliers have been hard at work on developing new technologies to improve overall fuel economy and emissions. The report goes on to say with the improvements being made on gas engines, automakers will not need to rely as heavily on electric or hybrid vehicles.
 
Now for the bad news. According to Automotive News, government officals have taken the 54.5 mpg goal off the table. Low gas prices and the high demand for trucks, SUVs, and crossovers have caused officals to rethink the goal. The government now belives the fleet average for mpgs will land between 50 and 52.6 by 2025.
 
Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required), EPA

  • That 54.5 mpg fleetwide goal? Yeah, about that...

William Maley

As the Diesel Emits: Not All of the 2.0L TDI Vehicles Will Meet Emission Standards, Despite Fix

Volkswagen and U.S. regulators have finally agreed to a plan on the diesel emission scandal and possible dates have been set up for fixing the various the vehicles involved. Despite this, some of the diesel vehicles will not be fully compliant with clean air laws.
 
According to Bloomberg, the oldest 2.0L TDI engines found in the last-generation Jetta and Golf, and 2009 Beetle will emit more emissions even with a possible fix. According to the California Air Resources Board, the possible fix will cut the emissions down by 80 to 90 percent. But even with the cut, the vehicles could emit as much as 40 times the permitted amount of NOx. This has some environmental advocates angry at the U.S. Government.
 
“For reasons they didn’t state, they’re allowing fixed vehicles to not be fixed, but to allow vehicles to emit twice as much pollution as they otherwise would allow,” said Daniel Becker, director of the Safe Climate Campaign.
 
Part of the reason Volkswagen might not be able to fully fix some of the diesel vehicles comes down to cost. There was talk about adding a urea-tank system on older models, but it was deemed to be too expensive. Instead, Volkswagen and regulators came up with alternate ways of cleaning up the air such as buy backs.
 
We got our first indication of this back in March when a CARB official said that some of the affected TDI vehicles will only get a partial fix.
 
At the current moment, a fix for any of the 2.0L TDI vehicles hasn't been approved by the government. Bloomberg says Volkswagen will send a proposal for the so-called third-generation 2.0L TDI vehicles as soon as July 29th and could be approved by October. Here is the remainder of Volkswagen's schedule,
First-Generation 2.0L TDI: Proposal by November 11th, could be approved in January 2017 Second-Generation 2.0L TDI: Proposal by December 16th, could be approved by March 2017

Source: Bloomberg

  • Some of Volkswagen's 2.0 TDI vehicles will not meet emission regulations even with a fix

William Maley

Spying: Return of the ZR2 for Chevrolet

A couple of years ago, Chevrolet rolled out the Colorado ZR2 concept. This truck showed what a possible off-road focused model could look like. At the time, Chevrolet said this was only a concept. But some new spy shots show GM is considering putting this model into production.
 
While the front end is camouflaged very well, we can make out certain details such as a new front bumper, tow hooks, and a skid plate. The bumper is an important change as the current one limits how far you can off-road. The suspension has been lifted (an inch or two we're guessing) and there is a set of meaty off-road tires.
 
Engines choices are likely to be the 3.6L V6 and 2.8L Duramax four-cylinder turbodiesel. In terms of off-road hardware, we wouldn't be surprised if there are new differentials, shocks, and possibly some assist systems such as hill descent control.
 
No word on we could see this model.
 
With next Tacoma TRD Pro just around the corner, the midsize truck class is only getting more interesting.
 
Source: Autoblog, AutoGuide

  • ZR2? Is that you?

William Maley

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles Under Investigation Over Sales Reporting

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles is facing an investigation by the U.S. Department of Justice and Securities and Exchange Commission over their sales reporting practices. Bloomberg learned about the investigation from two sources this morning and since then, FCA has confirmed it.
 
This investigation stems from lawsuits filed earlier this year by dealers in Florida and Illinois saying the automaker inflated sales numbers by having them file false 'New Vehicle Delivery Reports'. At the time, FCA denied the charges made and is seeking dismissal of the suit.
 
But as Automotive News notes, FCA added a disclaimer to their sales reports in April about how sales are reported.

“FCA US reported vehicle sales represent sales of its vehicles to retail and fleet customers, as well as limited deliveries of vehicles to its officers, directors, employees and retirees. Sales from dealers to customers are reported to FCA US by dealers as sales are made on an ongoing basis through a new vehicle delivery reporting system that then compiles the reported data as of the end of each month. Sales through dealers do not necessarily correspond to reported revenues, which are based on the sale and delivery of vehicles to the dealers. In certain limited circumstances where sales are made directly by FCA US, such sales are reported through its management reporting system.”
 
Investigators from the FBI and SEC visited various FCA field staff at their homes and offices on July 11th. That same day saw federal attorneys visit FCA's headquarters to gather information. According to a source, FCA employees were advised not to speak with investigators without counsel.
 
In a statement today, FCA said that it would "cooperate fully" with the SEC investigation into its "reporting of vehicle unit sales to end customers" in the U.S. It also mentioned that is has received similar inquiries from the DOJ and will cooperate with them.
 
The DOJ, FBI, and SEC declined to comment.
 
Source: Bloomberg, Automotive News (Subscription Required)

  • Those amazing sales numbers posted by FCA last year are now being investigated by the SEC and DOJ

William Maley

2017 Ford F-Series Super Duty Has A Number of Class-Leading Figures

The heavy-duty truck wars continue as Ford has announced the capabilities of the upcoming 2017 F-Series Super Duty and a number of them are class leading.
 
We'll begin with power figures. The F-Series Super Duty is available with either a 6.2L V8 gas engine or a 6.7L PowerStroke V8 diesel. Both engines have best-in-class torque figures.
6.2L V8: 385 horsepower, 430 pound-feet of torque (Beats Ram's 6.4L V8 by one pound-foot) 6.7L PowerStroke V8 Diesel: 440 horsepower and 925 pound-feet of torque (Beats Ram's 6.7L Cummins inline-six by 25 pound-feet)

Both engines come equipped with a six-speed automatic transmission.
 
As for capability, Ford says the F-450 can tow up to 32,500 pounds with a gooseneck trailer and 21,000 pounds with a conventional trailer. The F-250 with an optional tow package and F-350 single-rear wheel boast a max conventional tow rating of 18,000 pounds. Ford also revealed the maximum payload ratings for the F-250 and 350: 4,200 pounds for the F-250 and 7,630 pounds for the F-350.
 
“This is the best heavy-duty truck we’ve ever made. We listened to our customers and created the toughest, smartest and most capable Super Duty ever,” said Doug Scott, Ford truck marketing manager.
 
Expect a response from GM or Ram in due course.
 
Source: Ford
 
Press Release is on Page 2


 
ALL-NEW FORD F-SERIES SUPER DUTY LEAVES THE REST BEHIND; RAISES TOWING, HAULING, ENGINE POWER TO NEXT LEVEL
Most capability: All-new F-Series Super Duty can tow heavier trailers and haul heavier cargo than ever before, with maximum gooseneck towing capacity raised to 32,500 pounds on F-450, fifth-wheel towing capacity boosted to class-leading 27,500 pounds and conventional towing to class-leading 21,000 pounds; maximum payload now rated at up to best-in-class 7,630 pounds Most power: 6.7-liter Power Stroke® V8 turbo diesel boosts horsepower to a class-leading 440 and torque to a class-leading 925 lb.-ft. for all pickup models – from F-250 to F-450; 6.2-liter V8 gas model offers best-in-class torque of 430 lb.-ft. Most confidence: Class-exclusive smart technologies help make towing easier and enable increased confidence, including BLIS® with trailer tow, adaptive cruise control that works with the heaviest trailers, and Trailer Reverse Guidance to help back trailers up

DEARBORN, Mich., July 18, 2016 – Ford, America’s truck leader, is taking heavy-duty trucks to the next level with the all-new 2017 F-Series Super Duty – empowering customers with the most towing and hauling capability and the most horsepower and torque of any heavy-duty pickup truck.
 
Super Duty’s enhanced capability starts with high-strength, military-grade, aluminum alloy and high-strength steel that help reduce weight by up to 350 pounds. Ford reinvested that weight savings in more robust components everywhere it counts to give customers more towing and hauling capability than ever before.
 
Foundational improvements for every Super Duty pickup truck include an all-new, fully boxed frame that is more than 95 percent high-strength steel and up to 24 times stiffer than the previous frame to support increased towing and hauling. The all-new high-strength, military-grade, aluminum-alloy body is more dent and ding resistant than the previous steel body.
 
“This is the best heavy-duty truck we’ve ever made,” says Doug Scott, Ford truck marketing manager. “We listened to our customers and created the toughest, smartest and most capable Super Duty ever.”
 
The future of towing is now
The 2017 Super Duty is the undisputed leader in towing, offering available best-in-class performance in all towing categories, plus smart technology no other competitor has to enable greater confidence when towing.
 
Ford F-450 Super Duty SuperCrew 4x4 now features a maximum gooseneck tow rating of 32,500 pounds – 1,290 pounds more than its nearest competitor, a regular cab two-door pickup. Maximum fifth-wheel towing is increased to 27,500 – 2,500 pounds better than the nearest competitor.
 
Maximum conventional towing is increased to 21,000 pounds – 1,000 pounds better than the nearest competitors’ trucks and without the need for a weight-distributing hitch. Maximum conventional towing with F-250, with the all-new trailer tow package, and F-350 single-rear wheel are increased to a class-leading 18,000 pounds.
 
Maximum gross combined weight rating for truck and trailer now tops out at a class-leading 41,800 pounds. That is more than half the maximum weight of an 18-wheeler semi-tractor trailer combination on most federal highways.
 
This industry-defining capability is matched by never-before-seen towing technology. Super Duty is the first truck to offer adaptive cruise control and collision warning with brake support for heavy trailers, allowing truckers to traverse steep mountain grades while maintaining speed – even with a trailer weighing 32,500 pounds.
 
A center high-mounted stop lamp camera provides visibility into the cargo box, which is especially helpful when hooking up gooseneck and fifth-wheel trailers. An Ultimate Trailer Tow Camera System uses four digital, high-definition cameras to give the driver a 360-degree bird’s-eye view surrounding Super Duty. Trailer Reverse Guidance provides visual cues and tips to help ease backing up a trailer. A first-ever factory-available trailer camera can be custom-placed on a trailer to improve visibility backing up.
 
Trailer towing customers benefit from a segment-first in-cab trailer tire pressure monitoring system, accessible from the comfort of the cab while stopped or on the highway. Blind Spot Information System with trailer tow is optimized for Super Duty to include the length of the trailer up to 33 feet long; BLIS® uses radar sensors in the taillamps to monitor areas that may not be visible to the driver.
 
Payload dominance
Super Duty can haul more than any other heavy-duty pickup. Maximum payload of the 2017 Ford Super Duty F-350 is 7,630 pounds – more than any competitor, period. F-250 Super Duty boasts the same dominance over its peers; with maximum payload of 4,200 pounds, it can haul more than 600 pounds over its nearest competitor.
 
More power than ever
The Ford-designed, Ford-engineered, Ford-built second-generation 6.7-liter Power Stroke® V8 turbo diesel that powers Super Duty now delivers a best-in-class combination of 440 horsepower and a staggering 925 lb.-ft. of torque. That power is standard for every Super Duty diesel pickup – from F-250 to F-450 – without requiring special tuning or unique hardware.
 
The standard 6.2-liter V8 now offers best-in-class torque among gasoline engines of 430 lb.-ft., with standard 385 horsepower.
 
Both diesel and gasoline engines are backed by the TorqShift six-speed SelectShift® automatic transmission for reliable and efficient cross-country towing. The F-250 pickup with 6.2-liter V8 and all-new TorqShift-G six-speed automatic delivers improved fuel economy and capability for three-quarter-ton Super Duty customers.
 
Ford has redefined leadership in the heavy-duty pickup truck market, delivering never-before-seen productivity for today’s heavy-duty truck customer. The 2017 F-Series Super Duty is a purpose-built machine for getting work done faster, smarter and more efficiently. The all-new Super Duty goes on sale this fall.

  • Looking for something to a move a continent? Ford has the trucks for you.

William Maley

BMW 1-Series Sedan is A Chinese Only Affair

BMW has revealed the 1-Series sedan today in China. This is the German automaker's belated answer to the likes of the Audi A3 and Mercedes-Benz CLA. BMW has only released one image of the new model, but we can tell the design is the same as the Concept Compact Sedan that debuted at last year's Guangzhou Auto Show.
 
BMW's press release on this model is very sparse on technical details. We do believe this sedan is using the UKL front-wheel drive platform that underpins the BMW X1 and Mini Cooper. Power will likely come from turbocharged three and four-cylinder engines.
 
It is expected the model will go on sale soon in China and be produced at Brilliance Auto's plant in Shenyang, China. Brilliance it should be noted is BMW's partner in China.
 
The model is expected to only be sold in China.
 
Source: BMW
 
Press Release is on Page 2


 
The all new BMW 1 Series Sedan. Exclusively for the Chinese Market
 

Beijing: The BMW Group and BMW Brilliance Automotive Ltd. (BBA) will further explore the premium compact segment in China with the BMW 1 Series Sedan – the first compact sports sedan under the BMW brand. This makes BBA's product range in the compact class even more comprehensive with premium entry-level cars covering segments of the Active Tourer, Sports Activity Vehicle, and Sports Sedan, attracting new customer groups to become premium car owners. The premium compact car segment is the fastest growing segment worldwide and in China.
 
The BMW 1 Series Sedan is the most sporty and emotional sedan in segment. It is an exclusive model tailored and aligned to the needs of Chinese customers, solely produced and specifically sold in China. The development and testing of the new car was taken place in the BMW headquarters with the involvement of Chinese engineers. The new car also performed intensive road tests in respect to different circumstances of road conditions and climate situations on different terrains in China. With the BMW 1 Series Sedan, BMW engineers have made a lot of specific fine-tuning and improvements according to the Chinese customers' habits and vehicle-use environment.
 
The BMW 1 Series Sedan is originated from the concept car BMW Concept Compact Sedan, which made its world premiere at Guangzhou Motor Show 2015. As a model ready for production, the BMW 1 Series Sedan maintains design elements of the concept car, including BMW's typical body proportion. The BMW 1 Series Sedan is instantly recognisable as a BMW. It has a concise BMW face with double kidney grille as well as LED double round headlamps and brand emblem in a very present, sporty and modern interpretation. The characteristic BMW design language is also shown in the sporty, emotional and modern-looking silhouette with Hofmeister kink.
 
The BMW 1 Series Sedan is the latest proof of BMW Group’s strength in innovation and is superior in terms of connectivity. Its comprehensive BMW ConnectedDrive technologies provide all customers unparalleled convenience, rich infotainment, and significantly enhanced safety. The latest powerful and technology-leading engines with hi-tech electronic technology from BMW are produced at the new local engine plant in Shenyang and guarantee unparalleled driving pleasure.
 
After the successful launch of the BMW X1 and the BMW 2 Series Active Tourer, the BMW 1 Series Sedan is added to the model range, which now comprises five locally-produced BMW model series in China. With that BMW offers even more attractive entry-level models for its customers. This will further help to expand the company’s product substance and competitive advantage.

  • BMW builds a sedan only destined for China

William Maley

Spying: Our First Look At the Honda Civic Si

At first glance, this set of spy photos might look like a standard Honda Civic Coupe being disguised for some unknown reason. But the back has an emblem on the passenger side covered up and there a single-piece exhaust that is similar to the Civic coupe concept from the 2015 New York Auto Show. Ladies and gentlemen, may we introduce you to the upcoming Civic Si.
 
These pictures handed off to AutoGuide are the first spy shots of Honda's hot Civic - until the Type R comes around. Other details we can pull from the shots is a more aggressive front end that is similar from the 2015 concept and new bumpers.
 
Power is expected to come from the 2.0L turbo-four powering the current Civic Type R. The engine will be slightly de-tuned to produce 220 to 230 horsepower. A six-speed manual is expected, but no word on whether this Si will be the first to offer an automatic transmission.
 
The Civic Si expected to arrive sometime next year, so it would be safe to assume it will appear at either the LA or Detroit Auto Show.
 
Source: AutoGuide

  • Honda readies the next Civic variant

William Maley

Rumorpile: Buick Shows Off A Regal Wagon To Their Dealers

Rumors of Buick doing a wagon variant of the Regal have been floating around a for few years and it has either fallen into one of two categories: GM is considering it or they have passed on it. A new rumor has the Regal Wagon coming.
 
Automotive News reports that a recent national dealer meeting, Buick revealed images of the next-generation Regal. According to people that attending the meeting, the images included the next-generation Regal GS and a wagon. Unfortunately, the people didn't give any specific details on what the wagon looked like.
 
Buick possibly doing a wagon seems like an odd decision. Data from IHS Automotive shows wagons only make up one percent of the total U.S. market. Buyers prefer crossovers and SUVs.
 
But Buick has a mostly successful track record with entering segments where there isn't much competition. A key example is the Encore subcompact crossover which beat a number of competitors to market and has become the brand's volume model. Another example is the Cascada convertible which has done very well in sales.
 
Not all of them have been hits. The Verano which was Buick's entrant the premium compact class will be leaving the lineup this fall due to faltering sales.
 
The big question aside if Buick will go forward with a wagon variant is will it be a standard wagon or something akin to the Subaru Outback/Audi A4 Allroad. As we reported back in December, GM trademarked 'Tourx' and 'Regal Tourx'. This lead some to believe that Buick could be doing a Regal wagon, but we took it in another direction by saying it could be a light off-road variant of the wagon.
 
Automotive News says the Regal wagon could arrive in 2018.
 
Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required)

  • Dealers get a sneak peek into the next-generation Regal

William Maley

Jeep Reveals the Wrangler 75th Salute Concept

July 15th is an important date for Jeep as it was back in 1941, the U.S. Government awarded Willys-Overland Co. a contract to supply the United States military with its Willys MB. It would soon earn the nickname of Jeep. 75 years and a few automakers later, Jeep is marking the occasion with the Wrangler 75th Salute concept.
 
The concept is based on the current Wrangler Sport. To make it look like the Willys MB, Jeep removed the doors and B-pillars, and added a set of steel bumpers with hooks. The exterior is finished in army green and features a set of exterior hood latches and sixteen-inch steel wheels. The interior is simple with a set of low-back canvas seats.
 
Power comes from Chrysler's 3.6L V6 and is paired with a six-speed manual.
 
“We are creating this unique Jeep Wrangler 75th Salute concept vehicle in celebration of the brand’s legendary history, and to demonstrate that 75 years later, today’s iconic Jeep Wrangler is instantly recognizable and clearly connected to the original Willys MB,” said Mike Manley, Head of Jeep Brand – FCA Global.
 
Source: Jeep

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Press Release is on Page 2


 
Jeep® Brand Celebrates 75th Anniversary With Commemorative Wrangler 75th Salute Concept Vehicle
Unique commemorative Wrangler 75th Salute concept celebrates the Jeep® brand’s history and legendary military heritage Wrangler 75th Salute concept showcases rugged functionality highlighted with heritage design cues first seen on original Jeep military vehicles Built on the 75th Anniversary of July 15, 1941: the date Willys-Overland Motor Co. was awarded the U.S. government contract to build the first Willys MB New Jeep Wrangler 75th Salute concept built on the same assembly line in Toledo, Ohio, that has produced Wrangler for decades Based on a Wrangler Sport model, powered by a 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine and mated to a six-speed manual transmission
July 15, 2016 , Auburn Hills, Mich. - Since 1941, the Jeep® name has symbolized a unique family of go-anywhere, do-anything vehicles – first developed for military use, and after 1945, continually adapted for a wide variety of civilian applications. The Jeep brand is celebrating its 75th anniversary in 2016, and to mark the occasion, a commemorative one-of-a-kind Wrangler 75th Salute concept vehicle is being created today as a tribute to the brand’s legendary history and military heritage.
 

“We are creating this unique Jeep Wrangler 75th Salute concept vehicle in celebration of the brand’s legendary history, and to demonstrate that 75 years later, today’s iconic Jeep Wrangler is instantly recognizable and clearly connected to the original Willys MB,” said Mike Manley, Head of Jeep Brand – FCA Global. “Since they were first produced in 1941, Jeep vehicles have been the authentic benchmark for off-road capability, having mastered more terrain, led more adventures and provided drivers more freedom than any other vehicle before or since.”
 
The “function over form” of the original Jeep military service vehicles is evident in this unique concept vehicle. The Wrangler 75th Salute concept – a modern interpretation of the Willys MB – is based on a two-door Wrangler Sport and highlights rugged functionality with heritage design cues, including the absence of B-pillars and doors. The exterior features an olive-drab color scheme that was first seen on military vehicles 75 years ago and is present throughout the Wrangler 75th Salute concept.
 
Features, including 16-inch steel wheels wrapped in 32-inch military non-directional tires, hood latches, a rear-mounted spare tire, steel front and rear bumpers with tow hooks and low back canvas seats, echo the original military Jeep vehicles. Other features include custom wood hood blocks and side mirrors, as well as bronze commemorative fender badges.
 
The Jeep Wrangler 75th Salute concept vehicle is built on the same assembly line that has produced the Wrangler in Toledo, Ohio, for decades, and is powered by a 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine and mated to a six-speed manual transmission.
 
About Jeep’s Military History
In July 1940, the U.S. military informed automakers that it was looking for a “light reconnaissance vehicle” to replace the Army's motorcycle and modified Ford Model-T vehicles. The Army invited 135 manufacturers to bid on production and developed a lengthy specification list for the vehicle, including a 600-lb. load capacity, wheelbase less than 75 inches, height less than 36 inches, smooth-running engine from 3 to 50 miles per hour, rectangular-shaped body, four-wheel drive with a two-speed transfer case, fold-down windshield, three bucket seats, blackout and driving lights and a gross vehicle weight below 1,300 lbs.
 
At first, Willys-Overland and American Bantam Car Manufacturing Company were the only two companies answering the call. Soon, however, Ford Motor Company entered the picture, and competition began among the three over which company would receive the lucrative government contract.
 
Each company produced prototypes for testing in record time. The Army took possession of these vehicles in November 1940 at Camp Holabird, Maryland. Each of the three designs exceeded the Army's specification of 1,300 lbs., but the Army soon realized that limit was far too low and raised it for the next round of vehicles.
 
The Army issued the next round of contracts in March 1941. Bantam was to produce 1,500 Model 40 BRC vehicles, Ford would build 1,500 modified and improved GP Pygmies and Willys would build 1,500 Quads. Further testing and evaluation led to the Army's selection of the Willys vehicle as the standard.
 
With modifications and improvements, the Willys Quad became the MA, and later the MB. But the Army, and the world, came to know it as the Jeep. In 1941, the Willys MB began rolling off the assembly line straight into the heat of battle and the rest is history.
 
About Jeep Brand
Built on 75 years of legendary heritage, Jeep is the authentic SUV with class-leading capability, craftsmanship and versatility for people who seek extraordinary journeys. The Jeep brand delivers an open invitation to live life to the fullest by offering a full line of vehicles that continue to provide owners with a sense of security to handle any journey with confidence.
 
The Jeep vehicle lineup consists of the Cherokee, Compass, Grand Cherokee, Patriot, Renegade, Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited. To meet consumer demand around the world, all Jeep models sold outside North America are available in both left and right-hand drive configurations and with gasoline and diesel powertrain options.

  • Jeep shows one way to celebrate an important milestone

William Maley

BMW Unveils the 7-Series Plug-In Hybrid

BMW has revealed the plug-in hybrid variants of the 7-Series. Known as the 7-Series iPerformance, the models feature technolgies from BMW's i subbrand.
 
There will be three variants of the 7-Series iPerformance on offer; the 740e, 740Le, and 740Le xDrive. All feature a powertrain that is comprised of a 2.0L turbo-four and electric motor delivering a total output of 326 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. This is paired with an eight-speed automatic and either rear or all-wheel drive. A 9.2 kWh lithium-ion battery pack sits underneath the rear seat.
 
BMW says the 7-Series iPerformance can hit 60 MPH between 5.3 to 5.5 seconds. On the EU test cycle, the model has an electric range of 25 to 30 miles.
 
There are a couple of other tricks up the 7-Series iPerformance's sleeve,
Adaptive Driving Mode: Designed to provide the best powertrain and suspension settings based on driver input and data from the navigation system. Battery Control: Driver can tell the vehicle how much of a battery change needs to be maintained (between 30 to 100 percent). BMW says this system allows a driver to only use the gas engine on the highway to save the battery charge. (This is similar to the Hold mode on the Chevrolet Volt).

BMW has confirmed to Autoblog that the 7-Series iPerformance will be available in the U.S. in August.
 
Source: BMW, Autoblog
 
Press Release is on Page 2


 
The new BMW 740e iPerformance, the new BMW 740Le iPerformance, the new BMW 740Le xDrive iPerformance.
 
The BMW eDrive drive system technology developed for BMW i cars has arrived in the new BMW 7 Series model range in the shape of three plug-in hybrid luxury sedans. The trio source their power from the myriad talents of a latest-generation four-cylinder petrol engine with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology and an electric motor. Together, they deliver a system output of 240 kW/326 hp. The new BMW 740e iPerformance with standard wheelbase and the new BMW 740Le iPerformance with long wheelbase capture the imagination with supreme dynamics, yet also record average petrol consumption of 2.2 – 2.0 litres per 100 kilometres / 128.4 – 141.2 mpg imp and CO2 emissions of 50 – 45 grams per kilometre (BMW 740Le iPerformance: 51 – 45 g/km). In the new BMW 740Le xDrive iPerformance (petrol consumption combined:
2.5 – 2.1 l/100 km [113 – 134.5 mpg imp]; CO2 emissions combined: 56 –49 g/km), intelligent all-wheel drive distributes the combined power of the combustion engine and electric motor permanently and as required between the front and rear wheels.
 
The plug-in hybrid variants of the new BMW 7 Series allow top-level driving pleasure, long-distance comfort and luxury to be experienced in combination with all-electric, locally emission-free mobility as well. The BMW iPerformance Automobiles represent the most rigorous implementation yet of Efficient Dynamics in vehicles from the BMW brand. Both BMW eDrive and the body structure with Carbon Core are rooted in know-how from BMW i. When it comes to charging the high-voltage battery, customers benefit from innovative products and services originally developed for BMW i. The BMW 740e iPerformance, BMW 740Le iPerformance and BMW 740Le xDrive iPerformance can also be specified as an option with anti-dazzle BMW Laserlight, which celebrated its world premiere in the BMW i8 plug-in hybrid sports car.
 
Intelligent energy management optimises the interplay of the combustion engine and electric motor. The electric boost function provides a noticeable increase in dynamic vigour – expressed most prominently by the powertrain’s instantaneous responses – and combines with enhanced efficiency courtesy of the electric assist function and the opportunity to drive through town and cross-country on electric power only to create a unique symbiosis of driving pleasure and sustainability. The maximum electric range, as per the EU test cycle for plug-in hybrid vehicles, is 44 – 48 kilometres / 27 – 30 miles for the BMW 740e iPerformance and BMW 740Le iPerformance, or 41 – 45 kilometres / 25 – 28 miles for the BMW 740Le xDrive iPerformance (figures may vary depending on the tyre format specified).
 
The best of two worlds: BMW eDrive and BMW TwinPower Turbo technology.
The combustion engine with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology employed by the plug-in hybrid variants of the new BMW 7 Series is a member of the new Efficient Dynamics engine family. Developing maximum output of 190 kW/258 hp, it is the most powerful four-cylinder engine ever fitted in a series-produced BMW. Instantaneous power delivery and peak torque of 400 Newton metres (295 lb-ft) – on tap across a wide rev range (1,550 – 4,400 rpm) – imbue the 2.0-litre unit with vivaciously sporty yet also poised and authoritative performance. In addition, the new engine displays outstanding refinement.
 
The electric drive system, based on the principle of a permanently excited synchronous motor, boasts exceptionally high power density with a maximum output of 83 kW/113 hp. As is characteristic for electric drive systems, it serves up its peak torque of 250 Newton metres (184 lb-ft) from the word go. The boost effect for the combustion engine provides the driver with thrillingly instantaneous responses. Furthermore, the electric motor takes on the role of a generator which – depending on the hybrid function selected – is powered either by recuperating braking energy or by efficiently raising the engine’s load points. It then feeds the energy it generates into the high-voltage battery.
 
The electric motor is fully integrated into the eight-speed Steptronic transmission. This ensures that pure-electric driving, the dynamics-enhancing electric boost function and the recuperation of braking energy are all extremely efficient. The eight-speed Steptronic transmission has outstanding internal efficiency, top-class shift dynamics and shift comfort, and a compact construction. Gearshift paddles on the steering wheel are available as an option, enabling the driver to make manual gear selections with exceptional swiftness and the greatest of ease.
 
Working together intelligently, the combustion engine and electric drive system bring a system output of 240 kW/326 hp and a combined peak torque of 500 Newton metres (369 lb-ft) to the table. Immediate response to every movement of the accelerator and sustained delivery of dynamic power allow the BMW 740e iPerformance to dash from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 5.4 seconds and the BMW 740Le iPerformance to complete the same sprint in 5.5 seconds.
 
The cars’ sporty driving characteristics are accompanied by extraordinarily low petrol consumption and emissions. The BMW 740e iPerformance and BMW 740Le iPerformance both record combined petrol consumption of 2.2 – 2.0 litres per 100 kilometres (128.4 – 141.2 mpg imp). The CO2 emissions associated with petrol consumption are 50 – 45 grams per kilometre (figures as calculated in the EU test cycle for plug-in hybrid vehicles, may vary depending on the tyre format specified). The exceptional efficiency of the BMW eDrive technology developed using know-how from BMW i is revealed once again in all-electric, locally emission-free driving. The electric power consumption of the plug-in hybrid luxury sedans, as calculated in the EU test cycle, stands at 13.3 – 12.5 kWh per 100 kilometres for the BMW 740e iPerformance and 13.3 – 12.6 kWh per 100 kilometres for the BMW 740Le iPerformance (figures may vary depending on the tyre format specified).
 
BMW 740Le xDrive iPerformance: permanent all-wheel drive also applies to all-electric driving.
The BMW 740Le xDrive iPerformance follows in the tyre tracks of the BMW X5 xDrive40e iPerformance Sports Activity Vehicle as the brand’s second model to distribute its power permanently to all four wheels in pure-electric driving, when the combustion engine cuts in and when both drive systems are in use at the same time. The intelligent all-wheel-drive system ensures supreme traction, optimised directional stability and enhanced agility through enthusiastically taken corners in all weather and road conditions.
 
Perfectly executed power distribution between the front and rear wheels gives the BMW 740Le xDrive iPerformance extremely dynamic accelerative ability, with the journey from rest to 100 km/h (62 mph) completed in 5.3 seconds. Yet the petrol consumption of the BMW 740Le xDrive iPerformance is just 2.5 – 2.1 litres per 100 kilometres (113 – 134.5 mpg imp) combined, while the associated CO2 emissions are 56 – 49 grams per kilometre (figures as calculated in the EU test cycle for plug-in hybrid vehicles, may vary depending on the tyre format specified). The combined electric power consumption of the BMW 740Le xDrive iPerformance in the EU test cycle comes in at between 13.9 and 13.2 kWh per 100 kilometres (figures may vary depending on the tyre format specified).
 
eDrive button allows powertrain control to be configured as desired.
The driver can use the eDrive button on the centre console to change how the plug-in hybrid drive system operates. In the AUTO eDRIVE hybrid function, intelligent energy management ensures the combustion engine and electric motor work together with maximum efficiency and to dynamically optimised effect. The operating strategy defaults to all-electric mode at low and moderate speeds to utilise the advantages of locally emission-free mobility as widely as possible. The combustion engine only joins the fray at a speed of around 80 km/h (50 mph) or under heavy throttle applications.
 
The driver can switch to the MAX eDRIVE pure-electric mode at the touch of a button. In this setting the car is powered exclusively by the electric motor, although the combustion engine can be brought into play at any time by pushing the accelerator into kickdown. In the MAX eDRIVE setting, the BMW iPerformance variants of the new BMW 7 Series have a pure-electric top speed of 140 km/h (87 mph).
 
The Battery Control setting allows the charge of the high-voltage battery to be set manually. The driver can input a target value between 30 and 100 per cent of maximum charge, which is then available for pure-electric driving later in the journey. For example, electric power can be held back or even increased while on the motorway so it can be used subsequently for locally emission-free driving in town.
 
Driving Experience Control switch with ADAPTIVE mode, clearly noticeable differentiation between SPORT, COMFORT and ECO PRO mode.
The plug-in hybrid variants of the new BMW 7 Series are also equipped as standard with the newly designed Driving Experience Control switch on the centre console. At the touch of a button, the driver can activate a vehicle setting that optimises dynamics, comfort or efficiency. The range of characters encompassed by ECO PRO, COMFORT and SPORT modes are even more clearly defined than with conventionally powered vehicles.
 
Beyond this, the Driving Experience Control switch offers the option of selecting ADAPTIVE mode. In this setting, the car’s responses adapt noticeably to the driver’s style and route profile.
 
High-voltage lithium-ion battery: developed specifically for the models at hand, integrated with space-saving skill.
The high-voltage lithium-ion battery has a gross capacity of 9.2 kWh and net capacity of 7.4 kWh. It is accommodated underneath the rear seat bench in a space-saving position that also provides optimum crash safety. The BMW iPerformance variants of the new BMW 7 Series therefore also benefit from a level surface in the luggage compartment, which offers a capacity of 420 litres. The stowage volume and practicality of the load area set the benchmark in the luxury plug-in hybrid sedan segment.
 
The energy flow between the high-voltage battery, electric motor and charger is controlled by power electronics likewise developed specifically for these models. The power electronics also regulate the supply of energy from the high-voltage battery to the 12V onboard electrical system via a voltage transformer.
 
Simple, hassle-free and flexible charging thanks to innovative products and services von BMW 360° ELECTRIC.
The high-voltage battery can be topped up with energy from any domestic power socket, a Wallbox designed for higher currents or public charging stations. The battery can be fully charged in under four hours from a domestic power socket and in under three hours from a BMW i Wallbox. Added to which, BMW 360° ELECTRIC includes the ChargeNow service, which grants straightforward access to partner charging stations and can also be used for the convenient billing of monthly energy costs.
 
Standard specification includes auxiliary air conditioning.
The high level of standard specification for the BMW 740e iPerformance, BMW 740Le iPerformance and BMW 740Le xDrive iPerformance includes LED headlights, the BMW Display Key, the ConnectedDrive navigation package, smartphone integration with inductive charging facility for the phone battery, and an iDrive operating system expanded to include a touchscreen function for the Control Display and the globally unique BMW gesture control feature. Customers can also look forward to auxiliary heating and air conditioning, which allow them to prepare the car’s interior temperature in advance. The heating and air conditioning system of the plug-in hybrid models is supplied with energy from the high-voltage battery. When the car’s battery is being charged, the auxiliary air conditioning function is powered by the mains supply.
 
The charger connection for the high-voltage battery can be found under the flap in the left-hand front side panel. The high-set position of the connection makes the charging process easier. Standard equipment includes a charging cable for use with a domestic power socket, which can be stored in a bag in the boot area to save space. Inside the BMW 740e iPerformance, BMW 740Le iPerformance and BMW 740Le xDrive iPerformance, the most prominent hybrid-specific features include – in addition to the eDrive button – special graphic displays in the instrument cluster and Control Display. On the outside, the transfer of technology from BMW i is flagged up by “eDrive” badges on the C-pillars, the BMW i logo on the front side panels (left and right), BMW kidney grille bars in BMW i Blue and blue hub covers.
 
Exceptional efficiency coupled with driving pleasure, long-distance comfort and made-to-measure luxury.
The iPerformance variants of the BMW 7 Series model range bring together exceptional efficiency and a form of luxurious driving pleasure and long-distance comfort that speaks to both the present and the future. Both the front and rear seats can be specified as an option with comfort seats, active seat ventilation, a massage function with Vitality Programme and the Heat Comfort package. Maximising personal wellbeing in the rear compartment of the BMW 740Le iPerformance and BMW 740Le xDrive iPerformance, meanwhile, is the Executive Lounge option. Moreover, the Sky Lounge Panorama glass roof is also available for these models.
 
The selection of driver assistance systems includes the new-generation BMW Head-Up Display as well as the Parking Assistant, Driving Assistant, Driving Assistant Plus and Surround View systems. The iPerformance variants of the new BMW 7 Series can also be ordered as an option with the M Sport package, Pure Excellence exterior design and interior design packages and BMW Individual Design Composition.
 
Flexible and efficient production of electric drive systems in model-specific configurations.
The BMW Group uses the knowledge gained in the development of BMW i cars for the production of its own electric motors and high-voltage batteries. BMW eDrive technology is also employed in the BMW iPerformance models. The company’s stand-out expertise in the field of electric drive systems is reflected not only in the exceptional performance of the electric motors and high-voltage batteries, but also in efficient production methods. An intelligent modular system for eDrive technology and a flexible production concept enable the BMW Group to respond quickly and precisely to customer requirements the world over.

  • BMW decides to add some plug-in hybrid for the 7-Series

William Maley

Quick Drive: 2016 Volkswagen Passat V6 SEL Premium

Whenever you walk onto a dealer’s lot and look at the selection of midsize sedans, they are for the most part equipped with their base four-cylinder engine. It is what most people buy as they provide the balance of power and fuel economy they are looking for. But among the base four-cylinders lie a few of the models equipped with the more powerful engine, whether it be a turbocharged four-cylinder or V6. Are you missing out by not going with the larger engine? We decided to investigate this with the recently updated 2016 Volkswagen Passat and its optional V6.
 
The V6 in question is a 3.6 with 280 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. This engine also powers the CC and Touareg. Drop it into the Passat and it makes the vehicle a hot-rod. If you’re not careful with the accelerator when leaving a stop, you will spin the front tires easily. Once you figure out how lightly you need to step on the accelerator when the light turns green, you’ll be impressed at how fast the Passat pickups speed. More impressive is how V6 goes about its business with barely any noise or vibrations. I know four-cylinders, in general, have gotten better in terms of NVH, but the V6 still holds a clear advantage in this regard.
 
There are some pitfalls the Passat’s V6 option. First is the standard DSG dual-clutch transmission. At low speeds, this transmission exhibits hesitation and causes the vehicle lurch and even bog down. The DSG does get its act together at higher speeds where it delivers some of the fastest shifts in the class. But I can’t help but wonder how much better it would have been if the V6 was paired with an automatic. Second is fuel economy. The Passat is rated by the EPA at 20 City/28 Highway/23 Combined, which is the lowest fuel economy numbers in the class. Our average for week reflects this with an average of 22.1 MPG.
 
In terms of the ride, the Passat feels like a big American sedan. Bumps and road noise barely make their way inside, making it the perfect long-distance cruiser. Around corners, the Passat shows a little bit of body roll. Steering feels direct, but I did find myself wanting a bit more weight.
 
Volkswagen made some much-needed changes to the Passat’s exterior. The front end gets a larger grille, new headlights, and a reshaped hood. Other changes include a new trunk lid and revised wheels. Yes, the Passat still looks a bit dull when compared to the competition. But to be fair, the changes do give the Passat some semblance of style. The interior hasn’t changed much since we checked out the Passat back in 2014, and that isn’t a bad thing. There is still the well laid out dashboard and a spacious back seat that could rival flagship luxury sedans. New for 2016 is the ability to run Apple CarPlay and Android Auto through the infotainment system. Unlike some of other the vehicles I have tried with CarPlay, I didn’t run into any issues. The system recognized my phone within seconds of plugging it in and brought up the CarPlay moments thereafter. Also, I found that none of the apps I used through CarPlay crashed or have some sort of other problem.
 
There is one big problem with the V6 option for the Passat, the price. To get into the V6, you need to opt for the top SEL Premium trim which starts at $36,835. Add in destination and you’re looking at a final price of $37,655. You do get a lot of equipment such as blind spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, dual-zone climate control, navigation, and Fender audio system as standard. But that same amount of money can get you into a decently equipped luxury sedan. Making this more problematic is you can get the SEL Premium with the 1.8 turbo for only $2,300 less. The 1.8 turbo is a great engine as it delivers decent power and refinement, and features excellent fuel economy figures (25 City/38 Highway/29 Combined).
 
The Passat’s V6 option isn’t as great as you might think. The engine gives the model some real thrust, but, the 1.8T feels just as fast and doesn’t have to visit the gas station as often. Plus the high point of entry makes this a non-starter for more people. Think of it this way, the Passat V6 is the model that will sell you into getting a lower trim of the Passat or even another midsize sedan.
 

 
Disclaimer: Volkswagen Provided the Passat, Insurance, and One Tank of Gas
 
Year: 2016
Make: Volkswagen
Model: Passat
Trim: V6 SEL Premium
Engine: 3.6L FSI VR6
Driveline: Six-Speed Dual-Clutch Automatic, Front-Wheel Drive
Horsepower @ RPM: 280 @ 6,200
Torque @ RPM: 258 @ 2,500
Fuel Economy: City/Highway/Combined - 20/28/23
Curb Weight: 3,571 lbs
Location of Manufacture: Chattanooga, Tennessee
Base Price: $36,835
As Tested Price: $37,655 (Includes $820.00 Destination Charge)
 
Options:
N/A

  • The most expensive model makes the case for buying one of the lesser models

William Maley

Cadillac Readies for European Push, Talks About What the Future Holds

Earlier this month, Cadillac revealed the CT6 and XT5 in Berlin ahead of their official European launch in September. At the present moment, the brand will be selling the vehicles through 45 dealers in 12 countries. Speaking with Autocar, Cadillac Europe’s head of product management Barnabas Vincze says they plan on doubling that by 2020 as part of a plan to achieve “organic growth” rather than going after volume. This shows in the sales goal as Cadillac wants to boost sales from about 550 vehicles last year to around 900-1000.
 
For the time being, the CT6 and XT5 will be equipped only with gas engines. Down the road, Vincze says “all types of different powertrains were on the table as options” in the future, and the brand was “looking at them all now. For now, we bring high-performance petrols to market.”
 
Also, Cadillac will be adding more crossovers to their European lineup. These include a model sitting between the XT5 and Escalade, and two small crossovers.
 
“Crossovers will be key to us,” said Vincze.
 
Source: Autocar

  • What does Cadillac have planned for Europe?

William Maley

As the Diesel Emits: California Says No To Volkswagen's 3.0L V6 Fix

The California Air Resources Board has rejected Volkswagen's plan to fix the 3.0L TDI V6.
 
"VW's and Audi's submissions are incomplete, substantially deficient, and fall far short of meeting the legal requirements to return these vehicles to the claimed certified configuration," CARB wrote in a letter to the German automaker.
 
This comes as a bit of a surprise as last month, Volkswagen's lawyer Robert Giuffra said the company was close to a fix for this engine and it wouldn't affect overall performance.
 
Volkswagen apparently did not learn its lesson when its proposed fix for the 2.0L TDI four-cylinder was rejected by CARB earlier this year for the same reasons.
 
Complicating matters further is CARB saying that certain test data would not be available until December. They need this data to help make a determination if a fix would work for the all of the affected models or if Volkswagen needs to set up a buyback program similar to the one for the 2.0 TDI.
 
Source: Reuters, California Air Resources Board

  • CARB Rejects Volkswagen's Plan for the 3.0L TDI Fix

William Maley

Rumorpile: Next-Generation 3-Series To Feature An Electric Only Model

Within the next year and a half, a new BMW 3-Series will be revealed. There will be gas, diesel, hybrid, and the possibility of an all-electric version.
 
Auto Express reports the German automaker is working on a 3-Series electric that will take on the upcoming Tesla Model 3. The next 3-Series will use BMW's CLAR (Cluster Architecture) which not only brings forth carbon fiber for certain parts of the vehicle, but it was designed with electric vehicles in mind.
 
Auto Express says the model will use a 90 kWh battery capable of delivering a range of 300 miles. Expect to see the 3-Series EV sometime in 2020.
 
Source: Auto Express

  • BMW has Tesla in their sights with a possible 3-Series EV

William Maley

Toyota Wonders If It Makes Sense To Still Offer Diesels In Europe

With the Volkswagen diesel emission scandal hanging a dark cloud over the fuel, many automakers are considering whether or not they want to continue with diesel.
 
Karl Schlicht, executive vice-president of Toyota Europe tells Autocar the company is wondering whether or not they should stop offering diesels. He uses the example of the Yaris Diesel. At the moment, the option makes "up less than 10%” of total sales for Europe. Dropping this model is a real possibility.
 
“I think that anyone looking at investing in a new diesel plant, which might have a lifespan of 10 to 15 years, will have to look long and hard at whether they would get payback,” said Schlicht.
 
This comes as stricter emission standards and tests are on the horizon for Europe.
 
Source: Autocar

  • Toyota is at a crossroads for diesels in Europe

William Maley

U.S. Appeals Court Rules GM Has to Face Some Claims Dealing with the Ignition Switch

One of the groups that haven't been able to take any legal action against General Motors over the faulty ignition switch were those who bought the affected vehicles before the company announced bankruptcy in 2009. Last year, a bankruptcy judge said that New GM was shielded from liabiliites over the actions taken by Old GM.
 
But today, the U.S. Second Circuit Court of Appeals in Manhattan reversed that decision. In the ruling, the court stated that New GM must face some of the claims from owners that arose from their actions before their bankruptcy.
 
“We are reviewing the ruling and its impact. Even if some claims are ultimately allowed to proceed, the plaintiffs must still prove their cases," said GM spokesman Jim Cain in an email to the Wall Street Journal.
 
This decision could expose GM to additional costs as it tries to move away from this mess. According to the ruling, the protection given to GM shielded them from up to $10 billion of liability claims.
 
Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required), Wall Street Journal (Subscription Required)

  • General Motors gets a major blow in terms of the ignition switch scandal

William Maley

Bentley Mulsanne To Swap V8 for Electric Power?

Bentley is considering whether or not they should offer an electric powertrain for their flagship sedan, the Mulsanne. Hans Holzgartner, product and marketing manager for the Mulsanne told Autocar part of the reason for this comes down to Chinese lawmakers possibly passing legislation banning all vehicles except EVs in certain cities.
 
“At the moment, the indication is that full electric will be the only way that you’ll get into some of the cities in China. I wouldn’t say we’re discounting [hybrid engines] completely, but it looks like if you don’t have a full electric drive, even some of the hybrid drives just won’t get into some cities in China,” said Holzgartner.
 
Similar legislation is being considered in other European countries, causing Bentley to put the idea of electric powertrains as a possible high priority item.
 
But why the Mulsanne? Why not one of their small and 'lighter' models? Holzgartner explained that adding an electric powertrain into the Mulsanne would improve some of the key traits such providing a quiet ride.
 
“With a Mulsanne-sized car, it’s all about torque anyway,” he added. “The delivery characteristics of electric drive — loads of bottom-end torque, almost silent delivery, very smooth — they all fit," said Holzhartner.
 
“Our challenge is to make something that’s as interesting to drive as a current Bentley, because while a Mulsanne will be driven in almost silent mode even with a petrol engine, if you’ve got a Mulsanne Speed you’ll want to let rip every so often. That’s going to be the challenge: creating something that can be fun as well.”
 
Source: Autocar

  • Possible new laws has Bentley putting electric power under serious thought

William Maley

Revealed! 2017 Hyundai Elantra Sport

There's a new member to Hyundai Elantra family. Today, the Korean automaker revealed the 2017 Elantra Sport.
 
The Elantra Sport stands out from other Elantras thanks to small design changes as a blacked-out grille, slightly aggressive body kit, and a set of 20-inch aluminum wheels. The interior boasts some subtle changes such as a set of sport seats with red stitching and a flat-bottom steering wheel.
 
Power comes from a turbocharged 1.6L four-cylinder that is said to produce 'more than' 200 horsepower and 190 pound-feet of torque. Hyundai will offer a six-speed manual or a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. Underneath, the Elantra Sport features a fully independent rear suspension setup instead of the torsion beam setup found on other Elantras.
 
Hyundai says the Elantra Sport will arrive in the fourth quarter of this year. This is when we'll likely get the final power figures and pricing.
 
Source: Hyundai
 

 
Press Release is on Page 2


 
2017 Hyundai Elantra Sport Unlocks Passion, Power and Performance
1.6 Turbo GDI engine and independent multi-link rear suspension highlight the most powerful and dynamic Hyundai Elantra ever

FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., July 12, 2016 – Today at a meeting of the Washington Automotive Press Association in Alexandria, VA, Hyundai Motor America unveiled the all-new 2017 Hyundai Elantra Sport. The most powerful Elantra model ever, the Sport benefits from a variety of important powertrain, chassis and styling upgrades over the current SE, Eco, and Limited models.
 

The Elantra Sport is powered by a 1.6 Turbo GDI four-cylinder engine generating more than 200 hp and 190 lb-ft of torque. Drivers may choose between a six-speed manual transmission or seven-speed Dual Clutch Transmission with paddle shifters. Helping to ensure the most powerful Elantra ever is also the most fun to drive, the Sport is exclusively outfitted with an independent multi-link rear suspension designed to elevate on-road dynamics and feel. Finally, Elantra Sport is visually differentiated with unique bodywork and model-specific interior appointments such as a flat-bottomed steering wheel, sport seats and red contrast stitching.
 

“Elantra Sport demonstrates our commitment to providing drivers with compelling vehicle choices that align with their interests,” says Mike Evanoff, Hyundai Motor America manager of product planning. “This is a vehicle that reflects our own passion for cars and driving, expressing it with sharp looks, proven in-car technology, upgraded power, and fun, sporty handling.”
 
The Hyundai Elantra Sport will arrive in North American showrooms in the fourth quarter of 2016. Additional details, including full specifications and pricing, will be available closer to the on-sale date.

  • A warm, not hot sports sedan

William Maley

As the Diesel Emits: Volkswagen Still Hasn't Ask EPA For Approval To Sell TDI Models

If you're wondering when Volkswagen will resume sales of diesel vehicles in the U.S., you're going to have to wait a bit longer. Automotive News has learned that the German automaker hasn't applied for the necessary EPA approvals to start selling diesel vehicles in the U.S.
 
"They need to address our concerns" before sales can resume, an EPA official said.
 
Those concerns most likely relate to Volkswagen coming up with a fix that meets the standards of the EPA and California Air Resources Board (CARB). As we have reported previously, Volkswagen might not be able to fully fix some of the TDI vehicles.
 
Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required)

  • In not so surprising news, Volkswagen hasn't asked the EPA if they can sell TDI vehicles again

William Maley

Review: 2016 Chevrolet Volt Premier

General Motors took a huge gamble when they introduced the first-generation Chevrolet Volt for the 2011 model year. It was positioned as an alternative to a standard electric car by having a gas generator providing electric power once the battery was depleted. This different take on an electric vehicle solved the issue of range anxiety. But GM was too ambitious in terms of sales numbers. This lead to dealers being stockpiled with models because not many people were buying them. Within a year, GM made some key changes such as reducing the production amount and offering incentives that the Volt was finally able to make some headway in the market.
 
Now we come to the second-generation Volt introduced last year. Chevrolet felt that the Volt needed to lose a bit of the concept car look to make it somewhat more appealing to buyers. But they also improved key components to make the Volt more efficient. Let’s see if these changes help or hurt it.
 
The design of the first-generation Volt looked like someone’s prediction of what the vehicle of the future would look like. It stood out, but not in a good way. Thankfully, Chevrolet’s designers addressed this with the second-generation model. Yes, the 2016 Volt does have a similar profile to the outgoing model. But designers have smoothed out the shape and added some new lines. Take the front end for example. There are new grille inserts that are not only smaller, but have a pattern that mimics sheet metal. The back end features a reshaped tailgate with an integrated spoiler that not only improves the overall aerodynamics, but makes it look sleeker. Finishing off the design are a set of seventeen-inch alloy wheels and what Chevrolet calls Kinetic Blue that sets off the Volt’s design.
 




The sore point of the first-generation Volt had to be the interior. It began with the material choices. For a vehicle that started near $40k, the cheap and shiny plastics were a big no-no. Then there was center stack full of capacitive-touch controls. The implementation wasn’t great as it would take you a few moments to find the one control to change the temperature or fan speed. The controls also didn’t respond when pressed, meaning you needed to hit them a couple of times before something happened. The back seat was only useable for small kids due to the small amount of head and legroom. Thankfully, most of these issues have been addressed. 
The interior has grown up with a handsome design for the dashboard and better quality materials used throughout. There is a fair amount of soft-touch plastics and faux metal trim used up front. Disappointingly, Chevrolet didn’t give the back any soft-touch materials. The rear door panels are plastered with hard plastics. For the price tag of just a hair over $40,000, this isn’t acceptable. The new dash also brings forth a simpler center stack layout with an eight-inch touchscreen and new controls for the automatic climate control.
 
Our Volt tester featured heated leather seats for both the front and rear. Getting yourself comfortable up front is quite easy with manual adjustments for the seat and a tilt-telescoping steering wheel. The back seat is slightly larger with more head and legroom, but it is best reserved for those under 5’7”. I happen to be 5’8” and found my head touching the roof.
 
Chevrolet has improved the Volt’s various bits of tech. The driver faces an eight-inch color screen that provides basic details such as battery charge, fuel gauge, and trip computer. You can customize the layout with various themes and efficiency gauges to coach you into being a more efficient driver. Another eight-inch screen resides in the center stack with the latest version of Chevrolet MyLink. The system seems to be getting better in terms of performance and reliability.
 




 
The big news for 2016 is the addition of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto to MyLink. We tried out CarPlay and it was simple to setup: Plug in a compatible iPhone into the USB input and hit the CarPlay button, and you’ll be greeted with a screen that is similar to your iPhone’s home screen. You’ll have access to various things such as Siri, Apple Maps, your music, and other applications such as Audible and Spotify. Using CarPlay is very easy since it is like using an iPhone but with a larger screen. There are still some issues that need to be ironed out with CarPlay such as various applications freezing or not responding to various commands. We also found that the MyLink wouldn’t recognize our phone when plugged in. After restarting the Volt, the system would recognize it.
 
The Volt’s powertrain has seen some major changes for the second-generation model. A set of electric motors produces 111 kW (about 149 horsepower) and 294 pound-feet for torque. A larger 18.4 kWh Lithium-Ion battery pack helps boost overall electric range. Finishing off the powertrain is a new 1.5L DOHC four-cylinder generator producing 101 horsepower. The improvements in the powertrain boost overall electric range from 35 to 53 miles and overall range stands at 420 miles.
 
Pulling away from a stop, the Volt feels spritely as it gets up to speed at a surprising rate. This is due to the torque being available at zero rpm. Around town, the Volt zips around with only the gentle hum of the electric motor entering the cabin. Once the battery is depleted, the gas generator will kick on. The transition is seamless and the generator stays quiet for the most part. However, if you push the accelerator into the floor, the generator will make a lot of noise.
 
Like the previous Volt, the 2016 model offers a set of different driving modes that changes how the powertrain behaves.
Normal: Powertrain runs on electric power until the battery is depleted, then the gas generator kicks on. Sport: Improves throttle response. Mountain: Turns on the generator to provide battery charging when driving through mountainous or steep terrain. Hold: This mode preserves the battery charge by having the gas generator provide power for the electric motor. For when you are driving on the freeway and know you'll want to save your battery power for city driving later

One other trick the 2016 Volt has up its sleeve is the Regen on Demand system. First used on the Cadillac ELR, the system uses a paddle behind the steering wheel allows a driver to control how much energy is being regenerated when driving via the electric motors. Think of Regen on Demand as putting the vehicle into a lower gear; the electric motors act as an engine brake to slow the vehicle down and recapture energy to charge the battery.
 





 
In terms of range, we were able to go between 47 to 51 miles on a full charge. EPA fuel economy estimates say the 2016 Chevrolet Volt will return 106 MPGe when running on electric power only, and 42 MPG when gas generator kicks on. Our averages for the week landed around 112 MPGe and 43 MPG.
 
Chevrolet says it will take about 4.5 hours to recharge a depleted battery when plugged into a 240V charger. When plugged into a 120V outlet, time increases about 13 hours. We found the 13 hours estimate to be right on the money as that is how long it took for our test Volt to fully recharge. When half of the battery charge was depleted, we found the charging time to be around 6 to 7 hours.
 
In terms of ride, the 2016 Volt retains the smooth ride of the first-generation model. Bumps and other imperfections are ironed out to provide a comfortable ride. More impressive is how little outside noise comes into the cabin. When running on just electric power, very little wind and road noise comes inside. For handling, the Volt doesn’t embarrass itself. There isn’t any sign of body lean and the vehicle is able to change direction quickly. Steering feels responsive and heavy. No, the Volt would be replacing a sports car anytime soon. But compared to other plug-in hybrid and electric vehicles, the Volt has to be one of the better driving models.
 
Pricing for the Volt starts at $33,995 for the base LT and $37,820 for the up-level Premier. Our Premier tester featured a pricetag of $40,225 with two safety packages, navigation, and the Kinetic blue paint. For our money, the Premier is the way to go as it is the only trim that you can get blind-spot warning and lane change alert, both necessary features due to the Volt’s poor rear visibility. I wish these features were standard on the Premier and optional on the LT.
 




 
In 2016, electric vehicles are still seen as a bit of novelty. Despite the number of improvements made in terms of batteries and infrastructure, there is still the issue of range. This is where the Volt stands on its own as it provides a fallback option. Use up all of the battery? No problem as the generator will kick and get you to your destination where you can plug in. Plus the changes made by Chevrolet not only make the Volt somewhat more useable and efficient, but it also looks quite handsome. There are some niggling issues that we hope get addressed in the near future.
 
If you’re intrigued but don’t want to fully jump into the electric vehicle landscape, then the 2016 Chevrolet Volt is an excellent place to start at.
 
Cheers: Improved electric only range, design that stands out in a good way, clever bits of powertrain tech.
Jeers: Cheap materials are still here, MyLink still has some issues to work out, blind spot monitoring and lane change alert is optional on the Premier and not available on the LT (how does this make sense?!)
 
Disclaimer: Chevrolet Provided the Volt, Insurance, and One Tank of Gas
 

 
Year: 2016
Make: Chevrolet
Model: Volt
Trim: Premier
Engine: Voltec Electric Drive Unit, 1.5L Four-Cylinder (Range Extender)
Driveline: Electric Transaxle, Front-Wheel Drive
Horsepower @ RPM: 149
Torque @ RPM: 294 @ 0
Fuel Economy: EV/Gas Only - 106 MPGe/42
Curb Weight: 3,543 lbs
Location of Manufacture: Detroit, MI
Base Price: $37,520
As Tested Price: $40,225 (Includes $825.00 Destination Charge)
 
Options:
Chevrolet MyLink Radio w/ Navigation - $495.00
Driver Confidence 1 Package - $495.00
Driver Confidence 2 Package - $495.00
Kinetic Blue Metallic - $395.00

  • Losing a bit of the distinctiveness makes for a better car.

William Maley

2017 Ford F-150's 3.5L EcoBoost Produces More Torque Than We First Thought

We find ourselves wondering if Ford is sandbagging their power figures on various engines. We saw this with the Focus RS and Fusion Sport. Now its the F-150's turn.
 
Back in May, Ford announced the 2017 F-150 would be getting the next-generation 3.5L EcoBoost V6. Horsepower would remain at 365, while torque would be bumped up from 420 to 450. Today, Ford announced the final power figures for the second-generation EcoBoost and they are somewhat higher.
 
The new power figures are 375 horsepower (up 10) and 470 pound-feet of torque (up 50). Ford says the engine's torque beats competitors gas and diesel engines - even GM's 6.2L V8 which held title with 460.
 
This engine will feature a new ten-speed automatic that was jointly developed by Ford and GM. The new transmission is said to improve acceleration and fuel economy, though EPA figures have not been announced.
 
Source: Ford
 
Press Release is on Page 2


 

2017 FORD F-150 WITH ALL-NEW 3.5-LITER ECOBOOST V6 NETS BEST-IN-CLASS, V8-BEATING 470 LB.-FT. OF TORQUE, MORE HORSEPOWER
All-new, second-generation 3.5-liter EcoBoost® V6 engine in the 2017 Ford F-150 produces 375 horsepower and a segment-best 470 lb.-ft. of torque, a gain of 10 hp and 50 lb.-ft. from previous 3.5-liter EcoBoost Class-leading torque of 3.5-liter EcoBoost and new 10-speed automatic transmission will deliver improved acceleration and performance 3.5-liter EcoBoost paired exclusively with the first volume-production 10-speed automatic transmission available from any automaker

DEARBORN, Mich., July 11, 2016 – Ford, America’s truck leader, continues its relentless pace of innovation, delivering segment-leading torque for 2017 F-150 customers with the all-new 3.5-liter EcoBoost® V6 engine and 10-speed automatic transmission.
 
The new second-generation 3.5-liter EcoBoost engine will provide 50 lb.-ft. more peak torque compared with the first-generation 3.5-liter EcoBoost engine, to a segment-best 470 lb.-ft., beating all diesel- and gasoline-powered competitors, including V8 engines with nearly twice the displacement of the EcoBoost V6. Horsepower jumps 10 from the previous version, to 375 hp.
 
“The 2017 Ford F-150 now delivers the best torque in the segment,” says Raj Nair, Ford executive vice president, Product Development, and chief technical officer. “This class-leading torque arrives with a transformative 10-speed automatic that improves nearly every aspect of F-150 performance.”
 
The 3.5-liter EcoBoost in the 2017 F-150 is paired exclusively with the first volume-production 10-speed automatic transmission available to consumers from any automaker.
 
The more capable powertrain combination will deliver improved acceleration and performance compared with previous six-speed automatic transmissions. The new engine provides better low-end and peak engine performance, ideal for hauling heavy payloads and towing heavy trailers.
 
The new 3.5-liter EcoBoost engine builds on the success of the 2.7-liter EcoBoost engine and first-generation 3.5-liter EcoBoost engine available for the 2016 F-150. The 2.7-liter and first-generation 3.5-liter EcoBoost engines account for approximately 60 percent of F-150 sales.
 
The Ford F-150 remains the first and only truck in its segment to offer a twin-turbo gasoline engine.
 
The 2017 Ford F-150 goes on sale this fall.

  • Surprise! The 3.5L EcoBoost Makes More Power

William Maley

Jeep CEO On Next-Gen Wrangler: Don't Screw It Up

Jeep is walking a very fine line with the next-generation Wrangler. On one hand, they want to bring the model into the 21st century. But they also want to retain the details that make it an icon of the brand. CEO Mike Manley is well aware of this and has a clear mission statement: Don't screw it up.
 
One of the key items that make the Wrangler so iconic is the shape. The boxy shape has mostly remained the same since the first Willys MB was sent off to war. Automotive News says new spy shots reveal the next-generation Wrangler featuring a more aerodynamic shape - the front grille and windshield feature a steeper rake. But as Manley tells AN, the boxiness will still be there.
 
"You have to be very careful with the aero of Wrangler, because at the end of the day, it needs to be recognizable as a Wrangler. To some extent that restricts you on some of the aero that you can do. But with weight and a number of the changes that we've made, you're going to see that we've really pushed that vehicle forward in terms of its fuel economy," said Manley.
 
That last sentence tells us Jeep has been working on a weight-loss program for the Wrangler. Automotive News says the next-generation model will feature a new frame that will not only be stronger, but lighter. Various body panels will be made out of aluminum to cut weight even further. There will be new engines, including a new turbo-four capable of producing 300 horsepower and a new eight-speed automatic.
 
What won't be changing is the Wrangler's body-on-frame construction and solid axles.
 
Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required)

  • How do you bring the Wrangler into the current century, while retaining many of its charms?

William Maley

Rumorpile: Audi's Latest V8 Could Be Its Last

Audi is in the process introducing the next-generation V8 that will be used in their models, along with Bentley and Porsche. We've already gotten a glimpse of the diesel version that powers the SQ7 and before too long, we might see the gas version. But Autocar reports that this V8 could be Audi's last.
 
A source tells the British publication that the German automaker is moving a fair amount of their investments over to electric and hybrid vehicle development. This change would likely mean there isn't enough money to develop another V8 engine in the future.
 
“By 2025, the plan of Audi management is to have between 25% and 35% of Audi’s output as battery-electric vehicles," said the source.
 
“It would be very difficult to justify the huge investment in another new V8 because of the cost of developing electric drivetrains and battery packs. You have to ask what is the best use of investment money.”
 
Source: Autocar

  • End of the road for the V8 at Audi?

William Maley

Mazda CX-9's Turbo-Four Engine Fits In Mazda6's Engine Bay, Speculation Begins!

The Mazda6 is the outlier in the midsize sedan class as it only offers one engine, a 2.5L Skyactiv-G with 184 horsepower. If you want something more powerful, you'll need to look at another vehicle. But some comments made by Mazda North America's vehicle development engineer has some people speculating about a more powerful Mazda6.
 
Speaking with CarAdvice, Mazda's Dave Coleman said turbo 2.5L used in the new CX-9 crossover can fit into the Mazda6 and even the Mazda3.
 
“It fits in a lot of our cars, and where we’re actually going to put it is another question. It fits in the same package as the diesel fits in, and the same package that the naturally-aspirated 2.5-litre fits in. Basically, that big space we used for the bundle of snakes exhaust manifold, the turbo is in that space too. They’re all packaged to occupy the same space,” said Coleman.
 
Before you get your hopes up and start dreaming of a 227 (regular gas) or 250 (premium gas) horsepower Mazda6, Coleman says it's up to Mazda's product planners if the 6 gets the turbo engine.
 
“It’s up to the product planners to decide what they’re going to put it in. It’s exactly the same clearance as the exhaust manifold of the other engines,” said Coleman.
 
“It fits. I’m not a product planner so I don’t get to make that call."
 
Source: CarAdvice.com.au

  • Today in interesting things you learn about Mazda's Skyactiv turbo engine

William Maley

As the Diesel Emits: Volkswagen to Pay $86 Million In Civil Penalties to California

In addition to $14.7 billion settlement reached with the U.S. Government, Volkswagen will pay an additional $86 million in civil penalties to California over the diesel emission scandal.
 
"We must conserve and protect our environment for future generations and deliver swift and certain consequences to those who break the law and pollute our air," said California's Attorney General Kamala Harris in a statement.
 
Harris explained the civil penalties resolved certain claims made by state officials against Volkswagen dealing with the state's unfair competition law, along with certain violations of federal law.
 
The majority of $86 million will go to the Attorney General's office to "defray costs relating to investigation and litigation of the emissions scandal," according to court documents. The remainder will be used for grants given to government agencies and universities to study technology that can detect 'defeat devices'.
 
Source: Reuters

  • Volkswagen pays up to the state of California

William Maley

Revealed! 2017 Nissan Pathfinder

Nissan found success when it changed the Pathfinder from a rough and tumble SUV to a mainstream crossover in 2013. For 2017, Nissan has given the Pathfinder a mid-cycle refresh and hopes the success streak continues.
 
The big change lies under the hood as Nissan has given the 3.5L V6 direct injection. This increases power ratings from 260 horsepower and 240 pound-feet to 284 and 259 respectively. Other changes to the engine include a revised combustion chamber, pistons, and intake manifold. Nissan's Xtronic CVT comes standard and you have the choice of either front or all-wheel drive. Fuel economy is said to be the same as the current model. Towing is up by a 1,000 pounds to 6,000.
 
The Pathfinder's exterior now matches up with Nissan's current lineup with revised front and rear fascias and sharper lines. Wheel sizes range from 18 to 20 inches. The interior remains mostly same with the only change of note being the Pathfinder getting the latest version of the NissanConnect infotainment system.
 
The 2017 Nissan Pathfinder will be available at dealers later this year. Pricing will be announced at a later date.
 
Source: Nissan
 

 
Press Release is on Page 2


 
2017 Nissan Pathfinder ups adventure-ready credentials with aggressive new exterior styling, increased power and towing capability, advanced driver assistance features
Major redesign includes bold new front end with signature boomerang-shaped headlights with LED Daytime Running Lights and available LED headlights New 3.5-liter V6 engine adds direct injection system, horsepower increases to 284, maximum towing capacity now a class-leading* 6,000 pounds (when properly equipped) Enhanced user friendliness features range from Motion-Activated liftgate to updated vehicle connected services New advanced driver assistance technology includes Forward Emergency Braking, Intelligent Cruise Control and Around View® Monitor with Moving Object Detection

 

Pathfinder, one of Nissan's best known and most popular nameplates in its nearly 60-year history in the United States, is reborn for the 2017 model year with more adventure capability, a freshened exterior look and enhanced safety and technology – pure Pathfinder taken to a higher level of performance and style.
 
"The Nissan Pathfinder has an amazing heritage as one of the modern pioneers in the SUV segment, with more than 30 years in the marketplace, yet we are always looking forward – as the Pathfinder name implies," said Michael Bunce, vice president, Product Planning, Nissan North America, Inc. "For 2017, Pathfinder receives much more than your typical facelift. It now offers more power, towing capability, improved driving dynamics and new available driver assistance features –more of what you need for safe, comfortable every day and weekend family adventures."
 
The seven-passenger 2017 Pathfinder is offered in 2-wheel drive and 4-wheel drive configurations and a choice of four well-equipped grade levels: S, SV, SL and Platinum.
 
A Powerful New Look
When the fourth-generation Pathfinder was introduced for the 2013 model year, its design represented a major step forward in refined styling and aerodynamic emphasis. For 2017, the refreshed exterior goes even farther, adding a stronger sense of adventure, character and presence and continued fine-tuning of aero efficiency.
 
The updated appearance incorporates the latest Nissan signature design elements introduced on the award-winning Maxima sport sedan and Murano crossover – including the new "V-Motion" grille and boomerang-shaped headlights with LED daytime running lights. New LED headlights are standard on the Pathfinder Platinum grade.
 
Other exterior enhancements include a new, more aggressive hood, front bumper and fog lights. The outside rearview mirrors now include standard integrated turn signals. In the rear, changes include new taillights and a stronger bumper design.
 
In addition, aerodynamic optimization efforts include a new grille design, which enhances cooling performance and negates the need for an active grille shutter, and a new front chin spoiler design that has been moved forward and directs air downward – without compromising the approach angle for off-road driving. These changes help optimize air flow around and below the exterior, with the coefficient of drag reduced to 0.326 (from the previous 0.34).
 
Another significant addition for 2017 is the available Motion-Activated liftgate with liftgate position memory. A simple wave of the foot under the center of the liftgate activates the power opening function. It is standard on SL and Platinum grades.
 
Other exterior details include recessed front windshield wipers, roof rails, chrome door handles and privacy glass. An available Dual Panorama Moonroof is standard on the Platinum grade. It includes a sliding opening front panel and fixed rear glass panel, which extends over the 2nd and 3rd rows.
 
Also added for 2017 are 18-inch (S, SV and SL grades) and 20-inch (Platinum) machined aluminum-alloy wheel designs.
 
Completing the exterior makeover are two new exterior colors – Sandstone and Caspian Blue. Other available colors are Midnight Jade, Brilliant Silver, Gun Metallic, Magnetic Black, Cayenne Red, Pearl White and Glacier White.
 
"More than just a more powerful appearance, the 2017 Pathfinder offers more functionality – from the convenience of the Motion-Activated liftgate to user-friendly interior upgrades," added Bunce.
 
A Roomy, Refined Interior
The enhancements to the Pathfinder interior for 2017 focus on convenience and connectivity. For example, the cupholders have been reshaped to accommodate mug handles and an illuminated front storage bin. There are now two USB ports inside the console versus the previous single port.
 
The biggest change, however, is the adoption of new-generation information technology. The standard Advanced Drive-AssistÔ Display (ADAD), located in the center of the instrument display between the tachometer and speedometer, features additional infotainment and driver assistance displays (versus the 2016 Pathfinder design). Voice recognition has been enhanced with a new HD microphone.
 
The standard 8.0-inch touch-screen monitor, mounted in the middle of the instrument panel, provides intuitive interaction and control of a variety of driver-selectable vehicle systems and settings – including the standard NissanConnectSM with Voice Recognition for audio, Bluetooth® and vehicle information. In addition, the available NissanConnect Navigation system** (offered as standard equipment on Pathfinder Platinum and optional on SV and SL grades) includes Voice Recognition for navigation, including one-shot voice destination entry and three years of included SiriusXM® Traffic®. The Pathfinder also includes standard SiriusXM® Travel Link** with three years of complimentary service, featuring sports, movie listings, stock prices, gas prices and weather.
 
NissanConnect Services powered by SiriusXM®** features automatic collision notification, emergency call and stolen vehicle locator, customizable alerts, dealer service scheduling and maintenance alerts. It comes standard on Platinum grade.
 
As in previous years, the 2017 Pathfinder's 3-row/7-passenger interior combines comfortable seating with the cargo capacity that families need every day. It offers the benefits of a mid-size crossover with the comfort of a larger SUV, including a flat floor for enhanced interior packaging flexibility and ample space. Overall interior roominess is 173.8 cubic feet (passenger and cargo areas combined).
 
Every 2017 Pathfinder interior is anchored by Nissan's innovative EZ Flex Seating System™ with LATCH AND GLIDE™, a 2nd row tilt and glide seat that allows easy 3rd row access with a child safety seat remaining securely in place (on the passenger curb side).
 
A wide range of seating and cargo carrying combinations are available with the 2nd row 60/40-split seat with manual slide/recline/fold flat and 3rd row 50/50-split seat with manual recline/flat fold. New cloth seat fabric is added for S and SV grades, along with new interior finishers for SL and Platinum grade levels. Leather-appointed seating is standard on SL and Platinum models.
 
Pathfinder's quiet, comfortable interior also includes a wide range of available features, including two rows of rich leather-appointed seating surfaces, heated and cooled front seats, heated 2nd row seats, heated steering wheel, power tilt and telescoping steering wheel, Nissan Intelligent Key® with Push Button Start, multiple user memory settings and an advanced Bose® Audio System with 13 speakers.
 
Pathfinder also offers available class-exclusive*** Around View® Monitor (AVM) with Moving Object Detection (MOD) added for 2017. Other available technology includes Tri-Zone Automatic Climate Control, Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System and iPod® integration. The tri-zone Family Entertainment system includes 2nd row head restraint-mounted DVD display screens. The rear displays are now 8-inch QHD designs (versus the previous 7-inch WVGA) and include auto brightness control and USB and HDMI rear source inputs. The rear display can be easily controlled from the front with a more user-friendly display.
 
An available remote engine start**** function allows the climate control system to warm up or cool down the interior prior to driving (standard on SV, SL and Platinum).
 
The Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), available with individual tire pressure display, comes with standard Easy-Fill Tire Alert that provides both visual and audible signals to help owners conveniently maintain correct tire pressures without the use of a gauge.
 
Revised 3.5-liter V6 Engine, Class-Leading* 6,000-lb Towing Capacity
In a major step up of its already highly capable adventure credentials, Pathfinder's new 3.5-liter V6 engine features more power, torque and towing capacity. It utilizes more than 50 percent new or new-to-Pathfinder engine parts and components – including combustion chamber design, pistons, intake manifold and e-VTC (fully electronic on intake). The compression ratio has also been raised to 11.0:1 (from the previous 10.3:1).
 
The engine's new Direct Injection Gasoline™ (DIG) system, which is also utilized on the all-new flagship Nissan Armada full-size SUV, provides better wide-open throttle performance and improved fuel economy and emissions performance (versus a non-direct-injection system). The switch to mirror bore cylinder coating reduces engine weight by around three pounds and reduces friction between the piston ring and the cylinder wall. The technology eliminates the need for a heavy cast iron cylinder liner.
 
Horsepower for the new V6 increases to 284 hp (from the previous 260 hp) and torque is now rated at 259 lb-ft (up from 240 lb-ft). And, while adding more horsepower and torque, Pathfinder fuel economy remains 20 mpg city, 27 mpg highway and 22 mpg combined (2WD models) (estimated).
 
All 2017 Pathfinder models are equipped with Nissan's third-generation Xtronic transmission (similar to that utilized in the sporty Nissan Maxima). The Xtronic transmission includes D-Step Logic Control, which simulates shifts, giving a more natural acceleration feeling.
 
The new Pathfinder powertrain helps provide real world driving benefits of more responsive acceleration and re-acceleration, such as when entering highways or passing.
 
Maximum towing capacity has increased by 1,000 pounds to a best-in-class* 6,000 pounds (when properly equipped) due to the enhanced powertrain and body reinforcements added around the trailer hitch area. The advanced Xtronic transmission design also helps keep engine rpm optimized while towing without the typical "hunting for a gear" feel.
 
"As part of Nissan's ongoing, extensive research into consumers' real-world towing activities, we've found that mid-size SUV owners really want the ability to tow two-axle recreational trailers, whether for watercraft, flatbeds or campers," said Bunce. "The 2017 Pathfinder now fits most of those needs with the added confidence of its standard 6,000-pound towing rating."
 
As in previous years, Pathfinder also features selectable 2WD, Auto or 4WD Lock modes from the available intuitive ALL-MODE 4x4-i system. With the available intuitive four-wheel drive, Pathfinder continues to serve as an excellent vehicle for inclement weather driving conditions.
 
Pathfinder is the only vehicle in class***** with selectable 2WD, Auto or 4WD Lock modes for its available intuitive ALL-MODE 4x4-i system. The system lets the driver choose full-time 2WD for maximum fuel economy, Auto mode to automatically monitor conditions and adjust the balance of power between front and rear wheels for best traction, or 4WD Lock mode when full-time 4WD is desired.
 
In addition, standard Hill Start Assist helps prevent loss of control when starting and driving away on a steep incline (both 4WD and 2WD models), while standard Hill Descent Control (4WD only) helps by adjusting speed and brake pressure when traveling slowly down steep, rough terrain grades.
 
Pathfinder's extensively retuned 4-wheel independent suspension (versus the 2016 Pathfinder) also contributes to the enhanced driving dynamics, offering improved body control and a more refined ride. Among the revised or retuned suspension components are 11 percent stiffer front shock absorbers and seven percent stiffer rear shocks. Rebound springs have been added to the front struts to help assist with roll balance and body control. The spring rates of the rear rebound springs have also been increased by 25 percent.
 
"Fine tuning of the spring rates and the addition of front strut rebound springs has allowed better control of typical body motions such as roll and pitch and bounce. The result is the Pathfinder remains flatter while cornering and road vibrations are well controlled, especially on rough roads and during off-road driving," said Bunce.
 
In addition, a revised hydraulic electric steering system provides an improved cornering feel (versus the 2016 Pathfinder). The steering ratio is 11 percent quicker, due to a revised valve design, for less steering angle input – enhancing maneuverability.
 
The 2017 Pathfinder's advanced driver assistance technology includes new Forward Emergency Braking (FEB) and Intelligent Cruise Control (ICC). For 2017, Moving Object Detection (MOD) has been added to the available Around View® Monitor (AVM). Also available are Blind Spot Warning (BSW) and Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA).
 
Standard safety and security features include Nissan Advanced Air Bag System (includes dual-stage front supplemental air bags with seat belt sensors and an occupant classification sensor), 3-point seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters, supplemental front seat-mounted side-impact air bags, roof-mounted supplemental curtain air bags for side impact and rollover head protection for outboard passengers in all three rows (includes rollover sensor), 3-point seat belts for rear seat occupants, including 2nd row center position, LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) – 2nd row outboard seating positions only, child safety rear door locks, Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) and Traction Control System (TCS).
 
A Choice of Models and Packages
The 2017 Pathfinder comes in four well-equipped models, starting with the Pathfinder S with 284-horsepower 3.5-liter V6, Xtronic transmission and available ALL-MODE 4x4-i system. Standard features include NissanConnect with 8.0-inch color display, HD Radio, SiriusXM® Satellite Radio**, Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System, EZ Flex Seating System™ with LATCH AND GLIDE™, Tri-Zone Automatic Temperature Control, RearView Monitor and Advanced Drive-AssistÔ Display (ADAD).
 
Pathfinder SV models add a range of features including Nissan Intelligent Key®, 8-way power driver's seat, leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear shift lever, Rear Sonar, fog lights, auto-dimming rearview mirror with HomeLink® Universal Transceiver, remote engine start**** and much more.
 
Pathfinder SL models include leather-appointed heated 1st and 2nd row seats, 4-way power front passenger's seat, driver's seat 2-way power lumbar support, heated steering wheel, Motion-Activated power liftgate with liftgate position memory, Around View® Monitor (AVM) with Moving Object Detection (MOD), Blind Spot Warning (BSW) and Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), among other features.
 
Pathfinder Platinum models offer unique 20-inch machined aluminum-alloy wheels, 235/55R20 tires, LED headlights, NissanConnect with Navigation and Services**, NissanConnect Services powered by SiriusXM®**, Bose® 13-speaker premium audio system, cooled front seats, woodgrain finishers, Dual Panorama Moonroof, Trailer Tow Package, Forward Emergency Braking (FEB), Intelligent Cruise Control (ICC) and more.
 
Several option packages are offered for 2017: the Trailer Tow Package; the SV Cold Package with heated front cloth seats, heated steering wheel and heated outside rearview mirrors; and the SV Tech Package with NissanConnect with Navigation and Services**, NissanConnect Services powered by SiriusXM®**, Blind Spot Warning (BSW) and Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA).
 
Also offered are the SL Tech Package, which features the Bose® 13-speaker Premium Audio System, NissanConnect with Navigation and Services, NissanConnect Services powered by SiriusXM®** and trailer hitch receiver and trailer towing harness; and the SL Premium Package with NissanConnect with Navigation and Services, NissanConnect Services powered by SiriusXM®**, Bose® 13-speaker Premium Audio System, Dual Panorama Moonroof and tow hitch receiver with integrated finisher.
 
The Family Entertainment Package adds the dual 8.0-inch headrest DVD/Family Entertainment System with rear seat wireless headphones, wireless remote control, rear headphone jacks with volume control, USB port, HDMI jack and VTR jack.

  • Nissan updates one of their best selling models

William Maley

Japan Approves Mirrorless Cars on the Road

Visit any auto show and you're bound to see a futuristic concept with out any sideview or rearview mirrors. Instead, you'll find cameras that do the same function. This technology will soon be appearing on production vehicles in Japan.
 
Japan's transport ministry has approved the use of cameras and video screens to take the place of mirrors on production vehicles. This comes after a decision made in November by the United Nations World Forum for Harmonization of Vehicle Regulations allowing automakers to replace rear and sideview mirrors with cameras.
 
Proponents of camera systems say it provides a wider field of vision and makes a vehicle more aerodynamic. But switching to a camera does have some pitfalls. One is a mirror is a simple thing and can be fixed quite easily. The same cannot be said for a camera system. Also as Automotive News points out that while a camera system eliminates blind spots due to rear pillars, some drivers rely on those pillars to gauge where an object is.
 
For now, the transport ministry is requiring automakers to place cameras and screens in the same place as mirrors to help a driver get used to this technology.
 
“Getting used to (monitors instead of mirrors) is the main factor to ensure drivers’ safety,” said transport ministry official Masaru Miya$h!a.
 
It is expected that other countries will follow suit in the coming years.
 
Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required), Japan Times

  • The future is now in Japan (in terms of vehicles losing side and rearview mirrors)

William Maley

Rumorpile: Porsche Plans A 700 Horsepower Panamera with 918 Hybrid Tech

Porsche is already at work on more variants for the Panamera. Motor Trend has learned from a source that work has begun on a model that will sit above the high-performance Turbo model. Using the Biturbo V8 from the Panamera Turbo, the source explained that Porsche would use various components from the 918 hybrid to produce somewhere in the range of 700 horsepower and 800 pound-feet of torque.
 
There will also be the standard Panamera Hybrid, most likely using a supercharged V6. No word on when we could see either model.
 
Source: Motor Trend

  • Hybrid and Turbo to create the ultimate Panamera

William Maley

Spying: Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk, Now Without Camo

The Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk we know is real and coming thanks to Jeep CEO Mike Manley confirming it earlier this year. We now have the first spy shots of the Trackhawk, minus the camouflage.
 
As we had suspected from earlier spy shots, the Trackhawk is sporting larger air intakes up front. The grille has been narrowed to allow for one of the intakes. The rest of this enginnering mule looks similar to your standard Grand Cherokee SRT.
 
We know that the Trackhawk will be getting the 6.2L supercharged Hellcat V8. What we don't know is how much power the V8 will produce. As we reported previously, engineers were having issues with the driveline not being able to handle the Hellcat's power.
 
Source: Autoblog, Automobile Magazine

  • The little things give away the true identity of this Grand Cherokee

William Maley

Cadillac Introduces A New Appearance Package for ATS and CTS

If you want a bit more aggression in your Cadillac ATS or CTS, then you should pay attention. For 2017, Cadillac will be offering Carbon Black appearance packages for the ATS, ATS-V, CTS, and CTS-V. These packages add such items as Recaro seats (ATS and CTS) and a black chrome grille (ATS-V and CTS-V).
 
Here is a breakdown of the package for each model,
 
ATS
Black Chrome grille Side window moldings finished in black Body-color door handles After Midnight dark finish wheels V-Series spoiler Low-gloss carbon fiber interior trim RECARO® front seats

ATS-V
Black Chrome grille After Midnight dark finish wheels Carbon Fiber Package Low-gloss carbon fiber interior trim Sueded steering wheel and shifter RECARO V-Series front seats

CTS
Black Chrome grille After Midnight dark finish wheels V-Series spoiler Low-gloss carbon fiber interior trim Upgraded performance front seats Available RECARO® front seats (standard on V-Sport Premium)

 
CTS-V
Black Chrome grille After Midnight dark finish wheels Carbon Fiber package Low gloss carbon fiber interior trim Available sueded steering wheel and shifter V-Series performance front seats (RECARO seats are optional)


Source: Cadillac 
Press Release is on Page 2




Cadillac Introduces Carbon Black Sport Package
Design Highlights Thoroughbred Performance

Cadillac today introduced the Carbon Black sport package for the 2017 model year editions of the Cadillac ATS and CTS product lines, including the ATS-V and CTS-V super sedan.
 
The Carbon Black sport package — which includes the first-ever Black Chrome grille for V-Series models and RECARO® front seats for Cadillac ATS Sedan and Coupe models — further enhances the engaging performance and striking design of Cadillac’s driver’s cars.
 
Cadillac’s ATS and CTS product lines received additional key refinements for 2017, including new, more streamlined trim levels. Production for the 2017 model year begins later this summer, and dealers can now accept orders. Carbon Black sport package content for each model is listed below.
 
Cadillac ATS Luxury, Premium Luxury Sedan and Coupe
Exterior:
Black Chrome grille and rear fascia applique Black finish side window moldings and body-colored door handles After Midnight dark finish wheels V-Series spoiler

Interior:
Low-gloss carbon fiber interior trim RECARO® front seats

Available colors:
Exterior colors: Black Raven, Phantom Gray Metallic, Red Obsession Tintcoat, Crystal White Tricoat Interior colors: Jet Black or Light Platinum

Cadillac CTS Luxury, V-Sport Premium Luxury Sedan
Exterior:
Black Chrome grille After Midnight dark finish wheels V-Series spoiler

Interior:
Low-gloss carbon fiber interior trim Upgraded performance front seats Available RECARO® front seats (standard on V-Sport Premium)

Available colors:
Exterior colors: Black Raven, Phantom Gray Metallic, Red Obsession Tintcoat, Crystal White Tricoat Interior colors: Jet Black or Light Platinum

Cadillac ATS-V Sedan and Coupe
Exterior:
Black Chrome grille and rear fascia applique After Midnight dark finish wheels Carbon Fiber package includes a more aggressive front splitter, hood vent trim, rear diffuser, composite rocker extension panels and a taller, body-colored rear spoiler

Interior:
Low-gloss carbon fiber interior trim Sueded steering wheel and shifter RECARO® V-Series front seats

Available colors:
Exterior colors: Velocity Red, Black Raven, Phantom Gray Metallic, Red Obsession Tintcoat, Crystal White Tricoat Interior colors: Jet Black or Light Platinum

Cadillac CTS-V Super Sedan
Exterior:
Black Chrome grille After Midnight dark finish wheels Carbon Fiber package includes a more aggressive front splitter, hood vent trim, rear diffuser and a taller, exposed carbon fiber spoiler

Interior:
Low gloss carbon fiber interior trim Available sueded steering wheel and shifter V-Series performance front seats Available RECARO® V-Series front seats

Available colors:
Exterior colors: Black Raven, Phantom Gray Metallic, Red Obsession Tintcoat, Crystal White Tricoat Interior colors: Jet Black or Light Platinum

  • How to make an ATS and CTS more aggressive

William Maley

As the Diesel Emits: Volkswagen CEO Says Nein To Compensation For Europe

Volkswagen is getting ready to start the $10 billion compensation program for owners of the 2.0L TDI engine in the U.S. But some folks want the German automaker to do something similar for TDI owners in Europe.
 
"Volkswagen should voluntarily pay European car owners compensation that is comparable with that which they will pay U.S. consumers," said EU Industry Commissioner Elzbieta Bienkowska last week.
 
In a interview with German newspaper Welt am Sonntag over the weekend, Volkswagen CEO Matthias Müller said that isn't going to happen.
 
"But we have just a different situation," said Müller.
 
"In the U.S. the (emission) limits are stricter, which makes the fix more complicated. And taking part in the buyback is voluntary (for customers), which is not the case in Germany, for example."
 
The U.S.' regulations concerning emissions are some of strictest in the world, with automakers having to meet specific limits on how much pollutants come out of a tailpipe. This is why all diesel vehicles sold in the U.S. have some sort of after treatment system to help cut down on the amount of NOx emissions.
 
In Europe, the regulations are bit more lax. This is why Volkswagen was able to fix a number of vehicles by reprogramming the engine computer and swapping some parts. For the U.S., the fix would have be more extensive with a number of parts being replaced or added, which means added cost.
 
Source: Welt am Sonntag, Reuters

  • Compensation plan for Europe? Uh, no.

William Maley

25th Anniversary Dodge Viper Models Are All Sold

Last week, we brought you news that Dodge was planning to build a number of special edition Vipers to commemorate its 25th anniversary and the end of the production run. This week, we bring you the news that all of these models are sold.
 
According to Dodge, all of the special edition models sold out in five days. Here is the breakdown,
1:28 Edition ACR: Sold out within 40 minutes VoooDoo II Edition ACR: Sold out in 2 hours Snakeskin Edition GTC: Sold out in 2 days GTS-R Commemorative Edition ACR: Sold out in 2 days Dodge Dealer Edition ACR: Sold out in 5 days

Because of the rapid sales, Dodge is introducing one more special edition. The Snakeskin Edition ACR features a new green color with a snake-skin stripe, the ACR Package, Extreme Aero Package, and a set of carbon ceramic brakes. Like the GTC, there will only be 31 Snakeskin Edition ACRs built. The order books for this model will open later this month.
 
Source: Dodge
 
Press Release is on Page 2


 

Dodge Viper 25th Anniversary Limited-edition Models Sold Out
 
In Response to Customer Requests New Snakeskin ACR Added to Special-edition Viper Lineup
1:28 Edition ACR (American Club Racer) – all 28 units sold out within 40 minutes VoooDoo II Edition ACR – all 31 units sold out within two hours Snakeskin Edition GTC – all 25 units sold out within two ordering days GTS-R Commemorative Edition ACR – all 100 units sold out within two ordering days Orders for the 2017 limited-edition models opened on Friday, June 24 Responding to customer requests, Dodge is introducing Snakeskin ACR Edition and will build as many as 31 units

June 30, 2016 , Auburn Hills, Mich. - Dodge Vipers certainly do go fast, both literally and figuratively. After first going on sale Friday, June 24, 206 special-edition 2017 Dodge Vipers designed with exclusive content to celebrate the 25th anniversary and final year of Viper production are totally sold out.
 
Leading the selling spree was the new 1:28 Edition ACR. All 28 units sold out in just 40 minutes. All 31 units of the VoooDoo II Edition ACRs had new owners within two hours. The Snakeskin Edition GTC (25 units) and GTS-R Commemorative Edition ACR (100 units) took only two ordering days to sell out. All 22 units of the Dodge Dealer Edition ACR sold out within five ordering days.
 
"From just 40 minutes to five days, the 25th Anniversary special-edition Dodge Vipers sold out incredibly fast, insuring their future collectability,” said Tim Kuniskis, Head of Passenger Cars – Dodge, SRT, Chrysler and FIAT, FCA – North America. “Our customers are asking, so we’re adding one more special edition — the Dodge Viper Snakeskin ACR.”
 
An all-new ACR version of the Snakeskin Edition will be made available with up to 31 units to continue the 25th Viper Anniversary celebration. Orders for the Snakeskin ACR special edition will open in mid-July.
 
New 2017 Viper Snakeskin Edition ACR
Color was inspired by the original 2010 Snakeskin ACR Features new Snakeskin Green exterior with a custom snakeskin-patterned SRT stripe, ACR Package, Extreme Aero Package, carbon ceramic brakes, ACR interior, serialized instrument panel Snakeskin badge and a custom car cover that matches the exterior paint scheme and showcases the customer name above the driver’s side door As many as 31 units of this new special-edition configuration will be produced for 2017 Looking back in Viper history: 31 units of the original Snakeskin Viper ACR were built in 2010

  • All of them were sold within five days

William Maley

Sales Figures Ticker: June 2016

Jaguar Land Rover North America - Up 44.2% (8,448 Vehicles Sold This Month, 47,369 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year)
Volvo Cars of North America, LLC - Up 41.3% (8,454 Vehicles Sold This Month, 36,520 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year)
Kia Motors America - Up 15.6% (62,572 Vehicles Sold This Month, 328,327 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year)
Nissan North America - Up 13.1% (140,533 Vehicles Sold This Month, 798,114 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year)
FCA US LLC - Up 7% (197,073 Vehicles Sold This Month, 1,152,259 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year)
Ford Motor Company - Up 6.4% (240,109 Vehicles Sold This Month, 1,353,048 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year)
Subaru of America, Inc. - Up 5.1% (46,598 Vehicles Sold This Month, 279,458 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year)
American Honda Motor Co. - Up 3.2% (138,715 Vehicles Sold This Month, 792,355 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year)
Mercedes-Benz USA - ​Up 2.3% (31,965 Vehicles Sold This Month, 181,132 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year)
Audi of America - Up 1% (18,445 Vehicles Sold This Month, 96,934 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year)
Mitsubishi Motors North America - Up 0.8% (18,445 Vehicles Sold This Month, 96,934 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year)
Hyundai Motor America - 0.0% (67,511 Vehicles Sold This Month, 374.061 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year)
General Motors Co. - Down 1.6% (255,210 Vehicles Sold This Month, 1,438,915 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year)
Maserati North America, Inc. - ​Down 3.4% (941 Vehicles Sold This Month, 5,199 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year)
Mazda North American Operations - Down 3.8% (26,188 Vehicles Sold This Month, 145,354 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year)
Toyota Motor Sales - Down 5.6% (198,257 Vehicles Sold This Month, 1,197,800 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year)
BMW Group U.S. - Down 11.9% (33,769 Vehicles Sold This Month, 178,580 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year)
Volkswagen of America - Down 21.77% (23,809 Vehicles Sold This Month, 149,014 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year)
Porsche Cars North America, Inc. -

Brands:
Acura - Down 26.9% (11,352 Vehicles Sold This Month, 78,994 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year)
Alfa Romeo - Up 44% (36 Vehicles Sold This Month, 309 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year)
Audi - Up 1% (18,445 Vehicles Sold This Month, 96,934 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year)
BMW - Down 10.3% (28,855 Vehicles Sold This Month, 153,436 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year)
Buick - Down 5.5% (16,575 Vehicles Sold This Month, 104,207 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year)
Cadillac - Up 5.5% (14,263 Vehicles Sold This Month, 73,231 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year)
Chevrolet - Up 0.1% (181,387 Vehicles Sold This Month, 1,006,890 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year)
Chrysler - Down 20% (24,747 Vehicles Sold This Month, 137,372 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year)
Dodge - Up 3% (44,819 Vehicles Sold This Month, 271,740 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year)
Fiat - Down 19% (2,544 Vehicles Sold This Month, 17,735 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year)
Ford - Up 6.4% (231,300 Vehicles Sold This Month, 1,259,751 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year)
GMC - Down 8.6% (42,985 Vehicles Sold This Month, 254,587 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year)
Honda - Up 7.1% (127,363 Vehicles Sold This Month, 713,361 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year)
Hyundai - 0.0% (67,511 Vehicles Sold This Month, 374.061 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year)
Infiniti - Up 10.7% (11,058 Vehicles Sold This Month, 64,978 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year)
Jaguar - Up 125.4% (2,743 Vehicles Sold This Month, 10,991 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year)
Jeep - Up 17% (83,691 Vehicles Sold This Month, 468,131 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year)
Kia - Up 15.6% (62,572 Vehicles Sold This Month, 328,327 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year)
Land Rover - Up 22.9% (5,705 Vehicles Sold This Month, 36,648 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year)
Lexus - Down 1.3% (25,779 Vehicles Sold This Month, 151,564 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year)
Lincoln - Up 5.8% (8,809 Vehicles Sold This Month, 53,297 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year)
Maserati - Down 3.4% (941 Vehicles Sold This Month, 5,199 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year)
Mazda - Down 3.8% (26,188 Vehicles Sold This Month, 145,354 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year)
Mercedes-Benz - Up 1.5% (28,473 Vehicles Sold This Month, 162,777 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year)
MINI - Down 20.4% (4,914 Vehicles Sold This Month, 25,144 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year)
Mitsubishi - Up 0.8% (18,445 Vehicles Sold This Month, 96,934 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year)
Nissan - Up 13.4% (129,495 Vehicles Sold This Month, 733,136 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year)
Porsche -
Ram Trucks - Up 17% (41,236 Vehicles Sold This Month, 256,972 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year)
smart - Down 47.4% (407 Vehicles Sold This Month, 2,593 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year)
Sprinter - Up 26.3% (3,085 Vehicles Sold This Month, 15,762 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year)
Subaru - Up 5.1% (46,598 Vehicles Sold This Month, 279,458 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year)
Toyota - Down 6.2% (172,478 Vehicles Sold This Month, 1,046,236 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year)
Volkswagen - Down 21.77% (23,809 Vehicles Sold This Month, 149,014 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year)
Volvo - Up 41.3% (8,454 Vehicles Sold This Month, 36,520 Vehicles Sold So Far This Year)

  • Summertime has arrived! Who is enjoying the warm weather and who has gotten sunburned?

William Maley

Hertz Makes Deals with Lyft and Uber

Yesterday, Hertz has announced that it reached partnership deals with both Uber and Lyft to provide vehicles to drivers. The deal will see Hertz proving drivers of the ride-sharing startups of vehicles that have been rotated out of their fleet. Drivers will get special rates on these vehicles. Hertz spokesman Bill Masterson says the rate for midsize vehicles will be $180 per week, including mileage and insurance.
 
Why is Hertz making deals with Lyft and Uber? You only need to go back earlier this year when the company said ride-sharing services was limiting growth. Hertz thinks that if you work with and not against, you might have a shot of succeeding.
 
“We consider this agreement to be largely complementary to our car-rental business, and it enables us to leverage our fleet and distribution infrastructure to participate in the dramatic growth in the ride sharing, or e-hailing, segment,” Hertz CEO John Tague said in a statement.
 
It should be noted that Hertz and Lyft have worked together before on a pilot program in Las Vegas and Denver, where drivers were offered a similar deal.
 
Source: Bloomberg, Hertz
 
Press Release is on Page 2


 

Hertz Global Holdings Reaches U.S. Supply Agreement with Lyft for Rental Cars
 
ESTERO, Fla., June 30, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Hertz Global Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: HTZ) has reached an agreement with Lyft to supply its U.S. drivers with cars under specified rental agreements, expanding upon two pilot markets where Hertz and Lyft have partnered together since November 2015. Built on the model used in pilots in Las Vegas and Denver, the agreement provides set rental rates for drivers, who will be serviced from dedicated off-airport Hertz locations that give on-site support. The cars can be used for both Lyft business and personal driving.
 
In addition to Las Vegas and Denver, Hertz will begin renting cars to Lyft drivers in Los Angeles and San Francisco with more markets expected to follow as part of the national agreement.
 
"This agreement builds on the work we've been doing with Lyft for the past eight months," said John Tague, president and chief executive officer of Hertz Global Holdings. "Based on that experience, Hertz and Lyft were ready to take the next step, which resulted in this U.S. supply agreement.
 
"Utilizing cars that are rotating out of our consumer rental fleet creates a model that works for Hertz and for Lyft drivers by providing them with well-maintained, good condition cars. We consider this agreement to be largely complementary to our car rental business, and it enables us to leverage our fleet and distribution infrastructure to participate in the dramatic growth in the ride sharing, or e–hailing, segment."
 
Hertz Global Holdings Reaches U.S. Supply Agreement with Uber Technologies for Rental Cars
 
ESTERO, Fla., June 30, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Hertz Global Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: HTZ) has reached an agreement with Uber Technologies, Inc. to supply its U.S. partner drivers with cars under specified rental agreements. The agreement provides set rates for partners, who can rent from specified off-airport Hertz locations that give on-site support. The cars can be used for personal driving as well as for Uber business.
 
Initially, Hertz is supplying partners in the Los Angeles area with other markets expected to follow as part of the national agreement.
 
"This is a positive agreement for both Hertz and Uber," said John Tague, president and chief executive officer of Hertz Global Holdings. "Utilizing cars that are rotating out of our consumer rental fleet creates a model that works for Hertz and for Uber partners by providing them with well-maintained, good condition cars. We consider this agreement to be largely complementary to our car rental business, and it enables us to leverage our fleet and distribution infrastructure to participate in the dramatic growth in the ride sharing, or e–hailing, segment."

  • If you can't beat them, work with them!

William Maley

NHTSA Opens Investigation Into Fatal Crash With Tesla's Autopilot

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) has opened an investigation into a fatal crash dealing with Tesla's Autopilot system.
 
In a statement given to Reuters, NHTSA said the driver of a 2015 Tesla Model S was killed while the vehicle was in the Autopilot mode. The crash took place on May 7th in Williston, Florida when a tractor-trailer was making a left turn across a divided highway. Tesla in a lengthy blog post said: "neither Autopilot nor the driver noticed the white side of the tractor trailer against a brightly lit sky, so the brake was not applied." The Model S drove underneath the trailer with the bottom making contact with the windshield.
 
The Verge reports the driver was 40-year old Joshua Brown who filmed various videos of his Model S. One of the videos on his YouTube channel showed his Model avoiding an accident with a bucket truck.
 
NHTSA's investigation will look the design and performance of the Model S and its various components, including Autopilot. It should be noted this is standard practice for NHTSA to investigate any crash where the vehicle's system could be at fault.
 
Tesla's blog post says this is first known fatality in over 130 million miles since Autopilot was turned on.
 
Autopilot has been a source of controversy since Tesla rolled it out last year. Numerous videos of Model S owners filming themselves in dangerous situations and sometimes showing the system not working caused Tesla to make some drastic changes. These included limiting the types of road the system could be turned on and making checks to see if there was someone sitting in the driver's seat. Tesla has said time and time again that Autopilot is a beta feature and that the driver needed to pay attention.
 
"Autopilot is getting better all the time, but it is not perfect and still requires the driver to remain alert," Tesla said in their post.
 
"It is important to note that Tesla disables Autopilot by default and requires explicit acknowledgement that the system is new technology and still in a public beta phase before it can be enabled. When drivers activate Autopilot, the acknowledgment box explains, among other things, that Autopilot “is an assist feature that requires you to keep your hands on the steering wheel at all times," and that "you need to maintain control and responsibility for your vehicle” while using it. "
 
Nevertheless, this crash puts autonomous technologies and Tesla under some intense scrutiny.
 
Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required), The Detroit News, Reuters, Tesla, The Verge

  • It wasn't a question if, but when? Well, the first fatality with autonomous technology has been brought to light.

William Maley

Next-Generation E63 To Only Come In All-Wheel Drive

As much anyone will tell you there is no such thing as too much power, there is a point where power will just overwhelm the tires and you'll be sitting there, doing a burnout. This is why you're seeing more manufacturers adding all-wheel drive to their vehicles to actually get the power down to the wheels.
 
The latest one is Mercedes-AMG. Speaking with Top Gear, Mercedes-AMG boss Tobias Moers says the next-generation model will be available with all-wheel drive. The reason comes down to people preferring the current model with the all-wheel drive model.
 
“But we are going to introduce a completely new four-wheel drive system, one which we’ve never had in the company. That’s going to be the biggest step we ever did with a generation. In Germany we had the choice of 4x4 and 4x2, and 90-plus per cent bought the 4x4. People in that segment are looking for four-wheel drive,” said Moers.
 
It should be noted when Mercedes introduced the refreshed E63 for the U.S. in 2014, you could only get it with all-wheel drive. Elsewhere, you had the choice of rear-wheel or all-wheel drive.
 
Moers also dropped that the next E63 would use the same biturbo V8 as the C63 and AMG GT. For the E63, the engine will get a number of changes including new cylinder heads and a different arrangement of the turbos. The plan is to produce around 600 horsepower.
 
“I’m more focused on the overall package. Maybe not in the past, but we’ve moved to that, to a certain extent. Power should be in line with the overall capabilities of the chassis. It’s more important to have a precise throttle response than all that power. You need a certain level and in that segment, it’s around 600bhp.”
 
It is expected that the E63 will debut this fall at the Paris Motor Show in September.
 
Source: Top Gear

  • Those who were hoping for a rear-drive E63, we have some bad news

William Maley

NHTSA Calls For Urgent Repairs of Certain Honda and Acura Models Due to Takata Airbags

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued an urgent warning to owners of certain 2001 to 2003 Honda and Acura model to stop driving them due to these models being equipped with Takata airbags.
 
Lab tests done by NHTSA revealed that the airbag inflator in these vehicles have a 50 percent chance of the bag rupturing, causing metal shards to enter the interior and possibly injuring or even killing a person.
 
"With as high as a 50 percent chance of a dangerous air bag inflator rupture in a crash, these vehicles are unsafe and need to be repaired immediately. Folks should not drive these vehicles unless they are going straight to a dealer to have them repaired immediately, free of charge," said U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx.
 
The vehicles involved include,
2001-2002 Honda Accord 2001-2002 Honda Civic 2002 Honda CR-V 2002 Honda Odyssey 2003 Honda Pilot 2002-2003 Acura 3.2 TL 2003 Acura 3.2CL

According to NHTSA, there 313,000 vehicles that need to have their airbags replaced.
 
One of the main causes for the rupturing is moisture getting inside the inflator. Vehicles in high humid areas such as Florida are susceptible to this.
 
In a statement, Honda agreed with NHTSA's findings and urged owners to get their vehicles to a dealer as soon as possible.
 
Source: Reuters, NHTSA
 
Press Release is on Page 2


 
NHTSA: New test data on particular subset of Takata air bag inflators shows substantially higher risk
NHTSA calls on news media and public to assist in finding unrepaired high-risk vehicles

WASHINGTON – New test data on a particular subset of defective Takata air bag inflators in certain model-year 2001-2003 Honda and Acura vehicles show a far higher risk of ruptures during air bag deployment, prompting an urgent call from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to ensure that unrepaired vehicles in this population are found and fixed before they cause further injuries or fatalities.
 
“With as high as a 50 percent chance of a dangerous air bag inflator rupture in a crash, these vehicles are unsafe and need to be repaired immediately,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx. “Folks should not drive these vehicles unless they are going straight to a dealer to have them repaired immediately, free of charge.”
 
The higher-risk inflators are in certain 2001-2003 Honda and Acura vehicles:
2001-2002 Honda Civic 2001-2002 Honda Accord 2002-2003 Acura TL 2002 Honda CR-V 2002 Honda Odyssey 2003 Acura CL 2003 Honda Pilot

The air bag inflators in these particular vehicles contain a manufacturing defect which greatly increases the potential for dangerous rupture when a crash causes the air bag to deploy. Ruptures are far more likely in inflators in vehicles that have spent significant periods of time in areas of high absolute humidity—particularly Florida, Texas, other parts of the Gulf Coast, and Southern California. Testing of the inflators from these vehicles show rupture rates as high as 50 percent in a laboratory setting.
 
The vehicles in question were recalled between 2008 and 2011. Honda has reported that more than 70 percent of this higher-risk population of vehicles has already been repaired, but approximately 313,000 vehicles with this very dangerous defect remain unrepaired. The risk posed by the airbag inflators in these vehicles is grave, and it is critical they be repaired now to avoid more deaths and serious injuries.
 
NHTSA and Honda are asking for the news media and public’s assistance to find the remaining unrepaired vehicles. Drivers of these vehicles should immediately visit SaferCar.gov to check whether their vehicle has any outstanding safety recalls. Those that do should contact their nearest dealer to schedule a no-cost immediate repair. Replacement parts for these vehicles are available immediately.
 
“The air bag inflators in this particular group of vehicles pose a grave danger to drivers and passengers that must be fixed right away,” said NHTSA Administrator Dr. Mark Rosekind. "Drivers should visit SaferCar.gov or contact their local dealer to check whether their vehicle is affected. If it is, they should have the vehicle repaired immediately for free at an authorized dealer. We commend Honda for taking additional actions to get these vehicles repaired.”
 
Though the vehicles are already under recall, NHTSA ordered Takata to perform additional ballistic testing following recent reports of ruptures. Eight of the 10 confirmed U.S. fatalities due to Takata ruptures — including the most recent in Fort Bend County, Texas — were in this population of vehicles.
 
Honda has committed to immediately taking additional actions to enhance their efforts to find and fix recalled vehicles. Honda will provide additional information about their efforts. NHTSA has also directed Honda to report weekly on the progress of vehicle repairs.
 
NHTSA is also expanding its own direct consumer outreach, including a paid media campaign and a series of outreach events in high-risk areas this summer. NHTSA has also engaged the vehicle insurance industry to help locate the unremedied vehicles.

  • Owners of 2001 to 2003 Acura and Honda models, get to your dealer ASAP according to NHTSA!

William Maley

Lincoln Offers Free Pickup and Delivery For Service

Lincoln is trying to stand out from the crowded luxury field by offering owners various services and perks. They have announced a new service that will begin with the 2017 Continental allowing owners not to visit the dealership to have their car serviced.
 
A Lincoln service valet will pick up an owner's vehicle and take it in for service. The owner will be left a courtesy car while theirs is being worked on. Once service is completed, the vehicle is returned to the owner. This perk comes at no charge for the owner.
 
“Lincoln Pickup and Delivery service revolves around complementing our luxury vehicles with outstanding luxury experiences. Our dealers view this as a way to differentiate the client experience for Lincoln owners,” said Lincoln North America director of sales and marketing Andrew Frick.
 
Lincoln has been doing trials of this service at select dealers and found it to be a success. Of owners who participated, 98 percent said they would have their vehicle serviced at the dealer again and 93 percent said they would buy another Lincoln.
 
Now Lincoln isn't the first to offer this service to owners. Hyundai offered this service with their Equus flagship. What makes this program different is it will be available on Lincoln's entire 2017 lineup.
 
Source: Lincoln
 
Press Release is on Page 2
 
 
LINCOLN IS ONLY LUXURY AUTOMAKER TO PROVIDE STANDARD PICKUP AND DELIVERY SERVICE FOR ALL ITS VEHICLES TO SAVE CLIENTS TIME AND EFFORT

DEARBORN, Mich., June 28, 2016 – Lincoln adds the luxury segment’s only standard Pickup and Delivery Service across all 2017 nameplates starting with the all-new Lincoln Continental. The exclusive standard service builds on the brand’s commitment to providing a human, warm and personal experience at all Lincoln dealerships.
 
Lincoln Service Valet will pick up a client’s vehicle at an agreed location and, provide a complimentary Lincoln loaner vehicle, and then take the client’s vehicle to the dealership for service. Once complete, clients can arrange for their washed and serviced vehicle to be returned to them at the location of their choice.
 
“Lincoln Pickup and Delivery service revolves around complementing our luxury vehicles with outstanding luxury experiences,” says Andrew Frick, Lincoln North American director of sales and services. “This kind of Quiet Luxury provides an exclusive and personally crafted service experience that enhances their lifestyle and saves them what is a true luxury item – their time.”
 
Lincoln has been piloting this program with a select group of dealers since May 2015 with overwhelming results:
98 percent of clients indicate they would be more likely to receive service from that Lincoln dealer in the future 98 percent would recommend Lincoln and the service to a friend 93 percent are likely to purchase another Lincoln vehicle

“Our dealers view this as a way to differentiate the client experience for Lincoln owners,” says Frick. “No matter what Lincoln vehicle clients have from our portfolio, they have the peace of mind of getting that vehicle to and from service at a location of their choice, with a complimentary Lincoln loaner in order to maintain their busy schedules.
 
“When nearly 100 percent of clients receiving this service say they would recommend Lincoln to a friend, it clearly indicates positive momentum for the brand and our dealers,” adds Frick.
 
This exclusive Pickup and Delivery marks another milestone in Lincoln Motor Company commitment to merge great products, an outstanding experience and impeccable service – part of its original 2012 business plan. Since Lincoln began this journey, it has delivered four all-new products in four years, established a dealer network in China, built brand awareness, and increased volume for the brand and Lincoln products.
 
As part of Lincoln’s ongoing client experience efforts, these successful programs have already been implemented:
Lincoln Concierge: A trusted personal advisor – like the most attuned hotel concierge – assists clients 24/7 online at www.lincoln.com. While other luxury brands offer similar services, only Lincoln provides clients with an opportunity for video chat with a live person. Black Label: Started in 2015, the number of participating dealers has increased to more than 90 committed locations. Black Label provides personalized shopping with dedicated personnel in the showroom, online, or in locations convenient to clients. Specially trained Black Label experience liaisons meet prospective clients at their home, office, or anywhere within 30 miles of the showroom to begin the experience. Acting as a personal shopping assistant, the liaison helps clients identify their ideal vehicle by sharing paint and wood trim samples, as well as material swatches. Lincoln Black Label owners enjoy special privileges – ranging from extended premium service and maintenance coverage on wear items to Culinary Collection membership that provides access to a curated list of restaurants from coast to coast. Date Night: This extended test drive allows qualified buyers the chance to experience a Lincoln vehicle for up to 48 hours. In 2015, Date Night resulted in more than 11,000 sessions at select dealers, prompting nearly an 11 percent increase in Lincoln purchases. The program attracted nearly 70 percent of clients who had been with other luxury nameplates. Lincoln Institute: Training for key client-facing individuals is provided through Lincoln Institute. The program, which combines all of the brand’s training efforts under one umbrella, has been expanded to include all Lincoln dealers. Lincoln Institute includes not only hospitality training, but an all-new series of workshops that provide participants with tools to help local teams develop and execute processes consistently for luxury clients.

Pickup and Delivery is an important milestone in Lincoln’s commitment to providing personal client services to match its unique luxury products, coming at the perfect time as Lincoln prepares to launch the much-anticipated 2017 Lincoln Continental.
 
The all-new Lincoln Continental returns as the brand flagship this fall, offering first-class travel for clients in America and China through warm, human touches and a contemporary design. The full-size sedan is designed to appeal to culturally progressive clients who define luxury on their own terms – craving superior quality, craftsmanship and safety.
 
“Quiet Luxury is Lincoln’s unique approach to ensure impeccable service is consistent with our outstanding products for the ultimate client experience,” says Frick.

  • Lincoln adds another perk for their owners

William Maley

Quick Drive: 2016 Subaru Forester 2.5i Premium

Like it or not, crossovers are dominating the automotive landscape. This is nowhere more apparent than the compact crossover class as it seems a month doesn’t go by without a new model, redesign, or refresh being announced. Case in point is the vehicle seen here, the 2016 Subaru Forester. Just a few weeks after we drove it, Subaru announced mid-cycle refresh which brings a slightly revised exterior, new interior bits, and an upgraded EyeSight system. Now is that going to stop us from reviewing the 2016 model? No. Here is what we thought of the pre-refreshed Forester.
 
In the spectrum of crossover design, the Forester would be at the boring end. This is a model that doesn’t have any hint of style. It is just a box on wheels. There is a positive to this shape as it gives the Forester a large area of glass. Not only does this improve overall visibility, it also makes the interior feel quite airy and huge.
 
Speaking of which, the Forester’s interior is one of the most spacious in the class. No matter if you’re sitting in the front or back, you’ll have plenty of head and legroom. The seats themselves provide the right the amount of comfort and support for long trips. Cargo space is towards the top with 31.5 cubic feet with the rear seat up and 68.5 cubic feet with the rear seat down. It should be noted models without the panoramic sunroof have a larger cargo area - 34.4/74.7 cubic feet.
 
As for the dash, it is similar to the one you’ll find in the Impreza and XV Crosstrek. On the one hand, it is very simple with a logical control layout. On the other hand, Subaru’s choice in materials is slightly disappointing with a fair amount of hard plastics on the dash and door panels. All models feature Subaru’s Starlink infotainment system that comes with either a 6.5-inch or 7-inch screen. Our tester came with latter via an option package. Starlink is one of the better infotainment systems in the marketplace with a simple interface, quick performance, and touch buttons that actually respond on a consistent basis.
 
Most Foresters will feature the engine found in our tester; a 2.5L boxer-four with 170 horsepower and 174 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed manual is standard on the base model, but most Foresters will come equipped with a CVT. Around town, the 2.5 provides a decent amount of power. We do wish the responsiveness of the engine was a little bit better, but that could be fixed with some tweaks to the CVT. On the freeway, the Forester does take its time to get up to speed. Again, this is likely due to the CVT needing some tweaking. At least the CVT does help with fuel economy. The EPA rates the Forester 2.5i with the CVT at 24 City/32 Highway/27 Combined. Our average for the week landed around 27 MPG.
 
For the daily grind, the Forester’s suspension delivers a smooth and cushy ride. Another plus is how much quieter Subaru has been making their vehicles. Compared to previous Subarus we have driven, the Forester has a noticeable decrease in road and wind noise. Handling can be described as meh. The Forester does show good body control when going around corners, but the steering feels somewhat rubbery. For most people, this isn’t a deal breaker.
 
The Forester may not be the sharpest looking compact crossover in the class. But it does have a number of traits that buyers will find as positives such as a spacious interior, high fuel economy figures, all-wheel drive as standard equipment, and Subaru’s excellent EyeSight system that brings lane departure warning, pre-collision braking, and adaptive cruise control that is available on models such as the Premium.
 
A competent crossover that goes about its business without shouting about it, the Forester in a nutshell.
 

 
Disclaimer: Subaru Provided the Forester, Insurance, and One Tank of Gas
 
Year: 2016
Make: Subaru
Model: Forester
Trim: 2.5i Premium
Engine: 2.5L Boxer-Four
Driveline: CVT, All-Wheel Drive
Horsepower @ RPM: 170 @ 5,800
Torque @ RPM: 174 @ 4,100
Fuel Economy: City/Highway/Combined - 24/32/27
Curb Weight: 3,391 lbs
Location of Manufacture: Ōta, Gunma Japan
Base Price: $24,795
As Tested Price: $28,540 (Includes $850.00 Destination Charge)
 
Options:
All-Weather Package - $1,895
Lineartronic CVT - $1,000

  • What makes a Forester, a Forester?

William Maley

Toyota Issues A Recall For Certain Prius and Lexus CT 200h Models for Airbags

Toyota is recalling 482,000 Prius and Lexus CT 200h models for an issue with the side curtain airbags. According to Toyota, the hybrids use air bag inflators composed of two chambers welded together. Some vehicles may have a crack where the weld is. Over time, the crack can grow and cause the pieces to separate.
 
"If an inflator separates, the CSA could partially inflate, and, in limited circumstances, one or both sections of the inflator could enter the interior of the vehicle," the company said in a statement.
 
The models involved include,
2010 - 2012 Lexus CT 200h 2010 - 2012 Toyota Prius 2010 - 2012 Toyota Prius Plug-In

The fix involves dealers installing retention brackets on the inflators to prevent it from entering the vehicle.
 
Source: Toyota
 
Press Release is on Page 2


 

Toyota Recalls Certain Prius and Lexus CT Vehicles
 
PLANO, Texas, June 28, 2016 – Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc. today announced that it is conducting a safety recall of approximately 482,000 Model Year 2010 - 2012 Prius; 2010 and 2012 Prius Plug-In Hybrids and 2011 and 2012 Lexus CT 200h vehicles.
 
The involved vehicles are equipped with curtain shield air bags (CSA) in the driver and passenger side roof rails that have air bag inflators composed of two chambers welded together. Some inflators could have a small crack in the weld area joining the chambers, which could grow over time, and lead to the separation of the inflator chambers. This has been observed when the vehicle is parked and unoccupied for a period of time. If an inflator separates, the CSA could partially inflate, and, in limited circumstances, one or both sections of the inflator could enter the interior of the vehicle. If an occupant is present in the vehicle, there is an increased risk of injury.
 
All known owners of the involved vehicles will be notified by first class mail. Toyota and Lexus dealers will install retention brackets on the curtain shield air bag inflators at no cost. These retention brackets are designed to prevent the inflator chambers from entering the vehicle interior if separation occurs.
 
Information about automotive recalls, including but not limited to the list of involved vehicles, is subject to change over time. For the most up-to-date Safety Recall information on Lexus, Toyota and Scion customers should check their vehicle’s status by visiting http://www.toyota.com/recall and entering the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). Safety Recall inquiry by individual VIN is also available at the NHTSA site: safercar.gov/vin. For any additional questions, customer support is also available by calling Lexus Customer Service at 1-800-255-3987.

  • Owners of the Prius and CT 200h, we have some important news!

William Maley

As the Diesel Emits: Volkswagen's Emission Cheat Was 'Open Secret' Says Volvo Exec

It came as a shock to many when Volkswagen admitted that it used illegal software to cheat emission tests with their diesel. But there was one group that wasn't surprised, automakers.
 
Kent Falck, a future product specialist at Volvo said a recent event that many automakers were very suspicious of Volkswagen's emission results with their TDI engines. Falck explained that many were puzzled as to how Volkswagen was able to achieve lower emissions despite using the same suppliers as other automakers.
 
“We have the same suppliers, we have Bosch, we have Denso, we are working with the same partners, so we know this technology doesn’t exist,” said Falck. “I have known that for seven years.”
 
“We sat in a room and reviewed all the facts, figures, whatever we have, with the specialists. (But) we can’t manage it, how are the others doing it? We don’t know.”
 
At first, Falck thought Volkswagen had some sort of proprietary technology to pull this off without resorting to such technologies such urea injection.
 
“There is always intellectual properties in the world ... there might be something out there in the technology ... that we are not allowed to buy because it’s owned by a supplier. We were wondering how (VW met strict US emissions targets) that’s for sure.”
 
But soon enough, Falck and other people at various automakers realized Volkswagen was going at it an illegal way.
 
Source: News.com.au

  • Automakers figured out that Volkswagen was doing something illegal to meet emission standards

William Maley

Revealed: 2017 Porsche Panamera

Last night at an event in Berlin, Porsche unveiled the second-generation Panamera. The good news is the next-generation model fixes one of the biggest problems of the current model, the ugliness. As we saw in spy photos a few weeks ago, designers cleaned up the look with better proportions, making the body much sleeker, and lowering the roofline. Overall dimensions are up by an inch. Wheels range from 19 to 21 inches.
 
The interior retains the same design as the outgoing model, but with more tech. The driver faces an instrument cluster with two seven-inch screens flanking the tachometer. The center stack features a 12.3-inch touchscreen and capacitive touch buttons on the console.
 
At the moment, Porsche has only revealed the powertrains at launch for the European marketplace. All of the engines listed here are new.
Panamera 4S: 4.0L Biturbo V6 - 440 horsepower, 406 pound-feet of torque Panamera 4S Diesel: 4.0L Turbodiesel V8 - 416 horsepower, 627 pound-feet of torque Panamera Turbo: 4.0L Biturbo V8 - 542 horsepower, 568 pound-feet of torque

Down the road, Porsche will likely add a smaller Turbo V6, turbodiesel V6, and a high-performance Turbo S model. For the time being, all of the engines will come paired with an eight-speed PDK transmission and all-wheel drive.
 
Europe can start placing orders for the 2017 Panamera for delivery in November. We'll keep you posted for information on the U.S. spec models.
 
Source: Porsche
 

 
Press Release is on Page 2


 
The Porsche Panamera – a completely new development
The sports car among luxury saloons

Stuttgart. The new Porsche Panamera reconciles two contrasting characteristics more than ever before: the performance of a genuine sports car and the comfort of a luxury saloon. It is a Gran Turismo that has been rethought and realigned. The second generation of the Panamera is advancing to become a performance icon of the luxury class. In this transformation, Porsche has systematically improved the Panamera concept – with a four-door car that has been redeveloped and redesigned down to the last detail. Its engines and transmissions have been redesigned, its chassis perfected, and its display and control concept reinterpreted for the future. The new Panamera also extends the borders between the world of ambitious sports cars and the world of comfortable cruising cars with highlights such as rear axle steering, active roll compensation and three-chamber air suspension.
 

911 design language with a much more dynamic flyline
 
Visually, the unique concept of this large Porsche is reflected in a new expressive design: unmistakably a Panamera, unmistakably a sports car – with long, dynamic proportions, pronounced shoulders, athletic flanks and an extremely fast roof line that is 20 mm lower at the rear. This typical Porsche flyline creates a stylistic link to Porsche’s design icon, the 911.
 
Plenty of functionality and easy interaction in the Porsche Advanced Cockpit
 
The typical Porsche interior has been reinterpreted for the future in the new Panamera. Black panel surfaces and interactive displays combine a clear and intuitive user interface like that of smartphones and tablets with the practical requirements for controlling the car. Classic hard keys and conventional instruments have been reduced significantly. They have been replaced by touch-sensitive panels and individually configurable displays which take centre stage in the new Porsche Advanced Cockpit – with great benefits for the driver as well as the front and rear passengers. Despite a significantly extended range of communication, convenience and assistance systems, different functions can now be used and operated more clearly and intuitively. The Porsche Advanced Cockpit transforms the analogue world into the digital present of mobility, while leaving room for passion. The tachometer, positioned centrally in the instrument cluster, is a tribute to the 1955 Porsche 356 A.
 
New V6 and V8 biturbo engines with ample power and full-bodied sound
 
A Porsche has always impressed with more than just power; its efficiency is equally important. To elevate this formula to a new level, all of the second generation Panamera’s engines have been redesigned. They have all been made more powerful, while significantly improving fuel economy and reducing emissions. Three new biturbo direct injection engines are being introduced at the market launch: in the Panamera Turbo, the Panamera 4S and the Panamera 4S Diesel. All of them – and for the first time including the diesel – may be equipped with a permanent all-wheel drive system and a new eight-speed Porsche dual-clutch transmission (PDK). A V8 petrol engine that delivers 404 kW / 550 hp powers the Panamera Turbo and a V6 petrol engine with 324 kW / 440 hp drives the Panamera 4S.
 
In the Panamera 4S Diesel, a V8 with 310 kW/422 hp generates powerful thrust and a maximum torque of 850 Nm.
 
A luxury saloon that can take to the race track
 
In keeping with the overall concept of the new Panamera, the chassis also unites the cruising comfort of a luxury saloon with the performance of a true sports car. This is achieved by supplementing the impressive basic layout with optional innovative systems such as an adaptive air suspension with new three-chamber technology, including Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM electronic damper control), the enhanced Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control Sport (PDCC Sport) system including Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus (PTV Plus) and active roll stabilisation, as well as a new electromechanical steering system. The integrated 4D Chassis Control system analyses and synchronises all chassis systems in real time and optimises the road performance of the new Panamera. Porsche is also taking the steering precision and handling of sports cars into the class of Gran Turismo cars with rear axle steering – which is also new and has been adapted from the 918 Spyder and 911 Turbo. Brake performance has also been improved.
 
Next generation assistance systems
 
The Panamera is equipped with many standard and optional assistance systems, which make life while driving more convenient and safer. The most important new systems include a night vision assistant, which uses a thermal imaging camera to detect people and large animals and displays a colour highlighted warning indicator in the cockpit. If the optional new LED matrix headlights with 84 image points are selected, people beyond the visual range of the dipped beam headlight are also illuminated briefly if they are in the computed driving corridor, allowing the driver to react even faster. The new night vision assistant is one of the assistance systems that helps to avoid critical situations in advance. Looking especially far ahead along the road is the new Porsche InnoDrive, which includes adaptive cruise control. Based on navigation data and signals from radar and video sensors, it computes and activates the optimal acceleration and deceleration rates as well as gear selections and coasting phases, for the next three kilometres. In doing so, this electronic co-pilot automatically takes bends, inclines and speed limits into account.
 
New engines in detail: more power, better fuel efficiency
 
New, powerful and fuel-efficient: the V6 and V8 turbo engines of the Panamera. And they all share a special conceptual design characteristic, which in the jargon of engine developers is known as "with the hot sides inward". Translated, this means that the turbochargers of the new Panamera engines are integrated centrally into the V of the cylinder banks. This central turbo layout yields numerous benefits: The engines are more compact, and this enables a lower mounting position. This, in turn, has a positive effect on the vehicle’s centre of gravity. The short paths between the two turbochargers and the combustion chambers produce spontaneous throttle response. Engine response can be further increased using the optional Mode Switch with the Sport Response Button. The Mode Switch, which was first introduced in the Porsche 918 Spyder, is an intuitively operated rotary ring on the steering wheel, which can be used to activate one of four driving modes (Normal, Sport, Sport Plus or Individual). Located at the centre of the switch is the Sport Response Button. It can be used to free up the maximum power potential of the Panamera at the press of a button.
 
Initially, the Panamera Turbo has the most powerful petrol engine of the model series. Its 4.0-litre biturbo V8 develops 404 kW / 550 hp (at 5,750 rpm) and a maximum torque of 770 Nm (between 1,960 and 4,500 rpm). It has 30 hp more power than the previous model, and its maximum torque has been increased by 70 Nm. The eight-cylinder engine accelerates the Panamera Turbo to 100 km/h in 3.8 seconds; with the Sport Chrono Package the sprint time is just 3.6 seconds. The Porsche can reach a top speed of 306 km/h. These are impressive figures that illustrate just how easily the engine can propel the Panamera with its power-to-weight ratio of just 3.6 kg/hp. These extraordinary performance figures contrast with lower combined fuel consumption figures which, at 9.4 – 9.3 l/100 km, are up to 1.1 l/100 km less than that of the previous model (New European Driving Cycle or NEDC). These figures equate to CO2 emissions of 214 – 212 g/km.
 
Porsche uses complex twin-scroll turbochargers to supply compressed air to the V8’s combustion chambers. The two counter-rotating chargers produce maximum torque figures at very low engine speeds. The Panamera Turbo is also the first Porsche to be equipped with the new adaptive cylinder control in its engine. In part-load operation, the system temporarily and imperceptibly turns the eight-cylinder into a four-cylinder engine. This reduces fuel consumption by up to 30 per cent, depending on power demand in the four-cylinder phases.
 
The 2.9-litre V6 biturbo engine of the Panamera 4S develops a maximum power of 324 kW/440 hp (20 hp more than the previous model); it is already available at 5,650 rpm., Between 1,750 and 5,500 rpm, the new six-cylinder delivers 550 Nm (30 Nm more) to the drive axles. The Panamera 4S can reach 100 km/h in just 4.4 seconds (4.2 seconds with the Sport Chrono Package). With a top speed of 289 km/h, this Porsche also approaches the 300 km/h mark. The NEDC combined fuel consumption is 8.2 – 8.1 l/100 km (186 – 184 g/km CO2). Compared to the first generation Panamera 4S, this represents a fuel saving of up to 1.0 l/100 km or eleven per cent.
 
Like the eight-cylinder engine of the Panamera Turbo, the six-cylinder engine of the Panamera 4S also has petrol direct-injection injectors that are positioned in the combustion chamber. This injector position offers optimal combustion, maximum efficiency and very good engine response. The 4S and Turbo are also characterised by exceptionally full-bodied and authentic sound.
 
The new Panamera is launching with a new eight-cylinder diesel engine, for the first time in conjunction with permanent all-wheel drive. The most powerful diesel implemented in a Porsche production car to date develops a power of 310 kW/422 hp (at 3,500 rpm) and an immense maximum torque of 850 Nm – which is constant over an engine speed plateau extending from 1,000 to 3,250 rpm. With a top speed of 285 km/h, the Porsche Panamera 4S Diesel is currently the world’s fastest production vehicle with a diesel engine. The Gran Turismo reaches the 100 km/h speed mark in 4.5 seconds (4.3 seconds with the Sport Chrono Package). This contrasts with a combined fuel consumption of 6.8 – 6.7 l/100 km (178 – 176 g/km CO2).
 
The diesel model also has biturbo charging with a central turbo layout. However, its common rail engine (2,500 bar maximum injection pressure) is equipped with sequential turbocharging. This allows the engine to work as a biturbo or monoturbo, depending on the operating state. At low to moderate engine speeds, the entire stream of exhaust gas is directed solely through one of the two turbochargers, which improves throttle response. The otherwise passive second turbocharger does not become active until the engine speed reaches 2,700 rpm or more. Both turbo-chargers have variable turbine geometry (VTG) – a principle that is already familiar from the 911 Turbo.
 
Details of the new design: even more dynamic proportions
 
The exterior character of the Panamera has also been sharpened with the dawn of the second generation. It is based on very dynamic proportions. The new Panamera is 5,049 mm (+34 mm) long, 1,937 mm (+6 mm) wide and 1,423 mm (+5 mm) tall. Despite the slight increase in height, the four-door car looks much lower and longer. This is primarily due to the reduced height above the rear of the passenger compartment – reduced by 20 mm – while maintaining consistently good headroom. This changes the car’s overall image completely. The wheelbase has been increased by 30 mm to 2,950 mm; this too lengthens the car’s proportions. The front wheels were shifted further forward, reducing the front overhang and making the prestige dimension – the distance between the A-pillar and the front axle – even larger. The rear overhang is longer, giving the car a more powerful appearance.
 
The Panamera has only grown six millimetres in width, but it feels like several centimetres. This effect is created by such features as the A-shaped air intake, which extends out to the sides and creates a completely new front-end design. At the same time, a precisely designed crossbar in the radiator grille emphasises the car’s width. The arrow-shaped bonnet over the engine accelerates this visual effect further forward and lower than before – due to the prominently contoured powerdome, whose lines now reach into the bumper. The lower front end was enabled by the new compact construction of the engines in the vehicle concept. To the left and right of the powerdome, the bonnet blends precisely into the stronger flares of the front wings – a typical Porsche design trait. Also exuding confidence is the look of the LED headlights with their four-point LED daytime running lights, of which three versions are available.
 
The new side body – like the bonnet, boot, roof and wings – is made entirely of aluminium, and it accentuates the silhouette of a sports car more than ever thanks to its dynamic roof line. At the rear, this roof line becomes the charismatic Porsche flyline – the distinctive lines that adorn all of the brand’s coupés. Two precisely executed edges on the lateral roof line visually lower the silhouette’s centre of gravity. The look of the side windows has also been redesigned: its visually continuous surface, together with its lines on the rear body, creates a stylistic affinity to the Porsche 911. Three-dimensionality characterises the doors and wings, where incident light shining on their convex and concave surfaces generates muscular tension. Integral design components there are the air exhaust ports behind the front wheels. The flared lips of the wheel arches are also powerful. The large arches provide space for the 19-inch (4S/4S Diesel), 20-inch (Turbo) and optional 21-inch alloy wheels.
 
The fact that the Panamera is a four-door coupé and not a conventional saloon is clearer from the rear than from any other perspective. The ‘greenhouse’ – made up of the roof, roof pillars, window surfaces – is supported by a powerful and broad shoulder section. Clearly a Panamera, definitely a sports car. The most prominent components identifying the rear body are, without a doubt, the three-dimensional LED rear lights with integrated four-point brake lights. The rear lights are interconnected by a narrow LED strip. All of these elements together create an unmistakable night design. Integrated seamlessly and elegantly into the boot, which features electric opening and closing as standard, is the extendible rear spoiler that is now finished in body colour. On the Panamera Turbo, the wing also splits as it extends, thereby gaining additional surface area. Terminating the lower rear body is a diffuser into which the dual stainless steel tailpipes of the exhaust system are integrated on the left and right. The Panamera 4S and 4S Diesel can be recognised by their round tailpipes, while the Panamera Turbo has trapezoidal tailpipe trims.
 
Porsche operating philosophy – future-based interpretation
 
The new Panamera exhibits a completely new interior design. In many areas, touch-sensitive surfaces replace classic hard keys, and high-resolution displays merge into the interior. In the luxury saloon segment, the digitalisation of the Porsche interior, which began with the 918 Spyder, has reached the next development stage aboard the Panamera in the form of the new Porsche Advanced Cockpit. From the low seat position typical of sports cars, drivers not only see a fascinating front-end landscape of the car’s wings and powerdome, but also two 7-inch displays that are placed directly in the driver’s line of sight for ideal ergonomics. Located in the middle of these two displays is the tachometer, which is still an analogue instrument. Meanwhile, the gearshift console between the driver and the front passenger is dominated by the 12.3-inch touchscreen of the next generation Porsche Communication Management (PCM) system. The driver and front passenger can configure this display individually. Naturally, this is integrated into the PCM: Features such as online navigation, the online functions of Porsche Connect, smartphone integration via Apple Car Play and a new voice control system that responds to natural language input. The PCM area – with its high-end, high-resolution display – transitions harmoniously into the black panel concept of the centre console with a shift-by-wire gear selector for the PDK. A new control panel with touch-sensitive switches on the centre console enables intuitive control of various functions. Even the louvres of the central air vent are electrically adjusted by touch-sensitive sliders. Rear passengers can control air conditioning and infotainment functions using an optional four-zone automatic climate control system.
 
In addition, the Porsche Panamera offers the best layout variability of any model in the luxury class, making it the most practical for everyday use with a 40:20:40 split of the folding rear bench backrests (495 to 1,304 litres of luggage capacity). Raising the comfort experience of the Panamera to an entirely new level are new equipment options such as the panoramic tilt roof, massage seats, ambient lighting and a 3D high-end sound system from Burmester.
 
The new Porsche Panamera can already be ordered now, and it will make its appearance at dealers on November 5, 2016. Prices in Germany start at 113,027 euros including VAT for the Panamera 4S. Prices for the Panamera 4S Diesel start at 116,954 euros, and the Panamera Turbo starts at 153,011 euros.

  • Now with less ugly!

William Maley

As the Diesel Emits: Its Official! Volkswagen Reaches A $14.7 Billion Settlement with the U.S. Over 2.0L TDI

After ten months when news came to light that Volkswagen used illegal software to cheat emission tests in the U.S. the German automaker has agreed to a $14.7 billion settlement.
This morning, the U.S. Justice Department filed details of the settlement in U.S. District Court in San Fransisco. As part of the settlement, Volkswagen will offer owners of affected models the choice of either having their vehicle bought back or repaired if and when a repair is approved by the EPA and CARB.
If you decide to have your vehicle bought back by Volkswagen, will be determined based on the 'Clean Trade-In Value' by the National Automobile Dealers Association, along with adjustments on mileage and options. If you have a loan through a third-party, Volkswagen would pay it off. Those leasing can terminate it with no penalties.
Whichever option you decide to go for, Volkswagen will also provide a compensation payment ranging from $5,000 to $10,000. Again, the amount will be determined by various factors such as the age of the vehicle.
Owners will be notified this fall with buybacks expected to begin in October.
Volkswagen will also pay $2.7 billion over the next three years to a fund to reduce the excess amount of NOx emissions that Volkswagen's diesel vehicles emitted, and an additional $2 billion to expand zero emission vehicle infrastructure, access and awareness initiatives.
Now this settlement needs to be approved by Judge Charles Breyer. A hearing will be held today for this.
While Volkswagen is still not out of the woods with this scandal (more penalties and deal still needed for the 3.0L TDI V6), it is good to see some movement is happening to help bring this mess to a close.
Source: Volkswagen, EPA
Press Release is on Page 2

VOLKSWAGEN REACHES SETTLEMENT AGREEMENTS WITH U.S. FEDERAL REGULATORS, PRIVATE PLAINTIFFS AND 44 U.S. STATES ON TDI DIESEL ENGINE VEHICLES
Proposed settlement program includes vehicle buybacks and lease terminations, emissions modifications (if approved) and cash payments to affected customers for approximately 475,000 eligible 2.0L TDI vehicles Volkswagen agrees to $2.7 billion environmental remediation fund and to invest $2.0 billion in initiatives to promote the use of zero emissions vehicles in the U.S. Separate resolution with U.S. states settles consumer protection claims
Herndon, Va. /Wolfsburg, Germany (June 28, 2016) – Volkswagen AG announced today that it has reached settlement agreements with the United States Department of Justice (DOJ) and the State of California; the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC); and private plaintiffs represented by the Plaintiffs’ Steering Committee (PSC) to resolve civil claims regarding eligible Volkswagen and Audi 2.0L TDI diesel engine vehicles in the United States. Of approximately 499,000 2.0L TDL vehicles that were produced for sale in the United States, approximately 460,000 Volkswagen and 15,000 Audi vehicles are currently in use and eligible for buybacks and lease terminations or emissions modifications, if approved by regulators. Volkswagen will establish a maximum funding pool for the 2.0L TDI settlement program of $10.033 billion. That amount assumes 100% participation and that 100% of eligible customers choose a buyback or lease termination.
 

The agreements covering the proposed 2.0L TDI settlement program are subject to the approval of Judge Charles R. Breyer of the United States District Court for the Northern District of California, who presides over the federal Multi-District Litigation (MDL) proceedings related to the diesel matter.
 
Volkswagen also announced that it has agreed with the attorneys general of 44 U.S. states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico to resolve existing and potential state consumer protection claims related to the diesel matter for a total settlement amount of approximately $603 million.
 
“We take our commitment to make things right very seriously and believe these agreements are a significant step forward,” said Matthias Müller, Chief Executive Officer of Volkswagen AG. “We appreciate the constructive engagement of all the parties, and are very grateful to our customers for their continued patience as the settlement approval process moves ahead. We know that we still have a great deal of work to do to earn back the trust of the American people. We are focused on resolving the outstanding issues and building a better company that can shape the future of integrated, sustainable mobility for our customers.”
 
Three agreements have been submitted to the Court for its approval with respect to the proposed 2.0L TDI settlement program: (1) a Consent Decree filed with the Court by the DOJ on behalf of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and by the State of California by and through the California Air Resources Board (CARB) and the California Attorney General; (2) a Consent Order submitted by the FTC; and (3) a proposed class settlement agreement with the PSC on behalf of a nationwide settlement class of current and certain former owners and lessees of eligible 2.0L TDI Volkswagen and Audi vehicles. The parties believe that the class settlement as presented to the Court will provide a fair and reasonable resolution for affected Volkswagen and Audi customers. Volkswagen continues to work expeditiously to reach an agreed resolution for affected vehicles with 3.0L TDI V-6 diesel engines.
 
On April 22, 2016, Volkswagen recognized total exceptional charges of €16.2 billion in its financial statements for 2015 for worldwide provisions related to technical modifications and repurchases, legal risks and other items as a result of the diesel matter. As noted at that time, due to the complexities and legal uncertainties associated with resolving the diesel matter, a future assessment of the risks may be different.
 
"Today’s announcement is within the scope of our provisions and other financial liabilities that we have already disclosed, and we are in a position to manage the consequences. It provides further clarity for our U.S. customers and dealers as well as for our shareholders. Settlements of this magnitude are clearly a very significant burden for our business. We will now focus on implementing our TOGETHER-Strategy 2025 and improving operational excellence across the Volkswagen Group,” said Frank Witter, Chief Financial Officer of Volkswagen AG.
 
The agreements announced today are not an admission of liability by Volkswagen. By their terms, they are not intended to apply to or affect Volkswagen's obligations under the laws or regulations of any jurisdiction outside the United States. Regulations governing nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions limits for vehicles in the United States are much stricter than those in other parts of the world and the engine variants also differ significantly. This makes the development of technical solutions in the United States more challenging than in Europe and other parts of the world, where implementation of an approved program to modify TDI vehicles to comply fully with UN/ECE and European emissions standards has already begun by agreement with the relevant authorities.
 
Volkswagen to Spend Up to $14.7 Billion to Settle Allegations of Cheating Emissions Tests and Deceiving Customers on 2.0 Liter Diesel Vehicles
Settlements Require VW to Spend up to $10 Billion to Buyback, Terminate Leases, or Modify Affected 2.0 Liter Vehicles and Compensate Consumers, and Spend $4.7 Billion to Mitigate Pollution and Make Investments that Support Zero-Emission Vehicle Technology
WASHINGTON – In two related settlements, one with the United States and the State of California, and one with the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC), German automaker Volkswagen AG and related entities have agreed to spend up to $14.7 billion to settle allegations of cheating emissions tests and deceiving customers. Volkswagen will offer consumers a buyback and lease termination for nearly 500,000 model year 2009-2015 2.0 liter diesel vehicles sold or leased in the U.S., and spend up to $10.03 billion to compensate consumers under the program. In addition, the companies will spend $4.7 billion to mitigate the pollution from these cars and invest in green vehicle technology.
 

The settlements partially resolve allegations by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), as well as the California Attorney General’s Office and the California Air Resources Board (CARB) under the Clean Air Act, California Health and Safety Code, and California’s Unfair Competition Laws, relating to the vehicles’ use of “defeat devices” to cheat emissions tests. The settlements also resolve claims by the FTC that Volkswagen violated the FTC Act through the deceptive and unfair advertising and sale of its “clean diesel” vehicles. The settlements do not resolve pending claims for civil penalties or any claims concerning 3.0 liter diesel vehicles. Nor do they address any potential criminal liability.
 
The affected vehicles include 2009 through 2015 Volkswagen TDI diesel models of Jettas, Passats, Golfs and Beetles as well as the TDI Audi A3.
 
“Today’s settlement restores clean air protections that Volkswagen so blatantly violated,” said EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy. “And it secures billions of dollars in investments to make our air and our auto industry even cleaner for generations of Americans to come. This agreement shows that EPA is committed to upholding standards to protect public health, enforce the law, and to find innovative ways to protect clean air.”
 
“By duping the regulators, Volkswagen turned nearly half a million American drivers into unwitting accomplices in an unprecedented assault on our atmosphere,” said Deputy Attorney General Sally Q. Yates. “This partial settlement marks a significant first step towards holding Volkswagen accountable for what was a breach of its legal duties and a breach of the public’s trust. And while this announcement is an important step forward, let me be clear, it is by no means the last. We will continue to follow the facts wherever they go.”
 
“Today’s announcement shows the high cost of violating our consumer protection and environmental laws,” said FTC Chairwoman Edith Ramirez. “Just as importantly, consumers who were cheated by Volkswagen’s deceptive advertising campaign will be able to get full and fair compensation, not only for the lost or diminished value of their car but also for the other harms that VW caused them.”
 
According to the civil complaint against Volkswagen filed by the Justice Department on behalf of EPA on January 4, 2016, Volkswagen allegedly equipped its 2.0 liter diesel vehicles with illegal software that detects when the car is being tested for compliance with EPA or California emissions standards and turns on full emissions controls only during that testing process. During normal driving conditions, the software renders certain emission control systems inoperative, greatly increasing emissions. This is known as a “defeat device.” Use of the defeat device results in cars that meet emissions standards in the laboratory, but emit harmful NOx at levels up to 40 times EPA-compliant levels during normal on-road driving conditions. The Clean Air Act requires manufacturers to certify to EPA that vehicles will meet federal emission standards. Vehicles with defeat devices cannot be certified.
 
The FTC sued Volkswagen in March, charging that the company deceived consumers with the advertising campaign it used to promote its supposedly “clean diesel” VWs and Audis, which falsely claimed that the cars were low-emission, environmentally friendly, met emissions standards and would maintain a high resale value.
 
The settlements use the authorities of both the EPA and the FTC as part of a coordinated plan that gets the high-polluting VW diesels off the road, makes the environment whole, and compensates consumers.
 
The settlements require Volkswagen to offer owners of any affected vehicle the option to have the company buy back the car and to offer lessees a lease cancellation at no cost. Volkswagen may also propose an emissions modification plan to EPA and CARB, and if approved, may also offer owners and lessees the option of having their vehicles modified to substantially reduce emissions in lieu of a buyback. Under the U.S./California settlement, Volkswagen must achieve an overall recall rate of at least 85% of affected 2.0 liter vehicles under these programs or pay additional sums into the mitigation trust fund. The FTC order requires Volkswagen to compensate consumers who elect either of these options.
 
Volkswagen must set aside and could spend up to $10.03 billion to pay consumers in connection with the buy back, lease termination, and emissions modification compensation program. The program has different potential options and provisions for affected Volkswagen diesel owners depending on their circumstances:
 
Buyback option: Volkswagen must offer to buy back any affected 2.0 liter vehicle at their retail value as of September 2015 -- just prior to the public disclosure of the emissions issue. Consumers who choose the buyback option will receive between $12,500 and $44,000, depending on their car’s model, year, mileage, and trim of the car, as well as the region of the country where it was purchased. In addition, because a straight buyback will not fully compensate consumers who owe more than their car is worth due to rapid depreciation, the FTC order provides these consumers with an option to have their loans forgiven by Volkswagen. Consumers who have third party loans have the option of having Volkswagen pay off those loans, up to 130 percent of the amount a consumer would be entitled to under the buyback (e.g., if the consumer is entitled to a $20,000 buyback, VW would pay off his/her loans up to a cap of $26,000).
 
EPA-approved modification to vehicle emissions system: The settlements also allow Volkswagen to apply to EPA and CARB for approval of an emissions modification on the affected vehicles, and, if approved, to offer consumers the option of keeping their cars and having them modified to comply with emissions standards. Under this option in accordance with the FTC order, consumers would also receive money from Volkswagen to redress the harm caused by VW’s deceptive advertising.
 
Consumers who leased the affected cars will have the option of terminating their leases (with no termination fee) or having their vehicles modified if a modification becomes available. In either case, under the FTC order, these consumers also will receive additional compensation from Volkswagen for the harm caused by VW’s deceptive advertising. Consumers who sold their TDI vehicles after the VW defeat device issue became public may be eligible for partial compensation, which will be split between them and the consumers who purchased the cars from them as set forth in the FTC order.
 
Eligible consumers will receive notice from VW after the orders are entered by the court this fall. Consumers will be able to see if they are eligible for compensation and if so, what options are available to them, at VWCourtSettlement.com and AudiCourtSettlement.com. They will also be able to use these websites to make claims, sign up for appointments at their local Volkswagen or Audi dealers and receive updates. Consumer payments will not be available until the settlements take effect if and when approved by the court, which may be as early as October 2016.
 
Emissions Reduction Program: The settlement of the company’s Clean Air Act violations also requires Volkswagen to pay $2.7 billion to fund projects across the country that will reduce emissions of NOx where the 2.0 liter vehicles were, are or will be operated. Volkswagen will place the funds into a mitigation trust over three years, which will be administered by an independent trustee. Beneficiaries, which may include states, Puerto Rico, the District of Columbia, and Indian tribes, may obtain funds for designated NOx reduction projects upon application to the Trustee. Funding for the designated projects is expected to fully mitigate the NOx these 2.0 liter vehicles have and will emit in excess of EPA and California standards.
 
The emissions reduction program will help reduce NOx pollution that contributes to the formation of harmful smog and soot, exposure to which is linked to a number of respiratory- and cardiovascular-related health effects as well as premature death. Children, older adults, people who are active outdoors (including outdoor workers), and people with heart or lung disease are particularly at risk for health effects related to smog or soot exposure. NO2 formed by NOx emissions can aggravate respiratory diseases, particularly asthma, and may also contribute to asthma development in children.
 
Zero Emissions Technology Investments: The Clean Air Act settlement also requires VW to invest $2 billion toward improving infrastructure, access and education to support and advance zero emission vehicles. The investments will be made over 10 years, with $1.2 billion directed toward a national EPA-approved investment plan and $800 million directed toward a California-specific investment plan that will be approved by CARB. As part of developing the national plan, Volkswagen will solicit and consider input from interested states, cities, Indian tribes and federal agencies. This investment is intended to address the adverse environmental impacts from consumers’ purchases of the 2.0 liter vehicles, which the governments contend were purchased under the mistaken belief that they were lower emitting vehicles.
 
FTC’s Injunctive Relief: The FTC settlement includes injunctive provisions to protect consumers from deceptive claims in the future. These provisions prohibit Volkswagen from making any misrepresentations that would deceive consumers about the environmental benefits or value of its vehicles or services, and the order specifically bans VW from employing any device that could be used to cheat on emissions tests.
 
The provisions of the U.S./California settlement are contained in a proposed consent decree filed today in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, as part of the ongoing multi-district litigation, and will be subject to public comment period of 30 days, which will be announced in the Federal Register in the coming days. The provisions of the FTC settlement are contained in a proposed Stipulated Final Federal Court Order filed today in the same court.

  • Finally! Volkswagen and U.S. reach a settlement on the 2.0L TDI mess. Here are the details.

William Maley

Review: 2016 Chevrolet Malibu 2LT

We’ll admit we were not big fans of the last-generation Chevrolet Malibu. When we drove the Malibu Eco, it failed to deliver the fuel economy numbers that Chevrolet touted. Plus, it was the only Malibu you could get for a time. The decision was made to get the Eco out first while work was being finished up on the two four-cylinder models. Unfortunately, this move would prove to be a mistake. Then we spent some time in the Malibu 2.0T. While we like the performance on offer, it had a difficult time justifying the high price tag. Both models also suffered from having one of the smallest back seats in the class. The various issues caused sales of the Malibu to drop precipitously and made General Motors fast track a new Malibu.
 
This brings us to the new Chevrolet Malibu which made its debut last year at the New York Auto Show. It seemed GM had learned from its mistakes from the previous model and put that experience into this new model. Let’s find if this makes the Malibu a better vehicle.
 
The last-generation Malibu wasn’t a bad looking vehicle. But compared to the model it replaced, the Malibu’s design just fell flat. The 2016 model is a completely different story. Designers went back to the 2008 to 2012 Malibu and started improving on that design. The end result is one of the sharpest looking midsize sedans in the class. Up front is where you can see the influence from the 2008 to 2012 Malibu with a similar grille layout and headlight location. The grilles are slightly narrower and wider. The side profile reveals an A7-inspired rear roof pillar that blends in beautifully with the fender. The back features a rounded trunk lid and chrome exhaust tips.
 
The same cannot be said for the interior. It isn’t to say Chevrolet hasn’t made some strides here. The design is just as sharp as the exterior with flowing curves and a touchscreen that looks like a tablet that has been docked. In the back, there an increase in overall space. Sitting back here, I had plenty of head and legroom. Getting yourself comfortable in the driver’s seat is easy thanks to an eight-way power seat and a tilt-telescoping steering wheel.
 




But Chevrolet made a huge mistake in the material choices. The 2LT is just below the Premier and you would expect a fair amount of soft-touch materials on the dash and door panels, possibly some leather on the seats. Unfortunately, you don’t get any of that. There is an abundance of hard plastics throughout the interior. Depending on the location, the quality can range from ok to terrible. Not helping matters is the use of cloth fabric on the dashboard much like the last-generation Cruze. If this was the base L or LS, this would be ok considering the price of those models. But this being the 2LT, which starts at $28,620, it is a huge disappointment. Especially when you consider many of the Malibu’s competitors for around the same price feature better materials. 
Depending on which Malibu trim you pick, it will either come with no touchscreen (L), a seven-inch touchscreen (LS and 1LT), or an eight-inch touchscreen (2LT and Premier). Our tester featured the eight-inch and the latest version of Chevrolet’s MyLink infotainment system. MyLink still stumbles in some areas such as overall performance and recognizing devices plugged into the USB inputs, but overall the system is much better than when it was first launched. For 2016, Chevrolet has added Apple CarPlay (and Android Auto) integration to MyLink. You just need to plug a compatible iPhone into the USB and hit the CarPlay button on the touchscreen. You’ll be greeted with a screen that is very similar to the home screen on your iPhone. Applications such as Siri, Apple Maps, Spotify, and Pandora can be used through the system. Like the Volt I drove recently, I ran into some problems with CarPlay. From applications not responding to the vehicle not recognizing that my phone was plugged in. As is stands, CarPlay is a huge improvement over most infotainment systems used in vehicles. But some bugs need to be worked out still.
 




 
Power for the Malibu comes from two turbo engines - a 1.5L or 2.0L. Our 2LT came with the 2.0L turbo producing 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. This is paired with a new eight-speed automatic transmission. The best words I can use to describe the Malibu’s 2.0L is punchy and effortless. The turbo spools up quickly and provides a strong pull of power when leaving a stop. More impressive is how fast the engine is able to climb in speed when merging onto an expressway or making a pass. The eight-speed is one of GM’s best transmissions with smooth and smart shifts through the gears. In terms of fuel economy, the turbo 2.0L is rated at 22 City/33 Highway/26 Combined. We got an average of 27 MPG during our week of testing.
 
Chevrolet struck a nice balance with the Malibu’s ride and handling. Like the previous-generation model, the 2016 Malibu features one of the smoothest rides in the class. Bumps and other imperfections are ironed out before getting inside the cabin. Wind noise is kept to a minimum, but we found there was a bit more road noise than the last Malibu we drove. We’re wondering if Chevrolet removed a fair amount of sound deadening to help make the new Malibu lighter. Around corners, the Malibu’s suspension keeps body motions in check. Steering has a direct feel, but a little bit more weight wouldn’t be a bad thing. No, it will not challenge a Mazda6 for the best driving midsize sedan. But having a nice balance between the two isn’t too bad.
 
Pricing for the Chevrolet Malibu starts at $22,500 for the base L and climbs to $31,795 for the Premier. The 2LT starts at $28,620 and our tester came with an as-tested price of $29,495. But I’m not sure if the 2LT is a good value. Part of it comes from the interior appointments that are used in the 2LT trim. But the other part comes from the lack of options. Yes, the 2LT comes well equipped with 18-inch wheels, power seat for the driver, eight-inch touchscreen, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, and front collision warning with automatic braking. But you cannot option such features as dual-zone climate control, leather, navigation, or a premium audio system. To get those, you need to drop down to the 1LT with the turbo 1.5L or go up to Premier if you want to keep the turbo 2.0L. However, the Premier doesn’t get most of the safety features as the 2LT. You’ll need to opt for a safety package to get these features. I can’t help but wonder if Chevrolet would be better off dropping the 2LT and figuring out a way to fill in the gap between the 1LT and Premier.
 




Chevrolet has done a lot to make the new Malibu a real threat in the midsize class. With sharp exterior styling, a punchy 2.0L turbo engine, the right balance of comfort and sport, and a larger interior space, Chevrolet seems to have righted most of the wrongs of the previous model. But it is the little things that trip up the Malibu. From the questionable interior materials to the overall value proposition, General Motors made some crucial missteps. 
I have a theory about General Motors that sadly seems to get proven time and time again. They can build one of the best vehicles in the class, but there is one thing that spoils it. It could be the quality of the materials, interior space, powertrain, or something else. The 2016 Malibu 2LT is the latest one to prove it, which is a huge shame.
 

 
Disclaimer: Chevrolet Provided the Malibu, Insurance, and One Tank of Gas
 
Year: 2016
Make: Chevrolet
Model: Malibu
Trim: 2LT
Engine: 2.0L Turbocharged DOHC Four-Cylinder
Driveline: Eight-Speed Automatic, Front-Wheel Drive
Horsepower @ RPM: 250 @ 5,300
Torque @ RPM: 258 @ 1,700
Fuel Economy: City/Highway/Combined - 22/33/26
Curb Weight: 3,126 lbs
Location of Manufacture: Kansas City, Kansas
Base Price: $28,620
As Tested Price: $29,495 (Includes $875.00 Destination Charge)
 
Options:
N/A

  • The little things spoil an impressive midsize sedan

William Maley

As the Diesel Emits: EU Commissioner Believes Volkswagen Should Compensate Owners In Europe Like U.S.

Tomorrow, we find out the details of the settlement between Volkswagen and the U.S. Government over the diesel emission scandal. As we reported last week, sources told various news outlets that part of the settlement would include compensation payments from $1,000 to $7,000 to owners. A European Union commissioner believes that should be extended to those in Europe.
 
EU Industry Commissioner Elzbieta Bienkowska tells German newspaper Welt am Sonntag that Volkswagen should set up a similar compensation program for Europe.
 
"Volkswagen should voluntarily pay European car owners compensation that is comparable with that which they will pay U.S. consumers," said Bienkowska.
 
She said that it would be unfair for Volkswagen to treat European consumers differently than U.S. ones due to different legal systems.
 
"But consumers in Europe should be treated differently than the US consumer is not a way to regain confidence."
 
Source: Die Welt, Reuters

  • Volkswagen should compensate owners in Europe like those in the U.S.

William Maley

2017 Cadillac ATS Drops 2.5 Four, Adds More Features

Cadillac hoped the ATS would make a real impact in the compact luxury class. Instead, the model has lagged behind competitors and its market share has been in constant decline since 2013. Automotive News says one of the key reasons comes down to the ATS' resale value falling at a steady rate. This is turn makes it harder and expensive for the brand to offer a competitive lease, something needed if you want to make it in the marketplace.
 
To try and fix this, Cadillac has made a number of changes for the 2017 model. The big one is the base 2.5 four-cylinder being dropped and the turbo 2.0L taking its place. Cadillac is also adding a bit more equipment such as a Bose audio system, 8-inch touchscreen with CUE, and a backup camera. These changes bump the ATS' base price to $35,590 (about $1,500 more than the 2016 model). But in turn, the higher trim levels for the ATS will see price cuts ranging from $650 to $1,100.
 
"We want to emphasize the 2.0-liter turbo and the car's features while attacking the market on the product side, rather than using increased incentives," said Cadillac's global product planning director, Hampden Tener.
 
Will it be enough? Only future sales figures will be able to answer this question.
 
Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required)

  • Cadillac hopes to reverse the ATS sales slump with more features!

William Maley

Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid Is No More In 2017

Remember the Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid? Most likely not as it made up a sliver of overall Jetta sales - about one percent according to Volkswagen spokesman. For the 2017 model year, the Jetta Hybrid will dropped from the lineup.
 
Some of reason as to why the Jetta Hybrid wasn't a big seller was the high price. According to Automotive News, the Jetta Hybrid only came in the top SEL Premium trim that starts at $31,940. This is slightly hard to ask when the base starts at $18,500. Also, hybrid and electric vehicles have been taking tumble due to low gas prices and consumers drifting towards SUVs and crossovers.
 
But the big reason we believe is that like most other hybrids, the Jetta Hybrid was overshadowed by the Prius.
 
We actually reviewed the Jetta Hybrid back in 2013 and really couldn't make the case as to why anyone should consider it
 
Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required)
Pic Credit: William Maley for Cheers & Gears

  • Goodbye Jetta Hybrid

William Maley

New Lawsuit Alleges GM Used Software In Cruze Diesel to Cheat Emissions

Another class-action lawsuit involving a diesel vehicle has been filed this week, but it doesn't deal with Volkswagen. The Detroit News reports that class-action lawsuit has been filed against General Motors this week alleging the company used illegal software on the Chevrolet Cruze diesel to allow it to pass emission tests in the lab, while polluting more in the outside world. Also, the suit alleges the company falsely and marketed its Cruze Diesel as a “clean vehicle.”
 
The suit, filed by the Hagens Berman Sobol Shapiro law firm in Seattle says the six plaintiffs it is representing in this suit have tested their vehicles with a portable emissions measurement system. In certain instances, the system found the Cruze Diesel failed to meet U.S. emissions standards.
 
“Diesel emissions fraud didn’t stop with Volkswagen or Mercedes. GM has proven that it too placed greed and profits ahead of thousands of owners who paid premium prices for what they thought were clean diesel cars,” said Steve Berman, managing partner of Hagens Berman.
 
The firm is seeking buybacks of the Cruze Diesel, reimbursement for the $2,000 or more premium over the standard Cruze, and compensation on any “fix” and extended warranties that aren’t used.
 
“These claims are baseless and we will vigorously defend ourselves. GM believes the Chevrolet Cruze turbo diesel complies with all U.S. EPA and CARB emissions regulations,” GM said in a statement to The Detroit News.
 
We can't help but wonder if the Hagens Berman Sobol Shapiro law firm is on a diesel witch hunt. Aside from this new lawsuit, the firm is in a court-appointed committee in a case dealing with the Volkswagen diesel emission scandal and is leading the case against Mercedes-Benz for allegedly using a 'defeat device' on their diesel vehicles.
 
Source: The Detroit News

  • General Motors is the latest to be hit with a lawsuit over their diesel vehicle

William Maley

Rumorpile: Alfa Plans A Larger Sedan

Alfa Romeo has finally gotten the Giulia onto the production line (for Europe) and they are working on their SUV (possibly named Stelvio). So what's next? How about a larger sedan?
 
Auto Express reports that Alfa Romeo is hard at work on a sedan that will compete against the likes of the Audi A6, BMW 5-Series, and Mercedes-Benz E-Class. It will use a version of the platform that underpins the Giulia. Engines will include gas and diesel, along with a possible plug-in hybrid. That does include the 503 horsepower 2.9L twin-turbo V6 engine as a high-performance model.
 
Auto Express says the model will launch in 2018. Given the company's track record with release dates, we say add another two to three years to it.
 
Source: Auto Express

  • There's talk of another Alfa Romeo sedan

William Maley

Rumorpile: Volkswagen to Pay Owners $1,000 to $7,000 to Settle Claims

While Volkswagen and the U.S. Government are finishing negotiating the final agreement over the diesel emission scandal, some interesting bits of the agreement have leaked out.
 
The Associated Press and Bloomberg have learned from sources that Volkswagen will pay $10.2 billion as part of a settlement over the scandal. As part of the settlement, Volkswagen will compensate owners of affected TDI models between $1,000 to $7,000. The payment amount will vary on a number of factors such as the age of the vehicle. Volkswagen will also offer owners the choice having their vehicles fixed for free or buying them back at the value before the scandal came to light (September 18, 2015).
 
One item still up in the air is whether or not Volkswagen will be able to fix all of the TDI models to the EPA's satisfaction. A source tells the AP, "any fix likely would require a bigger catalytic converter or injection of the chemical urea into the exhaust to help neutralize the pollution."
 
Along with the owner compensation, Volkswagen will use the $10.2 billion to pay various penalties and setting up a fund to clean up air pollution.
 
The sources do stress that the terms of the settlement could change before being presented to U.S. District Judge Charles Breyer next Tuesday. Also, this settlement is for the 2.0L TDI engine. The 3.0L TDI V6 is being dealt with separately.
 
Source: Bloomberg, Associated Press

  • The total settlement is said to be around $10.2 billion

William Maley

Rumorpile: BMW Planning A Full Electric i8

The current BMW i8 uses a plug-in hybrid powertrain to produce a total output of 357 horsepower. But the future version of the i8 could switch to a full EV powertrain.
 
Sources tell Autocar that German automaker would swap the turbocharged three-cylinder in the rear for two electric motors. Each electric motor (there would be three including one up front) is said to produce up to 268 horsepower.
 
With the addition of two electric motors, BMW will add a larger battery. To allow for this, the i8's carbon fiber structure would be modified. BMW already has some ideas as to how to do this as they did an i8 hydrogen prototype where they had to modify the structure to allow hydrogen tanks. Despite the larger battery, sources say going the electric route would allow the vehicle to keep the same weight as the current model - 3,274 pounds.
 
Source: Autocar

  • From plug-in to full electric?

William Maley

Nissan Goes Over Mitsubishi's Overseas' Fuel Economy Figures

Ever since Mitsubishi admitted to falsifying fuel economy figures on a number of vehicles in Japan, the automaker has been clear that this didn't extend to other markets. Nissan is double checking this claim.
 
Automotive News reports that Mitsubishi's possible largest shareholder is looking into Mitsubishi's claimed fuel economy numbers in other markets to see if this scandal extended outside Japan. This is part of Nissan's due diligence review before finalizing plans to buy a 34 percent stake in the company.
 
Nissan CFO Joe Peter tells Automotive News that the review hasn't found any skeletons yet, but they aren't finished with the review yet.
 
“That would be an issue that could cause considerable concern,” said Peter when asked about false fuel economy figures outside of Japan.
 
Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required)

  • Nissan is making sure Mitsubishi is telling the truth

William Maley

As the Diesel Emits: Volkswagen's Chairman Feels the Heat During Shareholders Meeting

Volkswagen's recent shareholder meeting could be best described as discordant as many shareholders spewed venom at various Volkswagen executives - most being laid on Volkswagen AG Chairman Hans Dieter Poetsch. Bloomberg reports that shareholders grilled various executives on the handling of the diesel emission scandal.
 
Poetsch received the brunt of the criticism with many shareholders expressing concerns of him overseeing the internal investigation of a mess that began when he was the company's CFO.
 
“You are a conflict of interest personified,” said Markus Dufner, managing director of the German Association of Ethical Shareholders meeting.
 
The meeting also featured shouting, arguing, and shareholders trying to remove Poetsch as the chairman of the meeting (which didn't happen).
 
To be fair to the shareholders, it hasn't been a good week for Volkswagen. On Monday, Reuters learned that German prosecutors were investigating former Volkswagen CEO Martin Winterkorn and an unidentified executive on market manipulation before the scandal broke. It was revealed later in the week the unidentified executive was Volkswagen Brand Chief Herbert Diess.
 
Yesterday it was revealed that German financial watchdog Bafin filed a complaint with German prosecutors saying the previous management board should be investigated for how long it took the company to disclose the scandal.
 
So while the fires are dying down on one coast, they are only beginning to heat up on another.
 
Source: Bloomberg, Reuters

  • Volkswagen's Shareholders are none too happy with the company

William Maley

Dodge to End Viper Production At the End of 2017, Five Limited Edition Models Commemorate It

After eight months of rumor and speculation, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles has made it official; the Dodge Viper will be no more after the 2017 model year. To mark the end of a 25-year life, Dodge has announced five limited edition models. They are as followed,
Viper 1:28 Edition ACR: Pays tribute to the current production car lap record (1:28.65) set at Laguna Seca Raceway last October. Comes finished in black with red ACR stripes and a 1:28 Edition exterior sill decal. The Viper's optional extreme aero package and carbon-ceramic brakes come standard. Dodge is planning to build as many as 28 models. Viper GTS-R Commemorative Edition ACR: Honors the Viper GTS-R GT2 race car from the late nineties. Painted in Pearl White with Blue Pearl GTS stripes. Comes equipped with the extreme aero package, exterior carbon package, and carbon-ceramic brakes. 100 models are expected to be built. Viper VoooDoo II Edition ACR: Modeled from the 2010 VoooDoo Edition with black exterior and gray stripe and VoooDoo II exterior sill decals. Follows other ACR models with the extreme aero package and carbon-ceramic brakes. 31 models are expected to be produced. Viper Snakeskin Edition GTC: Only special edition model not be based on the ACR trim. Features a Snakeskin Green exterior with a custom snakeskin patterned stripe. About 25 models are expected to be built. Dodge Dealer Edition ACR: Only available at the two highest volume Viper dealers - Tomball Dodge of Tomball, Texas, and Roanoke Dodge of Roanoke, Illinois. Finished in white with a blue center stripe. Gets the extreme aero package and carbon-ceramic brakes as standard equipment. About 33 models are expected to be built.

“The Dodge Viper has had a great run, and 25 years after it was first introduced, it leaves the supercar world reaching for the records it continues to set. With more track records than any production car in the world, the Dodge Viper ACR will live on as the fastest street-legal Viper track car ever, the car that has set the benchmark for all that follows in its tracks,” said Tim Kuniskis, Head of Passenger Cars, Dodge, SRT, Chrysler, and Fiat – FCA, North America in a statement.
 
Source: Dodge
 
Press Release is on Page 2


 
Dodge Celebrates 25th Anniversary and Final Year of Viper Production with Five Exclusive Limited-edition Models
New 25th anniversary limited-edition models feature exclusive content to commemorate the final year of Viper production 1:28 Edition ACR (American Club Racer) – Celebrating the current Laguna Seca single-lap record of 1:28.65 GTS-R Commemorative Edition ACR – One of the most iconic Viper liveries of all-time VoooDoo II Edition ACR – Rebirth of the VooDoo ACR Snakeskin Edition GTC – Inspired by the original Snakeskin, now with unique snakeskin stripe Dodge Dealer Edition – Viper ACR special edition available through Tomball and Roanoke Dodge dealers
[*]Each limited-edition Viper model features a serialized instrument panel badge with the model name that can be customized with the customer’s name [*]Customers can begin ordering special edition Vipers on June 24, 2016 [*]The 2017 Viper is available in more than 50 million unique build configurations, including the ACR package, through the “1 of 1” customization program for a truly one-of-a-kind snake American hand-built supercar


June 21, 2016 , Auburn Hills, Mich. - The Dodge brand is celebrating the 25th anniversary of the Dodge Viper with five limited-edition models that commemorate the final year of Viper production and highlight several of the most iconic special edition Vipers of the past.
 

“The Dodge Viper has had a great run, and 25 years after it was first introduced, it leaves the supercar world reaching for the records it continues to set,” said Tim Kuniskis, Head of Passenger Cars, Dodge, SRT, Chrysler, and Fiat – FCA, North America. “With more track records than any production car in the world, the Dodge Viper ACR will live on as the fastest street-legal Viper track car ever, the car that has set the benchmark for all that follows in its tracks.”
 
One of the most unique and exotic high-performance machines on the road today, Dodge is honoring the Viper’s rich, colorful and exceptional performance heritage on and off the track by paying tribute to some of the most iconic Vipers in its history. Beginning on June 24 and new for 2017 model year, customers can order their special snake in the following exclusive special edition configurations:
 
Viper 1:28 Edition ACR
Pays tribute to the current production car single lap record of 1:28.65 set by champion driver Randy Pobst in a 2016 Dodge Viper ACR at historic Laguna Seca Raceway in Monterey, Calif., in October 2015 Features black exterior and painted rear wing with red ACR stripes, Extreme Aero Package, Carbon Ceramic brakes, 1:28 Edition exterior sill decal, ACR interior with red accent stitching, serialized instrument panel 1:28 Edition badge, along with a custom car cover that matches the exterior paint scheme and showcases the customer name above the driver’s side door As many as 28 units of this new special edition configuration will be built for the 2017 model year Looking back in Viper history: Using the same track record theme, Dodge previously produced 33 units of the 2010 Viper ACR 1:33 Edition to tout its previous track record of 1:33.915 set by SRT dynamics engineer Chris Winkler at Laguna Seca Raceway in November 2009

Viper GTS-R Commemorative Edition ACR
Designed to pay tribute to one of the most distinguishable and iconic Viper paint schemes of all time – the white and blue combination of the 1998 Viper GTS-R GT2 Championship Edition Features Pearl White exterior with Blue Pearl GTS stripes, Extreme Aero Package, Carbon Ceramic brakes, Exterior Carbon Package, unique red Stryker badge decal, GTS-R exterior sill decals, USA flag B-pillar decals, ACR interior with red accent stitching, Header Red seat belts, serialized instrument panel GTS-R badge and a custom car cover that matches the exterior paint scheme and showcases the customer name above the driver’s side door As many as 100 units of this new special edition configuration will be built for 2017 Looking back in Viper history: 100 units of the 1998 Viper GTS-R GTS Championship Edition were produced to commemorate the Viper winning the 1997 FIA GT2 championship

Viper VoooDoo II Edition ACR
Modeled after the original 2010 Viper VooDoo edition Features black exterior and graphite metallic ACR driver’s stripe with red tracer outline, Extreme Aero Package, Carbon Ceramic brakes, VoooDoo II exterior sill decals, ACR interior with silver accent stitching, serialized instrument panel VoooDoo II badge and custom car cover that matches the exterior paint scheme and showcases the customer name above the driver’s side door As many as 31 units of this new special edition configuration will be produced for 2017 Looking back in Viper history: 31 units of the original VooDoo Viper ACR were built in 2010

Viper Snakeskin Edition GTC
Color was inspired by the original 2010 Snakeskin ACR Features new Snakeskin Green exterior with a custom snakeskin patterned SRT stripe, Advanced Aerodynamics Package, GT black interior, serialized instrument panel Snakeskin badge and a custom car cover that matches the exterior paint scheme and showcases the customer name above the driver’s side door As many as 25 units of this new special edition configuration will be produced for 2017 Looking back in Viper history: 31 units of the original Snakeskin Viper ACR were built in 2010

Dodge Dealer Edition ACR
Available exclusively through Dodge’s highest sales volume Viper dealers, Tomball Dodge of Tomball, Texas, and Roanoke Dodge of Roanoke, Ill. Features Viper White exterior with Competition Blue center stripe, Adrenaline Red driver stripe, Carbon Ceramic brakes, Extreme Aero Package, ACR interior with red accent stitching and custom car cover that matches the exterior paint scheme and showcases the customer name above the driver’s side door Serialized instrument panel ACR badge As many as 33 units of this new special edition configuration will be produced for 2017

Industry-first ‘1 of 1’ Viper customization program continues
Continuing for the 2017 model year is the exclusive Viper “1 of 1” customization program that enables buyers to create their one-of-a-kind “Snake” from the ground up. With 16,000 exterior color options, including matte exterior finishes, 24,000 custom stripe colors, 11 wheel options, 16 interior trims and seven aero packages, three brake packages and four suspension options, there are more than 50 million ways for buyers to customize their one-of-a-kind Dodge Viper. Each “1 of 1” model Viper features a personalized instrument panel badge with customer’s chosen name to commemorate their exclusive design. No two customers can order the same configuration, including color, in the same model year
 

ACR model returns as ultimate street-legal racer
The Dodge Viper ACR returns in 2017 as the indisputable “ultimate street-legal race car” with significant aerodynamic and suspension upgrades. Relaunched in 2016, the third edition (1999-2002, 2008-2010) of the Viper ACR has taken the performance car world by storm with more track records than any production car in the world — a total of 13 road course lap records as certified by the Sports Car Club of America.

  • 2017 marks the end of the Dodge Viper

William Maley

Next-Generation Nissan Leaf To Feature 200-Plus Mile Range

The current Nissan Leaf offers a max range of 107 miles. But that will pale in comparison with the upcoming Chevrolet Bolt and Tesla Model 3 which will offer a range of 200 miles. Nissan is aware of this and will be addressing this with the next-generation Leaf.
 
Speaking with Autoblog, Nissan's global director of EV and HEV engineering Kazuo Yajima said the next-generation Leaf will feature a 60-kWh battery that should give it an overall range of between 210 to 220 miles. The current Leaf either comes with either a 24 or 30-kWh battery.
 
Yajima wouldn't say when the next-generation Leaf would be introduced, although some believe it will be shown in 2018.
 
Source: Autoblog

  • Nissan isn't planning to be left behind when the likes of the Bolt and Model 3 arrive

William Maley

Current Jeep Compass and Patriot To Stick Around For 2017

While the replacement for the Jeep Compass and Patriot is just around the corner, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles has made the decision to extend production of the two models into the 2017 model year.
 
Sources tell Automotive News that FCA has a plan to end production of both models on December 23rd at the Belvidere, Illinois plant. North American production of the replacement model will begin on January 30, 2017, at FCA's Toluca, Mexico. With a month's gap, FCA wants to make sure they have a stockpile of both models until the replacement model starts arriving at dealers on a regular basis.
 
An FCA spokesman declined to comment.
 
As for Belvidere, the plant will be closed from the holiday break to May 14, 2017 to retool for producing the Cherokee.
 
Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required)

  • FCA plans on building a stockpile of Jeep Compass and Patriots before their replacement shows up

William Maley

Marchionne Considers An Electric Vehicle for Maserati

Sergio Marchionne is the biggest critic of electric vehicles in the automotive industry. But he seems to be changing his tune (to a point).
 
"I’m not as convinced as some others are about the fact that electrification is the solution for all of man’s ills. We need to experiment as we are doing now with connected cars and mobility as electrification is one of the potential answers," said Marchionne to Bloomberg.
 
Marchionne said the company is contemplating adding full electric vehicles to their lineup including a small city car for Europe and a version of the upcoming Maserati Alfieri coupe. The latter model could be positioned as a rival to Tesla.
 
"I’ve always thought the economic model that supports Tesla is something that Fiat Chrysler could replicate as we have the brand and the vehicles to do it. I think that to use one of our potential cars as an experiment in this area is interesting," said Marchionne.
 
Marchionne also said the company would launch more hybrid vehicles down the road.
 
Source: Bloomberg

  • Marchionne changes his tune somewhat on electric vehicles. No one is quite sure if hell has frozen over or not.

William Maley

Rumorpile: Next-Generation Dodge Journey Could Be Built In Italy

Back in April, we reported that the current Dodge Journey would soldier on for another two years due to a change in strategy in FCA's passenger car lineup - outsourcing production of the Chrysler 200 and Dodge Dart. This caused plans for the next-generation Journey - due sometime this year - to be pushed back. Now, a possible new plan for the Journey has come to light.
 
Automotive News has learned from supplier sources that FCA will shift Journey production from Mexico to Italy when the crossover is redesigned for the 2019 model year. Why Italy? Sources explain that the Journey will share the platform underpinning the Alfa Romeo Giulia, meaning a transition from front-wheel to rear-wheel drive.
 
With production moving to Italy, this would free up production capacity at FCA's North American plants where more trucks and SUVs can be produced.
 
Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required)

  • A rear-wheel drive Dodge Journey?

William Maley

Mitsubishi Sets Aside $480 Million for Compensating Owners Involved in the Fuel Economy Scandal

On Friday, Mitsubishi Motors announced that it will set aside 50 billion yen (about $480 million) this fiscal year to compensate buyers for inflated fuel economy figures. Bloomberg reports that the Japanese automaker admitted that 20 vehicles sold in Japan within the past ten years had false fuel economy data.
 
Mitsubishi said in a statement they used “desktop calculations” instead of running actual field tests and used the false data on the twenty models built from 2006 to this year. They also lowered the resistance readings on some models to give better fuel economy numbers. Mitsubishi reiterated they didn't find any false fuel economy data on models sold overseas.
 
The compensation plan will see Mitsubishi pay 100,000 yen (about $955.63) to each minicar owner and pay for the difference in gasoline and taxes separately. Mitsubishi also announced that it expects Japan's transport ministry to approve the recalculated fuel efficiency ratings of its minicars by the end of the month.
 
One more thing: The investigation being done by three former prosecutors into the scandal are expected to present their results sometime next month.
 
Source: Bloomberg

  • Mitsubishi has a plan for compensating owners in Japan

William Maley

Rumorpile: Volkswagen Considers Trimming Their Worldwide Lineup

How many models does the entire Volkswagen group sell around the world? 75? 125? How about 340 models. No that isn't a misprint. According to German business paper Handelsblatt, that is the amount all of the brands of the German automaker build. CEO Matthias Müller believes that is too many.
 
"The total number of our today around 340 model variants, we are in the course of reducing," Volkswagen CEO Matthias Müller at a press conference last week.
 
But how many models are going on the chopping block? Sources tell Handelsblatt that 40 plus models will be cut.
 
"A decision on how many models will be phased out or ceased has not been taken yet," said a Volkswagen spokesman to Reuters when asked for comment.
 
Source: Handelsblatt (Subscription Required) Reuters

  • 340 Models?!

William Maley

2017 Chevrolet Cruze Hatchback To Start At $22,190*

This fall will see the Chevrolet Cruze Hatchback arrive at dealerships. Pricing for the new Cruze variant will start at $22,190 (includes a $875 destination charge). Compared to the sedan, the Cruze Hatch is about $5,000 more. It should be noted that the hatchback isn't offered in the base L or LS trims like the sedan. The more apt comparison would the Cruze LT sedan which begins at $20,695. Comparing the prices of the LT models sees a difference of $1,495.
 
The Cruze Hatchback will use the same turbocharged 1.4: four-cylinder engine with 153 horsepower and 177 pound-feet of torque. No word if the hatchback will get a manual transmission or if it will be just an automatic only model.
 
Compared to the sedan, the Cruze hatchback offers an additional 3.7 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats (18.5 vs. 14.​8 cubic feet). Space increases to 42 cubic feet when the rear seats are folded.
 
Source: Chevrolet
 
Press Release is on Page 2


 
2017 CHEVROLET CRUZE HATCHBACK STARTS AT $22,190
 
DETROIT – The all-new 2017 Cruze Hatchback will start at $22,190 when it arrives in dealerships this fall. The price includes the destination charge, but not tax, title and other dealer fees.
 
The Cruze Hatch is the latest addition to the expanding Cruze lineup, which was redesigned for 2016. It will be offered in LT and Premier trims, and with the RS package.
 
Sharing the Ecotec 1.4L turbo and dynamic driving experience of the sedan, the Cruze Hatch offers increased cargo space of up to 47.2 cubic feet (1,189 L). Along with the sedan, it is the most connected car on the road, with segment-exclusive technologies such as 4G LTE with Wi-Fi hotspot, Teen Driver and wireless charging. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility make the most of Cruze’s connectivity with a smartphone.

  • We get some information on pricing for the Cruze Hatch

William Maley

Honda To Quietly End Production of CR-Z At the End of 2016

Honda has quietly announced that the CR-Z would be done after the 2016 model year. Car and Driver received a statement from the automaker that said they will “discontinue CR-Z this year [2016]” as it “significantly expand its sales of electrified vehicles with the addition of two new volume models.” Those models in question are the 2017 Accord Hybrid and upcoming Clarity range.
 
The CR-Z was launched in 2010 as a 2011 model. The vehicle never really found traction in terms of sales. Its best year was in 2011 with 11,330 models sold. In 2015, Honda only moved 3,073 CR-Zs. Part of the reason dealt with the hybrid powertrain. The CR-Z used Honda's IMA hybrid system that produced 130 horsepower and 140 pound-feet of torque (the CVT saw torque drop to 127). This made CR-Z slow. It didn't help the CR-Z didn't fare so well with fuel economy numbers. The EPA rated the CR-Z manual at 31 City/38 Highway/34 Combined.
Source: Car and Driver

  • The end of the line for Honda's sporty-hybrid hatchback

William Maley

BMW 7-Series To Not Offer A Diesel For U.S.

BMW offered the last-generation 7-Series with a diesel option in the U.S. and there was talk of offering it again with this current model. But these plans have been taken off the table.
 
German magazine Focus reported last Friday that plans for 7-Series diesel in the U.S. were shelved. This information came from engineers at Bosch. This week, BMW Blog got the official word from BMW.
 
“Currently there are no plans to bring the 7 Series diesel to the US market,” said Hector Arellano-Belloc, BMW NA spokesperson.
 
No official reason was given, but BMW Blog speculates the decision likely comes from the Volkswagen diesel emission scandal.
 
At the present moment, BMW offers four diesel models; 328d, 535d, X3 xDrive28d, X5 xDrive35d. There are questions as to whether BMW will continue to offer a diesel option with the next-generation versions of the models listed.
 
Source: Focus, BMW Blog

  • Sorry diesel fans, the current 7-Series will not come with a diesel option

William Maley

As the Diesel Emits: Judge Grants An Extension On the Volkswagen Settlement Discussions

Next Tuesday was the deadline that Volkswagen and the U.S. Government would have to finish their discussions on finalizing an agreement over the 2.0L TDI scandal. But last night, U.S. District Judge Charles Breyer has given the two parties an extension to June 28th.
 
Reuters reports that Breyers gave the extension after a request was made by the court appointment mediator, former FBI director Robert S. Mueller. In a written order, Bryer said "given the highly technical nature of the proposed settlements in these complex proceedings," an extension would be given.
 
Volkswagen spokeswoman Jeannine Ginivan confirmed to Reuters that the extension was asked by Muller.
 
"We thank our customers for their continued patience as the process of finalizing agreements moves forward," said Ginivan.
 
Two sources say the agreement is on track to be finalized.
 
Source: Reuters

  • The final settlement is coming.. but it has been pushed back.

William Maley

More Mitsubishi Models May Have Inflated Fuel Economy Numbers

If there is one thing we have learned with previous scandals in the automotive, it is that it will get worse before becoming better. Such is the case with Mitsubishi and their fuel economy scandal.
 
According to Reuters, various Japanese outlets are reporting that the inflated fuel economy numbers extend much further than the four models originally announced. The Asahi newspaper says the Japanese automaker falsified fuel economy figures on three additional models, while the Yomiuri newspaper says there are more than ten models with inflated fuel economy numbers. It should be noted these vehicles aren't on sale anymore.
 
When reached for comment, Mitsubishi declined, saying that its investigation is ongoing.
 
Source: Reuters

  • There could be an additional ten or more models

William Maley

Spying: Volkswagen's Three-Row SUV Heads Into the Rockies

We've been hearing about Volkswagen's three-row crossover for the U.S. for the past few years. Spy shots have been coming out about this vehicle, but there wasn't much you could tell about them. The only thing you could was the test mules having a similar shape to the CrossBlue concept from 2013. But a new set of spy shots give us an idea of what the production model will look like.
 
The front end seems to be lining up with the upcoming Volkswagen Tiguan with a larger grille and slim headlights. AutoGuide says the design of the back is similar to the Passat, although we can't see that.
 
Expect a V6 along with a 2.0L turbo-four. Front-wheel drive will come standard and Volkswagen's 4Motion all-wheel be an option. There is talk about a possible hybrid powertrain for this model.
 
The three-row crossover could either debut at the LA or Detroit Auto Show.
 
Source: Autoblog, AutoGuide

  • We get our first real look at the production version of Volkswagen's three-row crossover

William Maley

M-Sport Builds A Mini-Raptor For Europe

Many of us are excited that Ford is finally bringing the Ranger to the U.S. towards the end of the decade. But the long wait for it is driving a number of folks crazy. Well, we're probably not going to help with this as the folks at M-Sport (who heads up Ford's World Rally Championship team) have introduced a special edition of the Ranger that can be described as a Raptor mini.
 
This is the M-Sport Ranger and it looks quite mean. It begins with a Ranger 4x4 double cab that gets a new grill with integrated lights, 18-inch wheels fitted with off-road tires, and certain body parts getting a matte black finish. Underneath is a Pedders suspension sport pack that improves the ride and a new sports exhaust. The interior features custom leather upholstery and a sports steering wheel.
 
Optional is an off-road kit that includes a lift kit for the suspension that raises the truck by 1.75 inches and additional lighting.
 
One item that is unknown is if the M-Sport Ranger gets more power. Power is from a 3.2-liter TDCi five-cylinder with 200 horsepower and 347 pound-feet of torque.
 
M-Sport says the Ranger will go into production this September and be sold at select Ford dealers around Europe.
 
Source: M-Sport
 
Press Release is on Page 2


 
Introducing the M-Sport Ranger
 
M-Sport’s bespoke range of road-going vehicles has gained recognition and popularity around the world, and last week saw Van Sport launch the latest edition – the M-Sport Ranger.
 
Following the highly acclaimed M-Sport Transit and M-Sport Transit Connect, Van Sport – in collaboration with M-Sport and Carlex Design – launched the Ranger at the Abenteuer and Allrad off-road trade fair in Germany.
 
Based on the Ranger 3.2 tdci 4x4 double cab pickup, the vehicle includes a range of enhancements including a front bumper conversion, and extensions to the bonnet lip and side arches. A sports exhaust system and Pedders suspension sport pack add to the ride while Lazer lights to the front grill assist main beam for optimum performance. Matte black wing mirrors, door handles, window strips, side steps and tailgate add to the look whilst 18” matte graphite wheels complete this bespoke off-road experience.
 
The interior enhancements are in keeping with the high quality of all products in the M-Sport range. A full leather interior is complimented by a leather centre armrest and door trims. A sports steering wheel provides further exclusivity whilst privacy glass to the rear windows gives the Ranger a unique finishing touch.
 
An additional off-road option pack is also available which adds Lazer lights to the roof cover for further visibility and a full Pedders suspension lift kit which raises the vehicle an additional 1.75 inches.
 
A full under tray body protection kit is also available as well as a limited edition hard-top, lift-up back which provides a sporty and convenient addition.
 
The M-Sport Ranger will be in full production for September 2016 and available in supporting Ford dealerships throughout both the UK and Europe.

  • Europe gets something like a Raptor.. At least in looks.

William Maley

Quick Drive: 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit and Wrangler Unlimited 75th Anniversary

Very few things can cause utter surprise for me when it comes to reviewing vehicles. But there are those moments where it does happen. Recently, I spent some time in a Jeep Wrangler Unlimited 75th Anniversary. I had driven a Wrangler last year and knew what I getting myself into. It was when I looked at my paperwork that my jaw dropped to the floor. The Wrangler Unlimited I was driving carried a price tag of $48,530. I had to do a double-take to make sure I wasn’t misreading it. Once the shock passed me, I found myself whether I would be willing be pay this much for Wrangler or if it would be better to put the money towards a vehicle I drove the week before, a Grand Cherokee Summit.
 
Both of these Jeeps stand at opposite ends of the exterior design spectrum. The Grand Cherokee has an understated look with a shape that can trace its roots back to the original model from 1993. There is a fair amount of chrome used on the grille slots, rear bumpers, and side window trim. The Wrangler is the bolder of the two with a squared-off body, flared wheel arches, and spare tire carrier on the back. The 75th Anniversary edition brings 17-inch bronze wheels, new bumpers, dark green paint, and 75th Anniversary badging. While these two models have differing approaches, the end result is the same; both are quite handsome.
 
In terms of the interiors, it is clear these vehicles are aimed at different audiences. The Grand Cherokee Summit stands as the Grand Cherokee’s flagship (aside from the SRT) and it shows with high-quality materials such as real wood, soft touch plastics, and brown leather. This helps bring a sense of luxury that hasn’t appeared in a Grand Cherokee till this generation. Seats provide excellent support, and there is enough space for passengers sitting in the back. The only downside to Grand Cherokee’s interior is the center stack. Compared to the rest of the interior, it seems completely out of place. At least UConnect is still one of the easiest infotainment systems to use.
 
The Wrangler’s interior, on the other hand, isn’t as luxurious with loads of hard plastics and a more utilitarian look. There is a benefit to this as you’ll know the interior will stand up to the harshness of mother nature. Plus, you can use a hose to wash out the interior - drain plugs are underneath the floor mats. The Unlimited does bring forth a longer wheelbase which allows for more leg and cargo room, plus two rear doors. The added space is appreciated for anyone sitting in the back. Getting into the back is another story with a narrow opening will cause some folks to contort their body to get in.
 
Both models feature the same 3.6L Pentastar V6, albeit with different outputs. The Grand Cherokee features 295 horsepower and the Wrangler gets 285. Not much difference on paper, but the road tells a different story. The Grand Cherokee’s V6 feels slightly more flexible with power coming at a linear rate. The Wrangler’s V6 feels somewhat anemic and one where you have to work it to get up to speed at a decent clip. The difference most likely comes down to the transmission. The Grand Cherokee gets an eight-speed automatic, while the Wrangler makes due with a five-speed. This also explains the difference in the average fuel economy for both vehicles: 19 MPG for the Grand Cherokee and 16.4 MPG for the Wrangler.
 
When it comes to the ride, the Wrangler Unlimited almost matches the Grand Cherokee. The longer wheelbase on the Unlimited helps provide a smoother ride than the standard model. However, bigger bumps will make their way inside. Contrast this with the Grand Cherokee where most bumps are nonexistent to those sitting inside. It should be noted that compared to the previous Grand Cherokees I drove back in 2014, this one had a lot more tire noise coming into the cabin. Blame the low-rolling resistance tires fitted onto our tester.
 
But the Wrangler Unlimited begins to gain some ground back when it comes to off-road driving. With meaty off-road tires, flexible suspension, and a simple to engage four-wheel drive system, the Wrangler Unlimited can go anywhere with no issues. Going through a dirt trail with mud pits, I was amazed as to how the Wrangler shrugged it off like it was nothing. That isn’t to say the Grand Cherokee isn’t a slouch off-road. It features the Quadra-Trac II full-time four-wheel drive system with Terrain Select - a system that can alter various settings for the various terrains you find yourself on. The Grand Cherokee Summit also features an air suspension that can be raised to improve overall ground clearance when tackling an off-road trail. Sadly, I didn’t get the chance to drive the Grand Cherokee off-road during my week with it.
 
If you were to ask me which of the two Jeeps I would buy, I would have to say it would be the Grand Cherokee. That isn’t to say the Wrangler Unlimited 75th Anniversary is bad. I just feel for the price that is being asked is too much for what you get. You would be better off getting a hold of either a Sport, Willys Wheeler, or Rubicon as the value argument works for them. The Grand Cherokee Summit, on the other hand, can more than justify its price tag as most of the equipment such as navigation, panoramic sunroof, dual-zone climate control, heated and ventilated front seats, and more are standard. The only option on our tester was the brown leather.
 
Both of these vehicles are aimed at different audiences and do a very good job of satisfying them. But when it comes down to prices being asked for either vehicle, the Wrangler Unlimited comes up short.
 
Disclaimer: Jeep Provided the vehicles, Insurance, and One Tank of Gas
 


 
Year: 2016
Make: Jeep
Model: Grand Cherokee
Trim: Summit
Engine: 3.6L 24-Valve VVT V6
Driveline: Eight-Speed Automatic, Full-Time 4WD
Horsepower @ RPM:
Torque @ RPM:
Fuel Economy: City/Highway/Combined - 18/25/21
Curb Weight: lbs
Location of Manufacture: Detroit, MI
Base Price: $52,595
As Tested Price: $54,085 (Includes $995.00 Destination Charge)
 
Options:
DarkSienna Brown/Black Interior - $495.00
 
Year: 2016
Make: Jeep
Model: Wrangler Unlimited
Trim: 75th Anniversary
Engine: 3.6L 24-Valve VVT V6
Driveline: Five-Speed Automatic, Part-Time 4WD
Horsepower @ RPM:
Torque @ RPM:
Fuel Economy: City/Highway/Combined - 16/20/18
Curb Weight: lbs
Location of Manufacture: Toledo, OH
Base Price: $33,695
As Tested Price: $48,530 (Includes $995.00 Destination Charge)
 
Options:
Jeep 75th Anniversary Package 24H - $4,680.00
Dual Top Group - $1,785.00
Tru-Lok Differential - $1,500.00
Five-Speed Automatic - $1,350.00
Freedom Top Body Color Three-Piece Hardtop - $1,100.00
Alpine Premium Nine-Speaker Audio System w/All-Weather Subwoofer - $945.00
Radio 430N - $600.00
Hard Top Headliner - $495.00
Supplemental Front-Seat Mounted Side Airbags - $495.00
Remote Start System - $495.00

  • These two models are only $5,555 apart in as-tested price. Is either one worth their expensive price tags?

William Maley

Volvo Sets A Modest Sales Goal for the S90 in the U.S.

The next member of the Volvo 90 Series family, the S90, will go on sale next month in the U.S. Anders Robertson, product manager for the 90 series at Volvo Car USA tells Automotive News the company expects to sell about 15,000 S90s during the first full year of sales. For some perspective, the segment that the S90 competes in - the midsize luxury sedan - sells around 300,000 vehicles per year. That means Volvo is hoping to capture about five percent of the segment sales.
 
That sales goal seems a bit small, but there is some reason for it. The S80, Volvo's previous flagship sedan only sold 1,887 models last year. The best sales came in 2007 when 12,347 S80 sedans were sold.
 
Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required)

  • Hoping to capture a small slice of the midsize luxury sedan market

William Maley

Mercedes-Benz Teases A New Modular Electric Platform

Mercedes-Benz will be showing off an EV concept at the Paris Motor Show this fall. This concept EV will be riding on a new modular electric platform that will underpin a new dedicated EV in 2020.
 
Last week at an event in Stuttgart, Mercedes teased this new modular platform. A lithium-ion battery pack is mounted to the floor and a set electric motors will be used on the front and rear axles. This layout is similar to the modular platform used by Tesla. Range is expected to be around 310 miles for the production model.
 
We're wondering if this platform is the rumored MEA (Modular Electric Architecture) we first reported on last month. Sources tell Car and Driver the dedicated EV will be a crossover that is GLC-sized, something we learned in our May report.
 
Source: Mercedes-Benz, Car and Driver
 
Press Release is on Page 2


 
Road #3: Electric pioneer Mercedes-Benz significantly expands carbon-free mobility
 
Reducing CO2 emissions across all vehicle categories is a top priority for Daimler AG. Electromobility has an important part to play in this regard. The company already has a large number of electric vehicles on the market, and the product range is set to continue to grow. Prof Dr Weber: "We are investing massively in electromobility, and we are convinced that the market is now ready. With the new vehicles we offer, we want to impress the benefits of the new mobility on car owners who have not yet opted for an electric vehicle."
 
The smart fortwo electric drive made Daimler the first manufacturer to offer a series-produced electric vehicle in 2007. Today, the company will soon have more than a dozen vehicles on the market including vans and commercial vehicles that are capable of emission-free driving. The range is going to be significantly expanded in the near future. The fourth generation of the smart as a fortwo and also as a forfour for the first time ever is being launched onto the market before the end of the year. The smart fortwo coupé electric drive, smart fortwo cabrio electric drive and smart forfour electric drive are making their global débuts at the Paris Motor Show in September 2016. With the début of the fourth generation of the electric smart, smart will be the only automotive manufacturer in the world to offer its entire range of models either powered by internal combustion engines or operating entirely on battery power. The new smart fortwo electric drive is being launched onto the US market by the end of this year, where approximately 25 percent of all battery-driven smarts have been sold recently. This will be followed by the European market launch of the two- and four-seat models in early 2017.
 
This will be followed by the Mercedes-Benz GLC F-CELL with innovative plug-in fuel cell technology from 2017. Fuel-cell technology is an integral part of Daimler's powertrain strategy. The benefits are obvious: a long operating range and short refuelling stops as well as a broad spectrum of possible uses ranging from passenger cars to urban buses. A new generation of vehicles is being launched from 2017 on the basis of the Mercedes-Benz GLC. The Mercedes-Benz engineers joined forces with partners in the Daimler network of expertise to develop a new, compact fuel-cell system which for the first time fits into conventional engine compartments. The GLC F-CELL also boasts another innovation for the next generation of fuel cell vehicles in the form of a large lithium-ion battery. Rated at around 9 kWh, the battery serves as an additional energy source for the electric motor and can be charged externally by means of plug-in technology for the first time. The combination of the fuel cell and battery systems in concert with the refinement of the intelligent operation strategy offers the best possible efficiency and comfort. With this set-up, the GLC F-CELL achieves a combined range of around 500 km in the NEDC.
 
Another important step is the development of a multi-model electric vehicle architecture for battery-powered vehicles. The first model is to be launched onto the market before the end of the decade.
 
The light-duty Fuso Canter E-Cell truck has been undergoing commercial fleet testing since 2015. This was initially carried out in Portugal where they are produced, and five of the vehicles have also been on the road for the City of Stuttgart and the logistics company Hermes since April this year. Instead of a diesel, an electric powertrain with a strong permanent-magnet motor delivers an output of 110 kW (150 hp) to the rear axle via a single-speed transmission. 650 newton metres of torque allow the six-tonne vehicle to accelerate almost as fast as a passenger car, and are available from the very first second of driving.
 
Dozens of fuel cell-powered Mercedes-Benz Citaro buses have already been proving their mettle for twelve transport operators on three continents since 2003. The next milestones on the way to the future are the Citaro E-CELL (battery-powered) and Citaro F-CELL (fuel cell-powered). Both are based on a shared e-platform, which allows tailored electromobility for any city and even any bus line. The capacity of the battery and charging technology are adjusted to suit the specific requirements. The forecast: By the year 2030, 70 percent of all newly acquired Citaro buses will run on electricity with zero local emissions.

  • There's a new modular electric platform coming soon from Mercedes

William Maley

Cadillac Introduces A Special Edition of the ATS for Japan

It seems a bit odd that Cadillac is doing a special edition model for Japan as they don't sell that many vehicles there. But trying to figure out why just seems like an exercise in futility. Let's just talk about the special edition vehicle in question.
 
This is the Cadillac ATS Luxury Sport Edition which features a set of 19-inch V-spoke alloy wheels with a two-tone look. There is also a set of Brembo brakes and a sports suspension that comes as part of this special edition model. Other items of note include cashmere accents for the interior, and the choice of either crystal white or sable black paint. A turbocharged 2.0L four-cylinder with 272 horsepower and eight-speed automatic is your only powertrain choice.
 
It is unknown how many of the ATS Luxury Sport Edition models will be built. We do know that it will cost ¥5,290,000 (about $49,911).
 
Source: Motor1.com

  • A Japan-only special

William Maley

GM Announces Partnership with Navistar for Cutaway Van Production

General Motors is building as many Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon pickups as they can, but they are still not able to keep up with the demand. Currently, there is a 41 day supply of Colorados and 58 day supply of Canyons in dealers or being sent out. Part of the problem of not meeting demand is the Wentzville, MO is working at full tilt producing as many midsize trucks, along with full-size commercial vans.
 
But GM has a possible solution to increasing production of their midsize trucks; outsource some of the van production. In a statement released on Friday, GM and Navistar, Inc announced a new partnership where Navistar would build the cutaway version of the Chevrolet Express and GMC Savana. Production will take place at Navistar's Springfield, Ohio plant starting in the first half of next year.
 
"This partnership will provide our Wentzville, Mo., assembly plant more flexibility to keep up with continued demand for mid-size trucks and full size vans," said Cathy Clegg, GM North America Manufacturing and Labor Relations Vice President.
 
Automotive News has learned from a source that the move of the cutaway vans will enable GM to produce an additional 40,000 trucks at Wentzville.
 
But what about the possible deal between GM and AM General to produce the cutaway vans last November? The same source says the discussions between the two didn't pan out.
 
Source: Navistar, Automotive News (Subscription Required)
 
Press Release is on Page 2


 
Navistar Partners With GM To Manufacture Cutaway G Van
 
LISLE, Ill., June 9, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Navistar, Inc. today announced it has reached an agreement with General Motors (GM) to manufacture the cutaway model of GM's G Van at Navistar's Springfield, Ohio plant starting in the first half of 2017. With this multi-year contract, Navistar will add at least 300 jobs and recommission its second line at the plant.
 
"We're very pleased to partner with GM on this important manufacturing opportunity," said Persio Lisboa, president, Navistar operations. "Our Springfield plant is an important part of our manufacturing footprint, and we've been preparing it for a higher volume concentration of light- and medium-duty products as part of our manufacturing strategy. This is an important step towards our goal to drive automotive quality into the commercial vehicle industry."
 
GM produces cutaway vans for commercial customers. The company's Chevrolet Express and GMC Savana vans, which are full-length on frame, are upfitted into utility or service vehicles, ambulance or rescue vehicles, shuttle buses or school buses.
 
"This partnership will provide our Wentzville, Mo., assembly plant more flexibility to keep up with continued demand for mid-size trucks and full size vans," said Cathy Clegg, GM North America Manufacturing and Labor Relations Vice President.
 
Navistar and GM are not disclosing any further details of the agreement at this time.
 
Navistar primarily manufactures its DuraStar® and WorkStar® models at the Springfield plant. Last September, Navistar and GM announced a separate long-term agreement to develop and assemble a medium-duty, conventional cab Class 4/5 commercial vehicle at Navistar's Springfield plant starting in 2018. The future products will be jointly developed using Navistar's expertise in rolling chassis configurations and manufacturing capabilities, and GM's commercial components and engines. The trucks will be available under both the International® and Chevrolet brands, and will mark Navistar's reentry into the Class 4/5 market.

  • Production of GM's Fullsize Cutaway Vans Move Out of Wentzville to Make Way for More Midsize Trucks

William Maley

Mercedes-Benz Confirms Off-Road Variant of E-Class Wagon

Earlier this week saw Mercedes-Benz introduce the next-generation E-Class wagon. But there is a new variant that will debut later this fall.
 
Mercedes-Benz confirmed to Autocar that a model to compete against the Audi A6 Allroad and the upcoming Volvo V90 Cross Country will be shown at the Paris Motor Show in September. Known as the E-Class All Terrain, the wagon will feature Mercedes' 4Matic all-wheel drive system and an air suspension that can be raised or lowered depending on the terrain.
 
“It won’t be as good as an SUV off road, but it will be able to go farther than most owners will expect,” said Michael Kelz, chief engineer on the E-Class.
 
The exterior will come with plastic body cladding, new bumpers, and underbody protection.
 
Mercedes-Benz will kick off sales of the E-Class All Terrain early next year. At the moment, there are no plans to bring it to the U.S.
 
Source: Autocar

  • Mercedes joins the off-road wagon brigade

William Maley

2017 Ford Fusion Sport Packs 325 Horsepower for $34,350*

When Ford provided the details of the 2017 Fusion lineup earlier this year, the one model that caused our eyes to widen was the Fusion Sport. Packing a twin-turbo 2.7L EcoBoost V6, the Sport would have 325 horsepower and 350 pound-feet of torque. Well, Ford has announced the final power figures for the Sport and our eyes are even wider.
 
The Sport will still have 325 horsepower coming from the V6. But torque has been increased to 380 pound-feet. No, that isn't a misprint. Not only does the Sport blow everyone out of the midsize sedan class in terms of power, it also gives the likes of the BMW 340i a run for its money (320 horsepower, 330 pound-feet of torque). This is paired with a six-speed automatic and all-wheel drive.
 
There is a catch. The only way to get that magical 380 pound-feet is to fill up 93 octane gas. Fill up with anything lower, and the torque figure drops to 350. Another downside is fuel economy. EPA says the Fusion Sport will return 17 City/26 Highway.
 
Ford also revealed pricing for the 2017 Fusion Sport. When it arrives at dealers towards the end of summer, the Sport will carry a pricetag of $34,350 (includes a $875.00 destination charge).
 
Source: Ford
 
Press Release is on Page 2


NEW FORD FUSION SPORT GIVES OWNERS OF GERMAN SEDANS 380 REASONS TO CHANGE THEIR LEDERHOSEN
Following success with Explorer Sport and Edge Sport, Ford seeks to woo performance car buyers – including those considering Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz – with all-new Fusion V6 Sport 2017 Ford Fusion V6 Sport will offer class-demolishing 380 lb.-ft. of torque from 2.7-liter twin-turbocharged EcoBoost® engine, along with 325 horsepower Premium sports sedan comes with standard all-wheel drive

 
DEARBORN, Mich., June 9, 2016 – Ford is adding serious EcoBoost® muscle to its Fusion sedan in an all-out assault on more expensive German sport sedans.
 
Following on the success of Explorer Sport, which has seen one in five buyers come over from recent Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz experiences, Ford has its eyes not only on owners of V6-equipped Toyota Camrys and Honda Accords, but some other distinguished German models that command a five-figure premium over the 2017 Fusion Sport.
 
Since the newest-generation Fusion launched in 2012, midsize car buyers have been asking for a performance version, says Wade Jackson, Ford Fusion marketing manager.
 
“It’s not just Fusion buyers who want something hotter,” Jackson says. “Owners of other midsize sedans, along with our own dealers, ask repeatedly. So buyers get a 2.7-liter EcoBoost that makes 325 horsepower and a more impressive 380 pound-feet of torque.”
 
These consumers also crave a car that’s much more distinctive inside and out, Jackson explains. “Cross-shoppers will be shocked by the bang for the buck our new Fusion Sport delivers,” he says.
 
Peak torque of 380 lb.-ft. from a 2.7-liter twin-turbocharged EcoBoost® engine makes Fusion Sport stouter than established performance sedans like BMW 535i, Audi A6 3.0T and Mercedes-Benz E400. Ford Fusion Sport torque rating is achieved with 93-octane fuel.
 
Ford has reason to be confident with its newest sport-minded offering. While Explorer sales rose 24 percent from 2013 to 2015, Explorer Sport jumped 103 percent. Edge sales were close to flat over that same period – mostly due to model changeover – but Edge Sport jumped 62 percent.
 
For discerning sport sedan buyers seeking the ultimate in braking and handling performance, a summer-only tire package will be available as well.
 
The 2017 Ford Fusion Sport starts at a very un-German sports sedan price of $33,475, and that’s with all-wheel drive as a standard feature.

  • Plus 380 Pound-Feet of Torque*

William Maley

Review: 2016 Mazda CX-3 Grand Touring

“But you’ll look sweet
Upon the seat
Of a Mazda CX-3 built for two”
 
Okay, I might have slightly altered a song that you may sung during preschool and/or kindergarten. But that song perfectly describes the latest entrant in the subcompact crossover class, the 2016 Mazda CX-3. Let me explain.
 
Mazda has been designing some of the sharpest looking vehicles for a few years and the CX-3 is no exception. The front end looks the same as the larger CX-5 and upcoming CX-9 with a large grill and chrome trim running along the outer edge into the headlights. Moving to the side shows off a flowing line that resembles an ocean wave. Finishing the look is a set of eighteen-inch wheels that come standard on the Grand Touring. The overall shape makes the CX-3 look bigger than it actually is.
 
This thought goes away once you get inside the CX-3. Interior space can be best described as intimate. The front seats provide good support and come with extra side bolstering to hold you in whenever you decide its time to horse around. The back seat is quite small with little head and legroom. I’m 5’8” and found that I barely fit. There needs to be a sticker attached to the rear windows saying “the rear seat to be used only in case of emergencies". Cargo space is also small with the CX-3 only offering 12.4 cubic feet with the rear seats up and 44.5 cubic feet with them down. Our CX-3 tester had an even smaller cargo area due to the subwoofer (comes with the optional Bose audio system) taking up valuable space. Measurements are 10.1 and 42.3 cubic feet respectively. This trails the Honda HR-V which offers 24.3 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 58.8 cubic feet when folded.
 




At least Mazda did an impressive job when it comes to the design of the CX-3’s interior. A sleek looking dash features a small chrome bar running between a set of air vents. Various trim pieces are finished in contrasting colors to set off the interior. All CX-3s feature a seven-inch color touchscreen with the MazdaConnect infotainment system. The Grand Touring is the only trim that comes with navigation. Much like our experience in the MX-5 Miata, trying to use the touchscreen is more an exercise in frustration since you don’t know which controls are touch enabled. It is easier to use the control knob to move around the system. 
Power for the CX-3 comes from a 2.0L Skyactiv-G four-cylinder with 146 horsepower and 146 pound-feet of torque (@ 2,800 rpm). This comes paired with a six-speed automatic and the choice of either front-wheel or all-wheel drive. Our tester came with all-wheel drive. Around town the CX-3's 2.0 liter provides decent off the line power, but under heavier acceleration and at highway speeds, the engine struggles and sounds rough. Those who have timed the CX-3 to 60 mph say it takes about 8.5 seconds. The six-speed automatic delivers smooth and crisp upshifts, but is somewhat slow to respond when downshifting. Fuel economy for the CX-3 AWD is rated at 27 City/32 Highway/29 Combined. Our average landed around 26 MPG. Not bad considering the winter conditions the CX-3 was facing, along with the vehicle only having just a hair over 1,000 miles.
 




 
One key item Mazda points out on the CX-3 is the i-Active all-wheel drive system. Mazda says this system is able to predict road conditions through various sensors around the vehicle to provide information to the computer. From there, the computer is able to make various changes to all-wheel drive system to keep the vehicle moving through whatever mother nature decides to throw out. For example, if you turn on the windshield wipers, the system can tell that its raining and makes the necessary changes. Seems like a marketing gimmick, but it actually does make a difference. When the CX-3 was dropped off, the metro Detroit area was experiencing a big snow storm with snow amounts ranging from six to twelve inches. The all-wheel drive system was able to keep the CX-3 moving through deep snow drifts on the road. Even when stopped, you could tell the wheels spun briefly before the system made some quick adjustments to get the vehicle moving.
 
Handling is where the Mazda CX-3 truly shines. Around corners, the vehicle feels nimble and body motions are kept in check. Steering is towards the top of the class with excellent weight and feel of the road. The daily drive reveals the CX-3 having a compliant ride with some bumps making their way inside. One area Mazda still hasn’t been able to fully solve yet is noise isolation. There is a fair amount of road and tire noise coming into the cabin. We’re wondering if going for the sixteen-inch wheels on the Touring trim would fix this issue. Wind noise is kept to acceptable levels.
 




 
In terms of pricing, the Mazda CX-3 is right in line with competitors. Prices range from $19,960 for the base Sport front-wheel drive to $26,240 for the Grand Touring all-wheel drive. Our Grand Touring tester came to an as-tested price of $29,260 with most options added. This is a lot of cash to drop on a subcompact crossover. The only thing we can see why you might go to the Grand Touring is for the optional safety package that adds radar cruise control and automatic braking. Otherwise you can get a good amount of equipment from the CX-3 Grand Touring as options on the Touring. Making this price tag harder to swallow is the Mazda CX-5 Touring all-wheel drive that is only a few hundred dollars more than our tester ($29,820), and offers more space and can be optioned with automatic braking.
 
Let’s go back to the beginning of this review with the song and saying how it perfectly describes the 2016 Mazda CX-3. This a crossover that will work for either a single person or couple as there is enough space for their needs. A small family will feel cramped and wonder why there isn’t any more cargo space. In my notes for the CX-3, I made the connection between it and the Mazda MX-5 I drove a few weeks before. Both models are focused on providing driving excitement and sharp looks, but at the cost of practicality.
 
This isn’t to say the Mazda CX-3 is a bad crossover. I happen to really like it. But it only works for a certain group of people.
 
Cheers: Fun to drive, Clever all-wheel drive system, Looks that stand out
Jeers: You can get a CX-5 for the same amount of money as our tester, Rear seat best used in emergencies, Engine struggles when getting up to speed on a freeway
 

Disclaimer: Mazda Provided the CX-3, Insurance, and One Tank of Gas
 
Year: 2016
Make: Mazda
Model: CX-3
Trim: Grand Touring AWD
Engine: Skyactiv-G 2.0L Four-Cylinder
Driveline: Six-Speed Automatic, All-Wheel Drive
Horsepower @ RPM: 146 @ 6,000
Torque @ RPM: 146 @ 2,800
Fuel Economy: City/Highway/Combined - 27/32/29
Curb Weight: 2,952 lbs
Location of Manufacture: Hiroshima, Japan
Base Price: $26,240
As Tested Price: $29,260 (Includes $900 Destination Charge)
 
Options:
GT i-Activesense Package - $1,920.00
Door Sill Trim Plates - $100.00
Rear Bumper Guard - $100.00

  • A crossover that is built for two

William Maley

Tesla Brings Back the 60kWh Option for Model S

Recently if you wanted the cheapest version of the Tesla Model S, you had to get the Model S 70 which started at $71,500. But today, Tesla has announced a new low-cost version of the Model S.
 
The new Model S 60 starts at $66,000 (before federal and state incentives) and offers a maximum range of 210 miles. If you're wondering why this sounds somewhat familiar, that is because Tesla offered the Model S 60 up until last year when the 70 took its place.
 
Aside from the lower price, the 60 can be equipped with all-wheel drive (the 60D which starts at $71,000). Interestingly, the Model S 60 doesn't have a 60 kWh battery pack. Instead, it is a 75 kWh battery pack that are capped by software to pretend to be smaller. You can unlock the full capacity of the battery via a software update, but it will cost you $9,000 (along with a $500 service fee).
 
Source: Tesla
 
Press Release is on Page 2


 

As you know, Model S is designed to be a great car for every lifestyle, and we continue to make it even better. Last month we introduced design updates to Model S, and through continual software updates we've made Model S faster, smarter, safer and more enjoyable to drive. It's part of Tesla's relentless commitment to making its products better.
 
With these improvements, we've heard from a number of people who would like to buy a Model S, but can more easily afford it only at a lower price point. To respond to these requests, on Thursday June 9 we're introducing two new variants of Model S – Model S 60 and 60D, offering a compelling feature set and a great value at a new low price.
 
The new Model S 60 delivers more than 200 miles of range, a top speed of 130 mph and zero-to-60 acceleration in 5.5 seconds, starting at $66,000. The all-wheel drive option brings even more range and performance, beginning at $71,000. And every Tesla comes equipped with active safety features and Autopilot hardware.
 
Keep in mind that when comparing the price of any electric vehicle to an internal combustion vehicle, it's important to compare not just the out-of-pocket price, but also the effective cost of ownership. Factoring in annual fuel savings which typically ranges between $1,000 and $1,500, as well as available tax incentives, the effective cost of owning Model S 60 comes to about $50k.
 
And there are other advantages to owning a Tesla that add up over time, including:
Less maintenance – Tesla vehicles don't require regular maintenance like oil changes, fuel filters or smog checks. And our four-year/50,000 mile bumper to bumper warranty and eight-year/infinite mile battery and drive unit warranty come standard with Model S. Ample charging options – for most Tesla owners, home charging provides plenty of range for daily travel, and with an EPA range of over 200 miles, that's still the case for Model S 60 and 60D. For long distance travel, there are many convenient Supercharger and Destination Charging locations throughout our network. New features via free software updates – as with every Model S, the 60 and 60D will receive free over-the-air software updates that add functionality and continue to improve the driving experience for years to come.

To provide customers even more flexibility over time, Model S 60 and 60D owners may later choose to upgrade their vehicles to a 75kWh battery with a software update, should they want to add to their car's battery capacity in the future.

  • And now a cheaper Tesla Model S is announced

William Maley