Daily Archives: November 21, 2013
The 2014 Lincoln MKT
Lincoln MKT, the three row luxury crossover recently received a mid-cycle refresh. Not styled very conventionally to please each and everyone, the 2014 MKT still offers a long list of standard luxury features in addition to a comfortable and spacious interior. Lincoln MKT was developed under a codename D472 and shares its genes with the highly regarded Ford Flex hence offering much of that large wagon’s attributes some of which include an impressive and eminent all round performance, comfortable seating and a well built cabin with a satisfying array of high-tech features. However, the appearance is considerably different.
But, looks aren’t the only thing that has changed for the new Lincoln MKT as the refreshed SUV also upped its game for the standard 3.7 liter V6 that now generates 303 horsepower to the front wheels, up from 268. Producing a twist of 278 pound feet, the fuel economy of this unique SUV is rated as 17 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway. Another available option is the Eco-Boost model which is opted by a staggering nine out ten MKT buyers. The 3.5 liter Eco-Boost engine produces a good 355 horsepower and 350 pound feet of torque and is mated to all wheel drive standard. Interestingly, a computer can automatically disengage the rear wheels when not in use to enhance the efficiency and improve fuel economy. The switchover takes just 16 milliseconds which is surely fast. The Eco-Boosted MKT returns 16/23 mpg. Both the engines are mated to a six speed SelectShift automatic transmission. However, the Eco-Boosted models use a bit fortified versions. Enabling the driver with full gear selection control, the SelectShift results in no engine override and can be controlled by paddle shifters mounted to the steering wheel.
Along with the “fortified” version of the transmission, the Eco-Boosted Lincoln MKT mill makes use of a classy Continuously Controlled Damping system. Utilizing 46 different inputs to send over 23,000 different packets of data to a computer each second, the advanced CCD system in the MKT helps make decisions and adjustments to several aspects of the suspension based on immediate road conditions.
All luxury cars are defined by their style, sophistication, power and refinement. However, interior technology has become the hallmark of the modern luxury vehicle, famous to be unconventionally styled, the 2014 Lincoln MKT is in no way behind when it comes to luxury. Equipped with the SYNC, a Bluetooth based connectivity system, the latest MKT allows smartphone users to place calls, stream music and listen to their texts while driving making the drive a fun and safe one.
The 2014 Lincoln MKT competes in a segment with some highly desirable models like the amazingly fuel efficient Audi Q7 and the Infiniti QX30, the all rounder Acura MDX and the impressively roomy Buick Enclave. As a matter of fact, the 2014 MKT faces competition with Flex itself which essentially is the same vehicle just costing thousands less. However, for those who are drawn towards the unusual, the 2014 Lincoln MKT is worth a test drive.
Mercedes Flaunts Excellence With its 2014 M Class SUV!
Mercedes is known for its extraordinary luxury sedans that it has been producing, and had lately been taking steps to get into the SUV world as well. It was doing quite well till now but with the new 2014 M Class SUV, the company has very literally scored an ace. The M Class is a delightful blend of a legendary off road performance and the flawless luxury sedan like comfort, feel and ride that Mercedes is most famous for!
The Mercedes M Class is one SUV whose off road capabilities will never be judged to the fullest by an average user. The 2014 model of the SUV makes sure that along with these capabilities, the M Class also looks aggressive enough to flaunt off its off road capabilities. Although the Mercedes M Class looks much more aggressive, it is as amazing as the luxurious Mercedes sedans are from the inside. Flaunting luxurious as well as extremely spacious interiors, the M Class makes up to one of the best choices in the five seater crossover category!
Since we are talking of the vehicle’s interiors, it is necessary to mention that how amazing and comfortable are its seats and interiors. As far as the front seats are concerned, they come well equipped with features and comforts that one must expect from a Mercedes. The second row is also extremely spacious for tall people. However, it might feel a little congested if three adults are to be seated simultaneously. You will instantly notice the difference between the interiors of the 2014 model and the previous models as the company has made use of much finer materials in the interiors, making the feel and the ride as amazing as other Mercedes sedans!
Besides the feel and comfort, the M Class also flaunts of the ride and performance matching that of the company’s luxurious sedans. The SUV comes in four different models – RWD ML350, 4Matic ML350, 4Matic ML350 BlueTEC and the 4Matic ML550. The first two models are the base models and come with V6 petrol engines of 3500cc displacement. The RWD model comes with a rear wheel drive while all others come with all-wheel drive systems. The 4Matic ML350 BLueTEC is the diesel variant and comes with an intercooled V6 turbo diesel engine with a 3000cc displacement. The top model (ML550) comes with a petrol engine as well. However, it is much more powerful than the base models as the engine used is a 4700cc V8 engine with twin turbo premium unleaded injection. One can even enhance the performance of their vehicles if they opt for the packages that the company provides.
The Mercedes M Class features extraordinary off road performance as the company provides many specific features under the 4Matic tag. 4Matic’s 4-ETS torque distribution system is capable of distributing nearly all of the engine’s torque to any one of the wheel in need. The vehicle’s suspension is also strikingly efficient for both on road and off road usage. The company also provides customers with a special dedicated off road performance package which loads up the M class with features like the automatically detaching roll-bar system.
The 2014 Infiniti QX70
Infiniti rebadged its sporty FX midsized crossover range including the V6 powered FX37 and V8 engined FX50 as the QX70 as a part of the manufacturers new Q-based nomenclature system. The new sports beauty is due in late 2015 or early the following year. Proudly maintaining the bold styling of its predecessors the 2014 Infiniti QX70 will be the crossover’s third iteration. The changed name is no reason to be fooled for apart from the new moniker, the QX70 still remains identical to the last years FX and hence is still one of the most drover-focused crossovers in the market all credits to the platform shared with the agile and sporty Nissan 370Z sports car. A few welcome changes, however, will include more interior space in order to alleviate one of the main drawbacks of the current model. Along with that a cushier cabin is also a plus point for the new SUV.
For a change, it is sometimes alright to judge a book by its cover. The new QX70’s muscular lines and aggressive stance speaks all about the crossover and suggests that this little monster is all about performance and it certainly carries under its metal veils just the right stuff to back up that impression. Strengthened by a version of the RWD-based architecture shared by the 370Z, the QX70 is nimble with its responses to control inputs and offers a taut, yet not uncomfortable ride. Offering its customers a choice between couple of stout powerplants, QX70 comes in a standard and an optional engine variation. The standard motor which is a 3.6 liter V-6 engine generates 325 horsepower and 267 pound feet of torque. The optional engine is a 5.0 liter V8 which elevates the output by 65 generating about 390 ponies and impressive 369 pound feet of twist which, in fact, is enough to cruise up the vehicle to 60 mph from rest in a sprint time of just over 5 seconds. Both the engines are mated with a seven speed automatic transmission. While the V6 is based on rear wheel drive as standard but can be optioned with all-wheel drive, the V8 is available exclusively with all wheel drive. Fuel economy for the FWD V6 and AWD V6 is rated as 17/24 city/highway mpg and 16/22 mpg respectively while the V8 returns 14/20 mpg.
On the inside, the new QX70 welcomes its passengers with a sybaritic cabin manifested with plush materials like soft leather, brushed aluminum and genuine wood trim. Since there is no iDrive-style infotainment controller, conventional buttons flourish. Sadly, offering just 24 cubic feet of trunk room, which is less than some “compact” crossovers like the Honda CR-V, a compromised cargo space disappoints. However, folding the rear seats down, swells up the storage to 62 cubic feet!
Both the versions come with a myriad of additional optional feature that help customize the 2014 Infiniti QX70 according to its owner. Once unique among luxury crossovers due to its wild styling over interior space, the QX70 now competes with even more radically styles “coupe-crossovers” like the BMW X6 and Acura ZDX.
2014 Volkswagen Touareg – Better Than Ever!
As legendary of a SUV that it has been, the all new Volkswagen Touareg just got better! The company had been making some very pronounced changes to its beautiful fleet of cars, and the Touareg has also been incorporated in the list. The SUV was recently given the face change making it closer in looks to the other popular Volkswagen cars like the Passat and the Jetta. Other than the interiors, the SUV also enjoys beautiful interior changes, making it even more luxurious than before. However, the Touareg remains to be quite expensive, putting it in competition with the members of the luxury SUV segment.
Apparently, Volkswagen wanted to give the Touareg a lesser of an off road build and more suited for urban needs. The SUV had been somewhat infamous for being quite heavy earlier. However, the fine German engineers have made extreme changes to the body of the machine, managing to chop off over 450 pounds from the previous weight. This has definitely brought about desirable changes to the SUV, as its ride quality has increased many folds. Being sportier than ever, the Touareg will now appeal to younger customers as well. Besides the ride quality, the machine now delivers a much improved fuel economy as well!
Even though the Touareg is lighter than before, there is no virtual reduction in power and the SUV still sports the truck like capabilities that it is famous for. The vehicle is still as capable when it comes to towing facilities as it was before. Among the interior changes, the company has raised the height of the front seats, enhancing the view for the driver. Also, the Touareg remains to be a five seater, where the second row is highly adjustable. The changes in the body include dimensional changes as the SUV is now broader and more spacious. The lack of a third row paves way for a huge and extremely spacious cargo space.
The 2014 Touareg also offers a very large number of luxurios features in the interiors. The base sport model only boasts of features like panoramic sunroof, memory seats and leather upholstery. Higher models include many modern features like heated steering wheels, rear obstacle detection, premium audio systems, keyless usage and heated rear seats. The front console sports a navigation system, upgraded displays and built in music storage facility.
The 2014 Touareg would come in four primary models. These would be the Sport, Sport with Navigation, Lux and the R – Line model. All the models come with a powerful 3600 cc V6 engine, complemented with an insane eight-speed automatic transmissions and an all-wheel drive system. The base models get petrol engines whereas the two higher models get the TDI diesel engine. The 2014 models feature higher fuel efficiency as well as performance. The coomapny also offers a hybrid model, which combines a supercharged 3000 cc V6 engine with an electric motor. This model is capable of producing a combined output of 380 horsepower and delivers a fuel economy of 20 miles per gallon in the city! The hybrid system is capable of disengaging the engine and the motor during highway cruising, making it capable of delivering a better thrust on highways!