Daily Archives: April 24, 2016
2017 Audi A6, A7 Received Minor Tweaks
The Audi A6 and A7 received mid-year tweaks for 2016, wherein we saw a refreshed exterior styling and more technology inside. But for the 2017 model, Audi decided to update the A6 and A7 just a little bit more with a more stylish exterior and a high-tech interior.
Although the specifications for the United States version have yet to be released, what we can confirm is that both cars will have updated front and rear bumpers, an expanded color palette, and new wheel patterns.
But that’s just for the exterior.
Inside, there are new LED ambient lighting packages, aluminum and wood dashboard accents, and advanced tech features. The updated Audi A6 and A7 have an improved Apple CarPlay, Android Auto smartphone integration, and a wireless charging pad.
The cars also come packed with an available rear-seat entertainment package wherein a pair of tablet PCs can make being rear passengers more comfortable and entertaining even.
There is no major change in terms of drivetrain, meaning it remains at 2.0-liter 4-cylinder base option for the A6 and 3.0-liter V-6 base option for the A7. On the other hand, the S6 and S7 will continue having the 4.0-liter V-8 engine. The same goes for the RS 7.
As we are all aware of, the Volkswagen Group has an ongoing diesel scandal. Because of this, it is more likely that we won’t see a diesel option for the updated 2017 A6 and A7.
Deliveries for both cars will start in the second half of the year, so you don’t have to wait too long. Pricing details have not been threshed out yet, but it is expected to remain unchanged from the 2016 A6 and A7.
This year, the A6 started at $46,200 while the A7 is at $68,300. These figures include the destination already.
Holden Introduces Commodore Black Edition 2016 Model
GM’s announcement that it will shut down all Australia production in 2017 had as thinking that the Commodore will be discontinued, meaning the facelift for the 2016 model will be the last one. And since it won’t be in production next year, Holden is now on the race to churn out as many special editions as possible, including the Black Edition.
The new Commodore Black Edition will be available in sedan, sportwagon and ute bodystyles from mid-April. It will be based on the popular SV6 and sporty SS models, so it can effortlessly blend with substance to ensure the best Commodore experience ever.
Based on the SV6 and SS models, the Black Edition would have the following content: Auto Park Assist, Rear View Camera with Reverse Traffic Alert, and MyLink infotainment system with an eight inch colour touch screen display.
But the Black Edition goes further with a stylish black exterior and unique 18-inch alloy wheels. This gives the Black Edition a stronger presence on the road. Inside, its red contrast stitched seats give off that premium interior feel.
Other additional contents are Color Head Up display, satellite navigation, black grille, DRL surrounds and mirror scalps, black lip spoiler for the sedan version, unique “Black Edition” carpet floor mats for the front, and exterior Black Edition badging.
In terms of drivetrain, there is no major change. Depending on the trim, you can get either a 3.6-liter V-6 or a 6.2-liter V-8. The 3.6-liter with the Commodore V6 can produce 280 horsepower and 260 pound-feet. It has six-speed manual transmission as standard and a six-speed automatic with Active Select as an option.
Then, there’s also the more powerful 6.2-liter V-8 is offered with the SS trim. This can churn out 408 horsepower and 420 pound-feet with transmission choices of six-speed manual and six-speed automatic.
The Black Edition comes with an additional $1,000 price tag over the current retail price of the Commodore.
2017 Renault Koleos To Be Unveiled In Beijing
It looks like French automaker Renault will have a new replacement for the compact Koleos crossover, and it will be a seven-seater flagship SUV ready to compete with the likes of Nissan, Mitsubishi, Mazda and Honda.
Renault confirmed it will carry the Koleos name, and that it be launched at the 2016 Beijing Auto Show. The company also unveiled the first official photo of the Koleos.
On the outside, what we can confirm is that the Koleos will be 5 meters longer than the current model, which has a length of 4.5 meters. With that size, it will be the biggest Renault passenger vehicle in production.
Aesthetically speaking, it will receive the same treatment as the Renault Talisman and Mega ne. It has a rectangular shape headlights and a LED running lights underneath that is hook-like in shape.
The design will be built on the Renault-Nissan Alliance’s Common Module Family, a partnership formed in 1999. The platform is also currently used for the Nissan Qashqai, Nissan X-Trail, Renault Espace and Renault Kadjar.
Inside, the cabin has that extra third row to fit seven people. This is a pretty major adjustment for the Renault. The head, hip and leg room are all pretty spectacular given the size of the SUV. But if you’re worried about compartment, don’t be. The one-touch folding rear seats will make sure to provide that.
The Koleos will inherit the Nissan X-Trail various drivetrain options, which include a gas-powered 2.0-liter inline-four that can produce 143 horsepower, a gas-powered 2.5-liter inline-four with 170 horsepower, and a diesel-powered 1.6-liter inline-four with 130 horsepower.
Transmission choices will include a six-speed manual and a six-speed EDC automatic with FWD as standard and AWD as optional.
Prices of the current Koleos are varied in markets, and the successor will might follow suit. In Australia, it starts at $28,490.