Monthly Archives: May 2016
Mercedes-Benz To Introduce Four Electric Vehicles By 2020
Mercedes-Benz is looking at releasing four electric vehicles by the end of the year 2020. Sources said the company will be producing two sedans and two SUVs to comprise the first tranche of electronically powered vehicles Merc is looking at developing.
Each electric vehicle model will share the basic elements of models already part of Merc’s current lineup, but the company also promised that the models will have distinct designs to set them apart from their conventionally powered counterparts.
This move came on the heels of the German government’s announcement of sales subsidies for all EVs priced at less than €60,000, or $67,150 based on current exchange rate.
This German government policy is part of the bigger scheme to attract would-be buyers to consider EVs instead of gasoline- or diesel-powered engines.
Of course, such a decision from Merc can also be seen as the company’s attempt to keep up with the fast-rising EV market, something other automakers have taken advantage of in the past months. Tesla Model 3’s 370,000 orders certainly made an impact.
Merc has reportedly taken a €500 million expansion of their existing battery production facilities in Germany to prepare for their EV plans.
Although not a surprise, Merc’s move is still a welcome development. There are no details released regarding this new direction the company is taking, but R&D chief Thomas Weber hinted that the current C-Class and S-Class models, as well as the GLA and GLC SUVs, will be the templates for the four EVs planned.
In particular, the GLA-based SUV model will tap the reworked version of the MFA platform that Merc is already using on its B-Class Electric Drive, which is technically Mercedes’ first EV. The other three models, on the other hand, will probably use the evolved version of the MRA, which was developed particularly for electronic vehicles.
Morgan Returns To US With Four-Wheel Models
British automaker Morgan recently announced that it will be bringing back its four-wheel models to the United States after 10 years of absence. It will be sold through Morgan’s official US distributor, Isis Imports, according to TopSpeed.
Morgan was previously only allowed to sell the three-wheeler model in the US, but Isis (thanks to a new law) now will be able to import the more traditional four-wheeled models.
The British carmaker did not reveal what particular models will be ushered along the US coastline, but they would probably bring cars from the Classic lineup such as the 4/4, Plus 4, Roadster and Plus 8.
In a statement, Isis Imports said details are still being finalized although it looks like Morgan will start receiving orders for the four-wheeled models this summer. The statement added that US spec cars would start to be produced before the year ends.
Isis is even already accepting deposits for four-wheeled Morgans. This is refundable “up until eight weeks prior to the build of your car after your specifications are finalized.”
Though pricing information is not yet available, the US-spec, four-wheeled Morgans will expectedly be a bit more expensive than their British-market counterparts.
The most likely model to first arrive is the Roadster, which uses a 3.7-liter V-6 rated at 280 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. Weighing only 2,094 pounds, the Roadster hits 62 mph from a standing start in only 5.5 seconds and tops out at 140 mph.
This is certainly a welcome news for US-based retro car lovers who keep on bugging the Morgan company to bring the cars back to US shores. The need for retro UK-made vehicles was high among Americans.
Morgan’s return to the US will mark the comeback of the only auto company that still based its models on the classic recipe. Although we won’t be seeing a full lineup of Morgan cars, one or two is more than what the US is expecting to have in its market.
Spy Shots Reveal the 2017 Peugeot 3008
We are now seeing the new 2016 Peugeot 3008 ahead of the September 2016 Paris Auto Show, where it is scheduled to have its world debut. For this year’s 3008, the French automaker decided to drop the minivan body style and embrace the SUV bandwagon. So, say a long and sad goodbye to the 3008 minivan because we will be seeing the last of its production run.
The second-generation 3008 looks like a better compact crossover SUV than most of the models we now see in the market. The exterior design in the spy shots appears to be based on Peugeot’s Quartz concept that was unveiled in 2014. On the other hand, its interior is probably derived from the same EMP2 platform used in the French auto’s 308 compact hatchback.
The interior is going to be upgraded as proven by the new spy shots revealed of the 3008. It will be getting a new digital instrument cluster in front of the new steering wheel, which is similar to the Peugeot 308.
The reason for the more elegant interior is Peugeot’s aim to be recognized apart from its rivals.
Reportedly, the new 3008 will have a couple of powertrain options. There’s a range of turbocharged 4-cylinder gasoline and diesel engines. In particular, the 2017 model will have the 1.2-liter three-cylinder petrol that features in the 308 SW.
However, the new 3008 will not carry the diesel hybrid, which was recently dropped from the current 3008 range. What it would probably have is the petrol plug-in hybrid.
You can opt to pair these engines with either a 5-speed manual or 6-speed automatic. Combine these engines and transmission choices to either a front-wheel drive or four-wheel drive, then you’ve got yourself quite a good crossover SUV.
Peugeot will start delivering the new 3008 in early 2017 in markets where the French brand is available.
Peugeot is looking to rival Ford Motor Company’s Kuga (sold as the Escape in the United States), the Nissan Qashqai, Renault Kadjar and Volkswagen Tiguan.
Is Honda Celebrating Its 70th Anniversary With A New S2000 Roadster?
Is it possible that Honda will be celebration with a new S2000 roadster just in time for its 70th anniversary in 2018? Rumors of the new roadster cannot die, even as we already confirmed the tiny S660 roadster will not be coming to US shores and the mid-engine sports car that sits below the Acura NSX is probably not happening anytime soon.
Honda first launched the S2000 in 1998 to celebrate its 50th anniversary, so it’s only fitting that they can also release a new roadster for their 70th year. It is even possible we will be seeing a new car and a commemorative two-wheeler to mark the occasion.
A source claimed the car can be compared to the Mazda MX-5 Miata in size, although Honda’s will be more powerful, performance-wise. The bike, on the other hand, will be a “detuned, roadgoing version of the RC213V-S.
However, skeptics note that Honda does not have a platform for a compact, rear-wheel-drive sports car. But, just look at what they did with the S660 mini-coupe and the all-new NSX supercar. Honda may not have a platform for such models, but they come out pretty unique, didn’t they?
An Acura executive revealed during the 2014 Detroit Auto Show that Honda is planning to fit in a smaller sports car under the NSX. He, however, pointed out that such a car won’t be appearing before 2017. So, is 2018 is just about right?
What we can assume is that the new S2000 roadster will have a slightly detuned version of the Civic Type R’s 2.0-liter turbo engine, which is made in the US. The car will be, too, apparently. And to keep costs down, Honda will build it along the NSX at its specialized Performance Manufacturing Center in Ohio.
Sources said a large team from the R&D staff in Japan are now in Ohio to work on the roadster.
BMW Reveals 2002 Hommage Concept
BMW just revealed its new 2002 Hommage concept, which was unveiled at Villa D’Este Concours event. This is nothing new as the company prefers to pay respect to the past through concepts such as the BMW CSL Hommage last year and the 328 Hommage from two years ago.
According to Top Gear, the 2002 Hommage will take the spotlight this year. Based on the BMW 2002 Turbo, the 2002 Hommage is most probably just an M2. BMW Senior Vice President Adrian van Hooydonk said that the 02 range started an era of success for BMW 50 years ago. That compact coupe was the foundation of the brand’s success over the years.
The 2002 Hommage concept repeats BMW’s most famous trait, which is the shark nose. But aside from that, the concept also has a huge front spoiler, a nod to the old 70s cars. The fascia has an aggressive design to go along with the single-light headlights that pay homage to the original 02 series too.
The sides have a smoother but more muscular design cues as the strong bodyline runs from the front fender all the way to the rear.
At the back, you’ll find the twin dual exhaust outlets, a smooth rear fascia, an embedded reflector on each corner, and dark glass taillight lenses with two LED strips that emphasize the outer and lower edges of the lenses.
The car is painted in light baby blue with the upper half having a matte finish to prevent reflection from the sun.
The interior remains a mystery since BMW remains mum about it. But since this is patterned after the M2, expect to have M2’s driver-oriented cabin inside.
We don’t have information on the drivetrain of the car as of yet, though we’re betting it would have the same 3.0-liter that delivers 365 horsepower and 343 pound-feet of torque on the M2.
2017 Nissan Micra Is Almost Ready To Roll
Nissan is already on the testing phase for its fifth generation Micra, which should be due sometime next year. It might be under heavy camouflage and padding, but it should receive some dramatic design changes from the current model.
Sources are saying that the new Nissan Micra will be using the CMF B platform, which was developed within the Renault-Nissan alliance—also to be used on the next generation Nissan Juke. The new Micra will borrow some design cues from the Nissan Pulsar and the Nissan Sway concept that we saw at last year’s Geneva Motor Show.
Based on the spy shots, the new Micra will be longer and the rear hatch has a new shape with more angle on it than the current model. The headlights will probably be longer, too, and less bug-eyed than before. It extends further into the front grille, which looks smaller. The front fascia, front grille and fog lights will likely be changed too.
We will be expecting the body itself to be wider below the waistline. Some changes will be made on the side skirts too. Overall, the new Micra should have a sportier look than its predecessor.
Inside, not much was photographed. The current Micra already has a pretty upscale interior for an economy car, so Nissan might not change so much in this department. There should be the same basic design—functional—with the basic center console and majority of the controls placed on the center stack.
The new Micra should be offering a range of three- or four-cylinder gasoline engines. The current model has a 1.2-liter engine that manages 78 horsepower for the base option and 97 horsepower for the high-end unit.
Currently, the Micra starts out at £7,995 for the base model. It climbs all the way to £15,115 for the range-topping Tekna trim with a 1.2-liter and a CVT transmission. The new Micra should be priced somewhere between $11,499 and $21,739.
Updated 2017 Subaru Forester Is A Bargain
The Subaru Forester made a name for itself in the past years, especially with the completely revised 2014 version. For next year, Forester is getting a few updates for a mere $200 on top of the current prices according to a report.
It’s a bargain from Subaru considering that the 2017 Forester is getting these slew of new features: a revised front grille, bumper, and new headlights.
Also upgraded is the EyeSight system. It now includes a Lane Keep Assist while Blind Spot Detection, Rear Cross Traffic Alert and Reverse Automatic Braking have become standard.
In particular, the Forester 2.0XT Touring offers an available Active Torque Vectoring system.
Basically, we can expect everything in the 2014 Forester being carried over, except it’s so much better. The engines and transmissions remain unchanged, too.
Base models still get the 2.5-liter flat-four mated to a six-speed manual transmission, which is good for 170 horsepower and 174 pound-feet of torque. CVT is optional.
There’s the more powerful 2.0-liter turbocharged flat-four engine too that is capable of 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet. If you want the turbo, you have to choose the CVT option.
Trim levels still include 2.5i, Premium, Limited, and Touring for the 2.5-liter while the more-upscale 2.0-liter turbo is adorned with the Premium and Touring trims.
In all, the new Forester is a kill in terms of performance, although you have to look pass the very generic exterior.
There are a few changes on the front end—grille, lower fascia, and the headlights with LED accents main beams. The taillights also have that C-shaped LED element to tie it together with the headlights.
On certain trim levels, there are new alloy wheel designs that contribute to the Forester’s more mature and sculpted look.
Both wheel designs have a high-contrast black and machined finish look. The 2.5i Premium models get the 17-inch wheels while the 2.0XT receives the 18-inch rollers.
The base model 2.5i starts at $22,595 while the 2.0XT Touring begins at $33,295, both including an $850 destination charge.
Choosing the CVT in either the 2.5i or 2.5i Premium costs $1,000 or $500 more, respectively. Otherwise, the CVT’s cost is included in the other 2.5i trim packages.
Spy Shots Of 2018 Land Rover Range Rover Sport are Out
Spy shots revealed that Land Rover is currently working to update its Range Rover Sport for a 2018 launch. This was proven when photos were taken of the new Range Rover Sport roaming in camouflaged prototypes in Europe.
This is an upgrade car experts have been talking about for months as rumors fly around the industry of a new Range Rover Sport getting ready to wow us all. It will likely be the second-generation model’s mid-cycle update, so the changes will be minimal.
As revealed in the prototype, the model has a new bumper design and a new shape for air intakes and license plate support.
The spy shots also revealed revised grille surround and a more likely new hood, one that would probably fit the revised grille in terms of design.
So, how did we know the prototype we just saw is for the 2018 model year? The second-generation Range Rover Sport was released back in 2014. The original model had a lifespan of eight years. Assuming the second-gen model has the same lifespan, this prototype—an updated model—is just in time for a 2018 model year.
Of course, we should also take note that a 2016 Range Rover Sport was just announced, and it received a number of updates such as a new diesel-powered HSE Td6 variant and some new technologies for the cabin.
The same updates you’re currently seeing here are set to be the same ones that are going to be installed in the flagship Range Rover SUV, the current generation of which was launched a year before the second-generation Range Rover Sport.
Speaking of that, the high-performance Range Rover Sport SVR was also spotted in updated form.
More details are bound to come out as developments continue, and as Land Rover tests more of these prototypes on the road.
Source: Motor Authority
BMW Upgrades M235i, Gets New M240i Moniker
BMW is set to update the six-cylinder M235i coupe and its convertible sibling for the year 2017. It will reportedly receive an upgrade of a 15-horsepower increase through an all-new turbocharged inline-six engine.
And since BMW is at the habit of changing their vehicles’ names once it adopted a new engine, the M235i is expected to be called the M240i once it gets fitted with the 3.0-liter inline-six engine that debuted in 2016.
We don’t have much information about the coupe, but we’ve got a couple of expectations about the convertible, which will have a new infotainment system and slightly revised exterior.
For the most part, the BMW M240i should look like the outgoing M235i, especially on its sexy waistline, the signature kidney beam grille, the aggressive air dam, and corner air inlets.
Expected changes, however, would include slightly reshaped headlights, taillights, and the front and rear fascias. On the side, BMW might tweak the side skirts a little.
The convertible will most probably sit a little lower (by half an inch) because of the M Sport suspension, and it will ride on 18-inch M light-alloy wheels with double-spoke design.
For the interior, we shouldn’t be expecting too much. It will have the usual three-spoke M-branded steering wheel, as well as brushed metal inserts on door pull handles, trim inserts on steering wheel spokes, and trim on the center console and dashboard. If you don’t like metal inserts, you can opt for the wood and carbon fiber inserts.
The seats would be finished in Alcantara with blue contrast stitching, the same used on the leather wrapped around the steering wheel.
The M240i is rumored to have a new infotainment technology. The screen size would be the same, but it should come with a Wi-Fi hotspot, along with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration.
The M240i will have a starting price at around $50,000, a mild increase from the M235i.
NextEV Electric Hypercar Rivals McLaren P1, LaFerrari
NextEV Electric Hypercar rendering from Autocar.
NextEV is getting ready to reveal its first car “somewhere in Europe” before the year ends. The car is reportedly going to be fully-battery-powered, a testament to the Chinese-backed electric vehicle startup company headed by former Ford President for Europe Martin Leach.
The car will rival both the McLaren P1 and Ferrari’s LaFerrari in terms of performance and price. Reports indicated that the hypercar has been developed at the company’s Munich design center for the past two years. Production, however, will start at the new UK branch.
NextEV was a product of an agreement between Chinese Internet billionaire William Li and Leach at the 2014 Paris Motor Show. Leach was Ford’s head of product development before becoming its president for Europe operations. Since that agreement, the startup hired Cisco System’s former chief technology officer, Padmasree Warrior, to run its US operations.
Warrior is heading the software development for the hypercar.
NextEV is gaining ground in concept competitions, too. It won the inaugural Formula E championship for the all-electric, single-seat race cars.
The problem, however, is that NextEV’s market seems to be targeted at the billionaire circle. This would mean ordinary mortals won’t even have the chance to get their hands on the supercar.
But Leach maintained the company’s vision is actually more than just targeting billionaires. It aims to widen its supercar market in the future.
He maintained that the production of the brand’s first hypercar is aimed at attracting and gaining attention, and to show what the company can do technology-wise. Over time, NextEV is expected to showcase more than just supercars.
The first NextEV supercar has been compared to the Tesla model, but Leach said his creation would definitely offer more convenience and accessibility.
We won’t be seeing this hypercar in US soil anytime soon, however. NextEV’s main market would be China, which is under immense pressure to cut down car emissions.