Monthly Archives: June 2016
Volvo “90” Series Polestar Models Are Confirmed
Not only is Volvo’s “90” Series Polestar models confirmed, they will also produce 600 horsepower. This is after Volvo’s in-house tuner Polestar produced the S60 and V60 Polestar sedan and wagon, the company’s first dedicated performance offerings.
An official from the company has recently confirmed through a source that the development of the “90” series, which will also be receiving programming from Polestar. Volvo’s research and development head Peter Mertens said that Polestar’s versions of the S90 and the V90 will produce 600 horsepower.
This would make the two comparable to the offerings being made by Germany’s top luxury brands. What differentiates Volvo’s models would be the decision to have them come equipped with 4-cylinder based hybrid powertrains, instead of the V8 engines currently fitted in other models.
The non-Polestar S90 and V90 models we currently have in the market have the T8 Twin Engines as the most powerful drivetrains. These engines feature a turbocharged and supercharged 2-liter 4-cylinder paired with an electric motor to produce 410 horsepower.
Mertens said the same setup would be adopted for the Polestar models, although the internal combustion component will be replaced by a new 450-horsepower 2.0-liter 4-cylinder paired with an electric-aided turbocharging system. The electric motor will be replaced by a more powerful 150-horsepower unit.
In 2014, Volvo already showed the 450-horsepower 4-cylinder, although no production plans have been announced yet.
There is no word yet on when Volvo is planning to launch the S90 and the V90 Polestar models. Mertens also didn’t say if these models would be available in the US, although they will assuredly be popular there since the S60 and the V60 enjoyed significant statuses there.
There is also no word yet if the XC90 would receive the Polestar treatment, although former Polestar boss Christian Dahl said it could very well happen in the future.
Is a Volkwagen Up! GTI in the Works?
Rumor has it that Volkswagen is developing a range-topping GTI variant for its small Up! hatch.
According to reports, officials at the company’s headquarters in Germany are talking about a new Volkswagen Up! GTI model to compete with the Abarth 595. They believe that such a model would improve the company’s entry-level hatch since it can now provide the sporty good looks, as well as a high-caliber performance.
The car will be powered by a tuned version of the EA2 11 1.0-liter three-cylinder turbocharged engine, which is currently being used in the Golf Bluemotion TSI and the new Audi A3 range. Both have been tuned to produce 85kW/200Nm.
But the regular version of the engine will be powering the facelifted Up!, which will soon be released in some markets. A prototype of the Up! GTI reportedly has a top speed of 200km/h and a 0-100km/h time in just 8 seconds.
Compare this to the Abarth 595, and you’ll be astounded by the Up! GTI. The Abarth 595 can produce 103kW/206Nm from the 1.4-liter four-cylinder turbocharged unit. It can go 100km/h in just 7.9 seconds.
The engine used on the GTI will most likely be paired with either a six-speed manual transmission or a seven-speed, dual-clutch automatic transmission. That should make up for enough power to maneuver the Up! GTI.
If the reports are accurate and the Up! GTI actually enter the market, we can expect a few more things from Volkswagen. Mainly, the new Up! GTI should have an upgraded chassis, some suspension adjustments, and the usual GTI-specific visual enhancements such as larger alloy wheels, wider skirts, and a twin chrome exhaust.
The Up! hatch was discontinued in Australian market in 2014, so it’s also highly unlikely that this new Up! GTI will make its way to local dealership anytime soon. A few more weeks, though, and we’re bound to receive more information about this development.
“Transformers: The Last Knight” Bumblebee Camaro Unveiled
As if the Chevrolet Camaro is not popular enough, thanks to the Transformers franchise, director Michael Bay has not revealed which car will be used for the “Transformers: The Last Knight”. However, reports say it will be the sixth-generation Chevrolet Camaro.
The car will serve as the alternate mode for the popular Autobot Bumblee, which has an emotional attachment to the show’s star—formerly played by Shia Lebeouf and now, Mark Wahlberg.
Bumblebee is traditionally a small, yellow car with a black strip right across the middle of the hood. Originally, a Volkswagen Beetle was used, though the latest franchise preferred the Chevrolet Camaro and Pontiac Firebird muscle cars.
The new Transformers movie, which is due to be released on June 23, 2017, means a whole lot of new cars and trucks will play the alternate modes for the fighting robots—the Autobots and the Megatrons.
The Camaro to be used for the 2017 movie is not your ordinary Camaro. Aside from the signature yellow paint, the new Bumblebee will have afresh body kit with some distinct spoilers. Of course, the Autobot logo will also play a significant role in the new Bumblebee’s looks.
The new Camaro will reportedly be up for sale, or at least, that’s what is being expected from Chevrolet. If you like this particular Camaro, you would have to wait for additional details though. But chances are looking up since a 1992 Peterbilt 379 truck and 1967 Chevrolet Camaro used as alternate modes for Optimus Prime and Bumblebee were recently sold at auction.
There are no details yet about the movie. The only thing we can confirm is that Wahlberg, who made his debut in the previous “Transformers: Age of Extinction,” will remain its main protagonist.
Additionally, Josh Duhamel will reprise his role as William Lennox. Reportedly, Sir Anthony Hopkins is going to play a major part, too.
The Brand New Audi S5 Revealed
Audi has finally revealed its brand new Audi A5 and S5 Coupes, which will give the BMW 4-Series and the Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe a run for their money. The Audi S5 is decidedly faster, more efficient, and even lighter than before.
But this is exactly what we are expecting from the S5. Recently unveiled, the S5 followed Audi’s new design DNA with a flatter grille, long bonnet and shorter overhangs. The one that we have been most looking forward to is the S5, which is more powerful compared to the A5.
The new S5 will carry the 3.0-liter V6, which is now turbocharged to produce 349 horsepower, which is 20 horsepower more than the outgoing S5 Coupe. It also has an eight-speed auto—a standard fit for the four-wheel drive.
The Audi S5 is so equipped that it can accelerate from 0 to 62 mph in just 4.7 seconds. In comparison, the closest the BMW can get is the 440i, which has 322 horsepower and can go 0-62mph in 5.2 seconds or 5.4 seconds for the auto transmission.
As for the Mercedes-Benz, it got the AMG C43, which produces 362mph and can go 0-62mph in just 4 seconds.
On the other hand, the regular A5, which is more likely to be the more popular of the two coupes, will have the option of either a 2.0-liter turbo petrol or a 2.0-liter diesel. You may also choose a pair of 3.0-liter TDIs with power ranging from 187bhp to 282bhp.
For the lesser cars, there’s the option of a six-speed manual or seven-speed auto. The diesel option and the S5 can get the eight-speed transmission.
The cars will come with an all-new chassis, which can be equipped with adaptive dampers and dynamic steering. Either way, the A5 will have no trouble handling “narrow, winding mountain roads and long trips on the Autobahn with equal aplomb.”
2016 Ford GT Le Mans To Make Track Debut At Daytona
The 2016 Ford GT Le Mans race car is set to make its debut on the race track at the 2016 Rolex 24 at Daytona before finally running the full schedule at the FIA World Endurance Championship and the TUDOR United SportsCar Championship.
It can be remembered that the iconic Blue Oval officially made its return at the 2015 Detroit Auto Show after nearly a decade. This marks the car’s entrance to the race track family again.
Outside, the Ford GT is easily recognizable as a GT in racing apparel, though it had extensive body modifications for maximum downforce and minimum drag. The front end, in particular, has little resemblance to the good old GT, except for the vented hood and trapezoidal grille.
The bumper is less intricate in styling and has a massive splitter. It also sports a pair of new headlamps that are shaped slightly different from the standard car.
Although Ford decided to keep the standard design for the sides, it added larger side skirts that can now handle exhaust outlets toward the rear wheels—four race-spec, ultra-lightweight rims wrapped around Michelin tires.
There are plenty of changes at the back, but these are mainly the flat spoiler and the rear bumper. The GT’s rear end is the most aggressive of any LM GTE cars, reports said.
Of course, the car is dressed in the American flag’s colors with the “24 Hours of Le Mans” racing number stickers.
Inside, it is way too loaded for a race car, although most of the gears are essential for racing. The multifunction, racing steering wheel, however, will be in front of a much simpler instrument cluster.
The Ford GT race car will make use of a 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 engine used already on its IMSA Daytona Prototype endurance racer. This engine can produce about 500 horsepower, though this would depend on the final weight of the racer.
Capping off the drivetrain is a seven-speed, dual-clutch transaxle, which will allow the GT to reach top speeds in excess of 200mph. It can also go 0-60mph in less than 3 seconds.
Photos via TopSpeed
2017 Genesis G80 With New Sport Trim Gets Released In Korea
The 2017 Hyundai Genesis G80 made its world debut at the 2016 Busan Auto Show. Aside from the regular sedan, we also saw the launch of the Genesis G80 Sport.
Hyundai’s Genesis sedan has been updated for the 2017 model year, and since it has been moved to the Genesis luxury brand, it was rechristened as the G80. This particular vehicle will compete against midsize luxury sedans such as the BMW 5-Series, Cadillac CTS and Mercedes-Benz E-Class according to a report.
In the Korean market, in particular, the car will feature two gasoline V6 engines in the powertrain lineup. A diesel might also be up for grabs, although there’s no clear plan yet for this.
The gasoline-powered V6 engines will include the 3.8-liter unit and the twin-turbocharged 3.3-liter unit that debuted in the 2017 Genesis G90 full-size sedan.
As for the United States, there are still no confirmed specifications for the G80, although we’re expecting the 3.8-liter unit to be offered. This particular engine will provide 311 horsepower while the twin-turbocharged 3.3-liter unit can offer 365 horsepower.
There is high hope among car enthusiasts that Hyundai Genesis’ 420-horsepower 5.0-liter V8 engine will also be used in the G80.
The standard transmission would be an 8-speed automatic and rear-wheel drive. But don’t fret, an all-wheel drive will also be available as an option for the G80.
As the current Hyundai Genesis is exiting the market, fans of the model are waiting for what’s in store in the new Genesis. The updated 2017 model will get minor visual tweaks, including new bumpers, new internals for the headlights, and a revised grille.
The G80 is expected to be available in the US market this year. It will be the second of six separate model lines that Genesis plans to launch until 2020. Later this year, a smaller G70 sedan will be introduced. This is based on the recent New York concept from Genesis.
Next year, two SUVs and a large coupe will join the lineup.
Updated 2017 Lincoln MKZ Will Cost $35,935 To $54,485
The good news is that the updated 2017 Lincoln MKZ’s base price is lower by $180 to $35,935. The bad news is that wanting the fully loaded version would set you back by $54,485.
The most enticing piece inside the new Lincoln MKZ is the new 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 engine. Then, there’s the new front end and a revised interior for 2017. These are all standards. The other options would be the new V6, as well as an all-wheel drive.
There are basically four trim levels: the Premiere would cost $35,935; the Select, $37,685; the Reserve, $40,435; and the Black Label, $48,595.
There would be two powertrains, and one of them would come in standard. Hopefully, the more powerful 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 240 horsepower would win over the gas-electric hybrid drivetrain with a net power output of 188 horsepower and an estimated EPA combined rating of 40 mpg.
You can get the all-wheel drive for all trim levels for the MKZ turbo-four-powered cars for an extra $1,890. The hybrid, however, can only be in front-wheel-drive.
Except for the Premiere trim level, all trims can get the 3.0-liter twin-turbo V-6 paired with a six-speed automatic. That would cost $2,750 extra for front-drive models and $4,000 extra for the all-wheel drive.
The current MKZ has a Ford Fusion-based chassis, but that shouldn’t worry you since Lincoln might offer a new Driver’s Package, which would cost $2,395 on the Black Label or $3,395 on the Reserve. This would bring some chassis tweaks such as stiffer suspension, GKN-supplied torque-vectoring system, 19-inch wheels, and a different grille.
To add the Multi-Contour front seats, you would need to shell out an additional $595. You can also get the Technology Package for $2,395, which would include a range of new gadgets. Want a panoramic sunroof? You can get that somewhere between $1,795 and $2,995, depending on the trim level.
The MKZ will begin deliveries this summer while the bigger Continental will be on sale this fall.
Check Out the Spy Shots and Video of the 2018 BMW M5
Since BMW is launching its new 5-Series soon, we can expect another M5 sledgehammer from the German automaker. Spy shots, plus a video, were released of the new BMW M5.
What’s exciting about these spy shots is that the M5 was wearing the least bit of camouflage gear we have seen on a vehicle being test driven. According to reports, the M5 will have a V8 engine, which is likely to be an updated version of the twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 used in the current M5.
The 2018 M5’s predecessor, the M5 30 Jahre Edition, can produce 600 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque. The new M5 will probably have a lot more horsepower and torque.
However, instead of increasing the power, engineers are more likely to focus on reducing the weight of the car. The new model will reportedly weigh 220 pounds less than the current model, thanks to the adoption of the carbon-infused, modular-designed CLAR platform that was in the 2016 7-Series.
Another welcome update to the new M5 would be the xDrive all-wheel drive, which will probably be an option. This platform will normally send torque to the rear wheels, but will be sending some forward once slip is detected.
The standard transmission would be a 7-speed dual-clutch unit, but no manual transmission will be offered.
On the outside, the look seems to be inspired by the latest 7-Series. There’s a very wide and low front bumper with pumped fenders on the side. Based on the spy shots, the rear end sports a small diffuser was integrated with the bumper unit.
In the wheels, you’ll find a pair of massive perforated brake discs.
The new 5-Series is expected to be released this year, but the M5 won’t be coming out until 2017, so it would likely be a 2018 model. Direct rivals of the M5 would be the Audi RS 6, Cadillac CTS-V and Mercedes-AMG E63.
Subaru Gives Out More Details of Its Levorg STI
Subaru has finally revealed spec and technical details of its new Levorg STI. This after it confirmed that Subaru Tecnica International, or STI, is in the plant for the performance variant of the Levorg wagon.
Officially, it is called the Levorg STI Sport Wagon, which is probably going to be similar to the World Rally Blue concept, according to a source. Subaru did not intend for the Levorg STI to be its halo car, so not much can be expected in terms of power.
Instead, what the Subaru wagon offers is an upgrade in aesthetics and some minor tweaks for better driving dynamics.
On the outside, the Levorg STI will sport a more aggressive profile because of its new grill and front fascia with larger air dams. The fact that Subaru made this to be performance ready can be seen on the styling of the body, the subtle side skirts, the chromed twin tip exhaust, and a rear diffuser similar to the Forester tS.
To complete its looks, the Levorg STI will also be coming with 18-inch multi-spoke alloys.
Inside, there are some changes, too. The Bordeaux on black STI sport-specific leather seats certainly added elegance and to the Levorg STI’s interior. And to boost that sporty look, the seats can be covered as well in STI’s signature dark red stitching along with the Bordeaux. The contrast is astounding, especially on the use of the dark red stitching on the center console, steering wheel and gear levels.
STI’s logo is embroidered on the seats’ headrests and plates on the door sills.
The Levorg STI Sport Wagon will come with either the 1.6L 170 PS flat-four turbo or the 300 PS 2.0L FA20 turbo, which is standard with Japanese specs. Both of these engines will be partnered with a lineartronic CVT transmission with all-wheel drive.
The only change done in terms of the drivetrain is the addition of uprated springs, revised steering, and upgraded dampers.
The new Sport Wagon from Subaru is expected to arrive this summer in Japan. There is no report yet if this will be offered outside Japan.