August 30, 2016 - SUV News and Analysis

Daily Archives: August 30, 2016

Race Cars Based on the H2 Speed Concept Planned by Pininfarina

Written By: Giancarlo August 30, 2016
Concept Cars

Italian design house Pininfarina announced that it will be making limited edition race cars. The units will be based on the H2 Speed Concept of the company.

It should be noted that the Pininfarina H2 Speed Concept was unveiled at the Geneva Auto Show early this year. Recently, the company CEO Silvio Pietro Angory revealed through an interview during the Concours d’Elegance held this month that they are planning to make 10 units of the hydrogen-fueled race car.

The upcoming race car will be powered by two electric motors paired with a braking energy recuperation system similar to its concept version. The power units are made in partnership with Franco-Swiss electric powertrain maker GreenGT.

The motors give the vehicle a total output of 503 hp. The power is distributed to the rear wheels. The acceleration of the futuristic auto from zero to 60 mph is at 3.4 seconds.

It is worth mentioning that the H2 Speed Concept does not possess A gearbox, differential or clutch. The car is managed by a torque vectoring software. The sound the vehicle produces is likened to a science fiction hissing sound.

Angory calls the product as “a racing car for gentleman drivers.” The auto will be created in compliance with FIA regulations. The price tag of the vehicle is very expensive though as it carries a value of $2.5 million.

The working prototype race car based on the Pininfarina H2 Speed Concept is expected to arrive in early 2017. Orders for the eco-friendly auto are targeted to reach customers 12 to 14 months after its launching.

The report further claims that the H2 Speed Concept is developed with the Pininfarina 1969 Sigma Formula One concept car in mind. The older unit offer elements featuring the next-generation safety technology of its period. This time though, the upcoming race car concentrates on advanced powertrain technology.

2017 GMC Canyon is Set to Receive Updates

Written By: Giancarlo August 30, 2016
New Model Releases

GMC recently announced an updated lineup for its 2017 GMC Canyon. According to the automaker, the models of the range will each get a new engine and transmission system plus it will take several updates in the body.

The upgraded Canyon will receive a 3.6-liter V6 engine. That’s the same power unit installed in the Cadillac models like the ATS, CTS, CT6 and XT5. The output of the new engine is increased to 308 hp while the torque is raised to 275 lb-ft. The power boost is made possible due to a variable valve timing and enhanced direct injection. Then the vehicle offers Active Fuel Management, which is capable of shutting off two cylinders to improve performance and fuel-efficiency. It should be noted that the All Terrain X trim available in the SLE model has an option for the 2.8-liter Duramax turbo-diesel engine.

Next, the Canyon is also fitted with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The said transmission system is available in Cadillac, GM and the 2017 Colorado models. Ditching the six-speed automatic transmission found in the 2016 Canyon allows a higher first gear ratio for the auto. The new element reduces overdrive ratios, which paves way for better fuel-efficiency. The feature helps when hauling a heavy cargo too.

The All Terrain X has plenty of upgrades in the exterior, including new bespoke 17-inch aluminum wheels wrapped in Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac P225/65R17 all-terrain tires, spray-on bedliner, three-inch diameter round step bars, body-color grille surround, and rear step bumper. Other additions are the Hill Descent Control, remote start, automatic climate control and sliding rear window. Inside, the cabin of the vehicle is adorned with red accents and given heated front seats.

The luxurious Denali variant of the Canyon possesses new 20-inch aluminum wheels, grille, tubular chrome assist steps, polished exhaust tips exclusive for the V6 drivetrain, and spray-on bedliner. The interior of the pickup has Jet Black leather surfaces, exclusive instrument panel and console trim, and Denali badges. Lastly, the other goodies in the unit are heated steering wheel, 4G Wi-Fi hotspot, GMC IntelliLink with Navigation system, 8-inch touchscreen, remote start, advanced driver information system, premium Bose seven-speaker sound system, a pair of USB charging ports, and Collision Alert as well as Lane Departure Warning system.