Monthly Archives: November 2016
Top 3 Expectations About The 2019 Jaguar I-Pace
The Jaguar I-Pace electric SUV concept was unveiled during the Los Angeles Auto Show last week. Days after, a test mule for the production version has been spotted and reviews and speculations are in order.
Although this wasn’t the first time the test mule was spotted in the wild, this one was different since the production design seems to be final. The launch, according to reports, will be somewhere in the middle of 2018 with this being a 2019 model.
1. New Platform
The test mule used the body of an F-Pace SUV, though Jaguar said this was not the same platform that will be used for the production version of the I-Pace. The front design has the usual grille opening, which design is far different from the one we see on the F-Pace. There are also no air vents on either side of the bumper anymore. The wheelbase was stretched, the track was widened and the roof has been lowered.
The platform that will be used on the I-Pace will have the “skateboard” design. This will allow the battery to sit in the floor and power the electric motors on both axles. The production of the I-Pace will be in a different plant from the F-Pace, probably at the Magna Steyr of Australia.
2. Electric Power
The I-Pace will feature a 90-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery paired with two 200-horsepower electric motors that has a range of up to 220 miles. Reports said that the I-Pace can go 0-60 mph in just 4 seconds.
Rivals of the I-Pace include the Tesla Model S, an upcoming electric vehicle from Mercedes-Benz, and the possible electric version of the next-generation Audi S7.
3. Pioneer in Jaguar
Jaguar just announced that its diving into a series of vehicles with mild hybrid, plug-in hybrid and electric flavors. Along with its sister company Land Rover, Jaguar will be focusing on heralding a new breed of sedans for the environment-conscious consumers. Land Rover will focus on the hybrids while Jaguar is working on the electric vehicles.
4 Facts About The 2018 Volkswagen Atlas
Finally, Volkswagen unveiled its 2018 Atlas, a three-row, seven-seater SUV that the German automaker hopes would play a major role in the SUV segment in the United States. This was first previewed in 2013 by the CrossBlue concept.
According to a report, the SUV made its world debut at the 2016 Los Angeles Auto Show, and will be expected in showrooms in the spring of 2017. Built at the Volkswagen’s plant in Chattanooga, Tennessee, the Atlas will arrive as a 2018 model.
1. Based on MQB Platform
Similar to the Golf and other Volkswagen models, the Atlas is going to be made from the MQB platform, the largest version available to make a case to be the segment’s most value- and family-oriented SUV. It is expected to go against the Ford Explorer, the Toyota Highlander, the Chevrolet Traverse and the Honda Pilot.
2. Largest Vehicle of VW
With measurements of 198.3 inches in length, 77.9 in width and 69.6 in height, the Volkswagen Atlas is the biggest vehicle in the VW fleet. It has an airy cabin that was almost based on the CrossBlue concept. It features massive knobs, large touchscreen infotainment system, as well as wood trims on the console.
3. Two Powertrain Options
Once launched, the Atlas will have two powertrains. The base is the turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-4 that can produce 238 horsepower. The second option is the 3.6-liter V-6 that can cough up 280 horsepower. Initially, Volkswagen wanted to release a diesel option, but the recent scandal hounding it proved too much for the company. Fuel-conscious buyers need not fret because there might be a hybrid option in the future.
A front-wheel drive will be paired with the inline-4 while the V-6 has an option of an all-wheel drive. The 8-speed automatic transmission will be standard. VW said that EPA ratings will be announced when its nearing market release.
4. A/V Tech is Topnotch
Tech items include Fender audio system with 12 speakers, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto smartphone integration. Safety features include forward collision warning, blind spot and lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and automatic emergency braking.
3 Things To Know About The Lexus Sriracha IS Concept
This is literally a spicy entry-level sports sedan from Lexus. Called the Sriracha IS, this whole car is based and even sprouts out Huy Fong Foods’ signature Sriracha sauce.
1. The Red Color is More Than Just Paint
Can you guess what makes the Sriracha IS incredible special and quite weird? It officially brings the sweet and spicy signature sauce to the automotive industry by mixing actual Sriracha hot sauce with the red paint coated on the vehicle. To further accentuate that this car is based on the popular and much-loved spicy sauce, there are Sriracha-bottle-cap-green accents on the exterior mirrors, grille surround and brake calipers.
2. The Sriracha Inspiration Applies on the Interior
The Sriracha red paint does not stop on the exterior. The Sriracha IS has enhancements inside, too. The steering wheel has been molded from what Lexus refers to as a Sriracha-like liquid. The seats have Sriracha-inspired accents, which meant a rooster logo. There are heated seats and climate controls that can go all the way up to “Sriracha hot.” The driving knob even has a Sriracha setting in place of the traditional Sport setting. Why? That is the something weirdly unique about the Sriracha IS.
3. It Dispenses Actual Sriracha
For the ultimate Sriracha lovers, there’s not enough of the hot sauce in the world. We know people who actually bring Sriracha mini bottles or packets with them (even in 5-star hotels) because it’s apparently impossible to eat without it. Those who are interested in the Sriracha IS will find it weirdly beautiful that the car dispenses this blend of chili peppers, sugar, salt, garlic and distilled vinegar.
The sriracha Is has a key fob with the Remote Emergency Sriracha Activation. A nozzle located at the top of the fob will actually dispense Sriracha. Oh, there’s also 43 bottles of Sriracha in the car’s trunk according to a commercial from Lexus.
Weirded out yet? Don’t worry, Lexus will not be bringing this into production. At best, it’s a little inside joke between the two companies’ presidents.
Check out more photos of the car in the gallery below, which were provided by Car and Driver:
Boxy Mercedes SUV: The Living Legend
Not many visualize an SUV from Mercedes-Benz that is high and box type. But made initially along the lines of military vehicles for the use of the civilians, the G-class SUV from the company has today become one of the oldest of its cars.
Rumors have it that the car was made on the insistence of the then Shah of Iran who happened to be a major shareholder of Mercedes-Benz. This G-class Mercedes was also referred to as G-Wagen. It was made by a company called Magna Steyr that was formerly Magna-Steyr-Puch.
This was the reason why this boxy SUV from Mercedes was called Puch-G where it was sold under the brand name Puch. Introduced way back in 1979, this boxy Mercedes SUV is still being produced by the company.
G-class happens to be a bold and beautiful vehicle from Mercedes. On the one hand it has beautiful sublime looks and it boasts belligerent character.
In many ways, this large luxury vehicle from Mercedes Benz reminds one of a military automobile standing outside a gated community. As an owner, you can take pride from the fact that you get to see the other cars and individuals from a height. But this is just the start as this old and boxy Mercedes SUV which starts at a base price of $120,000 is mighty quick and gives a powerful feeling with its all wheeled drive.
G-class was not available to the people in America surprisingly for a long period of time even though the car found its way into the country through grey market. It was only in 2002 that this SUV got introduced in the USA. It was christened G-500 and fitted with a V-8 engine.
Combining Off-Road Capabilities with Comfort and Safety
The development of the G-class started in early 70’s when the two companies namely Daimler-Benz and Steyr Daimler Puch started collaborating to design a vehicle that had off-road capabilities but also stood high on safety and comfort. It took years of designing and production with a prototype used to test the off-road abilities in coalfields of Germany and the Sahara desert.
Not many people are aware of the fact that the first of the G-Wagen produced by the company was delivered by the company to the Vatican City where it became the popemobile in honor of the then pope. This particular vehicle, once it retired from the service of the Pope, was permanently shifted to the museum of the company in Stuttgart in Germany. Thousands of people come to take a glance at this revered automobile widely known as The Papa-G.
One of the Oldest Surviving Vehicles in the Stable of Mercedes-Benz
Today, G-class from Mercedes is like a living legend, being manufactured by the company even after 37 long years. It is undoubtedly a tribute to the engineering and design of this automobile. However, the company has tried its best to make sure that this aging vehicle remains modern and stylish by changing the engine and replacing it with a more powerful and racy one.
There are glaring changes made in the exteriors of this SUV as well to make it competitive with other modern SUVs. One of the reasons why this vehicle is still going strong is because of the desire of the wealthy people to get some more in the form of off road capabilities from this model.
G-class is a good automobile with ample space for the driver and the passengers. Not a lot of space to stretch out but not so small to get you cramped for space. This can be a drawback for many consumers given the fact that there are lots of SUVs available in the market at much lower price that are offering more space to the passengers.
There are many people too who feel that the SUV has been made too high for the owners by Mercedes. It might be a good idea to have better visibility but it is a little awkward for average height individuals to step in and out of this automobile.
Despite its limitations that have become more glaring because of the passage of time and development of advanced automobiles, G-class still sells in high numbers.
2017 Mazda CX-5 Gets 3 New Powertrains
Mazda finally revealed its redesigned CX-5 for the 2017 model year. One of Mazda’s most popular vehicle, this compact crossover SUV has received some fresh upgrades, mainly when it comes to its powertrains.
This redesigned CX-5 will start appearing in showrooms next spring as a 2017 model. It made its formal debut on Wednesday at the Los Angeles Auto Show. This will be first launched in Japan before rolling out to other markets.
Mazda remains mum in interviews on what exactly changed in the new CX-5. What if confirmed, though, are three new powertrains to choose from—two gasoline units and one diesel.
3 New Powertrains
Basically, Mazda said the CX-5 will have a 2.0-liter and 2.5-liter inline-4 gasoline engines, the same ones in the current CX-5. These two will most likely be able to produce 155 and 184 horsepower, respectively.
As for the diesel options, it’s going to be a 2.2-liter engine. There’s no word yet whether it’s coming to the US, or will simply be an offering in Asian markets.
If you’re wishing for the CX-5 diesel option, you’d have to wait for while more. Mazda has been saying that a diesel engine option will be made available for the CX-5 for years. There has been no report of that until now.
KODO Design
Aside from Mazda’s Skyactiv design principles, it will also use its KODO design language. The combination is potent because what came out of it is an affordable crossover that stands out both in looks and performance.
The KODO lines allowed Mazda to redesign the CX-5 without going overboard. This styling trend became more prominent, thanks to the arrival of the 4th generation MX-5 Miata and the latest CX-9. Now, the rest of the lineup has been using the same design trend.
New Paint Color
The CX-5’s looks will be further upgraded because of a stunning new color named Soul Red Crystal. By using the Takuminuri paint technology, the new paint job has a high-quality finish. However, Mazda was not done yet. It added aluminum flakes and a translucent layer for that very deep and saturated red color.
5 Things To Note About The 2017 Nissan Sentra Nismo
For the 2017 model year, Nissan is upgrading its Sentra Sedan through the work of its in-house tuner, Nismo. This was introduced ahead of the planned launching at the 2016 Los Angeles Auto Show on Wednesday.
Here are 5 things you need to know about the Nismo-tuned Sentra based on a source:
1. Concept form Was Previewed In 2013
Back during the 2013 Los Angeles Auto Show, Nissan gave us a glimpse of the concept form for the Nissan Sentra Nismo. The problem is, this production version missed out on what the concept has boasted about—240 horsepower. Instead, this Nismo-tuned Sentra will be founded on the Sentra SR Turbo’s setup, which is only good for 188 horsepower.
This will be paired with a front-axle drive and either a 6-speed manual or CVT.
2. “Sporty” Feel Was Fine Tuned
Where Nissan focused was on making sure that the car has a sporty feel to it. Its engineers enhanced the Sentra Nismo’s performance based on aerodynamics, body reinforcements and suspension tuning. They also added some features interior-wise to add to that sporty feel.
3. Chassis Was Adjusted For Sturdier Feel
The Sentra Nismo now has a chassis that has monotube rear dampers and unique tuning on the front springs and struts. They also added stabilizer bars at the front and rear for sturdier driving. The car’s electronic power steering is also fitted with Nismo calibrations for a sportier feel.
4. Nismo Red Accents Were Added In The Exterior
Nissan wants the Nismo to appeal to sporty individuals. As such, they have to tweak the exterior a little bit by making it more aggressive. The Nismo body kit includes Nismo’s signature red accents. It also has 18-inch wheels with Michelin Pilot Sport and 11-inch housing ventilated brake discs at both ends.
The Sentra Nismo comes in four colors: Brilliant Silver, Gun Metallic, Super Black and Aspen White.
5. Interior Receives A Special Treatment
Inside the Sentra Nismo, there are Nismo logos and extra-bolstered seats with red stitching. The sportier steering wheel is wrapped in Alcantara and leather trim. Completing the “special treatment” is a dark headliner and Nismo logo on the instrument panel.
The interior color is charcoal with red accents.
2018 BMW X2 To Take On The Audi Q2
Rumors that BMW is building an X2 crossover has been around since 2011. It was finally semi-confirmed when spy shots surfaced on the streets in 2015 and early 2016.
A concept car was also introduced during the 2016 Paris Auto Show, making it clear as the day that the German company wants to put the competition with Audi Q2 to the test.
Spy photos of the BMW X2 being tested near the BMW Development Center in Munich showed that it will be a sportier and coupe-like version of the X1. It will certainly not have the hunched roofline of the X4 and X6. It will heavily depend on the X1, albeit with a little more legroom.
The X1 and X2 will have similar front fascia with a big twin-kidney grille, as well as sleeker headlamps. It will be more aggressive in appearance compared to the X1, though the X2 will have a shorter tailgate and rear windscreen.
Inside, we expect to see a seven-speaker audio system, a multi-function, leather-wrapped steering wheel, and cruise control, as well as an 8.8-inch display, a 12-speaker Harman Kardon sound system and a panoramic moonroof.
In terms of drivetrain, the X2 will take a page from the X1’s book. It will have gasoline and diesel options, both with three- or four-cylinder formats. They will also be offered in both front-wheel and all-wheel drive.
The base model in Europe has a 1.5-liter three-cylinder gasoline unit that produces 134 horsepower. This is coupled with a six-speed automatic and power FWD versions only. There will also be a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine while the sDrive20i and xDrive20i will have 189 horsepower and the xDrive25i, 228 horsepower.
Diesel-wise, the X2 is getting 1.5-liter three-cylinder that produces 114 horsepower and 199 pound-feet of torque. The base model will be able to crank out 148 horsepower and 243 pound-feet while the high-end variant gets 228 horsepower and a whopping 332 pound-feet of torque.
The X2 could be bought for $37,500 before options.
Audi Q2
A mash-up between the Q1 and A3, the Q2 looks more like a hatchback than a crossover. The only thing that allows it to be in the crossover segment is the aggressive lines, sporty roofline, spacious indoor capacity and the diverse powertrain lineup.
The base is a 1.0-liter three-cylinder that can generate 116 horsepower, while the 1.4-liter four-pot is available 150 horsepower. Higher end models will get the 2.0-liter four-cylinder that produces 190 horsepower.
When it comes to diesel engine, there’s the 1.6-liter four-cylinder with 116 horsepower and a 2.0-liter four-banger with either 150 or 190 horses.
The Audi Q2 is priced at $27,780.
Top 3 Features of the 2017 Land Rover Discovery
Land Rover will debut its 2017 Discovery to US market, and the first stop will be at the Los Angeles Auto Show. This is the Discovery’s first arrival in the US.
To get to know more about the 2017 Land Rover Discovery, we compiled these three things:
1. The Starting Price is $50,985
Land Rover said that the 2017 Discovery will have a starting price tag of $50,985, including a mandatory $995 destination charge. The first to be offered to the US market is the high-buck First Edition package, which will have to raise the price to $74,945. The nearly $25,000 will give you the fully-loaded model, complete with the limited edition styling package.
For a truck that plays well in the dirt and rough roads, the price tag isn’t that hefty, after all.
2. It Wowed Laird Hamilton and Gabby Reece
During an event in Venice, Land Rover put the Discovery First Edition among high-tech equipment built for people with very active lifestyles. Unsurprisingly, it caught the eye of Laird Hamilton and Gabby Reece. Laird is the “king” of big wave surfing while Gabby is a volleyball player and model.
There’s no active lifestyle more than those two combined. With two children, the 2017 Land Rover Discovery is the perfect vehicle for the couple.
What Land Rover imagines as an owner of the Discovery is one who would load the roof with mountain bikes, surfboards or any equipment for the great outdoors. You can even opt for the waterproof key that Discovery offers, so that you don’t have to worry about it when you’re out.
3. It’s Light and Powerful
The 2017 Land Rover Discovery has a 3.0-liter supercharged V-6 engine. It is also made of aluminum, which allowed the Land Rover engineers to make it 1,000 pounds lighter over the current LR4.
Photos
Check out the photos of the new Land Rover Discovery in the gallery below:
2 New Ram 1500 Special Edition Models Announced
Two new Ram 1500 Special Edition models are coming, thanks to Fiat Chrysler’s knowledge of how to do really awesome special editions. These are going on sale at the end of the year, just in time for that much-required holiday reward.
Here are the info we dug up about the upcoming 2017 Ram 1500 Special Edition models:
Ram 1500 Rebel Mojave Sand
The Ram Rebel we now have offers many distinguishable attributes, but none of that subtle color scheme we all want. Instead, what we have are options for bright red, black, white or reserved gray while the interior is painted a black-and-red combination. The Ram 1500 Rebel Mojave Sand is offering the sweet paint job of Mojave Sand (as the name implies) for $595 on top of any package of 1500 Rebel.
It pairs with an all-black interior scheme and matte black hood stripe that looks great with the Mojave Sand paint. The seats have gray contrast stitching, as well as the dashboard and a set of rubber floor mats.
There will only be 1500 units available of this, each starting at $46,910 while the four-wheel drive will go up to $2,100.
Ram 1500 Ignition Orange Sport
What the Ignition Orange Sport added to the Ram 1500 is the zany orange paint, the black hood graphics, a “sport performance hood,” black-colored wheels, and blacked-out exterior trim. The interiors have everything orange on them: orange stitching on the seats, orange-painted trim, orange-colored ram’s-head logos on the headrests and orange-colored seat panels.
This one has a starting price of $45,060. There will also be only 1500 units available for purchase.
The Comparison
While the Mojave Sand offers a subtle take on the Ram 1500 theme, the Ignition Orange Sport goes to another direction with the orange color splattered on everywhere you look—exterior and interior.
Photos
Check out the photos of the two new models of the Ram 1500 in the gallery below:
Top 3 Things We Learned About The 2018 BMW 3-Series
Spy shots for the prototype of BMW‘s next-generation 3-Series were released, and it looks like it can blow things out of proportion, at least for the segment it belongs to. Codenamed G20, this new prototype from BMW will be released by mid-2017 as a 2018 model.
The 2018 BMW 3-Series reportedly will become the benchmark for the small sedan segment in terms of performance and driving dynamics.
CLAR Platform Will Be Used
BMW engineers have developed one of the most advanced platforms in the automobile industry. The multi-material constructed CLAR modular design will allow BMW to catch up to its other competitions, namely Mercedes-Benz and Cadillac, with their small sedan offerings.
The CLAR made its debut on the 2016 7-Series and has since made its appearance on the 2017 5-Series.
The platform uses lightweight materials such as aluminum and magnesium. In the 7-Series, it used carbon fiber-reinforced plastic. Besides that, it can support alternative drivetrains such as plug-in hybrid and battery-electric applications.
The 3-Series will be the smallest model to use this platform.
Sporty Design Will Be The Exterior Element
The usual BMW styling is present on this prototype. That includes the kidney grille, Hofmeister kink and short overhangs. The front appears lower and wider, however, making many believe that it will have a sporty look, much like the Jaguar XE.
There are still no clear changes on the interior, but there might be a digital instrument cluster that will be paired with an advanced infotainment system complete with voice activation and gesture control.
The driver will have access to semi-autonomous modes.
Plug-In Hybrid Is Going To Be Available
In the US, the core powertrains will be the turbocharged 4- and 6-cylinder inline engines with 2.0 and 3.0 liters, respectively. Some markets might also have BMW’s 1.5-liter inline-3.
There will be diesel and plug-in hybrid options too. The plug-in hybrid will most likely use two electric motors under the setup of Power eDrive.
As for the high-performance variant, that is called the M3. Back in 2014, a prototype of this used a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-4 and two electric motors to produce 670 horsepower.
