Monthly Archives: November 2016
Volkswagen Golf Gets a New Facelift
The Volkswagen Golf has been around since the middle of 1970s, so there’s a certain standard expected from it. The current model was introduced at the 2012 Paris Auto Show, and some exciting changes were seen for the 2017 model year.
Volkswagen introduced a new front fascia, headlights, infotainment system, engine options and safety features in the Golf. These make the Volkswagen Golf the sportiest vehicle in its segment, according to a source.
Exterior
The most popular change on the Golf’s exterior is the sportier front fascia and bigger air dam. The chrome grille now extends into the headlights through the sporty LED stripe that surrounds the bottom and outer edges of each headlight bulb.
Models with the adaptive cruise control or front assist will include a hidden radar sensor behind the VW emblem. Overall, the new model has a sportier appeal than the old one. Though not much changed at the rear, the new models come standard with LED taillights. Higher-end models have Individual LED for taillight and brake lights to differentiate them from the lower models.
Interior
There are no drastic changes in the interior of the new Golf, though there are new decorative trim panels for the dash, doors and center console. The seats also have new covers and trimmings.
The infotainment system is where Volkswagen focused its attention. Thanks to the next generation of MID infotainment systems, Discover and Composition Media systems of the Golf now enjoys 8-inch touchscreen while the Discover Pro system has 9.2-inch touchscreen. It boasts of the touch and voice command operation too.
These new systems bring the Golf to the modern age, and put it atop competitions based on features, design and functionality.
Drivetrain
Volkswagen will not disappoint with the changes it made under the Golf’s hood. It has a new 1.5-liter TSI EVO gasoline engine that can produce 147 horsepower and 189 pound-feet of torque. In addition, it now offers the 1.5-liter TSI, a BlueMotion 1.5-liter Diesel with an output of 128 horsepower and 147 pound-feet of torque.
Lastly, there’s the GTI, which would be at part with last year’s GTI model. All these models come standard with six-speed dual clutch transmission.
Why is Ford EcoSport the Ideal Subcompact SUV?
Ford just announced that it’s finally bringing the Ford Ecosport, a subcompact SUV that is loosely based on the Fiesta and shown for the first time in 2012.
Based on a report, the EcoSport is Ford’s smallest SUV, and it is mainly aimed at developing markets. The American company has hinted numerous times that we might see it on US shores, and here it is, finally.
It Trumps Its Competition
The main competitions of the Ford Ecosport are the Chevrolet Trax, the Honda HR-V and the Nissan Juke. But why does it land on top of these? Mainly, it’s because of the price. While Ford has yet to release the pricing for the Ford Ecosport, its popularity in the Asian market proves that it is a force to be reckoned with, pricing-wise.
In terms of powertrain, the standard trim has a turbocharged 1.0-liter inline-3 and front-wheel drive. There’s a 2.0-liter model with a standard all-wheel drive, too. Both of these variants will arrive with a 6-speed automatic.
Its Connectivity Features are Insane
Considering that this is a subcompact SUV, the connectivity and infotainment systems are actually quite good, or better, in fact, than other SUVs. Ford is targeting urban-based millennials, so this slew of connectivity features is not surprising at all.
The Ecosport will have Ford’s Sync 3 infotainment system—Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration. You can toggle with the features through the 8-inch touchscreen display.
Aside from that, the Ecosport has two fast-charging USB ports, a 12-volt power outlet (for the driver and rear passengers), and a 110-volt behind the center console.
Its Storage Space is Decent
Who doesn’t want huge storage space in their vehicles? Ecosport will have 30 stowage pockets, bins and hooks that will make use of every nook and cranny of the crossover. There’s also a movable floor board, and you can fold the second-row seats to provide a larger area to transport larger items.
The Ford Ecosport will officially make its debut at the 2016 Los Angeles Auto Show. Market launch won’t be until early 2018, though.
Top 3 Cool Things About The 2017 Toyota Tacoma
Toyota rocked the midsize pickup truck segment last year when it introduced the all-new Tacoma. It will shake things up once again since Tacoma will be welcoming the new 2017 TRD Pro, along with revised value-loaded optional amenity packages for SR5 models.
Here are the three important features of the new Toyota Tacoma:
Brute Strength
The TRD Pro has the strongest foundation seen on any midsize trucks. Thanks to the use of high-strength steel in the frame and body, the TRD Pro can battle it out in terms of durability and performance. It also boasts of a “refined setup,” which means a double wishbone coil-spring front suspension and leaf spring rear suspension with staggered outboard-mounted gas shocks.
There are two available powertrains: the entry-level 2.7-liter DOHC four-cylinder with VVT-i that produces 159 horsepower and 180 lb.-ft. of peak torque and segment-first Atkinson-cycle 3.5-liter V6 featuring the Toyota’s innovative VVT-iW technology. The latter can produce 278 horsepower and 265 lb.-ft. of peak torque.
Stylist and Functional
The new Tacoma TRD Pro has a stylish yet functional design. It did not go away with its traditional ruggedness as can be seen on the overfenders, the hexagonal grille and tall, muscular hood. The Tacoma sits well above the ground clearance with the wheels ranging from 16 to 18 inches in diameter.
The Tacoma’s exterior palette is available in Black, Blazing Blue Pearl, Barcelona Red Metallic, Inferno, Quicksand, Magnetic Gray Metallic, Cement (TRD Pro only), Silver Sky Metallic, and Super White.
Inside, you can enjoy a host of new features that include: Qi wireless charging, smart key with push-button start, leather-trimmed seats, power tilt/slide moonroof, dual-zone automatic climate control, enhanced touchscreen audio, and blind-spot monitor with rear cross traffic alert.
Tacoma has Six Model Grades
You can choose from these six: SR, SR5, TRD Sport, TRD Off-Road, Limited and Off-Road TRD Pro. It also has 31 models based on two cab types—either the extended Access Cab or the four-door Double Cab, each of which are available in 4×2 and 4×4 configurations.
2018 Audi S5 Cabriolet Head On Against the BMW 4 Series
Audi has recently unveiled the 2018 S5 Cabriolet, which will be a soft-top iteration of the A5 lineup. In a nutshell, this update will have larger dimensions, tweaked styling, more sleek interior with high-tech gadgets, turbo-six cylinder and updated rear suspension.
On the outside, the 2018 Audi S5 Cabriolet has reshaped the three-dimensional Singleframe grille. It is now shorter and wider. It also has reshaped headlights, with Xenon elements as standard, to have that slimmer appearance compared to the previous generation. If you’re unimpressed with the headlights, you can opt for the LEDs and matrix LEDs with dynamic turn signals for the front and rear.
Dimensionally, the new S5 is larger at 184 inches with the wheelbase extending to 108.9 inches and the track to 62.5 inches wide in front and 61.7 inches wide in the rear. Still, the 2018 S5 appears narrower than the current model.
Inside, the new S5 has a sportier appearance. The steering wheel has controls that are thumb-reachable. The gauge cluster is analog for now, but you can also opt for a digital cluster. On the center of the panel is a tablet screen with hard buttons in the center console. The pedals are finished in brushed metal while the seats are covered in partial leather.
Under the hood, you can expect the S5 to pack more power than it did before. It has a turbocharged 3.0-liter (2,995 cc) TFSI V-6, which produces 354 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque.
In the US, the new S5 is priced at $64,000.
2018 Audi S5 Cabriolet Versus the BMW 4 Series
BMW’s two-door compact convertible comes with all the features you’ll expect from the German automaker. The interior is full to the brim with high-tech gadgets while the exterior is a little more attention-seeking than the Audi S5 Cabriolet. It has a more premium and elegant feeling, though it’s way cheaper than the S5 at $50,000. The only thing bad about this BMW is that it’s slower than Audi’s entry.
Getting To Know The 2018 BMW X3
2018 BMW X3 rendering. (Source: TopSpeed)
The BMW X3 is a huge favorite for those who want an everyday car that is versatile, functional, efficient and luxurious. It has been refreshed for the 2015 model year and will be fully upgraded for 2018.
According to a report, the expected upgrades will bring a full redesign of the exterior, improved interior space and comfort, as well as a new diesel engine and plug-in hybrid.
Exterior
The spy shots allowed the rendering of how the 2018 BMW X3 will look like. The new X3 is expected to have a more refined design, but obviously, the kidney grilles will remain. What’s a Bimmer without it? The headlights will be similar to the refreshed 2015 version, but they will be placed a little beyond the lens. There’s a running LED strip from the outside corner, under the bulbs to the lower inboard point. The round fog lights will be carried over, along with air dam, and shortened corner vents.
The sides have been changed a bit. The upper body line now runs straight from the fender back. It is also sharper and a bit more refined than the one you can find on the current model. The wheels have dual five-spoke design.
Interior
The new X3’s steering wheel has a longer bottom spoke with silver buttons and silver insert over the bottom spoke. The instrument cluster cannot be seen because of the cover on the spy shots, but it’s safe to say that it’ll have a digital speedo on the left and a digital tachometer on the right.
The center console looks the same, but there are chrome overlays on the side, and the tech is more refined and luxurious. That is largely thanks to the free-standing and larger infotainment screen that looks like it’s floating from the top of the center stack.
As for the cargo, there should be a 60-40 folding rear seat. The hip and legroom may also increase.
Drivetrain
The next X3 will build on the CLAR platform that is being used on the 3 series and all larger BMW vehicles. It will have a range of gas and diesel engines, as well as an incoming plug-in hybrid.
Mercedes-AMG GT 4 vs 2018 Porsche Panamera vs 2018 Bentley Continental GT
Mercedes-AMG GT 4 rendering. (Siource: Car)
Since Mercedes is celebrating the 50th anniversary of its AMG division, it’s safe to assume that a new Vision concept will soon be unveiled. Reportedly, it is going to be a high-performance four-door super saloon that would be pitted against the likes of the 2018 Porsche Panamera and the 2018 Bentley Continental GT.
Mercedes GT 4
For now, the rumored Mercedes-AMG GT 4 is codenamed X290 until its supposed unveiling in 2019. Reports are saying that the super car will be powered by a 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V-8 engine. It is scheduled to hit the market sometime in 2019 with a starting price of $148,000. The model will be based on the same Mercedes architecture and platform that are being used on the C 63, E 63, S 63 AMG variants.
There will be two versions of the 4.0-liter twin-turbo V-8 engine available to the market. The range-topping S 4MATIC+ variant will be able to produce more than 600 horsepower. There are also plans to use an integrated starter generator to complement the V-8 engine.
None of these details have been confirmed yet since these are all concept of the GT 4 for now.
2018 Porsche Panamera
The new Panamera ushered in a new exterior and interior designs, a new engine lineup, and plenty of tech goodies such as LED headlights, safety assistance systems, an innovative chassis system, a 21-speaker Burmester 3D sound system, and plenty of personalization options.
It currently has two models—the Panamera 4S with a 2.9-liter, twin-turbo V-6 that can produce 440 horsepower; and the Panamera Turbo with a 4.0-liter, twin-turbo V-8 engine that churns out 550 horsepower.
2018 Bentley Continental GT
The rumored updates for the 2018 Continental GT aren’t much, except for tweaked styling on the exterior, a new V-8 engine, and an upgraded interior. It apparently packs the shortened version of Porsche’s MSB platform, though the higher-end model will reportedly have a 6.0-liter, W-12 engine. No official word on that, though.
Getting To Know 2017 Toyota RAV4’s Two New Grades
The 2017 Toyota RAV4 has upped the game by releasing two new grades: a top-of-the-line Platinum Grade and the new SE Hybrid Grade. It is also offering a slew of standard-issue safety technology through its Toyota Safety Sense P (TSS-P) active safety package.
Based on the pressroom of Toyota, the package contains the Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, Automatic High Beams and Dynamic Radar Cruise Control. These features will support a driver’s awareness and decision making while they are on the road.
Platinum Grade
Raising the bar even higher, Toyota truly delivers through the new RAV4’s full-body exterior and unique badging. Compared to the Limited’s menu, the Platinum adds SofTex®- trimmed seats, dash, and door panels, as well as heated front seats, 8-way power driver’s seat, Smart Key system with push-button start, remote power liftgate, and a frameless auto-dimming rearview mirror with HomeLink®.
Standard to the Platinum are amenities like a heated steering wheel, foot well ambient lighting, plush floor mats, and Platinum badge door sill protectors.
Tech lovers would drool over the standard Entune™ Premium JBL® Audio with Integrated Navigation and App Suite, five-door Smart Key, kick-type hands-free power liftgate, and Bird’s Eye View Camera with Perimeter Scan, Overhead 360 degree view in drive and reverse, and curb view.
The Bird’s Eye View Camera system includes the Perimeter Scan, which will display live and rotating 360-degree views of your surrounding when the car is parked.
The Entune Premium JBL Audio with Integrated Navigation and App Suite system has a maximum of 576 watts pumped through 11 JBL GreenEdge™ Technology speakers in seven locations. That includes a subwoofer.
SE Hybrid Grade
The sporty RAV4 SE, in itself, features sport-tuned gas-only suspension, 18-inch alloy wheels and paddle shifters for the six-speed automatic transmission (gas only).
On the exterior, you can expect the LED headlights and taillights, and the front bumper with honeycomb grill design. The SE is special in such a way that Toyota decided to combine three different colors–Super White, Black and Electric Storm Blue—over Silver Sky Metallic on the car’s lower grille.
Inside, that sport elegance exudes with SofTex-covered seats with contrast stitching, a choice of two colors for the interior—Black or Black and Cinnamon. It also comes with a Black headliner, Black A&B-pillar covers, sport floor mats, door sill protectors, and Gunmetal Gray trim. The instrumental panel has twin dials with red illumination and red pointers. This is partnered with a standard 4.2-inch color TFT multi-information display.
The Hybrid gets its power and quick acceleration by combining a 2.5-liter Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder engine with a small high-torque electric motor. It can produce 194 system horsepower, and can go from 0 to 60 mph in 8.1 seconds.
Power derives from gas engine and electric motor, or a combination of both as needed.
2017 BMW 6 Series Takes on Porsche Panamera and Audi S7
A possible 2017 BMW 6 Series was spotted testing on the road. It will have a new lightened chassis, upgraded tech for the cabin and refreshed styling on the outside.
Although details are still up in the air, what is clear is that it will be competing against the Porsche Panamera and the Audi S7.
Based on the spy shots, the fourth generation model of the BMW 6 Series will offer a roof with an angled approach towards the rear end, which promises to give the car a fastback profile. It also has a trailing spoiler and revamped taillights on the rear, and a kidney grille and slimmer headlights up front.
In terms of dimension, this is still in the midsize range, though it will carry the chassis code G14, G15, and G16, replacing the outgoing model’s designation of F12, F13, and F06, respectively.
Under the hood, the new BMW 6 Series will have the same powerplant treatment as the new 5 Series, meaning a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder from the 540i. Output is a mean 350 horsepower and 340 pound-feet of torque.
Currently, the 6 Series is pegged at $77,600, but the top-of-the-line model can go as high as $100,000.
Porsche Panamera or the BMW 6 Series?
For under $80,000, the Porsche Panamera—all that power—can be yours. It combines the power of a high-end sports car with the functionality of a five-door hatchback.
If you have the extra juice, meaning $100,000, you can get the Turbo S model, which has a 911-performance, thanks to its twin-turbo V-8 that can produce 570 horsepower. This can make the Panamera go from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.6 seconds. It has a maximum speed of 192mph.
The Panamera also comes packing with the Porsche Active Suspension Management with three different drive modes—Comfort, Sport and Sport Plus.
If BMW plans to compete with this through the 6 Series, it better bring its A game.
3 Things To Know About The Facelifted Mercedes-Benz C-Class
German company Mercedes-Benz is working to update its C-Class. In fact, a prototype has been spotted being tested at Merc’s headquarters in Germany.
Based on the spy photos, there will be minor tweaks on the exterior of this small design. And though there are no actual photos of the car’s interior, previous rumors point out to a host of new technology inside.
It Resembles the E-Class
You can expect that the Mercedes-Benz C-Class will be fitted with new bumpers. There will also be modifications made to the internals of the lights. You’ll have to look closely if you want to find it. Previously, test photos already showed that the headlights of the new C-Class will closely resemble those found on the newest E-Class.
Switch to Digital Instrument is Possible
Although there are no shots of the C-Class’ interior, but there are expectations that it will be packed with the digital instrument cluster from the E-Class and S-Class models. This has been seen before anyway, so it’s not entirely impossible.
Yet, it’s also possible too that the updated C-Class will simply have an option to have the digital instrument cluster on its panel. This is what Audi did with its own digital instrument cluster for entry-level models.
Powertrain will be Similar to Merc’s Next-gen Engines
There is no word yet on what we can find under the hood of the new C-Class, although it will likely adopt Mercedes’ next-generation engines, which are slates to debut in the 2018 S-Class.
What we do know for now is that the updated C-Class will have numerous efficiency improvements that include a single electric motor to replace the current starter motor and alternator. The change also aims to improve the power of the new C-Class by boosting its performance on the road.
The new engines will reportedly have a modular design. Also, instead of the current V-6 design used by Mercedes-Benz, the 6-cylinder units are depending to an inline design.
This update is nothing spectacular drivetrain- and power-wise. The C-Class simply needs to fresh things up since it has reached the midway point in its life cycle.
The car was introduced as a 2015 model-year. Based on calculations, Mercedes-Benz will be releasing the upgraded C-Class as a 2019 model.
Top 3 Features Of The Kia Soul First Class Concept
The Kia Soul First Class concept, which was specifically designed for the 2016 SEMA show, is taking autonomous technology to the next level by pairing it up with luxurious features such as rear facing front seats, a massive rear view screen, in-floor leg rests, and an elegant and comfortable cabin you’ll want to rest in.
Here are the top 3 features of the concept car based on a source:
Exterior
Kia tapped the resources of LUX Motorwerks to give the Soul a unique vision of what’s in the future for SUVs and crossovers. The first step is to bathe the Soul in LUX Electric Blue finish from top to bottom. Then, they also put LED lights that give a mysterious blue glow on the upper and lower grille.
The concept’s Rotiform Monoblock CCV 19-inch wheels are also fitted in Continental all-season tires. The backgrounds of the Kia emblems on the exterior are also painted LUX Electric Blue while the “Kia” lettering remains black. The headlights are getting the same LUX Electric Blue treatment as accents.
Interior
This is called Soul First Class for a reason. The interior is so luxurious it can make you think you’re inside a Bentley or a Rolls-Royce. What modifications this concept lacked outside, it more than makes up for what you can find inside.
What LUX did was to strip off everything out of the cabin and start on a clean canvass. The rear seats now face the back of the car while a new console was installed between the two seats. Each of the passengers will have access to a tablet device that can control and monitor every aspect of the vehicle.
The seats are made with gray leather with diamond stitching while the floor has been equipped with a modern gray wood, giving off that feel of class and luxury. In the rear, you’ll be able to see an entertainment center installed to that floor that has a Mac Mini computer.
Drivetrain
There are no chassis or drivetrain upgrades, but it is expected to have a 1.6-liter, all-aluminum, four-banger that can produce 130 horsepower and 118 pound-feet of torque. Higher models can offer 164 horsepower and 151 pound-feet of torque from a 2.0-liter engine.
