Daily Archives: December 14, 2016
3 Things To Know About The 2017 BMW X5 Plug-In Hybrid
The 2017 BMW X5 Plug-In Hybrid is a killer on the road, if truth be told. The kidney grilles, sleek motifs, and elegant interior all scream BMW—a car that has always been worthy to take on any kind of highway. And the X5 is exactly like that.
According to a test, like all X models, the X5 was built to conquer the highway while highlighting the features that make it undoubtedly a sports car.
Powertrain
The X5 features an electric motor and internal combustion. The internal combustion features a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder that can produce 240 horsepower. Once paired with an electric motor, it can add another 111 horses to the already powerful 240. These are all mated with an 8-speed Steptronic automatic gearbox.
As with any hybrid vehicle, the two units just don’t add up and bring 352 horsepower. Instead, they average at about 308 horsepower, which is still a welcome development compared to other models in the same segment. It can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 6.5 seconds. It has a top speed of 130 mph.
Earth-Friendly
If you’ll use the full electric, you can go 16 miles on a full charge. But once combined with the four-cylinder engine, you can reach the 56 MPG EPA estimated by BMW. Without the battery (if it is discharged), the motor engine can reach a decent 24 MPG with the four-cylinder engine.
The lightweight material used on the 2017 BMW X5 Plug-In Hybrid is able to save power and fuel, too. The X5 now has a lighter and stronger independent suspension that promised a quiet ride for the Pirelli 20-inch alloy wheels.
Price
The 2017 BMW X5 Plug-In Hybrid has a base price of $62,100. The high-end model will cost $72,420 because of the additional features inside the cabin. The price is justifiable enough because the car will also come packed with a host of safety features such as air bag development, four-wheel ABS brakes, stability and traction controls, and other BMW items.
Volkswagen Golf GTI Clubsport S vs Ford Focus RS
The Volkswagen Golf GTI Clubsport S was a product of the Golf GTI and the Golf GTI Clubsport. There is a lot of history here, mainly the Golf GTI’s inability to function better than the four-wheel-drive R model. And then, when the Clubsport Edition was introduced, Volkswagen wanted more for its Golf segment.
The Golf GTI Clubsport S packs the third-generation EA888 engine paired with a six-speed manual gearbox that produces 306 horsepower. This exceptional lap time wasn’t purely from the engine or the lightweight material (it weighs only 1,285 kg) used on the Golf GTI Clubsport S. There were a lot of modifications in the materials, rear seats, boot floor, load cover, and bonnet damper.
According to Volkswagen, the Clubsport S can go 62mph in 5.8 seconds from complete rest. That’s not too bad considering it costs the same as the Honda Civic Type R and the Ford Focus RS at $37,800.
Ford Focus RS
Any modern hatchback would have specialized engines and structural reinforcements—all of which the Ford Focus RS comes packing in. The Ford Focus RS is the first Focus with an all-wheel drive, so what Ford did is to apply a thicker steel between the rear suspension turrets. That explains the extra torsional body stiffness.
Under the hood, you’ll find a turbocharged 2.3-liter engine that has been developed for the Mustang and redeveloped by Cosworth. The engine can produce 345 horsepower and 325 lb. ft. of torque, which is honestly quite powerful for a hatchback.
Inside the Ford Focus RS, the cabins are significantly inferior to the Audi RS3 and Mercedes-AMG A 45, but definitely a step up from the Renault Megane RS 275. The only thing we did not like about it is that leg room is a little bit smaller because of the more sophisticated rear axle.
Like the Golf GTI Clubsport S, the Ford Focus S is priced at $37,800. Other rivals are the Mercedes-AMG A45 and the Audi RS3, both around $12,500 more expensive.
3 Things To Know About Ordering The Renault Alpine Sports Car
There is little we know about the new Alpine Sports Car from Renault, other than from the fact that it will resemble the Alpine Vision concept car we had earlier this year. Those who are big Renault fans can blindly order this sports car with a deposit of £1,700 ($2,141).
According to Alpine’s website, the company is beginning to take orders for the sports car’s “premiere edition,” of which only 1,995 will be produced.
How To Order The Alpine Sports Car
It is slightly unconventional for a very traditional company like Renault to market and to promote their sports car like how they did the Alpine. To reserve the Alpine Sports Car, you need to download the Alpine app for your phone, then select your preferred number of the 1,995 being offered. That number will be unique and will appear on a plaque in the cabin when it gets delivered to you next year.
After this, you will have to choose a color—blue, white or black. The final stage is the payment process. You can choose to pay with either a debit or a credit card. There are no trim level selections and no alloy wheel options. That’s how basic the reservation will be.
What We Know So Far In Terms Of Engine Specs
Renault has not even revealed the top speed for the mid-engined sports car. What we do know is that it can go 0-62 mph in just 4.5 seconds, and that it is expected to pack a turbocharged 1.6-liter or 1.8-liter petrol engine, similar to what we can find under the hood of the Renault Clio RS hatchback.
Rumors said the Alpine Sports Car is going to be a rear-wheel drive, and will come with a dual-clutch automatic transmission as standard. This is quite similar to the Alfa Romeo 4C. And like the 4C, the Alpine is going to offer lightweight as one of its benefits. It will be “fractionally” quicker than the Porsche 718 Cayman S, which packs the more powerful 2.5-liter turbocharged petrol engine.
How Renault Hopes To Attract Customers
How can the French company expect to attract customers with no details whatsoever? The “alluring history” of Alpine brand and its exclusivity will hopefully make customers download the app and reserve their own Alpine numbers.