Monthly Archives: December 2016
5 Things To Watch Out For In The 2019 Audi A7
The current Audi A7.
It was never an easy task to redesign something that has gained a loyal fan base. Audi, on the other hand, took the challenge and overhauled the current generation A7. What came out is a sleek, dream-like, and well-oiled machine that can take you places.
1. Exterior
If you’re a fan of the wide signature grille first shown on the Prologue concept in 2014, you’ll be happy to know that the next-gen 2019 Audi A7 will have those. There are also wider and slimmer taillamps. The side windows, however, remain very close to the current model.
2. Interior
Inspired by the Prologue concept, the upcoming Audi’s interior will be futuristic, according to Audi chief designer Marc Lichte. You’ll love these innovations: swiping functions for the screen, several TFT displays with OLED technology, and an assistance system that can summon the car when it’s coming from a tight garage space.
3. Platform
The next-gen Audi A7 will be based on the MLB Evo platform, which can save as much as 200 pounds in weight. But that lightweight feature cannot stop the A7 from supporting these safety and driving-assistance technology and an advanced infotainment system. The same platform will be used on the A5, A6, Q5, and the next-generation A8, which will shortly follow the A7 in the industry.
4. Powertrain
The available powertrain options are: turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinders with gasoline and diesel variety for the base model of the next Audi A7. Higher than that is the 3.0-liter V-6 engine that will be offered in various power levels. It will also be available in either gasoline or diesel. Unfortunately, there’s no 6-cylinder diesel for the next-gen A7 because of the current TDI cheating scandal.
5. Competition
The next-generation A7 will compete directly with the Mercedes-Benz CLS-class and the BMW 6-series Gran Coupe. Like the A7, the Merc and the BMW were done with executive sedans in mind. It offers elegance both inside and outside.
5 Important Pointers About The 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan
Volkswagen has worked hard to bridge the gap between the current Tiguan and the Touareg. What came out of their effort is this crossover: a second-generation Volkswagen Tiguan that has an increased overall length, has more cargo space, and has a seven-seater option.
1. It Uses The MQB Platform
The modular components for VW Group’s MQB platform are being utilized extensively by the German company. Since 2012, the group sold 28 models and a total of 4.6 million vehicles that used this chassis. What all MQB-based vehicles have in common are the transverse engine and transmission orientation. From there, the cars are free to do anything: front- or all-wheel drive, three-, four-, or six-cylinder, and variations in wheelbases, tracks and exterior dimension.
2. It Has The “German Engineering” Driving Experience
This means that you’ll get to experience what it feels like to handle a German-made car—from the leather-wrapped steering wheel to the well-bolstered driver’s seat to the 4MOTION all-wheel-drive system that perfects rounds on snowy roads, the dry-paved roads, and even off-road conditions. When driving on a highway, you can choose from Eco, Normal, Sport, and Custom operating modes.
3. It Can Only Produce 180 Horsepower
It may be outfitted with VW’s new EA888 turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four, but it will only be able to produce 180 horsepower, 16 horsies less than the current Tiguan. VW said this was done for the greater good—increased torque and better fuel efficiency. The exact figures, however, have not been released.
4. It Has A Cabin That Rivals Most Luxury Sedans
Inside the new Tiguan, you’ll find some of the most luxurious elements of a crossover—an 8-inch centrally-located touchscreen with infotainment volume and tuning, and a second screen display between the speedometer and tachometer. The first screen shows a compass, steering angle, pitch and roll angles, and engine oil temperature. The second display has the navigation, trip, and mileage information.
5. It Can Accommodate Up To 7 People
To be clear, the crossover is unlike the Honda Pilot, Ford Flex, and Buick Enclave when it comes to cabin length and width. It just sits a little above the Mitsubishi Outlander, though seven people with normal stature can fit into the new Tiguan.
Top 3 Things To Know About The BMW M2 Convertible By Dahler
Dähler Design and Technik is offering to BMW fans what is not being offered by the M2. It’s an open-top version of the BMW M2 coupe!
According to source, the German company decided against manufacturing an open-top convertible for the BMW M2 because the engineers thought there was no way it can deliver a good enough droptop. Luckily, aftermarket specialist Dahler thought to make it their personal mission to deliver an open-top convertible for the M2.
1. It is Every Inch A BMW
The Dahler project is obviously made by a professional, and someone who knows how to deal with a BMW. It’s still every inch a BMW because it doesn’t even feel like someone else other than the Bavarian company handled the car. Dahler didn’t say how they converted the vehicle, though we are led to believe that they based it on the 2 Series Convertible rather than the M2 coupe.
2. Its Stage 1 Delivers 402 Horsepower
Dahler is beating out the M2 coupe, which is pretty powerful with its capacity to produce 365 horsepower (272 kilowatts) and 343 pound-feet of torque (465 Newton-meters). It can even be boosted to 369 pound-feet of torque (500 Nm).
But Dahler’s M2 Convertible has two stages: Stage 1 will bring the turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-6 to produce 402 horsepower (300 kW) and 426 lb-ft of torque (580 Nm). This will enable the M2 Convertible to reach 62 mph (100 kph) in just four seconds. The maximum speed is 180 mph (290 km/h).
3. Its Stage 2 Produces 419 Horsepower
If you are not contented with what Stage 1 has to offer, you can go up another notch with Dahler’s Stage 2 program for the M2 Convertible. Stage 2 can deliver up to 419 horsepower (313 kW) and 450 lb-ft of torque (610 Nm). This has a top speed of 186 mph (300 km/h).
Photos of the BMW M2 Convertible
Check out the gallery below for more images of the BMW M2 made into a convertible by Dahler:
2018 Mercedes E-Class Coupe vs Mercedes E-Class Sedan
Don’t tell us you didn’t see this. The release of the Mercedes E-Class Coupe comes directly after the E-Class Sedan. That’s not a surprise. We saw that same order with the S-Class and the C-Class.
The coupe version isn’t exactly original. It has the same silhouettes and rear-end designs as the C-Class and the S-Class coupes, but the E-Class wins because it reminds us of the Mercedes-AMG GT sports cars. And if you don’t have the money for the GT sports car, then the E-Class Coupe is the next best thing.
Interior
The exterior may look like a sports car but once you get inside, you’ll see that it is still a luxury car. Similar to the sedan, you can use a 12.3-inch widescreens in the coupe. Where they differ is in the gauge cluster. The coupe incorporated this in a single screen.
Both the sedan’s and coupe’s steering wheels have the touch-type controls.
Powertrain
Under the hood of the E-Class Sedan, there’s a 4-cylinder E300. The coupe comes away with an E400 with a 3.0-liter V-6 engine that can produce 329 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque. Standard to both variants is a nine-speed automatic transmission. You can choose from either a rear- or all-wheel drive.
Technology
Fond of innovation? You’ll thank the E-Class Coupe’s and Sedan’s Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, wireless phone charging, and a concierge service. The E400 Coupe also boasts of the Magic Vision Control.
Safety Features
The Coupe comes with a bunch of safety tech that are not readily available on the sedan. This includes the standard autonomous emergency braking and the Drive Pilot suite for semi-autonomous driving.
If you want to see the E-Class Coupe in person, you’ll have to wait until the North American International Auto Show on January 29. It will be available to US market by summer next year.
Top 3 Things To Know About The 2017 Skoda Octavia
The 2017 Skoda Octavia made a questionable move when it came out with a new exterior design last month. In turn, it wants to deliver more juicy details about the new driver assistance and infotainment systems.
1. Exterior
Based on a source, the most telling feature of the 2017 Skoda Octavia is the revised split headlights that are now close to the looks of the Skoda Kodiaq. It also has a much neater lower bumper with horizontal lines that emphasize the car’s width.
The Octavia falls between its competitors—the Volkswagen Gold and the Vauxhall Astra. The Octavia is based on VW’s MQB platform, which is one of the longer versions in the Group’s chassis lineup. This means that it will offer one of the class’ largest cabins. The wheelbase and overall dimensions, however, will remain unchanged.
2. Driver assistance system
What it boasts off is a slew of new driver assistance systems. This included predictive pedestrian protection for when the driver is speeding from 10 to 60 km/h (6 to 37 mph) and someone crosses or steps into the oncoming traffic. The feature, which is part of the optional Front Assist package, can automatically slam the brakes.
The Octavia also included the Blind Spot Detect, optional trailer assist system, Rear Traffic Alert, and Maneuver Assist.
The Rear Traffic Alert, in particular, will help those who are challenged by parallel parking. This is a welcome development, of course, for everyone who’s finding it hard to glide into tight spaces.
3. Infotainment system
Inside the Octavia, there’s a whole host of high-tech infotainment gadgets that will provide online services for real-time traffic info, fuel prices, news, weather, and parking options. There’s also a 9.2-inch display that supports Google Earth, Street View, and an online map update service.
For emergency purposes, there’s also the “Care Connect services,” which also includes the emergency call function.
4 Things To Know About The 2017 Hyundai Elantra Value Edition
This month, Hyundai introduced a value edition for its Elantra line-up. This will allow people on a budget to get the Hyundai Elantra with a slew of important features, but without the skyrocketing price of the other trim levels.
Mike Evanoff, the product planning manager in Hyundai, said the South Korean company wants to give their customers a variety of options. The Value Edition will bridge the gap between valuable amenities and the price tag.
1. Price
First, the price. This new trim level is just $20.250. That’s a total of $1,215 in savings. Considering that the Value Edition added features to ensure comfort, convenience, and safety, the $20,000 price tag is not bad at all.
2. Additional Features
Aside from those that come standard to all trim levels, the Value Edition boasts of these features: blind spot detection with rear cross-traffic alert and lane change assist, leather-wrapped steering wheel, leather shift knob, LED daytime running lamps, auto-dimming rearview mirror with HomeLink and compass, hands-free Smart Trunk release, proximity key with electronic push button start, and sunroof—power glass tilt and slide, safety one-touch.
It also has dual automatic temperature control with clean air ionizer and auto defogger, heated front seats, Bluetooth hands-free phone system, seven-inch Display Audio system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and power driver’s seat with lumbar adjust.
3. Standard Features
All Elantra trim levels now come with Bluetooth and cruise control while HID headlights with Dynamic Bending Light is now standard on the Limited trim. On the SE trim level, the additional standard features are steering-wheel phone and audio controls.
The Elantra is made up of 53-percent high-strength steel and 2.0-liter Atkinson cycle engine. This gives every trim level a solid foundation, plus the comfort, convenience, and safety features standard to every model. Drivers will be glad to know that Hyundai also offers complimentary services for the Elantra, including Automatic Collision Notification, Enhanced Roadside Assistance, Vehicle Diagnostic Alert, Monthly Vehicle Health Report, and In-Vehicle Service Scheduling.
4. Photos
Check out some photos of the 2017 Hyundai Elantra Value Edition below:
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.