Monthly Archives: December 2016
4 Different Prices For The 2017 Alfa Romeo Giulia
Pricing details about the 2017 Alfa Romeo Giulia have been released, and the base model will start at $38,990, including destination in the US. They have four total trims available: the base model, the Alfa Romeo Giulia Ti, the Ala Romeo Giulia Ti Sport, and the Alfa Romeo Giulia Ti Lusso.
The Base-Model Alfa Romeo Giulia
Powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 280 horsepower and 306 pound-feet of torque. This will be paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. On the exterior, you’ll find a four-way lumbar, bi-xenon headlights with signature LED daytime running lights and LED tail lights.
Once inside, there’s a 10-way power front seats, backup camera with gridlines and rear park sensors, remote start, bright chrome window trim surround, seven-inch full-color TFT display, and remote proximity sensor.
The Alfa Romeo Giulia Ti
For an additional $2,000, there are more luxurious features like the genuine wood interior accents, heated front seats and steering wheel, standard 18-inch wheels, and 8.8-inch widescreen infotainment display, SiriusXM, and more.
The Alfa Romeo Giulia Ti Sport
The package is priced with an additional of $2,250. It brings to the luxurious sedan the following features: unique front and rear sport fascias, gloss black window trim surround, 19-inch wheels, colored brake calipers, sport leather steering wheel, 14-way front power sport leather seats with lumbar and power side bolsters, and aluminum column-mounted paddle shifters.
The Alfa Romeo Giulia Ti Lusso
Aside from the abovementioned features, the Ti Lusso will add the Luxury Pieno Italian leather seats with cannelloni inserts, as well as a luxurious steering wheel, 12-way power front seats, genuine wood trim in dark gray oak or light walnut, and leather-wrapped dash and upper door trim with accent stitching. You can get all of these for $2,250.
If you want more performance, you can get the Performance package. With this, you’ll enjoy adaptive performance suspension, aluminum column-mounted paddle shifters, and mechanical limited slip differential.
Then, there is also the Alfa Romeo Quadrifoglio, which packs a 2.9-liter bi-turbo V-6 engine that produces 505 horsepower and 443 lb. ft. of torque. It can be purchased for $73,595.
3 Main Features Of The Lexus LC That You Have To Know
In Spring 2017, the United States auto market will be treated to the Lexus LC, a 2+2 performance coupe that aims to be defined as both a premium vehicle and a luxurious lifestyle brand. It boasts of its innovative design, engineering, performance, and technology.
Here are its three main features according to Toyota USA Newsroom:
Design
The Lexus LC is based on the LF-LC Concept, which won EyesOn Design award when it was first revealed at the 2012 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. The engineers and design teams in Lexus worked together to bring a production-ready car with a new cabin and driver-focused cockpit that will surely be opening to passengers.
The LC maintained its low roof and hood lines from the LF-LC concept while accommodating a sport suspension and 21-inch forged alloy wheels. There are also new ultra-slim LED headlight units, chrome-plated moldings along the side of the glass roof, black-out finish on the roof, rear pillar and spoilers, and the iconic spindle grille design.
Interior
If you are impressed by the exterior, you’ll even be more excited to know that such elegance is extended to the car’s interior. The cabin area was designed to be extremely welcoming to the passengers. The driver’s cockpit was laid out for an excellent seating position that can easily reach the dashboard controls. The driver also enjoys a low-seating position because of the low hood line and low-profile instrument panel.
There is generous legroom both for the driver and the passengers, making getting in and out of the LC a breeze. The control zone is located around the steering wheel, enabling the driver to access starter button, shift lever, paddle shifters, Drive Mode select, and steering wheel combination switches.
Powertrains
There are two powertrains available for the Lexus LC: the 3.5-liter V-6 full hybrid with multi-stage hybrid system and the normally-aspirated 5.0-liter V-8. The multi-stage hybrid system transforms the torque, power, and acceleration all the while maintaining the smoothness of drive and efficiency that Lexus is known for.
The V-8 gasoline engine, on the other hand, is paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission that can produce 471 horsepower. This is a first for a passenger car.
3 Key Elements Of Ford’s Return To Park Feature On The 2017 Ford Fusion
Ford engineered a new feature that will assist drivers and reduce the possibility for vehicle rollaways. Through this feature, a new rotary gear shift dial in the Fusion will engage a special software that can detect when the customer intends to exit the vehicle.
Called the “Return To Park,” this feature will keep the drivers’ peace of mind that their Fusions will park as intended, especially when they forget to put the gear to “P.”
1. Return To Park Uses Vehicle’s Sensors
To detect a driver’s intention to park when he/she forgets to put the gear to “P,” the fusion’s Return To Park feature will use the vehicle’s network of sensors to identify certain movements from the driver. These movements will be preprogrammed to the software that is connected to the gear shift.
This was accidentally discovered when Ford engineers were designing the new 2017 Fusion rotary gear shift dials. They realized that through the dials and by designing a special software, they can address the issue of rollaways that will reduce the potentials of accidents under certain conditions.
2. Return To Park Work Under Different Conditions
Designed to put your car into “park,” this software uses a network of sensors that will keep your car safe from rollaways under these conditions: when you turn the vehicle off, when you open the door and your seatbelt is unlatched and the vehicle is stationary, and when the seatbelt is unlatched while the driver’s door is open and the vehicle is on stop.
3. Return To Park Will Not Disrupt Normal, Day-To-Day Operations
There is no way the Return To Park feature can disrupt your normal everyday driving behavior. It is designed not to operate when it detects that the driver, with his seatbelt on, opened the door while the vehicle is moving. This usually happens to free a stuck coat tail or if the driver is inching into a parking space and wants to see the lane marks.
The Return To Park feature will be available on all 2017 Ford Fusion vehicles.
Top 3 Expectations From The Chevrolet Blazer
We are still unsure of what General Motors plans to call this midsize crossover seen being tested on the road. We assumed that the camouflaged Chevrolet vehicle being tested last week is indeed the model that hopes to bridge the gap between the Equinox and the Traverse.
Although it is smaller than the full-size Traverse, which is scheduled for a redesign for the 2018 model, the similarities are uncanny. Experts believe that this new vehicle from Chevrolet is going to be called the Blazer and that it will be the same size as the 2017 GMC Acadia.
1. It May Look Similar To The Acadia
The spy shots of the Chevrolet Blazer crossover SUV seen lately revealed the vehicle’s side profile. If we are to believe the photos we have just seen, we can assume that it will resemble the Acadia very closely.
But how did we know it was really a Chevy? Enough of the vehicle’s grille was visible through the camouflage and the sculpted headlights and LED daytime running lights are similar to the 2018 Equinox, which was brought to the limelight last September. Even the vehicle’s overall form gives off the feeling of it being a Chevrolet.
2. It Will Use The GM’s Chi Platform
Replacing the GM’s Theta Premium and Lambda platforms is the C1XX, pronounced as Chi. It is the platform specifically designed for the construction of midsize and full-size crossovers. Among its many features is that the power comes to the front wheels, it is transversely-mounted, its suspension system is dependent on the four wheels, it offers front- and all-wheel drives, it can support two- or three-row seating, and it has ample cargo space when the third row is up.
3. It Will Arrive As A 2018 Model Year
Before the Blazer is released to the market, we’ll get to see the redesigned Equinox first. The upgraded Equinox was made slower to give way to the Blazer, which will cover that part of the segment.
3 Things To Learn About The 2017 Dodge Challenger GT AWD
If you’re looking for a muscle car that is ideal for the cold winter weather, then you may check out the 2017 Dodge Challenger GT AWD. It’s not as powerful as the Camaro and the Ford Mustang, but its 305-horsepower 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine is enough to plow through inches of snow.
Here are its three main features according to a source:
1. It Can Reroute Power Towards The Front Wheels
The V-6 engine is paired with ZF’s 8-speed automatic transmission, which, in turn, is connected to the same transfer case and front-axle disconnect utilized in the all-wheel-drive Dodge Charger. If you drive the Challenger GT AWD under normal conditions, the 268 lb. ft. of torque charges through the rear wheels. When driving conditions require for the power to move forward, the system reroutes the power to the front.
2. It Comes With Convenient Features To Make Up For The Lack Of V-8
Unfortunately, the 2018 Dodge Challenger GT AWD will not come with a V-8 option. It did make up for it by including a Sport Mode, shift paddles, and launch control, as well as a host of other convenient features such as nappa leather for the cabin, heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, an 8.4-inch Uconnect display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a universal garage door opener, metal-trimmed pedals, and a 276-watt Alpine stereo with six speakers.
3. It Is Cheaper Than The Subaru WRX STI, But More Expensive Than The Ford Mustang
The 2017 Dodge Challenger GT AWD, with all of its muscle-type appearance and all-weather capabilities, will come with a price tag of $34, 490. That is less than the Subaru WRX STI, but slightly more than the price of the Ford Mustang GT. That’s understandable, though, since the Mustang is 130 ponies more powerful than the Dodge Challenger. Production of the 2017 Dodge Challenger will begin in January, so deliveries will begin during the first quarter of next year.
3 Ways The 2017 Nissan Sentra NISMO’s Pricing Disappointed Us
We were all expecting the 2017 Nissan Sentra NISMO to come at under $25,000 because that was what the Japanese automaker earlier revealed. So, it came as a big surprise that the NISMO, Nissan’s new sport compact, was priced at $25,855 because of the mandatory destination fee that was put at $5,000.
Aside from that, here are the three ways that Nissan NISMO surprised us:
1. The base price applies to both options.
How can there be one price for two different transmissions? The $25,855 price tag for the base model covers both the CVT automatic transmission and the 6-speed manual transmission. The latter is obviously the better choice for this turbocharged sedan but of course, there are drivers who prefer to go manual than automatic. Still, it was quite curious why Nissan decided to price the two trims the same. Traditionally, manual transmission should be cheaper.
2. The factory option for Sentra NISMO is priced at $295 and $1,220
Besides two transmission choices, Nissan only offers two other factory options for the 2017 NISMO. The first one is the Aspen White exterior color that sells for an extra $295 and the second one is the Premium package that adds $1,220 on the base price. The Premium package will bring in the Bose audio system and a 5.8-inch touchscreen that has navigation and satellite radio features. Coming standard to the NISMO are the following: heated seats, backup camera, proximity key, microsuede inserts for the steering wheel, a body kit, and 18-inch wheels in 215/45 all-season tires.
If you want summer tires, that is possible too, though Nissan has yet to release the pricing for that.
3. The Nissan NISMO costs more than Ford and Volkswagen.
The Ford Focus ST, which sells for $25,650, and the Volkswagen Golf GTI, which is priced at $26,415, are all coming in cheaper than the 2017 NISMO. That doesn’t make sense, actually, because the Focus ST is more powerful at 252 horsepower while the Golf GTI already ranked in the 10 Best Cars. The Ford Fiesta ST, which costs only $21,995, is 9-horsepower more powerful than the NISMO.
The only reason we can think of why the NISMO is priced higher is because of the stiffer suspension tuning and trim differences.
7 Major Characteristics of the 2017 Toyota 4Runner
In a nutshell, the 2017 Toyota 4Runner is the auto equivalent of a multipurpose Swiss knife. It has everything you need from an SUV and more. Whatever you need it to be, the 4Runner will have your back. Thanks to its size, power, and that macho appeal, you can trust it to tow your boat, climb a mountain, carry seven passengers, and haul a variety of items such as picnic tables, barbeques, tents, and other supplies.
And yet, it still has the capacity to fit solo drivers. That is, if you love massive SUVs that can do anything you ask of it.
Strong and Dependable
No matter what you need, the 4Runner will offer comfort, versatility, and reliability because of its body-on-frame construction that features a 4-link rear axle and coil-spring suspension. You can choose between a 2WD, part-time 4WD with a two-speed transfer case or a full-time, multi-mode 4WD with a two-speed transfer case and locking center differential. All variants with four-wheel drive will have 9.6 inches of ground clearance.
There are three TRD models: the TRD Off-Road, the TRD Off-Road Premium, and the TRD Pro. Aside from these, the 4Runner is also available as the SR5, SR5 Premium, and the Limited.
Macho, Spunky, and Full of Character
Whether it’s freshly bathed or looked like they were born out of mud, the 4Runner will always look stunning. Physically, it has that catchy, bad-ass look that will make heads turn on the streets. All 2017 4Runners have projector beam headlights and LED rear combination lamps. The SR5 and TRD models have 17-inch alloy wheels that are available in three different designs: the 6-spoke design will be standard for SR5 and SR5 Premium, the 7-spoke design for the TRD Off-Road and TRD Off-Road Premium, and the TRD Alloy painted matte black for the TRD Pro.
Powerful and Durable
Under the hood of all 4Runners, you’ll find the 4.0-liter V-6 that can produce 270 horsepower and 278 lb. ft. of torque, thanks for being paired to a 5-speed ECT-i automatic transmission with sequential shift mode. The torque will allow the 4Runner to tow a maximum of 5,000 pounds with a maximum of 500-pound tongue weight.
3 Things To Consider About The 2017 Hyundai Accent Value Edition
Korean automaker Hyundai may be focusing on its Genesis brand for the upper echelon of the automobile market, but that doesn’t mean it has completely forgotten about its budget sedans, namely the Accent.
Recently, the automaker revealed that its subcompact Hyundai Accent sedan is now fully loaded for just the low price of $17,285. Called the 2017 Hyundai Accent Value Edition, this subcompact sedan is the perfect characterization of the brand’s budget roots.
Here are its key features based on a report:
1. It’s a little more than Accent’s base model.
The 2017 Hyundai Accent Value Edition is only $705 more than the base mode, the 2017 Hyundai Accent SE sedan. That one comes with a six-speed automatic transmission while the Value Edition doesn’t offer a manual. This small amount adds a number of features such as 16-inch aluminum wheels, cruise control, Bluetooth connectivity, steering wheel audio controls, rear disc brakes, and an armrest storage box. For an $18,000 car, these features are perfectly acceptable. It still doesn’t come with a backup camera, but that’s also not available on any Accent sedan, regardless of trim level.
2. It’s not the only budget option on the Accent lineup.
If you don’t need the extra features that the Value Edition is offering, you can opt for the $15,580 Accent SE with a six-speed manual transmission. If you want the hatchback version, which is honestly way more aesthetically pleasing than the sedan, that’s an additional $250. The Accent hatchback also offers a Sport trim level, which has dropped its manual transmission option and now is only available with a six-speed automatic for $18,330.
3. It hints of a redesigned model for next year.
Traditionally, Hyundai offers their Value Edition deals when a variant is nearing the end of its life. Although it’s quite exciting to know that it’s easier to afford an Accent with this new trim level, this isn’t the news we’re waiting about the Accent. This hints, however, of a redesigned model for next year or for 2018.
3 Things To Know About The 2019 Mercedes-Benz CLS
Spy shots and a video of the 2019 Mercedes-Benz CLS have been taken while the car was caught testing on the road lately. The new-generation CLS is closely related to the E-Class than the S-Class, so many thought that it would carry the CLE label.
The current generation has been around since 2012, so it’s just about time that the German automaker is coming up with a revamped edition. The new name strategy by Mercedes-Benz was disclosed in 2014, when it announced that the CLS name would remain. It did make sense at that time because the vehicle was already entering its third generation and was close to being on an icon-like level.
It Uses the MRA Design as Platform
The car will be pairing with the same platform used on the E-Class, though the spy shots showed the CLS is longer and wider, which makes sense to call it the CLS rather than the CLE. The model will apparently gap the bridge between the CLS and the CLE.
If you remember the MRA design used as platform for the C-Class and E-Class, this is going to be based on that. The platform will allow for the following options: a rear- or all-wheel drive, a standard nine-speed automatic transmission, and plug-in hybrid capability.
It has Two Powertrain Options Initially
We only have information about the new Mercedes-Benz CLS for the US market. The standard powertrain would be Mercedes’ new turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-6 while the higher variant is Mercedes’ version of Mercedes AMG-developed twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V-8 engine.
It Will Have Mercedes-AMG Versions
Mercedes-AMG will reportedly build its own CLS43 and CLS63 versions. In fact, Affalterbach tuner is already waiting to put its own mark on the coupe-like sedan that will resemble its GT sports car.
The CLS will arrive next year as a 2019 model. Those who want to see a wagon body style will be sorely disappointed, though, because there isn’t going to be a repeat of what Mercedes calls the Shooting Brake.
3 New Features Of The 2018 Buick Regal
The 2017 Open Insignia is expected to mirror many elements found on the upcoming Buick Regal.
Buick has remained mum about the next-generation Regal, but we have every reason to believe that General Motor’s Insignia is essentially a Regal with different badges. Since GM has been very revealing about the Insignia sedan and wagon, particularly the Grand Sport sedan, earlier this week, it is safe to say we have enough details about the 2018 Regal.
We can also get hints from Australia’s Holden Commodore, which will be designed after the Insignia, too.
1. The Buick Regal Is Based On The Epsilon E2XX Underpinnings
According to a source, the Insignia and the Regal will be based on the Epsilon E2XX, which gives the latter a 3.6-inch long wheelbase compared to the latest Insignia. That wheelbase gives the Buick the exact stretch between the axles as the Chevrolet Malibu. The proportions of the Malibu are the same on GM’s Opel brand, which the Insignia will fall under.
The exterior of the Insignia packs the following features, which we can expect to be on the Buick, too: headlight and taillight treatments, chrome detailing, and side surfacing.
2. The Buick Regal’s Interior Will Be Similar To The Buick LaCrosse
The Opel’s interior has impressed a number of auto experts and enthusiasts. Although the Chevy is usually focused on making the interiors look upscale, the Opel beat them to it because the latter is more impressive and more elegant. In fact, the dashboard reportedly is very similar to the Buick LaCrosse.
And based further on Holden’s press release, the Buick Regal will come with a frameless 8-inch touchscreen, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and an increased rear seats and trunk capacity.
3. The Buick Regal Used The Twinster Torque-Vectoring System
If you’re familiar with the Twinster torque-vectoring system, then you’ll be happy to know that the new Regal is bringing it, too. Word is that Buick Regal comes packed with an optional adaptive suspension with FlexRide dampers, too.
Based on Opel’s and Commodore’s specifications, we can expect the newest Regal to have an 8-speed automatic transmission, turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder with front-wheel drive, and an optional V-6 paired with a 9-speed automatic and AWD system to bring 308 horsepower.
