Monthly Archives: February 2017
3 Things To Expect From The 2020 Mercedes-Benz EQC
The 2020 Mercedes-Benz EQC has been spotted out and being tested. This car is based on the Generation EQ concept shown during the 2016 Paris Auto Show.
Although the test mule in the spy shots was using the body of a GLC Coupe, there were a lot of un-GLC Coupe like with it that ultimately, we deducted this was the 2020 Mercedes-Benz EQC in hiding.
It Will Use The Modular Skateboard Platform
Mercedes already confirmed that the new EQ range will use the modular skateboard platform, which means the battery is going to be stored in the floor and an electric motor is mounted on one or two axles. This was proven by spy shots that showed a bare engine bay. Yes, the 2020 Mercedes-Benz EQC isn’t simply a hybrid option. It’s a full-pledged electric SUV. That’s confirmed also by the electric symbol seen on the windshield.
It Will Follow The Generation EQ Concept
The said concept uses two electric motors that can produce an estimated 400 horsepower. This is paired with an all-wheel-drive system, allowing the car to go 0-to-60 mph in less than five seconds. It’s more likely that the EQC, which is purportedly Mercedes’ first model under this range, will offer a varying degree of power and range.
For now, all Mercedes wants us to know is that the battery can go up to 70 kilowatts-hours. It will have a range of 300 miles on a single charge. The battery is going to be a lithium-ion unit from Deutsche Automotive. The German firm already established a factory to build such batteries. They are extending it to accommodate Mercedes’ next-generation electric cars.
It Will Debut In 2018
We can expect to see the 2020 Mercedes-Benz EQC by late 2018 or early 2019. After debuting this, Mercedes will start working to introduce nine more electric cars until 2025. There will be electric sedans and SUVs, and possibly even a sports car.
65 Photos and 3 Quick Facts About The 2017 Hyundai Veloster Value Edition
If the price tag of the regular Veloster is too much for you, then it’s time to check out this new Hyundai Veloster Value Edition. The South Korean automaker decided to release a value-packed edition for the popular Veloster, allowing the vehicle to become the choice for an everyday car.
Many of the options in the regular Veloster are now standard with the value edition, according to a report. This one has a starting price of $21,350, so you’re looking at a savings of $950 compared if you add all the options individually. The starting price for the regular Veloster without the add-ons is $18,100.
Extras That Are Now Standard
The options for the regular Veloster that are now standard to the value edition package are the six-speed dual-clutch transmission, 18-inch alloy wheels, proximity key with push button start, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration, a panoramic sunroof, and a premium sound system with eight speakers and a subwoofer.
Powertrain Is Same As Regular Veloster’s
The Value Edition will come packing the same engine fitted in the regular Veloster. That’s a 1.6-liter inline-4 that can produce 132 horsepower and 120 pound-feet of torque. Those who want the extra power needs to upgrade to the Veloster Turbo, which has a 1.6-liter turbocharged inline-4 that produces 201 horsies and 195 lb-ft of torque.
The Veloster Turbo is also fitted with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission instead of the standard six-speed manual.
Next-Generation Veloster Is Being Tested
Hyundai is already testing a next-generation Veloster, which will be redesigned to better compete with its counterparts in the market. The next-gen Veloster will be bigger in dimensions. It may even walk away from the three-door layout of the current Veloster and make it a two-door the way a proper coupe should look like.
The debut of the next-gen Veloster should be sometime in 2018.
66 Photos of the 2017 Ford GT
Do you remember that two years ago Ford announced a 2017 Ford GT, which the company touted to have “one of the best power-to-weight ratios of any production car”? It took eons for Ford to finally complete this one, but they’ve really been busy with races at Le Mans, and in China and japan.
Thankfully, Raj Nair, Ford’s top tech officer, took time to focus on the GT before the Daytona 24-hour endurance race takes much of his attention.
Powertrain
For two years, we have waited for how powerful the GT is going to be, and here is it, finally: it will be fitted with a twin-turbo 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6 engine that can produce an astounding 647 horsepower at 6250 rpm and a maximum of 550 lb-ft of torque at 5900 rpm with 495 lb-ft available at 3500 rpm.
The use of a V-6 engine disappoints some sectors since everyone was expecting a V-8 after two years of preparation and waiting. However, this specific engine tops that of the Porsche 911 Turbo’s twin-turbo flat-six. The GT’s V-6 has a specific output of 185 horsepower per liter of gas.
Fuel economy
Ford has been boasting of the GT’s anti-lag strategy, and that’s really fine because we’re sure racers would love to be behind a car that keeps the turbines spinning during shifts and lift-throttle moments when accelerating after a turn.
There is a downside to this, though. The EPA mileage ratings are horrible, even worse than the V-10 Dodge Viper. It has a rating of 11 mpg city, 18 highway and 14 combined, though we doubt this can stop fans from shelling out for the GT.
Power-Weight Equation
The most important feature is Nair’s reported dry figure of 3054 pounds, falling between its primary competitors in the McLaren 675LT and the Ferrari 488GTB. With 200 pounds for fluid, that means the GT weighs an estimated 3250 pounds, falling far below the Corvette Grand Sport.
This allows the GT to have a top speed of 216 mph, which should be enough to have it battle with Europe’s hottest cars, except for Bugatti’s Chiron, the Koenigsegg Agera, the Lamborghini Aventador SV, and Pagani’s Huayra.
Photos
Here are photos of the new 2017 Ford GT:
