Monthly Archives: July 2017
The 2018 Nissan Leaf Will Get The E-Pedal
Pictured above is the 2017 Nissan Leaf.
The 2018 Nissan Leaf will be the Japanese automaker’s main electric vehicle offering. As it gets ready to debut for its second generation, Nissan continues to improve it with technology currently being made available in the market. One such technology is the E-Pedal.
But before that, let’s look back at what we know so far. Teases from Nissan showed that the new Leaf will have a refreshed pair of headlights and an upgraded grille. Based on the spy shots gathered, this upcoming model will be more attractive aesthetically compared to the current generation out in the market.
A video also featured the Leaf’s use of the brand’s ProPilot, the semi-autonomous driving system that this new generation will come packaged with. And speaking of autonomous driving, it came as no surprise that Nissan is fitting the 2018 Nissan Leaf with the E-Pedal, which you will either love or hate.
Basically, the E-Pedal is a single-pedal system, which can automatically accelerate or brake depending on the driver’s foot position. When accelerating, there isn’t much difference because it functions just like any ordinary accelerator pedal. What it does after you lift your foot from the pedal is what differentiates it.
As the driver lifts his foot from the accelerator, the car will automatically slow down and will come to a full stop when the foot is completely off the pedal. This will work even when you are on a hill or in a “hanging” position. The commands will be based on the position of your foot on the E-Pedal.
This sounds promising, of course, when you think about the concept of autonomous driving. Drivers, however, will have to get used to having a single-pedal system, though this may backfire to Nissan. It is highly doubtful if people will trust this E-Pedal system enough, or if they will even open up to the idea of using it.
The 3 Power Options For The New Jeep Wrangler
The new JL-series Wrangler will be introduced in November 2017 at the Los Angeles Auto Show, and is expected to be in dealerships by December of the same year. This 2018 Jeep Wrangler model will have three new power options customers can choose from, including a diesel engine that will surely be the favorite for so many.
Fiat Chrysler Automobiles held a meeting with select Jeep dealers this week for the new model, making the information about the three powertrains available for us.
1. Inline-4 Engine
During the launch in November 2017, there will be two powertrain options instantly available for customers. The standard option will be a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 engine, which has already been confirmed as early as last year. Reports and estimations indicate that the engine will be able to produce as much as 300 horses. It will be paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission.
2. V-6 Engine
The second power option in the launch would be an upgraded version of the 3.6-liter V-6 engine, which is in the current Jeep Wrangler. It has an output of 285 horsepower, but that would be significantly boosted in the 2019 Jeep Wrangler. Those who will prefer the V-6 engine can pair it up with either a manual or automatic transmission, though the automatic one would probably the choice for most drivers.
3. Diesel Engine
Finally, the most important tidbit of information we got is that the third powertrain option would be a diesel engine. This would be introduced in 2019 the earliest, but there could be a couple of adjustments because the diesel option in discussion is the 3.0-liter turbocharged V-6 that FCA has been having trouble with because of emissions. There are also some rumors that the DEF (Diesel Exhaust Fluid) tanks, which were used to reduce nitrogen oxides in diesel vehicles, would be fitted in the new Wrangler.
There are no news yet on how many horses the diesel engine can produce for the Wrangler, but if it’s any indication, the Jeep Grand Cherokee had 240 horsepower. It will be possibly paired with an automatic transmission.
Spy Shots
Check out the spy shots of the 2018 Jeep Wrangler taken by Motor Authority in the gallery below:
Top 3 Things About the 2018 Porsche 718 Boxster GTS
These spy shots of the 2018 Porsche 718 Boxster GTS are showing us how the German luxury automaker is gearing up for its next high-performance sports car. The prototype of the 718 Boxster GTS was shrouded in camouflage, though that didn’t stop us from imagining what it could look like.
1. Exterior
The standard 718 Boxster looks slightly different from the GTS version of the same model. The prototype we have seen, however, seems to be a little sportier and more aggressive than the regular 718 Boxster. Obviously, the prototype is packing a new front fascia with an A-wing design that looks very similar to the 918 Spyder hypercar. Below the front fascia, you can find a new lip spoiler.
2. Powertrain
The Boxster S and the previous Boxster GTS have the same engine, though the one fitted on the GTS is slightly more powerful. Porsche will most likely apply the same principle on the 718 Boxster GTS, which means a 2.5-liter turbocharged flat-4 engine that would be placed behind the cabin instead of under the hood.
The engine will have an output of 365 to 375 horsepower, a slight upgrade from the 350 horses produced by the 718 Boxster S.
There is also an option for a top-end chassis—standard Sport Chrono and Porsche Active Suspension Management.
3. Release date
The car might be introduced sometime in 2018 with the 718 Cayman GTS. But remember, the 718 Boxster won’t be the best in the 718 range because the Boxster Spyder and Cayman GT4 are expected to make their own debuts. Both will sport the naturally aspirated flat-6 engines.
Spy Shots
Check out the spy photos of the 2018 Porsche 718 Boxster GTS in the gallery below:
4 Things We Can Expect From The First Ever 2018 Audi RS8
Since the RS-badged Audi came out in the 1990s, people have been clamoring for a high-performance version of its A8. But until now, we have yet to see an RS8 model, which can compete with the likes of the AMG S63, the S65, and the BMW M7.
Without the RS model, Audi would be left behind by its competition in the market. Hopefully, the brand is tired of trailing behind BMW and Mercedes-Benz, and would eventually work on their RS-badged A8. Above are renderings of what the Audi RS8 could look like when and if it’s launched in 2018.
1. Exterior
There is no hint whatsoever about how the styling of the RS8 would look like, but it’s safe to assume that the appearance and design of the RS8 would be very similar with other RS-badged vehicles. The A8 would still be the basis for how the RS8 would look like, although the latter would have a more aggressive front and rear fascias. The grille would have a honeycomb mesh with the RS8 badge, of course, and the headlamps will get black vents on the edges.
Both the bumper and the side vents will have a sportier styling. Except for the double-five spoke wheels in black chrome, there is not much change on the sides.
2. Interior
The Audi A8 sports a newer continuous air vent design with a simplistic and clutter-free instrument panel. The cabin will have horizontal lines all over that would give it a wider look with a cleaner and smoother surface on the center. The RS8 will follow this styling, though it would be sportier, of course. Audi would probably use darker colors for the RS model.
The tech package would include the Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, the new AI traffic jam pilot, and a remote parking system.
3. Drivetrain
It’s hard to think about what will power the Audi RS8, but expect the automaker to come after something that could give the high-performance vehicle an output of at least 620 horses. This would make it compete with the Mercedes-AMG S63 and the BMW M760Li. Hopefully, Audi can go more than 620.
4. Prices
The RS8 will cost more than the outgoing S8 Plus, that’s for sure. That means on the upward trend of $114,900.
4 Things To Expect From The 2019 Audi e-tron Quattro
During the 2015 Frankfurt Auto Show, we have seen a concept form of what would be Audi e-tron Quattro. These spy shots are to be considered a treat after more than a year of waiting for any glimpse of the e-tron Quattro prototype. This all-electric production car will compete directly with the Tesla Model 3, a celebrated electric vehicle currently making waves in the US’ electric car market.
1. Exterior
When it comes to its appearance, the 2019 Audi e-tron Quattro did not deviate much from the concept form. Don’t get us wrong, the actual prototype looked better, thanks to a chiseled front grille that has a cleaner facade and a front and rear with “futuristic” LED lights. The sizing and proportions remain true to a crossover segment and thus confirm the same size we saw on the concept.
The roof is designed to be similar to a coupe, but that’s where it stops because Audi is planning to release a Sportback a year after the launch of this car.
2. Interior
Reports are pointing out that the cabin of the e-tron Quattro will be very similar to the new A8. That means we can expect horizontal lines, a futuristic ambiance, and multiple touchscreens. Since the new A8 promised to use autonomous-driving technologies, the e-tron Quattro should follow its lead and further expand on this self-driving technology.
3. Powertrains
The first versions of the e-tron Quattro will use one electric motor in the front and two in the rear. It would have an output of 429 horsepower. There is no word yet on the range of the e-tron Quattro but based on the concept, it should be able to reach 310 miles on one cycle. In the months following the release, there should be an option for an entry-level model with one motor at the front and one at the rear, as well as a more powerful version.
4. Pricing and release date
The e-tron Quattro should sell around $80,000. Unlike previous reports, it won’t be called the Q6 and would also be launched sometime next year with a US market release in late 2018.
Exploring The 4 Trim Levels Of The 2018 Honda Fit
The refreshed 2018 Honda Fit is on sale. With the official production release comes the usual updates, including an updated color palette and safety tech across all trim levels. The base model starts at $17,065, just $100 more than last year’s Honda Fit.
The powertrain will remain unchanged, however, as the new Honda Fit will still pack the same 1.5-liter inline-four engine that can produce 130 horsepower and 114 pound-feet of torque. Other notable updates are the addition of two new exterior colors: Orange Fury and Helios Yellow (which will replace the Mystic Yellow). Also available are shades of white, black, gray, red, and blue. Unfortunately, purple won’t be available for this update.
1. Base LX Model
The tech coming along with the base model are 5-inch color LCD screen, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, a six-speed manual transmission, versatile 60/20 split second row Magic seats, and cruise control. You can substitute for a CVT, but that would cost an additional $800. Adding the Honda Sensing will drive the price up to $18,865.
2. Sport Trim Model
For that sportier look, the Sport trim model adds the bright orange pin stripes on the exterior body, along with gloss black 16-inch aluminum alloy wheels, side sill garnishes, chrome exhaust-pipe finisher, and an aggressive aero-form front spoiler and rear diffuser. The interior will be an all-black standout with orange contrast stitching. There’s also a 7-inch touchscreen display. Prices will start at $18,375 for the six-speed manual and $19,175 for the CVT. The Honda Sensing will put an extra $1,000 on top of the CVT model.
3. EX Trim Model
Aside from the usual upgrades, this trim level will also receive SiriusXM radio capability, sliding sunvisors, and push-button start. The Honda Sensing is standard on this level. It will add adaptive cruise control, collision mitigation braking, forward collision warning, road departure warning, and lane keeping assist. Prices start at $19,035 for the manual and $19,835 for the CVT.
4. EX-L Trim Level
The top-of-the-line Honda Fit will bring all the luxury: leather-trimmed seats and heated front seats on top of all the latest upgrades from all trim levels. Prices will start at $21,395 with the Navi package bringing that up to $22,395.
4 Things To Remember About The 2018 BMW 6-Series
Did you know that the BMW 6-Series originally started out as a sporty coupe? The current generation includes a sedan called the Gran Coupe. For the 2018 model lineup, BMW is adding more and taking away some of those unloved cars under the 6-Series.
According to a report, the 2018 model-year will see BMW moving away from the coupe body style to introduce a five-door liftback called the 6-Series Gran Turismo. This is the replacement for the 5-Series Gran Turismo, which even BMW lovers are not a fan of. BMW hopes that the more premium aesthetics and feel of the liftback will attract enthusiasts back.
1. BMW 6-Series Wide Range of Vehicles
BMW’s 6-Series now has a “complete” range of vehicles: a convertible, a sedan, and a liftback. The convertible and sedan, which are both based on previous-generation design, will soon be phased out while the liftback is based on the German automaker’s latest platform.
2. Convertible and Coupe to be Phased Out
The 6-Series convertible and coupe will be replaced for the 2018 model year by the new 8-Series models. BMW hasn’t revealed yet if there are plans to make an 8-Series Gran Coupe, but both China and the United States are big fans of sedans, so that maybe bound to happen.
3. 2018 6-Series in Powertrains
The 6-Series GT is being offered exclusively in 640i xDrive guise for the 2018 model year. The trim will come packing a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-6 that produces 335 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque. It also arrives with the standard 8-speed automatic and all-wheel drive system.
There would likely be more powertrain options once the launch was done, including a 630i option and the more powerful M650i option. The latter will most probably pack a 4.4-liter turbocharged V-8 engine that will have an output of 455 horsepower and 480 pound-feet of torque.
4. Tech Goodies in Surplus
Since the 6-Series will be based on the latest platform coming out of BMW’s plant, it’s safe to assume that the series will also receive all the tech goodies from the platform—LED headlights, self-leveling air suspension at the rear axle, 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen display, voice activation, numerous electronic driver aids, and gesture control.
3 Possible Things That Could Happen To The Alpine Crossover
The upcoming Alpine crossover will get many styling elements from the A110 model pictured above.
The new Alpine A110 is not for everyone’s taste. It’s a bit too cramped and of course, doesn’t address the crossover segment that seems to be missing in Renault’s lineup. Now, the French automaker’s performance sub-brand is working on an Alpine crossover that will battle the Porsche Macan out of its lofty porch (or so Alpine aims).
According to a source, the new Alpine crossover will most likely arrive in 2019 to up Renault’s sales and revitalize this segment that the French car manufacturer hasn’t dominated just yet. Since Renault has little experience in the production of SUVs and crossover, they will most likely turn to Mercedes and Nissan for the new Alpine SUV’s platform.
1. Powertrain From Standard Renault
Incidentally, Renault has a technical alliance both with the German and Japanese car manufacturers, so that should make it easy enough. Power will be coming from Renault’s 1.8-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, which is capable to push out 300 horses. There could also be a hybridized variant of the Alpine SUV, but there’s no word yet on whether this is in the works already.
2. Styling From Alpine A110
The styling of the incoming Alpine SUV should be based on the Alpine A110 sports car, including the front fascia. Inside, the SUV won’t be as spartan as the coupe, of course, providing maximum comfort and luxury to the owners. It will, however, have an aggressive seat and sporty steering wheel. All over the interior, you’ll find leather, aluminum, and carbon fiber.
3. Not Available in the US
Unfortunately, if you want to own this “replacement” for the Macan, you’d have to be somewhere in Europe, the UK, or Japan because it won’t be brought to the United States. Renault has no plans of bringing the Alpine brand to the US, much to everyone’s chagrin.
Top Three Things To Know About Hyundai’s 271-Horsepower i30 N
Hyundai has finally removed the cover of the first vehicle under its high-performance N division. The i30 N was developed in Korea and tested at the Nurburgring, and has an output of 271 horsepower to hit 62 mph in just 6.1 seconds.
1. Exterior and Interior
If you think the regular i30 won’t fit the description of a high-performance car, think again. Hyundai just gave the i30 N an exterior update with aggressive bumpers with red character lines and larger intakes, black bezels for the headlamps, and a new aerodynamic rear spoiler.
Inside, you’ll be treated luxuriously, thanks to high-performance seats and blue stitching on the car’s steering wheel. This blue stitching it’s the color of the car’s exterior to a T.
2. Powertrains
The standard model packs a 2.0-liter four-cylinder that has a total output of 246 horsepower. It is the Performance package that can up that production to 271 horsepower. Even without the package, the i30 N will be paired with a six-speed manual with rev matching. It will be able to produce 260 lb-ft of torque.
There are five drive modes that the Hyundai is boasting about, though these are probably the same ones you’ll get to see on other carmaker’s high-performance vehicles. These are the Eco, Normal, Sport, N, and N Custom.
The model with the high-performance package will also pack a 19-inch Pirelli P-Zero high-performance Hyundai N tires, larger disc brakes, a variable exhaust system, red N brake calipers, and an electronic limited-slip differential.
3. Release date
The European market will welcome the Hyundai i30 N by the end of 2017, though US will remain in the dark for a while. The US market can content themselves with the standard Elantra GT for now, though Hyundai hints of the possibility of bringing the i30 N to North America’s shores.
Photos
Check out the photos of the new Hyundai i30 N in the gallery below:
Hyundai Kona Is Going Tiny With Its New Crossover
Hyundai just announced that its new mini crossover called the Kona is going to be on sale early next year in the United States. That means that the South Korean automaker is finally ready to make a splash in the car industry’s hottest segments.
And that’s not all. According to a source, the Hyundai Kona subcompact crossover will also usher in a new phase for the brand as it features for the first time the automaker’s new design language. That’s a surprising move for the company, which is suffering from a sales slump in the US and is now pressured to do good in the crossovers segment.
The styling originated from Irvine, California, Hyundai’s design studio. It features narrow LED daytime running lights mounted high near the hood line. There are also separate headlights that are positioned lower down the fascia. The effect? The Kona, up front, looks like the Nissan Juke or Jeep Cherokee.
The look isn’t something everyone will love or adore, but the Nissan Juke was surprisingly successful in its sales both in Europe and even in the United States. The Cherokee, on the other hand, sold 200,000 units a year in the US in the last three years. These statistics means well for the Kona and any subsequent Hyundai badges.
Hyundai’s new looks for the crossover will be used on the 2018 and 2019 model of the Santa Fe Sport, which spy shots showed a headlight setup and honeycomb grille similar to the Kona. The new crossover language design, however, signals Hyundai’s willingness to finally break away from a decade of having strong design connection among its crossovers. Now, each nameplate will have a distinct design.
The similar look was necessary because Hyundai wasn’t such a known brand 10 years ago. But now that it has differentiated itself from the rest of the Asian automakers, it’s time to give each vehicle in the lineup a fresh look.
