Daily Archives: September 4, 2017
Mazda3 Skyactiv-X Compression-Ignition Tech Ready For Frankfurt Show
The creme de la creme of the auto industry will gather this September at the Frankfurt Motor Show. Together with the debut of new models and limited editions from Ford, Toyota, Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and many others come Mazda‘s new Skyactiv-X Compression-Ignition Technology.
Mazda plans to debut the new technology at the Frankfurt show but it already began testing the compression-ignition driveway on the road. Spy photos of the new Mazda3 were seen last week. But what separates these prototypes from all the others is the very obvious Skyactiv-X graphics.
The photos showed a pre-refresh Mazda3, but the “Skyactiv-X” script can clearly be seen sprawled along the doors. Towards the rear fender, there’s a large “5” sign on it, which could mean that there are more prototypes being tested out there.
Though we don’t have many information yet about the next-generation Mazda3, it is more than likely that it will mirror the current version since Skyactiv-X is set to debut along with the new Mazda3.
What’s interesting about the Skyactiv-X is that it utilizes a mixture of spark and compression ignition that will reduce carbon emissions and improve the fuel efficiency of the engine. There’s also a supercharger, which can increase the torque output.
The Japanese carmaker has yet to give details on how many cylinders this new engine will have, but the next-generation Mazda3 is looking at being powered by a four-cylinder. We know that Mazda is already planning to electrify its lineup in select regions, so it is not impossible to see a hybrid or all-electric version of the Mazda3 by 2019.
The Skyactiv-X engine tech will debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show this month, when more and new details about the next-generation Mazda3 will hopefully emerge.
Ford Ranger Black Edition To Make Its Debut At The Frankfurt Motor Show
Ford’s most popular truck, the Ranger, has been fitted with an all-black trimming and exterior features for a special limited version of the current model. Called the Black Edition, it is scheduled to make its debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show this September.
The vehicle will only be available for European customers, though, so the US market would have to wait until 2019 to get their hands on the Ford Ranger Black Edition. To make it more exclusive, not everyone in Europe can drive the Black Edition. There will only be 2,500 units of this edition, so you better make sure you deposit a reservation if you’re interested in owning this.
According to Ford, the Ranger is Europe’s best-selling pickup truck.
Hans Schep, general manager of Ford Europe, said in a statement that Ranger customers want the vehicle’s “tough, go-anywhere capability, and its rugged good looks.” He added that the company has high hopes and expectations for the Ranger Black Edition, which is an “attractive new limited series.”
Based on the limited series trim, the all-black special edition is a de-chromed version of the current Ranger. Instead of chrome finishing, the pickup truck will have a black grille, alloy wheels, and sports bar. It is painted in Absolute Black.
Inside, the seats are covered in leather trim and there are heated door mirrors. Standard equipment of the Ranger Black Edition includes satellite navigation, front parking sensors, rearview camera, Ford SYNC 3 multimedia system with 8-inch touchscreen, and dual-zone electronic climate control.
European market can start placing their orders in their chosen dealers now. So yes, maybe Europe is a little bit luckier because they’ll have a chance on the Black Edition. But on the other hand, they don’t have the new Bronco yet, so maybe there is enough justice in the world.
4 Things To Know About The 2019 Bentley Continental Flying Spur
The Bentley Continental range is getting an upgrade. First, we’ll have the updated version of the GT coupe, then followed by the GT convertible, and finally, the Flying Spur sedan. The latter is due in 2019, though there is no specific date as of now.
But for the first time ever, we are treated with spy shots of the next Flying Spur in action. This first glance is enough to tell us we can expect a lot of great things from the next Flying Spur.
1. Exterior
The overall exterior design has evolved from the previous one. The main elements of the upgrade can be found on the lights—the headlights have a larger inner and smaller outer lights. This is the opposite of the current design.
On the sides, the lower and upper character lines give an entirely new facade while on the rear end, the taillights are taller and don’t wrap around the sides anymore. The license plate cutout moved also from the trunk to the bumper.
2. Platform
Same with the other Continental GT range, the Flying Spur will use elements of Porsche engineering. It will be based on Volkswagen Group’s MSB platform, which was specifically designed for large, rear- and all-wheel-drive cars with engines at the front.
Developed by Porsche, the platform is being used by the 2017 Panamera. The MSB Platform uses high-strength steel and aluminum for aerodynamics and rigidity purposes.
3. Drivetrain
The current Continental GT has an upgraded 6.0-liter W-12 that can produce 626 horsepower and 664 pound-feet of torque. It also has a stop-start function. The same engine will be fitted in the Flying Spur. A twin-turbo 4.0-liter V-8 engine that can produce 500 horsepower is also expected.
Bentley said that plug-in hybrids will also be offered for all of their vehicles. There’s only one transmission available for all variants–an 8-speed automatic and an all-wheel drive system.
4. Other Features
The Flying Spur will host a number of great features such as a 12.3-inch infotainment screen, an instrument panel display developed from the Audi virtual cockpit, LED matrix headlights, a three-chamber air suspension, and a 48-volt anti-roll control system that uses electronic actuators on the anti-roll bars.
