Monthly Archives: January 2018
Top 3 Things To Expect From The New Honda Insight
This 2018, the Honda Insight will once more rise from the ashes. It can be recalled that the Japanese hybrid was discontinued between 2006 and 2009, and again in 2014. But during the Detroit Auto Show, Honda previewed a production model of the third-generation Insight.
1. Conventional Appeal
If you can remember, the first-generation Insight was rather weird-looking. It was a three-door hatchback with hidden rear wheels. The second generation Insight was more conventional with five doors but it is this third-generation Insight that looks to appeal to the masses more. Finally, Honda went with a four-door sedan for its hybrid.
But that’s not to say that the new Honda Insight won’t be as unique as its predecessors. The revised “flying wing” grille gives the sedan a powerful and aggressive look. When it comes to the rear end, apart from the sleek fastback layout, the design is generic and conventional-looking.
2. Modern and Roomy Interior
Compared to the interior of the Insight in the previous generation, this one feels roomier and more modern and classy. There are loads of new tech, too, such as an eight-inch infotainment display, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Wi-Fi, and a seven-inch instrument cluster. It is also set to get the Honda LaneWatch, Honda Sensing, Collision Mitigation Braking System, Road Departure Mitigation, Adaptive Cruise Control with Low-Speed Follow, and Traffic Sign Recognition.
3. New Hybrid System
The new Insight will be powered by the latest hybrid technology from the Japanese automaker. The two-motor hybrid system combines the power coming from a 1.5-liter Atkinson-cycle gasoline engine, an electric motor, a starter-generator, and a lithium-ion battery pack.
Estimation puts the Insight to return more than 50 mpg combined, but this figure falls between the Toyota Prius, its main competitor, which has 56 mpg, and the Hyundai Ioniq (58 mpg) and the Chevrolet Volt (46 mpg).
Hyundai Reveals “Hottest Ever Hatch” To The Market Through The Veloster N
Aren’t we all excited what Hyundai has in store for us when it introduced the new N performance sub-brand? Well, here it is in the form of the 2019 Veloster N. It’s not only truly capable on the road, but it looks so good too.
Hyundai has high aspirations when it comes to producing the “hottest hatch ever,” and it horsepower, thanks to its turbocharged inline-4 engine and sportier chassis, it also has a more aggressive look. Overall, the new hatchback from the South Korean automaker falls somewhere between sport compacts such as Volkswagen Golf GTI and Honda Civic Si and the more powerful Golf R and Civic Type R.
If you are familiar with the Europe-only market i30 N, the Veloster N almost looks similar to that. It is, in fact, available in the same Performance Blue paint with red trims on the front fascia and side skirts. The colors black, red, and white are also available. There’s an N badge on the grille, making sure everyone knows you’re not driving just any Hyundai out there.
The power is coming from a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four that can produce up to 275 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, almost the same figures with the i30 N. This engine is paired with a 6-speed manual transmission while an electronically controlled limited-slip differential is optional equipment.
Enthusiasts will also be welcoming a slew of new performance features such as adaptive dampers, launch-control capability, automatic rev matching, and a variable exhaust. There are five driving modes, including an “N” that is meant for the race track.
Like the idea of large wheels? You can choose between an 18-inch base wheel wrapped in 225-series Michelin Pilot Super Sport performance tires and an optional 19-inch wheel has wider, 235-series Pirelli P Zero rubber.
There are no pricing details yet, but we’ll expect the Veloster N to play in the range of $25,000 to $30,000.
Photo Source: Autoblog
Mercedes-Benz G-Class Unveiled at the 2018 Detroit Motor Show
After much anticipation, the new Mercedes-Benz G-Class has finally been unveiled. The iconic SUV of the three-pointed star marque made its official debut at the 2018 North American International Auto Show or the Detroit Motor Show.
Before the auto event in Detroit, spy shots and leaked images of the G-Class without its camo already surfaced. Therefore, we already knew many stuff about the vehicle prior to its world premiere.
The G-Class Still has that Boxy Look
Upon seeing it in the flesh in Detroit, we were able to confirm many of the features that we earlier predicted about the new G-Class. As expected, the styling of the vehicle didn’t change much since it was introduced in 1979.
The old models of the G-Wagen.
The Mercedes G-Class retained its boxy body with firm lines, sharp fenders, trapezoidal bonnet, angular corners and round headlamps. Only minor changes were introduced in its exterior such as the revised front grille, upgraded lighting system, redesigned bumpers and new wheels.
There was a slight improvement in the measurements of the auto though. According to Daimler, the new G-Class is 53 mm longer and 121 mm wider than its previous model. These translate to a more spacious interior that gives the occupants of the SUV more legroom.
It has State of the Art Interior
While not much can be said about the exterior of the G-Class, its interior involves a different story. The new model of the SUV carried some of the basic tech and styling found in the S-Class and the E-Class sedans of Mercedes.
The G-Class gets a more luxurious layout in its cockpit.
The cabin of the new Mercedes G-Class is highlighted by its twin 12.3-inch touchscreen displays. Then its instrument cluster has been updated to mirror the controls of its maker’s executive sedan cars. The comfort and visuals of the G-Class was revitalized too with its high end two-tone leather covers and chrome inserts.
Better Performance Than Its Predecessor
When it comes to performance, the Mercedes-Benz G500 trim offers a petrol-powered 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 engine. The unit has an output of 422 hp and 610 Nm of torque. The power of the G-Class is distributed to all four wheels via a nine-speed automatic transmission. Mercedes revealed that the auto’s fuel consumption is at 11.1 liters per 100 kilometers while its Carbon Dioxide emission rating is at 263 grams per kilometer.
Furthermore, the off-road capabilities of the G-Class has been improved. It has 31 degrees approach angle and 30 degrees departure angle. Its maximum fording depth is at 27.5 inches (69.85 cm).
The G-Class gets an improved off-road performance.
New in the G-Class is its “G-Mode” driving mode. This can be activated when one of the SUV’s three differential locks has been released. It adjusts the damping, steering and acceleration of the vehicle accordingly during off-road trips.
Official Photos of the New Mercedes-Benz G-Class
Check out the official photos of the new Mercedes-Benz G-Class in the gallery below:
2019 Ram 1500 Unveiled Before 2018 Detroit Motor Show
The new 2019 Ram 1500 is ready to take on the likes of the Ford F-150 and the Chevy Silverado. Revealed just before the 2018 Detroit Motor Show, the new model is lighter, stronger, and better equipped than any truck Ram has made before.
The truck is all new inside and out, and it is lighter at 225 pounds. Out of that 225 pounds, 120 pounds came from the chassis and the frame, 98 percent of which is made from high-strength steel with the transmission crossmember and engine mounts made of aluminum.
Exterior
The 2019 Ram 1500 is larger than the current Ram, though that is not too obvious at first look. It is longer and wider than before, and the bed height increased, too. The change becomes obvious when you look at the grille, which is lacking the traditional and the classic crosshair design that is reminiscent of the 1994 Ram.
There are two different headlight designs, which will depend on the trim and options. The top variant will make use of a pair of wide and slim LED units while the standard headlights look similar to what the Ram 1500 has now.
The taillights have evolved also from the current shape. You can choose between halogen and LED units.
Interior
Inside, the Ram 1500 becomes more refined with a large center console that has a 12-inch infotainment display and quite a number of little pockets and cupholders all over. For connectivity, you’ll find five USB ports, four of which are both USB A and C. Three of the ports are the latest generation of FCA’s UConnect infotainment system.
Powertrains
There are two engines available for the 2019 Ram 1500. There’s the base 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 and the 5.7-liter Hemi V8. The V6 comes standard with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system FCA has branded eTorque while it is optional on the Hemi. On the V6, the eTorque adds 90 pound-feet of torque while on the V8, it adds 130 pound-feet of torque.
The V6 produces 305 horsepower and 269 pound-feet of torque while the V8 comes up with 395 horsepower and 410 pound-feet. Both engines are paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission.
3 Things You Need To Know About The 2019 Chevy Silverado
The Chevy Silverado is one of GM’s most profitable vehicle to date, so it isn’t unusual that the launch of the 2019 Silverado before the Detroit Motor Show got the attention of the media, the fans, and the whole auto industry itself.
1. Higher Fuel Efficiency
The biggest deal about pickup trucks these days is for them to deliver high fuel efficiency ratings and add new features and capabilities. The 2019 Chevrolet Silverado looks to do this as it is rated an industry best 20 mpg combined by the EPA. Compared with the Ram 1500 EcoDiesel that has 23 mpg combined (the best ranked in 2017) and the 2018 Ford F-150 that has 22 mpg combined, the Silverado is definitely at the top of its game.
2. Light And Efficient
One detail about the 2019 Silverado stood out from the information released by Chevrolet. The new Silverado will be 450 pounds lighter than the same model from the 2018 line. Chevrolet said that the weight reduction comes from the use of high-strength steel and GM’s mixed-materials strategy. The “swinging panels” such as the door, the hood, and the tailgate are all made of aluminum while the frame, the cab, and the bed remained steel.
Aside from the weight reduction, Chevy also worked on giving the pickup truck a more fluid aerodynamics. The final version resulted to a Chevy with a 7-percent reduction in drag and the appearance of aero curtains at the leading edges of the front sides. These pull air inside the fender and send it to the front wheels to reduce turbulence.
3. New Powertrains Development
In the powertrain department, the Silverado will most likely be fitted with the newly developed Duramax 3.0-liter inline-6 turbodiesel. The presence of the diesel option will line GM’s pickup with those from Ram, which led the use of the 3.0-liter V-6 EcoDiesel in 1500-class trucks for the 2014 model year.
The engine will be paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and the Dynamic Fuel Management.
Top 3 Expectations From the New Mercedes-Benz G-Class
The Mercedes-Benz G-Class will get a redesigned model this year. The iconic SUV of the three-pointed star brand has been confirmed to make its world premiere at the 2018 North American International Auto Show in Detroit next week.
Last year, we have been seeing spy shots of the new G-Class under a zebra camouflage. Mercedes also released several teasers of the vehicle’s interior, and its camo-free photos were leaked a few days ago.
Based from spy shots, teasers and leaks, here are the top three things that we are expecting from the new G-Class:
1.Exterior Design
The leaked images of the Mercedes G-Class reveal that its distinct, classic, boxy styling will remain. Examining the auto closely though will show an updated design in the bumpers, grille and lighting system. The SUV looks more spacious than its predecessor too.
2. Interior Elements
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- The G-Class gets a more luxurious layout.
Major changes will be introduced in the interior of the new G-Class. Some of the tech found in the S-Class and in the E-Class cars of its maker will make their way into the SUV.
The most prominent feature its cabin is its dual display integrated in the dashboard. Then the layout of its controls have been updated for easy access of its functions.
The occupants of the auto are treated to its high-end two-tone leather surfaces as well that adorn its seats, panels and dashboard. Moreover, chrome linings highlight its knobs, handles, buttons and air vents.
3. Driving Performance
The G-Class recently completed its last leg of testing in the rugged and 1,445-meter high Schockl track. The SUV navigated its way to the demanding 5.6 km route of the mountain demonstrating its improved climbing ability, suspension and front axle design.
The new G-Class promises approach and departure angles of 31 degrees and 30 degrees, respectively with max fording depth of 27.5 inches.
Furthermore, a nine-speed automatic transmission will be carried into the G-Class. Lastly, it will introduce the “G-Mode” drive program for better off-roading experience with the vehicle.
Is the Sunroof on Your Car Really Safe?
For some, the sunroof on the car can be considered as a luxury feature. Most premium models of different automakers offer them either as an optional add-on or as a standard fit in their top trim units. While the sunroof allows a breeze of fresh air into the cabin of the auto as well as a nice view of the sky, statistics indicates that these also pose hazards to the occupants of a vehicle.
According to Consumer Reports, there have been many documented cases in the U.S. of exploding sunroofs. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recorded at least 859 complaints connected to shattering sunroofs from 1995 to 2017. Most incidents occurred within the first two years of the vehicle’s ownership.
Hyundai had the most number of exploding sunroofs over the last 22 years. The brand had 119 complaints over the course of the research. It was followed by Ford with 85, Nissan with 82, Kia with 78, Scion with 72, Toyota with 61, Honda with 53, Volkswagen with 38, Cadillac with 28, and BMW with 27 cases.
In terms of car model, the Scion TC topped the list with 71 complaints. The Hyundai Veloster came next with 54, Kia Sorento with 43, Nissan Murano with 28, Kia Optima with 25, Ford Explorer with 23, Honda Accord with 22, Cadillac SRX with 22, Nissan Maxima with 20 and Hyundai Santa Fe with 20 cases.
What was very alarming about the data was that most cases didn’t even involve rollovers. Complainants claimed that their sunroofs just exploded out of nowhere and without anything hitting them.
Consumer Reports said that safety standards with regard to sunroofs are currently not at pace with their longer and wider designs. Experts stated that the bigger the expanse of the glass in the sunroof, the higher is its likelihood to break.
Since Hyundai had the most recorded cases, its aftermarket parts subsidiary Hyundai Mobis unveiled its panorama sunroof airbag. The company told in a interview that it has a deployment time of only 0.08 second. However, the airbag only activates during rollovers. Therefore, it is not clear if it can solve the issue centered on sunroofs suddenly exploding even without anything hitting them.
Top 7 Most Anticipated Cars and SUVs at the 2018 Detroit Motor Show
The year 2018 is here and there are many things for us to get excited about in the automotive world. Major global events hitting us this January will be the Consumer Electronics Show (CES), and the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) or simply known as the Detroit Motor Show. But in this article, we will only focus on the Detroit Motor Show.
Here is a quick look at the top 7 new vehicles that we are looking forward to see in the show:
1. Infiniti Concept Car
Inifiti recently teased what appears to be a snout of a new concept sedan. Based on sources, the car will likely be powered by a hybrid powertrain or it might be an all-electric Q series model.
2. Mercedes-AMG 53 Models
A new line of AMG models will be introduced in Detroit. The cars will bear the 53 moniker. The output of the AMG 53s will be higher than the 43s. The E-Class and the CLS range were confirmed to carry the 53 line.
AMG CEO Tobias Moers said in an interview that the CLS will no longer have the 63 model. Instead, the range-topper of the CLS family will be the Mercedes-AMG CLS 53.
3. BMW i8 Coupe
The BMW i8 Coupe takes many cues from the i8 Roadster, except of course the hard top of the coupe. However, the coupe will get an 11.6 kWh battery and 105 kW electric motor. It will keep its 1.5-liter turbo three-cylinder engine. The total output of the car is at 275 kW with a zero to 100 km/h acceleration of 4.4 seconds and top speed of 250 km/h.
4. Mercedes-Benz G-Class
The iconic G-Class in the SUV range of Mercedes is getting an overhaul. So far, the German automaker has released official photos of the vehicle’s interior, which suggest that it will probably be wider than its predecessor. As for its design, Mercedes might stick with the classic boxy body of the SUV that has been its signature trait since it was introduced to consumers decades ago.
5. Hyundai Veloster
Hyundai will be debuting a new generation model of the Veloster. The car is expected to use a variant of the 2018 Elantra’s platform. Then, it will be benefiting from the different engine options offered by the i30, including a high-performance “N” trim.
6. Lexus LF-1 Limitless
Lexus just teased some exterior elements of the LF-1 crossover last month. From the images revealed by its maker, the car will be slightly inspired by the LC 500h. The auto is expected to be marketed as the flagship SUV of Lexus.
What is very interesting about the vehicle though is its “LF” name. It should be noted that the letterings were once applied to a supercar of Lexus called the LFA. So does that mean that the LF-1 will have a top-of-the-line performance in the Lexus hierarchy?
7. Volkswagen Jetta
The next-gen Jetta is on its way. Teasers, concept arts and spy shots of the car hint that it will be sleeker than the current model. The interior of the auto appears to have a similar layout with the Mk VII Golf. The engine options will likely include a 1.4-liter turbo inline-four and a 2.0-liter turbo inline-four. The transmission will either be a six-speed or eight-speed automatic. The output of the vehicle should be higher than the existing model and a hybrid version of it is a possibility.
Reminder
It should be noted that some of the information here are based on predictions, insider scoops, official teasers and limited hints from automakers as most of them refuse to discuss models that haven’t had their official world premieres yet. Therefore, better take these with a grain of salt as we wait for the opening of the 2018 Detroit Motor Show.