Monthly Archives: April 2018
Next-Gen Subaru WRX Still Offering Manual Transmission
Subaru hinted before that it may stop offering manual transmission altogether for safety measures. This caused annoyance among car enthusiasts who believe that manual transmission is still the way to go. Subaru North America CEO Tom Doll finally put to rest these fears, saying that the next-generation Subaru WRX will still offer a manual transmission.
He told Drive during an interview that the company would still be producing manual transmission for its performance line such as the WRX. The Forester, however, would not have the manual transmission.
The news that Subaru would kill off the manual gearbox spread at the Geneva Motor Show last month. Subaru UK Managing Director Chris Graham that the production of the automatic emergency braking would be the trigger to end the manual shift.
Subaru’s EyeSight system includes a suite of active safety features, including automatic emergency braking. The suite is fine, but it does not work with a manual transmission, leading the brand to ponder the possibility of altogether closing its manual gearbox offers. Remember that a manual transmission has a clutch pedal that has to be depressed to keep the car from stalling out when stopping.
In terms of comparison, the automatic emergency braking systems from Honda and Mazda are compatible with manual transmissions. What the system does is to let the vehicle stall rather than get in an accident unless the driver presses the clutch on time.
Subaru is not saying anything if it would develop something similar to the systems produced by Honda and Mazda. The current option across all Subaru variants is the brand’s Lineartronic continuously variable transmission (CVT). The BRZ remains to be the only model in the lineup with a traditional 6-speed automatic.
The next-generation WRX will most possibly be inspired by the Viziv Performance concept shown during the 2017 Tokyo auto show. The concept features a turbocharged flat-4 boxer engine.
Hyundai Kona Electric Showcases Powertrain Versatility
The Hyundai Kona Electric was introduced last week at the New York Auto Show, marking another level of versatility that the brand is bringing to its US utility lineup.
The Kona Electric is a pure EV subcompact crossover that go an estimated 250 miles on a single charge. It’s part of the series of announcements that Hyundai made to introduce an all-new lineup. Last February, the South Korean automaker said that the redesigned Santa Fe will have a diesel option in 2019, which marks Hyundai’s first diesel in the US market. The fuel-powered Nexo will also continue to be around to build on the brand’s “hydrogen legacy.”
The Kona Electric will be rolled out to targeted markets only. Hyundai said that the EV subcompact crossover will be produced in Ulsan, Korea, and will be initially available in California. Later on, other states with California’s zero-emission vehicle regulations will follow the launch. The availability will start in the fourth quarter of 2018.
What the Kona EV brings to the table is “peace of mind” and “flexibility,” according to Hyundai Motor America COO Brian Smith. Why? The 250-mile range is father than the capability of EVs before the Kona EV. Previous EVs can only muster up around 100 or 150 miles.
The closest competitor of the Kona EV is the Chevy Bolt, a hatchback that has the capacity of 238 miles in a single charge. Though Tesla Model 3 has a 220-mile range, it is a sedan and does not fall under the same category as the Kona.
A lot of cross-shopping will happen, Smith claims, as customers who want EVs suddenly have the option of buying a CUV because it’s out in the market now. The 250-mile range will also allow many people to go two to three days without charging, and that’s a big factor to consider.
The Kona EV gets 19.2 cubic feet of rear cargo space, which is the same as the gasoline version of the crossover. Pricing details have not been announced yet.
3 Things To Know About The Redesigned 2019 Chevrolet Spark
The tiny, sub-subcompact car known as the Chevrolet Spark is ready for a mild update for the 2019 model year. It’s due for one since the last time Chevrolet gave the Spark a refresh was in 2016. It’s time for a bit of tweaks and adjustments for this very able subcompact sedan.
But unlike last time, when Chevrolet bragged about the addition of power (17 percent) in the Spark’s 1.4-liter four-cylinder engine, there’s not much upgrades in the mechanical department for the 2019 Spark. Instead, there’s a new front end and some tech upgrades.
1. Grille Shape Is Different
The latest Spark’s front grille is quite different, thanks to a new shape and the use of chrome on the grille. The shapes of the two outboard intakes in the bumper are also different from the current and previous generations. The utilization of chrome on the grille and the LED running lamps do not deviate from the fact that this is an affordable car, though.
The LED running lights should have given the Spark a “more powerful” presence but we know that Spark can only produce as much as 98 horsepower, tops.
2. Tech Features
Like before, the Spark comes with the standard 7.0-inch touchscreen that has the Apple CarPlay and Android Auto phone integration, built-in 4G LTE data connection powering a Wi-Fi hotspot, Bluetooth, 10 airbags, and a backup camera.
All of these will come at a price of only $13,925. The overall price of the car has yet to be announced, but we’re expecting that anytime soon.
3. Drive Confidence Package
Last year, Chevrolet introduced the forward-collision warning and lane-departure warning as part of its driver assistance package. For the 2019 Spark, we’ll see automated emergency braking feature. In the event of an accident, Spark will apply the brakes for you or augment the driver’s braking inputs to avoid or minimize a collision.
6 Important Things To Know About The 2018 Jaguar F-Pace SVR
Jaguar’s first SUV is getting a special treatment from JLR’s performance and customization division, the Special Vehicle Operations (SVO). The Jaguar F-Pace SVR debuted at the New York International Auto Show last week and showed tremendous potential as a sports car performance in a practical SUV design.
1. Exterior
The F-Pace grabbed both the World Car of the Year and World Car Design of the Year awards in 2017, which proved that Ian Callum is the “king” in SUV design. Callum is the same person behind the designs of the Aston Martin Vanquish, Jaguar C-X75, and the Jaguar F-Type.
The SVR model adds aggression and power to its looks, thanks to an aero package, a unique bumper, a new hood, larger fender vents, and a unique set of lightweight forged alloy wheels measuring 21 inches.
2. Interior
The F-Pace SVR has a sleek but simple interior. It starts with a quilted upholstery with the embossed SVR logo on the heavily bolstered sport seats. Top-shelf materials are used in every inch of the cabin, including the new pistol-style shifter knob, an SVR-specific steering wheel with soft-touch upholstery wrappings and aluminum paddle shifters.
3. Drivetrain
The F-Pace SVR received a huge power boost because of its supercharged 5.0-liter V-8 that can now produce 550 ponies and 502 pound-feet of torque. It has an active and lightweight exhaust system that helps power the car to 176 mph top speed. It can go 0 to 60 mph in just 4.1 seconds. The F-Pace SVR is paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission.
4. Chassis And Handling
The F-Pace SVR used the same iQ-Al modular platform as the regular F-Pace. This is the same one used on the Jaguar XE, the second-generation Jaguar XF, and the next-generation Jaguar XJ, not to mention the Range Robert Velar SUV. Thanks to this platform, the F-Pace SVR has a lightweight aluminum body that makes it easier for driver to handle it.
5. Prices
The SVR variant will start at $79,990 and orders will start this summer.
6. Competition
The main competitor of the F-Pace SVR is the Porsche Macan Turbo, which is rocking a twin-turbo V-6 that produces a whopping 400 horsepower after it has been paired with a 7-speed transmission and high-performance AWD system. The price for the Porsche starts at $77,200.
Checking Out The New 2019 Cadillac XT4
The decision of Cadillac to hire Johan de Nysschen has finally come to fruition in terms of the crossover market. This 2018, we’ll finally get to see the launch of the 2019 Cadillac XT4, which will give the BMW X3, the Audi Q5, and the Mercedes-Benz GLC a run for their money.
Making its public debut at the 2018 New York Auto Show, the XT4 is Cadillac’s smallest crossover to date. It rides on a new platform and uses a small displacement engine. Is it surprising that Cadillac wants a chunk off the crossover market? It’s a huge market, and one being slowly monopolized by luxury brand such as BMW.
Exterior
The overall styling cues of the XT4 comes from the larger XT5. Although it has a more subdued appearance, it is still elegant and sophisticated. Plus, it has a nice sporty look that would go well with the millennial market. Similar to the XT5, the XT4 has a swept-back headlamps with vertical daytime running lights, a big trapezoidal grille, and a sturdy bumper. From the CT6 sedan, it got the side intakes that are placed higher than the fascia and the LED strips that are shorter than the XT5.
Overall, the XT4 feels sportier and more aggressive, which is much needed if it’s to compete with the BMW X3 and the Mercedes-Benz GLC. There are eight colors that you can choose from— Atlantic Metallic, Autumn Metallic, Crystal White Tricoat, Twilight Blue Metallic, Shadow Metallic, Red Horizon Tintcoat, Stellar Black Metallic, and Radiant Silver Metallic.
Interior
Inside, the cabin has some familiar features, but there’s enough styling elements also to make it stand out. First, it has a unique dashboard design. The center piece holds the new eight-inch infotainment display with several controls underneath. There’s a three-spoke steering wheel design wrapped in leather and has big grip handles for a sportier feel.
Other notable features include the sporty seats with a massage option and ambient lighting. On the tech side, you can enjoy the infotainment system with a smartphone-like operation and intuitive interface.
Drivetrain
Here’s the 411 on the new Cadillac XT4. It will run on a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with Active Fuel Management or cylinder deactivation for the best fuel economy. It can produce 237 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque.
The XT4 will have a starting price of $35,790, including the destination charge, but excluding tax, title, license, dealer fee, and optional equipment.
What We Know So Far About The 2019 Audi S6 Avant Wagon
USA customers are clamoring for the 2019 Audi S6 Avant Wagon. However, it doesn’t look like we’re going to see this performance wagon from Audi.
It has been an important week for the industry. This past week alone, we have seen the likes of the 2018 Volvo V90, the 2018 Jaguar XF Sportbrake, and the 2018 Porsche Panamera Turbo Sport Turismo. These are all wonderful in their own little ways and Americans love seeing these European brands in dealerships, but we’re missing out on the Audi Avant.
The 2019 Audi A6 was recently photographed in all its camouflaged glory. It made its debut in March at the Geneva Motor Show to replace a competent but aging model. Though there was no word from Audi about the fate of the S6, but it will likely follow the A6.
Americans will most likely miss out on the Avant, though we doubt very much that we’re not going to see at least the sedan variant. Right now, we’ve got the Volvo, Jaguar, and Mercedes wagons here. There’s a big market for wagons in the United States, so we’re here crossing our fingers that we’ll see the Avant sometime.
Audi has yet to reveal what it plans for the S6, engine-wise. All we know is that the current S6 uses a version of Audi’s twin-turbo 4.0-liter V-8 and a seven-speed dual clutch transmission. It produces 450 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque. All models have the quattro all-wheel drive. The next-generation S6 will most likely shed off the V-8 engine and downsize into one that would be more fuel efficient. We’re hoping to see a variant of RS4’s new 2.9-liter twin-turbo V-6.
Audi S6 Avant Spy Shots
Check out the spy shots of the Audi S6 Avant provided by Carscoops in the gallery below:
MW Motors Luka EV Ready To Be Launched
MW Motors announced that its Luka EV, an electric vehicle, is ready to be introduced to the world. The team just started testing its first prototype after we first heard about its conceptualization in 2015.
The goal of the Luka EV is to reach 186 miles and a weight of 1,650 pounds for an affordable price of less than €20,000. The goal has been met as the two-seater Luka EV uses four 12.5-kW in-wheel electric motors that produce a total of 66 horsepower. That could push the car to 62 miles per hour from a complete stop. This can be reached at just 9.6 seconds. Top speed is 90 mph.
Luka EV is a bit heavier compared to the target of 1,650 pounds, but it’s still okay at 1,800 pounds, thanks to an aluminum alloy chassis and fiber-reinforced plastic body. It can go 186 miles on a single charge because of the 21.9-kWh NiCoMn battery pack.
The Luka EV has a retro look on the outside, looking a bit like the Mini Cooper. But don’t be fooled by the retro-inspired styling on the exterior. The cabin packs a whole lot of tech and modern features. The seats are upholstered in leather, and there’s air conditioning, power windows, infotainment and navigation will also come standard to the model.
According to MW Motors, the Luka EV will be highway legal in the European Union, but there are no details yet whether it will be available in North America. There are a lot of EV startups in the market these days, but there are only a few lightweight, stylish, and affordable options. So, the Luka EV will be a welcome option in a market that is slowly growing and becoming increasingly relevant to society.
No other details are available, including the prices for the Luka EV, so stay tuned for that.
Photos
Check out the official photos of the Luka EV here:
All-New Ford Focus Reveals Details In Teaser
The date is April 10. Mark that on your calendar. The event? Ford is revealing the next-generation Ford Focus, and the details are quite stunning. Ahead of the April 10 reveal, Ford started releasing teaser videos about what to expect on the all-new Focus.
The first teaser video details the intricate designs on the car such as the jewel headlights and sculpted body panels. There might also be a ST-Line appearance package, based on the sporty wheels that are equipped with Michelin rubber.
The video reveals a hatchback, but we do know that Ford is also releasing a sedan and wagon variants of the next-generation Focus. As you well know, prototypes for all three variants were spotted in different instances last year. In February, the undisguised hatch version was also photographed during what looked like the official photoshoot for the model.
This model represents the fourth generation under the Focus name. Expectations are it will be on sale starting this fall as a 2019 model, so the April 10 reveal is just about right. Unlike other times, though, this fourth-generation Focus will be sourced from a plant in China. These are the models that are going to be sold in the United States.
The interior will be roomier than the present-generation Focus and it would have sharper dynamics, too, according to reports. It’s not clear yet what drivetrains Ford plans for the new Focus but all units will most likely be using a turbocharged engine. There will be an automatic and manual transmission, and a plug-in hybrid will also be available. We’re not sure yet if there will be a Focus Electric like before.
There would be a Focus ST hatch that will be offered with a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 that produces 250 horsepower.
Focus is currently competing with the Chevrolet Cruze, Honda Civic, Mazda 3, Subaru Impreza, Toyota Corolla and Volkswagen Golf.
5 Things You Might Not Know Yet About The 2018 Audi RS5 Coupe
The 2018 Audi RS5 Coupe is amazing. It can produce 444 horsepower that puts it in the same level as the BMW M4, the Cadillac ATS-V, the Lexus RC F, and the Mercedes-AMG C63 coupes. This was achieved after it traded its highly reliable V-8 engine for a smooth twin-turbocharged V6. Now, it’s a lot less raw but still packs enough power for eager drivers to try it out.
1. Engine Is Lighter
Even though it packs a heavier punch, the 2018 Audi RS5 Coupe twin-turbocharged 2.9-liter V-6 engine is about 66 pounds lighter than the previous 450-horsepower 4.2-liter V-8 engine. This coupe’s weight is evenly distributed, thanks to its ability to carry 54 percent of its mass on its front axle.
2. Power In The Crankshafts
Audi said that the RS5 and the Panamera use the same twin-turbocharged 2.9-liter V-6 engine, though they are configured differently through using different crankshafts. According to Audi, the compression rate of the RS5 is a lower 10.0:1 against the Porsche’s 10.5:1. The Audi’s production is a lot more powerful, too, than the Panamera’s 440 horses and 405 pound-feet of torque.
3. Smooth Transmission
The RS5 uses an eight-speed automatic transmission with a traditional torque converter. This might sound a tad bit duller on paper, but it operates smoother than other transmission system. When you shift it yourself, the transmission could hold gears until you decide to change shift. In manual mode, the car can perform this shift on its own.
4. Oil Cooler Positioned Right
The RS5’s flat oil cooler is placed ahead of the radiator, which means that the horizontal position allows the biturbo V-6’s oil to remain cool and not get too hot. It can also generate 6.6 pounds of downforce at 62 mph.
5. Torque Vectoring Rear Differential
The RS5’s torque vectoring rear differential is an option in other countries but in the US, this will come standard. Audi said the differential will be able to transfer every ounce of maximum engine torque sent to the rear axle to either the left or right rear wheel.
4 Important Things To Know About The 2019 Cadillac CT6 V-Sport
The Cadillac CT6 was specifically designed to go against the likes of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, the BMW 7 Series, and the Audi A8, but that was back in 2015. Fast-forward today, the 2019 Cadillac CT6 V-Sport will be offering a more powerful variant of the vehicle, thanks to its brand-new V-8 engine.
The V-Sport gets all the new and cool features, including some that are borrowed from the Escala, though the main highlight remains to be the V-8 engine it got under the hood.
1. Exterior
The concept design of the 2019 Cadillac CT6 V-Sport is based on the Escala, so needless to say, the new Cadillac looks completely different from the mid-cycle upgrade. In the front, there’s a new grille that’s almost similar to the Escala, thanks to the upper chrome trim. There’s also a sportier mesh with a honeycomb-like design that replaced the regular CT6 grille with horizontal slats.
Other things to take notice of in the new Cadillac’s overall look are the new headlamps and taillights, the black window trim, the decklid spoiler, a revised bumper, and the sportier side skirts.
2. Interior
Cadillac released two photos of the interior of the 2019 Cadillac CT6 V-Sport, and we must say we’re pretty impressed. What we can gleam is that it will have upholstered leather seating and carbon fiber trim on the dashboard. We’re expecting there’ll be the V-Sport badge on the floor mats and the door sills, but we’re still not sure about that.
The V-Sport is using an upgraded infotainment system with smartphone-like features and a more intuitive interface. There’s also a new rotary controller, new rear camera mirror, a 10-inch display screen, and hands-free super cruise.
3. Drivetrain
As mentioned above, the 2019 Cadillac CT6 V-Sport will be packed with the all-new V-8 engine that produces 550 horsepower and a whopping 627 pound-feet of torque. It will come with an AWD as standard or you can opt for a 10-speed automatic transmission. There’s also the Brembo braking system and performance-optimized track mode.
4. Prices
Cadillac has yet to announce the price for the 2019 Cadillac CT6 V-Sport, but it’s safe to assume that it will be the most expensive car in the lineup. The price tag could go as high as $100,000 before options.
