Monthly Archives: May 2018
Nissan Kicks Starts At Just Under $19,000
Nissan announced that its tiny subcompact SUV, the Kicks, will just sell for $18,965, making it the cheapest option in its segment save for the crowd favorite Kia Soul. The Nissan Kicks doesn’t seem to be a lot fun as its predecessor, the Juke, but the low price tag might be equally appealing for some.
The Kicks will only be powered with 125 horsepower, as opposed to the 188-horsepower turbo-four that the Soul is fitted with. And compared to the price, the Kicks is cheap, too, though not as affordable as Soul’s $17,095 price tag (or $18,695 with its optional automatic transmission.
The Kicks will only get three trim levels—the S, the SV, and the SR trim levels. It will also only come in front-wheel drive and continuously variable automatic transmission. The entry-level mode, the S, isn’t equipped with anything special with its 16-inch wheels, hubcaps, and lack of proximity-key entry. It will, however, come standard with automated emergency braking, Bluetooth, and a backup camera, which is a requirement for all new cars.
The SV is priced at $20,665 while the SR is coming at $21,265. Nissan hasn’t revealed yet what equipment these two trim levels will come in. Based on reports, optional equipment will most likely include blind-spot monitoring, a 7.0-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a Bose audio system as part of the SR Premium package. There is no word yet, too, if the upper trim levels will receive engine upgrades.
But if you’re going to shell out more than $21,000 for Kicks’ SR trim level, it better have more than just the usual tech found inside same-priced vehicles.
The other trim levels might also have more options when it comes to color schemes. There might be two or more color schemes to choose from that will have either a black or white roof.
There will be more details in the coming weeks, ahead of the Nissan Kicks’ sale in June.
Mini Cooper Royal Wedding Edition To Be Auctioned Off For Charity
What wedding present can you give a couple who has everything? As Prince Harry and Meghan Markle is set to tie the know on May 19, Mini has come up with a Mini Cooper Royal Wedding Edition that it will gift to the couple. But unlike other gifts which the couple will keep, this one will be gifted for charity.
The car will be given to the chosen charity of the couple that will then auction it. The full proceeds will go to the chosen charity. It has been reported that the Prince and Markle chose The Children’s HIV Association or CHIVA as the charity where the proceeds of the car sale will go to. HIV is an issue close to the heart of Princess Diane, Prince Harry’s late mother.
Mini’s design team customized and personalized the Mini Cooper 2-Door with a handmade roof graphic and a special edition interior. The designs are 3D printed and also feature special embroidery. The multi-layer roof graphic has been applied by hand and it’s a combination of the Union Jack and the Stars & Stripes, symbolizing the couple’s nationalities.
The opened doors will project a “Just Married” sign onto the ground as a special touch. All the small details around the car are bespoke—from the chrome finish to the side scuttles. Outside, the car is wrapped in Crystal White paint. Inside, it has a Satellite Grey leather with a trim strip announcing the first names of the bride and groom, as well as the wedding date. To match the roof’s graphics, there are complementary accents in the door cards.
If you want the Mini Cooper Royal Wedding Edition (not the official name) but can’t join the auction, you can have some of the custom work replicated through the Mini Yours personalization program. That even includes the 3D-printed parts as option.
4 Things To Know About The 2018 Renault Megane RS
Renault is bringing a sportier and more powerful version of the Megane to 2018. Called the Renault Megane RS, it will have a wide stance, unique body lines, aggressive front end, and a motorsport-inspired, functional rear diffuser.
Exterior
The RS model is wider than the standard model with the rear haunches up by 45 mm (1.77 inches) and the front extended by 60 mm (2.36 inches). The front has an all-new fascia and the large air intakes are more menacing and aggressive than ever. The new grille also adds a sportiness to the whole look.
The rear end is very interesting, with a micro look on the fascia and a functional diffuser in the middle. There are new fog lights, too, and you can choose from 18- or 19-inch wheels. There are eight exterior colors to choose from—Glacier White, Arctic White, Mercury, Diamond Black, Titanium Grey, Flame Red, Volcanic Orange, and Liquid Yellow.
Interior
The interior is all sports car with its RS-specific goods. The red trim is thrown around the car and the RS badge on the bottom of the steering wheel is a nice sporty touch. There are red accents, too, in the hear shifter, the instrument cluster, and the infotainment system. All over, the interior is wrapped in charcoal gray with red top stitching and to round off the sporty feel of the interior, there are aluminum pedals, too.
The sports seats offer plenty of support, which included integrated headrests. The R-Link 2 comes as standard equipment and this features an 8.7-inch display that’s vertically oriented.
Performance
The Renault Megane RS is powered by a 1.8-liter four-pot engine that produces 280 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 287 pound-feet of torque. For this kind of power, Renault has to do over the air intake, the exhaust system, and the cylinder head, which received attention from the Renault Sport Cars and Renault Sport Racing department.
The Megane RS can reach 62 mph in just 5.9 seconds. It also comes with the Multi-Sense, which offers several driving modes—Comfort, normal mode, sport mode, race mode, and Perso mode.
The Renault Megane RS is priced at $37,271, and competes directly with the Volkswagen Golf R and the Honda Civic Type R.
Production of Tesla Model Y SUV Moves To 2020
Photo Source: Avarvarii via AutoExpress
Amid growing concerns that Tesla is taking in more than it is capable of, its CEO, Elon Musk, revealed that the production for the Tesla Model Y SUV will officially be moved to 2020. Initially, the plan is for the Model Y SUV to join Tesla’s lineup sometime in 2019.
This information was revealed during a heated investors’ meeting wherein Musk revealed the $710-million net loss because of struggles to produce the Tesla Model 3, which future owners have paid reservations for almost two years ago.
The Model Y will be a new crossover from the Californian EV company. This is a “crucial step” to the second stage of Tesla’s “Master Plan,” which aims to move the firm and expand its current lineup with a second-generation Roadster and commercial vehicle entries, including an all-electric pick-up and a full-sized Tesla Semi truck.
Through its plans of producing smaller SUVs aka crossovers, Tesla is gearing up itself to enter a blooming auto market. The cheaper and smaller offering will allow Tesla to truly enter the true volume vehicle manufacturer’s market.
Musk has been vocal about his excitement for the Tesla Model Y SUV, and has even released an official teaser image of the Model Y’s design last year. It might be similar to the Model X SUV’s form and function, though the Model Y will be smaller. It might even have that Falcon-wing-style doors that Musk initially promised. Other design cues from the Model 3 could be carried over such as the flat, grille-free front end.
Officially, the Model Y will sit under the Model X in Tesla’s range as the second and smallest SUV, but it would also make sense for Tesla to market the Model Y as a Model 3 crossover rather than a smaller Model X. The upcoming Model Y will use the same platform as the Model 3, meaning it might also have the same drivetrains— 220-mile Standard and 310-mile Long Range launch editions.
New 2019 Kia Niro EV Unleashed At International Electric Vehicle Expo
Kia surprised everyone at the 5th International Electric Vehicle Expo in Korea when it revealed the all-new Kia Niro EV in production-ready form. Following the surprise revelation, we are now receiving information about the European specifications of the electric vehicle, as well as details about its European debut at the Paris motor show in October.
Based on the new WLTP testing procedure, the Niro’s long-range 64kWh battery will be capable of reaching 298 miles on a single charge, the same range claimed by the Jaguar I-Pace. It is also slightly better than the 292-mile range of Hyundai’s Kona EV, Kia’s smaller sister car.
The production version of the Niro is far off from the concept shown during the Consumer Electronics Show at the start of the year. Instead, it looks very much like the existing hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions of the crossover. The lone difference in terms of design is the lack of grille, which is now where the charging socket is docketed. Other new elements in the design are the vibrant teal highlights on the front apron and the arrowhead style daytime running lights.
There will be two battery sizes available for the Niro EV—a smaller, cheaper 39.2kWh version and the long-range 64kWh car. The cheaper option won’t likely be available in Europe. That market will only probably see the 298-mile option. Expect the car to arrive in Europe dealerships in early 2019.
The Niro EV is one of the 31 electric vehicles that Kia plans to launch by 2020. Michael Cole, Kia’s European Chief Operating Officer, said in earlier reports that the Niro lineup would have three powertrain choices. So far, we’ve seen two of those three options. And rather than introduce new models for its electrified lineups, Kia would rather develop alternative powertrains for its existing EV models.
Land Rover Announced Updates For The Range Rover Velar
Land Rover is updating its Range Rover Velar for 2018 with a fresh six-cylinder diesel engine and a slew of enhanced driver assistance and safety features.
The new D275 will bring a 3.0-liter V6 diesel option for customers producing 271 horsepower and 625Nm of torque. Those who will opt for the engine will also get to carry the D275 badge. No performance figures or fuel rating has been revealed, but Land Rover claims that the new engine will be capable of delivering 42.8mpg with CO2 emissions of 175g/km.
Aside from the new engine, all other petrol and diesel units will be fitted with new particulate filters. The P250 and the P300 models are both going to have a larger, 83-liter fuel tank.
The Velar is already fitted with a number of driver assistance technology, but even this has been updated with the Steering Assist and Lane Centring, allowing the vehicle to maintain a steady path when driving in a single lane. This Steering Assist feature works at speeds of up to 111mph.
In the new models, all will come standard with a rear camera, front and rear parking aids, driver condition monitor, emergency braking and lane keep assist. Also updated is the forward collision detection system, which can now work between 6pmh and 99mph to alert the driver to potential hazards. It will also be able to apply the brakes automatically during a critical situation.
All Velar models will be fitted with coil springs as standard. Four-corner air suspension will be an option on V6-powered models, as well as in the four-cylinder D240 and P300 cars. Other features to be expected are adaptive dynamic damping, scanning wheel and body movement.
The Kvadrat-made Premium Textile interior is available across the Velar range, not reserved anymore for top-end models. The D275 is on sale now for $67,293.
2020 GMC Sierra Denali 2500 Spy Shots Revealed New Details
This year has been a big one for trucks. Since the start of the year, we have seen the new 2019 Chevy Silverado, 2019 Ram 1500, 2019 Ford Ranger and the 2019 GMC Sierra. Last week, we saw the new 2018 Ford F-150 Power Stroke diesel, and the Silverado, Ram, and Sierra HD variants will soon follow. There’s even a teaser for the Silverado 2500. To add to all of that, we now have access to spy shots of the upcoming 2020 GMC Sierra 2500 Denali.
The new 2500 Denali model aims to look more than just the Silverado, just like the Sierra 1500 model. It has a new face and even with the camouflage, we can see that the new grille has roughly the size of a regulation football field (okay, that’s an exaggeration, but you get the drill). All of that new grille is wrapped in a sea of chrome, giving the new 2500 Denali model an aggressive look that’s perfect for its off-road capabilities.
Since the prototype taken by AutoGuide is seen in full camouflage, it’s hard to tell what else is in store for us, design-wise. We can see that the front and rear fender have significant flares, though it is also likely that these came from the covering. We’re still not sure about that. Reports have indicated that the new truck will have the MultiPro tailgate, but GMC has yet to confirm these speculations or whether there is even basis to them.
What we can expect is that the new CarbonPro carbon-fiber bed will be carried over to this new model. Other than that, it’s a wait-and-see game.
Aside from the Sierra Denali 2500, we can also expect the Sierra 3500 to arrive alongside the other heavy-duty variants. There will surely be a mix of aluminum and steel bodywork, similar to the light-duty models.
Spy Shots
Check out the spy shots of the upcoming GMC Sierra Denali 2500 in the gallery below:
2019 Chevrolet Suburban RST Performance Package Packs A Whopping 420HP
We have seen how Chevrolet’s Rally Sport Track (RST) work on the Suburban before. It’s nothing new and the Suburban RST was a dream. However, the 2019 Chevrolet Suburban RST with Performance package is nothing like we have seen before. It is coming full on packed with a massive 6.2-liter V8 engine that can produce 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque. Yes, the same 6.2-liter V8 engine in the Tahoe RST with Performance package.
The RST Performance package is now an available option for the 2019 edition of the largest SUV. Last year, when the Suburban and the Tahoe RST made both of their debuts, the Performance package was only offered for the Tahoe RST. But now, compared to the Tahoe RST’s 355 horses and 383 pound-feet of torque, it looks like the Suburban is the new favorite.
The Suburban RST Performance package’s 6.2-liter V8 is mated with a 10-speed automatic transmission, which might be the same unit found in the Chevy Camaro ZL1. Paired with the Active Fuel Management, the 6.2-liter engine is suddenly more fuel efficient compared to the 5.3’s six-speed auto transmission.
And much like the Tahoe RST Performance package, the Suburban RST version will also have the Magnetic Ride Control dampers. There will also be other options that owners can choose from such as a red Brembo brake package and a Borla dual-side exhaust system. The RST package will come with 22-inch wheels, a gloss-black grille, black Chevrolet badges, and a combination of body color and gloss-black trim.
There is no information yet about the pricing for the Suburban RST and the Performance package. On the Chevrolet Tahoe, the 6.2-liter V8 engine and the RST Performance package added $4,955 while the RST edition costs $2,640 on the 2018 Suburban. Pricing details for both packages should be revealed when the truck is launched later this summer. Stay tuned for more information.
Rolls-Royce Cullinan To Debut On May 10
The Rolls Cullinan, Rolls-Royce’s very first foray into the SUV land, will make its debut on May 10. The Rolls-Royce Cullinan is said to be the most luxurious SUV in the world once it makes its debut.
The announcement from the luxury carmaker did not include details about the SUV, but we’ve already speculated largely about the SUV ever since we saw leaked test vehicles and prototypes for the model. We don’t expect a revolutionary design for the Cullinan. Remember that this is Rolls-Royce we’re talking about. They live for the elegance of the classics.
Design-wise, the Cullinan will likely resemble the company’s latest limousine, including the prominent grille, the rectangular headlamps, and the vertical taillights. It will also have a tall beltline and rear-hinged rear doors. The Cullinan, based on test photos, has a long roof and boxy rear section, making it seem that the Rolls-Royce is taking the old school route by fitting the SUV with a massive trunk.
The Cullinan’s cabin is almost identical to the new Phantom VIII. Expect the same massive dashboard with the big infotainment display in the middle, a wide and tall center console, and big A/C vents atop the controls in the center stack. It’s safe to say that the Cullinan’s cabin will be the most luxurious on the market, and it will compete with the Bentayga in terms of features, technology, and appointments.
All over the Cullinan’s interior, you’ll be treated like royalty, thanks to the premium leather upholstery and genuine wood trim. All of these colors and features will be customizable and Rolls-Royce’s Bespoke division will enable owners to configure the SUV to their specifications that they like.
Power will come from a twin-turbo, 6.75-liter V-12 from the Phantom, producing more than 550 horsepower. The engine is paired with automatic transmission.
Expect the price to be somewhere in the range of £200,000 ($271,886) and up.