Monthly Archives: June 2018
The Mercedes-Benz EQC is Nearly Ready for Production
The Mercedes-Benz EQC is not having a time-off anytime soon. After enduring a harsh winter testing in Sweden, the standalone, all-electric sport utility vehicle is now being tested in the Iberian Peninsula. The test is to ensure that Mercedes is on schedule for the planned production of the unit.
According to the Global Media Site of Daimler, the EQC withstood its earlier winter testing under minus 35 degrees Celsius. This time, it is being evaluated in the very hot temperatures of the Iberian region that can go up to 50 degrees Celsius.
The rigorous summer testing aims to see the effects of extreme heat to the key components of the electric vehicle, particularly to its battery, air conditioning unit and control units. Those are in addition to the assessment of the effects of hot climate to the driving dynamics and interior comfort of the SUV.
Key Challenges Faced by the Mercedes-Benz EQC
One key challenge that Mercedes wishes to address is the cooling system of the EQC’s battery pack. Under a very cold climate, the battery only loses some of its power. However, in extreme heat, the unit risks sustaining damage.
Aside from the cooling system, the luxury car maker also wants to know how the charging system of the auto will react to the scorching weather. The process will involve completely emptying the charge of the battery too in order to further assess the effects.
Next, the test will reveal if the indicated time for pre-climatization of the EQC’s cabin is sufficient. The Mercedes engineers will pay special attention as well to the result of the punishing heat to the vehicle’s air conditioning compressor.
Lastly, the summer trials will show where fine dust tends to build-up within the components of the EV.
Mercedes-Benz EQC Official Photos
The official photos of the Mercedes-Benz EQC show the EV wrapped in heavy camouflage, which hides its key styling features. Based on the photos, the production version of the SUV does not look so different from its concept version though.
2019 Mazda MX-5 Miata Gets More Power, Now Has 181 HP
The Mazda MX-5 Miata is one of the most popular sports car in the history of automotive. It is so successful that there have been clamors for a much-needed update. Thankfully, Mazda heard all those appeals and decided that 2019 is the time for the MX-5 Miata to get additional power and a higher red line.
Yes, the rumors are true. The MX-5 Miata is getting a significant bump in power. It now has 181 horsepower. That’s 26 horses more than the previous generation’s engine. This little details was courtesy of Japan’s Car Watch, which recently had an opportunity to give the test mule a try.
According to the report, the 2019 Miata will be powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that can produce 181 horsepower at 7,000 rpm. That’s an increase of 26 horsepower from the current output of just 155 horsepower at 6,000 rpm. The Miata’s predecessor has an output also of 148 pound-feet of torque, but the 2019 version would have a bump to 151 pound-feet of torque.
There are significant changes in the powertrain, which accounts for the increase in power output. Specifically, Mazda added new pistons that are 27 grams lighter and new connecting rods that weigh 41 grams less than the ones fitted in the current generation.
The car’s redline increasing is due to the automaker’s installation of larger diameter throttle body, larger exhaust valves, and wider exhaust piping. The redline went up to 7,500 rpm from 6,800 rpm. Predictably, these updates would improve thermal efficiency and would lower emissions.
Moving inside the car, the Miata gets a telescoping steering wheel for the first time ever. The wheel has 1.2 inches adjustment and has a tilt function that will allow the wheel to move by as much as 1.7 inches.
Aesthetically speaking, the Miata will get a caramel brown top, full-tan leather interior, and bright finishes for the wheels.
3 Important Things To Know About The All-New BMW 8 Series Coupe
Finally, the Mercedes-Benz S-Class will have a tough competition ahead. The all-new BMW 8 Series coupe is expected to be released in the UK in November this year.
Exterior
The BMW 8 Series is a sporty vehicle, but it has a flatter nose than what was shown in the concept car and the grilles are also smaller. The fender vents and the corner air intakes, which we expect to be a little more on the aggressive side, have been toned down, design-wise.
Moving to the side, the side skirts are more aggressive but it doesn’t scream sports car to us. The mirrors and the headlights are bigger, but the taillights lost the 3D effect we have come to expect.
On the rear end, the new fascia contributed to that aggressive styling. Other notable changes are the revised license plates recess, the more attractive diffuser-like element, and the rectangular exhaust outlets.
Interior
The cabin is as sporty as it can get. The tri-color design adds a touch of elegance to an already stunning BMW 8 Series. The instrument cluster is not the same as the one in the concept, seeing as it has more buttons than necessary. The seat design looks comfortable and will give the Mercedes a run for its money.
The BMW 8 Series uses a pair of digital displays to dominate its interior. The instrument cluster is 12.3 inches while the infotainment display that hovers over the center stack is 10.25 inches. The coupe comes standard with cruise control (with braking function), Collision and Pedestrian Warning with City Braking, Head-Up display to go with Active Park Distance Control, and Microsoft Office integration.
Powertrain
The BMW 8 Series coupe will come with 840d, a diesel-powered, inline-six toting powerhouse or the M850i with a 523-horsepower V-8. The M850i should be able to hit 62 mph in 3.7 seconds, thanks to its capacity to produce 553 pound-feet of torque. On the other hand, the diesel engine could produce 320 horsepower and 501 pound-feet of torque. It can hit 62 mph in 4.9 seconds.
Volkswagen Fined 1 Billion Euros For “Dieselgate”
Volkswagen has been fined 1 billion Euros ($1.18 billion) by public prosecutors in the German city of Braunschweig, the city close to the company’s Wolfsburg headquarters, over “Dieselgate” or the diesel emissions cheating that saw more than 10.7 million vehicles fitted with “defeat devices.”
The German company said it will pay the fine and would not lodge an appeal against it. The statement added that Volkswagen AG admits “its responsibility” for the diesel crisis “and considers this as a further major step towards the latter being overcome.”
Volkswagen said that the investigation found that “monitoring duties had been breached in the powertrain development department in the context of vehicle tests.” In human language, that means that the diesel cars sold worldwide between 2007 and 2015 have been fitted with the so-called “defeat devices.”
The purpose of these devices is to lower the emissions of cars during testing. However, the devices don’t work when the cars are used during normal driving conditions, meaning that the cars on the road could pump out up to 40 times the allowed amount of pollution.
The 1-billion-Euro penalty is composed of the 5 million Euros that is imposed along with the 995 million Euros for what was described as the “disgorgement of economic benefits,” which simply means the profit earned by Volkswagen for all the mess.
The payment will likely put to end the criminal prosecutions against the German company, but Volkswagen will continue to face the growing number of civil claims from motorists with affected cars, as well as the shareholders of the company. Volkswagen is not alone in what has been dubbed as the “Dieselgate.” Its subsidiaries will also be targeted, as well as luxury carmakers Mercedes-Benz, which already recalled more than 770,000 units, and BMW.
The diesel scandal first broke out in the US, where the company has already paid $25 billion in fines and compensation.
Coming Soon: The 2019 Audi A6 Allroad
At first, the prototype for the new Audi A6 Allroad looks like an old test mule for the Audi A6 Avant, but the higher stance makes us believe we’re looking at the new A6 Allroad, which is slated to arrive in dealerships early next year.
The prototype is heavily camouflaged, so it’s hard to make out details from that. Though there’s no official word yet from Audi, the A6 Allroad looks to be riding on a higher stance than the standard A6 Avant. Look at the photos more closely, and you’ll notice that the A6 Allroad has more space between the car and the road.
The A6 Allroad shares the same aesthetics as the standard A6 Avant. They have the same headlamps and front grille combo, though the bumper, the fenders, and the side sills are wider and more flared than the Avant.
As far as the interior is concerned, the new A6 Allroad should share similarities with the Avant. The deep panels would showcase itself again on the Allroad, as well as the dashboard and center console configuration. It should also have the new seats with its ventilation and massage functions.
The instrument cluster will feature the new Virtual Cockpit by Audi. It will house a 12.3-inch digital readout that will provide all the important information and details about the car. Drivers would have to get used to the new cockpit, but this has the potential to become one of the most important features in an Audi vehicle.
There’s nothing new on the powertrain front, unless Audi has a surprise for us. The A6 Allroad will likely feature the same engine options as the standard Avant, except for the four-cylinder units. That being said, this means that the base model would come off a 3.0-liter TFSI V-6 engine that can produce 340 horses and 369 pound-feet of torque. Of course, Audi could tune up the output for the engine. The V-6 engine would most likely be paired with a seven-speed S Tronic automatic transmission.
The Audi A6 Allroad should be revealed at the 2018 Paris Motor Show, and would be available in dealerships sometime in 2019.
4 Things We Should Expect From The 2019 Aston Martin Rapide AMR
The Aston Martin Rapide just got the AMR treatment, making it the most extreme four-door sedan in the market since its introduction in 2010. The Aston Martin Rapide AMR was first displayed as a concept car at the 2017 Geneva Motor Show, but it is now produced with very few changes except that it gained extra horsepower.
Exterior
The production car is very similar to the concept car. There’s the same aggressive front grille with its larger-than-usual sports black honeycomb design. The bumper was revised and now includes a big carbon-fiber piece at the bottom. As far as the shape and size go, the engine remains the same but it now has larger cooling vents and accent stripes.
On the sides, the standard wheels have been replaced by 21-inch rims, which are finished in black and has a multi-spoke design and large, green-painted brake calipers.
Interior
Based on the concept car, the Rapide AMR is wrapped in carbon fiber and Alcantara leather. This is a first for Rapide. The seats have been replaced with bucket seats with integrated headrests, and have subtle “AMR” logos and AMR Lime or Galena Silver contrast stitching and stripes.
There’s a brand-new steering wheel, which is the same with the One-77 supercar. This is an option for the Rapide AMR. There are other features, including an AMR inspection plate and carbon-fiber door sills with “AMR” lettering.
Powertrain
The Rapide AMR just became the most powerful sedan in the Aston Martin lineup. The 6.0-liter V-12 engine can now produce 595 horsepower and 465 pound-feet of torque. The horsepower has an increase of 43 horses from the regular Rapide. The new AMR-treated Rapide also has larger inlet manifolds, which would benefit the need for enhanced airflow. The car can go 0 to 60 mph in just 4.2 seconds while top speed is at 203 to 205 mph.
Pricing
The Rapide AMR has a starting price of $240,000 in the U.S. That’s a $32,000 premium from the regular sedan but given the comprehensive upgrades and treatments, that price update should be okay. There will only be 210 units built worldwide, but it won’t be available to the Chinese and Russian market.
4 Things To Know About The New 2019 Audi S6
The 2019 Audi S6 will soon be unveiled and launched, but we already know a lot of details about it, particularly how it would be more aggressive in styling and it will have a more powerful drivetrain. The upcoming S6 is an important step for Audi towards dominating this segment that Mercedes-Benz and BMW are competing over.
1. Exterior
Based on the spy shots of TopSpeed, the most important exterior styling of the S6 is the new A8-style grille, whose wider element is highlighted by the sharper edges. The grille has three horizontal bars on the upper section, three in the middle section, and on the last section. It seems to us that the S6 is heavenly influenced by the A8—the headlamps are based on the A8 and it also has a more angular design.
The headlights, in particular, are slimmer and have a more angular and wider stance. Overall, the S6 has a sportier and more aggressive look than its predecessors.
2. Interior
The insides will be very similar to the A6, though this one on the S6 is headed by the all-new 12.3-inch diagonal display that replaced the traditional and analog dials on the dashboard. The display will provide information on speed and navigation. The other display in the dash will measure 10.1 inches and will include the latest MMI system with navigation. There’s another screen below—an 8.6-inch screen that has access to climate system, text input, and many other things.
The S6 will also be roomier with improvements on rear-seat legroom, headroom, and shoulder room. The trunk space will be unchanged at 18.7 cubic feet.
3. Powertrain
The current S6 is powered by a 4.0-liter V-8, which is rated at 450 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque. However, Audi’s decision to downsize some engines could impact the S6. This means that the V8 could possibly be replaced by a 2.9-liter V-6. That could crank out, at best, is 450 horses and 442 pound-feet of torque.
4. Pricing
The base model would likely be priced around $73,000 to $74,ooo, depending on the options chosen. In the United States, Volvo’s current sedan is priced at $71,900.
New 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLE Spotted Out And About
The Mercedes-Benz GLE will soon be redesigned, probably as an answer to BMW’s launching of the newest X5. The prototype for the new-generation of Mercedes’ mid-size luxury SUV has been spotted testing and we’re here to pick it apart for new information and details.
The current-generation GLE was never a redesigned model. It was introduced back in 2016 as a model for that year, but it was really just an update of the M-Class, which was launched in 2012. This redesigned model should focus on giving the GLE a new look. It will arrive for the 2019 model year, and should be on sale starting later this year or early next year.
How did we know this test vehicle was a GLE? The size and proportions would tell you that externally. But there was also a shot of the earlier test vehicles that showed the “W167” inscription on the rear. The current-generation GLE is internally referred to as a W166, so that makes sense, right?
The prototype has very light camouflage and disguise, and it’s easy to make out a number of details such as the massive grille and the more angular headlight shape. There’s also a more rugged look for the SUV’s body, thanks to the wide wheel arches that lead to the narrow cabin. Overall, the shape is more similar to the iconic G-Class with its strong lines and aggressive styling.
Inside, the layout is quite similar to the E-Class with the dashboard featuring a host of technology such as the dual-screen design and smartphone-like screen that is the main controller for the infotainment system. Speaking of infotainment system, that would be the new MBUX system that’s in the latest A-Class.
The MHA platform will be used for the new GLE. This is related to Mercedes’ MRA platform that’s in the German automaker’s sedans and coupes. Remember that it had its debut in the GLC? There’s also going to be a redesigned GLS in the future.
3 Things You Must Know About The Porsche Cayenne Coupe
It’s finally official. Porsche boss Oliver Blume confirmed that the Cayenne Coupe is more than just rumors. There’s actually one that would hit the road sometime in 2019. That’s only a year from now, so we might be seeing this reveal sooner than later.
Unique Design
The coupe will be based on the regular Cayenne and will have similarities with the SUV version. However, there’s going to be some fresh designs on this coupe, too, such as a new front bumper design and the B-pillars on the back. These two major changes will set the coupe apart from its SUV sibling. The rear end will have sleeker taillights, altered rear side windows, and a liftback-styled tailgate. The taillights, in particular, might remind you of the second-generation Panamera.
Powerful Engine
The Porsche, of course, wants you to have as much power as this little number could hold. The Cayenne Coupe will get two engine options—a 2.9-liter, twin-turbocharged V-6 unit that produces 440 horsepower, and a 4.0-liter, twin-turbocharged V-8 engine that churns out 550 horses. There are no plans for a diesel option as well as a hybrid engine for now, so don’t hold your breath on that. But hey, we never can tell, right? Enjoy the two engine options for now, but let’s see if we can at least see a hybrid option in the future.
Best Of Both Worlds
On paper, there is no reason why we should choose the Cayenne Coupe over its SUV sibling. Even the engines are a tad bit slower than the ones in the SUV seeing as the coupe got only the Cayenne S’ and the Cayenne Turbo’s engines. But if you’re one of those who like the driving dynamics of the sedan and the height of the SUV, then this coupe is for you.
The Cayenne Coupe combines the Cayenne’s front, Panamera’s rear, and coupe styling. It’s quite an attention-seeking little number, and we’re sure plenty will be interested, particularly those who are also looking at the BMW X6, the Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe, and the Audi Q8.