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3 Must-Knows About the Volkswagen Atlas SUV In R-Line Attire
The North American International Auto Show in Detroit is where Volkswagen’s much-anticipated seven-seater SUV is going to be seen once more. Together with the regular Atlas is the R-Line package, which we can expect to be launched later in the year.
The regular Volkswagen Atlas will be available in five trim levels, and will arrive as a 2018 model in spring, according to reports. The R-Line package, expected to arrive by the year’s end, will only be available in the upper SE and SEL trim levels.
Exterior
The R-Line aims to add a touch of sportiness to the already well-equipped and functional Atlas. For the exterior, the package will boost the Atlas with 20-inch aluminum-alloy twin-spoke wheels, new front and rear bumpers, new side skirts, and air intakes and rear with a diffuser design. Of course, never to forget is the R-Line badging that would essentially separate this from the regular Atlas.
Interior
The changes inside the cabin are not that much. In a nutshell, it has a small R clip on the steering wheel, stainless steel pedal covers, and an R-line logo on the infotainment screen when the vehicle starts up. This pack is available for all powertrains, whether the four- or six-cylinder engines with either front- or all-wheel drive.
Powertrain
That being said, there’s nothing new with Atlas R-line’s powertrain. Under the hood, you’ll find the same engine as non-R-line models: there’s a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine or the 3.6-liter V-6 engine. The four-cylinder engine gives off 235 horsepower while the V-6 produces 276 horsepower. Standard to both engines is the eight-speed automatic transmission.
Front-wheel drive is what’s packing in the four-cylinder engine while the 4MOTION all-wheel drive is available for the V-6 engine.
Pricing for the R-line Atlas has not been revealed for now, but let’s wait if we’ll get more details at the Detroit Auto Show.
3 Features Of The 2017 Ford Explorer Platinum
This top-of-the-line Ford Explorer Platinum gets a hefty price tag of $54,180. The exterior details are almost similar to the lesser Explorers, but the interiors certainly separated itself, thanks to the 10-inch digital gauge cluster, quilted leather seats, leather-wrapped dashboard, and real wood and aluminum accents found on the dashboard, doors, and steering wheel.
Here are the top 3 features of the SUV according to a source:
1. Stronger And Faster
Standing at 4,980 pounds, the Platinum sets itself to be the heftiest out of all the current Explorers. But, this didn’t stop Ford from engineering the vehicle to be its quickest, too. That’s largely because of the Platinum’s twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V-6 EcoBoost engine that it shares with the Explorer Sport.
This engine can deliver 365 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque. It is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission with a pair of steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters. Standard is all-wheel drive. It also comes with 20-inch wheels in all-season Hankook tires.
2. Premium Cabin
Once inside, you’ll feel the premiere and luxurious materials being offered by the Platinum. The central touchscreen is more responsive—there’s no need for a second or third tap to confirm a request. It has standard features such as an adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, an automatic parking system, dual-panel sunroof, a blind-sport warning system, and a front-mounted camera.
The three rows have more legroom, although they feel slightly more cramped than the Dodge Durango. It, however, boasts of the four cubic feet of cargo space behind the rearmost row.
3. Cheaper Than The Competition
The price tag may be hefty for a midsize crossover SUV, but it’s certainly more affordable than the Acura MDX and the Infiniti QX60, both of which come with the same equipment levels. The only thing that the Acura and the Infiniti hold above the Platinum is its more luxurious branding. In terms of power, both vehicles don’t offer the V-6 in the Explorer Platinum.
3 Major Facts About The 2019 Audi Q8 SUV
Audi is now ready to replace the Q7 with a new flagship called the Q8, which will be the SUV equivalent of an A8. According to Audi, the Q8 is so sporty that “many of its design elements are reminiscent of the Audi Ur-Quattro of the 1980s.”
That’s a huge claim, considering that the Audi Quattro was such a legend in the auto industry until today.
Spacious Interior
According to a report, Audi will introduce the Q8 in the coming Detroit Auto Show to showcase its spacious interior that has four “equally comfortable seats.” That happens despite sporting a flat roof line. Speaking of exterior design, the Audi Q8 will come packed with its brand’s octagonal grille, which is now wider than ever and positioned forward compared to the current models. The C-pillar is flat but very wide, and is accompanied by flared shoulders above the wheels.
If you want to imagine how the Audi Q8 will look like, think about the BMW X6M but with more space inside.
MLB Evo Platform
Down the line, you will probably see an RS variant of the Audi Q8. If that happens, it will be formed based on the Audi-developed MLB Evo Platform. It packs a twin-turbo V-8 engine that was designed by Porsche though linked to a ZF transmission. We may also find the SQ7’s 4.0-liter TDI and electric turbocharger combination in the Q8.
If a plug-in hybrid version ever arrives, you will see a V6 TDI that can churn out 30 miles of electric driving.
No Fully Electric Q8 Yet
There was a rumor last year that Audi will introduce a fully electric Q8. That wasn’t sure yet, though, after the R8 e-tron was discontinued because of a lack of sales. If you want an all-electric car, you can check out the A9 in 2020. The fully electric Q8 is still possible, no worries. After all, Audi’s sales need to represent 15% EVs.
7 Major Characteristics of the 2017 Toyota 4Runner
In a nutshell, the 2017 Toyota 4Runner is the auto equivalent of a multipurpose Swiss knife. It has everything you need from an SUV and more. Whatever you need it to be, the 4Runner will have your back. Thanks to its size, power, and that macho appeal, you can trust it to tow your boat, climb a mountain, carry seven passengers, and haul a variety of items such as picnic tables, barbeques, tents, and other supplies.
And yet, it still has the capacity to fit solo drivers. That is, if you love massive SUVs that can do anything you ask of it.
Strong and Dependable
No matter what you need, the 4Runner will offer comfort, versatility, and reliability because of its body-on-frame construction that features a 4-link rear axle and coil-spring suspension. You can choose between a 2WD, part-time 4WD with a two-speed transfer case or a full-time, multi-mode 4WD with a two-speed transfer case and locking center differential. All variants with four-wheel drive will have 9.6 inches of ground clearance.
There are three TRD models: the TRD Off-Road, the TRD Off-Road Premium, and the TRD Pro. Aside from these, the 4Runner is also available as the SR5, SR5 Premium, and the Limited.
Macho, Spunky, and Full of Character
Whether it’s freshly bathed or looked like they were born out of mud, the 4Runner will always look stunning. Physically, it has that catchy, bad-ass look that will make heads turn on the streets. All 2017 4Runners have projector beam headlights and LED rear combination lamps. The SR5 and TRD models have 17-inch alloy wheels that are available in three different designs: the 6-spoke design will be standard for SR5 and SR5 Premium, the 7-spoke design for the TRD Off-Road and TRD Off-Road Premium, and the TRD Alloy painted matte black for the TRD Pro.
Powerful and Durable
Under the hood of all 4Runners, you’ll find the 4.0-liter V-6 that can produce 270 horsepower and 278 lb. ft. of torque, thanks for being paired to a 5-speed ECT-i automatic transmission with sequential shift mode. The torque will allow the 4Runner to tow a maximum of 5,000 pounds with a maximum of 500-pound tongue weight.
3 Things To Look Out For In The 2017 Rolls-Royce SUV
Finally, Rolls-Royce is joining the SUV party. It’s better late than never, and we expect nothing but great things from Rolls’ Project Cullinan.
The production model of the Rolls-Royce SUV will be tested at the Arctic Circle by the end of this month. After proving itself in the coldest place in the planet, it will head to the Middle East where its ability to combat extreme heat will be challenged.
1. Exterior
Based on the spy shots released by Rolls itself, we can deem that the company will not be trying to revolutionize the way SUVs are made. This is, after all, their first foray in the segment and they want to be as safe as possible. Through the camouflage, we can see that the SUV will sport the same massive chrome grille and a pair of slim headlamps similar to the Ghost and Phantom sedans. What differs this are the larger bumper and skid plate placed below the grille.
The rear end will differentiate Rolls from all the other SUVs in the market. It used a wagon-like roof and tailgate, the latter supporting larger, horizontal taillights. So it can ride higher, the Rolls will feature 22-inch (if not larger) wheels.
2. Interior
What we can expect from the interior is that it will be draped in leathers and Alcantara with wood veneers and aluminum slapped on the dashboard and door panels. No Rolls Royce owner ever drives their own car (right?), so we can expect the backseat to mirror a first-class plane seating. All the features in the cabin will be customizable and Rolls’ Bespoke division will allow buyers to configure the SUV to their liking.
3. Drivetrain
A lot can still change here since it will be a while before Rolls releases the SUV, but we can expect a V-12 engine, as well as Ghost’s twin-turbo, 6.6-liter mill mated with an eight-speed ZF automatic transmission. This pairing can produce 600 horsepower and 600 pound-feet of torque, making it the second most powerful Rolls Royce after the Wraith.
Unfortunately, you have to be really, really, incredibly rich to afford the Rolls Royce SUV, which will most likely have a price tag of around $350,000.
Three Things To Learn About The 2018 BMW X3
If you’re a fan of the current BMW X3, you’ll be happy to know that the same snappy performance, elegant interior, and reasonable pricing are packaged in an all-new next-generation 2018 BMW X3.
Spotted testing once again, the new X3 is likely to arrive in showrooms starting next year as a 2018 model. Aside from what we enjoy with the current model, the German automaker added other elements to make this the perfect crossover SUV. What does anyone want in an SUV? Power, aerodynamics and cargo space. All of these you can find in this next-gen X3.
1. More Interior Space
Crossover SUVs have suffered tremendously for its failure to offer adequate interior and cargo space like it’s bigger brother, the SUV. It’s understandable why since the crossover wasn’t made to rival the SUV. It was just made to be bigger than the sedan, but significantly smaller than the SUV. The focus was on ground clearance than interior space. But thanks to a more efficient engineering and the use of lightweight materials, the 2018 X3 is equipped with a larger interior.
That is thanks largely to the adoption of the CLAR modular platform that was first seen in the 2016 7-Series. The SUV version will be debuting in the X3, and will likely appear in the new X5 and X7 as well.
2. Diesel and Plug-in Hybrid Options Available
For those of you waiting for a battery-powered electric X3, this isn’t the year for that, unfortunately. Under the hood of this new X3, you’ll find almost the same engine as that of the latest 3-Series. This means that the crossover is offering BMW’s new B58 modular 3.0-liter inline-6 and inline-4 units, including diesel and plug-in hybrid options. The battery-powered electric X3 will arrive towards the end of the decade.
3. Performance Variants are Coming
There will be an X3 M40i and X3 M, the latter was apparently spied in prototype form. Its engine will be coming from the M3/M4 line which produces 425 horsepower. These performance variants will have an aggressive body form that is also wider than the current X3.
5 Important Features Of The 2018 Toyota CH-R
Let’s go straight to the point. Toyota outdid themselves with the new CH-R, their entry to the SUV crossover segment. It made its debut at the 2016 Los Angeles Auto Show, where it wowed motor enthusiasts with the very aggressive styling, rich interiors, and a competitive drivetrain options.
1. Exterior
The CH-R will remind you of the Hyundai Veloster because of the C-pillar-mounted door handles on the rear. These handles nearly intersect with the sloping roof, making for the sporty and aggressive design, which Toyota calls “distinctive diamond.” Up front, the CH-R looks a lot like the RAV4. But thanks to the unconventional design of the bumpers, grilles, fog lights, air scoops, and angular panels, the CH-R can easily be set apart.
The funkiness and slightly rugged look of the CH-R continues at the back and finished with 18-inch alloy wheels and rear spoiler that protrudes over the liftgate’s glass.
2. Interior
What you’ll find inside is a refined and polished design for a crossover. The dashboard is made of matte and gloss finish while bits of chrome can be traced in the overall layout of the interior. There’s the 7-inch infotainment screen, the HVAC controls, the leather-wrapped, three-spoke steering wheel, and small driver information screen to complete the interior look.
3. Drivetrain
Under the hood, the CH-R is a typical Toyota. Its power will come from a 2.0-liter natural aspirated four-cylinder that can produce 144 horsepower and 140 pound-feet of torque. The oil pump must be given special recognition. It’s a coaxial two-port oil pump that allows for continuous oil pressure manipulation during different driving conditions.
4. Safety
Toyota packed the CH-R with a variety of safety features, which are normally available for higher-trim models but will not be standard to the crossover. The Toyota Safety Sense P includes Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection function, forward collision warning, Automatic Emergency Braking, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist function, Automatic High Beams, and Full-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control. Then, of course, there’s the usual full suite of airbags, seatbelts, rear seat child restraint LATCH points, crumple zones, and a passenger safety cell.
5. Price
There’s no pricing information yet for the CH-R, but prices are expected to be higher than the RAV4. It should start around $25,000.
13 New Spy Shots of the 2019 BMW X7 Emerge
In 2014, BMW announced plans to make a full-size SUV, the platform of which we are now seeing based on these spy shots. There are no surprises with the design of the BMW X7 since there have been speculations already that it will be patterned after the German company’s next-generation X5.
Here are things you need to know about the X7 before trying to get your hands on it:
Competition
The BMW X7 will compete against full-size SUVs in the luxury arena. In this segment are the Audi Q7, Cadillac Escalade, Mercedes-Benz GLS, Land Rover Range Rover Long-Wheelbase, Lincoln Navigator and upcoming Jeep Grand Wagoneer.
Design
There are no surprises when it comes to the design. The X7 looks like a stretched version of the next-generation X5, though the former is more muscular on the front section. Based on the spy shots, it’s easy to see that the grille and lights are all test units. They will be replaced once advanced prototypes have been tested and released.
For the X7, the platform that would be used is the German company’s flexible CLAR, a modular platform which made its debut on the 2016 7-Series and the 2017 5-Series. This platform will be soon used on all BMW models from 3-Series and up.
The CLAR platform promises lightweight construction and compatibility with electrified powertrains. Because of this, we can now assume that the X7 will feature a plug-in hybrid powertrain, along with the regular V-8 and inline-6 options. A V-12 may also be offered, though expect this to only be available for the M760i M Performance trim.
Interior
The cabin of the BMW X7 will be similar to the 2016 7-Series, especially the cockpit design. It will have three rows of spacious seating, a driver-focused layout, and an advanced infotainment system with gesture control.
Production of the X7 will take place in Spartanburg, South Carolina. It will be introduced in 2018, so it will likely be a 2019 model.
Photos
Here are the latest photos of the camouflaged 2019 BMW X7 from Motor Authority:
4 Facts About The 2018 Volkswagen Atlas
Finally, Volkswagen unveiled its 2018 Atlas, a three-row, seven-seater SUV that the German automaker hopes would play a major role in the SUV segment in the United States. This was first previewed in 2013 by the CrossBlue concept.
According to a report, the SUV made its world debut at the 2016 Los Angeles Auto Show, and will be expected in showrooms in the spring of 2017. Built at the Volkswagen’s plant in Chattanooga, Tennessee, the Atlas will arrive as a 2018 model.
1. Based on MQB Platform
Similar to the Golf and other Volkswagen models, the Atlas is going to be made from the MQB platform, the largest version available to make a case to be the segment’s most value- and family-oriented SUV. It is expected to go against the Ford Explorer, the Toyota Highlander, the Chevrolet Traverse and the Honda Pilot.
2. Largest Vehicle of VW
With measurements of 198.3 inches in length, 77.9 in width and 69.6 in height, the Volkswagen Atlas is the biggest vehicle in the VW fleet. It has an airy cabin that was almost based on the CrossBlue concept. It features massive knobs, large touchscreen infotainment system, as well as wood trims on the console.
3. Two Powertrain Options
Once launched, the Atlas will have two powertrains. The base is the turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-4 that can produce 238 horsepower. The second option is the 3.6-liter V-6 that can cough up 280 horsepower. Initially, Volkswagen wanted to release a diesel option, but the recent scandal hounding it proved too much for the company. Fuel-conscious buyers need not fret because there might be a hybrid option in the future.
A front-wheel drive will be paired with the inline-4 while the V-6 has an option of an all-wheel drive. The 8-speed automatic transmission will be standard. VW said that EPA ratings will be announced when its nearing market release.
4. A/V Tech is Topnotch
Tech items include Fender audio system with 12 speakers, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto smartphone integration. Safety features include forward collision warning, blind spot and lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and automatic emergency braking.
Boxy Mercedes SUV: The Living Legend
Not many visualize an SUV from Mercedes-Benz that is high and box type. But made initially along the lines of military vehicles for the use of the civilians, the G-class SUV from the company has today become one of the oldest of its cars.
Rumors have it that the car was made on the insistence of the then Shah of Iran who happened to be a major shareholder of Mercedes-Benz. This G-class Mercedes was also referred to as G-Wagen. It was made by a company called Magna Steyr that was formerly Magna-Steyr-Puch.
This was the reason why this boxy SUV from Mercedes was called Puch-G where it was sold under the brand name Puch. Introduced way back in 1979, this boxy Mercedes SUV is still being produced by the company.
G-class happens to be a bold and beautiful vehicle from Mercedes. On the one hand it has beautiful sublime looks and it boasts belligerent character.
In many ways, this large luxury vehicle from Mercedes Benz reminds one of a military automobile standing outside a gated community. As an owner, you can take pride from the fact that you get to see the other cars and individuals from a height. But this is just the start as this old and boxy Mercedes SUV which starts at a base price of $120,000 is mighty quick and gives a powerful feeling with its all wheeled drive.
G-class was not available to the people in America surprisingly for a long period of time even though the car found its way into the country through grey market. It was only in 2002 that this SUV got introduced in the USA. It was christened G-500 and fitted with a V-8 engine.
Combining Off-Road Capabilities with Comfort and Safety
The development of the G-class started in early 70’s when the two companies namely Daimler-Benz and Steyr Daimler Puch started collaborating to design a vehicle that had off-road capabilities but also stood high on safety and comfort. It took years of designing and production with a prototype used to test the off-road abilities in coalfields of Germany and the Sahara desert.
Not many people are aware of the fact that the first of the G-Wagen produced by the company was delivered by the company to the Vatican City where it became the popemobile in honor of the then pope. This particular vehicle, once it retired from the service of the Pope, was permanently shifted to the museum of the company in Stuttgart in Germany. Thousands of people come to take a glance at this revered automobile widely known as The Papa-G.
One of the Oldest Surviving Vehicles in the Stable of Mercedes-Benz
Today, G-class from Mercedes is like a living legend, being manufactured by the company even after 37 long years. It is undoubtedly a tribute to the engineering and design of this automobile. However, the company has tried its best to make sure that this aging vehicle remains modern and stylish by changing the engine and replacing it with a more powerful and racy one.
There are glaring changes made in the exteriors of this SUV as well to make it competitive with other modern SUVs. One of the reasons why this vehicle is still going strong is because of the desire of the wealthy people to get some more in the form of off road capabilities from this model.
G-class is a good automobile with ample space for the driver and the passengers. Not a lot of space to stretch out but not so small to get you cramped for space. This can be a drawback for many consumers given the fact that there are lots of SUVs available in the market at much lower price that are offering more space to the passengers.
There are many people too who feel that the SUV has been made too high for the owners by Mercedes. It might be a good idea to have better visibility but it is a little awkward for average height individuals to step in and out of this automobile.
Despite its limitations that have become more glaring because of the passage of time and development of advanced automobiles, G-class still sells in high numbers.