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Ferrari To Add Utility Vehicle To Boost Income
Luxury sports carmaker Ferrari will soon be adding a roomy four-seat utility vehicle to its lineup to boost its profit by 2022. Ferrari expects that the utility vehicle would double its income and help the manufacturer move along from its supercar niche.
Though there is no confirmation yet from the Italian brand, the people privy to the market said that the current five-year plan under CEO Sergio Marchionne is targeting an increase to the 10,000 units annual deliveries being made. Mr Marchionne will be retiring in 2021.
One of the projects said to be part of the lineup is a four-seat utility vehicle that will be perfect for the whole family. Be careful to see this plan as a way for Ferrari to finally open its doors for an SUV. It still remains adamant that it wants to carve a separate niche from carmakers who have ventured into producing SUVs and crossovers.
The “Ferrari utility vehicle,” as it will be dubbed, will be roomier than the current two-door GTC4Lusso. The segment would target Asian market, particularly car enthusiasts in China. Experts said it could add around 2,000 units of deliveries a year in China alone.
If this will push through, Ferrari is looking at competing with the likes of Maserati, Bentley and Lamborghini, who, like Ferrari, refused to join the fray of SUVs and crossovers in the market.
There is no final word on the model, but Ferrari is working to incorporate its sporty style into this new segment.
More Hybrid Models to Come
The new business plan, which will expectedly fall under stricter environmental regulations, also detailed how Ferrari will build more hybrid cars to improve fuel efficiency and attract more buyers.
Marchionne has been receiving flak for his plan to increase Ferrari’s deliveries each year because the brand will be losing its exclusivity. However, he tames those sentiments by releasing special or limited edition cars like the $2.1-million LaFerrari Aperta convertible.
This business plan came about as the auto industry is grappling with a new world order where electrified cars are slowly becoming the norm.
Rolls-Royce Cullinan: Is It An SUV Or Something Else?
Rolls-Royce is coining a new term for a segment that falls somewhere between a crossover and an SUV. Called the High-Sided Vehicle, the Cullinan isn’t exactly an SUV, as Rolls pointed out. Instead, it’s a “lifted ride” with ample ground clearance, cabin space, and off-road capabilities.
The Rolls-Royce Cullinan was spotted while being tested at the Nurburgring, but we don’t exactly know what to call it because categorizing it under the SUV segment would madden car enthusiasts all over the world. And yet, it isn’t a crossover exactly since that would seriously disappoint luxury car dealers because a Rolls isn’t one for off-road tracks.
Still, it shouldn’t surprise anyone that Rolls is at least dabbling into developing a luxury SUV-like vehicle and sends it to the Nurburgring for testing. That makes sense. The HSV, as Rolls wants to call the Cullinan, can handle off-road challenges just like any other SUV. It would have a significant ground clearance as opposed to what we see on their luxury sedans, but it still wouldn’t be high enough to make it awkward for passengers to climb in it.
The Cullinan will be based on the platform used on the Phantom VIII, which many of you know uses a new aluminum spaceframe architecture that would make the luxury sedan lighter, stiffer, and somehow, more powerful.
For the powertrain, Rolls-Royce is planning to use BMW’s 6.75-liter V-12 engine in the Cullinan, though it’s quite possible the luxury automaker is also going to produce a plug-in hybrid variant in the future… just to make the Cullinan compliant to current eco-friendly standards.
The Cullinan is riding on an air suspension, much like the much awaited eight-generation Phantom. That would provide seamless driving experience for the driver and the passengers of this HSV.
The Rolls-Royce Cullinan is set to compete directly with the Bentley Bentayga once it pops in the scene sometime in 2018. No complete details have been revealed by Rolls so far.
3 Things To Look Forward To In The Third-Generation 2019 Acura RDX
In 2007, Acura released its first ever true crossover/SUV called the RDX. The Acura RDX came out in 2007 and got a second-generation upgrade in 2013.
When it got its eventual facelift in 2016, many fans were disappointed because of the minimal changes aesthetically. But now that Acura announced a third-generation RDX, it looks like we’re finally going to get the updates we have been craving for.
The competition is tough in this segment, and that’s why Acura has been super secretive on how the RDX will look like for this next major facelift. As for the competitors, get a load of these names: Audi Q5, the BMW X3, Land Rover Evoque, and the Mercedes GLC.
1. Exterior
The spied 2019 Acura RDX was heavily covered with a tent-like tarpaulin, so it’s hard to speculate how different this would be from the second-generation. The very secretive nature on how this was tested tells us it will be very, very different from its predecessors, and that will make Mercedes, BMW, and Audi take notice.
The photos showed that the new RDX will get the same Jewel-Eye headlights, though the unique LED strips will give a sleek-looking fascia below. The grille would probably be similar to the MDX, particularly a larger version of the diamond pentagon grille.
Acura won’t ever go extreme when it comes to the body lines department but still, expect to see a more aggressive styling than the ones on the current generation.
2. Interior
There’s going to be a revamped interior, that’s for sure, with Acura most likely going for a clean dashboard that has all the controls the driver needs—infotainment system, HVAC controls, and a few other buttons. Traditionally, Acura has been left behind in the luxurious interior department by its competitors so hopefully, it will do something radical this time around.
Some of the things we’re expecting from the new RDX are: a new center console, a redesigned shifter, an updated instrument cluster, and a new steering wheel.
3. Drivetrain
Right now, RDX packs a 3.5-liter V-6 engine for all trim levels. It produces a fair amount of power at 279 horsepower, 6,200 rpm, and 252 pound-feet of torque. For the 2019 model, Acura might have to go down to the same engine under the hood of the Honda Civic Type R—a 2.0-liter version with the same output as the V-6 engine. The only difference is that the 2.0-liter version will save more weight and be more economic.
Is There A Ferrari SUV In The Works?
For many years now, car enthusiasts and experts have been wondering whether there will be a day that a Ferrari SUV will come zooming beside them on a stoplight. That would give commoners plenty of reasons and time to ogle at probably the most expensive SUV in the market.
In a report by CarAndDriver, Ferrari CEO and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles head Sergio Marchionne said, “You have to shoot me first” before we’ll ever get to see a Ferrari SUV. That seems to change now because more and more high-end auto brands are being seduced by the big chunk of market ready to spend money on an SUV.
High-end brands such as Porsche, Bentley, Aston Martin, Jaguar, Lamborghini, Maserati, and Rolls Royce are diving into the pool of luxurious SUV production because of the fat profits gained from selling the auto. Now, there are also reports that Ferrari is readying its version of SUV (codename Project F16X).
The public will likely see the arrival of the Ferrari SUV in 2020, along with the follow-up to the GTC4Lusso. Right now, the Lusso is already an all-wheel drive, but thanks to the platform being developed for the F16X, it can get a higher ride height and a four-door coupe body.
The GTC4 will continue offering a V-12 engine while Ferrari’s planned SUV variant will most probably have a V-8 or hybrid powertrains.
Rise in Profit
Although Marchionne might have problems with the current Ferrari plan to have an SUV, it wouldn’t take much to convince him to try it out. The brand currently produces 8,000 to 16,000 units of Ferrari cars. Having an SUV, with that big of a market, in your lineup will significantly up the profit.
In truth, there is no indication that Ferrari would call this an SUV. It can be a crossover or Ferrari could simply create something out of thin air for the SUV.
4 Major Predictions About The 2020 Koenigsegg SUV
Swedish car manufacturer Koenigsegg has been adamant that it won’t join the current fray of SUV lineups by supercar makers such as Bentley and Lamborghini. Still, many car analysts and experts believe the company won’t be able to resist the temptation of creating something spectacular—perhaps even the most luxurious, high-performance SUV ever?
1. Exterior
The rendering featured in TopSpeed of what could possibly be the Koenigsegg SUV in the future will take its exterior cues from its current lineup of supercars, the Agera and the Regera. At the front, the headlights are going to be the same, albeit larger version, as those found on the Agera. The artist, however, believed the SUV will carry a new LED pattern at the edges.
On the sides, the SUV would most probably have the same lines as the Regera, though the rendering decided to turn these lines into a milder version since aggressive styling won’t really be what Koenigsegg would be after with its first SUV. The vision has the SUV with a sleek, low roofline with short side windows, as well as a straight roof and heavily raked C-pillars and rear windscreen.
The large wheels would have lightweight rims from the use of carbon fiber, but massive brake calipers would provide for the sporty look.
The rear, on the other hand, should have a natural flowing line highlighted by horizontally-oriented taillights and detailing that would give the SUV a wider stance.
2. Interior
The Agera and Regera are recognized by its sporty and luxurious interiors, but the SUV will most probably go for the luxury rather than a sporty appearance inside. The highlight of the SUV would be the dashboard as it has to comply to the wider center stack and the taller center console, thanks to a higher seating position.
By 2020, Koenigsegg would have a new technology to tinker with when it comes to the infotainment system. It would definitely have more features, more options, a larger display, and an instrument cluster that can display more numbers than the current performance data. Standard to the SUV’s interior appearance would be leather and Alcantara, though there is also the expectation of aluminum and carbon fiber elements.
3. Drivetrain
The question is: Will Koenigsegg go with the conventional or an all-electric setup for its drivetrain? A conventional setup means the Swedish company might use a twin-turbocharged 5-liter V-8 engine and a dual-clutch transmission that can produce around 600 to 700 horsepower.
It could also opt for a hybrid drivetrain, pairing the 5-liter V-8 engine to at least three electric motors. It could use the Koenigsegg Direct Drive, that patent-pending tech that would use an electric motor instead of the current gearbox.
4. Prices
The SUV won’t cost as much as the Agera, currently priced at $2 million, but it won’t go below $1 million either.
4 Things We Learned About the New Volkswagen Touareg
Spy shot of the 2018 Volkswagen Touareg. (Photo Source: Motor1)
New spy photos of the new 2018 Volkswagen Touareg while it was undergoing testing surfaced online. The subject in the photos shows a design similar to the Touareg in the market today, but there are several cosmetic updates noticeable in the auto.
Check out the four things we learned about the 2018 Volkswagen Touareg from Motor1.com:
1. Platform
The Touareg uses the MLB Evo platform of Volkswagen. The architecture is also being used by the Audi Q7 luxury SUV.
2. Design
The third-generation Touareg appears to carry many styling elements found in the Volkswagen T-Prime Concept GTE SUV that was showcased at the 2016 Beijing Auto Show. Several enhancements are expected in the taped areas of the SUV’s headlamps and front grille though. Some portions of the sides show some thin strips too, which indicate upgrades. The rear reveal some stickers hiding the taillights as well. In addition, the upcoming vehicle sports twin exhaust tips.
Not much can be said about the interior of the Touareg for now as there are no clearer spy shots in its cabin yet. But like its exterior, its is possible that Volkswagen will just carry over the features of the SUV’s outgoing model.
Overall, the new Touareg retained the looks of its predecessor. However, Volkswagen seems to have ramped up its features a bit to address some of the blandness exhibited by its outgoing model.
3. Launching
The 2018 Touareg will probably debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show. It is likely that an online reveal of the auto will come before the said event.
4. Assembly
The next Touareg will be made in the Bratislava, Slovakia assembly plant of Volkswagen. The production of the vehicle will commence in November this year.
Photos
Check out the new spy shots of the 2018 Volkswagen Touareg in the gallery below:
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- Spy shot of the 2018 Volkswagen Touareg. (Photo Source: Motor1)
3 Key Selling Points of the Volkswagen Tiguan
The Volkswagen Tiguan is one of the best medium-sized SUVs in the world today. The pricing for the auto starts at £22,995, which is around $29,835.55. So what are the things that make it worth your money?
Here are the top 3 selling points of the SUV based on a Top Gear review:
1. Engine
The Tiguan is available in various engine trims. The most affordable comes in the form of the 1.4 TSi BMT 125 S 5dr. The petrol-fed unit packs a good 125 bhp enabling it to accelerate from zero to 62 mph in just 10.5 seconds.
For the environmentally-conscious buyers who are also looking for the most fuel-efficient model, the 2.0 TDi BMT 115 S 5dr is highly recommended for them. The diesel engine of the auto has a CO2 emission of 123 g/km and its fuel efficiency is rated at 60.1 mpg. Its output is pretty decent at 115 bhp with zero to 62 mph acceleration of 10.9 seconds.
For the ones who prefer the quickest powertrain, they should opt for the 2.0 BiTDi BMT 240 4Motion R-Line 5dr DSG. Priced at £38,955, the vehicle produces 240 bhp that allows it to sprint from zero to 62 mph in only 6.5 seconds. The only trade off is its 167 g/km CO2 emission and 44.1 mpg consumption.
2. Exterior
The Tiguan possesses a muscular frame accentuated by its artistically-placed body lines. The SUV measures 4,486 mm in length, 2,099 mm in width, 1,657 mm in height and 2,681 mm in wheelbase. The standard model is fitted with 17-inch alloy wheels while the sportier, range-topping variant has 20-inch alloys wheels.
3. Interior
Not much can be said in the interior design of the Tiguan. The styling follows a practical approach, which puts over functionality and space before design. Owners can pimp up the interior of the auto with the optional Virtual Cockput TFT dials found in the Audi TT.
Photos
Check out the photos of the Volkswagen Tiguan in the gallery below
Toyota Land Cruiser Claims the World’s Fastest SUV Title
The Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk is hailed as the most powerful American-made sport utility vehicle. However, the Toyota Land Cruiser just snatched the distinction of being the world’s fastest SUV.
The 2017 Toyota Land Cruiser carries a 5.7-liter V8 engine. The unit produces 381 hp and 401 lb-ft of torque. The power is distributed to all four wheels of the vehicle via an 8-speed automatic gearbox with manual shifting mode. The configuration of the auto allows it to sprint from zero to 60 mph in just 6.7 seconds and gain a top speed of 130 mph.
However, the Land Cruiser that we are referring here is not the standard type. According to a report from CNN Money, Toyota modified the vehicle by adding two turbochargers in its power unit, among other upgrades. The result was a massive 2,000 hp under the auto’s hood. The max speed was also increased to more than 200 mph. To complement the engine boost, the automaker lowered the SUV’s suspension and installed wider tires tires for it. The Land Cruiser was rechristened as the Land Speed Cruiser.
Carl Edwards, a former driver for NASCAR, took the modded Land Cruiser for a drive to see how fast it can go. He cruised through the 2.5-mile runway of the Mojave Air and Space Port in California with the vehicle during testing.
On the first run of Edward, he was able to take the Land Speed Cruiser up to 211 mph. After that, the engineers tinkered with the turbocharger of the auto to boost its power. With that, it achieved 230 mph on its next run, making it the fastest SUV in the world.
It should be noted though that the Bentley Bentayga remains as the fastest unmodified production SUV in the world. In 2015 the maker of the auto announced that they were able to take achieve 187 mph with the vehicle.
5 Most Powerful American Cars and SUVs Today
Earlier, we have discussed how automotive experts wanted the 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon banned from the roads. They are worried that its ridiculously high output might trigger reckless drivers. That is subject for debate though.
For now, let us take a look at where the Dodge Demon falls under the 5 most powerful American cars and sport utility vehicles today based on an article from Fox News Auto.
1. 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon
Unsurprisingly, the Demon falls into first place, thanks to its 6.2-liter V8 engine that can produce up to 808 hp. As if that’s not yet high enough, the source said that pumping the vehicle with 100 octane race gas can raise its output to 840 hp.
2. Dodge Challenger/Charger SRT Hellcat
The Hellcats each carry a 6.2-liter V8 unit. The engine packs 707 hp. The Challenger model is capable of getting a top speed of 199 mph while the more aerodynamically-built Charger can take up to 204 mph.
3. 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk
The Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk is considered as the most powerful in the SUV segment. The auto shares the same engine as the Hellcat, which is good for 707 hp. The vehicle only falls a bit short in the torque department compared to the Hellcat. The Trackhawk has 645 lb-ft of torque while the Hellcat has 650 lb-ft. The SUV also boasts an all-wheel drive system.
4. 2014 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500
The Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 packs a 5.8-liter supercharged V8 engine. The output of the unit is 662 hp and it can reach up to 202 mph.
5. 2018 Chevrolet Camaro Z06/Camaron ZL1
Tying in the fifth place of this list are the Chevrolet Camaro Z06 and the Camaro ZL1. Each car is equipped with 6.2-liter supercharged V8 with 650 hp. The ZL1 has faster shift times than the Z06 though as it has a 10-speed automatic gearbox compared to its sibling’s eight-speed unit.
3 Main Expectations About the Audi Q8 Sport Concept
Audi already unveiled the Q8 concept at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in January 2017. For the time time, the luxury vehicle brand showcased the Audi Q8 Sport concept at the 87th Geneva International Motor Show.
Check out the 3 things we can expect from the Audi Q8 Sport concept based on a source:
1. Engine
The Audi Q8 Sport concept is highlighted by its high-performance feature. The vehicle may not carry with it the S or RS trim of its brand but its power unit is something to behold.
Beneath the hood of the auto lies a 3.0-liter V6 engine matched with an electronic supercharger. The hybrid unit produces 476 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque. The configuration of the vehicle allows it to accelerate from zero to 62 mph in just 4.7 seconds.
2. Design
The Q8 is Audi’s new entry to the full-size luxury sport utility vehicle segment of the market. It is defined by prestige through the use of emotional styling found in the SUV coupes’ of the brand and its main competitors. However, the automaker made sure that its legroom is not compromised. The Q8 is 5.02 meters long and 3 meters in wheelbase.
To distinguish the Q8 Sport concept from its earlier standard version, Audi made some cosmetic changes into it. The one shown in Geneva features larger exhaust tips, blacked out accents in the body to replace the chrome trim, and black honeycomb grille similar to the RS line as an upgrade to the chrome crisscross styling found in the original Q8.
3. Arrival
Audi said that the Q8 concept reflects approximately 95 percent of the things that will be found in its production version. Slight finishing touches will only be incorporated in the final version of the product. Therefore, the Q8 is estimated to reach production stage by 2018. The Q8 Sport is expected to come shortly after its standard model hits the market.
Audi Q8 Sport Concept Images
Check out the official photos of the Audi Q8 Sport concept at the 2017 Geneva Motor Show in the gallery below:
