Porsche 911 Carrera 4 goes turbo 2017

 the 2017 Porsche 911 Carrera 4 and 4S Coupe, receive the same minor visual and infotainment enhancements to their chassis and a new AWD system

Although smaller than the current 3.4-liter naturally aspirated flat-six, the new turbocharged 3.0-liter engine is more potent and efficient. The standard version will make 370 horses and 331 lb-ft of peak torque versus the current 350/287 figures while the S-spec engine ups output to 420 and 368 compared to the 400/325 numbers of the 2016 S models. Despite the extra muscle, the new engines offer better low/mid-range response and are roughly 12 percent less thirsty on the European driving cycle, a factor that bodes well for their still-pending EPA ratings. All versions of the 911 Carrera/Targa 4/4S are marginally quicker than the existing models and can be fitted with a standard 7-speed manual transmission or optional 7-speed PDK twin-clutch transmission

Sharper handling

Culled from the 911 Turbo, the revised electro-hydraulically controlled all-wheel drive system reacts more quickly and precisely to driver inputs. Paired with the lower-riding PASM (Porsche Active Suspension Management) system standard on all versions of the car, these new all-wheel drive 911s promise to be the most capable ever produced. And significantly enhanced shocks improve both ride compliance and roll control in corners. Like the rear-drive models, the S-spec cars can be upfitted with rear-axle steering, also borrowed from the 911 Turbo and GT3. Cars fitted with the available Sport Chrono Package boast a new 918 Spyder-like rotary control on the steering wheel to quickly dial up one of four driving modes  as well as a Sport Response Button that allows for 20 seconds of sustained full-throttle operation. All versions will offer a splitter-saving front lift system to raise the nose by about 1.5 inches when encountering a steep drive entry or speed bump

On the creature-feature front, these new AWD 911s will come with an all-new and more capable Porsche Communication Management system that features a 7.0-inch multi-touch center display and an integrated navigation system that recognizes typical smartphone-style inputs and better integrates various devices via Wi-Fi, Bluetooth or cable. The one-year subscription brings real-time traffic alerts as well as things like Google StreetView and Internet radio

Pricing for the 2017 Porsche 911 Carrera 4 will start at $97,295 with the Carrera 4S commencing at $111,295. The 911 Carrera 4 Cabriolet and Targa 4 are set to open at $109,595 while the 911 Carrera 4S Cabriolet and Targa 4S kick off at $123,595

Read More

Jaguar XE 2016

In a gala coming out party at Earl's Court in London, the wraps came off of the all-new 2016 Jaguar XE. Showcased in its range-topping XE S guise, this compact luxury sport sedan will be on display in Paris next month and arrive here in early 2016. Deftly combining style, technology and dynamic character, Jaguar's newest player has big time aspirations to aggressively challenge the status quo as it takes on key rivals like the Audi A4, BMW 3 Series, Cadillac ATS and Mercedes-Benz C-Class.  

Clean, lean and mean

Visually, the new Jaguar XE puts its own aggressive spin on a number of the automaker's classic - and contemporary -- cues while ensuring that the exterior's bold interaction of edges and contours yielded a sleek final product that boasts an exemplary 0.26 coefficient of drag. Director of Design, Ian Callum, notes the XE's cab-rearward proportions, short overhangs and tight overall packaging impart a feeling of movement that appropriately underscore its character as a true driver's car. The S variant ratchets that intensity up an additional notch with things like larger air intakes, unique side sills, a rear spoiler and an optional 20-inch wheel/tire package.

As we've learned from Jaguar's protracted teaser campaign for its new baby, the aluminum-intensive XE introduces an all-new JLR modular platform architecture that also will serve to underpin a number of future Jaguar and Land Rover models. Light, strong and extremely rigid, Jag's Chief Technical Specialist Mark White says it's "absolutely at the cutting edge of what is achievable today," and provides an ideal foundation for an equally advanced suspension system. The setup teams F-Type-derived double wishbones up front with a unique integral multilink rear setup and features precise directional control courtesy of a new generation of Jaguar Electric Power Assisted Steering. The combination is tuned to deliver outstanding responsiveness while maintaining an exceptionally smooth and controlled ride. 

To further sweeten the mix, the new Jaguar XE also will offer numerous driver-assist systems starting with standard All Surface Progress Control that acts like a traction-optimizing low-speed cruise control on slick surfaces. Other available tech touches include adaptive cruise control, closing-vehicle sensing, blind spot monitoring, semi-automated parallel/perpendicular parking and reverse traffic detection as well as a sophisticated heads-up display system. 

Powering up for tomorrow 

Standard motivation for the Jaguar XE will come from a new family of light and highly efficient 2.0-liter/4-cylinder Ingenium gasoline and diesel engines that also will be used in numerous other future JLR offerings. The hot XE S will pack the firm's well-proven 3.0-liter supercharged V6 under its hood. Developing 340 horses and 332 lb-ft of torque as it does in the Jaguar XF, it should send the 3,249-lb XE from 0-60 mph in 4.9 seconds and on to an electronically limited top end of 155 mph. Regardless of engine, power will be shipped to the XE's rear wheels via a new lightweight version of the ZF 8-speed automatic transmission used in other Jaguar models. At some point, the XE also will be offered with an optional all-wheel drive system. 

The cabin of the new XE carries on in typical Jaguar tradition mixing fine-grain leather with Piano Black, textured aluminum and real wood veneer trims while providing what we're assured is "generous amounts of head and legroom" for both front and rear passengers. While final U.S. specs and fitment lists are still pending, the XE also will offer the all-new Jaguar InControl infotainment system with an 8.0-inch center touchscreen as well as a selection of downloadable apps, SD-card based navigation, Bluetooth/USB and Wi-Fi hotspot/Internet connectivity. Like its siblings, the new XE's option roster also will feature a premium Meridian audio system.

Read More

Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class unveiled 2016

The wraps have come off the 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class, and, as expected, the renamed GLK crossover SUV has made huge strides beyond its new look and features. Based on the latest C-Class platform, this 5-passenger compact has grown in scale and status. It now offers M-B's most advanced infotainment and safety technology to complement a far more refined dynamic character and enhanced off-road capability

Announced in Euro trims that include gasoline and turbodiesel models, AMG-spec variants and a plug-in hybrid, the GLC-Class will arrive here this November in rear-drive GLC 300 and GLC 300 4Matic guise. Both will be fitted with M-B's 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine making 241 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 273 lb-ft of torque from 1,300 to 4,000 revs. Regardless of driven wheels, the engine will be paired with a 9G-Tronic 9-speed automatic transmission

A touch of elegant edge 

The GLC-Class boasts bolder yet smoother and more sophisticated exterior styling - a look dubbed "Sensual Purity" by its designers. Mercedes says it offers class-leading aero figures in Europe and with its bounty of wind-cheating details and a full underbody fairing it promises to remain near the head of the class here as well, where it will arrive wearing a larger standard wheel/tire package. All U.S. models also will be fitted with unique front/rear bumpers optimized for off-road use that can accommodate 28-degree approach/departure angles

Although the new GLC-Class is 4.7 inches longer, 2.0 inches wider and has a significantly broader track than the GLK-Class, it weighs 176 pounds less. A full 110 pounds of that reduction comes from an all-new, stiffer, stronger core that interweaves aluminum with high-strength and ultra-high-strength steel. The mass-shedding formula for the new GLC-Class also includes using aluminum for the hood, roof and front fenders as well as most suspension components and magnesium for the transmission housing. The most notable gain in the GLC makeover involves a 4.6-inch stretch of its wheelbase, a change that adds to ride comfort and brings  2.2-inches of added leg room for those occupying its 40/20/40 flat-folding rear bench seat

Beyond the upgrades to overall people and cargo space, the cabin of the 2016 GLC-Class boasts a more sophisticated look and feel that recalls appearance of the new GLE-Class as well as other members of the M-B sedan family. The dash features a large fixed 7.0-inch center display while a console-mounted touchpad sits atop the rotary controller. U.S. models will come standard with brown linden wood trim and MB-Tex, but offer black open-pore ash, high-gloss brown burl walnut or a black piano-lacquer look as well as leather or Nappa leather options - including platinum pearl white in as part of the designo package. An internet-capable Audio 20 USB sound system with Frontbass is standard and Burmester premium upgrade will be offered. The new GLC-Class also benefits from extensive noise attenuation efforts that keep interior sound levels at freeway speeds equal to an E-Class sedan

Class-exclusive air suspension system

Underpinning the 2016 GLC-Class is an all-new suspension offered in two flavors that deliver superior performance compared to the GLK-Class. The standard Agility Control setup matches steel springs with adaptive dampers while the optional Air Body Control - the only full air suspension available in this category -- uses multi-chamber continuously adjustable shocks that serve up improved stability and comfort regardless of terrain. Both can be fine-tuned using the multi-mode Dynamic Select system that further tweaks the chassis, transmission, throttle and steering response. The 4Matic system also has been specifically redesigned for GLC-Class duty and features a new discrete single-stage transfer case that provides greater operating efficiency

On the driver-assist/safety front, the 2016 GLC-Class comes with standard features from the C-, E- and S-Class including Collision Prevention Assist Plus, Crosswind Assist, Attention Assist and Active Highbeam Assisted LED headlights. The Driver Assist Package includes Distronic Plus cruise control with Steering Assist, Pre-Safe Brake with pedestrian detection, BAS Plus with Cross-Traffic Assist, Active Blind Spot Assist, Active Lane Keeping Assist and Pre-Safe Plus. A head-up display is optional

Buyers seeking to further personalize their new GLC-Class can choose from a noir-themed Night Package, two different design packages and an AMG Line trim group as well as single items like a panoramic glass roof with electric roller sunblind, rubber-studded aluminum-look running boards, an LED Intelligent Light System and the Easy Pack power tailgate with hands-free access. Pricing for the 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 and GLC 300 4MAtic as well as EPA fuel economy numbers will be announced closer to their actual on-sale date

Read More