BMW X4 xDrive35i First Review 2015

If all vehicle purchases were completely based on practicality and rationality, the automotive landscape would look very different. Not everyone buys the car they need; in many cases, they buy the car they want. That idea, the thought of a car as an emotional purchase, is what brings cars to market that may not seem to make a lot of sense at first. But for buyers, it's always better to have more vehicles to choose from. That's where the X4 comes into play. Looking rationally at things, someone who wants a car that drives like a BMW 3 Series with a lot of cargo volume should probably buy a 3 Series wagon. Those who want increased ground clearance and a better view of the road can consider the X3 SUV. But for people who want the driving experience of a sport wagon with the seating position of an SUV, there's the 2015 BMW X4

The X4 is built on X3 underpinnings, which gives the X4 higher ground clearance than a traditional wagon, but lower than an SUV. When looking at it, there is no doubt the X4 is not quite an SUV and it's not quite a car. Whether someone is a fan of the styling is a matter of personal taste. It wants to be a 4-door coupe, but to keep the 5-passenger X4 capable of toting up to 49.4 cubic feet of gear, BMW opted to keep the roofline closer to that of an SUV in the rear. The new model comes with a choice of turbocharged engines, either a 240-horsepower I4 or a 300-horsepower I6. Both engines use an 8-speed automatic transmission. Our test vehicle for this drive was the turbo I6-powered X4, equipped with the M Sport package and donned in a Melbourne Red. It had a price tag of just over $61,000. The interior was an attractive combination of white leather seats with bright red stitching, part of the M Sport package. That, plus the brushed aluminum trim, served as a pleasant color contrast to the black dash and headliner. The front M Sport seats provided snug bolstering and proved comfortable on long drives. In back, the legroom was tighter than in the X3, but better than expected

Street Smarts

The most pleasant surprise about the BMW X4 is its demeanor when driven like a sport sedan. It is not a light vehicle, weighing in at over 4200 pounds with the I6 and standard all-wheel drive, yet the excellent power the turbocharged engine puts out makes the X4 feel spry. Adding to that feeling is the way the X4 handles. Taking it on curvy roads, the Sports Activity Coupe (BMW's term) was nimble and genuinely fun to drive. It also has a lower center of gravity than the X3, making the X4 feel more confident in turns

Each of the four driving modes--Sport+, Sport, Comfort and Eco Pro--have a unique feel. Sport+ is the most performance-minded, and Eco Pro the most frugal, with Sport and Comfort splitting the difference. Driving modes change transmission shifts, steering, throttle response and suspension. The steering is nicely responsive in Sport. The ride in our M Sport-equipped X4 was firm, which is fun in turns, but also let in a lot of road feel. Steering isn't as tight and precise in Comfort, and the vehicle feels a little more relaxed. Eco Pro mode, which optimizes throttle and transmission to help a driver achieve the best fuel economy possible in the X4, works with Auto Start-Stop and brake energy regeneration to squeeze every ounce of fuel efficiency out of this vehicle. (EPA ratings have not yet been released, but BMW estimates that the xDrive28i will achieve 21 mpg city, 28 highway and the xDrive35i should get about 19/26 mpg.) In the European-spec X4s we drove, the display on the dash showed the distance in kilometers saved by driving in Eco Pro mode. In all modes, the brakes worked well, feeling natural and linear

Who would the X4 potentially steal sales from? There is always the risk that it could take away from X3, X1 or 3 Series wagons, but it will also appeal to people who prioritize unique style and handling prowess over the functional practicality of an SUV. Possible competitors could include the Range Rover Evoque and Mercedes-Benz GLK. This is not a vehicle that is meant to be a high-volume seller. When it goes on sale in July, those people who want something that fills the gap between luxury wagon and crossover, but want something smaller than the X6, will have a new option to consider

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Scion iM 2016

Unveiled at last April's New York auto show, this addition to the Scion lineup is presented as all-new for 2016, which is true-as far as the U.S. market is concerned. In other markets-Europe, for example-it's some three years into its product cycle, it's known as the Auris, and it wears Toyota badges. The Scion brand, of course, was created for, and is limited to, the U.S

Scion classifies the iM as a subcompact, but this 5-door is only slightly smaller than the hatchback version of the compact Ford Focus, a car that Scion cites as a key iM marketing target

Save for the addition of a body kit and 17-inch alloy wheels (standard), the Scion team hasn't altered the iM's styling in preparation for the U.S. market. This is not a bad thing-the exterior has a sassy, sporty look. It doesn't exactly turn heads, but it's no wallflower

Seductive interior

The interior is more seductive, with supportive seats, an attractive control layout, a 7-inch info screen, a 6-speaker Pioneer audio system, quality materials, soft touch surfaces, and an extensive array of standard features including air conditioning, leather-wrapped steering wheel with a tilt/telescope column, pushbutton start,  Bluetooth, a USB port and a rearview camera

The iM is supported up front by MacPherson struts, an all-but-universal setup in this class. But there's a multilink arrangement at the rear, another element that's a notch above basics among compact hatchbacks

Power is supplied by a 1.8-liter 4-cylinder, essentially the same engine that propels the Toyota Corolla. In this application, it's rated for 137 horsepower and 126 pound-feet of torque. There are two transmission choices-a 6-speed manual (standard), and a continuously variable automatic (CVT)

More than 30 mpg combined

Officially a CVTi-S 7-speed A/T in Scion-speak, the automatic has seven simulated shift points programmed into its computer control, diminishing the slipping clutch sensation that's been a CVT turnoff to many in the past. With the standard 6-speed, the iM is EPA rated for 27 mpg city, 36 on the highway, 31 combined. The CVT version is projected one mpg better across the board

While the iM's powertrain generates respectable mpg numbers, the acceleration that goes with the economy-oriented engine tends toward ho-hum, in tepid contrast to the standard engines in compact hatchback top dogs. The 2.0-liter four in the Focus, for example, is rated for 160 hp. The 1.8-liter turbo 4-cylinder in the VW Golf churns up 170 hp. The 2.0-liter SkyActiv four in the Mazda 3 is rated for 155 hp, and the base engine in the Kia Forte makes 148 hp. There are others, and most of the cars in this class offer upgrade engines with even more muscle

Solid chassis

On the other hand, the iM gives a good account of itself on the road. Chassis solidity measures up with the best in class, and the iM's responses are athletic, with the right level of damping to smooth out all but the sharpest bumps. The electric power steering could be a little more precise, as could the engagements of the manual transmission. Still, it's hard to imagine anyone being dissatisfied with the iM's dynamics

Like other Scion vehicles, the iM comes in a single trim, with almost no options. The MSRP for the manual transmission version is $19,255, add $740 for the CVT. While there are other compact hatchbacks with lower base prices, none offer the iM's array of standard features. Overall, the 2016 Scion iM has a strong value story

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Aston Martin Vulcan: 800-hp track-day thriller

Totally outrageous and stunningly bold, the Aston Martin Vulcan makes its debut in Geneva

That prodigious might passes through an Xtrac 6-speed sequential manual transmission and heads to the rear wheels via a Multimatic limited-slip differential. While holding off on citing performance numbers until the car makes its on-track debut later this year, Aston Martin says the Vulcan has a better power-to-weight ratio than current GTE- category racers that compete in the FIA's World Endurance Championship, including the firm's own Vantage GTE

Light makes right

As one might expect, the Vulcan features all carbon composite construction, and Aston said that elements of the car's exterior styling hints at what we'll see in the next generation of its production sports cars. However, those aren't likely to include the Vulcan's ultra-efficient front splitter and rear diffuser nor its massive fixed aft wing. Underneath, this ultra-Aston's racing-derived pushrod-style chassis incorporates fully adjustable dampers, anti-roll bars and traction control as well driver-selectable brake bias on its huge Brembos that feature carbon-ceramic discs

Fitted with two racing-style bucket seats, the Vulcan's competition-spec cabin incorporates an FIA roll cage, a cutaway steering wheel and a digital instrument display. While performance is paramount, Aston says buyers - who'll are expected to be shelling out something beyond $2 million for the right to own one - will be able to have it painted, trimmed and equipped to their specific preferences by the brand's "Q" personalization group when production begins late this year, with deliveries in 2016

Full factory support

Like the track-only McLaren P1 GTR and Ferrari FXX K, acquisition of an Aston Martin Vulcan will be accompanied by a full factory support package. It includes seat time in various Aston Martin models including a V12 Vantage and the exotic One-77 as well as a Vantage GT4 racer -- all with hands-on guidance from Aston Martin's Le Mans-winning driver Darren Turner - to develop a feel for what the Vulcan has to offer as well as the option to book time in one of Turner Base Performance Simulators prior to taking part in a series of organized track events

We have already received strong interest from the customers we have spoken to about Aston Martin Vulcan, noted Aston Martin CEO Andy Palmer. The cars will blend our traditional Aston Martin values of Power, Beauty and Soul with an unrivalled ownership experience; a unique combination that will guarantee their place in the brand's rich and charismatic history

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2016 KIA SORENTO

2016 KIA SORENTO

Starting price: $25,795

The Kia Sorento is one of the cheapest cars on the market that look like an exotic car. The auto looks very similar to the BMW X5, except it costs less than half of the overall price that the X5 runs consumers. The car is sold with a four-cylinder stock engine rated at 191 horsepower, and the company provides the ability to upgrade to a turbo-four rated at 240 horsepower or a V-6 rated at 290 horsepower. The V-6 model of the auto also includes a third row of seats, and consumers can choose to upgrade all models from front-wheel to all-wheel drive. The standard transmission on the Sorento is a six-speed automatic, and the overall fuel efficiency of the vehicle is rated at 17 MPG (city) and 23 MPG (highway). The pickup of the car is a bit limited; however, compared to other cars of the same class with a zero to 60 MPH time of 7.2 seconds.

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Subaru BRZ STI Performance Concept

A one-off show car with two purposes, the Subaru STI Performance Concept bowed in New York. It draws its inspiration and components from the hot Subaru BRZ GT300 competing in Japan's Super GT Series. Like that racer, this showpiece was created by Subaru Tecnica International, the automaker's official performance/performance parts division known as STI. In addition to serving as an exercise in future models, it heralds a new and significantly expanded role for STI in the American market. 

STI-spec cars on the way

While Subaru has yet to offer specific details on how STI fits into U.S. sales, it has confirmed that STI-tuned models will extend beyond the WRX STI. In the home market, STI currently produces versions of the BRZ and Forester as well as the iconic WRX and also has a large catalog of street/racing parts. Subaru says that upcoming STI-spec models for America could incorporate more extensive modifications from the factory, including suspension, performance, braking, chassis and aerodynamic upgrades. 

"At STI we know from our racing that to win, it is important not only to have high power, but also that all aspects of performance are balanced over the whole car," said Yoshio Hirakawa, president of Subaru Tecnica International. "When we achieve this balance, the driver feels that the car is easy to handle and reliable, and he can use it fully to the limits of its performance. Our plan is to produce cars and accessories that drivers can really enjoy."

While Subaru provided few specifics on the STI parts found on the Performance Concept, it did confirm this scintillating coupe is powered by the same 2.0-liter/350-horsepower turbocharged/intercooled boxer four found in the Subaru BRZ GT300 racer and ships that force to the rear wheels via a 6-speed sequential gearbox. In addition to its full STI body kit with a carbon fiber-enhanced front splitter, side sills, rear diffuser and fixed deck wing, the Performance Concept features upgraded STI brakes and lightweight 19-inch alloy wheels, a custom interior treatment with a bespoke instrumentation and an on-board performance data recorder.

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AUDI A7

Starting price: $65,900

The Audi A7 is one of the best German cars sold in the United States today. The A7 is a sportier version of the A6 and handles nicely in all types of weather. The standard powertrain on the car is a 3.0 liter supercharged six cylinder engine rated at 333 horsepower combined and comes with all-wheel drive with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Audi also makes a turbo-diesel 3.0 liter six cylinder engine rated at 240 horsepower for those who desire an improved fuel economy. The A7’s fuel efficiency is rated at 20 MPG (city) and 30 MPG (highway), and it can go from zero to 60 MPH in 4.7 seconds with a top overall speed of 130 MPH.

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BMW 5-SERIES

Starting price: $49,950

The BMW 5-Series is one of the top German cars of all manufacturers sold in America today. The 5-Series features extremely responsive engines, a comfortable interior, and above-average road handling capability. All of the engines BMW install on the 5-Series are turbocharged, and consumers can choose between: a diesel inline-six cylinder, four cylinder (gas), inline-six cylinder, eight cylinder engine, and a gas-electric hybrid. The six cylinder engine is rated at 302 horsepower, and it can go from zero to 60 MPH in 5.3 seconds. The top overall speed of the 5-Series is 127 MPH, and its fuel efficiency is rated at 20 MPG (city) and 29 MPG (highway).

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5TH GENERATION HONDA CIVIC

5TH GENERATION HONDA CIVIC

While only used in the first film and only for a small portion of the film, the modified 5th-gen Honda Civics are definitely among the most memorable in the series. Turbo charged and lowered to the ground with green underbody lights, these cars started it all. Used during the heists of tractor trailer trucks by Dom and his crew, these cars started a long history of crazy stunts seen in these films. While some may forget parts of the first film, everyone remembers the Civics driving underneath the trailers on the highway or the passengers climbing out of the sunroof to fire a harpoon gun through the windshield of the tractor in order to climb into and then take over the truck

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Maserati GranTurismo Price: $134,625 - $183,809

Maserati’s GranTurismo offers something extraordinary in a high-performance, six-figure coupe or convertible, one that embodies all that is compelling and irresistible about Italian cars. The exterior has curves in all the right places; the interior is lavishly appointed. There is an amazing, 454-hp 4.7-liter V-8 that is good for sub-5.0-second 0-60 runs. The droptop adds weight and lacks the coupe’s stiffness and response, but still looks fabulous.

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Revealed: Bugatti’s new super-sports car will decimate all other super-sports cars

When do we get it: Some time in 2016.

What we say: “That Bugatti is readying a Son Of Veyron comes as no surprise. That it’ll attempt to outgun its hypercar predecessor in every regard is rather punchier. After all, it had been considered the Chiron – if that is indeed its name – might sacrifice ultimate v-max aspirations in favour of more accessible day-to-day performance.

“Not so, says Durheimer. The next Bugatti will be Veyron, only more so.

“’The new car delivers everything much better than the previous one,’ says Durheimer. ‘It will be the best super-sports car on the planet.’”

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Toyota New Prius 2016

Toyota New Prius Preview

The Toyota Prius needs no introduction. One of the highest selling hybrid cars in the world, the Prius has been endorsed by everyone from Greenpeace and Hollywood celebrities. Toyota has been selling the Prius in India for quite some time now and has unveiled the next generation Prius at the Auto Expo 2016.

The fourth-generation Toyota Prius gets all new looks. While we could best describe the looks as alien, the car looks striking. The boomerang-like headlamps, vertical LED fog lamps and a snout-like front bumper can best be called futuristic by all standards. Moving on to the side, it is a four-door coupe with a sloping roofline that blends into the notchback. The cabin seems spacious for four with enough headroom in the back. The rear also gets the boomerang-like lamps with LEDs flowing down from the top of the boot. The creases and cuts toe the alien-design line from the front. As for the dimensions, the new Prius is 60mm longer, 15mm wider and 20mm lower than the old Prius.

The dashboard is a geek paradise with its many buttons, screens and warning lights. The speedometer is digital and the infotainment system is touchscreen. The infotainment system can be connected to your phone via Bluetooth and gets the latest software like Apple Car Play, Android Auto and MirrorLink. Dual-zone automatic climate control, automatic headlamps, cruise control and automatic climate control are standard. It gets airbags, an electronic stability programme with emergency braking.

The Prius is a hybrid and has a 1.8-litre four cylinder petrol engine paired with electric motors to make up its powertrain. While the setup is same as before, the engine has been tuned for better efficiency. The batteries have a higher energy density and the motors are smaller. The efficiency has improved by almost 10 per cent and Toyota expects the Prius to deliver 40kmpl.

The current Prius is offered at about Rs 38 lakh in India. The new generation Prius will also be imported as a CBU with an estimated price a tad under Rs 40 lakh ex-showroom Delhi.

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Lexus RC F makes a sudden impact in Detroit 2015

The eagerly-anticipated 2015 Lexus RC F made its global debut in Detroit, and this enthusiast-grade iteration of the Lexus RC Coupe revealed last November in Tokyo takes the exhilaration index up a major notch with an even bolder appearance, more tautly tuned suspension and a potent V8 engine under its prominently bulged hood. While the vehicle is still undergoing final development, Lexus offered enough hard facts at the unveiling to confirm the 2015 RC F will be one seriously fast and furious addition to what it promised will be an expanding high-performance lineup

As with previous "F-spec" models, the bodywork on the Lexus RC F imparts a new edge to its appearance while enhancing the car's aero profile and includes a number of carbon fiber components to help trim weight. For openers, both fascia treatments have been revised to convey more menacing character manifested in details like a prominent recasting of the signature Spindle grille form, large outboard air intakes and supplemental stabilizing fins up front that are countered with a more powerfully configured diffuser, canted-quad stacked exhaust outlets and an LFA-style auto-deploying rear spoiler that rises when vehicle speed exceeds 50 mph and retracts when it drops below 25 mph. The side view of the RC F further contributes to its bad-boy flair with the unique hood design complemented by functional vents aft of the front wheelwells and more deeply contoured side sills, all set off by a choice of three different 19-inch forged alloy wheels

The cabin of the new Lexus RC F gets an equally focused remake that overlays the basic RC Coupe design with a host of bespoke RC F details that also pay homage to the automaker's LFA supercar. It starts with a new elliptical-rim steering wheel - the first on any Lexus model - wrapped in leather and fitted with finger-friendly shifter paddles that overlooks an instrument panel that includes a programmable main gauge cluster with four driver-selectable modes -- each offering its own color scheme and data display. Other highlights include a navigation/infotainment system that features a 7.0-inch screen as well as a new touchpad interface to simplify operation of all related functions. Bedecked with an embossed F logo on each headrest, the RC F's unique high-back sport buckets can be had in any of five different leather trims while its metal sport pedals feature distinctive L-shaped rubber elements

Although output specifics have yet to be finalized, the 2015 Lexus RC F packs a naturally-aspirated 5.0-liter V8 that's its maker says will develop "more than 450 horsepower and more than 383 pound feet of torque." In addition to being the most potent V8 ever to appear in any Lexus model, it also will be the first to incorporate Atkinson Cycle combustion technology that enhances fuel efficiency under most normal driving conditions. However, the engine can switch back to conventional Otto Cycle operation to deliver full power on demand. Motive force will be shipped to the RC F's rear wheels via an 8-speed automatic transmission. Other elements in the mix include a Torque Vectoring Differential with three driver-selectable programs that can optimize the car for street or track use, a comprehensively retuned version of the base RC Coupe's front-strut/rear-multilink suspension and upgraded brakes

Like the 2015 Lexus RC 350 Coupe, the new Lexus RC F will start arriving in showrooms here this fall. Pricing, final spec and EPA numbers for both cars will be announced closer to their on-sale date

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Mazda MX-5 Miata First Review 2016

Although the 2016 MX-5 Miata isn't expected to hit U.S. showrooms until the third quarter of 2015, Mazda flew us to Barcelona, Spain to get some seat time behind the wheel of a few Japanese-spec prototypes. Aside from right-hand-drive and a 1.5-liter engine in lieu of the U.S. model's 2.0-liter mill, both cars share identical interiors, underpinnings, and feature content. With that out of the way, here's our early impressions of Mazda's forthcoming flagship roadster

Tighter packager, lighter weight

The prevailing development strategy behind the fourth-generation MX-5 came down to trimming excess mass. More extensive use of aluminum combined with tidier exterior dimensions and a wheelbase shorter by just over a half-inch amount to a near-220 lb. decrease in weight over the outgoing car. Combine that with a lower center of gravity and plunging hoodline, and it wouldn't be a stretch to say the MX-5 provides a driving experience akin to an open-wheel racer. Plus, unlike the first-generation NA model, this bite-sized package doesn't yield a claustrophobia-inducing cabin - more on that later

On the dynamics front, Mazda engineers left no stone unturned. Body lean has been reduced drastically without compromising overall ride quality. The responsiveness and feedback of the brakes could paint a Porsche Boxster green with envy. But the main attraction is unquestionably the new 6-speed manual transmission, whose short-yet-precise throws, predictable clutch, and natural ergonomics all but justify the price of admission. If our tester's 1.5-liter 4-cylinder is any indication of what U.S. customers can expect from the new 2.0-liter engine, we're in for a treat. Because where Miatas of yore lacked usable low-end torque and fell flat on top, Mazda's new Skyactiv-G engines produce 90 percent of maximum torque at 2,000 rpm and continue to develop power in a smooth, linear fashion until 7,500 rpm. The only gripe we have with regards to dynamics is the new electromechanical steering. Although we are proponents of electric-assisted steering, Mazda has some work to do in the area of progressive weighting. As the steering angle increased effort remained virtually the same (conventional steering systems require more steering effort as wheel friction rises). On the bright side, Mazda engineers hinted at the fact that production cars would undergo a steering software update to help remedy the issue

Oxymoron no more: A sophisticated Miata

From standard LED headlights and taillights to a cabin laden with French stitching and high-quality materials, the 2016 MX-5 Miata is heads and shoulders above its predecessors when it comes to refinement. Everything placed in front of the driver is laid out symmetrically, including the pedal arrangement. And while the steering wheel doesn't offer a telescoping function, the driving position remains surprisingly neutral, even for taller drivers. The new Miata features just under a half-inch of additional headroom and greater adjustability for the driver's seat, including an adjustable seat bottom

Opening and closing the soft-top is a now an in-car, one-hand operation thanks to a lighter, more rigid structure. Wind control during open-top driving has been addressed as well. By moving the windshield rearward and slimming-down the quarter windows, air is channeled into the cabin through the side of the vehicle rather than over the top and into your face. Lastly - and for the first time ever - the MX-5 Miata can be equipped with an in-car navigation/infotainment system featuring a 7-inch touch-or-remote-controlled display

Break down the weight savings, sharper handling, and superior refinement, and what you're left with is a sportscar destined to reignite the world's love of driving. If that was indeed Mazda's prime objective in developing the fourth-generation MX-5, we say, Mission accomplished

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Aston Martin Vanquish Carbon Edition 2015

Ready to take center stage next month in Paris, the 2015 Aston Martin Vanquish Carbon Black and Carbon White special editions offer a unique visual signature in both Vanquish Coupe and Volante Convertible models

Whether finished in Carbon Black or Stratus White, all Vanquish Carbon Editions feature a clear-coated carbon fiber front splitter, rear diffuser, side strakes, mirror caps and mounting pylons along with black window surrounds and 10-spoke/20-inch gloss-black alloy wheels wrapped in Pirelli P Zero rubber. Coupes also have a carbon fiber roof, and either can be fitted with a new machined carbon fiber "wings" badge. The only bits of contrasting color come from the calipers for the standard carbon ceramic brakes, which can be had in red, yellow or gray in addition to the standard black

Inside, these Carbon-spec Vanquish models have seats covered in Obsidian Black leather with contrast stitching, herringbone-design carbon fiber dash/console facings, black shifter paddles with leather tips, and machined carbon fiber sill plates with Carbon Black or Carbon White logos

Like all other Vanquish models, the Carbon Editions rely on the same naturally aspirated 5.9-liter V12 that makes 568 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque which gets shipped to rear wheels via a drives the rear wheels via an 8-speed Touchtonic III automatic transmission. The Coupe holds a slight edge in the 0-60 mph sprint, needing only 3.6 seconds to hit that benchmark pack compared to 3.8 ticks for the Volante. Opting for the drop-top Vanquish also trims top speed from 201 to 197 mph

Final pricing for the 2015 Aston Martin Vanquish Carbon Edition models is expected to be released in Paris with the cars hitting U.S. showrooms sometime late this year

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