Porsche Macan 2015

The 2015 Porsche Macan SUV is so much Porsche, but not so much SUV. Porsche Style VP Michael Mauer told us not to think of the Macan as so much a baby brother to the Cayenne SUV, but as a "big brother to the 911." Immutable truth, that

Spirited by Porsche off of the Audi Q5 SUV, which it in no way resembles, the Macan comes off more as a luxury 5-door super-hatchback with all-wheel drive. It arrives in the U.S. this May, in two forms: the $50,895 Macan S and the $73,295 Macan Turbo. Those names can be a bit misleading because both Macan variations are powered by twin-turbocharged V6 engines

Twin-turbo Engines, Double-clutch Gearboxes

We'll lead with those two engines because if you're talking Porsche, you're a knucklehead if you don't start with the engines. Macan S models employ a 3.0-liter V6 rolling out 340 horsepower and Kansas-flat line of 339 lb-ft of torque from 1,450 rpm all the way up to 5,000. The real performance, however, comes from the Macan Turbo's 400-horsepower 3.6-liter. That twin-turbo V6 has an answer for everything. From 406 lb-ft of low-end thrust that starts at 1,350 rpm and pretty much keeps the heat on right up to its 6,700-rpm redline

Standard on both Macan models, Porsche's 7-speed PDK double-clutch automatic transmission turns in a hall-of-fame performance of near-instant, seamless up and down shifting. The transmission has to work a little harder to keep the 3.0-liter Macan S in full fly mode, while closer to an ideal setup with the PDK, the 3.6-liter needs no help and wastes no time in getting the Macan Turbo from zero to 60 mph in well under five seconds. The PDK also includes a "Sport" button on the center console that ups both the redline and the shift points, adds more snap to the shifts, and even puts more growl into the Macan's exhaust note. U.S. fuel-economy numbers are yet to be determined

A Track Natural

Fitted with electronically controlled all-wheel drive and 19-inch wheels, the Macan takes to the track like a natural, although a natural heavyweight: well over 4,000 pounds. The all-wheel-drive starts out heavily rear-biased, but can send torque instantly and as needed to the front or rear wheels to help ensure control and grip. Despite the Macan's tendency to drift a bit, there are very few cars -- are far fewer SUVs -- that can waltz so cleanly into high-speed corners without even a hint of unpredictability

On the open road, the Macan keeps luxury-car quiet. The standard suspension setup is sporty without getting in the way, while the Porsche Active Suspension Management system (PASM) -- standard on the Macan Turbo, optional on the S -- lets you further tighten up both the suspension and the already-responsive electric steering for even sharper handling. Optional on both Macan models is an air suspension that ups the comfort and sport levels even further, and can push the SUV's 7.8-inch ground clearance to over nine inches

No Macadam Needed for Macan

Pressing the "Off-Road" button -- also on the center console, also standard on every Macan -- sets the vehicle up for work beyond the pavement. In Off-Road mode, the Macan's drive-system elements like the transmission shift points, the all-wheel-drive torque distribution, and the throttle response are all geared to find and maintain optimal traction. While it doesn't wade as deep or scramble as high as the Cayenne, the Macan is still capable of venturing beyond the city lights

Every Porsche Macan interior, from the Turbo's leather-and-brushed-aluminum down to the base S's piano black trim and suede-ish Alcantara seat inserts, pays attention to you. The front seats greedily engulf you. Big Porsche gauges let you know the scores. And the multifunction sport steering wheel -- a nod to Porsche's new 918 Spyder supercar -- feels sports-car ready. Technically a 4-seater, I'd hate to be occupants #3 and #4 -- headroom is endless, but the Macan's second row is legroom stingy

The Great Indoors

From the front seats, the view out the windshield is IMAX 3D wide, and it's very easy to see what's happening in traffic beside and behind you. The space under the rear hatch is good, but what's really impressive is the gaping mouth of the rear hatch opening. Beneath that hatch, the flat, 17.7-cubic-foot cargo floor can be expanded to 53 cubic feet by dropping the 40/20/40 split/folding 2nd-row seat. That cargo space, by the way, is not impressive compared to Porsche's stated SUV competitors like the BMW X3 and Mercedes-Benz GLK

If you need a Porsche SUV, the Cayenne is still you best bet. But if you crave a sportier Porsche personality, but sometimes need to haul volumes on surfaces not suited to a 911 or a Cayman, put your money on a 2015 Porsche Macan

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Pininfarina Ferrari Sergio production model bows

The first of six custom-built Pininfarina Ferrari Sergio models made its debut at Geneva, kicking off a year-long celebration of the legendary Italian design house's 85th birthday. This special, introduced as a concept two years ago at Geneva to honor of Sergio Pininfarina, son of company founder Batista "Pinin" Farina, is based on the Ferrari 458

Originally shown as an open barchetta without a windscreen, the production Sergio has a conventional windshield while having an open roof design and yellow paint scheme that recall the original Ferrari Dino Berlinetta. Each of the six limited production models will be painted a different color and have unique interiors. The Sergio, with its open top, is meant primarily for track use

Emphasis custom coachbuilding

The launch of the car emphasizes Pininfarina's heritage of building limited run cars, a tradition extending back to the company's earliest days. The latest limited run cars produced by Pininfarina include the Ferrari 612 Scaglietti K, the Ferrari P4/5, the Rolls-Royce Hyperion and the New Stratos

In taking the wraps off its latest model, Chairman Paolo Pininfarina said "I am proud to celebrate the milestone of 85 years presenting the Ferrari Sergio. It's an exclusive car that embodies the excellence of Pininfarina in designing and manufacturing high quality cars and it's a further exercise on the Ferrari brand, to which we are related by a history that has helped define the most beautiful cars of all time

All six of the cars are spoken for and besides the bold exterior looks, the buyers will get the same running gear as a standard Ferrari 458, which features a 562-horsepower mid-mounted V8 engine driving the rear wheels through a 7-speed sequential shift dual-clutch transmission.  Weighing just over 2,800 pounds, the Ferrari Sergio is said to accelerate to 62 mph in less than 3.4 seconds and have a top speed of nearly 200 mph

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The surprising reason more cars broke down in 2015 than ever before

more cars broke down on the side of the road in 2015 than in any other year. In fact, AAA says dead batteries, flat tires and key problems contributed to 32 million drivers needing to pull over and call for assistance.

You might think your high-tech car is better than that old-school Honda sitting in your neighbor’s driveway, but a new AAA study reveals technology in newer cars is one of the main reasons why so many people are left stranded.

The AAA reports that cars five years old and younger experience more key-related issues compared to older cars. The problem is that keyless entry remotes (also known as fobs), continue to transmit signals to the receiver when left in the car. Over time, this can drain your battery, leaving you out of luck the next time you try to start your car. In addition, despite the advances in technology, AAA said they responded to four million calls in 2015 from drivers locked out of their vehicles. 

Another huge issue centers around spare tires. If you have a newer car, you might’ve noticed that it didn’t come with a spare tire. In recent years, standard car features have changed . and many manufactures have nixed the extra tire to reduce vehicle weight and boost fuel economy. Instead,

We can all agree that a car breakdown can a ruin a perfectly fine day, but it doesn’t have to. Follow these tips to avoid a breakdown and all of the costs associated:

1. Make maintenance a priority

Tire pressure and inflation should be checked once a month. Tires should also be rotated every 5,000 to 8,000 miles, but check your car manual for manufacturer suggestions.

2. Invest in a Plan C

It’s OK if you have a tire inflation kit in your car; in many cases it gets you on your way more quickly and with less hassle than changing a spare tire. Still, it doesn’t hurt to invest in a spare tire, especially if you’re going on a long road trip. This way, you have another option if the tire kit fails.

3. Hold on to your keys

Always take your keys when you exit the car. This sounds like a no-brainer, but many people with keyless entry remotes or smart keys leave them in the car for convenience. As stated above, this can drain your battery or lead to a lockout — causing a much bigger headache. 

3. Know your battery power

AAA recommends that drivers have their vehicle’s battery tested when it reaches three years of age and on an annual basis thereafter.  

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2016 Fiat 500X First Review

The 2016 Fiat 500X compact crossover SUV could very well be the mainstream hit the Italian brand has been looking for in the U.S. Conceived and largely developed here, it shares much of its underpinnings with the new Jeep Renegade compact SUV. The new 500X boasts a compelling list of features, a usefully sized package, and a competitive price, all wrapped in styling that puts it not just at the top of its class, but of the entire U.S. Fiat lineup

So, it's good, but there's one thing keeping us from getting a 500X tattoo. It's not enough to scratch the 500X off your shopping list, but it could send fence-sitters elsewhere

Features and Models 

But let's circle back to that, and start on the most Italian thing about this new little crossover SUV: the style. Designed in Italy, the 500X looks like what Americans expect from a modern Fiat. Thankfully, the styling was influenced by the aggressively adorable little 500, and not the bigger and assertively goofy 500L. However, it's more than just a bigger version of its little brother, especially with the off-road-look trim you'll find on the Trekking and Trekking Plus models

Inside, the difference is even more pronounced. Where the 500 and 500L have chintzy-feeling interiors filled with hard plastic, the 500X's soft-touch surfaces on the dash and armrests, very good fit and finish, and a generally upscale feel belie the base Pop model's starting price of $20,900, including the $900 destination charge. The back seat fits three in a pinch, although tall passengers will complain about legroom, and the generous cargo area expands not just by folding the rear seats, but with a long-object accommodation thanks to the flip-forward front seat

That base Pop model comes standard with a 1.4-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder and a 6-speed manual transmission; it's the only way you can get a manual in this car. The rest of the lineup uses the 2.4-liter "Tigershark" 4-cylinder mated to a 9-speed automatic transmission (that combination is optional in the Pop). The Easy ($23,200) and Lounge ($25,750) models emphasize a more "street" look, while the Trekking ($24,000) and Trekking Plus ($28,000) both have an off-road-ready appearance, although the 500X isn't meant for the off-road duty its Jeep Renegade brother can handle. Everything except the Pop model is available with all-wheel drive for an extra $1,900, meaning a fully equipped Fiat 500X Trekking Plus will top $30,000

On The Road

Our test car during the introductory drive in and around Malibu, California was a mid-level Trekking with front-wheel drive. It came with the mid-level Uconnect system, with a 5.0-inch full-color display that didn't include navigation, but did have satellite radio, Bluetooth and USB inputs. To that was added the Trekking Collection 3 option package, adding dual-zone climate control, an 8-way power driver's seat, and heated front seats and steering wheel. The total price with destination was a reasonable $25,300. Additional options include a backup camera, a navigation system, and driver assist technologies such as forward collision mitigation and warning, lane-keep assist, and blind spot monitoring with cross-path detection. A Beats audio system, dual-panel sunroof, and leather interior are available on higher-end Lounge and Trekking Plus models

Quieter than most of its competitors, wind and tire noise are notably better than SUVs like the Mini Countryman. The 500X's switches and controls all have a good feel and a sensible layout -- we especially liked the user-configurable digital display between the gauges -- and the soft elbow rests on the doors and center console bin all help add to the refined feel. The 2.4-liter 4-cylnider engine sounds appropriately Italian, and with 180 horsepower it feels plenty strong

The 9-speed automatic is an upgraded version of what's in the Jeep Cherokee, Chrysler 200, and other Fiat-Chrysler vehicles. Mash the throttle to the floor and it downshifts quicker than in those cars, but it's still slower and harsher than competitors. All 500X models except Pop come with a Dynamic Selector knob that controls various drive settings. Move it from Auto to Sport and the transmission responds quicker and holds revs better, but it still needs another round of polish. Sport mode also stiffens the steering response and makes the engine more sensitive to throttle inputs. The other setting, Traction+, remodulates everything to increase traction when roads get slick

Stiff Legs

The Fiat 500X handles surprisingly well, acquitting itself quite well on the twisty roads in the Malibu hills with sharp electrically assisted steering and flat, controlled cornering. But that brings us to our biggest complaint about the 500X: Around town or on the highway the suspension is simply too stiff, and doesn't isolate the body from dips and larger bumps. Rather than floating over a medium-sized dip, the 500X bounces up and down uncomfortably. The same is true for mid-size and larger bumps, and you'll quickly discover just how many of those kinds of undulations are out there. While we like the handling, we think buyers are more likely to cruise around town rather than push their 500X to the limit on a mountain road. Slightly softer shocks would likely solve the problem, and since we drove pre-production vehicles, it's possible that the final suspension calibrations may change. Even if it stays the same, there's a good chance that those shopping at a Fiat dealership will expect more bite in their suspension, and that sportiness may be just what they're looking for

Based on looks, price, and value, the 2016 Fiat 500X has all the makings of a hit as an early entry into a rapidly expanding market segment. Even against competitors like the upcoming Honda HR-V and Mazda CX-3, the new Fiat 500X makes a good case for itself as an American Fiat. Stiff suspension or not, the combination of value and style will be hard to ignore

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Jaguar F-Type Coupe First Review 2015

The F-Type signals the rebirth of Jaguar, and the convertible model has already rocked our world on several occasions. Here in Spain, I was to drive the coupe, a car which offered more performance than the convertible thanks to a stiffer aluminum structure and a new model, the F-Type R Coupe, with a 550-hp supercharged V8 engine

From Barcelona, Jaguar flew us to Lleida, a small city about a hundred miles east of the Mediterranean, and unremarkable but for two things. First, it had an airport at which were parked a dozen or so 2015 Jaguar F-Type S Coupes that we'd soon be driving. Second, Lleida is conveniently next to some of the best driving roads I have ever seen

F-Type S on the road

Out there the roads narrowed, the curves sharpened, and we put the car into its Dynamic Mode. Not only does Dynamic Mode prepare the car for spirited driving by enhancing throttle response, sharpening steering, and firming up the suspension, it also opens up the exhaust system to allow a full throated roar under full throttle, and a satisfying burble and pop when you let off the gas. Jaguar says the 380-horsepower 3.0-liter supercharged V6 can launch the F-Type Coupe from a standstill to 60 mph in a bit under 5 seconds. The 8-speed automatic shifts slickly, whether in its Dynamic self-shifting mode, or flicking the paddles to select your own gears

The first thing we noticed about the coupe was its stiffness compared to the convertible, particularly noteworthy considering that Jaguar says the convertible is already as stiff as a BMW 5 Series sedan. Rather than chopping off the roof of the coupe, Jaguar designed the car as a convertible, then added the roof for the coupe. The result is an extremely stable platform on which to build a high-performance car, with very little chassis flex

F-Type R at the track

The S was a nearly perfect driving companion on the twisting Spanish two-lanes, and while we could've driven these roads all day, we were anxious to make it to the racetrack, our midday stop and time with the F-Type R. Jaguar had also set up a low-speed wet handling course to demonstrate the F-Type's Torque Vectoring by Braking system, which uses the front brakes to guide the car through turns at the limits of traction

We started on the short wet course, driving poorly to get the front end to slide on the wet pavement. The system worked as advertised, selectively braking the inside front wheel causing the nose of the car to turn tighter, rather than to slide forward. It was an interesting exercise, and despite the artificial feel under these tightly controlled circumstances designed to showcase the technology, we never noticed the system in action on the road, or on the track

The tech demo was informative, but the 550-hp R Coupe felt out of place on the short track. The 3.3-mile long main circuit was a different story. As the laps accumulated, the Coupe's at-the-limit quirks showed themselves. Power was no problem, and the transmission's Dynamic Mode was as adept at picking the right gear, though the paddle shifters responded even quicker. The brakes were excellent and worth every penny. Yet the Jaguar didn't have quite the precision one would find in, say, a Porsche. The rear end was too eager to slide, the steering not quite precise enough. But these are minor quibbles. If the true test of a sports car is how it performs on a track, this Jaguar graduates magna cum laude, just a notch below the summa you'd get in a Porsche

On the road again

The next day, we set out in a Sapphire Blue Jaguar F-Type R Coupe on public roads that combined two-lanes snaking through the hills, narrow single-lanes that crawled through ancient Spanish towns, and high-speed straights and highways that led us back to Lleida. Our car lacked the carbon-ceramic matrix brakes from yesterday's track cars, but was otherwise the same

It was wonderful. While the Jaguar wasn't in its very best element on the racetrack -- where it was still pretty good -- it absolutely owned these Spanish roads. The exhaust popped and echoed off the hillsides, the road twisted and turned under us, and the Jaguar devoured it all. The V8 sounded as it made short work of the slower moving cars we encountered. Driving this car briskly is intoxicating, yet even in the slow sections the F-Type managed to be fun, drawing envious stares from passersby

F-Type Coupe: a real sports car

There are two takeaways from my time with the Jaguar F-Type Coupe. First, this is a real sports car. It's not a sporty coupe, it's not a grand tourer. It's a sports car, and Jaguar was willing to throw certain accommodations aside in the interest of making the car better to drive. It's stiffly sprung, it's sometimes a little loud, and it's tight inside, with merely adequate cargo space. But in exchange you get a car that's a blast and a half to drive, and one of the most fun cars you can buy today

Second, this is just the beginning. More F-Type variants are in the pipeline, including rumored all-wheel drive and hybrid versions. Beyond that, expect to see even more highly focused F-Type models in the future. After all, there's still room for a GT model, for example, so if you're hoping that the F-Type will someday be the ultimate track car, don't lose hope. The F-Type has raised our expectations for the company's future products. Jaguar has surprised and delighted us with its new sports car. The challenge now is to just keep at it

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Dodge Charger: Retro Muscle in a Sleeker Package 2015

The Charger has been the full-size bread-and-butter sedan at Dodge since its revival for the 2006 model year, and the division expects this extensively freshened version to maintain sales momentum when it reaches showrooms next fall

All New Skin

Aside from new aluminum axles and axle housings, the chassis carries over from the current Charger. But the skin is almost all new-grille, headlights, hood, fenders, and rear fascia. The roof and rear doors are the only exterior panels that survive, though the base of the rearmost roof pillar has been pulled aft, giving the rear window a faster slope and visually reducing the rear overhang

The goal of the design team was to imbue the new Charger with a sleek skin that would make this big sedan look smaller and lighter, even though the 2015 dimensions are almost exactly the same as those of the current car. A concurrent objective was to preserve the Charger's four-door muscle car persona

It's fair to say the styling effort was successful. Unveiled at the New York International Auto Show, the new Charger sustains the powerful presence of the current car. Dodge cites the 1969 Charger as the inspiration for the 2015 redesign, from the heyday of the muscle car era even though those '69 models were coupes

New Wheels, Hemi Power

Other new exterior details include projector beam headlamps, LED fog lamps, a three-piece rear spoiler (standard on R/T models), center high-mounted stop lamp, and Dodge's "racetrack" LED taillight array. The wheels are also new for all four trim levels, with six different 20-inch styles, including a forged aluminum set, 20 x 9 inches

The car's muscular persona is backed by Chrysler's 5.7-liter Hemi V-8 with 370 horsepower and 395 pound-feet of torque-in R/T and R/T Road and Track models. The base engine continues to be the 3.6-liter V-6 (292 hp, 260 lb-ft), with 300 hp and 264 lb-ft available in SXT models with the Rallye Appearance Group option package. Both the Hemi and the V-6 are paired with Chrysler's 8-speed TorqueFlite automatic, new with the Charger's Hemi V-8 and the only transmission offered

With the V-6, the Charger is EPA-rated for 31 mpg on the highway, best in class, according to Dodge. All-wheel drive continues to be available, and features a new active transfer case that automatically disconnects the front axle when it's not needed. Dodge engineers claim this feature can improve fuel economy by up to 5 percent

Interior Upgrades

The all-new interior includes new seats, extensive soft touch material on the dash, center console, and door panels, with eight different trim packages, including cloth and leather upholstery choices

The sporty three-spoke steering wheel is new, backed by paddle shifters (optional). A new electronic feature delivers brisk shift times-400 milliseconds, according to Dodge, diminishing to 250 milliseconds in sport mode, which also holds the selected gear to redline. Sporty also applies to the electronic power steering, updated to provide three modes-normal, comfort, and sport-that vary effort to suit the driver's mood

As with almost any of today's new cars, new telematics abound. A standard 7-inch TFT (thin film transistor) programmable screen nestles between the speedometer and tachometer, with programmable info including Dodge Performance Pages. The new center stack embraces a 5.0-inch touchscreen (standard) or 8.4-inch version (optional), with a next generation radio and premium audio options, as well as the available nav system. Chrysler's optional U-Connect Access provides a variety of connectivity features, including a Wi-Fi hotspot and mobile apps

New safety features include lane departure warning and lane-keeping assist; adaptive cruise control capable of a full stop and speed resumption; and forward collision Warning-Plus, which will provide autonomous braking if the driver fails to respond to the situation

As noted, the freshened Charger will go on sale this fall as a 2015 model

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New York International Auto Show: Sedans in the spotlight 2015

There's no question that the auto industry is mad for crossover SUVs as the compact-sized variety is one of the fastest growing segments currently. But that's not to say that the traditional 4-door sedan has been consigned to the ash pile of history. At least that's the conclusion to take away from the New York International Auto Show, which played host to a bevy of new 4-door models

The most anticipated new sedan at the show was the all-new Cadillac CT6, a full-size sedan offered in either rear- or all-wheel drive positioned to take on the likes of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class and BMW 7 Series. The CT6 not only ushers in new nomenclature for the car side of GM's luxury division, but also debuts a new lightweight architecture and a new family of twin-turbo V6 and V8 engines. It is a make or break product in Cadillac's bid for global parity among the top luxury cars. Cadillac's longtime rival Lincoln showed off an early look at its own new flagship sedan, the Continental Concept

No less important to Jaguar/Land Rover Group is the remake of the mid-size Jaguar XF, which will share the aluminum-intensive approach introduced in the compact XE. In addition to hitting the show floor in New York, the car also bowed in London as part of a high wire act

In the mainstream market, the Nissan Maxima has also been redesigned and will again stress its performance-oriented suspension and drivetrain under the 4-door sports car positioning, Chevrolet's much needed remake of the Malibu midsize sedan showed off completely new skin and a package that promises more rear legroom, while Kia took the covers off the next installment of its popular Optima midsize family car. At a more entry-level price point, Scion gave us a two-fer: The iA is that division's first 4-door sedan, and it bowed alongside the all-new iM hatchback

Other non-SUV offerings include a new Chevrolet Spark hatchback, Smart hosted the American debut of its new Fortwo city car and McLaren flaunted the high-performance 570S Sport two-seater

And even though sedans dominated the New York Auto Show headlines, there were some significant SUV introductions, too. Making their world debuts were the Mercedes-Benz GLE — a replacement for the current ML — a redone Mitsubishi Outlander and perhaps most important of all, the all-new Lexus RX, a remake of the iconic crossover SUV that created the segment

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