Land Rover Discovery Sport 2015

Previewed at the New York Auto Show last April as the Discovery Vision Concept, the production version of the 2015 Land Rover Discovery Sport has been revealed in conjunction with a literally out-of-this-world promotion that involves the company's global partner, Virgin Galactic. While lacking several of the show car's more avant-garde touches, the newest Land Rover boasts visual cues and technology that will be found in future models across the range. The Discovery supplants the current LR2 -- which ceases production at the end of the 2015 model year and features 5+2 seating, a first for the compact premium SUV segment. 

Designed for tomorrow 

Expanding on styling themes found on the Vision Concept, the new Discovery Sport adds distinctive flourishes of its own to create a bold presence complemented by a host of wind-cheating/noise-abating aero bits. A laid-back acoustic windshield, wraparound lighting units - including optional Xenon headlamps and LED running lamps - along with a two-bar mesh grille, new blade-like front fender vents, flared wheel arches and a rakish C-pillar treatment help create a tailored but tough look. 

The core structure of the new Discovery Sport consists of high-strength and ultra-high-strength steel complemented by weight-saving aluminum alloy in various body panels and suspension elements. The combination yields excellent platform rigidity and passenger protection while improving dynamic balance and lowering the vehicle's center of gravity. Built on a 107.9-inch wheelbase that splits the LR2/LR4 models, the front chassis design of this new Land Rover SUV shares much with the popular Evoque but its rear underpinnings are an all-new multilink setup that improves interior packaging as well as enhances ride and handling. 

Inside, the new Discovery Sport melds existing Land Rover design elements with unique accents. All versions feature a bevy of power assists, dual-zone climate control, multi-function steering wheel, navigation system with an 8.0-inch touchscreen and premium audio systems as well as leather upholstery that ranges from seating-only surfaces on the base SE to a full Windsor hide treatment on the range-topping Discovery Sport HSE Luxury. The Discovery Sport's elevated 60/40 split-folding second row bench has 6.3-inches of fore/aft travel, a feature which makes the optional third-row split-folding bench seat a far more viable perch whenever it is called into what LR describes as "occasional use." 

Leveraging the Land Rover pedigree

The new Discovery Sport shares the Evoque's powertrain, matching a 240-horse/2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine with a ZF close-ratio 9-speed automatic transmission. Operated by a central rotary controller supplemented by steering-wheel-mounted shifter paddles, the transmission features adaptive logic and fully integrates with the Haldex intelligent full-time all-wheel drive and Land Rover's multi-mode Terrain Response system. To further optimize the Discovery Sport's go-anywhere capabilities, its full complement of conventional stability/traction technology is bolstered by features like Hill Descent Control, Roll Stability Control, Trailer Stability Assist and Engine Drag Torque Control as well as a new available Autonomous Emergency Braking option that can help prevent or mitigate collisions.

Available in SE, HSE and HSE Luxury trims, pricing for the 2015 Land Rover Discovery Sport will start at $40,920. It will offer plenty of personalization potential starting with the descriptively named Black Pack trim package that adds noir accents set off with 19-inch or 20-inch alloy wheels. Other key factory options include a contrast roof panel finished in Santorini Black, full glass panoramic roof, custom luggage, tubular stainless-steel side step and front/rear undershields while dealers will offer items like quick-release headrest-mounted iPad holders and a leather-covered cooler/warmer box for the center stow bin.

3-2-1 Blastoff

To help launch the new Discovery Sport, Land Rover and Virgin Galactic have created the Galactic Discovery Competition. Aspiring astronauts from 29 countries are being invited to produce a photo or a 30-second video that best demonstrates their personal spirit of adventure. Top prize for the winner and three of his/her friends is a sub-orbital flight in Virgin Galactic's SpaceShipTwo. For complete details, visit http://landrover.us/space.

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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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Chevrolet reinvents Colorado midsize pickup truck for 2015

Absent from the North American midsize pickup market since the 2012 model year, Chevrolet made its much-anticipated return official today with the unveiling of the 2015 Colorado at the 2013 Los Angeles Auto Show. Billed as the third element in a three-truck strategy-Silverado Heavy Duty, Silverado half-ton, and midsize Colorado-the new pickup was characterized as a "scaled down Silverado" by Jeff Luke, chief engineer for pickup trucks at General Motors. Luke added that this doesn't mean the Colorado revival will be based on the Silverado chassis, nor will it be a version of the Colorado that continued to enjoy strong sales in Thailand after GM pulled the plug on North American sales. Like the Silverado, the new Colorado will ride on a fully boxed frame, but the chassis will be unique to the mid-size truck, according to Chevrolet.Although dimensional specifics weren't announced, Luke noted that the Colorado will be 5 inches narrower, 3 inches lower, and some 900 pounds lighter than the Silverado, thanks in large part to a chassis that's about 40 percent lighter than that of the full-size truck

Three engines

When the truck goes on sale in the fall of 2014, Colorado buyers will have two engine options: a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder rated for 193 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque, and a 3.6-liter V6 good for 300 horsepower and 270 lb-ft. Both engines already exist in the General Motors North American powertrain inventory. Engine choices will expand to three in 2016, when a 2.5-liter turbodiesel 4-cylinder becomes available, a first in the midsize pickup category. Chevrolet did not release output figures for the diesel. All engines will be mated with a 6-speed automatic transmission, and buyers will have a choice of rear- or 4-wheel drive. Chevrolet sources also hint that another transmission choice may become available shortly after launch, but declined to furnish specifics other than to say that a manual gearbox is unlikely. Towing capabilities will range up to 6700 pounds, which Chevrolet anticipates will be best in class

The company also expects Colorado fuel economy ratings to be tops among midsize pickups. While the truck's EPA ratings are yet to come, that would mean maximums of at least 22 mpg city/26 highway for a rear-drive 4-cylinder model. Toyota's Tacoma, the segment's current bestseller, maxes at 21 mpg/25 highway for a standard cab rear-drive model with a 4-cylinder engine and manual transmission. The revivalist Colorado will be offered in extended and crew cab body styles -- no standard cab. Extended cab models will come with a 6-foot cargo bed, Crew Cabs with a 5-foot bed, the longest bed in the midsize segment for a four-door pickup according to Chevrolet. Suspension elements consist of coil-over front springs and 2-stage semi-elliptic leaf springs at the rear. The brake system comprises discs front and rear, Like the Silverado, the Colorado will offer an EZ-Lift tailgate and a standard Step Assist pad at each end of the rear bumper to make it easier to climb in and out of the cargo bed. The bed rails and cargo floor will include 13 tie-down points, and a standard two-tiered storage system will expand cargo bed versatility. Chevy also plans to offer a variety of cargo accessories. There will be three trim levels-the basic WT (for Work Truck), mid-grade LT, and top-of-the-line Z71, designed to tackle off-road work. All three versions will be available in extended and crew cab body styles, and all offer the option of 4-wheel drive

The Inner Colorado

Inside, the Colorado's instrumentation and center stack echoes that of the new Silverado, and shares much of the full-size truck's features, including Chevrolet's MyLink infotainment and connectivity system. An 8-inch color touch screen dominates the center dash in LT and Z71 models, which also include USB drives. A 4.2-inch driver information screen enhances the instrument cluster, and a navigation system with voice recognition will be an available. Key instruments will include halo backlighting, making them easier to find and operate at night, and the standard center console is big enough to swallow a tablet computer. All trim levels will be furnished with cloth upholstery, and Z71 models will have unique color and trim details, including embossing on the seatbacks and contrasting stitching. Unlike the Silverado, the Colorado's shifter will be in the traditional center position, between the front seats. Standard safety features include front and side curtain airbags; rear view camera; Stabilitrak stability control with rollover mitigation; trailer sway control; and hill descent control. The Colorado will also offer the option of forward collision alert and lane departure warning, both firsts in the mid-size pickup segment according to Chevrolet

Pricing With the Colorado's on-sale date almost a year away, Chevrolet refrained from furnishing any pricing specifics, other than to say that the new truck would have the "best value proposition" in its class. However, it's likely that Chevy's new truck will be priced against the Tacoma and Nissan Frontier, the two trucks that currently dominate the hitherto shrinking midsize pickup class. Current Tacoma pricing ranges from about $18,000 up to about $30,000. Chevrolet's L.A. presentation made it clear that the company is bullish on its new truck, and the future of the midsize category. Chief engineer Luke flatly expects the Colorado to be "the most capable, fuel efficient, versatile midsize truck." Mark Reuss, president of General Motors North America, goes further, stating that the Colorado "reinvents the midsize truck, while reinvigorating the segment at the same time." How much room does that leave for the GMC Canyon, the Colorado's upscale clone? We'll have to wait for January's Detroit auto show to learn the answer to that question

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Bentley Mulsanne Speed 2015

Previewed before heading on to the Paris Auto Show, the new 2015 Bentley Mulsanne Speed adds to the car's luxury and performance

Understated elegance 

Subtle is the operative term for the Mulsanne Speed's exterior changes, which include a dark-tint finish on its stainless-steel radiator grille, lower bumper grilles and fender vents complemented by a similar treatment on the front and rear lighting elements. These are set off by dual rifled exhaust outlets and solid polished stainless steel Speed badges as well as 21-inch alloy wheels. These bespoke rims - Bentley's first ever featuring a unidirectional design - are individually machined from forged blanks and can be had painted, polished or dark-tinted

Inside, the Mulsanne Speed comes with the full Mulliner Driving Specification enhancements while offering new a new Technical Veneer option that brings Piano Black trim with carbon fiber accents. Options include everything from a 2,200-watt Naim for Bentley audio system in place of the standard 14-speaker unit to a power-activated rear tray tables and a dual-screen rear-seat entertainment package

Overwhelming exuberance

Heart of the Mulsanne Speed is a revised version of the firm's well-proven 6.75-liter twin-turbo V8. A new head design the features revamped combustion chambers, intake ports, fuel injectors and spark plugs plus a higher compression ratio, which raises output from 505 horsepower and 752 lb-ft of torque in the standard Mulsanne to 530 horses and a record 811 lb-ft of peak twist - which is on hand from a mere 1,750 rpm

A full redesign of the engine management system serves up smoother transitions from V8 to V4 operation on both engine configurations while also improving fuel economy. Backed by a recalibrated ZF 8-speed Quickshift automatic transmission that features a new performance-focused "S" mode, the Mulsanne Speed can streak from 0-60 mph in 4.8 seconds and hit a top end of 190 mph

To ensure that power can be put to best use, the chassis of the new Mulsanne Speed also gets unique tuning. While retaining the Bentley and Comfort modes, the air suspension adds a stiffer Sport setting that also tweaks the steering for better feel and accuracy. The system also allows the driver to individually adjust the chassis, steering and engine response using a Custom setting

Pricing for the 2015 Bentley Mulsanne Speed is expected to be announced at its global debut in Paris. The first Speed-spec Mulsannes are expected to arrive here sometime during the first quarter next year

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Chevrolet Colorado GearOn Special Edition lands in Chicago 2015

debut at the Chicago Auto Show. Available on extended or crew cab Colorado LT models with long or short beds and rear- or 4-wheel drive, this new member of the lineup will arrive in dealers this spring with a starting price of $32,125

As its name implies, this activity-oriented Colorado features Chevy's patented GearOn system first seen last summer on the Colorado Sport Concept. The GearOn kit includes an easily configurable selection of bed rails/bars, a cargo divider package and tie-down rings. It's all designed to allow Chevy's new mid-size pickup to carry everything from mountain bikes, kayaks, skis and paddle boards to a bed-mounted tent -- all but the latter positioned well above floor level to maximize the amount of usable cargo space. Other related items from the GearOn accessory catalog also can be purchased individually and their cost rolled into the monthly payment if ordered before the vehicle is delivered -- an option open to all Colorado buyers

The 2015 Colorado GearOn Special Edition also features cosmetic and functional upgrades including an EZ Lift and Lower tailgate, off-road assist steps, fog lamps, a rear-window defogger, remote start and Gloss Black 18-inch aluminum wheels. Rounding out the mix is a body-color grille and black front/rear Chevy bowtie emblems

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Cadillac CTS-V boasts 640 horses 2016

Making its first public appearance at the Detroit Auto Show, the 2016 Cadillac CTS-V raises its performance game to an entirely new level. The most powerful and capable production model in the division's 112-year history, the third generation CTS-V matches a bold appearance, awesome power - 640 supercharged horses to be precise - a track-ready chassis and a bounty of enthusiast-grade technology to create an All-American super sedan that's ready to take on the likes of the Audi S6, BMW M5 or Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG Sedan

It's a 200-mph road rager

Motivating the 2016 CTS-V is a new 6.2-liter supercharged V8 that shares basic architecture with the LT4 engine in the 2015 ZO6 Corvette. Although the same displacement as the force-fed V8 in the Gen II CTS-V, this new engine is far more efficient thanks to upgrades like direct injection, Active Fuel Management cylinder deactivation and a redesigned supercharger that builds boost lower in the rev range. In addition to cranking out 84 more horsepower, it develops an additional 79 lb-ft of peak torque. Backed by a new paddle-shiftable 8-speed automatic transmission that ships that force to the rear wheels, the new CTS-V can streak from 0-60 mph in a mere 3.7 seconds and head on to a top speed of 200 mph

To put that potential to best use, the CTS-V also gets structural and suspension enhancements worthy of its ultra-performance pedigree. They start with supplemental reinforcing in all critical areas that ups strength and stiffness by 25 percent compared to a non-V model. That more-robust foundation anchors a comprehensively tweaked version the top-line CTS chassis, highlighted by the latest Gen III Magnetic Ride Control and Performance Traction Management systems complemented by upgraded variable-ratio Servotronic II electrically boosted power steering, an electronically controlled limited-slip differential, a stouter driveshaft and   bespoke halfshafts, wider front/rear track dimensions and huge Brembo brakes. The final touch is a set of super-stiff, staggered-width lightweight 19-inch forged-alloy wheels wrapped in Z-rated Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires, 263/35s up front and 295/30s at the rear

Contoured to cheat the wind

Although its CTS heritage remains clear, this latest V-spec makeover also involves changes to literally every body panel save for its doors and roof. The aero-optimized front fascia features larger air intakes and a unique splitter that adds downforce while an extractor vent in its carbon fiber hood helps cool the engine while reducing lift. Flow-enhancing rocker moldings link the CTS-V's more prominently bulged fenders while the tail sports a functional spoiler and rear diffuser. Buyers seeking more stick with less weight can step up to an optional Carbon Fiber package that brings an even more aggressive front splitter, hood vent, rear diffuser and spoiler

In keeping with its mission, the new Cadillac CTS-V's cabin treatment suitably reinforces the car's high-profile performance theme. Supportive heated/ventilated 20-way power front buckets trimmed in semi-analine leather with suede-style microfiber inserts are standard with more aggressively bolstered Recaro performance seats wrapped in Mulan leather available as an option. The CTS-V's 12.3-inch reconfigurable main instrument cluster gets distinctive V-Series graphics and gauge readouts that work with its standard head-up display and Performance Data Recorder. Other features included in the CTS-V mix are the Cadillac CUE system, voice-activated navigation, Bose premium audio, OnStar 4G LTE connectivity with a built-in hot spot, Bluetooth and Siri Eyes Free

The 2016 Cadillac CTS-V is expected to arrive in showrooms by mid-2015. Pricing won't be announced until closer to the official on-sale date but is expected to start in the $75,000-$80,000 range

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Lincoln Continental

These days, Lincoln isn’t much more than a collection of rebadged Fords, but the Continental concept shows a way back to its past status as a real luxury carmaker.

Unveiled at the 2015 New York Auto Show, the Continental is a flagship sedan that would help restore Lincoln’s reputation if built. If you ever forget it’s a Lincoln, just look at the headlights and grille, which feature tiny repetitions of the brand’s logo.

On the inside, the Continental is just as luxurious as its classic predecessors. Standout features include 30-way adjustable seats, and a fully-reclining rear passenger seat that seems aimed at the Chinese market, where many buyers prefer to be driven rather than drive.

In a nod to efficiency, the Continental is powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6. It’s part of Ford’s ubiquitous EcoBoost family.

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Lexus GS F set for Detroit 2016

As the newest member of the F lineup of high performance models, the 2016 Lexus GS F, which debuts at the North American International Auto Show, combines the performance of the 2015 Lexus RC F Coupe with the practicality of a 4-door sedan

Although Lexus already offers the GS 350 F Sport model, the new GS F is the ultimate expression of performance for Toyota's luxury division thanks to a 5.0-liter V8 which produces 467 horsepower and 389 lb ft of torque. That engine is mated to an 8-speed automatic gearbox with a manual-shift mode

Aggressive styling

The sedan, which rides on a 112.2-inch wheelbase, shares the same aggressive front clip as the RC F coupe, with a wider, more aggressive take on the division's spindle-shaped grille. Large intakes providing air cooling for the front brakes flank the revamped opening. At the rear, the GS F sports a decklid spoiler, rear diffuser and chromed exhaust tips

Lexus backs that sporty look with a long list of standard equipment designed to make the handling of GS F a standout. Among those items is the Torque Vectoring Differential adopts from the RC F which features three operating modes: Standard, which balances ride and handling; Slalom, which adjust the steering response and dampers, and Track, the highest setting providing ultimate control during high-speed circuit driving

Stiff chassis

In addition to the performance upgrades, the 2016 Lexus GS F features structural reinforcements and specific suspension components to maximize its dynamics without sacrificing ride comfort. According the Lexus the goal is to "offer drivers a very balanced sedan with genuine dual personality, equally adept at trimming lap times and the commute back home

The 2016 Lexus GS F will go on sale later in the calendar year with pricing announced nearer to its official launch

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LOTUS EVORA 400

LOTUS EVORA 400

Top Speed: 186 mph
Zero to Sixty: 4.1 seconds

Debuting at the 2015 Geneva Auto Show, the 2016 Lotus Evora 400 boasted some impressive numbers. Powered by a 3.5 liter supercharged V-6 engine and a 6-speed manual transmission, the Lotus Evora 400 cranks out 400 hp and 302 lb-ft of torque. The Lotus Evora 400 has a zero to sixty time of 4.1 seconds, and a whopping top speed of 186 mph. The Lotus Evora 400 hits such high speeds, the rear wing and diffuser deliver 71 pounds of aerodynamic downforce at 150 mph, without which the car might lift off the ground due to wind resistance. As expected from luxury car maker Lotus, the Evora 400 is beautiful to look at. The exterior, while built to be aerodynamic, looks unique and exotic due to all the curves and body lines.

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