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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Lotus Evora 400 U.S. bound 2016

British sports car maker Lotus has taken the wraps off the next generation mid-engine Evora 2+2  and announced that following the European launch this summer, will hit the North American market in the fall as a 2016 model.  Called the Lotus Evora 400, it is the fastest production Lotus ever, according to the company. The 400 refers to the engine output, which sees the previous Evora S 3.5-liter V-6 fitted with a new supercharger that boosts it from 345 to 400 horsepower. Torque has been increased from 295 to 302 lb-ft with maximum torque available from 3,500 to 6,500 rpm

With a top speed of 186 mph, the Evora 400 takes just 4.1 seconds to accelerate from 0-60 mph and has beat the previous production car lap time set by the Evora S on the company's test track at Hethel, England, by 6 seconds. In addition to the engine upgrades, the 2016 Lotus Evora 400 features a new aluminum chassis, updated interior and lightweight composite body panels that give the car a new look

Faster and lighter

In addition to being faster than the model it replaces, it's lighter with the new design shaving 45 pounds from the previous model even though content has been increased. "We have always said that to make a car better, you must make it faster and lighter," said Jean-Marc Gales, CEO for Group Lotus. We have achieved this, of course, but we didn't stop there, as considerable number of changes in the interior, chassis, engine and body design have warranted emphatically the title of a new Lotus Evora

The new Evora 400 features new styling that includes a bolder face with larger cooling inlets and LED daytime running lights. At the rear, the Evora benefits from a new bumper, lightweight composite rear diffuser and a three-element wing. The car has a more aggressive stance and appears lower, wider and more planted on the road. Overall length has increased 1.4 inches and yet a shorter front overhang reduces the approach angle from 11.5 to 10 degrees

Cabin improvements

Among the upgrades to the interior, first and foremost, Lotus had made the Evora easier to get in and out of, thanks to narrower and lower sills as well as thinner inside door panels. All new sport seats are lighter, more aggressively bolstered and supportive. The new bonded aluminum chassis not only has thinner sills without sacrificing stiffness, but also allows for a slightly larger rear seating area that's 11 inches wider. The Evora 400 has three new trim levels including upgrades to full Alcantara or Scottish leather, each package featuring specific detailing

In addition to an all-new dash layout, revised instrument cluster and a lightweight forged aluminum sport steering wheel, the Evora 400 benefits from an all-new climate control system that provides greater airflow and more operator control. Other changes include the incorporation of a stop/start button and the introduction of a new high-end sound system. Lotus, which produces about 45 cars per week, will ramp production up to 70 per week to accommodate the demand for the Evora 400. Pricing will be announced closer to its launch date

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The 2016 Mercedes DTM Car and the C63 Edition 1s Are Inspired

by each other. Which came first, the DTM or the Edition 1

After Mercedes released sketches of its new DTM car (based off the new Mercedes C63 coupe), we 
were quite taken with the badassery of the design

Said Ulrich Fritz, head of Mercedes-AMG DTM, the team has "used the unique, sporty design language of the street version of the new C-Class Coupé on the DTM version. Striking features like the dynamic design of the headlights and also the typical AMG twin blade grille of the C 63 AMG Coupé stand out immediately

In fact, it seems that the German carmaker is so taken with their new DTM car, they have also released details on the newest special edition C63 AMG models. Named the Edition 1 specials, they are the road cars inspired by the race car that was inspired by the road cars

The Edition 1s will wear the same gray and yellow paint as the DTM, and will feature many racing gimmicks you typically see on these racing-inspired road cars: AMG-specific side skirts and a rear diffuser, a larger front splitter, and performance seats. While this is all well and good, power still remains the same and we wistfully remember how the very special C63 AMG Black Series was hint: not just a racing spinoff

Both the DTM car and the Edition 1s are set to launch later this month, at the Frankfurt Motor Show, where we'll find out if the Edition 1 will cross the pond

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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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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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Aston Martin Vantage GT3: Race ready, street legal 2016

Inspired by competition but fully street legal, the 2015 Aston Martin Vantage GT3 Special Edition debuted in Geneva based on the V12 Vantage S. This hot GT3 benefits from loads of motorsport-derived enhancements that trim weight, tidy up its aerodynamics, sharpen its dynamics and boost the output of its 5.9-liter engine to a projected 592 horsepower. In revealing the car, Aston Martin CEO Andy Palmer noted: "The Vantage GT3 Special Edition is an uncompromising example of our design and engineering expertise and I'm sure the 100 owners who secure one of these cars will savor every second behind the wheel -- whether on the road or on the track." Sadly, none of those GT3 models are slated for North America

The Vantage GT3 makes extensive use of carbon fiber body bits - including its prominent front splitter, dramatically vented hood, a huge fixed rear wing and optional carbon fiber roof panel -- to help trim nearly 220 pounds, improve its wind cheating abilities and raise top speed. The weight savings also encompasses more subtle tweaks that range from a polycarbonate rear glass and windows to a magnesium torque tube and lightweight lithium-ion battery. Lower and wider than any other Vantage, the GT3 complements its thoroughly reworked tri-mode adjustable suspension with expanded track dimensions and ultra-grippy Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires wrapped around 19-inch center-locking magnesium alloy wheels

In addition to a selection of internal modifications that improve breathing, the 5.9-liter V12 in the GT3 also does its part to shed unwanted mass thanks to redesigned cylinder heads made from magnesium and a new titanium exhaust system. In addition to raising the pony count to 592 from the 565 horses in a Vantage S, the revamp bumps peak torque from 457 to 461 lb-ft, bringing more of it into play across a wider rev range to heighten overall responsiveness

The cabin of the new Vantage GT3 displays its own light-makes-right rework, starting with a full carbon fiber center stack, Alcantara-trimmed carbon fiber racing shell bucket seats and a bespoke touchscreen display. Buyers also will be able to add a host of unique additional touches via Aston Martin's Q personalization wing. Pricing for the 2016 Aston Martin Vantage GT3 is set to open around $390,000 in Europe and the first cars will be delivered during the third quarter of 2015

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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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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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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

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Latest Toyota Cars (Toyota Camry) 2018

Strong, but Slowing Sales: The Toyota C
 amry was not only the best-selling midsize car, but also the best-selling car in America in 2016. So far this year, however, sales have dipped 10 percent compared to the same period in 2016. Demand likely won’t spike any time soon despite a redesign for 2018, as consumers gravitate towards SUVs and crossovers and away from sedans

 High Pricing: Pricing for the Camry starts at $24,000, which is only $1,350 above the class average. However, the highest trim level is priced more than $2,000 below the norm for comparably equipped alternatives.

Pros & Cons

• Impressive list of standard safety features
• User-friendly infotainment system with standard smartphone integration
• Peppy, fuel-efficient base engine
• Enjoyable driving dynamics

• Below-average trunk space
• No Apple CarPlay or Android Auto available

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