Audi TT and TTS Roadster 2016

Following the launch of the Audi TT/TTS Coupe models in Geneva, the 2016 Audi TT and TTS Roadsters are making their debut at the Paris Auto Show. While the open top variants are shown in European trim, both the roadster and coupes will go on sale in the U.S. next year

A 10 second transition

Cutting right to the sun-running chase on these new TT family members, each is crowned with a power-activated, fully-lined fabric soft top that lowers interior noise levels by up to 6dB compared to the current convertible models. Deployable in a mere 10 seconds at vehicle speeds of up to 31 mph, the top forms into a flat Z-shaped package that tucks neatly away into an aluminum tray when dropped. The design allows trunk capacity on these racy Roadsters to remain at 9.9 cu ft at all times

The soft-top transition also entailed other structural enhancements to the TT's new aluminum-intensive MQB modular unit body architecture to preserve its strength and rigidity. A steel reinforcing pillar-and-tube arrangement now resides inside the existing aluminum A-pillars and hidden steel rails work to shore up the car's side sills. More steel struts are used beneath the engine and luggage compartment areas while a bespoke structure between the passenger cabin and the trunk securely anchors a pair of fixed steel rollover hoops

Powertrains revamped

Like the TT/TTS Coupes, their new Roadster counterparts will offer a trio of new 2.0-liter 4-cylinder turbocharged/direct-injected engines with greater output than the units they replace. The gas-burning TFSI in the new TT Roadster kicks out 227 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque while the unit in the TTS drop top boasts 306 ponies and 281 lb-ft of twist. Both of those engines are expected to head here as well. A 181-horse Euro-spec TDI turbodiesel that makes a stout 281 lb-ft of torque appears less likely to make the Atlantic crossing, at least at launch. Home market buyers also will be able to choose between a 6-speed manual transmission and paddle-shift 6-speed S-tronic dual-clutch automatic as well as front- or Quattro all-wheel drive configurations, the latter being standard issue on the TTS Roadster

Beyond that, the new Audi TT and TTS Roadsters share all the basic cosmetic, technological and creature features found in the new Coupes. That includes everything from edgier exterior styling and more sophisticated interior treatments - including Audi's modular virtual cockpit configuration - to the latest iteration of Audi's multi-mode drive select system and primo options like MMI Navigation plus with a Wi-Fi hotspot, Bang & Olufsen premium audio, Audi Side Assist and Active Lane Assist

Read More

Toyota RAV4 Hybrid joins refreshed lineup 2016

Eighth member of the automaker's ever-expanding gas/electric contingent, the 2016 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid made its world debut in New York. This new greener variant was accompanied by other members of an updated/upgraded 2016 RAV4 family that will include a new SE trim grade

Set to arrive in the fall, Toyota is aiming the 2016 RAV4 Hybrid at young active-lifestyle couples. While offering no specifics on the Hybrid Synergy Drive system that will be fitted to this compact crossover SUV, Toyota did say that in addition to earning superior EPA numbers, the new RAV4 Hybrid also will be quicker off the line and more powerful than its conventional RAV4 counterpart. The 2016 RAV4 Hybrid will be offered in XLE and Limited trim grades, both fitted with Toyota's On-Demand All-Wheel-Drive System with intelligence (AWD-i). In addition to six exterior colors including a new bespoke BLUE, the Hybrid variant will be available with unique 17-inch alloy wheels

A fresher look and new features for all 2016 RAV4 models 

To help enhance the RAV4's appeal in what's become the hottest segment in today's automotive market, Toyota has made a number of significant changes to the entire lineup. All versions feature more aggressively styled front/rear fascia treatments, revised rocker sills and new skid plate garnish elements along with new wheel designs and colors. The RAV4 remix also adds the option to step up to full LED headlights and taillamps

Inside, the roomy RAV4 cabin gains new and more premium trim touches throughout complemented by detail upgrades like an additional front USB port and rear 12V powerpoint, reconfigured cupholders and a dedicated sunglasses holder. Front/rear parking sonar is standard across the board and all but the LE will come with SiriusXM All-Access Radio and a 3-month complimentary trial subscription -- although the entry-level model will now offer a Scout cellphone -- based navigation system. Other available new-for-2016 upgrades include a 4.2-inch multi-information display in the revised gauge cluster, 7.0-inch touchscreen for the Display Audio sound system and a 360-degree Bird's Eye View Monitor. The 2016 RAV4 also will offer the new Toyota Safety Sense system. Standard on the top-line Limited, it complements the existing Star System elements with a Pre-Collision/Pedestrian Pre-Collision System, Forward Collision Warning, Lane Departure Alert, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control and Automatic High Beams

New RAV4 SE adds enthusiast appeal

Those seeking a RAV4 with more dynamic character will find it in the new SE which matches a sport-tuned suspension with a unique front bumper/lower grille, full LED lighting, 18-inch alloy wheels and available two-tone exterior treatment that pairs a Super White, Black Sand Pearl or Electric Storm Blue upper color with a Classic Silver Metallic lower body trim. Inside, the new RAV4 SE features the Limited's SofTex seat coverings and a black headliner while adding SE-spec instrument graphics and the 4.2-inch info display as well as steering-wheel mounted shifter paddles

Specific packaging details as well as pricing and EPA numbers for the entire 2016 Toyota RAV4 lineup will be realesed closer to their actual on-sale dates

Read More

AUDI A8

Starting price: $77,400

The Audi A8 is one of the top German cars sold in America today. The car is made out of all-aluminum, and it features some of the most cutting edge technology available in an automobile today. Audi provides several options for the powertrain for consumers to include: a 3.0 liter supercharged six cylinder engine rated at 333 horsepower, a 4.0 liter twin-turbo eight cylinder rated at 435 horsepower, a 3.0 liter six cylinder TDI, and a 6.3 liter W12 that is rated at 500 horsepower. If choosing to upgrade to the W12, the overall price of the A8 will go up significantly, but the boost in power is second-to-none on the market today. The A8’s fuel efficiency rating is 24 MPG (city) and 36 MPG (highway), and the auto can go from zero to 60 MPH in 6.4 seconds with a top overall speed of 129 MPH.

Read More

Ford Police Interceptor Utility adds cool tech 2016

the 2016 Ford Police Interceptor Utility stormed onto the show scene in Chicago - the city where it will be built. Already accounting for 55 percent of the law enforcement vehicle market, this updated variation on the theme takes the well-proven formula to a new level. Functional changes were made using input from the Ford Police Advisory Board to ensure it can handle the extreme demands of daily police duty while becoming more user-friendly

The visual remake for the 2016 Interceptor Utility includes Explorer-style fascia treatments including the bolder grille treatment and new lighting elements, which put a more sophisticated spin on the Police-spec package. Ford notes the 2016 Interceptor offers no less than 25 different configurations, adding that all are better integrated to tidy up the design while creating "a stealthier look for patrol duty." Inside, the recast dash that's easier on the eyes and hands has new gauges and a redesigned center stack with a 4.0-inch screen linked to a rearview camera with washer. In addition to an upgraded electrical system that better distributes current loads, the Interceptor Utility introduces an exclusive Surveillance Mode option that warns the driver if someone is approaching and automatically raises the window and locks all the doors

As in the past, the new 2016 Police Interceptor Utility offers the choice of a custom-calibrated 3.7-liter/304-horsepower Ti-VCT V6 or optional 3.5-liter/350-horse EcoBoost V6, both paired with a heavy duty 6-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. Rounding out the mix are an enforcement-optimized suspension, brakes, 18-inch wheel/tire package and heavy duty cooling system. For the ultimate in personalization, over 125 option packages allow the further fitment of everything from reprogrammable steering wheel controls and a red/white dome light toggle to Level III ballistic shields mounted in the doors. Expect to see the 2016 Ford Police Interceptor Utility turn up in a rearview mirror near you starting this summer

Read More

FORD EXPEDITION SSV

FORD EXPEDITION SSV

The Ford Expedition SSV (special services vehicle) has been produced for law enforcement agencies in the United States since 2006. This special model of the Expedition was brought to market in direct response to the Chevrolet Suburban and includes a choice between the 5.4 liter, Triton V-8 engine on models produced through 2014, and the 3.5 liter EcoBoost V-6 engine from 2015 going forward. The automobile comes with the choice between a six speed manual and automatic transmission, and is targeted for service by fire departments, law enforcement, and EMS agencies. The primary difference between the SSV and standard Expedition are the additional provisions made for emergency equipment, sirens, and light bars. The vehicle continues employment by a variety of law enforcement agencies across the United States, and continues to be popular for uses that require the unique features a SUV offers.

Read More

Volvo S60 2016

Broadening the scope of its original on/off-road-oriented wagons, the 2016 Volvo S60 Cross Country will be the automaker's first luxury sedan to wear that iconic name - and to offer the same level of active-lifestyle capability. Getting its global unveiling at the Detroit Auto Show, Alain Visser, Senior Vice President Sales, Marketing and Customer Service says Volvo created the S60 Cross Country to fill an empty niche in the market for a luxurious crossover sedan that combines rugged design cues and a high profile that can deliver the kind of benefits found in a conventional crossover

Like its wagon counterpart first seen last November in Los Angeles, U.S.-spec versions of the 2016 S60 Cross Country will feature standard all-wheel drive and have suspension revisions raising its ride height by 2.5 inches. Other visual include a restyle grille insert and lower front fascia details, plastic fender spats, a unique side sill treatment and a choice of aggressively styled 18-inch and 19-inch wheels wrapped in high-profile tires that help protect the rims from damage while adding comfort and reducing road noise

At launch, the new S60 Cross Country will be fitted with Volvo's inline-5 gasoline engine rated at 250 horsepower and mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission. Like all other members of the automaker's lineup, expect to see the new family of Drive-E 4-cylinder turbo engines backed by an 8-speed autoshifter eventually added. Pricing for the 2016 Volvo S60 Cross Country will be announced closer to its on-sale date, but is expected to start around $40,000

Read More

CHEVROLET CAPRICE PPV

CHEVROLET CAPRICE PPV

In the fall of 2009, General Motors announced their latest addition to the police vehicle market with the upcoming Chevrolet Caprice PPV (Police Patrol Vehicle). The previous edition of the Caprice targeted to law enforcement was produced between1991-1996. The updated model continues to be sold to law enforcement agencies, and it features the 6.0 L77 AFM V8 that was standard with the cars sold in 2011. Beginning in 2012, the standard 3.6 L LLT SIDI V6 engine was adopted as an optional package for law enforcement agencies who demand greater fuel efficiency from their police cruisers. Both engine models are designed to be compatible with E85 ethanol capable fuel, and the cars feature a wider wheel base than the Caprice models sold to the general American public. The PPV edition of the vehicle also features a dual engine exhaust, console floor shifter, and a touch screen for radio and HVAC controls of the vehicle.

Read More

Infiniti QX30 Concept foretells the future

Making its global debut in Geneva, the Infiniti QX30 Concept provides a look at what the automaker plans for a versatile new vehicle that can bolster its market position on a global basis. "The QX30 Concept foreshadows an entry in the premium compact segment that provides a stylish alternative to the existing choices," said Roland Krueger, Infiniti President and CEO. It embodies our conviction to give customers the freedom to go wherever they want, whenever they want - in a style that turns heads and makes a statement, in a way that expresses their individualized character

A bolder variation on the Q30 Concept

The Q30 Concept was like a panther, lithe and slender. We transformed the QX30 Concept into a mountain lion, strong and muscular," said Alfonso Albaisa, Infiniti Executive Design Director. "The QX30 Concept design conveys a gritty sense of durability but tough doesn't mean rough. We've retained a sense of artistry throughout, even in the most functional of parts

Although the two vehicles are virtually identical in size, the QX30 is about 1.2 inches taller and has 7.6-inches of ground clearance. The fascia treatments on the QX30 also display a more aggressively robust character, with larger flared air intakes/exhaust outlets set off with satin chrome accent elements and matte carbon trim found on the door-sill kick plates and wheel-arch surrounds as well as lower bumpers and stylized faux skid plates. The QX30 wears 21-inch tires wrapped around distinctive two-tone alloys with a 3D twisted-spoke design that interweaves milled aluminum and matte rubber. Even the integrated roof rack that sits over the full panoramic glass roof reflects a unique sense of sculpted style

Inside, the QX30 Concept also shows a heavy Q30 design influence but complements bespoke detail elements with a darker motif that matches brown Connolly leather centers with blue quilted leather bolsters set off with blue contrast stitching and customizable LED accent lighting. That color combo is reprised in its premium leather-weave carpet. Here, too, each of the four individual seats features a slim-line look that adds to the feeling of inner space. To bolster that interconnected experience for all aboard, the QX30 Concept also is fitted with the latest Infiniti InTouch infotainment system and app set

Like the Q30 Concept, the QX30 Concept is designed to accept a wide variety of powertrain choices. In this case, Infiniti fitted a 2.0-liter turbocharged/direct-injected 4-cylinder gasoline engine matched with a 7-speed automatic transmission that sends power to the front or all four wheels. While stopping short of further details, it's believed the QX30 will share the same Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class platform/powertrain elements that will be used in the production Infiniti QX30

Read More

Chevrolet Cruze set for spring launch 2016

Regardless of market segment, from basic transportation to ultra-luxury, buyers want more for their money, and that's precisely what Chevrolet plans to deliver with the first major redesign of the compact Cruze sedan. More. And in key areas, less. Which will translate as more in terms of efficiency and dynamics

Due next spring as a 2016 model, the second generation Cruze will be bigger than the current car-2.7 inches longer, on a wheelbase stretched 1.0 inch, to 106.7 inches. The design team devoted most of the dimensional increase to rear seat passengers, where legroom expands by 2.0 inches

Upscale cabin

The new interior has a more upscale appearance -- higher quality materials, an attractive twin cockpit dashboard design, 7.0-inch center stack touch screen display -- and Chevy promises best-in-class connectivity. Another best-in-class claim: more standard safety features than any compact competitor

There will also be more under the hood, which will be home for a new 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. One of GM's new line of lightweight Ecotec direct injection fours, the new engine will be rated for 150 horsepower and 177 pound-feet of torque, according to Chevrolet, gains of 12 hp and 35 lb-ft over the current 1.4 turbo. And without furnishing specifics, Chevy also anticipates higher EPA fuel economy ratings than the 22 mpg city, 35 highway posted by the current powerplant

Chevy's diesel option will carry forward to the new Cruze, but this too will be a new engine, displacing 1.6 liters versus the current 2.0. The new diesel will be offered later in 2016, perhaps in 2017 models. Chevrolet will announce power and fuel economy later

New automatic transmission

A new 6-speed Hydramatic automatic will replace the current automatic transmission, and Chevy will continue to offer a 6-speed manual

Another area where the new Cruze will deliver more is in structural rigidity. Riding GM's new global Delta architecture and utilizing a higher percentage of high strength steel, the Cruze will be 25 percent stiffer, according to Chevrolet, furnishing a better platform for dynamic development

One area where the word more does not apply is in the area of vehicle mass. Although it's bigger than the first generation, the new Cruze will be up to 250 pounds lighter thanks in large part to the new engine and transmission

Improved fuel economy

More power and less mass should add up to more performance, always welcome, particularly when accompanied by improved fuel economy

An intangible in any new car equation is styling. As a contemporary marketing executive recently observed, "design equals desire." The 2016 Cruze echoes some of the styling themes that give the new 2016 Malibu a strong curbside presence, and seems likely to achieve more positive visibility than the first generation

With the on-sale date the better part of year away, Chevrolet wasn't ready to discuss pricing. Current Cruze MSRPs range from just under $17,000 to $26,485

Read More

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

Read More

1965 PONTIAC GTO

1965 PONTIAC GTO

Current value: $85,500

The early Pontiac GTOs are best known as the original American Muscle Cars, and they are some of the most amazing vintage cars on the market today. The 1965 Pontiac GTO was sold with a racing car option, and can go from zero to 60 MPH in 6.1 seconds which remains respectable compared to equivalent cars from its class from the same timeframe. The original GTO would go on to see six different generations of the car built by Pontiac before the manufacturer discontinued the original car line in 1974. The GTO was sold as both a two-door hardtop as well as a convertible, and featured a number of large V-8 engines to power the vehicle over its production life. All of the GTOs produced from this era were rear-wheel drive cars, and they remain a favorite for car collections.

Read More

TOYOTA AVALON

TOYOTA AVALON

Starting price:  $32,285

The Toyota Avalon has been one of the best sedans sold on the market for several decades and counting now. The stock engine in the car is a 3.5 liter V-6 rated at 268 horsepower coupled to a six-speed automatic transmission. The Avalon has a maximum speed of 127 MPH, and the vehicle can go from zero to 60 MPH in just 6.1 seconds. In addition to being an above-average handling automobile, the car has slightly above average gas mileage with a 21 MPG (city) and 31 MPG (highway) overall rating. The cabin space in the Avalon has always been above average when compared to other cars of the same class, and the current edition of the vehicle continues to offer consumers a very luxurious auto cabin.

Read More

LOTUS EVORA 400

LOTUS EVORA 400

Price: $92,530

Lotus is typically not the first exotic car brand that auto enthusiasts think of when it comes to autos. The Evora 400 changes this and features a 400 horsepower, supercharged 3.5 liter, V6 engine. The auto was introduced into the U.S. market after the company took a year off, and is a lighter but more powerful version of the Evora brand that was produced in past years. The engine is rated at 400 horsepower and can produce 302 lb-ft of torque. The manufacturer also worked to reduce the weight in both the manual and automatic transmissions of the car to help reduce the zero to 60 MPH times of the vehicle to 4.1 seconds. The Evora 400 also sports a top speed of 186 MPH making it the fastest Lotus model produced for the public in the history of the company.

Read More

2015 MCLAREN 650S SPIDER REVIE

The McLaren 650S Spider does absolutely everything well. This technological masterpiece will go from 0-62 MPH in 3 seconds flat, and a top speed of 204 MPH will have anyone in the passenger seat shrieking in delight (or maybe panic). On the road, the 650S turns and stops better than just about anything else, and no matter where you park it you’ll draw a crowd of earnest admirers

You want this car. Obviously. The only question is, do you want it bad enough to lay down one-third-of-a-million bucks for it, compared to everything else on the market

Power and performance

The 650S is the latest supercar from McLaren Automotive. The 650 stands for the car’s Pferdestärke rating (roughly equivalent to horsepower), the S is for Sport, and the McLaren means Magnificent. Like past offerings from the exotic car company, the 650S is a pure supercar where price is no object and performance is paramount

Digging right in where it counts, the 650S is powered by McLaren’s own 3.8-liter twin-turbo V8 engine, designated the M838T. The engine weighs just 438 pounds owing to its all-aluminum construction, and features a dry sump oiling system commonly found on racing cars. The engine also gets the usual array of nifty features including new development work on the heads, pistons, valve timing, and so on

Most of the engine work, but not all of it, is designed to bring more power to the car throughout the engine’s power band — which stretches all the way up to a shrieking 8,500 RPM. You get four engine/transmission modes: Normal for around-town driving, Winter for driving in poor conditions, Sport for enthusiastic driving, and Track for obvious purposes. Most of the difference in these modes comes in the transmission, which will change its shift points and behavior to match the mode 

you’ve selected

Sport mode contains a gimmicky feature that’s pure entertainment: In this mode, the engine will cut spark for a moment on full throttle upshifts. This produces a bolus of unburned fuel in the exhaust stream. That fuel is ignited when the spark comes back, creating a burst of flame out the back and a delightful pop. Sure, it’s a trick, but it’ll put a grin on your face every time

The transmission is McLaren’s own 7-speed twin-clutch Seamless Shift Gearbox (SSG). Development on this unit has made upshifts lightning fast. McLaren isn’t lying about seamless, either. Upshifts are so smooth you have to listen for them, because at anything less than wide-open throttle, you won’t really feel them

Downshifts give you a satisfying sense that someone (not you) is actually rowing down through the gears with a tight clutch. McLaren gives you a set of paddles to select your own gears, but don’t kid yourself; with the exception of knowing in advance that you want to take off like a bullet, the car shifts itself far more expertly than you can ever hope to achieve

Oh, you get launch control, too. Don’t use it at Cars & Coffee

Read More