2016 Buick Cascada opens new horizons

The first drop-top to be part of the division's U.S. lineup in a quarter of a century, the 2016 Buick Cascada debuted in Detroit. Arriving in showrooms early next year, this compact, front-drive 2+2 convertible is a mildly restyled and enhanced version of the Opel Cascada which was introduced in Europe in 2013. Envisioned from the start as an open-air exercise, the Cascada matches handsomely sculpted bodywork with a rigid core structure. A near visual clone of its Opel cousin, the Cascada boasts a revamped grille not currently shared by any other Buick model-a design cue that departs from the current waterfall style. The car is also fitted with subtly modified fascias to accommodate federal bumper requirements and minor detail tweaks along with various equipment upgrades

Inside, this new Buick offers premium amenities and more, starting with a soft-touch dash, leather upholstery, heated front seats/steering wheel, power seatbelt "presenters" for the front buckets and a power-fold feature for the rear seat backs. On the technology/connectivity front, the Cascada boasts Buick IntelliLink with a 7.0-inch color screen, navigation, OnStar 4G LTE with Wi-Fi hotspot, Siri Eyes Free for Apple iOS6 or newer, lane-departure warning, rear park assist, rearview camera, Rainsense wipers and pop-up bars behind the rear seats that automatically deploy when a potential rollover is sensed. Crowning the Cascada is a multilayer power-activated soft top that can be raised/lowered in 17 seconds while the car is traveling at speeds of up to 31 mph. When running open, it folds neatly away under a hard tonneau that trims trunk space from 13.4 to a still-respectable 9.8 cubic feet

Based on GM's Delta platform architecture and featuring a 106.1-inch wheelbase that makes rear seat legroom viable for most average-size adults, the Cascada's well-tuned suspension pairs control-optimizing HiPer Struts up front with a Watts Z-link-enhanced torsion beam at the rear. Rounding out the mix is an electrically-assisted power steering system and a standard 20-inch wheel/tire fitment. Sole engine at launch will be a 200-horsepower/1.6-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder that develops 208 lb-ft of torque but can crank out up to 221 lb-ft for short bursts using an overboost function. It will be mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission. Pricing for the 2016 Buick Cascada will be released closer to its on-sale date

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2016 Audi R8 V10 and V10 Plus set to stun

The second generation Audi R8 debuts in Geneva with more style, added power and even greater capability. While its form may be familiar, the automaker's mid-engine supercar has been remade from the ground up and now incorporates new design, engineering and technology from Audi's successful racing programs. In its most potent R8 V10 Plus form, this exhilarating two-seater is simply "the most powerful and fastest series-production Audi of all time

Similar in size to the original, the new Audi R8 is slightly wider -- to accommodate increased track dimensions - and benefits from a tasteful reshaping of its aluminum bodywork and carbon fiber accents that give it a more powerful, elegant appearance. Up front, the reshaped single frame grille is flanked by restyled LED headlamps - which can be upgraded to Audi's laser-spec units in markets where they're legal - and outboard air intakes that now feature vertical channeling elements. The redesign also introduces a new split-form side air blade adds texture to the R8's profile while the tail has bolder rear lamps, reconfigured exhaust outlets and a new diffuser. An auto-deploying spoiler is standard on the R8 V10 while the R8 V10 Plus is fitted with fixed wing made from carbon fiber reinforced plastic

Lighter yet stronger structure

Beneath its skin, the R8 features a new Audi Space Frame that uses carbon fiber to further enhance the stiffness. This multi-material construction trims roughly 110 pounds from the weight of the core structure while increasing its rigidity by some 40 percent. The R8's chassis retains its aluminum-intensive double-wishbone design which benefits from weight-saving tweaks. New electromechanical power steering complements the standard Audi Drive Select dynamic handling system which equipped with adaptive magnetic shocks and speed-variable dynamic steering. The R10's lightweight steel brakes give way to lighter carbon-ceramic super stoppers on the V10 Plus while its 19-inch alloys wrapped in sticky 245/35-front and 295/35-rear tires are replaced by on the Plus model by 20-inch alternatives wearing 245/30 and 305/30 rubber

More power, more efficiency and more fun

The 5.2-liter naturally aspirated FSI V10 in both of these new Audi R8 models has been significantly revised to include a new dual-mode (direct and indirect) fuel-injection, a racing-style dry-sump lubrication system as well as cylinder-deactivation and start/stop technology. The result boosts output and reduces fuel consumption by roughly 10 percent compared to the previous iteration. In the R8 V10, the engine is tuned to make 532 horsepower and 398 lb-ft of torque, giving it a 0-62 mph sprint time of 3.5 seconds and a top speed of 201 mph. The R8 V10 Plus version cranks out 601 ponies - identical to the engine in its corporate cousin, the Lamborghini Huracan - and 413 lb-ft of twist. The Plus accelerates to 62 mph in 3.2 ticks and tops out at 205 mph

Both R8 models are fitted with a 7-speed paddle-shift S tronic automatic transmission that includes launch control and a fuel-saving coasting mode. Rounding out the mix is the latest version of Audi's Quattro all-wheel drive that replaces the existing viscous clutch on the front axle with an electrohydraulic multi-plate clutch and now allows unrestricted and variable torque distribution to either axle depending on available traction. While the V10 and V10 Plus will be the only R8 models available at launch, Audi confirmed that a new R8 e-tron electric variant with twice as much power and nearly 280 miles of per-charge range is in the pipeline. A V8 version of the R8 also is expected at some point for at least several world markets

The R8's driver-focused cabin deftly interweaves competition character with luxury refinements, starting with two kinds model-specific sport seats and a Multifunction Plus Performance steering wheel that also adds additional capability on the R8 V10 Plus model. Like all new Audis, the R8 is fitted with the automaker's configurable Virtual Cockpit instrumentation. Other standard touches include the MMI controller, navigation and Audi Connect with a Wi-Fi hotspot. In addition to standard Alcantara/Nappa leather or pure Nappa interior appointments, the new R8 will offer numerous interior and exterior trim options, including a bespoke Matte Camouflage Green for the R8 V10 Plus. The 2016 Audi R8 V10 lineup will arrive in showrooms here next January. Pricing will be announced closer to the official on-sale date

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Class of 2016: New Cars Ready to Roll

2016 LEXUS RX

2016 ACURA NSX

2016 CADILLAC CT6

2016 HONDA CIVIC CONCEPT

2016 CHEVROLET MALIBU

2016 MAZDA MX - 5 MIATA

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2015 TOYOTA 4RUNNER TRD PRO REVIEW

Toyota's 4Runner TRD Pro is an unstoppable off-road limousine

Comfortable, cool, and effortlessly capable, Toyota’s 4Runner TRD Pro is one of very few SUVs you can drive off the lot and up a mountain the same afternoon

The Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro is a fresh-water fish within a salt-water sea of stilted crossovers. It was built for a specific purpose, and yet it looks so menacing and, bluntly, badass, that it is forced out of its element and onto suburban streets

Yes, the TRD Pro packaging is engineered to handle the roads less traveled, but buyers who scoff at lifted pickup trucks might find the angry-eyed glare and increased ride height of the 4Runner TRD Pro to be a perfect injection of “cool” for around-town errand-running

But that’s not the review you’re about to read. If you want to know how the Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro handles grocery runs and soccer practice commutes, a simple Google search will fulfill your quest. No, I took the Pro to its natural habitat and let it show me why it belongs in the company of some of the most capable from-the-factory rigs you can buy

More than a lift kit

The 2015 Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro packs an impressive list of upgrades for an SUV that is already hugely capable off-road. On board are 17-inch TRD alloy wheels coated in a black finish and wrapped in 31.5-inch Nitto Terra Grappler tires, red Eibach springs, TRD Bilstein shocks with a rear remote reservoir and an additional inch of suspension travel all around, and a TRD aluminum front skid plate. These features complement the 4Runner “Trail” grade’s locking rear differential, automatic traction control system with crawl-assist, multi-terrain selection controls, front and rear ventilated disc brakes, and front and rear stabilizer bars. As for the aesthetics, the 4Runner TRD Pro receives unique badging, black exterior accents, darkened LED taillights, a TRD shift knob and TRD Pro floor mats. For all the above, you’ll have to shell out $41,995, including destination, but as I would discover, the TRD Pro package delivers whatever you ask of it when the road gets rough

In summary, the 4Runner TRD Pro has the hardware to tackle most any terrain

Inside, you’re treated to SofTex heated leather-ish seats, a 6.1-inch (small these days) infotainment screen with Bluetooth calling and audio, two USB ports, an AUX inlet, navigation, a backup camera, and a suite of Toyota in-car apps. In terms of utility, the 4Runner has seating for five, fold-flat rear seats, and 89 cubic feet of available storage. That translates to plenty of room for four large gentlemen and a weekend’s worth of food and camping gear — I was happy to be the test subject for that experiment

Related: Toyota Land Cruiser gets more tech and an eight-speed auto for 2016

On the highway en route to Big Bear Mountain, the Toyota 4Runner TRD was wonderfully comfortable, with a touch of tire drift and hum as is common with oversized rubber. The brake pedal has a somewhat squishy feel, but foot-to-the-floor and the 4Runner TRD Pro comes promptly to a halt. The hydraulic power steering is quick (2.7 turns lock-to-lock) and accurate, with more than enough feedback for on and off-road purposes. No complaints about the seats either – they were supportive, cushioned for long or short hauls, and once the road became rough, they proved their quality

Styling is unquestionably polarizing. My “Super White” 4Runner TRD Pro sported the Storm Trooper look with a face that either haunts or excites. For my part, I felt cool just standing near the truck, and ten feet tall once nestled into the driver’s seat. After so much time spent in sedans, I forget how pleasant it is to look over other vehicles instead of through them, and off-road, you can spot tricky sections of terrain much earlier. Visibility is also excellent, both beyond and around the hood as you navigate rough roads, and over your shoulder as you change lanes on the highway

Has my “livability review” quota been fulfilled yet? Good. Now to the rough stuff

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See the butch Land Rovers and villainous Jaguar destined for 007 Spectre

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