BMW Alpina B6 xDrive Gran Coupe makes U.S. debut 2016

Following its global debut in Geneva, the 2016 BMW Alpina B6 xDrive Gran Coupe was shown at New York and pricing announced for the fastest production car in the German automaker's lineup. Priced at $122,150 including destination, the Alpina B6 matches its bolder appearance with seriously enhanced output. The 4.4-liter Bi-turbo V8 nestled beneath its restyled Alpina-designed hood now develops 600 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of peak torque - gains of 60 and 50, respectively. Achieved through reworking its air intake and fuel supply systems, this all-wheel-drive 4-door is the quickest accelerating Alpina ever. In addition to a 3.6-second 0-60 mph sprint time, the 2016 B6 xDrive Gran Coupe can reach an electronically limited top end of 200 mph

In addition to the new hood, the 2016 B6 GranCoupe also features a revised Alpina front spoiler with an integrated splitter that better directs airflow to the radiators and helps keep the nose more securely planted at high speeds. Other key enhancements to the equipment roster include full LED Adaptive Headlights with High Beam Assistant and larger-diameter rear brake discs with new Alpina-logo calipers all around. The new B6 rolls on sticky Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires. But while the fronts are 255/35 rubber on 20x8-inch lightweight Alpina alloys, the same-diameter rear rims are wider, moving from 9.5 to 10.0 inches to wear 295/30 tires, up from the current 285/30s

The rest of the hardware on the built-to-order 2016 BMW Alpina B6 xDrive Gran Coupe carries over unchanged, including Alpina-tweaked versions of the 8-speed automatic transmission, Dynamic Damper Control/Adaptive Drive suspension system and xDrive intelligent AWD setup. The Alpina touch is equally evident in the B6's luxuriously appointed cabin where unique cosmetics integrate seamlessly with features that include everything from Nappa leather and electric comfort seats to BMW Navigation with ConnectedDrive services. Dealers are taking orders now for summer delivery

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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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Toyota Prius C adds Persona Series 2016

The 2016 Toyota Prius C bolsters its four-trim-grade lineup with a new Persona Series Special Edition and also introduces a new Toyota Safety Sense C (TSS-C) option for the Prius C Three and C Four models. This addition bolsters the Toyota Star Safety features standard on all Prius C variants with a Pre-Collision System, Lane Departure Assist and Automatic High Beam headlights

Spun from the volume-leading Prius C Two, the Persona Series Special Edition will match its Black exterior color with Electric Lime or Cherry Pearl accents on the grille, headlight and side-window trims as well as on the exterior mirror housings and inside rear-view mirror shell. To be built in a limited run of 1,500 units, it also includes unique 15-inch 8-spoke black alloy wheels and a "Persona Series" badge

Unlike the all-new 2016 Prius, the entry-level Prius C is basically a carryover. All family members will continue to be fitted with the same gas/electric powertrain as in 2015, again backed by an electronically controlled CVT automatic and earning EPA marks of 53 mpg in the city and 46 mpg on the highway. The most affordable Prius C One variant opens at $20,395 with the C Two starting at $21,195. The Prius C Three commences at $22,620 and the C Four at $25,330 - each reflecting a $20 bump over 2015. The new 2016 Prius Persona Series Special Edition lists at $22,190

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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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Toyota S-FR Concept: Back-to-basics

Making its debut at the Tokyo Motor Show, the Toyota S-FR Concept reflects a potential entry-level sports car that "aims to make a whole new generation fall in love with driving." Slightly longer than a Mazda MX-5, the rear-drive S-FR leverages lightweight construction, a fully independent suspension and balance afforded by its front-mid engine placement into smooth, responsive and direct handling that gives a real sense of communication between car and driver

While full details have yet to be released, we know the S-FR Concept matches its 4-cylinder engine with a 6-speed manual gearbox. Like its exterior, the cabin of the S-FR's 2+2 cabin reflects a tidy, neo-classic look. It remains to be seen whether the car will make the transition to production and if future market plans would include the U.S. But the S-FR certainly appears ready to go should Toyota decide to green light the program

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