Buick Envision Crossover Caught Testing in the U.S.—Is It Headed Right here?

Nearly as quickly as Buick revealed the all-new Envision mid-size luxury crossover for the Chinese market, we had been of the thoughts that it would make an outstanding addition to the brand’s U.S. portfolio. Rumor has it that Buick is thinking the exact same point, and we now have further evidence that strategy is at least below consideration: this camouflaged Envision roaming our Ann Arbor, Michigan, environs.

For reference, the Envision is a 2-row mid-size crossover along the exact same lines as the Chevrolet Equinox, GMC Terrain, Nissan Murano, and Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The vehicle has been on sale in China given that final year, and it rides on Basic Motors’ next-generation transverse-engine, front-drive-based Delta platform. (The identical architecture sits beneath the 2016 Chevy Volt, as nicely as the subsequent-generation Cruze.) It is a handsome-hunting thing, with a sturdy familial resemblance to other Buick items like the Regal and Verano.

Thanks to its larger footprint, the Envision’s overall aesthetic is more reminiscent of the 3-row Enclave than the stubby and cartoonish—but nice to drive—Encore. The prototype pictured right here appears identical to the Chinese-market place Envision, save for its stand-in lighting units, deleted Buick badges, and hodgepodge camouflage job. Amusingly, for all the disguise perform, Buick’s trademark VentiPorts weren’t removed from the hood.

In China, the Envision is powered by GM’s corporate turbocharged 2.-liter 4-cylinder engine. A 6-speed automatic is standard, as is all-wheel drive we wouldn’t be shocked if the exact same powertrain produced it stateside, although it’s highly likely that Buick would offer you a base front-drive version, possibly even with GM’s naturally aspirated 2.5-liter 4-cylinder. A hybrid model is also a robust possibility.

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Because we haven’t heard much about the Envision since last year, we contacted Buick for an update but have been told only that there are no current plans to bring the SUV right here. It is also worth noting that significantly of the Envision’s engineering took spot on American soil, so seeing 1 parked in Ann Arbor doesn’t specifically indicate intent on Buick’s portion. But the brand could certainly use another crossover to fill the gaping hole between the Encore and the Enclave, and we wouldn’t be at all shocked to see it confirmed for the U.S. later this year as a 2016 model with a beginning price just above $ 30,000.

Buick Envision Crossover Caught Testing in the U.S.—Is It Headed Right here?

Buick Envision Crossover Caught Testing in the U.S.—Is It Headed Here?

Nearly as soon as Buick revealed the all-new Envision mid-size luxury crossover for the Chinese market place, we were of the thoughts that it would make an exceptional addition to the brand’s U.S. portfolio. Rumor has it that Buick is pondering the very same thing, and we now have further evidence that program is at least below consideration: this camouflaged Envision roaming our Ann Arbor, Michigan, environs.

For reference, the Envision is a 2-row mid-size crossover along the same lines as the Chevrolet Equinox, GMC Terrain, Nissan Murano, and Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The car has been on sale in China since final year, and it rides on Common Motors’ next-generation transverse-engine, front-drive-based Delta platform. (The identical architecture sits beneath the 2016 Chevy Volt, as properly as the subsequent-generation Cruze.) It is a handsome-seeking issue, with a sturdy familial resemblance to other Buick products like the Regal and Verano.

Thanks to its larger footprint, the Envision’s general aesthetic is far more reminiscent of the 3-row Enclave than the stubby and cartoonish—but good to drive—Encore. The prototype pictured here appears identical to the Chinese-marketplace Envision, save for its stand-in lighting units, deleted Buick badges, and hodgepodge camouflage job. Amusingly, for all the disguise function, Buick’s trademark VentiPorts weren’t removed from the hood.

In China, the Envision is powered by GM’s corporate turbocharged 2.-liter 4-cylinder engine. A 6-speed automatic is standard, as is all-wheel drive we wouldn’t be shocked if the very same powertrain made it stateside, despite the fact that it’s extremely most likely that Buick would offer you a base front-drive version, possibly even with GM’s naturally aspirated 2.5-liter 4-cylinder. A hybrid model is also a robust possibility.

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Because we haven’t heard significantly about the Envision considering that final year, we contacted Buick for an update but have been told only that there are no existing plans to bring the SUV right here. It is also worth noting that significantly of the Envision’s engineering took place on American soil, so seeing a single parked in Ann Arbor doesn’t specifically indicate intent on Buick’s component. But the brand could undoubtedly use one more crossover to fill the gaping hole between the Encore and the Enclave, and we wouldn’t be at all shocked to see it confirmed for the U.S. later this year as a 2016 model with a beginning value just above $ 30,000.

Buick Envision Crossover Caught Testing in the U.S.—Is It Headed Here?

Buick Envision Crossover Caught Testing in the U.S.—Is It Headed Right here?

Nearly as soon as Buick revealed the all-new Envision mid-size luxury crossover for the Chinese market, we were of the mind that it would make an excellent addition to the brand’s U.S. portfolio. Rumor has it that Buick is thinking the same thing, and we now have further evidence that plan is at least under consideration: this camouflaged Envision roaming our Ann Arbor, Michigan, environs.

For reference, the Envision is a 2-row mid-size crossover along the same lines as the Chevrolet Equinox, GMC Terrain, Nissan Murano, and Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The vehicle has been on sale in China since last year, and it rides on General Motors’ next-generation transverse-engine, front-drive-based Delta platform. (The same architecture sits beneath the 2016 Chevy Volt, as well as the next-generation Cruze.) It is a handsome-looking thing, with a strong familial resemblance to other Buick products like the Regal and Verano.

Thanks to its larger footprint, the Envision’s overall aesthetic is more reminiscent of the 3-row Enclave than the stubby and cartoonish—but nice to drive—Encore. The prototype pictured here looks identical to the Chinese-market Envision, save for its stand-in lighting units, deleted Buick badges, and hodgepodge camouflage job. Amusingly, for all the disguise work, Buick’s trademark VentiPorts weren’t removed from the hood.

In China, the Envision is powered by GM’s corporate turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine. A 6-speed automatic is standard, as is all-wheel drive; we wouldn’t be surprised if the same powertrain made it stateside, although it’s highly likely that Buick would offer a base front-drive version, possibly even with GM’s naturally aspirated 2.5-liter 4-cylinder. A hybrid model is also a strong possibility.

---

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Since we haven’t heard much about the Envision since last year, we contacted Buick for an update but were told only that there are no current plans to bring the SUV here. It’s also worth noting that much of the Envision’s engineering took place on American soil, so seeing one parked in Ann Arbor doesn’t specifically indicate intent on Buick’s part. But the brand could certainly use another crossover to fill the gaping hole between the Encore and the Enclave, and we wouldn’t be at all shocked to see it confirmed for the U.S. later this year as a 2016 model with a starting price just above $ 30,000.

Buick Envision Crossover Caught Testing in the U.S.—Is It Headed Right here?

We Spy the BMW M5 Testing With—Gasp!—AWD

Future Vehicles

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Snow states and a state of heightened power add a driven axle to BMW’;s M5.

• CHRIS DOANE AUTOMOTIVE AND


• THE MANUFACTURER

What It Is: A current-generation BMW M5 sedan testing a new feature that is headed to the next-generation M5: all-wheel drive. (Or, in BMW-speak, “xDrive.”) The presence of front driveshafts on this prototype—and our spy photographer’s insistence that all 4 wheels had been being powered for the duration of a drift—indicates that BMW is certainly testing the application of all-wheel drive to its high-powered supersedan. This comes as no surprise, truly, as we’ve heard from BMW that just such a drive configuration has been regarded for the subsequent M5.

Why It Matters: Say what you will about BMW’s at-occasions murky management of its M GmbH functionality sub-brand—hello, porky X5 M and X6 M, over-technified M3 and M4, and so forth.—but so far the organization has stuck to excellent ol’ fashioned rear-drive for its stalwart M5. Were BMW to offer xDrive on the subsequent M5, due out around 2017, it would mark the initial break from the formula. Ever.

Apart from expanding the M5’s appeal to moneyed performance junkies stuck in cold climates, the addition of all-wheel drive could indicate that BMW plans to make the already powerful sedan even more so. The Competitors Pack–equipped M5 currently lays down 575 horsepower, but with Cadillac’s CTS-V murdering everyone’s ego with 640 ponies, probabilities are BMW will return fire with an output figure that starts with a “6.”

Platform: Given that this M5 prototype wears current bodywork and likely sits on the identical chassis, it provides tiny in the way of a preview of the next M5. Since “light-weighting” is each and every auto exec’s favourite buzzword, the subsequent M5 (and the 5-series sedan it’s based on) must shed some pounds. A 2017 5-series test mule we’ve spotted indicates that BMW is not overturning any tables in the styling department, sticking with a largely evolutionary appear. This should carry more than to the spicier M5.

Powertrain: All-wheel drive is the big news for the 2017 M5, but will it be normal? Audi’s S6 and its more M-comparable RS7 come exclusively with Quattro all-wheel drive, and Mercedes-Benz lately slapped 4MATIC all-wheel drive on all U.S.-bound E63 AMG models even even though it does continue to provide the sedan and wagon in Europe without it. Our bet is that BMW will offer xDrive as an selection, each in the U.S. and abroad. American M5 clients are a vocal bunch and have been in a position to sway BMW to offer you a manual transmission on the current M5 when the business was threatening to nix it if those exact same folks dislike AWD, BMW will know. Regardless of the quantity of driven wheels, appear for BMW’s twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V-8 to reappear with at least 600 horsepower.

Competition: Audi RS7, Cadillac CTS-V, Lexus GS F, Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG.

Estimated Arrival and Price: The new 5-series goes on sale later this year, which indicates it won’t attain our shores till 2016. The M model normally trails by a year, but this timeline could be compressed to much better match up with Cadillac’s introduction of the new CTS-V, meaning the BMW could even go on sale the very same year as its a lot more pedestrian counterpart. Anything significantly less than $ 25,000 likely will not get you into a new M5, so spending budget accordingly.

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We Spy the BMW M5 Testing With—Gasp!—AWD

Testing times for parent drivers

If you have been asked to take your driving test right now, do you feel you would pass?

Several parents are not also positive. In a survey by the Goodyear Driving Academy, an interactive on the web tool that promotes road safety amongst young men and women, practically 3 quarters of mums and dads (72%) believed they would fail if they had to take the test again.

It is a bit worrying, actually. Here are the principal locations of concern…

Memory issues

An alarming proportion of parents are baffled by the rules of the road – 37% claim they do not understand all the ‘new’ regulations.

They are forgetful, too, particularly the females.One particular in 5 female drivers (22%) say they can no longer don’;t forget much of their instruction.

Poor habits

Then there are all those undesirable habits. Nearly half of parents (48%) admit they have picked up bad habits because they very first passed their driving test.

Consuming at the wheel is a single of the most widespread, with about half of parents munching whilst they drive.

Mobile menace

It gets worse. About a quarter (23%) have read a text message whilst on the move, which is downright harmful, not to mention illegal. The number is even greater amongst young parents, at 30% for these below the age of 30.

Talking of unsafe, far more than 1 in 10 confesses to driving by means of a red light at a targeted traffic junction.

See how some of the MoneySuperMarket group got on when they took their test again…
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Road rage

Road rage is one more undesirable habit – and if you are expecting gender stereotypical behaviour, you will be disappointed. It turns out that road rage is much more common amongst women than guys.

The survey identified that 20% of mums had knowledgeable road rage compared with 17% of dads.

Role models

What’s going on? Do parents not realise that kids mimic their behaviour? Maybe not. Practically half (44%) fondly picture their driving habits will have no influence on their children, although over a third (36%) think it will only impact children who are at least 14 years old.

Back seat drivers

At least the youngsters have got far more sense than their parents. Apparently, 15% of parents have been told off by their children when driving and a third of all parents (33%) lack self-confidence if their young children are sitting in the back seat, which is hardly surprising if they are consuming, texting and operating red lights on a regular basis

Kate Rock, spokesperson for the Goodyear Driving Academy, is admirably restrained: “It is understandable that parents’ driving expertise is most likely to deteriorate more than time and this lack of self-confidence is reflected in the huge numbers of parents who do not feel they’d pass their driving test once more.

“Parents play a hugely influential function in their children’s improvement and could be passing undesirable habits on, especially when it comes to frequent “ferrying about” in the auto. We want to support these folks to assistance their child’s young driver education from a much earlier age but they should very first make sure that their personal driving abilities are up to scratch.”

Generation gaps

So who are these men and women? Must they be allowed on the road? They certainly shouldn’t teach any individual else to drive, and but 40% would happily give lessons to a friend or relative.

Mike Frisby, chief examiner at the Driving Instructors Association, is surprisingly forgiving: “Many parents are not undesirable drivers, they just fail to update their expertise and fall into bad habits over time, escalating their threat when driving.

“They require to be conscious of the very influential part they play in young driver education, and that their youngsters even though passengers in the auto, can choose up on their habits from a extremely young age.

“By consciously displaying excellent driving habits and behaviours, it is more probably that their children will become safer drivers in the future.”

So if you do not want to raise a generation of unsafe drivers, it’s time to kick these undesirable habits and sharpen up these expertise. You know who you are!

Goodyear Driving Academy has launched its ‘Parent Pack’ to support parents brush up on capabilities and play a a lot more conscious part in their child’s early driver education.

Study far more! How ‘Parent Taxis’ can breed much better drivers.

Testing times for parent drivers

Aston Martin Drops Pictures of 2016 Lagonda Super Sedan, Information Brutal Hot Climate Testing

Is it feasible for a vehicle to be as well quite to torture test? The 2016 Aston Martin Lagonda could just qualify, but it is undergoing definitely savage-sounding hot-climate testing anyway. The restricted-production Lagonda sedan will be sold exclusively sold in the Middle East, hence the brutal higher-temperature evaluations, but a lot more essential than the 4-door’s (admittedly) anticipated hot-air gauntlet is that Aston Martin has lastly released its personal pictures of it.

Earlier this month, the Lagonda super-sedan was kinda, sorta accidentally previewed to the planet by Oman Air, Aston’s transportation companion to the Middle East. In contrast to the airline’s “leaked” photos, Aston’s are far much more flattering, coffee table book–grade pieces, but nonetheless reveal only the car’s exterior. That’s okay by us, however—the factor is just so damn gorgeous.

The slick, un-camouflaged automobile depicted in the photos is the initial Lagonda constructed, according to Aston Martin spokesman Matthew Clarke, and it is a verification test vehicle that is about 5000 miles into a “Hot Environment” testing cycle. “Broadly representative of a production model,” Clarke says of the auto, the prototype is deliberately configured in a “worst-case situation for heat—lots of black.” Onboard, the Lagonda carries data loggers that monitor about 85 temperature sensors and give the group with a heat map of the interior and exterior this electronic internet possibly explains why we nevertheless don’t have any shots of the car’s interior.

“Air conditioning functionality and efficiency is an clear consideration, but we’re also seeking at engine hot starts, durability of elements and material performance,” said Clarke. “One distinct test is a ‘heat soak’—the vehicle is left in direct, peak sunlight for a number of hours to produce cabin trim surface temperatures of circa 80 degrees celsius (176 degrees fahrenheit).”

 

The hot weather testing procedures contain driving the vehicle roughly 500 miles per day over a 4-week period of time, for a total of 14,000 miles in Oman over a 30-50 degrees celsius (86–122 degrees fahrenheit) temperature band, according to Clarke. Think of the procedure as providing the Lagonda a sun-kissed tan, but carrying out so with no sunscreen, water, or the gentility connected with the word “kissed.”

As for the appear of the auto itself, there is little we see right here that Oman Air didn’t currently give away: the front finish wears a stern expression, with a broad, horizontal grille and simple LED headlamp specifics. The profile—especially the squared-off C-pillar—is really formal, and the lengthy, flat hood exudes an air of power and grace. The Lagonda’s hood’s air extractors are situated in far more or much less the exact same areas as are those on the 577-hp Rapide S, major us to think that it is powered by a comparable V-12 engine. Given the Lagonda’s loftier position, nevertheless, we’d anticipate it will get a bit a lot more energy. We can also see that, like all current Astons, all 4 of the Lagonda’s doors open out and up a slight, curb-clearing angle.

Beyond what we can see, nonetheless, information are thin it is not presently clear how considerably of the physique is carbon fiber or some other exotic material, or if any such material is used at all. The car’s underpinnings, too, are a mystery the architecture most probably is shared with the Rapide S, but there’s a likelihood it utilizes components from Aston’s subsequent-generation automobile architecture. Oh, and as we currently mentioned, Aston Martin still hasn’t shown off the Lagonda’s interior.

What we do know is this: No more than 200 examples of this stunning sedan will be built—expect buyer deliveries to commence by this time next year—and the thing’s A/C should be on point. It will only be sold in the Middle East, and almost certainly for lots, and lots, and lots of money.

Aston Martin Drops Pictures of 2016 Lagonda Super Sedan, Information Brutal Hot Climate Testing

Aston Martin Drops Pictures of 2016 Lagonda Super Sedan, Specifics Brutal Hot Weather Testing

Is it attainable for a auto to be as well quite to torture test? The 2016 Aston Martin Lagonda could just qualify, but it is undergoing completely savage-sounding hot-climate testing anyway. The restricted-production Lagonda sedan will be sold exclusively sold in the Middle East, therefore the brutal high-temperature evaluations, but much more crucial than the 4-door’s (admittedly) anticipated hot-air gauntlet is that Aston Martin has finally released its personal images of it.

Earlier this month, the Lagonda super-sedan was kinda, sorta accidentally previewed to the world by Oman Air, Aston’s transportation companion to the Middle East. Unlike the airline’s “leaked” pictures, Aston’s are far far more flattering, coffee table book–grade pieces, but nevertheless reveal only the car’s exterior. That is okay by us, however—the factor is just so damn gorgeous.

The slick, un-camouflaged auto depicted in the photos is the first Lagonda built, according to Aston Martin spokesman Matthew Clarke, and it is a verification test vehicle that’s about 5000 miles into a “Hot Environment” testing cycle. “Broadly representative of a production model,” Clarke says of the vehicle, the prototype is deliberately configured in a “worst-case situation for heat—lots of black.” Onboard, the Lagonda carries information loggers that monitor about 85 temperature sensors and supply the group with a heat map of the interior and exterior this electronic web possibly explains why we nonetheless don’t have any shots of the car’s interior.

“Air conditioning functionality and efficiency is an apparent consideration, but we’re also hunting at engine hot begins, durability of elements and material efficiency,” mentioned Clarke. “One distinct test is a ‘heat soak’—the car is left in direct, peak sunlight for a number of hours to generate cabin trim surface temperatures of circa 80 degrees celsius (176 degrees fahrenheit).”

 

The hot climate testing procedures include driving the automobile roughly 500 miles per day over a 4-week period of time, for a total of 14,000 miles in Oman more than a 30-50 degrees celsius (86–122 degrees fahrenheit) temperature band, according to Clarke. Think of the process as giving the Lagonda a sun-kissed tan, but carrying out so with no sunscreen, water, or the gentility associated with the word “kissed.”

As for the appear of the auto itself, there is little we see here that Oman Air didn’t currently give away: the front finish wears a stern expression, with a broad, horizontal grille and straightforward LED headlamp particulars. The profile—especially the squared-off C-pillar—is fairly formal, and the extended, flat hood exudes an air of energy and grace. The Lagonda’s hood’s air extractors are situated in far more or much less the exact same areas as are these on the 577-hp Rapide S, leading us to think that it is powered by a equivalent V-12 engine. Provided the Lagonda’s loftier position, however, we’d count on it will get a bit far more power. We can also see that, like all recent Astons, all 4 of the Lagonda’s doors open out and up a slight, curb-clearing angle.

Beyond what we can see, nonetheless, specifics are thin it isn’t presently clear how significantly of the physique is carbon fiber or some other exotic material, or if any such material is utilised at all. The car’s underpinnings, as well, are a mystery the architecture most likely is shared with the Rapide S, but there’s a chance it utilizes components from Aston’s next-generation car architecture. Oh, and as we currently pointed out, Aston Martin still hasn’t shown off the Lagonda’s interior.

What we do know is this: No much more than 200 examples of this beautiful sedan will be built—expect buyer deliveries to begin by this time subsequent year—and the thing’s A/C need to be on point. It will only be sold in the Middle East, and possibly for lots, and lots, and lots of income.

Aston Martin Drops Pictures of 2016 Lagonda Super Sedan, Specifics Brutal Hot Weather Testing

Aston Martin Drops Photos of 2016 Lagonda Super Sedan, Information Brutal Hot Weather Testing

Is it possible for a vehicle to be as well pretty to torture test? The 2016 Aston Martin Lagonda might just qualify, but it is undergoing totally savage-sounding hot-climate testing anyway. The limited-production Lagonda sedan will be sold exclusively sold in the Middle East, therefore the brutal higher-temperature evaluations, but more crucial than the 4-door’s (admittedly) anticipated hot-air gauntlet is that Aston Martin has lastly released its own pictures of it.

Earlier this month, the Lagonda super-sedan was kinda, sorta accidentally previewed to the world by Oman Air, Aston’s transportation partner to the Middle East. As opposed to the airline’s “leaked” photos, Aston’s are far a lot more flattering, coffee table book–grade pieces, but still reveal only the car’s exterior. That is okay by us, however—the point is just so damn beautiful.

The slick, un-camouflaged auto depicted in the pictures is the very first Lagonda built, according to Aston Martin spokesman Matthew Clarke, and it is a verification test vehicle that’s about 5000 miles into a “Hot Environment” testing cycle. “Broadly representative of a production model,” Clarke says of the automobile, the prototype is deliberately configured in a “worst-case situation for heat—lots of black.” Onboard, the Lagonda carries information loggers that monitor about 85 temperature sensors and give the group with a heat map of the interior and exterior this electronic web possibly explains why we nevertheless don’t have any shots of the car’s interior.

“Air conditioning functionality and efficiency is an clear consideration, but we’re also searching at engine hot begins, durability of components and material performance,” stated Clarke. “One certain test is a ‘heat soak’—the auto is left in direct, peak sunlight for several hours to create cabin trim surface temperatures of circa 80 degrees celsius (176 degrees fahrenheit).”

 

The hot weather testing procedures contain driving the vehicle roughly 500 miles per day more than a 4-week period of time, for a total of 14,000 miles in Oman more than a 30-50 degrees celsius (86–122 degrees fahrenheit) temperature band, according to Clarke. Think of the method as giving the Lagonda a sun-kissed tan, but doing so with out sunscreen, water, or the gentility linked with the word “kissed.”

As for the appear of the automobile itself, there is tiny we see right here that Oman Air didn’t already give away: the front end wears a stern expression, with a broad, horizontal grille and basic LED headlamp particulars. The profile—especially the squared-off C-pillar—is quite formal, and the long, flat hood exudes an air of energy and grace. The Lagonda’s hood’s air extractors are positioned in a lot more or less the same locations as are these on the 577-hp Rapide S, top us to think that it is powered by a related V-12 engine. Provided the Lagonda’s loftier position, nevertheless, we’d count on it will get a bit much more energy. We can also see that, like all current Astons, all 4 of the Lagonda’s doors open out and up a slight, curb-clearing angle.

Beyond what we can see, even so, details are thin it isn’t presently clear how considerably of the body is carbon fiber or some other exotic material, or if any such material is employed at all. The car’s underpinnings, too, are a mystery the architecture most probably is shared with the Rapide S, but there’s a opportunity it utilizes elements from Aston’s next-generation automobile architecture. Oh, and as we already mentioned, Aston Martin still hasn’t shown off the Lagonda’s interior.

What we do know is this: No far more than 200 examples of this beautiful sedan will be built—expect buyer deliveries to commence by this time subsequent year—and the thing’s A/C ought to be on point. It will only be sold in the Middle East, and possibly for lots, and lots, and lots of funds.

Aston Martin Drops Photos of 2016 Lagonda Super Sedan, Information Brutal Hot Weather Testing

Testing Begins On All-New Right-Hand-Drive Mustang

• Ford’;s new Mustang goes on sale in the U.S. this spring, and globally in more than 120 countries next year

• This is the first time in 50 year history that the Ford Mustang will be available in a factory-built right-hand-drive configuration

• More than 25 new right-hand-drive markets will be able to purchase the new Mustang, including South Africa, Australia and the United Kingdom

PRETORIA, South Africa, 18 August 2014 - For the first time ever, a right-hand-drive Ford Mustang will roll off a Ford assembly line when global production begins. The addition of a right-hand-drive Mustang to Ford’;s lineup of global vehicles will allow the iconic pony car to be exported to more than 25 right-hand-drive markets around the world, including South Africa, Australia, and the United Kingdom.

Mustang engineers recently finished construction of the very first right-hand-drive sixth-generation Mustang. The prototype Mustang will be used to conduct various development tests in preparation for the car’;s entry into the global market in the coming months.

While the United States is the largest market for Mustang, with more than 9.2 million sales since the car’;s debut in 1964, more than 161,000 Mustangs have been sold outside of North America in that time. In 2012 alone, more than 4,000 Mustangs were sold in 35 countries outside of North America, ranging from the United Arab Emirates to Chile to the Philippines.

While Mustang has more than 100 fan clubs around the globe, including South Africa, and was voted “Europe’;s Most Wanted Classic Car” by AutoScout24, bringing a right-hand-drive Mustang to market will allow more enthusiasts to experience the car than ever before. The all-new Mustang was also recently shown at Africa’;s first ever Go Further event, hosted in Sandton, South Africa.  Among a host of new Ford models, the Mustang quickly became the most-talked about new model by the 1,000 attendees at the event, including press, dealers, and VIPs.

50 years of Mustang

Ford Mustang is the newest member of a very exclusive club – vehicles in continuous production for 50 years. The car has a worldwide base of fans, including more than 7.6 million on Facebook – the most of any vehicle nameplate. From the beginning, Mustang’;s unique combination of style, performance and affordability established an entirely new class of sporty cars, and it has led the segment ever since.

The sixth-generation Mustang goes on sale in the United States this spring, and will make its way to South Africa in 2015. Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa has announced that it will open preorders for the all-new Mustang in January 2015. Details of the process will be communicated closer to the time.

Testing Begins On All-New Right-Hand-Drive Mustang

Testing occasions for older drivers

If you have been driving for decades, you are most likely pretty confident about your capabilities. But worrying new analysis reveals that even seasoned motorists have no grounds for complacency.

Insurer Direct Line put 50 motorists to the test, several of whom have had their licences for several decades, and found that much more than 3 quarters of them would fail their driving test if they took it these days.

Possessing failed my own test 5 occasions, and with an impressive 109 driving lessons beneath my belt, I will freely admit that I wouldn’t like to be tested again.

Nevertheless, I do consider that failing, at least when anyway, can in fact be a positive point, and makes drivers considerably more conscious of their every move behind the wheel.

Epic fails

Direct Line’s investigation definitely will have been a main wake up get in touch with for a lot of of the motorists involved, who had no prior practice or coaching ahead of their mock tests.

1 participant received 10 major fails, while the average quantity of minor faults recorded by these who failed was 16.

A significant fault is driving behaviour which could place the examiner, a member of the public or property at danger, even though a minor fault is a single that isn’t potentially hazardous.

Significant faults recorded during the study incorporated a single motorist driving at 40mph in a 30mph zone, while one more didn’t even spot the kerb when attempting a 3-point turn.

But probably the ultimate booby prize goes to the driver who didn’t notice a pedestrian following failing to check their blind spot, forcing the pedestrian to move back onto the pavement.

Gear alter

Among the most typical minor faults created by drivers was employing the incorrect gear, not moving off safely and failing to use mirrors.

To pass your test, you need to make no key faults, and no a lot more than 15 minor faults. The average number of minor faults recorded by these who failed in the study was 16, with a single driver racking up an impressive 42 minor faults.

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Beneath observation

Pity the poor 46-year-old lady involved in the test whose driving instructor described her observations as “non-existent”, regardless of the reality she’s held her licence for almost 30 years.

She managed 4 significant and 21 minor faults.

The instructor stated: “She came into the path of an oncoming vehicle as she was in the centre of the road (no explanation for it, the road was clear)….”

Thankfully for the drivers involved, the final results of these tests have been not recorded by the DVLA and will have no impact on their licence.

Aiding and abetting

Maybe portion of the purpose numerous motorists’ skills are lacking is that we have so numerous driving aids to help us. Direct Line discovered that practically half of motorists use a sat nav, with a lot of of them taking their eyes off the road for 22% of their journey time.

Parking sensors are another typically utilized driving help, with a quarter of those surveyed saying they use a single – supplying a attainable explanation as to why so a lot of of the motorists involved in the study failed due to poor observation when reverse parking without having assistance.

Rob Miles at Direct Line said: “While drivers obtain knowledge with age, it is easy to choose up undesirable habits that could be potentially hazardous and put other road customers at threat.

“Driving aids are becoming increasingly typical and when employed appropriately, can outcome in a safer, a lot more comfy driving knowledge. Even so, it’s important that drivers do not rely too heavily on these aids, as it can be to the detriment of both their overall capability and concentration on the road ahead.”

Proof is in the premiums

If you’re confident your driving expertise could get you via your test again, you could potentially lower your insurance premiums by opting for a telematics insurance policy. This sort of policy involves a ‘black box’ being fitted in your vehicle, which successfully monitors the way you drive.

If you are able to demonstrate that you are a secure driver, your premiums will fall accordingly (in due course).  This kind of cover can be specifically cost-efficient for younger drivers, who typically spend eye-wateringly steep premiums due to the fact they are considered a high risk by insurers.

Nonetheless, don’t rush into this sort of cover unless you are particular that you do usually drive safely. Soon after all, premiums can go up as effectively as down, so if your driving expertise are not really as excellent as you believed, you could be in for a nasty monetary surprise.

Also, most telematics policies only permit you to drive a certain quantity of miles per annum (say, 6,000), so they won’t suit every person.

Testing occasions for older drivers

DW86 Testing a bit of speed!

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With just 5 days just before our 1st round of the season in a brand new auto, we finally got to properly test the automobile. Of course it getting a brand new very complex develop, it wasn’t lengthy until we broke it. But the test session was quite valuable, and as the video shows, if it’s achievable to find out to tame this wild thang, it may finish up being really competitive.

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DW86 Testing a bit of speed!