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.

---

---

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.

---

---

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.

---

---

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?

Lotus Confirms Evora-Based Crossover (!) and Roadster

While a refreshed, more potent Lotus Evora returns to the U.S. late subsequent year, the firm is also planning a crossover variant meant to make the wee British-Malaysian automaker lucrative for the 1st time in practically 2 decades.

Whilst we broke the news back in October that Lotus CEO Jean-Marc Gales was considering sedans and crossovers, we thought he was referring to new models based on more affordable Protons, the Malaysian automaker tied with Lotus under Malaysian conglomerate DRB-Hicom. But in a new interview with Britain’s Vehicle, Gales stated the crossover would be based on the Evora and compete with a production version of the Audi TT Offroad Notion unveiled at Beijing in April. Plus, Gales said there would be a successor to the 2-Eleven, the mad, track-only Elise without having a windshield that blew us away when we tested one in 2007. He also all but confirmed to Car that there would be an Evora roadster, “which is the easiest factor in the planet to do.”

For months, Lotus will have nothing to peddle in the U.S. but the track-only Elise S Cup R and Exige V-6 Cup. The feds told the Evora, the only street-legal Lotus on sale right here, to promptly GTFO subsequent year due to an expiring sensible-airbag waiver. From Gales himself, the next Evora—which will meet all U.S. security regs when it debuts at Geneva subsequent March—will be a refresh and not a top-to-bottom redo. The supercharged Toyota V-6 will breathe through an intercooler for “substantially much more horsepower” and Lotus will reduce and thin out the door sills to make getting into an Evora simpler than, say, a kayak. It will also grow to be even far more pricey.

“Lotus cars will be sharper than ever prior to,” Gales told Vehicle. “We will tip the balance toward handling. The ride will remain excellent, but the handling will be even greater.”

---

---

Gales, who took more than in May, mentioned he plans to make Lotus profitable by 2016 (the first such occasion in 17 years, he stated) and could break even with 3000 vehicles per year, much more than double the 1263 vehicles sold in 2013. In between 2017 and 2020, when a Lotus sedan may well launch, Gales desires Lotus to strategy 10,000 vehicles. This is all pleasant to hear, but we’re so utilised to Lotus emitting vapor of late—absolutely nothing promised below CEO Dany Bahar’s bizarre 3-year stint hit the pavement—that we remain skeptical. Lotus is in the procedure of firing a couple hundred employees, and until that dust settles, a lifted, mid-engine Lotus 4×4 will not drive off a PowerPoint slide.

Lotus Confirms Evora-Based Crossover (!) and Roadster

OMGCR-V: Honda Releases Initial Official Photo of the Enhanced-for-2015 CR-V Crossover

Right here is the 2015 Honda CR-V, which arrives just in time for the model’s 3-year mark since its last major redesign. We wish we could inform you far more about the well-known compact crossover’s midcycle update, but this is all Honda has provided us. A image, they say, is worth at least a brief blog post outlining an SUV’s cosmetic tweaks.
It is clear that Honda left every thing between the CR-V’s A-pillars and D-pillars completely alone, but the front finish gets a significantly-needed face lift, and we’ll go out on a limb and assume the SUV’s tail received nearly as much interest. (No images of the CR-V’s aft end have been released however.) Gone is the 2012–2014 CR-V’s somewhat ungainly mug, Honda getting streamlined the grille, headlights, and reduce fascia components. The chrome-ringed grille opening is sleeker than just before, its 2-bar design matching up nicely with the most recent Honda Fit and the upcoming Fit-based HR-V B-segment crossover.

Projector-beam headlamps lend the CR-V’s peepers a thinner and more contemporary appearance, even even though the light units’ outer dimensions remain more or significantly less the very same as the old ones. The thin-light theme continues with the fog lights, which reside in a pair of dashing chrome strips on either side of a vestigial skid plate. The wheel designs—at least on this apparently well-spec’d 2015 CR-V—are new, as properly.

---

---

Unfortunately, that is all we know about the 2015 CR-V for now Honda promises that full information—which we assume outlines any and all mechanical changes—will be released September 30. If you are an absolute CR-V nut, be sure to check back to this space for a lot more next week. In the meantime, compare the picture of the 2015 automobile with images of the 2014 CR-V.

Other Stories You May possibly Like

---

OMGCR-V: Honda Releases Initial Official Photo of the Enhanced-for-2015 CR-V Crossover

New Batmobile Spied! Batman Trades His Great Tumbler for a . . . Crossover?

Photo by Amacro13 on Instagram

The subsequent Batman film, Batman vs. Superman, Dawn of Justice, is a lot more than half a year away from its scheduled release date (March 25, 2016), but that hasn’t dulled fans of the film’s lead character. As you almost certainly guessed, we’re not speaking about either of the movie’s caped crusaders. We’re referring, of course, to the Batmobile. Back in Could, director Zack Snyder got the fanboys stirring when he tweeted a teaser photo of the most recent Bat ride. Now, the on the web publication Batman News—yes, that is a thing—is bringing us our initial glance at Batman’s new ride in all its glory, thanks to a couple of Instagram users who occurred upon the uncovered car during the movie’s filming.

Searching for all the world like the lighter, nimbler, and most likely much more fuel-effective offspring of previous Batman director Christopher Nolan’s Tumbler—which is now accessible in Lego kind!—and a Lamborghini Aventador, the new Batmobile follows the actual-life auto industry’s trend toward downsizing. Whether the automobile is smaller because fresh bat Ben Affleck likes it that way, or due to new environmental regulations in Gotham City is a mystery. The Batmobile in the images is quite dirty (did Alfred get laid off?) and the overhead shot shows the not-Batman driver apparently checking his mobile phone. C’mon, guy, is sitting in 1 of the raddest rides out there so un-engaging that you need to have to check Facebook?

Photo by Amacro13 on Instagram

Our inner 6-year-olds deem the factor awesome-seeking, and we’d only use our phones to snap some pics before hopping in and driving it. Like a stealth crossover as envisioned by the creators of the Halo video game, it attributes an appropriately fantastical split cockpit canopy that rises on rear outboard hinges, and, like the Tumbler, it rides on chest-higher knobby tires. (This Batmobile, sadly, has a far more conventional 4-tire layout in place of the old Tumbler’s cop-car-crushing 6-donut arrangement.) No word on what’s under the hood, or even exactly where the engine/powertrain cover actually is, for that matter, but it is protected to say that fire will shoot from the back. A pair of gun-like devices poke out from the vehicle’s nose, and those probably can shoot factors, also. We look forward to much more Batmobile particulars and pictures emerging as the film nears its release, and cannot wait to see what it’s capable of, at least hypothetically.

As for Superman’s ride? Effectively, he’s nevertheless banking frequent flier miles. And there’s constantly Lois Lane.

Photo by mole6674 on Instagram, via www.Batman-News.com

Photo by www.aintitcool.com reader Matt

New Batmobile Spied! Batman Trades His Great Tumbler for a . . . Crossover?

Swede Strategy, Bro: Volvo Plans New Compact Crossover and Sedan, Luxe 90-Series Models

For the duration of this week’s huge reveal occasion for the 2016 Volvo XC90, we stumbled across Volvo’s ambitious solution plans for the subsequent 4 years—and beyond. Really, we didn’t so much as stumble across them as we had been shown them: Buried in a presentation slide covering XC90 specifics, and visible for much less than half a minute, was a tiny chart showing what Volvo has planned subsequent. This happy accident immediately produced the classroom session magnitudes more fascinating.

We already knew that the XC90 would spearhead the company’s self-described rebirth, but we now know what the entire litter will sooner or later contain. Here’s what we discovered:

Volvo is planning on creating 9 core models more than 3 essential model lines: the 40-, 60-, and 90-series. Every single group will consist of a sedan, a wagon, and an SUV/crossover. Today, Volvo’s global lineup includes the non-U.S. compact V40 wagon an S60 sedan, V60 wagon, and XC60 crossover the bigger S80 sedan, Euro-marketplace V70 wagon, and XC70 off-road wagon and ultimately, the new XC90. At the moment, only the 60-series is totally fleshed out as per program.

The new data indicates that the S80 and V70—Volvo’s aging “flagship” duo—will be replaced by a large-mid-size S90 with a V90 wagon counterpart previewed by the gorgeous Idea Estate. The 60-series rides will stay Volvo’s mid-size offerings, while the 40-series line appears to regain an S40 sedan (which has been dead because 2012) and get an all-new XC40 compact crossover. All of these models, we’re told, have the possible for global sale. Yes, that signifies the U.S., also.

We expect the beautiful Concept Estate to achieve an further set of doors to become the production V90, but Volvo must otherwise leave the factor alone.

All of the fresh models in the new 60- and 90-series family will use Volvo’s Scalable Product Architecture (SPA), a shared modular platform that, days ago, made its debut beneath the 2016 XC90. All of the SPA-primarily based cars will bow by 2017 or 2018, and the S90 should be the subsequent major product launch. The 40 group will, by the end of the decade, have switched entirely onto Volvo’s CMA architecture, a compact front-drive platform in co-development with the Swedes’ Chinese Geely overlords. We do not anticipate Volvo will introduce the S40 sedan or the XC40 crossover before the new CMA platform is ready, but it is attainable that the automaker could quickly-track the 2 new 40 cars employing the current V40′s pre-CMA underpinnings.

In addition to understanding of Volvo’s new-model proliferation, we also got a taste of what those cars may possibly appear like. In an interview with Thomas Ingenlath, Volvo’s recently acquired chief designer, during the XC90 reveal occasion, we were told that each and every new Volvo going forward will share its simple “face” with the XC90, but each car will wear individualized styling tailored to its size and price. This holds wonderful guarantee for the brand, since the formal-searching XC90 is really handsome. Ingenlath seemed eager to apply some of the hotness discovered on the Concept Estate and Idea Coupe show properties to production Volvos. Correct on.

---

---

Introducing new little automobiles right here in the U.S. is critical for Volvo, which demands one thing affordable—and sexy—both to attract younger buyers and to compete with the new crop of entry-level vehicles from Audi, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz. On the other finish of the spectrum, Volvo desperately needs a fantastic S90 to give its 60-series customers a bigger and more sumptuous car to upgrade to instead of abandoning ship for one more brand. It’s definitely an thrilling time in Gothenburg, and we are extremely significantly seeking forward to seeing these plans unfold.

Swede Strategy, Bro: Volvo Plans New Compact Crossover and Sedan, Luxe 90-Series Models

Cost Verify: Mercedes Rates All-New 2015 C-class Sedan, GLA-class Crossover

Mercedes-Benz is smack in the middle of a item offensive, and we now know how considerably 2 of its upcoming weapons—the all-new 2015 C-class sedan and GLA-class modest crossover—will expense.

With the CLA-class now occupying the bottom rung of the Benz ladder, the C-class no longer has to serve as the brand’s cost leader. Obtaining a littler brother also freed it up to turn out to be bigger and far more luxurious, and MSRPs are commensurately higher than before. For its component, Mercedes claims that far larger levels of common equipment imply that the cost hasn’t enhanced a lot at all. The C300 and C400 4MATIC models each go on sale at the end of August, although the rear-drive C300—the C400 won’t be available right here with RWD—will arrive in the 1st quarter of subsequent year. Here’s the breakdown:

2015 Mercedes-Benz C300 Sedan: $ 39,325, contains turbocharged 2.-liter 4-cylinder engine (241 hp, 273 lb-ft), 6-speed automatic, dual-zone automatic climate handle, Bluetooth telephone integration and audio streaming, push-button ignition, automatic headlamps, 6-inch show with central knob and touch-pad controls, energy tilt and telescope steering column, rain-sensing wipers, energy-folding side mirrors, MB-Tex faux-leather upholstery, aluminum interior trim, and far more.

2015 Mercedes-Benz C300 4MATIC Sedan: $ 41,325, contains all of the above plus all-wheel drive.

2015 Mercedes-Benz C400 4MATIC Sedan: $ 49,515, includes all of the above plus twin-turbo 3.-liter V-6 (329 hp, 354 lb-ft), 6-speed automatic, 4-piston fixed front brake calipers, Premium package (heated front seats, SiriusXM satellite radio, Burmester premium audio, LED headlamps, and proximity entry), and Sport package (open-pore matte-black ash wood interior trim, 18-inch AMG wheels, sport suspension, AMG physique kit, black headliner, sport seats, flat-bottom steering wheel, cross-drilled front brake rotors, aluminum pedal caps, AMG floor mats, and stitched MB-Tex dashboard cover).

2015 Mercedes-Benz C250 (Euro-spec)

C300 buyers will want to invest $ 2700 for the Premium pack and $ 2500 for the Sport bundle, even though they also have the choice of the Luxury package, which expenses $ 650 and brings distinctive 17-inch wheels, a comfort suspension, a 3-pointed-star hood ornament, wood interior trim, and the MB-Tex–lined dash.

Extracost choices for all C-classes consist of any paint colour other than basic white or black ($ 720), a Lighting package ($ 800 adaptive higher beams and dynamic headlamps), the Multimedia package ($ 2690 navigation, 10-gigabyte hard-drive storage, 74-inch higher-res screen, CD/DVD player, SD slot, SiriusXM Site visitors and Climate, and backup camera), and the fragrance diffuser as seen on the S-class ($ 350). Also on supply: Airmatic air springs ($ 1190), an Interior package ($ 2300 leather upholstery, ventilated seats, ambient lighting, illuminated doorsills, and power and memory passenger’s seat), the Driver Assistance pack ($ 2800 Distronic Plus automatic cruise manage with auto braking, active blind-spot and lane-maintaining assists, as well as Pre-Secure Plus rear-end collision protection, steering help, and Brake Assist Plus with cross-targeted traffic detection), and a package that bundles hands-free trunk access with a energy-closing trunklid ($ 250).

The 2014 C-class began with the rear-drive $ 36,725 C250 Sport and its 201-hp 1.8-liter turbo 4. The $ 40,325 C300 4MATIC utilized a 3.5-liter V-6 very good for 248 horsepower, while the $ 43,025 rear-wheel-drive C350 Sport topped the lineup with a 302-horse V-6. For competitive comparison, the 2015 BMW 3-series lineup starts at $ 33,700 for the 180-hp 320i. The far more directly comparable 3-series models—the 240-hp 328i and the 300-hp 335i—start at $ 38,350 and $ 44,450, respectively, with rear-wheel drive. All-wheel drive fees an further $ 2000.

---

---

Mercedes also released pricing on the GLA250 and GLA45 AMG sans in-depth options data. Each the 208-hp GLA250 4MATIC and the 355-hp GLA45 AMG 4MATIC scoot onto our shores in September, and they’ll cost $ 34,225 and $ 49,225. The front-drive GLA250 will run $ 32,225 when it arrives early subsequent year. All use a turbocharged 2.-liter 4-cylinder engine and a 6-speed dual-clutch automatic. The CLA-class sedan—with which the GLA shares its platform and powertrain lineup—costs $ 1400 much less in simple guise and with 4MATIC it is just $ 850 less with the AMG treatment.

Cost Verify: Mercedes Rates All-New 2015 C-class Sedan, GLA-class Crossover

Value Verify: Mercedes Costs All-New 2015 C-class Sedan, GLA-class Crossover

Value Verify: Mercedes Costs All-New 2015 C-class Sedan, GLA-class Crossover

2015 Lexus NX Crossover Very first Drive: Take Equal Components RAV4 and Lexus IS, Stir Auspiciously

1st Drive Review

arrow

A adjust of prescription.

Lexus is about to go off its meds. And it isn’t due to the fact the brand’s regimen for achievement hasn’t been successful. On the contrary, considering that the aptly named RX hit the industry in 1998, Lexus has ruled the roost in the mid-size luxury crossover segment. Competing formulations have come and gone, but the RX’s potential to dull the ruder elements of the everyday drive and encapsulate its occupants in leather-lined finery has verified to be a strong elixir. The Lexus RX is the best-promoting luxury crossover despite, or maybe due to the fact of, a demure, soapstone-shaped exterior that inauspiciously dissolves into the suburban landscape. Okay, so possibly the RX is not all about rose petals and scented candles, but we’re considering handful of are bought for their maximum 80.3 cubic feet of cargo capacity.

With the NX, Lexus is seeking for a younger, and slightly less ovarian, demographic. So it is out with the pillowy exterior types extended related with the RX and in with a relatively riotous interplay of creases and folds from the NX notion and the large, X-shaped grille that 1st appeared in the 2012 GS sedan. Following all, who does not like to get spindle-faced each now and then?

There are 3 versions of the NX that will hit U.S. dealers later this year: the NX200t, NX200t F Sport, and the NX300h hybrid. All will be offered in a decision of front- or all-wheel drive. The hybrid will be the sixth to join the already hybrid-intensive Lexus lineup.

The RAV4 Connection

Just as the RX dipped into the Camry parts bin for different bits, the new NX raids the RAV4 pantry exactly where it tends to make sense to do so. The 2 compact crossovers share the very same 104.7-inch wheelbase and Lexus says the NX uses the RAV4’s front floorpan and cowl/dash structure as effectively. Numerous other drivetrain components are also shared, but Lexus claims that 90 percent of the NX’s content material is certain to that model.

The most significant news is below the hood of the NX200t, exactly where a new turbo engine—the 1st in a Toyota solution because the mid-1990s Supra—makes its debut. Rated at 235 horsepower, the 2.-liter 4-cylinder is constructed for good throttle response and not ultimate overall performance, with an eye toward low emissions and fuel consumption. Equipped with dual variable valve timing, it can switch from the regular Otto cycle to the Atkinson cycle as necessary. The exhaust manifold is integral with the cylinder head, which features a built-in water jacket that cools the exhaust and lowers combustion temps, permitting for far more boost with out requiring excessive air/fuel mixture enrichment (which is excellent for fuel economy). The single turbocharger is a twin-scroll style, wherein 2 of the engine’s 4 manifold runners are paired with each and every impeller for decreased lag. The turbo is Toyota’s personal design and uses an air-to-liquid intercooler with its own cooling technique to pull out far more heat. A 6-speed automatic transmission with manually selectable ratios is borrowed from the RAV4.

Even though the output of the NX200t’s engine is competitive with the 2.-liter, 4-hole turbos in the Audi Q5 and the BMW X1 and X3, a massive throttle stab won’t specifically push you back in your seat. Exactly where the turbo 4 actually excels is in element-throttle tip-in at low to medium engine speed it starts creating its maximum 258 lb-ft of torque at a mere 1650 rpm and tackles uphill grades at 2000 rpm with no functioning up a sweat. There’s no sense of the engine creating boost, and it is Lexus-smooth, too, with no any of the booming identified in some other 4-cylinder mills. On the other hand, there is not a large effectively of power at the best finish for passing, and the engine’s torque trails off above 4000 rpm.

Expect to see this engine below the hood of more Lexus products down the road (and perhaps even a handful of Toyotas) as fuel-economy standards continue to tigh8. Lexus says the 2-ton NX200t can get to 60 mph in about 7 seconds, which is effectively behind the 6.2-second zero-to-60 performance we’ve measured in all-wheel-drive the BMW X1 and X3 AWD.

Continued…

Photos (82)

Other Stories You May Like

2015 Lexus NX Crossover Very first Drive: Take Equal Components RAV4 and Lexus IS, Stir Auspiciously

Mini Thinking about Optional Diesel Power for Subsequent-Gen U.S.-Spec Countryman Crossover

If there is a Mini that would benefit from a torquey, fuel-sipping diesel, it is the biggish and relatively heavy Countryman crossover. Fortunately, that is precisely what Mini appears to be considering, as properly, because it is designing the next-generation U.S.-spec Countryman to at least be capable of supplying an oil-burner.

The current Countryman can be ordered with a diesel in other markets, naturally, but its platform is not made to hold the urea tank and SCR filter essential to meet U.S.-market place emissions requirements. That hurdle will be cleared with the next-gen model, we lately learned from a Mini executive.

---

---

Of course, Mini hasn’t confirmed a diesel Countryman for our market, only that it will be feasible to sell 1 here when the subsequent-gen model arrives in 2017. The next Countryman will be built atop BMW’s new front-wheel-drive platform, which is shared with the 2014 Mini Hardtop and the upcoming BMW 2-series Active Tourer.

Other Stories You May possibly Like

---

Mini Thinking about Optional Diesel Power for Subsequent-Gen U.S.-Spec Countryman Crossover

Mini Considering Optional Diesel Power for Subsequent-Gen U.S.-Spec Countryman Crossover

If there is a Mini that would advantage from a torquey, fuel-sipping diesel, it is the biggish and reasonably heavy Countryman crossover. Luckily, that is precisely what Mini seems to be pondering, as nicely, simply because it is designing the subsequent-generation U.S.-spec Countryman to at least be capable of offering an oil-burner.

The current Countryman can be ordered with a diesel in other markets, naturally, but its platform is not made to hold the urea tank and SCR filter required to meet U.S.-industry emissions requirements. That hurdle will be cleared with the subsequent-gen model, we lately discovered from a Mini executive.

---

---

Of course, Mini hasn’t confirmed a diesel Countryman for our market, only that it will be achievable to sell a single right here when the subsequent-gen model arrives in 2017. The next Countryman will be built atop BMW’s new front-wheel-drive platform, which is shared with the 2014 Mini Hardtop and the upcoming BMW 2-series Active Tourer.

Other Stories You May Like

---

Mini Considering Optional Diesel Power for Subsequent-Gen U.S.-Spec Countryman Crossover

Mini Thinking about Optional Diesel Power for Next-Gen U.S.-Spec Countryman Crossover

If there is a Mini that would advantage from a torquey, fuel-sipping diesel, it is the biggish and comparatively heavy Countryman crossover. Fortunately, that is specifically what Mini appears to be thinking, as properly, simply because it is designing the next-generation U.S.-spec Countryman to at least be capable of providing an oil-burner.

The current Countryman can be ordered with a diesel in other markets, naturally, but its platform is not made to hold the urea tank and SCR filter required to meet U.S.-marketplace emissions standards. That hurdle will be cleared with the next-gen model, we recently discovered from a Mini executive.

---

---

Of course, Mini hasn’t confirmed a diesel Countryman for our market place, only that it will be possible to sell 1 right here when the subsequent-gen model arrives in 2017. The next Countryman will be constructed atop BMW’s new front-wheel-drive platform, which is shared with the 2014 Mini Hardtop and the upcoming BMW 2-series Active Tourer.

Other Stories You May possibly Like

---

Mini Thinking about Optional Diesel Power for Next-Gen U.S.-Spec Countryman Crossover