2016 Lexus ES Photos and Information: Effortless-Livin’ Luxury, Updated

We admire confidence, especially when it comes to auto design. So we tip our hats to Lexus, which has gone all-in with the grille. Controversial although it might be, the brand’s “spindle grille” does not look to have turned off sufficient buyers to stop it from spreading—literally—across all members of the Lexus lineup. Now it has reached the innocuous ES midsize sedan.

To be fair, the current-gen ES has dabbled in the spindle-grille scene to a small extent with its 2013 redesign, but now the refreshed model shows it is fully committed. The headlamps and fog lamps have in turn turn into jagged assemblages of metal and glass, considerably like these of the new 2016 RX. For a sporty coupe like the RC350, the present Lexus look is probably a lot more fitting. For the ES, it is fairly radical.

Modifications are subtler elsewhere on the vehicle. The taillamps adopt L-shaped innards like the rest of the Lexus lineup, while the chrome garnish spanning the rear seems a bit better integrated than prior to. Wheel designs are fresh, measuring 17- to 20-inches in diameter, and the tailpipes on the ES350 are now—are you sitting down?—rectangular. Oh, and the hybrid badge on the gas-electric model has changed. It nevertheless says “hybrid”, but it’s distinct.

Inside, new interior color combos and finishes consist of Flaxen brown, Parchment, and gray and black upholstery, as well as piano black, dark wood, Birdseye maple, or matte-finished bamboo trim. The center show among the instruments has turn out to be a 4.2-in TFT unit, and Lexus’s Remote Touch interface sprouts 2 “Enter” buttons on either side to make it simpler to, um, enter factors. Otherwise, there are no further alterations to report.

For the U.S. marketplace, the ES will not come with Lexus’ turbocharged 2.5-liter 4-cylinder—at least not yet—so the ES350 and ES300h hybrid remain the sole model offerings, although particular global markets (such as China, where the car is creating its international debut at the Shanghai auto show) will offer 2.- or 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engines underhood. The ES also will now feature the new low-price Lexus Security Technique+, which combines adaptive cruise handle, auto high beams, forward collision alert, auto-braking with pedestrian detection, and lane-departure warning.

Given the mild nature of this makeover, we don’t count on rates for the U.S. versions to adjust considerably from today’s $ 38,625 for the ES350 and $ 41,505 for the hybrid. Will the grille help or hurt sales for this traditionally sturdy-promoting entry sedan? We shall see how its usually benign consumer base reacts once sales commence, likely later this year.

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2016 Lexus ES Photos and Information: Effortless-Livin’ Luxury, Updated

2016 Chevrolet Spark Revealed: GM Lights a Fire Beneath its Tiny Hatchback – Official Photographs and Information

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2016 Chevrolet Spark Revealed: GM Lights a Fire Beneath its Tiny Hatchback – Official Photographs and Information

Land Rover Information 2016 Range Rover Sport Lineup’s Changes, New Diesel V-6

Correct on schedule, Land Rover has announced a series of minor alterations for the Range Rover Sport, which includes the SUV’s 1st-ever (in the U.S.) diesel V-6 engine option. We currently knew the Variety Rover Sport was acquiring the diesel 6, but Land Rover is giving us the complete information of the model’s other updates for 2016 ahead of the New York auto show.

Very first, a refresher on the diesel: It arrives with 254 horsepower and 440 lb-ft of torque, sizable numbers that are anticipated to return far better-than-decent on-road efficiency. Fuel economy is a claimed 22 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway, large improvements over the base, gas-fed, 340-hp Range Rover Sport’s dismal 17/22 mpg city/highway. Predictably, the diesel is way, way much more effective than the 550-hp, supercharged V-8–powered Range Rover Sport Supercharged, which gets 14/19 mpg.

Every Variety Rover Sport gets a normal power tailgate (with foot-kick activation and newfound compatibility with tow bars), as properly as Auto Access Height, which automatically lowers the car “to make for a far more graceful entry and exit for occupants.” Vital stuff, certainly. Land Rover also improved the All Terrain Progress Manage (primarily an off-road, low-speed cruise handle created to hold you moving more than low-traction surfaces) and the backup- and surround-view camera feeds now show in a larger definition than prior to.

The greatest news in the Range Rover Sport’s world is the addition of the Land Rover InControl Remote app, which makes it possible for remote smartphone access to fuel level, door lock, and window statuses (if either is locked or closed), remote vehicle locking and unlocking, alarm notifications, and a remote engine-beginning function. The technique also notifies authorities of a crash or emergency.

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It is surely good to see a European automaker supplying remote start—it’s a killer feature, particularly right here in Michigan exactly where stepping into a pre-warmed auto is a lot more civil than flopping into a frigid one like a penguin beaching onto an iceberg. We also like how Land Rover is creating modest modifications to its already wonderful Variety Rover Sport, which was just redesigned with an all-new lightweight body for 2014. Full pricing for the 2016 Variety Rover Sport lineup—including for the new HST Limited Edition model also debuting in New York—will be revealed later this year, but don’t anticipate the cost of entry to budge much past today’s $ 64,275 base price tag.

Land Rover Information 2016 Range Rover Sport Lineup’s Changes, New Diesel V-6

2016 Hyundai Tucson Photos and Information: Bigger-Hunting, Greater-Searching

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Re-equipped for the compact-crossover war.

It can be a tough game, winning interest for a new model at an auto show, especially at this year’s Geneva affair, which is crowded with new supercars such as the Audi R8, the Ferrari 488GTB, and the McLaren P1 GTR. So Hyundai is showing its new 2016 Tucson a tiny early.

It could not be a supercar, but there’s plenty that’s promising about the new Tucson. And even though the choice to unveil it in Europe implies most of the particulars are certain to the European version, we can undoubtedly fill you in on the basics.

1st, this car is going to be called the Tucson everywhere the ix35 name that was used in some markets for the last-generation model is officially dead. The Tucson will be constructed in both South Korea and the Czech Republic, with U.S. versions supplied from Asia. Mechanically, it’s pretty significantly as before—despite Hyundai’s claim that it sits on an all-new platform—with transverse-mounted engines and the selection of either front- or all-wheel drive by way of an electronically controlled clutch ahead of the rear axle.

Exterior styling was the work of Hyundai’s European studio in Germany, and it appears like a reasonably handsome factor to us. The company’s California style center did the classy interior. The new automobile appears larger than the final 1, thanks in large element to its square-set front profile and quite tall hood, but the variations in dimensions are actually little. At 176.2 inches in length, it is just 2.6 inches longer than just before. An unusual design and style detail is the asymmetric wheel arches, which have an arc of black plastic cladding that increases their perceived size.

As to what’s under the hood, we know that European versions leading out with a 1.6-liter turbo that’s excellent for 174 horsepower and will be offered with a 6-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. That engine replaces the old 2.4-liter 4 in Australia, for instance, and could do so in the States, as well. Other non-European markets get a direct-injected 2.-liter 4, which we count on would be the U.S.-market’s normal engine. We’re also told there will be a performance version, carrying the branding of Hyundai’s new “N” efficiency division (all the very good letters possessing currently been taken) it will probably use a tuned version of the 1.6-liter turbo generating about 200 horsepower. Again, there’s no confirmation that this will come to the States. There’s also no word on regardless of whether Hyundai will once more offer a fuel-cell version.

In addition to the anticipated higher levels of gear availability, the Tucson is set to launch with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. The 2016 Tucson will go on sale right here this summer, soon after Hyundai reveals much more U.S.–specific information at the New York auto show in April, exactly where the brand will not have to shout to be heard more than the din surrounding new Ferraris and McLarens in Geneva.

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Texas Concerns Information Contact on Named Driver Policies, Excluded Driver Endorsements

The Texas Department of Insurance coverage has issued a particular information contact to receive info from insurance coverage companies writing private passenger automobile insurance in Texas.

TDI mentioned the information requested is in response to legislative inquiries and pertains to bodily injury and property damage liability claims below named driver policies or policies with an excluded driver endorsement.

Insurers must respond to this data contact no later than March 3, 2015, TDI stated.

At least 2 bills — HB 318 by Rep. Mark Keogh and HB 335 by Rep. Ed Thompson — have been introduced in Texas that would prohibit automobile insurers from issuing named driver policies in the state. HB 335 would enable a named driver exclusion beneath certain circumstances.

For the purposes of the data get in touch with, TDI is making use of the following definitions:

• Named Driver Policy – An automobile insurance coverage policy that does not provide coverage for an person residing in a named insured’s household specifically unless the individual is named on the policy. The term contains an automobile insurance policy that has been endorsed to supply coverage only for drivers specifically named on the policy.


• Excluded Driver Endorsement – An endorsement attached to a private passenger automobile insurance policy that excludes coverage for a particular person particularly named in the endorsement.


• Regular Policy – A private passenger automobile insurance coverage policy that supplies coverage for the named insured, named insured’s spouse, household members residing in the household, and other people using the insured automobile.  A normal policy does not consist of a named driver endorsement or an excluded driver endorsement.


• Other Policy Types – Any other type of private passenger automobile policy that is not a Named Driver Policy or a Normal Policy, and is not a policy with an excluded driver endorsement.


• Claim – A claim that is reported per occurrence for liability combined, not per claimant or per coverage.

Reported policy varieties should equal 100 percent of the total book of private passenger automobile enterprise.

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Texas Concerns Information Contact on Named Driver Policies, Excluded Driver Endorsements

2016 Kia Rio Sedan and Hatchback: They’re Nevertheless Here – Official Pictures and Information

2016 Kia Rio Sedan and Hatchback: They’re Nevertheless Here – Official Pictures and Information

2015 Porsche 911 GTS Images and Information: Massive Hips, Far more Power

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A function-packed, far more effective 911 variant.

Porsche is sticking to a properly-proven recipe with the GTS versions of its existing 911. As prior to, the brand claims that the GTS models “close the gap” amongst the Carrera S and the delectable GT3. But in reality, the new variant is positioned much closer to the S versions, which its flat-6 eclipses by 30 horsepower. Accessible as a coupe and a cabriolet and with both rear- and all-wheel drive, there is a GTS for nearly absolutely everyone in the lineup, offered they can pay the value of entry—which is significantly greater than the S models ahead of you start accounting for alternatives. The GTS is substantially better equipped than the S, and starts at $ 115,195 for the rear-drive coupe and rises to $ 133,795 for the all-wheel-drive 4 GTS cabriolet.

In addition to the additional energy, GTS automobiles also get the Sport Chrono package, which sharpens the 911′s responses at the push of a button PASM active suspension, which can drop the car by .4 inch a dynamic light method with bi-xenon headlamps and an interior swathed in faux suede and leather.

The added punch of the 430-hp engine pushes the 911 Carrera GTS coupe up to 190 mph in rear-wheel-drive/manual-transmission configuration, 2 mph larger than the 400-hp Carrera S. (The other configurations all attain at least 186 mph.) Acceleration figures increase slightly, with Porsche claiming that coupes hit 60 in 4.2 seconds with the 6-speed stick and 3.8 with the 6-speed dual-clutch PDK automatic cabriolets should turn in 4.4- and 4.-second time slips. Our tests of the a variety of Carrera models indicate those estimates should be accurate inside a tenth or so either way. Folks not fortunate sufficient to be inside will at least be treated to the extra-aggressive sound track of the common sport exhaust system.

Specialists will simply be able to inform the Carrera GTS from its lesser siblings. The front fascia is optional on other 911s, but the black rear air intake, which is created to resemble these on historic 911 models, is exclusive to the GTS. Black 20-inch center-lock wheels are integrated, and even the rear-drive GTS vehicles feature the wider hips of all-wheel-drive vehicles. The RWD models do get their personal exclusive strip that connects the taillights and mimics an air vent cars with 4 driven wheels hold the light band. For these who still don’t know what they’re hunting at, Porsche’;s design and style division has added useful “GTS” stickers to the doors.

Bringing more aggressive aesthetics, significant additional energy, and several extremely desirable possibilities, the GTS is truly a worth-packed Carrera S. In terms of character, it remains a good distance from the intense precision tool that is the race-bred GT3, or the imposing, high-priced, and practically intimidating 911 Turbo. For several consumers, that is a great issue. As with the final-generation GTS, it remains a sort of 911 Carrera concentrate. It is a recipe that has worked very effectively for Porsche and its consumers.

We’ll sign off by mentioning 1 of our favored features of the GTS: its rear badging, which is stretched wide in between the taillights. Could a lack of room for far more lettering clarify why there’s no Targa GTS?

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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 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

2015 Land Rover Discovery Sport Official Pictures and Information: A Return to (Off-Road) Type

Official Photographs and Info

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Correct grit.

We would, of course, recognize if you believe that the world currently possesses sufficient compact SUVs wearing premium badges. The majority of these seem to devote their time doing nothing a lot more adventurous than shuttling in between upmarket outlet malls. However the new Land Rover Discovery Sport, observed here for the first time, does stand out from its posh rivals for one easy and moderately compelling reason—it has been made to really go off-road, at least at times. The Discovery Sport arrives here early next year, priced from $ 38,920.

The clunky name is the outcome of Land Rover’;s policy of utilizing diverse branding in different markets. Outdoors the U.S. the LR4 is still named the Discovery (a badge that we last saw stateside in 2004), hence its smaller new sibling obtaining a spun-off moniker. The Sport is slightly longer than the aging LR2, with the distinction explained by the truth that it comes with 5-plus-2 seating as normal, the third row collapsing beneath the trunk floor.

On the basis of these 1st photos you’;d have to say that it really is a handsome tiny beast. The Sport is reduced and sleeker than subsequent year’;s replacement for the aging LR4, and its architecture is closely related to that of the Range Rover Evoque, with the 2 cars sharing main components which includes the 4-cylinder turbocharged gasoline engine that will be standard in the U.S. This is really Land Rover’;s older-tech turbo 4, and we can count on an upgrade to the new Ingenium engine that is going to be launched in the forthcoming Jaguar XE within a couple of years. The company’s new 9-speed automatic transmission will be regular, and drive is shared with the rear wheels by way of a Haldex clutch on the rear axle. Very first gear is efficiently a part-time crawler ratio, and the Sport will typically start off in second.

The body shell is predominantly steel with the exception of an aluminum roof. More weight savings are realized by utilizing aluminum for the hood, front fenders, and liftgate, as well as a magnesium cross-automobile beam for the front structure. The claimed 3957-pound curb weight is barely far more than the LR2’s.

As for wilderness-difficult ability, the Discovery Sport cannot match the ground clearance of the LR4, Variety Rover, or Variety Rover Sport, but the new SUV’s 73 inches is much more than respectable. Land Rover also claims method, departure, and breakover angles of 25, 31, and 31 degrees for the Sport, plus a wading depth of 23.6 inches. That is far better off-road capability than what’s supplied by a BMW X3, Audi Q5, or other “shopping-mall” SUVs, in other words. And here’s more proof: Land Rover advises that “In intense situations, reduced trim on the front bumper can be removed to boost the approach angle,” quite possibly by the obstruction itself if you overlook to unclip it in time. As with other Land Rover goods, there’;s a Terrain Response rotary controller to enable the driver to choose an appropriate driving mode (such as sand, snow, rocks, mud) for a certain on- or off-road situation.

In recent years, it has felt as if Land Rover has concentrated far a lot more effort on ramping up the desirability of its Range Rover items than it has showered on the LR2 and LR4. The Discovery Sport, which will ultimately supplant the LR2 here, appears to be a welcome return to kind for the grittier side of the brand. Let’;s hope it drives as excellent as it appears.

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2015 Mustang Gets Some A lot more Kicks: Information Announced for New Performance Pack

July 17, 2014 at 6:43 pm by Jeff Stork | Photography by Marc Urbano and the Manufacturer

We currently know that the 2015 Ford Mustang will debut with an all-new, 4-wheel independent suspension and upgraded brakes, and we even know how much it will weigh, but information are emerging on the optional Overall performance packages that will give the new pony a tiny extra kick. There are 2 Efficiency packages: 1 for the EcoBoost fastback/coupe (or convertible) and one particular for the GT fastback/coupe.

The Performance packages are primarily Track packs with a new name they’ll come with specific springs, special bushings, and monotube rear dampers, along with further engine-cooling capacity, a thicker rear anti-roll bar, a K-brace beneath the hood to tie the strut towers to the bulkhead, and a center gauge pack. In addition, there are distinct calibrations for the ABS, stability manage, and electric-assisted energy steering.

From there, the EcoBoost model’s Functionality pack ($ 1995) will feature 4-piston, aluminum fixed-caliper brakes with 13.9-inch rotors up front, and single-piston, iron floating calipers in the rear with 13.-inch rotors. It will function a 3.55:1 axle ratio, and will ride on Pirelli 255/40R19 Y-speed-rated tires front and rear mounted on 19.- x 9.-inch aluminum wheels completed in Ebony black.

The GT’s Performance pack ($ 2495) takes issues up a notch: The front brakes are 6-piston Brembos with fixed aluminum calipers clamping 15.-inch rotors (the exact same as the 2014 Shelby GT500) the rear brakes are shared with the EcoBoost Efficiency pack. The final-drive ratio is 3.73:1 and a Torsen differential is specified. Up front, it wears the very same 255/40R19 Y-speed Pirellis and 19.- x 9.5-inch Ebony black wheels from the EcoBoost’s Overall performance pack, but at the rear the GT version wears even beefier 275/40R19 Pirelli shoes on 19.- x 9.5-inch wheels. A strut-tower brace and a distinctive front splitter, which directs cooling air to the brakes, total the package.

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Ford claims that a 2015 Mustang GT with the Performance pack regularly beats the lap occasions of the 2012–2013 Boss 302 in track testing that sounds like a single test we’ll have to attempt for ourselves.

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2015 Mustang Gets Some A lot more Kicks: Information Announced for New Performance Pack

2016 Jaguar XE Information: F-type–Derived Suspension, Electric Power Steering, and Much more

Jaguar has set a date for the debut of its all-new BMW 3-series competitor, the 2016 XE, and the company also has released a handful of technical highlights. The XE, which was initial officially confirmed at this year’s Geneva auto show, will greet the planet on September 8, 2014, at a “star-studded event” in London. To give us tech geeks something to chew on in the time just before the reveal, Jaguar detailed the XE’s front and rear suspension styles, steering setup, and new traction-control program. 

When it comes to making the XE a accurate “sports sedan,” it would appear Jaguar is not messing about. The automaker describes the XE’s unequal-length control-arm front suspension as becoming “F-type–derived.” The rear suspension is getting called an “Integral Link” design and style that Jaguar claims is a lot more powerful than a common multilink setup when it comes to longitudinal and lateral stiffness, though it does not specify just how the Integral Link’s benefit is gained. In each the front and rear suspension assemblies, lots of forged- and cast-aluminum pieces are utilized to keep unsprung weight in check.

For the very first time in a Jaguar, steering assist will be handled electrically, no doubt to help maximize fuel economy. The automaker promises that the XE’s electric energy steering will have all of the really feel and character as its generally outstanding hydraulically assisted setups, but we’ll wait to render final judgment till we drive the XE for ourselves. Switching to an electric rack allows Jaguar to link the steering really feel to diverse drive modes—e.g., stiffer for a sport setting, lazier for a comfort mode, and so on.—as properly as enabling integration with a host of unspecified driver-help technologies (probably which includes a lane-maintaining feature).

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Finally, Jaguar has previewed the XE’s new traction-control system, dubbed “All Surface Progress Control,” once again without having going into a lot detail. As Jaguar describes it, All Surface Progress Handle “works like a low-speed cruise control to provide optimum traction in the most slippery situations without having skidding and without the driver making use of the pedals.” It sounds intriguing, but so far all we know is that it will be offered on the rear-drive XE its availability on the anticipated all-wheel-drive XE has not but been specified.

Primarily based on an image of the XE’s chassis technologies released by Jaguar, it would seem as though 3 far more XE-particular info drops are headed our way ahead of the vehicle debuts in September. We wouldn’t be surprised if one particular of the next XE tidbits offers info on its engines. Jaguar not too long ago detailed its new Ingenium family of turbocharged 4-cylinders (1 of which is anticipated to power the XE), and we know the F-type’s supercharged V-6 is headed to the XE’s engine bay, too. We’ll keep you posted as a lot more details becomes offered.

2016 Jaguar XE Information: F-type–Derived Suspension, Electric Power Steering, and Much more

2015 Ram ProMaster Photographs and Information: Cargo Box, Size Small

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The European breadbox invasion hits full tilt.

Chrysler’s Ram brand has been busy lately, obtaining just launched its light-duty diesel pickup, HD trucks, and ProMaster full-size cargo van. And they are not completed however. Now comes the newest and smallest member of the Ram family—the Ramily?—the 2015 ProMaster City, which is elbowing its way into an increasingly crowded compact van field that also contains the Ford Transit Connect, the Nissan NV200, and the NV’s new twin, the Chevrolet City Express.

Even with its squinty new headlamps and crosshair grille, the ProMaster City may strike drivers from outdoors the U.S. as somewhat familiar, since the van is essentially a much less geeky-seeking version of the Fiat Doblo that is now in its second generation as a cargo/passenger hauler in Europe, South America, and elsewhere. As was the Transit Connect, the Turkey-built ProMaster City will be imported with seats inside to avid the ridiculous 25 % “chicken tax” that the feds impose on imported light trucks. The vast majority of models will then be converted into 2-passenger “Tradesman” panel vans at the Chrysler Group Transformation Center—yes, that is a thing—in Baltimore, Maryland. (Ford was forced to commence paying the piper late final year there’s no word as to regardless of whether Chrysler will, as well.)

An untold and no doubt quite tiny quantity will stay in 5-passenger wagon form as a consideration for little organization consumers who occasionally bring their colleagues (or their children) to operate web sites, and to fill a bit of the void left when the Dodge Grand Caravan goes away in 2016. With Tradesman models, the sliding doors and rear doors are available with one’s option of glass or metal panels, while wagon models have windows practically all the way about. In contrast to the passenger versions of the Doblo (or the Transit Connect, for that matter), the upper rear quarters of the ProMaster City remain covered by metal no matter the configuration.

Chrysler’s 2.4-liter Tigershark 4-cylinder sends 178 hp and 174 lb-ft of torque by way of a 9-speed automatic transmission in all models. (We hope Chrysler has worked out the kinks in the 9-gear ’box.) As such, the front-drive-only ProMaster City packs the hardest punch of all the fundamental Class 1 vanlets, outmuscling the Transit Connect’s 169-hp, 171-lb-ft 2.5-liter 4-cylinder and outright bullying the Nissan/Chevy twins, with their wimpy 131-hp 2.-liter 4/CVT combo. The Transit Connect is presented with a 1.6-liter Ecoboost 4-banger with 178 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque the upcharge for that engine is a modest $ 795.

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5 Cool Rolls-Royce Design and style Information, As Illustrated by the 2014 Wraith Coupe

What tends to make Rolls-Royces unique, besides astronomical price tag tags, hedonistic luxury, minuscule production numbers, and outsized presence? Clever specifics, of course! We had a 2014 Wraith coupe in the workplace this week, and we believed it would be enjoyable to show some of what Goodwood place into its cars to make them unique. Enjoy—preferably with Mozart’s Flute Concerto No. 2 in D Significant playing in the background.

Bent-Wood Door-Panel Trim: Currently exclusive to the Wraith, these gorgeous wood door panels are simply gorgeous. Every section is grain-matched—with the grains angled at precisely 55 degrees—to the a single fitted to the opposite door. Interested? That’ll be $ 12,500, please.

Built-In Umbrellas: Fitted as normal gear, these umbrellas function inlaid “RR” logos on their handles and deploy from inside the front fenders at the push of a button. Accessible when the doors are open, this function debuted on the Phantom, where they pop out of the doors themselves. They are ejected with surprising alacrity.

Electronic-Closing Doors: Indulgent, maybe, but fairly helpful when the portals in query are wide-opening—and really heavy—suicide doors. In the Wraith, the driver and passenger can press and hold a button situated close to every quarter-windows to motor the doors closed. The driver can also control the passenger’s aperture, as nicely as the power-operated trunklid. We’re quite sure the doors have sensors so they won’t chop off an errant paparazzo’s arm, but we have been also chicken to truly test it lest we bruise the Wraith’s $ 9450 paint job.

Weighted Rolls-Royce Wheel Caps: One particular of the far better-identified Rolls-Royce information, the wheel centers are weighted so the “RR” logo never suffers the indignity of becoming displayed upside-down. Soon after all, you’d never see a member of the Royal Family members in such a compromising position.

Starlight Headliner: We’re split more than regardless of whether Rolls’ glitzy headliner is Lincoln Town Auto limo cheesy or Fifth Avenue cool. But it’s certainly impressive provided how considerably time and effort go into the hand placement of 1340 fiber-optic nodes in the Wraith’s leather headliner. The choice costs a staggering $ 12,925.

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(Bonus) Spirit of Ecstasy: A Rolls-Royce isn’t a Rolls-Royce with no the Spirit of Ecstasy perched in her usual location above the iconic grille. As with all contemporary Rolls-Royces, the Wraith’s lady can be set to automatically lower into the body when the auto is parked. (If you select to leave her in place, she will speedily retract if tampered with.) What’s a lot more, the settings menu in the 10.3-inch central infotainment display will let you to raise or lower the ornament although on the move, which is each hugely entertaining and massively distracting. Wraith buyers can choose from the common chrome Spirit, one particular with an LED ring at its base that lights when the car is parked ($ 3635), a gold-plated version ($ 9100), or a crystal-like polycarbonate instance that glows with embedded LED lighting ($ 7100).

5 Cool Rolls-Royce Design and style Information, As Illustrated by the 2014 Wraith Coupe