mardi 31 mai 2016

2017 BMW 3-Series Gran Turismo preview

2017 BMW 3-Series Gran TurismoBMW has updated its 3-Series Gran Turismo but just by looking at the vehicle you’d be hard pressed to guess there are any changes at all. That’s because, like the recently updated 3-Series sedan and Sports Wagon, most of the changes have taken place beneath the sheet metal. BMW says the 3-Series GT, along with the larger 5-Series GT... 2017 BMW 3-Series Gran Turismo preview

2017 Audi Q3

2017 Audi Q3The 2017 Audi Q3 is the German luxury brand's smallest utility vehicle, and one of a new breed of compact crossover SUV that keeps to mere subcompact-car parking space. As U.S. drivers trade in their sedans for crossovers, it's a niche that's rapidly expanding—now including the recently redesigned BMW X1 and slightly larger Mercedes GLA, as... 2017 Audi Q3

Hyundai enables DIY CarPlay, Android Auto upgrades for some 2015-2016 models

Apple CarPlay, in 2016 Hyundai SonataIn the not-too-distant past, buying a new car meant that you were able not only to flaunt the latest styling for a few years but also to relish the latest-and-best set of technology and entertainment features. Today it’s all on a much shorter timer, as vehicle dashes are far more influenced by the pace of the personal electronics sector than... Hyundai enables DIY CarPlay, Android Auto upgrades for some 2015-2016 models

2016 Lexus LX

2016 Lexus LX 570The 2016 Lexus LX 570 is in some ways a glorious throwback—to a time when plus-sized luxury SUVs with solid truck underpinnings and big-displacement V-8 engines were a lot more common. The LX 570 is all that, and more. Lexus has over the years made the LX a Range Rover–tackling counterpoint to its flagship LS sedans; and since it's... 2016 Lexus LX

One-off Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport Venet spotted in the wild

Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport VenetSeeing any Bugatti Veyron—heck, any Bugatti—on a public road will induce a double take, but the one-off collaboration between the automaker and the French artist Bernar Venet? Well, that's essentially unheard of. Car spotter Jeroen, a popular Youtuber with an uncanny ability to stumble across the rarest and most unique cars in the... One-off Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport Venet spotted in the wild

2016 Lexus RC F

2016 Lexus RC FThe Lexus RC F doesn't have a high-performance sheen built up over decades. Rivals like the BMW M4 have considerable laurels to rest on, in that regard. But the RC F comes the closest yet of any Lexus to nailing the elusive German recipe for track and street two-door performance. Competition for the RC F includes the vaunted BMW M4 (formerly the... 2016 Lexus RC F

2016 Lexus RX

2016 Lexus RX 350 F SportThe Lexus RX is the luxury brand’s best-selling model; and for 2016, it enters its fourth generation with more interior space, a more lavish look and feel, and a suite of new safety-tech features. The look of the 2016 Lexus RX is described as bolder—a bit of a cliche in today’s automotive-design terms, perhaps. Yet... 2016 Lexus RX

2016 Lexus NX

2016 Lexus NX 200t F-SportThe 2016 Lexus NX lineup enters its second model year mostly unchanged. This entirely new model brought several firsts to the Lexus lineup with its introduction last year—a first compact crossover entry for the brand, the first model for the brand with a turbocharged engine, and the first utility vehicle to be given a new design language... 2016 Lexus NX

2016 Lexus CT 200h

2016 Lexus CT 200hThe compact five-door 2016 Lexus CT 200h hatchback comes only as a hybrid that, along with the plug-in hybrid Audi A3 e-tron, admittedly narrows its competition to only a small number of cars. Now in its sixth model year, the CT is coasting toward replacement by an all-new version next year or the year after, with an expanded lineup that may... 2016 Lexus CT 200h

2016 Jeep Compass

2016 Jeep CompassIt seems like the Jeep Compass has been living on borrowed time for years, as this somewhat ill-conceived vehicle has floundered and then, bit by bit, been given another lease on life—even though by today's standards it's behind the curve in safety and tech. As it stands, the 2016 Jeep Compass is more of a "mini-Grand Cherokee" than the odd... 2016 Jeep Compass

2016 Jeep Patriot

2016 Jeep Patriot 75th Anniversary editionThe 2016 Jeep Patriot may be somewhat overshadowed by the larger Cherokee and smaller Renegade models—both of far newer, with far superior packaging—but it's worth considering if cost-conscious transportation is one of your top priorities. The Patriot lands in an intriguing middle ground between mainstream compact crossovers like the... 2016 Jeep Patriot

2016 Jeep Wrangler

2016 Jeep Wrangler BackcountryThe Jeep Wrangler is a throwback to the brand's earliest days as a military supplier. Whether by chance or by design, the purpose-build off-roader has endured decades and has become one of the brand's best-selling vehicles. There are few things on the road that look like a Wrangler; its boxy shape shares the aerodynamic properties of a barn door... 2016 Jeep Wrangler

2016 Jeep Cherokee

2016 Jeep CherokeeThe 2016 Jeep Cherokee builds something completely new onto a very familiar name and heritage. While the original Jeep Cherokee that launched in 1986 set the bar for SUVs that could be used as family transport, inspiring a generation of competitors (and perhaps, the SUV trend as a whole), times have changed, and the market has come to favor models... 2016 Jeep Cherokee

That Subaru Rumble? Here's why that happens

Engineering Explained talks about the Subaru RumbleThere's no doubt that you've heard the distinctive noise that is a Subaru in the distance. It's a rumble and you know what it means. A 2.5-liter "boxer" flat-4 engine is heading your way, and it's eager to spit noise into your ear holes. Why does it sound so different than any other engine on the road? That's a question best answered by our friend... That Subaru Rumble? Here's why that happens

2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee

2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRTThe 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee is a great family vehicle—just one that's also potentially ready to go off-road, tow a trailer or, on occasion, do things that are more workhorse-like than you'd attempt in most other typical family crossovers. The Grand Cherokee has evolved nicely over the years, keeping that sturdiness but growing more lavish... 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee

Smart, Tesla bottom of pack for software glitches

2017 Smart ForTwo Cabrio equipped with Brabus Sports packageIn a new study, findings revealed that Smart and Tesla Motors [NSDQ:TSLA], which represent two very different ends of the automotive market, are both subject to the most complaints from consumers to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration regarding defects in their software systems. Among other things, the study reveals that consumer... Smart, Tesla bottom of pack for software glitches

2016 Honda Pilot long-term road test: 7 reasons to buy one

2016 Honda Pilot Touring long-term road testWe're entering month four with our long-term 2016 Honda Pilot Touring AWD, and the miles continue to roll up without a hitch. That's as we expected. We spent a lot of time with the Pilot last year in its run-up to our Best Car To Buy 2016 award. It was just about a year ago we took it for a first drive, and six months ago when it won our trophy... 2016 Honda Pilot long-term road test: 7 reasons to buy one

Report: VW looking to build battery plant, electric car platform for larger cars

Volkswagen Budd-e ConceptAs it tries to dig itself out of the diesel scandal, Volkswagen is paying more attention to electric cars. The German automaker has already discussed an all-electric version of the next Phaeton, and a dedicated platform for small electric cars called MEB. Now it seems there are other VW electric-car developments afoot, including a possible new... Report: VW looking to build battery plant, electric car platform for larger cars

2016 Jeep Renegade

2016 Jeep RenegadeThe Jeep Renegade is the smallest vehicle from Chrysler's own military-industrial complex since before Chrysler owned Jeep—literally, the smallest Jeep since the World War II-era Willys. As more than a foot shorter than the Cherokee, the Renegade works on a new mission for the brand: extending the brand around the rest of the world, where... 2016 Jeep Renegade

Buick Regal Wagon allegedly confirmed

2018 Buick Regal spy shots - Image via S. Baldauf/SB-MedienBuick is working on a new generation of its Regal, and according to the folks at GM Inside News the car will be available as a wagon in the United States. The information was allegedly confirmed during a recent dealer meeting where Buick showed next-generation versions of the Regal and Enclave. Both models are due for the 2018 model year which... Buick Regal Wagon allegedly confirmed

2017 Subaru Outback

2017 Subaru OutbackForget Paul Hogan and saccharine commercials about love. Given the finite and dwindling capacity of our medial temporal lobes as we age, what's worth remembering on the 2017 Subaru Outback is as simple as "8.7" and we can go back to whistling candy bar jingles from our childhood. Subaru's Outback has 8.7 inches of ground clearance, which is the... 2017 Subaru Outback

2017 Subaru WRX

2017 Subaru WRXToday's WRX and WRX STI models are more than just tuned economy cars. These Impreza offshoots each have their own turbocharged engine and advanced all-wheel-drive systems to put the extra power down, making them a great option for those looking for performance in a more practical package than a muscle car. They also offer all-weather capability... 2017 Subaru WRX

2017 Subaru Forester

2017 Subaru ForesterThe Subaru Forester is a compact utility vehicle with wagon-like practicality and standard all-wheel drive. It has the capabilities of a crossover, the ride and handling of a car, and plenty of all-weather security and even off-road capability. It’s the Japanese brand’s best-selling vehicle line, not to mention the winner of our Best... 2017 Subaru Forester

2016 Subaru Legacy

2016 Subaru LegacyIt's only a matter of time before mainstream shoppers find the 2016 Subaru Legacy in the way that they've already flocked to Subaru's Forester crossover and Outback utility wagon. The Legacy is no longer the specialty sedan it was in the past. With standard all-wheel drive, a recent full redesign, and some impressive active-safety features that... 2016 Subaru Legacy

New "Top Gear": A hit or miss?

Complete cast for 'Top Gear' revealedThe automotive world isn't talking as much about Alexander Rossi's fuel-saving win in the 2016 Indianapolis 500 as much as it is about the BBC's rebooted Top Gear series, which also aired over the weekend. Initial response online appears to have been largely negative, with the bulk of the criticism surrounding new presenter Chris Evans. In a move... New "Top Gear": A hit or miss?

2016 Subaru Forester

2016 Subaru ForesterNow in its third year removed from a complete redesign, Subaru’s compact crossover has only a few changes—among them a few new safety, security, and infotainment features. We view the Subaru Forester as one of the best all-round cars in its segment—and we confirmed that judgment when we spent a few months with a turbocharged... 2016 Subaru Forester

2017 Ford Fusion Energi, Tesla gigafactory opening, Apple electric-car charging: Today's Car News

2017 Ford Fusion EnergiToday, we have more details on the 2017 Ford Fusion Energi plug-in hybrid, a date for the grand opening of Tesla's battery "gigafactory" in Nevada, and hints that Apple may sell electric-car charging stations. All this and more on Green Car Reports. Catch up on last week's major news with our Week in Reverse feature. We have more details on the... 2017 Ford Fusion Energi, Tesla gigafactory opening, Apple electric-car charging: Today's Car News

2018 BMW i8 spy shots

2018 BMW i8 facelift spy shots - Image via S. Baldauf/SB-MedienBMW is out testing a version of its i8 plug-in hybrid sporting a few modifications on the surrounding streets of its technical center in Munich, Germany. The modifications include a vented panel replacing the rear windshield as well as lowered suspension and a set of AP Racing brakes. It’s possible the car is an early prototype for an... 2018 BMW i8 spy shots

2016 Subaru Impreza

2016 Subaru ImprezaThe 2016 Subaru Impreza is a line of compact hatchback and sedan models, but you might actually end up weighing these models against crossovers and SUVs. That's because they're the only ones in their segment to include standard all-wheel drive, even on the least expensive models. While the closely related 2016 Subaru XV Crosstrek shares... 2016 Subaru Impreza

McLaren 688HS, Subaru Levorg STI Sport, huge car collection opens: Car News Headlines

Ferrari LaFerrari at Gosford Classic Car MuseumMcLaren’s Super Series looks set to receive a new variant positioned above the 675LT. The car is called the 688HS and the first couple of photos have made their way onto the Internet. Subaru has unveiled a new STI model. It’s based on the Levorg wagon sold overseas and right now has only been announced for the Japanese market where it... McLaren 688HS, Subaru Levorg STI Sport, huge car collection opens: Car News Headlines

Will Apple sell electric-car charging stations?

Apple storeThe question of whether Apple is working on an actual electric car, or just software of some kind for future cars, continues to be a topic of hot debate in Silicon Valley and elsewhere. Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla Motors, said in January that it was "an open secret" that Apple is making an electric car. But Apple may also (or instead) be working... Will Apple sell electric-car charging stations?

2013-2016 Fiat 500e recalled for software glitch

2016 Fiat 500eFiat Chrysler Automobiles is recalling 2013-2016 models of the Fiat 500e electric car to fix a software glitch. According to the automaker, more than 16,000 vehicles in the U.S. are affected. In a brief press release, FCA says that "A routine component check by FCA US discovered certain vehicles are equipped with software that may misread... 2013-2016 Fiat 500e recalled for software glitch

Stop talking about 'accidents', start talking about 'collisions'

Toy car accidentDespite all the empty rhetoric you might hear on the campaign trail, words still mean things. Some auto safety activists want people to start using the words "collision" and "crash" rather than "accident" to ensure that everyone understands the nature of those events. The distinction might seem semantic--and obviously, it is--but it's an important... Stop talking about 'accidents', start talking about 'collisions'

Ferrari 458 MM Speciale is the latest supercar from the Special Projects division

Ferrari 458 MM SpecialeFerrari's [NYSE:RACE] Styling Center has finally taken the wraps off of its latest Special Projects car: the one-off 458 MM Speciale inspired in part by the 288 GTO of the 1980s and bound for a lucky collector. Like that now-classic GTO, the newest Special Projects car's A-pillar has been blacked out. Swathed in a unique Bianco Italia white paint... Ferrari 458 MM Speciale is the latest supercar from the Special Projects division

2017 Audi TT, 2017 Ford Fusion, Subaru Levorg STI Sport: What’s New @ The Car Connection

2016 Subaru Levorg STI SportFrom The Car Connection: 2015 Toyota Yaris recalled for suspension problem Toyota has issued a recall for roughly 3,100 Toyota Yaris hatchbacks from the 2015 model year. According to the automaker, some of those vehicles may suffer from suspension problems that could increase the likelihood of crashes. 2017 Audi TT review The fully redesigned... 2017 Audi TT, 2017 Ford Fusion, Subaru Levorg STI Sport: What’s New @ The Car Connection

Consumer Reports confirms 2016 Toyota Prius 52-mpg rating

2016 Toyota Prius Four TouringConsumer Reports has confirmed the 52-mpg combined EPA fuel-economy rating of the 2016 Toyota Prius hybrid, although its ratings in city and highway testing differed. Nonetheless, the magazine says the 2016 Prius is the most fuel-efficient car it's ever tested. The latest Prius even beats the original Honda Insight hybrid, the magazine says, That... Consumer Reports confirms 2016 Toyota Prius 52-mpg rating

2016 Subaru XV Crosstrek

2016 Subaru XV Crosstrek HybridThe 2016 Subaru Crosstrek has the profile of a small, sporty hatchback, yet the stockier stance of a utility vehicle. If you look at its ability set, it outdoes some SUVs with far more rugged pretenses—all in typically modest, utilitarian Subaru style. The Crosstrek (Subaru dropped the "XV" for 2016) is based on the Subaru Impreza five-door... 2016 Subaru XV Crosstrek

Report: Charger likely to undergo another update before arrival of all-new model

2015 Dodge Charger R/T - Quick Drive, December 2014Fiat Chrysler Automobiles [NYSE:FCAU] in its five-year strategy announcement made in May 2014 stated that a new Dodge Charger would be launched in 2018. Reports last year claimed the new Charger’s launch had been pushed back to 2019 or perhaps even later. Now we’re hearing that a new Charger won’t arrive until early in the next... Report: Charger likely to undergo another update before arrival of all-new model

BMW i5 electric crossover SUV in 2019: latest rumor-mill roundup

2016 BMW i3 4-door HB GrilleThe next electric BMW has been the subject of intense interest and discussion for many months. Now, we think we've pieced together a rough idea of the car, its timing, its configuration, and its technology. The BMW i5 electric crossover SUV (with optional range extender) will likely be unveiled at an auto show sometime next year, and go into... BMW i5 electric crossover SUV in 2019: latest rumor-mill roundup

Report: BMW to revive 8-Series, reposition 6-Series as 911 rival

2016 BMW 6-Series ConvertibleBMW in March confirmed plans to launch a model positioned above its 7-Series, a model that’s likely be a large, luxurious coupe reviving the 8-Series nameplate. And the automaker recently made moves to protect trademarks that only increase the likelihood of a new 8-Series being in the works. The trademarks include “850”... Report: BMW to revive 8-Series, reposition 6-Series as 911 rival

Particulate filters for Mercedes diesels to come to gasoline vehicles too

Mercedes-Benz S 500Virtually all carmakers use particulate filters in their diesel cars to meet the most stringent emissions standards. These filters trap particulate matter left over from the combustion process that can be harmful if inhaled by humans. Gasoline-powered cars generally produce lower levels of particulate-matter emissions than their diesel... Particulate filters for Mercedes diesels to come to gasoline vehicles too

Tesla enlists owners' clubs to be lobbying army; insists on it, in fact

2016 Tesla Model STesla owners are among the most enthusiastic in the car world, and Tesla often harnesses that enthusiasm. The company knows it can count on owners to be evangelists for its brand, and even to protest laws that prevent it from selling electric cars directly to buyers in certain states. But Tesla is apparently not content to sit back while... Tesla enlists owners' clubs to be lobbying army; insists on it, in fact

McLaren 688 HS leaked

McLaren 688 High Sport leaked - Image via Auto GespotMcLaren looks to be readying a new supercar for its Super Series range even more potent than the 666-horsepower 675LT. The first photos of what’s alleged to be a 688 High Sport have surfaced on Dutch website Auto Gespot. McLaren’s last High Sport model, HS for short, was based on the 12C and came with a few visual mods as well as extra... McLaren 688 HS leaked

First Hyundai N performance car to be based on next-gen i30 (Elantra GT)

2018 Hyundai Elantra GT (i30) spy shots - Image via S. Baldauf/SB-MedienHyundai is looking to compete on the world stage in the area of performance cars and recently launched its N sub-brand to focus on just that. Heading up Hyundai N is none other than former BMW M engineering boss Albert Biermann. He and his team plan to use knowledge gained in motorsport, which for Hyundai primarily means the World Rally... First Hyundai N performance car to be based on next-gen i30 (Elantra GT)

Australia home to one of the world’s biggest car collections--and it’s open to the public

1955 Mercedes-Benz 300SL at Gosford Classic Car MuseumFor a country with only around 23 million people, Australia always impresses us with its ability to punch above its weight when it comes to car culture. For decades it’s had its own models designed, developed and built locally; hosted a Formula One race plus its own V8 Supercars (now Supercars) series; and produced one of the greatest... Australia home to one of the world’s biggest car collections--and it’s open to the public

lundi 30 mai 2016

Subaru Levorg STI Sport revealed

2016 Subaru Levorg STI SportSubaru has taken the wraps off a new model based on the Japanese-market Levorg wagon. The car is called the Levorg STI Sport, and it’s been developed by the automaker’s in-house tuner Subaru Tecnica International. The “Sport” in the title signifies that this isn’t one of the tuner’s dedicated performance... Subaru Levorg STI Sport revealed

2017 Ford Fusion Energi electric range rises to 22 miles

2017 Ford Fusion EnergiThe all-electric range of every type of plug-in car has risen since their introduction in 2011, and will continue to increase with further boosts in battery energy density. This means that not only electric cars will get longer ranges, but so will plug-in hybrids. The latest maker to join the parade of increased electric-range announcements is... 2017 Ford Fusion Energi electric range rises to 22 miles

Mazzanti's new supercar revealed as 1,000-hp Evantra Millecavalli in latest teaser

Teaser for Mazzanti Evantra Millecavalli debuting at 2016 Turin Auto ShowItaly’s Mazzanti may not be as widely recognized as Ferrari [NYSE:RACE], Lamborghini and Pagani, but it’s certainly in the same league as those illustrious brands at least when it comes to performance. The company originally built grand tourers with retro styling, but for its third car Mazzanti went the supercar route. The car... Mazzanti's new supercar revealed as 1,000-hp Evantra Millecavalli in latest teaser

Hamilton wins Formula One Monaco GP after Red Bull stuff up

Mercedes AMG's Lewis Hamilton after winning the 2016 Formula One Monaco Grand PrixLewis Hamilton took home his first victory in the 2016 Formula One World Championship at an eventful Monaco Grand Prix yesterday. It was only the second time in eight years that the Mercedes AMG driver has won in Monaco, a place he also happens to call home, but it almost didn’t come to be. The race started behind the safety due to wet... Hamilton wins Formula One Monaco GP after Red Bull stuff up

dimanche 29 mai 2016

Tesla gigafactory grand opening event to be held July 29

Tesla gigafactory, March 2016, shown in drone footage posted to YouTube by Above RenoTesla will open the doors to its massive battery "gigafactory" to the general public July 29. The company will host a grand opening event attended by, among others, owners who won tickets by participating in its most recent referral program. Those owners are also helping spread the word in the absence of an official public announcement from Tesla... Tesla gigafactory grand opening event to be held July 29