William Maley

Lincoln has been slowing transitioning their nomenclature system from three letter (MK_) to actual names - MKX to Nautilus for example. The next-generation MKC, due in 2020 as a 2021 model will see its name change to Corsair. Automotive News reports the name was announced last month to Ford and Lincoln dealers at a conference held in Orlando according to those who attended the meeting. Corsair, the name of a pirate ship and a World War II fighter plane first came to light last year when Ford filed a trademark on. The name was last used on a badge engineered model between Ford and Nissan for Australia. Sources at Ford said the name isn't final and could change before the model goes into production. Dealers at the meeting were also shown the next-generation Ford Escape, Explorer, Mach 1 EV crossover, and the Lincoln Continental with suicide doors. Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required) View full article

Early this morning, German authorities arrested Audi CEO Rupert Stadler at his home in Ingolstadt. Prosecutors said in a statement that Stadler's arrest is due to concerns about evidence tampering. “There were clear signs that there was to be an effort to influence people and other suspects. Therefore we issued an immediate arrest warrant,” Stephan Necknig, a spokesman for the Munich prosecutor’s office to German Tabloid Bild. The arrest of Stadler comes a week after prosecutors accused him of fraud and false advertising. Stadler and Audi's head of procurement, Bernd Martens had their homes raided by prosecutors this past week as well. According to Bloomberg, Stadler is willing to be questioned later this week and his lawyers aren't challenging the arrest at the moment. The New York Times reports that Volkswagen's supervisory board has been holding meetings today to decide on an interim replacement for Stadler. In a statement, Audi said "For Mr. Stadler, the presumption of innocence continues to apply." Stadler becomes the highest-profile employee at the Volkswagen group to be arrested in connection to the diesel emission scandal. Source: Bloomberg (Subscription Required), New York Times, Reuters View full article

After 20 years since it departed, the 8-Series is making a comeback to the BMW lineup. The design is more dramatic than the 6-Series coupe with a long front end, "double-bubble" roof contouring, and interesting shape for the trunk lid. Inside, the center stack is oriented to the driver to have controls within easy reach. A 10.3-inch digital instrument panel, and a 12.3-inch infotainment system comes standard. A set of M sport seats are upholstered in Merino leather. At launch, BMW will only offer the M850i xDrive for the U.S. It packs a brand new turbocharged 4.4L V8 producing 523 horsepower and 553 pound-feet of torque. An eight-speed automatic routes power to all four wheels. BMW quotes a 0-60 mph time of 3.6 seconds and a top speed limited to 155 mph. Expect other powertrains to be announced at a later date. For the suspension, BMW utilizes a double-wishbone setup up front and a five-link axle in the rear to make the coupe feel more agile. A set of adaptive dampers can adjust the overall firmness automatically. The M850i xDrive will also come with a rear-axle steering system that turns the rear wheels up to 2.5-degrees to reduce turning radius at lower speeds, while improving cornering at higher speeds. The 2019 M850i xDrive arrives at BMW dealers this fall. Exterior Design and Aerodynamics The 8 Series Coupe draws from BMW's new design language with a low-slung silhouette, slim window pillars, and a long wheelbase. The signature kidney grille features a hexagonal outline that widens at the bottom, and the standard Full LED headlights with BMW LaserLight technology are the slimmest on any BMW to date. At the rear, slender L-shaped LED taillights extend into the flanks, and twin trapezoidal exhaust tips complete the look. An almost fully covered underbody, active air flap control, and Air Curtains help reduce aerodynamic drag. An optional carbon-fiber roof lowers the center of gravity for sharper handling. Powertrain and Transmission The M850i xDrive debuts a completely revised 4.4-liter BMW TwinPower Turbo V8 with twin-scroll turbochargers, High Precision Injection at up to 5,076 psi, and VALVETRONIC variable valve control. Output is 523 horsepower between 5,500 and 6,000 rpm and 553 lb-ft of torque from 1,800 to 4,600 rpm. A flap-controlled sport exhaust delivers a distinct V8 soundtrack that intensifies in SPORT+ mode. The latest eight-speed Steptronic Sport transmission features a wider gear ratio spread and sharper shift response, with intelligent networking that uses navigation data to anticipate downshifts before intersections and avoid unnecessary shifts between successive corners. Chassis and All-Wheel Drive BMW xDrive sends power to all four wheels with a rear-biased setup, decoupling the front axle entirely when all-wheel drive is not needed. An electronically controlled rear differential lock improves traction out of corners. The standard Integral Active Steering turns the rear wheels up to 2.5 degrees, steering opposite to the front wheels below 45 mph for agility and matching them above that speed for high-speed stability. Adaptive M suspension with electronically controlled dampers is standard, and optional active roll stabilization uses electric swivel motors on the anti-roll bars for flat cornering and improved straight-line comfort. Interior Technology and Driver Assistance The BMW Live Cockpit Professional pairs a 12.3-inch instrument cluster with a 10.25-inch Control Display running BMW Operating System 7.0. The standard Head-Up Display shows speed, navigation, and engine rpm in SPORT mode. Audio options range from an 11-speaker standard system up to a 1,375-watt Bowers & Wilkins Diamond Surround Sound System with 16 speakers. Glass crystal controls adorn the gear selector, iDrive controller, and start button, with an illuminated "8" visible through the shifter. The BMW Digital Key uses NFC to lock, unlock, and start the car from a smartphone, shareable with up to five people. The optional Driving Assistant Professional adds Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go, lane keeping with active side collision protection, and a Reversing Assistant that retraces up to 55 yards of the car's last forward path. For the complete technical specifications, see the full BMW press release. Related Coverage The 8 Series had been the subject of speculation dating back to 2015, with reports that BMW greenlit the project for a 2018 reveal as part of a broader plan to reposition the 6 Series as a Porsche 911 competitor. Shortly after the coupe's debut, BMW followed up with the 2019 8 Series Convertible at the LA Auto Show. Source: BMW View full article

Ford is giving taxi companies two new fuel efficient options for their next vehicle. This week, the automaker unveiled the Fusion Hybrid and Transit Connect diesel taxis. “Taxi operators want vehicles that are reliable, efficient and comfortable. Transit Connect Taxi and Fusion Hybrid Taxi offer all three with special attention to potentially help lower fuel costs. Plus, Fusion Hybrid underscores our commitment to introduce even more efficient and capable hybrids in the future,” said Imran Jalal, brand and communications manager for Ford fleet marketing. The Fusion Hybrid taxi isn't based on the model you can pickup from dealers. Instead, Ford is plucking some parts from the Police Responder Hybrid to handle the rigors of a taxi. This includes the suspension, high-performance brakes, and steel wheels. Buyers can choose either between heavy-duty cloth or vinyl upholstery. For the Transit Connect taxi, Ford is equipping it with their upcoming EcoBlue 1.4L turbodiesel engine. Taxi specific features include a recessed second-row seat, taxi upfit wiring harness, roof access hole for signage, and rear backup sensors. The Transit Connect taxi can also be made wheelchair accessible via Ford's Qualified Vehicle Modifier program. Both taxi models will go on sale later this year. Source: Ford Ford Introduces Two New Fuel-Efficient Taxis; Hybrid And Diesel Versions Give Operators More Choice, Potential Savings Company introduces two new taxis today – diesel and hybrid – giving operators even more choices to potentially save fuel New Transit Connect Taxi, when equipped with an available EcoBlue® diesel engine, is targeted to return an EPA-estimated Highway rating of at least 30 mpg All-new Fusion Hybrid Taxi is purpose-built for livery service; includes parts designed for the rigorous duty cycle of the 2019 Police Responder Hybrid Sedan and is projected to offer an EPA-estimated Combined rating of 38 mpg DEARBORN, Mich., June 14, 2018 – Ford, America’s commercial vehicle leader, introduces two new taxis: the new 2019 Transit Connect Taxi and Ford’s most fuel-efficient, purpose-built taxi ever – the 2019 Fusion Hybrid Taxi. “Taxi operators want vehicles that are reliable, efficient and comfortable,” said Imran Jalal, brand and communications manager for Ford fleet marketing. “Transit Connect Taxi and Fusion Hybrid Taxi offer all three with special attention to potentially help lower fuel costs. Plus, Fusion Hybrid underscores our commitment to introduce even more efficient and capable hybrids in the future.” New 2019 Transit Connect Taxi Transit Connect Taxi, when equipped with available 1.5-liter EcoBlue® diesel engine, is targeted to return an EPA-estimated Highway rating of at least 30 mpg. Actual mileage will vary. Final EPA-estimated ratings available early 2019. The Transit Connect Taxi offers seating for five with a roomy, flexible interior well-suited for livery service. It features more than 60 cubic-feet cargo volume behind the second row, more than the Nissan NV200 Taxi. Along with the newly available EcoBlue diesel engine, the new 2019 Transit Connect Taxi comes with a recessed second-row seat, a taxi upfit wiring harness, first-row side curtain airbags, optional roof access hole for signage and a reverse sensing system. It is also available with School Bus Yellow paint. Standard dual sliding side doors provide riders with a wide entrance and exit. A low vehicle floor ensures easy step-ups and step-downs. The new taxi can be made wheelchair accessible through the Ford Qualified Vehicle Modifier program. The modification features an easy-to-deploy ramp that doubles as a deck for cargo when stowed in the back. First-ever Fusion Hybrid Taxi The first-ever Fusion Hybrid Taxi shares parts with the Ford Police Responder Hybrid for improved durability in a livery duty cycle (police vehicles come with many heavy-duty chassis parts, like wheels and suspension). For Fusion Hybrid Taxi, Ford is projecting EPA-estimated ranges comparable to that of the Ford Police Responder Hybrid (projected EPA-estimated ratings of 40 mpg City/36 mpg Highway/38 mpg Combined). Actual mileage will vary. The 2019 Fusion Hybrid Taxi includes a police-tuned suspension with increased ride height and calibrated high-performance brakes, plus steel wheels. It features heavy-duty cloth seating or optional vinyl seating, vinyl floors, available School Bus Yellow paint, a standard rearview camera, and a mounting plate on top of the instrument panel to secure taxi meters and other fleet equipment. The 2019 Transit Connect Taxi and 2019 Fusion Hybrid Taxi can be ordered now. The 1.5-liter EcoBlue® diesel on 2019 Transit Connect will be available to order soon. Both Ford taxi models go on sale by year-end. View full article