William Maley

Within the next year and a half, a new BMW 3-Series will be revealed. There will be gas, diesel, hybrid, and the possibility of an all-electric version. Auto Express reports the German automaker is working on a 3-Series electric that will take on the upcoming Tesla Model 3. The next 3-Series will use BMW's CLAR (Cluster Architecture) which not only brings forth carbon fiber for certain parts of the vehicle, but it was designed with electric vehicles in mind. Auto Express says the model will use a 90 kWh battery capable of delivering a range of 300 miles. Expect to see the 3-Series EV sometime in 2020. Source: Auto Express View full article

With the Volkswagen diesel emission scandal hanging a dark cloud over the fuel, many automakers are considering whether or not they want to continue with diesel. Karl Schlicht, executive vice-president of Toyota Europe tells Autocar the company is wondering whether or not they should stop offering diesels. He uses the example of the Yaris Diesel. At the moment, the option makes "up less than 10%” of total sales for Europe. Dropping this model is a real possibility. “I think that anyone looking at investing in a new diesel plant, which might have a lifespan of 10 to 15 years, will have to look long and hard at whether they would get payback,” said Schlicht. This comes as stricter emission standards and tests are on the horizon for Europe. Source: Autocar View full article

One of the groups that haven't been able to take any legal action against General Motors over the faulty ignition switch were those who bought the affected vehicles before the company announced bankruptcy in 2009. Last year, a bankruptcy judge said that New GM was shielded from liabiliites over the actions taken by Old GM. But today, the U.S. Second Circuit Court of Appeals in Manhattan reversed that decision. In the ruling, the court stated that New GM must face some of the claims from owners that arose from their actions before their bankruptcy. “We are reviewing the ruling and its impact. Even if some claims are ultimately allowed to proceed, the plaintiffs must still prove their cases," said GM spokesman Jim Cain in an email to the Wall Street Journal. This decision could expose GM to additional costs as it tries to move away from this mess. According to the ruling, the protection given to GM shielded them from up to $10 billion of liability claims. Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required), Wall Street Journal (Subscription Required) View full article

Bentley is considering whether or not they should offer an electric powertrain for their flagship sedan, the Mulsanne. Hans Holzgartner, product and marketing manager for the Mulsanne told Autocar part of the reason for this comes down to Chinese lawmakers possibly passing legislation banning all vehicles except EVs in certain cities. “At the moment, the indication is that full electric will be the only way that you’ll get into some of the cities in China. I wouldn’t say we’re discounting [hybrid engines] completely, but it looks like if you don’t have a full electric drive, even some of the hybrid drives just won’t get into some cities in China,” said Holzgartner. Similar legislation is being considered in other European countries, causing Bentley to put the idea of electric powertrains as a possible high priority item. But why the Mulsanne? Why not one of their small and 'lighter' models? Holzgartner explained that adding an electric powertrain into the Mulsanne would improve some of the key traits such providing a quiet ride. “With a Mulsanne-sized car, it’s all about torque anyway,” he added. “The delivery characteristics of electric drive — loads of bottom-end torque, almost silent delivery, very smooth — they all fit," said Holzhartner. “Our challenge is to make something that’s as interesting to drive as a current Bentley, because while a Mulsanne will be driven in almost silent mode even with a petrol engine, if you’ve got a Mulsanne Speed you’ll want to let rip every so often. That’s going to be the challenge: creating something that can be fun as well.” Source: Autocar View full article

There's a new member to Hyundai Elantra family. Today, the Korean automaker revealed the 2017 Elantra Sport. The Elantra Sport stands out from other Elantras thanks to small design changes as a blacked-out grille, slightly aggressive body kit, and a set of 20-inch aluminum wheels. The interior boasts some subtle changes such as a set of sport seats with red stitching and a flat-bottom steering wheel. Power comes from a turbocharged 1.6L four-cylinder that is said to produce 'more than' 200 horsepower and 190 pound-feet of torque. Hyundai will offer a six-speed manual or a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. Underneath, the Elantra Sport features a fully independent rear suspension setup instead of the torsion beam setup found on other Elantras. Hyundai says the Elantra Sport will arrive in the fourth quarter of this year. This is when we'll likely get the final power figures and pricing. Source: Hyundai Press Release is on Page 2 2017 Hyundai Elantra Sport Unlocks Passion, Power and Performance 1.6 Turbo GDI engine and independent multi-link rear suspension highlight the most powerful and dynamic Hyundai Elantra ever FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., July 12, 2016 – Today at a meeting of the Washington Automotive Press Association in Alexandria, VA, Hyundai Motor America unveiled the all-new 2017 Hyundai Elantra Sport. The most powerful Elantra model ever, the Sport benefits from a variety of important powertrain, chassis and styling upgrades over the current SE, Eco, and Limited models. The Elantra Sport is powered by a 1.6 Turbo GDI four-cylinder engine generating more than 200 hp and 190 lb-ft of torque. Drivers may choose between a six-speed manual transmission or seven-speed Dual Clutch Transmission with paddle shifters. Helping to ensure the most powerful Elantra ever is also the most fun to drive, the Sport is exclusively outfitted with an independent multi-link rear suspension designed to elevate on-road dynamics and feel. Finally, Elantra Sport is visually differentiated with unique bodywork and model-specific interior appointments such as a flat-bottomed steering wheel, sport seats and red contrast stitching. “Elantra Sport demonstrates our commitment to providing drivers with compelling vehicle choices that align with their interests,” says Mike Evanoff, Hyundai Motor America manager of product planning. “This is a vehicle that reflects our own passion for cars and driving, expressing it with sharp looks, proven in-car technology, upgraded power, and fun, sporty handling.” The Hyundai Elantra Sport will arrive in North American showrooms in the fourth quarter of 2016. Additional details, including full specifications and pricing, will be available closer to the on-sale date. View full article