William Maley

The Vauxhall Astra was the final 'Star in a Reasonably Priced Car' before the whole Jeremy Clarkson 'fracas' imploded the show. Now you have the chance to own this vehicle. Vauxhall put the vehicle up for sale this week on eBay, describing the model as a 1.5L TechLine hatchback with 115 horsepower. The Astra is fitted with a full roll cage along with two Corbeau Sprint Racing seats and five-point safety harnesses. It should be noted the airbags are disabled due to the rollcage. Mileage is listed at 2,908 miles. But considering how much abuse this Astra was put through, we think it should read 2,908,000 miles. During the Astra's time as the 'Reasonably Priced Car', 23 stars took the car around the Top Gear track. Singer Olly Murs was the fastest with a time of 1:44.6. This is closely followed by Nicholas Hoult and Aaron Paul at 1:44.7. At the time of this writing, the current bid stands at £8,000.00 (about $11,365.25) with the reserve not met. Proceeds of the sale will go to automotive support network BEN. Source: eBay, Vauxhall Press Release is on Page 2 GOING, GOING, GONE - AGAIN BBC Top Gear’s Reasonably Priced Vauxhall Astra back up for auction to raise money for BEN 2013 Astra driven by Will Smith and Benedict Cumberbatch New eBay auction opening today: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/-/231913252015 The Vauxhall Astra used in the last series of BBC’s Top Gear as their Reasonably Priced Car is up back for sale to raise money for the automotive support network BEN. The 2013 Vauxhall Astra 1.6 was driven by a host of celebrities including Tom Hiddleston, Jack Whitehall and Steven Tyler. The car, donated by Vauxhall Motors, was initially offered for auction late last year, but with the original sale now fallen through, the way is clear for one lucky Top Gear fan to bid for the vehicle on eBay as well as contribute to a worthy cause. BEN is committed to making positive differences to the lives of people within the automotive industry and their dependents. The organisation offers a wide range of free and confidential information, advice and Support Services, along with the provision of residential, nursing and specialist care services at multiple care centres around the UK. David Main, Chief Executive at BEN said: “It is a shame the original sale fell through, but this of course does mean another chance for a Top Gear fan to get their hands on a piece of the show’s history, after all this was the last car to be used in the show’s previous format.” He added: “Who knows, perhaps Chris Evans or Matt Le Blanc may fancy bidding on it themselves?!” With an estimated 350 million views in 170 different countries per week, the 2013 Vauxhall Astra 1.6 was initiated with a star-studded barbeque, featuring celebrities including comedians Jimmy Carr and Warwick Davis, and singers Brian Johnson and Joss Stone. Celebrities such as Olly Murs, who topped the leader board, Margot Robbie, Ron Howard and James Blunt all thrashed it around the Top Gear Test Track at Dunsfold Park, Surrey. The five-door Power Red 1.6-litre 115bhp Vauxhall Astra Tech Line will be auction on eBay, from today for 2 weeks until 28th April, with a reserve of £10,000 - all proceeds from the sale will be donated to BEN. The spec: Mileage – 2,908 17-inch 10-spoke alloy wheels Sat-nav system with seven-inch colour monitor Three-spoke leather-covered sports steering wheel Multi-function trip computer USB connection with iPod control Mobile phone system with Bluetooth Digital radio with six premium speakers Chrome-effect exterior side window surround Front Corbeau Sprint Racing seats with 5 point safety belt harness and full roll-cage IMPORTANT NOTE: Bidders should be aware that the airbags have all been disabled making room for the roll-cage. To re-instate the airbags would involve removing the roll-cage and seating. So, in its current state, the car is not type-approved and should not be driven on the road. The Vauxhall Technical Team will work with the successful bidder at handover to fully explain how the vehicle has been adapted. Please be aware converting the vehicle back into use on the public highway would incur significant cost. View full article

“You win for bringing the most inappropriate vehicle,” said Drew as I was coming into our rental house for the Detroit Auto Show. I couldn’t say he was wrong. The vehicle in question, a 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata Grand Touring, isn’t what I would call the perfect vehicle for winter or be in traveling to an auto show. But here I was with a Miata parked on the street. I should explain how I ended up with a Miata over the winter. It goes a few months back to a conversation thread I was somehow looking at. In that thread, a Mazda PR person mentioned that they put winter tires on their vehicles for the season. Seeing this, the gears starting working in my head and I wondered if the MX-5 Miata would have that as well. Before too long, I had put in a request for a Miata and I got it scheduled. It was only when I was looking at the schedule did I realize it would coincide with the Detroit Auto Show. Oops. There is some method to this madness. Sometimes to fully test a vehicle, you need to put it in a situation where it isn’t entirely comfortable. So in the case of the Miata, what better time to test it than in the middle of winter and with an auto show to boot? Mazda has done a knockout job with designing the fourth-generation MX-5 Miata. The front is very low with a massive grille to provide air for the engine and narrow headlights. The hood features some slight sculpting to help the front fenders stand out. Along the side, you can see a resemblance to previous Miatas, especially when you drop the top. A set of seventeen-inch alloy wheels come standard on the top Grand Touring trim. Around back is a uniquely shaped rear end. At the moment, the Miata comes only with a manual soft top. Those wanting a hardtop will need to wait for the Miata RF (Retractable Fastback) due sometime this year. Putting the top down is very easy. Just pull a latch and push the top down until you hear a click. Putting the top back is slightly difficult due to where the latch is - behind the folded top and under the trunk lid. Getting your hand back here is tough due to a small and narrow gap. But once you find it and release the top, it is just as fast to put it back up. Getting in and out of the MX-5 Miata can be best described as a comedy of errors. You have to contort yourself in a way to get the top half of your body into the car, followed by the legs. It is easier to get in when the top is down. Once inside, you’ll be impressed with how much work Mazda has put in. The interior design follows what you will see in other Mazda products with a modern and minimalistic look. Interior materials have seen a noticeable improvement with more soft-touch plastics and new trim pieces. Controls are within easy reach for both driver and passenger. The seats are comfortable for short trips, but I found myself wishing for a bit more seat padding and thigh support on longer trips. Driving from my house to Detroit and vice versa, my back started aching part way through the drive. Also, anyone over six-feet will have some difficulty finding a comfortable position due to how snug the cabin is. The trunk is small even for a roadster; only 4.6 cubic feet is on offer. I was able to get my suitcase into the trunk and that’s it. The backpack with my laptop, camera, other items needed for show coverage rode in the passenger seat. The Grand Touring trim comes with the Mazda Connect infotainment system that comes with a seven-inch touchscreen and control knob on the center console. Trying to use the touchscreen is frustrating since it is explained what is enabled for touch control. For example, I can hit play and skip a track when I’m playing my iPod. But if I want to scroll through the artists on my iPod, I cannot do that. You’re better off using the control knob, although it can get in the way when you are shifting gears. One area Mazda deserves some big credit is the Miata’s HVAC system. With the top up, the HVAC quickly warmed up the MX-5 in temperatures ranging from 20° to -4° Fahrenheit. Even with the top down, the HVAC system was able to keep me nice and toasty. Powering the MX-5 Miata is a 2.0L Skyactiv-G four-cylinder with 155 horsepower and 148 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed manual comes standard (which is what our tester came with) and a six-speed automatic with steering wheel paddles is optional. Compared to the last Miata we drove (a 2014 Grand Touring PHRT), the 2016 model feels slightly faster. A lot of this comes down to the overall weight of two vehicles - 2,619 for the 2014 PHRT vs. 2,332 for the 2016 Miata. Around town, the Miata just zips up to speed at a very surprising rate. The six-speed manual is a delight to work. With a short throw and a subtle ‘click’ into gear, you find going through the gears a fun experience. I found myself letting the engine climb up to 5,000 rpm before shifting to the next gear just to hear the roar of the engine and give the illusion that I was driving fast, even though I was only going 30 to 45 MPH. It is that little thing that makes driving an MX-5 Miata special. When it comes to fuel economy, the EPA rates the 2016 MX-5 Miata at 27 City/34 Highway/30 Combined. These numbers are easily achievable, even if you drive like a maniac. For the week, I was able to achieve 30.6 MPG. Mazda hasn’t messed with the MX-5 Miata’s handling characteristics. You’ll notice the Miata lean in corners, but this is something that has been in all Miatas. It also helps keep you engaged with driving and not thinking about anything else. If this bugs you, Mazda offers the Club that features a sport suspension with Bilstein shocks. Personally, I found the suspension fitted to the Grand Touring to be just right in the corners. The steering has seen a big change with Mazda swapping the hydraulic system for an electric power steering system. Before anyone starts panicking, this system has to be one of the best I have driven. You do lose some feel, but it builds up weight as you turn. Steering also feels direct. As for the daily drive, the MX-5 Miata’s suspension is a bit too stiff. Bumps and other imperfections on the road are transmitted to the interior. I found myself wishing that Mazda offered the softer suspension setting used on the 1.5L four-cylinder Miata sold elsewhere in the world. If you plan on taking the Miata on a long highway trip, you might want to bring some ear plugs. Road and wind noise are here in droves and it will get very annoying. One item I wished the MX-5 Miata had was a backup camera. Due to how low you’re sitting in the vehicle, you don’t have a good view of the back. There were times I opened the door when I was backing up just to make sure I wasn’t going to crash into anything. One question you probably want to me to answer is, how is the Miata on winter tires? Pretty good. Driving through some snowy roads, the Miata seemed to go through it without the stability or traction control intervening. At a stop, the Miata would spin its rear wheels for a moment. Then the tires would find some grip and get the vehicle moving. Winter tires don't guarantee that you will not slide around, but at least the Miata is one of the vehicles you can easily get back in line if you start skidding. It might not have been one of my brightest ideas to ask for a Miata in the middle of winter and getting it during the week of the Detroit auto show. But the Miata proved its worth in an uncomfortable situation. I wouldn’t want to take the MX-5 Miata on a long trip due to the rough ride and abundance of noises. Even then, I somehow ended up with a smile on my face. Maybe it's due to the Miata still being one of the vehicles that make you feels that you part of the vehicle, controlling the various aspects of it. Despite the snow and the Detroit Auto Show, the Miata proved its worth. Not many convertibles or any other vehicle can claim that. Cheers: Grin-inducing handling around corners, top is easy to put down, handsome exterior and interior Jeers: Suspension will jostle you around on rough roads, wind and road noise in stereo sound, needs backup camera Disclaimer: Mazda Provided the Miata MX-5, Insurance, and One Tank of Gas Year: 2016 Make: Mazda Model: MX-5 Miata Trim: Grand Touring Engine: 2.0L Skyactiv-G DOHC Four-Cylinder Driveline: Rear-Wheel Drive Horsepower @ RPM: 155 @ 6,000 Torque @ RPM: 148 @ 4,600 Fuel Economy: City/Highway/Combined - 27/34/30 Curb Weight: 2,332 lbs Location of Manufacture: Hiroshima, Japan Base Price: $30,065 As Tested Price: $31,015 (Includes $820.00 Destination Charge) Options: Advanced Keyless Entry System - $130.00 View full article

A new BMW X5 is coming within the next year or so and it will be using the same underpinnings as the 7-Series. Autocar reports the next-generation X5 will use BMW's new CLAR - Cluster Architecture - modular platform. This platform is comprised of high-strength steel, aluminium, and carbon fiber. Not only does this cut weight, but increases structural rigidity. CLAR is predominantly built for rear-wheel drive applications, but it can take on an all-wheel drive system. This platform will go on to underpin a number of other BMW vehicles such as the next-generation 3 and 6-Series. Engine choices for the next X5 are reported to be a 3.0L straight-six, a new twin-turbocharged V8, and a 6.0L V12 for the high-end models. There is also the possibility of a hybrid model. One interesting item is that the new X5 will not share much with the recently announced X7 crossover. The X7 will the flagship of BMW's crossover lineup and take on the likes of the Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class and Range Rover. As BMW head of sales and marketing Ian Robertson told Autocar, the X7 will pick various engines across the lineup. Source: Autocar View full article

I just checked Lincoln's media site and they don't have anything on the Continental aside from the press release for Detroit.

Pricing for the 2017 Lincoln Continental has been announced and it will begin at $45,485 with destination. This will net you the Premiere front-wheel drive with a 3.7L V6 with 300 horsepower. Standard equipment for the Premiere includes leather, 10-way power front seats, 10-speaker audio system, HID headlights, 18-inch wheels, and remote start. All-wheel drive will add $2,000 to the base price. Here is how the remainder of the 2017 Continental lineup breaks down: Select: Have the choice of the 3.7L V6 or 2.7L twin-turbo V6 producing 335 horsepower. Features such as hands-free powered trunk lid, soft-closing doors, 19-inch wheels, and premium leather upholstery. Select prices range from $48,440 for the 3.7 V6 front-wheel drive model to $52,690 for the 2.7 twin-turbo V6 all-wheel drive. Reserve: Adds the twin-turbo 3.0L V6 with 400 horsepower and all-wheel drive as a powertrain option. 24-way power front seats with ventilation, tri-zone climate control, and power rear sunshade. $54,840 gets you into the 3.7L V6 front-wheel drive Reserve. To get the 3.0L twin-turbo V6 engine, be prepared to drop $60,105. Black Label: The top of the line trim comes with 20-inch wheels, LED headlights, Revel audio system, and the choice of three different “Designer Themes,” that brings their own color schemes. Black Label also gives the owner access to various “privileges,” such as concierge service at the dealer, remote delivery of the vehicle within 30 Miles of select dealers, complimentary car washes, complimentary annual detailing services, and the Culinary Collection - a 'curated' list of restaurants in the U.S. that will provide an “at-your-service” experience. The collection gives the owner one complimentary dinner for two at one of the restaurants on the list. Pricing starts at $63,840 for the 2.7 twin-turbo V6 front-wheel drive model and climbs to $69,105 for the 3.0L twin-turbo V6. When compared to its closest competitor, the Cadillac CT6, the Continental undercuts by $9,005. Source: Automobile Magazine, Automotive News (Subscription Required) Click here to view the article

Yeah, I know it weighs as much as an Aircraft Carrier and doesn't handle as well as the Camaro and Mustang. But something about the Challenger just does it for me. Also, I would have picked the Scat Pack version. But that would put me over by $300.