William Maley

GMC isn't ready to say good-bye to the current Acadia. Automotive News reports that the current Acadia will be sold alongside the next-generation model starting this spring. GM spokesman Brian Gobel said both models will be sold for a limited time, although a timeframe wasn't given. Gobel explained the decision to keep selling the old Acadia was due to manufacturing. The current model is built at GM's Lansing, Michigan plant, alongside the Buick Enclave and Chevrolet Traverse. With the next-generation Acadia being built in Spring Hill, Tennesse, this leaves a huge gap in the production schedule for Lansing. For the time being, the current Acadia will continue to be built at Lansing till another product can fill the void. "Given the fact that those sister vehicles will continue their production, the current Acadia will continue to be built to offer another option for our customers," said Goebel. The older Acadia will be renamed to Acadia Limited starting in 2017. Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required) View full article

BMW is losing a lot of ground in the flagship arena to Mercedes-Benz. To combat this, the Munich-based automaker is considering an ultra-luxury sedan that will sit between the 7-Series and the Rolls-Royce Ghost. "Just like certain competitors, we will see that we occupy with credible offers the price bracket of 150,000 euros ($170,000) and beyond," BMW development chief Klaus Froehlich to Automotive News. Froehlich also took a jab at Mercedes-Benz by saying BMW wouldn't offer several wheelbases or "varyingly thick chrome packages." Why is BMW wanting to take on Mercedes-Benz in terms of flagships? In a word, China. Automotive news says about one of every two S-Class sedans built goes to China. The sedans are mostly bought wealthy people who have a chauffeur. Mercedes also took a big gamble. Back in 2012, the brand shuttered Maybach and left Bentley and Rolls-Royce to fight over buyers who want ultra-luxury models. During this time, a massive crackdown on corruption took place and many wealthy people decided it wasn't a good idea to show off their wealth in ostentatious fashion. This caused sales of Bentley and Rolls-Royce vehicles to drop. When Mercedes brought back the Maybach in the form of a high-lux S-Class in 2015, buyers flocked to it as it was seen as an understated way to show off their wealth. Since then, Mercedes has introduced a Pullman version. What does BMW have planned? There have been rumors of a 9-Series though details are thin. Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required) View full article

We know that Scion will be heading to the great parking lot into the sky later this year. But we didn't know how Toyota is planning to rename Scion's models when the changeover happens. Autoblog spoke with Scion spokeswoman Nancy Hubbell who said the iA would be renamed 'Yaris iA' and the iM to 'Corolla iM'. We know, not the most imaginative names. But there are reasons for this. Hubbel explained the iA is sold as the Yaris sedan in Canada and Mexico, so "that connection was already there." As for the Corolla iM, it is basically the Corolla wrapped in a hatchback. As we reported last week, the FR-S will become the Toyota 86. One model that won't be making the transition will be the tC. 2016 marks the final year of production of Scion's front-wheel drive coupe. Source: Autoblog View full article

Lexus GS 350 F-Sport (Possibly the only person who likes this, 3.5L V6) Ram 1500 EcoDiesel (3.0L Turbodiesel V6) Cadillac CTS VSport (Twin-Turbo 3.6L V6) Chevrolet Impala LTZ (3.6L V6) Nissan Murano Platinum (3.5L V6)

Last year, Volkswagen showed off a prototype of the Golf Alltrack wagon at the New York Auto Show. The German automaker announced that it would be selling this model sometime next year. Staying true to their word, Volkswagen has announced the Alltrack will be arriving at dealers this fall as a 2017 model. Before then, they'll be showing off the production version at New York. Compared to the standard Golf Sportwagen, the Alltrack is about an inch higher and features lower body cladding. Power comes from a turbocharged 1.8L four-cylinder with 170 horsepower and 199 pound-feet of torque. This will come paired with Volkswagen's 4Motion all-wheel drive system and the choice of a six-speed dual-clutch automatic or a six-speed manual (available at a later date). The 4Motion system primary works in front-wheel drive to improve fuel economy. But if the system detects wheel slip, it will send up to 50 percent of power to the rear wheels to improve traction. The Alltrack also boasts an off-road mode that varies the settings for the traction control system and provide hill-descent control. “We heard from dealers and customers that they wanted to see a Golf SportWagen with the all-terrain capability that comes from an all-wheel drive system. We are excited to introduce the Golf Alltrack to meet the active lifestyle needs of our customers," said Joerg Sommer, Vice President, Product Marketing and Strategy of Volkswagen of America, Inc. Source: Volkswagen Press Release is on Page 2 Volkswagen Debuts U.S. Production Version of the 2017 Golf Alltrack Adds 4MOTION® all-wheel drive to Golf SportWagen’s on-road acumen Body cladding and additional ground clearance give Alltrack a rugged off-road look “Off-Road Mode” adds hill descent control and optimizes traction control Golf Alltrack offers cargo volume on par with compact SUVs for size and versatility Available driver assistance features include: Adaptive Cruise Control, and Forward Collision Warning and Autonomous Emergency Braking (Front Assist). Herndon, VA — New York, NY — Volkswagen of America, Inc., debuted today the U.S. production version of the all-wheel-drive Golf Alltrack, which goes on sale in the Fall as a 2017 model. The Golf Alltrack is based on the successful Golf SportWagen—Volkswagen SportWagen models have long been a top choice for customers who want a versatile and dependable vehicle that provides a sportier driving experience than compact SUVs. “We heard from dealers and customers that they wanted to see a Golf SportWagen with the all-terrain capability that comes from an all-wheel drive system,” said Joerg Sommer, Vice President, Product Marketing and Strategy of Volkswagen of America, Inc. “We are excited to introduce the Golf Alltrack to meet the active lifestyle needs of our customers." The Golf Alltrack shares its underpinnings with its Golf family siblings, from its MQB architecture to the turbocharged and direct-injection powertrain. The fun-to-drive EA888 1.8-liter, four-cylinder TSI® gasoline unit puts out 170 horsepower and 199 lb-ft of torque. At launch it will be mated to a six-speed dual-clutch DSG® automatic transmission: a six-speed manual transmission will be available at a later date. While it boasts the on-road manners and fuel economy of a compact wagon, the Alltrack’s defining characteristic is its 4MOTION® all-wheel-drive system. The 4MOTION all-wheel drive system uses the latest generation Haldex-5 coupling, activated via an electro-hydraulic oil pump. In normal driving, the Alltrack acts like a front-wheel-drive car for better fuel economy, but as soon as the system detects wheel slip, up to 50 percent of the drive torque can be shipped to the rear wheels. In addition to the Haldex coupling that acts longitudinally, electronic differential locks (EDL) at the front and rear axles act laterally in concert with the electronic stability control system. The system briefly brakes a wheel that is slipping, enabling uninterrupted and stable transfer of drive power to the wheel on the opposite side. The Golf Alltrack also features nearly an inch higher ground clearance over the SportWagen. From the outside, the Golf Alltrack’s rugged appearance is easy to differentiate from the SportWagen. Cladding for key body pieces, including the unique bumpers, wheel wells and side sills, gives off-road protection and the front fascia incorporates foglights and a unique honeycomb grille. The S and SE trimlines have 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, while the topline SEL trim has 18-inch wheels. Silver detailing, including roof rails, matte mirror caps and diffusor, adds a premium touch. Inside, Alltrack mimics SportWagen in layout, but gets a more upscale feel. Leatherette seating surfaces are standard and Alltrack receives a unique brown leatherette option in addition to aluminum pedal covers, door sills with Alltrack branding and ambient lighting. Standard infotainment features include: a 6.5-inch capacitive color touchscreen with proximity sensor, rearview camera, and VW Car-Net® App-Connect connectivity. A Drive Mode selector includes “Off-Road Mode,” which adds hill descent control and optimizes traction control for off-road terrain. The Off-Road HMI displays compass, steering angle, and altitude when driving off-road. The Alltrack has a spacious trunk that’s in line with those of compact SUVs. With the rear seats up, it boasts 30.4 cu ft of space: when the 60:40 split rear seat is fully folded, that figure rises to 66.5 cu ft of storage. The split folding rear seats are accessed by release levers in the cargo area, maximizing convenience. Like the rest of the Golf line, the Alltrack provides a combination of both passive and active safety systems. It has been engineered to meet or exceed all current crash regulations and features no fewer than six airbags as standard along with a number of electronic safety systems. Alltrack models are equipped with standard Electronic Stability Control (ESC), the Automatic Post-Collision Braking System and an Intelligent Crash Response System. Available driver assistance systems include: Adaptive Cruise Control, Forward Collision Warning and Autonomous Emergency Braking (Front Assist), Lane Assist, and front and rear Park Distance Control with Park Assist. View full article

It was only a few years ago that French automaker PSA Peugeot Citroën was on life support due to massive losses and poor sales. But thanks to an infusion of cash from Chinese automaker Dongfeng and the French government, the company was able to right the ship. The past couple of years has seen PSA Peugeot Citroën emerge as a healthy and profitable automaker. Now the company is looking at expanding into new markets, including the U.S. According to Automobilwoche, officials at PSA say the U.S. and Iran are under consideration as the first markets for expansion. "Our Back in the Race restructuring program has been successfully completed. Now comes the next step. And this has put the issue of the U.S. on the table," said DS brand chief Yves Bonnefont. As we reported back in 2014 and last year, PSA Peugeot Citroën has been considering sending the DS brand into U.S. to test the waters. It is a "natural candidate" for PSA in North America, Bonnefont said. Citroen spun off DS into its own brand last year and its aimed to take on the likes of Audi and Mercedes. The plan is to have six models by the end of this decade ranging from the DS3 (Mini Cooper competitor) to a possible flagship sedan. But Richard Lucki says there are a number of problems the company would need to solve before entering the U.S. Lucki should know as he managed PSA Peugeot Citroën's affairs in the U.S. until 2013 when the company closed their office in Detroit. He explained PSA's return would be difficult as the company doesn't have a dealer network or a manufacturing base. "Pricing is an issue. Everyone else -- Audi, BMW, Mercedes -- has manufacturing here," Lucki said. We'll find what PSA's plans are on April 5th. Source: Automobilwoche via Automotive News (Subscription Required) View full article

The only Giulia trim that Alfa Romeo has been parading around at various auto shows has been the 505 horsepower Quadrifoglio. Thankfully, Alfa Romeo will be introducing the remainder of the Giulia lineup at the New York Auto Show next week. There will be two models that sit underneath the Quadrifoglio - the Giulia and Giulia Ti. Both will come equipped with a turbocharged 2.0L four-cylinder with 276 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. This will be paired with an eight-speed ZF automatic. Power will be routed to the rear wheels, with Q4 all-wheel drive available as an option. Like the Giulia Quadrifoglio, the regular Giulia features a 50/50 weight distribution and the use of lightweight materials such as aluminum and carbon fiber. The Giulia's interior well appointed with leather upholstery, the choice of wood, aluminum, or carbon fiber trim; and a new infotainment system with either a 6.5 or 8.8-inch screen. Alfa hasn't announced when the standard Giulia will be available in the U.S. It is expected that the Giulia Quadrifoglio will be arriving later this year. We'll believe it when we see it. Source: Alfa Romeo Press Release is on Page 2 Alfa Romeo Debuts the 2017 Alfa Romeo Giulia Lineup at the New York International Auto Show Rebirth of the brand – the all-new 2017 Giulia is the first of eight all-new Alfa Romeos debuting through 2020, and embodies the brand's La meccanica delle emozioni (the mechanics of emotion) spirit Giulia nameplate reflects a 55-year heritage of Alfa Romeo's lightweight, performance sedan tradition and over 105 years of brand history, carving its legend on road courses around the globe Alfa Romeo Giulia and Giulia Ti models deliver seductive Italian style and craftsmanship to the premium mid-size sedan segment All-new, all-aluminum, 2.0-liter, direct-injection turbo engine with eight-speed automatic transmission delivers a class-leading, standard 276 horsepower and 295 lb.-ft. of torque, allowing it to launch from 0-to-60 miles per hour (mph) in less than 5.5 seconds, and achieve a top speed of 149 mph The innovative Alfa Q4 all-wheel-drive system offers the Giulia and Giulia Ti models even more all-season capability and performance New eight-speed automatic transmission, with available column-mounted paddle shifters, is designed for enthusiasts with gear shifts in less than 100 milliseconds As the “halo” model in the lineup, Giulia Quadrifoglio highlights Alfa Romeo’s performance and motorsport knowhow with best-in-class 505 horsepower, 0-60 mph in 3.8 seconds and a record-setting 7:39 seconds around the legendary Nürburgring Near perfect 50/50 weight distribution, segment-leading torsional rigidity and the most direct steering ratio on the market, thanks to Giulia’s all-new rear-wheel-drive architecture Exclusive to Giulia Quadrifoglio, state-of-the-art technologies, including torque vectoring, active aero front splitter and Alfa DNA Pro mode selector with Race mode, combine to maximize the all-new Giulia’s driving exhilaration March 17, 2016 , Auburn Hills, Mich. - Expanding Alfa Romeo’s lineup beyond the ultra-high performance Giulia Quadrifoglio, the all-new 2017 Giulia and Giulia Ti models will make their North American debut at the 2016 New York International Auto Show, further highlighting the first of a new-generation of vehicles embodying Alfa Romeo’s La meccanica delle emozioni (the mechanics of emotion) spirit, world-class performance, advanced technologies, seductive Italian style and an exhilarating driving experience to the premium mid-size sedan segment. “All-new from the ground up, the 2017 Giulia lineup marks Alfa Romeo’s return to the heart of the premium sedan segment and the next chapter of the brand’s rich 105-year heritage,” said Reid Bigland, Head of Alfa Romeo – North America. “From the new Giulia and Giulia Ti models, to the ultra-high performance Quadrifoglio model, each of our Alfa Romeo sedans deliver class-leading power and handling, the pedigree of incredible technology and race-inspired performance, plus design and style that could only be crafted in Italy.” Three exciting Giulia models that highlight Alfa Romeo’s balance of engineering and emotion Building on the excitement of the ultra-high-performance 505-horsepower Giulia Quadrifoglio model that debuted at the Los Angeles Auto Show in November, the all-new Giulia and Giulia Ti (Turismo Internazionale) models continue to expand Alfa Romeo’s perfect balance of engineering and emotion to the heart of the premium sedan segment with an Italian designed and crafted sport sedan that is driver focused. Giulia and Giulia Ti models The all-new 2017 Alfa Romeo Giulia and Giulia Ti models exude Italian style, craftsmanship and performance, all while delivering a comprehensive list of standard features, including an all-new, all-aluminum, 2.0-liter, direct-injection turbo engine with eight-speed automatic transmission delivering a class-leading, standard 276 horsepower, class-exclusive carbon fiber driveshaft, dual exhaust system with bright tips, leather seating, 7-inch full-color driver information display (DID), Alfa-tainment featuring a 6.5-inch or 8.8-inch industry-first hidden widescreen infotainment display, Alfa DNA selector with Dynamic, Natural and Advanced Efficiency vehicle behavior modes, sport-inspired flat-bottom steering wheel with integrated push button start, along with keyless-go with passive entry and remote start. For more capability, the innovative Alfa Q4 all-wheel-drive (AWD) system is also available on Giulia and Giulia Ti models, while available Sport, Luxury and Performance packages will further add to this Alfa Romeo model’s performance and style. Giulia Quadrifoglio As the “halo” model in the lineup, Giulia Quadrifoglio highlights Alfa Romeo’s performance and motorsport knowhow with a record-setting 7:39 Nürburgring lap time – the fastest ever by a four-door production sedan. The beating heart of this ultra-high performance sedan is an all-aluminum, direct-injection, 2.9-liter V-6 bi-turbo engine, delivering a best-in-class 505 horsepower, as well as earning the title of the most powerful Alfa Romeo production car engine ever and the quickest with a class-leading 0-60 mph acceleration in 3.8 seconds. The Giulia Quadrifoglio features exclusive enhancements for maximum performance, including high-performance front and rear fascias and carbon fiber lightweight materials, including hood, active aero front splitter, rocker panel moldings and rear deck-lid spoiler. Additionally, the Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio offers staggered fitting 19 x 8.5-inch (front) and 19 x 10-inch (rear) forged alloy wheels wrapped with Pirelli P Zero Corsa three-season high-performance tires. Inside, the Giulia Quadrifoglio includes performance front seats, featuring 12-way power, including 4-way lumbar plus front adjustable thigh support. Further features include Quadrifoglio-exclusive leather-wrapped steering wheel with accent stitching and performance contours; leather-wrapped instrument panel with accent stitching; carbon fiber interior trim; and bright door scuff plates with “Quadrifoglio” graphics. Advanced technology features unique to the Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio model include a four-mode Alfa DNA Pro selector that adds Race mode, torque vectoring differential, high-performance Brembo six-piston front and four-piston rear brake caliper system, Quadrifoglio-tuned adaptive suspension, Quadrifoglio instrument cluster with 200 mph speedometer, cylinder deactivation system, Blind-spot Monitoring, Rear Cross Path detection, vehicle alarm and 35-watt bi-xenon headlamps offering auto-leveling technology, adaptive cornering and headlamp washers. Ultra-high performance options further optimize Alfa Romeo’s 191-mph sedan’s lightweight design and track-proven capabilities: Ultra-lightweight carbon fiber shell Sparco racing seats provide maximum lateral support during extreme cornering, thanks to more aggressive bolstering, and are designed to be the lightest in the segment, while providing comfort for long road trips Ultra-high-performance Brembo carbon-ceramic material (CCM) brake system features six-piston front and four-piston rear aluminum monoblock front brake calipers with two-piece 15.4-inch (390 mm) front and 14.2-inch (360 mm) rear CCM rotors. The CCM rotor design delivers a 50-percent weight reduction compared to cast iron discs, further reducing unsprung mass to improve handling, while enabling a 60-0 mph stopping performance in an impressive 102 feet Styled with passion: high-performance, functional and seductive Italian design With its muscular proportions and a “pure” design ethos of passion, lightness and simplistic elegance “clothing” its class-leading technical layout with near perfect 50/50 weight balance, the all-new 2017 Giulia exudes stunning and functional Italian style with a finesse of Alfa Romeo heritage, athletically taut lines and sculptural details. Alfa Romeo designers styled the proportions of the all-new Giulia to have commanding presence and a menacing face determined to take on the world’s best roadways and road courses. A large signature “shield” grille is elegantly sculpted within the front fascia to form the “Trilobo,” a signature of Alfa Romeo design. Aggressively styled headlamps flank the signature grille and include LED daytime running lights (DRL) for a signature appearance. Alfa Romeo Giulia’s side profile proportion highlights the near perfect 50/50 weight balance and seductive Italian design. To “skin” the all-new Alfa Romeo rear-wheel-drive architecture that delivers benchmark-level performance thanks to a primary focus of locating as much mechanical mass between the wheelbase as possible, Alfa Romeo designers deliberately provided Giulia with extremely short overhangs, long hood and front fender proportions. And for more emphasis on Giulia’s rear-wheel-drive layout, Alfa Romeo designers made the muscular rear fender forms straddle the passenger compartment to deliver a “settled” look over the drive wheels and stylistically mark the point where power is unleashed onto the road. Taut lines, including the elegantly sculpted character line along the body sides, mark the doors and envelope the handles while naturally leading back to the legendary V-shaped nose. Rounded angles and enveloping pillars draw from Alfa Romeo’s rich design heritage and recall the “drop-shaped” profile reminiscent of the Giulietta Sprint, one of the most beautiful cars ever made. Even from plan view, Alfa Romeo designers gave the Giulia an organic, “ellipsis” design appearance to add to the all-new sedan’s timeless character. Finishing off the Giulia’s athletic appearance are nine available wheel designs that range from 17-inch, to larger and wider 19-inch staggered-fitting five-hole-design wheels that hark back to the brand’s stylistic heritage. Short overhangs and deck lid further emphasize the all-new Alfa Romeo Giulia’s muscular rear fender forms and road-holding stance. Elegantly shaped tail lamp features are drawn horizontally to highlight the performance sedan’s width, while LED rear light clusters further highlight Giulia’s use of advanced technologies. Finishing off the rear is a two-piece fascia that neatly integrates the chrome dual exhaust tips for a precise aesthetic. Crafted around the driver Built around the driver, Alfa Romeo Giulia designers focused on simplistic elegance, with a focus on incorporating the essential elements for performance. Inside, Giulia’s high-level of craftsmanship starts with an asymmetric-styled instrument panel, featuring a driver-focused cockpit crafted with an array of available leathers with accent stitching, plus trim bezels in aluminum, wood or carbon fiber – all for a bespoke look that could only be crafted in Italy. A Formula-1-inspired steering wheel features a thick-rim profile that transmits the chassis’ direct-steering feel and neatly groups the vehicle controls and the red engine start button. Behind the steering wheel, the Giulia features a full-color 7-inch DID cluster straddled by two large white-on-black face analog gauges. At the center of the interior, the brand’s all-new widescreen Alfa-tainment system in 6.5 inches, or larger 8.8 inches, offers an intuitive, yet sophisticated series of features all elegantly “hidden” in the instrument panel. Below, in the center console, the rotary controller is ergonomically located and features a simple operation of the Alfa-tainment system. Last, the Alfa DNA selector is adjacent to the manual or automatic shifter, enabling the driver to easily adjust the Alfa Romeo Giulia’s driving behavior. State-of-the-art engines are the heart and soul of Alfa Romeo technology and performance Adding to Giulia’s all-new-from-the-ground-up formula to take on the premium mid-size sedan segment are two all-new Alfa Romeo specific powertrains, which highlight the brand’s passion for technology and performance. Best-in-class 276 horsepower with all-new Alfa Romeo turbocharged four-cylinder engine Debuting in the all-new 2017 Giulia and Giulia Ti models, an all-new, 2.0-liter, direct-injection, all-aluminum, 16-valve, turbocharged and intercooled engine, designed specifically for Alfa Romeo, delivers a best-in-class 276 horsepower, 0-60 mph acceleration in less than 5.5 seconds, along with world-class levels of performance, efficiency and refinement. To deliver its best-in-class 276 horsepower output and flat torque curve of 295 lb.-ft. of torque between 2,250 – 4,500 rpm, the state-of-the-art engine features exceptional turbo responsiveness thanks to a “2-in-1” turbocharger design, with the charging system driven through two pipes that gather exhaust gas from pairs of cylinders in alternating sequence. Performance and fuel economy of these engines are fostered by the MultiAir electro-hydraulic variable valve actuation technology, the direct injection system with 200 bar injection pressure, a water-cooled cylinder head integrated manifold and a water-cooled charge air cooler. Most powerful Alfa Romeo production engine ever: 505-horsepower all-aluminum 2.9-liter bi-turbo V-6 With an Alfa Romeo racing history influenced by automotive legends like Enzo Ferrari that dates back to the 1920s, it’s no surprise that the all-new Giulia Quadrifoglio harks back to Alfa Romeo’s engineering excellence, with an all-aluminum, 2.9-liter, direct-injection bi-turbo V-6 as the “beating heart,” bringing this artisan designed vehicle to life and further representing a return to the “Great Alfa Romeos.” Designed to optimize the all-new lightweight Alfa Romeo architecture, the all-aluminum, 2.9-liter V-6 bi-turbo engine features a compact 90-degree layout and was holistically designed for a low center of gravity within the chassis. To deliver a best-in-class 505 horsepower and a flat torque curve with 443 lb.-ft. of peak torque between 2,500 – 5,500 rpm, the state-of-the-art engine features a bi-turbo design with 35 psi peak boost. In addition, the engine’s turbochargers are integrated into the exhaust manifold and feature a low-inertia, single-scroll turbo design with variable-boost management for an ultra-responsive throttle reaction. A direct injection system maximizes fuel combustion for improved engine output and efficiency. Combined, these technologies – along with an available enthusiast-desired short-shifting six-speed manual transmission – enable real-world performance numbers that include: best-in-class 0-60 mph in 3.8 seconds, 191 mph top speed and a record setting 7:39 Nürburgring lap time. For improved fuel efficiency and to take advantage of the all-aluminum 2.9-liter bi-turbo engine’s impressive power density of nearly 175 hp/L, the Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio features a Cylinders’ Efficient Management (CEM) deactivation system that enables the engine to run on three of its six cylinders. Furthermore, an innovative engine start/stop (ESS) system stops fuel flow and shuts the powertrain down when the Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio is at a full stop – reducing fuel consumption and emissions. When the brake pedal is released, the high-performance bi-turbo engine automatically restarts thanks to the ESS system’s high-speed, high-durability starter, which reduces crank time, culminating in quick restarts. Last, the engine features a variable-pressure oil pump to reduce operational energy draw. Alfa Q4 all-wheel drive adds even more all-season capability and performance to Giulia and Giulia Ti When equipped with the intelligent Alfa Q4 all-wheel-drive system, Giulia and Giulia Ti models deliver even more all-season traction and performance capability thanks to the system’s ability to transfer up to 60 percent of the 2.0-liter direct-injection all-aluminum turbo engine’s torque to the front axle. The innovative Alfa Q4 AWD system is linked to the Giulia’s Chassis Domain Controller (CDC) and driver-adjustable Alfa DNA – enabling the driveline’s next-generation integrated actuator to adapt to changing ground conditions or driver need in 150 milliseconds, and instantly optimize the required torque to each wheel. New eight-speed automatic transmission with available column-mounted paddle shifters, is designed for enthusiasts with gear shifts in less than 100 milliseconds The all-new Giulia is the first Alfa Romeo to receive the newest generation eight-speed automatic transmission co-developed with ZF. The innovative compact gear set design is obtained with a smart arrangement of components and by integrating functions: four planetary gear sets and only five shift elements (three multidisk clutches and two brakes) minimize the drag loss and increase the transmission efficiency, thanks to the new multidisk separation of brakes and the use of a parallel-axis vane-type oil pump. Energy efficiency is maximized by an optimized cooling strategy, which adjusts the cooling oil flow to the system pressure (only 3.5 bar max allowed pressure). The eight-speed automatic transmission’s shift-by-wire improves safety and comfort, while the integrated transmission control unit allows to shift faster and more precisely than a professional driver (less than 100 milliseconds to initiate a downshift when increased acceleration is desired) and enables nested multiple downshifts (such as 8th gear to 2nd gear) thanks to the most modern adaptive shift strategies. Best-in-class power-to-weight ratio thanks to an all-new architecture with extensive use of lightweight materials Alfa Romeo Giulia’s all-new rear-wheel-drive architecture extensively integrates lightweight, state-of-the-art materials that enable and deliver near perfect 50/50 weight distribution, segment-leading torsional rigidity and the most direct steering available. As the first of the Alfa Romeo product renaissance to feature the all-new “Giorgio” architecture, Alfa Romeo engineers designed a lightweight rear-wheel-drive platform with a low center of gravity – all to deliver the high-performance and precision expected from an Alfa Romeo. Alfa Romeo Giulia’s aluminum front and rear vehicle frames, front shock towers, brakes, suspension components, doors and fenders also help shed weight compared to conventional steel. In addition, the rear cross member is made from aluminum and composite. An Alfa Romeo exclusive double wishbone front suspension with semi-virtual steering axis guarantees rapid and accurate steering feel. With the most direct steering ratio in the segment (11.8:1), Alfa Romeo Giulia can tackle high lateral accelerations as a result of the always perfect footprint. At the rear, a patented Alfa-link rear axle design with vertical rod ensures top performance, driving pleasure and passenger ride comfort. Next-level, state-of-the-art technologies add to Alfa Romeo Giulia’s driving exhilaration A primary objective of the Alfa Romeo engineering team was to integrate world-first and next-level vehicle technological solutions that would only amplify the all-new Giulia’s exhilarating driving experience. Chassis Domain Control (CDC) The “brain” of Alfa Romeo Giulia’s benchmark level dynamics can be attributed to its innovative CDC system. The CDC system coordinates all of the vehicle’s available active systems (stability control, torque vectoring, Alfa Active suspension system and active aero front splitter), using predictive-type dynamic models to deliver balanced, safe and natural driving, thus optimizing performance and drivability. Integrated Braking System (IBS) The world’s first integrated braking system debuts on the Alfa Romeo Giulia, replacing a traditional system of electronic stability control (ESC) and brake booster for even more instantaneous braking responsiveness. The innovative electromechanical system improves braking performance through a faster increase in pressure and makes it possible to vary brake feel jointly with the Alfa DNA Pro system. As a result, this lightweight technological solution delivers new levels of brake response and stopping distance. Alfa DNA and Alfa DNA Pro drive mode selectors Innovative Alfa DNA and, exclusive to the Giulia Quadrifoglio, Alfa DNA Pro drive mode selectors modify the dynamic behavior of the vehicle, according to the driver’s selection: Dynamic: delivers sharper brake and steering feel with more aggressive engine, transmission and throttle tip-in calibrations Natural: comfort setting for balanced daily driving Advanced Efficiency: the eco-saving mode to achieve the lowest fuel consumption, first time on an Alfa Romeo Race: exclusive to Alfa DNA Pro, this mode activates the over-boost function, opens up the two-mode exhaust system, turns ESC off and delivers sharper brake and steering feel with more aggressive engine, transmission and throttle tip-in calibrations Active aero front splitter A segment-exclusive active aero front splitter instantaneously adjusts the carbon fiber front lip spoiler for optimal aerodynamics, downforce and stability at any speed. In addition to helping the Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio achieve a best-in-class 0.32 Cd, the dynamic front splitter with its two electric actuators can generate up to 220 pounds of downforce while operating between 62 mph and 143 mph. Torque vectoring Torque vectoring makes it possible for the Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio to achieve higher performance during lateral acceleration. The rear differential optimizes torque delivery to each wheel separately for improved power delivery, traction and control on all types of road surfaces, without cutting power like traditional systems. Alfa Active Suspension system The innovative Alfa Active Suspension systems are available on Giulia Ti and standard on the Giulia Quadrifoglio. This four-channel chassis damping system instantly adapts to driving conditions and can be adjusted by the driver via the Alfa DNA selector. This technology allows for a setting of softer shock absorbers for a more comfortable drive, or a more rigid setting, for more accuracy in sports driving. Safety and security The all-new Alfa Romeo Giulia offers innovative safety and security features and leverages state-of-the-art driver-assist features. The latest Alfa Romeo sedan offers safety and security features that include: Full-speed Forward Collision Warning – Plus: provides autonomous braking and, under certain circumstances, slows or brings the vehicle to a full stop when frontal collision appears imminent Adaptive Cruise Control – Plus with Full Stop: helps maintain distance from the vehicle ahead and, under certain traffic conditions, the system can bring the Giulia to a full stop without driver intervention Lane Departure Warning: alerts the driver of inadvertent lane departure To help rear visibility both on the road and in parking situations, Blind-spot Monitoring, Rear Cross Path detection and front- and rear-park assist sensors are offered on Giulia. In addition, the Alfa Romeo Giulia features advanced multistage driver and front-passenger air bags; driver and front-passenger seat-mounted side air bags (pelvic-thorax); front and rear side curtain air bags; and driver and front-passenger inflatable knee air bags. Bespoke from Italy: a vivid array of colors, materials and design details Adding to the excitement of owning an Alfa Romeo Giulia are the personalization options that each enthusiast can select directly from Italy. Up to 13 exterior colors are available and include: Rosso Alfa (Red), Alfa Black, Alfa White, Vulcano Black Metallic, Silverstone Gray Metallic, Montecarlo Blue Metallic, Vesuvio Gray Metallic, Imola Titanium Metallic, Stromboli Gray Metallic, Lipari Gray Metallic, Monza Red Metallic, Trofeo White Tri-Coat and Rosso Competizione Red Tri-Coat. Inside, a variety of interior combinations are available across the Alfa Romeo Giulia model lineup. Five different seat styles, including two sport seats, plus four different interior trims, which include genuine Dark Gray Oak, Light Walnut and brushed aluminum, can also be selected. Exclusive to Giulia Quadrifoglio, an array of five premium leather and Alcantara interior combinations paired with carbon fiber are available. First, an all-Black interior with a choice of Black, White and Green or Red accent stitching. A two-tone Black with Red interior with Red accent stitching further highlights the brand’s Italian design. For a bespoke look, Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio also offers a two-tone Black with Ice interior combination with signature Green and White Quadrifoglio accent stitching that pulls from Alfa Romeo’s historic and high-performance logo. Nine wheel designs are available across the Giulia lineup, ranging in size from 17 inches to 19 inches in diameter, along with Light and Dark Gray finishes. Specific to the Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio are staggered fitting 19 x 8.5-inch (front) and 19 x 10-inch (rear) lightweight forged aluminum “Technico” wheels in Light or optional Dark Gray finish. In addition, Alfa Romeo’s signature five-hole-design alloy wheels in Light or Dark Gray finish are also available. For audiophile customers, Alfa Romeo Giulia offers the sophisticated Sound Theatre by Harman Kardon, which delivers detail-rich audio output. The heart of the Sound Theatre system is a 900-watt 12-channel class D amplifier, which distributes clear sound through a system of 14 speakers for superior listening quality. Logic 7 sound technology is used to obtain a surround effect from different high-resolution sources and harmoniously uniform stereo playback. With this sound system, occupants can experience the premium quality for which Harman Kardon is famed. View full article

1. Volvo XC90 T6 Inscription (2.0L four-cylinder super and turbocharged) 2. Volkswagen Golf R (Turbo 2.0L) 3. Honda Accord Sport (2.4L 16-Valve four-cylinder) 4. Porsche 718 Boxster (Turbo 2.0L) 5. BMW 328d Sports Wagon (2.0L Turbodiesel)

Chevrolet's showing for New York is the updated 2017 Sonic. Both the hatchback and sedan get new fascias that borrow heavily from the new Bolt and Cruze. Up front are new headlights with LED running lights, chrome trim, dual grilles, and a sculpted hood. Around back are a set of single-unit taillights. Wheel sizes range from 15 to 17-inches. We're a bit worried the exterior updates have taken away some of the personality from the Sonic, but we will withhold judgment until we see it in person. Inside, Chevrolet has swapped the digital gauge cluster for one with an analog speedometer. There is also an updated version of Chevrolet's MyLink infotainment system, keyless start, available heated cloth seats, and a heated steering wheel. Powertrains carry over from the existing model, with a 1.8L four-cylinder as the base and a turbocharged 1.4L four-cylinder as an option. Chevrolet will offer the Sonic sedan in LS, LT and Premier trims. The Sonic hatchback will come in the RS trim only, with two versions - RS LT and RS Premier. Pricing and release date for the 2017 Chevrolet Sonic hasn't been announced. Source: Chevrolet Press Release is on Page 2 Chevrolet Introduces 2017 Sonic Fresh look, segment-first Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility lead changes NEW YORK – Chevrolet today introduced the 2017 Sonic – a more expressive, sporty take on the brand’s fun-to-drive small car. It offers big technologies such as a new MyLink system with segment-exclusive Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, and a fresh exterior with new LED signature lighting. The updated styling complements new comfort and convenience features such as an available heated steering wheel and a standard 7-inch-diagonal color touchscreen for the new MyLink system. Rear Park Assist is also new, adding to one of the most comprehensive safety packages in the segment. “The new styling and features of the 2017 Sonic reinforce its position as a fun, efficient small car with leading technology – all at an affordable price,” said Steve Majoros, director of marketing, Chevrolet Cars and Crossovers. “This is an important segment for Chevrolet, as we really have an opportunity to introduce ourselves to new buyers and show them what we’re all about.” Like the new Trax, Sonic brings new, younger customers to the brand, with more than 20 percent of them younger than 35 – and nearly 30 percent trading in non-GM vehicles. It is also Chevrolet’s top vehicle for first-time new buyers. The 2017 Sonic goes on sale this fall, offered in LS, LT and Premier trims on sedan models. The hatchback returns exclusively in RS guise, offered in LT and Premier trims. An RS package is also available on the sedan. Refined design Sonic’s athletic exterior has an entirely new, expressive look echoing the global Chevrolet cues seen on vehicles such as the Cruze, Bolt EV and 2017 Trax. It is a richer, more detailed design, with the front end featuring a new hood, new front fascia and new lighting elements. Projector-beam headlamps are standard, along with available LED daytime running lamps. Likewise, the rear fascia is new. “With its trademark wheels-at-the-corners stance, the dramatic changes to the Sonic’s design give it and even sportier stance and attitude,” said Justin Thompson, exterior design manager. There are also new 15-, 16- and 17-inch wheel designs and four new exterior colors offered in 2017: Orange Burst Metallic, Brimstone, Cajun Red Tintcoat and Arctic Blue Metallic (late availability). Interior and technology enhancements Sonic’s thoughtful interior retains its focus on delivering comfort, convenience and technology. A new, detailed gauge cluster incorporating an analog speedometer adds a higher degree of refinement to the cabin, complementing addition new comfort and convenience features. For 2017, Sonic becomes the first in its segment to offer a power driver’s seat. Additional new features include: Keyless Open and Start Available heated cloth seats with new heated steering wheel RS trim includes RS-logo floor mats, piano black décor, RS-badged flat-bottom steering wheel – with new, red cloth seating available. Also new is a 7-inch-diagonal infotainment system designed to support the latest connectivity technologies, including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility and 4G LTE with Wi-Fi hotspot. With the available 4G LTE connection, Sonic provides a Wi-Fi hotspot that allows passengers to connect up to seven compatible devices such as smartphones, laptops and tablets, to high-speed wireless Internet. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility is subject to their terms, privacy statements and data plan rates, as well as a compatible smartphone. Safety first Sonic offers safety features designed to alert drivers to potential crash situations. Forward Collision Alert and Lane Departure Warning are available active safety features. Sonic also offers 10 standard air bags, Stabilitrak electronic stability control and an antilock braking system to help provide peace of mind. Rear Park Assist is new for 2017 and a rearview camera is now standard on all models. Turbocharged performance The Sonic’s standard Ecotec 1.8L engine is estimated to deliver similar fuel economy numbers for the 2017 model year, however official EPA estimates are not yet available. Sonic’s fun-driving spirit returns with an available Ecotec 1.4L turbo engine, backed by a six-speed automatic or manual transmission. Rated at 138 horsepower (102 kW). View full article