William Maley

This is the Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk and before you ask, it doesn't have the 707 horsepower Hellcat V8. Jalopnik's Truck Yeah was the first to report on these pictures that leaked out last night. Much like the Cherokee and Renegade Trailhawk, the Grand Cherokee Trailhawk gets some improvements to make it more capable off road. There appears to be a suspension lift (we're guessing about an inch), a set of Goodyear off-road tires, skid plates, and tow hooks finished in red. We'll have more details when Chrysler unveils the Grand Cherokee Trailhawk next week at the New York Auto Show. Source: Truck Yeah! View full article

A historic commitment was announced today by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, and twenty automakers to make automatic emergency braking (AEB) standard by 2022. “It’s an exciting time for vehicle safety. By proactively making emergency braking systems standard equipment on their vehicles, these 20 automakers will help prevent thousands of crashes and save lives. It’s a win for safety and a win for consumers," said U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx. This agreement comes as a result of mounting evidence that AEB systems can cut rear-end crashes by as much as 40 percent. Back in September, NHTSA and IIHS announced that ten automakers - Audi, BMW, Ford, General Motors, Mazda, Mercedes-Benz, Tesla, Toyota, Volkswagen, and Volvo - agreed to have AEB systems standard on all their vehicles in the future. Since then, the various groups have been working out various details of the agreement. Plus, another ten automakers - Fiat Chrysler, Honda, Hyundai, Jaguar Land Rover, Kia, Maserati, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Porsche, and Subaru - have added their names. All told, this group represents about 99 percent of U.S. light-vehicle sales. The key thing to keep in mind is this isn't a government mandate. It is agreement between the between automakers and the government, something NHTSA says will cause widespread adoption three years sooner than a formal rule. The agreement will come into effect in two phases. Phase 1 will require all vehicles with a gross weight under 8,500 pounds to have AEB by September 1, 2022. Phase 2 requires vehicles with a gross weight between 8,501 and 10,000 pounds to have AEB by September 1, 2025. Source: NHTSA Press Release is on Page 2 U.S. DOT and IIHS announce historic commitment of 20 automakers to make automatic emergency braking standard on new vehicles Thursday, March 17, 2016 McLEAN, Va. – The U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety announced today a historic commitment by 20 automakers representing more than 99 percent of the U.S. auto market to make automatic emergency braking a standard feature on virtually all new cars no later than NHTSA’s 2022 reporting year, which begins Sept 1, 2022. Automakers making the commitment are Audi, BMW, FCA US LLC, Ford, General Motors, Honda, Hyundai, Jaguar Land Rover, Kia, Maserati, Mazda, Mercedes-Benz, Mitsubishi Motors, Nissan, Porsche, Subaru, Tesla Motors Inc., Toyota, Volkswagen and Volvo Car USA. The unprecedented commitment means that this important safety technology will be available to more consumers more quickly than would be possible through the regulatory process. AEB systems help prevent crashes or reduce their severity by applying the brakes for the driver. The systems use on-vehicle sensors such as radar, cameras or lasers to detect an imminent crash, warn the driver and apply the brakes if the driver does not take sufficient action quickly enough. NHTSA estimates that the agreement will make AEB standard on new cars three years faster than could be achieved through the formal regulatory process. During those three years, according to IIHS estimates, the commitment will prevent 28,000 crashes and 12,000 injuries. “It’s an exciting time for vehicle safety. By proactively making emergency braking systems standard equipment on their vehicles, these 20 automakers will help prevent thousands of crashes and save lives,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx. “It’s a win for safety and a win for consumers." Based on mounting evidence that AEB effectively reduced crashes and injuries in the U.S. and around the world, NHTSA and IIHS issued a challenge to industry in September 2015 to encourage automakers to voluntarily make AEB a standard feature. A series of meetings followed to establish details of the commitment. “IIHS member companies strongly support the adoption of effective safety technologies,” said IIHS Board Chairman and CEO of American Family Insurance, Jack Salzwedel. “Deploying AEB on a wide scale will allow us to further evaluate the technology’s effectiveness and its impact on insurance losses, so that more insurers can explore offering discounts or lower premiums to consumers who choose AEB-equipped vehicles.” “We’re getting these safety systems into vehicles much faster than what would have been otherwise possible,” said NHTSA Administrator, Dr. Mark Rosekind. “A commitment of this magnitude is unprecedented, and it will bring more safety to more Americans sooner.” “The benefits of this commitment are far reaching,” said IIHS Executive Vice President and Chief Research Officer David Zuby. “From injuries and deaths averted to the recovery of productivity that would otherwise be lost in traffic jams caused by the crashes prevented. It also assures that all Americans will benefit from this technology.” “With roadway fatalities on the rise, the commitment made today has the potential to save more lives than almost anything else we can accomplish in the next six years," said Deborah A.P. Hersman, president and CEO of the National Safety Council, who attended today’s announcement. "Including all models in the agreement ensures that safety isn't for just those who can afford it." NHTSA and IIHS also announced that Consumer Reports will assist in monitoring automaker progress toward meeting the AEB commitment. Jake Fisher, Director of Auto Testing for Consumer Reports, said, “We have been calling on automakers to make automatic emergency braking standard in all new vehicles, and today is an important step toward reaching that goal. This proven technology is among the most promising safety advances we’ve seen since electronic stability control almost two decades ago. We look forward to working with NHTSA and IIHS to help put this plan into action and hold automakers accountable for their commitments.” Today’s commitment will make AEB standard on virtually all light-duty cars and trucks with a gross vehicle weight of 8,500 lbs. or less beginning no later than Sept. 1, 2022. AEB will be standard on virtually all trucks with a gross vehicle weight between 8,501 lbs. and 10,000 lbs. beginning no later than Sept. 1, 2025. As NHTSA continues its regulatory work in this area, NHTSA will track the progress industry is making towards its commitment. The commitment takes into account the evolution of AEB technology. It requires a level of functionality that is in line with research and crash data demonstrating that such systems are substantially reducing crashes, but does not stand in the way of improved capabilities that are just beginning to emerge. The performance measures are based on real world data showing that vehicles with this level of capability are avoiding crashes. To encourage further development of AEB technology, NHTSA will accelerate its research on more advanced AEB applications, including systems that reduce the risk of collisions with pedestrians. In December, NHTSA announced plans to rate AEB systems and other advanced technologies under its 5-Star Safety Ratings beginning in model year 2018. View full article

So I could list out five Ford Fiesta STs in different colors? I'm kidding. I would have about four cars, all of them sold in the U.S. Ford Fiesta ST Honda Civic EX Turbo (1.5L Turbo) Volkswagen Golf Sportwagen TSI SE Kia Optima LX 1.6T

Toyota is beginning the sunsetting process of the Scion brand with the FR-S. Next week at the New York Auto Show, Toyota will debut the redesigned 2017 86 - a name that is also used for the Asia, Australia South Africa, and South America markets. For the exterior, Toyota has added a larger air intake, bumpers, and LED lighting. The interior gets a new three-spoke steering wheel with audio controls and a new “Grandlux” material is used for the door panels and dash. Under the hood, the 2.0L flat-four has seen an increase in power from 200 horsepower and 153 pound-feet of torque to 205 and 158 respectively. This is due to a revised intake system and reducing pumping losses in the engine. It should be noted this is only for the manual transmission model. The 86 automatic sticks with the original power figures. Speaking of the manual, Toyota has changed the gear ratios to improve overall response. Also, the spring rates and damper settings have been adjusted to improve handling. The 2017 Toyota 86 arrives at dealers this fall. Source: Toyota Press Release is on Page 2 Toyota to 86 the FR-S Name New Toyota 86 and Charismatic C-HR Concept on Display at New York Auto Show TORRANCE, Calif., March 17, 2016 – With its new home comes a new name and more. The former Scion FR-S will debut as the 2017 Toyota 86 at the New York International Auto Show with interior and exterior changes, as well as suspension and powertrain upgrades. The new Toyota 86 will go on sale at all Toyota dealerships this fall. “When we announced the transition of the Scion models to Toyota we hadn’t planned on changing the names of our cars, but by popular demand, for our sports car, we decided to adopt the global name of 86,” said Toyota Division Group Vice President, Bill Fay. “Enthusiasts have a strong association with the front-engine, rear-drive heritage of the ‘hachi-roku’ and the dynamic performance it offers.” In addition to the Toyota 86 name change, two other Scion vehicles will have new designations for 2017. The Toyota Corolla iM and Toyota Yaris iA will join Toyota’s small car line-up. For its move to Toyota, the 86 sports car adopts more aggressive styling with a larger center intake emphasizing the low, wide stance of the car. The front of the car has a new design with re-configured LED front headlamps and turn signals, and revised bumper. The rear now sports LED tail lamps and a new bumper design. The alloy wheels feature a twisted spoke design and 86 logos have been incorporated into a badge on the front fender, as well as inside the front headlamps. The interior also features the 86 logo on the new “Grandlux” material used on the instrument panel surround. The same material adds a new, soft feel to the door trim. Drivers also will enjoy new seating material with silver stitching and a sporty steering wheel with integrated audio controls and an 86 logo on the center hub. Enhanced control and agile performance are achieved through revised shock tuning and a spring rate change. On the manual version of the car, additional performance comes from a gear ratio change and a torque increase to 156 lb.-ft, as well as a five-horsepower increase to 205 hp. Hill Start Assist Control (HAC) helps prevent the car from rolling back on steep hills. The new Toyota 86 also will be featured in Formula Drift with racers Ken Gushi and Ryan Tuerck. The drivers, along with Series Champion Frederic Aasbo, will be defending the SR by Toyota race team’s 2015 Manufacturers’ Championship. Joining the Toyota 86 on the show floor will be the Toyota C-HR Concept. The U.S. production version of the C-HR will be shown later this year and the vehicle will go on sale in spring 2017 as a 2018 model. “We’re very excited to be showing the C-HR Concept as a Toyota and adding it to our line-up next year,” said Fay. “The style and substance of the production C-HR will make it a winner in the hottest segment in the industry.” The C-HR Concept is named for its Compact size and High Ride height. With four doors and a hatch for supreme functionality, it’s the perfect vehicle for “yuccies,” the young urban creatives who inspired the design. Underneath the captivating design of the C-HR is a platform featuring Toyota’s New Global Architecture (TNGA). TNGA is an innovative and integrated approach to developing new platforms and powertrains for Toyota. It creates a lower center of gravity, increased body rigidity, more responsive handling and improved ride comfort. “Even though the C-HR has a high ride height, our focus was on creating a fantastic urban driving car,” said C-HR Chief Engineer Hiro Koba. “My favorite place to be on a weekend is at a race track and I wanted to build a car that I would have just as much fun driving in the city during the week with refined driving comfort and responsive, precise steering.” More information about the technical specifications for the C-HR will be available when the production version debuts later this year. View full article

Apparently Mercedes-Benz isn't done with expanding the AMG lineup. Last night, Mercedes revealed the GLC43 that will be debuting next week at the New York Auto Show. Much like the C43 sedan and coupe, the GLC43 packs 3.0L twin-turbo V6 producing 362 horsepower and 384 pound-feet of torque. This is paired up with a nine-speed automatic transmission and a rear-biased version of Mercedes' 4Matic all-wheel drive system. Performance figures for the GLC43 stand at 4.8 seconds to reach 60 mph and a limited top speed of 155 mph. Mercedes has done a bit of work underneath the GLC43's skin with a new sport-tuned air suspension with adaptive damping, larger brakes, new steering knuckles, and stiffer bushing. The exterior is much the same as the C43 with a diamond grille, 20-inch alloy wheels finished in black, and a rear diffuser. Sales of the GLC43 kick off towards the end of this year. Source: Mercedes-Benz Press Release is on Page 2 The new Mercedes-AMG GLC43 First mid-size SUV from AMG in Affalterbach March 16, 2016 - Affalterbach. The mid-size SUV model series gains a particularly dynamic addition in the form of the new Mercedes-AMG GLC43. The 362 hp 3.0-liter V6 Biturbo engine, the 9G-TRONIC automatic transmission with shortened shift times and AMG Performance 4MATIC all-wheel drive configured with a rear bias form the basis for an especially dynamic on-road driving experience. The autonomous design and the specially tuned sport suspension on the basis of AIR BODY CONTROL with adaptive damping adjustment underline the affiliation to the Mercedes-AMG world of Driving Performance. Following the record sales in 2015 Mercedes-AMG remains on a path of growth: the product range will be extended at high speed in 2016. "With the new AMG GLC43 we are offering an AMG model in the mid-size SUV segment for the first time. The new SUV from Affalterbach marks the pinnacle of the GLC product range and in the AMG portfolio it closes the gap between the GLA and GLE," says Tobias Moers, CEO at Mercedes-AMG GmbH. The 3.0-liter V6 Biturbo engine is used in numerous AMG performance models and delivers 362 hp plus a maximum torque of 384 lb-ft. The AMG GLC43 sprints from 0 to 60 mph in 4.8 seconds and its speed is electronically limited to 155 mph. The newly developed front axle, the taut elastokinematics and the highly precise AMG speed- sensitive sport steering make a substantial contribution to the agile driving experience. The standard highlights 3.0-liter V6 Biturbo engine with modified engine management, increased boost pressure and significantly enhanced dynamics and responsiveness 9G-TRONIC automatic transmission with double-declutching function during downshifts and particularly short response times in "Sport Plus" mode AMG Performance 4MATIC all-wheel drive with rear-biased torque distribution of 31 to 69 percent (front axle to rear axle) Specially tuned sport suspension based on AIR BODY CONTROL with adaptive damping adjustment and AMG DYNAMIC SELECT switch for dynamic, individually selectable driving experience with five drive programs and AMG- specific parameterization Three-stage Electronic Stability Program ESP® Front axle with newly developed steering knuckles and load-bearing joints on the spring link. Elastokinematic adjustments on the links Rear axle with elastokinematics tailored to higher driving dynamics Large braking system with internally ventilated compound brake discs, perforated at the front with a diameter of 14.2" and 12.6" at the rear AMG styling with distinctive front and rear bumpers as well as special tailpipes Diamond radiator grille with chrome pins and louvers in high-gloss black 20-inch AMG light-alloy wheels in a 5-spoke design, painted high-gloss black with a high-sheen finish AMG instrument cluster with "checkered flag" design with 180 mph scale Multifunction sports steering wheel in leather with deep embossing in grip area, flattened bottom section, with red contrasting topstitching High on power, low on consumption: the AMG 3.0-liter V6 Biturbo engine The AMG 3.0-liter V6 Biturbo engine is characterized by a powerful output together with low consumption and emissions. Installed close to the engine, the two turbochargers are able to provide power without delay. The high power output of 362 hp is attributable to, among other things, a higher boost pressure of 15 psi. Together with the 384 lb-ft torque from 2000-4200 rpm the engine unleashes high levels dynamism and responsiveness. The NANOSLIDE® coating on the cylinder liners was also enhanced in the Mercedes-Benz Formula 1 V6 hybrid turbo engines. Especially tough and wear-resistant, this coating also reduces friction and contributes to higher efficiency. The same applies to the spray-guided multiple injection with up to 2900 psi of fuel pressure. The AMG powerplant can be identified by the red aluminum insert on the engine cover. Short shift times, high efficiency: the 9G-TRONIC The 9G-TRONIC automatic transmission is especially matched to the demands of the AMG GLC43. Thanks to the model-specific software application, the AMG developers managed to reduce the shift times of the 9-speed transmission. The multiple downshift allows even faster short bursts of speed, while the double-declutching function in the "Sport" and "Sport Plus" transmission modes makes for an even more emotional driving experience. Ignition adjustments provide faster gearshifts than in "Eco" and "Comfort" modes. "Manual" mode can be selected using a button in the center console. The gear changes are based on the selected transmission mode, and the driver can change gear using the paddles on the steering wheel. The transmission stays in the selected gear and does not automatically shift up when the engine speed reaches the limit. More agility: the sport suspension based on AIR BODY CONTROL For more agility, improved cornering characteristics and higher traction even in intensive use, developers in Affalterbach have designed a sport suspension based on the AIR BODY CONTROL air suspension. Also specifically adapted, the Adaptive Damping system ADS PLUS can be adjusted in the three stages: "Comfort," "Sport" and "Sport Plus." The four-link front axle is fitted with special steering knuckles and load-bearing joints; all components have been optimized in terms of rigidity. A more negative camber on the front axle and on the multi-link rear axle enhances lateral dynamics. The elastokinematics of both axles have been designed to be more rigid in general. The sum of these measures improves agility and boosts overall dynamics. Rear-biased and agile: AMG Performance 4MATIC The all-wheel drive AMG Performance 4MATIC is characterized by the rear-biased torque distribution of 31 percent at the front axle to 69 percent at the rear axle. This configuration ensures more driving dynamics and higher lateral acceleration on the road plus improved traction during acceleration. Characteristics at the tap of a finger: AMG DYNAMIC SELECT With the five AMG DYNAMIC SELECT transmission modes Eco, Comfort, Sport, Sport Plus and Individual, the driver can tailor the characteristics of the AMG GLC43 to individual preferences at the tap of a finger. The available range extends from efficient and comfortable to extremely sporty. This modifies key parameters, such as the response of the engine, transmission, suspension and steering. Independently of the DYNAMIC SELECT transmission modes, the driver has the option of pressing the "M" button to switch directly to manual mode, in which gearshifts are executed exclusively using the shift paddles on the steering wheel. The AMG DYNAMIC SELECT drive programs "Sport" and "Sport Plus" are even more strongly configured for driving dynamics on the AMG GLC43 than on the series- production models. This is thanks to the more agile, direct accelerator characteristic, more emotive gear shifting with shortened shift times and double-declutching function. A higher idle speed facilitates even faster acceleration from standstill. In order to increase efficiency, in "Eco" mode the ECO start/stop function and the sailing function reduce fuel consumption: when the driver releases the accelerator in a speed range between 37 and 99 mph, the clutch is disengaged and the engine is decoupled from the powertrain. The electronics reduce the engine speed to idle level, and the driving resistance is reduced by the compression and frictional forces of the engine in overrun mode. Direct and with clear feedback: speed-sensitive sports steering The speed-sensitive sport steering has a variable ratio in the AMG GLC43. It stands out with its precise, highly authentic feedback. The steering power assistance is variable in the "Comfort" or "Sport" tuning. The relevant characteristics are automatically activated depending on the selected AMG DYNAMIC SELECT transmission mode or can be personalized in "Individual" mode. The large-dimensioned braking system with interior-ventilated compound brake discs decelerates the AMG GLC43 reliably and quickly. At the front axle perforated discs sized 14.2" x 1.4" with 4-piston fixed calipers and AMG lettering are used, and 12.6" x 0.9"at the rear axle. Sporty and distinctive: the exterior design The autonomous design is enhanced with silver chrome colored and high-gloss black features. The diamond radiator grille features chrome-plated pins, a louver in high-gloss black with inserts in high-gloss chrome and AMG lettering. The sportily distinctive air intakes in the AMG front bumper feature fins in silver chrome. Down below, the silver chrome front splitter ensures an optimal flow of air to the cooling modules. High-gloss black-painted, high-sheen 20-inch AMG multi-spoke light-alloy wheels dominate the side view. The mixed-size tires with the dimensions 255/45 R 20 on 8 x 20 at the front axle and 285/40 R 20 on 9.5 x 20 at the rear axle emphasize the sporty appearance. There are also high-gloss black door mirror caps and the silver-colored "BITURBO 4MATIC" lettering on the front fenders. The tail end also sports characteristic highlights and exudes sporty, aesthetic appeal with two four-pipe chromed tailpipe trims. The AMG-specific rear apron sports trim in silver chrome. Sporty look with model-specific details: the interior design The interior reinforces the consistently dynamic bias with numerous specially designed details. Ideal for a committed driving style, the multifunction sports steering wheel in black leather features a flattened bottom section and red contrasting topstitching. The driver and front passenger find a secure position in the sport seats even when driving at speed, thanks to the improved lateral support. With two large round dials and central color multifunction display with a 5.5" diagonal the AMG instrument cluster places all the important information in the driver's field of vision. The ECO display supports a fuel-saving driving style. Dials in a checkered-flag look and the distinctive typography lend the large displays an especially sporty touch. Optional features with a sporty emphasis The sporty character of the AMG GLC43 is also emphasized by a wide range of optionally available equipment ranges from performance seats with increased lateral support, to through leather upholstery, carbon-fiber trim, a Night package and 21-inch wheels in a bi-color design. The new Mercedes-AMG GLC43 celebrates its world premiere in March 2016 at the New York International Auto Show and will be on sale in US dealerships by the end of 2016. View full article

Are we really going to start arguing about how front-wheel drive is the greatest evil in luxury cars again?