William Maley

The Nissan Armada was a dinosaur in the brand's SUV lineup and we're not talking about the size. The current model has been with us since 2004 and has changed very little. We were wondering if anything was going to happen, especially the sister car - the Infiniti QX80 - had been updated a couple years ago. Tonight, Nissan answered this question with a new Armada for 2017. The new Armada looks very similar to the QX80 in terms of overall looks. The only difference is a new front end that comes from the Titan. Wheel sizes range from 18 to 20 inches. Compared to the outgoing model, the 2017 Armada is 1.2 inches longer, 0.6 inches wider, rides 2.2 inches lower, and features a smaller wheelbase. Move inside and the similarities to the QX80 continue with both models sharing the same dash design and layout. All trims get heated seats, navigation, dual-zone climate control, and push-button start. Seating ranges from eight on the SV and SL trims, to seven on the top of the line Platinum (second row captain chairs). Power comes from an updated 5.6L Endurance V8 producing 390 horsepower and 401 pound-feet of torque. Yes, this the same engine you'll find under the hood of the Titan and Titan XD starting this April. A seven-speed automatic comes standard, and there is a choice between two-wheel and four-wheel drive. Nissan says with either layout, the Armada can tow up to 8,500 pounds. Nissan says the Armada will be available at dealers later this summer. Pricing will be announced at a later time. Source: Nissan You can follow our coverage of 2016 Chicago Auto Show News here. Press Release is on Page 2 2017 Nissan Armada full-size SUV makes world debut at Chicago Auto Show Designed for full-size family adventures, the 2017 Armada offers new exterior and interior designs, along with enhanced performance from new 390-horsepower 5.6-liter Endurance® V8 and 7-speed automatic transmission Features class-exclusive* available safety and security features, including Predictive Forward Collision Warning, Blind Spot Intervention, Backup Collision Intervention and Around View® Monitor with Moving Object Detection The new generation of Nissan's flagship SUV is due to arrive in summer 2016 Will be on display at Chicago's McCormick Place, Feb. 13th through 21st CHICAGO – Nissan debuted the all-new 2017 Armada full-size SUV this evening prior to its upcoming appearance at the 2016 Chicago Auto Show, the largest auto show in North America. Nissan is also displaying a trio of "Winter Warriors," custom-built Pathfinder, Murano and Rogue models equipped with special snow tracks in place of their wheels and tires. The new Armada features a fresh exterior design, a comfortable full-feature cabin, enhanced performance and an extensive list of available safety and convenience features – including Predictive Forward Collision Warning (PFCW), Backup Collision Intervention (BCI), Intelligent Cruise Control (ICC) and Distance Control Assist (DCA), Lane Departure Prevention (LDP), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Blind Spot Intervention (BSI) and Blind Spot Warning (BSW). "With the introduction of the all-new, second-generation Armada full-size SUV, the last piece of Nissan's transformation of its SUV and crossover lineup falls into place following the recent makeovers of our Pathfinder, Murano and Rogue models," said Phil O'Connor, Director, Chief Marketing Manager, Nissan North America, Inc. "We're particularly proud that with this new Armada we're setting a new standard in class, offering advanced safety and security features usually reserved for much higher priced luxury sedans or premium SUVs." The 2017 Nissan Armada The new Armada also continues the nameplate's reputation for value and choice, offering a range of three high-content grade levels – SV, SL and Platinum – in both 2-wheel and 4-wheel drive configurations. In addition, the 2017 Armada offers an exceptional array of standard features, including Nissan Navigation with NavTraffic and NavWeather information (SiriusXM® subscription required, sold separately) and 8.0-inch color display, heated front seats and 13-speaker Bose® audio system. The all-new Armada is built on the heritage of the Nissan Patrol, which has been a workhorse for the world for many decades. While it is intended primarily for family adventures here in North America, Armada remains true to its roots as a strong, durable and authentic full-size, 8-passenger SUV. As part of its adventure-ready spirit, the new Armada offers standard towing capacity of 8,500 pounds for both 4WD and 2WD models (when properly equipped). Armada's redesigned body features an aggressive stance with bold V-motion front grille and standard LED low-beam headlights and signature LED Daytime Running Lights – maintaining the previous generation's rugged, athletic image but with added contemporary style. In the rear, bold combination lights include LED taillights. Inside, the 2017 Armada combines style, roominess and premium interior comfort – including special emphasis on quietness and quick interior cooling and heating. "Library level" interior noise levels (at idle) are achieved through the use of acoustic glass on the windshield and the front side windows, as well as through expanded use (versus the previous generation) of sound absorption materials. The new Endurance V8, while maintaining the same 5.6-liter displacement as its predecessor, offers an increase in horsepower to 390 from the previous 317, thanks in part to the addition of several advanced technologies – including new Direct Injection Gas (DIG™) and advanced VVEL (Variable Valve Event & Lift) systems. Also new is the advanced 7-speed automatic transmission, which replaces the previous 5-speed automatic. View full article

And the hatchback makes for three. Next month at the Geneva Motor Show, Honda will introduce a concept version of the 10th Generation Civic Hatchback. The teaser photo Honda released matches up perfectly with the Civic Coupe shown at the LA Auto Show. The C-shaped taillights and a similarly styled lid lead us to this conclusion. Don't expect the center mounted exhaust to come into production. Honda says the production model will begin production in Europe in early 2017 with sales beginning sometime after. The U.S. will also be getting the Civic, though a timeframe hasn't been given at the moment. Source: Honda Press Release is on Page 2 Honda Civic Hatchback Prototype Set For Worldwide Debut at the 2016 Geneva Motor Show Global premiere of Civic Hatchback Prototype redefines Honda’s core European model Clarity Fuel Cell to make European debut European customer deliveries of NSX to start in 2016 New Jazz concept turns on the style Honda is set to unveil the next step in the renewal of its European car range at the 2016 Geneva Motor Show, including the global premiere of the Civic Hatchback Prototype. Civic Hatchback Prototype The Civic Hatchback Prototype receives its global premiere at Geneva Motor Show, previewing the exterior design of the all-new hatchback model, scheduled for a European launch in early 2017. Produced at Honda of the UK Manufacturing (HUM), the car will be exported to global markets, including the US. Clarity Fuel Cell The Clarity Fuel Cell will make its European debut at Geneva, following its global unveil at Tokyo motor show in October last year. Clarity Fuel Cell is the world’s first production fuel cell saloon to house the entire fuel cell powertrain under the bonnet. With a range of up-to 435 miles (700 km)*, the Clarity Fuel Cell achieves best-in-class range while its unique packaging allows an interior design to offer seating for five, a first for a fuel cell saloon. NSX Following the announcement of the start of customer sales in the US at Detroit motor show, Honda confirms the first European customer deliveries for the Honda NSX will begin in 2016. The NSX features classic low and wide proportions married to modern and alluring surfacing, an aggressive front design, and rear lights that pay homage to the original NSX. The new hybrid supercar has an all-new mid-mounted DOHC V6 engine with twin turbochargers mated to a specially-developed nine-speed DCT. Jazz ‘Keenlight’ Concept Honda will also demonstrate a new design concept model of the popular Jazz. The new Keenlight concept seeks to highlight the potential for customising Jazz, using sleek design elements, special decals and a unique colour named ‘Keenlight’. CRF1000L Africa Twin Inheriting the “go anywhere” spirit of its celebrated predecessors, the all-new CRF1000L Africa Twin packs an innovative and powerful parallel twin-cylinder engine into a lightweight, agile chassis ready for true adventure both on and off road, whether crossing continents or commuting. View full article

Sadly that green color is just only a pre-production thing as Automobile reported.

Just when you thought it was safe to go back onto the racetrack, Chevrolet has announced the return of the 1LE package for the Camaro. Debuting tomorrow at the Chicago Auto Show, the 2017 Camaro 1LE will be available for the V8 and for the first time, the V6. Let us break down what you get with either engine. LT 1LE The V6 1LE - available on the LT - gets some equipment from the SS 1LE. This includes a new fuel system and the FE3 suspension package with stabilizer bars. Other items for LT 1LE include a mechanical limited slip differential, upgraded cooling system four-piston Brembo brakes for the front, 20-inch lightweight aluminum wheels, and set of Goodyear Eagle F1 tires. A black satin hood and suede interior accents dress up the 1LE. Optional will be a set of Recaro seats and Performance Data Recorder. SS 1LE The SS 1LE comes with the new FE4 suspension package with magnetic ride control, electronic limited slip differential, six-piston Brembo brakes on all four corners, 20-inch wheels, and a Goodyear Eagle F1 Supercar tires specifically developed for this vehicle. Upgraded cooling systems for the V8 engine, transmission, and differential come standard. A set of Recaro bucket seats and a head-up display finish the interior. “The Camaro 1LE packages follow a recipe any track-day enthusiast will appreciate. Start with a lightweight, stiff structure and then add higher levels of suspension stiffness and damping, more aggressive tires, higher downforce, more powerful brakes and more cooling," said Al Oppenheiser, Camaro chief engineer. “The result delivers better performance in all measures. In our development tests, the V-6 Camaro 1LE delivers lap times comparable with the previous-gen V-8 model. The 2016 Camaro SS 1LE sets the new benchmark for the segment, lapping the Big Willow track at Willow Springs three seconds faster than the standard Camaro SS.” Chevrolet says the 1LE package will be available late this year. Pricing will be announced a later time. Source: Chevrolet You can follow our coverage of 2016 Chicago Auto Show News here. Press Release is on Page 2 New 1LE Packages Elevates Camaro Track Capabilities Track package returns with more technology for V8 models, first time offered on V6 CHICAGO – The Chevrolet Camaro 1LE performance package returns for 2017, poised to set new benchmarks for attainable track performance. The package builds off the success of the previous-generation 1LE, offering increased handling and track performance. In response to customer demand, Chevrolet will offer two distinct 1LE packages, for both V6 and V8 models, each visually distinguished with a satin black hood, specific wheels and more. For the first time, the 1LE package will be available on Camaro 1LT or 2LT coupes equipped with the 3.6L V6. Featuring more aggressive suspension tuning, standard Brembo brakes and Goodyear Eagle F1 tires, the LT 1LE delivers an estimated 0.97G in cornering grip. Available Recaro seats will keep you planted through the corners, and an available Performance Data Recorder will allow you to view and share your track experience. The new 1LE package for Camaro 1SS models includes magnetic ride control, with a new FE4 suspension tuning and a new, segment-exclusive electronic limited slip differential (eLSD). Paired with massive Goodyear Eagle F1 tires, lateral acceleration will exceed 1G. Additional features available on the 1LE package include standard Recaro seats and a Performance Data Recorder (PDR), new to the Camaro lineup. As a result, the 1LE package elevates the award-winning performance that earned Camaro the 2016 Motor Trend Car of the Year and Car and Driver 10Best awards. “The Camaro 1LE packages follow a recipe any track-day enthusiast will appreciate,” said Al Oppenheiser, Camaro chief engineer. “Start with a lightweight, stiff structure and then add higher levels of suspension stiffness and damping, more aggressive tires, higher downforce, more powerful brakes and more cooling. “The result delivers better performance in all measures,” said Oppenheiser. “In our development tests, the V-6 Camaro 1LE delivers lap times comparable with the previous-gen V-8 model. The 2016 Camaro SS 1LE sets the new benchmark for the segment, lapping the Big Willow track at Willow Springs three seconds faster than the standard Camaro SS.” The new 1LE packages are available in late 2016, on 2017 Camaro SS and LT V-6 coupes equipped with manual transmissions. Pricing and performance data will be announced at a later date. Camaro LT 1LE The Camaro LT 1LE was developed to be the most track-capable sports coupe in its price class. Highlights include: 3.6L V-6 rated at 335 horsepower and matched with the six-speed manual transmission FE3 suspension components (from the Camaro SS), including dampers, rear cradle mounts, ball-jointed rear toe links and stabilizer bars Lightweight 20-inch forged aluminum wheels with Goodyear Eagle F1 245/40R20 front tires and 275/35R20 rear tires Brembo 4-piston front brake calipers Mechanical Limited-slip differential with 3.27 ratio Standard track-cooling package, with engine oil, differential and transmission coolers Suede steering wheel and shorter-throw shifter Standard dual mode exhaust system Camaro SS fuel system for higher-load cornering capability Satin black hood, front splitter and unique three-piece rear spoiler Unique high flow upper and lower grille with satin black accents Available Recaro seats and PDR video/data recording system. “With a curb weight under 3,500 pounds, excellent front-to-rear weight balance and the precision of the FE3 suspension, the Camaro LT 1LE offers unmatched capability in its class,” said Oppenheiser. “As a result, it offers incredible performance for Camaro V-6 customers.” Camaro SS 1LE The 2017 Camaro SS 1LE introduces the new FE4 suspension to the Gen Six Camaro – a performance-oriented chassis system with specific tuning for the Magnetic Ride dampers, springs and stabilizer bars. Additional highlights include: 6.2L LT1 V-8 rated at 455 horsepower, and six-speed manual transmission (automatic transmission not available) Magnetic Ride Control Segment-exclusive electronic limited-slip differential with 3.73 ratio Unique forged aluminum wheels with 285/30ZR20 front tires and 305/30ZR20 rear tires Goodyear Eagle F1 Supercar tires with a compound and construction developed exclusively for the Camaro – offering exceptional grip on the track Brembo brakes with new six-piston monobloc front red calipers – featuring the 1LE logo – and two-piece rotors. Measuring 14.6 inches (370mm) in diameter, the front rotors are 7 percent larger than Camaro SS Track-cooling package, with engine oil, differential and transmission coolers Suede steering wheel with shorter-throw shifter Dual mode exhaust system Recaro front seats with aggressive bolsters optimized for shifting and steering comfort Satin black hood, front mirrors and unique three-piece rear spoiler Satin Graphite front splitter and rear diffuser Available PDR video/data recording system View full article