William Maley

Mention Dodge and someone is bound to say or yell HELLCAT! The 707 horsepower supercharged V8 dropped into the Charger and Challenger has been stealing the spotlight from FCA’s other performance cars for almost a year. This is quite a shame because there are some really interesting performance vehicles that deserve some of that light. For example, the 2016 Dodge Charger R/T Scat Pack. Even though it might not be full-blooded SRT, the R/T Scat Pack does a pretty good job of mimicking one. It begins on the exterior as the Scat Pack gets the Charger SRT’s exterior treatment. There is a new front end treatment with a narrow grille, small hood scoop, and LED daytime running lights. Other exterior bits include a set of twenty-inch aluminum wheels and a small rear spoiler finished in black. Finishing off the vehicle is the Plum Crazy Pearl paint. It adds the right amount of lunacy needed for this vehicle. Don’t expect any types of luxuries for the R/T Scat Pack. The money was spent elsewhere and the interior only features the essentials. It begins with all of the seats coming wrapped in black cloth. The front seats featured extra bolstering and the Scat Pack logo. I found the front seats to be comfortable for short distances, but longer trips caused my left leg to start falling asleep. A longer seat cushion could fix this. The Scat Pack also comes with an eight-inch UConnect system without navigation. The system is still quite easy to use and I like that the Scat Pack includes the SRT Apps that allow you to adjust various settings and time various things such as 0-60 and quarter mile. Pop the hood and you’ll see an important message on the valve covers, Powered by SRT. Oh yes, the Scat Pack comes with the 6.4L (or 392 cubic inches) HEMI V8 with 485 horsepower and 475 pound-feet of torque found in most of the SRT lineup. An eight-speed automatic gets all of that muscle to the rear wheels. Start it up and the engine roars into life before settling down and producing one of the sweetest burbles to come out of an exhaust. It gets even better when you hammer the accelerator pedal and engine sings at the top of its lungs with pops and a roar that sounds like a race car. Despite a curb weight of 4,395 pounds, the HEMI shrugs it off like it is nothing. Step on the gas and the engine just gets you moving at a very rapid rate. If you are not careful, you’ll be well above the speed limit. The eight-speed automatic is very fast and smooth. There is a set of steering wheel paddles if you want to do the shifting yourself. Personally, I let the automatic go about its business. The one thing I couldn’t get used to was the sensitive throttle. No matter how gently I put my foot onto the gas pedal, the rear tires would squeal - and this was with the traction control on. The first time, it is kind of cool. The one-hundredth time this happens, it becomes very old. It is worse you are turning and you step just a hair too much, causing the back to step out and you counter steering. I really would hate to drive this in the rain or snow. Now the Charger Scat doesn’t have the adjustable dampers like the SRT, but I found you don’t need them. The suspension is more than capable of keeping body motions in check and corners very well. Steering has a lot of heft and communicates that you are driving a heavy vehicle. When you aren’t trying to terrorize the roads in the Scat Pack, the ride is slightly bouncy over bumps. Wind and road noise are nonexistent, but that is mostly due to the V8 drowning out those noises. But the best part about the Charger R/T Scat Pack is the price. For $40,990 (includes destination), you can take home a 485 horsepower sedan that can comfortably seat four people and their stuff. If this isn’t one of the steals of decade, I don’t know what is. Disclaimer: Dodge Provided the Charger, Insurance, and One Tank of Gas Year: 2016 Make: Dodge Model: Charger Trim: R/T Scat Pack Engine: 6.4L HEMI V8 Driveline: Eight-Speed Automatic, Rear-Wheel Drive Horsepower @ RPM: 485 @ 6,000 Torque @ RPM: 475 @ 4,200 Fuel Economy: City/Highway/Combined - 15/25/18 Curb Weight: 4,395 lbs Location of Manufacture: Brampton, Ontario Base Price: $39,995 As Tested Price: $40,990 (Includes $995.00 Destination Charge) Options: N/A View full article

I've always wondered that as well. My guess is the SUVs make more money.

Subaru will complete its trifecta of Impreza concepts next month with the introduction of the XV Concept at the Geneva Motor Show. Despite the XV not using the Impreza name, it is essentially a reworked version of Subaru's compact with higher ground clearance, chunkier wheels, body cladding, and skid plates. Subaru has decided not to give us any details about the XV Concept aside from a teaser photo. But we can tell that the concept has a set of meaty wheels, skid plates, and a new grille. We'll have more details when the XV Concept is revealed on March 1st. Source: Subaru Press Release is on Page 2 Subaru to Debut “Subaru XV Concept” at 2016 Geneva International Motor Show Tokyo, February 9, 2016 – Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. (FHI), the manufacturer of Subaru automobiles, today announced that the “Subaru XV Concept” will make its world debut at the 86th Geneva International Motor Show to be held in Switzerland (Press day: March 1 – 2 / Open to the public: March 3 – 13, 2016). The Subaru XV Concept will be unveiled at the press briefing scheduled for 11:15 AM (Central European Time) on March 1 at Subaru booth. View full article

Unlike many of its competitors, BMW has never officially done a performance oriented 7-Series (i.e. M7). Instead, they have used German tuner ALPINA to build a more potent version - the B7. With a new 7-Series in showrooms, it was only time before an announcement of a new B7 would appear. Yesterday, ALPINA announced the 2017 B7 xDrive. It starts with a 4.4L twin-turbo V8 that ALPINA messed around with and was able to extract 600 horsepower and 590 pound-feet (this engine in the 750i only produces 445 horsepower and 480 pound-feet). Power is sent to all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic. Alpina says the B7 xDrive can hit 60 MPH in 3.6 seconds and reach a top speed of 193 MPH. For the chassis, ALPINA sticks with the air suspension with adaptive dampers found on the standard 7-Series and adds active roll bars and four-wheel steering. A set of 20 or 21-inch wheels come wrapped in Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires. Behind the wheels are a set of massive brakes (15.5-inch discs up front, 14.5-inch discs in the rear). Outside, the B7 features unique fascias for the front and rear, spoiler on the trunk lid, and the choice of either ALPINA Blue Metallic and ALPINA Green Metallic paint. The interior gets Nappa leather, wood trim, and ceramic knobs and switches for various functions. The 2017 ALPINA B7 arrives at dealers this September. Pricing will be announced sometime before then. Source: BMW Press Release is on Page 2 Power, Dynamics and Luxury combined for class-leading performance and a superior driving experience – the all-new 2017 BMW ALPINA B7 xDrive. Unique combination of high-performance drivetrain with 600 bHP and xDrive all-wheel drive system provide a 0-60 mph acceleration time of just 3.6 seconds. Most advanced suspension and chassis technology with ALPINA calibration including for the first time Integral Active Steering for ultimate dynamics and comfort. Carbon Core body in conjunction with ALPINA specific suspension geometry and MICHELIN® Pilot Super Sport tires lead to high agility, direct handling and precise steering. Special ALPINA Sport+ Mode adjusts all vehicle, drivetrain and suspension settings to maximum dynamic performance lowering ride height by 0.8 inches at the touch of a button. The ALPINA design and aerodynamic elements underscore the elegant and athletic appearance of the new BMW ALPINA B7 xDrive. Woodcliff Lake, N.J. February 8, 2016…Today, BMW of North America announced the all-new 2017 BMW ALPINA B7 xDrive, the third generation of ALPINA automobiles based on the BMW 7 Series offered in the US. The all-new BMW ALPINA B7 xDrive stands for luxury paired with precision dynamics, effortless performance and comfort at the highest level. The 2017 BMW ALPINA B7 will be available in September 2016 at selected dealerships. Price will be announced closer to market launch. New generation 4.4 liter V8 engine with twin-turbo charging. The new 4.4 liter 8-cylinder engine with twin-turbo charging, gasoline direct injection and Valvetronic delivers an impressive output of 600 bHP between 5750 rpm and 6250 rpm, while the maximum torque of 590 lb-ft is available from 3000 rpm. The resulting performance figures are remarkable – the all-new BMW ALPINA B7 xDrive accelerates in just 3.6 seconds from 0 to 60 mph, 0.8 seconds faster than its predecessor while reaching a top speed of up to 193 mph (preliminary figure).The power output of this smooth high-tech engine unfolds with impressive emphasis across the entire rpm range. Excellent throttle response and high torque ensure that even at low engine speeds driver inputs are immediately transformed into forward acceleration. In addition, to ALPINA’s engineering expertise, a number of significant technical details are responsible for this engine’s power output and performance characteristics – particularly the air intake system, the intercooler and turbocharger configuration and the high-performance cooling system. The twin-turbo charging system comprises two specially developed turbochargers positioned in the V of the 8-cylinder engine. These feature twin-scroll turbochargers with enlarged inlet and outlet diameters. This configuration ensures optimal use of exhaust gas energy even at low engine speeds. The result is a fast power build-up and more torque at low engine speeds for overall exceptional engine response. At 2000 rpm the ALPINA’s V8 twin-turbo engine already produces 494 lb-ft of torque ensuring optimal performance . The overall aim during the development of the components of the ALPINA air intake system - from the air intake ducts to air filter housings and clean air intake manifold - was to achieve maximum airflow. All components of the high-performance cooling system are designed to remove bottlenecks and maximize effectiveness – special large-volume coolers are interconnected by large diameter hosing for maximum throughput. An indirect intercooler system (air to water) facilitates the implementation of short charge-air intake paths. Combined with additional external water coolers and a transmission oil cooler, the system ensures the thermodynamic stability of the V8 twin-turbo engine at all times, even under the highest loads and ambient air temperatures. Inside the engine special Mahle pistons and NGK spark plugs are designed to deal with the temperatures and loads associated with 20 psi of boost pressure and a compression ratio of 10.0:1. The stainless steel ALPINA sports exhaust system is responsible for a reduction in back pressure and weight. Active exhaust valves allow the driver to influence the sound experience by switching the Driving Dynamic Control switch between Comfort and Sport Mode. In typical ALPINA fashion: the two twin tailpipes of the exhaust system are integrated elegantly and aesthetically into the rear apron. Most advanced suspension and chassis technology with characteristic ALPINA dynamics. The all-new BMW ALPINA B7 xDrive features cutting-edge suspension technology, offering its driver an exceptional range of driving experiences. The focus to retain the exceptional long-distance cruising comfort of the predecessor while at the same time significantly sharpening the agility, handling and lateral dynamics commensurate to the power output of the all-new BMW ALPINA B7 xDrive. The 2-axle air suspension system combined with Dynamic Damper Control and Active Comfort Drive with Road Preview guarantees the very highest level of driving comfort at all times while the Active Roll Stabilization minimizes body roll during cornering. The rear wheel steering of the Integral Active Steering system gives the all-new BMW ALPINA B7 xDrive a level of dynamic performance and light-footed handling, typically associated with sports cars. The Driving Dynamics Control switch serves as the central control over which to select the various parameters of all the systems that influence the driving dynamics of the all-new BMW ALPINA B7 xDrive. It also features an Individual Mode, which can be used to combine specific settings independently and in accordance to the driver’s preference. With the Driving Dynamics Control used to select the appropriate mode, the 2-axle air suspension system is primarily responsible for the exceptional level of ride comfort. It also enables ride height to be changed up or down which in combination with the other suspension systems facilitates the choice of a decidedly comfort or sport orientated chassis set-up. Overall, a maximum ride height adjustment range of 1.6 inches is available. At speeds above 140 mph the ride height of the BMW ALPINA B7 xDrive is lowered by 0.8 inches. This operating state, which can be activated manually to be effective regardless of the speed by selecting the special ALPINA Sport+ Mode, results in a lower center of gravity thereby increasing agility and high-speed stability. The lower ride height results in increased front wheel camber for even more direct turn-in when cornering. When needed, the ride height can also be raised by 0.8 inches up to a speed of 20 mph in order to increase ground clearance. The settings of the Electronic Damper Control, which influences both rebound and compression, are also selected using the Driving Dynamics Control. A broad range of ALPINA damper set-ups are available ranging from Comfort+ Mode for effortless and relaxed cruising to ALPINA Sport+ Mode for maximum dynamic performance. For the first time, the all-new BMW ALPINA B7 xDrive features Integral Active Steering, which in conjunction with the high-performance drivetrain and the all-wheel drive system, offers a dynamic driving experience par excellence. The Integral Active Steering combines a variable ratio electric steering system at the front axle with active steering on the rear axle whereby the wheels can turn a maximum of 3 degrees. Specially attuned to the ALPINA suspension and MICHELIN® performance tires, the rear axle steers opposed to the front axle at low speeds for increased agility and dynamic handling, while steering with the front axle at higher speeds for maximum high-speed directional stability. The all-new BMW ALPINA B7 xDrive is fitted with MICHELIN® Pilot Super Sport tires measuring 255/40 ZR20 at the front and 295/35 ZR20 at the rear, mounted on 8.5 x 20 and 10 x 20 ALPINA CLASSIC wheels. New lightweight 21 inch forged wheels take the traditional 20-spoke ALPINA CLASSIC design into a new minimalistic and technical direction. Forging results in high-density and high-strength aluminum alloy which enables a weight-optimized construction that saves 5.5 lb of unsprung mass per wheel. The MICHELIN® Pilot Super Sport tires are specifically designed to meet the demands of high-performance sports cars. They contribute directly to the precise steering feel and handling of the new BMW ALPINA B7 xDrive while foregoing run-flat technology in the interests of improved ride comfort. Comprising blue painted 4-piston fixed calipers and 15.5 in x 1.41 in discs on the front axle and floating calipers with 14.5 x 0.94 in discs on the rear axle, the high-performance brake system provides outstanding stopping power and deceleration. BMW xDrive intelligent all-wheel-drive system with ALPINA calibration The all-wheel drive system builds upon the technical potential of BMW’s xDrive system and its intelligent and dynamic distribution of drive power which continuously and fully variable distributes torque between the front and rear axle within milliseconds for maximum traction and control. The programming of the torque distribution control, which is interconnected with the Dynamic Stability Control and the engine management system, is performance-oriented and it increases driving agility and dynamics markedly – especially under lateral acceleration – while maintaining balanced and neutral handling. Besides allowing optimum traction under acceleration by eliminating slip induced losses, the system continuously monitors a wide range of sensory inputs – for example steering angle, lateral acceleration, yaw angle and speed – to distribute torque so as to achieve maximum safety in challenging conditions or when encountering sudden changes in road surface friction. The DTC Mode of the Dynamic Stability Control offers a more rear wheel drive bias torque distribution for even more dynamic handling. Automatic 8-speed Sports Automatic with ALPINA SWITCH-TRONIC. The BMW ALPINA B7 xDrive utilizes a new generation of the excellent 8-Speed Sport Automatic Transmission with ALPINA SWITCH-TRONIC. Further refined and adapted to the performance characteristics of the high-torque V8 twin-turbo in collaboration with ZF, the transmission offers exceptional driving comfort in all situations.Close gear ratios and a total spread of 7.81:1 improve shift comfort and efficiency. In Automatic Mode the combination of eight gears and high engine torque makes for relaxed, luxurious cruising at low engine rpm even when travelling at higher speeds. In Sport Mode the shift points have been optimized for improved driving performance and are considerably more dynamic with the option to activate the Launch Control function. For maximum dynamic performance, the driver selects the Manual Mode thereby actuating gear changes manually by using the SWITCH-TRONIC buttons on the back of the steering wheel or via the gear selector switch on the center console. In addition to lightning quick gear shifts (approximately a tenth of a second), this mode also holds the selected gear even when the engine hits the rev limiter. All components of the transmission such as the torque converter with lock-up clutch, the planetary wheel sets and the inner cooling are designed to specifically cope with the high torque output of the V8 twin-turbo engine. This means that no torque reduction is necessary during upshifts when selecting the Launch Control or when using the sportiest configuration of the Manual Mode. This contributes significantly to the striking longitudinal dynamics of the all-new BMW ALPINA B7 xDrive and allowing it to sprint from 0 – 60 mph in just 3.6 seconds. The transmission features the latest Comfort and Efficient Dynamics functions such as ConnectedShift (use of navigation data for an anticipatory shift strategy based on traffic routing) and Coasting (decoupling of the engine and transmission when coasting). Athletic and elegant design throughout the B7. The appearance of the all-new BMW ALPINA B7 xDrive is defined by athletic flair and elegance. The ALPINA design and aerodynamic elements emphasize its performance character, with the front and rear spoiler striking a harmonious balance and highlighting the powerful presence of the 2017 BMW ALPINA B7 xDrive. The design blends form and function – the aerodynamic components reduce lift on the front and rear axles to almost zero for maximum driving stability at all speeds. Openings at the front of the vehicle allow the precise and effective flow of air to the individual components of the high-performance cooling system. The iconic BMW kidney grille is fitted with an integrated air flap control system that adapts to the BMW ALPINA B7 xDrive’s cooling needs: when closed it further reduces the level of aerodynamic drag. The 20 inch ALPINA CLASSIC wheels with twenty spokes and concealed air valves give the powerful BMW ALPINA B7 xDrive a touch of elegance and lightness. In the interests of weight reduction and a striking technical appearance, the optional 21 inch ALPINA CLASSIC forged wheels with visible wheel bolts do not feature concealed air valves and wheel caps. The ALPINA sports exhaust system features two elliptical twin tailpipes that reflect the performance of the all-new BMW ALPINA B7 xDrive and its powerful V8 engine. They are precisely integrated in the rear apron and give the rear a smooth, elegant look. The exclusive paint finishes in ALPINA Blue metallic and ALPINA Green metallic are a hallmark feature reserved solely for BMW ALPINA automobiles. Other BMW and BMW Individual paint finishes are also available for the 2017 BMW ALPINA B7 xDrive. Interior and Equipment. An extensive range of standard equipment ensures maximum well-being and comfort, including high-end Nappa leather, comfort seats, a leather-covered instrument panel, ceramic inserts on selected control elements and soft close doors. Equipment features that enhance effortless driving also come as standard in the new BMW ALPINA B7 xDrive, such as a full-color Head-Up Display, a rear view camera, the latest BMW navigation and communication and infotainment systems. ALPINA details add exclusivity and individual style to the interior. Hand-finished using exceptionally high-quality LAVALINA leather, the sports steering wheel with blue and green stitching is captivating at the very first touch due to its gentle feel. Timeless Piano lacquer or classic Myrtle Luxury Wood - the ALPINA interior trim, door sills with blue illumination, ALPINA B7 model inscriptions and an individual production plaque are further examples of exclusive equipment features in the new BMW ALPINA B7 xDrive. Another exclusive ALPINA design is the full-color digital instrument panel in LED technology. In Comfort Mode it offers a classic look featuring round instruments with blue background and red needles. In Sport Mode the display changes to a more dynamic design with blue and green drag indicators and a focus on primary information, such as the centrally positioned permanent digital speed read-out. View full article