William Maley

Volkswagen has found itself in hot water once again over the diesel scandal. In an interview with NPR before the Detroit Auto Show, CEO Matthias Mueller said the company didn't lie to the EPA. The company just misunderstood the law. Here is the exchange After this interview was aired on NPR, Volkswagen asked if it would be possible to do a do-over. NPR agreed and did another interview with Muller. This time, Muller clarified some of his earlier comments, adding this was a problem that has existed in Volkswagen for ten years. “We had the wrong reaction when we got information year by year from the EPA and from the [California Air Resources Board]. We have to apologize for that, and we’ll do our utmost to do things right for the future.” Source: NPR View full article

This year's Detroit Auto Show was somewhat down in terms of excitement. But considering last year's show was a 'once in a blue moon' event with a number of highly awaited vehicles and some surprises, 2016 was going to be somewhat a disappointment. Still, a number of automakers were willing to give it a shot and show off new models and concepts that would amaze all. It is time to see who is on the honor roll and who be heading to detention after the show. Acura Precision Concept: C Something I never thought I would say: I miss the shield grille. Also, were Acura's designers play too much F-Zero on the Super Nintendo. 2017 Audi A4/A4 Allroad: C+/B+ At first, I couldn't find the A4 sedan at Audi's booth. But after a moment and looking on the back on a number of their vehicles, I was able to find it. I never thought it was possible to self-plagiarize your design. At least, the A4 Allroad looks somewhat different than the current model. Also, the interior in both models is really sharp. Audi h-tron Concept: B+ Finally, something that isn't an electric concept! Seriously, this is one really sharp looking concept. 2016 BMW M2: A- I'll admit I wasn't interested in the M2 when I first wrote about back in October. But seeing it in person, I was intrigued. 0-60 times under 4.5 seconds from a revised turbo 3.0L inline-six and suspension tuning from M? This is something I want to drive. 2016 BMW X4 M40i: C- So a 355 horsepower four-door crossover coupe thing with M bits for the suspension... WHY!? *Begins pulling hair out* Buick Avista Concept: A+ And now for something surprising: Damn, that's a fine looking Buick. It helps there is a twin-turbo V6 and what many believe to be Alpha platform sitting underneath. Many want Buick to put this into production. But if past experience tells us anything, we could be seeing elements of Avista in a production model. 2017 Chevrolet Cruze Hatchback: A Mark Reuss said not bringing the first-generation Cruze was a mistake. GM hopes to fix this with the new Cruze Hatchback. After seeing it in person, I think Chevrolet has a real chance. 2017 Chrysler Pacifica: A This could challenge the Kia Sedona for sexiest minivan on sale (yes, I know that is a contradiction). Also, the plug-in hybrid is a unique selling point. But why Pacifica? WHAT WAS WRONG WITH TOWN & COUNTRY?! 2017 Ford Fusion: B- Postive: Refresh makes it look less like an Aston Martin Negative: Who wants to pay close to $40,000 for a Fusion?! (i.e. Platinum) 2017 Ford Raptor SuperCrew: Incomplete Whoopie, there is a supercrew version of the Raptor... Ford, just go back to your room and think about why this warranted a show debut. Also, planning to release power figures soon? 2017 Genesis G90: B+ Somehow the new Equus, wait I mean G90 looks more frumpy than the model it replaces. The new engines and seemingly never-ending list of standard equipment make up for it. 2017 GMC Acadia: A- How to drop 700 lbs out of a crossover? Make it smaller. With the Acadia, there is beginning to be some clear differentiation starting to appear in GM's large crossovers. 2017 Honda Ridgeline: C+ Now more truck like including a space between the cab and bed! Honda, you're not fooling anyone. At least, the in-truck bed is still there. 2017 Infiniti Q60: A Keeps much of the design from the concept and brings some much needed new engines to Infiniti. Horray. Also Infiniti's direct steer system is optional which should quiet those folks who believe it is the worst thing to happen to cars (about five or six at last check). Kia Telluride Concept: Incomplete Uhh, hmm. I don't have any words for this concept. 2017 Lincoln Continental: B- To quote my Instagram: "Lincoln... I really want to like you, but you are making it so hard to do so." Something on the design just seems off. 2017 Lexus LC 500: A- The fact that Lexus made the LF-LC into a production model is shocking enough! Considering they didn't water it down is more shocking. But Lexus, we need to talk about building a V8 that is capable of 500-plus horsepower for this new coupe. 2017 Mercedes-Benz E-Class: B+ Mercedes-Benz has taken the Audi ideals when designing their vehicles; using the enlarge and reduce function on the copy machine. But I like what Mercedes is doing with their design on their current sedan lineup. The sharpness of the interior is an added plus. Nissan Titan Warrior Concept: B+ Glad to see someone else take Ford on with a Raptor even if it's a concept. Quick Aside: Can someone build a muscle truck again?! Volkswagen Tiguan GTE Active Concept: C Whose bright idea at Volkswagen was; let's take the concept we showed at Frankfurt, add some offroad bits, and call it the GTE Active? Great Idea, right? No. 2017 Volvo S90: A+ Woah. Inside and out, the new S90 is a stunner. It also helps that S90 underneath is the same as the North American Truck of the Year - the XC90. View full article

First: That would be the Santa Fe Sport. The regular Santa Fe comes with a 3.3L V6. Second: The two vehicles you listed are somewhat smaller than the Acadia Possibly. From a story early in January -

I have a sneaking suspicion that the Ford/GM working on a ten-speed automatic, could be in the Continental's future.

Unlike Drew, I don't like the Continental. I don't think it's boring, but something seems off to me on it. I love the interior and want to hear more about the engines. But something about how it is shaped makes me turn away and look at other sedans.

It was almost eight months ago when Lincoln rolled out the Continental concept at the New York Auto Show, and today at the Detroit Auto Show, the production Continental was revealed. In its transition from concept to production model, the Continental hasn't changed much. The front end still features a rectangular mesh grille, but there are different headlights and less chrome. The side profile shows off 'Continental' nameplates on the front doors, and the door handles are integrated into the beltline. The interior is mostly the same as the concept in terms of design. The front seats boast 30-way power-adjustments, while leather and a mix of aluminum wood trim line the dash and door panels. Back-seat passengers will get a generous amount of legroom and the ability to recline. An optional Revel audio system will keep everyone entertained, while Active Noise cancellation and laminated glass will keep the outside world out. Lincoln has only announced one engine for the Continental; 3.0L twin-turbo V6 engine producing 400 horsepower and 400 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed automatic and all-wheel drive will come standard. Expect more information on other powertrains to come out closer to the Continental's launch. The Continental will boast Lincoln Drive Control which offers the driver the choice of three modes that alter the behavior of the engine, suspension, and steering. The Continental arrives at dealers starting this fall. Source: Lincoln You can follow all of our 2016 Detroit Auto Show coverage here. Press Release is on Page 2 All-New Lincoln Continental Delivers Quiet Luxury: Elegant, Effortlessly Powerful, Serene Lincoln Motor Company introduces its elegant new flagship – the all-new Continental – coming this fall Effortless power comes from new 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine that produces a projected 400 horsepower and 400 lb.-ft. of torque1; advanced safety technology is also featured Serene interior offers the comfort of Lincoln's innovative Perfect Position Seat, spaciousness, rear seat amenities, Revel® audio system and top-grade materials DETROIT, Jan. 12, 2016 – Lincoln Motor Company heralds the return of its flagship – the all-new Lincoln Continental – an elegant, effortlessly powerful, serene full-size sedan that delivers quiet luxury to the industry’s most discerning customers. Beginning this fall, Continental offers first-class travel for clients in America and China, bringing warm, human touches and a contemporary design. The full-size sedan is designed to appeal to culturally progressive clients who define luxury on their own terms – craving superior quality, craftsmanship and safety. “The Continental name has long been associated with the ultimate in Lincoln beauty and luxury,” said Kumar Galhotra, president of Lincoln. “With the all-new model, we are focusing on creating more human, personally tailored experiences for our clients – providing what we call quiet luxury.” Elegance through design All-new Continental design is thoroughly modern, with Lincoln’s new signature grille and an athletic profile that is dynamic and progressive. Lincoln’s new flagship welcomes drivers with a brand-exclusive lighting sequence. As the driver approaches the car with the key, LED signature lighting in the lower front fascia and taillamps subtly engages, while signature lighting in the headlamps awakens in a fluid motion. Lincoln mat lights then brighten the pavement around the front doors, helping show any hazards, while select interior lights warmly illuminate the cabin. Continental door handles are designed to offer elegant and effortless entry with new E-latch door release. The release is discreetly integrated within the beltline, leaving the body side clean. With the gentle touch of a button, the vehicle’s doors pop open, then use available power-cinching technology to automatically close and secure. An elegant available panoramic sunroof covers nearly the entire roof area; the front half slides up and over the rear – creating a large open-air driving experience and an even greater feeling of spaciousness for up to five Continental occupants. Effortless power Continental offers available technologies that help create better and safer drivers. The all-new Lincoln-exclusive 3.0-liter V6 engine with twin turbochargers that produces a projected 400 horsepower and 400 lb.-ft. of torque [1] is designed for smooth, responsive, yet quiet power. Continental’s available all-wheel-drive system is paired with Dynamic Torque Vectoring that transfers torque on demand to the appropriate rear wheel when driving through corners – providing confident handling and stability. Lincoln Drive Control provides the driver a choice of three settings – comfort, normal and sport – adapting steering and suspension settings to tailor ride and handling. Available adaptive steering helps optimize steering response, enabling the vehicle to react more smoothly and precisely to driver input. Continental’s Pre-Collision Assist with Pedestrian Detection is designed to enhance occupant safety. A system of cameras and sensors detects if a potential collision may occur, then automatically applies the brakes, bringing the vehicle to a full stop to help avoid or reduce impact. [2] Effortless assistance for the daily commute is available with optional adaptive cruise control, which can automatically slow Continental in stop-and-go traffic – resuming speed when traffic clears. To take the stress out of parallel and perpendicular parking, the new 360-degree camera system uses views from cameras mounted in the grille, decklid and 180-degree side mirrors, then seamlessly stitches these snapshots together to create an image in the screen so the driver can see around the car – as if a camera is overhead. Serene interior The all-new Continental interior is designed to help all occupants rejuvenate. One highlight is Lincoln’s new Perfect Position Seats – inspired by private jets and high-end office furniture – that can be adjusted up to 30 ways. The patented design allows the seat to adjust to an individual’s body shape and weight for optimal stretch and comfort. Available features of these seats include massage, heat and cooling; and independent thigh extensions to provide support. Rear passengers can enjoy first-class travel amenities, too, with such available features as audio and climate controls, sunshades, and reclining, heated, cooled and massaging seats. The streamlined interior provides generous rear legroom. Continental occupants also can enjoy an available Revel® audio system developed to work in concert with the interior design and acoustics, transforming the cabin into a personal amphitheater with three distinct listening modes – Stereo, Audience and On Stage. Use of the E-latch release enables optimal speaker positioning in the Continental doors, alongside the conveniently located seat controls. Innovations in managing vehicle noise and vibration, including Active Noise Control and acoustic laminated glass create a quiet, comfortable environment conducive to conversation or contemplation. For those seeking the highest expression of Lincoln luxury, three Lincoln Black Label designer themes are available – Chalet, Thoroughbred and Continental-exclusive Rhapsody. Inside, opulent materials include leather seating, leather-wrapped console and instrument panel, unique stitching, genuine wood or aluminum appliqués. All models feature new design details. Stitching on the seats is specified at six to seven stitches per inch for a couture-like appearance, and the slats of the center console door are laser-cut to maximize consistency of the grain pattern. The all-new Lincoln Continental will be produced at Flat Rock Assembly Plant in Michigan. The Lincoln flagship goes on sale this fall. View full article