William Maley

Audi has revealed some teaser images for an electric crossover concept that will debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show next month. Called the e-tron Quattro, the images show a vehicle having an upright grille, paired with sloping roofline and a tapering rear end. The overall shape of the concept has drag rating of 0.25 cd, the same rating as a Toyota Prius. Power will come from three electric motors - one on the front axle and two on the rear axles. A lithium-ion battery pack sits underneath the passenger compartment. Audi isn't saying how much power the electric motors produce but did say overall range will be over 310 miles. Now this concept is a preview to a production model that will compete with the Tesla Model X when it is launched in 2018. Source: Audi Press Release is on Page 2 Outlook on series production – the Audi e-tronquattro concept at the IAA 2015 August 19, 2015 | INGOLSTADT/FRANKFURT am MAIN, Germany The latest battery technology and top aerodynamics ensure a range of more than 500 kilometers (310 miles) Sporty SUV with all-electric drive in series production from 2018 Designed from the ground up as an electric car Electric driving at Audi is a pleasure, not a compromise. The brand is demonstrating this with the Audi e-tron quattro concept at the International Motor Show (IAA) 2015 in Frankfurt. The sporty SUV provides an outlook on the brand’s first large-series electric car. The Audi e-tron quattro concept is designed from the ground up as an electric car and proves to be pioneering in its segment at the very first glance. It follows the Audi “Aerosthetics” concept, combining technical measures for reducing aerodynamic drag with creative design solutions. Movable aerodynamic elements at the front, on the sides and at the rear improve the air flow around the car. The aerodynamically optimized underbody is completely closed. With a cd value of 0.25, the car sets a new record in the SUV segment. This contributes considerably to the long range of more than 500 kilometers (310 miles). The study is based on the second-generation modular longitudinal platform, which provides considerable scope for the drive system and package. Its length is between that of the Audi Q5 and the Q7. Its typical SUV body and flat, coupe-like cabin give the Audi e-tron quattro concept a very dynamic appearance. The spacious interior offers room for four people. The large lithium-ion battery is positioned between the axles and below the passenger compartment. This installation position provides for a low center of gravity and a balanced axle load distribution. And that gives the car better driving dynamics and driving safety than other vehicles in the segment. Audi uses its experience with the electrically driven Audi R8 e-tron sports car for the drive system. Three electric motors – one on the front axle and two on the rear axle – drive the Audi e-tron quattro concept. And that makes it an electrified quattro, the e-tron quattro –efficient and dynamic at the same time. View full article

Earlier this week, we reported that General Motors faced a difficult decision with the upcoming Envision crossover: Do they import it from China or build it somewhere else just for the North American marketplace? This comes at an interesting time since Reuters is reporting that Buick's future lineup will be comprised of vehicles imported to North America. Speaking with two sources, the news service reports that only two models in Buick's future lineup, the next LaCrosse and Enclave will be built in the U.S. The rest will be imported from other countries. At the moment, the Encore subcompact crossover is the only Buick model that is imported to the U.S. This will soon be joined by the Cascada convertible early next year. Sources say the next-generation Verano will be imported from China starting next year. Next will be the Regal which will either be imported from China or Europe in 2017. A Buick spokesman declined to comment when asked about this. Source: Reuters View full article

The Subaru Outback has followed a formula of taking a wagon and making it somewhat capable off the beaten path. This formula has proved to be a massive success for the brand with the Outback being one the top sellers year after year. So what happens when this formula is applied to a smaller vehicle? Let’s find out as a 2015 Subaru XV Crosstrek came in for a weeklong review. Starting with the Impreza Hatchback as a base, Subaru makes a few key changes to make the XV Crosstrek more rugged. The most noticeable change is in the ride height, where Subaru added 8.7 inches to make the XV Crosstrek more maneuverable when off the beaten path. Along with the increase in ride height, a set of chunky 17-inch wheels, body cladding, roof rails, and distinctive color choices help the XV Crosstrek stand out from its Impreza brethren. Subaru’s interiors have been criticized for being stuck in the 90’s in terms of appointments and interior quality. Thankfully, Subaru has been addressing this with the introduction of recent Subaru models including the XV Crosstrek. The interior design is quite basic, with simple shapes and all of the controls within easy reach of driver and passenger. Paired with a mix of soft-touch plastics and faux metal trim, this is Subaru’s best effort for building a quality interior. Subaru should also be given some credit for improving their infotainment situation. A 6.2-inch touchscreen comes standard, while a 7-inch version is an option. No matter which size you go for, you’ll have Subaru’s Starlink infotainment system as standard. The system comes with a number of features such as Pandora integration, hands-free text messaging, trip computer information, and more. The system is quick to respond and easy to use. The only downside is the piano black finish Subaru uses around the screen which allows for the imprints of fingertips. In my XV Crosstrek tester, seats came wrapped in black cloth and provided good support for passengers on long trips. Back seat passengers won’t have much to complain as head and legroom is excellent. Cargo space is is somewhat small when compared to other competitors in the compact crossover class with 22.3 cubic feet with the rear seats up and 51.9 cubic feet with the rear seats down. Power comes from a 2.0L four-cylinder engine with 148 horsepower and 145 pound-feet of torque. This comes paired to either a five-speed manual or CVT. No matter which transmission you pick, Subaru’s Symmetrical all-wheel drive system comes standard. This engine is a poor match to the XV as power comes on slow. In my notes, I described the engine feeling like a wind-up toy car to get moving. Not helping matters is the CVT which appears to be tuned for fuel economy than trying to get power to the road. The CVT also exacerbates engine noise, making the XV Crosstrek a very unpleasant vehicle to drive around in. I wished Subaru would swap the 2.5L four-cylinder from the Legacy as this would solve the power problem. The only upside to the 2.0L is fuel economy. The EPA rates the XV Crosstrek at 26 City/34 Highway/29 Combined. My week saw an average of 30 MPG. In terms of ride and handling, the XV Crosstrek shines. Thanks to the increase in ride height and meaty tires, the XV Crosstrek will be able to tackle dirt trails or unplowed roads with no problems. For day to day driving, the suspension keeps bumps and road imperfections from entering the interior. Road and wind noise are kept to acceptable levels. One option I was glad to see equipped on my tester was Subaru’s EyeSight driver assist system. This system employs stereo cameras mounted at the top of the windshield to feed data to three key systems: Adaptive cruise control, forward collision mitigation with automatic braking, and lane-departure warning. I have praised this system before and will do so again as I believe it delivers one of the best adaptive cruise-control systems yet. The system was able to keep the speed and distance I set with no problem, along with smoothly slowing down the vehicle if someone comes into your lane. Also, the forward collision mitigation system deserves some praise as alerted me to a vehicle that had suddenly stopped and allowed to me take evasive action with seconds to spare. The 2015 Subaru XV Crosstrek is a mixed bag. On one hand, this little crossover is quite capable and deliveries impressive fuel economy. However, the XV Crossover loses big time with an underwhelming powertrain. If you’re considering an XV Crosstrek, be sure to check out other models as they offer most of the capability of the XV, but with a punchier engine. Disclaimer: Subaru Provided the XV Crosstrek, Insurance, and One Tank of Gas Year: 2015 Make: Subaru Model: XV Crosstrek Trim: Premium Engine: 2.0L Boxer DOHC Four-Cylinder Driveline: CVT, All-Wheel Drive Horsepower @ RPM: 148 @ 6,200 Torque @ RPM: 145 @ 4,200 Fuel Economy: City/Highway/Combined - 26/34/29 Curb Weight: 3,186 lbs Location of Manufacture: Gunma, Japan Base Price: $22,295 As Tested Price: $25,440 (Includes $850.00 Destination Charge) Options: Option Package 14: $1,295.00 Lineartonic Continuously Variable Transmission: $1,000.00 View full article

No more SRTs that aren't Dodges. A. You just described my dream vehicle B. It could be a Trailhawk model. I knew the Mitsubishi Colt Vista.... the Mitsubishi Colt Vista was one of the cars I grew up with..... you are a sick sick man. You realize you are talking to guy who has the Kia Sedona on the short list for best vehicles I driven this year.

No more SRTs that aren't Dodges. A. You just described my dream vehicle B. It could be a Trailhawk model.

Fiat's performance arm, Abarth is currently deciding what vehicle they should tackle next. We have reported that Abarth will be working on hotted-up version of Fiat's upcoming roadster, but they have their sights set on other models as well. “Besides the 124 and 500, we are thinking about an all-new addition to the line-up. The 500X is one of the options being considered,” said Alfredo Altavilla, Fiat Chrysler Group chief operating officer to Auto Express. Now if Fiat does give Abarth the green light to do a performance-oriented version of the 500X, it could borrow the turbocharged four-cylinder from the Alfa Romeo 4C. It would likely be detuned to produce somewhere around 200 horsepower. That puts it in the league of the Mini Countryman JCW (208 horsepower) and Nissan Juke Nismo (215 for the front-wheel drive model, 211 for the all-wheel drive). Source: Auto Express View full article

Aston Martin is readying their own electric vehicle. Speaking with Automotive News at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, Aston CEO Andy Palmer revealed that the British sports car maker will be launching an all-electric version of its four-door Rapide in the next two years. The emphasis on electric cars for Aston Martin is being driven by two key factors; emissions and competition from the Tesla Model S. “If you want to keep making V-12 engines, then you’ve got to do something at the opposite end of the spectrum,” said Palmer. This is important in markets in China where emission standards are becoming stricter for V8 and V12 engines. Also, Aston Martin is going on the offensive. Palmer points to the Tesla Model S and says there is an opportunity for a sexy and powerful electric car to sit above the P90 D, Tesla's most powerful model. “What Tesla clearly shows you is we haven’t hit the ceiling in terms of price. But I think it’s hard, though not impossible, for them as a relatively new brand to keep pushing up and to go into that super premier area,” said Palmer. Palmer did give some details of what he hopes for the electric Rapide: 800 horsepower, all-wheel drive, a range of 200 Miles, and a pricetag around $200,000 to $250,000. Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required) View full article