William Maley

he National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) have entered a consent agreement that will see FCA paying a record $105 million civil penalty after the Government investigated 23 different recalls into the company since 2009. “Today’s action holds Fiat Chrysler accountable for its past failures, pushes them to get unsafe vehicles repaired or off the roads and takes concrete steps to keep Americans safer going forward. This civil penalty puts manufacturers on notice that the department will act when they do not take their obligations to repair safety defects seriously,” said Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx. As part of the consent agreement, FCA admitted that it "failed to timely provide an effective remedy” in three recall campaigns, and that it failed to comply with “various reporting requirements” of U.S. laws governing recalls in a timely manner. The $105 million civil penalty is made up of a $70 million payment to NHTSA, $20 million to revamping their efforts in terms of safety, and $15 million in additional penalties if FCA doesn't meet the terms. Along with the penalty, FCA will also have to buy back more than 500,000 vehicles - mostly Ram trucks - due to defective suspension parts that could cause drivers to lose control. Also, owners of Jeep Grand Cherokee and Liberty SUVs with rear-mounted gas tanks will be able to trade their vehicles for above-market value or take a take a “financial incentive” to have a trailer hitch installed. The final part of the agreement will see FCA bring in a independent monitor that will monitor issues at the company for the next three years. "We are intent on rebuilding our relationship with NHTSA and we embrace the role of public safety advocate. Accordingly, FCA US has agreed to address certain industry objectives, such as identifying best practices for recall execution and researching obstacles that discourage consumers from responding to recall notices," FCA said in a statement. Source: The Detroit News, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles Press Release is on Page 2 FCA US Reaches Consensual Resolution of NHTSA Investigation on 23 Recall Campaigns July 26, 2015 , London, UK - FCA US LLC (FCA US) today announced it has entered into a consent order with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) which resolves the issues raised by NHTSA with respect to FCA US’s execution of 23 recall campaigns in NHTSA’s Special Order issued to FCA US on May 22, 2015 and further addressed at a NHTSA public hearing held on July 2, 2015. The consent order includes an admission by FCA US that in three specified campaigns it had failed to timely provide an effective remedy, and that it did not timely comply with various reporting requirements under the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1966. Pursuant to the consent order, FCA US has agreed to make a $70 million cash payment to NHTSA and to spend $20 million on industry and consumer outreach activities and incentives to enhance certain recall and service campaign completion rates. An additional $15 million payment will be payable by FCA US if it fails to comply with certain terms of the consent order. FCA US has also agreed to undertake specific actions to improve its recall execution. The consent order will be supervised by an independent monitor and will remain in place for three years subject to NHTSA’s right to extend for an additional year in the event of FCA US' noncompliance with the consent order. FCA US LLC Consent Order Response July 26, 2015 , Auburn Hills, Mich. - FCA US LLC acknowledges the admissions in its Consent Order with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. We also accept the resulting consequences with renewed resolve to improve our handling of recalls and re-establish the trust our customers place in us. We are intent on rebuilding our relationship with NHTSA and we embrace the role of public safety advocate. Accordingly, FCA US has agreed to address certain industry objectives, such as identifying best practices for recall execution and researching obstacles that discourage consumers from responding to recall notices. View full article

Late last week, Honda introduced a refreshed 2016 Accord in Silicon Valley. The location was chosen for the Japanese automaker to make the point of one the biggest changes for this model - introduction of Android Auto and Apple's CarPlay. Standard on EX models and up, these systems allow your phone to take the place of the vehicle's infotainment system. Additionally, all Accord trims come with the option with Honda Sensing, a suite of advanced driving and safety features that includes Forward Collision Braking, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keeping Assist, and Collision Mitigation Braking System. Outside, the 2016 Accord looks more like an Acura (for better or worse) with a new front grille and LED taillights. The top Touring trim gets LED headlights. A set of 19-inch wheels are available on higher trims. Powertrains largely carryover from the current model. The 2016 Accord arrives at dealers later this summer. Source: Honda Press Release is on Page 2 Honda Introduces the Highest Tech Accord Yet in High Tech’s U.S. Hub—Silicon Valley Jul 23, 2015 - MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif. Upgraded 2016 Accord features one of the first applications of both Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ in a volume-produced vehicle More dynamic styling, including first 19-inch wheels on Accord Honda Sensing™ safety and driver-assistive tech available on all trims New 7-inch Display Audio touchscreen interface Honda introduced a refreshed 2016 Accord loaded with advanced technology in Silicon Valley today, the first time the company has launched a new vehicle in the U.S. tech hub. Coming to market in August, the 2016 Accord will be the first Honda model and among the first high-volume cars in the marketplace to feature both Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™. These and other major upgrades to technology and features make it the most high-tech Accord ever. The 2016 Accord Sedan and Coupe receive dynamic new styling, a new Display Audio touchscreen interface, and Honda Sensing™, the most comprehensive suite of safety and driver-assistive technologies in the midsize car class. The 2016 Accord also adds HD Radio®, heated rear seats, front and rear parking sensors, and a number of other new features and technology to be revealed in coming weeks. Details on the Accord Hybrid will be announced at a later date. "Where else to introduce the most technologically advanced midsize sedan, the 2016 Accord, than in Silicon Valley," said John Mendel, executive vice president of the Automobile Division, American Honda Motor Co., Inc. "Customers want their vehicles to be more intelligently integrated with their smartphone-powered lives, and we are committed to delivering that experience starting with Accord, retail car buyers' most popular vehicle the past two years." Exterior and Interior design The 2016 Accord gets a major facelift with sportier, more sophisticated styling, front and rear. In front is a more sharply creased and intricately structured bumper fascia with outside edges that tuck into intake-like meshed areas that house new LED fog lights (Sport trim and above). A new aluminum hood features sharper character lines that meet up with a brighter, more expressive front grille. In the rear, the Accord gets restyled LED taillights and a similarly aggressive rear bumper fascia redesign. While all models feature restyled wheels, the Accord Sedan (Sport and Touring trim) and Coupe (Touring, new for Coupe) get new, larger 19-inch wheels and tires. The Touring sedan also gets a new rear deck spoiler. All models, Coupe and Sedan, feature the expanded use of LED lighting – LED taillights for all models, LED headlights for the new Touring Coupe, and LED daytime running lights (DRLs) for Sport and above trims. Honda Sensing™All 2016 Accords also can now be equipped with Honda Sensing™, among the most comprehensive suite of advanced safety and driver-assistive technologies in the class. Honda Sensing includes a Collision Mitigation Braking System™ (CMBS™) with Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Lane Keeping Assist (LKAS), Road Departure Mitigation (RDM) with Lane Departure Warning (LDW) and Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), and is available as a standalone option on all trims with the exception of Touring, where Honda Sensing is included as standard equipment. Also, all 2016 Accords feature a standard Multi-Angle Rearview Camera and Expanded View Driver's Mirror and, for the first time, new auto high-beam headlights (Touring trim) that enhance nighttime visibility and driving convenience by defaulting to the high-beam setting and automatically switching to low beams when an oncoming vehicle is detected. Display Audio with Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ The Accord audio and digital experience also is significantly upgraded with the application of a 7-inch Display Audio touchscreen interface featuring Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™, on EX and above trims, as well as available HondaLink™ Assist (e911) and HD Radio. The intuitive and easy-to-use capacitive touchscreen lets users swipe, tap and pinch—just like on a tablet or smartphone—to control the vehicle’s audio system, display settings and other advanced features. Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ are designed to support seamless smart phone integration and offer a multitude of new functions and features. Apple CarPlay® takes the things you want to do with your iPhone while driving and puts them right on your car’s built-in display. You can get directions, make calls, send and receive messages, and listen to music right from the touchscreen or by voice via Siri. Supported apps include Phone, Messages, Maps, Music and compatible third party apps. Apple CarPlay® is compatible with iOS 8.4 or later and iPhone 5 or later. Android Auto™ was designed to give drivers a simple, intuitive way through touch and voice to minimize the potential for distraction so the driver can stay focused on the road. Compatible with Android 5.0 and higher, Android Auto features Google Maps, Google Now, messaging, music and numerous popular apps. To take full advantage of these new systems and features, the 2016 Accord's new 7-inch Display Audio touchscreen is paired with an upper 7.7-inch high-resolution display screen and steering wheel-mounted controls. The upper screen can display audio settings, turn-by-turn directions, time and trip information, LaneWatch™ and Rearview Camera displays, incoming calls, SMS text messages when stopped, and parking sensor alerts. Upgraded FeaturesThe Accord value proposition is further bolstered by new standard and available features: Accord EX and above trims (Sedan and Coupe) with automatic transmission get remote engine start, 7-inch Display Audio touchscreen and HD Radio. SiriusXM satellite radio and Homelink remote, previously on EX-L and Touring, are now standard on EX and above trims. Sport and above trims in the sedan lineup also get a new 60/40 split and folding rear seat, previously a one-piece folding design. The Accord Sedan in Touring trim gets heated rear seats, front and rear parking sensors and new rain-sensing windshield wipers. Advanced Powertrains The Accord will continue to be offered with two advanced Honda engines: a direct-injected (DI) 2.4-liter inline i-VTEC™ 4-cylinder and a 3.5-liter VTEC™ V-6 that is the most powerful engine offered in a Honda sedan to date. Available transmissions include a sporty and fuel-efficient continuously variable transmission (CVT) for the 4-cylinder engines, unique 6-speed manuals for the 4-cylinder and V-6 engines, and a 6-speed automatic for V-6 models. View full article

Last month, we reported that Lexus was dropping 2.5L V6 for the turbocharged 2.0L four in the IS sedan for Europe. We heard the engine would be coming to the states, but no timeframe was given. Today, Lexus announced details on the 2016 IS for North America. The big news is the turbo 2.0L is part of the changes, along with another engine. First up is the IS 200t, which takes the place of the IS 250. This packs a 2.0L turbo-four with 241 horsepower and 258 pound-feet. This is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Now if you want all-wheel drive, you oddly can't get it with the turbo-four. You'll have to opt the IS 300 AWD which packs a 3.5L V6 with 255 horsepower and 235 pound-feet. A six-speed automatic sends the power to all four-wheels. The IS 350 remains unchanged with 305 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque, along with the choice of rear and all-wheel drive. Source: Lexus Press Release is on Page 2 Lexus IS Sport Sedan Gets Revved Up In 2016 With Three Available Engines 2.0L Twin-Scroll Turbocharged Gas Engine for New IS 200t New 3.5L V6 Engine Provides More Options for All-Weather Drive with IS 300 AWD Agile Handling Throughout IS Lineup Available F SPORT Package Heightens Driving Experience The Lexus IS luxury sport sedan models will continue to delight drivers with their balance of luxury, agility and sportiness as they enter 2016 model year with a three model strategy with IS 200t, IS 300 AWD, and IS 350. The former IS 250 and IS 250 AWD are discontinued. The IS adds to its stable of engines and receives a turbocharged gas engine, bringing the number of engine alternatives to three. Drivers will have a hard time deciding which IS to take home with rear-wheel drive (RWD), all-weather drive (AWD) and F SPORT variants. The new IS 200t, available as RWD only, features a 2.0-liter twin-scroll turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine with intercooler paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission. This engine cranks out 241 hp and has 258 lb.-ft. torque at 1,650-4,400 rpm. Lexus developed the turbocharged engine in house, first integrated it into the NX luxury utility hybrid for 2015 model year, and modified it for IS 200t. The IS 200t features a combination of water-cooled cylinder head, integrated exhaust manifold and twin scroll turbocharger for fast throttle response, performance and high torque at low engine revs. Variable Valve Timing intelligent – Wide (VVTi-W) allows the engine to switch between the Otto and Atkinson cycles. The D-4ST direct injection system combines a high pressure fuel system for injection directly in to the cylinders with a low pressure system for injection into the ports. Injection is split between the direct and port injectors according to the engine load to help fuel economy. With the popularity of the all-weather drive (AWD) system in inclement weather, Lexus offers the IS 300 AWD with 255 hp and 236 lb.-ft. torque at 2,000-4,800 rpm. The IS 300 AWD features a modified 3.5-liter V6 engine paired to a six-speed automatic transmission. Lexus continues to offer the IS 350, in both RWD and AWD models. The IS sedans convey an aggressive yet elegant presence with the brand’s unmistakable spindle grille, L-theme LED daytime running lights and dynamic bodylines. The lineup combines silken power delivery with multi-link rear suspension and finely tuned electronic power steering derived from the Lexus GS sedan to deliver a rousing driving experience. At the same time, the brand’s hallmark luxury and sumptuous appointments remains intact. In addition to more engine choices, the Lexus IS features a few other changes for 2016. The new optional Premium Plus Package includes a power tilt/telescopic steering wheel, and rain-sensing wipers. A heated steering wheel is also now available as a standalone option. The IS 350 adds standard 18-inch five-spoke wheels with all-season tires. Drivers can also now opt in for additional peace of mind with Lexus Enform Service Connect. Lexus Enform Service Connect (one-year complimentary subscription) allows customers to remotely view information about certain aspects of their Lexus vehicle via the MyLexusandBeyond mobile application for iOS smartphone users or LexusDrivers.com. Information includes maintenance alerts, warning light notifications and a vehicle health report that includes email and push notifications for diagnostic information, required maintenance reminders, current vehicle alerts, service campaigns, and more. The IS 350 delivers scintillating performance from a 3.5-liter V6 that produces 306 hp and 277 lb.-ft. of peak torque. Its eight-speed, Sport Direct Shift (SPDS) automatic transmission integrates advanced G-force Artificial Intelligence (G-AI) system to choose gears intuitively. Or, shift yourself with the paddle shifters. The electronically controlled all-weather drive system standard on IS 300 AWD and available on IS 350 models is designed to help enhance traction and grip under all driving conditions by automatically varying front-to-rear torque balance from 30:70 to as much as 50:50. A Drive Mode Select system features up to four driving modes to tailor the car’s combination of economy, comfort, performance and handling characteristics. All IS sedans feature ECO, NORMAL, and SPORT modes. Equipping the IS 350 with the F SPORT package also nets Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS), controlled with SPORT S and SPORT S+ modes. In addition, AWD models also feature a SNOW mode. Available for all IS sedan models, the F SPORT package sharpens handling acuity with unique 18-inch wheels and special suspension tuning, while sharpening the design with unique interior and exterior trim. The finishing touch on the F SPORT experience for IS 300 AWD and IS 350 is an intake sound that creates a more sporting engine note. A Display Audio system equips the IS models with a seven-inch screen, HD Radio™, Bluetooth® audio, automatic phone book transfer, a vehicle information display and complimentary traffic and weather data provided via HD Radio. The multimedia system also incorporates cache radio which has the ability to pause live radio. It automatically records the previous 15 minutes for convenient replay. Keeping drivers connected, all IS models have Siri® Eyes Free mode, with technology licensed from Apple®. Compatible with the iPhone® 4S and iPhone 5 models forward, Siri responds to verbal requests to play music from iTunes®, get turn-by-turn navigation, and much more. Keep your eyes on the road and hands on the wheel while Siri reads notifications and calendar information and lets you, when safe to do so, add reminders, appointments and notes. Luxuries abound in the 2016 Lexus IS models. A high-efficiency dual-zone climate control system uses touch-sensitive electrostatic temperature switches. The IS offers two multimedia systems: a standard high-resolution Lexus Display Audio (LDA) with controller or the optional Lexus navigation system. The navigation system puts a world of capability at the driver’s fingertips via the second-generation Lexus Remote Touch Interface (RTI) multi-function control device. The RTI also allows control of the climate, audio, phone controls and more. Lend your ears to the available Mark Levinson® Premium Surround System and enjoy strikingly life-like sound reproduction, with 835 watts powering 15 speakers. The IS models exemplify the brand’s advanced passive and active safety technology. Ten Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) airbags are standard, and the IS models employ the innovative Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM) system, which integrates: Anti-Lock Brakes (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Traction Control (TRAC) and Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) active safety systems with the Electronic Power Steering (EPS) or, where fitted (for IS 350 RWD F SPORT), Variable Gear Ratio Steering (VGRS). The 2016 IS models can also be equipped with the available pre-emptive Pre-Collision System (PCS), which incorporates Dynamic Radar Cruise Control. The model range offers several safety features, including a Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) with Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) system and a standard Auto Location Tire Pressure Warning System (AL-TPWS). View full article

We know the latest product that Buick dealers will be getting in the near future is the Cascada convertible starting sometime early next year. But what comes after that? Automotive News has done some sleuthing and has come up with possible timeline of what to expect from 2016 to 2019. 2016 First up is a redesign of the Buick Verano that will likely appear in the second half of 2016. The model is expected to grow in length and interior size. Either a 1.4T or 1.5T will be the base engine, while a new version of the 2.0T will be available. Next is the LaCrosse which will get a full redesign that will go on sale next fall. Spy shots show the model grow in size. The new LaCrosse will be based on the new Chevrolet Malibu. Four-cylinders engines are being debated for the powertrain, along with a hybrid. The long-awaited Envision crossover will be coming in the fall. Finishing up 2016 is a refresh of the Encore subcompact crossover. Interior updates are also planned. 2017 The second-generation Regal will go into production sometime in 2017. The model will grow in size to give some space between it and the Verano. A 1.5T is expected to be the base engine, followed by the 2.0T. In the cards is a diesel engine and a wagon. Midyear will see the second-generation Enclave. The new model will use the new, lighter platform that will underpin the Chevrolet Traverse. 2018 We know that it has been rumored that Buick will be getting the Opel Adam, but not until the second-generation model. Automotive News says it could happen in 2018 or sometime thereafter. 2019 A redesign of the Encore is expected to happen. Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required) View full article

They should give you full credit if that is the full title. Listening the music from the credits of the different James Bond movies -

I see this working well...

Infiniti has decided to pull the camouflage off the Q30 before its official debut at Frankfurt Motor Show in September. This new model marks Infiniti's entrant in the entry-level luxury class. We have to give Infiniti a bit of credit for keeping much of the design from the Q30 concept shown at the 2013 Frankfurt show. The swoopy lines and squared off front end are here. We can't tell if the rear end design is the same as Infiniti only released one picture of the Q30 - the image seen here. The Q30 will go into production later this year in Sunderland, England. Sales are expected to begin sometime next year. Source: Infiniti Press Release is on Page 2 Jul. 21, 2015 Infiniti Q30 Premium Active Compact set for Frankfurt IAA 2015 premiere Daring, expressive design meets advanced ride and handling performance Category-breaking Q30 faithful to 2013 concept car World premiere for global media September 15th at Frankfurt Motor Show Hong Kong – The first-ever Infiniti Q30 Premium Active Compact is ready for its world premiere at the International Frankfurt Motor Show in September this year. Featuring Infiniti's iconic design language, the all-new Q30 represents a category-breaking vehicle concept developed for customers seeking urban individuality. Its dynamic drive characteristics provide for Infiniti-typical confident and responsive performance as well as excellent ride and handling. Crafted trims and expressive interiors extend the striking design approach from the exterior into the passenger cabin. The public premiere of the Q30 Active Compact comes exactly two years after its precursor, the Q30 Concept, was introduced at the 2013 Frankfurt show. The unmistakable approach of that winning concept has been fully maintained as Infiniti's all-new Q30 compact vehicle is introduced to the market. "Design is a key pillar of the Infiniti brand, and the new Q30 Active Compact perfectly embodies this approach," said Infiniti president Roland Krueger. "The Q30 Active Compact delivers the distinctive design, the driving dynamics and the individuality that our customers expect of an Infiniti vehicle. With our first ever entry in the compact car segment, we continue the product offensive and provide additional options for our discerning customers." The Q30 Active Compact underwent final testing and development in Europe. It will be built in Sunderland in the UK, which then becomes the fourth country on three continents to build Infiniti vehicles. Press days for the international motor show in Frankfurt this year are on September 15 and 16; public days are held September 17 to 27. View full article

Last week, Tesla announced some new updates for the Model S. The big news was the introduction of the optional 'Ludicrous' acceleration mode. This mode drops 0-60 from 3.1 to 2.8 seconds and can do the quarter-mile in 10.9 seconds. Tesla is able to do this via a new advanced smart fuse for the battery that allows an increase in the maximum amp throughout from 1,300 to 1,500 amps. This option will cost $10,000 for a new Model S P85D. But if you are the current owner of a P85D, you can get the Ludicrous package for $5,000 plus labor for the next six months. Also announced is a new 90-kWh battery pack option which adds 15 Miles to the overall range of the Model S P85D (275 to 300 Miles). Opting for the larger battery will cost around $3,000. Wrapping up the changes is the introduction of a new base Model S. The Model S 70 RWD only comes with one electric motor and will set you back around $70,000. Source: Tesla Press Release is on Page 2 THREE DOG DAY - 90 kWh battery pack option for $3k - 70 kWh rear drive Model S for $70k (effectively ~$50k after incentives & gas savings)- 2.8 sec 0 to 60 mph upgrade to "Ludicrous Mode" First, I should address something that might be on your mind, like: "Where the heck is the Model X and the Model 3!? You should really get on that." Don't worry, those remain our focus and good progress is being made on both. X is on track for first deliveries in two months and Model 3 in just over two years. Now, on to the awesome news of today. New buyers now have the option of upgrading the pack energy from 85 to 90 kWh, which provides up to 15 miles of additional range. This takes our current longest range model, the 85D to almost exactly 300 miles of highway range at 65mph. Existing owners can also purchase the pack upgrade, but I wouldn't recommend doing so unless your usage is on the edge of current range. On average, we expect to increase pack capacity by roughly 5% per year. Better to wait until you have more time on your existing pack and there is a larger accumulated pack energy difference. 70kWh for $70k We are now offering the 70kWh version of the Model S in the single motor version for $5k less than the dual motor, consistent with the price differential for the single and dual motor 85 kWh car. Importantly, enough options are now standard that you will have bought a great car even if you pick the base version. Various purchase incentives mean the actual net price is around $60k and annual gasoline and servicing savings are around $2k. These savings are captured immediately if you lease the car. Luuudicrous Mode While working on our goal of making the power train last a million miles, we came up with the idea for an advanced smart fuse for the battery. Instead of a standard fuse that just melts past a certain amperage, which means you aren't exactly sure when it will or won't melt or if it will arc when it does, we developed a fuse with its own electronics and a tiny lithium-ion battery. It constantly monitors current at the millisecond level and is pyro-actuated to cut power with extreme precision and certainty. That was combined with upgrading the main pack contractor to use inconel (a high temperature space-grade superalloy) instead of steel, so that it remains springy under the heat of heavy current. The net result is that we can safely increase max amp throughout from 1300 to 1500 Amps. If you don't know much about Amps, trust me this is a silly big number of Amps to be going through something the size of your little fingernail. What this results in is a 10% improvement in the 0 to 60 mph time to 2.8 secs and a quarter mile time of 10.9 secs. Time to 155 mph is improved even more, resulting in a 20% reduction. This option will cost $10k to new buyers. In appreciation of our existing P85D owners, the upgraded pack electronics will be offered for the next six months at only $5k plus installation labor. It is important to note that the battery pack size upgrade and the pack electronics upgrade are almost entirely independent. The first is about energy, which affects range, and the second is about power, which affects acceleration. There is of course one speed faster than ludicrous, but that is reserved for the next generation Roadster in 4 years: maximum plaid. MORE ON THE ANNOUNCEMENT Model S already offers the highest possible safety ratings, the longest range of any EV, and over-the-air updates that continuously make it better. The performance improvements we're announcing today demonstrate, yet again, that an electric car can soundly beat any gasoline car on efficiency and pure performance. Today's three new options give customers the ability to order the Model S for their lifestyle: 90kWh Battery Model S with maximum range. Available as an option on all 85kWh Model S, the new extended range option gives customers the ability to order a 90kWh battery. The upgrade increases range on all 85 kWh Model S by 5%. Ludicrous Speed Ludicrous Speed decreases the 0-60 mph time for Model S 10% to 2.8 seconds with a quarter mile time of 10.9 seconds. Time to 155 miles per hour is now 20% faster than a standard Model S Performance. Model S 70 In line with our mission to make our cars increasingly affordable, 70 RWD offers the best value of any Model S released to date, $5,000 less than the current lowest priced Model S with all the current standard equipment. Model S 70 RWD starts at $70,000. Here are a few examples of what a customer can now order: Model S P90D: truly Ludicrous performance; 0-60 in 2.8 sec with a quarter mile time of 10.9 seconds. Motor Power: 259 hp front, 503 hp rear, 253 miles range Model S 90D: the longest-range Model S ever produced, 90D travels up to 270 miles on a single charge. 417 hp Model S 70: 230 miles range, 0=60: 5.2, 328 hp View full article

Not everyone wants a flashy hot hatch i.e. Focus ST.

The big thing in pickup trucks at the moment is luxury models. Chevrolet has the Silverado High Country while the Denali has been part of GMC for quite awhile. Ram has quite the variety of luxury pickups with the Laramie Longhorn and Limited. Ford also has a range of luxury trucks from the Lariat to the Platinum. But the blue oval decided that wasn't enough and has introduced the 2016 F-150 Limited. Ford bills the F-150 Limited as the "the most advanced, luxurious F-150 ever." Ford has thrown everything and the kitchen sink in terms of standard equipment. All Limited models get heated and cooled Mojave leather front seats with "multicontour massaging," fiddleback eucalyptus inserts, heated rear seats, SYNC 3 with AppLink, 10-speaker Sony sound system, 360-degree camera system, adaptive cruise control, active park assist, a remote tailgate release, and a laser-engraved VIN plate with production number on the center console lid. The exterior gets a set of 22-inch wheels, a satin chrome finish on a number of exterior pieces such as the grille and door handles; and Limited written across the hood. Power will come from a 3.5L EcoBoost turbo V6 with 365 horsepower and 420 pound-feet of torque. There will be choice of either two or four-wheel drive. Pricing hasn't been announced, but sales are to begin this winter. Why is Ford doing this? It comes down to sales and profit. Ford said 60 percent of F-Series sales were made up of 'high-series trims' - Lariat, King Ranch, and Platinum. This has seen the average transaction price of the F-Series grow 9 percent to $44,100 compared to a year ago. “There’s a lot of people who buy trucks as both a work tool and a status symbol. You have a lot of wealthy businesspeople who have the money to buy an extremely capable and extremely luxurious truck. It’s not any financial stretch for these people to spend 50 or 70 grand,” said Karl Brauer, senior director of insights for Kelley Blue Book to Automotive News. Source: Ford, Automotive News (Subscription Required) Press Release is on Page 2 NEW TOP-OF-THE-LINE FORD F-150 LIMITED IS MOST ADVANCED, LUXURIOUS F-150 EVER New Ford F-150 Limited meets the growing needs of discerning truck customers interested in exclusivity, capability and craftsmanship – those looking to differentiate themselves from buyers of other high-series trucks Innovation comes standard with new F-150 Limited – including SYNC® 3 with AppLink™, and class-exclusive1 features such as a 360-degree camera system, adaptive cruise control, quad-beam LED headlamps, remote tailgate release and multicontour massaging front seats Exclusive exterior and interior design elements include raised LIMITED lettering on the hood, unique custom satin-chrome grille and tailgate, 22-inch wheels, genuine fiddleback eucalyptus, Mojave leather seating surfaces, unique instrument cluster face and laser-engraved VIN plate with production number NEWPORT BEACH, Calif., July 21, 2015 – Ford, America’s truck leader, introduces its most advanced and luxurious truck ever – the Ford F-150 Limited. The new Limited expands the F-150 model lineup – Ford’s toughest, smartest, safest and most capable F-150 ever – with more standard technology and driver convenience features than any other light-duty pickup. The Limited, a 2016 model, goes on sale this winter. “The F-150 Limited sets a new bar for what discerning customers should expect in a high-end truck,” said Raj Nair, Ford group vice president, Global Product Development. “We’re adding segment-exclusive technology, and features that improve productivity, convenience and capability with distinctive style.” There’s a Ford F-150 for every truck customer, beginning with work-ready versions that have a starting MSRP below the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 WT, as well as the popular mid-range F-150 XLT. But the new F-150 Limited meets the growing, untapped needs of luxury customers looking for exclusivity, convenience and fine craftsmanship that’s differentiated from other high-series trucks. F-150 Limited surpasses the well-appointed Lariat, the Western-themed King Ranch and contemporary Platinum edition models. In 1999, the company introduced the special-edition 2000 Harley-Davidson F-150. In 2001, the first King Ranch F-150 arrived. The 2009 F-150 took truck luxury to new heights with the Platinum model, and the first-generation Limited was added with the 2013 model year. Exterior refinements The 2016 Ford F-150 Limited stands out with exclusive 22-inch polished aluminum wheels and raised dimensional LIMITED lettering on the hood, unique grille and satin-finished chrome badge on the tailgate. The chrome front bumper has body-color end caps while the rear bumper is body color; bright belt moldings visually tie the two together. The exterior is further accented by satin-chrome door handles and chrome exhaust tip. Available colors include Shadow Black, Magnetic, Blue Jeans and White Platinum Metallic tri-coat. Top-tier equipment The standard equipment list is a showcase of the best F-150 Limited has to offer to make getting work done easier and with greater comfort. BLIS® with cross-traffic alert, chrome front tow hooks (4x4 only), panoramic vista roof, power-deployable running boards, quad-beam LED headlamps, remote start and tailgate release, as well as an integrated trailer brake controller come standard. A technology package includes a lane-keeping system, 360-degree camera system and dynamic trailer hitch assist. Interior equipment includes heated and cooled black and Mojave leather front seats that are unique in design and feature Limited badging, 10-way power adjustment and class-exclusive1 multicontour massaging. Heated rear seats and SYNC® 3 with AppLink™ are also included. SYNC 3 is Ford’s newest communications and entertainment system that features enhanced voice recognition, high-speed performance, capacitive touch screen and easier-to-understand graphical interface.3 F-150 Limited also includes a Sony® 10-speaker sound system with HD Radio™, subwoofer and single CD player paired with a five-year subscription to SiriusXM Traffic and Travel Link to complete the package. The interior is further differentiated from other F-150 models with a laser-engraved VIN plate on the center console lid including production number. Unique front and rear floor mats, unique instrument cluster face, genuine fiddleback eucalyptus, and aluminum interior accents and unique scuff plates with ice blue backlighting further distinguish the Limited model. All-new, segment-first Pro Trailer Backup Assist is available that makes it easier for drivers of all skill levels to back a trailer up to launch a boat or park in a driveway. The technology allows customers to steer a trailer instinctively by turning a knob left or right to indicate direction; the truck controls its steering and limits vehicle speed. Advanced power and fuel efficiency The 2016 F-150 Limited is powered by the 3.5-liter EcoBoost® V6, which allows for towing of up to 10,100 pounds when properly equipped. This advanced powertrain produces 365 horsepower and 420 lb.-ft. of torque – the latter unsurpassed by any truck with a comparable engine in its class1 – and has an EPA-estimated fuel economy rating of 17 mpg city, 24 mpg highway and 20 mpg combined. The engine is paired with an electronic six-speed automatic transmission with tow/haul and sport modes that features SelectShift® with progressive range select. Four-wheel-drive models are equipped with two-speed automatic four-wheel drive that automatically shifts between two-wheel and four-wheel drive depending on driving surface traction conditions. View full article