William Maley

I was trying to find that out from the previous stories we have done. I want to say its rear-drive, but with the number of stories that say Alfa's doing this and then that, I'm really not sure.

I think the last Gran Turismo game I played was GT3 on the PS2. So it has been quite awhile... I need to get back on that.

Tomorrow, Alfa Romeo will be showing the long awaited Giulia sedan. But the folks at CarScoops got their hands on two pictures before the debut. The pictures show the model using a number of cues from other Alfa models such as the trunk lid and taillights. Judging from the pictures, it appears this particular Giulia is a performance model with blacked-out wheels and twin-tailpipes. We'll have more on the Giulia when Alfa Romeo reveals it tomorrow. Source: CarScoops View full article

Somewhat

A couple of weeks ago, BMW announced the 2016 7-Series. For North America, we learned that we would be getting a turbocharged 3.0L inline-six and a twin-turbo 4.4L V8 at launch. But Car and Driver reports that more powertrains are on the way. A diesel engine is expected with about 300 horsepower, along with the return of the 760i with its monstrous V12. The Alpina B7 is expected to make a return as well, with 600 horsepower coming out a massaged V8. There is also talk of a M version of 7-Series with mild hybridization. Source: Car and Driver View full article

The midsize sedan field has changed drastically within the past few years. New models are now standing in the spotlight, while older and more established models are beginning to fall flat. The Toyota Camry is beginning to feel some of the pressure. While it still is one of the top selling vehicles in the U.S., the likes of the Honda Accord, Nissan Altima, and Ford Fusion are eating into its sales. Toyota knew it was time to make some changes to keep the Camry on top. The result is the 2015 Camry. I spent a week in the Camry SE Hybrid to see if these changes help or hurt. The 2015 Camry is quite a departure in terms of design. Whereas previous-generations were more reserved and somewhat boring to look at, the 2015 model is quite out there. From a long, slim chrome bar paired with a massive mesh grille up front, to character lines along the side, this Camry has style. A set of grey, 17-inch wheels and hybrid badging finish off the finish off the Hybrid SE. I’m not to keen on the Camry’s overall design, but I have to admit this is the most exciting Camry in a while. The interior is also a departure from previous Camrys. There is some style throughout the interior with slight curves on the dash panels and grey stitching on certain interior pieces. There is also more soft-touch materials used throughout to make the cabin a bit more pleasing to touch. The center stack gets a seven-inch touchscreen with Toyota’s Entune infotainment system, and a set of large buttons and knobs to control it and the climate control system. Some might complain and make fun of the giant buttons and knobs that Toyota employs., Bbut in the age of using small buttons which are difficult to find, or capacitive-touch buttons which can be hit and miss, I appreciate Toyota’s decision to keep it simple. One item I wish Toyota would fix is the touchscreen as it appears to be washed out in any condition. SE models get a set of sport seats with what Toyota calls ‘sport fabric material’ - a combination of their SofTex vinyl and patterned fabric. Finding a comfortable position in the front is no problem thanks to good support from the seats and a number of adjustments - power for the driver, manual for the passenger. The back seat has no shortage of head and legroom for even the tallest of passengers. See Page 2 Powertrain and Ride Impressions One item Toyota did not dare mess with is the hybrid powertrain. Like on the larger Avalon Hybrid, the Camry Hybrid uses a 2.5L Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder paired with an electric motor to produce a total output 200 horsepower. This powertrain is paired to a CVT. There are also three different drive modes which varies power output: Drive: Goes between electric, gas, and hybrid modes automatically. Eco: Restricts throttle response and use of the A/C compressor EV: Runs the vehicle solely on electric power if the vehicle is under 25 MPH The Camry Hybrid is quite the potent vehicle. Leaving a stop light, I was shocked at how it was able to leap off and get moving at a quick rate. Maybe it was due to me thinking I was driving a Prius XL. But the reason for this fast response is due to the 199 pound-feet of torque from the electric motor which is available from 0 to 1,500 rpm. More impressive was how the Camry Hybrid did around town and on the freeway as the powertrain was able to get up to speed at a reasonable rate. I had to remind myself that this a hybrid and not a basic four-cylinder model. Fuel economy is rated at 40 City/38 Highway/40 Combined for the hybrid. My average for the week was around 37 MPG. This was due to frigid weather I was driving in. Now the Hybrid SE model is new for this generation of Camry Hybrid which includes a sport-tuned suspension. Does this make the Camry Hybrid sportier? I have to say no. In the corners, the car felt somewhat squishy - possibly due to the low-rolling resistance tires. Also, the steering felt very rubbery and had no feel. If you want a midsize hybrid sedan that is somewhat fun to drive, I would point you in the direction of the Honda Accord Hybrid. But for day-to-day driving, the Camry Hybrid is quite good. Even with the sport-tuned suspension, the vehicle still kept bumps and imperfections at bay. Wind and road noise were kept at acceptable levels. At the end of my week with the Camry Hybrid SE, I felt that most of these changes have helped the Camry. It may not be the most exciting to look at or to drive, but Toyota focused on improving the basics which will help it in the sales chart. As for the SE trim, I think its a half-baked idea. They have the looks down, now Toyota just needs to work on making the driving a tiny bit more sporting. Disclaimer: Toyota Provided the Camry Hybrid, Insurance, and One Tank of Gas Year: 2015 Make: Toyota Model: Camry Trim: Hybrid SE Engine: Hybrid Synergy Drive (2.5L DOHC 16-valve VVT-i four-cylinder, 105 kW Electric Motor) Driveline: CVT, Front-Wheel Drive Horsepower @ RPM: 156 @ 5,700 (Gas), 200 (Total Output) Torque @ RPM: 156 @ 4,500 (Gas), 199 @ 0-1,500 (Electric) Fuel Economy: City/Highway/Combined - 40/38/40 Curb Weight: 3,565 lbs Location of Manufacture: Georgetown, KY Base Price: $27,995 As Tested Price: $32,987 (Includes $825.00 Destination Charge) Options: Entune Premium Audio with Navigation and App Suite - $1,300.00 Power Tilt/Slide Moonroof - $915.00 Remote Start - $499.00 Clear Protective Film - $395.00 VIP RS3200 Plus Security System - $359.00 Four Season Floor Mat Package - $325.00 Illuminated Door Sill Enhancements - $299.00 Wireless Charging for Electronics - $75.00 View full article

Although, It would be cool to do a long-term test.

If you thought the heavy-duty wars were done and over with, you thought wrong. Ram announced today that the 3500 Heavy Duty - a model with best-in-class tow ratings of 30,000 lbs when equipped with the 6.7L inline-six Cummins diesel engine - has upped the ante once again. The inline-six for the 2016 model year will now produce 385 horsepower and 900 pound-feet of torque. That's an increase of 35 pound-feet when compared to last-year's model. The increase in power also means increase in tow ratings - 31,210 pounds according to the SAE's J2807 certification process. To deal with the increase in tow weight, Ram beefed up the rear axle ring gear hardware from 12 to 16 bolts. "Ram maintains leadership in all three pickup segments offering best-in-class fuel efficiency, best-in-class towing, best-in-class power and best-in-class payload," said Bob Hegbloom, President and CEO — Ram Truck Brand, FCA US. "Ram continues to break records in the most important consumer-driven titles of the pickup truck market and we’re not slowing down.” The Ram 2500 Heavy Duty also sees a minor increase in max tow weight from 17,970 to 17.980 pounds. Ram says the updated heavy duty trucks will be at dealers starting in the forth quarter of this year with prices of $32,680 for the 2500 and $33,185 for the 3500 - includes a $1,195 destination charge. Source: Ram Trucks Press Release is on Page 2 2016 Ram Heavy Duty Widens its Leadership Gap With a Triple-decker Presence: Best-in-class Power, Towing Capacity and Payload Capacity 2016 Cummins 6.7-liter calibration hits a best-in-class 900 lb.-ft. of torque. The most torque ever offered in a mass-production vehicle 2016 Ram 3500 crushes the competition with up to 31,210 pounds of SAE J2807-spec. towing capacity, beating the closest competitor by more than two tons 2016 Ram 2500 holds best-in-class ¾-ton towing title with 17,980 pounds of capacity Ram 3500 maintains best-in-class payload of 7,390 pounds with 6.4-liter HEMI® V-8 Ram 3500 raises its best-in-class Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) to 39,100 pounds Ram maintains credibility and customer confidence as the only automaker to align with SAE J2807 towing standard across its entire pickup truck line Fuel economy is top of mind for Ram 1500 customers and the exclusive 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V-6 engine continues to crush the competition with an amazing 29 miles per gallon (mpg) The first 2016 Ram Heavy Duty trucks begin rolling off the factory line third quarter of 2015 Unsurpassed powertrain warranty – five years/60,000 miles on gas engines and five years/100,000 miles on diesel engines June 22, 2015 , Auburn Hills, Mich. - Ram continues as "King of the Hill" in the heavy-duty battleground with the introduction of the 2016 model year Ram 2500 and 3500 Heavy Duty pickups. The capability leaders further build on a list of best-in-class claims. Additionally, for two years running, the Ram 1500 leads pickup truck fuel economy with the exclusive 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V-6 engine, delivering 240 horsepower, 420 lb.-ft. of torque and 29 miles per gallon (mpg). "Ram maintains leadership in all three pickup segments offering best-in-class fuel efficiency, best-in-class towing, best-in-class power and best-in-class payload," said Bob Hegbloom, President and CEO — Ram Truck Brand, FCA US. "Ram continues to break records in the most important consumer-driven titles of the pickup truck market and we're not slowing down." Ram Engineering and Cummins developed a new, hard-hitting fuel delivery and turbo boost calibration for the 6.7-liter I-6 diesel that produces an additional 35 lb.-ft. of torque. This improvement raises the bar from Ram's current title at 865 lb.-ft. of torque to 900 lb.-ft. of torque — a number never achieved in a mass-produced vehicle. The previous heavy-duty towing title also belongs to the Ram 3500 at 30,000 pounds. The 2016 Ram 3500 brings that stat to 31,210 pounds, further distancing the closest rival by more than two tons. To handle the increased towing capacity, Ram engineers beefed up the rear axle ring gear hardware from 12 to 16 bolts on all trucks equipped with the 11.8-inch axle. The additional hardened bolts and stronger material are used in the differential case to assure long-term durability. The most payload available in a pickup is 7,390 pounds for a 6.4-liter-equipped Ram 3500 model, more than 3.5 tons. The 2016 Ram 2500 also continues its ¾-ton towing leadership with a dominating 17,980 pounds of capacity. Ram is the only automaker to back its entire pickup truck line and towing claims with SAE J2807 testing criteria. "Ram has bookended its innovation leadership in the pickup segments and thoughtfully engineered better trucks, including our Ram 1500 with real-world fuel economy approaching 30 mpg and the Ram 3500 with a mind-boggling 31,210 pounds of towing capacity, even on the hottest day," said Mike Cairns, Director— Ram Truck Engineering, FCA US. "Our 2016 Ram Trucks own pertinent, functional titles while delivering award-winning interiors and exclusive features that entice customers." Pricing 2016 Ram 2500 - $31,4852016 Ram 3500 - $31,990 NOTE: Pricing does not include $1,195 destination View full article