William Maley

Coming soon will be Jaguar's first crossover - the F-Pace. But the luxury automaker is consider adding another one. Autocar reports the luxury automaker is looking into a compact crossover to take on the likes of the Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class and other models. Why not a compact sedan or coupe to take on the likes of the Audi A3 BMW 1/2-Series, and Mercedes-Benz A-Class? Sales of crossovers - especially small ones are booming at the moment. “A family [of SUVs] is not confirmed but we are investigating it. We have the architecture and capability with Land Rover to go left or right, up or down, but we’d only do it on two key attributes. The car has to be dynamically the most capable and it has to meet our design standards,” said Steven de Ploey, Jaguar’s brand director. “If we want to grow, a compact model is the obvious opportunity. The arguments about this are twofold. It has to be a Jaguar in design and performance, and it would be a challenge to do this. The second is the business, both in terms of scale and competition. You’d not just be competing with premium brands but high-end mainstream manufacturers, too. There are lots of other things we have to do before this, but we have opportunities and permission to play there.” Source: Autocar View full article

The quintessential off-road vehicle in the United States is the Jeep Wrangler. From its humble beginning as vehicle to go anywhere in the heat of World War II to a well-loved off-roader by many when it entered the civilian market, the Wrangler has earned the honor of being an icon . But many Wranglers it seems are mostly on the road, not tackling some trail. Is the Wrangler built for this kind of duty or is it just a fish out of the water? I spent some time in the 2015 Wrangler Willys Wheeler to figure this out. The Jeep Wrangler may be the most recognizable vehicle around the world. The reason for this is simple, the basic shape of the Wrangler hasn’t changed much since it was called into duty for World War II. The seven-slot grille, rounded headlights, foldable windshield, and removable doors are all here. But that doesn’t mean Jeep’s designers made to some changes to keep the Wranger fresh. The front end is jutted out slightly at an angle, and the body has some slight curves. Also keeping the Wrangler fresh is the introduction of special edition models. The Willys Wheeler is an example of this with a number of decals to make a call back to the original model, along with a set of 17-inch off-road wheels wrapped in meaty off-road tires. My Wrangler featured the optional hardtop which provided excellent protection from the elements and adds a nice layer of security. Sadly, I didn’t get chance to take the top off during my week as it was cold and rainy during my weeklong test. But from looking at the top and doing some reading, taking it off is somewhat easy thanks to the top coming off in three parts. This also means I cannot comment on how easy or hard it is to put on the soft top which came with my tester. The Wrangler hasn’t been known as being a comfortable off-roader. But within the past few years, Jeep has been addressing that. Seats in my tester came wrapped in cloth and provided good support and comfort. In my ask me anything about the Wrangler, I said that the back seat isn’t really usable for adults since there isn’t any legroom. I would like to take that back. The backseat is actually quite comfortable for an adult as there is a lot of headroom and a decent amount of legroom once you move the seats up front. But getting into the back is quite a challenge as the front seat doesn’t quite move far enough to allow an adult to comfortably get back in. Now the Wrangler does have a rear-view problem with rear seats up as it blocks a good amount of the view. I found removing the headrests or folding the seat down helped alleviate the problem a bit. At one time, you could say the Jeep Wrangler came with only the bare necessities. But in the past few years, Jeep has been adding some ‘luxury’ items to make the Wrangler more appealing to a wider audience. Such items include a great sounding Alpine audio system, Bluetooth, USB and aux inputs, and a trip computer. However don’t expect to find any soft-touch materials on the dash or certain parts of the door panels. The Wrangler is lined with durable plastics which will stand the punishment of off-road driving and be very easy to clean after a day on the trail. Powertrain and Ride Impressions On Page 2 A big complaint of previous Wranglers was the powertrain as it was lethargic. Luckily, Jeep addressed a few years back when they introduced the 3.6L Pentastar V6 to the Wrangler. This happens to be the same engine found under the hood my tester with 285 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. This can be paired with a six-speed manual or my tester’s five-speed automatic. The 3.6L gives the Wrangler a much needed boost in power as it's able to get moving in a flash. Passing and merging which was a terrifying experience in previous Wranglers, was no problem for this current model. The five-speed automatic was quick and smooth. The only item I wished for was an extra cog to improve fuel economy. The EPA rates the 2015 Wrangler with the automatic at 17 City/21 Highway/18 Combined. My average for the week landed at 16 MPG. The Willys Wheeler has a number of off-road tweaks and goodies to make it a standout for the price. Such items include the off-road tires and wheels; a Trac-Lok rear differential, 3.73 axles for the front and rear (which also plays a part in the low fuel economy I got for the week), and set of rock rails. Unfortunately, I didn’t get to do any real off-roading with the Wrangler as the nearest place where I could take it was closed to vehicles at the time of this review. I hope to do some off-roading in the Wrangler in the future. With all of those off-road goodies and tall ride height, it makes the Wrangler quite a handful when driving around on payment. The short wheelbase makes it clear of a road’s imperfections. Bumps, potholes, and uneven surfaces are transmitted quite clear to the passengers.The long travel suspension does isolate some of the imperfections, but be prepared for a bumpy ride. The steering I also found to be slow. Making a turn, I could tell that it take a few moments for the steering to catch up with the inputs I made. Add in the amount of road noise when driving on the freeway and it becomes abundantly clear that the Wrangler isn’t built for the urban jungle. Jeep has made a number of changes to make the Wrangler a bit more habitable for daily use. But after spending a week, I can tell that it rather spend its time in the wild than the urban environment. From its choppy ride to all of those off-road goodies, the Wrangler just feels like a fish out of water. If you’re planning to get a Wrangler just for the looks, either pass on that idea or be comfortable with the idea that you’re driving a vehicle with a large amount of compromises. Disclaimer: Jeep provided the Wrangler, Insurance, and One Tank of Gas Year: 2015 Make: Jeep Model: Wrangler Trim: Sport 4X4 Engine: 3.6L 24-Valve VVT V6 Driveline: Five-Speed Automatic, Four-Wheel Drive Horsepower @ RPM: 285 @ 6,400 Torque @ RPM: 260 @ 4,800 Fuel Economy: City/Highway/Combined - 17/21/18 Curb Weight: 3,785 lbs* Location of Manufacture: Toledo, Ohio Base Price: $22,695 As Tested Price: $34,425 (Includes $995.00 Destination Charge) *Curb Weight is for a Wrangler Sport with the Automatic. Options: Willys Edition 24W - $6,100 Power Convenience Group - $1,495 5-Speed Automatic - $1,350 Freedom Top Black 3-Piece Hardtop - $995 Alpine 9-Speaker Audio System with All Weather Subwoofer - $795 View full article

Don't worry, I fixed it so there is no more duplicates.

Car and Driver got their hands on new spy shots showing off an updated Ford Escape that is likely be introduced next year. The Escape looks to getting a new front end that is similar to Edge with a much larger grille and slimmer headlights. The back looks to be also getting some major changes, though Ford has it so well camouflaged we can't tell you much. Car and Driver goes onto say that the Escape will get the Sync3 infotainment system, and no major changes are expected for the powertrain. Source: Car and Driver View full article

Last week, Volvo announced that will be building a factory in South Carolina that will go online in 2018 and build 100,000 vehicles per year. Quite ambitious considering the brand only sold 56,366 vehicles in the U.S. last year. But the plant is part of a new comeback plan for Volvo. "We have reinvented ourselves and we believe it now makes sense to go on the attack again in the United States," said Lex Kerssemakers, CEO of Volvo Cars of North America. Now you might be scratching your head, wondering how a plant that will build more cars than Volvo actually sells at the moment will help the automaker. Well there is precedent with this decision. Both BMW and Mercedes-Benz built plants in anticipation of future growth almost two decades ago and it has worked like a charm. But for this happen, Volvo also needs some new products and tech to pull this off. Well the company is rolling out its brand new XC90 crossover and their Drive-E engine lineup. "All the planets are aligning for Volvo right now. They have wanted a bigger U.S. manufacturing presence for a long time. Now they have the investment and the future product lineup, and the U.S. market is expanding to support it," said Michael Robinet, managing director of IHS Automotive. Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required) View full article

Chevrolet has been teasing it for awhile and at a event in Belle Isle - near Detroit, MI - Camaro Six or the 2016 Camaro has been introduced. Now if you were expecting a new style for the Camaro, then you'll be slightly disappointed as the basic shape is the same. Sure there are some slight changes to the front and rear, but Chevrolet played it safe. Don't mess with success. At least under the skin, there are some massive changes. The big story is the Camaro utilizing a modified version of the Alpha platform found under the Cadillac ATS and CTS. Chevrolet says the Camaro is 28 percent more rigid than the outgoing model thanks to the switch to Alpha. Also the Camaro is expected handle better thanks to a slightly smaller size and 200 pound weight loss. The suspension has been updated with a new multi-link MacPherson strut setup in the front, and a five-link independent setup in the rear. Brembo brakes become an option for most models, while SS gets them as standard. The SS also gets Magnetic Ride Control as standard. Like the Ford Mustang, the Chevrolet Camaro will boast a turbo-four, V6, and V8 engines. Here's what the lineup will look like, Turbocharged 2.0L Four: 275 Horsepower, 295 Pound-Feet of Torque 3.6L V6: 335 Horsepower, 284 Pound-Feet of Torque 6.2L LT1 V8: 455 Horsepower, 455 Pound-Feet of Torque All engines get a choice of either a six-speed manual or an eight-speed automatic. Moving inside, the Camaro gets a new instrument panel that gets an optional eight-inch screen to show entertainment, navigation, and performance information. Another eight-inch screen in the center provides Chevrolet's MyLink infotainment system. No word on pricing, but Chevrolet says the Camaro will be arriving at dealers in the fourth quarter. Source: Chevrolet Press Release is on Page 2 2016 Camaro Establishes New Performance Benchmark Five-year segment leader is lighter, more powerful, with more advanced technology DETROIT – The sixth-generation Chevrolet Camaro revealed today offers higher levels of performance, technology and refinement and is designed to maintain the sporty car segment leadership earned over the past five years. The Gen Six Camaro provides a faster, more nimble driving experience, enabled by an all-new, lighter architecture and a broader powertrain range. Six all-new powertrain combinations are offered, including a 2.0L Turbo, an all-new 3.6L V-6 and the LT1 6.2L V-8, which is SAE-certified at 455 horsepower (339 kW) and 455 lb-ft of torque (617 Nm) – for the most powerful Camaro SS ever. Each engine is available with a six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic transmission. Camaro’s leaner, stiffer platform and slightly smaller dimensions are accentuated by a dramatic, sculpted exterior. Meticulously tuned in the wind tunnel, the exterior contributes to performance through reduced aerodynamic lift for better handling while enhancing efficiency. A driver-focused interior integrates class-leading control technologies, including a new Driver Mode Selector, configurable instrument cluster and a customizable ambient lighting feature. “Redesigning the Camaro is thrilling and challenging all at once, but the secret is to offer something more,” said Mark Reuss, General Motors executive vice president of Product Development. “For Camaro enthusiasts, it retains iconic design cues and offers even more performance. For a new generation of buyers, the 2016 Camaro incorporates our most innovative engineering ideas with finely honed performance and leading design.” Only two parts carry over from the fifth-generation Camaro to the new Gen Six: the rear bowtie emblem and the SS badge. To make it not only the best Camaro ever, but one of the best performance cars available, Chevrolet focused on three pillars of development: Performance Vehicle mass has been reduced by 200 pounds or more, depending on the model, creating a more nimble, responsive driving experience Most efficient Camaro ever, with a new 2.0L turbo SAE-certified at 275 hp (205 kW) and 295 lb-ft (400 Nm) – and delivers more than 30 mpg on the highway (GM-estimated), and 0-60 mph acceleration well under 6 seconds Efficient performance in a new 3.6L V-6 featuring direct injection, continuously variable valve timing and – for the first time – Active Fuel Management (cylinder deactivation), offering an SAE-certified 335 hp (250 kW) and 284 lb-ft of torque (385 Nm), for the highest specific output of any naturally aspirated V-6 in the segment The most powerful Camaro SS ever, with a new 6.2L LT1 direct-injected Small Block V-8 rated at 455 hp (339 kW) and 455 lb-ft of torque (617 Nm) Magnetic Ride Control active suspension available on Camaro SS for the first time With improved handling and performance, the Camaro SS delivers better lap times than the fifth-generation’s track-focused Camaro 1LE package. Technology All-new Drive Mode Selector, which tailors up to eight vehicle attributes for four modes: Snow/Ice, Tour, Sport and – on SS models – Track settings Segment-exclusive, Interior Spectrum Lighting that offers 24 different ambient lighting effects on the dash, door panels, and center console High-definition, configurable color displays – including available dual, 8-inch-diagonal screens. Design More athletic-looking, sculptured exterior that complements the tighter, leaner architecture – and offers all-new, modern lighting signatures, including light-emitting diode (LED) technology Greater emphasis on customer personalization with wider range of choices, including 10 exterior colors, five interior color combinations, lighting options and a full complement of dealer-available accessories available at launch – including wheels, stripe packages and additional accessories Aerodynamically optimized design that is the result of 350 hours of wind tunnel testing, reducing drag on LT models and improving downforce on SS All-new, interior with shifter-focused center console, intuitive controls, flat-bottom steering wheel, and higher quality materials throughout Unique control rings around the air vents used for temperature and fan speed adjustments, eliminating the need for conventional buttons “We have had the incredible opportunity to meet literally thousands of Gen 5 Camaro owners who provided direct feedback on what they loved about their car and what they wanted for the next-gen Camaro,” said Al Oppenheiser, Camaro chief engineer. “As a result, the 2016 Camaro builds on what made the current Camaro such a success with more power, more agile handling and more technology. “We expect it will set the new benchmark in the segment – and give a new generation of enthusiasts a reason to fall in love with Camaro.” The Gen Six Camaro goes on sale later this year, offered in LT and SS models. Lightweight architecture and chassis systems Approximately 70 percent of the architectural components are unique to Camaro. Through extensive computer-aided engineering, structural rigidity was increased by 28 percent, while the body-in-white mass was reduced by 133 pounds (60.5 kg). In their quest to make the 2016 Camaro as lean as possible, engineers and designers evaluated every aspect of its architecture – already the most mass-efficient ever created by GM – and supporting elements, saving grams here and pounds there that contributes to the car’s lower curb weight. As a result, the total curb weight for Camaro has been reduced by more than 200 pounds (90 kg). Significant weight savings came from using an aluminum instrument panel frame instead of steel, which saved 9.2 pounds (4.2 kg). The use of lightweight components, including aluminum front suspension links and steel rear suspension links with lightening holes, in the new five-link rear suspension system contributed to a 26-pound (12 kg) reduction in the overall suspension weight. With the lighter, stiffer architecture and more powerful engines, the Gen Six Camaro SS delivers better lap times than the fifth-generation’s track-focused Camaro 1LE package. “The driving experience is significantly different,” said Aaron Link, lead development engineer. “Immediately, you will notice how much lighter and more nimble the Camaro feels. That feeling increases when you drive the Camaro harder – it brakes more powerfully, dives into corners quicker, and accelerates faster than ever.” The Camaro features a new, multi-link MacPherson strut front suspension with Camaro-specific geometry. The double-pivot design provides a more precise feeling of control, including more linear and communicative feel from the quick-ratio electric power steering system. At the rear, a new five-link independent suspension yields outstanding wheel control and reduces “squat” during acceleration. In addition, the Magnetic Ride Control is available on the Camaro SS for the first time. Previously limited to the Camaro ZL1, the active suspension reads road and driving conditions 1,000 times per second, and automatically adjusts the damper settings to optimize ride comfort and control. All Camaro models offer Brembo brakes – they’re standard on SS – optimized for the car’s mass and performance capability. On Camaro LT, the available brakes include 12.6-inch (320 mm) front rotors with four-piston calipers and 12.4-inch (315 mm) rear rotors with single-piston sliding calipers. Camaro SS employs 13.6-inch (345 mm) front rotors with four-piston fixed calipers and 13.3-inch (338 mm) rear rotors with four-piston fixed calipers. Goodyear tires are used on all models: The LT features standard 18-inch wheels wrapped with Goodyear Eagle Sport all-season tires and available 20-inch wheels matched with Eagle F1 Asymmetric all-season run-flat tires. Camaro SS features standard 20-inch aluminum wheels with Eagle F1 Asymmetric 3 run-flat tires. More powerful and efficient The new Camaro will be offered with six different powertrain combinations, each designed to deliver improved performance and efficiency. The Camaro LT’s standard engine is a new 2.0L Turbo, rated at an SAE-certified 275 horsepower (205 kW) and 295 lb-ft of torque (400 Nm). For power on demand, it offers a wide torque band with 90 percent of peak torque available from 2,100 rpm to 3,000 rpm, and maximum torque from 3,000 to 4,500 rpm. The 2.0L turbo will deliver 0-60 mph acceleration in less than six seconds and offer more than 30 mpg on the highway (GM-estimated), making it the most fuel-efficient Camaro ever. An all-new 3.6L V-6 is available in the Camaro LT, producing and SAE-certified 335 horsepower (250 kW) and 284 lb-ft of torque (385 Nm), for the highest specific output of any naturally aspirated V-6 in the segment. The engine incorporates a trio of technologies for uncompromised efficiency and performance, including direct injection, variable valve timing and, for the first time, Active Fuel Management (cylinder deactivation), which disables two cylinders under light throttle applications to enhance efficiency. The 2.0L turbo and 3.6L V-6 engines are offered with a six-speed manual transmission or the all-new Hydra-Matic 8L45 paddle-shift eight-speed automatic transmission. It’s based on the Hydra-Matic 8L90 eight-speed, but scaled for the performance envelope of the smaller engines and offering an estimated 5-percent efficiency improvement over a comparable six-speed automatic. Camaro SS is powered by the 6.2L LT1 V-8 engine introduced on the Corvette Stingray. About 20 percent of the components are specific for the Camaro’s architecture, including new, tubular “tri-Y”-type exhaust manifolds. It also offers advanced technologies such as variable valve timing, direct injection and Active Fuel Management (on automatic-equipped models) to help balance efficiency and performance. Output is SAE-certified at 455 horsepower (339 kW) and 455 lb-ft of torque (617 Nm), making it the most-powerful Camaro SS ever. The LT1 engine is available with a standard six-speed manual transmission – with new Active Rev Match technology that “blips” the throttle for perfectly timed downshifts – or the Hydra-Matic 8L90 paddle-shift eight-speed automatic. Each engine has been carefully tuned for a distinctive performance sound. All 2.0L turbo models feature active noise cancellation, which uses sound waves to cancel unwanted cabin noise. Models equipped with the available Bose audio system also feature engine sound enhancement, which amplifies the native sounds of the 2.0L turbo engine – and can be disabled based on the driver’s preference. Both the 3.6L V-6 and 6.2L V-8 feature mechanical sound enhancers – resonators that direct induction noise from the engine bay into the cabin. Both engines are available with a dual-mode exhaust, which features electronically controlled valves that bypass the mufflers under acceleration, delivering improved performance and greater sound levels. With the dual-mode exhaust, drivers can personalize the exhaust sound, from a “stealth” mode to the most aggressive “track” mode. Compact, athletic design The exterior of the Camaro is more sculpted and more muscular effect that makes the new car look significantly lower and wider than before, even though it is within two inches of the exterior dimensions of the current Camaro: “From every angle, you’ll never mistake this for anything but a Camaro,” said Tom Peters, design director. “We’ve taken that iconic design and amplified its proportions to reflect a more dynamic driving experience – like the T-shirt on a muscular physique.” The front of the Camaro is defined by a cross-car grille/headlamp aperture, a signature cue that dates to the first generation. The new, expressive execution gives the Camaro a stronger, more determined face. It also displays a new, nearly fastback profile that flows into the pronounced haunches of the rear fenders, enhancing the wider, more aggressive stance. A more expressive take on the taillamps blends the horizontal aesthetic of the first generation with a dual-element theme and aggressive tapers for a contemporary appearance. Additionally, SS models have a unique rear spoiler. Standard lighting includes halogen projector beam headlamps and taillamps. RS and SS models add high-intensity discharge, or HID, projector-beam headlamps and LED “signature lighting” daytime running lights – including a sweeping LED lightpipe integrated in the headlamp and an LED light pipe integrated into the front fascia. RS and SS models also feature LED lighting for the rear taillamps, including auxiliary LED light guides that mirror the shape of the front signature lighting. In many cases, the exterior design not only communicates the performance capabilities of the new Camaro, but contributes to them. For example, the teams spent more than 350 hours testing the Camaro in the wind tunnel, meticulously tailoring the exterior to improve cooling and reduce aerodynamic lift and drag. Aerodynamic details include a subtle “air curtain” on the front fascia, which guides air around the wheels rather than into the wheelhouses, reducing drag. Also, the Camaro SS has a unique front fascia with integrated brake cooling ducts and a unique hood with functional air vents, which improve engine cooling and reduce front lift. All models share a more pronounced, sculpted roof panel that improves the structural rigidity of the roof for greater refinement. The roof is assembled using laser brazing, eliminating the need for “ditch channel” seams and cover trim, giving the car a sleeker appearance while saving half a kilogram compared to traditional spot welding. There’s also a new interpretation of the Camaro’s iconic red, white and blue “banner” insignia, displayed on the front fenders. Driver-focused interior and technologies Like the exterior, the interior is completely new yet instantly recognizable. The instrument panel, for example, is a departure from the previous model, but retains the Camaro’s familiar dual-binnacle-style instrument cluster hood. “Given the level of technology and performance, the interior had to be modern and driver focused.” said Ryan Vaughan, interior design manager. “But although the interior is an all new design, it is still instinctively recognizable as a Camaro.” The instrument cluster features analog instruments to provide the driver with essential performance information, as well as an available eight-inch-diagonal high-definition center screen that can be configured to provide additional information including navigation, performance, and infotainment features. Another eight-inch screen, integrated in the center of the instrument panel, serves as the interface for the enhanced, next-generation MyLink system. The new center console and center stack are designed with high performance driving in mind. For example, the heating and cooling controls are integrated into rings surrounding the air ducts. Eliminating the associated buttons makes the cabin feel more spacious, and makes adjusting the temperature easy while keeping your eyes on the road. An electronic parking brake replaces the previous mechanical parking brake handle. This enabled the cup holders to be repositioned for improved range of motion when shifting in manual-transmission models. An available, segment-first LED ambient lighting system, integrated in the dash, door panels and center console, offers 24 different colors, as well as fade and transition effects that spread across the interior. There’s even a theatrical “car show” mode that cycles randomly through the entire color spectrum when the Camaro is parked. The ambient lighting is one of eight attributes the driver can adjust using the Camaro’s new Driver Mode Selector– accessed via a switch on the center console. The system enables the driver to tailor the look, sound and feel of 2016 Camaro to their preferences and driving conditions: View full article