William Maley

Since the 2016 Chevrolet Equinox debuted at the Chicago Auto Show in February, we knew that it wouldn't be too long before GMC would roll out a refreshed Terrain. Well at New York, the automaker will be showing off the 2016 Terrain family. Like the Equinox, the Terrain keeps its basic shape. But key items such as the front and rear fascia, grille, and wheels are slightly changed. Inside gets a new center stack, along with new cloth and leather choices for each trim level. The blind zone alert and rear cross traffic alerts which was available on the Denali model is now optional on the SLE and SLT trims. Powertrains for the Terrain are the same as the outgoing model. The base engine is 2.4L EcoTec four-cylinder, while a 3.6L V6 with 301 horsepower is optional. The 2016 GMC Terrain hits dealers in the fall. Source: GMC Press Release is on Page 2 GMC Introduces 2016 Terrain New appearance, features build on success in growing compact SUV segment NEW YORK – Distinguished by a new, more contemporary front-end appearance, the 2016 GMC Terrain and Terrain Denali were introduced today, ahead of their public debut at the New York International Auto Show. The 2016 Terrain lineup features new front and rear fascias, new grille designs, a power dome hood, light-emitting diode (LED) daytime running lamps and additional updates. Side Blind Zone Alert and Rear Cross Traffic Alert are offered on SLE and SLT models for the first time. “Terrain is a popular choice in the growing compact SUV segment, introducing drivers to GMC’s professional grade design and features,” said Duncan Aldred, vice president of GMC Sales and Marketing. “The changes for 2016 provide consumers with even more reasons to consider Terrain as it continues to be a smart choice for customers seeking versatility, style and technology.” The compact SUV market leapt 17.4 percent in 2014 to account for 15.7 percent of the total U.S. market, overtaking midsize cars for the first time as the auto industry’s largest vehicle segment. Terrain had its best year ever in 2014 with 105,016 sales. The momentum continues this year, as Terrain enjoyed its best-ever January and February sales. The New York region is the national leader for compact SUV sales, with more than 200,000 retail units sold last year. It is also second-highest selling region for Terrain, behind Detroit. The complete list of revisions for the 2016 Terrain lineup includes: New front and rear fascias with C-shaped lower chrome trim that accentuates the Terrain’s wide stance New, chrome-accented grille designs for SLE, SLT and Denali – including specific tri-segment grille texture on Denali New power dome hood design New LED daytime running lamps on uplevel models New 18-inch aluminum wheel design offered on non-Denali models New 19-inch aluminum wheel design offered on Denali Revised instrument panel “center stack” with new storage shelf and updated control graphics Revised model lineup: SL, SLE (SLE-1 and SLE-2), SLT and Denali Premium cloth seat fabric now standard on SL and SLE models New Saddle Up leather interior available on SLT New Light Titanium/Jet Black interior combination offered on Denali Front passenger eight-way power-adjustable seat offered on SLT (previously available only on Denali) New, chrome-trimmed transmission shifter Available Side Blind Zone Alert and Rear Cross Traffic Alert safety features on SLE and SLT (previous available only on Denali). New White Frost Tricoat and Crimson Red Tintcoat premium exterior colors. Bold design tops many customers’ reasons for purchasing the GMC Terrain and the updated 2016 models retain the distinctive proportion that attracts first-time buyers to the brand with a greater focus on precision and attention to detail. “The updates for the 2016 Terrain make one of the strongest designs in the compact SUV market even more compelling,” said Helen Emsley, executive director, Global GMC Design. “They create a more contemporized appearance rooted in GMC’s professional grade precision.” Terrain at a glance The 2016 Terrain seats five, with all-wheel drive offered on SLE, SLT and Denali models. Its interior – with the GM-exclusive MultiFlex sliding rear seat – offers 31.6 cubic feet (894 liters) of cargo space behind the rear seat and 63.9 cubic feet (1,809 liters) with the rear seat folded. The standard Ecotec 2.4L direct-injected engine delivers an EPA-estimated 32 mpg on the highway (FWD models). A direct-injected 3.6L V-6 is available and delivers best-in-class 301 horsepower (225 kW) and 272 lb-ft of torque (369 Nm). The V-6 engine also enables a trailering capacity of up to 3,500 pounds (1,588 kg). Available GMC IntelliLink offers OnStar with 4G LTE connectivity and built-in Wi-Fi hotspot. It provides a mobile hub for drivers and passengers to stay connected. The hotspot is on whenever the car is on and comes with a three-month/3GB data trial (whichever comes first). Terrain also offers a programmable power liftgate (standard on Denali, available on SLT), with a memory function that stops the liftgate at a chosen height to help shorter drivers or accommodate low garage heights. In addition to available Side Blind Zone Alert and Rear Cross Traffic Alert safety features, Terrain offers Rear Park Assist, Forward Collision Alert and Lane Departure Warning as part of comprehensive safety packages. Terrain Denali The Terrain Denali offers unique exterior and interior appointments, exclusive wheels and design cues to set it apart from competitors. Dual-flow dampers are exclusive to the Terrain Denali’s suspension system, providing a smoother ride and improved handling by controlling suspension dampening across a broader range of driving conditions. The 2016 Terrain goes on sale this fall. Pricing will be announced later. View full article

It seems a number of automakers are releasing what they have in store for the New York Auto Show before the show even begins on Wednesday. Case in point is McLaren which has revealed its entrant into the sports car market with the new Sport Series family. The first model in this new family is the 570S. Design-wise, the 570S follows in the footsteps of the 650S and P1 in overall profile. The model does have some design cues that it can call its own such as a somewhat different nose design, concave rear window, and fixed rear wing. Overall size is comparable to a Audi R8 or Porsche 911. Inside is very much the same as its big brothers with the 570S digital instrument cluster, seven-inch touchscreen display, and numerous customization options. Power comes from a twin-turbo 3.8L V8 with 564 horsepower and 443 pound-feet of torque. This goes through a 7-speed SSG dual-clutch gearbox to the rear wheels. Figures are as followed: 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph): 3.2 seconds 0-200 km/h (0-124 mph): 9.5 seconds Top speed: 204 mph How does the 570S pull off these numbers off? It comes down to weight. McLaren quotes a curb weight of 2,895 pounds. The MonoCell II chassis only tips the scales at 176 pounds. Other oily bits of the 570S include fixed anti-roll bars front and rear and adaptive dampers all around, along with staggered wheels - 19 inches up front and 20 inches in the rear - wrapped in Pirelli PZero Corsa tires. McLaren hasn't announced when the 570S will go on sale, but did say that other models with varying power levels and bodies would be coming as well. Source: McLaren Automotive Press Release is on Page 2 ALL NEW McLAREN 570S COUPE UNVEILED AHEAD OF GLOBAL DEBUT IN NEW YORK Mar 31, 2015 McLaren reveals first model in its Sports Series, the 570S Coupé Brings McLaren exclusivity as well as pioneering, race-driven technologies to a new segment Sports Series joins the Super Series and Ultimate Series to complete the three tier McLaren range being shown together for the first time in New York A classic sports car with mid-engine rear-wheel drive layout and carbon fibre structure ‘Shrinkwrapped’ design includes elegant flying buttresses to optimise aerodynamics and increase downforce M838TE twin turbo V8 engine, featuring 30 percent new components, produces 570PS and 600Nm Class leading power-to-weight ratio of 434PS per tonne gives breathtaking performance; 0-100km/h (62mph) in 3.2s; 0-200km/h (124 mph) in 9.5s Global premiere at the New York International Auto Show on Stand 704, Level 3 at 14.55EST (19.55GMT), Wednesday 1 April 2015 McLaren has completed its three tier model strategy with the global reveal of the first in its Sports Series family: the McLaren 570S Coupé. This pure sports car, with driver optimised layout and electrifying performance, shares its DNA with the McLaren Super Series and Ultimate Series that sit above it in the range hierarchy. The Sports Series introduces McLaren race-derived technologies and design values to a new segment and audience. Like every McLaren, the performance of the 570S Coupé is breathtaking. It combines, as its names suggests, a power output of 570PS (562bhp) with light weight construction to give a class leading power-to-weight ratio of 434PS per tonne. The 570S accelerates from 0 to 100km/h (62 mph) in 3.2 seconds, while 200 km/h (124 mph) is reached in just 9.5 seconds with the pace not letting up till the car reaches a top speed of 328 km/h (204mph). The Coupé is the first bodystyle to be shown in the Sports Series, highlighting the latest evolution of the McLaren design philosophy. The ‘shrinkwrapped’, aerodynamically-optimised form will be seen in public for the first time at the 115th New York International Auto Show. The McLaren design team has created a shape of beauty highlighted by details such as the rear flying buttresses that increase downforce as well as adding grace, and complex door tendons that direct additional air to cool the mid-mounted V8 engine. The Sports Series features an evolution of the 3.8-litre V8 twin turbo engine, named M838TE, with 30 percent of components bespoke to the new model. Engineered by McLaren, it produces 570PS (562 bhp) at 7,400 rpm, and 600Nm (443 lb ft) of torque at 5,000-6,500 rpm. Power is delivered through a seven-speed SSG transmission, and transferred to the road through the rear wheels. This power is brought under control with standard-fit carbon ceramic brakes, fitted behind a newly designed range of forged alloy wheel options with P Zero™ Corsa tyres as standard from McLaren technical partner, Pirelli – 225/35/R19 on the front and 285/35/R20 on the rear. The unique carbon fibre MonoCell II chassis has been newly designed with more of a focus on day-to-day usability, offering improved ingress and egress from the cabin. It is incredibly strong and stiff yet weighs less than 80kg, offering optimum levels of protection. This lightweight structure, and the use of aluminium body panels, contributes to a dry weight of as low as 1,313kg (2,895lbs), almost 150kg lighter than its closest competitor. Minimised weight and a turbocharged engine doesn’t just bring great performance. The 570S also delivers excellent fuel efficiency and emissions for car that is also a member of the 200mph club, with fuel economy of 25.5mpg on the EU combined cycle, and emissions of 258g/km. For the US market, this means exemption from gas guzzler tax. A PURE McLAREN BOTH ON ROAD AND TRACK The 570S shows an evolution in the design direction for McLaren, with the McLaren ‘face’ seen on models in the Super Series and Ultimate Series sharpened further. This unique and striking appearance has been designed by air, with a bespoke aerodynamic package including aero blades below the front bumper giving a purposeful stance while channelling clean, cold air through the lower leading edge of the bodywork. Large ultra bright LED headlamps, fitted as standard to all Sports Series models, flank a sculpted bonnet which channels airflow over the front wheelarches. The intricately designed dihedral doors, a McLaren design signature since the iconic F1, possess a three dimensional form including a ‘floating’ door tendon which houses a discreet door button. This unique feature divides the airflow, channelling it into the side intakes and underneath the flying buttresses. This architectural structure ensures drag is minimised along the profile of the 570S, while also optimising levels of cooling and downforce. Flying buttresses at the rear of the teardrop-shaped glasshouse form part of the aero package, directing air over the shoulderline of the 570S and across the rear deck aiding heat evacuation from the exposed engine bay and increasing downforce. Super-formed aluminium rear fenders ensure clean air is delivered to the fixed rear spoiler, again maximising downforce. The rear of the car is clean and uncluttered, with LED light blade rear lamps which follow the form of the sculpted panels. The rear of the vehicle features an aluminium mesh allowing effective heat evacuation as well as a view into the engine bay. This sits below a concave rear window, another signature Sports Series Coupé design cue. The twin exhausts exit below the rear bumper, either side of a newly designed and highly intricate rear diffuser. The Sports Series has its own newly-developed suspension system ensuring enhanced levels of driver engagement and refinement on both road and track. It uses independent adaptive dampers with front and rear anti-rollbars – distinct from the Super Series – and dual wishbones, with the set up controlled by the familiar ‘Normal’, ‘Sport’ and ‘Track’ handling settings. In ‘Normal’ mode, the system provides a refined yet engaging ride, while the ‘Sport’ and ‘Track’ settings allow the 570S to become more track-focused when required. THE MOST USABLE McLAREN TO DATE Like every McLaren the cabin of the 570S has been designed around the driver, with a clear focus on engagement, visibility, functionality and more than any McLaren before it, day-to-day usability and space. As standard, the sports seats are leather upholstered – racing seats are optional – offering a high level of long distance comfort and support. The dashboard and steering wheel are also all leather trimmed. Intelligent and ergonomic design within the cabin provides extended stowage space, with the most usable space of any McLaren model to date. This adds to the 150 litres of storage in the front luggage bay. The 570S is comprehensively equipped with a full infotainment system including an all new TFT digital instrument cluster that changes configuration according to driving mode, a seven-inch IRIS touchscreen, now with integrated climate control functionality, Bluetooth connectivity and DAB digital / SIRIUS satellite radio (depending on market), mounted on a ‘floating’ centre console. Despite the extensive specification list, weight-saving is still a key focus on the interior and the McLaren Audio four-speaker system ensures the optimal sound quality at the lowest possible weight. With the Sports Series, an even greater variety of interior customisation is available with a variety of factory available Alcantara®, nappa leather and carbon fibre options. In addition, McLaren designers have created a range of ‘By McLaren’ bespoke interior specifications, similar to those also available on the 675LT, teaming carefully selected colours and materials designed to best showcase the stylish cabin space and co-ordinate with each exterior paint colour. In addition to this, a McLaren Audio Plus 8-Speaker Upgrade System and bespoke Bowers & Wilkins 12-Speaker Premium Audio System with 1280W surround sound upgrade is also available for the ultimate audio experience. Further details of the McLaren 570S will be confirmed following the global reveal, which will take place on Wednesday 1 April, 2015 at the New York International Auto Show. The McLaren Automotive press conference will start at 14.55 EST (19.55 GMT) on Stand 704, Level 3. View full article