William Maley

The current Chevrolet Equinox has been on sale for around 5 to 6 years. Usually, an automaker would give a model this old a redesign. But General Motors is going with the 'if ain't broke, why fix it' mantra with the 2016 Chevrolet Equinox. The only real note of change for 2016 Equinox is the exterior. The front end features a larger lower grille and a slim body-color bar. New headlights, reshaped taillights, and new 17- and 18-inch wheels. As for the interior, all Equinox models get a 7-inch touchscreen as standard. Powertrains carry over from last year. The base is the 2.4L four-cylinder with 182 horsepower, while a 3.6L V6 with 301 horsepower is optional. The 2016 Chevrolet Equinox arrives at dealers later this fall. Source: Chevrolet Press Release is on Page 2 Fresh Face: Chevrolet Introduces Restyled 2016 Equinox Premium cues, new safety features enhance Chevy’s record-selling compact SUV CHICAGO – Chevrolet today introduced the 2016 Equinox – a contemporized version of the popular compact SUV. Updates include new styling with premium accents, new wheel designs and new available safety features, as well as a larger color touchscreen radio and a standard rear-vision camera for entry-level models. The enhanced Equinox goes on sale this fall, building on five years of record sales in the highly competitive compact SUV segment and strengthening Chevrolet’s broad sport utility lineup, which includes the Traverse, the all-new Trax small SUV and the redesigned 2015 Tahoe and Suburban full-size SUVs. “Chevrolet Equinox is a pillar of the compact SUV segment, thanks to a value rooted in great style, efficiency, safety and connectivity,” said Alan Batey, president, GM North America. “The enhancements to the 2016 Equinox make a versatile vehicle an even better choice, and demonstrate Chevrolet’s commitment to delivering the broadest lineup of SUVs in the industry.” Equinox sales in the U.S. increased to 242,242 in 2014 – the fifth consecutive year of record sales since the second-generation launched as a 2010 model. It also held more than 9 percent of the compact SUV market, which surged 17.4 percent in 2014 and accounted for 15.5 percent of the total vehicle market – eclipsing midsize cars for the first time to become the auto industry’s largest segment. The roster of new and updated features available on the 2016 Equinox includes: New trim lineup: L, LS, LT and LTZ, a streamlining of the model lineup that eliminates the 1LT and 2LT trims. New front fascia and chrome-accented dual-port grille design – including specific chrome trim on LT and LTZ grilles New, premium projector-beam headlamps on all models helps make the Equinox more visible at night New daytime running lamps on LT and LTZ, with reflector-style lamps on L and LS, and light-emitting diode, (LED) lamps on LT and LTZ that create a distinctive, upscale lighting signature New fog lamps on LTZ New, Chevy-signature dual-element taillamps, revised license plate applique and revised lower rear fascia on all models, with chrome trim on LTZ lower fascia New 17-inch aluminum wheels on LT and new 18-inch aluminum wheels on LTZ New available 17-inch wheel optional on LS model New chrome exhaust outlets on V-6 models Available Side Blind Zone Alert and Rear Cross Traffic Alert safety features on LT and LTZ Standard seven-inch-diagonal Color Touch radio (including Bluetooth phone connectivity) and rear-vision camera on L and LS models Revised instrument panel “center stack” with new storage shelf and updated control graphics New, chrome-trimmed transmission shifter with Electronic Range Selector mode buttons relocated to the top of the shifter handle Enhanced interior fabrics in L and LS designed for a premium look and feel New Saddle Up interior color New universal tablet holders available through dealers from Chevrolet Accessories. They mount on the rear of the front seats to provide convenient access for rear-seat passengers. “The new face of the Equinox is highlighted by a more expressive execution of chrome accents and premium lighting,” said John Cafaro, executive director of design, global Chevrolet cars. “The result is a modern exterior that’s matched inside with premium features on all trim levels, complementing the Equinox’s enhanced technology and functionality.” A compact SUV with big features The 2016 Equinox seats five, with all-wheel drive offered on LS, LT and LTZ models. Its roomy interior – with the GM-exclusive MultiFlex sliding rear seat – offers 31.4 cubic feet (889 liters) of cargo space behind the rear seat and 63.7 cubic feet (1,803 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 with LT and LTZ models 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) – capability unmatched by four-cylinder-only competitors. Chevrolet MyLink is standard on LT and LTZ models, while OnStar with 4G LTE connectivity and built-in Wi-Fi hotpot is offered on all trim levels. Equinox was the first in the segment to offer 4G LTE and 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). In addition to available Side Blind Zone Alert and Rear Cross Traffic Alert safety features, Equinox also offers Forward Collision Alert and Lane Departure Warning as part of comprehensive safety packages. Equinox fast facts Chevrolet’s second-best selling vehicle in North America, after Silverado Equinox claimed 9.3 percent of the U.S. compact SUV market in 2014 First generation debuted as a 2005 model Second generation introduced as a 2010 model Second generation sales in the U.S. and Canada totaled more than 1 million through the end of 2014 More than 1.4 million Equinox vehicles of both generations are on the road. View full article

Tesla, the electric car startup in California has put the automotive industry on notice with the Model S. With impressive range and the model stealing sales from luxury makers, automakers are wondering how best to compete with the Model S. Car Magazine learned about what BMW has planned. Known internally as F18, the new model will utilize a long-wheelbase version of the next-generation 5-Series sedan. The next-generation 5-Series will be one the first models to use a new modular platform known as Cluster Architecture (CLAR) which will underpin models from the 3 to 7-Series. The new architecture will allow F18 - or as Car calls it the i5/i7 - to share many components such as suspension, steering, and brakes from the 5-Series. Power will come front two electric motors and a four-cylinder engine. Total output is expected to be around 400kw - about 536 horsepower. As for design, the report says it could be a mixture of 6-Series Gran Coupe and the next-generation 7-Series. Now the model is expected to come out in 2018. This date makes sense as that will be the time when the U.S.' CAFE regulation that 4.5 percent of vehicles sold must be a zero emission vehicle goes into affect. Source: Car Magazine View full article

Following the updates done on the 2016 Explorer, Ford has also given the police version - the Police Interceptor Utility - a similar treatment. The result will debut at the Chicago Auto Show later this week. Starting on the exterior, the Interceptor Utility gets a revised front end with a new grille and headlights. Inside a new instrument cluster and a enhanced electrical system that can better deal with the electrical loads police cars use. There's also a new liftgate release switch which opens the rear hatch for 45 seconds to allow officers to get equipment out before locking back up. Power comes from either a 3.7L V6 with 304 horsepower and 279 pound-feet of torque or a 3.5L EcoBoost V6 with 365 horsepower and 350 pound-feet of torque. Both engines come paired with all-wheel drive. The six-speed automatic transmission features a pursuit mode which allows for more aggressive up and downshifts. The mode kicks in when the vehicle detects a change in the driver's behavior via brake line pressure, deceleration, and lateral acceleration rates. "From the heavy-duty suspension and powertrain offerings, to the unique steering and transmission calibrations, Ford Police Interceptor Utility is built to provide any law enforcement agency a vehicle ready to meet extremely demanding needs," said Arie Groeneveld, chief engineer for the new Police Interceptor Utility. Source: Ford Press Release is on Page 2 NEW FORD POLICE INTERCEPTOR DEBUTS AT CHICAGO AUTO SHOW, SETS ITS SIGHTS ON INNOVATION, CONTINUED SALES LEADERSHIP Ford Police Interceptor – the top-selling law enforcement vehicle in the United States – is ready to hit the streets with a fresh look and new features this summer 2016 Ford Police Interceptor Utility, created with hands-on input from Ford’s Police Advisory Board of law enforcement professionals, is the most customer-centric, purpose-built vehicle from Ford Ford Police Interceptor Utility and Police Interceptor Sedan are built at Ford’s Chicago Assembly Plant and shipped to markets across the world CHICAGO, Feb. 11, 2015 – Ford will unveil the 2016 Ford Police Interceptor Utility vehicle at the Chicago Auto Show this Thursday, kicking off a new chapter for the utility that has changed the face of law enforcement. Since its introduction in 2012, Police Interceptor Utility quickly became America’s best-selling police vehicle, helping Ford capture 55 percent of the U.S. law enforcement vehicle market. The 2016 Ford Police Interceptor Utility was developed with input from the Ford Police Advisory Board to handle the extreme rigors of police duty. In the business of fighting crime, performance and durability are king. Ford Police Interceptor Utility is the only Pursuit Rated midsize utility vehicle; Ford’s utility and sedan versions are the only Pursuit Rated vehicles with standard all-wheel drive. “Our Police Interceptor Utility is the best-selling police vehicle in America because we have a unique relationship with our customers,” said Jonathan Honeycutt, Ford North American marketing manager for Police Vehicles. “By listening to the Ford Police Advisory Board, we have engineered a vehicle that officers love.” Customer-driven innovation To create the most innovative law enforcement vehicles, Ford listened to the experts. The Police Advisory Board was created by Ford to refine and develop future products that meet the needs of law enforcement agencies. The board, created in 2000, consists of a rotating panel of 25 experts from the law enforcement community. The group has supplied Ford with customer feedback and served as a pilot group for products, programs and services. The 2016 Ford Police Interceptor Utility features a new front and rear design, new headlamps, a new instrument panel and an enhanced electrical system to distribute electrical loads more efficiently. Available Surveillance Mode technology warns the driver when someone approaches the rear of the vehicle. Upon detection, the driver’s window automatically raises and all doors lock. Ford is the first manufacturer to bring this innovative feature to market. As a direct response to customer feedback, Ford added a liftgate release switch, accessible to occupants in the front. It allows the rear liftgate mechanism to remain unlocked for 45 seconds before timing out, permitting officers to access the cargo area. A rear camera with washer is standard for the 2016 model with a 4-inch screen in the center stack. As an option, the view from the camera can be seen in the rearview mirror. Ford Police Interceptor Utility comes standard with a 3.7-liter V6 producing 304 horsepower and 279 lb.-ft. of torque, while an available 3.5-liter EcoBoost® V6 makes 365 horsepower and 350 lb.-ft. of torque, allowing agencies to select the engine that best meets their patrol requirements. Police Interceptor Utility’s standard all-wheel drive is designed to deliver low-speed traction and high-speed handling and stability. “From the heavy-duty suspension and powertrain offerings, to the unique steering and transmission calibrations, Ford Police Interceptor Utility is built to provide any law enforcement agency a vehicle ready to meet extremely demanding needs,” said Arie Groeneveld, chief engineer for the new Police Interceptor Utility. Both engines have been calibrated to meet extreme test requirements defined by the Michigan State Police and Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. Tests include aggressive driving on road courses and racetracks, braking and acceleration, top speed and city pursuit testing. In both Police Interceptor models, the standard six-speed transmission features a unique Pursuit Mode specifically programmed for law enforcement use. The transmission automatically switches from normal, fuel-saving operation to Pursuit Mode when it detects aggressive driving situations, based on brake line pressure, deceleration and lateral acceleration rates. Once in Pursuit Mode, the upshift and downshift performance of the transmission is optimized for aggressive driving, returning to fuel-save mode when it senses the aggressive driving is complete. The software is tuned to perform a reverse J-turn, which is when a reversing vehicle is spun 180 degrees and continues, face forward, without changing direction of travel. In addition to unique cooling systems designed for extreme use, Police Interceptor also features custom-developed brakes designed to withstand excessive use. The 18-inch steel wheels have high venting characteristics to help cool the brakes. The vehicle has been designed to stand up to the demands of police work, with heavy-duty powertrain mounts, reinforced subframe mounts and unique hubs and bearings. Larger-diameter springs are used in the suspension. The upgrades help ensure every Police Interceptor model can handle the extreme rigors of law enforcement work. Even the tires are specifically designed to meet durability and pursuit standards, with some departments logging as many as 50,000 miles per year. The unibody structure of Police Interceptor Utility features boron steel in the A-pillar and a hydroformed, high-strength steel tube that runs the width of the vehicle to improve structural rigidity. Interior and exterior dimensions remain the same for the 2016 model. Designed in Dearborn, built in Chicago Police Interceptor Utility and Police Interceptor Sedan are sold in more than 80 markets around the world, but built in the heartland of America, at Ford’s Chicago Assembly Plant. Once initial work is completed at Chicago Assembly Plant, the vehicles are transported less than a mile away to Troy Design and Manufacturing to be upfitted with law enforcement equipment. A wholly owned subsidiary of Ford, Troy Design and Manufacturing operates out of a 54,000-square-foot facility, where approximately 200 workers bring Police Interceptor vehicles to life. Law enforcement agencies can select from 125 packages, which include a variety of lighting options, wraps and styles. Last year, an estimated 269,000 police-duty accessories were installed on 36,000 vehicles before shipping to police departments across the globe. One of the most important and recognizable features of Police Interceptor are the lights. The 2016 Police Interceptor Utility allows agencies to choose from up to 25 different patterns. The lights are now better integrated into the new front and rear fascia, allowing for a more seamless design and a stealthier look for patrol duty. In a nod to police vehicle nostalgia, Ford added a blinking white function called “wig-wag” to the incandescent high-beam light bulbs. Other key technologies available on Ford Police Interceptor Utility: Ballistic shields built to Level III specifications determined by the National Institute of Justice Standard, factory-installed in the driver and passenger doors for additional protection against gunfire SYNC®, a hands-free information technology so officers can operate various communication and audio equipment by voice control Available Blind Spot Information System (BLIS®), which uses two radar sensors located in the rear quarter panels to detect vehicles in the surrounding lanes. If a vehicle enters the driver’s blind spot zones, the system alerts the driver with a warning light in the sideview mirror Available cross-traffic alert, which uses existing BLIS radar modules to sense oncoming traffic when slowly backing out of a parking spot. The system functions only while the vehicle is in reverse and warns when cross traffic appears within three car-widths Available Reverse Sensing System, which emits an audible tone to alert the driver to certain objects up to 6 feet behind the vehicle View full article

The Jeep Compass and Patriot crossovers will merge into one model in the next few years. CarAdvice.com.au spoke with Jeep director Jim Morrison at the launch of the Renegade where he revealed the two models will become one. “Yes, those two models will become one,” Morrison said. “That’ll be the Compatriot.” Before you start groaning about 'Compatriot', Morrison says thats a 'fun' name for the upcoming model - i.e. not going onto the production model. Now the model will sit between the new Renegade and Cherokee. The new model is expected to debut next year, with sales following a year after. Source: CarAdvice.com.au View full article

Are you interested in getting your hands on a Cadillac ATS-V sedan or coupe? We'll you be happy to learn that Cadillac has open the order books at dealers. The hot Cadillac comes with a twin-turbo 3.6L V6 with 455 horsepower and 445 pound-feet of torque. 0-60 MPH takes 3.8 seconds and reaches a top speed of 189 MPH. A six-speed manual is standard, while an eight-speed automatic is an option. Pricing for the 2016 ATS-V starts at $61,640 for the sedan and $63,660 for the coupe. Both prices include a destination charge - though we don't know how much. This puts it right in line with BMW M3 and M4 pricing with $62,950 (M3) and $65,150 (M4). ATS-Vs begin arriving at dealers later this summer. Source: Cadillac Press Release is on Page 2 Cadillac Opens Ordering for 2016 ATS-V Dual-purpose performance luxury compact designed for the track, touring DETROIT – Cadillac dealers have begun accepting orders for the 2016 ATS-V – the brand’s inaugural luxury compact performance car starting production this spring. Available in sedan and coupe forms, the twin-turbocharged ATS-V offers a dual-purpose luxury performance experience: a car with true track capability straight from the factory with sophisticated road manners. Powered by the segment’s highest-output six-cylinder engine – the Cadillac Twin Turbo rated at 455 horsepower (339 kW) and 445 lb-ft of torque (603 Nm) – the ATS-V achieves 0-60 performance in 3.9 seconds and a top speed of 189 mph. The Cadillac Twin Turbo engine is backed by a six-speed manual – with Active Rev Match, no-lift shifting and launch control – or a paddle-shift eight-speed automatic transmission featuring launch control and Performance Algorithm Shift. “The V-Series is the ultimate expression of Cadillac’s re-ignited product substance and the passion at the core of our brand,” said Johan de Nysschen, Cadillac president. “The ATS-V expands the V-Series lineup, bringing a new kind of performance character to Cadillac. Lightweight, agile and potent, the ATS-V will make an ideal pairing with the larger and even more powerful all-new 2016 CTS-V midsize sedan, which arrives later this summer,” he said. In the U.S., the 2016 ATS-V sedan carries a starting price of $61,460 and the ATS-V coupe is priced from $63,660. Consumers can order ATS-Vs now through dealers and begin specifying their own ATS-V online at www.cadillac.com in April. Additional performance technologies built into the ATS-V include: Brembo high-performance brake system developed for track-day performance capability straight from the factory Third-generation Magnetic Ride Control, which delivers 40 percent faster damping response Integrated chassis controls that provide balanced performance for touring and the track, including class-exclusive Performance Traction Management Tri-compound tires offering excellent grip with extended tire wear Available downforce-generating track aerodynamics package Standard carbon fiber hood An available Performance Data Recorder allows drivers to record high-definition video, with data overlays, of their driving experiences on and off the track, enabling sharing on social media. More than just a desirable road car, the ATS-V will also become Cadillac’s entrant into the world of motorsports. Even before the new car hits the showroom, Cadillac Racing’s new ATS-V.R racecar will begin the Pirelli World Challenge GT 2015 season March 7-8 at the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas. Cadillac Racing is the three-time defending manufacturer’s and driver’s champion in the series, which features legendary marques such as Audi, Ferrari and Porsche. The ATS-V will be assembled at the Lansing Grand River assembly plant in Michigan. View full article