Drew Dowdell

Volkswagen is introducing a new generation of diesel engines with the 2.0 TDI Evo. This new engine is said to greatly undercut the limits of the tough new Euro 6d-Temp emissions standards. Volkwagen posted an interview with Sebastian Willmann, the Head of Diesel Engine Development at Volkswagen. In that interview he says that VW was able to reduce fuel consumption by 0.4 L/100km compared to the previous engine and reduce CO2 emissions by 10g/km. They did both of these things while also increasing power output. He further went on to explain that while there is a stigma surrounding diesel engines because of dieselgate, the diesel is still quite popular for its efficiency, range, and torque. Now, with this new engine, it is also substantially cleaner compared to prior engines. He says that diesels will remain especially effective for vehicles that require a longer range or extra torque for towing. These statements are in contrast to the direction that VW as a whole is taking in the segment of electric vehicles. VW has committed billions of euros to the development of an entire EV range. The first EV, the ID.3 is expected in Europe in early 2020 with top line models having a range of 342 miles on a charge. Reservations of the Volkswagen ID.3 topped 10,000 in its first 24 hours it was available. View full article

Except... not in the U.S.

Next up, a Volvo XC30 Cabriolet....

Volvo is looking to expand, and not just in volume. They are looking to add models to their current crossover lineup at the top and bottom of the range. At the bottom could be a new XC20 (If we follow the pattern of XC40 and XC60). This car would compete directly with the Audi Q2 and BMW X1 and would ride on a shortened version of the company's CMA (Compact, Modular Architecture) Platform that underpins the Volvo XC40, Polestar 2, and a few Chinese branded vehicles. This model is most likely to be the next one introduced to the Volvo lineup. It is possible that this car may be offered as a pure electric vehicle only. At the top end could be a new XC100. Built on the next generation of SPA (Scalable Product Architecture) that supports all the rest of Volvo's lineup except the XC40, it could be up to 18 feet long. While the Volvo would feature the standard set of Volvo powertrains, a large Polestar SUV, all electric, could also be built on this platform. Interestingly, Volvo has also trademarked the XC50 name, meaning it could be thinking of some variation on either the XC40 or XC60. View full article

I don't think they can.

Keep in mind that Nissan, Kia, Hyundai, are ahead of GM and Ford in the small cheap crossover area. Nissan Kicks, Hyundai Venue, Kia Seltos and Soul, all start under $20k. Trax is over $20k and Ecosport sits right at $20k.

What are the air scoops on the back of the front car? Air conditioning? Also.... Happy Birthday @NINETY EIGHT REGENCY

Chevy released the pricing information on the 2020 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray today, keeping its promise of a sub-$60k price. Pricing rings up at $59,995 including destination charge for the 1LT trim. The Corvette comes standard with an eight-speed dual clutch transmission and an engine mounted dry sump oil system. The 2LT will start at $67,295 and adds things like a full color heads-up display, heated and ventilated seats, heated steering wheel, performance data recorder, navigation, side blind zone alert, and rear cross traffic alert. The 3LT will start at $71,945, and builds on the 2LT with GT2 Seating with Napa and Mulan leather, custom leather-wrapped interior, suede-wrapped upper interior trim, and leather wrapped door panels. The price of the Z51 Performance package remains the same at $5,000 and includes performance exhaust, performance suspension, electronic limited-slip differential, front air splitter, rear spoiler, larger brakes with Brembo four-piston calipers, Michelin Pilot Sport 4S summer tires, and an enhanced cooling system. Customers can forgo the Z51 package and still get the performance exhaust for $1,195. This will boost the performance of the LT2 engine to 495 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque. The front suspension lift system is optional on 2LT and 3LT trims for $1,495. Customers will be able to personalize their Corvette with 12 different exterior colors, 6 interior color themes, six seat belt colors, two stitching packages, and three seat choices. Capable of a top speed of 194 MPH on the track, the Corvette goes into production in Bowling Green, KY later in 2019. View full article

Enough of the gun talk. I'll delete further posts of it. Spike is a relative term because the entire industry was in a massive contraction at the time. Smaller cars did well relative to bigger ones yes, but part of that was cash for clunkers.

Yeah, but you'll have all that extra equity even if you do move.

Honda is continuing its global pull back of production by announcing it will cease automotive manufacturing operations in Argentina next year. This is after announcing the closure of its Swindon UK plant and the pull back of production in the U.S., mainly of the Civic and Accord. Honda is in the midst of consolidating production to fewer facilities and using fewer platforms to produce their vehicles. Honda said it's plant in Campana, which produces the HR-V will focus solely on manufacturing motorcycles. Honda is in talks with the local union to potentially offer buyouts to those who will be affected by the cessation of automotive production. The total plant population is over 1,000 workers. Honda has been building motorcycles in Argentina since 2006 and automobiles since 2011. View full article

I don't hate it... but why so weak on the power? The thing has got to be heavy for its size.

I have 14 years to go, but 15 year mortgages have much lower interest rates than I'm paying right now, so I'm getting tempted.

There's also the glut of used cars on the market at the moment. GM could bring the Cruze back in an instant. It's still in production in South America. Just load them on a boat and ship them north. Sonic and Spark are still in production for now. Sonic is not officially on the death list yet and its plant is not listed in the list of 5 plants that GM is closing.

*steers the topic away from guns*

Volkswagen has taken the wraps off the 2020 T-Roc Cabriolet ahead of the Frankfurt International Auto Show in September. Volkswagen says the T-Roc Cabriolet offers just the right combination of SUV flexibility and the open air experience of a convertible. The soft top opens in just 9 seconds, can open or close while the car is in motion up to 18.6 mph (30 km/h), and locks or unlocks electrically. On the safety front, the T-Roc Cabrio has roll-over protection. The system can detect a roll-over and the system springs upwards just behind the rear headrests. The windshield frame is also reinforced. It comes with an optional digital cockpit that has an "Always-On" connectivity to the internet and Volkswagen services. Two engines are available, a 1.0 three-cylinder engine with 113 horsepower or a 148 horsepower 1.5 liter four-cylinder. A 6-speed manual is standard on both engines while the more powerful engine also has a 7-speed DCT available as an option. Launching in Spring of 2020, the T-Roc Cabriolet remains Forbidden Fruit in the U.S. like its hard top brother. Volkswagen calls the vehicle in the pictures a "near-production" concept car, so expect some changes between now and launch. Related: Volkswagen: No T-Roc For America, But We're Working On Something View full article