Drew Dowdell

I'll try it out next time.

Just 87. Because I travel so much, I'm not the one who uses the car mostly and thus I'm not the one to fill it up. That is my main reason for being shy about a tune that would be "Premium Required".

Normally the car is fine, but this past weekend we had it loaded up with people and luggage. It was pulling hard over some of the western PA mountains and as such the fuel economy really suffered. When it's just the two of us, we get 32-33 mpg on a trip... but this time we barely hit 27mpg... and that was driving conservatively.

The Jaguar XJ is getting a refresh for the 2016 model year, but almost all of the upgrades come from the I. T. department. Visually, the exterior gets new LED accent lighting, active LED headlamps with automatic high-beams, and a more upright grille. XJR models will come with a Black Pack option for sportier styling. Engines for the US carry over with the 340 horsepower supercharged 3.0 liter V6 and the 5.0 liter V8 in either 470 hp or 550 hp tune. Europe gets an upgraded, lower emissions diesel 3.0 liter V6 and a 236 hp / 250 lb-ft 2.0 liter turbo 4-cylinder. All engines are tied to a ZF 8-speed automatic transmission in either rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. Next up, Jaguar's I.T. Department goes to town In the 2016 XJ, Jaguar is showcasing their new (and awkwardly named - DD) InControl Touch Pro infotainment system. The system features a quad-core Intel processor and a 60gb solid-state hard drive. Drivers should feel familiar with the use and navigation of the infotainment system with smart-phone like gestures such as pinch-to-zoom, swipe, and others. The primary screen is an 8-inch diagonal display wish a secondary screen in the instrument cluster also capable of displaying full navigation map. InControl Touch Pro features a door-to-door route planning that will also including public transportation options. It links to a companion app allowing you to plan your route from your phone and continue it after you leave the car if need be. As you approach your destination, a 360 degree view will display on the screen and will also help locate the nearest available parking spot. Later, if you forget where you parked, the InControl Touch Pro app will locate your car for you. Commute mode learns the driver's daily commute and will automatically adjust and suggest alternatives based on historical or real-time traffic and congestion data. A forward facing camera can now monitor speed limit signs and double check against GPS and Map data to inform the driver of the current speed limit. It is also able to update for temporary speed restrictions due to road work or weather. While not quite Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, InControl is able to access certain compatible apps and display the interface on the primary screen. A 3G WiFi hotspot is available for up to 8 devices. All 2016 Jaguar XJ models will come standard with an 825w Meridian surround sound audio system featuring 17 speakers. Opt for the upgrade and you'll get 1,300w with 26 speakers. Rear seat passengers in the long wheelbase models can watch movies on optional twin 10.2 inch high-def hideaway screens. Safety technology has not been ignored. The 2016 XJ gains Jaguar's All-Surface Progress Control. It is available at the push of a button between 2.2mph and 19mph. It uses fine throttle and braking control to act like a low speed cruise control. Press the button, set the speed, and all the driver needs to do is steer, allowing you to get to your pace with grace even in low traction situations. The Adaptive Cruise Control is now better at dealing with heavy traffic situations and able to bring the car to a complete stop if need be. Blind Spot monitoring has been enhanced to include Closing Vehicle Sensing. The system is now able to look for vehicles approaching rapidly in the other lane. The 2016 Jaguar XJ will be built at Jaguar's Castle Bromwich plant and go on sale fall of 2015. Press Release on Page 3 *All images included with this article are courtesy of Jaguar - Land Rover. European spec models shown. Jaguar XJ Resets the Standard for Luxury, Design and Dynamics Exterior design refresh complete with full LED headlights and unique double J-Blade daytime running lights Black Pack standard on XJR models providing a subtly enhanced exterior styling All-aluminum body construction contributes to reduced weight and exceptional performance Standard wheelbase derivatives receive a more assertive and dynamic exterior treatment together with a new R-Sport designation, emphasizing the vehicle's sporting character and design XJL Portfolio and XJL Supercharged are distinguished with the introduction of quilted seating surfaces finished with a diamond sewn pattern on the seat center and cushion New InControl Touch Pro™ touch-screen infotainment system offers door-to-door navigation, seamless iOS and Android connectivity, available Wi-Fi hotspot and a standard 17-speaker, 825W Meridian™ Surround Sound audio system Redesigned instrument cluster with enhanced customization now offers full-screen line-of-sight navigation display Electric power-assisted steering, available on rear-wheel drive models, reduces fuel consumption and offers even greater feel and responsiveness All-Surface Progress Control enables enhanced drive-away on low-traction surfaces such as snow and ice Suite of advanced driver assistance systems including adaptive cruise control with queue-assist, closing vehicle sensing, reverse traffic detection, 360° surround camera system and semi-automated perpendicular and parallel-parking (RWD Only) On sale from Fall 2015 (MAHWAH, N.J.) - June 15, 2015 - Jaguar today announced updates to the 2016 Jaguar XJ. Launched in the U.S. in 2011, the brand's flagship full-size, all-aluminum luxury sedan becomes even more desirable in 2016 with an updated exterior design, enhanced information and entertainment systems, new available driver assistance features and greater differentiation in the model line-up. DESIGN Featuring a new, more progressive look, the exterior of the 2016 XJ incorporates an updated front fascia that includes a larger, more upright grille with a new mesh pattern, a subtly redesigned front bumper and newly sculpted chrome blades in the lower air intakes. Full adaptive LED headlamps with auto high beam functionality1 are standard across the entire 2016 XJ range. The lamp assembly incorporates an XJ-exclusive, signature 'Double J' daytime running lamp which helps further distinguish the XJ at the top of the Jaguar sedan range. New LED tail lights and oval exhaust tips complete the look. The Jaguar XJ continues to feature all-aluminum construction reducing weight and improving performance and is offered in two wheelbases - standard and long. Expanding on the duality of character of the XJ, for 2016, the model line-up has been redefined to further differentiate standard and long wheelbase variants. Standard wheelbase derivatives receive aerodynamic exterior enhancements together with a new R-Sport designation, emphasizing the vehicle's sporting character, while long wheelbase versions receive new interior trim refinements which underscore the model's luxurious characteristics. Underscoring its dynamic on-road performance, XJR models are distinguished with a black trim package that includes the addition of a black front grille, black lower air intake surrounds and black window surrounds. Inside, standard wheelbase XJ models feature soft grain perforated leather seats with contrast stitching, contrast piping and an embossed leaper on the headrests. XJ R-Sport models retain the previous model year's 8x8-way power front seats plus 4-way lumbar adjustments, while XJ Supercharged models are fitted with 14x14-way power seats that include 4-way lumbar support, allowing drivers to tailor the seating position and comfort to their own liking. 14x14-way seats will also be available on XJ R-Sport models as part of the Comfort Pack that bundles the increased adjustment features with front seat massagers, passenger memory, 4-zone A/C and an electric rear sunblind. XJL Portfolio and XJL Supercharged are further distinguished with the introduction of quilted seating surfaces finished with a diamond sewn pattern on the seat center and cushion; 14x14-way power seats with 4-way lumbar adjustments are standard. Front and rear heated and ventilated seats are standard on all 2016 XJ models. The 2016 XJ model line-up consists of the standard wheelbase XJ R-Sport, XJ R-Sport AWD, XJ Supercharged and the XJR. Long wheelbase models include the XJL Portfolio, XJL Portfolio AWD, XJL Supercharged and XJR LWB. POWERTRAIN The new XJ offers the familiar Jaguar range of all-aluminum V6 and V8 engines. Each featuring direct injection, variable valve timing, forced induction and intelligent stop-start systems which deliver high performance with enhanced efficiency. The 3.0-liter supercharged V6 develops 340hp and 332 lb-ft of toque and is available with rear- or all-wheel drive. Characterized by its linear power delivery and free-revving nature, this engine also delivers a unique soundtrack thanks to meticulously-tuned intake and exhaust systems. The 5.0-liter supercharged V8 continues to be offered in 470hp and 550hp variants, delivering all of the performance promised by the dramatic styling of the XJ. All powertrains feature a specifically-optimized eight-speed automatic transmission from ZF®. Each has been developed to provide the perfect balance of unrivalled performance, shift comfort, dynamics and efficiency. CHASSIS Following years of development and testing, as well as meticulous tuning work from the Jaguar engineering team, the brand has now incorporated Electric Power Assisted Steering (EPAS) on rear-wheel drive models of the brand's flagship sedan. Unlike hydraulic systems, EPAS only uses energy when the driver turns the wheel, so the reduction in parasitic losses helps to reduce fuel consumption and increase overall vehicle efficiency. The system's ability to filter-out steering disturbances from poor road surfaces and compensate for road camber make the steering feel smoother and more precise than ever. Friction has also been engineered-out, improving steering feel and responsiveness further. INFOTAINMENT AND CONNECTIVITY For 2016, the XJ is equipped with InControl Touch Pro™, an all-new infotainment system designed to be simple and intuitive. Conceived in-house and built around a quad-core Intel processor, 60GB solid-state drive and a next-generation Ethernet network, InControl Touch Pro can handle large amounts of data and is exceptionally powerful and responsive. The centerpiece of the system is its eight-inch capacitive touch-screen that works more like a modern smartphone, than an automotive infotainment system. The home screen can be customized selecting one of several available wallpaper images, widgets offer shortcuts to favorite features and functions, and additional home pages can be added, if desired. The touch-screen responds to common 'pinch to zoom' and 'swipe' gestures allowing drivers to scroll between home screens. Using this technology, the simple, intuitive user interface of the InControl Touch Pro system is designed to minimize driver distraction. Jaguar has also incorporated a secondary full-screen navigational display in the vehicle's updated instrument cluster, improving line of sight driving and reducing the amount of time a driver needs to take his eyes off the road2. The functionality of the navigation system is just as impressive. Maps stored on the 60GB solid-state drive of the InControl Touch Pro system can be accessed quicker than with conventional hard drives. Dead-reckoning functionality accurately determines the vehicle's position even when GPS signals cannot be received. InControl Touch Pro enables door-to-door route planning and guidance, including public transportation options. A companion app allows drivers to plan their route offline and load it into the system at the start of the journey. Once the driver exits the car and the phone is disconnected from the vehicle, the app will continue to provide navigational directions, if need be, on the driver's phone. A new Commute Mode has also been developed which learns the driver's daily commute to and from the home or office and can automatically offer alternative routes to avoid congestion using historical and real-time traffic information. Approach Mode displays a 360-degree interactive view of the driver's surroundings on the infotainment screen as they get to within 656ft (200m) of their destination, and can even direct the driver to the nearest available parking space. Meridian™ Audio System Equal attention has been paid to audio performance. Now standard across the entire XJ range is an 825-watt Meridian, 17-speaker Surround Sound system that delivers exceptional sound performance. Going a step further, customers can opt for the outstanding 26-speaker, 1,300W Meridian Reference sound system. Featuring 17 channels of stereo and surround sound, Meridian's Trifield™ technology ensures optimum reproduction with benchmark low levels of distortion. Rear Seat Entertainment To further enhance the luxurious experience of long wheelbase XJ models, customers will be able to specify a new rear seat entertainment system which features driver and passenger-side hideaway 10.2-inch high-definition screens offering a true 16:9 widescreen aspect ratio. The rear seat entertainment system will also allow passengers to connect personal devices using a variety of different cable options. Two USB 3.0 ports and one HDMI, enable charging and media output from a wide range of players, smartphones and tablets. Connected-Car Technology The new XJ is the latest vehicle to offer Jaguar InControl® Apps™; an innovative, intuitive technology that enables customers to seamlessly connect their Apple® and Android™ smartphones to the vehicle's infotainment system, via a designated USB port. InControl Apps™ provides access to compatible apps on the customer's smartphone using the vehicle's touch-screen as the main interface2. Enhanced for 2016, the InControl Remote™, accessed through the InControl Remote App, allows the driver to bring the cabin to a pre-set temperature by remotely starting the engine, check how much fuel is in the tank, remotely lock or unlock the doors and get alerts if the alarm goes off. The app also helps owners locate their vehicle with a map displayed on their smartphone, in case the vehicle was parked in an unfamiliar area. Using the vehicle's antenna, the new XJ can also function as a Wi-Fi hotspot, providing a 3G connection for up to eight connected devices3. Should the car be involved in a collision severe enough to trigger the airbags4, InControl Protect automatically notifies emergency services and provide the vehicle's GPS location. Occupants can also trigger an emergency call or roadside assistance manually by pressing a button on the overhead center console. ADVANCED DRIVER ASSISTANCE SYSTEMS All-Surface Progress Control The new XJ is the latest Jaguar to benefit from the brand's new All-Surface Progress Control (ASPC) technology. Designed to help drivers pull away smoothly on very low friction surfaces, ASPC is a unique system which can make it easier to drive a powerful car, whether RWD or AWD, at low speeds on snow, ice, wet grass or other low traction environments1. ASPC works like a low-speed cruise control and operates between 2.2mph and 19mph (3.6km/h and 30km/h). The system is activated by pressing a button on the center console, in conjunction with the cruise control switches on the steering wheel to set the maximum speed. Once set, ASPC controls the throttle and brakes, all the driver has to do is to steer. What makes ASPC so effective is that it doesn't just provide fine control of the throttle, it also uses the vehicle's brakes in conjunction with the throttle. From a standstill, only very low engine torque is applied to the driven wheels, enabling smooth progress with little or no wheel spin. ASPC is compatible with rear- and all-wheel drive can be made even more effective by the fitment of winter tires. Traffic Sign Recognition The traffic sign recognition system relies on a forward-facing camera to keep the driver informed of speed limits - including temporary limits which may be in force through road work, for example, and variable limits on highways1. Camera data is compared against GPS data, enhancing accuracy and robustness. Adaptive Cruise Control with Queue Assist The new queue assist function for the adaptive cruise control system has been designed to reduce the effort and monotony of driving in heavy traffic1. Using a long-range radar sensor, the system can now maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front, modulating throttle and braking duties, all the way down to a standstill. Closing Vehicle Sensing Building on the benefits of blind spot monitoring, the Closing Vehicle Sensing system uses radar sensors to alert the driver to the presence of vehicles approaching fast from behind when changing lanes by displaying a flashing icon in the corner of the side mirrors1. Park-Assist (RWD models only) The adoption of EPAS in RWD vehicles enables the new XJ to provide semi-autonomous park-assist functions for both perpendicular and parallel parking1. Ultrasonic sensors measure the space first and, if it's large enough, the system helps manoeuvre the car into position - and, in the case of parallel parking, out again. The driver just controls the accelerator and brakes. In addition, there's a surround camera system, available on both RWD and AWD models, which combines the view from four cameras to provide a 360-degree view of the area around the car, including a plan view, to make manoeuvring easier. Reverse Traffic Detection The radar sensors equipped on the XJ can also help alert the driver of potential hazards when reversing1. If the system senses a vehicle approaching from either side while the XJ is in reverse, the driver is given audible and visual warnings. The XJ is manufactured alongside the F-TYPE and the all-new XF at the Jaguar Land Rover Castle Bromwich Plant and will be available to U.S. customers in the Fall of 2015. TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS XJ R-Sport & XJ R-Sport AWD XJL Portfolio & XJ Portfolio AWD ENGINE & TRANSMISSION Engine capacity (cc) 2,995 Cylinders Supercharged V6 Valves per cylinder 4; DOHC, variable inlet and exhaust cam timing Bore/ stroke (mm) 84.5/ 89.0 Compression ratio 10.5:1 Fuel injection 150bar direct injection Boosting system Twin-Vortex supercharger Power HP 340 @ 6,500rpm Torque lb ft (Nm) 332 (450) @ 3,500-5,000rpm Transmission RWD: ZF 8HP45 8-speed automatic / AWD: ZF 8HP70 8-speed automatic Gear ratios (:1) 1st 4.714 2nd 3.143 3rd 2.106 4th 1.667 5th 1.285 6th 1.000 7th 0.839 8th 0.667 Reverse RWD: 3.295 / AWD: 3.317 Final Drive 2.73 CHASSIS Front suspension Double wishbone Rear suspension Double wishbone Steering RWD: Rack-and-pinion; electromechanical power-assisted AWD: Rack-and-pinion; power-assisted DIMENSIONS Length inches (mm) 202 (5,130) 206.9 (5,255) Width inc./ excl. mirrors inches (mm) 82.9 (2,105) / 74.8 (1,899) 82.9 (2,105) / 74.8 (1,899) Height inches (mm) 57.5 (1,460) 57.5 (1,460) Wheelbase inches (mm) 119.4 (3,032) 124.3 (3,157) Track front/ rear inches (mm) 64 (1,626) / 63.1 (1,604) 64 (1,626) / 63.1 (1,604) Curb weight lbs (kg) RWD: From 3,891 (1,765) / AWD: From 4,112 (1,865) RWD: From 3,913 (1,775) / AWD: From 4,134 (1,875) Fuel tank; usable gallons (litres) 21 (80) 21 (80) PERFORMANCE 0-60mph (sec)5 RWD: 5.7 / AWD: 6.1 0-100km/h (sec) RWD: 5.9 / AWD: 6.4 Top speed mph (km/h) 155 (250) TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS XJ Supercharged XJL Supercharged ENGINE & TRANSMISSION Engine capacity (cc) 5,000 Cylinders Supercharged V8 Valves per cylinder 4; DOHC, variable inlet and exhaust cam timing Bore/ stroke (mm) 92.5/ 93.0 Compression ratio 9.5:1 Fuel injection 150bar direct injection Boosting system Twin-Vortex supercharger Power HP 470 @ 6,000-6,500rpm Torque lb ft (Nm) 424 (575) @ 2,000-5,500rpm Transmission ZF 8HP70 8-speed automatic Gear ratios (:1) 1st 4.714 2nd 3.143 3rd 2.106 4th 1.667 5th 1.285 6th 1.000 7th 0.839 8th 0.667 Reverse 3.317 Final Drive 2.56 CHASSIS Front suspension Double wishbone Rear suspension Double wishbone Steering Rack-and-pinion; electromechanical power-assisted DIMENSIONS Length inches (mm) 202 (5,130) 206.9 (5,255) Width inc./ excl. mirrors inches (mm) 82.9 (2,105) / 74.8 (1,899) 82.9 (2,105) / 74.8 (1,899) Height inches (mm) 57.5 (1,460) 57.5 (1,460) Wheelbase inches (mm) 119.4 (3,032) 124.3 (3,157) Track front/ rear inches (mm) 64 (1,626) / 63.1 (1,604) 64 (1,626) / 63.1 (1,604) Curb weight lbs (kg) From 4,134 (1,875) From 4,156 (1,885) Fuel tank; usable (litres) 21 (80) 21 (80) PERFORMANCE 0-60mph (sec)5 4.9 0-100km/h (sec) 5.2 Top speed mph (km/h) 155 (250) TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS XJR XJR LWB ENGINE & TRANSMISSION Engine capacity (cc) 5,000 Cylinders Supercharged V8 Valves per cylinder 4; DOHC, variable inlet and exhaust cam timing Bore/ stroke (mm) 92.5/ 93.0 Compression ratio 9.5:1 Fuel injection 150bar direct injection Boosting system Twin-Vortex supercharger Power PS (kW) 550 (405) @ 6,000-6,500rpm Torque Nm (lb ft) 680 (502) @ 3,500-4,000rpm Transmission ZF 8HP70 8-speed automatic Gear ratios (:1) 1st 4.714 2nd 3.143 3rd 2.106 4th 1.667 5th 1.285 6th 1.000 7th 0.839 8th 0.667 Reverse 3.317 Final Drive 2.56 CHASSIS Front suspension Double wishbone Rear suspension Double wishbone Steering Rack-and-pinion; electromechanical power-assisted DIMENSIONS Length inches (mm) 202 (5,130) 206.9 (5,255) Width inc./ excl. mirrors inches (mm) 82.9 (2,105) / 74.8 (1,899) 82.9 (2,105) / 74.8 (1,899) Height inches (mm) 57.5 (1,460) 57.5 (1,460) Wheelbase inches (mm) 119.4 (3,032) 124.3 (3,157) Track front/ rear inches (mm) 64 (1,626) / 63.1 (1,604) 64 (1,626) / 63.1 (1,604) Curb weight lbs (kg) From 4,134 (1,875) From 4,156 (1,885) Fuel tank; usable gallons (litres) 21 (80) 21 (80) PERFORMANCE 0-60mph (sec)5 4.4 0-100km/h (sec) 4.6 Top speed mph (km/h) 174 (280) View full article

The Camaro costing more than a CTS-V was essentially a limited edition collectors item that either got raced or garaged. It wasn't a daily driver for pretty much anyone. The CTS-V is a car that can be a daily driver.

I wish I knew more about this. I'd like to put a mild tune on my Encore.

I hope the engine is a bit fresher.

A 270 hp CT6 is adequate because there is also a 335hp CT6 and a plug-in Hybrid with 335 hp and 432 lb-ft of torque and a 400 hp twin-turbo V6.... and a twin turbo V8 coming that is most likely well over 500 horsepower. This^^^ HE acts as if the CT6 is in a bubble and a base engine is its only choice. It's a shame the 5-series is only available in a 240hp 4-cylinder that costs as much as $80,000.....

The only thing this tells me is that the new Civic will likely get fantastic fuel economy in the base form and just reinforces the fact that IMA isn't that effective as a hybrid technology. .... it is not, in any way, vindication of those who are against electrification as a whole any more than GM's canceling of eAssist was.

I too miss the good cloth seats of yore. I wouldn't mind cloth seat options if they were really nice.

It's a cop out. The Civic is already one of the sportier of the small cars. Are they seriously trying to convince us that Honda doesn't have the attention span to do both sporty and economic in the same box?

A 270 hp CT6 is adequate because there is also a 335hp CT6 and a plug-in Hybrid with 335 hp and 432 lb-ft of torque and a 400 hp twin-turbo V6.... and a twin turbo V8 coming that is most likely well over 500 horsepower. So would you be in favor of a 335 hp V6 Corvette for $47,000? Personally, I think they should make such a car to expand the Corvette brand, and a V6/8-speed Corvette should still hit 60 in 5 seconds maybe less, it is a 3200 lb car. And there is a V8 and supercharged V8 if you want more.I do think though that the CTS and CT6 should have a standard V6. I am game for the 2.0T in the ATS, and I would be fine with a 2.0T plug in hybrid on CTS/CT6 because then you are back to 350 hp/torque. As far as Corvettes sold in other dealerships, absolutely not. It is a Chevy, it gets sold in a Chevy dealership. They don't sell Escalades at the Buick dealership. I'd be game for the 3.0tt or 3.6tt as a base corvette engine. I don't think the 3.6 na is sporty enough for the corvette.

Well that's a good idea.

A 270 hp CT6 is adequate because there is also a 335hp CT6 and a plug-in Hybrid with 335 hp and 432 lb-ft of torque and a 400 hp twin-turbo V6.... and a twin turbo V8 coming that is most likely well over 500 horsepower.

A 556hp hasn't seemed to hurt the M3/4 any.... perhaps there is something more to it than just 0-60?

It'll do better when they switch it to FWD.

We have a lot of new members lately, but a large number of the new members know each other from another site. That said, I want to remind everyone both old and new about the etiquette around here. Try to leave the baggage of the old site on the old site. We're here to discuss and argue about cars.... that is the whole point of the site. Different people have different ideas of cars. Different people have different opinions of cars. Different people have favorite brands. We also tend to be very fact based here. Back up your arguments with links and references. We have a large archive of sales data at your disposal to make your point. Feel free to attack ideas. Ideas are fair game, people are not. Don't make it personal when it's about the car. If you don't like a post, vote it down with the red arrow. If you do like something give that person a vote up with the green arrow. I've had to give out a few verbal warnings about personal attacks lately. I'm now fresh out of verbal warnings and we'll switch over to the warning system built into the software. You get warned and you get a warning point. Get over five warning points and you earn a 30 day temporary suspension. It's possible to get over 5 warning points if I come online and find a whole bunch of bad behavior. Warning points stick around for 30 days from when you get it and the suspension will automatically be lifted after you drop below 5. Carry on.

*mutter mutter* GET OFF MY LAWN *mutter mutter poops self*

From my friend the Buick dealer, the configurations that do best are the "medium" ones. Base models with cloth seats and few options are hard to move. High end ones with expensive tech are hard to move. The easiest sellers are typically anything with leather and 2 or more of the three options: NAV, Sunroof, AWD, Heated Seats. So why not make all that stuff standard. Base a Verano at $26k, Regal at $30k, LaCrosse at $35k. Basically about where the Chevy counter part ends on price. They must need those base models for some reason, unless the base models are all rental cars. Unless I missed my Offer letter from Buick making me the product planner, I don't have that sort of pull. Joking aside, I do agree that some of the base models need to go. I think the 2.4 LaCrosse needs to go in favor of the 2.0T. Cloth Encores and Veranos could probably stick around, but Lacrosse, Regal, and Enclave should be standard leather.

That's surprising for the hybrid as those customers seem to really like them. They also seem to drive better than the standard Civic model for some reason.... maybe because they have better low end torque.

From my friend the Buick dealer, the configurations that do best are the "medium" ones. Base models with cloth seats and few options are hard to move. High end ones with expensive tech are hard to move. The easiest sellers are typically anything with leather and 2 or more of the three options: NAV, Sunroof, AWD, Heated Seats.

The Platinum and Titanium edition Fords are just what Mercury should have been if you also included a grille swap. The problem for Mercury was that it wasn't even that. You could get the same exact car with a different grille at both the Ford dealer and L-M dealer. The last gasp for Mercury was the special edition Milan with special leather stitching. I liked the Mercuries.... I thought they were more handsome than their Ford counterparts... but premium vehicles they were not (over their Ford counterparts). Even on the rental lot, I'll pick a Lacrosse every day over either the MKS or MKZ.