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Previous Page Next Page We weren't expecting this, but Chevrolet has revealed the all-new 2018 Equinox tonight in Chicago. The exterior borrows heavily from the Cruze and Malibu designs. Up front is a revised grille (similar to the one seen on the Cruze) with new headlights and LED daytime running lights. Around the side is a character line that swoops down and 'Equinox' name on the front doors. The back features a restyled tailgate, blacked-out pillars to give the impression of wrap-around glass, and horizontal taillights. The interior matches up with newer Chevrolet models with a floating screen (either seven or eight-inches) and either cloth or leather covering bits of the dash. One key item Chevrolet is quick to point is the dashboard is lower to provide better visibility. There will be three turbocharged four-cylinders on offer; a 1.5L, 2.0L, and a 1.6L diesel. The 2.0L turbo will come paired with GM's new nine-speed automatic. We're guessing the 1.5 and 1.6 will get a six-speed automatic. Front-wheel drive will come standard and an all-wheel drive system with a disconnecting rear axle when not in use will be optional. One item we're glad to see is Chevrolet dropping 400 pounds out of the Equinox. On the safety front, the Equinox will feature the options of surround-view camera system, forward collision warning, autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, and blind spot monitoring with rear cross traffic alert. Two new features will be Teen Driver (can set limits on speed and volume for your young driver) and Rear Seat Reminder (reminds you to check the back seat to prevent kids from overheating on a hot day). No word on pricing, but Chevrolet says the 2018 Equinox will arrive at dealers in the first quarter of 2017. Source: Chevrolet Press Release is on Page 2 CHEVROLET INTRODUCES ALL-NEW 2018 EQUINOX The perfect balance of design and technology DETROIT — Call it the right balance. On the autumnal equinox today, Chevrolet introduced the all-new 2018 Equinox, a fresh and modern SUV sized and designed to meet the needs of the compact SUV customer. “We’ve got the strongest truck business in the industry and we’ve reinvigorated our car lineup with Volt, Cruze and Malibu,” said Alan Batey, Global Chevrolet president. “We’re applying the same customer focus to grow our crossover/SUV business — starting with the Chevrolet Equinox.” Today’s compact SUV customers want a vehicle that meets all of their needs, from design, connectivity and safety perspectives. The Equinox delivers on all fronts, starting with its fresh new design and all-new propulsion systems. Fresh, new design The new Equinox’s expressive exterior has a lean, muscular skin echoing the global Chevrolet design cues and sculpted shapes seen in the Volt, Malibu and Cruze. Extensive aero development in the wind tunnel influenced the sleek shape. It is a richer, more detailed design featuring chrome trim on all models and Malibu-inspired styling. Projector-beam headlamps are standard, along with LED daytime running lamps. At the rear, horizontal taillamps emphasize the Equinox’s wide stance, while uplevel models feature LED taillamps. “Customers who previewed the vehicle early on had a strong emotional response to the sleek and sophisticated exterior design,” said John Cafaro, executive director, GM Design. “Those same themes are carried through to the interior, making the space beautifully intuitive.” The interior takes advantage of the Equinox’s all-new architecture to offer a down-and-away instrument panel, while a low windshield base provides a commanding outward view. New elements such as available denim-style seat fabric blend high style with high durability, while a new “kneeling” rear seat enhances functionality. With it, the bottom cushions tilt forward when the split-folding seatbacks are lowered, allowing a flat floor for easier loading. Connectivity The 2018 Equinox offers purposeful technology that helps keep passengers safe, comfortable and connected. Chevrolet’s latest connectivity technologies are front and center, including 7- and 8-inch-diagonal MyLink infotainment systems designed to support Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as an available OnStar 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot. (Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility is subject to their terms, privacy statements and data plan rates, as well as a compatible smartphone.) Safety The Equinox offers a comprehensive suite of available active safety technologies and adaptive crash-avoidance features that provide ease of use and peace of mind on the road. Teen Driver is also offered, allowing parents to set controls and review an in-vehicle report card in order to encourage safer driving habits, even when they are not in the vehicle. Available advanced active safety features to enhance driver awareness on the road include radar- and camera-based adaptive technologies that can provide alerts to potential crash threats, allowing the driver to react and make changes to avoid them, including: New Safety Alert Seat New Surround Vision New Forward Collision Alert with Following Distance Indicator New Low-Speed Forward Automatic Braking New Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning New Rear Seat Reminder Lane Change Alert with Side Blind Zone Alert Rear Cross Traffic Alert Turbocharged engines and more A range of three turbocharged engines — including the compact SUV segment’s first turbo-diesel in North America — provides customers more choices when it comes to performance, efficiency and capability in the all-new 2018 Chevrolet Equinox. They include a 1.5L turbo, a 2.0L turbo — matched with GM’s new nine-speed automatic transmission — and a 1.6L turbo-diesel. “With three choices, customers can select an engine that offers more of the attributes that are important to them: efficiency, performance and capability,” said Dan Nicholson, vice president, Global Propulsion Systems. “The advantage for each is the power of a larger engine and the efficiency of a smaller engine.” The new Equinox is the first Chevrolet model in North America to use an all-turbocharged, multi-engine powertrain lineup. That includes the expected segment-exclusive 1.6L turbo-diesel that will offer customers excellent efficiency and capability. “It is an all-new SUV from the ground up and one that takes on the industry’s biggest competitors with a stronger architecture, greater efficiency and more technology,” said Rick Spina, executive chief engineer. “And it looks great doing it.” Additional vehicle highlights: Approximately 400 pounds (180 kg) lighter than the current model — a 10 percent weight reduction Switchable AWD system that enhances efficiency by disconnecting from the rear axle when not needed Unique kneeling rear seat that enables a flat rear load floor and up to 63.5 cubic feet (1,798 liters) of maximum cargo space Equinox sales have reached more than 2 million since its launch and it is Chevrolet’s second-best retail selling vehicle, after the Silverado. The 2018 Equinox goes on sale in the first quarter of 2017 in North America. It rolls out to approximately 115 additional global markets later in the year. 2018 CHEVROLET EQUINOX PRELIMINARY SPECIFICATIONS (NORTH AMERICA) Overview Models: 2018 Chevrolet Equinox Body style / driveline: five-passenger, four-door SUV, front-engine, front- or all-wheel drive EPA vehicle class: compact SUV Powertrains Engine / Type: 1.5L turbo DOHC DI 2.0L turbo DOHC DI 1.6L turbo-diesel Block material: cast aluminum cast aluminum cast aluminum Cylinder head material: cast aluminum cast aluminum cast aluminum Fuel delivery: direct injection direct injection direct injection Horsepower (hp / kW): 170 / 127 (GM-estimated) 252 / 188 (GM-estimated) 136 / 101 (GM-estimated) Torque (lb.-ft. / Nm): 203 / 275 (GM-estimated) 260 / 353 (GM-estimated) 236 / 320 (GM-estimated) GM-est. fuel economy: 31 hwy 28 hwy 40 hwy Transmission: Hydra-Matic 6T40 six-speed automatic Hydra-Matic 9T50 nine-speed automatic Hydra-Matic 6T45 six-speed automatic Chassis / Suspension Suspension (front): MacPherson strut with side-loaded modules, specifically tuned coil springs, direct-acting stabilizer bar Suspension (rear): 4 Link Independent Rear Suspension Steering type: Dual Rack and Pinion Electric Power Steering Turning circle (ft / m): 37.4 / 11.4 (17-inch wheels) Brakes & Wheels Brake type: four-wheel disc with ABS and ESC; Duralife rotors and low-drag calipers (US) Wheel size and type: 17-, 18- and 19-inch aluminum Exterior Dimensions Wheelbase (in / mm): 107.3 / 2725 Overall length (in / mm): 183.1 / 4652 Overall width (in / mm): 72.6 / 1843 Overall height (in / mm): 65.4 / 1661 Track (in / mm): front: 62.2 / 1580 rear: 62.2 / 1581 Interior Dimensions Seating capacity: 2 / 3 Headroom (in / mm): Front - 40.0/1015 (w/o SR), 38.2/970 (w/ Sunroof) Rear - 38.5/977 (w/o SR), 36.9/936 (w/ Sunroof) Legroom (in / mm): 40.9 / 1040 (front) 39.7 / 1008 (rear) Shoulder room (in / mm): 57.2 / 1452 (front) 55.5 / 1410 (rear) Hip room (in / mm): 54.2 / 1377 (front) 51.7 / 1314 (rear) Weights & Capacities Base curb weight (lb / kg): 3327 / 1509 (1.5L w/ FWD) Fuel capacity (gal / L): 14.7 / 55 (FWD) TBD (AWD) 15.5 / 58 (1.6L diesel) Max cargo room (cu ft / L): 29.9 / 846 (behind rear seat) 63.5 / 1798 (rear seat folded) Max trailering (lb / kg): 3500 / 1585 (2.0L turbo) Previous Page Next Page View full article

Previous Page Next Page Volkswagen has never understood the U.S. marketplace since the first Beetle. Their vehicles were either too expensive or didn't fit the needs of a buyer. But the company hopes with their new 2018 Atlas crossover, they can make end roads into the U.S. market and begin fixing their tattered image. The Atlas is basically the production version of the CrossBlue concept that debuted at the 2013 Detroit Auto Show. Details such as the long grille, flat-topped wheel fenders, a crease along the side, and sloping rear window are here. If you didn't know this was Volkswagen, you would swear it was a Jeep Grand Cherokee. Using a stretched version of Volkswagen's MQB modular platform (yes, the same one used in the Golf), the Crossblue measures 198.3 inches long, 77.9 inches wide, and 69.6 inches tall. To put this in perspective, the GMC Acadia is about 4.7 inches shorter and 2.5 inches narrower than the Atlas. Inside, the Atlas features three rows of seating for seven people. Volkswagen is quick to point out a clever folding mechanism for the second row that allows someone to enter the third row with a child's seat in the second. As for technologies, all Atlas trims will get Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and MirrorLink integration. Optional will be Volkswagen's Digital Cockpit which swaps the standard instrument cluster for a reconfigurable screen and a 12-speaker Fender audio system. At launch, the Atlas will come with two engine options, Turbocharged 2.0L four-cylinder with 238 horsepower 3.6L VR6 with 280 horsepower No torque figures were given for either engine. An eight-speed automatic and front-wheel drive comes standard for both engines. 4Motion all-wheel drive is only available for the VR6. 4Motion will offer various drive modes for various road conditions. A hybrid model is expected down the road. Volkswagen says the Atlas will be available at dealers next spring and will be built at the company's Chattanooga, TN plant. Pricing will be announced before then. Source: Volkswagen Press Release is on Page 2 VOLKSWAGEN UNVEILS THE 2018 ATLAS, AN ALL-NEW SEVEN-PASSENGER SUV BUILT IN AMERICA FOR THE MODERN AMERICAN FAMILY The Chattanooga-built Atlas arrives with a full slate of available driver assistance and technology features, a massive interior and a choice of two powertrains Largest Volkswagen ever assembled in America Five trim levels, priced for the heart of the competitive SUV market Available interior features include innovative Volkswagen Digital Cockpit instrumentation Two engine options: four-cylinder TSI® turbo or the available powerful VR6®, both with eightspeed automatic transmission Seating for two adults in the third row, with innovative access system Based on the award-winning Modular Transverse Matrix (MQB) architecture Optional 4Motion® all-wheel-drive system on VR6 models or standard front-wheel-drive Santa Monica, Calif. – The 2018 Volkswagen Atlas, unveiled tonight on the Santa Monica Pier at the end of historic Route 66, launches a new chapter in the company’s American history. Built in Tennessee, the seven-passenger Atlas offers class-competitive levels of technology and spaciousness combined with hallmark Volkswagen driving dynamics and attention to detail, all at a price designed to draw customers’ attention in the family SUV segment. “This is the biggest and boldest Volkswagen we have ever built in the United States, delivering the distinctive design and craftsmanship we’re known for, now with room for seven, ” said Hinrich J. Woebcken, CEO of the North America Region, Volkswagen. “The Atlas marks a brand new journey for Volkswagen to enter into the heart of the American market.” Engineered from Volkswagen’s award-winning Modular Transverse Matrix (MQB) architecture, the Atlas draws on the latest Volkswagen design DNA to create a bold new look in the SUV segment. At 198.3 inches long, 77.9 inches wide, and 69.6 inches high, Atlas is larger than any other Volkswagen on sale in the U.S., yet it retains classic proportions and clean lines that create a sense of timelessness and precision. Up front, standard LED headlights and LED Daytime Running Lights combine for a unique visual signature, with optional LED taillights to complete the look. Inside, the Atlas makes maximum use of its dimensions to offer space for seven adults and their luggage. The third-row can be easily reached by an innovative folding seat solution, one that works even with child seats installed in the second row. Simple, driver-centric displays enhance the feeling behind the wheel rather than distracting from it; while the available Volkswagen Digital Cockpit allows drivers to reconfigure how they view vehicle information. The available Volkswagen Car-Net® system provides a full suite of connected vehicle services, including standard App-Connect technology that offers integration with the three major smartphone platforms—Apple CarPlay™, Android Auto™ and MirrorLink®. The vehicle also features an available Fender® Premium Audio System that is the most sophisticated yet seen in a Volkswagen, with 12 channels, a 480-watt amplifier and 12 speakers. The Atlas offers available driver assistance features that had been previously been reserved for premium SUVs, at an affordable level. These include: Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC); Forward Collision Warning and Autonomous Emergency Braking (Front Assist); Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Traffic Alert; Lane Departure Warning (Lane Assist), which actively helps the driver steer the car back into its lane; and Parking Steering Assistant (Park Assist). Also, the Atlas is the only vehicle in its class to offer the Automatic Post-Collision Braking System. This builds on the premise that a collision is rarely a single, instantaneous action, but rather a series of events that follow the initial impact—the most significant of which can cause additional collisions. The Automatic Post-Collision Braking System addresses this by applying the brakes when a primary collision is detected by the airbag sensors, thus helping reduce residual kinetic energy and, in turn, the chance of additional damage. The Atlas arrives with a choice of two powertrains: the 2.0-liter turbocharged and direct-injection TSI® four cylinder with 238 horsepower or the available 3.6-liter VR6 engine with 280 horsepower. Either engine routes power through an eight-speed transmission to help maximize engine efficiency, and the Atlas can be configured either as front-wheel-drive or with available 4Motion all-wheel-drive in VR6 trims. The 4Motion system has a Driving Mode Selection feature that allows the driver to select specific parameters based on driving conditions. EPA fuel economy estimates will be released ahead of the launch in the Spring of 2017. The Atlas is built alongside the Passat at the Volkswagen Chattanooga assembly plant, the result of an additional $900 million investment by Volkswagen in the facility. The Chattanooga plant is the only automotive manufacturing facility in the world to receive Platinum certification by the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED) program. Previous Page Next Page View full article

For the past few months, we have been reporting that Teramont was the possible name for Volkswagen's upcoming three-row crossover. But it seems the model will be named something else. Automobilwoche reports that the new crossover will wear the 'Atlas' nameplate. Volkswagen filed trademark applications for the name with the U.S. Government back in April. According to Automotive News, the Atlas name shows that VW Group of America CEO Hinrich Woebcken made good on a promise back in July that the crossover “much easier to pronounce, American-style name”. A Volkswagen spokeswoman declined to comment on the 'Atlas' name. Volkswagen is planning to show the new three-row crossover at an event on October 27th. Source: Automobilwoche via Automotive News (Subscription Required) Pic Credit: Auto Sina View full article

Please do not adjust your monitor. What you are seeing is a real vehicle. Today, Holden announced five new and refreshed models that would be appearing within the next year. The big news is the GMC Acadia will be sold as a Holden starting with the 2018 model year. The model will be offered exclusively with the 3.6L V6 and the choice of either front or all-wheel drive. Why is Holden waiting till 2018 to start selling the Acadia? Holden will be doing a development program to ready the vehicle for Australian roads. The company recently did this with the updated Colorado and reviewers in Australia said it was an improvement over the old model. “SUVs are the fastest-growing segment of the market and we’re currently under-represented, but that’s changing, fastI ’m particularly excited, however, to reveal further details around our SUV strategy, headlined by the all-new, seven-seat Acadia. Alongside Trax, Trailblazer and another all-new global SUV that we’ll add to our portfolio soon, Holden will introduce four new SUVs by 2018. This puts us in a great position in the fastest-growing segment of the market,” said Holden managing director Mark Bernhard. The other four models are, Trailblazer (Updated and renamed Colorado7) Next-generation Astra Updated Berlina (Chevrolet Spark) Updated Trax Holden plans on launching each of the four models every month starting in October with the Trailblazer. Source: Holden Press Release is on Page 2 Holden’s New Vehicle Onslaught Continues with Reveal Of Astra, Barina, Trailblazer, Trax and All-New Acadia SUV Holden reveals five new vehicles, including the seven-seat Acadia SUV and Astra small car at exclusive business briefing event in Melbourne overnight Acadia and Astra joined by Barina small car, Trax small SUV and Trailblazer SUV Acadia to launch in 2018, joins Trax and new Trailblazer, along with another all-new, yet-to-be-revealed global SUV in a complete overhaul of Holden’s SUV range From September 1, Holden to launch five new cars over the next five months At an exclusive business briefing event held overnight at Holden’s GM Australia Design Studios in Melbourne, the company hosted the surprise premiere of five new vehicles, headlined by the reveal of the all-new, seven-seat Acadia SUV due in showrooms in 2018. Alongside the US-sourced Acadia, Holden revealed the all-new Astra hatch, Barina small car, Trax small SUV and Trailblazer full-size SUV to represent the next wave in Holden’s ongoing product revolution, with a particular focus on the critical and growing SUV segment. Holden Chairman and Managing Director, Mark Bernhard, said Holden was now well underway in delivering on its 2015 commitment to deliver 24 new models by the end 2020. “From the September 1 launch of Colorado, Holden will launch five new vehicles over the next five months to accelerate our showroom revolution. This level of launch activity hasn’t happened at this company for nearly 15 years and signals our intent loud and clear. “We’ve already talked a lot about the all-new Astra hatch, the reigning 2016 European Car of the Year, joining our showrooms later this year and the new Barina is a beautiful offering to join the Spark in rejuvenating our small-car portfolio. “I’m particularly excited, however, to reveal further details around our SUV strategy, headlined by the all-new, seven-seat Acadia. Alongside Trax, Trailblazer and another all-new global SUV that we’ll add to our portfolio soon, Holden will introduce four new SUVs by 2018. This puts us in a great position in the fastest-growing segment of the market. “The vehicles we’ve revealed reinforce our commitment to introduce the finest global vehicles for Australian customers. The Acadia will be sourced from the US, the Astra from Europe, and the Barina, Trax and Trailblazer from Asia. Holden is in a unique position where we can provide our customers with the best of the best from around the GM world,” said Mr Bernhard. Pricing and specification of Holden’s new models will be released closer to launch. Trailblazer: on-sale October 2016 Astra: on-sale November 2016 Barina: on-sale November 2016 Trax: on-sale January 2017 Acadia: on-sale 2018 View full article

Subaru's green credentials aren't the best as it only sells one hybrid in the U.S. (XV Crosstrek Hybrid) and one in Japan (Impreza Sport Hybrid). But that could be changing in 2021. Japanese newspaper Nikkan Kogyo Shimbun reports that Subaru plans on launching an electric crossover in the U.S. by 2021. This crossover is expected to use Subaru's new modular platform that was revealed earlier this year. The report doesn't say anything about power or possible range, nor does it say how it got this information. When asked by Nikkan Kogyo Shimbun, Fuji Heavy spokesman Masato Saito said the company hasn't made any decision on introducing an electric vehicle. Saito went on to say that if Subaru did go forward with an EV, it would likely target the North American marketplace. Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required), Nikkan Kogyo Shimbun View full article

We know a fair amount of Volkswagen's upcoming three-row crossover, It will be built in Chattanooga, TN Engines will include a 3.6L V6, 2.0L Turbo-four, and Hybrid. (No diesel) Using the MQB platform Possibly named Teramont But we don't know much about how it looks. Yes, we have seen spy shots that tell us it will possibly look like the CrossBlue concept from a few years back. That doesn't mean there are still some surprises in store. We now have the full picture thanks to some leaked shots. Chinese outlet Auto Sina got their hands on photos showing Volkswagen's new crossover in an engineering garage. The production model matches up with the CrossBlue in terms of overall design. The front end features a large grille, LED headlights, and a chunky front bumper. The interior features a similar center stack design found in other Volkswagen models. The crossover features a V6 badge, which most likely hints at a 3.6L V6. Source: Auto Sina View full article

Thanks to a spy photographer, we got our first look at the upcoming Alfa Romeo Stelvio crossover. The front end gives away this camouflaged vehicle is an Alfa as it has a rounded triangle grille. The headlights are slightly covered up, but we think they could be the same slim units as found in the Giulia. The box on the rear end looks to be trying the hide the shape of the rear tailgate. Under the skin, the Stelvio is expected to use a modified version of the Giulia's platform. Power will come from a range of gas and diesel engines. The Stelvio is expected to debut sometime later this year. Source: Motor Authority View full article

A vehicle that many Buick dealers and a number of us here at Cheers & Gears have been wanting for a while could finally be arriving next year. Automotive News and the Wall Street Journal report that the Buick Envision will be coming to the U.S. Sources tell AN that General Motors is likely to green light the Envision for export to the U.S. as early as late spring. The Wall Street Journal says the company is targeting annual sales of 30 to 40,000 Envisions per year. Now the Envision would be the first vehicle sold by the Detroit 3 that is imported from China. It will not be the first Chinese-built vehicle sold in the U.S., that honor goes to Volvo with the S60 Inscription. Back in August, the UAW was not pleased with the possibility of GM exporting the Envision from China, saying it was 'alarming'. But the Journal says GM and the UAW "appear to have come to an understanding” after talking about it during contract negotiations. Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required), Wall Street Journal View full article

Audi pulled the covers off the 2017 Q2 crossover today at the Geneva Motor Show. This new crossover is aimed at younger buyers living in urban areas and marks the beginning of an expansion for Audi's crossover lineup. The first thing that is evident is that Q2's design wasn't born from the enlarge/reduce function on the copy machine. It looks slightly different from Audi's other crossovers. This is due to Audi's design boss Marc Lichte and his plan to make models look slightly different from each other. Up front is a large grille with an egg crate design for the insert and angled headlights. Around the side, Audi's designers took large, chamfered cut on the top off the doors to make the Q2 standout. There is also a low roof that merges into the C-Pillar with a set of color offset blades. The interior is very reminiscent of the A3 sedan, meaning the layout is minimalist. Audi's MMI system comes standard and features the ability to act as a Wi-Fi hotspot. Optional will be Audi's 12.3-inch Virtual Cockpit that provides a digital instrument cluster and is able to bring up navigation and other items. Cargo space measures out 14.3 cubic feet with the rear seats up, and 37.1 cubic feet with the seats down. There will be a range of six engines - three gas and three diesels - ranging from 110 to 190 horsepower. A six-speed manual or Audi's S-Tronic dual-clutch transmission will be available on all of the engines. Front-wheel drive will come standard on the lower powered models while quattro all-wheel drive will be standard on the higher performance models. On the safety front, the Q2 comes standard with automatic forward emergency braking. Optional is adaptive cruise control with Stop & Go function, traffic jam assist, traffic sign recognition, and lane departure warning. Audi says the Q2 will go on sale in Europe this fall. It is unknown if the Q2 will make it to the states. Source: Audi Press Release is on Page 2 Stage debut: the new Audi Q2 Compact SUV has emotional, powerful design and high level of functionality Infotainment and assistance systems from the full-size class Engines from 85 kW (116 hp) to 140 kW (190 hp), quattro drive Audi is revealing the new Audi Q2* at the Geneva International Motor Show. The compact SUV is an urban-type vehicle for everyday driving and recreation, uniting a progressive design with a high level of functionality. Connectivity, infotainment and assistance systems are on level of full-size class. “In the Audi Q2 we have developed a distinctively geometric form language with model-specific design characteristics. The car exhibits an independent character within the Q family,” says Audi Head of Design Marc Lichte. Rugged look The result: a powerful SUV that shows a lot of vertices and edges. At the front, a strong image is created by the Singleframe grille in octagonal design that is positioned high as well as large air inlets. Especially eye-catching is the low roof that descends and merges into the C-pillars with color offset blades. This contrast accentuates the sportiness of the Audi Q2. The rear body terminates in a dynamic way with a long roof spoiler and a diffuser that has an underbody-protection look. In a side view, the high shoulder line is especially eye-catching as are the concave flanks in the door area. The latter emphasize the wheel housings and thereby the quattro character of the compact SUV. The vehicle measures 1.51 meters (5.0 ft) tall and 1.79 meters (5.9 ft) wide. The overhangs are short with a vehicle length of 4.19 meters (13.7 ft) and a wheelbase of 2.60 meters (8.5 ft). Technology from the full-size class Along with the optional Audi virtual cockpit and the head-up display, the driver assistance systems for the Audi Q2 also come from the full-size class – including the Audi pre sense front that is standard. The system recognizes critical situations with other vehicles as well as pedestrians crossing in front of the vehicle, and if necessary it can initiate hard braking – to a standstill at low speeds. Other systems in the line-up: adaptive cruise control with Stop & Go function, traffic jam assist, the lane-departure warning system Audi side assist, the lane-keeping assistant Audi active lane assist, traffic sign recognition and parking and cross-traffic assist rear. Highly connected The Q2 is equipped with a standard MMI screen that is positioned high on the instrument panel. The infotainment system can be operated by a rotary/push-button control and two buttons on the center tunnel. When MMI navigation plus with MMI touch is ordered, the user also gets a touchpad on the central control element. In addition, the system can be conveniently controlled by natural language operation and the integrated MMI search. A Wi-Fi hotspot enables surfing and streaming with mobile end devices. Furthermore, customers can use MMI touch to query the online services of Audi connect. The flat rate data plan required for this is included thanks to the SIM card (embedded SIM) that is permanently installed in the car. It also permits roaming in most European countries. Cell phones with iOS and Android operating systems are integrated into the car via the Audi smartphone interface. The free Audi MMI connect app enables online media streaming and transfer of a calendar from a smartphone to the MMI. The app for iOS operating systems also has the myAudi destinations function. It makes it possible to send the data of a desired navigation destination from any app to the MMI navigation plus system. The system then uses it for navigation. Simply functional The Q2 fulfills fundamental expectations of an SUV with a high entry, good visibility and a large luggage compartment (405 to 1,050 liters (14.3 - 37.1 cu ft) of capacity). The highlight is that the driver’s seat position is sporty and low in relation to the steering wheel like in an Audi sedan. Optional practical solutions are available such as a power tailgate and a three-way split rear bench backrests with cargo through-loading. Individual customization The Audi Q2 is as individual as its drivers – inside and out. Many equipment packages, exterior colors and expressive colors for interior trim and seat upholstery allow plenty of creative space for personal configuration. One option is the LED lighting package, in which the interior is staged in a particularly attractive way with illuminated trim elements. Drivetrain and chassis The Q2 is launching with a selection of six different engines. Along with a 1.0-liter three-cylinder TFSI, two four-cylinder gasoline engines are being offered with 1.4 and 2.0 liters of displacement. In addition, three four-cylinder diesel engines are available with 1.6 and 2.0 liters of displacement. Their power output ranges from 85 kW (116 hp) to 140 kW (190 hp). As an alternative to the six-speed manual transmission, Audi also offers the S tronic dual clutch transmission with seven speeds for all engines. In the case of the top TDI and the 2.0 TFSI, a newly developed dual-clutch transmission is used, which has a new type of oil supply and reduced friction. Both engines may also be combined with a quattro permanent all-wheel drive system as standard equipment. Installed at the rear on the front-wheel drive versions is a semi-independent suspension, while the quattro models have a four-link suspension. Progressive steering is standard in all versions. It varies the steering gear ratio as a function of the steering input; the ratio is made more direct with large steering movements. Adaptive dampers are available as an option, as is the Audi drive select system with which drivers can set an individual characteristic for their Q2. Market launch The Audi Q2 launches on the European market in autumn 2016. Ordering begins mid-year for the compact SUV. View full article

Alfa Romeo's newest product plan has the Gilula arriving sometime this year, followed by a midsize crossover that is expected to go into production late this year. We have some new information on the crossover. Auto Express reports the new crossover will be named Stelvio. This information comes from FCA CEO Sergio Marchionne at a recent event. Stelvio comes from the Stelvio Pass – a curvy stretch of road in Italy. The Stelvio will use a modified version of the Giulia's platform and have the choice of rear-wheel or all-wheel drivetrains. It is expected that a range of four and six-cylinder gas and diesel engines will be on offer. Auto Express says there will also be a Quadrifoglio Verde version boasting the 2.9L twin-turbo V6 found in the Giulia Quadrifoglio Verde. Marchionne also mentioned that the Giulia would be heading into production next month, refuting a report from earlier in the month saying the model had been pushed back once again due to failing internal crash tests. However, we'll believe Marchionne when the Giulia begins rolling off the production line, whenever that may be. Source: Auto Express View full article

Like it or not, people are buying up crossovers and certain automakers are having problems to keep them in stock. Hyundai is one of those due to production constraints at their various factories. Hyundai Motor America CEO Dave Zuchowski said the compact Tucson would be outselling the Elantra - the automaker's best seller - if it weren't for constraints. But Autoblog has learned about a new plan that Hyundai will be enacting to boost production, along with bringing more crossovers to market. The first of the plan involves adding production of the Santa Fe Sport to the Montgomery, AL plant. Hyundai has brought in the tooling and soon will be built alongside the Elantra and Sonata. Hyundai says this will add about 50,000 units to the market. (Currently, the Santa Fe Sport is being built at the maxed-out West Point, GA plant). Hyundai will also add about 50,000 extra units to Tucson production. With the increases in production for certain models, that means something has to be sacrificed. For Hyundai, that will be the Azera full-size sedan. The model has never been a big seller for the brand and having it go away will not only open up space in the showroom for more crossover, it gives a clear separation between Hyundai and Genesis. Part two will see Hyundai and sister brand, Genesis introduce more crossovers. Hyundai is working on a new subcompact crossover to play catch-up in what is becoming a lucrative market. Genesis meanwhile is working on their own set of crossovers which are expected to come out a few years from now. This is due to Genesis using unique platforms from what Hyundai uses, Source: Autoblog View full article

So what is up next for Bentley after the Bentayga SUV? That's a question that the luxury automaker is finding itself asking itself at the moment. Speaking with Top Gear, Bentley CEO Wolfgang Durheimer says there are two projects on the table up for consideration. The first one is doing a variant of the Bentayga which will become more coupe-like (think BMW X6 and Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe) and feature a number of performance enhancements. The second option is to do a production version of the EXP 10 Speed 6 concept shown at the Geneva Motor Show this year. “The customer response to EXP 10 Speed 6 was phenomenal, and we want to build on this and make it a reality,” said Durheimer. Making this option more intriguing is the availability of an all-electric powertrain delivering around 400 to 500 horsepower. There will also a be a gas engine and possibly a hybrid powertrain to go with it. Now both of these models might appear in Bentley's lineup, but the decision will have one of these models appear much faster than the other. “It’s about return on investment. When does the money come back in?” said Durheimer. Source: Top Gear View full article

Kia is very keen on teasing us. Last week, we showed off some renderings of the next-generation Cadenza that will be going on sale sometime next year. Now Kia has revealed a couple of renderings for an all-new hybrid model. Called the Niro, Kia describes this upcoming model as a Hybrid Utility Vehicle (HUV). Most likely, the Niro will share the platform and powertrain that will be used on Hyundai's upcoming hybrid model. It is expected that Kia will show the Niro at either the Detroit or Chicago Auto Show next year, with sales beginning sometime after. Source: Kia Press Release is on Page 2 Kia to launch all-new Niro Hybrid Utility Vehicle Kia has today announced its plans to introduce an all-new low emissions vehicle to its growing model line-up. The Niro – labelled a Hybrid Utility Vehicle (HUV) – represents a new concept from the Korean car brand, and marks the development of Kia's first dedicated eco-car platform. Niro will maintain all the practicality and appeal of a compact SUV, while offering greater fuel economy. Engineered from the ground up as a dedicated hybrid vehicle, its attractive, modern styling will help the car stand out in a traditionally conservative sector. The Niro's all-new platform has been engineered in isolation from existing Kia models, and is designed to accommodate a specific set of environmentally-conscious technologies and next-generation powertrains View full article