Patent drawings for a vehicle with distinct BMW-design cues recently
surfaced and were initially thought to be for a new research vehicle from the
German automaker, one equipped with a hydrogen fuel cell stack. It’s since been
revealed that the patent drawings are in fact for a BMW research
vehicle, but one equipped with a more conventional plug-in hybrid drivetrain
rather than a fuel cell.
According to Autocar,
the patent drawings, which first appeared on Chinese websitePC Auto (via China Car News),
depict a potential BMW rival to Volkswagen’s 261-mpg XL1 plug-in
hybrid. For instance, both are shaped like a tear drop when viewed from above,
with a wider front and narrower tail, and both have sealed off, skinny wheels
to help aid their aerodynamic efficiency.
BMW’s design is a little more practical than the XL1, as
it’s said to feature four seats. But this has added a weight cost to the car,
with the BMW said to weigh as much as 2,535 pounds or close to 800 lbs more
than that the XL1. BMW’s design is said to be more aerodynamic, though, thanks
to a 0.18 coefficient of drag versus a 0.19 Cd for the VW.
As for the drivetrain, it consists of a
turbocharged 1.0-liter twin-cylinder engine driving the front wheels and an
electric motor powering the rear pair. A next-generation battery
design said to offer improved energy density and faster charge
times than current designs is used and most likely featured in the vehicle
floor. source: http://www.motorauthority.com/news/1100765_mystery-bmw-is-a-plug-in-hybrid-research-vehicle by Viknesh Vijayenthiran http://www.boscheuropean.com
Unfortunately, as this is a research vehicle, any production
version—if in fact BMW is actually planning a production version—is likely
years away. Recall that BMW often develops research vehicles that aren’t intended
for production. Only this summer, the automaker rolled out i8 and 5-Series Gran
Turismo prototypes fitted
with fuel cells.
Photos of Mercedes-Benz’s updated SL hit the web last week
so we already know about the cosmetic changes made to the car, which feature
primarily at the front. Now, however, the car has made its debut at the Los
Angeles Auto Show and we have all the juicy details to tell you.
The updated SL goes on sale late next spring, as a 2017
model, and we’re glad to report that more power has been added to the base car.
The luxury convertible also benefits from Mercedes’ latest nine-speed automatic
transmission, though the Mercedes-AMG sledgehammers stick with their
seven-speed Speedshift auto.
The range kicks off with a new SL450 model, which replaces the SL400 added for
2015. This base model is still powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6 but
now there’s 362 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque on tap, up from 329 hp
and 354 lb-ft previously.
The SL550 continues with its twin-turbo 4.7-liter V-8, which
was upgraded to 449 hp and 516 lb-ft for 2016, while Mercedes-AMG’s SL63 and
SL65 continue with their respective twin-turbo 5.5-liter V-8 and twin-turbo
6.0-liter V-12 engines. The SL63 is good for 577 hp and 664 lb-ft while the
SL65 throws down a massive 621 hp and 738 lb-ft. The V-12 model is the quickest
of the bunch, needing just 4.0 seconds to hit 60 mph. Top speed is limited to
186 mph.
Performance of the cars can be adjusted by the standard
Dynamic Select driving modes selector. Thanks to this feature, at the touch of
a button the driver can adjust numerous vehicle settings such as the setup for
the engine, transmission, suspension and steering, ranging from fuel-saving to
sports modes.
Steel suspension is standard and features continuously
variable dampers, which can be adjusted via the aforementioned Dynamic Select
system. As an option, Mercedes offers its Active Body Control with the latest
curve tilting function that debuted in the S-Class Coupe and Convertible
models. This system helps to reduces body movements when moving off, braking
and cornering by adjusting the suspension spring struts constantly via
hydraulic means.
The exterior of the latest SL is dominated by the new LED
headlights, hood and grille. Inspiration came from the legendary 300 SL
Panamericana racing car with its steeply raked radiator grille. The
grille on the new SL is more prominent and blends into a sporty,
Mercedes-AMG-designed body kit that’s now a standard feature. The kit includes
an A-wing design at the front that leads into a splitter matching the body
color. Finally, two powerdomes on the hood invoke the sporting heritage of the
SL.
The changes to the rest of the car are much more subtle.
There have been tweaks made to the tail lights and some of the body panels have
been massaged to create a more athletic look. The standard wheels measure 19
inches across and come in a five-spoke design. As for the roof, it remains a
retractable hardtop that can be operated at speeds of up to 25 mph.
In the cabin, there is a new three-spoke, flat-bottomed
steering wheel with a magnesium structure and ergonomic grip. Twelve control
buttons provide access to the menu navigation in the instrument
cluster as well as the audio system, phone and voice activation. The main
instrument cluster remains a combination of digital and analog elements, and
this is joined by a redesigned clock and a new, slightly larger infotainment
screen. Apple CarPlay smartphone integration is also available with the
addition of the car’s Smartphone Integration package.
Then there are all the electronic safety and convenience
features, either standard or available. These include automatic braking,
autonomous mode for highways, lane keep assist, parking assist, and blind spot
and cross traffic warning. There is also the Pre-Safe Plus system which helps
to prevent further injury when hit from behind. The standard audio system is a
10-speaker setup from Harman Kardon. An even more sophisticated sound is
produced by an avaialble Bang & Olufsen BeoSound setup with 12 speakers.
In 1988, race car driver Andy Wallace took the top
spot at Le Mans. He did so in the Silkcut-liveried Jaguar XJR-9 LM. Since then,
that car has become an iconic machine and is instantly recognizable in its
purple, yellow, and white paint scheme. The car was built by Tom Walkinshaw
Racing, and it's powered by a 7.0-liter V-12 that produces between 750 and over
1,000 horsepower depending on how it's tuned. The top speed is north
of 245 mph.
Wallace was recently reunited with his Le Mans-winning
machine, and he was also introduced to the Jaguar XJR super sedan. Under the
lights at Silverstone, Wallace hopped behind the wheel of both
vehicles to celebrate his victory back in 1988. This marked the first time that
the XJR-9 had actually been driven at night since it slashed a path down the
Mulsanne straight all those years ago.
The road-going XJR is down on power, having just 545
or so horsepower by way of its supercharged 5.5-liter V-8. It does have LED
headlamps though, which should prove a bit nicer than the units on the race
car. Additionally, this LED setup is a first for Jaguar. The XJR won't hit the
240-mph mark, but if it did it would certainly be aided by the upgraded
lighting compared to what Andy Wallace had to contend with back in '88.
Still, as good as the XJR might sound... it can't hold a
candle to that wailing V-12 nestled deep inside the chassis of the Le Mans
winner.
While Volkswagen may still be months away from announcing a
recall in the United States for vehicles found to have “defeat device” diesel
emissions cheating software (recalls
in Europe are expected to start in January 2016), the automaker this week
announced a “Goodwill Package” that will financially compensate some owners
here in the States.
The package includes a $500 prepaid Visa card that can
be spent anywhere plus a $500 VW dealership card that can be used at any of the
automaker’s stores. The package also includes free 24-hour roadside assistance
for three years. VW says it hopes owners see this as a first step towards
restoring trust.
Right now, the package is only being offered to owners of
VW-branded vehicles fitted with the 2.0-liter TDI diesel engine affected by the
emissions cheating scandal; but the same will be offered to Audi owners in
coming days. Furthermore, owners of VW vehicles (and numerous Audis and even
some Porsches) with the 3.0-liter TDI the EPA recently alleged to also
have emissions cheating software aren’t eligible yet, as VW is still
investigating the matter.
Owners of the following vehicles are eligible for the
package.
VW Jetta TDI (Model Years 2009 – 2015)
VW Jetta SportWagen TDI (Model Years 2009-2014)
VW Golf TDI (Model Years 2010-2015)
VW Golf SportWagen TDI (Model Year 2015)
VW Beetle TDI and VW Beetle Convertible TDI (Model Years 2012-2015)
VW Passat TDI (Model Years 2012-2015)
Full details on the package and eligibility can be found on
the special websidtewww.vwdieselinfo.com that VW has set up for concerned
owners in the U.S.
Unfortunately for VW, its troubles show no sign of abating.
The automaker is still working on a fix for the 11 million cars already
confirmed to have the emissions cheating software, and now there’s potentially
hundreds of thousands or perhaps even millions of more vehicles affected due to
the EPA’s claimed discovery of the software on VW’s 3.0-liter diesel models. On
top of all this, VW has discovered that around 800,000 of its cars had
their CO2 levels—and thus fuel consumption figures—understated
during CO2 certification.
Audi has started the first public road trials of its
next-generation A7. We’re still at the test mule stage, which means
the engineers are testing the new mechanicals within the makeshift body of a
current model, but even at this early stage we can already gather a few
details.
It appears the length of the new A7 won’t be changing but
width should be up, as evidenced by the modified wheel arches on this mule.
This ties in with claims that the new A7 will sport a wider, more radical look.
One element that we know will carry over is the squared-off Kammback rear.
Overseeing the design is new Audi design chief Marc Lichte,
who says we can expect greater differentiation between the new A7 and the
mechanically-similar, next-generation A6. The new look was previewed on Audi’s
forward-looking Prologue concept, which Lichte and his team worked on after
completing the designs for the new A6 and A7 as well as the next-generation A8.
The platform underpinning the car is the
Volkswagen Group’s MLB Evo, which made its debut in the 2017 Q7 and has since spread to the 2017 A4. The new platform promises a
significant reduction in weight as well as compatibility with more alternative
powertrains.
The base engine should be a turbocharged 2.0-liter
four-cylinder delivering 252 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. This unit
makes its debut in the 2017 A4. A plug-in hybrid A7 is a certainty,
and there should also be a battery-electric option at some point. Audi has also
hinted at a fuel
cell-equipped A7. The good news is that we’ll also see sporty S7 and RS 7
models once again.
The new A8 will arrive first, with its reveal set to take
place next year. The new A6 and A7 will follow in 2017. In the United States,
the new A7 is expected to arrive as a 2019 model.
Where Nissan failed with the Murano CrossCabriolet, might Land Rover
succeed with a convertible version of its Range Rover Evoque? We’ll get the
chance to find out the answer to that very question in the coming years as the
British automaker is launching a new Range Rover Evoque Convertible. The vehicle has
been spied testing for the past several months, and now it’s been revealed
ahead of its world debut at the upcoming 2015 Los Angeles Auto Show.
High-riding convertibles are still somewhat of an oddity in
the automotive landscape, yet it’s a segment Land Rover sees potential in.
There have been
convertible Land Rovers before but this is the first time one has been
launched by the automaker itself. Fortunately, Land Rover isn’t charging a huge
premium for the drop-top option. The starting price comes in at $51,470,
including a $995 destination charge, which is only about $4k more than the
price of a comparable Evoque three-door.
Also helping the Evoque Convertible is styling that’s miles
ahead of the ungainly Murano CrossCabriolet. The design team has done a great
job at maintaining the edgy lines of the standard Evoque when the Evoque
Convertible’s roof is in place. And when the roof is down, the vehicle has a
wedge-like profile that gives it a sporty look. The roof is an automated fabric
unit that folds away flush with the rear bodywork in just under 20 seconds. New
frameless doors have also been developed to ensure a clean profile when the
roof is stowed.
As the Evoque range was only updated this year, there aren’t
many other differences to be found on the Evoque Convertible. Like all Evoques
(sold in the United States), the Evoque Convertible is powered by a
turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine good for 240 horsepower and 250
pound-feet of torque. The engine is paired with a nine-speed automatic
transmission and spins all four wheels. Unfortunately, losing the roof has seen
extra weight piled on (most likely due to additional reinforcements) as the
curb weight of the Evoque Convertible is a hefty 4,268 lbs. The 0-60 mph run
will take you 7.8 seconds and the top speed is 112 mph. Towing Capacity is
approximately 3,300 lbs.
The cabin is pretty much identical to what you find in the
fixed-roof models. However, the vehicle comes standard with fixed twin rear
seats, with a central bolster, and revised quarter trim speakers. Land Rover
says there’s room for four but we’re guessing only small children will be able
to fit up back. Regardless of whether the roof is up or down, there’s 8.9 cubic
feet of storage, and this can be extended thanks to a ski hatch that can enable
longer items to be carried. For the tech fans, there’s the new In Control Touch
Pro infotainment system which features a 10.2-inch, high-resolution touchscreen
display.
The official Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart, Germany must
be brimming with classics as the museum is now starting to sell some of them
off. The list of cars available for sale can be seen at the website
www.alltime-stars.com and includes some stunners such as a 1929 Type 630
Kompressor and even a 1998 CLK LM endurance racer. The oldest model available
is the Type 630 K while the newest is a 1999 SL55 AMG.
Anyone can view the cars in person at the museum and there
is a sales team on hand to provide detailed information and extensive
descriptions in order to offer as much transparency as possible. Mercedes says
the cars being offered for sale are thoroughly checked using a
comprehensive 160-item checklist.
This ensures any defects or blemishes are identified and recorded.
The sales team also knows exactly what has been modified—and what’s
original—since the vehicle was handed over to its very first owner.
Once checked, a vehicle is classified under one of three groups, depending on
its condition.
Premium Edition: rare cars in original condition, with
very few miles on the clock and fully restored by Mercedes.
Collectors Edition: these cars are in good condition
both technically and visually and are usually unrestored. With these, it’s all
about the provenance and patina.
Drivers Edition: vintage vehicles and modern classics
suitable for everyday driving and for people who want to tinker. These
cars are in good technical condition but still offer potential for further
restoration work.
The 2016 BMW M2 may have
only been unveiled earlier this week, but BMW is already talking about the
latest M model's Nürburgring lap time.
In its "official launch film [sic]" for the M2,
BMW claims the car can lap the 13-odd miles of the full Nordschliefe
in 7:58. For comparison's sake, that's six seconds slower than the 7:52 time of the larger M4
coupe recorded by German car magazine Sport Auto last year.
Still, a sub-8 minute lap of the 'Ring is still pretty impressive, and low lap
times probably weren't BMW's only priority when developing the M2.
That's apparent from the launch video, which shows the M2
lapping a track that isn't the Nürburgring with a 1M and an E30 M3 hot on its
tail. Given its compact size and classic three-box proportions, the M2 was
always going to be compared to these legends, and it seems BMW isn't
discouraging that. With the M4 now bigger and more complicated than ever, BMW
needs a model that can more directly channel the essence of its older
performance car.
At the heart of the M2 is a 3.0-liter turbocharged
inline-six that produces 365 horsepower and 343 pound-feet of torque (369 lb-ft
with overboost). Transmission choices include a six-speed manual and a
seven-speed dual-clutch automatic. With the dual-clutch transmission, BMW says
the M2 will do 0-60 mph in 4.2 seconds (the manual requires an extra 0.2
second), and top out at a governed 155 mph.
The M2 also gets upgraded suspension, in the form of a
lightweight aluminum setup derived from the underpinnings of the M4 and M3.
Engineers also dialed in M-specific settings for the electric power steering,
which carries over from the base 2 Series models. To match the more muscular
hardware, the exterior is more aggressively styled, while the interior features sport seats
and M-specific trim.
Unlike the DB10, the C-X75 was originally developed as a
preview of a new hybrid supercar Jaguar was considering launching at one point.
Economic realities and tough competition from the established supercar
marques caused Jaguar to cancel the project, but the C-X75 and its sultry lines
never really went away.
A handful of the cars has been built for testing purposes
and more recently a new batch was built for filming work for Sceptre. If
you’re wondering why Williams is promoting a Jaguar, it’s because Williams
Advanced Engineering, the F1’s team technology offshoot, helped with the
development of the C-X75, namely its hybrid powertrain.
The original
concept made its debut at the 2010 Paris Auto Show and came
with an extended-range electric drivetrain where a pair of jet turbines served
as the range-extender. For the intended production model, the design team
looked at using aturbocharged
1.6-liter four-cylinder engine Williams had developed for F1
before the sport decided on the current V-6 format.
“It was a thrill to take the wheel of a real stunt car used
in a Bond movie,” Massa said after the drive. “Jaguar partnered with Williams
Advanced Engineering on the production of these stunning supercars, so it
was great to experience some of what my colleagues have developed outside of
F1.
We've known about a
drop-top version of the Range Rover Evoque for some time, but now Land Rover
has confirmed the convertible SUV will be officially unveiled at the LA Motor
Show in November ahead of UK sales next Spring.
Shown initially in concept
form at the 2012 Geneva show, the drop-top Evoque marks a return
to Land Rover's
heritage of building soft-top off-roaders. Of course the Evoque is more fashion
accessory than 4x4, but the images show the firm demonstrating its ability by
negotiating a series of obstacles in a London Crossrail tunnel.
The confirmation marks an end to three years of debate
within the firm about the car’s business case rather than engineering
viability, according to company insiders. Strong demand is expected,
particularly from the USA, while a production version could get its airing by
the middle of this year.
Official details are still thin on the ground, but Land
Rover confirmed it will be "the most capable convertble in the world"
and will be built alongside the five-door and coupe Evoque models at its
plant in Halewood, Merseyside. And by studying these pictures, a few more
things are clear to be seen.
The folding fabric roof can be seen sitting on the rear deck
in the style of the MINI Convertible –
whether the production mechanism will look like this or fold neatly into a
compartment isn’t yet clear. It will also have a full four-seater layout,
although boot size will inevitably suffer.
Additional bracing for the Evoque’s ageing steel chassis is
likely to be required, to maintain torsional rigidity, along with the electrics
and motors for the roof system. The additional weight that brings will harm fuel
economy and handling slightly, but Jaguar Land Rover’s new
Ingenium engine family means efficiency should still be impressive.
Fitted with a 148bhp 2.0-litre diesel and two-wheel drive,
the recently updated
fixed-roof Evoque returns 68mpg and 109g/km of CO2. That makes it the
most economical and efficient car the firm has ever produced.
Land Rover has even developed a clever Roll Over Protection
System (ROPS) that won’t pop up errantly in extreme off-roadsituations. There’s
a nod towards the full-size Range Rover in the drop-down tailgate, too. Expect
prices for the Evoque Convertible to start from around £40,000.
Alongside the cabrio, it's also been rumoured that Jaguar
Land Rover’s Special Vehicle Operations division is working on a performance
Evoque – hot on the heels of the Range
Rover Sport SVR – which could complete the Evoque range next
year.
The King of the
Street Texas Invitational brings amazingly powerful vehicles out of
the woodwork. The goal is straight-line speed, and the cars need four-figure
horsepower to compete effectively. Normally we expect to see the AMS Nissan
GT-R running in the top spot, but that car wasn't there this time. Instead, it
was a mightily modified Audi R8 that took home the top trophy.
Underground Racing tweaked this R8 immensely. A massive pair
of turbos and a number of other mods help push the output to more than 2,100
horsepower. At least that is what the team estimates as anytime they try to
dyno the car they have to deal with tremendous spin. Regardless, the driver
says the car is still street able. This Audi retains its air conditioning, and
it could apparently be taken on a road trip if the owner so desired.
It's also capable of ripping off a 213-mile per hour run
down the airstrip that serves as the racing surface for the Texas Invitational.
Throughout the day, the R8 posted multiple runs over 200 mph. During its final
face off, it was paired against a GT-R that did nearly the same all day. The
GT-R posted a 210 mph top speed, but it wasn't enough to outpace the R8.
It's even more incredible when you consider the GT-R is
running slicks and a parachute, and the R8 is on street-legal R Compound tires.
Check out the video to witness ridiculous power in action.
Mercedes was the first carmaker to coupe all the things. It
turned the E-Class sedan into the CLS--something they call a four door coupe,
confusing as that might sound.
But when it came to SUVs, Mercedes was beaten to the punch
by BMW. And maybe that was a good thing, because for every coupe-like SUV BMW
sold, there were failures. ZDX, Crosstour--yup, we're looking at you.
Now, Mercedes-Benz is trying to claim some of that coupe-y,
off-road turf with its own slope-roofed SUV. Does the new 2016 GLE Coupe
do pretty--and do off-road--better than the X6?
Let’s start with the obvious--the whole "coupe"
thing is marketing speak for a better-looking SUV. The GLE Coupe has four real
doors--five if you count the hatchback. But it also has a rakish profile with a
fastback rear, that wears its new body better than the X6. There's body
cladding to imply off-road capability, too, but let's face it, the chances of
this machine hitting the Rubicon are pretty low.
Inside, the GLE Coupe will feel familiar if you’ve been in
the most recent GLE, which is the renamed, updated M-Class. There’s a
freestanding infotainment screen here and Mercedes’ COMAND infotainment
controller. The mix of old and new can feel a little cobbled together: the GLE
Coupe doesn't get the round vents or upgraded climate controls that other new
Mercedes vehicles have adopted.
Front seat space is fine, but it’s the rear seat we should
talk about. It's a mixed bag. It's easy to step into, and leg room is fine, but
the X6 has generous rear seat headroom compared to this car. Six-footers,
you’ll want to sit up front.
The rear seats do fold down to provide a long, wide, and
perfectly flat cargo floor. Can you say ski weekend?
Under the hood buyers will have two engine options: the base
engine is a twin-turbo V-6 rated at 362 horsepower. It's connected to a
nine-speed automatic transmission. Want more? There’s an AMG model with a
twin-turbo V-8 pumping out 577 horsepower, connected to a seven-speed automatic
transmission. No matter the engine, power is sent to all four wheels via
Mercedes’ 4Matic all-wheel-drive system.
Stick to the pavement and the GLE Coupe does everything
right. Combining an air suspension and an adjustable damper system was pure
genius. Nice work, Mercedes. The setup works flawlessly, and the driving modes
such as Individual, Comfort, Slippery, Sport, and Sport+ allows you to dial in
the powertrain response, steering, and suspension how you like it.
All that said, there’s no way around mass. The GLEs feel
portly, but, no more, truthfully, than the X6. After playing with all the
settings on some backroads and choppy surfaces, we like the Sport setting in
terms of steering, it just feels more settled and comfortable.
The GLE Coupe hasn’t been crash tested yet, but, the M-Class
on which it’s based has done well in the past. It also factors in lots of
safety technology--everything from adaptive cruise control to attention assist,
which lights a coffee cup on the dash when it senses you're about to fall
asleep. It's like the thought balloon of our lives.
Priced from 61,500, the GLE Coupe comes well equipped with a
power tailgate, all-wheel drive, an air suspension, and Magic Vision Control,
which is a really complicated windshield washer system that won't splash the
liquid, oh, and totally serious on the name Magic Vision Control.
So what's the bottom line with the 2016 Mercedes GLE Coupe? If the BMW X6 can make
it work, well, we think some well-off empty nesters are going to fall in love
with GLE Coupe’s charms.
