Wednesday 23 September 2015

Mercedes CLA-Class Spied Testing with a Facelift

Mercedes CLA-Class Spied Testing with a Facelift

Mercedes CLA-Class Spied Testing with a Facelift

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The Mercedes CLA-Class is getting a facelift.

Don't expect any major changes to the four-door coupe, though the front end will sport a new look thanks to a restyled front bumper and slightly overhauled grille. Although the front bumper is heavily camouflaged in our spy photos, it appears that Mercedes will equip the car with new lower air intakes. The German automaker is also concealing the headlights and tail lights, meaning they'll also likely be updated as part of the new looks.

SEE ALSO: 2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA 250 Coupe Review

Engines are expected to be unchanged for the facelifted CLA, while the CLA 45 AMG is also likely to get the same style makeover. Expect the facelifted Mercedes CLA-Class to arrive dealerships sometime next year. For now, check out the spy photos with some bonus pictures of the CLA Shooting Brake that the U.S. market doesn't get to buy.

Discuss this story on our Mercedes-Benz Forum

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Pope Francis Riding in Fiat 500L, Jeep Wrangler on US Tour

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Pope Francis has chosen a pair of FCA vehicles for his rides around the U.S.

Travelling from the airport to the White House, Pope Francis chose to ride in a Fiat 500L, a decision that appears to be a clear statement regarding the Pope's staunch beliefs of remaining humble by avoiding unnecessary luxury as well as backing up his stance on climate change by riding in a small economical car. Pope Francis is known for choosing to ride in small economy cars, with a Ford Focus serving as his main ride around Vatican City.

His small 500L stood out among the many black armored SUVs that surrounded it, especially considering visiting dignitaries usually ride in black Cadillac limousines. "It is very easy to recognize where the pope is because it is the smallest car in the motorcade," said Father Federico Lombardi, the pope's spokesman.

The Pope will also ride around in a modified Jeep Wrangler Popemobile, which surrounds Pope Francis in glass allowing the crowds to see him. In total, six Fiat 500Ls will ferry the Pope around the three cities he is bound to visit, Washington, New York and Philadelphia.

[Source: Automotive News]

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VW CEO Resigns in Wake of Diesel Emissions Scandal

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Volkswagen CEO Dr. Martin Winterkorn has officially resigned in the wake of a scandal over falsified diesel emissions. 

"I am shocked by the events of the past few days. Above all, I am stunned that misconduct on such a scale was possible in the Volkswagen Group," Winterkorn said in a statement issued announcing his resignation. "As CEO I accept responsibility for the irregularities that have been found in diesel engines and have therefore requested the Supervisory Board to agree on terminating my function as CEO of the Volkswagen Group," said Winterkorn.

A meeting was set for this coming Friday to discuss the CEO's contract moving into the future, but the Executive Committee of Volkswagen AG's Supervisory Board called an emergency meeting today, where the decision was made. "The Executive Committee has great respect for Chairman Professor Dr. Winterkorn's offer to resign his position and to ask that his employment agreement be terminated," reads a statement from the committee.

A successor will be named this coming Friday at the Supervisory Board meeting, with rumors pointing to current head of Porsche, Matthias Müller.

SEE ALSO: Everything You Need to Know About VW's Diesel Scandal – UPDATED

Although Winterkorn says that he accepts responsibility for the issue as the CEO, he claims to have had no knowledge of the mass deception. "I am doing this in the interests of the company even though I am not aware of any wrong doing on my part," he said. The Supervisory Board also cleared Winterkorn's name, as the board "notes that Professor Dr. Winterkorn had no knowledge of the manipulation of emissions data."

The scandal began when the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a report claiming that VW had installed defeat devices in 2.0-liter four-cylinder diesel engines which allowed them to run much cleaner during emissions testing, while in everyday driving they were emitting 10 to 40 times more NOx than allowed. Since then, Volkswagen admitted to using the cheating software in roughly 11 million vehicles worldwide.

The Executive Committee also revealed that this likely won't be the only personnel change in the near future. "Internal Group investigations are continuing at a high tempo. All participants in these proceedings that has resulted  in unmeasurable harm for Volkswagen, will be subject to the full consequences."

A new special board will be created by Volkswagen to fix this issue, including preparing the necessary consequences for those responsible. More details on who will run this new board will be revealed at the meeting Friday.

Winterkorn, 68, took the reigns at VW in 2007 and led the company through a turnaround that saw VW go from cutting thousands of German jobs to being one of the largest, most powerful automakers in the world. "The company's rise to global company is inextricably linked to his name," reads the statement from the Executive Committee. "The Executive Committee thanks Dr. Winterkorn for towering contributions in the past decades and for his willingness to take responsibility in this criticall phase for the company."

Discuss this story at our VW Forum

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2015 Mazda Adventure Rally Day 3: Intro

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Yesterday was a tough one at the Mazda Adventure Rally, but we survived. We had to run around British Columbia finding clues, called people about their cars and had to drive like hell to get to the final destination on time. Was it all worth it?

The Mazda Adventure Rally isn't your typical ride and drive event. In fact, it's hard to tell exactly what it is. It's  not quite the same as a happy-go-lucky first drive event, where we get to leisurely take our time with the cars we're testing. It's much more serious than that. With up to $10,000 at stake for charity, it's about winning and losing.

Yesterday it felt like we did more losing than winning. As you may recall, we had some difficulty identifying the model year of a truck, and resorted to calling the owner of the vehicle for help. Sadly their hypothesis of their truck being a '50 was incorrect. Apparently it was definitely a '55 as evidenced by its open drive shaft (or so the other members of the rally say.) It turns out many people did the same thing, and were all outraged that someone wouldn't know the year of the vehicle they were using for a promotional billboard.

See Also: 2015 Mazda Adventure Rally Day 2: Conclusion

IMG_20150922_125657We also heard other stories about getting lost at the Harper Mountain Ski Hill, like we did, but no one drove as hard as Mike to beat the time penalty.

Furthermore, we missed a scene or two in our photograph challenge, meaning we missed out on a few extra points. We drove at such high speeds, it was hard to keep an eye on the surrounding scenery to find the photos we were given.

As a result we now sit in fourth place in the rally, just one point away from finishing in the money and three points away from first place. It's not good knowing you may not finish in the top three, but it's not a place to be in. Think about it, we have nothing to lose, while the other competitors ahead of us have all the pressure on them to stay in the positions they're in. Let's put the pressure on them.

In the words of famous baseball player Yogi Berra (Who passed away today, may he rest in peace) "It ain't over, till its over."

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Opulence Alert: 5 Outrageous Rolls-Royce Special Editions

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Rolls-Royce takes the world of bespoke ultra-luxury vehicles to a whole new level.

Some say that death and taxes are the only things in this world that are certain, but you can go ahead and add ridiculoud Rolls-Royce special edition models to the list. Over the years, the British automaker has created some incredible special-edition models and here's a list of just the recent ones.

SEE ALSO: Rolls-Royce Dawn is the Quietest Open-Top Car Ever Made

Rolls-Royce Wraith – History of Rugby

rolls-royce-wraith-history-of-rugby

The latest creation is the Rolls-Royce Wraith – History of Rugby. On the outside, the Wraith's English White paint scheme pays homage to the white rugby shirt worn at Rugby School, a tradition continued today by the England rugby team. The vehicle's signature shoulder line has been accented by a hand-applied coachline in deep green, featuring an English rose motif in red. You see, the red rose has been an evocative feature of English rugby since 1971 and you can also find the red rose embroidered on the headrests of the seats inside. Piano Black veneer is found on the dash while the center panel has been delicately inlaid with the English rose.

Rolls-Royce Wraith – Inspired by Music

rolls-royce-wraith-inspired-by-music

The Rolls-Royce Wraith – Inspired by Music was announced featuring a Lyrical Copper exterior finish that hints at the use of copper in high-end audio systems. Most of the highlights can be found inside the cabin with re-imagined speaker grilles finished in copper with the words "Bespoke Audio" engraved in them. Copper-colored door inserts can also be seen inside while the door panniers and floor mats are made from finely-woven leather.

Of course the audio system has been thoroughly upgraded as well with a 1,300-watt 18-channel system featuring two subwoofers, seven tweeters and seven mid-range speakers. Two "exciter" speakers have also been hand-fitted in the car's headliner.

Rolls-Royce Wraith – Inspired by Fashion

rolls-royce-wraith-inspired-by-fashion

This is the Rolls-Royce Wraith – Inspired by Fashion. The exterior boasts a two-tone Andalucian White and Arctic White finish and can be ordered with a choice of accent color of Jasmine, Tailored Purple or Mugello Red. Like the other special edition Rolls-Royce models, most of the changes are found in the cabin with the Inspired by Fashion Wraith boasting fine silks in the car's front and rear door pockets. There was also a unique application of wood to the dash, with the lacquering process along taking nine days to complete, according to Rolls-Royce. The Bespoke Clock was also styled exclusively to emit a pearl effect, reminiscent of silk fabrics.

Rolls-Royce Wraith – Inspired by Film

rolls-royce-wraith-inspired-by-film

With fashion and music having inspired the Rolls-Royce Wraith, next up is film. Having starred in numerous films over the years, the Rolls-Royce Wraith Inspired by Film reflects the silver screen through a unique two-tone Silver and Jubilee Silver paint scheme. On the inside, the Anthracite leather interior has been accented with Casden Tan to mimic a super hero's costume. There is also a pin sharp aluminum band through the Maccassar Ebony open pore panelling. Rolls-Royce cars have been featured in hits such as Goldfinger, The Thomas Crowne Affair and The Great Gatsby.

Rolls-Royce Serenity Phantom Extended Wheelbase

rolls-royce-serenity-phantom-extended-wheelbase

Last, but not least, is the Rolls-Royce Serenity Phantom Extended Wheelbase that debuted at this year's Geneva Motor Show in March. The one-off special edition started in China, where Rolls-Royce sourced unspun silk thread and had it hand-dyed by the Chinese craftspeople who have been creating beautiful silks for centuries. From there, it was transported to one of Britain's oldest mills so that it could be hand-woven into just 10 meters of fabric, with the numerous colors of silk thread painstakingly blended into the highest quality wrap to result in the lustrous Smoke Green color you see above. The blossom motif was then added before the final touch of detailed petal-by-petal of crimson blossoms was hand painted directly onto the silk.

Discuss this story on our Rolls-Royce Forum

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2016 GMC Sierra Elevation Edition Gets Tough New Look

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The 2016 GMC Sierra Elevation Edition has been revealed, bringing upgraded style and tech to GM's half-ton pickup. 

Elevation Edition Sierras get new looks thanks to body-color moldings, door handles, bumpers, mirror caps and a body-color grille surround. Massive 20-inch blacked out aluminum wheels and Elevation Edition badging complete the makeover. The package can only be equipped on Sierra double cab trucks.

SEE ALSO: 2016 GMC Sierra Revealed with New Face

Inside, the latest version of GMC's Intellilink is installed, which uses a 7-inch touchscreen and runs both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. An OnStar 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot is included, while all Elevation model include remote keyless entry, remote locking tailgate, outside heated power-adjustable mirrors, a 110-volt AC power outlet, black recovery hooks and a six-speaker audio system.

Pricing for the 2016 GMC Sierra Elevation Edition will be announced closer to the truck's launch in the first quarter of 2016.

Discuss this story at our GMC Sierra Forum

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Saturday 19 September 2015

Authentic General Lee Dodge Charger Heading to Auction

Authentic General Lee Dodge Charger Heading to Auction

Authentic General Lee Dodge Charger Heading to Auction

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An original, screen-used General Lee Dodge Charger is crossing the auction block.

Starring in the original television show The Dukes of Hazzard, the 1969 Dodge Charger is reportedly one of three cars of its kind to have survived. In total, more than 300 General Lee cars were used during the television series, but the vast majority of them were destroyed during filming of the show's obligatory stunt scenes. The General Lee heading to auction has a clean title and will come with a letter of authenticity from Warner Bros. proving that it was used as a picture vehicle during the filming of the series.

The vehicle is in good running condition and is completely street legal and drivable. The winning bidder will also receive an original production Hazzard County license plate with license number "CNH 320."

SEE ALSO: Dodge Barracuda Finally Coming Back, Next-Gen Charger in the Works

Given the recent controversy in the U.S. regarding the Confederate Flag, some might find it surprising that a General Lee with a complete Confederate Flag on the roof is heading to auction. Of course, the detail is what makes the vehicle authentic and it's hard to imagine one without it.

The General Lee is being auctioned off on September 30 as part of Hollywood Auction 74, hosted by Profiles in History the world's largest auctioneer of Hollywood memorabilia.

Discuss this story on our Dodge Charger Forum

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2017 Infiniti Q30 Video, First Look

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Infiniti is joining the compact premium segment with its all-new Q30.

The Japanese automaker debuted the 2017 Infiniti Q30 at the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show, staying true to the original concept that debuted in 2013. The compact hatchback is built on the Mercedes MFA platform that underpins the CLA-Class and GLA-Class models and will also be used for the upcoming QX30 crossover.

The Q30 will launch with three trim levels: base, Premium and Sport, with the base model equipped with a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 120 horsepower and 148 pound-feet of torque. The Premium and Sport models will have a 2.0-liter turbo-four engine with 208 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. For the U.S. market, Infiniti will only offer the more powerful 2.0-liter mill.

SEE ALSO: 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show Coverage

Transmission options for the 2017 Infiniti Q30 include a six-speed manual and seven-speed dual-clutch automatic. Look for the Infiniti Q30 to arrive dealerships in select markets later this year with pricing and fuel economy figures being announced closer to its launch.

AutoGuide.com got a chance to check out the new Q30 at the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show and you can learn more about it by watching our first look video below.

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Discuss this story on our Infiniti Q30 Forum

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2016 Honda Civic Video, First Look

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The 2016 Honda Civic has been properly unveiled and it's the Civic you've been waiting for.

The last-generation Honda Civic had trouble out of the gate, with the Japanese automaker quickly revamping it shortly after it arrived on the market. Now, Honda is hoping to turn the page with its all-new 10th-generation model that has been rebuilt from the ground up. In fact, Honda claims that the new 2016 Civic is the biggest complete redesign for the model ever as it hopes to recapture the sporty appeal it used to be known for.

Built on a wheelbase that is 1.2 inches longer, the new Civic sits one inch lower and is two inches wider.

SEE ALSO:The 2016 Honda Civic is the Civic You've Been Waiting For

The new Civic will come standard with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 158 horsepower while a more powerful turbocharged 1.5-liter mill will be available with 174 hp. The company is being vague on fuel economy figures, but promises that it'll deliver over 40 mpg on the highway.

Learn more about the 2016 Honda Civic by watching AutoGuide.com's first look video below.

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Discuss this story on our 10th Generation Honda Civic Forum

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Nissan Gripz Concept Video, First Look

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Nissan could be changing things up with its Z nameplate.

Bowing at the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show was the Nissan Gripz concept, and having a "z" at the end of the name isn't so the Japanese automaker can be trendy. Recent reports say that Nissan is considering a crossover for the next-generation Z model. At the show, Nissan claims that the Gripz won't serve as a direct replacement for an existing model but previews what future compact crossovers will look like for the brand.

SEE ALSO: 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show Coverage

The powertrain is quite interesting with Nissan using the same electric engine found in the Leaf along with an unspecified gasoline engine that acts as a generator. Combined, the Gripz concept boasts 107 horsepower and 187 pound-feet of torque, and although those numbers aren't impressive, Nissan promises that it "delivers a smooth, refined and exhilarating driving experience."

Whether or not the Gripz concept will become the next Z model remains to be unseen, so for now, check out our first look video below and prepare yourself for some radical changes to the Nissan brand.

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Discuss this story on our Nissan Forum

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2017 Ferrari 488 Spider Video, First Look

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The 2017 Ferrari 488 Spider dropped its top at this year's Frankfurt Motor Show.

Sharing the floor with the new Lamborghini Huracan Spyder, the Ferrari 488 uses a 3.9-liter turbocharged V8 engine to make 660 horsepower and 561 pound-feet of torque. Naturally it's based on the 488 GTB coupe and surprisingly it does the 0-62 mph sprint in the same time at three seconds flat. Top speed with the roof up or down is rated at 203 mph.

SEE ALSO: 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show Coverage

According to the Italian automaker, the Ferrari 488 Spider can lower or raise its hard top roof in 13.6 seconds and actually weighs about 55 pounds lighter than the fabric roof found on the last-generation F430 Spider. The Ferrari 488 Spider does tip weigh 110 pounds more than the coupe.

Find out more about the drop-top exotic by watching our first look video below.

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Discuss this story on our Ferrari Forum

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Honda Project 2&4 Concept Video, First Look

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The Honda Project 2&4 concept debuted at the Frankfurt Motor Show, combining a motorcycle with a car for a wicked open-air vehicle.

It may have a car chassis, but the Honda Project 2&4 concept is powered by a 999-cc V4 engine that comes from a superbike with the ability to rev up to 14,000 rpm. The small engine provides 215 horsepower and 87 pound-feet of torque in a car that weighs just 893 pounds, so we can only imagine how fun it is to drive.

SEE ALSO: 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show Coverage

According to Honda, the concept is the result of an annual worldwide contest the Japanese automaker hosts, encouraging its design team to think outside the box to create something truly special.

See AutoGuide.com get up close and personal with the Honda Project 2&4 concept by watching the first look video below.

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Discuss this story on our Honda Forum

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On the road: Nissan Pulsar – car review | Technology | The Guardian

On the road: Nissan Pulsar – <b>car review</b> | Technology | The Guardian

On the road: Nissan Pulsar – <b>car review</b> | Technology | The Guardian

Posted: 11 Sep 2015 10:00 PM PDT

Nissan has been going through a phase of making cars that look like their internal organs are on the outside of their bodies (chief among them, the marvellously ugly Juke, which once you notice, you become fascinated by, like ugly babies). In the Pulsar, they bring us a car that looks like a car: they are obviously a bit embarrassed by that, which is why they gave me a red one (they think we're like bulls, and you hold our attention by waving a red thing at us: which in my case is broadly true).

The look suited me fine: I prefer a hatchback to be sensibly close to the ground. The way they endlessly try to raise themselves above one another is vulgar. It has all kinds of nice finishes, from the classy textures on the ledge above the exhaust, to the alloy wheels, to the elegant fonts on all the displays. The boot looks large and is even larger, as I learned when I swapped cars while away and had to leave the dog in Kent (joking! I went back for him).

It's not the most fun I've ever had in a car: the seats may be heated leather, but the driving posture is a bit upright and uninviting, like sitting on the Paris Metro. The 1.6-litre petrol engine was smart and credible in a town. You could nip in and out of lanes, parking spaces, other people's drives that expressly said "no turning". Plus, 7.7 seconds from 0-62mph is pokier than you'd expect, and sometimes, tricks you into zooming and tearing about, when all you had meant to do was mosey. On an A-road, its limitations were more obvious, though never howling; it has good grip but not the most responsive steering, smooth cruising, but not the most enthusiastic acceleration in the top gears. The handling is a bit creaky and stiff, like a person who leans because they have a bad back and don't want to reach; that makes it sound worse than it is. Think of a person with only a slightly bad back.

It has a top speed of 135mph, so it's not that safety-first, though a lot of the jazzing up has been with a safety motive. The safety features – lane-departure sensor, blind spot detector, rear-end collision auto-braking, run the full gamut of preventative imagination, from "driver who's not really concentrating" to "driver who is playing Candy Crush and on drugs". The newest feature is moving-object detection, for the awful event in which you miss a child or a dog. Didn't use it; can't vouch for its efficacy; even if I had used it, wouldn't admit it.

I never felt that I became part of the car, or that it was an extension of me. But I would admit it happily as a member of the family, which is roughly 80% of what a family hatchback hopes for.

Nissan Pulsar 2015 detail

Price £22,345
Top speed 135mph
Acceleration 0-62mph in 7.7 seconds
Combined fuel consumption 48mpg
CO2 emissions 138g/km
Cool rating 6/10
Eco rating 7/10

Apple Met With California DMV to <b>Review</b> Autonomous <b>Vehicle</b> <b>...</b>

Posted: 18 Sep 2015 04:48 AM PDT

Apple senior legal counsel Mike Maletic held an hour-long meeting with the California Department of Motor Vehicles last month to review "autonomous vehicle regulations," according to internal documents obtained by The Guardian. The revelation comes amid widespread rumors that Apple has hired hundreds of employees to develop an electric vehicle over the past several months.

California-DMV-HQ

California DMV headquarters in Sacramento


Maletic reportedly met with a trio of DMV executives familiar with self-driving cars, including deputy director Bernard Soriano and chief of strategic planning Stephanie Dougherty, who are co-sponsors of California's autonomous vehicle regulation project. Brian Soublet, the department's deputy director and chief counsel, was also in the meeting, according to the report.

California's DMV is developing regulations for the eventual deployment and public operation of autonomous vehicles. These rules will establish requirements that manufacturers must meet to certify that their driverless vehicles have been successfully tested, meet safety criteria, and are ready for consumers to operate on public roads.

Apple would be required to obtain an Autonomous Vehicle Testing Permit from the California DMV to test autonomous vehicles on public roads, which Volkswagen, Mercedes-Benz, Google, Tesla Motors, Nissan, BMW, Honda and others have already done. Given the Cupertino-based company's culture of secrecy, however, that is an unlikely scenario.

If Apple does seek a testing permit for its Project Titan self-driving car, it will have to sacrifice much of its legendary preference for secrecy. Manufacturers applying for a permit have to detail the make, model and vehicle identification number (VIN) of cars they want to test, share details of autonomous features and capabilities, and identify test drivers by name.

If rumors about Apple testing an electric vehicle are true, it is more likely that the iPhone maker will use a private testing facility such as GoMentum Station, a 2,100-acre former naval base in the San Francisco Bay Area run by the Contra Costa Transportation Authority. Apple could also use its own property to test vehicles with complete privacy, something it may already be doing.

Apple's rumored "Project Titan" electric vehicle research and development could be based at a top-secret office and lab complex in Sunnyvale codenamed SG05, the report corroborates. Bloomberg reported in February that Apple aims to begin electric car production as early as 2020, but the company's roadmap is not entirely clear due to the highly secretive nature of the project.

Related Roundup: Apple Car
Tags: theguardian.com, California, DMV

Porsche 911 GTS Carrera Cabriolet: <b>car review</b> | Martin Love <b>...</b>

Posted: 12 Sep 2015 09:59 PM PDT

Road runner: the 911 is one of the world's mosty celebrated sports cars – but think carefully about the colour.

Price: £99,602
Top speed: 188mph
0-62mph: 4.6 seconds
MPG: 32.5

Opening up Porsche's fabulously rorty engine and letting its distinctive exhaust note engulf you is one of motoring's most celebrated experiences, a journey into automotive nirvana… Well, that's the theory anyway. Truth is, like teenagers and hairy pets, you often have to work hard to see the good in a Porsche.

First up there is the nose-bleeding price tag. You'll get just £398 change from £100K for this 911 GTS – fill it up a couple of times and you're there. Second, everyone hates you – even more than usual. In the week I spent with this car (yellow and a soft top was fuel to the flame), I was the victim of three cases of road rage (there was a fourth but that one was deserved). All involved liberal use of the words "twat" and "wanker". Maybe Porsche should trademark them, as people seem to think that's what the cars are called.

Then there's the drive. In an ideal world we'd only travel on empty winding roads with challenging cambers and stunning views. But life's not a driving game, sadly, and nose-to-tailing in the 911 is like giving your left calf an extreme work out – the clutch is sprung like a mantrap. On top of that there's the ludicrous seven-speed gearbox with a gate so narrow you are forever jamming it into the wrong gear. Without the finessing effect of speed, the car feels cumbersome and a fatiguing drive.

But (and it's a but that's enraptured Porsche zealots for decades) when you do finally hit that open road, open up the roof and open up the rear-mounted flat-six… Well, oh my. It's properly amazingly awesome.

This 911 was unveiled at the Los Angeles Auto Show last November and its cabriolet sister has now been rolled out to match the coupé. With the soft top up, both cars share the same legendary silhouette. The 3.8-litre engine is the 911's defining characteristic and it pumps out 424bhp, does 0-62mph in 4.6 seconds and tops out at 188mph. The electric steering delivers superb feedback so you can feel your way in and out of corners with surgical precision. With the cabriolet you can drop the top and truly revel in the car's performance. Everything about the car is quick: it only takes 13 seconds to open the roof and you can do it at up to 35mph.

The boot is pathetic, but there are two unexpectedly large rear seats for baggage – or people. I squeezed a 6ft friend, his dog and his injured son in there to drive them to hospital for an x-ray. The boy claimed he'd been "saved by Porsche" – a future sale in the bag for the German marque.

Email Martin at martin.love@observer.co.uk or follow him on Twitter at @MartinLove166

BMW 535d Touring: <b>car review</b> | William Fotheringham - The Guardian

Posted: 05 Sep 2015 10:00 PM PDT

Touring on Tour: the sleek BMW 535d M.

Price £45,320
MPG 46.3
Top speed 155mph

It's Tour of Spain time and the Tour of Britain is round the corner, but one memory from July's Tour de France sticks in my mind. As I drove up the A6 through Burgundy having spent weeks trailing the peloton through the Pyrenees and the Alps, I spotted a figure on a bridge. As I passed he started waving wildly at me. Had he spotted the race sticker on my windscreen or did he like the look of the BMW I was driving? Or both?

The new 535d M Touring is an imposing machine which we nicknamed the Big Mean Wagen. (The endless hours driving from stage starts to press rooms at the finish are a true spur to the creative mind.) The vast bonnet was intimidating enough to scare most other Tour traffic, and out back, the car's rear load space had ample space for the "Killer", a bike I take on Tour to explore France in the odd off-duty hour. This is an acid test I apply to estate cars at the race as most have back ends which look far more capacious than they are in reality.

Car with amazing view behind

On top of the Col des Limouches, with the Rhone Valley and the Massif Central behind and the Vercors lying ahead. Photograph: William Fotheringham/Observer

The BMW was a good place to spend hour after happy hour flogging French roads in pursuit of Chris Froome and company. Its advanced aerodynamics make it astonishingly silent – until you engage Sport mode at which point it emits a Clarkson-pleasing howl – and the headroom is plentiful even for a six-footer like me. The Tour's top brass judge their cars by the size of the sunroof; the BMW's would have been big enough to enable a whole family to enjoy the mountain breeze in their hair had we not chosen to close it and cower from the heat of one of the hottest French Julys on record.

Impressively for a machine weighing nigh on two tons, there is no stodge or slop in the handling no matter how tight the hairpin or bizarre the camber. Somehow BMW has created a machine which feels totally in touch with the road. It is massively powerful and whizzes up mountains, but the fuel economy depends how you use that power. A single tank of diesel took me all the way from Le Havre to the Pyrenees in Comfort mode, but once into the mountains and using the Sport setting for the automatic gearbox, the fuel gauge headed west with startling rapidity as the Tour went east.

Cars in a queue

The glamour of life on Tour: this traffic jam of fans and media vehicles coming down the mountain after the finish at La Toussuire took three hours to clear. Photograph: William Fotheringham/Observer

With high-spec cars, much of the pleasure – or stress – comes from how the extras fit into the driving experience. Here the BMW took a bit of getting used to. It is disturbingly easy to engage neutral by mistake if you rest an idle hand on the joystick.

Germany fell out of love with the Tour in the mid-2000s after the endless series of drugs scandals, but the romance was rekindled recently thanks to stars such as Marcel Kittel, Tony Martin and André Greipel.

Car parked in a woods

Lost in France: outside my favourite hotel in the Pyrenees, a rare oasis of calm in the maelstrom of driving and working. Photograph: William Fotheringham/Observer

It's fun finding a parallel for a Tour car among the race's cyclists. For speed out of the blocks, sustained power and moody looks, this one was Greipel, the four-times stage-winning sprinter nicknamed the Gorilla of Rostock. For surprising zip up a mountain and sure-footedness down the other side, the bearded Simon Geschke, a surprise stage winner in the Alps. The Big Mean Wagen is a machine with multiple identities, consummate power and, like the Germans in France this year, a winning formula.

road up the col du glandon

Passenger's eye view: gendarmes and fans close to the summit of the Col du Glandon, with the real hardcore lined up on top of the pass hours before the race was due to pass. Photograph: William Fotheringham/Observer

Long-Term <b>Car Review</b>: 2015 BMW i3 – final verdict | Driving

Posted: 17 Sep 2015 06:32 AM PDT

Overview

2015 BMW i3

BMW's first all-electric production car is a technological tour de force

Pros Supercar high-tech for mainstream money, athletic road manners, aesthetically pleasing interior

Cons Two-tone exterior, small REX fuel tank, suicide doors

Value for money Good

What would I change? Offer monochromatic exterior options, front-hinging rear doors and one more rear seat

How I would spec it? I'd skip the expensive connectivity features and range-extender to keep the price under $50K

Abraham Lincoln once said, "The best thing about the future is that it comes only one day at a time." And in the case of our 2015 BMW i3 Range Extender (REX) electric car, we had 60 days to experience what many believe is the future of motoring.

Beyond being the German automaker's first-ever, pure-electric production vehicle, the i3 compact hatchback (which starts at $47,395, including freight and predelivery inspection fees) is the tip of the wedge for BMW's all-new i brand, which also has the i8 ($152,095) plug-in gas-electric hybrid 2+2 sports car in its barn, with both vehicles representing a whole new way of building, marketing and selling cars for the automaker.

Taking up about the same amount of space in your garage as a typical small car, the four-passenger, i3 veers hard from the norm with rear-wheel-drive, a plastic-panel-wrapped carbon fibre and aluminum structure, creatively designed interior—and in the case of our i3 Range Extender (REX) tester—up to 130 kilometres of gas-free driving and around another 90 km using a small, gasoline motor to charge the batteries on the fly.

The 2015 BMW i3.

The 2015 BMW i3.
John LeBlanc, Driving

Somewhat overwhelmed by the BMW's uniqueness, we wanted to answer a few questions that a typical weeklong test drive would not encompass. What would the i3 be like as a daily driver, both from the driver's seat and as a people and stuff hauler? How easy would it be for BMW's futuristic electric car to be integrated into today's immature electric charging infrastructure? And, most importantly, is "the future of motoring" all it's cracked up to be?

Whether powered by a straight-six gas engine, a battery pack or pixie dust, any BMW wearing the brand's well-known flying blue propeller logo and twin-kidney grille is expected to offer a premium driving experience. And over the course of our two months with the i3 REX, the small electric vehicle (EV) did not disappoint.

Combined with its lightweight body, the i3 REX electric motor's 170 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque serenely zips the small car to 100 kilometres per hour in a relatively quick 7.9 seconds. (The lighter battery-only i3 is 0.3 seconds quicker). Plus there's no shifting involved, as the i3 uses a single-gear direct-drive transmission.

As an urban traffic assault vehicle, the i3 REX shines. It nips in and out of traffic like a four-wheeled scooter, with quick steering that gives more feel than most front-wheel-drive compacts. And even with relatively narrow tires (designed for low-resistance) the i3 has plenty of grip.

2015 BMW i3

2015 BMW i3
John LeBlanc, Driving

Where the i3 goes like a 3 Series sedan, the way it stops needs some getting use to. The i3's regenerative energy brakes decelerate so quickly the car can slow all the way to a stop by simply lifting off the throttle. In around town driving, you can essentially drive with only one foot on the accelerator, letting the re-gen brakes slow the vehicle down at stoplights and corners.

If the i3 does the job mimicking a "normal" BMW when it come to its driving characteristics, the EV's cabin is truly unique. And after eight weeks, we think it's for the better.

For starters, the i3's carbon-fibre upper body allows for better visibility and more available space than comparably sized compact cars or crossovers. There's plenty of glass to see out of, and the vehicle's flat floor allows for some unexpected extra storage space between the front seats. And while the rear cargo space behind the rear seats is not deep due to the rear placement of the drivetrain, we quite often folded the rear seats for our golf clubs or ringette equipment bags to easily fit.

The 2015 BMW i3.

The 2015 BMW i3.
John LeBlanc, Driving

That said, the use of rear-hinged rear doors on the i3 seems more like a gimmick than a solution. Like the same complaint with other vehicles with this setup (see Honda Element), having to open the front doors before the rear is a pain.

Where BMW has nailed it, though, is the architecturally inspired design of the i3's cabin. The pair of large, "floating" digital screens handle the majority of the functions and gives the car a futuristic yet functional feel.

Contrast to all of these futuristic features, because of the way it drove and felt, it was easy to forget the BMW i3 REX was only being powered by electricity. But after two or three days of urban errand running and trips to the outer edges of suburbia (instead of the week or so between fill-ups for our family's gas-powered Audi Q5), the need to find some place to plug-in the i3 would arise. Which is why having a Level II home charging unit is almost a "must have" for an electric car like the BMW. Installed on the outside wall of our home, the BMW-branded unit allowed us to charge the i3 whenever it was not in use, and could be programmed via a smartphone app for less expensive off-peak electricity rates.

The 2015 BMW i3.

The 2015 BMW i3.
John LeBlanc, Driving

Due to my work-at-home status, Ottawa's relatively small geography, and not using the BMW as our family's primary mode of transport, in total, we only drove the i3 REX 1,342 kilometres. The maximum distance on one charge was 102 kms. On average, the car consumed 15.8 kWh/100 km; just below the 16.0 average other BMW i3 owners achieved according to info provided by the BMW i app. The app also said the car recuperated 5.3 kWh/100 km on every trip, on average. And take this for what it is, but we also "saved" 253.2 kilograms of CO2 if our electricity came from 100 per cent renewable energy sources, or 43.0 kg if from conventional energy, if compared to a comparable gas car.

As much as BMW has made the most of available technologies to maximize the i3's driving range, any EV owner looking for power away from home still faces many hurdles in Canada due to this country's immature recharging infrastructure. That means if we wanted to make the 450 kms drive from our home in Ottawa to downtown Toronto in the i3 REX, after the batteries ran out about half-way, we could either look for a Level II charger and wait for a couple of hours for a recharge, or continue driving using the range extender engine. But with its fuel tank holding only nine litres that would mean stopping for gas every 90 kms. Possible, but not very convenient if you are relying on the i3 as the only vehicle in your fleet.

Yet that reason alone is not reason enough to take the BMW EV off your next new vehicle wish list. Despite its obvious range limitations, we would be happy to sign up for a longer stay than the mere 60 says we had in the i3 REX.

2015 BMW i3 REX

2015 BMW i3 REX
John LeBlanc, Driving

With its exotic-material body, stylish interior and cutting-edge powertrain, even at its $60,195 as-tested price, the 2015 BMW i3 REX delivers supercar technology for the price of a midsize luxury sedan. Its quiet, roomy, stylish and functional interior is much more relaxing to be in than the typical compact car. However, if BMW is reading this, we think a more conventional exterior styling, a larger fuel tank for the REX option and a rethink of the side door design would broaden the BMW EV's appeal even more.

As the inventor of the battery-powered electric starter, Charles F. Kettering once said "my interest is in the future because I am going to spend the rest of my life there." For buyers who want can't wait for the future, the 2015 BMW i3 REX is available right now.

The 2015 BMW i3.

The 2015 BMW i3.
John LeBlanc, Driving

On the road: Citro?n DS5 – <b>car review</b> | Technology | The Guardian

Posted: 04 Sep 2015 09:59 PM PDT

They call it "ink blue"; I call it indigo. The DS5 has sharp, aggressive styling at the front, and it has separated itself from its Citroën branding, so that its identity is conveyed by a funny, squiggly swoosh on the rear. My father-in-law looked askance at this, as if it were a recalcitrant adult child trying to divorce its parent. But I thought it looked chic and modern: goodbye, boring colours and marques; hello, the colour of midnight and the world of the post-marque.

Then I got in. The cabin is fine: in the Prestige version, which I had, you can electrically control your driver's seat, but you can't electrically control the firmness of the ride, or the way the poky gear shifts bring out the racer in you. Nor would you want to: that's the entire point of buying it, because, at £30,000, this is neither the thriftiest nor the most responsible car in its compact-exec class. The parking camera was one of the best on the market (sounds like a small thing, but often they're set to be incredibly melodramatic, sounding the alarm when you're metres away from anything, so that you finish every journey in a state of mild panic).

The controls were intuitive and the finish is high-spec and polished. It felt roomy in the front, though some pesky adults complained about headroom in the back, and boot space was ample. Visibility was terrible: the front struts interfered with my peripheral vision. I couldn't tell whether I was approaching a tree, a pedestrian or the frame of my own car, which made my urban driving extremely timid and obviated the beefy engine entirely (this was a 150; there's a 180, too). Maybe this was deliberate on the part of the designer, to introduce more caution to the whole driving culture: like Copenhagen crossings, in which the pavement and the road are deliberately ambiguated to make people slow down. My sister says it's like using children as bollards.

There's also an inexplicable horizontal strut across the back, which I didn't mind in town, but interfered with rear visibility and was maddening on a motorway. There's an argument that you adjust to anything over time, but an adjustment that takes longer than a week is a mistake.

Once you lighten up and stop worrying about seeing all the other cars, you will notice how much fun there is to be had in the upper gears. Zero to 62mph isn't, at over 10 seconds, particularly impressive, but there's lots of range in fourth and fifth gears (nothing in sixth, but fair enough), and overtaking is a pleasure.

Indeed, there's plenty to like about it: it has stamina but it's also nippy, it's smooth and soundless, but with a rough, diesel-y edge. Maybe it's a bit niche, but there will be people in this car's bracket who spend their lives trying to look niche.

Price £31,160
Acceleration 0-62mph in 10.9 seconds
Top speed 127mph
CO2 emissions 105g
Combined cycle 68.9mpg
Cool factor 7/10
Eco factor 8/10
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Monday 14 September 2015

The Lamborghini Huracan Spyder Makes Other Convertibles Look Boring and Slow

The Lamborghini Huracan Spyder Makes Other Convertibles Look Boring and Slow

The Lamborghini Huracan Spyder Makes Other Convertibles Look Boring and Slow

Posted:

The Lamborghini Huracán Spyder has made its official debut at the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show.

Serving as the successor to the Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4 Spyder, the new Huracán Spyder features an authentic, electric soft top that can be opened in 17 seconds at driving speeds up to 31 mph. The convertible variant of the Huracán is powered by the same 5.2-liter naturally aspirated V10 engine sporting 610 horsepower and 412 pound-feet of torque found in the coupe, mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.

Compared to the coupe, the convertible model does the 0-60 mph sprint 0.2 seconds slower at a time of 3.4 seconds versus the coupe's 3.2. Dry weight on the Huracán Spyder is 3,400 pounds (1,542 kg) while the coupe tips the scale at 3,135 lbs (1,422 kg).

SEE ALSO: 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show Coverage

The Lamborghini Huracán Spyder will benefit from the 2016 model year Huracán features, which includes a cylinder deactivation system and a stop-start system that reduces CO2 by 14 percent compared to the Gallardo Spyder. There is also a new electronically controlled all-wheel drive setup for improved driving behavior, according to the Italian automaker.

"The Huracán LP 610-4 Spyder is the next chapter in the success story of the naturally aspirated V10 Huracán, and continues a Lamborghini tradition of open air motoring," says Stephan Winkelmann, President and CEO of Automobili Lamborghini. "The Huracán Spyder combines the innovation, performance and appeal of the Huracán coupé, with new technologies and an added emotional dimension. Its predecessor, the Gallardo Spyder, was the best-selling open top model in Lamborghini's history: we expect the Huracán Spyder to exceed its predecessor in every way."

Discuss this story at our Lamborghini Forum

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Future Bugatti Models Will Look Like This

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It's a concept car and one the automaker promises will never see production and yet, this is the future of Bugatti.

It's called the Vision Gran Turismo concept and as the name suggests, it's a creation that will hit the track in the virtual world of Gran Turismo.

Rather than some far-fetched piece of science fiction that's powered by lasers, Bugatti decided to build a machine that could (if it were real) actually compete on real race tracks.

"With the 'Bugatti Vision Gran Turismo', we have not developed a fantasy product of the type which is normally seen in this category of the game," explains Achim Anscheidt, head of the Bugatti design team. "We had the clear goal of developing a vehicle which could also be driven on a real race circuit if it left the virtual world. 'Bugatti Vision Gran Turismo' stands for authenticity."

But the most exciting news to come from Bugatti regarding it's wild new concept is that the car will inspire the next-generation of Bugatti models. In a release Bugatti says the concept looks towards future models and marks, "the end of the Veyron era."

"Bugatti's design DNA has reached a new stage in its evolution," Anscheidt announces. "In view of the nature of the project, our concept car for 'Vision Gran Turismo' will be exaggerated and extremely performance-oriented. Even so, the progressive design language will give an impressive demonstration of the path to be taken by Bugatti design over the next few years."

A non-virtual version of the Vision GT concept will debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show on September 15th.

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Infiniti Q30 Revealed: Think of it as a Mercedes CLA Hatchback

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Infiniti's entry into the compact premium segment has been unveiled at the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show.

Or depending on how you define the term "compact," this may be the brand's return to the segment after a decade of absence, when the G20 sedan evolved into the G35 in the early 2000s.

The production Infiniti Q30 stays true to the concept that originally debuted in 2013 and Infiniti says that the Q30 is "designed for a new generation of buyers who are not willing to be defined by their choice of vehicle body type," adding that the compact "challenges convention with its bold character and daring shape."

The vehicle is based on the Mercedes MFA platform that also underpins the CLA-Class and GLA-Class models, and will also be used for the upcoming QX30 crossover.

Offered in three trim levels, base, Premium and Sport, the Q30 will be available with a variety of engine options. In the base model is a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine with either 120 horsepower and 148 pound-feet of torque or 154 hp and 184 lb-ft, while the Premium and Sport models are powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 208 hp and 258 lb-ft. In the U.S., only the 2.0-liter engine will be available across all models. That same engine will also be offered in the Q50 sedan.

Transmission options include a six-speed manual and seven-speed dual-clutch automatic. In Europe, diesel options include 1.5L and 2.2L four-cylinder engines with 107 hp and 192 lb-ft and 168 hp and 258 lb-ft, respectively.

For the interior, Infiniti aimed for a modern-looking and luxurious cabin, incorporating Dinamica on the roof-line and pillars. Dinamica is an Italian suede-like material frequently used in the high-fashion industry and it has been finding its way in other luxury cars. Interior noise levels were also a priority, as the Q30 has a 10-percent improvement in cabin quietness over the leading segment competition at a speed of 75 mph. Trunk capacity measures in at 13 cubic feet.

SEE ALSO: 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show Coverage

According to the Japanese automaker, more than 750 Infiniti engineers in Japan and Europe were involved in the Q30's development. To give it a dynamic driving experience, engineers considered more than 50 variations of suspension settings on prototype vehicles before settling on one that strikes an ideal balance between ride and handling. Those wanting an even sportier ride can opt for the Q30 Sport, which sits 15 mm closer to the ground than the base and Premium models, resulting in a firmer ride with tighter body control and reduced roll. The exterior of the Sport model is also different than the other two with a unique front bumper, gloss black front grille, body-colored side skirts and a sporty rear bumper with dark chrome dual rectangular exhaust finishers. Completing the look on the Q30 Sport are 19-inch wheels.

The more luxurious Q30 Premium model adds LED front fog lights, body-colored and heated side mirrors as well as chrome dual rectangular exhaust finishers. The Premium model also gets 18-inch wheels.

The Q30 will also be packed with numerous advanced technology features including Automatic Park Assist with Around View Monitor (AVM) and Moving Object Detection (MOD), Blind Spot Warning, Forward Collision Warning with Forward Emergency Braking, Auto High Beam Assist and Intelligent Cruise Control. The company's InTouch infotainment system has also been upgraded for the Q30 to deliver an intuitive, tablet-like experience with a touchscreen interface.

The Infiniti Q30 will arrive dealerships in selected markets later this year. Expect pricing information and fuel economy figures to be announced closer to its release.

Discuss this story on our Infiniti Q30 Forum

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Volkswagen Tiguan GTE Plug-In Hybrid Concept Packs a Solar Panel Roof

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Along with the production 2017 Volkswagen Tiguan, the German brand has revealed the Tiguan GTE plug-in hybrid concept at the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show. 

This concept teases a future plug-in hybrid version of the new 2017 Tiguan, which now rides on VW's new MQB modular architecture.

Power comes from a 154-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine combined with an electric motor for a total output of 214 hp, sent through a six-speed dual-clutch transmission. In all-electric mode, the Tiguan GTE can hit a top speed of 80 mph and cover 31 miles, in part thanks to a solar module that is integrated into the roof. VW says that over the course of a year, the solar panel will add roughly 620 miles of all-electric driving.

2015 Frankfurt Motor Show Coverage

While the GTE can be used to get great fuel economy, VW has also added a GTE mode, which activates the sporty side of this crossover. Throttle response, shift points and steering feedback will all be made more aggressive while the electric motor while allow for maximum torque to be available. The jump to 62 mph will take 8.2 seconds in GTE mode.

Discuss this story at our Volkswagen Forum

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2017 Volkswagen Tiguan is Larger and Lighter

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The all-new Volkswagen Tiguan has been revealed on the eve of the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show. 

The Tiguan will arrive in the U.S. as a 2017 model year vehicle and is the first crossover from VW to ride on the new MQB modular architecture. This is the start of an SUV and crossover offensive from Volkswagen which will be facilitated by the new platform.

Overall length of the Tiguan has been increased by 2.3-inches while width is up by 1.1-inches. Overall height has been reduced by 1.3-inches, helping to achieve better aerodynamics. On the inside, the trunk has been expanded to 18.5 cubic feet and 58.5 cu-ft with the rear seats folded down, while passengers in the back have been given 1.1-inches of increased knee room.

SEE ALSO: Volkswagen Tiguan Coupe R in the Works with 300 HP

Eight different engines, powered by both diesel and gasoline, will be available in total, ranging from 123 hp up to 238 hp. U.S. engine availability has not yet been announced, though VW does say that the entire engine lineup for the Tiguan is more powerful and up to 24 percent more efficient than today's motors. That efficiency also comes from a lower curb weight, which has been cut by 110 lbs. compared to today's Tiguan. All-wheel drive will be available while front-wheel drive remains standard.

2015 Frankfurt Motor Show Coverage

Technology found in the new Tiguan includes a 12.3-inch digital info cluster and an available head-up display. For safety, base model Tiguans are equipped with city emergency braking, pedestrian monitoring and lane departure warning. For top-trim models, the Tiguan comes with adaptive cruise control with traffic jam assist, lane-changing assist, pre-crash occupant safety and a 360-degree camera. For infotainment, a 5.0-inch touchscreen will come standard while an 8.0-inch display is available. Both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto will be available.

Volkswagen's sporty R-Line package is still available for the Tiguan, bringing along 19-inch aluminum alloy wheels or optional 20-inch alloy wheels, body color exterior accents, new bumpers, a two-tone spoiler and a gloss-black rear diffuser. Inside, aluminum door sills, grey accent stitching, stainless steel pedals, a black headliner and leather-trimmed seats and steering wheel are all standard.

Those looking for more off-road adventure can order a new special version of the Tiguan which uses a redesigned bumper to increase approach angle from 18.6 degrees to 25.6.

A long-wheelbase version of the Tiguan is expected to be revealed in the Fall of 2016, while a plug-in hybrid version is also likely to join the lineup based on the Tiguan GTE Concept which was also revealed at the Frankfurt Motor Show.

Discuss this story at our Volkswagen Forum

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See the Mercedes Frankfurt Motor Show Debuts Live Streaming Here

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Mercedes has a concept it's keeping under wraps for the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show.

The German automaker will kick off its festivities for the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show with its own media night where it will likely showcase the S-Class Cabriolet, C-Class Coupe and the Concept IAA it recently teased. We will also get our first look at the Mercedes-AMG C63 Coupe that promises to be the sportiest C-Class model ever. Announcements for Smart include the introduction of the all-new Smart fortwo cabrio.

SEE ALSO: 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show Coverage

The Mercedes-Benz media night will live stream starting on September 14 at 10:30 AM PT / 1:30 PM ET while the Mercedes-Benz and Smart press conference will run on September 15 at 12:30 AM PT / 3:30 AM ET.

Catch all the action in the live stream video below.

Discuss this story on our Mercedes-Benz Forum

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