Saturday, 27 February 2016

Poll: Mazda CX-3 or MINI Countryman?

Poll: Mazda CX-3 or MINI Countryman?

Poll: Mazda CX-3 or MINI Countryman?

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Both the Mazda CX-3 and MINI Countryman are fun-to-drive small crossovers, but is one better than the other?

Well, that's up to you to decide by voting in our latest poll! Which of these versatile, efficient schleppers would you rather make monthly payments on? To get a better idea, you can compare them directly right here.

Starting with the Mazda, it features a 2.0-liter Skyactiv four-cylinder engine. All told, this unit delivers 146 horsepower and the same measure of torque. Power is routed to either the front or all four wheels through a six-speed automatic transmission.

As for the MINI Countryman, it's motivated by a base 1.6-liter 'banger that's good for a rather dull 121 ponies and just 114 lb-ft of twist. Of course, if you want more you can always opt for the up-level, turbocharged version of this engine in the Countryman S. They churn out a much more livable 181 horses. A manual or automatic gearbox is available; both offer six forward ratios.

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2018 Chevrolet Sonic Sedan Spied Testing in Detroit

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The 2018 Chevrolet Sonic sedan has begun testing on the streets of Detroit.

Even though compact car sales are declining with gas prices dropping and crossovers becoming more popular, the American automaker has no plans of leaving the segment. The next-generation Chevrolet Sonic will ride on a new version of GM's Gamma platform, which will help shed weight. The Gamma platform also underpins the new Chevrolet Bolt EV.

The prototype appears to be a similar size to the existing Chevrolet Sonic, meaning the new model will continue to compete with the Ford Fiesta and Honda Fit in the affordable compact segment.

SEE ALSO: 2015 Chevy Sonic Named IIHS Top Safety Pick

Don't expect powertrains to see a major change. The 2018 Chevrolet Sonic will probably continued to be powered by a naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine or a turbocharged, small displacement powerplant. There's a possibility that Chevrolet will use the three-cylinder engine from the Fiesta.

What is unclear is whether Chevrolet will continue manufacturing the Sonic in the U.S. A deal with the UAW could move production of the next-generation model out of the Michigan plant to make room for a more profitable model. If that is the case, expect the 2018 Chevrolet Sonic to be produced in Mexico.

The model should make its debut late this year or early 2017.

Discuss this story on our Chevrolet Forum

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Pagani Huayra BC Stars in Epic New Video

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The Pagani Huayra BC is more than just a stunning exotic sports car.

The Italian automaker has released a video detailing the Huayra BC as well as sharing more details on where its name comes from. The initials "BC" represents Benny Caiola, a person who greatly inspired Horacio Pagani over the years. Caiola was so impressed by the passion and technology of the cars Pagani was designing from the very beginning. He ultimately became the first customer of Pagani Automobili.

SEE ALSO: The Pagani Huayra BC is Here to Hunt Hypercars

The company claims the Huayra BC is the most technologically advanced Huayra yet, and it's not just a "restyling" of the Huayra, as the BC is a product that includes changes on every part of the vehicle. Pagani goes so far as to say that the Huayra BC "has a completely different personality to that of the Huayra Coupe."

The Pagani Huayra BC will be limited to just 20 units and is powered by a 6.0-liter twin-turbo V12 engine with 789 horsepower and 811 pound-feet of torque. The automaker says that it will go zero to 60 mph in about 2.8 seconds on its way to a top speed of 220 mph.

The exotic will make its public debut at the 2016 Geneva Motor Show next week where AutoGuide.com will be reporting live from Switzerland with coverage of the show.

Discuss this story on our Luxury Lifestyle Forum

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The ‘Fastest Road Car on the Planet’ is Debuting Next Week

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Gumpert has been reborn as Apollo Automobil GmbH and it will bring what it calls the "fastest road car on the planet" to the 2016 Geneva Motor Show.

Dubbed the ApolloN, the German automaker is keeping things vague about its next debut but thankfully we only have less than a week to wait. "Today we are still building the fastest road car on the planet, we are and we will always be a force in the restive advance of performance, and for us as engineers, this is reason enough," Apollo Automobil said in a statement. "Here we present you ApolloN. ApolloN will mark the first milestone of Apollo Automobil. Stay tuned for the new chapter."

SEE ALSO: 2016 Geneva Motor Show Coverage

Gumpert was acquired by Chinese investor group TeamVenture earlier this year. The group also purchased De Tomaso and plans to manufacture cars for China under that brand. Gumpert filed for insolvency in 2012 after years of slow sales and its final debut happened at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show with the Apollo S. The company officially filed bankruptcy in August 2013 and it is believed that the Apollo S never reached production.

We expect the ApolloN to be a spiritual successor to the Gumpert Apollo and will likely be built on the Apollo's platform. If it does want to live up to the claim of being the fastest road car on the planet however, it will need to best the 270.49 mph top speed record set by the Hennessey Venom GT in 2014.

Discuss this story on our Luxury Lifestyle Forum

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2018 Cadillac XT7 or 2017 Chevy Traverse Spied Testing for the First Time

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Cadillac is working on a new three-row crossover that will compete with the Acura MDX and Volvo XC90.

Spy photographers have caught the 2018 Cadillac XT7 testing, serving as a complement to the two-row XT5 model.

The prototype was spotted testing alongside the new Chevrolet Traverse and Buick Enclave, sporting front and rear ends inspired by the CT6 sedan, as well as other recent Cadillac models. Expect power to come from the new 3.6-liter V6 found in the XT5, although a turbocharged variant with more performance is likely. The American automaker is also planning to add a plug-in hybrid variant for the XT5, but it's currently unknown if the seven-seater XT7 will benefit.

SEE ALSO: Feds Approve Rear Camera Mirror from Cadillac CT6

The 2017 Cadillac XT5 made its North American debut at the 2015 L.A. Auto Show and given how popular crossovers and SUVs have become in the U.S., don't be surprised if Cadillac debuts the XT7 before the year is over. Sales for the seven-seater should begin sometime next year. It will be produced at the Lansing Delta Township plant along with the Traverse and Enclave models.

Update: Our spy photographers are saying that this SUV could also be the 2017 Chevrolet Traverse. The fog lights and rear tail lights are not typical Cadillac parts, but because this is a prototype, they could be using other elements as part of a disguise. 

Discuss this story on our Cadillac Forum

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This Optimistic All-Electric Supercar Concept Has 402 HP, 224-Mile Range

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DS Automobiles is going all-electric for the 2016 Geneva Motor Show.

The French automaker will debut the E-Tense in Switzerland next week, sporting an all-electric powertrain with 402 horsepower and 381 pound-feet of torque. Sporting the silhouette of a grand tourer coupe, the E-Tense is uniquely styled with flowing lines and attractive curves and looks like a serious supercar. The company paid close attention to the front and rear lights, with the DS LED Vision headlamps featuring a jewel-like design up front. At the rear are indicators integrated into the roof, inspired by the original DS from 1955.

The use of an all-electric powertrain is a perfect fit for DS, considering it competes in the Formula E World Championship. The company claims it has a range of around 193 miles with mixed driving or 224 miles in urban driving. The E-Tense rides on a carbon fiber monocoque chassis equipped with independent superimposed double-wishbone suspension. Total weight comes in at 3,600 pounds.

SEE ALSO: Citroen Reaffirms Plans to Bring Premium DS Brand to US

DS Automobiles also teamed up with numerous French luxury brands to "raise the interior to new heights of sophistication." A helmet harness has been developed by Moynat, while a one-off edition watch by BRM Chronographers can be worn on the wrist or set in the car's center console. The audio system comes from Focal with 9 Utopia high-fidelity speakers in the cabin to satisfy the most demanding listeners.

If you like what you see, there's a possibility that the DS E-Tense will eventually end up for sale in the U.S. As the luxury division of Citroen, DS Automobiles has plans of heading to the U.S. although there isn't a definitive time table, since it has only been a year since DS Automobiles' official launch.

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