Mercedes-Benz E-Class Convertible Spied Looking Like a Baby S-Class

Mercedes-Benz E-Class Convertible Spied Looking Like a Baby S-Class
2016 Toyota Prius Recalled for Airbag Issue
Top 10 Worst Sounding Modern Cars
New Volkswagen EV to Offer 373 Miles of Range
Ford Teases Gymkhana in Virtual Reality
Volkswagen Golf with All-Wheel Drive Heavily Considered to Take On Subaru

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The next-generation Mercedes-Benz E-Class convertible is shaping up to look like a smaller version of the S-Class convertible.

Spy photographers have caught the E-Class convertible testing, sporting plenty of camouflage bumper-to-bumper. Still, we can make out the body lines of the next-generation model, with the rear end getting similar styling as the S-Class convertible.

The German automaker has already shown two variants of the new E-Class, the sedan and wagon, with the coupe expected to bow next and the convertible following six months later.

These spy photos also give us a good idea of what the overall profile of the E-Class coupe will look like. This particular convertible prototype is wearing a fabric soft top that will likely fold away into the trunk, just like the current model.

Powertrain options should resemble the E-Class sedan, and although the current-generation model doesn't have any fully fledged AMG variants, that might change considering the push Mercedes is making with the AMG brand.

Discuss this story on our Mercedes-Benz Forum

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2016 Toyota Prius Recalled for Airbag Issue

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Certain 2016 Toyota Prius vehicles are being recalled to address an issue with their airbags.

Not related to the ongoing massive Takata airbag recall, this issue affects approximately 7,600 units in the U.S. and involves a component in the airbag assembly that may have been improperly welded and/or misassembled.

According to the Japanese automaker, the front passenger airbag contains stored, compressed gas in the inflator and if the assembly has been improperly welded or misassembled, the stored gas may escape without a deployment signal and result in the partial inflation of the airbag.

The condition has been observed when the vehicle is parked and unoccupied for a period of time. If the airbag inflates in this manner, it can under some circumstances, increase the risk of injury and the possibility of a crash.

SEE ALSO: 2016 Toyota Prius Review

All affected owners will be notified by first class mail starting November, Toyota has announced. The automaker's dealers will replace the front passenger airbag assembly with a new one free of charge.

Discuss this story on our Toyota Prius Forum

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Top 10 Worst Sounding Modern Cars

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For some, the way a car sounds is more important than the way it looks.

There's no mistaking the deep, throaty note of a V8 or the exotic rumble of a V12, but sometimes, some engines and exhaust setups totally miss the mark. Some would blame it on increased emissions standards that have caused automakers to restrict exhaust setups, but sometimes cars just sound downright wimpy. Other times, cars just don't sound like they look, and that's an even bigger disappointment.

Ford Mustang EcoBoost

For decades, the Ford Mustang has been labeled as a "muscle car," and often associated with a nice, performance-minded V8. Sure V6 engines have also been offered over the years for the Mustang, but the latest iteration now boasts a turbocharged Ecoboost four-cylinder that some Mustang enthusiasts consider sacrilegious. Some might say it's downright offensive based on how it sounds, hardly believing that a car featuring the Mustang nameplate makes those noises.

Tesla Model S / Model X

Wait a second, the Tesla Model S and Model X don't even make any noise! Well, that's why they are some of the worst sounding modern cars. Instead of a nice exhaust note to fill your ears, electric cars emit what some would consider an annoying whine. Electric cars are here to stay and there may be a day that the majority of cars on the roadways aren't making any sounds at all.

BMW M3 / M4

The latest-generation M3 and M4 models marked a new era for the famous model. Not only did BMW split up the nomenclature so that the M3 was reserved for the sedan while the M4 represents the coupe, the German automaker ditched the V8 engine for a turbocharged six-cylinder mill. Admittedly not everyone believes the new turbocharged engine sounds bad, but is certainly doesn't have the same effect as the older V8.

Dodge Viper

You might think we're a bit crazy putting the Dodge Viper on the list, with its massive V10 lurking. But take a listen and maybe you won't think we're so crazy. It's a shame too that the latest iteration, which is also the Viper's last, sounds like this when you consider how great its predecessor sounded.

BMW i3 Range Extender

The BMW i3 is an electric vehicle, but it can be had with a small gas-powered range extender, a paltry 647-cc two-cylinder unit. And just listen to it! That is not the noise you want a BMW to make, regardless of whether or not it's an electrified car.

Nissan 370Z

When the Nissan 350Z and Infiniti G35 first debuted, everyone loved the exhaust note of the VQ engine. It was a unique sound and every time you heard it, you knew what was coming up on the road. And then the Japanese automaker revamped the engine, increasing its size from a 3.5 liter to a 3.7 liter and making it sound… strange. Sure the 370Z has horsepower and is more fuel efficient, but even a quick check on internet forums and you will see 370Z owners asking how to make their cars sound like a 350Z.

Cadillac ATS 2.0T

Like many other automakers, Cadillac has turned to a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine to maintain performance while increasing fuel efficiency. For the most part however, these smaller engines don't sound brilliant and Cadillac's mill is one of the worst offenders. You could say it's the fault of the engine, considering BMW's 2.0-liter turbo-four engine doesn't sound great either, but then you have the AMG-massaged mill found in the CLA 45 that sounds… well, a bit better at least.

Smart Fortwo

We're well aware that a Smart car doesn't give the impression that it would sound any good. But did you know it could sound this bad? It's often an exaggeration when people point at a car and say it sounds like a lawnmower, but that might just be the case with the Smart Fortwo.

Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X

It's a terrible tragedy that the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution has been axed, but some would argue that the Lancer Evolution has really lost its luster over recent years. What was once one of the most popular platforms for tuners worldwide, the Lancer Evolution hasn't really evolved. The latest iteration has all the trademark characteristics you would expect from an all-wheel-drive, turbocharged four-cylinder sports car, but it really doesn't sound the part. Luckily there's plenty of aftermarket goods that really open up the Evo and make it sound like a true performance sedan.

Alfa Romeo 4C

Like the Dodge Viper, we expect the Alfa Romeo 4C to be a controversial pick. But it's one of the few cars that is actually too loud from the factory, especially from inside the cabin. Once the appeal and allure of the rumbling startup is over and you take it on the road past five minutes, you'll be wondering how exactly the 1.75-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine can possibly make that much noise. That is if you can wonder anything at all while you're fighting off a massive headache.

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New Volkswagen EV to Offer 373 Miles of Range

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Looking to create a new brand image and put its diesel emissions scandal in the past, Volkswagen is now squarely focused on electrification.

That is according to Christian Senger, the head of Volkswagen's battery electric vehicle (BEV) group, who spoke with Autoblog at a recent Volkswagen event. Senger claims that Volkswagen's first upcoming electric vehicle, which will be based on the brand's new MEB platform, will have at least 250 miles (400 km) of range at the low end and 373 miles (600 km) at the top end.

This new MEB-based EV will be teased in just a few weeks at the Paris Motor Show by a concept vehicle, with production expected to begin at the end of 2019 making VW's new EV a 2020 model-year vehicle. VW claims that it be "highly automated," while the car is said to be slightly larger than the current Golf.

To fill the gap before the new MEB EV arrives, Volkswagen will revamp the e-Golf (pictured above), which will have its range stretched from 83 miles up to 186 miles. The new e-Golf will begin production in December.

"We want to use Paris, basically, as the lighthouse to show you where we are heading as a brand," said Jürgen Stackmann, a member of the VW Board of Management. "There are so many tremendous things happening at VW at the moment. We are taking big, bold decisions fast to really get the brand moving and we are excited to show you the first glimpse of that at the Paris Motor Show."

Volkswagen will also unveil a new slogan, "Think New," at the Paris Motor Show.

[Source: Autoblog]

Discuss this story at our Volkswagen Forum

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Ford Teases Gymkhana in Virtual Reality

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Ford is going to offer a more comprehensive look at Gymkhana Nine thanks to virtual reality (VR) and 360-degree cameras.

The brand has released a short teaser video which includes some behind-the-scenes footage along with the ability for the viewer to have control of the camera angle. This full video will be released soon on the brand's new FordVR app, which can be downloaded for Android or iOS devices.

The app launched with a 360-degree VR view of the 24 Hours of Le Mans from Ford's perspective.

"Ford says that the technology is also being studied for other applications. "On top of sharing virtual reality stories about our innovative products, we are also looking to bring mobility issues to the forefront," says Lisa Schoder, Ford digital marketing manager. "As we expand our business to be both an auto and a mobility company, we are pursuing emerging opportunities through Ford Smart Mobility."

Gymkhana Nine features Ken Block shredding tires in the "industrial playground" of Buffalo, NY.

Discuss this story at our Ford Forum

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Volkswagen Golf with All-Wheel Drive Heavily Considered to Take On Subaru

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Volkswagen is heavily considering adding an all-wheel-drive variant of the Golf hatchback to its North American lineup, The Truth About Cars has learned.

Dr. Hendrik Muth, vice-president of VW's product marketing and strategy, explained during a recent media event that the addition of 4Motion production to Volkswagen's Puebla manufacturing facility in Mexico has opened up more possibilities, including the addition of all-wheel drive to the standard Golf hatchback. A 4Motion Golf has also previously been available in Europe, and the media event Muth was speaking at was the launch of the Alltrack, itself an all-wheel drive variant of the Golf SportWagen.

ALSO SEE: Volkswagen to Discontinue the Two-Door Golf GTI: Report

"All-wheel drive is now part of the Volkswagen DNA," Muth said at the Alltrack launch event. When asked if an all-wheel drive version of the Golf is being considered above all other possibilities, Muth answered an affirmative "Yes."

Volkswagen's focus on all-wheel drive is aimed directly at Subaru, which has been incredibly successful at promoting all-wheel drive across its lineup. Subaru currently has the lowest incentive spend per sale in the industry.

Volkswagen's newest all-wheel-drive model, the Alltrack, will launch in October.

This story originally appeared on The Truth About Cars

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Car Reviews

Wednesday, 14 September 2016