Wednesday 16 November 2016

Lexus Spices Up the IS With Sriracha Paint Job

Lexus Spices Up the IS With Sriracha Paint Job

Lexus Spices Up the IS With Sriracha Paint Job

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While other automakers are debuting their latest at the 2016 L.A. Auto Show, Lexus is taking an entirely different approach.

The Japanese automaker teamed up with Huy Fong Foods, best known for manufacturing Sriracha, to create a one-of-a-kind Lexus IS. Sporting an official Sriracha paint job, Lexus actually experimented with a range of mixtures and methods to create the Sriracha Red color. In fact, the company added Sriracha sauce to the paint itself, complete with flecks of chili-like flakes to create a custom paint job that mimics Sriracha sauce inside the bottle and topped with a clear coating.

SEE ALSO: 2017 Lexus IS Makes North American Debut

The project got brought to life with the help of West Coast Customs, who also created a Sriracha-injected steering wheel with Sriracha-like liquid cast in resin then formed into a Lexus steering wheel, complete with a warning for "Hot Handling." Further playing to the theme are Sriracha Temperature Settings and a Sriracha Driving Mode, which tunes the powertrain for faster gear changes and more dynamic throttle mapping. Other upgrades to the interior include leather seats with hand-embroidered Huy Fong rooster logo, the Sriracha IS logo and green accents.

And just in case the emphasis on Sriracha isn't evident, the sedan's trunk has been packed with 43 bottles of the hot sauce for emergency condiment situations.

Discuss this story on our Lexus IS Forum

Nissan Unveils Star Wars-Themed Rogue

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The "Nissan Rogue: Rogue One Star Wars Limited Edition" (let's go with Rogue One from here on out) may have a long, dorky, corporate-branded name, but it's actually kind of cool.

Nissan surely jumped on the opportunity as soon as they saw the name of this first standalone Star Wars spinoff, recognizing the chance to piggyback some exposure and reach to a hip audience on a powerhouse movie and merchandising mega-franchise.

The Rogue One is based on the SV trim of the updated 2017 Rogue with panoramic moonroof (through which to view the Death Star, of course) and optional all-wheel drive to chase speeders through Endor's forest terrain. Nothing special to report in the drivetrain, where the 170-hp four-cylinder paired with CVT makes for efficient motoring, and some other perks of this trim include proximity key with push button start, Bluetooth phone and streaming audio and Satellite Radio.

2016 L.A. Auto Show Coverage

It comes in only black or white, which makes the black accents either pop, or gives it a completely stealthy Death Trooper appearance in black. It also gets the "Rebel Alliance" and "Galactic Empire" badges, "Star Wars" logo rear bumper overlay and Rogue One badges on the front doors.

The badge-fest continues inside, with "Rebel Alliance" and "Galactic Empire" logos on the floor mats, cupholders, and even kickplates with a glowing Star Wars logo.

While the changes to the vehicle are mild, each Rogue One also comes with a special gift: an exclusive numbered, full-size replica Death Trooper helmet. It looks cool, and will surely look good on the display shelves of your den along with all the other Star Wars collectibles. Nissan will make just 5,400 Rogues with this package, 5,000 for the US and 400 for Canada.

Discuss this story on our Nissan Forum

Alfa Romeo Grows Up, Reveals First Crossover

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Alfa Romeo has revealed its first-ever crossover vehicle at the 2016 Los Angeles Auto Show. Named after a mountain pass in the Italian Alps, the Stelvio will compete in a scalding-hot segment.

When it goes on sale sometime next year, this lustily styled crossover should give established nameplates like Audi Q7, BMW X5 and Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class a run for their fat stacks of cash, but with more passion and Italian flair.

Ensuring it has more than a fighting chance, the Stelvio shares the same basic bones as the Alfa brand's all-new Giulia sedan, which is set to go on sale very soon. It  borrows plenty of this car's interior bits as well, including the climate controls and flat-bottom steering wheel.

SEE ALSO: 2016 Los Angeles Auto Show Coverage

Two engines will be offered in the Stelvio. The base propulsion unit is a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that's rated at 280 horsepower and 306 lb-ft of torque. This engine should provide a top speed of 144 miles an hour.

But for drivers that really want a performance utility vehicle, the Stelvio Quadrifoglio has your number. Behind its iconic triangular grille sits a fire-breathing 2.9-liter turbocharged V6 that puts out a supercar-rivaling 505 horsepower and 443 lb-ft of torque. That should be enough fury to propel this beauty to mile-a-minute velocity in just 3.9 seconds. Top speed is an Autobahn-worthy 177 MPH.

For maximum control, all-wheel drive is standard in the Stelvia. It can route up to 60 percent of the engine's torque to the front axle for enhanced grip and driving dynamics. A torque-vectoring differential is also available.

The 2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio is expected to go on sale sometime next year and when it does, buyers will have 13 exterior colors to choose from. Hopefully, it's not too late for this company to cash in on the ongoing crossover craze. Per usual, pricing information is not available right now.

Discuss this story on our Alfa Romeo Forum

Kia Soul Gains Turbo Power with 2017 Exclaim Model

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Not long ago, Kias were disposable cars, however, nothing could be farther from the truth today as this South Korean automaker builds some truly world-class products.

One of its most iconic offerings is the Soul. This funky-looking breadbox sold by anthropomorphic hamsters has been an unequivocal home run for the brand.

Keeping things fresh, Kia just unveiled a brand-new trim level here at the 2016 Los Angeles Auto Show. The Soul Exclaim is a range-topping model that features more power, higher efficiency and, of course, an extra helping of style.

Most importantly, this vehicle gains a 1.6-liter turbo four-cylinder engine that cranks out 201 horsepower, 40 more than the naturally aspirated unit it's overshadowing. Torque is up by 45 lb-ft, totaling 195.

SEE ALSO: 2016 Los Angeles Auto Show Coverage

Equally new is the seven-speed, dual-clutch automatic transmission backing this force-fed engine. It should provide faster shifts, supposedly smoother performance and, of course, better acceleration.

Despite offering more power and torque, Kia promises this drivetrain combo will deliver even better fuel economy, trumping both base engines, including the entry-level 1.6-liter unit. The Soul Exclaim is expected to average 28 miles per gallon.

Other exclusives here include 18-inch wheels, red body trim bits and a chrome grille surround. Around back, we find a unique tailgate badge and twin exhaust outlets that give this Soul a sporty look.

Moving inside, there's a standard, leather-wrapped steering wheel, push-button start with keyless entry and Kia's UVO3 infotainment system, which supports both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. An eight-speaker Harman Kardon sound system along with navigation is available for extra moolah.

The Exclaim model should be a welcome addition to the Soul lineup. But aside from this addition, Kia is also making changes to the rest of the range. For 2017 two new exterior colors will be available along with optional rear cross-traffic alert and blind-spot monitoring, among other changes.

Discuss this story on our Kia Forum

McLaren is Building a Three-Seat Hybrid Hypercar

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British supercar maker McLaren has confirmed that it is building a new three-seat "Hyper-GT" car, of which only 106 will be built. 

McLaren Special Operations (MSO), the bespoke arm of the company, is responsible for putting this car together. Codenamed BP23, all 106 units of the car have already been pre-sold, though pricing wasn't mentioned.

"BP23 will borrow the three seat layout with the central driving position made famous by the iconic McLaren F1, and it will be housed in a streamlined, shrink-wrapped carbon fibre body of great elegance," said McLaren CEO Mike Flewitt.

SEE ALSO: Pure McLaren Launches its First Ice Driving Experience

"We are calling BP23 a 'Hyper-GT' because it's a car designed for longer journeys, but with the high levels of performance and driver engagement expected of any McLaren.  A hybrid powertrain will make it one of the most powerful McLarens yet created but the car will also deliver the highest levels of refinement, enabling significant journeys to be undertaken with up to three people aboard," said Flewitt.

MSO is currently working on engineering the car with the first units planned for 2019 delivery. McLaren chose to makes just 106 units as that is the same number of McLaren F1s produced. As can be expected with such a bespoke car, each buyer will be involved in the personalization process and will be able to choose custom switchgear, trim and more.

Discuss this story at our McLaren Forum

2017 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid Carries Steep Price Premium

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Electrified efficiency in a minivan won't come cheap, with Chrysler tacking a steep premium to the price of its new Pacifica Hybrid.

The electrified people mover will start at $41,995 in the U.S. before any federal, state or local incentives, and a whopping $56,995 in Canada before any provincial rebates. Chrysler says the federal rebate alone in the U.S. could bring the price down to $34,495, and $42,495 in Ontario, the Canadian province with the largest rebate.

Chrysler says the hybrid minivan is good for as much as 30 miles (48 kilometers) of pure electric driving, and a combined range of 530 miles (853 kilometers). Regardless, that's a lot of dough for a minivan. But get past the sticker shock and the Pacifica Hybrid packs a lot of content into its steep MSRP.

ALSO SEE: 2017 Chrysler Pacifica Review

Available in two trims in the U.S., the Pacifica Hybrid Premium gets standard leather seats that are heated up front, tri-zone automatic temperature control, a power tailgate, rear park assist, blind-spot monitoring, active noise cancellation, and an 8.4-inch touchscreen running the Uconnect infotainment system.

The $44,995 Platinum trim adds Nappa leather seats that are ventilated in the first row, a heated steering wheel, a 13-speaker Alpine audio system, 3D navigation, power sliding doors, a rear seat entertainment system, and an advanced safety suite that includes forward collision warning, rain-sensing wipers, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, a 360° camera, and parallel and perpendicular park assist.

It also features a fully-transferable warranty that's good for up to 10 years or 150,000 miles on the battery, and 15 years or 150,000 miles on emissions components. The standard three-year, 36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty is standard.

Canadians, meanwhile, will only be offered the Platinum model. The warranty north of the border is good for up to 10 years and 160,000 kilometers on the battery, while the powertrain gets a five-year, 100,000-kilometer warranty. A three-year, 60,000-kilometer warranty also applies.

The 2017 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid goes on sale in December.
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