Peugeot-Citroen rolls out 400 HP electric GT concept for Geneva

If you’re introducing a new premium sub-brand to an unfamiliar market, it’s customary to introduce a halo car, a vehicle that will inspire customers and tastemakers to take you seriously. Alfa Romeo recently did it. Hyundai, too. And next week, at the Geneva Motor Show, Citroen will join them with this, the DS E-Tense.

Now, to be fair, the E-Tense can’t necessarily be equated with production cars like the Alfa 4C or Genesis G90. And given Peugeot-Citroen’s track record of routinely pumping out very elegant, very strange and very conceptual design studies, it’s likely that is where the E-Tense will stay. But if this all-electric grand tourer cross between an Audi R8 and Lexus RCF is an indication of the sort of thing we can expect from the future of France’s newest luxury nameplate, consider our interest piqued.

The E-Tense — like everything now — is powered by an electric motor delivering 396 hp and 381 lb.-ft. of torque to the rear wheels, mounted we’re not sure where. Wherever it resides, the E-tense could certainly use all the grunt it’s got, given the combined mass of the electric drive system and lithium-ion batteries. Despite a carbon-fiber monocoque, the concept weighs in at just shy of 4,000 lbs. Still, Peugeot-Citroen tells us it can reach the European-mandated limit of 155 mph and hit 60 mph from a standstill in just 4-and-a-half seconds.

But let’s be honest with ourselves; the purpose of a concept like this is to wow the eyes first, and deal with logistics later. According to the press release, 800 man hours were devoted to designing the E-Tense inside and out. It certainly shows. The chiseled fenders, generous side intakes and tapered profile at the rear make quite a statement of performance, as does the lack of a rear window. In addition to the obvious Audi and Lexus cues, there’s also some Honda hiding in the E-Tense’s headlights and taillights. The proportions obviously indicate a mid-engined layout, but the long-slung passenger compartment emphasizes comfort. That, coupled with a solid driving range of up to 224 miles before a recharge, is exactly what you need in a GT.

Source: egmCarTech http://bit.ly/1OAYlGz

Acura says so-long to the polarizing beak on the new 2017 MDX, teased before NY debut

Many will be happily relieved to learn that Acura just teased a completely redesigned 2017 MDX crossover ahead of its official debut at the New York Auto Show. Happy, because, it appears Acura’s polarizing beaked grille is on its way to being phased out.

One of the most controversial styling cues of Honda’s near-luxury automaker was the company’s long-running, plated “beak-like” grille, which the designers stood by as a “unique” way to make their cars different from the competition. Unique it, was, good looking, well, it really particularly wasn’t.

But now, it seems the time of the Acura beak as come and gone. This was earlier hinted with the Acura Precision Concept from the 2016 Detroit Auto Show.

Designed entirely in-house at Acura’s Design Studio in Torrance, CA, like the Precision Concept, the new 2017 MDX looks to sport some aggressive aesthetics, as shown in the teaser. It definitely looks more athletic with its pronounced shoulderlines and forward-flowing profile.

And yes, while although not much can hide the fact that the MDX is a boring, near-luxury crossover for soccer moms and dads, there’s still such thing as a good looking crossover and a bad looking one.

Making some preliminary judgements on the new MDX however, it has the potential to very much be the former.

We’re expecting the same use of a Honda-sourced naturally-aspirated V6 with Honda’s latest nine-speed automatic and twin-clutch Super Handling All-Wheel Drive system.

– By: Chris Chin

Source: egmCarTech http://bit.ly/1n0M3Bc

The Holland & Holland Range Rover is J-LR’s closest competitor yet to the Bentley Bentayga

Not too long ago, if you wanted to invest your hard-earned money into the most exquisite SUV money can buy, the Mercedes-Benz S-Class of SUVs, the pinnacle of what should be the ultimate utility vehicle, both in technology and all-around capability, in top of luxury, you would simply buy a Range Rover.

And hardly anyone would object to this, even with their terrible reputation for reliability and build quality in the earlier years. But recently, Bentley unveiled the Bentayga, the world’s most expensive, most lavish, fastest, and most powerful crossover SUV, ever.

Naturally, Land Rover doesn’t exactly like being knocked off its own pedestal, so, they created the Holland & Holland Range Rover, a $244,500 variant and yes, it’s coming to America.

It starts off life as a Range Rover SVAutobiography and comes with everything, from a unique color palette, to bespoke “Holland & Holland” badges, just to remind you of what sort of car you’re in the presence of. It also comes with a wide range of options for customers to choose from, like different shades of French walnut veneers, to engraved trim, like the one found on the actual Holland & Holland shotguns, provided with the package. The rear trunk quarters even come with a specially trimmed and designed cargo compartment to house these shotguns.

All the sort of things that you’d want to surround yourself with, if you were to specifically indulge in Britain’s affluent countryside pastime of quail or fox hunting, but you’re in Upstate NY.

Motivation is provided by a supercharged Jaguar-sourced 5.0L V8 with 550hp and 502 lb-ft of twist, a ZF-sourced eight-speed auto, and standard all-wheel drive with Land Rover’s signature driver’s select system for various off-road conditions.

Only 30 will be imported into the United States with prices starting at a cool $244,500. So yea, you might have to reconsider that vacation house if you want one of these.

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2016 RANGE ROVER TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

	5.0L S/C V8 SVAutobiography LWB (Holland & Holland Range Rover)
Height inches (mm)	72.4 (1840)
Width wing mirrors folded inches (mm)	81.6 (2073)
Length inches (mm)	204.7 (5199)
Wheelbase inches (mm)	122.8 (3120)
Loadspace volume – Maximum behind row 1 cu. feet (liters)	82.8 (2345)
Loadspace length – Behind row 1 inches (mm)	85.7 (2177)
Effective legroom – Row 2 inches (mm)	47.5 (1206)
Approach angle	34.7 (off road height)
Departure angle	29.6 (off road height)
Ramp breakover angle	26.1 (off road height)
Wading depth inches (mm)	35.4 (900)
Turning circle curb to curb feet (m)	42.7 (13)
Drag coefficient (Cd)	0.37
Curb Weight pounds (kg)	5562 (2523)
Front suspension	SLA suspension with twin lower links with air springs CVD with ARC
Rear suspension	Integral link suspension with air springs CVD with ARC
Brakes front / rear	15in (380mm) ventilated disc / 14.4in (365mm) ventilated disc
Steering	Electric Power Assisted Steering (EPAS) rack and pinion
Four wheel drive system	Permanent 4 wheel drive with std locking center differential, Terrain Response™ 2 & locking rear axle differential
Engine type	Longitudinal / V8 / 32 valve Quad cam DIVCT (Dual Independent Variable Cam Timing)
Displacement cc	4999.7
Bore x Stroke mm	92.5 x 93.0
Compression ratio :1	9.5
Max Power HP	550
Max Torque lb. ft.	502
EPA Estimated MPG2 City / Highway (Combined)	14 / 19 (16)
Transmission	8-Speed ZF 8HP70
Fuel tank capacity gallons (liters)	27.7 (105)
0-60 mph seconds3	5.5
0-100 km/h seconds3	5.8
Top speed mph (km/h)3	140 (225)

– By: Chris Chin

Source: Land Rover

Source: egmCarTech http://bit.ly/1R2B6qN

2016 Geneva Preview: The 2017 Mercedes-AMG C43 Coupe – it’s here as a more affordable variant to the C63

Mercedes-AMG decided to let the dogs out by revealing the all-new C43 AMG. And although it doesn’t have a 4.3L engine, it has a 4.0L twin-turbo mill with six cylinders, meaning yes, this is a less powerful C-Class AMG Coupe when compared to the C63 AMG.

The C43 AMG Coupe is here to kick some butt, particularly Audi S5 and Lexus RC F butt, and then some, but not so much the M4 and CTS-V lot, because that’s what the C63 is for.

Because the C43 AMG Coupe is basically the C-Class AMG, but in two-door form, it looks exactly such, similarly to the C63 AMG. This means a more aggressive bodykit than the standard coupe, larger wheels, bigger brakes, upgraded suspension, steering, and interior, and so-on.

That V6 sends power to the rear-biased all-wheel drive system through Merc’s latest 9G-TRONIC nine-speed automatic, resulting in a 0-60 time of just 4.6 seconds.

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The Mercedes-AMG C43 Coupe

New member of the C-Class Performance family

February 23, 2016 – Affalterbach

The key data

	Mercedes-AMG C 43 Coupe
Engine	3.0-liter V6 Biturbo
Displacement	2996 cc
Output	362 hp @ 5500-6000 rpm
Peak torque	384 lb-ft. @ 2000-4200 rpm
Acceleration 0-60 mph	4.6 s
Top speed	155 mph*

* Electronically limited

The highlights

• 3.0-liter V6 Biturbo engine with modified engine control unit for increased boost and high-revving

• 9G-TRONIC automatic transmission with double-declutching function when shifting down and exhilaratingly short response times in “Sport Plus” mode

• AMG Performance 4MATIC all-wheel drive with rear-biased torque distribution of 31 to 69 percent (front axle to rear axle)

• AMG RIDE CONTROL sport suspension with adaptive variable damping in three stages; mode can be selected via button, adopted from Mercedes-AMG C63

• AMG DYNAMIC SELECT switch for dynamic, individually-selectable driving experience with five drive modes and AMG-specific tuning

• Three-stage Electronic Stability Program ESP®

• Front axle with newly developed steering knuckles and load-bearing joints on the spring link. Elastokinematic adjustments to the links have been adopted from the Mercedes-AMG C63

• Rear axle with elastokinematics tailored to higher driving dynamics

• Large braking system with internally ventilated compound brake discs, perforated at the front with a diameter of 14.2″, and with a diameter of 12.6″ at the rear

• AMG styling with distinctive front and rear apron as well as special tailpipes

• Diamond radiator grill with chrome-plated pins and louvers in high-gloss black

• 18″ AMG light-alloy wheels in 5-spoke design, painted high-gloss black with a high-sheen finish

• AMG instrument cluster with checkered flag design with 180 mph scale and AMG main menu

• Multifunction sports steering wheel in leather with deep embossing in grip area, flattened bottom section and red contrasting topstitching

• Upholstery in MB-Tex / DINAMICA microfiber in black with sport seat upholstery layout and red topstitching

 

– By: Chris Chin

Source: Mercedes-AMG

Source: egmCarTech http://bit.ly/1Ouf26v

Report: Dieselgate isn’t stopping Audi from developing new diesels, next gen oil-burning V8 due in April

You didn’t think Volkswagen, and thus, Audi’s issues with Dieselgate were going to stop one of the most prolific producers of diesel passenger cars from developing compression-ignition motors, did you?

Good, cuz neither did I, and the latest CARandDRIVER report reaffirms these notions.

According to the report, Audi is expected to reveal an all-new TDI V8 turbodiesel for some of its premium models, at the Vienna Motor Symposium.

The new engine should displace 4.2L and produce over 400hp and a whopping 500 lb-ft of twist. But interestingly, that’s not as whopping as the current V8, which makes over 626 lb-ft of torque. So the new figures, which are speculation, could be a little bit inaccurate.

Although, because of Dieselgate, and how some recent fixes were resulting in a little less power than prior to being amended, the reduced torque output could be from Audi having to rework how they develop their diesels.

Nonetheless, the new V8 oil burner should show up in the new Audi Q7, the Porsche Panamera, and even the Bentley Continental GT. There was no word however as to whether or not the US will get this engine.

I hope so.

– By: Chris Chin

Source: Car & Driver

Source: egmCarTech http://bit.ly/1KJxQE5

2016 Geneva Preview: The Maserati Levante goes official on the web

After countless reports and teasers, and even a delay or two in between, Fiat-Chrysler Automobiles officially revealed the all-new and much anticipated Maserati Levante luxury crossover SUV.

Built on the latest modular platform that also underpins the likes of the Quattroporte and the Ghibli, the new Levante essentially looks like a crossover version of the Ghibli.

Skepticism did float about in terms of trying to figure out whether or not Maserati could make a good looking crossover SUV and they seem to have succeeded.

Being a Maserati, you can expect lots and lots of goodies, such as a twin-turbocharged V6, the same Ferrari-sourced mill found int he Ghibli and Quattroporte, in either 350hp or 430hp form. There’s also a 3.0L V6 turbodiesel with 275hp.

Adaptive active air suspension will be standard with electronic control, along with all-wheel drive and a ZF-sourced eight-speed automatic.

The Levante already began production and European sales are expected to begin later this year.

– By: Chris Chin

Source: egmCarTech http://bit.ly/1Qeh0xv

Video: The Mercedes-Benz C-Class Cabriolet is almost here, so how about another teaser just to remind you?

Mercedes-Benz is on the verge of expanding their C-Class lineup with a new convertible variant for the first time in the “baby Benz’s” history. Well, the C-Class is no longer the “baby Benz” as the CLA exists and what not…

Anyway, the new convertible is called the C-Class Cabriolet and as such, it’s just a convertible version of the latest C-Class Coupe.

As such, we’re expecting the same power and drivetrain offerings as the Coupe and Sedan since they’re nearly mechanically identical derivatives of each other. That of course means we should expect a full C63 AMG Cabriolet as well.

Because it’s a Mercedes droptop, you can expect to find technology inside it, similarly found on other Mercedes convertibles, such as the company’s patented AIRSCARF neck-level heating vents.

The full details are scheduled to surface on February 28.

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– By: Chris Chin

Source: egmCarTech http://bit.ly/1oya2IW

Report: Citroen intends to return to the US market with their new luxury DS brand

If there’s one thing for certain, the US auto market has been completely void of new french cars, pretty much since the 1980s as major automotive players from the country of Parisian wine and cheese, like Renault, Citroen, and Peugeot.

They were officially sold here in the 1960s and the 1970s, but after a major shift in the automotive climate and some struggles on end of France’s auto industry, the French offerings just slowed and slowed to a gradual trickle, where only private importers were selling semi-new French cars on our shores. Eventually, all of them just pulled out at one point or another.

But now, after nearly 30 years, PSA, or the company that consists of Peugeot and Citroen as an automaker, in competition with Renault-Nissan, Citroen apparently announced to be launching its new DS premium brand in the United States.

Now, talk to some old timers, and they’ll tell you that Citroens were a bit daft and quirky. Or they’d be unreliable and poorly built. But that was over three decades ago. And yes, French auto companies have not ranked high even to European standards, and yet, people still buy them and drive them.

So despite all of this, I am quite oddly excited to be seeing some new French cars on US soil, besides the ones loosely sold in Mexico or Canada.

According to the report from CARandDRIVER, nothing’s quite official, however, but it was somehow confirmed that the US was included with PSA’s future long-term plan to expand. That said, don’t expect any of Peugeot’s current generation of cars to arrive here any time soon.

Despite great similarities to safety requirements, which are key determinants as to whether or not a car can be sold here, a lot has to be changed to meet US specifications. This takes a lot of research, development, and execution of change and consideration. Though it’s not impossible as Ford currently employs this strategy with their worldly design standards. In other words, Ford builds their cars to be nearly identical around the world for simplicity and ease of manufacturing. So the Focus we get is the same Focus Europe and Asia get.

That said, it’s possible for the French automakers to do the same with universalizing their assemblies. Let’s also not forget, companies like Renault have their preexisting networks established already from their corporate sister, Nissan.

Do you think it’s about time the US gets some new French cars on our shores?

– By: Chris Chin

Source: CARandDRIVER

 

Source: egmCarTech http://bit.ly/1WDWFlI

America’s first F1 team in 30 years unveils car for 2016

As F1’s silly season winds down, teams around the world are finally rolling out the vehicles to which they’ve staked their hopes for the 2016 campaign. A new entrant of particular importance to those of us stateside is Haas F1, a Kannapolis, N.C. outfit poised to become the sport’s first American constructor in three decades. On Sunday, the team pulled the covers off its first car, dubbed VF-16.

Built in a factory just 30 miles northeast of Charlotte — NASCAR country and home to 90 percent of teams competing in this year’s Sprint Cup Series — the VF-16 is the product of two years of research and development, with a chassis built by Italian manufacturer Dallara and a Ferrari powerplant.

It also represents the culmination of a long-held dream of many American racing fans seeking national representation at the highest level of motorsport. Just six years ago, US F1, a venture led by engineer Ken Anderson and journalist Peter Windsor, failed to earn a spot on the grid after a series of developmental setbacks and loss of financial backing. Haas F1 owner Gene Haas is hoping his operation will be more fortunate. In producing what looks to be a complete car, he’s already made it farther than Anderson and Windsor ever managed.

In addition to their base in North Carolina, Haas has also established a home-away-from-home at Marussia’s old headquarters in Banbury, UK, which will certainly come in handy during the European round of the calendar in late spring. The Marussia link is appropriate, given both teams’ red-and-black liveries generally devoid of sponsors. Hopefully Haas can rectify that with strong, point-scoring finishes in 2016.

Until then, the VF-16 and its drivers, Esteban Gutierrez and Romain Grosjean, have a long way to go. The first race of the season is scheduled for March 20 in Melbourne, Australia.

Photo courtesy @HaasF1Team

—By: Adam Ismail

Source: egmCarTech http://bit.ly/1LCoNzD