source: Fox Body Mustang Restoration http://bit.ly/2di9Wlu
Problems found with the 79 Mustang Engine
source: Fox Body Mustang Restoration http://bit.ly/2di9Wlu
2016 Paris Preview: The 2017 Land Rover Discovery, this is it
We’re just on the eve of a massive onslaught of new vehicle and concept reveals as we slide into the press showings of the 2016 Paris Auto Show.
Helping to kick off the reveals was the recent web unveiling of the all-new, production Land Rover Discovery crossover SUV. A massive change from the outgoing model, the new Discovery continues to offer three-row seating for seven with lots of versatility and off-road capability.
Set to go on sale sometime in the middle of 2017, the Land Rover Discovery is completely new, from the ground up. Replacing a lot of the heavy steel is an original aluminum construction that undercuts the LR4’s weight by nearly 1,000 pounds. But the reduction in weight doesn’t speak for any compromises in capability since Land Rover boasts that the new Discovery can tow up to 8,201lbs when properly equipped.
Another appealing aspect of the 2017 Land Rover Discovery is its uncanny resemblance to the original concept. Land Rover did say that the production variants would look a lot like the concepts. But with such claims, you never know until the car actually reaches production since automakers have failed to deliver on that front in the past.
Under the hood of the new Land Rover Discover sits a carryover supercharged 3.0L Jaguar-sourced V6 with 340 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque. Accompanying the gas mill is an all-new turbocharged diesel V6 with 254hp and a whopping 443 lb-ft of twist.
Land Rover will first sell some 529 “First Edition” models with special equipment packaging and colors to commemorate the car’s launch. Otherwise, expect a starting price of around $49,990 for the base model to get things started.
Check out the full price list below.
U.S Models and MSRP(7):
Discovery SE 3.0L S/C V6, 340hp $49,990 Discovery HSE 3.0L S/C V6, 340hp $56,950 Discovery HSE Td6 (diesel) 3.0L T/C V6, 254hp $58,950 Discovery HSE Luxury 3.0L S/C V6, 340hp $63,950 Discovery HSE Luxury Td6 (diesel) 3.0L T/C V6, 254hp $65,950 Discovery First Edition 3.0L S/C V6, 340hp $73,950
– By: Chris Chin
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Source: egmCarTech http://bit.ly/2dbpHyo
Safety Second: Stats Paint Scary Picture of Recall Reality
Looking for a used car? Make sure it doesn’t have an open recall. Because dealers might not tell you.
Today, even the cheapest new vehicle is packed to the gills with electronic wizardry. From Bluetooth, to traction control, to anti-lock brakes, there’s nary an inch of the modern cars which doesn’t have a little bit of silicone in it—and the rewards have been tremendous. Vehicles are safer, more fuel efficient, and reliable than they’re ever been. But the added complexity has come with a cost, as over the past few years, consumers have faced an unprecedented number of recalls.
“There are numerous instances, involving practically every manufacturer, of vehicle fires, steering problems, and premature engine death which have needed to be addressed after customers have left the showroom.”
Now to be fair, not all of these recalls are for life-threatening issues. One of the dumbest we can remember came in 2012, when Fiat recalled its button-cute 500 over the Diagnostic Link Connector cover. In that case, the exceptionally Italian solution was to remove the cover and throw it away. Arrivederci!, DLC cover!
But back in July, out friends over at CNET reported on General Motors’ recall of 33,000 Chevy Cruze models, which left the factory without having a specific code imprinted on their headlight assemblies. That code is important because it helps technicians properly aim the lights, and the solution was to simply mail customers a set of stickers to mark them with the correct digits. While we’re sure that most consumers tossed those stickers straight into the bin, as far as the Feds are concerned, that problem was solved.
So next time you find yourself squinting into the headlights of a cross-eyed Cruze, that’s why.
Now, while lots of common sense folk might think these recalls are a symptom of our overly-litigious society, many of the recalls issued each year are for far more serious issues. Back in 2011, General Motors was forced to issue a recall on its Chevy Cruise because the assembly line workers neglected to install brake pads on over 4,000 examples of the Sonic. There are also numerous instances, involving practically every manufacturer, of vehicle fires, steering problems, and premature engine death which needed to be addressed after customers have left the showroom.
The ongoing Takata airbag nightmare—estimated to affect over 3o million vehicles in the United States—is a particularly gruesome example. At this point, ten people have died as a result of the company’s faulty systems, and the potential for more deaths is very real.
Now, while the idea that consumers would ignore recalls is hardly surprising. But you might expect car dealers would be less lackadaisical about ensuring the vehicles they sell have a clean bill of health. And unfortunately, you’d be wrong. Earlier this week, AutoNation took a look at the data from aggregator Recall Masters, and results were far from comforting. Right now, there are over 36,000 cars on dealer lots with open recalls, and sales people are often more concerned with getting potential buyers to sign on the dotted line than reveal than say, the brakes might not work. According to the data, Georgia residents are currently at most risk to buy a vehicle with an open recall, and the entire Southeast is at hot spot for the problem.
Even if the problem with a vehicle isn’t safety related, buyer aren’t exactly off the hook, as problems like premature corrosion, transmission failures, or fuel system can add up to thousands in repairs. You can read the entire, exhaustive report over at AutoNation Drive, but we’ve included the relevant graphics in the gallery below. If you’re looking for a used car, anywhere in the country, it’s required research.
The post Safety Second: Stats Paint Scary Picture of Recall Reality appeared first on egmCarTech.
Source: egmCarTech http://bit.ly/2dq16QJ
Report: Matt LeBlanc will return to Top Gear in 2017
Matt LeBlanc will replace Chris Evans as lead host of Top Gear.
A lot of uncertainty has been lingering around the future of Top Gear UK. But recently, the BBC confirmed that Matt LeBlanc will return as lead host for the show in 2017.
Rumors of LeBlanc taking the lead to replace Chris Evans were pretty rampant already, so this does not come as a surprise. Furthermore however, joining LeBlanc at his side are co-hosts Chris Harris and Rory Reid. Eddie Jordan, Sabine Schmitz, and The Stig will also continue to provide content.
“I am thrilled that Matt LeBlanc is returning to Top Gear,” BBC Two’s Channel Editor, Patrick Holland told the press. “He’s a huge talent whose love of cars is infectious. I can’t wait for the series to return to BBC Two next year.”
Former host Chris Evans stepped down amid a very critical reception of his role as the new lead host to replace the venerable Jeremy Clarkson. Evans made it through filming and hosting Season One, but even that wasn’t without its issues. Evans ran into issues meshing with LeBlanc and supposedly rage-quit during the filming of an episode.
The 24th season of Top Gear returns to BBC Two next year.
– By: Chris Chin
Source: BBC
Photo Source: BBC
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Source: egmCarTech http://bit.ly/2d1viUn
Report: Leaked order guide of 2017 BMW 5-Series indicates more semi-autonomous driving tech
The guide for the 2017 BMW 5-Series also shares info about engines.
A newly leaked order guide of the 2017 BMW 5-Series surfaced on BMW enthusiast forum, Bimmerpost.
According to the guide, Automobile reports that the 2017 BMW 5-Series will come with more semi-autonomous driving technology. The suite is supposedly called the Driver Assistance Plus II package and it will be the closest thing to a self-driving 5-Series being on sale.
Within the package, options like Active Lane Keeping Assistant with Side Collision Avoidance is included in the mix, both systems found on the latest BMW 7-Series.
Then, there’s the more typical active, radar-guided cruise control suites with Stop & Go operation, and more.
So far, the guide also indicates the 2017 BMW 5-Series should be powered by a similar range of four-, six-, and eight-cylinder engines in the next generation.
Production is said to begin in November.
– By: Chris Chin
Source: BimmerPost via Automobile
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Source: egmCarTech http://bit.ly/2deU9GU
The 2017 Audi A4 gains a six-speed manual as standard with all-wheel drive
The 2017 Audi A4 is the only car in its class to offer both all-wheel drive and a manual as standard.
Audi made a pretty big move recently for the enthusiasts. For the updated 2017 A4 sedan, they added a new six-speed manual transmission as standard with quattro all-wheel drive. That means the 2017 Audi A4 is the only sedan in its class to offer both all-wheel drive and a manual.
As equipped, it can hit 60 miles per hour in just 5.7 seconds, about 0.7 of a second faster than the last model. This in part is also thanks to the A4’s pretty potent TFSI 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder with 252 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque.
But unfortunately, it still loses to the automatic-equipped dual-clutch A4, which hits 60 in just 5.2 seconds.
The improvement over the last model comes thanks to an overall optimization of the design of the cog swapper. It weighs less than the previous box thanks to extensive use of magnesium. There’s also a smaller clutch, hollowed shafts, and open gear wheels.
In addition to the standardized manual, the 2017 Audi A4 gains a new Sport plus package. The company says it provides the “design and performance of an S model in an entry level variant.” So customers no longer need to have big dollars to get the pretentious sporty appearance packages.
For the Sport plus package, the Audi A4 gains metal interior trim, sport seats, and other tidbits on the outside to make things slightly more interesting.
Pricing starts at $39,400 for the Premium, while the Premium Plus rings up to $43,200, and topping it off is the Prestige at $48,000.
– By: Chris Chin
Source: Audi
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Source: egmCarTech http://bit.ly/2cR2fDd
The MINI John Cooper Works Clubman gains all-paw traction
The MINI John Cooper Works Clubman is also the first JCW MINI to gain all-wheel drive.
MINI recently implemented some changes to the new John Cooper Works Clubman.
The first is the addition of MINI’s latest ALL4 all-wheel drive system, making it the first John Cooper Works model to sport all-paw traction. This of course means some more power can be squeezed out.
Horsepower remains at 228, utilizing the same 2.0L TwinPower Turbo four-banger as the regular JCW Cooper. But the torque gets a hefty bump from 236 pound-feet to 258 lb-ft, making it the torquiest MINI ever made.
The sprint to 60 miles per hour only takes six seconds now with the standard six-speed manual. Optionally available is a ZF-sourced eight-speed Steptronic automatic.
With a host of suspension upgrades, the new JCW Clubman gets a nice drop in stance by almost a half an inch. This lowers the center of gravity for improved body control and handling.
Helping to separate the JCW Clubman from the standard Clubman S besides the extra 39hp and lead in torque, is an aggressive lowering body kit. A sport-tuned exhaust is added to accentuate the new TwinPower four, and other enhancements remind you that you’re not in a standard Clubman S.
The new 2017 MINI John Cooper Works Clubman hits dealerships in December. Pricing will be announced closer to date.
2017 MINI John Cooper Works Clubman – Technical Specifications | ||
Engine type | 2.0-liter inline-4 cylinder TwinPower Turbo engine, turbocharged and direct-injected | |
Drive | ALL4 all-wheel drive | |
Cylinders | 4 | |
Lifting | 3.7 in. | |
Bore | 3.2 in. | |
Compression rate | 10.2:1 | |
Engine power | 228 hp | |
(5200-6000 rpm) | ||
Engine torque | 258 ft lbs | |
(1450 rpm-4500 rpm) | ||
Transmission type | 6-speed manual | 8-speed Sport Automatic w/Paddle Shifters |
0-60 mph | 6.0 s | 6.0 s |
Top speed | 147 mph | 147 mph |
US Curb weight | 3450 lbs | 3486 lbs |
Doors | 6 | |
Seats | 5 | |
Veh. length | 168.3 in. | |
Veh. width | 70.9 in. | |
Veh. height | 56.7 in. | |
Wheelbase | 105.1 in. | |
Cx | 0.34 | |
Ground clearance | 5.6 in. | |
Turning circle | 37.1 ft. | |
Legroom front | 41.4 in. | |
Legroom 2nd row | 34.3 in. | |
Shoulder room front | 54.7 in. | |
Shoulder room rear | 52.8 in. | |
Headroom front | 40.2 in. | |
Headroom rear | 38 in. | |
Front Seat Volume | 52.7 ft³ | |
Rear Seat Volume | 39.8 ft³ | |
Trunk volume (seats in use) | 17.5 ft³ | |
Trunk volume (roof closed) | 47.9 ft³ | |
Power-steering | EPS | |
Tires/Rims | Standard | Optional |
Front tires | 225/40 R18 92Y XL | 225/35 R19 88Y XL |
Front rims | 8J x 18 LM | 8J x 19 LM |
Rear tires | 225/40 R18 92Y XL | 225/35 R19 88Y XL |
Rear rims | 8J x 18 LM | 8J x 18 LM |
Track front | 61.1 in. | 61.1 in. |
Width of the rear track | 61.2 in. | 61.2 in. |
Run flat tires | yes | yes |
US Tank capacity [gallons] | 13.2 gal. | |
Fuel grade (minimum/rec.) | 89/91 | |
Emissions classification | ULEV II |
– By: Chris Chin
Source: MINI
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Source: egmCarTech http://bit.ly/2cpccok