2016 LA Preview: The Subaru VIZIV 7 Concept is clearly aimed at Volkswagen’s new Atlas

Subaru reveals a new handsome large SUV concept that can seat seven.

What’s going on?

Subaru seized the spotlights and media coverage of the 2016 Los Angeles Auto Show to reveal a new full-size crossover SUV that can seat seven. If that sounds familiar, that’s because VOlkswagen just revealed the Atlas, a new seven-seater full-size crossover.

Cool. What’s known about the Subaru VIZIV 7 Concept?

Well, that’s a good question, because Subaru wasn’t very detailed with its press release. But they did say that it previews a future model and is aimed for “enjoyment and peace of mind.” Right.

Is there a statement from Subaru’s executive branch?

Yes, yes there is. It’s by executive vice president of Fuji Heavy Industries, Takeshi Tachimori, who said: ”The concept expresses our core brand values, safety, dependability, capability for outdoor activities and a forward looking attitude. We know customers in this segment want a full-sized vehicle and the next 3-row from Subaru will be the biggest Subaru vehicle ever.”

Any details as to what powers the VIZIV 7 Concept?

Not a clue. But if we were to be realistic, a hybridized flat-four doesn’t sound too far-fetched. Alternatively, it could come with Subaru’s only flat-six alternative.

Either way, more information should likely surface over time and it’s reasonable to predict the VIZIV 7 will reach production.

– By: Chris Chin

The post 2016 LA Preview: The Subaru VIZIV 7 Concept is clearly aimed at Volkswagen’s new Atlas appeared first on egmCarTech.

Source: egmCarTech http://bit.ly/2fqdZLW

Coming Soon to a Mustang Blog Near You!!!

Just in from Late Model Restoration. 3.73 Gear Set, Speedo kit with new speedo gear.

source: Fox Body Mustang Restoration http://bit.ly/2fq1iAM

2016 LA Preview: The 2017 Alfa Romeo Stelvio is the automaker’s first crossover SUV and newest cash cow

The 2017 Alfa Romeo Stelvio is the company’s first-ever crossover SUV and it was just revealed at the 2016 Los Angeles Auto Show

What’s going on?

Crossover SUVs are clearly the thing and Alfa Romeo desperately needed to cash in on the hype, so they created the 2017 Stelvio. The 2017 Alfa Romeo Stelvio is the company’s first-ever crossover SUV and will join the Giulia in the US lineup.

Speaking of which, think of it as a Giulia on stilts.

Sweet! So, what’s cool about it?

The Stelvio comes in three forms: base, and Stelvio Ti, with a top-spec Quadrifoglio model as the icing on the cake. Because it basically is a Giulia on stilts, Alfa Romeo promises it to be the best-driving midsize luxury crossover in its class. The plan is to duke it out with the Porsche Macan.

Things are getting spicy. What powers it?

The Italians always love to make things spicy. They aren’t referred to as the heart and soul of the auto industry for nothing. So that means the all-new base 2.0L turbocharged all-aluminum inline-four shouldn’t be too upsetting, with 280 horsepower and 306 pound-feet of twist on tap.

What really wets our appetites is the Stelvio Quadrifoglio, which as you guessed, follows the same recipe as the Giulia Quadrifoglio, 505hp Ferrari-developed twin-turbo V6 and all. The Quadrifoglio also gets cylinder deactivation.

What else does it come with?

Alfa Romeo will serve up a variety of cool amenities, such as Alfa’s DNA Pro driver-mode selector, torque vectoring differentials, active chassis and suspension systems, and more, all to battle it out with the best performers from the rest of Europe.

All models come with all-wheel drive as standard.

 Sounds great! …For a crossover SUV…

We’d agree. Also, the Stelvio simply being a new Alfa Romeo that will be sold in America adds to its allure greatly, like a videogame multiplier. Maybe becoming a parent and having to sell the weekend toy won’t be so bad if you could get one of these.

Watch the reveal of the Stelvio below, compliments of FCA’s PR team.

– By: Chris Chin

The post 2016 LA Preview: The 2017 Alfa Romeo Stelvio is the automaker’s first crossover SUV and newest cash cow appeared first on egmCarTech.

Source: egmCarTech http://bit.ly/2eNdKOT

2016 LA Preview: The 2017 Jeep Compass goes a new direction and gets overhauled

After a droned-out 10-year production run, the 2017 Jeep Compass receives the makeover it desperately needed.

What’s going on?

There’s an all-new 2017 Jeep Compass that was just revealed at the 2016 Los Angeles Auto Show. Unlike previous updates to the outgoing model, which surpassed 10 years old, the 2017 version is actually an all-new car.

So the new 2017 Jeep Compass is actually new. What’s new about it?

It starts with a much-needed exterior redesign, which heavily mimics its larger midsize sibling, the Cherokee, but with much better touches. For instance, the Compass utilizes a Grand Cherokee-like grille and headlight design, rather than the oddball setup on the standard Cherokee.

The 2017 Jeep Compass also sports a new two-tone paint theme, implying the Cherokee and Renegade somehow came together to give birth to the Compass.

The interior also receives a much needed overhaul, with a new design all around with a perceivable boost in build quality materials and functional design forms.

Ok, so what powers it?

If you were guessing a bunch of Fiat-sourced four-bangers are the mills on offer, you’d be correct. Worldwide, the 2017 Jeep Compass gets the choice of up to five powertrains, depending on what part of the world you live in. In America, the only engine option will be a Fiat-sourced 2.4L Tigershark MultiAir2 four, serving up 180 horsepower and 175 pound-feet of twist.

Thankfully for the car-liking lot, a six-speed manual is optional for two-wheel and four-wheel-drive models. The automatic four-wheel drive Compass gets the class-leading ZF-sourced nine-speed automatic, while the base two-wheel model gets a normal Aisin six-speed auto.

Will it be any good?

Too early to tell. But we’re guessing this will wet the appetites of those already into the likes of the Subaru Forester and perhaps as far as the Volkswagen Golf Sportwagen Alltrack. The 2017 Compass promises not to be shy on kit either, with Jeep’s patented Active Drive and Active Drive Low systems as standard.

Being a crossover, it will likely sell by the millions.

Watch the 2017 Jeep Compass get revealed in Los Angeles, thanks to FCA’s PR team:

– By: Chris Chin

The post 2016 LA Preview: The 2017 Jeep Compass goes a new direction and gets overhauled appeared first on egmCarTech.

Source: egmCarTech http://bit.ly/2g2ValH

2016 LA Preview: The Mercedes-Maybach S650 Cabriolet is the sub-brand’s latest model addition

Only 300 examples of the Mercedes-Maybach S650 Cabriolet will hit production

What is it?

Mercedes-Maybach might be getting by just adding more luxury to the already pretty damn luxurious Mercedes-Benz S-Class. They do so by giving it a special treatment worthy of an extra several tens of thousands of dollars on the MSRP. But in addition to the high-price and more flamboyant additions, Mercedes-Maybach is also going after exclusivity. And they just applied this full treatment to the S-Class Cabriolet.

Meet the all-new Mercedes-Maybach S650 Cabriolet.

What makes it different?

Well, it starts life as a standard S600 Cabriolet. Then, it gets a selection of bespoke special-order colors for both the interior and exterior. The exterior and coinciding interior hue choices only range up to three options, exclusively for the US market: Zircon Red with a Porcelain and Black interior, Cote d’Azur Blue with Porcelain and Saddle Brown, and Diamond White with Porcelain and Yacht Blue.

With plenty of Mercedes-Maybach badges stamped everywhere and nicer appointments, you certainly won’t forget that you’re in a much nice S-Class Cabriolet.

It also comes with its own set of fancy luggage that you wouldn’t want to get scuffed.

So it’s just a really nice and luxurious version of the already really nice and luxurious Mercedes-Benz S600 Cabriolet, but rarer?

In a nutshell, yes.

Does that include the 6.0L twin-turbocharged V12?

Yes, it does include the bi-turbo (as Merc calls it) 12-cylinder good for 621 horsepower and 738 pound-feet of twist. With the bonkers powerplant, the usual arrangement of Mercedes’ top-spec AIRMATIC suspension, and a standard seven-speed 7G-TRONIC automatic, all should be pretty expected.

How much will it cost?

Mercedes-Maybach didn’t provide an official figure yet. But we estimate it’ll cost a lot of dollars.

– By: Chris Chin

Source: Mercedes-Benz

The post 2016 LA Preview: The Mercedes-Maybach S650 Cabriolet is the sub-brand’s latest model addition appeared first on egmCarTech.

Source: egmCarTech http://bit.ly/2g2RUXB

2016 LA Preview: The 2017 Cadillac CT6 Plug-In Hybrid gets detailed ahead of its debut

We’re at the heels of the 2016 Los Angeles International Auto Show, and Cadillac has a new CT6 to show off.

What’s going on?

The Los Angeles Auto Show is what’s going on. Although we’re not at the frontline this year, we’re still here to bring you the highlights and what to expect for this year’s show.

Helping to kick it off is the new 2017 Cadillac CT6 Plug-In Hybrid, the latest addition to Caddy’s latest flagship model. And yes, as indicated by the name, this new CT6 is a hybrid variant with plug-in capabilities.

So what’s new?

The 2017 Cadillac CT6 Plug-In Hybrid starts life as a Cadillac CT6…obviously. Then, it’s given a total driving range of more than 400 miles. That’s accomplished thanks to Cadillac’s latest 2.0L turbocharged four-banger mated to a two-motor EVT system. The end result is good for 335 horsepower and 432 pound-feet of twist in total combined power.

Each electric motor provides about 100 horses each, meaning the gas engine provides only 135hp, which is kinda low for a 2.0L turbo four. Nonetheless, Cadillac boasts a top speed of 15o miles per hour, an all-electric range of 30 miles up to 78 mph, and lots of fuel economy.

How much extra fuel economies will one get with the CT6 Plug-In Hybrid?

Cadillac has no official numbers currently as the CT6 Plug-In Hybrid awaits its official EPA rating. But the company estimates a figure of about 65 MPGe. Either way, the CT6 Plug-In Hybrid is clearly aimed at those who are tired of the Lexus hybrid status quo.

How much will the CT6 Plug-In Hybrid cost?

Cadillac says sales begin in spring of 2017 with prices starting at $75,095, not including the $995 destination fee.

– By: Chris Chin

Source: Cadillac

The post 2016 LA Preview: The 2017 Cadillac CT6 Plug-In Hybrid gets detailed ahead of its debut appeared first on egmCarTech.

Source: egmCarTech http://bit.ly/2fLws6p

How to reset an early Foxbody Mustang Odometer

This is shockingly easy to do. If you have an early Foxbody Mustang and you get tired of burying the odometer's pathetic 85 MPH odometer in third gear when you have two remaining, well I have the solution for you.

Lets say you overhauled your mustang and I mean it's completely brand new from your restoration and modifications then this post is also for you.

A couple years back I got fed up with the Speedometer I had, so I went on a hunt for economical upgrade certified by Ford. 1982 was the first year for the Police Interceptor Mustang and I found what I was looking for in a salvage yard out in San Jose, California. The Ford Mustang's first Police Package included 140 mph speedometer. This car was marketed to be the car to chase the exotic imports that were out running the police in California.

San Jose, California had the biggest order of Police Interceptor Mustangs. I happen to have found a gauge cluster from one of them for $60.00, which is a steal of a deal, I am resetting the miles back to ZERO. Everything has been rebuilt in the car. I have Hobbyist Plates installed and the ODOMETER is EXEMPT due to it's year. Believe it or not my car before I started the rust removal only had 112,841 miles on it and since it was originally vinned as a 4 cylinder Mustang who really cares. No true collector value.  The car has been radically changed. Before starting this I express using caution on touching the face of the Odometer. You may inadvertently mark it, so take great care.

Cluster came with 59,579 miles on it.

All that needs to be done is this pin needs to be very carefully tapped out this is tapped in from one direction and will need to exit the way it came in. 

From view point below it needs to go to out to the right.

Once the pin is pulled you can easily rotate the Miles back to Zeros

When reinstalling the pins with the gears it will appear as seen below. All you need to do is hook up a drill and walk the odometer forward till it Zeros out. 

Now all you do is reassemble and install. 

If you are not installing in your original year mustang be sure to swap the power ribbon or you will have an electrical fire. 

The 1979 Mustang has a unique wire harness only used that year and requires power ribbon from a 1979 Gauge Cluster to be installed. 1979 was a year of another oil crisis and all mustangs that year only came equipped with the 85 mph speedometer. Where is the fun in that.

source: Fox Body Mustang Restoration http://bit.ly/2euFeZw

Report: Audi is in hot water for emission cheating software again…

As if Volkswagen AG and Audi wasn’t already deep in Dieselgate issues…

What’s going on?

Volkswagen AG and Audi’s issues with its diesel passenger cars as of recent put the company under major scrutiny following the discovery of emissions-cheating software. This ultimately led to the “Dieselgate” scandal that’s been plaguing your automotive headlines (and major) over the past year.

Just when we all thought the dust was beginning to settle with agreements between governing bodies and Volkswagen and Audi themselves, AutomotiveNews reports some U.S. CARB regulators allegedly discovered some new cheat software in select Audi models.

Uh oh…again…? What’d they find meow?

According to the latest report, German outlet Bild am Sonntag claims the discovered software helps to lower carbon dioxide emissions under certain test conditions by affecting the function of the transmission.

Making it worse is the claim that the installed software is complete separate from the original problematic emissions control software. This means Audi is responsible for not just one, but two methods of cheating carbon emissions testing…oh boy…

So how does the emissions cheating work this second time around?

As described, Bild am Sonntag says a special program within the transmission’s software altered the way the box functioned during its lab-based test conditions. For instance, an engine’s exhaust output varies by its speed. The faster the engine revs, the more exhaust it pumps out. To counter this, the affected Audi would change programs when being tested, similarly to the original emissions-control software that put Volkswagen and Audi in deep water in the first place.

The program would sense a testing procedure, causing the transmission to upshift earlier than normal to keep the revs low, producing less CO2 than in normal driving conditions. But for some reason, if the steering was turned to 15 degrees or more, the software would defeat itself.

Audi reportedly discontinued the use of the special software in May of this year. But CARB supposedly found the program in an older model Audi.

As a result of this news, several engineers in connection with the problem were suspended. A spokesperson from Audi declined to comment to Bild am Sonntag.

– By: Chris Chin

Source: Bild am Sonntag via AutomotiveNews

The post Report: Audi is in hot water for emission cheating software again… appeared first on egmCarTech.

Source: egmCarTech http://bit.ly/2eOYRrs