All About Ford Mustang: avril 2017

Jaguar teases new XF Sportbrake in Wimbledon, but we probably won't get it w/ video

Jaguar teases the latest long-roof variant of the latest XF sedan. Like many other long-roofs, don’t expect this one to come stateside.

What’s going on?

Europe has a habit of producing sweet wagon versions of cars we already like stateside. Here’s another example: the latest XF Sportbrake. The Jaguar XF received an overhaul not too long ago. So it makes sense the long-roof variant, the Sportbrake, was to spawn from the latest and greatest XF. And it was just teased at Wimbledon.

Like previous XF Sportbrake estates, this one will likely be off-limits to US shores due to low demand. Let’s also not forget, Jaguar already sells the F-Pace crossover, which doesn’t justify spending the resources to ship XF Sportbrakes here.

Either way, we’re still going to drool because we enthusiasts like hot wagons, because nobody else really does.

What’s known about the new XF Sportbrake?

Not many official details were spared. But it will obviously share a lot in common with the latest XF. This means the usual selection of Ingenium gas and diesel engines already offered on the XF sedan.

From the one teaser released, the new XF Sportbrake comes with a huge panoramic roof that takes up most of the top structure. Then, the rest is pretty self explanatory. Being a modern Jaguar, we already know it’s going to look great.

– By: Chris Chin

The post Jaguar teases new XF Sportbrake in Wimbledon, but we probably won’t get it w/ video appeared first on egmCarTech.

Source: egmCarTech http://bit.ly/2ou6axi

The 2017 Honda Civic Type R sets Nürburgring Nordschleife lap record for fastest front-wheel drive production car

Honda continues to prove they know what they’re doing with front-wheel drive.

What’s going on?

Honda is no stranger to the game of front-wheel drive. While many detest the configuration, it still works very well in its own respective ways. And Honda’s one of the few brands to prove that front-wheel drive cars can perform just as well as some of their rear-wheel or all-wheel-drive counterparts. The latest example: the hot new 2017 Honda Civic Type R.

It just took the title as the world’s fastest front-wheel-drive production car to lap the Nürburgring Nordschleife. A fitting record to sit next to other Honda greats, like the original Integra Type R.

How fast did the Civic Type R lap the Nürburgring Nordschleife?

It did the 12.9-mile Green Hell in just 7 minutes and 43.80 seconds, on April 3, 2017. It was almost three seconds faster than the Civic Type R before it.

This was partially due to the latest Civic Type R’s all-new and potent 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder with 306 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. It’s then complimented by a very aggressive, but functional aerodynamic body kit, sport-tuned front control arm and rear-multilink suspension, a six-speed manual transmission as standard, and a limited-slip differential.

Honda admits the lap vehicle was a pre-production prototype, but insist that it represents a production-ready car.

When the 2018 Honda Civic Type R hits US dealers, it will be America’s first Honda Type R model, and the first US-bound Type R model since the original Acura Integra Type R.

Production commenced for the Civic Type R in Swindon, England.

– By: Chris Chin

2018 Honda Civic Type R Nürburgring Nordschleife Lap Record Gallery

The post The 2017 Honda Civic Type R sets Nürburgring Nordschleife lap record for fastest front-wheel drive production car appeared first on egmCarTech.

Source: egmCarTech http://bit.ly/2q3dihC

Recalls: Tesla is calling back some 53,000 vehicles worldwide for a parking brake issue

A new report suggests a brake malfunction affects a bunch of Tesla Model S and Model X cars from a manufacturing defect.

What’s going on?

TechCrunch reports that Tesla is recalling some 53,000 Model S and Model X cars around the world for a parking brake that won’t disengage. Only affecting cars built between February and October 2016, the issue lies in a manufacturing defect of a small gear within the parking brake assembly. The issue was pointed to a poorly made gear within the motor, thus causing the parking brake to remain stuck, immobilizing the vehicle.

The issue arose when a number of customers received alerts for needing parking brake servicing. Once that warning appeared, it confirmed the damage status of the gear, preventing the brake from disengaging. Cars coming in to the dealer for this issue caught Tesla’s attention. They later traced the issue to a problematic batch supplied by Brembo.

Is it bad?

Not really. There are no reports of any injuries or accidents related to the recall. You just will be stranded until the car can be repaired. That said, it’s best to inquire with Tesla with your VIN number if to see if your car is affected.

Is there a fix?

Yes! An official recall will be filed with the NHTSA and Tesla will be notifying customers as soon as possible. According to the report, the fix only takes about 35 minutes.

With older Teslas being on the road for a few years, it will be interesting to see what their maintenance demands are like over the long run. Years of testing can replicate real-world situations. But the true test of a vehicle and its durability and reliability comes from being in the hands of private owners, using their cars daily. That said, this will prove whether or not Teslas are long-lasting vehicles.

– By: Chris Chin

Source: Tesla via TechCrunch

The post Recalls: Tesla is calling back some 53,000 vehicles worldwide for a parking brake issue appeared first on egmCarTech.

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

Toyota reveals new Prius One, making it the cheapest standard Prius available

Toyota originally started the latest Prius with the “Two” trim. Now, a “One” trim starts the lineup.

What’s going on?

It seems the hybrid wars are getting a bit of a boost. The once stalwart of the hybrid world, the Toyota Prius, has since seen competition from Hyundai with the Ioniq Hybird and the Kia Niro. To try and maintain its edge, Toyota just introduced a new entry-level variant to the standard Prius. It’s called the Prius “One,” and it rids any confusion as to why the Prius trim levels started at “Two.”

Click here for more news on the Toyota Prius.

Nonetheless, for those with OCD, it’s ok, you can relax now.

What’s new about the Prius “One?”

For one thing…no pun intended…the Prius One is the cheapest standard five-door Prius available. The Prius Two still starts at around $25,570. But now, buyers have another option to save some monies with the Prius One, which starts at $24,360. That makes out to be $1,210 in savings.

So what disappears as a result of the reduction in price? You get a Prius with no spare tire, rear windscreen wiper, or seatback pockets. Talk about a total loss…./sarcasm.

But value remains to be a hallmark for the Priu as Toyota’s Safety Sense P suite is still standard. That includes adaptive cruise control, pre-collision warning and assist, lane departure warning with lane-keeping assist, and automatic high-beams. That’s quite the standard list of technology for a basic fuel-saving Prius.

If this entices you, they’re now available at your local dealer.

– By: Chris Chin