All About Ford Mustang: novembre 2017

After years of soldiering on with only naturally-aspirated four-cylinder, the 2018 Mazda6 finally gains turbo power.

What’s going on?

Ever since the current and excellent Mazda6 sedan came out back in 2012, it only came in America with a sole 2.5-liter naturally-aspirated SKYACTIV-G gasoline four-cylinder. After what seems like much begging and expressed desire to fit the Mazda6 with the latest turbo-four found in the current CX-9, Mazda finally answered that call.

Revealed at the 2017 Los Angeles Auto Show, Mazda introduced some major updates to the 2018 Mazda6 flagship sedan. One of those changes includes a new option for turbo power!

The Mazda6 gets blown

As we hoped, the new Mazda6 can now be equipped with the same 2.5-liter turbocharged SKYACTIV-G four-cylinder that debuted in the current CX-9 crossover, all 250 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque, on 93 octane. Mazda says the engine produces 227 horsepower on regular 87, but why would you want to do that?

Unfortunately, Mazda only offers a six-speed automatic with the 2.5-liter four. Though the company says that its torque converter remains locked throughout most of its function, providing a more connected feel between the drivetrain and the automatic.

There are chassis and suspension tweaks too

To handle the extra power, Mazda also applied some tweaks and adjustments to the chassis and suspension. For instance, the Mazda6 benefits from chassis and body reinforcements in the form of thicker sheetmetal in the rear wheel wells, extra bracing, and larger suspension trailing link mounts to reduce noise, vibration, and harshness levels and increase overall stiffness. The suspension geometry is revised to accommodate the extra power and reinforcements, which Mazda promises a smoother and more refined ride with improved handling dynamics.

The exterior and interior gain updates as well

Ushering in the new turbocharged engine and other revisions underneath the Mazda6’s skin are changes to the interior and exterior presentations as well. For instance, the infotainment screen is reconfigured, featuring a 7.0-inch TFT gauge display for upper-tier trims.

The seats and dashboard are also redesigned for a refreshed appearance and look, though the Mazda6’s easy, simple, and smart layout remains. The changes all appear to give the Mazda6 a more upscale appearance and look, reflecting the company’s new motives to move more upmarket.

The 2018 Mazda6 is due to go on sale in spring of 2018.

– By: Chris Chin

2017 LA: 2018 Mazda6 Photo Gallery

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Nissan revealed its far more conservative replacement for the quirky, odd, and fun Juke compact crossover in Los Angeles.

What’s going on?

Nissan seized the spotlight of the 2017 Los Angeles International Auto Show to reveal an all-new replacement for the beloved Juke entry-level crossover. Meet the 2018 Nissan Kicks, a far more vanilla and toned-down compact crossover. It’s the first model to receive a new name in Nissan’s lineup in over eight years, joining the company’s current line of crossovers, comprising of the Murano, Rogue, and Rogue Sport.

“As the gateway to Nissan’s adventure-ready sport-utility portfolio – joining Rogue Sport, Rogue, Murano, Pathfinder and Armada – Kicks is designed to fit the needs of singles or couples looking for expressive styling, personal technology, smart functionality and advanced safety features at an affordable price starting well under $19,000,” said Dan Mohnke, senior vice president of Nissan USA’s sales and marketing operations.

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The 2018 Nissan Kicks revealed at the 2017 LA Auto Show. Photos - Nissan

What’s kickin’ with it?

Styled to mimic a Rogue, but smaller, the new Nissan Kicks embodies the company’s latest design language. For instance, the new Kicks features a two-tone paint theme that basically makes the roof appear to be “floating,” thanks to the blacked-out A-, B-, and C-pillars. Depending on the Kick’s configuration, the roof can be either color-matching to the body, or black. It also incorporates Nissan’s latest V-Motion common grille, and “boomerang” wraparound headlights.

Such design features were first featured on the latest Murano and Maxima.

As you’d expect from a crossover meant to cater to the masses and their basic needs, the Kicks, like many of its competitors, comes well-equipped with features like automatic headlights, Apple CarPlay and ANdroid Auto, an optional Bose sound system, and lots of passive and active safety assistants. FOr instance, the Kicks features an optional 360-degree camera view, dubbed Intelligent Around View Monitor.

Everything the typical and general crossover buyer needs.

Power is also in the neighborhood of everything else in its class–a 1.6-liter naturally-aspirated gasoline four, mated to a CVT automatic transmission, an arrangement lifted from the outgoing Juke. Except power is rated at 125 horsepower and 115 pound-feet of torque, versus the Juke’s 188hp and 177 lb-ft.

Pricing details aren’t yet available, though Nissan confirmed there will be three trim levels: Kicks S, Kicks SV, and Kicks SR, all with varying degrees of equipment. The pricing details will be revealed closer to the Kicks’ launch date in spring of 2018.

– By: Chris Chin