Report: The Alfa Romeo Stelvio SUV confirmed for LA debut

It marks Alfa Romeo’s first-ever attempt at making a crossover SUV. 

Alfa Romeo’s in the middle of a massive product onslaught, churning out a new generation of cars. But to make things more difficult, Alfa is also in the middle of relaunching themselves in the US market. So the company’s hands are quite full.

Some of the new models include the recent Giulia compact sedan and the 4C sports coupe and roadster. These cars helped establish a new identity for Alfa Romeo. But next, the company needs to focus on turning a profit, meaning they need to make an SUV.

As we all know, crossover SUVs are huge breadwinners for automakers at nearly all ends of the spectrum because of how popular they are. Naturally, it only makes sense that Alfa Romeo grabs a piece of the action.

Participating in one of the most sought-after market segments in the world boosts chances for long-term financial sustainability.

Speaking with AutoExpress, Alfa Romeo confirmed the revealing of the SUV, called the Stelvio, at the Los Angeles Auto Show later in November.

Clues of the Stelvio first surfaced with various test mule and prototype spottings over the past several months. A coupe-like raked roofline is visible, complemented by curves that mimic the Giulia in a variety of ways.

Alfa wants the Stelvio to be a statement for “best-in-class” on-road handling, meaning the fun-to-drive factor should be relatively high. Based on the Giulia’s Giorgio platform, the Stelvio will feature much potential, especially since a Quadrifoglio Verde version is on the docket.

The normal Stelvios will utilize the same range of turbocharged gasoline and diesel four- and six-cylinder engines as the Giulia. The Quadrifoglio Verde however gets the same twin-turbocharged 2.9L V6 as the equal Giulia.

Alfa still has plans for both a larger and smaller crossover SUV than the Stelvio. This implies that the Stelvio should be more of a compact affair with competition from the BMW X3, the Audi Q5, and the Lexus NX, just to name a few. Expect a launch sometime in 2018 for the others.

Alfa Romeo lovers hoping for some alternative propulsion options won’t be left out either. Previous reports suggest Fiat-Chrysler Automobiles is investigating hybrid and electric powertrains. This leaves the possibility for some Stelvio hybrid or EV options, especially with competitors from Tesla and Lexus filling the void.

Huge plans are unfolding at Alfa, proving the company has a lot of work to do. But Alfa might be overwhelmed since the Stelvio is unfortunately already experiencing delays. Not surprising, since numerous delays already affected the global launch of the Giulia sedan and the US relaunch of the Alfa Romeo brand.

Either way, things seem to be falling into place with Alfa Romeo. Only time will tell how the company succeeds in the coming years.

– By: Chris Chin

Source: AutoExpress

The post Report: The Alfa Romeo Stelvio SUV confirmed for LA debut appeared first on egmCarTech.

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

Read More

Report: The next Dodge Challenger will get all-wheel drive

The current model will gain a wide-body Hellcat variant.

An exciting bit of news surfaced regarding the next-generation Dodge Challenger. A muscle car at heart, the Challenger was always a bit of challenging drive. Its ancient Mercedes-based platform and heavy bodyweight make it a porky handler.

Thankfully, Dodge plans to remedy some of these issues with the next model. But more importantly, sources confirmed that the next-generation Challenger will get all-wheel drive.

Speaking to AutomotiveNews, Fiat-Chrysler Automobiles confirmed the new Challenger gains all-paw traction in hopes to improve handling and grip. All-wheel drive would also be a welcome companion for the next top-spec Hellcat version and its 707 horsepower, but it was not confirmed.

The current Hellcat, although insanely quick, does have a lot of trouble putting its power to the ground, making for a very skittish car.

Speaking of which, Dodge also confirmed the introduction of a new wide-body Hellcat for current model, called the Challenger ADR. That car could be Dodge’s plan to send the present-day Challenger into the sunset with a commemorative model.

The next Challenger is due for a replacement in 2018 on Alfa Romeo’s new Giorgio platform.

The addition of all-wheel drive also helps to guarantee that the Challenger doesn’t develop a reputation of mowing crowds down like its rival, the Ford Mustang.

FCA also shared plans for the additional models, confirming the pending arrival of a new Barracuda convertible as a drop-top Challenger. The Charger is also scheduled for a replacement in 2018 on the new Alfa Romeo-sourced Giorgio platform.

Other reminds include the eventual death of the Dart, the next Journey’s changeover to rear-wheel drive utilizing the same Giorgio platform, the Durango gaining some updates for 2017, and the end of the Viper in August 2017.

– By: Chris Chin

Source: AutomotiveNews

Photo Source: Dodge

 

The post Report: The next Dodge Challenger will get all-wheel drive appeared first on egmCarTech.

Source: egmCarTech http://bit.ly/2c5s7Jb

Read More

The next Land Rover Discovery gets teased to replace LR4

Land Rover brings the Disco back!

The Land Rover LR4, or the Discovery 4, or the LR3, or Discovery 3–whatever you call it, depending where are from–is Land Rover’s current and aging midsize SUV. And it is old.

It is so old and outdated that Land Rover teased the next-generation model, earlier this morning.

The company is coy on specifics, but the expectations for the new Disco do not deviate much from what is already known.

Previous reports indicate the new Discovery utilizes Jaguar-Land Rover’s newest modular platform, the same that provides for the current Jaguar XJ, the full-size Range Rover, and the Range Rover Sport. We expect styling to resemble the current Discovery Sport, but in larger proportions.

A completely new Discovery also means the new car will use Jaguar-Land Rover’s latest line of efficient and advanced Ingenium engines.

The current and outgoing Discovery 4/LR4 is a heavily updated version of the Discovery 3/LR3 from 2004. Land Rover claims the changeover from the Discovery 3/LR3 to the Discovery 4/LR4 translates to a new generation.

However, both come from the same 12 year-old truck, dating back to Land Rover’s marriage with Ford Motor Company. Now, Land Rover maintains a partnership with Jaguar, and India-based auto conglomerate, Tata Motors serves as the parent company.

Stay tuned for more information.

The new 2017 Land Rover Discovery debuts at the Paris Motor Show later this month.

– By: Chris Chin

Source: Land Rover

The post The next Land Rover Discovery gets teased to replace LR4 appeared first on egmCarTech.

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

Read More

Report: Mercedes-Benz and Microsoft Office might join forces

Mercedes-Benz wants to increase your productivity during your commute.

The IFA 2016 convention just happen, or basically what our Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas is to the whole continent of Europe. There, Microsoft announced to be teaming up with Mercedes-Benz for project “In Car Office,” and it’s exactly what it sounds like.

Autonomous driving technology continues to advance and provide a hugely potential future for the automobile industry. So people are going to eventually find ways to occupy themselves for the times they don’t need to pay attention to the road. this is obviously only made possible with autonomous driving tech.

Part of the vision of autonomous driving provides the driver with an opportunity to do something other than driving. This might include answering emails, or working on a project.

Seeing as how a very large portion of the computer-based produces documents on Microsoft’s Office application suite, Mercedes-Benz thought it would only be right to connect with Microsoft itself to work on in-car integration.

The idea is that a driver’s file can be accessed through the car’s infotainment or digital gauge cluster display. Drivers will be able to work with calendars, contacts, and to-do lists, while synchronizing it with other Microsoft applications over cloud storage. Microsoft’s Exchange application is also supported.

Mercedes-Benz didn’t verify the release date of the integration with Office.

– By: Chris Chin

Source: TechCrunch

The post Report: Mercedes-Benz and Microsoft Office might join forces appeared first on egmCarTech.

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

Read More

egmCarTech

New owners of the 2017 Cadillac CTS-V and 2017 Cadillac ATS-V get to have all the fun for free…well, almost.

Cadillac is really pushing its V-Performance brand as America’s response to BMW M, Mercedes-AMG, and more, offering equally luxurious and performance-capable competitors at a far more attractive price.

To sweeten the deal even more, Caddy is adding an free tuition to its V-Performance Academy, the company’s in-house performance driver training. BMW M and Mercedes-AMG have similar driving schools.

The V-Performance Academy takes place at the Spring Mountain Motor Resort and is complementary to the purchase of every new 2017 Cadillac ATS-V and CTS-V. Performance driving schools and free admission is another aggressive way Cadillac is attempting to entice potential customers away from the typical German high-performance sedan affairs.

We can see why. The ATS-V serves up 464 horsepower, 445 pound-feet of torque from a twin-turbocharged 3.6L V6 and similar performance to the BMW M3 and M4, but at a much lower cost. The CTS-V is equally a beast, with a whopping 640hp and 630 lb-ft of twist. Both are truly high-performance machines that are very deserving of a skilled, spirited driver and track days.

The whole experience takes place over two days at the Spring Mountain Motorsports Ranch in Nevada, just outside of Las Vegas. A country club for affluent and wealthy car owners, Spring Mountain is described to offer a rough and difficult track similar to Willow Springs Raceway, which is also outside of Las Vegas. The tuition, which normally costs $2,420 for non-owners or those outside of the program, get to stay one night in the facility’s luxury accommodations overnight, with free breakfast and lunch for both days.

The only tab the qualified owners pick up is the flight to Las Vegas McCarren International Airport, though Caddy provides the shuttle service to and from the airport and track.

Should the Las Vegas location not work for you, Cadillac’s team plans to visit other locations throughout the country, including the Circuit of the Americas in Texas and Lime Rock Park in Connecticut.

– By: Chris Chin

Source: Cadillac

Photo Source: Cadillac

The post Cadillac offers free V-Performance Academy for 2017 CTS-V and ATS-V owners appeared first on egmCarTech.

Source: egmCarTech http://bit.ly/2cmpkM2

Read More

Mods and Update: Focus RS vs Golf R vs WRX STI vs Evo X

Read More

Hennessey Performance announces HPE400 package for the 2016 Ford Focus RS w/ video

The Ford Focus RS is one of the hottest things from Dearborn right now and Hennessey Performance simply couldn’t wait to get the word out on company’s latest upgrade options.

Knowing Hennessy’s past reputation for modifying Fords, you can expect the typical arrangement of improvements, like those past Fords. This means more power and lots of Hennessey badging to remind you that they did some work to it.

Once the work is done, the Ford Focus RS becomes the HPE400. Thanks to a new engine control mapping, a high-flow intake filter, a custom exhaust system with a stainless steel midpipe upgrade and an electronically-controlled dump valve for active sound control, and those aforementioned badges, the result is 405 horsepower and 425 pound-feet of torque. The badges probably make up about 10hp each.

The standard Focus RS without the Hennessey treatment churns out 375hp and 376 lb-ft of twist.

Hennessey also complements the package with stickier tires and lighter wheels, and more.

The company says the kit is now available for order on the 2016 Ford Focus RS. However, pricing for the HPE400 upgrade package along with the full nitty gritty details are expected to some later on.

---

 

– By: Chris Chin

Source: Hennessey

Video/Photo Source: Hennessey Performance

Source: egmCarTech http://bit.ly/2ch9l26

Read More