2017 Honda Ridgeline Pickup Truck

Set to debut at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, the new pickup truck is wider and longer than the previous generation, measuring an additional 5.4 inches (13.7 centimeters) in width and 4 inches (10 cm) in length – sporting a four-foot wide flat bed, with a fully flat-floor which can withstand and a maximum payload capacity of 1,600 pounds (725 kilograms).

To top it off, the bed is apparently scratch-resistant and comes with a dual action tailgate, a 400-watt AC power inverter and an in-bed audio system that uses six exciters placed inside the bed wall in order to release sound coming from the truck's audio system for a total output of 540 watts.

The 2017 Honda Ridgeline will be powered exclusively by a 3.5-litre V6 mated to a six-speed automatic gearbox, which Honda says it will ensure best-in-class acceleration and fuel economy, and will be available in both front and all-wheel-drive configurations. The AWD system will incorporate Honda's Intelligent Terrain Management, providing several modes: Normal, Sand, Snow, and Mud.

As expected from a brand new model, it will be available with a plethora of safety equipment, including Collision Mitigation Braking, Lane Departure Warning, Road Departure Mitigation, Forward Collision Warning, and Lane Keeping Assist. Moreover, all of the models will get a multi-angle rearview camera as standard.

Read More

2017 GMC Acadia Wheelbase

Arguably the most important development for the new GMC Acadia are it use of high-strength and lightweight steels throughout its construction. All told, the car weighs a considerable 700 pounds less than the outgoing model. That significant weight saving doesn't just help at the fuel pump, but also improves performance and makes the car more agile. Compared to the 2016 Acadia, its successor is smaller in all areas being 7.2-inches shorter, 3.5-inches narrower and 3.9-inches lower. The wheelbase itself has also been decreased in size by 6.4-inches.

Due to the vehicle's reduced size, it is no longer available with eight seats. Instead, the three-row design allows for five, six and seven-seat configurations. Despite being smaller than the 2016 model, the new car actually has more cargo capacity, 79 cubic feet versus 70 cubic feet.

In terms of engines, the entry-level model utilises a 2.5-liter four-cylinder producing an undisclosed amount of power. We do know that it returns 22 miles per gallon in the city and 28 mpg on the highway, comes standard with a stop-start feature and is mated as standard with a front-wheel drive system. 2017 GMC Acadia customers also have the option of a 3.6-liter V6 pumping out 310, 19 hp more than the current model. Despite the additional power, towing capacity actually drops from 5,200 pounds to 4,000 pounds.

While both these engine options are offered solely with a six-speed automatic, all-wheel drive is offered both in standard and All Terrain guise. Each drivetrain has its own distinct drive modes. For example, front-wheel drive models include a Snow mode, the standard AWD model has 4x4 and Off Road modes while the All Terrain model appropriately receives an All Terrain mode, particularly helping with climbing steep hills.

Other key developments for the 2017 GMC Acadia include the addition of front pedestrian braking, a following distance indicator, Surround Vision camera system, forward collision alert, lane keep assist and front and rear parking sensors. Inside, customers receive the company's latest IntelliLink system offering support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. An OnStar 4G LTE WiFi hotspot is also offered.

Read More

2017 Chevrolet Cruze Hatchback

Just like the sedan, the Cruze hatchback comes with a class-leading 106.3 inch (2,700 mm) wheelbase, but also a unique roof and rear-end design, which includes wraparound taillights and an integrated spoiler. Design-wise, it's definitely a massive improvement over what we came to know as the 5-door Cruze. Chevrolet didn't skimp on the practicality either, as the Cruze hatchback features 524 liters (18.5 cu ft) of cargo space behind the rear seats, which can become 1,189 liters (42 cu ft) with those very same seats folded.

Alan Batey, president of GM North America said that "With 9 percent market growth in small hatchbacks last year, it’s the perfect time to bring the Cruze Hatchback to America. As Cruze continues to set the tone for Chevrolet globally, it articulates the brand promise of offering cars with the latest technologies, more features and greater efficiency, performance and safety with fresh, distinctive styling."

On the road, the new Cruze hatchback is 91 kg (200 lbs) lighter than the previous generation model, thanks mainly to an all-new, more rigid and lighter architecture - 100 lbs lighter to be exact, whereas the 1.4-liter turbocharged engine itself is also 20 kg (44 lbs) lighter and comes with Stop/Start tech. While these numbers aren't mind-blowing, they will have meaning to customers who are new to Chevrolet as well as to returning customers. In the US, the Cruze is the segment's second-best selling model to people under 25, and 35% of those customers are actually new to the Chevrolet brand.

Spec-wise, the 2017 Cruze hatchback will be offered in LT and Premier trims, as well as with a more expressive RS package which brings unique front & rear fascias, rocker panels, rear spoiler, fog lamps and 18" wheels to the table. Other key features include Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility via the MyLink system (available 4G LTE with Wi-Fi hotspot), Lane Keep Assist, Rear Cross Traffic Alerg, Side Blind Zone Alert and Rear Park Assist. Chevrolet also pointed out how neither the Corolla nor the Civic feature these types of safety systems, and that inside the cabin there is more rear legroom then you get in the Ford Focus and Hyundai Elantra.

Sticking with the cabin, the Cruze hatchback can be configured with a heated steering wheel, heated front and rear seats, Athens leather-appointed seating surfaces and true French seams. Stepping outside, you'll find halogen projector-beam headlamps with LED signature lighting. On the road behavior will be dictated by the electric power steering and on Premier models, a Z-link rear suspension as well, which is good considering how there are plenty of models in this segment which offer reasonably sporty drives.

Read More

2017 Audi A4 Arrive in US Dealerships

German's rival to the BMW 3-Series and Mercedes-Benz C-Class will arrive in US dealerships this Spring with a single engine option, a 2.0-liter turbocharged four gasoline mill rated for 252hp and 273 lb-ft of peak torque paired to a standard 7-speed dual-clutch transmission for both the front-wheel drive and quattro all-wheel drive versions.

Prices start from $37,300 for the FWD Premium trim, not including a $950 destination charge, which compares to $35,900 for the outgoing A4, though Audi says it comes with an expanded list of standard kit that includes keyless start/stop, rearview camera, Audi smartphone interface, LED interior lighting, digital 3-zone automatic climate control and Audi pre sense city. The most expensive model in the launch range is the Prestige with quattro at $48,900.

Later on, Audi will enhance the A4’s lineup with an entry-level 2.0L gasoline and a frugal 2.0L diesel engine, as well as the performance S4 model fitted with a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 pumping out 349hp (354PS) and 368 lb-ft of peak torque for a 0-62mph (100km/h) time of 4.7 seconds. It will compete against the BMW 340i and the Mercedes-Benz C450 AMG.

While there are no plans to introduce the regular Avant (station wagon) model in the States, Audi will offer the taller-riding A4 Allroad, while company officials are also discussing the possibility of bringing the next generation of the high-performance RS4 to North America.

PHOTOS GALLERY:

Read More

Audi RS7 Piloted Driving Concept

RS 7 nicknamed "Bobby" completed a driverless lap on the Hockenheim circuit at speeds up to 240 km/h (149 mph). The new generation of the car is called "Robby," has the same power output (560PS or 552hp, but is around 400kg (882lbs) lighter than its predecessor. Obviously, Robby delivers better performance than Bobby.

The new RS7 Piloted Driving Concept took just 2:01.01 minutes to complete the 4,050-meter (2.5 mi) circuit. "In Sonoma, we took the Audi RS7 piloted driving concept to its physical limits lap after lap, and it handled the task with uniform precision. The car turned in lap times that were better than those of sports car drivers," said Thomas Müller, who is responsible for the development of brake, steering and driver assistance systems at Audi.

Audi will be offering piloted driving for the first time in the upcoming generation of the Audi A8. That's why company is also testing piloted driving in real road traffic. Earlier this year, an Audi A7 prototype called "Jack" drove on public highways from Silicon Valley to Las Vegas for the Consumer Electronics Show (CES).

Later on, the same car drove autonomously on German autobahns at speeds up to 130 km/h (81 mph). Audi says its piloted driving technology will increase safety, time savings, efficiency and convenience. The systems can take control of the car during parking or in stop-and-go traffic on freeways at speeds up to 60 km/h (37 mph).

PHOTOS GALLERY:

Read More

All-New Toyota Sienta Compact Minivan

The compact MPV offers up to three rows of seats placed in a unique stadium arrangement, elevated gradually toward the rear. Featuring a massive front grille as well as front and rear bumper garnishes that connect the lights, the Toyota Sienta is available in eight different body colors, including the new Air Yellow.

There are five optional extra Flex Tones available, which allow owners to combine the body color with contrasting accents on the front grille, mirror caps and bumpers. Inside, the Japanese minivan sports a simple and easy to read instrument panel, while switches and other controls are located on the lower part of the center console. There's also a 4.2-inch color TFT LCD display.

There are three different interior colors schemes available, as well as orange accents with satin-plated and piano black ornaments. The minivan offers three interior layouts: 7-seater, 6-seater, and 5-seater (for wheelchair users). Interior space has been increased in all areas compared to the previous generation model.

There are two engine options available: a 74PS (73hp) 1.5-liter hybrid system and a 109PS (108hp) 1.5-liter gasoline unit which utilizes the Atkinson Cycle alongside Cooled EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation) and VVT-iE (Variable Valve Timing-intelligent by Electric motor).

The hybrid returns 27.2 km/L (3.6 l/100 km or 63.9 mpg US) under the Japan's JC08 test cycle, making it eligible for eco-car subsidies and tax incentives. The non-hybrid Sienta returns 20.6 km/L (4.8 l/100 km or 48.4 mpg US) in 2WD configuration. A "Stop & Start System" is offered as standard.

PHOTOS GALLERY:

Read More

Skoda Rapid Spaceback

The Skoda Rapid isn't even a genuine C-Segment car, and yet people are clearly appreciating its practicality, and perhaps even its looks. Skoda sold 18,834 Rapids in Europe in Q1 of 2015, a total that surpasses that of the KIA cee'd, Hyundai i30, Mazda3, Nissan Pulsar, Honda Civic and Citroen C4 - in that order.

Speaking of which, how about this Skoda Rapid Spaceback ScoutLine version with its "outdoor" appearance? It features plastic elements for the exterior, 16" & 17" alloy wheels, plus a few other subtle changes.

"The combination of ŠKODA's practical features and fresh designs have convinced a great number of customers," said Skoda Board Member for Sales and Marketing, Werner Eichhorn, before adding that "We plan to build on this success with the ScoutLine edition."

The mods aren't as adventurous as on previous Scouts, but you do get matte-black front and rear bumpers, matte black textured plastic fixtures on the sides, 16" 'Rock' or 17" 'Camelot' wheels, silver mirror housings and a full range of exterior colors, including 'pistachio green'.

Also, all drivetrains are available with the exception of the GreenLine engines. So you can choose between three petrol units (90HP/110HP/125HP) and two diesels (90HP/116HP) when you're deciding on which Skoda Rapid Spaceback ScoutLine you want to purchase.

Read More