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http://carsecret.atspace.eu/blog/autoweek-in-review-everything-you-missed-feb-20-24/Autoweek in review: Everything you missed Feb. 20-24
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2019 VW Arteon To Offer Sporty R-Line Package
Exterior Additions
With the R-Line package, the 2019 VW Arteon receives a set of special 19- or 20-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, along with unique air inlets and cover panels. R-Line badging, a front bumper that incorporates the air intakes, and a gloss black spoiler complete the exterior treatments.
Interior Elements
Arteon R-Line models will include contrast stitching on the steering wheel and shift knob, along with steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters, metallic décor pieces, and a black headliner. Other interior treatments include stainless-steel sport pedals and stainless-steel door sills with the R-Line logo.
Photo: Volkswagen of America, Inc.
Power & Performance
The 2019 VW Arteon features a 2.0-liter turbocharged TSI engine with direct-injection. The engine creates 268 horsepower, 258 lb-ft. of torque, and is paired to an eight-speed automatic. Front-wheel drive is standard but VW’s 4Motion all-wheel drive system is available on every trim level.
Availability & In Person
The 2019 Arteon goes on sale this fall with the R-Line package available at that time. In addition to debuting the R-Line trim, VW will also unveil a concept version of a new five-passenger SUV at the New York International Auto Show. The new SUV will be a variant of the seven-passenger Atlas designed and engineered for the American market.
Photos & Source: Volkswagen of America, Inc.
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http://carsecret.atspace.eu/blog/2019-vw-arteon-to-offer-sporty-r-line-package/2019 Audi A6 To Feature Technology You Can Interrupt
Touch & Go
The new Audi A6 is a rolling bin of tech-goodness, starting first with the MMI touch response system. The rotary dial and traditional controls from the previous model are gone in favor of two high-resolution displays. The MMI touch response operates in a familiar fashion, through the use drag-and-drop features. The menu structure, including the search function, works like a smartphone, and the main menu tiles and direct access bar can be configured individually. Over 30 shortcut buttons can be stored so drivers can configure their own preferences.
Both displays have special, anti-fingerprint coatings and anti-glare layers, making them easier to clean and see. The outermost layer is tempered so it’s more scratch-resistant.
Photo: Audi of America, Inc.
Talk & Go
The 2019 Audi A6 will take spoken requests and commands from drivers. This can include speaking things like “I’m cold” or “call Emily” or “where is the nearest coffee shop?” In each instance, the 2019 Audi A6 will respond accordingly, with things like “what temperature would you like to set the cabin to?” The dialogue manager will ask clarifying questions if necessary and offer other choices if applicable.
Audi also, quite hilariously, says the system “accepts being interrupted.”
Mobility Management
The myAudi app, launching later this year, offers A6 owners a special feature called myAudi Navigation. Essentially, the route to a given destination can be passed back and forth between the driver’s phone and their A6. Said route could begin on a smartphone, but continue through the car’s on-board system once the vehicle is started.
Power & Performance
Audi is slim on the details, but they do say “innovative suspension solutions” make the new A6 “noticeably more dynamic.” A new damping system is said to provide more precise feedback and higher levels of comfort, be it a cruise around town or a long jaunt on the highway.
An all-new turbo V6 is paired with a new 48-volt mild-hybrid system, which supports the engine and serves as the vehicle’s primary electrical source.
Photo: Audi of America, Inc.
Styling & Design
While such things are always subjective, the A6 does showcase Audi’s latest design language. Following the cues of the A8 and A7, the 2019 A6 is characterized by larger surfaces, nicely sculpted edges, and visible body lines. From the side, three distinctive lines actually reduce the visual height of the A6. The roof line, which tapers into the flat C-pillars, encompasses the silhouette while the shorter trunk ends in a curved edge for better aerodynamic performance.
Pricing & In Person
Audi did not disclose pricing or the date the 2019 A6 will be on sale. Expect to see it, in the meantime, at the New York International Auto Show, which opens to the public on Friday, March 30th.
Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and resides in Detroit, Michigan. He studies mechanical engineering at Wayne State University, serves on the Board of Directors for the Ally Jolie Baldwin Foundation, and is a loyal Detroit Lions fan.
2019 Audi A6 Gallery
Photos & Source: Audi of America, Inc.
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http://carsecret.atspace.eu/blog/2019-audi-a6-to-feature-technology-you-can-interrupt/McLaren Senna GTR: A Really Fast Car With A Face Only A Mother Could Love
Power & Performance
Air can do fantastic things, if you know how to treat it. In the case of the McLaren Senna GTR, it can screw its plug-ugly ass down to the tar-Macadam of a race track with 2,205 lbs. of downforce. That aero-capability combines with a weight around 2,641 lbs., and even more power and torque from the 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 found in the road car, which already puts out an upsetting 789 horsepower and 590 lb-ft. of torque. With a bump now to at least 814 horsepower, the Senna GTR will be considerably faster in a straight line.
Combine all that with a race-style transmission (I’m figuring a full dog box set up), revised double wishbone suspension, and full-on Pirelli race slicks, and it’s easy to believe McLaren when they say the Senna GTR posts the quickest McLaren circuit lap times other than a Formula 1 car. The Senna GTR uses the same carbon fiber Monocage III structure as the road-going version, which still provides more than enough core strength and rigidity for a out-and-out track car. The rest of the technical specs will be confirmed later this year.
Photo: McLaren Automotive.
Form & Function
“Form follows function” is the McLaren design philosophy, which I would love to see here, but all I can clock to is how the McLaren Senna GTR looks like a drawing on little Mikey Bay’s notebook, circa 8th grade. It is somehow worse than the normal Senna’s catalogue of bad design ideas only with tacky race graphics added. The Senna GTR does have a wider track and new fenders, front and back, with a new wheel design specifically for circuit use. For what that’s worth.
The front splitter of the McLaren GTR is a hilariously over-done and over-extended affair that, combined with the side skirts, has about the surface area of 1.1 pool tables. Obviously that Wyoming-sized-and-shaped splitter is larger than the road-car version (duh!) and contributes to improved front aerodynamic performance (also duh!). Add to this list the rear diffuser, which is both larger and extends further back. The rear deck sits lower than any previous McLaren, which aids aerodynamic performance.
Woking even took a crack at the doors, pushing the outer skin in as far as possible towards the center of the car so airflow is better channeled. There’s also that race track standard polycarbonate “ticket” window, which is not found on the road-legal McLaren Senna.
All You Need
All of this is part of McLaren’s focus on giving customers a track-fixated version across their full range of cars. McLaren has even gone so far as to start a single-make race series as part of the Pure McLaren track events. Yes, Pure McLaren. All you need is an International D-grade comp license and McLaren takes care of everything else. It’s a full “arrive and drive” setup that currently starts with the race-prepped 570S GT4. Oh, and money, it takes that too. Lots of it. Yup, you only need three things: an International D-grade competition license, your McLaren, and money. Boxcars and boxcars of money.
Pricing & Availability
If you want to buy one (and most of you would I’d bet) you can contact McLaren, as they’d be more than interested in talking with you about spending vast quantities of your money. “Expressions of interest” (which is about the most British thing I’ve read today) were taken at this year’s Geneva Motor Show and those “expressions of interest” can still be expressed up to 75 confirmed orders, then they shut off the factory line in Woking, England where the car will be hand-assembled. Each will be priced around $1.4 million.
Tony Borroz has spent his entire life racing antique and sports cars. He is the author of Bricks & Bones: The Endearing Legacy and Nitty-Gritty Phenomenon of The Indy 500, available in paperback or Kindle format. Follow his work on Twitter: @TonyBorroz.
McLaren Senna GTR Gallery
Photos & Source: McLaren Automotive.
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http://carsecret.atspace.eu/blog/mclaren-senna-gtr-a-really-fast-car-with-a-face-only-a-mother-could-love/The next-gen Ford Fiesta ST is 1.5 liters of fury
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http://carsecret.atspace.eu/blog/the-next-gen-ford-fiesta-st-is-1-5-liters-of-fury/Audi forced to defend CEO after accusations in diesel crisis court case
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http://carsecret.atspace.eu/blog/audi-forced-to-defend-ceo-after-accusations-in-diesel-crisis-court-case/The Jaguar XJR-15 still impresses today
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http://carsecret.atspace.eu/blog/the-jaguar-xjr-15-still-impresses-today/2017 Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid & Electric Models Soon To Hit America
How does Hyundai continue to do this? It seems like they roll out new models, or upgraded current models, the way Old Navy rolls out t-shirts. Most car manufacturers work on a product cycle ranging over multiple years between refreshes, let alone new models. Hyundai recently announced the new 2017 Ioniq hybrid and electric models will be in dealer showrooms soon.
Hyundai, and in all fairness, their fellow countrymen Kia, have a turn around time like a ballerina from the Kirov. Others, when confronted with a game-changer like a Tesla Model S or a Toyota Prius, took forever to respond.
Hyundai just seemed to shrug and say, “okay, we can do that.” And they did.
Eco Minded, Safety Oriented
What Hyundai did with their Ioniq models really starts with three eco-focused electrified powertrains. The Ioniq offers a smooth, aerodynamic silhouette with an impressive 0.24 coefficient drag. Hyundai says that low figure is all down to careful surface design, and not little aero tricks like underbody work or movable flip-ups and the like.
On the inside, the Ioniq has all the bells and whistles buyers want, or car manufacturers believe we want. You get all of your connectivity features like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Blue Link, and even wireless charging for your smartphone. There’s a 7-inch TFT instrument cluster that displays all important driver info. You also get all the latest safety gee-gaws like Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Departure Warning, Blind Spot Detection, and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert.
Yes, we should really be paying more attention, but no, we never seem to, hence you get stuff like this.
It’s under the hood where things are most interesting, drivetrain tech-wise.
“Developed for high energy efficiency without compromising driving performance, every Ioniq powertrain represents a unique and uncompromising solution towards a cleaner means of mobility,” reads a Hyundai Press Release. Photo: Hyundai Motor America.
Engine & Transmission Tech
The Ioniq Hybrid and Plugin Hybrid models both feature a new, Kappa 1.6L direct-injected, Atkinson-cycle four cylinder engine as the main motivator. The Atkinson-cycle helps the plant get a remarkable thermal efficiency of 40 percent. The engine puts out 104 horsepower and 109 lb-ft. of torque, which is not bad.
In the Ioniq, the Kappa plant has been shaped for its hybrid application and is combined with a quick-shifting, six speed double-clutch transmission known as the EcoShift. The transmission makes use of low-friction bearings and low-viscosity oil.
The electric motor is said to operate at speeds up to 75 mph and is tweaked to deliver lots of low end torque. That electric motor supplies 32 kW (43 horsepower) with a maximum torque output of 125 lb-ft. Power comes from a lithium-ion polymer battery with a 1.56 kWh capacity. The battery pack is located under the rear passenger seat, which helps with weight distribution.
Hyundai uses a lithium-ion polymer battery pack for all Ioniq models which is 20 percent lighter than non-polymer lithium-ion batteries and can be shaped more optimally to the interior than standard cell format batteries. This also provides lower memory sensitivity, excellent charge and discharge efficiency, and outstanding maximum output. Photo: Hyundai Motor America.
Long Ranges
So if you add up all the power plants, you get a total system output of 139 horsepower with an impressive EPA-estimated 58 mpg combined rating. Hyundai says that’s the highest rating of any non-plug-in vehicle sold in the United States. The Ioniq Plug-in Hybrid delivers an all-electric range of more than 27 miles, says Hyundai, which is good enough for short trips to grocery store and the like.
If you want to opt for the all electric Ioniq model with the 28 kWh lithium-ion polymer battery, your estimated driving range will be 124 miles. In the Ioniq Electric, the motor has a maximum output of 88 kW (118 horsepower) and 218 lb-ft. of torque. As far as efficiency goes, the Ioniq Electric has an EPA-estimated 136 MPGe rating. Hyundai says that’s the highest efficiency rating of any electric vehicle sold on the U.S. market, which probably bugs Elon Musk to no end.
Hyundai did not specify any prices, but c’mon. If Hyundais are known for anything, it’s not being overpriced. Ioniq owners will eventually receive welcome kits explaining the benefits, location, and use of the ChargePoint network, which is accessible through the MyHyundai/Blue Link app.
Tony Borroz has spent his entire life racing antique and sports cars. He means well, even if he has a bias towards lighter, agile cars rather than big engine muscle cars or family sedans.
Photos & Source: Hyundai Motor America.
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http://carsecret.atspace.eu/blog/2017-hyundai-ioniq-hybrid-electric-models-soon-to-hit-america/2017 Kia Niro Hybrid Touring Review
The all-new 2017 Kia Niro Hybrid stacks up against some pretty stiff competition in the hybrid crossover segment. The small crossover competes against the number one selling Toyota Prius, popular Ford C-Max Hybrid wagon, and Toyota RAV4 Hybrid.
However, it’s got a lot of appeal for crossover shoppers with its stylish exterior design, fuel-sipping drivetrain, and crossover utility.
This week we drove the 2017 Kia Niro Hybrid Touring, the top trim level.
What’s New
The 2017 Niro is an all-new model in the Kia lineup. The well-equipped Touring offers up a host of modern comfort features for consumers.
Features & Options
The Touring trim ($29,650) comes standard with 18-inch wheels, front and rear parking sensors, black front grille trim, a sunroof, door scuff plates, driver’s seat memory settings, ventilated and heated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. Other creature comforts include leather upholstery, a larger 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with navigation, HD and satellite radio, an eight-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, and LED interior lights.
Options on our Touring tester included the Advanced Tech Package ($1,900) with active safety systems like lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and forward collision warning. It also came with a 115 volt inverter and wireless phone charger.
Total MSRP including destination: $32,840.
Interior Highlights
The first thing we noticed upon getting this Niro Touring tester was the ease of entry. The Niro sits up a bit higher and getting in and out is easier than many small crossovers. My 6’ 8” passenger this week commented on the abundant headroom, a plus for taller drivers. As is typical for this price point, there’s still some hard surfaces that cover the doors, dash, and center console areas.
There are soft-touch surfaces on the upper parts of the dash and armrests, however.
The tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel and power driver’s seat have two-way lumbar and height adjustments that made it easy to find the perfect driving position. We put a lot of miles on our Niro but never felt tired or fatigued after longer trips.
In the back, there’s ample head and legroom, but there was no room behind my tall passenger when he moved the seat back to accommodate his 6’ 8” frame. Still, the rear seats split 60/40 and fold perfectly flat for a nice load floor. We had to load nine long boxes this week, and the small crossover had enough room for the extra cargo. There’s 19.4 cubic feet with all seats in place and 54.5 cubes when folded flat.
The rear hatch makes it convenient to load groceries and the kid’s sports equipment.
Engine & Fuel Mileage Specs
The 2017 Kia Niro is powered by a 1.6-liter four-cylinder hybrid-electric powertrain, producing 139 horsepower and 195 lb-ft. of torque. Power is sent to the front wheels via a six-speed, dual-clutch automatic transmission in lieu of the more conventional, continuously variable transmission (CVT) like we see on most small crossovers.
Unfortunately, all-wheel drive is not available.
EPA-estimates are 46/40 city/highway and 43 combined mpg.
Driving Dynamics
The 2017 Kia Niro delivers a satisfying driving experience in the city and on the open road. We experienced a fair amount of both this week as we traveled the city streets of Denver, and on the open road between Denver and Colorado Springs. The Niro is an ideal size vehicle for navigating busy streets as we made multiple U-turns, and had to cut across lanes of traffic to catch our exit.
On the open highway, there was a bit of road noise as we traveled 75 mph (yes that’s the speed limit) on the way to Colorado Springs. We especially enjoyed the Smart Cruise Control that not only keeps you at a constant speed, but will slow you down if you approach another car. It then gets the vehicle back up to your set speed when the traffic flow gets back to normal. It does all this without you ever touching the brake or gas pedal.
The Niro stayed planted in the tight mountain curves, thanks to a lower center of gravity because the batteries are mounted beneath the rear passenger seat. We thought the Niro handled more like a car than a crossover. With the six-speed automatic transmission, shifts come quick and smooth, providing a more pleasant driving experience when compared to a CVT automatic.
Conclusion
Overall, the new 2017 Kia Niro is a good city commuter, and should be a vehicle families check out. It gets excellent fuel mileage, has ample head and legroom for taller drivers, and it has the utility of a hatchback. It’s a pleasant ride at high cruising speeds or in stop-and-go city traffic.
Denis Flierl has invested over 25 years in the automotive industry in a variety of roles. Follow his work on Twitter: @CarReviewGuy
2017 Kia Niro Gallery
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2017 Kia Niro Official Site
Photo: Kia Motors America
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