BMW

BMW

Find The Car Of Your Dreams Through A BMW Las Vegas Dealer

The BMW has long been revered as one of the most luxury vehicles of its time. First introduced in 1913 Munich, Germany, the BMW has stood the test of time in offering customers quality they can depend on and luxury that is unsurpassed in the marketplace. BMW may be a European car but the American culture has embraced it as a high-end vehicle synonymous with success. And nowhere does that hold truer than in some of America’s most prestigious cities. It’s no wonder, therefore, that BMW Las Vegas continues to thrive in delivering customers luxury they expect.

In this city of glitz and glamour, residents and visitors alike have come to expect an elevated level of luxury – in everything from their homes, hotels, and restaurants, to the cars that they drive. BMW Las Vegas dealers keep pace with this demand for luxury by providing customers with a variety of vehicles that fit their lifestyle without compromising the unequaled quality of the BMW brand.

From sedans and compacts, to SUVs and motorcycles, BMW Las Vegas dealers know the vehicles that will excite their customers and offer high performance in this hot dessert climate.

When purchasing a BMW from a BMW Las Vegas dealer you can go online to shop and compare prices. Look to pre-owned vehicles or shop at the end of a calendar year in order to find deep discounts. You will find BMW Las Vegas dealer personnel to be friendly, helpful, and reflective of the BMW reputation for sophisticated and knowledgeable service.

But most importantly, your budget doesn’t have to hinder you from owning a BMW. Any BMW Las Vegas dealer will walk you through the different series of the BMW car and the ways in which you can parlay your budget into luxury vehicle ownership.

For visitors to the area, a BMW Las Vegas dealer can rent you the vehicle of your dreams in which to enjoy the city during your stay. For a very affordable price, you can live the lifestyle of BMW if only for a few days, basking in the luxury and comfort that comes with vehicles of this class. What better way to enjoy your vacation?

By Michelle Bery.

http://carsecret.atspace.eu/blog/bmw/

Bentley

Bentley

That Old Limousine Looks as Good as the Day it Was Made

Types of Vintage Limousines For those who want a vintage limousine with a more casual feel, the Rolls Royce Corniche Convertible from the 1960s is an excellent choice. This car is great for the summer months (most cars now have been upgraded to include air conditioning) and for the couple that wants a vehicle all to themselves, as it fits just two people. This car generally comes in a navy blue exterior with a leather interior.

A QueenÕs Silver Wraith Rolls Royce from the 1950s is the epitome of a high-class vintage limousine. Such a car generally comes with a navy blue or white exterior and a comfortable leather interior. It can hold up to four people, and is often equipped with am AM FM radio and a privacy window separating the driver from the passengers.

The Rolls Royce Bentley S1 from the 1950s is a great choice for those who love the look of a luxury car with a white exterior and a leather interior. Like the QueenÕs Silver Wraith, this type of Rolls Royce can also comfortably fit four people.

The price of renting a vintage limousine depends on where one chooses to rent from, the type of vehicles that are available, and how long one wants to rent one for. It should, however, be noted that it will not be inexpensive to rent one of these cars. Regardless of the price, a vintage limousine is a memorable and romantic way to drive in style.

Rent a Vintage Limousine for a Special Event When one thinks of events like weddings, one generally thinks of using a very special vehicle such as a limousine as a means of transportation, since it is a special way to go to and from a special event. While one could rent the standard limousine, renting a vintage limousine would be a classic and special way to attend any romantic event.

Who Would Rent a Vintage Limousine? Vintage limousines are perfect for the couple that love classic cars and that movie star feel from the 1940s, 1950s, and 1960s. Vintage limousines are perfect also for the couple that is celebrating a 50th wedding anniversary, since the vehicle would remind them of the era in which they first fell in love.

By Brian Gill.

 


http://carsecret.atspace.eu/blog/bentley/

A Comprehensive Look At The Technology Behind The 2018 Hyundai Ioniq

A Comprehensive Look At The Technology Behind The 2018 Hyundai Ioniq The eco-friendly Ioniq has three different electrified powertrains on a single, dedicated platform Hyundai says offers the latest safety and convenience technologies. The model range has been simplified to include only two trims, Electric and Limited, while a Plug-in Hybrid model joins the lineup. Overall, the Ioniq offers buyers an efficient mode of transportation at a fairly modest price point.
Power & Performance
Ioniq Plug-In Hybrid
The 2018 Ioniq Plug-in Hybrid provides an all-electric range of more than 29 miles, 119 MPGe in EV mode, and 52 mpg in hybrid mode. Hyundai utilizes a Kappa 1.6-liter direct-injected Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder engine with improved thermal efficiency. It’s paired to a six-speed double-clutch transmission and a 45kW (60 horsepower) electric motor. The electric motor can function up to 75 mph, with instantaneous torque at low speeds and available power-assist at higher speeds.
Ioniq Hybrid
The Ioniq Hybrid’s 32 kW electric motor creates 43 horsepower and an estimated maximum torque of 125 lb-ft.; the lithium-ion polymer battery has a 1.56 kWh capacity. Total system output is 139 horsepower with an EPA-estimated 58 combined mpg, the highest rating of any non-plug-in vehicle in the United States, according to Hyundai.
Ioniq Electric
Customers can opt for the Ioniq Electric, a completely electric vehicle with a 28 kWh lithium-ion polymer battery and an estimated range of 124 miles. The 88 kW electric motor, paired to a single-speed, reduction-gear transmission, has a maximum output of 118 horsepower and 218 lb-ft. of torque. According to Hyundai, the Ioniq Electric’s EPA-estimated 136 MPGe rating is the highest of any electric vehicle in the United States.
2018 Hyundai Ioniq Electric. Photo: Hyundai Motor America.
Battery Composition
One of the central components of the Ioniq is the battery, designed to be compact, lightweight, and highly efficient. Battery power for each Ioniq model comes from something called a permanent magnet synchronous motor. Hyundai says the parts were “optimized by reducing the thickness of core components by up to 10 percent and adopting rectangular-section copper wire to decrease core and copper loss.”
The lithium-ion polymer battery pack is 20 percent lighter than non-polymer lithium-ion batteries, something Hyundai believes is key for efficiency and interior room. With the battery’s placement (under the rear seats) and the vehicle’s center of gravity taken into account, the Ioniq Hybrid provides over 120 cubic feet of total interior volume. The Ioniq Plug-in Hybrid and the Ioniq Electric, despite having larger battery systems, still offer nearly 120 cubic feet of interior volume. The Ioniq Electric has Level 3 DC fast-charging capability.
Transmission Tech
The Ioniq Plug-in Hybrid and Hybrid both feature the aforementioned six-speed EcoShift dual-clutch transmission. Low-friction bearings and low-viscosity oil are hallmarks of the transmission, designed to be more fun to drive. Hyundai notes the criticisms of Continuously Variable Transmissions, saying the “rubber band-like acceleration” synonymous with the typical hybrid is not a characteristic of the Ioniq. Drivers can even select a Sport mode which holds the lower gears for longer, and combines engine and electric motor power for more spirited driving.
Light & Tight
Hyundai’s engineers pursued significant weight reduction targets to increase efficiency and performance. Aluminum was utilized for the hood and tailgate, which dropped 27 lbs. from the Ioniq. The lead-acid auxiliary 12V battery found in other hybrids was cut from the Ioniq Hybrid, a savings of 26 lbs. Less obvious components, like the cargo screen cover, saw a weight reduction.
The Ioniq Plug-in Hybrid and Hybrid use a multi-link rear suspension, complete with dual lower control arms to enhance ride and handling. Aluminum usage throughout the suspension saves about 22 lbs. – roughly 13 lbs. in the front and another nine in the rear. The Ioniq Electric utilizes a torsion-beam rear axle, providing more space for the 28 kWh lithium-ion polymer batteries. The steering and regenerative braking systems received additional tweaks while Michelin low-rolling-resistance tires were added. Overall, Hyundai says the focus was to create a responsive and engaging vehicle.
Structurally, the Ioniq is more than 50 percent advanced high-strength steel to provide the torsional rigidity necessary for both performance and safety. Over 470 feet worth of advanced structural adhesives are employed to increase rigidity and facilitate weight reduction.
2018 Hyundai Ioniq Plug-in Hybrid. Photo: Hyundai Motor America.
Aerodynamic Art
Similar to the weight reduction measures, specific aerodynamic targets were set. Throughout development, engineers and designers worked closely to ensure a stylish and functional design. Applications like front wheel air curtains, a rear spoiler and diffuser, side sill moldings, and a closed-wheel design contribute to a high aerodynamic efficiency of 0.24 Cd. Further, the Plug-in Hybrid and Hybrid feature a three-stage active air flap integrated with the front grille.
Hyundai says form and function evolved simultaneously in a complementary fashion, something Ioniq buyers will likely appreciate.
Eco Interior
Recycled and other ecologically-sensitive materials are found inside the Ioniq, one of the car’s most interesting but little known facts. The interior door covers are made of plastic combined with powdered wood and volcanic stone, and there are less oil-based products inside overall. Raw materials extracted from sugar cane were applied on the headliner and carpet, for example. Renewable ingredients extracted from soybean oil were used for the metallic paint seen on the Ioniq’s various components.
Photo: Hyundai Motor America.
Connectivity & Security
The 2018 Ioniq features Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Hyundai’s Blue Link connectivity services. The latter offers Remote Start with Climate Control, Destination Search powered by Google, Remote Door Lock/Unlock, Car Finder, Enhanced Roadside Assistance, and Stolen Vehicle Recovery. Blue Link is also compatible with Amazon Alexa, Android Wear, and Apple Watch.
Advanced safety features include Smart Cruise Control, Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Departure Warning with Lane Keep Assist, and Dynamic Bending Lights. There are seven total airbags, including a driver’s knee airbag.
Color Choices
The Ioniq comes in Black Noir Pearl, Symphony Air Silver, Electric Blue Metallic, Ceramic White, Summit Gray, and a new Scarlet Red for the Hybrid model.
Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and resides in Detroit, Michigan. 
Photos & Source: Hyundai Motor America.



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2018 Mazda MX-5 Miata Gets Dark Cherry Top, Adds More Goodies

2018 Mazda MX-5 Miata Gets Dark Cherry Top, Adds More Goodies Well, that’s an interesting option. Mazda just added a bunch of stuff to their new MX-5, but the one they’re making the biggest deal about is how there’s a new color available for the soft top. For some reason, they thought red (okay Dark Cherry) would be a good color to go with. It doesn’t immediately strike me as a great idea, but the more I look at it, the more it seems to work.
More Everything Please
The 2018 MX-5 (nee’ Miata) is the fourth in the long running series of Mazda’s very successful roadsters. Although I have sadly not driven the new model yet, literally everyone I’ve talked to says they’re amazing little cars. Mazda has been able to trim the weight way down, around 2,200 lbs., while upping the engine output and adding lots of comfort and tech frosting. For example, the 2018 MX-5 Sport adds an infotainment system with a 7-inch color touchscreen, Bluetooth connectivity, USB port, and HD Radio. Further, the MX-5 Grand Touring comes standard with seemingly everything: heated, leather-trimmed seats, automatic climate control, automatic on/off headlights, Lane Departure Warning, navigation, rain-sensing windshield wipers, and additional sound absorption material in the cloth headliner.
Mazda has also tweaked the chassis a little bit for 2018. The soft top’s rear suspension and power steering have been retuned to provide even more grip and positive turn-in. Mazda also says these tweaks improve unwanted cabin noise.
Limited Edition?
Mazda has also added an Auburn-colored interior package and Nappa leather seating surfaces for the MX-5 Grand Touring. Previously you could only get that in the MX-5 RF Launch Edition. This is a great example of a typical Miata switch-er-oo, and Mazda has long done this. Make a limited-edition car with a given, usually quite attractive color, and then 6 months later, offer that color as a basic option choice. The first gens only came in three colors, white, blue, and red; then Mazda, after much clamoring from the masses, offered British Racing Green in the first ever limited M-Edition. And about 1,000 people were happy. And then six months later, you could get a British Racing Green Miata just by ticking a box and about 1,000 people were very unhappy. So I do empathize with those out there that ponied up the extra dollars for the RF Launch Edition.
In August of 2016, Mazda said a select group of customers had been notified via email with a window of time to reserve an MX-5 RF Launch Edition before ordering opened to the public. Mazda said each vehicle was “being made to order.” Photo: Mazda North American Operations.
Joining The Club
As with Miatas gone by, the 2018 comes in three basic trim levels. The Sport is the entry-level model, the Club is the performance-oriented, factory stripper/Autocross model with all the go-fast goodies, and the Grand Touring represents the full-zoot. This goes without saying, but any of these choices will get you a very sharp knife of a car that can out-corner and out-brake 99 percent of the cars out there, but the one you really want is the Club; the MX-5 Club is an even sharper knife.
MX-5 Club now comes with heated cloth seats with red stitching, which is a great idea if you like to drive with the top down in colder weather. It also comes standard with 17-inch aluminum alloy wheels, so you can buy a much wider variety of aftermarket tires to tweak the performance further. If you opt for the six-speed manual (and you really should, because Miatas have the best gear selector outside of a Formula Ford), then you also get Bilstein shocks, a limited-slip differential, and a shock tower brace. Yes, you will notice the difference with those three performance additions.
Speaking of performance additions, the MX-5 Club has an available Brembo/BBS Package which now includes a RECARO Package with heated cloth RECARO sport seats. You will also notice the aerodynamic side still extensions, a rear bumper skirt, forged 17-inch BBS wheels, and front Brembo brakes. That translates into a car that can stop on a dime and give you nine cents change. See what I mean? The MX-5 Club is the one you want.
Pricing & Availability
Pricing for the 2018 Mazda MX-5 Miata starts around $25,000 for the Sport with a manual, up to over $31,000 for the Grand Touring. The Brembo/BBS and Brembo/BBS RECARO packages will tack on roughly another $3,700 to $4,500. The new MX-5 is arriving at dealerships now with nationwide availability by next month. If you buy one, you know which one. Yeah, that one!
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. 
Photos & Source: Mazda North American Operations.



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The all-new 2019 Genesis G70 is the BMW 3-Series' latest worry

The all-new 2019 Genesis G70 is the BMW 3-Series' latest worry The latest from Hyundai’s newly established luxury brand is here to make the Germans quiver in their shoes.

What’s going on?
Amid a massive concert featuring some of America’s greatest pop stars in South Korea, Hyundai’s new luxury sub-brand, Genesis, revealed its latest concoction. Meet the 2019 Genesis G70 sedan, the BMW 3-Series’ latest contender from the Far East.
Many years in the making with plenty of hype and anticipation to accompany, the new Genesis G70 seeks to steal buyers away from the traditional European, and even Japanese, automakers currently dominating the compact sports sedan segment. And there’s a lot of participation. Besides the BMW 3-Series, the G70 joins the battlegrounds currently occupied by the Audi A4, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Jaguar XE, Alfa Romeo Giulia, and even America’s Cadillac ATS.
Can Genesis put a dent in one of the most competitive market segments in the entire automotive industry? We think so, and on paper, the G70 is very promising.
“The Genesis G70 is the latest demonstration of our dedication to delivering innovative, customer-oriented vehicles,” said Vice Chairman Dr. Woong-Chul Yang. “We will continue to focus our R&D efforts on the development and expansion of the Genesis brand. It is a great point of pride to have Genesis showcase what a true luxury brand of Korean origin can present to our discerning customers.”
It’s genesis for Genesis









































With the intent to compete with the BMW 3-Series, the Genesis G70 has some big shoes to fill. As a looker, the G70 provides a new take on the compact luxury sports sedan in the exterior design department. For instance, it doesn’t particularly act like it’s trying to mimic any of its competition. Instead, the G70 sports various aesthetic traits that clearly separate it from the competition. As a result, the G70 is unique in its own right, meshing a hint of European influence with South Korean Gangam-style flare.
Luc Donkerwolke, formerly of Bentley, calls the new G70 a true representation of Genesis’s new “athletic elegance” design theme.
“At Genesis, we shape fascination and desire with the passion, dedication and talent from our designers. We modulated all parameters from the Genesis DNA to tailor a sports sedan. This challenge required the highest skills and know-how. The G70 is designed to captivate all senses with its sensuous and tensioned muscular volumes.”
Inside, the Genesis G70’s interior appointments also seem well up to the task. It visually offers a luxury feel with a hint of sportiness. To prove that Genesis is serious about upping its performance driving game, the dashboard is angled towards the driver. That’s so the G70s infotainment and center stack can be easily controlled, much like the glory days of some old BMWs.
But it’s not all just show…
There’s plenty of go too with the choice of a 2.0L turbocharged gasoline inline-four, a range-topping 3.3L twin-turbo V6, and a 2.2L turbodiesel inline-four for Asian and European markets. The 2.0L GDI gas four is one we’ve become familiar with, offering around 250 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of twist. Though equip the sport package and the horsepower rating gets a subtle bump.
The 3.3L twin-turbo GDI V6 is another engine we’re already familiar with, serving duty in the latest G80 and G90 sedans. That’s good for around 370hp and 376 lb-ft of twist, which allows the fastest G70 to hit 62 miles per hour in just 4.7 seconds.
Genesis didn’t specify, but we imagine the company’s preexisting eight-speed automatic will serve cog swapping duty.
And it’s not just all power either…
Supporting the G70’s promising performance is a multi-link rear suspension setup, dynamic torque vectoring, and even a standard mechanical limited-slip differential. This is the kind of stuff that we’ve come to expect from German competition. But to find it on a new luxury sports sedan that’s the first of its kind from Korea is even more surprising.
To tweak the handling performance, Genesis says the G70 was extensively tested in extreme situations. From Death Valley, USA, to the “Green Hell” Nurburgring, to the Austrian Alps, and the northern end of Sweden, Genesis wanted to ensure the most optimal handling, performance, and durability in the most challenging of climates.
This of course means we can expect the G70 to come loaded with lots of kit. The list ranges from Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a 15-speaker Lexicon surround audio system, and voice recognition. All of it is controlled by an eight-inch LCD touchscreen.
How much will it cost and when will it go on sale?
Genesis didn’t announce priving as of yet. But such specific details will be revealed sometime in early 2018.
– By: Chris Chin
2019 Genesis G70 Quick Specifications
Category
 Genesis G70
Length (mm)
4,685
Width (mm)
1,850
Height (mm)
1,400
Wheelbase (mm)
2,835

Overhang
(mm)
F
805
R
1,045
Engine Type
Lambda II 3.3 T-GDI
Theta II 2.0 T-GDI
R-FR 2.2 VGT
Drive Configuration
RWD
AWD
RWD
AWD
RWD
AWD

Fuel Economy
(km/ℓ)
9.0(19”)
8.6(19”)
10.7(18”)
10.4(19”)
10.0(18”)
9.5(19”)

15.2(17”)
14.5(18”)

13.6(17”)
13.5(18”)
Displacement
(cc)
3,342
1,998
2,199
Max Power
(ps)
370

252
(Sports Package: 255)
202
Max Torque
(kg·m)
52.0
36.0
45.0
2019 Genesis G70 Photo Gallery





























































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Audi

Audi

Audi Q7: Still Bearing the Classic Touch

 
The Audi Q7 was first unveiled for an exclusive group of journalists. However, it was a closed-door affair that turned out to be quite a successful one with several people from Audi of America joining in to answer any questions regarding the new Audi Q7. The new Audi Q7 is built on the very same platform that is also used by the Volkswagen Touareg and the Porsche Cayenne. It also holds a wheelbase that is quite longer than the Volkswagen Touareg by almost six inches. This kind of wheelbase then provides the Audi Q7 an overall look that exudes a sleek and stretched look.

The Audi Q7 is a sport utility vehicle. This vehicle has proportions that when combined work out very nicely providing a strong look. The vehicle contains and features headlights, tail lights, rear view mirrors and door handles that exude the traditional look that is considered to be simply an Audi. The Audi Q7 SUV has a grill that goes well with the vehicleÕs painted horizontal strip and as well as the adopted standard dark gray that is quite standard for AudiÕs vehicle lineup. Compared to the other models in the Audi family, the chrome strip around the grille for the Audi Q7 is considered to be quite narrow thus assisting greatly in making the grille of the Audi Q7 look a less overpowering.

It could be noticed that the Audi Q7 has the very same classic proportions that Audi Avants have. This includes a high shoulder line, a narrow window area, a sloping roofline that moves towards the rear of the Audi Q7, and an angled rear window. These all combine to provide a classy look for this sport utility vehicle. Basically, the taillights of the Audi Q7 are very much like the Audi Avant with its tips forming top corners of the license plate opening. Other than that, the Audi Q7 also has a rear bumper that has two long and thin reflectors mounted on it. This rear bumper holds the added assumed function of being turn signals or rear fog lights.

Setting the Audi Q7 apart from the Volkswagen Touareg and the Porsche Cayenne is this vehicleÕs optional third row seating. The center row for this sport utility vehicle has the ability to fold back down and slide forward, thus giving ample and easy access to the rear seating. It also contains a middle row that has the capacity to slide forward and provide more legroom for the rear seats. As for the third row, this entire row of seats could fold flat on the floor when it is not utilized. This gives more cargo area in the rear. The Audi Q7 also has an electronic control for this third row.

For impressive collections of Audi parts, customers can visit www.partstrain.com. This online store holds the latest in innovative and stylish Audi parts. Auto Parts Online is where customers can order genuine Audi parts and accessories at wholesale prices. Auto Parts Online supplies superior and highly durable Audi parts currently available.

By Jenny McLane.


http://carsecret.atspace.eu/blog/audi/

Letter From The UK: Living With The Automobile

Letter From The UK: Living With The Automobile
I like where I live. It facilitates ease of access to both the countryside and the malls, where I have spent many happy hours in my car waiting for my dear lady wife. Looking out from the slightly higher viewpoint of my home, I can see suburbia spread out before me like a model village where nothing ever goes wrong. Out there, lining the streets and driveways and alleys of the neighborhood are the cars. Some old, some younger, a few new and all mainstream, products of an auto advertising world of such efficiency, such power, as to convince seemingly sentient human beings the “crossover” is something other than a tall hatchback.
There is the occasional surprise; rounding a corner I came across a $190,000 Honda NSX casually parked on the street, but mostly the motors are middle-of-the-road.
It is my contention that most people, gearheads excepted, don’t really care too much about the car they buy as long as it does the job. Judging by some of the choices made, folks buy or lease what they like the look of within their budget. They have little interest in emissions or top speeds or alloy wheel size. They really don’t give a hoot nor a holler neither about how quickly it gets to 60 mph, and it is doubtful if more than a handful could tell you their vehicle’s European NCAP safety rating. Yet they have allowed themselves to be swayed by the anti-diesel lobby that the fuel is the work of the very devil himself.

The Diesel Question
The old argument used to be that, if you drove more than ten thousand miles per annum, you would be financially better off buying a car with a diesel engine. Indeed, in the olden times of the late 20th century, we were actively persuaded right up to government level that diesel-powered cars where a good thing.
And then one day they weren’t.
Use of the fuel became a bad thing because of the emission of diesel particulates, which we were lead to believe was poisoning perambulating pedestrians. This was not a revelation: We knew about them but not necessarily about the true carcinogenic effects. Meanwhile, the petrochemical and auto industries have been working hard to satisfy European regulations. Diesel has never been cleaner and, since all such vehicles have to be fitted with ever more efficient particulate filters within their exhaust systems, the harmful emissions have been reduced. Notwithstanding this, the rot has set in and diesel sales have fallen off a cliff. Buyers spurn them.
Diesel sales continue to fall. There was a huge decline during November, down by 30.6 percent for the month; whilst petrol vehicle sales have risen by five percent. This was the seventh month of decline. Alternative-fueled cars continue to pick up pace, however. November saw a 33 percent rise in registrations. It is diesel that has suffered the most, like the ugliest dog in the pound.

The Catch
In the rush to demonise diesel, the naysayers seem to have forgotten that, for the most part, modern diesel cars emit less emissions overall than their petrol counterparts. The result is that, in Great Britain, CO² outpourings have risen for the first time in fourteen years! This, say car industry bosses, is because buyers have turned their backs on diesel.
The CEO of the Society of Motor Manufacturers & Traders in the UK is quoted as saying, “falling business and consumer confidence is being exacerbated by ongoing anti-diesel messages from government. Diesel remains the right choice for many drivers, not least because of its fuel economy and lower CO2 emissions.”
They say a little knowledge is a dangerous thing. It might be apposite to add that a little knowledge in the hands of government can often be disastrous for industry.
In 2018, the Chevy Cruze (both sedan and hatchback) will be available with a 1.6-liter turbo-diesel engine. With an EPA-estimated 52 highway mpg, the Cruze diesel has the highest highway fuel economy of any non-hybrid/non-EV in the United States. Photo: Chevrolet.
The Brexit Effect
It is fair to say the imminent exit of the UK from the European Union has had an economic effect. There is less consumer confidence owing to the uncertainty. Sales of luxury goods like cars are way down. This is of course, in an effort to deflect attention from incompetence, partly due to those in power fanning the bonfire of Brexit with a big hat, but it is also true that Joe Public is hanging onto his trusty car for a bit longer.
Yet still the new cars come, the newest and the latest, all offering very little more than the model before. They gleam and glimmer from the showrooms like metal harlots, promising much but ultimately never really satisfying. The trouble is, we’ve become so used to living with the automobile as part of the family lifestyle that I don’t imagine for a moment we will ever want to give them up, whatever motive power comes next. The car industry certainly hopes so.
Geoff Maxted is a motoring writer, photographer, and author of our Letter From The UK series. Follow his work on Twitter: @DriveWrite



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2018 Nissan Titan & Titan XD: Pricing & Performance Overview

2018 Nissan Titan & Titan XD: Pricing & Performance Overview Nissan has announced pricing and packaging details for the 2018 Titan and Titan XD. The biggest news for the trucks is the availability of the Midnight Edition Package, found on seven other Nissan vehicles. The automaker continues to promote what they call “America’s Best Truck Warranty,” which provides Titan owners with bumper-to-bumper coverage for 5 years or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first.
Here is a look at what the 2018 Nissan Titan and Titan XD will offer.
Custom Appointments
The Midnight Edition designation dresses the Titan straight from the factory with a body color grille, body color front and rear bumpers, dark headlamps, dark charcoal interior trim, and a special “Midnight Edition” exterior badge. Blacked-out treatments include the fog lamp finishers, mirrors, door handles, step rails, and the truck’s 20-inch wheels. The Midnight Edition package is available on Titan and Titan XD Crew Cab SV and SL grades, in either a 4×2 or 4×4 configuration.
Configurations & Features
The 2018 Nissan Titan is available in nine Crew Cab, five King Cab, and four Single Cab drive and grade configurations. Available features to help with hauling and towing include an Integrated Trailer Brake Controller, Trailer Sway Control, Tow/Haul Mode with Downhill Speed Control, and a Trailer Light Check system. The new Nissan Titan also has a number of available convenience and safety features, including navigation, voice recognition, Blind Spot Warning, and Rear Cross Traffic Alert among others.
Power & Performance
Every Titan is powered by the 5.6-liter Endurance V8 which produces 390 horsepower and 394 lb-ft. of torque. Nissan says the engine utilizes advanced Variable Valve Event & Lift, which combines hydraulic-controlled variable valve timing and electronically controlled variable valve lift on the intake side for crisp response. The engine’s Direct Injection Gas technology, according to Nissan, provides better wide-open throttle performance and improved fuel economy.
The 5.6-liter Endurance V8 is mated to a 7-speed automatic transmission. When properly equipped, the 2018 Nissan Titan can tow up to 9,740 lbs., with a maximum payload capacity of 1,950 lbs.
Photos: Nissan North America.
Titan XD
Nissan truck buyers needing a little more bite can opt for the Titan XD, the bigger brother of the Titan pack. The XD offers some larger truck capability with pricing closer to that of a half-ton. When properly equipped, the XD can pull 12,310 lbs. with a max payload capacity of 2,080 lbs. Now in its third year, the XD offers Crew, King, and Single Cab body styles, two bed lengths, 4×4 or 4×2 configurations, and five grade levels. In addition to the 5.6-liter Endurance V8, a Cummins 5.0-liter V8 Turbo Diesel is available.
The Cummins engine features the M2 two-stage turbo system, which reduces lag by carefully balancing between high-pressure and low-pressure turbos. The patented Rotary Turbine Control provides solid performance across the powerband and manages exhaust gas temperatures, according to Nissan. Weight was cut by utilizing compacted graphite iron for the cylinder block; other lightweight components consist of high-strength aluminum-alloy heads and composite valve covers.
Like its Titan sibling, the XD offers the same aforementioned features to assist with hauling and towing. The Titan XD’s RearView Monitor with Trailer Guides help with backing up to a trailer; an available Intelligent Around View Monitor will help with visibility around the truck.
Photo: Nissan North America.
Pricing & Availability
The 2018 Nissan Titan and Titan XD are arriving now at dealerships nationwide. Below are pricing charts for each of the available models.
Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and resides in Detroit, Michigan. 
Titan S Single Cab 4×2
$29,780 USD
Titan SV King Cab 4×4
$39,160 USD
Titan PRO-4X Crew Cab 4×4
$45,670 USD
Titan SL Crew Cab 4×2
$47,030 USD
Titan Platinum Crew Cab 4×4
$56,050 USD
Titan XD Gas SV Single Cab 4×4
$38,720 USD
Titan XD Gas S King Cab 4×4
$36,790 USD
Titan XD Gas PRO-4X King Cab 4×4
$45,640 USD
Titan XD Gas SL Crew Cab 4×2
$49,160 USD
Titan XD Gas Platinum Crew Cab 4×2
$54,530 USD
Titan XD Diesel SV Single Cab 4×2
$41,740 USD
Titan XD Diesel S King Cab 4×4
$43,840 USD
Titan XD Diesel PRO-4X Crew Cab 4×4
$53,130 USD
Titan XD Diesel SL Crew Cab 4×4
$57,440 USD
Titan XD Diesel Platinum Crew Cab 4×4
$63,360 USD
Photos & Source: Nissan North America.



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2017 Mercedes-Benz Metris Passenger Van Review

2017 Mercedes-Benz Metris Passenger Van Review
Do you have people-moving requirements but don’t need a large, expensive full-size van? Enter the Mercedes-Benz Metris Passenger Van. It slots perfectly between small and full-size vans, becoming the only passenger van of its kind on the market. It’s fairly sparse on features and it doesn’t come with the typical Mercedes-Benz price tag. It does come, however, with a direct-injected turbo engine which delivers good fuel mileage for its size.
What’s New For 2017
Mercedes-Benz now offers a new Worker model available for both Cargo and Passenger configurations. They come with the same standard features as the regular models, but the limited number of configurations allows for a lower base price.
Features & Options
The 2017 Mercedes-Benz Metris Passenger Van ($32,900) comes standard with 17-inch steel wheels, automatic headlights, remote locking and unlocking, air-conditioning, adjustable steering wheel with mounted shift paddles, 2nd and 3rd row removable seats, Bluetooth connectivity, and a USB port.
Passenger models also get rear air-conditioning, heated rear window with washers and wipers, rear window tinting, and a nine-speaker audio system. All Metris vans have right and left side sliding rear doors. Further back, you’ll find 180-degree rear cargo doors. This Metris tester came with the optional power sliding doors on the right and left side ($760 each). Total MSRP, including destination: $35,415.





Interior Highlights
Inside the Mercedes-Benz Metris, it’s all about function and not so much about luxury. This van is for hauling customers around town in an efficient manner. When we first got in the van to drive it for Christmas weekend, we couldn’t find the outside mirror remote adjustment. Well, it didn’t have one. 
There’s lots of room for the driver and passenger up front with plenty of head and elbow room for comfort. A long dash, tall windshield, and short hood give the driver a sense of spaciousness, plus excellent visibility for trips around the city. The driver’s seat is surprisingly comfortable for those frequent journeys that involve transporting people and their cargo. This van would be ideal for picking up and delivering passengers and their luggage as they arrive and depart from the airport. 
This Metris tester came with the optional power sliding rear doors, which the driver can control from the cockpit. This makes it easy to load and unload, and step-in height is just 18.5 inches, allowing easy in-and-out. The seat height is just right so passengers can slide in and out easily. The vinyl flooring, which covers the front and passenger areas, makes it easy to clean up spills. 
There’s two rows behind the driver and seating for seven total including the driver. The second row has two seats pushed to the left making it easy to enter the third row. The third row will seat adults comfortably, and there’s ample room behind for bags, suitcases, and other items. Second and third rows are removable so the van can be used to haul even more cargo when needed.





Engine & Fuel Mileage Specs
Powering the 2017 Mercedes-Benz Metris is a turbocharged, 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 208 horsepower and 258 lb-ft. of torque. It’s paired with a seven-speed automatic transmission, transferring power to the rear wheels. EPA fuel mileage estimates come in at 20/23 city/highway and 22 combined mpg.
Driving Dynamics
The Mercedes-Benz Metris passenger hauler had more power than we expected, although we never had a van full of people to pull around. It could be called energetic compared to what you’ll find in other small passenger/cargo vans. The turbo 2.0-liter engine powered us up I-70 at altitude with minimal effort.
In terms of handling, we didn’t have high expectations for the Metris, however, the van is far from sloppy and even somewhat fun to drive around town, making those people-hauling commutes less of a chore. The 7-speed automatic transmission upshifts and downshifts quickly, especially through the steep grades we pushed the Metris on over the holiday weekend. Crosswinds were quite noticeable near the I-70 and Morrison portions of the highway, despite the load-adaptive stability control feature with Crosswind Assist.
The large, dark tinted side windows offer customers a comfortable place to view the outside world, without the outside world’s prying eyes seeing inside. Our only complaint with the Metris is how it isn’t offered with all-wheel drive. We experienced a snowfall in the mountains and the rear-drive passenger van struggled as we hit snowy and icy spots on our drive.
Conclusion
If you have a business that requires you to move people or cargo but don’t need a large, expensive full-size van, the 2017 Mercedes-Benz Metris is worth a serious look. For around $35,000, you get a capable people mover that won’t cost a fortune at the pump and can navigate city streets easily.
Denis Flierl has invested over 25 years in the automotive industry in a variety of roles. Follow his work on Twitter: @CarReviewGuy
2017 Mercedes-Benz Metris Gallery























Mercedes-Benz Metris Passenger Van Official Site.
Photos: MBUSA.



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