2017 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV Makes U.S. Debut

The era of plugins is upon us. Although customers may not exactly be beating down dealers’ doors for them, looming EPA fuel economy standards are forcing automakers to build them to be nominally compliant with the regulations. For those customers that see the value in the concept and don’t have a lavish budget to spend on something like the Volvo XC90 T8 Twin Engine, Mitsubishi will offer its popular Outlander midsize crossover with a plug-in option in the U.S. market for the 2017 model year.
The system consists of a 2.0L I-4 gas engine paired with two electric motors, one at each axle. The system will automatically switch between three drive modes depending on state of charge and driving conditions: full EV, series hybrid, and parallel hybrid. Providing power to the PHEV system is a 12 kWh lithium-ion battery pack. For comparison, a Chevy Volt’s pack is 18.4 kWh. Mitsubishi promises a “high” electric range and an excellent mpg rating. Neither figure was officially
The usual suite of safety features will be available on the Outlander PHEV, including around-view camera, forward collision mitigation with pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability will also be baked in. The Outlander PHEV will be in Mitsubishi showrooms starting in fall 2016.

2017 Aston Martin Vanquish

We start with the bad news: As previously reported, Aston Martin’s glorious-sounding naturally aspirated V-12 engine won’t be making the transition to the new DB11. The engine that has powered all of the company’s larger products since 2003, and was essentially two Ford Duratec V-6s joined at the crank, is soon to be retired and we will not hear its heavenly wail again. Black armbands will be issued.

Let’s cheer ourselves up by skipping straight to the better news, namely that the DB11has resisted the trend of reduced cylinder count and is keeping a V-12, in this case a new twin-turbocharged unit that Aston has developed itself. (We’ll have to wait until the replacement for the smaller Vantage to meet the first AMG-powered Aston.) The new 5.2-liter V-12 shares bore centers with the old 5.9-liter engine and will be built at Aston’s engine plant in Cologne, but everything else about it is claimed to be new. We suspect that the engine’s 600 horsepower—60 more than the DB9 GT—will help most potential buyers move on quickly from the pain of losing the old naturally aspirated engine. It also produces 516 lb-ft of torque, available from 1500 rpm to 5000 rpm. By contrast, the DB9’s max of 457 lb-ft arrived at a lofty 5500 rpm.

2016 Cadillac Eldorado Changes and Review

This model was first introduced in 1952 and was in the production for fifty years. Eleven generations later, the production ended in 2002. Now this historic vehicle is back. For all the admirers of one of the Cadillac’s favorite models, the long wait will definitely be worth it. 2016 Cadillac Eldorado will undergo a lot of changes that will make interior and exterior of this model better than ever before. When it comes to the design of the new Eldorado, it is still hard to predict the specific aspects. We will probably see a combination of two fashion languages: Ciel and Elmiraj. This means that we will see a lot of modern elements, but the model will still stay true to its classic roots. The elegant and stylish design will be continued to the interior. The cabin will feature a lot of high quality materials including camel-colored leather, backlit titanium strips and hand-carved Brazilian rosewood. Next to the great looks and high level of comfort, new model will also be equipped with latest technological and safety features. This will make the new Eldorado more user-friendly and make the overall driving experience more enjoyable.

2017 Lexus LC 500: A Jaw-Dropping 467-hp Luxury Coupe

At the LC 500 unveiling at the Detroit Auto Show, Lexus Chief Branding Officer and Master Driver Akio Toyoda kicked off his remarks by reading a list of descriptions of Lexus from the motoring press. Words like "boring" and "bland" were featured. With the LC 500, Toyoda hopes to abolish that impression entirely.
Powered by the same naturally aspirated 5.0-liter V8 found in the RC F and the GS F, the new LC 500 wears styling that's shockingly similar to the original concept car. That swoopy body rests on an all-new, rear-wheel-drive platform dubbed GA-L. Lexus says it prioritized a low center of gravity and excellent weight distribution in this first iteration of the chassis, which along with aluminum, carbon-fiber, and composite bodywork, provides the LC 500 with a 52/48 front/rear weight distribution
The LC 500's 467 horses and 389 lb.-ft. of torque are sent through an all-new 10-speed automatic transmission. Six-piston front and four-piston rear brake calipers counteract a claimed 0-60 sprint of "less than 4.5 seconds."

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Hyundai planning pure electric Genesis model

The market for luxury EVs is set to grow bigger by at least one model. The latest is set to come from Genesis, the new luxury brand launched by Hyundai.

The news, according to Reuters, was revealed by the brand's chief executive Manfred Fitzgerald at the Busan Motor Show in South Korea. "We will definitely go as Genesis brand down the road of alternative propulsions and it is very, very obvious that EV is definitely on the map," said Fitzgerald "I think full electric cars will be the future in the auto industry."

The executive stopped short of providing further details or a timeline for the EV's eventual launch, however it's not the first alternative powertrain the brand will offer. The G80 (pictured) is set to gain a diesel version to join the existing gasoline model, aimed principally at the vital European market that Genesis' key rivals call home.

The electric Genesis would join a growing field of luxury EVs. Faraday Future is taking aim at Tesla, German automakers like Audi, BMW, Mercedes, and Porsche are expected to launch upscale electric vehicles – and others are likely to follow.

Fitzgerald recently signed on as Senior Vice President at the Hyundai group to oversee the Genesis brand, having previously served as branding chief at Lamborghini. He is one of a number of Westerners recruited by Hyundai's vice chairman and heir apparent Chung Eui-sun, the impetus for the upscale brand's launch, alongside the likes of designer Luc Donckerwolke and performance engineer Albert Biermann.

Toyota Prius V

Blending the usefulness of a station wagon and the fuel economy of a hybrid, the Prius V might be the ultimate utility vehicle. With the rear seats folded, it offers 67 cubic feet of cargo space—more than some SUVs. Drive it with the lightest of right feet and you might see as much as 44 mpg in the city. The downside: The Prius V lacks any semblance of driving dynamics. Instead, they are replaced with the sleep-inducing attributes you might expect from such an appliance.

$27,510

4 doors, 5 passengers, front-wheel drive; 44/40 mpg city/hwy
1.8-liter 4-cylinder engine; 134 hp, 105 lb-ft; CVT automatic transmission

Mercedes-Benz GLA-class

The GLA250 cute-ute has CLA250 roots: it’s basically the lifted version of the CLA250 sedan. Like the CLA, the GLA sports the 208-hp 2.0-liter turbo four and 258 lb-ft with front-drive and a seven-speed automatic. All-wheel drive is optional. The GLA’s cabin design, finishes, and features echo the CLA, but the back seat here is more realistic, as is cargo flexibility. Steering feedback is minimal, but the GLA is fun around town and feels more nimble than the CLA sedan.

Lincoln’s Continental stages a comeback in New York

Dramatic styling, sumptuous interiors, and the latest tech are on hand to restore luxury-car relevance to the all-new Continental. On sale later this year, it’ll have a well-appointed interior with heated, 10-way adjustable seats; a 10-speaker audio system; and a chrome-trimmed dash. Engines include a 300-hp and a 335-hp V-6, both standard with front-drive; all-wheel drive is optional. The top engine is a 400-hp V-6 with all-wheel drive. The upscale Black Label trim offers concierge services

$45,485

4 doors, 5 passengers, front-wheel drive; N/A/N/A mpg city/hwy
3.7-liter V-6 engine; 305 hp, 280 lb-ft; 6-speed automatic transmission