#2020 Lexus IS 250 F Sport

[randalsgrave]

Dagger Squad Random Headcanons: Cars

I've literally had this floating around in my head for ages now and it's the dumbest shit ever, but anyhoo I went to the trouble of figuring out what kind of car everyone who isn't Maverick would be cruising around in when they're not airborne. So, without further ado-

BRADLEY "ROOSTER" BRADSHAW: 1966 Ford Bronco

I mean c'mon, we literally all saw him roll up to the Hard Deck in this thing

Old soul, old truck

JAKE "HANGMAN" SERESIN: Lifted 2020 Ram 2500 Diesel

If this doesn't scream "Texas pilot with a huge ego" I don't know what does

There's probably a Cummins sticker on the back window

DIESEL OR DIE

NATASHA "PHOENIX" TRACE: 2020 Jeep Wrangler

Badass but understated

Doesn't need the bells and whistles to get shit done in this thing

ROBERT "BOB" FLOYD: 2021 Subaru Impreza Sport Hatchback

A sensible car for a sensible boy

Definitely sprang for the manual transmission

Most likely silver or dark gray

JAVY "COYOTE" MACHADO: 2017 BMW 330i

Let's be honest he got this for the sound system

Style with *some* substance

Living his best life in his fancy foreign sports car

MICKEY "FANBOY" GARCIA: a *heavily* modified 2009 Nissan 370Z

Less of a car, more of a personality piece

Nismo AF

Regularly replaces the tires because he's doing burnouts and donuts in a parking lot somewhere

REUBEN "PAYBACK" FITCH: 2020 Ford F-250 Super Duty King Ranch

Big, red, and fabulous

Work truck in name only

Definitely got this for the cushy interior (we love a man who treats himself to the finer things)

BILLY "FRITZ" AVALONE: 2021 Toyota Tacoma

I headcanon Fritz as being from Hawaii

What does everyone drive on-island? TOYOTA BABY

Definitely part of the 'Yota Mafia

3-inch lift for optimum coolness

BRIGHAM "HARVARD" LENNOX: 2020 custom Jeep Wrangler

Unlike Phoenix, Harvard *does* need the bells and whistles

Total Barbie Jeep

Polished regularly with a diaper

Definitely allergic to dirt

LOGAN "YALE" LEE: 2016 Toyota 4Runner

Dude's probably a dad

Ergo, dad car

He's had this thing for a hot minute but he babies the shit out of it

NEIL "OMAHA" VIKANDER: 2020 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500

If anyone's gonna have the token service member's hot rod I guess it would be him

Has to rev it every time he starts it up

Has racked up an absurd amount of speeding tickets in this thing

CALLIE "HALO" BASSETT: 2020 Lexus ES

A bad bitch car for a totally bad bitch

Iced coffee is a permanent fixture in the front cupholder

Smells like Endless Weekend from Bath and Body Works

[enginerumors]

2020 Lexus IS 250 Price, Specs, Review

2020 Lexus IS 250 Price, Specs, Review

2020 Lexus IS 250 Price, Specs, Review– The particular Lexus IS 250 might be designated for your subsequent renovate around 2019 for your design season regarding 2020. Sadly, primarily no accepted information is released regarding the forthcoming IS. Having said that, it appears practical may be anticipated how the automobile will continue to use turbocharged motors to have a combination of…

[carshkn500]

Why 2021 Is Shaping Up To Be A Pivotal Year For Electric Vehicles

Electric cars and trucks are the future, and yearly we have actually seen automakers include more EVs to their schedule. Every person is dealing with electric lorries, from reputable existing makers to brand-new names such as Byton, Lordstown, as well as Rivian.

BMW's very first "i" automobiles, the i3 and also i8, depended upon wild, futuristic styles to make a declaration. The following model in the electrical sub-brand has even more standard styling, as it's planned to be similar to the 4-series Gran Sports Car four-door hatchback. BMW has currently announced that the i4 will have 530 hp as well as an 80 kWh battery pack.

The Canoo pickup assures 600 horse power and 200 miles of array. It's smaller than what's normally located in the mid-size pickup section, being 2 feet shorter than the Ford Ranger. Canoo states its pickup will be provided with a six-to-eight-foot pickup bed as well as that it will certainly be available for pre-order mid-2021, with production beginning in 2023.

Canoo is checking a registration service that would enable customers to use as well as pay for the EV just when it's required, like Netflix. Canoo claims this little bus will have a series of 250 miles and also 300 horse power. Information on registration cost or preliminary cost haven't been revealed yet, yet expect more information as we get closer to 2022.

The Future Of Transportation Is Autonomous & Electric

Building off its storied best-selling history and recent collaboration with Rivian, Ford is seeking to make an all-electric version of the F-150 pickup, and it'll be called Lightning. The company wishes it will certainly be robust sufficient to stay clear of estranging its central consumer base while likewise attracting new buyers thinking about possessing a pickup without the carbon footprint of a gasoline engine.

Aston Martin has relaunched the Lagonda name as an all-electric luxury brand for the upper crust. Its wagon hull trips on the same platform as the Aston Martin DBX, which makes us wonder exactly how close an electric DBX is from production. Aston employer Andy Palmer informed us that he expects electric designs to have efficiency comparable to the brand's gas matchings which he expects greater than 300 miles in between check outs to the plug.

Although Lexus is a little late to the party, the luxury brand has announced it will eventually offer an EV drivetrain called Direct 4. It showcased an SUV model with the technology in 2020, with front and also rear electric motors that create 201 horse power and 221 pound-feet of torque each. Total result is unknown. Although the model cars evaluating Direct 4 are likely extremely pre-production test-mules, we anticipate the actual point to be a compact crossover that's close to the Lexus NX in size.

Lotus is planning on making another track-ready carbon-fiber car, but in a twist, which it makes 1254 lb-ft of, it'll be all-wheel drive, make an absurd 1972 horsepower, and (gasp) will be an EV. Lotus is intending to call this monster the Evija, and only 130 will be made, at a rate of $2.1 million each. There's no word on what array can be anticipated, however Lotus claims that it can bill up to 80 percent in 12 minutes many thanks to ultrafast charging rates.

The Future Of Transportation Is Autonomous & Electric

Mercedes-Benz's new EV lineup will be referred to as the EQ family. The Mercedes-Benz EQA, the company's smallest electric portable SUV, was exposed previously this year in Europe-spec kind. The Euro variation of the EQA has 187 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque and also starting at around $57,000. Mercedes-Benz recommended an EQA in the U.S. could have four-wheel drive with around 280 horsepower.

The Mercedes-Benz EQC400 4Matic, Mercedes's first electric automobile, is a compact crossover with an estimated range of 200 miles. Mercedes-Benz revealed in February 2021 that they had decided to not supply the EQC in the United States, in the meantime.

The Pininfarina Battista is an 1873-horsepower EV coupe that uses Rimac's carbon chassis and EV powertrain. It's an EV hypercar, and last year completed its initial high-speed test at the Nardo examination track in Italy with one of nine of its models. Anticipate a price over $2 million, but do not anticipate to ever before see one at your neighborhood. Shipments are claimed to start later in 2021.

Porsche recently announced that the next generation of its Macan crossover will go full electric. The Porsche Macan EV will certainly be based upon the Premium Platform Electric (PPE) platform that is being co-developed with Audi. It will certainly have the same 800-volt technology as the next Taycan and also will possibly share its electrical motors and also battery packs, also. Porsche intends to begin production of the Macan EV in 2022.

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Electric Cars: What To Expect Between 2020 And 2030

Volvo already sells a 402-hp XC40 Recharge with 208 miles of range. The C40 shares the exact same powertrain as the XC40 Recharge, with 2 electrical motors as well as 75.0-kWh battery pack. It's likewise the same powertrain the Polestar 2 usages. Volvo estimates the C40 to have an EPA-rated driving variety of 210 miles. We anticipate pricing to begin around $55,000, with even more details about the C40 Recharge to come when production starts later in 2021.

Electric Vehicles

Pick-up trucks and also SUVs packing battery packs rather of gas engine will soon be rolling off assembly line en masse, reprising the American automotive landscape with daily they're on sale. So to keep tabs on all the cool new EVs coming down the pike, we have actually placed together this summary of the ones we recognize concerning that have us most excited.

The Chevy Bolt hatchback is receiving for a refresh in 2021, but its crossover twin, the Bolt EUV, is the far more exciting proposition. Well, calling it a crossover is maybe a stretch; it's FWD-only, and also uses little in the way of extra ground clearance or added elevation. Still, it's somewhat easier to obtain in as well as out of than the Screw, looks a lot better, goes 250 miles on a charge, supplies semi-autonomous Super Cruise ship as well as starts at $35K with location.

Electric Vehicles And The Future Of Transportation

Lordstown Stamina (2021). The Stamina is implied as a work truck for commercial customers, however that does not indicate we can not obtain thrilled regarding it. Besides, it has four hub-mounted electrical motors making greater than 600 combined horses, can reportedly take a trip 250 miles on a charge, and will begin at $45,000 after the tax obligation credit.

Nissan's Ariya (note the punctuation, it's not like the Video game of Thrones personality) can be the electric SUV the mainstream has been awaiting. FWD or AWD as well as as much as 389 hp join a lot of the EV techniques and also deals with Nissan developed for the Fallen leave, like the e-Pedal feature that makes one-pedal driving a breeze.

Electric Vehicles

Cadillac's future is electric; if it doesn't succeed, the brand might not have a future. The choice to give its EVs names finishing with "-iq" might have appeared better on paper, where it reminds people of "intelligence quotient," than it performs in practice, where it seems like "ick" however there's no saying that the crossover-cum-station wagon Lyriq could be a smash struck as soon as you get past the name.

The Future Of Transportation Is Autonomous & Electric

Chevrolet Corvette EV (2022). We've understood for a while that the eighth-generation Corvette would likely go hybrid; that frunk, as it turns out, is ideal for an electrical motor to drive the front wheels. But it likewise appears that Chevy is dealing with an all-electric Corvette. None besides Joe Biden discussed as much, declaring that it can do 200 miles per hr.

Ford F-150 Lightning (2022). Two-thirds of the Big 3 will be relocating right into the electrical truck realm in the future, as well as the Ford F-150 will likely be the first one there. The carmaker has made no secret of it, going so much as to disclose when it'll go on sale (mid-2022), what will certainly power it (two electrical motors), and also what kind of power it will certainly make (greater than any various other F-150 currently for sale).

Electric Vehicles Are The U.s. Auto Industry's Future

Maserati MC20 EV (2022). Maserati's brand-new supercar is a dynamo of internal-combustion splendor, but it'll also be available in an all-electric version come 2022.

Tesla Roadster (2022). Tesla hasn't offered a Roadster in more than a decade, ever before since the Lotus-based lorry that released the business faded away to include its very own in-house-developed designs. Currently, the Roadster is established to return as well as if also half of Elon Musk's usually broad promises become a reality, it'll be an auto to wow the globe.

The Future Of Cars Is Electric – But How Soon Is This Future?

Volkswagen ID.Buzz (2022). Ask a lot of Americans to name some legendary VWs, as well as probabilities are good Bus would certainly be the 2nd word out of the typical individual's lips. The iconic VW Type 2, as it was formally known, is set to get a spiritual rebirth come 2022 as an all-electric minivan.

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The Future Of Cars Is Electric – But How Soon Is This Future?

However what electrical cars and trucks are coming? Allow's take a more detailed consider what you can expect to see striking the roads in the next couple of years. The Renault Megane E-Tech Electric relocates into a bigger sector to give you a little bit more area inside compared to the Zoe, while packaging in a 160k, W electric motor and 60kWh battery pack.

Electric Cars: What To Expect Between 2020 And 2030

Ford is revealing the electric variation of the F-150 on 19 Might, offering it the name Lightning. Ford had formerly claimed it would certainly be the most effective F-150 it's ever before generated, with the capability to utilize the battery as a mobile power supply. Expected to sit on VW's PPE platform, it has actually long been known that Porsche was going to make the Macan an EV - as well as a prototype has actually been out in testing.

Bentley has verified that an electrical SUV in the works as well as is most likely to be a beneficary of the Audi Artemis system that's in advancement. Little else is known, but it will be one more high luxury model for the most discerning customers. Genesis Electric motor - the high-end arm of Hyundai - has introduced its European launch, as well as encouraging 3 electric models over the next year.

Electric Vehicles

The VW ID.5 is anticipated to supply the same spec as the VW ID.4, yet with a sportback, a going down rear roofline for those who want something a lot more coupe as well as much less SUV in design. Launched at Car Shanghai, the Mercedes EQB is a key version for China, supplying seating for 7.

The Toyota concept presents a new system - shown Subaru - with the guarantee of solar charging to cover up the battery. Nothing has really been exposed, yet Toyota is rather late to the electrical car party, having actually been a leading pressure in hybrids.

The Future Of Transportation Is Autonomous & Electric

The Kia EV6 complies with the Hyundai Ioniq 5, sharing the exact same platform, but with Kia having its own spin. There's two battery choices, 58 or 77. The majority of the talk will likely have to do with the EV6 GT, nevertheless, which sets the bigger battery with four-wheel drive, for blistering efficiency, with a 0-62mph time of 3.5 secs. It will be available in late 2021.

Electric Vehicles Are The U.s. Auto Industry's Future

Land Rover is making sweeping adjustments to its business over the following few years - as well as that's resulted in the reveal of a new future platfrom - EMA. This platform has been confirmed to underpin the Exploration Sport and the Evoque and it's developed for electric cars, tip that those will both launch as electrical cars.

Arguably, the C40 is Volvo's first bespoke electrical vehicle - omitting the adapted XC40 Recharge - which's an interesting prospect. It has a 78kWh battery, guarantees 260 miles of variety as well as it comes with limitless information. That's right, Volvo wants the Android-based system in this car to be always connected, so it's removed the stress over where that link comes from.

Battery Electric Vehicle

The Hyundai Ioniq 5 is the very first in a new series of electrical automobiles from the company, sliding right into the prominent crossover area. There will be selections of 58 or 72.6 kWh batteries, with back or all-wheel drive. It gets a fresh brand-new layout, with a level floor as well as sliding centre console - we believe this is mosting likely to be a large seller.

Smooth layout enhances this sporting activities coupe, while the back entrances include a sense of functionality, like the Taycan which shares the exact same platform. A 93kWh battery rests in both the routine and also the RS version of this vehicle, promising blistering efficiency. It will cost from 79,000 as well as be offered throughout 2021.

[dipulb3]

2021 Lexus RX 450h is a comfy crossover with troublesome tech

New Post has been published on https://appradab.com/2021-lexus-rx-450h-is-a-comfy-crossover-with-troublesome-tech/

2021 Lexus RX 450h is a comfy crossover with troublesome tech

The expressively styled Lexus RX is smooth and coddling.

Craig Cole/Roadshow

The 2021 Lexus RX 450h F Sport hybrid crossover is sinuous, frugal and impressively quiet — exactly what I want in a luxury vehicle. There is, however, one aspect of this Lexus that’s unforgivable, a mortal sin that drags down an otherwise pleasant vehicle: the infotainment system. 

Like

Stellar Mark Levinson sound system

Spacious and comfortable backseat

Exemplary refinement

Don’t Like

Loathsome infotainment system

Too-aggressive exterior styling

Meh real-world fuel economy

Hybrid versions of the RX come standard with all-wheel drive, but this example is also fitted with the F Sport package, which includes dress-up items like a unique grille, aluminum pedal covers, 20-inch wheels and even performance dampers. For extra sportiness, a $970 handling package is also offered, bringing an adaptive suspension system, retuned power steering and more goodies to the table. Beyond those F Sport upgrades, my tester features the Black Line Special Edition package. The good news is this upgrade costs just $685 and includes special body-side graphics, a black grille surround and a Halliburton Edge lightweight two-piece luggage set. The bad news is the Black Line Special Edition package is limited to just 750 gas-powered RXs and 250 hybrid models.

The Lexus RX’s styling is certainly aggressive, with its comically large grille, angular headlamps and chiseled surfacing, but its interior is much more restrained and pleasant. The cabin’s quality is stellar and its materials are generally very good. The headliner and roof pillars are wrapped in a flannel-like fabric, soft plastics are used liberally throughout and nearly all the switches and knobs feel slickly lubricated. Sure, you’ll find a smattering of Toyota-sourced buttons here and there; stuff you get in, say, a Camry, but these carryover controls are well hidden and hardly objectionable.

Just behind this Lexus’ unusually deep dashboard, the front bucket chairs are all-day comfortable and attractive, rendered in black and white with contrasting blue stitching, a combo that’s also part of the Black Line Special Edition package. Storage space up front is good, consisting of a decently sized bin under the center armrest, a few other small cubbies on the console and generously proportioned front door pockets that pop outward when you pull on them. Moving rearward, the RX’s backseat is nearly sprawl-out spacious, with plenty of legroom and a decent amount of noggin space. Comfortable cushions provide great support, with the lower one being a nice distance above the floor for a chair-like seating position. Providing easy access, this Lexus’ rear doors open nice and wide.

But now for some bad news. If there’s a worse infotainment system than what’s offered in this Lexus, I’m not aware of it. With a bewildering user interface as well as a clunky and difficult-to-use control pad on the console, this multimedia system is half laptop, half low-end Android tablet and all kinds of terrible. Not only is the menu structure confusing, the track pad you use to navigate through it is kludgy, making even simple tasks a distracting chore. Rubbing salt in the wound, this RX 450h is also fitted with the top-shelf 12.3-inch screen (an 8-incher is standard), which is bundled in a $3,365 options package, so you’re paying thousands more for an awful experience. At least that outlay also gets you embedded navigation and a superb Mark Levinson sound system that makes even highly compressed MP3s and muddy satellite radio come alive. While a bit of a reach, the RX’s infotainment screen is touch-enabled, so you can skip the trackpad, but only if your arms are lanky enough. Thankfully, this system also supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (as well as Amazon Alexa), so you don’t have to use the infotainment system any longer than it takes to plug your phone in. The vehicle’s six USB ports ensure everyone’s mobile devices are fully juiced; a wireless charging pad is also available.

The RX’s interior is extremely well built and refined, though its infotainment tech leaves much to be desired.

Craig Cole/Roadshow

The Lexus RX was updated in 2020, gaining a stiffened structure and revised suspension for better handling. This year, the vehicle gains some new technology, including blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, both of which are now standard across the range. Auto-dimming, power-folding mirrors are included at no extra charge, too, as is Lexus Safety System Plus 2.0, a suite of driver aids that includes daytime cyclist detection, low-light pedestrian detection, road sign recognition and lane-keeping assist. Thankfully, I have not had an opportunity to test the pedestrian-detecting systems, but the lane-keeping aid is gentle yet quite effective.

Underway, the RX 450h is one smooth operator. Whether you’re traversing frost-heaved highways, tiptoeing along a cratered dirt road or just cruising around your subdivision, this Lexus’ ride is always sinuous. Even rolling on 20-inch wheels, small expansion joints barely register and larger impacts are easily deflected, all with no harshness or gritty vibration percolating through to the passenger compartment. Despite its smooth ride, the RX 450h’s body is decently controlled. Sure, it could feel a bit tighter in corners and it might be nice if the steering were quicker and heftier, but the whole chassis feels so well balanced that these changes aren’t necessary, plus they might ruin the fluffy ride, which would be a shame.

Refined, punchy and economical, there’s little to complain about regarding the RX 450h’s powertrain. 

Craig Cole/Roadshow

Matching its over-the-road refinement, the RX’s cabin remains incredibly silent, quieter than naptime in a nursing home, with almost no wind, tire or engine noise being heard. The RX 450h’s hybrid powertrain is built around a 3.5-liter V6, one augmented by two electric motor-generators up front that form a continuously variable transmission, and a separate motor at the rear, which provides all-wheel drive. Whispering while it works, this arrangement provides a net 308 horsepower, though a torque figure is not listed because the math with hybrids is weird. On its own, however, the V6 engine whips up 247 pound-feet of twist. The RX 450h’s easy handling and all-wheel drive add immensely to my confidence one day as the weather goes from drab to dangerous, with a winter storm dumping sleet on the roadways.

Stand on the accelerator and this Lexus scoots. Performance, while not awe-inspiring, is still very good, the engine sounding like it’s operating far off in the distance rather than a few inches ahead of your toes. The hybrid parts of this drivetrain are similarly polished, barely drawing any attention to themselves. The brake pedal is also friendly, with a seamless transition between regenerative and friction braking. For added versatility, the RX 450h offers an EV mode, which allows you to run it solely on electrons. The onboard battery pack has enough juice for you to sneak down a cul-du-sac or into the garage without running the engine, but as soon as you go too fast or prod the throttle too aggressively the engine fires up. Remember, this is not a plug-in hybrid, so electric-only range is not the primary focus.

Cutting fuel consumption, however, is one of this Lexus’ main objectives. Expect 31 miles per gallon in the city and 28 mpg on highway drives. In mixed use, the RX 450h should return 30 mpg, however, in the real world I only average around 25.1, a disappointing score. It’s typically a breeze to meet or even exceed advertised fuel-economy scores in Toyota hybrids, which makes this performance (or lack thereof) a bit of a surprise.

The Lexus RX is something of a mixed bag.

Craig Cole/Roadshow

With its upscale interior, refined manners and, yes, unfortunate infotainment tech, a base 2021 Lexus RX 450h starts at just shy of $49,000, including $1,025 in destination fees. That’s about $2,650 more than an entry-level, front-wheel-drive, non-hybrid RX 350. As it sits, this F Sport example checks out for $59,380, a figure goosed by a few add-ons like a $200 wireless charger, $640 heated and ventilated front seats, $1,365 for parking assist and a 360-degree camera system, plus a few additional goodies. Still, that outlay gets you a family-friendly vehicle that’s more docile and refined than the sportier Acura MDX and, thanks to its aggressive styling (which you may or may not love), more visually interesting than a Lincoln Nautilus or Mercedes-Benz GLC.

There’s an abundance of luxury crossovers available today, great examples from German, American and Asian automakers. Plenty of them offer upscale interiors and loads of fancy features, but few are as refined, fuel efficient — and in one particular way — frustrating as this mostly likable Lexus.

[topcarschannel]

[Watch Now] 2019 Lexus UX 250 Hybrid - Smallest SUV Segment

via IFTTT 2019 Lexus UX 250 Hybrid - Smallest SUV Segment 2019 lexus ux f sport, 2019 lexus ux 250h, 2019 lexus ux 200, lexus ux, hybrid, ux 200,UX lexus, lexus ux, ux lexus 2019, lexus, The 2019 Lexus UX is the smallest and cheapest Lexus you can buy, and the UX 250h hybrid model just barely misses out being the most fuel efficient. As an entry into the Lexus brand, this subcompact crossover is generally an impressive effort, embodying the design, quality, features and driving experience we've come to expect – albeit with understandable cutbacks made to achieve its lower price. The Lexus UX is an all-new model for 2019. It is mechanically based on the same platform that underpins most new Toyota models such as the Toyota C-HR and Toyota Corolla, as well as the Lexus ES sedan. It slots into the bottom of the Lexus SUV lineup below the NX. The design is consistent with, but, refreshingly, not a copy of other models. There are common details like the drive mode setting selectors that sprout from the instrument panel and the F-Sport's sliding gauge cluster within, while the available 10.25 infotainment display is perched atop a low, flat dash. The Lexus UX is among the smallest of the smallest SUV segment. Although its overall length is actually greater than rivals like the BMW X2 and Volvo XC40, its wheelbase and interior dimensions trail them greatly. It is considerably shorter in height than the XC40 and Cadillac XT4. Basically, the UX is a compact hatchback with a slight ground clearance increase. Like everything in its segment, the UX 200 has a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. However, it's missing one key ingredient: a turbocharger. As such, this engine that admittedly impresses in the 2020 Toyota Corolla is seriously outgunned in this company with 169 horsepower and 151 pound-feet of torque. SUBCRIBE NOW.. https://youtube.com/c/TopCarsChannel My Other Sites Facebook : https://ift.tt/2ESgjMQ GooGle plus : https://ift.tt/2CKS5hC Twitter : https://twitter.com/Top_Cars1 Pinterest : https://ift.tt/2ERxspA Blogger : https://ift.tt/2CHHNP4 Instagram : https://ift.tt/2F1GoYW Popular Vidio. NISSAN X TRAIL https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=89XtwWLeBHE 2018 DOGDE DMOND https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EF0Jkw9FxSw&t=18s 2019 RAM 1500 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GNoKT4TTexw&t=22s #TopCarsChannel #lexus #suv #hybrid #automotive #Cars2019 #otomotive

[sprint29car-blog]

2014 Lexus IS 250 F Sport 61K Miles Automatic, Leather, DVD, Navigation, This Car Is Loaded To The Max! Visit Us At pricedrightautosales.com Good Credit Auto Loans LOW 2.99% APR With Approved Credit Bad Credit Approved Bankruptcy Approved Repo Approved Get Approved Now! Over 70 Vehicles In Stock Under $20k! TO SEE OUR CURRENT INVENTORY! Check Out Our Website www.pricedrightautosales.com Priced Right Auto Sales 2020 W Deer Valley Rd Phoenix, Az 85027 Hours of Operation: Monday-Friday 9am -6pm Saturday 9am-5pm Read Less (at Priced Right Auto Sales, LLC.)

[jesusvasser]

Wheelspinning Our Way Through 2017

If 2017 was the year of President Trump everywhere else, in the automotive world, it seemed to be the year of Elon Musk. Again. Musk’s Tesla began 2017 with some 440,000 intenders each holding $1,000 deposit receipts for a new $35,000+ Model 3 with hopes they would start to get their cars by midyear.

Tesla ended 2017 with Musk now building anticipation for a new semi truck, apparently named “Semi,” which he says will have a 500-mile range and will begin deliveries in 2019, with a new Roadster model—actually a 2+2 targa grand touring car capable of 250 mph+ and 0-60 mph in 1.9 seconds—arriving at dealers a year later.

Musk said Tesla delivered just 233 Model 3s by the end of the third quarter. When I asked Tesla public relations for an update on deliveries through, at least, mid-December, the response was to refer to Musk’s third-quarter analysts’ call held November 1. Tesla PR said the number of deliveries will be updated in the first quarter 2018 analysts’ call. So it goes.

In reality, 2017 was the year that traditional automakers ramped up their counter-assault on Tesla’s electric vehicles, with plans for everything from fuel cells and solid-state batteries to new ways to make the internal combustion engine cleaner and more efficient. Here’s how I saw the year in automobiles …

Fords with a future: CEO Mark Fields announces a $700-million investment in its Flat Rock, Michigan, plant to build a hybrid Mustang, a 300-plus mile EV SUV by 2020, and a hybrid-powered fully autonomous vehicle by 2021. Ford also will build hybrid versions of its F-150 pickup, and its Explorer-based Interceptor Police Utility vehicle and Taurus-based Police Interceptor sedan. At the same time, Fields attempts to assuage President-elect Trump’s anti-North American Free Trade Agreement position by cancelling plans for a new Mexican assembly plant.

Mary Barra adds “chairman” to her title: General Motors’ board elects its first female CEO to become its first female chairman, as well. Through much of its 109-year history, GM has assigned those titles to separate executives.

U.S. auto sales hits another record: Automakers report January 5 that they sold 17.54 million cars and light trucks in 2016, topping 2015, the previous record year, by 56,211 units. While car sales clearly have peaked, we’ll finish off calendar year ’17 at a still-healthy 17.1 million, according to AutoTrader’s mid-December estimate.

North American International Auto Show highlights: The 2017 Detroit Auto Show featured the new Kia Stinger, Mercedes-Benz E-Class coupe, Toyota Camry, Nissan Vmotion 2.0 concept (the next Altima), Honda Odyssey, Infiniti QX50 concept, Chevrolet Traverse, Lexus LS, and Volkswagen I.D. Buzz concept (a modern EV Microbus). Sergio Marchionne reveals in his annual Detroit show press conference that the next-generation Jeep Grand Cherokee will share the new longitudinal engine platform that underpins the Alfa Romeo Stelvio. Ford shows nothing of significance.

EPA says Fiat Chrysler’s diesel Jeeps and Rams violate the Clean Air Act with defeat devices: Just prior to President Trump taking office, the Environmental Protection Agency announces it’s investigating Fiat Chrysler for alleged fuel economy/emissions test cheating devices on its Jeep and Ram EcoDiesel engines. Fiat Chrysler in May announces it has a software fix to solve the problem.

GM and Honda announce a fuel cell deal: In late January, General Motors and Honda announce a joint venture to design and develop a next-generation, compact fuel cell stack. They plan to build these fuel cell stacks together at a GM plant in Brownstown Township, Michigan, that assembles battery packs for the Chevrolet Bolt and Volt by 2021.

Geneva International Motor Show Highlights: The new McLaren 720S was the show’s runaway hit, though Robert Cumberford also singles out the Fittipaldi EF7 by Pininfarina. Automobile staff also like the Aston Martin Valkyrie, Mercedes-AMG Concept GT, Volkswagen Arteon, Range Rover Velar, Alpine A110, Volvo XC60, and Bentley EXP12 Speed 6e.

GM sells Opel/Vauxhall to PSA Peugeot Citroen for $2.3 billion: The world’s third-largest automaker runs from one of the world’s largest markets¬—the European Union, collectively, is about as large as the U.S. market in millions of annual sales. It’s also a very tough market, with strict regulations, loose enforcement (see, German-brand diesels), and relatively strong unions that make it hard to move assembly plants to former Soviet satellite countries with lower labor costs. In the end, though, it may have been Brexit that pushed the sale over the line. GM’s Vauxhall was stronger in the United Kingdom than was Opel on the Continent.

Trump rescinds the Obama administration 2025 CAFE standard: Automakers selling cars and trucks in the U.S. were required to reach a 54.5-mpg Corporate Average Fuel Economy standard under an agreement reached with the Obama administration in 2010, shortly after the GM and Chrysler loan guarantee bailouts. But the standard always was subject to a “mid-term review” that could pull back the standards. The new Trump administration jumps ahead of that review with an executive order. For automakers, it will offer relief from having to reach the 54.5-mpg CAFE number. However, automakers already were well on their way in engineering new powertrains and lighter, more aerodynamic (and CAFE standard “footprint” measurements) bodies. We’re not likely to see much pullback from those plans, so most automakers will probably be close to meeting the ’25 standard, if a few years late, anyway. What’s more, Trump’s executive order does nothing to the California Mandate requiring a certain percentage of zero-emissions vehicles sold there and in 16 other, mostly coastal states. The California Zero Emissions Mandate already is responsible for cars like the Chevy Bolt and Nissan Leaf, as well as Tesla’s relative success.

Trump wants to tear up NAFTA and place a tariff on Mexican-built autos: After the U.S. auto sales peaks of 2015 and 2016, there’s no shortage of auto manufacturing capacity. As I reported in late March, Trump’s plan to tear up the North American Free Trade Agreement would not push automakers to build new, $1-billion+ factories in the United States (although Volvo, for one, already plans its first assembly plant here). The president specifically attacks Ford for moving Focus production from Michigan to Mexico in 2018, though it’s adding more profitable Ranger pickup and Bronco sport/utility production in its place in Michigan. Ford has since rescinded its plans for a new Mexican plant, and instead will move Focus production to China. President Trump has yet to act on rescinding U.S. participation in NAFTA.

Tesla’s market cap exceeds GM’s and Ford’s: Tesla’s market capitalization first passes Ford Motor Company’s, then in April, General Motors’. Tesla stock has since settled into the low $300s-per-share range, while GM stock has rallied to top the disruptive EV automaker’s cap, again. As of December 21, Tesla was worth about $55.1 billion to GM’s $60.1 billion. Wall Street bulls have defended Tesla’s stock value as a sign of an all-electric future. Tesla will be well positioned to lead that future, the bulls say, though as it continues to lose money and have problems getting Model 3 production up to speed, more and more bears are popping up in the analysts’ community.

Tesla loses $397 million in the first quarter: The losses are worse than analysts’ expectations, but by early June, stock values start to rise again.

Ford fires Fields: Ford Motor Company CEO Mark Fields, a corporate veteran credited for turning around Mazda (which Ford formerly controlled) in the late 1990s, is fired allegedly for lagging on electric car development. The real reason is Ford’s lagging stock value, a bigger concern for William Clay Ford and his relatives, who control the company with 40 percent of its stock. Fields’ replacement is Jim Hackett, hired away from the office furniture company, Steelcase.

GM shareholders reject a dual-class stock proposal: Greenlight Capital wants to split GM stock into two classes [not unlike Ford’s Class B stock] in order to cash in some value out of the automaker. To those of us far from Wall Street it seems the sort of action that would put GM in the same position it was in 12 years ago, when an economic downturn or a change in automotive tastes due to something like a spike in oil prices could lead to serious cash shortage. At GM’s annual meeting in June, shareholders roundly reject Greenlight’s proposal.

BMW 2 Series to lose manual option?: In June, a BMW executive in Germany was quoted indicating that the company would stop importing manual transmission 2 Series models to the U.S. The uproar that caused in the purist-enthusiasts’ community resulted in a clarification. If BMW stops selling stick shift 2 Series models here, it won’t be until the car’s next generation, expected to be the 2020 model year (now less than two years away). Automobile magazine’s Four Seasons ‘17 M2 came with just one option; the dual-clutch seven-speed automatic, because, BMW said, customer demand for the manual created a shortage. I wouldn’t be surprised if the next 2 Series came only with a DCT, which is handy for Level III or IV autonomous features. And the upcoming X2 “sport/activity vehicle” almost certainly will not be offered with a three-pedal layout.

Volvo goes all-electrified by 2019: The misleading headline at Volvo’s own website reads, “Volvo goes all-electric,” but the copy underneath says that by ’19, all Volvos will have an electric motor. While the hyperbole led The Cult of Elon to believe they had won their revolution, at Volvo, this entails everything from pure battery-EV to plug-in hybrid to 48-volt. For sure, the 48-volt revolution is coming, with that technology aiding stop/start systems and in some cases limited EV driving while accommodating the expansion of elaborate infotainment systems. In any event, Volvo’s announcement spurred similar claims later in the year from rival premium automakers.

Nissan launches ProPilot Assist in its all-new, 2018 Leaf: The automated cruise control will start and stop in rush hour traffic, but you still have to keep your hands on the steering wheel, which gently helps you around curves. The new Nissan Leaf’s range is now 150 miles on a full charge, still 78 miles short of the Chevy Bolt’s stated range.

Cadillac launches Super Cruise: Is Cadillac in the autonomy lead? Yes, I think it is, even if Mercedes-Benz and Volvo have slightly more capable systems in the works. As part of Super Cruise’s safety redundancy, GM mapped 180,000 miles of U.S. roads. You must take the wheel of the Cadillac CT6 to change lanes, but otherwise it’s even easier than two-fingertip steering on long, boring Interstates.

Toyota and Mazda announce joint-venture U.S. assembly plant: Likely to be built somewhere in the UAW-bereft Southeast, the joint venture also will help struggling Mazda get into electrified powertrains. Let’s hope it leads to a future for the Mazda MX-5 Miata and Toyota 86, as their Fiat and Subaru deals are not likely to have sequels.

Mazda announces Skyactive X engine technology: Mazda will equip its next 3, coming in 2019, with a compression ignition gasoline powered engine said to nearly equal a similar-sized four-cylinder turbodiesel, and match it for CO2 emissions.

Fiat Chrysler ‘confirms’ it has not been approached by Great Wall Motors: The late-summer denial that a Chinese automaker was looking to buy Fiat Chrysler comes in the middle of a year in which CEO Sergio Marchionne is pretty transparent about his desire to find a dance partner. In my Motor City Blogman column, I note that Jeep and Ram are the two brands that would attract such a partner, and that if Marchionne expected value to be paid for the rest of the brands, the company might have to go it alone for a while longer.

IAA Frankfurt motor show highlights: The Honda Urban EV concept, Mercedes-AMG Project One, a roadgoing F1 car driven onto the stage by Lewis Hamilton (who would soon win his fourth World Driver’s Championship), Renault Symbioz concept, a modern rolling living room, Ferrari Portofino, Hyundai Kona, Kia Proceed concept, and according to Robert Cumberford, the new Borgward Isabella and something called the Aspark Owl.

Delphi splits in two: We don’t often cover Tier One suppliers, but it’s worth noting that this former GM parts division this year split into two companies. Delphi Technology continues to work on updating and improving powertrains, mostly the internal combustion engine, while Aptiv covers autonomy and connectivity. While I often write about automakers’ latest autonomous technology breakthroughs, much of the advances are coming from companies like Aptiv, Continental, Bosch, etc.

GM will launch ‘at least’ 20 new battery-electric or fuel cell vehicles by 2023: While no one has figured out how to make money on BEVs or fuel cells yet, this announcement spurs on GM’s already soaring share prices. The first two new EVs will arrive by mid-2019 and will be based on the current Chevy Bolt, while the new models after that will be off a new electric/fuel cell platform, including what looks to be the C8 Corvette E-ray.

Tokyo Motor Show highlights: The Honda EV Coupe concept, Mazda Vision Coupe concept, Mazda Kai concept (next Mazda3), Subaru Viviz Performance concept (next WRX/STI), Daihatsu DN Compagno concept, and the Toyota TJ Cruiser. In time for the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo, Toyota also displays a new Century limousine and a Tokyo cab, replacing models first designed for the 1964 Olympics that raised the city out of its postwar doldrums.

Tesla loses record $619 million in the third quarter: The cost of developing the much-awaited Tesla Model 3 and its production facility no doubt contributed to all this red ink. CEO Elon Musk says Tesla delivered just 233 of its mass-market EVs as of the end of the quarter, and says ramp-up of production to 5,000 per month now is delayed to the end of the first quarter of 2018—originally, this was the goal for the end of the year.

Peugeot-Citroen launches car-sharing service ahead of return to the U.S.: Free2Move is launched as an aggregation app for Car2Go and Zipcar in Seattle. The app will help PSA relearn the U.S. market ahead of its planned return selling cars here, says North American chief Larry Dominique. PSA will sell one of it from Performance Junk WP Feed 4 http://ift.tt/2BXQdmE via IFTTT

[eddiejpoplar]

Wheelspinning Our Way Through 2017

If 2017 was the year of President Trump everywhere else, in the automotive world, it seemed to be the year of Elon Musk. Again. Musk’s Tesla began 2017 with some 440,000 intenders each holding $1,000 deposit receipts for a new $35,000+ Model 3 with hopes they would start to get their cars by midyear.

Tesla ended 2017 with Musk now building anticipation for a new semi truck, apparently named “Semi,” which he says will have a 500-mile range and will begin deliveries in 2019, with a new Roadster model—actually a 2+2 targa grand touring car capable of 250 mph+ and 0-60 mph in 1.9 seconds—arriving at dealers a year later.

Musk said Tesla delivered just 233 Model 3s by the end of the third quarter. When I asked Tesla public relations for an update on deliveries through, at least, mid-December, the response was to refer to Musk’s third-quarter analysts’ call held November 1. Tesla PR said the number of deliveries will be updated in the first quarter 2018 analysts’ call. So it goes.

In reality, 2017 was the year that traditional automakers ramped up their counter-assault on Tesla’s electric vehicles, with plans for everything from fuel cells and solid-state batteries to new ways to make the internal combustion engine cleaner and more efficient. Here’s how I saw the year in automobiles …

Fords with a future: CEO Mark Fields announces a $700-million investment in its Flat Rock, Michigan, plant to build a hybrid Mustang, a 300-plus mile EV SUV by 2020, and a hybrid-powered fully autonomous vehicle by 2021. Ford also will build hybrid versions of its F-150 pickup, and its Explorer-based Interceptor Police Utility vehicle and Taurus-based Police Interceptor sedan. At the same time, Fields attempts to assuage President-elect Trump’s anti-North American Free Trade Agreement position by cancelling plans for a new Mexican assembly plant.

Mary Barra adds “chairman” to her title: General Motors’ board elects its first female CEO to become its first female chairman, as well. Through much of its 109-year history, GM has assigned those titles to separate executives.

U.S. auto sales hits another record: Automakers report January 5 that they sold 17.54 million cars and light trucks in 2016, topping 2015, the previous record year, by 56,211 units. While car sales clearly have peaked, we’ll finish off calendar year ’17 at a still-healthy 17.1 million, according to AutoTrader’s mid-December estimate.

North American International Auto Show highlights: The 2017 Detroit Auto Show featured the new Kia Stinger, Mercedes-Benz E-Class coupe, Toyota Camry, Nissan Vmotion 2.0 concept (the next Altima), Honda Odyssey, Infiniti QX50 concept, Chevrolet Traverse, Lexus LS, and Volkswagen I.D. Buzz concept (a modern EV Microbus). Sergio Marchionne reveals in his annual Detroit show press conference that the next-generation Jeep Grand Cherokee will share the new longitudinal engine platform that underpins the Alfa Romeo Stelvio. Ford shows nothing of significance.

EPA says Fiat Chrysler’s diesel Jeeps and Rams violate the Clean Air Act with defeat devices: Just prior to President Trump taking office, the Environmental Protection Agency announces it’s investigating Fiat Chrysler for alleged fuel economy/emissions test cheating devices on its Jeep and Ram EcoDiesel engines. Fiat Chrysler in May announces it has a software fix to solve the problem.

GM and Honda announce a fuel cell deal: In late January, General Motors and Honda announce a joint venture to design and develop a next-generation, compact fuel cell stack. They plan to build these fuel cell stacks together at a GM plant in Brownstown Township, Michigan, that assembles battery packs for the Chevrolet Bolt and Volt by 2021.

Geneva International Motor Show Highlights: The new McLaren 720S was the show’s runaway hit, though Robert Cumberford also singles out the Fittipaldi EF7 by Pininfarina. Automobile staff also like the Aston Martin Valkyrie, Mercedes-AMG Concept GT, Volkswagen Arteon, Range Rover Velar, Alpine A110, Volvo XC60, and Bentley EXP12 Speed 6e.

GM sells Opel/Vauxhall to PSA Peugeot Citroen for $2.3 billion: The world’s third-largest automaker runs from one of the world’s largest markets¬—the European Union, collectively, is about as large as the U.S. market in millions of annual sales. It’s also a very tough market, with strict regulations, loose enforcement (see, German-brand diesels), and relatively strong unions that make it hard to move assembly plants to former Soviet satellite countries with lower labor costs. In the end, though, it may have been Brexit that pushed the sale over the line. GM’s Vauxhall was stronger in the United Kingdom than was Opel on the Continent.

Trump rescinds the Obama administration 2025 CAFE standard: Automakers selling cars and trucks in the U.S. were required to reach a 54.5-mpg Corporate Average Fuel Economy standard under an agreement reached with the Obama administration in 2010, shortly after the GM and Chrysler loan guarantee bailouts. But the standard always was subject to a “mid-term review” that could pull back the standards. The new Trump administration jumps ahead of that review with an executive order. For automakers, it will offer relief from having to reach the 54.5-mpg CAFE number. However, automakers already were well on their way in engineering new powertrains and lighter, more aerodynamic (and CAFE standard “footprint” measurements) bodies. We’re not likely to see much pullback from those plans, so most automakers will probably be close to meeting the ’25 standard, if a few years late, anyway. What’s more, Trump’s executive order does nothing to the California Mandate requiring a certain percentage of zero-emissions vehicles sold there and in 16 other, mostly coastal states. The California Zero Emissions Mandate already is responsible for cars like the Chevy Bolt and Nissan Leaf, as well as Tesla’s relative success.

Trump wants to tear up NAFTA and place a tariff on Mexican-built autos: After the U.S. auto sales peaks of 2015 and 2016, there’s no shortage of auto manufacturing capacity. As I reported in late March, Trump’s plan to tear up the North American Free Trade Agreement would not push automakers to build new, $1-billion+ factories in the United States (although Volvo, for one, already plans its first assembly plant here). The president specifically attacks Ford for moving Focus production from Michigan to Mexico in 2018, though it’s adding more profitable Ranger pickup and Bronco sport/utility production in its place in Michigan. Ford has since rescinded its plans for a new Mexican plant, and instead will move Focus production to China. President Trump has yet to act on rescinding U.S. participation in NAFTA.

Tesla’s market cap exceeds GM’s and Ford’s: Tesla’s market capitalization first passes Ford Motor Company’s, then in April, General Motors’. Tesla stock has since settled into the low $300s-per-share range, while GM stock has rallied to top the disruptive EV automaker’s cap, again. As of December 21, Tesla was worth about $55.1 billion to GM’s $60.1 billion. Wall Street bulls have defended Tesla’s stock value as a sign of an all-electric future. Tesla will be well positioned to lead that future, the bulls say, though as it continues to lose money and have problems getting Model 3 production up to speed, more and more bears are popping up in the analysts’ community.

Tesla loses $397 million in the first quarter: The losses are worse than analysts’ expectations, but by early June, stock values start to rise again.

Ford fires Fields: Ford Motor Company CEO Mark Fields, a corporate veteran credited for turning around Mazda (which Ford formerly controlled) in the late 1990s, is fired allegedly for lagging on electric car development. The real reason is Ford’s lagging stock value, a bigger concern for William Clay Ford and his relatives, who control the company with 40 percent of its stock. Fields’ replacement is Jim Hackett, hired away from the office furniture company, Steelcase.

GM shareholders reject a dual-class stock proposal: Greenlight Capital wants to split GM stock into two classes [not unlike Ford’s Class B stock] in order to cash in some value out of the automaker. To those of us far from Wall Street it seems the sort of action that would put GM in the same position it was in 12 years ago, when an economic downturn or a change in automotive tastes due to something like a spike in oil prices could lead to serious cash shortage. At GM’s annual meeting in June, shareholders roundly reject Greenlight’s proposal.

BMW 2 Series to lose manual option?: In June, a BMW executive in Germany was quoted indicating that the company would stop importing manual transmission 2 Series models to the U.S. The uproar that caused in the purist-enthusiasts’ community resulted in a clarification. If BMW stops selling stick shift 2 Series models here, it won’t be until the car’s next generation, expected to be the 2020 model year (now less than two years away). Automobile magazine’s Four Seasons ‘17 M2 came with just one option; the dual-clutch seven-speed automatic, because, BMW said, customer demand for the manual created a shortage. I wouldn’t be surprised if the next 2 Series came only with a DCT, which is handy for Level III or IV autonomous features. And the upcoming X2 “sport/activity vehicle” almost certainly will not be offered with a three-pedal layout.

Volvo goes all-electrified by 2019: The misleading headline at Volvo’s own website reads, “Volvo goes all-electric,” but the copy underneath says that by ’19, all Volvos will have an electric motor. While the hyperbole led The Cult of Elon to believe they had won their revolution, at Volvo, this entails everything from pure battery-EV to plug-in hybrid to 48-volt. For sure, the 48-volt revolution is coming, with that technology aiding stop/start systems and in some cases limited EV driving while accommodating the expansion of elaborate infotainment systems. In any event, Volvo’s announcement spurred similar claims later in the year from rival premium automakers.

Nissan launches ProPilot Assist in its all-new, 2018 Leaf: The automated cruise control will start and stop in rush hour traffic, but you still have to keep your hands on the steering wheel, which gently helps you around curves. The new Nissan Leaf’s range is now 150 miles on a full charge, still 78 miles short of the Chevy Bolt’s stated range.

Cadillac launches Super Cruise: Is Cadillac in the autonomy lead? Yes, I think it is, even if Mercedes-Benz and Volvo have slightly more capable systems in the works. As part of Super Cruise’s safety redundancy, GM mapped 180,000 miles of U.S. roads. You must take the wheel of the Cadillac CT6 to change lanes, but otherwise it’s even easier than two-fingertip steering on long, boring Interstates.

Toyota and Mazda announce joint-venture U.S. assembly plant: Likely to be built somewhere in the UAW-bereft Southeast, the joint venture also will help struggling Mazda get into electrified powertrains. Let’s hope it leads to a future for the Mazda MX-5 Miata and Toyota 86, as their Fiat and Subaru deals are not likely to have sequels.

Mazda announces Skyactive X engine technology: Mazda will equip its next 3, coming in 2019, with a compression ignition gasoline powered engine said to nearly equal a similar-sized four-cylinder turbodiesel, and match it for CO2 emissions.

Fiat Chrysler ‘confirms’ it has not been approached by Great Wall Motors: The late-summer denial that a Chinese automaker was looking to buy Fiat Chrysler comes in the middle of a year in which CEO Sergio Marchionne is pretty transparent about his desire to find a dance partner. In my Motor City Blogman column, I note that Jeep and Ram are the two brands that would attract such a partner, and that if Marchionne expected value to be paid for the rest of the brands, the company might have to go it alone for a while longer.

IAA Frankfurt motor show highlights: The Honda Urban EV concept, Mercedes-AMG Project One, a roadgoing F1 car driven onto the stage by Lewis Hamilton (who would soon win his fourth World Driver’s Championship), Renault Symbioz concept, a modern rolling living room, Ferrari Portofino, Hyundai Kona, Kia Proceed concept, and according to Robert Cumberford, the new Borgward Isabella and something called the Aspark Owl.

Delphi splits in two: We don’t often cover Tier One suppliers, but it’s worth noting that this former GM parts division this year split into two companies. Delphi Technology continues to work on updating and improving powertrains, mostly the internal combustion engine, while Aptiv covers autonomy and connectivity. While I often write about automakers’ latest autonomous technology breakthroughs, much of the advances are coming from companies like Aptiv, Continental, Bosch, etc.

GM will launch ‘at least’ 20 new battery-electric or fuel cell vehicles by 2023: While no one has figured out how to make money on BEVs or fuel cells yet, this announcement spurs on GM’s already soaring share prices. The first two new EVs will arrive by mid-2019 and will be based on the current Chevy Bolt, while the new models after that will be off a new electric/fuel cell platform, including what looks to be the C8 Corvette E-ray.

Tokyo Motor Show highlights: The Honda EV Coupe concept, Mazda Vision Coupe concept, Mazda Kai concept (next Mazda3), Subaru Viviz Performance concept (next WRX/STI), Daihatsu DN Compagno concept, and the Toyota TJ Cruiser. In time for the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo, Toyota also displays a new Century limousine and a Tokyo cab, replacing models first designed for the 1964 Olympics that raised the city out of its postwar doldrums.

Tesla loses record $619 million in the third quarter: The cost of developing the much-awaited Tesla Model 3 and its production facility no doubt contributed to all this red ink. CEO Elon Musk says Tesla delivered just 233 of its mass-market EVs as of the end of the quarter, and says ramp-up of production to 5,000 per month now is delayed to the end of the first quarter of 2018—originally, this was the goal for the end of the year.

Peugeot-Citroen launches car-sharing service ahead of return to the U.S.: Free2Move is launched as an aggregation app for Car2Go and Zipcar in Seattle. The app will help PSA relearn the U.S. market ahead of its planned return selling cars here, says North American chief Larry Dominique. PSA will sell one of it from Performance Junk Blogger 6 http://ift.tt/2BXQdmE via IFTTT

[enginerumors]

2020 Lexus IS 250

2020 Lexus IS 250

2020 Lexus IS 250 – All of the Lexus IS appearances more rapidly than. But when moving around, their sporting, highly refined body verifies it is sport-luxurious ambitions. These tempted by means of it is extroverted style will love a myriad of conventional great-technical helps and even a selection of a few powertrains. The back-tire-travel bottom level style is run by way of a turbo a number…

[jonathanbelloblog]

Wheelspinning Our Way Through 2017

If 2017 was the year of President Trump everywhere else, in the automotive world, it seemed to be the year of Elon Musk. Again. Musk’s Tesla began 2017 with some 440,000 intenders each holding $1,000 deposit receipts for a new $35,000+ Model 3 with hopes they would start to get their cars by midyear.

Tesla ended 2017 with Musk now building anticipation for a new semi truck, apparently named “Semi,” which he says will have a 500-mile range and will begin deliveries in 2019, with a new Roadster model—actually a 2+2 targa grand touring car capable of 250 mph+ and 0-60 mph in 1.9 seconds—arriving at dealers a year later.

Musk said Tesla delivered just 233 Model 3s by the end of the third quarter. When I asked Tesla public relations for an update on deliveries through, at least, mid-December, the response was to refer to Musk’s third-quarter analysts’ call held November 1. Tesla PR said the number of deliveries will be updated in the first quarter 2018 analysts’ call. So it goes.

In reality, 2017 was the year that traditional automakers ramped up their counter-assault on Tesla’s electric vehicles, with plans for everything from fuel cells and solid-state batteries to new ways to make the internal combustion engine cleaner and more efficient. Here’s how I saw the year in automobiles …

Fords with a future: CEO Mark Fields announces a $700-million investment in its Flat Rock, Michigan, plant to build a hybrid Mustang, a 300-plus mile EV SUV by 2020, and a hybrid-powered fully autonomous vehicle by 2021. Ford also will build hybrid versions of its F-150 pickup, and its Explorer-based Interceptor Police Utility vehicle and Taurus-based Police Interceptor sedan. At the same time, Fields attempts to assuage President-elect Trump’s anti-North American Free Trade Agreement position by cancelling plans for a new Mexican assembly plant.

Mary Barra adds “chairman” to her title: General Motors’ board elects its first female CEO to become its first female chairman, as well. Through much of its 109-year history, GM has assigned those titles to separate executives.

U.S. auto sales hits another record: Automakers report January 5 that they sold 17.54 million cars and light trucks in 2016, topping 2015, the previous record year, by 56,211 units. While car sales clearly have peaked, we’ll finish off calendar year ’17 at a still-healthy 17.1 million, according to AutoTrader’s mid-December estimate.

North American International Auto Show highlights: The 2017 Detroit Auto Show featured the new Kia Stinger, Mercedes-Benz E-Class coupe, Toyota Camry, Nissan Vmotion 2.0 concept (the next Altima), Honda Odyssey, Infiniti QX50 concept, Chevrolet Traverse, Lexus LS, and Volkswagen I.D. Buzz concept (a modern EV Microbus). Sergio Marchionne reveals in his annual Detroit show press conference that the next-generation Jeep Grand Cherokee will share the new longitudinal engine platform that underpins the Alfa Romeo Stelvio. Ford shows nothing of significance.

EPA says Fiat Chrysler’s diesel Jeeps and Rams violate the Clean Air Act with defeat devices: Just prior to President Trump taking office, the Environmental Protection Agency announces it’s investigating Fiat Chrysler for alleged fuel economy/emissions test cheating devices on its Jeep and Ram EcoDiesel engines. Fiat Chrysler in May announces it has a software fix to solve the problem.

GM and Honda announce a fuel cell deal: In late January, General Motors and Honda announce a joint venture to design and develop a next-generation, compact fuel cell stack. They plan to build these fuel cell stacks together at a GM plant in Brownstown Township, Michigan, that assembles battery packs for the Chevrolet Bolt and Volt by 2021.

Geneva International Motor Show Highlights: The new McLaren 720S was the show’s runaway hit, though Robert Cumberford also singles out the Fittipaldi EF7 by Pininfarina. Automobile staff also like the Aston Martin Valkyrie, Mercedes-AMG Concept GT, Volkswagen Arteon, Range Rover Velar, Alpine A110, Volvo XC60, and Bentley EXP12 Speed 6e.

GM sells Opel/Vauxhall to PSA Peugeot Citroen for $2.3 billion: The world’s third-largest automaker runs from one of the world’s largest markets¬—the European Union, collectively, is about as large as the U.S. market in millions of annual sales. It’s also a very tough market, with strict regulations, loose enforcement (see, German-brand diesels), and relatively strong unions that make it hard to move assembly plants to former Soviet satellite countries with lower labor costs. In the end, though, it may have been Brexit that pushed the sale over the line. GM’s Vauxhall was stronger in the United Kingdom than was Opel on the Continent.

Trump rescinds the Obama administration 2025 CAFE standard: Automakers selling cars and trucks in the U.S. were required to reach a 54.5-mpg Corporate Average Fuel Economy standard under an agreement reached with the Obama administration in 2010, shortly after the GM and Chrysler loan guarantee bailouts. But the standard always was subject to a “mid-term review” that could pull back the standards. The new Trump administration jumps ahead of that review with an executive order. For automakers, it will offer relief from having to reach the 54.5-mpg CAFE number. However, automakers already were well on their way in engineering new powertrains and lighter, more aerodynamic (and CAFE standard “footprint” measurements) bodies. We’re not likely to see much pullback from those plans, so most automakers will probably be close to meeting the ’25 standard, if a few years late, anyway. What’s more, Trump’s executive order does nothing to the California Mandate requiring a certain percentage of zero-emissions vehicles sold there and in 16 other, mostly coastal states. The California Zero Emissions Mandate already is responsible for cars like the Chevy Bolt and Nissan Leaf, as well as Tesla’s relative success.

Trump wants to tear up NAFTA and place a tariff on Mexican-built autos: After the U.S. auto sales peaks of 2015 and 2016, there’s no shortage of auto manufacturing capacity. As I reported in late March, Trump’s plan to tear up the North American Free Trade Agreement would not push automakers to build new, $1-billion+ factories in the United States (although Volvo, for one, already plans its first assembly plant here). The president specifically attacks Ford for moving Focus production from Michigan to Mexico in 2018, though it’s adding more profitable Ranger pickup and Bronco sport/utility production in its place in Michigan. Ford has since rescinded its plans for a new Mexican plant, and instead will move Focus production to China. President Trump has yet to act on rescinding U.S. participation in NAFTA.

Tesla’s market cap exceeds GM’s and Ford’s: Tesla’s market capitalization first passes Ford Motor Company’s, then in April, General Motors’. Tesla stock has since settled into the low $300s-per-share range, while GM stock has rallied to top the disruptive EV automaker’s cap, again. As of December 21, Tesla was worth about $55.1 billion to GM’s $60.1 billion. Wall Street bulls have defended Tesla’s stock value as a sign of an all-electric future. Tesla will be well positioned to lead that future, the bulls say, though as it continues to lose money and have problems getting Model 3 production up to speed, more and more bears are popping up in the analysts’ community.

Tesla loses $397 million in the first quarter: The losses are worse than analysts’ expectations, but by early June, stock values start to rise again.

Ford fires Fields: Ford Motor Company CEO Mark Fields, a corporate veteran credited for turning around Mazda (which Ford formerly controlled) in the late 1990s, is fired allegedly for lagging on electric car development. The real reason is Ford’s lagging stock value, a bigger concern for William Clay Ford and his relatives, who control the company with 40 percent of its stock. Fields’ replacement is Jim Hackett, hired away from the office furniture company, Steelcase.

GM shareholders reject a dual-class stock proposal: Greenlight Capital wants to split GM stock into two classes [not unlike Ford’s Class B stock] in order to cash in some value out of the automaker. To those of us far from Wall Street it seems the sort of action that would put GM in the same position it was in 12 years ago, when an economic downturn or a change in automotive tastes due to something like a spike in oil prices could lead to serious cash shortage. At GM’s annual meeting in June, shareholders roundly reject Greenlight’s proposal.

BMW 2 Series to lose manual option?: In June, a BMW executive in Germany was quoted indicating that the company would stop importing manual transmission 2 Series models to the U.S. The uproar that caused in the purist-enthusiasts’ community resulted in a clarification. If BMW stops selling stick shift 2 Series models here, it won’t be until the car’s next generation, expected to be the 2020 model year (now less than two years away). Automobile magazine’s Four Seasons ‘17 M2 came with just one option; the dual-clutch seven-speed automatic, because, BMW said, customer demand for the manual created a shortage. I wouldn’t be surprised if the next 2 Series came only with a DCT, which is handy for Level III or IV autonomous features. And the upcoming X2 “sport/activity vehicle” almost certainly will not be offered with a three-pedal layout.

Volvo goes all-electrified by 2019: The misleading headline at Volvo’s own website reads, “Volvo goes all-electric,” but the copy underneath says that by ’19, all Volvos will have an electric motor. While the hyperbole led The Cult of Elon to believe they had won their revolution, at Volvo, this entails everything from pure battery-EV to plug-in hybrid to 48-volt. For sure, the 48-volt revolution is coming, with that technology aiding stop/start systems and in some cases limited EV driving while accommodating the expansion of elaborate infotainment systems. In any event, Volvo’s announcement spurred similar claims later in the year from rival premium automakers.

Nissan launches ProPilot Assist in its all-new, 2018 Leaf: The automated cruise control will start and stop in rush hour traffic, but you still have to keep your hands on the steering wheel, which gently helps you around curves. The new Nissan Leaf’s range is now 150 miles on a full charge, still 78 miles short of the Chevy Bolt’s stated range.

Cadillac launches Super Cruise: Is Cadillac in the autonomy lead? Yes, I think it is, even if Mercedes-Benz and Volvo have slightly more capable systems in the works. As part of Super Cruise’s safety redundancy, GM mapped 180,000 miles of U.S. roads. You must take the wheel of the Cadillac CT6 to change lanes, but otherwise it’s even easier than two-fingertip steering on long, boring Interstates.

Toyota and Mazda announce joint-venture U.S. assembly plant: Likely to be built somewhere in the UAW-bereft Southeast, the joint venture also will help struggling Mazda get into electrified powertrains. Let’s hope it leads to a future for the Mazda MX-5 Miata and Toyota 86, as their Fiat and Subaru deals are not likely to have sequels.

Mazda announces Skyactive X engine technology: Mazda will equip its next 3, coming in 2019, with a compression ignition gasoline powered engine said to nearly equal a similar-sized four-cylinder turbodiesel, and match it for CO2 emissions.

Fiat Chrysler ‘confirms’ it has not been approached by Great Wall Motors: The late-summer denial that a Chinese automaker was looking to buy Fiat Chrysler comes in the middle of a year in which CEO Sergio Marchionne is pretty transparent about his desire to find a dance partner. In my Motor City Blogman column, I note that Jeep and Ram are the two brands that would attract such a partner, and that if Marchionne expected value to be paid for the rest of the brands, the company might have to go it alone for a while longer.

IAA Frankfurt motor show highlights: The Honda Urban EV concept, Mercedes-AMG Project One, a roadgoing F1 car driven onto the stage by Lewis Hamilton (who would soon win his fourth World Driver’s Championship), Renault Symbioz concept, a modern rolling living room, Ferrari Portofino, Hyundai Kona, Kia Proceed concept, and according to Robert Cumberford, the new Borgward Isabella and something called the Aspark Owl.

Delphi splits in two: We don’t often cover Tier One suppliers, but it’s worth noting that this former GM parts division this year split into two companies. Delphi Technology continues to work on updating and improving powertrains, mostly the internal combustion engine, while Aptiv covers autonomy and connectivity. While I often write about automakers’ latest autonomous technology breakthroughs, much of the advances are coming from companies like Aptiv, Continental, Bosch, etc.

GM will launch ‘at least’ 20 new battery-electric or fuel cell vehicles by 2023: While no one has figured out how to make money on BEVs or fuel cells yet, this announcement spurs on GM’s already soaring share prices. The first two new EVs will arrive by mid-2019 and will be based on the current Chevy Bolt, while the new models after that will be off a new electric/fuel cell platform, including what looks to be the C8 Corvette E-ray.

Tokyo Motor Show highlights: The Honda EV Coupe concept, Mazda Vision Coupe concept, Mazda Kai concept (next Mazda3), Subaru Viviz Performance concept (next WRX/STI), Daihatsu DN Compagno concept, and the Toyota TJ Cruiser. In time for the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo, Toyota also displays a new Century limousine and a Tokyo cab, replacing models first designed for the 1964 Olympics that raised the city out of its postwar doldrums.

Tesla loses record $619 million in the third quarter: The cost of developing the much-awaited Tesla Model 3 and its production facility no doubt contributed to all this red ink. CEO Elon Musk says Tesla delivered just 233 of its mass-market EVs as of the end of the quarter, and says ramp-up of production to 5,000 per month now is delayed to the end of the first quarter of 2018—originally, this was the goal for the end of the year.

Peugeot-Citroen launches car-sharing service ahead of return to the U.S.: Free2Move is launched as an aggregation app for Car2Go and Zipcar in Seattle. The app will help PSA relearn the U.S. market ahead of its planned return selling cars here, says North American chief Larry Dominique. PSA will sell one of it from Performance Junk Blogger Feed 4 http://ift.tt/2BXQdmE via IFTTT

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2020 Lexus IS 300 Release Date

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2020 Lexus IS Twin Turbo

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2020 Lexus IS 250 Awd Concept

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2020 Lexus IS Redesign

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