Latest New Car Information and Car Exporting News

08/19/2013 - Nicolas Popov wrote:

2014 Jeep Patriot

Jeep Patriot benefits from some substantial revisions for the 2014 model year. The 2014 Jeep Patriot compact crossover utility will offer a new compact, lightweight 6-speed automatic transmission for the first time, replacing the previously standard continuously variable Transmission (CVT). While CVTs are generally more fuel-efficient than conventional automatics, the Patriot's was slow and noisy as it annoyingly let the engine rev far ahead of vehicle speed under hard acceleration, which was often necessary due to the four-cylinder engine's limited power.

The 2014 Patriot is expected to deliver up to 30 mpg on the highway with its standard 158-horsepower 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, 5-speed manual transmission and front-wheel-drive.

Patriot offers traditional Jeep styling at an affordable price and, with the right packages, full Jeep Trail Rated capability.

Three drivetrains will be available for the 2014 Patriot: front-wheel drive, Freedom Drive I, and Freedom Drive II. Freedom Drive I is active full-time four-wheel-drive for daily use, including slick conditions, with a lockable center coupling for deep snow, sand and other low-traction surfaces. Freedom Drive II will deliver Trail Rated capability with a second-generation CVT with low range (CVT2L) that engages when the off-road mode is activated, a 19:1 crawl ratio, all-terrain tires on aluminum wheels, a full-size spare, skid plates, tow hooks, fog lamps and a manual seat height adjuster.

The 2.0-liter four-cylinder in Patriot Sport and Patriot Latitude models will deliver 158 horsepower, 141 pound feet of torque and 30 mpg on the highway with the 5-speed manual, according to Jeep. It's also available with a second-generation CVT2 continuously variable transmission.

The 2.4-liter four-cylinder standard on Limited, optional on other models, produces 172 horsepower and 165 pound feet of torque. It has dual variable-valve timing on both intake and exhaust camshafts to help optimize torque, power, smoothness and fuel economy. Mated to the 5-speed manual with front-wheel drive, it is expected to deliver 23 mpg in the city, and 28 mpg on the highway.

The new 6-speed automatic will be optional on the base Sport and standard on Latitude and Limited models, except on those equipped with Freedom Drive II, which requires the off-road-capable CVT2L transmission.

Standard features on the Jeep Patriot Sport will include new front seat-mounted side air bags, electronic stability control with roll mitigation, Hill-start Assist, anti-lock brakes, fog lamps, a 60/40 fold-flat rear seat, a rear window wiper, a tilt steering column, cruise control, illuminated cup holders and a removable and rechargeable flashlight.

The mid-range Jeep Patriot Latitude will add air conditioning, power windows, door locks and heated outside mirrors, illuminated keyless entry, 17-inch aluminum wheels, front heated cloth seats, rear seat recline, a driver seat height adjuster, a fold-flat front passenger seat, a 115-volt power inverter and a leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio and speed controls.

Moving up to the top-of-the-line Jeep Patriot Limited will get you a 172-hp 2.4-liter engine and the new 6-speed automatic, plus leather upholstery, four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes, driver's seat manual lumbar adjust, a leather-wrapped parking brake handle, a six-way power driver's seat, automatic temperature control.an Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) and an AM/FM/six-disc CD/DVD/MP3/HDD/SiriusXM radio.

Options available across the line are Jeep Freedom Drive I and II 4x4 systems, the more powerful 2.4-liter engine, the 6-speed automatic, a power sunroof, Uconnect Bluetooth handsfree phone capability with iPod connectivity, GPS navigation with SiriusXM Travel Link, premium nine-speaker audio with liftgate speakers and an all-weather Capability Group that includes all-terrain tires, daytime running headlamps, all-season floor mats, an engine block heater and tow hooks.

Improved for 2014, the Jeep Patriot is a small, affordable, relatively fuel-efficient CUV with Jeep styling and available Trail-Rated capability.

08/17/2013 - Nicolas Popov wrote:

2014 Jaguar F-Type

Jaguar is launching a new sports car called the F-Type expected to go on sale in the U.S. in early summer 2013.

There was something fitting about the soggy send-off the all-new Jaguar F-Type got during a Paris Motor Show preview, the rain all the more tolerable once you learned the sports car's new soft-top can be operated in just 12 seconds.

Practical matters are likely only to enhance the appeal of the F-Type which is being hailed as the spiritual successor to the British marque's legendary E-Type. The result of an absurdly long gestation, Jaguar taking over a decade to come up with the right design, the new two-seater somehow captures the essence of the old E-Type without slipping into the dreaded retro-mobile category.

There are two strong lines that define the sports car, one slicing rearward from the nose and fading away in the doors like a pencil leaves a piece of paper, one Jaguar designer suggested. The other defines the tail. The rear lamps run horizontally, with just a hint of E-Type in the central rondels. Twin tailpipes will define the V6, quad exhaust tips the V8.

The interior is a very modern iteration, as well, with some of the luxurious, high-tech details of the latest, and far more expensive, Jaguar XJ. Two integral roll bars rise above and behind the twin, sports-style seats. The power top, meanwhile, should be one of the fastest on the market, and will be operable at speeds up to 30 mph.

Jaguar kicked around a lot of different powertrain layouts over the years, including a possible mid-engine sports car, but ultimately settled on a relatively conventional front-engine/rear-drive approach. Like other recent Jaguar models, the British maker has gone for a lightweight aluminum body and platform that comes in at just 3,521 pounds with the base V6, just slightly more than a Porsche 911.

Initially, there will be three powertrain options: a 3.0-liter 340-hp supercharged V6, as well as a 380-hp version developing higher boost. The initial top-line model will boast a 5.0-liter V8 making 495 horsepower, and reported 0 to 60 acceleration times of just over 4 seconds. Jaguar officials have hinted they have an expansive product lifecycle plan, which translates into a continuing series of spin-offs that will roll out in the coming years, much as the marque has done with the bigger XK line.

Surprisingly, there are no plans for either a manual gearbox or a dual-clutch, but Jaguar insists the ZF QuickShift 8-speed will be lightning fast and will come with wheel-mounted paddle shifters.

While not confirmed, that appears to include an R model and possibly a later RS that could push up and beyond the 500 horsepower mark. Considering the size and weight of the new F-Type, company officials are almost giddy when describing the potential. The ability to add all-wheel drive, something Jaguar knows many American motorists now demand on all luxury products, has been built into the platform and could follow within a couple years.

Jaguar has big sales goals for the new F-Type, and that matters to potential buyers because the maker plans to use an attractive base price to draw buyers into the showroom. While final figures won't be revealed until closer to its launch, early next year, the target is 25-percent less than a comparable 911, which would translate into about a $70,000 base price.

08/13/2013 - Nicolas Popov wrote:

2014 Honda Odyssey

The Honda Odyssey will be thoroughly refreshed for the 2014 model year with revised exterior styling, an updated interior, structural upgrades for improved crashworthiness, and the latest safety technology. Revealed at the March 2013 New York International Auto Show, the 2014 Odyssey goes on sale this summer.

Most interesting, the 2014 Honda Odyssey Touring Elite features a first-ever in-vehicle vacuum system, just the thing to suck up those spilled Cheerios. HondaVAC makes quick cleanups a snap no matter the location, offering powerful cleaning suction with all the attachments to reach every corner of the Odyssey's cabin. HondaVAC, developed with industry-leader Shop-Vac, features a powerful vacuum with a replaceable filter and canister bag, all neatly integrated into a bulkhead in the cargo area. The system's powerful electric motor never needs an outlet or recharging, can operate continuously when the engine is running, and will continue to operate for up to eight minutes after the vehicle is turned off. When you're done vacuuming, simply shove it back into its cubby, close the lid, and it's hidden. It's a clever idea from a company with a history of creative solutions.

All 2014 Odyssey models get sleeker, more sophisticated exterior styling with a new, more deeply sculpted aluminum hood, new aluminum front fenders, a new bolder twin-bar grille, and a revised lower front fascia with integrated chrome-trimmed fog lights. New two-tone mirror housings, darker-finish projector-beam headlight housings, LED taillight bars and new badging add to the 2014 Odyssey's premium look.

Inside the 2014 Odyssey, new finishes brighten the cabin and an all-new center stack showcases a host of new features. Among them: keyless Smart Entry with Push Button Start, HD Radio, an SMS text messaging function, and HondaLink featuring Aha Mobile interface. HondaLink, which debuted on the 2013 Honda Accord, enables Odyssey owners to connect quickly and easily to a wealth of cloud-based content. The free HondaLink smartphone app uses the owner's favorite online content to create live, personalized radio stations, allowing drivers to put away their phones and hear updates and news feeds from Facebook and Twitter, as well as check out restaurant reviews or find the closest coffee shop.

All 2014 Odyssey models benefit from an upgraded structure designed to improve crashworthiness. The 2014 Odyssey Touring Elite will also come equipped with advanced Honda driver assistive and visibility technologies such as an Expanded View Driver's Mirror, Forward Collision Warning and Lane Departure Warning.

We're guessing most 2014 Odyssey models will range from $32,000 to $45,000, though there may be a sub-$30,000 base model. But that's only a guess. We don't know. The 2013 Odyssey LX starts at $28,675, but the popular EX trim levels range from $31,825 to $37,225 MSRP. The 2013 Odyssey EX-L Touring Elite retails for $44,025

08/13/2013 - Nicolas Popov wrote:

2014 Jeep Cherokee

The all-new 2014 Jeep Cherokee unveiled March 2013 at the New York International Auto Show boasts best-in-class capability among mid-size SUVs, vastly improved fuel economy (vs. the aging Liberty it replaces), car-like on-road dynamics and an array of advanced technology features. Marking the rebirth of Jeep's once-popular Cherokee nameplate unused since 2001, the 2014 Cherokee offers sleek and controversial new styling.

The 2014 Jeep Cherokee will arrive in the third quarter of 2013 with a segment-first 9-speed automatic transmission and a choice of two new engines:

Standard will be a 16-valve 2.4-liter four-cylinder good for 184 horsepower and 171 pound-feet of torque promising an EPA-estimated 31 mpg Highway, which is 45-percent improvement in fuel efficiency over the outgoing Liberty.

Optional will be a 3.2-liter V6, a variant of Chrysler's Pentastar V6, that will deliver 271 horsepower and 239 pound-feet of torque, plus more refinement and 30 percent better fuel economy than the old V6, along with best-in-class V6 towing capability of 4500 pounds.

The 2014 Cherokee will offer a choice of front-wheel drive (not rear-wheel drive) or one of three available four-wheel drive systems, all with an automatic rear-axle disconnect that improves fuel efficiency when 4x4 capability isn't needed:

Jeep Active Drive I will use a fully automatic single power transfer unit (PTU) to seamlessly switch in and out of four-wheel drive at any speed while delivering yaw (skid) corrections as needed.

Jeep Active Drive II will use a two-speed PTU with torque management and a low range for severe off-road conditions and enhanced climbing. Cherokees with Active Drive II are one-inch higher in ride height.

Jeep Active Drive Lock, standard on Trailhawk models, adds a locking rear differential.

Each system will come with Jeep's Selec-Terrain traction control system with five settings (Auto, Snow, Sport, Sand/Mud and Rock) to optimize on- and off-road performance.

Four 2014 Cherokee models will be available: Cherokee Sport, mid-range Latitude, uplevel Limited, and Trail Rated Trailhawk.

Trailhawk will feature a rugged look, Active Drive Lock and Trail Rated hardware that should make it the market's most capable mid-size SUV. Unique front and rear fascia will give it aggressive approach and departure angles, while skid plates will protect it and signature red tow hooks will be there if needed.

All 2014 Cherokees ride on a MacPherson-strut front suspension with 6.7 inches of travel and an independent multi-link rear set-up with up to 7.8 inches of travel. Electronic power steering (EPS) will improve fuel efficiency and maneuverability with a turn radius of about 36 feet on front-wheel drive models, 38 feet on four-wheel drive models and 39 feet on Trailhawks.

Cherokee's all-new cabin will feature premium materials and loads of easy-to-use technology, with soft-touch door uppers, armrests and upper instrument panel, ergonomically-designed seats in premium cloth or available Nappa leather and 60/40 split second-row seats that adjust fore/aft for passenger and cargo flexibility. Two industry-exclusive open-air options will be offered: a new CommandView panoramic sunroof or a Sky Slider full-length open canvas roof.

Depending on the model, the instrument cluster will be 3.5-inch grayscale or 7-inch full-color reconfigurable to allow the driver to select from a multitude of information including speed, fuel economy, audio, turn-by-turn navigation, safety warnings, Adaptive Cruise Control-Plus and Selec-Terrain settings. The available 8.4-inch touchscreen multimedia command center and Uconnect system will allow control of audio, climate and more from the touchscreen, with voice commands or with redundant controls on the center stack. It includes Bluetooth connectivity, SiriusXM Radio, navigation, music, apps (Pandora, Aha, iHeart Radio and more), voice-to-text messaging and streaming audio.

The long list of standard or available safety-related features (some Chrysler Group firsts) will include ParkSense Parallel/Perpendicular Park Assist System, Adaptive Cruise Control-Plus, Forward Collision Warning-Plus, Lane Departure Warning-Plus; Electronic Stability Control with Roll Mitigation; Blind-spot Monitoring; Rear Cross Path detection; ParkView backup camera with dynamic grid lines; 9-1-1 assist call; and 10 standard air bags

08/07/2013 - Nicolas Popov wrote:

2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA45 AMG

The uber-performance version of the all-new Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class debuted at the New York International Auto Show, a few months behind the introduction of the CLA250 at the Detroit auto show. Like the CLA250, the 2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA45 AMG is based on the A-Class model found in Europe.

The 2014 CLA45 AMG will go on sale in November 2013, according to Mercedes-Benz USA.

The CLA45 AMG will crank out an impressive 355 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque. Power is courtesy of a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine and a 7-speed dual clutch transmission, which can propel the CLA45 AMG from 0-60 mpg in 4.5 seconds, according to preliminary data from Mercedes-Benz USA. The CLA45 AMG will have an electronically limited top speed of 155 mph and will come standard with all-wheel drive.

The CLA45 AMG uses an exhaust system with an automatically controlled butterfly valve, similar to that found on the SLK55 AMG, which promises a sweet exhaust note. Heat is dissipated via a cooling system based on the SLS AMG GT supercar. And like other AMG vehicles, each engine used in the CLA 45AMG will be built by hand at the Mercedes-Benz engine production plant in Kolleda, Germany.

The seats are upholstered in faux Artico leather with red contrast stitching and suede trim inserts. Dashboard trim uses brushed aluminum. The Mercedes-Benz mbrace2 interface is displayed on a 5.8-inch screen. Standard wheels are 18-inch alloys.

Options include a carbon fiber package for both interior and exterior, 19-inch wheels and a Night Styling package with black tailpipes, front splitter and other exterior trim.

The CLA45 AMG is scheduled to arrive in dealerships in November 2013. Mercedes-Benz USA announced a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price for the CLA45 AMG of $47,450. (Prices do not include $925 destination charge.)

The CLA250 starts at $29,900 MSRP with front-wheel drive; pricing for the CLA250 4MATIC with all-wheel drive will be confirmed closer to its on-sale date.

877-577-1934

08/06/2013 - Nicolas Popov wrote:

2014 BMW i3

The quirky-looking BMW i3 hatchback is the brand's first foray into the electric car market. With a price tag that rivals upper-end 3 Series sedans, the BMW i3 can go 80-100 miles on a single charge and is the first mass-produced vehicle to use a body made of carbon-fiber reinforced plastic, significantly lighter than aluminum and steel.

Size-wise, the BMW i3 is a few inches shorter and slightly narrower than the Mini Countryman, and sits about an inch taller. It's significantly shorter than the Nissan Leaf, by nearly 18 inches. It retains some classic BMW styling cues like a squashed version of the twin kidney grille, swept-back headlamps and large, multi-spoke wheels bearing the blue and white roundel. But with its aggressively flared fenders and flat, boxy rear, that's where similarities end. From the side, the i3's proportions, presumably constructed to maximize space, look bloated. Some might say the i3 resembles other BMWs the way a snake still looks like a snake after it's swallowed a mountain goat.

Inside, the BMW i3 boasts a unique design that maximizes cargo space and passenger movement. Instead of shoehorning an electrified powertrain into an existing BMW vehicle, the BMW i3 was built from the ground-up to be an electric car. As a result, there is no transmission tunnel that runs the length of the car, eliminating the hump inside that divides the right side of the car from the left. Designers were able to take advantage of this extra space and placed the center console low and nearly flush with the front seat, which allows the driver to easily scoot over to the passenger seat to get out if needed. Certain interior materials are natural and sustainable, including dashboard trim made from eucalyptus wood, instrument panel and door trim surrounds that contain plant fibers, and leather upholstery tanned with olive-leaf extract.

Not to be mistaken for a wimpy econo-box, the i3 boasts rear-wheel-drive architecture and near 50-50 weight distribution like other BMWs. It's powered by a hybrid synchronous electric motor that makes 170 horsepower and a maximum of 184 pound-feet of torque. Power is sent to the rear wheels via a single-speed transmission. BMW estimates the i3 can go from 0 to 30 mph in 3.5 seconds and 0 to 60 mph about 7.2 seconds, which is reasonably quick. Top speed is electronically limited at 93 mph. The i3's lightweight construction makes for a lean curb weight of just 2,635 pounds, besting the Leaf by more than 730 pounds.

Like other hybrid and electric vehicles, the BMW i3 uses regenerative braking. The i3's system is speed sensitive, recapturing the most energy at lower speeds and letting the car coast at higher freeway speeds. The accelerator also acts as a brake when the driver lifts off the pedal.

The BMW i3 can be recharged in three hours with the use of a 220-volt Level 2 charger. An optional DC combo fast charger is optional, and can fully charge the vehicle in as little as 30 minutes.

Although the standard BMW i3 is a purely electric vehicle, an optional range extender is available in the form of a 650cc gasoline motor, which essentially converts the i3 into a type of plug-in hybrid. The engine starts and maintains the battery's power level, but doesn't power the wheels directly. The range extender adds 264 pounds.

BMW i3 trim levels sound more like sci-fi flicks than refined German driving machines. The base BMW i3 Mega World comes standard with cloth interior, leather-trimmed steering wheel, navigation and 19-inch extra-efficient forged aluminum wheels with low-rolling-resistance tires. The mid-level Giga World gets leather and wool interior, a sunroof, universal garage door opener and satellite radio, and a different wheel design. Top-of-the-line Tera World models get full leather upholstery with contrast stitching and unique wheels.

Every i3 comes with BMW's Connected Drive, which allows drivers to access charging and other vehicle information via their iPhone. An optional Technology and Driving Assist package adds upgrader navigation with advanced real-time traffic and re-routing, a new touch pad controller, forward collision warning, pedestrian alert and collision mitigation system, as well as a host of electronic apps. The Parking Assist package includes a rearview camera, parallel parking assist, and front auto park distance control.

The BMW i3 is expected to be in dealerships in the second quarter of 2014 and will have a base starting price of $41,350 plus $925 destination, not including any federal or state credits or taxes.

08/06/2013 - Nicolas Popov wrote:

2014 Mitsubishi Outlander

The Mitsubishi Outlander has languished since its glory days as an SUV in the '90s. It's important to Mitsubishi that Outlander comes back, and the total redesign for model year 2014 is their best shot. But how much excitement does it take, nowadays? How much excitement do other cars in that field have? Mitsubishi targets the Kia Sorento, Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. Only the Sorento seats seven people like the Outlander; a third row isn't available with the CR-V, and Toyota dropped the third row for 2013 due to lack of demand. Does Mitsubishi know something Toyota doesn't?

Mitsubishi has done a great job with the 2014 Outlander; it's the same wheelbase, length and track, but has more interior room. If you need a 7-passenger crossover, and you want the best fuel mileage you can find, Outlander is the call. It gets five miles per gallon more than the Sorento, 27 mpg Combined city and highway versus 22 mpg Combined with 2WD, according to EPA estimates. The Sorento has sexier styling, but the Outlander is super smooth even with the base four-cylinder.

The 2014 Outlander has a new engine, new rear suspension, new floor plan, new interior, new glass, and new sheet metal. The skin is totally different, from the previous Outlander. Gone is the striking shark mouth, which was so 2011. Grilles aren't so much in-your-face any more. Mitsubishi isn't the only manufacturer to redefine bold, lately. Nowadays, bold seems to be another mile per gallon. Not that we're knocking the focus. Sometimes you just can't win with critics.

We can't say anything snarky about the Outlander's new styling. We can't find any dynamic words. The lines aren't cluttered or gratuitous. They deliver a good 0.33 coefficient of drag (thanks largely to the loss of the shark mouth). No more standard roof rails, and that helps aero. The headlights are tidy, and the front fascia isn't big and bland. Overall, it looks substantial for families.

Let's say we're not along for the ride, in the Outlander's press kit, when the second word describes the styling as breathtaking. Oops, we just said something snarky. But nobody on the sidewalk is going have their breath stolen by the new Outlander. It's not likely they'll even notice.

The new 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine is single overhead-cam, formerly double-overhead cam. For decades, DOHC has meant high performance, but now that efficient performance matters more, SOHC might be the wave of back to the future.

The improved 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, now with smart electronic variable valve timing, might make you forget the need for a V6, depending on the level of your need. It wasn't that long ago when we were saying the same thing about V6s versus V8s. It's all good. On that subjective subject of need, we can say that the 166-horsepower I4 gives you all the power you need for everyday driving, including on the freeway at 80 mph. We ran it there on a short road trip, and it was smooth and effortless. Its CVT kicked down for the long gradual uphills, invisibly, while maintaining the pace without much effort. There were no passengers with us for that run, and performance diminishes with each person you pile in.

The 224-horsepower V6 will get you there faster, for a price, and it will tow another ton (3500 pounds vs. 1500 pounds), if you have a boat to go with your four or five kids. Like the four-cylinder, the efficiency of the V6 has been increased with engine redesigns for 2014. With either engine, the Outlander is classified as a low emissions vehicle, thanks to increased efficiency and cleaner exhaust systems.

The 3.0-liter V6 comes with the all-wheel-drive GT model (but you can get all-wheel drive with the SE four-cylinder, too). The V6 is mated to a sweet 6-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters.

The four-cylinder uses a CVT, continuously variable transaxle. Mitsubishi has raised the bar, thanks to engineering that can finally make a CVT feel like an automatic transmission, and not weird like there's a giant rubber band connecting your engine to your wheels. Mitsubishi says they've been developing it for seven years, and we say bravo.

While Outlander ES comes standard with front-wheel drive, the available all-wheel-drive system is one of the best, as Mitsubishi has decades of 4WD experience, with many world rally victories to prove it. They call it Super All-Wheel Control, or S-AWC, with Super meaning torque vectoring (shifting the power between the front wheels as needed for grip) to further improve control during cornering. This is the first time S-AWC has been available down to the four-cylinder SE model.

The S-AWC system has been improved for 2014, and made lighter. It has four driving modes: ECO for fuel mileage (2WD), Normal, Snow and Lock, although Lock is a misnomer because it doesn't lock anything. It just provides the maximum percentage of drive to the rear wheels.

The interior is also all new, with greatly improved materials including a soft-touch instrument panel, glossy black center console, and wood trim in the GT model. But mostly, the new Outlander is exceptionally quiet. Big, big improvement. No tricks, just more sound insulation material throughout the vehicle. Mitsubishi says they spent thousands of hours on reducing wind noise.

The seats have been re-shaped, and the operation of the fold-flat 60/40 second row and 50/50 third row has been simplified. It works fast.

Other refinements and standard additions include micron air filtering, tilt/telescopic steering wheel with cruise control and audio controls, remote keyless entry, security system with engine immobilizer, new 6-speaker AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio system, intermittent rear wiper with washer, and halogen headlights.

The body is more than 200 pounds lighter, thanks to the use of more high-tensile steel, and the handling feels lighter as a result, although still not exactly nimble; after all, it is a seven-passenger vehicle. The switch to electric power steering adds to the light feel. Meanwhile, design changes to the suspension tighten the cornering. These include added subframes and stiffened strut mounts in front.

The multi-link rear suspension uses lighter links to improve the ride, improved bushings to lessen NVH (noise, vibration and harshness), and low-friction seals in the axles to reduce rolling resistance, and improve fuel mileage (a new alternator with less drag is another). Lighter alloy wheels contribute to responsive handling.

The improved four-cylinder engine features an aluminum block and the latest variable valve timing, which Mitsubishi calls MIVEC (the i is for innovative, not intelligent like the others). It makes 166 horsepower and 162 foot-pounds of torque at 4200 rpm. The numbers aren't big, but the power is good.

Mitsubishi calls its shell Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution (RISE). There are energy absorbing sections in key areas of the body and chassis, including under the floor of the passenger compartment. Mitsubishi says the Outlander will receive a Top Pick safety award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

08/02/2013 - Nicolas Popov wrote:

2014 Jaguar C-X16

Jaguar has been showing off a hybrid-powered, front-engine sports car concept, called the Jaguar C-X16, expected to be produced in 2014. Jaguar has yet to state publicly that they will build this car, but the brand needs a new sports car to carry forward its sporting heritage. Versions touring the auto show circuit carry no obvious signs the car is just a styling exercise, and we have every reason to believe it will be produced.

A foot shorter, an inch lower, the same width and 250 pounds lighter than an XK, the C-X16 is small only by Jaguar standards and a genuine two-seater. E-type cues can be found if you look deep and stretch enough to cover the 50-year span since that car's debut, including the single-element headlamps, hood louvers, and voluptuous fenders. The hatch that opens sideways and lack of superfluous wings and spoilers are clearer reminders.

The lithe C-X16 is built primarily of aluminum with carbon fiber accents. Twenty-one inch rubber-band tires may turn into 18s or 19s, but the C-X16 could probably look good on farm implement rubber.

Your first look in the cabin might say Audi R8: the layout is very similar. With modern toggles, glass panels and reconfigurable displays, it's all very modern and suggestive. Surfaces include a honeycomb-pattern leather and suede, used extensively from floor to ceiling. And while many cars have buttons on the steering wheel spokes and paddles behind, the C-X16 paddles are red and the button is on the rim for your right thumb.

This is push-to-pass, modeled after the energy recovery system, called KERS, on recent Formula One racing cars. A compact lithium-ion battery pack and transmission-mounted electric-motor add 93 hp and 173 lb-ft of torque for 10 seconds. This is in addition to the 375-hp supercharged V6 derived from the XK and XF V8. With an 8-speed automatic and start/stop, Jaguar promises 0-60 mph in less than 4.4 seconds, 50-75 mph in 2.1, up to 50 mph on electric alone at very light throttle, and fuel economy averaging near 35 mpg. Top speed is listed as limited to 186 mph but doesn't specify if the limiting is electronic or merely aero drag and mechanical resistance.

Few particulars are out on suspension though it looks to be independent as all Jags have been for decades. With perfect weight distribution and Jaguar's credentials it should make an excellent Grand Touring car, if not a lightweight sports car.

08/02/2013 - Nicolas Popov wrote:

2014 Jeep Compass

When Jeep introduced its car-like Compass compact crossover CUV for 2007 a lot of critics questioned why. It was essentially the same vehicle as the more Jeep-looking Patriot, but it was styled more like a compact car. We thought there would be room for two different takes on the same mechanicals, and apparently Jeep still does, since both Compass and Patriot will continue for 2014 with significant improvements.

Most important, the new Jeeps will offer a new compact, lightweight 6-speed automatic transmission for the first time, replacing its previous continuously variable Transmission (CVT). While CVTs are generally more fuel-efficient than conventional automatics, that one was both slow and noisy as it let the engine rev far ahead of vehicle speed under hard acceleration.

The 2014 Compass is expected to deliver up to 30 mpg on the highway with its standard 158-horsepower 2.0-liter four-cylinder, five-speed manual transmission and front-wheel-drive.

Compass will get Jeep's tough Trail Rated designation when equipped with available packages.

The 2014 Compass will be nicely freshened inside and out with new standard side airbags and a new available backup camera.

Launched as a 2007 model, Compass was upgraded for 2009 and substantially revised for the 2011 model year.

Two 4x4 systems will be offered: Freedom Drive I active full-time 4x4 with a lockable center coupling for deep snow, sand and other low-traction surfaces, or Freedom Drive II. The latter will deliver Trail Rated capability with a second-generation CVT with low range (CVT2L) that engages when the off-road mode is activated, a 19:1 crawl ratio, all-terrain tires on aluminum wheels, a full-size spare, skid plates, tow hooks and a manual seat height adjuster.

The 2.0-liter inline-4 that comes with Sport and mid-range Latitude models will deliver 158 horsepower, 141 pound feet of torque and 30 mpg on the highway with the five-speed manual.

The 2.4-liter four-cylinder with dual-variable-valve-timing standard on Limited models generates a stronger 172 horsepower and 165 pound-feet of torque. Mated to the 5-speed manual and front-wheel drive, it will deliver 23 mpg in the city, 28 on the highway.

The new 6-speed automatic will be optional on Sport and standard on Latitude and Limited, except those with Freedom Drive II, which requires the off-road-capable CVT2L.

Standard features on the Sport model will include a new acoustic laminated front windshield, six airbags, Electronic Stability control with Roll Mitigation, ABS with brake assist, Hill-start Assist, anti-lock front disc/rear drum brakes, air conditioning, power windows, door locks and fold-away exterior mirrors, illuminated keyless entry, 60/40 fold-flat rear seat, cruise control, Sentry Key engine immobilizer theft-deterrent system, illuminated cup holders, a removable and rechargeable flashlight, floor mats, a tilt steering column, projector fog lamps, rear window wiper/washer and 16-inch steel wheels.

Latitude models get all that plus the 6-speed automatic, heated cloth front seats, a driver's seat height adjuster, a fold-flat front passenger seat, rear seat recline, a 115-volt power inverter and a leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio and speed controls.

Limited upgrades to the 172 hp 2.4-liter engine, four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes, leather-trimmed seats and parking brake handle, power six-way driver seat with manual lumbar adjust, Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC), AM/FM/six-disc CD/DVD/MP3/HDD/SiriusXM radio, bi-function projector halogen headlamps, 18-inch aluminum wheels, automatic temperature control and a universal garage door opener. In addition to Freedom Drive I and II, the 2.4-liter engine and the six-speed automatic, available options (depending on the model) include the backup camera, a power sunroof, Uconnect Voice Command with Bluetooth and iPod connectivity, premium nine-speaker audio with liftgate speakers, navigation with SiriusXM Travel Link and a Trailer-tow Prep Group.

Substantially improved for 2014, the Jeep Compass will carry on in its role as a small, affordable, relatively fuel-efficient car-like CUV with available Jeep Trail Rated capability.

08/01/2013 - Nicolas Popov wrote:

2014 Chevrolet Sonic Dusk

Chevrolet has injected a little bit of bad into its subcompact sedan. This newest version, which debuted as a concept at the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show, is a sportier, tougher-looking Sonic complete with 18-inch wheels, a new grille treatment, chrome exhaust tips and a dusk-hued paint job, dubbed Ashen Grey.

Essentially, a sportier version of the Sonic LTZ, the Sonic Dusk is powered by the same 1.4-liter turbocharged inline-four found on current Sonic LT and LTZ models, good for 138-horsepower and 148 pound-feet of torque. The Sonic Dusk will come with a 6-speed manual transmission (as opposed to the 5-speed found on other Sonic models), or a 6-speed automatic.

Inside you'll find a black and Mojave Brown color scheme, sport seats with black leather trim, and brown stitching along the instrument panel and door inserts. Chevrolet's MyLink touchscreen interface comes standard, which pairs with compatible smartphones and allows audio streaming via Bluetooth with Pandora, among other features.

Like other Sonics, the Dusk will come standard with 10 airbags, including seat-mounted thorax side-impact, head curtain and knee airbags. Other nice touches not often found standard on subcompact cars include a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel and 60/40 folding rear seats.

Pricing or an exact release date hasn't been announced, but GM says it is working to get this top-of-the-line Sonic to dealers soon. Our best guess is that it could arrive sometime in mid-2013. And all that fancy styling doesn't come cheap. We expect pricing will be slightly above the Sonic LTZ, which begins at $19,375 with the automatic transmission.

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