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Archives for July 2017

Are Cars Doomed? Not So Fast!

July 28, 2017 by admin 1 Comment

Consumer sentiment for high-profile vehicles continues.

2015 Hyundai Azera
This large Hyundai Azera sedan won’t see the 2018 model year.

A quick scan of the automotive landscape, especially in the United States, reveals that consumers are snapping up SUVs and pickup trucks to the detriment of coupes, sedans, and wagons. Some brands, such as Buick, are selling as many as three SUVs to one car, underscoring the wholesale shift away from traditional transportation choices.

Some analysts see a permanent shift away from cars to high-profile vehicles and are essentially calling the segment dead. Indeed, just this past week we’ve heard rumors that GM may cancel two large sedans — the Chevrolet Impala and Cadillac XTS, with even a few smaller models such as the Chevrolet Sonic possibly on the chopping block. Also, it is unlikely we’ll see a new Ford Taurus and similar rumors that next-generation Fiesta won’t arrive stateside continues. Further, Fiat Chrysler has already canceled the midsize Chrysler 200 and compact Dodge Dart sedans, while Hyundai has similar plans for the large Azera sedan.

2017 GMC Canyon Denali
Small pickup trucks such as this
GMC Canyon are fueling demand.

Are cars doomed? Or are we seeing a temporary shift that may someday swing back or at least strike a balance between cars and utility vehicles/trucks? Here’s how I see things shaping up over the next several years:

1. Several car models will go away. It seems likely most of the previously mentioned models will, indeed, go away. Some have questioned the Taurus’ demise, given that it is used by police departments across the country. On closer inspection, other Ford models such as the Explorer are in greater demand, taking sales from the Taurus. Moreover, this past April, Ford announced it was bringing the Ford Police Responder Hybrid Sedan to the market, based on the Fusion Hybrid. It’ll be used mostly in urban settings, but it should fill the void once Taurus production ends.

2. A shrinking pie, with fewer players. Not every automaker is abandoning shrinking segments, at least not yet. The large sedan segment has seen the most significant pullback of any, with sales falling by more than one half over the past five years. Toyota is planning to bring the next generation of its large Avalon to the market next year, even as Hyundai, Chevrolet, and Ford abandon the market. This makes sense because the 2019 Avalon is based on the same platform underpinning the Toyota Camry and also shares its wheelbase with the Lexus ES Series. Avalon sales may be falling, but Toyota is poised to fill the void left with its own model. Livery owners everywhere rejoice!

Ford Fiesta ST
Rumors of the Ford Fiesta’s demise may be exaggerated.

3. Shrinking, but not dying. Not all car segments are going away. One reason large sedan sales are falling is because midsize sedans are taking up the slack. Today’s midsize models are nearly as large as the big sedans sold 15 years ago. They’re also better made, well equipped, and affordable. Doubtlessly, the D-segment pie will continue to shrink, but there is an opportunity for those who are patient. Indeed, both the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord are all new for 2018, while a refreshed Hyundai Sonata rolls out. Sales of such remaining models as the Ford Fusion, Nissan Altima, Chevrolet Malibu, and Kia Optima remain strong. It is doubtful the Subaru Legacy will go away, although models such as the Mazda 6 and Volkswagen Passat may not receive an update anytime soon.

2016 Honda HR-V
Small SUVs such as this Honda HR-V
are siphoning sales from cars.

4. Gas prices are a driving factor. Low fuel prices have people running away from fuel-efficient models. That said, today’s utility vehicles are more efficient than ever. Still, if gas prices begin to rise, consumers may suddenly shift demand to vehicles currently in low demand. No utility vehicle delivers anywhere near the 40 mpg of a Ford Fiesta or even a Toyota Camry. Prius sales may be down, but when gas prices top $4 per gallon in some places, demand could suddenly rise. Fuel demand worldwide has eased over the past few years, but war or some sort of environmental calamity (e.g. earthquake, oil spill, meteor impact) could quickly shift demand. Those automakers with the right mix of models in place will be the winners here.

5. Consumer tastes change and without reason. Who can figure out the mind of the consumer? Focus groups, surveys, and polls may capture consumer sentiment at the moment, but they aren’t always accurate and can never gauge whims. Cars carry a certain mystique SUVs cannot match and remain the favorite of enthusiasts and collectors alike. Not so with SUVs.

2015 Chrysler 300
The fate of such models as this Chrysler 300 is unknown.

Tapping the Market

Cars are not doomed, but some models are on life support. Certainly, SUVs are more profitable, so manufacturers go where the money easily flows. Manufacturers who hedge their bets are able to quickly pivot, especially when consumer sentiment changes — sometimes on a whim.


See Also — Mitsubishi Cancels Galant Replacement Model

Photos copyright Auto Trends Magazine. All rights reserved.

Filed Under: Commentary Tagged With: CHEVROLET IMPALA, Ford Taurus, FUEL ECONOMY, GAS PRICES, Hyundai Azera, PICKUP TRUCKS, SUVs, UTILITY VEHICLES

Sport Truck: 2017 Ram 1500 Night Edition

July 25, 2017 by admin 2 Comments

Black embellishments add pop to the Ram 1500.

2017 Ram 1500 Night Edition Crew Cab 4x2.
2017 Ram 1500 Night Edition Crew Cab 4×2.

It was four years to the week when a second Ram 1500 entered my press fleet rotation. That’s a long time between drives, especially as multiple copies of competing models from Ford, Nissan, Chevrolet, Toyota, and GMC came and went.

I cover pickup trucks probably as much as most other body styles, except for crossovers. The big number of crossovers found in press pools is understandable as we’re in the midst of a transition away from cars to utility vehicles. Manufacturers are simply responding to customer demand, although I absolutely long for the days of hot coupes and sport sedans gracing my driveway. Did I say I own a crossover?!

The current-generation Ram 1500 started out as the Dodge Ram 1500 in 2009, transitioning to a “Ram” brand unto itself two years later. Nine years is a long time to stick with the same model, but that fact hasn’t hurt Fiat Chrysler. Indeed, June 2017 US auto sales had Ram outselling the Chevrolet Silverado, the perennial second-place full-size pickup truck to the Ford F-Series. There’s a chance Ram may overtake Chevrolet for the year and that would be amazing as the Silverado is five years newer than the Ram. In any event, the next-generation Ram 1500 isn’t expected before 2019.

2017 Ram 1500

Taking Back the Night: 2017 Ram 1500

A 2017 Ram 1500 Crew Cab 4×2 Night Edition was my test model. This special version advances a commonly recurring theme amongst manufacturers — black embellishments on a white, black or other-colored body.

In this example, the 1500’s night package brings a black grille surround, black RAM tailgate stamping, 20-inch black aluminum wheels set within black sidewall all-season tires, and related badging.

Inside, you’ll find high-back heated cloth bucket seats with 10-way power adjustment. Rounding out the features are power-adjustable pedals and dual-zone automatic climate control.

Five exterior color choices are available: bright silver metallic, bright white, brilliant black, flame red, and granite crystal metallic. My test model was bright white, supplying this truck with an ideal contrast.

2017 Ram 1500

A Matter of Style

So, what sets this sport truck apart from the Ram 1500 pack? Everything mentioned earlier. If the style seems familiar to you, it should as it first appeared on the 2013 Ram 1500 Black Express package.

Other features include a body color fascia, body-color rear bumper, dual chrome exhaust tips, body-color power-folding mirrors and door handles. Take a close look the headlights too, as you’ll find black-bezel bi-functional projector headlamps with LED marker lights as well as black-bezel tail lamps.

You can have the Night Edition in regular, extended or crew cab body styles and your choice of 2WD or 4WD as well as standard and extended bed lengths.

Optional features include a performance hood with scoops, black running boards, RamBox cargo management, and a dual-purpose bed extender/divider. My test model had each of those features.

2017 Ram 1500

2017 Ram 1500

Safety and Technology

Both the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) put the Ram 1500 through extensive safety testing.

The NHTSA tested all three cab styles and both 2WD and 4WD versions. In each case, the Ram received four out of a possible five stars overall. In most cases, it achieved a 3-star rating for rollover, 4 stars for frontal crash and 5 stars for side crash.

The IIHS was similarly tough on the 2017 Ram 1500 as it awarded the truck its top score of “good” in three categories — moderate overlap front, side, and head restraints & seats, but “marginal” in small overlap front and roof strength. This truck also got dinged for its headlights and child seat anchors.

Standard safety equipment includes front and all-row, full-length air bags. You’ll also find a driver’s knee airbag. Available driver assist innovations include blind-spot monitoring, lane departure warning with lane keep assist, forward collision warning, emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control.

Top tech features include UConnect voice-command telematics, Bluetooth, WiFi hotspot, an auxiliary input jack, and USB ports. A six-speaker audio system with satellite radio is standard. Also available are 7- or 10-speaker audio package, the latter with a subwoofer.

2017 Ram 1500

On the Road

Ram offers a pair of engine choices with the Night Edition. Happily, the standard V6 was not supplied with my test model. Instead, a 5.7-liter HEMI V8 making 395 horsepower and 410 pound-feet of torque provided a week of driving delight. That’s a much better deal than the 305-hp and 269 lb.-ft. of torque delivered by the 3.6-liter V6 — nothing against the junior engine, but if you want a raucous driving experience, it’s found in the HEMI alone.

2017 Ram 1500There is a third engine Ram 1500 available, but not with the Night Edition. That would be the Fiat Chrysler 3.0-liter turbo-diesel V6, what bangs out 240 horsepower and a robust 420 pound-feet of torque. Incidentally, FCA yanked the diesel from the market for several months this year in response to a federal investigation that the engine violated emissions regulations. The automaker has since resumed production even as it still awaits the EPA’s blessing to start selling the truck again.

Across the board, all Ram 1500 engines come paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. My test model added an anti-spin differential rear axle — that’s Ram terminology for a limited-slip rear differential. Here, if the drive wheel loses grip, the limited-slip differential transfers power to the other wheel to regain grip. You may notice this when cornering or if roads are wet.

So, I spent sufficient time on twisty roads to gauge just how well the 1500 handled. Steering feels light to the touch and is not especially engaging. Handling is about what you’d expect — you’re still dealing with a large, crew cab model and that means you’ll experience some body roll. On the twistiest of roads, I found it difficult at times to keep the truck in my lane. Of course, had I been driving slower, that wouldn’t have been an issue. I’m sure the regular cab would have offered an ideal driving experience.

As for the HEMI, it is everything enthusiasts want — huge, burly and powerful. The boisterous exhaust note is a wonderful complement to the engine, sending forth warnings to all that a HEMI is in the house.

Parting Thoughts

My test model came in just above $50,000 and that’s not an uncommon price for today’s full-size crew cab models. Its base price was about $10,000 less, the higher cost reflected largely by the engine upgrade ($1,250), RamBox management system ($1,295), and more than a dozen special features ranging from locking lug nuts ($60) to the sport performance hood ($775).

Of course, cab and bed sizes make a difference in price too. That said, some of the most generous incentives are on crew cab pickup trucks, with discounts of $5,000 or more easily within reach. All in all, the Night Edition garnishes the Ram 1500 without overdoing. Its already a masculine truck — the black embellishments are akin to a man adding mutton chop sideburns or a goatee to his face.

2017 Ram 1500

2017 Ram 1500

2017 Ram 1500

2017 Ram 1500

2017 Ram 1500

2017 Ram 1500

2017 Ram 1500 Night Edition Crew Cab 4×2

  • Sticker price from $40,395 (Crew Cab)
  • Price as tested: $50,245
  • Seats 3 or 5 occupants
  • Engine No. 1: 3.6-liter V-6
  • 305 horsepower @ 6,400 RPM
  • 269 foot-pounds of torque @ 4,175 RPM
  • Engine No. 2: 5.7-liter HEMI V-8
  • 395 horsepower @ 5,600 RPM
  • 410 foot-pounds of torque @ 3,950 RPM
  • 8-speed automatic transmission
  • Wheelbase: 140.5 inches
  • Length: 229 inches
  • Width: 79.4 inches
  • Height: 77.2 inches
  • Passenger volume: 125.3 cubic feet
  • Storage volume: 5-feet-7-inch-bed
  • Towing capacity: 12,350 to 15,950 pounds
  • EPA: 15 mpg city, 22 mpg highway (V8)
  • Regular gasoline
  • Fuel tank: 26 gallons
  • Curb weight: From 5,232 to 5,712 pounds
  • IIHS safety rating: Not rated
  • Limited vehicle warranty: 3 years/36,000 miles
  • Powertrain warranty: 5 years/100,000 miles
  • Corrosion warranty: 5 years/unlimited miles
  • Vehicle assembly: Warren, Michigan

See Also — On the Road with the 2013 Ram 1500 Laramie Longhorn


2017 Ram 1500

2017 Ram 1500

2017 Ram 1500

2017 Ram 1500

2017 Ram 1500

2017 Ram 1500

2017 Ram 1500

2017 Ram 1500

2017 Ram 1500

2017 Ram 1500

2017 Ram 1500


See Also — New 2019 Ram 1500 Includes Mild Hybrid Drivetrains

Photos copyright Auto Trends Magazine. All rights reserved.

Filed Under: New Car Reviews Tagged With: 2017 trucks, CREW CAB, dual exhaust, eight-speed transmission, HEMI, RAM 1500, RAM TRUCKS, UCONNECT

Model Preview: 2018 Infiniti Q50

July 21, 2017 by admin 3 Comments

Infiniti’s entry-level sedan steps it up for 2018.

2018 Infiniti Q50
All-new 2018 Infiniti Q50 sedans parked while the drivers visit a local farm.

The Infiniti Q50 is an entry-level luxury sedan, the first model to advance the company’s current naming convention, which rolled out in 2014. The sedan replaced the widely-acclaimed G Series without losing its predecessor’s top attributes — value, styling, and premium touches.

Today, like all other manufacturers, Infiniti operates in a new paradigm: consumers are shifting their purchase decisions away from coupes, sedans, and wagons, and to crossover sport utility vehicles. That said, Infiniti successfully rolled out an all-new Q60 coupe last year, benefitting from sales that have surged seven-fold. Consequently, the Q60 is now the top-selling model in its class.

Refreshed 2018 Infiniti Q50

The Q50 sedan shares the same architecture as the coupe, and is a five-passenger rear-wheel drive model available with all-wheel drive. Instead of rolling out an all-new model for its fifth year, Infiniti went the mid-product-cycle refresh route for 2018.

What you have here is a reinvigorated model with a new exterior, numerous interior refinements, and four powerplant choices. Moreover, instead of giving up on its best-selling model, Infiniti is putting forth refinements it believes will continue to keep this sedan relevant in a shrinking segment. The pie may be shrinking, but Infiniti believes it’ll gain a bigger slice of it due to the update.

2018 Infiniti Q50

Infiniti introduced the 2018 Q50 at an auto show earlier this year. This week, Nissan’s luxury brand pulled in automotive journalists from across the US, Canada, and Mexico to preview the sedan. Disclaimer:Infiniti paid for my flight, hotel, and served up not a few delicious meals. That said, the words herein I alone own.

Downtown Nashville, Tennessee, provided the ideal place to invite journalists to drive the new Q50. Located just 19 miles away from Infiniti’s US Corporate Office Headquarters, the hotel served as the starting point for venturing out to the middle Tennessee countryside. Four long legs of driving on twisty roads put our test models through the paces. Incidentally, only top-of-the line Red Sport 400 models were provided.

Four Grades for the Choosing

Infiniti offers the 2018 Q50 in four grades: Pure ($34,200), Luxe ($36,550), Sport ($40,650), and Red Sport 400 ($51,000). Add $2,000 for all-wheel drive. The Q50 Hybrid is sold separately and retails for $50,600 ($52,600 all-wheel drive).

All Pure models are powered by a 208-hp four-cylinder engine. Luxe and Sport models get a twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6 with 300 horsepower. The top-of-the-line Red Sport 400 has the same V6 engine, but doubles the intercoolers to make 400 horsepower. All three engines come paired with a seven-speed automatic transmission.

2018 Infiniti Q50

A Matter of Style

All Q50 models offer a sleek design with the brand’s double-arch grille gracing the front end. A new mesh pattern and chrome surround add distinction.

2018 Infiniti Q50Updated signature lighting along with slimmer LED rear lamps round out the changes.

Sport and Red Sport 400 models gain a few special touches on top of the other changes, including wider and lower intakes and a new bumper. At the rear, you’ll also find a two-tone paint scheme on the diffuser, delivering a more fetching look for the twin exhaust ports. The top-of-the-line trim also benefits from unique 19-inch wheels; new wheel designs grace other wheel sizes, including the first-ever set of available 20-inch wheels.

Inside, you’ll now find imitation-leather material with twin stitching surrounding the instrument panel, special woods for the dashboard, and a new performance-oriented leather-wrapped shift knob with chrome touches.

On the Road

With just one powerplant offering supplied for our perusal, naturally my driving impressions are skewed toward the 400-hp V6. My test model was a rear-wheel drive Red Sport 400, a handsome sedan with firm seats up front. Generously bolstered, the bucket seats delivered the right amount of comfort and support as we traveled more than 150 miles on a circuitous route southwest of the city.

Infiniti provides five drive modes — standard, eco, snow, sport and sport+. Throughout much of my drive time I stayed in sport+ mode, enjoying the extra weight to the steering as well as the sharper transmission shift points. Steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters are at the ready, but I stuck with the automatic shifting.

2018 Infiniti Q50

Stomp the gas pedal and the twin turbos quickly spool up and deliver optimum performance. Your wheels may squeal as the sedan begins its race down the road. Shifting is incredibly smooth and ideally matched to the engine. Moreover, it is one of the most powerful engines in its class.

Drive fun is best enjoyed on twisty roads and there was no shortage of them mapped out for us — the Q50 stays planted, hugging the curves as you enjoy each delicious twist and turn. The drive-by-wire steering is responsive, delivering exceptional feedback in rapid-fire succession. Yes, it is computer simulated, a fact that detractors routinely pan. For everyone else, it delivers an ideal combination of performance and handling.

Parting Thoughts

So, where does the Q50 fit in the overall scheme of things? Its low base price is one thing. That you can get the twin-turbocharged V6 for under $40,000 supplies tremendous value. That’s a performance advantage Infiniti claims gives it a leg up on competing models from Lexus, Audi, and BMW.

You’ll also find such available technologies as a 16-speaker Bose audio system, InTouch telematics, and a long list of available safety features, including forward emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, distance control assist, blind spot warning, lane departure warning, and lane departure prevention. Some of these features also provide the foundation for autonomous driving, although an Infiniti representative stressed that the 2018 Q50 is all about the hands-on driving experience.

My personal recommendation for shoppers is to look at the two core grades — Luxe and Sport. Choose the rear-wheel drive Luxe with the V6 engine and opt for the essential package ($2,650) bringing in navigation, heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, driver lumbar support, and a 60/40 split rear seat, and your out-the-door price is about $43,000. At this price point you could opt for the four-cylinder engine to keep your final cost below $40,000, but the performance trade-off simply isn’t worth it in my opinion.

2018 Infiniti Q50

2018 Infiniti Q50

  • Sticker price from $34,200-$53,000
  • Seats 5 occupants
  • Engine No. 1: 2.0-liter turbocharged I4
  • 208 horsepower @ 5,500 RPM
  • 258 foot-pounds of torque @ 1,500 to 3,500 RPM
  • Engine No. 2: 3.5-liter V6 (hybrid)
  • 302 horsepower @ 6,800 RPM (360 net horsepower)
  • 258 foot-pounds of torque @ 5,000 RPM
  • Engine No. 3: 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6
  • 300 horsepower @ 6,400RPM
  • 295 foot-pounds of torque @ 1,600 to 5,200 RPM
  • Engine No. 4: 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 (twin intercooler pumps)
  • 400 horsepower @ 6,400 RPM
  • 350 foot-pounds of torque @ 1,600 to 5,500 RPM
  • 7-speed automatic transmission
  • Wheelbase: 112.2 inches
  • Length: 189.6 inches
  • Width: 71.8 inches
  • Height: 56.8 inches
  • Passenger volume: 100.0
  • Storage volume: 13.2 cubic feet
  • Towing capacity: Not rated
  • EPA: 19/26 to 23/30 mpg city/highway
  • Premium gasoline
  • Fuel tank: 20.0 gallons
  • Curb weight: From 3,621 to 3,993 pounds
  • IIHS safety rating: Not rated
  • Limited vehicle warranty: 48 months/60,000 miles
  • Powertrain warranty: 72 months/70,000 miles
  • Corrosion warranty: 84 months/unlimited miles
  • Vehicle assembly: Tochigi, Japan

2018 Infiniti Q50


See Also — Stretched Luxury: 2017 Infiniti Q70L

Photos copyright Auto Trends Magazine. All rights reserved.

Filed Under: New Models Tagged With: 2018 cars, all-wheel drive, four-cylinder engine, INFINITI, INFINITI Q50, luxury sedan, rear-wheel drive, turbo, V6 engine

To the Manor Born: Range Rover Sport

July 18, 2017 by admin 3 Comments

Out and about with No. 2 of four models in the Range Rover collection.

2017 Land Rover Range Rover Sport
The Range Rover Sport offers five powertrain choices, including diesel.

The Land Rover universe now encompasses six models — four Range Rovers and two Discovery series. There’s considerable overlap between some models, but there is enough distinctiveness present that each one has its own unique attributes, including the 2017 Range Rover Sport.

A 2017 Land Rover Range Rover Sport was a recent weekly driver, the second generation of this luxury SUV. Now in its fourth model year, the current-generation Range Rover Sport continues to hold its own in a highly competitive segment, delivering what customers want across five grades: SE ($65,650), HSE ($80,150), Supercharged ($80,650), Autobiography ($94,450) and SVR ($111,350). Add $995 for the destination charge.

Yes, that’s a huge spread between models, but if you’re happy with either a supercharged V6 or the turbo-diesel V6, you can hold your final price below $80,000.

New for 2017 are a host of now standard safety features, including blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning with lane keep assist, and automatic emergency braking. The electronics system is now controlled by the Range Rover Sport’s 10.2-inch touchscreen.

2017 Land Rover Range Rover Sport

Exterior Overview

Land Rover calls the Range Rover Sport a compact model, but it is anything but that. Indeed, its proportions align with median-sized models such as the Porsche Cayenne and Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class (formerly ML-Class). On the other hand, the Range Rover Evoque is definitely the “small time” player in this segment.

What you do have here is a sleek canvas marked by curved corners and peppered by sharp creases, distinctive sculpting, and vent embellishments. A high profile, strong shoulders, and a dramatically canted windshield are among the special features of note.

Standard exterior features include Xenon headlights with LED signature lights, automatic headlights, rear fog lights, and power-heated side folding mirrors with approach lights. Also available are front fog lights.

Wheel choices include 19- and 20-inch split-spoke aluminum-alloy wheels. An assortment of color options with contrasting roofs or a panoramic roof rounds out the exterior features.

2017 Land Rover Range Rover Sport

Interior Highlights

2017 Land Rover Range RoverGive the Range Rover Sport much credit with providing a roomy interior. Its standard 2+3 seating offers excellent room all around.

You have the option of adding a third-row seat for two, but at great compromise to storage space and seating comfort for third-row passengers.

Opt for the third-row package ($2,750) and Land Rover throws in power control, a tire repair system, and 20-inch, five-spoke wheels.

The Range Rover’s cabin is expansive, bright, and elegantly appointed. High-end materials blanket the cabin — I couldn’t find one square inch of plastic.

Leather, wood, and chrome trim grace the interior. All switches, knobs, and buttons seem durable.

The front seats are plush and supportive; the rear 60:40 bench seat is comfortable, but not nearly as so as in the big Range Rover. Still, the cabin is exquisitely dressed, befitting a model of Range Rover stature.

2017 Land Rover Range Rover Sport

On the Road

Drive a 2017 Range Rover Sport and you have your choice of five engines. Well, not exactly. Two of the engines do double duty with enhanced computer programming squeezing out more horsepower or horsepower and torque. That said, our specifications table at the end of this article shows five engines.

The base engine is a supercharged 3.0-liter V6 generating 340 horsepower (380 available) and 332 pound-feet of torque. This engine powered my test model and is wholly sufficient for the Sport. Even so, the Land Rover Discovery I tested last month had the turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 with a whopping 443 pound-feet of torque. But if full-on power is your desire, then nothing short of the V8s making at least 500 horsepower will do. Each engine choice comes paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission.

Superchargers provide superior off-the-mark acceleration compared to turbochargers, with the latter offering more boost further up the band curve. Jaguar Land Rover splits the technology by assigning turbos to diesel engines (and four-cylinder gas models) and superchargers to V6 and V8 gas engines. Either way, you win as there almost always is ample power from the smallest to the largest engine.

The Range Rover Sport seems too pretty to take off road, but if you’re so inclined, simply raise the suspension by 2.5 inches and give it a go. You’ll keep up with most everything out there, except perhaps that rock-crawling Jeep Wrangler. However, unlike the Wrangler, the Range Rover Sport supplies an absolutely comfortable on-road experience with a plush suspension and decent cornering thanks to its four-wheel drive system.

On one six-mile stretch of curvilinear pavement, I was able to experience just how well this SUV handles — it hugs the outside of the road with precision with very little body roll noted. This SUV imbues driver confidence in an all together stylish package.

2017 Land Rover Range Rover Sport

Safety and Technology Features

It is common matter that luxury cars, especially SUVs, are not put through the same crash test evaluations of more mainstream models.

The cost of destroying pricey vehicles is the main inhibitor of conducting such tests, therefore neither the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) nor the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has tested the Range Rover Sport.

SUVs as a rule perform better than cars in crash tests, thanks in large part to two factors: size and weight. Regardless, there is an inherent weakness present. Namely, a higher risk of tipping over. Roll stability control is an effective mitigator and the Range Rover Sport has this technology built in.

Other standard safety features include a suite of airbags, stability and traction control, and anti-lock brakes. This equipment is common to all cars, nonetheless.

If you want such driver assist features as adaptive cruise control, emergency braking, lane keep assist, and blind spot assist with reverse traffic detection, the Drive Pro Package is a $2,500 option on base models.

As for technologies, you get everything expected in a luxury SUV. That said, a surround view camera system comes bundled with configurable mood lighting and soft door close to form a $1,400 vision and convenience package. Other upgrades bring in an eight-inch rear entertainment system ($2,000), head-up display ($1,300), and an 18-speaker, 825-watt Meridian Surround Sound System ($1,100).

2017 Land Rover Range Rover Sport

Parting Thoughts

With the Velar now part of the Range Rover collection, shoppers have much to consider when shopping Land Rover. The latest Range Rover entry is just two inches shorter than the Sport, but it starts off with a turbo four-cylinder gas or diesel engine and tops out with a 380-horsepower supercharged V6. Definitely, if you place an importance on performance, the Sport gets the nod.

As for the Range Rover Sport, it does everything you expect in a five-passenger luxury SUV. If you need a seven-seater, then only the series-topping Range Rover will do, but its near $86,000 base price means a considerable cash outlay is in order.


2017 Land Rover Range Rover Sport

2017 Land Rover Range Rover

2017 Land Rover Range Rover Sport

2017 Land Rover Range Rover Sport

2017 Land Rover Range Rover Sport

2017 Land Rover Range Rover Sport

2017 Land Rover Range Rover Sport

2017 Land Rover Range Rover Sport

2017 Land Rover Range Rover Sport

  • Sticker price from $65,650-$111,350
  • Price as tested: $71,645
  • Seats 5 or 7 occupants
  • Engine No. 1: 3.0-liter supercharged V-6 gas
  • 340 horsepower @ 6,500 RPM
  • 332 foot-pounds of torque @ 3,500 to 5,000 RPM
  • Engine No. 2: 3.0-liter turbocharged V-6 diesel
  • 254 horsepower @ 3,750 RPM
  • 443 foot-pounds of torque @ 1,750 to 2,250 RPM
  • Engine No. 3: 3.0L supercharged V-6 gas
  • 380 horsepower @ 6,000RPM
  • 332 foot-pounds of torque @ 3,500 to 5,000 RPM
  • Engine No. 4: 5.0L supercharged V-8 gas
  • 510 horsepower @ 6,000 RPM
  • 461 foot-pounds of torque @ 2,500 to 5,500 RPM
  • Engine No. 5: 5.0L supercharged V-8 gas
  • 550 horsepower @ 6,000 RPM
  • 502 foot-pounds of torque @ 2,500 to 5,500 RPM
  • 8-speed automatic transmission
  • Wheelbase: 115.1 inches
  • Length: 191.1 inches
  • Width: 78.1 inches
  • Height: 70.1 inches
  • Passenger volume: Not rated
  • Storage volume: 27.7/66.2 cubic feet
  • Towing capacity: 7,716 pounds
  • EPA: 22 mpg city, 29 mpg highway
  • Premium gasoline or diesel fuel
  • Fuel tank: 27.7 gallons (gas); 23.5 gallons (diesel)
  • Curb weight: From 4,727 to 5,148 pounds
  • IIHS safety rating: Not rated
  • Limited vehicle warranty: 4 years/50,000 miles
  • Powertrain warranty: 4 years/50,000 miles
  • Corrosion warranty: 6 years/unlimited miles
  • Vehicle assembly: Solihull, United Kingdom

2017 Land Rover Range Rover

2017 Land Rover Range Rover Sport

2017 Land Rover Range Rover Sport

2017 Land Rover Range Rover

2017 Land Rover Range Rover Sport

2017 Land Rover Range Rover Sport

2017 Land Rover Range Rover Sport

2017 Land Rover Range Rover Sport


See Also — Diesel Added: Range Rover Sport

Photos copyright Auto Trends Magazine. All rights reserved.

Filed Under: New Car Reviews Tagged With: 2017 SUVs, Discovery Series, four-wheel drive, Land Rover, LAND ROVER DISCOVERY, luxury, RANGE ROVER EVOQUE, Range Rover Sport, Range Rover Velar

My Car Maintenance Schedule: Normal or Severe?

July 14, 2017 by admin 2 Comments

A Valvoline expert weighs in with advice on maintenance schedules, motor oil & lubricants.

Macy's New York
Urban drivers face much stop-and-go traffic and should follow
the manufacturer’s “severe” maintenance schedule.

The owner’s manual is your car’s bible, an authoritative document carefully assembled by the automaker. Manuals are specific to each model, offering details about the car that the manufacturer understands best.

One important section is the maintenance schedule (occasionally presented as a separate maintenance booklet) and typically divided into two sections based on your driving habits: normal and severe. Indeed, the differences between the two are often compared to night and day — with much tighter maintenance intervals for severe driving.

So, which schedule should most drivers follow? If you answered “normal” you are in for a surprise. With this in mind, let’s examine the schedule types and why following a “severe” schedule may be the best choice for most drivers, including you.

Deciphering Maintenance Schedules

Car manufacturers set the parameters for what constitutes “normal” and “severe” duty schedules. Fortunately, there are only small differences between how manufacturers define each. In any event, we’ll cover the generalities — avoiding most specifics, as in down to particular miles driven and time intervals.

For professional input, Auto Trends reached out to Valvoline and spoke with Fran Lockwood, Ph.D., the company’s chief technology officer. Dr. Lockwood is a chemical engineer possessing decades of experience in lubricants research and development.

Chevrolet Truck
Old truck? Yes, there is a motor oil for that.

Generally speaking, our discussion centered on what constitutes severe driving, including:

1. Hot weather driving in an urban setting.

Dr. Lockwood noted that a combination of high heat and stop-and-go traffic conspire to wear out cars faster. Specifically, lubricants found within motor oil break down rapidly under these conditions. As a result, adhering to a normal schedule will only wear out your engine quicker.

2. Short trips of under five miles.

If you live in an urban area, stop-and-go traffic isn’t the only condition that can take its toll on your vehicle. For instance, short trips to work, the grocery store, school, entertainment venues and other nearby locations may not involve much traffic. That said, each trip of no more than five miles creates an accumulation of water vapor, diluting the motor oil and reducing efficacy. Further, several other parts suffer as well — you’ll find yourself replacing your muffler more frequently, for example.

3. Regular towing, including a boat, trailer or camper.

The added pulling power required to tow something behind your vehicle puts more stress on a car, truck or an SUV. Not only is the engine pressured to work harder, but the protecting lubricants break down faster. Some other car parts affected include the brakes, tires, transmission, coolant and exhaust systems.

4. Consistently driving on non-pavement surfaces — dirt, gravel and off-road.

Regular travel on unpaved roads and surfaces can clog the air filter, which keeps dirt from entering the engine. Indeed, the harsher the surface, the harder your vehicle must work to take you where you’re heading. Additionally, dirt-covered or sandy surfaces as well as rocky or muddy roads take a toll on the suspension, brakes, tires, and paint.

Some of the other conditions that may adversely impact your car include temperature extremes and mountainous driving. In particular, operating a vehicle in temperatures regularly below 0º F or above 90º F is hard on your car. Moreover, hot temperatures accompanied by high humidity will break down the oil faster and drain the car’s battery. Even if the battery makes it through the summer, it could be dead come winter.

VW TSI Engine
Every manufacturer has guidelines specific to the model and engine.

A Matter of Synthetic Motor Oils

Car manufacturers are increasingly turning to synthetic lubricants in an effort to improve fuel economy and to meet ever increasing government-mandated mileage thresholds. Where vehicles once commonly used 10W-40 or 5W-30 motor oils, today 5W-20 and 0W-20 oils are more prevalent. Indeed, such lower-viscosity motor oils have the advantage of flowing through the engine with less resistance, thereby improving fuel efficiency.

Synthetics stretch out maintenance intervals as car manufacturers have long since moved away from the old 3,000-mile or 3-month standard, whichever comes first. Non-synthetic oils may now offer a 5,000-mile interval, while synthetics routinely deliver 10,000 miles (Toyota) or 15,000 miles (Jaguar). Thus, synthetics are more forgiving to people who are no longer in the habit of regularly checking their oil levels.

Choosing a synthetic oil keeps “the whole engine cleaner and improves fuel economy,” explained Dr. Lockwood. That said, she noted motorists should also keep tabs on the fueling system, given its propensity to attract dirt. For example, a 16-ounce bottle of Valvoline Syn Power fuel treatment cleans dirty fuel injectors, intake valves, and combustion chambers by removing accumulating deposits. When added to the fuel tank, this particular product improves cold start, reduces emissions, and restores fuel efficiency.

The Bottom Line

Although synthetic oils last longer and perform well under severe conditions, you need to regularly check your oil level as you do your other fluids. Ultimately, your owner’s manual offers the best guidance on car care — when followed, you’ll avoid costly repairs and extend the life of your vehicle.


Photos copyright Auto Trends Magazine. All right reserved.

Filed Under: Maintenance & Repairs Tagged With: car care, Fran Lockwood, lubricants, maintenance schedule, motor oil, synthetic oil, Valvoline

Pony Wars: Dodge Challenger Upends Ford Mustang, Chevrolet Camaro

July 12, 2017 by admin Leave a Comment

Dodge’s entry pulls a fast one.

Plum Crazy Dodge Challenger
Dodge Challenge sales are plum crazy!

The Dodge Challenger is No. 1. Or at least it was in June 2017. In the annual battle for pony car supremacy, the Ford Mustang continues to lead the Chevrolet Camaro and Dodge Challenger in US auto sales, but last month the Challenger overtook the two to finish first.

And that’s no small feat for Dodge’s sport coupe. Long a distant third-place finisher, the Challenger is living up to its name and is within striking distance of overtaking the second-place Camaro.

Pony Car Sales Through June 2017

What’s especially significant here is this Challenger is the same generation model released in 2008. Moreover, both of its American competitors are newer, with the most recent Mustang released in 2015 and an all-new Camaro in 2016.

The Dodge Challenger is the lone car bright spot among the major brands in the Fiat Chrysler Automobiles portfolio. Specifically, sales are up 4 percent through the first six months of 2017, while sales of the similar Dodge Charger sedan are down 11 percent.

Mustang sales are plunging, dropping 29.2 percent through June. Comparatively, Camaro sales are nearly flat, slipping just 0.7 percent during that time. There’s an opportunity here for both Mustang foes to pick up sales this year, but we’ll see how Ford chooses to respond before making predictions.

Pony Car Sales Breakdown

June 2017 Pony Car Sales

New and Specialty Models

So, how is Dodge managing to wring out sales from the Challenger, now in its 10th year of production? By releasing a slew of new and speciality models.

In 2008 — its first model year since the 1970-1974 pony car run (let’s never mention the heretical Mitsubishi model of the late 1970s and early 1980s) — Dodge limited production to 6,400 units and nearly all sold in advance of production.

Throughout the intervening years, Dodge expanded the Challenger product line as new engines joined the portfolio. Special package options, including Drag Race, Rallye, and Rallye Redline joined in, giving shoppers even more reason to consider this model.

And Along Comes the SRT Demon

Even as its competitors prepared and released new models, Dodge kept the pedal to the metal with the Challenger. Notably, in 2015 Challenger sales reached a record 66,365 units as a special edition Hellcat variant making 707 horsepower rolled out. The novelty of this before-unheard-of model sparked sales. Also, Dodge’s decision not to limit production fueled interest.

Earlier this year, Dodge threw new attention on the Challenger as it announced an SRT Demon wide-body variant. The specialty model comes packed with a 6.2-liter V8 engine outfitted with a 2.7-liter supercharger with an output of 808 horsepower. Fill this machine with 100 octane racing fuel and 840 horsepower is at the ready.

The interesting thing here is that the first Demons have yet to arrive at Dodge dealers. That’ll happen in the fall and the allotment of 3,000 2018 models should add further impetus to Challenger sales.

Meanwhile, Dodge continues to enjoy outstanding buzz based on its latest super model, no doubt a contributing factor in its sales increase so far this year. Another factor is the Challenger GT, the model’s first-ever all-wheel drive variant.

2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon
2018 Challenger SRT Demon sales begin this fall.

Ford, Chevrolet Respond

Neither Ford nor Chevrolet is likely to allow Dodge to steal their thunder without putting up a fight.

For one thing, the 2018 Mustang gains a Pony Package, offering 19-inch polished wheels, side stripes, and other embellishments. Other yet-to-be-determined changes will have to await the release of the 2018 Mustang product sheet in the coming weeks.

As for the Camaro, a high-performance ZL1 1LE Extreme Track package debuts, outfitted with a racing-based suspension and aero technologies, while delivering a blistering 650 horsepower and 650 pound-feet of torque. Importantly, Chevrolet matches this engine with a six-speed manual gearbox only.

It may be a few more years before we see an all-new Challenger, bringing the current-generation model run to at least 12 years. That’s long for any car, but still a few years short of the 15-year model run (1979-1993) of the third-generation Fox-body Ford Mustang.


See Also — 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon by the Numbers

Sales statistics verified with each manufacturer.

Filed Under: Automotive News Tagged With: Chevrolet, CHEVROLET CAMARO, DODGE, DODGE CHALLENGER, Dodge Challenger GT, Ford, FORD MUSTANG, pony cars, SRT Demon, SRT HELLCAT, US AUTO SALES

Swank SUV: 2017 Audi Q7

July 11, 2017 by admin 3 Comments

Audi presents the latest iteration of its largest SUV.

2017 Audi Q7
The 2017 Audi Q7.

The second-generation Audi Q7 has arrived, bringing with it a more car-like look. At first glance, you may see a tall wagon as Audi lowered the hood and relaxed the roofline. Inch for inch, the dimensional changes are minimal for Audi’s largest SUV. The first-generation model lasted from 2007 to 2015; Audi skipped the 2016 model year.

As before, the Audi 2017 Q7 comes in Premium ($49,000), Premium Plus ($53,000), and Prestige ($65,400) trims along with two gasoline engine choices: a 2.0-liter turbocharged four cylinder or a 3.0-liter supercharged V6. Both engines come paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission with manual shifting capabilities.

Gone is the turbo-diesel, vanquished following the Volkswagen Group’s diesel debacle that uncovered emissions cheating followed by billions of dollars in fines and buybacks. For a while, Audi pushed to have the 3.0-liter turbo-diesel certified, but that now seems unlikely.

My test model was the Premium Plus with the base engine. Opting for the V6 is a $6,500 upgrade for the first two trims, but this engine comes with the Prestige grade.

Options included a vision package ($2,000) bringing in a virtual cockpit, full LED headlights, and a top view camera system. Also added were 19-inch five v-spoke aluminum wheels ($1,000), cold weather package — heated steering wheel and heated front seats ($500), rear side airbags ($350), and high gloss black and terra brown walnut wood inlays ($350). With a $950 destination charge, the final price came in at $58,725. All told, that’s about $20,000 less than the Land Rover Discovery I had a month earlier.

2017 Audi Q7

Exterior Overview

Standard equipment includes Xenon plus headlights with LED daytime running lights, power adjustable and power-folding heated side mirrors, LED taillights, and rear fog lights. All models come with aluminum roof rails, a power tailgate, and rear privacy glass. Audi offers a choice of three 18-inch wheel designs.

Package and trim-level upgrades raise the luxury and design quotient, adding such features as running boards, 20-inch wheels set within all-season run-flat tires, power soft-closing doors, and integrated twin-trapezoidal exhaust outlets.

Interior Highlights

The Audi Q7 offers a 2+3+2 seating arrangement with ample room for the first two rows, but narrow space in the third row. The second-row seats move and tilt forward sufficiently, but that back row is best suited for two youngsters.

2017 Audi Q7Most of the time you’ll want the third row seat, resting inside the floor to take advantage of the 37.5 cubic feet of storage space (14.8 cubic feet behind the third-row seat and 71.6 cubic feet behind the first row).

Audi interiors are beautiful — handsomely designed with high-end materials throughout. The workmanship is top notch — what’s especially evident is the careful attention to driver control placement and to the way the telematics system functions.

Leather covers the seats, the door inlays, wraps the steering wheel and graces the top of the shift knob.

Standard equipment includes stainless steel door sill inlays, ambient LED lighting, a tilt and telescopic steering column, three-zone climate control, panoramic sunroof with a power sunshade, and 10 beverage holders. You’ll find very comfortable power front seats with heating elements.

Upgrades swap out the cloth headliner with a Black Alcantara headliner, individually contoured front seats with ventilation, Valcona leather, four-zone climate control, a power-folding third-row seat, and extended LED ambient lighting.
2017 Audi Q7

On the Road

Audi provides a 2.0-liter, turbocharged four-cylinder engine making 252 horsepower and 273 foot-pounds of torque. And if that isn’t enough power, you can upgrade to a 3.0-liter supercharged V6 generating 333 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque. Both engines come paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission.

My test model had the smaller engine and it quickly became apparent when I stepped on the gas pedal. This fairly sizable SUV pulls away from a dead stop with deliberation, cranking out more power once the turbo spools up. However, even when fully engaged the engine just didn’t seem to provide enough power to correspond with the size of the SUV. Had I driven with a full contingent of passengers, I might have found the experience lethargic.

Manufacturers are putting smaller engines under the hood in an effort to boost fuel economy. Consequently, there is a corresponding decline in power even with forced induction. If considering the Audi Q7 as your family vehicle, pony up the extra bucks to get the supercharged V6. Comparatively, the larger engine distributes full power from the onset and in a far greater amount — 32 percent more than the junior engine.

Although the base engine may fall short of expectations, nothing else about the Q7’s ride and drive disappoints. Indeed, all models come equipped with Audi’s prestigious Quattro all-wheel drive system, renowned for its strong handling attributes. This SUV’s sight lines are quite good, the ride is comfortable, and steering is light to the touch. As always, you can dial in the level of feedback received through the MMI screen — comfort, auto, dynamic, and individual. Choose the mode based on your driving preferences — the suspension, transmission, and engine settings adjust accordingly.

2017 Audi Q7

Safety and Technology Features

The 2017 Audi Q7 is an Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) Top Safety Pick.

This SUV excelled in all five crash testing criteria — small overlap front, moderate overlap front, side, roof strength, and head restraints & seats. In front crash protection the Q7 garnered a superior score.

The Q7 comes with the usual contingent of safety features, including a suite of airbags and brake assist.

2017 Audi Q7
Overhead console in the Audi Q7.

A driver assistance package ($2,400) brings in adaptive cruise control with traffic jam assist, lane keep assist, traffic sign recognition, and high beam assist.

Audi is synonymous with technology and that’s evident across the model line. Driver-assist technologies are a big deal these days and Audi rises to the occasion.

At speeds up to 52 mph, “Audi pre sense city” identifies cornering and stationary vehicles and pedestrians, and delivers full braking when a collision is certain. Available pre sense plus extends that limit to 137 mph and includes collision warning and emergency braking. Other available features include rear cross traffic alert, vehicle exit assist, turn assist, collision avoidance assist, stop and go and traffic jam assist, and adaptive cruise control.

All models have Audi’s MMI scroll wheel feature, what controls the touchscreen. Available navigation, Audi Connect with 4G LTE internet, and a 10-speaker audio system with a CD player and MP playback are additional highlights. Buyers may upgrade to a 19-speaker Bose or to a Bang & Olufsen 3D advanced sound system ($5,000).

I’m a fan of Audi’s telematics system. In the Q7, the screen emerges from the top of the dash and cants towards the driver. The black background with orange and white lettering is easy to read. The Google maps street view interface is quite detailed, revealing building outlines in addition to streets, parks, and other landmarks.

Audi also provides an “all-in-touch” multimedia interface co-developed with Preh. Instead of pressing a button for MMI functionality, sensors and actuators “read” your commands. Navigation, telephone and multimedia input control is at the ready in this unique hub.

2017 Audi Q7

Parting Thoughts

The all-new Q7 provides a more wagon-like departure from the previous SUV. Its bold face, elegant lines, and dramatic sculpting add flair and distinction, while its interior is as close to perfection for five passengers as anything else on the market.

Yes, you can squeeze two youngsters in the third row, but that comes at much sacriffice to storage capacity.

It is hard to say what the take rate will be on one engine versus the other, but if you put a premium on performance, only the supercharged V6 will suffice.

Choose the Premium Plus with the V6 ($60,400) and include the driver assistance and vision packages and you’ll come away with a well-equipped model for about $66,000 — that’s easily within the range of other luxury models in this segment.

2017 Audi Q7

2017 Audi Q7

2017 Audi Q7

2017 Audi Q7

2017 Audi Q7

2017 Audi Q7

2017 Audi Q7

2017 Audi Q7 Specifications

Audi Q7
Segment Midsize Luxury SUV
Base Sticker Price $49,950 (Premium); $53,950 (Premium Plus)
Price as Tested $57,200 (estimated)
Standard Engine 2.0-liter, turbocharged I4
Transmission Eight-speed automatic
Horsepower 252 @ 5,000 to 6,000 RPMs
Torque (lb.-ft.) 273 @ 1,600 to 4,500 RPMs
Optional Engine 3.0-liter, supercharged V6
Transmission Eight-speed automatic
Horsepower 333 @ 5,500 to 6,500 RPMs
Torque (lb.-ft.) 325 @ 2,900 to 5,300 RPMs
Seating 2+3+2
Curb Weight (pounds) 4,938
Wheelbase (inches) 117.9
Length (inches) 199.6
Width (inches) 77.5 (without mirrors)
Height (inches) 68.5
Head room (f,r — inches) 38.4, 38.8, 35.9
Leg room (f,r — inches) 41.7, 38.8, 29.2
Shoulder room (f,r — inches) 59.5, 58.5, 49.4
Hip room (f,r — inches) NR, NR, NR
Storage (cubic feet) 14.8/37.5/71.6
Gross vehicle weight (pounds) NR
Towing (pounds) 4,400 to 7,700 with tow package
Payload (pounds) NR
Fuel premium
Fuel Tank (gallons) 22.5
EPA Fuel MPG (city/highway) 20/25 (I4); 19/25 (V6)
Manufacturing Plant Bratislava, Slovakia

2017 Audi Q7

2017 Audi Q7

2017 Audi Q7

2017 Audi Q7

2017 Audi Q7

2017 Audi Q7

2017 Audi Q7

2017 Audi Q7

2017 Audi Q7

2017 Audi Q7

2017 Audi Q7


See Also — Limousine Style: 2017 Audi A8L

Photos copyright Auto Trends Magazine. All rights reserved.

Filed Under: New Car Reviews Tagged With: 2017 SUVs, all-wheel drive, AUDI Q7, leather, luxury, Preh, SUPERCHARGER, TURBOCHARGER

Lincoln Continental, Mercedes-Benz E-Class & Toyota Avalon Pace Large Car Crash Safety Testing

July 7, 2017 by admin Leave a Comment

The IIHS tests six large sedans. Three earn the institute’s highest safety grade.

2017 Lincoln Continental
Lincoln’s flagship Continental achieved the IIHS’ highest
safety rating in its first year back on the market.

The larger the vehicle the safer it is, right? Certainly, mass plays a significant role in making vehicles safer, an inescapable truth that safety cages, side-impact airbags, and rollover mitigation cannot overcome alone. Your safety, however, is also in your hands with defensive and distraction-free driving among the important factors for reducing crashes in the first place.

Six large sedans were recently tested by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), an organization funded by insurance companies and related associations. Like the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the IIHS routinely tests new vehicles for crashworthiness. However, IIHS testing is much more expansive, as it includes categories such as head restraints and headlight efficacy.

IIHS Top Safety Pick+ Winners

Three sedans notched the institute’s Top Safety Pick+ award, its highest honor. The Lincoln Continental, Mercedes-Benz E-Class, and Toyota Avalon finished on top. The Tesla Model S, Chevrolet Impala, and Ford Taurus missed the mark as each received only “acceptable” scores in small overlap front tests.

The IIHS assigns grades of Good, Acceptable, Marginal, and Poor in five crashworthiness categories: small overlap front, moderate overlap front, side, roof strength, and head restraints & seats. The same grading exists in the crash avoidance & mitigation category covering front crash prevention and headlights, each with optional equipment. A grade is also assigned to child seat anchors (LATCH) ease of use.

“This group of large cars includes some with stellar ratings, but our small overlap front test remains a hurdle for some vehicles,” says David Zuby, IIHS executive vice president and chief research officer.

Toyota Avalon
The Toyota Avalon joins two other large sedans in garnering a Top Safety Pick+ award.

The IIHS noted that the Lincoln Continental outfitted with an optional front crash prevention system earns a superior rating. Specifically, the 2017 Continental avoided a collision on IIHS’ test track in Virginia when traveling at speeds of 12 mph and 25 mph. The institute noted that the Continental’s forward collision warning system meets the NHTSA’s criteria.

The Continental also achieved top ratings for its optional LED projector headlights, available on the Reserve grade. The institute measures headlamp effectiveness on both straightaways and curves. On the other hand, Continentals outfitted with the standard high-intensity discharge (HID) lights earned a poor rating.

Like the Continental, the 2017 E-Class is all new. This model offers a standard front crash prevention system and an optional one — both achieved top grades in IIHS testing. Toyota’s Avalon rounded out the trio of top-performing models, achieving the award following modifications to its headlights in cars built after March 2017.

The Next Three: Tesla Model S, Chevrolet Impala & Ford Taurus

Finishing behind the trio of top safety recipient winners were the Tesla Model S, Chevrolet Impala, and the Ford Taurus.

Like the Avalon, the Tesla Model S underwent mid-model year safety upgrades, in this case to the driver’s safety belt. Unfortunately, the change wasn’t sufficient as the test dummy’s torso moved too far forward as before, allowing the dummy’s head to strike the steering wheel.

The Chevrolet Impala performed well in crash testing, but all available headlight options earned a poor rating. The Impala scored high with its front crash prevention system, however. As for the Taurus, this model also rated poor for its available headlights. Although the forward collision warning system meets the NHTSA’s criteria, it lacks automatic braking.

2015 Dodge Charger
Not all large sedans were tested, including this Dodge Charger.

Your Next Car

Auto Trends recommends car shoppers take safety ratings into consideration when shopping for a vehicle. Indeed, when evaluating any model, we rely on both IIHS and NHTSA scoring to round out our personal findings.

Of the six models tested by the IIHS, just three have passed through the Auto Trends press fleet rotation: the Lincoln Continental, Toyota Avalon, and the Chevrolet Impala.


See Also — Poor Minivan Crash Test Results for Three Models

Photos copyright Auto Trends Magazine. All rights reserved.

Filed Under: Automotive News Tagged With: CHEVROLET IMPALA, CRASH TESTING, Ford Taurus, IIHS, Lincoln Continental, Mercedes-Benz E-Class, NHTSA, TESLA MODEL S, TOYOTA AVALON

America’s 10 Best-Selling Passenger Vehicles

July 5, 2017 by admin 1 Comment

A look at the year-to-date best-sellers through June 2017.

2017 Ford Super Duty
The Ford Super Duty is all-new for 2017 and is a
significant contributor to overall Ford F-Series sales.

The US auto market is slowing down and will most likely finish below 2016’s peak numbers. Still, somewhere between 16.8 and 17 million new passenger vehicles will likely sell as the books close in early January — that’s still an impressive range.

To that end, let’s take a look at America’s current crop of the 10 best-selling cars, trucks, and SUVs, with statistics supplied by GOOD CAR BAD CAR and confirmed by the manufacturers.

1. Ford F Series (429,860) —- Ford’s full-size pickup trucks are right where you expect them to be: on top. Indeed, for four consecutive decades the F-150 and similar models have led the pickup truck sales pack. In many years, this truck has been the best-selling passenger vehicle, bar none. Year-to-date (YTD) sales are up 8.8 percent for a model last redesigned in 2015 (2017 for Super Duty models).

2. Chevrolet Silverado (262,940) —- The Chevy Silverado has long been in second place behind the Ford F-150. However, in some years the Silverado and its GMC Sierra twin outsell Ford, allowing GM to claim the full-size truck crown. This year, sales are down 3.9 percent for a model last overhauled in 2014. A new model is about two years away and it can’t come soon enough as Ram may move ahead of Chevrolet for the first time.

2017 Nissan Rogue Sport
The Nissan Rogue and this Rogue Sport combine to deliver
strong sales for this aspiring model line.

3. Ram Pickup (250,443) -— That the three top selling models in the US market are full-size pickup trucks may surprise some, but given how strong this segment is, the hold these three have isn’t. What is surprising is that Ram sales are up 7 percent, demonstrating that demand for a model redesigned in 2009 and renamed in 2011 continues unabated. A new model is due out in 2019.

4. Nissan Rogue (195,689) -— The biggest gainer this year among the top models is the Nissan Rogue. Now comprised of Rogue and a smaller Rogue Sport model, sales are up a whopping 31.4 percent. Redesigned in 2014, the Nissan Rogue continues to harness insatiable demand for small SUVs and they’re doing it with just one powertrain choice — a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine comes paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission.

5. Honda CR-V (187,726) —- Honda’s Accord and Civic models have long delivered a 1-2 punch for the automaker, but since CR-V sales began to surge five years ago, it’s now a 1-2-3 hit from Honda. The CR-V is now in the top position, benefiting from a 17.7 percent sales surge YTD. Helping matters is a 2017 overhaul, what makes this model one of the newest in the small SUV segment.

6. Toyota RAV4 (184,766) —- Like Honda, Toyota has also enjoyed a 1-2-3 punch. Like Honda, the compact RAV4 SUV has leaped the Camry and Corolla, and is now Toyota’s top-selling model. Up 11.4 percent YTD, the RAV4 is one of three compact SUVs that may outsell the Camry this year, the perennial best-selling car in America for most of the past two decades.

2018 Toyota RAV4
An all-new Toyota Camry debuts this summer. Will it be enough for this midsize sedan
to reclaim its top perch once again this year?

7. Toyota Camry (176,897) — Whoa! Toyota Camry sales are down 11.4 percent YTD and that doesn’t bode well for America’s top-selling car. Consumer tastes have shifted and cars are getting hammered. But there is hope — an all-new Camry is in production and some type of rebound is certain to follow. Whether that’ll be enough to close the near 20,000-unit gap between the Camry and the top-selling Rogue is not knowable.

8. Toyota Corolla (176,527) —- The Corolla was last overhauled in 2014. But like the Camry, sales are taking a hit, falling 7.7 percent so far this year. Unlike the Camry, a new model isn’t waiting in the wings. At least not this year.

9. Honda Civic (175,763) —- Honda shook the small car market in 2016 when a larger and more dazzling Civic made its debut. But sales are down 7.4 percent YTD as a once forgiving market reveals a harsh reality: even handsome cars can’t keep up with SUVs.

10. Honda Accord (160,091) — The only car to challenge the Toyota Camry in recent years has been the Honda Accord. Like the Camry, sales are down YTD and to the tune of 5.5 percent. Also, like the Camry, a new model arrives this year, bringing with it the possibility of a sales rebound before the year closes out.

2016 Lexus RX
The Lexus RX is the best-selling luxury vehicle, but it doesn’t crack the
top 50 among all models. (Photo copyright Lexus)

Best of the Rest

The current top 10 may change before the year draws to an end. The Ford Escape occupies eleventh place, just 4,000 units behind the Accord. The twelfth through fifteenth positions include the Nissan Altima, Ford Explorer, Chevrolet Equinox, and the Jeep Grand Cherokee. Of these four, the all-new Equinox has the best chance of moving up as the year winds down.


See Also — YTD: The Five Best Selling Midsize Models

Photos copyright Auto Trends Magazine unless otherwise noted. All rights reserved.

Filed Under: Automotive News Tagged With: CAR SALES, Chevrolet Silverado, FORD F SERIES, FORD F-150, FORD SUPER DUTY, GMC SIERRA, HONDA ACCORD, Honda Civic, Honda CR-V, Nissan Rogue, Nissan Rogue Sport, RAM 1500, Toyota Camry, Toyota Corolla, Toyota RAV4

First Half 2017 US Auto Sales Highlights

July 3, 2017 by admin 1 Comment

Sales are down, but a few manufacturers are enjoying success.

June’s auto sales figures came out today and for people taking an extended four-day weekend to celebrate America’s Independence Day, poolside chatter may have silenced the news.

Nevertheless, some of us are on duty — including yours truly — tracking certain auto trends or should I say sales trends, which we’ll amplify here.

To that end, the following are the chief takeaways for the first six months of the year as well as my guess on what the remainder of the year may look like.

2018 Volkswagen Tiguan
New models such as the 2018 Tiguan should help Volkswagen finish strong this year.

1. The sky isn’t falling, but sales are slipping.

US auto sales are down 2.1 percent year-to-date through June 2017, what represents only a modest decline (8,456,896 v. 8,641,718). Still, experts now see yearly sales falling short of the 17 million mark and that concerns some.

One big concern doesn’t have much to do with sales numbers, but how those numbers come about. Specifically, customers are buying in part because of big, costly, profit-eating incentives. Coinciding with June’s sales release story, Automotive News reported that the average new car incentive offered by manufacturers was $3,550 in June, up slightly over the previous month, but 9.7 percent higher than a year earlier.

Price discipline is something automotive executives talk about and insist that they’ll follow as sales begin to slide. But, if the dam breaks, incentives may push ever higher — that’s terrific news for consumers, but not so much for each automaker’s bottom line.

2017 Lincoln Continental
Continental sales continue to power Lincoln’s renaissance.

2. Is Tesla on the brink?

Tesla Motors has long enjoyed out-sized news coverage despite its relatively minuscule sales. Indeed, for a company that recorded just 22,000 units sold in the second quarter, it is receiving a lot of press. As a point of comparison, Ford sells as many F-150s in about 10 days.

But Tesla is the darling of the stock market, environmentalists, and technology fans, so it merits attention. Moreover, CEO Elon Musk dropped a bomb today when he said that the Tesla 3 is ready for production, with the first model slated to roll off an assembly line this Friday according to Reuters. This means the $35,000 sedan has received federal approval and the first 30 people who ordered one will take delivery by the end of the month.

Importantly, this will be the first time Tesla released a model on time. Also of importance, the all-electric automaker anticipates production ramping up fairly quickly, hitting 20,000 units per month by December. Heck, this long-time doubter may soon become a true believer if Tesla pulls this off.

Tesla Model X
Tesla Model X sales may quickly fall behind Model 3
sales when the compact sedan debuts this month.

3. What’s up with Jeep?

Fiat Chrysler is not having a banner year. Sales are down 6.7 percent with only Ram (up 7.6 percent) showing an increase year to date. This also means Jeep is down and that brand’s 12.7 percent sales drop accounts for more than half of FCA’s first-half pull back.

That Jeep sales are down is a curiosity. Customers are shifting their purchases to SUVs and that’s all that Jeep makes. A new Compass is out, but sales are down by 49 percent. Patriot sales are also down by 49 percent, but that model is being phased out. Cherokee sales are down 19 percent and that represents yet another drag on the brand.

The good news for Jeep is that an all-new Wrangler is due by year-end. That release alone will begin to turn around sales, but it may not be enough to offset the earlier losses.

Two overarching concerns about the brands are as follows: 1), Jeep pricing is high on some models, such as the Cherokee. Customers are price sensitive and will look elsewhere if they find a better deal. 2), Jeep quality routinely trails nearly everyone. Although the quality wasn’t a factor when sales were robust, it may be a larger factor than before.

2016 Jeep Renegade
Renegade sales aren’t enough to offset Jeep’s decline this year.

4. Nissan may overtake Honda.

In most every other market in the world, Nissan outsells Honda. In the US, Honda almost always beats Nissan and in some years, decidedly so.

Nissan has started the year strong before, only to see Honda slip past them once summer ends and sales pick up steam in the fall. That happened last year, but this year things are looking up for Nissan. And we’re not including Mitsubishi sales in that number even though Nissan now has a controlling interest in the junior automaker.

Last year, Nissan had a 5,700-unit lead at the halfway mark. This year, its edge is almost 20,000 units. Rogue sales alone may give Nissan the victory as sales are up a whopping 31.4 percent to 195,689 units. There’s a very good chance Rogue sales will top 400,000 units, even dethroning the Toyota Camry as America’s best-selling “car” in the process.

2017 Nissan Rogue
This compact Rogue is helping Nissan to a greater share of the sales pie.

Moving Forward

My best guess is that sales will fall this year and could take a nasty tumble if the stock market has a major correction. Automakers say they always anticipate a drop, but until it happens, they plan for ever-increasing sales.

Nissan, Jaguar Land Rover, Subaru, and Volkswagen seem like the best bets to gain share this year, along with specific brands such as Ram, Buick, Lincoln, Audi, and Porsche also benefiting.


See Also — US Auto Trends: First Half 2016

Tesla Model X photo copyright Tesla Motors. All other photos copyright Auto Trends Magazine. All rights reserved.

Filed Under: Commentary Tagged With: Jeep, June 2017, NISSAN, SUVs, TESLA MODEL 3, TESLA MOTORS, US AUTO SALES, Volkswagen Tiguan

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