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

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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.

Tesla Model X Quality Woes Amplified

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Tesla’s second full-production model encounters hiccups early in the rollout process.

2016 Tesla Model X.
Tesla Model X (photo copyright Tesla Motors).

The sheen is off of the Tesla Model X. The all-electric sport utility vehicle, introduced at the end of September 2015, was supposed to give Tesla a model rivaling the quality and the plaudits of the Model S sedan. Instead, what we have here is a vehicle that is falling short in the eyes of some, leading to many types of complaints from consumers.

Indeed, those complaints cover everything from the rear falcon-wing doors to the huge infotainment screen, with the former failing to open or close and the latter reportedly freezing repeatedly. These and other problems are fixable and Tesla’s service staff has responded admirably thus far.

What isn’t easily rectifiable is a design flaw. Specifically, the SUV’s distinctively constructed curved windshield distorts street lamps, headlights, and taillights at night according to Consumer Reports. As a result, drivers are finding themselves distracted and fatigued, unable to safely evaluate the distance between vehicles.

First-year quality woes are not uncommon in the auto industry. In fact, experts including Consumer Reports routinely advise people to avoid such models until the kinks are worked out. Although only a few thousand Model Xs have been built to date, the problems seem magnified, especially as customers take to the message boards to share their complaints.

Among the many complaints lodged are the following:

The third-row seat latch can become undone and fold forward in an accident. This problem has resulted in a recall of 2,700 vehicles. Tesla blames its supplier for the mistake and says the supplier will pick up the cost of the repairs, what it expects to be completed on a rolling basis over the next several weeks.

Some customers have also reported malfunctioning second-row seats, a problem that hasn’t been specifically spelled out. A discussion on the Tesla Motors message board indicates most respondents think the problem is exaggerated, although some agree larger sun visors are warranted.

Uneven sheet-metal panel gaps is another identified problem, one that has previously dogged the Model S. Some of the panel gap complaints, however, seem attributable to pre-production models what may inadvertently raise the problem quotient of this model higher than it really is.

Tesla has received praise for its AutoPilot hands-free driving capabilities, a feature that self drives the car. As long as the road line markings are clear, the SUV stays in its lane. In one report, a Model X owner said he was forced to take command of the steering wheel when the road’s shoulder ended as the SUV was not able to detect that.

Repair Your Tesla Model X

Like all manufacturers, Tesla Motors keeps people informed about all pending recalls. Service bulletins are issued to Tesla stores (dealers) and many repairs are handled at the local level. The company operates an Approved Body Shop Network, ensuring that all technicians are sufficiently trained to handle complex repairs, including aluminum welding.

All Tesla models are covered by a 4-year, 50,000-mile new vehicle warranty and an 8-year unlimited mile drivetrain and battery warranty. Annual inspections are recommended or once every 12,500 miles. Like other manufacturers, Tesla also offers extended warranty plans of 3-, 4-, and 8-years. These prepaid plans cost $1,325, $2,100, and $4,000 respectively.

Tesla Motors Considerations

In other Tesla news, the automaker claims more than 400,000 pre-orders to date for the Model 3. That’s far above the company’s expectations and the advanced orders don’t seem to be stopping. For customers desiring to order the compact sedan, a $1,000 fully refundable deposit is required. The number of pre-orders reflects global demand; American buyers who order and take delivery early, may be eligible for a $7,500 federal tax credit in addition to whatever state incentives may be available where you live.

Recent — The 2017 Ford Escape by the Numbers

Auto Reliability: Consumer Reports Slaps Acura, Cadillac and, Yes, the Tesla Model S

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Lexus Pulls a Clean Sweep.

All good things must come to an end. One of those “things” is the ongoing loveliest Consumer Reports has had with Tesla Motors, especially the Model S.

The nonprofit consumer organization released the results of its 2015 Annual Auto Reliability Survey on Tuesday, noting that Lexus, Toyota, Audi, Mazda and Subaru are the most reliable brands. At the same time, CR found that Acura and Cadillac had slipped the most, while Buick’s seventh-place finish accounted for the lone domestic brand ranked in the Top 10.

Tesla Model SPerhaps most surprising were the results for the Tesla Model S. CR received approximately 1,400 survey responses from Model S owners and that feedback outlined a pattern of problems with the sedan’s drivetrain, center console, charging equipment, power accessories, along with an assortment of squeaks, rattles and leaks.

As a result of the accumulated data, CR bestowed the Tesla Model S with a worse-than-average predicted reliability score.

The consumer feedback is in stark contrast to CR’s own rating for the Tesla electric sedan. Earlier this year CR noted that the “all-wheel drive Tesla Model S P85D sedan performed better in our tests than any other car ever has, breaking the Consumer Reports Ratings system.”

CR lauded the sedan’s instant acceleration, calling it “brutally quick,” its thrust “forceful and immediate.” The organization also said that the P85D has “better braking and handling” than the standard Model S and pointed out its efficiency, achieving a fuel mileage equivalent of 87 mpg.

CR’s 2015 Annual Auto Reliability Survey weighed information supplied by subscribers covering more than 740,000 vehicles. Both Acura and Cadillac experienced the largest year-over-year drops, with each brand falling by seven places.

Acura was faulted for its in-car electronics and transmissions found in its newest sedans, the RLX and TLX. Similar problems have plagued other manufacturers in recent years including Fiat Chrysler, Nissan, and Ford.

Lexus RC F

Pictured: Lexus RC 350F Sport

Cadillac continued to fall with CR noting complaints about its Cadillac User Experience or CUE infotainment system.

One of the more persistent problems with today’s cars are new transmissions. Complaints about rough shifting and slipping CVT belts have dragged down the scores for several brands. Some of those transmissions involve new systems with eight or nine gears. At the same time, CR praised Audi and BMW for delivering reliable dual-clutch transmissions, while recognizing Toyota and Honda with delivering hybrid models with strong CVTs.

In the CR survey, the organization tracks seven vehicle lines. All seven were led by Lexus, Toyota’s luxury brand. CR noted the continued ascendancy of Audi, a brand that once had its share of demons to exorcise. Today, only Lexus and Toyota are ranked higher than the Volkswagen Group’s premium brand.

Hyundai Sonata Turbo

Pictured: Hyundai Sonata Turbo

Kia and Hyundai, Korean manufacturers joined at the hip, placed sixth and ninth respectively in the latest survey. Both brands are enjoying a steady ascendancy with Kia now ranked ahead of Honda.

Most US brands, with Buick the exception continue to perform below average. Chevrolet and GMC are in the bottom third of the rankings and Cadillac has fallen near the bottom. As for Ford, respondents seem pleased with the F-150 and Expedition, but shared complaints about the Mustang, including its body hardware, drive shaft and vehicle stability control systems.

As for Fiat Chrysler, the lone bright spots are its minivans as both the Chrysler Town & Country and Dodge Grand Caravan achieved average reliability. As for the Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram and Fiat brands, they bring up the rear in the annual survey once again.

2016 Fiat 500X

Pictured: Fiat 500X

The annual CR survey will receive its due inspection and dissection, and perhaps more attention than it deserves. Nevertheless, the independent nature of this consumer organization means that the results are objectively dispensed and will be given careful review by car manufacturer executives over the coming days.

Photos copyright Auto Trends Magazine.

Tesla Model X Unveiled and Explored

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The Tesla Model X is here and this electric vehicle manufacturer has once again thrown down the gauntlet in front of luxury manufacturers the world over. The first SUVs have already been delivered to six eagerly awaiting customers.

2016 Tesla Model X

Three and one-half years is a long time to wait for a highly anticipated model, but that delay is now over for fans of the Tesla Model X. Last night at a public reveal, the California-based electric vehicle manufacturer formally unveiled its crossover sport utility vehicle model, what offers seating for six or seven adults, depending on the interior layout.

That event was held near Tesla’s assembly plant in Fremont, California. Six customers who put down sizable deposits were on hand to receive the keys for their new electric SUV. Yes, production is in full swing and deliveries are being made right now.

The design of the 2016 Tesla Model X is not much different from the prototype unveiled in early 2012. Yes, the cool falcon-wing doors are present and all-wheel drive is standard. And this model comes with a 90-kilowatt battery, providing 250 miles of range.

2016 Tesla Model X

Two editions are available — 90D with an EPA-estimated range of 257 miles and a 0-to-60 mph time of 4.8 seconds, and a P90D edition with an EPA-estimated range of 250 miles and a 0-to-60 mph time of 3.8 seconds.

But it gets even better than that — customers who choose a Ludicrous Speed Upgrade option with their P90D can see a 0-to-60 mph time of just 3.2 seconds! Compare that with the Porsche Cayenne Turbo and its best time of 4.1 seconds and you’re looking at the fastest SUV in the world with or without the upgrade.

The launch editions of the Tesla Model X are certainly not cheap. Indeed, customers who purchase the P90D Signature edition will pay $132,000, while those who opt for the P90D Founder edition will spend $142,000. Less costly models will follow, with an expected starting price near $80,000. In the Model X, Tesla is gunning for high-end Porsche customers as well as current Mercedes-Benz and BMW owners. Don’t be surprised if a few Cadillac Escalade owners make the switch too.

2016 Tesla Model X

The rear falcon-wing doors may be the most interesting feature for this SUV. The doors are easily opened when parked in a crowded lot with only about one foot of space needed between vehicles. The front doors open in the standard way, although the driver’s door self opens when you approach the vehicle.

As for its design, the Model X looks very much like the Model S sedan with a similar interior layout.

The front trunk or “frunk” provides storage room and doubles as a large, impact absorbing crumple zone. At the very front are active sensors with emergency braking and collision avoidance systems included. The batteries are floor mounted in a bid to lower the center of gravity and mitigate rollovers. Further, the battery support structure provides what Tesla says is superior side impact protection. Indeed, Tesla has boldly made the claim that the Model X will receive a 5-star crash test rating from the NHTSA. If it does, it will be the first SUV to do so.

2016 Tesla Model X

Other features present with the Tesla Model X include daytime running lights, power-folding and heated side mirrors, an automatically deploying rear spoiler, a full size rear cargo storage area, automatic keyless entry, maps and navigation with real-time traffic updates, GPS-enabled home link, and four LATCH child seat attachments — two each for the second and third rows.

Speaking of the interior, Tesla claims that the Model X offers room for seven adults. Analysts had initially expected the interior to be suitable for five adults with two children finding room in a third row jump seat. However, Tesla says that seven adults can ride in comfort.

Further, the automaker offers a six-place option whereby the three-place middle row and its individually reclining seats is replaced by a pair of bucket seats. That arrangement will make it easier to move about the cabin.

2016 Tesla Model X

One significant surprise found in the SUV is a 17-speaker, 560-watt audio system. The company could have turned to a known manufacturer such as Harmon Kardon, Bowers and Wilkins, or Bang & Olufsen, but they did not. Instead, the audio system was designed entirely in-house by a team of audio engineers. Word has it that it is ideally matched for the Model X.

Bringing the Model X to the market is no small achievement. Tesla got things going in 2008 when it built small numbers of its Tesla Roadster. A few years later the Tesla Model S sedan proved that the company was not a flash in the pan, while the Model X should do its part to shake the luxury SUV market.

If Tesla continues as planned, in a few years it’ll bring forth the Model III, an electric car for the masses. And that may prove to be the tipping point that forces the auto industry to fully embrace vehicle electrification.

All photos copyright Tesla Motors.

Related Reading

GLM ZZ Picks Up Where the Tesla Roadster Left Off

4 Lesser Known Facts About the Tesla Model X

Tesla Owners Gripe Over Supercharger Abuse Warning

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Tesla owners are a unique lot as they have the privilege of driving an extended-range electric vehicle in addition to having access to free supercharging stations across the country, indeed around the world. Those stations are typically located in shopping centers near major highways connecting cities.

Last week, Tesla Motors fired off an email to an undisclosed number of owners, asking them to stop abusing the free network. Apparently, Tesla discovered that some Model S owners are recharging at the quick charging stations instead of recharging at home. The email did not sit well with a number of recipients, including some who took to the private Tesla Motors Club forum to share their outrage.

Tesla Model S Owners Object

Several of the recipients voiced their objections, particularly as they believed that they were being singled out by the automaker. Some claimed that they do use the network, except while taking extended road trips.

Tesla Supercharger

A Tesla supercharging station in Burlington, NC.

This was not the first time that the company broached the subject of supercharger station abuse. A thread in the same forum posted this past June said that CEO Elon Musk himself raised the topic at a shareholder meeting. The forum member claimed that Musk explained that some people use the supercharger station for their daily driving. As a result, they would receive a note asking them to stop.

Auto Trends obtained a copy of the note from one recipient whereby the company reiterated the network’s purpose and articulated that the EVs should be regularly charged at home. Further, the company offered a juxtaposition for the cost of charging at home, stating that it cost less than $2 to charge at home for a 40-mile daily trip. The note also explained that in some cases the rate is halved when electric customers choose to charge during off-peak hours.

The snippet of language that caused the most upset for Tesla owners was the following statement: “As a frequent user of local Superchargers, we ask that you decrease your local Supercharging and promptly move your Model S once charging is complete.” This particular statement seemed to elicit the most umbrage, leading to major publications, including Bloomberg and Automotive News to share the story.

Free Supercharging for Life

While most recipients and commentators expressed annoyance over the issue, others claimed that the supercharger network was bought and paid for as part of the ownership experience.

Others recall Musk stating “free supercharging for life” in meetings, according to Green Car Reports. Furthermore, the company states on its supercharging web page, “Supercharging is free for the life of Model S, once the Supercharger option is enabled.”

Tesla Supercharger StationAs far as restrictions on the number of times an owner can use the network, nothing of the kind is mentioned.

Common Stock Offering

Whatever push-back comes from the announcement, the brouhaha will probably fade away, disgruntled Tesla Model S owners may be or not. The company has far more weightier matters at hand, including a pending stock offering and a new model, the Tesla Model X.

Concerning finances, Musk announced a $500 million common stock offering last week, then quickly boosted that figure by more than $140 million as its stock price rose. The new offering might top $750 million if the offering’s underwriters opt to purchase shares too reports the Wall Street Journal.

Since 2013, Tesla Motors has raised more than $4 billion to pay for product development, to institute the supercharger network and break ground for a new assembly plant.

Tesla Model X

As for the Tesla Model X, the company’s first crossover SUV with standard all-wheel drive and Falco Wing rear doors is expected to be officially revealed in September with production commencing early next year. The Model X has been much delayed, but it is also a wildly anticipated electric vehicle at that.

Give Me a Chevrolet “B” as in Bolt

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Naming conventions aside, the Chevrolet Bolt brings a more reasonably priced electric vehicle to the market for the 2017 model year. Gas prices are expected to trend higher, possibly increasing demand for all electric vehicles with it.

General Motors has decided to embrace controversy after all. In January, at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, the automaker unveiled the Chevrolet Bolt concept. That pure electric vehicle was well received by journalists and show visitors alike. And within just weeks of the show, GM announced that it intends to bring this small EV to market.

What was assumed by some is that GM would throw out the Bolt’s name for the production model, as it sounds too much like the Chevrolet Volt, its established, plug-in hybrid electric vehicle. However, Chevrolet’s marketing boss, Tim Mahoney, confirmed last week that the brand is sticking with the Bolt nomenclature when the diminutive EV is released for the 2017 model year. Mahoney confirmed same at a press event held by the Washington Automotive Press Association on Wed. and in a related interview with USA TODAY.

B as in Bolt

So, that will be “B” as in boy or “V” as in Victor when potential buyers inquire with dealer sales staff about the Chevrolet Bolt or Volt, me thinks. Hopefully, any confusion at the dealership level will be eliminated immediately.

GM surprised everyone with the concept Bolt’s release. This vehicle, with a final price of about $30,000, has a 200-mile electric range. That range more than triples the capacity of some models, such as the Mitsubishi i-MiEV. Extended range is critical to EV acceptance and at present only Tesla Motors offers models that meet the higher threshold.

2017 Chevrolet Bolt

Renewed Electric Vehicle Commitment

That GM is pushing forward with the Chevrolet Bolt comes as it renews its commitment to two other EV models — the Chevrolet Volt and the Cadillac ELR. The Volt hit the market for the 2011 model year and the second generation model will debut this summer. The Cadillac ELR, based on the Volt platform, has its first full year in 2014, barely cracking the 1,000-unit sold mark. Nevertheless, an updated version of that model is scheduled, and its price has been slashed by $10,000.

Low gas prices are not keeping GM from moving forward with its long-range plans. Most analysts believe that the current gas prices, averaging just below $2.50 per gallon as of this writing, will not hold. Indeed, some have forecast $4 per gallon gasoline will return within the next two or three years. Therefore, product timing means vehicles like the Bolt, Volt and ELR may receive additional scrutiny from potential buyers.

The Chevrolet Bolt will be the brand’s second pure electric vehicle. It currently retails the Spark EV, an A-class variant to the gasoline-only model that is itself selling reasonably well. For 2016, GM has reduced the Spark’s price by 6 percent.

Reducing Range Anxiety

The two factors that are inhibiting electric vehicle acceptance — price and range — are being aggressively attacked by the manufacturers. Certainly, the $7,500 tax credit offered for pure EVs continues to help, what will allow GM to sell the Chevrolet Bolt for less. Range anxiety, a huge detriment for many buyers, will shrink. Indeed, the second generation Nissan LEAF may also broach the 200-mile range just as Tesla Motors ups the range of its base Model S to 240 miles.

Manufacturers and suppliers have also been touting quicker recharging alternatives, including 240-volt charging units in the home and DC fast charging stations designed to provide a full charge in fewer than 30 minutes. Thus, if drivers time their trips correctly, they can stop for a break, recharge their vehicles, and continue with their extended journey. The 2017 Chevrolet Bolt would be one such vehicle that will benefit from this service.

See Also — This Time, GM Aims to Get the Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid Right

Price Cut, More Power for the 2016 Cadillac ELR

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GM is staying with the Cadillac ELR despite a paucity of sales. For 2016, this exquisite coupe will benefit from a price cut and notable changes to its technologies. Those changes, however, will provide only modest gains for the ELR.

2016 Cadillac ELR.
2016 Cadillac ELR.

The General Motors Company is nothing if not persistent. The Detroit-based automaker has been working diligently to advance vehicle electrification, by moving forward with a project that was started more than a decade ago and has yielded the Chevrolet Volt sedan, a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle.

The Volt has not sold in the numbers GM has hoped, but the company is sticking with the technology and will be rolling out a second generation model for the 2016 model year.

But the Chevrolet Volt is not the only model that is derived from what GM calls the Voltec propulsion system. Three years after the Volt’s release, the Cadillac ELR hit the market, a wedge-shaped and upscale coupe. While the Volt has seen some bright moments in its five-year model run, the ELR has languished throughout its brief tenure.

2016 Cadillac ELR

GM plans to give the ELR a much-needed boost when the 2016 edition rolls out later this year. Indeed, the automaker will retrench the sticker price by $10,000 and give it a much needed power hike. Additionally, new technologies will also be offered, including GM’s OnStar with 4G LTE and a built-in hotspot.

These moves will allow Cadillac to continue to offer a pair of smaller coupes in its deployment as the ELR will remain for sale alongside the ATS Coupe. The CTS Coupe was retired after the 2014 model year.

As for its design, critics have applauded the ELR, based on the earlier Converj concept. That modernistic look — along with its advanced technologies — may have saved the day for a vehicle that recorded just 1,310 US sales in 2014.

Explained Cadillac President Johan de Nysschen in a related press release, “The upgraded ELR offers enhanced driving performance for buyers seeking uncompromising luxury and exquisite craftsmanship with electrification technology. It is unique in the luxury category, in that it completely eliminates conventional concerns over driving range, which has been the Achilles’ heel of other competitors in the luxury segment.”

Notably, that Achilles heel might describe the Tesla Model S, a pure electric vehicle with a driving range of up to 250 miles. However, fast charging units strategically placed across the United States have mitigated at least some of those concerns. Moreover, Model S sales in the US alone were about 20,000 units in 2014.

Steering and Suspension Enhancements

As for 2016, the Cadillac ELR will see changes inside and out. Steering and suspension upgrades will be realized through a revised calibration of the Hi-Per Strut front suspension. Additionally, the coupe receives increased front spring rates and a stiffer rear axle, stiffer bushings, revised calibrations for the Continuous Damping Control system and other changes affecting steering calibration.

New to the ELR line is an available Performance Package to provide a more involved driving experience. These changes will bring in 20-inch performance tires shod with sport wheels, what Cadillac says will increase lateral grip by 10 percent. Front Brembo four-piston brake calipers and new rotors will help improve stopping distance. Further changes include a new, sport steering wheel.

More Power Via Sport Mode

The Voltec propulsion system enters its second generation and when operated in Sport mode will move the Cadillac ELR from 0 to 60 mph in just 6.4 seconds, down from 7.9 seconds to the previous model. In addition, the Regen on Demand technology that improves energy regeneration is back. It also serves to slow the vehicle when entering a turn or a move out of an exit. The system is accessible via steering wheel paddle shifters, much in the same way that automatic transmissions provide a manual mode.

It is important to realize that range is the “be all and end all” for EVs. Because the ELR harnesses a 1.4-liter gasoline generator (engine) it can claim a 330-mile range for this coupe. And travel can be quickly resumed by stopping at a service station and replenishing the 9.3-gallon fuel tank. The 2+2, front-wheel drive coupe can also be recharged in about five hours at a 240-volt charging station.

Wireless Smart Phone Recharging

In case the Voltec propulsion system isn’t enough for buyers, Cadillac will include the WiFi HotSpot technology that is found in other GM products. It provides quick access to the Internet with its 4G LTE connectivity, and supports up to seven devices. Moreover, the 2016 ELR will provide a new magnetic inductive charge spot located on the instrument panel for plug-free charging.

GM has not made any pronouncement about sales expectations for this vehicle. Certainly, that makes for a wise strategy as the historically low sales numbers for all EVs suggests that any gains will be modest at best for the near future.

Photo courtesy of the General Motors Company.

2015 Consumer Reports Annual Car Brand Report Cards

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For three years running, Consumer Reports has issued its Annual Car Brand Report Cards. This publication reviewed 28 car brands with a US market presence and assigned scores to each one. Lexus, as usual, topped the list, but there were some surprise moves up and down the ratings that should be noted.

Buick Regal

Consumer Reports says that the Buick Regal is the top sports sedan.

The Buick marque has certainly come a long way in a short time. Six years ago, GM saved Buick and killed Pontiac, a move that resulted in much angst as well as invited a firestorm of criticism. Many had felt that GM was trading a promising, youth-oriented brand for an aged and largely forgotten make with no real purpose.

Well, this week Consumers Report essentially vindicated GM’s decision by recognizing Buick with a Top 10 spot in its latest Consumer Reports Annual Car Brand Report Cards.

Buick’s ascendancy moved it into the seventh spot and that score also represents the second consecutive year that it outperformed the other domestic brands. Buick has enjoyed a strong makeover, one that has yielded several new products, including the Verano and Regal sedans. Furthermore, a 2+2 cabriolet will arrive next year and the Avenir concept has received much praise.

Lexus NX

Lexus is the top brand with this NX its newest model.

Twin Tenets of Grading

Consumer Reports bases its brand report card on two factors: road-test score and predicted reliability. It is only the third year that CR has combined these twin tenets, representing a composite score for models across an entire brand’s line.

Once again, Lexus led all comers with very good scores for road-test performance and exemplary reliability. Mazda took second place, impressing CR’s editors, especially given that half of its models were redesigned in the past three years. Redesigns often are plagued with quality issues initially, what adversely affects scores. But not so with Mazda.

Third, fourth and fifth place were taken by Toyota, Audi, and Subaru respectively. On the other hand, some brands have stumbled in recent years, including Acura and Infiniti. Mercedes-Benz took the biggest tumble, falling from 10th to 21st place. For M-B, CR cited problems with several models, including calling the CLA four-door “coupe” unreliable.

FCA Brands Continue to Lag

FCA brands continue to perform poorly, with Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and Fiat each performing near or at the bottom.

Despite the low scores, FCA brands such as Ram and Jeep continue to do well in sales. Indeed, Ram and Jeep have consistently been grabbing a larger slice of the market share pie in the past five years. Will quality concerns catch up with FCA?

Ram ProMaster City

Despite low scores, Ram and other FCA brands continue to thrive.

The Top 10 by Car Category

Besides rating the brands, CR also shared top picks from 10 popular car categories. The winners were tested in three areas: road test, reliability and safety with the publication relying on problems its subscribers reported on 1.1 million vehicles. Crash testing data from the federal government and the IIHS were also considered.

Winning the best overall score was the Tesla Model S. This electric vehicle has been a CR favorite since it arrived for the 2012 model year. The Model S is prized for its sleek exterior, upscale cabin and, of course, for its EV attributes.

Subaru won the most awards, three, by taking the best compact car (Impreza), best midsize car (Legacy) and best SUV (Forester) categories. The Chevrolet Impala finished tops amongst large cars. The Toyota Prius was the foremost green car and another Toyota product, the Highlander, was the best midsize SUV. The Audi A6 won best luxury car honors and the Buick Regal was the top sports sedan. Lastly, the Honda Odyssey was recognized as the best minivan.

See Also — Chrysler: Out With the 300,In With the Portal?

Huge Tax Breaks Overshadow Tesla’s Gigafactory Deal

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Tesla Motors announced late last week that it had chosen a location near Reno, Nevada, for its highly-anticipated gigafactory. The state-of-the-art manufacturing plant will assemble lithium-ion batteries with build partner Panasonic.

The new factory will be built in the Tahoe Reno Industrial Center near Sparks. It represents a $5 billion investment, but also comes with huge state tax breaks reports the Los Angeles Times.

Tesla Gigafactory

Gigafactory Tax Incentives

The tax breaks include 10 years of property and modified business tax abatements and 20 years of sales tax abatement. The company will also receive a transferable tax credit of 5 percent for the first $1 billion it invests in Nevada. Beyond that, the next $2.5 billion invested would yield a further 2.8 percent tax credit. All told, Tesla’s investment may be offset by a whopping $1.25 billion tax relief scheme courtesy of Nevada’s taxpayers.

The agreement received the backing of Nevada Gov. Brian Sandoval and the state’s legislature, which still must formally approve the initiative. The Republican governor claimed that the deal will pour $100 billion into the state’s economy over the next 20 years, but critics from both sides of the political aisle have disputed his point. State lawmakers are expected to approve the incentives, what some insist are much too generous.

In light of the criticism, Tesla Motors CEO Elon Musk noted that Nevada was one of five states making offers for the gigafactory. He also said that Nevada’s incentive package wasn’t the largest received, but he did not identify the state with the better offer. Musk added that getting the factory online by 2017 was the deciding factor, not incentives, with Nevada officials successfully outlining how that would happen.

Thousands of New Jobs

Musk made his announcement with Sandoval at a press conference in Carson City. Said Musk, “The Gigafactory is an important step in advancing the cause of sustainable transportation and will enable the mass production of compelling electric vehicles for decades to come. Together with Panasonic and other partners, we look forward to realizing the full potential of this project.”

The factory is expected to create 6,500 direct jobs, each paying $25 per hour. The deal should create an additional 16,000 jobs for construction workers and suppliers. Tesla also committed to making a $37.5 million contribution to the state’s K-12 school system and will provide $1 million in funding to the University of Nevada at Las Vegas (UNLV) for advance battery research.

Tesla Model 3

When the factory is complete it will supply batteries for Tesla’s all-new Model 3 line, a mass-market sedan that will be priced around $40,000 or half the cost of the Model S. The company has already begun production of the Model X at its factory in Fremont, California, its first utility vehicle. Tesla started electric vehicle production in 2008 when it briefly built the Tesla Roadster.

States providing manufacturing subsidies is nothing new nor are charges of “corporate welfare” levied by both sides of the political spectrum.

On the right, Forbes magazine contributor Patrick Michaels of the Cato Institute said, “if Tesla would stop selling cars, we’d all save some money.” US taxpayers have been footing the bill to the tune of a $7,500 tax credit per vehicle as well as other incentives.

Left-leaning Mother Jones magazine is another Tesla critic noting, among other things, that the company narrowly avoided insolvency early on when it consumed tens of millions of dollars in deposits while delivering just 50 vehicles as the Roaster was introduced. The magazine has pointed out repeatedly that Tesla exists because of government largesse, including a lucrative government loan package. Musk has countered his critics by insisting the company would still be around with or without its US Department of Energy-backed loan.

Owning the Narrative

Critics aside, Musk has managed to control the narrative by focusing on Tesla’s innovations, the high-quality cars it builds and the positive impact its vehicles have on the environment. He may be a huge Obama supporter, but he also knows how to win support from Republicans, something he demonstrated quite capably with Gov. Sandoval.

Manufacturing plant photo copyright Tesla Motors.

Tesla Model X Unveiled and Explored

Rock Solid Tesla Model S Showing Vulnerabilities Says Consumer Reports

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The Tesla Model S is a pure electric vehicle that needs no introduction. Although its overall sales are small compared to the brand wide sales of Mercedes-Benz, Lexus and BMW, the Model S has enabled Tesla Motors to make significant in-roads against Europe’s elites including the Audi A7 and the Mercedes-Benz CLS. Yes, an American sedan has Europe’s finest on the run and it is consistently delivering better quality ratings too.

Tesla Model S

Car of the Year Awards

Over the last two years a parade of critics have lauded the Tesla Model S, bestowing it with various awards, including the 2013 Automobile of the Year award from Automobile magazine as well as from Motor Trend. Consumer Reports, perhaps one of the most influential and independent critics anywhere, reported that it was the best car it had ever tested, awarding the electric sedan with a score of 99 out of 100.

Perhaps the ultimate recognition for the Model S was the five-star crash test rating the 2013 edition earned from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The NHTSA noted that the 2013 model earned its highest crash rating ever. The Tesla Model S has retained that rating for 2014.

Accolades aside, it can be easy to overlook problems that may occur with the Model S. Just as easily what problems do occur may become magnified.

NHTSA Safety Investigation

Three incidents of fires raised concern that the Model S was not as safe as some had thought, with the NHTSA investigating two of them. The NHTSA found that there was no “defect trend” present and closed its investigation.

Even so, Tesla Motors updated the sedan’s underbody armor by installing a hollow aluminum bar and a titanium plate. Both shields were designed to deflect road objects; Tesla also raised the height of the sedan while it travels down the road to reduce the chances that it would come in contact with debris noted Wired.

Reliability Score Downgrade Coming?

Since then, feedback about the Model S has continued to give overwhelming praise for the sedan. That is, until Consumer Reports (CR) hinted this week that it may lower the EV’s reliability score when it releases data for the 2014 model in September.

The title to a CR article — Consumer Reports Tesla Model S has more than its share of problems; Chronicling glitches in this luxury electric car — may serve notice that its reliability rating will take a hit. After its initial glowing praise for the EV, CR staff has logged nearly 16,000 more miles and found that there are “many minor problems that merit some reflection.”

Those problems include issues with the automatic retracting door handles, a failed center screen, a broken third-row safety belt buckle, an inoperative front trunk release and other problems.

CR was quick to note that its evidence is based on “a sample size of one” and is “never factored (sic) into our reliability ratings.” CR also offered praise for Tesla’s exceptional service, what includes over the air updates for most software-related issues and personalized service whereby a maintenance tech picks up the car for service and returns it when done. A trailer removes the affected vehicle and a loaner is provided, if needed.

Tesla Model S to Model X

Even with a possible reliability score downgrade it seems likely that Tesla Motors will go from strength to strength. Its original Roadster got everything started, essentially a test model that paved the way for the Model S. An all-new Model X is in the wings and will feature dual motor all-wheel drive. With seating for up to seven adults, the Tesla Model X should retail for just above $70,000 and strike at the heart of the premium SUV segment.

See Also — Tesla Model X Unveiled and Explored

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