The Torque Report

2014 Aston Martin Vanquish Volante Unveiled

2013-06-19T00:54:40Z

Aston Martin has unveiled the 2014 Vanquish Volante, which is a droptop version of the Vanquish supercar. The Vanquish Volante crucially is powered by the the same new AM11 6.0-liter V12 engine as the coupe and also reaches 0-62 mph sprint in just 4.1 seconds and a top speed of 183 mph.

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The Vanquish Volante is the first fully carbon fiber Volante in the Aston Martin's 100-year history, while also being the stiffest Volante body structure yet created. The Vanquish Volante's fabric roof takes just 14 seconds to fold.

Announcing the arrival of the Vanquish Volante Aston Martin CEO Dr Ulrich Bez said: "This car is what luxury super GT driving is all about. Great performance, fantastic style and exhilarating Volante motoring in one superb package.

"Aston Martin is celebrating 100 years of excellence in 2013, and the arrival of this new sports car - our ultimate Volante - underlines that our mission to make the next 100 years even more successful is starting perfectly."

Aston Martin Design Director Marek Reichman explained: "Vanquish Volante is a sports car, of course, but more even than that it is the ultimate Volante. A car which follows a long line of elegant Aston Martin convertibles, this super GT is sculpted to convey sophistication as much as raw power.

The 2014 Vanquish Volante is priced from £199,995 in the UK; €264,995 in Germany; $297,995 in the United States and $323,974 in Dubai.

Source: Aston Martin

Quick Spin in the 2013 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid (Review)

2013-06-18T18:18:23Z

Lincoln is on the cusp of a reinvention with the first of its new lineup being the 2013 Lincoln MKZ. Over the next four years Lincoln is planning on introducing four new models, which will reportedly include a new small crossover and compact entry-level model. GM managed to turn around Cadillac with sales now at their highest level in years, but can Ford pull the same success story with Lincoln?

]]> Lincoln gave us a chance to get behind the wheel of the new 2013 MKZ Hybrid for a quick drive in New York and although traffic in Manhattan borders on insane, we were able to gather some initial impressions of the MKZ. Comparing the new MKZ to the previous model, shows that Lincoln is at least making a significant attempt at turning things around. While the outgoing MKZ was a pretty boring sedan from many angles, with a strong resemblance to the Fusion on which it was based, the new MKZ is a major departure. The new MKZ gets the Lincoln waterfall grille and an overall exterior that grabs far more attention than the last model. While the last MKZ felt more like an entry-level luxury sedan, the new MKZ's styling is more worthy of its luxury label.

The MKZ Hybrid's exterior does look good, but its interior was mostly just acceptable. With the exception of the unique push gear selector and panoramic sunroof, the rest of the interior doesn't really stand out. It would have been nice if some of the materials that were used for the center console were higher quality and the navigation system was more frustrating than most.

The 2013 MKZ is offered with three different powertrain options: a turbocharged 2.0L four-cylinder, a 3.7L V6 and a hybrid system. The MKZ Hybrid is powered by a 2.0L Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder that is mated to an electric motor and a CVT transmission. The system generates a total 188 horsepower and 129 lb-ft. of torque. The MKZ is rated at 45 mpg in the city and 45 mpg on the highway.

Over our short 10-11 mile drive through Manhattan, we averaged 38 mpg. This was below the EPA rating, but obviously since the drive was so short we can't say that this would be a true average. The drive did give us a chance to check out the hybrid system. The hybrid system has the ability to travel to travel in EV mode from a start, which will increase its total mpg, but with the A/C on full blast this ability was limited. It would be nice if it was easier to keep the system in EV mode, since most of the time it was a little difficult, even with "light throttle." Lincoln, which is probably reacting to the flack that Ford has received for its hybrid models, was quick to point out reasons why the MKZ hybrid may not achieve its 45 mpg rating. The climate control system was one of the big reasons as well as more obvious reasons like vehicle speed and driving styles.

How does the rest of the MKZ Hybrid drive? Lincoln targeted the Lexus ES as the MKZ's main competition, but left off other major competitors from brands like Cadillac, Buick and Acura. On our quick drive the MKZ Hybrid's suspension swallowed most of Manhattan's crazy potholes and road imperfections. Was it sporty? Definitely not. The power steering was over boosted and its suspension was not firm enough to grab any sporty labels. It's interior was quiet and overall the MKZ Hybrid was comfortable and easy to operate. The push button gear selector was an interesting touch and if you select the panoramic roof option, your passengers will love the extra view. At the end of the short drive, we walked away wishing for more from the MKZ. It's stylish exterior can only take it so far and overall we'd hoped for a more "reinvented" Lincoln. We still have high hopes for the MKC crossover...

2013 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid
Base Price: $35,925
Price as Tested: $42,850

Refreshed 2014 Buick LaCrosse Starts at $34,060

2013-06-18T17:28:23Z

GM has announced the pricing for the refreshed 2014 Buick LaCrosse will start at $34,060. The new LaCrosse gets front and rear styling updates and the interior gets updated with upgraded materials and new center console. The 2014 LaCrosse comes standard with next-generation IntelliLink connectivity, an eight-inch reconfigurable color cluster display, and an eAssist powertrain that gets up to 36 highway mpg.

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A new Ultra Luxury interior package is available and includes a unique dark stained Tamo Ash wood throughout the cabin, jet black synthetic suede on the headliner and vanity mirrors, and Semi-Aniline full leather seats in sangria color. It is available on select trim levels as a $2,495 option.

The 2014 LaCrosse also gets new safety features thanks to a new Driver Confidence I package includes Forward Collision Alert, Side Blind Zone Warning, Lane Change Alert, Lane Departure Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, articulating high-intensity discharge headlights, and a head-up display for $2,125. The Driver Confidence II package includes Adaptive Cruise Control, an Automatic Collision Prep system, and a Safety Alert Seat that directs the driver's attention using vibrations through the surface of the seat bottom. It is a $1,745 option that must be paired with Driver Convenience I.

The LaCrosse can be powered by either a 304-hp 3.6L V-6 engine or the 2.4L four-cylinder with eAssist. The 2014 V6 model is rated at 18 city/28 mpg highway for front-wheel drive models and 17/26 mpg for all-wheel drive, the 2014 model gains 1 mpg highway for both models and 1 mpg city for front-drive.

Source: GM

Ford to Add More Buttons to MyFord Touch

2013-06-18T12:27:34Z

Ford is going to add more traditional buttons and knobs to its MyFord Touch infotainment system since the current system has hurt Ford in several quality surveys. Customers have complained that the current system is too complicated to use and distracting, so Ford plans to revert back to a more traditional setup.

]]> The new Ford F-Series pickup is the first model that features more knobs and buttons and Ford expects to seek a similar balance with future models. In 2010 Ford ranked No. 5 in J.D. Power's annual Initial Quality Study, but since the MyFord Touch system launched, Ford has seen its ranking drop to below average. In 2011 Ford ranked 23 out of 32 and in last year Ford was 27 out of 34.

Last spring Ford updated the system to improve its voice recognition and fix its bugs. Another upgrade of the MyFord Touch and Sync system is planned this summer. Ford says that its Sync and MyFord Touch system is sold on 79 percent of its lineup.

Source: Ford via Automotive News

Next-Gen BMW 7 Series Will Go on a Diet

2013-06-17T22:02:38Z

BMW is hard at work on the next-generation BMW 7 Series, which will obviously go head to head with the new Mercedes-Benz S-Class. To compete with the new S-Class, BMW is reportedly going to move the next 7 Series to a new platform that will employ carbon fiber, aluminum and steel to result in a significant weight loss compared to the current model.

]]> According to Autocar, the next 7 Series will debut in Frankfurt at the end of 2015 with a final weight that could be close to the smaller 5 Series. BMW is also using some of the technologies from its i sub brand. Even with a weight that will mirror the 5 Series, the next 7 Series will still be about the same size as today's model.

The next 7 Series will again be offered with six, eight and twelve engines, but it looks like BMW wants to take on the S63 AMG. Autocar claims that BMW is working on a new 760 xDrive M Performance model that will be powered by a twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 engine that will compete with the high-performance S-Class.

Source: Mercedes-Benz via Autocar

Audi Prices the 2014 Audi SQ5 at $51,900

2013-06-17T15:38:01Z

The most powerful version of the Audi Q5 and of course the one we would want, has arrived. Audi has announced that the 2014 Audi SQ5 will start at $51,900. The 2014 SQ5 is the first S variant of any Audi Q model. It packs 354 horsepower and will reach 0-60 mph in 5.1 seconds.

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The Audi SQ5 is powered by a supercharged 3.0-liter TFSI direct-injection V6 engine that achieves 354 hp and 347 lb-ft of torque that is mated to an eight-speed transmission. In addition to a 0-60 mph time of 5.1 seconds, the SQ5 reaches a top track speed of 155 mph.

On the outside the Audi SQ5 rides on standard 20-inch wheels, but 21-inch wheels are optional.It also gets S model front and rear bumpers with Platinum Gray grille and diffuser, aluminum exterior mirror housings and quad exhaust tips.

Inside the SQ5 gets with a flat-bottom steering wheel with alu-optic shift paddles and contrast stitching, gray instrument face with white needles, pedals with aluminum inserts, and SQ5 specific leather/aluminum shift knob. Leather/Alcantara sport seats are standard, but Milano leather seats are available.

Source: Audi

Expect More Buick Badged Opels in the Future

2013-06-17T12:32:12Z

Buick's lineup has gone through a major reformation in the past few years. The transition from a stodgy brand that was geared more towards the retired generation to today's more stylish models is largely thanks to GM's European brand, Opel. The Buick Verano, Regal and Encore models are all re-badged Opel models that have brought a bit more excitement to the brand. Opel fans in the U.S. will be glad to hear that the relationship between the two brands will continue in the future.

]]> GM CEO Dan Akerson has revealed that the relationship between the two brands will grow even stronger in the next few years. "What we're trying to do is bring together the product development teams much more closely," Akerson said, so that "there will be all sorts of synergies, I believe, between Opel-Vauxhall and Buick.
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The first rebadged Opel to arrive under the Buick brand was the Opel Insignia, which arrived as the 2011 Regal. Prior to the 2011 Regal, Opel's were sold in the US under the Saturn brand. Since the demise of Saturn and the arrival of the 2011 Regal, Opel has also given the Buick brand the Verano, which is a rebadged Opel Astra and the Encore, which is known as the Opel Mokka in Europe.

By bringing Opel-Vauxhaull and Buick closer to together, GM will be able to save some of its development costs. "We think we can take costs out that way," he said. "You've got to change the rules of the game in Europe -- we do -- because of where we are today."

Since 1999 GM has lost GM lost $18 billion in Europe and last year alone the automaker lost $1.8 billion.

Source: GM via Automotive News

VW Celebrates the 30 Millionth Golf

2013-06-17T12:27:11Z

VW Golf production began in 1974 and almost 40 years VW is celebrating the production of the 30 Millionth Golf. According to VW an average of over 2,000 people have purchased a new Golf every day for the past 39 years.

]]> Prof. Martin Winterkorn, Chairman of the Board of Management of Volkswagen AG, stated, "The history of the Golf is also the history of automotive progress. With technologies such as the safe front-wheel drive of the first Golf, the debut of the TDI in the third Golf, ESC (Electronic Stability Control) and the dual clutch gearbox of the fourth Golf and the standard Automatic Post-Collision Braking System of the new generation, this car has continued to democratise progress.

An optimum of safety, comfort and driving fun are no longer a question of money thanks to the Golf. And so our bestseller lives up to the Volkswagen name."

The U.S. has yet to receive the new seventh-generation Golf. Unfortunately we will have to wait until early next year when the new Golf and GTI models arrive for the 2015 model year.

Source: VW

Ford Starts Using Robots to Test its Trucks

2013-06-17T00:52:33Z

Ford has developed the industry's first robotic test driving program to test its trucks and make sure they meet the "Built Ford Tough" standard. Ford is launching the new durability testing with its new Transit van that arrives next year.

]]> "Some of the tests we do on our commercial trucks for North America are so strenuous that we limit the exposure time for human drivers," says Dave Payne, manager, vehicle development operations. "The challenge is completing testing to meet vehicle development time lines while keeping our drivers comfortable.

"Robotic testing allows us to do both," he says. "We accelerate durability testing while simultaneously increasing the productivity of our other programs by redeploying drivers to those areas, such as noise level and vehicle dynamics testing."

The durability technology includes a robotic control module installed in the test vehicle that controls vehicle steering, acceleration and braking. The module is set to follow a preprogrammed course, and the vehicle's position is tracked via cameras in a central control room and GPS accurate to plus/minus one inch. Should the vehicle stray from its programmed course, engineers have the ability to stop the vehicle, course correct as necessary, and restart the test. Onboard sensors can command a full stop if a pedestrian or another vehicle strays into the path.

The robotically driven vehicles are expected to repeatedly perform tests on torturous surfaces with names like Silver Creek, Power Hop Hill and Curb Your Enthusiasm. The tests can compress 10 years of daily driving abuse into courses just a few hundred yards long, with surfaces that include broken concrete, cobblestones, metal grates, rough gravel, mud pits and oversized speed bumps.

Source: Ford

2014 BMW 4 Series Coupe Starts at $41,425

2013-06-14T20:22:14Z

Now we can officially say goodbye to the BMW 3 Series coupe, well partially. BMW has officially released all the details for the 2014 4 Series coupe, which is essentially still a 3 Series with a different name. The switch to the 4 Series name for the coupe also brings it in line with the larger BMW 6 Series Coupe.

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The new BMW 4 Series Coupe will be offered as both a 428i with a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder and as a 435i with the twin-turbo 3.0-liter inline six. Both will be available with a standard 8-speed sport automatic or six-speed manual transmission. Both will also be offered with a choice of rear- wheel drive or with all-wheel drive. The 2014 BMW 428i Coupe starts at $41,425, and the 2014 BMW 435i Coupe will have a starting price of $46,925. The 2014 428i xDrive Coupe and 435i xDrive will start from $43,425 and 48,925 respectively.

The 435i Coupe packs 300 hp and 300 lb-ft of torque, which is enough to accelerate from 0-60 mph in just 5.3 seconds with the 6-speed manual transmission, and only 5 seconds with the 8-speed automatic, on the way to an electronically limited 155 mph top speed, when equipped with performance tires.

The four-cylinder engine of the new BMW 428i Coupe generates 240 hp and 255 lb-ft of torque, which allows the 428i to sprint from 0 to 60 in 5.7 seconds and has an electronically limited top speed of 155 mph when equipped with summer performance tires.

Even though the 4 Series shares most of its components with the 3 Series, the 4 Series has a lower center of gravity thanks to a revised suspension. The M Sport suspension that is part of the Sport Line and M Sport trims adds a firmer spring/shock absorber set-up and stiffer anti-roll bars, and its kinematics/ elastokinematics (bushings and bearings) have also been tweaked. The M Sport suspension also includes 18-inch or optional (435i only) 19- inch light-alloy wheels.

The 2014 BMW 428i Coupe and 435i Coupe will arrive in US showroom late this summer.

Source: BMW

2014 BMW 4 Series Coupe Photos Leaked

2013-06-14T17:07:18Z

Here's your first look at the all-new 2014 BMW 4 Series coupe, which as expected it looks incredibly close to the concept version. Several photos of the 4 Series coupe have leaked online ahead of BMW's official release. In case you missed the news, the 4 Series is the replacement for the former 3 Series coupe.

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On the outside the 4 Series coupe keeps a similar overall shape as the outgoing 3 Series coupe, but with a much more aggressive face than either the old 3 Series coupe or even the new 3 Series sedan, which the 4 Series is based on. The 4 Series coupe is also marginally bigger than the old coupe with its length being stretched 26 mm and its wheelbase is also longer by 50 mm.

Inside the 4 Series coupe looks pretty similar to the 3 Series sedan. In the US the engine lineup should also be close to the 3 Series with the 428i and 435i.

Stay tuned for all the official details soon.

Source: Motor-Talk

Ford Looks at New Models to Boost Lincoln's Comeback

2013-06-14T12:14:30Z

Ford is reportedly looking at adding new models to the Lincoln brand in fast-growing segments to revive the struggling brand. According to Automotive News, Ford is studying new segments like the premium small car and crossover segments, which are expected to grow significantly by 2015.

]]> Lincoln does not currently offer a small car in its lineup and the brand also previewed a new smaller crossover with the MKC concept at this year's Detroit Auto Show. According to one source Lincoln could add a new near-luxury compact sedan to its lineup for 2016. The MKC is expected to arrive by the end of the year.

This week at a MKZ hybrid drive event, Lincoln also told us that it is planning to add four all-new models to its lineup within the next four years.

Source: Lincoln via Automotive News

All-New 2014 Cadillac CTS Starts at $46,025

2013-06-13T20:54:54Z

Cadillac has released the pricing for the all-new 2014 Cadillac CTS, which starts at $46,025. The 2014 CTS sedan debuted at this year's New York Auto Show and will arrive in showrooms by this fall with an all-new design that is longer, lower and leaner. The 2014 CTS is five inches longer than the outgoing sedan, but is also 244 pounds lighter than the previous model. It is expected to be the lightest car in its segment.

]]> Three Collections of option packages - Luxury, Performance and Premium - will be offered with either the 2.0T turbocharged four cylinder or 3.6L naturally aspirated V6 engine in either rear- or all-wheel drive.

The 2014 CTS will be offered with a choice of three powertrains, including a 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder engine that puts out 272 horsepower and goes from zero to 60 mph in 6.1 seconds - 1.5 seconds faster than the outgoing model. The CTS Vsport model features the new Cadillac Twin-Turbo 3.6L V6 engine with 420 horsepower and a "track" drive mode with specific Magnetic Ride Control calibration and enhanced throttle progression for greater track performance. The 2014 CTS is also available with a naturally aspirated 3.6L V-6 rated at 321 horsepower and also matched with the new paddle-shift eight-speed automatic in rear-wheel-drive models (or six-speed automatic with all-wheel drive).

The CTS gets Standard front Brembo brakes with ferritic-nitro carburizing, or FNC, anti-corrosion rotors give CTS braking performance that Cadillac expects to be best in the segment. Magnetic Ride Control is now standard on base models with 18-inch wheels.

The CTS Vsport model starts at $59,995 and comes equipped with an electronic limited slip differential and eight-speed automatic transmission.

Source: Cadillac

2014 Nissan Versa Note Starts at $13,990

2013-06-13T20:34:54Z

Nissan has announced the pricing for the all-new 2014 Nissan Versa Note, which arrives in showrooms later this month and starts at $13,990. The Versa Note is the replacement for the current Versa hatchback and was originally unveiled earlier this year at the Detroit Auto Show.

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The all-new Versa Note is offered in three grade levels: S, S Plus and SV, with available SV Convenience Package, SL Package and SL Tech Package. The Versa Note is powered by a 1.6-liter DOHC 4-cylinder engine with 109-hp and 107 lb-ft. of torque. The Versa Note S features a 5-speed manual transmission, while the S Plus and SV models are equipped with a standard next-generation CVT transmission. The Versa Note is rated at 40 mpg highway and 31 mpg city and 35 mpg combined for CVT-equipped models.

Buyers can add features like Nissan Intelligent Key, Bluetooth, SiriusXM Satellite Radio, heated front seats, heated outside mirrors and 16-inch aluminum-alloy wheels. Four optional packages are offered: SV Convenience Package ($540), SL Package ($1,700), Sport Value Package ($760) and SL Tech Package ($800).

Stay tuned for our full review of the Versa Note later this month.

Source: Nissan

Toyota's New Chairman Wants a Supra Successor

2013-06-13T12:23:52Z

Toyota's incoming chairman, Takeshi Uchiyamada reportedly wants the new sports car that it is developing with BMW to be a similar in size to the discontinued Supra, instead of a smaller sports car that could cannibalize sales of the FR-S/ GT86 coupe.

]]> Toyota and BMW announced last year that they are jointly developing a new mid-size sports car, which is part of a larger collaboration between the two automakers. The last Supra was produced in 1999 and even though Uchiyamada ultimately wants something similar to the Supra, he says the decision is not up to him. Instead he says that the decisions are up to the engineers.

Uchiyamada is scheduled to become Toyota's next chairman this week, replacing Fujio Cho, who will become Toyota's honorary chairman.

Source: Automotive News