Suzuki Finds Silver Lining in Clouds Around Shizuoka Prefecture

After the Mitsubishi fuel economy scandal triggered a Japan-wide investigation into fuel economy claims, Suzuki is now in a similar situation as its diamond-starred competitor. But the reasoning behind Suzuki's misdeed is different: the automaker, it claims, was destitute. According to Automotive News, Suzuki blames its own fuel consumption rating scandal on a lack of funds. It couldn't afford to perform […]

The post Suzuki Finds Silver Lining in Clouds Around Shizuoka Prefecture appeared first on The Truth About Cars.

from The Truth About Cars http://ift.tt/Jh8LjA

Put the internet to work for you.

Turn off or edit this Recipe

Updated 2017 Lincoln MKZ Priced from $35,935 to $54,485

-

A raft of changes are in store for the Lincoln MKZ, the most enticing of which is a new 3.0-liter twin-turbo V-6 engine. We now have pricing for Lincoln's updated sedan, which also gets a new front end and a revised interior for 2017. Surprisingly, the base price is slightly lower than before, down $180 to $35,935. But adding options like the new V-6, all-wheel drive, and other packages can take the new MKZ into a much loftier price bracket, with fully loaded versions topping $60,000. Yikes.

-

Four trim levels are offered, starting with the Premiere ($35,935), then moving to the Select ($37,685), the Reserve ($40,435), and the Black Label ($48,595). One of two powertrains comes standard: either a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 240 horsepower, or a gas-electric hybrid drivetrain with a net power output of 188 horsepower and an estimated EPA combined rating of 40 mpg. Turbo-four-powered cars offer all-wheel drive as a $1890 option regardless of trim level; MKZ hybrids are front-wheel-drive only.

-

For those who prefer more grunt, all 2017 MKZ trim levels save the base Premiere offer the aforementioned 3.0-liter twin-turbo V-6 that pairs with a six-speed automatic. It costs $2750 extra for front-drive models and $4000 extra with all-wheel drive. Frankly, we're shocked that this engine is being offered with front-wheel drive, seeing as it produces a whopping 400 lb-ft of torque. At least Lincoln detunes the V-6 slightly to 350 horsepower for its front-drive application—AWD models get the full 400 horses.

-

-

Lest you worry that the MKZ's Ford Fusion–based chassis will struggle to handle that kind of power, Lincoln is touting a new Driver's Package ($3395) for V-6 AWD models that brings some chassis tweaks. It's offered on Reserve and Black Label trim levels, and includes a stiffer suspension and the GKN-supplied torque-vectoring system from the Ford Focus RS along with some restyled visuals such as 19-inch wheels and a slightly different grille.

-

For less performance-minded 2017 MKZ buyers, a whole host of luxury options are also available. A $2395 Technology package offered on most trim levels includes all sorts of active-safety tech, a panoramic sunroof is offered for between $1795 and $2995 depending on trim level, and a 20-speaker Revel audio system is part of a $4400 Luxury package for Reserve models and comes standard on Black Label cars.

-

---

-

-
• 2017 Lincoln MKZ: Official Photos and Info
-
• Quick-Take Review: 2015 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid
-
• Lincoln MKZ Research: Full Pricing, Specs, Reviews, and More
-

-

---

-

Once you start piling on these extras, it's surprisingly easy to get an MKZ to top $60,000. That strikes us as a lot to pay for this mid-size sedan, especially when the larger Continental runs from around $45,000 to $69,000. The MKZ will hit dealerships sooner than its big brother, as the smaller sedan goes on sale this summer while the Continental goes on sale this fall.

-

-

from Car and Driver Blog http://ift.tt/nSHy27

Put the internet to work for you.

Turn off or edit this Recipe

Updated 2017 Lincoln MKZ Priced from $35,935 to $54,485

--------------

from Car and Driver Blog http://ift.tt/nSHy27

Put the internet to work for you.

Turn off or edit this Recipe

A B-Class With Buyers? Mercedes-Benz Plans Yet Another Crossover Model

No one's really sure what the B-Class is, so Mercedes-Benz seems ready to add a crossover version to lure utility-obsessed buyers. The automaker recently registered the GLB name, implying a sporty crossover based on the unpopular front-wheel-drive B-class people hauler — a model so confused, it sells more in Canada than it does in the United States. […]

The post A B-Class With Buyers? Mercedes-Benz Plans Yet Another Crossover Model appeared first on The Truth About Cars.

from The Truth About Cars http://ift.tt/Jh8LjA

Put the internet to work for you.

Turn off or edit this Recipe

Takata Airbag Recall Expansions: Ferrari, Fiat Chrysler, Mazda, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Subaru

-

Six more automakers have specified cars that are now part of the expanded Takata airbag recalls, with Ferrari and Jeep joining the master list for the first time. All of the recalls involve the passenger-side front airbag.

-

First up, Ferrari. Last July, the automaker recalled certain cars in its entire 2015 lineup for Takata airbags, although those airbags had nothing to do with defective inflators shooting shrapnel. Now, 2820 cars in the U.S. are under recall for this problem, including the 2009–2011 California and 2010–2011 458 Italia.

-

Fiat Chrysler is recalling 4,322,870 cars. Newly added models include the 2011–2012 Chrysler 300; 2009 Chrysler Aspen and Dodge Durango; 2011–2012 Dodge Charger and Challenger; 2010 Ram 3500; 2007–2012 Jeep Wrangler; and the 2008–2009 Sterling Bullet 4500 and 5500. Also included in previous recalls are the 2004–2008 Dodge Durango and Ram 1500; 2005–2010 Chrysler 300; 2005–2011 Dodge Dakota;  2005–2008 Dodge Magnum; 2005–2009 Ram 2500; 2006–2009 Ram 3500; 2007–2008 Chrysler Aspen; 2008–2010 Dodge Charger and Challenger; and the 2008–2010 Ram 4500 and 5500.

-

-

Mazda is recalling 731,628 cars. Newly added models include the 2009–2011 RX-8; 2005–2006 MPV; 2007–2011 CX-7 and CX-9; and the 2009–2011 Mazda 6. Previously recalled cars in this total include the 2003–2008 Mazda 6; 2006–2007 Mazdaspeed 6; 2004 MPV; and the 2004–2008 RX-8.

-

-

Mitsubishi is recalling 38,628 cars, plus an unknown number of previously recalled 2006–2009 Raider pickups built by Chrysler. Newly added models include the 2007 Lancer and Lancer Evolution. Previously recalled models in this total include the 2006 Lancer and Lancer Evolution.

-

-

Nissan is recalling 402,450 cars. Newly added models include the 2007–2011 Versa; 2006–2008 Infiniti FX35 and FX45; and 2007–2010 Infiniti M35 and M45. Previously recalled cars in this total also include the 2003–2004 Infiniti I30 and I35; 2005 Infiniti FX35 and FX45; and the 2006 Infiniti M35 and M45.

-

-

Subaru is recalling 383,101 cars. Newly added models include the 2006 Baja; 2006–2011 Impreza and Tribeca; and 2009–2011 Legacy, Outback, and Forester. The 2006 Saab 9-2X, built by Subaru, is also included in this total. Previously recalled models in this total include the 2003–2004 Legacy and Outback and the 2003–2005 Baja. It is unknown at this point if 2006–2011 WRX and WRX STI models are included.

-

---

-

-
• Toyota Adds 1.6 Million Cars to Takata Airbag Recalls
-
• Honda Expanding Takata Airbag Recall by 2.2 Million Cars
-
• Massive Takata Airbag Recall: Everything You Need to Know
-

-

---

-

As before, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is dividing up the recalls into three zones, so that not all cars in all regions will be immediately fixed. The full explanation, as well as more info on parts availability, can be found here.

-

from Car and Driver Blog http://ift.tt/nSHy27

Put the internet to work for you.

Turn off or edit this Recipe

Volkswagen Would Have Seen a Sales Gain if Certain Countries Weren’t Basket Cases

The diesel emissions scandal can't be blamed for all of Volkswagen's sales woes. Today, the automaker announced first-quarter profits fell 86 percent compared to the same time last year, not surprising given its sidelined diesel models, the hit to its reputation, and a hastily cobbled together $18.2 billion scandal fund. Worldwide sales of Volkswagen passenger […]

The post Volkswagen Would Have Seen a Sales Gain if Certain Countries Weren't Basket Cases appeared first on The Truth About Cars.

from The Truth About Cars http://ift.tt/Jh8LjA

Put the internet to work for you.

Turn off or edit this Recipe

Volvo CEO: Hybrids Will Replace Diesels, Even in Europe

-

Although Europe, like the United States, has been caught up in their own version of Volkswagen's diesel-emissions scandal, there's not yet been a corresponding move away from diesel engines on the other side of the Atlantic. That's set to change with increasingly tough emissions standards and competition from a new generation of high-efficiency gas hybrids. Volvo has been the first to reveal one of these, the new three-cylinder "T5" plug-in that we'll see in the new XC40 and then throughout the lower and middle reaches of Volvo's range. And Volvo CEO Hakan Samuelsson predicts that it (and similar powerplants) will progressively replace diesel engines over the next decade or so. 

-

-

"It is a very attractive alternative to a diesel engine," Samuelsson told journalists in Gothenburg, "it offers much lower CO2 levels but more or less the same performance in both horsepower and torque. On cost I would say that within a couple of years we will see a crossover, the diesel getting more expensive and the [hybrid system] going down."

-

There are no diesel-powered Volvos in the U.S, and there will be progressively fewer in those parts of the world that do still favor them. Although there is no emissions or economy data for the T5 yet, we're told to expect that the powertrain will emit less than 95g/km in European testing, that number bringing both sizable tax benefits in many countries and also being the official Euro target for fleet-average emissions. Samuelsson says that, more importantly, the T5 will also deliver diesel-like fuel economy in real-world use. So will Volvo still be making diesels in ten years' time?

-

"Diesels will be more expensive, they will have much more advanced after-treatment with additional fluids that have to be filled not once a year, but probably every time you refuel the car," Samuelsson said, "I think that it's very realistic that the percentage will go down. If it will go down to zero I think we don't need to speculate—let the future decide, let customers decide. We are flexible enough that we can make petrol and diesels on the same line basically."

-

---

-

-
• Volvo Could Add Variants outside of Core Models, Including Possibly a Coupe or Convertible
-
• Volvo 40.2 Concept: A Taste of Volvo's Next Small Car
-
• Volvo 40.1 Concept: Meet the Next XC40
-

-

---

-

As well as the 40-series family, Samuelsson also confirmed it's likely that the three-cylinder T5 will be offered in the larger 60-series, although he ruled it out for Volvo's biggest 90-series models, where the company already offers a four-cylinder T8 'Twin Engine" hybrid.

-

from Car and Driver Blog http://ift.tt/nSHy27

Put the internet to work for you.

Turn off or edit this Recipe