3/31/15

2016 GMC Terrain


The GMC Terrain and its more luxurious version, the Terrain Denali, have been updated for the 2016 model year with minor styling changes and new equipment. 

Debuting at the New York Auto Show, the 2016 GMC Terrain features a series of exterior updates including new front and rear fascias with C-shaped lower chrome trim, new chrome-accented grille designs for SLE, SLT and Denali, a power dome hood, LED daytime running lamps on higher models, as well as new 18- and 19-inch aluminum wheel designs. Furthermore, the 2016 Terrain is now available with new White Frost Tricoat and Crimson Red Tintcoat exterior colors.

On the inside, the 2016 GMC Terrain gets a revised instrument panel center stack with new storage shelf and updated control graphics, new chrome-trimmed transmission shifter, as well as premium cloth seat fabric now standard on SL and SLE models. SLT models get an available Saddle Up leather interior and a front passenger eight-way power-adjustable seat, while Denali models get a new Light Titanium/Jet Black interior combination.

Equipment updates include the Side Blind Zone Alert and Rear Cross Traffic Alert driving assist systems, offered on SLE and SLT models for the first time. The 2016 GMC Terrain features a revised model lineup, consisting of SL, SLE (SLE-1 and SLE-2), SLT and Denali trim levels.

Nothing changes under the hood, with the SUV coming with a standard 182hp Ecotec 2.4-liter engine or an optional 301hp 3.6-liter V6 unit.

The 2016 Terrain goes on sale this fall, with pricing to be announced closer to its commercial debut. GMC says Terrain had its best year ever in 2014 with 105,016 sales, with the model also enjoying its best-ever January and February sales this year. Terrain is GMC’s second-best selling vehicle, after Sierra.












New McLaren 570S


On Monday night, McLaren finally unveiled its new 570S sports car just days ahead of the 2015 NY Auto Show. We were invited to take an even closer look at McLaren's launch event in New York City.

According to McLaren, the new 570S represents the company's brand-new Sports Series category, which will slot below the Super Series (675LT, 650S, 650S Spider) and the top-of-the line Ultimate Series (P1).

The new McLaren 570S boasts the latest tune of the potent M838TE twin turbo V8 engine, this time featuring up to 30 percent new components. As the 570S moniker suggests, the new mid-engine sports coupe produces 570hp and 443 lb.-ft. of torque.

When McLaren developed the 570S, the performance benchmarks were aimed squarely at the Audi R8 and the Porsche 911 Turbo. The McLaren 570S is capable of rocketing from 0-62 mph (0-100km/h) in just 3.2 seconds. The 570S also rockets from 0-124 mph (0-200 km/h) in just 9.5 seconds before going all the way to a top speed of 204 mph. 

As the brand DNA dictates, the foundation of any McLaren is its super light weight carbon fiber monocell platform. In the new 570S, McLaren developed a new structure called the "MonoCell II." According to McLaren, the MonoCell II is designed to have a more usable day-to-day experience by improving its ingress and egress ability. 

Just like the original MonoCell, the MonoCell II is extremely light, weighing in at under 80 kg, while providing the utmost in passenger cell protection. In fact, the 570S places special emphasis on weight throughout its design. All in all, the McLaren 570S boasts a dry weight of just 2895 pounds. In comparison, the Porsche 911 Turbo weighs 3,538 pounds while the Audi R8 tips V10 tips the scales at 3,362 pounds.

Finally, the McLaren's signature exterior design is dictated by optimized aerodynamics. McLaren describes the 570S styling as a "shrinkwrapped design." Key aero details include the enormous front splitter, a massive side intake duct, a delicate flying buttress just behind the doors, and an immense rear diffuser.

McLaren calls the aero management across the length of the 570S "complex door tendons," which particularly highlights the blade the separates the two bare carbon elements on the doors leading into the side intake. While the design may look like two dedicated cooling channels, both the intake on the top and side of the door are directing air to the same radiator that dispels heat from the mighty V8. Thanks to the clever aero design, the McLaren 570Z maximizes downforce without drag. Ultimately, the combination of engine, weight, and aero efficiency allows the McLaren 570S to deliver a remarkable fuel economy rating of 25.5 mpg on the EU combined cycle.

Pricing on the new McLaren 570S has yet to be announced. The official global reveal of the latest McLaren Sports Series coupe will be on Wednesday, April 1, at the New York International Auto Show. Enjoy our exclusive photos of the new McLaren 570S below!

By Danny Choy

Photos copyright: Carscoops / Danny Choy














3/30/15

G-Power BMW M550d With 435 HP


The BMW M550d is one heck of a long distance cruiser. However, what surprises you about it most is its monster torque output and M-like agility. And yet, it has nothing on this 'Hurricane'.

One would think that at 381 hp and 740 Nm of torque you're pretty much set if you're looking for a wickedly fast diesel-powered BMW 5 Series. Of course, if a fast diesel is all you want, most of you will be quite happy even with a 530d.

The goal of the M550d is to take things a lot further, straight into M Division territory. The M550d looks, feels and handles about as good as a proper M5. It may not go as fast in certain situations, but considering the fact that you get all that torque as well as excellent fuel consumption, we think there shouldn't be any complaints.

Unless of course you work for G-Power and you figure you might as well take the M550d and oh say light a fire under it so that it now produces 435 HP and an awesome 850 Nm (625 lb-ft) of peak torque - all dyno-tested.

G-Power are using their D-Tronik 5 V1 module in order to keep the M550d in check and we must say, it all sounds rather clever. The module is set up so that it only releases additional power if the correct cooling water temperature has been reached.

In extreme situations, if the oil temperature reaches its limits, the power output is reduced to stock.

As for traffic situations, the D-Tronik 5 module can correspond to the actual accelerator level, which is a very German way of saying that it will basically "mold" to your right foot and once again, revert the power to stock while driving slowly.

But when you want that extra available power, it will be instantly made available to you, giving you the pleasure of accelerating from 0 to 100km/h in just 4.5 seconds (0.2 seconds faster than a stock M550d and 0.2 seconds slower than an M5, but with so much more torque).

Your top speed will be 270 km/h, but you can get that electronic limiter lifted and blast your way to 300 km/h (186 mph).

Looks-wise, you've got your 21" G-Power Hurricane RR forged wheels, wearing 255/30 ZR21 and 295/25 ZR21 tires. The wheels have a double spoke design which we obviously like, and thanks to the use of lightweight aerospace aluminum (that sounds so cool doesn't it?), they're among the lightest wheels in their class.

All things considered, this thing might just be a 'best buy' if you're in the market for an ultra-fast German Wagon. Rivals such as the E63 AMG 4MATIC Estate and the Audi RS6 are quicker off the line but they're down on torque and most important, they're not helping you out with fuel in any way.

The best thing about the M550d, be it a factory model or a G-Power version, is that if you're somehow able to purchase one, you'll actually be able to easily live with its fuel consumption.










2015 Mercedes-AMG C63 Sedan


Stuttgart's answer to the BMW M3 is the new 2015 Mercedes-AMG C63 and C63 S sedans that will go on sale in the USA this April starting at $63,900, not including a $925 destination fee (*).

This will get you in the C63 AMG that is powered by a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 producing 469hp (476PS) and 479 lb-ft of peak torque, while if you're in need of more oomph, there's the C63 AMG S that has a tuned version of the same unit returning 503hp (510PS) and 516 lb-ft of torque for $71,900 plus destination. 

According to Mercedes, these are the standard features and optional extras for the two high-performance sedans (sorry America, you won't be getting that gorgeous Estate):

Standard equipment includes a hand-built AMG V8 engine, Burmester Surround Sound system, KEYLESS-GO, Collisions Prevention Assist Plus (with autonomous braking in emergency situations), ATTENTION ASSIST driver drowsiness monitor, AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-Speed Sport Transmission with multiple shift modes, AMG DYNAMIC SELECT, Touchpad, SIRIUS Satellite Radio, Rear Limited Slip Differential (C63 is mechanical while C63 S is electronic), Power/heated/memory seats, AMG Dynamic Exhaust, AMG Adaptive Suspension with 3 selectable modes, AMG 3-Stage ESP system, 18" staggered alloy wheels (C63) and 19" staggered alloy wheels (C63 S), LED headlamps, dynamic engine mounts (C63 S only, same as the Mercedes-AMG GT S), nappa leather (C63 S only), and red brake calipers (C63 S only).

Optional equipment includes PARKTRONIC w/ Active Parking Assist, Blind Spot Assist, Panorama Sunroof, Carbon Fiber Trim, 19" Forged Alloy Wheels (available in silver and black), AMG Performance Steering Wheel for C63 (standard on C63 S), seat belts in red or silver, AMG exterior night styling, red brake calipers for C63 (standard on C63 S), AMG Carbon Ceramic Braking System (C63 S only), AMG performance exhaust with customer selectable modes, Head Up Display, AMG Performance Seats, AMG Carbon Fiber rear decklid spoiler and exterior mirror covers.















2016 Lincoln Continental Concept


Lincoln has a new Continental, but it calls it a concept car for now. Previewed ahead of its official debut at the New York Auto Show, the Lincoln Continental Concept is an anticipation of the all-new full-size sedan coming next year.

The sedan features an all-new one-piece centered grille, classic proportions and sophisticated details including LED matrix headlamps with laser-assist high beams, full-width tail lamps with light-through-chrome technology and E-Latch door handles, tucked discretely in the vehicle beltline. Lincoln says these handles make opening and closing doors easier and quieter. 

The raised Lincoln badge is surrounded by a span of repeating polished aluminum Lincoln Star emblems, while the Rhapsody Blue metallic paint reminds of the classic Lincoln Continental’s signature color. The car rides on polished-aluminum, painted-pocket 21-inch wheels.

The interior features the brand’s “most sensual materials ever,” including Venetian leather seat and door panels, Alcantara seat inserts and armrests, satin headliner and shearling wool carpet. Details include Rose Gold trim around the instrument cluster, bright chrome trim on the instrument panel and ambient lighting. 

The 30-way adjustable seats use a new-to-market design that is said to conform to passengers’ sizes and shapes. The passenger-side rear seat can fully recline by moving the front passenger seat forward with the touch of a button.

Rear passengers also can control climate settings and the Revel Ultima audio system from a panel mounted on the through-center console. There’s also an SPD SmartGlass tinting sunroof, which allows passengers to control heat from direct sunlight. At the touch of a button, the glass can cool the vehicle interior by as much as 18 degrees Fahrenheit (7.7 degrees Celsius) , while blocking 99 percent of UV rays.

Under the skin, the Lincoln Continental Concept features a Lincoln-exclusive 3.0-liter V6 EcoBoost engine, but the company didn’t offer details about its specifications yet. The car also features Lincoln Drive Control ride-enhancing technologies and Adaptive Steering. 

Driver assist technologies include Pre-Collision Assist with Pedestrian Detection, Enhanced Park Assist and a 360-degree camera that displays on the MyLincoln Touch screen.

“The Continental Concept showcases the promise of quiet luxury from Lincoln going forward. It also is a strong indication of what’s to come next year as we introduce our new Lincoln Continental full-size luxury sedan,” said Mark Fields, Ford Motor Company president and CEO.

We’ll learn more about the study on Wednesday, when it debuts officially at the New York Auto Show.