2015 Acura ILX - Review

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div style="text-align: justify;"> The 2015 Acura ILX aims to attract hip retirees and up-and-coming young professionals, and includes the features and service you'd expect from a luxury brand. But with competition ramping up from Mercedes-Benz and Audi, among others, is that enough? The ILX is barely a luxury car if you go by its sticker price—or its not-so-distant Honda Civic roots.<br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLH_OuGmn-qLSSOrASpp2wLZir_g-U8d4VnZRRUdlhhTjhQKwHV4cNBpiwsb4j3Tk5ZgFOGV5aFOLYOpYPAj0FTmfv4MmVUJ01QGdOt_V7d24C242UVTEz8erl86J6tlVshBVURRW3miVn/s1600/0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLH_OuGmn-qLSSOrASpp2wLZir_g-U8d4VnZRRUdlhhTjhQKwHV4cNBpiwsb4j3Tk5ZgFOGV5aFOLYOpYPAj0FTmfv4MmVUJ01QGdOt_V7d24C242UVTEz8erl86J6tlVshBVURRW3miVn/s1600/0.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> And for that reason we don't hold it against the brand that they're not offering some of the higher-end items you'll find in slightly more expensive sedans, such as radar-adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and heads-up displays. Granted, the brand is making big steps to head up-market with its RLX flagship sedan and future NSX super car, but there's still room for the ILX, which no only offers the slow-selling Hybrid model for 2015. With that in mind, the ILX holds its own as a well-equipped, pleasant-driving, and comfortable compact sedan. Balancing between crisp and fluid, edgy and smooth, the ILX's exterior is a more youthful take on a compact luxury car than you'll find elsewhere in the segment. The fenders swell gently from the sides, there are character lines to accent its shape, and the greenhouse arches gracefully ove the passenger compartment.<br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgggy2UTnIpsX8oPwp9tmBc8G_jI1FgSGvXGKik8_jcEcaLXea22c9Fb35l7ItovaCQ1VZJAg-vIrmfUmYRefLnr5FH-Kn8irm5PEIrOa11dW2Oz2Af4M88LMPSqkPx9jqWUJv7_A76xQ-f/s1600/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgggy2UTnIpsX8oPwp9tmBc8G_jI1FgSGvXGKik8_jcEcaLXea22c9Fb35l7ItovaCQ1VZJAg-vIrmfUmYRefLnr5FH-Kn8irm5PEIrOa11dW2Oz2Af4M88LMPSqkPx9jqWUJv7_A76xQ-f/s1600/2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> On the whole it's a handsome, if not lust-inducing, sedan. Inside, it's a pleasant place to travel, looking like a typical Acura: edgy curves, contoured surfaces, and easy-to-read gauges. There's surprisingly good seating space, with enough room even for taller adults to fit comfortably. Ergonomically, things are laid out very well, with all controls easy to identify and use without taking one's eyes from the road. Fit and finish is also very good, with solid-feeling construction and quality materials (plastic, rubber, and leather) in all touch-points. Cabin noise is low, though not quite mausoleum-quiet like you'll find in some luxury cars a bit farther up the ladder, including Acura's own. For 2015 Acura has made Active Noise Cancellation standard on all models in this lineup.<br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs512KlCBYUwe9oF9MAPT_qUSMD-Ck_ccgViTOb1KE0vhz2JqAaTySiWFHIMLEpOzvjkr1QFLbYRWsrPbpanGUDeZUQY1tY4iM0Djmi56Q2F30dIR0oYtjQx0J3ExcS6A-eze8aDn6yufH/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs512KlCBYUwe9oF9MAPT_qUSMD-Ck_ccgViTOb1KE0vhz2JqAaTySiWFHIMLEpOzvjkr1QFLbYRWsrPbpanGUDeZUQY1tY4iM0Djmi56Q2F30dIR0oYtjQx0J3ExcS6A-eze8aDn6yufH/s1600/1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> It can actively 'mop up' smaller but bothersome noises from the powertrain or road, using the sound system's speakers, a cabin microphone, and a sophisticated processing algorithm. There are two versions of the ILX available, named for their drivetrains: the 2.0 and the 2.4L. The 2.0L offers a four-cylinder, 2.0-liter engine rated at 150 horsepower and 140 pound-feet of torque. A five-speed automatic with paddle shifters is standard. It scores an EPA-estimated gas mileage rating of 24 mpg city and 35 mpg highway. The 2.4L is the sporty model, with what is essentially the Civic Si's 201-horsepower, 170-pound-foot 2.4-liter four-cylinder mated to a six-speed manual transmission--no automatic is offered with this model.<br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFOlKsbnnrHHf8FCvd-vDwd_fujX3Lh7RNDVfcZDNwjygirLQQVcd4nQb2H4TgW9MV9amPEKis7RMVtK89DT3uKx3pt62pKa-wcU3of0bmV_pJxv7gUcMOKuT6vg8udbuinxVlA4XIWlV_/s1600/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFOlKsbnnrHHf8FCvd-vDwd_fujX3Lh7RNDVfcZDNwjygirLQQVcd4nQb2H4TgW9MV9amPEKis7RMVtK89DT3uKx3pt62pKa-wcU3of0bmV_pJxv7gUcMOKuT6vg8udbuinxVlA4XIWlV_/s1600/3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> What's disappointing is that the suspension in the 2.4L is essentially the same as the rest of the ILX lineup, and it's not as sharp as we'd like in spirited driving. Across the lineup, you get handling that's crisp and responsive, but nothing approaching the driving experience of, say, Acura's outgoing, half-size-larger TSX sport sedan. As of last year, leather upholstery and active noise cancellation are among the new features added to all models of the ILX. An eight-way power driver's seat, heated front seats, and a Multi-Angle Rearview Camera system have also all been added as standard. Two primary packages are available to upgrade from the base specification, the Technology Package and the Premium Package.<br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfDBw7T85cpJlIcQWyD6HQad84Y3QlZVj_Fx5SlnwEXhlr89zdSmwoqUESyQlwa4odpjJ08qOnxaV3qrNsImqnsrQOb6YsW5A2K1IRNe3LkKp7KoL3cgMYP-7-6apaZIm5r1_aoLA-FsQj/s1600/4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfDBw7T85cpJlIcQWyD6HQad84Y3QlZVj_Fx5SlnwEXhlr89zdSmwoqUESyQlwa4odpjJ08qOnxaV3qrNsImqnsrQOb6YsW5A2K1IRNe3LkKp7KoL3cgMYP-7-6apaZIm5r1_aoLA-FsQj/s1600/4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>  Add the Technology Package and you get premium audio with USB and Pandora integration, a navigation system with voice recognition, a rear-view camera system, and real-time traffic and weather info. With the Premium Package you get leather seating surfaces; eight-way power adjustable driver seat; two-way heated front seats; an auto-dimming rearview mirror; a multi-view rear camera; a premium sound system with Bluetooth, USB, and Pandora functionality.</div> </div>

News Cars 2015 Acura ILX - Review

The 2015 Acura ILX aims to attract hip retirees and up-and-coming young professionals, and includes the features and service you'd exp...

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2015 Ferrari 458 Italia - Review

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div style="text-align: justify;"> The 2015 Ferrari 458 lineup, in all of its supercar splendor and race-derived mechanical majesty, is the modern iteration of those classic Ferrari models—plus a lot more.Is the Ferrari 458 Italia the best-driving supercar ever built?<br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9DiG0v1Y0GgCU4eZoaR7We3OivYbqVdj8VlPkmm-NSaVpO_LD2uv05BpQSt-PgFT60CeKJhHc7HPtu2kXiO0WSN18bKnq5585KgMwDWafLLlL0q6A5xN3niABPTzBGh1zTcPLgi0Wtnc_/s1600/0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9DiG0v1Y0GgCU4eZoaR7We3OivYbqVdj8VlPkmm-NSaVpO_LD2uv05BpQSt-PgFT60CeKJhHc7HPtu2kXiO0WSN18bKnq5585KgMwDWafLLlL0q6A5xN3niABPTzBGh1zTcPLgi0Wtnc_/s1600/0.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> While that may be a subject of debate within the legions of Ferrari fans and driving enthusiasts, it's definitely one of the most accessible yet capable high-performance cars to ever be produced by the Italian sports-car maker. And it's one of the sexiest, wrapping the best of Ferrari's mid-engine, poster-car heritage with just the right gloss and gleam to flaunt all the modern, F1-derived wizardry within. There's a replacement in the works for next year; and the 458 is going to be a tough act to follow. In the meantime, with the 458 Spider (convertible), and the 458 Speciale also still relatively new to the lineup, there's lots of appeal in this master work. And then there's the 2015 Ferrari 458 Speciale Spider—officially called the Speciale A (for Aperta, roughly meaning 'open'). As the eagerly anticipated variant that combines the Speciale's higher-output V-8 (597 hp), with the Spider's surprisingly well executed retractable hardtop, it looks like one that will appeal even to those with multiple prancing horses in the garage. The Speciale A has a limited production run of just 499 units. The 458 Speciale emphasizes the importance of performance by trimming weight and tweaking the exterior for greater aerodynamic efficiency, while tuning up the suspension, control electronics, and tire grip for even more impressive track-day ability.<br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHyUzhgsaK0KV848DWA6HhcC2onxHfi51QGribD9wooVyjURbEyDfcDFwel2GedLioWB-MY-plV-Mu5jSyo-Mb5TByfsxIUOND5JVByeia9VNxSQOA2tReqQJFDGkbP4M6I0R_B9q9Ym9z/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHyUzhgsaK0KV848DWA6HhcC2onxHfi51QGribD9wooVyjURbEyDfcDFwel2GedLioWB-MY-plV-Mu5jSyo-Mb5TByfsxIUOND5JVByeia9VNxSQOA2tReqQJFDGkbP4M6I0R_B9q9Ym9z/s1600/1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> Both coupe and convertible models of the 458 share a low, aggressive front end with futuristic-looking headlights, a tall, flared rear end that gives the car a muscular stance, and clean, mid-engined proportions that distill the essence of a modern Ferrari performance car. The 458 Italia's interior is modern and luxurious in its look, but not avant garde or striking. Sitting just behind occupants' heads, the 458's 4.5-liter V-8 engine is rated at 562 horsepower in standard form, and it'll rev all the way up to a 9,000-rpm redline. It makes 80 percent of its peak 400 lb-ft of torque from 3,250 rpm. But the numbers don't tell the full story of the Italia's V-8. It emits a soundtrack that will delight even those who typically shake their head at noisy sports cars. In sight and sound, and in poise—as well as performance numbers—the 458 Spider is unparalleled among top-down cars.<br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAZuZo4GBP8xbSDYXe6ESrZo0ThlzEJqB4oRe0dhQOTvHSmUapDbsda03LPMon6l7SBuv97sXfSSEUQ1C4UPVUqJnKy9gBTH2xf9JJ7qhwEtrpE6fMT1zJqaZYWUyEl-K81KDSis_A75Gz/s1600/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAZuZo4GBP8xbSDYXe6ESrZo0ThlzEJqB4oRe0dhQOTvHSmUapDbsda03LPMon6l7SBuv97sXfSSEUQ1C4UPVUqJnKy9gBTH2xf9JJ7qhwEtrpE6fMT1zJqaZYWUyEl-K81KDSis_A75Gz/s1600/2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> It’s sexy beyond all the usual cliches, yet it’ll be happy to oblige all of them; it looks technical and racing-influenced in all the right ways; with the F1-derived gearbox snapping off clap-shifts when pressed to duty. It's activated by steering-wheel paddle-shifters, and can get a little tricky when parking on inclines—but we think most owners are willing to live with that compromise. What Ferrari 458 Spider owner is parallel-parking themselves, anyway? The layout is adventurous, cockpit-like, and highly functional and driver-focused, of course. You sit very low; firm bolsters jut forward beside your rib cage (those with stockier builds will find the seats tight). The ‘frunk’ in the 458 Spider is huge—larger than what you’ll find in some Porsche models, and shaped in a way that could allow two carry-on-size suitcases, or several weekend bags. Only a thin divider separates the engine from the passenger compartment, and that means there's a symphony of mechanical excellence each and every time you fire it up and plant your foot. The presence of the engine transforms the car from a fairly mellow cruiser to a race-bred thrill machine with just a quick stab of the gas.<br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfQFeD3mSjNlZfBlZC9rcxm8xtqtZQxZTRKKzSKcTrelB9jMjohOQ7eb-0hEsvK5pV6RZWWygWKzZ5IXeMXvlpB9jwGAEDi_gDQGg5qtB6QW4zD9m3LUjHfPD-mFcWyPxvGtVgQyXLqjn_/s1600/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfQFeD3mSjNlZfBlZC9rcxm8xtqtZQxZTRKKzSKcTrelB9jMjohOQ7eb-0hEsvK5pV6RZWWygWKzZ5IXeMXvlpB9jwGAEDi_gDQGg5qtB6QW4zD9m3LUjHfPD-mFcWyPxvGtVgQyXLqjn_/s1600/3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> It's not all about the auditory experience, however. The 458 Italia and 458 Spider also deliver impressive speed and remarkable driver feedback. The coupe hits 60 mph from a stop in just 3.4 seconds (cut down to around 3.0 seconds in the Speciale), and carries on to a top speed of 202 mph. The Spider's slightly less-slick aerodynamics cap it at 198 mph. Both cars use the same Getrag seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox, and both get gas mileage around the 12-mpg mark in the city and 18 mpg on the highway. The handling, however, is where the Ferrari 458 truly shines. Balance and grip are both evident in large quantities, imbuing a stability not often found in high-horsepower, mid-engine cars. The steering feel is among the very best we've ever experienced, with perfect weight and exquisitely detailed feedback about the road surface and the tires' comfort zones.<br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfY8KHjFIJouCJKtgbHuf1ssGavDwpgSm8NimO163aFUMw_9uXzPGTjCWR1zUTQCw16iqStYlZrJvEza925E1ugYtFFNT_lBMUN2foKlB5vxchSfY6VIRw4Sux_FC2b-lyEHavBVb6pFBa/s1600/4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfY8KHjFIJouCJKtgbHuf1ssGavDwpgSm8NimO163aFUMw_9uXzPGTjCWR1zUTQCw16iqStYlZrJvEza925E1ugYtFFNT_lBMUN2foKlB5vxchSfY6VIRw4Sux_FC2b-lyEHavBVb6pFBa/s1600/4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> We found the 458 Spider to be communicative in a way that many modern cars aren’t; you can feel the weight transfer in corners, as you’re easing into the throttle, far more than most other high-power supercars—and long before the tires get to their maximum grip or the electronic systems need to pull their weight. In all, it's a case of the sum being even greater than its individually excellent parts—and we're anticipating the same for the 2015 458 Spider Speciale. The 458 family is built with modern engineering and materials to make a rigid, secure chassis. As with most other exotic or low-volume super-performance cars, the 458 Italia hasn't undergone testing by either the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) or the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). A new, higher-power turbocharged engine for this model has also been reported, along with a potential name change.</div> </div>

Ferrari News Cars 2015 Ferrari 458 Italia - Review

The 2015 Ferrari 458 lineup, in all of its supercar splendor and race-derived mechanical majesty, is the modern iteration of those classic...

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2016 Acura ILX Review

<div style="text-align: justify;"> The Acura ILX has, up until now, required the use of a lot of qualifiers. That’s because while this compact entry-luxury sedan was quite well designed—and it could be quite appealing—the lineup has consisted of a mishmash of models, not all of them all that sporty or luxurious.<br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRWhsZU79Q4J4sktPV_NI3UUQZt-gXsOz-vngwhR9TW0hkHSZDF11lO9rtcj53WScFXIRUPFMpWAUk2-l8ZTVrtfA4DtTWJKFoW_M2jxCKknA4vf3u69anYAeF5NYASnAtfUfNcRQqIuIB/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRWhsZU79Q4J4sktPV_NI3UUQZt-gXsOz-vngwhR9TW0hkHSZDF11lO9rtcj53WScFXIRUPFMpWAUk2-l8ZTVrtfA4DtTWJKFoW_M2jxCKknA4vf3u69anYAeF5NYASnAtfUfNcRQqIuIB/s1600/1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> That changes for the 2016 model year, for which Acura has essentially rebooted the ILX—dropping the surplus of powertrain variants and focusing this small sedan under one sporty combination, with more of an underlying performance-car flavor throughout. The underperforming ILX Hybrid model was already dropped going into the 2015 model year. Now for 2016, the 2.0-liter base engine is also dropped, and the ILX essentially gets the same four-cylinder and dual-clutch setup as Acura’s next-larger model, the front-wheel-drive TLX. The power rating stays the same as the current model, at 201 hp, yet the engine is the latest direct-injection i-VTEC unit, making 180 pound-feet of torque (up 10 lb-ft over the previous 2.4-liter). What that should result in is a very strong-performing, pleasant-driving sporty sedan. The eight-speed dual-clutch gearbox uses a torque converter for low-speed smoothness, yet its shifts are super-quick during high-performance driving, with rev-matched downshifts and good driver control through steering-wheel shift paddles.<br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgXJnSRL5I6eeLcRH9bmZaFUkrSHBSZA7sXtdOFdsUfYQ_5iObHRIqRm7w3i6Lub8UM6pcDgdgOhsrA9prOBMf-ZFIzswC5cT3FgccZolHnK3UoUNwWetEg_0KzW9jV7CYIFnYmMH3YrLN/s1600/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgXJnSRL5I6eeLcRH9bmZaFUkrSHBSZA7sXtdOFdsUfYQ_5iObHRIqRm7w3i6Lub8UM6pcDgdgOhsrA9prOBMf-ZFIzswC5cT3FgccZolHnK3UoUNwWetEg_0KzW9jV7CYIFnYmMH3YrLN/s1600/2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> While the manual gearbox has been dropped completely from the ILX lineup, and we won’t applaud that, we will say that the dual-clutch transmission is superb and a near-perfect pairing of smoothness and responsiveness in the TLX. Visually, there’s not all that much changed. The 2016 Acura ILX gets a slight refresh in front and in back. Jewel Eye LED lamps have been subbed in, as well as some upgraded interior materials, larger wheels and tires, and improved connectivity features. Stylistically, we’ve found that the ILX has a nice balance between crisp and fluid, edgy and smooth—a more youthful take on a compact luxury car than you'll find elsewhere in the segment, and handsome if not lust-inducing. Inside, it's a pleasant place to travel, looking like a typical Acura: edgy curves, contoured surfaces, and easy-to-read gauges.<br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK4jplVraft_fu_fzPCqh5vbctssXCe1mWrhBihUMlQFGrvgf1BYl38Sd2-wdIgO63Nlf-O4diT5B0AFIvLsiTz9l6njGiR7ccVSfXYzAWVnkNu4gqZ6AXMlU6d4ujyMUohyk87UH1vJRa/s1600/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK4jplVraft_fu_fzPCqh5vbctssXCe1mWrhBihUMlQFGrvgf1BYl38Sd2-wdIgO63Nlf-O4diT5B0AFIvLsiTz9l6njGiR7ccVSfXYzAWVnkNu4gqZ6AXMlU6d4ujyMUohyk87UH1vJRa/s1600/3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> The interior layout of the ILX has been stellar all along, so that part of it needed no kind of rehab either. It’s comfortable and spacious—surprisingly so in the rear seats, with enough room even for taller adults to fit comfortably. Ergonomically, things are laid out very well, and it’s easy to figure out the controls without taking your eyes off the road (well, except for infotainment systems, which remain a sore point). There’s solid-feeling construction throughout, with quality materials, and fit and finish is very good. Acura says that cabin refinement and quietness has been improved for 2016, too, with thicker glass and noise-attenuating wheels; and that’s in addition to the smart active noise cancellation system Acura made standard for the lineup last year. The ILX remains based on the Honda Civic, although the current Civic has an excellent reputation for safety and occupant protection.<br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitYmyRHCfcGhXOLe-rlrl_UVxVNaZjFe2z0gV1CDenBuNLiQVNaOTMxcx_7VBD248-dOHiR8yQax5SxKlTursb2iLwAz5CaJ6Emye-DVbA_RNsHYTaLTpxncbCNyBkiQijZjzJoLiZXwCP/s1600/5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitYmyRHCfcGhXOLe-rlrl_UVxVNaZjFe2z0gV1CDenBuNLiQVNaOTMxcx_7VBD248-dOHiR8yQax5SxKlTursb2iLwAz5CaJ6Emye-DVbA_RNsHYTaLTpxncbCNyBkiQijZjzJoLiZXwCP/s1600/5.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> Acura notes that it’s targeted a ‘good’ result in the IIHS small overlap test and an IIHS Top Safety Pick Plus rating, although no crash test results are yet available. The ILX gets the excellent LaneWatch system that shows a wide-angle camera view alongside and behind the vehicle, and a new AcuraWatch safety suite includes adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, road departure mitigation, and enhanced collision mitigation braking with pedestrian sensing. There’s also a blind-spot system with rear cross-traffic monitoring for much of the lineup. There are now a total of six 2016 Acura ILX packages, including standard ILX, Premium, Technology Plus, A-Spec, A-Spec Premium, and A-Spec Technology Plus.<br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-YYVl5Pu83QUkJSYYziu4EEbVQBMzR7nUkyF2CPOHRqIpnuQAS4D6KlEb_g1WYCcGRybQ1juGeJd5HqxB7DnGgQnxo2pCEOEFhUX8VlxtSj5BPu4EbCjFHkiZv_adP17Nxxg4VFowX-sZ/s1600/7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-YYVl5Pu83QUkJSYYziu4EEbVQBMzR7nUkyF2CPOHRqIpnuQAS4D6KlEb_g1WYCcGRybQ1juGeJd5HqxB7DnGgQnxo2pCEOEFhUX8VlxtSj5BPu4EbCjFHkiZv_adP17Nxxg4VFowX-sZ/s1600/7.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> A-Spec models are the sporty versions in the lineup, and at the Premium level, the ILX gets a two-position driver’s seat memory, plus a power passenger seat, universal garage-door opener, and the dual-screen setup. The Premium grade model has, for the first time, a navigation system based on a connected iPhone, with the proper AcuraLink app, and Premium models and above get satellite radio and HD Radio. Tech models add the AcuraWatch suite plus embedded navigation and a reconfigurable display.</div>

Acura Cars News Cars 2016 Acura ILX Review

The Acura ILX has, up until now, required the use of a lot of qualifiers. That’s because while this compact entry-luxury sedan was quite we...

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2015 Jeep Cherokee Review

<div style="text-align: justify;"> The 2015 Jeep Cherokee entered the red-hot market for compact SUVs last year at just the right time, but it's got big shoes to fill nonetheless. The original Jeep Cherokee launched in 1986 set the bar for sport-utility vehicles that could be used as family transport, and inspired a host of competitors, including the wildly successful Ford Explorer of 1990.<br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH5_gYFB2tDjMZkXaN37ZcObLOYmF8XuP54sfOt08PYzPb8IrBvQ1rp-bDEt4hFw4IL_B2yN7ZBGMS7eroIY_j-Mkv34hqA0zeji6RdBJHjhLQaRMEUUpduianl-XSA-_4tZlnWw1YmSFN/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH5_gYFB2tDjMZkXaN37ZcObLOYmF8XuP54sfOt08PYzPb8IrBvQ1rp-bDEt4hFw4IL_B2yN7ZBGMS7eroIY_j-Mkv34hqA0zeji6RdBJHjhLQaRMEUUpduianl-XSA-_4tZlnWw1YmSFN/s1600/1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> But times have changed over three decades, and what used to be truck-based SUVs are now "crossover utility vehicles" built on car underpinnings. They're more comfortable, more fuel-efficient, and much closer in spirit to passenger cars--but taller and with all-wheel drive as a required option. They're also nowhere near as simple and straightforward as the original Cherokee of yore. Today, the Jeep Cherokee is meant to be a mainstream choice for family duty--and a direct competitor to established crossovers that include the Ford Escape, Honda CR-V, Subaru Forester, and Toyota RAV4. It's a clean break from the Jeep Liberty it replaced, and the changes go far beyond the model name. It's no longer based on truck-like rear-wheel-drive mechanicals, and its styling is less blunt and bluff than the squared-off Liberty.<br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfxvHCrJaXtomqIfTJCYUBujgstKsloeQd6wEc5RKhZ2KZeHhyENwfPJpDGoRoFUGg9tG28qZqnPSMIGB5SJBoSUW79CD9jFUXAGxGhTW_7DYVHZxhHN3BJQ-MVeYKN9INOODbe7QNCwrz/s1600/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfxvHCrJaXtomqIfTJCYUBujgstKsloeQd6wEc5RKhZ2KZeHhyENwfPJpDGoRoFUGg9tG28qZqnPSMIGB5SJBoSUW79CD9jFUXAGxGhTW_7DYVHZxhHN3BJQ-MVeYKN9INOODbe7QNCwrz/s1600/2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> The 2015 Cherokee aspires to bridge the on- and off-road worlds. It may be the first compact SUV to do both equally well: a city-friendly crossover stuffed with the heart of a Trail Rated Jeep. It's got all the Jeep brand essentials--ruggedness and a general zest for things outdoorsy--while remaining perfectly suitable for families that want AWD security and a dash of toughness. But not everyone is going to be a fan of the exterior. One approach would have been to find a middle ground among Jeep's heritage, contemporary crossovers, and an edgy new direction. But the actual Cherokee leads off with a startling variation on the Jeep face, and then gives up by the time it gets to the windshield. In other words, its roles as a Liberty replacement, Dart derivative, and Compass mea culpa still aren't totally reconciled in the design.<br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB25lvG1J2yBwV8nfpMotqiTJRpGF4NzCwnv2MlsayIloL2DG0HNdjrtbqijJtkcVBe0ITiVza0b53NScf4fZBLM_r_iUIRu4WDrUobcgHdFlbRBCeQo5DRNenvSC89jYjOPc2ehtUPmKW/s1600/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB25lvG1J2yBwV8nfpMotqiTJRpGF4NzCwnv2MlsayIloL2DG0HNdjrtbqijJtkcVBe0ITiVza0b53NScf4fZBLM_r_iUIRu4WDrUobcgHdFlbRBCeQo5DRNenvSC89jYjOPc2ehtUPmKW/s1600/3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> The front end splits its headlamps and underplays the grille—the one design detail that connotes Jeep no matter where it's seen, around the world. Those are unforgivable but reworkable flaws—and frankly, quirks that some will like. The rest of the body impresses as warmed-over leftovers, with a heavy reliance on crossover fallbacks in glass area and fender sculpting—rehashed Hyundai, inherited Grand Cherokee. The cabin does paramedic duty here, healing up all that poorly thought-out stretching with some palliative shapes and some truly nice finishes and Easter-egg touches (consider it a challenge to find all the hidden Jeeps inside). The Cherokee really sizes right in with models that would be called compacts in the U.S., like the CR-V, Forester, and Escape. Jeep might call it a mid-sizer, but it's right in with those models. There’s no third-row seat, but it's a relatively roomy five-seater, with a back seat that’s suitable for adults—or even asking three to sit across for shorter distances--but the jutting front headrests might enforce a slouching position that robs some of that rear-seat space.<br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZdDR6sl8hnsG2wETqAjS17ICfjOujUfBUa3zOzClIQBlBwxPmixQvrf3JHqE1XBPmklrwRC_1SWJJaOc5PHBBsNrQ8cj_9Yp8Ti4rFuXofYtTcwsvxNq7A0_HBPSSUDu2pfJArxGoU1MX/s1600/4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZdDR6sl8hnsG2wETqAjS17ICfjOujUfBUa3zOzClIQBlBwxPmixQvrf3JHqE1XBPmklrwRC_1SWJJaOc5PHBBsNrQ8cj_9Yp8Ti4rFuXofYtTcwsvxNq7A0_HBPSSUDu2pfJArxGoU1MX/s1600/4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> The second row slides fore and aft to choose between legroom and cargo space, and there’s a handy organizer for the more retentive fans. You have a choice between a four-cylinder engine and a V-6—which helps it stand out in a class that includes several models that have gone all-four-cylinder. The standard 184-horsepower, 2.4-liter in-line four is plenty strong for quick acceleration (as well as smooth and quiet for this class), provided there isn't too much weight aboard. The other new 3.2-liter V-6 makes 271 hp and 239 lb-ft of torque; it's torquey and generally happy with whatever work you throw its way. With the V-6 and a Trailer Tow Package, the Cherokee can pull 4,500 pounds. No matter which version, the Cherokee has fairly numb but accurate steering, with a well-tuned and well-damped ride. The Cherokee also sports a new ZF nine-speed automatic, with a lower first gear for quick takeoffs, plus some tall upper gears for good mileage on the highway.<br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVMvCrb1ZtBTguQS4wV4qgeFvSimzfsYHMrwws_-oriHljpll6FYDbzhmYSNJUj57T57qDOlkZvppscOaDtAK3YkUBQjfr4C_lv9kuhjwbzlwfSYmKcxRONUhes3x9Bs5LHy4yiAgZDVMZ/s1600/2015-jeep-cherokee-fwd-4-door-sport-door-controls_100478021_h.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVMvCrb1ZtBTguQS4wV4qgeFvSimzfsYHMrwws_-oriHljpll6FYDbzhmYSNJUj57T57qDOlkZvppscOaDtAK3YkUBQjfr4C_lv9kuhjwbzlwfSYmKcxRONUhes3x9Bs5LHy4yiAgZDVMZ/s1600/2015-jeep-cherokee-fwd-4-door-sport-door-controls_100478021_h.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> The top figure of 31 mpg highway isn't class-leading, but we've seen close to it in real-world conditions; 4WD models post a few mpg lower. One thing that should help improve the mileage of V-6 models -- in real-world stop-and-go driving, if not in official EPA ratings -- is the introduction of engine stop-start (ESS) in all 2015 Cherokee V-6s. Sport, Latitude, Limited, and Trailhawk editions are offered, with each model serving a different kind of buyer. Sport and Latitude models appeal to cost- and value-conscious families, while Limited models are the luxurious flagships of the lineup and Trailhawk models are ready for the trail. Jeep's Trail-Rated badge applies to the Trailhawk, and it gets a one-inch lift, unique front and rear fascias, an Active Drive Lock and locking rear differential, added skid plates, and red tow hooks. There are several different four-wheel drive systems, including Active Drive I, and Active Drive II (adding a dual-range transfer case). All models with 4WD have the Selec-Terrain system, with separate ’smart’ modes for Snow, Sport, Sand/Mud, and Rock, and in low-range models with four-cylinder engines, its crawl ratio is an astonishingly good 56:1.<br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzySTuyvIjxpN7wBuR-rwrGqfOjEJseO8UnW9tjdky5zsHZPigC2cwmGtU18-25kZZvbdVzxVFNk_AOYiLAMB5kTyyRTtBYg_ivkriYnJQZJ8w1emShItxf3xwST9OYN-FZ1ywR9PsUpzd/s1600/2015-jeep-cherokee-fwd-4-door-sport-door-controls_100478021_h.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzySTuyvIjxpN7wBuR-rwrGqfOjEJseO8UnW9tjdky5zsHZPigC2cwmGtU18-25kZZvbdVzxVFNk_AOYiLAMB5kTyyRTtBYg_ivkriYnJQZJ8w1emShItxf3xwST9OYN-FZ1ywR9PsUpzd/s1600/2015-jeep-cherokee-fwd-4-door-sport-door-controls_100478021_h.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>  The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has rated the Cherokee at four stars overall, a score it earns in all but side-impact tests -- where it's given five stars. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) gives it good scores on all tests, save for a small-overlap test not yet performed. The Cherokee offers a number of sophisticated active-safety and convenience features that are still relatively rare in this mainstream class -- including available adaptive cruise control that can bring it to a full stop if an impending collision is detected; optional lane-departure and forward-collision warning systems are also an option; and blind-spot monitors and parking sensors that can also trigger the vehicle to a full stop at low speeds, if obstacles are detected. For 2015 Jeep has already taken the Cherokee's safety kit and improved it in many respects. Latitude and Trailhawk models now include a ParkView backup camera plus automatic headlamps. And on Latitude, Limited, and Trailhawk models, there's a new package that combines Blind-spot Monitoring, Rear Cross-Path Detection, ParkSense rear park assist, and signal mirrors with courtesy lamps.<br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaB4wbjx0qPMowr7GaKJ6kYpBpbaU-UksKG2zp2gdMrbCMvIs55R_o2WlCO1nh3lV3cjf6ad_TD3AjRIlRhdDm-ioUEc259DSIOiFkTOYS24SEpc6ZY8BBSpJtvHs2J3Ul6hp4n-6H-vMA/s1600/5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaB4wbjx0qPMowr7GaKJ6kYpBpbaU-UksKG2zp2gdMrbCMvIs55R_o2WlCO1nh3lV3cjf6ad_TD3AjRIlRhdDm-ioUEc259DSIOiFkTOYS24SEpc6ZY8BBSpJtvHs2J3Ul6hp4n-6H-vMA/s1600/5.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> About the only thing missing in the Cherokee's safety feature set is a clever surround-view camera system, which would be a boon for off-road use. The 2015 Cherokee also offers more options than you'll find in most other affordable crossovers -- if you're willing to spend extra, of course. Highlights include a CommandView panoramic sunroof and Sky Slider roof, memory heated/ventilated seats, and soft Nappa leather upholstery with ventilated front seats in the top Limited model. Infotainment systems include 8.4-inch Uconnect media center audio-streaming app connectivity (Pandora and Slacker, among others); and top models include a full-color reconfigurable LED instrument cluster.</div>

Jeep News Cars 2015 Jeep Cherokee Review

The 2015 Jeep Cherokee entered the red-hot market for compact SUVs last year at just the right time, but it's got big shoes to fill non...

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2016 Ford Explorer Photos

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <h2 style="text-align: center;"> 2016 Ford Explorer Photos</h2> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgacXU6_KYcX1Wn2tTXHwRwUBy2QQOUPizjQiY7QoTZeE2Be2ib29Q1ULXNHROo1lyylTofzOAD_qSr8XMCcAm3BhqU8p-eGLLEaYefrsO4PrHYuJMBCiKlU3NrIOHGMGn9BHctNUONxqvH/s1600/0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgacXU6_KYcX1Wn2tTXHwRwUBy2QQOUPizjQiY7QoTZeE2Be2ib29Q1ULXNHROo1lyylTofzOAD_qSr8XMCcAm3BhqU8p-eGLLEaYefrsO4PrHYuJMBCiKlU3NrIOHGMGn9BHctNUONxqvH/s1600/0.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglDlBAzjFzn8pgxtVvlYqJ44MnJ-TL_f6OvapWcw6AvAsl-8-d_NLpz9e5P0_ZMkMMZ6DjIgGX9iFlfMO2BckdANrBuMVkyl30HlrLIetXflgcHrtqYQzwFU__2I__-Hx-mK7JjTGTyDhF/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="245" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglDlBAzjFzn8pgxtVvlYqJ44MnJ-TL_f6OvapWcw6AvAsl-8-d_NLpz9e5P0_ZMkMMZ6DjIgGX9iFlfMO2BckdANrBuMVkyl30HlrLIetXflgcHrtqYQzwFU__2I__-Hx-mK7JjTGTyDhF/s1600/1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs8QaYB6g9PAo9bmxKpTWe9UZbb7aDZ-9h72AeStgzQwZWGGgmTzHqYdLOKh8ts2mVieGd_p3jbZZg-rzBC2cBTkKsH3h15l-6Rg2T3KS7hYqmborsy3unoNYO7VYCdhNTToWezyri9sEh/s1600/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs8QaYB6g9PAo9bmxKpTWe9UZbb7aDZ-9h72AeStgzQwZWGGgmTzHqYdLOKh8ts2mVieGd_p3jbZZg-rzBC2cBTkKsH3h15l-6Rg2T3KS7hYqmborsy3unoNYO7VYCdhNTToWezyri9sEh/s1600/2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGSzFhfP5BZlg2u4gNWWX871boZykqRcY6RrC-DlhT0zpfFxY094dzyGC4rpzXGZiZ4UzS1ZXO6ykS-qrXc3_GdlldWRusALpCkW4G24dGB22z7kHXYs-ecmNG29-3nKkkk7535TiUpzba/s1600/4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="255" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGSzFhfP5BZlg2u4gNWWX871boZykqRcY6RrC-DlhT0zpfFxY094dzyGC4rpzXGZiZ4UzS1ZXO6ykS-qrXc3_GdlldWRusALpCkW4G24dGB22z7kHXYs-ecmNG29-3nKkkk7535TiUpzba/s1600/4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHszui0PBlraKM8a8N-VEBOgQ-DGLORdajKuyZNTTfXHRqjUFuVNjBMHtPimYpKfpPNBGWILDoSBhi8MGZ5ImoYBRGbGqLgVVeiQuhD-pmvg26a8x-H4lWSKdOlxeyiir-lONnsdA2Wd_I/s1600/5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHszui0PBlraKM8a8N-VEBOgQ-DGLORdajKuyZNTTfXHRqjUFuVNjBMHtPimYpKfpPNBGWILDoSBhi8MGZ5ImoYBRGbGqLgVVeiQuhD-pmvg26a8x-H4lWSKdOlxeyiir-lONnsdA2Wd_I/s1600/5.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbFJTmYS6b2kEO_maxdXb5I-B64DWA7ES6U7rP_i36O34QbwpbV3ZRy4F5-c-XMfrV6RIoBRULwl6AxRks8_LaStzVlfqCP5bLlj_i-6unXocaoXxLoLNR0fFuA6S6Lp3qj7Dj3kQd9SVB/s1600/6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; 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Cars Photos 2016 Ford Explorer Photos

2016 Ford Explorer Photos

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Porsche updates its popular Cayenne SUV by replacing the old V8 block with a new twin-turbocharged V6 unit in the S variant

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div style="text-align: justify;"> Porsche updates its popular Cayenne SUV by replacing the old V8 block with a new twin-turbocharged V6 unit in the S variant.<br />   <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhevywlUq64FEhnDSGXvazEDdqXxsHYoOHH5oiJNW5Sa_d3h_TInr3XdzxwGYAssnKGYeeUSN_lY8JhwAqh8D-vm1Qkfl1CUeULt5n5nTKK-CDntfywCHRUiemxdThpJj0JzcgBPlA8IOwC/s1600/2.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhevywlUq64FEhnDSGXvazEDdqXxsHYoOHH5oiJNW5Sa_d3h_TInr3XdzxwGYAssnKGYeeUSN_lY8JhwAqh8D-vm1Qkfl1CUeULt5n5nTKK-CDntfywCHRUiemxdThpJj0JzcgBPlA8IOwC/s320/2.jpg" width="640" /></a> Turbocharging has become a motoring byword, whereby the majority of carmakers are converging on this 'route' to meet increasingly stringent emissions standards. Porsche is no stranger to turbocharging. The Stuttgart sports carmaker is in fact one of the first few in the industry to adopt force induction in their production models, such as the first generation of the iconic 911 Turbo back in 1975.<br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoZMXr7dEdYRhqwPpU13lMFTKaHBMYJCq3TGRn6xc3wxD_9VZEKSMB5N6CBewQOL_1y99C_nQLoy2NIyI5fzlOZxIpO1RRQcSZOqGPNvo80p2_slvXu-wYJfHF2nETVWhZix9Etx-dinhD/s1600/0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoZMXr7dEdYRhqwPpU13lMFTKaHBMYJCq3TGRn6xc3wxD_9VZEKSMB5N6CBewQOL_1y99C_nQLoy2NIyI5fzlOZxIpO1RRQcSZOqGPNvo80p2_slvXu-wYJfHF2nETVWhZix9Etx-dinhD/s1600/0.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> The Cayenne's lightly reworked front end now looks slightly more aggressive, and bears a closer resemblance to its smaller brother, the Macan. In fact, when viewed from afar, both SUVs can be mistaken for each other. Thankfully, there're tiny details to help distinguish this newer, bigger brother, such as the four-point rear brake lamps, which create a unique and characterful light signature - especially at night.<br /> <br /> <br /> Four decades on, Porsche has introduced turbocharging to almost all of its models, including the Cayenne - a polarising SUV that has raised brows (of purists) as much as it boosted profits for the sports carmaker.<br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjeHk-s1KHnbDCLZPpOJXdEoX2NMKl_4LZ_687JmtaFrsovVeTDXPiVIhVK0SH1JviehG609V0F7_qljeOZ1g2SilzjaG6YUgLZDCBMXVvTfRIIDAfyDlT5jCMrTr6SU4wqbVrpELRF1VJ/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjeHk-s1KHnbDCLZPpOJXdEoX2NMKl_4LZ_687JmtaFrsovVeTDXPiVIhVK0SH1JviehG609V0F7_qljeOZ1g2SilzjaG6YUgLZDCBMXVvTfRIIDAfyDlT5jCMrTr6SU4wqbVrpELRF1VJ/s1600/1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>  And now, in a highly anticipated move, Porsche has replaced the Cayenne S' naturally aspirated V8 with a new, in-house developed twin-turbocharged V6 unit. Up close and Personal Less extensive than the new powertrain is what Porsche has done to the Cayenne's exterior. In fact, it's almost hard to spot what has changed in this 2015 model.</div> </div>

Articles Porsche updates its popular Cayenne SUV by replacing the old V8 block with a new twin-turbocharged V6 unit in the S variant

Porsche updates its popular Cayenne SUV by replacing the old V8 block with a new twin-turbocharged V6 unit in the S variant.   Turbochar...

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2015 Chevrolet Colorado, GMC Canyon Miss Five-Star Safety Ratings

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> GM’s new mid-size pickups, the 2015 GMC Canyon and 2015 Chevrolet Colorado, offer more available safety features than rival models like the Toyota Tacoma and Nissan Frontier.<br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCJahfMFC8xa2NpJwOnt3TVwRfE6B6z1FW456ZjXvw-Wmyz1KafOEwZR9QTMShkqb60AMuy8JvBKRYwHEsddsF3koYJaoVCgHvmzT5NHMBpxNRx-ZDSRUDqSR0VbUctk1a8ZS7DawYvPdT/s1600/0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCJahfMFC8xa2NpJwOnt3TVwRfE6B6z1FW456ZjXvw-Wmyz1KafOEwZR9QTMShkqb60AMuy8JvBKRYwHEsddsF3koYJaoVCgHvmzT5NHMBpxNRx-ZDSRUDqSR0VbUctk1a8ZS7DawYvPdT/s1600/0.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: justify;">  But do they have above-and-beyond occupant protection? Some results have been released by the federal government, and while not complete, they’re already indicating that there’s some room for improvement. In New Car Assessment Program (NCAP) crash-test ratings for the 2015 Canyon and Colorado, both models have earned four-star overall ratings. That’s in their Extended Cab layouts, which are expected to be somewhat more popular than the Crew Cab body styles. As such, the Colorado and Canyon earn four stars in the frontal crash category and five stars in side impact—figuring to a four-star overall rating. These models earn three stars in the rollover category, due to their high center of mass (although they didn’t tip in the dynamic portion of the test). Federal crash-test results aren’t yet out for the Canyon or Colorado in Crew Cab form, where they include two full-size, front-hinged rear doors and much more usable back-seat space. Results could be quite different for that body style. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) also hasn’t yet released crash-test results for the Colorado or Canyon yet—except for moderate frontal impact, where they’ve already been given a ‘good’ score. The Colorado and Canyon are the first trucks in their class to offer potentially accident-avoiding active-safety systems—although the IIHS only gives the available Forward Collision Alert system (part of a Safety Package) its ‘basic’ rating for front crash prevention, an indication that this system warns of a potential hazard but doesn’t brake the vehicle. See our full review on the 2015 GMC Canyon and 2015 Chevrolet Colorado for more on these vehicles’ features, performance, and a lot more.</div> </div>

News 2015 Chevrolet Colorado, GMC Canyon Miss Five-Star Safety Ratings

GM’s new mid-size pickups, the 2015 GMC Canyon and 2015 Chevrolet Colorado, offer more available safety features than rival models like the...

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