You are here
Property
LXi forward funds Starbucks and Costa drive-thrus
Hibernia’s CIO quits as Irish group posts trading update
JDM Toyota 86 Goes British Racing Green
Feast your eyeballs on the awesome Toyota 86 British Green Limited model that lucky Japanese buyers can order now through May 31 for just under $30K at today’s exchange rates. The right-hand-drive variant of the car is slathered in special British Racing Green paint and sits on fantastic-looking bronze-colored wheels.
While we hope that each piece of 86 news will bring word that Toyota has seen fit to offer a little power bump—or maybe even a turbocharger—that remains unfulfilled. The engine is mated to a six-speed manual (where it makes 205 hp and 156 lb-ft) or six-speed automatic transmission (200 hp, 151 lb-ft). It also sports bright-red Brembo brake calipers, Sachs dampers as seen on our TRD special-edition model, a tasteful black spoiler, and those 17-inch wheels. Underneath, the car gets panels to smooth airflow so as to increase overall stability.
Inside, the two-seater gets a tasty black and tan combo with leather and Alcantara upholstery throughout. The driver and passenger seats feature black stitching, perforated inserts, and heating elements. Darkened trim is applied inside, too, including to the shifter surround. Tan contrast stitching is applied to the steering wheel and parking brake handle.
There are no plans for U.S. sales, but now we have another thing to keep our fingers crossed regarding the 86.
Source: Toyota
The post JDM Toyota 86 Goes British Racing Green appeared first on Motortrend.
2019 Ford Ranger
2019 Ford Super Duty F-250
2019 Ford Mustang
Dublin’s The Reflector on market for €155m
2020 BMW X3 M and X4 M Make up to 503 HP
Well, they’re finally here. After months of spy shots and rumors, BMW has officially revealed the 2020 X3 M, as well as an X4 M with identical specs. And for the first time on any of BMW’s crossovers, you’ll be able to order a Competition version with even more power.
Under the hood, BMW used a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged inline-six that makes 473 hp and 442 lb-ft of torque. That’s enough power to run from 0-60 mph in 4.1 seconds on your way to a top speed of 174 hp. Upgrade to the Competition, and you get 503 hp, a top speed of 177 mph, and a 0-60 time of 4.0 seconds. You’ll have to add the optional M Driver’s Package if you want to hit those top speeds, though. Otherwise, BMW limits you to 155 mph. Around back, you’ll find a quad-exhaust with an electronically controlled multi-mode exhaust that BMW promises will reduce backpressure and deliver a “stirring soundtrack.”
For comparison, our long-term X3 M40i makes 355 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque, and in our testing hit 60 mph in 4.8 seconds. The last Porsche Macan Turbo with the Performance Package only makes 440 hp and 442 lb-ft of torque but hit 60 mph in 3.8 seconds. The Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 S, on the other hand, makes 503 hp and 516 lb-ft and posted a 0-60 time of only 3.2 seconds. Meanwhile, the 505-hp Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio ran from 0-60 mph in 3.3 seconds.
An eight-speed automatic sends its power to all four wheels and offers three progressively sharper shift modes. To improve driving dynamics, the all-wheel-drive system only sends power to the front wheels when the rear wheels begin to lose traction. Otherwise, it operates like it’s rear-wheel drive. Even better, if you ever decide to hit the track, BMW promises you can turn stability control completely off.
To handle the extra power and improve the driving experience, engineers worked to stiffen the chassis. But if you place your order after August of this year, you’ll have the option of trading your regular front strut brace for a carbon fiber-reinforced plastic one. Competition models also come with larger anti-roll bars to better control body roll. And, of course, the entire active suspension has been reworked for sportier handling. Depending on driving conditions, drivers can choose from Comfort, Sport, and Sport+ suspension settings.
Braking is handled by 15.6-inch discs up front, while the rears are 1 inch smaller. And in the interest of saving weight, the cast-iron discs have aluminum hubs. A set of 20-inch wheels comes standard, with Competition models getting 21-inchers.
Finishing out the M transformation is a more muscular body kit that improves aerodynamics, as well as engine breathing and brake cooling. Inside, you’ll find sports seats, premium leather upholstery, an M steering wheel, an M shift knob, and plenty of M badges. Spring for the Competition, and you’ll get even more aggressively bolstered M-sport seats that are optional on lower models. At the moment, BMW hasn’t revealed pricing, but expect that to be announced closer to the beginning of production in April.
It’s great to finally get to see the M version of BMW’s compact SUVs, as well as what is likely a sneak peek at the drivetrain we’ll see in the upcoming G20-based BMW M3 and M4.
Source: BMW
The post 2020 BMW X3 M and X4 M Make up to 503 HP appeared first on Motortrend.
Feds say auto loans went up in 2018–but so did the number of delinquencies
2020 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport Gets a Makeover
Mitsubishi is giving the Outlander Sport a significant design overhaul for the Geneva Motor Show next month.
Some of the biggest design changes are up front. The small crossover receives new lights and a bold grille with two thick vertical slats, reminiscent of the Eclipse Cross. Along with a revised front bumper, the model sports a new rear bumper and taillights. Three new paint colors are available: Red Diamond, Sunshine Orange, and Oak Brown.
The 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport hasn’t changed much inside the cabin, and the layout of the controls is pretty much the same. The most notable exception is the new 8.0-inch display that replaces the old 7.0-inch unit. The display screen can now play videos stored on a USB stick.
Mitsubishi gave the model a makeover just two years ago, but it wasn’t enough to capture our hearts. Despite its healthy power output, particularly with the optional 2.4-liter four-cylinder, we lamented the lack of sound deadening and cheap interior feel.
Here in the U.S., the Outlander Sport is Mitsubishi’s best-selling vehicle. Sales were up 18.1 percent in 2018 from the previous year. Globally, the vehicle is Mitsubishi’s third best seller, with key markets including North America, Europe, Australia, and China. The crossover also goes by the name ASX or RVR, depending on the region.
The Geneva Motor Show runs March 5-17.
Source: Mitsubishi
The post 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport Gets a Makeover appeared first on Motortrend.
Toyota RAV4 TRD Off-Road Isn’t Any More Capable Than the Adventure
When Toyota announced the RAV4 TRD Off-Road at this year’s Chicago auto show, we were just as surprised as everyone else. The RAV4 had already dipped its toe into the off-road market with the Adventure, but since it’s not a body-on-frame vehicle, we didn’t expect Toyota to give it the TRD treatment. We also couldn’t help but wonder how much more capable the RAV4 TRD Off-Road is than the Adventure.
To get our answer, we tracked down Jack Hollis, Toyota North America’s general manager for the Toyota brand, on the show floor. Then we asked him what someone in a TRD Off-Road could do that someone in an Adventure couldn’t. His answer was surprisingly honest.
“You know, it’s funny because the technical changes are not totally significant. Obviously, there was more attention from the TRD side, but to try to tell you there’s a significant amount of difference, there’s no way to try to do that.”
At least for now, though, it sounds like the Off-Road is the only RAV4 TRD we’ll get. When we asked Hollis about the potential for a TRD Pro, he said, “The TRD Pros have traditionally been based upon body-on-frame vehicles. So do I think there’s [potential for a RAV4 TRD Pro]? There may be. But that’s not our plan right now. Our plan is really finishing with Sequoia to round that out.”
Just because there aren’t enough mechanical changes to make the TRD Off-Road significantly more capable than the Adventure, don’t assume it’s purely an appearance package. The suspension upgrades should make driving over rough terrain more comfortable, and the tires are likely more resistant to punctures. Toyota may even be planning to drop the RAV4 Adventure altogether and replace it with the TRD Off-Road.
The post Toyota RAV4 TRD Off-Road Isn’t Any More Capable Than the Adventure appeared first on Motortrend.
Maserati Alfieri Production Set to Start Next Year
All the way back in 2014, Maserati showed off a gorgeous concept coupe called the Alfieri. Unlike a lot of concepts, the Alfieri was a fully functioning car, and it was expected to go into production around 2016. That didn’t happen, but it looks like the Alfieri will finally begin rolling off the production line next year.
This week, Maserati announced that executives met with union representatives over updates to its Modena factory in Italy. On its face, the announcement looks pretty boring, but read a little further, and you’ll find a much more interesting tidbit. Not only does it claim the updated factory “will be dedicated to the manufacturing of special high performance, high technology sports cars,” it goes a step further. It says, “The first pre-series production cars of a totally new model, a characteristically Maserati sports car, will roll off these lines starting in the first half of next year.”
Yes, Maserati plans to begin production of a new sports car in the first half of 2020. It doesn’t specifically name the Alfieri, but thanks to a conversation we had with then-brand boss Tim Kuniskis last year, we know that’s what it will be. We also learned that Maserati plans to build the Alfieri on an aluminum space frame and offer it in both plug-in hybrid and fully electric forms. Kuniskis said you’ll have your choice of a coupe or a convertible, as well.
Considering how much has changed in the last couple of years at Maserati, including a number of leadership switches and the sudden passing of Sergio Marchionne, it’s encouraging to see the launch of the Alfieri is still on track.
Source: Maserati
The post Maserati Alfieri Production Set to Start Next Year appeared first on Motortrend.
Virginia votes to ban handheld cellphone use while driving
Clive Emson’s February auction £1m up year-on-year
John Haynes, Creator of Haynes Manuals, Dies at 80
If you’ve ever wrenched on a car, then you’ve probably used a Haynes repair manual. The iconic Haynes books, which feature colorful covers and often detailed cutaway drawings, have been a boon to do-it-yourselfers since they first appeared on shelves more than 50 years ago. With step-by-step instructions complete with photos and exploded diagrams, Haynes manuals have helped show many of us here at MotorTrend that it’s possible to fix almost anything on your own. We’re sad to report that the founder of Haynes Publishing and the author of the very first Haynes manual, John Haynes, has died at the age of 80.
As Haynes Publishing wrote in its obituary, John Harold Haynes fell in love with cars early in life. Born on March 25, 1938, in British Ceylon, Haynes enjoyed riding in his father’s Morris 8 sedan as a child. He moved to the U.K. when he was 12 to attend boarding school with his brother. There, he convinced his Head Master to let him skip rugby so he could tinker with an Austin 7. Eventually he modified it into what is known as an Austin 7 “Special,” and his design proved so popular that he decided to write a booklet detailing how to build one. The first 250 printed copies of that booklet, titled Building a 750 Special, reportedly sold out in 10 days.
It wouldn’t be until 1965 that Haynes would turn that initial success into his lifelong pursuit. During his time in the Royal Air Force, Haynes helped rebuild an Austin-Healey “Frogeye” Sprite that a colleague had purchased in poor condition. That experience made him realize that factory shop manuals of the day weren’t very helpful to the average car owner. He photographed the teardown and reassembly of the Sprite and used those photos in the very first Haynes manual, which was published in 1966. The company says it has sold more than 200 million Haynes manuals across the globe.
Haynes is survived by his wife Annette, his two sons J and Chris, and his grandchildren Augusta, Chrissie, Edward, Freya, and Nicholas. We have no doubt that the books he helped create will live on as well to show future generations of gearheads that they, too, can do it themselves.
Source: Haynes Publishing
The post John Haynes, Creator of Haynes Manuals, Dies at 80 appeared first on Motortrend.