2020 Buick Encore GXBuick The upcoming 2020 Buick Encore GX reminder: its a separate model from the Encore and not simply a trim level will offer the choice of two different engines when it goes on sale next year. Neither of them are very large.Taking a peek at GM Canadas fleet order guide, we find the mystifyingly-named Encore GX will be offered in three trims, Preferred, Select, and Essence.Only the Preferred model will be available with either front- or all-wheel-drive; the latter two are AWD-only in the Great White North.This lone front-wheel-drive Encore GX will receive a 1.2-litre three-pot turbo making 137 horsepower at 5000 rpm and 166 lb.-ft. of torque at 2500 rpm. It will be lashed to a CVT gearbox. Eighteen-inch aluminum wheels are the sole offering no matter the trim, so at least buyers of the base model neednt suffer the indignity of hubcaps.All-wheel drive Preferred models, and all Select and Essence trims, will be powered by a 1.3-litre turbo four producing 155 horsepower at 5600 rpm and 174 lb.-ft. of torque at just 1500 rpm. The combination of more torque at a lower engine speed, and the fact this engine is mated to a nine-speed automatic and not a soul-sucking CVT, leads your author to believe these will be the Encore GX volume models.In case youre wondering, the non-GX Encore offers but one engine in this country a 1.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder mill that makes 138 hp and cares not one whit if the car is front- or all-wheel-drive. It seems curious that Buick would source different engines with near-as-makes-no-difference displacement and power outputs for two machines that share two-thirds of a name.To refresh your memory, the upcoming Encore GX is ever so slightly larger than the Encore, with the former measuring 171.4 inches long and the latter casting a 168.4 inch shadow. GX is about an inch taller and wider, riding on a 1.5-inch longer wheelbase. All other measures headroom, legroom are virtually identical. The GX does claim an extra five cubes of cargo volume behind the rear
Origin: Buick Encore GX to earn brace of small-displacement turbo engines
New Mitsubishi L200 pick-up: UK specs and pricing finalised
The revamped Mitsubishi L200 pick-up truck has gone on sale in the UK, with prices starting from £25,755 for private buyers. The firm says it has made more than 2400 changes from the previous version. The heavily facelifted update of the fifth-generation pick-up was launched in Thailand last year, and featured a revamped design including the latest version of the Japanese firm’s ‘Dynamic Shield’ grille. The four-wheel-drive machine is offered with a choice of manual and automatic six-speed gearboxes, and has a WLTP-certified fuel economy of between 29.1 and 32.1mpg. The entry-level 4Life Club Cab models, which start from £21,515 for commercial buyers, feature 16-inch steel wheels, keyless entry, air conditioning and Bluetooth connectivity. The 4Life trim is also available with a larger Double Cab, starting from £27,195 (£22,715 for commercial buyers). Higher-level trims are available with the Double Cab only. Warrior trim starts from £31,617 (£26,400 commercial) and adds 18-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights and running lights, automatic headlights and windscreen wipers, a reversing camera, infotainment touchscreen and land departure warning. Barbarian trim, costing from £35,097 (£29,300 commercial) includes hill descent control, an off-road mode, front heated seats, mood lighting and rear USB ports. The range-topping Barbarian X trim is only offered with an automatic box, and starts from £38,577 (£32,200). It adds a 360-degree camera, blind spot warning, rear cross traffic alert, LED fog lamps, parking sensors, a heated steering wheel and Barbarian X decals. The revamped version of the L200 was unveiled just three years into its life cycle, to mark the 40th anniversary of the model. The L200 went on in Thailand and other Asian markets – where it is known as the Triton – last year, and is being rolled out to 150 countries worldwide. The revised L200 is one of 11 new or refreshed models Mitsubishi will launch by the end of 2020 as part of its ‘Drive for Growth’ strategy, which follows its acquisition by Nissan to become part of the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance. Mitsubishi COO Trevor Mann said that the changes to the L200 were “significant” and far exceeded a regular midlife update, adding that they were designed to “reinforce what this car should be”. He added that the relatively early update “made sense” because the company could identify opportunities to improve it. The revisions include a new design that features the brand’s ‘Dynamic Shield’ grille concept at the front, along with revised headlights to give it more road presence. There are also extended wheel flares, new accents and revised bumpers and rear lights, and a revised interior. A quick (and wobbly) video tour of the new Mitsubishi L200 pick-up. Story here: https://t.co/jHYUCHzjE5 pic.twitter.com/Xfb2kCrUoM — Autocar (@autocar) November 9, 2018 The more angular styling has been designed to appeal to both business and private buyers, and is intended to reflect Mitsubishi’s ‘Engineered Beyond Tough’ slogan. The L200 features two different four-wheel-drive systems, and a number of new drive modes. These include new off-road drive modes for gravel, snow, sand and rock that help to regulate engine power, transmission and braking to reduce wheel slip. A hill descent control system has also been added. The five-speed manual gearbox has been replaced by a six-speed automatic. The pick-up includes a range of driver assistance features, including forward collision detection, blind spot warning and rear-cross traffic alert. Mitsubishi also cites a number of smaller ‘detail’ changes, including larger front brake discs and calipers, and larger rear dampers to smooth performance. The L200 is one of Mitsubishi’s bestselling vehicles in the UK, rivalling the Outlander PHEV, and is increasingly popular among private buyers. The L200 will continue to be produced exclusively at Mitsubishi Motor’s Thailand facility in Laem Chabang, south of
Origin: New Mitsubishi L200 pick-up: UK specs and pricing finalised
Ford extends warranty for problematic dual-clutch transmissions
Ford is extending the warranty on certain Focus and Fiesta models in Canada and the U.S. for an issue with their automatic dual-clutch transmissions.The announcement covers 2014 through 2016 Focus models (built from July 4, 2013 to November 5, 2015) and 2014 through 2015 Fiesta models (built from July 4, 2013 to October 15, 2014).Ford said the transmission, known as DPS6 and built by Getrag, was introduced in 2011 and 2012 on Fiesta and Focus models and was designed to improve the fuel economy of those vehicles.Customers complained the transmissions hesitated, jerked and shuddered during operation. Ford has already replaced components and provided software updates to owners, and in addition to extending the warranty on the clutch and related components, will reimburse owners who paid for clutch repairs.The new warranty extends coverage from five years/100,000 km to seven years/160,000 km. It applies to about 50,000 vehicles in Canada.The company said it will also reach out to owners who were originally offered a software update, but who didnt bring their vehicles in for the service, to have it done. The update provides an enhanced warning if a transmission control module begins to fail.The module is covered for ten years/240,000 km, but Ford said that if necessary, it will replace the module at no charge for up to six months, even if the warranty has expired. In a statement, Ford said that it acknowledged years ago and have determinedly addressed two quality issues that emerged after the transmission was launched.The first was vibration or shudder at low speeds, similar to what is experienced with a manual transmission, which the company said was effectively a trade-off for a higher level of fuel efficiency and which did not affect durability or safety. There was also a potential for the transmission to default to neutral, which was traced to a faulty control module.According to Automotive News, Ford had previously been hit with class-action lawsuits over the transmissions in 2011 to 2016 models. It reached a settlement in 2017 that covered 1.9 million owners, but that decision is being challenged in California on the grounds that not enough owners would be compensated, the publication reported, adding that a separate mass-tort case involving thousands of customers is pending in
Origin: Ford extends warranty for problematic dual-clutch transmissions
New engine raises Dacia Duster prices by £1000
Dacia has raised the pricing of its Duster SUV following the addition of a new entry-level petrol engine. The new engine is available on Dusters equipped with Access, Essential and Comfort trim, with prices ranging from £10,995 to £13,995. This marks a £1000 increase over the Duster’s previous £9995 entry price. The turbocharged three-cylinder TCe 100 unit replaces the 1.6-litre SCe 115 engine with less power, at 99bhp, but improved emissions. CO2 output is down 18% at 126g/km and fuel efficiency has been improved from 40.9-43.5mpg to 48.7-49.5mpg. Torque output is improved as well, with the TCe 100 producing 192lb ft, 66% more than the SCe unit’s 115lb ft. Acceleration and top speed are slightly reduced, though, with the TCe capable of 0-62mph in 12.5sec and a top speed of 104mph. Dacia claims the TCe 100, also found in the new Renault Clio, is lighter and more compact than the engine it replaces. Mechanical improvements include an electronically controlled turbocharger wastegate, a redesigned exhaust manifold, twin variable valve timing and bore spray coating. Dacia has sold nearly 10,000 Dusters so far this year, an 89% increase compared with the same period in 2018. Even with the newly increased prices, the Duster remains the UK’s cheapest mainstream SUV, with MG’s rival ZS available from
Origin: New engine raises Dacia Duster prices by £1000
Aston Martin launches bespoke garage design service
Aston Martin’s bespoke personalisation outfit, Q by Aston Martin, has launched a new service to help owners create their ideal car storage facility. Automotive Galleries and Lairs, revealed today at Pebble Beach, will assist owners in designing bespoke garages or display units to house their Aston Martins. The new sub-division can also design and build entire homes, in partnership with high-profile architectural firms, wherein the client’s car collection acts as an integral design feature. Architects are assigned to individual projects based on their awareness of the local area and appreciation of the requirements of the brief. A design concept from architectural firm Obermoser shows an extravagant underground gallery, with Aston’s new Valhalla supercar housed in the middle of a circular fish tank. Another rendering shows the upcoming Valkyrie hypercar positioned prominently in front of an expansive window. Aston Martin chief creative officer Marek Reichman said: “Imagine a home or luxury retreat built around your car. Picture creating the ultimate space to showcase your own automotive works of art. “This is now achievable with this new offering. For the car enthusiast, the garage is as important as the rest of the house and a bespoke auto gallery designed by Aston Martin that either focuses on showing off the car or is part of a larger, integrated entertainment space with simulators and such like takes Aston Martin ownership to the next level.” The launch of Galleries and Lairs coincides with the beginning of construction at Aston Martin’s new luxury apartment block in Miami. Aston Martin Residences, a 66-storey tower building in Miami comprising 391 apartments, is scheduled for completion in the next two
Origin: Aston Martin launches bespoke garage design service
New Dodge Charger Daytona edition boasts 717 horsepower
Dodge debuts limited-production 717-horsepower Daytona 50th Anniversary Edition on new 2020 Charger SRT Hellcat Widebody If youve held off buying a Dodge Charger Hellcat because it only has 707 horsepower, get your wallet ready. Theres now a Daytona 50th Anniversary Edition available on the new 2020 Charger SRT Hellcat Widebody that boosts its 6.2-L Hemi V8 engine to 717 horses.The new model, introduced during the annual Woodward Dream Cruise near Detroit, makes 717 horsepower, along with 650 lb.-ft. of torque. The trick is an increase in the shift points to 6,100 rpm in automatic mode, which yields the 10-horsepower boost exclusive to the model. As a tribute to the 1969 Charger Daytona, its limited to 501 units as the original was, and features unique Daytona decals with a matching spoiler.Four colours will be available B5 Blue, Pitch Black, Triple Nickel, and White Knuckle while other features include unique 20-inch Warp Speed wheels with Pirelli all-season or optional three-season performance tires, Brembo brakes, carbon fibre interior accents, blue-stitched seats, a suede flat-bottom steering wheel, and a plaque indicating the production number. A unique “Daytona” decklid, rear-quarter decal with matching spoiler and Daytona-exclusive B5 Blue paint are throwbacks to the 50th Anniversary. Like the legendary 1969 Daytona, production of the Daytona 50th Anniversary Edition is limited to 501 units. Handout / Dodge Like all Chargers, the Daytona 50th Anniversary Edition will be built in Brampton, Ontario. It pays tribute to the Dodge Charger Dayton introduced fifty years ago, which included a large rear wing and nose for NASCAR, and which was the first car to break 200 mph (320 km/h). Only 501 were built because that was the minimum needed to qualify for the race circuit.Dodge claims that the 707-horsepower Charger SRT Hellcat Widebody is the most powerful and fastest mass-produced sedan in the world. The widebody styling adds 8.8 centimetres to the car, along with wider wheels and tires.Pricing hasnt been announced, but Canadian enthusiasts will be able to order theirs this fall, with delivery in early
Origin: New Dodge Charger Daytona edition boasts 717 horsepower
Hacker implants her Tesla’s key in her arm
A software developer has taken a pretty drastic step in order to ensure she never loses her Tesla Model 3 keys again. She’s had the RFID tag surgically implanted beneath the skin of her forearm. Actually, it’s less about being forgetful and more about being curious for Amie DD, a software developer, YouTuber, cosplay enthusiast and owner of many tattoos, who recently dissolved a Tesla valet card to get the chip out, encapsulated it and then had it inserted into her arm by a professional body modifier. She would’ve liked to just upload the tag’s information into the other microchip that already lives in the flesh of her hand and unlocks her home, but Tesla’s security measures prevented the transfer of data. Wondering what the procedure of inserting a Lego-man sized object into a human arm looks like? You’re in luck because Amie made a video of that experience, too. Beware! There will be blood. The only thing Amie hasn’t shared is the chip actually opening or starting her car. But she recently addressed the cries for more content on Twitter, explaining she’s been away at a hacker conference, and her arm needs a couple days for the swelling to go down anyway. Stay tuned to her YouTube, Twitter or Hackaday for footage of the world’s first walking Tesla key in action.
Origin: Hacker implants her Tesla’s key in her arm
Kelowna teen clinches F4 driver’s title in style
Marco Kacics next race weekend is a big one; hell be competing in an F4 support series race during the Formula 1 weekend in Austin, Texas in early November.Submitted If there was any doubt about Marco Kacics white-hot competitive desire it was dispatched in heroic fashion in one of motorsports most iconic corners.The Kelowna rookie hot shoe made a breathtaking left-hand pass in the Corkscrew at Laguna Seca on the last lap to win the 10th race of the 2019 F4 Formula Pro USA series, and in doing so clinched the drivers title. In Lewis Hamilton-like domination, the 16-year-old won seven of the 10 races for the Doran Motorsports Group (DMG), capping an incredible rookie season for the SoCal-based team with two races still remaining.What made the pass all the more impressive is that Kacic would have won the drivers title with a runner-up result, but the racer in him wanted to take the checkered.I knew I had to finish second to win the championship, but I really wanted that final win so heading up the hill, I thought, you know what, Im going to do it, Kacic said on the phone from Kelowna. I went for it, it stuck and I got through.Granted, it wasnt quite as epic as Alex Zanardis Corkscrew pass of Bryan Herta in the 1996 PPG Indy Car World Series racestill regarded as the greatest overtake in motorsports history but Kacic certainly cemented his reputation as an up-and-comer to watch in the open-wheel racing world. Marco Kacic (far right) celebrates clinching the 2019 F4 Pro Championship at Laguna Seca with (left to right) team mechanics Adam Geczi and Sergio El Cabezon and race engineer Brandon Reed. Submitted Marcos father Danny said that his sons F4 rookie campaign has been a dream season, but not without its challenges.Its been a difficult year, because as you know racing is really expensive, Danny said. Every race was a challenge with the finances, but we made it to every race.Francois Doran, for one, is thankful for that. The DMG team principal said that as a new team his goal heading into the first race weekend back in March at Sonoma Raceway was to simply to finish every race. When Marco put the DMG car in the winners circle at both races, Dorans expectations changed slightly.I realized we legitimately had much more pace than expected and our mindset, goals and vision for 2019 had to change, and we became optimistically cautious every time but we knew we could win every single race with Marco in the car, Doran said from the teams Southern California headquarters. Thats a great feeling to have.Kacic reciprocated that sentiment.The team was incredible and obviously such a big part of it, he said. Everyone worked so hard. Due to those financial stresses mentioned by Danny, Marco will be skipping the final two races of the season, but will be piloting the DMG racer in a support series race during the U.S. F1 stop in Austin, Texas in early November.I cant wait for that, Marco said. Its going to be so cool.As to plans for next season, the natural step up the North American open-wheel ladder for the Kelowna teen is F3, and Doran has hinted hed like to make that step with his race team too.Said Marco: We know what we want to do for next year, it really just depends on what we can do for sponsorship. As always is the case with motorsport, it comes down to the funding.If and when Doran fields an F3 team, it would seem hed love to have Marco in the seat.Very simple, this kid is serious and dedicated. This isnt a fun gathering for him, its his job. His mindset is already the one of a pro athlete. He thinks, trains, acts, carry himself and most importantly drives like a professional
Origin: Kelowna teen clinches F4 driver’s title in style
Audi RS Q3 Sportback drops disguise before Frankfurt reveal
Audi Sport is working its magic on the recently revealed Q3 Sportback – and the hot coupe-SUV will make its public debut at next month’s Frankfurt motor show. The RS version of Audi’s seventh SUV will join its less-style focused RS Q3 sibling at the event. Since the standard Sportback has already been revealed, the performance model has lost camouflage and can be clearly marked out to be an RS model. It’s identifiable by its dual oval sports exhaust tips, Audi Sport logos on the brakes, and the air intake, grille and wheel styling, the RS Q3 Sportback is expected to use an all-new 2.5-litre five-cylinder petrol engine that produces up to 400bhp. Such an output would give it the muscle to challenge the upcoming second-generation Mercedes-AMG GLA45, which uses a smaller 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine but puts out 416bhp in top-spec S form. The Audi will likely counter with more torque, while many enthusiasts will welcome the retention of the distinctive five-cylinder layout. Expect a 0-62mph time of around four seconds and a 155mph limited top speed. As is traditionally the case with RS products, we’ll also see bespoke interior fixtures alongside mechanical upgrades such as a bespoke suspension setup and the option of a sports differential. The RS Q3 Sportback will be produced in 2019 at Audi’s plant in Győr, Hungary alongside the regular car. It is part of a growing line-up of style-led SUVs, spearheaded by the electric E-tron and range-topping Q8.
Origin: Audi RS Q3 Sportback drops disguise before Frankfurt reveal
BP Chargemaster activates first 150kW ultra-fast EV chargers
BP Chargemaster, the UK’s largest electric car charge point provider, has switched on the first of its new Ultracharge 150kW EV chargers at a London petrol station. Two charging points are now in operation at BP’s Cranford petrol station near London Heathrow airport – the first in a planned roll-out of 400 ultra-fast charging points by 2021 – including 100 at 50 sites by the end of 2019. Unveiled in June at Silverstone, the new Ultracharge 150 is the first such unit to be built in the UK, and will allow electric vehicles to charge at their maximum rated speed. It is claimed the charger will deliver around 100 miles of range in 10 minutes, which approaches the 75 miles per five minutes offered by Tesla’s third-generation Supercharger, revealed in March. The Californian maker’s new unit is capable of splitting 1MW of power between four cars, for a 250kW charging rate per car. The new Ultracharger 150 features both CCS and Chademo connectors, making it compatible with the majority of EVs on UK roads. Customers can either subscribe to the service for regular use, or pay by the hour. The chargers will be part of the Polar network, which is made up of more than 6500 public charging points across the UK. The roll-out will help future-proof the UK’s charging network, as currently very few EVs are capable of charging at 150kW. Audi’s E-tron is one that is, and its 95kWh battery can be charged to 80% in around 30 minutes. Tufan Erginbilgic – CEO of BP’s product and service-led arm, Downstream – said: “As the world of mobility evolves, BP is determined to be the fuel provider of choice whether drivers need electric charging or liquid fuels. “BP Chargemaster continues to develop and is leading the way for our understanding of how we can best support and succeed in this fast-growing new market.” The current network of ‘rapid’ chargers are mostly capable of a 50kW charge rate, while Tesla’s current Superchargers are capable of charging at up to 120kW. Companies such as Pod Point, Fastned and Ionity all claim to be rolling out chargers capable of supplying power at 150kW and above, but there’s currently only a handful that are operational in the UK. BP Chargemaster’s announcement is the biggest commitment so far as a result. The development of the UK’s charging infrastructure is seen as one of the most crucial factors to enable the UK to meet climate change targets, including its promise to end the sale of conventional petrol and diesel cars by 2040. In 2018, London-based Pod Point announced it would be installing the UK’s first 150kW chargers, claiming that its intelligent smart-charging technology would be able to cope with high levels of demand without placing too much strain on the electricity supply. So far, however, it appears that Pod Point is yet to install and open one of these
Origin: BP Chargemaster activates first 150kW ultra-fast EV chargers
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