King Ranch® edition of 2020 Ford Expedition and extended-length Expedition MAX reintroduces premium option for buyers of large SUVs inspired by iconic Texas ranch, extending 20-year collaborationFord Ford is bringing its luxury King Ranch trim back to its Expedition SUV, slotting it above the Expedition Platinum at the top of the range.The King Ranch is set apart largely by a supple brown leather interior; a two-tone paint scheme; and lots of oversize badging inside and out calling out the truck as the top dog. Plus, of course, all the options youd already get on the Platinum.The automakers motives in the trims return are simple: luxury trucks boast massive profit margins, and, Stateside, Expedition sales are rising rapidly. One in five buyers go for the top-end Platinum, and two-in-five opt for the Limited just below it. They want luxo-trucks.Lucky for them, the King Ranch delivers, pampering them in a Texas-sized barge absent the frou-frou of a Lincoln Navigator. Indeed, the King Ranch is unabashedly cowboy-themed, with gray paint on the grille and lower bodywork regardless of the body colour chosen.The acres of leather on the dash, doors and steering wheel comes only in brown, with second-row captains chairs decked out in the cowhide, too. King Ranch® edition of 2020 Ford Expedition and extended-length Expedition MAX reintroduces premium option for buyers of large SUVs inspired by iconic Texas ranch, extending 20-year collaboration Ford Pricing was not revealed, but the 2019 Expedition Platinum starts at $72,552 in Canada. The Ford F-150 King Ranch pickup starts at $55,415, just below the $58,522 of the F-150 Platinum.The Expedition last wore a King Ranch badge in 2015, though the nameplates carried on via the F-150 range since then and to
Origin: Ford brings luxury King Ranch trim to 2020 Expedition SUV
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Tesla brings back free supercharging for Model S, X owners
In an effort to attract buyers back into its dealerships rather, its web pages Tesla is offering free, unlimited supercharging as an incentive on the purchase of a brand-new Model S or X.Breaking the news in a Tweet, the promotion started earlier this month. Globally, there are 1,604 Superchargers stations, so that should help curb any range anxiety. Tesla has also simplified its trim levels to include only Long Range and Performance models.A few years ago, Tesla offered a similar deal, but it was limited to 400 kWh of electricity credits each year for Model S and X orders. Tesla says the promotion is applicable to Canada, too.Last month in the U.S., Tesla amassed 18 days’ worth of Model S and X selling inventory, a stark change from the zero days Tesla started with when it was first introduced. This, coupled with now lower base prices of its vehicles, suggests Tesla is having a bit of a tough time moving EVs.Unfortunately for current Tesla owners, they will still have to pay for supercharging. In the U.S, that rate stands at 28 cents per kWh, or between 13 and 26 cents per minute.If there was ever a great time to pick up a Model S or X, nows your chance Tesla changes its charging policies frequently, so theres no telling how long this promotion will
Origin: Tesla brings back free supercharging for Model S, X owners
Audi Q7 SUV mid-life update brings new engines and styling
Audi has given the Q7 a major makeover with new styling and upgraded kit to bring it in line with the rest of its SUV range – with every engine featuring electrified technology. The five or seven-seat SUV will go on sale in September with a choice of two 3.0-litre diesel engines, producing 228bhp and 282bhp respectively, and a 335bhp 3.0-litre petrol engine. All three units are mated to an eight-speed automatic gearbox and a 48V mild-hybrid electrical system, which allows coasting for up to 40 seconds with the engine switched off. Those will be followed soon after by a plug-in hybrid petrol version – technical details of which are yet to be disclosed – and the hot SQ7, which features the same 429bhp 664lb ft 4.0-litre twin-turbo mild-hybrid TDI engine used in the new SQ8. The revamped Q7 features an updated design to bring it in line with Audi’s other SUV range, including a new-look grille and new standard LED headlights. The rear features a new chrome strip that runs between the rear lights. While it sits on the same platform as before, the new Q7 is 11mm longer at 5063mm, although its wheelbase of 2994mm remains unchanged. Audi has put a major focus into the car’s interior to match the rest of the range, including the latest version of Audi’s twin touchscreen MMI infotainment system, featuring a main screen of up to 10.1in. Audi’s Virtual Cockpit system is standard, with an optional head-up display available. In five-door form the Q7 has 865 litres of boot space, rising to 2050 litres with the seats folded. The new Q7 is available with optional electromechanical active roll stabilisation and all-wheel steering to boost handling, along with standard steel spring or optional air suspension. The SQ7 version has gained unique design touches including a revamped grille and chrome exhaust pipes, along with 20in wheels and upgraded brakes measuring 400mm at the front and 370mm at the rear. Carbon fibre-ceramic brake discs are available as an option. The revamped Q7 is due on sale in the UK in October, priced at around
Origin: Audi Q7 SUV mid-life update brings new engines and styling
Nissan Navara update brings new gearbox and added kit
Nissan has updated its Navara NP300 pick-up for 2020, with increased connectivity and a new six-speed gearbox among the chief changes. On sale from 1 July in the UK, the refreshed Navara range is available from £21,850 excluding VAT for the entry-level King Chassis Cab Visia, rising to £31,125 for the Double Cab N-Guard with an optional seven-speed automatic gearbox. Multi-link rear suspension, previously equipped on top-spec models, is now fitted as standard to all variants, raising the pick-up’s rear by 25mm and increasing the payload capacity by up to 46kg. Nissan also says the suspension revisions promote a more “comfortable and dynamic ‘car-like’ driving feel”. The Navara’s entry-level 2.3-litre diesel engine has been given a second turbocharger, taking total power output from 158bhp to 161bhp, and good for a torque figure of 313lb ft. The engine now conforms to impending Euro 6d-temp emissions regulations, which will apply to all new cars registered in Europe from 1 September 2019. The Navara’s six-speed manual gearbox now features longer gear ratios and a shorter shift pattern, allowing for quicker changes and enhanced efficiency. Nissan has also upgraded the Navara’s brakes, claiming that 4mm larger front brake discs and bigger brake boosters have increased braking force by 40% and reduced the model’s overall stopping distance. Styling has been largely unchanged, but the addition of new 17in and 18in alloy wheel designs to the range, alongside new black headlight trim, sets the model apart from pre-facelift examples. Changes inside are subtle, but fitted as standard from mid-range N-Connecta trim upwards is Nissan’s latest connectivity system, an 8in touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, and the ability to lock/unlock the Navara, configure the sat-nav and check fluid levels via an associated smartphone app. The Navara was Nissan’s best-selling pick up in 2018, with 231,435 units sold worldwide – a 6% increase on 2017’s sales
Origin: Nissan Navara update brings new gearbox and added kit
Nissan Navara 2019 update brings new gearbox and added kit
Nissan has updated its Navara NP300 pick-up for 2020, with increased connectivity and a new six-speed gearbox among the chief changes. On sale from 1 July in the UK, the refreshed Navara range is available from £21,850 exc. VAT for the entry-level King Chassis Cab Visia rising to £31,125 for the Double Cab N-Guard with an optional seven-speed automatic gearbox. Multi-link rear suspension, previously equipped on top-spec models, is now fitted as standard to all variants, raising the pick-up’s rear by 25mm and increasing payload capacity by up to 46kg. The company also says the suspension revisions promote a more “comfortable and dynamic ‘car-like’ driving feel”. The Navara’s entry-level 2.3-litre diesel engine has been given a second turbocharger, taking total power output from 158bhp to 161bhp, and good for a torque figure of 313lb ft. The engine now conforms to impending Euro6d-temp emissions regulations, which will apply to all new cars registered in Europe from 1 September 2019. The Navara’s six-speed manual gearbox now features longer gear ratios and a shorter shift pattern, allowing for quicker changes and enhanced efficiency. Nissan has also upgraded the Navara’s brakes, claiming that 4mm+ larger front brake discs and larger brake boosters have increased braking force by 40% and reduced the model’s overall stopping distance. Styling has been largely unchanged, but the addition of new 17” and 18” alloy wheel designs to the range, alongside new black headlamp trim, sets the model apart from pre-facelift examples. Changes inside are subtle, but fitted as standard from mid-range N-Connecta trim upwards is Nissan’s latest connectivity system, an 8” touch screen, Apple CarPlay, and the ability to lock/unlock the Navara, configure the satnav and check fluid levels via an associated smartphone app. The Navara was Nissan’s best selling pick up in 2018, with 231,435 units sold worldwide, a 6% increase on 2017’s sales
Origin: Nissan Navara 2019 update brings new gearbox and added kit
Chevrolet brings back the Trailblazer nameplate for 2021
2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer RS GM’s onslaught in the crossover and SUV market continues apace with this, the new Trailblazer. Set to slot in the infinitesimal gap between the Trax and Equinox, this rig bears much of the Chevrolet design language foisted upon the automotive world when it introduced the Blazer. Speaking of which, this is the first time both a Blazer and Trailblazer will be on sale as new vehicles at the same time. Sales reps working the floor at Chevy dealers will have their work cut out for them explaining differences between the two to disinterested customers dealing with a kid hanging off their leg and a smartphone sending incessant push alerts about Junior’s baseball game. Chevy didn’t give us much to go on in terms of specifications about this new crossover, choosing to keep information about powertrain options and sizing measurements to themselves. Instinct says the decision to describe this thing as slotting between the Trax and Equinox as an indication it’ll bear an MSRP between those two machines. However, recall that the company decided to price its two-row Blazer within just a few hundred simoleons of the much larger three-row Traverse, so this assumption may turn out to be misguided if The General plays that same game with this Trailblazer. It’s certainly possible. Educated guessing puts a turbocharged four-cylinder engine under the hood and power to all four wheels in snazzy models. I wouldn’t bet on a diesel. The bumf says that all Trailblazers will have features such as automatic emergency braking and lane-keeping, with gear like adaptive cruise control reserved for fancy models. Zooming in on the interior photo reveals a button for automatic start/stop but no dual climate control on this RS model. There appears to be a knob for a power liftgate on the driver’s door, and an electric parking brake resides in the centre console. In all, owners of current Chevys will feel right at home. Look for this new crossover to hit dealer lots early next
Origin: Chevrolet brings back the Trailblazer nameplate for 2021
2020 Corsair brings Lincoln’s new mojo to the compact crossover segment
What is it? An all-new SUV that is, in Lincoln’s own words, a “sanctuary with a visually soothing design, hand-selected materials and refinements in sound characteristics.” Why does it matter? Well, Lincoln is a subsidiary of Ford, the company that’s promising to produce nothing but SUVs and trucks. In other words, SUV development is important to Ford’s fiscal health, which means the Corsair better be, as Joy Falotico, Lincoln’s president claims, “artistically crafted, expertly designed and infused with our unwavering attention and commitment to detail.” To that end, the Corsair does excel in the details; the dashboard is double-walled to reduce cabin noise, a 14-speaker Revel audio system to increase it, and six unique orchestral chimes alert the driver to unbuckled seat belts, open fuel door and more. Wi-Fi is also standard. Power for the compact luxury ute comes from a choice of two small turbocharged fours, the first a 230-horsepower variant of Ford’s trusty 2.0-litre with 250 horsepower and 275 pound-feet. Those looking for Mustang-like power can upgrade to the 280-hp 2.3L version that also boasts 310 pound-feet of torque. Both are mated to 8-speed autoboxes. There’s no mention of the hybrid version that was rumoured to be also released at the show. Lincoln’s intelligent all-wheel-drive is standard with both engines and seamlessly switches between front- and all-wheel-drive according to road conditions. The drive can be further customized with five of Lincoln’s signature drive modes – Normal, Excite, Slippery, Deep Conditions and Conserve, the last four just Millennial newspeak for “sport,” “rain,” “off-road” and “Eco.” On the technology front, Corsair incorporates the Lincoln Way phone-as-key app, which means that Corsair owners can lock and unlock, open the liftgate and start the engine with their smartphone. Lincoln Way allows drivers to gain entry to their Corsair and it triggers a personal profile that can automatically adjust up to 80 features to the owner’s preference. Not only will the cabin be warm on cold winter mornings, your favourite music will be playing to perk up your morning commute. When will we get it? This fall. Should you buy it? The Escape on which the Corsair is based is all-new and is getting rave reviews. This latest Lincoln is also continuing the company’s latest run of comely sport utes. It’s entering a truly crowded field and competing against the likes of BMW and Audi. If you like cheering for the underdog, you should give the Corsair a
Origin: 2020 Corsair brings Lincoln’s new mojo to the compact crossover segment
Mini Clubman facelift brings styling tweaks and trim changes
Mini has performed a mid-life refresh on the four-year old Clubman, rival to the Volkswagen Golf and Ford Focus. Most of the changes are aesthetic, but there are improvements in lighting and some fresh colour and alloy wheel choices. There’s also a new sports suspension option, which lowers the car’s ride height by 10mm, while adaptive dampers remain an option. The line-up remains unchanged, save for the deletion this coming July of the Clubman City, an entry-level model aimed at fleets that will be dropped. Its absence and an across-the-board price increase of £900 means that the range will start at £21,200 rather than £19,995. The refresh is most obvious from the front, where the black bar bisecting the grille has been removed to tidy the Clubman’s nose, while the black grille of the Cooper S features a slender horizontal décor strip. A chrome grille finish can also be specified. The lower air intake has also been redesigned, as have the LED headlamps and adaptive Matrix lights, which automatically maximise illumination without dazzling other road users, are an option. LED tail-lights are now standard and feature the distinctive Union Jack design of smaller Minis. The Clubman’s door mirrors have also been resculpted. There are two new colour choices – Indian Summer Red and British racing Green – and three new alloy wheel designs. As before there are three engine choices, a 135bhp three-cylinder petrol, 189bhp four-cylinder petrol and 148bhp four-cylinder diesel, all turbocharged. A six-speed manual is standard, a seven-speed automatic optional. Three trim packs can be applied to the Cooper and Cooper S models, consisting of Classic, Sport and Exclusive. The Clubman accounted for only 11 per cent of UK Mini sales in 2018, a little less than for its worldwide share of 14 per cent. The three-door hatch accounts for 27 per cent of global sales, the five-door 18 per cent, the Countryman 33 per cent and the Convertible eight per
Origin: Mini Clubman facelift brings styling tweaks and trim changes
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