When the 2016 Mazda CX-3 debuted at the Los Angeles Auto Show last year, journalists became incredibly excited, even twitter-pated? Was this finally the answer to our enthusiast crossover dreams? Slotting in between the delightful Mazda3 hatch and the sporty CX-5, the CX-3 gives us comfort, utility, and just enough Zoom Zoom to be a strong contender in a very crowded market.
The CX-3 offers up a 2.0L SkyActiv 4-cylinder engine, good for 146 horsepower and 146 lb-ft of torque. Yes, those are small numbers, but Mazda has always been more than a spec sheet. The new iActive all wheel drive system is more predictive than reactive, taking in more inputs than ever to predict what the car will need to do. It even knows if your windshield wipers are on. This means it knows what you want to do almost before you do.
The only transmission available is a 6-speed shiftable automatic with a sport mode. Press the sport lever and you’re treated to high revs that stick around as long as the driver wants, facilitating cornering, passing, and merging.
When not engaged in sport mode the transmission is programmed for fuel economy; 32 mpg on the highway and 27 in the city in the AWD, with the FWD version faring a bit better at 35/29. Shifts are fairly quick and smooth, although once it did clunk into gear from park.
On the road the low horses are noticeable, but it’s still a ton of fun to throw into the corners. The rear suspension now features a torsion bar, which seems a little old school, but the ride is compliant enough for folks that just want to toddle around.
Most road feel comes through the chassis, as the electric power steering does not offer the best feedback. It’s not bad but neither is it great. The weight is fairly light in the parking lot and gets progressively heavier at speed, but folks may miss the tactile feedback.
Visually the car is a stunner. The top of the line GT model offers 18-inch wheels, the largest in its class, and designers succeeded in making this crossover both pretty and sporty. A small greenhouse complements the pushed back A-pillar and the black fenders and horizontal details keep the focus low.
The Mazda CX-3 press kit came with a teasing picture of a 6-speed manual, currently offered overseas, but so far no promises have been made to those of us Yanks who like to row our own.
Prices for the 2016 CX-3 start at $19,960 for the Sport in FWD and go to $28,160 for the GT in AWD with the safety package.
Mountain View, CA – The Honda Silicon Valley Lab became the site for introducing the 2016 Honda Accord Sedan and Coupe, which has undergone a mid-cycle refresh. Recognizing the multitude of choices available in a market segment that includes heavy hitters like the Toyota Camry, Nissan Altima and Ford Fusion, the refreshed Accord gets a significant facelift, additional technology features, and is the first Honda model to feature both Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™.
Honda designers are trying to play up a sportier, edgier look for the Accord. The current generation Ford Fusion infuses an exciting style with its sleek design and Aston-esque front grille. Toyota, known for being conservative and playing safe, is pushing the boundaries with its 2015 Camry that has a more polarizing style front grille. Borrowing some cues from Acura, the Accord gets a new set of LED headlights, a more prominent metal grille, and a some tweaks to the front diffuser. Not immediately noticeable is the aluminum hood with sharper character lines. At the rear, the Accord gets wraparound LED taillights and a rear bumper fascia that continues to go after a more aggressive look.
Even the wheels have undergone a more aggressive transformation. A new collection of designs are available that even include some 19-inch wheels.
Inside there are even more gadgets Honda is proud of showing off. Two new displays occupy the center section of the dash. The top 7.7-inch high resolution screen can display turn-by-turn directions, audio settings, time and trip info, incoming calls, SMS text messages when stopped, and LaneWatch™ and Rearview Camera displays. The lower screen is a 7-inch touchscreen display that runs both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto that a user can swipe, tape and pinch—just like on a tablet or smartphone—to control the vehicle’s audio system, display settings and other advanced features.
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are meant to support seamless smartphone integration and create an experience similar to what you are used to experiencing on your smartphone.
Safety is an important focus at Honda and the refreshed 2016 Accord comes with a gaggle of new safety features. Those features are bundled into a Honda Sensing™ package that includes a forward collision warning system that pre-loads the brakes, lane keep assistance, road departure mitigation with lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. Also assisting the driver are multiple camera displays embedded in the mirrors that help with backing up and changing lanes, and auto high-beam headlights that switch to low beams automatically when an oncoming vehicle is detected.
For those who appreciate the little conveniences that help in a big way, the sedan model loses the one-piece folding design gets a 60/40 split folding rear seat. Front and rear parking sensors, new rain-sensing windshield wipers, and heated rear seats top off the list of new features added to the 2016 Accord.
Watch the video below for Roman Mica’s first impressions of the refreshed 2016 Honda Accord after driving it.
The Uconnect system shown on a 2015 Dodge Challenger
Following an article published in Wired magazine where hackers remotely controlled a 2015 Jeep Cherokee, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) released a voluntary recall to fix the bug.
For the recall, owners of affected vehicles will receive a USB device that they can plug into their cars’ entertainment systems to upgrade the software.
The recall affects the following FCA vehicles:
2013-2015 Dodge Viper
2013-2015 Ram 1500, 2500 and 3500 pickups
2013-2015 Ram 3500, 4500 and 550 chassis cabs
2014-2015 Jeep Cherokee
2014-2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee
2014-2015 Dodge Durango
2015 Chrysler 200
2015 Chrysler 300
2015 Dodge Challenger
2015 Dodge Charger
Along with the software update, FCA said that they made extra security enhancements to their networks that block remote access to certain vehicle features.
In the Wired article, hackers Charlie Miller and Chris Valasek demonstrated the remote takeover of a Jeep Cherokee using the vehicle’s Uconnect cellular wireless network. In the demonstration, the duo manipulated the windshield wipers and climate control systems and also completely disabled the vehicle by disabling the transmission. They also turned off the brakes.
The hackers’ demonstration shows the potential dangers facing the automotive industry as vehicles become more technologically advanced. The duo previously demonstrated a similar hack on a Toyota Prius.
On July 11, U.S. Senators Ed Markey (D-MA) and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) introduced the Security and Privacy in Your Car (SPY Car) Act that would create federal standards for automotive security and establish a rating system. The system, called a cyber dashboard, will rank vehicles based on their ability to protect their owners’ privacy and security.
The bill would rely on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to develop the security standards.
The standards would include hacking protection, data security and hacking mitigation. They would also allow consumers to know what information is being collected, allow them to opt out of data collection without losing functionality of their systems and not allow their information to be used for marketing without opt-in.
Over 1.4 million FCA vehicles are affected by this software bug. Owners of affected vehicles can either visit http://www.driveuconnect.com/software-update/ to download the software patch, or they can visit a dealer to have the patch installed for them at no cost.
Watch this TFLcar tech video of the 2015 Jeep Cherokee’s auto stop-start system:
The 2015 Toyota Prius C is Sleek, Roomy and Affordable
2015 Toyota Prius C Hybrid
2015 TOYOTA PRIUS C FOUR HYBRID
Engine/Motor
Power
Torque
Transmission
MSRP
Price As-Tested
Rating
1.5L inline 4-cylinder
73 hp @ 4,800 rpm
82 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm
ECVT
$24,475
$24,475
Buy it!
Permanent Magnet AC Synchronous Motor
60 hp (45kW)
125 lb-ft
Max DC520 Volts (motor)
25.9 hp/19.3kW nickel-metal hyrdrde battery
Max DC144 Volts (battery)
99 hp @ 6,000 rpm (net horsepower)
The Toyota Prius has been among the top-selling cars in California. There are various Prius models, but the entry level Prius C (for “City”) shines especially during city driving—and also does well on highways
A good 2015 Prius C model is the $24,475 Prius C “Four,” which is the top-line version. There also are the Prius C One, Two and Three trim levels, with list prices ranging from $19,540 to $21,765. All are four-door hatchbacks with front-wheel drive.
Power comes from a 1.5-liter 99-horsepower gas engine and battery pack put below the rear seat so it doesn’t take up space and contributes to the highly aerodynamic car’s low center of gravity.
Acceleration is lively in town and good on freeways/highways, where the 65-75 m.p.h. passing time was faster than I expected. The Prius C generates 99 horsepower but that’s enough because this car isn’t overly heavy at approximately 2,500 pounds. However, while the interior is quiet, the drivetrain is rather noisy during hard acceleration.
All Prius C models use a responsive, smooth electronically controlled continuously variable (ECVT) automatic transmission.
The ride is fairly supple, but some may feel it’s too firm on bumpy roads. My test car was generally fun to drive, although the quick steering felt dead, proving little road feel.
Handling of my test Prius C was good, with virtually no body lean when sweeping through fast curves. Helping here were the car’s optional 50-series (versus standard 65-series) tires on 16-inch (versus 15-inch) wheels. The wider the tire, the better the grip.
The brakes on earlier gas/electric cars felt odd, but they feel normal on the Prius C.
Estimated fuel economy is an impressive 53 miles per gallon in the city and 46 on highways. There’s decent room for four tall occupants, or for five in a pinch. Wheelbase is 100.4 inches, with wheels pulled to the far corners of the car for more interior room and better stability.
Gauges are easy to read, but using the dashboard screen takes some practice. I would have preferred some simple dashboard knobs to, say, control the sound system. Front cupholders are set too low under the dashboard.
The Prius C Four, which I tested, is the best-equipped. Standard features include a power slide/tilt sunroof, integrated backup camera and heated front seats, which provide unusually good support.
Not that the other Prius C models aren’t decently equipped.
Even the Prius C One has power mirrors with turn signal indicators, 6.1-inch touch-screen display, AM/FM/CD player, MP3/WMA playback capability, four speakers, auxiliary audio jack, USB 2.0 port with iPod connectivity and control, voice recognition, hands-free phone capability, 3.5-inch TFT multi-information display with fuel economy and cruising range information and music streaming via Bluetooth wireless technology. There’s also four-way adjustable front seats, tilt/telescopic wheel with steering wheel controls and remote keyless entry.
The fancier C Two adds a piano black front grille, soft-touch interior accents, six speakers, fabric-trimmed two-tone seats, auxiliary audio jack, 6-way adjustable driver’s seat and–importantly–60/40 split fold-down rear seatbacks.
The cargo area under the padded hatch, which has a low, wide opening, is only moderately large. But the split rear seatbacks sit flat when shoved forward and greatly increase the cargo area.
The C Three adds a push-button start and even more electronic gadgets, including a 6.1-inch high resolution touch-screen with split screen display. Options include a tilt/slide sunroof with a sliding sunshade.
Safety features on all models include air bags and easily buckled safety belts.
The Prius C shows that Toyota is an old hand when it comes to well-designed gas/electric cars.
2015 Toyota Prius C Specs:
Engine: 1.5L DOHC in-line 4-cylinder
Power: 73 hp @ 4,800 rpm
Torque: 82 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm
Electric motor: permanent magnet AC synchronous, maximum DC520 volts
Power: 60 hp (45kW)
Torque: 125 lb-ft
Battery: 25.9hp/19.3 kW nickel-metal hydride, maximum DC144 volts
Wheelchair-accessible vehicles have been typically the domain of minivans, but one mobility company is planning to build its first-ever SUV-based vehicle out of a Ford Explorer.
BraunAbility will start making its Explorer-based MXV in August at its Winamac, Indiana facility, with sales starting in the fall of 2015.
On the surface, the MXV looks like a typical Ford Explorer. But the company made radical changes to the SUV to make it easier for wheelchairs to maneuver.
The first and most obvious change is the addition of a sliding door on the passenger side, replacing the hinged rear door. The 54-inch-tall sliding door reveals a powered floor ramp with built-in lighting.
With no middle seat like the standard Explorer has, the MXV has a clear path for a wheelchair to roll into position. The open interior allows for a wheelchair user to ride as a passenger, or, with the front seats removed, allows for a wheelchair user to drive. The sliding gear shifter also increases interior room.
BraunAbility designed the interior to accommodate the most popular power wheelchair models. The entry ramp is 28 inches wide and the interior has 56 inches of cabin height from floor to ceiling.
The MXV also comes with an integrated key fob that also controls the power ramp and has an available towing package.
The Explorer’s 3.5-liter V-6 is also used in the MXV, making 290 horsepower and 255 lb-ft of torque. EPA fuel economy numbers are 17 mpg in the city, 24 mpg on the highway, with 20 mpg combined.
The MXV was first introduced as a concept vehicle earlier in the year at an event in Daytona, Florida. BraunAbility announced at the introduction that it would give the first production MXV to U.S. Marine Corps veteran Mike Delancey, who was wounded an paralyzed in Iraq in 2006.
BraunAbility hasn’t announced pricing for the MXV, but it will be available at dealerships in early fall.
Check out this TFLcar video review of the MXV’s starting point, the 2015 Ford Explorer:
The C7 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray is formidable at 455 horsepower coming from its LT1 6.2-liter engine. The Stingray’s LT1 V8, which is the heart of the sports coupe, represents the most significant redesign in the Chevy Small Block’s 60 year history and has the numbers to prove it. Even with a zero to sixty time of less than four seconds, the C7 Corvette isn’t the fastest from the GM factory. Dare we mention the Corvette Z06 that cranks out 650 horsepower from its supercharged V8?
Power and performance have always been hallmark traits of the Corvette, but this wasn’t always the case. The first Small Block V8 debuted in the Corvette in 1955. It displaced 4.3L (265 cubic inches) and was rated at 195 horsepower, drawing air and fuel through a four-barrel carburetor. Five years later, V8 power helped Corvette secure its first victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
“Horsepower is the most popular metric for sports car performance — both gear heads and enthusiasts want to see power ratings above all else,” explains Mike King of NewGMParts.com. “What’s so fascinating about the Corvette is the way that horsepower quickly rose in the 50s and 60s, dropped off in the 70s, and then dramatically increased in just the last five years,” says King.
The chart, created by NewGMParts.com, shows how 60s era third generation Corvettes reached over 400 horsepower but plummeted below 300 hp in 1972, remaining at this surprisingly low horsepower level until the late 1980s.
From the Corvette’s debut with a slight inline 6 to the 2015 Z06, the chart shows how Corvette horsepower has nearly quadrupled from 1953 to 2015. While 0-60 is a good indicator of how easily a car can merge onto the highway, the great American yardstick of acceleration will always be 1/4-mile elapsed times and the Z06 doesn’t disappoint, claiming a 10.95-second time in the 8-speed automatic with the 7-speed manual clocking a 11.2, both with identical 127 mph trap speeds. Corvette has come a long way, it took a stock 1953 Vette 11 seconds just to hit 60 mph.
Source: Spork Marketing/NewGMParts.com
Have a favorite Corvette generation that speaks volumes to you above all others? Let us know in the comments below.
First Generation – 1953-1962
Revealed in 1953, the first Corvette rolled off the assembly line in Flint, Michigan. All were powered by the three-carb, 150 horsepower Blue Flame inline-six cylinder and two-speed Powerglide transmission. The first small block V8 showed up in the Corvette in 1955 and was backed by a three-speed manual — saying goodbye to the six-cylinder Corvette. In 1957, the V8 was increased to a 283 and ordered to be fuel injected. 1958 saw the first year of the 160-mph speedometer and the engine grew to a 327 in 1962.
Second Generation – 1963-1967
The Z06 was introduced (for the first time) as a special equipment option on the Sting Ray. In 1965, the big block arrives in the form of a 396 cubic inch L78 — increasing to 427 cubic inches in 1966. In 1967, the legendary L88 iron block made its debut. It rated at 430 horsepower but was later found to pump out 500 horsepower in independent testing.
Third Generation – 1968-1982
The Corvette offered a 435 horsepower, 7.0L, 427 cubic inch engine for the C3 debut. In 1970, the 390 horsepower, solid lifter LT1 was introduced — the big block was increased to 454 cubic inches. The LS6 454 was introduced as an option in 1971, and the first generation LT1 is killed off by 1972. 1974 marked the last year for the big block, and by 1975, the Chevy 350 was making only 205 horsepower in the Corvette. Since GM didn’t certify the 350 V8, all California bound Corvettes got a 305 in 1980. Corvette production was paused in 1983 for a rebuilding year.
Fourth Generation – 1984-1996
The C4 started out with a measly 205 horsepower and 290 lb-ft of torque. In 1985, things started to look up slightly with a 230 horsepower 5.7L. In 1987, a Callaway TT option that made 345 horsepower/465 lb-ft of torque was available through some dealerships. The ZR-1 debuted in 1990 with a 5.7L capable of making 375 horsepower — increased to 405 hp in 1993. In 1992, a new LT1 was implanted in the Corvette, this time making 300 horsepower. New for 1996 was the LT4 engine that was rated at 330 horsepower.
Fifth Generation – 1997-2004
The 345-hp LS1, an iconic all aluminum engine, became the backbone of the GM engine family, starting with the Corvette. In 2001, the modern Z06 was introduced with a 385 horsepower LS6 and top speed of 170 mph. The Z06 pushed over the 400 horsepower mark, making 405 horsepower in 2002.
Sixth Generation – 2005-2013
By 2006, the Z06 got a new 7.0L making 505 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque. In 2008, the base engine was a new LS3, which made 430 horsepower. A new ZR1 debuted in 2009 with a supercharged 6.2L and top speed over 200 mph.
Seventh Generation – 2014-present
The C7 debuted making 455 horsepower with a 6.2L, new generation LT1. A 2015 year model Z06 showed up making 650 horsepower with a supercharged 6.2L LT4 that delivers the Z06 from 0-60mph in just 2.95 seconds, while the 7-speed manual reaches 60 mph in a very respectable 3.2 seconds.
While 0-60 is a good indicator of how easily a car can merge onto the highway, the great American yardstick of acceleration will always be 1/4-mile elapsed times and team Corvette didn’t disappoint, claiming a 10.95-second time in the 8-speed with the 7-speed manual clocking a 11.2, both with identical 127 mph trap speeds. Corvette has come a long way, it took a stock 1953 Vette 11 seconds just to hit 60mph!
General Motors is expected to introduce the all-new third generation Buick LaCrosse—built on on the new P2XX platform that will be shared by future GM full-size vehicles—sometime during 2016. Spied in the high mountains of Colorado and caught on video, this thinly disguised full-size sedan might be the new Buick flagship. Let us know if we are on the right track in the comments section below.
The second generation Buick LaCrosse began in 2010 during the time when GM and the other domestic automakers were struggling to make a comeback from financial distress. According to U.S. News, the LaCrosse ranks 5 out of 11 in the Affordable Large Car class. The full-size sedan boasts a spacious interior, quality cabin materials, and a plush ride.
The P2XX platform is a direct replacement for GM’s Super Epsilon chassis and will underpin any new full-size vehicle to come. The new long wheelbase platform is designed to accommodate a front-engine, transverse-mounted layout, have front-wheel and all-wheel drive applications, and be lighter in weight than the Super Epsilon chassis. The new architecture will also have a four wheel independent suspension and deliver premium-level driving dynamics.
These are exciting times for Buick. They are close to launching their first convertible since 1990‒the 2016 Cascada—and it looks beautiful. Buick’s compact crossover, the Encore Sport, is growing strong as supported by a 29 percent growth in sales for the first half of 2015. Plus, the 2016 model year will get a boost in power and additional exterior upgrades.
Think Buick has lost its step in the market? Check out Roman flying around the test track in a Buick Regal GS.
The Jeep Cherokee has been on the market for less than two years, but it already had a rough life. First, the uncomplimentary spy images from the factory floor before the official release, then some issues with the 9-speed automatic transmission. Now, it’s starring in a video report by Wired that demonstrates the remote hijacking of the crossover.
Two computer researchers/hackers Charlie Miller and Chris Valasek discovered a vulnerability in the Jeep’s Uconnect system. The system is enabled with a cellular connection, which is very handy for browsing the internet and working from your car. However, a particular version of Uconnect exposes an interface that can be queried for information about the car. It also allowed for commands to be sent to the car remotely.
What kind of commands? They range from annoying and silly, such as updating the background image on the center screen and controlling the HVAC and radio functions. There are odd and more serious functions, such as controlling the windshield wipers and spray. There are also dangerous functions: taking over the control of the brakes, steering while in reverse, and shutting the car off remotely.
Andy Greenberg of Wired found out about it first hand in the video demonstration that you can watch on their site. Charlie and Chris were in Charlie’s basement, while Andy was in the Cherokee on a nearby highway. The hackers performed all kinds of tricks on Andy, including dangerously shutting off the car while on the public highway. They also demonstrated the brake override in a controlled environment/empty parking lot and sent Andy into a ditch.
FCA has released a software patch to remove the vulnerability and fix the remove hijacking problem. See this FCA press release dated July 16, 2015 for more details. This problem does not only affect the Jeep Cherokee, but also other Chrysler, Ram, Dodge, and Jeep vehicles with a certain version of Uconnect. The software update can be performed by the owners by downloading the fix and applying it via a USB drive. This is interesting in itself, because an owner is encouraged to perform the upgrade on their own. Of course, you can also take your car to the local dealership and have them perform the upgrade.
As more manufacturers and new car models switch to wireless communications (e.g. most of GM vehicles now have 4G connectivity), the remote vulnerability of the cars will become an issue all of us should be aware of.
Take a look at the first review of the 2014 Jeep Cherokee.
Late-model used cars can still save you some cash over buying new...but restricted supply has made even this prospect far less affordable than a few years ago.
