The 2016 Ford Explorer has a new face. The sheet metal, grille and lights are new for 2016. There are also several other new details like the roof rails and tail lights.
There are two other very important updates. The 2.3L EcoBoost four-cylinder engine joins the Explorer lineup. It makes 280 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque.
There is also a new Platinum grade that combines all the features and the 3.5L EcoBoost V6 engine into one luxurious package. It comes with everything, so you don’t have spend time to decide on options.
Check out the TFLcar first drive review of the 2016 Ford Explorer here.
The 2015 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor has been the benchmark by which the TFL team measures all off-road vehicles. Can the 2015 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon Hard Rock measure up?
For this test, both vehicles were driven down a dead-end trail and back again. The first one to make the complete loop will be the winner. Keep in mind: this trail is treacherous, thick mud and heavily rutted roads and nearly impassable for anything lacking sufficient clearance and four-wheel drive. The high snow totals over the winter have created runoff in the Rocky Mountains that destroys roads like the one TFLcar used.
Roman Mica drove the Ford Raptor first, and the video can be seen on TFLtruck. Nathan Adlen drove the Jeep Wrangler down the very same trail. As you will see, the results were not what we expected to see. The Jeep Wrangler is the same one that Roman and Nathan are driving to the highest point in every state in TFL’s Motor Mountain USA epic road trip.
The Ford Raptor has more power, the Jeep Wrangler has more maneuverability. So which one is better at taming the Rockies? Watch the Wrangler video below, and don’t forget to check out the Raptor’s attempt on TFLtruck.
The Ford Mustang continued to dominate pony car sales charts in April, with nearly as many cars sold as its two competitors combined.
For the month, Ford sold 13,144 Mustangs, an increase of 81.5 percent over April 2014. Year-to-date sales hit 42,955, a 60 percent increase.
The Chevrolet Camaro kept its hold on second place despite a nearly 24 percent drop over April 2014. 6,909 Camaros were sold for the month, with 24,229 sold for the year, a 15 percent decrease.
2015 Dodge Challenger
Dodge’s Challenger saw its sales jump 32 percent in April to 6,771 and 41 percent for the year to 22,728.
Ford announced updates and new models of the new-for-2015 Mustang for the upcoming model year, including the Shelby GT350 and GT350R and special packages like the California Special Package, the Black Accent Package and the Pony Package for the turbo four-cylinder car. Also, all 2016 Mustangs will have hood mounted turn signals as an homage to the 1967 Mustang.
For the Challenger, Dodge has brought back the “shaker” hoods on the R/T, R/T Plus, and Scat Pack models, which are all available in Shaker versions.
The Chevrolet Camaro is due for a replacement in 2016. The new Chevy pony car will be unveiled at a special event at 4 pm Eastern time on May 16 in Detroit. TFLcar will be there to provide full coverage of the event.
Car
April 15
April 14
% change
YTD 2015
YTD 2014
% change
Ford Mustang
13,144
7,243
81.47%
42,955
26,839
60.05%
Chevrolet Camaro
6,909
9,043
-23.60%
24,229
28,611
-15.32%
Dodge Challenger
6,771
5,122
32.19%
22,728
16,156
40.68%
TOTAL
26,824
21,408
25.30%
89,912
71,606
25.56%
Check out this TFLcar mashup video of the 2015 Challenger, Mustang and Camaro:
The Golf GTE Sport concept is the next iteration in sports oriented gasoline-electric hybrids from Volkswagen. This one has doors that swing up, a cockpit that will make a fighter jet pilot feel at home, and over 395 of total system horsepower.
The GTE Sport can accelerate from 0-62 MPH in 4.3 seconds thanks in part to the sophisticated all-wheel-drive system. This concept is meant to bridge the gap between road-going production cars like the current Golf GTE and all-out racing cars.
The cockpit has many unique features, like the Formula 1 style steering wheel, layered gauges, and even a visualization of a suggested racing line. This concept is all about business and getting the best times around a race track.
The Golf GTE Sport is evolving the design language of the Vision GTI Concept that was shown in 2013.
The California moniker is not new to the iconic Prancing Horse stables – the first example, the Ferrari California GTB Short Wheelbase of the late 1950s and early 1960s is now a highly prized collector car, with limited availability and a lofty price tag if and when one can be located for sale. Early pristine examples have been known to sell for a king’s ransom. The latest example is the Ferrari California T.
STATS
Starting Retail Price
As Tested Price
HP / Lb-Ft
2015 Ferrari California T
$268,761.
$334,799.
560 @ 7,500 rpm / 557 @ 4,750 rpm
EPA Rating
As Tested MPG
Rating: BUY IT!
10.5 mpg city / 14 mpg highway
Not tested
The legendary Italian supercar builder staged a comeback of the California nameplate in 2010 with the Ferrari California as an all-new model. It was the Italian automaker’s first Granturismo to appear with a power retractable hardtop and styling that rivaled their F430 Spider in terms of beauty and performance capability. It also happened to be the first mid/front mounted V8 engine to feature Direct Injection to power a Ferrari. That engine was a 4.3-liter, longitudinally mounted 90-degree, naturally aspirated V8 with Direct Fuel injection that cranked out 453 horsepower @ 7,750 rpm, while producing 357 pound feet of torque @ 5,000 rpm. The engine mated to an F1 dual clutch automatic transmission with 7 gears plus a console-mounted reverse button and steering column mounted paddle shifters. In keeping with Ferrari tradition, power drove the rear wheels.
As in Formula 1 cars, the driver of the 2010 California was able to change several setup factors of the car utilizing a single, steering wheel mounted selector dial called the Manettino by Scuderia Ferrari drivers, which functioned as a commutator switch featuring five specific settings: Ice; Low Grip; Sport; and Race. There was also a setting that turned off both the traction and stability controls, giving the driver full control over the car’s actions.
Now, there is a Ferrari California T (the T is for turbocharged), which is powered by a smaller displacement (3.85-liter) 90 degree, twin-turbocharged V8 with Direct Fuel Injection engine that actually generates more power – 560 prancing horses to be precise, at 7,500 rpm, while also developing 557 pound feet of torque at 4,750 rpm. The engine is still mounted up front in a longitudinal orientation and mates to an F1 style dual clutch automatic transmission with steering column mounted paddle shifters for 7 forward gears and a reverse gear which is activated via a console mounted button. Motive force continues to be directed to the rear wheels.
As with the 2010 California, this latest Ferrari California T is a car of exceptional elegance, born with a spirit to race, that evokes exclusivity, master craftsmanship and exemplary refinement. The 2015 California T echoes the spirit and emotion of the past, while also possessing a wealth of modern technological innovations to enhance one’s driving experience.
The Ferrari California’ T’s breathtaking design showcases a combined effort with Ferrari’s historical partner Pininfarina. The styling displays an athletic form with sculpted lines and surfaces that flow gracefully, reflecting ideal proportions with the top up or down. The sides emphasize fluid motion via a strong dynamic line that runs from the stylized “gill” in the quarter panel, through the door, rising above the handle and curving over the rear fender and muscular wheel well arch, to the short overhang of the rearend. The vehicle’s nose develops the overall theme characteristics typified by the convex and concave surfaces that blend harmoniously and effortlessly. The functional slender air vents in the hood are flanked by teardrop headlamp clusters above the slatted “egg-crate” grille and front splitter and lower air vents. The overall styling prompts a host of descriptive terms – curvaceous, racy, breathtaking, stunning, sexy and outrageously beautiful. It sits low, with the wheels and tires nicely filling the wells with no wasted space around them. As with other Ferrari models, the California comes across visually as a fine piece of sculpture, displaying the same level of appeal and elegance with its top up or down, exhibiting proper proportions in either mode. The coefficient of drag is 0.33 – definitely aerodynamic and it’s as slippery as it looks.
The Ferrari California T’s interior exhibits the same tasteful sophistication as the exterior. The leather seating features special stitching, perforation and unique detailing. Occupants sit low in the car, which is exaggerated by the high, rising beltline. Switchgear is positioned for optimum ease of use, and the analog gauges are highly legible. The engine start button is wheel mounted, and there is no traditional gear shift per say – gear changes are manipulated by the column-mounted paddle shifters, with the exception of reverse gear, which is activated by the center console mounted button.
The power retractable hardtop operates quickly in either direction at the touch of a switch.
My test 2015 Ferrari California T was delivered wearing a Rosso California exterior finish – a dark red, almost maroon metallic tint, with a Beige Tradizione interior featuring Charcoal toned trim and Carbon Fibre elements. The base sticker was set at $268,761. It was outfitted with the following options: Carbon Fibre Driver Zone and Central console Bridge, Horse stitched headrests, sport exhaust system, heat insulating windscreen, high emotion low emission, “Scuderia Ferrari” fender shields, Dual mode Magnaride suspension, electric inside and outside mirrors and Homelink, Charcoal seat piping, 20-inch forged dark painted alloy wheels, fully electric seats, leather headliner, foldable rear seats, Backrest, High Power Hi Fi System, special interior stitching, tire pressure monitoring system and Nero carpeting which combined to bring the final total price to $334,799. SUMMARY: Driving the Ferrari California is certainly a more rewarding experience than simply looking at it. The car evokes a sensory overload – it has everything going for it, and is without question a truly emotional design execution. Any ‘dyed-in-the-wool’ gear-head is sure to relish the authoritative rumble emanating from the mighty turbocharged V8 and its Sport Exhaust system. Acceleration is mind-boggling, (even without utilizing the Launch Control feature) unless of course you want to simply cruise about, displaying its elegant beauty in a more relaxed and leisurely manner. Either way, the California T is perfectly at home.
Shifting through the gears may be done in rapid-fire fashion with the F1-style steering column mounted paddle shifters. The seating is not only visually pleasing, but exceptionally supportive as well, with a feeling of spaciousness. The quality of the ride is surprisingly compliant considering the car’s ride height and low profile performance rubber. The handling is indeed “Ferrari-like” – with positive on-center preciseness. The California T stays flat over challenging twisting and curving and backroads, without the tires chirping at all. Perhaps I should’ve pushed harder, but hey, when you’re entrusted with this kind of sophisticated performance machinery in the form of rolling sculpture, why press your luck by taking unnecessary chances.
For most of my life I hadn’t been bitten by the need or desire to own a Ferrari. There are now several possibilities – my favorites offering high performance, open air motoring. The new California T is certainly one model that instills such lust. It is a vehicle that epitomizes Italian passion. Enzo’s spirit and ideals are destined to live forever in the cars that are his legacy. The Ferrari California T is a car that I would add to my bucket list of vehicles to own if only I had the wherewithal – Maybe when my ship comes in. Currently, the waiting list ranges from a year and a half to two years, so if you’re in the market for ownership, you need put your order in early and often for this highly desirable Ferrari model or any other model of the famed Marque for that matter.
On the TFLcar scale of:
Buy it!
Lease it!
Rent it!
… or Forget it!
I give the 2015 Ferrari California T a Buy It! if you’re able to afford it.
SPECIFICATIONS: 2015 Ferrari California T
Base Price: $268,761.
Price as Tested: $334,799.
Engine Type and Size: 3.85-liter-235.25 cu.In. (3885cc) 90 degree twin-turbocharged V8
with Direct Fuel Injection.
Transmission: F1 dual clutch – 7 gears plus reverse.
Drive Train: Longitudinally mounted front engine / Rear-wheel drive.
Suspension: Front – Double wishbone. Rear – Multilink
Brakes: Power-assisted Carbon ceramic four wheel discs.
Tires: Pirelli P-Zero 245/35 ZR20 front / 285/35 ZR20-100Y rear, mounted
on 5-sculpted spoke alloy wheels.
Wheelbase: 105.1 inches
Length Overall: 179.9 inches
Width: 75.2 inches
Height: 52.0 inches
Curb Weight: 3,813 lbs.
Turning Circle: 36.8 ft.
Fuel Capacity: 20.6 gallons
EPA Mileage Estimates: 10.5 mpg city / 14 mpg highway
Drag Coefficient: 0.33
0 – 62 mph: 3.6 seconds – Top speed196 mph
Arv Voss is a Northern California based freelance motoring Journalist and member and past officer of several noted Automotive Journalist organizations who contributes regularly to a number of national and international media outlets. He reviews not only cars, trucks and SUVs, but motorcycles as well.
If you were tired of a world without Top Gear, rejoice – as the Clarkson, Hammond and May Live show is coming your way. Well, by saying it’s “coming your way” it is not applicable for the Americas, Asia, most of Africa, Antarctica and a majority of Europe. That may be temporary. If this new collaboration takes off, the Clarkson, Hammond and May Live show could expand.
The shows will be 80 to 90 minutes in length and they will take place solely in the arena. This is not a televised event. According to clarksonhammondandmay.com “Clarkson, Hammond & May Live will not contain any BBC branding and content. The show will feature a mix of beautiful cars, breath-taking stunts as well as all the irreverent humour that fans know and love from the trio.”
Here’s the best part: if you were holding tickets for (the now scuttled) Top Gear Live – those tickets WILL be accepted for the Clarkson, Hammond and May Live show! Yay! All shows will take place on Fridays (7:30 pm), Saturdays (3.00pm & 7.30pm) and Sundays (12:30pm & 4:00pm). There are no Friday performances in London.
No performances will interfere with tea.
“Jeremy Clarkson, James May and Richard Hammond are taking their live tour on the road. Fans will get to see the boys together again in a live action motoring theatre show featuring amazing stunts, incredible supercars and above average levels of cocking about” clarksonhammondandmaylive.com goes on to say “Clarkson, Hammond & May Live’s arena tour showcases an extended, 90 minute arena show featuring some of the best stunts from over 10 years of touring plus some exclusive never-before-seen content. It does not take the same format as previous Top Gear Live UK events.”
Tickets start from around £35 – depending on the venue and seats.
Here’s the current schedule:
Belfast 22-24 May 2015
Sheffield – 5-7 June 2015
Johannesburg – 12-14 June 2015
Stavanger – 19-21 June 2015
Australia 18-19 July, 25-26 July 2015
Warsaw – 24 October 2015
London – 28-29 November 2015
Cool no?
The Clarkson, Hammond and May Live show will not interfere with TFLcar’s Motor Mountain Monday. Rejoice!
Easily amused by anything with four wheels, Nathan Adlen reviews vehicles from the cheapest to the most prestigious. Wrecking yards, dealer lots, garages, racetracks, professional automotive testing and automotive journalism – Nathan has experienced a wide range of the automotive spectrum. His words, good humor and videos are enjoyed worldwide.
BMW released this teaser image of the upcoming 3.0 CSL Hommage Concept. The original 3.0 CSL was introduced in 1972 as a limited homologation production run to be eligible for European Touring Car Championship.
Back then the 3.0-liter fuel injected version of the motor (designated as CSi) made 200 horsepower. And the letter “L” stood for “light”, as in light-weight. BMW continues to innovate along the lines of advanced powertrains and light-weight construction by using carbon fiber and carbon fiber reinforced plastics. Take the 2015 BMW i8 as an example. It uses an advanced gasoline-electric hybrid system and a carbon fiber chassis.
BMW did not release any specifications on the 3.0 CSL Hommage Concept other than to say that it makes extensive use of carbon fiber and has a stripped down and functional interior. This should be an appropriate homage to the original CSL.
The car will go public on May 22nd, 2015 at the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este.
Watch Justin Wilson – IndyCar Racing Driver – take the 2015 BMW i8 around the TFL test test (at IMI Motorsport). Justin is participating in the 2015 Indy 500 race with Andretti Autosport team at the end of this month, and the entire TFL team wishes him the best result possible!
Also, take a look at the 2014 Legends of the Autobahn for more BMWs from the 1970s.
The 2016 Scion iA, seen here at its New York Auto Show debut, is built by Mazda and is based on the upcoming Mazda2.
Toyota and Mazda announced today that they are entering into a long-term partnership that will go “beyond cooperation.”
Although neither company has released specific details about the partnership, they said in a press release that the partnership will “create a whole new set of values for cars through wide-ranging medium to long term collaboration.”
A joint committee will evaluate each company’s strengths and determine how to best integrate them into the partnership.
Speaking on the partnership, Toyota President Akio Toyoda praised Mazda’s SKYACTIV technology and KODO design, while Mazda President Masamichi Kogai recognized Toyota’s innovation and community involvement.
Mazda and Toyota have worked together in the past. Toyota licensed its hybrid technology to Mazda, and Mazda produces cars for Toyota at their Mexico plant, notably the Scion iA, which shares a platform with the upcoming Mazda2.
Check out this TFLcar video review of Mazda’s excellent Mazda3:
And here is more on the Scion iA from the 2015 New York Auto Show.
After five years, it's time for our classic 1987 Porsche 911 Carrera cabriolet to move onto a new home. Here's how the experience has been, and how you can buy it!
