The all-new 6th generation Camaro is just around the corner. It’s being unveiled at a public event at Detroit’s Bell Isle Park on May 16th, 2015. TFLcar will be there to bring you all the details first as a part of the ‘TFL Total Download’.
Chevrolet has been gradually releasing teaser images and specifications. Now, it’s a glimpse at the overall shape and aerodynamic tuning. The company is ratcheting up the performance of the latest Camaro with the latest advancements in engine, suspension, and chassis technologies. As the performance envelope and the speeds increase, the aerodynamics become ever more important.
GM says they spent 350 hours of wind tunnel testing to make sure they can reduce lift, drag, and improve downforce. They tuned the front grille openings to improve engine cooling by 1% and keeping the design in tact. They are going after every detail. A new “belly pan” smooths out airflow and reduces total lift by 30%.
Stay tuned as we bring you the latest this weekend.
In the meantime, check out this TFLcar episode where Roman Mica drives the current Camaro SS with all the performance add-ons and goodies.
And here is the 2016 Camaro prototype testing high in the Rocky Mountains.
Nissan’s Versa retains the top spot among subcompact sales despite a slight decline in April as city car sales drop across the board.
Nissan sold 9,646 Versas in April, a drop of nearly 8 percent over April 2014. However, it’s still ahead in yearly subcompact sales with 46,644 total sales, an increase of 3.46 percent over the same timeframe in 2014.
The subcompact segment, also known as the B-segment in Europe, consists of models that slot just above city cars but below compact cars like the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla and their competitors.
2015 MINI Cooper S 4-door
The biggest winner for April was the Mini Cooper, whose sales doubled over April 2014. Mini sold 3,948 Coopers for April and 12,872 for the year to date, the latter being a 140 percent increase. The addition of the four-door Cooper has contributed to the increase, as it’s already the second best selling version of the Cooper behind the two-door. Mini Cooper sales include the Hardtop 2-door, Hardtop 4-door, Convertible and Clubman models, but not the Coupe or Roadster models as they are two-seat sports cars.
Also making big gains was the Mitsubishi Mirage. Sales of the smallest Mitsubishi increased 85 percent over April 2014 with 2,470 sold for the month. Year to date sales of the Mirage are 8,463, a 65 percent increase.
Honda’s redesigned Fit continues to improve with a 56 percent increase for the month and a 68 percent increase for the year. Other strong sellers for the month are the Hyundai Accent, the Chevrolet Sonic and the Toyota Yaris. Of this group, all but the Sonic are selling at a better rate for the year than in 2014.
2015 Chevrolet Spark
In the city car segment, sales are down for all models, with Chevrolet’s Spark retaining its lead over the Fiat 500. Chevrolet sold 3,743 Sparks in April, a 3 percent decrease over April 2014, and 12,847 for the year, a 4 percent drop. The 500 dropped nearly 18 percent for April with 2,498 cars sold and is down nearly 9 percent for the year.
The Smart ForTwo and Scion iQ continue to trail far behind the two leaders. Both the Spark and the 500 sold more in April than the other two have for the entire year combined. Both the ForTwo and the iQ are down significantly over 2014 for both monthly and yearly sales.
Check out the charts below for the full sales numbers:
Subcompact Sales
Car
April 2015
April 2014
% change
YTD 2015
YTD 2014
% change
Nissan Versa
9,646
10,481
-7.97%
46,644
45,084
3.46%
Hyundai Accent
8,208
6,419
27.87%
25,007
22,427
11.50%
Honda Fit
6,529
4,179
56.23%
24,623
14,641
68.18%
Chevrolet Sonic
8,700
7,655
13.65%
20,015
31,888
-37.23%
Ford Fiesta
5,982
5,824
2.71%
18,092
21,422
-15.54%
Mini Cooper*
3,948
1,970
100.41%
12,872
5,358
140.24%
Kia Rio
2,802
3,214
-12.82%
8,800
12,780
-31.14%
Mitsubishi Mirage
2,470
1,331
85.57%
8,463
5,116
65.42%
Toyota Yaris
2,153
1,450
48.48%
7,477
5,594
33.66%
Scion xD
111
731
-84.82%
567
2,785
-79.64%
TOTAL
64,744
60,681
6.70%
225,562
225,447
0.05%
*NOTE: Mini Cooper sales include the 2-door, 4-door, Convertible and Clubman models only.
City Car Sales
Car
April 15
April 14
% change
YTD 2015
YTD 2014
% change
Chevrolet Spark
3,743
3,873
-3.36%
12,847
13,414
-4.23%
Fiat 500
2,498
3,041
-17.86%
10,493
11,514
-8.87%
Smart ForTwo
480
1,048
-54.20%
2,013
3,285
-38.72%
Scion iQ
73
196
-62.76%
305
787
-61.25%
TOTAL
6,794
8,158
-16.72%
25,658
29,000
-11.52%
Watch this TFLcar video review of the 2015 Mini Cooper S Hardtop 4-door:
A 2016 Volvo XC90 rolls off the assembly line in Torslanda, Sweden.
Volvo Cars will build its first North American factory outside of Charleston, S.C., the company announced Monday.
The $500 million factory will build cars for domestic and export markets, with an initial capacity of 100,000 cars per year. Construction is scheduled to begin in autumn of this year, with an expected completion of 2018.
The new factory will employ 2,000 over the next 10 years, with 4,000 long term. The economic impact on the area will equate to 8,000 jobs and $4.8 billion in yearly economic output for those first 2,000 jobs, as indicated in an economic analysis by Dr. Frank Hefner at the College of Charleston.
Volvo said they chose the Berkeley County site for its proximity to international ports and skilled labor force.
The new facility will increase Volvo’s manufacturing footprint to three continents, including existing facilities in Europe and China. The added capacity is part of the company’s plan to double annual sales and increase market share.
Watch this TFLcar video review of the 2015 Volvo S60 T6:
The 2016 Ford Mustang GT will receive a variety of updates and packages: including the California Special Package, Black Accent Package and there will be a Pony Package for the EcoBoost as well. Click (Ford Mustang EcoBoost Pony Package ) for more details on the turbocharged Mustang. The 2016 Mustang GT will get hood-vent turn signals paying homage to the 1967 Ford Mustang.
“Mustang enthusiasts are not shy about telling us what they want,” said Melanie Banker, Mustang marketing manager, “and we’re constantly exploring ideas together with our engineering team to develop new features we know our customers will love. These new hood vent indicators for the GT model are a perfect example of us communicating customer feedback to Mustang engineers and the team responding with an exclusive new feature for owners of the 2016 Mustang GT.”
Ford is beginning to differentiate between its Mustang models in dramatic fashion. The Mustang convertibles equipped with a proper manual transmission will have several additions available for performance enhancement. This is something that Mustang GT Convertible owners have been pleading for.
“For customers after a stealthier look, Mustang GT will offer a Black Accent Package this fall. Fastback and convertible Mustang GT models with this package will showcase special 19-inch black-painted alloy wheels, black decklid spoiler, dark taillamp trim, and 5.0 and pony logos in black.
Now, just like owners of the fastback model, customers of Mustang GT convertible equipped with manual transmission can order a Performance Package for 2016. Featuring increased structural bracing, as well as revised suspension components, brakes, wheels and tires, Mustang GT convertible equipped with Performance Package will be a force to be reckoned with – both on back roads and at the track. Features include:
•Unique tuning for stability control, ABS and electric power-assisted steering
•Unique chassis tuning, with strut tower brace and K-brace
•Torsen® limited-slip differential with 3.73 axle ratio
•Engine-turned aluminum instrument panel with auxiliary gauges
•More aggressive front splitter; rear spoiler delete
•Revised suspension with upsized rear sway bar, heavy-duty front springs
•Six-piston Brembo front brake calipers
•19×9-inch front, 19×9.5-inch rear ebony-painted aluminum wheels with summer tires
•Larger radiator”
Along with the aforementioned models, the 2016 Ford Mustang GT Premium California Special Package will be available in the late fall of 2015. Once again, this is an appearance package, but it’s much more than a few stripes and special badges. The 2016 Ford Mustang GT Premium California Special Package is a comprehensive visual upgrade that covers the exterior and interior. This includes the fake rear gas-cap!
The California Special Package includes:
•Black pedestal spoiler
•19-inch ebony-painted machined aluminum wheels
•Unique “faux” gas cap
•Strut tower brace with unique California Special badging
•Dark tail-lamp accents
•Black-painted mirrors, hood vents
•Performance front splitter
•Unique grille with tri-bar pony logo
•Ebony leather/Miko suede seat inserts with red contrast stitching and embossed logo
•Unique door panel inserts and premium carpet featuring red contrast stitching
•Unique aluminum dashboard finish with California Special badge
•Hood and side stripes
“Ford Mustang GT fastback with Performance Package has been very popular,” said Banker. “Customer feedback indicated a strong desire for the package on the convertible model as well, and the 2016 Mustang GT delivers.”
All new Ford Mustangs will soon be available with SYNC 3, company’s latest version of the infotainment system.
Check out our somewhat recent video review of the new Ford Mustang.
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.
TFLcar is looking for guest video reviews, like the one above.
Have you ever wanted to review cars on video? Well now is your chance to become part of the TFL team by submitting a video guest review or a VGR.
At TFL, we only get cars for a week to review, so we can’t always cover a car’s reliability or durability over time. We’re looking for reviews of used cars, so we can provide that information and your perspective to our viewers. That’s where you come in.
Shoot a short, five minute or less, video of you reviewing your car, and if it’s good, we will include it at the end of a TFLcar video. We don’t care if you love your car, hate your car or a little of both. Have you modified your car in any way? We’d love to hear about that too.
To submit your video, put it on a file sharing service like Google Drive or Dropbox and send the link to info@tflcar.com.
Don’t put any music on your video, as it may be copyrighted and we won’t be able to use it. All submitted videos become property of TFL.
Watch the video below for more information on video guest reviews:
The 2016 Ford Mustang EcoBoost with the new Pony Package will add some fries to go with its shake. Simply put: the 2016 Ford Mustang EcoBoost with the new Pony Package will look unique as it is an appearance package. This is only available for the 2016 Ford Mustang EcoBoost Premium models.
“Exclusive to Mustang EcoBoost Premium is a fresh take on the Pony Package. With unique 19-inch polished aluminum wheels, tri-bar pony logo on the grille, side stripe and chrome window surround, the fastback Mustang with Pony Package is sure to stand out from the crowd when it arrives in late 2015.” Said Ford’s press release. There is more news for the 2016 Ford Mustang EcoBoost. Ford goes on to say, “Last seen on the Boss 302, a painted black roof option is now available for the EcoBoost-equipped Mustang and Mustang GT.”
The 2016 Ford Mustang EcoBoost will arrive in dealerships during the third quarter of 2015.
Speaking of EcoBoost engines, check out this video!
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.
TFLcar’s Motor Mountain USA rambles on, and for this week’s episode, Roman Mica and Nathan Adlen hit the high plains in search of the highest point in Kansas.
The Motor Mountain USA (#MMUSA or #MotorMountainUSA) epic road trip is about the adventure and learning the highest points across the United States, and Kansas is fourth on the list.
The highest point in Kansas is Mount Sunflower, 4,039 feet above sea level in western Kansas near the Colorado border. While driving through the state, Roman and Nathan also stopped in Dodge City, a town with plenty of western history.
Motor Mountain USA is a celebration of all things American and the road less traveled. Nathan, Roman, Andre and Emme are driving a 2015 Jeep Rubicon Wrangler Hard Rock across the country to visit the 50 highest drivable mountain tops in all 50 states. Along the way they will visit locations off the beaten path and the American attractions that make the United States one of the world’s top tourist destinations.
This is trip is also about involving you in the adventure. This is why TFLcar has commissioned 50 commemorative silver belt buckles, one for each state. We will leave a belt buckle somewhere in the state and will tell the coordinates, so that you can find it. The first person to find it, keeps it. The only requirement is – you need to send us a picture of you with the belt buckle. You can tweet to us @TFLcar, Facebook us at TFLcar, use the #MMUSA, or #MotorMountainUSA hashtag, email roman@tflcar.com, or all of the above.
Here are the coordinates of the Kansas belt buckle: N 39 degrees 20.445’ and W 101 degrees 42.319’.
Thanks to Turtle Wax and their ICE premium car care products with new Smart Shield Technology for helping make the Motor Mountain USA adventure possible and for keeping the Jeep Wrangler looking good! #FreeTheSoul Check out the Turtle Wax ICE system.
Check out the latest episode in the epic 50 part series of the Motor Mountain USA:
The 6th generation 2016 Chevy Camaro is being unveiled at a public event in Detroit on May 16th, 2015 at 4:00pm ET. The event takes place at Belle Isle and TFLcar will be there to bring you the latest about the all-new Camaro.
TFL Total Download is about getting you as much information about the new car as possible, and doing it as soon as possible. It means you get to see the unveiling, detailed information, specifications, sights, sounds, and driving impressions.
2016 Chevy Camaro hood
We already know that the 2016 Camaro will keep the V8 engine option. It will also use many of the high-end performance components and technologies that were pioneered by the C7 Corvette and the Camaro Z/28.
Use the comments below to let us know what details about the 2016 Chevy Camaro you are most interested in, and we will do our best to get the scoop. Of course, Chevrolet will not give us everything about the car right off the bat.
Check out this TFLcar episode where Roman Mica drives the current Camaro SS with all the performance add-ons and goodies.
And here is the 2016 Camaro prototype testing high in the Rocky Mountains.
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!
