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LA Auto Show: 2014 Porsche Macan S and Turbo – Baby Cayenne

2014 porsche macan s la show

The wait for the official information and images of the 2014 Porsche Macan is finally over.  The small luxury performance crossover is here and aims to please if the Porsche Cayenne is too big or too thirsty for your needs.  This is not to say that the Macan is lacking on power or any other Porsche SUV qualities.

The United States Macan launch will see two models to start with: Macan S and Macan Turbo.  Interestingly, both are powered by turbo-charged V6 engines.  Of course, the “Turbo” moniker has always been reserved for Porsches higher performance variants.  The Macan Turbo uses a new twin-turbo 3.6-liter V6 powerplant, which is good for 400 horsepower and 4.6 second 0-60 mph sprints.  The Macan S makes due with a 3.0-liter twin-turbo motor with 30 horsepower and 5.2 second acceleration time.  Both are backed up by a 7-speed PDK dual-clutch transmissions and all-wheel-drive system.

2014 porsche macan dash turbo interior

The Macan also follows in Cayenne’s footsteps with respect to off-road prowess.  It utilizes a sophisticated AWD with Porsche Traction Management.  The off-road mode is able to affect transmission shift points, clutch tension, and front/rear torque split.  100% of the power can be allocated to the front wheels if the traction situation requires it.

Pricing and availability information has not yet been released.

Note: European market will also get a Macan Diesel, which may come to the United States after initial launch.

Check out this insider TFLcar video of the 2014 Porsche Macan:

LA Auto Show: 2015 Ford Edge Concept – Future Technology Showcase

ford edge concept 2015 la show

Ford previews the 2015 Ford Edge with the Ford Edge Concept at the 2013 LA Auto Show.  This angular mid-size crossover showcases the future of vehicle technology today.  It’s interesting to note this press release does not say anything about engines, motors, transmission, or fuel efficiency.  This concept is focused on technology and getting the public’s perception.

First up is the “Remote Self-Parking” feature.  You may have seen TFLcar video demonstrations of Ford’s automatic parking system (see video below).  Ford takes it to the next level by adding a remote parking feature.  Basically, this system allows the driver to control the parking procedure from outside the vehicle.  Here is a scenario: you are looking to park in a crowded garage and find a spot wide enough for your car, but too narrow for you to open the door and get out.  What to do?  Ford to the rescue.  Once, the Park Assist locates the spot, you get out of the vehicle and initiate the procedure via your remote key-fob.  The car accelerates, steers, and brakes all on its own.  You can interrupt the process remotely at any time, should you change your mind or notice a problem.

I wish you could get out of the car before you enter the garage structure, and just tell it to “go park yourself” while you go shopping.  However, the system does not have this level of autonomous operation.  Perhaps, next year?

The Remote Self-Parking is aided by adaptive electrically assisted steering.  This system combined variable steering ratios at varying speeds with electric power assist.

FordEdgeConcept_04_HR

There is also Ford’s “Obstacle avoidance” system.  There are other cars that are able to automatically apply the brakes when an obstacle is detected.  Ford kicks this up a notch as well.  This system can also automatically steer around obstacles in those cases where applying the brakes cannot avoid an impact.    This technology is meant to aid the driver in situations when pedestrians or other obstacles suddenly appear in the path of travel.  The steering avoidance technology is still in its development stages, so don’t expect it to be in your new Ford next year.

FordEdgeConcept_11_HR

Other than the mind-boggling technological advances, this Ford Edge Concept previews what the 2015 Ford Edge will look like inside and out.  It looks sharp and modern from the outside, and the inside it more of an evolution on the current interior.  (I am glad Ford is going back to a larger tachometer rpm gauge.  The current tiny one is not very good.)

Check out this insider TFLcar video of the Ford Edge Concept from the 2013 LA Auto Show:

LA Auto Show: Jaguar C-X17 Concept Makes its American Debut

jaguar-c-x17-concept-grill

Following its well-received introduction at the Frankfurt and Dubai Auto Shows, the bold Jaguar C-X17 Concept crossover is set to make its American debut at this week’s 2013 LA Auto Show. Arriving in an already crowded and highly competitive segment, the C-X17 will need to bring significant luxury, performance, and fuel economy to the table to win over American hearts.

Though little is currently known about the C-X17, it’s almost certain that the C-X17 concept will share a platform with the current Range Rover Evoque. Jaguar is also likely to borrow powertrains from the Range Rover lineup, with the Evoque’s 2.0-liter turbo-four as the possible base engine and the Range Rover Sport’s supercharged V6 as the premium choice. The 8-speed ZF automatic transmission in the newest Land Rover products may make its way onto the crossover, but it is confirmed that Jaguar’s signature rotary gearshift knob will appear on the production variants of the C-X17.

jaguar-c-x17-concept-dash

Design on the C-X17 is modern, elegant, and very chiseled. Hints of the XJ/XF come through with the LED-laced headlights, and the rear simply screams F-type. Interior design, though currently in concept form, is simultaneously futuristic and sporty–deep, heavily-bolstered front seats hint at the spirited Jaguar driving experience, while materials such as ruthenium in the interior and exterior trim provide an upscale, cutting-edge feel altogether. When production begins, however, expect more traditional materials, such as leather, wood, and brushed aluminum trim, to grace the interior.

jaguar-c-x17-concept-tail

Even from its pre-production specs, it’s clear that the C-X17 Concept points to a seriously impressive Jaguar crossover coming into production in the near future. Its styling cues certainly outduel offerings such as the BMW X3 and Mercedes GLK, and Jaguar’s reputation for building precision-handling, insanely fun-to-drive vehicles is sure to shine through on the production model C-X17. Stay tuned on TFLcar.com during this week’s 2013 LA Auto Show and during the next few months for any developments on C-X17 production.

Please enjoy this TFLcar.com video review of the C-X17’s platform-mate, the Range Rover Evoque.

George Clooney and Elon Musk Tussle Over Tesla

tesla-roadster

George Clooney talked a little smack about the Tesla Roadster he once owned and, in a not at all shocking turn of events, Elon Musk was ready with a clever response.

The whole thing came about after some comments Clooney made during an interview with Esquire magazine. It wasn’t even an interview about his car, but about him being famous and working with other famous people and the typical stuff you’d expect in an interview with a movie star. Then, at the very end, the interviewer asks him what happened to his Tesla.

Clooney’s answer was not at all flattering of his Tesla Roaster. The actor said, “I had a Tesla. I was one of the first cats with a Tesla. I think I was, like, No. 5 on the list. But I’m telling you, I’ve been on the side of the road a while in that thing, and I said to them, ‘Look, guys, why am I always stuck on the side of the f***ing road? Make it work, one way or another.”

There’s no elaboration about Tesla’s attempts to make it work or what kinds of problems Clooney was having in the first place, just that he was not a happy movie star. He was so unhappy that he auctioned off his Tesla Roadster, which is actually a collectible car of sorts since it’s no longer in production and hasn’t been sold in the US since 2011.

The car went for a tidy $99,0000 which Clooney generously chose to donate to charity. You’d think that’d be the end of things, but no, not even close. If you know Tesla CEO Elon Musk at all, then you know he’s not just going to sit idly by while a movie star disses his cars. Musk took to twitter with this wonderfully snarky response.

 

Take that famous movie star picking on the little guy. No, wait, just who is the little guy in this particular battle? Check out our video of the car in question, from way back in the old days of 2010 when it was the new hotness.

Nicole Wakelin fell in love with cars as a teenager when she got to go for a ride in a Ferrari. It was red and it was fast and that was all that mattered. Game over. She considers things a bit more carefully now, but still has a weakness for fast, beautiful cars. Nicole also writes for NerdApproved and GeekMom.

LA Auto Show: 2014 MINI Hardtop – Bigger, Lighter, and Cuter

2015 MINI

The 2014 MINI hardtop made its debut at the 2013 LA Auto Show with new engines, new safety features and improved connectivity and technology.

Launching in March of 2014, the 2014 MINI Cooper will have a 3-cylinder or 4-cylinder engine with MINI TwinPower Turbo Technology and direct injection. It will be available as either a 6-speed manual or an optional 6-speed automatic in all engine variants.

The 1.5-liter 3-cylinder engine in the base 2015 MINI Cooper gets a 13 HP increase to 134 HP with 162 lb-ft of torque. It’ll do 0-60 MPH in 7.4 seconds with a manual transmission with a top speed of 130 MPH.

The 2014 MINI Cooper S gets a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine with 189 HP and 207 lb-ft of torque. When equipped with a manual transmission, it can do 0-60 MPH in 6.5 seconds and hit a top speed of 146 MPH.

2015 mini rear tail

There’s also a new drive mode selector that allows the choice of Green, Mid or Sporty modes. The choice will determine just how sporty a drive you’ll experience as well as affecting the MINI’s fuel efficiency.  MINI has not disclosed MPG ratings or estimates at the time of this writing, but with decreased overall curb weight and updated powerplants – efficiency should go up over the outgoing model.

Outside, the 2014 MINI now has available LED headlamps with optional adaptive light distribution. This feature helps ensure the best possible road illumination depending on the road surface.

The exterior dimensions of the 2014 MINI have grown to provide a more spacious and comfortable ride. It’s 4.5″ longer, 1.7″ wider and .3″ higher than the outgoing model. The wheelbase has also grown by 1.1″ and the track width has increased 1.7″ in the front and 1.3″ in the rear to help improve handling.

2015 mini dash interior

This means the 2014 MINI will have more room inside, too, with increased adjustability in the front seats which are longer by .9″ inches. There’s also more shoulder room and an additional 3 cubic feet of luggage space.

Interior displays have also been improved with a newly designed instrument cluster on the steering column displaying road speed, engine speed and fuel level. There’s also an extendible Head-Up Display designed to keep your eyes more focused on the road and a Driver Assistance option with camera based cruise control and distance control to further enhance the safety of the 2014 MINI.

Technology features also feature prominently on the list of improvements with MINI connected offering smartphone integration, now available for Android in addition to iPhone with plans for more available apps in the near future.

Check out this insider TFLcar video of the 2014 MINI Hardtop from the 2013 LA Auto Show:

Nicole Wakelin fell in love with cars as a teenager when she got to go for a ride in a Ferrari. It was red and it was fast and that was all that mattered. Game over. She considers things a bit more carefully now, but still has a weakness for fast, beautiful cars. Nicole also writes for NerdApproved and GeekMom.

LA Auto Show: 2015 Jaguar F-Type Coupe – Goes for the th-R-oat

2015 jaguar f-type coupe r la auto show
You can have a moment to gather yourself…

Jaguar is not messing around with the 2015 Jaguar F-Type Coupe.  It goes for the the throat with the F-Type R Coupe.  This top-of-the-line R Coupe bypasses the 495 horsepower V8 from the F-Type Convertible V8S, and grabs the 550 HP supercharged 5.0-liter V8 from the  XFR-S and XKR-S.  It also clears some of the alphabet soup.  The R Coupe is supposed to dispatch 0-60 mph sprints in 4.0 seconds, reach a top speed of 186 mph, and start at $99,000.  (Food for thought: the F-Type R Coupe will be around 350 lbs lighter than the XKR-S Coupe).

What if you cannot afford a six figure price tag for the R?  There is some great news.  The supercharged 3.0-liter V6 powered coupes will start at a $4,000 discount compared to their topless counterparts: $65,000 for the base Coupe and $77,000 for the S Coupe.  Power outputs and 0-60 mph acceleration times for the V6 Coupes are identical to the Convertibles.  Although, the coupes are said to be stiffer, their curb weights are not listed in the press release.  You would think they should be lighter than the Convertibles, and this – of course – would make them better track-day tools.

2015 jaguar f-type coupe r tail rear

Could this Jaguar Coupe lineup possibly be the best GT / Sports coupe on the market today?

2013 LA Auto Show debut:

To hear the intoxicating V8 roar of the Jaguar F-Type V8S, click TFLcar video below:

Andre Smirnov
Andre Smirnov

Andre Smirnov is a life-long automotive enthusiast, writer, reporter, and software engineer. He has been a contributor at TFL since 2011. When not working or spending time with the family – you can find him tinkering in the garage or simply ‘going for a drive’.

News: All New 2015 Ford Mustang to be Revealed Dec 5, 2013

2015 ford mustang official

Hold on to your saddles!  Today, Ford announced that the all-new sixth generation 2015 Ford Mustang will be officially revealed on Dec 5th, 2013.  The image you see here is the first teaser from Ford.  The familiar pony looks better than ever.

Ford is using Facebook and Instagram to handle the promotion and countdown to December 5th.  The Mustang’s Facebook page has more than 5.5 million likes, so it makes sense to focus the countdown campaign there.  (Note: Chevy Camaro has 3.4 million Facebook likes).  You can use #MustangInspires hashtag to refer to this big event.

The sixth generation Mustang will finally ditch the rear axle in favor of independent rear suspension.  Most fans are likely to embrace this move that favors more stable handling on rough pavement.  Of course, there will be some who are not happy about it.

Watch this fun and informative TFLcar video showing the argument between Mustang GT V8 and the V6:

 

2015 Aston Martin V12 Vantage S revealed at the Miami International Auto Show

2015 Aston Martin V12 Vantage S revealed at the Miami International Auto Show
2015 Aston Martin V12 Vantage S revealed at the Miami International Auto Show

The 2015 Aston Martin V12 Vantage S is the most powerful Aston  Martin ever built.

But is it the best  Aston Martin ever built?

In another accurate, fun and informative TFLcar Auto Show reveal, Roman gets to know the entire family of  Aston Martin cars at the Miami International Auto Show.

If you are a fan of this classic British brand and the cools cars that they build, you’ll enjoy this video as we check out not just the V12 Vantage S but also the Aston Martin Rapid and Vanquish.

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