I Have $60,000 To Spend On A Performance Crossover – Which One Should I Buy? [Ask TFL]

By

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October 26, 2018

The performance crossover segment is growing, but which is the best one for your money?

A TFLcar viewer sent in an interesting question asking about a range of performance crossovers. Now, whether we prefer it or not, this is a segment that has been growing in recent years. Players like Audi, Mercedes-Benz and BMW have been here for awhile now. Mainstream automakers like Ford are starting to jump on the bandwagon as well, with the Edge ST. As traditional sedans and hatchbacks are fewer and farther between, crossovers have been taking off.

In this particular instance, Sean is asking which would be the best option for his wife, who currently drives a 2002 BMW X5 and a modified 2015 Subaru WRX:

My wife wants a Macan S, and I was looking at the older Audi SQ5 or the newer Acura RDX A-Spec. We are also considering the Ford Edge ST.

She likes a sporty driving vehicle and is going from a slightly modified 2015 WRX to an SUV that is replacing her 2002 X5 4.6is that she is also driving. Which of the 4 do you guys like best? The Macan S, 2019 RDX, Edge ST, or 2016 SQ5?

To my mind, the answer to this question really needs a bit more information to flesh out. Sean later shared that he and his wife are looking to spend less than $60,000. His wife’s primary concern is performance, but it needs a few choice options. Whichever crossover she drives needs a panoramic sunroof, heated and ventilated seats and sporty handling – something that’s not just fast in a straight line.

Considering the options

Fortunately, a $60,000 budget opens you up to a wide range of compact crossovers. The new Porsche Macan S and Audi SQ5 are near the top end of that spectrum, while the Acura RDX A-Spec and Ford Edge ST are much more affordable. So, let’s take each option on Sean’s list and weigh the pros and cons of each option.

New: 2019 Acura RDX A-Spec

The brand new 2019 Acura RDX A-Spec kicks off at $46,495 with all-wheel drive. For that, you get a competent handling crossover with 272 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque. That comes mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission, which shifts quickly and smoothly. The push-button transmission is a bit annoying to operate, but if that doesn’t bother you, the RDX has a well executed interior.

The $3,000 A-Spec package also packs in heated and ventilated seats, as well as sporty appearance elements inside and out. That 2.0-liter turbo engine pulls the RDX along nicely without a lot of turbo lag. However, you still notice a step down in performance from a WRX, or indeed a BMW X5 4.6is, which packs a 4.6-liter V8.

The RDX A-Spec is probably the most athletic-looking crossover of the bunch, and you get pretty much everything you want for the money. If you’re looking for a bit more luxury, there’s also the Advance Package, which adds a head-up display and adaptive damping.

New: 2019 Ford Edge ST

The 2019 Ford Edge ST is the newest contender to the performance crossover game. And it has some serious performance chops as well. You get 335 horsepower and 380 lb-ft of torque from a 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6 engine. It starts at $43,350 including destination as well – which is way under your $60,000 budget.

You can add more equipment to that with Equipment Group 401A, which adds navigation, heated and cooled seats (check that off the list), Ford Co-Pilot 360 Assist and a lot more. Throw in the $2,695 ST Performance Brake Package and even the $495 Cold Weather Package with a heated steering wheel, and you’re still under budget. All in, the Edge ST comes out to $52,125 (minus incentives). Easily the biggest bang for your buck.

New(ish): 2018 Porsche Macan S

Here’s the thing about the Porsche Macan: there’s a new one coming. In fact, it just debuted at the Paris Motor Show. On that basis, it might be worth the wait if you want the latest and greatest.

Right now, we have the current Macan S to configure, which starts at $56,450. Not a lot of wiggle room left in the budget here. Porsche is also notorious for nickel-and-diming when it comes to options. If you want (front) heated seats, that’s $530. If you want ventilated seats, you also have to pick 14-way power adjustable seats, which adds $2,010 to the price. Now, we’re at $58,990 and we’ve only just gotten started.

Here’s the upshot: Spec a 2018 Porsche Macan S to the same level as the Ford Edge ST, and you’ll be looking at a $70,000+ hole in your budget. On the up side, you do get 340 horsepower and 339 lb-ft of torque from twin-turbocharged V6 engine. Porsches are also well-known for their handling prowess, so this is, in my opinion, the best driver of the bunch.

Used: 2016 Audi SQ5

For our used option, let’s stay within the bounds of normal driving habits. That means finding something under 25,000 miles or so. From a cursory search around the classifieds, it seems there are plenty of examples to choose from. Premium Plus models are shifting around for about $38,000, while the top-spec Prestige is a bit more.

With the 2016 SQ5, you get 354 horsepower and 346 lb-ft of torque mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. It matches the Porsche for grunt, that’s for sure. However, while the interior quality is excellent and it feels solid, the Ford or the Acura feel a bit more frisky and fun when the mood takes you to do some canyon carving.

Buying used, with any car, is always a bit of a gamble. If you don’t know how the person before you treated it, you may have some nasty bills in store. Since it is fairly new and luxury car owners tend to service their cars at dealers, though, maintenance may not be a huge issue. You’ll also have a bit of warranty left, which helps ease the pain of ownership.

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Which one should you buy?

When it all comes down to it, the most political answer would be “it depends.” While that’s true, my personal recommendation would be the Acura RDX A-Spec. I think it offers the best all-around option that will suit all your needs without breaking the bank. Yes, it’s the least powerful of the bunch. However, I love the way it looks as well as the way it feels, both in terms of its interior and its driving capability.

The Ford Edge ST offers the best all-around value. I’d argue it also has the most “lets have some fun” character of these four options. However, it also doesn’t carry that certain prestige some people are looking for like an Audi or a Porsche does.

Audi’s SQ5 and Porsche’s Macan S are close on paper. Makes sense, as they’re ostensibly the same car underneath. I’d lean toward the Audi for its interior appeal, and the Porsche as more of a driving tool. As far as buying used, I’m all for saving money, but put in as much due diligence as you can on the car’s history before buying.

What do you think, TFLcar community? Let Sean know which car he and his wife should buy in the poll and comments below!

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McLaren Speedtail: The $2.25 Million, 250 MPH Heir to the Original F1 [News]

By

Zach Butler

-

October 26, 2018

McLaren will only build 106 examples of its three-seater “Hyper-GT”.

Meet the ultimate McLaren road car – at least by the company’s own claim. The McLaren Speedtail takes a teardrop-shaped, carbon fiber body and marries it to McLaren’s most powerful hybrid powertrain to date. The result? A whirlpool of mind-bending numbers. 1,035 horsepower is responsible for catapulting the Speedtail to 186 mph in 12.8 seconds. Its top speed, according to McLaren, is pegged at 250 mph, and it weights just over 3,000 pounds dry. Thanks to the carbon fiber structor and active chassis control lowering the Speedtail 1.4 inches, aerodynamics is on the car’s side as it runs toward its top speed.

That’s not all, however. McLaren will limit production to just 106 units. If you want one, you’ll face two major issues. One is the last mind-bending number: the McLaren Speedtail has an eye-watering £1.75 million ($2.25 million) price tag. Plus taxes. The other slight problem is that you can’t have one. No, seriously – even if you can afford it, all 106 examples are already spoken for.

Mind you, McLaren’s first “Hyper-GT” car packs plenty of technology, including plenty of carbon fiber, to justify that asking price. The body is carbon fiber. the front-wheel aero-covers are carbon fiber. The driver’s seat is carbon fiber. Then there’s the Speedtail name and McLaren badge are formed in 18-carat white gold. On the technology front, there are two active ailerons to give the car more downforce when it’s needed. Pirelli also developed bespoke P-Zero tires specifically for this car.

Heir to McLaren’s Throne

In several ways, it pays homage to the original, 243 mph McLaren F1. That also had a three-seat layout, mind-boggling top speed and a heart-breaking price tag. When it launched in 1994, the McLaren F1 set its owners back $815,000 – or $1.4 million in today’s money.

While all 106 McLaren Speedtail models are sold out, deliveries of this barely street-legal hypercar won’t take place until 2020. The Speedtail is the first of 18 new cars McLaren will launch by 2025 under its Track25 business plan.

2019 Hyundai Tucson: What’s New And What’s Not? [Video]

By

Zach Butler

-

October 26, 2018

The 2019 Hyundai Tucson gets a facelift and loses its 1.6-liter turbocharged engine.

While the Tucson is still a fairly fresh model – the third generation debuted in 2015 – Hyundai refreshed the model for the 2019 year. With that, the company has revamped and repositioned to hit a wider price brand than the outgoing 2018 model. So what all is new, and what has stayed the same? In the video above, Roman walks around the 2019 Hyundai Tucson to chart all the changes.

Since Hyundai facelifted their compact crossover, you’d expect it to have a new face, and you’d be right. There’s the company’s new signature cascading grille, as well as a new headlight and daytime running light design. The rest of the front and rear fascias were also revamped, and there are new 18-inch wheels on the SEL. An electronic parking brake is now also standard across the range.

On the inside, the 2019 Hyundai Tucson has a revised center stack, climate control vents and a standard 7.0-inch infotainment display, rather than the old 5.0-inch system. Hyundai SmartSense, with forward collision assist, lane keep assist and driver attention warning also comes standard. As before, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay support is available, though this time it’s also available on the base SE model.

Trim level changes

The 2019 Hyundai Tucson lineup changed its trim levels from the outgoing 2018 model as well. There are only slight differences, but the shifts in trims and standard equipment has also affected the pricing. The base SE model stays, while Hyundai dropped the SEL Plus trim. The SEL is now the “Value” trim, while the former Hyundai Tucson Sport is now the SEL, and the former Value trim is now the Sport. The Limited model also remains, while the Ultimate Package becomes its own Ultimate trim for the 2019 model year.

The base 1.6-liter turbocharged engine is gone, while the 2.0-liter and 2.4-liter naturally aspirated units remain. The 2.0-liter still makes 164 horsepower and 151 lb-ft of torque. The larger 2.4-liter unit comes with 181 horsepower and 175 lb-ft of torque. Both come mated to a six-speed automatic transmission.

SE and Value models get the 2.0-liter engine as standard equipment. All other trim levels – SEL, Sport, Limited and Ultimate – get the 2.4-liter engine instead.

If you’re looking for a less expensive Tucson, the 2018 models are significantly cheaper. The 2019 Hyundai Tucson sees a price hike across the whole lineup, with the exception of the Limited and Ultimate AWD trims. The refreshed model does come with more standard equipment, but you’ll have to spend at least $650 more. In some cases, the price difference between trims – despite the shifts – comes in at $2,125 more for 2019 than 2018.

2019 Hyundai Tucson Photo Gallery (Photos: Hyundai)

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2019 Hyundai Tucson Pricing (Includes $1,045 destination)

Model	Drivetrain	2019 MSRP	2018 MSRP	Difference
SE	FWD	$24,245	$23,595	+$650
Value	FWD	$25,695	$24,845 (SEL)	+$850
SEL	FWD	$26,645	$26,195 (Sport)	+$450
Sport	FWD	$28,745	$27,595 (Value)	+$1,150
Limited	FWD	$29,945	$27,970	+$1,975
Ultimate	FWD	$32,595	$30,470 (Ltd. w/ Ultimate Pkg)	+$2,125
SE	AWD	$25,645	$24,995	+$650
Value	AWD	$27,095	$26,245 (SEL)	+$850
SEL	AWD	$28,045	$27,595 (Sport)	+$450
Sport	AWD	$30,145	$28,995 (Value)	+$1,150
Limited	AWD	$31,345	$31,870	-$525
Ultimate	AWD	$33,995	$34,370 (Ltd. w/ Ultimate Pkg)	-$375

2019 Jaguar I-Pace Review: Stealthy, Seductive, Dynamic

By

Arv Voss

-

October 25, 2018

OVERVIEW

The iconic Jaguar marque has leapt into the future with its first ever purely electric vehicle – the 2019 Jaguar I-Pace. Jaguar’s newest zero-emission crossover comes in three trim levels. There’s the base S, the upscale SE, and the top-grade HSE.

Jaguar’s first venture into the SUV marketplace was the Jaguar F-Pace, which in turn was followed by the Jaguar E-Pace. Both are compact crossovers powered by either a turbocharged inline 4-cylinder or a turbocharged V6. Now, there’s an electric offering to round out the numbers that’s longer, lower and faster than its gasoline-powered compatriots. The 2019 Jaguar I-Pace clicks off 0-60 mph in 4.5 seconds. That’s quick in its own right, and would be quicker if not for its 4,784-pound curb weight. That’s attributable in large part to the batteries, which alone weigh 1,329 pounds.

There will be those who will argue that Tesla’s Model X 75D is superior. But, the Jaguar i-Pace starts off more than $10,000 less, and offers a slightly higher driving range.

PROVOCATIVE STYLING

The i-Pace is instantly recognizable as a member of the Jaguar family. It sits low over its massive 22-inch alloy wheels with carbon fiber inserts. It’s also extremely aerodynamic, with a drag coefficient of just 0.29. That’s significantly lower than its higher-riding siblings, which both score a 0.34.

The rounded top edge of the grille directs air under the bridge of the hood, out through the functional scoop, up over the sharply raked windshield and roof, and beneath the rear wing, settling the airflow off the car’s tail. There is no rear wiper, as Jaguar explains that this airflow works in effectively clearing moisture from the streamlined rear glass.

The Jaguar design team stretched the greenhouse forward while pushing all four wheels out to the corners. The visual proportions give the I-Pace the initial appearance of a small hatchback in photos. But in person, it’s actually larger that it looks at first glance. The 2019 Jaguar I-Pace packs a wheelbase that is longer than a BMW X5, with the overall length measuring more than an inch less than an X3.

In profile, the Jaguar i-Pace displays a coupe-like presence, with pronounced wheel well arches and fenders connected to the cabin’s beltline. The rear diffuser is, as you’d expect in an electric car, devoid of exhaust outlets. Since there’s not a traditional engine, fuel or exhaust systems, the front and rear overhangs are extremely short.

2018 Jaguar I-Pace First Drive Review — [Photo: Jaguar]

COMFORT AND CONVENIENCE

The interior is both simplistic and futuristic, as well as being wide and spacious. There is plenty of headroom up front, but not quite as much in the rear. The interior is well-finished and detailed, with a symmetrical balance to the instrument panel.

Controls and switchgear are positioned for ease of use, but are not immediately intuitive. The console-mounted, button gear selectors are fine, but in place of a “B” selector for enhanced regenerative braking, there is a setting for low and high regen instead. In the high setting, one pedal operation is possible without using the brake except to come to a complete or quick stop.

The panoramic roof brightens the entire cabin, adding to its spacious feel. On the non-plus side, I was unable to find the controls for the HUD display for height and brightness level in the system, the touchscreen response could be quicker, and the visors need to be extendable to be really effective in the side position. The 2019 Jaguar I-Pace will come standard with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support.

PERFORMANCE

The motive force for the I-Pace is provided by two separate electric motors. There’s one for each axle, connected to a 90kWh battery pack. Horsepower stands at 394, while the available 512 pound-feet is available instantly, from 0 RPM. Energy from the electric motors is delivered to the driving wheels as needed via a concentric single-speed transmission.

At light load and speeds under 30 mph, the I-Pace uses only the rear-axle motor for better efficiency and less noise. When accelerating hard, the front motor engages. The car’s speakers also generate an artificial noise (called Active Sound Design) that increases in tone with speed. While that’s designed to generate at least some noise in the cabin, you can turn it off by switching from Dynamic to Calm. Doing that provides for a more serene driving experience.

Acceleration is rocket-like off the line, as with most electric vehicles. That said, the 2019 Jaguar I-Pace seems smoother and more predictable than some. Its top speed is 124 mph, at which rate you will rapidly deplete the car’s 234 mile range. Steering response is positive and delivers an on-center feel.

Air springs are standard and can raise the body 2.0 inches as an off-road mode. It can also lower itself by 1.6 inches for easier entry and exit. At speeds in excess of 65 mph, the I-Pace lowers automatically by 0.4 inches to improve aerodynamics. Given the car’s ground clearance and low mounted battery weight, the car’s stability in cornering is admirable. The ride quality is firm, but it is comfortable and compliant.

TFLCAR’S TAKE

The 2019 Jaguar I-Pace may get top marks in the electric luxury SUV department for now, but the segment is growing as we speak. More competition is coming from Audi with their e-tron, From Mercedes-Benz with the EQ line, and there’s also Porsche’s Taycan EV. Despite the other manufacturers coming on the horizon, the 2019 Jaguar I-Pace is competitively priced with an impressive level of refinement and crisp driving dynamics.

Those looking to charge their Jaguar I-Pace can do so in 40 minutes on a 100kW fast charger. On a 7kW Level 2 AC charger, it will take 12.9 hours to completely recharge the battery. The 2019 Jaguar I-Pace accommodates the standard SAE J1772 combined charging system for AC and DC charging.

Subscribe to TFLcar and TFLnow for more electric Jaguar news, views and real-world reviews!

SPECIFICATIONS: 2019 Jaguar I-Pace EV400 HSE

On Sale:	Now
Base MSRP:	$80,500
Price as Tested:	$93,830
Engine:	Dual electric motors w/ 90kWh Battery Pack
Drivetrain (Layout):	All-wheel drive
Horsepower:	394 hp @ 4,250 rpm
Torque:	512 lb-ft
Transmission:	Concentric single-speed automatic w/ selectable drive modes
Suspension:	Front: Dual wishbone and air springs Rear: Integral multi-link and air springs
Brakes:	Power-assisted four-wheel discs with regenerative braking
Tires:	Pirelli P-Zero – 255/40 R22 103V
Battery capacity:	90 kWh
Estimated Range:	Up to 234 miles (WLTP cycle)

Dimensions:

Wheelbase:	117.7 inches
Length:	184.3 inches
Width:	84.2 inches (incl. mirrors)
Height:	61.3 inches
Turning Circle:	39.3 feet
Curb Weight:	4,794 pounds

2019 Mazda CX-5 Gains 2.5L Turbo and New Trim Levels – No Diesel Engine?

By

Zach Butler

-

October 25, 2018

A leaked document shows all the available options for the 2019 Mazda CX-5.

Mazda owners and shoppers asked, and it looks like the company officially listened. We reported back in September that the 2019 Mazda CX-5 could get the 2.5-liter turbocharged SkyActiv engine, based on the Japanese model’s debut. Now, once again thanks to Reddit, we have more information on the updated model. Not only does the “Product Information Bulletin” show the engine, but it also shows pricing across the entire range. With that comes Mazda’s addition of the Grand Touring Reserve and Signature trims to the 2019 Mazda CX-5.

How much is it?

Let’s start with the most pressing question: How much does it cost to buy a 2019 Mazda CX-5 with that 2.5-liter turbo engine? In short, it won’t be cheap. That engine is only available on the new trim levels. The base Grand Touring Reserve with the 2.5T engine starts at $35,865 with a $995 destination fee. That’s $3,925 beyond where the current base Grand Touring stops. In fact, that’s $5,770 more than a Mazda6 Grand Touring with the same engine. Mind you, on the CX-5 that engine comes exclusively with all-wheel drive.

Mazda March 2018 sales report: Mazda CX-5 — [Photo: Mazda]

It’s also worth noting that it’s not just the Grand Touring Reserve and Signature that add to the CX-5’s bottom-line price. The rest of the range has gotten more expensive as well. A 2019 Mazda CX-5 Sport FWD goes for $25,345 – $200 more than the current model. The Grand Touring FWD – now in the middle of the range – costs $31,040, or $400 more than the 2018 model.

2019 Mazda CX-5 Pricing Changes (includes $995 destination)

Model	2019 Price	2018 Price	Difference
Sport (FWD)	$25,345	$25,145	+$200
Touring (FWD)	$27,610	$27,210	+$400
Grand Touring (FWD)	$31,040	$30,640	+$400
Sport (AWD)	$26,745	$26,445	+$300
Touring (AWD)	$29,010	$28,510	+$500
Grand Touring (AWD)	$32,440	$31,940	+$500
Grand Touring Reserve (AWD)	$35,865	NEW	—
Signature (AWD)	$37,885	NEW	—

2019 Mazda CX-5 Signature interior (Japanese model shown). [Photo: Mazda]

For that price, however, the 2019 Mazda CX-5 does get some nice additions. The Touring, Grand Touring, Grand Touring Reserve and Signature trims will finally get Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability. All models will get G-Vectoring Control Plus, which should aid the handling. The Grand Touring Reserve and Signature add more luxurious features to the updated CX-5, similar to what you get on the current Mazda6.

No diesel?

Despite the fact that Mazda received CARB certification for their 2.2-liter diesel, it’s noticeably absent from this bulletin. What’s more, the EPA even released fuel economy ratings, yet there’s no diesel option here. Now, the diesel may still make its way into our market, but it does face some headwinds. The 250 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque from the 2.5-liter gasoline engine is actually better than the current 2.2-liter turbodiesel on offer in Europe. It also didn’t get stellar economy ratings – only taking a slight lead over the current naturally-aspirated engine. We’ll have to wait and see what happens.

Check out the full information bulletin originally posted on Reddit. Stay tuned to TFLcar.com for more news, views and real-world, 2019 Mazda CX-5 reviews!

2019 BMW X5 Gets New M Performance Parts For A More Athletic Look [News]

By

Zach Butler

-

October 25, 2018

If you think the 2019 BMW X5 is a bit too sedate, the M Performance Parts catalog may be worth a look.

With a new generation of BMW X5 comes a new range of performance parts and accessories. BMW has expanded their M Performance Parts catalog to encompass the 2019 BMW X5, with a range of interior and exterior pieces.

Most notable from first glance are the carbon fiber elements on the exterior. BMW added an array of high-gloss pieces to make the BMW X5 look a bit more athletic. Then there’s the wheels: 20-inch Star Spoke 748 M wheels wrapped in all-terrain tires change up the stance. If 20s are too small for you, optional 22-inch matte alloy wheels are also available.

It’s not just aesthetic changes – alloy pedal covers, air intakes and what have you. There are actual performance parts as well. M Performance sport brakes add massive 19-inch front brake rotors with red painted calipers. The four-piston aluminum calipers stick out behind the matte black wheels and come adorned with “M” performance lettering.

For those wanting to actually drive their X5 hard, there’s one more piece of kit BMW offers, and it’s an app. The M Performance Drive Analyzer uses an OBD stick hooked to a smartphone app. It gives drivers dynamic data, logging and analysis options. BMW touts the system’s racing origins and offers trip recording based using your phone’s video camera and GPS logging.

The whole M Performance Parts catalog will be available as original accessories when you order a 2019 BMW X5. As with the car’s launch, these parts will be available in March 2019.

Stay tuned to TFLcar.com for more news, views and reviews of the 2019 BMW X5!

2019 BMW X5 M Performance Parts Gallery (Photos: BMW)

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2019 Hyundai Veloster N Track Review: Is “N” the New “M”?

By

Zach Butler

-

October 25, 2018

How does Hyundai’s first U.S.-market N hatch perform on the track?

Sadly for those hot hatch enthusiasts out there, examples of the breed are becoming few and far between. Ford discontinued the Focus in the U.S., so we’ll no longer have the ST or the RS to satisfy our appetites. That just left Volkswagen and Honda with the hot Golfs and Civic Type R, until now. Enter the 2019 Hyundai Veloster N – the first U.S.-market performance model from Hyundai’s new N division.

2019 Hyundai Veloster N. [Photo: Hyundai]

At the top of the brand’s N division is former BMW M head Albert Biermann. Here, he had a chance to help create the top rung of the 2019 Veloster line, with the Veloster N being the most powerful, hardcore variant. Sitting above the normal Turbo, this model has a larger 2.0-liter turbocharged engine. The N’s new heart produces 275 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. That power comes mated to a close-ratio six-speed manual transmission. Like the Civic Type R and recently departed Focus RS, the manual is your only option here.

Hyundai also tuned the Veloster N’s suspension geometry and steering for a more precise, direct feel. The car comes standard with 13.0-inch front rotors and 11.8-inch rear rotors, with even larger brakes available as an option.

2019 Hyundai Veloster N — [Photo: Hyundai]

Still an everyday hatchback

“That is, I think, the uniqueness of the Veloster N. It covers a wide range of driving character, from race track driving to going to the office every day, going to the grocery store,” Biermann says of Hyundai’s newest hot hatch. Even with all the go-faster bits, the Veloster N maintains the standard car’s 2+1 door setup and hatchback practicality. It returns 22 City / 28 Highway / 25 Combined mpg, so it’s not too hard on fuel either.

Hyundai’s first N division hatch on our shores will hit dealers later this fall. Find out more about the 2019 Hyundai Veloster N in the video above! Check out TFLcar and TFLnow for more news, views and hot hatch, hot lap reviews.

Porsche Taycan Prototypes Spied Benchmarking Tesla Model S In the Italian Alps [Video]

By

Zach Butler

-

October 24, 2018

A few months ago, Porsche said that Tesla was “not a benchmark” for them.

Lucky bystander and Tesla Model S owner Frank Cooreman caught a couple Porsche Taycan test mules atop Stelvio Pass in Italy. That’s interesting enough news in its own right, but the clincher came with the other vehicles that were also there when Cooreman stopped to snap a few photos. Despite Porsche’s earlier claim, reported by Electrek, that “Tesla is not a benchmark for us”, it appears that’s not the case. Porsche CEO Oliver Blume seems to be eyeing Tesla intently with the Taycan, if the video below is any evidence.

According to another Electrek report, Cooreman spotted Porsche engineers driving the Tesla Model S. In fact, they were benchmarking the older Model S against the Taycan test mules as part of the Taycan’s development. In all likelihood, engineers were comparing energy consumption of the Taycan as well as regenerative braking tests down the mountain.

Here’s what we know about the Taycan so far. Porsche confirmed the car will have two electric motors that make it good for at least 600 horsepower. You’d expect acceleration to be blistering, and Porsche pegged its 0-60 figure at 3.5 seconds. Not only that, but drivers may be able to run up to 310 miles for every charge. When the Taycan does run out, it will charge up to 80 percent in 15 minutes. Of course, that’s provided there’s a fast charger available that can pump out that level of juice. Porsche aims to sell 20,000 Taycans every year from the point it goes on sale – likely next year.

The video below has since been reposted on the Taycan forums. Here, Cooreman caught the Taycans and Model S as they made their way down the switchbacks of Stelvio Pass.

[Video credit: Frank Cooreman]

The performance crossover segment is growing, but which is the best one for your money?

Considering the options

New: 2019 Acura RDX A-Spec

New: 2019 Ford Edge ST

New(ish): 2018 Porsche Macan S

Used: 2016 Audi SQ5

Which one should you buy?

McLaren will only build 106 examples of its three-seater “Hyper-GT”.

Heir to McLaren’s Throne

The 2019 Hyundai Tucson gets a facelift and loses its 1.6-liter turbocharged engine.

Trim level changes

2019 Hyundai Tucson Pricing (Includes $1,045 destination)

OVERVIEW

PROVOCATIVE STYLING

COMFORT AND CONVENIENCE

PERFORMANCE

TFLCAR’S TAKE

SPECIFICATIONS: 2019 Jaguar I-Pace EV400 HSE

Dimensions:

A leaked document shows all the available options for the 2019 Mazda CX-5.

How much is it?

2019 Mazda CX-5 Pricing Changes (includes $995 destination)

No diesel?

If you think the 2019 BMW X5 is a bit too sedate, the M Performance Parts catalog may be worth a look.

How does Hyundai’s first U.S.-market N hatch perform on the track?

Still an everyday hatchback

A few months ago, Porsche said that Tesla was “not a benchmark” for them.

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