2019 Cadillac CT6-V Features Brand’s First Exclusive Engine Since Northstar, Plus More Performance Upgrades [Video]

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March 29, 2018

Cadillac recently announced a “V” version of its flagship sedan – featuring the brand’s first exclusive engine since the Northstar

CORRECTION 3/29/18: Earlier rumors suggested the CT6-V’s engine would find its way into the C8 Corvette. Cadillac CEO Johan de Nysschen denounced the rumor, stating this engine would remain exclusive to the brand.

UPDATE: Updated to reflect the CT6 V-Sport’s name change to the “CT6-V”.

Recently, Cadillac announced their range-topping CT6 V-Sport sedan. Packing 550 horsepower and 627 lb-ft of torque, the company seeks to woo performance shoppers. On the surface, the numbers suggest to onlookers, “Look! We can M5 too!”. Now, whether or not that comparison is apt will have to wait until we get a 2019 CT6-V to test back in Colorado.

[Photo: Cadillac]

So what’s under the hood of the CT6-V to make that kind of power? Cadillac introduced a 4.2-liter V8 with not one, but two turbochargers. That follows the spirit of the M5, as the M5 has a 4.4-liter, twin-turbocharged V8. Unlike Cadillacs of yesteryear, the 2019 CT6-V bucks “ain’t no substitute for cubes” philosophy by bringing some boost to the equation. The standard CT6 is getting this engine as well, albeit in detuned form. In the normal CT6, this engine will produce 500 horsepower and 553 lb-ft of torque. Whichever version you get, that engine will hook up to a 10-speed automatic transmission.

The Cadillac CT6-V’s 4.4-liter, twin-turbocharged V8. [Photo: Cadillac]

Packaging the engine in the 2019 Cadillac CT6-V

Packaging was also important with this new engine. Cadillac touts the CT6-V’s engine’s top-mounted turbochargers as a reason to celebrate. Bucking normal turbo tradition, they placed the turbochargers inside the two cylinder heads – in the middle of the “V” – to combat turbo lag. However, that also makes the engine, as a whole, more compact, which serves an important role in a mid-engined application. It’s worth noting that this is also Cadillac’s first twin-turbo V8, as the 6.2-liter V8 in the CTS-V is supercharged.

This will be a limited production engine built at GM’s Bowling Green, Kentucky assembly plant. While that was a glimmer of hope for Corvette fans hoping this engine would power the C8 Corvette, we have some bad news. Cadillac’s CEO all but debunked the rumor during Cadillac’s press conference at the New York Auto Show. He stated this engine would remain exclusively inside the brand.

What do you think? Let us know in the comments! Subscribe to The Fast Lane Car and TFLnow for more news, views, and real-world reviews. Check out our other coverage of the 2018 New York Auto Show! If you enjoy our content, please consider donating to TFL’s Patreon!

CT6 V-Sport could pack C8 Corvette's engine — [Photo: Cadillac]

2019 Audi A6 Hits New York with Turbo Engine and Brand’s Latest Design, Technology [Video]

By

Zach Butler

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March 29, 2018

The 2019 Audi A6 gets a new engine and a tech upgrade

After the Audi A8’s reveal at the LA Auto Show last December and the 2019 A7’s reveal in Detroit this January, Audi’s march to revamp its sedan lineup continues. Now, at the New York Auto Show, we have the 2019 Audi A6. This sedan originally debuted in Geneva, but this is the first time we’re seeing it on our shores. Apart from taking on its larger sibling’s design, the new A6 has a new engine and a host of tech upgrades as well.

First, the new engine. Instead of the supercharged powerplants of older generations, there’s a new heart in the 2019 Audi A6. It’s a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 putting out 340 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. Not content with just introducing the new engine, the A6 also adopts the 48-volt mild hybrid assist system from the larger A8 and A7 as well. Apart from propulsion, Audi has introduced a new damping system and a more direct steering setup.

The tech is where the 2019 Audi A6 has really seen an update. In the center console, there’s now two touch screens in place of the old rotary dial setup for the MMI infotainment system. Again, that’s tech borrowed from the A6’s larger siblings. The interface controls more like a smartphone, where you can take certain functions and make them favorites, so they’re always easily accessible. The 2019 Audi A6 also processes voice commands through pre-stored data in the cloud. Audi’s MMI system does support Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

We expect the 2019 Audi A6 to go on sale later this year. There’s been no specific mention of pricing yet, but we should have that information closer to launch. Stay tuned for more updates! Subscribe to The Fast Lane Car and TFLnow for more coverage of the 2018 New York Auto Show. If you enjoy our content, please consider donating to TFL on Patreon!

Getting It While You Can: Ford 2019 Mustang Bullitt Orders Start from $46,595 [Video]

By

Zach Butler

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March 28, 2018

If you wanted a 2019 Mustang Bullitt, Now is Your Chance to Buy One

UPDATE 3/29/18: Ford conformed the Bullitt’s starting price at $46,565 plus a $900 destination charge. The total MSRP is $47,495.

Back in Detroit, Ford surprised onlookers by revealing the newly-resurrected 2019 Mustang Bullitt. Based on the eponymous 1968 film, this latest interpretation, complete in Dark Highland Green, is now up for sale. The Mustang Bullitt includes a classic cue ball shifter as well a the Premium GT and Performance packages. It’s a Mustang that makes a statement, and Ford just announced that such a statement is now available to order.

Ford started the Mustang Bullitt’s pricing at $47,495 (including destination charges). It definitely rings in a bit lower than the first 2019 Mustang Bullitt. Of course, that one sold for $300,000 at Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale, and all the proceeds went to charity. So what do you get for your money? There’s a bit more going on under the skin than just an aesthetic package here. There’s a Shelby GT350 intake manifold, and an 87-millimeter throttle body and different calibrations to the engine over a normal Mustang GT. The net result? More power.

2019 Ford Mustang Bullitt ordering opens — [Photo: Ford]

In fact, the Mustang Bullitt pushes out 480 horsepower and 420 lb-ft of torque to the rear wheels. Not only that, but it can manage a top speed of 163 MPH, or 8 MPH faster than the standard Mustang GT. The Bullitt also has unique 19-inch aluminum wheels and red-painted Brembo brake calipers.

According to Ford, customers are clamoring to get their hands on what is, or at least what alludes to, a piece of automotive and cinema history. Stay tuned to TFLcar.com for more special edition car news! Subscribe to The Fast Lane Car and TFLnow on YouTube for more news, views, and real-world reviews.

If you enjoy our content, please consider supporting TFL by donating to our Patreon account! We strive to create great content, but that’s only possible with your help!

2019 Mustang Bullitt ordering opens — [Photo: Ford]

Genesis Goes All-Electric with Essentia Concept GT [News]

By

Zach Butler

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March 28, 2018

With the Genesis Essentia Concept, the brand’s moving into battery electric territory.

With a run of big-engined sedans, you might think the farthest thing from Genesis’ mind would be an electric car. But, as today’s unveiling at the New York Auto Show proves, you’d be incorrect about that. In fact, Genesis has taken their “athletic elegance” design and dreamt up this: the Essentia Concept. With a low, sleek, swooping design, it looks the part of a grand tourer. But there’s a twist – this one’s electric.

The concept takes the brand’s signature grille and pairs it with thin laser optical LED lights and enormous bronze wheels. But it’s not all about performance, as Genesis hangs on to its luxury car roots in marketing this vehicle. Manfred Fitzgerald, Genesis’ global brand head, states,

“We understand our obligation as a luxury car manufacturer to create objects of desire, sparking passion and inspiration by emphasizing a culture while exceeding expectations in terms of technology and connectivity, bringing our outside world seamlessly to the inside of the vehicle.”

On the technology front, the Essentia Concept takes a minimalist approach. Most in-car functions are relegated to touchscreens, and even then, it’s all sunken into the dashboard. Genesis was aiming for a design vision that focused mostly on the driver, and that involved getting rid of most of the car’s buttons. The 8-inch cluster in front of the driver, for instance, is operated by a “jewel-like central controller”. The Essentia concept also has butterfly doors, which makes it a bit easier to get into the back.

Performance is allegedly brisk

The Genesis Essentia Concept wouldn’t be a true grand tourer without offering at least decent performance. Exact power figures aren’t available on this concept, but the company “estimates” it will do zero to 60 in 3.0 seconds. Unfortunately, we don’t know any other performance statistics on this battery electric GT at the moment, either.

Stay tuned to TFLcar.com for more updates from the 2018 New York Auto Show. Subscribe to The Fast Lane Car and TFLnow for more production car and concept news, views, and real-world reviews. If you enjoy our consent, consider donating to TFL on Patreon!

2019 Audi RS 5 Sportback: Performance Takes Practicality For a 444 Horsepower Ride [Video]

By

Michael Curtis

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March 28, 2018

New from the 2018 New York International Auto show is the 2019 Audi RS 5 Sportback. This vehicle brings the performance of Audi’s RS division to the convenience of the A5 Sportback platform. Ultimately, the sportback version is a very similar package to the regular RS 5, although it has an additional two doors and a hatchback.

Powerplant

Under the hood of the 2019 Audi RS 5 Sportback is the same 2.9-liter twin-turbocharged V6 that lives under the hood of the coupe version. It still produces 444 horsepower and 443 lb-ft of torque. Power is sent to all four wheels through an 8-speed automatic transmission, as is the case with the coupe.

According to Audi, the sportback will hit 60 MPH in under 4-seconds, like its sibling vehicle.

Practicality

Of course the one thing that notably separates the RS 5 Sportback from the coupe is the fact that this vehicle offers two extra doors and a sportback hatch. While the RS 5 Coupe does have a relatively usable back seat, it is not exactly easy to get into. Furthermore, the Sportback design offers a lot more cargo space over the coupe. Audi says the Sportback has 21.8 cu-ft of space with the seats not folded, whereas the coupe has just 9.5 cu-ft in the same configuration.

Pricing and MPG have not yet been announced. Please be sure to stay tuned to TFLcar and TFLnow for more information on the 2019 Audi RS 5 Sportback and catch our coverage of the 2018 New York International Auto Show!

Also, if you enjoy watching our content, please come support us on Patreon. Motor Trend has left YouTube in favor of paid content. We want to keep our content free for our viewers. However, in order to keep doing that, we need some of you to give us a little extra help! Our goal is to reach $5,000 by the end of the month so that we can keep providing the awesome free content for you guys to enjoy.

Roman has already had a chance to review the 2019 RS 5 Coupe. Functionally, these two vehicles will drive very similarly, so to get an idea for what the sportback will be like, be sure to watch the video below:

The 2019 Nissan Altima is Here, with Variable Compression and Semi-Autonomous Tech [News]

By

Zach Butler

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March 28, 2018

Nissan has unveiled their sixth-generation Nissan sedan at the 2018 New York Auto Show

In the sedan world, the three best-selling midsize sedans are the Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, and this: the Nissan Altima. The current generation has been around since 2012, and received a facelift in 2016. However, with the recent updates of both the Camry and the Accord, it was time for Nissan to come in with an all-new design. Today, we were finally able to see how that new design looks. The Altima is one of the best-selling nameplates in Nissan’s stable, so it’s important they get this redesign right, but what all has changed? TFL is on-hand at this year’s New York Auto Show to show you everything you need to know about the 2019 Nissan Altima.

2019 Nissan Altima – Design

The all-new Nissan Altima took design cues from their Vmotion 2.0 concept, which featured at the 2017 North American International Auto Show. The car evokes Nissan’s latest signature design elements, including the distinctive V-shaped grille, a floating roof and boomerang headlights. The 2019 Nissan Altima’s exterior design also gives it a slippery aerodynamic profile, with a drag coefficient of just 0.26.

With this new design language, Nissan went for an altogether more angular presence than the swooping, curved design of the previous generation. Nissan’s senior Vice President of Global Design states, “[The Nissan Rogue’s redesign] gave us the opportunity to rethink the Altima outside the traditional sedan design box and create something more exciting and yet more sophisticated.”

The 2019 Nissan Altima is 1.2 inches lower in height (56.7 inches), 1.6 inches longer in length (192.9 inches) and an inch wider (72.9 inches) than the outgoing model. The interior has also seen a major redesign, the highlights of which are a 7.0-inch “Advanced Drive Assist Display” in the instrument cluster, one visual representation of Nissan’s ProPilot Assist system, and the 8.0-inch infotainment display with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay support.

2019 Nissan Altima – Powertrain

Gone is the 3.5-liter V6 from the lineup. We thought it might make its way over into the new generation, but it turns out that isn’t actually the case. Instead, we get two new engines. One is the same size as before – a 2.5-liter naturally aspirated inline-four, while the other the V6’s replacement. Instead of the larger engine, we get the company’s 2.0-liter VC-Turbo variable compression engine, first displayed in the 2019 Infiniti QX50. Both engines come mated to Nissan’s Xtronic Continuously Variable Transmission.

The VC-Turbo engine offers similar performance to the outgoing V6. It’s down on horsepower, but chucks out more torque The 2.0-liter turbocharged engine runs at compression ratios between 8:1 and 14:1 depending on engine load and driving conditions. At its top end, the engine puts out 248 horsepower at 5,600 RPM and 278 lb-ft of torque at 4,000 RPM on premium fuel. By comparison, the old V6 put out 270 horsepower and 251 lb-of torque. The engine is more compact than the larger unit, so that should help on the NVH (noice, vibration, and harshness) front.

Additionally to the VC-Turbo, we get a new version of the Altima’s 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. In this application, it makes 188 horsepower at 6,000 RPM and 180 lb-ft of torque at 3,600 RPM. The previous generation’s 2.5-liter unit put out 179 horsepower and 177 lb-ft of torque. Official fuel economy figures haven’t been released for either engine yet, but we should see some figures soon.

First ever for Altima – All-wheel drive

Now, for the 2019 Altima, you’ll be able to spec all-wheel drive. In response to customer demand in the northern states, Nissan’s decided to include the system in their most popular sedan. That ought to keep some drivers in the Altima, instead of losing those customers to compact SUVs. Before, those customers would have to go that route because no all-wheel drive system was available in the Altima.

The system is only available in the 2.5-liter engine. Nissan made no mention of its appearance in the 2.0-liter VC-Turbo configuration. The system uses an “advanced torque split control strategy” to distribute torque up to 50:50 between the front and rear. In most normal circumstances, the car sends 100% of the power to the front wheels.

ProPilot Assist Makes Its Way to the Altima

As Nissan’s lineup is refreshed, so too does their semi-autonomous ProPilot Assist system make its way into the cars. That’s the case with the 2019 Altima, as well. It’s standard on the SV, SL, and Platinum trim levels. A new feature for the 2019 model year is Rear Automatic Braking, where the car detects stationary or moving objects while backing up, and brakes for you.

Other safety features included as part of the ProPilot Assist suite in the 2019 Nissan Altima are Automatic Emergency Braking, Forward Collision Warning, and a driver alertness feature, in addition to Blind Spot Monitoring, Lane Keep Assist, and Adaptive Cruise Control. There’s also Rear Cross Traffic Alert and High Beam Assist Systems.

The 2019 Nissan Altima will go on sale in five trim levels – S, SR, SV, SL and Platinum. Reservations open up in early summer 2018, with full sales starting later this year.

Stay tuned to TFLcar.com for more updates! Subscribe to The Fast Lane Car and TFLnow for more coverage from the 2018 New York Auto Show. If you enjoy our content, please consider donating to our Patreon page!

Mucho Macho Jeep Nacho Concept Driven [Video]

By

Nathan Adlen

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March 28, 2018

The Nacho Jeep concept. Photo via: TFLcar

The Nacho Jeep is a bright yellow rolling parts catalog

Covered in a thick layer of Jeep Performance Parts accessories (like nacho-cheese sauce over), the Nacho Jeep concept was a rolling smorgasbord of upgrade ideas. Jeep Performance Parts had over 200 components available for the Wrangler JL even before the JL went to market. The Nacho Jeep concept wears many of these parts, which look pretty good on the “Nacho-yellow” color of this concept.

What started life as a Jeep Wrangler JL two-door, now lives as a beefy off-roader with a two-inch lift and a meaty 37-inch tire on each corner. No mechanical upgrades were applied to the 2-liter turbocharged engine, or the eight-speed automatic transmission.

While these LED lights are still in prototype stage, Jeep Performance Parts says its a good chance that these will be in their catalogue soon! [Photo: TFLcar]

Two-inch tube doors, a prototype hood, over a dozen lights and other off-road accessories help the Nacho Jeep concept look like something out of a SEMA show. It all comes together in a fun and very drivable package. It drove so good in fact, I was surprised few of the other prototype concepts drove quite as good as the Nacho Jeep.

In this video, you will see Roman and Nathan enjoying some light off-roading while getting a feel for how the Nacho Jeep concept drives. This is just the first of many TFLcar and TFLtruck videos from our Jeep Week series. We will have more prototypes/concepts, driving adventures and more – coming soon!

If you enjoy our content, please consider donating to TFL on Patreon. We work hard to create as much entertaining content as we can, but that’s only possible with your support. Thanks for watching!

A New Cadillac for $36K? With the 2019 XT4, it’s Possible [News]

By

Zach Butler

-

March 28, 2018

Cadillac unveils its smallest crossover yet – the 2019 XT4

Several luxury brands are fighting to create a lower barrier to entry for newer – millennial, basically – customers to join their ranks. We have the BMW X1, Audi Q3, Mercedes-Benz GLA, Infiniti QX30, and the Volvo XC40 to name a few. Then, newly joining the fight in this segment, there’s the Lexus UX, and now Cadillac’s latest offering: the 2019 XT4 crossover.

Riding atop the brand’s global “Y” platform, the XT4 is meant to provide a means by which younger customers or those who want to downsize can still have a “Cadillac” experience. Even the 2019 XT4’s base model is the “Luxury”, while higher echelons exist as well. Over that trim level, there’s the Premium Luxury and Sport trims, depending on your tastes. All are powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with a nine-speed automatic and cylinder deactivation. Cadillac refers to the later as “Active Fuel Management”.

From the front and even moving around to the back, the XT4 takes on its big brother’s styling cues. It looks a lot like the XT5, just smaller, as you’d well expect. The 2019 XT4 will be available in eight exterior colors from launch.

Interior touches

Even in the smallest luxury crossovers today, you can get a fair amount of features. The 2019 XT4 is available this fall – with preorders starting now – from $35,790 and up. For that, you can get an 8.0-inch touchscreen display with NFC (Near Field Communication) support for phone pairing, and 15-watt wireless charging. There are as many USB ports as there are cylinders, and three 12-volt power ports as well. You can get SD-card enabled navigation, a 360-degree camera system, and a rear view mirror camera as well, as seen in the larger CT6. The 2019 XT4 gets the latest version of the “Cadillac User Experience” (or CUE) infotainment interface.

Performance

The 2019 XT4 has a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine, as mentioned before. At 237 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, the XT4 is on par with the likes of the Volvo XC40 for power. With that nine-speed transmission, Cadillac is claiming highway mileage up to 30 MPG. However, official EPA estimates aren’t available just yet. The XT4 has strut-type front suspension and five-link rear suspension to help it corner, as well as an available twin-clutch all-wheel drive system. If you opt for the Sport trim level, you get an active suspension that adjusts the damping every 2 milliseconds, according to Cadillac.

Stay tuned to TFLcar.com for more updates! Subscribe to The Fast Lane Car and TFLnow on YouTube for more coverage of the 2018 New York Auto Show. If you enjoy our content, please consider donating to our Patreon page. We’re working hard to create more and better content than ever, but that’s only possible with your support!

Cadillac recently announced a “V” version of its flagship sedan – featuring the brand’s first exclusive engine since the Northstar

Packaging the engine in the 2019 Cadillac CT6-V

The 2019 Audi A6 gets a new engine and a tech upgrade

If you wanted a 2019 Mustang Bullitt, Now is Your Chance to Buy One

With the Genesis Essentia Concept, the brand’s moving into battery electric territory.

Performance is allegedly brisk

Powerplant

Practicality

Nissan has unveiled their sixth-generation Nissan sedan at the 2018 New York Auto Show

2019 Nissan Altima – Design

2019 Nissan Altima – Powertrain

First ever for Altima – All-wheel drive

ProPilot Assist Makes Its Way to the Altima

The Nacho Jeep is a bright yellow rolling parts catalog

Cadillac unveils its smallest crossover yet – the 2019 XT4

Interior touches

Performance

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