According to the letter, which was given to a TFLcar staffer, the buybacks are supposed to start in mid October. The website for the settlement will be updated on July 26 with more information for owners.
Repairs are expected to start in the first quarter of 2017, and additional unspecified offers are expected to be offered to owners.
Here is the full text of the letter below:
Hello Everyone!
Got Back from my Volkswagen TDI meeting in Dallas late Wednesday night and spent most of yesterday trying to get caught up.
Here is what I have learned :
Buy backs and cash settlements are expected to start in mid October. Volkswagen would like to start sooner but there are other people involved in this process other than Volkswagen and some of the infrastructure needs to be put in place to comply with the terms of the agreements.
The current website portal (see below) will be modified and will go live July 26th. There will be contact numbers for customer support as well as more specific details of what to expect for your vehicle.
Volkswagen expects to offer additional incentives to returning Volkswagen owners. (They still did not have specific details.)
Volkswagen will, in this process, be paying any loan payoffs directly to your lien holders.
TDI owners will need to scan documents (i.e. title, current registration and other documents) to Volkswagen directly. We will help anyone that needs help with this as well.
Looks like repairs will begin for most cars in the first 3 months of 2017 (Gen 3 will be last 3 months 2017)
We still have a lot of question ourselves that we will hopefully get answers to once the web portal opens up. I have spoken to or emailed a lot of you personally, I do want to Thank You again for your patience in all of this.
Our hope all along was that our customers and employees would get to a better place. Hopefully with this agreement now moving forward we all will begin to move to that better place very soon!
Both vehicles start around $39,000, making the comparison a level playing field right out of the gate.
When comparing both luxury SUVs, the Mercedes has a 2-liter, turbocharged, four-cylinder engine that makes 250 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque. For the Cadillac, that vehicle comes with a 3.6 liter V6 that makes 310 horsepower and 271 lb-ft of torque.
Nathan soon discovered both have their pros and cons. The Mercedes has less room in the trunk area while the Cadillac offers slightly more space.
The Mercedes has power and superior steering feel, but wind noise from the mirrors can be distracting. Although the Cadillac is nicely designed, some parts feel less than luxurious having been outfitted with cheap plastic components.
So which one does Nathan like best? Find out by watching the full TFLcar video above.
Following the tragic death of an Ohio man who was killed while his TeslaModel S was in autopilot it is obvious autonomous cars are not ready for prime time. But they are getting closer every year. Many vehicles, luxury or otherwise, now come with the building blocks necessary for autonomous driving capability. In the video above we take a look at the technologies and give them a brief test in a Mercedes-BenzGLC300.
#3: Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM)
The name says it all. Blind Spot Monitoring keeps track of vehicles that are lurking to the sides and slightly behind you. Properly adjusting your side mirrors can actually eliminate blind spots but most people prefer to watch the side of their own car. If you just move the side mirrors out until you can see the lanes on either side of you, blind spots become a thing of the past.
But I digress, this is not a lecture about mirror adjustment and BSM will only make my argument less relevant. Most systems work by first giving the driver a visual indication that an object is in their blind spot. If the driver uses a turn signal to indicate a turn the system often gives an audible warning.
#2 Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
Perhaps the most useful of the three features here, ACC allows a driver to set a speed and then focus on steering. The system will brake if the vehicle in front slows down and then resume the predetermined speed as the situation allows. The most advanced systems can bring a vehicle to a dead stop if necessary. Many, though, will warn the driver that human interaction is required if it is unable to safely brake as needed.
#1 Lane Keep Assist (LKA)
Not to be confused with Lane Departure Warning – which is exactly what it sounds like – Lane Keep Assist systems usually monitor lines in the road and will actively steer a car back towards the center of the lane if it notices too much drifting towards one side or the other. LKA is often tied into Lane Departure Warning to work as a multi-tiered approach to keep drivers in their lanes.
The combination of the three systems above should serve as the foundation on which to develop fully autonomous cars. They can “see” other cars via BSM, control the accelerator and brakes via ACC, and steer as needed with LKA. The technologies certainly have their limitations. For example, for Lane Keep Assist to work, lane lines must be visible and well defined. If there’s some mud or dirt on the road, you may as well forget about it. It also confuses these systems if a lane opens up into an exit lane. Don’t worry, we are still a ways off until driving becomes obsolete but it’s certainly coming.
Check out the video at the top of the page to see these systems in action.
With the recent news of the U.K. Top Gearlosing one of its main hosts, Chris Evans, a new teaser of The Grand Tour is perfectly timed. The combination of James May, Jeremy Clarkson, and Richard Hammond has been missing in our lives since Clarkson was fired for assault on the set of the trio’s old show.
The chemistry between the hosts is something that cannot be duplicated and was the reason the old Top Gear was such a success, and the reason The Grand Tour on Amazon will also be a hit. I’m not sure if anybody would notice if the clip above was void of any cars. All that’s needed to make an entertaining show is these guys standing around giggling like to school girls and cracking wise with each other. Of course, a little vehicle destruction doesn’t hurt.
The Grand Tour on Amazon comes out in the fall on Amazon. Until then, watch these clips over and over and over…and over.
Aspen, CO – The Jaguar XE compact sports sedan made a limited global debut as an all-new 2016 model at the 2014 Geneva Motor Show. Now, the 2017 model Jaguar XE stages its entry into both the American and Canadian marketplaces, following the receipt of over 40 awards covering design, packaging and dynamic performance characteristics.
New features and updates for this latest iteration XE include an optional torque-on-demand all-wheel drive; new infotainment and driver assistance technologies such as a driver condition monitor and the added convenience of Apple Watch connectivity.
The new Jaguar XE provides a new entry vehicle for the marque, making it available to a new and younger buyer in search of British luxury, refinement and performance attributes, with an aggressive starting price point of $34,900. When outfitted with similar options, an XE 35t represents savings of from $3,500 to $7,000 over its key German counterparts at Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz.
There are three powertrains that are available in both rear and all-wheel drive configurations, although all-wheel drive is only optionally available on 20d and 35t models. The Jaguar XE 25t is powered by a 2.0-liter, 240 horsepower GTDI gas engine; the XE 20d draws its motive force from a 2.0-liter, 180 horsepower Ingenium diesel; and the XE 35t moves courtesy of a 3.0-liter, supercharged V6 gas engine that delivers 340 horses. The latter engine is shared with the Jaguar F-Type and accelerates from 0-60 mph in 5.1 seconds, with an electronically limited top speed of 155 mph.
All Jaguar XE models feature a ZF eight-speed automatic transmission controlled by the Jaguar rotary shifter and steering wheel shift paddles. Trim levels will include a base XE, XE Premium, XE Prestige and XE R-Sport.
Construction of the Jaguar XE is aluminum-intensive (75 percent), and it’s the first model developed from the new Jaguar/Land Rover modular vehicle architecture. Large front air intakes, satin chrome side vents, gloss black side window surrounds, side sills, discreet rear spoiler and optional 20-inch forged alloy wheels give the R-Sport trim level a look that reinforces its performance potential.
The interior provides pleasing levels of comfort and spaciousness. Exquisite materials and finishes, combined with traditional Jaguar craftsmanship, serve up an incomparable cabin.
The Jaguar XE is equipped with electric power steering tuned to provide a responsive and feel and feedback, offering improved efficiency over hydraulic systems.
The XE was developed using an all-new modular architecture making it possible to deliver ideal proportions, with short front and rear overhangs and, a dynamic cab-rearward stance. It displays both a low, sporty driving position and a sleek, coupe-like profile.
The hood is strongly-sculpted, creating a taut, muscular appearance, and the rising waistline adds to the sense of movement, while the execution of the rear quarters takes inspiration from the F-Type coupe. The signature J-Blade daytime running lights are a recognizable Jaguar design element, while the rear lights feature a horizontal line intersecting a circle; a powerful styling feature inherited from the iconic E-Type.
The spacious cabin envelops front seat passengers with a deep center console, creating a cockpit-like feel. Generous amounts of head and legroom for both front and rear seat occupants featuring fine-grain leathers and details such as contrasting twin-needle stitching for a bespoke quality. A choice of gloss black, textured aluminum, and contemporary wood veneers enhance the XE’s luxurious, hand-crafted feel, with the available ambient lighting offering a range of up to 10 colors.
The XE offers a suite of advanced driver assistance systems designed to assist the driver. A new system Jaguar calls All Surface Progress Control works like a low-speed cruise control, functioning between two mph and 19 mph, designed to precisely control brake and powertrain systems delivering optimum traction in a variety of road conditions.
An optional laser head-up display (HUD) technology provides the driver with information such as speed and navigation instructions by projecting high-contrast color images onto the windshield, keeping the driver’s eyes on the road.
The XE features stereo camera technology, which serves as the “eyes” of the optional autonomous emergency braking system. Sensors in this system provide measurements of speed and distance of objects ahead and can initiate full braking to avoid or mitigate a collision. The stereo camera also performs traffic sign recognition and lane departure warning functions. Other systems including adaptive cruise control, closing vehicle sensing, blind spot monitoring, semi-automated parallel and perpendicular parking, and reverse traffic detection are optionally available as well.
The all-new Jaguar InControl infotainment system offered on the XE features an eight-inch capacitive touchscreen which delivers a clear, intuitive interface with fast response times. InControl Touch supports Bluetooth, audio streaming and USB connectivity. The Jaguar XE can also be fitted with an SD card-based navigation system, and Jaguar InControl Apps allows users to seamlessly access and control a number of smartphone apps through the vehicle’s touchscreen. Jaguar InControl Remote functionality allows users of iOS and Android smartphones to connect to the car remotely to control car functions, including deactivating the alarm, locking or unlocking the doors, remote heating or cooling the cabin through engine start. Two Meridian audio systems are available.
During the national product press launch, I was able to log seat time in both an XE 20d R-Sport and a 35t in Prestige trim. Both were equipped with AWD. The 20d R-Sport was base priced at $49,000 while options bumped the final tally to $61,885. The 35t started at $48,100 with a final sticker of $59,545.
The 2017 Jaguar XE compact sports sedan offers a selection of 19 vehicle variants, allowing the consumer to choose the engine, trim level and drive configuration to suit their taste and budget. There are also a host of available optional features and equipment along with color choices for both the interior and exterior. The available lineup serves as the perfect affordable entry into the Jaguar family.
Both model XEs tested performed flawlessly across the board in terms of acceleration, handling characteristics and ride quality. The diesel powered XE 20d is quite impressive and totally adequate, and is also virtually imperceptible as a diesel. The XE 35t obviously serves up more power and a higher level of performance.
All XE models available with Jaguar EliteCare, an all-new best-in-class 5-year/60,000 mile customer care and warranty program, which consists of a new vehicle warranty, 24-hour roadside assistance, complimentary scheduled maintenance and Jaguar InControl Remote and Protect.
In the final analysis, the 2017 Jaguar XE compact sport sedan is essentially a delight to behold and to drive.
EPA Mileage Estimates: TBD mpg city / TBD mpg highway
The 2017 Jaguar XE Sport Compact Sedan is expected to fare well when compared to other similarly equipped vehicles, although Audi, BMW and Mercedes loyalists will likely still prefer their own marques.
Check out this related TFLcar video of everything you want to know about the 2017 Jaguar XE sedan:
The 2017 Chevy CamaroZL1 will go on sale sometime at the end of this year, but why wait to see it on the road when we recently caught and spied it high altitude testing in the Rocky Mountains?
Here are the facts that we know:
The 2017 Chevy Camaro ZL1 will have a supercharged monster V-8 packing 640 horsepower and 640 lb-ft of torque. That’s not quite up to the Dodge Hellcat’s 707 horsepower, but it easily exceeds the current Mustang GT350’s horsepower.
We also know that the new ZL1 will be lighter than the outgoing model because the current Camaro is 200 pounds lighter than the previous model, according to Chevy.
The 2017 Chevy Camaro ZL1 will come with either a six-speed manual transmission or a (wait for it) 10-speed automatic. Also, the new car comes with GM’s full line of performance tech including magnetorheological dampers, electronically controlled limited-slip differential and the company’s performance traction management system.
Of course you can’t see any of these features in the video above but you can see the car on the road. Too bad that there was too much traffic and wind noise to capture the car’s exhaust note but Nathan and Brian did a great job in hunting down this ultimate new Camaro. Please let us know what you think of the new car in the comments below.
Roughly one week ago, the world lost its collective mind as Pokemon GO was released for iOS and Android. For those not familiar with the downloadable game, it is an augmented reality app that uses a phone’s camera and GPS to allow players to find and capture virtual characters, train them, and then fight them.
Sounds awesome, right? What it really does is turn otherwise functioning adults into zombie-like creatures wandering the streets in search of virtual creatures. The game has also been used to lure victims into getting mugged, businesses have been overridden with “customers” who are there only to find characters, two teenagers were shot at while playing at 1:30am, and two guys in Encinitas, California fell off a cliff after walking past a “NO TRESPASSING” sign and a “DO NOT CROSS” sign while playing.
That’s all terrible but what is perhaps the most disturbing aspect of the game is that Pokemon characters also appear on highways for commuters to snatch up. The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) frequently updates its highway signs to be relevant and humorous so people pay attention to them. The latest is seen above. It reads, “BEWARE THE POKEMON! DON’T GAME AND DRIVE!” to remind people that staying alive takes priority over video games. CDOT is also credited with the expression “GET YOUR HEAD OUT OF YOUR APP AND PAY ATTENTION.”
Good on you, CDOT. Video games are great and all but enough is enough. When it causes unintentional cliff diving, getting shot, or taking your eyes off the road, it might be time to re-evaluate a few things. Hey, on the bright side, I heard if you resist the first three characters that appear you’ll get a chance to get Pikachu!
Instead of Pokemon characters, we like to look for new cars or prototype test vehicles in the Rocky Mountains. Check these Chevy Camaro ZL1s recently spotted up near the Continental Divide.
It is virtually impossible to make the internet happy. No matter how much time and effort goes into making a video that the YouTube community can watch for free (save for a little time spent sitting through a quick ad), there’s always an unimpressed arse in the comments section.
One of our favorites is “pfft, my Civic can do that!” Towing up a 7% grade? Off-roading in mud & snow? Breaking into the 11s at the drag strip? Apparently these are all things a stock Honda Civic can do, according to some viewers. I thought, what exactly can a Civic do once it leaves the pavement? So I turned to the internet to find out. below is what I came up with, all in the name of “work.”
The video shows an old Civic hatchback catching some serious air on a dirt track and driving away relatively unscathed. Who knew? It should be of no surprise that some of the top comments include, “ain’t sh*t,” and “he was going too slow.” Yes, it’s true. No matter what you do for the YouTube community, there’s always a backseat driver who could’ve done it better. Just remember the golden rule of YouTube: unless you’ve posted a video jumping your car…
Thanks to BustedKnuckleVideo for the upload. It turns out a Civic can do that!
Some exciting potential news for hot hatch fans: VW could be working on a more powerful Golf R with the Audi RS3's five-cylinder engine to launch in 2027.
