2018 Jeep Wrangler prototype front axle (by Kraig S.)
The next generation Jeep Wrangler is getting ever closer to its official debut and production. The company needs to do more real-world testing, and we’re getting to see more prototypes testing in public. These latest shots come to us from TFL viewer and reader, Kraig S. This prototype appears to be exactly like a current generation (JK) Wrangler Unlimited Sahara. The body and the interior are nothing new. However, the prototype is wearing manufacturer license plates, an obscured front grille, and lots of computers and testing equipment on the inside. So what’s the big whoop? Let’s take a look underneath.
This vehicle has a frame and solid axles front and rear. The design and the geometry of the front axle appear the same as the current JK, but there are differences with the underside of the engine, transmission, and exhaust system.
2018 prototype (by Kraig S.)
Things get more interesting when you get to the back. Take a look at the 12-bolt rear differential housing.
2018 prototype – rear axle (by Kraig S.)
Considering that this prototype has an obscured front grille and testing equipment, it may very well be testing a new engine/transmission combination for the upcoming Wrangler. Getting better efficiency on the Wrangler is the name of the game. It could be an updated 3.6-liter V6 Pentastar mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission. There are also rumors of a 2.0-liter turbocharged four cylinder (codename: Hurricane) that could produce as much as 300 horsepower. The next Wrangler may also offer a turbo-diesel version. The 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V6 is a likely choice.
We will continue to search for more prototypes and bring you additional details about the upcoming 2018 Wrangler.
Here are the axle and chassis images underneath a 2016 Wrangler Sport.
2016 Jeep Wrangler Sport – front
2016 Jeep Wrangler Sport – rear
We cannot wait for the next generation Jeep Wrangler. In the meantime, check out this prototype spied and our Top 10 predictions for what the vehicle has in store.
Ford views the Fusion as the gateway drug through which new customers will begin their lifelong addiction to the brand and thus, very important. The Fusion currently resides in fourth place in terms of year-to-date sales in the midsize sedan segment and Ford is hoping to improve that ranking by adding a couple new flavors to the lineup. Besides the addition of a new V6 Sport model, the 2017 Ford Fusion will also come in a new top-of-the-line Platinum trim level. The Fusion Platinum is the “all-in” model for customers who want the second most powerful engine available paired to the plushest interior fitted with all the bells and whistles.
The standard engine in the Fusion Platinum is Ford’s 2.0L turbocharged EcoBoost making a maximum of 245 horsepower and 275 lb-ft of torque. It is mated to a 6-speed automatic with paddle shifters. Around the hilly roads of Malibu the powertrain was enough to accelerate the car up windy roads without resorting to the transmission’s Sport mode. That’s not to say Sport mode isn’t recommended, however, to increase driving enjoyment. When selected, the car holds revs higher in the rpm band before downshifting, making an uphill run even less of a challenge. Power delivery is satisfying in a way that makes me anxious to see how the AWD V6 Sport variant with its additional 80 ponies and 105 torques will feel (Ford has upped the original 350 lb-ft number to 380 for the 2.7L EcoBoost). The chassis rides on 19-inch polished wheels and tires and has a Goldilocks just-right feel to it. Not too soft, not too stiff. An upgrade to the stock tires would be my first order of business to make the car grip the road better, although casual drivers will likely not feel the need.
Inside the Fusion Platinum are heated and cooled quilted leather seats along with a leather-wrapped steering wheel. In the name of ergonomics, the car’s armrests have been lengthened and a rotary shift dial has replaced the traditional lever. According to Ford, the use of the dial is to provide easier access to the center console storage area and cup holders located on the right side of the console. Activate the previously mention Sport mode by pressing the button in the center of the dial. There is a long list of standard features on the Platinum trim level but the most notable include parallel and perpendicular park assist, adaptive cruise control, and passive entry that allows users to open a locked door as long as the key fob is somewhere nearby. This is handy if you have both arms full of groceries and can’t get to the fob in your pocket.
The 2.0L turbocharged engine is rated by the EPA at 21/31/25 mpg (city/highway/combined) in front-wheel-drive cars. Expect one to two mpg less in AWD models. Those are technically 2016’s EPA ratings. During a press conference Ford pointed out the numbers for the 2017 Fusion would end up being lower due to the EPA updating its testing methods. Fear not, because the engine and transmission haven’t changed so the numbers are actually the same… only different, got it? Those who don’t mind sacrificing some power for slightly better mileage, the Fusion can also be had with a 1.5L turbo 4-cylinder rated at 23/34/27 mpg. A traditional hybrid and plug-in hybrid – known as the Energi – are also available. Except for the V6 Sport, the refreshed 2017 Fusion is already arriving at dealerships. Look for the Sport later this summer.
BMW M2 – Ford Mustang Shelby GT350R – Chevrolet Camaro SS
With all the talk these days about self-driving cars and diesel emission scandals, it’s easy to forget that we live in the golden age of performance. An average mid-size sedan can drop a 6 second 0-60 time, and almost supercar levels of speed are now attainable for well under $100k.
We recently had the opportunity to sample three of this year’s hottest performance cars at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca. After taking the Chevy Camaro SS, BMW M2, and Ford Mustang Shelby GT350R for a few laps around the track, it became clear that this trio isn’t just impressively quick, but also represent the best performance for the dollar at their respective price points.
Best Bang for the Dollar at $40k – 2016 Chevrolet Camaro SS
Although the new Camaro looks awfully similar to the previous generation, this is a new car from the ground up. The exterior has been given a subtle makeover, looking more fit and trim, and the dimensions have shrunk just a bit, but it’s still unmistakably a Camaro.
Now on the same Alpha platform as the sweet handling Cadillac ATS, the new Camaro is over 200 pounds lighter than the previous generation. The 6.2-liter V8 engine in the SS model is essentially lifted from a Corvette Stingray, making the same 455 horsepower, and it comes standard with Brembo brakes and 20-inch summer tires.
Out on the track, the Camaro SS feels right at home. Acceleration is righteously quick and the big V8 sounds ferocious. The car definitely feels a bit smaller and lighter than you’d expect, making the few tight turns less of a handful, and through higher speed corners the only thing holding you back is your level of skill and courage. The Camaro is a powerful rebuttal to the notion that pony cars don’t handle well.
The interior of the car has also been improved, but visibility still suffers due to the high beltline., unfortunately. A practical car this is not, but anyone looking for driving thrills should seriously give the Camaro some thought. The Camaro SS starts at $37,295, and even with most of the options boxes checked — like Magnetic Ride Control — it still rings in at under $50,000. In fact, we can’t think of a car less than $50k that comes close in terms of sheer performance for the dollar.
The 2016 Honda Civic Coupe is here and TFLcar puts the 10th generation compact car through its paces with a series of performance tests. Every Civic comes loaded with style, performance and the latest in advanced technology. After watching the Civic Coupe perform on the track and 0-60 mph test, you decide if the new 2-door Civic is hot or not.
The first Honda Civic reached American soil for the 1973 model year and it had everything the current domestic cars didn’t have — front-wheel drive, a fully independent suspension, cute styling, and a fun to drive spirit. Forty-three years later, the Civic may have grown in size and sophistication, but it still delivers capable handling characteristics and enough power that feels robust and responsive.
“This new Civic Coupe exemplifies Honda’s focus on fun-to-drive character with two powerful engine options and a chassis tuned specifically for driving fun,” said Jeff Conrad, senior vice president and general manager of the Honda Division. “As the second model in our sportiest and most ambitious Civic lineup ever, the coupe sets the bar for performance, refinement and connectivity in the compact coupe segment.”
Virtually everything about the 2016 Civic Coupe is new – all-new vehicle architecture, sporty and sophisticated new interior and exterior styling, a more spacious and high-quality cabin, two advanced new engines, and a host of new premium features and technologies.
Based on an all-new platform, the 2016 Civic is longer, wider and sleeker than the model it replaces. The Civic’s wheelbase is up by 1.2-inches, netting an extra 2.2-inches of rear seat legroom. Meanwhile, the Civic’s front overhang has been reduced by 1.2-inches while rear overhang has grown by 3.0-inches, allowing for a more flowing roofline and bigger trunk. The Civic’s roofline has come down by 0.8-inches while the hood and cowl are down by 1.6-inches, adding to the car’s sporty look.
Driving the front wheels of our test car is a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine rated at 174 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque. The standard powertrain for the Civic is a 158 horsepower 2.0-liter i-VTEC mated to a CVT. The entry-level LX trim is the only model available with a 6-speed manual, which is paired with the 2.0-liter. EPA fuel economy ratings for the 2016 Civic Coupe are 31/41/35 mpg (city/highway/combined) for 1.5-liter turbo models with CVT, 30/41/34 mpg for 2.0-liter models with CVT and 26/38/31 mpg for the LX with 2.0-liter engine and manual transmission.
Honda fans should expect a four-door hatchback to debut during the first half of 2016 as a ’17 model, followed by the sporty Si coupe and sedan. Look for the high-performance Type R four-door hatch, with some 300 horsepower, to bow in late 2016 as a ’17 model or in early 2017 as a 2018 model.
Today’s first question comes from a long-time fan who is curious about TFL’s take on Nissan setting up a partnership with Mitsubishi.
Nathan, What’s the TFL take on Nissan taking controlling interest in Mitsubishi?
I’m somewhat optimistic; the worst that could happen would be that Mitsubishi FINALLY gets some help in materials and design from Nissan, something long overdue. And Nissan will FINALLY get some help in reliability, again something long overdue. Hopefully this will be a win win win outcome where the car manufacturers win, the dealers win and the customers win. Gotta love that!
Hope everyone at TFL’s end of the world is doing well and feeling great. Take care and have a great year!
Just keeping in touch
Steve
A: Hi Steve,
That’s a great question. After the recent scandal that Mitsubishi is currently embroiled in, and their precarious financial situation, it looks like Nissan swooped in just in time. I covered the press release (Nissan Acquires 34% of Mitsubishi ) and was pleasantly surprised by what was stated.
Along with buying 34 percent of Mitsubishi’s stock (which recently tanked), Nissan will share platforms, components and technology with Mitsubishi. According to Nissan, they want Mitsubishi to remain unique. This partnership will give Nissan access to small car platforms that have a huge market in the Far East.
I think you’re right about the benefits for both automakers, too. In the North American market, the Mitsubishi fleet is terribly outdated and Nissan’s deep pockets can help Mitsubishi catch up. There may be a few changes in Mitsubishi’s lineup to prevent a lot of in-house competition.
It will be great to see what changes both automakers undergo within the next few years. The TFL crew will be keeping an eye on this story.
Thanks for the question -and thank you so much for your continued patronage!
Cheers!
N
—
This next question is from a fan who is looking at a used Audi A4 vs a Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid for his first car.
Q: Hi Roman, I have been looking for a very long time at cars for my first car.
I have about $10,000 saved from working hard and I found a 2010 Audi A4 2.0T in my area for the right price. I’m already very familiar with this car since my father owns one. The only problem I have with it is that it has 130,000 miles on it. My other option I have narrowed down to is a 2012 VW Jetta Hybrid with 75,000 miles on it. Both are very well optioned. Which should I get?
Thanks!
Benjamin B
A: Great email, Roman and I thank you for trusting us with such a decision.
With that being said, we both agree; we would get the Audi A4. We think that’s where your head is at; and we wouldn’t blame you if the Jetta was thrown in this mix to impress a parent or two.
There’s nothing wrong with the Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid, but it’s a completely different vehicle than the Audi A4. If you want logic, the VW is where it’s at. On the other hand, if you want fun (which is what many of us crave) – the Audi A4 is the way to go.
Best of luck!
N
2013 Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid vs Toyota Prius Mashup Review
The last question is from a viewer wants to know about car-themed parties!?
Q:Hi Nathan and Roman! I love your channel and you, (Nathan) remind me of my little brother Rob!
Here’s my question: my brother is about to turn 40 and he’s having a hard time with that number LOL!!! I’m sure you guys know that this is common. Rob deserves a great party and is a car nut. More specifically, he’s a Jeep nut and I know you guys are too! Both of watched your Motor Mountain USA videos and loved them! Unfortunately, we never got the California belt buckle (we live near Santa Barbara).
Anyway, I want to put on a car or Jeep themed birthday party for him at the end of the month and I wanted to know if either of you had any ideas. I have a seven-hundred dollar budget and I want to invite at least a dozen of his friend. He’s got a lot of friends!
What do you think? I would SO appreciate your help!
Sincerely,
Shelly B.
Lompoc, CA
p.s. I really think Roman is cute. Just so you know. ;D
A: Wow! That’s a unique question and I have an idea!
Contact the Rock and Roll Cafe in Oceano, CA for part of the party portion. The atmosphere has a lot of auto memorabilia, the music rocks and the food’s pretty damn tasty. Start here for brunch.
I went to school in that area and can tell you, head to Pismo Beach, which is pretty close, it would be a hell of a lot of fun. There are some great campgrounds and, for those who do not own an off-road vehicle, lots of ATV rentals.
I recommend Oceano Campground at Pismo State Beach. You park on the beach and have great access to some wicked off road/beach fun. Perhaps you could grab a few campground spots and end the evening with hot dogs, smores and a few delicious beverages?
The next day, check out Linnaea’s Cafe in San Luis Obispo, California for a great breakfast.
Sound good?
As for your opinion about Roman… I’ll let him know.
No, not a chance!
Cheers!
N
Speaking of fun off-road rides…
Nathan and The Fast Lane Car team are here to answer your (reasonable) questions. Interesting and/or entertaining emails will be posted to this column. If it’s relevant in the automotive universe, there’s a chance we may know something about it. The author’s email address and name will be omitted – leaving your initials or nickname, your preference.
From day one, The Fast Lane Car has made it our policy to answer as many questions and comments as we can. We get thousands of emails and comments and feel that, as part of a tight-knit automotive community, having an open dialogue with you keeps things fresh and exciting.
When Honda, one of the more conservative automakers in our market, built the 2016 Honda Civic Coupe, they built a exceptionally fun little runabout. Somehow, they managed to make it fun with a continuously variable transmission(CVT) too! Much of the thanks goes to the turbocharged, 174 horsepower, 1.5-liter 4-cylinder engine that makes 162 lb-feet of torque.
It’s a great looking car, with a menacing face and strong lines throughout, and it’s better looking than the vehicle it replaces.
The 2016 Honda Civic Coupe weighs less than 2,900 pounds, and, depending on the trim level, it can weigh as little as 2,735 pounds. The small turbo gets up to speed quickly and moves the little Civic along with just a hint of traction loss from a dead stop. CVT’s tend to flounder a bit when pushed, but this unit keeps the vehicle in the power-band long enough to feel fast.
“Feel” is the operative word with the 2016 Honda Civic Coupe. The new interior feels higher trim, the controls feel premium, the ride feels sporty, but never unsettled and the overall driving experience feels fun!
Interior space is good for such a small, low-slung vehicle. At nearly 6’2,” I was able to comfortably sit with plenty of extra head and legroom. My middle-school kid fit behind me with no major issues. That’s thanks to the extra 5.1-inches Honda added to the interior space. The only issue, and it’s common with most sport coupes, is the ingress and egress require a few extra twists – for the long legged.
Some drivers lament the knob-less entertainment setup, but I found it easy enough to use the steering-wheel-mounted controls. The interior look is reminiscent of the Honda Accord Coupe while only being slightly smaller. For such a small vehicle, the trunk’s 12 cubic feet of cargo space is impressive. The rear seats split 60/40 making utility impressive. That also means that three people can (legally) fit in the back.
As I was in the higher trim model, the larger, slower 2.0-liter naturally aspirated engine was unavailable. That engine makes 158 horsepower. Also unavailable – the six-speed manual transmission. This is a disappointment as I’m sure a stick would make this turbo-equipped Honda drive outstanding.
Prices start at $19,050 for the LX, $20,850 for the LX-P, $22,300 for the EXT, $23,425 for the EX-L and $26,125 for the top-of-the-line Touring. I averaged 29 mpg in combined (30%-city 70%-highway) driving over three days. Not too shabby.
Steering feel is artificial, but the steering weight is good. The response is quick and modulating steering inputs feels second nature. Push it hard around a corner and mild understeer warns you to lay off the accelerator before things get ugly. Once you get a feel for the nose being a bit heavy, gliding into and squirting out of each corner becomes a joy.
Braking is top notch with no perceptible fade during a performance loop. The balance is pretty good overall, but that nose can feel heavy if you hit the brakes entering a corner. Still, it’s very secure.
Living with the 2016 Honda Civic Coupe was surprisingly enjoyable and I wanted to spend more time getting to know the vehicle. I only had a few days, but it was enough to know that I smiled each time I drove it.
The Gold Mine Hill section on the Switzerland Trail in Colorado is a technical ascent that is challenging and not easy to master — even when conditions are just right. In this episode of DiffLock, Tommy and his crew decide to do a night run up the hill while field testing a new LED light bar and Alex gets stuck for the third time.
LED light technology has advanced a lot over the past few years and the number of applications is growing along with it. Compared with halogen or traditional lights, LED lights have numerous benefits and uses at home and outdoors. First responders, police, and firefighters are using them because they can illuminate a large area using only a small amount of electrical energy, barely emit heat, and have a long life span.
Used for this test is a 120 watt, 24-inch LED light bar by Annt Technologies that can emit light to cover both a broad area of 60 degrees or a concentrated area of about 30 degrees for more concentrated and brighter illumination. This light bar has a color temperature of 6000k – 6500k (Kelvin), is rated to work more than 30,000 hours, and can be purchased from Amazon for about $41. Before heading out, Tommy demonstrates the easy installation process for adding a 24-inch LED light bar to his Jeep Wrangler. For the night time field test on the trail, it is easy to see how bright the new light bar is compared to the factory headlights and other aftermarket lights.
Each episode of the DiffLock video web-series highlights affordable off-road adventures and modifications that will help almost anyone who wants to get into off-roading on a budget. Click the link to catch up on past episodes of DiffLock.
Volkswagen announced its latest five-car enthusiast fleet that will be traveling around the country this summer.
Each model is a special show car based on current VW models. The company created the cars with a focus on performance, but also with a nod to VW heritage. Three Golfs, a Jetta and a Passat comprise the fleet.
The first show car is a special Golf 1.8T painted in Bali Green, made famous by the first-generation Golf, known in the U.S. as the Rabbit. The car has been modded for handling performance with 19-inch BBS wheels, Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires and a two-inch drop thanks to H&R Street Performance coilovers.
The second car is a Jetta GLI decked out in racetrack trim. The H&R coilovers make another appearance, this time suspending a set of 18-inch Neuspeed wheels and BFGoodrich g-Force tires. The GLI also has all the tools needed to convert the car from street to track.
The third car, a Passat, is all about the suspension. It rides on an air suspension, an AccuAir E-Level TouchPad system installed by Boden Autohaus in Costa Mesa, CA. The 20-inch Vossen wheels and Michelin Pilot Sport tires add to the performance of the car, while a custom wood floor in the truck adds some bling.
The last two show cars are both performance-oriented machines based on a Golf GTI and Golf R. The GTI is finished in a purple and gold paint scheme that matches the gold, 20-inch Vossen wheels. H&R coilovers and Michelin Pilots make another appearance, too.
The R was inspired by the UK-market Scirocco GT Black Edition. Its bright white paint is offset by a matte black roof rack which matches the 19-inch black aluminum Lugano wheels. Special H&R Sport Springs were specifically engineered to work with the R’s dynamic chassis control.
The fleet will be making stops around the country at the following events:
The European Experience: Savannah, GA—5/14-15
Waterwerks at the Park: Tacoma, WA—6/26
Waterfest: Englishtown, NJ—7/16-17
Wolfsgart: Burlington, VT—8/5-7
Fastivus: Fontana, CA—8/13-14
H2O International: Ocean City, MD—10/1-2
NOLA Speed and Style: Westwego, LA—10/8-9
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Check out this TFLcar Hot or Not video of the 2016 VW Golf GTI taking on a tuned Mk. 6 GTI:
