The heart of Ford’s Mustang Shelby GT350/350R is a normally-aspirated 5.2-liter V8 that cranks out a phenomenal 526 horsepower and 429 lb-ft of torque. This is Ford’s most powerful engine without any type of forced induction. Plus, the flat-plane crank design sings gloriously at wide-open throttle. Check out this TFLcar ‘run what you brung’ video to see how a GT350 performs one mile above sea level what it’s like when used as a daily driver from an owner’s perspective.
The Shelby GT350 and GT350R are from Ford’s Performance group and are not some dressed up pony car made to look fast. Everything about the GT350/GT350R is purpose-built with performance in mind. In addition to the new engine, the modern muscle car has a redesigned suspension, body panels specific to the model, and a long list of tweaks that make it the best Shelby GT350 yet.
This TFL Car video explains how the Shelby GT350R is more track-focused compared with the GT350 and shows the pony car flexing its muscles around Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca Raceway.
2016 Shelby GT350
2015 Shelby GT350R
Engine
5.2L Flat Plane Crank V8
5.2L Flat Plane Crank V8
Power
526 hp @ 7500 rpm
526 hp @ 7500rpm
Torque
429 lb-ft @ 4750 rpm
429 lb-ft @ 4750 rpm
Transmission
6-speed manual
6-speed manual
Drivetrain Layout
rear-wheel drive
rear-wheel drive
Curb Weight
3,760 lbs.
3,655 lbs.
MagneRide Suspension
No
Yes
Wheels
19-in cast aluminum alloy
19-in carbon fiber
Tires
GT350 specific Michelin Pilot Sport
GT350R specific Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2
Brakes
15.5-in rotors, 6-piston – front
15.0-in rotors, 4-piston – rear
15.5-in rotors, 6-piston – front
15.0-in rotors, 4-piston – rear
There’s been plenty of work done on the redesigned 2017 Audi Q7. Four different driving modes, adaptive air suspension, significant weight reduction, and laden with more tech than ever before, making the second-generation 3-row crossover a sophisticated and highly capable performer.
Underneath the hood is a supercharged 3.0-liter V6 that Audi claims will accelerate from 0-60 mph in 5.7 seconds. Backing those numbers up are 333 horsepower and 325 lb-ft of twist that can respectfully get 19/25/21 city/highway/combined using premium gasoline. Power is transmitted through an 8-speed Tiptronic® automatic transmission that channels power to Audi’s quattro all-wheel drive system.
The brake-based torque system is complex, delivering power in varying degrees to the front, rear, right and left tires. The selectable driving modes — efficiency, comfort, auto, and dynamic — dutifully respond to the whims of any driver behind the wheel. The electric-powered steering delivers a nimble, responsive feel, which articulates the automaker’s focus on stiffness and lightness when carving up the curves.
Optional rear-wheel steering enhances stability at higher speeds by slightly turning the rear wheels in concert with the front wheels. At low speeds the system turns the rear wheels counter to the direction of the front wheels, thereby reducing the turning circle when parking or executing a quick U-turn on a city street.
From the driver’s seat, the Q7’s hood is pleasingly low, its ergonomics admirable, and boasts an interior that is upscale and handsome without being fussy.
Thanks to the traffic jam and active lane assist features, the 2017 Q7 can almost drive itself at speeds up to 37 mph. Basically, It adjusts speed and distance relative to the car ahead and keeps the car centered in its lane without the driver having to steer when adaptive cruise control is engaged. The driver must keep their hands on the steering wheel or it sounds a warning when you remove your hands from the wheel for too long.
Other assisted driving features include those common to luxury vehicles such as imminent front collision warnings of pedestrians and vehicles with automatic braking, front and rear parking sensors, blind spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert with automatic braking.
Audi’s MMI infotainment system rises to a new level. In addition to the retractable 7-inch TFT display (8.3-inch optional) that is placed front and center on the dashboard, there is a large 12.3 LCD color display in front of the driver. The driver information screen is the same one found in the new TT and has a fully configurable “virtual cockpit” display that functions in a similar fashion as the sports coupe or roadster. The LCD cluster can show the SUV’s instrument readings, navigation instructions, and infotainment content on a number of viewing screens that can be moved about.
Audi was an early adopter of using Google Earth mapping in vehicles, and even though it’s nothing new, seeing the photorealistic maps, especially when spread across the 12.3-inch TFT instrument cluster, still makes all other navigation maps look antiquated. The navigation system also has an exclusive predictive efficiency assist feature that uses navigation data to anticipate speed limits, inclines, and curves ahead. This allows the Q7 to automatically adjust its speed for optimal fuel efficiency when adaptive cruise control is engaged, or provide appropriate instructions to the driver via the instrument panel when adaptive cruise is off.
Front seat passengers get to enjoy plenty of room in an attractive cabin. Middle row is comfortable and offers 38.8 inches of legroom. However, the Q7’s third row is hard to get in and out, and provides less than 30 inches of legroom.
Other luxury crossovers with three rows of seats — six, seven or eight seats, if you’re counting — include the Acura MDX, BMW X5, Buick Enclave, Infiniti QX60, Land Rover Range Rover Sport and Mercedes GL.
Title of the video may say “2016” but it’s really the 2017 model year for the Q7. The second generation Audi Q7 officially debuted in Detroit with much less weight and a gaggle of high tech. Check it out as Emme finds out Almost Everything You Ever Wanted to Know about the all-new 2017 Audi Q7.
Toyota introduces the fourth-generation of its popular gas-electric hybrid car with the 2016 Toyota Prius. Whether you are a current Prius owner, had a Prius in the past, or considering a Prius for the first time – choosing among the many Prius trim levels and models can be daunting at times. Not to worry, here is a guide to help you decide upon your next Prius.
The smaller Prius C hatchback and the larger Prius V remain unchanged for the 2016 model year, while the 2016 Prius is an all-new car.
Prius C
The smaller Prius C is no longer the MPG champion in the Prius lineup, although it’s still the value leader with a starting price of $19,560. Prius C is rated at 53 MPG in the city, 46 MPG highway, and 50 MPG combined. This is still a very useful car for city dwellers and those who like the manageable size of a sub-compact car and more conventional interior design with a floor-mounted gear selector.
Prius V
The roomier Prius V occupies the other end of the spectrum. It is a hatchback with enough interior passenger and cargo volume to rival most five-passenger crossovers. The Prius V starts at $26,675 and the EPA ratings are: 44 MPG in the city, 40 MPG on the highway, and 42 MPG combined. This is a car for those who require a voluminous interior to transport people and their stuff in comfort.
2016 Toyota Prius
The fourth-generation Prius is built on Toyota’s new global car platform. It brings a new shape, style, more efficiency, and more choices to the car that continues to define what a hybrid car can be. It comes in six distinct grades: Two, Two Eco, Three, Three Touring, Four, and Four Touring. Yes, the naming conventions are a bit odd, but the value-minded 2016 Prius Two starts at $24,200. The Two is the only new generation Prius that uses the older nickel-metal hydride battery technology. It’s nothing bad. But it’s a proven entity and the new car gets an improved 54 MPG city, 50 MPG on the highway, and 52 MPG combined. This is better than the smaller Prius C and shows how technology is moving forward.
You don’t have to stop there. The Prius Two Eco is a new offering for those who must squeeze every ounce of fuel out of their hybrid. It uses lithium-ion batteries for a slight weight advantage and further optimized aerodynamics to receive outstanding ratings of 58 MPG in the city, 53 MPG on the highway, and 56 MPG combined. The Two Eco model starts at $24,700.
Three generations of the Prius
All the other grades of the Prius use lithium-ion battery technology and are rated the same as the Two at 54/50/52 MPGs. All cars receive an independent rear suspension setup that is aimed at improving the driving dynamics. Although Toyota engineers worked hard to shrink the size and weight of most components, the new suspension system adds some weight back in, and the new Prius weighs approximately the same as the outgoing model.
Another noteworthy item is that the standby battery is now a conventional lead-acid unit and finds space under the hood, thanks to the reduced size of the hybrid control unit and the CVT transmission. Speaking of the powertrain, the updated 1.8-liter gasoline engine and electric motor combine for a total net value of 121 horsepower. Toyota does not list total torque output, but the car has a slightly improved power delivery than before to provide for brisk around-town bursts.
2016 Toyota Prius
The interior and cargo volumes remain about the same, and the hatchback design retains all of its utility. The top Four Touring grade of the Prius starts at $30,000. And you can option the car with the latest suite of driver-assistance and convenience technologies for a price that reaches to $32,540, including destination charges.
Starting Price
EPA mpg
EPA interior volume
Cargo volume
2016 Prius C
$19,560
53/46/50
104.5 cu-ft
17.1 cu-ft
2016 Prius
$24,200
54/50/52
117.7 cu-ft
24.6 cu-ft
2016 Prius Two Eco
$24,700
58/53/56
117.7 cu-ft
24.6 cu-ft
2016 Prius V
$26,652
44/40/42
131.5 cu-ft
34.3 cu-ft
Which 2016 Toyota Prius is best for you? This is a question that you are now hopefully better prepared to answer. Prius C is ideal for those looking for a small and nimble package. Prius V is for those looking for best roominess and utility. The all-new Prius hatchback is now the most efficient Prius in the lineup, and this is hard to argue with.
Your choice will again become a bit more complicated at the end of 2016 when the next generation of Toyota’s plug-in hybrid, the 2017 Prius Prime, goes on sale.
Take a look at this Everything You Ever Wanted to Know video featuring the 2016 Toyota Prius.
The Jeep Renegade, the cutest of the cute-utes, continues to pull away from the pack as it again dominated the subcompact crossover sales charts in April.
Renegade sales were up a mildly inflated 131 percent for the month and a very inflated 514 percent for the year, as it only just went on sale last April, but its month-over-month sales continue to climb as it stretches its sales lead to 4,500 over the Subaru Crosstrek.
The Subie’s sales were up almost 10 percent for the month, which put it back in the black for the year with a 0.5 percent increase.
Honda’s HR-V seems to have hit its stride as it had another strong month, leapfrogging the Buick Enclave to take the top spot on the podium. The HR-V will finally have a month to compare to in May, as it went on sale in May of 2015.
The Enclave, the surprise hit for Buick, had another strong month as it, too, saw monthly and yearly gains. It again beat out its sister car, the Chevrolet Trax, by 2,000 sales despite a much smaller dealer network. The Trax is starting to gain traction, though, as sales were up over 30 percent for the month and the year.
Check out the full list below to see where your favorite subcompact crossover ended up.
Subcompact Crossover Sales – April 2016
Apr 2016 #
Mar 2016 #
Apr ’16/Mar ’16 %
Apr 2016/2015
YTD 2016 #
YTD 2016/2015 %
Jeep Renegade
9,730
8,832
10.2%
131.0%
31,681
514.0%
Subaru Crosstrek
7,607
6,973
9.1%
9.7%
27,157
0.5%
Honda HR-V
6,969
6,398
8.9%
NEW
22,484
NEW
Buick Encore
6,589
6,426
2.5%
17.9%
23,808
21.3%
Chevrolet Trax
4,510
5,167
-12.7%
30.7%
18,237
38.8%
Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
2,614
2,874
-9.0%
-2.2%
10,312
-2.4%
Nissan Juke
1,890
2,498
-24.3%
-22.3%
7,761
-17.9%
Mazda CX-3
1,504
1,748
-14.0%
NEW
6,420
NEW
MINI Countryman
1,249
1,281
-2.5%
0.4%
3,615
-19.1%
Fiat 500X
1,094
1,399
-21.8%
NEW
5,058
NEW
Check out this TFLcar second opinion video review of the 2016 Honda HR-V:
On the launch pad today is the second-generation F86 BMW X6 M dressed in Melbourne red metallic paint. German brawn comes from a 4.4-liter M TwinPower turbocharged V8 said to be the most powerful engine developed for the company’s all-wheel drive models. Hot or not? You decide after watching the video and let us know in the comments section below.
With 567 horsepower and 553 lb-ft of twist — 12 horsepower and 10% more torque than the E71 X6 M — that rockets the burly Sports Activity Coupe (SAC) from zero to 60 mph in a scant 4.0 seconds. Power — sent through an eight-speed M Sport automatic transmission with Drivelogic and launch control — transfers to all four wheels via xDrive with Dynamic Performance Control.
BMW’s intelligent all-wheel drive system has electronically adjustable damping that sets the right amount of firmness for Comfort, Sport, and Sport+ modes, while the M Servotronic steering system has multiple parameters to suit driver preference. The staggered 21-inch M alloy wheels now come wrapped with non-run-flat tires for better steering response and greater traction. Active Roll Stabilization chassis technology keeps body roll under control and works harmoniously with the other systems to make the big X6 M SAC corner like a sports coupe.
The front bumper has large intakes to cool the transmission, engine, and massive front binders. Aero treatments underneath reduce lift and improve overall aerodynamics of the powerful body. “Air breathers” located behind the front wheels and rear diffuser reduce air turbulence and drag in the car’s wake, and improves airflow under the car. Adding more downforce is a rear spoiler.
Drivers are treated to the distinctive leather-wrapped M steering wheel with shifter paddles, M gearshift lever, and exclusive electric M multifunction seats. The M instrument cluster, comprehensive BMW ConnectedDrive, and optional full-color head-up display inform the driver of gears, rev range, and shift light. The BMW M lap timer app is also available for selected smartphones and can be accessed via the iDrive controller.
When a market segment is dominated by two cars for a long time, it’s big news when another one leapfrogs them both to snatch victory.
Such is the case with the subcompact car segment, which has been dominated by the Kia Soul and Nissan Versa for as long as it matters to keep track. But in April, the Hyundai Accent surprised by outselling both of them.
The Accent’s sales were up by a class-leading 57 percent for the month and 23 percent for the year, inflated MINI Clubman numbers notwithstanding. This surge propelled the Accent to nearly 13,000 sales, eclipsing the Soul’s 11,000 and the Versa’s 9,000.
The Soul’s sales were nearly flat at just under 1 percent for the month, but for the year it is still up by 7 percent. The Versa took a nose-dive in April, losing 5 percent for the month and 2 percent for the year, but it still kept the overall yearly sales lead.
As in previous months, the rest of the field are nowhere near the top contenders. In fact, along with the Accent and Soul, only the perplexing Mitsubishi Mirage and hyper-inflated Clubman have net positive gains for the month and year.
For the rest, the losses are pretty big. The Honda Fit’s sales are down 21 percent for the month and 32 percent for the year. The Chevy Sonic’s sales are down 41 percent for the month and 11 percent for the year. Both MINI Cooper’s sales are down, and the woeful Fiat 500L’s sales have losses in the 60 percent range.
Perhaps the ultra-low gas prices are hurting small car sales, or maybe, since the economy seems to be doing better, more people have more money to buy bigger cars than the entry-level models typically seen in this segment.
What do you think is causing the drop? Start the conversation in the comments below.
Subcompact Car Sales – April 2016
Apr 2016 #
Mar 2016 #
Apr ’16/Mar ’16 %
Apr 2016/2015
YTD 2016 #
YTD 2016/2015 %
Hyundai Accent
12,993
7,879
64.9%
57.6%
30,759
23.0%
Kia Soul
11,517
12,043
-4.4%
0.9%
33,076
7.3%
Nissan Versa
9,165
16,244
-43.6%
-5.0%
45,664
-2.1%
Honda Fit
5,132
4,771
7.6%
-21.4%
16,645
-32.4%
Chevrolet Sonic
5,102
4,708
8.4%
-41.4%
17,729
-11.4%
Ford Fiesta
4,462
4,549
-1.9%
-25.4%
15,325
-15.3%
Mitsubishi Mirage
3,302
4,113
-19.7%
37.2%
9,534
12.7%
Chevrolet Spark
3,082
2,273
35.6%
-17.7%
8,237
-35.9%
Scion iA
3,023
3,264
-7.4%
NEW
10,432
NEW
Kia Rio
2,523
2,475
1.9%
-10.0%
7,889
-10.4%
Fiat 500
1,488
1,490
-0.1%
-40.0%
5,266
-50.0%
Toyota Yaris
1,365
1,227
11.2%
-36.6%
4,048
-45.9%
MINI Cooper 2-door
1,136
1,122
1.2%
-46.9%
4,422
-37.5%
MINI Cooper 4-door
976
1,300
-24.9%
-35.1%
4,428
-7.7%
MINI Clubman
884
1,037
-14.8%
29366.7%*
2,579
321375.5%*
Fiat 500L
463
533
-13.1%
-63.0%
1,730
-60.0%
*NOTE: The MINI Clubman’s numbers are unnaturally high as the company was in the midst of a redesign last year and hardly sold any of the old Clubman models.
TFLcar doesn’t test too many subcompacts, so check out this video from the 2015 Pikes Peak Hill Climb as a race-prepped Honda Fit driven by Alex Lloyd takes to the course:
What happens when you take a $56k Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland off-roading? Two things. First, you’ll enjoy one of the poshest off-roading experiences ever – unless your daily driver is a Range Rover, perhaps – and second, you’ll be wishing the stock tires had more off-road cred. It’s through no fault of Jeep that the tires weren’t up to the challenge of a snowy, muddy, rocky Gold Mine Hill course in April. I’m going to go out on a limb and guess the ratio of on-roading to off-roading the engineers had in mind when choosing the 20-inch Bridgestones was somewhere close to 97 to 3, or maybe a little higher.
But back to what the Jeep name stands for. Off-roading. The Grand Cherokee Overland comes with the company’s Quadra-Drive II 4×4 system with a rear electronic limited-slip differential. The system comes with five settings: snow, sand, mud, rock, and auto. Rock mode is the most extreme as it is the only setting the requires the vehicle to be in 4-LO. It just so happens we needed it, too, since the base of stage three was covered with mud, which was then covered with snow.
The 3.0-liter diesel engine rated at 240 horsepower and 420 lb-ft of torque did little to help the JGC up the hill because, well, speeds never exceeded two mph. On the highway, it was a different story, however. The engine and 8-speed automatic transmission helped it trounce a Hybrid RAV4 on our 100-mile MPG loop. And it did it with torque to spare. Check out that mashup in the video below.
Best reasonably priced electric BMW i3, Nissan Leaf or Mitsubishi i-MiEV?
Is the 2016 Scion tC a good buy?
Today’s first question comes from a fan who heard that Disneyland’s Autopia ride is now sponsored by Honda.
Hi Nathan! I know you’re a Disney freak, so riddle me this.
Disneyland California (Anaheim) closed Autopia ride in January for refurbishment. It was sponsored by Chevron Gasoline but my friend’s recent visit to Disneyland showed a new sign. It’s now sponsored by Honda! I can’t believe it! Honda is all I drive and they are in Disneyland! Now, it’s going to be a year or two before I can visit Disneyland again. I live in Portland and it’s an expensive vacation to go to Disneyland. But every trip has been worth it. I was going to wait until the new Star Wars Land opened in 2018 but maybe I should go sooner?
Do you know anything about the new Autopia? Please let me know!
Your the man!
Todd
A: Hi Todd!
You’re absolutely correct, I am a Disney nut. Growing up in L.A., I would buy season passes all the time. I often found “ways” to head to Disneyland forgoing other commitments. When I was a kid, I grew up with the Autopia cars that looked like tiny Corvettes. Loved that ride!
Did you know that Autopia is one of the few rides remaining at Disneyland that dates back to the park’s opening back in 1955? Crazier still, my mom visited the year it opened and drove one of the original cars! Also, the maximum speed of the cars is supposed to be around 7 mph; however, these golf-cart-powered machines occasionally exceed 8 mph, but often have a hard time surpassing 5 mph.
As for Autopia’s now Honda sponsorship: Yes, there are quite a few small changes, but nothing big. If you live for the details, you’ll notice many things right away.
Entering the line, you’ll see many vintage animated shorts showing transportation predictions for tomorrow. Many of these films were produced in the late 1940s-1960s. You’ll see films that inspired The (non-Disney) Jetsons. Some of these films are present on smaller screens while others are on a big screen hanging near the actual Autopia cars.
The cars still have the same body and drive, but they have new colors. The track is the same, fortunately Disneyland changed some of the scenery giving the ride a retro-futuristic vibe. Honda has been pretty quiet on additional changes to the ride, but I feel that there may be a few cool things brewing.
That’s all I have for now. If any of you readers have info, please let everyone know below!
Give Mr. Toad my best!
N
—
This next question is from a viewer who wants to know which is the best reasonably priced electric BMW i3, Nissan Leaf or Mitsubishi i-MiEV.
Q: I want the best, reasonably priced electric vehicle. I’m looking at the BMW i3 (used), Nissan Leaf or Mitsubishi iMiEV.
What do you think? I can’t afford a Tesla and, knowing Tesla, it will be three years before anyone receives their cheaper new car. I need something today. My price range is $25,000 to $30,000. And I know the Mitsubishi i-MiEV is very inexpensive. I don’t care about that. I care about the most logical ride for me.
I have my own garage at my condo and I have higher wattage washing/drying machines in that garage too.
I am a single person who commutes less than 10 miles to work, my gym and the beach. I use public transportation often and fly to places rather than drive long distance. I have no pets, no kids, no large things to transport. I am unsure about a range extender like the one available in the BMW i3.
I want comfort, ease of use and maybe a bit of fun from time to time.
I like electric cars because they are clean, unobtrusive and quiet.
I do NOT want anything from Volkswagen, Chevy or Ford.
Thanks.
Pam
A: Howdy Pam,
Right off the bat, I can tell you that the BMW i3 with the range-extending generator is the best choice. Still, the Nissan Leaf is a solid choice and the range has recently been extended. I would pass on the Mitsubishi i-MiEV as it cannot compete with these vehicles – other than price.
If you want the most utilitarian of the three, the Nissan Leaf is most comfortable and can hold lots of cargo too.
Best of luck!
N
The last question is from a fan debating her purchase of a 2016 Scion tC.
Q:Hi Nathan, I watched your videos and read your reviews about the Scion tC.
My question is: with the brand Scion disappearing soon, should that be a consideration when buying a 2016 model? I like and agree about your perception of the Scion tC, I’m just worried that servicing and parts will be an issue in the future.
What would you do?
Amy
Scion tC
A: Great question!
I absolutely love the Scion tC. I’ve driven every version and enjoyed them all. Yes, it’s getting on in years, it’s still an outstanding value and a fun car. It has lots of utility and good features for the price. It’s my favorite Scion and one of my favorite Toyota products.
You’re right, it’s going away soon and it doesn’t look like Toyota is bringing a replacement to its fleet anytime soon.
Still, should you be worried about service and parts? Absolutely not. Toyota will service the tC once the Scion brand folds back into its Toyota parent company.
I say: get one while you can!
N
Speaking of fun cars…
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.
