Acura plans to reveal a new version of its most popular seller, the MDX, at the New York International Auto Show on March 23.
The teaser photo hints at the new look of the redesigned MDX that is heavily influenced by Acura’s “precision crafted performance” design language — its new, more bold design philosophy. This means that Acura’s big crossover SUV will look significantly different, with sharper lines and a completely new front fascia.
“We are sharpening our focus on the precision crafted performance DNA of the Acura brand and the 2017 MDX will integrate new styling elements and powertrain technology that takes us another step in that direction,” John Mendel, executive vice president of American Honda said in a statement.
Acura promises the new design will include an array of mechanical modifications, but technical details are being kept under wraps until the start of the New York show. A few months ago, Honda announced a new 10-speed automatic and it’s likely the new gearbox will find its way into the 2017 MDX. The new transmission will also be offered with the Honda Pilot since it shares many parts with the MDX and TLX sedan.
Currently, the seven-seater MDX is offered only with a direct-injection 3.5-liter V6 engine that makes 290 horsepower at 6,200 rpm and 267 pound-feet of torque at 4,700 rpm. It drives the front wheels using a nine-speed automatic transmission though it can be paired with Acura’s Super Handling All-Wheel Drive System (SH-AWD) at an extra cost.
Honda’s decision to update Acura’s seven-passenger crossover underscores how popular midsize crossovers have become and how difficult it is to stand out in the competitive segment. The MDX competes against vehicles in the premium segment that includes the Audi Q7, BMW X5, Mercedes ML350, Infiniti QX60, Lexus GX, Volvo XC90 and mainstream models such as the Ford Explorer, GMC Acadia, Honda Pilot, and Toyota Highlander.
The TFLcar team will be covering NYIAS and will have plenty of tantalizing news and cool reveals for its readers.
Acura sold more than 58,000 MDX crossovers in 2015 and clearly expects to sell more in the future.
The Acura MDX is the brand’s best-selling car. This family hauler is both sporty and luxurious as Emme found out when she spent a week behind the wheel of the 2016 Acura MDX in this TFLcar review.
Italian design house Icona’s one-off supercar, the Vulcano (volcano in Italian), is crafted completely of titanium and is a product of 10,000 hours of hand-crafted work, according to the company.
Its shape was inspired by the Blackbird SR-71, the world’s fastest airplane, and it was built by CECOMP, who has a history of building some iconic racing cars. The wide fenders help vent hot air from the engine and reduce turbulence from the wheels.
But is it a work of art, or is it just plain weird looking?
No matter what the consensus is on the unfinished titanium body, under the skin it has serious credentials to play in the supercar field. The powertrain was designed by ex-Scuderia Ferrari director Claudio Lombardi and Mario Cavagnero, who designed powertrains for Lancia, including the famous Delta Integrale 037.
The supercharged V-8 is positioned in a front-mid engine layout — with the engine behind the front axle — for better weight balance. Coupled with a paddle-shift gearbox, the engine makes 670 horsepower but can be tuned to well over 1,000 horses.
The company claims a 0-60 time of 2.8 seconds and a top speed of 220 mph when tuned to the stock 670 horsepower.
Icona will be bringing the Vulcano to Top Marques Monaco, a supercar and luxury lifestyle show, which will take place from April 14 to 17.
What do you think of the Vulcano? Start the conversation in the comments below.
TFL recently brought you a Top 5 Surprising Car Myths Exposed video (you can watch it here). This week, we talk about some fun car facts you might not be aware of. Gain some knowledge and impress your friends by memorizing the facts below. As a bonus, the video below contains a bonus question. Be the first to provide the correct answer to the bonus question in the comments section below and receive a free TFLtruck hat.
Fun Fact #5: There is one part that nearly every car on the planet has in common. This particular part is interchangeable between everything from the 2016 Jaguar XF 35t featured in the video to a Dodge Dart, and has been for quite some time. Do you know what it is? Hint: Cars typically come with four or five of them.
Fun Fact #4: Ever looked around and noticed that nearly all B-pillars are the same color? Trucks are a different story. Close your eyes, take a deep breath, and try to visualize your cars B-pillars… what color are they (hopefully not chrome)? Convertible owners get a pass on this question.
Fun Fact #3: The 3-point seat belt is found on most all modern production cars, but who invented it? If you think about what car manufacturer is known for safety you can probably get this one… but there’s a reason the 3-point seat belt is so ubiquitous. Do you know why?
Fun Fact #2: Henry Ford sure loved his black cars. Was he a heavy metal fan or just being frugal when setting up his assembly line? Actually, neither. So what was the reason for the Model T’s monochromatic color scheme?
Fun Fact #1: This one is simple and straightforward: Why are many Porsche’s (along with some other manufacturers’) ignitions on the left hand side of the steering wheel?
Bonus Fun Fact: You’ll have to watch the video for this one. Also check your answers to any others you aren’t sure about. Post your answer to the bonus question in the comments below. Be the first to correctly answer and get a free TFLtruck hat!
The 2016 MINI Cooper and MINI Cooper S Convertible represent a new edition of the first, which is still the only premium convertible in the small car segment. This latest iteration MINI Convertible is available in three models on our shores. It comes as the 2016 MINI Cooper or MINI Cooper S Convertible, and also as a special edition MINI John Cooper Works high performance model. All models serve up seating for four, with 2 doors and ample cargo space. There are two other MINI drop tops for the global marketplace that we won’t see here – the MINI Cooper One Convertible (a detuned Eco model) and a Diesel version.
The MINI Cooper Convertible offerings draw their motive force from either a 1.5-liter inline 3-cylinder TwinPower Turbo engine that makes 134 horsepower at 4,400 rpm and 162 lb-ft of torque at 1,250 rpm. Or the MINI Cooper S, which is powered by a 2.0-liter inline 4-cylinder TwinPower Turbo motor that delivers 189 horses at 5,000 rpm while also developing 207 lb-ft of torque at 1,250 rpm. The engines of both new Convertibles are mounted forward in a transverse orientation, driving the front wheels.
Energy is delivered to the driving wheels via a standard Getrag 6-speed manual gearbox or an optional 6-speed automatic for the Cooper, and a 6-speed Steptronic automatic, available with F1-style paddle shifters for the Cooper S version.
Both MINI Convertibles provide a refined and firm, European road feel, with a standard adjustable Driving Mode system, which allows directing the technically sophisticated drivetrain to match the driver’s motoring mood. ‘Sport’ mode tightens steering and adjusts the throttle profile for a more aggressive driving scenario. Switching to ‘Green’ mode yields more fuel-efficient motoring, with optimized fuel delivery, tweaked shift points and a coasting feature that disengages an automatic transmission when lifting off the throttle.
The two MINI Convertible models are both unmistakably recognizable as a MINI while displaying their British heritage and delivering world class handling attributes. The Convertibles represent one of eight available MINI body styles. The MINI Convertible’s new streamlined body is aerodynamically sculpted, and grows in both size and refinement.
The spacious interior consists of a premium cabin with a new center console design. It is well appointed, with five high-end leather upholstery options, such as Chester Leather with diamond pattern stitching. Subtle ambient lighting enables the creation of varying cockpit moods with a multitude of settings and color tones, and cargo space has been increased by 25 percent.
MINI Connected is standard fare in the MINI Cooper and Cooper S Convertible, featuring a high-resolution 6.5-inch or optional 8.8-inch display, designed to seamlessly integrate technology into the MINI – from popular apps like Spotify® and Pandora®, to hardware like GoPro® and more.
An optional Park Assistant utilizes sensors to size up a potential parking spot to ensure that the MINI will fit. Then, the system will partner with the Park Distance Control to take over and steer the car into place with precise prompts for the driver when to brake, apply the gas and shift between forward and reverse.
Safety features include options such as Adaptive Cruise Control, Dynamic Stability Control and Head-Up Display, which add to peace of mind and convenience.
There are claimed to be several million ways to configure MINIs, and as with all MINIs, the Convertibles provide a 3-year/36,000 mile no cost maintenance program from boot to bonnet, and a four-year/50/000 mile limited warranty.
During the international press introduction, only MINI Cooper S Convertibles were available for testing. My driving partner and I began our test drive with the MINI Cooper S Convertible with the 6-speed Steptronic automatic. It wore a Melting Silver metallic exterior with a MINI Yours, Herringbone stitch woven pattern Union Jack top, a Chester leather and Malt Brown interior featuring Fiber Alloy aluminum trim accents.
The base price was set at $29,600., while the final sticker came to $30,450. After adding the Destination charge. U.S. Option pricing was not available for the MINI Your Line. We also tested a Caribbean Aqua finished model, similarly equipped and priced. Option pricing for both was guess-timated to be at least another $2,500.
SUMMARY: Our MINI Cooper S Convertible drive route took us from Los Angeles through the Mulholland Hills and Topanga Canyon to Point Dume Beach, Malibu and back to L.A., and despite the fact that the new MINI Cooper S Convertible is larger when compared to the preceding model, it still handles with Go Kart agility, bringing a smile to the countenance of all onboard during spirited maneuvers. The wheelbase has been increased by 1.1-inch to 98.2-inches.
The ride quality is firm, riding on run-flat tires, but not objectionable. In fact, the seats are highly supportive and comfortable. I felt that the EPS steering was spot on and instantly responsive, while my driving partner found it to be lacking in feedback. In any case, the stability and road-holding ability are most impressive. Acceleration is certainly more than adequate, but a more robust engine and exhaust note would not be a bad thing, increasing the sporting flavor of what is now a more refined and sophisticated MINI, suitable for long distance travel in comfort.
The top now comes with a new feature, opening partially for a sunroof effect or operating to fully open at the touch of a switch in 18 seconds at speeds up to 18 mph. Another plus is that the homely protective roll-over hoops of earlier models are now hidden for a much cleaner top-down appearance, and the easily installed and removable rear seat wind deflector is genuinely effective in reducing wind buffeting. The only negative issues encountered were with the Nav system, which is not readily intuitive and often seems to have a mind of its own, which may well be only a software problem
For those who desire an increased level of performance than the MINI Cooper S delivers, the MINI John Cooper Works Convertible is set to provide the optimum experience, and is sure to please.
On the TFLcar scale of:
Buy it!
Lease it!
Rent it!
… or Forget it!
I give the 2016 MINI Cooper S Convertible a ‘Buy It!‘ for a super fun to drive, premium compact ragtop.
2016 MINI Convertible Specs and Pricing:
MINI Cooper Convertible
MINI Cooper S Convertible
MINI John Cooper Works Convertible
MSRP
$25,950
$29,600
$35,600
Engine
1.5L TwinPower turbocharged I-3
2.0L TwinPower turbocharged I-4
2.0L TwinPower turbocharged I-4
Power
134 hp @ 4400 rpm
189 hp @ 5000 rpm
228 hp @ 5200 rpm
Torque
162 lb-ft @ 1250-4000 rpm
207 lb-ft @ 1250-4000 rpm
237 lb-ft @1250-4800 rpm
Transmissions
6-speed automatic
6-speed manual
6-speed automatic
6-speed manual
6-speed automatic
6-speed manual
Acceleration 0-60 mph
8.2 sec (AT)
8.3 sec (MT)
6.7 sec (AT)
6.8 sec (MT)
6.3 sec (AT)
6.4 sec (MT)
Top speed
128 mph
128 mph
142 mph
143 mph
149 mph
150 mph
Drivetrain layout
front-wheel drive
Curb weight
2905 lbs
2855 lbs
3025 lbs
2985 lbs
3065 lbs
3035 lbs
The 2016 MINI Cooper S Convertible is all-new and ready for some fun times in the sun as Nathan found out in this TFLcar everything you ever wanted to know video from the LA Auto Show.
Arv Voss is a Northern California based freelance motoring Journalist and member and past officer of several noted Automotive Journalist organizations who contributes regularly to a number of national and international media outlets. He reviews not only cars, trucks and SUVs, but motorcycles as well.
Compact crossovers are hugely popular in the United States, and although their mix of interior space and an upright driving position help draw in customers, for those living in the northern states, their all-wheel drive is a big selling point.
For this TFLcar video mashup, Nathan Adlen travels Crested Butte, Colorado to check out the all-wheel-drive capabilities of three strong competitors in this segment – the sporty 2016 Mazda CX-5, the top-selling 2016 Honda CR-V, and the 2016 Subaru Forester.
The competitors tackled a snowy slalom course and uphill start to determine which system worked the best.
The CR-V is a top-level EX-L model with an MSRP of $30,495. Honda’s all-wheel-drive system is designed so that the car is mainly in front wheel drive, but power will move to the back when needed.
The Forester lists at $31,669. The Subaru uses a symmetrical all-wheel-drive system that also uses the brakes to help keep the vehicle moving where the driver wants it to go.
The CX-5 is the most expensive of the group at $33,910. Mazdas are typically known for their on-road sportiness, but the CX-5 has an all-wheel-drive system that works well in bad traction. It has an electro-magnetic coupling that engages to send power to the rear when needed. It will also determine if traction is needed and keep the coupling locked, which helps for uphill starts.
So which one has the best system? Check out the full video below to find out.
Rolls-Royce Motor Company has just announced that they will be ending production of the current-generation Phantom, Phantom Coupé, and Drophead Coupé in 2016. Furthermore, the renowned British carmaker has announced that the Phantom Coupé and Drophead Coupé will not be renewed in the future. This news comes out following the announcement that the company has begun testing its all-aluminum architecture that will be on all of its cars starting in early 2018. The luxury coach builder contends that they reset and held the benchmark of luxury with this generation of Phantom for the last 13 years.
During November of this year, the last Phantoms will be rolling off the production line from the Goodwood Plant. However, the Phantom will not be leaving without one last hurrah. Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Chief Executive Officer, Torsten Müller-Ötvös, has said that Rolls-Royce will be producing 50 highly collectible, unique cars of the Phantom Coupé and Droptop Coupé named Phantom Zenith.
Rolls-Royce director of design, Giles Taylor says that, “As the name promises, Zenith will be the pinnacle; the best of its kind; the highest standard achievable by which everything else is judged,” and furthermore that, “Zenith will be the sum of all the best features of Phantom Coupé and Drophead Coupé, with a few surprises added. We expect huge demand for these 50 fine motor cars as we shall not look upon their like again.”
As the old car drives into the sunset, a new car appears on the horizon. CEO Torsten Müller-Ötvös had a bit more to say announcing, “a new Phantom is on the way – a contemporary and beautiful Phantom enhanced with cutting-edge technologies and design innovations. Any new Phantom is an historic and important moment in automotive history and we are working hard on perfecting the Phantom VIII.”
To see Rolls-Royce’s bespoke design in action, check out our first-drive review of the 2014 Rolls-Royce Wraith:
Many people consider potholes the scourge of American roads. Ford says that they have a solution to this problem. Recently the Dearborn automaker announced a new pothole detection technology that will be released with the 2017 Ford Fusion Sport V6. The technology, named Continuously Controlled Damping (CCD), allows the car to detect and avoid potholes in the road. The system uses 12 sensors to monitor the road every two milliseconds. After the sensors detect a pothole, they send a signal to the shocks, telling the car to contract the shock-absorber, lift up the wheel and avoid hard impact with the far side of the pothole.
Not only are potholes a continuing problem in the U.S., but they are uncomfortable for you and your passengers, and can be quite damaging to your car (and wallet). A survey conducted by Trusted Choice and the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America found that half of car owners from 2009 to 2014 experienced vehicle damage due to potholes. Damage from potholes can range from a bubbled sidewall to a cracked rim, and in some extreme cases, damage to suspension components and the car’s frame. While minor damage will not completely break the bank, it can still end up costing you a pretty penny.
Watch the 2017 Ford Fusion Sport automatically avoid potholes
AAA states that Americans spend an average of $3 billion repairing damage from potholes. Replacing a tire can cost anywhere from $100-$350 depending on the size of your wheel, and fixing or replacing a bent rim can cost a similar amount (again this depends on your wheels). If you get really unlucky and damage more than one wheel, you could see a repair bill nearing $1,000.
Poor roads are becoming an ever more relevant problem for U.S. citizens to deal with in their day to day lives. According to a recent study conducted by the Washington Post, there are seven states in which 35 percent or more of the roads are reported to be in “poor” condition. If you expand your search to states where more than 25 percent of roads are in bad condition, the list grows from seven states to a whopping 22 states.
The worst state, although it is technically a district, is Washington DC. The capitol has 92 percent of its roads listed as being in poor condition. Furthermore, none of DC’s roads are listed as being in good condition. There is effectively not a single road in DC that can be described as good. If you live in one of the worse-off states on the list, any form of preventative technology would be very useful.
Since Ford is headquartered in a state where 40 percent of the roads are considered to be in “poor” condition, I’m surprised a solution to a problem that affects millions of American across the nation wasn’t engineered sooner.
To see some of Ford’s other technology innovations in action, check out this TFLcar video of Ford’s Fusion Hybrid that can almost drive itself:
Hyundai is making some major changes to its lineup, and two of those vehicles were spotted recently by TFLcar reader Brad.
The most interesting one is the one with the most camouflage. Could this be the new Prius-fighting 2017 Hyundai Ioniq hybrid? The profile would suggest so, with its sloping hatchback design. The narrow black slats on the grille also point to the new Ioniq.
The Ioniq is due to make its premier at the Geneva Motor Show in March and should be on sale this year as a 2017 model, at least according to Hyundai. It will be the first model to give consumers a choice of EV powertrains – traditional gas/electric hybrid, plug-in gas/electric hybrid, or full electric.
The specs on the gas/electric hybrid model are similar to the 2017 Kia Niro that made its debut at the Chicago Auto Show. It will have a 1.6-liter Atkinson-cycle engine with a permanent electric motor mated to a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
Also spied with the Ioniq is the Genesis G90, the new flagship of Hyundai’s luxury brand that will bow in 2017. It was testing alongside a BMW 750i, which is one of the G90’s target competitors along with the Mercedes-Benz S-class.
The G90 is essentially the next generation Equus sedan. It’s poised to compete head-to-head with the Germans, with a rear-wheel-drive platform powered by either a twin-turbo V-6 or a 5.0-liter V-8.
So what do you think? Is this the new Ioniq hybrid testing with the G90? Start the conversation in the comments below.
Check out this TFLcar video of the all-new 2017 Hyundai Elantra:
While TFL hasn't reviewed too many Subarus in the past few years, I just seized the opportunity to buy a bargain of a WRX for my next long-term daily driver.
On the TFLcar scale of:
