Tag Archives: SUV

Buick Trademarks The Electra Name, Does It Hint At Upcoming Electric Crossover?

Buick’s range in North America comprises exclusively of SUVs including the Envision, Encore and Enclave, but none of them is fully electric. This could change in the near future as the automaker filed a trademark for the Electra name in Canada, a move that could hint at a production version of last years’ fully electric crossover concept bearing the iconic name.

General Motor’s trademark filing from December 20 for the Buick Electra name was posted at the Rivian Owners Forum. Of course, this doesn’t necessarily mean that Buick will use the Electra name on a production vehicle, nor that this will be a fully electric crossover, however both of those assumptions sound plausible given the timing.

See Also: 2023 Cadillac Lyriq Electric SUV Unveiled In Production Form

The pictured Buick Electra concept was unveiled last year in Shangai. The prototype brought back an iconic name used in full-size luxury sedans from 1959 to 1990. Unlike its predecessors, the new Electra adopted a sleek crossover-style silhouette previewing Buick’s future design language.

Like the Cadillac Lyric that was unveiled in production form earlier this year, the Buick Electra concept was based on GM’s Ultium architecture with a fully electric powertrain. In the concept, the dual electric motors produced 583 hp (435 kW / 589 PS), while the Ultium battery allowed a range of more than 410 miles (660 km). The production version could use the Lyriq’s 100 kWh lithium-ion battery pack which is good for a more down-to-earth 300 mile (483 km) electric range.

See Also: Buick Smart Pod Is A Futuristic Luxury Minivan Concept

A Buick Electra SUV could be a competitor for the rumored Chrysler Airflow and the Ford Mustang Mach-E, or move upmarket to rival more premium electric SUV proposals from BMW (iX), Audi (e-tron), and Mercedes-Benz (EQE). In any case, the design of the concept would have to be toned down for production, including a more conventional design for the greenhouse and the doors while retaining elements like the overall crossover shape, the Matrix LED lighting units, and the large-diameter wheels.

Buick hasn’t made any announcements for the future product strategy so we don’t know if and when they are planning to introduce their first fully electric SUV. Outside North America, the automaker is steadily increasing its sales in China, where it is also offering a wide range of sedans, SUVs, and luxury MPVs.

Mansory Teases Bodykits For SF90, MC20, Roma, 765LT, DBX, And 911

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Mansory has teased a handful of new models that it is developing bodykits for.

The first teaser posted to Facebook previews kits for both the Ferrari SF90 Stradale and Ferrari Roma. The SF90 Stradale is Ferrari’s most potent model and Mansory is planning to make it even more menacing with custom parts for the front fascia, side skirts, and rear diffuser. This teaser also previews an extended rear wing, trim around the headlights and taillights, and new trim around the side air intakes. As for the Roma, it has also been previewed with a unique front splitter, side skirts, rear lip spoiler, and rear diffuser.

Read Also: Mansory’s Latest Bentley Flying Spur Project Isn’t For Traditionalists

The second teaser previews kits for the Maserati MC20 and McLaren 765LT. The kit for the Maserati is perhaps the most outlandish and in addition to revised front and rear bumpers, plus distinctive side skirts, it also includes a large fixed rear wing and a roof scoop. Changes being readied for the 765LT are a little more subtle but will still beef up its road presence.

Last but not least is a teaser for the 992-generation Porsche 911 and Aston Martin DBX. The 911 can be seen with unique bumpers, a large rear wing, and accents around the side air intakes. The DBX’s bodykit is also very aggressive and includes flared wheel arches, re-designed bumpers, a power bulge on the hood, a tailgate spoiler, and a roof spoiler.

Mansory has yet to announce when it will introduce these bodykits.

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Toyota X Prologue Previewed Prior To Next Week’s Unveiling, Is It An Electric SUV?

Toyota has released a teaser image of the X Prologue, which is due in exactly one week from today, on March 17, at 4:00 a.m. ET (10:00 a.m. CET), with the automaker streaming the presentation online.

Believed to preview their upcoming electric vehicle family, the X Prologue might be a zero-emission SUV built on the e-TNGA platform that was co-developed in partnership with Subaru. The architecture can accommodate different battery pack sizes and motors, and can work with front-, rear- and all-wheel drive.

Read More: Toyota Bringing Multiple EVs To The US in 2021, Remains Lukewarm On Largescale EV Production

If we are indeed looking at an SUV, then it should have a similar footprint to the RAV4. However, Toyota is understood to make the front and rear overhangs shorter and the wheelbase longer, so interior space should be on par with the upper class.

Now, back to the teaser image that partially reveals the front end of the car. The model has what appears to be a two-layer style bonnet with the Toyota logo in the middle on a black background. To the sides of the front fascia, we can see C-shaped LED headlights that appear to be joined together by a thin light strip positioned between the hood and bumper. The grille is closed off, further suggesting that we might be indeed looking at an electric vehicle.

So, could this actually be an upcoming VW ID.4 rival from Toyota?

Driven: 2020 VW T-Roc 140TSI Sport Is More Than A Golf On Stilts

In an age where demand for crossovers and SUVs continues to rise, the Golf-based Volkswagen T-Roc proves that there is something to this trend.

Launched in Australia last year following a series of delays, the T-Roc was initially only sold in flagship 140TSI guise. While that variant has since been joined by the 110TSI, it was the 140TSI Sport that we recently sampled.

In creating an SUV based on the same MQB A1 platform as the Golf, Volkswagen simply could have raised the suspension on the ever-popular hatch, tweaked the styling, and called it a day. Instead, it went to town on differentiating the T-Roc not only from the vehicle it is based on but also all other SUVs in its lineup. The result is a vehicle which to our eyes not only looks better than the Golf but most other VWs as well.

Purposeful looks

The aggressive shape is a key highlight. A purposeful front fascia flows seamlessly into the flared front wheel arches while a striking design line above the door handles guides your eyes to a suave rear-end with uniquely-shaped taillights. The thick C-pillars and tapered roofline add to the overall aesthetic of the SUV.

All 140TSI Sport models sold Down Under are equipped as standard with the R-Line package and roll on a set of 18-inch alloy wheels. One key design highlight are the daytime running lights that wrap around faux air intakes in the front bumper. The Flash Red paint scheme made our test car all the more striking.

Volkswagen has got the design of the interior just right as well. The cabin feels airy and noticeably bigger than the Golf. This is especially obvious in the second row where there is heaps of headroom and legroom and despite the massive C-pillars right next to the headrests, it doesn’t feel claustrophobic. The trunk swallows up 392 liters (13.8 cubic-feet) of cargo, slightly more than a Golf. There’s plenty of storage space at the front too.

Most notable is the fully digital gauge cluster which, just like many other VW models, can be configured to your tastes and displays all the vital information you could ever need. The flat-bottomed steering wheel with red contrast stitching is a nice addition, as is the red stitching on the shifter boot. An 8.0-inch infotainment screen also comes as standard and includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Local buyers have two option packages available, namely the Luxury Package and the Sound & Style Package. The first of these is priced at AU$3,500 (US$2,696) and includes individually heated front seats, a panoramic glass sunroof, and Vienna leather-appointed seat upholstery. The AU$2,000 (US$1,541) Sound & Style package brings satellite navigation, adaptive chassis control with Driving profile selection, a Beats 300W premium sound system, Composition Media audio system, and progressive steering. Our test car had this package and it is well worth the money.

You don’t need a GTI or R badge to have fun in a VW

As the name of the model implies, it delivers 140 kW (187 hp) (and 236 lb-ft (320 Nm) of torque) thanks to a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder. That is all you could possibly need for a compact SUV like this and adding to the package is VW’s excellent seven-speed DSG dual-clutch transmission which drives all four wheels via the 4MOTION AWD system.

If you were to close your eyes and pin the throttle (something we do not recommend), one could be easily fooled into thinking they were driving a hot hatch. The acceleration of the T-Roc 140TSI Sport is very impressive. It builds up speed with refinement and ease, pushing you back into your seat as the transmission snaps through the gears. We suspect most owners will be more than satisfied with the performance, even though this isn’t the full-blown R variant offered in some markets.

Read Also: McChip’s Stage 4 VW T-Roc R Can Beat The Tiguan R All Day, Any Day

In the T-Roc you can choose between a number of different modes suited to both on- and off-road driving. We found the ‘Sport’ setting to be the best option for the street as it helps to liven everything up and make the vehicle feel that much tauter through the bends. Speaking of the bends, the T-Roc performs well at cornering, although it is quite easy to push into understeer if you overstep the limits of adhesion.

Volkswagen has also provided the T-Roc with Offroad, Offroad Individual, and Snow modes. While these are nice inclusions you won’t find on a Golf, they certainly don’t transform the SUV into a hardcore off-roader.

One particularly interesting aspect of the driving experience is how small the T-Roc feels. Indeed, it feels no larger than an Mk7 Golf, allowing you to enjoy all the advantages of an SUV with the all-wheel drive system without feeling like you’d tower over a Golf at the traffic lights.

All T-Roc models sold in Australia come loaded with heaps of important safety systems. These include autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, rear-cross traffic alert, lane-keep assist, and park assist. We found the lane-keeping assist system to be particularly effective.

Local pricing starts at AU$31,700 (US$24,426) for the 110TSI model and increases to AU$40,490 (US$31,200) before on-road costs for the 140TSI Sport that we tested, free of any options packages.

I’ll be the first to admit that I haven’t always been fond of the trend towards crossovers and SUVs. However, after spending a week with the T-Roc, I am starting to see why so many consumers prefer them.

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Photo credits: Brad Anderson / CarScoops

Ferrari Admits The Purosangue SUV Will Be Harder To Develop Than The SF90

Ferrari had admitted that developing the Purosangue SUV will be a tougher challenge than the SF90 Stradale with its complex hybrid powertrain.

Hot on the heels of the Italian car manufacturer unveiling the SF90 Spider, Ferrari chief technical officer Michael Leiters was asked whether making an electrified powertrain feel like a proper Ferrari or if trying to get an SUV to feel like a Ferrari, was more challenging.

“The SF90 was a challenge, but the Purosangue SUV is another dimension of complication,” Leiters told Top Gear. “And this means we need a certain culture and test procedures so we can meet customer requirements for SUVs. But I’m very confident. Personally, I’ve done a lot of SUVs and I think we’ve understood what’s necessary for an SUV that’s a real Ferrari. When it’s time we’ll show you it’s not a contradiction.”

Read Also: 2022 Ferrari Purosangue SUV Spotted In Maranello Wearing A Weird Disguise

Leiters is perhaps the perfect man for the job as he was formerly in charge of SUVs at Porsche.

A handful of Ferrari Purosangue prototypes have been spied testing in recent months with most a mish-mash of random Maserati and Ferrari parts. However, as these prototypes have sported pre-existing body panels from the Ferrari parts bin, it’s impossible to know just what the finished SUV will look like.

Similar questions remain about the vehicle’s powertrain. One likely candidate is the 3.9-liter twin-turbocharged V8 of the GTC4 Lusso, tweaked to around the 650 hp mark, perfect to allow the Ferrari to rival the Lamborghini Urus. It’s also possible that the twin-turbocharged hybrid V6 currently being developed by the car manufacturer could be offered.

Rendering courtesy of Daniel Crossman on Behance

Hyundai Kona Electric Facelifted For The 2021 Model Year

Shortly after the Hyundai Kona family was updated for the 2021 model year, the Kona Electric has also been freshened up.

The car manufacturer launched the Kona Electric back in 2018 and in that time, over 120,000 units have been sold globally. Visual updates made to the 2021 model mimic those of other 2021 Kona models.

Read Also: Hyundai Could Widen Recall Of Kona EV In Europe And North America Too Over Fire Risks

With this in mind, the front end has been tweaked with new headlights and LED daytime running lights. The grille has also been altered and the front sports an asymmetric charging port. Other updates made include satin accent bars in the lower section of the front bumper, new taillights, and an updated rear bumper. The new bodywork means the 2021 Kona Electric is 40 mm longer than the outgoing version.

Powering the crossover is a 64 kWh battery pack coupled to a single electric motor delivering 201 hp and 291 lb-ft (395 Nm) of torque and offering up a respectable range of 300 miles (484 km) on the WLTP cycle. When connected to a 50 kW charger, the Kona’s battery can be charged from 10 per cent to 80 per cent in 64 minutes. This time drops to 47 minutes with a 100 kW charger. Customers can also opt a 10.5 kW three-phase onboard charger. The Kona Electric also includes a Smart Adjustable Regenerative Braking system.

Updates have also been made to the vehicle’s interior and include a 10.25-inch digital gauge cluster and a 10.25-inch infotainment display. There’s also a new ambient lighting system.

All 2021 Hyundai Kona Electric models come with a comprehensive suite of Hyundai SmartSense safety features that includes Blind-Sport Collision-Avoidance Assist, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist, Leading Vehicle Departure Alert, Safe Exit Warning, Rear Seat Alert, Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with pedestrian and cyclist detection, Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go, Lane Following Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, Intelligent Speed Limit Warning, and Driver Attention Warning.

The updated Hyundai Kona Electric will arrive in select markets next year. Pricing hasn’t been announced.

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Jeep Owner Wanted Grand Cherokee SRT Gone, But Then Vilner Did This To The Interior

Vilner Garage continues to do what it does best – which is completely overhauling car interiors to suit their owners’ exact preferences.

The latest car to undergo the Vilner treatment is a Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT, which the owner was almost ready to sell because he wanted something that felt and looked more special inside. A long-time Jeep owner, he desired a ride with a cozy and soft interior, with everything furnished to his taste.

Fortunately, the guys from Vilner made that possible without him having to sell his performance SUV. A quick look at the cabin is enough to realize this is no stock Grand Cherokee SRT. The entire interior is decorated with fine Nappa leather, including the door cards and the entire center console from the dashboard to the armrest.

See Also: Vilner Gives An Older Land Rover Discovery A Range Rover-Worthy Makeover

The perforated leather upholstery features hexagonal quilting with contrasting white stitching, while the edges are decorated with red topstitching. Rounding out the interior modifications are the bright red seat belts.

On the outside, the Grand Cherokee SRT remains completely stock, which is fine because the American performance SUV looks menacing enough from the factory. We gather the combination between a stock exterior and a highly-customized interior should provoke some interesting reactions from onlookers.

Vilner Garage did not touch the naturally aspirated 6.4-liter HEMI V8 either. Thus, it still churns out 475 HP at 6,000 rpm and 470 lb-ft (636 Nm) of torque at 4,300 rpm, which is enough for a zero to 60 mph (96 km/h) sprint in 4.4 seconds and a top speed of 160 mph (257 km/h).

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Facelifted 2021 Jaguar E-Pace Lands With Tweaked Looks

The facelifted 2021 Jaguar E-Pace has been unveiled and while it doesn’t look very different to the outgoing model, it does benefit from a host of important updates.

Starting with the design, the British car manufacturer has altered the front fascia with a new bumper and grille mesh design with diamond detailing. The E-Pace also features all-new LED headlights with ‘Double J’ daytime running light signatures that can be optioned with Pixel LED technology.

As for the rear, the facelifted E-Pace includes a new mesh insert. Jaguar has also fitted new LED taillights inspired by those of the all-electric I-Pace and complete with a chicane-inspired graphic.

Some key changes have also been made to the cabin, all of which make the new E-Pace feel much more premium than the outgoing model. Taking pride of place in the interior is a new 11.4-inch curved-glass HD infotainment system with the company’s latest Pivi Pro infotainment system. Additionally, the new SUV features a re-designed driver selector and a 15W wireless device charger. Key driver touchpoints are also now wrapped in soft-touch materials and there are a host of new metallic features found throughout. Additionally, Jaguar has fitted a new steering wheel.

Read Also: Jaguar XE Sedan And XF Sportbrake Axed From North America

Under the skin, the updated Jaguar E-Pace is based around a new architecture that includes improved front suspension attachment points to provide a more comfortable ride. This new structure also reduces vibration and harness.

A handful of different variants will be offered depending on the market. Sitting at the base of the range is a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 247 hp and 269 lb-ft (365 Nm) of torque and paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and an all-wheel drive system. New for 2021 is the E-Pace 300 Sport model, complete with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with mild-hybrid technology and producing an impressive 296 hp and 295 lb-ft (400 Nm) of torque.

The E-Pace 300 Sport includes Jaguar’s second-generation Active Driveline AWD system that is able to transfer torque between the front and rear axles. This system works in conjunction with two independent electronically-controlled wet-plate clutches that distribute torque suitably across the rear wheels and with the ability to direct 100 per cent of torque to either rear wheel in just 100 milliseconds.

Deliveries of the 2021 Jaguar E-Pace will start in early 2021.

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BMW X5 M And X6 M Competition First Editions Launched, Capped At 250 Units Each

BMW has just introduced First Edition variants of both the X5 M Competition and X6 M Competition with production of each capped at 250 units.

Ordinarily, car manufacturers introduce ‘First Edition’ variants the moment a new model is launched but the current X5 M Competition and X6 M Competition were launched roughly 12 months ago. Odd name aside, BMW has made some subtle changes to differentiate the First Edition models from lesser variants.

Watch Also: Can The BMW X6 Competition Possibly Compete With A Jaguar F-Type R AWD?

For starters, the duo can be ordered in BMW Individual Frozen Dark Silver and BMW Individual Frozen Marina Bay Blue, two matte finishes that perfectly highlight the muscular design of both SUVs. Joining these matte paint options are M light alloy wheels finished in Jet Black with a star-spoke design and measuring 21-inches at the front and 22-inches at the rear.

BMW has also outfitted X5 M Competition and X6 M Competition First Edition models with a host of carbon fiber parts, including the wing mirror caps and rear spoiler. There is also an M carbon fiber engine compartment that comes standard.

As for the inside, First Edition models include BMW Individual Merino fuel leather trim in an exclusive bi-color configuration of Silverstone and Midnight Blue. There are also black Alcantara inserts in the seat bolsters and contrast stitching in Sakhir Orange across the seats and door panels. A BMW Individual headliner in Alcantara and finished in Midnight Blue further adds to the unique appeal of these limited-edition models. Rounding out the unique looks are a host of carbon fiber interior accents and ‘First Edition 1/250’ lettering.

No mechanical modifications have been made. As such, both First Edition models feature a 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine that produces 617 hp and 553 lb-ft (750 Nm) of torque.

BMW hasn’t announced pricing details nor has it said which markets the X5 M Competition and X6 M Competition First Edition models will be available in.

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Here’s More Intense Off-Roading With The 2021 Ford Bronco

A pair of new videos showing the 2021 Ford Bronco being tested in Moab, Utah along the extremely difficult Hell’s Revenge Trail have hit our desks.

In these videos, a handful of camouflaged and non-camouflaged Bronco prototypes are driven up and down large rock faces along the 6.5-mile long trail. At one stage in the second video, a Bronco is filmed at ‘Mickey’s Hot Tub,’ a difficult obstacle along the trail where vehicles drive into a large hole and then have to drive out the other side via a near-vertical face of rock. With the exception of some wheel slip, the Bronco deals with the obstacle very well indeed.

Both 2- and 4-door Bronco prototypes are featured in the video with various different wheel and tire packages. All of them seem superbly capable in tough off-road conditions, something that will be welcomed by enthusiasts and prospective owners alike.

Also Watch: See The 2021 Ford Bronco Get Tested To Its Limits In Utah

Aiding the Bronco’s off-road abilities is the fact that it offers best-in-class ground clearance of 11.6 inches (294 mm) and best-in-class water fording at 33.5 inches (851 mm). It also has a maximum breakover angle of 29 degrees with a departure angle of 32 degrees. The short front and rear overhangs prove to be particularly useful in these videos.

When order books for the 2021 Ford Bronco open, it will be available with two EcoBoost engines; a base 2.3-liter four-cylinder producing 270 hp and 310 lb-ft (420 Nm) of torque and a 2.7-liter V6 with 310 hp and 400 lb-ft (542 Nm). A hybrid model is also thought to be in the works.

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