On today’s show…truck owners are accusing FCA of cheating on diesel emissions…we’ll take a look at some of the highlights from the LA auto show…and why I think Buick is making a big mistake with its new sedans. All that and more coming right up on Autoline Daily.
This is Autoline Daily the show for enthusiasts of the automotive industry.
FCA ACCUSED OF CHEATING ON DIESEL EMISSIONS
Another automaker is being accused of cheating on diesel emissions and this time it involves FCA. A lawsuit was just filed against the company on behalf of 500,000 truck owners claiming FCA and Cummins, which supplies diesels for some of FCA’s trucks, rigged the engines to hide emissions that were up to 14 times higher than allowed. The claim involves Ram 2500 and 3500 pick-ups from model years 2007 to 2012. The suit claims pollutants that are supposed to break down inside the diesels had a tendency to escape, which increased emissions and reduced the truck’s fuel economy. Both FCA and Cummins deny the allegations and say they will fight the suit in court.
NHTSA FINALIZES EV SOUND RULES
Anyone who’s been in an electric vehicle knows they are very quiet, especially at low-speeds. That’s why several years ago, it was proposed EVs must make some sort of sound at low speeds, so pedestrians and the blind can hear them in parking lots or at crosswalks. And yesterday NHTSA finally finalized those rules. By September of 2019, all hybrid and electric cars must emit some sort of noise when travelling in forward or reverse at speeds up to 19 MPH. The rules only apply to electrified vehicles with four wheels that weigh 10,000 pounds or less. Once all EVs are equipped with the system, NHTSA estimates that 2,400 pedestrian injuries will be avoided every year.
JAGUAR REVEALS ALL-ELECTRIC I-PACE
And speaking of electric vehicles, Jaguar just revealed a sleek looking all-electric concept called the I-PACE at the LA auto show. The crossover features two electric motors along with a 90 kWh lithium-ion battery pack that was developed by the company. It has a range of 500 km or about 310 miles based on the European driving cycle. But it lives up to Jaguar’s sporty heritage, it can move from 0 to 60 MPH in just 4 seconds. Jaguar says the I-PACE is a preview of a production model that will debut in 2018.
Still to come…a look at some more vehicles being unwrapped at the LA auto show.
CHEVY UNVEILS SPARK ACTIV
And now let’s take a look at some more reveals from LA. Chevy took the wraps off a more active version of the Spark, called the Spark ACTIV. Its suspension is about a half an inch higher than the regular model and it features unique front and rear fascias. It’s also equipped with black rocker moldings and roof rails. The Spark ACTIV hits dealerships in the first quarter of next year with a starting price of $17,000 with a manual. With a CVT its price jumps about a grand.
VW TAKES THE WRAPS OFF PASSAT GT CONCEPT
Volkswagen unveiled a concept version of the Passat called the Passat GT. It was created in the U.S. with feedback from its customers and dealers. Compared to a standard Passat, the concept features more than 20 design changes to the exterior and interior, including a grille inspired by the Golf GTI, black window surrounds, a black roof and trunk spoiler, LED headlights and smoked taillights. It’s powered by a 280-horsepower 3.6L V6 that’s mated to a six-speed dual-clutch transmission. And while VW says the GT is a “potential addition” to the Passat line-up, this concept sure looks production ready to us.
FORD INTRODUCES ECOSPORT TO NORTH AMERICA
And Ford debuted the new EcoSport that will be hitting North American shores. Key features include the choice of either a 1.0L 3-cylinder EcoBoost engine or a 2.0L 4-cylinder unit. The 2.0L comes standard with 4WD and both engines are mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission. The interior features an 8-inch touchscreen with available Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, seven ambient lighting options and the option for a 675-watt sound system. There are 4 trim levels available – S, SE, SES and Titanium. SES models features 4WD, sport-tuned suspension and steering, and unique styling cues inside and out. If you’re interested in the new EcoSport unfortunately you’ll have to wait a little while. They won’t start hitting dealer showrooms until early in 2018.
Coming up next, Buick tries taking a page out of Cadillac’s book but I think it’s the wrong move.
WHY BUICK IS GOING IN THE WRONG DIRECTION
Buick is on a tear this year. It has already sold more than a million vehicles globally and it’s rolling out a number of updated and all-new products. But I fear the brand maybe taking its sedans in the wrong direction.
(Sean’s Buick LaCrosse analysis is only available in the video version of today’s show.)
That’s how I see it. But, as always, we’d love to know what you think. Just leave your thoughts in the comments section.
And with that we wrap up today’s show. Thanks for watching and we’ll be right back here again tomorrow.
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Comments (19)
November 15th, 2016 at 11:45 am
“NHTSA Finalizes EV Sound Rules” Maybe they should also put an app out so people who are buried face deep into their iphones will be warned when they walk out onto a busy street.Happens all the time.
Dieselgate with fca.Isn’t there a lawsuit already going on about this? Like fca says it’s Cummins fault and so on?
November 15th, 2016 at 11:47 am
I forgot to add: with the ever growing towing/torque wars going on with the big three,won’t emissions suffer?
November 15th, 2016 at 11:55 am
Buick should stick with shaming the the Lexus ES and RX. Enthusiast handling is not needed. Just stay with high quality interior materials, quiet environments, and comfortable rides.
November 15th, 2016 at 12:05 pm
If Buick is going to the expense of putting RM shocks in cars then they should give you an adjustment control (Comfort, Touring, Sport) so you set it to your preference.
November 15th, 2016 at 12:14 pm
Buick recently has been near-luxury segment. What is unique about Buick compared the competition is GM offers something above(Cadillac) and something below(Chevrolet) on almost all models. Not only does this allow someone walking into a GM dealership that sells all their brands a easier sell, it allows platform architecture sharing which lowers production costs. This allows GM to offer the lowest priced car, after incentives, in it’s class. Just one of the many reasons GM has had record sales lately.
November 15th, 2016 at 12:52 pm
Sean, I agree with you. For that car, I would order the Lacrosse with 18 inch wheels simply because I don’t like the 20 inch, low profile tires. Those tires, with a low profile, don’t allow enough rubber to cushion the ride if you hit a pothole or something like that. I think Buick wants to bring back the nice ride qualities of the past and I think that’s great, but not with 20 inch wheels IMHO.
My problem with the car is that competitors, such as Lincoln, have come out with sedans that have more power, even 400 HP. I don’t think Buick puts enough power under the hood. Buick will have to fix that sooner or later.
November 15th, 2016 at 12:58 pm
I was wondering how long it would be before Ford introduced the EcoSport to North America. That optional 2.0L engine will make it into a little rocket.,Just may have GM putting a bigger engiine in their small CUV’s
November 15th, 2016 at 1:08 pm
I agree with you Sean about too stiff rides. I was surprised how the Cadillac XT5 rode in comparison to the Lincoln MKX. I am old fashioned but luxury to me shouldn’t be harsh. I was most disappointed. The XT5 also felt like it was lacking soundproofing. A cheap ride. The MKX was brilliant.
I think Buick would be much better off offering a ride alternative to the Cadillac, smoother, soaking up the bumps,but still controlled. Then GM would have a valid alternative for customers who find the Cadillac ride lacking. No need to look at Lincoln.
November 15th, 2016 at 1:30 pm
I just saw Mark Fields on FOX Business at the intro of the new EchoSport in L.A.. Mark said that this vehicle is being manufactured in India and imported into the U.S.. I cannot get the Tata Nano out of my mind! And a 1 Liter Ecosoot motor in this rickshaw should seal the deal for most.
November 15th, 2016 at 1:41 pm
I too don’t understand the stiff ride in most Cadillacs. My father went to buy an ATS in 2013 and we couldn’t get over the ride quality and road noise. I told him that was the new Cadillac. He ended up with an XTS which he ditched a year later because the CUE system was too complicated for an 80 year old guy.
A Chevy Spark ACTIV? 4/10ths of an inch of ground ride height will certainly put the pressure on folks trying decide between this little gem and a Jeep Wrangler.
November 15th, 2016 at 4:12 pm
EV sounds – if you pay attention, most ICE cars nowadays make no audible engineer noise at low speeds, all you hear is tire noise. I agree phones should have an app that emit a high voltage zapp if pedestrians are fiddling while crossing the road.
November 15th, 2016 at 5:07 pm
To make a Spark “active,” they should lower the standard car about 1/2 inch, and add more motor, maybe the 1.4 turbo from the Cruze.
November 15th, 2016 at 5:21 pm
I’m 70 years old, and in a few years, I might be ready for a Buick. I’ll want it to be quiet, comfortable, and ride well. A LaCrosse-size car should probably have 16 inch wheels, as a good ride/road noise/handling compromise. My much bigger ’57 Chrysler had 14′s, and they worked ok.
Also, Buick, please, PLEASE resist any thoughts of copying CUE for Buick. Instead, work out a deal with FCA to copy UConnect, probably the most user friendly of today’s “infotainment” systems.
November 15th, 2016 at 5:46 pm
re. EV sounds.
Today, I had the oil changed today in my Prius at an independant shop, in a quiet area away from major roads. When the attendant moved it into the shop, it stood out that, at the very low speed it was driven, without the ICE starting, I heard nothing. I see reason for artificial noise from EV’s, and hybrids when the ICE isn’t running, but it is only needed at very low speed, and it doesn’t need to be very loud. I really hope the requirements are clearly “not very loud.”
November 15th, 2016 at 6:08 pm
Buick should offer a suspension package aimed at the folks that still want that soft (too soft in my opinion) ride. I like a firm (grounded) ride and I’m no “spring chicken” (just turned 66); but for those that do, well, why not offer 16 or 17 inch wheels and soften up those spring/shocks (a tad). It shouldn’t be too hard to do as they currently offer ‘sportier’ suspensions on their standard cars. A standard vehicle: then one up and one down option (apparently the MRC doesn’t meet the full range needed).
November 15th, 2016 at 6:19 pm
So what sound are the EVs going to make? I hope the same as George Jetson’s ride, that would be a cool throw back for all of us baby boomers who watched that show. Come on EV makers, make our day!
November 15th, 2016 at 7:53 pm
Maybe the EV sounds can be downloaded, so you can get George Jetson, an F1 car, a muffler-less Harley, or whatever else you might want.
November 15th, 2016 at 7:56 pm
15 The MRC might mostly cover the whole range, but there are those who don’t want the complexity of MRC, or don’t want to pay for it. I’m both.
November 15th, 2016 at 8:57 pm
FCA Diesel scandal: ” Billions of dollars in fines” , “vehicle buybacks” or “corporate environmental restitution”?? Don’t hold you breath!