AD #2243 – Car, Truck & Utility Finalists, Alfa Heads Back to F1, Mitsubishi Resurrects the Eclipse
November 30th, 2017 at 12:02pm
Runtime: 7:35
0:49 Car, Truck & Utility Finalists
1:25 Alfa Heads Back to F1
1:55 Rahal Joins Jaguar EV Racing Series
2:55 Toyota Concept Could Hint at Future Styling
3:36 Mercedes Reveals New CLS
4:40 Mitsubishi Resurrects the Eclipse
5:43 Just for Kicks
6:16 BMW i8 Goes Topless
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On today’s show…the finalists for North American Car, Truck and Utility of the Year are revealed…BMW takes the wraps off the Roadster version of the i8…and Toyota unveils a rugged off-road concept. All that and more coming right up on Autoline Daily.
This is Autoline Daily the show for enthusiasts of the automotive industry.
CAR, TRUCK & UTILITY FINALISTS
The finalists for North American Car, Truck and Utility of the Year were just announced. The Honda Accord, Toyota Camry and the Kia Stinger are duking it out in the Car category. The Alfa Romeo Stelvio, Honda Odyssey and the Volvo XC60 are battling for Utility of the Year. And the finalists for Truck of the Year are the Chevy Colorado ZR2, Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator. The winners will be announced in January at the Detroit auto show. But let us know in the comments which vehicles you think should win.
ALFA HEADS BACK TO F1
After a 30-year absence, Alfa Romeo is returning to Formula 1. However, it won’t be as a constructor or engine supplier, instead Alfa will be the Title Sponsor for the Sauber Team starting in 2018. The two have entered a multi-year agreement that covers strategic, commercial and technological cooperation. The official name of the team is the Alfa Romeo Sauber F1 Team and the cars will include Alfa logos and colors.
RAHAL JOINS JAGUAR EV RACING SERIES
And in other racing news, back in September Jaguar revealed it’s launching a new racing series for production based EVs that will feature hopped up versions of the company’s I-PACE electric. And now the Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing Team is the first to join the series. The Jaguar I-PACE eTROPHY series will race at 10 locations around the world alongside Formula E. Jaguar says it’s in talks with other teams and expects more to join before the first race in late 2018.
Still to come…we’ll take a look at the latest reveals from the LA Auto Show.
TOYOTA CONCEPT COULD HINT AT FUTURE STYLING
Toyota recently teased a mostly blacked out picture of a new adventure concept and now it’s turned on the lights for all to see. I could tell you all about how the automaker sees the FT-AC as the perfect vehicle for spontaneous adventure, but I think the real focus should be on the styling. With obvious cues from its current line of trucks and SUVs, we will likely see design elements from the concept trickle down to its other vehicles. I especially could see that whole front end on the next-gen Tacoma. And while the rear end looks a little hard edged for Toyota, at least at this moment, it could fit perfect on an upcoming Lexus.
MERCEDES REVEALS NEW CLS
Speaking of teases making their way into the light, Mercedes just unveiled the new CLS. While it keeps a similar silhouette as the current model, it has a less elegant, more sporty appearance with reduced or removed character lines down the side and over the rear wheel arch and hard, sharp lines in and around the headlights. The rear taillights also have a sharper edge to them and the license plate has been pushed from the trunk lid to the lower bumper. The interior has a much more modern feel and has similar cues to the new A-Class interior we showed the other day. It too features turbine-like vents topped by two display screens meshed together for driver’s readout and infotainment. The new CLS can now seat 5 passengers for the first time as well. Another first is the 48-volt mild hybrid system, which gets paired to a new in-line 6-cylinder engine that produces over 360-horsepower. The new CLS goes on sale in the U.S. next fall.
MITSUBISHI RESURRECTS THE ECLIPSE
Mitsubishi must believe in the saying “what’s old is new again” because a Mitsubishi Eclipse just emerged from the Lazarus pit, but this time as a CUV. Mitsu has desperately needed new product and here it is. A brand-spanking, shiny new compact SUV to fit right in the heart of one of the hottest segments around the world. The Eclipse Cross will come with a turbocharged 1.5L engine, which can be mated to AWD. The new CUV will go on sale in March of 2018 with a starting price of a little over $23,000 before destination charges.
Coming up next, Nissan introduces a new compact crossover called the Kicks.
JUST FOR KICKS
Nissan just introduced a new compact crossover called the Kicks. It’s a global vehicle that was created at the company’s design centers in the U.S., Brazil and Japan. Powering the front-wheel drive CUV is a 1.6L four-cylinder that’s mated to a CVT. It’s fuel economy is estimated at 33 MPG combined. And it’s available with a lot of the safety and infotainment features customers have come to expect. The Nissan Kicks arrives at dealerships in the U.S. next June.
BMW i8 GOES TOPLESS
BMW took the wraps off the new roadster version of the i8 plug-in hybrid along with the new coupe as well. Both models can travel up to 18 miles in pure EV mode, up from 15, before the turbocharged 3-cylinder gasoline engine kicks in. The Coupe hits 0 to 60 MPH in just 4.2 seconds while the Roadster is two-tenths of a second slower. Both models crank out 369 horses, 12 more than before and both have a top speed of 155 MPH. The Roadster’s soft-top roof can open and close in just 16 seconds at speeds up to 31 MPH. The new i8 Coupe and Roadster go on sale next spring.
And for a deeper dive into the new models from the LA Auto Show, be sure to check out John’s interviews with the people who helped create the reveals. You can find them at our website at Autoline.tv or you can look for them on our YouTube channel.
But that’s it for today, thanks making Autoline Daily a part of your day.
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Comments (31)
November 30th, 2017 at 12:22 pm
I like that Toyota Concept! It could be the next gen RAV 4 if it was toned down somewhat.
I especially like the new grill / nose.
November 30th, 2017 at 12:25 pm
So I assume the Kicks is a replacement for the Juke?
I really like the looks of the i8 even if it’s not that spectacular a car.
November 30th, 2017 at 12:28 pm
@Lex – I too thought the same thing about the RAV4, but have a little bit different of a take on the styling. The concept shown here would likely be a TRD version, where its rugged, aggressive styling has a better fit. While the standard version would likely be toned down.
November 30th, 2017 at 12:34 pm
So they now have two NACTOTY classes for tall wagons? Yikes
November 30th, 2017 at 12:36 pm
The Toyota concept reminded me of the horrible plastic fender flares that GM used on the Avalanche but worse with the way Toyota’s separate from the body at the top. I did like the grill though.
The Mitsubishi Eclipse CUV with a turbo 1.5L seems like it will be way underpowered for any highway driving. Will be interesting to hear the expected HP numbers.
November 30th, 2017 at 12:39 pm
Unless Sauber F1 does better than in the recent past, I wouldn’t think putting Alfa’s name on the cars would be very good publicity. I’m hoping they become more competitive.
November 30th, 2017 at 12:44 pm
5 Almost everyone uses 1.5 liter turbos in these things. Escape, Equinox, and CR-V all use them 1.5 turbos as one of their engine choices.
November 30th, 2017 at 12:44 pm
Nissan Kicks – apparently a whole 125HP, or about the same as my motorcycle.
November 30th, 2017 at 12:46 pm
#5 – I totally agree the fender flairs on the Toyota concept are weird and likely (hopefully) will not make it to production. First the two notches at the top are ugly. And for the gap between the plastic flare and the body, that would be a trap for mud and snow/salt that would lead to early rusting. What are they thinking?
November 30th, 2017 at 12:51 pm
I thought the whole purpose of adding the “utility” category a few years ago was to get them out of the “truck” category so the real pickups could battle it out. So why are the Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator in the running for Truck of the Year? Seems like the Colorado ZR2 should win by default (although perhaps I’m biased since I have a ZR2 ordered).
November 30th, 2017 at 1:05 pm
I don’t understand the reason for the Kicks. It is about exactly the same size as the Rogue Sport, so what’s the point? I wonder if they wanted to call it “Kix,” but General Mills has that word trade marked.
November 30th, 2017 at 1:06 pm
In the awards, I’d give the Accord the title over the Camry because it doesn’t look like it was designed by a 6th grader in study hall. The Odyssey gets the nod in the Utility category because the world still needs a great passenger van. Truck winners should be the Navigator as it looks to finally have hit the mark (no pun intended) in the luxury segment.
Alfa badging Ferrari F1 engines. Why?
I’m not sure if the wording “before the turbocharged 3-cylinder gasoline engine kicks
in” is the correct phrasing for the I8. Can a
turbocharged 3-cylinder gasoline engine kick in, really.
November 30th, 2017 at 1:08 pm
I refuse to look at any vehicle which only offers a engine less than 2.0 Liters in size.
I still can not get over the fact that Honda put a 2.4 Liter in the Base CR-V LX and a 1.5 Turbo in all higher trim levels? The Turbo only produces 5 more Horsepower over the 2.4 Liter engine which has been in the CR-V for a long time.
The new GM CUV “Twins” Equinox and Terrain are pushing almost $40K if you want all the bells and whistles with the 2.0 Liter Turbo. At least their turbo generates 240HP.
Mitsubishi new Eclipse CUV will be competing directly against it’s in house brother the Outlander Sport. Does that make any sense?
The one thing I do not like about Mitsubishi styling is the large amount of chrome on the front fascia of their vehicles. They need to tone it down. There vehicles are behind the times in technology and styling. Those blacked out wheels on most of their mid and upper trim vehicles maybe “Gangster” but average buyers what good reliable transportation that looks clean and is easy to maintain.
November 30th, 2017 at 1:16 pm
The Navigator has much to like including the Raptor engine and high zoot front seats.
November 30th, 2017 at 1:17 pm
I would like to ask the following question since I received helpful information regarding my question of yesterday “When is it better to buy or lease a new vehicle”.
Today’s question is: What do you do if you do not have a clean CARFAX? The reason I am asking this question must be obvious. My Trade In was involved in a minor parking lot scrape. Now at trade in time the dealers want to reduce the value of my trade by hundreds if not thousands because of a unclean CARFAX. What should I do? Do I “Buy” again and hope for no incidents during ownership or “Lease” and have the peace of mind that at the end of the lease I can just walk away or buy it if it has been good to me. What is your opinion?
November 30th, 2017 at 1:18 pm
13) The big push on the small displacement turbos isn’t so much about horsepower, but torque. Most small turbo fours produce a nice flat torque curve from just off idle to nearly redline. Everybody wants high horsepower numbers but torque is what you feel at launch, mid range passing etc. And small turbo fours do a heck of a nice job fooling the EPA machines into giving them a significant mileage boost.
November 30th, 2017 at 1:20 pm
If you lease, won’t they “ding” you some money for the unclean CARFAX when you turn the car in?
November 30th, 2017 at 1:25 pm
The Rogue Sport is small enough for the American market but the Kicks is competing against the KIA Soul which maybe boxier and the Honda HR-V. Those two vehicles are doing quite well. The Kicks will probably cannibalize Rogue Sport Sales in offered in American market.
One design criticism is that I wish OEM’s would use circular bezels and apertures for Fog Lights on all there vehicles. I prefer function over styling cues or forms.
November 30th, 2017 at 1:26 pm
#13, 16
CR got a 0.4 second better 0-60 time with the 1.5T CR-V, compared to the 2.4. They got 1 mpg better fuel economy with the turbo, both city and highway. With such similar performance, I wonder if the turbo just “feels better” to a lot of people, enticing them to buy the more expensive trim level.
November 30th, 2017 at 1:27 pm
#7 Kit I wouldn’t buy an Escape, Equinox, or CR-V either with such a small engine. I know they are after the high MPG of the small engines but Id take 26mpg over the 33 to enjoy what I drive and be able to pass a vehicle at 65mph. Its only about an extra $300 a year in fuel.. Like half a tank a month.
I suppose its fine if you plan to just use it around town, just not anything I would ever buy.
November 30th, 2017 at 1:29 pm
@ 17, Good Question Kit Gerhart. I have not experience with returning a leased vehicle. I only leased once and purchased the vehicle at the end of the lease because it was a great deal! I tend to keep my vehicles for 5 to 10 years in excellent condition inside and out.
November 30th, 2017 at 1:30 pm
15) Leasing makes the Car Fax issue go away, but the problem I have with it is it’s hard to tell just how much you are paying for the car. You have to worry about the miles you put on a car. You may start the lease with plenty of mileage but then your jobs gets you transferred or an illness pops up and now you’re driving 10-15,000 miles over the agreed limit. At 25 cents per mile, that can rack up fast. Then you have to pay to give the car back- $250-600.
Leasing has it’s pluses; basically no money spent maintaining the car for 3 years. Do the oil changes by the book, not your heart or gut. If 60 minutes does a special on your car and it’s unsafe, you won’t have that to deal with.
Personally I’d buy rather than lease…unless you’re thinking electric, then lease for sure!
November 30th, 2017 at 1:41 pm
#13 I would guess most everyone on this site understands that HP is just a calculation of torque x RPM divided by 5252. So yea when a sports bike has 100hp sounds impressive until you hear its at 14,000 rpm. Then you realize that’s only 37ftlbs of torque.
So although the little turbo engines may launch ok my concern is top end and having something left when your already going 60mph.
November 30th, 2017 at 1:45 pm
My response was to #16 not 13
November 30th, 2017 at 1:52 pm
Horsepower is what counts, both for acceleration and top speed. You just need to keep the engine at its horsepower peak rpm to maximize acceleration. These many-speed transmissions, and CVT’s, should be programmed to do that, when the right pedal is on the floor.
Under gentle acceleration, most of today’s turbos, with automatics, run lower revs than the non-turbos which have less torque at lower rpm.
November 30th, 2017 at 2:29 pm
Torque gets you going (acceleration) and horsepower keeps you going (top speed); at least that’s the way I’ve heard it.
Put me down for Accord, Volvo and the ZR2.
November 30th, 2017 at 3:07 pm
One horsepower does 550 foot-pounds/second of work. As Lambo said in #23, the relationship between torque in lb-ft, RPM, and HP is torque x RPM + 5252 = HP.
From a practical sense, a 200 HP engine will accelerate a 3000 pound vehicle at the same rate, regardless of its torque/power curve, if you keep it at its peak power RPM, at speeds above where acceleration is traction limited.
November 30th, 2017 at 3:10 pm
That’s torque x RPM ÷ 5252 = HP. I needed my glasses when typing #27.
November 30th, 2017 at 6:54 pm
Everyone talks about small displacement vehicles with turbos, don’t knock them until you drive one… I have a 1 liter Ecoboost 3 in my Ford Fiesta it is a fun car to drive! There is no need to down shift on the highway it is a torque monster and a pleasure to drive!
November 30th, 2017 at 8:59 pm
It seems to me that either way there is a cost. If you own a vehicle and the value goes down due to accident, then it is your loss. There are some insurance policies which take loss of value into account. You could try and sell the car yourself, it is a hassle, but you could net more money. If you lease, believe me if the repair is substandard, or substantial then the leasing company will bill you at turn-in or after (there is an inspection).
December 1st, 2017 at 8:19 am
Leasing seems best for those who want a new Benz, BMW, Jaguar, etc. every 3 or 4 years, and know how much they will drive it. They can drive their expensive car, knowing how much it will cost, and not have to deal with selling/trading the cars.
When I buy a car, I don’t know how long I will want to keep it. I’ve had the same van for 28.5 years, but I sometimes sell a car after two years. Leasing wouldn’t work well for me.