Daily Archives: November 11, 2013
The All New BMW X5
There hasn’t been any automaker in the history to regret stepping into the premium market of SUVs. BMW is one more automaker to prove just that with its BMW X5. As soon as the vehicle set its feet or rather wheels in the market it became an instant success which was about 13 years ago. The BMW X5 2007 underwent quite some upgrades to increase the “sport utility” of the SUV and was also enhanced with the M Treatment and a tri-turbo M Performance for the European version.
The new BMW X5 2014, as the brand claims, is aerodynamically slipperier and has shed some weight, about 200 pounds. The new X5 will be set free with two gasoline engines. A 3.0 liter, single turbocharged inline-six engine will be features in the sDrive35i and xDrive35i. The engine holds a power of 300 hp and can produce 300 pound feet of torque. The second is a 4.4 twin-turbocharged V-8 engine producing a massive 445 horsepower producing a whopping 480 pound feet of torque in the xDrive50i. The brand claims that the stunning new SUV is capable to reach a speed of 60 mph from rest in 6.2 seconds for the six and in mere 4.9 seconds for the V-8. Moreover, a 3.0 liter diesel six will be added to the lineup in the early 2014 and will once again be branded as the xDrive35d offering 255 horsepower and 413 pound feet of torque and a sprint time of less than seven seconds to attain 60 mph from 0.
For the very first time in ever, since the launch of X5, BMW is going to offer a rear wheel drive model which will be the xDrive35i model. A breakthrough in the history of X5, this model has been brought up by the brand to break the doctrine of presenting only front wheel drive versions on the X5.
Each and every engine of the new 2014 BMW X5 is mated with an eight speed automatic transmission. The behavior of the SUV as well as its chassis is managed by a series of settings set by the “Eco Pro” mode which is present for the love of efficiency and the “Sport+” mode which is for a more aggressive drive. While the Eco Pro mode decouples the driveline as the driver lifts off the accelerator without hitting the brakes and alters climate control and heated seats for better energy saving, the Sport+ mode is responsible for heightening shift and throttle response, firming up the optional adjustable suspension and remapping the steering. Normal and Sport models are also available.
The new X5 features a bold and protruding front grille visually meeting with the xenon or LED headlights and a great deal of air vents and breathers adding to the aero-dynamism of the brawny new BMW X5. A rather tough competition to Audi Q7, the Cadillac SRX, the Mercedes Benz M-class and the Lexus RX, the new 2014 BMW X5 is soon to hit the showrooms with lost weight and gained style.
The 2015 GMC Yukon Denali
Offerings from GMC have been virtually identical considering those bow ties on the grille, and are considered extra-sturdy and durable as a result of the “Professional Grade” marketing campaign. And henceforth the brand has been a consistent performer. One of the secret ingredients to the recipe of success for the brand is its idea of adding new vehicles to its lineup that do not strictly follow the defined lines by the brand or are altered to an extent that they are no longer recognizable as GMC. The very idea is fortified by the new 2015 GMC Yukon Denali. With additions to its equipment including the enhanced power support, new fold-flat rear seat and more comfortable interiors, the 2015 GMC Yukon Denali is powered by a newer engine offering better performance and efficiency. There are prominent changes in the styling and the full sized SUV promises to give its passengers better security and better entertainment with the improved security and infotainment packages.
Powered by an all new 6.2 liter V-8 Eco Tec3 engine, the grand SUV now boasts direct-injection technology, continuously variable valve timing, cylinder deactivation and avant-garde and active fuel management. Mated to a six speed Hydra-matic transmission with tap shift control, tow/haul mode and Auto Grade Breaking, the new GMC Yukon Denali is one step ahead when it comes to technology. Flaunting the best engine in the segment, the robust SUV runs on 420 horsepower and enormous 450 pound feet of torque! And for this very reason the vehicle sports a top speed of 180 mph and is capable of accelerating from rest to 60 mph in a sprint time of 6.8 seconds.
On the inside, the new Yukon Denali is calm and understated. The premium infotainment system sports a soft touch instrument panel, console and Bose surround sound. Dual-firmness foam of the front seats and ambient air ventilation elevates the comfort for the front seat passengers. The calmness of the 2015 Denali is added to by the active noise cancellation technology making everyday commuting into a rather delightful journey. On the outside, it is slimmer and more aerodynamic than its predecessor and hence is more efficient. The front boasts the signature GMC grille and headlamps equipped with exclusive high intensity discharge (HID) lamp. The additional exterior features include illuminated power retractable assist steps, new inlaid doors designed to open into the body side and light aluminum hood along with liftgate panel, a rear spoiler, all new worm screw-style liftgate arms and the standard 20-inch alloy wheels.
The new GMC Yukon Denali is a beasty full sized SUV that appears to be tracing the footsteps of the forthcoming Cadillac Escalade with its elevated level of techno wizardry. Yet the styling of the premium SUV remains essentially GMC. The 2015 GMC Yukon Denali has not yet been officially priced, but the giant SUV is expected to be priced as not much different from the 2014 version and hence the base price is anticipated to be $ 56,820. Despite the content and aspirations of the 2015 Denali are synonymous with Cadillac that bow on the grille marks its GMC-ness!
Mitsubishi – Almost Ready with its Trio Concept
Japanese automaker Mitsubishi, after leaving all in awe with its vivacious concept of three all new green SUVs, is now materializing the ideas as the brand is ready to reveal the trio concept later this month in the Tokyo Motor Show 2013. While the firm remained silent and unseen at the Frankfurt Motor Show earlier this year, the Tokyo Motor Show this month is going to be an emphatic comeback for Mitsubishi. The company takes pride in its already hit line of SUVs with models like the 2014 Outlander and Mirage in its hands, yet hasn’t been much in the limelight recently. However, Mitsubishi managed to turn heads as soon as the trio concept of the green SUVs was announced and the surge of excitement surely created a great deal of possibility to spark things up for the automaker.
First up in the new series is the Mitsubishi Concept GC-PHEV or the “Grand Cruiser”. The next generation SUV is big or rather grand, as the name suggests. The GC-PHEV concept sports a plug-in hybrid electric system. Also, the Mitsubishi Grand Cruiser concept is anticipated to be a foretaste to the all new Mitsubishi Pajero that is all ready to set its best wheel forward in the limelight next year which will be almost 15 years after the current Pajero debuted in 1999. Second up is the Mitsubishi Concept XR-PHEV also called as the Cross (X) over runner that is again a next generation compact utility vehicle and is going to be powered by a “lightweight and super efficient” plug-in hybrid powertrain. Mitsubishi claims that this cross runner will offer the driver with “agile driving dynamics and sport-coupe like styling” and might be a preview to the second generation ASX crossover that is expected soon. Finally, the new series culminates with the Mitsubishi Concept AR or “Active Runabout”. The SUV concept suggests a future generation vehicle that is compact yet doesn’t limit its usability to one purpose. The multipurpose vehicle is a potent preview of an all new Grandis. The Mitsubishi AR is to be powered by a turbocharged small-capacity direct injection engine.
While there was not any official or complete disclosure of the three vehicles but the teaser images that were released revealed a new design approach of the brand. The new SUV concepts from Mitsubishi boast bold emphatic grilles and sweeping lines. Also, the new designs are to feature Mitsubishi’s newest safety features and driver support technologies that operate on mobile network connectivity. Mitsubishi adds that the new trio series concept emphasizes on the brands pursuit of “environmental responsibility, driving pleasure, off road performance and safety” for its coming generation of passenger vehicles.
Mitsubishi has come up with an impressive series of concepts for its new hybrid and green SUVs. Be it the full sized Grand Cruiser with all terrain driving capabilities or the Crossover Runner with amazing fuel efficiency and dexterous driving skills or the Active Runabout concept which combines the practicality of an SUV with the interior space and mobility of an MPV, the brand has left no stones unturned to offer a line of SUVs to please all kinds of car lovers and can prove to be a total game changer in the upcoming Tokyo Motor Show.
Dodge Durango 2014
To keep its feet or rather wheels firm on the ground, Dodge Durango went through a few upgrades to stay competitive. If you’re looking for three rows of seats and some towing capability you’ll end up with options that are sorely limited boring, or staid. But the new Dodge Durango proudly makes an exception. It shares its sophisticated underpinnings and top-notch driving experience with the Jeep Grand Cherokee, while the bold exteriors remain peculiarly different in this crowded class of look-alikes. The best part of the news is yet to come. While the whole Durango is being transformed into something even more awesome, what still remains unchanged is the price. The Dodge’s improved SUV, just like the current model will be priced from $29,795.
On the outside, the Dodge Durango went through a makeover with new projector-beam headlights and hockey stick shaped LED running lamps. What makes the new fairly muscular Durango look brawnier is the new slimmer textured crosshair grille along with the newly sculpted hood and the lower front façade. The new wheel designs with a Hyper Black finish punctuate the whole look of the car. However, it’s the rear that changed the most with LED racetrack lighting from the Dodge Dart forming a ribbon of light across the tail comprising of 192 individual lamps in all. The new gearbox pairs with the standard 3.6 liter V6 engine 290 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. The optional 5.7 liter V8 generating 360 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque makes the Durango great among the good. The eight-speed automatic transmission featured in the new Durango enables fuel economy up to nine percent. Its independent suspensions, precise steering and big brakes make the drive never better.
Unlike many of its crossover competitors, Dodge Durango is still a rear-wheel drive SUV with two available all-wheel drive systems. Properly equipped, a V6 Durango can tow up to 6,200 pounds while the V8 takes it up to 7,400 pounds and that is some “increased” towing capability. All Durangos feature the standard trailer sway control.
On the inside, the Durango features a customizable 7-inch screen that displays the gauges and the vital trip information while the center stack comprises of either 5-inch or 8.5 inch touchscreens for climate control, multimedia and smartphone integration. Inside the authoritative Dodge Durango, the major controls are big simple knobs and gauges with big red needles. This extra dose of red detailing and white trimmed instruments define the Durango as bold and tasteful. The newly installed navigation systems recognizes voice commands and displays 3D maps while a Wi-Fi hotspot keeps the passengers connected on the go. If the internet doesn’t satisfy some there’s a Blu-Ray rear set entertainment system with dual 9-inch screens.
The new Dodge Durango stepped in the market with some exterior refinements, upgraded interiors and improved fuel economy. Significantly less expensive, the Durango is for those who love a more traditions sport-ute. The passenger-friendly Dodge Durango is a fine competitor to the Ford Explorer, Chevy Traverse and the Mercedes Benz GL. The fully redesigned highly anticipated Dodge Durango is set to blow SUVs’ lovers’ mind in the early 2014!
Aston Martin Tries to Make Impression on the SUV Market With the Lagonda SUV Concept
After all the automobile giants like Mercedes, Porsche, Audi, etc. luxury car makers have also decided of making their way into the segment and bring for the SUV world some of the most luxurious (and expensive!) SUVs ever seen! After the news of Bentley, Rolls Royce and Lamborghini stepping into the category, we couldn’t think of any other but Aston Martin, who had signed a deal with Mercedes – AMG some time back.
Aston Martin first revealed its Lagonda SUV Concept at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show, which was not liked very much by the SUV world as critics as well as SUV lovers did not really develop a liking for the vehicle. The company realized that there would have been a lot of changes to be made before they could expect good sales result after launching the SUV. A thing to be noticed is that this was before the company signed the deal with Mercedes – AMG. With access to the latter’s excellent engineering and electronic assets, Aston Martin has planned of making the Lagonda all different. One of the largest changes to be made is that the Lagonda will now feature Mercedes Benz GL Class platform. Earlier it sat on the Mercedes Benz M Class platform.
All that Aston Martin is going through for the Lagonda SUV Concept reminds us of Porsche’s story which happened during the launch of the Cayenne. The SUV was also highly criticized during its concept period. People accused the Cayenne of being ugly as per Porsche standards. However, after the release of the SUV, Porsche reported huge rises in sales, and the Cayenne turned out to be a huge success. A lot of people are saying that the Lagonda is extremely ugly, especially since Aston Martin has presented gorgeous vehicles like the DB9 and the One – 77 to the world. However, the performance and luxury quotients of the Lagonda are unquestionable! It’s an Aston Martin after all!
As far as the engine is concerned, we’re pretty sure that the company will put in a 6000cc V12 engine in the SUV. Lagonda will definitely be a four wheel drive vehicle, and will share motors with the legendary Aston MartinDB9. One admirable thing about the Lagonda is that the SUV will come with a wode number of available powertrains, and customers will be given a choice as per their will. One will be able to choose from a diesel variant, petrol as well as a hybrid option. This facility combined with the capabilities of the all-wheel drive system that comes with the Lagonda makes it a very potential vehicle for off road experiences!
We agree that the exteriors of the car are not as good as is expected from the company, but they have definitely set a new bar when it comes to luxurious and elegant interiors. However, Aston martin will definitely face extreme competition as it is entering a segment where giants like Porsche, Audi, Volkswagen, etc. have already made deep impressions. Beating legendary SUVs like the Cayenne, Touareg, Q7, etc. would definitely be very tough. We would love to see how the improved Lagonda fares in the SUV market.
