The 2015 Ford Mustang is here and because of that, you can expect some pretty big changes. Other than the obviously more curvaceous and “worldly” body, for the first time since the since the loathed “Fox Body” version from third-generation, the Mustang receives a turbocharged four-cylinder—a completely new 2.3L EcoBoost unit, which is ironically the same displacement as the unreliable four-banger from the Fox Body. But more significantly, a fully independent rear suspension goes in place of the traditional and archaic solid live rear axle—another big first for the Mustang, and it’s about time!
Two engines carry over from the previous generation: Ford’s naturally aspirated 3.7L Duratec V6 good for 305hp and 280 lb-ft of torque, the naturally aspirated luscious 5.0L Cologne modular V8 capable of 420hp and 390 lb-ft of torque. The new guy is a first of its kind, a 2.3L EcoBoost four-banger, which will place as the base engine in the Mustang. It’s good for 305hp and 300 lb-ft of torque, sort of rendering the 3.7L Duratec V6 a bit obsolete and redundant…but there are rumors that this V6 will be dropped in favor of a new EcoBoost V6, while the V8 could receive a boost in power to widen the gap.
The independent suspension system on the rear was designed specifically and only for the Mustang. Being another huge first, it opens up the Mustang’s handling and ride capabilities and potential greatly since the laws of physics make independent suspension superior in nearly every way on the road when compared to a solid girder, a.k.a. a live rear axle.
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Some big news is in from Europe as Reuters reports General Motors will be making a serious move of dropping the Chevrolet brand in Europe. This is in a great effort to focus the European branch of GM on Opel and Vauxhall after Chevrolet failed to gain traction amongst the market across the Atlantic pond.
Chevrolet was reintroduced in the European domestic market in 2005 with hopes to compete against Europe’s budget offerings from Volkswagen, Hyundai, Skoda, and Dacia. But those hopes were never fulfilled with great sales expectations. Admittedly, it doesn’t help that Chevrolet’s offerings in Europe were all rebadged and slightly reengineered Daewoos.
The upside to this is that GM’s branch in Europe can now focus more on Opel and Vauxhall, which can improve the brands even more. And this could lead to great potential since Opels and Vauxhalls of today are fairly competitive in their market segment. What could that mean for us? Well, maybe we could see a greater influx of European-sourced GM cars…and that has proven to not be a bad thing.
Source: Reuters
It’s finally here, in its sixth generation, 50 years in the making, and Ford just revealed the all-new, completely redesigned 2015 Mustang. And this is a big matter, considering the Ford Mustang is perhaps one of the greatest automotive icons of all time.
That said, with the grand success of the very retro and attractive fifth generation Mustang, Ford knew they had a great challenge ahead of them. Redesigning something to follow in such footsteps poses many risks. So much that the new body seems to be a hit or miss amongst hardcore fans and enthusiasts alike. And let’s face it, reimagining an icon is tough. Why do you think similar ones like the Range Rover and the Porsche 911 haven’t changed all too much?
The new 2015 Ford Mustang gets a new turbocharged 2.3L EcoBoost inline-four, along with a 3.7L V6 and 5.0L V8. But more importantly, the Mustang receives a fully independent rear suspension, in place of the ancient solid live axle…and it only took them long enough.
Full details have yet to be released…but stay tuned as we will be getting an exclusive preview of all-new Mustang.
Until then, check out the photos and the press release after the jump.
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BMW has been back in the rumor mill regarding a mid-engined full-force supercar, which has been described to take on the name, the M8. According to a new report from Germany’s Autobild, the new M8 will be based on the current i8 and will don a twin-turbocharged V8 with an output of around 600hp.
Consider the BMW i8’s lightweight chassis and that could potentially make out to be one serious power-to-weight ratio. The figure should be less than the i8’s current curb figure of 3,307lbs.
Though nothing has been officially announced as of yet. For this one, we’ll just have to continue to watch the calendar days to tear off.
Source: Autobild via WCF
General Motors and Chevrolet proudly announced that a new variant of the Corvette is inbound for the 2014 Detroit Auto Show: the all-new and highly anticipated 2015 Chevrolet Corvette Z06.
Click here for more news on the Chevrolet Corvette.
Based on the stunning new 2014 Corvette Stingray, the Z06 promises to take the existing formula to new heights, most likely making it the most track-capable Corvette from the factory. GM said the new car is “designed to deliver supercar levels of performance,” thanks to significant changes to the powertrain, chassis and aerodynamics. And we don’t doubt it.
Details weren’t spared, though we can expect a potent LSx V8. Check out the press release after the jump.
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Audi’s media team at the automaker’s headquarters in Ingolstadt have confirmed that the former Auto Union is working on a subcompact crossover called the Q1. That said, the new project marks a new addition to Audi’s crossover lineup.
“The Audi Q1 is part of our broad-based SUV strategy,” said Audi’s Chairman of the Board of Management for Audi AG. “It is designed on the basis of the modular transverse engine concept and will round off our Q series at the bottom end.”
The Q1 is expected to be finalized by 2020. Specifics weren’t shared and it’s hard to speculate, since so much could happen between the next six years. So stay tuned.
Check out the press release after the jump.
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It’s already pretty understood that BMW will be producing their X4 crossover, which is in essence, a mini-me and more affordable X6. That said, much like how the current X6 has a range of models to choose from, especially one decked out by BMW M’s finishing school, the X4 is said to receive the same treatment, according to TheMotorReport in Australia.
The X4 will go head-to-head with the Porsche Macan and the Audi Q5, though the high-performance variant expected won’t utilize an X4 M badge as an official M car, but will supposedly be marketed directly under BMW’s M Performance brand. Additionally, after speaking with BMW Australia’s managing director, Phil Horton, the high-performance X4 could use a pumped up oil burner (diesel).
BMW has been known to be working on high performance diesels in the past. That said, such a concept is should very much find its way into the portfolio of the X4.
Source: TheMotorReport
TIME recently got a sneak preview of the next generation Ford Mustang, which is due for an impending reveal, hence the photo leaks.
Set for a launch for the 2015 model year, the new Mustang is the first model to truly depart from the extremely successful retro looks that started with the fifth generation in 2005.
As expected from previous reports, the new Ford Mustang will get an optional EcoBoost turbocharged four-banger, a naturally-aspirated V8 and the lovely 5.0L Coyote V8.
Source: TIME
Photo Source: TIME
Saab’s new parent, National Electric Vehicle Sweden, has officially and proudly announced to have restarted the automaker’s assembly plant in Trollhättan, Sweden, making the 2014 Saab 9-3. But don’t get too excited just yet as the new 9-3 is nearly identical to the last 9-3 ever made since the brand filed for bankruptcy and ceased operation.
Specifics weren’t shared, though the new 2014 Saab 9-3 will get a turbocharged 2.0L four-banger good for 220hp mated to some sort of manual or automatic transmission.
Sales will begin in homeland Sweden with prices starting at 279,000 SEK or $42,880 US.
See the press release after the jump.
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BMW has released a racing spec version of their already interesting M235i sports sedan; powered by the same 3-liter turbocharged six from the street legal version, power jumps up from 321 bhp to 328bhp that is routed through a mechanical limited slip differential to the rear wheels. As part of the race-ready spec, an FIA compliant safety cell and race spec fuel cell is stuck in the trunk.
The car also gets new front and rear spoilers, but that is the limit of the scope of changes to the showroom car, which costs $73,548; the Racing costs $80,872.
As indicated by the minimal price increase, BMW has strapped a few new features to the car, taken very few things out and retained the stability control and traction control. There is no word just yet on availability over in the ‘States.
- By: Sawyer Sutton
Source: Autocar
