2018 BMW X2 | spy pics

BMW’s coupe-SUV family is expanding with spy photographs confirming the arrival in early 2018 of the X2, sibling to the X4 and X6 and set to lure buyers to a more urban-focused compact model.

The X2, currently undergoing testing in Europe before production starts in Germany’s wine hub of Regensburg in the second half of the year, sits on the same UKL platform as the X1 and the Mini range.

But above the axle line, the X2 – coded F39 – adopts the swoopy coupe lines of the X4 and X6 and shrink wraps its body over the wheelbase to reduce overhangs and give it a sporty appearance.

The car-maker has been seen testing camouflaged versions of the X2 in snow, in towing manoeuvres and hot-lapping the Nurburgring.

Frontal design is also more aggressive than the X1, with bigger intake openings and a bolder, wider grille. The indications are that while the X1 is a practical compact SUV, the X2 will be more about style and performance as it can become the platform for the high-output Mini Cooper drivetrains.

But BMW is not confirming anything just yet. The car-maker has been seen testing camouflaged versions of the X2 in snow, in towing manoeuvres and hot-lapping the Nurburgring.

What the spy pics show is that the production X2 closely follows the design of the X2 Concept shown at the 2016 Paris motor show. The fact that not much appears to have changed shows that BMW has been planning this car for some time.

The X2 is expected to share much of the technical components with the X1 and the Mini, likely to start with a front-drive model – dubbed sDrive – and rising up the price and specification ladder to all-wheel drive xDrive variants.

The line-up is similar to the X1 but we expect the X2 to have greater access to the more powerful engines to suit the xDrive’s traction superiority.

X2 offerings are likely to open with the 100kW/220Nm 1.5-litre three-cylinder turbo-petrol engine and eight-speed automatic, then to the X1 stock front-drive sDrive20i 2.0-litre turbo-petrol with 141kW/280Nm and all-wheel drive xDrive25i 2.0-litre turbo-petrol with 170kW/350Nm.

The X1 is also sold in Australia as the front-drive sDrive18d 2.0-litre turbo-diesel with 110kW/330Nm.

But it could be the recipient for the Mini Cooper S engine with up to 170kW/320Nm from its 2.0-litre turbo-petrol mill or even a more potent M engine.

BMW subsidiary Mini has just announced the European launch in June of its first plug-in hybrid model, the Countryman ALL4 SE, that uses the three-cylinder engine mated to electric motor for up to 2.1L/100km fuel economy and 165kW of power.

In Australia the X2 is expected in early 2018 and will compete with the Audi Q2, Mini Countryman, Infiniti QX30 and Mercedes-Benz GLA.

That could also be on the cards for the X2 although cabin space may be an issue as it is smaller inside than the X1.

In Australia the X2 is expected in early 2018 and will compete with the Audi Q2, Mini Countryman, Infiniti QX30 and Mercedes-Benz GLA – all priced roughly in the $40,000-$60,000 bracket.

The first public showing of the vehicle will be at the Frankfurt motor show in September.

Will the BMW X2 be more appealing than the X1? Tell us what you think in the comments below.

Ford Transit 2017 | new car sales price

Ford's perennial cargo box on wheels, the Transit, enters 2017 with an automatic transmission option for the first time to make it more competitive in the busy van market.

There is also more zip under the accelerator pedal and yet reduced fuel consumption thanks to a new Euro 6 emissions standards compliant turbo-diesel engine.

Ford said the Transit and Transit Custom are optional with the six-speed automatic mated to the all-new 2.0-litre turbo-diesel 'EcoBlue' engine that, in addition to more power, torque and fuel economy, has longer service intervals.

There has also been a significant upgrade to the cabin, notably the option of Ford's Sync 3 for the Transit 350L automatic.

In launching the new front-wheel drive van, Ford Australia president and CEO Graeme Whickman said the automatic transmission now puts the Transit in touch with 85 per cent of the Australian van market.

"The arrival of an automatic variant for Transit and Transit Custom widens our small business opportunities and expands consideration to include large fleet and government buyers," he said.

"On top of this, longer service intervals mean less time off the road, while a longer warranty brings peace of mind so owners can focus on their business success."

The standard service intervals have been increased to 12 months or 30,000km, an increase of 15,000km on the outgoing Transit models.

The longer warranty is now three years/200,000km, representing an additional 100,000km over the current warranty.

There has also been a significant upgrade to the cabin, notably the option of Ford's Sync 3 for the Transit 350L automatic model for the first time.

The in-vehicle multimedia system for the Transit 350L includes a 6.0-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and boasts faster performance, more conversational (read: Australian) voice recognition, intuitive smartphone-like touchscreen and an improved graphic user interface.

It has pinch and swipe control and its compatible apps include Spotify, Pandora and Google Maps+.

Other Transit models for will get a 4.0-inch touchscreen for 2017. However, carry-over Transit versions will retain the 3.4-inch screen.

All Transit models for 2017 have a bigger reversing camera display that is now located on the audio system screen rather than in the rearview mirror.

New options for the Transit Custom include dual side-load doors in addition to the rear lift-gate door. Buyers can specify the new Transit range in a choice of 100 colours.

The Custom also gets full wheel covers (previously hub caps); a chrome insert for the grille to signify the new 2.0-litre engine; side-wind stabilisation and Driver Assist Tech.

Ford's system also helps combat fatigue by reducing the driver's workload.

The new technology – standard on the 2.0-litre turbo-diesel Transit and Transit Custom versions – is designed to help the vehicle remain in the lane when suddenly affected by side winds or any turbulence created by a large truck.

Ford's system also helps combat fatigue by reducing the driver's workload.

The turbo-diesel engine is from a new generation of diesels released by Ford. In the larger Transit, the 2.0-litre version is rated at 125kW/405Nm, up from the 114kW/385Nm outputs produced by the existing 2.2-litre unit which carries over to some variants.

Meanwhile, the Transit Custom offers a different state of tune for the new engine – 96kW/385Nm – and has a claimed fuel consumption of 6.4-6.6 litres per 100 kilometres for the manual versions, and 7.2L/100km for the automatic models.

The Transit Custom is priced from $39,690 plus on-road costs for the 290S manual and $41,690 for the bigger 340L manual, representing a price increase over the equivalent outgoing 2.2-litre versions of $1700 apiece.

Opting for the new automatic transmission adds $2750 to the price.

Pricing for the larger Transit remains static, ranging from $47,680 for the RWD 350L manual, up to $57,680 for the Transit Bus.

The new and only 2.0-litre Transit auto is priced from $51,380.

2017 Ford Transit list pricing

Ford Transit 290S Custom FWD 2.0L – manual – $39,690
Ford Transit 290S Custom FWD 2.0L – automatic – $42,440
Ford Transit 340L Custom FWD 2.0L – manual – $41,690
Ford Transit 340L Custom FWD 2.0L – automatic – $44,440
Ford Transit 350L Van RWD 2.2L – manual – $47,680
Ford Transit 350L Van FWD 2.0L – automatic – $51,380
Ford Transit 350E Van RWD 2.2L – manual – $51,180
Ford Transit 470E Van RWD 2.2L – manual – $54,180
Ford Transit 470E Single Cab Chassis RWD 2.2L – manual – $49,180
Ford Transit 470E Double Cab Chassis RWD 2.2L – manual – $52,680
Ford Transit 410L Bus RWD 2.2L– manual – $57,680

Does an automatic transmission change your mind about buying a Transit? Tell us what you think in the comments below.

Tesla Model S and X, Merc C-Class, Mitsubishi Pajero and Range Rover Sport recalls

Tesla’s Model S and model X have been called back as part of a voluntary recall relating to a park brake issue.

Tesla has issued a voluntary recall for its electric Model S sedan and Model X SUV after discovering a potential manufacturing issue that could stop the electric park brake from functioning properly.

According to a Tesla spokesperson, the electric park brakes on examples of the US-built Model S and Model X manufactured between February and October 2016, could contain a small gear that "could have been manufactured improperly by our third-party supplier."

Tesla says that should the gear break the parking brake would be stuck in place, but it would still continue to keep the car from moving. So far there have been no reported incidents of the parking brake failing to hold a parked Tesla, or failing to stop a car in an emergency situation.

The EV-maker also says the issue has no impact on the car's regular braking system and that only a "very small" percentage of gears in __cars built in the period were not manufactured correctly.

Tesla is contacting Australian customers this week to advise that they will be sent an official recall notice in the mail soon.

"We do not believe this issue could ever lead to a safety concern for our customers, and we have not seen a single accident or injury relating to it. However, in order to be overly cautious, we are going to be proactively replacing these parts to ensure that no issues arise," the company spokesperson said in a statement.

Tesla is contacting Australian customers this week to advise that they will be sent an official recall notice in the mail soon. The recall impacts 53,000 __cars globally.

Mitsubishi, Mercedes-Benz, Citroen and Land Rover have also issued recalls this week, according to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission's (ACCC) product recall website.

Examples of the previous-generation W204-series Mercedes-Benz C-Class sold between May 1 and May 31, 2013 are being called back because the bolt that secures the steering coupling may not have been tightened properly during manufacture, which could result in the coupling detaching from the steering shaft.

The ACCC recalls site says if the steering coupling detaches from the steering shaft, "it may cause a loss of steering control and an increased risk of an accident".

Letters are being sent to affected owners now and they are being advised to head to their local dealer for a fix.

Just over 20,000 examples of Mitsubishi's Pajero off-roader built between January 6, 2010 and December 28, 2012 are being recalled because the front airbag inflator could release metal fragments from the inflator container when the airbag deploys, potentially causing injury to the occupants.

This issue is believed to be part of the massive global Takata airbag inflator recall that has impacted millions of vehicles, and dozens of carmakers around the world.

The Japanese brand's ASX SUV and Outlander mid-size SUV have also been called in to fix an issue that could cause doors to open when someone is driving, posing a risk of injury to occupants.

According to the ACCC, the precision of the door latch assembly on impacted vehicles is "insufficient and may not operate correctly under high temperature."

Mitsubishi Motors Australia Limited said that there have been no reported incidents relating to either fault.

It affects 19,131 ASX and Outlander models built from April 23, 2015 to March 14-15, 2016.

Mitsubishi Motors Australia Limited said that there have been no reported incidents relating to either fault. The company will contact known owners when parts for both issues become available and ask them to have the problems fixed at their dealer.

Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) has called back examples of the Range Rover Sport built between September 20 to October 25, 2016 due to an issue that may cause the front passenger airbag to not function properly because of a deviation in the generant mix ratio.

"In the event of a crash of sufficient severity, the front passenger airbag may not deploy when required. Failure to deploy can lead to increased injuries to the passenger seat occupant," the ACCC says.

Finally, 14 examples of the Citroen C4 Cactus crossover sold between September 1 and 30, 2016 are being recalled over a "non-compliance" of an electric relay's internal component, which could disrupt the starter control.

The ACCC says this could generate unwanted starter activation and cause the car to move if a gear is engaged. This could also cause the vehicle to overheat, which poses a fire risk.

Both JLR and Citroen Automobiles Australia will contact their respective impacted customers and ask them to contact their dealers.

Is your car affected in the latest round of vehicle recalls? Tell us in the comments below.

2017 Volkswagen Golf GTI spec confirmed, Golf R 4.8s 0-100

Refreshed versions of the Golf R and GTI will arrive in local showrooms from mid-August this year.

Volkswagen Australia has revealed that the forthcoming Golf R will be its quickest model yet thanks to a new seven-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic transmission and an increased power output.

Set to roll into local showrooms alongside the updated Golf GTI in mid-August this year, the R continues to employ a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine, but it now benefits from a 7kW boost in power to 213kW whilst torque remains steady at 380Nm.

Unfortunately, the alleged hot-weather conditions Down Under continue to prevent the local arm from importing the full-fat 228kW/400Nm version of the all-wheel drive R that is sold in Europe.

Nevertheless, the Aussie R will knock down the dash from 0-100km/h in 4.8 seconds when paired with the DSG transmission. A six-speed manual gearbox remains an option for purists, but its local performance figures are currently unknown.

Standard equipment added to the five-door hot hatch in this refresh includes a 9.2-inch touchscreen multimedia system, gesture and voice control, 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, electric driver's seat with memory function and lumbar adjustment, 19-inch 'Spielberg' alloy wheels and power folding door mirrors with memory function.

A driver assistance package – which includes adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assistant and blind spot detection – and panoramic sunroof are the only two options.

Meanwhile, the aforementioned GTI has also been facelifted and features a detuned version of the R's engine, which instead produces 169kW/350Nm – a 7kW improvement over the preceding model.

These outputs match those of the outgoing GTI Performance. This vehicle has received a power bump overseas to 180kW, but it has not been confirmed yet for Australia.

Either a six-speed DSG or manual can be fitted with the GTI, while its included kit now extends to an 8.0-inch touchscreen multimedia system, 18-inch 'Milton Keynes' alloy wheels and LED headlights with dynamic cornering functionality.

Three options packages – 'Infotainment', 'Driver Assistance' and 'Luxury' – are available with the GTI, but inclusions have not been detailed at this time.

The German carmaker has also confirmed it will add an oil-burning alternative to the Golf Wagon with the 110TDI Highline to join the range when non-performance models go on-sale in early July.

It will be powered by a 110kW/340Nm 2.0-litre turbo-diesel four and be paired exclusively with a seven-speed DSG.

Equipment levels will include leather upholstery, electric heated front seats with driver's memory function, keyless entry and start, 17-inch 'Karlskoga' alloy wheels, chrome interior and exterior highlights, LED headlights and panoramic sunroof. Driver assistance and multimedia packages will be available optionally.

Pricing for all variants in the Golf 7.5 line-up will be released early next month.

Does the Golf R offer better bang for your buck than its fellow hot hatch competitors? Tell us what you think in the comments below.

2017 Hyundai i30 | new car sales price

More gear, lower pricing for third generation Hyundai i30

Hyundai has thrown down the gauntlet to Australia's other leading car importers, bringing in its new i30 with reduced pricing at the entry level and more equipment as standard.

The five-door, five-seat small hatchback finished 2016 as the third most popular car, finishing less than a month's sales behind the second-placed Toyota Corolla.

The i30 Active now starts at $20,950 before on road costs, a price reduction of $500 over the outgoing machine.

It also now scores 16-inch alloys, LED daytime lamps, automatic headlights and a tyre pressure monitor as standard. Hyundai claims the extra equipment is valued at $2000.

As well, every i30 will get satellite navigation, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity via an 8.0-inch colour infotainment screen.

The range will also now be split into two distinct lines; Sports variants include the SR and SR Premium, while the Comfort line will include Elite and Premium versions of the car.

The SR __cars are both petrol powered, while the Comfort machines are diesels.

It's a similar strategy to that adopted by companies like Volkswagen, and will allow for the addition of a third N line for the i30's high performance variants.

The Active will cross over both lines, and will be available with one of two engines and three transmissions.

A new-for Active 2.0-litre direct injection four-cylinder petrol engine can be combined with either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission, while an updated version of the company's 1.6-litre CRDi turbo diesel engine has the option of a six-speed manual or seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.

The 2.0-litre engine picks up 13kW and 28Nm over the old 1.8, making 120kW and 203Nm.

The Euro 5-tune diesel, meanwhile, retains the same 100kW power output, with 280Nm of torque available with the manual and 300Nm with the dual-clutch auto.

Standard kit on the Active includes a three-stage Drive Mode switch for auto-equipped cars, seven airbags and keyless entry. Its chassis is slightly different to the other cars, using a MacPherson strut/torsion beam rear end which it shares with the two diesel cars. The SR models get a multi-link rear suspension system.

The upside of the multi-link system is better handling, but the downside is the loss of a full-sized spare.

2017 Hyundai i30 SR 2017 Hyundai i30 SR 2017 Hyundai i30 SR

The first of the two Sports variants is the SR, which gets Hyundai's 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine first seen in the Elantra SR last year.

It adds 26kW and 54Nm to the SR, which now has 150kW and 265Nm of torque as standard. You can pick from a six-speed manual or a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox, and the SR also gets 18-inch rims, an inductive phone charger and an electronic handbrake on the dual-clutch version.

It also gets Hyundai's SmartSense driver aid suite, which includes AEB, smart cruise control, blind spot detection, rear cross traffic alert and lane keeping assist.

In fact, the Active is the only car not to get the safety suite as standard, but Hyundai says that an optional kit will be available by the end of 2017.

The SR Premium, meanwhile, gets front park assist, LED headlights, sunroof, vented and heated front seats and one touch auto windows over the SR. It's only available with a dual-clutch tranny.

2017 Hyundai i30 Elite 2017 Hyundai i30 Elite 2017 Hyundai i30 Elite

On the Comfort side, the Elite gets leather trim, the SmartSense suite and an upgraded interior including a new dash with colour screen, 'premium' centre console, electronic park brake and phone charging pad. It's only available with the 1.6-litre turbo diesel and dual-clutch gearbox combo.

Above the Elite, the Premium also gets front park assist, LED headlights, sunroof, vented and heated front seats and one-touch auto windows, as well as sun visor extensions.

The i30 will go on sale in Australia in late in April.

2017 Hyundai i30 list pricing

Hyundai i30 Active 2.0-litre petrol (man) $20,950
Hyundai i30 Active 2.0-litre petrol (auto) $23,250
Hyundai i30 Active 1.6-litre diesel (man) $23,450
Hyundai i30 Active 1.6-litre diesel (DCT) $25,950
Hyundai i30 SR 1.6-litre petrol (man) $25,950
Hyundai i30 SR 1.6-litre petrol (DCT) $28,950
Hyundai i30 SR Premium 1.6-litre petrol (DCT) $33,950
Hyundai i30 Elite 1.6-litre diesel (DCT) $28,950
Hyundai i30 Premium 1.6-litre diesel (DCT) $33,950

Is the new i30 ready to dominate the small car segment? Tell us what you think in the comments below.

Maybe You Won't Have to Sell Your Soul to Afford the Dodge Challenger SRT Demon Robert Moore

Filed under:

• Dodge
• 2018
• Dodge Demon
• Dodge Challenger
• Dodge Challenger Hellcat
• cool fast cars
• drag racing
• future cars

Posted on 04.18.2017 08:00 by Robert Moore  

Dodge drove us crazy and practically milked the debut of the Dodge Challenger Demon to death through a long series of teaser videos that spanned across the first three months of the year. Then, the day of reckoning was upon us, and the fastest production muscle car ever was finally revealed. Packing a 6.2-liter V-8 with a 2.7-liter supercharger that makes 14.5 psi of boost, a factory transmission brake, a stripped down interior, and a thirst for high-octane fuel, the Demon promises to be the Dodge that we’ll be talking about through the turn of the decade. Hell, it can hit 60 mph in 2.3 seconds and 100 mph in 5.1 seconds. A quarter mile comes in at 9.65 seconds at 140 mph – not bad for a car that weighs 4,200 pounds, right? After all, it can beat a $1.4 million Ferrari. But, it does raise one serious questions: Just how much will pure evil cost you?

There’s no official word as of yet, but Road & Track caught up with Dodge boss, Tim Kuniskis, at the New York Auto Show and got him to give us a little hint. Again, it isn’t much to go by, but according to Kuniskis, it will be priced above the Hellcat (obviously) but “it’s gonna be well below six figures.” That’s a pretty big deal considering many were expecting a price tag somewhere around $100,000.

Keep reading for the rest of the story

continue reading

Source: Road & Track

Maybe it Won’t Cost you a Marriage

After all of the hype and the car’s long-awaited debut, it was pretty easy to assume that the demon would set you back a marriage, the rights to your first born, an arm, and at least one testicle. As I said before, it’s faster than a Ferrari Laferrari, and can’t be topped by any other production car from the major automakers out there. I mean, we’re talking supercar numbers here… from a Dodge. But, dodge has to be careful, as Hennessey made it a point to troll the hell out of Dodge by announcing it’s 1000-horsepower upgrade for the Camaro, aptly called “The Exorcist.” That thing will set you back some $116,000 between the car and the upgrade, but can be ordered through Chevy dealers right now. It promises sub-10-second quarter miles and should hit 60 mph in “less than 3 seconds.” So, with that said, Dodge has to be careful with pricing the demon to begin with. Somewhere around $85 probably sounds about right, but knowing Dodge, I’m guessing it’ll be somewhere around $92,000. The real question here is, however, will the Demon be reliable? Only time will tell, but we’ll surely find out once it starts hitting dealers.

ENGINE	SUPERCHARGED 6.2-LITER HEMI DEMON V-8
Availability	Standard on Challenger SRT Demon
Type and Description	90-degree V-type, liquid-cooled
Displacement	370 cu. in. (6,166 cu.cm)
Bore x Stroke	4.09 x 3.58 (103.9 x 90.9)
Valve System	Pushrod-operated overhead valve, 16 valves with sodium-filled exhausts and hollow stem intakes, 16 hydraulic roller lifters
Fuel Injection	Sequential, multiport, electronic, returnless
Construction	Deep-skirt cast-iron block with cross-bolted main bearing caps, aluminum alloy heads with hemispherical combustion chambers
Compression Ratio	9.5:1
Power (estimated SAE net)	840 HP @ 6,300 RPM (Direct Connection Performance Engine Controller and high-octane unleaded fuel) 808 HP @ 6,300 RPM
Torque (estimated SAE net)	770 LB-FT @ 4,500 RPM (Direct Connection Performance Engine Controller and high-octane unleaded fuel) 717 LB-FT @ 4,500 RPM
Max. Engine Speed	6,500 RPM
TRANSMISSION	TORQUEFLITE 8HP90 EIGHT-SPEED AUTOMATIC
Availability	Standard
Description	Adaptive electronic control with full manual control via gear selector or paddle shifters, with three SRT -unique selectable modes: Street, Sport and Drag (features TransBrake™, rev-matching, performance shifting and gear holding feature)
Torque converter	151k
0 to 60 mph	2.3 seconds
Quarter mile	9.65 seconds @ 140 mph

Gallery Dodge Challenger SRT Demon

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