Just as a refresher, the H3T gets power from either the anemic 3.7-liter five-cylinder mill we've come to know and loathe or a 5.3-liter V8 when equipped in the top-level Alpha trim. Towing capacity is 5,900 pounds, which should be plenty for a family of four with dirt bikes in tow.
The next phase in the roll-out of the all-new Audi A4 Saloon begins this week as S line sports models intensify visual impact and enhance driver appeal across the range. At the same time, access to a distinctive A4 S line has also become easier thanks to a new lead-in, 120PS version of the popular 1.8-litre Turbo FSI petrol engine. With the benefit of this highly efficient new unit, A4 range prices now start from £19,890 OTR, and new S line models are available from £23,490 OTR.
Not to be confused with the 1.8-litre Turbo engine that has powered everything from the TT to the A6 in the past, the unit that has so far appeared in the A3 and new A4 in 160PS form is completely new. In its latest 120PS configuration it benefits from the same combination of turbo charging and FSI direct petrol injection for keen response and impressive overall efficiency, which is evidenced in the A4 1.8 TFSI (120PS) by a 0-62mph time of 10.5 seconds, a top speed of 130mph and 39.8mpg combined economy, delivered with a modest 169g/km CO2 output.
The similarities start up front. Although it’s common for prototypes to wear multiple individual projector headlamps without any protective lens casing while they’re waiting for real units to arrive, we’re told the unshielded eyes of the Aveo RS concept will carry over to the production model, and that the main difference will be the loss of the blue halos surrounding each beam. We asked how a lighting setup such as this might affect aerodynamics, but the Aveo's engineers say the lack of a big lens doesn’t make much of a difference. It does help the car visually, though, so it’s good that this touch is being retained. They’re not pictured here, but we’re hopeful the taillights make it to production unchanged, too.
Moving inside, we note that the otherwise unexciting dash layout is livened up a bit by a motorcycle-style gauge pod—another detail plucked from the RS concept. Grey plastic replaces the concept’s piano-black trim, and the dash likewise loses its leather trimmings. The overall layout transfers over and includes trapezoidal bins that flank the center stack. The rest of the interior appears pretty standard for late-model GM products—which is to say it should represent a big improvement over the current Aveo’s cabin.
Inspired by the beauty of flowing elements in nature—nagare means “flow” in Japanese—the design language is most evident along the sides of the 5, where swooping creases between the beltline and rockers appear to be sculpted by the wind, lending a sense of motion. These particular elements can be found in all the previous concept vehicles and, according to Mazda, help the 5 achieve improved aerodynamic efficiency with less drag and more optimal lift characteristics. The result definitely is striking—think BMW’s flame surfacing on magic mushrooms. A more-sculpted rear fascia with revised taillights rounds out the major tweaks to the body.
We have yet to learn the extent of the interior changes, but the layout will remain a spacious and flexible place for six, complete with dual sliding doors for easy entry and exit. Improved materials and revised equipment are expected in order to keep the 5 on par with the updated-for-2010 CX-7 and CX-9.
The XF is much more aerodynamic and beautifully styled than the cars it competes with – the Mercedes-Benz E-Class and BMW 5 Series. It’s a true four-door sedan that has more in common with the M-B CLS 500. Enter the XF and you’re immediately struck with a problem. How do you drive the thing? First, there’s a pushbutton start/stop button that senses the presence of the key fob in your pocket.
But there’s no gearshift lever anywhere. All there is, is a BMW iDrive-style rotary dial sitting on the console that rises out of the console when the engine starts. But wait! The labels around this dial read PRNDL. This is the “gear lever.” It’s the first practical change to lever-style shifting since the Edsel’s pushbutton drive. And it’s so practical, even though I still had to think every time I wanted to shift at the end of our test week.
The Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport combines the Corvette's LS3-based powertrain with unique, wide-body styling and a racing-bred suspension for a distinctive model that delivers a great balance of road and race track performance. It is offered in both coupe and convertible body styles, with either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission. The LS3 6.2L engine is rated at 430 horsepower (321 kW) and 424 lb.-ft. of torque (575 Nm) with the standard exhaust system. An optional two-mode exhaust system elevates the power ratings to 436 horses (325 kW) and 428 lb.-ft. (580 Nm).
The Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport replaces the Corvette's previous Z51 package and brings a greater degree of handling performance, with wider wheels and tires; revised shock, stabilizer bar and spring specifications; and specific gearing. The equipment enables cornering capability of 1.0 g, as well as a 0.2-second improvement in 0-60 acceleration vs. standard LS3-powered models.
Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport coupe models equipped with the manual transmission are uniquely outfitted for race track competition, too, with a dry-sump oiling system, differential cooler and a rear-mounted battery.
Inside, Chevy has given the reveal car a two-tone motif in a milk chocolate hue complemented by dark gray tones. The look, along with tastefully applied aluminum brightwork, is very upscale, giving the Equinox the kind of premium appearance that comes from good, simple, clean design. From a more functional perspective, the crossover is filled with storage bins including an oversized glove box, a lidded compartment atop the dash just above the centre stack, and the usual bin under the armrest, this one large enough for a laptop computer.
Pulling a term we first saw put into production by Volvo, the Equinox features a “floating” centre stack, and it looks pretty sweet with the aforementioned aluminum trim and ice-blue ambient lighting. Additional ice-blue lighting surround the door pull indentations and the cupholders so you won’t accidentally spill while trying to find them at night. Front and rear seats come standard in a high-quality fabric but can alternatively be covered in perforated leather. More importantly, Chevy feels bold enough to tell us they’ll “deliver best-in-class comfort,” so we’ll have to report back on this after we have driven the car.