by L Baures | Feb 16, 2018 | Automotive News
Photo: VW
Making its debut at the Chicago Auto Show, the 2019 Arteon is a mid-sized sedan that will be available with optional 4Motion® all-wheel drive.
2019 Volkswagon Arteon
The Arteon will be a flagship top of the line upmarket luxury touring sedan with a premium interior. The wheelbase is longer than the Volkswagen CC (that it will replace) giving it a much more planted stance. The luxury sedan has already been on the European market since mid-2017. Hinrich J. Woebcken, CEO of the North American Region, Volkswagen says, “This car is the spiritual successor to the CC, but it is bolder and faster”.
Photo: VW
Specs
Powertrain
- 2.0-liter turbocharged TSI® gasoline engine with direct injection.
- 268 horsepower.
- 258 lb-ft torque.
- 8-speed automatic transmission.
- Optional 4Motion® all-wheel drive.
Exterior highlights
- 18″ aluminum alloy wheels (19″ wheel available).
- Fastback design.
- Wide planted stance.
- Sloping rear roofline.
- LED headlights.
- LED taillights.
- Chrome grille.
- Frameless side windows.
- Dual trapezoidal exhaust tips.
- Rear spoiler.
Interior highlights
- Sports seats.
- Heated front seats (ventilated cooling seats available).
- Available; massaging driver’s seat, Nappa leather, and memory seats.
- 3 zone climate control.
- 8″ touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay™, Android Auto™ and MirrorLink®.
- Puch start button.
- Keyless entry.
- Car-Net connected vehicle services.
- Dynaudio® premium audio.
- Panoramic sunroof.
- Easy-open power trunk (activated by ‘kicking foot action’ under rear bumper).
Safety
The Volkswagen Arteon will have all the latest safety technology including Adaptive Cruise Contol (ACC) with Stop and Go as an option. Foward Collision Warning, Autonomous Emergency Braking (Front Assist), and Blind Spot Monitor (with Rear Traffic Alert) are all standard. Safety features also optional on the Arteon will be Lane Departure Warning with Lane Assist, High Beam Control, Park Assist and an Overhead Camera View.
“In addition, the 2019 Arteon offers a combination of both passive and active safety systems that are engineered to meet or exceed current crash regulations. These systems include the class-exclusive Automatic Post-Collision Braking System and a reactive hood”, says VW.
Warranty coverage will be 6 years or 72, 000 miles, bumper-to-bumper. One of the longest limited warranties available on new cars today.
Trim levels
When will it be available?
The Volkswagen Arteon is expected to arrive in dealers by Fall of 2018. For more information, you can contact your Volkswagen dealer.
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Photos: VW
This car will be a great alternative for a customer looking for all the features of an Audi but with a Volkswagen price.
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“Volkswagen Arteon European Sales Figures.” Carsalesbase.com, 8 Feb. 2018,
by L Baures | Feb 14, 2018 | Automotive News
Toyota released a teaser image of a sports car.
The title of the image says, “The Legend Returns”. The only other information they posted on the press release is, “a modern racing concept signals Toyota’s commitment to bring back to the market its most iconic sports car”. More information will be available on March 6th at the Geneva Motor Show.
What is the car?
From the picture posted, it’s clear there is a rear spoiler and bubble-like roof line. This would indicate it’s a sports car. I haven’t seen many Yaris’ with great big wings mounted on the back end. Here’s what we do know though. Toyota has been working on a concept car called the FT-1, which has a big wing at the back. Pictures of the concept have been available from 2014, so this car has been in the works for quite some time. Hopefully, this means, we can expect big results from Toyota. Look at the striking resemblance between the teaser photo and the concept photos. The wing is a little different, but it’s a still a ginormous wing and the roofline is very close.
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Photo: Toyota
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Photo: Toyota
Could it be the new Supra?
1995 MKIV Supra Turbo Photo: Toyota
With a bold title like, “The Legend Returns”, is a strong indication this car could be seen as the new Supra. Toyota has had a good run of legendary sports car including the Celica GT4 rally car and the drifters dream AE86. The RWD Supra, however, was a 90’s legend during a Japanese sports car boom that seen performance vehicles like the Nissan Skyline GTR’s and Honda (Acura) NSX’s emerge.
These beasts were putting out almost 300hp from the factory around 20 years ago. Back in those days, it must have been the equivalent to a Challenger Hellcat release. Not only were the cars a lot of fun straight out of the showroom but also have highly tunable engines. The Supra’s popularity was heightened after the movie release, “Fast and Furious” in which an orange MKIV Supra Targa top was featured. The engines used in the MKIV Supra’s are still legendary among car enthusiasts today. There were two engine options for the MKIV Supra, a naturally aspirated 3.0 liter inline six (2JZ-GE) and the 3.0 liter inline six with twin turbochargers (2JZ-GTE).
Which powerplant will it have?
According to apparent leaked information from Japan’s Best Car Magazine, a Supra MKVforum member posted that it’ll be a 3.0 liter straight six again. Producing 335hp and 332 lb-ft of torque paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission with a curb weight of 3,284 lbs. Car enthusiasts are probably not excited by those numbers considering how long this car has been in development.
Another member of the same forum debunked at least of those ‘rumors’. The member with username ‘A70TTR’ says, “Curb weight is flat out wrong by a lot” and, “I have to tread carefully here, but it’s not disappointing”.
Screenshot from supramkv.com
Road and Track say the engine is in development with German manufacturer BMW sharing the Z4 platform. “The two companies are working together on engines and lithium-ion batteries” quotes Road and Track. So if they did go with a 3.0 liter straight six and threw in a hybrid (because it’s Toyota and it’s 2018) some more power/torque could be possible. BMW currently offers a 2.0 liter 4 cylinder (240 hp), and a 3.0 liter turbocharged inline six (300hp) with overboost function. These engines would line up with the rumors, however, nothing has yet been officially published or said about an electric motor or what kind of hybrid functionality it may have by Toyota.
Lexus has the RC F GT car. The GT3 race car specs published include a 467 hp, 5.0-liter V-8 engine (2UR-GSE). Also noted is an 8-speed automatic transmission with manual shift mode. Could this be a contender for engine choice?
Here are some of the official Toyota concept images released over the past few years
by L Baures | Feb 7, 2018 | Automotive News
Who is Alexa?
Alexa is a personal assistant in virtual form through a cloud-based system from Amazon. It was designed to compete with voice command systems like Siri from Apple. Using an Amazon speaker system such as the Echo, Alexa can perform tasks such as playing music or turning on house lights through a smart home system. Alexa has what are called, “skills”, and Amazon is constantly updating the “skills” available to Alexa, making her smarter and smarter as time goes on.
In a recent Toyota press release, the head of product for Amazon Alexa Automotive, John Scumniotales, said, “Our vision for Alexa is that she should be everywhere a customer might need her – at home, in the office, on phones – and in cars. This integration means that customers can interact with Alexa, virtually anywhere they drive”. Sounds like world domination and another step towards autonomous vehicles to me. Whether we like or not, its coming and now it’s another step closer.
As well as Toyota introducing Alexa into select Toyota’s with the Toyota Entune 3.0 App Suite, Jeep also announced the feature as available on 2018 Jeep Cherokee’s.
2018 Jeep Cherokee with Tech Connect
The 2018 Jeep Cherokee Latitude with the ‘Tech Connect’ Package will have a UConnect “skill” available for Alexa. Users will be able to use commands to the system to;
- Start the vehicle’s engine
- Lock or unlock the doors
- Send navigation requests
- Check fuel levels
- Check tire pressures
The Cherokee with Tech Connect package will also come with an Amazon Echo Dot device, a 3-month subscription to Amazon Music Unlimited (family plan). Also included is a 3-month subscription to Audible.
Jeep is also setting the car apart by slightly modifying the exterior look. Cherokee’s with the Tech Connect package will also have painted lower cladding in black, and a gloss black finish on the chin applique. The grille will get an upper and lower surrounds. 18″ painted aluminum wheels, as well as roof rails and badging, are also featured.
2018 Cherokee Tech Connect Package
To find out more about the Jeep Cherokee with Amazon Alexa, feel free to contact us, or get in touch with a Jeep salesperson at Fremont Motors.
“Toyota to Introduce Amazon Alexa in Its Vehicles.” Toyota, 9 Jan. 2018.
Goyer, Todd, and Jordan Wasylyk. “FCA US Media 2018 Jeep Cherokee Latitude With All-New Tech Connect Package Includes New Uconnect Skill for Amazon Alexa and an Amazon Echo Dot Device.
by L Baures | Feb 6, 2018 | Automotive News
The Ford Ranger has been around for 30 years
The Ford Ranger is a compact pickup truck that has been around for about 30 years. Ford ended production of the pickup for North America in 2011, however, continued in other countries. Whilst the plant in Minneapolis closed, Ford in Argentina were working on the next model (the Ranger T6). It was also still being produced in Europe and in 2015 was the best-selling pickup truck. Here comes the 2019 Ford Ranger for North America.
2019 Ford Ranger Photo: Ford
With other manufacturers such as Chevrolet introducing the Colorado, GMC, the Canyon and Toyota still having the Tacoma in the mid-sized truck class, it’s no surprise Ford is returning with the Ranger. The new truck for North America is set for 2019, although it is planned to be released in China this year.
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Photos: Ford
Trim levels on the 2019 model will be XL, XLT, and Lariat.
What features can we expect in the 2019 Ford Ranger?
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Interior Photos: Ford
Overview
- 2.3L EcoBoost® engine
- 10-Speed Automatic transmission
- High-strength steel frame
- SuperCab and SuperCrew Cab configurations (half-size back doors and full-size back doors)
- Front and rear steel bumpers (frame-mounted)
- FX4 Off-Road package will be available (skid plates, upgraded tires, off-road tuned shocks, and suspension)
- Wide approach and departure angles (for off-roading)
- Terrain Management System™ and Trail Control™ available
- Electronic lockable rear axle
So it seems as though from those specs that there is going to be some good off-road features on the truck. Will it be enough to compete with the Colorado ZR2?
4WD Photo: Ford
It looks like the 2019 Ford Ranger will have all the latest in safety technology. Some of those features will depend on trim level.
Safety
- Adaptive Cruise Control (standard on Lariat trim level)
- Pedestrian detection (standard on Lariat)
- Automatic Emergency Braking
- Lane Keep Assist
- Lane Departure Warning
- Reverse Sensing
- Blind Spot Information System with trailer coverage (standard on XLT and Lariat)
- Available SYNC® 3 with Apple CarPlay and AndroidAuto
- Ford + Alexa
- Navigation optional
Ford says the Ranger pickup will be specifically designed for the American market. It will be produced at the Michigan Assembly Plant later this year. The truck will be available for purchase in early 2019.
Tradition gear selector vs rotary dial Photo: Ford
Doug and Diane from Jackson, WY
“Ranger has always held a special place in the hearts of truck fans,” said Hau Thai-Tang, Ford executive vice president, Product Development, and Purchasing. This is evident in Doug and Diane, from Northern Wyoming, who have a 1994 Ford Ranger that they purchased in 1995. They chose to have Ranger based on the size and utility of the vehicle. Diane said, “A pickup is handy, it has held up well”. Both of them are avid outdoor enthusiasts, so the truck has most likely been put through its paces.
They said they have been waiting for the new Ranger to come out to replace theirs. Although, after hearing about the engine (2.3L turbocharged EcoBoost®) they aren’t so sure. They said they will have to find out more about the new Ranger but will also be looking into a Colorado (which currently has 3 engine choices including a diesel option). Ford has a diesel engine option about to be released in the next couple of months for the F-150. They have not released any info suggesting if they will put this diesel option in the Ranger or not.
https://youtu.be/P-XxdvBuJGw
Video: Ford
Pickup Trucks Gas Vs Diesel
Ford F-150 What’s New for 2018
“Ford Ranger.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 19 Jan. 2018, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ford_Ranger.
OPSITNIK, Liz. “Ford to Stop Making Ranger Small Truck in December.” Cars.usnews.com, U.S. News & World Report, 23 June 2011
“AN AMERICAN FAVORITE REINVENTED: NEW FORD RANGER BRINGS BUILT FORD TOUGH INNOVATION TO U.S. MIDSIZE TRUCK SEGMENT.” An American Favorite Reinvented: New Ford Ranger Brings Built Ford Tough Innovation to U.S. Midsize Truck Segment | Ford Media Center, Ford, 14 Jan. 2018,
by L Baures | Jan 29, 2018 | Automotive News
Sierra 1500
The GMC Sierra is now in the 5th model of the third generation and only subtle changes have been made for the 2018 model year. The trim lineup is as follows; Sierra, Elevation Edition (Sierra), SLE, Elevation Edition (SLE), SLT, All Terrain, Denali.
Photo: GMC Media
Two new colors are added and two old colors are deleted. Crimson red and Pepperdust metallic are no longer. They are replaced with Deep Mahogany Metallic and Red Quartz Tintcoat. There are no photos available yet from GMC press on those colors in the 1500 Sierra, however, a similar mahogany color was used back in 2016. It looks to be a brownish color with a hint of purple. Then new red color looks to be a lot brighter than the Crimson red.
The 2018 GMC Sierra will now feature a tire pressure ‘Tire Fill Alert’ system which gives an audio and visual alert outside the truck when inflating the tire, so you know when it’s at the correct pressure. The base model will now get a 7″ color touchscreen radio and all trucks will back up cameras. 4 speaker systems will now be upgraded to a 6 speaker system. Brembo performance brake kit now available as an option.
Sierra 2500/3500HD
The GMC Sierra HD has the highest horsepower rating it in its class for the diesel. The Duramax 6.6L turbocharged V-8 puts out 445hp and 910 lb-ft torque. The model lineup in the heavy duty Siera is as follows; Sierra, SLE, SLT and Denali. All Terrain package is available and the All Terrain X package can be added to an SLT.
Colors no longer available are Crimson Red Tintcoat, Deep Garnet Metallic, and Pepperdust Metallic. Colors added to the heavy duty lineup are the same as the half-tons, Deep Mahogany and Red Quartz Tintcoat. The same as the 1500, back up cameras will also be standard throughout the range. 4 speaker systems upgraded to 6 speakers and the 4.2″ screen replaced with 7″ color touchscreen. The ‘Tire Fill Alert’ will be added to single rear wheel heavy duty trucks only.
The Sierra truck with the most new features added is the All Terrain HD which gets;
All Terrain HD Package
- Spray on bed liner
- All terrain tires (265/70R18)
- Front and rear park assist
- Z71 Off-Road suspension package
- Underbody shield
- All-terrain grille insert with chrome surround
- Heated steering wheel
- Body-color front and rear bumpers
- Sill plates
- Floor liner
- Black painted mirror caps
- Body-color door handles and side moldings
- Black belt moldings
- Black skid plate
- 4″ round side steps
For more information on GMC pickup trucks feel free to contact us or check out the GMC dealership in Riverton, Wyoming.
by L Baures | Jan 22, 2018 | Automotive News
Volkswagen Tiguan
The Tiguan is the latest new compact SUV from Volkswagen. It is available with optional 3rd-row seating and comes in FWD or with Volkswagen’s 4Motion All Wheel Drive (AWD) system. The 2018 Tiguan won ‘Top Safety Pick’ by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The Tiguan was awarded ‘Superior’ results in front crash prevention. It is also listed on the Cars.com 2017 Car Seat Check Honor Roll, and won Cars.com Compact SUV of the year 2017. Here comes the R-Line.
Photo: VW Media
If you’d like to read more about the Tiguan and check out our video, click here.
Quick specs
- 2.0 liter 4 cylinder turbocharged
- 8-Speed automatic transmission
- 184 horsepower
- 221 lb-ft torque
- Seats up to 7 with 3rd-row
Fuel Economy
EPA estimated fuel economy ratings for the 4Motion (AWD) Tiguan is 21 mpg in the city, 27 mpg on the highway and gets a combined rating of 23 mpg.
Tiguan R-Line package
Volkswagen just announced that an R-Line package is now available on the Tiguan. The sporty looking appearance package gives “it an even more dynamic appearance” say VW. The current line-up of trim levels is the S, SE, SEL and SEL Premium. The R-Line package will available to add on to the SEL and SEL Premium models (the top two trim levels).
Exterior
The R-Line sporty package will include 19″ Trenton aluminum-alloy wheels on the SEL and 20″ ‘Braselton’ aluminum-alloy wheels for SEL Premium. The package also includes completely different bumpers, front, and rear. The front bumper has an air intake design for a much sportier look. A styled diffuser in glossy black is molded into the rear bumper. Body-colored wheel arch extensions and side skirts also add to the sporty look.
Interior
On the inside of the Tiguan, an R-Line welcome logo appears on the screen during startup. Of course, it wouldn’t be right not to have the logo on the steering wheel either. The headliner comes in black and the pedals get a sporty look too with some stainless steel covers. Stainless steel door sill plates with R-Line logo are also included.
Price
Adding the R-Line package to the SEL trim level is $1,795 MSRP which includes rear Park Distance Control (Park Pilot). On the SEL Premium, it is slightly less at $1,495 because the SEL Premium already has the Park Pilot system. The package is due to go on sale at the beginning of 2018. If you’d like more information on Volkswagen’s in Casper, click here.
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