An Automotive Engineer's Point of View – News and Reviews
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The SV team turned a complete 180 from the Range Rover SVAutobiography for the Jaguar XE SV Project 8 which Jaguar says has lapped the Nurburgring faster than any other four-door sedan.
Continue reading “Jaguar XE SV Project 8 – A Sedan With an Optional Backseat”
The SV team delivers the ultra luxurious, hand-crafted version of the updated 2018 Range Rover. Better yet, it can now be had with the plug-in hybrid system and styling updates that the 2018 Range Rover.
Continue reading “2018 Range Rover SVAutobiography – Green is the new Gold”
Subaru revealed their second attempt at getting their full size right. Far from the curvy styling odd interior layout of the Tribeca, the all-new Ascent fits right into the existing line-up.
Following on the footsteps of Mazda’s technological leap in controlling the combustion process – enabling both spark (typical gas engine power) and compression ignition (typical diesel efficiency) – Nissan is now showing off its production ready game changer of an engine. Instead of varying the ignition method, it utilizes a variable compression ratio to achieve a similar end game.
Continue reading “Nissan VC-Turbo Engine – A Design Breakthrough”
News For the Week (#47):
What’s worth sharing – 3 (Big) items:
Infiniti has revealed their most significant update to the QX50 5-passenger crossover by ditching the staid styling and rear wheel drive platform that it has been using since 2008 when it was known as the EX35. Emphasizing success in areas where the previous generation came up short, the new 2019 model comes with industry first engine technology (co-developed with the the Renault (parent company) Formula 1 team), a focus on interior space, and advanced active technology. Although performance minded customers maybe saddened by the loss of the 2018 model’s focus on sport, the 2019 QX50 is expected to be better in nearly every measurably way. Additional details about trim levels and pricing will follow its full unveiling at the upcoming LA Auto Show. Continue reading “Week 47 – Interesting Auto News Worth Sharing”
News For the Week (#46):
What’s worth sharing – 7 items:
Honda released pricing for the Accord 2.0-liter. Starting at $31,200, including destination, it officially goes on sale November 20th. The starting 
trim is the Sport trim although it shouldn’t be directly compared with the 1.5L Sport as the 2.0L trim has much more feature content (similar to the 1.5L EX trim) – there is no longer an excuse for enthusiasts to hold out on the six-speed manual transmission which is optional only on the Sport (The Civic Si is well equipped too). The 10-speed automatic is a no cost option and is the only option for the EX-L and Touring trims whose equipment features closely mirror those of their respective 1.5L trims. The EX-L starts at $32,860 including destination with a navigation system ($1,000) being the only factory option. The Touring trim is $36,690 and becomes the most luxurious and powerful Accord ever. First Look: 2018 Honda Accord
Continue reading “Week 46 – Interesting Auto News Worth Sharing”
News For the Week (#45):
What’s worth sharing – 4 items:
The MDX and TLX have been updated with Acura’s Precision Concept styling theme for their extensive mid-generation cycle refreshes and now the RLX gets the same treatment.
The car gets much sharper styling (new front fascia, hood, headlights, exhaust finishers, and a gloss black diffuser) and brighter colors. While fully admitting that I have a soft spot for this underdog performer, I feel the exterior design has the most athletic and cohesive look since the the second generation Legend.
New seat designs and available color choices round the notable changes to the interior. Continue reading “Week 45 – Interesting Auto News Worth Sharing”
It’s been eight years since VW first introduced the Tiguan in the US market and just when the name finally has some familiarity to it, VW has completely turned the car that it’s tied to on its head. Looks like we’re going back to school.
Continue reading “2018 Volkswagen Tiguan – A new German flavor for the U.S.”
Honda announces details on the Clarity Electric as part of the Clarity Family. But with only 89 miles of range, should we have expected more?
Check out the full story at TFLcar.com
The Honda Accord has been a standout among the midsize sedan segment, always bringing a refreshing dose of sport to the sedan segment. Once responsible for handling the day-to-day duties of the American family, this role has been largely taken over by crossovers and smaller cars. Honda has proved that it can still hit home-runs with the Civic and the CR-V but it will take a bit more to ensure the Accord is considered a success.
After two generations of interior mis-steps and relatively conservative exterior designs, the all-new Accord has been injected with some much needed premium appeal and upped the ante on what defines sport within this segment. Is it enough to keep it at the top of its class?
Continue reading “2018 Honda Accord – Saving the Sedan and the Manuals”