New Cars and Trucks Thread

[Plutonic Panda]

Thought it would be cool to have a thread dedicated to new cars and trucks. I love cars and have a great passion for them believe it or not. A couple of notable transformations this year is the new Cadillac Escalade and the new For Mustang.

[CaptDave]

C7 Corvette
Cadillac CTS
BMW 4 series

[Plutonic Panda]

This is the new Mustang, haven't seen detailed specs yet other than a few engine options. It looks alright to me, but it will take time to grow on me though. I'm kind of glad for finally did away with the retro look. I miss the 302 though. I am generally not a Mustang fan anyhow, but I loved the Boss. Note that the new Mustang will also be offered as a 4 cylinder.

Here are some pics:








''DEARBORN, Mich. (AP) — America's first pony car — the Ford Mustang — is celebrating its 50th birthday with a swoon-worthy new design and plans to go global.

Ford Motor Co. was to reveal the 2015 Mustang Thursday morning at events in New York, Los Angeles, Shanghai, Sydney, Barcelona and its hometown of Dearborn. It goes on sale next fall in North America and will arrive later in Europe and Asia.

The Mustang isn't anywhere near Ford's best-seller — Ford sells more pickups in a week than it does Mustangs in a month. But Ford says the Mustang has the highest name recognition and highest favorable opinion of any car in its lineup. And car companies count on beautiful sports cars to cast a glow over the rest of their offerings.

"It's an emotional connection to the rest of the brand," said Jacques Brent, group marketing manager for large cars and SUVs.

As for sales, Ford will be happy if Mustang can become the top selling pony car in the U.S. The Chevrolet Camaro, which followed the Mustang to market in 1966 and was last redesigned in 2009, has outsold the Mustang for the last three years and is on track to do it again this year, according to Kelley Blue Book.

The Mustang's first full redesign since 2005 presented Ford with a tough task: Update and freshen an icon without alienating its passionate fans. More than 9 million Mustangs have been sold since 1964, and the car has hundreds of fan clubs, including one solely for owners of yellow Mustangs. Farrah Fawcett drove a white one in "Charlie's Angels;" Steve McQueen raced a dark green one through the streets of San Francisco in 1968's "Bullitt."

The result is a new car with plenty of cues from the old. The long hood and sloping fastback are still there, as is the trapezoid-shaped grille with the Mustang logo from the original. But the new car sits lower and wider, and the roof tapers dramatically in the front and back. The signature rounded headlights are smaller and sit back under a fierce, chiseled brow, while the traditional three-bar taillights are now three-dimensional and tucked beneath the rear deck lid.

The Michigan-made car is currently sold overseas, but this is the first time it has been engineered to meet various international safety and emissions standards. A right-hand-drive version is being offered for the first time, for the United Kingdom and Australia, and Ford will market the car more heavily overseas.

Chief engineer Dave Pericak said that while the design meets international needs, it wasn't influenced by them.

"We did not design a global Mustang. We designed a Mustang and took it global," Pericak said.

Even with Ford's push, overseas sales will likely be modest, said Stephanie Brinley, an auto analyst with the consulting company IHS. IHS forecasts European Mustang sales will triple from current levels to around 2,500 in 2015, while sales in China will likely remain low because two-door coupes aren't popular there.

Coupes, in fact, make up less than 1 percent of sales annually across the globe, Brinley said. But they're still an important car for automakers to have.

"It's an aspirational body style. It signals a sporty drive and a sexier product," she said.

Drivers will have three engines to choose from: updated versions of the current 3.7-liter V6, which gets a projected 300 horsepower, and 5.0-liter V8, with 420 horsepower, as well as a new 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder that gets a projected 305 horsepower. Ford will also offer updated six-speed manual and automatic transmissions. Final numbers for horsepower and fuel economy will be released later.''

Read more about this car here: 2015 Ford Mustang Unveiled, Still Has Plenty Of Muscle (PHOTOS)

[Plutonic Panda]

2015 Cadillac Escalade

















Specs


- http://www.cadillac.com/future-cars/2015-escalade.html

[Plutonic Panda]

C7 Corvette
Cadillac CTS
BMW 4 series

Will post about the new BMW i8 later too. Chevy is also going to reveal the new ZO6 in a week I think, so that will be exciting.

[CaptDave]

If you look, there is a bit of DB9 in the new Mustang. Depending on the suspension and brake package available, I think the 300+ bhp turbo 4 in the Mustang might be a cool option especially if the curb weight is kept around 3000 lb. Might get near 50/50 weight distribution to work with the independent rear (finally!!).

[Plutonic Panda]

2014 Tesla Model X







These are old renderings






The X’s connection to Tesla’s sedan is more than skin deep. The two cars essentially share a platform, but while the Model S is rear-drive-only, the X can be outfitted with crossover-necessary all-wheel drive. Its standard drive configuration mirrors that of the S, with a single, rear-mounted electric motor driving the rear wheels. An additional, front-mounted motor powers the front axle on all-wheel-drive models. As with other on-demand all-wheel-drive systems, the Model X’s detects traction differences between the two axles and apportions power accordingly. Similar to the S sedan, there will be a sporty Performance model; it will be all-wheel-drive-only and is claimed to hit 60 mph in less than five seconds.


Tesla Motors has introduced a prototype of the 2014 Model X crossover, its third all-electric model behind the Roadster and the Model S sedan. The seven-passenger Model X promises to be more versatile and family-friendly than the Model S, and will double the size of Tesla’s current U.S. lineup when it eventually goes on sale sometime in 2014. (Remember that the Roadster, being based on the Lotus Elise, lost its federal safety exemption and is no longer being sold in the U.S.)

Have We Met?

As expected—based on a recent teaser image—the Model X looks a lot like a Model S that has been stretched vertically. Its grille, headlights, taillights, and general contours are similar to the sedan’s. Even the two cars’ dashboards are nearly identical, with the X inheriting the S’s giant, 17-inch central touch screen and reconfigurable gauge cluster. However, the Model X has two key differences: a set of rear “falcon-wing” doors and a forward-facing third row of seats. (The Model S’s optional way-back row consists of a pair of rear-facing jump seats accessed through the hatch.) Tesla claims this pair of upward-swinging doors eases ingress and egress to both the second and third rows.


We think the setup is mostly a gimmick. The fancy doors don’t exactly jibe with the Model X’s advertised family appeal; they appear ready to interfere with the loading of children, possibly swooping down to snack on your pre-teens. Perhaps that’s why Tesla named its flightless doors after a bird of prey instead of using the “gullwing” term. But of course, that is so Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG E-Cell. Whatever you call them, the doors aren’t without at least some clever engineering; hinges just above the window allow each door to fold as it swings up, keeping them close to the car in tight spaces.

It’s an Electric Crossover

The X’s connection to Tesla’s sedan is more than skin deep. The two cars essentially share a platform, but while the Model S is rear-drive-only, the X can be outfitted with crossover-necessary all-wheel drive. Its standard drive configuration mirrors that of the S, with a single, rear-mounted electric motor driving the rear wheels. An additional, front-mounted motor powers the front axle on all-wheel-drive models. As with other on-demand all-wheel-drive systems, the Model X’s detects traction differences between the two axles and apportions power accordingly. Similar to the S sedan, there will be a sporty Performance model; it will be all-wheel-drive-only and is claimed to hit 60 mph in less than five seconds.


Model X buyers will be able to choose between two battery capacities—a 60-kWh pack is standard, and an 85-kWh unit is available. Tesla hasn’t released other technical specifics yet, but it’s safe to assume the X heavier and less aerodynamic than the S. This, plus the additional electric motor on all-wheel-drive models, likely will conspire to give the X a shorter driving range than the S. Tesla says the Model S with the 60-kWh battery can travel up to 230 miles on a single charge, or up to 300 with the beefier 85-kWh unit. The X’s additional pork might also explain why Tesla isn’t offering it with the Model S’s available lower-capacity, 40-kWh battery, which offers the sedan just 160 miles of motoring.

Pricing for the Model X has yet to be announced, but Tesla has said the least-expensive version will start somewhere close to the Model S’s post-$7500 tax credit $49,900 sticker. Expect to dole out a lot more for the additional range afforded by the higher-capacity battery pack, and more still for the Performance version. Tesla plans to begin producing the crossover near the end of next year, and to deliver the first customer cars early in 2014. Given the Model S’s repeated delays—it has yet to go on sale

Read more on this article here(note this article is over a year old): http://www.caranddriver.com/news/201...-and-info-news

- http://www.thedetroitbureau.com/2012...l-x-crossover/

Here is Tesla's very interactive website for the Model X: http://www.teslamotors.com/modelx

There have also been rumors that Tesla is building a concept truck based from the Ford F150 chassis

[Plutonic Panda]

If you look, there is a bit of DB9 in the new Mustang. Depending on the suspension and brake package available, I think the 300+ bhp turbo 4 in the Mustang might be a cool option especially if the curb weight is kept around 3000 lb. Might get near 50/50 weight distribution to work with the independent rear (finally!!).

Well, maybe some people at Ford still want Aston to live with Ford lol I am kind of digging it though. They are definitely shooting to try and appeal to the Euro crowd and I think they are doing a good job. A lot of people are hating, but that always happens. I think overtime people will like it. TBH, when I first saw it, I thought Fusion Coupe‘ ;P

[CaptDave]

I had a fairly heavily modified Mustang years ago and this is the first one in more than a decade I would consider buying based solely on looks. I think it will do well.

[Plutonic Panda]

2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray












Specs:

Powertrain 6.2L V8 DI engine RWD
Standard Engine Gas V8
Displacement (liters/cu. in.) 6.2L/376
7-speed manual transmission Standard
6-speed Paddle Shift automatic transmission Available
Horsepower @ RPM 455 @ 6000
Horsepower 460
Torque @ RPM 460 @ 4600
Fuel Injection Direct Injection
Drivetrain Rear Wheel Drive
Axle Ratio 3.42
Steering/Suspension 6.2L V8 DI engine RWD
Front Suspension Short/Long Arm
Rear Suspension Short/Long Arm
Brakes 6.2L V8 DI engine RWD
4-Wheel Disc Brakes Yes
Brake/ABS System 4-Wheel

- 2014 Corvette Stingray: GT Car - C7 | Chevrolet


I actually really like it, a lot. I saw one the other day on Covell. Will post a picture later.

[Plutonic Panda]

2014 BMW i8














Specs:

Performance
Top speed fully electric in km/h 120
Top speed in km/h
250
Acceleration from 0–60 km/h on purely electric power in seconds 4.5
Acceleration 0–100 km/h in s

The BMW i8 is ready to revolutionise its vehicle class. As the first sports car with the consumption and emission values of a compact car. The strength of the plug-in hybrid lies in the perfect synchronisation of electric motor and combustion engine, that’s brought to the street with the highest efficiency and dynamics. No longer a vision, but charged intelligence. The first sports car that even accelerates the zeitgeist.

- BMW i8

From Car and Driver

'It’s been nearly two years since BMW’s Vision EfficientDynamics concept debuted at the 2009 Frankfurt show, and the car has now officially re-emerged one step closer to production as the BMW i8 concept. As you can see, little has changed in the styling department. In fact, other than a new wheel design, the only other notable change we’ve spotted concerns the doors, which seem to have claimed some territory along their bottoms and thereby reduced the size of the blue body-side accent. Interestingly, the car didn’t show that change when BMW paraded it around for spy photographers this past March, but we like it.

Passenger Compartment + Powertrain = LifeDrive

As with the i3 city car concept that debuted at the same time (you can read about it in full here), the story of the i8 begins with its so-called LifeDrive architecture. BMW says that its experiences in creating the Mini E and 1-series-based BMW ActiveE showed that adapting cars engineered for internal-combustion power to electric propulsion results in a lot of excess weight and compromises in packaging. As a result, both the i8 and i3 are built using two purpose-built modules: one to house passengers, dubbed “Life,” and one for propulsion and suspension components, called “Drive.” Combine them, and you have a car—and marketing-friendly “LifeDrive” branding.

While the i3 and i8 share the LifeDrive architectural philosophy, the cars differ in execution. That’s because the i3 is fully electric, while this i8 is a plug-in hybrid. The i8’s powertrain is split between its two axles, with an electric motor and direct-drive transmission at the front axle and a gas engine and transaxle at the rear.

Interestingly, the battery packs in the i3 and i8 use different lithium-ion chemistries, as well as unique shapes. The large, square pancake battery of the i3 is designed for longer distance travel—in other words, it has a lot of energy—and is located below the passenger compartment. In contrast, the i8’s lithium-ion cells protrude into the coupe’s Life space, where, as in the Chevrolet Volt, the liquid-cooled and -heated battery stack fills a hump that could be mistaken for a transmission tunnel. The i8’s elongated pack is designed to deliver shots of power in short spurts; the final spec is yet to be decided, but it should have a capacity of around 8 kWh.


Arranging the pack this way allowed BMW’s engineers to achieve yet another claim of perfect 50/50 weight distribution, thereby preserving peace in the city of Munich. As in the i3, the i8’s Drive components are largely crafted of aluminum, while the Life module uses a carbon-fiber skeleton wrapped in thermoplastic exterior panels.

So much lightweight material allows the i8 to use a smaller, lighter battery than would be needed if the car were made of heavier steel. This frees up room in the cabin, and, more important, keeps the curb weight around a svelte 3300 pounds. The rigidity imparted by the carbon fiber also allows for long, dramatic doors that ease access to the two small rear seats.

While most other hybrids are based on existing front-drive vehicles, BMW had the luxury of starting from scratch. As with all 50/50-balanced cars, the majority of braking forces occur at the front axle. So, in the effort to recoup as much energy from regenerative braking, it makes sense for BMW to fit the electric half of the powertrain up front. The i8 uses a modified version of the i3's electric motor, with a peak output of 129 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque. It’s fed juice, of course, by those lithium-ions, and takes about two hours to charge from a 240-volt trough. Battery topped off, the i8 will return 20 miles of all-electric driving.

Three’s Company: 220-Horse Three-Cylinder

The original Vision EfficientDynamics concept used a three-cylinder turbo-diesel engine, but the i8 makes use of a gas-fired turbo three-cylinder that may turn out to be the best part of the powertrain puzzle. It is a version of BMW’s new modular engine on which we first reported in April. It displaces just 1.5 liters, features direct injection, a turbocharger, variable camshaft timing, and variable intake-cam lift. It makes an astonishing 220 hp and 221 lb-ft of torque. Altogether, the hybrid powertrain makes 349 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque. That puts this car in elite company within BMW. Think M company.

The i8 weighs slightly less than a 1-series M, and makes more power and torque. BMW says the i8 is governed to 155 mph and it will accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in less than five seconds; think more like low fours with a quarter-mile time of less than 13 seconds. But where the 1M gets, at best, 26 mpg on the highway, BMW says the ocho should return real-world, combined fuel economy near 40 mpg. One area of concern for twisty-road seekers is its tires. They are narrow, of the low-rolling-resistance variety and will thus suffer in limit grip. We hope there’s an option box for summer tires''

- read more here: BMW i8 Concept Official Photos and Info ? News ? Car and Driver

[Plutonic Panda]

I had a fairly heavily modified Mustang years ago and this is the first one in more than a decade I would consider buying based solely on looks. I think it will do well.

That's awesome! Yeah the only Mustang I have really really liked in a long time was the Boss 302.

[Oh GAWD the Smell!]

I'm split on the new Mustang...Some pics it looks okay (I like the current one just fine), but then I see one like this...And I want to go slap a designer. Looks like a Solara...Or something else equally boring.

[Oh GAWD the Smell!]

In all fairness though, I'd never buy a Mustang. So my opinion of them doesn't really count for much

[Garin]

Most of the mustang crowd is not happy with what ford has brought to the market with this one. Looks very foreign and from some angles European

[bradh]

This is not a sexy topic, but once I'm done with my current 09 Silverado Z-71, I'm thinking of switching to a Honda Ridgeline. However, I've heard multiple reports that 2014 might be the last year for it, but if not, it'll get a redesign for 2015 (I'll be looking to buy in December 2014).

I also heard they may be putting the same 300hp engine from the Acura MDX in the Ridgline...I can get on board with that.

[Plutonic Panda]

Here is a couple possible designs for the GT350 and a Mach 1.

GT350


Mach 1


These are just a couple of renderings so this isn't confirmed, just a possibility. I really like them.

[Plutonic Panda]

2014 Cadillac ELR

Another full electric car.













Specs

[Plutonic Panda]

2014 Chevy Impala Redesign and Holden based Chevy SS

Impala





Specs:
3.6L DOHC V6 DI engine with Variable Valve Timing (VVT) FWD
6 Speed Auto Tranny
HP: 305 @ 6800rpm
Torque rated @ 264 @ 5200rpm
FWD


Chevy SS







I love this car particularly!

Specs:
Powertrain 6.2L V8 SFI engine RWD
Standard Engine Gas V8
Displacement (liters/cu. in.) 6.2L/376
6-speed automatic transmission Standard
Fuel Injection Electronic Fuel Injection
Drivetrain Rear Wheel Drive
Steering/Suspension 6.2L V8 SFI engine RWD
Front Suspension Multi-Link MacPherson Strut
Rear Suspension Multi-Link
Turning Circle (ft.) 37.4 ft
Brakes 6.2L V8 SFI engine RWD
4-Wheel Disc Brakes Yes
4-Wheel ABS 4-Wheel

I believe she also puts out around 420 horses. Beautiful car no doubt.

[Prunepicker]

[Oh GAWD the Smell!]

I really like that SS.

[Plutonic Panda]

I agree! I really don't mind that it is a rebadged Commodore; it is simply awesome!

Here is the website for those who want to read more: Chevy SS Sports Sedan: An All-New Performance Sedan | Chevrolet

[Prunepicker]

I prefer Ferrari's, Lamborghini's and other high performance cars like the
1931 Model A Ford.

[Prunepicker]

I agree! I really don't mind that it is a rebadged Commodore; it is simply
awesome!

Finally! Something we can agree on. I do all my computing from a high
speed Commodore 64!

No doubt, the Commodore is an awesome machine. I have a 960 baud
cradle. Eat your hearts out!

There's talk of a computer with 128 meg of memory. Yeah, right. I'll
believe it when I see it.

In the meantime, I'm awaiting a reply from a billboard service I
subscribe to.

[Just the facts]

When I look back over the years at how much I have spent on cars and what I have to show for it, I decided to try the opposite approach and see just how little I can spend on cars (still buying new of course). Last month I bought a 2014 Fiat 500L. Fun to drive, lots of options, and 37 mpg on the highway.





Two weeks ago I hit a deer in south Georgia with it.