Monthly Archives October 2014

Today Tesla announced some technical specifications of the AWD version of the Model S, named “P85D”. Below are some quick facts:

– All “D” models’ range increased by 10 miles
– Model S P85D: 211 bhp front motor, 470 bhp rear motor; combined output: 691 bhp and 687 lb-ft of torque; 0-60 time: 3.2 seconds; 1/4 mile time: 11.8 seconds; top speed: 155 mph; curb weight: 4,936 lbs; range: 275 miles (an increase of 10 miles)
– Model S 85D: 188 bhp electric motor added to the front axle; 0-60 time: 5.2 seconds; 1/4 mile time: 13.5 seconds; top speed: 155 mph; curb weight: 4,824 lbs; range: 295 miles
– Model S 60D: 188 bhp electric motor added to the front axle; 0-...

Lexus showed a blue-color 2015 NX200t FSport at the Orange County Auto Show the past weekend.

Some observations:

1. Both front seats and the 2nd-row seat has plenty of legroom, the RX owners probably won’t feel it to be cramped
2. Lots of cargo space, which suggests Lexus may want to use the NX to replace the RX, and the RX will be upgraded to compete in SUV with 3-row seating;
3. Interior materials and build quality is first-class, with leather wrapped and fine stitching dashboard, plus the center console and armrest
4. LED headlights are fantastic
5. Exhaust tips looks quite sporty

Review Index

2014 Acura RLX – Part 1 (Exterior)
2014 Acura RLX – Part 2 (Interior)
2014 Acura RLX – Part 3 (Electronic Features, Controls)
2014 Acura RLX – Part 4 (Powertrain)
2014 Acura RLX – Part 5 (Chassis)

Our test car is assembled in Japan in May, 2013, see the label on the chassis.

The RLX comes with double-wishbone type design for both the front and rear suspension.

But please do not be fooled by the “double-wishbone” name. On the RLX, it is not the traditional double-wishbone suspension which has both upper and lower A-arms.

For the front suspension, it has an upper A-arm, but there is no lower A-arm...

Review Index

2014 Acura RLX – Part 1 (Exterior)
2014 Acura RLX – Part 2 (Interior)
2014 Acura RLX – Part 3 (Electronic Features, Controls)
2014 Acura RLX – Part 4 (Powertrain)
2014 Acura RLX – Part 5 (Chassis)

The RLX is equipped with a naturally aspirated, direct injection 3.5L V6 engine, pumps out a maxium of 310hp at 6,500rpm, and 272 lb-ft of torque at 4,500rpm. The power is transmitted to the front wheels through Honda’s self-developed 6-speed automatic transmission.

Maybe unknown to some people, automatic transmissions developed by Honda has a completely different architecture...

In this weekend’s Orange County Auto Show, Chevrolet displayed the latest and greatest Corvette Z06.

The 2015 Corvette Z06 is equipped with a 6.2L supercharged LT4 V8 engine with a 1.7L Eaton R1740 TVS supercharger. The powerplant makes 650 hp and 650 lb-ft of torque.

Under the spotlight, the Corvette Z06 exterior looks really good. I have a chance to look at the interior briefly during the show, however from my point of view, the interior styling, materials and build quality is not up to its price level.

See the below photo gallery for more details.