Monthly Archives April 2015

The latest Audi TT (Gen. 3) has been around for a year, and now we have the TT and also the TTS. It is obvious that Audi is not going to just stop at the TTS: today message leaked out about its hotter variant: the TT RS Coupe. Below image is the 2nd-gen TT RS.

According to our Audi insider, the new TT RS will keep using the firm’s tried-and-true 2.5L turbocharged 5-cylinder engine. Maximum output will be more than 300kW (402hp), and peak torque will arrive at around 2,000 RPM. The powerplant is mated to the Haldex-type Quattro AWD system. Because of the increased output, the new TT RS is expected to do 0-60mph in less than 4 seconds.

Our insider also told us the Audi’s l...

In a recent new model filing (approval # CN QQG5 Z201240058-00) to the Chinese Ministry of Environmental Protection (an agency similar to the US EPA), Cadillac has announced the news that on the new model year of the ATS-L sedan, a 8-speed automatic transmission will replace the current 6-speed unit. Below image is the 2015 model year ATS-L.

According to Cadillac, the 8AT will be mated to a series of the GM 2.0T 4-cylinder engine, with different tuning and output. Since the ATS is a worldwide model, we can safely bet that the 2016 ATS in the US market will also see the same transmission upgrade.

Do you think a SUV with just 4 seats will make a business case, when it is not for off-roading or package transportation?

Anyway, Volvo say “yes” to the above question. Today Volvo introduced the XC90 Excellence, which offers a 4-seat configuration inside the passenger cabin. If you think the 4-seat XC90 is somewhat crazy, you will be more surprised that Volvo is also bringing in a 3-seat version of the XC90, in next week’s 2015 Shanghai auto show.

The XC90 Excellence is of course, based on the standard XC90 T8 trim...

For the moderately priced AWD sedan market (starting MSRP ~$20k), currently there are not many choices in the US. Among those candidates the Subaru Legacy is the only model that comes with AWD system as standard.

Above image: the 2015 Subaru Legacy 3.6R Limited trim test car

Subaru offers two engine options on the 2015 Legacy (both are naturally aspirated): a 2.5L flat-4 producing 175hp and 174 lb-ft of torque; and also a 3.6L flat-6 engine with 256hp and 247 lb-ft of torque.

We have tested the 3.6L engine version, which is only available on the 3.6R Limited trim. The 2015 Legacy is a completely-new design, which marks the beginning of the 6th-generation of this model.

M...

When people are thinking about buying a German luxury car which costs less than $100,000, undoubtedly the three major brands are “MBA”: Mercedes-Benz, BMW and Audi.

Some folks consider these three brands to be equally reputable with similar brand image; while at the same time, fans of each brand may want to debate their beloved brand is more upscale than the others.

Here in this article I will provide some insights. One assumption that most people are agree on: the product line’s price range distribution determines the brand’s market position...