Monthly Archives May 2015

The Subaru BRZ (also the Scion FR-S, a.k.a Toyota GT86, or Toyota 86) has been in production since 2012 as the 2013 model. Now 3 years passed and the BRZ/FR-S is due for a mid-cycle update. However, this will not happen for the 2016 models – our Toyota insider told us today the news that we are going to see the mid-cycle refreshed FR-S/BRZ next year, as a 2017 model instead.

Of course there will be some tweaks to the exterior styling, but the most important and exciting updates is under the engine hood: the 2.0L naturally aspirated flat-4 engine will stay, but the hp output and also the torque will be increased by 5 percent, and fuel efficiency will also be enhanced by 7...

Along with the face-lifted 2016 3 series, BMW has also released one image of the new-designed B58 6 cylinder turbocharged engine, which is used on the upcoming 340i (replacing the 335i).

From the below image depicting the left-hand-side of the engine, we get the below two conclusions about the B58 engine:

1. It is using a single turbocharger, a similar design as the current N55 engine; the turbocharger will be a twin-scroll type;
2. The exhaust manifold is not integrated into the cylinder head; instead it is bolted onto the engine.

Please do not be disappointed about BMW’s decision of keeping the single turbocharger design in the new B58 engine, for such output level (a...

The 6th-generation Ford Mustang has entered into the second model year, and Ford has announced the 2016 model year Mustang’s details today.

Generally speaking there is no mechanical changes made to the 2016 Mustang; major changes are addition of several packages to different trims, either aesthetic enhancements, or previously available on a trim and now extended to other trims. Below is a summary:

– Mustang GT trim: added a new feature of turn signal indicators located in hood vents
– New California Special Package exclusive for Mustang GT Premium trim – only mechanical enhancements is the strut tower, other differences are in the wheels, seat materials, interior panels,...

How about seeing how your car’s turn signal blink when you are driving your car? Now this can be done in the 2016 Ford Mustang GT.

For the 2016 model year, Ford is bringing back the option that including the turn signal lights inside the heat extraction vents on the hood, facing the windscreen, so the driver can see for himself when he blinks the signal light.

This fancy feature can be traced back to 1967, when Ford offered the same feature for the Mustang. The 2016 Mustang GT pays homage to its predecessor by offering this design. See it in action in the below video.

The current generation of BMW 3 Series (F30) has been around for more than 3 years and it is due for the mid-cycle refresh. Today BMW announced some details about the upcoming 2016 model year 3 series. The biggest change is the introducing of 3 new turbocharged engines: the B38 3-cylinder, B48 4-cylinder (B47 for diesel) and finally the B58 6-cylinder.

Below are the details (please note: some models may not be sold in the US market):

– 2016 316d, 318d: new B47 turbocharged diesel 4-cylinder engine; 316d output: 114hp
– 2016 318i: B38 1.5L turbocharged I3, 134hp (100 kW) and 162 lb-ft of torque, 0-100 km/h in 8.9 seconds and top speed is 130mph
– 2016 320i: B48 2...