Purpose

I will try my best to provide detailed info on various cars and what is like to live with them, I have already produced a few for Jaguar-car-forums, I will do my best to be unbiased, but it will be hard for some cars. I will re-produce press releases and copy from other motoring news.

Saturday 13 February 2016

The first-ever Cadillac XT5 will arrive in U.S. dealerships in early-April, continuing the brand’s product-driven growth.

2017 XT5 CROSSOVER PRICED FROM $38,995 IN THE U.S.
The first-ever Cadillac XT5 will arrive in U.S. dealerships in early-April, continuing the brand’s product-driven growth. XT5 enters the strongest category in the luxury automotive space, the midsize luxury crossover segment, where Cadillac set sales records in 2015.
“The arrival of this sophisticated new crossover positions Cadillac well, as XT5 enters the most popular segment in the global luxury market,” said Cadillac President Johan de Nysschen. “It’s pivotal to our ongoing growth, which is why we’ve developed XT5 from the inside out to provide customers more space, more technology, more luxury and more efficiency.”

The XT5 is the first in a series of upcoming luxury crossovers carrying the “XT” designation, a key aspect of the brand’s product-driven global growth plan.
The new luxury crossover joins Cadillac’s lineup immediately following the new range-topping CT6 Sedan, as the brand enters a new phase of product growth. The XT5 is the next chapter in elevating the Cadillac brand: it is bold, distinctive and sophisticated with enhanced driving dynamics. This new crossover perfectly reflects Cadillac’s positioning in the luxury automotive marketplace, de Nysschen said.
The first-ever 2017 Cadillac XT5 crossover will be available in four trim levels, including a range-topping Platinum model, a first for Cadillac in this segment. XT5 Platinum includes unique interior and exterior trim and materials and combines them with the highest technology features.
Cadillac XT5 offers seven exterior colors and seven distinct interior environments, and a broad range of luxury amenities and high-technology systems – including Cadillac’s award-winning, industry-first Rear Camera Mirror system on Platinum models.
XT5 pricing begins at $38,995*; the highest level XT5 Platinum is priced from $62,500*. All-wheel drive is optional on Luxury and Premium Luxury models, and is standard on Platinum.
Customers can place orders now with dealers and view additional product information at cadillac.com.
In the U.S. market, the 2017 Cadillac XT5 will be powered by the new 3.6-liter V6 engine which recently debuted on the ATS and CTS sport sedans and is featured on the all-new CT6 flagship model. 
With peak output of 310-horsepower and 270 lb.-ft. of torque, the new V6 uses variable valve timing for strong response and smooth power delivery, maintaining optimum efficiency regardless of power demand. 
This engine has been completely redesigned and features Active Fuel Management cylinder deactivation technology, which allows the engine to seamlessly and automatically switch to a fuel-saving 4-cylinder mode under low or moderate loads.
A new 8-speed automatic transmission is standard for the XT5, which also debuts Electronic Precision Shift – the first electronically controlled transmission shifter application in a Cadillac. 
The XT5 also features Stop/Start technology, which automatically stops and starts the engine when the vehicle is at rest in traffic stops, saving fuel and reducing emissions, while contributing to the serene character and tranquil cabin environment expected of a Cadillac.
An optional new advanced “twin clutch” all-wheel drive system   continuously and automatically delivers excellent traction across a variety of conditions. Due to the twin clutch design, the AWD system is capable of transferring up to 100 percent of available torque to either the front or rear axle. 
Also, across the rear axle, the electronically controlled rear differential can direct up to 100 percent of available torque to either wheel laterally. This capability is designed for “split-coefficient” surfaces, such as when there is more water, ice or snow on one side of the road surface than the other. 
The AWD system is driver-controlled, and includes a new “disconnect” feature that disables the rear drive unit for improved fuel efficiency and reduced emissions.
The 2017 XT5 will be built at the Spring Hill, Tenn. assembly facility outside of Nashville.

USA RECALL - Volkswagen recalls 680,000 units for more issues with the Takata airbag issue on various models.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has notified that it has been informed that certain driver’s side airbags that use non-desiccated SDI and PSDI-5 inflators from Takata, which are also installed in Volkswagen cars, are potentially defective. 

On the basis of available information on the components, Volkswagen has decided to recall approximately 680,000 Volkswagen vehicles in the United States.
  • Certain 2006-2010 Model Year Volkswagen Passat Sedan and Wagon (German Production)
  • Certain 2012-2014 Model Year Volkswagen Eos
  • Certain 2010-2014 Model Year Volkswagen Golf
  • Certain 2010-2014 Model Year Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen
  • Certain 2012-2014 Model Year Volkswagen Passat (U.S. Production)
  • Certain 2009-2014 Model Year Volkswagen CC 
As reported by Takata: In the event of an inflator rupture, metal fragments could pass through the air bag cushion material, which may result in injury or death to vehicle occupants. Volkswagen is not aware of any ruptured SDI or PSDI-5 inflator in any Volkswagen Group vehicle worldwide.
Once affected VINs and the recall remedy have been identified, Volkswagen will notify all owners of affected vehicles and will instruct them to arrange for an appointment with an authorized Volkswagen dealer.

Based in Northern Ireland, SERE Ltd sold the most units making it the Ssangyong Dealer of the year.

  • SERE Ltd of Belfast has been named SsangYong Dealer of the Year.
Presented with their award at a glittering gala dinner held on board the Royal Yacht Britannia in Edinburgh, the dealership was congratulated on selling more cars than any other in the SsangYong UK dealer network.
Their achievement was made all the more significant having only held the franchise since September 2014.

Paul Williams, CEO of SsangYong Motor UK said: “Sincere congratulations to everyone at SERE - sales, aftersales and management. This is a great achievement, and a beacon to all our dealers to demonstrate what can be achieved.”
“We are naturally delighted,” commented Stanley Edgar, managing director of SERE Ltd, which is based in Boucher Road, Belfast. “This is a great accolade for the whole team who have worked so hard.  Getting a new franchise bedded into a dealership inevitably takes some time and effort.  Everyone has pulled together and the results we have achieved with SsangYong in just over a year are a credit to them all.”
Added SERE general manager, Bernard McCotter who accepted the award, “The SsangYong franchise has done extremely well since we launched just over a year ago.  We are very pleased to have received the Dealer of the Year award and are confident the franchise will continue to go from strength-to-strength.”

In preparation for the world début of the new V90 Estate, Volvo looks back on it's load lugger history.

Few car companies can claim the same pedigree as Volvo Cars when it comes to the design and manufacture of family estates. That is why the news that Volvo will reveal its new V90 estate on February 18 in Stockholm is so widely anticipated and significant.
The V90 is a car that benefits from more than 60 years of estate building heritage, which started with the Volvo Duett launched in 1953 – the first car to meet the combined needs of drivers’ active leisure time and practical professional lives.

Since that day, Volvo has sold more than six million estates worldwide, representing around a third of the total number of Volvos sold since the company’s foundation in 1927, giving it a well-deserved reputation for designing and building the ultimate family estates.
“We have provenance in the estate segment,” said HÃ¥kan Samuelsson, chief executive at Volvo Cars. “In many people’s minds we are known as the definitive estate brand. While the Volvo brand stands for much more than just estates, we will proudly carry forward this rich heritage with the V90.”
The launch of the new Volvo V90 on February 18 is the latest chapter in this proud history.
Based on the same Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) as its XC90 and S90 siblings, the V90 is the estate version of the widely acclaimed S90 saloon, which was launched at the North American International Auto Show in January.
A selection of iconic estate models have shaped Volvo’s history. These include:
Duett
Launched in 1953, the Duett went on to become one of the most loved models ever, was one of the first Volvos to be exported to the United States, and it was immortalised in 1997 by getting its own Swedish postage stamp.
Amazon
The Duett was followed in 1962 by the Amazon, or the 221 as it was officially known.
The Amazon was a significantly more elegant and refined estate than the Duett, which had its origins as a delivery van, while it also offered more space in the boot.
The S model, which offered a full 115 hp, was an incredibly sporty car by the standards of the 1960s. The boot door was an American-style two-split version – a solution that would return 40 years later on the original XC90.
1800 ES
A refresh of the 1800 sports coupe, the 1800 ES was known in England as a shooting brake: a sporty estate with space for hunting gear or golf clubs in the back.
The 1800 ES was introduced in the autumn of 1971, with its most exciting feature possibly being the huge rear window that had no bezel whatsoever. Hinges and handles were fixed directly to the glass, which was very modern in the early 1970s.
Since only a little more than 8,000 1800 ES models were built, it has become one of the most sought-after classic Volvo cars. The 1800 ES was also a clear source of inspiration for the Volvo Concept Estate, which was launched at the Geneva Motor Show in 2014 as a precursor to a new family of Volvo estates.
245
In 1974, the archetypal Volvo estate car was launched: the 245. It is a car that is still strongly associated with the brand. It remained in production for almost 20 years until 1993, and was also available in a more exclusive edition – the 265 with a V6 engine. The 1980s marked the launch of the 245 Turbo edition, the world’s first estate car with a turbo engine.
960
The Volvo 960 was the final rear-wheel-drive estate car produced by Volvo as a development of the 700 series from the 80s. It was introduced in 1990, featuring smoother body lines and a brand-new six-cylinder engine. In 1996, its name was changed to the V90 – a name that now returns exactly 20 years later. It was one of the most elegant estate cars in Volvo’s history.
850 T5-R
With its intense yellow paint job, 240 hp engine and 0-62 mph acceleration in 6.9 seconds, the Volvo 850 T5-R was an estate car like no other ever seen before. Launched as a limited-edition, model year 1994-only version of the 850, the T5-R became an instant collector's item.
The Volvo 850 also caught the eye on the race track. It took Europe’s racing scene by storm in 1994 when it debuted in the prestigious British Touring Car Championship (BTCC) as the first factory-entered racing estate.

Honda to have a number of premiere's at the 86th Geneva International Auto Show 2016.

  • Global premiere of Civic Hatchback Prototype redefines Honda’s core European model
  • Clarity Fuel Cell to make European debut
  • European customer deliveries of NSX to start in 2016
  • New Jazz concept turns on the style
Honda is set to unveil the next step in the renewal of its European car range at the 2016 Geneva Motor Show, including the global premiere of the Civic Hatchback Prototype.

Civic Hatchback Prototype 
The Civic Hatchback Prototype receives its global premiere at Geneva Motor Show, previewing the exterior design of the all-new hatchback model, scheduled for a European launch in early 2017. Produced at Honda of the UK Manufacturing (HUM), the car will be exported to global markets, including the US.
Clarity Fuel Cell 
The Clarity Fuel Cell will make its European debut at Geneva, following its global unveil at Tokyo motor show in October last year. Clarity Fuel Cell is the world’s first production fuel cell saloon to house the entire fuel cell powertrain under the bonnet. With a range of up-to 435 miles (700 km)*, the Clarity Fuel Cell achieves best-in-class range while its unique packaging allows an interior design to offer seating for five, a first for a fuel cell saloon. 
NSX 
Following the announcement of the start of customer sales in the US at Detroit motor show, Honda confirms the first European customer deliveries for the Honda NSX will begin in 2016. The NSX features classic low and wide proportions married to modern and alluring surfacing, an aggressive front design, and rear lights that pay homage to the original NSX. The new hybrid supercar has an all-new mid-mounted DOHC V6 engine with twin turbochargers mated to a specially-developed nine-speed DCT.
Jazz ‘Keenlight’ Concept 
Honda will also demonstrate a new design concept model of the popular Jazz. The new Keenlight concept seeks to highlight the potential for customising Jazz, using sleek design elements, special decals and a unique colour named ‘Keenlight’.
CRF1000L Africa Twin 
Inheriting the “go anywhere” spirit of its celebrated predecessors, the all-new CRF1000L Africa Twin packs an innovative and powerful parallel twin-cylinder engine into a lightweight, agile chassis ready for true adventure both on and off road, whether crossing continents or commuting.

WORLDWIDE SALES - BMW see's January hit an all time high, with BMW, MINI and Motorrad all growing in sales.

  • First month sees sales grow 7.5% to total 152,879 worldwide
  • BMW delivers 133,883 units – increase of 7.5%
  • New BMW X1 grows sales 60.4%
  • New BMW 7 Series: sales increase 26.3%
  • MINI sales climb 8.6% to total 18,867
  • MINI 5 door deliveries up 49.2% on previous year
  • Sales in Europe and Asia increase by around 10%
  • BMW Motorrad sales grow 19.6% with 7,488 units delivered

Following its most successful sales year ever, the BMW Group achieved a record numbers of customer deliveries in the first month of the new year. A total of 152,879 BMW, MINI and Rolls-Royce vehicles were handed over to customers around the world in January 2016, an increase of 7.5% on the same period last year.

“We are pleased to see the sustainable levels of growth we achieved in 2015 continuing into this year,” said Dr Ian Robertson, member of the board of management of BMW AG responsible for global sales and marketing BMW. “Despite many markets showing continuing volatility, we remain optimistic that this positive trend will continue through 2016, our company’s centenary year,” he added.
BMW sales increased by 7.5%, with a total of 133,883 units delivered around the world in January. A variety of models throughout the range achieved significant sales growth. The BMW 1 Series increased sales by 22.9% (12,324) while the new BMW X1 grew sales of that model by 60.4% compared with the same month last year (14,308). 
Combined sales of the BMW 2 Series Active and Gran Tourers in January reached 8,249 units. The BMW X family remains increasingly popular in all vehicle classes: sales of the BMW X3 increased by 16.6% (10,777) while sales of the BMW X6 increased 24.2% (3,587). 
The brand’s flagship, the new BMW 7 Series, achieved a 26.3% increase on sales compared with the same month last year - a total of 3,392 were delivered to customers around the world. Globally, 1,255 BMW i vehicles were delivered to customers.
Following record sales in 2015, MINI achieved its best-ever January with a total of 18,867 vehicles delivered to customers worldwide (+8.6%). The MINI 5 door was one of the brand’s main growth drivers, with sales of that model increasing 49.2% (5,783). The new MINI Clubman’s strong start continued into January with a total of 2,300 units delivered worldwide.
The positive sales trend in Europe continued into January with deliveries of BMW and MINI vehicles increasing by 10.9% compared with the same month last year (61,737). 
Several markets achieved double-digit growth including Italy (+16.2% / 5,907), France (+18.8% / 5,273) and Spain (+25.5% / 4,417). The region’s two biggest markets for the BMW Group, Germany and the UK, also grew sales in January: 20,009 new BMW Group vehicles were registered in Germany (+2.4%) while UK sales grew by 2.3% (9,453).
The sales result in the Americas was affected by the storms which disrupted large parts of the USA in January. A total of 26,667 BMW and MINIs were delivered in the region in the first year of the month (-2.9%). Although sales in the USA were 4.0% down on the same month last year, deliveries in Canada rose 9.8% (2,280) and sales in Mexico were up 13.0% (1,430).
Deliveries of BMW and MINI vehicles in Asia increased by 9.8% (59,522) compared with January last year. In Mainland China, deliveries rose 8.4% (43,441), sales in South Korea increased 13.4% (4,587) and deliveries in Japan climbed 19.3% (3,833). 
The year also began well for BMW Motorrad, which achieved a sales increase of 19.6% compared with January last year. A total of 7,488 BMW motorcycles and maxi-scooters were delivered to customers around the world in the month, making it the division’s best January ever. 
BMW Group sales in January 2016 at a glance 
In January 2016Compared with
previous year
BMW Group Automobiles152,879+7.5%
BMW133,883+7.5%
MINI18,867+8.6%
BMW Motorrad7,488+19.6%

BMW M Division & MotoGP continues their partnership, with the M2 being utilised as the safety car for the 2016 season.

MotoGP and BMW M Division: these two partners have formed an ideal combination for almost two decades. MotoGP is the pinnacle of motorcycle racing and features the best riders in the world on high-performance racing prototypes, in the development of which the manufacturers implement their latest technological ideas. 

High-performance and motorsport genes – attributes, with which BMW M Division is also synonymous. Since 1999, BMW M has been a permanent member of the international MotoGP family. The successful partnership with organiser Dorna Sports has grown consistently over the years, and is set to continue to run well into the future. In 2014, 
Dorna Sports and BMW M Division extended their cooperation up to and including 2020. Partnerships like this, which span decades, are extremely rare in top-class international sport.
At the heart of the commitment is the provision of the Safety Car fleet. BMW M implements the latest technology in order to guarantee the safety of the MotoGP riders, whatever the conditions. 
The Safety Cars are high-performance BMW M cars, whose outstanding driving properties make them the perfect foil to any challenges out on the racetrack. The latest example is the BMW M2 MotoGP Safety Car, which makes its debut this season. 
The Safety Cars are specially modified at the BMW M factory for their use as lead cars on the motorcycle racing scene. The same goes for all the other vehicles in the fleet.
BMW M Division’s commitment to MotoGP also includes numerous other activities. Since 2003, the BMW M Award has been presented at the end of the season to the best MotoGP qualifier. 
The BMW M MotoGP Experience allows visitors to experience the fascinating world of MotoGP up close and personal. BMW M MotoGP experts offer exclusive, first-hand insights. On selected Grand Prix weekends, BMW M Division presents its latest models and products with on-site campaigns.
BMW M2 MotoGP SAFETY CAR. 
Technical Data. 
Engine: Inline six-cylinder engine 
Capacity: 2,979 cc Output: 272/370 kW/bhp 
Acceleration: 0–100 km/h: 4.3 seconds (with M DTC) (Fuel consumption, combined (M DTC): 7.9 l/100 km; 
CO2 emissions, combined: 185 g/km 
Modifications for the BMW M2 MotoGP Safety Car. 
  •  BMW M Performance exhaust system with carbon finishers 
  •  BMW M Performance carbon side skirts 
  •  BMW M Performance front grille high-gloss black 
  •  BMW M Performance Air Breather high-gloss black 
  •  BMW M Performance carbon mirror caps 
  •  BMW M Performance carbon aerodynamic kit front (blades) 
  •  BMW M Performance carbon rear diffusor 
  •  Front flap CFK/GFK underframe (newly developed) 
  •  Carbon rear wing with closed mounts 
  •  BMW M Performance coilover suspension 
  •  Carbon ceramic brake (prototype) 
  •  Michelin Cup tyres 
  •  Bonnet with "motorsport lock" 
  •  Fuel suction pump 
  •  Battery master switch 
  •  Flashing corona headlight rings 
  •  LED lights on the roof with bracket (newly developed) 
  •  LED lights in the front grille 
  •  LED lights in the rear lights 
  •  RECARO racing seats with Schroth belts 
  •  Roll cage  Fire extinguisher with bracket 
  •  BMW M Performance alcantara steering wheel 
  •  BMW M Performance carbon fibre interior trim 
  •  BMW M Performance stainless steel pedal pads 
  •  BMW M Performance floor mats