An Automotive Engineer's Point of View – News and Reviews
The all-new Cadillac XT6 has much in common with its GM platform-mates, though it lays on a thick dose of high-end materials and premium features for those who want the interior capacity but not the excessive-for-most hauling capability of the body-on-frame Escalade. This large crossover segment also happens to house some of the best from BMW, Mercedes, and Audi which, at the end of the day, feel like more cohesive designs and better worth the high price tag.
The all-new 2020 Range Rover Evoque tightens up the design of the out-going model with sharper design features and larger surfaces for a distinctly modern design. It’s much more than skin-deep though, as the new chassis, powertrain, and off-road capability reveal a level of poise that is very much Range Rover-esque.
Continue reading “2020 Range Rover Evoque – First Edition”
The 2020 GMC Acadia receives minor updates as it enters the second half of its life cycle and with the new year, comes the AT4 trim level. This off-road themed trim is mechanical the same as the other Acadia trims, however, all benefit from a much-improved improved transmission that affords better fuel economy and a casual rapid acceleration.
First off, the 2019 Toyota Yaris is a legitimate car. It may seem silly to state, but the decades of rental econoboxes have really tainted the small car image. The small Toyota hatchback can easily handle the daily demands of American life, from navigating tight parking, providing entertainment during the endless rush hour traffic, and even hauling a week’s worth of groceries or a trip to Home Depot. But is there enough charm in its minimalistic approach to put aside preconceived notions and ask the question of why not?
Known simply as the GTI, the small hatchback has earned an unyielding following. After spending time with the GTI, the power and refinement somehow made up for the quality shortcomings and I looked forward to every drive – even if it was during a brief snowstorm.
When it came time to redesign the Tiguan, VW’s image of the North American-market guided the design and specifications. It went from being one of the shortest five-seaters in the segment to be one of the longest – even allowing for an optional third row. The Tiguan seems to have traded in its enthusiasm for curves to become a natural highway cruiser.
Luxurious goods like rear-wheel steering, soft leather, and a plethora of HD display screens grab the headlines but there’s another level of luxury found in the details that is equally as impressive.
There are so many fields where the Audi Q8 illustrates its luxury car status, including its near -$90k price tag. In this market, the car has to perform not just as expected, but become a place that continuously impresses. The Q8 is a car about the details and minimizes any appearance of cost-savings.
The all-new 2019 Honda Passport lands in the sweet spot between the smaller CR-V and larger Pilot. This particular space is becoming more relevant as consumer shift towards crossovers is unlikely to slow down. By utilizing much of the design and engineering of the Pilot, the Passport becomes more of a question of “Why not?” for the Honda exec’s. But does the Passport feel simply like an adaptation of the Pilot or did the development team create a uniquely themed product that can stand on its own?
Many brands hope to develop instant name recognition but few have had their product’s distinct silhouette become synonymous with an entire category. The Prius has earned a place as the symbol of hybrid cars with its efficiency-focus engineering and now, it reaches into the all-wheel-drive arena with a motorized rear axle to better meet customer demand, of which, Toyota states, could make upward of a quarter of Prius sales.