Author Archives: Vincent Nguyen

While SUVs may seem the darlings of the automotive industry right now, there's definitely plenty of room to innovate and wow the crowd in other segments: especially when you have a long list of new things to show off, like Audi. While the 2019 A8 represents the marque's vision for sedans, the 2019 A7 Sportback embodies Audi's vision for those buyers who demand a sportier sedan. The A7, however, is not one that can be confined and defined inside a rigid box. Instead, it takes inspiration from both past and present, and in the process embracing coupe, sedan, and even wagon in a single body.

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SUVs are one of the fastest growing segments in the automotive industry, which makes now the best time to put one’s best SUV foot forward. Jeep, a name more associated with offroad vehicles, broke into the SUV market with the Cherokee as far back as the 70s. But as it expanded its portfolio, adding the luxury Grand Cherokee to its roster, the Cherokee seemed to have gotten left out of the massive changes, the grand innovations, and the big splashes. And so for 2019, Jeep is giving the SUV a much-needed pampering, giving the Cherokee a new face, a new interior, and a new powertrain, all while keeping it an unmistakable part of the Jeep family.

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Who says concepts are just for phones and computers? Car makers have been putting out concept cars and outfitting them with forward-looking technology, some of which may never see the light of day. Some, however, do and they eventually get integrated into the car maker’s premium line. At Detroit, we sat with Audi of America VP of Product Management Filip Brabec to talk about the company’s plans to bring its technology, specifically its latest MMI system, from its luxury A8 to the rest of its premium brood.

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Cars are making the jump, some more of a slow hop, to technologies like connectivity, artificial intelligence and the like. These days, car makers talk as much about machine learning and neural networks as they do horsepower and torque. But while they are undoubtedly interesting from a technological perspective, in the grand scheme of things they should take a backseat to the most important element of all: the human element. At CES 2018, I got a chance to sit down with Dr. Annette Winkler, CEO of Smart Automobile, who describes what smart cars ultimately mean.

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Lamborghini is a name mostly associated with sports cars. Or to be more specific, “super” sports cars. But once in a while, the marque decides to venture outside of its comfort zone, giving birth to vehicles like the LM002 “Lamborghini truck”. It is doing so once again, but, this time, it is pulling in all its history, its lessons, its heritage, what Lamborghini loves to call its “DNA”, to create a new car, even a new classification, for the modern market. That is the Urus, the world’s first ever, and so far only, “super” SUV.

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Having an icon in your line-up can be a blessing and a curse, something Mercedes-Benz knows all about when it comes to refreshing fan-loved stalwarts like the G-Wagon. Newly redesigned, the 2019 Mercedes-Benz G-Class is only ready to show off its updated interior right now, but I'm happy to report that the automaker walked that fine line between adding new features to bring the G-Class into the modern era, while still preserving those all-important elements enthusiasts demand.

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There’s a war brewing. In the world of the all-wheel drive, best-of-the-best performance sedan, a new challenge approaches. Watching, warily from the corners is the 2017 Audi RS7 Performance, with its massive 605 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque. Then there’s the 6,000-pound elephant in the room, the Mercedes-AMG E 63 S, with its 603 hp and faintly ridiculous 627 lb-ft of torque. Each is a stellar performer, and each has some big new competition. The new 2018 BMW M5 is here, and I’ve been testing it on and off the track.

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BMW's M division plans to embrace electrification in a serious way, promising to offer electrified options of its entire M sports car line-up. The German automaker had already announced its ambitious roadmap for electrified cars, saying earlier this year that it wants to have 25 such models by 2025. Now, according to BMW M's chief, the division is pushing even more aggressively.

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Given the choice between a coupe and a convertible, I’m always inclined to go with the latter, and now those who think similarly but who want a BMW i8 have an option. Just announced at the LA Auto Show 2017, the 2019 BMW i8 Roadster takes a sharp knife to the roof, though the differences between it and the also updated 2019 i8 Coupe are more than just the wind in your hair. Both have been in line for a number of improvements, including a welcome jolt of extra power.

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Mercedes arguably started the four-door coupe segment back in 2003, and now the third-generation 2019 Mercedes-Benz CLS is here to bring it right up to date. Still instantly recognizable with its arching roof line, the new CLS was revealed today at the LA Auto Show 2017, and is expected to go on sale in the US next year. It features some high-tech powertrain and cabin gadgetry, too, along with an all-new engine.

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When money is no object, and you feel the need for attention on the school run, the 2018 Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 SUV with its handcrafted 4.0-liter V8 biturbo engine is the ultimate midsize SUV for the family. If you can't make it first in the line for school pick-up with a 0-60 mph time of 3.9 seconds - thanks to 469 HP and 479 lb.-ft of torque - then there's something wrong. All that power starts right at 1,750 rpm, too, so hold on tight the moment your lead foot hits the gas pedal, because that’s some serious grunt for a family hauler.

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Whatever you do, please don’t call the new 2018 Porsche Panamera Sport Turismo a station wagon. Even describing it as a hatchback is off-limits. I can understand why you might be tempted, since the roofline is ever so slightly stretched in order to accommodate a smaller fifth passenger. But this is not your grandfather's wagon, not least because - and I know I'm not the only one to think this way - the second-gen Panamera is absolutely gorgeous to look at. That means, even if I have to call it a "five-door sedan with a lift-back," I'm prepared to declare that the Panamera's "Sport Turismo" variant is one of the sleekest, most beautiful and luxurious ways to get around today. All for just $6,000 more than the regular car.

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