Select Page

The quickest Bimmer yet: 2022 M5 CS sedan

by | Jan 27, 2021 | 0 comments

The quickest Bimmer yet: 2022 M5 CS sedan

Available only for the 2022 model year, the new limited production all-wheel-drive supersedan builds on the M5. (BMW)

 

All-wheel-drive supersedan to start at $142,995

 

BY MARK MAYNARD

BMW has just announced that its 2022 M5 CS sedan is its quickest and most powerful BMW production vehicle ever. Available only for the 2022 model year, the new limited production all-wheel-drive supersedan builds on the M5, recently updated for 2021.

Interior features include power, heated M carbon front bucket seats, two-passenger rear bucket seats, Live Cockpit professional array with two 12.3-inch digital displays. (BMW)

The S63 4.4-liter M TwinPower turbo V-8 has been tuned for 627 horsepower, a boost of 10 hp over the Competition model, with 553 foot-pounds of torque from 1,800-5,950 rpm, which is 90 rpm wider than the M5 Competition.

M carbon bucket seats have integrated head rests and illuminated M5 logos. (BMW)

The power is sent through an eight-speed M Steptronic automatic transmission. Roll on the power for a launch to 60 mph in 2.9 seconds, BMW says, with a top speed of 190 mph, with the Driver’s package.

The S63 4.4-liter M TwinPower turbo V-8 has been tuned for 627 horsepower. (BMW)

Pricing starts at $142,995, including the $995 freight charge from Dingolfing, Germany.

Stand-alone options include:
• Frozen Brands Hatch grey metallic paint and Frozen Deep Green metallic paint;
• Gold painted brake calipers (no-cost option);
• Pirelli P Zero Corsa non-runflat high-performance tires (no-cost option).

Expect its U.S. arrival in the second half of 2021.

With the eight-speed M Steptronic transmission, BMW cites 0-60 mph in 2.9 seconds. (BMW)

 

1957 Plymouth Suburban wagon

by | Jan 26, 2021 | 0 comments

1957 Plymouth Suburban wagon

The 1957 Plymouth Suburban wagon, with the new “Forward Look” styling. (Stellantis)

BY MARK MAYNARD

A 1957 Plymouth Suburban wagon became the 10,000,000th Plymouth to roll off the production line on Jan. 24, 1957. It was a proud accomplishment for the brand, which was launched in 1928, according to Wikipedia.

“Plymouth was to compete in what was then described as the “low-priced” market segment that was dominated by Chevrolet and Ford. It became the high-volume seller for the automaker until the late 1990s.”

Parent company Chrysler killed the brand in 2001, and the models that were still in production were discontinued or rebranded as Chrysler or Dodge.

In 1957, Virgil Exner’s new Forward Look design theme, advertised by Plymouth with the tagline “Suddenly, it’s 1960,” produced cars with advanced styling compared to Chevrolet or Ford, according to Wikipedia. Plymouth cars were marketed primarily in the United States.

“The 1957 total production soared to 726,009, about 200,000 more than 1956, and the largest output yet for Plymouth. However, the 1957-1958 Forward Look models suffered from poor materials, spotty build quality, and inadequate corrosion protection; they were rust-prone and greatly damaged Chrysler’s reputation.

“The Plymouth automobile was introduced at Madison Square Garden on July 7, 1928. It was Chrysler Corporation’s first entry into the low-priced field previously dominated by Chevrolet and Ford.
“Plymouths were initially priced higher than the competition but offered standard features such as internal expanding hydraulic brakes that Ford and Chevrolet did not provide.

“Plymouths were originally sold exclusively through Chrysler dealerships, offering a low-cost alternative to the upscale Chrysler-brand cars.

“The logo featured a rear view of the ship Mayflower, which landed at Plymouth Rock in Plymouth, Mass. However, the inspiration for the Plymouth brand name came from Plymouth binder twine, produced by the Plymouth Cordage Company, also of Plymouth. The name was chosen by [corporate executive] Joe Frazer due to the popularity of the twine among farmers.”

2021 VW Arteon 2.0T Review

by | Jan 22, 2021 | 0 comments

2021 VW Arteon 2.0T Review

Mild redesign fills in gaps for 2021 VW Arteon in its second model year 

A front view of the 2021 VW Arteon

The 2021 VW Arteon has starting prices of $38,190- to $48,190, in front- or all-wheel drive. (Mark Maynard)

BY MARK MAYNARD

There is a unique presence to the driving characteristics of a German-engineered car. It telegraphs a message of confident control, which is present in a VW or a BMW — and it is an engaging spirit to just go out and drive. The redesigned 2021 VW Arteon is just such a purveyor of driving solidarity.

The large-midsize fastback Arteon is luxury-class but not luxuriously gilded. The VW Arteon debuted in the U.S. in 2019, but it barely caught the attention of SUV-hungry buyers.

Even I wasn’t overly excited about the first Arteon, but the speed-updating refresh for the 2021 model has made a vast improvement in subtle ways.

The European brands have improved their “large” or “executive” sedans, which are more of an American midsize but a few inches bigger all around. Consequently, there are few available choices, including the Acura TLX, Kia Cadenza, Nissan Maxima, and Toyota Avalon.

The Arteon driver area with Nappa leather upholstery

Standard SEL Premium equipment includes Nappa leather. (VW)

New for the VW Arteon

The refreshed Arteon features more refined front-end styling, Volkswagen says, with a redesigned cockpit. The interior has an updated dashboard design, décor trims, and Volkswagen’s Digital Cockpit. The all-new MIB3 infotainment system includes an updated navigation system and wireless app-Connect.

VW Arteon R-Line models were updated with a light bar in the grille and 30-color interior ambient lighting, wireless phone charging, and enhanced driver assistance technologies.

Other new technologies include:

  • Travel Assist, standard on R-Line models, for partially automated hands-on driving from 0 to 95 mph.
  •  Emergency Assist, also standard on R-Line, can bring the vehicle to a stop if the driver is incapacitated, or not keeping hands on the steering wheel.

And there are three new paint colors of Oryx White Pearl, Kings Red
Metallic and Lapiz Blue Metallic.

A look at the Arteon's contemporary interior styling

The cabin has a contemporary, coupe-like presence. (VW)

2021 VW Arteon Pricing

Sold in three trim levels in front- or 4Motion all-wheel drive, all VW Arteon models have a 268-horsepower, turbocharged and intercooled, direct-injection 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. The transmission is an eight-speed Tiptronic automatic, with manual shifting.

Starting prices range from $38,190 for the front-drive SE, $42,790 for the SEL R-Line (plus $1,800 for 4Motion) to $48,190 for the SEL Premium R-Line with standard AWD; MSRP pricing includes the $1,195 freight charge from Emden, Germany.

All models feature 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, full LED headlights and an electronic adaptive suspension (DCC). Safety technologies include rear traffic alert, automatic post-collision braking system, forward-collision warning with autonomous emergency braking, side assist (blind-zone monitoring), and pedestrian monitoring.

Today’s tester is an SEL Premium R-Line 4Motion, $48,585 with one option for King’s Red paint, $395. VW’s warranty coverage of 4 years or 50,000 miles, includes the powertrain, with roadside assistance for 3 years or 36,000 miles.

Find current VW Arteon pricing here.

The Arteon's panoramic sunroof

A panoramic power sunroof is standard on SEL R-Line and SEL Premium R-Line models. (VW)

VW Arteon Architecture

The Arteon is now VW’s flagship sedan, though the company considers it a grand tourer. And as an architecture partner with Audi, there is some sharing of elements but without all the luxury content.

The R-Line cabin has a sporty coupe-like presence with contemporary design and horizontal lines to accentuate width.

Front headroom of 37.9 inches (with the sunroof) should accommodate those 6-foot-5 inches. And there is long front legroom of 41.6 inches. The R-Line front sport seats are firmly supportive with long thigh support. But the seats also have serious side and cushion bolsters for those drivers who push the limits of cornering.

Sightlines are clear at the side mirrors and down the hood, but the smallish back glass and sloped sides can be an issue. When parking, the wide-screen rearview camera with guidance lines enhances visibility.

Ergonomics and access to controls are smartly arranged with an easy-to-use 8-inch touch screen. As VW has stepped up to add more charging USBs, its wireless charging pad is a struggle to use. It occupies a shallow tray just ahead of the gearshift lever and it requires slender fingers to slip in a phone or pull it out, but it beats the tangle of a charging cord.

The 12.3-inch-wide digital gauge display (trickle down from Audi) is useful for its selectable elements, such as the navigation map as background or to highlight a digital speed readout or gear position.

Small storage areas include large door panels with space for bottles.

The Volkswagen Digital Cockpit (gauge array)

The Volkswagen Digital Cockpit (gauge array) is now standard. (VW)

VW Arteon Performance

The 268-hp spools up quickly for responsive acceleration with dependable passing power at 65 mph. Programmable driving modes can finesse the power and suspension settings. I frequently used Sport to keep the power on edge, but it can feel too edgy around town.

With 258 foot-pounds of torque at 1,950 rpm, few drivers would wish for a V-6. And with a potential driving range of more than 500 miles to a tank, a diesel option becomes unnecessary.

A look under the hood reveals elements of robust construction, including the plastic and rubber lines and rust-resistant connectors.

The Arteon 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine

All models have a 268-hp, turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine.  (Mark Maynard)

The eight-speed automatic has an electronic differential lock to keep AWD power flowing before wheel slip is detected. And there was no noticeable hesitation or electronic distraction in routing power four ways.

Fuel economy ratings of 20 mpg city, 31 highway and 24 mpg combined have improved an mpg or two since 2019, but premium fuel is required. I easily worked up to 33.9 mpg on an 80-mile highway run and continued at 24 to 26 mpg in combined driving. Oddly, front-drive models have an 18.2-gallon tank vs. 18.3 for AWD.

The AWD curb weight of 3,955 pounds (3,686 lbs. FWD) is husky and a little heavier than the competition.

VW insists the turning circle is 39 feet, but in my experience of making U-turns at my house, the arc seems more like 36 or 37 feet.

The Arteon’s drag coefficient of 0.29 is aerodynamically slick, which helps the long body slip through the air with little ruffling. Cabin soundproofing seems to have improved, too, at highway speeds with less wind and engine noise, and tire harshness.

The 20-inch Continental ProContact TX grand-touring tires, with a high treadwear rating of 500, can feel hard, but this application is well fitted for the Arteon.

The Arteon's gearshift console

The wireless charging pad, just ahead of the shifter. (VW)

Semi-autonomous driving

The addition of Travel Assist enables partially automated hands-on driving from 0 to 95 mph. The system works well to keep the vehicle centered in the lane, but like many systems, the guidance struggles to maintain the space when driving into direct sunlight on washed-out concrete highways (like all of them in California). And when the car crosses the line, the system blames the driver and gives a warning tone.

Arteon Ride and Handling

The chassis feels extremely rigid and secure, which helps the standard electronic damping system provide sharp, flat cornering. The ride quality is compliant but firm without jolt (or chin scraping) over lumpy intersections. The system manages the suspension rebound and compression at each wheel to adaptively adjust the damping force, Volkswagen says.

Braking is quite capable from 13.4-inch vented front discs and 12.2-inch solid rear rotors.

The tire and wheel package for the R-Line Arteon

The R-Line has 20-inch Continental ProContact TX touring tires. (VW)

Arteon Back Seat

Access to the back seat is a bend-and-drop sequence, but legroom is grand-touring comfortable at 40.2 inches — and the window seats have adult thigh support. The tall but narrow transmission tunnel helps center-seat legroom, but the window seats are far more comfortable. There is one 12-volt plug and one charging USB.

There is a fold-down armrest and ski pass-through to the cargo area, which is wide and deep (40 inches by 45 inches wide). Fold the seatback for about 6 ½ feet in length.

Back seats in the sedan

The Arteon’s long wheelbase allows generous rear legroom, at 40.2 inches. (VW)

The Sedan Dilemma

Federal fuel mandates have compromised the typical midsize sedan, once the top-selling mode of transportation. With the ever-steeper regulations to meet fuel economy and air-quality standards, the family sedan had to be made lighter, lower for improved aerodynamics and powered by mostly small-displacement, turbocharged engines.

As engine technologies improved to adequately move the basic sedan (weighing 3,200 pounds and more), it is the lower rooflines and lower stance that have taken away the user function from a midsize.

It is easy to track buyers’ migration from low and restrictive to the more upright SUV, in any size category. But SUVs are heavier than a sedan, do not get the same fuel economy and they cost several thousands more. And, of course, buyers want four-wheel drive, whether needed or not.

The opened cargo space of the liftback.

The wide and low cargo area spans 27.2 to 56.2 cubic feet. (VW)

Why Buy the VW Arteon?

While an SUV is an appliance, valued for its view from the inside outward, the Arteon has a sophisticated presence, seen from the outside in.

It is the purposeful and balanced German engineering that is the unspoken asset of the Arteon. It is a soaring grand tourer, built for 100 mph continental cruising and arriving at your destination with impeccable style.

Drivers will value its cabin size, power, and nimble footprint for the long term.

A rear side view of the sedan.

The word “Arteon” is taken from the Latin word “artem,” which means art. (VW)

2021 Volkswagen Arteon 2.0T SEL Premium R-Line 4-Motion

Body style: large midsize, 5-seat liftback sedan

Engine: 268-hp, turbocharged and direct-injection 2.0-liter 4-cylinder; 258 lb.-ft. torque at 1,950 rpm

Transmission: 8-speed automatic with 4Motion all-wheel drive with drive modes

Fuel economy: 20/31/24 mpg city/hwy/combined; premium fuel recommended

SPECIFICATIONS

Fuel tank: 18.3 gal.

Cargo space: 27.2-56.2 cu. ft.

Front head/leg room: 37.9*/41.2 in.

Rear head/leg room: 37.1/40.2 in.

Shoulder room f/r: 56.5/54.7 in.

Length/wheelbase: 191.6/111.9 in.

Curb weight: 3,955 lbs. (3,686 lbs. FWD)

Turning circle: 39 ft.

FEATURES

Standard SEL Premium equipment includes: smart key locking and push-button ignition, electronic multi-mode adaptive suspension control, Nappa leather upholstery, digital (configurable) gauge array, rearview camera with overhead view, wireless phone charging, power tilt-slide panoramic sunroof, electric parking brake, 8-inch navigation touch screen, Harman Kardon audio system, power (heated) side mirrors), adaptive (turning) headlights, fog lights, 20-inch alloy wheels, automatic high-beam dimming, 3-zone touch electronic touch climate control, lighted cargo area with an adjustable floor and power liftgate

R-Line content, includes: leather-wrapped and heated steering wheel with redundant controls, special interior features and black headliner; R-Line style grille, bumpers and exterior trim; stainless steel pedal caps and driver’s footrest, Travel Assist (enables partially automated hands-on driving from 0 to 95 mph), Emergency Assist (can bring the vehicle to a stop if the driver is incapacitated, or not keeping hands on the steering wheel)

Safety features include: 8 air bags, Automatic Post-Collision Braking, Forward Collision Warning, Autonomous Emergency Braking, Blind Spot Monitor, Rear Traffic Alert, stability and traction controls, dynamic road sign display, park assist with park-distance control (front and rear), brake-force distribution and hydraulic brake assist, electronic differential lock, semi-automatic driving assistance, adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, lane-keeping system, emergency assist

PRICING

Base price: $46,995, including $1,195 freight charge; price as tested $48,585

Options on test vehicle: King’s Red metallic paint $395

Where assembled: Emden, Germany

Warranties: 4-years/50,000-miles bumper to bumper including powertrain; 2-years/20,000-miles free scheduled maintenance; 3-years/36,000-miles roadside assistance

VW Says Auf Wiedersehen To the Golf in U.S.

by | Jan 20, 2021 | 0 comments

VW Says Auf Wiedersehen To the Golf in U.S.

Production in Puebla, Mexico, transitioning to new products, including the Taos small SUV

A row of VW Golf models.

Nearly 2.5 million VW Golf family models have been sold in the U.S. market. (Photos courtesy of Volkswagen USA)

BY MARK MAYNARD

Volkswagen of America announced today that its subcompact Golf hatchback ended production last week for the U.S. market. The VW Golf family name will carry on in model-year 2022 with the introduction of the all-new Mk 8 Golf GTI and Golf R, arriving this fall.

Volkswagen expects that the model year 2021 Golf models built at the Puebla, Mexico plant will sustain sales through year-end.

The Golf debuted in December 1974 as the “Rabbit” in the U.S. For more than four decades, the Golf exemplified what Volkswagen does best — melding dynamic driving characteristics with purposeful packaging and unmatched quality, said Hein Schafer, senior vice president, product marketing and strategy for Volkswagen of America, Inc.

“While the seventh-generation Golf will be the last of the base hatches sold here,” he said, “the GTI and Golf R will carry its legacy forward.”

The Golf TSI model

The 2021 VW Golf is sold in only one TSI trim level. Pricing starts at $24,190.

U.S. Golf Family

In the U.S., nearly 2.5 million Golf family models have been sold since 1974. The current-generation Mk 7 Golf was named North American Car of the Year when it debuted for the 2015 model year.

The new eighth-generation 2022 Golf R and Golf GTI will be built in Germany as the Puebla plant transitions to new products, including the Taos subcompact crossover, according to VW.

The 2022 Volkswagen Taos

2022 Volkswagen Taos.

For 2021, the Golf is available in one well-equipped trim —TSI. It features a 147 horsepower, 1.4-liter turbocharged and direct-injection four-cylinder engine with a standard six-speed manual gearbox or optional eight-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission. EPA fuel-economy estimates are 29 mpg city, 39 highway and 33 mpg combine or 29/36/32 mpg with the automatic.

Golf TSI pricing starts at $24,190; add $800 for the Tiptronic. Pricing includes the $995 freight charge from Puebla, Mexico.

Standard features include 16-inch aluminum-alloy wheels with 205/55 all-season tires, smart-key locking and push-button ignition, panoramic tilt-and-slide sunroof, leatherette upholstery, and heated front seats. Driver assistance features include Forward Collision Warning and Autonomous Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Monitoring (Front Assist), Blind Spot Monitor and Rear Traffic Alert.

Seven Generations of Golf in the U.S.

 

Golf I: 1975-1984

7 generations of the Gold in North America. This is Gen 1

  • First sold in December 1974 as the “Rabbit” with a 70-hp, 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine;
  • GTI was introduced in 1983 with a 90-hp, 1.8-liter engine.

Golf II: 1985-1992

The second generation Golf

  • Nameplate shift to “Golf.” Dimensions grew by nearly 7 inches in length, 3 inches in wheelbase and 2 inches in width;
  • Standard engine is revised 85-hp,1.8-liter;
  • GTI introduces 131-hp, 2.0-liter engine;
  • Catalytic converter, anti-lock braking and power steering debut.

Golf III: 1993-1999

  • Exterior design shifts to wedge shape;
  • Base powertrain increased to 115-hp, 2.0-liter; GTI available with 172-hp, 2.8-liter VR6;
  • Front and side airbags debut; advances in body construction result in improved crash safety;
  • VR6 engine and cruise control offered for the first time.

Golf IV: 1999.5-2005

The Golf IV

  • All-new design with flatter windshield; roofline carried farther back with steeper rear window;
  • Electronic stability control and side curtain airbags debut;
  • 1.8T engine introduced for GTI, bringing turbocharging to this generation of GTI;
  •  R32 introduced for 2004 with 240 hp, six-speed manual, and 4MOTION all-wheel drive.

Golf V: 2006-2009

The Golf V: 2006-2009

  • New multi-link rear suspension; rain-sensing wipers introduced; sold as “Rabbit” again;
  • DSG dual-clutch automatic transmissions debuts as an option for GTI and the standard transmission for R32; Bi-Xenon headlights introduced on both models;
  • Base engine is 150-hp, 2.5-liter; GTI moves to 200-hp 2.0-liter turbocharged direct-injection engine;
  • R32 reintroduced for 2008 with 250 hp.

Golf VI:  2010-2014

The Golf VI:  2010-2014

  • “Golf” name returns;
  • Refreshed styling with prominent character line from headlights to taillights;
  • Base powertrain is 170-hp, 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine;
  • Golf R was introduced for 2012, with the VR6 engine replaced by a 2.0-liter turbocharged direct-injection engine pushing 256 hp.

Golf VII: 2015-2021

  • Now based on Modular Transverse Matrix (MQB) architecture;
  • Golf grows in size yet drops in weight, despite many new and upscale features;
  • Facelift in MY 2018 features included revised headlight and taillight designs, redesigned bumpers, and infotainment and driver assistance updates;
  • Base 170-hp, 1.8-liter TSI engine replaces 2.5-liter to gain an EPA-estimated 6 mpg highway, later replaced by the 1.4-liter TSI engine in 2019;
  • GTI and Golf R powered by new versions of the 2.0-liter TSI engine, with up to 228 hp for GTI and up to 288 hp for Golf R (using premium fuel);
  • Available driver-assistance technology includes Automatic Post-Collision Braking System, Forward Collision Warning, Park Distance Control.

Corvette birthday, Jan. 17 1953

by | Jan 19, 2021 | 0 comments

The Corvette’s big reveal as the Motorama show car at New York’s Waldorf-Astoria Hotel. (GM)

Jan. 17, 1953, marked the show-car debut of the first generation of Corvette.

According to Wikipedia, the two-seater was introduced late in the 1953 model year. It first appeared as a show car for the 1953 General Motors Motorama, held Jan. 17-23 at New York’s Waldorf-Astoria Hotel.

“At the time, Chevrolet general manager Thomas H. Keating said it was six months to a year away from production readiness. The car generated enough interest to induce GM to make a production version to sell to the public. First production was on June 30, 1953.

A promotional image from the 1953 GM Motorama. (GM)

“The 1953, 1954, and 1955 model years were the only Corvettes equipped with a 235 cubic-inch (3.9-liter) version of the second- generation Blue Flame inline-six rated at 150 horsepower.

“In 1953, when GM executives were looking to name the new Chevrolet sports car, assistant director for the Public Relations department Myron Scott suggested Corvette after the small maneuverable warship — and the name was approved.”

This PR images show the body-drop of the 1953 Corvette at the Flint, Mich., assembly plant. (GM)