Tag Archives: newish

Motorsport

Mercedes Gives the New G-Class a More Powerful Diesel Engine

There’s a new-ish G-Class that appears lots just like the previous one. However, Mercedes has made some adjustments beneath the pores and skin, chief of which is an inline-six changing the V8 contained in the G550. Over in Europe, the diesel engine is sticking round and is even getting extra energy. That’s a pleasant shock contemplating how strict emissions rules are within the EU.

Although photographs are usually not obtainable, the previous G400d is being retired to make manner for the G450d. It makes use of an evolution of the three.0-liter, inline-six turbodiesel engine massaged to pump out 362 horsepower and 553 pound-feet of torque. That offers it a bonus of 36 hp and 37 lb-ft over its predecessor. In addition, the brand new diesel has a mild-hybrid setup with an electrical motor good for an additional (albeit non permanent) 20 hp and 148 lb-ft.


Opinion

Do small automotive drivers have an unfair repute?

What do you suppose once you come throughout or drive up behind a newish small car? Something like a Kia Picanto, MG 3 or Suzuki Swift.

Do you suppose that there should go a sensible individual, as a result of compact automobiles are mild and uncomplicated and straightforward on consumables? That this driver needs to be fairly enlightened, assured inside themselves, to decide on one thing as sensible and normally very competent and refined but critically unassuming?

Do you credit score them for resisting the costly drip funds that might have led them to a extra glamorous but no higher badge on their driveway?

Do you look and suppose that there’s a cause why these client motoring consultants on the world’s longest-established automotive journal, Autocar, are so taken with automobiles like this?

Or do you look and suppose, like a kind of client motoring consultants from Autocar (me), ‘come on, Doris, get out of the way. I’m in an Audi/Mercedes/Tesla and I’ve obtained locations to go’?

Sigh. I’m sorry about this. I genuinely am. But yesterday I came across a small new automotive on a twin carriageway that exited a roundabout and stayed within the overtaking lane, exhibiting no intention to overhaul something, and thought much less kindly about it than I might have performed if it had been, say, a brand new German SUV – a automotive that I do know would both get its skates on and begin passing issues or pull over to the left. I assumed the town automotive doggedly wouldn’t, as certainly it didn’t.

I do know I’m not alone in considering issues like this. I commonly drive automobiles on each side of the dial and I do know you get extra affected person remedy from different highway customers in one thing swanky than you do in one thing small and low cost.

Do you drive a complicated firm automotive? The subsequent time you’re taking it for a service, ask for the most cost effective, smallest courtesy automotive the storage has to learn how it feels to be bullied relentlessly by individuals who assume issues about you.

Motorsport

The New Ford Kuga PHEV Has More Power Than The Escape

If the new-ish Ford Kuga for Europe appears acquainted, there is a good motive. The equal American model, the Escape, obtained its facelift close to the top of 2022. It’s solely now that Ford is updating the compact crossover in Europe the place there are some notable adjustments.

For the primary time, the Kuga will get the rugged Active trim with further plastic physique cladding and silver skid plates. The adventurous taste sits 0.4 inches larger on the entrance axle and 0.2 in on the rear for further floor clearance. Ford additionally throws in a Trail drive mode that tweaks throttle response and traction management for extra grip on mud, sand, and different comfortable surfaces.