Tag Archives: suspension

News

Autocar product test: What is the best head torch?

October 21, 2023 David

Head torches are useful for illuminating dark areas in the garage, such as engine bays and suspension crannies. However, choosing the right head torch can be challenging, as some may not offer good performance despite their low cost. That’s why we tested a variety of well-known head torches in the industry.

In this product test, we excluded suspiciously cheap options, as it’s worth spending a moderate amount of money to get a decent head torch. We focused on rechargeable head torches that provide 200 lumens or more, allowing for a wide range of prices and performance levels.

Our testing criteria included brightness, range of lighting modes, and the distance the beam could reach in dark areas. Comfort was also a significant factor as many users may want to use these head torches for activities like walking and cycling, so we evaluated them in those contexts as well.

BEST BUY: BioLite 200 Lumen headlamp

Price: £41.00

Run time: 40 hours

Despite being a single-strap head torch, the BioLite is incredibly comfortable. It has a wide, soft, curved backing that prevents bouncing and slipping, and the strap is easily adjustable. Although it has a lower lumen rating compared to other torches, it’s still quite bright in practice. The headlamp can swivel downward and has a battery life of around 40 hours on low setting. If you need more brightness for detailed garage work, it can provide three hours on high mode. Additionally, it features a red light and a pulse setting for both white and red modes. The BioLite is well-built, weighing only 50g, although it’s not waterproof. Overall, considering its quality, comfort, and excellent run time, the BioLite is the best choice.

Autocar says: 5 stars

Sofirn HS20 head torch 2700 lumen

Run time: 10 hours

We seriously considered awarding the Sofirn as the winner. It’s the brightest option, providing a massive 2700 lumens when both LED lights are on. One LED light emits a more focused, bright white beam, while the other produces a broader, warmer white beam.

Car review

BMW i5

October 2, 2023 David

The BMW i5 has undergone some changes for the new generation. The wheelbase has grown by 20mm and tweaks have been made to the suspension hard points, including wishbones up front, five-link suspension at the back, and air springs at the rear in the i5. However, the core recipe remains the same.

BMW aims to avoid forcing customers into an unfamiliar model range just because they want an electric vehicle. Unlike Mercedes, BMW offers a range of powertrain options – internal combustion engine (ICE), plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), or electric vehicle (EV) – all available in a 5 Series suit. This means that the electric i5 is a “proper” 5 Series, just like any combustion model.

In the UK, the eDrive40 tested in this review offers a single motor with 335bhp, while the M60 xDrive provides a dual-motor system with 593bhp. Notable combustion models in the UK include the 520i M Sport with 205bhp and the 550e xDrive M Sport, a six-cylinder PHEV. Of course, there is also the M5. It’s worth noting that diesels won’t be available in the UK, at least for now.

Now, let’s focus on the changes made to the BMW i5. BMW has the world’s largest fleet of over-the-air-upgradable vehicles, with over five million vehicles capable of receiving updates wirelessly. Navigation, telephony, and entertainment are the most frequently used functions in BMW cars. The new OS 8.5 offers a crisp and curved infotainment display, and BMW has a software joint venture that focuses on user experience (UX) and digital solutions for “premium mobility.” This venture has two sites, one of which is located in the same building as this review and has 2000 engineers dedicated to software development. The chassis magic, on the other hand, is the work of software experts in Germany.

Automotive Reviews

2023 BMW M3 Competition xDrive Review: A Powerful Performer

September 14, 2023 David

The BMW M3 Competition xDrive is a high-performance car that can rival even supercars in terms of speed and agility. Its Adaptive M Suspension, which comes standard, allows for a range of settings from soft to firm, making the driving experience customizable. However, even in its softest setting, the M3 is not as comfortable as a luxury sedan like the 7 Series. The narrow tires and the occasional roughness of the sports transmission at low speeds contribute to this.

But the M3 is not designed for slow driving. Just lightly pressing the accelerator will cause the car to surge forward with impressive speed. It’s quick and eager, but this can also lead to legal troubles if you’re not careful. The M3’s power is truly astonishing considering its price.

Chris Davies/SlashGear

One of the standout features of the M3 is its switchable 2WD/4WD system, which allows for a thrilling driving experience even on wet roads. The car feels incredibly responsive, with precise steering and excellent grip. The acceleration is exhilarating, and the braking is equally impressive.

News

Would You Choose A Hyundai Santa Fe XRT Over A Land Cruiser?

August 18, 2023 David

Summary

The Hyundai Santa Fe XRT concept showcases rugged off-road features like elevated suspension and chunky tires, hinting at a potential future production model.
Hyundai is targeting outdoor enthusiasts with the new Santa Fe, featuring a boxy design and accommodations for rooftop tents.
The XRT concept could be the start of a new performance wing for Hyundai, similar to their successful N division, aimed at delivering off-road capabilities and appealing to adventure seekers.

Hyundai already offers the XRT badging as a rugged trim choice for some of their models such as the outgoing Santa Fe, Palisade, Tucson, and Santa Cruz. This concept build foreshadows a potential future production model, which could look similar or better. The off-road concept of this new mid-size SUV boasts chunky off-road tires, an elevated suspension, and an array of additions like a rooftop cargo carrier and a tailgate-mounted ladder.

The 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe is debuting with a brand new, striking boxy design that caters to the adventurous persona of SUVs. This new design trend can also be seen in the all-new 2024 Land Cruiser. Hyundai is leaning into the SUV’s adventurous persona and is targeting outdoor enthusiasts. The Santa Fe XRT concept seems to have the Land Cruiser 2024 in its sight.

The concept showcases an elevated ride height, robust BF Goodrich all-terrain tires, and enhanced approach and departure angles. The XRT is furnished with a range of augmentations, including an enhanced roof rack with a cargo carrier and spare tire, a tailgate-mounted ladder, and cargo containers affixed to the side windows. The adventure look is completed with a pair of Go-Pros mounted on either side on nifty surfaces.

Recently, Toyota introduced the inaugural hybrid edition of its Land Cruiser, set to be released in 2024. The Santa Fe XRT Concept seems to be aiming to compete with this legendary off-roader.

The 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe has been a revelation since its unveiling. It presents a distinct SUV with angular lines and a complete interior overhaul. The latest iteration introduces a third row, expanded rear cargo space, and increased legroom. The Santa Fe is powered by a turbocharged 2.5-liter inline-four engine with 277 horsepower and an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.

The Santa Fe’s boxy design is tailored to accommodate rooftop tents, attracting outdoor enthusiasts. The seating arrangements for the U.S. market are yet to be disclosed, but Korean-spec models offer options for either second-row captain’s chairs or a bench seat, accommodating six or seven passengers.

The Relaxation Seat, first introduced in the Ioniq 5, makes a return in the Santa Fe, providing an ideal space for quick naps on long road trips. The ground clearance remains relatively consistent at 8.2 inches, but Hyundai has indicated suspension enhancements for improved stability.

The rear cargo entrance of the Santa Fe is impressively spacious, and the second row can be completely folded down, resulting in a generous, level cargo space. This is optimal for accommodating large camping gear and/or luggage.

The Santa Fe XRT concept fully embraces the off-road aesthetic of the new Santa Fe. It showcases off-road tires, enhanced suspension, and functional accessories like roof racks and ladders. Hyundai’s XRT branding could potentially become a new performance wing, similar to their successful N division.

In addition to the Santa Fe XRT concept, Hyundai is also introducing an XRT trim for the Santa Cruz. The Santa Cruz XRT features fender flares, metal side steps, and sturdy bed rails for a more rugged appeal. It is powered by a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine generating 281 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque.

Hyundai’s venture into the rugged realm with the Santa Fe XRT Concept signals a promising step towards meeting the demands of adventure enthusiasts. The XRT concept holds the potential to establish itself as a prominent player in the rugged performance vehicle market.

The XRT concept answers the question of how outdoorsy the redesigned Santa Fe is. It seems that Hyundai is committed to fully embracing the off-road aesthetic and catering to the needs of adventure seekers. Whether the XRT concept transitions into a production model is yet to be seen, but it demonstrates Hyundai’s commitment to innovation and functionality in the SUV market.

Motorsport

Watch Ram TRX Reach Its Maximum Speed During Autobahn Test

August 1, 2023 Prafful Singh

The Ram 1500 TRX is well-known for its impressive performance off-road. With its enhanced suspension, powerful V8 engine, and advanced electronic features, it has become one of the most capable vehicles in the market for off-roading adventures. But how does it fare on the highway?

The team at AutoTopNL, a popular YouTube channel based in Europe, decided to find out by testing the truck’s top speed. They often conduct speed tests on the sections of the Autobahn, which are known for having no speed limits. Many high-performance cars have showcased their speed capabilities on this German highway, and now it’s time to see what the TRX can do in terms of maximum speed.

Car review

Mercedes E Class

July 25, 2023 David

In terms of features not available in the UK, the Mercedes E Class does not come with air suspension as an option. Instead, UK buyers will get steel spring suspension with adaptive damping. This may not seem significant, but the air-equipped European press car demonstrated impressive body control and provided a smooth ride over bumps and obstacles. Considering the condition of UK roads, it is a bit of an oversight not to offer this setup to British buyers.

On the positive side, the E-Class handles well for its large size. It may lean slightly in corners, but it offers plenty of grip and precise steering. The rear-wheel steering, which enhances maneuverability on twisty roads, is unfortunately not available for UK buyers. The only real weakness is the spongy brake pedal, which can affect confidence when entering corners.

Despite its increased size compared to its predecessor, the latest-generation E-Class feels more agile. This is especially noticeable when sitting in the rear, thanks to an additional 2cm added to the wheelbase, providing more legroom for rear-seat passengers on long journeys.

Passengers will also appreciate the striking interior design of the E-Class. Taking cues from the EQE, the interior exudes a sense of luxury and elegance reminiscent of a Gulfstream jet. The ambient lighting and high-quality materials add to the overall appeal, and the build quality is top-notch.

Mazda

Statement on Safety Recall 5923F

June 24, 2023 David

Suspension and Steering Insufficiently Tightened or Missing Bolts on Certain 2024MY CX-90s

Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) has reported a safety defect to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) regarding certain 2024MY CX-90 vehicles. The defect pertains to bolts for the steering intermediate shaft, front ABS wheel speed sensor harnesses, or front upper control arms that may not have been sufficiently tightened or may be missing. If left unaddressed, these components can loosen or detach while driving, potentially leading to a loss of vehicle control and an increased risk of a crash.

This defect does not come with any prior warning signs, and there have been no reports of accidents or injuries caused by it. However, approximately 18 vehicles in the US are affected by this recall.

All affected owners will be notified through U.S. Mail. Updates on the recall can be found at mazdarecallinfo.com or nhtsa.gov.

Mazda North American Operations is based in Irvine, California and oversees Mazda vehicle sales, marketing, parts, and customer service support in the United States, Canada, and Mexico through its network of approximately 780 dealers. Mazda Canada Inc. manages operations in Canada, while Mazda Motor de Mexico manages operations in Mexico. Mazda de Colombia handles operations in Colombia.

For more information on Mazda vehicles, including media resources such as photography and B-roll, visit InsideMazda.MazdaUSA.com/Newsroom.

Stay updated with MNAO on social media by following their Twitter and Instagram accounts @MazdaUSA and their Facebook page at Facebook.com/MazdaUSA.

Contact:

Tamara Mlynarczyk, Mazda North American Operations, media@mazdausa.com
Drew Cary, Mazda North American Operations, media@mazdausa.com

Volkswagen

New technologies, more comfort: Volkswagen presents the new Touareg

June 8, 2023 Prafful Singh

Enhanced premium SUV shines with high-tech features
Improved suspension offers winning combination of comfort and performance
New IQ.LIGHT HD matrix headlights project a light carpet exactly onto the driving lane
Touareg R eHybrid with 340 kW (462 PS) is once again the flagship model in the product line

Volkswagen is upgrading the third generation of the Touareg with extensive improvements: the suspension as well as the display and operating concept of the full-size SUV have been revised, and the front and rear design have been sharpened. Particularly striking features are the newly developed HD matrix headlights at the front and the LED taillights, which are realised as a light strip. For the first time in Germany it incorporates a red-illuminated Volkswagen logo. Presales will begin tomorrow on Thursday, 25 May. Prices start from €69,200.

Imelda Labbé, Member of the Volkswagen Board of Management for Sales, Marketing and Aftersales: “The new Touareg impresses with top quality and outstanding comfort. We have once again systematically implemented the wishes of our customers in this model: We have sharpened up the design, integrated an illuminated rear logo, and made operation even more intuitive. We’ve also enhanced the driving characteristics, making our premium Volkswagen even better. The result is a true all-rounder that will excite on-road, off-road and naturally also as a first-class towing vehicle.”

Future-oriented technologies have always made their debut in the Touareg – know-how that often benefits the smaller vehicle classes. Kai Grünitz, Member of the Volkswagen Board of Management for Development: “The Touareg has always been a technology pioneer for us, allowing us to transfer new developments into other brand models as part of a top-down strategy. And we are following the same approach with the new Touareg. It is the first Volkswagen model to be launched with the newly developed HD matrix headlights – one of the best lighting systems in the world. More than 38,000 interactive LEDs project a light carpet exactly onto the driving lane and illuminate the road more precisely than ever before. We will soon transfer this HD matrix lighting system to next smaller SUV-class models.”

The new lighting system. Another advantage of the new optional IQ.LIGHT HD matrix headlights is the glare-free main beam: this continuous main beam can permanently be left switched on outside of towns because the interactive LEDs make sure that the masking area for oncoming traffic and vehicles driving in front is more precise than ever before.

Sharpened design. The new premium SUV can be recognised immediately by the new front and rear design. At the front, the unit formed by the radiator grille, headlights and the front apron have been given a new look. The design of the rear end is also sharper: it now has a continuous horizontal LED strip for the taillight clusters and incorporates a Volkswagen logo which is illuminated in red. For the first time this feature has been included on a Volkswagen model in Germany. Previously, the illuminated brand logo was permitted only in markets such as China and the US.

All-in-one – maximum travel comfort & optimum performance. Volkswagen has enhanced the suspension of the Touareg. Among other things, the Touareg is now equipped as standard with a new roof load sensor that is closely integrated with the suspension electronics. If a roof load is detected, it allows the control system such as ESC (Electronic Stability Control) to intervene earlier in order to increase driving stability. In contrast, if there is no roof load, the system allows for even sportier performance. Depending on the version, the Touareg is available with innovative suspension technologies such as active roll compensation (adaptive running gear) and all-wheel steering. This further improves the driving dynamics of the premium SUV.

Update for the interior. The standard equipment of the new Touareg also includes the Innovision Cockpit. This consists of the Digital Cockpit and the high-end infotainment system Discover Pro Max. Various functions of the Innovision Cockpit, such as lane-level navigation and high-resolution HD map data, have been optimised in the new model. The standard voice control has also been enhanced. USB-C connections with a charging capacity of 45 watts (previously 15 watts) permit significantly faster charging of electronic devices such as smartphones, tablets or laptops. In addition, by evaluating customer feedback, the high-quality level of the Touareg interior has been further improved. For example, the centre console trims are now softer than before, providing extra comfort.

Efficient driving assistance systems. The Touareg is equipped with a large number of convenience and assistance systems as standard. In addition, an extensive range of optional systems is available. These include among others the following technologies

“Travel Assist”(assisted driving up to maximum speed)
“Park Assist Plus with remote control” (via app for automatically driving into and out of parking spaces, the driver can even control the parking procedure from outside the vehicle),
“Trailer Assist”(for assisted manoeuvring with trailer)
“Night Vision” (assistance for night drives)

Wide choice of powertrains – as petrol, diesel, or plug-in hybrid. The new Touareg will be launched in five powertrain versions. In addition to a turbocharged petrol engine, there is a choice of two turbodiesel engines and two plug-in hybrids. All highly efficient engines are paired as standard with an 8-speed automatic gearbox and the 4MOTION permanent all-wheel drive.

Equipment. The new model will be launched in Germany in a basic version with the current front design (from €69,200) and in the two exclusive lines “Elegance” (from €75,070) and “R-Line” (from €79,660). Positioned above is the top-of-the-range model: the sporty, elegant Touareg R eHybrid developed by Volkswagen R (from €93,870).

The new Touareg R eHybrid with new matt finish in „Silicon Gray Matt“

The Touareg R eHybrid – the performance model from Volkswagen R. The Touareg R eHybrid is the top-of-the-range model of the product line with the most powerful drive system: a V6 petrol engine plus electric motor with a system output of 340 kW (462 PS). The latest generation continues a long tradition of Touareg R models with high-tech features and customised equipment. They were all developed by Volkswagen R, Volkswagen’s premium performance brand. The standard equipment of the new model includes the following:

Blue painted brake calipers with silver R logo
R logo projection via exterior mirror housings as surround lighting
Blue accents in the interior
Leather seats in “Vienna” design (“Puglia” optional)
20-inch alloy wheels “Braga”
Sill panel mouldings with illuminated R logo
Vehicle key with leather-covered cap and R logo
Panoramic sunroof
4-zone automatic air control

In addition to the traditional R colour “Lapiz Blue Metallic”, a matt paint finish, the new “Silicon Gray Matt”, can now also be ordered exclusively for the Touareg R eHybrid and the Touareg R-Line. Pre-sales of the performance model will start on 22 June.

The success story of the popular premium SUV. In 2002, the Touareg was the first SUV from Volkswagen. With the impetus of the new top model, the Volkswagen brand subsequently developed into one of the leading global full-range providers. The Touareg also became the pioneer of an extremely successful vehicle type that is today offered by Volkswagen in every segment. With its high-quality blend of long-distance, towing and off-road vehicle, the model remains hugely popular. More than 1.13 million units have been sold since the Touareg was first introduced in 2002.

All information about the new Touareg

All information about the new Touareg R eHybrid

The new Touareg

The new Touareg R eHybrid

VauxhallUk

VAUXHALL GSe: DELIVERING COMFORT AND CONTROL

June 8, 2023 admin

Grandland GSe, Astra GSe and Astra Sports Tourer GSe benefit from upgraded suspension and steering calibration
GSe models utilise Frequency Selective Damping technology from specialists KONI for improved comfort and control
Handling upgrades added to complement the increase in performance from plug-in hybrid powertrain
Vauxhall Grandland GSe is the most powerful Vauxhall on sale today, with 300PS and all-wheel drive
Entire Vauxhall Grandland range now benefits from recalibrated steering and suspension

At the heart of every Vauxhall GSe model lies two defining characteristics – exciting driving dynamics and electric power.

Each GSe model comes with a dedicated chassis which is geared towards a more dynamic and responsive driving experience that complements the electric powertrain on board.

Ahead of the arrival of the Vauxhall Astra GSe, Astra Sports Tourer GSe and Grandland GSe, Dr. Christian Hartweg, Head of Vehicle Dynamics Specification & Requirement, Opel/Vauxhall, explains how the current GSe has been upgraded to provide an improved driving experience.

Precise, dynamic, and yet still comfortable: GSe chassis with FSD technology

“Our goal was totally clear,” says Hartweg: “The GSe models must offer the optimum balance between driving comfort and performance-oriented handling – together with responsibility for the future.”

The most important assets in this process are the electrified plug-in hybrid powertrains and the chassis, which are fully adapted to the higher performance.

In the case of the Grandland GSe, the combination of two electric motors and a 1.6-litre 200PS turbocharged petrol engine equates to a total power output of 300PS and acceleration of 0-62mph in just 6.1 seconds thanks to the electric all-wheel drive. This makes the Grandland GSe the most powerful Vauxhall on sale today.

For Astra GSe variants, the electrified powertrain produces 225PS and 360Nm of torque – up from 180PS on standard variants, with a 0-62mph acceleration taking just 7.5 seconds. The specifically tuned GSe engine sound enhances the experience further.

“The Astra GSe is immediately recognisable by its specially designed front end and sportier stance, which we lowered by 10millimetres,” says Hartweg. “And they are a lot of fun. In corners, the GSe models stick to the road and remain stable – and they can be driven very dynamically but also very comfortably.”

This is made possible by special springs and dampers with KONI FSD (Frequency Selective Damping) technology, which are used in the GSe chassis. The FSD technology provides different damping characteristics at high frequencies (to control the suspension) and at low frequencies (focusing on the body), helping improve ride comfort regardless of the road surface condition and driving style. FSD technology is available across both Grandland and Astra GSe models.

The GSe models react directly to any command from the driver and, as is typical for Vauxhall, remain stable when braking, cornering and at high speeds. “The dampers have an additional valve and a second hydraulic circuit,” explains the Hartweg. “The car is then more comfortable or sportier to drive, depending on whether the valve is open or closed. GSe stands for ‘Grand Sport electric’ – sporty driving behaviour with the latest plug-in hybrid technology. Driving engagement has never been so smart.”

New set-up for all Grandland variants

The development of the chassis and steering has not just been limited to GSe models. All Vauxhall Grandland variants now benefit from improved damping and steering, with Vauxhall engineers having increased the damping force in the low piston speed range and reduced it in the medium-to-high-speed range to improve comfort when driving over poor road surfaces. The steering has also been recalibrated for a more direct and precise feel.

The new steering and suspension calibration is available on Grandland models on sale now.

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