Tag Archives: thirdgeneration

News

The finest automobiles to switch – that you just wouldn’t count on

5. BMW 3 Series Compact

The third-generation BMW 3 Series, higher generally known as the E36, spawned a curious short-tailed model known as the Compact. Up entrance nonetheless, it was all common 3 Series, that means there’s room for one in all BMW’s signature straight sixes.

We’d counsel choosing one of many extra highly effective variations of the M52 powerplant, reminiscent of the two.8 deployed within the up to date 328i, 528i, 728i and Z3. It’s a easy swap within the E36 Compact, though it’s barely extra complicated within the later E46 Compact.

Of course, you can additionally use the S50 engine from the M3, which was provided with as much as 320bhp. Or you can go bonkers and cram a 4.7-litre V8 in there, simply as tuning home Hartge did.

Given the huge enhance in energy provided by a swap, additionally, you will be desirous to improve the automobile’s chassis to manage.

Thankfully, as a result of the compacts’ entrance ends are equivalent to their bigger 3 Series twins, there are many components to select from. You may even choose to swap within the suspension set-up from the M3, must you want.

If your Compact is an E36, it’s a bit trickier to finesse the rear finish. That’s as a result of it used the trailing-arm rear suspension set-up from the earlier 3 Series saloon, the E30, which may make it really feel slippery when pushed exhausting.

The E46 Compact shared its rear axle with the up to date saloon, so it’s a lot simpler to improve.

Regardless, a Compact may be very simple to show right into a speedy scorching rod. Best of all, it’s a undertaking that can neither incinerate your pockets nor fry your mind in making an attempt to work it out.

Motorsport

The New Three-Row Peugeot 5008 Has Hybrid and Electric Power

The third-generation Peugeot 5008 plugs into Europe’s already crowded SUV phase in additional methods than one. It’s accessible with a totally electrical drivetrain however you may as well have the three-row household hauler with a plug-in hybrid setup. Alternatively, the French model a part of Stellantis plans to promote a less expensive mild-hybrid mannequin as nicely.

Essentially, the brand new 5008 is an enlarged model of the latest 3008 launched in 2023. It sits on the STLA Medium platform and has the next dimensions: 188.5 inches lengthy, 74.4 inches large, and 66.5 inches tall, with a beneficiant wheelbase of 114.1 inches. One main benefit it has over the Tesla Model Y bought in Europe is the provision of a 3rd row.


Motorsport

The Honda Pilot Now Costs $40,000

When the third-generation Honda Pilot was new in 2016, the three-row SUV began at $30,875 with vacation spot. Fast ahead to 2025, and Honda’s greatest SUV has gotten considerably pricier. Now in its fourth technology, the Honda Pilot begins at $41,295 with vacation spot.

Honda launched pricing for the evenly up to date SUV, which incorporates six trim choices for 2025. A brand new Black Edition mannequin joins the lineup with a gloss black grille, black mirror caps, and blacked-out 20-inch wheels. The inside provides red-accented leather-based seating and pink stitching. The Pilot Black Edition is the priciest of the group at $55,675, however it comes commonplace with all-wheel drive.

2025 Honda Pilot Black Edition

The entry level of the up to date Pilot vary is the bottom Sport mannequin with two-wheel drive. Adding all-wheel drive is an additional $2,100. Honda is ditching the earlier entry level from 2024, the Pilot LX with FWD, which will increase the bottom value by $2,810. That model began at simply $38,485.

The rugged Trailsport mannequin—launched in 2023—sits close to the highest of the lineup with a $50,495 beginning value, and that model comes commonplace with AWD. It’s the second priciest trim behind the Black Edition. Honda nonetheless provides its HPD look package deal for 2025, which provides black- or bronze-colored wheels, HPD middle caps, and particular HPD graphics. It’s a $2,000 add-on on all Pilot trims.

Here’s how all the pricing construction for the 2025 Honda Pilot breaks down:

  Price (FWD) Price (AWD) 
Pilot Sport $41,295 $43,395
Pilot EX-L $44,595 $46,695
Pilot Touring $48,595 $50,695
Pilot PathSport — $50,495
Pilot Elite — $54,175
Pilot Black Edition — $55,675
 
Cars

All About The 440 Super Commando Engine That Powered Plymouth’s Barracuda & Road Runner Superbird

Plymouth’s third-generation Barracuda, launched for the 1970 mannequin yr, would proceed into 1974. Plymouth initially supplied three trim ranges for the Barracuda: the bottom Barracuda, the luxurious Barracuda Gran Coupe, and the excessive efficiency ‘Cuda. Midway by means of the 1970 mannequin yr, Plymouth added the Barracuda Coupe trim between the bottom and Gran Coupe. Of all of the trim choices, solely the ‘Cuda supplied the 440 Super Commando engine. 

Plymouth carried the sporty ‘Cuda trim possibility into 1970 from its introduction in 1969. However, the all-new third-gen design featured a wider engine compartment able to accepting Plymouth’s large 440 Super Commando powerplant. While the outsized 440 V8 match within the area, the elevated energy required modifications to the suspension and body.

The 440 Super Commando engine possibility gained 40 horsepower over the ‘Cuda’s base 383 V8. Plymouth eliminated the 440 Super Commando from the 1971 ‘Cuda engine choices, however savvy patrons may nonetheless particular order it. By 1972, the 440 Super Commando was gone, and different Cuda engines had been de-tuned due to authorities mandates and rising car insurance coverage charges.

Motorsport

The New Porsche Panamera 4S E-Hybrid Is Less Powerful But More Expensive

When Porsche launched the third-generation Panamera final November, it solely confirmed the bottom mannequin with rear- and all-wheel drive alongside the recent Turbo E-Hybrid. Zuffenhausen is now diversifying the lineup by launching two extra electrified fashions. They’re not conventional “Turbo” fashions, however they swap the massive V8 in favor of a V6 and maintain the pair of turbochargers.

The Panamera 4E Hybrid combines a 2.9-liter engine with an electrical motor for a complete system output of 463 horsepower and 479 pound-feet. Compared to its predecessor, the brand new mannequin has gained eight mighty horses however has misplaced 37 lb-ft. Despite its heft, it is a significantly fast sedan (it is technically a hatchback) because it takes simply 3.9 seconds to succeed in 60 mph, or 0.3s lower than the mannequin it is changing. Flat out, it will do an an identical 174 mph.


Car review

Kia Sportage

Kia recognised an rising urge for food for barely extra rakish ‘SUV coupés’ with the third-generation Kia Sportage again in 2010. While this automotive was by no means formally outlined in these phrases, the most recent model is extra of the identical: a design-led product that doesn’t supply fairly as a lot inside passenger area as boxier mid-sized rivals corresponding to the Toyota RAV4.

Take a tape measure to the brand new automotive’s inside and you’ll shortly discover proof of that. One of our street check topics, the range-topping GT-Line S, fitted with Kia’s panoramic glass sunroof, supplied simply 920mm from rear seat cushion to roofline, which is admittedly solely as a lot head room as a mid-sized hatchback usually affords (a RAV4 presents absolutely 80mm extra). Leg room is extra beneficiant, after all, besides, that is most likely not a household automotive you’d hunt down with grown-up youngsters to move.

Limited adult-appropriate second-row practicality apart, nevertheless, that is actually an inside with some visible curiosity and ambition about it. Striking design options, just like the tomahawk-shaped air vents and the widescreen instrumentation-cum-infotainment ‘flight panel’, catch your eye, and though some cheaper, harder-feeling mouldings are simple to seek out, the remainder of the cabin does simply sufficient to ship a very good all-round impression.

The driver’s seat is comfy, with a cushion angled effectively to help your thighs and respectable lateral bolstering. The management format is certainly one of sound ergonomics, and grants a transparent view of the digital instrument display behind the wheel, which renders graphics very crisply and clearly.

The infotainment system to the left of that’s pretty simple to navigate: it’s touchscreen-operated principally, however a line of shortcut keys (whose operate could be switched to turn out to be heating and air flow controls) does play an element in making it simple to get on with.

In the second row, Kia presents helpful and accessible bag storage hooks and USB-C charging ports on the entrance seatbacks, which is a neat contact. Further aft, boot area is usually good, though its 850mm loading size to the second-row seatbacks is 110mm down on that of a RAV4.

Some helpful carrying area is accessible below the boot ground, and there’s a stowage area for the curler load bay cowl when eliminated, in addition to extra bag hooks and a 12V energy provide.

For outright carrying area, it’s a bit disappointing that the rear seats don’t fold fully flat, offering additional proof that this isn’t essentially the most sensible automotive in its class.

Multimedia system

Kia Sportage Infotainment

Only the entry-level 2-grade Sportage does with out Kia’s 12.3in infotainment system, which brings linked navigation (seven years’ information entry comes with the automotive). You want to purchase both a 4 or a GT-Line S Sportage to get wi-fi smartphone charging, however wi-fi mirroring for each Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is available in lower-grade fashions as effectively.

The system is clearly laid out and fairly simple to navigate for an all-touchscreen interface. It’s all the time simple to get again to the house display, and from there to seek out the menu you want with out an excessive amount of distracting scrolling or swiping.

Kia’s manufacturing unit navigation system is simple to program, user-friendly in its format and controls, and simple to observe.

It does lack a handy ledge on which to anchor an outstretched arm and, as all the time, we would favor a joystick or cursor controller on the steering wheel to make discovering a operate simpler with out spending too lengthy with eyes off the street.

News

Mercedes-AMG readies electrical CLA 45 with 500bhp

Mercedes-AMG is growing a scorching model of the brand new third-generation CLA, due in 2025 as an electrical different to the fearsome CLA 45. 

A disguised prototype of the brand new AMG mannequin caught testing in northern Sweden this week reveals a number of modifications over the usual automobile. 

As effectively as uprated brakes behind AMG sports activities wheels, this early prototype has a big ducktail-style rear spoiler that hints at a concentrate on boosting downforce. The manufacturing mannequin might function a hard and fast spoiler or presumably even a retractable spoiler just like that utilized by the Mercedes-AMG GT.

The new CLA is the primary mannequin to be based mostly on the Mercedes Modular Architecture – a hybrid platform construction supporting an 800V electrical structure and conceived for each full-electric and combustion-engine fashions.

Standard 2025 CLA fashions will function both single-motor rear-wheel drive or dual-motor four-wheel drive. In the AMG mannequin, the latter structure is claimed to offer as much as 500bhp.

By comparability, the prevailing turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder CLA 45 develops 422bhp.

As with different latest new AMG-branded electrical fashions, the motors are set to vary from these utilized in commonplace variations of the CLA, with distinctive windings and a extra complete cooling system.

The battery of the brand new AMG mannequin can also be claimed to vary from the lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) and lithium-nickel-manganese-cobalt (NMC) items supplied on commonplace CLA fashions, with totally different cells and an altered anode.

Mercedes claims a variety of “over 435 miles” and economic system of “5.2 miles per kWh” for the upcoming single-motor rear-wheel-drive CLA mannequin, though each figures will drop with the introduction of a second electrical motor and energy enhance within the AMG mannequin.  

As introduced on the unveiling of the Concept CLA Class ultimately 12 months’s Munich motor present, the brand new CLA will even provide charging at as much as 250kW and it may be used as an influence supply itself because of bi-directional charging.

At this stage, it’s unclear if AMG will provide two distinct variations of the brand new CLA, because it does as we speak with the petrol-powered CLA 35 and CLA 45. 

Alongside the brand new CLA saloon, AMG can also be planning powered-up variations of the next-generation CLA Shooting Brake, GLA crossover and GLB SUV – all of that are earmarked to obtain the identical drivetrain and battery structure because the upcoming saloon. 

The division’s first bespoke electrical automobile would be the manufacturing model of the putting Vision AMG idea it revealed in 2022, due on sale subsequent 12 months as a 1000bhp, axial-motored alternative for the V8-engined GT 63.

Featured

Renault Duster: New vs Old Comparison


The new Renault Duster is set to return to India in a new-generation form by 2025

Renault Duster Old vs New

The third-generation Renault Duster has been unveiled globally as part of French automaker Dacia’s budget-oriented brand. The all-new Duster is based on the CMF-B platform and comes with an updated design, interior, and various powertrain options, including mild-hybrid and strong hybrid configurations.

Renault Duster was phased out in India in early 2022 after a decade-long presence in the country. While we await the reentry of the Duster in India, let’s compare the new-gen SUV with the previous Renault Duster model that was last available in India.

Front

The new-generation Renault Duster boasts a sleeker and bolder front appearance compared to its predecessor. It features an all-new grille, slimmer headlights with Y-shaped LED DRLs, and a larger air dam. In contrast, the old Duster has a larger grille and broader headlights, with a less prominent air dam.

The new Duster also includes a thick skid plate around the air dam and integrated fog lamps, along with front bumper air vents for improved aerodynamic efficiency. In contrast, the old Duster had a separate housing for the fog lamps.

Side

The new Duster retains the iconic ‘Duster’ silhouette but with a sharper and larger appearance. It has thick side cladding, squared wheel arches, and new door handles. The new model also offers 17-inch or 18-inch alloy wheels, in contrast to the old Duster’s 16-inch alloy wheels.

Rear

The rear of the new-generation Duster features a revamped design with a hunched bootlid, Y-shaped LED tail lamps, a roof-integrated rear spoiler, and a big silver skid plate. In comparison, the rear design of the old Duster was more traditional with a flatter tailgate and lacked a rear spoiler.

Dashboard

The new Duster sports a completely new dashboard design with Y-shaped highlights and inserts around the cabin. It features a 10.1-inch floating touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay support, whereas the old Duster had a 7-inch touchscreen system with wired Android Auto and Apple CarPlay support.

Centre Console

The new Duster’s center console layout includes a knob for drive mode selection, electronic parking brake, charging ports, and wireless phone charging tray, which were not available in the old Duster. The new model also houses various climate controls in the touchscreen infotainment system, while the old Duster had automatic climate control lower down.

Front Seats

Both the new and old Renault Duster models come with fabric seat upholstery, but with different headrest designs and upholstery colors.

Rear Seats

At the rear, both Dusters have 3 headrests, but the new Duster’s middle headrest is adjustable, and it adds a 3-point seatbelt and ISOFIX child seat anchorages instead of a fold-out rear armrest available in the old Duster.

Boot Space

The new-generation Duster offers a boot space of 472 liters, slightly less than the old Duster’s 475 liters.

Powertrains

The old Renault Duster offered two petrol engine options and a diesel engine, while the new European-spec Duster will have 3 powertrain options: a 130 PS, 1.2-litre petrol unit coupled with a 48V mild hybrid system, a strong-hybrid 140 PS 1.6-litre 4-cylinder petrol engine, and a combination of petrol and LPG. The details for the new India-spec Duster are yet to be announced.

Expected Launch & Price

The third-generation Renault Duster is anticipated to be launched in India by 2025, with an expected price from Rs 10 lakh (ex-showroom). It will compete with models such as the Hyundai Creta, Maruti Grand Vitara, Toyota Hyryder, Citroen C3 Aircross, and Honda Elevate.

Featured

2024 Renault Duster Explained In 15 Images


Renault is expected to bring the new Duster to India sometime by 2025

New Renault Duster

The third-generation Renault Duster (Dacia Duster) has just been revealed globally. It will be a key model for the carmaker as it will be a big step up for the nameplate in India since its second-gen version never came here. Since the SUV isn’t likely to head our way anytime before 2025, feast your eyes on its images below:

Exterior

New Renault Duster front

The front of the new Duster appears to be an evolutionary upgrade rather than a revolutionary one at first glance. It features a slimmer grille with inserts, Y-shaped LED DRLs, and a big bumper housing a huge air dam and the fog lamps.

New Renault Duster side

The SUV’s silhouette has stayed similar but with sharper details. Highlights on the new Duster’s profile include squared-off wheel arches, C-pillar-mounted rear door handles, and functional roof rails. A kink in the windowline towards the quarter glass panel is also noticeable.

New Renault Duster alloy wheels

The new 5-spoke dual-tone alloy wheels (ranging from 17- to 18-inches) are an evolution of the ones offered on the previous generation Duster (the one not sold in India).

New Renault Duster rear

The back of the new Duster is much more subdued, featuring Y-shaped LED taillights and a chunky bumper.

Interior

New Renault Duster cabin

The third-gen Renault Duster has a completely fresh dashboard design with Y-shaped elements throughout the cabin. The instrument cluster and infotainment system are digital, but the carmaker has opted to provide physical buttons for climate control, a welcome decision.

The international-spec third-gen Duster comes with two cabin themes, with one featuring blue highlights for the upholstery, while the other top-spec variant offers a grey-black theme with bronze-like accents.

The rugged SUV lacks a rear center armrest, but it has three adjustable headrests and 3-point seatbelts for all passengers. It also has provisions for ISOFIX child seat mounts.

New Renault Duster digital driver's display

The new Duster is equipped with a 7-inch digital driver’s display capable of showing a large variety of information, with hybrid variants receiving additional variant-specific graphics.

In terms of features, the SUV offers a 10.1-inch free-floating touchscreen system, wireless phone charging, ventilated front seats, and a 6-speaker Arkamys 3D sound system.

New Renault Duster electronic parking brake

The new Duster also includes an electronic parking brake for added convenience. Its automatic variants use a toggle for the drive selector.

New Renault Duster boot space

The new Duster offers a 472-liter boot space.

Also Read: All The Advantages And Disadvantages Of Buying A New Car At The End Of A Calendar Year

Powertrain Details

New Renault Duster manual transmission

The third-gen Duster is being offered globally with a range of powertrain options, including hybrid and LPG. These include a 130 PS, 1.2-litre petrol engine paired with a 48V mild hybrid system, a strong-hybrid 140 PS 1.6-litre 4-cylinder petrol engine paired to two electric motors, powered by a 1.2 kWh battery pack. The last one is a combination of petrol and LPG. It is available with both manual and automatic transmission options. The SUV also comes with an all-wheel drivetrain (AWD), emphasizing its rugged appeal and the proven off-roading capabilities of the Duster brand.

Also Check Out: M S Dhoni’s Garage Gets Another Touch Of Exclusivity With The Mercedes-AMG G 63 SUV

Price And Competition

We anticipate the new Renault Duster to have a starting price of Rs 10 lakh (ex-showroom). It will compete with the Kia Seltos, Maruti Grand Vitara, Hyundai Creta, Skoda Kushaq, Honda Elevate, Volkswagen Taigun, Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder, and Citroen C3 Aircross.

Featured

2024 Renault Duster Detailed In 8 Images


Renault is expected to bring the new Duster to India sometime by 2025

New Renault Duster

The third-generation Renault Duster (Dacia Duster) has just been revealed globally. It will be a key model for the carmaker as it will be a big step up for the nameplate in India since its second-gen version never reached here. Since the SUV isn’t likely to head our way anytime before 2025, feast your eyes on its images below:

Exterior

New Renault Duster front

At a first glance, the front of the new Duster seems more like an evolutionary upgrade than revolutionary compared to the older model. It has a slimmer grille with inserts, Y-shaped LED DRLs, and a big bumper housing a huge air dam and the fog lamps.

New Renault Duster side

The silhouette of the SUV has still remained intact but now has sharper details. Highlighting elements on the new Duster’s profile include squared off wheel arches, C-pillar-mounted rear door handles, and functional roof rails. You can also notice a kink in the windowline towards the quarter glass panel.

New Renault Duster rear

Its back is much sober in comparison, with the talking points being Y-shaped LED taillights and a chunky bumper.

Interior

New Renault Duster cabin

The third-gen Renault Duster features a completely fresh dashboard design with Y-shaped elements seen all around the cabin. While the instrument cluster and infotainment system is digital, the carmaker has thankfully chosen to offer physical buttons for climate control.

In terms of features, the SUV has a 10.1-inch free-floating touchscreen system, wireless phone charging, a 7-inch digital driver’s display, ventilated front seats, and a 6-speaker Arkamys 3D sound system.

New Renault Duster electronic parking brake

Its safety kit includes an electronic parking brake, six airbags, a reversing camera, and a host of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) including autonomous emergency braking (AEB), lane keep assist, and driver attentiveness alert.

Also Read: All The Advantages And Disadvantages Of Buying A New Car At The End Of A Calendar Year

Powertrain Details

New Renault Duster manual transmission

The third-gen Duster is globally being offered with a range of powertrain options, including hybrid and LPG. These comprise of a 130 PS, 1.2-litre petrol unit coupled with a 48V mild hybrid system, a strong-hybrid 140 PS 1.6-litre 4-cylinder petrol engine paired to two electric motors, powered by a 1.2 kWh battery pack. The last one is a combination of petrol and LPG. It is available with both manual and automatic transmission options. The SUV is also being provided with an all-wheel drivetrain (AWD) to take the roads less taken.

Also Check Out: M S Dhoni’s Garage Gets Another Touch Of Exclusivity With The Mercedes-AMG G 63 SUV

Price And Competition

We expect the new Renault Duster to have a starting price of Rs 10 lakh (ex-showroom). It will rival the Kia Seltos, Maruti Grand Vitara, Hyundai Creta, Skoda Kushaq, Honda Elevate, Volkswagen Taigun, Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder, and Citroen C3 Aircross.