Spy Shots – 2016 Ford Explorer

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2016 Cars, Ford, ford cars

November 4, 2014

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Back in 2011, when Ford introduced the current generation Explorer, it had already hit the headlines after having re-designed the truck-like model and give it a practical image of a car. It was made possible by downsizing the EcoBoost engines, tuning the suspension to make this front wheel drive D4 platform for on-road drive.

The prototype of 2016 Explorer was tested in Michigan and the conclusive pictures revealed that the design won’t undergo a drastic change except for minor tweaks to the lights, grille and bumpers along with expected changes in the cabin.

Following the line of 2015 Mustang and 2015 Lincoln MKC, the base 2.0 liter EcoBoost engine would be replaced with a 2.3 liter EcoBoost, however, the mid-range 3.5-liter EcoBoost may stay.

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The 2016 Ford Explorer would be put on display during one of the major auto shows in North America within the next 6 months.

Ford may go on and adopt the new rear wheel drive platform for the next generation Explorer which could help in improving the performance of the SUV and yet distinguishing it. It would most probably match the Lincoln MKT model.

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2016 Honda Pilot Spy Shots revealed

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2016 Cars, Honda

October 14, 2014

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2016 Honda Pilot is expected to hit the showrooms by the fall of 2015 and one can expect the model to have an upmarket interior along with more expressive styling. Following the footsteps of Acura MDX increasing its wheelbase by an extra 3 inches, the 2016 Pilot is expected to have a longer wheelbase as well. This will help in increasing the inner space and make the third row more accessible with the seating to remain at 8 people.

Engine

2016 Honda Pilot will be available with options of front wheel drive or all-wheel drive with the aid of 290 hp power and 267 lb-ft torque generated from 3.5 liter V-6 engine.

Interiors

The circular units of the current model will be replaced with rectangular vents in the 2016 model. The dash-mounted gear lever will also be replaced with a more conventional shifter and you could see a new LCD screen mounted at the center stack.

One could expect a thinly veiled prototype of 2016 Honda Pilot released before the launch of the production model.

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2015 Lexus RX 350

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2015 Cars

May 9, 2014

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The 2015 Lexus RX 350 will soon get to the dealerships, and if what we heard about the mid-size crossover is true, buyers should prepare to welcome some interesting updates with this luxurious crossover.

The five passengers Lexus RX 350 offers the most affordable route into the Lexus crossover segment. The car was introduced in 2010, and the third-generation model has remained a popular choice of car for buyers looking for an affordable luxury crossover powered by either a conventional gasoline drivetrain or a hybrid one.

The car competes in highly competitive luxury crossover segment with car such as the Acura MDX, Audi Q7, BMW X5, Hyundai Veracruz, Lincoln MKX, and Mercedes-Benz ML-Class.

Lexus is aware of the level of competition in the segment and it regularly updates the SUV in order to keep it fresh. It received its most important update last year for the current model year, when it gained Lexus’ spindle grille, LED daytime running lights, reshaped taillights and new gadgets. Since the car is still relatively fresh, buyers should not expect any significant improvement in the styling but more substantial equipment will be offered on it in line with the trend in the industry.

Styling

The exterior design of the Lexus RX 350 2015 will remain virtually unchanged. The only exterior addition worth mentioning is the new set of triple-split, five-spoke 19-inch alloy wheels treated in a light-gray finish, which is available on the Premium or the new Luxury Package.

Other minor styling updates on this car include the HID headlamps, LED fog lights and rear LED lights, which combines to give the crossover a sportier look.

Interior and Features

Although the changes inside the 2015 RX 350 will not be that substantive, Lexus will sweeten the deal by offering more luxury on it than its predecessor. Some of these newly added features include the standard Display Audio system with a seven-inch display and rear backup camera. The luxury automaker will also offer its Enform connectivity system for smartphones and an optional navigation package, which features an updated remote touch interface knob.

A standard 12-speaker Lexus Premium Audio system and an optional 15-speaker Mark Levinson Surround Sound system will also be offered on the car.

Safety Features

Lexus is not just about luxury, it is also known for offering its buyers impressive safety features. And the RX is a Lexus through and through. It has been a very reliable vehicle its entire run, with a strong resale value. The current edition received top ratings from crash-test agencies, and we expect the upcoming 2015 RX 350 to do likewise.

Safety features coming on the 2015 edition have not been confirmed but buyers can look forward to getting some high tech safety features. An optional Pre-Collision System (PCS) with Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, which uses a radar system to evaluate and maintain a pre-set distance from the car and any vehicle moving directly ahead of it will also be offered.

Under the Hood

There will not be any notable change under the hood of the Lexus RX 350 2015. The tried and trusted 3.5-liter V-6 unit will return next year, and it will supply 270 hp and 249 lb-ft of torque. Performance details of the car released include a zero to 60 mph of around 7.7 seconds, and an electronically limited top speed of 112 mph.

On the base RX350, the V6 unit sends its output to a standard front-wheel drive or an optional all-wheel drive via a six-speed automatic transmission that is connected to a torque converter and Intelligent Shift Control. An eight-speed automatic with paddle shifters combines with the engine on the F Sport version to improve acceleration and boost fuel economy from 24 mpg to 26 mpg. A sport-tuned suspension, paddle shifters, and aggressive exterior elements are also available on the F Sport version.

Price

With a starting price of $41,705, the 2015 Lexus RX 350 is $1,305 more expensive than the previous model. An all-wheel drive adds $1,400 to the starting price, setting the base price for the base RX 350 AWD model at $43,105. The F-Sport model will start at $48,535.

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2015 Ford Expedition

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2015 Ford

November 21, 2013

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The 2015 Ford Expedition is on its way! Ford is getting set to rival General Motors’ 2015 Suburban and Tahoe dominance of the full-size SUVs segment as it prepares for the introduction of an Expedition model for the 2015 model year. Our spy photographer took some snap shots of the updated Ford Expedition testing in southeast Michigan, and we were able to pick out some visual changes under its camouflage.

 2015 Expedition Exterior and Interior

The American auto maker took some designing inspirations from the Ford F-150 and Ford F-Series Super Duty when constructing the new Expedition. The 2015 Expedition SUV has a big and boxy appearance. Other similarities with the F-150 and F-Series Super Duty can be found at the front end. Unlike the current model, this upcoming full-size SUV will feature a more upright front fascia and a taller and wider chrome grille. At the rear end, the vehicle features a straight exhaust with a large tip, while the current model’s exhaust makes a 90-degree turn and exit on the passenger side of the vehicle.

As for the interior design, Ford is going in a different direction from what General Motors did to the Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban and the GMC Yukon; instead of basing the interior design of the new Expedition on a pre-existing model that had a complete redesign, Ford Expedition 2015 will have no ties with the 2015 F-150′s interior (aside from the similar steering wheel design and the pushbutton start).

Just like its predecessor, this upcoming Expedition 2015 SUV will have three rows of seats. The interior will be modern and more advance. It will be offered with many cutting-edge elements. From the snap shots, we could see an interior with a redesigned passenger interface and a new infotainment system. The interior still looks so much like the current model but some notable changes were made on the center stack. The center stack features some old-fashioned knobs and buttons which were used in place of the touch-sensitive controls that came with other Ford products. A new HVAC control, along with new navigation and radio controls, and a larger touch-screen display with MyFord Touch are some of the other notable additions to the interior.

Just like the current Ford Expedition, the eight-passenger Expedition 2015 has storage space on top of its dash, with huge silver-finished panels lining the center stack. Buyers will also appreciate the updated steering wheel and a newer instrument cluster design. To cap it all, the vehicle will feature an engine stop-start system which suggested that the new car may offer hands-free keyless entry.

Under the Hood- Ford Expedition 2015 Engine

Two distinct power units are expected to come with the 2015 Expedition. We have heard rumors that a 3.5L twin-turbo EcoBoost V6 power unit that can deliver around 365 horsepower will be offered as the standard power unit, we have also heard of a 3.7L V6 engine. There are also speculations that a new 5.0L Coyote V8 unit featuring flex fuel capability and variable camshaft timing will be offered as an upgrade (this power unit will be able to haul up to ten thousand pounds). A ten-speed automatic gearbox may be the only transmission offered.

With a light aluminum body and the enhanced EcoBoost engines, the Ford Expedition 2015 is expected to have better fuel efficiency ratings than the current model. The stop/start technology will also improve the city mileage by automatically shutting down parts of the engine whenever the driver applies the brake. The EPA of the current model is estimated at 14 city / 20 hwy mpg with rear-wheel drive and 13 mpg city/18 hwy with AWD.

Release Date and Price of 2015 Ford Expedition

Ford Company has not disclosed the release date and price of the 2015 Ford Expedition, but we expect the vehicle to get to the market before the end of 2014. With the introduction of some new features and EcoBoost engines, the vehicle will not be cheaper that the current models which is sold between $40,605 and $51,355.

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2015 Chevrolet Silverado

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2015 Chevrolet

November 15, 2013

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After achieving some success with its redesigned Silverado light-duty pickup, we have learnt that Chevrolet is planning to follow up with the introduction of the 2015 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD and 3500HD heavy-duty pickups.

Although the truck will still be recognized by its ruggedness, it will boast of some visual updates and refinement.

 2015 Silverado Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options

The 2015 Silverado HD lineup will offer more than 150 options, based on the body, box and powertrain configurations. There will be 3 trim levels: WT (Work Truck), LT and LTZ trims. There will also be a regular cab, crew cab and a new double-cab configuration (this will replace the previous extended cab configuration).

Chevrolet Silverado 2015 Exterior

Although its windshield and roof remaining unchanged, Chevrolet Silverado was restyled for the 2015 model year.

The new truck comes with bolder but more aerodynamic exterior treatments and an all-new sheet metal. The newly designed front end is the first thing buyers will notice about the Chevrolet Silverado 2015. The hoods are more contoured and projector beam headlights replaced the current model’s reflective halogens. Fresh chrome bumpers and larger grilles with chrome trim and cooling intakes were also introduced into the mix. The doors will also be inlaid into the cab. This will improve the vehicle’s aerodynamics and give it a unique appearance.

Silverado 2015 Interior

Silverado 2015 model’s cabin is all about improved comfort and space. The vehicle will come with various technologies to assist you at work. The interior will be enhanced with features like the multi-functional steering wheel and a center control area. There will also be a large infotainment screen that will feature the Chevrolet’s “MyLink” connectivity.

2015 Sliverado Chassis

The 2015 Silverado HD is based on the same chassis that was introduced on the current-generation Silverado in 2011. Although some structural adjustments were made to the chassis to increase the payload of the Silverado 3500 variant from 2014 model’s 7222-lb to 7374 pounds, the chassis is majorly carried over from the 2011 version. The Silverado 3500HD also offers a conventional towing capability of 19,600 pounds, which increases to 23,200 when connected to a fifth-wheel setup. While the 2500HD which has a towing capacity of 14,500 pounds can haul up to 4,306 pounds. According to GM officials, the vehicle which will be available in both single and dual rear-wheel configurations with a 4 x 4 option will come with features like the automatic grade braking, diesel exhaust braking and trailer sway control, which were all refined for the model year.

2015 Chevrolet Silverado Engine & Performance

Silverado 2015 model will be powered by the same power units that came with the current model of the truck. The base engine remains the 360-hp and 380 lb-ft of torque rated gas-powered 6.0-liter V-8, while a 6.6-liter Duramax turbodiesel V-8 that delivers 397-hp and 765 lb-ft is optional. The two engine options will come mated with a 6 speed automatic transmission.

The truck boasts of an improved cooling ability which results from a new sealed front end that uses cooling air more efficiently. The engine air intake located outside the hot engine compartment also helps in maintaining power levels during hauling and towing, especially in hot weather.

Although engine output figures haven’t changed, the improved cooling ability contributes to significantly increase the other key numbers (especially the fuel efficiency).

Safety

Chevrolet Silverado 2015 will come with a rich list of safety features which include side curtain and seat-mounted side airbags (standard on 2500, optional on 3500), front and rear park assist, rearview camera and a Driver Alert Package (Forward Collision Alert, Lane Departure Warning, Safety Alert Seat).

Release Date and Price

The 2015 Chevrolet Silverado pickup is expected to arrive in dealer showrooms across the US early next year. Pricing details will be disclosed shortly before the release date. Follow the link below for more details.

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With the new exterior and interior designs, advanced safety features, more towing capacity and some mechanical improvements, the Silverado HD retain its name as a capable truck and something to look forward to.

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