2017 Chrysler Pacifica: That Name Sounds Familiar...

The new Chrysler Pacifica seeks to reinvent the minivan segment that Chrysler pioneered over 30 years ago.

BEHOLD!!! The car that stole the 2016 North American International Auto Show this year! But wait??? Isn't this is a MINIVAN of all things!? That can't be possible!!! But yes, IT IS. Here is the 2017 Chrysler Pacifica minivan, and it's more interesting than you might expect. Not necessarily because it's generated so much buzz despite being a minivan, but because it actually is hiding a few clever tricks up its sleeve that may just shake up this nearly dead, soccer mom segment. Well, at least for a little while anyways.

To the Grocery Store! And Beyond!

Alright, it's no secret: Minivans are not particularly exciting. Well, not anymore anyways. Although, I do admit: I have somewhat of a bias for them since my mom has owned a couple. But you see, when Chrysler pioneered this segment back in the 80's, they were total hits. Even through the 90's, minivan sales remained quite brisk. It wasn't until the 2000's and after that the "soccer mom" or "lame parents" image began to really cramp the minivan's style. Now, we see automakers doing everything in their power to make their vans "hip" in the age of the crossover. Toyota is probably the most recent example that pops into people's minds with their Sienna commercials. But heck, GM even dubbed their refreshed minivans "crossover sports vans" back in the mid-2000's in an attempt to cash in on the growing crossover craze! Needless to say, they've now exited the market along with a few other automakers. But for those remaining, its a constant uphill battle. Chrysler hopes to steal some thunder away from the segment leaders, the Honda Odyssey and Toyota Sienna, by releasing their all new Pacifica minivan for 2017. At first glance, it certainly looks up to the task of giving them a run for their money.

Now, if the name "Pacifica" sounds familiar to you... DING DING DING! You get a prize! ...Ok not really, but the modern Pacifica everyone likely still remembers was a three-row crossover made from 2004-2008 by Chrysler. Before that, it was the name of various trim packages on older Dodge cars and some Chrysler concept cars too. Now fast-forward roughly 10 years, and Chrysler is dropping the Dodge Grand Caravan entirely and also dropping the Town and Country nameplate to leave just one sole minivan called Pacifica. I'm not sure I'm crazy about this move, given that the Grand Caravan and Town and Country are such historic, well-known nameplates while the previous Pacifica essentially... Flopped. My friend's mom owned the old Pacifica, and it was nice, but nothing super extraordinary. 

Good Designs Stand the Test of Time

This new Pacifica will come with a revised, weight saving 3.6 liter Pentastar V6 engine mated to a 9-speed automatic (presumably the same one from ZF we've seen in other Chrysler products recently). While no fuel economy figures for this 3.6 V6 are available yet, power is up to 287 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. Now here's the showstopper: For the first time in a minivan, the Pacifica will offer a GAS ELECTRIC model. This model uses the 3.6 liter V6 paired to a 16 kWh battery pack, and a twin electric motor set up for a total power output of 260 horsepower and up to 80 MPGe. I had been wondering why there was no electric or hybrid minivan for years! According to Chrysler, a 240-volt charging station can replenish the batteries in less than two hours. Electric only range is said to be 30 miles.

On the interior, the design is fresh and features Chrysler's latest design language to boot. The interior as a whole looks infinitely more premium than the last Town and Country's interior, which dated back to 2008. The new dashboard looks more like the Chrysler 200's layout, and even features the signature rotary shift knob that's found its way into a few other new Chrysler products. Chrysler's exclusive Stow-N-Go seating is still here as well (so long as you don't get the electric model, as the battery packs are in the wells where the seats would go instead), and now functions in a sliding/tilting manner that allows child seats to remain in place. Chrysler claims they're bringing 36 new innovations to the minivan segment with this 2017 Pacifica, but there's one they can't claim: That's the built in vaccum cleaner in the rear of the vehicle. Honda did that first with the Odyssey a few years back. All of the modern safety and convenience tech will be available, such as a 360 degree parking camera system, forward collision warning with autonomous braking, lane departure warning with lane keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, two optional 10-inch television screens in the rear with built-in Wi-Fi, smartphone, and app connectivity with an "are we there yet?" mode that allows backseat passengers to track how close or far away they are from a destination. There's a slew of other surprising technology available as well. PRETTY FASCINATING! That's actually really cool, I say thumbs up Chrysler!

Moral of the Story: You Shouldn't Judge a Car By Its Stigma

So while minivans may not be all the rage these days, it's hard to deny that Chrysler hasn't pretty much redefined some aspects of the segment with this new Pacifica. Having had a parent that owned a couple minivans during the time period that I was growing up, I always felt like they were unappreciated sometimes. They're comfortable, practical, and though not sporty, most drive reasonably well. That said, I'm not sure if this segment will ever be what it was decades ago again. In fact, I'm positive it won't be... But all things considered: Chrysler's 2017 Pacifica minivan may boast an old name on a new frame, but it's certainly more than game for anything that the competition throws at it. Especially in the technology department. Pricing hasn't been announced yet, but expect to see the new Pacifica later this year.

Copyright © 2016 Adam's Autos, All Rights Reserved.

2017 Lexus LC 500: Don't Call It a Sports Car!

That's right! Don't you dare call this a sports car! Lexus doesn't even want to call it that themselves actually. Despite the fact that this car's engine is mounted behind the front axle, the wheels are pushed extremely far out to the corners giving it a more athletic stance, and the car is designed to put the driver as close to the vehicle's center of gravity as possible. But no matter what you see it as, Lexus was in need of a new halo car, after their last attempt at one (the LFA) really didn't last long. Enter the LC 500, which is intended to be Lexus's new crowning performance machine, and promises to stick around a little longer than the LFA.

VROOM! Shake, shake, shake the room!

The new LC 500's styling is not just eye catching, but it's functional as well. An active rear spoiler appears to be standard, and seeks to manage airflow over the car at high speeds. The brakes are piston calipers (six up front, four in the rear), and the battery is mounted under the composite trunk floor, which screams weight reduction. Other weight saving measures used include carbon fiber materials applied on the interior, as well as an optional carbon fiber roof, aluminum components on the doors, bumpers, and also parts of the suspension. Overall, the LC 500 has a 52/48 front/rear weight balance. Very sporty indeed.

Powering the LC 500 will be a 5.0 liter V8 engine that makes 467 horsepower and 389 pound-feet of torque through the rear wheels paired to a 10-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters. Yep, 10 speeds. More speeds than there are days of the week. Made by Lexus themselves, various components of this transmission are made out of aluminum (for even more weight savings) and also contains the smallest torque converter in Lexus history. All combined, Lexus says that the LC 500 should go 0-60 in less than 4.5 seconds. If all that isn't enough, the car will have an active sound system, similar to what we've seen on other high performance vehicles, that will actively manage the exhaust note burble. Given everything here, the LC 500 screams to have an even higher performance F-model produced. Rumors also say that a hybrid may be in the works. Without any question: Lexus is looking to seriously bite into the sales of competitors vehicles. Yes, they're looking at you BMW M6 and Mercedes-Benz AMG models.

Just Remember: Its Not a Sports Car

Lexus has been pretty hush hush on other details about this new "unsporty" model, but the biggest question people have is when will we see it? Next year, but pricing is still an unknown. It's hard to imagine the LC 500 costing less than $90,000-$100,000 base price, however. Yet and still, that's quite a bit more affordable than the lofty $375,000 for the limited production LFA from a few years ago. Everything on the LC 500's interior is presumably real, from the wood, to the leather, and the carbon fiber. Throw in the power and presence the car exudes, and really roughly $100,000 for it is perfectly fine. Lexus was in real need of a new halo vehicle to round out their performance line. With the LC 500 now poised to take over where the LFA left off, but with more realistic expectations, one could say it looks as if Lexus has found their guardian angel.

Copyright © 2016 Adam's Autos, All Rights Reserved.

2017 Volvo S90: A New Day, A New Flagship

The 2017 Volvo S90 is new inside and out and replaces the S80 sedan.

Not long ago, you could've convinced me that Volvo was on their way out of the U.S. market. Formally owned by Ford Motor Company, and now by Chinese company Geely, you could go months in some places and not see a new Volvo on the road. Now here we are in 2016, and the brand is on a complete turn around. Starting with the new XC90 SUV, and now the S90 flagship sedan. Both seem to embody the new spirit and design language of the Volvo brand. And if that's true, then Volvo is a brand we're going to want to keep our eyes on in the coming years!

Luxury Abounds

If you're going to compete in the luxury sedan segment, then you have to bring your A-game. Recognizing they weren't properly doing this, Volvo set out to redefine themselves in short order. In the sedan department, the S90 replaces the S80 and combines the best parts of Volvo's new products. Originally, this model was supposed to debut BEFORE the new XC90 SUV, but market conditions proved more favorable for an SUV introduction first. Both models share their powertrains and some other components, but have totally different target audiences. The S90 competes with other midsized luxury sedans such as the Audi A6, Mercedes-Benz E-Class, and various Cadillac models. Where it will mainly differ from these models is in its powertrain options. While its rivals offer a variety of engine options, the S90 will only offer 4-cylinder engine options, as Volvo recently stated that this is all they will offer on ANY of their cars going forward. This is very interesting, but what Volvo has been doing with their powertrains lately is also worth noting. The unique combination of supercharging AND turbocharging their engines really nearly eliminates any turbo lag at low RPMs, but also maximizes efficiency and power throughout the rest of the engine's powerband.

Like the XC90 SUV, the S90 T6 will be powered by a turbocharged and supercharged 2.0 liter 4-cylinder engine paired to an 8-speed automatic and all-wheel drive. Making 316 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, it doesn't sound like anyone will be complaining about a lack of power from this engine. In addition to this powertrain, the S90 will be available with front wheel drive and a turbocharged-only version of the same 2.0 liter engine (dubbed the S90 T5), good for 240 horsepower in the smaller S60 sedan. Whether or not Americans will get the option of all-wheel drive on all models remains to be figured out. The S90 will have optional air suspension on some models, similar to how the XC90 offers air suspension as well.

Inside the Ride

Inside of the S90, you can see many of the XC90 SUV's design language at play. From the giant tablet-like touchscreen, leather and wood-wrapped interior trim, to the comprehensive safety equipment available, Volvo is more serious than ever about being a contender in the luxury car segment. This goes double in the safety arena, as the S90 offers expanded safety features over those introduced in past Volvo models. Pilot Assist, which was introduced on the XC90, is upgraded and included on the S90 as standard equipment. Pilot Steer in the S90 can maneuver the car up to 81 MPH by simply reading road lines without using the adaptive cruise control to lock onto a car ahead. Although, this feature requires that the driver keeps a hand on the wheel at all times. Additionally, Volvo's City Safety system offers autonomous braking and forward collision warning, and can sense if there are pedestrians, large animals, cyclists, and other objects in front of the car and stop accordingly to avoid an accident. This is a major step forward for this kind of technology, and Volvo aims to someday have no one injured or killed in their vehicles, and also to have fully autonomous driving vehicles in their lineup by the year 2020. While this is no excuse for drivers to get lazy, I'm all for more in-car technological advancements!

The Road Ahead

Volvo's path hasn't always been clear, but now it's safe to say it's more clear than ever. With new models like the S90 helping redefine the brand's image, it is easy to see that Volvo has a mission and is determined to reach it. Paving the way to a safer, autonomous driving future is a noble cause indeed. And while the rear of the S90 is a little more ho-hum than the rest of its design, hopefully this is just a subliminal nod to the fact that Volvo's most bland days are behind them, and a future just as striking as the rest of the car is in the not too distance future! Expect the S90 to be released early this summer and pricing to be similar to that of that of the S80 sedan it is replacing (the 2016 S80 starts at $44,390).

Copyright © 2016 Adam's Autos, All Rights Reserved.

2017 GMC Acadia: Smaller, But With Bigger Aspirations

The 2017 GMC Acadia is smaller all around, placing it more squarely in competition with its main rivals.

Debuting in 2007 alongside the former Saturn Outlook, the GMC Acadia and the rest of General Motor's Lambda crossover SUVs have since been among the global automaker's biggest hits. They're honestly some of my personal favorite vehicles! And apparently I'm not alone, because in various years, sales for these crossovers have exceeded demand, leading to additional shifts being added at GM's Lansing Assembly plant. Also a few years back, I had a chance to tour this factory as part of a site visit for a business program at Michigan State University, and needless to say I was impressed with how advanced the facilities were. Then again, this factory is relatively new within GM's portfolio, so it was to be expected. 

Fast forward now to 2016, and it is time for a new Acadia and its sibling vehicles to take center stage. Technically, this redesign is long overdue, as besides a freshening for the 2013 model year, these crossovers (Acadia, Enclave, and Traverse) have been virtually unchanged since their introductions. The Acadia took on some of the old Saturn's styling cues in its 2013 refresh, bringing it more in line with GMC's corporate design language with its wraparound rear window. But that didn't prevent the design from aging, albeit they've aged gracefully. Later this year, we shall see these new crossovers arrive, but they may seem largely different to some. Or should I say... "Smaller." Because that's the strategy this time around with the Acadia and its siblings models. And I must say, I'm not sure quite how I feel about that just yet.

Less Is More

Indeed, stricter fuel economy regulations are influencing many of the new designs we are seeing nowadays. Less heft, more hustle. Less weight, more economy. And the Acadia is no exception to this new industry-wide mindset. While most redesigns typically focus on cutting weight while somehow magically increasing the vehicle's size, GMC decided to spare us the mystery and simply designed a smaller crossover overall. In doing so, the Acadia is some 700 pounds (!!!) lighter in this new forthcoming generation. This is pretty significant not only because of the potential efficiency advantages, but because one of the prior generation's high points was it having more interior volume than its competitors, such as the Dodge Durango and Honda Pilot. While this new Acadia will still seat seven passengers, it will no longer offer eight passenger seating and its third row seat will now only seat two instead of three. A six passenger version with captain's chairs in the second row will be offered, as will an all wheel drive All-Terrain version of the Acadia, similar to what we've seen in GMC's truck lineup. That model will not offer a third row seat, only five passenger seating. Now just to give you an even better idea of how much smaller the new Acadia is than the previous model, here are some numbers. Wheelbase in the 2017 model is down 6.4 inches, overall length is down 7.2 inches, and width shrinks 3.5 inches. Second row legroom and headroom (without the sunroof) are essentially unchanged. Other figures such as hip and shoulder room are down as well, however.

Now don't go getting the impression that I'm knocking the new Acadia! I'm sure it's going to be a hit like the current model. It just is really interesting how designers managed to cut so much weight off of the model, but how it seems like it drastically changed one of the strengths of the outgoing model. But you have to figure, if consumers are buying the competition at their smaller sizes, then I'm sure the Acadia will fit right in with its competitors now without serious buyers or fans even caring about the size of the new model. You could say it was hard to classify the previous model given its heft.

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Despite its drop in weight, the Acadia is more loaded than ever with premium features. Standard now will be a 2.5 liter 4-cylinder engine making 194 horsepower, and available will be the former 3.6 liter V6 engine, now revised to provide improved fuel efficiency and make 310 horsepower. A 4 cylinder seems quite small for a car this large. But keep in mind: its recently lost 700 pounds. Both engines are mated to a 6-speed automatic, which is strange I feel given that several key competitors offer 8 or 9-speed transmissions now. But "if it ain't broke..." You know the rest. Fuel economy ratings for the front wheel drive 4-cylinder with its new engine stop-start system are expected to be 22 city/28 highway, while the front wheel drive V6 is expected to achieve 17 city/25 highway using its active fuel management system. GMC's new all-wheel drive system is handled by "active twin clutches" that more evenly distributes engine torque across the rear axle. Drivers also have the option of now disabling the AWD system and relying solely on front wheel drive or cycling through different driving modes, such as snow or sport mode. 

On the interior, the dashboard is redesigned now to incorporate the latest version of GMC's Intellilink infotainment system. A variety of modern safety features are available too, including blind-spot monitoring, pedestrian detection, low-speed emergency braking on SLT-2 models and all-speed emergency braking on high-end Denali models, adaptive cruise control, 360-degree parking camera system, and a ton more. Perhaps the most interesting of these new features is one that will remind you to check the back seat just in case you left anything there, such as groceries or a child. It does this by remembering if you opened the rear doors before driving or not. GM's innovative safety seat alert is also available, and vibrates to let the driver know of any dangers that are present around the vehicle.

The Light Is Right

2017 GMC Acadia All-Terrain

This past year was one of the Acadia's best-selling years, and with these new innovations and serious weight reduction, I'm willing to bet it is going to continue to be a hit. It'll be interesting to see how the new 4-cylinder performs in this still relatively large vehicle, and also what the new Chevrolet Traverse and Buick Enclave will look like as they are redesigned soon as well. While not as big as before, the 2017 Acadia looks like it can keep pace with the competition and fill the shoes of the outgoing model well. While downsizing a new model in this day and age is unusual, the Acadia and its siblings already have the sales momentum in their corner of the field, which should continue to bode well for them. Additionally, GM's recent track record of dramatically improving on their past designs is strong too. Given how big of a fan I was of the Lambdas when they all originally came out, I'm excited to see this new crossover in person when it's released this spring. I predict that pricing for the Acadia will likely remain in line with the current model.

Copyright © 2016 Adam's Autos, All Rights Reserved.

2017 Honda Ridgeline: Same Name, New Frame, Better Game

After having not being on sale for roughly two years, Honda's pickup truck the Ridgeline is back. Originally introduced as a 2006 model, the Ridgeline did not sell in particularly high numbers due to owners panning it as being too "soft" to be a real pickup truck. After all, it rode (and for 2017, will still ride) on a Honda Pilot crossover platform. But don't be so quick to dismiss this model, as it's bringing some new tricks with it this time around. And personally, I think it looks better than the old model (albeit a little too car-like in some places) and appears to be better executed overall this time around as well.

Underneath It All

As mentioned previously, for 2017, the Ridgeline will ride on the Honda Pilot's unibody platform that has obviously been modified to accommodate this new truck's frame. Honda did not provide full details on the towing capacity and other similar figures at the auto show this year, but promised they would be available in the near future. Regardless, it is estimated the Ridgeline will be able to tow more than the Pilot upon which it's based. Maximum towing capacity for Honda Pilots with all-wheel drive is 5,000 pounds, 3,500 with front wheel drive. What else we do know, is that the Ridgeline is equipped with the Pilot's 280 HP 3.5 liter V6 engine paired to a 6-speed automatic transmission, and will be offered with all-wheel drive AND front wheel drive this time around. A front wheel drive configuration on a truck is a real anomaly. The Ridgeline will be the only midsized pickup truck to offer front wheel drive when it is released, which is sure to draw some scorn from the truck community. However, this setup will likely bode well for ride quality, which is a plus. Maximum payload is expected "to be approaching 1,600 pounds", in Honda's own words.

The Ridgeline's interior is just as up-to-date as its exterior, offering features such as Honda's touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility, push-button start, three zone climate control, leather seats with a 60/40 split folding rear seat, Honda's LaneWatch side camera system coupled with other modern driving safety features (such as blind-spot monitoring and forward collision alert), and a slew of other great conveniences. One of the things that really made the last Ridgeline unique however, was how its bed could be configured. Despite this, the bed on the last Ridgeline was smaller, and thus, less convenient to use than similar competitions' cargo areas. Honda has stretched the bed in this 2017 Ridgeline, and also added some new storage compartments, potentially remedying this former issue. Back from the last generation is the locking in-bed trunk and dual-action tailgate that opens from side or folds down. Newly available is an in-bed sound system that has six "exciters" mounted into the truck bed and is capable of producing 540 watts. Sounds exciting! There's also a 400 watt household-style electrical outlet that's available. Good news: Your ultimate tailgate just got significantly more realistic.

Bridging The Ridge, Sooner Than Later

Honda's new Ridgeline appears to be more substantial than its predecessor, and now is more up-to-date than ever before. How this plays into sales figures waits to be seen. However, it certainly can't sell worst than the old Ridgeline did... Right? Let's hope not. Building on the past is one good way to a brighter future, and the Ridgeline does have one if it strikes the right chord with buyers. Being "unique" is the Ridgeline's unofficial trademark after all. And the whole being unique formula did work decently well for now-defunct, but equally innovative Chevrolet Avalanche in the full-sized truck segment. Expect to see the 2017 Ridgeline on dealers lots this coming spring.

Copyright © 2016 Adam's Autos, All Rights Reserved.

Buick Cascada and Envision: Buick Keeps Getting Busy!

Cascada: It Means "Waterfall"

2016 Buick Cascada at this year's North American International Auto Show.

Behold the first Buick convertible in over 25 years! The last time Buick had a convertible in their lineup was the 1991 Buick Reatta. I'm continuously impressed by Buick. They keep rolling out new models that allow them to defy expectations and win over younger buyers. The soft-top Cascada convertible is actually a rebadged Opel that is imported to North America, as are some other Buick models. This was a trend that was started by Saturn before that brand went under back in 2010. The Cascada has already been on sale in Europe for several years now. will come standard with a 1.6 liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine making 168 horsepower paired to a 6-speed automatic transmission, Buick's Intellilink infotainment system, rear park assist, and 20-inch (yes, standard 20s on a Buick) rims on both the base and uplevel models. Base models start at $33,065, where uplevel Premium trim models start at $36,065. The Premium trim level adds forward collision alert, lane departure warning, and rain sensing wipers among other features. Of all of the recent Buicks to have come out recently, this is the one I'm looking forward to test driving the most. Although, Buick has stated that the Cascada will only be available in certain parts of the United States starting out, such as Florida. This makes sense, as this is where most convertibles are sold at anyways. Expect the Cascada to release this coming spring.

The Reatta, last sold in 1991, is pretty rare these days. It hold the distinction of being the last Buick convertible since the upcoming Cascada. Its quite the departure design-wise, even from other Buicks produced in the same era! (Late 80s & Early 90s)

Envision the Future

The 2016 Buick Envision crossover. I've seen these in testing on the road several times over the last year.

Buick's third crossover vehicle in the last 8 years, the Envision, is a little late to the game. Competitors such as Acura, Audi and Lexus have successfully capitalized on this segment for nearly the better part of a decade now, and Buick's past offerings - the Rendezvous, Rainier, and Terraza minivan - all certainly left something to be desired among buyers. The Enclave, which launched in 2008 as a replacement for those vehicles, has been a much better attempt at a luxury crossover. But yet, it is too big to truly compete with some of those mid-sized crossover vehicles since it offers third row seating coupled with more cargo capacity than even some of its immediate competition (i.e. Dodge Durango, Acura MDX, Honda Pilot Elite, Hyundai Sante Fe, etc.)! The Encore, while thus far being a strong seller for Buick, is too small to fill that role. Therefore: Enter the Envision, which is a model that is new to us, but has been on sale in China for a few years now. It'll be manufactured there and imported to North America. The model unveiled at the auto show this year was developed specifically for the United States market however, and features innovative seating and cargo arrangements, and undeniable Buick presence inside and out.

Powering the Vision

The Envision will only be available with one engine choice: a familiar GM 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine making 252 horsepower while paired to a 6-speed automatic transmission. This engine is tested and true, being used in some of GM's more performance oriented vehicles such as the Cadillac ATS and Buick Regal GS. My mother's 2013 Regal turbo also uses a version of this engine that makes 220 horsepower, and I can report it works well. How it will feel in a vehicle this large with standard all wheel drive is an unknown. But like I said, it's a solid engine overall. I am curious as to why only a 6-speed automatic is offered, as this somewhat dates the design of this car. Most competitors offer an 8 or 9-speed transmission now, but I'm sure we will see that and possibly front wheel drive on the Envision in the future.

2016 Buick Envision Interior

You can expect all of the latest safety gear will be present on the Envision, such as blind spot monitoring, lane keeping assist, autonomous braking, adaptive cruise control, etc. Additionally, other standard or available features will include heated and cooled front seats, heated rear seats, Bose premium audio, a 360-degree camera system for parking purposes, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay capability, and OnStar with 4G LTE Wi-Fi connectivity. Overall interior styling is modern and follows Buick's current and future design languages, which is also on display in the new 2017 LaCrosse. LED running lights are standard on the exterior and a power rear liftgate is available.

The Future Is Near

Overall, the Envision is quite nice. Its styling is a little on the conservative side, and I'm not entirely sure the rear and the front mesh 100%, but I doubt that this will deter buyers much. Its likely one of those things where once you see it in person, you become an instant fan. The Envision is scheduled to launch mid-year as a late 2016 model, with pricing and fuel economy figures to be released closer to the launch date as well. Given how well both the Enclave and Encore have performed for Buick, this new crossover has big shoes to fill. But Buick has been on an absolute roll lately, and I'm sure that both the Cascada and Envision will continue to give Buick all the added momentum it needs to become a distinct leader in its segment.

Copyright © 2016 Adam's Autos, All Rights Reserved.

2017 Lincoln Continental: A Historic Nameplate Reborn

2017 Lincoln Continental

First introduced in 1939, Lincoln hopes to win back some of their fanbase by reviving an old nameplate with a new mission and design language. The Continental concept debuted last year, and now we get an in-depth look at the production version this year at the 2016 North American International Auto Show. This is a very pivotal model in Lincoln's lineup, as it carries a lot of nostalgia in its name and has big implications for the future Lincoln models to come.

The last version of the Lincoln Continental was sold in 2002.

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Lincoln's new Continental rides on what's essentially a stretched CD4 Ford Fusion platform, but is certainly more luxurious than its smaller sibling vehicle. Its suspension has been specifically re-engineered to be more unique to this vehicle, and the the car will be available as a front or all-wheel-drive vehicle. The exterior design is strikingly similar to the concept, and I find it interesting how the door handles are integrated into the window sills and aren't standalone on the doors. Lincoln did away with their "split-wing" grille that strangely reminded of some Oldsmobiles. I expect to see that grille making its way across the entire Lincoln lineup over the next several years as models reach their mid-production cycle updates. And of course: What's a proper luxury car without chrome, chrome, and more... You guessed it: Chrome. Oh, and LED headlights everywhere. The overall combination is nicely done. Under the hood, three engines will be available. A 2.7 liter turbo 4-cylinder, an all-new 400 horsepower and 400 pound-feet of torque 3.0 liter turbo V6, and finally a 3.7 liter naturally aspirated V6 engine. The 3.0 can only be had with AWD. All engines will use a six-speed automatic transmission (weird, given that many competitors offer 8-speed transmissions these days), and selectable drive modes of Normal, Sport, and Comfort will be available as well.

Comfort is a first-class affair in both rows of seating in the new Continental.

The interior is just as glorified as the exterior, and features 30-way power front seats with adjustable multicontour support, massaging, heating, cooling, and whatever else Lincoln decided to throw in to ensure they're as soft as a cloud. I must say, I really want to sit in them myself just looking at them! And you likely won't hear many complaints from back seat passengers, as those seats are heated, cooled, have massaging features, and recline as well. The huge rear center armrest can also be folded down when no one is sitting there to reveal rear seat climate controls and seating controls. What will curiously be omitted from the list of fancy features is "hands off the wheel" autonomous driving features. However, regular driver's assistance tech such as blind spot monitoring, lane departure warning with lane keep assist, autonomous braking, adaptive cruise control, and parallel and perpendicular parking assist, among other features, will all be included. Basically, Lincoln doesn't want you getting TOO comfortable in this large, cushy sedan. Ford's new SYNC 3 system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay will also come standard. Check out my previous post to read up on SYNC 3 and its latest features.

Dawn of a New Day?

The Continental will be available in three trim levels: Premiere, Select, Reserve, and Lincoln's exclusive Black Label. It is set to compete with the likes of Cadillac's equally new CT6 sedan, Audi's A6, various Lexus models, and other mid-sized and large luxury vehicles of similar size and price. Expect it to release later this year. 

Lincoln's slow selling MKS sedan bows out in favor of this new model, and honestly, it comes not a moment too soon. Lincoln has been lost amongst a sea of not necessarily "better" luxury competitors, but a sea of competitors who actually knew who they were. In other words, their brand had an actual identity that attracted buyers for one reason or another. Lincoln recognizes its still viewed as a little too "old school" for today's "new school" buyers, and they need a fresh halo vehicle in order to breathe some new life into the brand. For now, there's no vehicle more poised to do so than this new Continental (...or perhaps a new Town Car).

Copyright © 2016 Adam's Autos, All Rights Reserved.

Ford's Sync 3 Infotainment System: More Tech, Less Fuss

Ford's new SYNC 3 user interface will be implemented into new 2016 and 2017 models soon. The layout, voice commands, responsiveness, and content are all much improved over the outgoing MyFord Touch system.

Prior to the 2016 NAIAS, we got word that Ford's replacement for their often panned MyFord Touch system was in the works and would be dubbed "SYNC 3". Originally debuting back in the 2007 timeframe, you could say that SYNC was one of the first in-car systems to usher in the modern age of drivers becoming more "connected" with their vehicles. It featured bluetooth calling, voice prompts for radio commands, and a host of other modern features for the time. 

Now almost 10 years later, all upcoming Ford and Lincoln models will offer Sync 3, which hopes to usher in a new era of in-car connectivity, offering enhanced features such as Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and SYNC Connect. SYNC Connect is powered by 4G LTE Wi-Fi and allows owners to check key information, such as the vehicle's fuel level and temperature, from their smartphone or other similar electronic devices. SYNC 3 can also connect to an in-home Wi-Fi connection and update its software similar to how a video game console or smartphone would. Rest assured: Your personal data is secure when using SYNC 3's wireless capabilities. Overall, I feel SYNC 3 is a solid and VERY much needed upgrade from the previous system. I'm looking forward to trying it out myself in the near future.

While SYNC 3 is already available on a couple new Ford models that are currently out, such as the Escape, it will be available later this year on ALL late-2016 and 2017 Ford and Lincoln models. Ford says owners who buy a 2016 model still equipped with MyFord Touch will have the opportunity to upgrade to SYNC 3 for free at a later date.

Below, I've provided some links to articles where you can learn more about all of the improvements and feature highlights of the new SYNC 3 infotainment system:

• http://www.autoblog.com/2016/01/04/ford-sync-3-apple-carplay-android-auto/
• http://www.popsci.com/2015-detroit-auto-show-ford-sync-3-system-wants-your-trust
• https://media.ford.com/content/fordmedia/fna/us/en/news/2015/06/02/all-new-ford-sync-3-connectivity-system-launching-on-2016-ford-e.html

Copyright © 2016 Adam's Autos, All Rights Reserved.

2017 Ford Fusion: More Sport for Your Buck

2017 Ford Fusion Sport

Since its introduction back in 2007, the Fusion has been one of Ford's most profitable and valuable vehicles in their lineup. I mean after all, it does compete in the mid-sized sedan segment, which is undoubtedly one of the most competitive segments in the auto industry today. And the original Fusion gave something Ford at the time desperately needed to stay up with rapidly changing consumer tastes: a viable contender. Fast forward to 2013, and Ford shocked the world with its new redesigned Fusion sedan, which featured cutting edge technology and suave styling to boot, demonstrating that midsized sedans could be practical AND appealing. Now let's fast forward again now to the upcoming 2017 model year, and while not an entirely new model, we do get a refreshed Fusion sedan that ushers in Ford's latest suite of advanced features, all while retaining its same sleek profile from before.

Before we dive deeper under this revised Fusion's skin, let me just say that I wasn't really a fan of the 2013-2016 models. There was something about them that just seemed... Off to me, honestly. Perhaps Ford's "Aston Martin inspired" styling on the sedan just didn't cut it for me. It works well on some designs they've had, but it just never won me over too much with the Fusion. I never cared much for the mini front window near the A-pillar either. NOW... With all of that out of the way, let me mention that this 2017 Fusion is one handsome sedan. With its now standard or optional (depending on the trim level) LED headlights, fog lights, and taillights among other exterior styling revisions, it's quite amazing how a few tweaks can go a long way. Although I'm sure some fans of the Fusion will say that the changes are a bit too mild for them. But remember! Beauty can be more than skin deep.

Pedal to the Metal!
One of the biggest revisions to the current Ford Fusion outside of styling comes in the form of what's under its hood. A new Ford Fusion Sport model is now available (or available again may be the more appropriate wording, as a Sport model was available before the 2013 redesign) and is powered by a 3.5-liter twin-turbo Ecoboost engine making 325 horsepower while paired to an 8-speed automatic transmission with all wheel drive. While only the Sport will get the 3.5 Ecoboost V6, the 8-speed transmission is standard on all Fusions, including the lower powered engines, which actually get a nice power boost for 2017 due to dual-scroll technology being applied to the 1.5 and 2.0 turbocharged 4-cylinders now. The 1.5 turbo is expected to make about 200 horsepower now, while the 2.0 turbo should make in the neighborhood of 250 horsepower. A naturally aspirated (meaning non-turbocharged) 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine is the most basic engine available, and makes 175 horsepower. Fusion's gas hybrid and plug-in electric hybrid Energi models will still be available as well, although they are largely unchanged aside from some minor recalibrations.

2017 Ford Fusion Titanium

Opulence Is a MUST
Inside, the Fusion's cabin and dashboard layout are now revised. The overall interior looks to feel much more substantial overall, and features diamond quilting on the leather in top-end Titanium models, an electronic parking brake, an electronic shifter, as well as Ford's new Sync 3 infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and 4G LTE Wi-Fi connectivity. Sync 3 promises to be more refined and intuitive than Ford's older MyFord Touch system, which frequently got mixed reviews despite constant improvements. The latest suite of modern safety and convenience features are available too, such as blind spot monitoring, parallel and perpendicular park assist, lane departure warning, lane keeping assist, a drowsy driver alert feature, and engine auto stop-start technology that shuts off the engine under idling conditions to save fuel. Overall, it's safe to say this new Fusion is LOADED.

Coming Soon
Pricing for the 2017 Ford Fusion shouldn't change drastically. All midsized cars now are more expensive than they used to be due to the amount of feature content they contain now, so remember that if you're in the market. 2016 Fusion models start out at $22,110 for an S model. For 2017, the Ford Fusion Sport starts at $34,350 and the Titanium starts at $37,495. I expect that with options, the Fusion may reach the low $40,000 price range, especially in the hybrid and plug-in hybrid models due to the increased amount of technology and features in those models. Given the performance aspirations of the Sport model, I feel that its pricing is justified given the engine in it. It ought to be a blast to drive! How do you feel about the new 2017 Fusion? Drop a comment below or on Adam's Autos on Facebook to let me know!

The Fusion certainly has its work cut out for it given that Nissan, Honda, Chevrolet, and Kia all recently updated their mid-sized sedan offerings in substantial ways as well to remain competitive. But given the Fusion's new performance and technology offerings, its competitors are going to have to keep their eyes on the prize as well if they hope to earn a nice sized chunk of the mid-sized pie. Time will tell, and consumers will decide who will reign atop of the class. I look forward to seeing the new Fusion hit dealer lots and roadways this coming spring! 

ROLL ON READERS!

Copyright © 2016 Adam's Autos, All Rights Reserved.

Buick Avista Concept: THAT'S A BUICK!?

"...I thought you said they bought a Buick???"

"THAT'S NOT A BUICK!"

"THAT'S WHAT I TOLD HIM!"

The Buick Avista concept. Yep, you read it right. This is a Buick.

These lines come from the frequently run Buick commercials we've all seen lately. And at first glance, one may have a hard time believing that the vehicle they're looking at on stage comes from Buick! Because after all, isn't Buick only for "old people?" Don't they make "land yachts" with enormous back seats that are only good for cross-country road trips and other things... perhaps better left unsaid? Boy oh boy, we all know perception and stereotypes are a pain sometimes. As brands such as Kia and Buick have learned and struggled to overcome the hard way: By completely going back to the drawing board. Right now, I'm going to impress upon you a few quick reasons as to why you SHOULD NOT be surprised this Avista concept came from Buick.

Redefining Luxury AND Themselves

Over the past several years, Buick has been working hard to completely redefine themselves in a new light with American buyers. The brand is already immensely popular in China (part of the reason Buick survived the recent recession, but that's another story entirely), and now as a result of their efforts, is one of the fastest growing brands in America. They're now appealing to a much younger audience with models like the Regal and Encore. And with the upcoming Cascada convertible, I don't see that trend slowing down anytime soon. But in the meantime, Buick has given us some more eye candy that has everyone drooling. First the Avenir, and now the Avista. If they're names weren't intriguing enough, then their styling will certainly keep your attention. Especially when it comes to the Avista. It shares the same wheelbase with the new 2016 Chevrolet Camaro SS, and it makes a solid 400 horsepower coming from its new 3.0 liter twin-turbo Cadillac-supplied V6 paired to an 8-speed automatic transmission.

Now mind you, Buick hasn't had a coupe in their lineup since the 90s! As hard as it might be to believe, that was nearly 20 years ago now! The last Rivera rolled off the line in 1999. So when everyone saw this concept wearing Buick's new corporate interpretation on their classic "waterfall" grille, and also adorning the classic tri-color tri-shield emblem, you bet people got to talking! Many are calling for a production version of the Avista right now, and I honestly must agree with them. I mean, a Buick coupe? Buick? In 2016? That's rear wheel drive??? AND it has a twin-turbo V6 engine in it??? Seriously!!?!? And those rims on it...

The last version of the Buick Riviera, produced from 1995-1999, was also the last Buick coupe as of late. It shared its architecture with the 1995-1999 Oldsmobile Aurora, and was often considered as sleeper due to its conspicuous styling, but world-renowned reliability and performance of its 3.8 liter V6 engines make it somewhat of a gem.

Sign Me Up!

Comment and let me know what you think! Is the Avista a step in the right direction for Buick? How well do you think they've overcome their "stodgy, old-timer" stigma?

As we've seen first-hand, Buick is already on a roll, and will continue to turn heads and defy perceptions if they can actually turn concepts such as this into a reality. And given a rumor I heard, GM is now considering doing something at least with the Avista name since the auto show demand was so strong! That's good news for die-hard Buick fans, which I've almost become myself recently. My mother's 2013 Buick Regal turbo is one of the most enjoyable cars to drive we've ever owned I'd say. And given that a new Regal is surely on the horizon now, a redesigned Verano is coming, the Cascada is due to be on lots soon, AND now we have murmurs of this Avista concept either working its way into production or, at the bear minimum, different styling elements from this vehicle working its way into newer Buick models, I wouldn't dare underestimate Buick's potential in the marketplace and at General Motors right now. 

You shouldn't either. Because I assure you things are just heating up.

Copyright © 2016 Adam's Autos, All Rights Reserved.

2016 Honda Civic Sedan & Coupe - Presenting the 2016 North American Car of the Year!

Greetings readers! It's my favorite time of year: AUTO SHOW TIME! And that means we get a more in-depth look at some of the latest models that'll be hitting roadways soon. Many exciting concepts and production models were unveiled at this year's 2016 North American International Auto Show, and we'll be taking a look at some here on Adam's Autos! The first of which is none other than the new Honda Civic!

The 2016 Honda Civic sedan: 2016 North American Car of the Year Recipient

YAY! An all new Civic for only the... How many times now???

The answer to that question is 10. There have now been 10 generations of Honda's Civic now, dating back to 1973 in Japan. I'm choosing to highlight this model not because it was unveiled at this auto show (because it wasn't, it's already on sale), but because it marks such a huge leap forward for the compact car segment and the Civic name! The previous Civic was rather... ho-hum in its ratings by agencies such as Consumer Reports, and while maintaining relatively above average quality overall, still had a sense of "cheapness" to it that was lacking from past Civics. Well no more! This new model was so much improved, it won the prestigious North American Car of the Year award! Why is that you ask?

Substance Is the Word

Substance. That is why the Civic won car of the year. Substance is the rave these days in the auto industry! Higher quality materials, more fuel economy, more value at less cost for consumers, and the list goes on. Automakers are actually putting their best efforts into making even their "lesser" models competitive on a global scale. And it shows in designs like the Civic. 

Throughout the interior, the attention to detail and technology is just phenomenal. Especially when compared to the prior generation Civic. As part of a project for a marketing group I was in on campus at Michigan State University, we had to market the 2012 Honda Civic sedan to Gen. Y college students. At that time, the Civic came standard with features such as Bluetooth integration for music and phones, USB connection ports, satellite radio, among other features. These features being standard was considered HUGE back in the 2012 timeframe, and Honda really pushed us to put emphasis on those features and what its competitors (Chevy Cruze, Ford Focus, Kia Forte, etc.) lacked to aid in our appeal to younger buyers. Admittedly, it was a tough sell. Both due to the fact that not everyone was interested in cars as opposed to their grades and mounting student debt, but also because the Civic example Honda provided us with was just so dull-feeling...

Fast forward just 4 years, and the leap in technology both standard and available is staggering! All models still have Bluetooth streaming audio and USB connectivity standard, however, EX and above models enter into a whole new realm of advanced! Featuring the latest in-car connectivity systems, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, on equipped models, you can seamlessly integrate your cellphone into your Civic's touchscreen and operate it as though it never left your hands and thorough voice commands! Its really something to behold when you look up all of the different features included in those packages and how it functions overall. In addition to these features, several other modern technologies and conveniences such as XM and HD radio, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert for when you're backing up, forward collision warning, lane departure warning with lane keeping assist, an extra fancy "floating" front storage console under the dashboard, and so much more are all available or standard on several trims of the new Civic. As I mentioned before: substance. There's certainly no lack of it here!

When Will We See It?

The 2016 Civic is already on sale. Pricing starts at $18,640 in the sedan, the only bodystyle currently available. However, it certainly wouldn't be characteristic of Honda to not offer a coupe version of the Civic, as they have in the past. And for that audience, Honda unveiled a coupe concept that looks pretty convincing to me. I already like the sedan's styling. Although I must say, I do see a hint of Honda Accord Crosstour styling in it, which is one of my least favorite Honda vehicles. 

The Honda Crosstour (previously called the "Honda Accord Crosstour", until Honda realized they didn't want to risk tainting their legendary "Accord" nameplate) was sold from the 2010 to 2015 model year. It was QUITE the slow seller to say the least... I certainly see some family resemblance between the new Civic and the Crosstour in the Civic's rear end, however.

Also from what I hear, not having any actual volume knobs on the radio on the inside can prove to be more of an annoyance than you think (Honda's new infotainment system in some models relies heavily on capacitive touch buttons and tablet-style swiping instead of physical buttons).

10th Generation variant of the popular Honda Civic Coupe

Overall, I greatly approve of this new Civic design, as it definitely makes up for ground lost by the previous generation. Let's hope we do see an Si model of both the sedan and upcoming coupe in the future, as the new 1.5 turbo 4 cylinder, while regarded as pretty decent overall, won't satisfy Civic lovers as the only uplevel engine choice. Let's also hope the upcoming Si and Type-R models get conventional transmissions and not a controversial CVT (continuously variable transmissions), such as the one found in most 2016 Civic trim levels now.

The Verdict: The Honda Civic is certainly worthy of any sedan buyer's consideration and a test drive. An in-depth review in the near future is a must for this model!

Copyright © 2016 Adam's Autos, All Rights Reserved.