With the RX-8 out of production earlier this year, Mazda is now left without a rotary engine in its lineup. The main reason for the engine’s downfall is its heavy fuel consumption and subsequent high emissions, which makes it simply not needed in the current market.
Mazda is working on a new rotary engine, and it is expected to come out next year. It will be a range-extender for an electric car, which will most likely be based on the next-generation Mazda3. Although the rotary engine seems to be getting sucked in with the funnel for a more fuel efficient motor, there seems to be a light at the end of the tunnel.
According to one of Mazda’s top engineers, the rotary’s future is much brighter than simply being a range-extender for an Eco machine. According to The Motor Report, Nobuhiro Yamamoto, program manager for the Mazda MX-5, said that a new RX-7 sports car was in the works and that it will be launched in 2017, the 50th anniversary year of the Mazda Cosmo Sport, Mazda’s first rotary-powered car and the first volume production car to feature such an engine.
Drawing of 2017 RX-7
He revealed that the "new RX-7 would feature Mazda’s still-in-development 16X rotary engine, which will retain the previous 13B’s twin-rotor design but will see its displacement increase to 1.6 liters." Peak output will likely come close to 300 horsepower, and that's without help from a turbocharger.
The last RX-7 on the market was in 2002, with twin turbochargers it put out only 280 hp and a top speed of 155 (factory limit). In 2017 we should see a more fuel efficient, lighter, and faster RX-7.
Yamamoto explained that Mazda’s latest SKYACTIV technology will help the new rotary engine be much more fuel-efficient than previous versions. He also said there would be no hybrid option for the RX-7 because of its sports car appeal.
In the U.S. the next RX-7 is expected to come as a strict two-seater.
Sadly, five more years is still a very, very long time to wait. But when it's here the RX-7 will be a thing of beauty.
At the Los Angeles Auto Show serious performance was displayed, where the 2014 Jaguar XFR-S sedan was revealed. The letters in Jaguar's R-S breed don't stand for “really serious,” but maybe they should.
Much like the performance-oriented 2012 Jaguar XKR-S, the 2014 XFR-S is all business, dressed in carbon-fiber, enhanced aerodynamic treatments and wide, 20-inch wheels.
Engine
2014 Jaguar XFR-S Engine
The supercharged 5.0-liter V8 in the XFR-S leaps to 550 hp and 502 lb-ft allowing for a cat-like, 4.4-second sprint to 60 mph and a top speed of 186 mph. The power-train is completed with a ZF eight-speed automatic gearbox. The new 2014 Jaguar XFR-S is ranked as the company's fastest, most agile and powerful sports sedan ever.
Even with all that additional power, the XFR-S is expected to get up to 23 mpg on the highway. That means it won't be subject to the gas-guzzler tax.
Exterior
The 2013 XFR-S is offered in five colors: French Racing Blue, Stratus gray, Italian racing red, ultimate black and Polaris white. These colors are merged with a gloss-black trim.
2014 Jaguar XFR-S Front View
The body comes standard with an elongated aero blade and side sills, extended rear bumper, new spoilers, and side moldings. The aerodynamic package was created using carbon fiber and helps by lowering the body weight. Also, the XFR-S is fitted with 20-inch Varuna alloy-wheel to go with Pirelli tires.
Sale
Now you better hurry because only 100 Jaguar XFR-S sedans will be available for the 2014 model year in the United States, starting at $99,875. According to MotorTrend the XFR-S will, "sell out for those who like the XKR-S but need an extra set of doors." This sporty sedan should astound it's audience when put to the test.
I find this car a thing of beauty. The Jaguar XFR-S may seem superficial but in reality it's power backs it's beauty. Although the XFR-S's base price reaches $100,000 you have to realize this is a luxury sedan. Meaning it's for a select few, but admiring it's elegance is open to all.
With hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and all-electric vehicles
topping the fuel/energy efficiency charts, Motor Trend put together a list of the most
efficient fossil-fuel powered cars based on the EPA’s combined rating for the 2013
models. This list is consists of equal parts gasoline- and
diesel-powered vehicles.
Here are the top EPA-rated non-hybrid vehicles available
from lowest to highest (ties broken by the model with the highest highway
mileage, then city mileage):
The Sentra is offered in a fuel-economy enhancing package that gets combined
mileage to 34 mpg. The car may not get 40 mpg highway, but its combined mileage
is pretty high.
The Volkswagen Passat TDI is the only midsize car to make
the list of most fuel efficient cars. Combine that with a roomy
interior, large trunk, and sporty look. And to top it off it was named 2012 Motor Trend Car of the Year.
8) Fiat 500 manual: 34 mpg Combined, 31/40 mpg city/highway
While the Fiat 500’s 101-hp 1.4-liter I-4 engine may be
short on power, it eases out 34 mpg combined. Just don’t be surprised if
the, five-speed manual, transmission needs to be shifted into a lower gear or two to climb any
hills.
Audi A3 TDI
5) Volkswagen Jetta TDI/Jetta Sportwagen TDI: 34 mpg
Combined, 30/42 mpg city/highway – Tie with Golf TDI, A3 TDI
Volkswagen has owned the passenger car
diesel market in the U.S. with its 140-hp, turbo diesel 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. The compact
Jetta sedan with manual or dual-clutch transmission and Jetta Sportwagen wagon
with the manual are rated 34 mpg combined.
5) Volkswagen Golf TDI: 34 mpg Combined, 30/42 mpg
city/highway – Tie with Jetta TDI, A3 TDI
The Volkswagen Golf TDI offers 34 mpg combined in a slick hatch bodystyle with two or four doors.
5) Audi A3 TDI: 34 mpg Combined, 30/42 mpg city/highway –
Tie with Golf TDI, Jetta TDI
If you want something a bit more luxurious than the
Volkswagen Golf, you can step up to the redesigned 2013 Audi A3 TDI with
dual-clutch transmission. While still maintaining the same 34 mpg combined fuel
economy.
One of the least expensive cars in the U.S. is also one of
the most fuel efficient. The subcompact 2013 Nissan Versa sedan, with its
109-hp 1.6-liter four-cylinder, is third on our list. It also offers more rear-seat
leg room than many larger vehicles.
A midsize family sedan with a six-speed manual transmission
and 35 mpg combined? What’s not to like? Of course you may want more power, but the Passat manual gives you all the control without the guilt.
2) Smart Fortwo coupe and cabriolet: 36 mpg Combined, 34/38
mpg city/highway
As its name suggests, the Smart Fortwo offers seating for
just two people. The Smart is the smallest car on the list but also
the least powerful with a 70-hp I-3 engine and five-speed automated manual
transmission.
Although the Scion iQ’s 3+1 seating is most comfortable for
just two occupants, the car offers the highest combined rating of any
non-hybrid 2013-model-year car in the U.S. The city car’s 37 mpg combined
rating matches its highway rating thanks to a 36 mpg city rating.
According to Motor Trend these are the vehicles that almost made the list:
Honorable Mentions
Chevrolet Spark manual: 34 mpg Combined, 32/38 mpg city/highway
As far as Motor Trend goes, they've collectively always been a big fan of the Audi R8. The last time they had one in a comparison test (a V-10), it beat the Porsche Turbo and the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG.
The V-8 version captured Motor Trend's Best Handling Car crown back in 2008 (it took second in our re-named Best Driver's Car competition the following year). The Pro's said, "personally, I've never cared that much for the R8. The reason why: R-Tronic." That's Audi's name for its single-clutch, automated manual transmission. The first time they drove the R8 V10 with R-Tronic, Lieberman notes "I thought it was broken." They describe the transmission as "drunk." At low speeds, the lousy gearbox had the car heaving and lurching and changing gears more slowly than a conventional automatic.
2014 Audi R8 V10 Paddle Shifters
This is not an Audi problem per se. Ever since Lieberman first drove the single-clutch automated manual, he has "rabidly" disliked it. The problem is, once manufacturers make the decision to go with a single-clutch automated manual transmission, they don't -- can't -- backpedal. But no longer Audi, which, following in the footsteps of BMW, just binned its old R-Tronic in favor of a new seven-speed dual clutch transmission called S-Tronic. Why the, ahem, shift? Stephan Reil says that they Audi's team has been working on the S-Tronic Transmision for, "a little more than four and a half years."
According to Motor Trend, around town driving, the S-Tronic is docile; you would never know it was anything more than an ordinary automatic transmission. But press the Sport button and start pulling the paddles, and you are at the controls of one of the "fastest, smartest transmissions on Earth". Lieberman couldn't get a straight, exact answer out of anyone at Audi, but the upshifts happen in the 100-millisecond range, which is "eye-blinkingly" fast.
Motor Trend is saying that in terms of dual-clutch transmissions, the top three are the Nissan GT-R, the Ferrari 458 Italia, and the best of all, the second-generation PDK in the 991 iteration of the Porsche 911. There's now a fourth player, and Audi has built it.
2014 Audi R8 V10
Now to the driving experience. The V10 Plus erupts when you kick the throttle. Every single person was surprised at how quick the car gets out of the hole. "It's simply explosive", Lieberman states. Audi's quoting a 0-62 mph time of 3.5 seconds, but manufacturers always go conservative. The testing crew will drop the time down to 3 flat, and maybe lower. Lieberman said that the Plus' "skull-smashed-to-seat acceleration" is quite reminiscent of the 2013 Nissan GT-R. When I heard this I turned and scratched my head in thought.
Both the Audi and Nissan have AWD and feature "hot-potato-quick" dual-clutches. Lieberman thinks that the comparison, is inevitable, and wouldn't be surprised if Godzilla finally meets its "Mothra". The V10 Plus is also crazy quick at exiting corners -- another GT-R trait.
I see this comparison as pointless. The GTR cost $80k less, gets better fuel economy, has back seats, is quicker to 60 mph, faster overall with higher top speed, has 4 less cylinders yet has 3 more hp and 45 more torque. Audi could finally have the ballsy edge it needs. But keep in mind this V-10 animal will cost you a bundle, reaching somewhere in the ball park of $180,000. The biggest question is wether it's worth it to you?
Bachelorhood
is what you want, but far from what you need when driving this "downright reasonable" Subaru BRZ,
according to Ron Kiino a member of Motor Trend's road test team. This new
sensation may cramp your legs or knees, but it sure won't mangle your
wallet. The redesigned Subaru provides an exceptionally affordable sports
car, for the young at heart.
BRZ side view
Why a bachelor? Well, there is one lurking dilemma.
Kiino says it best, the "tiny back seat [is] barely befitting a
pair of shih tzus." The back seat is small. The BRZ is downright
tiny, to be more specific. This sporty Subaru may fit a family’s budget
with "a mortgage and the kid's college fund" it sure won't fit more
than you, your wife, and a pair of toddlers squeezed into the back.
According to Ron, "family and this small 2+2 Subaru go together like
Porsche and pickup." Just keep that in mind.
The perk to this Japanese
made sports car is the dramatically low price. With the
"Limited" price not a far off, only $2000 of additions
to the base Premium, which; "adds leather/Alcantara upholstery,
dual-zone automatic climate control, heated seats, fog lamps, a rear spoiler,
and push-button start with key-less entry." The BRZ stacks up with
the 4.4-inch-taller Honda Civic Si with
nearly as much front headroom and enough cargo room with the "...rear
seats folded to swallow a toolbox, a helmet, and a full set of wheels/tires."
BRZ rear
Now down to the
specs. You need to know what you're dealing with. This speedster
strays from the mainstream Subaru, getting its push from behind. Yes, the
BRZ is RWD not your typical AWD standard Subaru used to fly. The
company's long-running tag line, "The
Beauty of All-Wheel Drive," was selected previously but was correctly
replaced with "Confidence in Motion." And that is what this
2013 BRZ Limited optimizes in, "Confidence in Motion."
According to Motor Trend Magazine the BRZ pops 0-60 mph in a solid 6.4
seconds. It runs the quarter mile in 14.9 seconds at 95.5 mph.
This is
all good information but let's do some comparison with another sports car in
its class. The 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata Special Edition hardtop is a worthy
opponent weighing in at 160 pounds lighter than the BRZ. When examining
the weight-to-power ratio the "Subaru's... ratio of 13.7 pounds per pony
betters the Mazda's 15.5." This pays off in the acceleration game (0-60 mph.),
scooting ahead of the Miata with .1 seconds to spare. According to Ron
the "BRZ treats the driver to all the MX-5's chassis greatness..."
The team points out; that in terms of dynamics "the BRZ
resides with the Porsche Cayman... as Subaru points out, has a
slightly higher center of gravity..."
BRZ takeoff
So I know you must be
saying, how? Well Toyota and Subaru partnered up to engineer and redesign
the BRZ coupe. From accumulated ideas/designs
from previous speedsters designed by Subaru; they created a car that
was "demonstrating the potential of the boxer," Riino says.
With a "4.7-inch-shorter height, a 2.6-inch-lower intake manifold, a
0.7-inch-lower exhaust manifold, and reversed intake plumbing that allows it to
sit 9.4 inches rearward."
These changes ultimately
created a low 18.1-inch Cg (center of gravity), and a low hood, roof, and
seating position. According to Motor Trend "in light of Impreza,
BRZ's hip point is 4.9 inches closer to the ground." This improves visibility and heightens feel – all
components of any superb sports car.
For the
money, with its "grin-getting" straight-line quickness, 22/30 mpg
city/highway fuel economy, safety features, pleasing cabin, and chassis
response this is one of Subaru's most creative creations yet.
Defiantly "a force to be reckoned with." Of course
it show faults, but for "unadulterated" driving the BRZ hits one
home.
2013 Nissan GT-R Black Edition vs. 2012 Porsche 911 Turbo S Comparison
2013 Nissan GT R Black Edition vs. 2012 Porsche 911 Turbo S
You may be thinking; why? The winner of this comparison almost seems indefinite for the Porsche. But a deeper look presents a oddly similar car. Both have a 3.8 liter engine forced by two turbocharges. These two classy automobiles are fast! Motor Trend states, "The previous iteration of each car ranks as the third (2010 Porsche Turbo with PDK) and fourth (2012 Nissan GT-R) fastest accelerating production cars we've ever tested, and Motor Trend has been testing cars since 1949. And, don't you know it, these two are quicker."
GT-R Interior
A secondary thought to obviously consider would be the pricing. With the GT-R "still-lofty" $107,600 base price. The Porsche Turbo S is a serious investment; with a $71,000 price increase from the GT-R.
So down to the facts, putting aside price. According to tests and evaluations done by Motor Trend. The Porsche 911 Turbo S is the ruler of the drag strip, by far. With a blazing time of 10.9 for the quarter mile, while the GT-R hits a solid 11.1. Now to the 0-60 mph times. The 2010 turbo pops it in 2.8 seconds, with only the Veyron being quicker at 2.6 seconds. While the 2012 GT-R had a time of 2.9. But wait, the 2013 GT-R now runs from 0-60 mph in a mere 2.8 seconds tying with the Turbo and Lambo. The Turbo S zooms by at a stellar 2.7 seconds. Placing it only second, within the production car line, to the Veyron.
But acceleration isn't everything when it comes to a car. Agility and maneuverability as well as handling should be taken into consideration. Motor trend mentions that, "The new GT-R danced around our figure eight in 23 seconds flat, third-best time we've recorded." With the Turbo S close on it's heals, with a time of 23.2 seconds.
So now that you have the facts we can get down to the true comparison. There's many aspects to a car that make it a winner including; speed, agility, grip, physical appearance, just to list a few. To determine this, each car must be driven and truly tested by the consumer.
GT-R vs. Turbo S - Road Test
Professionals from Motor Trend listed some aspects that should be considered when testing these "stupidly" fast cars. Stoppage was one; the author says, "It's hard to explain the extreme feeling of control you get in the GT-R." This is beside the fact that the Porsche stopped 4 feet shorter from 60-0 mph. From the other side we hear that, "it still seems as though you're sitting too high in the Nissan. As soon as you enter a corner, the tires dig in, and you suddenly feel as if you're leaning too much, that you're sitting on top of the car, not down in it." So says the co-driver Scott Evans of the big boy GT-R.
This may be a personal opinion; and maybe not. But what is true is that the Porsche has a more limited space for the driver. After 1100 miles in the Porsche the author says, "I had a bruised knee. Not so in the GT-R." Even if you are sitting too high, having a car the size of a small house provides an exceedingly comfortable ride. Which is important enough not to overlook.
Porsche Interior
When it came time to push the limits; "The 2013 GT-R seems to wrap the road up in a bear hug," says Lieberman. The GT-R provided immense amounts of stability and grip; from being AWD. Lieberman mentions that, "on a few occasions, I felt the rear end attempt to swap places with the front, which made me slow it on down." This gives the Nissan a slight edge over the Turbo. From a professional standpoint, "I can come up just a few candidates: Bentley Continental Supersports, Lamborghini Aventador, McLaren MP4-12C, and Ferrari 458 Italia. In other words, the very best of the very best. And to be honest, I'm not sure any of those is better."
Lieberman states that "the 2012 Porsche Turbo S, it's excellent." Most at first look would off hand grab the Porsche Turbo S over a Nissan. But the $71,000 price gap between the two is a secondary reason why the "Godzilla" powers ahead.
Lieberman notes, "I felt so confident in the GT-R that I surprised myself. I actually pulled over to process what I'd just done." This is the really distinguishing line between the Porsche Turbo S and the Nissan GT-R.
Of course new, faster, more agile Porsche's will arise. Can "Godzilla" be "dethroned?" Can the "Godzilla" live up to the champion status?
