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Showing posts with the label Full-Size

2022 Toyota Land Cruiser Loses Weight, Gains Twin-Turbo V6 And New GR Sport Variant

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Toyota has unveiled the new 300 series Land Cruiser and says it had two development objectives for the new SUV. The first was to “inherit and evolve” its spirit of “reliability, durability, and off-road performance” while the second was to create a ride experience capable of tackling any type of road. But before you get too hyped about it, let us tell you that there are no current plans to offer the new 2022 Land Cruiser in the U.S., though they will probably get a similar Lexus LX version. Toyota says that it wanted to keep the vehicle’s body-on-frame structure because it “is the foundation that protects the Land Cruiser’s essence.” In order to pursue its mission of making the SUV capable of tackling any road without tiring the driver, though, it has adopted the new GA-F platform for the vehicle, which is based on the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA). That has meant a lighter chassis that is also more rigid and a vehicle whose center of gravity has been moved closer to the ground...

2022 Mercedes-Maybach S680 Revealed, The New V12 King Of The Range

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Designed to be even more exclusive than the standard Maybach S-Class, the S680 has a handcrafted twin-turbo 6.0-liter V12 engine that produces 621 hp (463 kW / 630 PS) and 738 lb-ft (1,001 Nm) of torque. The engine is connected to a nine-speed automatic transmission and a standard all-wheel drive system. This enables the Bentley Flying Spur and Rolls-Royce Ghost competitor to accelerate from 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) in 4.4 seconds, before hitting an electronically limited top speed of 130 mph (209 km/h). Speaking of performance, the model is rear-biased as 69% of the engine’s torque goes to the rear wheels.  The massive sedan also features rear-axle steering to help improve maneuverability. Styling changes are minor, but the range-topper sports V12 badging to help distinguish the sedan from its more mainstream counterpart that has a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 with 496 hp (370 kW / 503 PS) and 516 lb-ft (700 Nm) of torque as well as EQ Boost technology. Besides the V12 badging, the model h...

The New Mercedes-Maybach S-Class Is Here To Redefine Chauffeured-Driven Luxury

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Mercedes has a new luxury king in its range in the form of the 2021 Maybach S-Class, an ultra-posh take on the already pretty loaded S-Class primarily designed for chauffeured driving. The new Mercedes-Maybach S-Class features an 18 cm (7 inches) longer wheelbase, at 3396 mm (133.7 inches), offering an even more spacious environment for the rear passengers compared to its predecessor. There’s also an “active noise compensation” system that sends counter-phased audio signals to cancel road noise before it reaches the occupants’ ears. Depending on the market, customers will get to choose between the Mercedes-Maybach S580 4Matic, which is powered by a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 making 496 HP and has a 48-volt mild-hybrid system that provides an extra 21 HP, and the V12-powered S650, which will continue using the twin-turbo 6.0-liter unit with 621 HP, possibly combined with all-wheel-drive as well. Selected markets will also receive in the future a plug-in hybrid version of the new Mercedes-M...

2021 Chevrolet Traverse Facelift Ushers In New Looks, More Kit

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The Traverse is Chevrolet’s best-looking crossover and it’s getting an updated design for 2021. Looking instantly recognizable, the model has a new front fascia with a revised grille that is flanked by newly standard LED headlights. The latter are slimmer than before and now feature turn signals which are integrated into daytime running lights. Below, there’s a beefier looking bumper with a prominent plastic insert. The model also has new LED fog light surrounds and updated chrome trim. The changes continue out back as the Traverse has been equipped with restyled taillights. They’re connected by a chrome bar which features a new contrasting black or copper accent. Elsewhere, there are four new wheel designs. Moving into the cabin, there are new seating options and an upgraded infotainment system that supports wireless Android Auto and wireless Apple CarPlay. Additional changes are limited, but the available Dual SkyScape roof now has a power sunshade for the rear pan...

2021 Cadillac Escalade Embraces Luxury And Tech To Distance Itself From Tahoe And Yukon

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If one model defines a brand, you’d be hard pressed to find a more fitting example than Cadillac and the Escalade. Introduced over 20 years ago, the Escalade went from a rebadged GMC Yukon Denali to an American status symbol embraced by everyone from rappers to business executives. However, the SUV has lost some of its luster as other luxury brands have slowly entered the segment. Cadillac is now fighting back with an all-new Escalade that is far more luxurious and differentiated than its predecessor. That being said, the redesigned model also benefits from the improvements made to the 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon. The Escalade is known for its somewhat brash appearance, but the fifth-generation model tones things down as it features an all-new design that follows in the footsteps of the XT6. As a result, the SUV has an upright grille which is flanked by horizontal headlights. The latter are joined by vertical LED daytime running lights which are a hallmark of the bra...

2021 GMC Yukon Is All-New From The Ground Up, Gains Rugged AT4 Variant

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Crossovers might be selling like hotcakes, but GMC is committed to full-size SUVs and they’re showing that resolve by unveiling the all-new Yukon and Yukon XL. Set to go on sale later this year, the Yukon is instantly recognizable as it’s front fascia closely echoes the Sierra. Just like the pickup, the SUV features a prominent grille which is flanked by C-shaped headlights with integrated LED daytime running lights. Further below, there are vertical fog lights and a more aerodynamic front bumper. Continuing to the rear, the Yukon has an evolutionary body with more prominent character lines. The model also adopts a rakish C-pillar, sculpted doors and a relatively flat roof.  To help distinguish it from the Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban, designers added L-shaped taillights which mimic those on the Arcadia. While the models look pretty familiar, they’ve grown in size. The standard Yukon is 6.1 inches (155 mm) longer and gains a 4.9 inch (124 mm) larger wheelbase. Thanks to...

2021 Chevrolet Tahoe And Suburban Put On A Dramatic Face, Gain Independent Suspension

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The next-generation Chevrolet Tahoe and Chevrolet Suburban models have been unveiled at the Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan, boasting a series of improvements differentiating them from GM’s outgoing offerings. Underpinning the highly-profitable duo is GM’s T1 truck platform that will also be used by the next-generation Cadillac Escalade and GMC Yukon. This platform also adopts GM’s Global B electrical architecture and support over-the-air updates as well as advanced network security for highly-automated driving technologies. One particularly significant upgrade is the presence of new multi-link, independent rear suspension that promises to transform how the duo ride – at least compared to their truck-based predecessors. Visually, the duo take after the latest Chevrolet Silverado. Found at the front is a heavily revised grille and small new headlights that come complete with boomerang LED daytime running lights. As is currently the case, the Suburban is essentially...

2020 Audi S8 Unveiled With 563 hp, Twin-Turbo V8

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This is the 2020 Audi S8, unveiled as the range-topping variant in the A8 family which was updated two years ago. It looks very promising indeed. The first thing to know about the new S8 is that it is powered by a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 engine with no less than 563 hp and 590 lb-ft (800 Nm) of torque. This engine isn’t just powerful but it promises to be reasonably efficient as it incorporates Mild Hybrid technology with a 48-volt system which includes a stop-start function. All of the S8’s grunt is sent to the pavement through a Quattro all-wheel drive system with a sport differential. There is also an all-wheel steering system as standard to improve maneuverability at slow speeds and provide greater stability at higher speeds. Should customers wish, a set of carbon ceramic brakes are available with discs measuring 16.5-inch at the front and 14.6-inch at the rear. While the Audi S8 is the fastest model in the S8 family, the company hasn’t made it uncompromising in ...