volvo

The New York International Auto Show is back!

The New York International Auto Show strikes again! With approximately 1,000 vehicles on display contained under 950,000 sq. ft., the show is one of the world’s biggest and greatest automotive shows for over one million car enthusiasts to check out the newest cars, trucks and SUV’s.

A few dozen, new for 2016, cars made their big debuts at the show. Some of these were the all-new Audi A4 with a power boost up to 252hp, the sixth generation BMW 7 series, the 365hp BMW M2, an all-wheel-drive Ford Fusion V6 Sport and Hyundai’s new flagship brand, Genesis, showed us the new G90. Other debuts include the Alfa Romeo Giulia, Fiat 124 Spider, Cadillac CT6, the 5.0-liter V8 Lexus LX500, Lincoln Continental, Mercedes E-Class with a new 2.0-liter, 241hp four cylinder and the Volvo S90 luxury sedan.

New concept vehicles were also revealed at the show, including the Buick Avista coupe grand tourer, Volkswagen BUDD-e, the Kia A1A Optima and the Kia Telluride.

Stay tuned for more coverage of the New York International Auto Show over the next few days.

As Technology Advances, Volvo Stays On Pace.

We all remember the days when cars had only a little metal key. Eventually, laser cut keys were made; fast forward a few years and cars with push button start using a key fob were the next big thing. The push button start feature comes with many pros, the major one being never having to take your key out of your pocket to open the doors and start the car. But, what if you’re getting tired of carrying around keys in your pocket?

Volvo has the answer, but there is still one major question to ask. What is the one thing you can almost guarantee that every person walking down the street has, long before they even get their learners permit?

Answer: a smartphone.

Volvo has set off a trial run on manufacturing keyless cars using three things that almost everyone use today: bluetooth, a smartphone and an app! With these simple features, Volvo is looking to perfect the next big thing in the automotive industry. Just so you are not deterred from purchasing a Volvo if you are not too technologically inclined, Volvo plans to still offer physical keys for their customers.

The Bluetooth enabled app will give the cars owner a “digital key” that they will be able to share with other people that also use the app, like family members who will also use the car. Not only will it be useful for families that share a car, but it can also be utilized for rental car companies that will be able to send a digital key to the app. Volvo’s app will also able to control door locks and engine starting/stopping.

Having an app on a phone to control your car does cause concern for battery life for the phone but Martin Rosenqvist, New Car Director of Special Products at Volvo Cars says, “Our app has marginal effect on battery life”. The concern for a phone breaking or being misplaced is also bothersome as to how that gets resolved. Rosenqvist is also quoted saying, “If you lose your car key you need to go to the Volvo dealer, if you lose your phone you have to get a new phone. You can acquire a new app on a new phone”.

If this new technology will become a production reality, there is only one way to find out. Stayed tuned with us as we plan on keeping you guys updated with Volvo’s trial of a keyless car.

Video from: The Volvo Group – Volvo Cars

Top 8 Cars I’m Most Excited About

With the Auto Show now in our rearview, we saw a great amount of what’s to come for 2015 and 2016. Here’s what you should be looking forward to:

Buick Avenir Concept

Buick Avenir Concept

Meaning “future” in French, the Avenir is sure to be a next-generation car. Although details are far and few between, we do know that the concept model has a V6 engine (with auto stop/start and cylinder deactivation), mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters. With classic good looks and curves reminiscent of Buick’s big bodied sedans, driver-selectable suspension damping and 21-inch wheels make this car a show stopper. Rumored to be built on the Cadillac CT6’s Omega platform, GM’s product-development chief Mark Reuss says the CT6 uses “a mixed-material architecture and is very flexible” — so mum’s the word for now.

Volvo XC90

Volvo XC90I’ve always been a fan of the XC90, for some reason. I’m not too sure what it is – maybe it’s the looks, maybe it’s the brand, but whatever it is, the 2016 XC90 made me an even bigger fan. Ranging in price from just under $50,000 to an est. $62,000 for the T8 model, Volvo’s crazy enough to use a turbocharger, supercharger and electric motor – all in one vehicle. The range-topping T8 model features a turbocharged, supercharged, and intercooled 2.0 liter inline-4 creating 316 hp and 295 lb-ft. of torque, with permanent magnet synchronous AC electric front and rear motors. Combined, they make 400 hp and over 470 lb-ft. of torque. It’s brutish looks also help it’s case.

Mazda MX-5 Miata

Mazda MX-5This I’m more excited about for the obvious — it should be a fun little car to drive. Keeping it’s weight down at just barely one ton, the MX-5 Miata does 0-60 in 6.5 seconds, all from a 2.0 liter, 155 hp I4.

Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 Concept

Chevrolet Colorado ZR2Although only a concept, the ZR2 is based off of the all-new Colorado with beefier styling, a stronger frame and extreme off-road performance. “From the bold stance to the trail-ready special equipment, the Colorado ZR2 is all about the fun of driving where the pavement ends”, says Tony Johnson, the Colorado’s marketing manager. A four-inch wider stance courtesy of a front and rear suspension lift, King off-road racing shocks, electronic front and rear locking differentials, integrated skid plates and 35″ off-road tires make the ZR2 the perfect mid-size truck to take off road. Even better – the concept truck is powered by a 2.8L Duramax Diesel engine, pushing 181 horses and nearly 400 lb-ft. of torque.

Ram Rebel

Ram RebelIf you can’t tell by now, I really like trucks and especially ones meant to go off-road, which brings us to the Ram Rebel. Although I’m not incredibly fond of the large 5-inch letters on the tailgate, I have warmed up more to the front grille design. With fenders from the current Power Wagon and 33-inch tires from Toyo, this truck means business. The Rebel comes with specially tuned Bilstein shocks, linked to the current Ram’s air suspension system. Two engines are available – the 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 (305 hp) or the 5.7-liter Hemi V8 (395 hp), mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission. Inside, seats are covered in a Sedosa fabric with Toyo tire tread embossings, bringing some of the outside influence, inside. I just really love the way it looks – I have a current-gen Ram 1500 and can attest to the power it puts down and the thrills it brings.

Cadillac CT6

Cadillac CT6Cadillac is making its entry back into the big-bodied rear-wheel-drive platforms. Armed with sharp angles and elegant design, Cadillac sets their sights on their German competitors. With all sorts of technology in the car including 4-wheel steering, multiple performance driving modes, night vision, magnetic ride control and an HD Rear Camera Mirror that allows 300 percent more vision that an ordinary standard mirror allows, the CT6 defines luxury merged with technology. Three engine choices will be available: a 265 hp turbo four cylinder, a 335 hp V6 and a 400 hp twin-turbo 3.0L V6; all will have an eight-speed automatic driving the rear wheels, with available all-wheel-drive.

Ford Focus RS

Ford Focus RSFinally, a hot hatch that comes to the states! We’ve been waiting for a Focus RS for a while, and since our friends across the pond have been hooning them for years, we get ours (hopefully) soon. Ford has released few details BUT they did tell us it has the new Mustang’s 2.3L turbocharged EcoBoost four cylinder engine, although it has been uprated and promises to deliver “well in excess” of 315 horsepower. The EcoBoost’s turbo has been changed to a low-inertia twin-scroll turbocharger with bigger intercoolers. Torque-vectoring is also standard, with twin electronically controlled clutch packs on both sides of the rear drive unit; up to 70% of the output can be sent to the rear axle, allowing us “the ability to achieve controlled oversteer drifts at the track”, according to Ford. With all-wheel-drive and a six-speed manual as the only available transmission, 0-60 in the RS should absolutely be in the sub-5 second range. We can’t wait to get our hands on this.

Ford GTFord GT

Ahh, the Ford GT. The pièce de résistance. The unicorn.

Simply put, the Ford GT just needs to get here already. Yesterday, if possible. The GT features an EcoBoost twin-turbocharged, direct-injected 3.5 liter V6, with an estimated, rather, a promise by Ford, to produce over 600 horsepower with noted “EcoBoost” and “Powered by Ford” branding. With the GT, Ford’s game plan is all about power-to-weight ratio – the carbon fiber in the GT’s chassis tub and bodywork will be hand-laid and Chief Engineer Jamal Hameedi said they want to have “the best power-to-weight ratio of any car on the market”. Ford also has taken the time to car about the details. The rear spoiler has the added function of being an air-brake, rising vertically and tilting to capture extra downforce and drag when needed. The taillights act as heat exchanges, where, after passing through fender-mounted intercoolers, newly heated air then flows to the GT’s tail where it exits through the centers of the taillights. A seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, carbon-ceramic brakes, and 20-inch wheels wrapped in Michelin Pilot Super Sport Cup 2 tires keep this car on the ground. Sign us up for the waiting list.

REVIEW: 2013 Volvo XC60 R-Design
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(Gallery at bottom)

Driving the Volvo XC60 R-Design proved to be a pleasant surprise. Let’s just put that out front. Initially, I had thought it would be your typical soccer mom vehicle — roomy enough to fill the trunk with hockey sticks, mildly sluggish and just generally unappealing. After driving the XC60, my expectations were blown away, and I’m happy to say that I am actually considering getting it once the lease on my current car is up.

Bridging the gap between the XC70 and XC90 (funny how the numbers work out), our XC60 came with 20″ stylish 5-spoke R-Design alloy wheels, the Volvo Sensus system with Integrated 7-inch color LCD monitor, laminated panoramic roof with power sunshade, Xenon headlights with Active Bending, Keyless Drive, Bluetooth Hands Free Phone interface with audio streaming, heated power outside rearview mirrors, High Performance Audio system with 4 x 40 Amplifier and 8 speakers, CD/MP3/HD Radio/USB and SiriusXM. It also had the Blind Spot Information System and the Climate Package & Child Booster Seats, which includes heated front seats, heated windshield washer nozzles, Interior Air Quality System and dual two-stage child booster seats.

The XC60 was great to drive — super comfortable, very sporty and backed by Volvo’s renowned vehicle safety. Acceleration in the car was superb — when you stepped on it, it moved. The panoramic roof was great to look out of and the central location of the controls (radio, AC, etc.) was very easy to maneuver. Interior styling was excellent — with two-tone leather and aluminum accents, it had a very good looking interior and was roomy as well. The only drawback of the car was it’s price — a little pricey for a small SUV. Nevertheless, we enjoyed the XC60 and think it’s a well-rounded vehicle and we’d still consider it one of our top picks.

 

Pros: Unexpectedly fast, very spacious & comfortable, good styling cues, easy navigation on steering wheel controls.

Cons: Its’ price.

 

QUICK FACTS:

Base Price: $34,350 || Price as Tested: $47,345

Vehicle Layout: Front Engine, AWD, 5-passenger Crossover

Engine: Turbocharged 3.0L 6-cylinder, 325-hp, 354 lb-ft torque || Transmission: Six-speed Automatic

Curb Weight:  4,225 lbs || Length/Width/Height: 182.2/74.4/67.4 inches

0-60:  5.7 seconds || EPA City/Highway Fuel Economy: 17/23 MPG

 

RATING: 8.4/10

Exterior: 8

Interior: 8

Acceleration: 8

Braking: 9

Ride: 9

Handling: 8

Gearbox: 9

Audio: 8

Tech: 9

Value: 8

 

We’d like to thank Jay Tobia at Englewood Volvo for getting us into the impressive XC60 R-Design. For all of your Volvo needs, go check out Englewood Volvo in Englewood, NJ and online at http://www.kundertvolvo.com. Make sure you tell him Greg and Dave sent you!

Review: 2013 Volvo S60

When you think of Volvo, what’s the first thing that comes to mind? Safety. Known for the incredible safety features, as well as their performance, style and quality, we got to drive the 2013 S60 thanks to Jay at Englewood Volvo.

Pushing out 250 hp and 266 lb-ft of torque, we had the Volvo S60 T5 AWD. A turbocharged 2.5 liter 5-cylinder engine powers the car from 0-60 in 6.5 seconds. With a 6-speed automatic transmission with sport mode, the shifts in the car were quick and smooth.

The audio system in the car was great with a 4×40 Watt amplifier and 8 speakers with the 7″ Volvo Sensus screen and HD radio on all models. Other amenities included 8-way power drivers seat, push button start, leather & silk metal steering wheel and electric parking brake. Additionally, Bluetooth hands-free connectivity with audio streaming and a 60/40 folding rear seat with pass-thru add to the list of features. The Premier package adds a power glass moonroof, leather seating surfaces, auto-dimming rearview mirror, power passenger seat and keyless drive. Our test vehicle also had the Climate Package which includes heated front seats, heated windshield washer nozzles and interior air quality system.

With a class-leading 20/29 city/highway fuel economy, the S60 is sure to please. Starting at $31,900, our car came out to an as-tested suggested MSRP of $39,444.

Oh, and did we mention the shift knob is LED backlit so it shines at night? We thought that was pretty cool too.

Pros: Acceleration and handling in the car was great. The trunk was very spacious and we liked that there were folding seats and a pass-through. Everything on the  center console was centrally-located and angled towards the driver which we thought was great. The audio system was top-notch, as well.

Cons: The center console storage was fairly minimal. To get a navigation system, you’re going to have to pony up $6,000 for the Platinum package.

QUICK FACTS: 

Base Price: $31,900 || Price as Tested: $39,444

Vehicle Layout: Front-engine, AWD, 5-passenger, 4-door car

Engine: 2.5L, 250-hp, 266-lb-ft. I5 || Transmission: 6-speed automatic

Curb Weight: 3548 lbs || Length/Width/Height: 182.2/73.4/58.4 inches

0-60: 6.5 seconds || EPA City/Highway Fuel Economy: 20/29mpg

RATING: 8.1/10

Exterior: 8

Interior: 8

Acceleration: 9

Braking: 9

Ride: 8

Handling: 8

Gearbox: 8

Audio: 9

Tech: 7

Value: 7

We’d like to thank Jay Tobia and Englewood Volvo for getting us into an S60 — we thought the car was awesome! For all your Volvo needs, go check out Englewood Volvo in Englewood, NJ and online at www.EnglewoodVolvo.com. Make sure you tell them Greg and Dave sent you!