These 2016 cars were published on kkb.com. With their fantastic features and superb performance, these are the cars every car lover would long to have in his garage.
2016 Jaguar XF
As promised, the all-new 2016 Jaguar XF sedan made its first appearance as part of a dramatic over-water high-wire crossing that took place in London's Canary Wharf district prior to its debut in New York. But that high-profile entrance aside, the second generation of Jag's popular midsize 4-door has an impressive story to tell in its own right. A comprehensive remake endows the 2016 XF with a more refined design coupled with upgraded dynamics, enhanced creature comforts and improved fuel economy in virtually all models.
More attractive by design
Based on the same aluminum-intensive platform that underpins the recently introduced Jaguar XE, the new XF is over 400 pounds lighter than the outgoing model, but has 28 percent greater torsional rigidity. That stiffer foundation complements a new double-wishbone front/Integral Link rear suspension - in both standard advanced-passive-damper form and the optional Adaptive Dynamics setup. The new XF also benefits from electric power-assist steering. Like the F-Type, XF buyers will be able to opt for Jaguar Configurable Dynamics that features driver-selectable settings for the shocks, steering and shift mapping of the car's 8-speed automatic transmission
Visually this new Jaguar reflects a focused evolution of the model it replaces, bolstering the current coupe-like character with shorter overhangs and bolder fascia treatments that give the XF greater presence. "In creating the all-new XF, as a design team we have been driven by discipline, the discipline of simplicity," noted Ian Callum, Jaguar's Director of Design. "Every exterior line on the XF has a clear purpose - nothing is superfluous." In addition to bolstering its curb appeal, the XF's redrawn bodywork contributes to an even lower 0.26 drag coefficient. And while its overall scale is virtually unchanged, the remake also nets nearly two more inches of wheelbase - now 102.7-inches -- a dimensional stretch Jag claims endows the car with class-leading rear seat space that includes greater amounts of head/leg/knee room.
Inside, the new Jaguar XF benefits from a similar purpose-driven evolution that complements traditional luxury touches with state-of-the-art technology. Highlighting that list is a reconfigurable 12.3-inch TFT instrument cluster first seen in the XJ sedan as well as the new InControl Touch Pro infotainment system. The most advanced package of its kind ever offered by Jaguar, it features a 10.2-inch Dual View touchscreen, solid-state hard drive and operates on "ultra-fast Ethernet for exceptional data transfer rates." Audiophiles will be able to listen to their favorite program material on a 17-speaker/825-watt Meridian digital sound system.
Supercharged V6 power underhood
Final drivetrain information is pending, but the 2016 Jaguar XF is expected to launch here with the same 340-horsepower and 380-horsepower 3.0-liter supercharged V6 engines found in the F-Type when it goes on sale late this year. Both engines will be backed by the aforementioned 8-speed automatic transmission whether they're sending motive force to the rear or to all four wheels. Although the 2.0-liter 4-cylinder and 3.0-liter V6 turbodiesel options remain Euro-only choices for now, there is a possibility we could see the 2.0-liter in showrooms here at some point.
2016 Lexus GS
Packing V8 power
The GS F packs the same free-winding naturally aspirated 5.0-liter V8 as the RC F. Making 467 horsepower at 7,100 rpm -- 200 shy of redline -- and a stout 389 lb-ft of torque between 4,800-5,600 revs, it employs the static balancing all F-spec engines get with a new dynamic process to ensure even smoother operation (Although Lexus says we'll soon see that upgrade on all future F engines). Like the RC F, the GS F has the cabin-based Active Sound Control system that electronically augments engine and exhaust sounds to provide "an even more engaging experience for the driver."
Power heads to the GS F's rear wheels via an 8-speed Sport Direct Shift automatic transmission. Offering a Normal and a more responsive Sport mode that uses G-force Artificial Intelligence (G AI-SHIFT) control to select the best performance gear in responding to throttle, brake and steering inputs, it also features a full Manual mode that holds a selected cog through a corner and completely locks out the torque converter in 2nd through 8th gears for a more direct feel.
Torque vectoring enhancements
Last link in the GS F's formidable drive chain is a standard Torque Vectoring Differential (TVD). Optional on the RC F, it optimizes power fed to each aft wheel when accelerating/braking through corners to fully utilize whatever grip is available. Beyond a default Normal selection that balances agility with stability, the TVD offers Slalom and Track settings that bias for steering response and high-speed stability, respectively. If that's not enough, there's a Drive Mode Select system with Eco, Norm, Sport S and Sport S+ settings that can further tweak various system parameters including throttle, shift, steering assist and Vehicle Dynamic Integrated Management mapping -- as well as the air conditioning in the most frugal Eco mode.
Despite this near endless array of adjustment alternatives, it didn't take many miles to determine the new Lexus GS F is a sweet piece of work no matter how you care to set it up. The engine packs sufficient muscle to send this 4,034 lb sedan from 0-60 mph in just 4.4 seconds and protracted mashing of the accelerator pedal nets an exhilarating rush of power that leads to an electronically limited top end of 168 mph. Kudos also are due the lightning-quick automatic fitted with racing-style paddles on the steering wheel and rev-matching throttle blipping on downshifts.
Retuned suspension
Complementing its drivetrain, the GS F's aluminum-intensive suspension has been completely retuned from GS spec for this more demanding duty. Based around ZF Sachs shock absorbers and featuring unique geometry to accommodate the car's wider Z-Rated 235/35 front and 275/35 rear Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires on 19-inch forged alloys, it all mounts to a stiffer reinforced core that leaves the car feeling confident and planted under virtually all conditions. We thought the electric power steering, while quick, could offer a bit more communicative feedback. But the TVD was a genuine confidence builder as were the upsized Brembo binders that match a solid pedal feel with smooth, straight and fade-free stops.
The new GS F features new design cues that give it both streed cred and aero efficiency. Its bolder nose incorporates all new panels from the A-pillar forward, punctuated by bigger air intakes.LED headlamps with adaptive high beams flank a more prominent spindle grille set off with details that improve stability and downforce. Large, L-shaped extractor vents and functionally contoured side sills dominate the GS F's profile while the rear has a carbon fiber reinforced plastic decklid spoiler and angle-stacked quad exhaust outlets with special glass wool/steel wool inserts that create a more distinctive sonic signature. Like the RC F, the underbody gains full fairings that optimize air flow and reduce high speed lift.
Driver focused cabin
The GS F's driver-focused cabin also gets a F-style cues that include comfortable and supportive sport buckets, a multifunction sport steering wheel, digital multi-mode instrument cluster, 12.3-inch main touchscreen with navigation and the latest Remote Touch Interface controller, all set off with trim elements from fine leather and Alcantara to carbon fiber and piano black. The 12-speaker/299-watt premium audio system can swapped for a 17-speaker/750-Watt Mark Levinson surround sound system that also brings Clari-Fi music restoration technology, which except for the orange Brembo brake calipers, is the only other option. Like the regular GS, the GS F also comes with the full complement of Lexus Safety System + active/passive driver assists.
Although not the quickest or most powerful player in its segment, the 2016 Lexus GS F may be the best balanced and easiest to live with on a daily basis. We expect Lexus will have little trouble making the 2,000-unit sales bogey when the car arrives in showrooms this December. And with pricing set to start at $85,340, don't be surprised to see this hot new overachiever find its way onto at least a few Christmas lists.
2016 Ford Shelby GT 350
Ford's most powerful V8 ever
Belted into the passenger seat for a conservative initial lap, we note the GT350R's new 5.2-liter flat-plane V-8's unique animal growl and its willingness to rev like a racing engine, which it essentially is. Easily Ford's most powerful and (at 102 ponies per liter) most power-dense naturally aspirated road-going engine ever, it pumps out 526 horses at 7,500 rpm and a muscular 429 lb.-ft. of peak torque at 4,750 rpm, and it redlines at a Ferrari-like 8,250 rpm.
Clark buries the throttle and the GT350R rockets down the long straight toward the first right-hand turn. He stands on the powerful brakes and bends it forcefully into the sweeping, climbing corner, then the sharper-right Turn Two, then back on the gas to the downhill, negative-camber Three, then the fast-right Four. He accelerates hard downhill, brushes the brakes over a rise, then brakes hard as the suspension settles for the right-left-right uphill esses and Turn Six bowl, then hard gas through the fast-right Seven and hard brakes for the right-hand hairpin Eight, full-throttle uphill to the blind-apex right-hand Nine and no-lift, left-hand Ten, and we're charging full-bore down the straight for another thrill-ride lap.
Track ready package
The GT350 and ultimate track-focused GT350R boast Mustang-first continuously variable MagneRide shocks on the most athletic suspension and stiffest chassis ever offered on a production Mustang. And the huge Brembo brakes (six-piston fronts, four-piston rears) are Mustang's most track-capable ever. "These cars can be driven by any driver on any track in the world with virtually no fade," Clark asserts. The GT350's 19-inch alloy wheels (10.5-inch wide in front, 11-inch rear) wear specially-developed Michelin Pilot Super Sport Tires, while the GT350R rolls on half-inch-wider carbon-fiber wheels (a first for any major automaker) and even more aggressive Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires.
Both versions feature a new integrated driver-control system that tailors throttle response, steering effort, stability control, traction control and ABS braking to driver preference and driving conditions. Its five selectable modes are Normal, Sport (for spirited driving), Weather (for low-traction), Track (limit-handling) and Drag (drag-strip).
Clark provided a truly impressive demo ride on this rough, tough, old-favorite track, but we can't wait to drive these awesome new Shelby Mustangs ourselves.
2016 Audi R8 V10 And V10
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Lighter yet stronger structure
Beneath its skin, the R8 features a new Audi Space Frame that uses carbon fiber to further enhance the stiffness. This multi-material construction trims roughly 110 pounds from the weight of the core structure while increasing its rigidity by some 40 percent. The R8's chassis retains its aluminum-intensive double-wishbone design which benefits from weight-saving tweaks. New electromechanical power steering complements the standard Audi Drive Select dynamic handling system which equipped with adaptive magnetic shocks and speed-variable dynamic steering. The R10's lightweight steel brakes give way to lighter carbon-ceramic super stoppers on the V10 Plus while its 19-inch alloys wrapped in sticky 245/35-front and 295/35-rear tires are replaced by on the Plus model by 20-inch alternatives wearing 245/30 and 305/30 rubber.
More power, more efficiency and more fun
The 5.2-liter naturally aspirated FSI V10 in both of these new Audi R8 models has been significantly revised to include a new dual-mode (direct and indirect) fuel-injection, a racing-style dry-sump lubrication system as well as cylinder-deactivation and start/stop technology. The result boosts output and reduces fuel consumption by roughly 10 percent compared to the previous iteration. In the R8 V10, the engine is tuned to make 532 horsepower and 398 lb-ft of torque, giving it a 0-62 mph sprint time of 3.5 seconds and a top speed of 201 mph. The R8 V10 Plus version cranks out 601 ponies - identical to the engine in its corporate cousin, the Lamborghini Huracan - and 413 lb-ft of twist. The Plus accelerates to 62 mph in 3.2 ticks and tops out at 205 mph.
Both R8 models are fitted with a 7-speed paddle-shift S tronic automatic transmission that includes launch control and a fuel-saving coasting mode. Rounding out the mix is the latest version of Audi's Quattro all-wheel drive that replaces the existing viscous clutch on the front axle with an electrohydraulic multi-plate clutch and now allows unrestricted and variable torque distribution to either axle depending on available traction. While the V10 and V10 Plus will be the only R8 models available at launch, Audi confirmed that a new R8 e-tron electric variant with twice as much power and nearly 280 miles of per-charge range is in the pipeline. A V8 version of the R8 also is expected at some point for at least several world markets.
The R8's driver-focused cabin deftly interweaves competition character with luxury refinements, starting with two kinds model-specific sport seats and a Multifunction Plus Performance steering wheel that also adds additional capability on the R8 V10 Plus model. Like all new Audis, the R8 is fitted with the automaker's configurable Virtual Cockpit instrumentation. Other standard touches include the MMI controller, navigation and Audi Connect with a Wi-Fi hotspot. In addition to standard Alcantara/Nappa leather or pure Nappa interior appointments, the new R8 will offer numerous interior and exterior trim options, including a bespoke Matte Camouflage Green for the R8 V10 Plus. The 2016 Audi R8 V10 lineup will arrive in showrooms here next January. Pricing will be announced closer to the official on-sale date.
2016 BMW X1 xDrive 28i
After just over two years on the U.S. market, the BMW X1 has been redesigned and a slighter, larger version of this versatile compact crossover SUV will debut this fall as a 2016 model. With the introduction of a new X1, the rear-drive 4-cylinder sDrive28i and more powerful 300-horsepower 6-cylinder xDrive35i will be dropped from the lineup in favor of just one model, the 2.0-liter turbocharged xDrive28i.
The new 2016 BMW X1 will be slightly less powerful, producing 228 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, down slightly from the previous model's 240 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. The 8-speed Aisin automatic transmission carries over. BMW says the X1 is good for 0-60 mph acceleration of 6.3 seconds and has a top speed of 130 mph.
Larger package
The 2016 BMW X1 xDrive28i stands a full inch and a half taller than the previous iteration. This results in the front seat passengers sitting about an inch higher than the previous model, while the rear seats are mounted 2.5 inches higher. This allows for better visibility for both front and rear occupants.
There's also more rear legroom, a gain of 1.5 inches on the base model and up to 2.6 inches more on models equipped with an adjustable second row. That rear bench features a 40/20/40 triple split. Power front buckets are now standard on all BMW X1s.
Redesigned in an out
In addition to a bolder exterior look that features a larger split kidney design and more upright appearance thanks to the taller package, the interior features trim upgrades and a choice of either a standard 6.5-inch center console screen or a larger 8.8-inch display. In addition to the standard 7-speaker audio system, buyers can opt for a 360 watt 12-speaker Harmon-Kardon sound system.
Riding on a 105.1-inch wheelbase with an overall length of 175.4 inches, the 2016 BMW X1 still retains fairly compact dimensions making it easy to maneuver in tight spaces. The vehicle rides on 18-inch wheels, has a fully-independent suspension and BMW promises road manners consistent with its sporty image. The 2016 BMW X1 xDrive28i is slated to go on sale in the U.S. this fall. While pricing hasn't been announced, expect it to be in the neighborhood of the current model, which retails at $33,695.
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