The News for May 8th, 2015

Welcome to the Hooniverse News – for real this time! As it always is when Jeff isn’t around, this is a weekly recap of some of the biggest stories in the automotive industry without the fluff or bull. I just throw in a little opinion of mine because I can. This week:

• Dodge Viper ACR returns!

• BMW updates the current 3 Series, M3

• Mercedes-Benz releases a “new” G-Class

• Audi reveals pricing for all-new TT

• Porsche opens new HQ and experience center in Atlanta

• Royal Purple wants to give you the ultimate pit lane experience

• What’s your automotive news?

• Remembering Denise McCluggage

2016 Dodge Viper ACR

We knew it was coming. It had to return. Even though Dodge pulled the plug on their successful Viper factory racing program after they won two of the three titles in the 2014 TUDOR season (I still hate them for that), Dodge still knows how make a Viper go fast around corners.
The 2016 Dodge Viper ACR returns with some new tricks and some insane styling. There’s a new ACR Extreme Aero Package which can deliver nearly 1 ton of peak downforce thanks to an adjustable dual-element carbon fiber rear wing, rear carbon diffuser, unique SRT hood with removable louvers, a detachable extension for the front splitter, and additional dive panes. I wonder where they learned all that aero trickery from…

Handling is further improved through race-tuned suspension with ten setting, double-adjustable Bilstein coil-overs and a unique race alignment delivering up to three inches of suspension height adjustment. ACR-specific tires from Kumho – Ecsta V720 tread, 295 front, 355 rear – help further enhance lateral grip, which Dodge claims to peak at 1.5G. Stopping power comes via an ACR-exclusive fifteen-inch carbon ceramic matrix rotor set and six piston front calipers from Brembo.
Power wise, the monstrous 8.4-liter V10 offers up  645 horsepower and 600 lb.-ft. of torque – barely any more than the standard Viper. That’s nothing to complain about for sure, but it’s still a bit less than its new closest rival, the Corvette Z06.
Like the exterior, the interior of the Viper ACR is all business. Lightweight carpet (just be happy they give you carpets at all), minimal three-speaker audio, manual seats, and a unique Alcantara interior with contrast stitching help keep weight down and keep the driver focused only on the business of driving.

Production of the 2016 Dodge Viper ACR will commence in Q3 this year. Dodge’s innovative new “1 of 1” program, where buyers can customize various aspects of their cars and be guaranteed that no other Vipers from the same model year will match it, will apply to the ACR as well. Pricing was not yet released.
[Source: Fiat Chrysler Automobiles]
*Disclaimer: I’m one of the ones still salty about Dodge pulling out of American endurance racing. The Viper deserves to be raced.

2016 BMW 3 Series, M3

The BMW 3 Series is getting its mid-life refresh on. For the 2016 model year, BMW will be tweaking the entire 3 Series lineup starting with some small styling updates reflected across all models, a few new packages, and two new models. The changes are mostly found in the car’s hardware rather than the styling… which is 99% the same (based on no factual data). So it’s not as much of a face lift as it is an improvement in actual substance.
The F30 LCI, as it’s called internally and by only the most knowledgeable forum people, will be sorta distinguished in traffic by the new “Halogen Headlight design with full-LED lights”… I don’t really get it either. Either way, they’re moved further apart and have some fancy new design elements that form a visual connection with the kidney grille. There are broader side intakes in the front apron and out back there are new full-LED tail lights which portray BMW’s new signature “L” shape.

As with the exterior, the interior is 99% untouched based on my super precise calculations with only a new glossy black center console, more ambient lighting, more chrome accents on certain controls, and [WARNING: DO NOT CONTINUE UNLESS YOU ARE PROPERLY SEATED] enhanced cup holders.
Now for the good stuff. Two new models are being added to the 3 Series lineup: the 340i and the 330e Plug-in Hybrid.
The 340i debuts the first new engine of its kind from a new engine lineup BMW’s marketing team just created last week. It’s a gas-powered 3.0-liter inline-six with a TwinPower Turbo (twin-scroll)… so it’s basically like the 335i’s N55 it replaces, only it’s called the B58. It’s better though. Trust me. It’s an all-aluminum unit and it produces 320 horsepower between 5,500-6,500 RPM and 330 lb.-ft of torque available starting at 1,380 RPM. 0-60 mph takes just 4.8 seconds or 4.6 seconds when equipped with xDrive AWD. There are recent M cars that are slower than that.

On the other side of the spectrum, there’s a new 330e Plug-in Hybrid being released as well. It’s the first ever plug-in hybrid 3 Series and it’ll use its two motors to produce a combined 250 hp and 310 lb-ft. of torque (preliminary) and be capable of driving up to 22 miles on batteries alone. There’s not as much info on this one available yet.
All new 3 Serieseses will come standard with an improved eight-speed automatic transmission which now features a wider ratio and reduced torque converter slip between shifts. There’s also a Sport+ mode that allows the driver to bring it right up to redline without it insulting your abilities as a driver and shifting early on its own (or maybe I’m the only one that feels insulted when a car does that…). People that want true control over the gearbox can pick the also improved six-speed manual as a no-cost option on most models, including the new 340i (both RWD and AWD).
Some other interesting improvements are made to the electric power steering, which BMW has “redesigned” for this car so maybe now it won’t be as disconnected as a computer in North Korea. They’ve also made extensive enhancements to the suspensions that are available, including the M Sport package suspension and the adaptive M3 suspension.

Bonus wagon

And finally, BMW’s added a Track Handling Package to the non-M 3 Series. That adds Variable Sport Steering (they lost me at variable), Adaptive M Suspension, M Sport Brakes with high temp Euro brake pads mounted to blue calipers, and lightweight eighteen-inch alloy wheels wrapped in Michelin Super Sport tires. Like the other packages available, it’ll certainly come with plenty of badges that say “sport” on them for no good reason.
A few neat bits of tech being added to the F30 LCI include a new navigation system with over-the-air updates, a full color HUD, and Parking Assistant which uses ultrasonic sensors to find potential empty spots.
As for the LCI updates on the M3, BMW didn’t discuss it in their announcement but the photos confirm it will receive the new tail lights and maybe the chrome interior control accents. Try to contain your excitement.
BMW hasn’t given any updated pricing info or even an arrival date, but these should all be available to order within the coming months.
[Source: BMW]

2016 Mercedes-Benz G-Class

Speaking of “new” cars, Mercedes-Benz announced a new round of updates for one of their models which refuses to die. The G-Class gets a new G500 model and a few other things that give them an excuse to keep making this classic off-roader.
The “new” G500 will be introduced with a 4.0-liter biturbo V8 – the same one from the AMG GT – capable of 422 horsepower and 450 lb.-ft. of torque. The benefit, besides the impressive power, is that the G500 will be more responsive and more efficient thanks to the new motor. 0-62 mph takes 5.9 seconds and there’s a new adaptive suspension option for improved ride quality and high-performance-ish responsiveness.

On the outside…. well, let’s just say nobody’s going to mistake it for anything else. The bumpers are “restyled” and the AMG flared wheel arches are now standard and body color. Some new paint options are available and the interior features a redesigned instrument panel.
The 2016 Mercedes-Benz G-Classes will be available to order from by the middle of this year.
[Source: Mercedes-Benz via Autoblog]

Audi TT priced

The all-new 2016 Audi TT lineup is an impressive sight to behold, as has been covered here in the past. An entirely new design language inside and out and some new hardware make it a great option for drivers looking for some small car fun with German engineering backing it up.
The entry fee for the 2016 Audi TT will be $42,900, they announced this week. That’s a slight increase over the previous model but there’s plenty of extra substance to justify it. The base Audi TT Coupe 2.0 TFSI features a 2.0-liter turbo four with 220 horsepower and 258 lb.-ft. of torque, six-speed S Tronic automatic transmission, Quattro, and an impressive array of standard equipment. For an extra $3,500, Audi will make it a Roadster. The top-of-the-line model you can order now is the TTS Coupe which produces 292 horsepower and 280 lb.-ft. of torque from the same-ish motor. Pricing for the TTS Coupe starts at $51,900; no details regarding the already confirmed TTS Roadster were announced.
[Source: Audi]

Porsche’s new Atlanta HQ opens

Some time ago, there was a Ford assembly plant in Hapeville, Georgia right next to one of Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport’s runways. They used to make the Taurus – the old one – and closed about a decade ago after things moved on. That lot was vacant years after it closed down, but now Porsche Cars North America is giving new life to that plot of land just behind runway 26R. This week they finally opened their brand new North American headquarters and Porsche Experience Center.

Porsche invested nearly $100 million into this facility, making it their largest investment outside of Germany. This facility is more than just an American HQ; it’s got a driver development track, classic car gallery, restoration center, human performance center, driving simulator lab, and a fine restaurant. The new location is designed to be a destination for the public, including enthusiasts and SOs who are just as excited about looking at 356 Speedsters as the one who dragged them along. The track is a 1.6-mile configuration which includes six different “modules”, including a handling circuit, off-road course, dynamics area, low friction handling circuit, low friction circle, and the only kick plate in North America.
But the best part about the new facility at One Porsche Drive is that it’s about 30 minutes away from me. *Excitement intensifies*.
[Source: Porsche]

Royal Purple’s Royal Treatment sweepstakes

The guys and gals over at Royal Purple are about to give one lucky fan the best pit lane experience of their life. The Royal Treatment, as they call it, will include a chance to meet Indy and TUDOR racer Townsend Bell (sponsored by Royal Purple) and then get flown out to Circuit of the Americas for the Lone Star Le Mans where they’ll be a guest VIP pit crew member of Scuderia Corsa with full garage access. Scuderia Corsa runs the Ferrari 458 in GTD spec, so it’ll be like you’re actually on a Ferrari racing team! That’s gotta be worth something. The Royal Treatment sweepstakes is open now and you can register at www.gettheroyaltreatment.com for your chance to win.
[Source: Royal Purple]

What was your automotive news?

I saw these and it was cool.
What about you? If you saw, drove, bought, fixed, broke, or otherwise did anything newsworthy this week that you want to share with your fellow hoon, sound off in the comments.
[Source: me]

Remembering Denise McCluggage

Last Wednesday, an amazing human being passed away. Her name was Denise McCluggage and she was perhaps best known for her racing and journalism career which thrived for more than half a century. No one here at Hooniverse really got to know her that well, so instead of a forced obituary from me, you should instead go over to Autoweek – where she was on their team from the beginning – and read their touching, heartfelt words on her. She was 88.
[Source: Autoweek]