On Motoring Monday we’re showing you the all-new 2016 Chevrolet Cruze which made its debut around the world, the new 2016 Camaro Convertible, and Ford continues to innovate with their new 2016 F-150.
In our Reality Check, Lexus announced they’re developing a Hoverboard. All this and our test drives, it’s coming right up!
2016 Chevrolet Cruze
In a huge reveal this week, the next-generation 2016 Chevrolet Cruze arrives with an all-new design that’s larger and lighter than before, and packed with more technology.
The new Cruze which arrives later this year looks a lot like the 2016 Chevrolet Volt which was unveiled earlier this year, with many similar family styling cues like projector-beam headlights and available LED daytime running lights.
It’s larger by a few inches which brings much more room inside, but some 250 pounds lighter than the outgoing model. And with a new 1.4 liter 153 horsepower turbocharged engine promises better performance.
That engine comes with a six-speed manual or automatic transmission and Chevrolet says will offer up to 530 miles on a tank of gas. The diesel engine option will return also for model year 2017.
The interior is all new too with more tech features than ever before. Standard will be a 7-inch touchscreen with a larger 8-inch optional, both featuring MyLink with smartphone integration with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto coming later in the model year.
Notable class standard features Chevrolet says include 10 air bags, four-wheel disc brakes, and a rear-view camera. Available toys are things like a 4G LTE with Wi-Fi hotspot, wireless phone charging, and the latest driver assistance aids.
The new 2016 Chevrolet Volt is built in Lordstown Ohio and will arrive late this year with an expanded range of trims, including a new sporty RS.
2016 Ford F-150 XLT and Lariat Special Edition Package
The 2016 Ford F-150 carries on the all-new style from the 2015 model with some new features including an eye catching array of Special Edition Packages.
In addition to new available features like automated towing assist, improved SYNC 3 infotainment system and alternative fuel capability, Ford adds Special Edition Packages for XLT and Lariat.
The new appearance package includes unique 20-inch anodized and dark-painted aluminum wheels with red accent lettering. Going along with them are black running boards, smoked headlamps, and a healthy dose of body graphics.
Most notable is the special grille design which on the Lariat has red accents that really pop. If this is a bit much for ya, the XLT version is a simple black anodized look with mesh inset.
The overall theme and feel is similar to the FX packages but swings more upscale both on the outside, but inside too. The Special Edition interior gets unique seating with with Alcantara inserts, red contrast stitching and red bolsters.
The steering wheel, shift boot and the dash all get red accent stitching as well. And here, the 2016 gets the new SYNC 3 communications and entertainment system that features enhanced voice recognition, a better capacitive touch screen and easier to understand menus.
The new 2016 Ford F-150 will begin arriving at dealerships very soon. Pricing for the new pickups as well as the Special Edition packages will be announced closer to that time.
2016 Chevrolet Camaro Convertible
This week Chevrolet lifted the lid on their all new 2016 Camaro, showing off the convertible version for the first time.
The all-new 2016 Chevrolet Camaro Convertible brings with it a number of key distinctions from its cross-town rival, the Ford Mustang.
For one, the power top will be fully automatic with release latches that don’t require manual operation. It can be opened and closed at speeds up to 30 mph and can be operated remotely from the key fob.
When the top is down, unlike the Mustang, it stows sleekly underneath a hard tonneau cover for a much more refined and upmarket appearance, though this arrangement does likely come at a cost of more trunk space.
The cloth surface top itself when up mimics the Camaro’s roof line and features a multilayer construction with both acoustic and thermal barriers for comfortable and quiet driving all year round.
The interior is much akin to that of the coupe in design, the rear seat getting a tad bit narrower and tighter to make room for the power top’s mechanism. It doesn’t appear however it gave up much space though.
Chevrolet says the new Camaro Convertible has a body structure stiffer and lighter than before by at least 200 pounds. And while we’ll have to wait to judge when we drive one, should offer equivalent handling to the coupe.
The new Camaro Convertible will come later after the coupe, going on sale early in 2016 with pricing and final specs to come closer to then.
Test Drive: 2015 VW Beetle Convertible
This week in our test drives we got a sun tan out on the Mother Road, Route 66 in the 2015 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible.
We tested the base model 1.8T which is where the news is at this year as it has an all-new turbocharged base engine which replaced the old 2.5 liter five-cylinder. The outcome is a more sportier feel in driving and much better fuel economy.
Our drive on Route 66 allowed some fun and touristing which is really what this car is about isn’t it? We did get some good drive testing in though to really get a feel for how well buttoned down this pleasure cruiser is, and we weren’t at all disappointed.
You can get your kicks on Route 66 with us and watch the entire test drive by clicking the link here.
Reality Check: Lexus Hoverboard
In our Reality Check segment this week, the futuristic Hoverboard has been in magazines, comic books and movies for decades, but always out of reach for consumers.
But, Lexus says they’ve partnered with what they call “world leading experts” in super conductive technology to create one of the most advanced Hoverboards ever developed.
It’s been the dream of kids and adults alike for decades so why not. And in so doing, Lexus says of the project, “That determination, combined with our passion and expertise for design and innovation, is what led us to take on the Hoverboard project.”
They went on to say, “It’s the perfect example of the amazing things that can be achieved when you combine technology, design and imagination.”
The Lexus Hoverboard is said to use magnetic levitation to achieve true frictionless movement by way of liquid nitrogen cooled superconductors and permanent magnets.
Or course this Hoverboard is a Lexus so its design features the brand’s luxury touches and aesthetics like a spindle grille signature shape and familiar materials like natural bamboo woods.
Testing of the Lexus Hoverboard will be taking place in Barcelona, Spain over the coming weeks and we will hopefully know more soon.
What has already been said however is that like all of them which have come before it, the Lexus Hoverboard is a prototype and will not be for sale. Yes, the man once again is teasing us with what we cannot have.
Money Shot
Now it’s time for our Money Shot where we take the hottest photo from this week’s automotive news and we show it to ya!
On display at Goodwood this week was a special McLaren P1 Prost, honoring four-time Formula 1 world champion, Alain Prost. The car’s carbon fiber body was painted in his racing livery of white with blue graphics and red highlights. This view however is gold.
Well that’s it for Motoring Monday, thank you for watching us. Click on the link right here and subscribe to our YouTube Channel where we’ll keep you updated on all we do. We test drive a new car every week and produce almost a new video every day, so there’s always something new.
You can also follow us on the Google, Twitter and that Facebook by clicking the buttons on our website.
I’m Sam Haymart for TestDrivenTV, I hope you enjoyed the ride.
