Why would the Fiat 500X Cross Plus with the latest dual dry clutch transmission bring on thoughts of a Norwegian pop group? Because when you drive it up a twisty hill that new gearbox hunts high and low trying to find the right ratio. And, unlike the Norwegian pop group’s hit song on the same theme, it scores nul points for harmonious progress. It’s a shame because the car has such promise. About 18 months ago we tested the 500X Cross with the 1.4 litre DCT gearbox, as it was called then. The engine has now got smaller, becoming the 1.3 litre T4 FireFly, yet offers more power and torque, with 150 bhp at 5,500 rpm and 270 Nm at 1,850 rpm. The torque is now up by 15 per cent on the previous car and power by 6.6 per cent but it’s the torque that really counts in day-to-day responsiveness. Maybe it’s just a bit more than the gearbox wants to cope with, because changes could sometimes be jerky. Take-up from a standstill could also suffer from a delay, making … [Read more...] about A-Ha! Hunting high and low is a letdown
Wayne State to pediatricians: You’re fired next month
Kim Kozlowski The Detroit News Published 12:43 PM EDT Oct 15, 2019 Wayne State University sent a letter this week to 110 pediatricians who work for the university and Children's Hospital of Michigan, informing them they will lose their jobs with the university next month. However, university officials say the move will not affect care to patients at Children's Hospital, nor risk training to medical students or impact medical school accreditation. The letter, sent Monday, explained that the looming termination is because University Pediatrics, the physicians' practice group, has not paid the university the funds it uses to pay the doctors' salaries since February — an amount nearing $18 million. "We very much regret the necessity of taking this measure, but we are afraid we have no option, due to the failure of University Pediatricians, PC to fulfill its financial obligation on your behalf," according to the letter, signed by Dr. Herman Gray, … [Read more...] about Wayne State to pediatricians: You’re fired next month
Watch: Koenigsegg breaks the 0-400-0km/h record
Ride along as the Regera goes from standstill, to warp speed, and back again in just over 30 seconds. Last month, the Koenigsegg Regera became the fastest production car to ever run from 0-400-0km/h. Now, you can have a look at what went into the record-breaking run from behind the wheel.Driven by Sonny Persson, a Koenigsegg test driver, the run to 400km/h and back again was over in just 31.49 seconds.That involved 22.87 seconds reaching 400km/h, and just 8.62 seconds coming to a complete stop. Although it looks fuss-free from behind the wheel, Persson says the run could have been faster.Apparently the surface at Råda Military Airfield in Sweden is a bit bumpy to properly support flat-out driving. The run was done in a production Regera, with only a roll cage and a four-point harness added for safety.Let us know your thoughts in the comments!MORE: Koenigsegg news … [Read more...] about Watch: Koenigsegg breaks the 0-400-0km/h record
2020 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe teased again
Bavarian marque's upcoming rival to the Mercedes-Benz CLA looks set to debut in LA next month. BMW has published more teaser images for the new 2 Series Gran Coupe this week on social media, ahead of an anticipated reveal at the Los Angeles motor show.The trio of pictures, posted on the company's Twitter profile, should the front, boot profile, and tail-light signature of the first-ever compact 'Gran Coupe' model.It appears the 2 Series Gran Coupe will be very similar to the new-generation 1 Series up front, with a very similar grille and headlight design, while from the B-pillar rearward the 2er GC will be heavily inspired by the new 8 Series Gran Coupe. Underpinning the 2 Series GC will be the BMW Group's front- and all-wheel drive 'UKL' architecture, which forms the basis of the new 1 Series along with the Mini range.Its key rival will be the recently-launched new-generation Mercedes-Benz CLA, with a range of variants from three- and four-cylinder turbo petrol and diesel models … [Read more...] about 2020 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe teased again
2020 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport unveiled
The US-market Atlas gets a sleeker, two-row variant for 2020. Volkswagen is democratising the coupe crossover. No longer will you have to buy a luxury brand to enjoy the privilege of an SUV with a slightly more rakish roofline.The Atlas Cross Sport is based on the large, Toyota Kluger-sized Atlas – also known as the Teramont in China, Mexico, Russia and the Middle East – and shares the MQB platform. It’s 71mm shorter than its boxier sibling and sits 58mm lower. It still uses the same 2979mm wheelbase as the Atlas but ditches its more upright sibling’s third row of seating.Cargo volume is 1141L behind the second row of seats, the fastback roofline resulting in a loss of 430L over a regular Atlas with its third row stowed. The Cross Sport does, however, have an extra 71mm of rear seat legroom. There are other, more minor changes from the Atlas. The grille is unique to the Cross Sport, for example. Inside, there’s a new steering wheel and some additional … [Read more...] about 2020 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport unveiled