Monthly Archives: September 2015

Colo. likes ’16 Jag F-Type R softtop’s AWD

White exterior, red interior highlight 2016 Jaguar F-Type R convertible. (Bud Wells photos)
White exterior, red interior highlight 2016 Jaguar F-Type R convertible. (Bud Wells photos)

“What a looker,” some might say of this new automobile.

While its 550 horses make it a superstar and six figures ($121,000) give it elite status, a mere three letters on its rear (AWD) lend it added appeal in the Mile High City and hills to the west.

It’s the 2016 Jaguar F-Type R convertible, which was recently voted the favorite on-road driver by automotive journalists at an event at Devil’s Thumb Ranch in the mountains near Tabernash. Forty new cars and trucks were included in the display and drive, sponsored by the Rocky Mountain Automotive Press. Winner of favorite off-road driver was the ’15 Ram 1500 Rebel pickup.

I spent a week with the low-slung, two-seat Jaguar prior to the event at the Tabernash ranch. Finished in glacier white, it is of long, sloping hood and big nose out front. With the soft top retracted into the trunk, the red leather header and performance seats are inviting.

The Jaguar’s black softtop is in place beneath threatening clouds.
The Jaguar’s black softtop is in place beneath threatening clouds.

Packed tightly beneath the reverse-opening hood is the 550-horsepower, 5-liter V-8, supercharged and direct-injected for more efficient combustion. An awesome 502 lb.-ft. of torque will shoot the Jag to 60 miles per hour in about 4 seconds. Few competitors develop more horsepower than this one.

The Jag, in those 0 to 60 tests, screams its way down the track (well, actually, it roars and cackles). The driver not only controls the throttle, but also, with an “active exhaust system,” controls the level of decibel-blast out the quad pipes at the back.

The V-8 is mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission, with near-imperceptible shift points. The choice of gears can be quickened with paddle shifters in dynamic mode (also of choice is use of the other end of gearing performance for rain/ice/snow conditions.

In a plus for Colorado drivers, all-wheel drive has replaced rear-wheel drive in the F-Type R convertibles, pleasing those who venture out onto the roads all winter long. The Intelligence Driveline Dynamics system, which normally sends 100 percent of torque to the rear wheels, will, in an instant of treacherous conditions, redirect as much as 50 percent of torque to the front wheels. The stunning F-Type convertible, in its third year or production, was introduced in these parts at the

Denver Auto Show in 2013 by Jack TerHar, longtime Broomfield car dealer. “I learned of plan for the roadster back in 2004 in a British pub in England,” he said at the car show. “My tablemate, Ian Collum (Jaguar stylist), sketched it on a napkin while we drank beer.” Plans for its conceptual stage began to circulate the following year.

Built in Castle Bromwich, England, the ’16 F-Type R convertible carries a sticker price of $121,345, when equipped with the aforementioned features, along with Meridian sound system, climate pack with heated seats and steering wheel, touchscreen navigation, backup camera, blind-spot monitor, illuminated treadplates and 20-inch wheels with Pirelli 255/35/ZR20 tires.

Here are the specifications for the ’16 Jaguar F-Type R convertible:

  • Capacity 2-passenger convertible
  • Wheelbase 103.2 inches
  • Length 176 inches
  • Width 74.2 inches
  • Height 51.7 inches
  • Curb Weight 3,847 pounds
  • Track 62.9 inches front, 64.9 rear
  • Ground Clearance 3.9 inches
  • Turn Circle 37.8 feet
  • Drivetrain All-wheel-drive
  • Engine 5.0-liter supercharged V-8
  • Horsepower/Torque 550/502
  • Transmission 8-speed automatic
  • Steering electric power
  • Suspension sport, double wishbone
  • Fuel mileage estimate 15/23
  • Fuel mileage average 21.4
  • Fuel Tank 18.5 gallons, premium
  • Wheels 20-inch
  • Tires Pirelli 255/35/ZR20
  • Cargo Volume 7 cubic feet
  • Warranty 5 years/60,000 miles basic, 5/60,000 powertrain

Competitors Mercedes-Benz SL550, BMW M6, Porsche 911 Carrera 4S, Chevrolet Corvette Z06

Assembly Plant Castle Bromwich, England

Parts Content U.S./Canadian 3%, Germany 51%, England 43%

Base Price of Lowest Model $106,450; Base Price of Review Model $109,450; Destination Charge $995; Sticker Price $121,345.

 

 

 

Smaller ‘fist’ powers Ford Expedition EL

The 2015 Ford Expedition EL rides high on 22-inch wheels. (Bud Wells photo)
The 2015 Ford Expedition EL rides high on 22-inch wheels. (Bud Wells photo)

Liken it to a bruiser of a heavyweight hitting harder with a smaller fist – it’s the refreshed third generation of the Ford Expedition EL. Gone is V-8 power, replaced with the awesome EcoBoost V-6.

By virtue of its size, the 2015 Expedition is the reddest of a string of red vehicles I’ve been driving recently. The Ford’s ruby red finish is actually a deeper red than the others – the flame red of a Ram 1500 EcoDiesel, the tornado red of the Volkswagen Sportwagen, the Melbourne red metallic of the BMW X6M, the milano red of the Honda HR-V and the rally red of the Mitsubishi Outlander.

None of those compare with it in size.

Based on the Ford F-150 pickup, the full-size SUV was introduced in 1996, then the extended-length EL was added in 2007 to replace the big Excursion, which had been discontinued two years previously.

The Expedition is in demand this summer; its sales increased 46 percent in July and the larger EL represents 44 percent of overall Expedition sales, according to Mike Grammes, Ford sales operations manager for the Denver region.

The 2015 Excursion EL, on a wheelbase of 131 inches, is 220.8 inches in length, stands almost 78 inches in height and weighs a whopping 6,103 pounds. And it rides high on 22-inch wheels, with Pirelli Scorpion 285/45R22 tires.

So, it is big. Open the huge hood, though, and there sits a relatively small V-6 engine in the wide-open underhood space.

Armed with the direct-injected, 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V-6 engine churning out 365 horsepower and 420 lb.-ft. of torque, Ford discontinued Expedition’s use of the 5.4-liter V-8, which generated lesser ratings of 310-hp and 365 lb.-ft.

Only a moment’s hesitation precedes the thrust of EcoBoost power that so adequately carries the three-ton SUV to greater heights. The huge gain in torque reading registers higher-gear cruises. The V-6 is mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters.

The Expedition EL averaged 17 miles per gallon and on a straight highway run will approach 19 or 20. A few months back, I averaged 17.3 with the like-sized Lincoln Navigator, equipped with a similar EcoBoost V-6.

The new Expedition uses fewer amounts of chrome in its restyled headlamps, grille and front bumper.

Inside, the modern, comfortable cabin boasts roominess, even in its third-row seating. Ford’s voice-activated Sync system lends opportunity for calls, music and driving directions, with Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity, CD player, satellite radio, iPod/USB and rear audio controls.

The body-on-frame SUV offers up to 9,200 pounds of tow capacity.

A sticker price of $68,090 is an indication of how well-equipped is the Platinum edition of the Expedition EL. A few of the long list of plush accommodations are the 22-inch wheels, power running boards, power moonroof, navigation, heated front and second-row seats and cooled front seats, rearview camera, power liftgate, blind-spot information system and dual-zone electronic automatic climate control.

Ford dealers in the Denver region last month recorded their best August sales in nine years on strong demand for F-series trucks, SUVs and crossovers.

Here are the specifications for the ’15 Ford Expedition EL 4X4:

  • Capacity 8-passenger crossover
  • Wheelbase 131 inches
  • Length 220.8 inches
  • Width 78.8 inches
  • Height 77.7 inches
  • Curb Weight 6,103 pounds
  • Track 67 inches front, 67.2 rear
  • Ground Clearance 8.3 inches
  • Turn Circle 44 feet
  • Drivetrain Four-wheel-drive
  • Engine 3.5-liter twin-turbo V-6
  • Horsepower/Torque 365/420
  • Transmission 6-speed automatic
  • Steering electric power-assist rack-and-pinion
  • Suspension independent coil-over-shock front, multilink rear
  • Fuel mileage estimate 14/20
  • Fuel mileage average 17
  • Fuel Tank 33.5 gallons, regular
  • Wheels 22-inch
  • Tires Pirelli Scorpion 285/45R22
  • Cargo Volume 42.6 cubic feet
  • Warranty 3 years/36,000 miles basic, 5/60,000 powertrain

Competitors Chevrolet Suburban, Nissan Armada, Toyota Sequoia

Assembly Plant Louisville, Ky.

Parts Content N.A.

Base Price of Lowest Model $56,830; Base Price of Review Model $64,320; Destination Charge $1,195; Sticker Price $68,090.

Dodge Durango offers V-6 or Hemi power

A crosshair grille identifies the 2015 Dodge Durango Citadel AWD. (Bud Wells photo)
A crosshair grille identifies the 2015 Dodge Durango Citadel AWD. (Bud Wells photo)

A crosshair grille identifies the 2015 Dodge Durango Citadel AWD. (Bud Wells photo)

The all-wheel-drive version of the 2015 Dodge Durango Citadel carried me through a varied mix of driving duties recently, performing smoothly with a 295-horsepower, 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine and 8-speed automatic transmission. The 8-speed is controlled from a rotary dial shifter on the center console, with paddle-shift capability from the steering wheel.

The Citadel is the Durango’s upper-end model, has been since its introduction in 2011. Other levels are the basic SXT, the SXT Plus, Limited and performance R/T.

Notable for its crosshair grille, the Durango is built on the same platform as the Jeep Grand Cherokee, though it is a foot longer in overall length to provide three rows of seating.

Though pricing for an SXT with all-wheel drive starts at around $35,000, the amenities-loaded Citadel I drove showed a sticker price of $49,875.

Among the many niceties are Uconnect 8.4 audio/Bluetooth touchscreen display with navigation, backup camera, remote start, rain-sensitive windshield wipers, heated and ventilated leather front seats and heated steering wheel, three-zone air conditioning, power sunroof, automatic high-beam headlamp control, power liftgate, capless fuel filler, adaptive cruise control, advanced brake assist, blind-spot detection and rear-seat video system.

The Durango rides on 20-inch wheels, with Goodyear Fortera 265/50R20 tires. Cargo space is only 17.7 cubic feet behind the third row of seats; fold them, though, and it expands to almost 48 feet.

The V-6-powered Durango averaged 20.4 miles per gallon of regular fuel.

The alternative engine for the Durango is a 360-hp, 5.7-liter Hemi V-8.

Here are the specifications for the ’15 Dodge Durango Citadel AWD:

  • Capacity 7-passenger SUV
  • Wheelbase 119.8 inches
  • Length 201.2 inches
  • Width 75.8 inches
  • Height 70.9 inches
  • Curb Weight 5,097 pounds
  • Track 63.9 inches front, 64.1 rear
  • Ground Clearance 8.1 inches
  • Turn Circle 37.1 feet
  • Drivetrain All-wheel-drive
  • Engine 3.6-liter V-6
  • Horsepower/Torque 295/260
  • Transmission 8-speed automatic
  • Steering power rack and pinion
  • Suspension independent sport-tuned front, multilink rear
  • Fuel mileage estimate 17/24
  • Fuel mileage average 20.4
  • Fuel Tank 24.6 gallons, regular
  • Wheels 20-inch
  • Tires Goodyear Fortera 265/50R20
  • Cargo Volume 17.2 cubic feet
  • Warranty 3 years/36,000 miles basic, 5/100,000 powertrain

Competitors Ford Explorer, GMC Yukon, Chevrolet Tahoe, Toyota 4Runner, Honda Pilot, Volkswagen Touareg

Assembly Plant Brampton, Detroit, Mich.

Parts Content U.S./Canadian 67%, Mexico 16%

Base Price of Lowest Model $39,495; Base Price of Review Model $43,595; Destination Charge $995; Sticker Price $49,875.