August 20, 2009

Hello, Driving Range fans. This time around we will be checking out the new VW Tiguan, an electric car from GM and a (somewhat) affordable dream machine.


New vehicles
Volkswagen Tiguan – Although the name may not make any sense, VW’s foray, finally, into the compact SUV/crossover market has occurred with perfect timing. Since higher gas prices have caused many to shun full-sized SUVs, smaller, more fuel-efficient models regin supreme. The Tiguan (pronounced tig-wan – I think) looks a bit like a shrunken Touareg with a few added styling touches, especially on the front end. Currently available with Volkswagen’s venerable 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo (a diesel may follow), the Tiguan is potent enough to keep up with the competition's four- and six-cylinder rivals while achieving decent gas mileage. Both two- and four-wheel-drive models can be mated to either a six-speed manual or VW’s six-speed auto with Tiptronic. Three trim levels exist with the upper-end Highline featuring leather, power seats, a sunroof, dual-zone climate control, 18-inch wheels, xenon headlights and more. Road-going reports indicate a nice compromise between ride and handling with superior comfort levels in the typically high-quality VW cabin. If we get Volkswagen’s new diesel next year for this model, the Tiguan will stand in a class of its own.

Available – now

Price –	Trendline two-wheel-drive – $27,575
	Highline 4x4 – $38,375
	Engine – 2.0 L turbo four – 200 hp – 207 lb-ft torque

The Green Scene
Chevrolet Volt – First introduced as a concept in 2007, the Chevrolet Volt is now pegged for production in late 2010. The concept is a stylish plug-in “extended-range electric vehicle” with innovative fuel-saving technologies. For Canadians who typically drive 65 km or less per day, this rechargeable plug-in vehicle can cut out trips to the gas station altogether. Recharging is done through a standard 110- or 220-volt outlet and can be completed within eight to 16 hours. When driving more than 65 km, the Volt has a small fuel-powered generator that can kick in to recharge the battery and extend the driving range to more than 1,000 km. In addition, what is particularly unique about the Chevrolet Volt concept is the fact that unlike any previous electric vehicles, GM's engineers have designed the car to be entirely modular. As a result, the gas generator can be replaced by an E85 ethanol generator, a biodiesel generator or even a hydrogen fuel cell generator. This new powertrain, which GM is calling the e-flex system, has a shelf life far beyond that of the internal combustion engine. As with all current electric vehicle technology, battery life and endurance are key concerns. The volt will likely use either lithium-ion magnesium cells or lithium nanophosphate batteries for which GM is devoting a significant amount of resources during this R&D phase. If they can pull this off, GM will be the first major manufacturer to offer a mass-produced electric vehicle to the public. Prices look like they will be around $40,000 U.S. as it stands right now. Not cheap, but as is the case with all technologies, higher production numbers and refinement in the various processes should bring this cost down. Let’s keep our fingers crossed.


If Only!
Nissan GT-R – For decades the Nissan Skyline GT-R has been a cult favourite of car enthusiasts and Gran Turismo gamers alike. The Japan-only Skyline was never imported to North America much to the chagrin of the high-performance crowd. But that has all changed now with the introduction of the astounding Nissan GT-R (the Skyline moniker has been dropped). Boasting an all-wheel-drive chassis, dual-clutch transmission and a hand-assembled 480-horsepower twin-turbo V6 engine, the GT-R will blast to 60 mph in 3.5 seconds and run up to “about” 185 mph. Testing at the famed Nurburgring saw the GT-R eclipse the best track time for the twice-the-price Porsche 911 Turbo and reports of high-speed drivability, with its precise steering, finely tuned chassis and powerful brakes, have some claiming this Nissan super-car to be the easiest of this elite breed to drive fast. You can have all of this for the bargain-basement price of only $82,000. May seem like a lot but the only other production car to provide this much performance at such a (relatively) low price is the Corvette Z06 at $92,000.