2019 Cadillac Escalade [spy Shot]
The all-new 2020 Cadillac Escalade has been photographed for the first time on public roads. While the 2020 Escalades are completely covered in camouflage foil doubled by a black cloak on top, their familiar shape remains visible. The all-new Escalade won鈥檛 stray too far from the current model鈥檚 design. The fifth-generation model will adopt an evolutionary approach when it comes to styling but that doesn鈥檛 mean it won鈥檛 feature fresh details. Those will include the frontal lighting design which is less vertical than on the current Escalade, with the main headlights positioned at the top of the front fascia while the vertical DRLs are placed below. The front fascia camouflage also allows us to spot Cadillac鈥檚 new mesh grille design. The massive side mirrors seem to integrate additional sensors, likely for the SuperCruise autonomous tech that the Escalade will offer. And if you though the wheels look massive, you鈥檙e right: the prototypes run on 22-inch rims (each featuring Cadillac script) shod with 275/50 R22 Bridgestone tires. At the rear, the taillights still feature a vertical layout, although the camouflage disguises how far they will run up the D-pillar.
The 2020 Escalade鈥檚 rear fascia gets new rectangular exhaust ports integrated into the rear bumper, which is a departure from what we鈥檝e seen on the Chevy and GMC variants. As for the interior, there are no photos available so far. However, we do know the 2020 Escalade will feature a brighter, more colorful cabin with a console-mounted shifter and rear seats that fold flat. The all-new 2020 Cadillac Escalade will use the same platform as the 2019 Chevrolet Silverado and 2019 GMC Sierra pickup trucks, which should result in a more comfortable ride thanks to the adoption of an independent rear suspension. Also, it will get to keep the 6.2-liter V8 engine rated at 420 hp and 623 Nm of torque. As before, it will be mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission and an optional all-wheel-drive system. Although, rumor has it Cadillac will offer two additional powertrain options, one of them being the twin-turbo 4.2-liter V8 that recently debuted in the 2019 CT6. Available in 500 hp and 550 hp states of tune, it might equip a future Escalade-V or V-Sport model. The third option could be a plug-in hybrid unit.
At last, the production Aston Martin Rapide E is ready to dance. Developed in conjunction with Williams Advanced Engineering, the carmaker and the Formula One engineering firm did their best to make the most of an aged platform that was last combined with a 595-horsepower V12. In place of the 6.0-liter 12-cylinder, gearbox, and gas tank in the Rapide AMR, there now sits a 65-kWh battery sheathed in a carbon fiber and kevlar case. It powers two electric motors on the rear axle, the power figures a combined 604 hp and 700 pound-feet of torque. The juice powers the 4,387-pound fastback to a 4.2-second dash to 62 miles per hour. Range is said to be 200 miles on the WLTP cycle, which could mean anywhere from 140 to 180 miles in our numbers. The 800-volt electrical architecture permits charging rates of 300 range-miles per hour when hooked up to the proper outlet delivering 100 kW or more. On top of that, since Aston Martin only plans to build 155 examples of the Rapide E at the carmaker's new St. Athans, Wales, facility, the cries about range anxiety should be muted. The aluminum and carbon fiber bodywork has been submitted to a regime of aero efficiency and shedding superfluous ICE bits. Honeycomb fills the grille aperture and housings formerly used for fog lights, while less air is allowed to flow through the bodywork. A new underfloor hooks up to a larger rear carbon fiber diffuser. The 21-inch forged aero wheels wear low-rolling resistance Pirelli P Zeros. Three driving modes work with an adaptive suspension and limited-slip differential, in an attempt to keep the powertrain swap from eliminating the brand's trademark thrills. Inside, a 10-inch digital display supplants the horologically jeweled dash cluster Aston Martins are known for. A companion app conveys typical EV information remotely, and can also tell owners where the car is parked and provide walking directions to the spot.
Most of the engines used in the Audi A4 are diesel engines. The favourite engine is the 2.0 TDIe churning out 134bhp powerful enough for any job and is economical too. The A4 is decent enough with balanced handling and plenty of grip. However the ride comfort has always been its main point and the Audi A4 2.0 TFSI engine makes a meal of smooth surfaces. It not only has a quiet cabin but the wind and suspension noise aren't a problem either. However, too much road noise gets into the cabin. Most of the engines in the range are quiet, especially the four-cylinder diesel, but the 1.8 petrol makes a noise when worked hard. Audi generally has a lower price than its rivals like BMW on Mercedes on list price and this is the case with A4 as well. Residual values are high and four-figure discounts are available too. The TFSI engine has a competitive fuel economy and emissions hence running costs are strength for Audi. The V6 and four wheel drive trims will cost you more. Audi's reputation depends on quality and here A4 is a little bit disappointing.
When you first look at it, it looks stunning but the cabin isn't that luxurious as expected from an Audi. The A4 rated below average in the 2012 JD Power survey which means it's not as reliable as buyers have come to think. It has all the credentials to be a safe car as it has six airbags and stability control fitted as standard. Lane departure and blind sport warning can be fitted as an option as well as rear side airbags. You get deadlocks and an alarm as standard to guard your car against theft. The A4 is a spacious car and it accommodates four adult passengers very well. Headroom is not that much as in other rivals but the legroom makes up for it, so tall passengers can just relax. The boot capacity is the same as the BMW 3 Series and split folding rear seats come as standard. The favourite trim in the 2.0 litre engine is the SE trim which has; three zone climate control, cruise control, Bluetooth, 17-inch alloys, rear parking sensors and automatic headlights and wipers. Diesel engines SEs can be upgraded to have leather upholstery and sat-nav etc. The latest black editions are based on S line and have 19-inch alloys with an up-rated DAB radio.