Skoda releases first sketches of its China-exclusive Kodiaq GT coupe-SUV

Finally, Skoda is entering the coupe-SUV segment. However, motorists in Europe or United States won't be able to get a piece of it. This is because Skoda is marketing the all-new coupe version of Kodiaq – the Skoda Kodiaq GT -- exclusive in China. It may arrive in other markets around the world, but for now, plans only involves exclusive sale in the Chinese market.

Skoda has yet to disclose important details about the all-new Kodiaq GT. Nonetheless, the fact that the Czech carmaker has released three design sketches, Skoda is all-bent to deliver a new coupe-SUV – as based on the Kodiaq SUV – for the Chinese market. This means that China will the only market in the world in which Skoda will be selling four SUV models: Kamiq, Karoq, Kodiaq and Kodiaq GT.

The new Kodiaq GT will be Skoda’s fourth SUV in China, and will be second exclusive model made just for the Chinese market, after the Kamiq. It will also be replacing the Kamiq as the brand’s most expensive SUV and its new flagship in China. According to the Czech carmaker, the Kodiaq GT coupe SUV is a demonstration of its commitment to the Chinese market, expecting the new model to be a key driver of the brand’s image.

Based on the design sketches released by Skoda, the new Kodiaq GT boasts of an athletically dynamic profile, as define by its coupe-like flanks as well as clear and precise lines. Starting from behind the front doors, the roofline of the new Skoda Kodiaq GT slopes downward in gentle manner, then merges with the coupe SUV’s angled tailgate. While the Kodiaq GT does look like the Kodiaq large SUV, but the coupe version is differentiated on the rear end. The basic exterior dimensions of the Kodiaq GT seem to be similar to that of Kodiaq.

Inside, the new Skoda Kodiaq GT – according to the images – will have nearly the same overall design as the cabin of the Kodiaq. However, it is expected that the coupe version will feature more sporty options like sports seat.

Skoda is seeing the SUV segment, not just in China, but also in other markets, as having particular potential for growth. This is why its new SUV offensive -- along with electromobility and digitalization – as one the key pillars of Skoda’s Strategy 2025. The partiality that Skoda seemingly has for China is due to the fact that the country is its largest global market for the Czech carmaker. In fact, one of every four vehicles that Skoda sells is in China.

In 2016, Chinese President Xi Jinping visited the Czech Republic and inked a Memorandum of Understanding. This memorandum called for a five-year plan in which over EUR2 billion will be invested to expand Skoda’s SUV portfolio and develop alternative-drive models.

PRESS RELEASE

SKODA provides first view of KODIAQ GT

ŠKODA allows first view of future top model of the design sketches of the new ŠKODA KODIAQ GT in the Chinese market. The dynamic coupé version of big SUV ŠKODA KODIAQ will be exclusively available in China. In the meantime, China will be the only market in which ŠKODA offers a total of four SUV models with KAMIQ, KAROQ, KODIAQ and KODIAQ GT.

As the design sketches show, all lines are clearly and precisely designed, the coupé-like side line gives the new ŠKODA KODIAQ GT a sporty and dynamic profile. The coupé-version of large SUV that differentiates it from the KODIAQ is its rear section. Behind the front doors, the roofline gently slopes down, merging into an angled tailgate. As the first SUV coupé in the Czech car maker’s model portfolio, the KODIAQ GT will serve as the new flagship model in China, and be a key driver of the brand’s image.

China – the worldwide largest market for ŠKODA
The SUV offensive is a key pillar of Strategy 2025, along with electromobility and digitalisation. In China, where the new ŠKODA KODIAQ GT in addition to ŠKODA KAMIQ will actually be the second exclusive ŠKODA SUV on the market, this segment offers a particular potential for growth. Even today, Chinese market is the world’s biggest market for ŠKODA. Every fourth ŠKODA vehicle is currently delivered to China. According to a five-year plan, laid out in a Memorandum of Understanding signed in 2016 during Chinese President Xi Jinping’s state visit to the Czech Republic, more than two billion euros will be invested in the expansion of the SUV portfolio and the development of alternative-drive ŠKODA vehicles.

Source: Skoda

2019 Chevrolet Camaro SS in new Shock Yellow exterior color is up for display at 2018 SEMA Show

Chevrolet seems to take the 2018 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show very seriously. This I evidenced by the fact that carmaker is bringing more than a dozen Chevrolet vehicle concepts, performance parts, latest accessories and crate engines to the Las Vegas Convention Center on Oct. 30 to Nov. 2, 2018. One of these is a 2019 Camaro SS wrapped in a new Shock Yellow exterior color.

But before this 2019 Camaro SS show car is displayed at the 2018 SEMA Show, Chevrolet is kind enough to offer a good glimpse. This SEMA show car essentially demonstrates how a Camaro would look like when finished with the new Shock yellow exterior color. This new exterior for the Camaro will be made available in early 2019. Aside from Shock, the 2019 Camaro can also be finished in other new colors like Crush, Riverside Blue Metallic, Shadow Grey Metallic and Satin Steel Grey Metallic.

Aside from donning the new Shock yellow exterior color, the Camaro SS show car to be displayed at the SEMA show is also installed with new accessories and performance parts that can be availed from Chevrolet dealers. These Chevrolet accessories and performance parts were all designed by the same people – including designers and engineers – who contributed a lot to the creation of the Camaro. Thanks to this, the design and the performance of these accessories and parts perfectly fit the Camaro.

According to the carmaker, these Chevrolet accessories and performance parts have been validated using the same exacting standards those that were installed on the Camaro in the factory. Moreover, the installation of these Chevrolet accessories and performance parts won't void the new-vehicle limited warranty of the Camaro.

The 2019 Camaro SS to be shown at the 2018 SEMA Show is fitted with a black wing spoiler, fuel door with exposed carbon-fiber insert, second-generation ground effects as well as black Camaro fender badges. It is also installed with Brembo six-piston front brake upgrade kit and 1LE suspension components. Performance seats from Recaro as well as 50-state-legal cold-air induction kits are also installed in the show car.

The new 2019 Chevrolet Camaro LS, LT and SS models will feature a new front end, as defined by a grille, dual-element headlamps, bonnet as well as new LED signature lighting. The 2019 Camaro ZL1 model will feature the same airflow optimized front-end styling. The 2019 Camaro RS comes with distinct headlight and lighting signature.

In addition, the 2019 Camaro will feature new LED taillamps. The LS and LT models are fitted with red lenses while the RS, SS and ZL1 models boasts of dark-tinted clear lenses.

For the 2019 model year, the Camaro will feature new wheel designs, new Chevrolet infotainment systems, new available full-display rearview camera mirror and new available Forward Collision Alert. The 2019 Camaro SS can be specified with a new 10-speed paddle-shift automatic transmission with launch control and line lock.

PRESS RELEASE

Chevrolet today previewed a new Shock yellow exterior color for the 2019 Camaro. It will be available in early 2019.

The color made its debut on a 2019 Camaro SS show car that will be on display at the SEMA Show Oct. 30-Nov. 2 in Las Vegas, where it will be shown with new accessories and performance parts available from Chevrolet dealers.

“There’s a fresh look for the 2019 Camaro, which is restyled, reinvigorated and offers more choices and new technologies,” said Steve Majoros, director of Chevrolet Car and Crossover Marketing. “It’s the perfect canvas for personalization, and the new Shock color and available accessories demonstrate only some of the possibilities customers have to make the Camaro entirely theirs.”

The expanded portfolio of accessories and performance parts includes second-generation ground effects, a black wing spoiler, fuel door with exposed carbon-fiber insert, black Camaro fender badges, 50-state-legal cold-air induction kits, RECARO® performance seats, Brembo® six-piston front brake upgrade kit and 1LE suspension components.*

The Chevrolet accessories and performance parts were designed by the same designers and engineers responsible for the Camaro itself, for seamless design and performance integration. The accessories and parts were also validated to the same rigorous standards as the factory-installed components, and their installation does not void the new-vehicle limited warranty.

Customers can shop online for the parts at Chevrolet.com/accessories and choose home or dealer delivery, as well as select dealer installation.

The Camaro SS Shock show vehicle also features concept front-end styling that includes a relocated bowtie emblem and concept hood/fender graphics. It will be joined in the Chevrolet SEMA display by a personalized Camaro LT convertible, shown in new Satin Steel Grey Metallic and featuring concept red accents and additional accessories.

Camaro for 2019

New front-end styling on LS, LT and SS models, including the fascia, grille, dual-element headlamps, hood and new LED signature lighting, puts a new face on the 2019 Camaro. The ZL1 model retains its airflow optimized front-end styling, while the RS package also receives unique headlamps and lighting signature.

At the rear, new LED taillamps are incorporated in a more sculptured execution of Chevrolet’s signature dual-element design. Red lenses are featured on LS and LT, with RS, SS and ZL1 featuring dark-tinted neutral-density (clear) lenses.

Additional highlights include:

An all-new Turbo 1LE model that rounds out Camaro’s performance lineup.
A new 10-speed paddle-shift automatic transmission offered on Camaro SS, featuring launch control and line lock.
New wheel designs.
New Chevrolet infotainment systems, including enhanced available navigation.
New available full-display rearview camera mirror.
New available Forward Collision Alert.
Along with Shock, the 2019 Camaro color palette also includes new Crush, Riverside Blue Metallic, Shadow Grey Metallic and Satin Steel Grey Metallic.

The 2019 Camaro show cars join more than a dozen Chevrolet vehicle concepts at the SEMA Show, along with the latest accessories, performance parts and crate engines for new and vintage Chevrolet vehicles.

How long does your car clutch last?

In a car with a manual transmission, the clutch is a very important component as it connects and disconnects the drive shafts. Even under normal use, the lifespan of the clutch is typically shorter than the car. When you change gears, the clutch also suffers wear and tear. How long can a clutch in a manual transmission last?

Some cars owners may see their car clutches fail at 30,000 miles or below. This usually happens to drivers who are typically rough in changing gears. There are car owners who may see their clutch start malfunctioning at around 50,000 miles. Drivers who are usually smooth with their gear changes may see their car clutches live until 100,000. In an environment where frequent gear changes aren’t needed – along drivers who are efficient in gear shifting – can see some clutches reach a lifespan of more than 100,000 miles. Thus, there is really no exact number with regards to the lifespan of a car clutch.

While nothing is really sure on the specific lifespan of a car clutch, there is one thing that is certain – clutches are really susceptible to wear and tear, even more than the car itself. Thus, a clutch usually fails even before the car dies. This means a clutch may have to be replaced at one point of a car’s life. The actual lifespan of a clutch depends of many variables.

There are some variables that may affect the lifespan of a car clutch:

Gear shifting roughness or smoothness: If a driver is too rough in changing gears, the clutch of his or her car may fail early. This is because when a driver is rough is shifting gears, the timing of the clutch release is messed up. On the other hand, if a driver is smooth in shifting gears, a better timing for clutch release is achieved, thereby minimizing wear and prolonging the life of the clutch.

Timing of clutch engagement (or disengagement): If a driver only engage or disengage the clutch when needed, he can save the clutch from needless wear and tear.

Climate or weather: Warm temperature of the surroundings can cause the transmission fluid to heat up, straining clutch components in the process. This is why those driving in colder or cooler areas may see their car clutch live longer than those in hotter or warmer places.

Terrain and geography: Driving in mountainous areas and winding roads require more frequent clutch work and gear shifts. On the other, clutch work and gear shifts is less required on flat areas and straight-aways.

Furthermore, a driver can avoid unnecessary wear and tear of the clutch to help prolong its life. Things that a driver should avoid to prevent needless wear and tear of the clutch include: driving with the handbrake engaged; starting the car at higher gear; riding the clutch; and use the clutch pedal as a footrest.

Ford extends production run of Ford GT supercar to 1,350 units through 2022

When Ford unveiled its new Ford GT nearly four years ago at the 2015 Detroit Auto Show, the supercar was received very well even through the US carmaker only disclosed a few details. When the company started to produce the Ford GT, one thing was very apparent – the demand for the supercar greatly outstrips the supply. Two years into the supercar’s production, Ford is building more units than previously earmarked.

Even before it started production of the Ford GT, the US carmaker had said only 1,000 units of the supercar will be built. Ford had set the annual production pace for the Ford GT at 250 units every year. This means that supercar would have a production run that would last for around four years.

But when the US carmaker started accepting orders for the Ford GT, the total number of applicants quickly grew to more than 6,500. This number was just for the 2016 iteration of the supercar. Unfortunately, Ford can only accommodate 1,000 of the applicants, which means that the Ford GT is practically sold out.

Now, Ford seems to have a change of heart. The overwhelming response to its brainchild cannot be denied. So, the carmaker is extending the production run of the Ford GT. Instead of just building 1,000 units, Ford will be producing 350 more for a total of 1,350 units. Given the number of supercars that Ford can build annually (at 250 units), the production run of the Ford GT production will now cover around six years.

For the additional 350 units, the order book would be opened for all interested customers. Ford is accepting new and previous applicants in select global markets starting November 8. Applications will be accepted at FordGT.com for 30 days. Interested customer who previously applied for the Ford GT, they need to confirm or modify their original application in the final window.

Applicants who will be selected to own the additional units of the Ford GT will be working with the Ford GT Concierge Service for a personalized purchase experience. Their Ford GT units will be produced between 2020 and 2022 calendar years.

Hermann Salenbauch, Ford Performance director, remarked that extending the Ford GT production run for a limited period allowed them to maintain the exclusivity of the supercar.

Ford commenced production the Ford GT in December 2016. The supercar is powered by a 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 engine that is SAE-rated to provide up to 647 hp of output and up to 550 lb.-ft. of peak torque. The new Ford GT has a dry weight of around 3,000 lbs (1,385 kg), resulting to a power-to-weight ratio of 4.72 lbs per hp. The Ford GT can accelerate from zero to 60 mph (96 km/h) in under 3 seconds, and reach a top speed of 216 mph (347 km/h).

Sales of diesel cars continue to drop in Europe, as per International Energy Agency

 It was just several months ago when European commissioner Elzbieta Bienkowska called diesel-powered cars as the technology of the past, even giving a prediction that these vehicles will completely disappear in the near future. While it is still too early to say whether her statement will come a true or not, but carmakers are facing a harsh reality for now – public demand for diesel cars are dropping in a fast pace in Europe.

Public sentiment towards diesel cars in Europe has been dropping for the past years, with more and more consumers in the region looking to purchase cleaner, more environment-friendly vehicles. While Europe has been considered as the largest market for diesel cars since the 1980s, but the hunger for such vehicles has been waning lately. It was really evident from how carmakers across Europe has been shying away from diesel cars and pursuing electrification. Nonetheless, the latest available figures on sales of diesel cars are a better proof.

According to a report by the International Energy Agency (IEA), there is really a huge decline in the demand for diesel cars. Since its statement is backed by numbers, it is really quite hard to deny the fact. As per IEA, diesel cars hold a large chunk of the automotive market in Europe, accounting for 42.5 percent of all sales as of start of 2017. But a year after at the start of 2018, the market share of diesel cars in Europe had shrunk to 36.5 percent. Overall during the period, carmakers manage to just move 3.12 million diesel cars to customers in Europe, for a huge decline of 16 percent, according to IEA.

The sales situation for diesel cars is worse in some countries in Europe. For instance, the auto industry saw sales of diesel cars in the United Kingdom significantly dropped by 30 percent in the year to start of 2018. Germany is no better off, even though it is home to some of the largest diesel car producers in the world such as the Volkswagen Group and the BMW Group. At the start of 2017, diesel cars accounted for 41.3 percent of sales in Germany. A year later, the demand for such cars plummeted by 31.1 percent.

Since sales of diesel cars have been in decline, there is also corresponding drop in the sales of diesel fuel. In fact, diesel fuel sales plunged by 115,000 barrels a day in August compared to a month prior, causing prices at the fuel stations to surge.

Diesel cars have started falling out of favor from consumers in 2015, as traced back to the so-called Dieselgate scandal, which is essentially the emissions cheating scandal committed by the Volkswagen Group. From there, the European and national governments as well as local governments have been reassessing the impact of diesel cars. With a growing number of politicians discouraging their constituents to shy away from diesel cars, the future is also becoming bleak for these vehicles.