Carscoops | Newsletter

Czech Police To Chase Criminals In New BMW 540i xDrive Tourings
It’s A Sad, Sad Day For This Ford Mustang GT350R
The Fiat 500 Cabrio Gets Visual Upgrades By Irmscher, Limited To 200 Units
Can A Porsche 911 Turbo S Compete With An 1,100 HP Nissan GT-R Or Rallycross EV?
The Scout Name Returns, But Is It Enough For Volkswagen To Capture The U.S. Market?
This E39 BMW M5 Could Be The World’s Most Highest Mileage Example
Jeep’s Plant Closure Could Signal The End Of The Joint Venture Era In China
Virtually Brand New 1985 BMW 323i E30 With 162 Miles Has An Astronomical Price Tag
What Button Have You Never Pressed In Your Car?
Six Charges Later, This 2023 Toyota bZ4X Is Toast
These Are The 5 Most Accident-Prone Car Brands In America
The Road To Celestiq: A Look Back At Cadillac’s Previous Ultra-Luxury Concepts

Czech Police To Chase Criminals In New BMW 540i xDrive Tourings

Posted: 24 Jul 2022 03:08 AM PDT

Criminals in the Czech Republic had better watch their backs with local police forces recently taking delivery of 10 BMW 540i xDrive Touring models and expecting to receive many more in the coming years.

In total, police in the Czech Republic will take delivery of no less than 70 vehicles from the German car manufacturer. Half of the 10 540i xDrive Tourings that were recently handed over to the force will be used for highway surveillance and come adorned in a striking police livery. The remaining five vehicles will be unmarked and used for high-speed pursuits.

A number of modifications have been made to the 540i xDrive Touring to transform it into a police car. For example, it comes with all the required lights, sirens, and camera systems.

"I am very pleased that we succeeded in the selection process with premium brand cars at a more favorable price than the competition," said Martin Strakoš, the chief executive of BMW Stratos Auto in Prague that delivered the vehicles. "Highway police officers receive specially equipped vehicles with top driving characteristics and a high level of active and passive safety, as is standard for the BMW brand. I believe that the new vehicles will contribute to increasing the safety of traffic on our highways."

Powering the BMW 540i xDrive Touring is a mild-hybrid 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine that pumps out 335 hp at 5,500 rpm and 331 lb-ft (449 Nm) of torque at 1,500 rpm. Working alongside this engine is an 8-speed automatic transmission that sends power through all four wheels.

"An important step for improving the conditions and quality of police work is also the regular change of the vehicle fleet," added Deputy Police Chief for Economy, Col. Jaromir Bischof. "I am happy that the police officers will be able to use such modern, safe and fast vehicles as these 10 BMW vehicles in their service."

It’s A Sad, Sad Day For This Ford Mustang GT350R

Posted: 24 Jul 2022 01:55 AM PDT

We are living in an age where horsepower is more accessible than ever before and with powerful EVs becoming more affordable and widely available, it probably won't be long before many people can afford to buy a car with over 400 horses under their right foot. If the long-standing trend of Ford Mustang drivers crashing their muscle cars can teach us anything, though, it's that not everyone can handle a car with plenty of ponies.

We've seen so many videos of Mustang drivers crashing over the years that it's no longer shocking and instead, has almost become expected. This particular clip shows once again just how delicate you need to be to have some fun in the pony car.

Watch Also: Dad Lets 7-Year-Old Start Manual Mustang Without Realizing It Was In Gear, Crash Ensues

The Mustang in this video appears to be the much-coveted GT350R, as evidenced by its distinctive front and rear fascias, as well as its raucous engine and exhaust sounds. Anyone that has driven a GT3350R will know that it is one of the finest Mustang variants produced in recent years and that makes this incident that much more saddening.

The video starts off by showing a black Mustang GT leaving a car show with no drama. The black Mustang GT350R then pulls out onto the road and for whatever reason, the driver was unable to resist the urge to pin the throttle. Things quickly take a turn for the worse when, unable to control the wheel spin, the driver appears to overcorrect and forces the muscle car into a spin. The driver jumps on the brakes but it wasn't enough to stop the car from sliding up the curb and slamming into a power pole.

It seems inevitable that the GT350R would have suffered some wheel and suspension damage in the crash, particularly on the driver's side. However, this didn't stop the driver from pulling away from the scene of crash and into a motel carpark, where they probably assessed the damage.

The Fiat 500 Cabrio Gets Visual Upgrades By Irmscher, Limited To 200 Units

Posted: 24 Jul 2022 12:42 AM PDT

Irmscher is known for tuning Opel-badged models but the German-based company has recently shown some love for Fiats, including the all-electric 500 and the Ulysse/Scudo vans. Now, the tuner performs its magic on another Italian vehicle, the Fiat 500C “Sail by Irmscher”, with a limited production of 200 units.

The first example of the special Fiat 500C was completed in the Irmscher production facility for the Autohaus König Group in Remshalden. The most striking modification is the 17-inch Turbo Star wheels with 10 spokes, coming in a two-tone finish.

The beige accents on the aftermarket wheels are matching the sticker pack on the grille and the profile featuring Irmscher lettering. They also match the fabric roof of the 500C, contrasting with the dark blue shade and the dark-tinted rear windows. The tuner said that all of the 200 units of the Fiat 500C “Sail by Irmscher” will come in this configuration.

The sailing references remind us of the factory-spec Riva and Yachting variants of the 500, and indeed some of the tuned models will get a “wood-style” dashboard. Interior modifications include the addition of a central armrest, new floor mats, new headrests upholstered in fine leather with the “Sail Edition” lettering embossed, plus a numbered plaque that will always remind you of the limited nature of this tuning package.

The model is based on the DolceVita flagship trim, which comes with all the goodies in terms of equipment. Under the bonnet lies the mild-hybrid 1.0-liter FireFly three-cylinder engine that was introduced in 2020 and is now the sole powertrain option in Europe. The mill produces 69 hp (51 kW / 70 PS) and 92 Nm (68 lb-ft) of torque, which doesn’t sound like much, even for an urban vehicle.

Like the regular 500, the soft-top 500C has been around for ages. It was introduced in 2009, with a facelift in 2016 and the addition of a mild-hybrid engine in 2020. Despite having an all-new 500C EV on sale since last year, Fiat is still offering the old 500C as a cheaper ICE-powered alternative, with special editions trying to retain buyers’ attention.

Can A Porsche 911 Turbo S Compete With An 1,100 HP Nissan GT-R Or Rallycross EV?

Posted: 23 Jul 2022 06:21 PM PDT

If you simply looked at the spec sheet of a Porsche 911 Turbo S without knowing much about it, you could be forgiven for thinking it is simply a very capable sports car. However, enthusiasts know that the 911 Turbo S can punch well above its weight and is one of the quickest production cars on earth.

Keen to show just how potent the 911 Turbo S is, CarWow recently pitted it against an 1,100 hp Nissan GT-R and an Xite Racing Nito Rallycross car for a series of performance tests.

On paper, the Porsche is at a significant disadvantage to the other two. It is powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.7-liter flat-six pumping out 640 hp and 590 lb-ft (800 Nm) of torque. A dual-clutch transmission sends this power to all four wheels.

The Nissan GT-R pushes power to completely different heights thanks to its extensively modified 3.8-liter twin-turbo six-cylinder, so much so that it delivers 1,100 hp and 937 lb-ft (1,270 Nm) of torque. It is also all-wheel drive and has a built six-speed automatic transmission. Meanwhile, the rally cross car is driven by four electric motors with 820 hp and 664 lb-ft (900 Nm).

Three drag races from a standing start are held. In the first, all three get off the line very well but as the speeds start to build, the Rallycross car and GT-R start to pull away from the Porsche. The results from the second race are a little different as the 911 Turbo S got a phenomenal launch and was able to beat the Xite while finishing just a couple of feet behind the GT-R.

The third and final race is the most telling as the driver of the Rallycross car was able to increase its power off the line. So, who wins? Watch the video to find out.

The Scout Name Returns, But Is It Enough For Volkswagen To Capture The U.S. Market?

Posted: 23 Jul 2022 05:10 PM PDT

German automakers seem to have a penchant for reviving nameplates from years gone by. Some attempts have managed to exceed expectations (BMW’s recreation of MINI), while others have fallen short (Maybach’s brief time as a standalone offering).

The latest effort is already in the offing and comes from the Volkswagen Group. The Scout brand will be a vital element of the automotive conglomerate’s ambitions to lead in the EV space while establishing a more significant footprint in North America. But what exactly is the history of Scout and why has VW picked it to launch an all-electric offensive on the U.S. SUV and pickup market?

Heiko Perlick and Chong Lee from Volkswagen’s Group Strategy discuss the reasons behind bringing the name back as they drive one of the last Scouts to be made, the International Harvester Scout II, around a proving ground.

Why Scout?

Similar to the original Mini, which was last sold with a Rover badge before being spun off into its own brand, the Scout was a model sold by the U.S.-based International Harvester Company.

IH stopped making cars in the ’80s, while its truck division produces International branded vehicles under the Navistar holding company. Navistar was acquired by Volkswagen in 2020, and with it came the rights to the Scout nameplate.

An American Brand For American Sales

Volkswagen is aiming to grab at least 10 percent of the U.S. vehicle market, and according to Lee, trucks and SUVs are a critical element of these ambitions. So, after much deliberation from the board, the decision to go all-in on the revival of Scout was made. Lee talks about it being a very American brand, with Perlick remarking that Scout has a large fan base.

Read: Dealers Await Answers From VW About Scout Brand

However, having been dead for over four decades, we wonder just how much of that International Harvester Scout nostalgia will influence potential customers looking for an EV SUV or truck. That said, with the likes of the Bronco and Defender proving popular, there’s evidently potential.

First Models In 2026

With the first concepts being unveiled next year, before an eventual market launch in 2026, we have some time before we get behind the wheel of a new-age Scout. However, the pieces are slowly falling into place for the all-new brand.

Former President and CEO of Volkswagen Group of America and the CEO of Volkswagen North American Region, Scott Keogh, was appointed chief executive of Scout. In addition, we’re told that the first hirings for the Scout brand are imminent.

But with stiff competition from the likes of Ford, Chevrolet, and Rivian (not to mention the upcoming Cybertruck from Tesla), will nostalgia alone be able to influence buyers into purchasing from the reincarnated brand?

This E39 BMW M5 Could Be The World’s Most Highest Mileage Example

Posted: 23 Jul 2022 03:59 PM PDT

When it comes to performance cars, despite being created for the purpose of driving pleasure, many of them often sit in garages for the majority of their life. Other, more practical vehicles like sport sedans might see more mileage, but this E39 BMW M5 is on another level.

The 2002 BMW M5 has 542,500 miles (873,069 km) on its odometer. Yes, you read that right, over 500 hundred thousand miles on a 20-year-old BMW performance sedan. That’s enough mileage to circle the Earth 21 times over, or drive from the Earth to the Moon 2.27 times. Shown in the video below at what appears to be a car meet, the E39 M5 is possibly the highest-mileage example in the world.

All things considered, the M5 is in pretty good shape, with neither the Sterling Grey paint nor the body it’s painted on having any serious defects, and the brown interior maintaining its original color and staying largely wrinkle-free. Other than the fact that the car is missing its hood (purposely, as it’s supposedly getting work done to it), it actually looks to be in rather nice condition.

The owner of the car claims it has the original engine with the original timing chain guide, and it surprisingly hasn’t had needed internal work done over its half-million-mile life. Seeing as it originally made 394 hp (400 PS / 294 kW) and 369 lb-ft (500 Nm) of torque, we’d be curious to see how much power this M5’s 4.9-liter V8 still makes after all these years and miles. Maybe the owner’s next order of business could be getting it to a dyno.

Jeep’s Plant Closure Could Signal The End Of The Joint Venture Era In China

Posted: 23 Jul 2022 02:50 PM PDT

Recent news of Stellantis closing its only operating Jeep production facility in China surprised the automotive world just days ago. While the automaker will continue to sell Jeep products in the country, the shift to an import-only model is telling. It could very well mark the end of the joint-venture era as automakers know it in China, the world’s largest market.

Joint ventures were initially intended to help Chinese companies get into the automotive market faster than they could on their own. For Stellantis, its involvement started more than a decade ago in 2010 when it paired up with Chinese company Guangzhou Automobile Group Co. (GAC). Last year, Stellantis closed one of the factories it operated as part of the deal and now, the only one left produces Peugeot products. That plant isn’t exactly soaring either.

Michael Dunne, chief executive officer of ZoZo Go, a consultancy that advises companies on how to navigate the nation's auto industry told Bloomberg that this wasn’t just a case of a single company making a single decision about a single product line. "You can feel the momentum has shifted in favor of Chinese brands… The government is talking about self-sufficiency, nationalism, depend on ourselves. Chinese consumers say, 'I can get pretty good car now from Chinese brands.'"

That attitude isn’t all that surprising either considering all of the domestic competition popping up in the republic. Geely, Dongfeng, Sehol, and more companies are actively releasing new and innovative concepts and products to the market. At the beginning of the month, BYD overtook Tesla as the global leader in new energy vehicle (NEV) sales.

Tesla itself seems to be doing fine despite production slowdowns in the region but other mainstream automakers aren’t doing as well. Legacy brands like Volkswagen and General Motors are considered “the powerhouses of yesterday” by Dunne. For its part, Jeep still plans to grow over the rest of the decade in China despite its production facility closure.

Last year the company made $3.97 billion (€3.9 billion) combined between its Asian-Pacific, Chinese, and Indian regions. It wants to make $20.3 billion (€20 billion) by the end of the decade. It’ll certainly have to crack more than just 0.6 percent of the market (like it did last year) to accomplish that goal.

Virtually Brand New 1985 BMW 323i E30 With 162 Miles Has An Astronomical Price Tag

Posted: 23 Jul 2022 01:38 PM PDT

What would you give to be able to go back in time to the 1980s and buy a brand new E30 BMW 3-Series fitted with all of the best available factory performance options? Would you give $122,500? Because that's effectively what one dealer in Austria is asking for the the chance to do just that.

There's no time machine involved in this sale, though you could probably build one for the €119,950 being charged. But cool old 1980s BMWs are hugely desirable in 2022 and opportunities to buy them with only 162 miles (260 km) on the clock only come round every, well, five years, it seems – we wrote about this car in 2017 when it was advertised for €69,900 ($71k at current rates).

The car in question isn't a rare M3 Evolution, the M3's 2.0-liter tax-buster cousin, the 320iS, or a limited edition convertible. It's a fairly plain looking 323i two-door in Zinnober red and rolling on steel wheels. You'd be forgiven for mistaking it for a lowly 89-hp (90 PS) carb-fed 316 if you hadn't spotted the twin tailpipes poking out form under the rear bumper. And if it was just a 316, it would still be cool because of its low mileage and immaculate condition. Just check out that un-cracked dashboard in the gallery below. Being a pre-facelift car with the early chrome bumpers, it's also far prettier than the post-’87 models.

But this E30 is so much better than a basic 316, and not just because it has a straight-six under the hood. The original owner didn't bother wasting money on alloy wheels, electric windows, power steering or a sunroof, instead spending his cash on a limited slip differential, a sports gearbox with a dogleg layout and 1:1 fifth gear instead of the overdriven fifth fitted as standard, and a genuine Recaro interior.

BMW replaced the 323i with the more powerful 325i in Europe in 1985, but this car appears to have been registered in April 1985, so maybe it was hanging around for a while before being made road legal. That means it's only sending 148 hp (150 PS) and 151 lb-ft (205 Nm) to the rear wheels, rather than 168 hp (171 PS) and 164 lb-ft (222 Nm). But the E30 was, of course, fairly light for the time, and ridiculously light by current standards. A low-option Euro car like this tipped the scales at around 2,315 lbs (1,050 kg), and could get to 60 mph (96 km/h) in 8.3 seconds on its way to a 125 mph (202 km/h) top speed.

Those numbers are nothing special these days (and the four-plus turns of unassisted steering would seriously date the driving experience), but we'd love to get the chance to pile some miles on this Bavarian timewarp, which is up for sale with Klagenfurt-based Meyer-Hafner. But not so much we'd spend more than peachy E46 M3 money to make it happen. What would you pay for this rare slice of vintage 3-Series? Leave a comment and let us know.

What Button Have You Never Pressed In Your Car?

Posted: 23 Jul 2022 12:30 PM PDT

Automotive technology has come a long way since the days of old when optional equipment was rare. Nowadays there are so many buttons, switches, and knobs in vehicles that some never get used by owners. With that in mind, we’re wondering what button you might never have used in your own vehicle.

Sometimes vehicles have a number of buttons and switches that owners don’t even know about. For example, many BMW and MINI owners don’t know that they can lower all of their vehicle’s windows by hitting the unlock button twice and holding it down on the second press. Of course, that’s a button that’s pressed regularly and we’re looking for ones that you’ve never used.

One button that we hope you’ve never pressed is the onboard help button like OnStar. While not always intended for emergencies, using a help button like that tends to only happen when something is wrong. We think there might be a few that you’ve intentionally avoided though.

Autonomous driving controls are another feature that some owners might actively avoid utilizing. We’ve heard from many of you that technologies built to take over some of the driving are a big no-no. Does that apply to just features like lane-keep assist and adaptive cruise control or would you prefer a vehicle without any such technology?

It’s also worth noting that a number of us might own vehicles that have specialized features that we’ve never had the chance to take advantage of. For example, a Ford Bronco with a full suite of G.O.A.T. modes might not have used any of them if it’s been used for nothing other than going from one mall to the next.

In addition, some inexpensive EVs like the Chevrolet Bolt have Launch Control as if they’re some sort of Ferrari competitor. We wonder how many Bolt EV owners have actually used that feature and if it outnumbers the number of owners that don’t even know it exists, to begin with.

We’re sure you’ll have a bunch of great answers though so let us know in the comments below! What button in your car have you never pressed?

Six Charges Later, This 2023 Toyota bZ4X Is Toast

Posted: 23 Jul 2022 11:14 AM PDT

After just 1,363 miles (2,194 km), a gray 2023 Toyota bZ4X XLE has already wound up on Copart.

The auction site is best known for selling vehicles that have been totaled and, although some of them can be made roadworthy again, it isn’t hard to understand why this car has been deemed unfit to be put back on the streets.

Perhaps the first totaled Toyota bZ4X in America, the circumstances surrounding the accident are not known, but the consequences of it are clear to see. Massive front-end damage has crunched the hood up and caved the front fascia in completely. All of the damage seems to be focused around one spot, making it seem like the vehicle hit a pole or a bollard of some description.

The accident appears to have also damaged the drive unit, making the warning message on the dash “shift into P before exiting the vehicle” feel a little unnecessary. Although there is some broken trim being stored on the passenger seat, it looks like it’s actually from the outside of the vehicle.

Otherwise, though, the interior looks alright, and it seems like the crash structures did a pretty good job of keeping the passenger compartment safe. Thank goodness this vehicle has a five star safety rating from NCAP.

It’s unclear how much damage has occurred to the vehicle’s precious batteries, but the front-wheel-drive variants of the bZ4X, like this XLE model, have a 71.4 kWh battery pack that is good for up to 252 miles (405 km) of range, which means this car’s mileage could have been covered in just 5.5 (which effectively means six) charges.

Copart says that this vehicle had an estimated retail value of $55,030, though the buyers may have paid more, since Toyota dealers have reportedly not been adhering to MSRP on this EV.

It certainly won’t be worth anything near as much as that now, but do you think it’s worth anything? What would you do with what’s left of this 2023 Toyota bZ4x?

These Are The 5 Most Accident-Prone Car Brands In America

Posted: 23 Jul 2022 10:00 AM PDT

Almost one in 10 American drivers has at least one own-fault accident on record in 2022, according to insurance comparison website Insurify.

But the incidences of terrible driving aren't spread evenly, as data from Insurify's more than 4.6 million insurance applications shows. Depending on what kind of car your drive, you're statistically more likely to cause damage to your car, and potentially somebody else's.

Here's a handy guide to the five most accident-prone car brands in America so you can be sure to avoid them in the parking lot, and switch lanes when you see them coming up behind.

5. Hyundai

Insurify's data reveals that 10.3 percent of Hyundai drivers have an at-fault accident on record, which is 11 percent higher than the national average. Of those, drivers of the Genesis Coupe are the most careless behind the wheel, almost 13.9 percent of them reporting an at-fault smash.

4. Mazda

More than 10.4 percent of Mazda drivers have an at-fault claim on their record compared with the U.S. average of 9.25 percent. But it wasn't MX-5 owners trying to drift up and down every freeway ramp that earned the company its embarrassing fourth place showing, but drivers of the CX-3 SUV, 12.62 percent of which might want to consider handing in their licenses.

3. Volkswagen

Just under 10.5 percent of VW drivers have an own-fault black mark on their insurance records, and that figure climbs to 11.71 percent if you focus purely on Jetta owners. Atlas SUV drivers, on the other hand, proved fairly capable behind the wheel, only 7.81 percent of them having an own-fault claim against their name.

2. Subaru

Subaru has concentrated on improving its cars’ safety equipment of late, and given that the 10.75 percent of Subie owners with an at-fault accident on their record is 16 percent more than the national average, it's probably just as well. Few of you will be surprised to hear that WRX drivers are largely responsible: 13.17 percent of them make it onto Insurify's hit-list.

1. Ram

With a name like Ram, Stellantis is asking for trouble, and if you stay close to any vehicle wearing that brand's markings, so are you. Even the best-behaved Ram drivers – that's owners of the ProMaster 1500 – report a 10.29 percent rate of own-fault accidents, and those behind the wheel of a 3500 are in a different league.

More than 14.1 percent of them reported an at-fault accident, an incidence 53 percent higher than the national average, and that means an astonishing one in seven Ram 3500 owners have an own-fault smack on their records.

The Road To Celestiq: A Look Back At Cadillac’s Previous Ultra-Luxury Concepts

Posted: 23 Jul 2022 08:48 AM PDT

The unveiling of the Celestiq is a watershed moment for Cadillac as the concept previews their upcoming flagship sedan, which aims to return them to being the "standard of the world."

While the Celestiq is bound to turn heads, Cadillac has been playing around with the idea of a flagship for nearly two decades. Some of these efforts were more serious than others, but they resulted in some amazing concepts along the way.

Sixteen Concept Puts Cadillac Back On The Map

There's no better place to start than the Sixteen concept, which debuted at the North American International Auto Show in 2003. The model still looks amazing today and it featured a 13.6-liter V16 engine developing 1,000 hp (746 kW / 1,014 PS).

Those weren't the only big numbers associated with the car as it measured 223.3 inches (5,672 mm) long, which is only 3.7 inches (94 mm) shorter than the modern Escalade ESV. Throw in 24-inch wheels and a classy, but understated cabin, and the Sixteen was everything you could wish for in a Cadillac flagship.

Ciel Marked A Return To Drop Top Elegance

Nearly a decade later, the Ciel debuted in 2011 as the "ultimate open-air expression of American luxury." Billed as a "modern reimagining” of Cadillac’s previous four-seat convertibles, the Ciel was named after the French word for "sky" and featured an elegant exterior with flowing lines, suicide doors, and 22-inch wheels backed up by a carbon ceramic braking system.

The upscale styling continued in the cabin thanks to cut-and-sewn leather seats, hand-picked olive wood trim, brushed aluminum accents, and even a cigar humidor. The model was also a proper four-seater thanks to a generous 125 inch (3,175 mm) wheelbase, which is 9 inches (229 mm) longer than the CT5.

While the Ciel lacked a V16, it was outfitted with a twin-turbo 3.6-liter V6 featuring hybrid technology. It reportedly produced 425 hp (317 kW / 431 PS).

Elmiraj Was A Grand Tourer For A New Generation

Two years later, Cadillac introduced the stunning Elmiraj grand tourer. Inspired by the Eldorado, the concept was envisioned as a coupe for a new generation of luxury buyers.

The model followed in the footsteps of the earlier Ciel and featured a refined design as well as an all-new mesh grille. Measuring 205 inches (5,207mm) long, the concept had a scrumptious 2+2 interior with leather and Brazilian rosewood.

Under the hood, the Elmiraj was equipped with a twin-turbo 4.5-liter V8 pumping out an estimated 500 hp (373 kW / 507 PS) and 500 lb-ft (677 Nm) of torque.

The Escala Concept Almost Reached Production

The Escala followed in 2016 as a “potential addition to our existing product plan.” Billed as a larger and more expressive companion to the CT6, the model was described as an “indulgent flagship sedan” despite featuring a practical liftback design.

Inside, there were three curved OLED screens that will look familiar to anyone who has spent time in the latest Escalade. They were joined by a rear seat entertainment system as well as a tablet-like controller. Other highlights included leather and cashmere upholstery as well as brushed aluminum accents and American walnut wood trim.

Power was provided by a twin-turbo 4.2-liter V8 engine, which featured Active Fuel Management technology. This enabled the engine to deactivate four cylinders to reduce fuel consumption and emissions when maximum performance wasn’t required.

The Escala got frustratingly close to production as the model was originally slated to ride on the Omega platform that debuted on the CT6. However, as the story goes, consumer preferences were changing and it no longer made sense to offer an assortment of cars when customers wanted crossovers. As a result, the Omega-based lineup folded like a house of cards and this meant the CT6 was the sole survivor.