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Xcar rates AWD vs. FWD vs. RWD

With snow and ice blanketing large swathes of the United States over the past few weeks, commuting hasn't been easy. Among some drivers, there's an ongoing debate about how much all-wheel drive really helps when it gets slippery and whether rear-drive is as bad in slick conditions as many people think. Xcar Films puts some of those beliefs to the test in its latest video by showing off three very different cars taking on a trio of low-grip challenges. Xcar's picks for the test include the fairly plebeian, all-wheel drive Subaru Impreza, the somewhat plush, rear-drive BMW 120d and the sporty, front-drive Renault Megane RS 275 Trophy. Things start out easy with a hydraulic plate forcing the back end out on a wet skid pad. From there, the tests get really interesting with a slalom on simulated ice, and the cars finish with a high-speed cornering challenge through a soaked turn. While an obvious winner emerges in the end, keep in mind this is hardly a scientific test of grip. For better accuracy, all three vehicles should be wearing identical tires, and the same driver should be behind the wheel of each one. Still, Xcar's examination is a fun chance to see how vehicles react when things get slick. News Source: Xcar Films via YouTube BMW Subaru Renault Driving Safety Videos xcar renault megane xcar films renault megane rs

BMW i3 range-extender lawsuit supports Tesla's store argument

Tesla's argument that it needs to own its stores in order to sell its electric vehicles and give customers better information is about to get bolstered by an unlikely source: BMW. The German automaker is the subject of a class-action lawsuit stemming from the performance of the range-extended version of its i3 plug-in. And at least one green-car advocate and i3 owner says the problem could have been avoided by better education at BMW dealerships. The lawsuit was filed in California by some owners of the BMW i3 REx, i.e. the version that's equipped with a gas-powered "range extender," according to Green Car Reports. The issue is that, when the car's battery starts running low and the powertrain is subjected to extended stress, such as a long uphill highway stretch or a fully loaded vehicle, the car can slow from highway speeds to as slow as 45 miles per hour without warning. The claim states that the vehicle can post a danger as a result, while BMW has declined comment, citing pending litigation. Meanwhile, Tom Moloughney, owner of the first BMW i3 REx to be sold in the US, says the problem might rest at the dealership level. Moloughney says that if dealers explained the car's mechanics better – especially the fact that the range extender is essentially a 34-horsepower, two-cylinder motorcycle engine whose power is limited – drivers would be better informed about what could happen when the battery power is sapped at highway speeds. While Tesla EVs don't have the same sort of REx powertrain, this argument nicely dovetails with what Tesla Motors has been saying for a long time, that its cars should only be sold at company-owned stores because third-party dealers are less likely to understand and explain the nuances of electric vehicles. No word on whether Elon Musk's lobbyists are getting together with lawyers representing the Ultimate Driving Machine. Related Video: Featured Gallery 2014 BMW i3: First Drive View 33 Photos News Source: Green Car Reports via Automotive News-sub.req. Government/Legal Green BMW Electric Hybrid lawsuit range extender tom moloughney

BMW i8 now has 10-month waiting list in UK

Reports that the BMW i8 would be a popular plug-in vehicle have been circulating since stories claiming 'sold out' status circulated late last year. Those turned out not to be entirely true, but now that deliveries have actually started, the $160,000 EV is proving to be only available to the patient in posh English shops. The Telegraph reports that there is a 10-month waiting period for the i8 in the UK, where one dealer (Park Lane in London's Mayfair) has managed to convince 170 people to place an order. Well, maybe convince isn't the right word. The store's sales manager told The Telegraph, "We've had numerous people asking to buy the display car. Many have said to me: name your price." Many locals want the car to avoid paying the expensive London congestion charge. The i8 uses a turbocharged 1.5-liter, three-cylinder engine and a 96-kilowatt electric motor to move from 9 to 60 miles per hour in only 4.2 seconds. The plug-in powertrain is good for 357 horsepower and 420 lb-ft of torque. The plugged portion gives the i8 an EV range of up to 22 miles. The first i8 in the US is going to be auctioned off at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance Weekend next weekend.