Ep 2. Power and Economy Drive

In Motorweek season 29 episode 2, titled "Power and Economy Drive," the team focuses on the newest cars in the market that were designed to combine power and economy. These two features appear to directly conflict with one another, but the manufacturers of these vehicles claim that the latest technology has made it possible to balance the two.

The episode begins by featuring the 2016 BMW 7-series, which is capable of better fuel economy than its predecessor, yet has an even larger engine. The show runs a test on the car with their team of experts, who put the 7-series through its paces in a series of rigorous driving conditions. The car emerges victoriously as it balances powerful engine specs with excellent fuel economy.

Next up is the 2016 Volkswagen Passat, which boasts a turbocharged 4-cylinder engine that produces 170 horsepower and an impressive 184 lb-ft of torque. The car's most striking feature, however, is its fuel efficiency. The Passat has an estimated fuel economy rating of 38 mpg on the highway, making it one of the most efficient midsize sedans in the market.

The team then examines the 2016 Tesla Model S, an electric car that has gained massive popularity for its cutting-edge tech that produces unbeatable performance with zero emissions. The Model S is a highly efficient vehicle, with its electric motor producing the equivalent of 416 horsepower and 443 lb-ft of torque. The team puts the car through its paces, driving it at high speeds and difficult conditions, but the Model S never fails to impress.

In the second half of the episode, the team shifts their focus to pickups and SUVs that claim to be both powerful and efficient. The first vehicle up on the list is the newly redesigned 2016 Chevrolet Silverado, which now sports a Duramax diesel engine that provides significantly better fuel efficiency than its predecessors. Motorweek tests the Silverado's fuel efficiency and towing capacity, and gives a detailed analysis of its features and performance.

The team then turns to diesel-powered SUVs, featuring the Jeep Grand Cherokee EcoDiesel, which offers just as impressive of fuel economy as it does on-road capability. The Jeep comes equipped with a 240-horsepower turbocharged V6 diesel engine that delivers an impressive 420 lb-ft of torque. The team takes the vehicle through its paces, testing its towing capacity as well as its fuel efficiency.

Finally, the episode concludes with the latest in hybrid vehicles, the 2016 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid. This crossover is designed for both city and off-road environments, yet offers exceptional fuel economy with an estimated mpg of 34 in the city, and 31 on the highway. The RAV4 Hybrid is undoubtedly one of the most efficient crossovers on the market, and the team takes it through various tests to demonstrate its balance of power and economy.

In conclusion, Motorweek season 29 episode 2 is a solid episode that offers viewers a comprehensive look at the latest cars in the market that claim to strike a balance between power and economy. The show does an excellent job of featuring a variety of vehicles from different classes, including luxury sedans, pickups, SUVs, and crossovers, and provides a thorough analysis of each vehicle's features, performance, and fuel efficiency. Car enthusiasts and potential car buyers alike will enjoy this episode and gain a significant amount of insight into the latest vehicles that are both powerful and fuel-efficient.