Automotive: February 2019

Porsche Introduces New 911 GTS Models

“Faster and more capable than ever before,” says Porsche. Which, when applied to the 911 GTS, might actually be bending the laws of physics, but people have foolishly underestimated Porsche for decades now, so I’m not going to argue with them.

Look, before we get our hands dirty with the nitty-gritty here, let’s just get one thing straight: The previous GTS variants are titanically capable cars. They go and stop (Porsche’s two high altars) and turn like you wouldn’t believe.

And they almost have that terminal (just like the “terminal” in any disease or sickness) oversteer dialed out.

Okay, first things first, there are five of these little beasts available. The 911 Carrera GTS with rear-wheel drive, the 911 Carrera 4 GTS with all-wheel drive, both available as a Coupé and Cabriolet, and the 911 Targa 4 GTS with all-wheel drive.

Power & Performance

Impetus comes from Porsche’s 3.0-liter flat-six cylinder, cranking out 450 horsepower with larger turbochargers. That’s 30 horsepower more than the current 911 Carrera S and 20 horsepower above the previous, naturally-aspirated GTS model. All GTS cars are standard with a seven-speed manual transmission, specifically for you luddites. The seven-speed Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK) dual-clutch transmission is available for you customers without 1100cc brains and bulging occipital bones.

Said mill puts out 405 lb-ft. of torque (37 lb-ft. more than the Carrera S) that “further improves acceleration and responsiveness,” according to Porsche. Ya think? Maximum torque is available between 2,150 and 5,000 rpms. Broad shouldered, no?

911 GTS Coupé models accelerate from 0 to 60 mph 0.2 seconds faster than the Carrera S and 4S Coupés. When equipped with the optional PDK transmission, the Carrera 4 GTS Coupé takes just 3.4 seconds to hit 60. Top track speed of the GTS models is up to 3 mph higher, depending on the variant. For example, the 911 GTS Coupé with manual transmission and rear-wheel drive is capable of 193 mph.

On the track, you knuckle dragging Saracens. On. The. Track.

Porsche Active Suspension Management is standard on all GTS models with the Coupés featuring the PASM Sport Suspension, which drops the ride height by 0.39 inches.

Photo: Porsche Cars North America.

Body & Styling

All GTS variants are based on the Carrera 4/4S body. The new Sport Design front end with a spoiler lip painted in black emphasizes the car’s performance character. Combined with an increased rear spoiler extension height, lift is cut on the front and rear axle more than on the Carrera S models. Tinted tail lights, rear lid grill strips with a satin black finish, and tailpipes in high-gloss black give the GTS a noticeable look. Sport Design exterior mirrors, 20-inch center lock wheels painted in satin black, and black GTS logos on the doors are added bits of flash.

The characteristic Targa bar, which is black with a satin finish for the first time, gives the 911 Targa 4 GTS a very exclusive look.

The GTS interior is unique as well, seen especially in things like the stopwatch from the standard Sport Chrono Package in the center of the dashboard. Standard Sport Seats Plus with GTS logos on the headrests provide increased lateral support and comfort. They are fitted with a combination of leather and Alcantara with new seat stitching. The standard GT Sport steering wheel is also covered in Alcantara as is the gear lever and the armrest. Finally, brushed aluminum interior trim is anodized with a black finish.

The Porsche Track Precision App features automatic recording and a detailed data display for smartphones. The MSRP ranges from $119,000 for the 911 Carrera GTS, up to $ 138,200 for the 911 Targa 4 GTS.

Start saving.

Tony Borroz has spent his entire life racing antique and sports cars. He means well, even if he has a bias towards lighter, agile cars rather than big engine muscle cars or family sedans.

Porsche 911 GTS Gallery

Photos & Source: Porsche Cars North America.

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Ford Introduces City of Tomorrow as Ranger & Bronco Return

Ford Motor Company made significant announcements regarding their vehicles and the future of mobility this week at the North American International Auto Show. The automaker showcased their new, 2018 F-150, confirmed the Ranger and Bronco will return, revealed an expansion of their Chariot ride-sharing service, and presented a dynamic vision for the “City of Tomorrow.”

“This year, the expansion of our business as an auto and mobility company moves into even higher gear,” said Mark Fields, President and CEO, Ford Motor Company.

Fields underscored the significance of Ford’s recent investment of $4.5 billion in the next five years to their vehicle line and to the future of mobility.

“We’re introducing even more new vehicles and technologies to make life better for millions of people in the near term, plus we’re presenting a vision and partnering with cities to move more people even more efficiently in the future,” he said.

Electrified & Autonomous Designs

Part of the aforementioned investment is targeted towards 23 new electric vehicles, including hybrid versions of the F-150 and Mustang, two pursuit-rated hybrid police vehicles, a Transit Custom plug-in hybrid, and a fully electric small SUV with an estimated range of at least 300 miles. Other plans include a high-volume, fully autonomous SAE level 4-capable vehicle. It will be complete with – or incomplete with we might say – but, the vehicle will have no steering wheel, gas, or brake pedal.

It’s expected to be in commercial operation by 2021 as a ride-sharing type vehicle.

Within the next five years, Ford expects autonomous vehicles will be introduced in cities around the world. The automaker is also predicting global EV offerings will eventually outnumber gasoline-powered ones in the next 15 years.

Ride Sharing Surge

These days, it’s not uncommon for us to have a ride-sharing app on our phone. Ford’s app-based, crowd-sourced ride sharing service Chariot is expanding rapidly. Chariot, which currently operates in San Francisco, California and Austin, Texas, is adding eight cities in 2017, including at least one outside of the United States.

Ranger & Bronco

While there were dozens of rumors flying about, nothing was confirmed until this week. Ford is indeed bringing the Ranger back to North America for 2019. The Bronco follows in 2020 and will be available globally. Both vehicles will be manufactured at Ford’s Michigan Assembly Plant in Wayne, Michigan.

“We’ve heard our customers loud and clear. They want a new generation of vehicles that are incredibly capable yet fun to drive,” said Joe Hinrichs, Ford’s President of The Americas.

The success of the Chevrolet Colorado and Honda Ridgeline proved the midsize truck market is alive and well, and ripe for the taking. Although a Ranger/Bronco combo were merely rumors up until this week, it would be hard to imagine Ford giving up any ground here against competitors. Sooner or later, we expected this announcement, given the demand for midsize trucks and SUVs.

“Ranger is for truck buyers who want an affordable, functional, rugged, and maneuverable pickup that’s Built Ford Tough,” Hinrichs said. “Bronco will be a no-compromise midsize 4×4 utility for thrill seekers who want to venture way beyond the city.”

City of Tomorrow. Photo: Ford Motor Company.

City of Tomorrow

Beyond building vehicles, Ford wants to optimize the infrastructure of our urban homes, and directly address the growing changes and challenges when it comes to mobility. Ford’s City Solutions Team is the first of its kind in the automotive industry, working with the world’s major cites to tackle everything from gridlock to air pollution.

Bill Ford, Executive Chairman of Ford Motor Company, is particularly passionate about the topic.

“This is an issue that goes far beyond congestion. It is one that represents a massive challenge to mankind, one that affects our well-being and access to health care, clean drinking water, food, a safe place to live, and even the ability to find work,” he said.

Ford’s City of Tomorrow looks at how near-term mobility advancements like autonomous and electric vehicles, ride-sharing and ride-hailing, and other connected vehicles interact with urban infrastructure. The entire “transportation ecosystem,” if you will, is examined, and most of the vehicles included in that ecosystem are autonomous and electrified.

Ford envisions a world where drones play a critical role as well. For example, they could be quickly deployed to survey and map the hardest-hit areas following earthquakes, tsunamis, or other major disasters. Meanwhile, data from all aspects of the ecosystem could be gathered on vehicles, bikes, mass transit, street lights, parking meters, and charging infrastructure to quickly access a multitude of situations.

Elsewhere in the City of Tomorrow, reconfigurable roads can respond to commuter needs and traffic flow. Other solutions include eliminating traffic jams, reducing emissions, and bringing accidents and collisions to record low levels. Road space is even saved in favor of greener landscapes like parks and recreation areas.

It’s a brave new world, not without it’s challenges, yes, but certinately possible.

“By solving the mobility challenge, we have the chance to create a better world for future generations. It’s both an exciting opportunity and a big responsibility,” Ford said.

Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and resides in Detroit, Michigan.

Photos & Source: Ford Motor Company.

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Redesigned Mercedes-Benz GLA Debuts In Detroit

The Mercedes-Benz compact SUV, the GLA, has been refreshed with what the Stuttgart company calls an “expressive design.” The revamped GLA features updated equipment, both inside and out, and new safety features.

Oh, and there’s an AMG model too.

Outwardly, the 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLA has modified bumpers, new wheel designs, and the new color “Canyon Beige.” Also, you’ll notice that the previously-optional bi-xenon headlamps are gone, making way for more efficient LED headlamps.

The automaker officially revealed the new GLA at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan this week.

Interior Layout

The interior of the GLA has been reworked with high-quality materials as well as new seat covers. There is a free-standing 8-inch media display and new gauges in the instrument panel with red needles. Also, there’s lots of chrome strewn hither and yon. The controls for the electric seat adjustments have highlights in silver chrome, and the stowage compartment in the center console is also surrounded by a chrome frame. There is also an optional Interior Package with standard sport seats aimed at the “particularly sporty customer.”

An exterior nicety is an appearance package that includes 19-inch AMG wheels, black window trim, exterior mirrors, roof rails, exhaust tips, and exterior accents. Mercedes-Benz calls this option “The Night Package.” Kind of hilarious.

There is a 360-degree camera available that can display a full-image depiction or in seven different split-screen views on the media display. The camera system can also make a virtual top view of the car to aid in getting in and out of tight parking spots.

It’s not all just cake decorating though.

Mercedes-Benz focused heavily on aerodynamics with the GLA, giving the vehicle solid flow characteristics that contribute to increased fuel economy and reduced road noise. Testing was done in a high-speed wind tunnel in Sindelfingen, Germany. One dynamic change is the low A- pillar step, corresponding A-pillar design, and the aerodynamically optimized exterior mirror housings. Furthermore, the trim on the main floor, additional trim in the center section of the rear axle, and even the rear silencer with a connected diffuser improve the flow of air beneath the vehicle. Photo: Mercedes-Benz USA.

Power & Performance

Now, in case you’re a gearhead (like us) and all this interior frewforaw leaves you cold, hold on, because they also make the AMG GLA45.

The AMG version of Mercedes’ little ute is provoked by a handcrafted 2.0L turbo engine. “Only two liters,” you moan? Shut up. The thing reels out 375 horsepower and 350 lb-ft. of torque, good enough for a time of zero to 60 mph in just 4.3 seconds. It’s also good enough to stop your whining. The little turbocharged 2.0L four-cylinder mill has extremely fast throttle response thanks to the spray-guided Piezo direct injectors that are centrally located in the four combustion chambers.

The AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 7- speed transmission includes shorter ratios in gears three to seven to emphasize acceleration. Together with optimized response and shift times, the closer ratio spread ensures better transitions, especially when upshifting. There is an optional AMG Performance Exhaust System for an even sportier exhaust note too. You can even vary the sound via a switch, which is especially nice under acceleration.

The standard all-wheel drive AMG Performance 4MATIC system provides traction in a variety of weather conditions. The technology transfers power to all the wheels as torque is distributed to the front and rear axle. This configuration is designed for an optimum ratio of sportiness, efficiency, and traction to match any driving situation. A multiple-disc clutch is integrated in the rear axle differential with AMG-specific control passes on the engine torque to the rear wheels, should the front wheels lose traction. The spectrum ranges from purely front-wheel drive to a 50:50 ratio for the front and rear wheels. Photo: Mercedes-Benz USA.

Appropriate Styling

The AMG variant also looks a little different, natch.

We expected as much . . .

The front section has been sharpened with the front bumper and given an even more dynamic shape. The new air intake grilles and front splitter insert in silver chrome plus flics (i.e. dive planes) in high-gloss black are other nice additions. The LED High Performance headlamps are now part of the standard AMG equipment.

The twin louver on the AMG Twin Blade radiator grille is now done in silver chrome, as are the inserts in the side sill panels. There are optional multi-spoke 20-inch light-alloy wheels available in two colors, matte black or painted titanium grey. Out back there’s a new diffuser, trimmed in silver chrome, plus a new spoiler lip on the roof.

Inside, the dash is covered with standard MB-Tex and has red contrast topstitching. The trim, extending over virtually the entire width of the car is, a high-gloss surface with AMG lettering available in black/red or in black/silver, depending on upholstery.

The 2018 GLA will go on sale in the United States this summer.

Tony Borroz has spent his entire life racing antique and sports cars. He means well, even if he has a bias towards lighter, agile cars rather than big engine muscle cars or family sedans.