Automotive

2018 Buick Enclave: Product & Performance Overview

2018 Buick Enclave: Product & Performance Overview

Buick has introduced their all-new seven-passenger luxury SUV, the 2018 Enclave. According to Buick, its arrival ushers in new improvements and refinements that mark the “next evolution” of their brand. The General Motors family member bills their line as modern luxury but it certinately has not been easy.
Late last year, we sat down with Molly Peck, Buick’s Marketing Director to learn about their reinvention strategy.
Those considering the Enclave may be interested to know the third row alone offers 5.6 more inches of legroom than an Acura MDX, 4.5 inches more than an Audi Q7, and nearly three inches more than an Infiniti QX60.
“Enclave was introduced as a game-changer for the Buick brand and has since become one of our most successful and important vehicles,” said Duncan Aldred, Vice President, Global Buick and GMC. “It set the tone for a more progressive Buick, helping change perception for us and serving as the standard-bearer of what our products stand for: smart, stylish luxury.”
Styling & Design
Buick went with an athletic, yet balanced formula, giving the 2018 Enclave new proportions for a sharper, more aerodynamic look. Buick’s patented “front end design language” was inspired by the Avista and Avenir concepts, further complimented by what the automaker calls a “windswept” appearance. The roofline is lower and the windshield is sleeker for a more dramatic stance.
Lighting is not a light affair by any means, but a rather serious one. The 2018 Enclave is Buick’s first application of Evonik Acrylite technology and bi-functional LED projector headlamps and LED tail lamps. From a design perspective, it makes the Enclave stand out while the IntelliBeam headlamps available on Premium and Avenir models provide better visibility at night.
Photo: Buick.

Safety & Security
The 2018 Buick Enclave has a number of tools to help a driver feel safe and confident, including a rear vision camera, rear park assist, and seven air bags, including a front center side airbag. The latter deploys from the inboard side of the driver’s seat, positioning itself between the driver and front passenger. GM created this airbag specifically to protect drivers and front passengers in far-side impact crashes where the affected occupants are on the opposite, non-struck side of the vehicle.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Fatality Analysis Reporting System Database found far-side impact crashes, which the front center side air bag is meant to mitigate, accounted for 11 percent of the belted front occupant fatalities in non-rollover accidents between 2004 and 2009, in vehicles 1999 or newer. These types of accidents also represented 29 percent of all the belted front occupant fatalities in side impacts. In other words, it’s a highly desirable and potentially life-saving safety device.
When fully equipped, there are 17 different radar, camera, and ultrasonic sensors to provide drivers with a full sense of safety and security. In our opinion, the 2018 Buick Enclave really excels in this particular area.
Photo: Buick.
Cargo Space
Like it does with safety and security, the 2018 Buick Enclave does wonders in the cargo capacity department. Behind the third row, there is 23.6 cubic feet of cargo space while the second- and third-row seats fold for a nearly-flat load floor. An optional power-folding third row makes things easy, while available second-row SmartSlide Seats allow occupants better entry/exit from the third row.
Finally, an underfloor storage area provides an extra 3.1 cubic feet of cargo space.
Power & Performance
The 2018 Buick Enclave is powered by a 3.6L V6 engine with stop/start technology, mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission. GM estimates around 300 horsepower and 260 lb-ft. of torque. All-wheel drive is available with an active twin-clutch rear differential – it’s also a switchable AWD system which will help drivers increase control, stability, and efficiency.
What’s really impressive is the 5,000 lbs. towing capacity, more than enough to haul a nice fishing boat. A Standard MacPherson strut front and five-link rear suspension provide a smooth ride and easy handling. Buick’s engineers opted for a longer wheelbase but were still able to cut over a foot off the turning radius from the prior generation.
Photo: Buick.

Pin Drop
The 2018 Buick Enclave features QuietTuning, an active noise cancellation system to help keep the cabin quiet and comfortable. Engineers honed the exterior design accordingly, and increased the sealing and sound-deadening materials throughout the vehicle. However, just in case the quiet is too much, a 10-speaker Bose Premium stereo is available.
Fresh Air
It’s one thing to have the little tree hanging from the rearview mirror, it’s another to have an entire ionizer in the vehicle. The 2018 Buick Enclave has such a feature that works by producing negatively charged particles that attract air-born contaminants and break down their structure, essentially cleaning the inside air. The system reduces and/or eliminates odors, bacteria, viruses, dust, debris, and pollen. This useful addition for allergy season requires no maintenance or filter replacement, and comes standard on Essence, Premium, and Avenir models.
Photo: Buick.
Special Treatments
Standard equipment on every 2018 Enclave includes keyless entry and push-button start, a hands-free power-programmable liftgate with a Buick logo illuminating the ground below, tri-zone automatic climate control, universal home remote, and six USB ports. Every Enclave is equipped with an OnStar 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot, a frameless 8-inch diagonal infotainment display, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.
Pricing & Availability
When it arrives in dealerships this fall, the 2018 Buick Enclave will come in Enclave, Essence, Premium, and Avenir trims. The 2018 Enclave is the seventh new Buick in less than two years and is manufactured at Lasing Delta Township Assembly.
Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and resides in Detroit, Michigan.

Photos & Source: Buick

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2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon Awakens

2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon Awakens

Well, here it is. After being teased, rumored, speculated upon, and guessed about, the Dodge Challenger SRT Demon is finally here. And I, like anyone else with a soul, the first thing I thought was: “Holy sh-how much horsepower does this thing put out?!?”
No kidding, no joking, the 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon puts out 840 horsepower at the wheels. 840!
Perspective Power
For reference, a 2017 Indy car puts out around 700 horsepower. A NASCAR stocker puts out 725 horsepower. A world Rally Car puts out 315 horsepower. A Le Mans prototype will put out around 900 horsepower, but that’s combined output for both the internal combustion engine and the hybrid drive system. The current Ferrari F1 car puts out around 1,000, but that’s also the combined total of the internal combustion engine and hybrid drive system.
So I will repeat myself: The 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon puts out 840 horsepower at the wheels. 840! And Dodge will sell the 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon to literally anyone. Anyone. No background check. No psychological profile assessment. You got a ominous twitch in your left eye, my friend? Don’t matter. Anyone. For the love of Horace and John, even me. Me!
The Challenger SRT Demon is equipped with a set of Nitto NT05R street-legal, drag-race tires, a first for a production car. The 315/40R18 tires were specifically designed for the SRT Demon, with a new compound and sidewall construction. The drag radials give the SRT Demon a 15 percent larger tire contact patch and more than twice the grip of the Challenger SRT Hellcat. The sticky drag tires are mounted on lightweight 11×18-inch wheels, with each tire measuring 12.6 inches wide. Furthermore, a unique rear knuckle reduces negative camber by 0.5 degrees, “standing up” the tire and increasing the size of the tire contact patch. Photo: FCA US LLC.
Record Numbers
At 840 horsepower and 770 lb-ft. of torque, the Dodge Challenger SRT Demon is the most powerful muscle car ever thanks to its supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI Demon V8 engine. Let that sink in. Next time some old gearhead tells you about “the good old days” and how crazy muscle cars were in the late 60s, remember this Dodge has almost 900 horsepower. To my direct knowledge, right off the showroom floor, things like Superstock Darts were in the mid-500 range. This thing puts out 340 horsepower on top of that.
Not only is this the highest horsepower V8 production engine ever produced, and I mean ever, the Demon is also the first production car to have a certified front wheel lift from a dead stop. And by lift, I mean it was measured at 2.92 feet, and by certified I mean certified by Guinness World Records. This is a car that, from the factory, directly off the showroom floor, can pull a friggin’ wheelie!
The 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon was designed to cover the quarter mile as quickly as possible. To do this, it combines both mechanical and electronic tuning for maximum launch grip while still maintaining directional control. The Bilstein Adaptive Damping shocks have been tuned for drag racing, shifting as much weight as possible on the rear tires at launch for maximum traction, and improving rear tire grip by 11 percent. Weight shift in the Challenger SRT Demon is aided by softening up some key suspension components like the springs and sway bars. Photo: FCA US LLC.

Lightning Quick
Want to know the ET this thing pulls at the strip? This: 9.65 seconds at 140 miles per hour as certified by the National Hot Rod Association. That is slightly faster then the aforementioned Superstock Dart, and I guarantee the Demon is both heavier and better equipped than a Superstock Dart. Oh, and this makes the Demon the world’s fastest quarter-mile production car. Not a La Ferrari, not a Porsche 918, not a Veyron, a Dodge. A Dodge.
However, if you’re thinking of taking your new Dodge Demon down to the strip on Grudge Night so you can finally make Steve from accounting shut up, forget about it. The Challenger SRT Demon was deemed too fast for the drag strip and officially banned by NHRA.
The Demon is also the world’s fastest production car with 60 mph coming up in 2.3 seconds and 0-30 happening in a single second. A single second! 2.3 seconds to 60 is quicker than Formula cars I’ve driven. It’s faster than my old pro-rally car by a long shot. 2.3 is retina-detaching fast. Throw away the stop watch, and measure it in G-force, and the Demon pulls at 1.8 g, or about 60% of the space shuttle at launch. That is, in case you’re curious, the highest g-force acceleration of any production car.
The 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon will be available 14 exterior colors: B5 Blue, Billet Silver, Destroyer Grey, F8 Green, Go Mango, Granite Crystal, Indigo Blue, Maximum Steel, Octane Red, Pitch Black, Plum Crazy, TorRed, White Knuckle, and Yellow Jacket. Photo: FCA US LLC.
Big Breath
The 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon also has the largest functional hood scoop of any production car at 45.2 square inches. Dodge calls it the Air-Grabber induction system, but sadly, unlike the Air-Grabbers of old, this one is not variable, nor does it feature those totally wicked teeth like a P-41 Warhawk. It’s more like the big gaping maw from the fiberglass hoods of the Superstock Darts and Coronets.
All 45.2 square inches of that Air-Grabber induction system are very, very functional in feeding what can only be considered a leviathan of an engine. The forced-induction system reads like it was puled off a World War II fighter plane.
The Air-Grabber hood is sealed to the air box, which is also fed from the driver’s side Air-Catcher headlamp and an inlet near the wheel liner. Combined, those sources give the Demon an air-flow rate of 1,150 cubic feet per minute, 18 percent greater than the Hellcat. The additional air inlets help reduce the temperature of the intake air by more than 30 degrees compared to the Hellcat, which improves throttle response. Photo: FCA US LLC.
Engine Within An Engine
The supercharger is a larger 2.7-liter displacement blower that gives an increased boost pressure of 14.5 psi and a higher rpm limit of 6,500. The supercharger alone displaces 2.7-liters. That is nearly a third bigger than the engine in a Miata, and that’s not even the engine! That’s what feeds the engine.
The Demon’s supercharger features an innovative SRT Power Chiller liquid-to-air intercooler system, a factory-production car first. The liquid-to-air intercooler set up has an After-Run Chiller that keeps cooling the supercharger/charge air cooler after the engine is shut off, another factory-production car first.
The Demon’s mill is designed to run on 100+ high-octane unleaded fuel or 91 octane on demand. Now, you don’t have to be J. Robert Oppenheimer to put 2 and 2 together here and figure out that all of the shocking performance figures are probably coming from a tank full of 100+ high-octane unleaded fuel, and not the lower grade stuff, but still, it’s nice of Dodge to at least give you the option of not having to swing by the local air base to gas up.
The Demon engine has been certified to the SAE J1349 industry standard for its horsepower and torque ratings. While the Demon engine shares similar traits with the Hellcat engine, it does have 25 major component upgrades including the supercharger, pistons, rods, valve train, and fuel injection system. The engine also meets all applicable legal emissions regulations. Photo: FCA US LLC.

Bag Of Tricks
And the goodies continue on down the drivetrain. The Demon is the first-ever, factory-production car with a TransBrake for more powerful and quicker launches. This is an old drag racer trick that allows you to lock the driveline south of the engine, build up the revs and all that sweet, sweet torque and then let’er go in one big BWOOMFF. Also to that end, the Demon is the first production car with Torque Reserve to supply augmented levels of power and torque at launch.
And this, this has got to be my favorite goodie for the 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon: First production car with front passenger seat delete. That’s right, no passenger seat. Just me and 840 of my closest equine friends out to drain the color from the faces of BMW owners at the next stop light.
Availability
The 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon will be a limited-edition, single model year production run of 3,000 cars for the United States and 300 Canada. Dealership deliveries begin this fall so get in line now. Now-now-now-now-now! Oh, and get this: The car is covered by a full factory warranty.
And if you are one of the few, the happy few who obtain the new 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon, Dodge is also going to throw in a session at Bob Bondurant School of High-performance Driving. Take them up on this offer. Really.
Production of the 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon begins later this year at FCA’s Brampton, Ontario Assembly. Currently, this monster of a car is on display at the New York International Auto Show, April 14th through the 23rd at the Jacob Javits Convention Center.
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.
2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon Gallery

Photos & Source: FCA US LLC

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2018 Infiniti Q50 Revealed In New York

2018 Infiniti Q50 Revealed In New York

Infiniti will reveal the enhanced Q50 for the first time in North America at the 2017 New York International Auto Show. The vehicle goes on sale globally during the second quarter and will be available in the United States later this summer. The automaker focused on a number of improvements to heighten the driver experience.
“The new Q50 features a refreshed exterior and interior design, as well as innovative technologies designed to empower and support the driver,” reads a recent press release from Infiniti.
Driver Treatments
Infiniti focused on detail with the Q50, evident in the stitching and soft-touch materials throughout the cabin. This specific craftsmanship extends to the seats which offer more spinal and back support, and a new steering wheel with molded placements for a driver’s thumbs. A full range of connectivity and infotainment through INFINITI InTouch Services is standard.
Safety & Security
The 2018 Infiniti Q50 has a number of active safety technologies including Direct Adaptive Steering, Active Lane Control, Intelligent Cruise Control, Distance Control Assist, Backup Collision Intervention, and Blind Spot Warning and Intervention. Other safety features include Lane Departure Warning and Prevention, Forward Emergency Braking, and Predictive Forward Collision Warning.
Power & Performance
The 2018 Infiniti Q50 has a nice array of powertrain options, depending on personal tastes. The main engine is the 3.0-liter V6 twin-turbo from the automaker’s exclusive VR powertrain family. Other options include a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder, a Direct Response Hybrid, and a high-output version of the 3.0-liter for the Red Sport 400.
The Q50 is Infiniti’s best-selling model and has, since it first arrived in 2013, sold nearly 210,000 units globally. As a brand, Infiniti is seeing steady and solid growth, achieving over 230,000 last year in global sales – a 7-percent year-over-year increase and a new record for the automaker. The Q50 accounted for one third of the brand’s total sales.
Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and resides in Detroit, Michigan.
2018 Infiniti Q50 Gallery

Photos & Source: INFINITI Motor Company Ltd.

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Chevrolet Cars Set For “Restyled” Faces

Chevrolet Cars Set For “Restyled” Faces Coherency. Coherency is a good thing, especially when it comes to corporate brands and styling. Ideally, you want everything you make to have it. Take Chevrolet, for example. You wouldn’t want a Chevy Malibu to look way different from a Chevy Impala. So, when a car company, Chevrolet in this case, makes a styling update, that update has to propagate across the entire company line.
Special Characteristics
Mainly what we’re talking about here is styling cues; belt lines, overall greenhouse shapes, grill designs, badging and where the badges go, that sort of thing. Chevy says what they are going for in the immediate future is muscular designs, new features, and more choices.
“The restyled face of Chevy cars for 2019 is characterized by a family-like appearance, with each model honoring its Chevrolet heritage while showing off expressive designs,” said John Cafaro, Executive Director, Global Chevrolet Design.
And I can totally see where he’s coming from. ‘Family-like appearance‘ is the key here.
“We are committed to offering consumers a full lineup of products with fresh designs, new technologies, and efficient powertrain options,” added Brian Sweeney, U.S. Vice President of Chevrolet. “The investments we have made in Spark, Cruze, and Malibu will help position the brand for success in competitive segments that still make up a significant part of the total industry.”
2019 Chevy Malibu. Photo: Chevrolet.
Design Language
As Sweeny alluded to, Chevy’s first go ’round will start with the 2019 Malibu, Cruze, and Spark. To that end the cars will each offer a broad diversity of trims and packages from entry-level to high-end. And Chevy will also have to serve fleets since they represent a quarter of the industry’s retail market.
Chevy’s first task in shepherding the DNA of their fleet is restyling the faces of the cars with signature lighting that will make each instantly recognizable as a Chevy. The redesigned front ends for the Spark, Cruze, and Malibu will offer a more premium look while maintaining their athletic body sides. And yeah, this is the first time I’ve heard the phrase “athletic body” used in conjunction with the Spark and Cruze. Anyway, Chevy will give greater attention to detail like the intricate sculpting on the grilles and the brand’s signature dual-element taillamps.
Malibu RS
The Malibu RS, a first for this ‘Bu generation, will offer a sporty, personalized appearance propelled by blacked-out styling cues like the sport grille, bowtie emblems, rear spoiler, 18-inch machined wheels, and dual exhaust. The inside introduces a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter, black cloth seats, and a standard eight-inch touchscreen for the Infotainment 3 system. There will also be a new CVT transmission standard on models that come with the 1.5-liter turbocharged engine.

2019 Chevy Cruze and Cruze Hatchback. Photo: Chevrolet.
Cruze
The Chevy Cruze, along with the updated front fascia, welcomes new interior colors and a new infotainment system with a seven-inch color touchscreen. Remote start and automatic climate control are now standard on LT and Premier, but optional on other trims. The LS Hatch trim is added to the Cruze Hatch line for the first time. That sounds like a good move, since 20 percent of all Cruze sales in its first full year of production are the Hatchback.
Spark
The Spark, which sells by the train-load in its segment, gets new front-end styling with the same cues found on the updated Malibu and Cruze. New exterior color options will also be coming along with revised interior trim and an additional available safety feature called Low Speed Forward Automatic Braking. Chevy does not go into detail about what Low Speed Forward Automatic Braking is, but I bet it has something to do with hitting the brakes for you when you’re moving in a forward direction at lower speeds and aren’t paying attention.
Don’t hold me to that, though.
The 2019 Chevy Spark is powered by a 1.4-liter DOHC engine offered with either a manual or continuously variable transmission. Photo: Chevrolet.
Availability & In Person
You will be able to see the new design direction for the corporate automotive giant when the 2019 Chevrolet Malibu, Cruze, and Spark go on sale later this year.
Tony Borroz has spent his entire life racing antique and sports cars. He is the author of Bricks & Bones: The Endearing Legacy and Nitty-Gritty Phenomenon of The Indy 500, available in paperback or Kindle format. His forthcoming new book The Future In Front of Me, The Past Behind Me will be available soon. Follow his work on Twitter: @TonyBorroz.
Photos & Source: Chevrolet.

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Will Kia’s Wireless EV Charging System Change The World?

Will Kia’s Wireless EV Charging System Change The World? Kia has come up with a rather nifty wireless charging system for EVs and, honestly, this sounds pretty cool. As anyone who has ever messed with tangled power cords and such knows, wires can be a real pain. And I’m also willing to bet a chunk of people who are hesitant to buy EVs don’t like the idea of having to mess with chords and wires, and always having to plug them in all the time.
Bright Ideas
About a hundred years ago there was this half-crazy Serbian guy named Nikola Tesla. About half of his ideas made logical sense (alternating current, florescent lighting etc.) and the other half were borderline ya-ya (electric death rays, The Tesla Ozone Company etc.) but my favorite idea of his, borderline ya-ya or not, was power transmission without wires. No, I’m not sure how it was supposed to work, or even if it would work, but the idea itself was fantastic. No more wires, no more plugging things in, everything just runs.
What Kia and their tech partner in this, Mojo, have come up with isn’t a full on Tesla deal, but it’s still pretty cool. Kia rigged up a small fleet of its popular Soul to develop the wireless charging system. And the really neat thing about what they came up with is that not only is it wireless, it’s not nearly as finicky as you’d expect. Even when the Kia Soul is misaligned over the charger, the system can wirelessly charge cars with up to 85 percent efficiency.
The wireless charging system, which has been in development for three years already, is said to be an important step in the future of electric vehicles, according to Hyundai and Kia. And it’s easy to agree with them. If you can take another hassle out of owning an electric vehicle, the better our EV future will be. The project, a collaboration between Hyundai and Kia, Mojo Mobility Inc., and the U.S. Department of Energy, shows a way for future electric vehicles in which plugs are no longer necessary.
Photo: Kia Motors America.
Park & Charge
The system works by using an electromagnetic field to transfer energy between two coils. There’s a transmitter on the ground and a receiver on the bottom of the vehicle. You simply park your car above the transmitter to begin charging and the electrical energy is sent through an inductive coupling, which uses that energy to charge the battery. It’s the same way a Sonicare toothbrush charges, only on a much bigger scale. And again, even if there is some misalignment between the transmitter in the ground and the receiver in the car, charging can still happen.
It’s easy to see how this system could play out: every shopping mall and downtown parking lot will have an inductive charging pad buried in it. All you have to do is park your car as you normally would, and while you’re away, it’s automatically charging, no muss, no fuss.
2018 Kia Soul EV. Photo: Kia Motors America.
Future Considerations
Sadly, there are no current plans to offer the wireless charging system on production vehicles for sale to consumers. That makes sense, because while installing the wireless charging gear in the car would be pretty straight forward, it’s the parking space part of the equation where things get sticky. Sure, simply modifying parking spots is relatively easy, but it’s the number of parking spots that’s the potential problem.
There is also a downside on getting the charging pad installed for home use. The home high voltage charger for a Tesla, say, is easy to bolt into your wall and any competent electrician can hook it into your 220V line in a snap. The Kia system potentially means cutting into your garage floor to install the pad and run the wiring. That could be a hassle.
On the upside, if this system works out and becomes widely adopted, driving and charging – and therefore living with – your electric vehicle could become a lot easier.
Tony Borroz has spent his entire life racing antique and sports cars. He is the author of Bricks & Bones: The Endearing Legacy and Nitty-Gritty Phenomenon of The Indy 500, available in paperback or Kindle format. His forthcoming new book The Future In Front of Me, The Past Behind Me will be available soon. Follow his work on Twitter: @TonyBorroz.
Photos & Source: Kia Motors America.

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Letter From The UK: Influencing & The Art of Selling Cars

Letter From The UK: Influencing & The Art of Selling Cars
Gather round and harken unto this tale of woe . . .
A couple of weeks ago I took delivery of a brand new Audi A6 saloon to enjoy and discuss for seven days with a view to a review in due course. That’s what I do. That’s why car makers lend me cars; to promote their wares. It’s a win-win situation but it does cost the manufacturers a lot of money. Fortunately, being a small country, the cars can be same day delivered by road. It all adds up, one way and another, to around a thousand of our British Pounds to loan cars to tired old hacks like me.
So it doesn’t help when cars get damaged.
The Story of The A6
The sad story is that the A6 (pictured below) was parked (legally!) in the High Street of the attractive country town of Marlborough. While we were away a bizarre road traffic accident occurred and a vehicle broadsided the A6. When my wife and I came back to the car it was double-take time. This was not how we left it; surrounded by damaged motors, police, and an emergency ambulance.
The long and the short of it is that we were stranded. I phoned the Audi press officer and he sprang into action. Within a couple of hours, the stricken A6 had been lifted, the guilty party taken to the hospital, statements organised with the cops, and we were on our way home thanks to my son-in-law. Audi didn’t stop there though: That same afternoon a replacement car in the form of an A3 cabriolet was delivered to my house. How’s that for service? Insurance aside, how much money this must cost the company I shudder to think.
But I do wonder if this situation can continue for much longer and I blame YouTube.
The Audi A6 prior to the unfortunate accident. Photo: DriveWrite Automotive.
The Rise of The Influencer
It is indisputable that automotive media is changing. Later this year, this writer will be starting to video reviews and I have all the charisma of Elmer Fudd, but what can you do? It seems to me that “YouTuber” and “Influencer” are now proper jobs and the young bucks of motoring are taking advantage.
Mostly they are not trained in any way like we old magazine writers. The kit needed: cameras, a computer, even just a phone, plus a confident air are all that is required to make a low-rent car review.
In general, car manufacturers are very generous to motoring journalists and it is appreciated. We have access to press fleet cars and are invited to events and launches, all, or at least most, expenses paid. Recently, I was asked to attend, with VIP status, a prestigious motor racing event, for example. Very nice. Certainly the work can be demanding at times but you can’t fault the coffee and pastries upon arrival. How long now before this ends?
Car makers now invite these influencers to the same launches and events that the old-time hacks have been going to for decades. What has changed is the speed of production. What used to take maybe a month to get to print now can be online in glorious HD in just a matter of hours, as fresh as new paint. It is leading to tension. Old vs New. Changing Times. Sink or Swim.

Are Influencers Any Good?
Often, no. I have seen some truly terrible videos, purporting to be car reviews. I know how autos work; they clearly don’t. The trick seems to be to stand in a scenic place, the sun setting, pose, and talk a load of trendy nonsense. Self promotion as motoring journalism.
Conversely, there are some great new faces on YouTube promoting cars in a truly professional manner. Is it any wonder that car manufacturers like the idea. Firstly, the influencers come to them. They only need the car for a couple of hours or maybe a day. The effect is instant.
I do sometimes wonder who these online promotions are for though. Often times, young vibrant types are featured, frolicking, with little or no information about the car. Where is the sense in promoting a car to an audience who cannot afford to buy or lease it?
An example; I had the misfortune recently to witness a video of a young lad in skinny blue jeans and with very silly hair, speaking in a foreign language (in fact it was English, but not as we know it Jim) allegedly extolling the virtues of an F-Type Jaguar. I do not know any young people who could afford to buy this car. I can’t afford to buy this car. I do not know any older, financially viable people who would even watch this stuff; so who is it for?
Jaguar F-Type. Photo: Jaguar Land Rover.
Sign of The Times
The plain unvarnished truth is that car companies don’t care. They just want it out there and it is not unreasonable of them to want to do it as cost effectively as possible. Vlogging works, there is no question of that. Many car magazines of old have dispensed with the costs associated with paper and circulation and are now online. That’s how you are reading this; that’s if you’ve gotten this far.
Yet some magazines have healthy circulation. In the UK we have two weekly mags and several monthlies and they are doing alright. It’s my view that as things stand, there is space enough for both the old and new . . . for now.
Older people still like to know about the vehicles themselves. They love the smell of petrol in the morning. Youth though are more influenced by the eco-lobby to whom cars are the work of the Devil. It’s a fact that car ownership among the young folk of Britain is falling. Generally, the car industry is in a state of flux. They want to give the people what they want while at the same time giving governments and the green movement what they demand.
All I want is a beer, a V8, and an open road, but that’s just me. I wouldn’t want to influence you.
Geoff Maxted is a motoring writer, photographer, and author of our Letter From The UK series. Follow his work on Twitter: @DriveWrite

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Ford Issues Two Safety Recalls: F-150, Expedition, Mustang, Navigator Affected

Ford Issues Two Safety Recalls: F-150, Expedition, Mustang, Navigator Affected Ford is issuing a safety recall in North America for approximately 350,000 2018 F-150 and 2018 Expedition vehicles with 10-speed automatic transmissions, as well as 2018 F-650 and F-750 vehicles with six-speed automatic transmissions. The recall is for a potentially unseated transmission gear shift cable clip.
On some of the affected vehicles, a clip that locks the gear shift cable to the transmission may not be fully seated. Over time, a partially seated clip or a clip that becomes dislodged may allow the transmission to be in a gear different from the shift position selected by the driver.
This could allow the driver to move the shifter to park and remove the key, even though the transmission gear may not actually be in park. No warning message or chime would result when the driver’s door is opened. If the parking brake is not applied, this could result in unintended vehicle movement, increasing the risk of injury.
“Ford is aware of one reported accident and injury related to this condition,” the automaker said in a statement.
Affected vehicles include:
2018 Ford F-150 vehicles built at Dearborn Assembly Plant, Jan. 5, 2017 to Feb. 16, 2018.
2018 Ford F-150 vehicles built at Kansas City Assembly Plant, Jan. 25, 2017 to Feb. 16, 2018.
2018 Ford Expedition vehicles built at Kentucky Truck Plant, April 3, 2017 to Jan. 30, 2018.
2018 Ford F-650 and F-750 vehicles built at Ohio Assembly Plant, April 25, 2017 to March 9, 2018.
The recall involves approximately 347,425 vehicles in North America, with 292,909 in the United States and federalized territories, 51,742 in Canada, and 2,774 in Mexico. The Ford reference number for this recall is 18S10.
Dealers will inspect and verify that the shift cable locking clip was properly installed. If the clip is not properly seated, technicians will adjust the shifter cable and secure the locking clip at no cost.
Second Recall
Ford is issuing a second safety recall in North America for approximately 161 2017 and 2018 F-150 and 2018 Expedition vehicles, in addition to 2018 Mustang and 2018 Lincoln Navigator vehicles with 10R80 transmissions. The recall is for a potentially missing roll pin that attaches the park pawl rod guide cup to the transmission case.
The cause for concern is similar to above, where unintended vehicle movement could take place. Ford states they are not aware of any accidents or injuries involving this second recall affecting these vehicles:
2017-18 Ford F-150 vehicles built at Dearborn Assembly Plant, Oct. 20, 2016 to March 5, 2018.
2017-18 Ford F-150 vehicles built at Kansas City Assembly Plant, Dec. 22, 2017 to Feb. 26, 2018.
2018 Ford Expedition vehicles built at Kentucky Truck Plant, Nov. 28, 2017 to Feb. 14, 2018.
2018 Ford Mustang vehicles built at Flat Rock Assembly Plant, Nov. 6, 2017 to Feb. 12, 2018.
2018 Lincoln Navigator vehicles built at Kentucky Truck Plant, Dec. 13, 2017 to March 8, 2018.
The recall involves approximately 161 vehicles in North America with 142 in the United States and federalized territories, 18 in Canada, and one in Mexico. The Ford reference number for this recall is 18S09. Dealers will inspect the transmission and install the roll pin if necessary at no cost.
For more information on this, or any other recall, visit Safecar.gov.
The Automoblog Staff contributed to this report and can be reached anytime.
Source: Ford Motor Company.

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2018 Dodge Challenger GT AWD Review

2018 Dodge Challenger GT AWD Review
The 2018 Dodge Challenger GT is a worthy Mopar and its main competition is the Mustang and Camaro. It has handsome good looks, handles well for a muscle car, is both retro and stylish, and quick enough. If you don’t need the performance of a V8, the V6 is a worthy competitor and makes for a good daily commuter.
This week, we got our hands on the new Dodge Challenger GT.
What’s New For 2018
The Dodge Challenger GT remains unchanged except for a standard rearview camera. It also gets Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration.
Features & Options
The 2018 Dodge Challenger GT ($33,495) comes standard with automatic headlights, heated mirrors, keyless ignition and entry, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, dual-zone automatic climate control, a six-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, and 60/40-split folding rear seats. Tech features include Bluetooth capability, a rearview camera, two USB ports, and a six-speaker sound system.
The GT employs the V6 and is the only Challenger with all-wheel drive. The GT trim adds 19-inch wheels, foglights, rear parking sensors, upgraded brakes, heated and ventilated front seats, and leather upholstery. GT buyers also get a power-adjustable and heated steering wheel, interior ambient lighting, an 8.4-inch touchscreen, performance-related in-car apps, and satellite and HD radio.
This tester came with the GT interior package ($995) adding a leather steering wheel, Harman/Kardon premium sound ($895), nine-inch speakers with subwoofer, 506-watt amplifier, and Nappa Alcantara performance seats. We also enjoyed the Challenger body stripe ($395) and navigation ($795). Total MSRP including destination: 37,670.

Interior Highlights
We would opt for the GT interior package every time. For just under $1,000 it provides nice upgrades, making the Challenger GT a comfortable place to spend your commuting time. The leather steering wheel and seats make the cabin feel a bit like a luxury coupe. The front seats are outstanding, especially in Nappa leather, for driving enthusiasts. They kept us firmly planted during spirited driving. There’s a high-tech 8.4-inch touchscreen upgrade in the GT model with sharpened resolution and quicker infotainment software.
The Challenger GT cabin is quiet at highway speeds even with winter-rated tires on all four corners. We were glad it was equipped with them when the spring snow hit this week. The premium sound system and nine-speakers filled the coupe’s cabin as we made it through city traffic.
If you need to haul lots of passengers, the rear seat is tight and only acceptable for hauling adults a short distance. Getting into the back is a tight fit and the contortions could cause you to see the chiropractor. The Challenger doesn’t have the best rearward visibility when on the road either, but the new-for-2018 rearview camera solves the backing-up issue.
The trunk has 6.2 cubic feet of cargo space and is much larger than the Challenger looks like it would offer, more space than some midsize sedans.

Engine & Fuel Mileage Specs
The Challenger GT is powered by Chrysler’s 3.6-liter V6 producing 305 horsepower and 268 lb-ft. of torque. It comes mated with an eight-speed TorqueFlight automatic transmission. EPA fuel mileage estimates are 18/27 city/highway and 21 combined mpg.
Driving Dynamics
The GT’s 305 horsepower doesn’t sound like a lot compared with its sibling V8s, but it’s a capable sports coupe able to handle the commute. The V6 won’t eat you alive at the gas pump and it has enough power for any driving situation, short of a drag race from the stop light with a Hellcat or Scat Pack.
The GT with its 3.6-liter V6 is a fun ride with a compliant suspension, yet still firm enough to handle fairly well in the corners. With its paddle-shifting eight-speed automatic, there’s enough power to still feel like a muscle car. The GT isn’t short on acceleration for passing, even in Colorado’s rarefied air. The Challenger GT is an easy car to live with that exudes a lot of style and gets lots of attention from other drivers.
Challenger GT is stable and predictable even on the twisty mountain roads west of Denver. The car offers all-wheel drive for all-weather capability and makes a good daily commuter that won’t break the bank with a purchase price well under $40K.
Conclusion
The 2018 Dodge Challenger GT offers plenty of fun for the money and performed surprisingly well for a V6. Handling is impressive on two-lane mountain roads due largely to the all-wheel drive. In terms of drivability, the Challenger GT is an acceptable, if not enjoyable daily commuter.
Denis Flierl has invested over 25 years in the automotive industry in a variety of roles. Follow his work on Twitter: @CarReviewGuy
2018 Dodge Challenger GT Gallery

2018 Dodge Challenger Official Site.
Photos: FCA US LLC.

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2018 New York International Auto Show Roundup

2018 New York International Auto Show Roundup A New York tradition is the annual car show, always held during Easter week in the Big Apple. You may think of Manhattan and its surrounding boroughs as inhospitable to automobiles, but the New York International Auto Show (NYIAS) still draws a crowd big enough to rival other U.S. shows.
In addition to my work with Automoblog, I am also a product trainer for CARiD. We had boots on the ground and were able to bring you first-hand coverage of what we found interesting.
It’s impossible of course to spend quality time with every single vehicle, so our focus was on the debuts, volume leaders, pickups, electric cars, and everyone’s favorite, performance cars, uh, vehicles.
Debuts
Numerous manufacturers used NYIAS to launch important new products. Here are some highlights:
ACURA RDX
Acura’s midsize RDX crossover is all-new. The redesigned sheet metal keeps Acura’s family resemblance. The previous generation’s V6 is gone in favor of a turbo four-cylinder, mated to a 10-speed automatic. Available SH-AWD (Super Handling All Wheel Drive) can send up to 70 percent of the available power to the rear wheels. The interior has the de rigueur 10.2-inch center screen.
CADILLAC XT4
It’s no secret that Cadillac’s sales are below their expectations. After huge investments in new sports sedans, the market ignored them and bought old-school Escalades. With crossovers hot, Caddy smartly decided they need more, hence the XT4, one size below the current XT5. It’s powered by a 237 horsepower turbo four, coupled to a nine-speed auto. If it’s priced right, it should help spark sales at Cadillac.
LINCOLN AVIATOR CONCEPT
Two years ago, I said Lincoln was dead, and predicted they would go the way of Mercury. I was wrong, thankfully. Lincoln is now officially back, and in a big way. The new Navigator is a smash, and this Aviator “concept” is a production vehicle in disguise. It’s drop-dead gorgeous and sized right. Perhaps best of all, it will be built on a new rear-wheel drive platform to be shared with the next-gen Explorer. Glad to have you still with us, Lincoln!

Volume Leaders
Sports and exotic cars are fun, but vehicle manufacturers make their profits from volume. Among the many mainstream cars and trucks on the floor, these stood out:
TOYOTA RAV4
Toyota practically invented the CUV segment with the first RAV4 in 1994. This all-new fifth generation version dwarfs the original, but Americans love them, making the RAV4 one of the U.S.’s best-selling vehicles after pickups. To differentiate it from its CR-V and CX-5 competitors, the optional Adventure trim looks more like a truck than a Cute Ute. A hybrid version is also available.
SUBARU FORESTER
“Don’t fix what ain’t broke” could be Subaru’s motto. The Forester is completely redesigned but looks almost the same. Turbos and stick shifts are gone; all Foresters have a 2.5-liter flat-four, CVT transmission, and all-wheel drive. The big news is inside: material quality and fit and finish rival near-luxury cars in the next price bracket. If the standard 6.5-inch touchscreen is too small, opt for the eight-inch one.
Subaru Forester Sport on display at the 2018 New York International Auto Show.
Pickup Trucks
A uniquely American tradition, the three best-selling vehicles are full-size versions. The midsize truck market is about to get very exciting again, and never rule out the import brands:
FORD RANGER
The Ranger nameplate, gone since 2011, will be back in 2019. Ford had abandoned the midsize pickup segment only to see GM, Honda, and Toyota gladly step in. The new Ranger will have one drivetrain for now, a 2.3-liter turbo four tied to a 10-speed auto. With the regular cab gone, buyers must choose between an extended “SuperCab” or full “SuperCrew.” Expect the competition to answer in kind.
VW ATLAS TANOAK CONCEPT
Officially, this is a design study. Given that it’s built on the existing Atlas SUV platform, bringing it to production should be a no-brainer. It’s a big truck, 16-inches longer than its SUV brother, but looks sharp. Instead of competing with the domestic Big Three, expect it to go head-to-head with the Honda Ridgeline. VW needs this truck if they are serious about increasing U.S. sales volume.
VW Atlas Tanoak Concept on display at the 2018 New York International Auto Show.
CHEVY SILVERADO & RAM 1500
Ford put its F-150 on a crash diet by making it all-aluminum, so both Chevrolet and Ram knew they needed to lose weight. The Silverado is up to 450 lbs. lighter, with aluminum doors, hood, and tailgate. The 1500 will have an optional 3.0-liter Duramax diesel for those who need the torque. Sheet metal is all-new but still a Chevy.
Ram’s redesign moves it away from the “mini-Peterbilt” look it had for 25 years. Rams drop around 225 lbs. and it’s more aerodynamic. If you need to save even more fuel and increase torque, there’s a mild hybrid system available, but regular cabs are gone, so pick either a quad or crewcab. Pickup trucks are proof that competition in this segment is healthy.
Performance Vehicles
“Fast cars” used to be limited to cars. The four that rang our bells this year included a convertible, a four-door sedan, and not one but two SUVs. Who would have ever guessed?
ALFA ROMEO STELVIO QUADRIFOGLIO
The Stelvio is Alfa’s new SUV, and while normal versions have turbo fours and start in the $40,000 range, the top-shelf Quadrifoglio uses a Ferrari-derived V6. Is it fast you ask? It beat the Porsche Cayenne and now holds the world’s record for fastest SUV on the Nürburgring. Bring $82,000 with you and they’ll let you pick the color. I suggest red.
BMW X4 M40i
Car makers keep inventing new segments. Case in point: the X4. Is it a sports sedan or an SUV? It’s both. Jacked up like a truck, but swoopy like a four-door coupe, the top-line M40i gets motive power from a turbo 3.0-liter six, and mixes that with bigger brakes, stiffer suspension, and sportier seats. Sales start this summer at around $61,000.
CORVETTE ZR1
Every American boy fantasizes about a Corvette. Those boys grow into men and many eventually have the disposable income to fulfill the fantasy. While I do know plenty of female Vette fans, this latest ZR1 with its supercharged 6.2-liter V8 and boy-racer wing big enough to serve as a spare couch plays right into the dream. At $120,000 and up, Chevy will sell every one they build.
KIA STINGER
Back on planet earth, Kia, maker of boring econo-boxes, has taken a shot across the bow of BMW and anyone else who thinks they build sports sedans. The new Stinger, in rear or all-wheel drive, has either a turbo four or twin-turbo V6. It can accelerate, it can handle, and did I mention that it’s also good looking? Let’s throw in hatchback versatility for good measure. If I were at BMW, I’d be losing sleep.

Hybrid & Electric Cars
Gas is still cheap, and big trucks still rule the sales charts, but that could change tomorrow. Hybrids have been around for a while but keep improving. And the all-electric segment, at less than 1 percent of sales, has some new entries at various price points.
HYUNDAI KONA ELECTRIC
Tesla has gotten lots of (mostly good) press, but Elon Musk is learning that the competition never sleeps. Hyundai’s new Kona CUV starts in the $20,000s for a gas engine version. There’s also the new Kona Electric, with a range of over 250 miles, and available recharging in under one hour. Pricing is not finalized but is expected to start around $40,000. It’s not a stretch to imagine those unwilling to wait for a Tesla Model 3 will check this one out.
BMW i8
This was a personal favorite just for its outrageousness. Not a hybrid, the i8 is an all-electric supercar, and it looks the part. The coupe model has been out for a while, but the roadster is new. What’s better than going green and having the wind in your hair? With batteries providing the push, the wind is likely all you’ll hear.
LEXUS UX
Another CUV from Japanese giant Toyota, this one wears its Lexus family styling well. Lots of choices here: front wheel or all-wheel drive, gas or hybrid powertrains, with the hybrid expected to get up to 55 mpg. It’s also expected that this could be the first Lexus available “by prescription” as opposed to purchase or lease. You avoid the commitment but get into the brand.
2019 Lexus UX on display at the 2018 New York International Auto Show. Photo: Katelyn Barone for Automoblog.net.
In Person
Sure, you can do all your shopping online these days. But there’s nothing like an auto show to give you a taste of everything that’s out there without the hassle of visiting multiple dealers. Browsers can kick tires; serious shoppers can engage with staff in a no-pressure environment. The New York International Auto Show delivered on all counts for 2018!
Richard Reina is a Product Trainer at CARiD.com and lifelong automotive enthusiast.
Additional Photos: Chevrolet, FCA US LLC., Kia Motors America, Newspress USA.

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