2019 Ford Ranger Showcased In Detroit

2019 Ford Ranger Showcased In Detroit Hey, the Ford Ranger is back, and it wants to bring midsize truck buyers a new choice that’s tough, modern, and dripping with driver-assist technologies. Right off the bat, this seems like a smart move by Ford with demand increasing for midsize trucks. Since 2014, sales are up 83 percent and the new Ranger is set to carve out a chunk of that growth for itself.
Packages & Technology
The 2019 Ford Ranger ticks all the boxes with a new exterior design, chassis, and powertrain. High-strength steel frame, check. 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine, check. Ford’s trick 10-speed automatic transmission, check. And there is a wide range of trim levels to choose from: the entry-level XL, mid-level XLT, and high-level Lariat, with available Chrome and Sport appearance and FX Off-Road packages. The 2019 Ford Ranger will come in a SuperCab or SuperCrew configuration.
I know, that’s all pretty standard truck stuff, but the 2019 Ranger comes with all the tech modern buyers expect too. Ranger integrates advanced driver-assist technologies like Automatic Emergency Braking, Lane Keeping Assist, Lane Departure Warning, a Reverse Sensing System, and a Blind Spot Information System with trailer coverage for XLT and Lariat trims.
The Ranger’s FX4 Off-Road Package also includes a Terrain Management System akin to the F-150 Raptor’s. The TMS has four distinct drive modes: normal, grass, gravel, and snow; mud and ruts; and sand. The TMS gizmo can shift on the fly to automatically change throttle responsiveness, transmission gearing, and vehicle controls to tailor traction, drivability, and performance. You should be able to handle any given terrain or weather condition, which sounds like a very nice and practical thing for a truck to do.
Debuting with the new Ranger’s FX4 Off-Road Package is Trail Control technology. It’s like cruise control for low-speed, rough terrain. Trail Control takes over acceleration and braking, delivering power and braking to each corner so you can focus on steering along the course.
Photo: Ford Motor Company.
Power & Performance
FoMoCo insists the Ranger is no parking mall poseur and is designed from the get-go to handle the rough stuff. The ground clearance is already plenty high, but if you opt for the FX4 Off-Road Package, the mud/dirt/gravel gets even easier to handle with off-road-tuned shocks, all-terrain tires, a heavy-gauge steel front bash plate mounted to the frame, and other frame-mounted skid plates. And, as one might expect, the 2019 Ranger will be motivated by the 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine. Ford’s little four-banger has direct fuel injection, a twin-scroll turbocharger, a 16-valve head, forged-steel crankshaft and con rods, and chain-driven dual overhead cams.
Speaking of putting the power down, that all happens thanks to Dana AdvanTEK independent front and solid rear axles on both 2WD and 4WD models. There’s an available electronic-locking rear axle standard on FX2 and FX4. 4×4 models feature 2-high, 4-high, and 4-low configs on the gearbox.





Functional Design
The design of the Ranger is there to reinforce the truck’s practicality, and to withstand the stresses and strains of everyday life. The high beltline emphasizes strength, while the raked grille and windshield seek an athletic appearance, according to Ford. The overhangs are short and functional for the clearing of off-road obstacles, while the tailgate itself is beefed up to handle people and cargo. The steel bumper at the back has an available trailer hitch receiver so you can tow all your toys.
Ford says the interior of the new Ranger merges comfort and functionality with room for up to five people and all their stuff. The center stack of the dashboard includes an 8-inch touchscreen for the available SYNC 3 system. The instrument cluster has dual LCD “productivity” screens for real-time vehicle, navigation, and audio information.
All this adds up to the inevitable reality that Ford will sell these by the train-load, even though pricing has not been announced.
In Person
The 2019 Ford Ranger is on display at the North American International Auto Show at the Cobo Center, downtown Detroit. The show officially opens to the public on Saturday, January 20th.
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. 
2019 Ford Ranger Gallery




















Photos & Source: Ford Motor Company.
Engine & Transmission Photos: Carl Anthony.



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Nissan Xmotion Concept Inspired By Japanese Traditions

Nissan Xmotion Concept Inspired By Japanese Traditions The Nissan Xmotion (pronounced “cross motion”) Concept made its debut at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan. Nissan says the six-passenger, three-row SUV fuses Japanese culture and traditional craftsmanship with American-style utility. The Xmotion Concept also includes the latest generation of Nissan’s Intelligent Mobility technology.
“With its combination of style and technology, this concept fulfills Nissan’s mission of moving people to a better world,” said Alfonso Albaisa, Senior Vice President, Global Design, Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
Design Ideologies
The Xmotion hints at Nissan’s future design language, one the automaker describes as “dynamic” with “understated sculptural beauty.” While the Xmotion may indeed show the future, current Nissan signatures are still present, like the patented V-motion grille. The visual simplicity of the Xmotion concept exterior, according to Nissan, is contrasted by the rugged, metal-crafted wheels and all-terrain tire design.
“At a glance, Xmotion may appear to have a minimal design language, but a closer look reveals layers of detail that make this concept exceptional,” Albaisa explained. “The exterior’s combination of western and eastern concepts continues inside the Xmotion, where advanced connectivity and autonomous technologies mix with modern Japanese digital art and cultural craftsmanship.”
Functional Focus
The Xmotion is meant to be more than a pretty face, complete with its all-terrain tires, long wheelbase, and three rows of side-by-side individual seats. Other functional features include a retractable “rooftop box” and special taillights inspired by Japanese woodwork.
“In the Xmotion concept, we explored the more rugged and powerful side of Nissan Intelligent Mobility,” Albaisa said. “We envision the Xmotion concept to be a highly functional SUV that can be driven every day, yet can take the owners and friends to a national park or recreation area on a whim.”
Photo: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
Interior Treatments
Like the exterior, the interior is laced with elements of Japanese culture and tradition. The interior is meant to resemble a river with the center console acting as the bridge. The console, the core of the interior design according to Nissan, uses a Japanese architectural wood joinery technique known as kanawa tsugi; the instrument panel design is a modern interpretation of kigumi wood joinery. Nissan says these cultural elements provide a more robust interior with a sense of strength and trust for the driver.
In Person
The Nissan Xmotion Concept is on display at the North American International Auto Show at the Cobo Center, downtown Detroit. The show officially opens to the public on Saturday, January 20th.
Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and resides in Detroit, Michigan. He studies mechanical engineering at Wayne State University, serves on the Board of Directors for the Ally Jolie Baldwin Foundation, and is a loyal Detroit Lions fan.
 
Photos & Source: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.



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2018 Lexus LS: More Performance, Less Cost

2018 Lexus LS: More Performance, Less Cost
The 2018 Lexus LS sedan is offering more for the money this week in Detroit, Michigan as the North American International Auto Show is underway. The new LS 500 will have an MSRP $3,820 less than its current, long wheelbase predecessor but offer more power, comfort, and safety, according to the automaker. Lexus is also promising new levels of efficiency, saying the LS 500 can cruise over 600 miles on a single tank.
“The LS not only offers unsurpassed performance, style and luxury, its competitive pricing makes it a great value as well,” said Jeff Bracken, Lexus Group Vice President and Division General Manager.
Power & Performance
Lexus says they set out to “reimagine” what a flagship luxury sedan should be, as if they were “launching the brand all over again.” The new LS is longer, lower, and wider than the sedan it replaces, and is a stronger representation of Lexus’ latest design language. Supporting the design is an new, premium rear-wheel drive platform (GA–L) first realized for the 2018 LC 500.
The 2018 Lexus LS arrives with a new 3.5-liter, twin turbocharged V6, delivering 416 horsepower and 442 lb-ft. of torque. By comparison, the outgoing LS with its 4.6-liter naturally aspirated V8 creates 386 horsepower and 367 lb-ft. of torque. The new Multistage Hybrid System, which debuted in the LC 500h Coupe, is worth noting as well. The setup combines a naturally aspirated, Atkinson-cycle 3.5-liter V6 gasoline engine with two electric motor/generators to deliver 354 horsepower. The electric motors are powered by a compact, lightweight lithium-ion battery.
An optional F SPORT performance package includes Dynamic Rear Steering, Variable Gear-Ratio Steering, and active stabilizers.
Interior Treatments
Designers focused on craftsmanship, comfort, and “cutting-edge design,” modeling the interior after different hallmarks of Japanese culture. For example, the interior ambient lighting mimics Japanese lanterns while the Shimamoku-inspired wood patterns feature unique contrasts between light and dark, giving the wood a more vibrant appearance.
An optional Executive Package provides heating and massage functions for the rear seats and an additional 3.4-inches of legroom. Standard is Lexus Safety System+, a full array of driver assistance and advanced safety features.
In Person
The 2018 Lexus LS sedan will be on display at the North American International Auto Show at the Cobo Center, downtown Detroit. The show officially opens to the public on Saturday, January 20th.
Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and resides in Detroit, Michigan. He studies mechanical engineering at Wayne State University, serves on the Board of Directors for the Ally Jolie Baldwin Foundation, and is a loyal Detroit Lions fan.
Photo & Source: Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.



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Remembering Daniel Sexton Gurney

Remembering Daniel Sexton Gurney What I could say about Dan Gurney? On the night of his passing, I could have filled a very long and entertaining book. Born on Long Island, his father was, of all things, an opera singer for The Met. His family moved to SoCal, and Dan grew up steeped in the post-war Southern California hot rod and road racing scene, competing against fellow up-and-coming racers like Carroll Shelby, Richie Ginther, and Phil Hill all over the small country that is The Golden State.
American Hero
I could go into details about his engineering prowess, driving skill, frightening levels of tenacity, and alarming heights of bravery. I could tell the story of his all-American good looks and imposing height and how, upon meeting him for the first time, Enzo Ferrari said, “my big American Marine,” hiring him on the spot. I could tell you the one about how Dan was the guy that invented spraying champagne from the winner’s podium. I could divulge all the stories I heard and read about Dan doing the stuff we all did, but should not do on public roads with fast cars, hours before daylight and (I thought there were) no cops around.
But most of that would be standard stuff; wins, losses, classes competed in, number of race-winning cars designed, that sort of thing. The thin gruel of a man’s life rendered into numbers and statistics that get all The Facts right and only 49 percent of The Truth. What I will say is this: Back in the early 90s, I was in need of a better helmet for two reasons: one, I was doing more and more AutoX-ing and two, I was doing a similar amount of downhill skateboard racing, finding ever-faster mountains to rush down.
Flat Black
As luck would have it, friends of mine were working on a movie set in a dystopian future high school where Malcolm McDowell was the principle and semi-robot guards harassed the students. The production had wrapped and the producers were selling off bits and pieces at a very strange yard sale, my friends told me. And lo and behold, that included the motorcycle helmets the semi-robot guards wore. I was able to pick up a nearly brand new, garishly painted Shoei HR for ten bucks.
“What’a’ya gonna do about that orange,” said my friend, pointing at the day-glow stripe on the helmet?
“Oh that’s easy. I’ll paint the whole thing flat black, just like Dan Gurney’s helmet,” I said, pointing out the obvious.
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. 



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Volvo Announces XC90 Production In South Carolina

Volvo Announces XC90 Production In South Carolina

The next generation XC90 will be built at Volvo Cars’ new manufacturing plant in Berkeley County, South Carolina beginning in 2021. The announcement brings Volvo’s total U.S. investment in manufacturing to just over 1.1 billion.
“The continued expansion of our plant in South Carolina is another significant commitment to the US market,” said Håkan Samuelsson, President and Chief Executive, Volvo Cars. “The plant in Charleston will serve both the U.S. and international markets and forms a strong foundation for our future growth in the U.S. and globally.”
Job Creation
In the fall of 2018, S60 production will begin at Volvo’s new South Carolina facility. To support production, 2,000 new employees are being hired but with plans to build the XC90 in South Carolina, another 1,900 jobs are expected. Volvo says the full economic impact will be much greater once the plant is fully operational and the “job multiplier” effect is accounted for.
Global Strategy
Volvo’s manufacturing strategy is based on a “build where you sell” approach. Concerning the XC90, the U.S. is the largest market for the SUV, although a considerable number of units will be exported from the Port of Charleston. Total U.S. production capacity at the plant will rise to 150,000 vehicles annually Volvo predicts.
Prior to the XC90’s arrival, some felt Volvo’s presence in the U.S. was lackluster. When the XC90 arrived for Volvo retailers and dealer principals in 2015, it was often met with open arms and seen as something that could revive the brand for American buyers. Indeed it proved to be that, winning a number of awards and jumping U.S. sales from a low of 56,000 units in 2014 to almost 83,000 in 2016.
Photo: Volvo Cars.
Carolina Pride
In addition to the Charleston plant, Volvo is planning a neighboring office campus to house up to 300 staff from R&D, purchasing, quality, and the regional sales team. Volvo Cars announced in May 2015 – just as the XC90 was hitting the U.S. – that its first ever manufacturing plant here would be located just outside Charleston, South Carolina. Volvo cited direct access to international ports and infrastructure, a well-trained labor force, an attractive investment environment, and experience in the high tech manufacturing sector as the primary reasons to come to South Carolina.
“We’re excited to add a second car to our first American factory in South Carolina and we continue to be impressed by the entrepreneurial spirit in South Carolina,” said Lex Kerssemakers, President and CEO of Volvo Car USA. “Our business in the U.S. has been undergoing a transformation over the past two years and this is an important next step for our development here.”
Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and resides in Detroit, Michigan. 
Photos & Source: Volvo Cars.



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2018 Nissan Pathfinder Arrives With New Features, Special Editions

2018 Nissan Pathfinder Arrives With New Features, Special Editions

Last year, the Nissan Pathfinder underwent a major redesign, so for 2018, there’s some detail improvements here and there, along with new pricing across the board. On sale now at Nissan dealers nationwide, the 2018 Pathfinder has a starting price of $30,790. All the updates give you “more adventure capability, a freshened exterior look, and enhanced safety, technology, performance, and style,” according to Nissan. Whether it’s adventuresome or not, there are some new bits on the Pathfinder worth noting.
More Driver Aids
For 2018, the Pathfinder receives new features including standard Automatic Emergency Braking, an enhanced Midnight Edition appearance package, and Nissan’s new Rear Door Alert. 2018 also sees two new colors, Scarlet Ember and Midnight Pine, standard Intelligent Cruise Control, and NissanConnect with Navigation and Services on the Pathfinder SL. Previously those were considered high zoot packages only found on the Platinum grade Pathfinders. 2018 also brings 4 additional USB ports for a total of 6.
The Rear Door Alert system, which I covered recently, is there to help remind customers of anything that may be forgotten in the rear seat, such as “pets, valuables, dry cleaning, groceries, and more.” The “and more” if I have to spell this out, equates to Your Children! If the Rear Door Alert system detects that a rear door has been opened prior to driving, and the driver does not open a rear door again at the end of a drive, the Rear Door Alert reminds you that something might have been left in the back. I know, I know, but I bet some people need stuff like this.
Photo: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
Back In Black
That new Pathfinder Midnight Edition is now available on both Platinum grade and SL trim levels, although Nissan cautions that deliveries of the Midnight Edition SLs might take a little longer. The Pathfinder Midnight Edition highlights include 20-inch Midnight Edition aluminum-alloy wheels with a bunch of blacked-out stuff lathered all over. There are black mirror caps, black spoiler, black roof rails, black grille surround, black front and rear fascia accents, black license plate finisher, black badging, and black splash guards. The Pathfinder Midnight Edition also comes with illuminated kick plates, exterior approach lighting and, if you want to go whole-hog, Midnight Edition floor mats. Yes, floor mats! Color choices are three: Gun Metallic, Magnetic Black, and, curiously, Pearl White.
The 2018 Pathfinder seats seven, is offered in 2-wheel and 4-wheel drive, and comes in four grade levels: S, SV, SL, and Platinum. Here’s a handy little chart showing you the pricing for the 2018 Nissan Pathfinder:
Tony Borroz has spent his entire life racing antique and sports cars. He means well, even if he has a bias toward lighter, agile cars rather than big engine muscle cars or family sedans.
Pathfinder S 2WD
$30,790 USD
Pathfinder SV 2WD
$33,480 USD
Pathfinder SL 2WD
$37,500 USD
Pathfinder Platinum 2WD
$42,320 USD
Pathfinder S 4WD
$32,480 USD
Pathfinder SV 4WD
$35,170 USD
Pathfinder SL 4WD
$39,190 USD
Pathfinder Platinum 4WD
$44,010 USD
Photos & Source: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.



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2019 Chevy Silverado By The Numbers

2019 Chevy Silverado By The Numbers The 2019 Chevy Silverado debuted in Detroit, Michigan, 100 years after the automaker began producing trucks in January of 1918. Chevrolet expanded the range of engines and transmissions, and cut weight to increase overall performance. The 2019 Silverado was subjected to GM’s most rigorous engineering metrics in history. The Silverado team essentially doubled their validation targets and logged seven million miles of real-world testing.
Bed Time
Despite rumors of aluminum and carbon fiber, the 2019 Silverado retains its roll-formed, high-strength steel bed. Yield strength increases from 340 to 500 megapascals of pressure through the use of higher grades of steel; the tie-down hooks now handle 500 lbs. of force. At the moment, the 2019 Silverado offers best-in-class cargo volume, with even the short-box offering up 63 cubic feet of space.
The bed floor was widened by seven inches and the wheelbase extended by 3.9 inches to increase cargo capacity. For easier access to said cargo, an available power up/down tailgate can be operated with the key fob or via a button in the cab.
Light & Tight
The 2019 Chevy Silverado is 450 lbs. lighter when compared to the current generation Silverado with a V8. Weight reduction and strength increases were achieved through “mixed materials and advanced manufacturing processes,” according to Chevrolet. That strategy is demonstrated most noticeably in the truck’s body, frame, and suspension.
The actual body is 88 pounds lighter. The doors, hood, and tailgate are made from aluminum while the fenders, roof, and bed utilize high-strength steel. The underlying safety cage uses seven different grades of steel. Going further underneath, the fully boxed steel frame is also 88 lbs. lighter but offers a 10 percent increase in torsional rigidity. 80 percent of the frame consists of high-strength steel, varying from two to five millimeters in thickness, depending on location. Hydroforming, roll forming, conventional stamping, and tailor-rolled blanking are all performed during manufacturing, according to Chevrolet.
The front independent short/long arm suspension has lighter forged-aluminum upper control arms. Chevrolet notes this change provides better wheel alignment than the stamped components they replace. The live-axle rear suspension is also redesigned, including new carbon-composite, second-stage springs on LT models that cut about 12 lbs. (per side) over the steel springs they replace.





Power & Performance
Duramax fans are likely jumping for joy right now! The 2019 Chevy Silverado has an option for an all-new Duramax 3.0-liter inline-six. Revised versions of GM’s evergreen 5.3-liter and 6.2-liter engines with Dynamic Fuel Management are on offer. The system replaces Active Fuel Management and differs in the sense it can shut off any number of cylinders, in a variety of combinations, to boost performance and efficiency.
Both the Duramax and 6.2-liter are paired with a new Hydra-Matic 10-speed automatic transmission. Overall, the 2019 Chevy Silverado will offer six engine and transmission choices.
Functional Styling
The new Silverado borrows from its performance car stablemates, particularly the sixth-generation Camaro. The front grille, for example, includes functional air curtains that move air around the front wheel wells to reduce aerodynamic drag. The truck’s side profile is aerodynamically enhanced too. An integrated spoiler at the rear edge of the cab moves air onto the tailgate lip, reducing wind drag from the bed. Changes like these result in a seven percent increase in aerodynamic efficiency, according to Chevrolet.
Photo: Chevrolet.
Interior Treatments
The interior was strongly influenced by customer feedback, since truck buyers spend a lot of time in the cab. The focus was on developing a comfortable and functional interior, with easy-to-use controls. Right off the bat, the cab was stretched to increase interior space; crew cabs now have three additional inches of rear-seat legroom. Overall, the 2019 Chevy Silverado has 44.5 inches of front legroom and 43.8 inches of rear legroom.
The interior was then subjected to 100,000 seat-slide tests to ensure the surfaces remain supple and supportive. Two new 10-liter storage bins were added for the second-row seatbacks, and a larger, 24-liter storage tray was fitted under the rear seat. The Silverado was the first pickup to offer 4G LTE Wi-Fi connectivity, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, wireless phone charging, and various OnStar safety and security features. That all remains for 2019.
Production & In Person
The 2019 Chevy Silverado will be on display at the North American International Auto Show through January 28th at the Cobo Center, downtown Detroit. Production will begin at Fort Wayne, Indiana Assembly this fall. When it arrives, the 2019 Chevy Silverado will have eight different trim levels, including an off-road-oriented Trailboss.
Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and resides in Detroit, Michigan. He studies mechanical engineering at Wayne State University, serves on the Board of Directors for the Ally Jolie Baldwin Foundation, and is a loyal Detroit Lions fan.
2019 Chevy Silverado Gallery














Photos & Source: Chevrolet.



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Lotus Evora GT410 Sport Emerges From Hethel

Lotus Evora GT410 Sport Emerges From Hethel So speaketh Lotus: “Relentless in its development of world-class sports cars, Lotus has unveiled the new Evora GT410 Sport to complete the revised line-up of Hethel’s fastest model.” And all I can say is I really hope this completes the “revised line-up,” because over the paste while I have written articles on nine “new” Lotus models. I love these cars, I really do, but this whole “another month, another sort of new Lotus” thing is starting to get tiring.
Fitting In
In some ways, the Evora GT410 Sport is like the Evora GT430, only with less power, a bit more comfort, and a lot of aero and carbon fiber tweaks. The Evora GT410 Sport is available in both 2 seat and 2+2 configurations, and I’m sure both are fine. But if you buy the 2+2, you better have good reasons. The Evora GT410 Sport comes with either a manual or an automatic transmission, but don’t fret about that auto-box – everyone says it’s quite good. Overall, the new Evora GT410 Sport will be the replacement for the Evora Sport 410.
The revised front panel features two enlarged carbon fiber ducts and integrated air blades to move air around the front wheels. This reduces turbulence and decreases drag. Photo: Group Lotus plc.
Power & Performance
Body-wise the GT410 Sport has new, specifically-designed composite front and rear body panels, sans some of the high downforce elements found on other Evoras. Lotus says it has a far subtler and sleeker silhouette. Even though some aero bits are missing, the GT410 Sport still generates 50 percent more downforce than the Evora Sport 410 for a total of 96kg of downforce.
The Evora GT410 Sport is motorized by a specially-tuned, higher-output version of Lotus’ supercharged, 3.5-liter 6-cylinder engine, complete with a water-to-air charge cooler. It goes without mentioning, but I’ll mention it anyway: this 3.5-liter 6-cylinder plant comes from Toyota, so do not worry about engine reliability, that is a thing of the past. Said mill cranks out 410 horsepower at 7,000 rpm and 310 lb-ft. of torque from 3,500 rpm. This engine, combined with the company’s fixation for low weight, launches the GT410 Sport to 60 mph in just 3.9 seconds with the automatic box. The manual version puts in a time of four seconds. See, that auto ain’t such a bad idea, is it?
Light & Tight
Speaking of the Hethel-based company’s undying love of making things as light as possible, developing the Evora GT410 Sport gave Lotus opportunities to optimize mass and weight. The bottom line turns up at an unladen weight of 2,860 lbs. If you decide to go with the optional titanium exhaust and the Lotus-tuned Öhlins TTX aluminum two-way adjustable dampers, you can shave off another 216 lbs. compared to the plain Jane Evora 400.
Photo: Group Lotus plc.
Careful Considerations
Would I buy the new Evora GT410 Sport? Of course I would! I just wish Lotus would stop messing around with having umpteen models of only slight difference from one step to the next. It’s sort of reminiscent of JDM car versions whose main differentiation from one trim level to the next are things like sway bar bushings. Lotus, you guys have made a name for yourself by making cars simple and light. Please apply that philosophy to your model lineup.
The Lotus Evora GT410 Sport can be ordered now in European and Asia Pacific markets. Availability for China and the United States is expected this summer.
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. 
Lotus Evora GT410 Sport Gallery








Photos & Source: Group Lotus plc.



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Automoblog Book Garage: Porsche 70 Years

Automoblog Book Garage: Porsche 70 Years


Every so often, we see a title that captures the subject perfectly. That’s not an easy task. Take 70 years of Porsche, for example, and sum it up in only a few words. That’s a tall order but author Randy Leffingwell did it and did it rather directly.
Our publication has a certain admiration for Porsche but truthfully, we can’t always pinpoint why. It’s hard to explain – like the Apple Jacks commercials where any kid with a colorful bowl of the cereal had to field the “why, they don’t taste like apples” question.
Just Because
Porsche is, for us, effectively Apple Jacks. No, they don’t “taste” and feel like other cars. And we can’t explain why we like them, we just do, much like those who toss Apple Jacks in their cart at the grocery store. With regard to Porsche, is it the performance, the design, the history? It’s all of it really, and that’s why Leffingwell’s book is so important.
Porsche 70 Years helps put into words why we love the famed German automaker. Leffingwell walks his readers through the entire Porsche courtyard, from the 356, 904, and 917, to the 911, 928, and 935. Even the more modern flair, like the Cayman and Boxter are showcased. In-depth descriptions of the cars and significant Porsche events are accompanied by stunning, but extremely rare images.
And then there’s that wonderful title. The one that says “we like what we like and what we like is Porsche.” Just how the kids in those commercials proudly responded “we eat what we like,” we now echo similar sentiments: “there is no substitute.” We like Porsche; we love Porsche because there is no substitute.
Author
Leffingwell wrote his first book, American Muscle, in 1989 while still on staff at the Los Angeles Times. Since then, he has authored another 47 titles for Motorbooks, who we partner with for this series. Leffingwell is considered one of the top Porsche historians today, and he enjoys a close working relationship with Porsche AG. Leffingwell also wrote Porsche 911: 50 Years, a book we featured last year.
Porsche 70 Years: There Is No Substitute is available through Amazon and Motorbooks.
Porsche 70 Years Gallery














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