Automotive

The 2019 Mercedes-AMG G63: Faster Than You Think!

The 2019 Mercedes-AMG G63: Faster Than You Think! The 2019 Mercedes-AMG G63 still looks like the crate it was shipped in, which, to me, is one of the more charming things about it. Sure, they’ve rounded the corners, did some nips and tucks and contouring and such here and there, but the new G63 still looks like what anything that can go off road should look like: Honest. And even though the latest G-Class can go off road, and even though 99 percent of them never will, the most interesting thing about it is the big whompin’ stompin’ hootin’ hollerin’ V8 engine.
With two turbos.
Sure, the 2019 Mercedes-AMG G63 has lots of nifty tech and convenience features, that’s true, but this engine is really worth looking at.
Power & Performance
It’s a handcrafted AMG-built 4.0-liter V8 biturbo mill that replaces the outgoing 5.5-liter V8 biturbo engine in the previous G63. I know. If it’s a G63, shouldn’t the plant be, oh, 6.3-liters big? Dunno. Ask the Germans. There’s bound to be some logic there. There always is. Anyway, the new double-blown engine puts out 577 horsepower and dispenses 627 lb-ft. of torque to the sand, gravel, mud, logging roads, or the parking lot at your Bikram Yoga class down at the strip mall.
To make all that go and grunt even more fun, Merc has seen fit to deliver most of it across a rev range between 2,500 and 3,500 rpm. Bottom line: zero to 60 mph in just 4.4 seconds! Yes, that’s astonishingly quick for a box that weighs about what a Panzer IV weighed. That’s also 0.9 seconds faster than the previous model. So there. Top speed is an impressive (although limited) 137 mph, or 149 mph if you opt for the AMG Driver‘s package.
Two twin scroll turbochargers are used for optimal response, according to Mercedes-Benz. The housing is divided into two parallel flow channels, combined with two separate exhaust ducts in the exhaust manifold. This makes it possible to control exhaust gases on the turbine wheel separately. The goal is to prevent the individual cylinders from having mutually adverse effects on the gas cycle. Photo: MBUSA.
Unique Layout
The strange thing is the physical layout of the plant and all its ancillaries. The two turbochargers, for instance, are not positioned on the outside of the cylinders but inside the cylinder “V.” Mercedes-Benz says the advantages are a compact engine design, spontaneous response of the turbochargers, and low exhaust emissions thanks to optimal airflow to the “near-engine catalysts.” My take on the disadvantages come down to two words: Heat soak. But I got to figure a bunch of German engineers know more about die Thermodynamik than I do. I hope.
And speaking of German engineers, they’ve also tweaked the pistons, optimized intercooling, and rolled out extensive software upgrades. Spray-guided direct gasoline injection with piezo injectors? Check. An all-aluminum crankcase? Yes, but how it handles the stresses on the bottom end is beyond me. There’s also a four-valve per cylinder design with camshaft adjustment, air-to-water intercooling, alternator management (not sure what they mean by that), an ECO start/stop function, and a gliding mode. And no, I’m not sure what they mean by gliding mode either.
Photo: MBUSA.
Transmission Tech
That new engine is mated to an AMG nine-speed transmission, running model-specific software for shorter shift times, a multiple downshift function, and a double-declutching function in “Sport” and “Sport Plus” modes. Further down the pipeline is a standard-specification AMG Performance 4MATIC all-wheel drive system. The front/rear split of 40 to 60 percent favors a more rear-biased torque distribution.
There’s an off-road reduction gear for difficult terrain that can be engaged via the low range switch at speeds of up to 25 mph. The new multiplate clutch behaves like an automatically controlled locking differential that can switch to 100 percent locking. The locks at the front and rear axle diffs do so with a dog clutch and a 100 percent locking effect, and all the locks can be engaged individually while on the move. Pretty trick.
The 2019 Mercedes-AMG G63 features a double-wishbone front suspension mounted directly to the ladder-type frame. The strut tower brace, known as a suspension bridge, now connects the front strut towers, which increases torsional rigidity. At the rear, the axle is guided with four longitudinal control arms on each side and a Panhard rod. Photo: MBUSA.
Suspension Setup
The suspension system has been completely redesigned by Mercedes-AMG and features coil springs all-round and, for the first time, the front axle has an independent, double wishbone suspension. Out back, there is the tried but true rigid axle with a five-link suspension. The new G63 has electromechanical speed-sensitive steering for the first time, with a variable ratio, in a choice of two modes: Comfort or Sport. Further goodies include a driver’s choice of five AMG on-road modes: Slippery, Comfort, Sport, Sport+, and Individual.
If you go off-road, you can choose from three modes: Sand, Trail, and Rock.

Interior Views
And on the inside, you will find a modern interior. The dashboard has been completely redesigned with analogue tubes and dial instruments standard. You have the option of the fully digital Widescreen Cockpit with virtual instruments, and a central display above the center console with three selectable views: Classic, Sporty, and Progressive.
Pricing & In Person
No word on price or availability, but I bet it’s in showrooms by this fall and will cost an astonishing amount. The 2019 Mercedes-AMG G63 debuts officially at the Geneva International Motor Show beginning on March 8th.
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 Mercedes-AMG G63 Gallery

Photos & Source: MBUSA.

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Letter From The UK: A Car of Our Own

Letter From The UK: A Car of Our Own

“This is Meg. Meg is our car.” This statement appeared on a Twitter feed near to me, accompanied by a photograph of a five-year-old Ford Focus. Meg is very clean and takes pride of place in their driveway. Meg, it is clear, is as much a part of the family as the dog or a difficult child. To be fair to Meg and her family, I personally have a bit of an issue with assigning gender and human attributes to machinery. My late Mother-in-Law (who was, against type, a very nice woman) insisted on calling her car “Lulu” on the basis that the licence plate kind of looked a bit like that.
Crushes & Complexities
There’s nothing new about this: Hark back to earlier days to hear British car enthusiasts – usually men wearing cravats – referring to their classic car as “her” or even “the old girl,” a sobriquet otherwise used solely as a replacement for “the wife.” Fortunately, this practice has been driven out of use by the complex assignment of gender these days. My own car, which I bought new for cash, is going on six-years-old (note that I refuse to use the word “birthday”). At best, it gets called “the Citroen,” otherwise it is “the car.” I have no plans to change it because it does all that I require and does it well, not because I love it like a brother.
It seems to me that we use the internet as an alternative universe. We can do and say things that would make us look silly out in the “real world” where we actually reside. Thus, in a way, the real world becomes another universe of itself and not just the place that we live in. It’s strange how we exist in this parallel way.
These days, and we got this idea from the USA by the way, we use our special internet universe to possess new cars we are unlikely ever to call our own. We do this by means of the Personal Contract Purchase or PCP. It seems like a neat idea but, as some people are finding out, it isn’t always as clear cut as it seems. Lose your job through no fault of your own and see what happens. You may have been there already.
A vintage E-Type might qualify for the title of “old girl” or any other equivalent label. Earlier this year, Jaguar Classic debuted its first “Reborn” Jaguar E-Type at the Techno-Classica Essen show. Photo: Jaguar Land Rover.
Downward Spiral
Looking at all the new or nearly new vehicles on Britain’s roads today, you would think we are a robust and economically sound nation. Indeed, the figures show the UK has seen modest economic growth this year, but as far as the motor industry is concerned, appearances can be deceptive. Sales are slowing. The car market has been over-trading lately, riding on the wave of financial innovations like PCP.
In fact, UK car manufacturing fell in September, with year-on-year output declining minus 4.1 percent, according to recent statistics by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders. 6,500 fewer cars rolled off production lines than in the same month of 2016, in line with slower growth across European Union markets, but it was substantial double-digit losses here in our internal market which has driven the overall decline. Domestic demand in the month dropped, contributing to an overall year-to-date production decrease of minus 2.2 percent. This rather indicates the PCP market skews the outlook.

Warning Signs
Here I quote the UK’s Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders head honcho, Mike Hawes, verbatim:
“With UK car manufacturing falling for a fifth month this year, it’s clear that declining consumer and business confidence is affecting domestic demand and hence production volumes. Uncertainty regarding the national air quality plans also didn’t help the domestic market for diesel cars, despite the fact that these new vehicles will face no extra charges or restrictions across the UK. Brexit is the greatest challenge of our time and yet we still don’t have any clarity on what our future relationship with our biggest trading partner will look like, nor detail of the transitional deal being sought. Leaving the EU with no deal would be the worst outcome for our sector so we urge government to deliver on its commitments and safeguard the competitiveness of the industry.”
Right now at least, “No Deal” seems the likeliest outcome. We’ll see.
Vauxhall’s Luton Plant manufactures the Vivaro, a multi-use commercial van. According to Vauxhall, the Luton Plant produced 60,820 Vivaros in 2015. Currently, the plant employs about 1,200 people. Photo: Vauxhall.

A Car of Our Own
So this in turn suggests the PCP bubble could burst. The deals are getting, on the face of it, better, and ways of shifting cars from the showroom more inventive. Can it last? The car market is a transient thing and very much governed by the disposable income of the population, and the prospects for a secure job environment are looking increasingly shaky.
Are we reaching the stage where nobody will ever have a car like Meg to call their own? Or are we going to go the other way and keep the cars we really do own for longer? That’s my plan. “The Citroen” stays with me until one of us breaks down. Meanwhile, I am resisting the temptation of being over-familiar and calling it “Claudette.” The family prefers the more alliterative Maxine. “This is Maxine. We own Maxine outright.”
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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Chevy Gets Red Dirt Rich With Luke Bryan Suburban Concept In Vegas

Chevy Gets Red Dirt Rich With Luke Bryan Suburban Concept In Vegas

“I’ll be down here, knee-deep in the Muckalee,” Luke Bryan says in arguably the most notable composition on his 2015 album, Kill the Lights. Huntin’, Fishin’ and Lovin’ Every Day, often stylized as “H.F.E” by fans, suggests nothing beats the great outdoors, especially when your significant other comes along. H.F.E is a genuine, heartfelt response to phrases like “don’t you want to get out of here” or “there is a lot more opportunity in the city.”
Flint River Pay
On a basic level, it’s a catchy song; as the guitar notes build, it’s a perfect one to pluck away to air-style. On a basic level, the lyrics are merely about a guy that loves the outdoors. Yet, to those invested in rural life, Bryan’s Huntin’, Fishin’ and Lovin’ Every Day is an anthem; the lyrics are the embodiment of that great, down-home American dream shared among generations; the lyrics remind us that dream, no matter the odds, is worth fighting for.
It’s pulling those old, dusty work gloves off, walking in and seeing a truly beautiful partner making dinner as little ones race across the room at lightning speed yelling “daddy.” It’s bracing for impact as they leap through the air. It’s checking on neighbors, tending to fences, worrying about crops; it’s cheering for that promising high school prospect on Friday night and going before The Lord on Sunday. In the H.F.E life, money isn’t what makes you rich.
“If you live in that hunting, fishing, loving every day mentality, you’re going to be a little more stress-free,” Bryan said. “And your quality of life will be a little better.”
Luke Bryan Suburban Concept. Photo: Chevrolet.
Stripping It Down
Chevrolet’s latest Suburban concept aims to capture the H.F.E lifestyle during this year’s SEMA Show at the Las Vegas Convention Center. Bryan was on hand to introduce the Suburban, now displayed alongside other Chevy vehicles, crate engines, and performance parts at SEMA. Bryan’s Suburban concept was engineered for outdoor getaways, something the singer regularly does with his family and kids. Chevy designers actually interviewed Bryan to learn what the ultimate outdoor vehicle might look like.
“I’m a longtime Suburban owner,” Bryan commented. “This partnership is a natural fit for me and this unique Suburban represents everything I and my family want for our outdoor adventures.”
“This concept is all about maximizing the Suburban’s space and utility for a family that truly enjoys hunting, fishing, and other outdoor activities,” added Todd Parker, Chevrolet Design Director.
Photo: Chevrolet.

Kicking The Dust Up
The Luke Bryan Suburban Concept is powered by GM’s evergreen 5.3 V8 with direct injection, continuously variable valve timing, and active fuel management. The 355 horsepower engine creates 383 lb-ft. of torque, supported by a six-speed automatic transmission and a Chevrolet Performance cold-air intake. The 5.3, a member of the Chevrolet Small Block family for over 60 years, rarely needs an introduction. It’s part of the reason why owners continue to set their watch to Chevy trucks.
“Chevy has been part of our family and a part of our work life on the farm for as long as I can remember,” Bryan explained. “If you were a Bryan, you drove a Chevy.”
The Luke Bryan Suburban Concept includes modified 22-inch wheels, 35-inch tires, a locking rear differential, and six-piston front Brembo brakes. The suspension is lifted and accompanied by a lower skidplate extension. The 8,000 lbs. towing capacity, roof-mounted equipment carrier, fishing rod holder, and swing-out tailgate will nicely accommodate those who journey into the wild.
“There’s plenty of room for all their gear, along with added amenities that make the journey more enjoyable,” Parker said.
Photo: Chevrolet.
SEMA Information
The Luke Bryan Suburban Concept will be on display at Chevrolet’s SEMA exhibit through Friday, November 3rd. The SEMA Show is held at the Las Vegas Convention Center, 3150 Paradise Road, Las Vegas, Nevada. Registration begins at 7:30am with the exhibits and New Products Showcase going until 5 and 6pm, respectively. More information regarding hours, floor plans, and special events can be found on the SEMA Show’s website.
Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and resides in Detroit, Michigan.
Luke Bryan Suburban Concept Features
Unique lower fascia.
Roof-mounted fishing rod holder.
Swing-out tailgate with spare tire mount.
Roof-mounted light rack by Baja Designs.
Chevrolet Accessories: roof rack cross rails.
Chevrolet Accessories: mesh grille (custom finish).
“Huntin’, Fishin’ and Lovin’ Every Day” exterior badges.
Chevrolet Accessories: black Chevrolet bowtie emblems.
Chevrolet Accessories: Bluetooth Bullfrog music system by KICKER.
Chevrolet Accessories: Thule Canyon roof basket with optional extensions.
Hunter Bronze exterior color with Dark Carbon accents and camo graphics.
Fully trimmed seats with Argon piping and Platinum camo-pattern perforated inserts.
Luke Bryan Suburban Concept Gallery

Photos & Source: Chevrolet.

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VW Pulls Steering Wheel, Pushes For Future Value With I.D. Vizzion

VW Pulls Steering Wheel, Pushes For Future Value With I.D. Vizzion
Volkswagen is going fully autonomous for the upcoming Geneva International Motor Show. Meet the I.D. Vizzion, the latest autonomous concept that showcases VW’s claim for “future individual mobility.” The Vizzion concept is the fourth and largest member of the electrified I.D. family, but it’s remarkably different than its brethren.
“Inside the I.D. Vizzion, a completely new feeling of driving and living is created without a steering wheel or visible controls,” reads a statement from VW.
Hard to have any feeling of driving when there isn’t a steering wheel but okay.
Emotion, Innovation & Service
Technicalities aside about the absence of a steering wheel, VW is showing how the future of transportation can be exciting: that vehicles can and will retain their distinct, emotional designs. In other words, the autonomous era is not likely to be filled with boring pods – at least not if VW has anything to say about it per the I.D. Vizzion.
“With its innovative technology, fully-automated operating concept, and elegant form, the premium class saloon is showing the direction Volkswagen is taking in the technology and design of its future electric models,” reads a statement from the automaker.
VW wants to apply said innovative technology toward a cleaner, safer, and more comfortable automobile. Part of their goal with the I.D. Vizzion is to make sure future mobility is not devoid of added value. In other words, how will all these headlines about automated driving really benefit the consumer? Are they just lofty promises, or are they something more? For VW, it’s the latter as engineers worked to include the benefits of autonomous driving within the I.D. Vizzion. This naturally means occupant safety, but it reaches beyond that.
For example, when the “Digital Chauffeur” is driving, passengers now have time to focus on other things. Perhaps they want to chat or get caught up on their reading? If they need anything changed inside the vehicle, a virtual host responds to voice prompts and gesture controls, and knows the preferred settings of each person using the vehicle. For those unable to drive – the elderly and disabled come to mind – VW will likely present the I.D. Vizzion concept as way for them to have mobility.
Photo: Volkswagen of America, Inc.
Power & Performance
The I.D. Vizzion is nearly 17 feet long, giving passengers plenty of room to stretch out and get comfortable. While VW is slim on the engineering specs, they do say the vehicle has two electric motors that drive all four wheels. The 111 kWh lithium-ion batteries enable a range of up to 413 miles when regenerative braking is factored in. Top speed is 112 mph, a little bit faster than we initially expected.
Future Models
Electrification and technology of this sort will be huge for VW in the near future. By 2025, the brand plans to introduce more than 20 electrified models. The first, the I.D., an electric compact car, will arrive in 2020. After that, a new electric SUV called the I.D. Crozz and then the I.D. Buzz. In the meantime, the I.D. Vizzion will be on display at the Geneva International Motor Show beginning on March 8th.
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: Volkswagen of America, Inc.
Photos & Source: Volkswagen of America, Inc.

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Honda Aims To Keep Best-Selling Status With 2018 CR-V

Honda Aims To Keep Best-Selling Status With 2018 CR-V

The 2018 Honda CR-V is here, and it almost goes without saying this thing is to Honda’s SUV lineup what the Accord is to their cars: a license to print money. Honda sells a ton of these guys. I mean by the boatload. The CR-V is America’s best-selling SUV for the past 20 years and with prices ranging from a reasonable $24,150 to the not-even-close-to-exorbitant $34,050, it looks like Honda will keep that title.
The 2018 Honda CR-V gives drivers premium features, with convenient in-vehicle connectivity experiences through Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM, and Pandora.
Power & Performance
The 2018 CR-V returns with the same responsive and fuel efficient 1.5-liter DOHC direct-injected and turbocharged inline 4-cylinder that debuted in 2017. With 190 peak horsepower on tap and paired with a creepy, yet logical continuously variable transmission (CVT) and Honda G-Shift control logic, the 1.5-liter, front-drive CR-Vs bring home the highest EPA fuel economy ratings in the compact SUV class. You can also get a bigger 2.4-liter DOHC, direct-injected inline 4-banger, putting out 184 peak horsepower, also paired with a CVT, in the LX trim level.
Honda says the 2018 CR-V is designed to be fun-to-drive, yet quiet and comfortable. Okay, sure, but this thing ain’t a Civic Type R, okay? The chassis is well thought out, however, with a MacPherson strut front suspension, a multi-link rear suspension with a floating subframe, fluid-filled suspension bushings, front and rear stabilizer bars, and dual-pinion, variable-ratio electric power steering. So the new CR-V should make short work of twisty country roads, broken urban streets, and everything in between.
Photo: Honda North America.
Interior Treatments
The inside of the 2018 CR-V is described as spacious, with the best rear seat legroom in its class along with a large, flexible cargo area. 2018 also brings upgraded materials throughout, a soft-touch instrument panel, and intricately stitched seats. Also on offer is the latest in-vehicle connectivity and audio tech, with the available 7-inch touchscreen Display Audio interface. The Android operating system features a physical volume knob as well as an available Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System, developed in cooperation with the Garmin GPS people.
Other niceties include remote engine start, dual-zone climate controls, heated side mirrors, a space-saving and convenient Electric Parking Brake, rear USB charging ports, 4-way power adjustments on the front passenger seat, and a driver’s seat with 8-way power adjustments and 4-way power lumbar support. The front seats are heated, of course.
Photo: Honda North America.

Safety & Security
Safety stuff? But of course! This is a Honda, so of course there’s tons of safety tech gee-gaws strewn throughout the CR-V. The 2018 CR-V has Honda Sensing as standard equipment on EX and higher trims. Honda Sensing features Collision Mitigation Braking with Forward Collision Warning and pedestrian sensing capability. Also included is Road Departure Mitigation with Lane Departure Warning, Adaptive Cruise Control with low-speed follow and Lane Keeping Assist.
Seriously dude, if you end up pranging one of these, you should really consider taking buses and taxis for the rest of your life. Seriously.
Here’s a nice little chart that shows you all of the 2018 Honda CR-V’s trim levels, drivetrains, and economy figures along with the prices. The 2018 Honda CR-V is in dealerships now.
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.
TRIM
TRANSMISSION
MSRP
EPA Fuel Economy Ratings(City / Highway/ Combined)
CR-V 2.4 LX (2WD)
CVT
$24,150
26/32/28
CR-V 2.4 LX (AWD)
CVT
$25,550
25/31/27
CR-V 1.5T EX (2WD)
CVT
$26,950
28/34/30
CR-V 1.5T EX (AWD)
CVT
$28,350
27/33/29
CR-V 1.5T EX-L (2WD)
CVT
$29,450
28/34/30
CR-V 1.5T EX-L (AWD)
CVT
$30,850
27/33/29
CR-V 1.5T EX-L with Navi (2WD)
CVT
$30,450
28/34/30
CR-V 1.5T EX-L with Navi (AWD)
CVT
$31,850
27/33/29
CR-V 1.5T Touring (2WD)
CVT
$32,650
28/34/30
CR-V 1.5T Touring (AWD)
CVT
$34,050
27/33/29
2018 Honda CR-V Gallery

Photos & Source: Honda North America.

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5 Really Cool 2017 SEMA Show Reveals

5 Really Cool 2017 SEMA Show Reveals

The SEMA Show kicked off today at the Las Vegas Convention Center. Considered by many as the premier automotive specialty products event, this year’s show will provide a number of educational seminars, product demonstrations, and networking opportunities. Last year, more than 70,000 attended and the New Parts Showcase featured nearly 3,000 recently introduced parts, tools, and components. As the event ramps up this week, here are some of the most interesting reveals.
Scorpion All Terrain Plus Tires
Pirelli unveiled their latest truck and SUV tires for North America, the Scorpion All Terrain Plus. According to Ian Coke, Chief Technical Officer, Pirelli Tire North America, the new tires combine the company’s latest innovations to maximize performance and traction.
“This tire combines our advanced compound and design technology with an aggressive appearance to provide light truck and SUV owners with a durable, high performing driving experience through a wide range of challenging on or off-road conditions,” he said.
Identifying features include deeper tread grooves and conical stone ejectors. The first make for steady, balanced traction in snow and mud, while the latter forces small stones from the tread. Planned fitments include vehicles like the Chevy Silverado, GMC Sierra, Ford F-150, Ram 1500, and Toyota Tacoma among others. The new tires replace the prior Scorpion ATR design and will arrive in the first half of 2018.
Pirelli officials say the tread elements of the new Scorpion All Terrain Plus tires have a higher resistance to cutting and chipping. Photo: Pirelli.
John Cooper Works Tuning Kit
The new kit gives Mini fans a retrofit exhaust system, software programming to boost power, and other aftermarket components. With the John Cooper Works Tuning Kit, the Cooper S and Cooper S ALL4 on Clubman and Countryman models go from 189 to 208 horsepower; torque jumps to 221 ft-lb., available between 1,350 and 4,600 rpm. The kit’s Bluetooth actuated exhaust system allows drivers to switch between two modes, Sport and Sport+.
“The John Cooper Works Tuning Kit provides reduced exhaust gas back pressure, in combination with adapted engine software, to deliver the sporty responsiveness MINI owners have come to love across the John Cooper Works variants,” a statement from Mini reads.
The upgrade can be purchased and installed at any local dealer in the United States when it arrives in January. Those wanting a more performance-oriented feel can opt for JCW Chrome or Carbon Fiber tailpipes.
Mini Ice Blue special edition Cooper S Hardtop. Photo: Mini.

Q60 Red Alpha Concept
Infiniti and AMS Performance are displaying the fruits of their Red Alpha collaboration, regarded by both brands as something that brings together their individual engineering strengths. The Q60 Red Alpha Concept offers a 19 percent horsepower gain and 29 percent torque increase; it is equipped with a multitude of Q60 parts engineered by AMS Performance, including special intercoolers and intakes.
“The combination of Infiniti’s luxury performance vehicles with AMS Performance’s ability to build some of the fastest aftermarket turbocharged import vehicles allows us to unlock the driver’s full potential with the Infiniti Q60 Red Sport 400, a concept we’ve dubbed ‘Red Alpha,’ said Martin Musial, President, AMS Performance.
Other performance parts include the Dry Media Filters, High Flow Exhaust Downpipes, a Red Alpha Catback Exhaust System, proprietary Red Alpha ECU Calibration, High Capacity Overflow Tank, and a High Capacity Red Alpha Center Heat Exchanger. Infiniti notes that many of these products, currently on display at SEMA, will soon be available for purchase.
Infiniti Q60 Red Alpha concept. Photo: Infiniti Motor Company Ltd.
Civic Type R Crate Engine
The Civic Type R is Honda’s most powerful namesake in the United States with its impressive 2.0-liter VTEC Turbo engine. The plant creates 306 horsepower at 6,500 rpm and 295 lb-ft. of torque, available from 2,500 to 4,500 rpm. Through Honda Performance Development’s Honda Racing Line program, the engine is available to U.S. grassroots and professional racers for verified, closed-course applications. Prior to this announcement, Type R crate engines were only available in Europe and Asia.
“The engine and the Civic Type R are a direct manifestation of Honda’s racing spirit, experience, and heritage,” a statement from Honda North America reads. “More so, the sale of the Civic Type R crate engine builds upon Honda’s long-term commitment to the support of grassroots racing.”
The Honda Racing Line program will sell the K20C1 turbocharged crate engine to racing enthusiasts in the U.S. for $6,519.87, excluding shipping cost. Interested parties can apply through the Honda Performance Development website.
2017 Honda Civic Type R Engine with Intercooler. Photo: Honda North America.
BMW M Performance Parts
BMW is showcasing the array of M Performance Parts for the 2018 M5, regarded by the automaker as the quickest, most technologically advanced M-vehicle to date. The car is motivated by a 4.4-liter V8 with M TwinPower Turbo technology for a whopping 600 horsepower and 553 lb-ft. of torque. With BMW’s new 8-speed M Steptronic transmission with Drivelogic, 60 mph arrives in a mere 3.2 seconds.
Some of the most interesting M Performance Parts for the new M5 are found in the aerodynamics department. There is a newly designed front attachment, a carbon fiber rear spoiler, side sill attachments, and a rear diffuser. The “carbon fiber rear spoiler Pro” will be available in July, along with front kidney grilles, air breather side grilles, and carbon fiber mirror caps. All M Performance Parts are meant to uphold BMW’s functional requirements in terms of aerodynamics, cooling, and weight reduction.
Also on display is the 2018 BMW M3, 30 Years American Edition, which celebrates 30 years of the M3 in the United States. The car was designed by BMW Group Designworks and built through BMW Individual.
2018 BMW M5 with M Performance Parts. Photo: BMW of North America.
SEMA Information
The SEMA Show runs until November 3rd at the Las Vegas Convention Center, 3150 Paradise Road, Las Vegas, Nevada. Registration begins at 7:30 am with the exhibits and New Products Showcase going until 5 and 6pm, respectively. More information regarding hours, floor plans, and special events can be found on the SEMA Show’s website. If you see something interesting, thought-provoking, or otherwise cool, drop us a line on Twitter with a photo: @Automoblog
Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and resides in Detroit, Michigan.
Cover Photo: SEMA.

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Nissan’s Biggest Growth Area Probably Comes As No Surprise

Nissan’s Biggest Growth Area Probably Comes As No Surprise By now, we know consumers across the planet have an insatiable appetite for SUVs. But if there was any doubt, Nissan revealed a few figures recently that highlight their SUV and crossover business. Let’s just say business is good. Nissan’s global crossover and SUV sales increased more than 12 percent last year to over 2 million vehicles. By comparison, Infiniti crossovers and SUVs were up almost nine percent last year, with the QX30 seeing a 97 percent sales increase alone. In total, Nissan’s global crossover and SUV volume rose by nearly 230,000 vehicles in 2017.
The all-new Kicks played a significant part in Nissan’s global SUV expansion. The smaller crossover has already been on sale for the last year in Mexico, Latin America, and China, moving some 109,000 units. The Kicks made its North American debut at the 2017 Los Angeles Auto Show and will arrive later this year in the United States and Canada.
2018 Nissan Kicks. Photo: Nissan North America.
Heavy Hitters
Other big names include the Rogue, X-Trail, and Qashqai compact models. The platform mates generated more than 1.38 million sales worldwide last year – an increase of 10 percent – meaning it’s now Nissan’s top platform by volume. The larger and recently refreshed Armada remained strong in the United States, along with the Patrol in the Middle East. Sales of that platform increased a whopping 79 percent worldwide to nearly 80,000 units.
“The improvement in our global crossover and SUV sales made a significant contribution to Nissan’s growth in 2017,” explained Daniele Schillaci, Executive Vice President, Nissan. “We expect our momentum to accelerate in 2018 as we expand Kicks availability to the U.S. and Canada, execute the global launch of the new Infiniti QX50 luxury midsize crossover, and start sales of the Datsun Cross in Indonesia.”
2019 Infiniti QX50. Photo: Infiniti Motor Company Ltd.
New Technology & Strong Markets
Infiniti plans to launch the QX50 next month. The midsize crossover is built on a new platform and features a unique variable compression ratio engine called a VC-Turbo. Nissan says the QX50 is in the “sweet spot” of one of the fastest growing segments in the world, citing that the premium midsize crossover market has quadrupled in China and more than doubled in the U.S. Elsewhere around the globe, Nissan’s stong crossover and SUV sales were helped by a 94 percent improvement in Latin America.
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.

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Toyota Announces New Partnership To Advance Automated Driving

Toyota Announces New Partnership To Advance Automated Driving

The Toyota Research Institute (TRI) has signed an agreement with GoMentum Station for the further development of autonomous vehicle technology. The testing will take place on the 5,000 acre autonomous vehicle proving grounds managed by the Contra Costa Transportation Authority (CCTA) in Concord, California. The CCTA facilitates and encourages what they call “collaborative partnerships” between automobile and OEM manufacturers, Tier 1 suppliers, technology companies, researchers, and public agencies, among others.
Working Together
This partnership announcement from TRI and CCTA is remarkably similar to a story we reported on last week in our home state of Michigan. Our recent experience in Brussels, Belgium at AutoSens further drove home the need for collaboration in the fields of vehicle perception technology and automated driving. While these two partnerships are relatively new, it’s encouraging to see entities in the automotive arena working together, particularity when it comes to something that will change society’s entire landscape. Driverless car advocates point to a massive drop in – and possibly the elimination of – traffic accidents and fatalities. TRI’s automated programs, Guardian and Chauffeur, are designed and engineered accordingly.
“The benefits of driverless technology are many, but the most important one is increased safety,” said Randy Iwasaki, Executive Director of CCTA. “The statistics are clear: lives will be saved by reducing a vehicle’s reliance on human drivers, and we are excited to see the progress TRI will make to perfect driverless and driver-aided technology at GoMentum Station.”
Double Vision
Under TRI’s Guardian approach, the driver still maintains control of the vehicle. Guardian is exactly what it sounds like: an advanced driver assistance system, keeping an eye out for potential collisions, and activating only when needed. It’s always present but not in the forefront until absolutely necessary, similar to how many active safety systems, like forward collision mitigation, work today. Chauffeur, on the other hand, is full automation. Like Guardian, Chauffeur is also exactly what it sounds like: every person is a passenger as the vehicle operates itself.
Guardian and Chauffeur are part of TRI’s Platform 2.1 research vehicle; the video below shows how the technology responds when things like roadway debris and stalled vehicles are encountered. Both systems use the same array of sensors and cameras along with a new, high-fidelity LIDAR system provided by Luminar.
Photo: Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.

Prime Location
TRI will use GoMentum Station for further road testing of Platform 2.1. The facility will allow for the evaluation of certain extreme driving events not yet ready for testing on public roads. TRI believes GoMentum’s varied terrain and real-life infrastructure like roads, bridges, tunnels, intersections, and parking lots provide the ideal environment. TRI’s close proximity (Los Altos, California) to GoMentum Station is an added bonus.
“The addition of GoMentum Station to TRI’s arsenal of automated vehicle test locations allows us to create hazardous driving scenarios for advancing capabilities of both Guardian and Chauffeur, and further develop our technology,” said Ryan Eustice, Vice President of Autonomous Driving, TRI.
“The city of Concord is very excited to welcome Toyota Research Institute and its autonomous technology to GoMentum Station,” added Concord Mayor, Laura Hoffmeister. “The city continues to serve the region as an autonomous technology hub, and we believe this partnership will continue to support economic growth and spur excitement for high-tech jobs in our community.”
Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and resides in Detroit, Michigan.

Photos, Video, & Source: Toyota Research Institute, Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.

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How Many Pumpkins Can You Stuff In A Chevy?

How Many Pumpkins Can You Stuff In A Chevy?

Halloween is always a fun time for families, especially when it comes to decorating. The pumpkin is, of course, the quintessential Halloween decoration and the subject of a new graphic from GMPartsOnline.net. The McAllen, Texas outfit has measured the cargo capacity of Chevy’s SUV lineup in pumpkins. Spoiler alert: the Suburban holds the most but the smaller SUVs fit more pumpkins than one might think. When comparing cargo capacity behind the last row of seats, Chevy’s small SUVs shine at the pumpkin patch.
Pumpkin Math
Yes, pumpkin math is a thing. The GMPartsOnline.net team devised this system, rather than loading each individual pumpkin. GMPartsOnline.net is one of the largest online retailers of GM parts and accessories, so it’s unlikely the team had the proper time to toss all those pumpkins around. Instead, they created “pumpkin math” which works like so:
The average, medium-sized Jack-O-Lantern breed is typically 9 to 10 inches tall, 7 to 10 inches around, and weighs an average of 14 pounds.
According to multiple pumpkin farmers, roughly 85 medium-size Jack-O-Lantern pumpkins will fit inside a standard, 36-inch bulk produce bin.
With a volume of 40 cubic feet in that 36-inch bin, it’s estimated there are 2.1 pumpkins per cubic foot of cargo space.
Small Surprises
When the pumpkin math was applied to each member of Chevy’s SUV family, there were a few surprises. Bigger does not always mean more storage space for pumpkins, especially in the cargo area behind the last row of seats. Here are the results:
2018 Trax – 18.7 cubic feet behind the 2nd row, which equals 39 pumpkins.
2018 Equinox – 29.9 cubic feet behind the 2nd row, which equals 63 pumpkins.
2018 Traverse – 23 cubic feet behind the 3rd row, which equals 48 pumpkins.
2018 Tahoe – 15.3 cubic feet behind the 3rd row, which equals 32 pumpkins.
2018 Suburban – 39.3 cubic feet behind the 3nd row, which equals 83 pumpkins.
“We thought it would be fun to use pumpkins to compare the cargo space behind the last row of seats for each new Chevy SUV,” explained Angel Vigil, Director of GMPartsOnline.net. “Imagine our surprise when we learned that the entry-level Chevy Trax can hold more pumpkins than a Tahoe.”
The Tahoe really threw us for a loop too. If you are doing some last minute pumpkin carving and own a Tahoe, it might have to stay in the garage. However, if you own a Trax, Equinox or Traverse, you are in good shape at the pumpkin patch.
“The Tahoe doesn’t have quite as much cargo capacity as the Trax when that third row seat is up, which means it is not the best choice for pumpkin hauling duty,” Vigil said. “The Suburban is the winner, but the Equinox is the surprise.”
Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and resides in Detroit, Michigan.

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