Automotive

2018 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross Heads To U.S. Dealers

2018 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross Heads To U.S. Dealers Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) says the first shipment of Eclipse Cross CUVs has arrived in the United States. The vehicle was unveiled in December and will begin making its way to U.S. dealers from Port Hueneme on the West Coast. The Eclipse Cross is Mitsubishi’s second all-new vehicle to hit the U.S. for 2018. The new Outlander PHEV arrived in dealerships at the end of last year and is currently on sale across the country.
Available Features
The new Eclipse Cross features a 1.5-liter direct-injected turbo engine, creating 152 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 184 lb-ft. of torque at 3,500 rpm. All-wheel drive is available for additional traction via Mitsubishi’s Super All-Wheel Control system. Other features include an available panoramic sunroof, heads-up display, and lane departure warning. The Eclipse Cross also comes with Mitsubishi Connect, which includes a Telematics Control Unit, a 4G LTE cellular modem, and a GPS system.
“2018 represents an exciting next chapter for Mitsubishi Motors, and the all-new Eclipse Cross is a large part of that story,” said Don Swearingen, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, MMNA. “The Eclipse Cross builds on the strong Mitsubishi heritage of automotive performance, technology, and fun-to-drive dynamics revived in a CUV.”
2018 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross arrives in the United States. Photo: Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc.
Pricing
The Eclipse Cross goes on sale early next month with a starting MSRP of $23,295. Trim levels include ES, LE, SE, and SEL. Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. is responsible for all research and development, marketing, and sales for Mitsubishi Motors in the United States, and operates through a network of approximately 360 dealers.
“We’re excited to add the Eclipse Cross to our established CUV lineup and know it will continue to fuel the brand’s current sales momentum,” Swearingen added.
Photos & Source: Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc.

Check out these Automotive tips

http://carsecret.atspace.eu/blog/2018-mitsubishi-eclipse-cross-heads-to-u-s-dealers/

2018 Ram 1500 Hydro Blue Sport Revealed

2018 Ram 1500 Hydro Blue Sport Revealed

Today, at the San Antonio Auto and Truck Show, Ram Trucks unveiled their latest special edition, the 1500 Hydro Blue Sport. New for 2018, the Hydro Blue Sport features a black-accented performance hood, Sport grille with black billet inserts, and the brand’s signature “R-A-M” tailgate lettering. The truck’s monochromatic exterior is characterized by black bezel projector headlamps, LED taillights, and the body-colored front fascia, rear bumper, side mirrors, and door handles.
Ram believes the truck will be instantly recognizable, especially on 20-inch (4×4) or 22-inch (4×2) wheels.
“The custom look and high-impact colors have been well received in the marketplace and this new Ram 1500 Hydro Blue Sport will surely stand out on dealers’ lots and in customers’ driveways,” said Mike Manley, Head of Jeep & Ram Brands, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles.
Interior Treatments & Optional Equipment
Drivers are treated to blue highlight stitching on the instrument panel, center console, heated steering wheel, and door trim. Blue Sport embroidery accents line the heated seats while the Ram logo adorns the headrests. Optional equipment includes leather seating and trim, black tubular side steps, chrome wheel-to-wheel side steps, Active Level air suspension, ParkSense, and the RamBox storage system.
Photo: FCA US LLC.
Power & Performance
The 2018 Ram 1500 Hydro Blue Sport is powered by the ever-so-famous 5.7-liter HEMI V8. The engine creates 395 horsepower and 410 lb-ft. of torque while utilizing variable-valve timing to increase overall performance and efficiency. All Ram 1500 models have best-in-class aerodynamics with a coefficient drag of 0.360. Coefficient drag is likely not the first topic at hand when discussing pickups, but Ram tends to lead in some of these more unique, yet essential areas. For example, Ram 2500 and 3500 have that segment’s highest snow plow rating.
Pricing & Availability
The 2018 Ram 1500 Hydro Blue Sport will be a limited affair, with total production numbering just 2,000 units for the U.S. market. The truck goes on sale later this month with an MSRP of $46,060, plus $1,395 for destination. The Hydo Blue Sport is a crew cab, short-bed configuration in either a 4×2 or 4×4 layout.
Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and resides in Detroit, Michigan.
2018 Ram 1500 Hydro Blue Sport Gallery

Photos & Source: FCA US LLC.

Check out these Automotive tips

http://carsecret.atspace.eu/blog/2018-ram-1500-hydro-blue-sport-revealed/

Aston Martin CEO Swaps Business Suit For Racing Suit This Weekend

Aston Martin CEO Swaps Business Suit For Racing Suit This Weekend

Never trust a businessman who doesn’t use his own product. Or, in this case, never trust a businessman who runs a car company who doesn’t go racing. For me, in general, I don’t trust car companies that don’t go racing. It’s just a personal quirk, and I know a lot of auto manufacturers are just in this business to make money. Fine for them, but for me, if your company doesn’t race, it gives me the heebee-jeebees.
Different Cloth
It would be like if Leo Fender didn’t play guitar for some reason. Dr. Andy Palmer, President and Chief Executive Officer of Aston Martin of Gaydon, England on the other hand is not like that. Got to give the boy props. He’s no dilettante. He’ll be running this year’s Hankook 24 Hours of the Circuit of the Americas (CoTA) in Austin, Texas.
His ride, naturally, will be an Aston Martin Vantage GT8, the very same car that won its class at the Nürburgring 24 Hours earlier this year, a backbreaker of a race on a track that is notoriously dangerous. He will be paired with Paul Hollywood, John Hindhaugh, and Peter Cate throughout the twice-’round-the-clock endurance race happening this weekend, November 11th and 12th.
“It is a real treat for me to take part in the race at COTA,” Dr. Palmer said. “I have a fantastic car, some great co-drivers, and a top team behind me, and we are going out there to try to win the SP3 class.”
Coaching & Instruction
The Doc. is an intense amateur racer, having competed in Aston Martin Owners Club events at Snetterton, Brands Hatch, Rockingham (England), and Silverstone this year alone. The 24 Hours of CoTA marks his return to 24-hour racing after a stretch of shorter competitions. Along the way to getting back into the driver’s chair for this long haul, he as been mentored by such highly qualified types as Darren Turner and Jonny Adam, both of whom won the 24 Hours of Le Mans for Aston Martin this past June.
“It’s a fantastic circuit with some fast sections and some tight, technical corners and I know our WEC drivers enjoy racing there,” Dr. Palmer continued. “I have no delusions of being the next Turner or Adam, but I’m grateful for all the advice I can get from the professionals.”
Dr. Andy Palmer has raced with the Aston Martin Owners Club this year in preparation in a standard Vantage GT4. Photo: Aston Martin The Americas.

Teamwork & Dreamwork
Palmer’s teammates have strong links to Aston Martin. For example, Paul Hollywood (that’s his real name) gets his kicks racing an Aston Martin Vantage GT3 with the Beechdean AMR team in British GT races. He’s also known for something called the Great British Bake Off which is a TV show of some sort that, based on the title alone, has zero interest for me. There is no mention of Peter Cate’s baking chops, but he has raced for Aston Martin many times, notably taking a class win in the GT8 at the Nürburgring 24 Hours this year.
Then there is John Hindhaugh, a fellow who normally watches races rather than competing in them. Turns out he’s the main commentary guy for Radio Le Mans, but this weekend he’ll be going all George Plimpton (look it up) and getting behind the wheel. Given the team’s, uh, varied levels of experience and abilities, this will probably make for an interesting spectator experience.
Dr. Andy Palmer, President and Chief Executive Officer, Aston Martin. Photo: Aston Martin The Americas.
Racing Rundown
The action starts with a practice session on Friday (November 10th) around lunchtime before the hour-long qualifying run that afternoon. Not that qualifying counts for all that much in a race this long. Second practice is on Friday night to give the drivers the opportunity to acclimatize to racing at night. Curiously, the race is run in a split format. The race itself takes place on Saturday between 9:00 in the morning and 11:00 that night, then takes up again on Sunday from 8:00 in the morning to 6:00 in the evening. Yes, the cars do remain in Parc Ferme conditions overnight, and yes, this does allow the racers to grab some hard-earned rest, but it’s also kind of a weenie deal, and they should just run it in one long continuous go. In my opinion.
“Our plan is to emulate the motto of another Aston Martin racer, Nicki Thiim: ‘Go hard or go home,’” Dr. Palmer added.
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.
Photos & Source: Aston Martin The Americas.

Check out these Automotive tips

http://carsecret.atspace.eu/blog/aston-martin-ceo-swaps-business-suit-for-racing-suit-this-weekend/

2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio: True Italian Flare

2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio: True Italian Flare Seems like someone at Alfa Romeo has been taking serious hallucinogens again, because Alfa went and made a Quadrifoglio version of their all-new 2018 Stelvio SUV. Sure, other car companies have done this: AMG Merc G-Classes and seriously hopped up Porsche Cayannes and that sort of thing – but this is Italian levels of crazy. Remember, the Germans invented the pipe organ. Italians invented opera.
Disaster Response
To Italians, everything is a big deal. You miss’a da’bus? Una catastrofe! Girlfriend dumped you? Una catastrofe! The pope dies? Una catastrofe! Ferrari comes in second? Una catastrofe! So when an Italian car company, Alfa, in this case, gets into the SUV game, and various people (e.g. Germans) start making go-fast versions? Una catastrofe! The only “reasonable” and “sane” response is to not only make your own SUV, the Alfa Romeo Stelvio, but then you’ve got to do something like drop in 75 percent of the engine from a Ferrari 488 GTB and say, “stai ben’!”
Speed Fixes Everything
Is the all-new 2018 Stelvio Quadrifoglio practical? Can it ford deep streams? Drive up snow-covered mountain slopes with ease? Reliable? Who cares! For everyone of you that say stuff like that is important in an SUV, I have the following rebuttals: 505 horsepower, zero to 60 in 3.9 seconds, and a top speed of 176 mph. Sure, sure, yap all you want about “Ford Expedition” this “German build quality of the Cayenne” that, I’ll be taking the Stelvio Quadrifoglio for a little jaunt around the Nürburgring. Where, in case you didn’t see this one coming, the SQ lapped the place in a record 7 minutes 51.7 seconds. Yes, that’s the fastest time ever posted by a production SUV, and yes, that makes the Stelvio Quadrifoglio the fastest production SUV in the world.
Photo: FCA US LLC.

Power & Performance
As I mentioned, the SQ will be motivated down La Strada via an all-aluminum, 2.9-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine, generating 505 horsepower. In addition to all that horsepower, the Stelvio Quadrifoglio engine cranks out 443 lb-ft. of torque. Said mill is direct-injected, and was designed to heighten the lightweight architecture of the SUV. It features a compact, 90-degree layout to drop the center of gravity seemingly four feet under your seat. The engine is paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission, which makes sense, because adding a full-on Ferrari double clutch semi-auto box would have tripled the price.
And from there on out, things on the Stelvio Quadrifoglio just seem to get more and more radical. The Quadrifoglio features a class-exclusive carbon fiber driveshaft. A carbon fiber driveshaft?! In a “truck?” Voi gente di Milano siete un mucchio di torte alla frutta! That composite driveshaft is hooked up to a torque vectoring differential (a piece of kit right out of Ferrari’s Grand Prix shop), controlled by a four-mode Alfa DNA Pro selector, complete with a Race mode. There is a Quadrifoglio-tuned adaptive suspension system to compliment the steering which Alfa describes as “direct.”
Photo: FCA US LLC.
Fine Touches
The Stelvio Quadrifoglio also comes with 20-inch aluminum wheels with immense 6-piston Brembo front brakes. There are aggressively bolstered Alcantara leather seats (14-way power front and 4-way lumbar adjustments), leather-wrapped dash and doors with accent stitching, and genuine carbon fiber adorning the interior. You will also find a specific Quadrifoglio instrument cluster with a 200-mph speedometer (risate maniacali) and a cylinder deactivation system to maximize fuel efficiency.
And the finishing touch (Italians always have that nice finishing touch) is the hand-painted Quadrifoglio badge. Said badge is symbolic of Alfa Romeo race cars and high-performance production vehicles.
Photo: FCA US LLC.
Pricing & Manufacturing
The 2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio is manufactured at the Alfa Romeo plant in Cassino, Italy (yes, that Cassino) and lists for a not all that unreasonable $79,995. No, that’s not cheap. Indeed, that is the most expensive Alfa you can currently buy. But it is right in line for what other (and let’s just say it: lesser) higher performance SUVs go for.
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. Follow is work on Twitter: @TonyBorroz.

Photos & Source: FCA US LLC.

Check out these Automotive tips

http://carsecret.atspace.eu/blog/2018-alfa-romeo-stelvio-quadrifoglio-true-italian-flare/

Ford Introduces World’s First Electronic Handbrake

Ford Introduces World’s First Electronic Handbrake

I know what you’re thinking, I was thinking the same thing too: Don’t we already have those (sort of stupid) push-button parking brakes already? That’s not much of an innovation. Au contraire mon frere. What Ford now offers is not a pushbutton electronic parking brake. No, this is an electronic version of the same sort of handbrake Sebastien Loeb used to slither up the Sisteron like an electric eel up a drainpipe.
Or, to put it more plainly: This is totally cool!
The all-new Ford Performance Drift Stick is a first-ever from a major car manufacturer. Basically, it is a rally-inspired electronic handbrake that can, if you’re good enough and coordinated enough, momentarily (momentarily is the key here) lock the rear wheels so you can either slide the car through corners and/or position the car for better corner exit. I raced rallies for a couple of seasons, and it’s not a particularly easy trick to master, but like a lot of tricks, when you get it juuust right, it’s a total gas.
Big Name Or No Name?
The Ford Performance Drift Stick was developed and designed for the Focus RS (a pretty good candidate for you and your navigator to run in the next Friday-Nighter Rally). Ford also mentions the Performance Drift Stick was approved by “rally and stunt star” Ken Block, for what that’s worth (not very much t’me). Block’s one of these half-talented narcissistic knuckleheads that seems to be all too common these days. I’m not saying he can’t goof around with a car in spectacular fashion, but what I am saying is doing it on film is not even close to doing it for real on a rally stage. When he does rally, he’s a make-up-the-numbers kind of guy that scrapes into the top ten with a current career best placing of ninth. So for me and my various rally friends, adding his name to a product doesn’t really help matters much. You might feel different, but so be it.
Photo: Ford Motor Company.
Inner Workings
The Drift Stick stems from the Focus RS’s Drift Mode and was developed by the same team. The Drift Stick itself is a trick looking aluminum lever between the driver’s seat and manual transmission’s gear selector. It is not, however, just a lever connected to the rear brakes, oh no. This is 2017, so even the most mundane of cars, let alone a Ford Focus RS, comes chock full of stuff and systems and computers and such that must be accounted for. The Drift Stick interfaces with the Ford Performance all-wheel drive system in conjunction with the anti-lock braking system. It opens up the rear-drive unit clutches and applies hydraulic pressure to lock the rear wheels; to kick the car into a slide essentially, but you’re not necessarily aware of all that. All you do is simply pull that trick looking lever.
Ford says the results are “clutch-free drift turns very similar to the experience of a real rally car.” Personally, I’d love to get my hands on one and see if this is true.
Photo: Ford Motor Company.

Plug & Play
The traditional route, a hydraulic handbrake, would have been a real pain to put in a production car. For starters, it would have required considerable alterations to the car, so Ford went entirely electronic. Turns out, going fully electronic opened up a number of interesting benefits. In fact, the electronic Drift Stick has many similarities with the professional calibration tool Ford already sells. So integrating the Drift Stick with this existing technology was literally as easy as plugging in a USB cable.
This allows you to recall diagnostic data and upload powertrain calibrations for the Focus RS. Slick!
There’s a bunch of other nifty advantages by going with this digital design. You get instantaneous engagement and release of the rear brakes. The Ford Performance Drift Stick is also light, requiring just five to six pounds of pressure to operate, significantly less than a hydraulic handbrake. Installation and removal is easy, if you go with this after you’ve bought your Focus RS. There’s no welding, hole drilling, or calipers needed like you’d do with a hydraulic kit. The Drift Stick connects to the on-board diagnostics port on the car, so it can function as a calibration tool. Pretty nifty, eh?
Photo: Ford Motor Company.
Pricing & Availability
The kit comes with the Drift Stick lever, all the mounts, circuit board, and professional calibration functionality. And, get this, the car’s warranty is not voided by its installation. The Ford Performance Drift Stick will be available starting December 1st at any authorized Ford Performance Parts distributor for $999. Ford also, rightly, points out how the Drift Stick is intended for track use only (my emphasis added).
And if I have to point out why Ford is right in saying this, and why you should not go screwing around with stuff like this on everyday streets with traffic and pedestrians and such, then I have only four words for you: Hand. Me. The. Keys. Seriously you slack-jawed chucklehead. You shouldn’t even be driving if you’re out there taking dumb risks like that. Take the bus. Take a taxi. Leave stuff like this on the track where it belongs.
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.
Photos & Source: Ford Motor Company.

Check out these Automotive tips

http://carsecret.atspace.eu/blog/ford-introduces-worlds-first-electronic-handbrake/

2018 Acura RLX Arrives With Emphasis On Safety, Performance

2018 Acura RLX Arrives With Emphasis On Safety, Performance

The 2018 Acura RLX has arrived with a more simplified lineup and a reduced MSRP for perspective buyers. The RLX now offers only two models, although both are well equipped: The RLX P-AWS starts at $54,900 while the Sport Hybrid SH-AWD starts at $61,900. Hybrid buyers will see a $4,050 starting price reduction when compared to the outgoing model with the Advance Package.
Styling & Design
Acura says the 2018 RLX reflects their latest design direction, particularly in the front and rear. The new RLX carries the signature diamond pentagon grille with a more sculpted hood and new wheel designs. At the rear, the 2018 RLX is characterized by newly designed LED taillights, a gloss black rear diffuser, and dual exhaust. There are seven total exterior colors and two new premium colors: Brilliant Red Metallic and Majestic Black Pearl.
Power & Performance
The 2018 Acura RLX P-AWS (Precision All-Wheel Steering) is powered by a 3.5-liter SOHC V6 engine. The plant features direct injection, an idle-stop feature for increased fuel efficiency, revised cam timing, and the evergreen i-VTEC technology. When mated to a new 10-speed automatic transmission, this RLX variant delivers 310 horsepower and 272 lb-ft. of torque to the front wheels. EPA fuel economy ratings are 20/29 city/highway and 23 combined.
The 2018 RLX Sport Hybrid SH-AWD (Super Handling All-Wheel Drive) shares much of its engine architecture with the RLX P-AWS. However, in this variant, the V6 combines with three electric motors and the aforementioned SH-AWD system to enhance acceleration on dry surfaces while providing additional traction in bad weather. The RLX Sport Hybrid delivers 377 total system horsepower and 341 lb-ft. of total system torque. EPA fuel economy ratings are 28/29 city/highway and 28 combined.
The 2018 RLX Sport Hybrid shares a handful of concepts and components with the NSX supercar.
2018 Acura RLX Sport Hybrid. Photo: Honda North America.

Interior Treatments
Drivers will see newly updated touch-points, redesigned Milano leather seats with contrast piping and stitching, and a new Expresso interior theme. Standard features for the RLX Sport Hybrid include a heads-up display, 14 speaker Krell audio, Surround View Camera, front and rear parking sensors, remote engine start, ventilated and heated front seats, heated rear seats, and a heated steering wheel.
Safety & Security
Both RLX models come with AcuraWatch which now includes Traffic Jam Assist. The feature works with Adaptive Cruise Control and Low Speed Follow to reduce stress and fatigue in congested traffic. Traffic Jam Assist helps keep the RLX centered in its lane at a specific interval from the vehicle ahead. AcuraWatch also includes Collision Mitigation Braking, Lane Keeping Assist, and Road Departure Mitigation among others.
Arguably the car’s most vital safety feature is the ACE (Advanced Compatibility Engineering) body structure. The vehicle architecture uses interconnected front frame members to absorb and redirect crash energy around the occupants in the event of a frontal collision.
Availability
The 2018 RLX is now available at Acura dealerships nationwide.
Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and resides in Detroit, Michigan.
Photos & Source: Honda North America.

Check out these Automotive tips

http://carsecret.atspace.eu/blog/2018-acura-rlx-arrives-with-emphasis-on-safety-performance/

Ford Announces Senior Leadership Changes

Ford Announces Senior Leadership Changes Ford Motor Company has announced what they deem as “key changes” to their senior management team in the interest of “improving the company’s operational fitness” while accelerating a “strategic shift to capitalize on emerging opportunities.” While that is certainly true for the sake of economics, the most recent shuffle does come on the heels of Raj Nair’s departure, Ford’s former head of North America.
Phoebe Wall Howard of the Detroit Free Press reports that Nair exited Ford after unspecified but “inappropriate behavior.”
Leadership Changes

Kumar Galhotra, 52, is appointed Group Vice President and President, Ford North America, effective March 1st. Galholtra will be responsible for leading all aspects of Ford’s North American business. He will report to Jim Farley, Ford’s Executive Vice President and President, Global Markets.
Galhotra has been with Ford for nearly 30 years and has served in a multitude of senior-level engineering and product strategy positions around the world. Since 2014, he has led Lincoln but took over the company’s top marketing position last year. Joy Falotico, 50, is now Group Vice President of the Lincoln Motor Company and Chief Marketing Officer, succeeding Galhotra. Her appointment is effective March 1 st.
Since October 2016, Falotico has been Group Vice President, Chairman, and CEO of Ford Motor Credit Company. With $151 billion in receivables, it’s Ford’s second-largest profit contributor. In 29 years at Ford Credit, she has served in a number of executive positions around the world.
Reporting to Galhotra will be Stuart Rowley, 50, who is named Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Ford North America, effective March 1st. Rowley, who was previously Vice President of Strategy, will be responsible for driving the redesign of the North American business to improve its overall fitness.
Successors
Succeeding Falotico is David McClelland, named Vice President of Ford Motor Company and CEO of Ford Credit. A 25-year veteran of Ford Credit, McClelland, 48, was most recently Executive Vice President, Marketing and Asia Pacific. McClelland has been instrumental in Ford Credit’s growth in China, and the move into new fintech and mobility initiatives like the Canvas vehicle subscription service. His appointment is effective March 1st, reporting to Bob Shanks, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer.
John Lawler is appointed Vice President, Strategy, succeeding Rowley. Lawler, 51, who joined Ford in 1990, brings a deep background in finance and general management into the strategy role, including his current position as Ford’s Corporate Controller. Lawler also previously served as Chairman and CEO, Ford China. He will report to Shanks in the new role effective March 1st.
Cathy O’Callaghan, 49, is now Ford’s Vice President and Corporate Controller and CFO, Global Markets, succeeding Lawler. O’Callaghan also joined Ford in 1990 and is currently Chief Financial Officer, Ford South America. O’Callaghan will report to Shanks in her role as Corporate Controller and Farley in her role as CFO, Global Markets. Her appointment is effective June 1st.
Ford President and CEO Jim Hackett praised the organization’s talent, saying the automaker is “very fortunate to have an experienced and committed executive team in place.” Hackett elaborated, saying the executive team is committed to strengthening Ford’s business and committed to the automaker’s vision of becoming the “most trusted” mobility company with “smart vehicles for a smart world.”
Photo & Source: Ford Motor Company.

Check out these Automotive tips

http://carsecret.atspace.eu/blog/ford-announces-senior-leadership-changes/

Examining 40 Years of The VW Golf (aka Rabbit)

Examining 40 Years of The VW Golf (aka Rabbit)

In 1975, Volkswagen needed a minor miracle in the United States, especially in terms of a compact car. At the time, their primary models were the Beetle and Bus, but sales for both had slowed since 1970. The economy was in recession and Toyota and Honda loomed on the horizon. Regardless, VW shipped the European Golf to the U.S. as the Rabbit. This “new” hatchback would offer American drivers premium options, front-wheel drive technology, and a 70 horsepower 1.8-liter engine. The Rabbit, later becoming the Golf, was intended as the successor to the original Beetle.
Through The Years
A new infographic from our friends at VWPartsVortex.com shows how VW Golf pricing has changed since 1975, when adjusted for inflation. Interesting enough, between 1975 and 2015, pricing didn’t vary that much. Rocco Demas, Manager at VW Parts Vortex, says the Golf really boils down to three things.
“First, the cars have always been economical. Second, the cars have always been designed with an emphasis on premium features and quality,” he explained. “Three, the cars have always been fun to drive.”
By 1977, a diesel variant was offered for around $550 more but with fuel mileage in the mid to upper 30s. VW billed the engine as a more durable option than a gasoline counterpart. Eventually, the U.S. market would see both Cabriolet and hot hatch models along with the 90 horsepower GTI. By 1985, a new version of the GTI’s engine was utilized for the MKII generation – the wheelbase was extended and the Rabbit effectively became the Golf.
“The Rabbit was one of the nicest, most advanced compact cars you could buy in the 70s and 80s, with an awesome GTI option in the mid-80s that was a blast to drive,” Demas said. “Unlike most of the competitor’s cars, the Rabbit was consistently considered fun to drive and high performing by critics.”
Photo: Volkswagen of America, Inc.
Comparing & Contrasting
In 1975, when the Rabbit 2-Door Hatchback arrived the MSRP was $3,330; $15,629 today when adjusted for inflation. By comparison, the 2017 Golf TSI S with a manual transmission starts at $19,895; the more appointed TSI Wolfsburg Edition with an automatic starts at $22,695. In 1983, the Rabbit GTI 2-Door Hatchback ran $7,990 or $19,977 when accounting for inflation today. By contrast, the current S trim 2-door GTI with a manual transmission lists for $25,595. Currently, the Golf lineup includes the R, Sportwagen, Alltrack, and a fully-electric version.
“While they haven’t always been the least expensive car on the road, they’ve always been well regarded by consumers and critics alike,” Demas said.
VWPartsVortex.com provides an extensive look at the Golf through the years, including the reaction from journalists when it first appeared. We have included their infographic below. Enjoy!
Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and resides in Detroit, Michigan.

Cover Photo: Volkswagen of America, Inc.

Check out these Automotive tips

http://carsecret.atspace.eu/blog/examining-40-years-of-the-vw-golf-aka-rabbit/

2017 Lexus NX 300h Review

2017 Lexus NX 300h Review

Toyota is a leader in hybrid vehicles and the Lexus NX 300h is another example of what their luxury brand has to offer. Consumers often switch to hybrids for their fuel-saving ability, and this compact luxury SUV has a lot to offer. It comes with a quiet cabin, elevated ride height, plenty of backseat space, and easy maneuverability in the city. The NX’s driving experience strikes a good balance between comfort and driver involvement.
What’s New For 2017
The NX 300h is now offered in all-wheel drive only. It also receives a standard Scout GPS Link navigation app that streams from a smartphone.
Standard Features
The Lexus NX 300h ($39,720) includes 17-inch wheels, automatic LED headlights, LED fog and running lights, heated mirrors, keyless ignition and entry, a rearview camera, automatic dual-zone climate control, eight-way power-adjustable front seats with two-way driver lumbar adjustment, a power-adjustable and leather-wrapped tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, and a 60/40-split folding and reclining backseat.
It also comes with Bluetooth, a 7-inch Lexus Display Audio knob-and-screen interface, one USB port, and an eight-speaker sound system with a CD player. HD and satellite radio, an auxiliary audio jack, and a media player interface are also included.
Optional Packages
The Luxury package ($4,545) adds a power lift gate, automatic wipers, leather upholstery, and a heated steering wheel. A power-folding rear seat can be added to the Luxury package. The Navigation package ($1,815) adds the full Lexus navigation system, the Remote Touch infotainment interface, a variety of smartphone apps, and two additional speakers. Additional options include front and rear parking sensors (Intuitive Parking Assist $500), upgraded LED headlights ($1,116), and wireless smartphone charging ($220). Total MSRP including destination: $50,433.

Interior Highlights
Stepping inside the Lexus NX 300h cabin reveals a cool, modern interior with soft leather seats and dark Umber trim. The quality of materials is top-notch, with soft-touch surfaces that look and feel rich. Lexus pays attention to detail with features like the contrasting stitching, wood trim, and the modern analog clock. The center stack and console have a distinctive Z-shape profile, which adds a sense of sportiness to the crossover.
What we didn’t like was using the Remote Touch pad that controls the information display. It’s hard to use and draws attention away from the road. It’s also harder to use than the joystick-like touch controller in the Lexus RX.
In the rear, passengers will find generous room despite the vehicle’s modest overall dimensions, but cargo space is less than many other compact crossovers. With the seats up, the NX 300h offers 17.7 cubic feet, making it less spacious than many competitors. With the seats folded flat, it gets 53.7 cubic feet of total volume.

Engine & Fuel Mileage Specs
The 2017 Lexus NX 300h features a gasoline-electric hybrid powertrain that combines a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with three electric motors, supplied by a nickel-metal hydride battery pack. Together, they produce a maximum output of 194 horsepower. It comes mated with an Electronically Controlled Continuously Variable automatic transmission. All-wheel drive is now standard for 2017 making the crossover a capable all-weather vehicle.
The NX 300h gets an EPA-estimated fuel economy rating of 33/30 city/highway and 31 combined.
Driving Dynamics
We drove the majority of our miles this weekend on the highway, so we didn’t enjoy the fuel mileage benefits city commuters would. On the road, the cabin of the NX 300h is quiet and comfortable. The only noise we heard was the drone of the CVT. The power and acceleration are typical of a Toyota hybrid with rather slow but relaxed driving dynamics. It’s not a powerhouse, but it will get you onto the highway without an issue when you step on the gas. It’s also small enough to maneuver in urban traffic and will navigate tight city streets with ease.
A snow storm hit the mountains of Colorado west of Denver and we had the opportunity to try out the standard Torque Control all-wheel drive system. It relies solely on one of the electric motors to drive the rear wheels, making it less capable than other AWD systems. We experienced some wheel slippage on the slick, snowy streets and felt it didn’t give us the maximum traction needed for these types of situations.
Conclusion
With the emphasis on going green these days, the NX 300h delivers above average fuel economy for a compact luxury SUV. The NX 300h is the only compact luxury SUV on the market that’s also a hybrid. The luxury model offers a high-quality interior, sharp styling, and a quiet ride. If you don’t need to haul a lot of cargo, it will be an excellent urban commuter you can maneuver with ease.
Denis Flierl has invested over 25 years in the automotive industry in a variety of roles. Follow his work on Twitter: @CarReviewGuy
2017 Lexus NX 300h Gallery

We trust Edmunds.com to give us the best, up to date, and TRUE pricing of what people are really paying for their cars. Get a free dealer quote at Edmunds on this car:

Lexus NX 300h Official Site.
Photos: Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.

Check out these Automotive tips

http://carsecret.atspace.eu/blog/2017-lexus-nx-300h-review/