Automotive

Lotus 3-Eleven 430: Here We Go Again

Lotus 3-Eleven 430: Here We Go Again It’s another new special edition Lotus! Guys, guys, guys! Look: I love ya. I love your cars, I love the way they look, I love the way they handle, but . . . this special edition stuff has Got. To. Stop.
You know the story of The Boy Who Cried Wolf? Lotus is getting dangerously close to that. In the past year (it seems like the past three weeks), Lotus has released (seemingly) 1,437 special edition cars. And yeah, they are great cars. And yeah, in point of fact, they are special. But if everything is special, then nothing is special, y’know?
However, the 3-Eleven 430 is special. They are only going to make 20 of the little brutes (which is a pity) and, although it is road legal, it is not road legal here in the U. S. of A. (which is criminal!).
Lightning Strikes
For starters, the new Lotus 3-Eleven 430 is the quickest street-legal sports car Lotus has ever made. Think about what else Lotus has made, and you’ll get the point. The 3-Eleven 430 laps the company’s Hethel test track 0.8 seconds quicker than an Exige Cup 430, and two seconds quicker than the previous 3-Eleven. The current benchmark is 1 minute 24 seconds, thanks to the new Lotus 3-Eleven 430. The supercharged and charge-cooled 3.5-liter V6 engine cranks out 430 horsepower and 325 lb-ft. of torque.
In addition to performing like a lightening strike, the bodywork now features new, part-visible weave carbon-composite panels. This helps the 3-Eleven tip the scales at 2,028 lbs., giving you a power-to-weight ratio of a mighty 467 horsepower per tonne. There is also a Torsen-type limited slip differential and an open-gate six-speed manual gearbox in the mix as well.
LED daytime running lights and a lip spoiler characterize the front of the Lotus 3-Eleven 430. Photo: Group Lotus plc.
Chassis & Aerodynamics
Please, this is a Lotus. Öhlins DFV one-way adjustable dampers live at each corner and Eibach adjustable anti-roll bars inhabit the front and rear. There’s 6-position variable traction control, networked directly to the ECU, with five pre-set traction levels: 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12 percent slip and “off.” G’head Mario, turn it “off” and see how y’do!
Lotus, being one of the leading innovators in race car aerodynamics, also tweaked the new 3-Eleven in that department as well. Now there is a higher mounted straight-cut rear wing with re-profiled end plates, a long front splitter and lip spoiler, and a flat floor with a rear diffuser that increases down force by 97 lbs. to a total of 585 lbs. at max speed.
Tires & Braking
Tires are Michelin Cup 2 deals with 225/40 ZR18 at the front and 275/35 ZR19 out back. The mechanical grip combined with the aero downforce ads up to a gray-out inducing 1.5 g while cornering. Yes, stopping is good. In the case of the Lotus 3-Eleven, that’s the responsibility of AP Racing four-piston calipers, front and rear, and two-piece J-Hook brake discs that are 332 mm front and rear (seemingly about the size of a pizza). Each corner is finished by Lotus-designed, ultra-lightweight forged aluminum wheels that come in either gloss or satin black.
Pricing & Availability
You want? Of course you want. You must want! You also must contact Lotus now, since they’re only make 20. The 3-Eleven 430 is priced at £102,000, or $140,00 at today’s exchange rates. Yes, that’s a lot, but I could see spending it. The only real problem here is hanging a license plate on the darn things, cause that’s what I really want to do.
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 his work on Twitter: @TonyBorroz.

Photos & Source: Group Lotus plc.

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Global Automakers Restructuring With Senior Leadership Changes & Appointments

Global Automakers Restructuring With Senior Leadership Changes & Appointments As February concluded, a number of automakers saw new changes in executive leadership. Ford Motor Company, among the most notable, announced a handful of senior leadership changes following the departure of their North American president Raj Nair. In addition to Ford, here is a brief look which other automakers have made recent changes to their senior leadership team.
Mitsubishi Motors Corporation
Effective April 1st, Fred Diaz will succeed Ryujiro Kobashi as President and CEO of Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc (MMNA). According to the company, Diaz will lead Mitsubishi Motors’ business in North America leveraging his 29 years of sales, marketing, and customer relations experience in the United States. Kobashi will return to Mitsubishi Motors’ headquarters to assume an important role in overseas sales in Tokyo, Japan.
“With his in-depth background and experience in North America, Fred has a strong ability to proactively engage with Mitsubishi Motors’ dealers and customers as we aim to expand our dealership network, enhance our brand, and drive sales growth,” said Trevor Mann, Chief Operating Officer, MMNA.
In October, Mitsubishi Motors announced its three-year Drive for Growth plan, which aims to improve the company’s U.S. dealership network and grow sales by 30 percent to 130,000 units per year. The automaker notes that under Kobashi’s leadership, MMNA was able to rebuild Mitsubishi Motors’ sales and successfully launch the Eclipse Cross CUV as well as other important models in North America.
Fred Diaz will succeed Ryujiro Kobashi as President and CEO of Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. Photo: Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc.
Kia Motors America
Jang Won (Justin) Sohn has transitioned from his role as President and CEO of Kia Motors America to Head of Asia-Pacific, Africa, and Middle East Operations. SeungKyu (Sean) Yoon, currently the President and CEO of Kia Canada Inc., will transition to President and CEO of Kia Motors America. Yoon returns to KMA after previously serving the company from 2006 to 2012.
Kia says during Sohn’s tenure, the brand recorded a number of historic achievements in the United States. Among them: record-breaking new car sales in 2015 and 2016; best-ever Certified Pre-Owned vehicle sales; back-to-back number one rankings in J.D. Power’s Initial Quality Study; and the Stinger becoming the first Kia vehicle to be named a finalist for the prestigious North American Car of the Year award.
Polestar
Polestar, the new electric performance brand associated with Volvo, has appointed August Wu as President of Polestar China, reporting to Polestar CEO, Thomas Ingenlath. August joins Polestar from Volvo Cars in Shanghai where he was Head of Product and Offer for the APAC region. In this role, he was responsible for local product, specification, pricing, and vehicle line management of all Volvo products in the APAC region. In the new role, Wu will over see Polestar’s commercial offerings and retail presence in China, a key market for the brand.
“The appointment of August Wu as the new President of Polestar China is an important step in the development of our team in China,” explained Ingenlath. “With China being one of the world’s fastest developing markets for electrified cars, it’s clear that having somebody with a very deep understanding of the market was vitally important. In August Wu, we have found that person.”
President of Polestar China, August Wu. Photo: Polestar.
Hyundai Motor Company
Hyundai has established the High Performance Vehicle & Motorsport Division to enhance the company’s presence in those areas. Hyundai says the new division will “streamline Hyundai’s strategy, product planning, sales, and marketing capabilities for high performance vehicle operations to maximize synergy between headquarters and the company’s Motorsport arm, Hyundai Motorsport GmbH, to further develop the high performance vehicle business.”
Thomas Schemera, a former BMW executive, has been appointed to lead the new division.
“I am thrilled to join Hyundai Motor, which is presenting incredible prowess in its high performance technologies through models like the i30 N, despite being relatively new to this competitive scene,” he said. “I will dedicate my expertise and knowledge obtained over my three-decade career to making a significant contribution to Hyundai’s development in this field and to provide pure driving pleasure to our customers.”
German-born Schemera, 55, studied mechanical engineering at Bochum University of Applied Science and industrial engineering & economics at Munich University of Applied Science. He began his career as a design engineer for BMW in 1987. He played various key roles at BMW Group including four-years as Vice President of Sales & Dealer Development in the mainland and Greater China region, where he led the four-fold increase in sales of BMW and BMW M models from 2005 to 2008. Most recently, he served as the Head of BMW M and BMW Individual in the Americas.
Sources: Mitsubishi Motors North America, Kia Motors America, Polestar, Hyundai Motor Company.

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2019 Porsche 911 GT3 RS: You Have Been Warned!

2019 Porsche 911 GT3 RS: You Have Been Warned! dun-dun-DUNNNNNN!!! You have every right to be afraid, track-types. The 2019 Porsche 911 GT3 RS is here and it is going to kick your you know what around the track unless you unload some serious rolling stock off your trailer. Yes, it’s road legal, and yes, it’ll beat you there too, but this beast’s natural environment is the track.
Get ready.
Front & Center
This line from Porsche pretty much tells you everything you need to know, and with great brevity: “World premiere of the most powerful naturally aspirated series-production 911 ever.” If you can extrapolate from that, you know just what a terror the GT3 RS is going to be. Look at what Porsche has done since day one. They have made more with less at an aggravating rate. For example, mid-1980s 911s were able to run with Ferraris and Lamborghinis with engines half the size running half the cylinders.
Power & Performance
The mill in the 2019 GT3 RS sounds like something NASA would make. It’s a four-liter, naturally aspirated flat-six engine that produces 20 horsepower more than the 2016 version of the 911 GT3 RS. That adds up to 520 horsepower and 346 lb-ft. of torque. It has plasma coated cylinder liners, a central oil supply through the crankshaft, larger bearing diameters, larger con-rod bearings, and a more rigid valvetrain with shims for clearance compensation. The red line is set at a superbike-esque 9,000 rpms, while the transmission is a specifically-tuned, seven-speed PDK unit with performance-oriented gearing.
The exhaust is made of titanium and air is ingested through ram-style openings in the rear quarter panels. Just for good measure.
Photo: Porsche Cars North America, Inc.
Weight Reduction Strategies
Said plant lives in a home where aerodynamics and lightweight construction have driven the overall design. The body is wide, weight-optimized, and features a fixed rear wing. The front and rear fascias are made of lightweight polyurethane. The front trunk lid and fenders are made of carbon fiber and the roof is friggin’ magnesium. There are NACA ducts in the front trunk lid for improved brake cooling without adding drag. The front fascia has a larger spoiler lip that increases downforce and works with the larger side skirts. Out back, that (comically) large wing is mounted on a carbon fiber deck lid and works with a rear underbody diffusor to make the RS stick like a limpet. Bottom line: Double the downforce of the regular 911 GT3 at 124 mph.
The racy stuff continues on the inside as well. Full bucket seats with carbon fiber reinforced backrests and a high degree of lateral support; lightweight glass for the rear and side windows; lightweight door panels with door opening loops in place of metal handles; abridged sound insulation, and the rear seat? Gone. You don’t need the weight. And the cherry on top is a 360 mm Alcantara steering wheel with a yellow 12 o’clock center marker. Sweet!
Photo: Porsche Cars North America, Inc.
Ride & Handling
Now, about that chassis. Yes, I know, shoot, we all know, that 911s have certain, shall we say, quirks in their handling. Let me be blunt: 911s can be a complete bear to hang on to in corners. All the chassis tricks, computer controls, and such are working against the cruel physics of having all the weight of the drivetrain way, way at the back. These things spin like a Frisbee.
To counter that, the 2019 GT3 RS comes with Porsche’s Active Suspension Management (PASM), active engine mounts, rear axle steering, and the fully-variable electronic locking rear differential with Porsche’s Torque Vectoring Plus (PTV+). The ball joints on all links deliver greater precision than conventional bearings and rubber bushings. Added into the mix are new “helper springs” at the front and rear axles. Ride height, toe, camber, caster, and sway bar settings of the suspension can be adjusted to suit individual driver preferences.
Further, the wheels are forged lightweight deals measuring 9.5 x 20 inches in diameter and are wrapped in newly developed 265/35 ultra-high performance tires up front. Out back there are 12.5 x 21-inch wheels with 325/30 tires. Braking, always a Porsche performance ace, is accomplished by large, cross-drilled grey cast iron rotors measuring 380 mm front and rear, standard. If you like, Porsche’s Ceramic Composite Brake system with even bigger 410 mm rotors at the front and 390 mm rotors at the back are available. In case you’re interested, the ceramic rotors weigh around 50 percent less than the cast-iron jobs.
Photo: Porsche Cars North America, Inc.
Weissach Treatments
There’s an optional Weissach package available, which seems to be a thing for all Porsche models now. The Weissach package reduces weight even further with upgraded front and rear sway bars and coupling rods, plus an even lighter vehicle roof and steering wheel. The shift paddles are all made of carbon fiber, dropping weight by 13 pounds. There are optional forged magnesium wheels, weighing around 25 pounds less than the standard wheels – but only if you get the Weissach package. Go with this option and the car scales in at 3,153 pounds. Nice!
Pricing & Availability
A lot. Much, much dollars. The 2019 Porsche 911 GT3 RS is available for order now, and is expected at dealerships this fall. The base price is (gulp) $187,500. The Weissach package will run you another $18,000, and the mag wheels can be yours for an additional $13,000. So, over $200,000 by the time you’re done, and, let’s be honest here: It’s. Worth. Every. Penny.
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 his work on Twitter: @TonyBorroz.
2019 Porsche 911 GT3 RS Gallery

Photos & Source: Porsche Cars North America, Inc.

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Peace, Love & The VW Light Bus

Peace, Love & The VW Light Bus The iconic VW Light Bus returns for the 50th anniversary of Woodstock.
Features the designs and paintwork of original artist Dr. Bob Hieronimus.
The classic VW Bus, i.e. the Type 2, started out in America as a surf mobile. Yet the same reasons surfers loved the thing – cheap, reliable, you can sleep in it waiting for your swell and such – appealed to a another growing segment of the counterculture: Hippies. From Hattiesburg to The Haight, the young and disaffected, those who tuned in, turned on, and dropped out, took to the VW Bus like ducks to water.
If ever there was a perfect vehicle for a given demographic, this was it.
Talkin’ ‘Bout My Generation
Fifty years on and we, as a society, are still coming to grips with the immutable fact hippies were Right. Peace is better than war, love is better than hate, pollution is bad for all of us, greed destroys us, equality applies to everybody, women, people of color, and gay people too. 50 years ago, Mike Lang and a bunch of other hippie promoters thought it was high time to have the concert to end all concerts. They picked upstate New York for some reason, and predicted 100,000 kids would show up.
They were wrong. Very, very wrong.
Half a million kids showed up and, despite what all the up-tight straights predicted, most had a very good time. And, seemingly, about half of those people showed up in VW Busses. And most of those were highly decorated. For example, the Light Bus. Although pretty run-of-the-mill when it comes to painting, decoration and overall tone, the Light Bus, a 1963 Standard Microbus, became a symbol of the Woodstock Art and Music Fair after an Associated Press shot of the van circulated in newspapers and magazines across the country.
Then the van appeared in the liner notes of the soundtrack to the movie about Woodstock. In its own little way, The Light Bus became A Thing.
VW Light Bus. Photo: Volkswagen of America, Inc.
They picked upstate New York for some reason, and predicted 100,000 kids would show up. They were wrong. Very, very wrong. Click To TweetTime Machine
Volkswagen of America and the greater Volkswagen community realized this, and decided to remake the Light Bus in time for all the anniversary celebrations. The original painter of the bus, Dr. Bob Hieronimus (no, dude, dig: he’s literally a Doctor now and his name is literally Hieronimus, and if someone does not call him Hieronimus Bob on a regular basis, then I am very bummed) did up the original in 1968 after an invitation from the van’s owner, who, surprise-surprise, was using it to haul his band to the festival.
This “new” Light Bus represents three years of work by Hieronimus and Canadian documentarian John Wesley Chisholm. They wanted to recover and recreate the original ahead of Woodstock’s milestone anniversary. However, the duo decided on a replica after looking for six months to find the original to no avail. My bet says it’s now a chicken coop on Kesey’s farm outside of Eugene, Oregon.
The replica Light Bus hit the public eye at the Orange Country Transporter Organization (O.C.T.O.) Winter Meet in Long Beach, California. Bonus points for calling your car club O.C.T.O. After hanging out in Long Beach, the Light Bus hits the road for a cross-country tour leading up to Woodstock’s 50th anniversary.
“It’s a time machine that takes people to the past, through the present, and to the future,” Chisholm said.
“The bus is really about being one people on one planet,” Hieronimus added. “On every side of the bus is a story – many stories – and the stories all point to unification, working together, and a higher consciousness, which is what Light really is all about.”
Photo: Volkswagen of America, Inc.
With A Little Help From My Friends
Hieronimus and Chisholm ginned up a successful Kickstarter campaign and acquired an exact model of the original Light Bus. From there, they began the painstaking restoration process. Hieronimus Bob and a team of five artists took six weeks just to recreate the original paintings. Like the original, this Light Bus is enveloped with Hieronimus’ hand-painted symbols and psychedelic shapes that captured a unique moment of American culture.
Volkswagen of America got wind of the project and fully supported the search and restoration. Shortly thereafter, a team of VW fans jumped in to assist the duo.
So keep an eye out all you Real Americans, you Silent Majority. They’ll be coming to your town, reeking of “incense,” hair so long ya can’t tell the boys from the girls; bare feet, love beads, strange clothing, and “music” that’s part of the Communist conspiracy to drag us down to the level of the lesser races.
“It’s a living room on wheels that you can outfit any way you want, and transports you and your family, however you define family, wherever you want to go,” Chisholm said.
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 his work on Twitter: @TonyBorroz.
VW Light Bus Gallery

Photos & Source: Volkswagen of America, Inc.

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From Very Small To Extra Large: How History Impacts Car Preferences

From Very Small To Extra Large: How History Impacts Car Preferences Looking Back At The Tiny Car Era
Microcars, those automobiles with engines under 1,000cc and holding no more than two people, occasionally re-enter the public’s view. While usually considered curiosities, they have a fascinating history, and were very popular for a time. Car enthusiasts will not soon forget the Peel P50, the world’s smallest car that ceased production in 1965. While only fifty original Peel P50s were made, this style of vehicle has historical significance and is a dramatic contrast to anything we see on streets today.
The Peel’s small production numbers, however, make it an outlier. Many microcars sold in the tens and hundreds of thousands. Before we go further, let’s take a step back and compare the evolution of cars and driving in the United States vs. Europe.
1960s-era advertisement for the Peel P50.
Wide Open Spaces
The U.S. is a large and young country compared to European ones. Our cities and towns are spread far apart. As cars were introduced into commerce, the dirt horse paths did not suffice as motor roadways. These paths were eventually paved, and since land was aplenty, they were also made wide. Gasoline was plentiful and cheap. As people spent more time in their cars, they wanted room for comfort. All these factors conspired to result in the large American motor car.
The birth of the interstate highway system in 1956 and advent of more drivable roads only fueled the desire for Americans to take road trips in their new stylish rides. But for car producers abroad, smaller cars made more sense. European cities and towns are older than U.S. ones by a factor of several millennia. When motorcars first appeared, they had to navigate narrow, windy passages. Fuel was not readily available, and was more expensive. For these reasons, Europeans generally favored smaller vehicles.
This beautiful red BMW Isetta belongs to Richard Reina of CARiD Auto Parts and Automoblog. Richard is fond of taking it to shows and telling attendees about its history.
Bubble Car History
The end of World War II changed everything. European factories had been bombed, and companies struggled to get back into operation. Microcars (also known as “bubble cars”) came about as affordable and safe alternatives to motorbikes. At a time when steel and fuel were still scarce commodities, these bubble cars were an all-weather option for those on a budget.
Post-war Germany was home base for many popular microcars. One of the best-known was the BMW Isetta. Its tiny 300cc engine only made 13 horsepower, but globally, BMW sold 161,000 units. Another favorite was the Goggomobil. Unlike the Isetta, the “Goggos” were available as sedans, coupes, or minivans. A total of 285,000 were made from 1955-1969.
Perhaps the oddest-looking German bubble car was manufactured by Messerschmitt, a company known for their military aircraft production during World War II. With its tandem seating, yoke steering, plexiglass canopy top, and three tiny eight-inch wheels, the ‘Schmitt looked like nothing else on the road.
1964 Messerschmitt KR200 on display at the Autoworld Museum, Brussels, Belgium. With its one cylinder, two-stroke engine and 9.5 horsepower, it could reach a top speed of almost 70 mph. Photo: Carl Anthony for Automoblog.net.
Post-War Tastes
The first iteration of the Messerschmitt was the KR175, and the name “kabineroller” translates directly to “scooter with cabin,” which is an apt description of the vehicle. Messerschmitt improved the KR200 in 1955 by installing shock absorbers on all three wheels in an attempt to smooth out the ride and make for safer travel. About 45,000 of these three-wheel wonders were built.
Consumers in post-war France were also smitten with tiny cars, but many of their smallest microcars were not big sellers. The French preferred “supermini” cars such as the Citroen 2CV (4 doors, 600cc) and the Renault 4CV (4-doors, 760cc), which was the first French vehicle to sell over one million units. Many of these car makers attempted to market their microcars in the U.S. with limited success. Our expansive roadways, covering great distances between destinations, did not favor the small car. In some cases, American car dealers treated these tiny rides as a joke (“Buy a new Cadillac, get a free Isetta!”).
The one exception was the original Volkswagen. While not a microcar per se, it was smaller than anything coming out of Detroit, and a growing number of U.S. buyers gravitated toward it. VW’s success is a story for another time, but even in Europe, as the economy recovered in the years after the war, there was a declining demand for economical and efficient cars.
The GMC Yukon and other similar large, luxury SUVs are a reflection of how tastes have evolved regarding choices in personal transportation. Pictured here is a 2018 GMC Yukon Denali Ultimate Black Edition. Photo: GMC.
Bigger But Better?
In 2018, most of our vehicles in the U.S. are larger than ever, with even the traditional sedan expanding in size. Last year, SUV, van, and pickup sales rose 4.3 percent while overall car sales saw a decline. As a class, trucks comprise about two-thirds of all new vehicle sales. One possible reason as to why big vehicles are now favored could be the boom of millennials, who are beginning to have families and crave space and comfort as they move to the suburbs. Historically cheap gas continues to drive sales, and you won’t hear any complaints from the Big 3 automakers, as their profit margins are much higher on the big trucks compared to compact cars.
As we’ve seen over time, car design directly reflects the broader trends of the era, whether it be an economic boom (or bust), or a shift to a more urban lifestyle. While upsizing seems like a trend that is here to stay, you never know when tiny cars may make their comeback.
Richard Reina is a Product Trainer at CARiD.com and lifelong automotive enthusiast.
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Cover Photo: 1965 BMW Isetta 300, Carl Anthony.

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The New Mazda6 And The Automaker’s Path To Premium

The New Mazda6 And The Automaker’s Path To Premium

That redone Mazda6 that everyone seemed to be oo-ing and ah-ing over? More details are out now, and along with them, is Mazda’s announcement that the 6 will be the Hiroshima’s company’s spearhead in what it calls “Path to Premium.” Yeah, I know. That sounds like a mistranslation, but it’s not. That’s how Mazda says it, and that, much like the Mazda6’s tilt at being a gorgeous, performance sedan, is yet another example of Mazda taking its own unique go at pushing barriers and being memorable.
Path to Premium. Not The Path to Premium, just Path to Premium. That tells you a lot about where Mazda is heading with the Mazda6. They want it to be seen as many things to many people (with approved credit): Powerful, beautiful, performance oriented, reliable, and now premium. What premium means to Mazda is that this car will offer many first-class details and options usually found on other cars from other countries (cough the Germans cough).
Market Strategy
Why head in this direction has an interesting origin for Mazda. It all started with, of all things, the 2016 Mazda CX-9 three-row crossover. Mazda noticed that when it came to CX-9 sales, roughly 55 percent of them sold in the United States have been either high-level Grand Touring models, or top-trim Signature models. These trim levels have been very well received, selling much better than expected. And Mazda’s not stupid. When you see a pile of money sitting on the ground, you pick it up. So, figures Mazda, if that’s what buyers want in our SUVs and crossovers, let’s give it to them in our big-ish sedan too!
So, the 6’s chassis has been thoroughly revised for a more supple ride, greater agility, and dramatically improved NVH (that’s noise, vibration and harshness, in case you didn’t know). The sedan also gets brown Nappa leather and UltraSuede NU that is adorned with a gold tint similar to that used to make ornate kimonos. Sen wood accents are found across the interior of the Mazda6 too, a type of wood used for Japanese furniture and taiko drums.
Photo: Mazda North American Operations.

Power & Performance
And, even more importantly from my perspective, the latest Mazda6 gets a whomper of an engine that really makes this thing move down the road. The SKYACTIV-G 2.5T turbo engine is renowned for its nearly instantaneous, ample torque, thanks to its Dynamic Pressure Turbo. This accelerates exhaust gasses through a tiny inlet so the turbocharger quickly spools up at low RPM before opening a larger, secondary passage. It’s sort of like an old two-stage carb, only much more efficient.
Interior Treatments
The front seats have been fully redesigned and are wider, with high-density, vibration-absorbing urethane foam for a firm, supportive surface. Yet they are supple enough for long trips. The seats are further designed to help keep our spines in the natural S-shape we use while standing. There are optional ventilated front seats in the Mazda6 that wick away warm air from your back to keep you cool. Rear seats have also been redesigned with the same high-density urethane foam for greater comfort.
And since this is “Path to Premium” we’re talking about here, the interior is very restrained, yet fancy and comfortable, and dripping with tech features. Think of it as a conference room on wheels and you get the idea.
Photo: Mazda North American Operations.
Technology Central
There’s one of those fun-house-mirror-esque 360 degree cameras so you can see what’s going on around you when you’re parking or backing out of a space. That picture is displayed on a reconfigurable seven-inch TFT display, or if you prefer, on a new eight-inch infotainment screen with sharper contrast. Full-speed Mazda Radar Cruise Control with Stop & Go, a windshield wiper de-icer, and a heads-up unit that shoots visual info onto the windshield, just like a modern jet fighter, are all available.
Mazda says these latest upgrades will launch the Mazda6 above the mainstream sedan fray, changing the idea of what an affordable car can and should be. And that is all nice marketing-speak for “hey, you’ll think you’re in an expensive, high performance Euro-sedan, but you’re actually driving a much more affordable Mazda.” Okay. fair enough.
This all seems a reasonable thing and it should work, but that will be up to the paying customer. The road that has lead us to the current state of automotive technological greatness is littered with perfectly good ideas that no one paid attention to or bought. Here’s hoping the Mazda6 is not one of them. Expect to see it on sale this spring.
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.
Redesigned Mazda6 Gallery

Photos & Source: Mazda North American Operations.

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Future Toyota Adventure Concept: The Off-Road Autobot

Future Toyota Adventure Concept: The Off-Road Autobot

The Future Toyota Adventure Concept (FT-AC) made its debut in sunny California as the Los Angeles Auto Show gets underway. Toyota says the California reveal was intentional as many residents enjoy trips to the desert and beach. The FT-AC is aimed at active lifestyle types who desire versatility and uniqueness in a vehicle.
“FT-AC is perfect for those outdoor enthusiasts who want to dial up the adventure on their weekend getaways,” explained Jack Hollis, Group Vice president and General Manager, Toyota Division. “No matter the roads, the activities, or the people, FT-AC sparks authentic fun and conversation.”
Talking Points & Transformers
Indeed, the FT-AC will start a conversation – it’s near impossible not to have some reaction to it. Toyota’s press materials say “at first glance, it is evident that FT-AC’s bold and daring design reflects the confident spirit of Toyota’s existing SUVs and trucks.” That’s fair, although I would contend it looks like a Transformer. That’s not to be taken negatively either. I sense being on a camping excursion at Warren Dunes State Park over July 4th with family and friends; just as we are about to enjoy some burgers and brats, Megatron rises up from Lake Michigan, which would pretty much ruin the evening. My FT-AC morphs into an Autobot and sends the Emperor of Destruction packing back to Cybertron.
Cue a witty one-liner from Ironhide and we’re all set.
But seriously, the FT-AC is focused on making the trip as fun as the destination. There are a number of things one could do with this vehicle because it’s designed for both the highway and high country. I only suggest Warren Dunes becasue I love that area of Michigan, but those who go rock climbing, mountain biking, hiking, fishing, kayaking, and the like could easily find uses for this machine.
Photo: Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.
Cameras & Creatures
The FT-AC was molded around a long wheelbase and wide track to increase capability while communicating a powerful stance. The wide fender flares provide protection; just below reside the 20-inch wheels and all-terrain tires. Toyota notes the ground clearance and skid plates for a “go and play” mentality. The LED headlights, LED marker lights, and fog lamps ensure one can “go and play” even at night.
There are infrared cameras on the side mirrors so you can record your expedition to find Bigfoot. When you do, a Wi-Fi hotspot automatically uploads the footage to a cloud-based storage where real-time editing and posting can be done via a mobile device. This way, you can determine if it’s actually Bigfoot, a bear, or a guy in a suit. And if you get lost looking for the mysterious Sasquatch, instead of being the featured characters in a campy, nonsensical horror flick, you can utilize FT-AC’s geolocation capabilities for directions back home. No getting chased through the woods for you by the Yeti, no sir.
Pricing & Availability
The FT-AC is simply a science experiment but Toyota says it has “been imagined” as a gasoline-powered vehicle with advanced torque-vectoring and all-wheel drive. Ideally, the driver could toggle a terrain-select system, changing up the throttle response and power delivery depending on the road or lack thereof. Toyota even hints at the possibility of the FT-AC being a hybrid. Only time will tell.
Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and resides in Detroit, Michigan.
Photo: Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.
Photos & Source: Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.

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Inside The 2018 Jeep Wrangler

Inside The 2018 Jeep Wrangler

The veil came off the 2018 Jeep Wrangler at the Los Angeles Auto Show, a vehicle that continues the brand’s lineage of off-road performance. The Wrangler 2-door is available in three different trims: Sport, Sport S, and Rubicon. The 4-door variant is available in those three as well, but adds a Sahara grade.
“Jeep has always represented the ultimate in capability and open-air freedom, and our all-new 2018 Wrangler protects that important legacy and takes it into the future,” explained Mike Manley, Head of Jeep Brand – FCA Global.
Manley summed up the new Jeep by saying it’s instantly recognizable but still holds true to its roots. The new Wrangler endured some of the most rigorous testing ever done by FCA, logging nearly 4 million miles in extreme weather conditions from Arizona to Alaska for months on end. Global testing consisted of locations in China, Brazil, India, Australasia, and Italy. It’s arguably the most well-equipped Wrangler in history – here is a detailed look at this machine from top to bottom.
Off-Road Prowess
With Jeeps the discussion starts where the pavement ends. The 2018 Wrangler is no exception, with dynamic 4×4 systems for all types of terrain. The Selec-Trac full-time, two-speed transfer case (a Wrangler first) seamlessly sends power to the front and rear wheels with no driver input. The Command-Trac 4×4 system features a two-speed transfer case with a 2.72:1 low-range gear ratio, and next-generation solid Dana front and rear axles with a 3.45 ratio. By comparison, Wrangler Rubicons get a Rock-Trac 4×4 system with heavy duty, next-generation Dana 44 front and rear axles, and a “4LO” ratio of 4:1. A 4.10 front and rear axle ratio is standard along with Tru-Lok locking differentials.
Both Command-Trac and Rock-Trac systems offer full-time torque management for additional grip and traction. An available Trac-Lok limited-slip rear differential is available for those routinely driving through sand, gravel, mud, snow or ice. Articulation and suspension travel improve with an electronic sway-bar disconnect.
Crawl ratio on the Wrangler Rubicon with the standard six-speed manual improves to 84.2:1. By comparison, Wrangler Rubicon models with the new eight-speed automatic have a 77.2:1 crawl ratio; Rubicons get 33-inch tires standard. Overall, the approach angle is 44 degrees, breakover angle is 27.8 degrees, departure angle is 37 degrees, and the ground clearance is 10.9 inches with up to 30 inches of water fording capability.
Photo: FCA US LLC.
Engine Lineup
The 2018 Jeep Wrangler will offer three different powertrains, including an upgraded version of FCA’s evergreen 3.6-liter Pentastar V6. The engine creates 285 horsepower and 260 lb-ft. of torque with an Engine Stop-Start function. The 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V6 and an entirely new 2.0-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder are also available – and here is where it gets really interesting with regard to engine specifications.
Although it won’t be available until 2019, Wrangler 4-door buyers can opt for the 3.0-liter EcoDiesel with new turbocharging technology. The engine adds low-friction pistons to improve fuel economy and reduce emissions. Combustion optimization is aided by new injector nozzles, piston bowl, and glow plugs with integrated combustion pressure sensors. The 3.0-liter EcoDiesel, paired with the eight-speed automatic transmission, makes 260 horsepower and 442 lb-ft. of torque.
The new 2.0-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder with eTorque technology makes 270 horsepower and 295 lb-ft. of torque. This plant is also mated to the new eight-speed automatic. The eTorque system is worth noting in that it functions like a hybrid. The technology employs auto stop/start, electric power assist, extended fuel shut-off, transmission shift management, intelligent battery charging, and regenerative braking to improve efficiency and performance.
Digging deeper, Jeep’s turbo plant is characterized by a twin-scroll, low-inertia turbocharger with an electronically actuated waste gate. The turbo is integrated with the cylinder head to improve longevity while a dedicated cooling circuit cuts the temperature of the intake air, throttle body, and the turbocharger itself. Direct injection enters the mix for additional performance, and a beefed-up fuel pump supplies the engine’s 2,900-psi high-pressure common-rail injection system. This makes for better fuel atomization and more precise fuel delivery when compared to port fuel-injection. Other technological high points on the engine come in the way of a dual overhead cam design with dual independent camshaft timing, and a cooled exhaust gas recirculation (C-EGR) system.
Photo: FCA US LLC.

Transmission Tech
The aforementioned six-speed manual transmission is standard on all Wrangler models equipped with the 3.6-liter Pentastar V6. New gear ratios (4.41 ratio spread) improve crawl performance while a revised gear layout and cable-operated design reduce noise, vibration, and harshness. Jeeps says the manual has a more comfortable shifting position and 50 percent shorter throws than the outgoing Wrangler for quicker acceleration and smoother shifts.
The eight-speed automatic was developed with all types of driving in mind. Jeep says it’s available on all Wrangler models and provides efficient, linear power delivery on the highway and over the trails. The auto box features a 4.7:1 first gear ratio and a 4.1:1 final drive ratio to balance acceleration and efficiency. There are two overdrive ratios and specific design characteristics within the transmission to again reduce noise, vibration, and harshness.
Essential Foundations
The engines and transmissions available for the new Wrangler go for a balance of performance and efficiency. Jeep’s body-on-frame approach is also striving for balance, providing enough rugged capability for the trails while keeping in mind things like ride, fuel economy, occupant safety, and comfort. Weight reduction was priority: high-strength aluminum closures, including the doors, door hinges, hood, fender flares, windshield frame, and a magnesium swing gate are found on the new Wrangler. Further weight savings comes from the hollow track and stabilizer bars, aluminum engine mounts and steering gear, and a revised master cylinder.
The five-link coil suspension returns, a configuration Jeep says is long proven. The front suspension consists of a lateral control arm, four longitudinal control arms, and full-width, forged steel track bars. The combination controls the axle’s lateral movement while keeping the angle changes to a minimum during off-road use. The raised roll center height and revised spring rates make for a better ride Jeep says. Out back, the five-link rear suspension contains two upper and two lower forged steel control arms and a track bar for lateral axle control. The control arms are located outside the frame rails; the rear shocks are splayed (angled inboard at the top) to provide consistent damping.
Finally, four different skid plates and bars are strategically positioned underneath to protect the fuel tank, transfer case, and the automatic transmission’s oil pan. Rubicon models even have heavy gauge tubular steel rock rails for added protection. Pretty nifty!
Photo: FCA US LLC.
Exterior & Interior Design
The new Wrangler follows the traditional Jeep design cues, especially when considering the vehicle’s overall aesthetic theme. It does, however, have a wider stance, lowered beltline, and larger windows for better outward visibility. The seven-slot grille returns (each slot represents one of the seven continents to show Jeep’s universal capability) but was modified to resemble the classic CJ with the outer slats intersecting the headlights.
The grille was positioned for better aerodynamic performance as was the windshield. A unique four bolt design at the top of the windshield’s frame allows it to fold down easily; a new header bar now connects the A-pillars and stays put even with the windshield down. This means the rearview mirror can remain in place with the windshield folded. Dozens of different door, top, and windshield combinations are available; a new half-door design will arrive in 2019. Jeep says the Sky One-Touch powertop feature, available in the second quarter of 2018, allows occupants to “retract the full-length open canvas roof with a push of a button.”
Designers wanted the interior to feel versatile, stylish, and intuitive with higher quality yet softer touch materials throughout. The center stack leans more vintage but compliments the redesigned center console where the gear shifter, transfer case, and parking brake reside. The essential controls, including the climate and volume settings, charging and connectivity ports, and push-button start are all within reach. There are plenty of storage pockets for personal items as well.
Owners can choose between cloth or leather-contoured seats with accent stitching, adjustable bolsters, and lumbar support. The seats, along with the steering wheel, can be heated if buyers so choose. The door trim panels are softer to the touch and the arm rests are even a little longer. The latest generation of FCA’s Uconnect system is Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatible, with a number of other entertainment and navigation features. The new Uconnect platform promises enhanced processing power, faster startup times, and sharper graphics.
Pricing & Availability
The 2018 Jeep Wrangler is expected in January with pricing information forthcoming. Jeeps have been assembled in Toledo, Ohio for over 75 years, beginning with the Willys-Overland military models. The Jeep Wrangler was added to the Toledo portfolio in 1992, with more than 2 million Wranglers having rolled off the line since then.
Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and resides in Detroit, Michigan.

Photos & Source: FCA US LLC.

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2017 Los Angeles: The Mazda6 finally gains turbocharged power

2017 Los Angeles: The Mazda6 finally gains turbocharged power After years of soldiering on with only naturally-aspirated four-cylinder, the 2018 Mazda6 finally gains turbo power.
What’s going on?
Ever since the current and excellent Mazda6 sedan came out back in 2012, it only came in America with a sole 2.5-liter naturally-aspirated SKYACTIV-G gasoline four-cylinder. After what seems like much begging and expressed desire to fit the Mazda6 with the latest turbo-four found in the current CX-9, Mazda finally answered that call.
Revealed at the 2017 Los Angeles Auto Show, Mazda introduced some major updates to the 2018 Mazda6 flagship sedan. One of those changes includes a new option for turbo power!

The Mazda6 gets blown
As we hoped, the new Mazda6 can now be equipped with the same 2.5-liter turbocharged SKYACTIV-G four-cylinder that debuted in the current CX-9 crossover, all 250 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque, on 93 octane. Mazda says the engine produces 227 horsepower on regular 87, but why would you want to do that?
Unfortunately, Mazda only offers a six-speed automatic with the 2.5-liter four. Though the company says that its torque converter remains locked throughout most of its function, providing a more connected feel between the drivetrain and the automatic.
There are chassis and suspension tweaks too
To handle the extra power, Mazda also applied some tweaks and adjustments to the chassis and suspension. For instance, the Mazda6 benefits from chassis and body reinforcements in the form of thicker sheetmetal in the rear wheel wells, extra bracing, and larger suspension trailing link mounts to reduce noise, vibration, and harshness levels and increase overall stiffness. The suspension geometry is revised to accommodate the extra power and reinforcements, which Mazda promises a smoother and more refined ride with improved handling dynamics.
The exterior and interior gain updates as well

Ushering in the new turbocharged engine and other revisions underneath the Mazda6’s skin are changes to the interior and exterior presentations as well. For instance, the infotainment screen is reconfigured, featuring a 7.0-inch TFT gauge display for upper-tier trims.
The seats and dashboard are also redesigned for a refreshed appearance and look, though the Mazda6’s easy, simple, and smart layout remains. The changes all appear to give the Mazda6 a more upscale appearance and look, reflecting the company’s new motives to move more upmarket.
The 2018 Mazda6 is due to go on sale in spring of 2018.
– By: Chris Chin
2017 LA: 2018 Mazda6 Photo Gallery

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