Automotive

Ram Unveils New Rebel & Limited Options In Houston

Ram Unveils New Rebel & Limited Options In Houston

Ram has utilized Texas lately as the stage to announce new changes to their model lineup. In Dallas last month, Ram revealed a new color scheme for the Laramie Longhorn trim, one of their most luxurious models.
Now the Ram 1500 Rebel and Limited get a few visual tweaks to set them apart. Delmonico Red becomes the seventh available color for the 2017 Rebel 1500, Ram’s designated off-road cruiser. Also, Ram Limited is now available with new, body-colored R-A-M tailgate lettering and unique side steps.
The announcements came as the Houston Auto Show kicked off today (April 5th 2017).
“Truck buyers are looking for new colors and features that make a statement and allow them to stand out from the crowd,” said Mike Manley, Head of Ram Truck, FCA – Global.
Deep Rebel Red
Standing out from the crowd is a banner mantra for Ram Trucks today. Delmonico Red, for example, is a deep, eye-catching shade of red. It’s available in all Rebel models with two-tone or monotone paint. Delmonico Red can also be paired with the Rebel Black package, which includes a blacked out front skid plate and wheels.
The color option comes at no extra charge.
Inside, Ram Rebel Delmonico Red features a black and gray interior with black anodized bezels on the doors, center console, instrument panel, and gauge cluster trim rings. The heated seats include the word “Rebel” stitched into them, highlighted by Light Slate Gray accent stitching, which also traces the instrument panel, center console lid, doors, and seats. All-weather floor mats finish off the interior.
2017 Ram Rebel Delmonico Red interior with “Rebel” seat stitching. Photo: FCA US LLC.
Rebel Power & Performance
The standard 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 delivers 305 horsepower and 269 lb-ft. of torque. The optional 5.7-liter HEMI V8 jumps horsepower to 396 and torque 410 lb-ft. Both engines are mated to a TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic transmission.
The 2017 Ram Rebel is equipped with a factory lift, 33-inch all-terrain tires, Bilstein shocks, skid plates, tow hooks, and other off-road features. Although the truck is designed and backed by Ram Engineering for heavy off-road use, it is available as a 4×2.
Limited Lettering
All Ram Limited trims (1500, 2500, and 3500) can now be ordered with the aforementioned monochromatic R-A-M tailgate lettering. The new letters offer an alternative appearance option from the standard bright chrome letters introduced last year. In addition, all Ram Limited trucks are available with new cab-length running boards (body colored) for increased curb appeal and versatility.
The Ram Limited is the brand’s highest expression of detail, poise, and composure. Premium materials inside include all-black, full-leather seating, Black Argento wood, subtle stitching accents and pin-striping, and model-specific badges. Where trucks like the Laramie Longhorn represent a sort of rugged luxury, the Limited is the black-tie affair.
The most prominent feature of the Limited exterior-wise is the grille, as the billet port moves the eyes to fixate on the boldly positioned “RAM” lettering. Limited also features 20-inch forged multi-surface aluminum wheels and an exclusive Active-air suspension with five different settings.
“Whether it’s the off-road-enthusiast appeal of the Ram 1500 Rebel or the luxury and sophistication of the Ram Limited, Ram trucks deliver features and durability that are winning over more and more owners,” Manley said.
2017 Ram 1500 Limited EcoDiesel Crew Cab 4×4. Photo: FCA US LLC.
Pricing & Availability
The Delmonico Red editions of the Ram Rebel start at $45,095 MSRP. The trucks will arrive at Ram dealerships in May, although pre-orders are open now.
Houston Auto Show
The Houston Auto Show runs April 5th through the 9th at the NRG Center. Attendees can visit Ram Truck Territory where Ram’s professional drivers will navigate attendees through a course that features a payload demonstration, hill descent test, and stability exercise. The latter takes place on the High Banked Wedge, a structure over 6 feet tall and 70 inches in diameter with a 30 degree tilt.
Those looking to pilot a Ram on the streets of Houston can visit the nearby Drive FCA ride-and-drive experience. FCA representatives will be on hand with a full lineup of vehicles for test drives, including the Jeep Grand Cherokee, Fiat 124 Spider, and Dodge Challenger.
Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and resides in Detroit, Michigan.
Photos & Source: FCA US LLC.

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3 Ways To Inexpensively Indulge Your Classic Car Hobby

3 Ways To Inexpensively Indulge Your Classic Car Hobby

Watching the old car auctions on TV, your pulse races as you see a beautifully restored Hemi ‘Cuda or Shelby Mustang sell for upwards of six figures. Then you mutter to yourself, “everything is priced out of sight. I’ll never be able to enter the classic car hobby.”
It’s true that top-shelf automobiles seem to be on a never-ending upward trajectory in value. Financially secure Baby Boomers, remembering the cars of their youth, now have the means to buy one. That pent-up desire is helping to drive prices today.
That puts these cars out of reach for the average Joe, who needs cash AND a place to store the car AND spare time to maintain it. But there are still plenty of ways to immerse yourself into the hobby, while spending very little money. Here are three such ways, with a range of varying expenses.
#1 Car Club Membership
Car clubs have been around almost as long as cars themselves. One of the largest, the Antique Automobile Club of America (AACA), was founded in the 1930s. Whether it’s an all-makes club like AACA or a marque-specific club like the Mustang Club of America, one thing they have in common is that vehicle ownership is not a pre-requisite for club membership.
Should this dissuade you from joining? Absolutely not. These clubs are full of individuals who welcome all car nuts, no matter what you own. You’ll get to hang out with like-minded individuals, talk about topics of interest to you, and learn more about the models you love from fellow club members. Depending on your available time, you can also volunteer for various activities. Here are some of the tasks for which clubs are usually looking for help:
Writing articles for the club newsletter.
Volunteering to take photos at shows.
Assisting with parking and spectator traffic at club meets.
Providing rides for older club members who no longer drive.
As you get to know people in the club, don’t be surprised when they offer you a ride in their precious jewel, or better yet, tell you that it’s your turn to take a spin behind the wheel!
Your True Cost: Minimal. Most clubs have an annual membership fee (figure an average of $50), plus your gas and tolls for travel. But, you’ll be in the hobby, surrounded by the cars that stoke your passion!
Attending car shows can be a fun and inexpensive way to indulge a classic car hobby. Photo: Dana Rose Crystal.

#2 Collecting Automobilia
Collecting things is a human condition, likely extending back to when we were cave dwellers, and every scrap of stone and wood served some present or future purpose. Today, popular collectibles include coins, comic books, marbles, pens, and watches. How does this apply to you, dear automotive enthusiast? Easy: a large part of the hobby is devoted to “automobilia” (a fancy word created from the mash up of “automotive” and “memorabilia”).
What can you collect? Anything related to the industry. I have a particular weakness for books and magazines, many of which I’ve found at yard sales and flea markets for a buck or two. Old road maps are a recent obsession: they’re cheap, and take up very little room. Model cars, either dealer promos or kits, are a nice way to have cars, just on a different scale. License plates, radiator caps, spark plugs, and dealer signs are also fun to hunt down and bring home.
Speaking of hunting, the fun can be in the chase. Besides yard sales and flea markets, also consider estate sales, antique stores, and friends and neighbors! Online shopping through eBay and similar sites is also an option, but beware of reproductions if an item is represented as “antique.”
Your True Cost: Limited by how little or how much you want to spend. You could literally start a collection of print items and not spend more than $25.00 or so, including a nice storage binder. Warning: this hobby is very addictive!
Searching for vintage advertisements is a great way to build your automobilia collection.
#3 – Driving A Collector Car
Before you think I’m going to suggest that instead of a late-model, mid-size sedan, you put yourself into an unreliable, rusty hulk from the ‘60s, let me explain. The quality of cars has constantly gotten better over time. Incremental improvements have had a positive impact on a vehicle’s quality, durability, and longevity. Innovations such as electronic ignition, fuel injection, sealed bearings, and stronger bodies have resulted in cars that can easily go 150,000 miles or more with regular maintenance.
That was not always true, however.
Let’s pick the year 1987 (30 years ago) as an arbitrary comparison point. In 1987, a 25-year-old car was built in 1962. Your typical 1962-era automobile had a carburetor, drum brakes, bias-ply tires, no seat belts, and zero rust protection. Air conditioning, power windows, and a radio were extra cost options, if available at all. You were lucky to make it to 100,000 miles without a major system failure. If you saw a 1962 car on the road in 1987, your reaction might have been “look at that old clunker, still motoring along!”
1992 Ford Mustang. Photo: Ford Motor Company.

Today (2017), a 25-year-old car was built in 1992. Every new 1992 car had computerized engine controls, 3-point seat belts, disc brakes, catalytic converters, radial tires, and extensive rustproofing. Many 1992 (and older) cars are still on the road today, being driven well past 200,000 miles.
If you can “afford” to put a 25-year-old car into daily-driver use, you just might be able to have your cake and eat it too. This option works best in multi-car families, where one spouse has a newer car for family use, and the other spouse drives a more limited amount.
But it’s not unreasonable to think a 25-year-old car can be driven regularly. Think about which cars come to mind? Consider Ford Mustangs, Chevy Camaros, Mazda Miatas, BMW 3-series models, and even more exotic fare like Corvettes and Mercedes-Benz convertibles! A quick scan of online listings show many of these vehicles available at or below $15,000.
Be Realistic: You need to check out such used cars very carefully. Here is a huge benefit to club membership: bring along a knowledgeable fellow club member to help. Your realism must extend to the more limited versatility of a sporty vehicle. These cars have limited interior room and may ride more harshly.
Back to the positive side: You have a collector car! A 25-year-old car is eligible for AACA shows, and can be taken to cruise nights or “Cars & Coffee” events. Clean it up and bring out your pride and joy for everyone to see!
Your True Cost: The entry price is low if the “collector car” replaces another car in the household. Factor in some additional maintenance and repair costs, and don’t forget to check with your insurance company (telling your spouse might be a good idea too). Pick your price point and dive into the hobby. You can still watch the auctions on TV, but now you’ll pride yourself on having figured out a way to get into the game without spending a fortune.
Richard Reina is a Product Trainer at CARiD.com and lifelong automotive enthusiast.

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2017 Dodge Challenger GT AWD Review

2017 Dodge Challenger GT AWD Review

While most muscle cars are sitting all winter, there’s one performance car that won’t be covered up in the garage. If you live in a colder climate, you may have been held back from looking at a performance-oriented car because they are often rear-wheel drive.
Now there’s the new 2017 Dodge Challenger GT, for cold weather areas. It’s the first two-door American muscle car to offer all-wheel drive, and we had a chance to test it this weekend.
What’s New For 2017?
Dodge now offers the Challenger GT for 2017 and it comes with all-wheel drive for the first time. This model features a V6 engine and an active transfer case with front axle disconnect for improved fuel mileage.
Features & Options
The 2017 Dodge Challenger GT ($33,395) comes standard with loads of features. It comes equipped with Dodge Performance Pages, Super Track Pak settings, launch control, projector fog lights, a rear spoiler, ParkSense rear park assist, and a rear camera. Inside, it gets Nappa leather seating, heated and ventilated front seats with four-way power driver lumbar adjustment, a heated steering wheel with power tilt and telescoping column, a universal garage door opener, Hectic Mesh aluminum bezels, and bright pedals.
Uconnect features include Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility and a six-speaker Alpine audio system with a 276-watt amplifier.
Options on this tester included a GT Interior package ($995), featuring a leather performance steering wheel, and a nine-speaker, 506-watt Alpine audio system. The Technology package ($1,195) offers automatic headlights, rain-sensing wipers, adaptive speed control, and forward collision warning. The Driver convenience group ($1,095) comes with HID headlights, blind spot and rear cross path detection, and a remote start. The Navigation package ($795) gets a Uconnect system featuring a 8.4-inch touchscreen.
Total MSRP including destination: $38,965.

Exterior Treatments
Our Challenger came with Go Mango exterior paint that is both bright and law-enforcement attracting. The exterior of the Challenger GT features a small “GT” badge that sets this model apart from its rear-drive stablemates. Hyper Black alloy wheels are wrapped in 235/55R19 all-seasons tires. The exterior also gets fog lamps and a rear deck-lid spoiler.
Interior Highlights
The cabin of the Challenger GT comes equipped for cold weather with comfortable, Nappa leather performance seats, that are heated and ventilated with 4-way power driver lumbar adjustment. The heated steering wheel kept us warm during an early spring cold snap that hit the Denver area. The outside mirrors also come heated to help clear snow and ice.
The Challenger has a lot of front leg and shoulder room and tall adults will feel comfortable up front. The rear seat isn’t quite made for taller adults, but it offers up more room than most of the competition with three seats versus two. Rear seat access is tight but better than other sporty coupes.
We thought the Uconnect 8.4-inch touchscreen display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is one of the most user-friendly interfaces in the industry. It offers crisp graphics, quick responses, and simple, easy-to-use menus.
Visibility is average with significant blind spots over the shoulder while the large hood limits forward sight lines. It can be difficult to judge the front corners when pulling into a parking space. The large-display rearview camera helps considerably when backing out, and the rear-cross path alert helped us when we couldn’t see an approaching vehicle.

Engine & Fuel Mileage Specs
The 2017 Challenger GT is powered by a 3.6-liter Pentastar V6, which produces 305 horsepower and 268 lb-ft. of torque. It comes mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters and a Sport mode that holds gears longer to keep revs higher.
The large performance coupe gets an EPA-estimated 18/27 city/highway and 21 combined mpg.
Unfortunately, the Challenger GT isn’t offered with a Hemi V8.
Driving Dynamics
We had a chance to drive the new AWD Challenger in snowy conditions with the early spring cold snap that hit the Denver area recently. The Challenger GT had no issues accelerating or braking in the snow, but we thought the V6 felt hindered and slow to accelerate when trying to pass traffic going up I-70 at altitude. We wished it came with the Hemi V8 engine, but it has all-weather capabilities that no other American muscle car offers.
The all-wheel drive system is adapted from the Dodge Charger, a stablemate of the Challenger. It features an active transfer case that can send extra torque to the front wheels when needed. It also has a front-axle disconnect feature to reduce drag and improve fuel mileage when front traction isn’t needed.
In normal driving, the Challenger GT feels like a rear-drive car, and switches to all-wheel drive in low traction situations, wide-open throttle when passing, in Sport mode, and manual shifting via the steering wheel paddle-shifters. The Challenger GT is a big, heavy sports coupe and body roll was pronounced in the tight mountain corners. It still offers plenty of grip, however, to have an enjoyable time commuting or when taking a trip to the local car show.
Conclusion
For those needing an all-wheel drive muscle car, the 2017 Dodge Challenger GT is the only choice – if it were offered with the Hemi V8, it would be an ideal high performance option. Overall, the 2017 Dodge Challenger GT is an acceptable, if not enjoyable, daily commuter.
Denis Flierl has invested over 25 years in the automotive industry in a variety of roles. Follow his work on Twitter: @CarReviewGuy
2017 Dodge Challenger GT Gallery

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2017 Dodge Challenger Official Site
Photos: FCA US LLC

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Automoblog Book Garage: The Complete Book of Classic Chevrolet Muscle Cars

Automoblog Book Garage: The Complete Book of Classic Chevrolet Muscle Cars

In my heyday at Sioux Falls Ford, I once took in a mint 2006 Chevy Impala SS on trade. I can still see that shiny red paint in the South Dakota summer sun, glistening vibrantly as I tagged and marked its arrival into our inventory.
Not surprisingly, it was sold a short time later but not before I had a chance to drive it on a routine run to our sister dealership two exits up I-29. The 5.3 engine under the hood spoke volumes, but it was more than that; it was the way the steering wheel felt and how nice it rode.
Pennies & Dimes
Chevrolet mastered the affordable performance car, first seen in the now famous 1955 Chevrolet. A few years later, The Beach Boys dominated the street with their precious 409, stating how they “saved their pennies and their dimes.” And wouldn’t you know it, Chevy made similar waves forty some years later with the aforementioned 2006 Impala SS.
The Complete Book of Classic Chevrolet Muscle Cars 1955-1974 shows how Chevy was first at the helm of this culturally significant automotive shift. As Chevy breathed performance into everyday vehicles, no longer would cars be mundane appliances, but rather extensions of our personalities. The book documents how American society was changed by this new approach to automobiles, and how Chevrolet played a major role in building the nation’s car culture.
The Complete Book of Classic Chevrolet Muscle Cars 1955-1974 is a definite must for any Chevy fan, but really for any car fan.
Chevrolet’s Impala SS debuted early in 1961 along with the 409. Most Super Sports built that first year featured 348 V-8s, as demonstrated here. Notice the absence of an engine badge on the front fender. Photo: Mike Mueller.
Author

Mike Mueller has worked as a freelance automotive photojournalist since 1991. A lifetime car enthusiast, Mueller has written and photographed more than 25 automotive and truck history books and contributed photography to dozens more. Among his long list of titles are Motorbooks’ Chevy Chevelle 50 Years, The Complete Book of Corvette, and The Complete Book of Classic Dodge and Plymouth Muscle.
The Complete Book of Classic Chevrolet Muscle Cars 1955-1974 is available through Amazon and Motorbooks.
The Complete Book of Classic Chevrolet Muscle Gallery

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Nissan, Tennessee Board of Regents Partner For Brighter Future Through Education

Nissan, Tennessee Board of Regents Partner For Brighter Future Through Education

This past November, I was at the Nashville International Auto Show at the Music City Center. As the weekend progressed, I met several people from nearby Smyrna where Nissan has a tremendous presence. One gentleman described Smyrna as a “gem of a place” and said Nissan’s involvement there was directly responsible for it being a “great city.”
His belief was simple: when manufacturing is strong, our communities are strong. Such sentiments embody the quintessential American mindset, and such sentiments are as delicate as they are promising.
Restoration & Education
Two years ago, a baseball field in Detroit’s Woobridge neighborhood was reopened after Ford and the United Auto Workers donated nearly two million dollars to the project. The dedication of William Clay Ford Field highlighted the importance of investing in our local communities and serving the people who live there.
The loss of American jobs is partly responsible for the abandonment of our parks, ball fields, and neighborhoods – and not just here in Detroit – but everywhere. Interestingly enough, the restoration of those jobs can help bring about the sweeping change needed to restore those things.
Recently, I would like to believe a victory was achieved for the everyday American worker. On Friday, March 31st, Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam and Tennessee Board of Regents Chancellor Flora Tydings joined Nissan officials to formally open the Tennessee College of Applied Technology at Murfreesboro’s Smyrna Campus and Nissan Training Center. The modern campus offers numerous programs to prepare Tennessee students and Nissan employees for a variety of careers, including advanced manufacturing.
“This is a true partnership between the State of Tennessee and Nissan,” said Gov. Haslam. “Our College of Applied Technology at Murfreesboro needed more space and equipment to serve Tennesseans who want to learn skills for a new or improved career.”
Photo: Nissan North America.
Purposeful Programs
The 162,000-square-foot center is a public-private partnership between Nissan and the Tennessee Board of Regents, operating as an extension of TCAT-Murfreesboro and jointly occupied by Nissan and the College of Applied Technology. Classes offered include automotive technology, industrial electrical maintenance, machine tool technology, and welding technology. The curriculum for each directly matches industry and workforce demands, meaning current and prospective workers will learn the valuable skills necessary for success in Nissan’s facilities or with other employers.
Gov. Haslam underscored the importance of such focused education.
“Nissan needed a new center to train its own employees and those of its suppliers – the new Smyrna facility, which is both a public TCAT open to all and a Nissan Training Center, was a perfect solution,” he said. “It’s also an important milestone in our Drive to 55 – to equip at least 55 percent of Tennesseans with a college degree or certificate by 2025.”
Other programs of study include automation, robotics, and leadership.
“We are constantly looking for new ways to equip current and future employees with the skills and knowledge needed to operate a 21st century manufacturing plant,” said John Martin, Senior Vice President, Manufacturing, Supply Chain Management and Purchasing, Nissan North America.
Photo: Nissan North America.

Community Pillars
The Tennessee Board of Regents governs the state’s 13 Community Colleges and 27 Colleges of Applied Technology. Students gain the academic knowledge needed for associates degrees and for transfer to other universities where they pursue baccalaureate and graduate degrees. The Tennessee Board of Regents is composed of 18 members appointed from across the state with Gov. Haslam as the chair.
Nissan’s operations in Middle Tennessee include the Smyrna vehicle and battery assembly plants, two powertrain assembly plants in Decherd, and the company’s North American headquarters in Franklin. Nissan Smyrna has a production capacity of 640,000 vehicles annually, and the plant employs about 8,400 workers.
“Nissan’s workforce in Smyrna and our other U.S. facilities is our greatest asset,” Martin said. “This collaboration with the State of Tennessee allows us to make an investment in our employees and our community, and secure the continued growth of our company.”
Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and resides in Detroit, Michigan.

Photos & Source: Nissan North America.

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2017 Ford GT: One Car, Five Personalities

2017 Ford GT: One Car, Five Personalities

You know, you really got to hand it to Ford. They’re not messing around with the GT. True, it’s not a moon-shot hypercar like McLaren’s P1 or the La Ferrari, but it’s not exactly a car to be trifled with. And, unlike it’s racing ancestor, it’s performance is not 80% big engine (like the Mk. 2).
The current Ford GT is, through and through, a well thought out supercar, complete with a competition variant.
Evolving Performance
There was a time, back around 1970, where supercars, by and large, were a real pain to live with. Many compromises were forced upon the owner of, say, a Maserati Bora. You sat at an uncomfortable angle. Reliability was iffy. Air conditioning? Well, they had a knob that said that. Visibility was only good in one direction (forward). Performance was great but drivability could be tortuously bad.
Fast forward to the present day, and the 2017 Ford GT has none of these issues. In terms of everyday usability, it’s hard to distinguish the GT from a Mustang. Yes, the GT cranks out 647 horsepower and is built from carbon fiber, but it’s easy to drive in a variety of conditions. For example, the GT has this nifty little trick up its sleeve with five selectable driving modes. This is sort of Ford’s equivalent of Ferrari’s manettino. A bunch of suspension, engine, aero, and differential settings are stored in an on-board computer and, at the punch of a button, you can access and change them on the fly.
“Switching the setting changes electronic, mechanical, and aerodynamic elements,” explained Nick Terzes, Ford GT Engineering Supervisor.
Leveraging their racing experience, Ford Performance gave each of the modes a unique instrument cluster display, so not only do you know which mode you are in at a glance, but the display also prioritizes which information elements you see to augment the overall driving experience. So you, the happy Ford GT owner, can go from a day at the track, to tooling home through light traffic and your car can handle it all at the flick of a switch. Or, more accurately, the turn of a knob on the GT’s steering wheel.
The Ford GT was introduced at the North American International Auto Show, January 12th, 2015. Photo: Ford Motor Company.
Normal Mode
When the 2017 Ford GT is in Normal mode, all the settings are oriented around everyday driving situations. Ground clearance is set at 120 millimeters, so you won’t gronk the front end as easily. Throttle and transmission calibrations are set for “standard driving,” while the traction and stability control systems are set specifically and cannot be adjusted. At 90 mph, the rear wing deploys automatically for greater downforce, returning to its stowed position at 81 mph.
The wing still deploys as an airbrake if the car’s sensors detect aggressive braking.
You can also choose a comfort suspension setting in both Normal and Wet modes. Going with the comfort setting softens the car’s ride on bumpy roads by fine-tuning compression and rebound without compromising overall control.
Wet Mode
Here the Ford GT’s ride height and other systems remain in their default, Normal setting, with the notable omission of throttle control calibration. In Wet mode, the throttle control is tweaked to limit slipping and sliding, giving the GT greater stability in potentially dangerous elements. In other words, you won’t be spinning the tires and slewing the car all over the place like a ham-fisted teenager.
Sport Mode
Sport mode (or as we like to call it, Automoblog mode) provides snappier throttle response. It’s calibrated so the GT’s twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine and anti-lag system are as responsive as a naturally aspirated mill. Developed on the Le Mans-winning Ford GT race car, the anti-lag system keeps the turbo spinning so you, the lucky GT driver, has boost on demand. In Sport mode you still get 120 millimeters of ground clearance, but everything else has been tweaked towards the upper right hand of the performance envelope.
Comfort? That’s gone from the available settings. But, and this is a big but, AdvanceTrac stability and traction control are now driver-adjustable so you technically get three additional settings. The GT will now give you more slip, yaw, and oversteer so you can push harder and slide the car around more (i.e. have more fun). Things get more aggressive in Sport mode; slight throttle changes result in faster acceleration, and gear changes fire off faster with clutch engagement happening very quickly for max acceleration.
Photo: Ford Motor Company.

Track Mode
After Sport mode, we come to Track mode. Ford says thusly: “Track mode is absolutely hardcore and optimized strictly for race conditions.” And they are not even close to joking. Put the transmission into “park” and turn the knob to activate hydraulics that drop ride height another 50 millimeters. Spring rates go up and damping goes to the firmest setting. The rear wing deploys and, at the nose, the aerodynamic openings close for all-out downforce.
All of this happens in under two seconds and, come on, will probably look and sound really cool!
V-Max Mode
And finally, we come to V-Max mode. V-Max is a term you usually find in the aerospace world and it means, reasonably enough, “Velocity Maximum,” or in a more colloquial form: “As fast as you can go before the whole shebang flies apart at the seams.”
Obviously, and this goes without saying, but I have to say it because there are a ridiculous number of knuckle-dragging Neanderthals out there: V-Max mode is only, only, ONLY for closed circuit track use. Don’t be a complete chimp and use it on the street. Okay?
V-Max mode tunes everything to make the Ford GT go as fast as possible. It’s Chuck Yeager time. Go punch a hole in the sky without leaving the ground. You can’t get into V-Max mode on the go, however. Like Track mode, going into V-Max requires the transmission be in park. Ride height stays the same as Track mode, but all aero elements are stowed to minimize drag.
Stability controls remain active to help ensure the car moves forward in a straight line and, without that rear wing up, you’re going to want as much stability as Mr. Newton can provide without Mr. Bernoulli’s assistance.
Photo: Ford Motor Company.

Launch Control
The Ford GT also includes an improved launch control system for optimum traction and the perfect start every time. Launch control is triggered via steering wheel controls in the instrument panel menu. Ford cautions how the launch control is “designed for track use,” so be a good boy or girl and only use it there. The launch control system can be used in all of the available driving modes, except for Wet.
When activated, a white “LC” shows up on the instrument cluster. From there, the driver holds down the brake with their left foot and mashes – okay “fully depresses” the gas – with their right foot. When the car is ready, the “LC” light turns from white to green, you lift your left foot off the brake, and BANG you’re down the straightaway, ricky-tick!
We, the long serving Automoblog staff, would like to offer our services to Ford to really wring out the new GT and get them some top notch feedback. We’ll take one in red, one in white, and one in blue. I’ll take the blue one. Ford reps, please contact our Managing Editor, Carl Anthony, at 1 Automoblog Tower for shipping info. In the meantime, the graphic below from Ford explains more about the individual driving modes.
Tony Borroz has spent his entire life racing antique and sports cars. He means well, even if he has a bias towards lighter, agile cars rather than big engine muscle cars or family sedans.
Photo: Ford Motor Company.
Photos & Source: Ford Motor Company.

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7 Wildly Awesome Jeep Concepts For The 2017 Easter Jeep Safari

7 Wildly Awesome Jeep Concepts For The 2017 Easter Jeep Safari

The Easter Jeep Safari in Moab, Utah is the cultural oasis of the off-road community. Each year, thousands of off-road enthusiasts descend upon Moab to tackle the trails, canvass the outdoors, and soak in the sights. To mark the 51st anniversary of the event, the Jeep and Mopar brands will showcase some of their most unique concepts.
“It’s truly a labor of love for the Jeep team to develop exciting, capable concept vehicles each year for Moab and the Easter Jeep Safari,” said Mike Manley, Head of Jeep Brand – FCA Global.
This year’s concept collection employs both production and prototype Jeep Performance Parts. Mopar develops and builds the individual parts, ensuring each one can stand up to the rigors and challenges of off-road use. Jeep owners often seek these parts and accessories out to increase the capability of their vehicle.
“These concept vehicles are a perfect example of how off-road enthusiasts can use Jeep Performance Parts to personalize and enhance the already outstanding Jeep capability, allowing them to face the toughest trails in the world,” said Pietro Gorlier, Head of Parts and Service (Mopar), FCA – Global.
The concepts this year range and vary quite nicely in terms of performance and technology. Some of them have really slick designs, others have powerful engines; a couple have stellar lighting setups. Here are the seven concepts appearing at the 2017 Easter Jeep Safari.
Jeep Grand One
The Jeep Grand One celebrates the 25th anniversary of the Grand Cherokee with a modernized take on the classic 1993 ZJ. The Grand One Concept features custom 18-inch lace-style wheels and high-clearance fender flares. The wheelbase is extended while subtle wood grain decorates the body. Inside, the original Grand Cherokee is alive and well, with ’90s-inspired materials and touches, including a classic car phone.
Just in case anybody calls while you are on the trials . . .
And covering the trails should be of little concern with the Jeep Grand One’s 33-inch BFGoodrich Mud-Terrain KM2 tires and 2-inch suspension lift. The front and rear axles are equipped with selectable locking differentials too. A 5.2-liter V8 engine, mated to a four-speed automatic transmission, provides the necessary power.
Jeep Safari
Jeep Safari Concept. Photo: FCA US LLC.
When hitting the trails, its always more fun with family and friends. The Jeep Safari Concept realizes this through a unique cabin design that gives rear passengers a commanding view. This Wranger-based machine is ultra modern too, with a translucent hard-top roof panel and two-level aluminum cargo rack with incorporated drone. A raked windshield, boatsided rocker panels, LED headlamps, and custom LED tail lamps and parking/turn lamps finish off the Safari Concept.
Notice the “windoors” with zipper openings? Those are crafted from lightweight aluminum and clear vinyl, and hinge like a cabinet during entry and exit. Inside, the two rear bucket seats are rotated outboard, making it easier for rear seat occupants to see out. The modern treatments continue with an instrument panel-mounted iPad.
Getting to any off-road destination is easy with front and rear Dana 44 axles equipped with selectable differential lockers. Overall body length was reduced to make the Safari more agile with its 2-inch lift. The concept vehicle includes 35-inch BFGoodrich Mud-Terrain KM2 tires on custom 18-inch wheels, full-length skid plates, steel front and rear bumpers, on-board air system, upgraded brakes, and a cold air intake.
The Jeep Safari is powered by a 3.6-liter Pentastar V6, paired to a five-speed automatic transmission.
Jeep Quicksand
Jeep Quicksand Concept. Photo: FCA US LLC.

Those who want to combine the likes of classic Mopar muscle with Jeep off-road capability will find themselves right at home with the Jeep Quicksand Concept. Perhaps the most noticeable element is the “peekaboo” cutout in the hood – underneath is a Mopar 392 Crate HEMI engine with eight-stack injection, mated to a six-speed Getrag manual transmission.
The downturned open headers add to that vintage hot rod feel.
Another Wrangler-based concept, the Jeep Quicksand features a longer wheelbase, with a trimmed front and rear body, and a chopped hard top and windshield. While flying down the trails, the top and windows provide that sense of “wind through your hair” freedom – or if not that, it’s a great way to hear the engine! What’s also unique is the staggered tire setup never done on any Jeep concept prior. The Quicksand features 32-inch BFGoodrich Mud-Terrain KM2 tires in the front and 37-inch BFGoodrich Mud-Terrain KM2 tires in the rear.
The interior is simple with red accents, two front low-back bucket seats, flat aluminum door panels, tilt-out windshield glass, and a chrome roll bar. Higher tech tools include a Warn winch in the front Moon tank and a recovery rope in the rear.
Jeep Trailpass
Jeep Trailpass Concept. Photo: FCA US LLC.
This little trail butterfly is based on the new Jeep Compass and features a 1.5-inch lift, 18-inch wheels, and Continental TerrainContact all-terrain tires. Other exterior features include Gloss Black side mirror caps, a custom hood graphic, side stripes, tinted headlamps and tail lamps, and a Mopar/Thule roof basket with roof bag and traction mats.
On the inside, Jeep Trailpass occupants are treated to custom Katzkin leather seats and armrests, body-color bezel accents, and all-weather floor mats. The powertrain consists of a 2.4-liter Tigershark engine and nine-speed automatic transmission.
Jeep Switchback
Jeep Switchback Concept. Photo: FCA US LLC.
The Jeep Switchback Concept hits the ground running with front and rear Dana 44 axles, a 4-inch lift with Remote Reservoir Fox shocks, heavy-duty cast differential covers, 10th Anniversary steel front and rear bumpers, Rubicon winch, and a cold air intake. The Switchback grips the trails with 17-inch concept wheels and 37-inch BFGoodrich Mud-Terrain KM2 tires.
The axle-back exhaust is a nice touch.
The exterior features are nicely crafted from the hood and half doors to the hard top and roof racks. Jeep Performance Parts on the exterior include high-top fender flares, Mopar black fuel door and tail lamp guards, swing gate hinge reinforcement, and oversized spare tire carrier. Those who hit the trails in the evening or during bad weather will appreciate the Switchback’s incredible lighting system. This Jeep is complete with a concept LED off-road windshield light bar, concept LED off-road A-pillar lamps, LED tail lamps, and LED headlamps and fog lamps.
The inside is trimmed with Katzkin leather seats, body-color bezel accents, concept sport bar grab handles, and Mopar all-weather mats. The floor is actually made from a spray-in bed liner material. The cargo area also has a storage rack stocked with first aid and roadside safety supplies.
The Jeep Switchback Concept is powered by the 3.6-liter Pentastar V6, mated to a five-speed automatic transmission.
Jeep Luminator
Jeep Luminator Concept. Photo: FCA US LLC.

This Wrangler-based Jeep concept has it all: off-road capability, high-tech features, and lots of lights. Hence the name, Jeep Luminator. The vehicle’s sophisticated lighting system was jointly developed with the Automotive Lighting division of Magneti Marelli. And they thought of everything needed to light up the trails in proper fashion: magnetic underbody rock lights, 7-inch LED projector bi-function headlamps, unique LED tail lamps, A-pillar-mounted LED spot lights, and upper bumper LED auxiliary lighting.
The fog lamps actually “corner” and are dictated by the steering angle.
The Jeep Luminator’s hood houses a scanning LED light bar module with active spot and dynamic following technology. This tool works as a spotlight to warn drivers of potential hazards while navigating the trials. The rear lighting setup is equally advanced. The center high-mount stop light, for example, acts as a scouting/trail lamp with four-color LEDs for trail rides: complete stop (red), 1-3 miles per hour (amber), 3-25 mph (green), or white when rear flood lighting is needed.
High-tech features include the roof-mounted solar panel, a drone landing pad with a lighted drone, and an interactive touchscreen display on the driver’s side rear window with GPS and internet capability.
Jeep CJ66
Jeep CJ66 Concept. Photo: FCA US LLC.

Think of this fireball as the Frankenstein of Jeeps. The Jeep CJ66 recipe calls for a Jeep Wrangler TJ frame and a 1966 Jeep Wrangler CJ universal Tuxedo Park body. Sprinkle in Wrangler JK elements and serve vigorously with a Mopar 345 Crate HEMI Engine Kit.
Like its Quicksand brethren, the CJ66 has plenty of muscle with its 383 horsepower 5.7-liter HEMI and six-speed manual transmission. A Mopar 345 Crate HEMI engine cover shelters the powerplant while a Mopar cold-air intake and cat-back exhaust increase overall performance.
Front and rear Mopar Dana 44 Crate axles, 35-inch BFGoodrich all-terrain tires, 17-inch beadlock wheels, and a 2-inch lift will make short work of any off-road obstacles. An advanced two-way air system lets drivers air tires up or down, depending on the desired pressure.
The color is called “Copper Canyon” and is accented by a matte black “CJ sixty six” stripe on the hood. Other exterior treatments include oversized fender flares, Mopar 10th Anniversary Wrangler JK Rubicon Bumper Kits, skid/front bumper plates, and rock rails. The CJ66 is also equipped with Mopar LED amber fog lamps and a Mopar Warn winch.
While it will attend the 2017 Easter Jeep Safari, this is not the first time the CJ66 has been in public. The concept Jeep actually made its debut at the 2016 SEMA Show in Las Vegas last November.
The Jeep CJ66 Concept features a custom-built roll cage and Dodge Viper style seats. Photo: FCA US LLC.
Jeep Mania
Do you have a favorite on this list? It’s hard to pick one, but we are kinda partial to the Luminator and CJ66. Maybe something on this list will make it into production after the 2017 Easter Jeep Safari? It’s hard to say, but Jeep is using the occasion to gain insight from the many off-road fans in attendance.
“We look forward to the reaction and feedback from enthusiasts and our most loyal customers as these new Jeep concepts are put through their paces on the trails in Moab,” Manley said.
If you are heading to the Easter Jeep Safari in Moab, make sure you take lots of pictures and tag us on Twitter – we definitely want to hear about your adventure. The 2017 Easter Jeep Safari begins on April 8th and runs through the 16th.
Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and resides in Detroit, Michigan.
Photos & Source: FCA US LLC.

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Nissan GT-R Track Edition: Godzilla Descends On NYC

Nissan GT-R Track Edition: Godzilla Descends On NYC

The Nissan GT-R. The ultimate Skyline. The preferred ride of Brian O’Conner. The Japanese Corvette. Godzilla. This is, to a lot of people, the definitive expression of Japanese automotive technology. The flagship for the entire country. And, apart from Acura’s NSX, it’s hard to argue with that.
The Nissan GT-R encapsulates a lot of the predilections of Japan’s auto industry and Japanese culture.
Standing Apart
It is very high tech. It does a lot with a little. It is amazingly reliable. It is very, very thought out and refined. It is, in strange ways, practical. It is styled and finessed like a Bonsai tree. The GT-R is about as Japanese as Kobe beef or an upset Hello Kitty with a Samurai sword. This, however, is not even that. This is not “just” a GT-R, this is the GT-R Track Edition, and it’s a whole new beasty.
The GT-R Track Edition is the third model in the GT-R lineup. The Track Edition slots between the “T” (touring) and “R” (racing) models. The GT-R Track Edition was conceived to deliver a higher level of performance than the GT-R Premium, but not be as bat guano crazy as the line’s flagship 600 horsepower GT-R NISMO. The GT-R Track Edition cranks out 565 horsepower, which is the same as the GT-R Premium.
Over 600 horsepower would have been fun, but oh well.
The Nissan GT-R’s front end retains the automaker’s signature “V-motion” grille, which enhances engine cooling versus the previous GT-R design. Furthermore, the reinforced hood provides additional stability during high speed driving. Photo: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
Performance DNA
The new GT-R Track Edition is set apart from its brethren by such performance-oriented features as the body’s additional adhesive bonding, which increases rigidity versus the GT-R Premium model. This is in addition to the normal spot welding, but sadly in place of fully seam welding the entire car. The suspension gets unique NISMO tuning that reduces weight and adds additional roll stiffness over the GT-R Premium. You also get NISMO-spec tires on the new GT-R Track Edition.
Speaking of the GT-R NISMO, the GT-R Track Edition gets the NISMO’s front fenders along with 20-inch NISMO forged aluminum-alloy wheels, and a special dry carbon-fiber rear spoiler. On the inside there’s a unique red and black color treatment with high-grip, Motorsports-inspired Recaro seats. “Motorsports-inspired?” Why not just throw in some real Motorsports-sourced Recaro seats?
All 2017 Nissan GT-Rs are built on an exclusive Premium Midship platform, which I’m guessing is Nissan-speak for a British “mid” engine; i.e. the engine sits behind the front axel line. This sort of set up allows Nissan to use a unique independent rear transaxle ATTESA E-TS all-wheel drive system. That places the transmission, transfer case, and final drive at the rear of the vehicle for better weight distribution for maximized handling.
Takumi Legend
The Nissan GT-R Track Edition’s power plant is a 565 horsepower, hand-assembled twin-turbo VR38DETT 3.8-liter V6 engine. All GT-R engines are hand-assembled in a special clean room by highly trained techs. They even give them a special Japanese name: Takumi. There’s an aluminum plate added to the front of each mill with the name of the Takumi, a nice touch. Torque is rated at 467 lb-ft., which is pretty good for an overhead cam six. The bad air goes out the back via a titanium exhaust system that’s standard, and probably very expensive.
The GT-R’s mill is mated to a paddle-shifted, sequential 6-speed dual clutch transmission, which, at the touch of a button, can be selected to shift at race car-like speeds. There’s also high performance differential oil standard in the diff case.
The aluminum plate at the front of each engine reveals the name of the Takumi engine craftsman. Photo: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.

Audible Attributes
There is a standard Bose audio sound system with Active Noise Cancellation and Active Sound Enhancement technologies to filter out unwanted noise, and retain excitement during spirited driving. Which does fit with the character of the car, but it is also, to my mind, rather sad. You want to know how to make an engine sound right? Make it sound right from the beginning. Don’t mess around with fancy tech gimmicks like speakers and active noise cancellation.
Build the engine right from the get-go. Work the intake and exhaust tracts. Tune that exhaust they way any decent racing car company would, and it will sound fantastic . . . you know, like Porsche and Ferrari and Alfa Romeo have been doing for decades.
And this points out what is the “failing” (if you could call it that) of the GT-R. It is a $29 answer that 25 cents could have fixed. Nissan, like Japan itself, loves to throw high tech at any given problem. Why solve a problem in three steps when you can solve it in 103? Why make a car go fast and handle right with a high horsepower, naturally aspirated engine and rear-wheel drive, when you can make a car go just as fast with a twin turbo plant, all-wheel drive, and more computing power than the space shuttle?
“The new GT-R Track Edition gives buyers a specialized model, one true to GT-R heritage and available only by special order,” said Michael Bunce, Vice President, Product Planning, Nissan North America, Inc. “Building on the major upgrade to every GT-R for 2017, the Track Edition is an amazing package inside, outside, and under the skin.” Photo: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
Waxing Poetics
But let’s get down to brass tacks here. The starting MSRP for a GT-R Track Edition is $127,990. And that is more than a loaded Corvette ZO6. And yes, you can say a Corvette is a blunt tool and the GT-R Track Edition is a precision instrument. You can say the GT-R Track Edition is a flint-knapped scalpel and the Corvette ZO6 is a meat axe in comparison. And you’d be right. But you’d also be right to say a Corvette ZO6 would chew up a GT-R and spit out the pieces.
But hey, it’s your money, and if you’re a fan of all things Japan, and really got a Jones for a GT-R Track Edition, please, be my guest and buy one of the things. I know you’ll enjoy it, and in many ways they are very hard to argue with. You best get in line, however. The GT-R Track Edition is by order only and will be available later this summer. The vehicle officially debuts at the New York International Auto Show, April 14th through the 23rd, at the Jacob Javits Convention Center.
Tony Borroz has spent his entire life racing antique and sports cars. He means well, even if he has a bias towards lighter, agile cars rather than big engine muscle cars or family sedans.
2017 Nissan GT-R Track Edition Gallery

Photos & Source: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.

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2018 Toyota Camry Hits The Scene

2018 Toyota Camry Hits The Scene

I’m not sure if Toyota is trying to be funny here, but it seems like they are. They literally write the words: “All-New 2018 Toyota Camry Gains Emotionally-Charged Design and Performance Experience” in their press release for the car.
Has no one told them the Camry is the automotive equivalent of imitation mayonnaise? It’s not even real mayonnaise, it’s fugazi mayonnaise. It aspires to be this bland white stuff suburbanites slather onto Wonder bread. “Emotionally-Charged Design and Performance Experience?”
It’s as emotionally charged as a Perry Como concert and they expect me to believe it’s like an Iggy and The Stooges show in Detroit circa 1971? Are they mental?
Sensible Choices
Yeah, yeah, near as I can tell, they’re on the verge of going boi-oi-oing here. Look, don’t get me wrong. The Toyota Camry is good, solid, practical transportation. It’s what your great aunt Winifred ends up buying, not The Little Old Lady From Pasadena. It’s the automotive parallel of a no-salt saltine. A Toyota Camry is not a bright red, shiny, super-stock Dodge that will detach your retinas upon letting go of the clutch. Quite the contrary, the Camry is sense and sensibility. It’s muted beige paint in a world of ecru gone wild.
It is also not a bad choice if you want a good, reliable car that gets you from A to B in comfort and safety with solid efficiency. If you don’t really care about cars all that much, the Toyota Camry is the car for you.
Architectural Design
The new Camry utilizes what Toyota refers to as TNGA, or Toyota New Global Architecture. Essentially TNGA is the new platform that everything Toyota will be based off of. It’s the way Toyota will design, engineer, and package its vehicles going forward.
Toyota extended the Camry’s wheelbase by two inches, which made it easier aesthetically to drop the roof and hood height. This also lowered the center of gravity and created a wider, more planted vehicle. From here, packaging benefits continue to flow. The driver’s seating position is lower and near the center of the car, for example. The steering column can be adjusted over a wider range, and the hood, cowl, and dashboard height have all been dropped for better outward visibility. Visibility is also aided by the reworked A-pillar and side mirror placement.
When it came to design, there were three primary goals: a distinctive, low center of gravity for a firm, wide stance; a practical-yet-emotionally styled cabin profile, and a sporty and upscale look both inside and out. Photo: Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.

Driving Dynamics
Chassis-wise, things have gotten stiffer for the Camry, which is always a good thing: Make the body stiffer and, therefore, let the suspension do its thing better. The new Camry has increased the use of ultra-high-tensile steel and has implemented a new molding technology to deliver this enhanced structural rigidity. There’s a new double wishbone rear suspension system out back for responsive handling, well-defined steering, and great ride quality. They’ve even reworked the engine mounts with a new, four-point mounting system for better road manners and to reduce unwanted noise, vibration, and harshness in the passenger compartment.
That said, kudos to Toyota for at least thinking about bringing driving dynamics to the forefront of the new Camry. Toyota wants the new Camry to “highly impress” the driver with its handling capability and composure. Does it? Dunno. Car’s not out yet, but here’s the deal Toyota: Grab a new one off the line and deliver it to 1 Automoblog Tower in Detroit, and we’ll run the bejeebers out of it on the tracks and AutoX’s and late night runs into Ontario, and well let you know if we’re “highly impressed” with its handling capability and composure.
Toyota says customers will “notice the dramatic improvements within the first few seconds of driving” the 2018 Camry.
“In order to create something that stirs people’s soul, we’ve laid out the concept of a new sedan that provides fun and excitement behind the wheel,” said Masato Katsumata, Chief Engineer, 2018 Toyota Camry. “In developing the next-generation Toyota Camry, we were able to start with a clean slate, which allowed us to create a true driver’s car.” Photo: Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.
Power & Performance
Motivational power comes from your choice of three engines: either a new 3.5-liter V6, an all-new 2.5-liter inline-4 gasoline engine, which comes mated to a new 8-speed automatic transmission, or a next-generation Toyota Hybrid System.
The (hysterically named) 2.5-liter 4-cylinder “Dynamic Force Engine” focuses on higher torque, higher power, and lower fuel consumption. Toyota has reworked the combustion chamber for higher tumble air flow, which results in faster and cleaner burning of the air/fuel mixture. With the focus on torque, it’s unsurprising that the engine is a long-stroke and high compression ratio layout that also features multi-hole direct fuel injectors, a variable cooling system, and an improved Variable Valve-Timing layout.
Toyota says the Dynamic Force Engine (snicker) is 40 percent more thermally efficient, which makes it one of the best in the world in this segment.
The Toyota Camry is sold in more than 100 countries and is the most popular mid-size sedan in the world. Introduced in Japan in 1982, the Camry was Toyota’s first mass-produced vehicle with a transverse engine design. It continues to be affordable and reliable and thus, distinguishes itself from other sedans accordingly. It is arguably a benchmark in its segment and a pioneer in its own right. Photo: Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.

Interior Treatments & Tech
There’s a whole slew of other stuff sprinkled onto and into the new Camry like so many Chocolate Jimmies on a sundae. There’s Toyota Safety Sense-P suite of safety features, there’s 10 standard airbags, Toyota’s Star Safety System, there’s enhanced Vehicle Stability Control, Traction Control, Electronic Brake-force Distribution, Brake Assist, an Anti-lock Braking System, Smart Stop Technology, and even a standard backup camera.
The front seats have improved ergonomics and the rear seats are more refined. There’s Toyota’s latest Human Machine Interface (which I thought was a Kraftwerk album), a 10-inch color Heads-Up Display (HUD), a seven-inch multi-information display within the instrument cluster, an eight-inch audio/navigation display, and an HVAC control panel all of which say six things: Money, money, money and tech, tech, tech.
There’s enough multimedia toys to make you feel like you’re in a rolling version of Nam Jun Pak’s garage sale. A Toyota Entune 3.0 multimedia system with navigation, App Suite Connect, Connected Navigation Scout GPS Link with Moving Maps, or Dynamic Navigation system (in the V6 models), wireless map updates, available Remote Connect, Service Connect, available WiFi Connect, and even a JBL premium audio system with enough speakers and amps to render you as deaf as Felix Pappalardi.
Look, I fully understand not everyone wants a new Ferrari 812 Superfast or an AMG wagon with enough power to blast a six pack into lunar orbit. Those cars are for crazy people people like me. You might be sensible type and not suicidal. You want good, solid, reliable, and efficient transportation. You want a Camry and this one promises to be the best yet.
The 2018 Toyota Camry will be available in four grades: LE, XLE, SE, and XSE.
Tony Borroz has spent his entire life racing antique and sports cars. He means well, even if he has a bias towards lighter, agile cars rather than big engine muscle cars or family sedans.
2018 Toyota Camry Gallery

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

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