Automotive

Ford Police Responder Hybrid Sedan: Pursuit-Rated, Fuel Efficient

Ford Police Responder Hybrid Sedan: Pursuit-Rated, Fuel Efficient

Attention gearheads! Pictured here is Ford’s new hybrid police cruiser. It’s also pursuit-rated. If you are a gearhead of the big right foot variety, be on the lookout for this car. Maintain situational awareness at all times and know your enemy.
In all seriousness, it’s actually no big deal for lead-footed gearheads out there. So Ford made a hybrid cop car. Functionally, it means nothing to getting a ticket. It still looks like a cop car and, as far as I’m concerned, if you can’t spot a cop in time to slow down, you should get a ticket anyway. Pay attention, dingus!
Hot Pursuit
What is cool, however, is that Ford is very serious about its hybrid technology; serious enough to deploy it across a broad spectrum of uses. Ford is dropping $4.5 billion and rolling out 13 new electric vehicles world-wide over the next five years, including an F-150 and Mustang hybrid, Transit Custom plug-in hybrid, and a supposed “self- driving hybrid.” An all electric small SUV with a projected range of at least 300 miles is also planned. Finally, we have the industry’s first pursuit-rated hybrid police car, the all-new Police Responder Hybrid Sedan.
They continually hit on that “pursuit-rated” bit. Pursuit cop cars are different from your run of the mill cruisers and prowlers. Cruisers and prowlers are what you see tooling around your city and can, in a pinch, be counted upon to chase after bad guys for a mile or two. Pursuit cop cars, on the other hand, are designed from the get-go to chase after and maintain contact with a suspect vehicle at high speeds for extended distances. State Patrol cars are almost always pursuit-rated. They are the hot rods of the cop car motor pool, featuring such goodies as uprated shocks, struts, sway-bars, and brakes as well as beefed up transmissions and differentials, along with heavy duty oil and transmission coolers. Pursuit cop cars are built to go flat out from Butte to Billings and back without breaking a sweat.
The Ford Police Responder Hybrid Sedan was certified by police agencies to operate for longer periods at varying rates of speed. Similarly, it was certified to handle obstacles like curbs and flooded intersections. Photo: Ford Motor Company.
Double Duty
FoMoCo rolled out the all-new Police Responder Hybrid Sedan in Los Angeles and New York recently. An admittedly odd choice for a hot rod, but it plays to the other; some would say the real strength of the Police Responder Hybrid Sedan: it gets great gas mileage. Cop cars are usually big fat sedans to begin with. On top of that, you need a back seat large enough to stuff perps into, plus you need a trunk for all your ancillary gear, plus a front seat with room for all the radios, cameras, computers, SCMODS links, that big, bad, vertically mounted pump-action shotgun and two coffee swilling, doughnut absorbing peace officers sworn to serve and protect.
Or to be more succinct, cop cars are already heavy and inefficient to begin with.
The Police Responder Hybrid Sedan will help cities lower emissions and offer potential fuel savings, both while driving and idling. A city’s fleet can drink fuel like it were free, so the cost savings could be very great indeed, and cutting down on the emissions from all those cop cars, idling or otherwise, could be just the cherry on top. Ford says their patented hybrid technology is forecasted to deliver a combined figure of 38 miles per gallon, which is more than double that of today’s Police Interceptor. It could mean a police force’s fuel budget/savings just effectively got doubled.
“Our mission to create safe and healthy communities in Los Angeles is achieved through sustainable approaches in community policing, and that includes embracing new technologies,” said Charlie Beck, Los Angeles Police Department Chief. “Patrol vehicles are a police officer’s office, and we expect them to not only be economically and environmentally efficient, but also an effective tool for fighting crime in major metropolitan areas.” Photo: Ford Motor Company.
Performance Tech
While the Police Responder Hybrid Sedan is idling, its lithium-ion battery helps power the high electrical loads of a police vehicle, reducing engine run time and saving an estimated 0.27 gallons of fuel per hour. Cities that buy Police Responder Hybrid Sedans could see nearly $3,900 a year in fuel savings per vehicle relative to the (possibly outgoing) Police Interceptor. Ford also provides an online fuel calculator that allows customers to determine how much they may potentially save. Handy, no?
The Police Responder Hybrid Sedan uses one of those weird but cool Atkinson-cycle, 2.0-liter engines, mated to an electric motor fed by the lithium-ion battery pack. The hybrid system itself is tuned for law enforcement’s unique duty cycle and can run in battery-only mode up to 60 mph. Ford makes no mention of what the 0 to 60 times are, but using just electrics alone, this thing could detonate to that speed very promptly. Ford does say the Police Responder Hybrid Sedan automatically switches to maximum performance with the engine and battery working at peak acceleration levels when needed.
The Police Responder Hybrid Sedan can be ordered this spring and will be delivered to police departments nationwide next summer. Keep your eyes peeled!
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.

Photos & Source: Ford Motor Company.

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Jaguar teases new XF Sportbrake in Wimbledon, but we probably won't get it w/ video

Jaguar teases new XF Sportbrake in Wimbledon, but we probably won't get it w/ video Jaguar teases the latest long-roof variant of the latest XF sedan. Like many other long-roofs, don’t expect this one to come stateside.
What’s going on?
Europe has a habit of producing sweet wagon versions of cars we already like stateside. Here’s another example: the latest XF Sportbrake. The Jaguar XF received an overhaul not too long ago. So it makes sense the long-roof variant, the Sportbrake, was to spawn from the latest and greatest XF. And it was just teased at Wimbledon.
Like previous XF Sportbrake estates, this one will likely be off-limits to US shores due to low demand. Let’s also not forget, Jaguar already sells the F-Pace crossover, which doesn’t justify spending the resources to ship XF Sportbrakes here.
Either way, we’re still going to drool because we enthusiasts like hot wagons, because nobody else really does.
What’s known about the new XF Sportbrake?
Not many official details were spared. But it will obviously share a lot in common with the latest XF. This means the usual selection of Ingenium gas and diesel engines already offered on the XF sedan.
From the one teaser released, the new XF Sportbrake comes with a huge panoramic roof that takes up most of the top structure. Then, the rest is pretty self explanatory. Being a modern Jaguar, we already know it’s going to look great.
– By: Chris Chin

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The 2017 Honda Civic Type R sets Nürburgring Nordschleife lap record for fastest front-wheel drive...

The 2017 Honda Civic Type R sets Nürburgring Nordschleife lap record for fastest front-wheel drive... Honda continues to prove they know what they’re doing with front-wheel drive.
What’s going on?
Honda is no stranger to the game of front-wheel drive. While many detest the configuration, it still works very well in its own respective ways. And Honda’s one of the few brands to prove that front-wheel drive cars can perform just as well as some of their rear-wheel or all-wheel-drive counterparts. The latest example: the hot new 2017 Honda Civic Type R.
It just took the title as the world’s fastest front-wheel-drive production car to lap the Nürburgring Nordschleife. A fitting record to sit next to other Honda greats, like the original Integra Type R.
How fast did the Civic Type R lap the Nürburgring Nordschleife?
It did the 12.9-mile Green Hell in just 7 minutes and 43.80 seconds, on April 3, 2017. It was almost three seconds faster than the Civic Type R before it.
This was partially due to the latest Civic Type R’s all-new and potent 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder with 306 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. It’s then complimented by a very aggressive, but functional aerodynamic body kit, sport-tuned front control arm and rear-multilink suspension, a six-speed manual transmission as standard, and a limited-slip differential.
Honda admits the lap vehicle was a pre-production prototype, but insist that it represents a production-ready car.
When the 2018 Honda Civic Type R hits US dealers, it will be America’s first Honda Type R model, and the first US-bound Type R model since the original Acura Integra Type R.
Production commenced for the Civic Type R in Swindon, England.
– By: Chris Chin
2018 Honda Civic Type R Nürburgring Nordschleife Lap Record Gallery

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Honda Building Advanced Wind Tunnel Facility In Ohio

Honda Building Advanced Wind Tunnel Facility In Ohio

Expect Honda’s future vehicles to be more fuel efficient and fun to drive – that’s the directive behind their latest $124 million investment for a multifunctional aeroacoustic wind tunnel. Groundbreaking is set for this summer at the world renowned Transportation Research Center (TRC), in East Liberty, Ohio.
“This new facility will further enhance our ability to efficiently create products of the highest quality for our customers,” said Frank Paluch, President of Honda R&D Americas, Inc.
Construction & Configuration
A five-belt rolling road system for production vehicle development will compliment a second, single/wide belt system for testing high-performance and purpose-built race cars. The acoustics are a strategic system of microphones and cameras, set up to measure and identify potential noise issues on both the exterior and interior of a vehicle during development.
Wind speeds of nearly 200 mph can be created in the tunnel.
“It will be integral to our aerodynamic and aeroacoustic R&D activity, which spans from advanced research and computer simulation, through scale-model and full vehicle development, to production vehicle performance assurance,” Paluch said.
2017 Honda Civic Hatchback. Photo: Honda North America.
Ohio Proud
Honda’s relationship with Ohio began in 1979 in Marysville with motorcycle production. Subsequently, Honda became the first Japanese automaker to establish automobile production in the United States at its nearby Marysville Auto Plant. An engine plant in Anna, Ohio and a second plant in East Liberty soon followed. A third facility, the Performance Manufacturing Center (Marysville) started the exclusive global production of the 2017 Acura NSX last year. Near the Ohio plants is Honda R&D Americas, the automaker’s largest R&D operating base outside Japan.
Since 1982, Honda has manufactured over 17 million automobiles in Ohio. Today, they operate 13 entities in the state.
Honda purchased TRC from the State of Ohio in January 1988. Specializing in research and vehicle testing, TRC sits on 4,500 acres about 40 miles outside Columbus, Ohio. TRC can and does operate around the clock, conducting brake, crash, durability, fuel economy, emissions, handling, and performance testing for multiple customers. Honda’s new aeroacoustic wind tunnel is expected to enhance TRC’s capability.
“This innovative and industry leading asset provides us with another distinct reason for our customers to take advantage of the world-class testing facilities we have in Ohio at TRC,” said Mark-Tami Hotta, President and CEO, TRC.
Paluch underscored Honda’s continued growth in Ohio.
“All of this is being done right here in the U.S.,” he said.
Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and resides in Detroit, Michigan.
Photos & Source: Honda North America.

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2018 Audi Q5: An SUV With Advanced Tech, Great Gas Mileage

2018 Audi Q5: An SUV With Advanced Tech, Great Gas Mileage

SUVs are, and rightly so, thought of as being rather more than a given person needs most of the time, and are, at best, not the most fuel efficient vehicles on the planet. Yes, this is all by and large true, but comparatively speaking, the new for 2018 Audi Q5 is actually pretty good on gas. Sure, it’s no Prius, but in comparison to its competition, it actually gets good mileage.
We’ll get to how Audi does this in a bit, but before we do, look at where they fall with regard to the competition.
Fuel Economy Focused
The 2018 Audi Q5 gets 23 in the city, 27 on the highway, and 25 combined. Like I said, not sterling numbers, but not bad for something the size and weight of a mine sweeper. Look at the next best mid-sized SUV, the 2017 Lexus NX 200t AWD. The Lexus clocks in at 22 city, 28 highway, and 24 combined. That’s the next best, the silver medal, if you like. Want to know how bad it can get? Say hello to the 2017 Infiniti QX50 AWD. This tank returns 17 in the city, 24 on the highway, and a near-abysmal 20 combined.
Audi’s point is simply this: not all SUVs are gas swilling swine without capability for self-moderation. Audi gets its Q5 to return these (pretty good) numbers via the magical application of engineering, duh.
Literally Ultra
The Q5 achieves these fuel economy ratings (a +3 mpg improvement over its predecessor by the way) by using the new generation of quattro all-wheel drive, now with ultra technology. No, seriously. That’s how Audi says it. “Now with ultra technology” with the little Circle-R thingo and everything. It sounds like they’re selling laundry soap for starters, and I hate those Circle-R thingos, so I’ll simply refer to it as “ultra technology” from here on out but you can just imagine the rest.
Audi says the new quattro drive system with ultra technology is the most “radical evolution of quattro” since its introduction in the early 1980s. This all-conquering technology is what makes up the literally fearsome Quattro Coupe. Yes, I mean “literally fearsome.” Even with 500+ horsepower being delivered to the “pavement” through all four corners, the rally versions of the Quattro Coupe could snap on you like an inland taipan in a bad mood on the best of days.
Photo: Audi of America, Inc.
Pins, Levers & Springs
Audi’s ultra technology uses an electronically controlled multi-plate clutch, along with a decoupling differential at the rear axle to accomplish fully variable torque distribution. This allows the Q5’s all-wheel drive system to precisely adapt the torque application as the driver demands or the road conditions require.
And by “demand” and “require,” Audi means “like right now, Jack!” Unlike other on-demand all-wheel drive systems that can be very slow to engage, quattro ultra technology works electromechanically, and can be fully employed in under 250 milliseconds. There’s a whole slew of pins, levers, springs, and such that engage and disengage the unique, front-multi plate clutch to split the grunt between the front and rear as required. A clutch at the rear connects and disconnects the prop shaft and rear differential for maximum efficiency, which is also cool, thoughtful, and probably very expensive to fix when it breaks.
Photo: Audi of America, Inc.

Sensors, Engines & Tech
The quattro ultra technology has sensors to monitor numerous situations, such as wheel slip, cornering speed, and engine torque. All of this sensor data is crunched by a computer running simulations every 10 milliseconds and estimating what traction will be like 500 milliseconds into the future. So, when the ultra system anticipates that torque will exceed available traction, it engages in half the time before it is even needed, with no perceptible difference from a traditional all-wheel drive system.
Pretty keen, huh?
The 2018 Audi Q5 features a new 2.0-liter TFSI four-cylinder engine, mated to a seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch automatic transmission. This mill puts out 252 horsepower and 273 lb-ft. of torque, allowing the Q5 to dash from 0 to 60 in 5.9 seconds, 1.1 seconds faster than its predecessor.
There’s a bunch of other techno-glop lathered onto the Q5 with a number of standard driver assistance geegaws. You get Audi pre sense basic and city, as well as infotainment (loathsome word) features that include the Audi virtual cockpit to help make the driving experience more pleasant. In short, the Audi Q5 turns out to be a stylish, efficient option in the SUV game – the video below explains more.
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.

Photos, Videos & Source: Audi of America, Inc.

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Toyota reveals new Prius One, making it the cheapest standard Prius available

Toyota reveals new Prius One, making it the cheapest standard Prius available Toyota originally started the latest Prius with the “Two” trim. Now, a “One” trim starts the lineup.

What’s going on?
It seems the hybrid wars are getting a bit of a boost. The once stalwart of the hybrid world, the Toyota Prius, has since seen competition from Hyundai with the Ioniq Hybird and the Kia Niro. To try and maintain its edge, Toyota just introduced a new entry-level variant to the standard Prius. It’s called the Prius “One,” and it rids any confusion as to why the Prius trim levels started at “Two.”
Click here for more news on the Toyota Prius.
Nonetheless, for those with OCD, it’s ok, you can relax now.
What’s new about the Prius “One?”
For one thing…no pun intended…the Prius One is the cheapest standard five-door Prius available. The Prius Two still starts at around $25,570. But now, buyers have another option to save some monies with the Prius One, which starts at $24,360. That makes out to be $1,210 in savings.
So what disappears as a result of the reduction in price? You get a Prius with no spare tire, rear windscreen wiper, or seatback pockets. Talk about a total loss…./sarcasm.
But value remains to be a hallmark for the Priu as Toyota’s Safety Sense P suite is still standard. That includes adaptive cruise control, pre-collision warning and assist, lane departure warning with lane-keeping assist, and automatic high-beams. That’s quite the standard list of technology for a basic fuel-saving Prius.
If this entices you, they’re now available at your local dealer.
– By: Chris Chin
2017 Toyota Prius Gallery

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2017 Shanghai Preview: The BMW M4 CS is a successor to previous M3 Competition Sport models

2017 Shanghai Preview: The BMW M4 CS is a successor to previous M3 Competition Sport models Meet the first-ever BMW M4 CS, a harder, more performance oriented variant to the standard M4.

What’s going on?
BMW revealed an all-new M4 CS at the 2017 Shanghai Auto Show, a harder-edged M4 coupe that’s more biased to performance than comfort.
Munich claims the M4 CS is a first, but in concept, it is not. The M4 CS is only a first-ever because of the M4 badge. The idea of an M3 coupe–in this case, the M4–in a “Competition Sport” variant, is as old as the M3 is itself.
So, what’s new about the M4 CS?
Like previous M3 Competition Package cars, the BMW M4 Competition features =more aggressive tuning in various aspects of the car. However, it’s not as hardcore as the M4 GTS.
The body gains a sportier body kit for improved aerodynamic stability and cooling. The brakes get upgraded with fade-resistant M Compound pads, assisted by four-piston calibers up front and two-piston clamps at the back.
For instance, the M4 CS receives a lot of performance tuning for the DSC, ABS, Adaptive M Suspension, Active M Differential, and the M Servotronic steering and M DCT seven-speed dual-clutch automatic. The 3.0L TwinPower twin-turbocharged inline-six receives some tweaks to coax out an additional 29 horsepower, ringing the total to 454hp. The transmission is fitted with an additional, separate oil cooler.
When all is said and done, BMW claims a 0-60 time of just 3.8 seconds and a Nürburgring Nordschleife lap of only 7 minutes 38 seconds.
The suspension benefits from revised forged aluminum to keep things light. The Adaptive M suspension also had its geometry slightly redesigned to optimize performance for both track and road use. And helping to keep things grippy are tandard Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires, measuring at 265/35 R 19 at the front and 285/30 R 20 at the back.
Ok, enough chatting. When can I buy one?
BMW confirmed the M4 CS will come to the United States by 2018. Pricing details should surface closer to then.
– By: Chris Chin
2017 Auto Shanghai – 2018 BMW M4 CS Gallery

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Inside The Brembo Brakes On The Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk & Dodge Challenger SRT Demon

Inside The Brembo Brakes On The Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk & Dodge Challenger SRT Demon

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles’ horsepower binge was felt dramatically during the recent reveals of the 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk and Dodge Challenger SRT Demon at the New York International Auto Show. Both vehicles boast 707 and 840 horsepower respectively. To keep that balanced, FCA has turned to Brembo SpA.
“Brembo is pleased to carry its relationship forward with FCA US on the next generation of performance vehicles with the new Grand Cherokee Trackhawk and the Dodge Challenger SRT Demon,” said Dan Sandberg, President & CEO, Brembo North America.
Trackhawk Brakes
The calipers for the 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk are newly engineered and more responsive, with high-strength aluminum components to reduce weight and dissipate heat. The aluminum composition of the fixed calipers allow a 30 percent weight reduction. The complete system consists of front aluminum 6-piston monoblock calipers and 4-piston rear calipers. The front Brembo discs are large two-piece units (400 x 36mm), complimented by one-piece units in the rear (350 x 28mm).
“The Grand Cherokee Trackhawk brake package is specifically designed to slow the 707 horsepower SUV while providing excellent pedal feel,” Sandberg said. “The caliper is the largest on a production vehicle in North America and looks as strong as it stops behind the Trackhawk’s 20-inch wheel.”
The brake pads are entirely free from copper, a first for a domestic vehicle. Further benefits come in terms of residual torque for lower emissions and fuel consumption; Brembo’s system adheres to California’s strict regulations.

2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk front brakes. The front disc is slotted for proper ventilation and cooling; Brembo also increased the pad area by 20 percent. Photo: Brembo SpA.
Challenger SRT Demon Brakes
The unveiling of the 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon put the competition on notice. Dodge’s epitome of American muscle is currently the world’s fastest 0 to 60 production car, and officially banned by the National Hot Rod Association at the drag strip. Naturally, Brembo designed the brakes accordingly.
“On the Challenger SRT Demon, Brembo is able to brake the 840 horsepower muscle car from Dodge with maximum balance,” Sandberg said.
The Brembo setup on the Challenger SRT Demon includes front aluminum 4-piston monoblock calipers and two-piece rear calipers. The front discs are two-piece units (360 x 32mm), accompanied by one-piece units in the rear (350 x 28mm). While the Challenger SRT Demon’s brakes are engineered for optimum cooling and maximum performance, aesthetics were still considered.
“Our brakes help to accentuate the fiery performance look of the Challenger SRT Demon,” Sandberg said. “We offer great looking all-aluminum red calipers behind the five spoke wheels.”
2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon Front Brakes. Photo: Brembo SpA.

Innovative Growth
Brembo has more than 300 championships in racing and that experience from the track carries over to the street. They supply high performance braking components for prominent manufacturers of cars, commercial vehicles, and motorbikes worldwide. These braking systems, which have performance benefits on the track, translate to safety benefits for the everyday driver. A responsive braking system is worth its weight in gold, especially on a performance-oriented vehicle.
Brembo operates in 15 countries on 3 continents, with 24 production and business sites, and a pool of about 8,000 employees, 10 percent of whom are engineers and product specialists active in research and development. Their Homer, Michigan location includes a foundry and facilities specific to rotor, caliper, and corner production. In 2016, car applications provided the most growth for Brembo, closing the year with a 12.3 percent increase compared to 2015. With vehicles like the Trackhawk and Demon hitting the market, it’s plausible that upward trend for Brembo will continue.
“All of our sectors of operation, from cars to motorbikes, from racing to aftermarket, have contributed to Brembo’s growth on both its reference markets and emerging markets, thanks to a well diversified, constantly evolving product portfolio,” said Matteo Tiraboschi, Executive Deputy Chairman, Brembo SpA.
Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and resides in Detroit, Michigan.
Photo: FCA US LLC.
Photos & Sources: Brembo SpA, FCA US LLC.

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2018 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet: The Comfortable Convertible

2018 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet: The Comfortable Convertible

The 2018 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet (that’s a convertible for those of you yokels out there) has always been a bit of a rare bird. Unlike most drop tops that are two-seaters, or two-seaters with a notional back seat (like Mustang or Camaro), the E-Class Cabriolet is a full on four-seater. Although it only has two doors, the back seat can actually accommodate two adults comfortably.
The E-Class Cabriolet debuted recently at the New York International Auto Show, just in time for spring, which means top-down convertible driving weather.
Fine Fabrics
The all-fabric cloth-top is a huge expanse of fabric, seemingly sourced from an America’s Cup yacht when viewed from a distance. Up close, however, you can see this is some very fine material indeed. Buyers of the new E-Class Cabriolet get their choice of four colors for the top: dark brown, dark blue, red, or black. The top is fully automatic, of course, because there’s no way Mercedes-Benz would expect you to do the work on your own. The top has so many square feet that wrestling the thing up and down, if it were a manual, would resemble a scene from The Three Stooges.
Functional Fabrics
Mercedes-Benz calls it an “acoustic soft top” because it features sophisticated insulation that reduces wind and road noise when the top is raised. A side benefit is how the soft-top is robust enough in terms of heat loss, meaning climate control and passenger comfort are not a problem so the Cabriolet is suitable for year-round use. Mercedes-Benz points out that up or down, the trunk is still usable. They say there’s enough space to store luggage for a weekend getaway, and the 50:50 folding rear seats provide a pass-through loading area for hauling longer stuff.
Compared to the previous version, the new E-Class Cabriolet has a longer wheelbase and a wider track. This larger footprint benefits rear seat passengers in particular. The rear seats are not a bench affair, but like the front seats are “sportily sculpted” for “individual-seat character.” Yeah, seriously, they said “sportily sculpted.” Oh, and the front seats have those automatic belt presenters that Mercedes-Benz has used for decades now, so you don’t have to contort yourself to reach the seatbelts.
2018 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet (European model shown). Photo: Mercedes-Benz USA.

Air In There
Now, about that option of top down driving even on colder days. Look, as a long time convertible owner, I am a big proponent of this in general. It’s a really nice feeling to take a little two-seater out for an early morning drive on a crisp fall day . . . but this is not a little two-seater. No, the E-Class Cabriolet is somewhere between taxi and tank sized from my perspective, not to mention that keeping back seat passengers from ending up like Creamsicles is a concern.
Mercedes-Benz, ever the thorough German engineering company, has sought to alleviate this.
First is this thingo called AIRSCARF, which is a neck-level heating system. Mercedes-Benz says it makes top-down driving enjoyable even at low temperatures by circulating warm air around the neck area in cooler weather. Actually it’s just a heater vent in the upper seat-back/headrest area to blast warm air onto your neck. People say it works quite well, although I would have to say it is not nearly as jaunty as my preferred method of a warm jacket, scarf, and appropriate hat, but that’s just me.
The AIRCAP system is an electric wind deflector unobtrusively incorporated into the roof frame and an electric wind blocker behind the rear seats. The driver hits a button, and the AIRCAP system deploys to reduce interior turbulence for the passengers.
Magic Words
There are also a number of additional features aimed at making the E-Class Cabriolet work in all seasons and weather conditions. The leather is something Mercedes-Benz dubs “heat-reflecting leather” to keep you cooler in direct sunlight. There’s this tech gizmo called (in all caps too) MAGIC VISION CONTROL. No, seriously, they call it MAGIC VISION CONTROL, and unlike what I first thought, it is not something that came free with every Grateful Dead concert ticket, circa 1973. No indeed, the MAGIC VISION CONTROL is an “intelligent and highly efficient wash/wipe system for the windscreen.” Essentially, when the outside temperature falls below a certain number of degrees, the windshield wiper/washer bits are heated to prevent snow or ice from sticking in winter.
That’s nice.
Lineup & Availability
The 2018 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet joins a pretty wide range of convertibles already in the lineup, including the smart fortwo cabriolet, smart electric drive cabriolet, C-Class Cabriolet, S-Class Cabriolet, SLC, SL, and AMG GT Roadsters. There is also the ultra-exclusive, full-boat, luxo-battle-cruiser, Mercedes-Maybach S650 Cabriolet. The 2018 E-Class Cabriolet will go on sale in the United States later this year.
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 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet (European model shown). Photo: Mercedes-Benz USA.
Photos & Source: Mercedes-Benz USA

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