Automotive

The New Mercedes-Benz G-Class Versus The Schöckl

The New Mercedes-Benz G-Class Versus The Schöckl I know what you’re thinking: “Oh great, the Mercedes-Benz G-Class. Another SUV for the Carmela Sopranos of this world.” And nine out of ten times you’d be right to think that, given most SUVs are as likely to see a logging road as a rabbi will a Bacon-Egg-Croissanwich. In this case, however, you would be wrong. The Mercedes-Benz G-Class, which is a civilian version of a literal troop carrier, is built from the get-go to travel off-road and soak up the abuse like a sponge.
I Am Legend
Mercedes-Benz has their own off-road test track with the delightfully Teutonic name of the Schöckl, inspired by the actual mountain. As a matter of fact, their latest press release is even titled: “The legend on the Schöckl” and it starts out very ominously: “Every G-Class has to conquer the Schöckl.” The only thing that could make this more Wagnerian is if there were Nordic women in brass breast plates screeching about the imminent Götterdämmerung while handing you a beer in a mug the size of a Crock-Pot.
Oh, and while I’m at it, now’s as good a time as any to announce that Schöckl is the name of Automoblog’s in-house heavy metal band. At the moment we’re just a power trio, but we’re looking for more members. So if you’ve got a cool name, like Udo or Baldur or Hasso, we’d love to talk with you. Musical ability is nice but not required.
Back to the G-Class and what happens to it on the Schöckl . . .
The new G-Class undergoing testing on the Schöckl, a 1,445 meter high mountain near the Austrian city of Graz. Photo: MBUSA.
Off-Road Prowess
The test track is located near the Austrian city of Graz and uses a 1,445 meter (4,740 feet) high mountain as its playground. The test route runs for 5.6 kilometers, or around three-and-a-half miles and includes gradients of up to 60 percent(!) and lateral inclinations of up to 40 percent(!!). Your run of the mill Merc G-Class has to endure over 2,000 kilometers (1,200 miles) on the Schöckl and, unsurprisingly, the latest iteration handles it with noticeably more control and comfort.
Mercedes-Benz says the number one goal was to make the G-Class even more effective off-road. Not add cup holders, not a better stereo, but to literally make it “more effective off-road.” Sorry Carmella.
More pointers the G is built to really do this stuff can be seen in the standard ladder-type frame, the three differential locks that can full-on 100 percent lock to put the power down, and a low range off-road ratio to kick the whole gearbox down a notch for serious torque, traction, grip, and forward momentum no matter what. The suspension is also off-road focused with an independent double-wishbone front axle in combo with a rigid rear axle. Ground clearance has been maximized with the raised axle and independent suspension contributing to the off-road prowess.
Mercedes-Benz even threw in a new control program to handle those more unpredictable off-road circumstances. “G-Mode” works independently of the chosen drive program as soon as one of the three diff locks has been activated or low range has been engaged. G-Mode tweaks the adjustable damping of the chassis, along with the steering and accelerator characteristics while avoiding unnecessary gearshifts for maximum off-road capability.
The new G-Class has a suspension designed for off-road use. The components of the double-wishbone front axle are fixed directly to the ladder-type frame without a suspension subframe. The new, more rigid rear axle is guided with four longitudinal control arms on each side and a Panhard rod. Photo: MBUSA.
Facts & Figures
The off-roading figures are impressive. The ground clearance between the axles: 241 millimeters, a gain of six. Max fording depth is 70 centimeters (more than two feet) an increase of 10 centimeters from the previous G-Class. Driving stability is listed as 35° (a 7° gain) which, if I’m understanding this right, means you can traverse a section of the planet with the G-Class tipped over at 35° and it will still keep on truckin’. Departure angle is 30° and the approach angle is 31°. Suspension travel is listed as 85/100 millimeters for the front axle spring/rebound and 82/142 millimeters for the rear spring/rebound.
Transmission & Perception Tech
The 9G-TRONIC automatic transmission/torque converter combo was specifically adapted to meet off-road demands. The shift and response times of the 9-speed are quicker, and the wide ratios make driving quieter and more comfortable while reducing fuel consumption. The new transfer case is flange-mounted directly to the 9G-TRONIC; 40 percent of the drive torque reaches the front axle and 60 percent reaches the rear. The new G-Class utilizes a permanent all-wheel drive system.
In addition to monkeying around with the normal off-road stuff for better performance, the latest G-Class features other modern niceties like a bird’s-eye view camera, a reverse camera, plus three additional ones. This means obstacles located below your line of sight or in front of the vehicle, like a hill’s crest or your kid’s tricycle, can now be easily seen before disaster strikes. All these camera views show up on a full HD multimedia system display.
Final Verdict
So yes, the G-Class is pretty close to being the ne plus ultra of SUVs. It’s expensive and loaded with tech this and comfort that, but unlike seemingly 99 percent of SUVs out there, the Mercedes-Benz G-Class can really be used off-road. In a very serious manner.
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.
Mercedes-Benz G-Glass Gallery

Photos & Source: MBUSA.

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Hyundai & Aurora Eye 2021 For Bringing Level 4 Automation To Market

Hyundai & Aurora Eye 2021 For Bringing Level 4 Automation To Market
Hyundai Motor Company has announced a strategic partnership with Aurora to bring self-driving vehicles to the market by 2021. Hyundai says the partnership with Aurora is part of the company’s ongoing efforts to make fully autonomous driving a reality. Hyundai was granted a licence in Nevada in 2015 to test automated vehicles on the state’s public roads. Last year at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, Hyundai publicly demonstrated their autonomous technology.
Level 4 Leadership
Hyundai will incorporate Aurora’s automated and machine learning innovations into specially-developed models for test programs in pilot cities. At the onset, the partnership will concentrate on hardware and software development as they move toward the technological requirements needed for Level 4 automation. Level 4 automation, as defined by the Society of Automotive Engineers, means a vehicle can operate without human input under certain conditions. Hyundai and Aurora note the end goal is to successfully and safely commercialize autonomous cars globally
“We know the future of transportation is autonomous, and autonomous driving technology needs to be proven in the real-world to accelerate deployment in a safe and scalable manner,” said Dr. Woong Chul Yang, Vice Chairman of Hyundai Motor. “Combining our advanced vehicle technology that embeds the latest safety features with Aurora’s leading suite of Level 4 autonomous technology will advance this revolution in mobility with Hyundai in a leadership position.”
Global Vision
Hyundai and Aurora underscored their common vision for improving safety and mobility, believing together they have the skills and experience necessary to accomplish this end. In general, autonomous driving proponents say increased safety is one of the key benefits, pointing to studies by the National Safety Council that found 2016 was the deadliest year on U.S. roads since 2007. There were 40,000 vehicle deaths in 2016 marking a six percent increase from 2015. Although safety remains the biggest concern, recent studies show the public is warming up to the idea of a car that drives itself.
“Aurora is excited to partner with Hyundai Motor to make the social benefits of self-driving available globally,” said Dr. Chris Urmson, Chief Executive Officer, Aurora. “This partnership combines Hyundai’s strengths in vehicle design, safety, and manufacturing with Aurora’s expertise in self-driving technologies to make a positive difference in the world.”
Photo: Hyundai Motor Company.
In Person
Hyundai’s newest fuel-cell vehicle will make its global debut at CES next week, and will be the first to undergo the aforementioned testing process later this year. Hyundai says the vehicle is the ideal platform for the autonomous technologies which require a substantial amount of energy. The hydrogen-powered Hyundai can provide stable electric power for data communication and sensor operation without infringing on driving range.
CES runs January 9th through the 12th at the Las Vegas Convention Center.
Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and resides in Detroit, Michigan. He studies mechanical engineering at Wayne State University, serves on the Board of Directors for the Ally Jolie Baldwin Foundation, and is a loyal Detroit Lions fan.
Photos & Source: Hyundai Motor Company.

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The all-new 2019 Genesis G70 is the BMW 3-Series' latest worry

The all-new 2019 Genesis G70 is the BMW 3-Series' latest worry The latest from Hyundai’s newly established luxury brand is here to make the Germans quiver in their shoes.

What’s going on?
Amid a massive concert featuring some of America’s greatest pop stars in South Korea, Hyundai’s new luxury sub-brand, Genesis, revealed its latest concoction. Meet the 2019 Genesis G70 sedan, the BMW 3-Series’ latest contender from the Far East.
Many years in the making with plenty of hype and anticipation to accompany, the new Genesis G70 seeks to steal buyers away from the traditional European, and even Japanese, automakers currently dominating the compact sports sedan segment. And there’s a lot of participation. Besides the BMW 3-Series, the G70 joins the battlegrounds currently occupied by the Audi A4, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Jaguar XE, Alfa Romeo Giulia, and even America’s Cadillac ATS.
Can Genesis put a dent in one of the most competitive market segments in the entire automotive industry? We think so, and on paper, the G70 is very promising.
“The Genesis G70 is the latest demonstration of our dedication to delivering innovative, customer-oriented vehicles,” said Vice Chairman Dr. Woong-Chul Yang. “We will continue to focus our R&D efforts on the development and expansion of the Genesis brand. It is a great point of pride to have Genesis showcase what a true luxury brand of Korean origin can present to our discerning customers.”
It’s genesis for Genesis

With the intent to compete with the BMW 3-Series, the Genesis G70 has some big shoes to fill. As a looker, the G70 provides a new take on the compact luxury sports sedan in the exterior design department. For instance, it doesn’t particularly act like it’s trying to mimic any of its competition. Instead, the G70 sports various aesthetic traits that clearly separate it from the competition. As a result, the G70 is unique in its own right, meshing a hint of European influence with South Korean Gangam-style flare.
Luc Donkerwolke, formerly of Bentley, calls the new G70 a true representation of Genesis’s new “athletic elegance” design theme.
“At Genesis, we shape fascination and desire with the passion, dedication and talent from our designers. We modulated all parameters from the Genesis DNA to tailor a sports sedan. This challenge required the highest skills and know-how. The G70 is designed to captivate all senses with its sensuous and tensioned muscular volumes.”
Inside, the Genesis G70’s interior appointments also seem well up to the task. It visually offers a luxury feel with a hint of sportiness. To prove that Genesis is serious about upping its performance driving game, the dashboard is angled towards the driver. That’s so the G70s infotainment and center stack can be easily controlled, much like the glory days of some old BMWs.
But it’s not all just show…
There’s plenty of go too with the choice of a 2.0L turbocharged gasoline inline-four, a range-topping 3.3L twin-turbo V6, and a 2.2L turbodiesel inline-four for Asian and European markets. The 2.0L GDI gas four is one we’ve become familiar with, offering around 250 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of twist. Though equip the sport package and the horsepower rating gets a subtle bump.
The 3.3L twin-turbo GDI V6 is another engine we’re already familiar with, serving duty in the latest G80 and G90 sedans. That’s good for around 370hp and 376 lb-ft of twist, which allows the fastest G70 to hit 62 miles per hour in just 4.7 seconds.
Genesis didn’t specify, but we imagine the company’s preexisting eight-speed automatic will serve cog swapping duty.
And it’s not just all power either…
Supporting the G70’s promising performance is a multi-link rear suspension setup, dynamic torque vectoring, and even a standard mechanical limited-slip differential. This is the kind of stuff that we’ve come to expect from German competition. But to find it on a new luxury sports sedan that’s the first of its kind from Korea is even more surprising.
To tweak the handling performance, Genesis says the G70 was extensively tested in extreme situations. From Death Valley, USA, to the “Green Hell” Nurburgring, to the Austrian Alps, and the northern end of Sweden, Genesis wanted to ensure the most optimal handling, performance, and durability in the most challenging of climates.
This of course means we can expect the G70 to come loaded with lots of kit. The list ranges from Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a 15-speaker Lexicon surround audio system, and voice recognition. All of it is controlled by an eight-inch LCD touchscreen.
How much will it cost and when will it go on sale?
Genesis didn’t announce priving as of yet. But such specific details will be revealed sometime in early 2018.
– By: Chris Chin
2019 Genesis G70 Quick Specifications
Category
Genesis G70
Length (mm)
4,685
Width (mm)
1,850
Height (mm)
1,400
Wheelbase (mm)
2,835

Overhang
(mm)
F
805
R
1,045
Engine Type
Lambda II 3.3 T-GDI
Theta II 2.0 T-GDI
R-FR 2.2 VGT
Drive Configuration
RWD
AWD
RWD
AWD
RWD
AWD

Fuel Economy
(km/ℓ)
9.0(19”)
8.6(19”)
10.7(18”)
10.4(19”)
10.0(18”)
9.5(19”)

15.2(17”)
14.5(18”)

13.6(17”)
13.5(18”)
Displacement
(cc)
3,342
1,998
2,199
Max Power
(ps)
370

252
(Sports Package: 255)
202
Max Torque
(kg·m)
52.0
36.0
45.0
2019 Genesis G70 Photo Gallery

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2018 Volkswagen Golf GTI SE Review

2018 Volkswagen Golf GTI SE Review
Urban dwellers looking for a sporty compact hatch have a number of options, but none are as quick and agile as the Volkswagen Golf GTI. It’s a commuter for those who like to have fun on the drive to and from work. We think it fills a need for performance enthusiasts who don’t want to spend $40,000 to $50,000 on a high performance model. For around $30,000 you get a hot hatch that’s high on the fun-to-drive meter.
What’s New For 2018
The Golf GTI remains unchanged for 2018 except for the packaging and available equipment for each model. It does get new LED tail lamps and a different infotainment system is available.
Features & Options
The 2018 Golf GTI ($31,165 as tested) comes standard with a leather-wrapped steering wheel, power-reclining front seats, leatherette upholstery, 17-inch alloy wheels, a moonroof, dual-zone automatic climate control, and ambient cabin lighting. Our GTI SE tester had LED headlights, an eight-inch infotainment screen, blind spot monitor, and automatic emergency braking.

Interior Highlights
The Golf GTI SE interior is simple and well laid out. The controls are easy to use and the touchscreen nicely controls the navigation and Fender premium audio system. The cabin is high quality and there’s enough soft touch materials throughout to make it comfortable. We would describe it as distinctly European, comfortable, and the SE trim is especially sporty.
The seats provide ample support and comfort for longer trips in the hatchback. There’s a handy bin ahead of the shifter, perfect for a cell phone. The power-reclining front seats offer up the perfect driving position for a compact hatch. The rear seats offer plenty of room for average-sized adults and are also comfy for longer trips. There’s ample head and shoulder room too, thanks to the higher hatch roof. There’s also a convenient folding rear armrest/cupholder with a pass-through to the back. Behind the rear seats, it comes with 22.8 cubic feet of cargo space, easily accessible through the rear hatch. With the seats folded flat, it offers up a class-leading 52.7 cubic feet of space.

Engine & Fuel Mileage Specs
The front-wheel drive 2018 VW Golf GTI SE is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 220 horsepower and 258 lb-ft. of torque. It comes mated to the optional dual-clutch direct shift automatic gearbox (DSG). EPA fuel economy estimates are 24/32 city/highway and 27 combined with the automatic gearbox.
Driving Dynamics
Our tester came with the dual-clutch DSG automatic and it made us forget about wanting the 6-speed manual rower. The DSG comes with steering wheel shifters for crisper gear changes simply by touching the paddles. VW’s DSG is sweet and one of the best automatics on the planet. They call it an automatic, but mechanically and internally, it works like a manual gearbox; in a practical sense, it’s a super-sharp automatic.
The GTI trim is fun to drive in the city and we could easily get around slower traffic. We chucked it around the tight corners on our commute from the mountains west of Denver where the GTI feels right at home. The GTI’s steering was responsive and the upgraded brakes made it far more capable and enjoyable in the curves. We pushed the GTI hard and it accelerates quickly when the turbo spools up to utilize every bit of the available 220 horsepower. The turbocharged 2.0-liter engine makes this hatch one of the quickest compacts in its class.
Conclusion
The 2018 Volkswagen Golf GTI is a fun hatch that’s also practical with plenty of utility. It absolutely dials up driver engagement, and we like the DSG automatic better than the 6-speed manual. There’s a lot to like and we would recommend it for those wanting a sporty commuter and a fun drive to and from work. Overall, the Volkswagen Golf GTI lives up to its hot hatch heritage and instills plenty of driver confidence.
Denis Flierl has invested over 25 years in the automotive industry in a variety of roles. Follow his work on Twitter: @CarReviewGuy
2018 Volkswagen Golf GTI Gallery

Volkswagen Golf GTI Official Site.
Photos: Volkswagen of America, Inc.

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Volvo Expanding On Demand Fuel & Wash Services In Seattle

Volvo Expanding On Demand Fuel & Wash Services In Seattle Volvo’s semi-goofy idea of turning your car into a smartphone loaded with handy apps is moving into the Seattle, Washington area to test things out. This makes sense, not just because there’s a lot of tech-savvy people in Seattle, but another, much more indigenous reason: Scandinavians. Scandinavians are the number one ethnic group in the Pacific Northwest. In Seattle proper, there are so many ‘Sons, ‘Ssons, ‘Sens, and the occasional ‘Dottirs running around it can feel like you’re living in Tromsø in northern Norway.
Besides all the blonde hair and blue eyes, the other way you can see that Scandinavians are the number one ethnic group is cars. You see hundreds of Volvos and Saabs running around. So whether Volvo knows it or not, the Pacific Northwest is a perfect testing ground for any of their products.
Digital Ecosystem
After a successful run in San Francisco, Seattle developed into the second city in Volvo’s growing “digital ecosystem” program. This allows owners of 2015-and-a-half and newer Volvos to do things like order fuel and get their car washed wherever it’s parked in Seattle.
“First San Francisco, now Seattle, and soon many more Volvo owners will have access to concierge services via an app,” noted Anders Gustafsson, President and Chief Executive Officer, Volvo Car USA. “This is another example of how we are using connected car technologies to make life less complicated for our customers.”
This digital ecosystem, which Volvo says is expanding (they aim to make the thing some sort of near-worldwide standard eventually) connects car owners with services via a smartphone app. That app, coupled with exclusive connected car platforms and strategic partnerships with companies like Filld and STRATIM, means filling the tank or having the car cleaned is just a tap away on your smartphone. As you would expect, you can call up these services at any time, day or night, say while owners are working, sleeping, or even traveling abroad.
Photo: Volvo Car USA.
Time Specific Features
Volvo says they are the only automaker with an ecosystem of these connected technologies. Yes, I agree “ecosystem” is a very pretentious term, but the idea of connecting a car with cloud storage, your cell phone, and integrating third party companies into one unified system is technically sweet. And Volvo isn’t messing around with this whole idea, oh no. They didn’t just kluge something together in a back room in a Kongsberg factory. No, Volvo went and dialed all this up at their Mountain View digital center in Silicon Valley. There they were able to accelerate development through recent technology acquisitions and take advantage of recent investments at the facility. This will prepare Volvo as they add new services as customer demands grow and change.
The other implication here is that when connected through your mobile device, Volvo’s digital ecosystem provides a time-specific location of your car. That means Volvo’s authorized partners can provide the requested services without interacting you directly.

Practical Application
I could see where this might come in very handy. You go into the office, call up the app, tap-tap-tap, and while you’re in that endless Friday meeting with the budget gargoyles from the 12th floor, your Volvo is getting all nice and shiny and clean for the weekend.
“The ecosystem that powers Volvo Concierge Services is unique to Volvo. It shows how the company is redefining the consumer experience around convenience by leveraging technological building blocks from the car to mobile,” explained Atif Rafiq, Chief Digital Officer, Volvo Cars. “We are at an exciting time when cars can be better integrated into daily life.”
In other words, yesterday San Francisco, today Seattle, tomorrow The World.
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.
Photos & Source: Volvo Car USA.

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Inside Brembo’s Hybrid Material Braking System For The 2019 Corvette ZR1

Inside Brembo’s Hybrid Material Braking System For The 2019 Corvette ZR1 The 2019 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 arrives this spring as the most powerful Corvette in history. The LT5 6.2-liter supercharged V8, complete with 755 horsepower and 715 lb-ft. of torque, boasts an intercooled supercharger system with 52 percent more displacement than the Z06’s LT4 supercharger. The aerodynamic features, including two different rear wings, help the ZR1 achieve tremendous downforce and a top speed in excess of 210 mph.
The 2019 Corvette ZR1 is lightning quick and getting it moving isn’t an issue, but what about controlling it? That’s where Brembo comes in with a uniquely designed “hybrid” braking system.
Special Treatments
Many of today’s performance and muscle cars are equipped with Brembo brakes: The Ford GT, Dodge Challenger and Charger Scat Packs, Chevy Camaro ZL1 1LE, Subaru WRX STI Type RA, and the Mazda MX-5 Miata all utilize a Brembo setup to amplify their individual performance attributes. And now the 2019 Corvette ZR1.
“Consumers have very high expectations for modern performance cars, not only for straight line speed, but for all driving attributes – including braking,” explained Dan Sandberg, Brembo North America President and Chief Executive Officer. “All of the work Chevrolet did to maximize the acceleration and cornering potential of the ZR1 would be useless if the car didn’t also have a brake system that could perform equally as well, lap after lap.”
Front six-piston monobloc calipers with carbon ceramic discs (394mm x 36mm), and rear four-piston monobloc calipers (390mm x 32mm) with two-piece, carbon ceramic discs comprise the ZR1’s Brembo system. The front and rear brake pads include new formulations from Brembo’s R&D Center for better stopping power and pad wear. The size of the fixed aluminum calipers hasn’t changed from the Corvette Z07, but the brake rotors and friction materials are enhanced to handle higher thermomechanical loads. This attribute is vitally important and separates the ZR1 from the rest of Brembo’s portfolio.
“While Brembo carbon discs are also found on other supercars, the ZR1 discs have a specialized heat treatment for improved energy and thermal management,” Sandberg said. “These specialized brake discs are paired with Brembo monoblock aluminum calipers and a unique Brembo-developed friction material found only on the ZR1.”
Photo: Chevrolet.
Hybrid Theory
The ultimate challenge was designing the ZR1’s braking system to handle both the track and the street. Each environment presents its own individual demands for a performance car. Brembo has long held the “from racing to the road” mantra, and Brembo’s engineers were again tasked with putting that belief into the ZR1’s braking components. The maxim stems from the idea that what is accomplished on the track can be transitioned to the street. In the case of the Corvette ZR1, it’s most wonderfully seen in the actual substance used to construct the brakes.
“Internally, our engineers like to call the new brake pad material our “hybrid” material, meaning it is a hybrid between traditional road materials and our racing friction materials,” Sandberg revealed. “While the pads on the Z07 are a great performer, these Brembo hybrid pads offer a higher level of friction output and can operate in a higher temperature range, giving the driver confidence in the brakes lap after lap.”
Photo: Chevrolet.
Dedication & Innovation
The beginnings of Brembo’s story are humble enough: Emilio Bombassei, father of the group’s current president, put together a small mechanical workshop near Bergamo, Italy in 1961. They conducted business with vehicle and motorcycle manufacturers in Europe, but in 1975 were approached by Enzo Ferrari. He needed a braking solution for his Formula 1 racers. As the old adage goes, the rest is history. Yet, that “do-it-yourself” mindset is still prevalent at Brembo’s facilities today, just like it was in 1961 at Bombassei’s shop.
“The pads mentioned earlier are a good example of where Brembo’s desire to remain at the forefront of technology forced us to try something new,” Sandberg said. “When we started developing the ZR1, the global marketplace didn’t offer a friction material that matched our performance targets, so we set out to develop our own.”
Brembo operates in 15 countries on 3 continents, with 24 production and business sites, and about 9,000 employees, 10 percent of whom are engineers and product specialists active in R&D. As the automotive industry moves toward electrification and autonomy, the entire scope of how cars are designed, engineered, and manufactured will change. According to Sandberg, innovation will be the key in addressing those challenges successfully.
“Today’s cars are evolving dramatically from product cycle to product cycle, and customers want to see advancements in safety, performance, efficiency, and sustainability with each successive model,” he said. “We continue to look for technologies that will complement the car of the future, all while retaining the unique character and brand identity of Brembo.”
Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and resides in Detroit, Michigan. He studies mechanical engineering at Wayne State University, serves on the Board of Directors for the Ally Jolie Baldwin Foundation, and is a loyal Detroit Lions fan.
Source: Brembo North America.
Cover Photo: Chevrolet.

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BMW X7 Enters Pre-Production In South Carolina

BMW X7 Enters Pre-Production In South Carolina BMW recently announced that pre-production versions of their upcoming X7 are rolling off the assembly line in Spartanburg, South Carolina. This is an all-important test to make sure the line is working as it should, that the pre-production vehicles bolt together as planned, and all is well and good in BMW land.
The BMW X7 is a uh . . . just what is a BMW X7?
Sports Activity Vehicle
The X7 is the Bavarian car company’s top-of-the-line, extra-huge, extra-boxy SUV/crossover/thingo. It’s about the size, weight, and shape of the Brandenburg Gate and BMW calls it a Sports Activity Vehicle or SAV, a terminology applied to other vehicles in their lineup. Essentially, it’s the BMW crossover version of the 7 Series sedan: The biggest thing you can buy with a roundel on the hood. Actual volumetric specs are not given, but the photos seem to indicate this thing is large enough to haul any one family and all their stuff. It’s brutalist architecture on wheels.
BMW says the production version of the SAV (gag) should be out by the end of 2018. Before we get there, however, the X7 will undergo multiple tests in “partially extreme conditions.” I thought extreme was a nominal state, it either is or isn’t. But I guess BMW, or the engineers responsible for the X7, are fine with “partial” extremes.
Precise Processes
Since the X7 pre-production models are using the same assembly line as the X5 and X6, the production of these pre-series models serves to make sure everything works as it should, and to optimize future series production. BMW has a specially trained team of production engineers to make sure everything is completely integrated into the line. As you would expect, this is a long and exacting process that has to be just right in general, and things get particularly fastidious since we’re not just dealing with engineers here, we’re dealing with German engineers.
First the pre-production models are built at BMW’s Spartanburg plant. Then they are handed over to development department specialists, and the fun really starts. All the bits and pieces are certified for homologation and production. The approved bits, pieces, sub-assemblies, and then the entire pre-production X7 is subjected to a set of diverse testing routines, such as endurance drives through Death Valley and the snow covered slopes of Scandinavia. During all this, the pre-production model is fitted with a camouflage wrap, even while it is still at the plant. The striking, striped, dazzle camouflage is designed to conceal the new SAV’s final look as far as possible.
Photo: BMW Group.
Under Wraps
All car companies do this, but what I want to ask is why BMW is mentioning how important this is when there are pictures all over the place of the new X7. Maybe someone from the pre-production engineering team should ring up the marketing group and see what’s up. Anyway, once the pre-production crew makes sure all the t’s are crossed, i’s are dotted, tolerances are confirmed, and calipers are safely tucked away, BMW’s Spartanburg plant will be all set to start cranking X7s out like so many sausages.
Full Scale
The X7 is the fifth model produced at the BMW Spartanburg plant, where all X models are built. Spartanburg is BMW’s largest plant in the world and cranked out more than 411,000 vehicles in 2016. BMW says 70 percent of the vehicles produced in Spartanburg are exported to 140 countries across the globe, making BMW the largest vehicle exporter in the USA in terms of export value. I assume BMW means “largest vehicle exporter” in reference to automobiles, because Boeing exports a ton of vehicles, and since their entry level model starts at over 100 million dollars, I bet they beat BMW in terms of “export value.” That said, if there’s a real call for what BMW makes at Spartanburg, the annual production capacity is around 450,000 vehicles, more than enough to handle worldwide demand.
“We are proud to produce the BMW X7 here in Spartanburg, the home of our X models. This is a very special vehicle and our employees are looking forward to yet a further member of the X family,” said Knudt Flor, Head of the BMW Group Spartanburg plant. “Together with the BMW X7, a total of five BMW X models will be exported from Spartanburg to all four corners of the globe.”
Technical details for the new X7 will be announced later this year.
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.
Photos & Source: BMW Group.

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Most Driver Friendly States of 2018

Most Driver Friendly States of 2018 It’s officially 2018 and that means our annual resolutions are in order. Be it losing weight or advancing in a particular career, a new year always represents a clean slate. One resolution worth making is a commitment to travel more. Doing so might actually help your other resolutions. According to WebMD, not having a break from work will take its toll. They cite a 2005 study from the Marshfield Clinic in Wisconsin that found women who neglected regular vacations were two to three times more likely to be depressed compared to women who took them.
And men, we should be mindful too. WebMD points to a study that followed over 12,000 men for nine years. Those who neglected vacations were at a higher risk for heart attacks. That said, if your goal is to get away and travel more in 2018, then it’s for the best. The National Council for Home Safety and Security put together a list of the most driver friendly states in 2018, which was published on their official site, Alarms.org. Their findings will help you plan a relaxing, safe, and cost effective getaway.
Cheapest Gas
One of the biggest factors when traveling is fuel cost, but it might be worth taking a tour of the southern United States to really maximize your tank. Alarms.org finds gas below the Mason-Dixon Line requires less from your wallet because of a greater concentration of oil refineries and lower gas taxes. Overall, Alabama has the cheapest gas per gallon at an average of $2.26, followed by Mississippi and South Carolina, both at $2.27, Texas at $2.29, and Oklahoma between $2.29 and $2.30. This means a visit to The Alamo in San Antonio or the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute in Alabama will be more affordable.
There’s Myrtle Beach to catch some sun, and the Rock & Blues Museum in Clarksdale to get your music fix. Both can be reached for less money at the pump than attractions in other states.
Best Driving Records
Safety is always a concern so it might be worth seeking out a vacation spot where motorists are more cautious. Alarms.org researched states with the lowest fatal crash rates, calculated on the number of road fatalities and fatal crashes, adjusted for average daily traffic counts. Rhode Island, New Hampshire, and Minnesota took the top three spots, followed by Massachusetts and Wisconsin. Alarms.org says there isn’t a single identifying characteristic they could find that made these states the safest, although they theorize it might have something to do with winter.
“Most of the states with safer highway ratings are in the north and have lower average temperatures,” Alarms.org writes in their study. “Perhaps colder temperatures and hazardous weather conditions prompt residents to drive more slowly and carefully than those in warmer states.”
This means (hopefully) a trip to Minneapolis to see Super Bowl LII or to Lambeau Field to watch the Packers should be a safe one. If on the way, you are passing through The Mitten and have car trouble, us Michiganders will gladly help. Alarms.org finds Michigan has the lowest average car repair costs in the country. Also, go Lions.

Most Scenic Drives
While Alarms.org admits this is subjective, they give some solid suggestions. Topping the list is the Blue Ridge Parkway through Virginia and North Carolina. Blue Ridge Parkway, which spans 29 counties and nearly 470 miles, is known for its stunning views of the surrounding Appalachian and Blue Ridge Mountains. Others on the list include the Cades Cove Drive through Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the Kancamagus Highway in New Hampshire.
While it may not necessarily make any lists on this topic, we have always enjoyed our drives from Phoenix, Arizona to Los Angeles, California on Interstate 10. The desert can be really peaceful and beautiful, especially in the early evening.
Happy Trails
Wherever you go in 2018 and whoever you go with, we wish you safe and enjoyable travels. We hope you have an opportunity this year to take a vacation with your loved ones. Here’s to a healthy and prosperous 2018.
Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and resides in Detroit, Michigan. He serves on the Board of Directors for the Ally Jolie Baldwin Foundation and studies Mechanical Engineering at Wayne State University.

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Porsche 911 GT2 RS Fastest 911 Ever With Staggering Nürburgring Lap

Porsche 911 GT2 RS Fastest 911 Ever With Staggering Nürburgring Lap

Somehow over the years, the Nürburgring has become the de facto benchmark for carmakers. What once started out as a make-work project by the Nazis (no, really) and ended up being the venue for the German Grand Prix for decades was, for a while there, seemingly consigned to being a footnote in racing history. Niki Lauda’s near-fatal crash in ’76 sounded the death knell for the track as a GP venue in favor of safer more anodyne locations like Hockenheim or the new Nürburgring GP circuit.
Local Attraction, Digital Destination
The old track, properly referred to as the Nürburgring-Nordschleife, was still there, draped around the countryside, ringing the ancient ruins of a Medieval castle, used on occasion for sports car races, and, for no sane, logical, reasonable explanation, open to the average driver as a public road. You could, and still can, for a not-unreasonable fee, take any car with a license plate for a lap around the old Nordschleife. Everything from 2CVs to big bore Ferraris were welcome and this, over the years, grew organically into a yardstick to measure yourself and your car.
Automotive manufacturers cottoned to this growing level of cachet right around the same time that Sony and Microsoft were establishing themselves in the game console market. Before you could legally drive on a public road in this country, you could lap the Nürburgring-Nordschleife just as fast as your digital car could go in a PlayStation or Xbox.
And now, setting a hot lap time around the old circuit means something, and boy, did Porsche just blast off a hot one a few days back with their 2018 911 GT2 RS. For those of you that want to cut to the chase, here’s the number: 6:47.3. That is, to use the engineering term, really &#%$^*$ fast! I mean mein Gott in Himmel fast. Seriously. Power up your PlayStation or your Xbox and give it a go. See how fast you can go. G’head. Take your time. I can wait . . . see? Not that easy, is it?
Photo: Porsche Cars North America, Inc.
Sunday Driver
And do keep in mind that although the 2018 Porsche 911 GT2 RS is a factory stripper hot rod, it is also a fully street legal sports car. This is no track day special. You could hang a license plate off your 911 GT2 RS and drive it to work if you wanted to. I know I would, but I’m funny like that.
Porsche’s best lap time of 6:47.3 minutes surpassed Zuffenhausen’s internal target by 17.7 seconds, a huge gap to say the least. Frank-Steffen Walliser, Head of Motorsport and GT Cars for Porsche, stated flatly, “this result makes it official: The GT2 RS is not only the most powerful, but also the fastest 911 model ever built.”
As if that lap record wasn’t intimidating enough, it’s also worth noting that it wasn’t a single, go for broke, banzai lap. Porsche points out that once drivers Lars Kern and Nick Tandy broke the previous record for street legal sports cars of 6:52.01, they immediately proceeded to lap the track in under 6:50 on five separate occasions. Although Kern and Tandy were each trading the quickest times back and forth, it was Kern, a Porsche test driver by trade that set the quickest mark of the day.
Photo: Porsche Cars North America, Inc.

Power & Performance
The specs for the 911 GT2 RS are just as staggering as that lap time. It’s the fastest and most powerful road-going 911 thanks to a 3.6-liter twin turbo flat-six engine, producing 700 horsepower and 553 lb-ft. of torque. The two-seater tips the scales at 3,241 pounds and is shod with standard N-spec Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires. All this adds up to a 0 to 60 launch of 2.7 seconds and a top speed of 211 mph.
The Porsche 911 GT2 RS is the cover car in Microsoft’s upcoming Forza 7. Forza 7 will be one of the main launch titles for the soon-to-be-released Xbox One X which means, given the inclusion of the Nürburgring-Nordschleife in Forza, that you could have a tilt at those lap times laid down by Messrs. Kern and Tandy. I know I’ll be trying.
Tony Borroz has spent his entire life racing antique and sports cars. He means well, even if he has a bias toward lighter, agile cars rather than big engine muscle cars or family sedans.

Photos, Video & Source: Porsche Cars North America, Inc.

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