Automotive

2018 Range Rover Sport Gets Significant Design And Tech Updates

2018 Range Rover Sport Gets Significant Design And Tech Updates

For 2018 the Range Rover Sport is getting a thorough going over. It’s not a full blown remake, but it’s much more then a mid-cycle refresh. New engines, more tech – lots of new tech – and lots of nips, tucks, and styling re-dos here and there. Range Rover uses the word “transformation” a lot in their press materials, and even though that’s an ever so British way to put things, it’s not far off from what’s actually happening with the 2018 Range Rover Sport.
The Joneses
I’ll get to all the new goodies, tech, powertrain, and otherwise in just a bit, but let me get the bottom line out of the way first. The 2018 Range Rover Sport goes for . . . are you kidding me? Sheesh! I mean, I know these things are expensive, but I had to read the specs twice to make sure I wasn’t having a stroke. The 2018 Range Rover Sport starts at a little less than 67-thousand dollars and tops out at a little under 114-thousand. That’s like Porsche Carrera territory. And yes, yes, I know. Range Rovers can go places and do things that Porsches etc. cannot do, but that is a lot of money to pay for a fancy jeep. But I get it. One of the fun things about being rich is letting other people know how rich you are, or so they tell me.
Over 732,000 Ranger Rover Sports have been sold since the vehicle was introduced in 2004. To compliment its growing heritage, the Ranger Rover Sport is fully British-designed, engineered, and built. Photo: Jaguar Land Rover.
Power & Performance
So what do you get for the cost of a nice tract home in Dearborn, Michigan? Honestly, you do get a lot, and it’s pretty nice stuff. The company says the upcoming 2018 Range Rover Sport (it should be arriving at U.S. dealers by early 2018) is “transformed by new technology.” It will feature an updated interior and exterior, along with enhancements to the powertrain, greater powertrain choices, and a buffet of tech goodies throughout. The upcoming Range Rover Sport lineup will consist of V6 and V8 gasoline models, a V6 diesel variant and, topping out the range, is the fastest Range Rover Sport to date, the 575 horsepower Sport SVR. Now, why you’d want a particularly fast truck/jeep/thing is a little beyond me at the moment, but, given that the SVR is capable of hitting 60 mph in 4.3 seconds, no one is going to call it underpowered or slow.
A plug-in hybrid electric powertrain is planned for 2019.
Vehicle Treatments
The revamp of the new Range Rover’s exterior aims to modernize the design and make the Sport look more dynamic, without changing its character. In other words, it still looks like a big box The Queen would drive around, only better. The front end has been reworked with a new LED headlight design alongside a redesigned grille. The lights and the grill are also better integrated with the new bumper and there’s a more aggressive profile overall.
The inside is like James Bond’s flat in Kensington or Eggsy’s place from The Kinsgmen: It’s veddy, veddy British with acres of leather and grove’s worth of fine wood hither and yon and tech, tech, tech! The new Touch Pro Duo infotainment system is said to be the most advanced ever created by Jaguar Land Rover. It features two high-definition 10-inch touchscreens, which form the centerpiece of a cabin Range Rover describes as “minimalist.”
I’m not sure what Rem Koolhaas or Walter Gropius would call it, but I’d bet you it wouldn’t be minimalist.
“The new Range Rover Sport features well-considered updates that reinforce its assertive and powerful design,” said Gerry McGovern, Chief Design Officer, Land Rover. “The vehicle has evolved into a unique statement of performance, while the refined appearance speaks to the modernity of our Range Rover family.” Photo: Jaguar Land Rover.

Outdoor Pursuits & Gesture Controls
There are 14 power points (power outlets of one variety or another) provided in your 2018 Range Rover Sport, all the better to enhance your in-car connectivity. There’s even a “domestic” (domestic as in it’s a plug like you use at home) socket to keep laptops and other devices charged without the use of an inverter.
Thanks to the Jaguar Land Rover Activity Key, you can lock and unlock your Range Rover Sport without the need to carry a fob. The Ragney PR people say this is “ideal for outdoor pursuits,” which made me smile; “What, fox hunting?”
And the tech goodies don’t stop there, not even close. The new Range Rover Sport comes with this thing called the “Gesture Sunblind.” And it, get this, opens and closes the sunblind using a gesture control system that senses your hand movement. Swipe “rearward” in front of the rearview mirror and the blind opens, swipe “forward” and it closes. And I bet the entertainment value of watching someone flail around in front of their rearview mirror trying to get this thing to work will be priceless.
The 2018 Range Rover Sport lineup and prices are provided in the nifty graph below.
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.
TRIM
POWERTRAIN – OUTPUT
MSRP
SE
3.0L S/C V6 Gas – 340hp
$66,750
HSE
3.0L S/C V6 Gas – 340hp
$72,350
SE Td6
3.0L T/C V6 Diesel – 254hp
$68,750
HSE Td6
3.0L T/C V6 Diesel – 254hp
$74,350
HSE Dynamic
3.0L S/C V6 Gas – 380hp
$82,150
HSE
5.0L S/C V8 Gas – 518hp
$82,050
HSE Dynamic
5.0L S/C V8 Gas – 518hp
$85,550
Autobiography
5.0L S/C V8 Gas – 518hp
$96,650
SVR
5.0L S/C V8 Gas – 575hp
$113,600
2018 Range Rover Sport Gallery

Photos & Source: Jaguar Land Rover.

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2018 Chevrolet Express 2500 Van: GM Aims To Please

2018 Chevrolet Express 2500 Van: GM Aims To Please

I know, I know. This seems dull as dishwater but, believe it or not, fleet sales of full-size vans are A. Big. Deal. Yes, like any other gearhead out there, I would be much more interested if this was about a Chevrolet Express 2500 Van with a Corvette C7.R drivetrain, but, alas, no. This is about new packages and features for the Chevrolet Express 2500 Van that will be sold by the tens-of-thousands over the coming months.
Many Uses
Yes, Corvettes are fun and interesting, but they’re not what you would call a “profit center” for Chevrolet. Nope, stuff like the Chevrolet Express 2500 Vans are bread and butter on wheels. Old Louis’ outfit cranks these things out like doughnuts on a Monday morning and sells them just as fast. And, the more stuff like Express 2500 Vans Chevy can sell, the more Vettes they can make.
The mindset here is really easy to understand: Make a full-size van that is stripped of everything, because our buyers are going to modify them to suit. Okay, okay, not really stripped of everything (although there is a variation on that), but stripped down to only the most useful features. Fleet vans are bought, usually a few or a dozen or more at a time by outfits like city municipalities, large companies, shoot, fleet vans are even bought by TV stations and made into rolling production facilities.
Value Feedback
So what a full-size van manufacturer, Chevy in this case, wants to do is not include stuff that’s just going to get taken out and thrown away. However, they will definitely include stuff like towing packages or spray on cargo liners in place of carpet. Chevy, being the clever young sparks they are, decided the right approach was to sit down and talk with and listen to customers and dealers and see what they wanted. They came up with five main priorities: Enhance productivity and driver satisfaction, positively impact driver safety, reduce downtime, simplify ordering, and reduce operating costs.
The 2018 Express 2500 Van joins other work-oriented vehicles in the Chevy lineup, including the Silverado and Colorado. Photo: Chevrolet.

New Packages
Chevrolet came up with four new packages for 2018 as well. There’s the Communications Package which includes Sirius XM Satellite radio, Bluetooth connectivity, an enhanced audio system, and a leather-wrapped tilt steering wheel with vehicle controls. The Safety Package gets you Rear Park Assist and Side Blind Zone Alert, heated mirrors, a tilt steering wheel, and cruise control.
If you opt for the Enhanced Convenience Package, your Chevy van will come with remote keyless entry, remote vehicle start, tilt-wheel, cruise control, heated mirrors, and beefed-up trailering equipment, including a trailering hitch platform and dual 4-pin/7-pin sealed connectors. Finally, the Cargo Package comes with an easy to clean spray-on cargo liner. Drivers can haul materials without a second thought to scratches and scrapes, and can do an easy clean up when the day is done.
Power & Performance
Regardless of the package, your van is motivated by Chevy’s 341 horsepower, Vortec 6.0L V8 engine. The Vortec plant, which is flex-fuel capable if your fleet is running on E85, allows for a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of 9,600 lbs. and a maximum trailering capacity of a whopping 10,000 lbs. Also included is the Commercial Link telematics system with a one year subscription. Commercial Link uses the built-in OnStar connectivity stuff to provide useful vehicle data back to the home office; nifty little helpers like maintenance notifications and vehicle location, so owners can manage their business vehicles more effectively.
Keep On Truckin’
You’ll be seeing a lot of these around, even if you aren’t in the potential customer pool. Delivery vans, plumbers, home contractors, and the like. City motor pools will be snapping these up by the batch so you’ll see them wending their nondescript flavors this way and that. Usually painted white or some shade of gray, fleet vans are a big part of what keeps society moving.
Tony Borroz has spent his entire life racing antique and sports cars. He means well, even if he has a bias toward lighter, agile cars rather than big engine muscle cars or family sedans.
Photos & Source: Chevrolet.

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Land Rover’s Limited Edition V8 Defender Caps Anniversary Celebration

Land Rover’s Limited Edition V8 Defender Caps Anniversary Celebration The Land Rover Defender, the boxy off-roader, post-war British thing that has been around for 70 years, just got a celebratory pat on the back thanks to the tried and true (American) gearhead answer of “just stuff a big V8 in it, it’ll be fine.” I’ve got to say that’s a rationale I agree with.
Indeed, the Land Rover Defender has been around for 70 years. A milestone worth observing. They are, in a number of ways, a very good British take on the American original. Yes, I know, there are Landy guys that will argue this production date or that bit of tech minutiae, but really, Jeep is the original, and Land Rover is a rather nice British copy, but a copy nonetheless.
Cheating Fate
The death of the Land Rover Defender has been hovering around on black bat wings for decades now, longer than the thing has been called the Defender, back to when they were all simply called “Land Rovers.” The gas crunch of the early 70s was going to kill it. Changing tastes in the mid-80s meant its days were numbered. Growing emissions regs preordained new Land Rovers weren’t going to be seen on the roads after 1991. Stuff like that.
But here we are, all these years later, and it’s still around. And Land Rover says this new engine is “all about celebrating the 70th anniversary,” but it really boils down to the fact someone within the company thought it sounded like a great way to pump more life into a War-era vintage carcass. At least that’s what I think. In most cases, I feel stuffing V8 engines where they don’t belong is usually a great idea. Then again, as a kid, I lived in a household where at one point there were three Sunbeam Tigers in the family’s possession.
Photo: Land Rover Classic.
Limited Run
Sadly, the new V8-equipped Defender will not just be a choice on an option box. The upcoming Land Rover Defender with a big V8 will be a limited-edition deal with only “up to” 150 examples being made to celebrate the marque’s 70th anniversary in 2018. Sad, but I understand where they’re coming from.
Noteworthy Nameplate
The Defender Works V8 (its official name) pays tribute to the early high-powered versions of the 1979 Series III Stage 1 V8 and the 50th Anniversary Edition in 1998. Which, if I’m remembering this right, were powered by the same small block alloy V8 that Rover actually bought from Buick (of all people) back in the 1960s. “Why would anyone want a small, light, fuel efficient V8,” Buick asked, and promptly sold the thing to the Brits. Next thing you know, that same engine was in Rover police cars and Triumph TR8s and not in Buicks when that aforementioned gas crunch hit in the early 70s. Oops.

Power & Performance
Anyway, let us not dwell on the mistakes of our Detroit-based forefathers. Landy says the Defender Works V8 is the most powerful and fastest Defender ever manufactured. The 5.0-liter naturally-aspirated V8 cranks out 400 horsepower and 380 lb-ft. of torque versus the standard Defender’s 120 ponies and 265 lb-ft. of torque. All of those numbers are good enough for the Defender Works V8 to accelerate to 60 mph in 5.6 seconds, topping out at 106 mph. Which is frighteningly quick for something as tippy as a Land Rover, as well as comically slow on that top end. But given the thing has the aerodynamic grace of the crate it’s shipped in, it kinda follows, y’know?
The 150, specially-selected and re-engineered 70th Edition Defenders will have an eight-speed ZF automatic transmission with a sport mode. The brakes are updated (thankfully); the handling kit consists of springs, dampers, and anti-roll bars, plus exclusive 18-inch diamond-turned Sawtooth alloy wheels, with 265/65 R18 all-terrain tires. And all of that is good stuff, but you know these things are still going to handle like milk trucks, and it’s only a matter of time before a rich footballer from West Ipswichingham/ford-knoll-towne-on-Tyne barrel rolls one into a ditch.
Photo: Land Rover Classic.
Visual Treatments
The 70th Edition Defenders will come in eight unnamed body colors including two satin finishes. All of which will contrast nicely with the Santorini Black roof, wheel arches, and front grille. The door handles, fuel filler cap, and Defender bonnet lettering will be finished with machined aluminum (nice!). The comprehensive lighting upgrade includes bi-LED headlamps. Of course, full Windsor Leather covers the dashboard, door panels, headlining, and Recaro sports seats my dear fellow, and a Land Rover Classic Infotainment System is also fitted.
Pricing & Availability
Both 90 and 110 wheelbase Defender Works V8 versions will be available with prices starting from £150,000 for a 90 in the UK, which is around $210,000. The Defender Works V8 is available in the United Kingdom, and MENA markets on a personal import basis. European market availability is also on an individual import basis, subjected to rules on importation of vehicle conversions.
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.
Defender Works V8 Gallery

Photos & Source: Land Rover Classic.

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Acura Promises Return of Type-S & More A-Spec Variants

Acura Promises Return of Type-S & More A-Spec Variants
I bet if you were to ask Acura, they’d say the performance factor never left. But that said, they sure are making a big deal about their revitalized focus on performance and the return of the Type S at this year’s North American International Auto Show. Naturally, since I am a diehard gearhead, this is all great news for me, and for most of you out there. But what does this really mean? What will it all add up to?
Bringing It Back
All of this refocusing on performance coincides with the global debut of the 2019 Acura RDX Prototype at “The Detroit Show” (for us old skool guys). And yeah, that seems kind of silly (a performance oriented SUV? Ha!) but every car maker wants their stuff to be seen as high-tech and sporty. I bet there are guys in heavy truck hall talking about the sporty, high-performance styling of their new-for-2019 cab overs. But Acura is the luxury and performance division for Honda, so you durn well better pay attention when they say they’re bringing the performance back.
“We have made a major commitment to Acura to bring each element of Precision Crafted Performance to life through a new generation of products,” explained Toshiaki Mikoshiba, President & CEO of American Honda Motor Co., Inc. “Acura will pursue a unique powertrain strategy that underscores the brand’s rightful place as the performance division of Honda.”
2002 TL Type-S. Photo: Acura.
Power & Performance
Acura is trying to leverage a lot of this new performance aura from the latest NSX. In many ways that’s a good move since the latest NSX is a lot like a LaFerrari for a tenth of the price. The downside is that, for some reason, people were not buying the new NSX (I have no idea why).
Acura calls this focus “Precision Crafted Performance,” which now includes the launch of a new, turbocharged V6 powerplant for future Acura vehicles to use exclusively. It will be matched with the latest generation of Acura’s Super Handling All-Wheel Drive system. This means, most likely, the new turbo V6 puts out a ton of power and torque, and will need all four contact patches to make it work. By the way, the latest generation of Super Handling All-Wheel Drive is launching in the 2019 RDX.
2018 Acura TLX A-Spec. Photo: Acura.
Type-S & A-Spec Together
Acura says we can look for the return of its much-loved Type-S performance brand in the coming years, and for A-Spec variants to encompass all core models in the future. With regard to the A-Spec, expect a new 2.4-liter TLX A-Spec this spring, and an A-Spec variant of the 2019 RDX mid-year. I can almost hear the fanbois screaming from way out here. Honda kids love Type-S and A-Spec cars, so this is a dynamite move.
Exciting Times
The Type-S badge hasn’t been around for a decade, last seen on the 2008 Acura TL. So we can look forward to updated and modernized versions of what that Type-S badge brought to the 2008 Acura TL: A track-tuned chassis, more powerful engine and better brakes, high-performance tires and a general, sports-oriented exterior with interior modifications.
Looks like fast and fun times are ahead!
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: Acura.

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Lexus LF-1 Limitless Concept Defined As “Flagship Luxury Crossover”

Lexus LF-1 Limitless Concept Defined As “Flagship Luxury Crossover”
With the LF-1 Limitless concept, Lexus aims to introduce a new genre of luxury vehicle: the flagship crossover. The Lexus LF-1 Limitless concept combines high performance with unrestrained luxury and is a showcase of technology, innovation, and the latest evolution of design at Lexus. But is this exactly new? Aren’t there “flagship crossovers” already? What makes the Lexus LF-1 Limitless so special?
Power & Performance
For starters, Lexus (nee Toyota) says the LF-1 concept could be a fuel cell, hybrid, plug-in hybrid, gasoline, or all-electric. So that’s all pretty cool. Lexus goes even further to say that by around 2025, every Lexus will be available either as an electric model, or have an electrified option.
Exterior Styling
The LF-1 concept was created at CALTY Design Research in California, which is an interesting twist. CALTY says the design fuses the organic shapes of liquid metal with the sharp edges of a traditional Japanese sword, which sounds about what you’d expect to hear about a concept car sitting on a stand at the North American International Auto Show.
Lexus says the LF-1 has an exaggerated dash-to-axle ratio (which is a new phrase for me) that’s more sports car than station wagon. The cabin itself sits deep within the rear-wheel drive chassis, riding on aggressive 22-inch wheels encompassed under those bulging fenders. The low roofline and elevated ride height, according to Lexus, shows how the crossover is designed for performance and practicality.
Sadly, like all current Lexus models, the spindle grille is seen on the LF-1. Lexus says this is a core element to the overall design. I say it still looks like a huge mistake. The profile of the LF-1 has a visibly distinct flow from front to back, starting with the front fender line all the way to the bottom of the C pillar. Out back there is a split spoiler to grab the air (and your attention). The sculpted openings at the back corners are actually vents for the air coming past the rear wheels; it might be easy to first mistake them for exhaust pipes.
Photo: Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.
Interior Treatments
The cabin was designed so every passenger gets maximum comfort. The Lexus LF-1 follows the Japanese tradition of omotenashi, or hospitality, by being welcoming to all who enter. The cockpit is about the driver and the task at hand, accomplished by eliminating the “distracting” analog knobs and buttons in favor of motion-activated controls and minimalist displays. I could laugh and point out how this probably won’t work, but hey, show car, NAIAS, etc. etc. etc., a pass for Lexus here.
The front passenger space is more open, with fewer controls and a wide, unobstructed view of the dashboard. The people in back get the same seats as those up front with generous legroom and individual display screens for adjusting the climate control or entertainment options (i.e. keeping the rugrats quiet on long trips).
The interior is trimmed in a metallic finish in the same champagne-tinted color as the exterior, but with a satin finish for a warmer feel. Also, I feel compelled to point out that champagne was the color of Carmela Soprano’s SUV and that is not a good thing. Lexus added accents around the instrument panel and on the steering wheel to augment the cockpit feel for the driver. Other metallic accents contrast with the dark Cocoa Bean leather trim, and the seats covered in Chiffon White perforated leather. I’m not sure whether it’s those color names or how the color combination actually looks, but it makes me teeter toward thinking it’s Liza Minnelli levels of over the top.

Powertrain Controls
Lexus says all powertrain controls are on the steering wheel to keep the driver involved and attentive to the road. Yeah, sure, whatever, but here is where things get real funky real quick: “Paddles mounted to the steering wheel control the acceleration for sporty driving.” No they don’t, that’s what the pedal on the right does. Goofy high-tech buttons? Oh yeah, buttons on the lower section of the steering wheel engage options like park and reverse. Try not to accidentally hit them while cruising at freeway speeds.
In Person
The Lexus LF-1 Limitless concept is on display at the North American International Auto Show at the Cobo Center, downtown Detroit, Michigan. The show officially opens to the public on Saturday, January 20th.
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: Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.

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2018 Kia Stinger: Product & Performance Overview

2018 Kia Stinger: Product & Performance Overview

We saw the Kia Stinger for the first time at the 2017 North American International Auto Show here in Detroit. Its stance was bold, its message clear, and its design nothing short of fantastic. NAIAS 2017 had a multitude of attractions and for us, the Stinger was our top pick. The forthcoming sportback will enter a segment currently dominated by European automakers, but it will be the highest-performing production vehicle in Kia’s history.
Dream Come True
The Stinger, in its present form, descends from the GT concept, first unveiled at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show. When the cover was lifted, it sent a wave of inspiration throughout the entire Kia organization.
“Unlike any Kia that has come before it, the Stinger really is a dream car for us and after years of commitment and hard work from a passionate group of designers, engineers, and executives around the world, that dream is now a reality,” said Orth Hedrick, Vice President, Product Planning, Kia Motors America.
According to Kia, The Stinger needed to be many things, yet most of all, it needed to be a genuine Gran Turismo car. Here is a look, piece by piece, of what Kia did to get it there.
The Kia Stinger on display at the 2017 North American International Auto Show, Cobo Center, Detroit, Michigan. Photo: Carl Anthony for Automoblog.net.
Design & Development
The Stinger’s design was overseen by Peter Schreyer, Kia Motors’ Chief Design Officer, and his visionary team in Frankfurt, Germany. Ride and handling responsibilities fell to Albert Biermann, Head of Kia’s Vehicle Test and High Performance Development initiative. His engineering group worked around the clock in Korea but other teams from Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and North and South America joined in. Ultimately, it was on the Nürburgring circuit, a place lately reserved for the 911 GT2 RS and Camaro ZL1, where Kia made their biggest strides.
“From its GT concept-car origins to the years of tuning and refining on the legendary Nürburgring circuit, no detail was too small to be obsessed over, and the result is simply stunning,” Hedrick said.
“I think for the Kia brand, the Stinger is like a special event,” Biermann added. “Because nobody expects such a car, not just the way it looks but also the way it drives.”
Kia’s engineers put the Stinger through nearly 500 laps of high-intensity driving around the Nürburgring, the equivalent of about 6,200 miles. The Stinger’s quality, reliability, and durability testing consisted of aggressive acceleration, followed by rapid deceleration and heavy cornering. The Stinger was repeatedly exposed to the Nürburgring’s 73 corners and 17 percent gradients at nearly 1,000 feet of elevation.
“It’s a whole different animal,” Biermann said of the Stinger after testing concluded.
2018 Kia Stinger GT2 AWD. Photo: Kia Motors America.
Chassis Construction
The foundation for Kia’s Gran Turismo car is a stiff, NVH resistant chassis, comprised of 55 percent advanced high-strength steel. The MacPherson front suspension features large diameter shock absorbers, high-strength wheel bearings, and an aluminum strut brace; the reinforced five-link rear suspension is mounted to a stiffened rear subframe.
The Stinger GT goes a bit farther, with Kia’s first continuously damping, electronically controlled suspension. “Dynamic Stability Damping Control” matches a driver’s inputs and style, responding to road conditions more proactively than a traditional suspension. During tight or aggressive cornering, the front shocks soften and the rear firms up for better handling. Conversely, the system can stiffen the front shocks and soften the rear for improved high-speed stability.
There are five modes: Custom, Eco, Sport, Comfort, and Smart.
Advanced Aerodynamics
The Stinger needed to be more than a pretty face but when it comes to aerodynamics, a fastback design is more challenging than a conventional sedan. To maintain the balance between style and performance, Kia’s Frankfurt R&D center used computational fluid dynamics (CFD) software to test and validate different approaches to the Stinger’s aerodynamic profile.
The body is favored slightly toward the rear while the “gills” behind the front wheel arches reduce wake turbulence as air moves over the flanks. A partially-flat underfloor cover, which flows into the rear diffuser, reduces drag; the rear spoiler, with its “ducktail” shape, reduces lift and increases stability at higher speeds. Special air inlets and curtains help reduce front-end lift and compliment the large, horizontal brake cooling ducts. By continually tweaking the “aerofoil” shape of the Stinger, Kia achieved a drag coefficient of 0.30 Cd.
2018 Kia Stinger GT2 RWD. Photo: Kia Motors America.

Engine & Powertrain
Kia poses it rather well: “if the chassis symbolizes the bones of a gran turismo, then surely the available powertrains represent its heart.” When we first saw the Kia Stinger at NAIAS in January, this really intrgued us. The first available engine is a 2.0-liter twin-scroll turbocharged four-cylinder Theta II plant, producing 255 horsepower (6,200 rpm) and 260 lb-ft. of torque. Torque is available from 1,400 to 4,000 rpm and gives the Stinger a reasonable 0 to 60 time of 5.9 seconds.
The 3.3-liter twin-turbo V6 Lambda II engine packs a bit more punch. Those looking for more snap and grunt will want this engine with its 365 horsepower (6,000 rpm) and top speed of 167 mph. Torque jumps to 376 lb-ft., available from 1,350 to 4,500 rpm. With this engine, the Kia Stinger enters the segment with more power than the Audi S5 Sportback, BMW 440i Gran Coupe, and Infiniti Q50. Further, Kia has chipped away at Porsche’s foundation. With the V6 Lambda II engine, the Stinger GT hits 60 in 4.7 seconds, which is quicker than the six-cylinder Porsche Panamera.
Helping to disperse the power is an 8-speed automatic Kia designed in-house. One of the most notable features is the inclusion of a Centrifugal Pendulum Absorber, normally found on racing, diesel, and aviation applications. The design, accompanied by an oil cooler to mitigate heat, helps prevent torsional vibrations through the drivetrain. Similar to the suspension, five different shift patterns may be selected through the vehicle’s electronic drive-mode system.
Photo: Kia Motors America.
Steering & Braking
The Stinger features a variable ratio, Motor Driven Power Steering system that Kia says offers “razor-sharp feedback.” The setup has the electric motor mounted directly on the steering rack to reduce vibration from the column and to enhance overall response.
The Stinger GT is equipped with Brembo brakes with quad-piston front and dual-piston rear calipers. The monobloc all-aluminum calipers reduce unsprung weight, dissipate heat, and are coupled with large diameter brake discs: 13.8-inches in the front and 13.4-inches in the rear. During development, the Stinger was subjected to multiple runs down the infamous Grossglockner High Alpine Road in the Austrian Alps. The environment is the ideal place to test braking performance.
Interior Treatments
All Stingers come standard with a leather-appointed cabin, although an ultra-soft Nappa leather is available. Air-cell bladders and width-adjusting bolsters are available for the driver’s seat for additional comfort. The center console is split between the infotainment controls, which sit below a large color touchscreen, and the climate controls. The gauges are ringed in metal and accentuated with sweeping red needles; a color TFT screen relays data like cornering G-forces, lap times, and temperatures, along with the trip odometer, driver settings, navigation, and diagnostics.
The Stinger also comes with a generous array of connectivity, infotainment, and entertainment features. An available Harman Kardon 720 watt audio system has an external amplifier, 15 speakers, and under-seat subwoofers.
Pricing & Availability
The 2018 Kia Stinger arrives in December and pricing will be announced closer to that time. The Stinger will be available in either rear-wheel or all-wheel drive.
Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and resides in Detroit, Michigan.
2018 Kia Stinger Gallery

Photos & Source: Kia Motors America.

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Ford Mustang Engineers Show Why Duct Tape Is Awesome

Ford Mustang Engineers Show Why Duct Tape Is Awesome

In 1999, Baz Luhrmann released Everybody’s Free (To Wear Sunscreen), a spoken word, notional commencement speech to a class entering the new millennium. Based on an essay by Chicago Tribune columnist Mary Schmich, “The Suncreen Song” contains nuggets of advice garnered from Luhrmann’s own “meandering experience.” He advises the graduating class to remember compliments, avoid beauty magazines, and spend time with their parents, among other things.
I would add, to Luhrmann’s list of already excellent advice, duct tape. In the song, he says the benefits of sunscreen are proven by scientists. I am sure, at some point in time, there was a study done by scientists on duct tape. It can solve a myriad of problems and no person should be without a roll. It can fix anything.
Human Intuition
Just ask Ford engineers Jonathan Gesek and Mike Del Zio. Despite the computer-generated and data-driven approach to vehicle development today, the human element is still needed. There are times a computer cannot read things the way a human can. After completing a high-speed lap in a prototype Mustang, Del Zio, a vehicle dynamics engineer, noticed the car was not responding to his liking around corners. The latest set of wind tunnel numbers showed everything was fine, but Del Zio was not convinced.
That’s when Gesek, an aerodynamics engineer, slapped a strip of duct tape over the lower grille gap. We are fairly certain (although Ford did not confirm) both engineers applied sunscreen at this time too. That would be logical since they were outside at a race track.
The slice of duct tape over the grille provided a “Band-Aid” fix to what is known as front-end lift. Gesek and Del Zio have devoted hundreds of hours to the aerodynamic performance and efficiency of the new 2018 Mustang. Their work has helped maintain and even improve the Mustang’s EPA fuel economy ratings. In essence, these guys know the Mustang and know it well. And they know when to trust their gut.
“That little strip of tape made all the difference,” Del Zio said.
2018 Ford Mustang. Photo: Ford Motor Company.

Proper Modifications
Mustang’s front-end styling changes include a lowered nose, larger front splitter, and rocker shield. Each element helps keep the car planted while allowing air to flow smoothly underneath. But it all started with a strip of duct tape from a dull gray roll. Granted, you won’t find a new Mustang at the dealership with a slice of the famed adhesive on the front, but you can be confident regardless.
“At the end of a straightaway, what confidence do you have in being able to brake and make a turn,” Del Zio said, emphasizing the importance of human-inspired engineering and design. “Things start to come up fast at 155 miles an hour.”
Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and resides in Detroit, Michigan.
2018 Ford Mustang Fuel Economy Improvements

2017
2018
Increase
City
Highway
Combined
City
Highway
Combined
Combined
EcoBoost (auto)
21
30
24
21
32
25
4.2%
EcoBoost (man.)
21
30
24
21
31
25
4.2%
GT (auto)
15
24
18
16
25
19
5.6%
GT (man.)
15
25
18
15
25
18
No Change
Photo & Source: Ford Motor Company.

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2018 Volkswagen Tiguan S 4Motion Review

2018 Volkswagen Tiguan S 4Motion Review

The Volkswagen Tiguan is sometimes a forgotten entry in the compact crossover segment, but it’s worthy to be put on your shopping list. It competes against popular Japanese rivals like the Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, Subaru Forester, and Mazda CX-5. It’s a tall compact crossover that stretches toward midsize in interior space, and is well-equipped for its price. It’s ready for the daily commute, or the weekend ski trip.
We recently drove the base trim Tiguan S 4Motion.
What’s New For 2018
The Volkswagen Tiguan has been completely redesigned for 2018, and grows in size for its second generation. Cargo capacity improves over the previous model.
Features & Options
The 2018 Tiguan S 4Motion ($27,495) comes standard with rugged fabric upholstery, rearview camera, USB port, Bluetooth capability, 6.5-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and VW’s telematics service. It also features automatic headlights, heated mirrors, roof rails, and a six-speaker sound system.
This was a new, pre-production press vehicle from Volkswagen and the only option listed was the Driver Assistance package. It included forward collision warning with emergency braking and blind-spot monitoring.

Interior Highlights
Our Habanero Orange tester seemed ready for Halloween with its contrasting, sharp-looking Titan Black fabric upholstery. The Germans know how to keep the people’s wagon simple, clean, and functional. The Tiguan’s interior is ready to haul folks around for the commute or better yet, the weekend trip to the ski slopes.
There’s plenty of room inside for taller passengers and the seats are firm and supportive, but could use a bit more padding. The Tiguan S comes with a six-speaker stereo, good for listening to sports talk on 104.3 The Fan here in Denver. Unfortunately, it lacks in sound quality for music.
In the rear, there’s exceptional legroom especially with the sliding rear seat pushed back. The Tiguan may be larger than before, although three adults in the rear seat will still be a squeeze. There’s 37.6 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats down, and the rear liftgate is nice and wide for loading extra large items. Maximum cargo carrying ability is still less than some rivals.

Engine & Fuel Mileage Specs
All Volkswagen Tiguan models come powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged TSI four-cylinder engine, coupled with an eight-speed automatic. It develops 184 horsepower and 221 lb-ft. of torque. The compact SUV returns an EPA estimated 23 combined mpg with a 21/27 city/highway rating. That’s less than the competition and the rating seems low to us considering it’s a 2.0-liter engine. We got around 22 mpg, which isn’t too bad considering how hard we drove it at altitude.
Driving Dynamics
We pushed the turbocharged 2.0-liter engine hard this week as we traveled into the mountains west of Denver. It’s the ideal place to test any vehicle, and this small SUV was no exception. Without the turbo, this vehicle would be less than ideal for mountain commutes, but when the air gets thin, the Tiguan has enough power to climb the hills without issue.
You will find it has more power at lower revs when accelerating from a stop, but it can get a little out of breath at higher revs. We don’t anticipate this will be an issue for daily commuting, however. The 8-speed automatic is smooth and a welcome relief from the continuously variable transmissions that many small crossovers get. The downside is it doesn’t get the mileage of a CVT gearbox.
In the city, the Tiguan is a good commuter vehicle and it scoots around slower traffic with ease. Its smaller size lets you park in tighter spots and you won’t have a problem seeing other drivers when you are navigating city streets. The Tiguan has a higher profile and bigger windows than other small crossovers, making it easy to see out the back and sides. On the highway, the Tiguan’s ride is easy, the handling competent, and it feels softer than the outgoing model.
Conclusion
The 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan S 4Motion offers affordably-priced convenience in a compact crossover that, overall, offers a quiet, comfortable ride. If you live in a cold climate, the 4Motion all-wheel drive will get you through the ice and snow this winter without an issue.
Denis Flierl has invested over 25 years in the automotive industry in a variety of roles. Follow his work on Twitter: @CarReviewGuy
2018 Volkswagen Tiguan Gallery

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2018 Volkswagen Tiguan official site.
Photos: Volkswagen of America, Inc.
*SEL trim level also shown.

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Supercar Superbuild Features Mercedes-AMG, Rolls Royce, Jaguar & Others In Season Two

Supercar Superbuild Features Mercedes-AMG, Rolls Royce, Jaguar & Others In Season Two Supercar Superbuild kicks off its second season this Sunday (January 22nd) on the Smithsonian Channel. The cameras go behind the scenes, revealing the high-stakes gambles, engineering challenges, impossible deadlines, clandestine meetings, and years of sacrifice designers and craftspeople face to bring the world’s most incredible vehicles to life. Those who enjoy cars and appreciate history will definitely be fascinated by Supercar Superbuild.
In-Depth Look
The second season will expose viewers to Alfa Romeo, Rolls Royce, Jaguar, Porsche, and Audi, among others. This season, those and other individual automakers and their cars are examined thoroughly. From the mechanical specifications and design concepts, to the manufacturing and technology aspects, nothing is left untouched. Cars like the Rolls Royce Wraith, a near $300,000 luxury machine, are featured in full detail. Unique vehicle assembly characteristics are revealed, like how it takes nearly a football field worth of aluminum welds for an Audi R8’s frame.
The archival footage and historical information is one of the most enjoyable parts of the show, and viewers will see plenty of both this season. Another highlight is how the cameras go inside the assembly plants to see firsthand where the action happens. Viewers meet the executives, artisans, designers, and engineers responsible for getting these unique cars from dream to reality.
During season two of Supercar Superbuild, a father-and-son duo who work together in the Jaguar factory are profiled. Photo: Smithsonian Channel.
Great Eight
The first of eight episodes this season details how Mercedes-AMG is taking on their rivals in the performance arena. Viewers see the brand’s extensive history, hear from Tobias Moers, Mercedes-AMG Chairman, and go inside the Sindelfingen factory in Germany, the largest Mercedes-Benz facility in the world. Later in the season, the cameras head to the Motor City, where the Chevy Camaro is a beloved fixture among American muscle cars; the final episode of the season tells the story of the world’s first “blue-collar sports car.”
Supercar Superbuild premieres Sunday, January 21st at 9 p.m. ET/PT on the Smithsonian Channel. Below is a preview of Sunday’s episode. The snippet shows how Mercedes-AMG technicians build each engine by hand.
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, Video & Source: Smithsonian Channel.

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