Automotive

Titan & Titan XD: Nissan Lifts ‘Em Up

Titan & Titan XD: Nissan Lifts ‘Em Up Okay, the short story here is that Nissan now features a line of factory-approved lift kits for their Titan and Titan XD trucks. Manufacturers have done this – approved certain aftermarket bits and pieces – since Henry Ford was messing around with tractors. That’s nothing new. Lift kits, on the other hand, are new(er) as far as we can tell, but is it a good thing?
Solid Approach
On the one hand, the business hand, this makes nothing but sense: One, customers are already adding lift kits to their trucks. Two, if you don’t take advantage of customer desires, you’re leaving money on the table. And three, partnering with a well-known aftermarket provider of lift kits allows Nissan to objectively evolve on-demand niches, while credibly procrastinating adaptive communities, all while compellingly synthesizing robust materials . . . or something. You know how these press releases read but who cares! The bottom line is, as always, the bottom line. People buy trucks and lift kits, and if they don’t buy them from Nissan, they’ll send their money to someone else.
So, for the first time ever, Nissan is offering a factory-authorized suspension lift kit. And I think this might be the first factory-approved lift kit of all time, and not just for Nissans. I’ve never heard of another truck maker doing this (although there have been special trucks like the Dodge Power Wagon and stuff like that). The only other example we could think of in recent times is this one for the F-150 in 2016.
This Nissan Titan on display at the 2018 Chicago Auto Show features the new ICON suspension lift kit package. Photo: Nissan North America.
Some (But Not Much) Assembly Required
The Nissan lift kits are a fully bolt-on affair, which is great. There’ll be no cutting or drilling required, which makes installation both a snap and less likely to result in some dingus screwing things up with a die grinder or rotary saw.
The lift kits were created by California-based ICON Vehicle Dynamics. In case you are wondering, this is not the same crew that makes nut and bolt restorations of vintage Land Cruisers and such. That’s ICON 4×4. ICON Vehicle Dynamics is a purveyor of all things off-road for a wide range of applications. From looking cool to crawling over big piles of rocks, that’s what ICON Vehicle Dynamics is here for.
The package includes adjustable-height coil-over shock absorbers specifically tuned for both the Titan and larger Titan XD; custom rod end bearings, and patent-pending Delta Joints. And everything just bolts right in or on. No cutting. No drilling. Everything should go in easy-peasy and the whole shootin’ match installs in under four hours at your Nissan dealership.
Photo: Nissan North America.
Functionality & Availability
The new Titan kit offers a more hard-hitting exterior look, with a total suspension lift of up to three inches. The kit is fabricated for Crew Cab 4×4 models and will be available this spring.
“We worked with ICON, a proven name in suspension lift kit engineering, to develop the first kits to be offered through our Nissan dealer network,” explained Billy Hayes, Division Vice President, LCV and Trucks, Nissan North America, Inc. “With the suspension lift kit’s increased wheel travel and damping ability, ride quality should be enhanced both off-road and on.”
If you deck your Titan out with one of these kits, send us a photo so we can retweet it for you.
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: Nissan North America.

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2018 Chevy Cruze LT Diesel Hatch Review

2018 Chevy Cruze LT Diesel Hatch Review There are other affordable high-mileage compact cars out there, but how does a diesel-powered model fit in your plans? It competes in Toyota Prius territory, making it one of the most fuel-efficient compacts on the planet. This week we found the Chevy Cruze diesel variant to be easy-going, surprisingly quiet, comfortable, and composed on the road. The Cruze comes as a sedan or hatchback, with an automatic or manual, and as either a diesel or gas.
This week, we drove the 2018 Chevy Cruze LT Diesel Hatch.
What’s New For 2018
Both the 2018 Cruz Hatch and sedan are now available with the 1.6-liter turbodiesel engine. The vehicle was unveiled in 2016 at the North American International Auto Show.
Features & Options
The 2018 Chevy Cruze LT Diesel Hatch ($25,865) comes standard with cloth upholstery, a seven-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, 60/40 split folding rear seat, and a rearview camera. Cruze LT Hatch adds a six-speaker sound system with available satellite radio, steering wheel controls, 16-inch wheels, fog lamps, and a space-saver spare tire rather than a tire repair kit.
It also features upgraded headlights with LED running lights, heated mirrors, and a rear center armrest with cupholders. Hatchback models also get a cargo cover and rear spoiler. A charge-only USB port is added to models equipped with the automatic transmission.
This Cruze LT tester came with the optional Driver Confidence and Sun and Sound package ($2,260), adding rear parking sensors and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert. It also came with a sunroof, a color driver information center, ambient interior lighting, a larger eight-inch center touchscreen display, and a nine-speaker Bose audio system. It also came with the Leather package ($1,125). That gave us a heated and leather-wrapped steering wheel, leather upholstery, and a height-adjustable front passenger seat.
Total MSRP including destination: $30,125.

Interior Highlights
The cabin is modern, clean, and sharp, featuring an all-black layout with light contrast stitching. The soft-touch materials nicely offset some of the hard plastic. There’s simple instrumentation in a pod, outlined in chrome, and the controls are intuitive. In the center of the dash, our tester had the larger, easier-to-read eight-inch touchscreen. The leather front seats are comfortable, with additional bolstering for extra support.
For a compact car, we think the Cruze Hatch is spacious, and it felt bigger inside than its size would dictate. It will carry four adults comfortably, with a surprising amount of leg and hip room in the rear, more than rivals like the Ford Focus or Hyundai Elantra have.
The Cruze Hatch offers up 23.7 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seat, not as much as the Honda Civic or Ford Focus hatchbacks. However, with the rear seat folded flat, the hatch has a competitive 47 cubic feet of cargo carrying ability.
Engine & Fuel Mileage Specs
Our Cruze LT tester came with the new 1.6-liter turbodiesel, producing 137 horsepower and 240 lb-ft. of torque. It comes mated to a sophisticated nine-speed automatic transmission. The turbodiesel fuel mileage competes with the stingy Toyota Prius with an EPA rating of 30/45 city/highway and 35 combined mpg.

Driving Dynamics
The Cruze Hatch is quiet on the road – you can’t tell it’s a diesel – and it rides comfortably on the highway with excellent stability. We were surprised at the way the Cruze rode in fact. It offers one of the most comfortable rides for a compact car.
So how does the 1.6-liter diesel perform? It’s a strong point for the Cruze. If you don’t mind wearing a plastic glove while filling it at the pump, the engine is worth the small discomfort. When Volkswagen left the compact diesel market because of their their emissions fiasco, it left a void now filled by the Cruze.
We thought the 137 horsepower would be woefully inadequate, especially in the mountains of Colorado, but when you add in that massive 240 lb-ft. of torque, it turns into a race car. If you are worried about hearing a noisy diesel sound, or black smoke belching from the tailpipe, both are non-existent.
The nine-speed automatic shifts with little hesitation and pairs well with the small diesel powerplant. In the city, the Cruze is an ideal size for commuting. It also fits into small parking spaces with ease.
Conclusion
In a crowded compact hatch class, there’s lots of choices, but only one with a diesel engine. It stands out for its excellent power and fuel economy. The interior will carry four adults comfortably, while the Hatchback with its rear seat folded offers good utility and cargo space.
Denis Flierl has invested over 25 years in the automotive industry in a variety of roles. Follow his work on Twitter: @CarReviewGuy
2018 Chevy Cruze Hatchback Gallery

2018 Chevy Cruze Official Site.
Photos & Source: Chevrolet. (2017 models and Redline Edition also shown).

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2019 Ram 1500 Lone Star Edition Debuts In Dallas

2019 Ram 1500 Lone Star Edition Debuts In Dallas Ram has unveiled the Lone Star edition at the DFW Auto Show, a fitting location indeed for a model Ram deems as the original “Texas Truck.” Lone Star trims receive bright front and rear bumpers, chrome door handle centers, a special grille surround with billet inserts, and 18-inch aluminum wheels. Monochromatic Sport and Black appearance packages are also available.
Technology & Packages
The 2019 Ram 1500 was unveiled last month at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan. The truck was one of the most technologically significant vehicles at the event. For example, the eTorque mild hybrid system, which adds up to 90 lb-ft. of torque to the 3.6-liter Pentastar V6, and up to 130 lb-ft. to the 5.7-liter Hemi, is the first of its kind in the truck segment.
As the year moves on, it is common for Ram to release new trim levels at auto shows around the country. With the Lone Star, several different packages – called “groups” in Ram-speak – are available to increase the truck’s functionality: Bed Utility Group, 4×4 Off-Road Group, Protection Group, Trailer Tow Mirrors and Brake Group, Max Towing Package Group, and the Premium Lighting Group.
Inside the cab, Lone Star offers four different interior themes and either a front, six-passenger bench seat, or five-passenger bucket seats. Other options include Ram’s class-exclusive Active Level Air Suspension, an electric-locking rear axle, a Blind-Spot Monitoring system, and 20-inch aluminum wheels.

Availability
The Lone Star is available in either a 4×2 or 4×4 layout in Crew and Quad Cab configurations. The Lone Star will initially be offered with the 5.7-liter HEMI; the Pentastar V6 joins later this year. The only downfall (although understandable) is how the truck is only available in Texas. Expect them at Texas Ram dealers during the first quarter of this year.
In the meantime, the 2019 Ram 1500 Lone Star is on display at the DFW Auto Show at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in Dallas, Texas.
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: FCA US LLC.

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Chevrolet Debuts 2019 Corvette ZR1 Convertible

Chevrolet Debuts 2019 Corvette ZR1 Convertible

The new Corvette ZR1 is, to paraphrase Muhammad Ali, a baaad car. It is, no exaggeration and no foolin’, a car that can flat out stomp ones that don’t have the words “Ferrari” or “Porsche” or “McLaren” applied to their trunk lids. If you are not driving one of those cars and find yourself up against a ZR1 in almost any capacity, don’t even try. The ZR1 will eat you. Now imagine how much more fun you could have as a ZR1 owner if you dropped the top?
Value Added
The 2019 Corvette ZR1 convertible is the first ZR1 drop-top since 1970. That is, to say the least, a long time. Much has changed in the automotive world, and Chevrolet, thankfully, has adapted and grown with those changes. The current model Vettes are fast, nasty, well thought out, and technically sophisticated sports cars. There are no more “yeah, but” equivocations coming from Corvette owners. And the ZR1 piles on even more power, torque, and aero goodies to drive that point home all the harder.
Both the coupe and convert versions of the ZR1 go on sale next spring and while not exactly inexpensive, neither of them cost what a Ferrari or Porsche or McLaren cost. How much? The ZR1 coupe will cost you $119,995, while the drop top will start at $123,995. Like I said, not exactly inexpensive, but still . . .
Photo: Chevrolet.
Top-Down Motoring
The differences between the hard and soft tops are actually pretty negligible. Everything you get in the coupe you get in the convertible. Gone are the days of extra bracing here and there to make up for lost rigidity in an already flexi-flyer (I’m looking at you, first round of Gen 4 convertibles!). The strength and design of the latest Corvette’s aluminum chassis means the only structural changes in the drop-top are modifications for the folding top and repositioned safety belt mounts. The top is a fully powered job that can be operated remotely or while driving up to 30 mph, which, you know, looks so boss when your leaving the drive-in. “But it adds weight,” you mumble. Au contraire mon frère! In fact, the difference in curb weight between the ZR1 coupe and convertible is less than 60 pounds. Most of that added weight is down to the folding top hardware. Very impressive.
The convertible gets the full aero kit, including the standard, stanchion-mounted Low Wing. If you have all the restraint of a Vin Diesel fanboy with a Liberace fetish, you can spring for the ZTK Performance Package (an extra $2,995) with that absurd (yet adjustable) High Wing, front splitter, and carbon-fiber end caps. The ZTK also gets you Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires and Magnetic Ride Control.
Photo: Chevrolet.

Power & Performance
The convertible is powered by the same LT5 6.2-liter supercharged engine, putting out 755 horsepower and 715 lb-ft. of torque. Transmissions are the same: either a seven-speed manual or a paddle-shift eight-speed automatic. Chevy’s testing shows 60 mph in under three seconds (gulp!), a quarter mile in the high 10 range (not bad), and a top speed of 212 mph. And that’s when you opt for the eight-speed automatic.
The blower on the LT5 is the same intercooled unit found on the coupe that displaces 2.65-liters on its own. It generates more boost at slightly slower speeds than before, and reduces heat for lower intake temperatures for optimal performance. And yeah, both ZR1s have thirteen radiators.
And finally, there is a new, patent-pending exhaust system to offer “the most aggressive sound ever for a production Corvette.” Essentially it’s a Jekyll and Hyde set up. It’s a bi-modal exhaust system with four distinct modes and sound levels: Stealth, Tour, Sport, and Track. In Stealth mode, the ZR1 is quieter than the Z06, while in Track mode it is “significantly louder.”
Decisions, Decisions
So, you know, from a performance standpoint, the choice is yours. Do you want the coupe or the convertible? Because they’ll both turn the same lap times. Which is all that really counts. Both the 2019 Corvette ZR1 coupe and convertible will be on display at the Los Angeles Auto Show through December 10th.
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: Chevrolet.

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Subaru Ascent Makes Debut In Los Angeles

Subaru Ascent Makes Debut In Los Angeles

Fellow gearheads, I’m afraid we’re just going to have to face facts: Sooner or later, every car maker on the planet is going to offer a three row SUV/crossover/thingo for sale. In this case here, Subaru – maker of some of the world’s great rally cars – recently debuted their Ascent SUV at the Los Angeles Auto Show.
When Life Hands You Lemons
I think (and this is just a working hypothesis at this point, so bear with me) automakers, over time, realized nobody in America bought station wagons any more. So they got us to buy minivans, until those things became the very symbol of automotive sclerosis, then they figured out how to sell us SUVs (largely based on our fears of being able to handle stuff combined with wanting to look cool), and then they somehow were able to morph SUVs into these now-ubiquitous crossover-thingos that are little more than over-inflated station wagons. It’s the circle of automotive life, er, marketing.
So of course automakers far and wide are going to make and sell these things as fast as they can. I mean, if your dad owned a lemon grove and it was a hot day and you saw all the other kids selling lemonade, what would you do, not make money?
So, naturally, Subaru wants to make money. And, from a certain point of view, they’ve already been doing this for a while. They’re married to All-Wheel Drive the same way Audi is. They’ve made quite good and functional AWD station wagons for a while now. For a brief period of time they even made an SUV, this weirdly styled thing called a Tribeca (what it had to do with lower Manhattan is beyond me). And their Crosstrek, to me, hits a sweet spot between off-road capability and city livability. Which is all background to saying hello to the new, soon to be hitting the streets, 2019 Subaru Ascent.
The 2019 Subaru Ascent is built on the company’s Global Platform, which consists of “optimized cross sections and highly stiffened joints between structures.” This is to enhance stability and comfort while reducing noise. Further, the Ascent’s new platform integrates the latest version of Subaru’s ring-shaped reinforcement frame design for occupant protection. Photo: Subaru of America, Inc.
Family-Oriented Amenities
Subaru calls the Ascent the “family-focused SUV” which is a stunningly obvious declaration. The Ascent, like most its brethren, is designed to haul lots of people and a bunch of their stuff. The Ascent, with a 113.8-inch wheelbase, is obviously the largest Subaru has ever built. Everything about it seems focused on getting people and things down the road.
It has a whopping 153.5 cubic feet of passenger volume to accommodate a seven- or eight- passenger configuration. The rear doors open out 75 degrees so you can cram even the bigger kids into the third row. It has eight USB charging ports sprinkled throughout the cabin and a 120-volt power outlet for the rear, so you and the entire fam can bop down the road without having to interact with one another, praise Maxwell.
You want more America? Of course you do. How about 19 standard cup and bottle holders? Nineteen baby! How about not one, not two, but three standard automatic climate control zones to ensure all passengers stay comfortable and, most importantly, quiet. No more incessant whining all the way to Wally World and back about it being too cold. How about lights? You want interior lighting? Step right up. Second row reading lights? Check! They’re standard. Third row reading lights? Yup! Standard on Premium, Limited, and Touring trim levels. Ambient and footwell lighting? Of course!
The front chairs are right out of a La-Z-Boy showroom with power adjustments, lumbar support, and a length adjustment function for the driver’s seat cushion. Front and second row seats can be heated as part of the All-Weather Package for Premium models. Certain trims even get you a heated steering wheel while the Touring models offer ventilated front seats.
Photo: Subaru of America, Inc.

Power & Performance
Now, let’s talk about the week link in the chain: The Ascent is propelled down the road by an all-new turbocharged, 260 horsepower Boxer engine mated to a Lineartronic CVT transmission. Look, Subie engines are great. Pretty much everyone seems to agree on that. But you can only squeeze so much grunt out of that small of an engine and haul so many heavy loads – you know stuff like an SUV full of fat Americans towing a tent trailer.
I would hope that Subaru is working on newer, bigger, more powerful engines to drop into the Ascent. And while they’re at it, if that same big block plant could also drop right into an STi wagon of some sort, that’d be great. Thanks.
And I wasn’t kidding about towing a tent trailer. The 2019 Ascent has a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 lbs., which is impressive. Subaru also says the 2019 Ascent can go 500 miles on a tank of gas. Of course the Ascent is packed with tech goodies like standard EyeSight Driver Assist Technology and other safety features, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and 4G LTE Wi-Fi.
Pricing & Availability
The new U.S.-built (in Lafayette, Indiana!) Ascent will be offered in four trim levels: Base, Premium, Limited, and Touring. The Subaru Ascent (nice name, by the way) will be in dealers by early summer 2018. No word on price, but I predict it will be more than you first expected, but still not very high in comparison to the competition, because Subaru.
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: Subaru of America, Inc.

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New Pandora Station Captures The Essence of Truck Life

New Pandora Station Captures The Essence of Truck Life

My father’s 1987 Chevy Silverado was as pivotal to my younger years as anything else at the time. We would load the lawn mowers up to cut my grandmother’s grass, stopping at Dairy Queen afterwards. The Super Pig (KSUX 105.7) would provide the soundtrack on those hot summer days. With the windows down, a Misty Slush in my hands, and a good country jam on the radio, it was just another quintessential Iowa summer.
Stories & Songs
My Chevy truck story is one of thousands, but the commonality that runs though each is the inspiration behind the Chevy Truck Centennial. The 100-day commemoration, announced recently at the State Fair of Texas, brought with it two special edition trucks, branded merchandise, and the Truck Legends customer loyalty program. Now a new Pandora station, Chevy Truck 100, has launched in conjunction with the centennial celebration. Country music fans know the love many of their favorite artists have for the Silverado, including Luke Bryan, who says his family always had Chevy trucks on the farm.
“At its most basic level, every song tells a story, while the very best songs also make an emotional connection with the audience,” explained Record Producer and Songwriter, Frank Rogers. “For artists, many of us grew up riding in a Chevy truck, making it a natural way to tell the story of our experiences.”
2018 Chevy Silverado Centennial Edition on display at the 2017 Luke Bryan Farm Tour, Baldwin City, Kansas. Photo: Carl Anthony for Automoblog.net.
How Country Boys Roll
Interesting enough – for me anyway – country songs in general make me think of Chevy trucks. When I was learning to drive, I did so inside the cab of my father’s 87 Silverado. And aside from me blowing a few stops signs (much to my father’s sudden alarm), not much changed. Even though I was driving, we still loaded the mowers up, we still passed through the Dairy Queen, and still cranked the country tunes on 105.7. Even if the song doesn’t mention a Chevy truck, I instantly think of a bowtie anyway.
“Our customers have created millions of memories associated with our trucks, be it working in the field or job site, cruising with friends or camping with families,” said Sandor Piszar, Chevrolet Marketing Director. “That connection with generations of people is a defining characteristic of Chevy trucks, and something few other brands can match.”
I firmly believe the Ram and F-150 are solid machines, but for GM to hold a presence in this way is literal gold in a competitive truck market. Where I grew up in Iowa, it was Chevy all the way. In my high school, a Chevy truck was what you aspired to drive. Yes, we had buddies in high school who were all about the Ford and Dodge trucks, but they spent more time defending their position than us Chevy guys did.
Sure, my career in the automotive industry has taught me things like this are subjective; you can travel to other areas of the country and find pockets of F-150 and Ram enthusiasts. It’s just that, where I come from, a small, rural Iowa farming community, it was the bowtie or nothing. When the girls wanted to hang out at the bowling alley on Saturday night, they rode with the Chevy boys. When the fellas wanted to shoot fireworks off in the country for the 4th, the one with the Silverado was obligated to drive. My first love was a Chevy girl. She joked that if I ever insisted on a Ford, I would need to get accustomed to the couch following our wedding. It’s just the way it was. It was the natural order of things.
“For our fans, a reference to a Chevy truck is something they can instantly relate to, helping make the story relevant to their life as well,” Rogers added.
Photo: Chevrolet.
Memorable Playlist
Chevy is asking enthusiasts and fans to provide their input on the new station and share their favorite songs about Chevy trucks. The station is up and running as we speak with a good variety and mix. I’ve been jamming to Tracy Lawrence, Tim McGraw, and even Bobby Goldsboro’s Summer (The First Time) from 1968. I haven’t heard that in ages, not since my days on AM radio. The Suzy Bogguss hit Drive South was a nice surprise too. That one, from 1992, reminds me of those quintessential Iowa summers.
Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and resides in Detroit, Michigan.

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2019 Range Rover Models Blend Performance With Efficiency

2019 Range Rover Models Blend Performance With Efficiency

Expect to see prototypes of the 2019 Range Rover and Range Rover Sport P400e plug-in hybrid during the Los Angeles Auto Show. The vehicles represent a combination of “sustainable performance” and “effortless capability” according to Jaguar Land Rover. It’s the first time the models have been shown in North America. It’s also the first time those who prefer the flagship Land Rover SUV can opt for a zero-emissions variant.
Power & Performance
The new Range Rover and Range Rover Sport P400e combine a 2.0-liter four-cylinder Ingenium gasoline engine, an electric motor, and a 13.1kWh lithium-ion battery. The Ingenium plant creates 296 horsepower while the electric motor registers 114 horsepower. Combined system output is 398 horsepower and 472 lb-ft. of torque with an electric only range of 31 miles.
The Land Rover Terrain Response 2 system is calibrated to “precisely distribute” maximum torque from the electric motor at zero rpm to all four wheels. Jaguar Land Rover says this provides better control during low speed, off-road maneuvers. All 2018 Range Rover models come with air suspension to raise the vehicle for more aggressive off-road driving.
Photo: Jaguar Land Rover.
Drive Modes
Customers can choose two different modes: Parallel Hybrid, the default mode, combines the gasoline and electric powertrains. To help maximize efficiency, drivers can enact a “SAVE” function to prevent the battery from dropping below a certain level. Predictive Energy Optimization works in tandem with the navigation to increase efficiency. Once a destination is entered, the vehicle utilizes GPS altitude data for the route and combines the gasoline and electric motors accordingly.
The second mode is simply called “Electric Vehicle.” This means the Range Rover is running solely on the electric motor with the battery’s stored energy.
Construction
The new Range Rovers are lighter than their counterparts – 39 percent to be exact. Both the Range Rover and Range Rover Sport P400e utilize an all-aluminum body which accounts for the weight loss when compared to a steel equivalent. Jaguar Land Rover notes the “extensive optimization processes” for the vehicle’s architecture, saying the processes were some of the most ambitious in the company’s history. The development of the all-aluminum body required intense computer simulation and a 1,000 years of processor time.
Multi-dimensional optimization tools were also used to minimize weight while simultaneously delivering outstanding stiffness and refinement, according to Jaguar Land Rover. Aerodynamic advancements are seen specifically with the flush glazing, the D-pillar’s sharp separation, and rear lights. This combination helps create a drag coefficient of 0.34.
Photo: Jaguar Land Rover.

Configuration & Charging
The 2.0-liter Ingenium gasoline engine is longitudinally mounted, with the 85kW electric motor housed inside the ZF eight-speed automatic. The transmission resides at the vehicle’s center with the 7kW on-board charger. The inverter, also near the center of the vehicle, turns DC voltage from the battery pack into AC current to supply the electric motor.
The prismatic cell lithium-ion battery is rear-mounted and beneath the trunk floor. The access area for the charge point is behind a panel on the grille. The P400e is available with three types of cables – it includes a home charging lead, which connects to domestic power supplies. When rapid charging, a full charge takes about 2 hours and 45 minutes at home using a dedicated 32 amp wall box. The battery can be fully charged in about 7 hours and 30 minutes using the 10 amp home charging cable supplied as standard.
Manufacturing & Availability
This probably goes without saying, but the 2019 Range Rover and Range Rover Sport P400e plug-in hybrid will offer a lot for drivers. In addition to what we have discussed here, there is a state-of-the-art four-wheel drive system, a host of available advanced driver assistance features, and Executive Seating, which means wider seat frames and additional foam for more comfort.
Both vehicles are designed and engineered by Jaguar Land Rover in the United Kingdom, with production at the company’s Solihull facility. The 2019 Range Rover and Range Rover Sport P400e plug-in hybrid are available now for order; the first deliveries are expected from the end of 2017, depending on the market. Since it launched in 2004, more than 732,000 Range Rover Sports have been sold.
Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and resides in Detroit, Michigan.
Photos & Source: Jaguar Land Rover.

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The 2019 Mercedes-Benz CLS450 Can Change Your Mood. Literally.

The 2019 Mercedes-Benz CLS450 Can Change Your Mood. Literally.

Mercedes-Benz rolled out their latest CLS at this year’s Los Angeles Auto Show. It has more of everything: tech, safety, performance, comfort, the whole lot. But wait, what’s this? This is very out of the ordinary! It is being propelled by a inline six cylinder? Wow, haven’t seen a new one of those in a long while. I wonder what’s in store, besides lots of torque?
The Mercedes-Benz CLS, which is one of those “coupe” things that has four doors (I see what you’re trying to pull here), has been around since 2003. So whatever bugs were there from the get-go, Merc has probably crunched them by now.
Six Shooter
The real interesting part is that straight six. In broad strokes, the new plant gets something called EQ Boost and a 48 volt on-board electrical system. EQ Boost is a new, “systematically electrified” system that piggybacks onto the conventional aspects of the engine. EQ Boost integrates the starter, which is now a starter/generator hybrid unit, with the 48 volt on-board electrical system to add power as the CLS’s umpteen computers see fit. EQ Boost is available on both the CLS450 and CLS450 4MATIC. The plant puts out 362 horsepower and 369 lb-ft. of torque on its own, and if it calls for the EQ Boost, that will kick in an additional 21 horsepower and 184 lb-ft. of torque over short periods. Not bad, not bad.
So EQ Boost is sort of like a half-hybrid set up. Mercedes-Benz does not mention other batteries or separate battery packs, but does note the EQ Boost can assist, for example, when accelerating. They even say it makes driving without the combustion engine possible. For some reason, Merc calls this EV-only thing “sailing,” which speaks to me of serious schnapsleiche in the marketing department.
Other than the EQ Boost equipped inline six, the CLS presents new goodies like a consistent interior color scheme, widescreen digital instrument cluster, and some outstandingly goofy junk called ENERGIZING Comfort (all caps – more schnapsleiche in the marketing department). The latter focuses on wellness (no, really).
The new CLS has a four-link front and five-link rear suspension. An air suspension system with adjustable and adaptive damping is optional. Photo: Mercedes-Benz USA.
Interior Treatments
When it comes to the interior, Mercedes-Benz really seems geeked out on colors. The ambient lighting lets you choose from 64 (!) colors and even features lighting inside the air vents. Yes air vents. Why? Because that way, when you change the temperature setting of the air conditioning, it briefly changes the color of the air vent lights to show the temperature is being made warmer (red) or cooler (blue). How did we ever get along without this?! The CLS450 is equipped with a wide-screen, high-resolution central display that is more than 12-inches diagonally. If that’s not enough, two more 12.3-inch displays are available. There are three display configuration styles the driver can choose from, depending on preference, mood, or to suit the interior appointments: Classic, Sport, or Progressive. So what.
“The new CLS is a design icon as the archetype of the four-door coupe,” said Gorden Wagener, Chief Design Officer, Daimler AG. “In line with our hot and cool design philosophy, we have reduced its DNA to an extremely puristic level while emotionally charging its beauty.” Photo: Mercedes-Benz USA.
Energy Efficient
The ENERGIZING Comfort system is there to link various “comfort systems” in the vehicle into one, harmonious package. The system uses the functions of the climate control, including fragrancing (and yes, Mercedes-Benz made up the word fragrancing), the seats (heat, ventilation, massage), the surface and steering wheel heating, as well as lighting and musical atmospheres. This allows, and I’m not kidding, a “specific wellness set-up tailored to the mood and need of the customer.”
Thankfully there are no pink bunnies involved.
Six ENERGIZING programs can be selected: Refresh / Freshness, Warmth, Vitality, Joy, Comfort / Well-Being, and Training with three training modes – muscle relaxation, muscle activation, and balance – each with several exercises. Rumors have it that Mercedes-Benz is working on more ENERGIZING programs including Swedish Heavy Metal, Talk Radio Anger Bear, Haight-Ashbury, and Dryer Lint. Mercedes-Benz says well-being and performance levels are enhanced. I’m not sure about that, but I can tell you my laughing was seriously enhanced reading about it. Was I right when I said outstandingly goofy junk or what?
Photo: Mercedes-Benz USA.
All Is Well
The new CLS is equipped with the latest generation of driving assistance systems, including route-based speed adaptation and driver support. Also included are Active Brake Assist, and the occupant protection system PRE-SAFE, including PRE-SAFE Sound which “prepares human hearing for the anticipated accident noise when there is a risk of a collision.” I’m assuming that PRE-SAFE Sound is a recording of a matronly lady quietly repeating, “Es ist in Ordnung mein Kleiner. Bald wird es einen Anschlag geben, aber du wirst in Sicherheit sein. Alles ist gut. Alles ist gut.”
Also thrown into the mix is Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC, Active Steering Assist, Active Speed Limit Assist, Active Brake Assist with cross-traffic function, Evasive Steering Assist, Active Blind Spot Assist, and Active Lane Keeping Assist. In other words, you get more assistance than a military contractor come tax time.
Availability
Look, there is a ton of other stuff here. The Mercedes-Benz press release runs on for nearly three-thousand words and reads like a Neichze-ian screed about the coming uber-auto. Through all of this, one thing is extremely clear: The third generation Mercedes-Benz CLS is an exceedingly well thought out, well engineered, and well screwed together car. Following its debut at the LA Auto Show, the new CLS will arrive in the United States in the fall of 2018.
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.
2019 Mercedes-Benz CLS450 Gallery

Photos & Source: Mercedes-Benz USA.

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2018 Nissan Kicks Makes A Punch In Los Angeles

2018 Nissan Kicks Makes A Punch In Los Angeles

Get your kicks on Route 66! And Nissan has chosen California – the Los Angeles Auto Show to be exact – to reveal the 2018 Kicks, the brand’s newest compact crossover. Nissan’s sales in this segment are at an all-time high and the automaker hopes the Kicks will generate additional growth.
“As the gateway to Nissan’s adventure-ready sport-utility portfolio – joining Rogue Sport, Rogue, Murano, Pathfinder, and Armada – Kicks is designed to fit the needs of singles or couples looking for expressive styling, personal technology, smart functionality, and advanced safety features at an affordable price starting well under $19,000,” explained Dan Mohnke, Senior Vice President, Sales & Marketing and Operations, Nissan Division U.S., Nissan North America, Inc.
Design Language
We’ve come to expect the V-Motion grille, a signature found on every Nissan today. The 2018 Kicks also features unique wheel arches, boomerang headlights and taillights, and a “floating” roof for a “wrap-around visor” look. There are seven different exterior colors and five two-tone schemes on offer, three of which utilize a black roof and contrasting body colors (white, orange, or red). An orange roof with a gray body, or a white roof with a blue body can also be had.
Interior Treatments
Nissan notes the “Gliding Wing” design of the dashboard, anchored by a seven-inch color display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. Those who enjoy tunes while they navigate will appreciate the Bose premium stereo with UltraNearfield neodymium speakers, located inside the driver’s headrest.
Photo: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
Power & Performance
The 2018 Nissan Kicks has a little kick to it, with a standard 1.6-liter DOHC 16-valve 4-cylinder. Complete with a Continuous Variable Valve Timing Control System, the engine generates 125 horsepower and 115 lb-ft. of torque. With an Xtronic transmission, the front-wheel drive Kicks is expected to achieve a fuel economy rating of 33 mpg combined.
“With good ground clearance, a high eye point, electric power steering, and small turning radius, Kicks is a great companion to navigate the city with,” Mohnke added.
Pricing & Availability

The 2018 Nissan Kicks will be offered in three grades: S, SV, and SR. All-wheel drive is not available. We would enjoy seeing a Midnight Edition variant for this little cruiser – those special trim packages have proven popular with Nissan customers. Expect to see the Kicks on sale in the new year.
“Pricing for the 2018 Nissan Kicks will be announced closer to its on-sale date in spring 2018, but we are expecting to be among the most competitive in the segment,” Mohnke said.
Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and resides in Detroit, Michigan.
2018 Nissan Kicks Gallery

Photos & Source: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.

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