Automotive

Toyota Announces $1.33 Billion For Kentucky Plant

Toyota Announces $1.33 Billion For Kentucky Plant

Toyota recently announced a massive $1.33 billion investment for Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Kentucky, Inc. (TMMK). The motion marks the highest investment of any automaker in Kentucky and the second-largest in state history. TMMK will undergo renovations in order to incorporate Toyota’s New Global Architecture (TNGA) into future models, including the 2018 Camry.
The investment comes as part of a larger initiative for the automaker.
“This $1.33 billion investment is part of Toyota’s plan to invest $10 billion dollars in the U.S. over the next five years, on top of the nearly $22 billion Toyota has invested in the U.S. over the past 60 years,” said Jim Lentz, Chief Executive Officer, Toyota Motor North America.
Stronger Foundations
TNGA is Toyota’s new vision for designing, engineering, and manufacturing vehicles. This allows for a shorter development cycle and a more streamlined process when it comes to introducing vehicle improvements. It also creates a more versatile production environment, allowing Toyota Kentucky to build vehicles that better match consumer demands. TNGA builds upon Toyota’s desire for a well balanced automobile, one that combines safety with energetic driving dynamics.
“It will improve performance of all models, including increased fuel efficiency, more responsive handling, and a more stable, comfortable feel while driving,” Lentz said.
TMMK is the first vehicle assembly facility in North America to incorporate the new architecture.
Photo: Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.
Stronger Manufacturing
TMMK will undergo extensive renovations to modernize the facility for Toyota’s future vehicles. Updates to line equipment are planned along with a brand new paint shop.
“This major overhaul will enable the plant to stay flexible and competitive, further cementing our presence in Kentucky,” said Wil James, President, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Kentucky, Inc.
In 2013, $530 million was invested into Toyota Kentucky to support Lexus manufacturing. Production of the Lexus ES 350 began two years later, marking the first time a Lexus vehicle was made in the United States. Political and world leaders have praised Toyota’s continued investment initiatives.
“Toyota’s decision to invest $1.3 billion in their Kentucky plant is further evidence that manufacturers are now confident that the economic climate has greatly improved under my administration and echoes the recent National Association of Manufacturers’ 2017 Outlook Survey showing that 93% of manufacturers are now optimistic, which is an increase of 37% from just a few months ago,” said President Donald J. Trump.
Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY) echoed similar sentiments.
“For more than 30 years, Toyota has been committed to the Commonwealth, and today’s investment is further proof that the company maintains its pledge to grow our economy and solidify Kentucky as a world-class automotive state,” he said.
Photo: Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.

Economic Impact
A recent study by the Center for Automotive Research shows Toyota Kentucky supports nearly 30,000 jobs across the state (direct, indirect, and spin-off). TMMK employees live in 80 Kentucky counties while Toyota has more than 100 suppliers located across the Commonwealth. Toyota Kentucky is the automaker’s largest plant in the world, employing over 8,000, an all time high.
“Toyota is a global icon and this $1.33 billion investment is further proof of their commitment to producing American-made cars that are among the finest quality found anywhere in the world,” said Kentucky Governor Matt Bevin. “It also serves as a testament to the hard work and dedication of the plant’s current employees, and reaffirms Toyota’s confidence in the advantages of manufacturing in Kentucky.”
Last year, TMMK manufactured nearly a quarter of the total number of Toyota vehicles produced in North America, or about 500,000. In total, the plant has produced more than one-third – 11 million – of all Toyota vehicles manufactured in North America since 1986.
“We are grateful that this significant investment further validates the fact that Kentucky is the engineering and manufacturing hub of excellence in America,” Gov. Bevin added.
Photo: Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.
Community Visions
Toyota remains active in Scott County, where TMMK is located. The automaker is committing $2 million over the next 10 years to Scott County United for economic development initiatives. In addition, Lanes Run Business Park is receiving $1 million for future land purchases.
“I congratulate Toyota on this new initiative, and look forward to continuing my efforts in Congress to promote business-friendly policies to ensure Kentucky continues to reap the benefits of economic growth and expansion as a result of these types of investments,” said Senator Rand Paul (R-KY).
Toyota partners with community, civic, academic, and governmental organizations to address a number of challenges facing society today, including the future of mobility and transportation.
“This is the largest investment in our plant’s history and it speaks directly to the quality of our people and our products, as well as the partnerships we’ve forged in the local community and across the state,” James said.
Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and resides in Detroit, Michigan.
Photos & Source: Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.

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2017 New York Preview: Nissan unveils 2018 370Z Heritage Edition, reminds us the 370Z is still for sale

2017 New York Preview: Nissan unveils 2018 370Z Heritage Edition, reminds us the 370Z is still for sale Yes, they’re still making the 370Z. Yes, it seem old….because it is, at 10 years old. Does a “Heritage Edition” help to mask that?

What’s going on?
With the 50th Anniversary of Nissan’s perennial Z-Car looming in 2019, Nissan released details on the 2018 370Z Heritage Edition ahead of the New York International Auto Show.
The Heritage Edition Z separates itself from a base-spec Z with the inclusion of two all-new colors, “Chicane Yellow” and “Magnetic Black”, with black and silver exterior graphics applied respectively, and yellow interior trim.
If you squint hard enough, you’ll find the Heritage Z also carries forward updates applied to all Z models for 2018. This includes a factory installed Exedy clutch, and a mild facelift on the headlights, taillights, rear fascia, and door handles.
Word. Any more power?
The 370Z still sends power to the rear wheels from Nissan’s venerable VQ37 power plant. The naturally-aspirated 3.7L V6 still produces 332hp and 270 lb-ft of torque by way of either six speed manual transmission with or optional seven speed automatic.
Available for purchase in 2008, the 370Z was an incremental update to the widely popular 350Z, released in 2004. Fourteen years after the 350Z’s release, fans are left scratching their heads over what’s in store for Nissan’s next Z-car, if one is under development at all. In an age where manufacturers are focusing their efforts on producing “models that sell” (Read: crossovers), dropping the axe on models catered to the enthusiast with shallower pockets (RIP Nissan IDx), and rebranding sports cars as crossovers (I’m looking at you Mitsubishi), the future for enthusiasts cars is looking a little grim.
– By: Nate Damaghi
2017 New York – Nissan 370Z Heritage Edition

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2017 New York Preview: Is this the new Dodge Challenger SRT Demon?

2017 New York Preview: Is this the new Dodge Challenger SRT Demon? A single photo leaks on the web of what appears to be the hotly-anticipated Dodge Challenger SRT Demon, ahead of its New York debut.
What’s going on?
A new photo surfaced! Wow, I know…./sarcasm. Except, it really is pretty darn exciting since it appears to be of the highly-anticipated Dodge Challenger SRT “Demon,” the end-all-be-all of Challengers.
Official details aren’t yet available, given the Demon’s reveal is set for tomorrow evening. But there are still plenty of tidbits available on the Internet, giving us clues as to how insane the Dodge Challenger Demon really is.
So what should we expect?
Expect a Dodge Challenger. Though, it will be the most insane Challenger yet, more so than the Hellcat. Predictions point to a the same 6.2L supercharged V8 as the Hellcat. But significant tweaks will up the power significantly. For instance, there’s a special mode installed from the factory, enabling the engine’s use of 100-octane racing gas.
There’s a new “TransBrake” system to help launch the new Demon, supposedly to eliminate the need to brake torque (where you hold the brake and feather the gas before setting off).
But to top if all off, rumors are ciricling of over 1000 horsepower, all-wheel drive, and a quarter-mile sprint in less than 10 seconds.
Either way, we will find out soon. Stay tuned.
– By: Chris Chin

Dodge Challenger SRT Demon Teaser Photo Gallery

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2017 New York Preview: Lincoln teases the next-gen Navigator's daytime-running lights

2017 New York Preview: Lincoln teases the next-gen Navigator's daytime-running lights Lincoln’s flagship SUV first debuted as a concept last year. Now, it’s heading for a reveal in New York in production form.

What’s going on?
Back in 2016, Lincoln introduced a wicked Navigator Concept, previewing an all-new next-generation model. Despite all odds and pressure from the push to produce more fuel-efficient vehicles, demand for the Navigator seems to be alive and well. That said, Lincoln just tweeted a picture to tease the new Navigator. At least, now we can see what the production model’s daytime-running lights look like.
Click here for more news on the Lincoln Navigator.
Any details on the new Lincoln Navigator?
Not yet, and that’s because its scheduled for a debut on Wednesday morning, at 9:45 AM EST.
But from what we know and expect, the next-gen Lincoln Navigator, like all previous Navigators, is based on the latest Ford Expedition. In this case, we’re likely to see Ford’s venerable 3.5L EcoBoost V6 under the hood. Power figures are guesstimated to hover around 380 horsepower and 560 pound-feet of torque with an all-new 10-speed automatic.
Additionally, rumors indicate the new Navigator will go on a massive diet of a few hundred pounds, thanks to extensive use of aluminum, like its related Ford F150 cousin.
Just don’t expect those gullwing doors to show up on the production model. Sadly.
– By: Chris Chin
Lincoln Navigator Concept from the 2016 New York Auto Show Gallery – Photos provided by Lincoln Motor Company

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2017 New York Preview: This is the new Hellcat-ified Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk

2017 New York Preview: This is the new Hellcat-ified Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk After many rumors, spy shots, and teasers, Jeep finally reveals the production Hellcat-ified Grand Cherokee of our dreams.

What’s going on?
In a literal power move that defies all odds, Jeep just unveiled one of the most anticipated new cars of 2017. Meet the hot-new Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk Edition and as expected, it’s basically a Grand Cherokee Hellcat with 707 horsepower.
Wow! Finally, the production Grand Cherokee Trackhawk!

Yes! As predicted, the Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk gets the same whopping 6.2L supercharged V8 as the Challenger and Charger Hellcat. In the Jeep’s application, SRT tweaked the V8 to churn out the same 707 horses remain while torque measures in at 645 pound-feet, versus the Challenger’s and Charger’s 650. This is most likely out of respects to Grand Cherokee’s all-wheel drive system and single-speed transfer case.
Either way, with a ZF eight-speed automatic sitting at the transaxle, Jeep claims the Trackhawk will hit 60 in just 3.5 seconds for a quarter mile time of 11.6 seconds. Those numbers are pretty much the same as the Challenger Hellcat.
Not just more power either…

The Grand Cherokee Trackhawk gets an electronically controlled limited-slip differential to cope with the extra oomph. The rear-drive, half-shaft, and transfer case are all toughened up. And power is split 40/60 front/rear with the all-wheel drive system. That can change however at the touch of a button, thanks to the Jeep’s latest driver selectable programming mode. The 40/60 power split is standard while the car is in its Normal setting. Select the sportiest “Track” mode, and the all-wheel drive system changes the power delivery to 30/70 front/rear. Experience an inclement of weather, and opting for the “Snow” mode alters the traction and stability systems while splitting the power evenly 50/50 front/rear.
When it comes to cutting speed, larger, beefier Brembos do the duty. Six-piston calipers with 15.75-inch rotors sit up front with Jeep claiming they’re the largest front brakes ever fitted to one of their models. Four-piston clamps with 13.73-inch rotors sit at the back.

Rounding out the package is a far more aggressive body kit. For instance, the lower front fascia is larger to help cool the 6.2L V8. Wide, bespoke 20-inch wheels are standard. And Nappa leather and suede festoon the insides with options varying from an 825-watt premium sound system to a panoramic roof.
How much will it cost?
Those details are withheld at the moment. Though we expect pricing details to surface during Jeep’s press conference.
– By: Chris Chin
Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk Gallery

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Ford Introduces Ranger & Raptor To China

Ford Introduces Ranger & Raptor To China

Ford Motor Company is unveiling its trucks in China to meet the country’s budding pickup market. Ford President and CEO Mark Fields is in Shanghai this weekend to outline the automaker’s strategy. Pricing for the new F-150 Raptor will be announced along with plans to sell the Ranger in China next year.
Recently, shipments of the F-150 Raptor were sent to China while Ranger remains the best-selling midsize truck in Europe, South Africa, and New Zealand
“We’re very excited to bring Built Ford Tough, one of the world’s best loved and most successful brands, to customers in the world’s largest auto market,” Fields said.
Growing Demand
Although tucks represent barely two percent of the Chinese market, the winds of opportunity for Ford are still blowing. The automaker did exhaustive research, finding that Chinese customers thought most pickups fit the typical truck image: lacking features, not very comfortable etc. However, through television, film, and the internet, Chinese customers are more aware of the modern truck. Ford believes this creates potential growth in the market.
“We see a significant white-space opportunity with Chinese buyers increasingly looking for more capable, more refined, and more stylish pickups,” Fields said.
In fact, China is currently the fourth largest truck market with 14 percent growth last year alone. Ford’s research also indicates that Chinese customers lead active lives, both at work and at home, creating a need for an useful but comfortable pickup. At the same time, China is easing restrictions on truck usage.
“We see an opportunity to satisfy unmet need in China – for world-class, stylish, and refined pickups – and also to be a pioneer in this emerging segment,” said Dave Schoch, President of Ford Asia Pacific and CEO, Ford China.
Photo: Ford Motor Company.
Ranger & Raptor
The F-150 Raptor will introduce Chinese customers to one of the world’s most capable off-road trucks. The Raptor features an exclusive high-output version of the 3.5-liter EcoBoost engine mated with a Ford-built 10-speed automatic transmission. Other off-road signatures include 3.0-inch FOX Racing Shox and 17-inch BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 tires.
“The F-150 Raptor has created a lot of buzz among Chinese customers since it was revealed for the first time last year and we are extremely excited to have it arriving in our showrooms in China, ready to be delivered to customers,” said Peter Fleet, Vice President, Marketing, Sales and Service, Ford Asia Pacific.
The Ranger is the second best-selling midsize truck globally outside North America. Ford has designed the truck with a fine balance of capability, refinement, and technology. The automaker believes the diversity and history of their trucks will find favor with Chinese buyers.
“Built Ford Tough is a proven brand, dating back to 1976 and we believe it has the opportunity to resonate powerfully with Chinese consumers,” Schoch said.
Ford has sold more than 26 million F-Series since 1977, making it the top-selling truck in America for 40 consecutive years, and the country’s best-selling vehicle overall for 35 years.
Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and resides in Detroit, Michigan.
Photo: Ford Motor Company.
Photos & Source: Ford Motor Company

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2019 Ram Heavy Duty: Drugstore Cowboys Need Not Apply

2019 Ram Heavy Duty: Drugstore Cowboys Need Not Apply Hey Cool! I get to write about a truck for once. Normally this is Carl Anthony’s end of things, but this time the truck news finally ended up on my desk. I like trucks. They’re no BS, no screwing around kind of deals. They’re tools that exist to get the job done, and everything else; the bells and whistles, the frills and things like that, just don’t really matter. In this case, we’re talking about the 2019 Ram Heavy Duty.
Posers Need Not Apply
Before we get into how good of a tool the 2019 Ram Heavy Duty is, we should deal with the growing trend of (shudder) trucks heading upmarket. The very top of the line trucks these days are getting as fancy as Buck Owens’ stage get up. Near as I can tell, the 2019 Ram Heavy Duty is not aimed at the drugstore cowboys of this world. No, thankfully, even with its luxurious treatments, the 2019 Ram Heavy Duty is aimed at those who need to haul stuff to and from a work site.
Powerful Tools
In that respect, the 2019 Ram Heavy Duty fits the bill. The standard 6.4-liter Hemi V8 with cylinder deactivation and variable cam timing provides 410 horsepower and 429 lb-ft. of torque. Remember, this is the base model engine. The specs just get better and better from there.
For example, the all-new 6.7-liter Cummins I-6 High Output Turbo Diesel cranks out 1,000 lb-ft. of torque at 1,800 rpm. Yes, that is a lot. But it’s also not overkill either. If you have to tow something really heavy, or have the bed weighed down with a bunch of stuff and you’re starting out on a slope . . . in the rain . . . in the mud and sand . . . you get the idea. Speaking of that stuff, the new Ram HD can tow 35,100 lbs. and carry 7,680-lb. of payload when properly equipped.
If you’re a numbers kind of guy, that’ll pretty much settle the argument for you.
The front-suspension cross-member adds a longer welded interface for greater frame strength, while the three-link front suspension ensures roll stiffness. Photo: FCA US LLC.
Related: An in-depth look at the 2019 Ram 1500.
By The Numbers
The new 6.7-liter Cummins High Output Turbo Diesel features a compacted graphite iron block, cast-iron cylinder heads, stronger pistons with low-friction rings, and new exhaust valves, springs, and rocker arms. A new exhaust manifold serves as the mounting point for the variable-geometry turbocharger, delivering boost pressures up to 33 psi. The standard Cummins Turbo Diesel improves to 370 horsepower (2,800 rpm) and 850 lb-ft. of torque (1,700 rpm).
Attached to the High Output Cummins is an Aisin AS69RC electronically-controlled six-speed automatic. The standard Cummins runs an upgraded version of the 68RFE six-speed automatic; and the 6.4-liter Hemi receives the TorqueFlite 8HP75 eight-speed automatic with more than 40 shift maps to optimize performance and fuel economy.
These powertrains aim to make your job easier, whatever that might be.
A trailer tire pressure monitoring system accommodates up to six pickup tires and 12 trailer tires, and includes up to four trailer profiles. Photo: FCA US LLC.
Essential Foundations
Ram’s engineers placed an even greater emphasis on strength, reworking the frame to yield the highest levels of torsional rigidity yet. The new frame is over 98 percent high-strength steel with six separate cross-members, hydro-formed main rails, and fully boxed rear rails; all meant to increase durability and efficiency. Furthermore, new lightweight materials in the frame and powertrain, along with an aluminum hood, cut the overall weight by 143 pounds.
You’ll also notice the redesigned Ram HD is the best riding and handling truck they’ve ever made. For example, two “Active-Tuned Mass Modules” mounted on the frame rails search out unfavorable vibrations and apply countermeasures to eliminate them. Active-Level rear air suspension (meaning air bags replace coil springs) is available, and includes a new bed-lowering feature to help when hooking up trailers. Ram says the supplemental air bags help soften the feel of a heavily-loaded truck.
They also upped the ride quality with Frequency Response Damping shocks, more progressive springs, and re-engineered bushings. The braking system receives upgraded calipers and booster and master cylinders to help shorten stopping distances and improve brake-pedal feel.
The front bumper is cut with larger openings for the truck’s intercooler. Photo: FCA US LLC.
Related: From work to family, do trucks make our lives better?
Interior & Technology Treatments
But hey, this is a 2019 truck we’re talking about here, so it’s not all Spartan minimalism. That refinement is enhanced by active noise cancellation, various anti-vibration devices, and acoustic glass; each contributing to the quietest cabin yet for a Ram HD truck. The interior receives new materials, colors, and textures, including hand-wrapped leather instrument panels. The Uconnect 4C NAV, with its 12-inch configurable screen, is complimented by SiriusXM and a 750-watt, 17-speaker Harman Kardon sound system. In the center console, there are 12 different storage configurations with dedicated and assignable switches, a wireless charging dock, and five USB ports.
Finally, the 2019 Ram Heavy Duty has more than 100 safety and security features, including adaptive cruise control and forward collision warning.
2019 Ram Heavy Duty Laramie Longhorn interior layout. Diesel models have in-duct electric heating elements to speed cabin warm-up on cold days. Further, larger system controls and new larger panel ducts work better when wearing gloves. Photo: FCA US LLC.
Pricing & Manufacturing
Add all this up and the 2019 Ram Heavy Duty is a tool you can use and trust; around home and to and from the job site. Or, in my case, towing a race car to and from the local track. Starting MSRP varies greatly: between $35,000 and $90,000 depending on trim level and preferred options.
The 2019 Ram Heavy Duty is built at the Saltillo Truck Assembly Plant in Coahuila, Mexico.
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. Follow his work on Twitter: @TonyBorroz.
2019 Ram Heavy Duty Exterior Gallery

Interior Gallery

Mechanical Components Gallery

Photos & Source: FCA US LLC.

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2017 New York Preview: The Infiniti QX80 Monograph Concept revealed ahead of Javits debut

2017 New York Preview: The Infiniti QX80 Monograph Concept revealed ahead of Javits debut The Infiniti QX80 soldiers on on as the company’s flagship SUV based on the Nissan Patrol/Armada and this concept previews a new version.
What’s going on?
Infiniti just revealed a new concept car due for the New York International Auto Show. Meet the new Infiniti QX80 Monograph Concept.
Details are sparse. But as of now, it’s safe to assume that this QX80 Monograph Concept previews not only an updated QX80, but perhaps a flagship version as well.
“The QX80 Monograph represents a detailed study into our expertise of exterior design,” describes Roland Krueger, Infiniti’s current president. “QX80 Monograph shows our concept of luxury and style on the road, and is an exploration into how we could enhance our future Infiniti offering in the luxury SUV segment.”
Ok. Anything else?
Nope, just a single picture, which you can see in HD below.
The Infiniti QX80 Monograph Concept looks fairly close to production ready. So we anticipate the actual car to look very similar. Automakers are also introducing ultra-luxury versions of their high-end vehicles for foreign and affluent markets. So in a way, you can describe this new Infiniti QX80 Monograph Concept as a potential alternative to others, like the Range Rover Autobiography.
Though, I’d still rather have a Range Rover.
– By: Chris Chin
Infiniti QX80 Monograph Concept

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SoCal Private Country Club For Gearheads Opens New Track

SoCal Private Country Club For Gearheads Opens New Track

A lot of the time, I read the words “country club” and my jaw clenches. I start thinking it’s time for a short ride in the tumbril and a date with The National Razor. And honestly, in this case, I thought the same, briefly. Then I realized, well, I’m a car guy, albeit one of limited means.
That does not take away from the fact that as a gearhead, I, like all gearheads, are always, pretty much as random background noise, thinking “what if, what if?”
Endless Possibilities
And by “what if,” I mean, “what if I had an “extra” 20-thousand dollars? What kind of car would I buy?” or “what if I had an “extra” 200-thousand dollars? What kind of car would I buy?” or “what if I won the Powerball Lotto? What kind of cars would I buy?” See, for a gearhead, it’s never “would you” but “could you.” And, in the back of my mind, smooth and febrile as it may be, the equation is always one of “get a warehouse, and fill it with all the cars I can afford.”
Motorsports Country Club
Suppose that you’re already in that position. Suppose you’re richer than Croesus. Now suppose you are really into the track and racing cars. So much into them that you have, let’s say, a dozen or so of the beasts carefully stored and waiting. Now, where do you drive the things? It’s not like having a bunch of old Packards and De Sotos. Even if they’re old, you can still take them out for a drive, early on a warm Sunday morning. But you have ten or a dozen racers – a Porsche 908, a fully prepped 911 RSR, an older Devin, that sort of thing – what do you do?
Enter the motorsports country club.
As the name implies, it’s a country club minus the golf links and tennis courts, with garages, storage facilities, and most importantly, a track. And, like a country club, you pay your (idiotically exorbitant (but who cares, you own a dozen racing cars!)) fee and you get your own, semi private (or at least exclusive) playground to use. And, besides having access to mechanics and tools, you’re also around other like-minded and like-enriched car people to go out on the track and play with.
These things, country clubs for rich gearheads, have been cropping up for a while now. There’s a couple in Colorado, and a slew in the desert southwest, where the weather is much more amenable to this sort of thing. Also much more amenable is the land, which there is plenty of, and is cheap like the budgie. For example, The Thermal Club, which is located in Palm Desert, California, right next to Palm Springs.
The Thermal Club’s road courses can be utilized for vintage race cars, modern GT3 cars, and motorcycles. Photo: The Thermal Club.
Track Treatments
The Thermal Club is a private motorsports country club that offers up a whole bunch of well healed conveniences for its members. It sits on 344 acres of land in the California desert, about half the size of Central Park in New York. About half an hour from Palm Springs, The Thermal Club offers luxurious villa accommodations, 5.1 miles of private pavement, and three different tracks. There’s also a club house, a fueling station (no mention on kinds and qualities, but I’m guessing/hoping all the way up to and including AvGas), and a tuning shop for repair and maintenance. No mention if you can wrench on your car yourself, or if there are available dogsbodies to be ordered around and abused just like great-grand-papa did when he was working for the East India Company.
The Thermal Club just expanded, adding a third track, The Desert Track, that joins the North and South tracks. The Thermal Club says the new course is its most technical road course to date. They also say that “since monotony is not an option, all three tracks can be combined, allowing for 22 different configurations, giving drivers a new experience each time they take to the tarmac.” Yes, that monotony can be such a bother in your daily life. I mean, how many times can you take dives into your Scrooge McDuck vault of gold doubloons or waste more hours looking through catalogues for your fifth trophy wife? Life can be such a struggle, can’t it?
All of the circuits were developed by track designer Alan Wilson, the brains behind the revamped Circuit Mont-Tremblant, Barber Motorsports Park, and The Utah Motorsports Complex. The Thermal Club also has a karting track, skid pad, and autocross course.
“Our goal is to have a country club that the entire family can be a part of and give our members a place that feels like home for a day at the track or a long weekend getaway,” said Tim Rogers, Thermal Club Founder. Photo: The Thermal Club.

Exclusive Treatments
The Thermal Club just finished work on an all-new Tower Clubhouse that features gourmet cuisine served by executive chef, Armando Rivera for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. All the chow, er, cuisine is prepared by the on-site gourmet chefs in a state-of-the-art kitchen. The Tower Clubhouse also has a full bar, comfortable seating, and a premium wine selection.
You want more, you say? But of course! The Thermal Club gives its members their own custom designed luxurious villas, all the aforementioned dining and drinking and such as well as activities for all members of the family. An athletic center, spa, and kids club is planned for the near future. It’s located close enough to L.A. that if you’re one of the cities richer denizens with a serious car Jones, then it’s a convenient drive away for the weekend. If not, you can always take the G 650 into PSP and take the short drive from there.
Before Graham Hill became a triple world driving champion, he used to sell cars for Colin Chapman. At one point, he was showing a prospective buyer around the Lotus showroom when the client asked, “this car is much more expensive than that one, why is that?” To which Graham replied, “speed equals money sir, how fast would you care to go?”
The Thermal Club, in its own, unassuming and humble way, is also here to help answer that question.
Tony Borroz has spent his entire life racing antique and sports cars. He means well, even if he has a bias towards lighter, agile cars rather than big engine muscle cars or family sedans.
Photo: The Thermal Club.
Photos & Source: The Thermal Club

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