Automotive

Mercedes-AMG A 35 Sedan: The Nemesis For Audi & BMW Hot Shoes

Mercedes-AMG A 35 Sedan: The Nemesis For Audi & BMW Hot Shoes The Mercedes-AMG A 35 Sedan shows how big things can come in small packages.
Under the hood, the 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbo engine provides over 300 horsepower.
The individual AMG-tuned drive modes are complimented by a special “RACE-START” feature.
Mercedes-Benz recently dropped one of their typically huge press releases on their (relatively) small A 35 performance sedan. And small though it may be, it is still very much a Mercedes. Given the performance, it’s still very much an AMG. It’s the three-pointed star version of an Audi S4 or BMW M3. And in a lot of ways, the latest Mercedes-AMG A 35 Sedan is the opposite of what you think of a Mercedes as being.
It’s small and powered by an even smaller engine, for starters.
Smiles & Burning Rubber
Usually, Mercs are these big Bahn cruisers powered by engines derived from tanks. The A 35, on the other hand, doesn’t take up that much space with its little 2.0-liter four cylinder power plant. Then you thumb though the performance stats and find out the little four-banger puts out 302 horsepower and 295 lb-ft. torque. Mercedes has squeezed the livin’ daylights out of this little guy with some good old German engineering.
For example, the engine’s crankcase is lightweight die-cast aluminum to reduce weight; and the housing of the twin-scroll turbocharger divides into two parallel ducts. This makes it possible to channel the exhaust gases separately on the turbine wheel in the interest of efficiency, so says Mercedes-Benz.
But the end result? Smiles and burning rubber!
Mercedes-AMG A 35 Sedan. Photo: MBUSA.
Power & Performance Tech
Throttle response is said to be fantastic, since the twin-scroll turbocharger is optimized to reduce back pressure and improve efficiency. On top of that, the engine features CAMTRONIC (German VTEC), high-precision piezo injectors, multi-spark ignition, and intelligent thermal management. The engine is mated to an AMG-spec seven-speed with a standard RACE-START function. This allows maximum acceleration from a stand-still, which sounds like a lot of fun!
Downstream from there, you’ll find the AMG Performance 4MATIC all-wheel drive system that, given the short wheelbase and abundance of power, must come as a Godsend. It can vary the power distribution from front-wheel drive only, to a 50:50 split front to rear. Interestingly, a multi-disc clutch pack is integrated in the rear axle, being electro-mechanically controlled for sharper driving dynamics and significantly faster response.
Of course, all this happens by more than just your right foot. There are five AMG Dynamic Select drive programs on tap: Slippery, Comfort, Sport, Sport + and Individual. They pretty much do what the name says, with the differences between Sport and Sport+ being how Sport+ gives you louder exhaust notes and deactivates the start/stop system. Sport+ also double-declutches during downshifts and uses partial cylinder cut-offs at full load.
Photo: MBUSA.
Handling & Braking
Mercedes says “special axle geometry” provides more agile handling while aluminum components reduce unsprung mass. Working with the suspension is the AMG Dynamics system, which integrates the car’s handling control system with the ESP stability control. This applies a little bit of differential rear braking to enhance cornering and comes in two basic flavors: Basic and Advanced. AMG Ride Control takes care of the suspension itself with adaptive, adjustable damping and three different configurations, from comfort-focused to sporty. The fully-automatic system adapts the damping for each wheel according to the driving situation and road conditions within milliseconds.
The steering is a speed-sensitive, electro-mechanical setup with variable ratios. There are two “characteristic curves,” depending on which drive program is running.
Even though this is a little guy, it has brakes that could stop a freight truck. Up front you’ve got four-piston monoblock calipers and 350-millimeter brake discs; the rear has single piston sliding calipers and 330-millimeter brake discs. The discs are internally-ventilated, natch, and perforated, also natch, to dissipate heat and prevent fading. The silver-painted calipers even have black AMG lettering for a little bit of flash.
Photo: MBUSA.
Interior Treatments
The interior of the Mercedes-AMG A 35 Sedan is awash in Star Trek levels of technology. Humorously, Mercedes calls its multimedia control system MBUX, and we will not let them live it down. Mitigating that name is the fact it works astonishingly well. MBUX shows you “emotionally appealing presentations” with maximum-resolution 3D graphics. The “Widescreen Cockpit” has two displays but under one shared glass.
The Alexa-like voice control system is brought to life by saying “Hey Mercedes.”
Essentially MBUX turns all the usual dials and gauges and such into one, integrated, tablet-like display system. You can reconfigure and setup the MBUX system for any given driver. So dad’s version of the dash can have the Supersport mode with its central, round tachometer, for example.
Mercedes-AMG A 35 Sedan interior layout. Photo: MBUSA.
Pricing & Availability
All this adds up to a zero to 60 time of less than five seconds (4.7 to be precise), and a top speed Mercedes prefers not to tell us at the moment. Same goes for exactly when this little guy will be in stores and how much it will cost. By all accounts, expect it in dealerships later this year as a 2020 model. Now, it’s not the big open highway cruiser you might choose; but for more urban environments, the new Mercedes-AMG A 35 Sedan will probably be a nemesis for all you Audi and BMW hot shoes out there.
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.
Mercedes-AMG A 35 Sedan Gallery

Photos & Source: MBUSA.

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Letter From The UK: Autonomous Britain

Letter From The UK: Autonomous Britain

That thunderous noise you hear is the future rushing towards us like an out-of-control freight train. On board is the usual motley collection of intolerance, crime, war, pestilence, regret, love, an awakening Eco-consciousness, and automotive autonomy.
In the UK, as elsewhere probably, when politicians spy a bandwagon they will leap on it with alacrity. Autonomous cars, we learn, will be The Next Big Thing. Of course, many of the people who are so hot for this new technology are not likely to be around for the day when driverless cars rule the road.
Because that day is still a long way off.
This writer, for example, unless he is very lucky or becomes a rare scientific anomaly, will most likely be happily driving a heavenly V8 on the long and winding road to the town of Salvation before autonomy fully takes the wheel. The fact is, despite the wholesale rush to achieve this proposed motoring Nirvana, many, many ordinary folk are far from being convinced and this is why:
Autonomy Trials
Recently, we witnessed on a news program, a controlled test. An autonomous car containing, essentially, us, was directed at two oncoming vehicles; one was a car, the other was a quad-bike with dummy rider. “Our” vehicle had to make a decision: It selected the soft option and veered into the quad-bike. In saving “us” it chose to “kill” the rider. It is this sort of dilemma the industry faces.
Another person viewing with me wondered about the idea of a “safe,” empty lane as a third option, which is a thought. The point is, the system is far from foolproof, and there are plenty of fools out there on our roads.
The UK is also about to see trials (in a controlled environment they say) of platooning driverless commercial trucks, operated, we are told, by a single human driver. Expert voices were heard enthusing about this idea but also (and much more loudly than before), there were expert dissenting voices. It is clear to much of the British public that our autonomous future is far from ready.
Earlier this year, FCA US LLC delivered 500 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid minivans to Waymo to boost the tech company’s autonomous driving program. Waymo’s early rider program in Phoenix, Arizona gave area residents a chance to experience a self-driving vehicle on their daily commutes. Waymo will use the feedback to enhance how they design future self-driving technology. Photo: FCA US LLC.
Brits Don’t Trust The Technology
A large majority surveyed by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers recently responded that they (younger people tend to be more accepting, to be fair) do not trust this technology. They would not feel safe at any speed. Briefly, they worry about hacking, other driver’s actions, personal security, injury, or an untimely death. Conversely, they like much of the safety technology that is filtering down. Apparently, we like safety gadgets just as long as we remain in total control, seems to be the thinking. Further, the increasing popularity of electric cars demonstrates the way Brits are thinking right now.
The Car As Transport
In the beginning of the modern age, the horseless carriage replaced the horse. The joy of driving for the sake of it was soon established as motorists discovered the speed and thrill of skillfully operating a piece of sophisticated machinery. Now, the cold, dead hand of government does not care for speed. It does not care about your thrills or your freedoms; it cares only about control. Dissenters cannot say this technology is wrong; they cannot say it is bad. For all they know, it might turn out to be brilliant and we will all laugh at how naive we were, yet the concerns about personal freedoms remain.
More than twenty auto manufacturers have identified 2020 as a target to offer vehicles with higher levels of automation. SBD Automotive, a technology, consultancy, and research company, notes that by that time, cyber-attacks are expected to expose the automotive industry to $70 billion of liability.

Bleak Driving Future?
But what will we lose? Well Chip Foose will be out of a job for a start. All those tuners and specialist auto shops that spread out along urban freeways will all be gone, perhaps to be replaced by “lifestyle” accessory shops to bling up our banal, boring rides. No more sports cars or hot hatchbacks either; all that will be left for us will be the minivan of the midlife motoring crisis.
Instead, we will get on-the-fly charging points that will sprout along our roads like a pimply rash on a teenager’s face. Cars, like serried ranks of tuna fish cans, will shuttle our bored selves from A to B. The car as transport. I think I’d prefer a horse. To my mind, the proponents of this technology have a great deal to think about to convince the buying public that this really is the way forward.
I realize I am painting a gloomy picture. This may be because I personally do not want to relinquish control of my car. I love driving too much. Autonomous cars will likely allow driver input anyway; there will probably be a choice and the overarching benefit of road safety and fewer deaths will be achieved, leaving our personal freedom of choice intact. At least I hope that’s how it will be. Certainly we are seeing the beginning of the end of the golden age of cars. It remains to be seen what this new age will bring.
Geoff Maxted is a motoring writer, photographer, and author of our Letter From The UK series. Follow his work on Twitter: @DriveWrite

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Volvo XC40 Targets Urban Dwellers, City Commuters

Volvo XC40 Targets Urban Dwellers, City Commuters

Volvo’s upcoming new SUV, the XC40, aims at staying in the premium segment while it heads downward, size-wise. SUVs, for all their functionality and popularity, have some hitches in their armor, especially when it comes to in-city usage. Size is obviously what I’m talking about here. Have you ever seen a Hummer in a crowded, downtown environment? Of course you have.
Don’t be that guy. Seriously. But that’s where the latest batch of smaller, yet still upscale, SUVs comes in. And this is where the new Volvo XC40 will fit this fall.
Urban Logic
Volvo, beloved Swedish automaker of all things boxy and very safe, says it right up front: “Volvo Cars’ new XC40 delivers a confidence-inspiring SUV designed for city living.” City living. This one is aimed right at you young urban hipster over-earners that are newly married with a baby on the way. And, since this is a Volvo and it is a Scandinavian company, it’s kind of hard to argue with their logic. Volvo wants the XC40 to make your daily, urban commute less stressful and more enjoyable.
To that end, there’s a whole suite of integrated stuff to go along with the vault-like design and build quality. Say hello to safety, connectivity, and infotainment technologies with a Swedish bent.
Volvo Cars’ User Experience Lab. Photo: Volvo Car Group.
Solid Foundations
The new XC40 is the first car built on Volvo’s Compact Modular Architecture (CMA). It includes a range of groundbreaking technologies that Volvo first introduced in the 90 and 60 Series sedans. And all of that Compact Modular Architecture stuff is based on Volvo’s larger Scalable Product Architecture (SPA). See, it is scalable.
The overall look, feel, and daily livability of the XC40 flows from Volvo’s lifelong approach to safety and integrated user experience philosophy. Volvo calls it the “Circle of Life,” and no, I am not making that up and don’t blame me if you’ve got that Disney song stuck in your head now. Volvo calls this Circle of Life deal “a constant improvement of standards and technologies, based on consumer insights and real life data.” Okay, sounds good to me (apart from that Herrgårdsosty name they gave it).
Safety & Security
Since the starting point for each new Volvo is the forward-thinking safety – and it has been that way since the company’s inception – they are not shy about adopting newer strategies for driver assistance systems. In other words, the new XC40 also gets a healthy dose of the safety and infotainment goodies found in its larger stablemates.
The safety and driver assistance goodies are, as you would expect from Volvo, numerous and sensible. The new XC40’s gizmos incorporate Volvo’s semi-autonomous Pilot Assist system (take that Elon!), the latest generation of City Safety, and Runoff Road protection and mitigation; all to keep you from sweeping up wayward pedestrians and, uh, driving the thing off the road. There’s also the now-more-common Cross Traffic alert with auto braking, plus a 360° camera that helps you maneuver your XC40 into tight parking spaces.
Park and Pay application in the Volvo XC60. Photo: Volvo Car Group.
Connectivity & Interactions
Like its larger XC60 and XC90 brethren, the XC40 features Volvo’s connected Sensus infotainment system. This Sensus stuff is focused around the large, portrait oriented touchscreen that should be familiar to many modern car shoppers. Volvo says Sensus is easy and intuitive to use becasue the interface allows drivers to access a host of functions and services.
“We built a confident, easy-to-use, and convenient everyday user experience based on real-life interaction and research, starting from our foundation of leading safety,” explained Ödgärd Andersson, Vice President, Vehicle Software & Electronics, Volvo Cars. “The XC40 is a car for a generation of consumers that expect full connectivity. All screens have been optimized for a safe, easy, and efficient interaction, to support active city driving,”
And, may I also point out that the “Son of Anders” has not one but two umlauts in her totally rockin’ first name and if Ödgärd Andersson is not in an after-work Swedish heavy metal band, I will be disappointed.
Safety and user experience via Volvo cars. Photo: Volvo Car Group.

Segment Expansion
Volvo is taking this urban SUV trend seriously.
“The XC40 is our first car in this rapidly growing segment and has a clear focus on navigating today’s hectic city environments,” said Håkan Samuelsson, President and Chief Executive Officer, Volvo Cars. “Building on Volvo’s heritage as the leader in safety, the new XC40 will offer the best possible safety standards combined with an easy-to-use interface and convenient connected services.”
Håkan Samuelsson is also a cool, rockin’ name.
Malin Ekholm (whose name is more pretty than rockin’) is Vice President of the Volvo Cars Safety Centre. She summed up the company’s whole approach thusly: “Modern city life presents complex challenges for drivers, pedestrians, cyclists, and other road users. With the XC40, we aim to reduce the socalled cognitive load on the driver. While our safety and driver assistance systems actively identify and mitigate potential conflicts, you as a driver can relax more and therefore enjoy city driving.”
And you know, she’s not wrong about any of that. And it’s fair to say Volvo knows how to add all these new safety gizmos and infotainment bric-a-brac without it getting in the way of actually driving a car. The upcoming XC40 aims to keep it that way.
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: Volvo Car Group.

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General Motors Enters Final Phase of Technical Center Expansion

General Motors Enters Final Phase of Technical Center Expansion

The final phase of a 360,000-square-foot expansion of the GM Design studios is underway at GM’s Global Technical Center in Warren, Michigan. Groundbreaking is set for mid-2018 on the new facility which will surround the Design Dome Auditorium, viewing patio, and connect to the existing Design Center.
On the southwest corner of the campus, a new parking structure is also being completed.
Forward Looking
In May of 2015, construction and renovations began at GM’s Technical Center, part of a multiyear, billion dollar investment by General Motors. The efforts will help the automaker expand their operations to better meet the demands of future customers.
“We can only begin to predict how mobility will change in future generations,” explained Michael Simcoe, Vice President of Global Design, General Motors.
The renovations encompass the vehicle engineering center, engineering West and South, Pre-Production Operations, and the Alternative Energy Center, including a new Strucutral Development Laboratory.
“Investing in our creative and skilled team and providing them with inspiring, modern spaces, new technologies, and more ways to work together will foster innovation that leads to real solutions for customers,” Simcoe said.
Photo: General Motors.
Construction & Development
Walbridge and SmithGroup JJR are overseeing the design and construction. Simcoe has also played a pivotal role, having helped facilitate the expansion of other GM global design studios. GM Design was established in 1927 as The Art and Colour Section by Harley Earl; Simcoe is the seventh Design head in GM’s history.
The GM Technical Center opened in 1956 and was hailed for its engineering, design, and technology at the time. World-renowned architect Eero Saarinen and landscape architect Thomas Church envisioned the campus which was, in 1986, named by the American Institute of Architects as the most outstanding architectural achievement of its era. In 2000, GM’s Tech Center was listed on the National Register of Historic Places; in 2014, the Department of the Interior and the National Park Service designated it as a National Historic Landmark.
Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and resides in Detroit, Michigan.
Photos & Source: General Motors.

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2018 Chrysler Pacifica Adds 4G LTE Capability, Expands Family-Friendly Tech

2018 Chrysler Pacifica Adds 4G LTE Capability, Expands Family-Friendly Tech

The Chrysler Pacifica’s family-friendly nature doesn’t mean ho-hum. For 2018, the Pacifica gets available 4G LTE connectivity with the upgraded Uconnect 4C NAV system and 8.4-inch display. According to Tim Kuniskis, Head of Passenger Car Brands – Dodge, SRT, Chrysler and Fiat, FCA – North America, unlimited data runs $20.00 per month.
“The Pacifica’s new, faster 4G LTE network speed creates an in-vehicle Wi-Fi Hotspot that keeps everyone in the family connected with up to eight mobile devices, making it easy to browse websites, check email, and stream video,” he said.
Features & Functions
2018 Chrysler Pacifica Touring Plus, Touring L, Touring L Plus, and Limited, along with Pacifica Hybrid Touring Plus, Touring L, and Limited offer several different data plans from AT&T. The aforementioned standalone unlimited data plan runs $20.00 per month. Existing Mobile Share Value and Advantage plans receive 1 GB of data for $10.00 per month; a single day pass costs $5.00 and a trial period for the Wi-Fi is offered.
The 4G hotspot can also stream content from Amazon Fire TV, Roku, Chromecast, and Apple TV via the Uconnect Theater system, a segment-exclusive for Chrysler. Also included is a trial of SiriusXM Guardian on properly equipped vehicles. Benefits include real-time vehicle health reports, an app to remotely lock, unlock, or start the vehicle, and a location service which tells owners exactly where their Pacifica is.

Uconnect
The Uconnect system is really the focal point of the Chrysler Pacifica’s technology-oriented cabin. In a nutshell, Uconnect keeps occupants connected, entertained, and focused. Each FCA vehicle has a Uconnect system of some kind with a range of features and services, including handsfree calling or texting, AM, FM, HD, and SiriusXM radio, Bluetooth capability, and USB and AUX Ports. The Uconnect navigation provides detailed maps and turn-by-turn directions.
The most elaborate entertainment aspect of Uconnect is the available, built-in theater system in the Pacifica. Passengers can do everything from watching movies to playing games. There are two high-definition, 10-inch touchscreens and just about any device can be paired to the system via a USB or HDMI interface. For supported Android devices, content can now be streamed to the Uconnect Theater screens.
New Vision
This latest generation of the Chrysler Pacifica was revealed at the 2016 North American International Auto Show. The vehicle was completely re-engineered and re-imagined with more than 100 available safety features, a hybrid option, and an electrified variant that achieves 84 miles per gallon equivalent (MPGe) in electric-only mode and 33 miles of all-electric range. For those of us who grew up in the heyday of Chrysler minivans, they sure have changed a lot since then, to say the least.
Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and resides in Detroit, Michigan.
2017 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid: Photo: FCA US LLC.
Photos: FCA US LLC.

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Categories of Cool: The Case For Automotive Art

Categories of Cool: The Case For Automotive Art

Cars are a fascinating subject, filled with history, contradiction, and wonderfully enigmatic stories. The utility of the automobile strongly contributes to the contradictory nature. Few other machines come to mind that are so widely used by the public for their utility. On the other hand, there is no comparably utilitarian machine that is quite so celebrated and personified.
When was the last time you heard of a local washing machine club get-together? Can you recall a dishwasher being described as beautiful, or a refrigerator as a work of art? Have you ever heard of an oven having soul?
Don’t get me wrong, I am sure there are interior decorators and appliance fanatics that could cite just such occasions, but such instances are nowhere near as prevalent as with automobiles. Herein comes the enigma; cars clearly evoke emotional responses from large groups of people, sometimes polarizing other times galvanizing. Every so often, an automotive creation comes along that the community as a whole regards it as something to behold. So, what exactly is it that makes said creation so appealing? Is there a recipe to making a cool car?
Photo: Benjamin Caschera for Automoblog.net.
Warm Reminiscence
Unlike the Utilitarian examples of clothes and dish washers, one does not have to be a fanatic to appreciate certain cars. People who don’t know motor oil from blinker fluid will most likely find a specific model of car they are drawn to. Nostalgia undoubtedly plays a large role in the appeal for many individuals. Perhaps a beloved uncle owns a 1956 Chevy Bel Air and, when you see one, it brings back memories of that time your whole family piled in and drove to the annual hot air balloon rally.
Maybe your great grandmother owned a classic two-tone 1964 Volkswagen Beetle, so the very thought of one stirs the loving emotion that used to envelop your heart when she would tenderly smile while sneaking you a bit of fine Swiss chocolate, as your parent’s attention was directed elsewhere. It’s quite unlikely that a refrigerator will illicit similar reactions.
Photo: Benjamin Caschera for Automoblog.net.
Jet Fighter Formula
Wistful memories aside, some automotive fabrications have an intrinsic charm that allures an overwhelming number of people. Could it be purely aesthetic? Could a designer simply hit all the right visual ques and make a car a legend remembered for all eternity as a work of art? The Jaguar E-type is a fine example, a historically beautiful object of vehicular refinement. The man responsible for this conception, Malcolm Sayer, was outwardly influenced by the aviation community (of which he was a member), heavily integrating cutting edge aerodynamics and sleek jet fighter designs. The overall appearance was equally as important as the performance, which for its day, was tremendous (and it’s still a blast to drive).
To this day, the E-type is considered by many to be one of, if not the most beautiful car ever made. Enzo Ferrari himself has been quoted saying so. It is hard to argue against, with the calculated balance, formulaic curves, and mathematical proportions seamlessly molded together with elegant flowing lines. This Jag is so visually appealing that it’s one of only two road cars in the New York Museum of Modern Art’s permanent design collection. If there is a formula for beauty, Sayer may have discovered it.
Photo: Benjamin Caschera for Automoblog.net.

Breakneck Beauty
One could argue the E-Type was beloved not just because of its astounding beauty; the E-Type was also faster than the Ferrari 250 GT and for a third of the cost. From the very inception of the automobile, masterful feats of engineering have produced high speed machines that continue to be uniformly glorified. For example, the Mercedes-Benz 300SL, Aston’s DB4, Lamborghini Miura, Ferrari GTO 288, Porsche 959, Ferrari F40, and the McLaren F1 are some of the most heralded cars ever made.
Once again, these cars are not simply stunning, but at the time of their introduction, each was the fastest road going vehicle in production.
Today, some cars reach levels of speed and quickness that is purely astonishing. It seems every new sports car hits 60 in a blistering 3 seconds or less, and any car with a top speed under 200 is child’s play. A car like the Bugatti Veyron SS is not universally regarded as pretty, however when looking at the engineering alone, denying the cool factor is challenging to say the least: 1,200 horsepower produced by a W16 engine, coupled to a four turbo induction system. That is SIXTEEN cylinders! FOUR TURBOS! More horsepower than TWO Ferrari 458s. It is an automotive marvel that is undeniably cool from many perspectives.
Although this is not a Bugatti, the equally impressive SSC Ultimate Aero was the top speed title holder successor to the Veyron and predecessor to the Veyron SS. Photo: Benjamin Caschera for Automoblog.net.
Humble Designs
What about cars that are neither attractive nor powerful, yet garner mass followings? The VW Beetle may fall into this category – its simple design is anything but striking, and why would it be? “The people’s car” began life with a whopping 25 horsepower, but by the time its run concluded, more than 21 million examples had rolled off the many production lines across the globe. And in over the sixty years of manufacturing, the power had only been increased by another 25 horsepower. Although the flat four cylinder rear mounted engine is interesting, it’s far from a technological wonder, but nevertheless, the bug is revered worldwide.
Less extreme cases that may fall into this paradigm consist of the Mazda Miata (MX-5), Subaru WRX, Volkswagen MKII Golf/ Jetta, BMW E30, Datsun 510, and many, many more. None of these cars have the sex appeal of the Jag, or the herculean power of the Veyron, yet throngs of folks adore and praise these seemingly mundane vehicles.
Photo: Benjamin Caschera for Automoblog.net.
Automotive Cuisine
If you have driven any of the “under powered” and plainly stylized cars mentioned, you’ll notice one common thread: regardless of drivetrain these cars are just plain fun. The bug’s charm is its simplicity; you truly feel the mesh of the gears engage with each shift as the tiny motor chugs along. Subaru’s legendary AWD inspires superhero like confidence in any weather. If you can drive a Mazda Miata through a twisty chicane without an ear to ear grin, you may want to check your pulse for signs of life.
These cars each have a different personality; some exude a certain magic at a mere glance, while the true essence of others is not revealed until driven. Furthermore, what some find attractive, others find repulsive. The recipe it would then seem is as varied as the multiplicity of cars ever created. Does all this conjecture mean there is no recipe for a cool car? No, it means you don’t have to eat a decadent dessert every meal, every day, or have spaghetti for breakfast. So there is no singular recipe but the basic components are the same. It just takes the right chef to know how to mix the ingredients to create something astonishingly delicious.
Benjamin Caschera is a car nut in every sense of the word. His eclectic writings range from rants on traffic and wrenching on $500 cars, to adulation of the finest classic and/or latest hyper cars. Follow and heckle him on Twitter and Instagram: @TheBoringCarGuy
Cover Photo: Jaguar Land Rover.

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Ferrari Portofino Comes Out of Nowhere

Ferrari Portofino Comes Out of Nowhere

First, Ferrari dropped the 812 Superfast into our laps with zero warning. No rhyme or reason, just sort of, “oh, here’s the most powerful front-engined V12 car we’ve ever made, hope you enjoy it.” And now they’ve up and done the same thing with this: The front-engined, V8 Portofino. The Portofino will be the “entry-level” Ferrari, and, leave it to Maranello to have their basic model crank out 600 horsepower. The Portofino is also the replacement for the now-outgoing Ferrari California T.
California Dreamin’
Speaking of the soon-to-be-gone Ferrari California T, I bet resale value on those just dropped like an anchor without a chain. For some reason the California was a problematic car for Ferrari. It was tagged fairly early on as the car the plastic surgeon’s third trophy wife would drive. A pity, really, since the Ferrari California was actually kind of fast and stylish and all that. But when you’re stable-mates are the likes of 430 Scuderias, it’s hard not to pale in comparison.
Now, the new Ferrari Portofino looks to burnish away any of those negative thoughts. Yes, it is rather “soft” and Ferrari states this up front: “a GT that represents a unique combination of sportiness, elegance, and on-board comfort.” But a lot of comfort and convenience features and packaging compromises can be overcome by a twin-turbo V8 plant cranking out 600 ponies, no?
In case you didn’t know, the Ferrari Portofino is named after this utterly charming little Italian tourist town that was sort of a haven for the well-healed many decades ago. Ferrari has even gone so far as to come up with a new shade of red: Rosso Portofino.
Photo: Ferrari S.p.A.
Interior Design
The Ferrari Portofino is, in many respects, an improved version of the California T. It has a retractable hard top, a sizeable trunk, and a roomy cockpit. The inside is, sadly for the likes of a gearhead like me, anything but Spartan and race-oriented. There’s an overall focus on comfort along with a slew of new tech and comfort features. There’s an infotainment system with a 10.2-inch touchscreen, a new air conditioning system and steering wheel, and 18-way adjustable seats with a new backrest design.
There are even two rear seats that Ferrari says are “suitable for short trips” but, in actuality, are little more than upholstered luggage space. The only people who could fit back there would be legless dwarves, but I am not here to judge you, or your lifestyle choices or make comments on why you would need a second legless dwarf when most of us make do with just one.
Moving on . . .
Photo: Ferrari S.p.A.
Power & Performance
That 600 horsepower – actually 600 cv, which works out to around 592 horsepower – is capable of firing this thing from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 3.5 seconds. Not bad for “entry level.” That V8 turbo puts out 40 cv more than the California T, thanks to new components and engine management software calibration. Maximum speed is said to be greater than 198 mph, which is probably a lot of fun with that top down, as Ferrari points out: “The characteristic Ferrari V8 soundtrack has also been further enhanced and can be fully appreciated, particularly in top-down driving.”
The V8 has also been worked over in relation to being better all around. More power, lighter weight, and more efficient. There’s all-new pistons, con-rods, and a new intake system design. The exhaust system geometries have been reworked and a new, one-piece-cast exhaust header reduces power loss, improves throttle response, and zeros out turbo lag. Variable Boost Management adjusts torque delivery to suit the selected gear for greater levels of acceleration and lower fuel consumption.
For the first time on this type of Ferrari, Portofino buyers will get the benefit of the third generation electronic rear differential (E-Diff3) integrated with the F1-Trac. This is, as the name implies, track derived wizardry that puts the power down to the ground with no muss, no fuss, and all go.
Photo: Ferrari S.p.A.

Steering & Suspension
The Portofino also carries electric power steering, dropping the steering ratio by seven percent for more response and is fully integrated with the E-Diff3. The shocks are trick magnetorheological units (say that three times real fast) with dual-coil technology to reduce roll and absorb uneven road surfaces.
Aerodynamics & Chassis
The Ferrari Design department worked closely with the Aerodynamics department (that would be the people with three wind tunnels, CFD server farms that draw power straight from a hydroelectric dam, and work on the aero of F1 cars as their main gig) to ensure maximum aerodynamic efficiency while also looking like Monica Bellucci’s prettier sister. Further, the Portofino’s chassis is all-new and features significant weight savings over the California T. All the chassis and body-in-white components have been redesigned with a critical eye to weight reduction and increased torsional rigidity
The Ferrari Portofino will make its world debut at the Frankfurt International Motor Show beginning on September 14th.
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: Ferrari S.p.A.

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The all-new third generation Bentley Continental GT rolls out of Crewe for the latest jet set

The all-new third generation Bentley Continental GT rolls out of Crewe for the latest jet set Bentley’s latest is the next-generation Continental GT coupe, bound for the nearest affluent neighborhood near you.
What’s going on?
Bentley just revealed the third-generation Continental GT, one of the most iconic, luxurious, and fastest grand tourer coupes to date. Like the previous models, the newest Continental GT combines the very best in British hand-craftsmanship with German engineering. That means a completely revised 6.0L TSI W12 motor, further developed by Volkswagen, and stunning performance to match.
If the new Continental GT looks familiar, that’s because it’s inspired heavily by the beautiful EXP 10 Speed-Six Concept from the 2015 Geneva Auto Show. And that’s a good thing as the resemblances are strong, as if the EXP 10 Speed-Six literally morphed from its concept form into production. When first previewed, Bentley even admitted the EXP 10 Speed-Six previewed the next-gen Continental GT.
So after much anticipation, it’s finally here, delivering on those promises.
“Bentley has been at the forefront of luxury Grand Touring for nearly one hundred years. The new, third-generation Continental GT is the pinnacle of our design and engineering achievements and marks the next step in Bentley’s journey,” said CEO, Wolfgang Dürheimer at the press conference.
“We are the world leader in luxury mobility and our products and services define new luxury in the automotive world. The new Continental GT encapsulates our desire to innovate as well as celebrate our heritage and take the Bentley ownership experience to the next, unparalleled level.”

What powers it?
Under the long hood sits the same 6.0L TSI gasoline W12 as previous Continental GTs. But now, it’s been updated to offer 626 horsepower and 664 pound-feet of twist. Mated to an also new twin-clutch eight-speed automatic, 0-60 mph happens in just 3.6 seconds with a top run of 207 mph, making it the latest and greatest Bentley to enter the 200 mph club.
Delivering the power is standard all-wheel drive, though the system in the latest car is completely new. The old car’s system operated at a 40:60 percent power split between the front and rear. Now, the new car’s all-paw system functions mostly in rear-wheel-drive mode, transferring power to the front wheels only when needed for extra traction, like during the inclement of weather. Bentley says the result is a more dynamic handling experience and ultimately, less understeer.
Like most other performance-oriented luxury cars, the Continental GT comes with driver selectable profiles that adjust various operating parameters according to the chosen mode. For instance, in Sport mode, the Continental GT’s throttle, transmission response, steering, and adaptive air suspension all tighten up and become more responsive. Comfort mode is obviously meant for cruising long distances.
What else is new?
The Continuous Damping Control and Electric Power-Assisted Steering are also newly developed to offer better and improved performance. It features an advanced 48-volt roll control system, which basically translates into a stunning amount of computing power. This means it can monitor and adjust the electronically-adaptive anti-roll bars for each axle almost instantly. Bentley currently touts the system is the only one of its kind and unrivaled in its class.
It also sits on a new platform, which helps the Continental GT shed a considerable amount of weight for improved handling and performance.
When will it go on sale and for how much?
Such details weren’t released with the initial unveiling of the Continental GT. But given how it’s a Bentley, you can expect the price to be rather high. Also, since it’s labeled as a 2018 car, you can expect it to launch in Europe in the coming months. Its arrival in America will likely take place sometime next year.
– By: Chris Chin
2018 Bentley Continental GT Specifications

2018 Bentley Continental GT Photo Gallery

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2017 Lexus RC 350 AWD Coupe Review

2017 Lexus RC 350 AWD Coupe Review

Toyota’s Chief Executive Officer, Akio Toyoda said he wanted to infuse the Lexus brand with a new spirit. The new mission comes from his racing background and love for fast cars. The CEO of Toyota knew he had to change the culture at Lexus in order to survive. Toyoda wants to compete with the BMW 4 Series, Audi A5, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, and Cadillac ATS coupe, and the RC 350 was his answer.
This week we saw how Lexus was doing in keeping up with their competitors.
What’s New For 2017
The Lexus RC 350 remains unchanged for 2017.
Features & Options
The 2017 Lexus RC 350 all-wheel drive coupe ($45,175) comes with 18-inch wheels, LED headlights, keyless entry and ignition, dual-zone automatic climate control, a rearview camera, power front seats, a 60/40-split folding rear seat, Bluetooth connectivity, a 7-inch color display, voice controls, and a 10-speaker sound system with satellite radio. Also standard is Lexus Enform Service Connect, which provides access to vehicle status and maintenance alerts via a smartphone app.
The Navigation/Mark Levinson package ($2,550) adds a console-mounted touchpad controller, upgraded voice controls, navigation, smartphone app integration (including Destination Search, Yelp, Pandora, and iHeartRadio), and a 17-speaker surround-sound audio system.
The F Sport package ($3,700) pads on appearance items such as a mesh grille and a unique front fascia. The substantive bits include 19-inch wheels with all-season (AWD) tires, adaptive sport-tuned suspension dampers, and sport front seats. F Sport models also get perforated leather upholstery and trim, heated/cooled seats, a power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel (with a heated rim on AWD models), driver-seat memory settings, and a special instrument cluster. Triple beam LED headlights add ($1,160), moonroof ($1,100), and LED fog lamps ($470).
Total MSRP including destination: $57,198.

Interior Highlights
The cabin’s two-tone black and burgundy color scheme is especially attractive and the F SPORT front seats were comfortable and supportive during our spirited driving this week. The interior features plenty of soft touch material and the quality is first class. If you are looking for comfort, the heated and cooled F Sport front seats will provide it. The F SPORT badge on the bottom of the steering wheel and aluminum sport pedals set the cabin apart from the standard model. The RC still keeps an analog clock, which we think is an interesting choice.
The 10-way power driver seat comes with three pre-set adjustments for different drivers in the family. Push button start and the cooled front seats made the drives comfortable in the August heat we had in Denver. Don’t expect the back seat to be used for hauling adult passengers, however. It’s tight and only useful for smaller children and cargo, though this is normal for a sport coupe. Trunk volume is also a slim 10.4 cubic feet, just big enough for two golf bags.

Engine & Fuel Mileage Specs
The Lexus RC 350 is powered by a 3.5-liter V6, delivering 306 horsepower and 277 lb-ft. of torque. The RC 350 will launch from 0 to 60 mph in 5.8 seconds which is just about average for a sports coupe. A six-speed automatic with steering wheel paddle shifters came with our full-time all-wheel drive tester. It gets an EPA estimated 19/26 city/highway and 21 combined mpg.
Driving Dynamics
The all-wheel drive RC 350 provides a sporty feel with enough power to handle nearly any driving situation. The optional F SPORT package features a firmer, adaptive suspension, different gauges, and other performance goodies that make this Lexus coupe higher on the fun-to-drive meter than the standard variant. The Lexus RC 350 is well-suited for the performance enthusiast looking for an enjoyable, capable daily driver, and we suggest adding the optional F Sport package. Besides sporty cosmetic touches inside and out, it also adds the adaptive suspension, which improves the overall ride comfort and handling.
The Lexus RC 350 handled extremely well in the curves as we tested the coupe on mountain roads this week. The 306 horsepower V6 has enough power for most driving enthusiasts and we had no problem powering past slower drivers going up I-70, into the mountains, at altitude. If you want the more “torquey” response of the turbocharged engines used by rivals, you may want to look elsewhere, but the naturally aspirated engine in the Lexus RC 350 has a smooth, linear acceleration feel suited for daily driving.
Conclusion
The 2017 Lexus RC 350 is a good choice for those looking for a reasonably performing sports coupe. It’s not as engaging as its German rivals, but the Lexus is a solid choice in the luxury sport coupe segment. The RC 350 with or without the optional F SPORT package offers ample power, agile handling, and makes for a comfortable daily driver.
Denis Flierl has invested over 25 years in the automotive industry in a variety of roles. Follow his work on Twitter: @CarReviewGuy
2017 Lexus RC 350 Gallery

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2017 Lexus RC Official Site.
Photos: Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.

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