Automotive

Turf & Terrain: SUVs & Footballs Have Something In Common

Turf & Terrain: SUVs & Footballs Have Something In Common The Philadelphia Eagles and the New England Patriots will square off in Super Bowl LII on Sunday, February 4th. At first glance, it may not seem like SUVs and game day balls have much in common, but believe it or not, there is an aerodynamic science to both. In advance of the big game, GMC and Wilson Sporting Goods gave us some insight into how SUVs and footballs are both influenced by aerodynamic design.
In The Tunnel
When it comes to the 2018 GMC Terrain, engineers spend more than 300 hours in the wind tunnel to refine the vehicle’s exterior. The process is extensive and involves balancing aerodynamics, functionality, and the brand’s specific design language. For example, the Terrain’s lifted stance exhibits the automaker’s said design language, but it also means more air will flow under the vehicle. This additional, unwanted air will pressurize the chassis components, increasing aerodynamic drag and lowering efficiency.
GMC’s engineers use testing and simulation to craft features that effectively guide air to the back of the vehicle. In the case of the 2018 GMC Terrain, aerodynamic modifications give the vehicle an EPA-estimated 26 combined mpg for AWD models, an increase of three mpg when compared to the previous generation.
“Reducing the aerodynamic drag of an SUV is always a challenge,” said Alicia Bidwell, GMC Aerodynamic Engineer. “The styling that you can see – and the mechanical components that you can’t – work together in perfect aerodynamic harmony.”
Photo: GMC.
On The Field
In a similar sense, aerodynamics are an essential part of game day footballs. Although the typical football is quite different from the average SUV, the Wilson team uses computational fluid dynamics, similar to how vehicle engineers do, when designing the perfect football.
“Many look at our NFL football and see it as a simple object, however, the amount of engineering, particularly in the area of aerodynamics, that has gone into the ball is pretty extraordinary,” said Daniel Hare, Aerodynamics Research Engineer, Advanced Innovation, Wilson Sporting Goods.
Wilson’s researchers have enhanced the shape of NFL footballs to match today’s more passing-centered game. Aerodynamic properties like velocity, direction of motion, and spin rate are analyzed and studied, meaning when your favorite quarterback let’s it loose on Sunday, the ball flies through the air in a more streamlined fashion. The leather pattern and height of the laces are designed to increase laminar airflow, otherwise known as airflow that is smooth and consistent with as little turbulence as possible.
“Every millimeter of the football has been designed to maximize the airflow around it,” Hare explained. “We can extend its flight, reduce drag, and help maintain stability as much as possible.”
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.
Photo & Source: GMC.

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Sacramento Auto Show Offers Family-Fun, Test Drives, Charitable Donations

Sacramento Auto Show Offers Family-Fun, Test Drives, Charitable Donations

First off, it must be said that the Sacramento Auto Show is a charitable event, and proceeds from the 2017 show will benefit Make-A-Wish Northeastern California and Northern Nevada, Shriners Hospitals for Children Northern California, and the Ronald McDonald House. Additionally, the show’s sponsor (the Greater Sacramento New Car Dealer Association) has partnered with The Red Cross to help raise funds for the victims of the wildfires that have devastated Napa, Sonoma, Santa Rosa, and surrounding communities.
Central Location
Some auto shows are steeped in prestige and exclusivity. Others have the heir of a low pressure sales and marketing event. Make no bones about it, all car shows to some extent are about manufacturers showing off their newest vehicles and vying for your business, but if the event organizers can make it fun, who cares?
The vast swath of land and buildings known as the Cal Expo is home to the Sacramento Auto show. This tract provides plenty of opportunity for manufacturers and event hosts to create an immense labyrinth of activities and sales pitches. And boy did they! Themed displays are scattered about the expanse of real estate, both indoors and out.
Energetic Claims
The first activity was presented by the local utility in the form of an EV drive event. Just as you enter the main gate, the most popular (mundane) EVs on the market are lined up to test drive. Coincidentally, there was a line of people all waiting to drive the VW e-Golf while the Leaf, Volt, Focus, and i3 sat idle. The shock on the faces of the sales representatives, er-uh . . . “EV Experts” from Nissan was comical when I requested to take the Leaf for a spin. Upon interrupting the two young reps’ conversation, there was a brief pause. They stared blankly at one another, like they were flipping an imaginary coin to see which one would actually have to move from the bar-height table they were propped against.
The lap consisted of several hundred cones positioned to highlight the favorable attributes of a small EV: one quick straight for 40 yards, followed by 4 to 5 tight switchback U-turns. It was enjoyable, but these test runs are not a place to really get a feel for a car as much as whet your appetite enough to cajole you into a dealer, and sit you down in the finance manager’s office. The interesting thing, however, was the young man accompanying me made two bold statements:
“I own a Leaf and got it up to 90 on a highway on-ramp.”
Hmm? The Nissan leaf does 0 to 60 in roughly 10 seconds. That must have been one heck of a long on-ramp. The second audacious proclamation was prompted while I had my foot mashing the skinny pedal to the floor, while asking how the range would be affected if the Leaf was driven like this all the time:
“It gets about 100 miles of range when driven flat out.”
I would love to test this claim in the real world, driving “flat out” like I was. Keep in mind, while Nissan says the Leaf can do 107 miles on a single charge, they also say speed, topography, load, and accessory use can significantly affect the estimated range.
2018 Nissan Leaf. Photo: Nissan North America.

True Unicorns
Having my fill of electrified fun, I set off to see the Manager of the well put together showcase inside the EV building to discuss some broad terms of the EV future. John from SMUD (Sacramento Municipal Utility District) was more than happy to answer my questions, and/or refer me to an authority for anything he couldn’t answer. Although the main attraction of the display was the Tesla Model S and BMW i8 lightshow (headlights flashing in sync to a rousing version of Carol of The Bells) the Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid stole the show.
The notion that any minivan could be enticing is a strange and foreign concept, let alone a plug-in hybrid minivan. Nonetheless, my time spent in the “Euro Sunday” classic European car exhibit was hastened to see if the FCA Drive booth had a more spirited “test course” set up where I could get my hands on one of these plug-in dad vans.
They did indeed.
2017 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid. Photo: FCA US LLC.
Minivan Dad
Without knowing what to expect, my first weapon of choice was the Fiat 500 Abarth. Before embarking, I was persuaded to select the sport mode to get the most out of the 1.4-liter turbocharged power plant. The Fiat rep also clearly stated it permissible to go full throttle. Upon seeing the familiar orange cones on their side indicating a turn ahead (much like an autocross course), I sent the Abarth shouting and popping down the straight. The idea that this course was designed as a road simulation was not abundantly clear until I exclaimed, “who puts speed bumps on an autocross course!?” At which point I was told, it isn’t supposed to be an autocross course.
The word must have gotten out about my intent as the rest of my drive hosts were quite persistent, each said no less than two times: “This is NOT a race track, it is intended to be a road simulation,” before allowing me to start the car. The Fiat 124 Spider was nonetheless fun, and the Charger and Challenger were no less brutish. What I really had my eye on was that big, silvery sparkling, leather-laden behemoth exuding elctro-tech across the lot; the well-appointed Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid. On the tight little closed course, it handled like a minivan. No shock there. The appeal of this rig is largely due to having three kids, and family peppered throughout California. The idea of carrying a family of five with baggage for a weekend, and a dog, comfortably and luxuriously, at the rate of 35 mpg is highly alluring.
2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Widebody. Photo: FCA US LLC.

Charlie In Charge
Meandering through the exhibits revealed many desirable and interesting cars, along with many new models that have been cover stories all year: Civic Type R, Aston Martin DB11, and the Acura NSX to name a few. By the time I finished sitting in every driver’s seat that caught my eye, be it a video game-based simulation or parked STI, and smudged my face on all that were locked, the sun was lowering and the drive events were winding down.
I hurried to the Toyota tent and asked to drive whatever was ready now, which happened to be a 2018 C-HR. This is where I met Charlie. The test drive started like any other, except Charlie did not seem to share the opinion that the closed course was a road simulation. He knew what the sideways cones were implying. Consequent to entering the Toyota course, Charlie asked me to stop and wait for his word.
“When I say go, put the pedal to the floor, and don’t let up until I say brake.”
Of course, I did what was asked, convinced that Charlie’s unabashed confidence was related to the whopping 144 horsepower and 139 lb-ft. of torque available. Having become accustomed to the apprehensive approach by other hosts throughout the day, I was almost startled when Charlie began rapidly barking driving instructions: “Tap the brakes here!” “Turn in now!” “Stay to the outside through this turn!” Three crushed cones and a cloud of smoke later, Charlie along with three spectators and I left the course smiling.
2018 Toyota C-HR. Photo: Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.
Proper Considerations
I tip my cap to the people of the Sacramento Auto Show. There were many unique cars along with the expected corporate representatives, and too many other things to fully absorb in a few hours. The exhibits were great, the extraordinary show pieces and activities kept you moving from one area to the next. What truly makes this a memorable event is the people who make it happen. If you missed it this year, mark October on your calendar next year and I’ll see you there.
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 hypercars. Follow and heckle him on Twitter and Instagram: @TheBoringCarGuy
Cover Photo: Sacramento Auto Show.

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Michigan-Based Collaboration Focuses On Automated Vehicle Safety

Michigan-Based Collaboration Focuses On Automated Vehicle Safety

The Hyundai America Technical Center, Inc. (HATCI) has announced what they deem a long-term partnership with the American Center for Mobility (ACM). The partnership is focused on the advancement of connected cars and automated driving. HATCI is one of ACM’s Founder sponsors and has contributed $5 million to support a “collaborative test environment” in Southeast Michigan.
ACM, located at the historic Willow Run site in Ypsilanti Townshin, Michigan, is a non-profit testing, education, and product development facility for future mobility. HATCI was established in 1986 in Ann Arbor, Michigan as Hyundai’s North American design, technology, and engineering division.
Strong Visions
ACM wants to create a world-class proving ground where companies can develop future mobility technology. On the whole, the facility will encompass many of the non-profit’s core principles: testing, validation, product development, and education, among other things. In September, our trip to Brussels, Belgium for AutoSens showed the autonomous vehicle and connected car landscapes are rapidly evolving. To balance such an upward trajectory, collaboration remains the central theme of AutoSens; the event gathers hundreds of industry professionals working on automated driving and encourages them to work together.
This recent move by HATCI and ACM further underscores the importance of collaboration in this arena.
“Hyundai’s investment supporting ACM strengthens our long-term commitment to the advancement of safety and mobility through automated vehicle technology,” said Andy Freels, President, HATCI. “Working together with industry, academia, and government provides a collaborative environment to support new and innovative mobility solutions.”
Andy Freels (left), President of the Hyundai America Technical Center (HATCI) and John Maddox (right), President and CEO of the American Center for Mobility (ACM) signed a long-term partnership agreement to support the advancement of connected and automated vehicle technology. Photo: Hyundai Motor America.
Top Priorities
The ACM proving ground and testing facility will concentrate on vehicle connectivity, cybersecurity, and multiple autonomous technologies. According to HATCI and ACM, testing will be provided under “unique and extreme conditions in a repeatable and controlled environment” to improve safety. Testing will cover a number of items related to consumer safety and the autonomous car, like how sensors are developed and how vehicles will communicate with the surrounding infrastructure. Different infrastructure scenarios will be mapped out: rural, urban, residential, highway, overpasses, off-road; each one then studied and analyzed.
The testing environment will also be near HATCI’s headquarters, and the close proximity is expected to benefit Hyundai’s advanced driver-assistance systems. Earlier this year, Hyundai demonstrated their automated technology in Las Vegas.
“We have been working closely with Hyundai and are thrilled they have decided to take the next step with this significant investment to further our collaboration,” said John Maddox, President and CEO, ACM. “The Hyundai team has some unique developments they are working on and we are eager to help them achieve their goals.”
“As a founding member, we will help set the direction for connected and automated vehicle standards, and test advanced technologies in a safe environment for the North American customer,” Freels added.
Hyundai conducts urban testing with an autonomous Ioniq. The automaker says their goal is the safe execution of autonomous driving with less computing power at a lower cost. Photo: Hyundai Motor America.

Collective Efforts
Hyundai’s contribution brings ACM’s fundraising total to $101 million for the 500-acre testing site at Willow Run. The first phase of construction is nearly done and the facility is set to open in December. Hyundai joins AT&T, Toyota, and Ford as ACM Founders, who announced their support earlier this year. The ACM project is a joint initiative with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, State of Michigan, Michigan Department of Transportation, the University of Michigan, Business Leaders for Michigan, and Ann Arbor Spark.
“Hyundai’s commitment to ACM is another example of its commitment to Michigan, and is a great addition to the other companies already partnering with the American Center for Mobility,” explained Michigan Governor Rick Snyder. “It’s exciting to see the spirit of innovation continue at Willow Run that will help fuel job growth and solidify Michigan as the epicenter of automotive and mobility.”
Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and resides in Detroit, Michigan.
Photos & Source: Hyundai Motor America.

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Polestar: The 600 Horsepower Netflix

Polestar: The 600 Horsepower Netflix

Okay all you German makers of certified Bahn-burners, here we go. This, Volvo’s Polestar, is a shot right across and very close to the bow of Mercedes-AMG, Audi’s S Class, and BMW’s M Series. Volvo wants, no, expects Polestar to get out there and mix it up with those vaunted German brands. Not only do they want to set new benchmarks and push for higher standards, but they expect Polestar to seriously kick some.
And they are not doing this the old fashion way, oh no. Polestar is an internal combustion/hybrid Stånga kicker.
Polestar 1 is the first of three models the Swedes are going to build. And, being Swedish, they are simultaneously clever, innovative, and pragmatic about it. Polestars will be manufactured at a new, purpose-built production facility in China with a customer-focused route to market Volvo says will “set a new industry benchmark for performance vehicles.”
Upward Trajectory
But Volvo is also being very smart about not putting all their tech know-how into just the car itself. They are working the whole Polestar equation – the design, supply chain logistics, manufacturing, everything – through a new way of thinking, product planning, and management. Volvo is leveraging the company’s wider synergies and economies of scale to benefit Polestar’s overall technology and product offerings. Thus helping Polestar to accelerate design, development, and production processes at a fraction of the time it takes other new entrants. What I really love about this is how other companies do stuff like that to make minivans more efficiently or paint bumpers and other mundane stuff. Polestar said, “nah man, let’s use this to make a car so fast and efficient it’ll blow the Germans right off the väg.”
Volvo Cars has formed a joint venture with two companies within its parent company, Zhejiang Geely Holding. This JV was realized by 5B RMB (640M Euro/$756 million) of equity to support Polestar’s development. Polestar remains a subsidiary of Volvo Car Group and will be fully consolidated into Volvo Car Group. Pictured is the Polestar 1 set for production in 2019. Photo: Volvo Car Group.
Performance Setup
Polestar 1, the first car set to roll off the production line in mid-2019, comes packing 600 horses of motivational power and 738 lb-ft. of torque. Volvo says this “places the car firmly in the performance car segment.” Which I can only respond by saying “duh” in Swedish (if I knew what that was).
The Polestar 1 will be the halo car for the future. It will set the tone aesthetically, as well as technologically and performance-wise for the entire brand. Polestar 1 (and I really do wish it some cool Viking name like Slaktare or Krigare instead of a number) is a two-door, 2+2 seat Grand Tourer Coupé with an “Electric Performance Hybrid” drivetrain. Or, put more simply, it’s an electric car supported by an internal combustion engine.
Essential Foundations
Practically speaking, Polestar 1 is based upon Volvo’s Scalable Platform Architecture (SPA). This is simply Volvo’s version of a common chassis architecture that can be stretched or widened, shortened or narrowed as needed to make a wide range of cars. Even though that’s the basis, around 50 percent of the Polestar 1 is new and bespoke by Polestar engineers. The half that is new features impressive tech goodies like the world’s first use of an Öhlins Continuously Controlled Electronic Suspension (CESi). The body is carbon fiber to reduce weight, improve torsional rigidity by 45 percent, and lower the center of gravity to improve handling.
Polestar 1 uses a double electric rear axle to enable torque vectoring, a process which will increase handling and through-the-corner acceleration.
Polestar 1. Photo: Volvo Car Group.
Mold Breaking
Now, you can’t just walk into a dealership and get a Polestar. Shoot, they won’t even let you “buy” one to “own.” Polestar will move away from today’s traditional car ownership model in a big way. Polestars will be ordered completely online, so no dealership involvement, and the car is offered on a two or three year subscription basis. You don’t own it, rent it, or even lease it. Think of it as a 600 horsepower version of Netflix on wheels.
You get your Polestar with a zero-deposit, all-inclusive subscription that adds features like pick-up and delivery servicing, and the ability to rent other vehicles from the Volvo and Polestar range. All for one monthly payment.
Polestar 1 interior layout. Photo: Volvo Car Group.

Meaningful Interactions
Choosing your Polestar is done via a Polestar app or online portal. Polestar also recognizes that customers still want to physically engage with cars that are high value and cost more money than a book you buy from Amazon. So Polestar is opening a network of “Polestar Spaces” around the world where customers can fiddle with knobs and slam doors and kick tires or, as the Swedes put it, “interact with products and the brand.”
And no, “Polestar Spaces” will not be a fancy-smancy section of a Volvo dealership, they will be standalone facilities.
This is kind of out there and experimental on a number of levels, and the big question is will it work and how will it not work? The order books for the new Polestar 1 are now open, so only time will tell. Whatever hesitation I might have toward this scheme is mitigated by the 600 horsepower and 738 lb-ft. of torque. Personally, I’d love to try one of these things out!
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.
Polestar 1 Gallery

Photos & Source: Volvo Car Group.

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Chevy Reveals New, Special Edition Colorado Models

Chevy Reveals New, Special Edition Colorado Models

At the State Fair of Texas, Chevrolet announced their Centennial Celebration, a series of events and happenings to commemorate 100 years of building trucks. The celebration is marked by the national expansion of Chevy’s Truck Legends program and new, “Centennial Edition” variants of the Silverado and Colorado, among other things. Recently, the new Centennial Edition Silverado was displayed on the 2017 Luke Bryan Farm Tour and at the Sunbelt Ag Expo in Moultrie, Georgia.
As part on the ongoing celebration, Chevrolet has revealed two new Colorado models, the ZR2 Midnight and Dusk Edition. The ZR2 is, essentially, the off-road-ready version of the Colorado.
Special Treatments
The 2018 Chevy Colorado ZR2 Midnight Edition sports an all-black exterior theme, with a blacked-out bowtie and 17-inch, five-spoke wheels. The truck also features a black sport bar with off-road, LED lighting and unique ZR2 logos. The Dusk Edition offers the same content as the Midnight Edition, but can be purchased in all other ZR2 exterior finishes, with black accents throughout.
“The Colorado ZR2 Midnight and Dusk Edition models offer customers even more personalization choices from the only company with three distinct trucks: midsize, full-size, and full-size heavy-duty,” explained Jim Campbell, U.S. Vice President, Chevrolet Truck Strategy, Performance Vehicles and Motorsports. “Chevrolet offers more choices because the truck market is too diverse for a ‘one size fits most’ strategy.”
2018 Chevy Colorado ZR2 Midnight Edition. Photo: Chevrolet.
Power & Performance
When compared to the “normal” Colorado, the ZR2 has a 2-inch higher profile and a 3.5-inch wider track to account for a number of off-road obstacles. Some of the truck’s most notable features are underneath it, like the high-strength, fully boxed steel frame and cast-iron control arms. The off-road suspension is highlighted by the Multimatic DSSV dampers with position-sensitive spool valve technology. With this setup, the Colorado ZR2 can canvass uneven, off-road terrains but still provide a solid, stable feel on paved surfaces.
The Chevy Colorado ZR2 comes standard with front and rear electronic locking differentials, hill descent control, and an aluminum skidplate for the radiator and oil pan. An Autotrac transfer case (with shield), four-wheel disc brakes, Duralife rotors, and a modified, 3.42 rear axle ratio are also standard. Engine choices include a 3.6-liter V6 with 308 horsepower or a 2.8-liter Duramax diesel with 369 lb-ft. of torque.
2018 Chevy Colorado ZR2 Dusk Edition. Photo: Chevrolet.
In Person
The 2018 Chevy Colorado ZR2 Midnight and Dusk Editions will make their public debut at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas, beginning on October 31st. They will remain on display throughout the event as part of Chevy’s exhibit of concept and production vehicles.
The ZR2 Midnight Edition on display will have the 3.6-liter V6 and a number of accessories and performance parts, including an air intake system and special exhaust. The ZR2 Dusk Edition will be equipped with the Duramax diesel, a cold air intake, and finished in Summit White.
Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and resides in Detroit, Michigan.

Photos & Source: Chevrolet.

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2017 Lexus GS F Sedan Review: The Quickest GS You Can Buy

2017 Lexus GS F Sedan Review: The Quickest GS You Can Buy

The 2017 Lexus GS F Sedan is the quickest GS you can buy. This sedan isn’t the GS with a random sports package and some exterior badging, it’s a true performance car from Lexus. They have infused a new attitude into the GS F.
When Toyota boss Akio Toyoda said he wanted to give the timid Lexus brand some performance attitude a few years ago, he wasn’t kidding. The 2017 Lexus GS F is a good example of what he wanted the brand to develop into. The GS F ramps Lexus up to its highest performance level yet.
The GS F borrowed performance parts from the RC F coupe and they fit just fine. The sedan gets the high-performance V8 from its RC F stablemate, along with revised braking and suspension. In short, it’s the most powerful sedan Lexus has ever made. The Lexus GS F competes in a tough segment too, with the BMW M5, Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG, Cadillac CTS-V, and Audi RS 7.
What’s New For 2017
The Lexus GS F gets continuously variable dampers for 2017.
Features & Options
The 2017 Lexus GS F Sedan ($83,940) comes loaded with standard features like 10-way power-adjustable seats, automatic wipers, forged 19-inch wheels, leather trimmed sport seats, keyless entry and ignition, and Lexus Enform Remote, a smartphone app that includes a vehicle finder, remote unlocking and starting, and climate control operation. Other features include a power tilt-and-telescope steering wheel, a backup camera, heads-up display, a 12-speaker audio system, and navigation.
Underneath, the GS F gets an electronically controlled differential, Brembo high-performance brakes, upgraded sport suspension, a 5.0-liter V8, torque vectoring technology, and an 8-speed transmission.
The only optional features on this GS F tester were the premium Mark Levinson audio system ($1,380) and special 19-inch wheels ($600). Total MSRP including destination: $87,490.

Interior Highlights
Stepping inside the GS F reveals special features not offered in the standard trims. The GS F model gets aluminum pedals, carbon fiber trim, and sport seats we think offer up exceptional comfort and support. The additional Alcantara leather throughout the cabin gives it a sportier feel than other Lexus products, especially around the dash. The dash is characterized by its horizontal lines and cool ambient lighting at the perimeter. Yet, it offers the typical Lexus luxury we think beats even the best German sport sedans. There are extra padded leather panels in rich shades, smooth wood trim, and the fit and finish overall is top-notch.
Another area the GS F goes against the typical Lexus luxury grain is by piping engine and exhaust notes into the cabin. The 5.0-liter V8 powerplant gives out a throaty growl unlike any other model produced by Toyota’s luxury brand. We found ourselves jumping hard on the gas just to hear that sweet sounding engine.
The 10-way power seats, which we put to the test this week, are comfortable, supportive, and have more bolstering for hard cornering. The color heads-up display helped keep our eyes on the road and it was a good thing as we pushed the GS F hard this week. The giant, 12.3-inch high-resolution display sits ready for commands from the Remote Touch “joystick” on the console. In the back, there’s good head room for taller passengers but knee room is lacking. Although the rear doors are big, making it easy for adults to climb in and out.

Engine & Fuel Mileage Specs
The Lexus GS F is the quickest sedan the brand has ever built because it uses a 5.0-liter V8 sourced from the RC F high-performance coupe. The engine has 467 horsepower and 389 lb-ft. of torque. It’s backed by an 8-speed Sport Direct-Shift automatic transmission with steering wheel paddle shifters. With both direct and port injection, this V8 gets an EPA-estimated 16/24 city/highway and 19 combined mpg.
This is attainable only if you can keep your foot out of it. Good luck with that.
Driving Dynamics
It’s hard to drive the GS F in a casual manner. The first time we stomped on the naturally aspirated 5.0-liter V8 and heard the engine and exhaust notes, we wanted to have that thrill over and over again. It’s heard like sweet background music through two speakers, one front, one rear, as it is piped in. Lexus says the GS F will sprint to 60 in just 4.5 seconds. You know it’s quick when you look down and you’re going 92 mph before you even get on the highway!
On the road, when weren’t seeing how it handled the corners (where the torque vectoring makes the sedan respond beautifully), the GS F is a comfortable cruiser. The 8-speed automatic transmission is crisp, smooth, and responsive, although it can’t match the German competition’s dual-clutch gearboxes. The big 19-inch staggered wheels gripped the pavement and the Brembo performance brakes (15-inch front and 13.5-inch rear) are needed with all those horses under the hood. The ride is smooth enough, considering the GS F gets a sport tuned suspension with stiffer shocks and springs.
Conclusion
The Lexus GS F offers a rear-drive sedan that’s pushing the limits for the Japanese automaker. It has the character of a true performance car with the luxury you would expect from the Lexus brand. The GS F is the quickest GS you can buy, and our experience says Akio Toyoda is succeeding in infusing a new attitude into the luxury brand.
Denis Flierl has invested over 25 years in the automotive industry in a variety of roles. Follow his work on Twitter: @CarReviewGuy
2017 Lexus GS F Gallery

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

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Acura TLX PMC Edition: A Brief Walk Around

Acura TLX PMC Edition: A Brief Walk Around The 2020 Acura TLX PMC Edition is hand-built at the company’s Performance Manufacturing Center.
A special exterior color using nano pigment technology was developed for the limited edition TLX.
The TLX is the first Acura model to receive “PMC Edition” treatments; MDX will follow shortly.
Another surprise for this year’s New York International Auto Show was Acura’s roll out of the 2020 TLX PMC Edition. The PMC, which stands for Performance Manufacturing Center, is sort of like Acura’s version of BMW’s M division or Mercedes-AMG, only if it actually went faster. The 2020 Acura TLX PMC Edition gets some nice finishing touches here and there, and is assembled with greater care, but that’s about it.
Wishing For Slightly More
The TLX PMC Edition is a limited edition car, although Acura does not say what the actual production numbers will be. At this point, my guess it will be a special edition until they run out of the little glue-on serial plaques that say “Special Edition.”
Sad, really, given what Honda is capable of in the performance arena, but they have always been a conservative car company. Their vaunted NSX came out powered by a V6 when everyone else was going for much higher cylinder counts. Branding something as “PMC” and building it alongside the NSX at the actual Performance Manufacturing Center in Marysville, Ohio; but not giving us a hot-rod version seems like kind of a waste.
The 2020 Acura TLX PMC Edition is hand-built at the Performance Manufacturing Center (PMC) in Marysville, Ohio. Photo: Acura.
Power & Performance
The 2020 Acura TLX PMC Edition sits atop the TLX lineup, powered by an i-VTEC V6 engine with direct-injection. The 3.5-liter V6 makes 290 horsepower and is paired to a nine-speed automatic. Acura’s torque-vectoring system, Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive, is on-board and a godsend in slippery conditions. When the hand-assembly process is complete, each TLX PMC Edition will undergo the same quality controls as the NSX; including dyno checks, final paint inspection, rough-road simulation, and water leak tests.
It is not, however, a factory stripper; it is still loaded with the full-zoot of premium features from the TLX Advance Package. The exterior is anything but run-of-the-mill, featuring PMC Edition exterior treatments and interior design elements from Acura’s A-Spec line.
Photo: Acura.
Shiny & New
The easiest way to spot the 2020 TLX PMC Edition is by the Valencia Red Pearl pain, which Acura says is “deeply lustrous and grade-exclusive.” It’s made using something called nano-pigment technology that can only be applied in the bespoke factory’s advanced paint facility. (It was previously reserved for the NSX only). Acura goes into excruciating detail about the hows and whys of their ever-so-cool paint, but it’s basically candy apple red and seems, to my eyes, not all that dissimilar to what hot-rodders and low riders have been doing since 1959.
Only Acura takes five days to paint this TLX. I guess it’s worth it.
Other goodies include lots of gloss black stuff. There’s gloss black 19-inch, split-five-spoke wheels with black lug nuts; a gloss black roof panel, door handles, and grille with body-colored surround. There are shiny bits too, like the dual four-inch black chrome exhaust tips. The heated seats feature black Milano leather with Alcantara inserts, black piping and red stitching; those look quite nice. There’s a perforated leather-wrapped steering wheel with red stitching and paddle shifters, and there’s red stitching on the door panels, center console, and armrest as well.
Photo: Acura.
A-Spec Treatments
Even the floor mats are special, with metal A-Spec badging. Speaking of A-Spec, the PMC gets a trainload of that stuff too: A-Spec exterior and interior appearance packages, along with jewel-eye LED headlights, LED foglights, and GPS-linked navigation with Apple Carplay and Android Auto. The stereo is this great big whompin’ thing, an Acura ELS Studio premium audio system with 10 speakers and enough power to make you go deaf.
Tech & Safety
Wireless charging for phones? Check. Surround view camera system? Check. Power-folding door mirrors with auto-dimming? Of course! Front and rear parking sensors, blind spot information system, rear cross traffic monitor? Duh! And of course, there’s the full suite of AcuraWatch safety technologies to keep you from doing anything egregiously stupid.
Pricing & Availability
Like I said, this is a limited-run TLX, but final numbers are so far absent. Deliveries of the 2020 Acura TLX PMC Edition will begin this summer with pricing around $50,000.
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.
2020 Acura TLX PMC Edition Gallery

Photos & Source: Acura.

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Free Performance Car Pumpkin Carving Patterns

Free Performance Car Pumpkin Carving Patterns

As the seasons change, fall colors blossom, tailgating excursions ensue, and trick-or-treaters set out for candy hauls of legendary proportions. Marking the fall decidedly is Halloween, a time of sweet treats, costume parties, and the mystery of why radio stations spin Jim Stafford’s Spiders and Snakes in the proceeding days.
It’s a 70s country hit detailing an idiosyncratic boy who, upon realizing the fairest girl in school has a crush on him, is unable to reciprocate the feelings. Granted, unrequited love is probably terrifying but that doesn’t make it a Halloween song.
Moving on . . .
Modern-Day Dragula
If you’re tired of carving the typical spooky kitty into your pumpkins, you might consider these free patterns of a 2018 Camaro ZL1 1LE and Subaru WRX STI. The patterns, which only require a printer, steady hands, and a big orange pumpkin, were provided by GMPartsCenter.net, SubaruPartsPlus.com, and StoneyKins. These performance car patterns will look cool on the front porch with candles inside – at least that’s how Matt Mylan, Director at GMPartsCenter.net, puts it.
“A real life Camaro is technically much faster than a pumpkin, and a pumpkin can’t corner as well as a real ZL1 1LE, but, other than all that, a pumpkin with a Camaro carved into it is awesome,” he said.
The Chevy Camaro ZL1 1LE is the is the fastest Camaro in history, as verified by its recent Nürburgring time. Under the hood is a supercharged, 650 horsepower LT4 engine, complimented by a literal treasure chest of aerodynamic and suspension technology. The MSRP for a Camaro ZL1 1LE is around $70,000. The MSRP for the average pumpkin is significantly less.
“For the price of a pumpkin spice coffee drink and an hour of spare time, you can have a brand new pumpkin with a Camaro carved into it that’s almost as good as the real thing,” Mylan said. “Almost.”

Spiders, Snakes & Subarus
Subaru fans will delight knowing their porch walkway is now a mini race track. One might not initially describe the WRX STI as “scary” but that probably depends on who you ask, given the car’s specs. The 2018 WRX STI is unlike any other in Subaru’s lineup with its turbocharged, 305 horsepower 4-cylinder engine. The Multi-Mode Vehicle Dynamics Control system with Active Torque Vectoring provides exceptional handling and performance.
“I guarantee you’ll scare the heck out of any adult that owns a Mustang, Camaro, or Challenger if you carve an STI into your pumpkin,” says Steve Ferreira, Director at SubaruPartsPlus.com. “When one passes you, you start to freeze, paralyzed by the fact that no one is going to save you from getting lapped.”
Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and resides in Detroit, Michigan.

2018 Chevy Camaro ZL1 1LE pattern.
2018 Subaru WRX STI pattern.

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Range Rover Sport Goes Plug-In Hybrid In 2019

Range Rover Sport Goes Plug-In Hybrid In 2019

Even though the new Range Rover Sport will be in dealerships by the start of the new year, Range Rover is already thinking ahead to 2019. That’s when the Range Rover Sport Plug-In Hybrid will arrive on these streets. For a certain segment of humanity (and it’s easy to picture Range Rover buyers being in that segment), living green is very important.
Now, probably, someone who buys a Range Rover will not be one of those “off-the-grid” types, living on garbanzo beans and recycling household waste for fertilizer, but that doesn’t mean the average Range Rover buyer doesn’t care.
Power & Performance
The 2019 Range Rover Sport will be the first plug-in hybrid electric vehicle produced by Jaguar Land Rover. Officially called the 2019 Range Rover Sport P400e, the new model offers ecologically conscious performance thanks to a 296 horsepower, 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder Ingenium gasoline engine. It’s combined with a 114 horsepower (that’s 85 kW) electric motor. With a total of 398 horsepower and 472 lb-ft. of torque available for the permanent four-wheel drive system, 60 mph comes up in 6.3 seconds; the entire rig tops out at 137 mph. That maximum speed is both impressive, given this thing is as aerodynamic as the crate it’s shipped in, and also unimpressive, since ’round 140 ain’t all that fast.
But you know they probably have to limit that top speed or risk damaging something like the regen system or burning out an electric motor or something like that.
Electrified Capability
The electric motor is juiced by a 13.1 kWh high-voltage lithium-ion battery that Land Rover engineers setup to maximize interior space and weight distribution. The longitudinally-mounted 2.0-liter Ingenium gasoline engine is paired with the 85kW electric motor, housed in the ZF automatic eight-speed transmission at the center of the vehicle, and alongside the 7kW on-board charger.
The Range Rover Sport P400e can run on just the batteries and not the dinosaur juice in the gas tank, with the all-electric range coming in at 31 miles. The company says “Land Rover customers can experience zero-emission off-road luxury with uncompromised all-terrain capability.” And that is probably true. It will be interesting to see if someone actually tries to get up 25 miles of bad logging road using just the EV drivetrain in this thing though.
The Range Rover Sport is comprised of an all-aluminum body, 39 percent lighter than the steel equivalent. The structure was subjected to extensive testing in something referred to as “optimization processes” by Jaguar Land Rover. This process included computer simulation and a 1,000 years of processor time. Photo: Jaguar Land Rover.

Drive Modes
The Range Rover Sport P400e has two driving modes to best suit your luxury transportation needs. The default mode is called Parallel Hybrid, which combines the gasoline and electric drive. You can further optimize the battery charge or fuel economy by utilizing one of two charge management functions while in Parallel Hybrid mode. One is the SAVE function which prevents the battery charge from dropping below a pre-selected level.
The other mode is called Predictive Energy Optimization. Predictive Energy Optimization, or PEO is used by entering a destination into the navigation system. The navigation system will then use built-in GPS altitude data for the selected route, and combine the electric motor and gasoline engine to maximize fuel economy. Pretty slick. The Electric Vehicle or EV mode enables you to run solely on the electric motor using energy stored in the battery.
Exclusive Features
Other niceties found on the Range Rover Sport P400e include Land Rover’s Terrain Response 2 technology. Terrain Response 2 has a unique calibration to logically and accurately distribute torque from the electric motor to all four wheels. Terrain Response 2 gives greater control during low-speed, off-road maneuvers and provides maximum torque from zero rpm.
A new cabin air ionization system, called Nanoe, is a nice feature for passengers. The suite of driver assistance features on the new Range Rover Sport has been “restructured to be even more intuitive for customers.”
Cost? Who knows at this point, but with the upcoming Range Rover Sport topping out at around $140,000 and the plug-in EV coming in on top of that model, don’t expect the 2019 Range Rover Sport P400e to be inexpensive.
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: Jaguar Land Rover.

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