Automotive

2017 Chevy Cruze Hatchback Premier Review

Small hatchbacks are very popular with consumers and for good reason. They offer utility, extra cargo carrying ability, and they are stingy on gas. That’s a good combination for urban dwellers. This weekend, we drove the 2017 Chevrolet Cruze Hatchback.

You’ll like the way the small hatch sips gas and how its stylish cabin has a surprising amount of room for you, your cargo, and your passengers. The upper trim 2017 Chevy Cruze Hatchback Premier has a lot of good qualities.

What’s New For 2017

The big news is a new hatchback body style debuts on the Cruze, and we tested this new compact hatch with much enthusiasm. It also comes standard with a suite of parental watchdog parameters called Teen Driver mode.

Features & Options

The 2017 Chevy Cruze Hatchback Premier ($23,945) comes standard with upgraded headlights, LED running lights, heated mirrors, steering-wheel-mounted phone and audio controls, a rear center armrest with cupholders, and a six-speaker audio system with satellite radio.

The hatchback also gets a cargo cover and rear spoiler.

The Premier adds keyless ignition and entry, heated front seats, an eight-way power driver’s seat, and remote engine start. The Cruze Premier also features 17-inch wheels, an upgraded rear suspension, chrome exterior accents, ambient interior lighting, illuminated vanity mirrors, a heated steering wheel, leather upholstery, and a height-adjustable front passenger seat.

The Driver Confidence package ($790) added rear parking sensors and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert. It also comes with automatic high-beam headlight control, forward collision warning, and lane departure warning and intervention.

The Enhanced Convenience package ($865) throws in an auto-dimming rearview mirror, automatic climate control, heated rear seats, wireless charging, and a 110-volt, household-style power outlet. Total MSRP including destination: $26,870.

Interior Highlights

Stepping inside the Cruze compact reveals a stylish cabin that features high-quality materials and lines unlike any Chevy compact in the past. The 8-way power adjustable bucket seats are comfortable, come heated, and a tilt/telescoping steering wheel makes it easy to get comfortable on any commute.

The Premier comes with the 7-inch touchscreen and integrates Chevy’s MyLink infotainment system, which employs Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for a new-generation of buyers to enjoy a fully integrated smartphone experience.

The Cruze hatchback offers up a large backseat, making the Cruze’s interior functional for carrying passengers, sports equipment, and other cargo. Chevy says the Cruze hatchback has 18.5 cubic feet behind the second row and 47.2 cubes with the seats folded down.

Engine & Fuel Mileage

The 2017 Chevrolet Cruze Hatchback is powered by a turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder engine, rated at 153 horsepower and 177 lb-ft. of torque. Our Cruze tester came with the optional six-speed automatic transmission that sends power to the front wheels.

The automatic transmission comes bundled with an automatic engine stop-start feature to save fuel when the car isn’t moving. EPA fuel-mileage estimates are 28/37 city/highway and 31 combined with the automatic.

Driving Dynamics

The Chevy Cruze hatch gets high marks for its utility and comfort on the commute, but for its stylish cabin too. On the road, the 1.4-liter turbo is an adequate performer, especially in the city and other urban environments. The stop-start feature on the automatic models was a bit annoying when we were in heavy city traffic, however.

It shuts the engine off when you come to a stop and then there’s a slight delay when you step on the gas.

We had to deliver a package to a customer that lived down a twisty, narrow mountain road this week. It was the ideal way to test the Cruze in a road-circuit like environment. The hatchback is an impressive handler in the tight corners and inspires driver confidence when pushing it harder through those corners. The turbo provides extra power when needed and it ranks a 6.5 on the fun-to-drive meter.

The ride offers up an overall compliant feel on the highway and the suspension soaked up the rough mountain road fairly well. Overall, the Cruze left us with a satisfying driving experience.

Conclusion

The 2017 Chevrolet Cruze Hatchback Premier is a compelling compact hatch for city commuters. The Cruze glides down the highway with surprising levels of refinement for the class. It comes attractively trimmed inside, and the Cruze offers easy everyday operation and practicality.

Denis Flierl has invested over 25 years in the automotive industry in a variety of roles. Follow his work on Twitter: @CarReviewGuy

2017 Chevrolet Cruze Hatchback Gallery

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2017 Chevrolet Cruze Hatchback Official Site

Photos: Chevrolet

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Detroit Autonomous Vehicle Group: Small Cars & Big Dreams

Detroit Autonomous Vehicle Group: Small Cars & Big Dreams The Detroit Autonomous Vehicle Group is a growing organization in both Michigan and Canada.
Those who enjoy science and engineering will feel right at home, but the group is open to everyone.
Founder Alex Polonsky says the group’s mission is to use new technology to make our world better.
It’s Saturday in Ferndale, Michigan, a quiet community just north of the mighty Motor City. It’s here where a group of self-described “techies” are meeting to share their love for science and innovation. Head over to Ann Arbor, and the same thing is happening at Washtenaw Community College. Travel across the border to Ottawa, Canada and another gathering of the same techies is taking place. Each are chapters of the flourishing Detroit Autonomous Vehicle Group (DAVG for short), a grassroots organization where members are “democratizing technology by doing.”
“We want to provide the community with a free and open place to explore new technologies, and fulfill their curiosity on the latest advancements, such as Artificial Intelligence and automated robots,” explained Alex Polonsky, DAVG Founder. “This brings us together and gives us a common goal, all while learning, meeting people, and having fun.”
Realizing A Dream
Polonsky is a bilingual engineer with a passion for mobility and technological innovation. Born in Russia and raised in San Francisco, California, he worked at NASA’s Ames Research Center in Silicon Valley designing the next-generation waste recycling systems for the space program. Despite a rewarding and promising career, Polonsky packed his bags for the Motor City in 2011. Today he is an electronics engineer with the Brose Group in nearby Auburn Hills.
“I decided to pursue a dream of making a difference through transportation and moved to Detroit,” Polonsky recalled. “Since moving I have been able to combine my passion for automobiles and technology through autonomous vehicles.”
DAVG Founder Alex Polonsky with an autonomous RC car during AutoSens 2018 at the Michigan Science Center. “We’ve really tried to build a fun environment to work on some of the most complex topics of robotics and automation,” he said. During meetups, members build self-driving RC cars.
Filling A Void
In February of 2017, while taking Udacity’s Self Driving Car Nanodegree course, Polonsky began thinking about starting his own group; one focused on self-driving cars but one in which members could apply their skills to real world applications. At the time, nothing like DAVG existed in the Detroit area. There wasn’t a place where automotive enthusiasts and professionals could work together on automation systems in a type of learning environment. The more Polonsky thought about it, the more it made sense to start something.
“Detroit didn’t have anything like our group and I thought it really should have something like this,” he said. “We have a place where people can have fun while learning about the latest complex technologies with others.”
DAVG now meets most Saturdays, during which members work on their self-driving RC cars. They hold monthly competitions where they race their creations and learn from each other’s experiences. As DAVG continues to grow, the group wants to add more layers to their Saturday meetings.
“We want to hold more monthly or bi-monthly races with more complex challenges, such as navigating a self-driving RC car through a scaled city,” Polonsky said. “We also want to work on new communication protocols, such as vehicle-to-vehicle communication and vehicle-to-infrastructure communication. From there, we would like to invent new applications for the existing technologies and apply them in new ways.”
Members collaborate with each other during meetups. The Detroit Autonomous Vehicle Group has over 1,000 members between three different chapters.
Bringing New Ideas To Life
At the first meeting, only two members showed but the message spread rather quickly. The organization today includes over 1,000 members between the Detroit, Ann Arbor, and Ottawa, Canada chapters. DAVG is now the official Detroit chapter of the DIYRobocars community, which includes over 15,000 people in more than 15 countries. Through these associations, some DAVG members have achieved remarkable success.
“The group at DAVG helped me get my startup, Passenger AI, off the ground,” explained CEO Martin Shen. “It was a great sounding board, and I even had one of the group members build the first prototype.”
Said prototype would help Shen secure funding for the company’s operations in Toronto, Canada. Passenger AI creates robotaxi interior monitoring systems, which use machine vision and machine learning. The technology detects human movement and other impending dangers, thereby making robotaxis safer.
“Martin joined DAVG in the beginning of 2018, before founding Passenger AI, and was immediately a great fit because of his entrepreneurial mindset,” Polonsky said. “He collaborated with a couple of the group members to help him build his idea. Two months later the first prototype was born.”
The Detroit Autonomous Vehicle Group ran their self-driving RC cars during AutoSens 2018 at the Michigan Science Center.
Everyone Is Welcome
Audi Senior R&D Engineer Zikang Ma says the days he spent with DAVG are among the greatest times of his life. Ma is now with Audi China’s Highly Automated Driving division, a dream job he says blossomed out of the confidence he gained through DAVG.
“It’s a great place to start if you want to switch to the future of automobiles,” Ma explained. “Don’t be afraid if you have no experience now; this is the right place to build a great career if you are eager learn and make progress for the future.”
“We are open to people from all walks of life to join us in learning, having fun, and growing the community,” Polonsky added. “We are not limited to only those who know about the technology. Instead, we want to share with anyone who is interested to learn and find out more.”
Some members come from completely different fields, and that’s okay.
“One of our group members, whose background is in political science, got hooked on the community,” Polonsky continued. “His favorite part is participating in brainstorming sessions and helping choose what technologies we work on next which might change the world.”

Inspiring Younger Generations
Starting on May 11th, DAVG is hosting the Detroit Autonomous Vehicle Adventure weekend. The two-day hackathon is meant to inspire the imaginations of kids, ages 12 to 17. On Saturday the 11th, kids will learn programming basics then transition to a hands-on session with autonomous RC cars. On Sunday, the kids will race their autonomous RC cars, receiving feedback on different categories like creativity, teamwork, and speed.
“The goal is to provide a full experience, from theory, to hands-on, to real world,” Polonsky said.
After Sunday’s race, kids can enjoy an F1 simulator provided by OmniSci. Industry professionals will be in attendance for kids to talk with over the weekend too. A number of influential entities in the field are supporting the upcoming hackathon. Companies like Dataspeed and Intrepid Control Systems; educational institutions like Lawrence Tech University, and the global AutoSens conference: all are supporting the event.
“Our mission is to provide an unforgettable experience where kids want to come back for more, and hopefully build something awesome later in their lives,” Polonsky added.
One of the missions of DAVG is to inspire today’s youth with the promises of science, technology, and innovation.
Making The World Better
The Detroit Autonomous Vehicle Group is growing and their community is becoming more dynamic and diverse. Those with a passion for science, innovation, and technology are encouraged to contact DAVG through their official website. A list of upcoming events can be found here. If you consider yourself a techie and you want to meet like-minded people, DAVG is the place for you.
“We are a group of techies who share a common vision for using technology to better the world,” Polonsky said. “Hopefully we can leave this place a little better than we found it by using technology.”
Carl Anthony 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. Before going back to school, he simultaneously held product development and experiential marketing roles in the automotive industry.

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Lotus Exige Race 380: A Dictum In Physical Form

Colin Chapman, founder of Lotus Cars, had a personal motto, a dictum, if you will: “To go fast, add lightness.” He was fanatical about the concept. And even though Colin shrugged off this mortal suspension coil back in 1982, his motto lives on, embodied in the 2017 Lotus Exige Race 380A.

If you’re a by the figures, aerospace engineer sort of person (like Colin was), you won’t have to know much beyond this: 2,200 lbs. dry weight, 375 horsepower, 302 lb-ft. of torque, 240 kg aerodynamic downforce, and 1.5 seconds quicker around the company’s Hethel test track.

Also, 0-60 mph in 3.2 seconds.

Let me put that into perspective for you: This thing weighs about the same as a first-gen Mazda Miata and puts out three-and-a-half times more power and torque. Three-and-a-half times!

This thing would be unbeatable on an Auto-X course, but why mess around with childish toys like cones. Take this thing to a track. A real track. Like, oh, the Nürburgring. What to stack this up against the new Vette? A Cayman GTS? Bring it. Yes, there are some long straight sections where power is king (although 375 horses is nothing to sneeze at), but everywhere else on that track?

Adios muchachos.

Lather And Nothing Else

Now that I’ve worked myself into a fine lather, it’s time to calm down, and deal with the harsh, perhaps harshest of realities about the 2017 Lotus Exige Race 380. It is a track only car, and cannot be licensed for road use. My dreams of blasting down the PCH (let’s say to Half Moon Bay for a late breakfast) with all due haste in this thing are now dashed. But so be it. I was prepared for that.

The Lotus Exige Race 380 is, as one would suspect, based on the Exige Sport 380, and comes with a slew of competition-focused components standard. Gearbox, suspension, aerodynamics, and the electrical systems are among the items that have all had a going over, so as to be up to the car’s new role but, curiously, the majority of the original car’s configuration is retained, thanks to the fact the Exige Sport 380 is very high up on the performance charts already.

It’s also worth noting that, from a sales perspective (something that Colin, frankly, sucked at paying attention to), the Lotus Exige Sport 380 has proved to be one of Lotus’ most successful new models in recent years. So, if you’re a track-tard with a penchant for Lotii, and enough cash, this will probably be the car for you.

Jean-Marc Gales, CEO of Group Lotus said the Exige Race 380 is “an unparalleled race car that follows the philosophy of Colin Chapman and we can’t wait for customers to experience its capabilities.” And yeah, he’s biased. And yeah, he’s kind of paid to say stuff like that, but the numbers back the guy up.

The Exige Race 380 can lap the company’s Hethel test track 1.5 seconds quicker (phenomenal) than the previous Exige Cup R. The Hethel track is kind of like the old Top Gear test track. It’s a converted air base and not very long around. So carving 1.5 seconds off a lap record on a track that short is a notable accomplishment.

Photo: Group Lotus plc.

Race Ready

The Lotus Exige Race 380 retains the race-proven 3.5-liter supercharged V6 mill from the street car, but it’s now cranking out 375 horsepower at 6,700 rpm and 302 lb-ft. of torque at 5,000 rpm. The car comes with an Xtrac 6-speed sequential transmission, oil cooler, and cassette-type plate limited slip differential. Said sequential transmission is managed by carbon paddles located behind the steering wheel.

If you go with the full titanium exhaust system, you shave another 10 kilos from beyond the rear axle, and besides, titanium is cool. All of this means the Exige Race 380 flashes from 0-60 in just 3.2 seconds.

Lotus got more performance out of the car’s aerodynamics as well. The Race 380 produces 240 kg of downforce at 170 mph. That’s like having a fat guy sitting on each bumper, minus the drag penalty. Further aero tricks include vents incorporated into the front bodywork and rear bumper to reduce pressure around the wheels and further increase downforce. There’s a new grille mounted at the rear that aids air circulation through the engine bay. Which is good, because the higher the performance, the closer to the thermal limit cars will run.

There is also a new front splitter to reduce pressure beneath the Exige, while the rear diffuser and larger, straight-cut motorsport rear wing, mounted to the bodywork, modify airflow at the rear of the car.

Photo: Group Lotus plc.

Essential Equipment

The Exige Sport 380 rides on Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires as standard; 215/45 ZR17 at the front; 265/35 ZR18 at the rear. These wrap around the car’s ultra-lightweight forged alloy wheels. Stopping comes courtesy of AP Racing forged, four-piston calipers, and grooved two-piece brake discs. Why four-piston calipers? Why not six, you zealously ask? Because this is a Lotus, and it is light, so it only needs brakes of a certain size.

To go with more, simply for the sake of going with more, serves no real performance purpose and will only add weight. Four will do.

The revised suspension configuration incorporates 2-way adjustable Öhlins dampers (nice) and adjustable front and rear anti-roll bars (also nice). Together with the Lotus Traction Control System, where wheel slip can be adjusted by the driver from the cockpit, owners can easily fine tune the vehicle’s handling characteristics.

There is a full, integrated roll cage, lightweight FIA Carbon driver’s seat (HANS compatible, natch), and a six-point harness. There are ultra-lightweight polycarbonate side windows, a competition specification fire extinguisher, battery isolator, and fore and aft motorsport towing eyes. Additional performance features include an ultra-lightweight carbon fiber, motorsport specific louvered tailgate panel (fitted over the engine), and carbon fiber air intake pods that sit either side of the car, just forward of the rear wheels.

There are no headlights, only matt black covers. Airbags are not included in the specification.

Special Treatments

Inside the cockpit, there is a color TFT instrument cluster that serves up numerous user friendly and programmable screen configurations. There is a track data logger and GPS unit (why?), and you can add professional data analysis software, if you’re really into that sort of thing. The front inspection cover, hard top, and diffuser surround are all hand-made carbon-fiber components and make for a nice finishing touch.

Speaking of finishing, the Exige Race 380 will also finish off a major portion of your checking account, ringing up at £99,500, around $125,000 USD.

So, yeah, not exactly cheap, but hey, speed comes at a price.

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: Group Lotus plc.

Photos & Source: Group Lotus plc.

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2017 Volvo XC60 T6 AWD Inscription Review

This is not you father’s Volvo. Many remember Volvos as being boxy wagons that had the styling of a tank. But those days are long gone as the Swedish automaker has family-friendly vehicles that are stylish on the outside and the inside too.

They are both adult and kid-friendly, and if you are looking for safety, Volvo is still one of the industry leaders.

This week, we drove the 2017 Volvo XC60 T6 AWD Inscription.

What’s New For 2017

The 2017 Volvo XC60 gets minor changes and simplifies its trim level and feature structure. The biggest change comes in the XC60’s drivetrain. For 2017, the 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine has been replaced by a turbocharged four-cylinder, and all-wheel drive is available across the lineup.

Features & Options

The 2017 Volvo XC60 T6 AWD Inscription comes standard with LED running lights, heated mirrors, roof rails, dual panoramic sunroof, and automatic wipers. Inside it comes with remote ignition, low-speed frontal collision warning and mitigation, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, a rearview camera, and rear parking sensors.

Other Interior features include dual-zone automatic climate control, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, leather upholstery, eight-way power adjustable front sport seats with driver memory functions, 40/20/40-split folding rear seats, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, aluminum interior trim, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter.

Other interior features include Bluetooth phone and streaming audio, a 7-inch infotainment display, Volvo’s Sensus Connect system with navigation and mobile apps, an eight-speaker stereo with USB/auxiliary audio input, and HD and satellite radio.

Packages

The mid-trim Inscription trim adds 20-inch wheels, power-folding and auto-dimming exterior mirrors, front comfort seats, interior ambient lighting, and wood interior trim. An optional Climate package ($1,550) adds heated front and rear seats, heated windshield and washers, and a heated steering wheel. The Advanced package ($2,500) adds a drowsy driver alert system, adaptive cruise control, frontal collision warnings with full auto braking and pedestrian detection, and a lane departure warning system. The Preferred Option package ($1,350) adds front parking sensors, a universal garage door opener, power-folding rear headrests, and a 12-volt power outlet in the cargo area.

Total MSRP including destination: $53,555.

Interior Highlights

Volvo’s Scandinavian interior design is on full display in the 2017 XC60. It’s simple, yet elegant. The first thing we noticed was the unique “waterfall” center stack that gracefully joins the dash and center console. The center stack houses all the XV60’s controls along with a small infotainment screen. All the controls are easy to locate, but the infotainment system can be a bit confusing as it’s controlled via a multifunction knob on the center stack, rather than a traditional touchscreen.

The quality of the interior materials and fit and finish is what you would expect for the class. They are attractive and there’s plenty of soft-touch materials throughout the cabin. The panoramic sunroof with a power shade offers plenty of light in during the darker, winter months.

Seat comfort is exceptional and the front seats are perfectly designed for long trips in mind. The 8-way power front seats with memory offer a full range of adjustments ensuring all drivers in the family a comfortable driving position. Out back, passengers will find the rear seats equally accommodating, offering up plenty of leg and head room for adults. For families with very young children, Volvo is one of the only automakers offering integrated child booster seats that fold out of the rear bench. Behind the rear seats, cargo capacity is average with 30.8 cubic feet, and 67 cubic feet with the seats folded flat.

Engine & Fuel Mileage Specs

The T6 is powered by a new 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. It comes with a supercharger on top of the turbocharger for a power increase over the standard mill. It produces a hefty 302 horsepower and 295 lb-ft. of torque. All-wheel drive is standard, with a towing capacity of 4,400 pounds.

The EPA estimates fuel economy for the T6 at 20/27 city/highway and 22 combined mpg.

Driving Dynamics

We were concerned the XC60 would be underpowered with the new four-cylinder engine, but those doubts were erased quickly after pushing the crossover hard into the mountains west of Denver. We were able to get up to highway speed quickly, and it never felt like we needed more power at anytime during our week-long drive.

We averaged 23.6 mpg for the week, but we were giving it a good run too.

The eight-speed automatic transmission delivers smooth shifts and it never had to hunt for a gear as we pushed it hard up the mountain roads. The all-wheel drive option is a must for those who live in cold climates, making this crossover a capable handler in any weather.

In the city, the XC60 offers up a comfortable ride and absorbs the bumps to deliver you relaxed and ready for the day. The suite of safety features keeps you safe on the road; a unique sound alerts you when you drift off your path and across the white lines. Safety is definitely a strong point for the brand and the XC60.

When you shut the door, you feel a security unmatched by most SUVs.

Conclusion

The 2017 Volvo XC60 is a family-friendly hauler that will handle a small family’s needs. It comes with the latest safety features that will keep you feeling secure. The cabin is comfortable and there’s plenty of options to chose from too.

Denis Flierl has invested over 25 years in the automotive industry in a variety of roles. Follow his work on Twitter: @CarReviewGuy

2017 Volvo XC60 Gallery

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Volvo VX60 Official Site

Photos: Volvo Car Corporation (Polestar parts shown).

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2018 Lexus LS Makes Waves In Detroit

The Lexus LS sedan, the declarative answer to the question of “can the Japanese really compete in the luxury market” is getting a big update for 2018, and it just bowed at this year’s North American International Auto Show.

The new company leader is longer and lower than the outgoing model and rides on an extended 2018 version of the premium rear-wheel drive platform, known as GA-L, used for the new Lexus LC 500 coupe. Lexus correctly feels that luxury sedan drivers demand greater handling agility and a performance feel without sacrificing comfort.

The engineering difficulty is that the LS is a big guy, especially by Japanese standards. The LS rides on a 123-inch wheelbase, 1.3-inches longer than the current LS long-wheelbase model.

Dynamic Control & Suspension Tech

Lexus gets its big ride to behave thanks to the latest generation of chassis control technology known as Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management. VDIM controls all vehicle subsystems – braking, steering, powertrain, and suspension – to regulate basic longitudinal, lateral, and vertical motion as well as yaw, roll, and pitch. The system is boosted further by active stabilizer bars and the Lexus Dynamic Handling System with independent front and rear steering.

Lexus also went with lightweight materials including ultra-high tensile strength steel and aluminum to shed over 200 pounds versus the last LS. To reduce unsprung weight, aluminum is used extensively in the suspension. The engine compartment uses special braces and ridged aluminum suspension towers, front and rear. All of this lowers the car’s center of gravity and centralizes the mass lower in the chassis.

The multilink suspension of the 2018 Lexus LS employs double ball joints on the upper and lower control arms to help give the driver total control, despite the road conditions. This dual ball joint design helps optimize suspension geometry to increase wheel control and yield a more precise steering response. In addition, the GA-L platform is the stiffest in Lexus history, which provides a number of benefits, including exceptional ride and handling and cabin quietness. Photo: Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.

Styling & Design

Style-wise, Lexus went for a design that offers the room, comfort, and prestige of a “three-box” sedan, but with the silhouette of a four-door coupe. In other words, they try to have it both ways, and we’ll let you decide if it works or not. The “four-door coupe” thing really appeals for younger luxury customers, it seems.

The buyer can select from five different wheel choices, two 19- and three 20-inch wheel designs.

Power & Performance

Propelling all this down the highway is an all-new 3.5-liter V6 engine with twin turbos. The new LS plant fabricates 415 horsepower and 442 lb-ft. of torque, which is more than the current LS model’s V8. This motivates the LS to a 0-60 time of 4.5 seconds.

Lexus’ first-ever 10-speed automatic transmission is fixed to the mill and “shifting” is done via paddles. Although in fully-auto mode, the slush-box system chooses the ideal ratio by monitoring the acceleration, braking, and lateral-g forces and does the work for you. The torque converter locks up in all ranges except from a dead stop to provide a more engaging driving experience.

The 2018 Lexus LS features a ladder frame structure in the cylinder block, redesigned engine mounts, and electric wastegates to increase engine smoothness. Powertrain responses can changed, based on a driver’s preferences, between the Normal, Sport, and Sport+ modes. The first-ever 10-speed automatic transmission for a premium passenger car, having already debuted in the Lexus LC 500, is also used in the new LS. The close ratios of the low gears and the shortened shift times are meant to enhance the feel of acceleration. Photo: Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.

Interior Treatments

As one would expect, the interior is drowning in techno goodies and luxo features. 28-way power front seats with heating, cooling, and massage. Optional heating, cooling, massage, and a raised ottoman for the rear seat plebes. Shimamoku wood patterned trim decorates the cabin while Active Noise Control quiets it. An available 3D surround Mark Levinson audio package with in-ceiling array speakers blends nicely with the 12.3-inch wide navigation display.

There is also an optional 24-inch color heads-up display, the largest in any car today. Shoot there’s probably a ninja in the trunk too, at this rate.

Expect the 2018 Lexus LS at dealerships in the United States near the end of the year.

Tony Borroz has spent his entire life racing antique and sports cars. He means well, even if he has a bias towards lighter, agile cars rather than big engine muscle cars or family sedans.

Photos & Source: Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.

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Dodge Challenger SRT Demon: The Tilted Halo Car

Dodge calls the Challenger SRT Demon its “halo car.” The car that shines its beneficent light upon all the lower offerings on the company roster. But, since this is a Dodge, and a Challenger, and an SRT on top of that, let’s just say this is not the most angelic of cars.

A little while back, Dodge went a little bit funny in the head and started building this thing called a Hellcat engine. Slugging out more than 700 horsepower, it’s a brute of a plant. Dodge put it in a version of their Challenger. Then they put it in a version of their Charger.

They kept threatening to put it into a Jeep, but then the nice men in the white coats got them with the net. But then they got lose again, because in 2018, a Hellcat Jeep is in fact coming.

Alas, the inmates have run amok again, and they’re going to show the 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon at the New York International Auto Show. They announced it by saying “Challenger SRT Demon begins the next chapter of the high-performance muscle car-muwah-ha-ha-ha! Nothing can stop us now!”

Okay, they didn’t say that exactly, but they might as well have.

Subculture Hero

“Most cars attempt to be everything to everybody. Then there are the rare few that revel in a single objective, rendering them totally irresistible to a subculture,” said Tim Kuniskis, Head of Passenger Car Brands – Dodge, SRT, Chrysler, and Fiat – FCA North America, before snatching a canary out of the air, unhinging his jaw, and consuming it whole.

Before being shown in NYC, Dodge is launching a pre-debut video teaser campaign and website. These things are all the rage for automakers these days, and can be quite fun. Dodge aims all of this at supplicants and acolytes (sorry normal fans and followers), so they can get weekly updates, download sharable content, and gain insight into the SRT Demon’s engineering prowess.

The first video, showily titled “Cage,” features a ferociously animated Hellcat refusing to be caged. The beast transforms, hence beginning a new chapter in the Dodge brand’s performance legacy. With any luck, the soundtrack will be courtesy of a Finish heavy metal band, but the choice of Metallica was okay too. Dodge incites viewers to watch the video for clues to divine and to fathom what’s next from SRT.

Differing Viewpoints

The funny thing in all this, from a gearhead’s perspective, is that Dodge makes note of the fact that the Demon name was first introduced into the lineup in 1971. It’s kind of funny because the Demon was an okay car, but not nearly as demonic as its name implied. The mad cars were things like Super Stock Darts and W23 Satellites and stuff like that.

The Demon? It was okay. Lots of aftermarket potential. Cute logo. Comfy. But the kind of thing you’d take to the grudge drags on a Friday night? No. Not stock anyway. But you know, cars can change. They can corrupt and mutate, sorry, blossom and grow, and turn into quite beautiful and fast things. Like Hellcats.

“The Dodge Challenger SRT Demon is conceived, designed, and engineered for a subculture of enthusiasts who know that a tenth is a car and a half second is your reputation,” Kuniskis said.

Tony Borroz has spent his entire life racing antique and sports cars. He means well, even if he has a bias towards lighter, agile cars rather than big engine muscle cars or family sedans.

Photos & Source: FCA US LLC.

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The Volkswagen I.D. Buzz is yet another bus concept for Detroit

2017 NAIAS - Volkswagen I.D. Buzz Concept

Volkswagen reveals its latest I.D. Buzz Concept, another electrified bus designed to be hip and friendly to the environment. Summon the millenial hippies!

What’s going on?

Are you a tree hugger? Do you listen to Willie Nelson and enjoy putting flowers in your hair? Say no more! Volkswagen is back to provide you with another VW Bus-inspired concept. And of course, it comes solely with a new electric powertrain.

Another one? Uhm, ok. What’s different about it?

The Volkswagen I.D. Buzz Concept is another pitch at “electric mobility.” But not only is the I.D. Buzz showcasing VW’s latest progress with electric drive systems. It’s also features some automous driving technology so that the occupants within the I.D. Buzz can also enjoy its spacious interior.

What powers it?

The electric drive system in the I.D. Buzz consists of two electric motors (one at each axle) to implement all-wheel drive. Together, they produce 369 horsepower with juice supplied by one 111 kWh battery. The result is a 0-60 time of just five seconds and a top speed of 99 mph. Thanks to the latest quick-charge technology, the battery can be charged up to 80 percent in just 30 minutes.

Volkswagen also developed the drive system with a modular design, or MEB (Modular Electric Drive). That means the system in the I.D. Buzz can easily be manufactured as a rear-wheel-drive model.

What else is cool about it?

The I.D. Buzz also comes with a list of autonomous driving tech. Should the drivers utilize the I.D. Buzz’s self-driving capabilities, the I.D. Buzz’s “Pilot” system also repositions the driver’s seat to face the rear.

Will it go on sale? And for how much?

Volkswagen didn’t say if the I.D. Buzz will on sale. Though chances are, the I.D. Buzz is more of an idea and a concept than one with true production potential.

Would you buy the I.D. Buzz if they make it?

– By: Chris Chin

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