Automotive

Jaguar Land Rover Classic Works: The UK’s Motor City

Jaguar Land Rover Classic Works: The UK’s Motor City

Jaguar, along with corporate sibling Land Rover, have been doing the factory refurbished thing for a while now. They join the growing trend of auto manufacturers keeping the original flame burning for those who desire, or can afford, factory originality. Their latest press release is slugged as being from “Ryton-on-Dunsmore, UK” and believe me, it only gets more quant and British from there on in.
And it’s not like Jaguar is doing this on purpose or to hype things up, this is the way they naturally are. And, let’s face it, Jaguar is about as British as a marque can get.
Proper Space, Prestigious Cars
And since the British are an everso proper lot, you can’t have your factory classics department taking up an old out building, can you? Oh no, no-no-no. One shant do that. No, if you’re Jaguar, you’re going to open your own special refurbishment “factory” or “works” as they call it in their own charmingly Anglo-centric way. As any gearhead with a project car (or cars) will tell you, you never have enough garage space. You always need a bigger workshop. Jaguar, heeding this well known Truth of the automotive world, went big.
The Jaguar Land Rover Classic Works facility tips the scales at a staggering 150,000 square feet. Jag says it’s the largest of its type in the world, with a dedicated showroom and a whopping 54 workshop bays for restoring and servicing all older Jaguar and Land Rover models. The Classic Works is also home to the Jaguar Land Rover Classic Collection of more than 500 vehicles. Jaguar foolishly points out the cars in the collection are also available for loan to car clubs and museums. This makes me wonder if we could turn Automoblog into a “museum,” but I’ll leave that for management to work out.
Now if you’re rich enough – I have no idea how rich you need to be – but far be it for Jaguar to be so gauche as to mention costs, dear boy – the lineup of available classics to buy is very impressive. Classic Works offers the full range of Legends vehicles including the nine “new” examples of the XKSS, the “Missing Six” Lightweight E-type continuation models, the two-door Range Rover Classic, the 10 Series 1 E-type cars, the Jaguar E-type Reborn, and full restoration services for clients.
Land Rover Reborn Legends. Photo: Jaguar Land Rover.
Exceptional Service
And Jag is not kidding around about stuff like restoration, repair, and maintenance. Literally all models out of production for 10 years or more are welcome to the spa treatment at Classic Works. From the XK120 and XK8, to Land Rover vehicles like the Discovery and Freelander from the 1990s; you own it, you love it, so bring it on by and your automotive needs will be attended to. Jaguar is thorough and professional to an exceedingly high level too. When your car is delivered to the Classic Works facility, it gets a comprehensive 121-point visual inspection. This generates a report detailing any work required and, as the work is carried out, it’s recorded in a Jaguar Land Rover Classic Works Service Book.
Oh, and here’s an interesting little add on: There’s a dedicated XJ220 servicing section operated by Jaguar supercar technicians, some of whom supported the XJ220 program during production 25 years ago. They use tailor-made service tools for the 212 mph supercar. This is good because the XJ220 has service requirements slightly more involved than an Aérospatiale/BAC Concorde.
Jaguar XJ220 servicing and maintenance bay. Photo: Jaguar Land Rover.

Added Touches
And if you think this is all about making old cars good as new, you’d be wrong. Sadly, gloriously, unforgettably wrong. On top of selling old cars, services, and parts, clients can encounter a selection of legendary Jaguar and Land Rover models through the Classic Drives portion of the new facility. Two of the locations offered include the MIRA test facility (where Jag hot shoe Norman Dewis crashed and barrel rolled the only Jaguar XJ13 in existence back in 1971) and Eastnor Castle, where many of the vehicles were developed.
There’s even a Jaguar Classic Challenge race series for pre-1966 Jaguar cars now underway. So, you know, if your mind “works” like mine, there’s another outlet for your Lotto winnings. This five-round series starts at Donington Park and includes races at Brands Hatch, the Silverstone Classic in July, Oulton Park, and the season finale at September’s Spa Six-Hours meeting in Belgium. And if you ball up your XKSS at Eau Rouge, well, that’s the way of it old chap. But not to worry! The boys back at the Coventry Works will see to your ride and make it right as rain. Safe as houses. Good as new. You lucky bloke.
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.
Jaguar Land Rover Classic Works Facility Gallery

Photos & Source: Jaguar Land Rover.

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2018 Honda Accord To Debut In Detroit

2018 Honda Accord To Debut In Detroit

The 2018 Honda Accord will make its global debut in Detroit, Michigan on July 14th, now less than a month away. The automaker released the above concept drawing which gives us some insight as to what the car will look like. Although we can only see a portion of the vehicle, Honda promises the new Accord will have an aggressive stance, dramatic styling, fuel efficient powertains, and sporty driving dynamics.
Top Gun
Honda has raked in the dough with the Accord to say the least. According Urban Science, the Accord is the best-selling midsize sedan in the United States among car buyers cumulatively since 2010. Furthermore, Urban Science data shows the Accord has been the U.S. midsize sedan segment’s retail sales leader for last four years. 2017 is shaping up strong for Honda too – during the first five months of the year, based on retail sales to individual buyers, the Accord is the top midsize sedan again, second only to the new Civic.
Power & Performance
To keep this benchmark intact, Honda promises the forthcoming Accord, now in its 10th generation, will be the most fun-to-drive Accord yet. Expect to see two new turbocharged engines paired with either a new Honda-developed 10-speed automatic, CVT, or 6-speed manual transmission. Hybrid buyers will want to pay close attention to the new iteration of Honda’s two-motor hybrid powertrain system.
Live Reveal
Honda will share all the vital details via a YouTube Livestream session in the Motor City on July 14th, 11:00am Eastern. Here is the link. If you can believe it, since its launch in 1976, more than 13 million Honda Accords have been sold. Production remains at Honda’s Marysville, Ohio plant, the home of the Accord since November 1982. Cumulative U.S. production now exceeds 11 million units across 35 years of American manufacturing. That said, we are pretty excited to see this new machine from Honda.
Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and resides in Detroit, Michigan.
Photo & Source: Honda North America.

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2018 Hyundai Elantra Trim Levels Expand

2018 Hyundai Elantra Trim Levels Expand

Hyundai has gone and messed with its popular Elantra for 2018, or at least tweaked one of the available option packages. That could be trouble – monkeying with the Elantra, pretty much Hyundai’s bread and butter car, might spell disaster – but have no fear, Hyundai is on top of the situation.
Hyundai’s Elantra, now in its sixth generation, has racked up more than 2.9 million sales since its launch in America, and is aimed squarely at its midsize sedan competitors, the Chevrolet Cruise and Ford Focus.
More Stuff
The short version here is that Hyundai’s new trim level for the Elantra (SEL) will replace the soon-to-be-outgoing SE trim. The SEL will add more tech goodies without raising the price. Thus, the 2018 Hyundai Elantra SEL will come with blind spot detection with rear cross traffic alert and lane change assist. Infotainment is centered around a seven-inch display audio system with AM/FM/HD/Sirius radio pumping out the sounds via six speakers. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are in there too, of course.
There is a rearview camera with dynamic guidelines to help you back up and park and such.
The SEL trim also features 16-inch alloy wheels, four-wheel disc brakes, heated outside mirrors, and auto headlamp control. Oh, and since this is America, you also get better rear cup holders that are mounted just aft of the center console, so Junior doesn’t spill that Big Gulp Mountain Dew all over the place. The Elantra Limited and Sport trims get some new features as well.
Photo: Hyundai Motor America.
Trim Level Treatments
The Limited trim now includes gloss black interior accents and an auto-dimming rearview mirror (which is just lazy) with Blue Link and HomeLink now standard. Hyundai also points out that all available Blue Link features come standard for three years. The Sport Elantras now come with a power sunroof, Blind Spot Detection with Rear Cross-traffic Alert, and Lane Change Assist standard to help you not do things like pull into oncoming traffic or run over cyclists while changing lanes. All trim levels, SEL, Limited, and Sport get a new machine gray exterior color, if you’re more into the subtle pallet.
The Value and Eco trim levels are still available. Value, is, well, the value-oriented model that comes well-equipped with popular options at “attractive” (read: inexpensive) price points. The Eco trim gets you an EPA estimated 35 miles per gallon combined thanks to a 1.4 turbo GDI four-cylinder engine and seven-speed DCT gearbox.
Photo: Hyundai Motor America.

Blue Link Connectivity
Now, about that Hyundai Blue Link. It’s sort of like smart home technology grafted onto your car. It apparently requires some sort of subscription – which Hyundai does not go into details on, but they do mention you get three years of it for free – and it allows you to either automate a range of stuff you can have your car do, or allows you to do it remotely.
For example, one of the Blue Link features is the Connected Care Package which takes care of stuff like Automatic Collision Notification, SOS Emergency Assistance, a Monthly Vehicle Health Report (sort of a poor person’s telemetry data storage deal), Automatic Diagnostic Trouble Code Notification (i.e. it tells you more than just “check engine”), a Service Link Maintenance Reminder (a digital version of that oil change sticker normally on your windshield), something called Driving Information (your guess is as good as mine), and On-Demand Diagnostics (again, much more than just “check engine”).
Photo: Hyundai Motor America.
Extra Tools
Besides being there to get you out of a jam, there are other Blue Link features in the Remote Package that can be activated via things like Amazon Alexa. There is also a remote start, which must really be nice in a place like Chicago in January.
There is also Car Finder? Not sure what that does exactly, but I’m guessing some sort of parking lot/garage assistance thing-o for the memory impaired. Blue Link also gets you Stolen Vehicle Recovery, Stolen Vehicle Slowdown, and Stolen Vehicle Immobilization, which is handy, yes, but also probably fun when it comes to messing with perps. You just never know when your Elantra is going to get targeted by Memphis Raines.
So, yet again, Hyundai steps into the breach for those that want lots of up-to-date tech goodies but are on, shall we say, a more limited budget than your typical Mercedes-Benz buyer.
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.
2018 Hyundai Elantra Gallery

Photos & Source: Hyundai Motor America.

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Long-term Review: Starting a life with the Mazda Miata

Long-term Review: Starting a life with the Mazda Miata This Mazda MX-5 Miata is my only car, but it’s not that simple.

I woke up yesterday and wafted my Volvo C30 150 miles south to trade it for a 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata Club in Soul Red with the Brembo/BBS package. In English, I traded a car for what a lot of people think of as a tent for people with no kids.
By grabbing a Miata instead of a Toyota Camry, or even a hot hatch, I’m voting with my wallet—to breath life back into the small car market. Apart from the Miata/’Fiata, the world is my oyster if I only want to pick two of the following: Small, light, rear-drive, new, inexpensive, convertible, non-pretentious, three pedals. So what happened?

First, let’s bench race the Mazda Miata.
Mazda is a fairly young company in some ways. After being sold off from Ford, Mazda is left in a place that is a touch like BMW was in the late 1960s: not much cash, something slightly less than a bomb-proof reputation, and a handful of relatively affordable cars that offer the driver more than whatever the segment leader might be. Mazda’s styling has been on the awesome side of experimental.
On paper, the Club trim level comes with a 6-speed manual gearbox, Bilstein shocks, and a limited slip differential. 60 miles per hour happens in just under six seconds and the top speed is less than most station wagons. Mazda was obsessive about weight savings, and that’s part of what makes this car so special in today’s market of safety, and emissions regulations and anticipated levels of equipment. 2,300 lbs is a virtually unobtainable statistic for new cars available in the US today.

I’m making this sacrifice for science.
When I’m not shooting and writing about cars, I work in an office. I live in a sparsely populated area; my 20-mile commute includes an elevation change with many low-speed S-curves. The small-car culture here thrives and hosts the largest British car event on the continent. The state agency of transportation maintains publicly available interactive maps that track the quality of the pavement, the last time it was swept for debris, and if there’s even a drop of snow, where each state plow is.

All of the above is true, but there’s a snag: I’m living the same place I’ve lived and driven daily for over a decade: Vermont.
By the way, I’m an avid backcountry skier, hiker, and photographer. Now, every box has been ticked—landing me in crossover territory. Over the next year, I’ll wear this car, collect data on the joys, the monetary costs, and the sacrifices to advise you, the reader, of the slurry of brilliance and idiocy that befalls a year-round Miata driver in the rustbelt.

One day in, what’s it like?
This is a momentum car, that, like the ‘Subota is not set up out of the box to rip your face off in the corners—it’s meant to put a smile on your face instead. Which it does. Given the wind noise, 50 mph feels like a million, and the exhaust note and intake noise are genuinely satisfying in a number of ways. The car feels quite a bit faster than it really is—something many modern enthusiast-level road cars fail at. I’m thinking and feeling a bit more through corners that my C30 would have me snoring through at the same speed. I no longer feel like a passenger.
Yesterday brought endless sunshine and and 85 degrees, and today, the roads are flooding—still, I’m pretty compelled by this experiment. I’ll let you know how it goes.

-By: Sawyer Sutton
© All images copyright Sawyer Sutton/egmCarTech
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2018 Ford F-150: Bad Ideas, Big Bets And Beer Can Jokes

2018 Ford F-150: Bad Ideas, Big Bets And Beer Can Jokes

Ford Motor Company has, in recent times, put a strong emphasis on material composition. When I was selling Ford trucks seven, eight years ago, the high-strength steel frames were always a focal point. As sales consultants, we would often explain the frame’s benefits, touching on things like towing capability, payload capacity, and overall durability. At the time, Ford was not modest about their steel frame technology (they aren’t today either), so talking about it was a good way to win a customer over on an F-150.
In late 2014, I was part of a group that traveled the country to educate Ford dealers on the forthcoming 2015 F-150. The training was absolutely essential for Ford’s dealership body. The 2015 F-150 was a bold move for the blue oval yet again, as they announced an even smaller EcoBoost in the 2.7 after unveiling the 3.5 version in 2011. It wasn’t just the engine, however. The entire body of the truck was now something called “military-grade aluminum.”
This brought up a whirlwind of reservations, concerns, and even jokes.
Sound Science
Yet Ford is no dummy and the reasoning behind their decisions regarding the F-150 are very sound. Look, Ford ain’t going to bet the farm on their best-selling vehicle. So if Ford decides to drop a smaller, turbocharged plant into their trucks, or go with an aluminum intensive body, there is every reason to believe the i’s are dotted and the t’s are crossed.
Not that I want to spark a huge debate here over naturally aspirated engines versus turbocharged ones – both have advantages – but the EcoBoost is a torque monster. And not that I want to strike up a similar parley on aluminum versus steel – again, both have advantages – but aluminum allowed the F-150 to shed vital pounds, thereby creating a more optimum power-to-weight ratio, which only amplifies the already roid rage nature of the EcoBoost engines.
The point is, Ford is becoming a master of less weight, lower displacement, but higher capacity. They effectively say, “we have the stability and rigidity of steel underneath in the frame, the lightweight, yet durable nature of aluminum on the outside, and a more efficient, more powerful plant under the hood.” Ford is in combination mode at all times, pulling out the benefits of various materials and engine technologies to provide, in the F-150, a single invincible (nearly) vehicle.
Photo: Ford Motor Company.
Family Tree
The F-150’s older brother, the Super Duty, reflects this too. The forthcoming 2018 Expedition, the latest in the family to receive an aluminum body and a steel frame makeover, also reflects it. Not exactly a direct comparison, but remember when the 5.0 Mustang debuted in 2011 and dusted stock Camaros and Challengers on a quarter mile? Smallest displacement engine of the three, so on paper it may not have initially computed, until the Mustang’s weight entered the equation.
Ford is working this concept deeper into their DNA, and it’s seen once again with their flagship F-150. The truck for 2018 continues its usage of a high-strength steel frame and military-grade aluminum body, but with more efficient, more powerful engines. The first is the 3.3-liter V6 for the entry level F-150s. The plant adds dual port and direct injection to create more torque and provide better fuel economy. With the aluminum body factored in, the standard 3.3-liter V6 offers a 5 percent power-to-weight ratio improvement versus the steel-bodied 2014 F-150 with the 3.7-liter V6.
The 2.7 EcoBoost, entering its second-generation, jumps from 375 lb-ft. of torque to 400 lb-ft., with the increase happening at lower engine speeds. The 2.7 is now paired to a segment-exclusive 10-speed automatic transmission to increase performance and efficiency. Next spring, a 3.0-liter Power Stroke V6 diesel arrives for the F-150, a mill designed, engineered, and tested in-house by the blue oval. With Ram’s EcoDiesel, the Titan’s Cummins, and the Colorado’s Duramax (with rumors Silverado will get similar treatment), it was only a matter of time before Ford introduced something like this.
Photo: Ford Motor Company.

V6 King, V8 Kingdom
The 3.5-liter EcoBoost remains unchanged in power from 2017 to 2018, standing tall at 370 horsepower and 470 lb-ft. of torque. Horsepower nutzos can go for the Raptor, where the high-output 3.5 EcoBoost wraps up 450 ponies and 510 lb-ft. of torque in a nice little package. Yes, a V6 boasting these numbers in a truck was, at one time, a little odd, and goodness knows those early days of moving EcoBoost F-150s took some salesmanship.
A hardcore truck buyer at the time was often resistant to the idea that a V6 could do the job (and a better one) of their V8. I was lucky my underwear didn’t end up flying high on one of the light poles over the lot, as if it were some dealership rendition of the Nickelodeon series, Salute Your Shorts.
“Hey look, that’s Carl’s underwear up there over the used minivans!”
Today, however, Ford’s customers are not out of sorts with the array of V6 engines, and Ford sales consultants need not be in fear for their drawers. If anything, customers have readily embraced Ford as the V6 king: 75 percent of new Ford trucks this year have rolled off the showfloor with V6 engines.
And Ford still offers an impressive 5.0-liter plant. Significant upgrades were made for 2018 to the dual port and direct injection systems to increase performance. The 2018 F-150 engine received the same spray-on bore liner treatment as the Mustang GT350 in an effort to remove additional weight from the aluminum block. Expect this engine to be paired with the aforementioned 10-speed automatic for 2018.
The F-150’s 5.0-liter V8 at the 2017 North American International Auto Show. Photo: Carl Anthony for Automoblog.net.
Terrible Ideas, Remarkable Outcomes
It’s important to note the 3.5 EcoBoost was hanging around Ford’s camp for a moment before being dropped into the F-150 in 2011. The Taurus SHO and Flex had it, as did the Lincoln MKS and MKT. It wasn’t until it hit the F-150 that Ford became bonkers. And aluminum, alas aluminum. It’s fine for airplanes, high-speed rail trains, skyscrapers, electrical wires, supercars, and the iPhone, but in a truck it’s just plain stupid? No foreseeable benefits whatsoever, just a beer can on wheels. Notice how aluminum, just like V6 engines in a truck, didn’t become a terrible, half-baked idea until Ford started landing segment-leading figures in towing, payload, and fuel economy with their stupidity.
Ford’s massive truck mistakes will arrive this fall, built by hardworking men and women at the Dearborn Truck Plant in Dearborn, Michigan, and the Kansas City Assembly Plant in Claycomo, Missouri.
Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and resides in Detroit, Michigan. Photos, Source & Graphic: Ford Motor Company.

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2018 Volkswagen Tiguan: Pricing & Trim Level Overview

2018 Volkswagen Tiguan: Pricing & Trim Level Overview

Volkswagen of America, Inc. has announced the pricing, equipment options, and trim levels for the 2018 Tiguan. VW designers focused on a modern look with the vehicle’s body lines and wider stance. The automaker’s MBQ architecture, which the new Tiguan is built from, is important to note. The vehicle gains 10.6 inches in length over the prior model for a whopping 58 percent more cargo space.
The 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan comes with a four-cylinder turbocharged and direct-injection 2.0-liter TSI engine, creating 184 horsepower and 221 lb-ft. of torque.
The engine is paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission.
Tiguan S
Front-wheel drive models start at $25,345 while the all-wheel drive versions are slightly higher at $26,645. The all-wheel drive Tiguan will have an advantage in bad weather with its four different drive modes to enhance grip and stability.
17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, LED Daytime Running Lights, LED taillights, and black roof rails decorate the exterior. Inside the S features a classy Rhombus pattern on the seats, 6.5-inch Composition Color touchscreen with Bluetooth capability, a USB port, six speakers, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.
There is even a trailer hitch and reverse camera to make light hauling a breeze.
Tiguan SE
The SE bumps Tiguan owners up to a host of active safety features, including Forward Collision Warning, Autonomous Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Monitoring (Front Assist), and Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Traffic Alert. A Composition Media infotainment system now features a larger, 8-inch screen with three USB ports.
The reverse camera from the S stays put but features what VW calls “dynamic guidelines” to help assist with maneuvering in reverse. The multi-function leather-wrapped steering wheel, leather gear shift knob, and leatherette seating surfaces all make for nice touches. The SE is well priced at $29,080 for the front-wheel drive version; $30,380 for all-wheel drive.
Photo: Volkswagen of America, Inc.
Tiguan SEL
This is our favorite in the Tiguan lineup given its dollar to value comparison. Essentially, there is more “stuff” than the SE for not a lot more coin. In our minds, the SEL has everything one would need, with a few extras, but nothing over the top as to cause a bump in price. The aforementioned driver assistance systems remain in the SEL but the design elements reflect a more premium feel. For example, the SEL rides on 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels and driver’s can enjoy the view with a panoramic sunroof, or easily find their destination with the on-board navigation.
At night, the interior is brought to life with the ambient lighting.
The SEL front-wheel drive starts at $32,550 with the all-wheel drive landing at $33,850. Our suggestion (regardless of trim level) is the all-wheel drive, but we are used to a Michigan climate. Those living in areas without snow will do fine with front-wheel drive.
Photo: Volkswagen of America, Inc.

Tiguan SEL Premium
While we would be satisfied with the SEL, those wanting a bit more can opt for the SEL Premium with its stylish 19-inch aluminum-alloy wheels. Convenience features include rain-sensing wipers, power-folding door mirrors with puddle lights, and a hands-free open/close power liftgate.
Safety is again a priority for VW as they equip the SEL Premium with Lane Departure Warning (Lane Assist), automatic High Beam Control (Light Assist), front and rear Park Distance Control (ParkPilot), and an Overhead View Camera. A Fender stereo, 12.3 inch Digital Cockpit display, and heated steering wheel are also included in the SEL Premium.
Front-wheel drive models start at $36,250 while all-wheel drive versions begin at $37,550.
Additional Packages & Availability
Third-row seating comes standard on front-wheel drive models but is optional on all-wheel drive variants for $500.00. The Driver Assistance package includes a handful of advanced safety features for $850.00; the panoramic sunroof runs $1,200. Our personal favorite is the R-Line package with more sporty design elements both inside and out. Expect to see the 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan in dealerships this summer.
Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and resides in Detroit, Michigan.
Photos & Source: Volkswagen of America, Inc.

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Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet priced between rival offerings

Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet priced between rival offerings 25th Anniversary Edition E-Class Cabriolet introduced for a $13,400 premium; pricing is available for Mercedes-AMG SLC models

Mercedes announced a starting price of $62,600 for the E-Class Cabriolet as well as a special 25th Anniversary Edition for about $75,000. Since Audi doesn’t offer an A6-badged convertible and BMW doesn’t strictly offer a 5-er convertible either, the E falls in line between these. Offering a bit more speed and kit, BMW’s 6er convertible starts at $86,700, and Audi leaves a ‘yuuuuuge gap between the A5 (at $49,600) and the R8 Spyder (at $175.100). Pricing for the Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 high-performance mid-sized SUV starts $92,608.

The new E-Class Cabriolet (A238) comes with expected and unexpected options.
Throughout the the 1980s, if you wanted a convertible Mercedes-Benz your options were the R107 SL and, you guessed it, the R107 SL. No mass-market droptop version of the ubiquitous W123 was produced. That all changed when Merc released the 300CE-24 Cabriolet as a 1992 model in Europe. Mercedes is celebrating with two new paint colors, rubellite red or iridium silver in English, metallic red and a gratuitous shade of beige. The E400 Cabriolet comes with a twin-turbo 329-hp 3-liter V6 that moves the 4,100-lb 4-seater to 60 mph in 6.3 seconds. The E550 Cabriolet is fitted with a twin-turbo 4.7-liter V8 chucking out 402 horsepower; hooked into the same 7-speed slushbox as the E400, the ‘8 gets the car to 60 in 5 seconds flat.

It’s hard not to be cynical about two extra-cost options available that separate convertible owners from the open-air experience and not be impressed at the attention to detail and R&D that makes the following work: The first is a perfume ionizer. Dubbed the “Air-Balance” option, the system includes additional cabin filters and, introduced for the 25th Anniversary Edition E Cabriolet, a bespoke fragrance described as “Daybreak Mood”; other fragrances are also available. It’s an unusual feature, though BMW has a similar system available in their 7-series sedan, which allows the owner to install a range of scents concurrently. This includes the ability to select different scents at the touch of a button. The Merc’s second option is the “AirCap” system. Designed to mitigate drafts, a motorized aerofoil deploys from the top of the A-pillar and stores flush with the windscreen when not in use.

-By: Sawyer Sutton
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General Motors Proposes New Supplier Park In Texas

General Motors Proposes New Supplier Park In Texas

General Motors continues to invest in their American facilities, committing most recently to a new supplier park at the Arlington Assembly Plant in Arlington, Texas. The new supplier park will have two industrial manufacturing and warehouse buildings comprising more than 1.2 million square feet. The forthcoming park will support future vehicle production, house over 1,200 employees, and bring in more than 850 new jobs to the community. GM estimates nearly 600 of the new manufacturing and professional jobs created will replace work previously done outside the United States.
Nationwide Initiatives
This most recent move by GM comes on the heels of the already 7,000 jobs and $1 billion in U.S. investments the automaker committed to earlier this year. So far, GM has committed $14 million to Cruise Automation for a new research and development facility in San Francisco, California. The investment will allow Cruise Automation to further develop a range of automated technologies while providing an additional 1,100 jobs. In March, the automaker announced a further commitment to their Michigan facilities – Romulus Powertrain Plant, Flint Assembly Plant, and Lansing Delta Township – by adding or retaining approximately 900 jobs at these locations during the next 12 months.
Like California and Michigan, Texas is now expected to see the benefits.
“General Motors has been a part of the American Dream in Arlington from the beginning,” said Arlington Mayor Jeff Williams. “In fact, the opening of the assembly plant in Arlington in 1954 was one of the key ignitors of our city’s incredible population and economic growth.”
GM currently employs over 4,000 people at Arlington Assembly where the Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban, GMC Yukon and Yukon XL, and Cadillac Escalade are manufactured.
“And now, more than 60 years later, GM continues to be a critical foundation of Arlington’s economy,” Mayor Williams explained. “I am pleased the City Council has once again successfully worked with General Motors, this time to revitalize and redevelop an area that was a deteriorating shopping center and turn it into a vibrant manufacturing site.”
Arlington Automotive Logistics Center. Photo: General Motors.

New Beginnings
International Automotive Components (IAC) Group, a multi-year GM Supplier of the Year recipient, is one of the first to move in. The company intends on setting up shop in the forthcoming Arlington Automotive Logistics Center.
“We are excited to establish this new Arlington location as one of our flagship manufacturing operations among IAC’s 22 other U.S. plants,” said Steve Miller, President and Chief Executive Officer, IAC. “IAC’s role as a supplier of vehicle interiors to GM extends back almost a century and this impressive new center marks a great beginning to our next century in partnership with this customer.”
Effective Strategies
GM’s notion behind supplier parks is that it makes everyday business run more effectively. With suppliers located near manufacturing facilities, transportation costs drop, communication is stronger, and more opportunities for quality control can be accessed. Currently, supplier parks for Northpoint exist at GM’s Fairfax Assembly Plant in Kansas, Wentzville Assembly Plant in Missouri, Bowling Green Assembly in Kentucky, and Fort Wayne Assembly Plant in Indiana.
“Through strong supplier and community relations, we’re able create new supplier parks to generate significant benefits to our manufacturing operations and the communities in which we operate,” said Steve Kiefer, GM Senior Vice President of Global Purchasing and Supply Chain. “This new supplier park will create improved logistics efficiency and coordination, while also bringing significant employment opportunities to Arlington.”
“This action will have an impact on our community for generations to come and further solidify the partnership between Arlington and General Motors,” added Mayor Williams.
Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and resides in Detroit, Michigan.
Photos & Source: General Motors.

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Hyundai Kona: The SUV For City Folk

Hyundai Kona: The SUV For City Folk

Well, at least Hyundai is up front about what their new Kona SUV is built for. Right there in the title of their press release, the thing reads: “Kona: World Premiere Of An Urban SUV For Active Lifestyles.” Far too many SUVs are pitched with this farcical idea that you’re going to be driving your brand new Range Rover or Cadillac XT5 across the Darién Gap on a daily basis to pick up Atticus and Alistair from lacrosse practice.
So points to Hyundai for at least being honest and up front about what the Kona is going to be used for.
Platforms, Engines & Suspension
Hyundai’s Kona jumps into the company’s lineup along side the Tucson, Santa Fe, and Santa Fe Sport as the Koreans continue to pursue a wider customer base, and deliver SUVs with leading edge designs, lots of interior refinement, and cargo room. This all seems to fit in with Hyundai’s implicit corporate ethos of, “buy one of our rides, it’s stylish, dependable, and a good value for the money. When you’re done with it in five years, trade it in, and we’ll sell you another stylish ride.” Hyundai knows none of their vehicles will be showing up on the 18th green at Pebble Beach in the future, and they seem okay with that fate.
The Kona rides on an all-new compact SUV platform, with an optimized powertrain layout and four-wheel drive. The new Kona is offered with a surprising range of gasoline and diesel engines too. There is a 2.0-liter MPI Atkinson cycle engine paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, the company’s Gamma 1.6 T-GDI diesel plant mated to a seven-speed dual clutch transmission, and Hyundai’s downsized 1.0 T-GDI turbocharged three-cylinder engine with a six-speed manual. There is an available small displacement diesel engine for European markets too.
The front suspension is via McPherson struts, with best-in-class tire trace to enhance comfort and reduce NVH (noise, vibration, and harshness). 2WD and 4WD models of the Kona get completely different rear suspension systems as one would expect. The 2WD setup gets a high-stiffness torsion beam affair for greater stability and control, while the 4WD models feature a dual-arm multilink system to improve overall driving dynamics on all surfaces.
Hyundai is the only manufacturer to make its own steel to produce its vehicles globally, providing great benefits for the Kona. The lightweight body frame has been developed with 51.8% advanced high-strength steel to deliver greater safety for customers. Photo: Hyundai Motor Company.
Exclusive Treatments
The Kona’s exterior styling includes “composite lamps” with slim daytime running lights that incorporate turn signals separate from the LED headlights. The Kona keeps up the new family identity styling cues, like the cascading grille with the mesh pattern and the wing-type fenders that dominate the front design. Finally, Hyundai says the front is “powerful” and that “its armor shows its readiness for extreme activities.” This elicited a groan from me that I care not to expand on at this time.
The exterior also features lots of this black, I dunno, cladding I suppose. Hyundai refers to it, repeatedly, as contrasting “armor” (which is horrible) and notes that it provides a protective skin while connecting the front to the rear visually. Whatever. The slim brake lights, turn indicators, and reverse lamps surrounded by the “protective skin” begin at the C pillar. The roof is finished in a two tone color scheme as well.
The interior of the Kona aims to be sleek and simple, centered around the audio, visual, and nav monitor. The mechanical air vents and button arrangement go for high-tech functionality and the HVAC controls are surrounded by soft, fluid details that contribute to a “sensuous experience” and “enhance the comfort-focused environment.” A-hemm okay? The rear seats fold flat for a two-level load floor for easy access for a bicycle or golf clubs.
“Hyundai Motor sets out to care for its customers in all of its activities,” reads a recent press release from the automaker. “The new model showcases Hyundai Motor’s capabilities and commitment to enhancing the safety of drivers, passengers, and fellow road-users.” Photo: Hyundai Motor Company.

Safety & Security
The Kona’s active safety features include Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist to detect an imminent collision and minimize damage by braking autonomously. There is also Lane Keeping Assist, High Beam Assist, and Driver Attention Warning (humorously labeled as DAW, as in “DAW! Wake up stupid, you’re about to crash!!”). Blind-Spot Collision Warning? Yup. Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Warning? Yup, the Kona’s got that too.
Island Antics
Hyundai also points out the Kona is named after that chunk of The Big Island now littered with tourist hotels and stuff like that. As a former resident of those blessed islands, I was going to go into a rant about how you should visit, spend lots of money, and then leave, because . . . well, I’m not going to go into it, because those of you that are cool enough already know what I’m going to say, and those of you who aren’t probably wouldn’t understand anyway.
The Kona, the SUV that is, is probably a pretty solid ride, and will serve your needs quite well for half a decade or so. The Kona will go on sale in Korea later this month, followed by North America and Europe. Enjoy.
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.
Hyundai Kona Gallery

Photos & Source: Hyundai Motor Company.

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