Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion Showcases Decades of Racing History

Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion Showcases Decades of Racing History

Like I should have to tell any real gearhead this, but it’s almost time for the Monterey Historics, also known as the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion. For those that don’t know (and I pity their barren and bereft life), every year around mid-August there is easily the best gathering of old cool rides, sports cars, and vintage racers on the planet. It takes place at Laguna Seca, Pebble Beach, The Quail Lodge, and as a rolling display on the costal and inland roads of the Monterey Peninsula.
Sea of Iron
The Monterey Historics make every other similar event look like a Saturday night cruise-in at the Malt Shack in size, scope, breadth, and depth. Besides Monterey, The Goodwood Festival of Speed is just a run up a rich guy’s driveway with some cos-play thrown in. The Amelia Island Concours is just a bunch of swells standing around talking about the new colors in Ralph Lauren polo shirts. The parking lot at Laguna Seca is better than 75% of the car shows I’ve been to. My first time to the vintage races, I was waiting in line when I glanced in my rearview mirror and saw an alloy-bodied Ferrari short-wheelbase Berlinetta. “How many of those did they make,” I wondered, “14, 16, something like that.” 20 yards later, I drove by two more of them parked in the infield.
The entire locale is saturated in vintage and exotic iron to the point of metallosis. There are Ferraris and Bugattis and Alfas and Lambos and Jags and Astons and Delahayes and Stutz Bearcats and Packards and Duesenbergs all over the place; literally around every corner. I saw a Bugatti Type 35 parked at a frickin’ 7-Eleven while the owner was inside buying smokes. It is that level of saturation, and this year’s event doesn’t show any signs of letting up. For example, just at Laguna Seca alone, there will be some of the most prominent racing history on display yet.
Regal Racers
There will be a special infield exhibit showing racers with historical significance to the track, with the first and most recent winners across from one another. The 1956 Ferrari 500 Testa Rossa Pete Lovely drove to victory at the inaugural Laguna Seca event and the Pebble Beach Road Races in 1957 will be among the first. Those Pebble Beach Road Races were the good, old style races on closed public roads, in and out of the fog shrouded trees, with scant attention paid to “safety.”
Lovely’s ’56 Ferrari 500 Testa Rossa is a car I’m actually quite familiar with. Lovely was a local racer when I was growing up; he kept the car throughout his life and I saw it many times at other vintage races. Next to Lovely’s iconic machine will be the 2016 K-PAX Racing McLaren 650S GT3 that Alvaro Parente won the Pirelli World Challenge with last October.
Photo: Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca.
Heritage Racers
Also on exhibition, the 1956 Porsche 356A Carrera that competed in the last race on the old Pebble Beach course. There will be a 1963 Shelby King Cobra, an odd choice since the King Cobras never lived up to their promise, nor did they match the exploits of the original Cobras. A 1971 Ford Mustang Boss 302 will also be shown, representative of the Trans Am battles that took place there and at other tracks across North America. A monstrous 1973 Porsche 917/30, the car Roger Penske and Mark Donohue refined to such a degree that it destroyed the competition and then the entire series will be on display. Also on exhibit, a 1983 March Indy Car, the first to win at Laguna Seca.
There will be a 1985 Porsche 962, the IMSA variant of the 956, alongside the frighteningly effective 1993 AAR Toyota Eagle that Dan Gurney used in annihilating the competition. There will also be the 1999 BMW V12 LMR that won the Le Mans 24 Hours after extensive input from Williams Grand Prix Engineering. The Le Mans 24 Hours gets further representation with a 2005 Audi R8 that has unique ties to the 2.238-mile circuit. As a final cherry on top, you can get up close and personal with the 1989 Yamaha YZR500 Wayne Rainey rode to a win at the 1989 U.S. Grand Prix. That was Rainey’s first of three consecutive victories in Monterey. Little guy was so good with a bike they named one of the corners after him (it’s the left-hander directly after the 80-foot elevator drop of the Corkscrew).
Memorable Moments
If you can make it, go. If you can’t make it this year, go as soon as you can. On the track there will be 550 race cars of historic provenance doing what they were designed to do: race. Don’t care about race cars? Then consider the Concours d’Elegance at Pebble Beach; there’s The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering or the Concorso Italiano as well. Either way, get out and enjoy a world-class car show when you can. The Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion is held August 17th through the 20th.
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: Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca.



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2018 Jaguar F-TYPE: Anything But Dull And Boring (Video)

2018 Jaguar F-TYPE: Anything But Dull And Boring (Video)

The 2018 Jaguar F-TYPE is anything but dull and boring, and earlier this week, that’s exactly what Jaguar was going for. The automaker launched a new campaign for the F-TYPE in the towns of Dull, Perthshire in Scotland and Boring, Oregon. Jaguar provided a new F-TYPE for two residents of Dull and two from Boring so they could zip through their respective communities in not so dull and boring ways.
Community Bond
Dull, with 200 residents, sits about 75 miles north of Scotland’s largest city, Glasgow. Boring, here in the United States, is about 21 miles east of Portland, Oregon. Although a bit larger than Dull at 8,000 residents, Boring’s citizens share the same passion for their home as those in Dull. They readily embrace the names, joining forces in 2012 to form a new public holiday – Dull and Boring Day – now held annually on August 9th. To mark the occasion this year, Jaguar showcased the new F-TYPE and demonstrated how each community is anything but what their name reflects.
“Bringing the F-TYPE to the cities of Dull and Boring allowed us to have a bit of fun with the brand in a way that was relatable for Jaguar consumers in the United Kingdom and the United States,” said Joe Torpey, Communications Manager, Jaguar Land Rover North America.
2018 Jaguar F-TYPE. Photo: Jaguar Land Rover.
Performance & Technology
The 2018 Jaguar F-TYPE is powered a diverse range of engines, including a turbocharged 296 horsepower Ingenium four-cylinder, a supercharged V6, and an all-wheel drive V8. The latter is found in the F-TYPE SVR Coupe with a top speed of 200 mph. If you don’t want to go that fast, opt for the F-TYPE SVR Convertible which only hits 195 mph.
Those with an appetite for technology will appreciate the new F-TYPE. The standard Jaguar InControl Touch Pro system features faster processors and automotive Ethernet connections. The system supports a number of additional apps and driver assistance technologies. GoPro connectivity enables a new app called ReRun that sources telemetry data from the car like speed, lateral acceleration, gear selection, and throttle and brake position. Said data can be transferred to a smartphone so drivers always have a record of their track performance.
The 2018 Jaguar F-TYPE starts at $59,900 and will be available later this year. In the meantime, see how the citizens of Dull and Boring made the most of their holiday with the new F-TYPE in the video below.
Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and resides in Detroit, Michigan.

Photo, Video & Source: Jaguar Land Rover.



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Letter From The UK: An Unavoidable Future

Letter From The UK: An Unavoidable Future


It isn’t just the British who are at odds with the pan-European ideal; both Poland and Hungary now have serious disagreements with the rest of the Euro-zone. The European Union overall is lurching from crisis to crisis and this is having a knock-on effect economically. One such set-back is how the UK new car market has declined by almost ten percent last month. This is the fourth consecutive monthly fall. Although in line with forecasts, it remains a barometer of falling economic consumer confidence.
Demand was down across business, fleet, and private buyers, although oddly in July, more buyers opted for dual purpose and specialist sports cars, the only two vehicle segments to enjoy growth. That may just mean some are more financially resilient than others of course.
Greener Pastures
The demand for alternatively fueled vehicles has soared, we learn. As registrations for new gas and diesel cars have declined, interest in electric vehicles and hybrids is rising. This doesn’t mean necessarily your friends and neighbors are suddenly mad for electric cars, as there is a sense we are being railroaded into it.
The repercussions of the “Dieselgate” scandal are rippling out wider and wider, like the aftermath of a rock being thrown into a still pond. The vilification of diesel fuel, whether deserved or not, has led to a softening of demand for the oil-burners. After a very slow start, motorists are now keen to learn more about electric cars. Certainly this might be because car buyers are more conscious of a cleaner, greener future, but it is more likely related to the Government’s plans to ensure no new diesel or gas-powered cars are sold after 2040.
If you want a brand new car after that date, it will have to be of the alternative fuel variety.

Electrified Kingdom
Consumers are thus becoming more aware of the new technology, especially after the announcement that all new cars launched, for example, by Swedish manufacturer Volvo from 2019 onward, will be partially or completely battery-powered. Between 2019 and 2021, Volvo will introduce five dedicated EVs and ensure the rest of their conventional petrol and diesel range has a hybrid variant of some form. Add to this the vast majority of motorists now saying they would feel safe while driving an electric vehicle. Over two-thirds say they would be happy to buy an used EV, and thus it is clear: the times, they are a-changing.
Are we in danger though of running before we can walk, as it were? Great Britain has a very poor public charging infrastructure and this needs to be addressed well before 2040, especially as sales of electric cars and plug-in hybrids continue to rise. Fuel giant Shell announced a pilot project for the installation and operation of the first fast-chargers for electric vehicles at selected service stations. They are expected to be on stream by the end of this year. It’s a start, but there’s a long road ahead.
Despite all the big talk, the Futurama reality of electric-charging highways remains a distant aim, so charging outlets are the key to the ultimate rise of EVs. Consumers are now well aware of the range issue that dogs electric-powered cars. These cars are fine for local motoring in Britain because most journeys are short, unlike the USA where much greater distances have to be covered. However, most of us need to make longer trips too, and hanging around for two hours topping up the power just won’t wash with the public. Ample, readily available, super-fast charging is vital.


Rest In Pieces
The other problem is power generation. Wind and wave power is not going to do the job, and this country needs to go nuclear in a much bigger way if we are to generate enough juice. Yet there is a determined anti-nuclear lobby who don’t want that. In short, there’s a long way to go before our future is truly electric.
Still, unquestionably, the demise of ICE cars is written in stone by those that govern. Take a photograph of your V8 ride because it won’t be long before we see those fossil fuel dinosaurs taking that last ride to their automotive funeral. We will watch them from our clean, green electric future as they swing into the crusher to be turned into fans and cans and pans and cheap jewelry made from redundant piston rings. There are still many ways the plans could go awry – maybe our beloved V8s will live to fight another day? We are human after all. Even politicians.
Geoff Maxted is a motoring writer, photographer, and author of our Letter From The UK series. Follow his work on Twitter: @DriveWrite



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Here Kitty Kitty! Ford Design Inspired by Cats

Here Kitty Kitty! Ford Design Inspired by Cats

Today (August 8th) is International Cat Day in the United Kingdom and to mark the occasion, Ford Motor Company is reflecting on how felines have inspired their products over the years. From the Cougar, Kuga, and Puma to the Panther platform used for a range of Ford’s American sedans, it appears the blue oval has an affinity for kittys.
I wonder if they are watching cat videos on YouTube over in Dearborn today? We do over here in nearby Detroit. Great way to waste an hour (or several) of your day, in case you need to be less productive.
Feline Fury
Ford’s feline design is inspired by the inherent athleticism and agility found in cats, particularly terrifying ones like a mountain lion or Bengal tiger. Truthfully, if you’re a big cat in the jungle, you can pretty much stroll around and do whatever you want. I once saw a video of a lion backing down a crocodile. A crocodile. The lion gives one roar and the croc is like “I’m outta here” and sinks into the water like a brick. The point is, Ford believes a feline-inspired design gives drivers, much like the lion, a sense of confidence.
In the front, Ford’s kitty cues are intended to make a face; to stare back at oncoming traffic and other drivers. The headlights play an important role in making this happen, mimicking the eyes of a big cat. Moving around a given Ford vehicle, drivers often find strong, powerful haunches over the rear wheels. This is to make it appear like the vehicle will leap and pounce, much like a cat would after a ball of yarn or defenseless rodent.
A 2017 Ford Escape claims its territory in the wild. Photo: Ford Motor Company.
Cat Calls
Cats are proportioned very well, especially wild ones, between their legs, body, teeth, and tails. Even housecats (well, maybe not Garfield) very much show the genes of their counterparts higher up the food chain. Ford designers have emulated these characteristics over the years.
“A car’s athletic yet stable exterior is largely due to the proportion of the wheels to the body, the body to the ground, and the body to the glass,” explained Jordan Demkiw, Exterior Design Manager, Ford of Europe. “This all needs to be perfectly balanced to create that look.”
And it’s not just cats that inspire Ford’s designers and engineers. The aerodynamics of sharks have proven effective for certain Ford vehicles, while the posture of thoroughbred horses have influenced others. Essentially, the more ferocious or majestic the animal, the more likely it is to make it into Ford’s product line. In the words of Herb Powell, Homer Simpson’s half-brother, “people don’t want cars named after hungry old Greek broads! They want names like ‘Mustang’ and ‘Cheetah’-vicious animal names.”
Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and resides in Detroit, Michigan.
Source: Ford Motor Company.



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Memory Lane: A Car Show Trophy 20 Years In The Making

Memory Lane: A Car Show Trophy 20 Years In The Making


In order to celebrate my Lincoln Mark VIII LSC being born in 1997, I thought I would enter it in a car show and hopefully win a trophy. So, the previous day was spent cleaning, waxing, and polishing – and that was just the wife. Badda bing! It’s the kind of joke Rodney Dangerfield would have said in one of his routines. The clouds wanted to break open while I was busy tending to the car. Years ago, I found out there was such a thing as chrome polish. I would like to know how it is different from other types of products.
And do I want to take a small brush or Q-Tip and clean the lip around the rim before show time? I think not.
After laboring for a few hours, including touch-up paint here and there, I was somewhat satisfied with the results. We are never fully happy with how our car looks, are we? As I was admiring my handy work, the clouds burst open and soaked everything around for miles. At least the rain drops beaded on the fresh coat of wax and slid off the car.
No point in fighting the weather.
Rainy Day Dreamers
Despite a less than stellar spring and beginning of summer, organizers and participants alike were hoping for clement weather. Over 300 cars were on display at last year’s event in Lachute, Quebec and organizers were expecting a repeat performance and record attendance. Lachute is a charming town and gateway to the Laurentians; cottage country and year-round fun. The car show takes place on main street. Alas, it wasn’t meant to be. Mother Nature had other plans. The wife was smart and stayed home.
No matter, a few of us hardcore enthusiasts showed up despite the pouring rain. I was given a ballot to vote for a favorite car and a signup sheet to display on my dash. I should have brought a black felt pen instead of an ultra fine blue ball point. You could hardly read the info about my car through the windshield with the rain and all. It was wet and it got wetter, coming down so hard rain was falling from inside my umbrella.
One guy walked around my car looking at it from all angles, his neck stretched. He even took notes. I went over to him offering to answer any questions. He said he didn’t know Lincoln made two-door cars. He probably thought my car was recent. That’s how good it looks.  “Well,” I said, stretching the well. “Lincoln used to make them. The last year was 1998.” Cadillac kept manufacturing them. The ETC, Eldorado Touring Coupe, for example, and now you can purchase a 2017 ATS Coupe off the dealer floor. But Lincoln has moved away from Coupes. Regardless, I’m still hoping they will come out with a Mark IX. One can dream, right?
A lone family showed up. The kids were eating ice cream, which was getting diluted by the minute. The boy leaned over trying to see inside the car. My mind says “don’t put your strawberry-flavored sticky fingers on my car.” Instead, I turn to the mother and congratulate her on her great kids. I had to keep in mind they were car fans and the rain would wash off the paw prints. It’s all part of the fun and besides, my hours of polishing were all in the past.
1997 Lincoln Mark VIII LSC. Photo: Michael Bellamy for Automoblog.net.
Memorable Models
In my estimation, there were fewer visitors than show participants. Final tally was about 20 cars and trucks, but I was eager and happy to talk about my car and inquire about other rides. I walked around and talked to the other guys who were mostly mechanics by profession. Few can afford to pay someone to maintain their cars. A few couples were in attendance. Parked behind me was a mint 1980 Ford F100. In front of me, the elderly gentleman brought his Cadillac Seville with plush velour seats. Even with the air ride lifting it at maximum height, the tail drooped according to the design.
Since it had front-wheel drive, my thoughts drifted to the 1972 Olds Toronado I used to own. In the mid-sixties, the Buick Riviera was the first big GM car to offer front-wheel drive. Those three models were ahead of the curve in many ways.
In front of the Seville was a 1964 Pontiac Tempest convertible. The man had driven 6 hours to attend the show. Earlier in the year, he had driven it to West Palm Beach and spent a couple of days at the Barrett-Jackson shindig. He had attended the Thursday auction where a Duster sold for quite a few coins. He told me he attends about a dozen car shows a year and puts quite a bit of mileage on his Tempest.
And on I went to look at all the cars. There were a few surprises. Ford Racing showed up with a superb white and blue Mustang. Before I reached the car to ask questions, the guys who trailered it to the site had sought shelter from the rain and were nowhere to be found. The last two participants to arrive were a father and son team. The father drove a bright orange 1972 Road Runner and the son brought a 1964 Chevrolet Bel-Air, I think. I was too soaked to go look at the badge.
The hoods on every car were closed. Good thing because I hadn’t had time to clean my own engine compartment.
1972 Road Runner. Photo: Michael Bellamy for Automoblog.net.


The Man With The Kaiser
Because of the poor attendance, organizers decided to cut the event short. No one complained. It was time for the trophies and prizes. The mayor was in attendance. His Honor’s pick was a Polaris. Was it a car? Was it a motorcycle? No, it was a Slingshot, and highly modified, it seemed. It looked like a Transformer. A trophy was given to the car voted favorite by the participants. That trophy went to the owner of a 1947 Kaiser. I actually voted for that car.
Funny enough, I told the guy I would vote for him. I asked him to fill out my ballot since I was out in the rain and he was sitting nice and dry in his Kaiser.
Back in the heyday of automobile manufacturing, the Big Three had some competition. One such manufacturer was Kaiser-Fraser, a team effort by Henry Kaiser and Joseph Fraser. They produced both Kaiser and Fraser automobiles which were available to the public right after World War II. They also made Allstate cars for Sears Roebuck & Company, sold through Sears Auto Centers. In the late 1940s through the first part of the 1950s, they joined with car designer Howard Darrin. In 1954, they offered a sports car with a fiberglass body and a six-cylinder engine. And I believe it was featured in the Sears “Wish Book.” Mr. Fraser was bought out, and eventually, Kaiser purchased Willys-Overland, famed maker of Jeeps. However, in the long run, they could not compete with the Big Three. Despite tentative agreements in place with GM to supply parts like transmissions and detuned Rocket 88 engines from Oldsmobile, it didn’t work out and Kaiser had to close shop.
1947 Kaiser. Photo: Michael Bellamy for Automoblog.net.
Prizes & Polish
The organizers ended up giving trophies to everyone since there were more trophies than participants. So, I received one just for showing up. After the trophies were awarded, it was time for gifts from local merchants to be handed out. I ended up winning two gift certificates and a shoulder bag containing a hat, a thermos, and a deck of playing cards with old photos of the town on them. There was a 50/50 draw, which I didn’t win, but half the proceeds went to a charitable cause.
Despite the miserable weather, a good time was had by all. It may not appear to be so, but a lot of work and time goes into organizing a car show, the next one being in Hawkesbury, Ontario, Canada over Labor Day weekend. That’s not too far from the New York State border and a stone’s throw from the province of Quebec. Participants and visitors come from all over; last year, they had upwards of 500 cars and trucks register for the event. Fingers crossed for Mother Nature to be kind.
There are thousands of such events taking place all across this great continent of ours, much to the delight of car and truck aficionados. If you own a car that is show worthy, polish that baby and enter it. If you are a car enthusiast, make sure to attend at least one event. It will be well worth your time, plus the guys and gals who spend countless hours on their vehicles will be grateful you visited them.
Michael Bellamy is the author of our Memory Lane series. He enjoys driving his 1997 Lincoln Mark VIII LSC and until an untimely collision claimed it, his 2001 Ford F-150 7700.
Lachute, Quebec Car Show Gallery











 



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Ford Introduces “Quiet Start” So You Don’t Annoy Your Neighbors

Ford Introduces “Quiet Start” So You Don’t Annoy Your Neighbors

You know that guy that always comes bellowing by your house at 5:30 in the morning on his Harley? He’s on his way to work and has to let everyone know that he is the baaaadest guy in the accounts pending department. Yeah, him. Don’t be that guy. As it turns out, Ford has come up with a way to help you not be that guy, and they can do it on a schedule of your choosing.
Ford calls it Quiet Start – although Mustang engineers refer to it as “Good Neighbor Mode” – and it’s an industry-first being available on the Mustang GT.
Essentially, what Quiet Start allows you to do is schedule the time when the Mustang GT’s V8 engine can make lots of noise, and when has to shut up. You know, to show courtesy to your neighbors.
Disturbing The Peace
It seems this all started early one morning with a suburban neighborhood, a Shelby GT350 Mustang, and a rather uncouth neighbor. I don’t mean Steve von Foerster, former head of vehicle engineering for Ford Motor Company and owner of said Shelby GT350 Mustang. No, I’m talking about von Forester’s neighbor who, upon hearing the Shelby GT350 Mustang backing out of von Forester’s driveway, became annoyed at all the racket. The neighbor decided the proper course of action was to pick up the phone and call the cops. (Let me just say, as an aside, this is a totally lame move on the neighbor’s part. Walk over and talk with him, ya dork. Call the police? Sheesh!)
The cops actually showed up, but Von Foerster had already left so he skipped the whole ticketing process.
The whole deal caused von Foerster and fellow Mustang program members to develop a Quiet Exhaust mode, along with the industry-first Quiet Start. Both new features come on “properly equipped” 2018 Mustang GT vehicles (i.e. the ones with a honking V8 and a bunch of dash gizmos) and allow drivers to keep engine notes at a pianissimo if they wish.
2018 Ford Mustang GT. Photo: Ford Motor Company.
Slight Overkill?
The Mustang’s Quiet Start is not a simple on/off switch that some sports cars already offer, oh no. Quiet Start is the first to allow scheduling of the times your car will be allowed to make more noise or not. This is all done by steering wheel-mounted thumb controls. The driver toggles through a menu on the instrument cluster to select times their neighbors may consider “quiet hours,” say between 8 p.m. and 7 a.m. – the Mustang will then keep things at a more mellow tone if it is fired up between those times. Personally, I think this is overkill, rather stupid, and makes a driver seed more control to the car rather than taking control and responsibility for themselves. A simple switch would have done Ford, but oh no.
The new Quiet Exhaust and Quiet Start features are part of the available active valve performance exhaust system on the new Mustang GT. The active valve performance exhaust system allows three different exhaust volumes: Normal, Sport, and Track modes. That’s all very handy, and I know lots of people who like to constantly fiddle with these available options, but me, I’m more of a set it and forget it sort of gearhead, or in the case of that “Track mode” option, a fire and forget it sort of gearhead.
2018 Ford Mustang GT. Photo: Ford Motor Company.


Annoying Noises
FoMoCo points out that according to a recent poll by Ranker.com, loud engine revving is among the most annoying noises neighbors make alongside power tools, barking dogs, and band practice. I point out this is why I hate most people. Ford further points out that “only early-morning lawn mowing is more robustly despised.” Robustly despised? Sounds like Ford has a recent “creative” writing grad in their press department.
In addition to its active valve performance exhaust, other changes to the Mustang will include a restyled exterior, a redone interior, an all-digital 12-inch instrument cluster, a 10-speed automatic transmission, MagneRide damping, and SYNC Connect with FordPass. With its new Drag Strip mode, the Mustang GT hits 60 mph faster than a Porsche 911 Carrera. The refreshed and enhanced Mustang will reach showrooms later this 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: Ford Motor Company.



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7 Golden Rules To Follow When Buying An Used Luxury Car

7 Golden Rules To Follow When Buying An Used Luxury Car

For those wondering about the title, what I hope to achieve here is how not to lose the farm by purchasing a car with your heart rather than your head (as I did). Any sharp car buyer will always have pre-determined limits and/or rules. I surmise even the average car buyer is aware of this concept. However, this is especially true if you are looking for an used car. Particularly a cheap used car. More specifically, a cheap used luxury car.
It has been said the most expensive car you can buy is a cheap luxury car (or something to that extent). I’m slowly learning this expression is most probably absolutely 100% true.
The following is an account of how I broke nearly every rule for finding and buying a good used car in pursuit of my current “project car.” Please note, this is more of a chronological account as these rules are not listed in order of importance.
Rule #1: Know Your Budget
In this instance, I sold my beloved Subaru Impreza for $1,850, and that determined my budget. Now I needed a “fix” to assuage my car habit for that sum or less. Apparently, I was Jonesing more than I realized. Within 2 hours of signing over the Subaru title, I was in the fetal position on the floor of my garage like a junkie rapidly crashing back to reality, sobbing into my cold sweaty mitts with the title of a 1993 Mercedes Benz 600SEL clutched in my grasp. Not only was this decision impulsive and ill-informed, but I went into pocket $150 above my intended budget, knowing full well the behemoth needed work.
How did this happen?
Photo: Benjamin Caschera for Automoblog.net.
Rule #2: Know The Make & Model
I spent the preceding weeks trying to sell the Sooby, all the while researching the common problems and what to look for when inspecting a W126 Mercedes-Benz, expressly the 560SEL. The W126 was the top-of-the-line model, produced from 1979 until 1991 (in the United States) and is known as the S-Class, the flagship of the Mercedes-Benz brand. I even had four or five prospective sellers lined up to haggle with and make absurdly low offers to.
Most reasonable examples of big V8 Mercedes-Benz’s from the W126 series usually can be had for around $3,000 to $4,000. Due to my previous offers resulting in a chuckle or merely a dial tone, I had resigned to look for something a bit more modest. Upon closing the sale of my Impreza (like the halfwit lemming I am), I began scrolling mindlessly through hundreds of adverts I had viewed a dozen times before. As luck should have it, my Craigslist filter was set to search for any Benz under $3,500. To my surprise, what should I see? But a black, 12 cylinder, 6.0-liter, Mercedes-Benz 600SEL; a shining example of magnificent opulence.
Mind you the ostentatiously appointed sedan is of a different vintage than I had been looking for. The year 1992 marked a model year of substantial change in the S-Class lineup. The opulent beast that caught my eye was not a W126 like I had been researching, it was from the newer W140 lineup. This new model S-class featured significant technological changes, many of which had never been seen before in production passenger vehicles. Examples of such changes are things like electronic stability control (ESP), adaptive damping, brake-assist, and vacuum assisted self-closing doors. Essentially, in terms of conducting a pre-purchase inspection, I would be in way over my head.
Photo: Benjamin Caschera for Automoblog.net.
Rule #3: Beware The Cover of Darkness
Because all previous research was for a different model, I passed on viewing the decadent land yacht during the twilight hours . . . no, I didn’t! I called the owner and immediately went for a test drive. I had to act fast, the sun was setting and I only had about 30 minutes before complete darkness. Luckily, the owner was showing the car around the corner from my house to another potential buyer.
The massive German cruiser looked remarkably stunning against the red and orange hues of the sun setting backdrop. The V12 badges and polished stainless steel accents glimmered hypnotically in the twilight. The layer of dust and pollen was all but invisible to me (as were the scratches and paint blemishes beneath). All these foibles would have been clearly detectable in broad daylight. Furthermore, Her Majesty had been all warmed up, being test driven by the previous buyer; therefore I was unable to witness the starting system operate a during a cold start. Having a background in sales a mere lifetime ago, I set myself on the notion this was somehow a feature. The silver lining being the car was not overheating as it idled, AND the air conditioning worked!
Photo: Benjamin Caschera for Automoblog.net.

Rule #4: Check For Check Engine Lights
While it’s true a car being sold with some deficiencies can be had for much less than the asking price, if the cause of the deficiency is unknown, it can be a great gamble as well. This is categorically true for luxury and performance vehicles. If the luxury is deteriorated, or the performance is diminished, the whole point of the thing is defeated, and the value is reduced significantly. One of the few things I did know about the monster 6.0-liter W140 chassis, is how it had issues with the wire insulation literally crumbling away, bringing about potentially catastrophic ramifications. Again, I was in luck, becasue this wire harness had clearly been replaced, but unfortunately, I was blissfully unaware there were two additional wire harnesses that suffer from the same ailment. Although the check engine light was not on, when the accelerator was firmly applied, a few of the 394 original horses didn’t leave the stable.
The condition of the drivetrain was suspect, so I would be remiss not to cycle the power and make sure all the warning lights illuminated when the ignition module was energized. Well thank me lucky stars, all the warning lights illuminated and subsequently went dark again. Regrettably, this masterfully engineered machine has 8 archaic computers compared to the one semi analog electronic controller of its predecessor, and no OBD port to read the ever so obvious active faults (there is a method of reading faults but it is easily cleared and simply unreliable). The silky V12 felt as though it was in “limp home mode” but no check engine light. This brought me to the conclusion that it must be something small causing the reduced power, or surely some warning light would be on.
Photo: Benjamin Caschera for Automoblog.net.
Rule #5: Be Sure All Interior Electronics Function Properly
This one is normally a straight forward task: check the window motors, seat functions, lights etc. and you’re good right? I failed miserably here, largely due to the fact I had not fulfilled the prerequisite groundwork to familiarize myself with the copious electronic functions available on the W140 600SEL. I was completely overwhelmed with the doo-dads, switches, and bobbles; as I was messing about with one of the twelve seat adjustment functions, the seller showed me how the windows all function normally. I noted the sunroof did not function properly, but the air conditioning was ice cold, the cruise control worked a treat, as well as the electronic adjustment controls for all three mirrors.
The sheer number of trappings in the S-Class is staggering, several of which were firsts for the industry, and are not found in anything less than the finest automobiles of the luxury segment today.
Rule #6: Never Buy Any High Maintenance Vehicle Without Maintenance Records
When the Merc was introduced, the base MSRP was roughly $130,000. Certainly, the records of maintenance and service would accompany such a distinguished machine. I asked for the presumably extensive documentation. Based on the high six digit figure found on the odometer, I expected a catalog of records rivaling the old testament in size. What I got, however, was an equally epic excuse and a single sheet of the most recent service. At this juncture, the only way I was not taking this immense dreamboat home with me was if the seller refused to accept my money.
Photo: Benjamin Caschera for Automoblog.net.


Rule #7: Beware The Morning After
To this point the real consequence has been (hopefully comically) downplayed. The fact of the matter is the following day I realized there is a wheezing, limping, over engineered, complicated, and problematic German luxury sedan parked in my garage. This dawned on me the moment I went to fire it up from a cold start. There was a beautiful sound of a gigantic starter whirring that is uniquely indicative of a twelve-cylinder drivetrain, followed by . . . nothing.
For the motor to start and stay running at an idle while cold, the gas pedal had to remain pressed and modulated so as not to rev too high. Once the idle balanced it began to really sink in. The Merc may only need a tune-up but that is still a $600 endeavor. Additionally, I soon found that many of the accouterments that had astounded me the day prior did not work as flawlessly as I thought. The power rear shade, side and lumbar adjust, front headrests, stereo, phone – just a few of the components that need work. If more than a tune is required to bring this German to life, I will be into this thing for thousands of dollars before I could even hope to sell it for what I paid initially.
The preceding detailed how I fell in love with what amounts to a 5,000 lbs. piece of steel architecture. Should this account help anyone else avoid making the same mistakes please let me know, because right now, I really need some consolation. I’m considering going back to the fetal position in my garage.
Benjamin Caschera is a car nut in every sense of the word. His eclectic writings range from rants on traffic and wrenching on $500 cars, to adulation of the finest classic and/or latest hyper cars. Follow and heckle him on Twitter and Instagram: @TheBoringCarGuy



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2017 Kia Forte5 SX Review

2017 Kia Forte5 SX Review  



If you’re shopping for a small car, there are a lot of good choices like the Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Subaru Impreza, Ford Focus, Chevy Cruze, and Maxda3 to name a few. This week, we drove the Kia Forte5 to see how it stacks up against the crowded compact car segment. It has a lot to offer with an attractive price, and the latest technology and features.
And the SX variant is powered by a turbocharged engine which makes it extra sporty.
What’s New For 2017
The 2017 Kia Forte5 receives mildly updated front-end styling, inspired by the new Optima, with available adaptive xenon headlights, plus new taillights (with available LED lighting).
Features & Options
The top-of-the-line 2017 Kia Forte5 SX ($26,000) comes well-equipped with navigation, heated and cooled leather seats, push button start, tilt/telescoping steering wheel, and power sunroof. It also comes standard with a turbocharged engine, 18-inch wheels, dual exhaust tips, unique front and rear styling, and an Orange Color package (new for 2017) with orange leather seat inserts and contrast stitching. The SX trim ratchets up the sport quotient with a sport-tuned suspension, larger front brakes, and LED taillights. An auto-dimming rearview mirror and UVO eServices are also standard.
Total MSRP including destination: $27,020.
Photo: Kia Motor America.
Interior Highlights
We liked the power-adjustable driver’s seat and, along with the tilt/telescoping steering wheel, we were able to find the perfect driving position, which can be a challenge in some compacts. The upper trim SX is packed with technology and comfortable amenities like the heated/cooled leather seats. The attractive cabin is finished with quality materials throughout.
The Forte5 comes with plenty of high-tech features that are well-designed and easy to use. We particularly liked the 7-inch touchscreen interface featuring large, logically positioned virtual buttons that made it easy to understand and use. The leather-trimmed seats are comfortable up front and legroom for rear passengers in the Forte5 is very good. Our 6-foot plus passengers didn’t complain as we took them to lunch! The compact hatch offers very generous cargo capacity, boasting 23.2 cubic feet with the rear seats up and much more with the seatbacks folded down.
Photo: Kia Motor America.
 


Engine & Fuel Mileage Specs
The SX version of the Forte5 has a hot turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine, rated at 201 horsepower and 195 lb-ft. of torque. It’s paired with a six-speed manual, and that’s a good thing for driving enthusiasts. Fuel economy on manual-equipped models is 23/29 city/highway and 25 combined mpg.
Driving Dynamics
The turbocharged engine is the must-have for those who like to drive and want an extra level of performance on their daily commute. This engine transforms the compact hatch into just shy of being a true sports car. The fuel mileage will suffer though if you put your foot down and get the turbo whirling. There’s an available automatic 7-Speed Dual-Clutch Transmission (DCT), but we would recommend the slick-shifting six-speed manual in the Forte5 SX. Its close-ratio gears are perfectly matched to the horsepower and torque, and make the most of the turbocharged 1.6-liter engine’s available power.
We took the hot compact hatch on a road trip to the Wild Animal Sanctuary east of Denver near Keensburg. We were pleasantly surprised at the comfortable ride on the highway. The 1.6-liter plant has the power of a larger engine because of the weight of the small compact, something we noticed on our trip as well. 
The Forte5 SX delivers the kind of performance we might expect from a much more expensive sports car. We pushed it hard at altitude in the mountains west of Denver too and couldn’t believe how quick it was. It made easy work of the tight mountain curves and felt planted with little body lean. The Forte5 SX’s sport-tuned suspension is firm, so be aware of that if you regularly travel on dirt roads or uneven pavement.
Conclusion
The upper trim 2017 Kia Forte5 SX will give other compacts a run for their money, not only in performance, but in technology, cabin features, and comfort. If you want an extra sporty hatch for your daily commute, you will never get bored, especially with the 6-speed manual gearbox.
Denis Flierl has invested over 25 years in the automotive industry in a variety of roles. Follow his work on Twitter: @CarReviewGuy
2017 Kia Forte5 Gallery








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2017 Kia Forte5 Official Site.
Photos: Kia Motors America.



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2018 Hyundai Elantra GT Features Performance, Cargo Space, Modest MSRP

2018 Hyundai Elantra GT Features Performance, Cargo Space, Modest MSRP

Compact Utility Vehicles, more commonly labeled as “CUVs,” are becoming a viable option for car buyers. The MSRP on the average CUV is rather affordable, cargo space is sufficient, fuel economy is solid, and styling, depending on your tastes, it usually pretty sporty. The same can be said about hatchbacks, which have seen a resurgence lately with the likes of the Chevy Cruise and Honda Civic variants.
So why not have both? That’s what Hyundai is aiming for with the 2018 Elantra GT.
Exterior Styling & Interior Design
Hyundai’s “Fluidic Sculpture” elements are present in the cascading grille and LED lights of the 2018 Elantra GT. The side profile is complimented by standard 17-inch alloy wheels or 18-inch alloy wheels on the Sport trim. The liftgate has wraparound glass, while available LED taillights, rear spoiler, and dual exhaust make for nice touches. Inside, sitting atop the dashboard, is a standard 8-inch audio display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, plus a rearview camera with dynamic guidelines. The horizontally themed dash accomplishes what Hyundai dubs “negative space,” i.e. a feeling of openness with less clutter.
Those who experience geographic hot spells or cold fronts (both if you live in some parts of the country) will enjoy the Elantra GT’s heated and ventilated front seats. An Infinity premium audio system with seven speakers, a subwoofer, and Clari-Fi Music Restoration Technology will keep driver’s rocking out all through the commute.
Hyundai isn’t shy about cargo space either, pointing out how the Elantra GT can hold more than the Chevy Cruze, Ford Focus, Mazda3, Volkswagen Golf, and Toyota Corolla iM. With the rear seats folded down, there is more cargo capacity than the Toyota CH-R, Mazda CX-3, Chevy Trax, and Jeep Renegade.
Photo: Hyundai Motor America.
Power & Performance
The 2018 Hyundai Elantra GT is powered by a 2.0-liter GDI 4-cylinder engine, creating 161 horsepower when mated to either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission. The Elantra GT Sport is a bit more robust with an enthusiast-inspired six-speed manual or seven-speed Dual Clutch Transmission with paddle shifters. The Sport’s 1.6-liter Turbo GDI packs 201 horsepower with peak torque (195 lb-ft.) being available at 1,500 rpm and sustained up to 4,500 rpm. Ultimately, Hyundai zeroed in on driving dynamics, engineering the 2018 Elantra GT according to consumer feedback and demand.
“Fun-to-drive is the most important purchase reason for compact hatchbacks and the two powertrains and chassis back this up nicely,” reads a statement from the automaker.
2018 Hyundai Elantra GT Sport. Photo: Hyundai Motor America.


Body & Suspension
Given the benefits of high-strength steel, from occupant safety to enjoyable driving dynamics, it only seems fitting the 2018 Hyundai Elantra GT is 53 percent advanced high-strength steel. When compared to the last generation, that’s nearly double. Although we have not driven the new Elantra GT, we would be willing to bet there is a noticeable difference between the two generations. In total, Hyundai utilized 367 feet of structural adhesives for an 18 percent increase in torsional rigidity.
Like the Elantra Sport sedan, the rear suspension in the Elantra GT Sport is a multi-link setup to enhance ride and handling while providing total body control. Finally, larger front and rear disc brake rotors compliment the Sport trim’s 18-inch alloy wheels and high performance all-season tires.
Pricing & Availability
The 2018 Hyundai Elantra GT is available now and starts at $19,350; the Elantra GT Sport with a manual transmission starts at $23,250 by contrast.
Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and resides in Detroit, Michigan. 

Model


Engine


Transmission


MSRP


Elantra GT


2.0L 4-cylinder


6-speed Manual Transmission


$19,350


Elantra GT


2.0L 4-cylinder


6-speed Automatic Transmission w/ SHIFTRONIC®


$20,350


Elantra GT Sport


1.6L Turbo GDI 4-cylinder


6-speed Manual Transmission


$23,250


Elantra GT Sport


1.6L Turbo GDI 4-cylinder


7-speed EcoShift® Dual Clutch Transmission w/ SHIFTRONIC®


$24,350

Photos & Source: Hyundai Motor America.



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