Automotive

Acura TLX PMC Edition: A Brief Walk Around

Acura TLX PMC Edition: A Brief Walk Around The 2020 Acura TLX PMC Edition is hand-built at the company’s Performance Manufacturing Center.
A special exterior color using nano pigment technology was developed for the limited edition TLX.
The TLX is the first Acura model to receive “PMC Edition” treatments; MDX will follow shortly.
Another surprise for this year’s New York International Auto Show was Acura’s roll out of the 2020 TLX PMC Edition. The PMC, which stands for Performance Manufacturing Center, is sort of like Acura’s version of BMW’s M division or Mercedes-AMG, only if it actually went faster. The 2020 Acura TLX PMC Edition gets some nice finishing touches here and there, and is assembled with greater care, but that’s about it.
Wishing For Slightly More
The TLX PMC Edition is a limited edition car, although Acura does not say what the actual production numbers will be. At this point, my guess it will be a special edition until they run out of the little glue-on serial plaques that say “Special Edition.”
Sad, really, given what Honda is capable of in the performance arena, but they have always been a conservative car company. Their vaunted NSX came out powered by a V6 when everyone else was going for much higher cylinder counts. Branding something as “PMC” and building it alongside the NSX at the actual Performance Manufacturing Center in Marysville, Ohio; but not giving us a hot-rod version seems like kind of a waste.
The 2020 Acura TLX PMC Edition is hand-built at the Performance Manufacturing Center (PMC) in Marysville, Ohio. Photo: Acura.
Power & Performance
The 2020 Acura TLX PMC Edition sits atop the TLX lineup, powered by an i-VTEC V6 engine with direct-injection. The 3.5-liter V6 makes 290 horsepower and is paired to a nine-speed automatic. Acura’s torque-vectoring system, Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive, is on-board and a godsend in slippery conditions. When the hand-assembly process is complete, each TLX PMC Edition will undergo the same quality controls as the NSX; including dyno checks, final paint inspection, rough-road simulation, and water leak tests.
It is not, however, a factory stripper; it is still loaded with the full-zoot of premium features from the TLX Advance Package. The exterior is anything but run-of-the-mill, featuring PMC Edition exterior treatments and interior design elements from Acura’s A-Spec line.
Photo: Acura.
Shiny & New
The easiest way to spot the 2020 TLX PMC Edition is by the Valencia Red Pearl pain, which Acura says is “deeply lustrous and grade-exclusive.” It’s made using something called nano-pigment technology that can only be applied in the bespoke factory’s advanced paint facility. (It was previously reserved for the NSX only). Acura goes into excruciating detail about the hows and whys of their ever-so-cool paint, but it’s basically candy apple red and seems, to my eyes, not all that dissimilar to what hot-rodders and low riders have been doing since 1959.
Only Acura takes five days to paint this TLX. I guess it’s worth it.
Other goodies include lots of gloss black stuff. There’s gloss black 19-inch, split-five-spoke wheels with black lug nuts; a gloss black roof panel, door handles, and grille with body-colored surround. There are shiny bits too, like the dual four-inch black chrome exhaust tips. The heated seats feature black Milano leather with Alcantara inserts, black piping and red stitching; those look quite nice. There’s a perforated leather-wrapped steering wheel with red stitching and paddle shifters, and there’s red stitching on the door panels, center console, and armrest as well.
Photo: Acura.
A-Spec Treatments
Even the floor mats are special, with metal A-Spec badging. Speaking of A-Spec, the PMC gets a trainload of that stuff too: A-Spec exterior and interior appearance packages, along with jewel-eye LED headlights, LED foglights, and GPS-linked navigation with Apple Carplay and Android Auto. The stereo is this great big whompin’ thing, an Acura ELS Studio premium audio system with 10 speakers and enough power to make you go deaf.
Tech & Safety
Wireless charging for phones? Check. Surround view camera system? Check. Power-folding door mirrors with auto-dimming? Of course! Front and rear parking sensors, blind spot information system, rear cross traffic monitor? Duh! And of course, there’s the full suite of AcuraWatch safety technologies to keep you from doing anything egregiously stupid.
Pricing & Availability
Like I said, this is a limited-run TLX, but final numbers are so far absent. Deliveries of the 2020 Acura TLX PMC Edition will begin this summer with pricing around $50,000.
Tony Borroz has spent his entire life racing antique and sports cars. He is the author of Bricks & Bones: The Endearing Legacy and Nitty-Gritty Phenomenon of The Indy 500, available in paperback or Kindle format. Follow his work on Twitter: @TonyBorroz.
2020 Acura TLX PMC Edition Gallery

Photos & Source: Acura.

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2020 Nissan GT-R 50th Anniversary & GT-R NISMO: Godzilla Gets Bigger Teeth & New Clothes

2020 Nissan GT-R 50th Anniversary & GT-R NISMO: Godzilla Gets Bigger Teeth & New Clothes New for 2020 are the Nissan GT-R 50th Anniversary Edition and GT-R NISMO.
The GT-R 50th Anniversary Edition harks back to the Nissan GT-R Skyline R34.
The 2020 Nissan GT-R NISMO receives carbon fiber body panels to save weight.
Nissan fans rejoice! The Japanese car maker has something good in store for the 2020 Nissan GT-R supercar. Making its debut at the New York International Auto Show is the Nissan GT-R 50th Anniversary Edition, and alongside it, the new GT-R NISMO. But for the new variants, Nissan didn’t want to tamper with the GT-R’s proven racing formula.
“The GT-R is about total balance management,” said Hiroshi Tamura, Chief Product Specialist for the GT-R. “It is not about chasing power figures, but creating a new GT-R where no aspect has been overlooked.”
The Nissan GT-R has always been the penultimate Japanese supercar. It gave the Audi R8 and Porsche 911 quite a scare when it graced the market in 2008. And even though the 2020 model is still part of the first-generation, Nissan saw it fit to equip Godzilla with bigger teeth and new clothes.
Nissan GT-R 50th Anniversary Edition
Commemorating 50 glorious years of racing heritage is the 2020 Nissan GT-R 50th Anniversary Edition. This is purely an appearance package that pays homage to the dominance of the original R34 Skyline GT-R. The car receives a new Bayside Wangan Blue paint job with white racing stripes. If this color looks familiar, you’re right. It’s the same color of Paul Walker’s original right-hand drive R34 Skyline in the 2 Fast 2 Furious movie.
“The Nissan GT-R has been the icon of our company’s driving performance for the past half century,” explained Shinichiro Irie, GT-R Program Design Director. “While the exterior and interior changes may seem subtle at first glance, they’re still impactful, especially with the new paint schemes, keeping the car’s lines and overall presence modern and edgy.”
The paint job consists of a four-coat, double-heat treatment process to achieve a genuine old-school feel. The wheels also get blue accents on the spokes to complete the new look. But if you don’t like this color, don’t fret. The 50th Anniversary Edition GT-R is also available in pearl white with red stripes, and silver with white stripes.
In the meantime, the interior also receives numerous updates including a special gray color scheme along with exclusive trim for the steering wheel and shift knob. The dashboard and the seats are covered in hand-selected Nappa leather to exude a premium vibe. The center console houses an eight-inch touchscreen monitor with NissanConnect, an integrated navigation and communications system. This feature allows potential owners to lock and unlock the doors remotely or summon emergency services using an app. The car also gets special embossed seats, and an Alcantara-covered headliner and sun visors.
2020 Nissan GT-R 50th Anniversary Edition in classic Bayside Wangan Blue with white stripes. Photo: Nissan North America.
Refined Performance (With A Little Growl)
Who could forget the mighty RB26DETT straight-six motor in the original R34 Skyline GT-R? Nissan outdid themselves with the VR38DETT V6 motor in the current-generation GT-R. But for 2020, Nissan’s engineers went for subtle upgrades to further improve the performance and efficiency of the raucous V6 motor.
The 2020 Nissan GT-R receives new turbochargers to improve the low rpm response of the V6 motor. New exhaust manifolds and optimized turbo flange attachment points are in the mix. The result is the same 565 horsepower and 467 lb-ft. of torque, but the 3.8-liter V6 is now more responsive and engaging. The six-speed dual-clutch automatic features a new adaptive shift control algorithm too. This means more aggressive downshifts with better gear selections on both the street and racetrack.
Rounding up the performance-enhancing mods is a retuned, electronically-controlled suspension to provide the right balance between handling prowess and ride comfort; along with new steering calibrations and a new brake booster. Also new is a titanium muffler with burnished blue titanium tips to produce the signature GT-R exhaust growl.
2020 Nissan GT-R 50th Anniversary Edition. Photo: Nissan North America.
2020 Nissan GT-R NISMO
The 2020 Nissan GT-R NISMO remains an absolute beauty among high-performance street and track machines. This hardcore version of the GT-R is nearly 44 lbs. lighter, courtesy of carbon fiber components like the hood, roof, trunk, front and rear bumpers, and the rear spoiler.
The front fenders now come with scalloped vents directly from the GT3 GT-R race car. More than just an aesthetic piece, these vents serve multiple purposes. Besides channeling hot air away from the engine bay, they also provide more downforce over the front tires for better handling and agility.
“The 2020 GT-R NISMO has evolved into a balanced, yet extreme, performance car,” Tamura said. “Pursuing driving pleasure is the most important concept behind GT-R.”
Lacing Up The New Shoes
The 2020 Nissan GT-R NISMO comes with lightweight 20-inch RAYS forged aluminum wheels with a nine-spoke design. The car also receives newly-designed Dunlop tires with wider tread and fewer grooves to increase the contact patch by 11 percent. The semi-slick tires enable the GT-R NISMO to achieve higher cornering forces with better steering response.
Of course, what good is going fast if you can’t stop on a dime? Thankfully the GT-R NISMO comes with larger Brembo calipers and carbon ceramic brake rotors (16.1 inches front, 15.3 inches rear). The rotors, in particular, were crafted using a carbon and silica carbide structure. When paired with the new racing-derived brake pads, the brakes generate more friction, but also greater resistance to high temperatures; temperatures of more than 1,832 degrees Fahrenheit!
“Brembo and Nissan have a rich performance history,” said Dan Sandberg, Brembo North America President and CEO. “Our engineers worked in concert with the Nissan team to take data from the track, and combined that with lessons learned on the previous generation GT-R, to design the next evolution stopping package for this road-going supercar.”

The 2020 Nissan GT-R NISMO features carbon fiber bumpers and body panels to cut weight. Photo: Nissan North America.
Blistering Performance
The 2020 GT-R NISMO recevies a 600 horsepower version of the 3.8-liter V6. The hike in power is courtesy of a turbocharger inspired by no less than the GT3 race car. The turbo comes with fewer blades and a modified turbine shape to optimize the flow rate. With 481 lb-ft. of torque available from 3,600 to 5,600 rpm, the new turbocharger improves acceleration response by 20 percent without compromising horsepower.
Pricing & Availability
Sadly, we have no word from Nissan on the exact pricing or availability of the updated 2020 Nissan GT-R, GT-R 50th Anniversary Edition, and GT-R NISMO. Some reports are saying the new GT-R will be available as early as this summer. We imagine prices starting upwards of $100,000 for the 2020 GT-R and $180,000 for the GT-R NISMO. Nissan is also offering a new Track Edition with a carbon fiber roof and the 600 horsepower V6.
A 2019 Nissan GT-R goes for about $100,000.
Alvin Reyes is the Associate Editor of Automoblog. He studied civil aviation, aeronautics, and accountancy in his younger years and is still very much smitten to his former Lancer GSR and Galant SS. He also likes fried chicken, music, and herbal medicine.
2020 Nissan GT-R 50th Anniversary Edition Gallery

2020 Nissan GT-R NISMO Gallery

Photos & Source: Nissan North America.

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2008 Aston Martin Vantage V8 Coupe 2008 Aston Martin Vantage V8 Coupe

$37,500.00
End Date: Wednesday Apr-24-2019 12:55:27 PDT
Buy It Now for only: $37,500.00
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2020 Mercedes-Benz GLS: Inside The S-Class of SUVs

2020 Mercedes-Benz GLS: Inside The S-Class of SUVs The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLS is the brand’s most luxurious SUV.
It’s bigger inside for 2020 to give passengers more comfort and space.
An available powertrain combination produces over 500 lb-ft. of torque.
SUVs are, or at least started out, as barely civilized work trucks designed to haul people and their stuff from point A to B no matter the road conditions. Over time, people wanted a less truck-like demeanor and more car-like comfort. Which leads us directly to this, the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLS.
The title just about says it all, doesn’t it? The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLS is big, safe, and loaded with everything a driver or passenger could want. Sounds like an S-Class, no? It’s like an S-Class, only shaped like a big friggin’ box with all the subtly and styling of a half-track.
For me, that’s a good thing. I like my SUVs devoid of pretense.
Space & Comfort
Mercedes-Benz goes in a different direction with the GLS, stating right up front how it’s the “largest and most luxurious SUV” in their lineup. Further, the Germans say the new GLS is about offering more: more space, more comfort, and more luxury. For 2020, the GLS is 2.4-inches (60 mm) longer, wheelbase-wise, so the interior is more spacious, especially for second-row passengers. For example, legroom here is increased by 3.4 inches when the seats are in their rearmost position, which also makes it easier to jump in.
There are three, fully-electric and adjustable seat rows so all passengers get a generous amount of space and comfort. The third-row seats can lower into the floor to increase the trunk space, while the second-row seats fold flat. In other words, you’ve got tons of space for stuff if you need it, and when you don’t need it, you’ve got lots of space for people.
Speaking of space for people, there is a six-seater variant of the GLS that has two luxurious captain’s chairs for the second row, a first for 2020.
2020 Mercedes-Benz GLS interior layout. Photo: MBUSA.
Executive Treatments
There’s an Executive Rear Seat Package with a separate seven-inch Android tablet for controlling the comfort and entertainment functions from the rear. It is even possible to order a lumbar massage function for the rear seats. HVAC? Shut up and get out! Five-zone automatic climate control for the rear seats, each set by the tablet. Also standard is the Easy-Entry function for getting into and out of the third-row seats (meaning all of the rear seats simply move forward and/or fold down via a button).
The center console also offers a wireless charging compartment for smartphones and additional USB ports.
But that’s just the start of everything the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLS packs.
Photo: MBUSA.
Between Gas & Hybrid
Also hitting the road for the first time in 2020 is the GLS 580 4MATIC. This big-block V8 variant has Mercedes’ EQ Boost system, a 48-volt on-board electrical setup with an integrated starter generator. Running the higher 48-volt setup allows for, in this instance, what would be a normal starter as a generator; and as a continually-available power source. This EQ Boost system sort of halves the way between hybrids and gas engines. It’s pretty clever.
By comparison, the GLS 450 4MATIC comes with a turbo 3.0-liter inline-six, also with EQ Boost. But c’mon, you’re going to go for the 580!
The V8 gasoline engine with the 48-volt, on-board electrical system and starter generator creates 483 horsepower and 516 lb-ft. of torque; with a further 184 lb-ft. of torque and 21 horsepower available via the EQ Boost over short periods. By comparison, the six-cylinder with the same 48-volt technology produces 362 horsepower and and 369 lb-ft. of torque; with a further 184 lb-ft. of torque and an extra 21 horsepower available via the EQ Boost over short periods.
All variants of the new GLS feature a nine-speed automatic. The electronically-controlled, multi-plate clutch transfer case allows for a “variable transfer of drive torque” from zero to 100 percent (torque on demand) between the axles.
The transfer case features a reduction gear for off-road driving. Photo: MBUSA.
Handling & Aerodynamics
The new GLS also features Mercedes’ sophisticated E-Active Body Control, an active suspension system paired with the aforementioned 48-volt technology. The result is a more comfortable ride and agile handling, and a higher degree of off-road capability. For example, the off-road functions on the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLS include a “rocking mode.” Say your new GLS has become bogged down in the sand because you were out catching the waves. Well, the suspension level will automatically raise and lower several times, changing the ground pressure of the tires to improve traction. This, according to Mercedes-Benz, helps the GLS “rock itself free.”
Furthermore, Mercedes says the GLS has impressive aerodynamics with a Cd of 0.32. They’re right, that is impressive, for something that’s shaped like the crate it’s shipped in. With regard to aerodynamics, special attention was paid to the underbody and the air flowing through the engine compartment because of the vehicle’s shape. With the GLS, engineers had to address the more upright front end and higher ground clearance when it came to air flow. Ultimately, the new GLS was subjected numerous computation loops, CAE simulations, and wind tunnel measurements in Sindelfingen, Germany.
2020 Mercedes-Benz GLS. Photo: MBUSA.
At The Car Wash
Oh, and get this: there’s a new Carwash function. Push a button and “woosh,” the mirrors retract, the side windows and sunroof close; the climate control goes to air-recirculation mode, and the 360 camera shows what’s directly ahead so you have an easier time getting into the wash. All that stuff you would normally do with several steps is now done with a single button. Ain’t life grand?
Manufacturing & Availability
The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLS will go on sale in the U.S. by the end of the year, with production taking place in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Look, I’m not usually one to advocate for this sort of thing but if (and this is a big if); you’re rich and have a large family, it sure sounds like the new GLS is the ride for you.
Tony Borroz has spent his entire life racing antique and sports cars. He is the author of Bricks & Bones: The Endearing Legacy and Nitty-Gritty Phenomenon of The Indy 500, available in paperback or Kindle format. Follow his work on Twitter: @TonyBorroz.
2020 Mercedes-Benz GLS Gallery

Photos & Source: MBUSA.

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2020 Lincoln Corsair: The Skull & Bones Clubhouse On Wheels

2020 Lincoln Corsair: The Skull & Bones Clubhouse On Wheels The 2020 Lincoln Corsair looks quite promising, with strong levels of performance and luxury.
As the market shifts away from sedans, Lincoln is looking to capitalize on new consumer tastes.
“Lincoln now has a full family of SUVs to exceed the needs of our clients,” says the brand’s president.
Lincoln rolled out a new SUV, the Corsair, at the 2019 New International York Auto Show. And this just might be the one that saves Lincoln. Lord knows it won’t be another cool sedan, which is all Lincoln used to make. And the sad fact of the matter is that no one is buying sedans today, even if they’re as cool as can be. In fact, Ford remains confident their decision to shift away from sedans in their product line was the right move. Hence, we will see more SUVs from Dearborn, the latest being the 2020 Lincoln Corsair.
“P” Is For Presence
Look, I’m a sports car guy. I make no bones about that and I make no apologies for it. But there is something to be said for big, imposing sedans. Something with capital “P” Presence to burn. Something like a 1962 Lincoln Continental, for instance. You pull up to the curb in one of those, and buddy, you know you’ve arrived. But, like I said, people aren’t into sedans any more. People are into SUVs. I get that. Practicality, blah-blah-blah. Usability yadda-yadda-yadda. Whatever. It’s your dollars making the payments and it’s your butt in the seat, so it’s your choice.
However, Lincoln found themselves in a bit of a conundrum. If all they had to do was make sedans with more than enough power and comfort (and capital “P” Presence), easy-peasy, job done. But, try as they might, they couldn’t make that work. And so Lincoln teeters on the brink of doom (for decades now) trying to convince people to buy sedans. Well, they finally cottoned to what was what, and voila, we now have the 2020 Lincoln Corsair to consider.
And it is very worth considering.
2020 Lincoln Corsair. Photo: Lincoln Motor Company.
Related: Automakers are trying to win over Generation Z with smaller SUVs.
Defender of the Skies
For starters: Great name. Corsair. It’s either taken from sort-of-bad-guy pirates or (my belief) one of the nastiest fighter planes of the Second World War. Next, it’s got capital “P” Presence. It doesn’t have the hulking mass of its bigger brother, the Navigator, but it’s hard to miss and ignore. Also, that roll out color? Perfect! A darkened blue that looks like an used gun barrel. That’ll make ’em pay attention!
“Entering the fastest-growing luxury segment, the all-new Corsair is artistically crafted, expertly designed and infused with our unwavering attention and commitment to detail; it’s unapologetically Lincoln,” said Joy Falotico, Lincoln Motor Company President.
Lincoln calls the Corsair a luxury SUV, which is exactly what it is. You will never, ever see a Corsair at the end of 12 miles of bad road picking up a bunch of muddy, greasy lumberjacks done with another long day of work. The Corsair is an SUV, but it’s not that kind of SUV. There’s a bit in the Lincoln press materials about the Corsair titled “sanctuary for the senses” and that pretty much defines what it’s like on the inside. Imagine if the Skull & Bones clubhouse was on wheels, and you pretty much got it.
The seats are 24-way adjustable, have massage capability, and additional lumbar support for drivers and front passengers. The second-row passengers get tons of legroom, thanks to the sliding seats that offer up to six inches of travel; and a 60/40 fold-flat or split-bench option. Lincoln says the Corsair offers more legroom in the second row than larger SUVs like the Mercedes-Benz GLS and Tesla Model X.
2020 Lincoln Corsair interior layout. Photo: Lincoln Motor Company.
Pin Drop
“Quietness is paramount for Corsair,” Lincoln says. And they get there by the most elaborate means imaginable. The dashboard is a dual-wall design, isolating you from the engine compartment and its troublesome noise. That’s not enough though. Rather than normal buzzers, there are six unique symphonic chimes that inform you of everything from an open fuel door to an unbuckled seat belt. The chimes were recorded by the Detroit Symphony Orchestra. No. Really. The Detroit Symphony Orchestra.
The stereo is a specially-tuned Revel system specific to each individual Corsair. In other words, the placement, tuning, calibration, and number of speakers is unique to each vehicle. Wireless charging for your mobile devices? Of course! (no unsightly wires). There are multiple power outlets throughout and Wi-Fi comes standard. Integrated SYNC 3 technology of course (this is a Ford product, after all) with AppLink. Drivers can access their apps from an available eight-inch touchscreen. Nice!
Keys? Not with the Corsair. Now your smartphone is your key. You can remotely start and unlock your Corsair; open the rear liftgate, and trigger a personal profile that automatically adjusts up to 80 features to your preferences.
Photo: Lincoln Motor Company.
Related: An inside look at the new Lincoln Aviator.
Safety & Security
Standard driver-assist features include Pre-Collision Assist with automatic emergency braking and Pedestrian Detection; Blind Spot Information System, Lane-Keeping System, rear backup camera, and and auto high-beams. If you’d like, there’s also adaptive cruise control with traffic jam assist. Evasive steer assist offers assistance to the driver to help avoid a collision with a slower or stopped vehicle. Reverse brake assist can help you stop if the rear sensors detect an obstacle behind you. Active Park Assist Plus even parks the beast for you.
Power & Performance
Power, oh, it’ll have enough of that. The 2020 Lincoln Corsair comes with your choice of two turbo four-cylinder engines. The standard 2.0-liter plant puts out 250 horsepower and 275 lb-ft. of torque, while the 2.3-liter mill packs 280 horsepower and 310 lb-ft. of torque. Both are hooked up to a new eight-speed automatic transmission. The all-wheel drive system switches between front- and all-wheel drive, depending on road and weather conditions.
Powertrain performance can be further customized by using one of five drive modes: Normal, Excite, Slippery, Deep Conditions, and Conserve.
Photo: Lincoln Motor Company.
Serious Contender
But the real bottom line here is how the new Corsair is a serious choice for people with serious money to spend. And that means Lincoln just might make it back from that brink. Which is fine with me. Expect the 2020 Lincoln Corsair in dealerships this fall.
Tony Borroz has spent his entire life racing antique and sports cars. He is the author of Bricks & Bones: The Endearing Legacy and Nitty-Gritty Phenomenon of The Indy 500, available in paperback or Kindle format. Follow his work on Twitter: @TonyBorroz.
2020 Lincoln Corsair Gallery

Photos & Source: Lincoln Motor Company.

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2019 Mazda CX-5 Signature Review: A Sports Car In Disguise

2019 Mazda CX-5 Signature Review: A Sports Car In Disguise 95SOLID Overall Impression Upscale interior.Plenty of standard features.Ride is a little firm for the class. ProsEngine Power Interior Trim & Accents Sporty Handling & SteeringConsFuel Economy Rear Cargo/LegroomThe Mazda CX-5 was high on the fun-to-drive meter before the new turbocharged engine arrived, but now it has power to spare, even at altitude. The new 2.5-liter turbo four-cylinder, sourced from the three-row CX-9, adds even more fun for driving enthusiasts. We recently jumped behind the wheel of the 2019 Mazda CX-5 Signature with all-wheel drive, the top-trim in the model line. The new Signature trim gets a broader list of premium features and conveniences to match the enjoyable driving dynamics.
What’s New For 2019
For 2019, the Mazda CX-5 gets a more powerful engine for Grand Touring Reserve and Signature trims. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is now available, as are ventilated front seats and a surround-view parking camera. G-Vectoring Control Plus, a series of motion control technologies to increase steering response, is standard on all CX-5 models.
Features & Options: Just The Right Amount
The 2019 Mazda CX-5 Signature AWD ($36,890) comes standard with 19-inch wheels, adaptive headlights, LED fog lights, heated side mirrors, premium Nappa leather upholstery, a power-adjustable passenger seat, and driver-seat memory functions. The upgraded driver information display pairs with a navigation system and satellite radio. The top Signature trim also adds ambient lighting, wood trim, chrome accents, front and rear parking sensors, and the aforementioned surround-view camera.
Mazda’s i-ACTIVSENSE safety systems, like Smart City Brake Support and Blind Spot Monitoring with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, are standard on all CX-5 models.
Total MSRP including destination: $39,030. By comparison, the 2019 Mazda CX-5 starts at $24,350 in the Sport configuration.

Interior Highlights: The Little Things Add Up
This CX-5 Signature interior takes a step forward over the standard trim with the Nappa leather seats and stitching on the dash, console, and door panels. The quality of materials is excellent, but it should be for this price. The cabin is driver-focused with a leather-wrapped steering wheel that offers a nice range of tilt-and-telescoping positions. The seats are comfortable and offer plenty of adjustments and support for long-distance driving. However, with the interior, the little niceties really add up. For example, the shift-lever location fits the driver’s hand perfectly.
The seven-inch touchscreen’s resolution is sharp and it sits high atop the stylish dash, but it’s a bit too far away for our liking; and that’s really our only complaint about the interior. The infotainment controller in the center console includes a radio volume control knob that’s easy to find without taking your eyes off the road. This Signature tester came with heated (and cooled) front seats and a heated steering wheel for extra comfort on the recent cold spring mornings here in Colorado.
If you need to carry cargo, the 40/20/40 split-folding backseat reclines. Behind the rear seat, there’s 31 cubic feet of cargo storage, and 60 cubes with the rear folded flat. It’s a bit less than competitors, including the Toyota RAV4, Ford Escape, Honda CR-V, and Subaru Forester.

Engine & Fuel Mileage Specs
The big news for 2019 is the CX-5’s new SKYACTIV-G engine, paired with all-wheel drive and a six-speed automatic transmission. The 2.5-liter turbo four-cylinder produces 250 horsepower (on 93 octane) and a healthy 310 lb-ft. of torque. The extra power comes at a price, however. The spicier engine returns an EPA estimated 22/27 city/highway and 24 combined mpg. That’s if you keep your foot out of the turbo!
The new engine uses cooled exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) to increase efficiency, but when it comes to fuel economy, the 2019 CX-5 lags behind when compared to other similar vehicles.
Those looking for a more fuel-efficient CX-5 should consider the available 2.2-liter diesel. With all-wheel drive, it delivers an EPA-estimated 27/30 city/highway and 28 combined mpg. The engine creates 168 horsepower at 4,000 rpm and 290 lb-ft. of torque at 2,000 rpm. The standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder is still available in a front-wheel drive configuration.
Mazda’s new SKYACTIV-G 2.5T engine for the 2019 CX-5.
Driving Dynamics: Energetic & Fun
The CX-5 with the new turbo plant is higher on the fun-to-drive meter than any other compact crossover out there, despite the fuel economy. Last year, we complained about the naturally-aspirated engine needing more power for those traveling up into the high country or hauling extra cargo over a high mountain pass. Now with the turbo, the CX-5 has power to spare. And it still responds like a sports sedan around the tight curves.
Driving Dynamics: Sporty & Smooth
The steering is precise and the suspension is tuned for sporty driving over comfort. We instantly noticed Mazda’s new G-Vectoring Control Plus feature while in the mountains. The system makes steering response more consistent by using small changes in engine output to shift weight to the front tires whenever the driver turns the wheel. In this updated Plus version, as the driver straightens the wheel, braking is applied to the outside front wheel. The system helps prevent someone from “over-driving” the vehicle, especially at higher speeds or during evasive maneuvers.
The cabin was quiet, and the turbo doesn’t make much noise even at highway speeds. With the heated seats, steering wheel, and heads-up display, this small SUV feels like a more expensive vehicle. Overall, it’s the most fun we’ve ever had in a compact crossover, having tested the competition. If you live where there’s lots of twisty roads or bad weather, this is the vehicle for you.
Conclusion: Nicely Balanced
The 2019 Mazda CX-5 is a standout in the compact SUV segment. It provides an excellent balance of sportiness, comfort and practicality, and its upscale interior conveys a sense of richness you don’t find in rivals. It’s a good choice for driving enthusiasts who want to have a little more fun when getting around town.
Denis Flierl has invested over 25 years in the automotive industry in a variety of roles. All of his firsthand reviews are archived on our test drives page. Follow Denis on Twitter: @CarReviewGuy
2019 Mazda CX-5 Gallery

Photos: Mazda North American Operations.

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Avoid These 5 Common Mistakes When Shipping Your Car

Avoid These 5 Common Mistakes When Shipping Your Car When it comes to shipping your car, there are some common mistakes and pitfalls to avoid.
From pick up to delivery, it’s important to know the facts and what to expect ahead of time.
The experts at RoadRunner Auto Transport explain what to look for when shipping your car.
Many people who ship a car are doing so for the first time. Most people go into the process completely unprepared. Taking the right steps to research the auto transport companies you are considering can help you save money and frustration. Then, taking the correct steps to prepare for your shipment can help you save time and energy.
One of the easiest ways to avoid making mistakes is to start planning your shipment well in advance. If you know you need to ship your car, you should start thinking about it at least two months in advance. Then, you should book your shipment at least a month in advanced.
In addition to that, here are the most common mistakes to avoid when shipping your car.
Mistake #1: Not Being Ready
When the driver comes to pick up your car, you need to be ready for the process. Your car needs to be clean so they can inspect it and take note of any existing damage on the bill of lading. You also need to have the proper documentation ready for them to check. This includes photo identification (valid license or passport), your e-mail confirmation of your booking printed out, your insurance certificate, proof of vehicle ownership as well as the vehicle’s registration.
Mistake #2: Not Doing Enough Research
A lot of people will just Google “auto transport” or a similar search term, and immediately book with the first company they find. However, there are, unfortunately, a lot of unsavory companies out there. Some companies will offer bait and switch pricing; then after they have possession of your vehicle, will inform you there has “been an issue” and that you need to pay an additional amount. This can total several hundred dollars in order for your shipment to continue. If you do not pay, they will hold your car, possibly until you take them to court.
Either way, you will be without your car for a while because of this.
Some companies will damage your car and refuse to pay for it. Others might have poor customer service. However, there are good and trustworthy companies out there when you need to ship a car. You just need to do the research to verify they are trusted before you book your car shipment. Use sites like Consumer Reports along with Google reviews to see what past customers have to say about any vehicle transport company. The more research you do ahead of time, the better.

Mistake #3: Trusting “Too Good To Be True” Promises
Auto transport is a process where unpredictable things can happen during the course of a shipment. This includes traffic delays and inclement weather delays. It is realistically not possible for an auto transport company to guarantee a single day as a delivery date. Any reputable or semi-reputable car shipping company will give you a three to five-day window, depending on the overall length of the shipment, and when they will drop off your car at its destination.
Mistake #4: Leaving Personal Items In Your Vehicle
If you leave personal items in your car during shipment, they will not be covered by the shipping insurance if they are lost or damaged. So, if you leave any valuables in the car and they go missing or get damaged, you will need to cover the entire cost of replacing them. Do yourself a favor and remove any valuable items from your vehicle before it gets picked up for shipping.

Mistake #5: Not Recording Damage
Always write down any damage incurred during the shipment on the bill of lading. Once your car is delivered, you will need to conduct your own visual inspection. This way you will ensure that no damage occurred during the transport of your vehicle. Unfortunately but rarely, damage does occur. However, if it does, mark it down on the bill of lading during your inspection at delivery. This way you can file a damage claim with that particular car shipping company. If you don’t do this when your car is delivered and the driver is still there, you won’t be able to file a damage claim.
And you will end up paying to repair the damage yourself.
Conclusion
The auto shipping process can be simple and easy or complicated and frustrating. It all depends on how prepared you are for your vehicle to be picked up and delivered, as well as how few of the previously mentioned mistakes you make. Use this guide from the very start of the car shipping process when you are gathering quotes and researching companies, all the way until your car has been delivered safely.
Avoiding these missteps could save you thousands of dollars and a ton of time too.
This advice provided by RoadRunner Auto Transport, a leader in nationwide door-to-door auto shipping services. Their dedicated team of shipping professionals will arrange and transport your vehicle with care from start to finish. RoadRunner Auto Transport provides reliable car shipping for both individuals and companies, moving thousands of vehicles on a monthly basis.

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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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