2019 GMC Acadia Review: A Nice Middle Ground For Families

2019 GMC Acadia Review: A Nice Middle Ground For Families 91Solid 2019 GMC AcadiaOverall ImpressionStylish and sleek.Plenty of safety features.Ideal for families on the go.ProsRide Quality Comfortable Cabin All-Wheel Drive Capability ConsLimited Cargo SpaceLacks Heated Steering WheelGMC came out with its smaller Acadia two years ago and it makes perfect sense. There is a market for a midsize SUV that will appeal to families who need a third row, but only need it occasionally. The 2019 GMC Acadia is offered with two engines: a more fuel-efficient four-cylinder, and a six-cylinder for those wanting a little extra power. GMC seems to have found the right balance when it comes to this new generation of the Acadia. And we recently jumped behind the wheel to see just how this new Acadia is holding up. 
This weekend, we’ve been driving the 2019 GMC Acadia AWD SLT with V6 power!
What’s New For 2019
There are no major changes for this year, but a new Black Edition appearance package is now available for the SLT trim. It includes 20-inch machined aluminum wheels with black accents, plus a host of other blacked-out exterior treatments like the grille insert, mirror caps, and roof rials. Trim levels for the 2019 GMC Acadia include SLE, SLT, and the more luxurious Denali. Our test vehicle was an “SLT-1” trim with all-wheel drive.
For the 2020 model year, the Acadia receives a handful of new updates.
Features & Options: SLT-1 Adds Plenty 
The 2019 GMC Acadia AWD SLT V6 ($41,100) comes standard with heated mirrors, keyless ignition and entry, tri-zone automatic climate control, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and a rearview camera. The seven-inch touchscreen allows for Bluetooth paining, along with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. OnStar, 4G LTE Wi-Fi, and a six-speaker audio system with a USB and auxiliary input are also included. 
Our SLT-1 tester came with LED running lights, foglights, and a power liftgate with programmable height stops. On the inside, we had satellite radio, an upgraded driver information display, a household-style power outlet, an eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, and heated front seats. Working towards the back, there are middle row captain’s chairs and rear floor mats. The remote start and the upgraded, eight-speaker Bose audio system with a subwoofer were among our favorite features. 
Our tester included the aforementioned Back Edition package ($1,495) and a panoramic sunroof ($1,400). Total MSRP including destination: $45,970. By comparison, the 2019 GMC Acadia starts at $32,800. 
2019 GMC Acadia.
Features & Options: Safety & Security 
Our tester came with GMC’s Teen Driver system, a benefit for families who have a young adult learning how to drive. Once activated, the Teen Driver key fob limits certain features and prevents certain safety systems from being switched off. Parents can also see an “in-vehicle report card” that provides insight into the distance driven, maximum speed, number of over speed warnings, and other driving events. This is a feature we think families will find value in as they help their teens become safer drivers.  
Interior Highlights: Nice But Missing Something 
Check out the Acadia SLT-1 if you need three-row seating for occasional use. This model offers six-passenger seating with captain’s chairs in the middle. In the far back, there isn’t much room except for small kids or the occasional short trip for adults, but the middle row offers enough room. Up front, it’s comfortable and the heated seats help, but we were a little miffed it didn’t come with a heated steering wheel for this price point. Otherwise, the cabin feels somewhat upscale with leather and lots of soft-touch surfaces. GMC uses quality materials for the Acadia and the fit and finish is acceptable.
We liked the minimal number of knobs and buttons, making it easy to figure the radio and climate control out. However, the console is very high and it limits elbows room. It didn’t seem like a big deal at first, but we found ourselves constantly bumping into it this weekend. Our guests commented on it too as we drove to a late lunch. Outward visibility is good and the backup camera and parking sensors kept us out of trouble.
With its third-row seats up, the 2019 GMC Acadia has a limited cargo area at just 12.8 cubic feet. With the seats folded flat, maximum capacity expands to 79 cubic feet.
2019 GMC Acadia interior layout.
Related: On the road with the 2019 GMC Terrain Denali.
Engine & Fuel Mileage Specs
A 2.5-liter four-cylinder with 193 horsepower and 188 lb-ft. of torque is standard on SL, SLE, and SLT-1 trim levels. It’s mated to a six-speed Hydra-Matic transmission with a 3.16 final drive ratio. Those wanting a more fuel-efficient Acadia should opt for this engine. EPA fuel mileage estimates come in at 21/26 city/highway and 23 combined with front-wheel drive. All-wheel drive is available with the four-cylinder and impacts fuel economy only slightly (21/25 city/highway and 22 combined). 
Our SLT-1 tester had the optional 3.6-liter V6 engine, producing 310 horsepower and 271 lb-ft. of torque. It comes paired to a six-speed Hydra-Matic transmission as well, but with a 3.87 final drive ratio, which sent power to all four wheels in our case. Those who have a small trailer will want this engine. When properly equipped, the 2019 GMC Acadia tows 4,000 lbs. The 2.5-liter only hauls 1,000 lbs. by comparison. 
EPA fuel mileage estimates on the thirstier V6 come in at 17/25 city/highway and 20 combined with all-wheel drive. Front-wheel drive models with the V6 have a rating of 18/25 city/highway and 21 combined.  

Driving Dynamics: Sporty But Secure
Getting behind the wheel brings an almost car-like feeling, more so than an SUV. The 2019 GMC Acadia will leave you feeling confident and secure as you navigate down busy streets and highways. The Acadia borders on sporty in terms of its looks, but the ride quality is more toward comfort. The imperfections in the road are soaked up and sent away before they get to you, courtesy of the front MacPherson strut and five-link independent rear suspension.
Driving Dynamics: Easy To Maneuver 
The optional V6 plant is a good choice if you are carrying more people and cargo during the week or on weekends. The 2019 GMC Acadia handles well on busy highways, and we pushed it hard up I-70 in the mountains at altitude west of Denver. After the 2017 redesign, the Acadia dropped nearly 700 lbs. and the handling benefits as a result. As the V6 responded, we could easily maneuver the Acadia and take away the open spots between cars.
All-wheel drive is a must for those living in cold climates, and we are confident in the Acadia’s ability to push through snow. Our tester came with a mode-select knob on the console that engages sport, towing, or off-road modes. Switching between two-and four-wheel drive can help save fuel on good-weather days. However, we had a late spring snow storm here in Colorado. We were glad to have an all-wheel drive Acadia when dealing with the snow. 
2019 GMC Acadia Denali.
Conclusion: Opt For All-Wheel Drive 
The 2019 GMC Acadia is a solid, capable midsize SUV for families that need three-row seating occasionally. The optional V6 packs a punch and, given the negligible differences in fuel economy, we would option our Acadia with all-wheel drive. On the inside, things are comfortable enough that you won’t feel tired on your commute after a long day at work.
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 GMC Acadia Gallery














Photos: GMC (additional trim levels shown).



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These Special Lexus Models Will Be Rare

These Special Lexus Models Will Be Rare Did you know Lexus has been making “F” cars for ten years? Wait, did you know that Lexus was even making F cars? I did but I didn’t know that. Somewhere in the back of my mind, I knew Lexus had this F designation, but I never knew what it designated. So here we are, ten years on, and we get to celebrate, what, exactly?
According to Lexus, that F badge means the car has “the purest expression of Lexus performance.” Sure, whatever. Essentially F is to Lexus what M is to BMW and S is to Audi. F is the performance sub-brand within Lexus itself. And, to say the least, Lexus is pretty durned happy about making these things for ten years.
Windy City Showcase
They are so happy in fact, that at this year’s Chicago Auto Show, the Japanese luxo-brand rolled out not one but two commemorative rides: The 2018 Lexus GS F and RC F 10th Anniversary. The GS F and RC F special editions are set to arrive at Lexus dealers this summer and, unsurprisingly, will come with exclusive features befitting of limited-edition models.
Starting with the outside, both cars come in a matte finish Nebula Gray paint scheme. This is a fond return to matte finishes for Lexus, since the last time they used it was on their LFA supercar. And while we’re here: Hey Lexus, when are we going to get a follow-on to the LFA? Anyhoo, Lexus says this new Nebula Gray has been toughened up for “the rigors of everyday use, including the ability to withstand the average mechanized car wash.” That’s nice of them.
Polished black multispoke 19-inch wheels shod with Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 tires come standard, and contrast nicely with the dark gray paint. Beneath these fancy wheels are blue brake calipers to add a splash of color.
Photo: Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.
Deep Blue Something
On the inside, that theme continues with blue carbon fiber trim for the panels and dash with blue leather accents throughout. Further cool anniversary stuff to be found in the RC F coupe are the sport seats outlined in blue leather with white accents, and a blue shift knob. Same goes for the steering wheel and instrument panel. For the GS F, there’s additional blue carbon trim on the center console, a blue suede dash, and blue seatbelt straps.
Blue, blue, blue. Everywhere blue!
The Lexus GS F and RC F 10th Anniversary will feature an interior themed in blue. Pictured here is the GS F. Photo: Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.
Power & Performance
Powertrain-wise, both the coupe and sedan work with the same 467 horsepower 5.0-liter V8, but there are differences and tweaks here and there. The plant in the RC F coupe sends the grunt to the rear wheels via an eight-speed automatic box. Lexus says this is good enough to scoot to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds. Nice! There’s also a Torsen limited-slip diff as standard, along with variable dampers (shocks) and multiple drive modes. If you want to take up the option, there’s a torque vectoring differential available. Take it.
Like I said, the GS F sedan has the same mill and also works with the same eight-speed automatic to put power to the rears. The torque vectoring diff, however, comes standard. Even though the GS F is a sedan, it is only a tic slower than the RC F coupe, clocking 4.5 seconds from a stop to 60 mph. Oh, and it gets up to 24 mpg on the highway. Not bad! Variable dampers? Check. A selection of drive modes? Also check, but there’s a full custom setting allowing you to adjust different parameters. Slick.
Lexus RC F. Photo: Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.
Pricing & Availability
Finally, there is the nearly compulsory engraved plaque bragging about the car’s limited-edition status. And by limited, Lexus means only 240 10th Anniversary RC Fs will be seen on the streets. That works out to one anniversary RC F per U.S. dealer. So get line now. If your tastes run more toward the GS F, you really got to hustle, since there will be only 100 of them.
Lexus says there will be additional packages for both, but cryptically notes they “will be required.” What on Earth that means, I do not know. There’s no word on pricing either.
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.
2018 Lexus GS F Gallery





2018 Lexus RC F Gallery








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



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Range Rover Sport Climbs To Heaven’s Gate

Range Rover Sport Climbs To Heaven’s Gate The Range Rover Sport has just completed the Dragon Challenge, climbing up to the arch of Heaven’s Gate, one of China’s most famous landmarks. The Range Rover Sport is the first vehicle in history to accomplish such a feat, covering nearly a thousand steps after it started at the bottom of the seven-mile Tianmen Mountain Road, also known as the Dragon Road.
“This was the hardest Range Rover Sport challenge I’ve ever been involved with because, until we reached the top, we couldn’t categorically say we would succeed,” explained Phil Jones, Land Rover Experience Expert.
Photo: Jaguar Land Rover.
Stairway to Heaven
The Range Rover Sport was fitted with special, reinforced tires for Panasonic Jaguar Racing’s Ho-Pin Tung, who piloted the SUV for the endeavor. The Range Rover Sport was equipped with the Terrain Response system and placed in “Dynamic” mode. At the summit of the road, Ho-Pin Tung optimized the Terrain Response system for the second part of the challenge, allowing him to climb the 45-degree staircase consisting of 99 turns and 999 steps, ultimately leading him to Heaven’s Gate.
“I’ve experienced Formula E, Formula 1, and won at the 24 Hours of Le Mans but this was without doubt one of the most demanding driving challenges I’ve ever faced,” he said.
“By making it to the summit, we’ve proven the phenomenal capability of the Range Rover Sport like never before – with a genuine world first,” Jones added.





Endurance Marathons
The Dragon Challenge is the latest in a series of events completed by the Range Rover Sport, which received a host of technology and design updates for 2018. The vehicle made its debut in a race against two-time open-water swimming world champion Keri-anne Payne and endurance athlete Ross Edgley in Devon, UK. Previous accomplishments include a record-setting hill-climb at Pikes Peak, a record-crossing of the “Empty Quarter” desert in the Arabian Peninsula, and a 7,119 foot descent of the Inferno downhill course in Mürren, Switzerland.
Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and resides in Detroit, Michigan. He studies mechanical engineering at Wayne State University, serves on the Board of Directors for the Ally Jolie Baldwin Foundation, and is a loyal Detroit Lions fan.





Photos & Source: Jaguar Land Rover.



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This 1968 Mustang LEGO Kit Makes Us Want To Stop Growing Up

This 1968 Mustang LEGO Kit Makes Us Want To Stop Growing Up When I was a kid, I enjoyed LEGO sets much like any other youngster does today. I constructed a number of the Legoland pirate and medieval arrays, sometimes placing the knights in with the pirates for a gag. As I got older, I found the Technic series a bit more challenging with the helicopter ones being my favorite. However, my Duplo days as a tot stand out. I would try and recreate the cars and trucks I saw with those bigger Duplo blocks. At the time, we lived in a two bedroom apartment – a bigger unit as I recall – but my signature was leaving a LEGO in every room.
My father could walk our hallway and not even look down, he was so accustomed to stepping over them.
Days Gone By
As I blaze the trail through my late thirties and into that uncertain vortex known as “your forties,” I am naturally inclined toward anything that even slightly reminds me of my childhood. I’ve made it a habit to wander through the toy section on my trips to Meijer in hopes to find a new Hot Wheels or Matchbox car. In my quest to declutter and disconnect, I am ever more drawn to things that are wholesome and fun, yet still really cool. One such thing is the 1968 Ford Mustang fastback race car, the latest entry into the LEGO Speed Champions lineup.
Photo: Ford Motor Company.
Small & Sharp
When assembled, the 183-piece kit yields a sharp green performance car, complete with gold stripes, racing graphics, and a removable windscreen. The set even includes a Ford-branded timing board and a little racing figurine, that I would place in the pirate ship while Captain Red Beard has a go in the Mustang.
“The new Ford Mustang LEGO Speed Champions set gives parents and children the chance to share their passions – generations of fans have grown up building LEGO sets and spending time together behind the wheel,” explained Myra Lind, LEGO Speed Champions Marketing Manager. “This partnership of iconic brands allows kids of all ages to enjoy the latest products from two great companies.”
“We worked closely with LEGO to design a vintage Mustang, personalizing the fastback with stripes and decals that harken back to Ford’s racing heritage,” added Matt Monroe, Ford Licensing Manager.
Photo: Ford Motor Company.
Big Kid At Heart
I don’t know why I love this little thing so much. Maybe it’s because I want kids of my own someday, or maybe it’s because – like I said above – as I get older, I find remarkable value in things that are wholesome and fun. Career-wise, I’m picking up the pace, which is what any man my age should be doing, but the faster we move on that trajectory, the more likely we are to forget the innocence of our childhood. It’s been so long since I last sat down and put a LEGO set together – probably twenty some years.
That’s simply too long.
We at this publication will consider ourselves kids (just slightly taller) on March 1st when the LEGO Mustang goes on sale. I’m going to get one, put it together, and set it next to my Lava Lamp on my desk. This forthcoming 1968 Mustang joins the GT40, F-150 Raptor, Fiesta WRC, and a handful of other blue oval heroes in the LEGO Speed Champions Ford collection.
So if I want more opportunities to be a kid, I have them.
Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and resides in Detroit, Michigan. He studies mechanical engineering at Wayne State University, serves on the Board of Directors for the Ally Jolie Baldwin Foundation, and is a loyal Detroit Lions fan.
Photos & Source: Ford Motor Company.



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Inside The 2018 Aston Martin Racing Vantage GTE

Inside The 2018 Aston Martin Racing Vantage GTE
Yes, like its road-going sibling from which it is derived, the 2018 Aston Martin Racing Vantage GTE faces similar aesthetic, a-hem, issues. But this is a race car. A race car that will take part in the FIA World Endurance Championship next season. And, when it comes to racing, effectiveness counts more than aesthetics. It’s sort of like submachine guns. Sure, it might not be as appealing as a Thompson or an MP 40, but a Sten Gun can still do the business, y’know?
Track Ready
The Sten of choice seen here is the new Vantage GTE from Aston Martin, set for FIA’s GTE class at places like Le Mans and Spa and The ‘Ring. The main competition for the new Vantage GTE will be cars like the BMW M3, Chevrolet Corvette C7.R, Ferrari 488 GTE, and Porsche 911 variants. In other words, these are the most road-car-like competitors you’ll see at Le Mans. Also, the racing is fun to watch since the competition is so close and the racing is so tough. Still, Aston Martin has done more than okay with previous versions of this car, chalking up 37 international race victories, including two Le Mans 24 Hour class wins.
Power & Performance
The engine is a force-fed V8 that runs bespoke BorgWarner turbos with integrated electric wastegates. The exhaust system is a full inconel setup made by an outfit called Akrapovic. No, I didn’t know who they were either. Turns out they’re Slovenian, and all they do is make exhaust systems. Fun note: Inconel is a nickel/steel alloy with extremely high heat resistance and was the same stuff they made the X-15 rocket plane out of.
The mill has a dry sump lubrication system and its installation in the actual race car is further back and lower than the street version, all for better track performance. The output figures are stated as “power >400 kW* and torque >700 Nm*” which translates into 536 ponies and 516 lb-ft. o’torque in old money. Two things of note: First, those figures are “greater than” because no race team is going to give away accurate power figures, and you can also reckon that Aston Martin is sandbagging with those numbers. And two, I have no idea what those asterisks are for. Aston Martin never explains them, but I thought I’d include them. What an odd thing for them to do.
Photo: Aston Martin The Americas.
Drivetrain Tech
Moving on to the driveline and transmission, there’s plenty to geek out about here. Of course it’s rear-wheel drive, because handling. There’s also traction control thrown in (because today’s drivers are a bunch of prima donnas). The transmission is a six-speed sequential unit made by Xtrac, fed by an Alcon motorsport multi-plate clutch about the size of a cheeseburger. There is a mechanical limited-slip differential with externally adjustable pre-load (a nice touch), and since this is 2017, there’s a semi-automatic paddle shift gear change coupled to a direct acting electric gear shift actuator. Did you catch all that?
The carbon fiber propshaft saves weight and increases responsiveness.
Chassis & Suspension
The chassis is a lightweight aluminium deal that uses the latest Vantage production car as a starting point. It is fitted with a steel roll cage to meet FIA safety standards and also sports an on-board, high-speed pneumatic jack for quicker pit stops. The suspension is as traditional as it is adjustable, with double wishbones front and rear, adjustable anti-roll bars, and custom Öhlins five-way adjustable dampers (shock absorbers to us Americans). Like all British cars, this thing can Handle with a capital H.
The body and aero bits are all carbon fiber, of course. The underside of the car is entirely flat and tailed with a carbon fiber splitter and diffuser. That huge rear wing is also carbon fiber and adjustable.
Photo: Aston Martin The Americas.

Ride & Handling
The steering is electro-hydraulic and power-assisted, which kind of rankles purists but literally every driver out there dearly loves, since wrestling with one of these things for 24 hours, even with a power assist is a work out. The steering wheel, which is carbon fiber, is a quick release type, both to aid with driver changes and also having to bail out if things get, um, sticky. The fuel system is the FIA mandated size of 100 liters and is a full-blown fuel cell, of course.
The wheels are huge and light: forged magnesium up front (12.5” x 18”) and forged magnesium in the rear (13.0” x 18”). The boss meats are supplied by Michelin.
Braking
The stoppers are very, very impressive. Everything is made by Alcon with monobloc six-piston calipers and wide, ringed ventilated brake discs up front. Out back, the Aston GTE sports monobloc six-piston calipers with Alcon ventilated rear brake discs. At all four corners there are integrated caliper temperature and pad wear sensors, a handy thing in a 24 hour race. The pedal box is floor-mounted and adjustable (a nice touch). Of course the front and rear brake bias is driver adjustable.
Photo: Aston Martin The Americas.
Driver Focused
The cockpit is Spartan yet extremely cool. The pilot sits in a RaceTech FIA 8862 safety seat and is held in place by a Schroth six-point safety harness. In case things get too hot, there’s a Lifeline FIA 8865 fire extinguisher. The dash is a Cosworth driver display with shift lights; there is a rearview camera and a Bosch collision avoidance radar system (which is one of those things that beeps at you milliseconds before you clout that Ford GT you thought you were clear of). Air conditioning? Surprisingly yes! The FIA/ACO mandated this a while back (you have no idea how hot it is inside one of these things). There is also an electrically-operated “driver drinks system” to help prevent fatigue.
The whole shootin’ match tips the scales with a dry weight of 1,245 kilos or around 2,800 pounds, give or take. It is worth noting this is the regulated base weight. If you were to take the ballast out, the 2018 Aston Martin Racing Vantage GTE would tip the scales considerably lighter than that.
Will this thing win? Maybe. A definite maybe. My money is on the Ferrari 488 (for sentimental reasons) or the C7.R Vettes (for practical reasons), but I wouldn’t count Aston Martin out.
Tony Borroz has spent his entire life racing antique and sports cars. He means well, even if he has a bias towards lighter, agile cars rather than big engine muscle cars or family sedans.
2018 Aston Martin Racing Vantage GTE Gallery











Photos & Source: Aston Martin The Americas.



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2018 Ford Super Duty By The Numbers

2018 Ford Super Duty By The Numbers
Ford is pushing the envelope for the F-Series lineup, announcing updated power, towing, and payload figures for the 2018 Super Duty. The new specs reclaim titles for the blue oval held previously by General Motors and Ram. Ford says they are delivering more for customers by offering “five key best-in-class claims.”
“Super Duty customers expect the best, and for 2018 we’re giving our customers even more power and torque from our 6.7-liter Power Stroke diesel – delivering the most horsepower and torque available among all heavy-duty pickups,” explained Todd Eckert, Ford Truck Group Marketing Manager.
By The Numbers
It’s not surprising to see Ford push the line here. In just a “matter of fact” sense, the truck market is highly competitive, and customer loyalty to a particular brand is often lifelong. “We are a Ford (or Chevy) family,” they say, or “I’ve never owned anything but . . . (insert truck make and model here).” While we won’t speculate Ford’s engineering and marketing motives, if the automaker held the belief that bigger horsepower, payload, and towing numbers were the way to a truck buyer’s heart, we would be inclined to agree.
In an already competitive market with such fierce brand loyalty, posting headline-worthy performance figures seems a satisfactory answer to the “how do we attract new buyers and retain existing customers” question. One could argue these increased power numbers for the Super Duty are coming at the right time. Ford’s November sales report indicated that F-Series trucks saw their best November since 2001, with 72,769 pickups sold for a 0.9 percent gain. Conversely, Ford’s heavy truck sales took a 50 percent dip with only 566 units moved last month opposed to 1,133 for the same period in 2016. By the end of November 2016, Ford had delivered 13,417 heavy trucks compared to 10,376 at November’s end this year, marking a 22.7 percent decrease.
It’s possible these new power and capacity increases for the 2018 Super Duty will help bolster Ford’s overall truck sales. Does Ford have specific intent with this latest Super Duty announcement? Perhaps. Ford truck sales are, according to their November report, either up nicely or down significantly, depending on the model. These new performance upgrades for the Super Duty could be a happy accident as far as timing is concerned, but if an automaker wanted to move some trucks, especially near the end of the year, having increased power figures floating through the media certinately wouldn’t hurt.
Photo: Ford Motor Company.
Fantastic Five
The 2018 Ford Super Duty now claims five vital segment titles, the first of which is a healthy 450 horsepower.  Previously held by GM’s Sierra and Silverado models at 445 with the new Duramax, Ford’s announcement gives the Super Duty a slight edge. The second is torque, a now whopping 935 lb-ft., enough to slip past Ram at 930 lb-ft. from the recently revised Cummins. From there, the 2018 Ford Super Duty takes best-in-class gooseneck towing at 34,000 lbs. and best-in-class conventional towing at 21,000 lbs., when properly equipped. By comparison, The 2018 Ram 3500 HD, when properly equipped, has a maximum gooseneck rating of 31,210 lbs. and a maximum conventional rating of 20,000 lbs.
“Plus, our new F-450 pickup now includes a 4X2 model, enabling our customers to get more done with the segment’s best payload and towing,” Eckert added.
The 2018 Super Duty boasts best-in-class payload at 7,360 lbs. for the segment’s top honor.
Photo: Ford Motor Company.
Vital Components
The grunt for the 2018 Super Duty comes from the 6.7-liter Power Stroke diesel engine, which received redesigned cylinder heads, optimized fuel calibrations, and enhancements to the turbo for 2018. The truck’s high-strength steel frame, military-grade, aluminum-alloy body, and integrated gooseneck hitch mounts are also important for capability and efficiency. It’s also worth noting that Ford designs and builds their own diesel engines and transmissions, something no other manufacturer currently does. The automaker says this is critical for getting the powertrain, vehicle calibrations, and chassis to align.
“This approach enables Ford engineers to optimize vehicle performance across the entire lineup and to further refine the powertrain to the specific needs of the customer,” reads a statement from Ford.
Pricing & Availability
The 2018 Super Duty is available now with the F-450 4×2 dual-rear-wheel pickup coming later this winter. Base MSRP is $52,830, although pricing can vary greatly depending on the selected trim level and the buyer’s desired number of additional options, features, and packages.
Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and resides in Detroit, Michigan.  
Photos & Source: Ford Motor Company.



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Honda Promises Family-Friendly, High-Tech Features For 2018 Pilot

Honda Promises Family-Friendly, High-Tech Features For 2018 Pilot

The 2018 Honda Pilot went on sale this week, billed as the automaker’s “family-friendly, high-tech” vehicle. Honda’s three-row SUV arrives on the heels of some solid recognition, including the 2017 Automotive Best Buy Award from Consumer Guide and a designation from U.S. News & World Report as one of the best cars for families in 2017. Honda says Pilot production in Lincoln, Alabama has increased to make availability easier for the automaker’s some 1,000 dealerships nationwide.
Power & Performance
The 2018 Honda Pilot features a 3.5-liter, direct-injected i-VTEC V6 engine, complete with Variable Cylinder Management for increased performance and efficiency. The engine, which creates 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft. of toque, is paired to either a 6-speed or 9-speed automatic transmission. All-wheel drive is available.
Honda’s unibody SUV rides on a MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear suspension. Steering is electronic and the brakes are a power-assisted and ventilated setup.
Interior Treatments
Honda says the high point here is the cargo and rear seating area, arranged in such a way that neither one intrudes on the other. The entry way to the third row is larger and the available “one-touch slide” feature will fold the second row automatically. Total passenger volume ranges between 151 and 153 cubic feet, depending on the trim level.
The 2018 Pilot also features the latest infotainment and connectivity systems and is compatible with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Push button start, rear window defroster, cargo area hooks and tie-downs, and a 60/40 split, flat-folding third-row bench seat are standard across the lineup.
2018 Honda Pilot Elite. Photo: Honda North America.
Safety & Security
The 2018 Pilot can be equipped with the Honda Sensing suite of safety technologies, available as a standalone option on EX and EX-L, but standard on Touring and Elite trims. Honda Sensing includes the Collision Mitigation Braking System with Forward Collision Warning, Lane Keeping Assist System, Adaptive Cruise Control, and Road Departure Mitigation with Lane Departure Warning. Additional driver assistance features include the standard, multi-angle rearview camera and an available blind spot information monitor with cross traffic detection.
Pricing & Availability
The 2018 Honda Pilot is available now. We have included the handy chart from Honda below which outlines the various trim levels and corresponding information. The Honda Pilot was designed and developed by Honda R&D Americas, Inc., in California and Ohio.
Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and resides in Detroit, Michigan. 
Trim/Drivetrain
Transmission
MSRP
EPA MPG Rating
(City/Highway/Combined)
LX / 2WD
6AT
$30,900
19/27/22
LX / AWD
6AT
$32,800
18/26/21
EX / 2WD
6AT
$33,330
19/27/22
EX / AWD
6AT
$35,230
18/26/21
EX w/Honda Sensing / 2WD
6AT
$34,330
19/27/22
EX w/Honda Sensing / AWD
6AT
$36,230
18/26/21
EX-L / 2WD
6AT
$36,760
19/27/22
EX-L / AWD
6AT
$38,660
18/26/21
EX-L w/Honda Sensing / 2WD
6AT
$37,760
19/27/22
EX-L w/Honda Sensing / AWD
6AT
$39,660
18/26/21
EX-L w/Navi / 2WD
6AT
$37,760
19/27/22
EX-L w/Navi / AWD
6AT
$39,660
18/26/21
EX-L w/RES / 2WD
6AT
$38,360
19/27/22
EX-L w/RES / AWD
6AT
$40,260
18/26/21
Touring / 2WD
9AT
$41,970
20/27/23
Touring / AWD
9AT
$43,870
19/26/22
Elite / AWD
9AT
$47,470
19/26/22
Photos & Source: Honda North America.



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Porsche Introduces Augmented Reality For Dealership Technicians

Porsche Introduces Augmented Reality For Dealership Technicians

You know how virtual reality has been the next big thing that’s really, totally, for-sure going to happen within the next six months for the past 15 years? This ain’t that. This is augmented reality, which, in some ways, is more practical. Where as VR is totally immersive, augmented reality adds a layer of visual information on top of what your eyes can already see in the real world. So AR could add something as simple as scrolling text onto your visual field to something as complex as step by step instructions for the removal of a differential.
Visual Aids
You don’t have to be Kreskin to see where this could come in handy in, say, an auto shop or assembly plant. Porsche cottoned onto this possibility and are now rolling out a new AR system for dealerships. The intent is for real-time, remote assistance that appreciably improves efficiency and reduces service time.
The Porsche system, rather awkwardly dubbed “Tech Live Look,” uses the AiR Enterprise software platform from Atheer, Inc. Atheer (speaking of unwieldy handles) has been cranking out AR “solutions” for a while now. Like all AR stuff, the visuals are delivered into your eyeballs via lightweight smart glasses that feature the latest in projection technology. The high-tech specs come equipped with an LED light source to illuminate dark spaces in the engine compartment or under the car, and a high-resolution, auto focus camera that shows even small details, like the threading on screws. This allows someone on the other end of the glasses (say a more experienced service tech or a brain surgeon or something) to see what the wearer is doing and “talk them through” a procedure if they’re having trouble.
Tech Support
It would be really fun to play around with this. I am, by my own admission, a very, very bad mechanic. I can take things apart like Godzilla wading through downtown Tokyo, but putting things back together . . . that’s a much more iffy proposition. But if I were wearing a set of Tech Live Look glasses, then there could be someone on the other end talking me through the reassembly steps; “No. First the washer, then the cinch ring, then the spacer. That’s it. Now tighten it, but not all the way. We’re going to be coming back with a torque wrench in a bit.”
And, interestingly enough, that’s pretty much chapter and verse how Tech Live Look works in Porsche’s world. When a service tech at a dealership in, say, Los Angeles puts on their glasses and connects via the software to the Atlanta-based Porsche technical support team, it allows the Atlanta crew to see exactly what the mechanic is seeing in real-time. This, as you can imagine, allows both parties to rapidly recognize and resolve technical issues. Porsche says the new system can decrease service time by up to 40 percent. Snazzy!
Photo: Porsche Cars North America Inc.
Detailed Instruction
Tech Live Look also allows the technical support team to take screen shots or send bulletins and instructions onto the projection surface of the glasses while the service technician is working on the vehicle. Obviously this is far more efficient than sending emails and photos or explaining complex technical issues over the phone. It’s sort of like having a more experienced (and cool) mechanic looking over your shoulder, saying stuff like, “okay, you see the exploded view I just sent you? Right. That backing plate is on the other side of the case you’re taking apart right now. So when you get this all broken down, make sure you get that backing plate out too. You do not want to leave it in the case when you put everything back together. Trust me.”
And really, I kind of bristle at the use of the words “service technician.” It seems to lower what they are. Call them mechanics, please.
Fabulous Footnotes
Oh, and here’s an interesting little addendum that Porsche included with their press information on the new AR system: “At the core of this success is Porsche’s proud racing heritage that boasts some 30,000-plus motorsport wins to date.” Whoa, really? 30-thousand. That’s impressive. But if you think about it, Porsche has cranked out so many 911s, and such a large portion of them are raced on such a regular basis – and they are very fast if tricky to drive. So that 30,000 figure seems pretty accurate.
Not sure what that has to do with augmented reality equipped mechanics tearing into the transaxle of your 1978 911 Targa, but it is cool to know. The Tech Live Look system will officially launch in Porsche’s dealerships across North America next 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: Porsche Cars North America Inc.



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Lamborghini Urus: Everything Wrong At Just The Right Time

Lamborghini Urus: Everything Wrong At Just The Right Time

Lamborghini’s new Urus SUV is a rolling testament to everything wrong with the automotive world. It’s overly big, half-ugly, ostensibly made for a job it will never do and could never complete, and sold to people with too much money and not enough taste. The new Lamborghini Urus is the exact wrong car but it’s hitting at the perfect time. It is a dead on bullseye for a market where luxury SUVs are all the rage.
$200,000. That, as you are no doubt wondering, is the price of Lamborghini’s Urus SUV. That is not cheap, by any stretch, but it is right within the price point for cars like the ones Lambo already makes.
I have no doubt they will sell every last Urus they make. Every last one.
Power & Performance
Sadly, there is no V12 sitting beneath the bonnet of the Urus. That would either be too much to hope for, or just so disgustingly excessive that even Lambo realized it would move us all one step closer to Le rasoir national. Nope, the Urus is propelled by a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 plant that puts out 650 horsepower and 627 lb-ft. torque, starting way down low at 2,250 rpm. Not at all bad. When you combine that with a curb weight of around 4,850 lbs. (mom says I’m not fat, just big boned) you get to 60 in 3.6 seconds, 124 in 12.8 seconds, and to a top speed of 190. Lamborghini says it’s one of the best power-to-weight ratios in the class.
Obviously, the Urus is the fastest SUV available. Until Porsche totally loses its schnitzel and makes a Cayenne with enough power to reach orbital velocities.
All that power is put to the tarmac (or gravel or sand) through an automatic eight-speed gearbox and a four-wheel drive and torque vectoring system. The transmission is an electro-hydraulically controlled planetary setup, with very short low gear ratios and longer high gears. Also in the drivetrain you’ll find a slip-controlled converter lock-up clutch and specially-developed torque converter.
The four-wheel drive system itself has a Torsen central self-locking differential, with a torque split of 40/60 to the independent front/rear axle as standard. Maximum torque of 70 percent to the front or 87 percent to the rear can be dialed up. The Urus also has active torque vectoring via the rear differential for additional steering control, less steering effort, higher cornering speeds, and a “more sporty drive.”
Photo: Automobili Lamborghini.
Drive Modes & Off-Road Attributes
There are four driving modes: STRADA, TERRA (for off-road), SABBIA (for sand), and NEVE (for snow). In SPORT and CORSA modes, torque vectoring helps provide more oversteer. Lambo says the SABBIA mode is calibrated to “guarantee agility and precision on terrains with reduced grip such as on gravel or sand dunes, making it the ideal mode for off-road fun.” I won’t say anything further about that assertion. The Lamborghini Urus also has rear-wheel steering, seemingly using the same system found on the Aventador S. Since – let’s face it – this is a large, tall and heavy vehicle, anything that can tighten that turning radius has to be seen as a benefit.
The brakes are these big carbon ceramic jobs that clock in at 440 x 40 mm at the front and 370 x 30 mm at the back. The wheels, an important accessory when parking on Rodeo Drive, range from 21 to 23-inches and come fitted with an assortment of summer, winter, all-season, all-terrain, and sport tires specially developed by Pirelli. There is an optional Off-Road Package that includes specific metal-reinforced bumpers and additional under floor protection for “off-roading in the snow, forest or even dune surfing,” according to Lamborghini.
I’m sorry. I just shot Mountain Dew out of my nose I was laughing so hard at that one. Dune Surfing? You have got to be joking. I’d pay real money to see the footage of some knob-wad beaching his $200,000 “off-roader” in the sand.
Photo: Automobili Lamborghini.


Interior Treatments
The interior of the Lamborghini Urus is said to be quite practical and usable and comfortable. On the inside you get a “Unicolor” theme; leather trim comes in either Nero Ade or Grigio Octans (i.e. black or gray) with five additional, unspecified optional colors. The dashboard is finished in Piano Black and Brushed Aluminum with options like Open Pore wood included in combination with aluminum and carbon fiber.
The infotainment system promises a number of connectivity features while the Lamborghini Smartphone Interface is compatible with both Apple and Android devices. The LIS infotainment display is split across two screens: the upper screen for entertainment, media, navigation, telephone, and vehicle status; the lower screen for cliamte and seat heating functions. The lower screen also has a keyboard and supports hand written commands for inputting information.
There’s no mention of exterior colors, but I bet a dollar to a doughnut they will be as subtle and restrained as Lemmy Kilmister midway through his second bottle of Jack Daniels.
Photo: Automobili Lamborghini.
Availability
The new Lamborghini Urus hits dealers in the spring of 2018. Plan on seeing it in countless mediocre rap videos, driven by The Bad Guys in every third-rate Michael Bay movie, and poorly parked by their “bad boy” owners – no doubt the sons of hedge fund managers, Hollywood movie producers, and criminal defense attorneys – on country club lawns throughout our once green and pleasant land.
Below the gallery is a handy-dandy chart from Lamborghini with all (and I do mean all) of the technical deets.
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.
Lamborghini Urus Gallery




















Lamborghini Urus Technical Data
CHASSIS AND BODY


Body and Frame
Integral lightweight body in aluminum composite design

Suspension Geometry
Multi-link front and rear

Suspension Type
Adaptive air suspension with electromechanical active roll stabilization

Brakes
Front and rear carbon ceramic

Calipers
Front aluminum 10 piston brake calipers:
21″ with radial fixing and pistons with phenolic insertRear cast iron floating 6 piston brake calipers:
19″ with integrated electric parking brake

Discs (front – rear)
Carbon ceramic discs
(Ø 440 x 40 mm – Ø 370 x 30 mm)

Steering
Steering gear with different servotronic characteristics and Lamborghini Rear-wheel Steering (LRS), managed by the Tamburo drive modes
Steering Wheel Ratio
13.3:1
Steering Wheel Turns
Lock to Lock
2.29
Steering Wheel Diameter
376 mm
Tires (range)
Pirelli P Zero, Front: 285/45 R21 up to 285/35 R23
Rear: 315/40 R21 up to 325/30 R23
Wheels (range)
Front: 9,5Jx21″ up to 10Jx23″
Rear: 10,5Jx21″ up to 11,5Jx23″
Turning Circle
11.8 m
Airbags
Up to 8 Airbags
ENGINE

Type
Petrol V8, 90°
Displacement
3.996 ccm
Valve Per Cylinder
4
Valve Timing
Intake and exhaust camshaft adjusted continuously
Turbocharger
Bi-turbo twin-scroll
Maximum Power
650 hp (478 kW) at 6,000 rpm
Specific Power Output
162.7 hp/l

Maximum Torque
850 Nm at 2,250-4,500 rpm

Maximum RPM
6,800 rpm

DRIVETRAIN


Transmission
4WD with integrated front differential,
central differential (Torsen) and active
torque vectoring rear differential

Gearbox
8-speed automatic gearbox, characteristic depending on drive mode

PERFORMANCE


Top Speed
305 km/h

Acceleration 0-100 km/h
[0-62 mph]
3.6 sec.

Acceleration 0-200 km/h
[0-124 mph]
12.8 sec.

Braking 100-0 km/h
[62-0 mph]
33,7 m

DIMENSIONS AND WEIGHT


Wheelbase
3,003 mm

Overall Length
5,112 mm

Overall Width
(excluding mirrors)
2,016 mm

Overall Height
1,638 mm

Track (front – rear)
1,695 mm – 1,710 mm

Ground Clearance
158 mm – 248 mm (adjustable via air suspension)

Curb Weight
2,200 kg

Weight-to-Power Ratio
3.38 kg/hp

CAPACITIES


Fuel Tank
85 liters (75 liters U.S. Market)

Luggage Compartment
616 liters – 1,596 liters

CONSUMPTION


Combined Cycle
12,7 l/100 km

CO2 Emissions
290 g/km
Photos & Source: Automobili Lamborghini.



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