Automotive

Eliminate Nasty Rock Chips With The Right Touch-Up Paint: Here’s How

Eliminate Nasty Rock Chips With The Right Touch-Up Paint: Here’s How My wife has a car that goes through the paces here in Michigan. Maybe you know the feeling as well with your own vehicle. She commutes to work about 60 miles each day, round trip, and has done so for the last several years. The miles bring with it a plethora of dents and dings and scratches, with rock chips especially common as a result of her frequent highway driving. Those who live in Midwestern states know the salt wreaks havoc on your paint too; and this past winter felt like a long one.
A Rocky Outcome
Those chips and dings are affecting your car’s curb appeal in the short term, but more importantly, its resale value in the long run. When you trade your car in, dealers look at the exterior condition as one of the factors in determining what they will pay you for it. It’s best to take care of these pesky rock chips and dings as they come up. After working with Robert’s Paint Care recently, we believe their products, when used properly, can help preserve the resale value of your car.
Disclosure: This article is sponsored by Robert’s Paint Care. The products below were sent to me at no charge. The views and opinions expressed here are strictly my own and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of Automoblog. For more information, please review our advertising guidelines.
From The Family Line
Robert’s Paint Care sent us a sample of their Automotive Touch Up Paint to use on my wife’s car. The company started in 1962 as a provider of automotive finishes, mainly to car dealerships and body shops. By 1990, Robert’s Paint Care expanded into the industrial and manufacturing sector; for the last ten years now, the family-run company has gained traction in the consumer market with products like the Automotive Touch Up Paint they sent us. Robert’s Paint Care uses Sherwin-Williams paint for all of their touch-up products, and offers detailed video instructions for more complicated repairs.
Robert’s Paint Care provided us a 12 oz. bottle (their largest) and a smaller bottle of sterling gray paint, which matched the color of my wife’s car. The bottle of the latter is just 2 oz. by comparison; it looks and feels small, but the reality is, that little bit will go a long way. Together with the 12 oz. bottle of aerosol clear coat, it should last you the life of your vehicle. This was a relief for me. Let’s just say, that when I really started looking, there were more rock chips on my wife’s hood than I originally thought.
Three Different Sizes
The 2 oz. bottle of paint includes a brush and with it, three different aerosol spray cans: the 4.5 oz., the 9 oz., and the 12 oz. The aerosol clear coat is applied after the paint in the smaller bottle. The smaller bottle and brush is ideal for those minimal touch ups, like the rock chips we have been discussing. Both bottles come with their own individual brush as to not contaminate them. Pricing ranges between $16.95 and $35.95, depending on how large of a bottle you need.
Robert’s Paint Care provided us a 12 oz. bottle of aerosol clear coat (left) and a smaller bottle of sterling gray paint, which matched the color of my wife’s car.
Application & Use (How We Eliminated Our Rock Chips)
Even if you’ve never worked with touch up-paint before, the brushes provided by Robert’s Paint Care make it easy to fill in chips and dings. While we had a paper towel handy to dab any excess off the brush, for the most part, the brush holds the paint in place. This is nice because I didn’t have to worry about the paint dripping on other parts of the car while I was working. I was able to go slowly as I applied each layer.
After you apply the paint from the 2 oz. bottle, Robert’s Paint Care suggests waiting for 15 minutes before applying the clear coat from the aerosol can. After that time has passed, spray the contents of the aerosol clear coat into a separate or even a disposable container. Note that it will dissolve Styrofoam (and quickly) so opt for a good durable plastic or metal. Once you have the liquid in your container, you are ready to apply the clear coat over top of the paint from the 2 oz. bottle.
Here are the official instructions Robert’s Paint Care sent us:
Dip the brush in the 2 oz. bottle of paint and apply to the clean surface of the car.
After 15 minutes, spray the clear coat (12 oz. bottle) in a smaller, separate container or cap.
Use the brush to apply the clear coat over the top of the previous layer of paint.
When applying the touch-up paint, take your time and go slowly.
An Added Bonus
The 2 oz. bottle of paint matched really well, something that’s easy to be leery about when it comes to touch-up paint. Automotive paints are specific and even the slightest difference in shade and hue is noticeable. I gave Robert’s Paint Care the code on the door jamb, and was relieved to find it was a perfect match when I started working. Just do the same when you contact them. Rest assured, it will be the exact color.
Rock Chips (Before Robert’s Paint Care Helped Us)
The rock chips on the hood are a result of my wife driving about 60 miles round trip on her daily commute.
And After: Night & Day Difference
The next morning you could not tell we had applied the paint the night before.
The Total Package
For those who are completely DIY when it comes to their car, Robert’s Paint Care offers a host of professional-grade products, from blending solvents and polyester finishing putty; to resin fiber discs and waterproof sand paper. Their comprehensive touch-up and repair kits include one for cracked bumpers; another for deep scratches, and another yet for perforation caused by rust.
However, for the average chip and crack, what we are reviewing here is plenty.
With regard to the Automotive Touch Up Paint specifically, it’s something both professionals and the everyday driver can use. It’s fairly straightforward in its application, but has the type of quality you would expect in a body shop or dealership. As we were applying the paint to our rock chips, my wife said it was as easy as “using nail polish.”
Robert’s Paint Care offers a host of professional-grade products, including this bottle of touch-up paint we used on my wife’s car.
Putting It All Together
Last – but not least – the biggest benefit we found working with Robert’s Paint Care was how friendly they were. Seriously. That goes a long way with us car folk. Prior to receiving the products for this article, I had a few questions about touch-up paint in general. It’s been some time since I was a young service advisor. And even then, I was in the service drive and not the body shop. I kept thinking I was somehow going to mess up when it came to applying the paint.
However, the rep from Robert’s Paint Care was friendly and patient with me, and we have every reason to believe they would be with you. We would recommend their Automotive Touch Up Paint for those unsightly dings, dents, and especially rock chips.
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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Lexus To Reveal New Crossover In Geneva

Lexus To Reveal New Crossover In Geneva Lexus will unveil the new UX crossover at the Geneva International Motor Show on March 6th. The all-new compact crossover will be the fifth member of the brand’s portfolio of luxury utility vehicles. Lexus will also showcase the LF-1 Limitless Concept, first revealed at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan in January. The flagship concept, as Lexus describes it, will make its official European debut.
RX L Premiere
Lexus will also host the European premiere of the RX L, a new version of the RX crossover with three rows of seats to accommodate seven passengers. Lexus says the seating arrangements are flexible and the load-carrying ability is “excellent.” The RX L’s interior has increased due to the extension of the overall vehicle by 4.3 inches, although Lexus says they wanted to maintain a coupe-like profile.
In Person
Other Lexus highlights at the 2018 Geneva International Motor Show include the Special Edition RC F coupe, created to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Lexus F. The Lexus Press Conference with the new Head of Lexus Europe, Pascal Ruch, will take place on March 6th at 10am at the Lexus stand in hall 4.
Photo & Source: Lexus.

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Letter From The UK: Brexit Britain: Is The Dust Settling?

Letter From The UK: Brexit Britain: Is The Dust Settling?
When you look at British politics, or indeed politics almost anywhere in the world, you can see division through adherence to outmoded ideology, and petulant antagonistic disagreement on how to achieve exactly the same ends. All countries want the same thing: they want to be successful economically, safe, secure, and at peace. Who can possibly have a problem with that? Politicians, that’s who.
Brexit Disagreement
For months now, the deal for Britain’s exit from the European Union has seemed to be in a state of limbo. Like swans swimming, everything appears calm on the surface but under the water there is furious paddling.
Now, the European Union is run on a day-to-day basis by unelected bureaucrats. They are a pretty obnoxious bunch and the most odious of all is their chief negotiator in the Brexit talks, a certain Michel Barnier. In a speech the other week, he laid down some extra penalty clauses targeted at the so-called “transition” period when Britain leaves the Union. This caused a major argument. The good news is that he overstepped the mark and was slapped down by senior politicians from various countries.
This brief fracas could be the single one thing that changes everything because, essentially, both sides ultimately want the same thing.
Michel Barnier, European Chief Negotiator for the United Kingdom Exiting the European Union. Photo: DG EMPL.
Visit To Germany
The economic powerhouse that is the German nation is at the heart of the EU and its Chancellor, the formidable Angela Merkel, has always wanted to be the boss of us all, hence her enthusiasm for the Union. That said, her own dissatisfied countrymen gave her a bit of a kicking at their recent elections, and she is now clinging onto power by means of a coalition with another political party that she otherwise despises.
Meanwhile, enter – stage left – the British Prime Minister, the conflicted Theresa May, whose “wait-and-see” attitude to Brexit has infuriated everyone. She too has finally seen fit to shape up before she is booted out and arrived for a meeting with Frau Merkel, where we saw, for the first time, a softening of European attitudes. This is because something that we ordinary folk have always known has suddenly appeared to dawn on both official sides of the Brexit negotiations: economic success cuts both ways.
Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Theresa May. Photo: Policy Exchange.
Importance of The German Car Industry
If Germany herself is the most successful powerhouse of the European continent, so the German car industry is the single most important component of that success. Look at the list: Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Audi, Volkswagen, Porsche. Impressive huh? These are some of the biggest, most successful car makers in the world and they are not happy.
All the talk so far has been about how badly the UK will fare when we leave the Union, especially if there is a failure to agree on trading terms (or a “hard” Brexit as it is being called). What the EU negotiators failed to realise when they played hardball at the negotiating table is that trade is a two-way street. The German car industry will suffer hugely in terms of exports. There is already talk of job losses and a slow down in production because those brands sell so well in Great Britain. Also, around a fifth of all componentry used in German car construction is made in the UK. In short, if we have to suffer the consequences of a failure to agree, so will they.
At the aforementioned meeting, Angela Merkel was thus much more conciliatory. I would suggest that behind this sudden softening of attitude are some strong words from high-ranking car industry bigwigs. Sort it out, in other words. The time for silly political wrangling and dogmatic posturing has passed. Politicians know that economics is all, and that is what ultimately will drive a mutually beneficial Brexit.
Geoff Maxted is a motoring writer, photographer, and author of our Letter From The UK series. Follow his work on Twitter: @DriveWrite
Theresa May photo via Policy Exchange.
Michel Barnier photo via DG EMPL.

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Supercar Superbuild Shines With Honest, Heartfelt Approach

Supercar Superbuild Shines With Honest, Heartfelt Approach When we see our dream cars they always look so pristine and perfect. In fact, they look so good it’s hard to imagine them as anything but perfect. Yet, how our dream cars arrive at this point is something of a story, and Supercar Superbuild on the Smithsonian Channel tells that story in vivid detail. The show goes behind the scenes where we see the high-stakes gambles, engineering challenges, impossible deadlines, and clandestine meetings that often make up a car’s life.
“Part of the story telling is about the stakes involved and these massive bets made by teams of talented people,” explained Dylan Weiss, Executive Producer of Supercar Superbuild for Cry Havoc Productions. “There is a lot of heart and hard work and effort that goes into making a car, and it’s much more than the collection of its parts.”
Little Wonders
Weiss says doing the show has taught him even the smallest, most insignificant parts are anything but. He still marvels at the thousands that need to be designed, engineered, and tested for any one vehicle. These little, yet significant realizations are woven through the Supercar Superbuild fabric, and for viewers the payoff is remarkable.
“We have been very fortunate to get this working man’s Ph.D. on how a car factory works,” Weiss said. “When we walk up and down the lines and see little grommets – somebody had to make that – they are making that to put food on their table and to put their kids through school.”
Eventually, all those little grommets add up to our favorite cars.
“I can’t think of a better thing than how out of that comes this product of joy for someone else,” Weiss continued. “My hope is that if people catch our show, they get a chance to see that.”
A Porsche 911 on the line before being “married” to its engine in Zuffenhausen, Germany. Porsche is one of the manufacturers featured in season two of Supercar Superbuild. Photo: Dylan Weiss.
Profound People & Powerful Impacts
The archival footage and historical information is one of the most enjoyable parts of the show, and we see plenty of both this season. We also meet the executives, artisans, designers, and engineers responsible for getting our dream cars to reality. As we get to know them, we begin to understand how our favorite cars come to fruition, and why they contain the engineering and design characteristics they do.
“There’s a lot of humanity to it,” Weiss said. “Every brand is different for a reason, and I think the people behind those brands ought to be celebrated, both for their engineering prowess and their craftsmanship.”
One example Weiss cites is when their cameras traveled to Detroit, Michigan to cover the Chevy Camaro for the show’s current season. Prior to meeting Camaro Chief Engineer Al Oppenheiser, Weiss had met Dave Pericak, who before his current role as Ford’s Engineering Director for Unibody, was Chief Engineer of the 50th Anniversary Ford Mustang. These two engineers overseeing two different platforms had a profound impact on Weiss.
“I can’t think of two guys who represent their cars better,” he said. “That chess match they play every year: ‘how much horsepower is he going to go up by, what do I have to do, how much faster do I have to get’ – that back and forth is pretty incredible.”
“I don’t necessarily look at a Camaro as a Camaro, I look at it as Al’s car,” Weiss said, who snapped this photo of a 2016 Camaro SS at Lansing Grand River Assembly. “Even if I end up in an airport with a rental, it’s not just some big bleak corporation; it’s a person’s machine, and they put their heart and soul into it.”
Generational Pride
The automotive business is similar to other industries in the sense it is passed down from generation to generation. We see this in Detroit, our publication’s principal location and home. Much like a Midwestern farmer might be honored to pass his land to his eldest son, it’s a similar idea here in the mighty Motor City. Weiss says this idea – like the small parts on the assembly line or two engineers in competition – has really stuck with him.
“We’ve been fortunate to connect with all of these multi-generational stories, especially in areas like Detroit or the Midlands of the UK, where jobs are almost handed down father to son, mother to daughter, mother to son; however you wanna do it,” Weiss said. “We end up meeting a fair number of GM families or Ford families or Alfa Romeo families.”
During season two of Supercar Superbuild, a father-and-son duo who work together in the Jaguar factory are profiled. Photo: Dylan Weiss.
Personal Journey
The auto industry’s intangible elements undoubtedly strike a chord with Weiss, and it’s evident in his work with Supercar Superbuild. His dad produced Peter Jennings on ABC World News Tonight and spent most of his career in big journalism. Weiss, a USC film school graduate, rode motorcycles with his dad for years, with those rides turning into conversations on how they could take their passion for anything with an engine and turn it into something viable.
“We were sitting at a bar one day after 200 glorious miles of riding up the California coast, having an adult beverage, and watching the sunset,” Weiss recalled. “We looked at each other and said ‘what do you want to do when you grow up,’ and both of us realized we wanted to make original programming.”
Coming To Fruition
That conversation, now 17 years ago, lead Weiss and his father to start Cry Havoc Productions, the company that produces Supercar Superbuild. The show, now in its second season, is signed on for another with the Smithsonian Channel. Weiss and his team are currently working on the third season, and it’s clear none of them take it for granted.
“Basically everyone on my crew is a car guy and it’s just a real blessing to do this,” Weiss said. “These are companies putting people through college, putting food on the table, and making sure the next generation has a roof over their heads. That’s pretty incredible and I think we get lost in that sometimes.”
Quality control associates inspect an aluminum body for a future Mercedes-Benz vehicle in Weinsberg, Germany. Mercedes-Benz is among the automakers featured in season two of Supercar Superbuild. Photo: Dylan Weiss.
When & Where
Supercar Superbuild airs Tuesdays at 9 p.m. Eastern/Pacific (check local listings) on the Smithsonian Channel. Our recommendation is to just purchase the entire show if you are able to. In a world where we are bombarded by multiple streaming services and TV programs, many of which offer little to no intrinsic value, it’s rare when we get to enjoy something as heartfelt and honest as Supercar Superbuild.
“We want accessible, friendly programming that the whole family can watch,” Weiss said. “We want to give the whole family some insight into the design, engineering, and the people behind the machines.”
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.

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The 2019 Mercedes-AMG G63: Faster Than You Think!

The 2019 Mercedes-AMG G63: Faster Than You Think! The 2019 Mercedes-AMG G63 still looks like the crate it was shipped in, which, to me, is one of the more charming things about it. Sure, they’ve rounded the corners, did some nips and tucks and contouring and such here and there, but the new G63 still looks like what anything that can go off road should look like: Honest. And even though the latest G-Class can go off road, and even though 99 percent of them never will, the most interesting thing about it is the big whompin’ stompin’ hootin’ hollerin’ V8 engine.
With two turbos.
Sure, the 2019 Mercedes-AMG G63 has lots of nifty tech and convenience features, that’s true, but this engine is really worth looking at.
Power & Performance
It’s a handcrafted AMG-built 4.0-liter V8 biturbo mill that replaces the outgoing 5.5-liter V8 biturbo engine in the previous G63. I know. If it’s a G63, shouldn’t the plant be, oh, 6.3-liters big? Dunno. Ask the Germans. There’s bound to be some logic there. There always is. Anyway, the new double-blown engine puts out 577 horsepower and dispenses 627 lb-ft. of torque to the sand, gravel, mud, logging roads, or the parking lot at your Bikram Yoga class down at the strip mall.
To make all that go and grunt even more fun, Merc has seen fit to deliver most of it across a rev range between 2,500 and 3,500 rpm. Bottom line: zero to 60 mph in just 4.4 seconds! Yes, that’s astonishingly quick for a box that weighs about what a Panzer IV weighed. That’s also 0.9 seconds faster than the previous model. So there. Top speed is an impressive (although limited) 137 mph, or 149 mph if you opt for the AMG Driver‘s package.
Two twin scroll turbochargers are used for optimal response, according to Mercedes-Benz. The housing is divided into two parallel flow channels, combined with two separate exhaust ducts in the exhaust manifold. This makes it possible to control exhaust gases on the turbine wheel separately. The goal is to prevent the individual cylinders from having mutually adverse effects on the gas cycle. Photo: MBUSA.
Unique Layout
The strange thing is the physical layout of the plant and all its ancillaries. The two turbochargers, for instance, are not positioned on the outside of the cylinders but inside the cylinder “V.” Mercedes-Benz says the advantages are a compact engine design, spontaneous response of the turbochargers, and low exhaust emissions thanks to optimal airflow to the “near-engine catalysts.” My take on the disadvantages come down to two words: Heat soak. But I got to figure a bunch of German engineers know more about die Thermodynamik than I do. I hope.
And speaking of German engineers, they’ve also tweaked the pistons, optimized intercooling, and rolled out extensive software upgrades. Spray-guided direct gasoline injection with piezo injectors? Check. An all-aluminum crankcase? Yes, but how it handles the stresses on the bottom end is beyond me. There’s also a four-valve per cylinder design with camshaft adjustment, air-to-water intercooling, alternator management (not sure what they mean by that), an ECO start/stop function, and a gliding mode. And no, I’m not sure what they mean by gliding mode either.
Photo: MBUSA.
Transmission Tech
That new engine is mated to an AMG nine-speed transmission, running model-specific software for shorter shift times, a multiple downshift function, and a double-declutching function in “Sport” and “Sport Plus” modes. Further down the pipeline is a standard-specification AMG Performance 4MATIC all-wheel drive system. The front/rear split of 40 to 60 percent favors a more rear-biased torque distribution.
There’s an off-road reduction gear for difficult terrain that can be engaged via the low range switch at speeds of up to 25 mph. The new multiplate clutch behaves like an automatically controlled locking differential that can switch to 100 percent locking. The locks at the front and rear axle diffs do so with a dog clutch and a 100 percent locking effect, and all the locks can be engaged individually while on the move. Pretty trick.
The 2019 Mercedes-AMG G63 features a double-wishbone front suspension mounted directly to the ladder-type frame. The strut tower brace, known as a suspension bridge, now connects the front strut towers, which increases torsional rigidity. At the rear, the axle is guided with four longitudinal control arms on each side and a Panhard rod. Photo: MBUSA.
Suspension Setup
The suspension system has been completely redesigned by Mercedes-AMG and features coil springs all-round and, for the first time, the front axle has an independent, double wishbone suspension. Out back, there is the tried but true rigid axle with a five-link suspension. The new G63 has electromechanical speed-sensitive steering for the first time, with a variable ratio, in a choice of two modes: Comfort or Sport. Further goodies include a driver’s choice of five AMG on-road modes: Slippery, Comfort, Sport, Sport+, and Individual.
If you go off-road, you can choose from three modes: Sand, Trail, and Rock.

Interior Views
And on the inside, you will find a modern interior. The dashboard has been completely redesigned with analogue tubes and dial instruments standard. You have the option of the fully digital Widescreen Cockpit with virtual instruments, and a central display above the center console with three selectable views: Classic, Sporty, and Progressive.
Pricing & In Person
No word on price or availability, but I bet it’s in showrooms by this fall and will cost an astonishing amount. The 2019 Mercedes-AMG G63 debuts officially at the Geneva International Motor Show beginning on March 8th.
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.
2019 Mercedes-AMG G63 Gallery

Photos & Source: MBUSA.

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VW Pulls Steering Wheel, Pushes For Future Value With I.D. Vizzion

VW Pulls Steering Wheel, Pushes For Future Value With I.D. Vizzion
Volkswagen is going fully autonomous for the upcoming Geneva International Motor Show. Meet the I.D. Vizzion, the latest autonomous concept that showcases VW’s claim for “future individual mobility.” The Vizzion concept is the fourth and largest member of the electrified I.D. family, but it’s remarkably different than its brethren.
“Inside the I.D. Vizzion, a completely new feeling of driving and living is created without a steering wheel or visible controls,” reads a statement from VW.
Hard to have any feeling of driving when there isn’t a steering wheel but okay.
Emotion, Innovation & Service
Technicalities aside about the absence of a steering wheel, VW is showing how the future of transportation can be exciting: that vehicles can and will retain their distinct, emotional designs. In other words, the autonomous era is not likely to be filled with boring pods – at least not if VW has anything to say about it per the I.D. Vizzion.
“With its innovative technology, fully-automated operating concept, and elegant form, the premium class saloon is showing the direction Volkswagen is taking in the technology and design of its future electric models,” reads a statement from the automaker.
VW wants to apply said innovative technology toward a cleaner, safer, and more comfortable automobile. Part of their goal with the I.D. Vizzion is to make sure future mobility is not devoid of added value. In other words, how will all these headlines about automated driving really benefit the consumer? Are they just lofty promises, or are they something more? For VW, it’s the latter as engineers worked to include the benefits of autonomous driving within the I.D. Vizzion. This naturally means occupant safety, but it reaches beyond that.
For example, when the “Digital Chauffeur” is driving, passengers now have time to focus on other things. Perhaps they want to chat or get caught up on their reading? If they need anything changed inside the vehicle, a virtual host responds to voice prompts and gesture controls, and knows the preferred settings of each person using the vehicle. For those unable to drive – the elderly and disabled come to mind – VW will likely present the I.D. Vizzion concept as way for them to have mobility.
Photo: Volkswagen of America, Inc.
Power & Performance
The I.D. Vizzion is nearly 17 feet long, giving passengers plenty of room to stretch out and get comfortable. While VW is slim on the engineering specs, they do say the vehicle has two electric motors that drive all four wheels. The 111 kWh lithium-ion batteries enable a range of up to 413 miles when regenerative braking is factored in. Top speed is 112 mph, a little bit faster than we initially expected.
Future Models
Electrification and technology of this sort will be huge for VW in the near future. By 2025, the brand plans to introduce more than 20 electrified models. The first, the I.D., an electric compact car, will arrive in 2020. After that, a new electric SUV called the I.D. Crozz and then the I.D. Buzz. In the meantime, the I.D. Vizzion will be on display at the Geneva International Motor Show beginning on March 8th.
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.
Photo: Volkswagen of America, Inc.
Photos & Source: Volkswagen of America, Inc.

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Nissan’s Biggest Growth Area Probably Comes As No Surprise

Nissan’s Biggest Growth Area Probably Comes As No Surprise By now, we know consumers across the planet have an insatiable appetite for SUVs. But if there was any doubt, Nissan revealed a few figures recently that highlight their SUV and crossover business. Let’s just say business is good. Nissan’s global crossover and SUV sales increased more than 12 percent last year to over 2 million vehicles. By comparison, Infiniti crossovers and SUVs were up almost nine percent last year, with the QX30 seeing a 97 percent sales increase alone. In total, Nissan’s global crossover and SUV volume rose by nearly 230,000 vehicles in 2017.
The all-new Kicks played a significant part in Nissan’s global SUV expansion. The smaller crossover has already been on sale for the last year in Mexico, Latin America, and China, moving some 109,000 units. The Kicks made its North American debut at the 2017 Los Angeles Auto Show and will arrive later this year in the United States and Canada.
2018 Nissan Kicks. Photo: Nissan North America.
Heavy Hitters
Other big names include the Rogue, X-Trail, and Qashqai compact models. The platform mates generated more than 1.38 million sales worldwide last year – an increase of 10 percent – meaning it’s now Nissan’s top platform by volume. The larger and recently refreshed Armada remained strong in the United States, along with the Patrol in the Middle East. Sales of that platform increased a whopping 79 percent worldwide to nearly 80,000 units.
“The improvement in our global crossover and SUV sales made a significant contribution to Nissan’s growth in 2017,” explained Daniele Schillaci, Executive Vice President, Nissan. “We expect our momentum to accelerate in 2018 as we expand Kicks availability to the U.S. and Canada, execute the global launch of the new Infiniti QX50 luxury midsize crossover, and start sales of the Datsun Cross in Indonesia.”
2019 Infiniti QX50. Photo: Infiniti Motor Company Ltd.
New Technology & Strong Markets
Infiniti plans to launch the QX50 next month. The midsize crossover is built on a new platform and features a unique variable compression ratio engine called a VC-Turbo. Nissan says the QX50 is in the “sweet spot” of one of the fastest growing segments in the world, citing that the premium midsize crossover market has quadrupled in China and more than doubled in the U.S. Elsewhere around the globe, Nissan’s stong crossover and SUV sales were helped by a 94 percent improvement in Latin America.
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.

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Dodge Challenger SRT Demon: The Tilted Halo Car

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

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

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

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

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

Subculture Hero

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

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

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

Differing Viewpoints

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

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

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

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

Photos & Source: FCA US LLC.

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

2017 NAIAS - Volkswagen I.D. Buzz Concept

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

What’s going on?

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

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

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

What powers it?

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

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

What else is cool about it?

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

Will it go on sale? And for how much?

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

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

– By: Chris Chin

The post 2017 NAIAS: The Volkswagen I.D. Buzz is yet another bus concept for Detroit appeared first on egmCarTech.

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