Automotive

McLaren North America Delivers 5,000th Vehicle

McLaren North America Delivers 5,000th Vehicle McLaren North America recently celebrated the delivery of its 5,000th car in the North American market. The milestone machine, a Silica White 570S Spider, was purchased by California physician Dr. Gary Leach.
“The McLaren 570S Spider really appealed to me as an amazing combination of a car that can be comfortable and enjoyable for a daily driver, but that has the performance, gearshift, and brakes that will allow me to fully enjoy it on a track day,” he said.
Humble Beginnings
McLaren Automotive retailed its first vehicle in North America in December 2011, which now represents more than a third of the company’s global sales. McLaren’s growth doubled in 2016 following the introduction of the 570 Sports Series line, with 2017 seeing the addition of the 570S Spider and the Super Series 720S.
“From small beginnings back in 2011, we have firmly established the McLaren range of sportscars and supercars as class leaders that appeal to a wide range of discerning enthusiasts,” said Tony Joseph, President, McLaren North America. “We are experiencing unprecedented growth in the North American market from just a handful of cars in 2011 to more than 1,200 retail sales here last year.”
Continued Expansion
McLaren is expanding their network of retailers in North America as new models like the track-focused McLaren Senna arrive later this year. As part of the company’s Track 22 business plan, McLaren will launch another 12 cars by 2022, with half its offerings being hybrids by then. 22 is also the current number of McLaren retailers in North America.
“We are taking steps to ensure that our presence and customer service is at the cutting edge of the luxury performance car market,” Joseph said.
The Automoblog Staff contributed to this report and can be reached anytime.
Photo & Source: McLaren Automotive.

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Vision Mercedes-Maybach Ultimate Luxury: Jurassic Ark

Vision Mercedes-Maybach Ultimate Luxury: Jurassic Ark What is this thing? Mercedes says it’s a crossover based on an exclusive high-end sedan and an SUV. I can kind of take their word for it. I can also say this is a lumpen blunder of the highest order. And given that this thing is enormous – 207 inches, about three-fifths as long as a London bus – this is a huge mistake!
Just to get you up to speed, Maybach, which used to be its own company back in the 1930s, was revived a while back as its own “brand” again by its owner, Mercedes, and then absorbed into Mercedes as sort of an uber-S-Class.
Hold The Subtlety Please
Maybachs are the ultra-glitzy cars just north of the best “normal” Mercedes you can get. The only person I ever heard of buying one of the reconstituted Maybachs was Samuel L. Jackson, which kind of makes sense. I doubt that Mr. Jackson will be buying one of these, however, since he strikes me as a man of taste and bearing, both of which the Vision Mercedes-Maybach Ultimate Luxury lacks.
Oh, and while I’m here: Vision Mercedes-Maybach Ultimate Luxury. I’ve heard more imaginative names for Soviet fishing trawlers.
I guess the Vision Mercedes-Maybach Ultimate Luxury (snicker) aims to be the nee plus ultra of luxo-crossover-SUVs. It’s as if Merc took one look at the Bentley Bentayga and said, “Halte mein Bier!” This thing is stuffed to the rafters with tech and luxury and it’s the size of a Manhattan apartment. This thing is all about presence. This car exists for the sole reason of letting all the little people know how little they are. This is the car Daisy Buchanan would bounce off Myrtle Wilson’s skull.
The Vision Mercedes-Maybach Ultimate Luxury rides on 24-inch wheels. Photo: MBUSA.
Interior Treatments
At least Mercedes-Maybach dials it back on the interior. Apart from there being lots of everything and even the most meaningless of materials rendered in the highest of quality, the inside is done up in a fairly conventional manner. Merc says the colors employed are “typical of the brand” which means rose gold, crystal white, and pearl grey all over the place. And since the Vision Mercedes-Maybach Ultimate Luxury (larf) is designed for chauffeur-driven use, things are sharply focused on the rear passengers and their “well-being.”
However, the front seats do have such niceties like the free-standing, Widescreen Cockpit with two 12.3-inch displays. The seats are framed in rose gold and sheathed in crystal white Nappa leather, and the instrument panel is done up in a shade of brown that features a light metallic finish. Lustrous surfaces in polished aluminum are there to “generate exciting reflections.” Like I said, relatively normal but tacky as a 4th rate casino.
The “tea service” is integrated into a sculpted wooden tray made of ebony known as “Magic Wood.” So many jokes so little time. Photo: MBUSA.
Battery & Powertrain
The powertrain is, at least, interesting. Conceived from the ground up as an electric car, the Vision Mercedes-Maybach Ultimate Luxury (chortle) comes with four compact permanent-magnet synchronous motors, offering fully variable all-wheel drive. The total system output is 750 horsepower. That’s probably just enough, because even though Merc-Bach doesn’t give a figure for this massive beast, you know the all up weight is comparable to a Kriegsmarine mine sweeper.
The battery can be charged by cable at public charging stations, conventional domestic socket outlets or, even more conveniently, via induction: the charging current is transmitted by an electromagnetic field below the car. A fast-charging function, based on the CCS standard, allows a charging capacity of up to 350 kW and can get you enough power to achieve a range of around 60 miles in just five minutes. The battery pack is underneath the floor and has an usable capacity of around 80 kWh, good enough for a range of over 200 miles. The top speed is electronically limited to 155 mph, so that’s fun.
The current Maybach lineup includes the Mercedes-Maybach S 560 4MATIC and Mercedes-Maybach S 650 Sedan. The top model is the Pullman with a special vis-à-vis seating layout behind the partition. The Pullman is not available in the United States. Photo: MBUSA.
Catch 22
The caveats about the Vision Mercedes-Maybach Ultimate Luxury (chuckle) are two. First, it’s a show car. So maybe if we, those of us who have eyes, rage loud enough, Merc-Bach will hear our pleas and never, ever produce this thing.
Second, the Vision Mercedes-Maybach Ultimate Luxury (sneer) is made for and will be shown at the Auto China 2018 show in Beijing, which runs through May 4th. Maybe there’s some subtleties about appealing to the nouveau Chinese oligarch set that I’m missing. Maybe this thing will hit the stands and a bunch of well-healed, routinely corrupt autocrats will say “that’s mine!”
Hey, maybe they built that wall 1,300 years ago to keep this thing in.
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. His forthcoming new book The Future In Front of Me, The Past Behind Me will be available soon. Follow his work on Twitter: @TonyBorroz.
Vision Mercedes-Maybach Ultimate Luxury Gallery

Photos & Source: MBUSA.

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Nissan Reports Growing Demand For Leaf EV

Nissan Reports Growing Demand For Leaf EV The Nissan Leaf is seeing robust growth across all major electric vehicle markets, including Japan, Europe, and the United States. The automaker is reporting a global electric vehicle sales jump of 10 percent last fiscal year, which concluded on March 31st.
“The strong performance of Nissan’s EV models globally is a testimony to our expertise and leadership in electric vehicle technology,” said Nissan Executive Vice President Daniele Schillaci, who heads the company’s EV business. “The Nissan Leaf contributed significantly to the robust growth of Nissan in 2017.”
Emerging Markets
According to Nissan, demand is expected to rise for the second-generation Leaf which offers increased range versus the prior model. The vehicle will arrive in more new markets this fiscal year, including Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Chile, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Hong Kong, Malaysia, New Zealand, Puerto Rico, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand, and Uruguay.
Nissan moved 54,451 Leaf models in fiscal year 2017, a 15 percent increase from 47,423 a year earlier. Nissan has sold more than 320,000 since it was first introduced in 2010. With availability in 51 markets, Nissan says the Leaf is the best-selling electric car in the world. The 2018 model was released late last year.
“We expect its continuous leadership in 2018,” Schillaci added.
2018 Nissan Leaf. Photo: Nissan Motor Corporation.
Safety & Accolades
The 2018 Nissan Leaf comes with ProPILOT autonomous driving technology (ProPILOT Assist in the U.S.), ProPILOT Park and e-Pedal, as well as increased power and range. The new Leaf also received a 5-star safety rating from the Japan New Car Assessment Program in February. The model’s ProPILOT technology helped it score 94.8 points out of a possible 100 for occupant safety in a collision.
The new Nissan Leaf was also named “2018 World Green Car” by the World Car Awards in March.
The Automoblog Staff contributed to this report and can be reached anytime.
Photos & Source: Nissan Motor Corporation.

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Amazon Now Delivers To Late Model GM Vehicles

Amazon Now Delivers To Late Model GM Vehicles Amazon Key is now available nationwide to some seven million owners of eligible Chevrolet, Buick, GMC, and Cadillac vehicles. Amazon Key allows packages to be delivered inside the vehicle, which comes at no additional cost for Amazon Prime members with an active OnStar account.
So far, the service is available in 37 cities with more expected to follow.
“Partnering with Amazon to leverage our embedded in-vehicle connectivity gives Chevrolet, Buick, GMC, and Cadillac owners the option to conveniently receive deliveries inside their vehicle parked at home, work or near other locations in their Amazon address book,” explained Alan Batey, President, General Motors North America. “This is another example of how we provide customers with technologies that add value and enhance the ownership experience.”
With Amazon Key In-Car Delivery, packages can be delivered to a vehicle when it’s parked in a publicly accessible area, such as on the street, at a workplace, in a parking lot or in a driveway. Delivery is available on tens of millions of items sold via Amazon and works with Same Day, Two-Day, and Standard Shipping.
“At Amazon, we are always working to make our customers’ lives easier and we’re excited to bring in-car delivery to Chevrolet, Buick, GMC, and Cadillac owners,” added Peter Larsen, Vice President of Delivery Technology, Amazon. “Prime members now have another way to ensure their packages are safe and secure – all for no additional cost.”
To activate the service, customers can download the Amazon Key App which will link their Amazon and OnStar accounts. Once a delivery location has been registered, customers select the “In-Car” delivery option at checkout. Additional delivery addresses can be added at any time. Customers receive a notification when the delivery is en route, after it’s made, and after the vehicle is relocked.
Amazon Key In-Car Delivery requires a 2015 or newer Chevrolet, Buick, GMC or Cadillac vehicle.
The Automoblog Staff contributed to this report and can be reached anytime.

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2019 Cadillac XT4 Aimed At “Next Generation” of Customers

2019 Cadillac XT4 Aimed At “Next Generation” of Customers Cadillac goes small. I know, for a lot of people, that’s a bad thing to read. Remember when Caddy put out the Catera and the Cimarron? Yeah, those weren’t just bad cars, they were pathetic Cadillacs. Not so with the XT4, an all-new, compact SUV fitted for the next-gen of luxury customers.
It looks like fairly recently, someone, somewhere within the confines of the Cadillac office in New York City (did you know they were based there?) realized that simply telling people you’re the “standard of the world” is just the start. You can’t just say it, you have to do it. And, thankfully, Caddy seems to be doing it these days.
It’s hard to argue with rides like V-Series CTSs and stuff like that, and with everyone obligated to make a whole range of SUVs, Caddy has finally grabbed the last niche in that world too. The XT4 was ushered into existence by a team of young designers, a smooth move since “the young” are the heart of the XT4’s target demographic. The XT4 (although a bland and hopeless name) is part of Cadillac’s new “Y” trim strategy of Luxury, Premium Luxury, and Sport models, said to offer distinctive styling and trim finishes.
Photo: Cadillac.
Interior Highlights
It breaks down like this: The XT4 Luxury has Light Platinum/Jet Black with Aluminum Metallized decor trim; the XT4 Premium Luxury gets Jet Black with Diamond-Cut Aluminum, Light Platinum/Jet Black with Linear Galaxy High-Gloss Wood, or Sedona/Jet Black with Fineline Calico High-Gloss Wood. The XT4 Sport gets lots of black and chrome bits: Jet Black with Cinnamon Accents with Twenty-Two High-Gloss Carbon Fiber, Light Wheat/Jet Black with Red Accents and Morello Red High-Gloss Carbon Fiber, or Sedona/Jet Black with Fineline Calico High-Gloss Wood.
The XT4’s cabin is all sweeping arcs and tapered lines to give it a taut, tightly-wrapped appearance. Even though it’s compact, the XT4 offers lots of space, especially for rear passengers, along with 48.9 cubic feet of cargo volume with the rear seats folded. Other interior elements of note are the three-spoke, leather-wrapped steering wheel, the heavily-bolstered, sport-inspired seats (with a massage feature), available white ambient lighting, and Cadillac’s first rotary controller for various vehicle features.
Photo: Cadillac.
Tech Treatments
Naturally, since this is a Cadillac for 2019, there is a boatload of tech. The XT4 comes with the brand’s most advanced infotainment interface with smartphone-like controls and improved voice recognition, and there’s an available 4G LTE connection to boot. There’s an eight-inch diagonal screen, near-Field Communication for pairing a smartphone, a 15-watt wireless charging system, four standard USB ports, and three 12-volt accessory power outlets. There is even an SD memory card reader in the center console and a full suite of active safety features.
Power & Performance
The Cadillac XT4 gets an all-new, 2.0-liter turbo engine that puts out 118.5 horsepower per liter of output. Which is, to use the technical term, a lot. No word on how much boost that turbo is cranking out, but to get those numbers Caddy must be squeezing those cylinders till they squeal. The plant also has high and low valve lift and Active Fuel Management, which is essentially a cylinder deactivation system. When you add in the direct injection, active thermal management, and the twin-scroll turbocharger, the mill puts out an SAE-certified 237 horsepower and 258 lb-ft. of torque.
Power is put to the pavement (you’re going to seriously off-road this thing, are you?) through a nine-speed automatic that helps the XT4 get 30 mpg on the highway.
Photo: Cadillac.
Chassis & Suspension
The chassis work is done by a strut-type front suspension and a five-link independent setup out back. The standard Driver Select Mode allows you to tune that as you see fit for different driving styles and road conditions. The twin-clutch all-wheel drive system offers a decoupling function to eliminate drivetrain friction and enhance efficiency. The Continuous Damping Control, found on the XT4 Sport’s available Active Sport Suspension, uses electronic sensors to monitor the road and adjust damping every two milliseconds.
Stopping is done via “electro-hydraulic braking assist,” a first for Cadillac. The new brake system replaces the traditional vacuum-assisted design to improve fuel economy and provide better packaging, according to Cadillac.
Pricing & Availability
The XT4 starts at $35,790, which is not bad at all, and goes on sale this fall. When it hits the lot, the 2019 XT4 will come in eight exterior colors.
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. His forthcoming new book The Future In Front of Me, The Past Behind Me will be available soon. Follow his work on Twitter: @TonyBorroz.
2019 Cadillac XT4 Gallery

Photos & Source: Cadillac.

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Jaguar I-PACE eTROPHY Set For Global Debut

Jaguar I-PACE eTROPHY Set For Global Debut The Jaguar I-PACE eTROPHY race car will make its global debut in Berlin ahead of the ABB FIA Formula E-Prix, with a demonstration lap planned for Saturday, May 19th at the Tempelhof circuit. The event will take place during the Berlin E-Prix with the driver to be announced in the near future. Up to 20 eTROPHY racers will appear on the grid from the start of the 2018/19 series of the ABB FIA Formula E Championship.
The eTROPHY is based on the Jaguar I-PACE, which made its debut in Geneva earlier this year.
Testing & Development
Jaguar Racing has performed development tests with Jaguar Land Rover Special Vehicle Operations (SVO) in Warwickshire, UK, to engineer and refine the production-based race cars. The tests covered everything from the chassis setup and powertrain performance, to energy management and aerodynamics tuning. The eTROPHY development car has also completed its first run at Jaguar Land Rover’s test track in Gaydon, England and initial tire tests with Championship Partner, Michelin in Ladoux, France.
“We are excited to reveal the new Jaguar I-PACE eTROPHY race car in Berlin and demonstrate its dynamic capabilities for the first time,” said James Barclay, Team Director, Jaguar Racing. “The team at Jaguar Racing and Special Vehicle Operations are building the key foundations for the incredibly exciting championship and we are pleased with the progress of our test and development program, which has included a successful tire test with our partner Michelin.”
Jaguar I-PACE eTROPHY. Photo: Jaguar Land Rover.
Partnerships & Expansion
Jaguar Racing have enlisted MS-RT, the race technology division of M-Sport, as the technical operations partner for the eTROPHY. Current partner, Williams Advanced Engineering, will support the eTROPHY series in various technical areas including vehicle control systems.
The full race calendar will be revealed later this year with further news on eTROPHY teams to be announced shortly.
“We are really happy with the way the championship is progressing, and we are attracting more interest from teams around the world who want to be involved in this pioneering championship,” Barclay said. “We would also like to welcome M-Sport, who bring a wealth of experience, expertise and professionalism to the team as technical operations partner for the eTROPHY.”
The Automoblog Staff contributed to this report and can be reached anytime.

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7 Wildly Awesome Jeep Concepts For The 2017 Easter Jeep Safari

7 Wildly Awesome Jeep Concepts For The 2017 Easter Jeep Safari

The Easter Jeep Safari in Moab, Utah is the cultural oasis of the off-road community. Each year, thousands of off-road enthusiasts descend upon Moab to tackle the trails, canvass the outdoors, and soak in the sights. To mark the 51st anniversary of the event, the Jeep and Mopar brands will showcase some of their most unique concepts.
“It’s truly a labor of love for the Jeep team to develop exciting, capable concept vehicles each year for Moab and the Easter Jeep Safari,” said Mike Manley, Head of Jeep Brand – FCA Global.
This year’s concept collection employs both production and prototype Jeep Performance Parts. Mopar develops and builds the individual parts, ensuring each one can stand up to the rigors and challenges of off-road use. Jeep owners often seek these parts and accessories out to increase the capability of their vehicle.
“These concept vehicles are a perfect example of how off-road enthusiasts can use Jeep Performance Parts to personalize and enhance the already outstanding Jeep capability, allowing them to face the toughest trails in the world,” said Pietro Gorlier, Head of Parts and Service (Mopar), FCA – Global.
The concepts this year range and vary quite nicely in terms of performance and technology. Some of them have really slick designs, others have powerful engines; a couple have stellar lighting setups. Here are the seven concepts appearing at the 2017 Easter Jeep Safari.
Jeep Grand One
The Jeep Grand One celebrates the 25th anniversary of the Grand Cherokee with a modernized take on the classic 1993 ZJ. The Grand One Concept features custom 18-inch lace-style wheels and high-clearance fender flares. The wheelbase is extended while subtle wood grain decorates the body. Inside, the original Grand Cherokee is alive and well, with ’90s-inspired materials and touches, including a classic car phone.
Just in case anybody calls while you are on the trials . . .
And covering the trails should be of little concern with the Jeep Grand One’s 33-inch BFGoodrich Mud-Terrain KM2 tires and 2-inch suspension lift. The front and rear axles are equipped with selectable locking differentials too. A 5.2-liter V8 engine, mated to a four-speed automatic transmission, provides the necessary power.
Jeep Safari
Jeep Safari Concept. Photo: FCA US LLC.
When hitting the trails, its always more fun with family and friends. The Jeep Safari Concept realizes this through a unique cabin design that gives rear passengers a commanding view. This Wranger-based machine is ultra modern too, with a translucent hard-top roof panel and two-level aluminum cargo rack with incorporated drone. A raked windshield, boatsided rocker panels, LED headlamps, and custom LED tail lamps and parking/turn lamps finish off the Safari Concept.
Notice the “windoors” with zipper openings? Those are crafted from lightweight aluminum and clear vinyl, and hinge like a cabinet during entry and exit. Inside, the two rear bucket seats are rotated outboard, making it easier for rear seat occupants to see out. The modern treatments continue with an instrument panel-mounted iPad.
Getting to any off-road destination is easy with front and rear Dana 44 axles equipped with selectable differential lockers. Overall body length was reduced to make the Safari more agile with its 2-inch lift. The concept vehicle includes 35-inch BFGoodrich Mud-Terrain KM2 tires on custom 18-inch wheels, full-length skid plates, steel front and rear bumpers, on-board air system, upgraded brakes, and a cold air intake.
The Jeep Safari is powered by a 3.6-liter Pentastar V6, paired to a five-speed automatic transmission.
Jeep Quicksand
Jeep Quicksand Concept. Photo: FCA US LLC.

Those who want to combine the likes of classic Mopar muscle with Jeep off-road capability will find themselves right at home with the Jeep Quicksand Concept. Perhaps the most noticeable element is the “peekaboo” cutout in the hood – underneath is a Mopar 392 Crate HEMI engine with eight-stack injection, mated to a six-speed Getrag manual transmission.
The downturned open headers add to that vintage hot rod feel.
Another Wrangler-based concept, the Jeep Quicksand features a longer wheelbase, with a trimmed front and rear body, and a chopped hard top and windshield. While flying down the trails, the top and windows provide that sense of “wind through your hair” freedom – or if not that, it’s a great way to hear the engine! What’s also unique is the staggered tire setup never done on any Jeep concept prior. The Quicksand features 32-inch BFGoodrich Mud-Terrain KM2 tires in the front and 37-inch BFGoodrich Mud-Terrain KM2 tires in the rear.
The interior is simple with red accents, two front low-back bucket seats, flat aluminum door panels, tilt-out windshield glass, and a chrome roll bar. Higher tech tools include a Warn winch in the front Moon tank and a recovery rope in the rear.
Jeep Trailpass
Jeep Trailpass Concept. Photo: FCA US LLC.
This little trail butterfly is based on the new Jeep Compass and features a 1.5-inch lift, 18-inch wheels, and Continental TerrainContact all-terrain tires. Other exterior features include Gloss Black side mirror caps, a custom hood graphic, side stripes, tinted headlamps and tail lamps, and a Mopar/Thule roof basket with roof bag and traction mats.
On the inside, Jeep Trailpass occupants are treated to custom Katzkin leather seats and armrests, body-color bezel accents, and all-weather floor mats. The powertrain consists of a 2.4-liter Tigershark engine and nine-speed automatic transmission.
Jeep Switchback
Jeep Switchback Concept. Photo: FCA US LLC.
The Jeep Switchback Concept hits the ground running with front and rear Dana 44 axles, a 4-inch lift with Remote Reservoir Fox shocks, heavy-duty cast differential covers, 10th Anniversary steel front and rear bumpers, Rubicon winch, and a cold air intake. The Switchback grips the trails with 17-inch concept wheels and 37-inch BFGoodrich Mud-Terrain KM2 tires.
The axle-back exhaust is a nice touch.
The exterior features are nicely crafted from the hood and half doors to the hard top and roof racks. Jeep Performance Parts on the exterior include high-top fender flares, Mopar black fuel door and tail lamp guards, swing gate hinge reinforcement, and oversized spare tire carrier. Those who hit the trails in the evening or during bad weather will appreciate the Switchback’s incredible lighting system. This Jeep is complete with a concept LED off-road windshield light bar, concept LED off-road A-pillar lamps, LED tail lamps, and LED headlamps and fog lamps.
The inside is trimmed with Katzkin leather seats, body-color bezel accents, concept sport bar grab handles, and Mopar all-weather mats. The floor is actually made from a spray-in bed liner material. The cargo area also has a storage rack stocked with first aid and roadside safety supplies.
The Jeep Switchback Concept is powered by the 3.6-liter Pentastar V6, mated to a five-speed automatic transmission.
Jeep Luminator
Jeep Luminator Concept. Photo: FCA US LLC.

This Wrangler-based Jeep concept has it all: off-road capability, high-tech features, and lots of lights. Hence the name, Jeep Luminator. The vehicle’s sophisticated lighting system was jointly developed with the Automotive Lighting division of Magneti Marelli. And they thought of everything needed to light up the trails in proper fashion: magnetic underbody rock lights, 7-inch LED projector bi-function headlamps, unique LED tail lamps, A-pillar-mounted LED spot lights, and upper bumper LED auxiliary lighting.
The fog lamps actually “corner” and are dictated by the steering angle.
The Jeep Luminator’s hood houses a scanning LED light bar module with active spot and dynamic following technology. This tool works as a spotlight to warn drivers of potential hazards while navigating the trials. The rear lighting setup is equally advanced. The center high-mount stop light, for example, acts as a scouting/trail lamp with four-color LEDs for trail rides: complete stop (red), 1-3 miles per hour (amber), 3-25 mph (green), or white when rear flood lighting is needed.
High-tech features include the roof-mounted solar panel, a drone landing pad with a lighted drone, and an interactive touchscreen display on the driver’s side rear window with GPS and internet capability.
Jeep CJ66
Jeep CJ66 Concept. Photo: FCA US LLC.

Think of this fireball as the Frankenstein of Jeeps. The Jeep CJ66 recipe calls for a Jeep Wrangler TJ frame and a 1966 Jeep Wrangler CJ universal Tuxedo Park body. Sprinkle in Wrangler JK elements and serve vigorously with a Mopar 345 Crate HEMI Engine Kit.
Like its Quicksand brethren, the CJ66 has plenty of muscle with its 383 horsepower 5.7-liter HEMI and six-speed manual transmission. A Mopar 345 Crate HEMI engine cover shelters the powerplant while a Mopar cold-air intake and cat-back exhaust increase overall performance.
Front and rear Mopar Dana 44 Crate axles, 35-inch BFGoodrich all-terrain tires, 17-inch beadlock wheels, and a 2-inch lift will make short work of any off-road obstacles. An advanced two-way air system lets drivers air tires up or down, depending on the desired pressure.
The color is called “Copper Canyon” and is accented by a matte black “CJ sixty six” stripe on the hood. Other exterior treatments include oversized fender flares, Mopar 10th Anniversary Wrangler JK Rubicon Bumper Kits, skid/front bumper plates, and rock rails. The CJ66 is also equipped with Mopar LED amber fog lamps and a Mopar Warn winch.
While it will attend the 2017 Easter Jeep Safari, this is not the first time the CJ66 has been in public. The concept Jeep actually made its debut at the 2016 SEMA Show in Las Vegas last November.
The Jeep CJ66 Concept features a custom-built roll cage and Dodge Viper style seats. Photo: FCA US LLC.
Jeep Mania
Do you have a favorite on this list? It’s hard to pick one, but we are kinda partial to the Luminator and CJ66. Maybe something on this list will make it into production after the 2017 Easter Jeep Safari? It’s hard to say, but Jeep is using the occasion to gain insight from the many off-road fans in attendance.
“We look forward to the reaction and feedback from enthusiasts and our most loyal customers as these new Jeep concepts are put through their paces on the trails in Moab,” Manley said.
If you are heading to the Easter Jeep Safari in Moab, make sure you take lots of pictures and tag us on Twitter – we definitely want to hear about your adventure. The 2017 Easter Jeep Safari begins on April 8th and runs through the 16th.
Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and resides in Detroit, Michigan.
Photos & Source: FCA US LLC.

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Nissan GT-R Track Edition: Godzilla Descends On NYC

Nissan GT-R Track Edition: Godzilla Descends On NYC

The Nissan GT-R. The ultimate Skyline. The preferred ride of Brian O’Conner. The Japanese Corvette. Godzilla. This is, to a lot of people, the definitive expression of Japanese automotive technology. The flagship for the entire country. And, apart from Acura’s NSX, it’s hard to argue with that.
The Nissan GT-R encapsulates a lot of the predilections of Japan’s auto industry and Japanese culture.
Standing Apart
It is very high tech. It does a lot with a little. It is amazingly reliable. It is very, very thought out and refined. It is, in strange ways, practical. It is styled and finessed like a Bonsai tree. The GT-R is about as Japanese as Kobe beef or an upset Hello Kitty with a Samurai sword. This, however, is not even that. This is not “just” a GT-R, this is the GT-R Track Edition, and it’s a whole new beasty.
The GT-R Track Edition is the third model in the GT-R lineup. The Track Edition slots between the “T” (touring) and “R” (racing) models. The GT-R Track Edition was conceived to deliver a higher level of performance than the GT-R Premium, but not be as bat guano crazy as the line’s flagship 600 horsepower GT-R NISMO. The GT-R Track Edition cranks out 565 horsepower, which is the same as the GT-R Premium.
Over 600 horsepower would have been fun, but oh well.
The Nissan GT-R’s front end retains the automaker’s signature “V-motion” grille, which enhances engine cooling versus the previous GT-R design. Furthermore, the reinforced hood provides additional stability during high speed driving. Photo: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
Performance DNA
The new GT-R Track Edition is set apart from its brethren by such performance-oriented features as the body’s additional adhesive bonding, which increases rigidity versus the GT-R Premium model. This is in addition to the normal spot welding, but sadly in place of fully seam welding the entire car. The suspension gets unique NISMO tuning that reduces weight and adds additional roll stiffness over the GT-R Premium. You also get NISMO-spec tires on the new GT-R Track Edition.
Speaking of the GT-R NISMO, the GT-R Track Edition gets the NISMO’s front fenders along with 20-inch NISMO forged aluminum-alloy wheels, and a special dry carbon-fiber rear spoiler. On the inside there’s a unique red and black color treatment with high-grip, Motorsports-inspired Recaro seats. “Motorsports-inspired?” Why not just throw in some real Motorsports-sourced Recaro seats?
All 2017 Nissan GT-Rs are built on an exclusive Premium Midship platform, which I’m guessing is Nissan-speak for a British “mid” engine; i.e. the engine sits behind the front axel line. This sort of set up allows Nissan to use a unique independent rear transaxle ATTESA E-TS all-wheel drive system. That places the transmission, transfer case, and final drive at the rear of the vehicle for better weight distribution for maximized handling.
Takumi Legend
The Nissan GT-R Track Edition’s power plant is a 565 horsepower, hand-assembled twin-turbo VR38DETT 3.8-liter V6 engine. All GT-R engines are hand-assembled in a special clean room by highly trained techs. They even give them a special Japanese name: Takumi. There’s an aluminum plate added to the front of each mill with the name of the Takumi, a nice touch. Torque is rated at 467 lb-ft., which is pretty good for an overhead cam six. The bad air goes out the back via a titanium exhaust system that’s standard, and probably very expensive.
The GT-R’s mill is mated to a paddle-shifted, sequential 6-speed dual clutch transmission, which, at the touch of a button, can be selected to shift at race car-like speeds. There’s also high performance differential oil standard in the diff case.
The aluminum plate at the front of each engine reveals the name of the Takumi engine craftsman. Photo: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.

Audible Attributes
There is a standard Bose audio sound system with Active Noise Cancellation and Active Sound Enhancement technologies to filter out unwanted noise, and retain excitement during spirited driving. Which does fit with the character of the car, but it is also, to my mind, rather sad. You want to know how to make an engine sound right? Make it sound right from the beginning. Don’t mess around with fancy tech gimmicks like speakers and active noise cancellation.
Build the engine right from the get-go. Work the intake and exhaust tracts. Tune that exhaust they way any decent racing car company would, and it will sound fantastic . . . you know, like Porsche and Ferrari and Alfa Romeo have been doing for decades.
And this points out what is the “failing” (if you could call it that) of the GT-R. It is a $29 answer that 25 cents could have fixed. Nissan, like Japan itself, loves to throw high tech at any given problem. Why solve a problem in three steps when you can solve it in 103? Why make a car go fast and handle right with a high horsepower, naturally aspirated engine and rear-wheel drive, when you can make a car go just as fast with a twin turbo plant, all-wheel drive, and more computing power than the space shuttle?
“The new GT-R Track Edition gives buyers a specialized model, one true to GT-R heritage and available only by special order,” said Michael Bunce, Vice President, Product Planning, Nissan North America, Inc. “Building on the major upgrade to every GT-R for 2017, the Track Edition is an amazing package inside, outside, and under the skin.” Photo: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
Waxing Poetics
But let’s get down to brass tacks here. The starting MSRP for a GT-R Track Edition is $127,990. And that is more than a loaded Corvette ZO6. And yes, you can say a Corvette is a blunt tool and the GT-R Track Edition is a precision instrument. You can say the GT-R Track Edition is a flint-knapped scalpel and the Corvette ZO6 is a meat axe in comparison. And you’d be right. But you’d also be right to say a Corvette ZO6 would chew up a GT-R and spit out the pieces.
But hey, it’s your money, and if you’re a fan of all things Japan, and really got a Jones for a GT-R Track Edition, please, be my guest and buy one of the things. I know you’ll enjoy it, and in many ways they are very hard to argue with. You best get in line, however. The GT-R Track Edition is by order only and will be available later this summer. The vehicle officially debuts at the New York International Auto Show, April 14th through the 23rd, at the Jacob Javits Convention Center.
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.
2017 Nissan GT-R Track Edition Gallery

Photos & Source: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.

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2018 Toyota Camry Hits The Scene

2018 Toyota Camry Hits The Scene

I’m not sure if Toyota is trying to be funny here, but it seems like they are. They literally write the words: “All-New 2018 Toyota Camry Gains Emotionally-Charged Design and Performance Experience” in their press release for the car.
Has no one told them the Camry is the automotive equivalent of imitation mayonnaise? It’s not even real mayonnaise, it’s fugazi mayonnaise. It aspires to be this bland white stuff suburbanites slather onto Wonder bread. “Emotionally-Charged Design and Performance Experience?”
It’s as emotionally charged as a Perry Como concert and they expect me to believe it’s like an Iggy and The Stooges show in Detroit circa 1971? Are they mental?
Sensible Choices
Yeah, yeah, near as I can tell, they’re on the verge of going boi-oi-oing here. Look, don’t get me wrong. The Toyota Camry is good, solid, practical transportation. It’s what your great aunt Winifred ends up buying, not The Little Old Lady From Pasadena. It’s the automotive parallel of a no-salt saltine. A Toyota Camry is not a bright red, shiny, super-stock Dodge that will detach your retinas upon letting go of the clutch. Quite the contrary, the Camry is sense and sensibility. It’s muted beige paint in a world of ecru gone wild.
It is also not a bad choice if you want a good, reliable car that gets you from A to B in comfort and safety with solid efficiency. If you don’t really care about cars all that much, the Toyota Camry is the car for you.
Architectural Design
The new Camry utilizes what Toyota refers to as TNGA, or Toyota New Global Architecture. Essentially TNGA is the new platform that everything Toyota will be based off of. It’s the way Toyota will design, engineer, and package its vehicles going forward.
Toyota extended the Camry’s wheelbase by two inches, which made it easier aesthetically to drop the roof and hood height. This also lowered the center of gravity and created a wider, more planted vehicle. From here, packaging benefits continue to flow. The driver’s seating position is lower and near the center of the car, for example. The steering column can be adjusted over a wider range, and the hood, cowl, and dashboard height have all been dropped for better outward visibility. Visibility is also aided by the reworked A-pillar and side mirror placement.
When it came to design, there were three primary goals: a distinctive, low center of gravity for a firm, wide stance; a practical-yet-emotionally styled cabin profile, and a sporty and upscale look both inside and out. Photo: Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.

Driving Dynamics
Chassis-wise, things have gotten stiffer for the Camry, which is always a good thing: Make the body stiffer and, therefore, let the suspension do its thing better. The new Camry has increased the use of ultra-high-tensile steel and has implemented a new molding technology to deliver this enhanced structural rigidity. There’s a new double wishbone rear suspension system out back for responsive handling, well-defined steering, and great ride quality. They’ve even reworked the engine mounts with a new, four-point mounting system for better road manners and to reduce unwanted noise, vibration, and harshness in the passenger compartment.
That said, kudos to Toyota for at least thinking about bringing driving dynamics to the forefront of the new Camry. Toyota wants the new Camry to “highly impress” the driver with its handling capability and composure. Does it? Dunno. Car’s not out yet, but here’s the deal Toyota: Grab a new one off the line and deliver it to 1 Automoblog Tower in Detroit, and we’ll run the bejeebers out of it on the tracks and AutoX’s and late night runs into Ontario, and well let you know if we’re “highly impressed” with its handling capability and composure.
Toyota says customers will “notice the dramatic improvements within the first few seconds of driving” the 2018 Camry.
“In order to create something that stirs people’s soul, we’ve laid out the concept of a new sedan that provides fun and excitement behind the wheel,” said Masato Katsumata, Chief Engineer, 2018 Toyota Camry. “In developing the next-generation Toyota Camry, we were able to start with a clean slate, which allowed us to create a true driver’s car.” Photo: Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.
Power & Performance
Motivational power comes from your choice of three engines: either a new 3.5-liter V6, an all-new 2.5-liter inline-4 gasoline engine, which comes mated to a new 8-speed automatic transmission, or a next-generation Toyota Hybrid System.
The (hysterically named) 2.5-liter 4-cylinder “Dynamic Force Engine” focuses on higher torque, higher power, and lower fuel consumption. Toyota has reworked the combustion chamber for higher tumble air flow, which results in faster and cleaner burning of the air/fuel mixture. With the focus on torque, it’s unsurprising that the engine is a long-stroke and high compression ratio layout that also features multi-hole direct fuel injectors, a variable cooling system, and an improved Variable Valve-Timing layout.
Toyota says the Dynamic Force Engine (snicker) is 40 percent more thermally efficient, which makes it one of the best in the world in this segment.
The Toyota Camry is sold in more than 100 countries and is the most popular mid-size sedan in the world. Introduced in Japan in 1982, the Camry was Toyota’s first mass-produced vehicle with a transverse engine design. It continues to be affordable and reliable and thus, distinguishes itself from other sedans accordingly. It is arguably a benchmark in its segment and a pioneer in its own right. Photo: Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.

Interior Treatments & Tech
There’s a whole slew of other stuff sprinkled onto and into the new Camry like so many Chocolate Jimmies on a sundae. There’s Toyota Safety Sense-P suite of safety features, there’s 10 standard airbags, Toyota’s Star Safety System, there’s enhanced Vehicle Stability Control, Traction Control, Electronic Brake-force Distribution, Brake Assist, an Anti-lock Braking System, Smart Stop Technology, and even a standard backup camera.
The front seats have improved ergonomics and the rear seats are more refined. There’s Toyota’s latest Human Machine Interface (which I thought was a Kraftwerk album), a 10-inch color Heads-Up Display (HUD), a seven-inch multi-information display within the instrument cluster, an eight-inch audio/navigation display, and an HVAC control panel all of which say six things: Money, money, money and tech, tech, tech.
There’s enough multimedia toys to make you feel like you’re in a rolling version of Nam Jun Pak’s garage sale. A Toyota Entune 3.0 multimedia system with navigation, App Suite Connect, Connected Navigation Scout GPS Link with Moving Maps, or Dynamic Navigation system (in the V6 models), wireless map updates, available Remote Connect, Service Connect, available WiFi Connect, and even a JBL premium audio system with enough speakers and amps to render you as deaf as Felix Pappalardi.
Look, I fully understand not everyone wants a new Ferrari 812 Superfast or an AMG wagon with enough power to blast a six pack into lunar orbit. Those cars are for crazy people people like me. You might be sensible type and not suicidal. You want good, solid, reliable, and efficient transportation. You want a Camry and this one promises to be the best yet.
The 2018 Toyota Camry will be available in four grades: LE, XLE, SE, and XSE.
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 Toyota Camry Gallery

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

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