Automotive

2018 Audi TT RS: Most Powerful TT Yet

2018 Audi TT RS: Most Powerful TT Yet

Remember when the Audi TT hit the scene? It was hard not to notice it, and the worst charge that could be leveled against it, was that the Audi TT was “inoffensive.” Say what you want about it, at least it stood out from the crowd of sport coupes. But now, Audi’s TT looks like this. It’s all angles and sharp lines and comes across as some sort of distant echo of what a Korean car company will do next year.
Unfortunately, the all-new 2018 Audi TT RS is a rather fast car.
I say unfortunately, because it’s always hard to ignore, if not outright covet fast cars. Even if they’re ugly. Okay, so maybe implying the 2018 TT is ugly is a bit of a stretch, but it sure ain’t beautiful.
Eye Of The Beholder
Audi says this about how their new car looks: “The design of the new TT RS features the same timeless lines of the original TT coupe coupled with reinterpreted sporty elements that harken back the vehicle’s racing heritage.” Yeah, no. It looks nothing like the original TT. The first Gen TT was all curvilinear forms and arcs; rounded planes where all over the surfaces.
This new thing? It says “generic sports coupe” from almost every angle. Besides those four rings on the grille, how am I supposed to tell if this is an Audi? At any rate, this is all subjective, but what underpins this crumpled-paper-look exterior makes for a pretty impressive car.
The 2018 Audi TT RS features 19-inch, five-arm design Galvano silver wheels with summer performance tires. Also available are 20-inch, seven-spoke-design, Galvano silver forged wheels with summer tires. Other styling elements include standard LED headlights with LED daytime running lights. Photo: Audi of America, Inc.
Power & Performance
Nestled beneath the hood sits a new 2.5-liter TFSI five-cylinder engine. Sadly, this is not the same amazingly strong and powerful five-banger that Audi handed over to the Rorhls and Moutons of this world (and also stuck in the first gen S6, an overlooked, yet fantastic ride). Nope, this is an all-new plant but it makes the 2018 Audi TT RS the most powerful production TT ever.
The all-new five-pot produces 400 horsepower and 354 lb-ft. of torque at all four corners. Audi ladled on the lightweight aluminum to reduce internal friction and increase power delivery, so max torque is available between 1,700 and 5,850 rpm. Mmmmm, broad-shouldered.
The new engine is less than 20 inches in length, which strikes me as being really short and compact. It also tips the scales 57 pounds lighter than the previous generation’s engine. They shaved off more than 40 pounds alone by making the upper portion of the oil pan from magnesium and the engine block from aluminum. The crankshaft is also lighter and smaller than its predecessor.
Couple this engine with a traction control system specifically calibrated for the new TT RS and you get a 0 to 60 sprint mph in 3.6 seconds. Top (track) speed is 155 mph. Or, if you’re like us here at Automoblog, you go with the optional Dynamic plus package and that top end is moved all the way up to 174 mph. Rumor has it that our Editor-in-Chief and Founder Chris Burdick is able to get from the Brandenburg Gate to Wannsee and back in less than an hour in the new TT.
The 2018 Audi TT RS features the automaker’s distinctive engine sound. At the rear of the vehicle sit two large signature oval tailpipes – or the optional RS sport exhaust with black oval tailpipes. The unique 1-2-4-5-3 ignition sequence, which allows the ignition to alternate between adjacent cylinders and those further apart, gives the TT RS its signature sound. Photo: Audi of America, Inc.

Turbo Tactics
Things get interesting around the blower of the 2018 TT. For starters, it’s a large BorgWarner turbocharger. Curious that Audi went with BW in the first place, but also curious they went with a single, “large” unit. This was Audi’s practice back in the Groupe B days, and while it does simplify things, it can cause substantial turbo lag. The big BorgWarner turbocharger shoves air into the combustion chambers at up to 19.6 psi (or 1.35 bar, if you measure that way).
No wonder this thing cranks out 400 ponies, huh? To combat the dreaded turbo lag there’s the Audi valvelift system. The AVS changes the duration of the exhaust valve opening, depending on the throttle and engine speeds, meaning it sends more air outbound to keep the turbo spinning happily.
Transmission & Drivetrain
Gear selection is handled by a seven-speed S-tronic dual-clutch transmission. The 2018 TT RS now offers a launch control program that allows a “heightened level of acceleration” via an automated clutch release. A “heightened level of acceleration” . . . that’s a laugh riot, ain’t it?
The 2018 Audi TT RS has a fully integrated Audi drive select system with four discrete drive modes: comfort, auto, dynamic, and individual. Each mode allows you to change gear shift points, steering, throttle response, and damper control.
Obviously, the TT RS comes standard with Audi’s signature quattro permanent all-wheel drive system. And, just like the days of old, when Audi was kicking butt and taking names on the world rally stages of the early 80s, the quattro system constantly adjusts the distribution of torque to maximize grip and control. I’ve personally messed with quattros with the left rear in gravel, while the right front was in a puddle the size of a kiddie-pool. The thing took off with such ferocity it elicited Elisabeth Kübler-Ross levels of mortal reflection.
The available RS fixed sport suspension for the 2018 Audi TT RS, included in the Dynamic plus package, offers a stiffer ride for enhanced performance. Photo: Audi of America, Inc.
Suspension & Braking
Out back there’s a four-link rear suspension and at the nose, a McPherson front suspension with forged aluminum lower control arms. Magnetic ride shock absorbers are standard. The steering rack is designed so the steering ratio becomes increasingly direct as you turn to provide more precise road feedback.
Stopping is accomplished via two optional brake systems on the new TT RS. The standard setup is an eight-piston monobloc brake caliper affair with 370mm ventilated and cross-drilled discs at the front. If you really want to stop, there are available front carbon-ceramic brake discs with Anthracite Gray painted calipers as part of the Dynamic plus package. The carbon-ceramic brakes are more than 8 lbs. lighter than the traditional cast-iron rotors and offer increased resistance to brake fade.
That is, from a technical and performance standpoint, a lot to like in a car. Even if you can’t get past the styling, you’ll probably end up passing most everything else on the bahn anyway. The 2018 Audi TT RS launches this spring with an MSRP of $64,900.
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: Audi of America, Inc.

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2017 New York: The Dodge Challenger SRT Demon unleashed--Quick Rundown

2017 New York: The Dodge Challenger SRT Demon unleashed--Quick Rundown It’s the most powerful muscle car ever and is so freakin’ fast, it’s banned by the NHRA.

What’s going on?
The Dodge Challenger SRT Demon. That’s what the hell is going on (see what I did there?). And Dodge finally unleashed the beast this evening ahead of the New York International Auto Show Press days.
We’re not going to muck about: it’s absolutely bonkers. There’s a lot you need to know, but here’s a quick rundown of what’s important:
Engine
6.2L HEMI Supercharged Demon V8
Horsepower: 840 (on racing gas)
Torque: 770 pound-feet

Transmission
A seriously beefed-up ZF-sourced eight-speed TorqueFlite automatic
Performance
0-30 mph: 1.0 second
0-60 mph: 2.3 seconds
Quarter-mile: 9.65 seconds at 140 mph
There’s plenty more to know. But these are the most pertinent specs of the latest Dodge Challenger SRT Demon.
Stay tuned for more!
– By: Chris Chin
2017 New York – Dodge Challenger SRT Demon Gallery

The post 2017 New York: The Dodge Challenger SRT Demon unleashed–Quick Rundown appeared first on egmCarTech.

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Lotus Evora Sport 410 GP Edition: Mario, Your Car is Ready

Lotus Evora Sport 410 GP Edition: Mario, Your Car is Ready

Ooo baby! Would you look at that! The all-new Lotus Evora 410 GP Edition, decked out in black and gold. All bridled and saddled and ready to go. My desire is very strong for this version of this car, which I would not normally say. For starters, I’ve always had a problem with the Lotus Evora. It’s that +1 seating option in back of the two front seats. Yes, yes I do realize that Lotus has made 2+2s in the past. The Lotus Eclat, for example. And I also fully recognize that cars like the Lotus Eclat are, by and large, horrible mistakes.
Especially for a company like Lotus.
Colorful Expressions
Also, I try to stay away from black with gold color schemes. I loved it, absolutely loved it when Colin Chapman painted his cars in John Player Special cigarette livery and handed them over to people like Emerson Fittipaldi to club Jackie Stewart with. But then the cheap imitators latched onto it, and next thing you know, black with gold was being applied to everything from “theme” custom vans to those horrid black and gold Pontiac Trans Ams, and handed over to that equally horrid quarter-talent Burt Reynolds.
Ruined it, just ruined it.
All that said, I would really like to get my hands on one of these, at least for a week or a weekend, or if not forever. From what I gather, the Lotus Evora, despite design compromises, is a pretty fun car to drive. It is, as many people have told me, “like a little bit bigger Elise with a much bigger engine.” Which sounds just great. And most of the people who told me were Elise owners, not Evora owners.
This particular Evora model is the work of Lotus Exclusive, the fine folks from Hethel that work on the higher end, bespoke stuff. The Evora Sport 410 GP Edition indeed honors Team Lotus’ iconic John Player Special F1 color scheme that was raced between 1972 and 1986 – from the crushingly effective Lotus 72 and the gorgeous and truly groundbreaking Lotus 79, to the momentarily fast Lotus 98T. Seriously, that 98T was the car they coined the term “grenade engine” for. They could squeeze around 1,200 to 1,300 horsepower out of that 1.5 liter engine for about two laps then kaBLAMMMO! Ayrton or Elio or whoever would splatter it all over the tarmac from Estoril to Jacarepaguá.
The 98T was a great car for qualifying, but sadly, only had the life expectancy of a random guy in a red shirt on the Starship Enterprise.
Photo: Group Lotus plc.
Feather Dusting
Other than the paint job, the Evora Sport 410 GP Edition is pretty much just like every other Evora you could buy, but it comes with all the lightness goodies as standard. It scales out at 2,910 lbs. which is fairly light these days (” . . . but could still be lighter!” I hear the ghost of Colin Chapman shriek). All that wonderful, wonderful lightness is accomplished by looking after all the little details. The Evora uses the now-standard Lotus practice of a hydroformed aluminum architecture, which delivers very high torsional rigidity at very low weight. And, as one would expect, the Evora also has carbon fiber everywhere. From the front splitter on the nose to the revised front access panel, roof section, tailgate, rear quarter panels, and the rear diffuser out back, it’s carbon fiber, carbon fiber, carbon fiber.
Other weight savers include the lithium-ion battery for 23.8 lbs., the ultra-lightweight forged wheels for 15.9 lbs., and a new lightweight windscreen surround for 7.5 lbs. They all total up to 132 lbs. of overall weight reduction.
Not only does this make things lighter overall, but it also lowers the center of gravity. So you get better ride and handling and less mass. And that lead Lotus to recalibrate the suspension and revise the total chassis setup, improving wheel geometry and the dampers. The ride height has been dropped by 5 mm so you get better body and roll control for even sharper, more direct handling.
Photo: Group Lotus plc.

Power & Performance
The Evora Sport 410 is powered by an integrated water-to-air cooled, supercharged, 3.5-liter 6-cylinder engine, cranking out 400 horsepower at 7,000 rpm and 301 lb-ft. of torque at 3,500 rpm. This gives you a nice, broad RPM powerband to play with. Said mill is joined to a standard six-speed manual gearbox, which features a low-inertia flywheel and a Torsen-type limited slip differential for greater traction in the corners. There’s an optional six-speed automatic transmission with a dedicated ECU for fast changes and sequential gear selection via lightweight aluminum paddles mounted to the steering wheel.
Besides your right foot, all that power is controlled via a trio of user selectable ESP driving modes: Drive, Sport, and Race. There’s also an “Off” mode, but to me, that doesn’t really count as a mode. The ESP driving mode thingy proportionally increases throttle response, lowers traction thresholds, and removes understeer recognition. The ESP allows progressive degrees of driver control before the system intervenes. So rather than Drive, Sport, Race, and Off, you could also think of it as Nun, Mom, Nanny, and “Absolutely no adult supervision whatsoever!”
Pricing & Availability
And now, the bad news . . .
Lotus is only going to make a global production run of 150 vehicles per year of the Evora Sport 410, and here’s where it gets really bad: The MSRP, excluding taxes, is $104,200 and $110,000 for Lotus Evora Sport 410 GP Edition. Shoot. Ah well, used Elise prices are still pretty reasonable though.
Oh, and if by Mario you thought I meant a character from a pixelated Nintendo game, I will find you, and our conversation will not be long, and it will not be pretty.
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: Group Lotus plc

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Mercedes-Benz Overcomes Having To Read The Owner’s Manual

Mercedes-Benz Overcomes Having To Read The Owner’s Manual The owner’s manual, that collection of writings concealed forever in the glovebox, might now be destined for the great hall of automotive fossils. It used to be sound advice: when getting a new car, read the owner’s manual. Does anybody do that anymore? Seems unlikely today.
In a “get with the times, man” approach, Mercedes-Benz last year revealed a pilot program called “Ask Mercedes.” The program allows customers to explore and learn about their Benz’s features with augmented reality technology that supplements a camera image with computer-generated content.
What a time to be alive.
Mercedes Matrix
Through the augmented reality program, customers receive information in real time, without having to decipher the archaic texts within a paper-inspired operator’s manual. Owners of a 2018 E-Class or S-Class (non-AMG) use the application to “get to know their vehicle.” The automaker says by using a smartphone camera, owners can “discover interior features and functions by scanning controls and displays.”
Say the phone camera is aimed at the dashboard, steering wheel or center console – that’s when augmented reality beacons are automatically superimposed onto the controls and displays shown in the camera image. Clicking or taping on a beacon further explains the function by way of text, photos, and video. Customers can even directly link to that section of a digital owner’s manual if they want more information.
Mercedes-Benz E300 Sedan. Photo: MBUSA.
Practical Uses
This feature would be handy for a complex navigation system, an odd-looking “what’s that do” button, or as a refresher that turn signals are there for a reason. Seriously, point the camera at the little blinker switch just off the steering wheel, then watch the instructional video on how to use it.
If you have questions, follow this procedure: access the “junk and stuff” drawer in the kitchen, usually populated with an assortment of pens, pill holders, batteries, rubber bands, tape, etc. Remove scissors. Open wallet. Remove driver’s license. Hold both scissors and license over medium-sized trash can. Proceed to operate scissors until driver’s license has been successfully committed inside the trash receptacle.
2018 Mercedes-Benz S450 Sedan. Photo: MBUSA.
Availability & Expansion
The pilot of “Ask Mercedes” launched late last year, with the augmented reality functions first available for the 2018 E-Class. The company says the recently added capabilities for the 2018 S-Class will gradually expand in the coming months to other models. “Ask Mercedes” is available in the Apple App Store and is supported on the iPhone 6 running iOS 10 or higher.
“We are creating a personalized customer experience that goes well beyond the vehicle,” explained Britta Seeger, member of the Board of Management of Daimler AG, responsible for Mercedes-Benz Cars Sales. “With innovative services such as ‘Ask Mercedes’ we are further expanding our digital ecosystem.”
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: MBUSA.

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2018 Hagerty Hot List of Future Collector Cars

2018 Hagerty Hot List of Future Collector Cars It’s a known fact that new vehicles will start losing value as soon as you drive off the lot. This is the reason why some prefer to lease rather than buy, especially luxury vehicles that are prone to lose half their value in less than three years.
Prime examples are the Cadillac CTS, Volkswagen CC, BMW 7 Series, and Mercedes-Benz S-Class. The aforementioned vehicles are expected to lose approximately 58 to 64 percent of their value in a 36-month period. While this is good news for used car buyers, it’s a different story for potential new car owners.
Thankfully, the 2018 Hagerty Hot List of Future Collector Cars is here to save the day. Hagerty is one of the largest membership, insurance, and media organizations dedicated to collectible vehicles and car owners globally. Their list is home to 10 new vehicles that are projected to be highly collectible 30 years from now, and each have an MSRP less than $100,000.
These vehicles are expected to retain their value in the distant future. Depreciation be damned!
2018 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 1LE. Photo: Chevrolet.
1. Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 1LE ($69,995)
This beastly muscle car is equipped with a supercharged V8 good for 650 horsepower and 650 lb-ft. of torque. This Camaro is also equipped with the 1LE Track Package which includes aluminum-bodied spool-valve dampers and inverted struts for superior handling. You also get creature comforts such as heated and cooled seats, a heated steering wheel, and a heads-up display.
The best thing about the Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 1LE is the price. It is a perfectly-tuned track car that can outperform exotic supercars for half the price. While this muscle car is clearly not designed for mundane city driving, Chevrolet left no stone unturned to come up with a brilliant track machine.
And to think it started out on a Cadillac platform.
2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon. Photo: FCA US LLC.
2. Dodge Challenger SRT Demon ($85,000)
The Dodge Challenger SRT Demon is the world’s fastest production car. It comes equipped with a burly 840 horsepower supercharged Hemi V8 that sounds like an angry rhinoceros on steroids. It also comes with Bilstein adaptive dampers that transfer weight rearward as you attack the drag strip.
The Dodge Challenger SRT Demon can scoot from zero to 60 mph in 2.3 seconds, and devour the quarter mile in under 10 seconds at an average speed of 140 mph. This future collectible achieves a miserly 10/18 city/highway mpg with the standard eight-speed automatic transmission.
At this point, who cares about fuel economy? We want one. Badly.
2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk. Photo: FCA US LLC.
3. Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk ($86,000)
What? An SUV on the Hagerty Hot List? Absolutely! The Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk is a family vehicle that can outrun sports cars and tuned vehicles on the dragstrip. This SUV is equipped with a 6.2-liter V8 that churns out a breathtaking 707 horsepower and 645 lb-ft. of torque, and it comes standard with all-wheel drive.
The yellow brake calipers are a sight for sore eyes, but the Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk is more than just performance. It offers a plush and comfortable cabin with enough seats for a medium-sized family of track junkies. It can also tow 7,200 lbs. and comes with Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and numerous other connectivity features.
2018 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon. Photo: FCA US LLC.
4. Jeep Wrangler ($26,995)
No vehicle in the same price range can match the off-road prowess of the Jeep Wrangler. The top-of-the-line Rubicon comes with improved ground clearance and locking front and rear differentials that allow you to traverse any type of terrain. It also comes with the UConnect infotainment system with either a seven-inch or 8.4-inch touchscreen display.
The 2018 Jeep Wrangler features a 3.6-liter V6 mated to either a six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic transmission. While refinement and wind noise are still issues, the Jeep Wrangler is destined to remain an iconic name in the years to come.
2018 Audi RS 3. Photo: Audi of America, Inc.
5. Audi RS 3 ($54,900)
The Audi RS 3 is finally here in North America. While critics are quick to point out the astronomical price tag for such a small car, they failed to consider the awesome five-cylinder turbocharged motor and Quattro all-wheel drivetrain. The 2.5-liter turbo engine is mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic that enables the RS 3 to hit 60 mph in just 3.5 seconds, quicker than the Mercedes-Benz CLA45 AMG and BMW M2.
Think of the Audi RS 3 as a pocket rocket with a luxury price tag. It may not be the most affordable performance vehicle you can buy, but it is one of the rare few that offers an opulent and comfortable cabin for everyday usability and drivability.
2018 Porsche 718 Cayman GTS. Photo: Porsche Cars North America, Inc.
6. Porsche 718 Cayman/Boxster GTS ($79,800)
The 718 Cayman and Boxster GTS feature Porsche’s Torque Vectoring and Active Suspension Management systems, the Sport Chrono package, sport-style exhaust, and 20-inch alloy wheels. But the crème of the crop is the bigger turbocharger that enables both vehicles to achieve higher boost pressures and 15 more horsepower than the Cayman S or Boxster S.
The GTS models of the Porsche 718 Cayman and Boxster are equipped with a 2.5-liter flat-four that produces 365 horsepower. The styling on both cars is still up for debate, but with a Nürburgring Nordschleife lap time of 7 minutes and 40 seconds for the Cayman GTS (which is 2 seconds faster than the Cayman S), the styling should be the least of your concerns.
The Lexus LC at the 2017 North American International Auto Show, Cobo Center, Detroit, Michigan. Photo: Carl Anthony for Automoblog.net.
7. Lexus LC 500 ($92,500)
The Lexus LC 500 is highly regarded as the most exciting Lexus next to the magnificent, but outrageously expensive, LFA. While this car is not as performance-oriented as the LFA, it comes equipped with a 5.0-liter V8 engine that is good for 471 horsepower and 398 lb-ft. of torque at 4,800 rpm. It also comes with a throaty and aggressive exhaust system that gave us goosebumps at idle. Once you step on the throttle, all chaos breaks loose. This is one of the finest, most desirable, and most luxurious grand touring cars you can buy this year.
What we really like about the Lexus LC 500 is the comfortable ride and leather-covered cabin. We had some issues with the trademarked spindle grille design (which looks like the face of an expensive electric razor) but looks are entirely subjective. If you want a fast, luxurious, and aggressive-sounding cruiser, you can’t go wrong with the Lexus LC 500.
2018 Subaru WRX STI Type RA. Photo: Subaru of America.
8. Subaru WRX STI Type RA ($48,995)
Purists might scoff at the newfound refinement of the current Subaru WRX STI. However, the Type RA begs to differ. This car is limited to only 500 individually numbered vehicles which makes it an instant classic in our book. It also helps that it’s tuned in the spirit of the Subaru 2017 Nürburgring record attempt, which was the fastest lap ever achieved by a production four-door sedan at the time.
The Subaru WRX STI Type RA benefits from intensive weight reduction to deliver unparalleled performance. This includes a carbon fiber roof panel to further reduce weight while lowering the center of gravity. The car also benefits from a new cold air intake, high-flow performance exhaust, retuned ECU, and stronger pistons to deliver 310 horsepower. Of course, no limited-production STI is complete without the ridiculous-looking adjustable STI carbon fiber trunk spoiler.
2018 Kia Stinger. Photo: Kia Motors America.
9. Kia Stinger GT ($38,350)
The Kia Stinger GT is South Korea’s interpretation of a muscle car. It is also engineered to run with more expensive European exotics while providing a comfortable and refined driving environment. The base model receives a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four but the GT comes with a more powerful 3.3-liter turbocharged V6 that churns out 365 horsepower and 376 lb-ft. of torque.
Truth be told, we would consider buying or leasing the Kia Stinger GT even if it weren’t included on the Hagerty Hot List. This car offers lots of creature comforts for both the driver and passengers. It also helps that it looks the part as well. Kia has a real winner here.
2018 Honda Civic Type R. Photo: Honda North America.
10. Honda Civic Type R ($34,100)
Ah yes, the Honda Civic Type R. This is the first Civic Type R sold in the United States. It all starts with a turbocharged and direct-injected 2.0-liter inline-four that cranks out 306 horsepower and 295 lb-ft. of torque. There’s none of the instant gratification and raucousness of the old-school B18 VTEC motor from the Integra Type R, but the tractable nature and smooth power delivery is enough to revive the driving enjoyment of tuned 90’s era Civics.
While the Civic Type R is not entirely all-new, the juvenile styling was expected given the capabilities of the car. We also found the exhaust note to be less than satisfying as the engine approaches higher revs. Still, this is a future classic worth considering.
Do you have a favorite on this list? Let us know on Twitter.
Alvin Reyes is the Associate Editor of Automoblog. He studied civil aviation, aeronautics, and accountancy in his younger years and is still very much smitten to his former Lancer GSR and Galant SS. He also likes fried chicken, music, and herbal medicine.

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The Brabham BT62 Might Have Just Declared War On Everyone

The Brabham BT62 Might Have Just Declared War On Everyone Well this is a nasty looking piece of kit right here. Greetings to the new Brabham BT62. Yes, it is (sadly) a track-only car, but what a car it is. The last time something with “Black” Jack Brabham’s name on it turned up on a track, it was a bad day for the opposition. If the BT62 holds true to form, and you drive a Ferrari FXX or a McLaren P1 or Senna, you’re right to be worried.
Jack Attack
To get you up to speed here, and I feel sorry for those that have not heard the stories, Jack Brabham was an Australian racer and race car builder from the mid-century. First guy to race a mid-engined car at the Indy 500? Jack Brabham. First (and so far only) guy to win a grand prix championship in a car he built himself? Jack Brabham. First Australian GP winner? Jack Brabham. First Australian GP World Champion? Jack Brabham. Guy who snapped a throttle cable at Zandvoort, drove off to the side, and used wire from a fence to build a hand throttle and finish the race? Jack Brabham.
He got the nickname “Black” Jack because of his racing style: fast, uncompromising, declarative, and if you dropped your guard an inch, Brabham was through. Try to mess him up on the track, and he’d be on you like a leather sack filled with buckshot; a Blackjack. He also had the best motto: “When the green flag drops, the bullshit stops.” In other words, you can talk a big game all you want, and you’re car can look as impressive as they come sitting in the pits, but when the race starts, all that hot air is done away with and then we’ll know who is the quickest.
And the brand new BT62? How does that fare? Dunno yet, haven’t seen it run. But the specs? Hoo boy!
Brabham BT62. Photo: Brabham Automotive.
No Nonsense Nomenclature
This is all David Brabham’s deal. He would be Jack’s son, former racer, Le Mans winner, current and future Australian, and, like his pop, a nice guy (unless you cross him on the track). The Brabham BT62 – the B stands for Brabham and the T for Ron Tauranac, Jack’s engine builder/chassis designer/chief engineer from back in the day – boasts a power-to-weight ratio of 720 horsepower per ton, a dry weight of just 2,142 lbs., and is propelled by a Brabham naturally-aspirated 5.4-liter V8.
That’s right, they are even building their own V8 plant in-house. You think this is a kit car? Slow and stupid, ain’t ya?
Power & Performance
Like all Brabhams before it, the BT62 is designed from the ground up to be simple, robust, reliable, flexible, and fast. A complete “clean sheet of paper” design, the Brabham BT62 is mid-engined, with the power driving the rear wheels via a rear-mounted dog-box transmission. Like I said, the BT62 tips the scales around 2,140 lbs. (think Miata) and possesses a strong power-to-weight ratio. That Brabham-built V8 engine cranks out 700 plus horsepower and 492 ft-lb. of torque. Add to the mix the BT62’s aggressive aerodynamic package, which delivers over 2,600 lbs. of downforce, and you can see where this is heading.
If it’s heading there too fast, not to worry, the carbon/carbon disc brakes with six-piston calipers front and rear will “whoa” you up. The BT62 is shod with Michelin racing slick tires and, to make maters worse for those of you racing against it, Brabham Automotive is a technical partner with Michelin and further developing racing tires.
Photo: Brabham Automotive.
Avenged Seventyfold
Of course they are not making very many of them. The Brabham BT62 will be limited to just 70 cars to celebrate the 70 years since Sir Jack Brabham (oh yeah, The Queen gave him a Knighthood a while back) launched his racing career in Australia in 1948. The first 35 cars will be liveried just like the F1 cars in that delicious green and gold paint scheme. And, as the owner of a Brabham BT62, you also gain entry into a tailored driver development and experience program to enable you to “fully exploit the performance potential of this exceptional car.”
In other words, you get driving school along with your purchase.
Speaking of: How much? Base price of £1m or 1.4 million bucks or about the same as dedicated track cars from Ferrari, McLaren, and such. First deliveries are expected later this year.
The Brabham BT62 in pit lane. Photo: Brabham Automotive.
War On Everyone
The only thing I dislike about the Brabham BT62 is that you can’t hang a license plate on it. But what I really love about it is this sentence from the press materials: ” . . . the company’s ultimate goal is to see the iconic Brabham name return once again to compete on the race track, with the 24 Hours of Le Mans firmly in its sights.”
What’s that old phrase? Those who do not remember history are doomed to get beaten like a drum on the race track . . . something like that.
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.
Brabham BT62 Gallery

Photos & Source: Brabham Automotive.

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Toyota Announces $1.33 Billion For Kentucky Plant

Toyota Announces $1.33 Billion For Kentucky Plant

Toyota recently announced a massive $1.33 billion investment for Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Kentucky, Inc. (TMMK). The motion marks the highest investment of any automaker in Kentucky and the second-largest in state history. TMMK will undergo renovations in order to incorporate Toyota’s New Global Architecture (TNGA) into future models, including the 2018 Camry.
The investment comes as part of a larger initiative for the automaker.
“This $1.33 billion investment is part of Toyota’s plan to invest $10 billion dollars in the U.S. over the next five years, on top of the nearly $22 billion Toyota has invested in the U.S. over the past 60 years,” said Jim Lentz, Chief Executive Officer, Toyota Motor North America.
Stronger Foundations
TNGA is Toyota’s new vision for designing, engineering, and manufacturing vehicles. This allows for a shorter development cycle and a more streamlined process when it comes to introducing vehicle improvements. It also creates a more versatile production environment, allowing Toyota Kentucky to build vehicles that better match consumer demands. TNGA builds upon Toyota’s desire for a well balanced automobile, one that combines safety with energetic driving dynamics.
“It will improve performance of all models, including increased fuel efficiency, more responsive handling, and a more stable, comfortable feel while driving,” Lentz said.
TMMK is the first vehicle assembly facility in North America to incorporate the new architecture.
Photo: Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.
Stronger Manufacturing
TMMK will undergo extensive renovations to modernize the facility for Toyota’s future vehicles. Updates to line equipment are planned along with a brand new paint shop.
“This major overhaul will enable the plant to stay flexible and competitive, further cementing our presence in Kentucky,” said Wil James, President, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Kentucky, Inc.
In 2013, $530 million was invested into Toyota Kentucky to support Lexus manufacturing. Production of the Lexus ES 350 began two years later, marking the first time a Lexus vehicle was made in the United States. Political and world leaders have praised Toyota’s continued investment initiatives.
“Toyota’s decision to invest $1.3 billion in their Kentucky plant is further evidence that manufacturers are now confident that the economic climate has greatly improved under my administration and echoes the recent National Association of Manufacturers’ 2017 Outlook Survey showing that 93% of manufacturers are now optimistic, which is an increase of 37% from just a few months ago,” said President Donald J. Trump.
Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY) echoed similar sentiments.
“For more than 30 years, Toyota has been committed to the Commonwealth, and today’s investment is further proof that the company maintains its pledge to grow our economy and solidify Kentucky as a world-class automotive state,” he said.
Photo: Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.

Economic Impact
A recent study by the Center for Automotive Research shows Toyota Kentucky supports nearly 30,000 jobs across the state (direct, indirect, and spin-off). TMMK employees live in 80 Kentucky counties while Toyota has more than 100 suppliers located across the Commonwealth. Toyota Kentucky is the automaker’s largest plant in the world, employing over 8,000, an all time high.
“Toyota is a global icon and this $1.33 billion investment is further proof of their commitment to producing American-made cars that are among the finest quality found anywhere in the world,” said Kentucky Governor Matt Bevin. “It also serves as a testament to the hard work and dedication of the plant’s current employees, and reaffirms Toyota’s confidence in the advantages of manufacturing in Kentucky.”
Last year, TMMK manufactured nearly a quarter of the total number of Toyota vehicles produced in North America, or about 500,000. In total, the plant has produced more than one-third – 11 million – of all Toyota vehicles manufactured in North America since 1986.
“We are grateful that this significant investment further validates the fact that Kentucky is the engineering and manufacturing hub of excellence in America,” Gov. Bevin added.
Photo: Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.
Community Visions
Toyota remains active in Scott County, where TMMK is located. The automaker is committing $2 million over the next 10 years to Scott County United for economic development initiatives. In addition, Lanes Run Business Park is receiving $1 million for future land purchases.
“I congratulate Toyota on this new initiative, and look forward to continuing my efforts in Congress to promote business-friendly policies to ensure Kentucky continues to reap the benefits of economic growth and expansion as a result of these types of investments,” said Senator Rand Paul (R-KY).
Toyota partners with community, civic, academic, and governmental organizations to address a number of challenges facing society today, including the future of mobility and transportation.
“This is the largest investment in our plant’s history and it speaks directly to the quality of our people and our products, as well as the partnerships we’ve forged in the local community and across the state,” James said.
Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and resides in Detroit, Michigan.
Photos & Source: Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.

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2017 New York Preview: Nissan unveils 2018 370Z Heritage Edition, reminds us the 370Z is still for sale

2017 New York Preview: Nissan unveils 2018 370Z Heritage Edition, reminds us the 370Z is still for sale Yes, they’re still making the 370Z. Yes, it seem old….because it is, at 10 years old. Does a “Heritage Edition” help to mask that?

What’s going on?
With the 50th Anniversary of Nissan’s perennial Z-Car looming in 2019, Nissan released details on the 2018 370Z Heritage Edition ahead of the New York International Auto Show.
The Heritage Edition Z separates itself from a base-spec Z with the inclusion of two all-new colors, “Chicane Yellow” and “Magnetic Black”, with black and silver exterior graphics applied respectively, and yellow interior trim.
If you squint hard enough, you’ll find the Heritage Z also carries forward updates applied to all Z models for 2018. This includes a factory installed Exedy clutch, and a mild facelift on the headlights, taillights, rear fascia, and door handles.
Word. Any more power?
The 370Z still sends power to the rear wheels from Nissan’s venerable VQ37 power plant. The naturally-aspirated 3.7L V6 still produces 332hp and 270 lb-ft of torque by way of either six speed manual transmission with or optional seven speed automatic.
Available for purchase in 2008, the 370Z was an incremental update to the widely popular 350Z, released in 2004. Fourteen years after the 350Z’s release, fans are left scratching their heads over what’s in store for Nissan’s next Z-car, if one is under development at all. In an age where manufacturers are focusing their efforts on producing “models that sell” (Read: crossovers), dropping the axe on models catered to the enthusiast with shallower pockets (RIP Nissan IDx), and rebranding sports cars as crossovers (I’m looking at you Mitsubishi), the future for enthusiasts cars is looking a little grim.
– By: Nate Damaghi
2017 New York – Nissan 370Z Heritage Edition

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2017 New York Preview: Is this the new Dodge Challenger SRT Demon?

2017 New York Preview: Is this the new Dodge Challenger SRT Demon? A single photo leaks on the web of what appears to be the hotly-anticipated Dodge Challenger SRT Demon, ahead of its New York debut.
What’s going on?
A new photo surfaced! Wow, I know…./sarcasm. Except, it really is pretty darn exciting since it appears to be of the highly-anticipated Dodge Challenger SRT “Demon,” the end-all-be-all of Challengers.
Official details aren’t yet available, given the Demon’s reveal is set for tomorrow evening. But there are still plenty of tidbits available on the Internet, giving us clues as to how insane the Dodge Challenger Demon really is.
So what should we expect?
Expect a Dodge Challenger. Though, it will be the most insane Challenger yet, more so than the Hellcat. Predictions point to a the same 6.2L supercharged V8 as the Hellcat. But significant tweaks will up the power significantly. For instance, there’s a special mode installed from the factory, enabling the engine’s use of 100-octane racing gas.
There’s a new “TransBrake” system to help launch the new Demon, supposedly to eliminate the need to brake torque (where you hold the brake and feather the gas before setting off).
But to top if all off, rumors are ciricling of over 1000 horsepower, all-wheel drive, and a quarter-mile sprint in less than 10 seconds.
Either way, we will find out soon. Stay tuned.
– By: Chris Chin

Dodge Challenger SRT Demon Teaser Photo Gallery

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