Automotive

2017 Shanghai Preview: The BMW M4 CS is a successor to previous M3 Competition Sport models

2017 Shanghai Preview: The BMW M4 CS is a successor to previous M3 Competition Sport models Meet the first-ever BMW M4 CS, a harder, more performance oriented variant to the standard M4.

What’s going on?
BMW revealed an all-new M4 CS at the 2017 Shanghai Auto Show, a harder-edged M4 coupe that’s more biased to performance than comfort.
Munich claims the M4 CS is a first, but in concept, it is not. The M4 CS is only a first-ever because of the M4 badge. The idea of an M3 coupe–in this case, the M4–in a “Competition Sport” variant, is as old as the M3 is itself.
So, what’s new about the M4 CS?
Like previous M3 Competition Package cars, the BMW M4 Competition features =more aggressive tuning in various aspects of the car. However, it’s not as hardcore as the M4 GTS.
The body gains a sportier body kit for improved aerodynamic stability and cooling. The brakes get upgraded with fade-resistant M Compound pads, assisted by four-piston calibers up front and two-piston clamps at the back.
For instance, the M4 CS receives a lot of performance tuning for the DSC, ABS, Adaptive M Suspension, Active M Differential, and the M Servotronic steering and M DCT seven-speed dual-clutch automatic. The 3.0L TwinPower twin-turbocharged inline-six receives some tweaks to coax out an additional 29 horsepower, ringing the total to 454hp. The transmission is fitted with an additional, separate oil cooler.
When all is said and done, BMW claims a 0-60 time of just 3.8 seconds and a Nürburgring Nordschleife lap of only 7 minutes 38 seconds.
The suspension benefits from revised forged aluminum to keep things light. The Adaptive M suspension also had its geometry slightly redesigned to optimize performance for both track and road use. And helping to keep things grippy are tandard Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires, measuring at 265/35 R 19 at the front and 285/30 R 20 at the back.
Ok, enough chatting. When can I buy one?
BMW confirmed the M4 CS will come to the United States by 2018. Pricing details should surface closer to then.
– By: Chris Chin
2017 Auto Shanghai – 2018 BMW M4 CS Gallery

The post 2017 Shanghai Preview: The BMW M4 CS is a successor to previous M3 Competition Sport models appeared first on egmCarTech.

Check out these Automotive tips

http://carsecret.atspace.eu/blog/2017-shanghai-preview-the-bmw-m4-cs-is-a-successor-to-previous-m3-competition-sport-models/

Inside The Brembo Brakes On The Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk & Dodge Challenger SRT Demon

Inside The Brembo Brakes On The Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk & Dodge Challenger SRT Demon

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles’ horsepower binge was felt dramatically during the recent reveals of the 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk and Dodge Challenger SRT Demon at the New York International Auto Show. Both vehicles boast 707 and 840 horsepower respectively. To keep that balanced, FCA has turned to Brembo SpA.
“Brembo is pleased to carry its relationship forward with FCA US on the next generation of performance vehicles with the new Grand Cherokee Trackhawk and the Dodge Challenger SRT Demon,” said Dan Sandberg, President & CEO, Brembo North America.
Trackhawk Brakes
The calipers for the 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk are newly engineered and more responsive, with high-strength aluminum components to reduce weight and dissipate heat. The aluminum composition of the fixed calipers allow a 30 percent weight reduction. The complete system consists of front aluminum 6-piston monoblock calipers and 4-piston rear calipers. The front Brembo discs are large two-piece units (400 x 36mm), complimented by one-piece units in the rear (350 x 28mm).
“The Grand Cherokee Trackhawk brake package is specifically designed to slow the 707 horsepower SUV while providing excellent pedal feel,” Sandberg said. “The caliper is the largest on a production vehicle in North America and looks as strong as it stops behind the Trackhawk’s 20-inch wheel.”
The brake pads are entirely free from copper, a first for a domestic vehicle. Further benefits come in terms of residual torque for lower emissions and fuel consumption; Brembo’s system adheres to California’s strict regulations.

2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk front brakes. The front disc is slotted for proper ventilation and cooling; Brembo also increased the pad area by 20 percent. Photo: Brembo SpA.
Challenger SRT Demon Brakes
The unveiling of the 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon put the competition on notice. Dodge’s epitome of American muscle is currently the world’s fastest 0 to 60 production car, and officially banned by the National Hot Rod Association at the drag strip. Naturally, Brembo designed the brakes accordingly.
“On the Challenger SRT Demon, Brembo is able to brake the 840 horsepower muscle car from Dodge with maximum balance,” Sandberg said.
The Brembo setup on the Challenger SRT Demon includes front aluminum 4-piston monoblock calipers and two-piece rear calipers. The front discs are two-piece units (360 x 32mm), accompanied by one-piece units in the rear (350 x 28mm). While the Challenger SRT Demon’s brakes are engineered for optimum cooling and maximum performance, aesthetics were still considered.
“Our brakes help to accentuate the fiery performance look of the Challenger SRT Demon,” Sandberg said. “We offer great looking all-aluminum red calipers behind the five spoke wheels.”
2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon Front Brakes. Photo: Brembo SpA.

Innovative Growth
Brembo has more than 300 championships in racing and that experience from the track carries over to the street. They supply high performance braking components for prominent manufacturers of cars, commercial vehicles, and motorbikes worldwide. These braking systems, which have performance benefits on the track, translate to safety benefits for the everyday driver. A responsive braking system is worth its weight in gold, especially on a performance-oriented vehicle.
Brembo operates in 15 countries on 3 continents, with 24 production and business sites, and a pool of about 8,000 employees, 10 percent of whom are engineers and product specialists active in research and development. Their Homer, Michigan location includes a foundry and facilities specific to rotor, caliper, and corner production. In 2016, car applications provided the most growth for Brembo, closing the year with a 12.3 percent increase compared to 2015. With vehicles like the Trackhawk and Demon hitting the market, it’s plausible that upward trend for Brembo will continue.
“All of our sectors of operation, from cars to motorbikes, from racing to aftermarket, have contributed to Brembo’s growth on both its reference markets and emerging markets, thanks to a well diversified, constantly evolving product portfolio,” said Matteo Tiraboschi, Executive Deputy Chairman, Brembo SpA.
Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and resides in Detroit, Michigan.
Photo: FCA US LLC.
Photos & Sources: Brembo SpA, FCA US LLC.

Check out these Automotive tips

http://carsecret.atspace.eu/blog/inside-the-brembo-brakes-on-the-jeep-grand-cherokee-trackhawk-dodge-challenger-srt-demon/

2018 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet: The Comfortable Convertible

2018 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet: The Comfortable Convertible

The 2018 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet (that’s a convertible for those of you yokels out there) has always been a bit of a rare bird. Unlike most drop tops that are two-seaters, or two-seaters with a notional back seat (like Mustang or Camaro), the E-Class Cabriolet is a full on four-seater. Although it only has two doors, the back seat can actually accommodate two adults comfortably.
The E-Class Cabriolet debuted recently at the New York International Auto Show, just in time for spring, which means top-down convertible driving weather.
Fine Fabrics
The all-fabric cloth-top is a huge expanse of fabric, seemingly sourced from an America’s Cup yacht when viewed from a distance. Up close, however, you can see this is some very fine material indeed. Buyers of the new E-Class Cabriolet get their choice of four colors for the top: dark brown, dark blue, red, or black. The top is fully automatic, of course, because there’s no way Mercedes-Benz would expect you to do the work on your own. The top has so many square feet that wrestling the thing up and down, if it were a manual, would resemble a scene from The Three Stooges.
Functional Fabrics
Mercedes-Benz calls it an “acoustic soft top” because it features sophisticated insulation that reduces wind and road noise when the top is raised. A side benefit is how the soft-top is robust enough in terms of heat loss, meaning climate control and passenger comfort are not a problem so the Cabriolet is suitable for year-round use. Mercedes-Benz points out that up or down, the trunk is still usable. They say there’s enough space to store luggage for a weekend getaway, and the 50:50 folding rear seats provide a pass-through loading area for hauling longer stuff.
Compared to the previous version, the new E-Class Cabriolet has a longer wheelbase and a wider track. This larger footprint benefits rear seat passengers in particular. The rear seats are not a bench affair, but like the front seats are “sportily sculpted” for “individual-seat character.” Yeah, seriously, they said “sportily sculpted.” Oh, and the front seats have those automatic belt presenters that Mercedes-Benz has used for decades now, so you don’t have to contort yourself to reach the seatbelts.
2018 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet (European model shown). Photo: Mercedes-Benz USA.

Air In There
Now, about that option of top down driving even on colder days. Look, as a long time convertible owner, I am a big proponent of this in general. It’s a really nice feeling to take a little two-seater out for an early morning drive on a crisp fall day . . . but this is not a little two-seater. No, the E-Class Cabriolet is somewhere between taxi and tank sized from my perspective, not to mention that keeping back seat passengers from ending up like Creamsicles is a concern.
Mercedes-Benz, ever the thorough German engineering company, has sought to alleviate this.
First is this thingo called AIRSCARF, which is a neck-level heating system. Mercedes-Benz says it makes top-down driving enjoyable even at low temperatures by circulating warm air around the neck area in cooler weather. Actually it’s just a heater vent in the upper seat-back/headrest area to blast warm air onto your neck. People say it works quite well, although I would have to say it is not nearly as jaunty as my preferred method of a warm jacket, scarf, and appropriate hat, but that’s just me.
The AIRCAP system is an electric wind deflector unobtrusively incorporated into the roof frame and an electric wind blocker behind the rear seats. The driver hits a button, and the AIRCAP system deploys to reduce interior turbulence for the passengers.
Magic Words
There are also a number of additional features aimed at making the E-Class Cabriolet work in all seasons and weather conditions. The leather is something Mercedes-Benz dubs “heat-reflecting leather” to keep you cooler in direct sunlight. There’s this tech gizmo called (in all caps too) MAGIC VISION CONTROL. No, seriously, they call it MAGIC VISION CONTROL, and unlike what I first thought, it is not something that came free with every Grateful Dead concert ticket, circa 1973. No indeed, the MAGIC VISION CONTROL is an “intelligent and highly efficient wash/wipe system for the windscreen.” Essentially, when the outside temperature falls below a certain number of degrees, the windshield wiper/washer bits are heated to prevent snow or ice from sticking in winter.
That’s nice.
Lineup & Availability
The 2018 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet joins a pretty wide range of convertibles already in the lineup, including the smart fortwo cabriolet, smart electric drive cabriolet, C-Class Cabriolet, S-Class Cabriolet, SLC, SL, and AMG GT Roadsters. There is also the ultra-exclusive, full-boat, luxo-battle-cruiser, Mercedes-Maybach S650 Cabriolet. The 2018 E-Class Cabriolet will go on sale in the United States later this year.
Tony Borroz has spent his entire life racing antique and sports cars. He means well, even if he has a bias towards lighter, agile cars rather than big engine muscle cars or family sedans.
2018 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet (European model shown). Photo: Mercedes-Benz USA.
Photos & Source: Mercedes-Benz USA

Check out these Automotive tips

http://carsecret.atspace.eu/blog/2018-mercedes-benz-e-class-cabriolet-the-comfortable-convertible/

VW Golf GTI TCR Concept Might Be Coming Soon

VW Golf GTI TCR Concept Might Be Coming Soon Volkswagen has unveiled the Golf GTI TCR Concept, something the automaker says is an expression of design, power, and performance. This special edition VW is a road-going version of the race car with the same name, and although it’s a concept currently, that is expected to change.
“At the moment, the Golf GTI TCR Concept – an athlete derived from racing – is a study,” explained Jürgen Stackmann, Sales, Board of Management of Volkswagen AG, during the unveiling at the recent GTI Meeting at Wörthersee. “But at the end of the year, we want to make this GTI vision come true.”
Power & Performance
The Golf GTI TCR Concept features a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine that produces 286 horsepower and 273 lb-ft. of torque (1,600 rpm). Power is sent to the front wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and a limited-slip differential. The front bumper channels air into two additional radiators.
Top speed is 155 but can be increased to 164 by removing the electronic limiter.
There is an electric adaptive damping system with three modes – normal, comfort, and sport – to increase ride and handling capabilities. Although VW’s press materials didn’t give any specific details, the automaker says the braking system consists of “special” calipers and pads.
Photo: Volkswagen of America, Inc.
Styling & Design
The new Golf GTI rides on 18-inch “Belvedere” forged aluminum-alloy wheels with an option for 19-inch wheels. A new side skirt extension runs through the rear and joins up with the diffuser and exhaust pipes. The interior is themed with soft microfiber and fabric covers, complete with contrast stitching on the steering wheel and shifter.
When the doors are opened, the TCR logo is projected on the ground, which is pretty slick.
Pricing & Availability
The plan is for the Golf GTI TCR Concept to enter production this year. VW did not disclose any pricing information.
The Automoblog Staff contributed to this report and can be reached anytime.
VW Golf GTI TCR Concept Gallery

Photos & Source: Volkswagen of America, Inc.

Check out these Automotive tips

http://carsecret.atspace.eu/blog/vw-golf-gti-tcr-concept-might-be-coming-soon/

2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk Review

2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk Review Why did Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay climb Mount Everest? Because they could. Why did Jeep build the new Grand Cherokee Trackhawk? Because they had the Hellcat engine sitting there at their disposal and too much time on their hands. Does stuffing a 707 horsepower, supercharged V8 into the nose of the new Grand Cherokee make sense? It does if you want the ultimate all-wheel drive vehicle that will launch you to 60 mph in 3.5 seconds.
But it comes at a hefty price. This weekend, we drove the insane 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk!
What’s New for 2018?
Yep, you read that right. Jeep just stuffed a 707 horsepower V8 under the hood of the Grand Cherokee, called the Trackhawk, for performance enthusiasts. It’s more performance-focused than the existing 475 horsepower SRT. Other changes include a seven-inch touchscreen, now standard.
Features & Options
The 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk ($85,900) comes with plenty of standard equipment, including an 8.4-inch Uconnect touchscreen, upgraded interior trim, and all the Grand Cherokee’s available safety equipment: adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, forward collision mitigation with automatic emergency braking, and lane departure warning.
It also features keyless entry, a CD player, satellite radio, rearview camera, parking sensors, leather seating with a power front passenger seat, heated front seats, a power tailgate, and remote start.
Options on this Trackhawk tester included a 19-speaker Harman Kardon stereo ($1,995), 295/45ZR20 BSW 3 Season tires ($895), and 20-inch Black Satin Aluminum wheels ($995). Total MSRP including destination: $90,880.

Interior Highlights
The Grand Cherokee Trackhawk comes richly equipped with materials and textures that match luxury rivals, such as real wood trim on the dashboards and doors. Extra comfort comes in the way of heated and cooled front seats, heated steering wheel, and heated second row seats. A sleek silver carbon treads along the instrument panel and doors, and the big console even has illuminated audio ports. Uconnect infotainment systems, with thier simple interfaces, rank among the best in our opinion.
Up front, drivers and passengers get wide cushions with good bolstering for more spirited driving. The cabin is spacious enough for five adults, with good legroom all around. Six-footers have ample headroom, and the Grand Cherokee’s big doors open wide so climbing in and out is easy.
Cargo volume with the rear seats up is 36.3 cubic feet, which is more than enough space for your groceries or some camping gear. The seat backs recline 12 degrees, and then flip down with a lever for more cargo space.

Engine & Fuel Mileage Specs
Powering the Trackhawk is the Charger/Challenger Hellcat-sourced 6.2-liter supercharged Hemi, developing an insane 707 horsepower and 645 lb-ft. of torque. Trackhawk sees several suspension and drivetrain changes to handle all that power too. It gets new springs, active Bilstein dampers, a reworked version of the eight-speed automatic transmission, a new single-speed transfer case, and a revised rear limited-slip differential.
The yellow performance Brembo brakes peek out around the custom 20-inch black aluminum wheels.
The powerful SUV gets an EPA-estimated 11/17 city/highway and 13 combined mpg. We aren’t sure what we actually averaged this weekend – we had our foot in the pedal the whole time.

Driving Dynamics
The first thing we noticed behind the wheel were the hood vents that signal the supercharged engine underneath. Forward visibility is good because the sloped hood and fenders make it easier to see the corners. The big square sideview mirrors transmitted minimal noise into the cabin from the wind, but our ears were enjoying the throaty growl from under the hood.
For an all-wheel drive SUV of this size, the Trackhawk is more than fast; it’s scary-fast. On the highway, you’d be hard-pressed to feel any difference in the ride expect for the 20-inch wheels and massive performance tires – that did give it a slightly firmer ride over the bumps, but otherwise things were mostly smooth.
How can you drive a high-performance vehicle like this without mashing the pedal down? You can’t! How do you not get a speeding ticket? We had our head on a swivel all weekend looking for local law enforcement. The Trackhawk’s massive power crackles from the quad-tip exhaust, and the supercharger’s whine it just too entertaining to pass up.
We made liberal use of the large Brembo brakes that responded quickly when we needed to bring all that power to a stop. We aren’t sure there are many who need this much power, but for those that can afford $90,000, the Trackhawk will provide more entertainment per pound than anything on the road.
Conclusion
The 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk is an over-the-top, high-performance SUV designed for a select few. Why would you want one? Because you want something insanely unique and can afford it. There’s nothing else like it!
Denis Flierl has invested over 25 years in the automotive industry in a variety of roles. Follow his work on Twitter: @CarReviewGuy
2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk Gallery

2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk Official Site.
Photos: FCA US LLC.

Check out these Automotive tips

http://carsecret.atspace.eu/blog/2018-jeep-grand-cherokee-trackhawk-review/

Global Summit On Autonomous Driving Returns To Detroit

Global Summit On Autonomous Driving Returns To Detroit AutoSens, a global summit on autonomous driving, is returning to Detroit, Michigan starting on May 15th. Attendees, speakers, sponsors, and participants will leverage each other’s expertise during the event, which includes autonomous vehicle demonstrations, technical sessions, a full panel of expert speakers, and dozens of networking opportunities.
The event will happen May 15th through the 17th at the Michigan Science Center near the Detroit Institute of Arts and the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History.
“AutoSens, in short, is a global engineering forum for the people who work on vehicle perception systems,” explained Robert Stead, Managing Director, Sense Media, the parent company of AutoSens. “That might be designing a component, coding software algorithms, deciding on how to build a complete system, quality assurance, testing or any number of other functions important in developing efficient, affordable, robust, and reliable systems to the high standards demanded by the auto industry.”
Strength In Numbers
Collaboration and creativity are the central themes of AutoSens, whereby professionals in the field are encouraged to share ideas and devise solutions to the biggest challenges facing future mobility.
“This is a fiercely competitive market, but all companies can benefit from a forum with a free exchange of ideas,” Stead said. “Of course people don’t come and give away all their trade secrets, but so often engineers across the supply chain are facing similar challenges, and by working together to solve some of those core problems, they can spend more time focusing on the real value-add IP at the cutting edge of research.”
Although networking is a major aspect of AutoSens, it’s not a trade show. Attendees will be in the middle of the action, surrounded by people immersed in the technology daily.
“The difference between AutoSens and many other events on this hot topic of self-driving cars is that the AutoSens attendees are the actual engineers who are building the systems that will make it all possible,” Stead continued. “They know first-hand what technologies work well, what the bottlenecks are, and what the future capabilities will be.”
Michigan-based Dataspeed demonstrates their ADAS Kit at AutoSens Detroit 2017. The company’s ADAS Kit takes control of the throttle, brake, steering, and shifting to assist in the testing of sensors and other elements related to autonomous vehicle applications. Photo: Carl Anthony for Automoblog.net.
Diverse & Encompassing
AutoSens also addresses supply chain challenges, regulations, testing and validation environments, and the various human factors involved in implementing autonomous driving. The human aspects are among the event’s defining moments. At AutoSens Brussels in September, Stead recalls an attendee who noted it was refresing to “take the gloves off for a couple of days and do good science with other engineers.”
“I think that sums it up pretty well,” he said. “It’s also a lot more fun if everyone has an open mind – I’ve been to events where it’s all about hard sales, or when all the technical folks are tight-lipped about what they are working on and it really doesn’t make for a great event. We are lucky to have some great Chairmen and Advisory Board members who set the tone.”
AutoSens Brussels attendees chat during a brief coffee break. There are numerous opportunities to network during the duration of the conference. Photo: Sense Media, © Bernal Revert/BR&U.
Something For Everyone
Even though AutoSens is geared toward the engineering and technical communities, one doesn’t necessarily have to be an engineer. Professionals in other fields who have clients in the automotive industry can benefit from AutoSens. Those working in the car industry, from the big city boardroom to the small town dealership, can benefit by attending.
“To be clear, this is a technical meeting with engineering presentations on leading edge research, but it’s also an accessible agenda top-and-tailed with plenary sessions that give some context to the deeper technical content,” Stead said. “Overall, I think any non-technical folks who are interested in what’s really going on in the autonomous vehicle technology space or need to know about it for their jobs will get some great value.”
Stead says there is no need to be shy and questions are always welcome.
“You’ll find the attendees, even if they are doing research on a niche technical area, will be very open to explain what it’s all about to those who are not so experienced,” he added.
During AutoSens Brussels, Senior Applications Engineer Edel Cashman (right) from SensL Technologies demonstrates how the company’s sensors can be utilized for LiDAR applications. Photo: Sense Media, © Bernal Revert/BR&U.
Schedule & Agenda
On Tuesday May 15th, autonomous vehicle demonstrations will be conducted at nearby Wayne State University. Tuesday will also see a number of workshops, expert-led sessions, and roundtable discussions in the evening. On Wednesday and Thursday, May 16th and 17th, more expert speakers will take the stage while panel discussions both days will cover a range of topics from safety and privacy to technical innovations.
Two receptions are planned, including one at HopCat, a local Detroit favorite known for their enticing menu items.
“I’ve been missing the Crack Fries at HopCat,” Stead joked.
Speakers include representatives from Ford, General Motors, Toyota, and Jaguar Land Rover, and major suppliers like Bosch, Valeo, and Magna. Representatives from MIT, Carnegie Mellon, University of Washington, and the University of Michigan are also scheduled to speak.
Workshops include one on LiDAR – led by Dr. Mark McCord and Steve Vozar, co-founders of Cepton and May Mobility respectively – and one on image processing led by Dr. Rania Hussein, Electrical Engineering Lecturer at the University of Washington Bothell.
“We record all the presentations so they are available for attendees afterwards,” Stead said. “If there’s a clash of two presentations you want to see, you can catch up in high-resolution, picture-in-picture format later via AutoSens TV.”
Photo: Sense Media.
Tickets & Attending
Tickets for AutoSens Detroit, including discount packages for females in the engineering community, are available now. The event’s full agenda can be found here.
“I’m looking forward to coming back to Detroit immensely,” Stead said. “We made some great friends last year and are really looking forward to building on those relationships.”
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.

Check out these Automotive tips

http://carsecret.atspace.eu/blog/global-summit-on-autonomous-driving-returns-to-detroit/

2017 Shanghai Preview: The Chevrolet FNR-X Concept provides a glimpse into future model designs

2017 Shanghai Preview: The Chevrolet FNR-X Concept provides a glimpse into future model designs Chevrolet introduces a new crossover concept that could be anything for the Chinese market.

What’s going on?
On the complete opposite side of the planet in China is the 2017 Shanghai Auto Show, just as we exit the 2017 New York International Auto Show. That said, some new cars and concepts did make their debut, mainly in the Chinese market. This latest one is the Chevrolet FNR-X Concept Vehicle.
At first, it looks like a slick and handsome take on a sleek compact crossover. But Chevrolet says it’s not quite exactly that….
So…what is it then?
“The Chevrolet-FNR is one of Chevrolet’s most forward-thinking concept cars, truly exemplifying the brand’s passion for innovation and ingenuity,” said Alan Batey, GM’s executive vice president of GM North America and Chevy worldwide. “The FNR-X builds on the design and technology showcased on the original FNR concept and embodies the belief at Chevrolet’s core that anything is possible.”
In Chevy’s words, the FNR-X is more of a design concept, previewing styling cues and other visual elements that will eventually show up in future models. This also leaves ambiguity for the FNR-X itself may or may not reach production in its current form.
Either way, the design concept is very attractive and handsome for a crossover. In fact, if the next-generation Chevrolet Trax resembled anything like the FNR-X Concept, they would get some pretty high scores in the aesthetics department for sure.
What else is cool about the FNR-X Concept?
The FNR-X Concept features active bodywork to improve aerodynamics during high-speed driving. It works in tandem with the suspension modes and the driver-selectable profiles available for choosing.
Powering the FNR-X is a plug-in gas-electric hybrid powertrain. Like most plug-in hybrids today, can switch in between gas and electric propulsion, or all-electric propulsion.
– By: Chris Chin
2017 Auto Shanghai – Chevrolet FNR-X Concept Photo Gallery

The post 2017 Shanghai Preview: The Chevrolet FNR-X Concept provides a glimpse into future model designs appeared first on egmCarTech.

Check out these Automotive tips

http://carsecret.atspace.eu/blog/2017-shanghai-preview-the-chevrolet-fnr-x-concept-provides-a-glimpse-into-future-model-designs/

Letter From The UK: Blast From The Past

Letter From The UK: Blast From The Past

It is a truth universally acknowledged that the more companies talk about the quality of their customer service, the worse it gets. The bigger the organization the worse it gets, and so on. Beyond that is the absolute nadir of customer service that currently is a long established airline company whose name, like the Dark Lord’s, is not mentioned in polite circles.
It was not always like this. Once upon a time, shops and trades and businesses were local and the customer knew with whom they were dealing. Customer service was not spoken of because it was expected and given automatically.
Staff were helpful, polite, and above all, were allowed to use their common sense. You don’t get that out of a company manual.
Too Much Complexity
To be fair, the retail car industry hasn’t really fallen into that trap, although there is a sense of sales staff performing rather than serving. In such a cut-throat business, the need to stay on top of one’s game is obviously paramount. Customer service in car dealerships is usually excellent, if a little slick. What has changed for the worst though is cost. The complexity of modern cars and, for the most part, the total inability of the average customer to fix them at home means expensive garage bills when even the slightest thing goes wrong. The car makers know this.
Well, according to an admittedly dusty and neglected four-year old report I came across, the public are beginning to question the need for more and more superfluous gadgets and unnecessary extras on cars, which simply add to the expense and complexity. Over 70% of drivers, the report states, would happily do without an electronic parking brake or electrically adjustable seats, for example. They prefer to be connected to the road rather than the World Wide Web. Car makers have built themselves into a corner. They’ve nowhere to go to make their product better than the next showroom, except by the practice of adding more and more trinkets and geegaws.
The result of this is that customers are saving money by selecting smaller, less well featured models, like basic city cars, and sales of these have risen exponentially. Here in the UK, there are many sightings of the Dacia Sandero, Europe’s cheapest car, and the thing is, it isn’t at all bad.
But isn’t all this new car business just a bit tedious? Slick servers, boring vehicles, manufactured customer service; please choose from the following twenty-seven options, your call is important to us so we’ll keep you hanging on until hell freezes over and so on. Where’s the fun and what used to be known as the joy of motoring? Where’s the real customer service?
Photo: Classic Trader.
Going Back In Time
There is a way to travel back in time to an era when the words “customer service” actually meant something, and cars were simple to fix. Buy a classic car. In your heart of hearts you know this to be true. Anyone who buys a classic is obviously going to be hated by the monomaniacal lobby who demand, not unlike themselves, that cars emit nothing more than hot air, but this has to be balanced against the pleasure of driving old school.
There are plenty of classic cars to choose from and they don’t all break auction records. In Europe, a recent top ten list is dominated by Porsche with four different classic 911s featured in the top ten, two of which stand at the top of the rankings. Sure, these, and the evergreen Jaguar E-Type are a little costly but the list also includes the Fiat 500 and the old Alfa Romeo Guilia. In the United States, the classic cars are maybe different but the same principles apply.
Photo: Classic Trader.

Clubs & Specialists
Classic supercars are clearly beyond the reach of the average Joe but here in the UK for example, enthusiasts fettle all manner of older cars. Remember, classic cars don’t have to come from the dim and distant past; the cars of the nineties and around the millennium can be purchased reasonably, cheaply, and with no expensive garage bills lurking over the horizon.
For the mechanically uninitiated, there are friendly owner clubs and specialists in vehicle servicing and sales. A good independent garage with a skilled staff can usually help, and almost certainly at a fairer price than most main dealerships.
It really is possible to enjoy simple, no frills motoring in a car that, despite its age, is entirely capable of providing good daily service. Investing in a classic means more than just buying an old banger and hoping for the best. For a start, you’ll be ahead of the game. They are devoid of all the usual extras routinely found on a modern car. They are simply engineered and straightforward to fix, so even if you have to take it to a specialist, it still shouldn’t cost the earth to repair.
People seem to be routinely surprised that these cars keep going, but the fact is there exist many enthusiastic club collectors and professional suppliers who seem to be able to source classic car parts at will. What’s more, they will have true motor knowledge and you will receive good customer care without it ever being mentioned once. Classic car owners must stand, if I may use the word, united.
Geoff Maxted is a motoring writer, photographer, and author of our Letter From The UK series. Follow his work on Twitter: @DriveWrite
Cover Photo: AutoFarm

Check out these Automotive tips

http://carsecret.atspace.eu/blog/letter-from-the-uk-blast-from-the-past/

2017 Shanghai Preview: The 2018 Lexus NX refreshed to look more like it's larger RX sibling

2017 Shanghai Preview: The 2018 Lexus NX refreshed to look more like it's larger RX sibling The 2018 Lexus NX debuts at the Shanghai Motor Show to continue its success.

What’s going on?
When Lexus introduced the entry-level NX luxury crossover to the world, it was met with mixed critical reception. But being a crossover and a Lexus, the general buying public swooned over it.
Lexus knew they had a breadwinner on their hands. So, being the NX came out in late 2014, it’s pretty much due for a facelift. And that facelift is here.
What’s new about the 2018 Lexus NX?
As with all midlife refreshes, the 2018 Lexus NX mainly benefits from a lot of visual, packaging, and optional updates to sweeten the deal. Lexus claims they went a little further, updating various suspension bits–like bushings and the relocation of certain mounting points–to improve handling response and ride quality.
Visually, if you think the NX looks pretty much the same, that’s because it is, for the most part. The changes lie in the upper portion of the grille, which Lexus says is better flows better with the hood and the shoulder line. The result is a slightly sleeker design and improved aerodynamics.
“Starting at the spindle grille, the way the front edges connect to the front fenders results in a much bolder expression than before, clearly highlighting the NX’s style design architecture,” said the NX’s chief exterior designer, Shin Kamiura. “We’ve also changed the shape of the lower front bumper to better support the spindle grille, as well as relocated the fog lamps to the corner of the front bumpers, separating them from the ducts. The result is a front fascia with a stronger and more aggressive presence.”
The rear-end of the NX also gains some updates, contributing to the sportier appearance overall. The lower rear fascia receives more elements to mimic the front “spindle” grille. The taillights also slim down in appearance. Rounding out the package are some new wheel designs in size 18-inch as well.
Same engines, plenty of value
Keeping with Lexus’ tradition for value and luxury, you can bet the new 2018 NX is just as well-equipped as the model it replaces. Adding to the standard options list is Lexus’ latest Safety System+. This makes active and passive driver aids such as Pre-Collision System, Dynamic Radar Cruise Ctonrol, Lane Departure Alert, and Automatic High Beams, all standard.
The base model remains to be the NX 200t, utilizing Toyota’s latest 2.0L turbocharged inline-four. Opting for the next level up would be the NX 300h, serving up Lexus’ familiar 2.5L hybridized inline-four.
Launch dates and pricing details aren’t available just yet. Lexus should be releasing those over the next several months.
– By: Chris Chin
2017 Auto Shanghai – 2018 Lexus NX Crossover

The post 2017 Shanghai Preview: The 2018 Lexus NX refreshed to look more like it’s larger RX sibling appeared first on egmCarTech.

Check out these Automotive tips

http://carsecret.atspace.eu/blog/2017-shanghai-preview-the-2018-lexus-nx-refreshed-to-look-more-like-its-larger-rx-sibling/