Automotive

2018 Chevy Camaro ZL1 1LE Tops Forthcoming Lineup

2018 Chevy Camaro ZL1 1LE Tops Forthcoming Lineup

The Chevy Camaro ZL1 1LE, the Camaro for the hardcore track enthusiast, is configured accordingly from the factory and with unique options at the dealership. The Extreme Track Performance Package, for example, is expected to build upon the car’s already impressive performance attributes, including racing-inspired suspension, advanced aerodynamics, and Goodyear Eagle F1 Supercar 3R tires.
“In the long, storied history of Camaro performance, there’s never been another model that matches the capability of the ZL1 1LE,” said Steve Majoros, Chevrolet cars and crossovers Marketing Director.
Aerodynamics & Suspension
The 2018 Chevy Camaro ZL1 1LE is a treasure chest full of aerodynamic and suspension technology. To the aerodynamic points, a carbon fiber rear wing, air deflectors, and strategically placed dive planes on the front fascia produce downforce. The suspension is track-focused with Multimatic DSSV (Dynamic Suspension Spool Valve) dampers (front and rear) to provide control and stability. The front ride height is adjustable, along with the caster geometry; the rear stabilizer bar can be adjusted three different ways.
Both the aerodynamic and suspension setup serve to keep the ZL1 1LE planted and poised on the track. In fact, even Jeff Gordon entertained the thought of how it would handle and how fast it would go on a track.
Photo: Chevrolet.

Wheels & Weight
Chevy’s track machine rides on special lightweight forged aluminum wheels, which are an inch wider but an inch smaller in diameter, front and rear, than standard ZL1 wheels. The new Goodyear Eagle F1 Supercar 3R tires deliver a max lateral grip of 1.10g, while the overall footprint increases 10 percent over the ZL1.
The wheel-and-tire package now weighs about 3.3 pounds less per corner. The dampers, thinner rear glass, and a fixed-back seat contribute to an approximately 60-pound lower curb weight than a standard ZL1 Coupe.
Power & Performance
A GM supercharged LT4 engine powers the 2018 Chevy Camaro ZL1 1LE. The 650 horsepower engine is mated to a six-speed manual transmission featuring Active Rev Match; stopping comes courtesy of Brembo performance brakes.
Packages & Trim Levels
The 2018 Chevy Camaro lineup consists of LS, LT, SS, and ZL1, which are available in coupe or convertible. The performance-oriented 1LE package is offered on coupes only. The new ZL1 1LE Extreme Track Performance Package (order code A1Z) runs $7,500. The Redline Edition package, available on LS, LT, and SS, includes black front and rear bowtie emblems, red-accented grille, a decklid blackout graphic, dark-finish taillamps, black outside mirrors, and 20-inch black aluminum wheels with red accents, among other things.
SS models can add the 1LE package with the 2SS trim (late availability). Other niceties for 2018 include dual-zone automatic climate control, Bose premium stereo, heated/ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. Expect to see the 2018 Camaro lineup at Chevy dealerships this summer.
Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and resides in Detroit, Michigan.
Photo: Chevrolet.
Photos & Source: Chevrolet.

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Detroit Event Aims To Connect Engineers Working On Vehicle Perception Technology

Detroit Event Aims To Connect Engineers Working On Vehicle Perception Technology

Next Monday in Detroit, Michigan, AutoSens will kick off a 4-day event dedicated to autonomous driving and vehicle perception technology. The occasion will serve as a meeting point for engineers, connecting them to one another in a setting that showcases the latest academic research, industrial R&D, and OEM insights.
AutoSens is not about marketing a certain product, but rather about getting to the core of the challenges facing autonomous technology. The idea is that engineers must first be connected before cars can be.
“What we want to create is a community catered to the engineers who are working on advanced driver assistance systems, and other solutions to autonomous vehicles that will be integrated over the coming years,” explained Robert Stead, Sense Media’s Managing Director, when we spoke with him in March.
Hands-On Experience
AutoSens is taking place at the M1 Concourse, an ideal location with its 1.5-mile racetrack and showroom facilities. On Tuesday, May 23rd, attendees can actually demo a fully autonomous vehicle, and speak to the engineers who designed and implemented the technology. It’s an opportunity to see how an autonomous car works and reacts, and better understand the practical applications of such technology.
Dataspeed has converted a Ford Fusion and Lincoln MKZ with a full array of sensor technology to run laps around the track. Paul Fleck, Dataspeed’s President, is on the distinguished panel of speakers, and will host a session on building an autonomous car on Thursday, May 25th.
Photo: Ford Motor Company.
Vital Resources
The panel of speakers is something worth its weight in gold for attendees. Each speaker is diverse in their experience with extensive backgrounds relating to autonomous driving, advanced driver assistance systems, and vehicle perception technology.
Speakers include Cary Bryczek, Principal Solutions Architect for Jama Software. Bryczek will share over 15 years of experience as an engineer in a workshop called Collaborative Approaches to Improving Traceability and Compliance, which will focus on how to improve product quality, decrease defects, and shorten delivery cycles. Phil Magney, Founder of Vision Systems Intelligence, will host a session on key component technology trends in the autonomous space; Thomas Wilson, Product Line Manager, NXP Semiconductors, will explain the role of and recent advancements with radar; and Joel Gibson, Vice President, Product Line and Program Management, Magna Electronics, will cover the technical challenges related to imagining technology.
“For engineers who are working in this space, it’s an opportunity to come and hear about some of the things that are happening,” Stead said. “AutoSens is meant to help them to understand what is going on in the wider industry.”
AutoSens roundtable discussion in Brussels, Belgium. Photo: Sense Media.

Info & Registration
AutoSens begins Monday, May 22nd at the M1 Concourse in Detroit and runs through May 25th. The event will feature 23 keynote-style presentations, multiple panel discussions, and extensive networking sessions. During the week, AutoSens will host 330 delegates, 45 speakers, 20 advisors, and 4 keynotes, with nearly 12 hours worth of networking opportunities.
A technology exhibition will have 30 displays; classic, sport, and exotic rides will also be displayed. On May 24th, attendees will be treated to the Vintage Evening Reception with food and drinks at the Henry Ford Museum. The evening consists of guided tours around Greenfield Village in Ford Model T cars.
For more information on AutoSens and to register, visit their website.
Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and resides in Detroit, Michigan.
Photo: Sense Media.
Photos & Source: Sense Media.

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Letter From The UK: Drive Of Our Life

Letter From The UK: Drive Of Our Life

Great Britain is very much a place of mixed fortunes; much like America I imagine. Some privileged people live in trendy places like Islington in London, holidaying comfortably in their organic yurts with their organic children, Jocasta and Tristram. They eat organic foreign-sounding foods and drive an eco-conscious Prius because they believe what they are told, and want to help save the planet.
Sometimes they are right.
Other people in other places like powerful, brutish cars. They like to eat McJunk foods and generally couldn’t give a monkey’s pink butt about the environment because they think everything they are told by anyone official is a lie. Curiously, they are sometimes right too.
Silent Majority
The rest of us, the great silent majority or “plebs” as we are officially called here, can swing either way regarding the environment and much else. We want to help because it makes us feel less guilty, but we can’t be sure how much of the issues surrounding climate change are true and how much of it is whipped up by frenzied anti-car monomaniacs and vested interests. It is we, the huddled masses, the plebeians, who buy the everyday bread-and-butter cars that keep the automotive industry afloat.
Giving It Some Thought
I’ve been thinking about this, because at the time of writing, I am driving the latest version of the inoffensive Peugeot 2008 crossover, which is every bit an every-man motor. Also, I have just watched an old Top Gear (UK version) DVD where two aging fellows (who seem increasingly to be resembling a bickering old married couple) are seen roaring about the exquisitely beautiful Italian countryside in a selection of cars few people can actually afford.
I have been fortunate enough to have driven three of the cars featured and owned another, yet such delights are routinely out of sight for the average driver as we plunge on through the rain and murk of Britain; as the storm clouds gather for yet another governmental General Election this coming June. Meet the new boss; same as the old boss.
If you think about it, without the mainstream cars we routinely drive, there would be no supercars and no Top Gear or Grand Tour as we know them today. No motoring life at all. There would be no exotic car posters on the walls of small boys’ bedrooms (alongside Cheryl Tiegs in my case); no automotive dreaming, no wishful thinking. Cars, if they existed in any recognizable form at all, would be dull and uniform.
Peugeot 2008. Photo: DriveWrite Automotive.

Don’t Worry: Be Happy
This is why we should be grateful for the cars we can afford. The Peugeot 2008 I am currently driving isn’t particularly exciting, but it is at least better looking than many of the SUV/Crossover vehicles we are offered today. It has a lively and economical three-cylinder (1.2 liter) turbo-petrol engine, is made up of many quality parts, and has some pleasing and thoughtful attributes. Just like, in fact, most of the cars in reach of normal household budgets today. It is reasonably good to drive and can apply itself to many things with its versatility.
That’s the point. When you watch car shows or glamorous motoring events from far-flung locations it is important to remember that it isn’t real life. That car outside your home, mundane though it may be, is your ticket to ride. It is the freedom of the open road; it is the pleasure of loading the family up at short notice and going where you want to go when you want to go. Most modern cars are decent to drive and there is pleasure in doing a good, safe job behind the wheel. That’s enough isn’t it?
Geoff Maxted is a motoring writer, photographer, and author of our Letter From The UK series. Follow his work on Twitter: @DriveWrite
Peugeot 2008 interior layout. Photo: DriveWrite Automotive.
Cover Photo: Peter H.

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2018 BMW 2 Series: 3’s A Crowd

2018 BMW 2 Series: 3’s A Crowd

In 2014 there was a schism in the BMW world akin to Martin Luther and Pope Leo X: BMW introduced the new 2 Series and, without saying it, more or less plugged that into where the 3 Series was. The 3 Series was moving upmarket – getting bigger, more luxurious, fatter, in a word – and the 2 was more directly in line with where the 3 started.
This was seen by diehard fans of the Bavarian marque as a near insult. BMW 3 Series owners love the 3 Series the way William S. Burroughs loved heroin: completely and unerringly for the rest of their lives.
Three Fold
Yes, BMW still made M3 variants. Yes BMW was still capable of making 3 Series cars go down the Bahn very, very fast. But, BMW felt the initial lightness and agility of the 3 Series was slowly being lost to feature bloat. Feature bloat is what turns small cars into bigger cars in the relentless pursuit of keeping the customer happy. Look at where Honda’s Accord started out, and where it is now. The original Accord is about the size of a current Honda Civic. The same goes for VW’s Golf, which started out about the size of a VW Polo and is now the size of a Jetta, sans trunk.
So, BMW bit the bullet, cooked up a new model, and over the past few years, was able to quell the potential native uprising by both gentle explanation and by making a pretty darn good car out of the 2 Series. And really, the 2 Series is a 3 Series, only without all the burgeoning fat and size.
Refreshed Feel
The new, 2018 BMW 2 Series is a mid-cycle update, so what’s “new” here is down to that basic mid-cycle stuff: New color offerings, new wheels, updated interior design and materials, along with a “fresh look” for the LED headlamps and tail lamps. The overall exterior design hasn’t changed all that much. It still has that low-slung silhouette effect and stretched lines, but within the “compact proportions.” The new 2 Series has, however, a more striking front end.
It still has the classic BMW twin headlights along with the twin kidney grille, so even if you don’t see the badge, you know this is a BMW. Those twin headlights are now standard Bi-LED units that can throw a lot of photons down the Straße. If you want to go even further up the lighting food chain, adaptive LED headlights can also be spec’ed. On the 230i models, LED front fog lamps are standard, which is a nice touch.
The 2018 BMW 2 Series Coupe and Convertible come with an array of driver assistance systems, the latest-generation iDrive control technology, and an extensive range of connectivity features. Photo: BMW of North America, LLC.

Colors & Wheels
The three new exterior colors – a dark Mediterranean Blue Metallic, a lighter Seaside Blue Metallic, and Sunset Orange – are available for both the Coupe and Convertible. Added to the pre-existing colors, buyers now have 11 to choose from.
The range of alloy wheels has also grown. The 230i comes standard with a 17-inch Double-Spoke wheel while the M240i features an 18-inch M Double-Spoke rim as standard. If you go with the M Sport package, the 230i is equipped with either 18-inch M Light-Alloy Double-Spoke wheels, M Ferric Grey Metallic wheels, or 18- inch Double-Spoke wheels with all-season tires. Both the gearhead-centric Track Handling Package and the M Sport Package have optional 18-inch Alloy Ferric Grey wheels.
Graphic: BMW of North America, LLC.
Interior Treatments
The inside has gotten a rather nice freshening along with a completely redesigned instrument panel. The 2018 BMW 2 Series comes standard with the Sport Line interior treatment, which can be specified Black with red contrast stitching if so desired. You can also choose between SensaTec fabric, available in Black and Oyster, and all models can now be ordered with Dakota Leather seats in Cognac. The Luxury Line adds Fineline Stream Wood Trim with Pearl Chrome highlights or Fineline Pure Wood Trim with Pear Chrome highlight. There are five different leather offerings, Aluminum interior strips, and Fineline wood accents.
The redesigned instrument panel features a center stack housing the radio and climate control panels. The cup holders (everso important to the American market) are located in the center storage compartment concealed by a sliding lid. The glove compartment blends in nicely and the air conditioning vents have been redesigned for additional room.
The 2018 BMW 2 Series Coupe and Convertible have an intricate suspension design for a lower center of gravity and a near 50:50 weight distribution. The suspension is aluminum intensive and includes a double-joint spring strut front axle with anti-roll bars and a five-link rear axle. The overall suspension design is meant to increase the ride and handling capabilities of the 2 Series. Photo: BMW of North America, LLC.

Power & Performance
Now, about that “M” in BMW. The 2018 BMW 2 Series Coupe and Convertible come in two models: The 230i and M240i. The 4-banger in the 230i produces 248 horsepower while the M Performance model gets a 6-cylinder plant that cranks out 335 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. We here at 1 Automoblog Towers highly recommend getting M240i with the big six. With the 6-speed manual, the M240i Coupe hits 60 in 4.6 seconds; 4.4 seconds with the 8-speed Steptronic Sport transmission.
The 8-speed Steptronic Sport transmission actually splits the difference between an automatic and a manual fairly well. Still, if you want to truly choose your own cogs, the 6-speed manual gearbox is available. Also available is xDrive, BMW’s all-wheel drive system, which offers optimum power transfer and better traction. XDrive will mitigate any potential oversteer/understeer situations.
So, the real question, especially among BMW aficionados, is whether the 2 Series can replace the 3 as the light, fun, chuckable playmate of the lineup. I will leave divining that answer up to those who insist a sedan can be just as much fun as a true sports car.
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 BMW 2 Series Gallery

Photos & Source: BMW of North America, LLC.

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Volvo Partners With Google To Introduce Android Tech For Future Models

Volvo Partners With Google To Introduce Android Tech For Future Models

Android technology is coming to future Volvo models; the Gothenburg, Sweden automaker has partnered with the Mountain View, California tech company for a new venture. According to Volvo, the partnership is meant to bring about the “next generation of award-winning in-car infotainment and connectivity.”
New Volvos will offer a broader selection of apps and services through the Android operating system. Expect to see it within two years.
“We’re thrilled to partner with Volvo to bring Android into their next generation connected cars,” said Patrick Brady, Vice President of Android Engineering at Google.
Meaningful Interactions
The partnership is meant to enhance how Volvo owners interact with their cars. The forthcoming connectivity system is expected to offer a catalog of apps, developed by either Google, Volvo, or other third party companies. Many of the apps will focus on connected and predictive services as it relates to the car.
“We are making an important strategic step with the Google partnership,” commented Henrik Green, Senior Vice President Research & Development, Volvo Car Group. “Google’s platform and services will enhance the user experience by enabling more personalization possibilities, while Android will offer increased flexibility from a development perspective.”
Photo: Volvo Car Group.
Changing Trends
The partnership reflects the growing desire for drivers to be connected to their vehicles, and how automotive and tech companies are working to bridge that gap. With an Android operating system, Volvo customers will see a much more responsive, flexible, and personal in-car infotainment offering. According to Volvo, partnerships such as this one with Google are a necessity for the automotive industry.
“This partnership gives us the opportunity to deliver a more seamless experience to Volvo drivers through a full-featured infotainment platform and rich ecosystem of Android applications and Google services,” Brady said.
Photo: Volvo Car Group.

Future Vision
Volvo is positioning themselves as one of the most forward-thinking, most innovative automakers – and certinately the most vocal. Volvo has petitioned world governments to embrace autonomous driving, promised an electric variant for every vehicle in their lineup, and climate-neutral manufacturing operations by 2025. Volvo Cars President and Chief Executive Officer, Håkan Samuelsson again highlighted the importance of sustainability at an event just last week.
Now this partnership with Google that promises a better ownership experience for Volvo customers. More details will be announced at Google’s annual tech show, Google I/O on Wednesday.
“With the advent of Android we will embrace a rich ecosystem while keeping our iconic Volvo user interface,” Green said. “We will offer hundreds of popular apps and the best integrated experience in this broad, connected environment.”
Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and resides in Detroit, Michigan.
Photos & Source: Volvo Car Group.

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Automoblog Book Garage: The Complete Book of Camaro

Automoblog Book Garage: The Complete Book of Camaro

Every so often (daily), Danielle and I talk (have long conversations) about the “dream cars” we will one day own. While there are a few (many) on the list, living in Detroit gives us an inherent affinity for American muscle. Which is why the Chevrolet Camaro, especially the first generation, always appears on our list.
Given Danielle grew up in the shop of her family’s Michigan-based trucking company, it’s probably not at all surprising.
Family & Future
Her family built an honorable legacy in a rural Michigan community that may well have disappeared without them. This was seen recently at her grandmother’s funeral as memories were recalled and stories were shared. For Danielle and many others who gravitate towards the Camaro, it’s about what the car represents; it’s about what that slice of American Iron truly means. For some, it’s honest work. For others, family and faith. And for others, it’s just simply the thrill of hearing the engine rev. But whatever the reasons, becasue the legacy of such cars live forever, as long as we are attached to them in some way, we can too.

Lasting Legacy
The Complete Book of Camaro: Every Model Since 1967 chronicles the Camaro’s journey, beginning with the original “Panther” concept. Literally every model since 1967 is featured, complete with beautiful photos and detailed technical specifications. The Complete Book of Camaro shows the early pony car wars with Ford and how the second generation became instantly recognizable with unique styling. The book dives into the muscle car renaissance of the 1980s and how the Camaro continued into the 90s, then uncharted waters.
No matter how many times I think I’ve seen the Camaro, I’ve never quite seen it like this.
Author
David Newhardt is one of the top automotive writers and photographers today. He has provided photography for best-selling Motorbooks titles like Muscle: America’s Legendary Performance Cars, Corvette: Fifty Years, Mustang: Forty Years, Mopar Muscle: Fifty Years, and Shelby Mustang: Racer for the Street.
The Complete Book of Camaro: Every Model Since 1967 is available through Amazon and Motorbooks.
The Complete Book of Camaro Gallery

Another excellent book is Camaro: Fifty Years of Chevy Performance, which we featured recently in our Book Garage series.

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Brabham Automotive Reveals BT62 Signature Series Livery

Brabham Automotive Reveals BT62 Signature Series Livery Alright all you well-heeled track rats, speed freaks, gearheads, and various assorted mechanical reprobates with (lots of) money. Brabham Automotive has announced all of the livery and color options for their soon-to-be-released BT62, and if this thing is as fast as it is pretty, I foresee lots of non-owners jealousy sulking in the paddock in the near future.
There will be two broad categories of paintwork to choose from: The Celebration series and the Signature series. The BT62 will soon be out with a base price of £1m (about $1.3 million in real money, pilgrim).
Further, production of the Brabham BT62 will be limited to just 70 cars in recognition of Brabham’s 70-year heritage, so get your finances in order and get in line now.
Here’s what your palette could look like.
Brabham BT62. Photo: Brabham Automotive.
Celebration Series
The Celebration Series will make up half of the production run, all 35 of them paying tribute to Brabham’s 35 Grand Prix victories over its 30-year reign in Formula 1. Clever of them, no? Each car in the Celebration Series is presented in honor of a specific race win, wearing the colors and race number of the winning car. Which, I’ve got to say is a completely cool move.
Chassis number one of those 70, BT62/01 (pro tip: pay attention to chassis numbers; at this stratosphere of automotive excellence, the chassis number is how you keep track of who’s who), celebrates Brabham’s first-ever Formula 1 Grand Prix victory at Rouen-Les-Essarts on June 26th 1964, won by Dan Gurney in the Brabham BT7.
Which, couple of things here: One – Rouen-Les-Essarts was a crazy dangerous track built inside an extinct volcano; Two – Dan won? I could have sworn that Jack Brabham won the first race for his cars, but I guess it was big Dan; Three – Did you know that Dan Gurney was also the first guy to give Porsche its first F1 win?
Photo: Brabham Automotive.
Classic & Controversial
Anyhoo, BT62/01 wears the iconic Australian green and gold racing colors from that BT7, and proudly sports race number 11 from Gurney’s winning car; and green and gold is a lovely color combination. The wing end plate features a detailed outline of the BT7 from which its livery takes its cues, along with the corresponding race date, circuit, and flag of the host country. saWEET!
Chassis BT62/03, the debut car revealed in London, celebrates Brabham’s third Grand Prix victory: Jack Brabham’s 1966 win at Reims in the BT19, becoming the first driver to win a Formula 1 Championship race in a car of his own construction.
And they are not about to shy away from any of those well-earned victories, no matter how controversial. Chassis BT62/19, for example, is all red and blue like the BT46B “fan car” that Niki drove to its only race win at Anderstorp, Sweden before being promptly banned for one of the most creative cheats ever devised.
Seriously man, that entire BT46B deal is a story unto itself.
Exclusive Treatments
It’s not just the outside that gets the winning treatment, the inside pays homage as well. A commemorative plaque is mounted on the dash of each Celebration Series car. The FIA-approved carbon fiber seat shell matches the exterior (another nice touch), while the Alcantara interior trim is finished with contrast stitching (ditto).
Photo: Brabham Automotive.
Signature Series
If that’s not you, if you want something that says “YOU!!” in big bold letters, then the Signature Series will provide you with your opportunity. You get to work with Brabham’s in-house designers to plot out a unique and individual car. For example, the BT62 that was unveiled recently in Adelaide, South Australia showed a new race-inspired livery of white and green with bold orange accents. That car rode on optional race wheels finished in silver.
Other options available to BT62 owners are a full-visual carbon fiber pack, an additional carbon fiber seat shell to accommodate a passenger (if one must), as well as the ability to configure the track-only (sniff) racer as left or right-hand drive. Brabham is working with Microsoft’s mixed-reality technology to allow owners to configure, customize, and visualize their BT62 without having to see it in the flesh.
Perfect Storm
If this is anything like the racers Jack made in the past, this is going to be one serious car to covet. There are only two things standing in my way: a license plate and 1.3 million bucks. Sigh.
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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2018 Fiat 500X Adventurer Edition: A Brief Walk Around

2018 Fiat 500X Adventurer Edition: A Brief Walk Around The Italian-inspired Fiat brand certainly knows how to stand out from the crowd. Those looking for a completely new driving experience should jump behind the wheel of a Fiat – their vehicles, despite being small, are huge on personality.
Adding to that personality is the new 500X Adventurer Edition, which gives fans of the lovable Italian namesake another way to express themselves. The Adventurer Edition joins the Blue Sky Edition, announced earlier this year.
Black & Orange
The Adventurer Edition, based on the Trekking model, adds 18-inch aluminum wheels, black roof rails, and lots of orange: the mirror caps, body-side graphics, cross bows, and front and rear splash guards are all orange. The molded rear cargo tray and all-weather mats are nice touches for the inside.
“The new Adventurer package offers rugged, adventurous styling and yet another opportunity for customers to personalize their Fiat 500X,” said Steve Beahm, Head of Passenger Car Brands – Dodge, SRT, Chrysler and FIAT, FCA – North America.
2018 Fiat 500X Adventurer Edition. Photo: FCA US LLC.
Thoughtful Engineering
While the styling is a major draw for Fiat enthusiasts, engineers are precise about how the 500X is constructed. The engineering teams carefully design each of the vehicle’s systems and components to return a solid balance of performance, safety, and fuel efficiency.
The 500X is the first Fiat available with all-wheel drive, giving it a distinct advantage in harsh weather versus its other stablemates. Further, all 500X models include a Dynamic Selector system, which allows drivers to alter the vehicle’s performance based on the conditions ahead. Over 70 advanced safety systems are also available.
Power & Performance
The 1.4-liter MultiAir Turbo, standard on the 500X Pop, creates 160 horsepower and 184 lb-ft. of torque. It’s inexpensive to own and fun to drive with its six-speed manual transmission. The 2.4-liter Tigershark I-4 engine with MultiAir2 allows for a bit more when linked up to its nine-speed automatic: 180 horsepower and 175 lb-ft. of torque.
The larger Tigershark engine is standard on the Trekking and Lounge but available on the Pop. We would recommend optioning any 500X with this engine, the Adventurer Edition included.
All-wheel drive models receive a special rear axle that “disconnects” when all-wheel drive is not needed to increase efficiency.
2018 Fiat 500X Pop. Photo: FCA US LLC.
Technology & Connectivity
Yes, plenty of both for the Adventurer Edition. Drivers are treated to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, navigation, Bluetooth capability, and voice commands. To maximize the jams via streaming audio or SiriusXM, an available BeatsAudio system includes eight speakers and a subwoofer.
Fiat runs the Uconnect 4 system with a seven-inch touchscreen. For 2018, improvements include quicker startup times, enhanced processing power, higher resolution, and sharper graphics.
Pricing & Availability
The 2018 Fiat 500X Adventurer Edition comes in four colors: Bianco Gelato (White Clear Coat), Nero Cinema (Black Clear Coat), Grigio Graphite (Graphite Grey), and Grigio Argentino (Grey Metallic). Interior colors include black or brown.
The Adventurer Edition is available for $945 on either front-wheel or all-wheel-drive models, which start at $23,685 and $25,585 respectively, excluding destination.
Expect the 2018 Fiat 500X Adventurer Edition on the market later this summer.
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: FCA US LLC.

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Ford & Pittsburgh Launch “City of Tomorrow Challenge” To Enhance Mobility

Ford & Pittsburgh Launch “City of Tomorrow Challenge” To Enhance Mobility Pittsburgh, City of Tomorrow! Pittsburgh, city of jet packs and pneumatic tube delivery systems! Pittsburgh, city of efficiency! Pittsburgh, city . . . city . . . okay, right, Pittsburgh is partnering with Ford to work on one of those old urban city center bug-a-boos: efficient transportation.
Makes sense, in a way. Why not give some experimental solutions a go?
The Concept
It’s called “Pittsburgh City of Tomorrow Challenge” and it’s a collaboration with Ford Motor Company, the city of Pittsburgh itself, Dell Technologies, Microsoft, the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership, and public stakeholders. The aim is to build a crowdsourcing platform for residents, businesses, and community groups that allows for input on and implementation of pilot solutions that improve mobility within Pittsburgh.
The Pittsburgh of tomorrow will be very different from the Pittsburgh of the past, that goes without saying, but in case you like facts to back up observations, you can also take into account that a United Nations report on world urbanization found that 66 percent of the world’s population will live in cities by 2050.
So, as urban populations expand and new technologies present themselves, it would behoove us to seriously look at the way people move around cities. And if Pittsburgh has anything to say about it, it will be green, accessible, sustainable, and built around the needs of the people.
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Photo: Sean Pavone.
Collaborative Approach
The City of Tomorrow is Ford’s vision for the future that seeks to understand the needs of a given population, and make continuous efforts to implement things that address transportation questions: are there more efficient ways to use bridges, how can we enable people to get to work or spend more time connecting with friends and family, those sort of questions. And rather than taking a top-down approach, Ford has connected with individual communities around the mobility issues those communities care about most.
This collaboration with Pittsburgh pairs Ford’s technology expertise and its partners with the real-world experience and the stories of Pittsburgh and its residents. This creates an opportunity to propose ideas for how data, design, and technology could be put to use to adequately address the city’s future needs.
The City of Tomorrow is an eight-month program involving residents, businesses, and community organizations, each sharing how they experience transportation in Pittsburgh, and how the current transportation available either enables them or functions as an obstacle in their daily lives. And it’s not just moving people around town. Pittsburgh city officials are also looking for ideas that enhance intracity mobility in a number of ways, such as improving access to travel information, building confidence in existing systems, and soliciting ideas for improvements to already established services.
A business man travels by bus.
How It Works
Those interested can go to the Challenge website where they can share their experiences, sign up for community working sessions, and offer insight into the variety of ways people currently move around Pittsburgh. On top of that, Pittsburgh city staff will be out at local neighborhood festivities and events to engage with residents directly.
Participants can submit ideas for accessible solutions starting on July 2nd.
In September, semi-finalists will be selected to attend prototyping sessions, as well as receive mentoring support to further refine their ideas before submitting a final pilot proposal. In the Challenge’s finishing stage, $100,000 will be awarded to selected pilot plans in an effort to test the proposed strategy in partnership with the City of Pittsburgh, Ford, and other corporate partners.
The Miami-Dade City of Tomorrow Challenge is also underway with the same initiatives as the Pittsburgh program.
City of Tomorrow. Photo: Ford Motor Company.
Future Considerations
Will it work? Well, in one way, Pittsburgh is a great place to test this sort of thing: It’s old, a lot of the streets were designed way before cars, there’s public transportation already in place, and the infrastructure and its funding has been neglected since Ronald Reagan was president.
It’s not a worst case scenario, but it is a pretty bad scenario, and that should show what solutions work best in pretty short order and in pretty stark contrast. It might not “work” but it should render a ton of valuable information.
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
Photos & Source: Ford Motor Company.

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