Automotive

Cadillac CT4-V & CT5-V: Meet Two Beautiful (And Powerful) Twins

Cadillac CT4-V & CT5-V: Meet Two Beautiful (And Powerful) Twins The CT4-V and CT5-V are the latest members of a growing family at Cadillac’s performance division.
Both employ the automaker’s latest engine technology and utilize a special rear-wheel drive platform.
More information is forthcoming, but for now we have a pretty good idea on what to expect.
The 2004 CTS-V was not your grandfather’s Cadillac. With a 5.7-liter V8 churning out 400 horsepower (later a 6.0), this new V-Series car hit 60 mph in about 4.6 seconds. Established in 2002 under the direction of one Ken Morris, Cadillac’s special vehicle performance team was looking to give the luxury marque serious street cred. Armed with a manual transmission, the first CTS-V would get its chance two years later, cutting its teeth on Germany’s famed Nürburgring circuit.
And perhaps, the rest is history?
“From the very beginning, Cadillac’s V-Series represented the ultimate expression of our design, technology, and performance,” said Mark Reuss, GM President. “It introduced an entirely new breed of performance-minded customers to Cadillac showrooms and helped transform the brand’s traditional image into one with different facets for customers’ varying driving tastes.”
Family Matters
The V-Series family tree grew to include five platforms: CTS, XLR, STS, ATS, and CT6, with the branches of that tree still growing. The new CT6-V is a literal monster and an exact beauty; one showcasing the best elements of Cadillac’s now 15-year-long V program. On the heels of the CT6-V come the CT4-V and CT5-V, smaller variants in size but certinately not in stamina or strength. Both are driven by Cadillac’s latest engine tech; both are supported by GM’s rear-wheel drive Alpha architecture; and both utilize Magnetic Ride Control 4.0 with V-Series specific tuning.
Here is a look at the 2020 Cadillac CT4-V and CT5-V. It’s hard to pick a favorite.
“The new lineup expands the V-Series ethos, drawing more customers into the Cadillac Performance family,” Reuss explained. “The newest Vs are focused on elevated athleticism and luxurious refinement for customers wanting a dynamic daily drive.”
From left to right: CT6-V, CT5-V and CT4-V. Photo: Cadillac.
2020 Cadillac CT4-V: Engine & Transmission
Indeed, the forthcoming CT4-V will make a great daily driver. It will have a nice, plush interior and plenty of connectivity options; it will be quiet and calm inside – essentially, it will have everything one would reasonably believe a Cadillac should. And under the hood, we have enough for a quick sprint down the on-ramp and for a heart flutter once on the highway. In other words, the 2020 Cadillac CT4-V is a nicely-balanced machine.
Take, for example, the 2.7-liter’s valvetrain which consists of a three-step sliding camshaft and dual-overhead camshaft with four-valves per cylinder; continuously variable valve timing and variable valve lift; and, for good measure, Active Fuel Management (or cylinder deactivation in GM’s parlance). These systems combine to balance performance and fuel economy, all while the driver sits comfortably.
Moving through the in-line four engine we find a single, dual-volute turbocharger (33-psi) with an electronically-controlled waste gate and special cooling system. Downstream is a 10-speed automatic (Hydra-Matic 10L60) with a limited-slip rear differential. All told, the 2020 Cadillac CT4-V dials up 320 horsepower and 369 lb-ft. of torque through a 2.85 final drive ratio. (SAE certification pending as of this writing).
2020 Cadillac CT4-V interior layout. Photo: Cadillac.
CT4-V: Chassis & Suspension
Up front, the CT4-V rides on a MacPherson-type suspension with dual lower ball joints; at the rear, it’s a five-link independent setup. All-wheel drive variants receive ZF MVS passive dampers and a direct-acting stabilizer bar. By comparison, real-wheel drive variants employ Magnetic Ride Control 4.0 with V-Series-specific calibrations. The V-Series calibration treatments continue over to the electric power steering system.
Related: How magnetic suspensions work and function.
From the factory, the 2020 Cadillac CT4-V will ride on 18 x 8.0-inch aluminum wheels with 235/40R18 summer-only tires. If you opt for all-wheel drive, the CT4-V gets all-season treads. Keeping everything under control is a Brembo front braking system with vented rotors.
The 2020 Cadillac CT4-V sits at a near-perfect 50/50 weight distribution. Photo: Cadillac.
2020 Cadillac CT5-V: Engine & Transmission
As we make the jump to the CT5-V, we see more muscle and grunt. The 3.0-liter twin turbo V6 runs low-inertia turbochargers to ensure power delivery across the rpm range. Like the CT4-V, this engine also uses electronically-controlled waste gates, while cooling comes by way of a water-to-air system. Diving deeper, we see the direct-injected V6 has dual-overhead camshafts and four valves per cylinder; along with dual-independent valve timing and Active Fuel Management.
The CT5-V’s 10-speed automatic (Hydra-Matic 10L80) links with an electronic limited-slip rear differential. At the end of the day, the 2020 Cadillac CT5-V cranks out 355 horsepower and 400 lb-ft. of torque through a 2.85 final drive ratio. Like the CT4-V, the figures are pending SAE approval, but still. It’s a solid amount of snort.
2020 Cadillac CT5-V. Photo: Cadillac.
Keeping The Balance
This is a similar approach as the CT4-V. The idea is to keep an ideal balance between performance and fuel economy, while you as the driver are enjoying the comfort of the cabin. With the connectivity options, a driver can cue up their music and settle in for a long trip; the engine will do its job to maximize mileage but spring to life when extra power is needed, say for passing or climbing a hill.
The CT5-V is an ideal middle ground, in the sense it’s a bit more punchy than the CT4-V but not as aggressive as the CT6-V. Cost-wise, it will land between the two, which has it’s own advantages. An approach like this could serve as the CT5-V’s greatest asset. Yes, it runs more money than the CT4-V, but offers more power. No, it’s not as powerful as the CT6-V, but it’s less money. In this new line of Cadillac V-Series cars, the CT5-V may well be the gem.
CT5-V: Chassis & Suspension
The CT5-V resides on a MacPherson-type front suspension with dual lower ball joints, and a five-link independent setup at the rear. Like the CT4-V, Magnetic Ride Control 4.0 and the electric power steering receive V-Series calibrations. The similarities to the CT4-V make sense, although Cadillac puts emphasis on the stabilizer bars, both front and rear, as essential parts of the CT5-V’s suspension.
Wheels are slightly bigger here: 19×8.5-inch aluminum wheels with 245/40R19 summer-only tires. The Brembo front braking system returns with four-piston fixed calipers and vented rotors.
The 2020 Cadillac CT5-V features a Vehicle Control Mode with a customizable V-Mode. Photo: Cadillac.
Advanced Driver Assistance Systems
On the technology and safety-front, both are available with SuperCruise. Cadillac’s Super Cruise can automatically steer, brake, and keep the vehicle positioned on the highway in certain, optimal conditions. The system uses high precision LiDAR map and GPS data, an advanced driver attention system, and a network of camera and radar sensors. Cadillac says customers can drive hands-free on more than 130,000 miles of limited-access freeways in the United States and Canada, provided they have an active OnStar plan with emergency services.
In other words, with these two V-Series cars, it’s all about performance; including performance on the technology side of things.
Photo: Cadillac.
Pricing & Availability
The CT4-V and CT5-V will arrive early next year, with production at GM’s Lansing Grand River facility in Michigan. Exact pricing and additional product information is forthcoming. We are told by Cadillac these two V-Series cars represent “only the beginning” when it comes to what the future holds. With that in mind, we will look to the horizon; in the meantime, we cannot wait to drive the CT4-V and CT5-V.
Carl Anthony studies mechanical engineering at Wayne State University, serves on the Board of Directors for the Ally Jolie Baldwin Foundation, and is a loyal Detroit Lions fan. Before going back to school, he simultaneously held product development and experiential marketing roles in the automotive industry.
Photos & Source: Cadillac.

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A Brief Introduction To The Legends of Bugatti

A Brief Introduction To The Legends of Bugatti The Bugatti Veyron got its name from French racing driver Pierre Veyron. The man was a test driver and development engineer for Bugatti between 1933 and 1953. But in 1939, Pierre Veyron won the 24 Hours of Le Mans with fellow Frenchman Jean-Pierre Wimille in a Bugatti Type 57C Tank.
20 years ago, the Bugatti Veyron literally invented the hyper sports car segment. It’s a car with ridiculous numbers and an astronomical price tag. Even today, a typical Bugatti Veyron will cost anywhere from $1.7 to around $3 million. Without the Veyron, the Chiron wouldn’t be here today.
“Thanks to the Veyron, Bugatti catapulted itself into a new dimension. We set benchmarks around 20 years ago with the first luxury hyper sports car and we are proud of that to this day,” explained Stephan Winkelmann, President of Bugatti. “The Veyron continues to be a car of superlatives: it broke several speed records and redefined what outstanding automotive engineering can do.”
Looking Back At The Legends
As a fitting tribute to the legends of Bugatti like Pierre Veyron and Jean-Pierre Wimille, the French car maker released a series of special-edition models based on the Veyron Grand Sport Vitesse. These rare collectibles were conceived to celebrate more than a century of Bugatti’s legacy and automotive excellence. Veyron production started in 2005 in the Alsatian town of Molsheim, a significant moment in Bugatti’s history further underscored by the special editions.
“With the Veyron, Bugatti brought vehicle production back to France where our luxury brand was established 110 years ago and where it belongs,” Winkelmann continued. “The Veyron is a work of art on wheels, its materials meet top quality standards and the quality of finishing is still one of a kind to this day.”
Let’s take a moment to look back at the Bugatti Veyron Legends.
Photo: Bugatti Automobiles S.A.S.
Jean-Pierre Wimille
The Bugatti Veyron Jean-Pierre Wimille is hard to miss. The carbon fiber body has the same gleaming blue paint and light blue contrast of the Type 57 Tank race car that won Le Mans in 1939. This is the first Bugatti Legends Edition. It comes with unique touches including a laser-engraved signature of “Wimille” on the petrol and oil filler caps.
The Veyron Jean-Pierre Wimille made its debut in Pebble Beach, California in August 2013.
Jean Bugatti
The second Legends Edition Veyron is named after Jean Bugatti, the eldest son of company founder Ettore Bugatti. In 1936, he became head of the company at just 27. Sadly, he died in a horrific road accident three years later in 1939.
Jean Bugatti was a gifted car designer. He penned the glorious curves of the Type 57SC Atlantic, which remains one of the most expensive vintage cars with only three models in existence today.
Meo Costantini
This Bugatti Veyron Legend is named after one Bartolomeo “Meo” Costantini. He was the head of the factory racing team and the most-trusted ally of Ettore Bugatti. Costantini also won the Targa Florio race twice in a Bugatti Type 35.
The Bugatti Type 35 belongs in the rare echelon of successful race cars in the 1920s. The tribute car comes with hand-polished aluminum panels on the wings and doors, along with a new Bugatti Dark Blue Sport paint job.
Bartolomeo “Meo” Costantini at the Targa Florio in 1925 in a Bugatti Type 35. Photo: Bugatti Automobiles S.A.S.
Rembrandt Bugatti
The fourth Veyron Legends Edition is the Rembrandt Bugatti. He’s the brother of Ettore Bugatti and arguably one of the most important sculptors of the early 20th century. Rembrandt Bugatti is famous for his bronze sculptures of animals.
He was so good that his sculpture of a dancing elephant became the symbol of Bugatti. It first appeared on the radiator cap of the Bugatti Type 41 Royale.
Black Bess
The fifth Veyron Legend is the Black Bess. The Bugatti Type 18 or “Black Bess” is one of the first street-legal supercars, and was the fastest road car in the world back in the day. Interestingly enough, the DNA of the present day Veyron is traced directly to the Type 18.
The first owner of the Bugatti Type 18 was World War I aviator and war hero Roland Garros, a man who crossed the Mediterranean by airplane in 1913. A close friend of Ettore Bugatti, he chose the Type 18 because the car allowed him to travel as fast on land as an airplane did in the air. The French Open today bears his name.
Black Bess. Photo: Bugatti Automobiles S.A.S.
Ettore Bugatti
The sixth and last Veyron Legends car is the Ettore Bugatti, which should come as no surprise. This is the crowning glory of the Legends series. The man combined engineering and artistry in a way that did not exist at the time. To some, the elder Bugatti devised the finest automotive species to roam the planet, and this Legends car pays homage to his brilliance.
The front part of the carbon fiber body is hand-polished aluminum with a coating of clear lacquer. As an added touch, the EB logo and Bugatti horseshoe emblem are crafted from platinum.
Ettore Bugatti circa 1924 in a Type 35. Photo: Bugatti Automobiles S.A.S.
Related: A walk though the showroom of Bugatti Legends.
The Bugatti Veyron: All About The Numbers
The Bugatti Veyron is – for lack of a better word – the granddaddy of hyper cars. Similar to the new Chiron, the Veyron is all about sheer numbers, and the madness starts with the power unit. The Bugatti Veyron makes good use of an 8.0-liter 16-cylinder motor with four turbochargers. It produces 1,000 horsepower and 921 lb-ft. of torque, the latter coming in between 2,200 and 5,000 rpm. This allows the Veyron to scamper from zero to 60 mph in 2.5 seconds, hitting 124 mph in around 7 seconds.
Top speed is a staggering 252 mph.
With those numbers, the Bugatti Veyron became one of the fastest series production cars. Things took a turn for the better when Bugatti came up with the Veyron Super Sport in 2010. It came with 1,200 horsepower and an incredible top speed of 268 mph. Now you know where the Bugatti Chiron got its insatiable appetite for speed.
Do you have a favorite Bugatti Legends car? Let us know on our Twitter page.
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.
Photos & Source: Bugatti Automobiles S.A.S.

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Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat Octane Edition: Black Is The New Black

Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat Octane Edition: Black Is The New Black The Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat Octane Edition goes for the ever popular “blacked out” look.
Octane Edition Chargers receive a Satin Black center stripe with Octane Red accents on the edges.
The Charger Hellcat is quickest and most powerful sedan in the world with its supercharged Hemi.
Dodge doesn’t do subtle. If cars were firearms, in a world of sniper rifles and machine guns, Dodges would be blunderbusses: crude but highly effective in the short term. The Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat is a good example of this – shoot, anything with the Hellcat moniker qualifies. This latest Charger variant has a new paint scheme as well.
Yeah, it’s just as subtle as the drivetrain.
Plum Crazy Color Schemes
Officially, it’s called the “Charger SRT Hellcat Octane Edition.” It features a “blacked-out” look along with some features not previously available on Charger SRT Hellcats. You can get it any color you want, as long as those two colors are either Pitch Black or White Knuckle. Either color features a full-length, Satin Black center stripe with Octane Red accent tracers on each edge. Good to see Mopar is keeping up the goofy paint names tradition.
Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat: American Iron
Basically this is the same “old” Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat, but that still makes it the most powerful sedan on the planet. Yes, something like a BMW M5 would probably beat it around a given track (maybe) (that’s a big maybe), but in terms of acceleration, outright speed, and dyno numbers, you’re looking at the top of the mountain right here.
Yes, there are non-Hellcat and non-Hemi versions available, but would you be interested in those? Us neither. Why? Simple: Good ol’ Murican horsepower and displacement – and lots of both. The supercharged 6.2-liter Hemi V8 puts out 707 horsepower and 650 lb-ft. of torque, which is, technically speaking, like putting a suspension on a landmine. Set it off, and you will find yourself some place else in next to no time. That mill is hooked up to a TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic tranny with steering wheel shift paddles – one of the few nods to modernity.
There’s a new grille for 2019 that is more than a pretty face. It has dual inlets feeding cooler outside air to the engine bay to strengthen performance. On top of the grille, there are four race-inspired tools now standard on the Hellcat.
Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat Octane Edition in White Knuckle. Photo: FCA US LLC.
Related: Dodge is honoring veterans with these special Chargers and Challengers.
Fabulous Four
First is Launch Assist. This gizmo uses wheel speed sensors to watch for and mitigate any driveline damaging wheel hop at launch. In a matter of milliseconds, Launch Assist modifies the engine torque so you regain full grip. Next comes Line Lock. Old school denizens of The Digs like me know what this is, but in case you don’t, a Line Lock engages only the front brakes so you can hold your car (in this case a Charger SRT Hellcat) stationary, but leave the rear wheels free for a glorious, tire-melting, smoke-producing burnout.
This helps because it heats up the rears and cleans off any gunk.
Number three of the fab four is the After-Run Chiller. This guy keeps cooling the supercharger/charge air cooler after the engine is shut off. Sounds like a good idea, no? And finally, there is Torque Reserve. This closes a bypass valve to pre-fill the supercharger while managing fuel flow and spark advance to balance engine rpm and torque. It works so well that it generates a reserve of torque for delivery upon acceleration. In other words, three-two-one-go! The Hellcat drops all 707 ponies directly onto the pavement, and you are gone baby gone.
Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat Octane Edition in Pitch Black. Photo: FCA US LLC.
Related: Every Mopar muscle enthusiast needs this book.
The Octane Treatment
Assuming any of the competition gets a good look at you, they’ll see how the Octane Edition has this whole “blacked-out” theme goin’ on. There’s black exterior badging for the grille, decklid, and fenders. The decklid spoiler is also Satin Black. The massive 20 x 9.5-inch aluminum-forged Cross Brace wheels are, surprise, painted low-gloss Black.
Yes, you’ll recognize these wheels from the Dodge Challenger R/T Scat Pack 1320.
The Cross Brace wheels feature knurled bead seats to minimize tire slip on the wheel under extreme acceleration, which on any other car would be superfluous, but seem like a necessity on this one. Yes, it can stop, thankfully. There’s an impressive Brembo brake package with six-piston calipers up front and four-pots at the rear. They are even painted Octane Red.
The interior gets the business with SRT Performance seats and houndstooth inserts, a groovy throwback. The SRT Hellcat logo gets stitched into the seat backs, and there’s red accent stitching throughout the cabin. The instrument panel badge is a black-on-black deal and the seat belts are red. The instrument panel and console bezels are finished in “Dark Brushed II” (obviously better than the Dark Brushed I instrument panel doodads).
Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat Octane Edition interior layout. Photo: FCA US LLC.
Pricing & Availability
The 2019 Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat Octane Edition carries an MSRP $1,495. Yes, that is the price for the new appearance package, not the Hellcat itself. Dream on, kid! Plan for at least $68,000 starting for the whole car. However, if you want an Octane Edition, get in line now. It is available for order only through the end of the model year. It will start arriving at Dodge dealerships this fall.
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. Follow his work on Twitter: @TonyBorroz.
Photos & Source: FCA US LLC.

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2019 Lexus ES 350 F Sport Review: Well-Balanced For The Daily Drive

2019 Lexus ES 350 F Sport Review: Well-Balanced For The Daily Drive 93Excellent 2019 Lexus ES 350 F SportOverall Impression Stylish and sleek.Powerful engine.Lots of standard tech.ProsComfortable Cabin Improved Handling ConsTouchscreen Interface The Lexus ES 350 has been a typical luxury sedan up until now, but it all changes for the 2019 model year. For one, the ES just got a lot more fun for driving enthusiasts. There’s a new F Sport version for 2019, which is a first for the ES. It also gets other updates that increase the ES 350’s luxury and functionality. We experienced these firsthand this week, as we’ve been driving the newly-redesigned, 2019 Lexus ES 350 F Sport.
What’s New For 2019
The Lexus ES 350 is fully redesigned for the seventh generation. It gets a more powerful V6 engine, upgraded technology and safety features, and an all-new F Sport trim. The front-wheel drive ES is built on Lexus’ Global Architecture–K (GA-K) platform. As a result, the 2019 ES is longer (+2.6 inches), lower (-0.2 inches), and wider (+1.8 inches) than the prior generation.
Available packages, along with the F Sport, include Premium, Luxury, and Ultra Luxury.
Features & Options: Connectivity & Safety
Standard features on the 2019 Lexus ES 350 F Sport ($44,035) include keyless entry and ignition, a sunroof, simulated leather upholstery, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, and dual-zone automatic climate control. On the electronic front, you get an eight-inch central infotainment display, Bluetooth, navigation (Scout GPS Link), a Wi-Fi hotspot (Lexus Enform), three USB ports (one front, two rear), and satellite radio.
Standard safety features include forward collision mitigation, dynamic radar cruise control (with road sign assist), lane keeping assist, lane departure warning, automatic high-beam assist, and parking sensors, among others.
The new-for-2019 F Sport comes with 19-inch wheels and chassis dampers from the Ultra Luxury package; a special grille and rear spoiler; aluminum interior trim pieces and sport front seats; special gauges, a unique analog clock, and active noise control. Navigation and a 17-speaker, Mark Levinson premium sound system ($1,920); blind spot and rear traffic alert ($1,065); and Triple Beam LED headlights ($1,515) were the only extra options on our tester.
Total MSRP including destination: 50,575. By comparison, the 2019 Lexus ES starts at $39,750, with the hybrid variant (ES 300h) starting at $41,560.
2019 Lexus ES 350 F Sport.
Interior Highlights: Inspired By History
Stepping inside the new Lexus ES 350 reveals a cabin with all the comfort you want in a luxury sedan. The leather upholstery is supple and the surfaces have the level of detail typical of Lexus models. The fit and finish is tight and Lexus made liberal use of soft-touch surfaces all throughout the cabin. From the driver’s seat, there is good all-around visibility for a sedan, and plenty of seat adjustments. In our test car, a power-adjustable steering column made it easy to set the perfect driving position.
The F Sport has an option for red seats and door panels for an even more sporty look. There’s also an all-new metallic trim that comes standard on the F Sport called Hadori Aluminum. Inspired by an ancient sword polishing process, Hadori Aluminum can appear three-dimensional, depending on how you look at it.
Technology abounds in the new ES 350. The 12-inch navigation and infotainment display is a highlight, as is the deep integration with voice commands. Verizon Wi-Fi is standard along with Lexus Enform Safety Connect for the first 10 years of ownership. The latter includes a stolen vehicle locator, emergency and roadside assistance, and automatic collision notification. As a bonus, Apple CarPlay is finally available.
2019 Lexus ES 350 F Sport interior layout.
Related: One the road with the lion of the Lexus den.
Interior Highlights: Nice For The Commute
What we don’t like is the hypersensitive touchpad interface Lexus uses. It’s not easy to operate, nor all that intuitive, especially when you are driving. Shutting off the A/C, for example, requires a visit to a menu screen using the touchpad located on the console. We did praise the volume knob, though. It feels like an old-school stereo receiver.
We used the ES 350 for commuting to Denver every day and arrived relaxed and ready for the day’s work. In the back, your passengers will have plenty of room and will be comfortable on longer trips. Rear legroom is even enough for six-foot passengers. The ES 350 would make a great car for realtors to haul clients in when house-hunting. The rear doors are wide and it’s easy to get in-and-out.
The ES offers up 16.7 cubic feet of trunk space with underfloor side pockets for smaller items.
Engine & Fuel Mileage Specs
Powering every ES 350, including the new F Sport, is a 3.5-liter V6 producing 302 horsepower and 267 lb-ft. of torque (up 34 horsepower from last year). The V6 comes paired to a new Direct Shift eight-speed automatic that replaces the previous six-speed. Compared to the six-speed, this new Direct Shift transmission offers a wider range of ratios. For instance, first gear in the six-speed was 3.30:1, while the new eight-speed offers a 5.51 first gear. A taller final drive ratio (2.56) helps return an EPA-estimated 22/31 city/highway and 25 combined mpg.
The 2019 Lexus ES 350 F Sport delivers on the open road, especially with its V6 engine.
Driving Dynamics: Making Quick Work of The Roads
Getting underway in the ES 350 revealed a V6 with a little more power than the outgoing model. When pushed hard, the luxury sedan’s power comes quick and smooth, no doubt thanks to the new transmission. It even sounds pretty good when you dig into it too, like when needing more power to pass slower traffic on the interstate.
The F Sport’s suspension is tuned for sport more than comfort, but it’s not too firm for the average family either. It has just enough firmness to make quick work of the tight mountains corners we encountered this week, but you won’t feel rattled on a long trip. The larger 19-inch alloy wheels also contribute to a firmer ride, especially on broken pavement, but won’t be an issue if the road is smooth.
On the F Sport model, an Adaptive Variable Suspension is available.
We made use of the manual paddle shifters in Sport S+ mode to extract a little more control over the car’s driving character. It’s no sport sedan, but you can have fun with it on the commute to work, or to play on the weekends. The F Sport trim also offers Eco, Normal, Sport S, and Custom modes to suit every driver in the family. If you are looking for safety, the ES 350 comes with plenty for peace of mind. For example, we unwittingly approached a parking barrier this week and the forward collision mitigation system stopped us before we hit the concrete.
The 2019 Lexus ES 350 F Sport hits 60 mph in 6.6 seconds.
Conclusion: F Sport or Otherwise
Altogether, the new updates increase the luxury and performance of the 2019 Lexus ES 350 over the outgoing model. We would recommend the F Sport if you want superior driving dynamics and want to have a bit more fun over the standard model. The F Sport offers a good blend of handling and performance, without sacrificing comfort. But the normal ES 350 sedan is still purposed for comfort, and offers isolation from the noisy world. It’s a car you won’t mind spending quality time in.
Denis Flierl has invested over 25 years in the automotive industry in a variety of roles. All of his firsthand reviews are archived on our test drives page. Follow Denis on Twitter: @CarReviewGuy
2019 Lexus ES 350 F Sport Gallery

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

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Volvo Leads New Research To Improve Road Safety For Cyclists

Volvo Leads New Research To Improve Road Safety For Cyclists A new body of research is looking at ways to keep cyclists safer on the road.
Current data shows that fatal accidents involving a bicycle are on the rise.
The study is based on regulatory procedures for pedestrian head protection.
Swedish carmaker Volvo and top Swedish sports and safety brand POC are forming a partnership. We all know Volvo is a stickler for safety, so this comes as no surprise. However, their latest research focuses on protecting cyclists and improving road safety for all. So, how do they do it?
By developing the world’s first car-bike helmet crash test.
The new crash tests are based on current regulatory test procedures for pedestrian head protection. The tests are ongoing at Volvo’s renowned safety research facility in Gothenburg, Sweden.
Setting The Stage
I must admit, I’m not fond of cyclists on the actual road itself because of the safety risk. And I only loathe cyclists who lack discipline or those with no discernible idea about road safety. Otherwise, I have no beef sharing the tarmac with bicycle riders. Our two-wheeled, pedal-powered friends are working for a living just like you and I. They pay their fair share of taxes, and they have every right to hog the bicycle lane. Unfortunately, not everyone has the same warm feelings – I’m looking at you, Clarkson.
If you combine traffic gridlock, deadlines, and a grumbling stomach on the way to work on a cold and drizzly morning, we all know the result is utter chaos. And when you think about it, cyclists are the most vulnerable. A bicycle, for example, doesn’t have bumpers, airbags, or a steel body and chassis to protect the rider.
The latest Volvo and POC research project will benefit both drivers and riders, and will inevitably benefit all consumers in the end. This study will help POC make safer helmets and safety gear. On the other side of the spectrum, the research allows Volvo to develop a new array of vehicle safety features to protect cyclists and pedestrians alike.
“This project with POC is a good example of our pioneering spirit in safety,” said Malin Ekholm, head of the Volvo Cars Safety Centre and one of the company’s leading safety engineers. “We often develop new testing methods for challenging traffic scenarios.”
Volvo’s Cyclist Detection uses cameras and radar to warn the driver of an imminent collision with a cyclist. Photo: Volvo Cars.
Related: A brief history of the safety features in your car.
Road Safety For Cyclists: The Grim Reality
This latest study by Volvo and POC couldn’t have arrived at a better time. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, over 1,000 bicyclists died in 2015, and there were 467,000 bicycle-related injuries in the same timeframe. More troubling are the results of a study by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in the same year. The data shows a declining number in overall bicycle accidents, but there’s a catch: the number of fatal accidents increased by 12 percent.
However, it’s not rosy in other countries like the United Kingdom either. The results of a road casualties report by the UK Department for Transport in 2016 shows cyclists are 15 times more likely to be killed or fatally injured on Britain’s roads than motorists. Considering there are an average of 1.7 million people that cycle to work every day in the UK as of 2017, it’s only timely for Volvo and POC to conduct these deeper studies. One of these is to make a direct comparison between wearing a helmet and not when riding a bike.
Partners In Safety
To date, POC has sixty international awards for safety, innovation, and design. KTH Royal Institute of Technology, MIPS, and Autoliv are also participating in the project, which is partially financed by Vinnova. The results will be made publicly available in time.
“Much like Volvo Cars, safety is at the very center of our mission and drives all our ideas and innovations,” said Oscar Huss, Head of Product Development at POC. “By working closely with scientific leaders in the POC Lab we strive to lead the way in introducing new safety ideas.”
Specially-designed crash tests are ongoing at Volvo’s research facilities in Gothenburg, Sweden. The effort is part of a wider research project to understand the types of long-term injuries sustained by cyclists. Photo: Volvo Car Group.
Related: Keeping man’s best friend safe: the science behind pet safety in your car.
The Silver Lining
If you’re a cyclist, then what Volvo and POC are doing will benefit you in the future. In an effort to reduce fatalities and injuries, Volvo will use crash dummy heads wearing POC bike helmets. The dummy is mounted on a testing rig, then launched on different areas of the hood of a stationary Volvo car. The dummy head is thrown at different angles and speeds to gather any necessary and essential data.
“Certification standards are essential,” Huss said. “But they should never limit our willingness to look beyond their parameters to find better and more innovative ways to reduce the consequences of accidents.”
If you compare this with existing bike helmet testing procedures, the old method is as primitive as making tools out of stones and pieces of wood. Manufacturers test bicycle helmets by simply dropping the helmets from differing heights on a flat or angled surface, and that’s it. What’s interesting is how previous test procedures didn’t take into account potential accidents between cars and bicycles, which can exist on the road at any given moment.
During the tests, a technician mounts POC bike helmets worn by crash dummy heads on a rig. They are then launched towards different areas of the hood of a static Volvo car. Photo: Volvo Car Group.
Volvo Safety Technologies: Yesterday & Today
Using data from the bicycle helmet crash tests, Volvo can further develop its array of active safety technologies. Chief among those is Cyclist Detection. The system uses the vehicle’s camera and radar to detect cyclists, warning the driver of an imminent collision, and engaging the brakes if necessary. Inevitably, new safety technologies like this will (or should) trickle down to future cars in the interest of public safety. It was, after all, from Volvo that we receive the single greatest passive safety device in history.
Volvo engineer Nils Bohlin developed the three-point safety belt in 1958 after then Volvo president Gunnar Engellau lost a loved one in an accident. Bohlin’s groundbreaking design formed a “V” with the peak facing down to better secure a driver’s upper and lower body. It’s estimated that over one million lives have been saved as a result of Volvo waiving its patent rights.
“Our aim is not only to meet legal requirements or pass rating tests,” Ekholm said. “Instead, we go beyond ratings, using real traffic situations to develop technology that further improves safety.”
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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Choosing the Best Car Rental Service

There are many different reasons why people choose to rent a car. It could be because they are on an out-of town or out-of-country trip and need a means of transportation for a certain period of time. It could also be because their cars are being repaired and need another car replacement for short period of time. Whatever the reasons are for hiring or renting a vehicle, often the a main concern for these users is how to select the best car rental company among the numerous agencies available.

In leasing for a vehicle, one always try to get the best possible car at a great price. Start by outlining the budget on car rental. It is best to allot a certain amount that may be slightly over than what is actually needed to be prepared for whatever may come up. Then set out and determine the kind of car is needed. An in-depth information about the car to be rented is very important. Good gas mileage is also a key element in choosing the right car. Be sure to know and remember that trucks, sport utility vehicles and other large cars may be appealing for their capacity or appearance but these car types eat a lot of fuel on the road. The number of passengers needed for the car may also play an important role in deciding which car to rent as to its seating capacity. The make of the car must also be taken into consideration in choosing a car. A sleek car may have a higher chance of breaking down if taken to a rough road or area when it is only suitable in a smooth road or freeway drive. Various cars should be examined for quality to choose the best possible car.

Next step is to look for is the car rental company. This part may prove to be hard as one may search the yellow pages and internet and be lost with the abundant number of companies offering car rental services. It is a must, especially for first time users of car rental agencies, to pick a reputable if not large rental company to assure the user there are no tricks in the deal and that the cars are in good running condition. In an online shopping for car rentals, the user or shopper may find coupons on a particular size and kind of car. These coupons may be printed out or used directly online to avail a slightly bigger vehicle of the same price. The user may also compare the rates provided by various companies. One company may offer a lower cost than the others but the vehicles are in not so good working condition so one must choose the best practical deal available.

The policy and rental agreement of the company must be read and understood carefully prior to rental to be aware of the rules and their implications. If the rental company and car are already chosen, before leaving the lot or location where the rented car is parked, identify if there are already present scratches or clings. If there are part of the car such as the wind shield wipers, which do not work properly, it would be wise to ask for a replacement.

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Rezvani TANK Military Edition: When World War Z Strikes, You’ll Be Ready

Rezvani TANK Military Edition: When World War Z Strikes, You’ll Be Ready There are a number of vehicles with which to impress the neighbors. There is the ultra luxury and/or muscle car approach, say a Maserati or old-school Pontiac; or the massive 4×4 approach via the Jeep or Hummer. Up until this point, I would have said any of those vehicles, but these days, if you really want to impress your neighbors – like get them to double take while watering the flowers impress – might I suggest the Rezvani TANK Military Edition.
This. This is what you need.
Power & Performance
The Rezvani TANK Military Edition is the latest in the company’s TANK line and it’s completely street legal. As an automaker, the relatively young Rezvani (established 2014) is building their portfolio of unique and extreme designer vehicles, seen recently in this special edition supercar. Now the TANK Military Edition, an urban warrior fit for World War Z
“We’ve upped the ante with the new TANK Military Edition,” explained CEO Ferris Rezvani. “After the success of TANK, we decided to build a machine with the ultimate security features while maintaining extreme luxury.”
Buyers have two engine options: a 6.4-liter, 500 horsepower V8 or a 6.2-liter 707 horsepower V8. If those figures look familiar, it’s becasue they are sourced from the Dodge Charger and Challenger lineup, the latter engine being of the Hellcat variety. And the TANK Military Edition is lighter than it looks too, clocking in at 4,300 lbs.
It’s likely either of those engines will effectively lose anyone following too close, but in case not, a “Smoke Screen” feature is available to dash would-be stalkers. For unwanted gawkers, magnetic dead-bolts and electrified door handles provide maximum security against unauthorized access.
Photo: Rezvani Motors.
Standard Features
We’re talking a bit more than heated seats and satellite radio here . . . the TANK Military Edition comes equipped with Level 7 glass and ballistics armor, which can withstand high caliber assault weapons and rifles. The radiator, battery, and fuel tank are each wrapped in Kevlar and the underbody is reinforced against explosive devices. A thermal night vision system provided by FLIR displays heat signatures around the vehicle.
There is a Fox suspension, special run-flat tires, strobe and blinding lights, sirens, and a full intercom system with external speakers. First aid and hypothermia kits and gas masks are also provided.
“Designed to withstand urban terrain or apocalyptic attack, TANK is that extreme tactical urban vehicle equipped to handle it all,” Rezvani added.
Photo: Rezvani Motors.
Pricing & Availability
The TANK Military Edition can be reserved now with a $10,000 initial deposit and starting MSRP of $295,000. It takes about 12 weeks (give or take) to have one manufactured. The vehicle can be serviced, according to Rezvani, at any Doge or Jeep dealership.
Bring on the zombies. Bring on the Cloverfield monsters. Bring on Imhotep and his lover.
Or, in my case, bring on the family reunion.
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.
Rezvani TANK Military Edition Gallery

Photos & Source: Rezvani Motors.

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Starting MSRP Announced For 2019 Chevy Silverado Chassis Cab Trucks

Starting MSRP Announced For 2019 Chevy Silverado Chassis Cab Trucks Chevrolet has announced the starting price of the 2019 Silverado chassis cab trucks, set for production later this year. The new chassis cab trucks will begin at $48,465, which includes a $1,495 destination charge. The trucks are designed for a number of uses and industries, including construction, plumbing, landscaping, and agriculture.
The trucks can also be custom equipped for government entities, local utilities, and first responders.
Engine & Transmission
The new Sliverados will come with a Duramax diesel (6.6-liter) with 350 horsepower and 700 lb-ft. of torque. The engine is paired to an Allison transmission with a Power Take Off (PTO) option.
“These new Silverado chassis cabs are a great addition to our lineup because we can now offer small businesses and large fleets a truck that can be upfitted to do many jobs,” said Ed Peper, U.S. Vice President, GM Fleet.
Photo: Chevrolet.
Performance & Capacity
The Chevrolet Silverado 6500HD, despite being similar in size to the 4500HD and 5500HD, comes with a GVWR rating of 22,900 lbs.
“Bucket truck builders, fleet managers, and many other customers told us they face a dilemma when their GVWR needs exceed 19,500 lbs.,” explained John Schwegman, Director of Commercial Product and Medium Duty, GM Fleet.
Schwegman says some opt for more expensive aluminum bodies to save weight but still stay within a Class 5 chassis. Others may spend additional money for a larger truck, giving them more GVWR than necessary.
“The Silverado 6500HD gives them capability and protects their bottom line,” he said. “It’s a great solution.”

Upfitting & Servicing
The truck’s frame is designed with one-piece straight rails with no rivets or brackets on top that would otherwise interfere with the mounting of custom-made bodies. Chevrolet says this design helps save time and money during the upfitting process.
Engineers also spent a great deal of time making sure the new chassis cab trucks were easier to service. For example, the new Silverados have a clamshell hood and a wheel cut of up to 50 degrees to give technicians better engine access.
Dual fuel tanks with a 65 gallon capacity, a factory-installed air suspension, and a full suite of connectivity features like built-in 4G LTE WiFi are available.
Pricing Chart
2019 Chevy Silverado Chassis Cab Base MSRP
Work Truck Trim
4500HD
5500HD
6500HD
Regular Cab
2WD
$48,465
$51,100
$54,575

4WD
$51,365
$54,000
$57,030
Crew Cab
2WD
$52,080
$54,715
$58,190

4WD
$55,580
$58,215
$61,245
2019 Chevy Silverado Chassis Cab Gallery

Photos & Source: Chevrolet.

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Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet priced between rival offerings

Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet priced between rival offerings 25th Anniversary Edition E-Class Cabriolet introduced for a $13,400 premium; pricing is available for Mercedes-AMG SLC models

Mercedes announced a starting price of $62,600 for the E-Class Cabriolet as well as a special 25th Anniversary Edition for about $75,000. Since Audi doesn’t offer an A6-badged convertible and BMW doesn’t strictly offer a 5-er convertible either, the E falls in line between these. Offering a bit more speed and kit, BMW’s 6er convertible starts at $86,700, and Audi leaves a ‘yuuuuuge gap between the A5 (at $49,600) and the R8 Spyder (at $175.100). Pricing for the Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 high-performance mid-sized SUV starts $92,608.

The new E-Class Cabriolet (A238) comes with expected and unexpected options.
Throughout the the 1980s, if you wanted a convertible Mercedes-Benz your options were the R107 SL and, you guessed it, the R107 SL. No mass-market droptop version of the ubiquitous W123 was produced. That all changed when Merc released the 300CE-24 Cabriolet as a 1992 model in Europe. Mercedes is celebrating with two new paint colors, rubellite red or iridium silver in English, metallic red and a gratuitous shade of beige. The E400 Cabriolet comes with a twin-turbo 329-hp 3-liter V6 that moves the 4,100-lb 4-seater to 60 mph in 6.3 seconds. The E550 Cabriolet is fitted with a twin-turbo 4.7-liter V8 chucking out 402 horsepower; hooked into the same 7-speed slushbox as the E400, the ‘8 gets the car to 60 in 5 seconds flat.

It’s hard not to be cynical about two extra-cost options available that separate convertible owners from the open-air experience and not be impressed at the attention to detail and R&D that makes the following work: The first is a perfume ionizer. Dubbed the “Air-Balance” option, the system includes additional cabin filters and, introduced for the 25th Anniversary Edition E Cabriolet, a bespoke fragrance described as “Daybreak Mood”; other fragrances are also available. It’s an unusual feature, though BMW has a similar system available in their 7-series sedan, which allows the owner to install a range of scents concurrently. This includes the ability to select different scents at the touch of a button. The Merc’s second option is the “AirCap” system. Designed to mitigate drafts, a motorized aerofoil deploys from the top of the A-pillar and stores flush with the windscreen when not in use.

-By: Sawyer Sutton
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