Automotive

Jaguar Land Rover Classic Works: The UK’s Motor City

Jaguar Land Rover Classic Works: The UK’s Motor City

Jaguar, along with corporate sibling Land Rover, have been doing the factory refurbished thing for a while now. They join the growing trend of auto manufacturers keeping the original flame burning for those who desire, or can afford, factory originality. Their latest press release is slugged as being from “Ryton-on-Dunsmore, UK” and believe me, it only gets more quant and British from there on in.
And it’s not like Jaguar is doing this on purpose or to hype things up, this is the way they naturally are. And, let’s face it, Jaguar is about as British as a marque can get.
Proper Space, Prestigious Cars
And since the British are an everso proper lot, you can’t have your factory classics department taking up an old out building, can you? Oh no, no-no-no. One shant do that. No, if you’re Jaguar, you’re going to open your own special refurbishment “factory” or “works” as they call it in their own charmingly Anglo-centric way. As any gearhead with a project car (or cars) will tell you, you never have enough garage space. You always need a bigger workshop. Jaguar, heeding this well known Truth of the automotive world, went big.
The Jaguar Land Rover Classic Works facility tips the scales at a staggering 150,000 square feet. Jag says it’s the largest of its type in the world, with a dedicated showroom and a whopping 54 workshop bays for restoring and servicing all older Jaguar and Land Rover models. The Classic Works is also home to the Jaguar Land Rover Classic Collection of more than 500 vehicles. Jaguar foolishly points out the cars in the collection are also available for loan to car clubs and museums. This makes me wonder if we could turn Automoblog into a “museum,” but I’ll leave that for management to work out.
Now if you’re rich enough – I have no idea how rich you need to be – but far be it for Jaguar to be so gauche as to mention costs, dear boy – the lineup of available classics to buy is very impressive. Classic Works offers the full range of Legends vehicles including the nine “new” examples of the XKSS, the “Missing Six” Lightweight E-type continuation models, the two-door Range Rover Classic, the 10 Series 1 E-type cars, the Jaguar E-type Reborn, and full restoration services for clients.
Land Rover Reborn Legends. Photo: Jaguar Land Rover.
Exceptional Service
And Jag is not kidding around about stuff like restoration, repair, and maintenance. Literally all models out of production for 10 years or more are welcome to the spa treatment at Classic Works. From the XK120 and XK8, to Land Rover vehicles like the Discovery and Freelander from the 1990s; you own it, you love it, so bring it on by and your automotive needs will be attended to. Jaguar is thorough and professional to an exceedingly high level too. When your car is delivered to the Classic Works facility, it gets a comprehensive 121-point visual inspection. This generates a report detailing any work required and, as the work is carried out, it’s recorded in a Jaguar Land Rover Classic Works Service Book.
Oh, and here’s an interesting little add on: There’s a dedicated XJ220 servicing section operated by Jaguar supercar technicians, some of whom supported the XJ220 program during production 25 years ago. They use tailor-made service tools for the 212 mph supercar. This is good because the XJ220 has service requirements slightly more involved than an Aérospatiale/BAC Concorde.
Jaguar XJ220 servicing and maintenance bay. Photo: Jaguar Land Rover.

Added Touches
And if you think this is all about making old cars good as new, you’d be wrong. Sadly, gloriously, unforgettably wrong. On top of selling old cars, services, and parts, clients can encounter a selection of legendary Jaguar and Land Rover models through the Classic Drives portion of the new facility. Two of the locations offered include the MIRA test facility (where Jag hot shoe Norman Dewis crashed and barrel rolled the only Jaguar XJ13 in existence back in 1971) and Eastnor Castle, where many of the vehicles were developed.
There’s even a Jaguar Classic Challenge race series for pre-1966 Jaguar cars now underway. So, you know, if your mind “works” like mine, there’s another outlet for your Lotto winnings. This five-round series starts at Donington Park and includes races at Brands Hatch, the Silverstone Classic in July, Oulton Park, and the season finale at September’s Spa Six-Hours meeting in Belgium. And if you ball up your XKSS at Eau Rouge, well, that’s the way of it old chap. But not to worry! The boys back at the Coventry Works will see to your ride and make it right as rain. Safe as houses. Good as new. You lucky bloke.
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.
Jaguar Land Rover Classic Works Facility Gallery

Photos & Source: Jaguar Land Rover.

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2018 Honda Accord To Debut In Detroit

2018 Honda Accord To Debut In Detroit

The 2018 Honda Accord will make its global debut in Detroit, Michigan on July 14th, now less than a month away. The automaker released the above concept drawing which gives us some insight as to what the car will look like. Although we can only see a portion of the vehicle, Honda promises the new Accord will have an aggressive stance, dramatic styling, fuel efficient powertains, and sporty driving dynamics.
Top Gun
Honda has raked in the dough with the Accord to say the least. According Urban Science, the Accord is the best-selling midsize sedan in the United States among car buyers cumulatively since 2010. Furthermore, Urban Science data shows the Accord has been the U.S. midsize sedan segment’s retail sales leader for last four years. 2017 is shaping up strong for Honda too – during the first five months of the year, based on retail sales to individual buyers, the Accord is the top midsize sedan again, second only to the new Civic.
Power & Performance
To keep this benchmark intact, Honda promises the forthcoming Accord, now in its 10th generation, will be the most fun-to-drive Accord yet. Expect to see two new turbocharged engines paired with either a new Honda-developed 10-speed automatic, CVT, or 6-speed manual transmission. Hybrid buyers will want to pay close attention to the new iteration of Honda’s two-motor hybrid powertrain system.
Live Reveal
Honda will share all the vital details via a YouTube Livestream session in the Motor City on July 14th, 11:00am Eastern. Here is the link. If you can believe it, since its launch in 1976, more than 13 million Honda Accords have been sold. Production remains at Honda’s Marysville, Ohio plant, the home of the Accord since November 1982. Cumulative U.S. production now exceeds 11 million units across 35 years of American manufacturing. That said, we are pretty excited to see this new machine from Honda.
Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and resides in Detroit, Michigan.
Photo & Source: Honda North America.

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2018 Hyundai Elantra Trim Levels Expand

2018 Hyundai Elantra Trim Levels Expand

Hyundai has gone and messed with its popular Elantra for 2018, or at least tweaked one of the available option packages. That could be trouble – monkeying with the Elantra, pretty much Hyundai’s bread and butter car, might spell disaster – but have no fear, Hyundai is on top of the situation.
Hyundai’s Elantra, now in its sixth generation, has racked up more than 2.9 million sales since its launch in America, and is aimed squarely at its midsize sedan competitors, the Chevrolet Cruise and Ford Focus.
More Stuff
The short version here is that Hyundai’s new trim level for the Elantra (SEL) will replace the soon-to-be-outgoing SE trim. The SEL will add more tech goodies without raising the price. Thus, the 2018 Hyundai Elantra SEL will come with blind spot detection with rear cross traffic alert and lane change assist. Infotainment is centered around a seven-inch display audio system with AM/FM/HD/Sirius radio pumping out the sounds via six speakers. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are in there too, of course.
There is a rearview camera with dynamic guidelines to help you back up and park and such.
The SEL trim also features 16-inch alloy wheels, four-wheel disc brakes, heated outside mirrors, and auto headlamp control. Oh, and since this is America, you also get better rear cup holders that are mounted just aft of the center console, so Junior doesn’t spill that Big Gulp Mountain Dew all over the place. The Elantra Limited and Sport trims get some new features as well.
Photo: Hyundai Motor America.
Trim Level Treatments
The Limited trim now includes gloss black interior accents and an auto-dimming rearview mirror (which is just lazy) with Blue Link and HomeLink now standard. Hyundai also points out that all available Blue Link features come standard for three years. The Sport Elantras now come with a power sunroof, Blind Spot Detection with Rear Cross-traffic Alert, and Lane Change Assist standard to help you not do things like pull into oncoming traffic or run over cyclists while changing lanes. All trim levels, SEL, Limited, and Sport get a new machine gray exterior color, if you’re more into the subtle pallet.
The Value and Eco trim levels are still available. Value, is, well, the value-oriented model that comes well-equipped with popular options at “attractive” (read: inexpensive) price points. The Eco trim gets you an EPA estimated 35 miles per gallon combined thanks to a 1.4 turbo GDI four-cylinder engine and seven-speed DCT gearbox.
Photo: Hyundai Motor America.

Blue Link Connectivity
Now, about that Hyundai Blue Link. It’s sort of like smart home technology grafted onto your car. It apparently requires some sort of subscription – which Hyundai does not go into details on, but they do mention you get three years of it for free – and it allows you to either automate a range of stuff you can have your car do, or allows you to do it remotely.
For example, one of the Blue Link features is the Connected Care Package which takes care of stuff like Automatic Collision Notification, SOS Emergency Assistance, a Monthly Vehicle Health Report (sort of a poor person’s telemetry data storage deal), Automatic Diagnostic Trouble Code Notification (i.e. it tells you more than just “check engine”), a Service Link Maintenance Reminder (a digital version of that oil change sticker normally on your windshield), something called Driving Information (your guess is as good as mine), and On-Demand Diagnostics (again, much more than just “check engine”).
Photo: Hyundai Motor America.
Extra Tools
Besides being there to get you out of a jam, there are other Blue Link features in the Remote Package that can be activated via things like Amazon Alexa. There is also a remote start, which must really be nice in a place like Chicago in January.
There is also Car Finder? Not sure what that does exactly, but I’m guessing some sort of parking lot/garage assistance thing-o for the memory impaired. Blue Link also gets you Stolen Vehicle Recovery, Stolen Vehicle Slowdown, and Stolen Vehicle Immobilization, which is handy, yes, but also probably fun when it comes to messing with perps. You just never know when your Elantra is going to get targeted by Memphis Raines.
So, yet again, Hyundai steps into the breach for those that want lots of up-to-date tech goodies but are on, shall we say, a more limited budget than your typical Mercedes-Benz buyer.
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 Hyundai Elantra Gallery

Photos & Source: Hyundai Motor America.

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Uncluttered Luxury: The Preference of The Next-Generation Car Buyer

Uncluttered Luxury: The Preference of The Next-Generation Car Buyer The United States of America is known for their colossal and technologically-advanced armies, rumbling V8 motors, and stroke-inducing cheeseburgers. The average American is also known for buying stuff they don’t need, and we’re all guilty of overconsumption at some point in our lives. But according to the report on Decluttering the State of Luxury conducted by Volvo and Harris Poll, it seems the thirst and hunger for excess consumption is becoming a thing of the past.
Emerging Trends
The report is part of a series from Volvo exploring how our relationships are changing and evolving with regard to car ownership. Earlier this year, one report examined how Americans feel about traveling with their pets. This latest report, New Luxury Demands Less Clutter was conducted on behalf of 2,102 online participants aged 18 and above between April 26th and May 1st, 2018.
Less is More: The New Standard of Luxury
The survey concluded 85 percent of Americans believe they have too much stuff and are looking to sway toward the minimalist approach in terms of luxury. The same people are actively working to declutter and simplify their home and office spaces. The traditional American mantra of “bigger is better” along with consumption-driven buying habits is proven by the 48 percent of Americans who say their lives were more cluttered than they were 10 years ago.
However, 34 percent of respondents are looking to streamline all areas of their lives, with one in four Americans seeing their vehicles as a space they actively need to declutter.
The surprising thing is that 60 percent of parents say they feel the need to declutter their vehicles more often than other spaces, compared to only 37 percent of non-parents. Is this also a clear sign of maturity as one enters the interesting world of parenthood? Most probably yes.
The survey concludes by saying “modern luxury” is 64 percent more inclusive and transparent and 63 percent more minimalistic compared to 10 years ago. Most Americans now prefer clean, functional, and spacious as the primary motivators of the term “luxury.” In fact, most people will now choose craftsmanship (51 percent), advanced technology (50 percent), and customization (47 percent) over exclusive access and elaborate design.
Volvo XC40 Inscription T5 AWD in Denim Blue. Photo: Volvo Car Group.
How Decluttering Luxury Translates to Cars
Gone are the days when the average dashboard was filled with hundreds of buttons, knobs, and switches reminiscent of the control center in a nuclear missile silo. You can see this clearly on modern luxury cars. Touch panel displays are replacing the voluminous amount of switches that control all aspects of a vehicle’s performance and comfort settings.
Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and Audi are cramming as many touchscreens as possible in their new vehicles to keep the interior modern, upscale, clean, and functional. But when it comes to true modern luxury, almost two-thirds or 61 percent of Americans agree that Scandinavian design is the modern interpretation of uncluttered luxury.
Trash Talking
You only need to look at the 2019 Volvo XC40 to discern this. Volvo engineers utilized the “less clutter” concept to come up with a design that speaks to the results of this study. What we particularly like about the XC40 is the clever usage of space to impart the feeling of practicality without compromising on premium design.
Case in point: the built-in trash bin. Yes, the 2019 Volvo XC40 comes with a trash can in front of the arm rest.
The bin is equipped with a flapping lid to keep things clean and simple. You can remove the trash bin, empty the contents, and pop it right back into place. This feature literally blew our minds since no other car in the history of the world came with a purpose-built trash can!
Photo: Volvo Car Group.
Parking Tickets & Tough Robots
The XC40 also comes with handy slots on the left of the driver’s knee to hold IDs or parking tickets, and the door pockets are even sculpted enough to accommodate a 15-inch laptop. There is a wireless phone charging pad because using conventional cables is as primitive as leaving the couch to change the channels on your TV.
The exterior design is no different. The modern lines and surfacing of the body have a sense of playfulness and adventure. In fact, exterior lead designer Ian Kettle utilized the phrase “Tough Little Robot” to draw inspiration for the crossover’s design.
What he really meant was sci-fi movies blended with the clean Swedish design, and it shows.
Future Considerations
As the modern consumer shifts from excessive consumption to minimalism and uncluttered luxury, this could only mean good things for the cars of tomorrow. This is also good news for those who find it almost impossible to change the radio station or fan settings in a modern car.
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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2019 Dodge Durango: Adulting Just Got Cool

2019 Dodge Durango: Adulting Just Got Cool It’s a predicament. You love horsepower but the stork has visited your residence on a few occasions. Maybe that old sports or performance car got traded in somewhere along the way for a minivan or run-of-the-mill SUV? Whatever the case, you have a family you need to haul around town now.
Responsibilities. Priorities.
Adulting.
The 2019 Dodge Durango is uniquely suited for family, adult-going types who still want a little extra performance and style. Across the range, the Durango offers several different powertrain options, including all-wheel drive, plus a number of connectivity and infotainment features.
Here is a look at the Durango lineup for 2019.
Durango SRT
Over breakfast, the kids are uttering new catchphrases they discovered on the latest social media app. They are Draking about having to go to school and are acting quite Salty, but little do they know the drive there is about to be Lit. Why? Because Hemi.
The Durango SRT with its 392 (cubic-inch) V8 creates 475 horsepower and 470 lb-ft. of torque, good enough to launch this beast to 60 in 4.4 seconds. The SRT Durango also runs a quarter-mile in 12.9 seconds as certified by the National Hot Rod Association. That’s what we call Real Talk, and if that isn’t enough to make the kids these day exclaim “Zayum,” then the donuts you do in the school parking lot (don’t actually do that) should suffice.
The Durango SRT’s Brembo braking system comes complete with two-piece, vented rotors and six-piston front and four-piston rear calipers. The all-wheel drive is paired to an Active Damping System while the custom exhaust lets the world know you are just around the corner.
Leather and carbon fiber treatments decorate the inside, plus heated and cooled seats. The available 825-watt, 19-speaker Harman Kardon stereo is a nice touch, even if people don’t care for your taste in music.
Dodge Durango SRT. Photo: FCA US LLC.
Durango R/T
When you need more but not too much, the R/T is the ticket with its evergreen 5.7-liter Hemi V8 and TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic. The R/T provides a healthy 360 horsepower, 390 lb-ft. of torque, and a tow rating of 7,400 lbs. The Hemi’s “Fuel Saver Technology” feature utilizes cylinder deactivation, alternating the engine between four and eight cylinders.
Sepia leather seats and the aforementioned Harman Kardon audio system are available.
Standard equipment is plentiful: performance steering and suspension systems, LED fog lamps, high-intensity discharge headlamps, navigation, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.
Dodge Durango R/T. Photo: FCA US LLC.
Durango Citadel
The word Citadel may elicit images of castles, colleges, and financial markets but the Durango has its own interpretation of the 16th century word. With refinements straight out of the 21st century, the Durango Citadel is an infotainment stronghold with navigation, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto.
The aforementioned Harman Kardon audio system is also an option.
Behind the Citadel’s gate is either a standard 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 with 295 horsepower and 260 lb-ft. of torque, or the optional 5.7-liter Hemi with 360 horsepower and 390 lb-ft. of torque. The Pentastar can tow 6,200 lbs. while the Citadel with the Hemi can match the R/T’s tow rating of 7,400 lbs.
Dodge Durango Citadel. Photo: FCA US LLC.
Durango GT
The GT holds the middle ground in the Durango lineup and is the perfect balance of “everything you need, nothing you don’t.” The nicely-equipped GT seats seven with leather-trimmed bucket seats and heated first and second-row seats as an option. For those grocery runs, the power liftgate option is worth its weight in gold.
Standard features on the GT include LED daytime running lamps and dual exhaust.
The Pentastar V6 and TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic provide the GT with a 6,200 lbs. towing capacity. Both rear and all-wheel drive powertrains are available. An SRT-inspired hood with a center air inlet duct and two heat extractors is available – you know, for something a little extra.
Dodge Durango GT hood. Photo: FCA US LLC.
Durango SXT
Simple but far from plain, the SXT gets the job done with its Pentastar V6 and five-passenger seating that can be configured 50 different ways. The SXT receives a seven-inch, full-color infotainment digital display, plus Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and Bluetooth compatibility.
The Voice Command system is also standard along with a push-button start.
Colors & Additional Options
The 2019 Dodge Durango is available in 11 colors: Octane Red, Redline Red, In-Violet, Granite, Billet, DB Black, White Knuckle, and Vice White. New colors (late availability) include Reactor Blue, Destroyer Gray, and F8 Green.
All Durango models now offer an integrated trailer brake when equipped with the Trailer Tow Package. Blind-spot Monitoring with Rear Cross Path detection is available as a free-standing option.
Availability
Expect the 2019 Dodge Durango in the showroom this fall, although orders can be placed at dealers now.
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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Automobili Pininfarina: A New Breed of Luxury Electric Cars?

Automobili Pininfarina: A New Breed of Luxury Electric Cars? A while back, Pininfarina, the famous Italian design firm, was bought by Mahindra, the Indian car/truck/tractor manufacturer. And yes, honestly, that was kind of troubling on the face of it. But now, the “new” Pininfarina is getting into the luxury car business is a very odd way:
They’re going to take on Tesla.
Waxing Poetics
Pininfarina really needs no introduction. They were, for all intents and purposes, Ferrari’s non-in-house-in-house designers for decades. They have a history of designing some of the most beautiful cars the world has ever seen. They also, for a brief period of time, “manufactured” their own cars. Okay, what they really did was re-badge Fiats with Pininfarina badges and sell them under their name when Fiat was tanking for the final time in North America in the late 70s and early 80s.
But now, carrying on in that vein under their new corporate owners, Pininfarina looks to be “the world’s newest car brand, with a plan to sustainably develop and produce fully-electric, ultra-luxury cars at the pinnacle of design and desirability in their respective segments.”
What?
Cutting Through The Clutter
This simultaneously makes lots of sense and is utterly confusing. A new ultra-luxury car brand? Sustainably develop and produce cars? Cars at the pinnacle of design and desirability? Sure, makes complete sense. Develop and produce fully-electric cars? Again: What? Sure, that makes a certain kind of sense: EVs are on their way; we’re going to need more of them and less ICE powered cars yadda-yadda-yadda; go high-end because the rich can afford this.
All of that makes sense, but this is Pininfarina. The same guys that made such hairy-chested rides as the Ferrari 275 and the F40? The same guys that designed cars as beautiful and sublime as the Ferrari GT Lusso?
Okay then.
And they’re not starting on the bottom rungs of the ladder here, oh no. Automobili Pininfarina (that’s the car manufacturing people now owned by Mahindra) will be working closely with Pininfarina SpA (that’s the legendary Italian automotive styling house not owned by Mahindra) on a car code named PF0 that will be an ultra-low volume, ultra-luxurious fully-electric hypercar.
Think something that looks like a La Ferrari powered by batteries that will blow any and all Teslas into the Adriatic.
Automobili Pininfarina PF0 design intent sketch. The company says their goal is to have the vehicle hit 62 mph in less than two seconds, top out at 250 mph, and provide a zero emissions range of over 300 miles. Photo: Automobili Pininfarina.
Global Presence
And from here, it gets even more interesting. Automobili Pininfarina will continue its ongoing technical collaboration with the Mahindra Racing Formula E team. Racing improves the bread, after all.
The long-term plan is for the new Automobili Pininfarina to deliver a range of vehicles across the globe, although North America will likely be the largest market. The company says they will present the first customer with their car in less than two years and that it will come with “unmatched performance and unprecedented heritage.”
The PF0 will run you between two and $2.5 million, and once that sets the world ablaze, it will be followed by a series of low-volume, all-electric vehicles including luxury SUVs. And they say all of this will be “sold and serviced through a network of experienced luxury car retailers,” but give absolutely zero details on what that network of experienced luxury car retailers will be.
From an operational headquarters in Munich, Germany, Automobili Pininfarina is targeting a 2020 market launch. Photo: Automobili Pininfarina.
Talented Team
The other interesting item in all this marketing hype is that Pininfarina has Paolo Dellacha sitting on the company’s board as Product and Platform Director. In singing Paolo’s praises, they note that he spent nearly two decades in computer-aided engineering, testing, and engineering and design roles at Ferrari, Maserati, and Alfa Romeo. And that he is a published author of automotive technical papers and was part of the team that secured drivetrain and chassis patents for Ferrari.
If my memory serves, I think Paolo Dellacha was the guy that came up with the Magna-ride variable shock-absorber for Ferrari that they then sold (and leased back) to Chevy. If that’s the case, Dellacha could do some very interesting stuff, given the opportunity – think tying in a fully active suspension with an all-electric drivetrain to dramatically increase performance.
Sounds like this could be fun. And given it’s coming from Pininfarina, it will probably look gorgeous.
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: Automobili Pininfarina.

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Long-term Review: Starting a life with the Mazda Miata

Long-term Review: Starting a life with the Mazda Miata This Mazda MX-5 Miata is my only car, but it’s not that simple.

I woke up yesterday and wafted my Volvo C30 150 miles south to trade it for a 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata Club in Soul Red with the Brembo/BBS package. In English, I traded a car for what a lot of people think of as a tent for people with no kids.
By grabbing a Miata instead of a Toyota Camry, or even a hot hatch, I’m voting with my wallet—to breath life back into the small car market. Apart from the Miata/’Fiata, the world is my oyster if I only want to pick two of the following: Small, light, rear-drive, new, inexpensive, convertible, non-pretentious, three pedals. So what happened?

First, let’s bench race the Mazda Miata.
Mazda is a fairly young company in some ways. After being sold off from Ford, Mazda is left in a place that is a touch like BMW was in the late 1960s: not much cash, something slightly less than a bomb-proof reputation, and a handful of relatively affordable cars that offer the driver more than whatever the segment leader might be. Mazda’s styling has been on the awesome side of experimental.
On paper, the Club trim level comes with a 6-speed manual gearbox, Bilstein shocks, and a limited slip differential. 60 miles per hour happens in just under six seconds and the top speed is less than most station wagons. Mazda was obsessive about weight savings, and that’s part of what makes this car so special in today’s market of safety, and emissions regulations and anticipated levels of equipment. 2,300 lbs is a virtually unobtainable statistic for new cars available in the US today.

I’m making this sacrifice for science.
When I’m not shooting and writing about cars, I work in an office. I live in a sparsely populated area; my 20-mile commute includes an elevation change with many low-speed S-curves. The small-car culture here thrives and hosts the largest British car event on the continent. The state agency of transportation maintains publicly available interactive maps that track the quality of the pavement, the last time it was swept for debris, and if there’s even a drop of snow, where each state plow is.

All of the above is true, but there’s a snag: I’m living the same place I’ve lived and driven daily for over a decade: Vermont.
By the way, I’m an avid backcountry skier, hiker, and photographer. Now, every box has been ticked—landing me in crossover territory. Over the next year, I’ll wear this car, collect data on the joys, the monetary costs, and the sacrifices to advise you, the reader, of the slurry of brilliance and idiocy that befalls a year-round Miata driver in the rustbelt.

One day in, what’s it like?
This is a momentum car, that, like the ‘Subota is not set up out of the box to rip your face off in the corners—it’s meant to put a smile on your face instead. Which it does. Given the wind noise, 50 mph feels like a million, and the exhaust note and intake noise are genuinely satisfying in a number of ways. The car feels quite a bit faster than it really is—something many modern enthusiast-level road cars fail at. I’m thinking and feeling a bit more through corners that my C30 would have me snoring through at the same speed. I no longer feel like a passenger.
Yesterday brought endless sunshine and and 85 degrees, and today, the roads are flooding—still, I’m pretty compelled by this experiment. I’ll let you know how it goes.

-By: Sawyer Sutton
© All images copyright Sawyer Sutton/egmCarTech
The post Long-term Review: Starting a life with the Mazda Miata appeared first on egmCarTech.

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2018 Ford F-150: Bad Ideas, Big Bets And Beer Can Jokes

2018 Ford F-150: Bad Ideas, Big Bets And Beer Can Jokes

Ford Motor Company has, in recent times, put a strong emphasis on material composition. When I was selling Ford trucks seven, eight years ago, the high-strength steel frames were always a focal point. As sales consultants, we would often explain the frame’s benefits, touching on things like towing capability, payload capacity, and overall durability. At the time, Ford was not modest about their steel frame technology (they aren’t today either), so talking about it was a good way to win a customer over on an F-150.
In late 2014, I was part of a group that traveled the country to educate Ford dealers on the forthcoming 2015 F-150. The training was absolutely essential for Ford’s dealership body. The 2015 F-150 was a bold move for the blue oval yet again, as they announced an even smaller EcoBoost in the 2.7 after unveiling the 3.5 version in 2011. It wasn’t just the engine, however. The entire body of the truck was now something called “military-grade aluminum.”
This brought up a whirlwind of reservations, concerns, and even jokes.
Sound Science
Yet Ford is no dummy and the reasoning behind their decisions regarding the F-150 are very sound. Look, Ford ain’t going to bet the farm on their best-selling vehicle. So if Ford decides to drop a smaller, turbocharged plant into their trucks, or go with an aluminum intensive body, there is every reason to believe the i’s are dotted and the t’s are crossed.
Not that I want to spark a huge debate here over naturally aspirated engines versus turbocharged ones – both have advantages – but the EcoBoost is a torque monster. And not that I want to strike up a similar parley on aluminum versus steel – again, both have advantages – but aluminum allowed the F-150 to shed vital pounds, thereby creating a more optimum power-to-weight ratio, which only amplifies the already roid rage nature of the EcoBoost engines.
The point is, Ford is becoming a master of less weight, lower displacement, but higher capacity. They effectively say, “we have the stability and rigidity of steel underneath in the frame, the lightweight, yet durable nature of aluminum on the outside, and a more efficient, more powerful plant under the hood.” Ford is in combination mode at all times, pulling out the benefits of various materials and engine technologies to provide, in the F-150, a single invincible (nearly) vehicle.
Photo: Ford Motor Company.
Family Tree
The F-150’s older brother, the Super Duty, reflects this too. The forthcoming 2018 Expedition, the latest in the family to receive an aluminum body and a steel frame makeover, also reflects it. Not exactly a direct comparison, but remember when the 5.0 Mustang debuted in 2011 and dusted stock Camaros and Challengers on a quarter mile? Smallest displacement engine of the three, so on paper it may not have initially computed, until the Mustang’s weight entered the equation.
Ford is working this concept deeper into their DNA, and it’s seen once again with their flagship F-150. The truck for 2018 continues its usage of a high-strength steel frame and military-grade aluminum body, but with more efficient, more powerful engines. The first is the 3.3-liter V6 for the entry level F-150s. The plant adds dual port and direct injection to create more torque and provide better fuel economy. With the aluminum body factored in, the standard 3.3-liter V6 offers a 5 percent power-to-weight ratio improvement versus the steel-bodied 2014 F-150 with the 3.7-liter V6.
The 2.7 EcoBoost, entering its second-generation, jumps from 375 lb-ft. of torque to 400 lb-ft., with the increase happening at lower engine speeds. The 2.7 is now paired to a segment-exclusive 10-speed automatic transmission to increase performance and efficiency. Next spring, a 3.0-liter Power Stroke V6 diesel arrives for the F-150, a mill designed, engineered, and tested in-house by the blue oval. With Ram’s EcoDiesel, the Titan’s Cummins, and the Colorado’s Duramax (with rumors Silverado will get similar treatment), it was only a matter of time before Ford introduced something like this.
Photo: Ford Motor Company.

V6 King, V8 Kingdom
The 3.5-liter EcoBoost remains unchanged in power from 2017 to 2018, standing tall at 370 horsepower and 470 lb-ft. of torque. Horsepower nutzos can go for the Raptor, where the high-output 3.5 EcoBoost wraps up 450 ponies and 510 lb-ft. of torque in a nice little package. Yes, a V6 boasting these numbers in a truck was, at one time, a little odd, and goodness knows those early days of moving EcoBoost F-150s took some salesmanship.
A hardcore truck buyer at the time was often resistant to the idea that a V6 could do the job (and a better one) of their V8. I was lucky my underwear didn’t end up flying high on one of the light poles over the lot, as if it were some dealership rendition of the Nickelodeon series, Salute Your Shorts.
“Hey look, that’s Carl’s underwear up there over the used minivans!”
Today, however, Ford’s customers are not out of sorts with the array of V6 engines, and Ford sales consultants need not be in fear for their drawers. If anything, customers have readily embraced Ford as the V6 king: 75 percent of new Ford trucks this year have rolled off the showfloor with V6 engines.
And Ford still offers an impressive 5.0-liter plant. Significant upgrades were made for 2018 to the dual port and direct injection systems to increase performance. The 2018 F-150 engine received the same spray-on bore liner treatment as the Mustang GT350 in an effort to remove additional weight from the aluminum block. Expect this engine to be paired with the aforementioned 10-speed automatic for 2018.
The F-150’s 5.0-liter V8 at the 2017 North American International Auto Show. Photo: Carl Anthony for Automoblog.net.
Terrible Ideas, Remarkable Outcomes
It’s important to note the 3.5 EcoBoost was hanging around Ford’s camp for a moment before being dropped into the F-150 in 2011. The Taurus SHO and Flex had it, as did the Lincoln MKS and MKT. It wasn’t until it hit the F-150 that Ford became bonkers. And aluminum, alas aluminum. It’s fine for airplanes, high-speed rail trains, skyscrapers, electrical wires, supercars, and the iPhone, but in a truck it’s just plain stupid? No foreseeable benefits whatsoever, just a beer can on wheels. Notice how aluminum, just like V6 engines in a truck, didn’t become a terrible, half-baked idea until Ford started landing segment-leading figures in towing, payload, and fuel economy with their stupidity.
Ford’s massive truck mistakes will arrive this fall, built by hardworking men and women at the Dearborn Truck Plant in Dearborn, Michigan, and the Kansas City Assembly Plant in Claycomo, Missouri.
Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and resides in Detroit, Michigan. Photos, Source & Graphic: Ford Motor Company.

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2018 Volkswagen Tiguan: Pricing & Trim Level Overview

2018 Volkswagen Tiguan: Pricing & Trim Level Overview

Volkswagen of America, Inc. has announced the pricing, equipment options, and trim levels for the 2018 Tiguan. VW designers focused on a modern look with the vehicle’s body lines and wider stance. The automaker’s MBQ architecture, which the new Tiguan is built from, is important to note. The vehicle gains 10.6 inches in length over the prior model for a whopping 58 percent more cargo space.
The 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan comes with a four-cylinder turbocharged and direct-injection 2.0-liter TSI engine, creating 184 horsepower and 221 lb-ft. of torque.
The engine is paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission.
Tiguan S
Front-wheel drive models start at $25,345 while the all-wheel drive versions are slightly higher at $26,645. The all-wheel drive Tiguan will have an advantage in bad weather with its four different drive modes to enhance grip and stability.
17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, LED Daytime Running Lights, LED taillights, and black roof rails decorate the exterior. Inside the S features a classy Rhombus pattern on the seats, 6.5-inch Composition Color touchscreen with Bluetooth capability, a USB port, six speakers, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.
There is even a trailer hitch and reverse camera to make light hauling a breeze.
Tiguan SE
The SE bumps Tiguan owners up to a host of active safety features, including Forward Collision Warning, Autonomous Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Monitoring (Front Assist), and Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Traffic Alert. A Composition Media infotainment system now features a larger, 8-inch screen with three USB ports.
The reverse camera from the S stays put but features what VW calls “dynamic guidelines” to help assist with maneuvering in reverse. The multi-function leather-wrapped steering wheel, leather gear shift knob, and leatherette seating surfaces all make for nice touches. The SE is well priced at $29,080 for the front-wheel drive version; $30,380 for all-wheel drive.
Photo: Volkswagen of America, Inc.
Tiguan SEL
This is our favorite in the Tiguan lineup given its dollar to value comparison. Essentially, there is more “stuff” than the SE for not a lot more coin. In our minds, the SEL has everything one would need, with a few extras, but nothing over the top as to cause a bump in price. The aforementioned driver assistance systems remain in the SEL but the design elements reflect a more premium feel. For example, the SEL rides on 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels and driver’s can enjoy the view with a panoramic sunroof, or easily find their destination with the on-board navigation.
At night, the interior is brought to life with the ambient lighting.
The SEL front-wheel drive starts at $32,550 with the all-wheel drive landing at $33,850. Our suggestion (regardless of trim level) is the all-wheel drive, but we are used to a Michigan climate. Those living in areas without snow will do fine with front-wheel drive.
Photo: Volkswagen of America, Inc.

Tiguan SEL Premium
While we would be satisfied with the SEL, those wanting a bit more can opt for the SEL Premium with its stylish 19-inch aluminum-alloy wheels. Convenience features include rain-sensing wipers, power-folding door mirrors with puddle lights, and a hands-free open/close power liftgate.
Safety is again a priority for VW as they equip the SEL Premium with Lane Departure Warning (Lane Assist), automatic High Beam Control (Light Assist), front and rear Park Distance Control (ParkPilot), and an Overhead View Camera. A Fender stereo, 12.3 inch Digital Cockpit display, and heated steering wheel are also included in the SEL Premium.
Front-wheel drive models start at $36,250 while all-wheel drive versions begin at $37,550.
Additional Packages & Availability
Third-row seating comes standard on front-wheel drive models but is optional on all-wheel drive variants for $500.00. The Driver Assistance package includes a handful of advanced safety features for $850.00; the panoramic sunroof runs $1,200. Our personal favorite is the R-Line package with more sporty design elements both inside and out. Expect to see the 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan in dealerships this summer.
Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and resides in Detroit, Michigan.
Photos & Source: Volkswagen of America, Inc.

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