Automotive

2018 Toyota Sequoia TRD Sport Review

2018 Toyota Sequoia TRD Sport Review It’s never a good thing when you just finish driving a hot sedan like the Lexus LS 500 F Sport and then get into a bigger vehicle like the 2018 Toyota Sequoia. When we got behind the wheel of the large Sequoia SUV, we had to adjust our mindset to accommodate the larger vehicle’s driving dynamics.
At first we pushed the gas pedal, expecting to fly past slower traffic like in the LS 500, but that didn’t happen. With that said, we will shift gears and take an objective look at the 2018 Toyota Sequoia TRD Sport, which is built for off-road fun.
What’s New For 2018
Toyota has added the TRD Sport trim. All Sequoias now have LED headlights and additional standard safety features, including forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking. A restyled grille and gauge cluster round out the changes for 2018.
Features & Options
The 2018 Toyota Sequoia TRD Sport ($54,340) comes standard with LED headlights, sunroof, power rear window, tri-zone automatic climate control, power-adjustable driver’s seat, 60/40-split reclining and fold-flat third-row bench, plus second and third-row retractable sunshades. Other features included a rearview camera, Bluetooth connectivity, a USB port, 6.1-inch touchscreen, and an eight-speaker audio system with a CD player and satellite and HD radio.
Standard safety features included forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, front and rear parking sensors, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and traffic-adapting cruise control.
The TRD Sport trim ($3,810) adds a sport-tuned suspension, 20-inch wheels, second-row captains chairs, heated 10-way power driver’s seat, four-way power passenger’s seat, Entune Premium audio, navigation, and special exterior styling details.
Total MSRP including destination: $60,219.

Interior Highlights
The Toyota Sequoia TRD Sport with its 20-inch wheels sits up a bit higher than the standard model, and shorter folks may need to use the grab handles to pull themselves up and into the cabin. This Sequoia’s interior is designed for families that want extra luxury. This is a family hauler built for comfort but it can also get you away from civilization.
The cabin is packed with extra goodies and comes well-equipped with navigation, heated front seats, and luxurious leather seats in front and back.
The front seats are extra comfortable and supportive, with good 10-way power adjustability, ready to keep you steady for a full day on the road. Our tall riders in the back thought the second row captains chairs had plenty of leg and hip room as we motored to get lunch this earlier week. Mom will like the power rear lift gate and extra cargo carrying ability behind the third row for camping gear or sports equipment.
If you need more cargo room, just flip a switch and the power-reclining third row folds flat.

Engine & Fuel Mileage Specs
The Toyota Sequoia TRD Sport is powered by a 5.7-liter V8, producing 381 horsepower and 401 lb-ft. of torque. It comes mated to a six-speed automatic transmission; the optional four-wheel drive was included with this tester.
EPA fuel mileage estimates come in at 13/17 city/highway and 14 combined mpg.
Driving Dynamics
The Toyota Sequoia TRD Sport offers solid dynamics on the road and will travel well for long weekend trips. The rear backup camera and blind spot monitoring make the bigger vehicle easy to handle in town too. The vehicle’s recreation-purposed attributes definitely set it apart from other SUVs. The reason to buy a Sequoia TRD Sport is the off-road ready suspension and towing capability.
If you are looking for off-road capability along with a comfy ride, this large SUV fits the bill. If you want a rugged vehicle you won’t mind taking your significant other out on a date in, this is also the one for you. The cabin is quiet thanks to engineering efforts to isolate road noise. In fact, we didn’t notice much noise from the TRD ’s more aggressive tires.
While most Toyota Sequoia owners will likely never take their vehicle truly off-road, you can with the TRD Sport. It’s built with multi-mode 4WD, a locking center differential, and front and rear stabilizer bars. The Sequoia TRD Sport will handle the rough trails with ease but we felt the big SUV could use a bit more power as we pulled up the mountain roads this week. With a full load of people and cargo, we can see where it may leave you wanting for more power, not to mention fuel economy.
Conclusion
The Toyota Sequoia TRD Sport is designed for the more adventurous owner. It can be taken off-road, yet there is plenty of extra comfort and luxury for long road trips.
Denis Flierl has invested over 25 years in the automotive industry in a variety of roles. Follow his work on Twitter: @CarReviewGuy
2018 Toyota Sequoia TRD Sport Gallery

2018 Toyota Sequoia Official Site.
Photos: Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.

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2019 Acura MDX: A Brief Walk Around

2019 Acura MDX: A Brief Walk Around The 2019 Acura MDX offers up lots of what current SUV buyers are looking for: room, infotainment gear, safety gadgets, and enough on and (semi) off-road capabilities for 90 percent of the situations modern drivers should hope to find themselves in.
Special Treatments & New Colors
After the major design refresh in 2017 and key tech upgrades in 2018, the 2019 Acura MDX comes with new interior improvements to up the luxury. There’s such niceties as Desert Olive Ash wood trim, high-contrast seat and door panel stitching, and contrasting front seat side garnishes. The Technology and Entertainment packages get an updated second-row seat configuration and the Advance Package adds a trim-exclusive matching wood center console trim.
2019 will also see new colors on the MDX, bringing the total to nine available shades. The new colors include Gunmetal Metallic, Majestic Black Pearl, Performance Red Pearl, Canyon Bronze Metallic, and the A-Spec-exclusive Apex Blue Pearl.
There are also newly-designed 20-inch aluminum alloy wheels on offer with a machine finish and Shark Grey accents. These new rims are also a half-inch wider than before and are wrapped in wider, 265/45-series tires.
2019 Acura MDX. Photo: Honda North America.
Safety & Security
Of course the 2019 MDX has enough standard safety and driver-assistive tech to make you feel like an astronaut. All 2019 MDXs come standard with the AcuraWatch suite of safety gear. This means stuff like Collision Mitigation Braking with Forward Collision Warning, Lane Keeping Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control with Low-Speed Follow, and Road Departure Mitigation with Lane Departure Warning.
On top of all this active stuff, all MDX’s boast an array of passive safety features, such as Acura’s Advance Compatibility Engineering body structure, front and side-curtain airbags, front pre-tensioning seatbelts, four-channel anti-lock brakes with Electronic Brake Distribution, Vehicle Stability Assist with traction control; even a Tire Pressure Monitoring System.
2019 Acura MDX A-Spec. Photo: Honda North America.
A-Spec Action
Now, about that A-Spec trim. To my mind, Acura A-Spec stuff is like a “halfway to an R-Type” sort of deal. Not full on performance, but a bit of a bump regardless. In the case of the 2019 MDX, you get the torque-vectoring/Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive system and a more athletic stance highlighted by those 20-inch Shark Grey aluminum wheels.
There’s a new front fascia, body-color lower sills, larger-diameter exhaust finishers, and gloss-black/dark chrome trim for the headlights, grille, window surround, and rear tailgate spoiler. On the inside, you’ll find sport seats trimmed in rich red or black leather with black Alcantara inserts and contrast stitching, plus unique A-Spec gauges, sport pedals, Alcantara door inserts, and a thicker-rimmed A-Spec-badged steering wheel.
2019 Acura MDX interior layout. Photo: Honda North America.
Power & Performance
The 2019 MDX is powered by a 3.5-liter, direct-injected i-VTEC 24-valve V6 engine that puts out 290 horsepower and 267 lb-ft. of torque. The SH-AWD system delivers up to 70 percent of the engine’s torque to the rear wheels (yay!) and has the ability to split torque between the left and right rear wheels to increase traction and handling.
The latest MDX comes with a nine-speed automatic transmission with the upgraded Idle Stop feature now standard across the lineup. A nifty chart showing all the options, prices, and fuel economy is below.
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
2019 MDX Pricing & EPA Fuel Economy Ratings
Trim
MSRP
MSRPIncluding $995 Destination
EPA MPG Rating(city/highway/combined)
MDX (FWD)
$44,300
$45,295
20/27/23
MDX (FWD) with Technology Package
$49,300
$50,295
20/27/23
MDX (FWD) with Technology & Entertainment Packages
$51,300
$52,295
20/27/23
MDX (FWD) with Advance Package
$56,050
$57,045
20/27/23
MDX (FWD) with Advance & Entertainment Packages
$58,050
$59,045
19/26/22
MDX (SH-AWD)
$46,300
$47,295
19/26/22
MDX (SH-AWD) with Technology Package
$51,300
$52,295
19/26/22
MDX (SH-AWD) with Technology & Entertainment Packages
$53,300
$54,295
19/26/22
MDX A-Spec (SH-AWD)
$54,800
$55,795
19/25/21
MDX (SH-AWD) with Advance Package
$58,050
$59,045
19/26/22
MDX (SH-AWD) with Advance & Entertainment Packages
$60,050
$61,045
19/26/22
MDX Sport Hybrid
TBD

TBD
Photos & Source: Honda North America.

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Coast To Coast: New Interactive Map Shows How America’s Interstates Evolved

Coast To Coast: New Interactive Map Shows How America’s Interstates Evolved Like many, I enjoy a good road trip. Twice a year, I make the 900 some mile trek from Michigan to South Dakota to see family – once in the summer and once in the winter for Christmas. It’s 14 hours of pavement and music from my personal CD collection which includes everything from country to indie rock. I take a long stretch on I-90 through Wisconsin and Minnesota, which offers some nice views of America’s heartland.
I-90, end to end, is about 3,000 miles, or around six percent of the nearly 50,000 miles of Intestate Highways that span the United States.
Sea To Shining Sea
Just how America’s Interstate Highway System evolved is the subject of a new interactive map from Geotab. The built-in timeline shows how the network expanded over the years, giving us insight into how the infrastructure developed to support today’s travel and transportation requirements.
“As America’s Interstate Highway System approaches a major milestone, we wanted to pay tribute to this intricate and expansive network,” explained Maria Sotra, Vice President of Marketing, Geotab.
President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed the Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1956 into law in June of that year, the largest public infrastructure act of its kind at the time. Geotab’s map highlights the system’s major developments, like the 1974 completion of I-5 that connects Mexico and Canada, and the opening of I-80, the nation’s first coast-to-coast highway.
“Connecting people, enabling business, and providing a straightforward path across one of the largest countries in the world, the nearly 50,000 miles of highway that makes up the Interstate Highway System has played an undeniable role in transportation and trade in the United States,” Sotra said.

Of The Highest Order
In 1954, during a road safety conference, President Eisenhower recalled when he first heard that automobile fatalities had, at the time, surpassed those of every war the United States was involved in. This was no doubt, for the once Supreme Allied Commander Europe, alarming news.
“It is a problem for all of us, from the highest echelon of government to the lowest echelon and a problem for every citizen, no matter what his station or his duty,” President Eisenhower said during the conference. “We have great organizations working effectively and supported by the government, to seek ways and means of promoting peace in the world in order that these great tragedies may be prevented or at least minimized in the future.”
In 1954, President Eisenhower was looking ahead to 1975, when it was believed there would be some 80 million automobiles on U.S. roads. The President said the government was committed to building more highways to accommodate the increasing number of vehicles.
“They mean progress for our country. They mean greater convenience for greater numbers of people, greater happiness, and greater standards of living,” the President said of automobiles. “But we have got to learn to control the things that we must use ourselves, and not let them be a threat to our lives and to our loved ones.”
Today, the Interstate Highway System accounts for 25 percent of all highway traffic in the country.
The standard road sign for the Dwight D. Eisenhower National System of Interstate and Defense Highways, designed by FHWA and the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials, was unveiled in a ceremony on Capitol Hill on July 29th, 1993. Left to right: Chairman Nick J. Rahall (D-WV) of the House Surface Transportation Subcommittee, John Eisenhower (President Eisenhower’s son), Federal Highway Administrator Rodney E. Slater, and Chairman Norman Y. Mineta (D-CA) of the House Committee on Public Works and Transportation. Photo: United States Department of Transportation / Public Domain.
Wide Open Spaces
Earlier this year, Geotab complied a list of the most scenic routes in America, which nicely accommodates this new interactive map on U.S. Interstates. As time permits, jump in your car and take a random road trip – you never know what unexpected treasures you will find along the way. And during the journey, you can impress your friends and family with how much you know about the Interstate Highway System.
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.

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Jaguar To Debut Compact Performance SUV Next Month

Jaguar To Debut Compact Performance SUV Next Month

Jaguar has announced the new E-PACE, a compact performance SUV meant to expand the automaker’s PACE lineup. The forthcoming E-PACE is said to have sports car like design elements, agile driving dynamics, and functional, everyday practicality.
The E-PACE is the third new nameplate in Jaguar’s already diverse and growing portfolio.
Success Streak
The new E-PACE comes on the heels of the already successful introduction of the Jaguar XE sports sedan and F-PACE performance SUV. The combination has proven effective for the British marquee, with a 44 percent sales growth and increase in the United States as of May. With this expansion comes the all-electric variant of the I-PACE Concept, set to enter production next year; the new E-PACE is expected to go on sale at the beginning of 2018 as well.
“The combination of sports car looks with Jaguar performance will ensure that the E-PACE stands out,” said Ian Callum, Jaguar’s Director of Design.
Performance-Inspired Dynamics
The Jaguar E-PACE features standard all-wheel drive and the brand’s all-Ingenium lineup of internal combustion engines. The new E-PACE will also offer a suite of connected technologies and other convenience features. Callum emphasized the importance of keeping the E-PACE in tune with the automaker’s design and performance ideologies.
“Every Jaguar is designed to excite the senses, and we think E-PACE will do just that, albeit with its own individual character,” he said.
Jaguar’s new compact performance SUV will be revealed to the world on July 13th via an online stream. Lately, Jaguar has been up to some pretty interesting things. The company recently launched their Classic Works facility, a location designed to serve fans and enthusiasts of the brand. The location in Coventry has been referred to as the United Kindgom’s version of a “Motor City.”
Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and resides in Detroit, Michigan.
Photo & Source: Jaguar Land Rover.

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2018 Subaru Crosstrek Pricing, Trim Levels Announced

2018 Subaru Crosstrek Pricing, Trim Levels Announced

Alright, listen up! Pay attention all you campers, large dog owners that need walking havers, urban dwellers with fully paid-up REI memberships, and especially people that live in areas of the planet with particularly difficult weather: Subaru has finally dished on the cost of the all-new Crosstrek for 2018. Have no fear, it’s not that bad.
We’ll get to the price breakdown for all the variants of Subaru’s Crosstrek in this handy little matrix chart thing at the end, but for now, all you need to know is how the Crosstrek starts at just $100 over the previous generation.
Essential Details
Which means they effectively stay the same as they were last year (i.e. rather affordable) and on top of that, with all of the goodies, tech, safety, and otherwise that Subbie has now thrown into the mix, the 2018 Crosstrek actually gets you more stuff for (relatively) the same amount of cash. The broad brushstroke version is that Crosstreks will run you between $22,710 to $27,210, irrespective of specific options and dealer prep and that sort of stuff. So under $30K for a well equipped, near-SUV is a pretty good deal, but what do you get this time around? What are all the goodies Fuji Heavy Industries as ladled into the Crosstrek without raising the price?
First off, every Crosstrek comes standard with Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (natch) and is offered with either a 6-speed manual gearbox or CVT, depending on which trim level you choose. I will not go into what a CVT is or how they work because, frankly, I’m not sure. I think it has something to do with an evil magical dwarf trapped within the gearbox casing. Maybe a gnome. Anyway, the 2018 Crosstrek has a new 6-speed manual transmission, an upgrade from last year’s 5-speed. The CVT features a 7-speed manual mode with steering wheel paddle shifters if you want to play Petter Solberg and choose between the pre-set ratios yourself.
Subaru’s 2.0-liter 4-cylinder Boxer engine powers the 2018 Crosstrek. Photo: Subaru of America, Inc.
Power & Performance
All Crosstreks are powered by a revised version of Subbie’s evergreen FB-series 2.0-liter, 4-cylinder Boxer engine, but this time around it gains direct fuel injection for a boost in performance. And now you get 152 ponies to play with, versus last year’s 148, but like all Subarus, gas mileage is a little below what you’d expect. The Crosstrek delivers 23 city, 29 highway, and 25 combined miles per gallon. Yeah, like I said, kind of low, but AWD saps efficiency, and the wider the cylinder spread, the less the efficiency too. Combine those and the Crosstrek, like all Subarus, are little bit on the back foot, mileage-wise.
The new Crosstrek rides on 17-inch alloy wheels and has a whole bunch of new standard features, including a raised Stablex suspension and Active Torque Vectoring. The CVT models have X-MODE and Hill Descent Control for better performance in low-friction and off-road conditions (i.e. “winter” and “rally” environments). The 2018 Crosstrek’s platform improves crash energy absorption by 40 percent for added safety.
Interior Fashions
The interior gets a black simulated carbon fiber finish on the center dash panel, plus the front and rear door panels. A new gloss black rear roof spoiler is standard, and all Crosstreks are equipped with roof rails and black side cladding. On the inside there’s a new 6.5-inch touchscreen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Power windows with auto up/down, a 60/40-split fold-down rear seat, power door locks and side mirrors, multi-function display with fuel economy information, tilt and telescoping steering column, a security system with engine immobilizer, and carpeted floor mats are all standard.
2018 Subaru Crosstrek Limited interior layout. Photo: Subaru of America, Inc.

Premium & Limited Treatments
Premium trim Crosstreks with the standard 6-speed manual come standard with SUBARU STARLINK Connected Services, and the all-weather package that includes heated front seats, windshield wiper de-icer, heated exterior mirrors, and automatic headlights linked to windshield wiper operation. The windshield is new and sound insulated and welcome lighting is standard. Ticking the “premium” option box also brings other items such as a power moonroof and multiple driver assist systems.
The Limited package above the Premium will come with the CVT with X-MODE and Hill Descent Control, a multimedia-plus system, 18-inch machine finished alloy wheels, keyless access with push-button start and pin code access, 6-way power driver’s seat, and new steering responsive headlights. You also get blind spot detection with lane change assist, and rear cross traffic alert.
The EyeSight system, which is an option, includes adaptive cruise control, automatic pre-collision braking, and lane departure and sway warning. You can also choose the optional navigation system, high beam assist, reverse automatic braking, and overhead console shower light with the Crosstrek Limited. All 2018 Crosstreks include front and side impact airbags, side curtain airbags, and a driver’s knee airbag.
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 SUBARU CROSSTREK
Model/Trim
Transmission
Option Code
MSRP
MSRP + Delivery
2.0i
6MT

‘01

$21,795

$22,710

2.0i
CVT

‘01

$22,795

$23,710

2.0i Premium
6MT

11

$22,595

$23,510

2.0i Premium
CVT

11, 12, 13, 14

$23,595

$24,510

2.0i Limited
CVT

21, 22, 23

$26,295

$27,210

2018 SUBARU CROSSTREK OPTION PACKAGE MSRP
CODE 01 Standard Model 2.0i base 6MT
N/A
CODE 11 Standard Model 2.0i Premium 6MT
N/A
CODE 12 Moonroof + Blind Spot Detection/ Rear Cross Traffic Alert
$1,400
CODE 13 EyeSight® + Blind Spot Detection/ Rear Cross Traffic Alert
$1,395
CODE 14 Eyesight® + Moonroof + Blind Spot Detection/ Rear Cross Traffic Alert
$2,395
CODE 21 Standard Model 2.0i Limited
N/A
CODE 22 EyeSight® with Reverse Automatic Brake + High Beam Assist + Moonroof
$2,095
CODE 23 EyeSight® with Reverse Automatic Brake + High Beam Assist + Navigation System + Harman Kardon® Amplifier and Speakers
$3,445
Photos, Source & Chart: Subaru of America, Inc.

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Report: Mercedes A-Class comes to the US for Millennials

Report: Mercedes A-Class comes to the US for Millennials After 20 years, the Mercedes A-Class sedan is coming over, here’s why
Mercedes thinks it has a volume-selling opportunity in the premium compact market, particularly with the middle-class millennial set. The costs to do research and development on any car have gone up significantly in the past half-century, so sheer volume has become the name of the game. The Mercedes A-Class has been sold over in Europe and other parts of the world since 1997, but the market hasn’t appeared strong in the US for the baby Merc, largely sold as a hatch overseas.
Benz and many others seem to be riding a wave of CUV popularity and have seen some success with marketing compact entry level luxury sedans stateside like the CLA, the BMW 2 series and the Audi A3. This has increased brand awareness for folks making a bit less than the average new Mercedes buyer or lessee 10 years ago—and there may be more of these folks around looking for a new car.
The economy and ‘maturing’ options from high-volume marques make it a good time for the Mercedes A-Class to show up.
20 years ago, a Honda Civic could be had with roll-up windows, no power steering, and a stick across all trims. The Civic now offers available heated rear seats and competes, albeit in Type-R guise, with $40,000 cars. At roughly $32,000, the Mercedes CLA starts lower under the base price of a loaded Civic, and people are buying both of these cars.
The economy in the US has pulled up nicely since the great recession, and the average transaction price of a vehicle in the US is hanging well over the alleged starting price of the A-Class (just under $30,000).
Daimer reportedly showed the Mercedes A-Class to a number of dealers; it may go on sale in September 2018
Various sources are reporting that dealers have been shown the car, which has been given a warm reception. Built on the company’s MFA2 architecture, the car will likely be offered in front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive and related to the Concept A sedan pictured below. Much of the competition is offered in this configuration, so MB shouldn’t have difficulty tempting millennials wanting a comfortable transportation pod with a bit of cachét that supports their devices, offers all of the modern safety features, and is available with internet service.

-By: Sawyer Sutton
Source: Automotive News, Carscoops
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The Bugatti Divo: We’re Not In Akron, Ohio Anymore

The Bugatti Divo: We’re Not In Akron, Ohio Anymore Bugatti has decided that what the world needs is a hot rod version of its Chiron hypercar. It’s called the Divo and is, essentially, everything a “normal” Chiron is, only more so. To which I say, who cares?
Look, all modern Bugattis are amazing cars. The Veyron, Chiron, and now the Divo are technical marvels of the first automotive order. They all produce fantastic amounts of energy and apply it to the tarmac with amazing efficiency. They are the car to have if you’re a prince from a nation swimming in oil or the heir to some serious olde money or a quarter-talented marketing exercise for a record label.
The maintenance schedule is slightly worse than a Soyuz and only 3.46 times more expensive.
Bugatti Chiron Sport. Photo: Bugatti Automobiles S.A.S.
Heavy Handed
Let me put it this way: When was the last time you saw a modern Bugatti at a track? That’s right, you don’t. For all of their gee-whiz record holding and bedroom poster potential, for me, the latest Bugattis are kind of lackluster.
The reconstituted Bugatti is a division of Volkswagen and they are designed, built, and maintained by Germans. That alone is enough to make Ettore turn over in his grave, but the fact they don’t race is probably enough to make the old man flop over face down in his coffin so Der Deutsch could kindly embrasse son cul.
And so now we have the Divo, which is said to be lighter, generate more downforce, and pull higher Gs than the Chiron it’s based on. That is all very well and good, because, first off, let’s face facts: All new Bugattis are pigs. They are way heavier than they should be, the Chiron tipping the scales at an SUV-challenging 4,400 lbs. No wonder they crank out so much power, eh?
Albert Divo won the famous Targa Florio mountain race twice for Bugatti. Photo: Pubic domain/provided by Bugatti Automobiles S.A.S.
Whip It Good
The Bugatti Divo is named after Albert Divo, the French race car driver from the 20s. He’s best known for winning the famous Targa Florio in Sicily, twice. That is no small accomplishment, but he was driving Bugattis, Type 35Cs no less, both times, so that was a help. Oh, and just so you know, the Bugatti Divo is pronounced deeVO, not DEEvo.
Devo are those guys from Akron, Ohio. There’s no connection between the two. At least that I know of.
Bugatti says since they are naming this car after the guy that won that race, and since the Targa is like a 30 mile long AutoX course lined with rock walls, precipitous drop-offs, and crazed Sicilians (is that redundant?) the Divo will be “light and nimble and will boast enormous downforce and g-forces.” Huzzah! But since they give no specs, “light” is going to be a subjective term here. Sort of like saying Jackie Stewart is “taller” than Peter Dinklage.
“Happiness is not around the corner. It is the corner,” said Stephan Winkelmann, President of Bugatti Automobiles S.A.S. and I, for one, am not going to argue with that. Winkelmann continues, “With this project, the Bugatti team has an opportunity to interpret the brand DNA in terms of agile, nimble handling in a significantly more performance-oriented way.”
Sure . . . agile, nimble handling. I bet Lotus is laughing pretty hard right now.
Targa Florio circa 1929 with Albert Divo at the wheel of the Bugatti Type 35. With the Type 35, Divo won the race in both 1928 and 1929. Photo: Bugatti Automobiles S.A.S.
Limited Edition
The Bugatti Divo will be made in a limited run of only 40 vehicles, which for Bugatti, doesn’t sound all that limited. The net price is €5 million, or around 6 million dollars. And no, I have no idea what “net” price is. Does that mean that’s what it’ll run you out the door? With taxes and titles and dealer prep included? Whatever.
The Bugatti Divo will be unveiled at 11:20 a.m. Pacific (a curiously specific time) on August 24th 2018 on the lawn at The Quail – A Motorsports Gathering in California, part of the Monterey Historics. If it were me, I’d blow this off and spend more time over at Laguna Seca watching the real cars race.
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: Bugatti Automobiles S.A.S.

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2018 Ford F-150 Power Stroke Diesel Review

2018 Ford F-150 Power Stroke Diesel Review When Ford announced it would offer a 3.0-liter diesel in the 2018 F-150, it got the attention of truck buyers. Ford designed and engineered this all-new V6 diesel engine to the specific needs of U.S. F-150 customers, with 250 horsepower, 440 lb-ft., of torque, an estimated 30 mpg on the highway, and 11,400 lbs. of towing capacity.
Ford says these numbers are best-in-class, though there’s not much competition. The only other half-ton pickup to offer a diesel engine is the Ram 1500 EcoDiesel, with 240 horsepower and 420 lb-ft. of torque.
This weekend, we drove the 2018 Ford F-150 Power Stroke Diesel in a 4×4 SuperCrew configuration.
What’s New For 2018
Ford offers their smallest Power Stroke engine to combine fuel economy and towing prowess for those who haul frequently.
Features & Options
The 2018 Ford F-150 Power Stroke Diesel (4X4 SuperCrew – Lariat) comes standard with 18-inch wheels, keyless entry and ignition, power-adjustable pedals, dual-zone automatic climate control, driver’s seat memory settings, ambient lighting, leather upholstery, and ventilated front seats. Other options included the upgraded mirrors, remote tailgate release, and front-facing spotlights.
Our F-150 tester was a pre-production model and not for sale. Ford did not release exact pricing. Depending on the configuration and trim level of the truck, expect an up-charge of $3,000 to $4,000 for the Power Stroke engine.

Interior Highlights
Our tester came with the Lariat’s power running boards that slide out when you open the door. It’s a good thing because the F-150 requires some effort, even for the average adult, to climb in. They made it easy for my wife to climb up into the cab.
The Lariat’s interior is luxurious with heated and cooled, power-adjustable leather seats we think are the most comfortable in the segment. The F-150 is America’s best-selling truck for a reason. It’s solidly built and, despite its fancy interior, is ready for heavy-duty work. There’s plenty of space inside and taller or shorter drivers won’t have any issue finding the perfect driving position. Large and tall passengers will find plenty of space to stretch out in the cavernous back seat.
The SuperCrew’s back seat will comfortably fit three tall adults, with plenty of head, leg, and shoulder room. Overall, the F-150 Lariat gets high marks for everyday ease of use and interior quality. Combined with high ratings for comfort, it’s a pleasant place to spend a full day on the road.
Engine & Fuel Mileage Specs
Ford’s new Power Stroke features a variable-geometry turbocharger to reduce turbo lag and a common-rail fuel injection system. A high-pressure, 29,000 lbs. per square inch injection calibration enables smoother, quieter operation while reducing emissions. The new Power Stroke is mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission.
EPA estimates come in at 22/30 city/highway and 25 combined mpg.

Driving Dynamics
For those who remember the noisy, smelly diesels of the past, this new 3.0-liter Power Stroke is surprisingly quiet. You won’t know it’s a diesel aside from the initial telltale diesel clatter when you first hit the push-button start. Inside and underway, this Power Stroke sounds far more like a mild-mannered gasoline V6 than a heavy hauler.
As we powered the F-150 up I-70 at 8,000 ft. altitude west of Denver, the 3.0-liter V6 had all the grunt needed to pull hard with peak torque available at just 1,750 rpm, coupled to a 3.55:1 rear-axle ratio. The F-150’s Power Stroke features a mechanical, engine-driven fan and dual radiator shutters to boost high-altitude performance. When needed, we could slip the shifter into manual mode, which allowed us to select a gear for optimum engine braking while rolling down the steep mountain.
The 10-speed automatic gearbox worked in concert with the Power Stroke engine. It made smooth shifts and never had to hunt for the right gear. Our tester came with Normal, Sport, Eco, Tow/Haul, and Off-Road modes, meaning the truck’s powertrain characteristics change depending on the kind of work you need to do.
On the open road, the ride was remarkably smooth, controlled, and quiet, in spite of keeping our foot in the diesel powerplant. My wife had to remind me that I wasn’t in a sports car.
Conclusion
Full-size pickup buyers looking for a high-torque engine to pull a trailer full of snowmobiles or ATVs, or a camping trailer for the weekend; this one will be the ticket. And taking the family along is an easy chore with the luxurious and large cabin.
Denis Flierl has invested over 25 years in the automotive industry in a variety of roles. Follow his work on Twitter: @CarReviewGuy
2018 Ford F-150 Gallery

2018 Ford F-150 Official Site.
Photos: Ford Motor Company.

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When To Change Your Tires? New Study Suggests Sooner Than We Think

When To Change Your Tires? New Study Suggests Sooner Than We Think Tires can be an “out of sight, out of mind” component on your vehicle, but worn tires can be hazardous, especially during an unexpected downpour. New research from AAA finds that driving on relatively worn tires at highway speeds and on wet surfaces can increase stopping distances by nearly 90 feet.
That’s more than the length of an eighteen-wheeler.
Survey Says
In partnership with the Automobile Club of Southern California’s Automotive Research Center, AAA conducted testing to understand performance differences at highway speeds between new, all-season tires and those worn to a depth of 4/32″ on wet pavement. The study examined both passenger cars and light trucks.
When the rubber met the road, the passenger car exhibited an average increased stopping distance of 87 feet, versus 86 feet for a light truck. The study also found a 33 percent reduction in handling for a passenger car and 28 percent for a light truck.
“Tires are what keep a car connected to the road,” explained John Nielsen, AAA’s Managing Director of Automotive Engineering and Repair. “Even the most advanced safety systems rely on a tire’s basic ability to maintain traction, and AAA’s testing shows that wear has a significant impact on how quickly a vehicle can come to a stop in wet conditions to avoid a crash.”
“Traction is your last line of defense,” added Brandon Grade, Service Advisor at Findlay Toyota in Las Vegas, Nevada. “Traction control systems can only do so much when the mechanical grip has been removed.”

By The Numbers
Current industry guidelines and state regulations often recommend tire replacement at 2/32″ depth, if there are any guidelines at all. AAA’s research found such recommendations can vary greatly from state to state. During my time as a Service Advisor, our dealership in South Dakota suggested replacement at 3/32″ but AAA says at 4/32″ stopping performance has already decreased.
And when it comes to wet pavement, the lower the tread depth, the more likely a vehicle will hydroplane.
“AAA’s testing demonstrates the impact that tire tread has on safety,” said Megan McKernan, Manager of the Automobile Club of Southern California’s Automotive Research Center. “If tested side-by-side at 60 mph, vehicles with worn tires would still be traveling at an alarming 40 mph when reaching the same distance it takes for vehicles with new tires to make a complete stop.”
If during a routine oil change, your tires are found to be worn, should you replace them immediately? Budget permitting, yes, but if you cannot that day, it’s best to schedule it as soon as you can.
“I agree that 4/32″ is the time to start paying attention to the handling characteristics of your vehicle and replacement should be at 3/32″ depth,” Grade said. “At that point tires cannot effectively remove water or keep traction.”
“With newer cars going longer intervals between routine maintenance at automotive service facilities, drivers may not become alerted to the fact their tires are too worn until it’s too late,” Nielsen warned.

Selecting The Right Tire
While AAA’s research determined tire performance fluctuates by brand, price is not necessarily an indicator of quality, which might come as a relief to some consumers. According to AAA, once worn, performance for all tires tested deteriorated significantly, even those priced higher. AAA says to research tires carefully and never buy one brand based solely on price.
“I disagree with that. Usually higher priced brands are that way for a reason,” Grade explained. “That may be because the tire is meant for a specific use like off-road or racing. The reason for the cost difference is because of the technology put in to the tire.”
Grade also notes that certain vehicles require certain tires.
“Specifically, the Toyota Prius uses tires that are designed to have less rolling resistance,” he said. “I have had customers go elsewhere to get a better price, only to come back complaining about a loss in fuel mileage due to having the wrong tire.”
As for finding the perfect tire, the best route might be to simply get a feel for what others are saying.
“I believe customer reviews are the best,” Grade said. “People will give you real world experience rather than hypothetical, perfect scenario results.”

Tips & Advice
In order to reduce your chances of a collision during rainy weather, AAA recommends reducing your speed and to avoid hard braking and sharp turns. Drivers should also keep their distance between vehicles in front of them and resist the urge to use cruise control in order to respond more quickly if needed. If you start to hydroplane, gently ease off the accelerator and steer in the direction the vehicle should go until traction is regained.
Do not brake forcefully.
There are a few home remedies you can employ too.
“Buy a tread depth gauge, have someone show you how to use it if you need, and keep it in your glove box,” Grade said. “When you check your tire pressures monthly, check the tread depth. Make sure to do it on the outside edge, center, and inside edge.”
If you don’t have a tread depth gauge, grab some loose change.
“Slip an upside-down quarter between your tire grooves and look at Washington’s head – if you can see all of it, it’s time to start shopping for new tires,” Nielsen said.
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.

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