Automotive

2018 BMX X3: The Sports Activity Vehicle

2018 BMX X3: The Sports Activity Vehicle

BMW has rolled out the all-new 2018 X3 SUV, Crossover, Thingo. To me, this thing looks too small, like BMW tried to cram all their design notes and features from their other SUVs, Crossovers, Thingos onto a way too small canvas. It’s sort of like when you see someone with eyes that are really big or a smile that seems to extend out beyond their ears. It’s sort of disconcerting.
And that’s not to say BMW won’t sell a boatload of these things. They will. And they’ll likely sell a lot of them to urban-dwelling yuppie types where space (parking and otherwise) is limited and style counts for a lot.
Design Language
This is BMW’s third generation of the X3 premium compact crossover, or Sports Activity Vehicle as they pretentiously call it. The exterior dimensions are largely unchanged from the previous model, but the wheelbase has been lengthened 2.2-inches, and it boasts a 50:50 weight distribution between the front and rear axle. The nose features a “three-dimensional” kidney grille and the fog lights have a hexagonal design. There are optional Adaptive LED and Icon Adaptive Full LED Headlights, if you want them. Out back, the redesigned taillight housings also show off a three-dimensional look; a downward-sloping roof spoiler and twin exhaust tailpipes add to the “muscular appearance.”
2018 BMW X3 with xLine design elements. Photo: BMW of North America, LLC.
xLine Elements
The xLine design stuff is now standard on the X3 with numerous trim elements in Satin aluminum and Silver matte, along with 18-inch Y-Spoke wheels. On the interior, the driver and front passenger get standard sport seats with power adjustable side bolsters, and an anthracite headliner. There’s an optional Luxury Package that’s available for the first time in the X3 model range. This has goodies like chrome kidney grille bars, two-tone front & rear bumper trim finishers, and a SensaTec upholstered dashboard on the interior.
Interior Treatments
No matter which grade you choose, the interiors are all very BMW-like: driver-focused and ergonomically optimized with exceptional material quality, fit, and finish. The front seats are ventilated for drivers and passengers, and the panoramic glass moonroof is now 9.8-inches longer. There’s contour lighting above the trim strip in the instrument panel and available Extended Ambient Lighting with six color tones. A 40:20:40 split/folding rear seat design increases cargo and loading room substantially.
The 2018 BMW X3 has a ground clearance of 8 inches to help canvass rougher terrain or obstacles in the city. The approach angle (23.1°) and departure angle (21.4°) of the new X3, together with its breakover angle of 17.4°, create plenty of margin for negotiating steep sections or crests. Furthermore, a fording depth of 19.6 inches allows for efficient water crossings. Photo: BMW of North America, LLC.

M Sport Package
And – good news for us gearheads – the X3 gets an M Sport Package. Tick this option box and you get the M Aerodynamic kit: a front apron with larger air intakes, side skirt trim, and a diffusor-style rear apron. You also get Shadowline exterior trim and 19-inch M Double-Spoke Wheels, with 20s as an option. The interior includes a new M Sport leather steering wheel, M door sill finishers, and the aforementioned SensaTec upholstered dashboard.
This is the first ever M Performance model in the X3 lineup, and it’s not all good-looking performance pretentions either. The 3.0-liter M Performance TwinPower Turbo inline 6-cylinder engine sits at the top of the X3 model range, cranking out 355 horsepower. That’s good enough to move this little tank from 0 to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds. That straight 6 plant is mated to an 8-speed Steptronic Sport automatic transmission with shift paddles on the steering wheel, plus Launch Control. In addition, its xDrive all-wheel drive system has a far more pronounced rear bias when compared to other versions (insert maniacal laughter here). There’s also a “Performance Control” feature integrated into the DSC traction control system to produce additional agility and traction.
The peak torque of the X3 M40i (369 lb-ft.) is available from 1,520 to 4,800 rpm, providing a 69 lb-ft. (23 percent) increase compared to the outgoing X3 xDrive35i. The standard engine, a 2.0-liter inline 4-cylinder, utilizes TwinPower Turbo technology with Double-VANOS variable camshaft timing and Valvetronic fully variable intake lift. The engine also utilizes a map-controlled oil pump, electric arc wire-sprayed cylinder barrels, twin-scroll exhaust turbocharger, and an electrically adjustable waste gate valve. Photo: BMW of North America, LLC.
M Interior Finish
The M model interiors get sport seats and “M40i” logos adorning the front door sills and instrument panel. There’s an M Aerodynamic kit finished in Cerium Grey Metallic, a flap-controlled M Sport exhaust system with Black Chrome tailpipe embellishers, M Sport brakes, M Sport Doughnut Dispenser, M Sport suspension with M Performance tuning, variable sport steering, and standard 19-inch or optional 20 and 21-inch cast light-alloy wheels. You can also get an Adaptive M Sport suspension which offers a wider range of ride and comfort settings.
The new X3 comes with an array of modern safety features. For example, the standard pre-crash accident detection system (Active Protection) enhances passive safety by detecting potential accident situations as they arise. If a collision risk is detected, the system automatically triggers a variety of occupant protection measures. Front belt tensioners are activated while the windows and Panoramic moonroof are closed, for example. Photo: BMW of North America, LLC.
Little Details
BMW also makes a big deal about how the X3 will be the first BMW SUV, Crossover, Thingo in the United States to feature a factory-installed trailer hitch. That’s just so adorable, isn’t it? American car companies wouldn’t think of offering something even vaguely truck-like without adding a trailer hitch. Shoot, when I was a kid, station wagons had factory trailer hitches. Station wagons!
Overall, it’s hard to see how BMW is not going to make tons of money off of these little guys, oddly proportioned as they might be. The 2018 BMW X3 will arrive at dealerships this November with pricing information due around that same time. Also, I made up the M Sport Doughnut Dispenser.
Tony Borroz has spent his entire life racing antique and sports cars. He means well, even if he has a bias towards lighter, agile cars rather than big engine muscle cars or family sedans.
2018 BMW X3 Gallery

Photos & Source: BMW of North America, LLC.

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Collaboration Over Competition: Dealerships And Disruptors Working Together

Collaboration Over Competition: Dealerships And Disruptors Working Together

In today’s automotive climate, “disruptor” is a term appearing more often. Dictionary definitions paint the word in a negative light, until it’s used in a business environment. When applied here, a disruptor is someone implementing new products or services, proactively seeking the next emerging market. These approaches can appear crazy at first, but when executed properly, they often prove remarkably innovative.
For example, the Toyota Prius was considered a disruptor when it debuted in 1997. The Ford Mustang was massively disruptive in 1964.
Inventive Ideas
The automotive landscape is changing rapidly and car ownership is evolving. What the future will look like exactly is still coming to fruition. Perhaps there will be more ride share models, maybe cars will drive themselves, maybe we hop in a teleport machine and wham, are suddenly at the local coffee shop. Anything seems possible now, but the market belongs to those who carry an intuitive, intelligent approach; it’s the price of entry to win the next generation of car buyers in an ever so technological world.
YourMechanic is one of these companies; a disruptor to the core with a business model that makes me say, “why didn’t I think of that.” YourMechanic’s approach is novel: they are a mobile car repair network accessed through the common smartphone. They cover over 600 maintenance and diagnostic services, are transparent and up-front on pricing, and have a presence in the 50 largest cities in the United States. The most important aspect of YourMechanic is how they go to their customers, and how those customers interface directly with the technician. Need an oil change but can’t leave work? No problem. They will come to the office. Need a tire rotation but have a child with the flu? No worries. They will show up in the driveway.
Photo: YourMechanic.
Emerging Trends
Although YourMechanic contrasts with the traditional car repair model, some dealerships are embracing their unique approach. Recently, YourMechanic unveiled a new product for dealerships to enhance the service experience after the sale. These prepaid maintenance packages are rolled into the finance and insurance portion of the transaction and are available for customers just like traditional service contracts. A growing pattern of consumer behavior actually moved YourMechanic to develop and implement the maintenance packages. They found more people are traveling a considerable distance to purchase a vehicle. Maybe they can get a better price, or they are buying a particular make and model but the nearest dealer with that exact vehicle is a few hours away. That’s fine for purchasing the car, but what about maintaining it?
“With customers being able to use the Internet, it’s getting harder for dealers to make good money on a sale; this is a challenge we are helping solve,” explained Rob Francis, Senior Director of Growth, YourMechanic. “Where they can make money is on the F&I (finance and insurance) side with services like prepaid maintenance packages. With the prepaid maintenance product, we saw a trend in the market where people were driving further for vehicles and dealers were saying it was hard to sell fixed F&I products to them because customers won’t drive all the way back for service.”
Vantage Points
I learned the automotive business at a dealership, long before YourMechanic existed. I am, in my approach to automobiles, quite traditional. I sold cars, later a Service Advisor, then in management. I won’t speak for all dealerships – I spent my career with only one dealer group – but many will agree fixed operations or the “back end” is the most vital component of the business. A service department falls under fixed operations and the approach is such: sell the cars, especially the new ones, for as low as possible. Get customers in on price alone if you have to, delight them with exceptional sales conduct, get the deal, introduce them to the service department, and encourage them bring back not only the vehicle they recently purchased, but the others in their household. The other vehicles are key; those are the ones a dealership needs becasue they have miles on them. Vehicles with miles on them need things like sway bar links and transmission cooler lines. Maybe their other car has a nice door ding? That’s a job for the body shop, which falls under fixed ops.
One of the end goals of a dealership sales team should be to convert that buyer into a service customer. Fixed operations is a solid and accurate health barometer for any given dealership. However, if customers purchase a car at a dealership a hundred miles away, they are not coming back for service. A fixed operations opportunity for that dealer is not to be had in that sceneario, and by YourMechanic’s metrics, that’s the growing trend. What about the local lots and independent dealers with virtually no way to capture additional profits on the back end because they don’t have a service department? In such settings, a pairing with YourMechanic is fitting. These dealers can now provide, albeit in a different fashion, an effective way to service the vehicle after the sale for the customer, and still make money.
“We bring the shop from the dealership and to the customer essentially; the prepaid maintenance products came from the current treads and customer and dealership feedback,” Francis said.
Photo: YourMechanic.

Clearing The Clutter
Gary Pretzfeld is the co-owner of AutoTrust USA, a family-run pre-owned dealership located in Miami, Florida. They readily provide sales and service for area residents, yet some customers come from farther away in Florida or even other states to buy a vehicle. AutoTrust USA is a prime example of how a disruptor, like YourMechanic, is helping a traditional automotive enterprise serve customers outside their normal business radius.
“Post-sale if the customer has any issues that need to be resolved, YourMechanic can provide better customer service than the competitors by sending a mechanic out to the customer’s home or office,” he said.
It may seem YourMechanic and a traditional dealership service department are worlds apart. However, both entities must take care of the customer by fixing their vehicle – that’s the lowest common denominator. From my own experience, I can attest to how busy and backed up a service department can get. This is where YourMechanic starts to bridge the gap between the conventional approach and the disrupotor mantra. Dealer principals like Pretzfeld are inclined to implement effective solutions to keep things running smoothly; the relationship for AutoTrust USA and YourMechanaic began after Pretzfeld sought more efficient, cost effective, and trustworthy solutions for the shop, especially during heavy volume times.
“Maybe a dealership has one or two mechanics on vacation, maybe they have a lot of warranty work to be done, or they are experiencing a seasonal high with more vehicles and simply need more hands around the shop,” Francis said. “We can basically act as a staffing agency and our skilled mechanics will work side by side with that dealership.”
“When you feel you can trust a partner it makes doing business much easier,” Pretzfeld commented.

Value Added Approach
YourMechanic will send one (or two or however many are needed) of their certified and experienced technicians to the dealership. The techs will show up, with their own tools in hand, ready to go. At reputable dealerships, cars recently taken in on trade make a pass through the service department in a process commonly called reconditioning. This often includes a multi-point inspection and oil change; components on the car, from the tires, belts, battery, brakes, and even light bulbs can be replaced before it heads to the lot. However, a service department inundated with work orders can just as easily pass that inspection work off to YourMechanic.
“Dealers can have their cars serviced and repaired on site, greatly reducing turn around time and insurance risk,” Pretzfeld explained. “The cars never leave the dealership so they can always be shown to prospective buyers.”
Although the business models are completely different – the dealership service department versus YourMechanic – when executed properly, it’s a solid symbiotic cycle that benefits the car buying public. For two approaches to vehicle service and the automotive business in general that are sometimes so radically different, it’s not a half bad outcome.
“The inspection reports YourMechanic provides after each service are amazing tools for customers,” Pretzfeld said. “Once there is an inspection done on the car, the report is available to provide to a customer, which makes the sale process easier and increases value.”

Creative Collaboration
The entire idea here revolves around how tradition and disruption benefit from each other, if they recognize they are serving a similar population. That is not to imply they need each other, but it is to say there is common ground. It doesn’t have to be a David and Goliath match where we pit the two entities against each other. While I won’t argue the founding principles of Capitalism or debate Adam Smith’s ideologies, sometimes collaboration as opposed to competition yields the best results. In the automotive business, things must be taken with a level of discretion: not every big dealership will stomp on little guys, and not every disruptor will stick it to the man. Personally, I am traditional. I believe in the dealership model and I adamantly support it. In the same breath, however, I wish I had thought of the YourMechanic concept.
“When we’re getting our products and services into new areas, we sometimes just don’t know, so we’re working and building with dealership proprietors,” Francis said. “We have consultants who work at dealerships to help us sort out these programs and to make sure they make sense for everybody.”
“We benefit in all departments by working with them,” Pretzfeld added. “Every dealer can benefit from working with YourMechanic.”
Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and resides in Detroit, Michigan.

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Dodge Challenger R/T Scat Pack 1320: Because Drag Racing

Dodge Challenger R/T Scat Pack 1320: Because Drag Racing Yes, that’s the actual full name of the car: Challenger R/T Scat Pack 1320. Dodge says this latest Challenger variant is a “drag-oriented, street-legal muscle car designed with the grassroots drag racer in mind.” To which I can only say: Duh! Gee, why am I supposed to think it’s a drag-oriented, street-legal muscle car designed with the grassroots drag racer in mind?
Is it the Dodge part, the Challenger part, the R/T part, the Scat Pack part or the 1320 part?
Stripped Down
Guess what (and I’m not kidding here) it’s the 1320 part. No really. Dodge mentions “1320” and what it means seemingly 147 times in their press materials about this car. For those of you that, unlike me, did not spend an inordinate amount of time hanging out at drag strips with guys with named “Big” Ed and “Smitty” and “Slo-Poke” Ron and other grease-fingered, knuckle-banging speed-freak reprobates, you will be happy to know that a drag strip is (drum roll please) 1,320 feet long.
Now, it is important to note that the Scat Pack 1320 is not like a COPO Camaro or a Drag Pack Mustang. The Scat Pack 1320 is, unlike those very fine rides, completely street legal. This, of course, warms my heart. Selling race cars to any 18-year-old kid with a big enough wallet? Why, that’s as American as apple pie and phony wars, that’s what that is. Brings a tear to my eye, it truly does.
Anyhoo, what does this R/T 1320 get you? As with all bat-guano-crazy Mopar stuff, it gets you a lot. To the base Dodge SRT, you add a bunch of drag specific components and tech to seemingly shorten that asphalt quarter by ten feet or so. Dodge calls it a “street-to-strip value package,” which is easily my favorite marketing term of the week.
Dodge Challenger R/T Scat Pack 1320. Photo: FCA US LLC.
Old School Tech Tools
For starters, you get the TorqueFlite 8HP70 eight-speed automatic transmission. No ifs, ands or buts, this is the tranny you get with the Scat Pack 1320 package. The Dodge TransBrake is in there too to lock the output shaft before a standing start, like a modern version of an old school line lock. This gizmo called Torque Reserve works in combination with the TransBrake, managing fuel flow to cylinders and advancing or retracting the spark to balance engine rpm and torque for max power delivery and launch performance.
“Launch performance” is further boosted by the Nexen SUR4G Drag Spec 275/40R20 street-legal drag radials. The boss meats are all-new and were developed to deliver exceptional grip on the drag strip. Supposedly these Nexen tires give super-consistent run times with minimal burnout preparations, but what’s the fun in less burnouts guys?
The SRT three-mode Adaptive Damping Suspension has been electronically re-tuned for the Scat Pack 1320, and now includes a Drag Mode that optimizes weight transfer to the rear for optimal launch traction. The diff is a performance-tuned unit with an asymmetrical limited-slip set up and a 3.09 final drive. Thankfully, the rear axle half shafts are the extreme-duty, 41-spline pieces from the Challenger SRT Demon.
In drag strip testing compared with a Dodge Challenger R/T Scat Pack, the Challenger R/T Scat Pack 1320 shaves .3 seconds off the quarter-mile time to 11.7 seconds at 115 mph, and cuts .3 seconds off the 0 to 60 mph acceleration time to 3.8 seconds. Photo: FCA US LLC.
Launching & Braking
A Line Lock is there in addition to the TransBrake, locking the front brakes while the rear wheels are free for a burnout to heat up and clean the rear tires and look totally wicked. The Launch Assist uses wheel speed sensors to watch for any driveline damaging wheel hop when you let off all the binders. Launch Assist can, in milliseconds, modify the engine torque and regain full grip before you look like a total grommet.
Launch Control does even more of the same, controlling tire slip during that straight-line burst of acceleration.
The Brembo High-Performance Brake Package with four-piston calipers will be there for you at the end of the run, and the Low Gloss Black 20 x 9.5-inch aluminum-forged wheels with knurled bead seats minimize tire slip on the wheel and look boss while doing it.
Photo: FCA US LLC.
Single Shot
And my absolute favorite option: The standard interior has just the driver’s seat only. Goodbye 114 lbs., hello lower reaction times and ETs. Okay, okay, okay, if your honey and the rugrats got to come along, front passenger and rear seats are available, individually, as $1 options.
1320. Remember that number.
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
Dodge Challenger R/T Scat Pack 1320 Gallery

Photos & Source: FCA US LLC.

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2019 Chevy Silverado 1500: I Like Big Beds & I Cannot Lie

2019 Chevy Silverado 1500: I Like Big Beds & I Cannot Lie Chevy is showcasing a new metric in the ongoing truck wars: bed space. According to the automaker, the 2019 Chevy Silverado has best-in-class cargo volume, box depth, and box length at floor. Chevy also says the Silverado’s 12 fixed tie-downs and power up/down tailgate make it the most functional bed of any pickup.
“The bed is the heart and soul of any pickup, so we made several improvements to the bed of the all-new Silverado to give our customers an even better hauling experience,” explained Tim Herrick, Executive Chief Engineer, Full-Size Trucks, General Motors. “We’ve added so many features and benefits that it deserves its own name – Durabed.”
Bed Science
Although different than the average suburban four poster at the furniture mart, Chevy’s Durabed does share some of that space-age magic often touted by mattresses of the late-night shopping network variety. For example, Durabed uses higher grades of steel, and the overall quality of the bed floor materials has improved from 340 megapascals to 500 megapascals. Chevy points out the strength difference here, noting that Ram’s bed is still 340 megapascals while the F-150 is made from aluminum.
Earlier this year, one of Silverado’s lead engineers explained Chevy’s “mixed material strategy” at length with us.
The 12 aforementioned fixed tie-downs have doubled in strength: from 250 lbs. to 500 lbs. of force before bending. An additional nine moveable tie-down points are available, along with in-bed LED lighting and a 110/120-volt power outlet.
Photo: Chevrolet.
Tailgate Tech
In order to access the bed, the 2019 Chevy Silverado comes with one of four tailgates: a standard, manual gate, a lockable “Lift Assist” gate, an automatic release/power lockable gate, and the power up/down tailgate. The latter, available on the LTZ and standard on High Country, raises or lowers using the key fob, gate touchpad, or button in the cabin.
Bigger Is Better
Every Silverado bed size has increased significantly in volume for the 2019. The short-box’s volume is up to 20 percent more than any competitor’s short-box, according to Chevy. Most of that increase was achieved by widening the maximum width of the bed floor nearly ten percent (seven inches), which is implemented across all three bed sizes. Below are charts provided to us by Chevy that show their dimensions versus the competition.
The 2019 Chevy Silverado goes on sale this fall.
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.
By Comparison
Silverado Short Box
Silverado Standard Box
Silverado Long Box
2018 cargo box space
53 cubic feet
62 cubic feet
75 cubic feet
2019 cargo box space
63 cubic feet
72 cubic feet
89 cubic feet

Cargo Box Space
2019 Chevrolet Silverado
2019 Ford F-Series
2019 Ram 1500
Short box
63 cubic feet
53 cubic feet
54 cubic feet
Standard box
72 cubic feet
62 cubic feet
62 cubic feet
Long box
89 cubic feet
77 cubic feet
–

Cargo Box Depth
2019 Chevrolet Silverado
2019 Ford F-Series
2019 Ram 1500
Short box
22 in.
21 in.
21 in.
Standard box
22 in.
21 in.
22 in.
Long box
22 in.
21 in.
–

Cargo Box Length At Floor
2019 Chevrolet Silverado
2019 Ford F-Series
2019 Ram 1500
Short box
70 in.
67 in.
67 in.
Standard box
79 in.
79 in.
76 in.
Long box
98 in.
98 in.
–

Photos & Source: Chevrolet.

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2019 Lexus ES: A Brief Walk Around

2019 Lexus ES: A Brief Walk Around The 2019 Lexus ES enters its seventh generation with a number of improvements. Lexus says the ES resides in one of the industry’s most competitive segments and, as a result, the 2019 model gets a bump in luxury, performance, and fuel efficiency. An F SPORT variant is available for those who want a little extra spice.
Here is a brief walk around the 2019 Lexus ES.
Essential Foundations
The new ES rides on the Lexus Global Architecture – K (GA-K) platform, a rigid front-wheel drive chassis. The platform employs various grades of high-strength steel to reduce weight while a new multi-link rear suspension facilitates better handling. The rack-mounted electric power steering and a V-brace mounted behind the rear seat provided engineers the flexibility to further tune the 2019 ES.
Photo: Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.
Power & Performance
The 2019 Lexus ES 350 is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 that includes an updated D-4S fuel injection system. The engine, which creates 302 horsepower and 267 lb-ft. of torque, is paired to a new eight-speed Direct Shift automatic. Lexus says the transmission was configured with a wider spread of ratios for an optimum combination of low-end acceleration and high-end efficiency.
EPA fuel mileage estimates are 22/33 city/highway with a combined of 26 mpg. Lexus says this is a two mile-per-gallon improvement in combined driving, despite an extra 34 horsepower and 19 lb-ft. of torque for the new model year.
The new ES 300h runs Lexus’ fourth-generation Hybrid Drive System, paired with an Atkinson cycle, 2.5-liter four-cylinder gas engine. With lighter, more compact designs for the electric motor and self-charging hybrid system, the new ES 300h returns an EPA rating of 43/45 city/highway and 44 combined mpg.
Total system output is 215 horsepower.
Photo: Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.
Safety & Technology
The Lexus Safety System+ 2.0 is now standard equipment, which includes daytime bicyclist detection and low light pedestrian detection. The tech treatments are numerous, from Apple CarPlay compatibility and Siri Eyes Free voice control, to Amazon Alexa functionality.
Interior Layout
Designers wanted the driver to have a more focused view of the road. For example, the layout of the center display screen, instrument panel, and available heads-up display are meant to keep the driver engaged. On the other hand, designers wanted to give passengers a feeling of openness, spaciousness, and comfort.
The F SPORT model includes a new metallic theme inspired by Japanese swords. The Hadori aluminum trim contains fluctuating wave patterns for a three-dimensional appearance that varies depending on the viewing angle.
Lexus ES 350 F SPORT interior layout with Hadori aluminum trim. Photo: Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.
Pricing & Availability
The 2019 Lexus ES will arrive in September with a base price of $39,500, a $550 increase over the outgoing model. The ES 300h starts at $41,310, a $510 decrease compared to its predecessor.
The ES 350 F SPORT, starting at $44,035, includes a re-tuned suspension and 19-inch wheels and tires. F SPORT models also offer the Adaptive Variable Suspension system borrowed from the LC coupe and LS sedan with 650 levels of damping force.
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: Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.

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Mercedes-Benz GLB 250: Small Enough For Families of Seven

Mercedes-Benz GLB 250: Small Enough For Families of Seven The GLB 250 is the first compact vehicle from Mercedes-Benz to offer an optional third row.
It’s stuffed full of the latest infotainment features, voice command systems, and safety gear.
An available all-wheel drive system allows for different front-to-rear torque disbursements.
The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB 250 is a mid-sized, no, wait, scratch that it’s a . . . wait, how big is this thing? It looks like a mid-sized crossover, and the specs say it’s not all that big, but somehow Mercedes fits seven seats in this thing with an optional third row. What sort of sorcery is this?
It’s not, really. Just smart packaging by an office full of German engineers. It’s also a pretty good answer if you live in an urban environment, have a family, and also have the cash to drop on something with a three-pointed star on it. They don’t say how much yet, but Merc doesn’t make anything cheap. So figure that in before you decide it’s the car for you.
Or truck. Or truck-like thing.
How Big Is The Mercedes-Benz GLB?
Whatever the GLB is, it’s 111.4 inches long. Which means it’s 5.1 inches longer than the GLA and 1.7 inches shorter than the GLC. Get it? A, B and C. GLA, GLB, and GLC. Right in the Goldilocks zone, or at least the guys in sales hope it is. The headroom up front is 41 inches, and legroom in the back row is 38 inches, meaning the GLB is a comfortable ride for everyone on board (at least the guys in sales say so).
In addition to hauling seven people, the GLB also hauls things. The cargo capacity is between 20 to 62 cubic feet, depending on the model, and whether the seats are all up, all down, or split somewhere between. So family ski trips or camping trips should be handled with ease. Mercedes also points out how the second row backrests can be adjusted in several stages for flexibility, ultimately increasing cargo volume by up to six cubic feet.
Handy if the kids get an extra big haul from granny one Christmas future.
The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB 250 is the first compact vehicle from the automaker to offer an optional third row. Photo: MBUSA.
Related: Looks sharp, smells fresh! Meet the new Mercedes-AMG GLE 53.
Sound The Trumpet!
The drivetrain has all the bells and whistles you’d expect from this car company in 2019. It’s powered by a two-liter four-banger that puts out respectable amounts of torque and power – 221 ponies and 258 lb-ft. of grunt – being mated to a silky smooth eight-speed automatic. The two-liter M 260 engine (as it’s known in Mercedes parlance) has cast-iron cylinder liners and a die cast aluminum block. Mercedes says their in-house cylinder bore process, called “trumpet-honing,” minimizes piston friction and cuts consumption.
All-Wheel Drive & Torque Distribution
A permanent all-wheel drive system (4MATIC) with variable torque distribution is available too. During normal driving, the Eco/Comfort mode provides an 80:20 distribution (front/rear). While in its off-road setting, the all-wheel drive clutch acts as an inter-axle differential lock, meaning torque distribution ends up as 50:50. In Sport mode, things get really fun with a 70:30 split.
But really, if you’re thinking of seriously owning the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB 250, lap times are not your first priority. Besides, I’ll bet you a beer that an AMG version will be out in about a year or two and then we can talk about lap times.
The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB 250 employs MacPherson struts at the font. An acoustically and vibrationally decoupled multi-link axle with compression springs comprises the rear. Photo: MBUSA.
Hey Mercedes!
No, what you (and your passengers) are going to be most interested in is the infotainment and other tech-wizardry. And of course, there is a metric ton of it, but unfortunately, it’s called MBUX. That stands for Mercedes-Benz User Experience, which just goes to show you when the Japanese come up with a ludicrous name for something, the Germans will say “Halte mein Bier.” Any guy that willfully uses the term MBUX is the same guy that wears socks with his sandals.
Don’t be that guy.
Essentially, it works like this: Anything even remotely connected with infotainment goes through an on-board powerful computer system that then displays relevant info, via screens and graphics. All displays can be customized to your individual needs. There’s a full-color, heads-up display for navigation and augmented reality for the driver. An Alexa-like voice control system activates with a jaunty “Hey Mercedes.”
No word about whether this works for those of you that name their cars. So if you say something like “Hey Bob, show me the route to mom’s place,” I cannot guarantee it will respond.
2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB 250 interior layout. Photo: MBUSA.
Related: Mercedes-Benz goes in a different direction with the new GLS.
Safety & Security
There are a bunch of driver assist and safety systems for the Mercedes-Benz GLB. Mercedes says the new GLB has the same “cooperative support for the driver and functionality from the S-Class.” No, I don’t know exactly either, but I take that to mean the GLB has a lot of the same stuff found on the flagship S-Class. For example, the GLB has improved camera and radar systems that can look up to 1,641 feet ahead, and can drive partially autonomously in certain situations. Thanks!
The GLB can alter its speed before corners, crossroads or roundabouts using the Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC system. It references on-board maps and navigation data in addition to what the sensors are telling it. There’s also Active Steering Assist, a new feature, along with Active Lane Change Assist, Active Parking Assist with PARKTRONIC, and some unnamed gizmo that allows the GLB to automatically restart in traffic jams.
2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB 250. Photo: MBUSA.
Availability & Future Considerations
Look, why mince words here: Mercedes-Benz has forgotten nothing (more or less) and if you are the owner/driver/passenger of/in a GLB, you will want for nothing (more or less). The only real question is how much, which might mean you will be wanting for a fatter bank account, but hey, who doesn’t.
Besides, if you’ve got a family of seven, you’re more than familiar with account balances and such. And you’re more than familiar with what vehicles will do the job and which ones won’t. The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB 250 goes on sale later this year. It’s up to you if it will fulfill what your family needs.
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.
Mercedes-Benz GLB 250 Gallery

Photos & Source: MBUSA.

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Letter From The UK: The Glory of Speed

Letter From The UK: The Glory of Speed

As we huddle pitifully in the wind and rain of our tiny Islands, we gaze enviously across the pond at the wondrous and varied car shows available, so it seems, on a daily basis, across all regions of the USA. To us, the likes of Wayne Carini and Chip Foose are simply mythical figures to be glimpsed occasionally on a digital TV channel. From time to time though, the sun does put in an appearance on the British Isles and we are always slightly surprised when it especially does so at our greatest annual car show, the Goodwood Festival of Speed.
Peaks of Performance
Every year around this time, many thousands of car enthusiasts descend upon legendary Goodwood in West Sussex for the Festival of Speed. This hardy annual never fails to disappoint the fans with an exciting concoction of exotic supercars, historic racing machines, the latest crop of regular road and concept cars, and much more besides. Even former F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone showed up to surprisingly popular acclaim.
The theme for the 2017 Festival of Speed was “Peaks of Performance – Motorsport’s Game-Changers.” As the years pass, the organizers try to find a new way of exploring the thrilling past, present, and future of the automotive scene. In many ways this year was just the same as it always was, but they do try and put a fresh slant on the proceedings. It always seems to work. We auto fans just can’t get enough.
Audi R8 V10 plus Coupe.
Jaguar Project 8 Dream Car
Of particular interest this time, manufacturers showed racing and road-going machines that were faster than ever before, like the BAC Mono and the glorious Project 8 Jaguar. Making its global dynamic debut among the most powerful and extreme performance cars in the world at the Goodwood show, the new Jaguar XE SV Project 8 claimed the hotly-contested Michelin Supercar Paddock Showstopper Trophy – just four days after the jaw-dropping car was officially unveiled.
As the only four-door car in the Michelin Supercar Run, the Jaguar faced formidable competition in the power-packed paddock, but voters hosted by Michelin singled out the Project 8 as one of the six most popular cars of the weekend, qualifying it for the overall Showstopper Final on the last day of the show.
The Project 8 exclusively features the most highly tuned version of Jaguar Land Rover’s five-liter Supercharged V8 petrol powertrain. The 592 bhp (600PS) engine has a Titanium Variable Active Exhaust and is complemented by Jaguar’s all-wheel drive system. Additionally, this beast features motorsport-derived aerodynamics and carbon fiber panels to deliver a 200 mph top speed and a 0-60 time of a scant 3.3 seconds, making Project 8 the fastest accelerating Jaguar yet.
Jaguar XE SV Project 8.

Limited Edition
Crucially, and you’ll have to take this writer’s word for it at least until you can find a YouTube video, it sounds as aggressive as you would expect; the growling V8 accompanied by the glorious old-school whine of a huge supercharger. Outstanding aural delights!
To ensure exclusivity, no more than 300 examples of the Project 8 will be hand-built at SVO’s (Special Vehicle Operations) Technical Center in Coventry and priced from £149,995 in the UK. If you want one (and you really do), you’ll need to move fast because this magnificent motor won’t be available for long.
All You Desire
Red cars from Ferrari ran amok to celebrate the 70th birthday of the marque. All the famous sports cars and racers that Goodwood usually commands were there, but this time a display of V12-engined F1 cars created an operatic sound all their own. Their extraordinary exhaust notes are so different from today’s race cars that sound like digital lawn mowers in comparison.
The new and blisteringly quick track-only Aston Martin Vantage AMR Pro made history at the Festival of Speed when it became the first vehicle to tackle the legendary hill climb using re-refined engine oil. Recycled or re-refined motor oil is nothing new, of course, but this is different. This landmark was made possible by a new active oil management system from Nexcel, part of the Castrol Group. Oil and filter change in ninety seconds anyone?
BAC Mono.
Memorable Conclusions
As ever, the Goodwood Festival of Speed did not disappoint the throngs who braved the inevitable long and tiresome car park queues to get in. Sports cars like the BAC Mono (which won its class), Audi R8, and the exquisite French Alpine were all at full chat on the track. With the hill climb and rally exhibitions, the supercars, and the also-rans; all the sights and sounds of the vibrant world of cars coupled with the roar of the engines and the smell of the crowd, once again, by doing the same thing brilliantly well, the show did not disappoint. With tired legs and weary ears, the multitudes went home happy.
Geoff Maxted is a motoring writer, photographer, and author of our Letter From The UK series. Follow his work on Twitter: @DriveWrite

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2018 Porsche 911 GT2 RS: The Ultimate 911?

2018 Porsche 911 GT2 RS: The Ultimate 911?

There’s no way to sugarcoat this. There’s no “yeah, but” equivocations surrounding the new 2018 Porsche 911 GT2 RS. It’s the 911 of all 911s. It’s the top kick; the king of the mountain. All other 911s, from the various GTs to the RS and RSR; the 2018 Porsche 911 GT2 RS is now the 911.
The 2018 Porsche 911 GT2 RS is the fastest and most powerful street-legal 911 ever. It recently took its introductory bows at this year’s Goodwood Festival of Speed in the UK. Before this thing even hits the road or the race track, its numbers are just staggering.
More Power, Less Weight
The GT2 RS is powered by a twin-turbo flat-six engine that puts out 700 horsepower and 553 lb-ft. of torque. That’s 80 horsepower and 37 lb-ft. of torque more when compared to the previous 911 GT2 RS. As with all Porsches, the engine’s the thing, and the 2018 911 GT2 RS is certainly no exception. The 3.8-liter flat six is based on the plant from the current 911 Turbo S. The GT2 RS mill gets larger turbochargers with a new design that sprays water on the intercoolers when the intake air temperature reaches a certain threshold for optimum cooling at peak loads. The new GT2 RS can accelerate from zero to 60 in 2.7 seconds, topping out at 211 miles per hour; it tips the scales at the curb at 3,241 pounds.
The exhaust system is made of lightweight titanium and weighs 15 pounds less than the system used in the 911 Turbo. The front luggage compartment lid is made from carbon fiber and the roof panel is made from magnesium.
If you want to shave another 40 pounds from the vehicle, there’s the optional Weissach package that includes magnesium wheels and even more carbon fiber. The roof and anti-roll bars are made of carbon fiber, as are the end links on both axles. If you opt for the Weissach Package, you’ll see the carbon fiber weave of the luggage compartment lid and the roof are left largely exposed. The Weissach package will cost you an additional $31,000.
According to Porsche, the customized GT seven-speed double-clutch Doppelkupplung (PDK) transmission in the new GT2 RS enables maximum efficiency with uninterrupted torque transfer. Photo: Porsche Cars North America, Inc.
Handling & Aerodynamics
The new 911 GT2 RS has grip for days, thanks to its race-bred chassis and the fact Porsche developed a rear axle steering system, plus a stability management system tuned for “spirited” driving. There are air intakes and outlets all over the place and, of course, a big honking rear wing. The air intakes on the rear quarter panel, along with other parts of the rear, are made from carbon fiber reinforced plastic.
The wheels and tires are massive with 265/35/ZR20 tires up front and 325/30/ZR21 tires out back. Stopping is accomplished via the Porsche Ceramic Composite Brakes, which are standard.
Interior Treatments
The interior of the 911 GT2 RS is a red Alcantara with black leather and carbon fiber. The Full Bucket Seats have carbon fiber reinforced backrests and offer a high level of comfort and lateral support. The GT2 RS has Porsche Communication Management, the central control unit for audio, navigation, and communication. Porsche’s Connect Plus and Track Precision app are standard. These techno goodies enable a detailed recording, display, and analysis of driving data on your smartphone.
Porsche’s Chrono Package is optional and expands the PCM functions to display, save, and evaluate lap times. The Chrono Package includes a stopwatch on the dashboard with an analog and digital display. Finally, the Porsche Track Precision app is used in conjunction with an infrared transmitter placed at the side of the track; the lap trigger receiver enables drivers to record lap times with a higher level of precision. Fancy, no?
The 2018 Porsche 911 GT2 RS will reach U.S. dealers in early 2018. It will cost you *gulp* $293,200. Yes, that is a lot of crust. But c’mon, the new Porsche 911 GT2 RS is worth every penny.
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 Porsche 911 GT2 RS Gallery

Photos & Source: Porsche Cars North America, Inc.

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Hagerty Providing Specialized Insurance For The 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon

Hagerty Providing Specialized Insurance For The 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon

The 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon is the strongest, most powerful, most utterly insane street legal car yet. Naturally, Dodge made the car, the automaker who believes more horsepower is the answer to all of life’s foibles, big and small. Hagerty, an insurance company for enthusiast cars, trucks, and motorcycles, will offer specialized policies for the forthcoming Demon. Hagerty, who also supplies insurance for tractors, automotive tools, spare parts, and automobilia, says owners will have specialized coverage so they can enjoy their new performance machine.
Impressive Stats
The Dodge Challenger SRT Demon is the first-ever production car to do a front-wheel lift, as certified by Guinness World Records. It’s the world’s fastest quarter-mile production car with an elapsed time (ET) of 9.65 seconds at 140 mph, as certified by the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA). It also registers the highest g-force (1.8 g) ever recorded at launch in a production car. The 6.2-liter Hemi V8 features a deep-skirt cast iron block, aluminum alloy heads, and the now famous hemispherical combustion chambers. Running on 100 octane fuel, expect 840 horsepower (6,300 rpm) and 770 lb-ft. of torque (4,500 rpm).
In other words, it’s totally nuts, but maybe nuts isn’t so bad?
“We are living in the golden age of automotive performance, and the Demon is the latest example that speaks directly to the hearts of enthusiasts,” said McKeel Hagerty, CEO, Hagerty. “The insurance industry had a hand in ending the first great muscle car era, and we’re here to make sure history doesn’t repeat itself.”
2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon. Photo: FCA US LLC.
Bold Coverage
Hagerty’s coverage will be the same Guaranteed Value policy provided to all vehicles that qualify for the program. Unlike traditional policies for the less-inspired grocery-getters us lemmings drive, the vehicle’s value is established when the policy is issued. This eliminates any negotiation on value should the vehicle experience a total covered loss. Dodge named Hagerty as the official insurance provider of the Challenger SRT Demon in April; the car is expected in dealerships this fall.
“We didn’t build the Demon to be a halo car that never sees the light of day,” commented Tim Kuniskis, Head of Passenger Car Brands – Dodge, SRT, Chrysler and FIAT, FCA – North America.
Hagerty established a dedicated hotline for Demon owners: 844-840-8733. Those who wish to utilize the interwebs for further inquiry can visit Hagerty’s website and look for the “Quote Now” tab. Either way, a policy is waiting if you have raised your hand and said “yep, that’s the Challenger for me.”
“We want to make sure that Demon owners have access to the insurance they need to get these cars out on the street,” Kuniskis added.
Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and resides in Detroit, Michigan.
2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon. Photo: FCA US LLC.
Photos & Source: FCA US LLC, Hagerty.

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