Automotive

BMW, Intel, Mobileye, FCA Unite For Ambitious Autonomous Driving Initiative

BMW, Intel, Mobileye, FCA Unite For Ambitious Autonomous Driving Initiative

BMW Group, Intel, and Mobileye announced a signed memorandum of understanding with the intention for Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) to be the first automaker to join them in developing a global, state-of-the-art autonomous driving platform. The three entities will leverage each other’s strengths, resources, and expertise to expand the autonomous platform’s technology, development, and market effectiveness.
Expertise & Support
FCA’s role in the venture is fairly extensive, as they will provide technical resources, engineering support, and insight to the North American market. FCA also brings their geographic reach to the table with the sales volume necessary to reach the car buying public. The trio will utilize the co-location of engineers in Germany and other areas worldwide for successful implementation.
Teamwork Mindset
Collaborations like these are becoming more common as a response to the challenges of automated driving. Recently, Volvo, Autoliv, and NVIDIA announced their plans to bring a Level 4 autonomous car to market by 2021. General Motors, in March of 2016, acquired Cruise Automation, a San Francisco, California company focused on autonomous driving programs and software. GM and Cruise Automation have been testing driverless Bolt EVs on public roads in San Francisco and Scottsdale, Arizona since June 2016; the companies recently began doing the same in Detroit, Michigan.
AutoSens, a global summit facilitating technical discussions on the future of vehicle perception technology, advocates and encourages collaboration. The next AutoSens event, beginning September 19th in Brussels, Belgium, will see some of the world’s most prominent engineers, researchers, entrepreneurs, and automotive professionals in one place addressing the challenges of automated driving.
“In order to advance autonomous driving technology, it is vital to form partnerships among automakers, technology providers, and suppliers,” said Sergio Marchionne, Chief Executive Officer, FCA. “Joining this cooperation will enable FCA to directly benefit from the synergies and economies of scale that are possible when companies come together with a common vision and objective.”
Earlier this year, FCA delivered 500 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid minivans to Waymo to boost the tech company’s autonomous driving program. Photo: FCA US LLC.
Central Scale
In July, BMW Group, Intel, and Mobileye announced a partnership to make driverless vehicles a reality. The focus is on finding and implementing production solutions by 2021 for highly automated (Level 3) and fully automated vehicles (Levels 4 and 5). Developing a scalable architecture that can be used by multiple automakers, while still maintaining each manufacturer’s unique brand characteristics, is vital.
“The two factors that remain key to the success of the cooperation are uncompromising excellence in development, and the scalability of our autonomous driving platform,” said Harald Krüger, Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG. “With FCA as our new partner, we reinforce our path to successfully create the most relevant state-of-the-art, cross-OEM Level 3 to 5 solution on a global scale.”
“The future of transportation relies on auto and tech industry leaders working together to develop a scalable architecture that automakers around the globe can adopt and customize,” added Brian Krzanich, Chief Executive Officer, Intel.
Photo: BMW Group.
Open Invitations, Collective Efforts
BMW Group, Intel, Mobileye, and FCA, together with the recently announced development partners and system integrators, are inviting other automakers and technology suppliers to join them. The goal is the successful adoption of an autonomous driving platform that bolsters an industry-wide solution. Looking back, one could compare the implementation of crumple zones (Mercedes-Benz) and seat belts (Volvo) to these desires for an “industry-wide solution.”
Like crumple zones and seat belts, autonomous driving is an engineering and design concept ultimately focused on occupant safety with the intent of mass adoption. Just as crumple zones and seat belts work in conjunction with other passive safety systems, autonomous technology must act in a similar fashion.
“The combination of vision-intense perception and mapping, differentiated sensor fusion, and driving policy solutions will offer the highest levels of safety and versatility, in a cost-efficient package that will scale across all geographies and road settings,” said Professor Amnon Shashua, Chief Executive Officer and Chief Technology Officer of Mobileye, an Intel Company, of the collaboration.
The high-strength steel architecture of the Chrysler Pacifica at the 2017 North American International Auto Show at the Cobo Center in Detroit, Michigan. The individual colors correspond to different materials, including their grades and properties, used to manufacture the vehicle. Photo: Steel Market Development Institute.

Too Much, Too Soon?
The focus of the forthcoming autonomous world is, and should always remain on, consumer safety. Around the automotive industry, there are varying targets; some saying 2025, others 2020. This most recent collaboration between BMW Group, Intel, Mobileye, and FCA seems to hint at 2021. Either way, the industry targets for automated driving are soon; in other words, don’t say “it won’t happen in my lifetime.”
Despite crumple zones and seat belts being universal features, and advanced driver assistance systems being offered on more vehicles, Insurance Institute for Highway Safety data shows crashes claimed over 35,000 people in 2015. And while that figure is much lower than in 2005, the sheer number of fatalities, when compared to the relatively quick timelines given for automated driving, do require reflection and examination. On the surface, the ratio of fatalities to timelines looks out of balance. Indeed, rolling the whole system out too fast may hinder our otherwise noble objective of keeping drivers and passengers safe.
“Many of the leaders in this space have made a range of headline commitments to autonomous driving, but the industry still has a tremendous number of hurdles to overcome if those deadlines are to be met,” Tim Dawkins, an Autonomous Car Specialist with SBD Automotive, told us in June. “While the technologies are progressing rapidly, there are plenty of questions around liability, regulation, type approval, and infrastructure which are a long way from being resolved.”
Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and resides in Detroit, Michigan.
Sources: BMW Group, FCA US LLC.

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What Does The Financial Turnaround of Lotus Really Mean?

What Does The Financial Turnaround of Lotus Really Mean?

For once in the car world, something claimed to be big news actually is big news. Somehow Lotus, despite making some of the best handling cars the world has ever seen, has been teetering on the brink of financial ruin since day one.
However, they are starting to turn big profits in what could be called a radical financial turnaround.
Coming Clean
Look, I make no claims about my biases. I freely admit my love for Colin Chapman and his cars. Even the ones he’s no longer around to make. If you were to ask me to list 10 or 20 of the world’s greatest cars, after a bunch of Italian ones, Colin Chapman’s Lotus cars would most likely take up the rest of the list. That guy could do more with less than almost any other designer I’ve seen. He could make four bangers stay with V8s, sixes fly past them, and when it comes to racing cars, you’d underestimate his designs at your own peril.
One thing Chapman could not do, however, was figure out how to be profitable while making cars and racing them. When I said Lotus was in trouble since day one, that wasn’t an exaggeration. The Lotus 7, one of the most sublime and best handling sports cars ever, was sold by Chapman to keep his business afloat. And that was back in 1959. The company has, near as I could tell, been living hand to mouth ever since. It has gone through a number of owners since Chapman’s passing, some of them with very deep pockets indeed, but Lotus has always been clinging on by its financial fingernails. That is, until now. At least according to the latest numbers out of England.
“Comprising of Lotus Cars and Lotus Engineering, our Norfolk based company with 850 employees worldwide, improved quality, reduced costs, and increased margins resulting in the best sustainable performance for the business for many years,” reads a statement from Lotus. Pictured here is the Lotus Evora GT430. Photo: Group Lotus plc.
Big Numbers
Seriously, check this out: Lotus closed this financial year with £2.0 million in profit, versus last year, where they reported a loss £16.3 million. Lotus, or officially Lotus Group International Limited (LGIL), says this gain is “on plan.” Talk about a fine British understatement. And it appears even better if you look at it in terms of before tax profits and losses. £41.2 million lost the year before last; last year they bled £11.2 million in red ink, and then boom, a Profit Before Tax improvement of £10 million in the second half of fiscal year 2016 and 2017. Lotus says they can now concentrate on and return to a full year of profit before tax for fiscal year 2017/2018.
I know, this accounting stuff makes my eyes go all fuzzy too. And let’s face it, if I was good at numbers I could have had a real career and have been making money myself. But no. Instead, I am a writer. An automotive journalist, at that, so my question is: how. How did Lotus manage to finally make money after all these years?
Benchmark Strategy
For starters, Lotus focused on its strengths in engineering and core brand values. Lotus says they are now producing their strongest lineup of cars, which would be very hard to argue with, given the Evora, Exige, and Elise models, and the new Lotus 3-Eleven track car. Lotus calls their entire range benchmark sports cars, and I would not disagree with that.
And the Hethel concern (okay they’re Norfolk based, but Hethel is their ancestral home) is not resting on their laurels or blowing the cash on champagne and dancing girls. They say the positive cash flow paves the way for “future investment and the development of new models.” Translation: Cars that are even better than the Evora, Exige, and Elise. Contemplate what that might mean for a moment. Lotus has also expanded more than the size of its vault. They have more dealerships across the planet, up from 138 in 2014 to 215 today. Sales are up 57% in Europe with a six-fold sales growth in North America. Shoot, I know companies that would do anything to get numbers like that.
So what’s next? Where does Lotus go from here?
Lotus Elise Sprint in Metallic Grey. Photo: Group Lotus plc.

Future Plans
What Lotus says reads like typical corporate financial boilerplate. The road ahead for Lotus will be focused on “improved quality, reduced costs, and increased margins resulting in the best sustainable performance for the business for many years.” Typical stuff. For those of us whose numerical understandings stop with camber angles and power-to-weight ratios, what this all means is more cars like the Elise Sprint 220, the Exige Cup 380, and the Evora GT430, but – and this is important – cars that are logical engineering extrapolations on those existing ones. Or, as Lotus succinctly puts it, “each clearly demonstrates the company’s ambitions for the future.”
And all I can say is praise be! That Lotus can finally start making money and have the business savvy to build on that means two things: Lotus will be around for a while and their cars will get better and better. And point two is the most important, because their cars are already very, very impressive.
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.
Photos & Source: Group Lotus plc.

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This McLaren Is Technically For Kids, But We Want One Anyway

This McLaren Is Technically For Kids, But We Want One Anyway

We can all recall times when we wanted to grow up in a hurry. We had those moments when we thought adults got to have all the fun, and naturally, when we arrived at adulthood, we were going to take full advantage of such freedoms. Now that we are adults . . . well, let’s just say taking naps are usually met with an open embrace.
Count the McLaren 570S Step2 Push Sports Car, something meant for children, in the same category. This mini-racer is just as much fun for us adults as it is for our kiddos.
Cool Kids
McLaren Automotive has teamed with The Step2 Company, a North American toy manufacturer, to create something special for families. The 570S Step2 Push Sports Car is, for kids, a way to inspire the imagination – in fact, the little cruiser makes a host of electronic sounds to give children the full experience of going fast. For us older folks, it’s a way to enjoy a leisurely stroll with our loved ones while still looking like the “cool parents.” Just as any machine in the McLaren lineup is a departure from ordinary transportation, the 570S Step2 Push Sports Car is a bit more exciting than the average stroller.

Shared Vision, Inspired Design
Step2 and McLaren Automotive have similar visions: for example, McLaren is recognized as pioneering carbon fiber technology – used in all its cars since 1981 – Ohio-based Step2 is recognized as pioneering the “push car.” Like McLaren knows the automotive enthusiast, Step2 knows parents and families; it’s amazing how many times parents and automotive enthusiasts are one and the same.
Designers from both companies worked together to replicate the essence of the real 570S. Some of the most interesting design aspects include Step2’s Whisper Wheels, which provide a smoother ride. Along with the aforementioned electronic sounds, the flat-based steering wheel is nimble and responsive. The storage area under the seat is for snacks, a smartphone, or first aid kit, while multiple cup holders allow parents to always have bottled water handy.
Pricing & Availability
The new McLaren 570S Push Sports Car, officially licensed by Step2, will be available exclusively through Amazon in September before rolling out later this year at other global retailers. The first color offered is Ventura Orange; price is $79.99.
Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and resides in Detroit, Michigan.
Photos & Source: McLaren Automotive.

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2015 Aston Martin Vantage GT Texas Direct Auto 2015 GT Used 4.7L V8 32V Automatic RWD Convertible Premium

$73,610.00
End Date: Thursday Jun-20-2019 10:04:00 PDT
Buy It Now for only: $73,610.00
Buy It Now | Add to watch list

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2019 Toyota RAV4 Adventure Review: Just Functional Enough

2019 Toyota RAV4 Adventure Review: Just Functional Enough 93solid2019 Toyota RAV4 AdventureOverall ImpressionGood daily driver.Easy-to-use controls.Plenty of tech features.ProsComfortable Ride QualityCargo & Passenger SpaceConsLackluster Power (At Times)Cost Jumps Fast w/ Options The 2019 Toyota RAV4 gets a redesign and the Adventure trim is the coolest looking in the small SUV’s lineup. It comes with extra exterior cladding plus an upgraded all-wheel-drive system that includes torque-vectoring technology for off-pavement use. This model is for those who want to get away from the city on the weekends and do some exploring in the wilderness. It’s not an extreme off-road animal, but functional enough for fun activities like camping and kayaking.
This week, we’ve been driving the 2019 Toyota RAV4 Adventure with all-wheel drive.
What’s New For 2019
The RAV4 is completely redesigned for the new model year, riding on Toyota’s TNGA-K platform for a lower center of gravity versus the previous RAV4. Now in its fifth-generation, the 2019 Toyota RAV4 comes in both gas and hybrid variants. Toyota’s comprehensive Safety Sense 2.0 package joins a host of connectivity features like Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Siri Eyes Free, and Apple CarPlay. Trim levels for gasoline models include LE, XLE, XLE Premium, Adventure, and Limited.
Features & Options: Comfort & Safety
The 2019 Toyota RAV4 Adventure AWD ($32,900) comes standard with a power liftgate, leather-wrapped steering wheel, power-adjustable driver’s seat, simulated leather upholstery (SofTex), and an upgraded interior. It also features automatic LED headlights, foglights, heated mirrors, push-button start, keyless entry, dual-zone automatic climate control, and additional USB ports.
Related: The 2019 Toyota RAV4 is just the right size for our tastes.
The 2019 RAV4 is standard with the aforementioned Safety Sense 2.0 package, which includes a Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection; Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control; Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist; Automatic High Beam, and Lane Tracing and Road Sign Assist. Our tester was also equipped with blind-spot monitoring and rear-cross traffic alert.
The 2019 Toyota RAV4 Adventure is ideal for weekend trips.
What Is The Toyota RAV4 Adventure Trim?
The Adventure trim adds some special styling features: 19-inch alloy wheels, fender flares, and taller roof rails, for example. There’s an enhanced rearview camera, embossed seating details, and an upgraded driver information display with an eight-inch touchscreen. The all-weather floor mats and satellite radio were two extras we enjoyed having. Performance-wise, the Adventure trim has a few extra tools when it’s time to get away from the city.
For example, it comes with 8.6 inches of ground clearance (standard model has 8.4 inches) and the TRD Off-Road suspension. It features a Multi-Terrain Select system with Mud & Sand modes for beach driving, or a Rock & Dirt mode for trails. The Snow mode is for wintry conditions, something we would use here in Colorado. The Adventure trim is also dressed up with 18×7-inch matte black TRD alloy wheels with Falken Wildpeak A/T Trail all-terrain tires.
This Adventure tester also came with the optional weather package ($1,185), navigation ($1,620), Technology package ($1,265), and a power/tilt moonroof ($850). Total MSRP including destination: $39,948. By comparison, the 2019 Toyota RAV4 starts at $25,650, with the Adventure trim beginning at $33,050.
2019 Toyota RAV4 Adventure interior layout.
Interior Highlights: Orange Highlights & Plenty of Room
We jumped inside our Adventure RAV4 to find a stylish cabin with orange stitching that really popped against the black seats. The orange theme continues around the cupholder, cellphone charging pad, and above the glove box. We found the interior to be well-built with some nicely-layered and soft-touch materials. The hard plastics on the door panels and around the dash are not without their purpose, as they are easy to clean. The rubberized grip surfaces on the interior door pulls and the radio and climate knobs are a nice touch for this trim.
The front seats are comfortable and supportive, and we think the synthetic leather feels like the real thing. The power driver’s seat and tilt/telescoping steering wheel allowed us to find the perfect driving position. We also like the radio and climate controls which are easy to find and use. Technology abounds in the 2019 RAV4, with a laundry list that starts with Toyota’s Entune 3.0 Audio system and expands to Verizon Wi-Fi.
In the back, your passengers will be comfortable and there’s enough room for taller people, even behind a taller driver. There’s also enough headroom in back even with the raked roof, plus a seat recline feature if you want to get more comfy on a long trip.
The RAV4’s cargo carrying-ability is among the biggest in the class, and that’s true whether the seats are up or down. There’s 37 cubic feet behind the rear seats, and 57 cubes behind the front. It’s also low and easy to load as we had some extra big boxes to carry this week. The power liftgate made it more convenient too.

Engine & Fuel Mileage Specs
The 2019 Toyota RAV4 is powered by a 2.5-liter engine producing 203 horsepower (up 27 horsepower from last year). It’s more powerful and efficient, thanks to a higher compression ratio (13:1 on gas models) and Toyota’s D4-S fuel injection system, which combines direct and secondary port injectors.
The four-cylinder engine pairs with a new eight-speed automatic, both of which benefit from the RAV4’s lighter curb weight compared to last year. The improvements help the newly-redesigned RAV4 achieve an EPA-estimated 25/33 city/highway and 28 combined. Overall, the 2019 Toyota RAV4 is one of the most fuel-efficient compact SUVs available.
The RAV4 Adventure tows up to 3,500 lbs., while all other trim levels can only pull 1,500 lbs. The Adventure trim also comes with active grille shutters to increase efficiency.
The 2019 Toyota RAV4 Adventure has enough power for most driving situations, but can be lackluster at times.
Driving Dynamics: Some Noise But Solid Overall
We powered the RAV4 Adventure in and around the mountains west of Denver, the perfect environment for this compact trail runner. It has enough power for most driving situations, but could leave you wanting more ‘oomph’ if you have a full load of people and cargo, especially pulling mountain passes or long hills.
Around town it goes just fine, and merges onto the highway with ease. Once on the open road, the RAV4 provides a confident feeling at higher speeds. We did notice the engine noise inside the cabin when we pushed the SUV hard going up I-70 at altitude.
The eight-speed is smooth, and there’s no reluctance to downshift if you need power for passing. We left the transmission in Normal mode most of the week. Dialing it over to Sport, however, sharpens responsiveness and shift timing for more spirited driving.
The special TRD suspension and torque-vectoring all-wheel drive system help the RAV4 Adventure negotiate wet or snowy conditions easily. It can be taken off-road for light-duty work and will get you a little farther back into the high country than the standard model. In the twisty corners, there isn’t too much lean in spite of the taller ride height.
The 2019 Toyota RAV4 features an eight-speed automatic. The shifts are smooth and there’s no reluctance to downshift.
Related: On the road with the perfect weekend warrior, the 2019 Toyota Tacoma.
Conclusion: For Good Reason
With a completely new exterior look, the 2019 Toyota RAV4 Adventure stands out among most other compact SUVs. In general, the RAV4 is still one of the most popular SUVs for sale, and with good reason. It’s versatile, holds up to five passengers, and comes with Toyota’s reputation for durability.
Denis Flierl has invested over 25 years in the automotive industry in a variety of roles. All of his firsthand reviews are archived on our test drives page. Follow Denis on Twitter: @CarReviewGuy
2019 Toyota RAV4 Adventure Gallery

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

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2020 Subaru Ascent Release Date and Price

The latest model 2020 Subaru Ascent will soon release and will get a place among the cars that will be very much in wait by many people. equipped with modern technology this car will be very safe for you to drive. with a turbo-4 we strongly believe this car will get a very good effort. release date and price estimates also we discuss on the article this time.

2020 Subaru Ascent Interior and Exterior

Talking about the interior in the 2020 Subaru Ascent will be the true fascination with three-row chairs. The first and 2nd row are offered with reclinable and cellular pilot chairs. Nonetheless, the third row incorporates a frequent chair with 3 headrests. The new chairs are magnificent and relaxed as well as receive a single is aware of the magnificent sky standpoint together with the support of moonroof perform. The storage room with the back in the third row is extremely massive. The gates and inner are deftly created with all specifics for fantastic comfort amount and comfort. The cabin is very well prepared. You’ll find all new specifications and technicians to get an untroubled however secure make at any and all landscape. The infotainment show can be produced wholly digitalized with the highest doable functions accessible in getting hold of the method and some complete essential like functions.

Engine Performance

No indications that Subaru will include the brand new engine selection for your 2020 Subaru Ascent. The new SUV will have a 2.4-liter and turbo-4 engine beneath the hood coupled using the continuously variable transmission. The energy output will stay at 265 hp and torque at 275 pound-feet. New Subaru Ascent may be the drive by default. The model can tow up to 5,000 pounds and Subaru claims 60 mph in 7.2 seconds. The model will return about 21 mpg city and 27 mpg highway.

2020 Subaru Ascent Release Date and Price

About the release date and price of this car also will announce soon at by Subaru, we predict 2020 Subaru Ascent would come earlier in the year 2019 and will probably start on sale in the summer. And for the price. Our predictions about his sense of $30,000 will be very worth the price in the offer Subaru to Subaru 2020 Ascent, this car will compete with the Subaru Forester and Subaru Outback.

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Forthcoming 2018 Chevy Equinox Diesel May Lead Segment In Fuel Economy

Forthcoming 2018 Chevy Equinox Diesel May Lead Segment In Fuel Economy

Car shoppers looking for a few extra miles in the tank may be inclined to consider the 2018 Chevy Equinox. New figures from the EPA indicate the crossover’s front-wheel drive variant achieves 39 mpg on the highway with the available 1.6L diesel engine. In this configuration, the 2018 Equinox is expected to deliver stronger highway mileage than the 2017 Toyota RAV4 hybrid and Nissan Rogue hybrid.
Range & Performance
The FWD 2018 Chevy Equinox diesel boasts a 577-mile cruising range, ideal for longer trips and jaunts. For example, the Equinox in this configuration could handle a trip between Chicago, Illinois and Memphis, Tennessee, or from Boston, Massachusetts to Richmond, Virginia. If we left to see friends in Omaha, Nebraska from our offices in Detroit, Michigan, a 577-mile cruising capacity would cover nearly 80 percent of the drive.
The 1.6L is a clean-sheet redesign, developed entirely by General Motors with particular attention given to the engine’s control system. Development was facilitated by GM’s diesel product center in Torino, Italy, and involved more than 24,000 hours of computational analysis. Simulated and real-world testing totaled more than 4.35 million miles.
“It is very fun to drive, with torque on demand at all speeds – in fact, the engine delivers 90 percent of peak torque between 1,500 and 3,250 rpm,” explained Dan Nicholson, Vice President of Global Propulsion Systems, General Motors. “The strong torque provides the feeling of a larger engine, with exceptional smoothness and quietness.”
2018 Chevy Equinox. Photo: Chevrolet.
Power & Efficiency
The forthcoming diesel utilizes a variable-geometry turbo for better torque response (240 lb-ft.) at a lower rpm. The new diesel features stop/start technology to increase efficiency in heavy traffic; it’s also compatible with B20 biodiesel fuel. Chevy’s new diesel is part of a trio of all-turbocharged propulsion systems for the Equinox.
The vehicle also has a host of active safety features including Teen Driver, Safety Alert Seat, Surround Vision, and Forward Collison Alert with Following Distance Indicator, among others.
Pricing & Availability
The 2018 Chevy Equinox is available now, starting at $24,475. Pricing for the diesel model, when it hits dealerships this fall, starts at $31,435.
Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and resides in Detroit, Michigan.
Photos & Source: Chevrolet.

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Jaguar XE SV Project 8 North American Debut Expected During Monterey Car Week

Jaguar XE SV Project 8 North American Debut Expected During Monterey Car Week

Monterey Car Week is becoming more and more of a touchstone for the entire gearhead world. It’s not just vintage races and fans and collectors and such any longer. Automotive manufacturers have clocked into the heavy concentration of not just car fanatics, but movers and shakers within the automotive world. People who will not only sing your praises, if there are praises worth singing, but high-end influencers who can start talking up your product.
Jaguar Land Rover Special Vehicle Operations (SVO) will be in Monterey this week for just such an exercise with the XE SV Project 8.
Best of the Best
Unless you attended the Goodwood Festival of Speed, this will be the first chance for anyone outside the factory to see the Jaguar XE SV Project 8 in the flesh, as it were. To refresh your memory, since we have coveted . . . I mean “covered” it here at Automoblog before, it’s a limited edition sports sedan that is, more or less, aimed squarely at the big Bahn-burners from Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and Audi. The case could be made that it is also going up against various Japanese and American offerings, but I’d bet Jag would think the comparison was beneath them. As a matter of fact, although taking aim at the big Germans in implicate, Jaguar never mentions them by name either.
Jaguar states the XE SV Project 8 is the result of the Coventry concern wanting to “engineer the ultimate super sports sedan.” It’s good to have goals, but I bet there’s some very competent engineers in and around The Black Forest who might quibble with that statement. As it stands, the XE SV Project 8 builds on Jaguar’s success with the 2016 F-TYPE Project 7. The Project 7 sets the tone for the XE SV Project 8 and other examples in the brand’s second Collector’s Series of vehicles yet to come.
Jaguar XE SV Project 8. Photo: Jaguar Land Rover.
Power & Performance
The XE SV Project 8 has a targeted power output of 592 horsepower, which is more than enough to make it the quickest road going Jaguar. I was going to write “quickest road going Jaguar sedan” but no, Jaguar insists it is the quickest road going Jaguar period. Which is odd, knowing the XJ220 was capable of going much quicker than the XE SV Project 8’s announced top speed of 200 mph.
The Jaguar XE SV Project 8 hits that speed due to other elements besides nearly 600 ponies under the bonnet. There’s lots of functional aerodynamic, suspension, and interior improvements to the XE, making it “the brand’s most powerful, agile, and extreme performance vehicle ever.” Jag will not be making a ton of these things with global production limited to 300 units. Each car will be hand-assembled at the SVO technical center in Coventry, England (natch).
Photo: Jaguar Land Rover.

Around Town
Senior representatives from Jaguar’s SVO skunkworks will be on hand at a variety of events in Monterey throughout the weekend, both to answer questions and help potential buyers put down deposits and such. In addition to being at the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion at Laguna Seca, the XE SV Project 8 will also be at two other rather prestigious events: The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering and the Exotics On Cannery Row.
The get together at The Quail Lodge, now gag-inducingly titled “The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering,” will have the XE SV Project 8 on display this Friday, August 18th. It will be easy to spot, sitting next to Jag SVO’s first go round, the 575 horsepower F-TYPE SVR. If you’re not into Jags per se, but find yourself at The Quail anyway, have no fear. There will be more than 200 other rare automobiles and motorcycles in the “exclusive garden-party setting” of the Quail Lodge & Golf Club. The event runs from 10:00am until 4:00pm and although I am a professional and cannot say what you should do in such a setting, I know what I would do.
The Jaguar XE SV Project 8 can also be seen at Exotics on Cannery Row. This is a free public event, meaning you can rub shoulders with the great unwashed masses. Exotics on Cannery Row showcases some of the “rarest and most exciting supercars of our time,” whatever might count as “rarest and most.” Without a sense of irony, Jag notes the Exotics on Cannery Row will happen “against the backdrop of Monterey’s historic downtown.” A previously lower socio-economic working class fishing port written about by Steinbeck before being gentrified into near-oblivion decades ago. But hey . . .
Exotics on Cannery Row runs from 3:00pm until 8:00pm, this Friday August 18th.
Tony Borroz has spent his entire life racing antique and sports cars. He means well, even if he has a bias toward lighter, agile cars rather than big engine muscle cars or family sedans.
Photo: Jaguar Land Rover.
Photos & Source: Jaguar Land Rover.

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2019 BMW X3 Release Date, Interior and Price

One more great SUV of origin Germany will come and enliven the car market SUV. 2019 BMW X3 will come at the beginning of next year with an excellent display. many rumors circulating about this car, the Interior and the exterior will also be one of the flagship cars. We also have some information about the price and also the release date of this car.

2019 BMW X3 Interior and Exterior

The new BMW X3 has somewhat grown in size in contrast to the former generation model, but absolutely nothing radically. Still, it appears incredibly properly proportioned and attributes a wagon-like shape. Better seats will be revised in the headlights. 18-inch wheels are normal when the 2019 BMW X3 can also be available with 20- and 21-inch wheels which give it far more appealing visual appeal. The other model will attribute a lot more aggressive seem normally with deeper bumpers, larger wheels and so forth.

Talking about the interior. New generation BMW X3 is extremely roomy and there may be an extraordinary area for the two front and rear passengers and also the cargo too. A sizable 10-inch touchscreen dominates the dashboard.

The typical equipment while in the X3 will consist of electrical power options, electrical power front seats. Bluetooth, rearview camera, AM/FM/CD audio method, synthetic leather upholstery, reclining rear seats, and automatic climate control. About the M Sports Bundle, you may also obtain LED headlamps, a keyless entry, panoramic roof, sporty steering, satellite radio, and so forth.

Engine Performance

How about the engine. New generation BMW X3 will include the identical engine because of the newest version. The BMW X3 xDrive30i will have a 2.0 liter and turbo-4 engine. The electrical power this engine offers is 240 horsepower and torque 255 pound-feet. The BMW X3 M40i will exploit a 3.0-liter and turbo-6. This choice will make improvements to more than the base edition to 350 horsepower and torque to 360 lb-ft. With this engine, New BMW X3 will hit 60 mph in 4.5 seconds. Both versions will be found in the blend with an 8-speed automatic transmission.

Release Date and Price

How the news about the release date and also the price of 2019 BMW X3. You can already get ready if you want to immediately have this car, latest news mentions this car already and you can book for a price you better look her directly in the official website of BMW.

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