From 1925 To 2018: Alfa Romeo Returns To Formula 1

From 1925 To 2018: Alfa Romeo Returns To Formula 1 This is great news, this is terrible news. It will be a hallmark long remembered before the whole idea sinks beneath the waves of history without so much as a bubble. Alfa Romeo, the team, the team that for so long represented Italy, the team that utterly dominated European and Grand Prix racing, the team that behaved like rank amateurs without an ounce of engineering know-how, the team of true greatness and truly great failures is returning to Formula 1.
No Guarantees
David Letterman, noted funny man, native Hoosier, Porsche aficionado, and race team owner once said, after watching one of his cars drop out while leading by country a mile: “The great thing about racing is that anything can happen. And the terrible thing about racing is that anything can happen.” He was only half kidding and 100 percent right. I’ve come to call that quip of his “Letterman’s Constant.” Ask anyone who has been around racing, and I have been around the sport my entire life, and they will tell you not only how true Letterman’s Constant is, but also how many times they’ve seen it happen.
It is another way of saying that, in racing, there are no sure things.
Weight & Significance
The nuts and bolts of this, the hows and whys and wherefores are pretty standard stuff, as to any given car company entering into the most pressurized and highest end of Motorsports. Alfa Romeo, a division of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, has signed on to be an “engine supplier” to and primary sponsor of the Swiss-based Sauber F1 Team. Pretty standard, in much the same way Honda did a few years back when they started making engines for McLaren.
What is not standard is the emotional Weight and historic Significance of this pairing (and yeah, I meant both of those to be capitalized). Although Ferrari justifiably holds the spotlight in the minds of modern Italian race fans, they are, despite all their successes (and let’s face the immutable fact that Ferrari is the best team in Grand Prix history) a bit of a newcomer. Ferrari is to Alfa Romeo the way Porsche is to Mercedes-Benz. You know that laurel wreath that rings Alfa’s badge? That was added when Alfa won the first World Manufacturers’ Championship. Not its first, the first in 1925. Alfa justifiably had the motto: Primo campione del automobili del mundo; first automotive champion of the world. Add to this a partial list of former Alfa Romeo employees: Campari, Varzi, Nuvolari, Fangio, Farina, Ascari (both father and son), and Vaccarella. Put those two factors together and what you get is this:
World Championships: 5; Mille Miglia victories: 11; Targa Florio victories: 10; outright 24 Hours of Le Mans victories: 4; European Touring Car Championships: 17. And those are just the major titles. Alfa Romeo has racked them up in Italian, French, German, and European F3 Championships; Trans-Am Championships, DTM championships, and British, Spanish, and French Touring Car Championships, with equal aplomb.
So what’s the downside here? What’s the other side of Letterman’s Constant? Two things: Alfa Romeo and Sauber.
The Alfa Romeo P2 Gran Premio lead the team to the inaugural Automobile World Championship in 1925. Photo: FCA US LLC.
With Or Without You
Have you ever lived with an Alfa Romeo? It’s like living with Monica Bellucci if she had serious bi-polar issues. It is days and nights of unbridled desire and delight and then WHAM! Next thing you know, you’re dumped on the side of the road, staring deep into the smoking ruins of what was your heart or your engine or whatever, feeling like an Old Testament prophet who has seriously offended God. “What’s this? What’s wrong? What did I do? How is this my fault? Why? WHY?!” you howl into the lonely and pitiless night.
And this fine Italian tradition, like a vendetta your third uncle is still paying for, carries on to this day. Look, I seriously desire an Alfa Romeo Giulia, but have you seen their reliability reports? And what will Alfa bring to the F1 table for 2018 when it starts in Melbourne? Who knows? But what is known (and this is where things get tricky) those engines nestled in the snug confines of a Sauber engine bay, aren’t really Alfas. They are rebadged Ferrari power units. The good news is Alfa/Sauber will be getting the latest spec Ferrari power plants from the start of the season. The bad news is that in 2017, Ferrari’s engines had a tendency to fail if you squeezed them hard.
Sure, sure, you could look at that and say it’s all a ruse and a Bad Thing, but c’mon. Rebadging engines is a fine racing tradition, and besides, Alfa has been running reconfigured Ferrari mills in their road cars for a while now. Lop off two cylinders, and you got the sublime V6 of the modern Giulia. Mount that V8 from the 360/430 up front and you’ve got the inspirational V8 of the 8C Competizione. Besides, all this badging and rebadging will raise Alfa Romeo’s image in America, where they are seriously looking to expand.
Photo: FCA US LLC.
From Hills To Mountains
And of course, there’s the Sauber end of this equation. The Swiss team (based out of a kind of nowhere town called Hinwil) has been in serious performance trouble for as long as anyone cares to remember. This is a very sad state of affairs. For a while there, Sauber was seriously knocking on the door to be one of the front runners. And before that, Sauber was a frighteningly fast team in big bore sports car racing. Their Sauber Mercedes C9s displayed top end power at Le Mans like I have never seen, and they still hold the outright terminal velocity record at the great French race: 251 miles per hour and change. They hit that speed in practice, qualifying, and throughout the race, lap in, lap out for an entire day.
How they went from there to being at the literal back of an F1 grid is frankly beyond me. They have a fantastically well run operation staffed by literal geniuses. They have a wind tunnel that NASA is envious of. They just got a new infusion of cash from Swedish investors (not sure how that dovetails, but hey, an operating budget is an operating budget). And now they’ve got even more money and backing from Alfa Romeo.
Alfa Romeo Sauber F1 Team pilots Charles Leclerc (left) and Marcus Ericsson. Photo: FCA US LLC.
Pretty Faces & Exciting Races
How can this not work? What could possibly go wrong with this chemical admixture? Simple: This is racing. And the great thing about racing is that anything can happen. And the terrible thing about racing is that anything can happen. Officially called the Alfa Romeo Sauber F1 Team, they will sport the distinctive Alfa Romeo colors and logo seen in the past, and will be on the grid in Australia for the first race of the 2018 Formula 1 World Championship. Will this work? I don’t know. But they’ll be pretty to look at, that’s easy to say.
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. 
Photos & Source: FCA US LLC.



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Cruising Through Napa Valley In The 2018 Nissan Leaf

Cruising Through Napa Valley In The 2018 Nissan Leaf Although the new Nissan Leaf shares the platform with its predecessor, that is where the similarities end. Both the interior and exterior have been completely redesigned, as well as the battery and drive motor for increases in range and power. The updates don’t stop there either: the steering and suspension have been tuned and tightened, and the chassis has been firmed. The styling changes are apparent too, and safety features like Pro Pilot Assist and Intelligent Cruise Control set the 2018 Nissan Leaf apart in the segment.
We recently attended a media event organized by Nissan to see the 2018 Leaf. The vehicle’s name is an acronym for “Leading, Environmentally Friendly, Affordable, Family Car,” so it’s only fitting the 2018 model preview took place at the beautiful LEED Platinum-certified Bardessono Hotel in Napa County, California. LEED stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design.
First Impressions
Nissan asked for customer feedback and have clearly taken note. When you see the new Leaf, it’s quite apparent it looks nothing like the one of yore. Very little semblance to the awkward lines and frog-like face can be found in this sharp, new design. Aesthetic appeal can be an emotional topic and it’s always subjective. However, opinions aside, the new styling Nissan has adopted is a significant departure from what we have become accustomed to regarding the Leaf, and most EVs from the onset. The “floating” roof with blacked out C-pillars, as well as the “V-motion grille” is found on other cars in Nissan’s lineup. The Leaf has clearly been brought into the fold and shares noticeable DNA with its gasoline-powered brethrens. The redesign is a welcome refinement and far less polarizing than the previous amphibious-faced rendition.
The family resemblance carries over to the interior as well. The vehicle as tested was a well-appointed SL trim, sporting leather-wrapped bucket seats, and a leather-stitched steering wheel, both electronically heated. The seats are firm but comfortable and the instrumentation layout is orderly and intuitive. The infotainment system is equally orderly and instinctive to use. Although the infotainment center has a similar shape to a tablet, there was clear consideration put into integrating the ubiquitous shape, opposed to the common practice of plunking an iPad lazily onto the dash.
However, there are a couple of drawbacks: some of the plastic-ey interior styling accents are quite Sentra-esque and, to be brutally honest, there is more of it than expected at this $37,000 price point. The steering wheel is adjustable but no telescoping action. The wheel position may be an issue for taller drivers as the battery pack sits below the seats, forcing a relatively high driving position. The driver’s seat used to feel a bit like sitting in the cockpit of a shrunken minivan, but now feels like the cabin of a modern car, so there is some improvement there.
2018 Nissan Leaf. Photo: Nissan Motor Corporation.
Enhanced Tech & Drivetrain: Obvious to Obscure
Although volumetrically the battery pack is the same size, Nissan cleverly increased its density by using a thinner separator and more efficient materials. By reducing the size of the separator, Nissan has allowed for greater battery cell density, essentially fitting more cells into the same amount of space. This means you get significantly more storage capacity and noticeably more power in the same amount of space, from 30kW to 40kW to be exact. This equates to roughly 150 miles on a single charge, boosting horsepower from 107 to 147, while torque climbs to 236 lb-ft.
Apple Car Play, Android Auto, and NissanConnect with navigation are optional, but vehicle tracking is one of the most unique features available. The vehicle can be tracked in real-time to make sure it stays where you left it; parents can even monitor a new driver. With EV Telematics, owner’s can set geographical boundaries on Google maps, triggering a notification to an app when the vehicle breaches the perimeter. Since Nissan has partnered with Amazon, many of the Leaf’s features, like climate control, can be activated by speaking to Alexa.





Ride & Handling
We’ve discussed the obvious and shed some light on the obscure, but this is an automobile, and the real question is how does it drive? The details of exactly what has been changed suspension-wise are a bit vague, but it’s Nissan’s claim the chassis has been “enhanced” and the steering torsion bar stiffened 10 percent. Upon entering the beautifully curvaceous B roads of Napa Valley, the steering did feel quite lithe and the feedback is surprisingly concise. The ride is a bit stiff over the rough parts but comfortable under most conditions. The 2018 Leaf has grown one inch both in length and width over previous generations to 176 by 71 inches respectively; the height remains the same at 61.4 inches.
This fact begs the question, what has transpired in the chassis development to eliminate the tall, spongy feel that befell the original? Nissan attributes the enhanced feedback and steering feel to new control logic software, which utilizes steering angle sensors and Intelligent Ride Control for managing torque under cornering. Combine the improved handling with the increased torque, and you have a recipe for fun. In an EV no less!
Photo: Nissan Motor Corporation.
Advanced Drive Modes
Like most passenger cars with automatic transmissions, there are three familiar drive indicators: “D” “N” and “R.” As you might expect, there is an ECO mode that reduces the impact of acceleration, increases regenerative braking, and even augments the HVAC to maximize battery life. Interestingly there is a “B” accommodating the “D” on the shift knob. This mode essentially feels like driving in a lower gear, creating regenerative engine braking with 2.5 times more deceleration than “D.” None of these features are revolutionary or even uncommon, however, the e-Pedal is a feature that’s uniquely electric, and included on every trim level.
This feature is sincerely conflicting for me. As a proponent of driver involvement and a member of the Manual Transmission Preservation Society, it seems somewhat contradictory I should enjoy a driving characteristic like e-Pedal; it’s fun yet uninvolving. The e-Pedal allows the driver to navigate with a single pedal (according to a study conducted by Nissan) 90 percent of the time. Not two, not three, but one pedal to accelerate, cruise, slow, even come to a complete stop and hold stationary.
This is made possible by the unique function of the electric drivetrain. Rather than applying the standard friction brake, the drive motor creates resistance capable of bringing the vehicle to a stop extraordinarily and smoothly, simply by lifting your foot from the accelerator. Not only will it slow down at a rate of 0.2 g, but it charges the battery during deceleration. The feeling can be likened to driving in second gear with increased throttle response and aggressive engine braking. Nonetheless, I found myself driving the test vehicle in e-Pedal mode most of the time . . . that is, when the Pro Pilot Assist was not activated.
Photo: Nissan Motor Corporation.
Nearly Autonomous Driving
Pro Pilot Assist is the combination of active radar cruise control (Intelligent Cruise Control) in concert with lane departure and lane guidance assist. Intelligent Cruise Control is like other radar based systems, in that the vehicle will match the speed of the car ahead. When traffic impedes forward progress, the radar detects the obstruction, then slows and accelerates to match the speed of traffic. There are three time-gap-based distance settings in the assist mode, so the driver can adjust how closely they want to follow the car ahead.
The lane guidance is based on a visual system that uses a camera to scan the road for visual inputs, namely the lines. Some lane departure and lane guidance aides wait for a vehicle to come within an approach boundary to intervene and prevent inadvertently crossing lanes. The Nissan system is more of a constant guide, gently shepherding the automobile toward the center of the lane without abruptly bouncing to and fro across it. Pilot is an apt name due to its ability to navigate subtle curves in the road, and it is probably capable of negotiating turns greater than I had the nerve to allow without intervention. Slow moving traffic is where Pro Pilot Assist really shines.
Photo: Nissan Motor Corporation.
Alarm Bells
Nissan has shrewdly added layers of safety so Pro Pilot is not abused as a purely autonomous autopilot. The dash will flash warning lights if no driver is detected at the steering wheel for 5 seconds. Should the driver not have a hand, or even a finger on the wheel after the warning lights flash, obnoxious beeping will ensue. If the alarm is allowed to reach the equivalent of cardiac arrest, Pro Pilot Assist will pump the brakes three times while synchronously beeping insufferably. If this hasn’t jarred the driver awake, evoking some sort of input, the Leaf takes matters into its own hands and assumes the driver is somehow incapacitated.
The system can bring the vehicle to a stop from 40 mph and flash the hazard lights. This final emergency stop phase is where the noises get interesting. A whooping “Red Alert” siren sounds, and were it not an actual emergency, the audible alarm is quite comical. Being the Leaf is virtually silent, this may be the best noise the car makes (unless you have the optional Bose audio package). All kidding aside, this smart tech, along with safety features like automatic emergency braking and pedestrian detection, may very well save lives.
Photo: Nissan Motor Corporation.
Conclusion
The Nissan Leaf is the most popular car in a growing EV market. It’s not a sports car, its not a luxury car, or even a Hot Hatch. It is not meant to be any of these things, and that is evident. What the Leaf is though, is an excellent commuter, and a great city car. With the extended range and ever-growing DC quick-charging network, it can be more than a mode of transport confined to city limits. The Leaf is a zero-emissions leader with flavors of sport, style, and a dash of luxury. Nissan has shown battery-operated vehicles can be packed with technology at a lower price than previous generations.
As popularity is gained in the EV market and competition increases, I believe this trend will progress and prices will continue to fall. For myself, the exciting thing about driving the new Leaf is the noticeable increase in power and torque, yet you know performance has been tuned down for the sake of sensibility. So, I can’t help wondering what the future holds if say a lightened NISMO version of the Leaf were released to the public. Or even better, a purpose-built affordable FUN EV!
Benjamin Caschera is a car nut in every sense of the word. His eclectic writings range from rants on traffic and wrenching on $500 cars, to adulation of the finest classic and/or latest hypercars. Follow and heckle him on Twitter and Instagram: @TheBoringCarGuy
2018 Nissan Leaf Gallery














Photos: Nissan Motor Corporation, Leaf Media Drive.



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Automoblog Book Garage: Porsche 70 Years

Automoblog Book Garage: Porsche 70 Years


Every so often, we see a title that captures the subject perfectly. That’s not an easy task. Take 70 years of Porsche, for example, and sum it up in only a few words. That’s a tall order but author Randy Leffingwell did it and did it rather directly.
Our publication has a certain admiration for Porsche but truthfully, we can’t always pinpoint why. It’s hard to explain – like the Apple Jacks commercials where any kid with a colorful bowl of the cereal had to field the “why, they don’t taste like apples” question.
Just Because
Porsche is, for us, effectively Apple Jacks. No, they don’t “taste” and feel like other cars. And we can’t explain why we like them, we just do, much like those who toss Apple Jacks in their cart at the grocery store. With regard to Porsche, is it the performance, the design, the history? It’s all of it really, and that’s why Leffingwell’s book is so important.
Porsche 70 Years helps put into words why we love the famed German automaker. Leffingwell walks his readers through the entire Porsche courtyard, from the 356, 904, and 917, to the 911, 928, and 935. Even the more modern flair, like the Cayman and Boxter are showcased. In-depth descriptions of the cars and significant Porsche events are accompanied by stunning, but extremely rare images.
And then there’s that wonderful title. The one that says “we like what we like and what we like is Porsche.” Just how the kids in those commercials proudly responded “we eat what we like,” we now echo similar sentiments: “there is no substitute.” We like Porsche; we love Porsche because there is no substitute.
Author
Leffingwell wrote his first book, American Muscle, in 1989 while still on staff at the Los Angeles Times. Since then, he has authored another 47 titles for Motorbooks, who we partner with for this series. Leffingwell is considered one of the top Porsche historians today, and he enjoys a close working relationship with Porsche AG. Leffingwell also wrote Porsche 911: 50 Years, a book we featured last year.
Porsche 70 Years: There Is No Substitute is available through Amazon and Motorbooks.
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2021 Toyota Tundra Redesign, Rumors and Changes

2021 Toyota Tundra Redesign, Rumors and Changes

One of the best Truck in the world will be present again in the year 2021. Toyota Tundra is one of the many great Toyota-made trucks that will give you the most extraordinary forces. The latest features of this car may be getting some updates in the rumor right will very good and sophisticated. We have information about change and prediction of the redesign to 2021 Toyota Tundra.

Interior and exterior

Talking about redesign the cabin. The new select up is going to be readily available that has a double cabin physique type. In addition to that, its loading bed is anticipated for being deeper and firmer so as to provide a lot more luggage room. We hope that LED engineering will prevail inside the rear lights also. Additionally, its rear bumper is anticipated to get located greater for better ground clearance. Sitting on substantial 18-inch wheels, the new select up truck will minimize an imposing presence.

Sticking using the total theme of modern-day resources and styling, 2021 Toyota Tundra is anticipated to possess a cozy interior featuring a fantastic dose of technological innovation and supple surfaces. Its steering wheel could have four spokes.

This will offer a maximized area for that several management buttons which are expected to provide added comfort towards the driver. Behind the steering wheel, this new choose up truck is anticipated to get a widescreen LCD display. This unit will give information such because of the speed amounts, current gear, mileage, and rev counter.

Engine Performance

2021 Toyota Tundra is recognized for that power which it wields. The electrical power by obtaining an unbiased to discover it clamber up substantial inclines and never have to have to bust perspiration along with the vitality they’ve got acquired reached weighty tow variables as essential creating utilization of the motivator. The inventive designers over at Toyota picked to provide you with varieties of engines on the Tundra. And it’s an extended way no substantial colossal shock that they are the equally V8 engine, epitomizing the electrical vitality anticipated to your vital jobs beforehand. The V8 may be a 4.5-liter beast which could produce 315 Hewlett Packard and torque of 329-lb toes. Toyota has provided a five.7-liter monster that pretty simply churns out an hp of 380 hp.

Read More : 2020 Infiniti Q70 Redesign and Spy Photos

Release Date and Price

Yet much of the information circulating about the release date and price for 2021 Toyota Tundra. You are probably very curious about this information. You’re better off waiting for official confirmation from Toyota regarding such information.

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2018 Lincoln Navigator Review: Big, Brash & Loaded With Luxury

2018 Lincoln Navigator Review: Big, Brash & Loaded With Luxury The 2018 Lincoln Navigator is big, brash, loaded with luxury, and makes no apologies for the prestige it exudes. Glamorous, beautiful, and extravagant come to mind when describing this larger-than-life SUV. We could see a movie star or NFL player stepping out of this beauty on the runway before boarding their private jet; or being escorted in it through Hollywood, on their way to the Golden Globe Awards. 
What’s New For 2018
The Lincoln Navigator received a total redesign. It’s bigger and heavier, more powerful, and more luxurious than before. This was our experience while recently road testing the 2018 Lincoln Navigator Black Label edition.
Features & Options
The 2018 Lincoln Navigator Black Label ($93,705) comes loaded with automatic climate control, 20-inch wheels, a digital instrument display, a power tailgate, leather seat upholstery, and heated front and second-row seats. Connectivity and infotainment features include a 10-inch touchscreen, Sync 3, navigation with real-time traffic, 4G LTE data services, and 14-speaker audio.
Our tester came with second-row captain’s chairs. 
The luxurious Black Label Edition includes distinctive 21-spoke 22-inch wheels, a CD player and 20-speaker audio system, trailer tow package, and the Technology safety pack. The interior is a woodsy theme known as “Destination.” Options include rear seat entertainment ($1,995) and “perfect position seats” with active motion massage ($1,250).
Total MSRP including destination: $98,145.
The 2018 Lincoln Navigator tops the latest J.D. Power Automotive Performance, Execution, and Layout (APEAL) study. The study measures owners’ emotional attachment and excitement across 77 different vehicle attributes. The Lincoln Navigator’s score of 915 (out of 1,000) makes it the highest-scoring vehicle in the automotive industry today.
Interior Highlights
Get ready to be pampered when you jump inside the 2018 Lincoln Navigator. Like the name implies, it’s meant for the discerning and for those who can afford the extra luxury this large SUV packs. The Navigator is spacious, lavish, and loaded with the spectacular.
All three rows are bathed in Venetian premium leather that is soft and supple. It’s similar to what you would expect in a lounge chair from Moore & Giles. The interior contains glossy wood panels, chrome trim, and soft-touch materials almost everywhere. The active motion massage allows the driver and front passenger to receive a relaxing massage with the push of a button.
In the back, the luxury and comfort continue with second-row captain’s chairs. Our tester came with the optional rear seat entertainment system for those longer trips. There’s plenty of room to spread out for taller riders and the third row will accommodate adults. Between the rear chairs, a center console provides storage for drinks, snacks, and electronic devices. However, it does limit cargo flexibility. 
With all seatbacks upright, cargo volume totals 19.3 cubic feet. Folding down the third rows provides 120.2 cubic feet. The power-folding third-row and power tailgate are standard.
Need even more room? The Extended-Length Navigator might fit the bill.





The new Lincoln Navigator is big, brash, and loaded with luxury.Click To TweetEngine & Fuel Mileage Specs
The Lincoln Navigator is powered by a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6, producing 450 horsepower and 500 lb-ft. of torque. It comes mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission. Our tester came with all-wheel drive and class IV trailer towing.
With all-wheel drive, the Navigator is EPA-rated at 16/21 city/highway and 18 combined mpg. The Navigator does take premium fuel to perform its best. However, when compared to other large luxury SUVs, the 2018 Lincoln Navigator holds its own just fine.  
The 2018 Lincoln Navigator also earns five stars – the highest possible government crash rating – from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s New Car Assessment Program.
If the Navigator isn’t your style, perhaps the new Ford Expedition is a better fit?
2018 Lincoln Navigator in Burgundy Velvet.
Driving Dynamics
The immense doors open wide for easy entry and exit, and power running boards also help. The first thing we noticed is how quiet the cabin is, and the ride is what you might expect from a luxury SUV in this price range. The 2018 Lincoln Navigator smooths out harsher road surfaces, despite the larger 22-inch wheels on our Black Label trim.
The twin-turbo V6 has plenty of power for any driving situation. On our drive, the extra torque helped pull this big SUV up the mountains in Colorado’s altitude. Even with its hefty size, the Navigator feels like a smaller vehicle because of the massive low-end torque.
We had no problem passing slower vehicles and maneuvering through traffic. The 10-speed automatic does shift frequently, but it’s seldom bothersome. Paddle shifters can be used to manually shift when needed.
You can switch the massaging seats on (and we did) and watch the miles melt away in comfort. Overall, the 2018 Lincoln Navigator is a pleasure to drive, and passengers will find it comfortable on those long drives.

The Lincoln Navigator is a pleasure to drive, and passengers will find it comfortable on those long drives.Click To TweetConclusion
The 2018 Lincoln Navigator delivers supreme comfort and the ultimate in luxury for discerning buyers. Sumptuous interior materials and finishes fill the vast cabin. With the second row captain’s chairs, passengers can turn on the entertainment system and feel like they are in a movie theater. Every time you get behind the wheel, it feels like a special occasion.
Denis Flierl has invested over 25 years in the automotive industry in a variety of roles. Follow his work on Twitter: @CarReviewGuy
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2018 Lincoln Navigator Official Site.
Photos: Lincoln Motor Company.



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No Tricks Only Treats: These 13 Vehicles Were Made For Halloween!

No Tricks Only Treats: These 13 Vehicles Were Made For Halloween! With Mega Millions turning into Mega Billions these days, it makes you wonder what you might do with a winning ticket. Hence why we came up with this list of Halloween vehicles. Since money would then be no object, what “scary” vehicles would we put in the driveway?
What vehicles would be a real treat this Halloween season?
The Rundown
The vehicles below are in no particular order, and our requirements were relatively simple. Mostly, they needed to have certain capabilities beyond the scope of a normal, daily driver. Like a penchant for off-roading or racing, for instance. Given these vehicles would likely be impulse buys with lottery winnings, they also needed to be reasonably available. In other words, we could put a deposit down or purchase one from a nearby dealer; on Halloween if we wanted.
That eliminates some rather wicked Hollywood rides, admittedly. Stuntman Mike’s Death Proof car, the Jeepers Creepers meat wagon and its mighty horn, and Herbie, the Love Bug are all ineligible. Yes. Herbie. A car that drives and thinks for itself is terrifying.
Enjoy the list and do bug us incessantly on Twitter if we missed a particular car. Whatever you do this Halloween season, drive something with teeth. Here are our top picks.
Dodge Challenger SRT Demon. Photo: FCA US LLC.
Dodge Challenger SRT Demon
Well duh. Obviously. First, for the name alone; second for the 840 horsepower 6.2-liter supercharged Hemi!
The SRT Demon is a mighty hammer but an ambitious and calculated one. Advanced mechanical and electronic tuning measures enhance grip and directional control. For example, the upgraded torque converter for the TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic multiplies torque by 18 percent. Furthermore, a unique rear knuckle reduces negative camber by 0.5 degrees, “standing up” the sticky drag tires to increase their contact patch.
When launched, more than one ton (2,500 lbs.) is transferred from the Challenger SRT Demon’s front wheels to the rear. And the Challenger SRT Demon breathes like a monster, with the world’s largest functional hood scoop at 45.2 square inches. During a quarter-mile run (9.65 seconds on average), the SRT Demon ingests the lung capacity of 816 humans. 816. 816!
Starting MSRP: Plan for about $85,000 but beware of dealer markup.
Pack Attack: The honorable mentions here are numerous. The Dodge Charger, both in SRT Hellcat and R/T Scat Pack skin, are worth a mention. Don’t forget the Dodge Durango SRT with its 475 horsepower 6.4 Hemi. And there are plenty of options in the Challenger brood aside from the Demon. The R/T Scat Pack 1320, SRT Hellcat Redeye, and SRT Hellcat Widebody are all great ways to scare the neighbors.
Ford Raptor. Photo: Ford Motor Company.
Ford Raptor
Dinosaurs are scary. Remember Jurassic Park? The 1993 cinematic masterpiece made us evaluate potential hiding spots should scientists ever go mad with sap-encrusted mosquitoes. Spoiler alert: avoid SUVs and bathrooms. They are T-Rex magnets! Slightly more cuddly were the Velociraptors; and the F-150 Raptor is a truck worth snuggling up to this Halloween.
For hunting down lesser trucks, the F-150 Raptor has a 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 with 450 horsepower and 510 lb-ft. of torque. Hence, running is out of the question but so is hiding. With electronically-controlled Fox 3.0 Internal Bypass shocks, Trail Control and Terrain Management systems, and massive BF Goodrich KO2 tires, the F-150 Raptor out climbs King Kong.
There is no getting away. The F-150 Raptor can smell you. And it’s hungry.
Starting MSRP: $52,855.
Point of Observation: The Ford Explorer was the worst offender in Jurassic Park. Can’t survive one T-Rex attack? No way to trust it against a real predator like potholes.
Lincoln MKT. Photo: Ford Motor Company.
Lincoln MKT
Ford makes our list with an entry from their Lincoln arm. Unlike the F-150 Raptor with its massive performance stats, the MKT stands out (despite an EcoBoost engine) for a different reason.
It looks like a hearse.
Starting MSRP: $43,530.
Bonus: The 2018 MKT comes with a THX sound system. Throw on any scary music, from pipe organ solos to Ricky Martin, and the MKT becomes the perfect Halloween decoration for the homestead.
Death Becomes Her: The MKT only narrowly avoided the automotive graveyard. Its second lease on life comes as an option for fleet buyers.
Nissan GT-R. Photo: Nissan North America.
Nissan GT-R
Godzilla crushed a few buildings, so too will you smash a few speed limit signs with this all-wheel drive beast.
Vehicle design was paramount when it came to the 2018 GT-R; any and all visual changes were intended to increase downforce, reduce drag, and terrify smaller sedans. Engineers worked specifically to eliminate “hood deformation” to improve aerodynamic performance at higher speeds. The “curving profile” of the front under spoiler is worth noting too. As in, this is not the car you want to see in your rearview mirror.
Pure, Premium, and Track Edition GT-Rs are equipped with Nissan’s 3.8-liter DOHC 24-valve V6. The engine creates 565 horsepower and 467 lb-ft. of torque. By comparison, the GT-R NISMO is rated at 600 horsepower and 481 lb-ft. of torque. Each engine is hand-assembled in a special clean room by skilled technicians known as Takumi Craftsmen.
Takumi Craftsmen are like the wind . . . you only hear them, never see them.
Starting MSRP: About $100,000 with the NISMO editions climbing to $175,490.
BMW M3 CS. Photo: BMW of North America, LLC.
BMW M3 CS
The 2018 BMW M3 CS is lighter and more performance-oriented. This philosophy, admittedly, serves better on a list about cars for New Year’s Day – e.g., I’m going to lose weight and get more accomplished this year.
But like the GT-R above, the last thing you want is a BMW M3 CS on your tail, especially if you fancy things made by Mercedes-Benz. The M3 CS dishes out plenty of spine-tingling thrills with a 453 horsepower inline turbo six and a multi-mode Adaptive M Suspension. For good measure, the Active M Differential enhances traction and stability.
Which means, if the BMW M3 CS wants to run you down it will. Easily.
Starting MSRP: Around $98,000.
Point of Observation: Taking into consideration our guidelines for this list, an M3 CS might be hard to come by. BMW made a mere 1,2000 models, 550 of which were designated for the United States.
When carbon fiber and stainless steel tailpipes join forces to create a truly amazing performance car. That’s the story of the 2018 BMW M3 CS. And there’s more engine and suspension stuff too but still . . . read more here.
Bugatti Chiron Sport. Photo: Bugatti Automobiles S.A.S.
Bugatti Chiron Sport
Another hard one to come by as just 500 Chiron vehicles are planned for production. On average, only about 70 cars leave the Bugatti factory yearly as is. The high-society Chiron Sport is the latest result of such precise manufacturing, complete with a more dynamic handling package, stiffer suspension, and special torque vectoring contorls.
The Chiron Sport’s lap times on the Nardò handling circuit are five seconds better than the normal Chiron. Five seconds is an eternity. Michael Myers could cover a respectable distance in that amount of time.
Starting MSRP: €2.65 million net, or $3.26 million for the U.S. market, including transport, customs duties, taxes, and fees. But the most terrifying thing about any Chiron? Maintenance costs. Don’t Google them either. You will make yourself sicker than that time you ate all your Halloween candy in one night.
Aston Martin DBS Superleggera. Photo: Aston Martin The Americas.
Aston Martin DBS Superleggera
The front grille of the Aston Martin DBS Superleggera mirrors a honeycomb, and not by happenstance. Designers took inspiration from nature and found it among the bees. Things that sting. Let’s recall other famous scary things associated with bees. Like the Candyman for example.
The Aston Martin DBS Superleggera is powered by a 5.2-liter twin-turbo V12, cranking out 700 plus horsepower and 650 lb-ft. of torque. That should strike fear in unsuspecting sedans on the interstate.
MSRP: $304,995.
Point of Observation: The 2015 flick Stung shows what happens when giant killer wasps descend on ritzy garden parties. But you don’t have to worry. You drove your DBS Superleggera to the event. When the stingin’ starts, jump in that bad boy and outrun those ravenous, blood-thirsty hornets.
$304,995? Worth every penny now, huh?
Kia Stinger GT2. Photo: Kia Motors America.
Kia Stinger
Speaking of getting stung, it’s even more painful from an automaker you don’t expect.
Kia’s engineers put the Stinger through nearly 500 laps of high-intensity driving around the Nürburgring, the equivalent of about 6,200 miles. The foundation for Kia’s Gran Turismo car is a stiff, NVH resistant chassis, comprised of 55 percent advanced high-strength steel. The available 3.3-liter twin-turbo V6 Lambda II engine packs 365 horsepower and 376 lb-ft. of torque for a top speed of 167 mph.
The Audi S5 Sportback, BMW 440i Gran Coupe, and Infiniti Q50 should mind the hair on the back of their necks. If it stands up, it’s a Kia Stinger on their six.
Starting MSRP: $31,900 for the base Stinger. Premium and GT grades come in at $37,100 and $38,350, respectively.
Fiat 124 Spider Abarth
Another “stinger” in its own right, the Fiat 124 Spider lives up to that scorpion insignia with a turbo-four sending 164 horsepower to the rear wheels. Toss in the Bilstein sport suspension, mechanical limited-slip differential, and Brembo brakes, and the 124 Spider Abarth has treats galore for your Halloween tastes.
Starting MSRP: Right around $30,000. Not bad at all.
Need more speed? An in-depth look at the fastest cars in the world today.
Chevy Colorado ZR2 Bison. Photo: Chevrolet.
Chevy Colorado ZR2 Bison
Remember those little shop trucks that would run around town, making deliveries or service runs? Wonder where they went? Well now we know. The ZR2 Bison trampled them. To death.
The Bison ZR2 comes with an Autotrac transfer case, front and rear locking differentials, and Multimatic DSSV dampers. The Bison sports a 3.42:1 rear axle ratio and 3.5-inch wider front and rear tracks. The suspension is raised by two inches and an optional hood snorkel allows for more efficient engine breathing.
In other words, just like the Raptor, there is no hiding from the Bison. It can smell you. And it’s hungry.
On the engine front, a 3.6 V6 generates 308 horsepower and 275 lb-ft. of torque. The available Duramax diesel, by comparison, joins the party with 186 horsepower and 369 lb-ft. of torque.
Starting MSRP: Chevy has not released pricing, although the truck is expected in January.
Rezvani TANK Military Edition Photo: Rezvani Motors.
Rezvani TANK Military Edition
The zombies in I Am Legend were smart. And brainy brain-eaters can only be evaded by bullish and brawny vehicles. Ask Will Smith how that Ford Expedition worked out. Spoiler alert. It didn’t.
Hence, why we need the Rezvani TANK Military Edition.
This World War Z cruiser comes with two engines: a 6.4-liter, 500 horsepower V8 or a 6.2-liter 707 horsepower V8. If those figures look familiar, it’s becasue they are sourced from the Dodge Charger and Challenger lineup, the latter engine being of the Hellcat variety. And the TANK Military Edition is lighter than it looks too, clocking in at 4,300 lbs.
When fighting through the hordes, engage the magnetic dead-bolts and electrified door handles. As the zombies try to grab on, they will be in for a shock. After that, deploy the “Smoke Screen” feature so you can stage your getaway.
Starting MSRP: $295,000. But your other option is to re-enforce some parking shuttles. Ask the characters in the 2004 remake of Dawn of the Dead how well that went. Spoiler alert. It didn’t.
This #Halloween season, drive something with teeth!Click To TweetThe Minivan
So you sold your soul. It’s not that bad. It’s like The Body Snachers kinda. Once you’ve been “snatched” you don’t exactly know it. You still walk around and stuff. Just without emotion. Like Adam Sandler in Click, minus the angelic Christopher Walken to mentor you.
Toyota Prius
At first glance, there is nothing scary about Toyota’s fuel sipper but consider this: while we should fear mountain lions, it’s the domesticated cats that subtly flop down in our path with the intention to trip us in our own home.
You have been warned.
Happy Halloween!
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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TU-Automotive Europe Dives Deep Into Connected Cars, Future Mobility

TU-Automotive Europe Dives Deep Into Connected Cars, Future Mobility The 16th annual TU-Automotive Europe Conference & Exhibition beings on October 30th.
The event examines the challenges and opportunities facing connected vehicles and future mobility. 
Speakers include representatives from Renault Group, Skoda, Renault Nissan Alliance, NIO among others.
What does the future hold as cars become more connected and tech-focused? How does that impact things like cybersecurity and consumer trust? TU-Automotive Europe will examine these questions and others at length when the conference opens on October 30th at the Infinity Hotel & Conference Resort in Munich.
“The automotive industry is on the cusp of a profound transformation,” explained Lisa Brailsford, Conference Director, TU-Automotive Europe. “It’s not just about user experience, it’s also about the customer journey, the changing face of mobility, and the penetration of AI in every aspect of daily life.”
Preparing For Tomorrow
Organizers say TU-Automotive Europe provides an engaging program to address the pressing questions as cars become more technologically advanced. Over 750 automotive professionals are expected for the two day event, which covers everything from connected and autonomous vehicles, to electrification and future mobility solutions.
“It is re-engineering our business ideals away from traditional and towards pioneering, from hardware to software,” Brailsford continued. “It is make or break time for the industry – tomorrow is already here.”
Organizers say they want to inspire attendees with case studies on new business models, and provide real technical solutions to the biggest hurdles facing the automotive industry. Hence why organizers spent months researching and planning the conference’s program of events.
“TU-Automotive Europe is one of Europe’s premier automotive conferences because it brings together the whole ecosystem to have a meaningful dialogue about the issues that really matter in automotive right now,” Brailsford said.

Robust Program & Agenda
The TU Automotive Europe agenda and program includes:
Auto, Hyper Connected: From V2X to UX, future vehicles will rely more on connectivity. This takes a honest look at the current infrastructure and other value-added services, including connected commerce.
Collaborate & Integrate: Attendees will examine how to develop lasting partnerships and ways to capitalize on new business models. Because such ideas are important to the health of the automotive business, this aspect of TU-Automotive Europe is one of the most important.
Understanding the Human: This will examine how to develop digital services that enhance the user experience for consumers. Organizers have also planned an “autonomous vehicle education strategy” for this part of the program.
Cities Get Smart: Attendees will see how new and innovative ideas can reduce emissions while still providing services that satisfy urban mobility needs.
Tech Redefining the Vehicle: This area of TU-Automotive Europe looks at autonomous driving and new use-cases for AI, cybersecurity, and blockchain.
The Auto Business Earthquake: New business models and ecosystems are the theme here. This part of the program will examine how to hire the right people, for instance. Yet, it goes farther, as attendees will discover ways to develop the right business culture for the digital era.

Join the most innovative minds in connected cars, mobility, and autonomous vehicles. TU-Automotive Europe is two days of in-depth insights, disruptive tech, and valuable networking. Automoblog readers receive a special 100 euro discount with the code AUTB100. Book tickets for TU-Automotive Europe now.
Expert Speakers & Networking Opportunities
Representatives from Renault Group, Renault Nissan Mitsubishi Alliance, Skoda, JLR, Bosch, Transpolis, and others will be on hand. Expert speakers include Dieter May, BMW Senior Vice President, Digital Products and Services, Ana Cristina Hernández, SEAT Cyber Security Analyst, and Salvatore Romeo, IBM Business Development Executive – Global Automotive, Aerospace & Defense Industries. 
Networking events, including a drinks reception at the end of the first day, are also on the agenda.
“The quality of the conference program, speakers, and attendees mean can network and connect with the people that matter,” Brailsford said. “It offers so much more than just an exhibition and a conference – real relationships start and are built here.”

Network with over 750 automotive professionals, including OEMs, Tier 1 suppliers, software companies, government entities, and startups.
Visit 30 different booths and discover technologies to enhance your connected and autonomous vehicle products and services.
Explore the 40 plus sessions on topics like connected services, ADAS and autonomous vehicles, e-mobility, urban mobility, and others.
Tickets are available here. Use the promo code AUTB100 for a special discount.

Location & Tickets
TU-Automotive Europe will take place at the Infinity Hotel & Conference Resort in Munich, October 30th and 31st. The full program can be found here; the complete lineup of expert speakers here.
Project Kairos is new for TU-Automotive Europe this year. As part of Project Kairos, startup companies can make their pitches and receive advice and insights from investors.



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Swedish Families Help Volvo Develop Autonomous Vehicles

Swedish Families Help Volvo Develop Autonomous Vehicles
Swedish families are playing an instrumental role in Volvo’s autonomous vehicle development. The Hains and Simonovskis from Gothenburg, Sweden are already navigating the city in XC90 SUVs as part of Volvo’s Drive Me program. The families are utilizing XC90s equipped with autonomous technology just as they would any other vehicle for their daily routines. Volvo’s engineers will use the corresponding feedback and impressions to further develop the company’s driverless technology.
Volvo plans to have fully automated cars available by 2021.
Daily Lives
Three more families are expected to join early next year and Volvo says up to 100 people will be involved in the Drive Me program. Volvo’s engineers will monitor and study how the autonomous XC90 SUVs accompany these families throughout the day, from taking the kids to school to getting groceries. Volvo says the Drive Me program is about real customers testing the different stages of driver assisted and, eventually, fully autonomous technology.
The Hain family. Photo: Volvo Car Group.
Family Matters
The Hain family comprises of Alex and Paula (45 years old), and their daughters Filippa (17) and Smilla (14). The Hains were the first ones selected to take part in the Drive Me initiative earlier this year. Joining the Hain’s are Sasko Simonovski (44) and his wife Anna (41), and their children Elin (10) and Villiam (8). The Volvo XC90s received by both families feature the automaker’s latest driver assistance suite, complete with a variety of cameras and sensors.
“Drive Me is an important research project for Volvo Cars,” said Henrik Green, Senior Vice President for Volvo’s R&D department. “We expect to learn a lot from engaging these families and will use their experiences to shape the development of our autonomous driving technology, so that by 2021 we can offer our customers a fully autonomous car.”
During the initial stages, the Hains and Simonovskis will keep their hands on the wheel as they normally would any other vehicle. Over time, Drive Me participants will gradually be introduced to more advanced driverless technology after receiving special training. Volvo says these more advanced vehicles will first be introduced in controlled environments with supervision from a safety expert.
The Simonovski family. Photo: Volvo Car Group.
Forward Thinking
Proponents of autonomous driving have pointed to a number of benefits, including a world where no single person is hurt or killed in a traffic accident. Volvo’s Vision 2020 commitment is about developing technology to create a safer world, including the end goal of eliminating road fatalities. Across the industry, global summits on automated driving are being held to address and overcome the challenges facing autonomous cars.
“It feels great to be a part of this project,” commented Alex Hain. “We get the chance to be part of developing technology that will one day save lives.”
Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and resides in Detroit, Michigan. 
Photos & Source: Volvo Car Group.



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2018 Subaru BRZ tS Arrives This Spring, Limited To 500 Units

2018 Subaru BRZ tS Arrives This Spring, Limited To 500 Units Finally, finally, finally! Subaru just announced they will be rolling out a limited edition, performance version of the BRZ sports coupe for 2018. Like many of you, I have been waiting impatiently for Subaru to let the STI gurus have a go at their everso enjoyable sports coupe. And although this is not the full-blown fire-breather of our dreams, at least it’s a start.
Holiday Wishes
The BRZ is a great little car. In a lot of ways, it’s sort of like the Miata coupe that Mazda never made. It’s light, handles well, is real-wheel drive, inexpensive and, sadly, not nearly as powerful as it could be. You, me, them, all of us gearheads know it would be so easy to drop a bigger mill under that low hood. And Subaru already has them, just waiting on the shelf. Yes, we all understand the exigencies of price points for the given buyer demographic, and insurance burdens, but c’mon Subaru (we seemed to have collectively begged) Do. The. Right. Thing. and make a higher performance version of the BRZ.
Performance Tech
Officially it’s called the 2018 BRZ tS (tuned by STI). So it’s not even an official STI deal, it’s just Subie’s in-house skunk works breathed on it here and there. But what they have done is rather nice, even if it’s not Earth-shakingly significant. The BRZ tS adds STI-tuned front and rear SACHS dampers (shocks) and coil springs along with an STI flexible V-brace in the engine compartment to stiffen things up. New draw stiffeners are added to the chassis and sub-frame to improve steering response. You’d figure the torsional rigidity is now on balance with the main wing spar of a Boeing 747.
Subaru has also upped the wheel size for the first time. The BRZ tS comes equipped with lightweight, 18-inch wheels sporting 215/40 R18 Michelin Pilot Sport tires for mollusk-like grip and quicker turn-ins. The brakes are Brembo rotors clamped by 4-piston front calipers and 2-piston rear calipers for better stopping power, fade resistance, and pedal feel.
Exterior Design
The exterior is said to be more aggressive thanks to an exclusive STI carbon fiber rear spoiler. The rear wing is manually adjustable so you can “fine-tune rear downforce for track driving.” Yeah, have fun playing with that, but just remember aerodynamics is a Science with a capital “S” and your hospital stay can be Long with a capital “L” and Expensive with a capital “E.” Proceed with caution. Anyway, the 2018 BRZ tS also has front, rear, and even side underspoilers for better airflow and increased traction and stability. The 2018 BRZ tS is available in three colors: WR Blue Pearl, Crystal Black Silica, and Crystal White Pearl. You will get the World Rally Blue.
Like it’s limited edition sibling, the WRX STI Type RA, the BRZ tS is embellished with an exclusive Cherry Blossom Red accent around the front grille and rear bumper cover. The official BRZ tS badge in chrome and red is on the front grille and rear hatch. The exterior mirrors (which can fold), the roof-mounted shark fin antenna, and the BRZ and Subaru badging are all finished in black. Sadly, the fog lights have been removed and replaced with “unique fog light covers.” More light is always better, but Subie has a habit of taking away fog and driving lights to differentiate their more special versions.
Interior Treatments
The cockpit is highlighted by black leather and Alcantara upholstery, with contrasting red stitching and accents all the way through the interior; steering wheel, door and dash panels, knee pads, shifter, emergency brake boot, and visor over the gauge cluster. The front seats even have red leather bolsters and the seatbacks are embroidered with the tS logo. The front seat belts are red and the rearview mirror is frameless. There is a standard 4.2-inch LCD multi-function display positioned next to the tach that shows vehicle performance data: things like lateral Gs, accelerator pedal position, braking force, steering angle, oil and coolant temperature, battery voltage, and an integrated stop watch for recording lap times. I like that bit!
Pricing & Availability
The 2018 hot rod BRZ tS (tuned by STI) will be limited to 500 units and ring out at $33,495, not prohibitively expensive. Expect to see the BRZ tS at Subaru retailers this spring.
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.
Photo & Source: Subaru of America, Inc.



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