Automotive

2020 Mercedes-Benz GLS Redesign, Release Date, Price

Germany is indeed the origin of the car have been known in one of the best cars ever. Mercedes-Benz GLS will come with a few changes that we think will make you more confident entering this car in your plans. Great performance will present on the latest-generation 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLS. the plug-in hybrid will most likely be available for model 2020.

2020 Mercedes-Benz GLS

The redesign will be our discussion on this article. Much speculation circulating about this car. Competition for this car will be at the start of the Infiniti QX80 which is a rival with this car. And we should not forget the Lexus LX 570 and also competitors should beware of such in the Lincoln Navigator.

Interior and Exterior

Talking about the exterior of 2020 Mercedes GLS, this vehicle has the search of SUV. Also, Mercedes-Benz GLS is going to be presentable and amazing. The driver will discover that there are a lot of powerful options while in the exterior layout. A number of improvements consist of the grille, headlights, oxygen consumption, and lots of far more. Moreover, there’s a rumor said that this car features a large exterior physique for this kind of a classy sports car.

Relating to towards the interior, 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLS comes in the higher class cozy cabin. This auto will satisfy you with seven individuals in it. Numerous seats are upholstered properly with leather materials. There is certainly also the center unit that may be flanked rightly together with the mixture of hardwood, aluminum, and fiber of carbon dietary.

Additionally, there is certainly 8 inc touch screens which are made use of to accessibility the media and any infotainment approach. There are certainly other characters within this vehicle that will satisfy the consumers drastically. The driver will obtain various considerable adjustments while in the interior of this vehicle, just like the music process, air conditioning program, heating technique, burglar alarm, and much more.

Engine Performance

The engine on the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLS is going to be positioned numerous styles of engines. Nonetheless, this time the producer must present engines with mild-hybrid technology. The already acquainted is a 3.0-liter V-6 turbocharged engine which can be ready to create 360 horsepower and 360 lb-ft of torque. It functions by using a 9-speed automatic plus the all-wheel-drive program is normal. It will get 17 mpg inside the city and 22 mpg over the highway.

The next is really a 4.7-liter V8 twin-turbocharged unit. This engine is capable of creating 440 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque. It will eventually also use the very same 9-speed gearbox and common AWD. At the same time, it is rated at 14 mpg while in the city and 19 mpg over the highway. In addition, the range-topping GLS 63 will likely be powered by a 5.5-liter and V8 engine which can be able to generate 570 hp. It’ll be coupled which has a 7-speed automatic transmission. The all-wheel drive can also be standard. This engine gets 13 mpg in the city, 18 mpg about the highway, and 15 mpg mixed.

Release date and Price

According to rumors circulating. Mercedes-Benz 2020 GLS will be present in the summer of next year. But rumors. And there is also rumor has it in the middle of the year 2020. You are probably very curious about the release date of this car. until now Mercedes-Benz has yet to provide information on this news. How about the price. The price for the moment not available. But dare we speculate a price for 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLS will be around $70.550.

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Aston Martin Vantage GT3 To Take On Abu Dhabi

Aston Martin Vantage GT3 To Take On Abu Dhabi Aston Martin Racing’s new Vantage GT3 set for the Gulf 12 Hours.
Three works drivers will join the partner teams in the Abu Dhabi event.
Aston Martin will be dragging three of its customer teams halfway around the globe to run the endurance race at the sparkling Yas Marina circuit in Abu Dhabi. This can easily be seen as Aston carrying on the fine tradition of factories supporting gentleman race drivers and semi-independent teams.
They could win, but they will most surely have fun.
Desert Gold Mines
A few years back, Abu Dhabi, as a nation, realized they were sitting on a small ocean of oil, which effectively means they were sitting on a small ocean of money. Thankfully (from a gearhead perspective) they decided to spread some of that cheese all over the desert floor in the form of a not-at-all-bad racing complex. At the time, the rumors were they dumped more than a billion dollars into the project, and boy, it sure looks like it. Yas Marina (the name of the place) looks like a race track from a sci-fi movie set 50 years in the future.
And, from what I gather, it’s a blast to drive.
Hence, F1 runs there, locals run there and, in the case of Aston Martin, we will see three Aston Martin Racing partner teams run the new Aston Martin Vantage GT3 at the Gulf 12 Hours on December 15th.
Related: An in-depth look at the Aston Martin Racing Vantage GTE.
Aston Martin Vantage GT3. Photo: Aston Martin The Americas.
Team Work Makes The Dream Work
The lead teams will be Oman Racing and TF Sport in the PRO class. A good choice since Oman Racing finished on the podium, third overall, at the same event in 2015. They also came in second in the PRO/AM class last year. The graph is running in the right direction. The Oman entry will be piloted by two Brits, the works drivers Darren Turner, a three-time Le Mans class winner and another team regular Jonny Adam. Joining them will be Omani racer Ahmad Al Harthy.
TF Sport, which has been campaigning an Aston Martin V8 Vantage GTE in the FIA World Endurance Championship, also ran a V12 Vantage GT3 in the 2018 Blancpain Endurance Series as well as the British GT Championships. So no wet-behind-the-ears newbies here. TF will be running the new Vantage GT3 in the UK next year, so gaining experience at the Abu Dhabi enduro will be quite valuable.
Photo: Aston Martin The Americas.
New Prospects
Also in the PRO class will be up-and-comers R-Motorsport. They’ve already won once in the Blancpain Endurance Series with the V12 Vantage GT3, nabbing three consecutive pole positions in their debut season. R-Motorsport have been loyal and long-time campaigners of Aston Martin racing cars, so the factory gave them full backing for this race.
“We are really excited to run the new Aston Martin Vantage GT3 on its debut outing outside Europe,” explained R-Motorsport Team Principal Florian Kamelger. “The challenging event in Abu Dhabi will give us the best opportunity to test the car in a long-distance race before we run it in 2019.”
R-Motorsport will have their regular drivers, Jake Dennis and Marvin Kirchhöfer, with a third yet to be confirmed. Just to mention: I can be contacted at: One Automoblog Towers, Detroit Michigan. Although I do not come cheap, I am available.

Further Representation
Aston Martin will also be represented in the PRO AM class by Beechdean AMR, running a Vantage GT3. This will be the race debut for Beechdean AMR. Although new, the team will be headed up in the driving department by two-time British GT and European Le Mans Series champion Andrew Howard (another Brit) and Humaid al Masaood from the United Arab Emirates.
The journeyman Chris Dyson from the good ol’ USA and British works driver Ross Gunn complete the lineup.
“Having been the first team to run the outgoing multiple race and championship winning Vantage, it is a real privilege to be part of a lineup with the first AM drivers to race the new Vantage GT3,” said Beechdean AMR Team Owner Andrew Howard. “We have been lucky enough to test the prototype and if that is anything to go by, then it will be as big a leap from the current car as the Vantage was from the glorious DBRS9.”
Related: Aston Martin Vantage – styling wonder or blunder?
In Person
This will be the eighth running of the Gulf 12 Hours, which will be split into two six-hour races. It all takes place on December 15th. It will most definitely be worth checking out.
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
Photos & Source: Aston Martin The Americas.

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2019 Ford GT Carbon Series: Velocity Mutants Welcome

2019 Ford GT Carbon Series: Velocity Mutants Welcome The Ford GT Carbon Series is the lightest in the blue oval’s GT lineup.
The GT Carbon Series is both track-ready and street-legal.
The window to apply for ownership, however, is slim.
The latest Ford GT hasn’t even hit the secondary market, and Dearborn is already messing with it, making it lighter, faster, and just plain sharper all the way around. Sure, it’s not perfect (what car is?) but with these updates, Ford edges (no pun intended) their GT a little bit closer to perfection.
Ford makes no bones about this new GT having a split personality. “The GT Carbon Series will be shredding tracks soon as the lightest of the road-going Ford supercars – and unlike its sibling racer, it will want to be driven home after time sheets are collected,” reads a statement from the company.
And how can I, or any other track-rat out there, argue with that? Sure, sure, coming up with a ride that is killer on the track is pretty easy. But driving it home after you’ve raced? That can be another problem all together.
Light = Right
The stuff you do to a car to make it perform better on the track – removing everything you can, tightening up the suspension, taking out the sound-proofing to save weight, ditching the air conditioning, stuff like that – only makes it loud, sweaty, and buck like a lumber cart through traffic.
Ford has done that for you, without throwing the baby out with the bathwater.
The Ford GT Carbon Series shelves nearly 40 lbs. thanks to a host of lightweight advances, like carbon fiber wheels, a titanium exhaust and lug nuts, and a polycarbonate rear hatch with better venting for hot air extraction. The carbon fiber wheels are killer, so much so that a number of racing series outright ban them. The titanium exhaust is a nice touch; great material, but expensive to replace. Same goes for the titanium lug nuts, although that’s not very new.
Ferrari has been doing that for 20 years now, cough, cough.
Ditto for the polycarbonate rear hatch. Hey, if it’s good enough for fighter jet canopies, then who am I to argue?
Related: How a rivalry with Ferrari spawned the Ford GT.
2019 Ford GT Carbon Series. Photo: Ford Motor Company.
The Cup Holders Have Left The Building
On the flip side, Ford kept just enough conveniences from the “normal” GT (can you use that word with a car like this?) to make it, at the very least livable, if not exactly usable in everyday situations. The air conditioning is still there, because you know it’s going to get hothothot inside. They also kept the SYNC 3 radio.
“While the Ford GT Competition model appeals to hardcore racing enthusiasts, we found more customers asking for more exposed carbon fiber with the air conditioning and radio still intact,” explained Lance Mosley, Marketing Manager, Ford Performance. “So we developed the Carbon Series to satisfy that need, while providing a distinct look.”
Personally, I would have no problem with ditching the radio. In a car like this, I’m getting enough music from that exhaust and those tires screaming for mercy. Ford, much to their credit, drew the line at the cup holders. I do not have a steering wheel on my coffee table, why do I need a cup holder in my track car?
Also sacrificed to the god of lightness: the driver’s side seat storage bin.
2019 Ford GT Carbon Series interior layout. Photo: Ford Motor Company.
More Carbon Fiber Please
To show off just how special this version is, and to remind you over and over again where the “carbon” in GT Carbon Series comes from, there’s more visible carbon fiber than any other Ford GT. There’s optional accent colors so you stand out from the more plebian GTs, and show what a velocity mutant you really are.
There are two exposed carbon fiber stripes and the interior is slathered in the aerospace stuff as well.
If you are one of the lucky purchasers of the 2019 Ford GT Carbon Series, you can choose between four optional accent colors: silver, orange, red, or blue. Those accents will be found on the mirror caps, center stripe, and brake calipers. You also get a unique seat pattern with silver stitching that is repeated on the steering wheel.
The paddle shifters are clear anodized deals and there’s a unique badge for the instrument panel.
Related: An in-depth look at the Ford GT’s Brembo Braking system.
Photo: Ford Motor Company.
I do not have a steering wheel on my coffee table, why do I need a cup holder in my track car?Click To TweetAvailability
Prospective owners can submit their applications now but time is running out according to Ford. Which is a nicer way to utter: “On your knees before us, supplicant! We are not sure if you are valuable of our bounty!!”
Hey, I’d fill out the forms and wait in line too, if I had the cash. But I don’t. Cause I’m an Automotive Journalist. But a boy can dream, can’t he?
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
2019 Ford GT Carbon Series Gallery

Photos & Source: Ford Motor Company.

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2019 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk Review: Pavement Not Required

2019 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk Review: Pavement Not Required When Jeep brought the Cherokee back in 2014, they were hoping it would be a big hit with consumers. Well, they hit a home run because it lands in the top 20 best-selling vehicles in America, with more sales than its Grand Cherokee big brother. It comes in seven different trim levels and offers something for just about everyone looking for a small, all-wheel drive SUV.
This week, we are testing a trail-ready, 2019 Cherokee Trailhawk Elite 4×4.
What’s New For 2019?
The Jeep Cherokee gets new exterior styling, an optional turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, and an upgraded infotainment system.
Features & Options: Plenty To Pick From
The off-road-themed 2019 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk Elite 4×4 ($33,320) comes with an advanced all-wheel drive system (Active Drive II with Active Drive Lock). It also boasts slightly wider 17-inch wheels and all-terrain tires, an off-road-oriented suspension, locking rear differential, plus hill ascent and descent controls. Skid plates, tow hooks, unique exterior trim, and special interior upholstery are also standard.
Drivers in colder climates will apprentice the remote start.
Our Trailhawk tester also came with the optional Elite package, Technology group, and the upgraded sound and navigation systems. Total MSRP including destination: $40,245. By comparison, the 2019 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk starts at $33,695.
The 2019 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk offers plenty of off-road capability for a smaller SUV. The optional V6 provides smooth, assertive power.
Interior Highlights: Classy & Composed
On the inside, the Trailhawk looks as good as the outside. It’s loaded with leather and premium touches like heated and ventilated front seats. In fact, the heated steering wheel came in handy this week during our chilly Colorado mountain runs, during which we tested this Trailhawk. Other nice touches include the rear backup camera, power liftgate, remote start, eight-way power driver’s seat, and four-way driver lumbar adjustments.
The interior is stylish and comfortable and much different than the Cherokee of the 90s. It’s almost too nice to take off-road, even though this SUV is highly capable. The cabin features black vents, brown titanium-like trim, and stitched leather on the dash. The center console has been redesigned, being shifted slightly rearward, creating a space for stashing a cell phone near a USB port. There’s also a 115-volt outlet and the latest version of FCA’s Uconnect infotainment system.
Behind the front seat, the 40.3 inches of rear legroom is nearly two inches more than the Grand Cherokee. The 60/40 rear seats fold flat easily for more cargo carrying ability. Jeep has included more volume for the rear area for 2019, which expands to 26 cubic feet. That’s wide enough to accommodate a pair of golf bags, according to Jeep.
With the rear seats folded flat, max cargo is 55 cubic feet.
Although the V6 can be a bit noisy, the 2019 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk accelerates nicely.
Engine & Fuel Mileage Specs
Our Trailhawk came with the optional 3.2-liter V6 that produces 271 horsepower and 239 lb-ft. of torque. The engine is mated to a nine-speed automatic, standard in all Cherokees. Jeep’s 3.6-liter has been one of Ward’s 10 Best Engines and it’s a strong suite for the brand.
EPA-ratings for our tester with the V6 were 18/24 city/highway and 21 combined mpg. By comparison, the 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbo for the Trailhawk comes in at 20/26 city/highway with a combined of 22.
Related: In June 1941, the United States Army sought new proposals for a lightweight, four-wheel drive combat truck. And that’s how Jeep was born.
Driving Dynamics: Off-Road Ready
The 2019 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk has a stiffer ride due to the off-road suspension, but it was surprisingly smooth on the highway. The nine-speed transmission is mostly seamless, but we noticed a slight hesitation between gear changes at lower speeds. This could be the result of first gear being an aggressive 4.71:1 for low-end performance.
But gears six through nine are all geared higher for the highway. Ninth gear is a super overdrive, at 0.48:1. By contrast, the low gear ratio for first gear is perfect for off-road driving.
If you are looking for a true off-road oriented SUV, the Trailhawk is the ticket. The Active Drive Lock (with a two-speed Power Transfer Unit), locking rear differential, and raised, off-road suspension make short work of the trails. It’s designed for climbing over and descending down the steepest terrain. For example, the Trailhawk’s crawl ratio of 56:1 nearly matches the Jeep Wrangler’s.
The 2019 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk feels tight and controlled off-road.
Traction Modes: A Jeep Thing
The Trailhawk comes with a Selec-Terrain system for extra traction and stability when the pavement ends. It has five modes: Auto, Snow, Sport, Sand/Mud, and Rock. There’s a new independent suspension to compliment the increased torsional rigidity in the frame. After we got off the highway, we drove over a steep mining road between Evergreen and Idaho Springs for a good test.
That’s an area we don’t normally travel on our test drives, unless we have something like this Jeep.
Don’t be fooled by its good looks, the 2019 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk will go wherever you point it. We shouldn’t be surprised because it’s still a Jeep.
Those who visit far-off fishing cabins, do a lot of skiing, or live in places like the Upper Peninsula of Michigan should have this Jeep at the top of their shopping list.
Related: The 707 horsepower Jeep that’s a blast to drive!
Conclusion: High Marks Overall
The 2019 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk is near the top of the Cherokee line, and comes with more goodies for the adventure seeker. But it’s so nice on the inside, it makes us wonder if buyers will be afraid to hit those more serious trails. Still, the Trailhawk is truly in an off-road class of its own because it will take its owner anywhere they want to go.
Denis Flierl has invested over 25 years in the automotive industry in a variety of roles. Follow his work on Twitter: @CarReviewGuy
2019 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk Gallery

2019 Jeep Cherokee Official Site.
Photos: FCA US LLC.

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2020 Kia Forte GT: Little But Also Big

2020 Kia Forte GT: Little But Also Big The 2020 Kia Forte GT takes inspiration from the Stinger.
Kia says it’s a practical, compact performance sedan.
The Forte overall is one of Kia’s best-selling models.
2020 Kia Forte GT: Alphabet Soup
Kia decided to roll out the Forte GT way early, showing the 2020 Forte GT at this year’s SEMA show in Las Vegas. SEMA is a good venue for this sort of thing, and the GT version is about as hot as a Forte will likely get. Hopefully, it will not get lost in the blizzard of alphabet soup that are the Forte trim levels. That would be the FE, LXS, EX, GT Line, and GT. Confusing, no?
And on top of that, within the “GT trim levels” you can pick from two: The GT1 and GT2 packages.
Luckily, we’ll only be concerning ourselves with the GT stuff.
Gloss Black Trim & Ambient Lights
The “GT Line” is mainly trim bits that make your car look fast, but it skips the stuff that actually makes it fast. I know, why would someone do this in the first place? I wouldn’t, but I guess somebody does. The GT Line offers stuff like a gloss black grille, offset by red accents. The same gloss black treatment is applied to the outside mirrors (heated and with LED turn signals), the side sills, and rear spoiler.
The GT trim does get a beefier, sport-tuned dual exhaust, 18-inch alloy wheels, and LED headlights. Inside, drivers enjoy contrast stitching, LED ambient lighting, and an illuminated GT dash inlay. The Forte GT Line also gets alloy sport pedals, a flat bottom steering wheel with white contrast stitching, and black sport cloth seats with “performance” side bolsters.
Related: An inside look at the Kia Stinger.
The 2020 Kia Forte GT employs an independent front and rear suspension, with larger front disc brakes and sway bars. Photo: Kia Motors America.
Power & Performance
All this “racy” styling is powered by a naturally-aspirated 147 horsepower, 2.0-liter MPI four-cylinder engine. However, it’s with the actual GT that things get more interesting in the engine room. The GT features a turbocharged 1.6-liter DOHC I4 plant with gasoline direct injection. The engine puts out 201 horsepower and 195 lb-ft. of torque, sent to the front wheels through a six-speed manual or seven-speed dual clutch automatic.
Safety & Infotainment
A whole bunch of tech, safety, and convenience stuff is found throughout the 2020 Forte GT. Dubbed “Kia Drive Wise,” all the goodies are standard. There’s Forward Collision Warning, Forward Collision Avoidance Assist, Lane Departure Warning, Lane Keeping Assist-Line, and Driver Attention Warning. Available options include Blind Spot Collision Warning with Lane Change Assist, Rear Cross Traffic Collision Warning, and Smart Cruise Control.
Both GT packages come with LED overhead lighting, a sunroof, and a 320-watt Harman Kardon eight-speaker audio system. Wireless charging, a 4.2-inch LCD screen, and dual-zone automatic air conditioning? Check.
2020 Kia Forte GT interior layout. Photo: Kia Motors America.
Pricing & Availability
Price? Kia only says it will be announced closer to the Forte’s on-sale date for the 2020 model year. However, you have to figure it won’t break the bank. C’mon, this is a Kia. Exorbitantly priced, they’re not.
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
2020 Kia Forte GT Gallery

Photos & Source: Kia Motors America.

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Polestar Confirms Launch Markets For Polestar 1

Polestar Confirms Launch Markets For Polestar 1 For those of you late to the party, Polestar is Volvo’s performance brand. Then in October, Polestar became a new and separately branded electric performance car company. The Swedish auto group is now setting up its own dealership structure with interesting delivery methods. In case you have been chomping at the bit to get one of Volvo’s electric/hybrid hot rods, salvation is at hand: Polestar just announced which markets will be getting their cars first.
Hot Cakes
With regard to the Polestar 1, the sub-brand’s first car, the reservations have been flying off the virtual shelves. The Swedish automaker says new “subscriptions” already outnumber early production slots. In other words, there are more orders then there are cars on the assembly line at the moment. That’s got to be a good thing for a new car company to hear. When they launched the brand, Polestar says more than one customer per minute was registering their interest in being one of the first “owners” of a Polestar 1. And that’s one of the interesting things surrounding the car. It’s not just innovative in its design and build and technology, but they are also breaking out a semi-new way of “selling” the things.
To receive a Polestar 1, you don’t buy it, you subscribe to it.
Photo: Polestar.
At Your Service
In theory, this subscription model takes care of all of your personal transportation needs (as far as Polestar is concerned). You order the car virtually, sort of like buying something from Amazon. There will be dealerships to help customers see the vehicle and do the touch and feel thing, while the sales staff help them through the ordering process. The Polestar 1 and all follow on models will be offered using this new subscription model. To get a Polestar 1, there’s no deposit required and the all-inclusive monthly payment aims to deliver “hassle-free usage” and seemingly covers everything: insurance, depreciation, pick up and delivery for the inclusive servicing program, and various, on-demand benefits as-and-when you require them, sir or madam.
In a way, the Polestar 1 is sort of like cable TV in automobile form. All you do is contact your cable, er, Polestar provider, select your package (i.e. car) and the thing shows up. Any issues, call the number, and they’ll get it fixed. Yes, I know this sounds like a good idea in theory. In theory. As anyone who has waited around all friggin’ day for the cable guy to show up only to not have the right box in his truck might see the weak points in this idea. Then again, Polestar is selling something much more expensive than a cable subscription, so you’d hope they would be a little more attentive to customer support and satisfaction than a cable company. I mean, no one can be lower than a cable company when it comes to that stuff, can they?
Photo: Polestar.
Limited Release
The bad news is that the Polestar 1 will not be available worldwide on initial launch. The primary inaugural markets will be the United States, China, Germany, Sweden, Norway, and the Netherlands. So if you’re a Polestar fan that lives in, oh, let’s say England, you’re out of luck on the first go round. Polestar says they went with these initial markets due to customer demand. More countries will be introduced across the world later on with a formal announcement made at a later date. Polestar Spaces, what they officially call dealerships, are expected to open by the middle of 2019.
The car itself, the Polestar 1, was covered by us recently, but just to fill you in, the first car with the Polestar logo on the hood is a 2+2 Grand Touring Coupé with a stonking 600 horsepower Electric Performance Hybrid powertrain. It has an all-electric range of 150 kilometers, or around 94 miles, which should be enough for around town driving.
Pricing & Availability
Polestar 1s will start rolling off the assembly line in mid-2019 at a new, purpose-built Polestar Production Center in Chengdu, China. Sadly, no word on price, but “expressions of interest” can be made through Polestar’s website. These will be converted when the formal order books for the Polestar 1 open early next year.
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.

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2019 Lexus LX Inspiration: Really Worth 100 Grand?

2019 Lexus LX Inspiration: Really Worth 100 Grand? The 2019 Lexus LX Inspiration Series will debut at the L.A. Auto Show starting on November 30th.
Luxury treatments and limited production make it alluring, but is it really worth the high price tag?
The 2019 Lexus Inspiration Arrives
Lexus wants more money and, knowing the market, they will probably pry a lot of it from our wallets with the LX Inspiration. In general, the 2019 LX Inspiration is loaded down with tech features, comfort, luxury, the whiff of off-road capability and, sadly, what they consider style.
Like all Lexus models, the LX has that horrid grille that is, at best, reminiscent of The Predator’s face. It is, in short, not a good look. However, for reasons completely beyond me, people still go for Lexus; from the entry level sedans and coupes, all the way to these higher echelon models.
There must be something to keep them coming through the door?
What Could It Be?
Lexus says the LX Inspiration is for those who desire a “higher-level driving experience.” Sadly, I think they’re serious. I’d say bring it out to an AutoX course and let’s see how you do, bub, but that would get old before the first pass was over. Anyone seriously looking for a “higher-level driving experience” best look elsewhere.
2019 Lexus LX Inspiration. Photo: Lexus.
Back In Black
The LX is already packed with the materials and performance this market segment craves, but Lexus is going farther with the “Inspiration Series.” This LX comes in stealth Black Onyx and rides on 21-inch black alloy wheels. That grille is black too, which might make it less noticeable. Probably not, but a boy can hope.
There’s also black trim for the headlamps, foglights, and the windows along with smoked headlamp lenses. Out back, there are black chrome accents for the taillamps, license plate, and rear door. Black, black, and black. Sensing a theme here?
The headliner is also black, but the interior is an exclusive Moonlight White Semi-Aniline Leather to complement the exterior. Aniline is a chemical compound, not a color, so I’m not sure what they’re going for here. And making it a semi chemical compound doesn’t exactly clear things up. The carpet, cargo mats, and “key gloves” (what?) all get the luxo-treatment too.
Hey, you wanna know what you spent your money on, right?

Piles & Piles of Stuff
More? Of course there’s more. This is an American-market SUV. More is who we are. More is what we do. For example, the rear entertainment system and a 19-speaker, 450-watt Mark Levinson Reference Surround Sound audio system. It has Felix Pappalardi/I’ve gone deaf levels of power!
There’s a Cool Box (to keep things cool) and a wireless charger to charge stuff. You get the picture.
The “Climate Concierge” automatically monitors the four separate climate zones inside the vehicle. It then adjusts the fans, heated seats, and steering wheel accordingly. So, Climate Concierge is like a thermostat? I guess Climate Concierge was a better name than Therm-O-Dictator or Temp-Wizard? Barely.
Related: Plenty of luxury and space. Our full Lexus GX 460 review.
The 2019 Lexus LX Inspiration features a 5.7-liter V8 with 383 horsepower, 403 lb-ft. of torque, and 7,000 lbs. of towing capacity. Photo: Lexus.
Off-Road Capabilities
They say it adapts to any terrain and, given the traditional body-on-frame structure, they’re at least heading in the right direction. Of course there’s a magically-controlled multi-terrain system that adapts to five different types of terrain: Rock, Rock and Dirt, Mogul, Loose Rock, and Mud and Sand.
Although, given what the 2019 Lexus LX Inspiration is and who will buy it, they should have added Soft Rock and Michael Bolton modes.
There’s low-range gearing for “slow-speed crawling” and for handling “steep off-road hills and uneven terrain.” Crawl Control, Turn Assist, and Hill-Start Assist Control systems are standard. Show me the picture of you taking this thing on The King of The Hammers, and then we can talk more about slow-speed crawling.
Related: The 2019 Lexus UX is ideal for those long commutes.

Pricing & Availability
This is, however, a limited edition model, with only 500 being made. It’s available now with a starting price of $100,420. ONEHUNDREDTHOU-!!!! Are they nuts? Here’s my advice: Go out and buy a two-year-old luxo-SUV and an older Corvette.
That’s a much better way to drop 100 large.
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
Photos & Source: Lexus.

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New Technology Addresses Intersection Safety

New Technology Addresses Intersection Safety
According to the United States Department of Transportation, 51 percent of all injury crashes and 28 percent of all fatal crashes occur at either an intersection or T-junction. The causes of these collisions are numerous. Sometimes, drivers are distracted or under the influence; others may have mistakenly misjudged the situation or were unable to see another car or pedestrian approaching. Overall, the National Safety Council found that over 40,000 motor vehicle deaths occurred in 2016, making it the deadliest year on U.S. roads since 2007.
Reducing The Numbers
Autonomous driving proponents believe vehicle perception technologies will help improve such grim statistics. In other words, if a vehicle could see its environment, communicate with other cars and the surrounding infrastructure, many – if not all – of today’s traffic accidents could be prevented, especially at intersections. One such technology is Continental’s Vehicle-to-X, a system that can detect road users within a 360° radius of an intersection. V2X communicates the position and movement of any objects within that field of vision to oncoming vehicles equipped with the technology. Continental says V2X is part of the company’s Intelligent Intersection concept, described as an “end-to-end solution.”
“Our solution is based on transferring and adapting vehicle-proven hardware and software solutions to an infrastructure application,” explained Jeremy McClain, Head of Systems & Technology, Chassis & Safety, Continental North America. “Cities will be able to deploy this technology to increase safety for their citizens and visitors alike.”
Continental’s V2X uses advanced sensor fusion algorithms and Dedicated Short-Range Communication (DSRC) units to generate an environmental model of the intersection. It can detect other cars, and is designed to prevent left-turning vehicles from getting struck head-on by traffic that may suddenly appear out of nowhere. V2X also detects pedestrians and cyclists, something other safety advocates say is an important element to consider. For example, Richard Schram, Technical Manager, Euro NCAP, highlighted the organization’s 2025 Road Map at AutoSens Brussels in September. He explained that Euro NCAP is working to minimize the higher fatality rates associated with two-wheeled vehicles in an accident.
Photo: Continental.
Eye In The Sky
However, pedestrians and cyclists only benefit from this technology if they can actually be detected by it, a critical point raised by Continental during the research and develop of V2X. By placing cameras, radar, and LiDAR at the corners of a intersection to communicate with vehicles, Continental hopes to reduce the number of accidents within an intersection. Continental says once those road users are detected, a list of relevant objects are delivered to a sensor fusion unit, which generates a comprehensive 360° environmental model.
Those relevant objects are then sent via Dedicated Short-Range Communications to every approaching vehicle. A special control unit inside the vehicle receives the messages, where an on-board system checks it for relevance, and triggers action accordingly if a critical situation is at hand. Should a collision appear imminent, a warning can be sent to the driver, or the vehicle’s brakes could be deployed automatically.
“With the Intelligent Intersection technology, we offer a new safety element with a perfect fit for future smart cities,” said Bastian Zydek, Project Manager, Intelligent Intersection. “Active monitoring of intersections provides the driver and/or intelligent vehicle system a very important time advantage to take action, even before a problem would have otherwise become visible.”
“In the longer term, the technology can also serve to improve inner-city traffic flow, thereby reducing travel time and vehicle emissions,” McClain added.
Photo: Continental.
Human Touch
Continetal will be discussing Intelligent Intersection and its corresponding technologies at the Consumer Electronics Show, Tuesday January 9th through Friday January 12th in Las Vegas, Nevada. Intelligent Intersection was first demonstrated on a test track in October at Continental’s development center in Brimley, Michigan. The next steps include a lager test and pilot implementation at an intersection in Columbus, Ohio.
Earlier this year, we met with Continental representatives during an industry event at Detroit’s Cobo Center. We learned about the company’s five different internal divisions, each with their own unique technologies and objectives. What we found was how each of those divisions come together to create the company’s single most important vision.
“The Intelligent Intersection is a showcase of collaborative safety and a further step towards reaching our Vision Zero – our vision of accident-free driving,” Zydek said.
Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and resides in Detroit, Michigan.
Photos & Source: Continental.

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New Graphic Details Three Decades of The Honda Civic Si

New Graphic Details Three Decades of The Honda Civic Si The Civic is the quintessential Honda, seen by many today as a reliable and affordable means of transportation. The Civic Si was greeted the same way when it debuted in 1986 on the heels of the CRX Si a year earlier. Since then, the car has seen its fair share of revisions and upgrades, but despite three decades passing, the cost of the car hasn’t changed all that much after adjusting for inflation.
The team at HondaPartsOnline.net put together this interesting comparison chart that details the Civic Si’s specs and pricing through the years.
“Performance enthusiasts know this Honda combines some smooth shifting, quick agility, and unmistaken power into a reasonably priced compact,” said Cesar Aranda, HondaPartsOnline.net Director. “Other car brands don’t offer this kind of performance and quality for the price, so we thought it would be fun to look at the pricing history and see if the Si is still an affordable option.”
Dressed To Impress
The United States Congress outlined the Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards in 1975 following the 1973 oil embargo. Through the Energy Policy and Conservation Act of 1975, Congress established fuel economy standards for cars to begin meeting by 1978. By 1985, automakers were expected to record an average of 27.5 mpg with their fleets. With the Civic Si, Honda was uniquely positioned to meet these increasing demands. When the hatchback Si arrived, it delivered 26 in the city and 30 on the highway. By comparison, today’s Honda Civics deliver 40 or above on the highway, depending on the model.
1986 Honda Civic CRX Si. Photo: Honda North America.
Power & Performance
Performance was solid for the 1986 Civic Si at 91 horsepower. A series of sensors assisted the car’s computer in handling what Honda called “timed-sequential multi-port Programmed Fuel Injection.” By comparison, the Civic Type R is the most powerful car Honda has ever sold in the United States. The 2.0-liter engine under the hood is characterized by direct injection, a dual overhead cam, and Honda’s evergreen VTEC technology. The Type R creates 306 horsepower and 295 lb-ft. of torque, a great deal more than Civic buyers in the 80s were used to.
“Honda’s been racing motorcycles since 1955, and they were building Formula 1 engines in 1983. It’s not an exaggeration to say that Honda is one of the best engine builders in the world,” Aranda explained. “Considering that Honda has pioneered a lot of engine performance technology, it’s great that they continue to improve this high performing, affordable model for the public.”
Honda Civic Type R. Photo: Honda North America.
Pricing Comparisons
HondaPartsOnline.net analyzed the pricing through the years and found that, when adjusting for inflation, not much has changed. In fact, in some variations, today’s Civics cost less. For example, when the 2003 Civic Si hatchback’s MSRP is adjusted for inflation, it rings up nearly $2,000 more than the 2017 base model. On a similar note, the 2017 Si coupe has better fuel economy and more horsepower, but costs less than the 2015 model.
“Honda keeps improving the performance on the Si, reducing the weight, and keeping the price low,” Aranda added.
The graphic from HondaPartsOnline.net is below. Enjoy!
Carl Anthony in Managing Editor of Automoblog and resides in Detroit, Michigan.

Civic Photos: Honda North America.

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