Automotive

2019 Porsche Macan: Smaller, Quicker & Reasonably Priced

2019 Porsche Macan: Smaller, Quicker & Reasonably Priced The 2019 Porsche Macan has a ton of connectivity features, including an off-road recorder.
On dry pavement, however, the new Macan has a respectable zero to 60 time.
But is it too small? Or just right?
In theory, if you’re dragged, kicking and screaming, into SUV ownership, it’s a Porsche you’re going to buy, right? I mean they should be, theoretically, the most car-like and fun to drive. Or at least that’s what Cayenne owners tell me. If that’s the case, than shouldn’t the Porsche Macan, the Cayenne’s baby brother, be even better since it’s smaller and lighter?
Yes, by that way of looking at it, it should. But . . .
Urban Cruiser
Here’s where we get into a crossing point for usability over drivability. If all you wanted was something practical and fun, you’d get something smaller, like a VW GTi 4-door. But that would be too small. So, is the 2019 Porsche Macan too small to be practical?
In short, no. Or at least no in most cases most of the time. Sure, you don’t have as much space as the bigger Cayenne, but the smaller footprint of the Macan makes it better if you’re in a primarily urban environment.
Styling & Color Options
For 2019, the most noticeable changes are the new “three-dimensional” LED light panel at the rear, the now standard LED headlights, and the overhauled interior. Porsche’s Dynamic Light System Plus is still available, which gives you better visibility while cornering. New paint colors include Mamba Green Metallic, Dolomite Silver Metallic, Miami Blue, and Chalk.
That green is a particularly lovely shade, by the way.
2019 Porsche Macan in Mamba Green Metallic. Photo: Porsche Cars North America, Inc.
Pouring On The Tech
The 2019 Porsche Macan gets a larger, 10.9-inch full HD touchscreen with the latest version of Porsche Communication Management (PCM). Drivers can customize the interface with movable tiles and by choosing their favorite functions from a list of options. The new system features online navigation, Porsche Connect Plus with an LTE phone module and SIM card reader, and a WLAN hotspot. That Porsche Connect app lets you communicate with your Macan via the smartphone in your pocket.
Up-to-date online navigation data is available via a connection to HERE Cloud for route calculation. Apple CarPlay is optional. Other options include a heated windshield and an air ionizer for the inside.
Also new is the Traffic Jam Assist function, which links to the optional adaptive cruise control. This allows the Macan to accelerate, brake, and keep itself within a marked lane up to 40 mph. Slick! The Offroad Precision app records any off-road experiences you have.
Related: The Porsche 911 Speedster Concept keeps teasing us.
Photo: Porsche Cars North America, Inc.
Power & Performance
However, this is a Porsche. So, let’s get down to it. If it’s a Porsche, it’s all about dat engine, baby! The 2019 Macan comes with a 2.0-liter, four-cylinder turbocharged plant with 248 horsepower and 273 lb-ft. of torque. That’s hooked up to a seven-gear PDK dual-clutch gearbox, which all adds up to a pretty impressive zero to 60 time of 6.1 seconds with Launch Control. Top “track” speed is 142 mph.
The 2019 Porsche Macan is all-wheel drive, although the bias is toward the rear. Chassis revisions increase comfort, while the newly-developed tires increase lateral grip. Your wheel choices run from the standard 18s, up to the optional 21s.
Related: The 2018 Porsche 911 Carrera T is light and hot!
Pricing & Availability
The new Macan is expected at dealers next summer, and should start around $49,900. No, it ain’t that cheap, but that’s still pretty good for a Porsche.
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 Porsche Macan Gallery

Photos & Source: Porsche Cars North America, Inc.

Check out these Automotive tips

http://carsecret.atspace.eu/blog/2019-porsche-macan-smaller-quicker-reasonably-priced/

Letter From The UK: Negative Thoughts On The SUV

Letter From The UK: Negative Thoughts On The SUV Are SUVs today nothing more than a rush of plain vanilla?
Are they as capable as they claim? Or is it just clever marketing?
DriveWrite Automotive Magazine founder Geoff Maxed with a perspective.
Throughout life, this writer has always tried to stay positive and upbeat and take every day as it comes. But these days I find that, now the novelty has worn off, the sight of an SUV brings on those negative waves of boredom, frankly.
Let me explain.
The Ideology of The SUV
The original idea of the ‘Sport Utility Vehicle’ is fine. I have no problem with that. Mostly, when the term was first coined, the cars so designated were tough off-road specialists; they were there to do a job. ‘Sport,’ because they served the surfing community as much as the hunting fraternity. ‘Utility,’ because they provided rural transport and could carry items of furniture. And ‘Vehicle’ because that’s what they are.
Not so now. And they are taking over the world.
Lemmings To The Rescue
Today there are SUVs beyond counting. They are as herds of lookalike bison sweeping across the plains, or lemmings, queueing up to hurtle themselves off a cliff in a form of collective automotive extinction. Every manufacturer has several in their product catalogue. Audi, for example, have their ‘Q’ range. Once, there was just the Q7 and it was pretty good; now that car has been joined by several smaller siblings and one big brother.
They are the motoring equivalent of Russian dolls.
The same goes for many other brands both in the USA and Europe. This writer road tests cars routinely but, increasingly, my press vehicle list is excluding more and more of this type of vehicle, principally because they do not do what they purport to do.

Marketing Gimmicks
We should expect an SUV to be reasonably comfortable on-road and capable off-road. There’s always going to be a compromise, but broadly speaking that was the original intention. Sadly though, manufacturers saw the potential for sales and began to make, effectively, soft-roaders. Vehicles that looked butch and rugged but patently were not. After a while, they pretty much gave up on the original concept and produced instead big hulking cars with only modest aerodynamic properties and an enhanced thirst for fuel.
Now we have something called a ‘crossover.’ What? What is that exactly? Don’t worry, I’m going to tell you anyway; a ‘crossover’ is a marketing exercise. It is saying to the public that these vehicles are something they are not. They are small town cars dressed up in the King’s New Clothes. Don’t look for substance, there is none.
Related: Automakers race to target younger buyers with small SUVs and crossovers.
The British Car Buyer
It warms the heart to see the continuing popularity of the F-150 and trucks generally in America. Alas, this is not the case here in the UK. I have tried, really I have, to convince the readers of my blog that pickup trucks are the ideal family vehicle. They can work and they can have fun and they are not frightened of mud.
It is fair to say there is some interest in hunky trucks. It is also fair to say there are a handful of SUVs out there that do fit the bill. However, for most car buyers, the SUV/Crossover fallacy continues to suck them into the vortex of the mediocre ‘world’ car. The world of shared platform, shared components, shared technology, ‘keep the accountants happy,’ profit first car manufacture and boy, is it dull.
They are the motoring equivalent of Russian dolls.Click To Tweet2018 Ford F-150. Photo: Ford Motor Company.
Impending Storm
Meanwhile, further to the saga of Brexit, we are reaching the end of days. A deal has been signed off between Britain and the European Union but it is, in fact, a sell-out of much that we hold dear. The Great British Public is very restless. There could be trouble ahead.
One of the constraining issues is, of course, what happens to those industries that work compatibly and freely in both the UK and the EU? The car industry is one of the biggest players here with both areas being huge markets for automobiles. On the face of it, nothing much will change if our devious Prime Minister has her way, but what if it does?
What happens if cross-border trading becomes too difficult? Cars and components are made here that are shipped to Europe and vice versa. Perhaps we will once again have to resurrect our own home-grown car industry and bring back some famous old names of the past. British cars for British people. Let’s just hope they are not SUVs.
Geoff Maxted is a motoring writer, photographer, and author of our Letter From The UK series. Follow his work on Twitter: @DriveWrite

Check out these Automotive tips

http://carsecret.atspace.eu/blog/letter-from-the-uk-negative-thoughts-on-the-suv/

2019 Bentley Continental GT Convertible: You Won’t Believe The Center Console

2019 Bentley Continental GT Convertible: You Won’t Believe The Center Console The 2019 Bentley Continental GT Convertible hits 60 mph in 3.7 seconds.
The Z-fold roof provides a three decibel noise reduction; the chassis is 20 percent lighter.
Despite the luxury, performance, and technology we still cannot get over the center console.
Let’s get right to the point. Are you filthy rich? Are you so rich that if, say, you’re crazy, shallow trophy wife (let’s call her Daisy) were to, oh, run over and crush a woman named Myrtle that you’ve been having an affair with for a while, you could buy your way out of it without breaking much of a sweat?
Then buddy, have I got a car for you: The 2019 Bentley Continental GT Convertible!
Digging For Gold
Look, I’m not obsessively anti-rich or anything. But I’m having a devil of a time figuring out why someone would buy a car like the 2019 Bentley Continental GT Convertible. It has everything a person could want in a production luxury car: style, technology, power, refinement, gorgeous materials, all that stuff.
It’s the flash I don’t completely understand.
The Conti Convertible is just so affectedly showy, so over the top in what it’s trying to present to the world, that even Kanye West would look at it and say, “Nah, that’s a little too much, don’t ya think?” And the Saudi prince, you know, the one with his own custom-made Boeing 747 as a private jet would answer, “yeah bruh, I know, right?” Maybe it’s just the top . . . it is made of tweed – a first for any car, which is kind of surprising, since you’d think some British company would have done that ages ago.
But apart from the pretention, the affectedness, and the flamboyance, what we have here is a pretty standard Bentley, circa 2019: tons of everything, and it’s very well screwed together.
The air suspension uses three-chamber springs for 60 percent more air volume in the softest setting than the prior model. Furthermore, the braking system is the most powerful yet for a Bentley, with 28 pistons. Photo: Bentley Motors.
300 Million Calculations Per Second
Let’s start with the first place everyone overlooks: The engine bay. Nestled within you’ll find Bentley’s 6.0-liter, W12 TSI engine, designed, developed, and hand-built in Crewe (if you ignore that Bentley is a VW subsidiary and variations of this plant can be found elsewhere in the line). Bentley says it is the “most advanced 12-cylinder engine in the world” to which, some guys in Maranello respond, “Tieni il mio chianti, amico.”
Said plant is controlled by a computer making 300 million software calculations per second.
The healthy 626 horsepower and 664 lb-ft. of torque throws this barge down the esplanade at substantial speeds. Zero to 60 mph in 3.7 seconds, for example, with a top speed of 207. Impressive by any measure. And it becomes even more so when you figure this thing has got to weigh more than the HMS Ark Royal.
Although the 2019 Bentley Continental GT Convertible is 20 percent lighter and five percent stiffer.
2019 Bentley Continental GT Convertible. Photo: Bentley Motors.
Even Kanye West would look at it and say, Nah, that's a little too much, don't ya think?Click To TweetTransmission & Efficiency
The new engine utilizes start-stop technology, which is now mandatory in the Euro zone, yes? The engine also has Bentley’s Variable Displacement system that shuts down half of the engine. Intake and exhaust valves, fuel injection, and ignition are all cut on selected cylinders, with the mill running as a six-cylinder for better efficiency. The trans is a dual-clutch, eight-speed deal mated to a new “Active All-Wheel-Drive System” that varies the front-to-rear torque split, depending on the driving situation.
But enough about all that! Engines are dirty with grease and the province of the working classes (shudder). Here, step inside, have a seat. The interior of the 2019 Bentley Continental GT Convertible is like the drawing room at Highclere Castle.
Related: Bentley Continental GT First Edition: Grand or Bland Tourer?
All About Dat Center Console
The details are enough to choke a horse. For example, over 10 square meters of wood including Koa and Dark Fiddleback Eucalyptus wood as options. There are eight interior roof lining colors to choose from. The center console can be spec’d in a new Côtes de Genève finish, which is used for the surfacing inside Swiss watches. Each “row” of the center console, according to Bentley, is five millimeters wide and machined at an angle for a three-dimensional finish. Each “pass of the machine” makes a “minute step” of 0.5 millimeters.
This is the center console, y’know, where you put yer French fries. Sheesh.
“Excuse me . . . I couldn’t help but notice your center console . . . “
Royal Treatment
And it just goes on and on from there. Haptic finishes, pillow knurling for the switches and controls, diamond knurling on other controls, 20-way adjustable seats, heating and massage functions for those seats, and signature Bentley quilting. The Naim 2,200 watt, 18-speaker system with Active Bass Transducers and eight sound modes ranges all the way from “symphonic” to “Pete Townshend’s Bleeding Eardrums.”
There’s a “Bentley Rotating Display” that provides a “digital or analogue” journey. A 12.3-inch MMI display (Audi!) resembles a smartphone with its configurable home screen. Apple CarPlay of course (Android is so plebian) connected via a USB port. What, no Bluetooth?
Finally, the convertible roof opens and stows in about 20 seconds at speeds up to 30 mph.
2019 Bentley Continental GT Convertible interior layout. Photo: Bentley Motors.
Color Options & Pricing
All this and your choice of 17 colors. Oh, and that convertible roof? In addition to tweed, you get your choice of seven other colors. When picking out yours, I’m sure you’ll hear your shallow trophy wife exclaim something along the lines of “They’re such beautiful colors. It makes me sad because I’ve never seen such beautiful colors!”
Bentley has not, as of this writing, announced pricing.
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 Bentley Continental GT Convertible Gallery

Photos & Source: Bentley Motors.

Check out these Automotive tips

http://carsecret.atspace.eu/blog/2019-bentley-continental-gt-convertible-you-wont-believe-the-center-console/

Hyundai & Aurora Eye 2021 For Bringing Level 4 Automation To Market

Hyundai & Aurora Eye 2021 For Bringing Level 4 Automation To Market
Hyundai Motor Company has announced a strategic partnership with Aurora to bring self-driving vehicles to the market by 2021. Hyundai says the partnership with Aurora is part of the company’s ongoing efforts to make fully autonomous driving a reality. Hyundai was granted a licence in Nevada in 2015 to test automated vehicles on the state’s public roads. Last year at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, Hyundai publicly demonstrated their autonomous technology.
Level 4 Leadership
Hyundai will incorporate Aurora’s automated and machine learning innovations into specially-developed models for test programs in pilot cities. At the onset, the partnership will concentrate on hardware and software development as they move toward the technological requirements needed for Level 4 automation. Level 4 automation, as defined by the Society of Automotive Engineers, means a vehicle can operate without human input under certain conditions. Hyundai and Aurora note the end goal is to successfully and safely commercialize autonomous cars globally
“We know the future of transportation is autonomous, and autonomous driving technology needs to be proven in the real-world to accelerate deployment in a safe and scalable manner,” said Dr. Woong Chul Yang, Vice Chairman of Hyundai Motor. “Combining our advanced vehicle technology that embeds the latest safety features with Aurora’s leading suite of Level 4 autonomous technology will advance this revolution in mobility with Hyundai in a leadership position.”
Global Vision
Hyundai and Aurora underscored their common vision for improving safety and mobility, believing together they have the skills and experience necessary to accomplish this end. In general, autonomous driving proponents say increased safety is one of the key benefits, pointing to studies by the National Safety Council that found 2016 was the deadliest year on U.S. roads since 2007. There were 40,000 vehicle deaths in 2016 marking a six percent increase from 2015. Although safety remains the biggest concern, recent studies show the public is warming up to the idea of a car that drives itself.
“Aurora is excited to partner with Hyundai Motor to make the social benefits of self-driving available globally,” said Dr. Chris Urmson, Chief Executive Officer, Aurora. “This partnership combines Hyundai’s strengths in vehicle design, safety, and manufacturing with Aurora’s expertise in self-driving technologies to make a positive difference in the world.”
Photo: Hyundai Motor Company.
In Person
Hyundai’s newest fuel-cell vehicle will make its global debut at CES next week, and will be the first to undergo the aforementioned testing process later this year. Hyundai says the vehicle is the ideal platform for the autonomous technologies which require a substantial amount of energy. The hydrogen-powered Hyundai can provide stable electric power for data communication and sensor operation without infringing on driving range.
CES runs January 9th through the 12th at the Las Vegas Convention Center.
Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and resides in Detroit, Michigan. He studies mechanical engineering at Wayne State University, serves on the Board of Directors for the Ally Jolie Baldwin Foundation, and is a loyal Detroit Lions fan.
Photos & Source: Hyundai Motor Company.

Check out these Automotive tips

http://carsecret.atspace.eu/blog/hyundai-aurora-eye-2021-for-bringing-level-4-automation-to-market/

2018 Volkswagen Golf GTI SE Review

2018 Volkswagen Golf GTI SE Review
Urban dwellers looking for a sporty compact hatch have a number of options, but none are as quick and agile as the Volkswagen Golf GTI. It’s a commuter for those who like to have fun on the drive to and from work. We think it fills a need for performance enthusiasts who don’t want to spend $40,000 to $50,000 on a high performance model. For around $30,000 you get a hot hatch that’s high on the fun-to-drive meter.
What’s New For 2018
The Golf GTI remains unchanged for 2018 except for the packaging and available equipment for each model. It does get new LED tail lamps and a different infotainment system is available.
Features & Options
The 2018 Golf GTI ($31,165 as tested) comes standard with a leather-wrapped steering wheel, power-reclining front seats, leatherette upholstery, 17-inch alloy wheels, a moonroof, dual-zone automatic climate control, and ambient cabin lighting. Our GTI SE tester had LED headlights, an eight-inch infotainment screen, blind spot monitor, and automatic emergency braking.

Interior Highlights
The Golf GTI SE interior is simple and well laid out. The controls are easy to use and the touchscreen nicely controls the navigation and Fender premium audio system. The cabin is high quality and there’s enough soft touch materials throughout to make it comfortable. We would describe it as distinctly European, comfortable, and the SE trim is especially sporty.
The seats provide ample support and comfort for longer trips in the hatchback. There’s a handy bin ahead of the shifter, perfect for a cell phone. The power-reclining front seats offer up the perfect driving position for a compact hatch. The rear seats offer plenty of room for average-sized adults and are also comfy for longer trips. There’s ample head and shoulder room too, thanks to the higher hatch roof. There’s also a convenient folding rear armrest/cupholder with a pass-through to the back. Behind the rear seats, it comes with 22.8 cubic feet of cargo space, easily accessible through the rear hatch. With the seats folded flat, it offers up a class-leading 52.7 cubic feet of space.

Engine & Fuel Mileage Specs
The front-wheel drive 2018 VW Golf GTI SE is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 220 horsepower and 258 lb-ft. of torque. It comes mated to the optional dual-clutch direct shift automatic gearbox (DSG). EPA fuel economy estimates are 24/32 city/highway and 27 combined with the automatic gearbox.
Driving Dynamics
Our tester came with the dual-clutch DSG automatic and it made us forget about wanting the 6-speed manual rower. The DSG comes with steering wheel shifters for crisper gear changes simply by touching the paddles. VW’s DSG is sweet and one of the best automatics on the planet. They call it an automatic, but mechanically and internally, it works like a manual gearbox; in a practical sense, it’s a super-sharp automatic.
The GTI trim is fun to drive in the city and we could easily get around slower traffic. We chucked it around the tight corners on our commute from the mountains west of Denver where the GTI feels right at home. The GTI’s steering was responsive and the upgraded brakes made it far more capable and enjoyable in the curves. We pushed the GTI hard and it accelerates quickly when the turbo spools up to utilize every bit of the available 220 horsepower. The turbocharged 2.0-liter engine makes this hatch one of the quickest compacts in its class.
Conclusion
The 2018 Volkswagen Golf GTI is a fun hatch that’s also practical with plenty of utility. It absolutely dials up driver engagement, and we like the DSG automatic better than the 6-speed manual. There’s a lot to like and we would recommend it for those wanting a sporty commuter and a fun drive to and from work. Overall, the Volkswagen Golf GTI lives up to its hot hatch heritage and instills plenty of driver confidence.
Denis Flierl has invested over 25 years in the automotive industry in a variety of roles. Follow his work on Twitter: @CarReviewGuy
2018 Volkswagen Golf GTI Gallery

Volkswagen Golf GTI Official Site.
Photos: Volkswagen of America, Inc.

Check out these Automotive tips

http://carsecret.atspace.eu/blog/2018-volkswagen-golf-gti-se-review/

Volvo Expanding On Demand Fuel & Wash Services In Seattle

Volvo Expanding On Demand Fuel & Wash Services In Seattle Volvo’s semi-goofy idea of turning your car into a smartphone loaded with handy apps is moving into the Seattle, Washington area to test things out. This makes sense, not just because there’s a lot of tech-savvy people in Seattle, but another, much more indigenous reason: Scandinavians. Scandinavians are the number one ethnic group in the Pacific Northwest. In Seattle proper, there are so many ‘Sons, ‘Ssons, ‘Sens, and the occasional ‘Dottirs running around it can feel like you’re living in Tromsø in northern Norway.
Besides all the blonde hair and blue eyes, the other way you can see that Scandinavians are the number one ethnic group is cars. You see hundreds of Volvos and Saabs running around. So whether Volvo knows it or not, the Pacific Northwest is a perfect testing ground for any of their products.
Digital Ecosystem
After a successful run in San Francisco, Seattle developed into the second city in Volvo’s growing “digital ecosystem” program. This allows owners of 2015-and-a-half and newer Volvos to do things like order fuel and get their car washed wherever it’s parked in Seattle.
“First San Francisco, now Seattle, and soon many more Volvo owners will have access to concierge services via an app,” noted Anders Gustafsson, President and Chief Executive Officer, Volvo Car USA. “This is another example of how we are using connected car technologies to make life less complicated for our customers.”
This digital ecosystem, which Volvo says is expanding (they aim to make the thing some sort of near-worldwide standard eventually) connects car owners with services via a smartphone app. That app, coupled with exclusive connected car platforms and strategic partnerships with companies like Filld and STRATIM, means filling the tank or having the car cleaned is just a tap away on your smartphone. As you would expect, you can call up these services at any time, day or night, say while owners are working, sleeping, or even traveling abroad.
Photo: Volvo Car USA.
Time Specific Features
Volvo says they are the only automaker with an ecosystem of these connected technologies. Yes, I agree “ecosystem” is a very pretentious term, but the idea of connecting a car with cloud storage, your cell phone, and integrating third party companies into one unified system is technically sweet. And Volvo isn’t messing around with this whole idea, oh no. They didn’t just kluge something together in a back room in a Kongsberg factory. No, Volvo went and dialed all this up at their Mountain View digital center in Silicon Valley. There they were able to accelerate development through recent technology acquisitions and take advantage of recent investments at the facility. This will prepare Volvo as they add new services as customer demands grow and change.
The other implication here is that when connected through your mobile device, Volvo’s digital ecosystem provides a time-specific location of your car. That means Volvo’s authorized partners can provide the requested services without interacting you directly.

Practical Application
I could see where this might come in very handy. You go into the office, call up the app, tap-tap-tap, and while you’re in that endless Friday meeting with the budget gargoyles from the 12th floor, your Volvo is getting all nice and shiny and clean for the weekend.
“The ecosystem that powers Volvo Concierge Services is unique to Volvo. It shows how the company is redefining the consumer experience around convenience by leveraging technological building blocks from the car to mobile,” explained Atif Rafiq, Chief Digital Officer, Volvo Cars. “We are at an exciting time when cars can be better integrated into daily life.”
In other words, yesterday San Francisco, today Seattle, tomorrow The World.
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: Volvo Car USA.

Check out these Automotive tips

http://carsecret.atspace.eu/blog/volvo-expanding-on-demand-fuel-wash-services-in-seattle/

Lamborghini Urus SUV Race Car? No, Really

Lamborghini Urus SUV Race Car? No, Really The Lamborghini Urus SUV Race Car ushers in a new Motorsport program
The Urus racer is 25 percent lighter than its production counterpart.
You know Lamborghini is making an SUV now, right? It’s called the Urus and, besides it being a questionable move in every way but financial (they’ll sell them by the boatload, just watch), Lambo has come up with an idea that’s even goofier than making their own truck.
An all-Lambo SUV racing series.
No, they’re serious.
Squealing Tires & Mangled Carbon Fiber
At first, I thought this was some sort of monumentally sick joke. Then I slipped into a deep existential dread that a sports car company (even though it’s a sports car company as fundamentally compromised as Lamborghini) would even contemplate a truck racing series. But now, the more I think about it, the more this could turn into a real hootin’ hollerin’ good time!
Think of it: if they play it right, and only allow entries to be driven by housewives from Orange Country and plastic surgeons from Scarsdale, the on track action (and by action, I mean non-stop mistakes, over-driving, and completely preventable shunts) could be hysterically entertaining.
That tried and true combination of high power, high center of gravity, and high self-regard could equal squealing tires, concussive thumps, and mangled carbon fiber from the green flag till the checker.
Related: Lamborghini Urus: Everything wrong at just the right time.
Lamborghini Urus SUV Race Car. Photo: Automobili Lamborghini.
Filthy, Stinkin’ Rich
At the 2018 World Finals, for their single make racing series, Lamborghini Squadra Corse unwrapped the Urus ST-X Concept. Their, uh, vision is a ride imagined for a single-brand racing championship that combines both a race circuit and an off-road track. Lambo made no mention if this “vision” was the result of Hunter S. Thompson levels of peyote ingestion combined with a frightening lack of sleep, but it sure sounds like it.
The new racing series will debut in 2020 both in Europe and the Middle East (lots o’cash floating around there). The competitors will race on specially-prepared and FIA-approved circuits, with the whole rich guy “arrive and drive” formula in place. Just hop in your Gulfstream Jet (you bourgeoisie jerk) fly to, oh, probably Dubai or some such place, and Lambo will have the complete package, including the car and technical support, all ready and waiting for the entire race weekend.
Related: Lamborghini Squadra Corse unveils their unicorn.
Photo: Automobili Lamborghini.
Engineering & Performance
The Urus ST-X Concept has, of course, been thoroughly worked over. As fun as it would be to watch them do this with a showroom stock machine, Lambo isn’t that senseless. The Urus ST-X Concept comes with all the FIA-approved safety elements you would expect. There’s a steel roll cage, fire suppression system, and an FT3 fuel tank not found in the production model.
Visually, this thing is all Lamborghini and about as subtle as shotgun blast. The Urus ST-X Concept is laid out in a matte Verde Mantis (i.e. screaming green) livery and the hood is in naked carbon fiber. The air intakes are larger and optimized for cooling the V8 twin-turbo plant. Said mill puts out 640 ponies and 627 lb-ft. of grunt.
Rear wing? Sure, why not? New hexagonal racing exhausts, and 21-inch single-nut aluminum alloy wheels, fitted with Pirelli tires, complete the visuals.
Compared to the production model, the Urus ST-X Concept drops 25 percent of its all up weight. Combined with an increase in torsional stiffening via the roll cage and a “raised set-up,” the Urus ST-X Concept is ready for the track. Or so says Lamborghini.
Photo: Automobili Lamborghini.
Heavy Metal Noise
Chances are the entire thing will be a circus sideshow, rather than some sort of racing to improve the breed situation. So why not go full circus? Grab a Kardashian or two (there seems to be a lot of them) a few rap moguls, burned out stadium rockers (what’s Sammy Hagar up to these days?), bone saw wielding Sheiks, and a few hedge fund managers and turn ’em loose!
Let’s go full on Ben-Hur!
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: Automobili Lamborghini.

Check out these Automotive tips

http://carsecret.atspace.eu/blog/lamborghini-urus-suv-race-car-no-really/

2020 Acura RLX Redesign, Engine, Hybrid

Premuim sedan from the Acura are in prepare for the launch of the year 2020. A lot of information that has been circulating about this car but the plumpness is still limited to rumors, we also have some information about the redesign of the rumor and the estimated release date of this car, the Lexus GS and Infiniti Q70 will become competitors of this car . Engine performance will be back on the increase and will be the excess of the latest generation of Acura RLX.

2020 Acura RLX Redesign

An inner layout regarding every one of the 2020 Acura RLX will probably be modern and stylish. Acura will supply this specific special RLX variety that has a good deal of more functions and in addition techniques. The computer software about leading good quality parts is a necessity for this kind of Acura RLX product. Touchscreen display, USB 2. 0 ports, Wi-Fi, higher-quality speakers and High-definition stereo will give an incredible entertainment sensible working experience meant for you. Your dash panel can possess a fantastic exceptional modern day day fashion and style and design together with the actual stylish accomplishing. All the cabin rental connected with the unique ground breaking 2020 Acura RLX will in all probability be exceptionally handy. Every one of the security measures with this premium sedan happen to be on the very same time terrific.

Any exterior and also an indoors over the real completely new generation Acura RLX could have really several modifications and further enhancements. Only for this Acura RLX special product or service, Honda can make use of a crossbreed serps. It could give an awesome effectiveness in addition to fuel efficiency. This alters within a phrase of type plus serp might be susceptible to have this progressive Acura RLX for the purpose that a brand new genuinely modern day high-quality automobile. A whole good deal extra specifics in regards to this forthcoming RLX style is unquestionably gonna be talked about in this article. The many commencing model and in many cases fashion for the reason that of every one of the 2020 Acura RLX nonetheless use regarding the really same strategy for the reason that in this recent model. However, it could possess some enhancements. Acura RLX has received 2.5-in . of flooring clearance and include some kind of cut down sideline. The certain fully new light components will likely be useful for this situation moreover to a whole physique. It will eventually lessen this unique Acura RLX physique excess bodyweight. Commonly the new Acura front lights, at the same time as any taillights, could have any brand-new type. Ordinarily, Acura works with the real Guided lighting technological innovation. It gives a fantastic light at the same time as eye-sight for almost any issues. Newer chrome specifics are going to be found on that body-build. Moreover, it look considerably classier in comparison with commonly the precursor. The actual Acura RLX will almost certainly fresh grill pattern to your front side.

Engine Performance

Men and women will see several electrical motor choices for this type of brand new 2020 Acura RLX product. The individual pretty 1st power plant is usually a 3.5-liter V6 hybrid electrical motor. That is definitely undoubtedly constructed with an electric generator. It serp produces 385 horsepower additionally to 382 fat of torque. That subsequent motor uses a brand new 3.5-liter and V6 many-cylinder powerplant. It generates 315 hp and 272 lbs about torque. In the actual motors personal outstanding fuel efficiency to the city streets and roadways.

style="display:block"
data-ad-client="ca-pub-8265530360574651"
data-ad-slot="3671259705"
data-ad-format="link">

Check out these Automotive tips

http://carsecret.atspace.eu/blog/2020-acura-rlx-redesign-engine-hybrid/

The 2019 Audi e-tron Will Make You Change Your Mind About EVs

The 2019 Audi e-tron Will Make You Change Your Mind About EVs The 2019 Audi e-tron boasts a maximum range of over 300 miles.
Special drive modes give the e-tron an advantage over rough terrain.
Interestingly, the more conventional styling is what makes it stand out.
The 2019 Audi e-tron made its debut in San Francisco in September. It’s a conventional-looking SUV with none of the styling quirks associated with electric cars. The Audi e-tron is sure to give the Tesla Model X and Jaguar E-PACE/I-PACE a serious run for the money, and I say that with no hint of sarcasm.
It’s quite refreshing for an electric vehicle to look like a normal car. The new Audi e-tron SUV might share the silhouette of the Q5, but there are subtle hints that set it apart. For example, the semi blanked-out octagon front grille and the four horizontal slats on the edge of the headlights, which resemble a smartphone’s battery charging bars.
One thing is for sure, though: the styling of the 2019 Audi e-tron is best appreciated in the flesh.
Move Over Tesla Model X!
I am a big fan of Tesla and Elon Musk. It’s one of those stories where the underdog came out the winner. Musk and Tesla EVs were able to change how consumers perceive the styling, performance, and features of an electric car. I also think the Tesla Model X is one of the best sport-utility vehicles currently in production.
But when the 2019 Audi e-tron arrived, it suddenly became clear. Not because Tesla now has a solid and proper competitor, but Audi was able to beat their Germans contemporaries in the fully-electric SUV segment, ahead of say the Mercedes-Benz EQ C. But what really surprises me with the new Audi e-tron is the restraint.
Remember when the Audi R8 was unveiled at the 2006 Paris Motor Show? It was unlike anything I have seen before. The R8, back then, looked like a spacecraft of alien origin. There was no hint of restraint in the styling.
On the flipside, the new Audi e-tron looks pretty much like a normal, everyday-driven SUV. And that’s a nice thing to have in an EV, right? I know some people enjoy the attention as they drop their kids at school or soccer practice in a Tesla Model X (what with those unusual yet magnificent falcon doors). However, the Audi e-tron will allow you to simply move on without gathering unsolicited stares.
2019 Audi e-tron. Photo: Audi of America, Inc.
Aerodynamic & Electrified Performance
No, you don’t get falcon doors on the 2019 Audi e-tron. But you get state-of-the-art virtual side mirrors. This feature is more than just a gimmick. Chopping off the side mirrors on both sides actually allows the e-tron to slice the wind more effortlessly. The system utilizes small cameras and door mounted displays in place of conventional mirrors. The bad news is this feature is only available in Europe and a few other markets, but it’s still a neat party trick.
The beating heart of the 2019 Audi e-tron is comprised of two electric motors. The combined output is 355 horsepower and 414 lb-ft. of torque (265 kilowatts and 561 Newton meters by comparison). The electric motors can increase power and torque output in Boost mode for eight seconds. In that span of time, the Audi e-tron is churning out 402 horsepower and 490 lb-ft. of torque.
Those numbers are not enough to beat the Tesla Model X, right? Even if the 2019 Audi e-tron can scoot to 60 mph in around 5.5 seconds, the base Model X 75D can achieve the feat in 4.9 seconds. The Tesla is admittedly faster and more performance-oriented. But if you think again, you don’t need supercar-amounts of power to have a good time inside an electric SUV.
What really surprises me with the new @Audi e-tron is the restraint.Click To TweetPhoto: Audi of America, Inc.
Superior Driving Range
Powering the pair of asynchronous motors is a lithium-ion battery pack rated at 95 kWh, enough for a maximum range of 310 miles (498 kilometers) when fully charged. The battery pack can be charged using either a 150 kWh DC fast-charging station or 9.6 kW AC 240-volt residential charger. The former refills the batteries with 80 percent juice in 30 minutes while the latter charges the battery pack overnight.
Road trip? No sweat. The Audi e-tron supports more than 500 Electrify America fast-charging networks nationwide. The network currently spans 40 states and 17 metro areas with more coming in the next couple of years.
This means the 2019 Audi e-tron can take you further than a Tesla Model X 70D for a lower starting price. The base Audi e-tron Premium Plus also gets a surprising amount of kit, including 20-inch wheels, a top-view camera system, full LED exterior and interior lighting, 12-way heated and cooled power front seats, plush leather upholstery, a panoramic sunroof, and a Bang & Olufsen 3D audio system with 16 speakers.
Not bad for $74,800 right?
Photo: Audi of America, Inc.
Quattro Electric Drivetrain & Audi Drive Select
The new Audi e-tron also earns the distinction of having the first Quattro all-electric drivetrain. The system will digitally link the front and rear axles. Together with a torque vectoring feature, the drivetrain provides grip on all types of road surfaces.
In the meantime, Audi Drive Select is responsible for motivating the e-tron over rough and muddy roads. The system can raise the suspension to give the vehicle 35 millimeters or 1.4 inches of additional ground clearance in off-road mode. Select “RAISE” mode and the suspension lifts another 15 millimeters or 0.6 inches.
I don’t know many people brave enough to drive the Audi e-tron on a rougher patch of off-road trail, but it’s nice to know it can.
Energy Recuperation
The reason why the new Audi e-tron can achieve phenomenal mileage is the brilliant power recovery system. The 2019 Audi e-tron can recharge the battery pack in a variety of ways. Coasting recuperation will activate each time you lift off the throttle. The system also charges the battery via the brake pedal. The e-tron can choose either the electric motors or the friction brakes to stop the vehicle. If the system chooses the former, the electric motors will basically function as alternators to charge the battery pack.
You can even choose the manual recuperation system using the shift paddles. It all sounds terribly complicated and mind-numbingly high-tech, but isn’t this what Audi is usually about anyway?
Photo: Audi of America, Inc.
Luxurious Appointments
The 2019 Audi e-tron’s interior is typical Audi. The dashboard and door surrounds are flanked with soft-touch and premium materials. The center console is dominated by a large pair of MMI displays similar to the Q8. In the meantime, traditional dials on the instrument console are replaced by the Audi Virtual cockpit with an ultra-high resolution 1920 x 720 display screen.
The interior can accommodate five, benefiting from dual-pane windows, undercarriage sealing, and a plethora of soundproofing materials. The result of all this (combined with the excellent 0.28 Cd of the slippery body) is a hushed ride even at high speeds.
The 2019 Audi e-tron, behind all this technology, is still a family SUV. For example, it offers 28.5 cubic feet of storage in the cargo area. Not enough? Fold the rear seats down to get 57 cubic feet of storage. There is also a storage compartment under the cargo floor to stow away a tool kit and a mobile charging cable. Oh, and the tailgate opens electronically when it senses your foot is under the rear bumper as well.
In Person
If you’re seriously considering the 2019 Audi e-tron, remember it’s best appreciated in the flesh. It will be on display from November 30th until December 9th at the 2018 Los Angeles Auto Show. On November 28th, Audi is releasing a teaser of the e-tron GT concept, an all-electric high-performance sports sedan.
Alvin Reyes is the Associate Editor of Automoblog. He studied civil aviation, aeronautics, and accountancy in his younger years and is still very much smitten to his former Lancer GSR and Galant SS. He also likes fried chicken, music, and herbal medicine.
2019 Audi e-tron Gallery

Photos & Source: Audi of America, Inc.

Check out these Automotive tips

http://carsecret.atspace.eu/blog/the-2019-audi-e-tron-will-make-you-change-your-mind-about-evs/