Automotive

McLaren 720S Spider: Performance Necessary, Roof Optional

McLaren 720S Spider: Performance Necessary, Roof Optional The McLaren 720S Spider is remarkably similar to its stablemate, the 720S.
The Monocage II-S is one of the most impressive things about the Spider’s design.
However, wait until you see the tinted/transparent roof feature.
To make a good car even better, remove the top. Or so goes the old saying, and it’s one I usually agree with. In this case, we’re talking about the new Spider variant of the already impressive McLaren 720S. People really do seem to love this car, and the specs of the McLaren 720S Spider are very impressive.
McLaren says this new Spider mirrors the Coupé in almost every aspect and that’s fair.
So, what’s the drop-top like?
Power & Performance: A Similar Story
Basically, the 720S Spider is a match to its hard-top brother, the 720S. It’s powered by the same 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine, designed and built in-house by McLaren. That’s good enough for 710 bhp and 568 lb-ft. of torque and, for the Spider, a power-to-weight ratio of 533 bhp/ton. Impressive as one would expect.
This all adds up to a zero to 60 mph time of 2.8 seconds, same as the 720S Coupé. 124 mph is reached in 7.9 seconds, and the whole thing tops out at 212 mph with the roof up, 202 mph with it down. Either of those figures are attention grabbing, but hitting the double ton with the wind in your hair must be something.
McLaren says the new 720S Spider is the “most accomplished convertible supercar ever from McLaren” and I’ll take them at their word. Although the qualifier there, “from McLaren” does away with pointing out convertibles that are even faster and quicker, like Porsche’s 918 and the Ferrari 458 Speciale Aperta.
McLaren describes the drivetrain of the 720S Spider as a “longitudinal mid-engine, rear-wheel” design. Photo: McLaren Automotive.
To make a good car even better, remove the top. Or so goes the old saying. In this case, we're talking about the new Spider variant of the already impressive @McLarenAuto 720S.Click To TweetEssential Foundations: The Heart of the Matter
McLaren is right, however, to crow about their Monocage II-S. Essentially, the Monocage is like a roll cage you’d bolt and weld into your car, but it differs in two important ways. First, it’s made of carbon fiber, so it’s lighter and just as strong, and two, the Monocage II-S is the car. Everything connects to the Monocage; you sit inside its cozy confines, secure in the rollover protection it provides.
In the case of the Spider, it’s worth pointing out how the Monocage needs no additional strengthening over how it’s designed and integrated into Coupé. In other words, the Spider is just as stiff as the Coupe.
Impressive McLaren, very impressive.
The carbon fiber body structure is bespoke, of course, and built in-house (McLaren must have autoclaves all over the place). Normally, drop tops weigh more than their hard top counterparts. This is true for the 720S Spider, but not all that bad. Dry, the McLaren 720S Spider tips the scales at 2,937 lbs., just 108 lbs. more than the 720S Coupé. Nice!
McLaren says their new Spider is “194 lbs. less than the dry weight of its closest competitor,” but they don’t say who that is.
The McLaren 720S Spider lets drivers choose between three handling modes: Comfort, Sport, or Track. Photo: McLaren Automotive.
@McLarenAuto says their new Spider is 194 lbs. less than the dry weight of its closest competitor, but they don't say who that is.Click To TweetFast Car Magic
Another neat trick is how the panels and such comprise the retractable roof itself. For starters, the flying buttresses are glazed and transparent. This significantly ups the visibility (practical) and highlights the aerodynamic cleanliness of the design. They also say it increases downforce, but never elaborate beyond that.
The roof itself, or the “carbon fiber roof system” as McLaren terms it, is patented (natch), electrically-actuated and lowers (and closes back up) in 11 seconds, up to 31 mph. That’s nice, and dropping that top while on the move is everso stylish.
However, someone needs to tell the boys from Woking the Ferrari Superamerica from 2005 could flip its lid in nine seconds flat.
Another trick they cribbed from the Ferrari Superamerica is the retractable hard top on the McLaren 720S Spider. It’s available glazed, with an electrochromic glass panel that can rapidly switch between tinted and transparent. This is like those eye glasses that darken as needed, only the driver controls how dark, or how transparent the roof is.

Someone should tell the boys from Woking the Ferrari Superamerica from 2005 could flip its lid in nine seconds flat.Click To TweetPricing & Availability
So, how much? Very much. Prices for the McLaren 720S Spider start at $315,000. Deliveries to customers are expected to start by March. The 720S Spider is second new model under McLaren Automotive’s Track25 business plan.
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.
McLaren 720S Spider Gallery

Photos & Source: McLaren Automotive.

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2020 Honda Passport Specs, Price, Redesign

Great SUV-made Honda has indeed been tested will be its quality, this time 2020 Honda Passport car would be one that would probably be the choice for you. many great features that will be available in the latest generation of 2020 Honda Passport. Rumors circulating the design of this car may just be the same as the Honda Pilot, and his price probably would be the same. Still, not a lot of information we could give about Honda Passport.

2020 Honda Passport

2020 Honda Passport Interior and Exterior

The new generation Honda Passport is an extremely attractive car that will supply excellent features for the revenue. new 2020 Honda Passport comes with a fashionable grille and as well as attractive searching LED headlight. Also, the new taillights might be powered using the very same LED system. From the images that we acquired, 2020 Honda Passport looks smaller than the three-row brother Honda Pilot. Furthermore, we will see that this car is by some means similar to the Honda CR-V model that provides ample cargo room. New exterior color selections might be the same as to the Honda Pilot and we’ll see colors like White Diamond Pearl, Obsidian Blue Pearl, Deep Scarlet Pearl, Lunar Silver Metallic, Black Forest Pearl and Crystal Black Pearl.

Within the interior cabin, 2020 Honda Passport uses the design familiar in the larger Honda Pilot and give a comparable tools variety. The same wheelbase as the three-row Honda Pilot offers, nevertheless, aggressive passenger and cargo room. With all the all 5-seats in perform, the new model offers 41,1 cubes on the cargo space even though without passengers from the rear row the capability shrinks to 100 cubes. The Honda Passport has also quite a few storage compartments and an abundance of the legroom in each row.

As to the accessible equipment, The New Honda Passport starts together with the cloth upholstery, keyless ignition, LED headlights, etc. The typical gear incorporates also the 7,2-inch TFT instrument cluster display, a 5-inch center screen, USB connectivity and Bluetooth, and so forth. The EX-L trim adds an 8-inch touchscreen with all the smartphone assistance, leather upholstery, electrical power tailgate, heated front seats, etc. The Touring trim improves with the heated rear seats, parking sensors, a wi-fi hotspot and so on. The range-topping model has the cooled seats, heated steering wheel, distinctive trim accents and much more.

Read More : 2020 Lexus ES 350 Redesign, Release Date, Price

Engine Performance

New Honda Passport adopts the Honda Pilot-based underpinning as well as an exact same engine at the same time. A 3.4-liter V6 engine helps make 285 horsepower and torque of 260 pound-feet. The 9-speed automated transmission sends the power on the front wheel by default. The obtainable four-wheel drive and enhanced trip height, when compared with the three-row Pilot and mixed using the shorter overhangs, boost the off-road capability over the Pilot’s but the Honda Passport stays the soft off-roader.

2020 Honda Passport Release Date and Price

There is no certainty about the price and also the release date for 2020 Honda Passport. Our speculations say that this car will probably start on sale earlier in the year 2020 with the price up to 30, 000.

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2019 GMC Terrain Denali Review: Compelling Choice Overall

2019 GMC Terrain Denali Review: Compelling Choice Overall 90GOOD 2019 GMC Terrain DenaliOverall Impression-Nice to have all-wheel drive available.-Ride is fairly comfortable on the open road.
-A more compelling choice among smaller SUVs.
ProsEngine Performance Comfortable & Upscale CabinIntuitive Touchscreen Interfaces ConsWind Noise (Higher Speeds)Less Cargo Capacity vs. Competition The 2019 GMC Terrain has the same footprint as the Chevy Equinox. However, the Terrain received new exterior styling to make it a lot tamer for consumers. The new 2.0-liter turbo should give families enough power and some fuel mileage gains as well.
This week, we’ve been driving the top-of-the-line, 2019 GMC Terrain Denali with all-wheel drive.
What’s New For 2019
The 2019 GMC Terrain receives an upgraded rearview camera and new appearance packages. Adaptive Cruise Control and Front Pedestrian Braking are now part of the available Driver Alert Package II.
Smokey Quartz Metallic joins the color palette for 2019.
Features & Options: Two Safety Packages Worth Noting
The 2019 GMC Terrain AWD Denali ($39,500) comes with leather seats, an eight-inch touchscreen, satellite radio, blind-spot monitors, a 110-volt power outlet, remote start, power driver’s seat, heated front seats, and a panoramic sunroof. The Denali receives unique styling cues and interior trim, as well as Denali-specific 19-inch wheels and LED headlights.
The Driver Alert II package ($745) added low-speed forward collision warning with pedestrian detection and automatic emergency braking; lane departure warning, lane keeping assist, automatic high beams, and adaptive cruise control. The Denali’s Comfort package ($450) added ventilated front seats and heated rear seats, plus a wireless phone charging pad.
The Advanced Safety package ($745) included a surround-view parking camera and an automated parking system. Total MSRP including destination: $43,650. By comparison, the 2019 GMC Terrain starts at $25,000.
2019 GMC Terrain Denali.
Interior Highlights: Clear & Bright
Stepping inside reveals leather seats with plenty of bolstering, lots of soft-touch materials, brushed aluminum trim, and plenty of power adjustments to help find the perfect driving position. The first thing we noticed was the unique push/pull space-saving gear shifter in front of the console. It took us awhile to get used to it, but it does add extra storage space in the console and room for the smartphone charger.
The seating position in the Denali’s cabin seems lower than before, which makes the Terrain feel less SUV-like. The infotainment system is straight-forward and simple, with the eight-inch screen’s big icons. The display is clear, bright, responsive, and fast, all without too many features or too much information.
The backseat has plenty of room for adults, and rear passengers will appreciate the tall doors, so there’s less ducking to climb in. However, the flat seat bottoms won’t be comfortable for long trips. The seats fold mostly flat to provide 63.3 cubic feet of cargo space, less than the competition. Behind the rear seats there is 29.6 cubic feet available.
There’s a handy storage compartment underneath the rear cargo deck. The front passenger seat folds flat to accommodate longer items like 2x4s and kayaks.
2019 GMC Terrain Denali interior layout with cargo.
Engine & Fuel Mileage Specs
The 2019 GMC Terrain Denali is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder, making 252 horsepower and 260 lb-ft. of torque. When properly equipped, the Terrain Denali tows 3,500 lbs. Mated to a nine-speed automatic with all-wheel drive, it offers peppy acceleration and gets an EPA-estimated 21/26 city/highway and 23 combined mpg.
Fuel tank capacity for all-wheel drive models is 15.6 gallons; 14.9 gallons for front-wheel drive models.
When compared at random to other possible choices, the GMC Terrain is about average for fuel economy.
The turbo offers steady power and a cool whistling sound as it climbs through the gears.Click To TweetDriving Dynamics: We Avoided The Deer!
The transmission pairs nicely with the new 252 horsepower turbo engine, and it felt strong during our quick runs up I-70 west of Denver. The turbo offers steady power and a cool whistling sound as it climbs through the gears. We found ourselves wanting steering wheel paddle shifters which aren’t offered on the Terrain. Our other complaint is the noticeable amount of wind noise coming from the outside mirrors at higher speeds.
The 2019 GMC Terrain is designed more toward comfort than cornering ability. We took it through the tight mountain curves and there was enough body lean to remind us we weren’t in a sports sedan. The suspension offers poised and predictable handling in all situations; the ride overall is comfortable on the highway and you hardly feel the bumps on rough pavement.
The Denali has a higher state of suspension tune and 19-inch wheels with better all-season tires. It tracks true and smooth, but doesn’t offer much feedback. Still, it helped us avoid a deer in the mountains west of Denver during our seat time.
The optional all-wheel drive on our Denali tester is a part-time system, activated by a knob on the console with different traction modes. It’s easier than other all-wheel drive units without the ability to self-activate.

Conclusion: A Compelling Choice
The 2019 GMC Terrain represents a more compelling choice in the smaller, five-passenger crossover segment. The Denali trim ramps up the level of luxury too. It’s comfortable, easy to drive, and comes standard with one of the best infotainment interfaces in the class.
Denis Flierl has invested over 25 years in the automotive industry in a variety of roles. Follow his work on Twitter: @CarReviewGuy
2019 GMC Terrain Gallery

Photos: GMC

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Can The Ford Raptor Take On Santa’s Sleigh? You Might Be Surprised

Can The Ford Raptor Take On Santa’s Sleigh? You Might Be Surprised Is the 2019 Ford Raptor more capable than Santa’s sleigh?
A comparison chart from FordPartsOnSale.com provides some insight.
The Raptor is as tough as they come but can anything top St. Nick’s sled?
As we speak, Santa is preparing for his yearly journey around the world, stopping at every house along the way. The only evidence of his visit are the missing cookies, empty glass of milk and, of course, a tree surrounded by presents. Kids this year will hide under their covers, pretending they are asleep in hopes they will hear Rudolph and company land on the roof.
Some adults may even do the same.
You’re never too old to believe in miracles.
Secret Formulas & Worthy Challengers
Year after year, Santa gets it done. But what’s his secret? We know it’s not good diet and exercise. Perhaps it’s a youthful elixir? Or the joy of being married for many years to Mrs. Claus? Or maybe, the secret is Santa’s sleigh being among the most powerful muscle “cars” in history.
To make such a journey in one night, you would need a truly fast machine. It’s unlikely any vehicle today could match the tinsel-powered, candy cane-colored gift-hauler that is Santa’s sleigh. Just recently, the 2018 Chevy Camaro ZL1 1LE came close, but still couldn’t best Santa’s hot rod.
Now the 2019 Ford Raptor is jockeying for position.
Photo: Ford Motor Company.
Setting The Stage
A new comparison chart from FordPartsOnSale.com shows what happens when the 2019 Ford Raptor gets in the ring with Santa’s Sleigh. Breaking down the specs of each vehicle, the team at FordPartsOnSale.com found themselves with two solid competitors on their hands. At first, it seemed as if Santa’s sleigh had it in the bag (no pun intended) but the Raptor clawed its way back (also no pun intended).
“This new generation of Raptor has lost a few hundred pounds, adapts to terrain changes, and has a Trail Control system,” said Don Heelon, Parts Manager at FordPartsOnSale.com. “It can crawl where necessary, race through deserts and highways, plow through snow, and even fly, if only for a second.”
Climbing & Scaling
The 2019 Ford Raptor makes use of its electronically-controlled, Fox 3.0 Internal Bypass shocks with LIVE Valve Technology. The Trail Control system automatically adjusts power and braking force to each wheel. The system feeds engine torque to the wheels for climbing, braking them eventually (and individually) for a smooth trip down the other side.
Trail Control works between one and 20 mph, depending on the driveline position.
This means the Raptor climbs up the side of your house, to your chimney, then back down again with ease.

Cookies & Reindeer Versus Fuel & Horses
Raptor wins in fuel economy too. The truck’s 3.5-liter EcoBoost nets 15/18 mpg city/highway versus Santa’s sleigh which requires one to two cookies per house! I’m sure Santa’s doctors caution him about his cholesterol, or at least we hope. Also, there are no exact figures on how much milk the sleigh needs (still waiting to hear from the North Pole) but we figure a glass per house, minimum.
And if we’re talking engine and transmission? The Ford Raptor sticks it to Santa’s sleigh with 450 horses which, by comparison, is powered by only nine reindeer. The Raptor has a 10-speed automatic, much more agreeable than trying to direct those ornery reindeer around the world on a chilly Christmas Eve.
So the Raptor seems to have this one. However . . . .
Designed & Engineered In The North Pole
Someone taught the elves how to build toys, so it follows that St. Nick is a tremendous engineer. Although true the Ford Raptor will catch air off-road, Santa’s sled is actually riding in the air. Ford trucks do tout their payload capacity, yet not even Dearborn’s mightiest can out haul the North Pole’s finest.
Ford trucks can certainly move your adult toys like a speed boat, but Santa’s sled hauls a boatload of toys with impressive speed. And just how fast is Santa’s sleigh? FordPartsOnSale.com pegs the zero to 60 time as 1/32 of a millisecond. The Raptor? 5.1 seconds.
No contest.
The Ford Raptor might catch some air, some of the time, but Santa’s sleigh is always in the air.
@Ford trucks do tout their payload capacity, yet not even Dearborn's mightiest can out haul the North Pole's finest.Click To TweetTough Breaks For The Ford Raptor
The comparison chart from FordPartsOnSale.com is below, with one you can share on social media here. Santa’s sleigh wins for now, but we anticipate the Raptor will try again next year. If that’s the case, Santa must overhaul his sleigh once this holiday season passes. The pressure is on.
For now it’s a tough break for the Raptor. However, there is some consolation for truck fans hoping St. Nick will swap his ride.
“If Santa had to travel on the ground, he’d want a Ford Raptor,” Heelon said.
Enjoy the comparison chart. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
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.

2019 Ford Raptor Photos: Ford Motor Company.

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Can The Chevy Camaro ZL1 1LE Take On Santa’s Sleigh?

Can The Chevy Camaro ZL1 1LE Take On Santa’s Sleigh? Is the 2018 Chevy Camaro ZL1 1LE faster than Santa’s sleigh?
A comparison chart from GMPartsCenter.net provides some insight.
At first, it seems close – really close – but a clear winner does emerge.
When I was a kid, I wondered how Santa Claus made it around the world, to every house, in just one night. My parents and I lived in an apartment, which only complicated matters. Since we didn’t have a chimney, one year I asked my father how Santa was going to get in. When my father, a distinguished college professor, assured me he would leave the patio door unlocked, I inquired if that were safe.
“It’s a small town, we should be fine,” my father responded.
Super Sled
Still, Santa would need a fast rig to make every house and a new Camaro sounds like the ticket. Last year, the 2018 Camaro ZL1 1LE set a record time on the Nürburgring, making it the fastest Camaro ever on the famed German track. With a supercharged LT4 engine and Brembo high-performance brakes, the Camaro ZL1 1LE would be Santa’s ideal car. After all, when you go from house to house, you have to quickly accelerate, then stop suddenly.
But don’t expect to see Santa at a Chevy dealership anytime soon. Turns out, old St. Nick’s sleigh is one powerful machine. A comparison done by GMPartsCenter.net shows that while the Camaro ZL1 1LE might be every Chevy enthusiasts dream, its 650 horses are hotly contested by only nine reindeer.
“What could we compare to the new Camaro ZL1 1LE,” asked Matt Mylan, Director at GMPartsCenter.net, noting the car’s affordable price point and performance attributes. “If we’re going to compare it to any machine, that machine has to be amazing, and Santa’s sleigh definitely qualifies.”

Chevy Versus Sleigh
The Camaro holds an advantage in fuel efficiency, with a combined 20 miles per gallon. By comparison, Santa’s sleigh requires one to two cookies per house, meaning St. Nick’s sled consumes a considerable amount of fuel. While milk was not calculated, you can figure a good amount of that is needed too.
When considering the transmission, Santa’s mode of transportation proves a bit more difficult. One would have to master all of his special reindeer calls, whereas the Camaro ZL1 1LE comes with a quick-shifting six-speed manual.
It would appear the Camaro ZL1 1LE holds the advantage in power: 650 horses versus nine reindeer, but it seems Rudolph is a sleeper. GMPartsCenter.net estimates the top speed of Santa’s sleigh is 2.3 million miles per hour, with 60 coming in less than a millisecond.
With cargo space, there is no contest. Only a few gifts (or maybe only gift cards) will fit in the Camaro. With all the kids in the world, GMPartsCenter.net rightfully estimated the cargo space in Santa’s sled to be infinite. After all, Santa has to make room for all those fire trucks.
The chart is below. Enjoy and Merry Christmas!
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.

Camaro ZL1 1LE Photos: Chevrolet.

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2019 Porsche Macan S: Holding The Middle Ground

2019 Porsche Macan S: Holding The Middle Ground The 2019 Porsche Macan S features a turbo-charged V6 with nearly 350 horsepower.
Porsche’s Sport Chrono package allows for a slightly quicker zero to 60 time.
I’ve heard nothing but glowing praise for Porsche’s mid-sized SUV, the Macan. Everyone I’ve read or talked to says it handles great (for an SUV) and now, with the addition of a new V6 turbo, 2019 looks better for those considering the purchase of a German SUV.
“More power, optimized chassis, improved comfort,” or so sayeth Porsche. And all those things sound good to me. Especially the more power and improved comfort parts. Macans seem like a good middle ground in a lot of ways, for the Euro SUV consumer. Stylish, fast and all that stuff, but not as off-road capable as its big brother, the Cayenne.
Hence the interest in “improved comfort.”
For some (read Americans) the Macan might not be big enough. It sure seems to work in urban environments, but for the long haul, driving form Chicago to New Orleans, for example, it might not work. So “improving comfort” for the occupants might translate into more North American sales.
Now, about that new engine.
2019 Porsche Macan S. Photo: Porsche Cars North America, Inc.
Zero To 60: Respectable Indeed
The 2019 Porsche Macan S comes with a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6, putting out 348 horsepower and 354 lb-ft. of torque. Healthy. That new plant marks a bump in both horsepower and torque over the older 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 used in previous versions of the Macan S.
Bottom line: zero to 60 mph in 4.9 seconds with the Sport Chrono package and a top track (ha!) speed of 157 mph. By comparison, the zero to 60 time is 5.1 seconds without the Sport Chrono package.
Not bad for a “truck.”
Related: The history of Porsche is chronicled in this fantastic book.
All About The “V”
This new V6 mill will be shared with the Panamera, Cayenne, and Cayenne E-Hybrid models. As is the engineering fashion these days, the single twin-scroll turbocharger lives centrally within the inner-V of the engine. Yes, I know, there’s sound engineering reasons for this – shorter exhaust paths from the combustion chambers to the turbocharger, improved responsiveness – and yes, I know I am no engineer, but boy, stuffing a high-heat application right there in the middle of the engine sure gives me the heebie-jeebies, thermally speaking.
But hey, if a bunch of engineers from Stuttgart say it’s okay, who am I to argue?
Porsche goes on to say how the exhaust gasses feed continuously into the turbine wheel for lower lag times. Stuttgart also tweaked the combustion chamber geometry with centrally positioned fuel injectors for more efficient mixture formation.
Photo: Porsche Cars North America, Inc.
Braking & Chassis: Improvements All Around
And, since this is a Porsche, the braking is fantastic. Porsche says you’ll notice a discernable improvement in brake pedal feel. The Macan’s new pedal is 300 grams lighter and connects to the master cylinder through a shorter lever arm. The new Macan S also adds larger front brake discs, up by 10 millimeters in diameter and two millimeters in thickness to 360 by 36 millimeters.
If that’s not enough, the Macan S can also be had with the Porsche Ceramic Composite Brake system.
The chassis upgrades include staggered front and rear tires, along with Porsche Traction Management/all-wheel drive as standard. Front axle strut forks are made from aluminum (away go the previous steel components), unsprung mass is down, the anti-roll bars get a re-tune, and the steering is more precise. Porsche even cribbed the optional GT Sport steering wheel from the 911 for the Macan S.
Porsche’s Active Stability Management, a height-adjustable air suspension with improved rolling pistons, new shock absorber hydraulics, and Porsche’s Torque Vectoring Plus are optionally available.
As is the engineering fashion these days, @Porsche has the twin-scroll turbocharger centrally within the inner-V of the engine. Click To TweetPhoto: 2019 Porsche Macan S interior layout. Photo: Porsche Cars North America, Inc.
Extra Stuff: Air Ionizers & Heated Windshields
There’s a host of tech goodies too. The Porsche Communication Management system is standard with online navigation and real-time traffic information, two audio interfaces, smartphone connections, and intelligent voice controls. Finally, there is an LTE phone module, SIM card reader, and Wi-Fi hotspot.
A heated windshield is available, along with an optional cabin air ionizer.
Pricing & Availability
The 2019 Porsche Macan S will be at your local Porsche store this summer, with starting price of $59,650. That’s not bad at all, considering this 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 S Gallery

Photos & Source: Porsche Cars North America, Inc.

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2018 Kia Stinger: Product & Performance Overview

2018 Kia Stinger: Product & Performance Overview

We saw the Kia Stinger for the first time at the 2017 North American International Auto Show here in Detroit. Its stance was bold, its message clear, and its design nothing short of fantastic. NAIAS 2017 had a multitude of attractions and for us, the Stinger was our top pick. The forthcoming sportback will enter a segment currently dominated by European automakers, but it will be the highest-performing production vehicle in Kia’s history.
Dream Come True
The Stinger, in its present form, descends from the GT concept, first unveiled at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show. When the cover was lifted, it sent a wave of inspiration throughout the entire Kia organization.
“Unlike any Kia that has come before it, the Stinger really is a dream car for us and after years of commitment and hard work from a passionate group of designers, engineers, and executives around the world, that dream is now a reality,” said Orth Hedrick, Vice President, Product Planning, Kia Motors America.
According to Kia, The Stinger needed to be many things, yet most of all, it needed to be a genuine Gran Turismo car. Here is a look, piece by piece, of what Kia did to get it there.
The Kia Stinger on display at the 2017 North American International Auto Show, Cobo Center, Detroit, Michigan. Photo: Carl Anthony for Automoblog.net.
Design & Development
The Stinger’s design was overseen by Peter Schreyer, Kia Motors’ Chief Design Officer, and his visionary team in Frankfurt, Germany. Ride and handling responsibilities fell to Albert Biermann, Head of Kia’s Vehicle Test and High Performance Development initiative. His engineering group worked around the clock in Korea but other teams from Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and North and South America joined in. Ultimately, it was on the Nürburgring circuit, a place lately reserved for the 911 GT2 RS and Camaro ZL1, where Kia made their biggest strides.
“From its GT concept-car origins to the years of tuning and refining on the legendary Nürburgring circuit, no detail was too small to be obsessed over, and the result is simply stunning,” Hedrick said.
“I think for the Kia brand, the Stinger is like a special event,” Biermann added. “Because nobody expects such a car, not just the way it looks but also the way it drives.”
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 Stinger’s quality, reliability, and durability testing consisted of aggressive acceleration, followed by rapid deceleration and heavy cornering. The Stinger was repeatedly exposed to the Nürburgring’s 73 corners and 17 percent gradients at nearly 1,000 feet of elevation.
“It’s a whole different animal,” Biermann said of the Stinger after testing concluded.
2018 Kia Stinger GT2 AWD. Photo: Kia Motors America.
Chassis Construction
The foundation for Kia’s Gran Turismo car is a stiff, NVH resistant chassis, comprised of 55 percent advanced high-strength steel. The MacPherson front suspension features large diameter shock absorbers, high-strength wheel bearings, and an aluminum strut brace; the reinforced five-link rear suspension is mounted to a stiffened rear subframe.
The Stinger GT goes a bit farther, with Kia’s first continuously damping, electronically controlled suspension. “Dynamic Stability Damping Control” matches a driver’s inputs and style, responding to road conditions more proactively than a traditional suspension. During tight or aggressive cornering, the front shocks soften and the rear firms up for better handling. Conversely, the system can stiffen the front shocks and soften the rear for improved high-speed stability.
There are five modes: Custom, Eco, Sport, Comfort, and Smart.
Advanced Aerodynamics
The Stinger needed to be more than a pretty face but when it comes to aerodynamics, a fastback design is more challenging than a conventional sedan. To maintain the balance between style and performance, Kia’s Frankfurt R&D center used computational fluid dynamics (CFD) software to test and validate different approaches to the Stinger’s aerodynamic profile.
The body is favored slightly toward the rear while the “gills” behind the front wheel arches reduce wake turbulence as air moves over the flanks. A partially-flat underfloor cover, which flows into the rear diffuser, reduces drag; the rear spoiler, with its “ducktail” shape, reduces lift and increases stability at higher speeds. Special air inlets and curtains help reduce front-end lift and compliment the large, horizontal brake cooling ducts. By continually tweaking the “aerofoil” shape of the Stinger, Kia achieved a drag coefficient of 0.30 Cd.
2018 Kia Stinger GT2 RWD. Photo: Kia Motors America.

Engine & Powertrain
Kia poses it rather well: “if the chassis symbolizes the bones of a gran turismo, then surely the available powertrains represent its heart.” When we first saw the Kia Stinger at NAIAS in January, this really intrgued us. The first available engine is a 2.0-liter twin-scroll turbocharged four-cylinder Theta II plant, producing 255 horsepower (6,200 rpm) and 260 lb-ft. of torque. Torque is available from 1,400 to 4,000 rpm and gives the Stinger a reasonable 0 to 60 time of 5.9 seconds.
The 3.3-liter twin-turbo V6 Lambda II engine packs a bit more punch. Those looking for more snap and grunt will want this engine with its 365 horsepower (6,000 rpm) and top speed of 167 mph. Torque jumps to 376 lb-ft., available from 1,350 to 4,500 rpm. With this engine, the Kia Stinger enters the segment with more power than the Audi S5 Sportback, BMW 440i Gran Coupe, and Infiniti Q50. Further, Kia has chipped away at Porsche’s foundation. With the V6 Lambda II engine, the Stinger GT hits 60 in 4.7 seconds, which is quicker than the six-cylinder Porsche Panamera.
Helping to disperse the power is an 8-speed automatic Kia designed in-house. One of the most notable features is the inclusion of a Centrifugal Pendulum Absorber, normally found on racing, diesel, and aviation applications. The design, accompanied by an oil cooler to mitigate heat, helps prevent torsional vibrations through the drivetrain. Similar to the suspension, five different shift patterns may be selected through the vehicle’s electronic drive-mode system.
Photo: Kia Motors America.
Steering & Braking
The Stinger features a variable ratio, Motor Driven Power Steering system that Kia says offers “razor-sharp feedback.” The setup has the electric motor mounted directly on the steering rack to reduce vibration from the column and to enhance overall response.
The Stinger GT is equipped with Brembo brakes with quad-piston front and dual-piston rear calipers. The monobloc all-aluminum calipers reduce unsprung weight, dissipate heat, and are coupled with large diameter brake discs: 13.8-inches in the front and 13.4-inches in the rear. During development, the Stinger was subjected to multiple runs down the infamous Grossglockner High Alpine Road in the Austrian Alps. The environment is the ideal place to test braking performance.
Interior Treatments
All Stingers come standard with a leather-appointed cabin, although an ultra-soft Nappa leather is available. Air-cell bladders and width-adjusting bolsters are available for the driver’s seat for additional comfort. The center console is split between the infotainment controls, which sit below a large color touchscreen, and the climate controls. The gauges are ringed in metal and accentuated with sweeping red needles; a color TFT screen relays data like cornering G-forces, lap times, and temperatures, along with the trip odometer, driver settings, navigation, and diagnostics.
The Stinger also comes with a generous array of connectivity, infotainment, and entertainment features. An available Harman Kardon 720 watt audio system has an external amplifier, 15 speakers, and under-seat subwoofers.
Pricing & Availability
The 2018 Kia Stinger arrives in December and pricing will be announced closer to that time. The Stinger will be available in either rear-wheel or all-wheel drive.
Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and resides in Detroit, Michigan.
2018 Kia Stinger Gallery

Photos & Source: Kia Motors America.

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Ford Mustang Engineers Show Why Duct Tape Is Awesome

Ford Mustang Engineers Show Why Duct Tape Is Awesome

In 1999, Baz Luhrmann released Everybody’s Free (To Wear Sunscreen), a spoken word, notional commencement speech to a class entering the new millennium. Based on an essay by Chicago Tribune columnist Mary Schmich, “The Suncreen Song” contains nuggets of advice garnered from Luhrmann’s own “meandering experience.” He advises the graduating class to remember compliments, avoid beauty magazines, and spend time with their parents, among other things.
I would add, to Luhrmann’s list of already excellent advice, duct tape. In the song, he says the benefits of sunscreen are proven by scientists. I am sure, at some point in time, there was a study done by scientists on duct tape. It can solve a myriad of problems and no person should be without a roll. It can fix anything.
Human Intuition
Just ask Ford engineers Jonathan Gesek and Mike Del Zio. Despite the computer-generated and data-driven approach to vehicle development today, the human element is still needed. There are times a computer cannot read things the way a human can. After completing a high-speed lap in a prototype Mustang, Del Zio, a vehicle dynamics engineer, noticed the car was not responding to his liking around corners. The latest set of wind tunnel numbers showed everything was fine, but Del Zio was not convinced.
That’s when Gesek, an aerodynamics engineer, slapped a strip of duct tape over the lower grille gap. We are fairly certain (although Ford did not confirm) both engineers applied sunscreen at this time too. That would be logical since they were outside at a race track.
The slice of duct tape over the grille provided a “Band-Aid” fix to what is known as front-end lift. Gesek and Del Zio have devoted hundreds of hours to the aerodynamic performance and efficiency of the new 2018 Mustang. Their work has helped maintain and even improve the Mustang’s EPA fuel economy ratings. In essence, these guys know the Mustang and know it well. And they know when to trust their gut.
“That little strip of tape made all the difference,” Del Zio said.
2018 Ford Mustang. Photo: Ford Motor Company.

Proper Modifications
Mustang’s front-end styling changes include a lowered nose, larger front splitter, and rocker shield. Each element helps keep the car planted while allowing air to flow smoothly underneath. But it all started with a strip of duct tape from a dull gray roll. Granted, you won’t find a new Mustang at the dealership with a slice of the famed adhesive on the front, but you can be confident regardless.
“At the end of a straightaway, what confidence do you have in being able to brake and make a turn,” Del Zio said, emphasizing the importance of human-inspired engineering and design. “Things start to come up fast at 155 miles an hour.”
Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and resides in Detroit, Michigan.
2018 Ford Mustang Fuel Economy Improvements

2017
2018
Increase
City
Highway
Combined
City
Highway
Combined
Combined
EcoBoost (auto)
21
30
24
21
32
25
4.2%
EcoBoost (man.)
21
30
24
21
31
25
4.2%
GT (auto)
15
24
18
16
25
19
5.6%
GT (man.)
15
25
18
15
25
18
No Change
Photo & Source: Ford Motor Company.

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2018 Volkswagen Tiguan S 4Motion Review

2018 Volkswagen Tiguan S 4Motion Review

The Volkswagen Tiguan is sometimes a forgotten entry in the compact crossover segment, but it’s worthy to be put on your shopping list. It competes against popular Japanese rivals like the Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, Subaru Forester, and Mazda CX-5. It’s a tall compact crossover that stretches toward midsize in interior space, and is well-equipped for its price. It’s ready for the daily commute, or the weekend ski trip.
We recently drove the base trim Tiguan S 4Motion.
What’s New For 2018
The Volkswagen Tiguan has been completely redesigned for 2018, and grows in size for its second generation. Cargo capacity improves over the previous model.
Features & Options
The 2018 Tiguan S 4Motion ($27,495) comes standard with rugged fabric upholstery, rearview camera, USB port, Bluetooth capability, 6.5-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and VW’s telematics service. It also features automatic headlights, heated mirrors, roof rails, and a six-speaker sound system.
This was a new, pre-production press vehicle from Volkswagen and the only option listed was the Driver Assistance package. It included forward collision warning with emergency braking and blind-spot monitoring.

Interior Highlights
Our Habanero Orange tester seemed ready for Halloween with its contrasting, sharp-looking Titan Black fabric upholstery. The Germans know how to keep the people’s wagon simple, clean, and functional. The Tiguan’s interior is ready to haul folks around for the commute or better yet, the weekend trip to the ski slopes.
There’s plenty of room inside for taller passengers and the seats are firm and supportive, but could use a bit more padding. The Tiguan S comes with a six-speaker stereo, good for listening to sports talk on 104.3 The Fan here in Denver. Unfortunately, it lacks in sound quality for music.
In the rear, there’s exceptional legroom especially with the sliding rear seat pushed back. The Tiguan may be larger than before, although three adults in the rear seat will still be a squeeze. There’s 37.6 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats down, and the rear liftgate is nice and wide for loading extra large items. Maximum cargo carrying ability is still less than some rivals.

Engine & Fuel Mileage Specs
All Volkswagen Tiguan models come powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged TSI four-cylinder engine, coupled with an eight-speed automatic. It develops 184 horsepower and 221 lb-ft. of torque. The compact SUV returns an EPA estimated 23 combined mpg with a 21/27 city/highway rating. That’s less than the competition and the rating seems low to us considering it’s a 2.0-liter engine. We got around 22 mpg, which isn’t too bad considering how hard we drove it at altitude.
Driving Dynamics
We pushed the turbocharged 2.0-liter engine hard this week as we traveled into the mountains west of Denver. It’s the ideal place to test any vehicle, and this small SUV was no exception. Without the turbo, this vehicle would be less than ideal for mountain commutes, but when the air gets thin, the Tiguan has enough power to climb the hills without issue.
You will find it has more power at lower revs when accelerating from a stop, but it can get a little out of breath at higher revs. We don’t anticipate this will be an issue for daily commuting, however. The 8-speed automatic is smooth and a welcome relief from the continuously variable transmissions that many small crossovers get. The downside is it doesn’t get the mileage of a CVT gearbox.
In the city, the Tiguan is a good commuter vehicle and it scoots around slower traffic with ease. Its smaller size lets you park in tighter spots and you won’t have a problem seeing other drivers when you are navigating city streets. The Tiguan has a higher profile and bigger windows than other small crossovers, making it easy to see out the back and sides. On the highway, the Tiguan’s ride is easy, the handling competent, and it feels softer than the outgoing model.
Conclusion
The 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan S 4Motion offers affordably-priced convenience in a compact crossover that, overall, offers a quiet, comfortable ride. If you live in a cold climate, the 4Motion all-wheel drive will get you through the ice and snow this winter without an issue.
Denis Flierl has invested over 25 years in the automotive industry in a variety of roles. Follow his work on Twitter: @CarReviewGuy
2018 Volkswagen Tiguan Gallery

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2018 Volkswagen Tiguan official site.
Photos: Volkswagen of America, Inc.
*SEL trim level also shown.

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