Virtual Showdown: Tesla Model S Versus Audi e-tron GT Concept

Virtual Showdown: Tesla Model S Versus Audi e-tron GT Concept The Audi e-tron GT concept is Audi’s vision for a fast EV.
However, the Tesla Model S lords over many in the EV universe.
Is this sleek Audi strong enough to dethrone the mighty Tesla Model S?
The Audi e-tron GT concept and Tesla Model S go head-to-head in this virtual showdown.
It’s no secret the Audi e-tron GT was a hit during the 2018 Los Angeles Auto Show. And why not? Based on the exterior proportions, it is basically a stretched version of the Audi R8, which is not a bad car to begin with.
But it doesn’t matter if Audi is directly targeting the Tesla Model S when it conceived the e-tron GT Concept (which they did). The newest electric vehicle from Audi will have to win over potential Tesla Model S buyers to be considered a success, hence the significance of this virtual EV showdown!
2018 Tesla Model S: The Big Daddy
The current Tesla Model S is no stranger in the automotive world. It paved the way for the eventual construction of the Model X and Model 3. The Tesla Model S has the looks of a luxury car, the stance of a sports sedan, and the performance of a supercar; not to mention the practicality and carrying-capacity of a crossover.
It’s hard to put into words, but the Tesla Model S is the daddy. It’s the prime beef! If other premium electric vehicles want to succeed, they must top the Model S in all aspects, including driving range and cost of ownership.
I’m also a purveyor of the Musk philosophy. Many people find many things wrong with Elon Musk and his creations, but the products are speaking on behalf of the brilliance that is Elon. He specifically created a family luxury car that ordinary daddies can play with when the wife is out shopping, or when the kids are in school.
Tesla Model S cruises through San Francisco. Photo: Tesla Motors.
The newest #EV from @Audi will have to win over potential @Tesla Model S buyers to be considered a success.Click To TweetZero To Hero
Even in base spec 75D, the Tesla Model S is no slouch. The dual-motor, all-wheel drive system can propel the hefty Model S (approximately 4,719 lbs.) from zero to hero in 4.2 seconds. That’s faster than most sports cars. The range is around 259 miles on a single charge.
Prices for the base trim start around $75,000. I know that’s enough money for a proper luxury car, but you do get a nice amount of kit. For example, 19-inch wheels, adaptive air suspension, LED headlights, a 17-inch touchscreen, and Wi-Fi connectivity. Enhanced autopilot with full self-driving capability is optional.
But in this trim, you only get vinyl and cloth seats. If you want leather, you need to select the premium upgrade, which is optional to other trim models of the Tesla Model S.
Ludicrous Performance
The Tesla Model S 100D is equipped with a larger, 100 kWh battery pack to achieve 335 miles of range. It can sprint from zero to 60 mph in 4.1 seconds with a top speed of 155. But if you want to run with the Ferrari LaFerrari (zero to 60 in 2.6 seconds), Lamborghini Aventador (2.7 seconds), or the Porsche 918 Spyder hybrid supercar (2.5 seconds), you can’t go wrong with the Tesla Model S P100D.
It can scoot from zero to 60 mph in 2.5 seconds. Crazy, right?
But there’s a catch!
For a family sedan, the Tesla Model S P100D starts around $94,000 without options. If you’re the typical family man, it’s a lot of money to spend on a car. You can get a premium SUV for that price with more room and possibly some off-road capabilities. However, for that price, you will never have to visit a gas pump again, not to mention blowing the doors off most sports cars. I don’t know about you, but that sort of freedom is, in a nutshell, priceless.
Tesla Model S traveling the Australia Coast. Photo: Tesla Motors.
The dual-motor, all-wheel drive system can propel the hefty @Tesla Model S from zero to hero in 4.2 seconds.Click To TweetEveryday Practicality
But the Tesla Model S is not only properly quick. It can seat five adults. If you choose the optional rear-facing jump seats, it increases the capacity to seven, although the seats are only good for midgets, small children or both. It also has 30 cubic-feet of cargo space, large enough to swallow a day’s worth of Black Friday shopping.
However, the Tesla Model S is not bulletproof. This is expected given Elon’s struggles to gain a firm and profitable hold on the company. Most recently, Tesla issued a recall on the electric power steering system in the Model S. In 2015, they recalled every Model S to fix a seatbelt issue. Then again, those had nothing to do with major EV components like the battery and electric motors. You can call it growing pains if you want, but these niggles are somewhat insignificant given the capabilities and performance of the Model S.
Tesla Model S Charging Options
The Model S comes with a mobile charging cord with three adapters: NEMA 5-15 (three miles per an hour of charging), NEMA 14-50 (240-volt outlet, 10 hours for full charge), and an adapter for Tesla Superchargers (full charge in 1.5 hours). If you have a Tesla wall connector, it can juice up the batteries in six to nine hours.
The Audi e-tron GT concept, a viable challenger to the Tesla Model S. Photo: Audi of America, Inc.
Audi e-tron GT Concept: The Gran Turismo EV
If you think the Audi e-tron GT is merely a concept car, think again. Audi says it’s 99 percent ready for production and will be available by 2020. I’m not sure why it’s taking that long, but it probably has something to do with Audi’s intent in trying to come up with a different sort of four-door EV.
To start, Audi grabbed a clay model of the Audi R8, lifted it a bit, widened the corners, and stretched it aggressively to produce a low-slung, prowling stance. Whereas the Tesla Model S is gifted with an organic yet plebeian shape, the new Audi e-tron GT is an exaggerated version of the R8 sports car – but in a good way, mind you.
The Audi e-tron GT has the same fastback styling, which is all the rage nowadays. It gives the e-tron GT a sleek and aerodynamic shape. This car sits low and wide to the ground, like an R8. But you get a wider cabin with loads of space for four adults. You also get additional headroom in the front and rear seats. The latter is an impressive feat given the sloping roofline in the rear.
This is a testament to how low the Audi e-tron GT is to the ground.
From the front, it’s definitely like a wider R8. From the sides and rear, however, it gets more familiar. The Audi e-tron GT concept shares almost the same dimensions as the current Porsche Panamera. Ironically, the e-tron GT also shares the underpinnings and electric powertrain of the Porsche Taycan EV, which also happens to be an electric, four-door and coupe-like sedan.
Audi e-tron GT concept on the open road. Photo: Audi of America, Inc.
Impressive Performance
I’ll say it again: the Audi e-tron GT, as the name suggests, is a gran turismo sports sedan. Don’t let anybody tell you otherwise. If Audi was aiming to run over the Tesla Model S, it would have given the e-tron GT ludicrous-worthy numbers.
But they didn’t.
Instead, Audi fitted the e-tron GT with a pair of electric motors and a flat battery pack. The latter essentially forms the flat floor in the e-tron GT. It also comes with an electronically-driven Quattro all-wheel drive system, the same sort you will find in the e-tron SUV. It governs all four wheels using digital torque vectoring without needing mechanical linkages between each wheel.
The Audi e-tron GT also comes with a 90 kWh battery pack, enough for 248 miles of range. The electric motors churn out 590 horsepower for a zero to 60 mph time of 3.5 seconds. Not exactly mind-blowing numbers if you ask me, but it’s enough to shame the Tesla Model S 75D. However, it’s not enough to run circles around the 100D and P100D.
From those numbers alone, the Audi e-tron GT is not pretending to be a supercar or hypercar, and that’s good. Without a doubt, it’s easy to have fun in a 590 horsepower electric car, and the Audi e-tron GT will certainly oblige. It has the looks, stance, engineering, and the badge to back it up.
Related: The 2019 Audi e-tron will change how you feel about EVs.
Luxurious & Premium Appointments
But what makes the Audi e-tron GT stand out from the Tesla Model S is the interior. It doesn’t have the minimalist approach of the Model S, but I’m glad they didn’t take that route. Much in the same way I felt about the Audi e-tron SUV, I like the fact that Audi gave the e-tron GT a normal-looking interior.
And I say this with high praises. Audi is a luxury brand, no doubt. And even if the e-tron GT is equipped with a vegan-themed interior (synthetic leather and recycled fish nets for carpets, no kidding!), it managed to remain premium and luxurious to the naked eye.
Audi e-tron GT concept interior layout. Photo: Audi of America, Inc.
New World Practicality
The Audi e-tron GT can only seat four people, which makes it less practical than the Tesla Model S. But since the e-tron GT is not primarily a people-hauler, that’s not a tough pill to swallow. Audi is marketing the e-tron GT concept as a performance derivative of a family car, so having four seats instead of five is not exactly a bad thing.
Where Tesla is marketing the Model S to be the only car you ever need, the Audi e-tron GT Concept is for people who already have more practical family vehicles. Instead, they want to add a faster (yet still somewhat practical and luxurious) EV with an Audi badge.
Even though you get more cargo room in the Tesla Model S, the Audi e-tron still offers 15.9 cubic-feet of cargo space in the rear, and another 3.5 cubic-feet under the front bonnet.
Oh and before I forget, am I the only one who thinks Tesla interiors are dreary? Please don’t get me wrong. The minimalist and ergonomic theme is a welcome change, but the build quality and materials could use an upgrade considering the rather hefty price tag.
Tesla Model S interior layout. Photo: Tesla Motors.
@Audi is marketing the e-tron GT Concept as a performance derivative of a family car, so having four seats instead of five is not exactly a bad thing.Click To TweetSuperior Energy Regeneration
The Audi e-tron GT recharges itself in a variety of ways. Lifting your foot off the throttle will trickle-charge the batteries, for example. The same thing happens when stepping on the brakes. This allows the 90 kWh battery pack to achieve the claimed 248 mile range, even if you’re pushing it and wasting energy.
But the Audi e-tron GT has another ace up its sleeve: the 800-volt charging system. This standard system juices the battery pack to 80 percent in just 20 minutes. Other charging options include the Audi Wireless Charging System, perfect for potential owners who are too lazy to plug-in their e-tron GT upon arrival.

Audi e-tron GT concept Versus Tesla Model S: The Verdict
The Audi e-tron GT is an attractive proposition. No word yet on pricing, though. But if the base trim is around $75,000 to $80,000 then Audi has a sure winner here. I’m pretty sure the top model will cost upwards of $100,000 but we’ll have to see how Audi positions the e-tron GT in the consumer market.
As for the Tesla Model S, it remains the daddy for now. But if you want a luxurious and reasonably-quick sedan that gurgles electrons instead of fossil fuel, you’ll have to wait for now to experience what the Audi e-tron GT has to offer.
But if Audi announces an RS version of the e-tron GT, then all bets are off.
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.

Photos & Source: Tesla Motors, Audi of America, Inc.



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2018 Lexus NX 300 Review: Steady, Simple & Comfortble

2018 Lexus NX 300 Review: Steady, Simple & Comfortble 90GOOD 2018 Lexus NX 300Overall ImpressionPerfect for everyday commutes.All-wheel drive system didn't perform up to par.ProsComfortableFuel MileageInterior Fit & Finish ConsCargo Capacity Remote Touch PadWith the 2018 Lexus NX 300 you’re getting a small luxury crossover with mini-RX 350 styling. In addition, the NX 300 is a comfortable, around-town commuter. Buyers will enjoy plush seating, a quiet interior, and a suitably powerful, turbocharged fuel-efficient engine.
This week, we drove the 2018 Lexus NX 300. Here is what we found during out test drive. 
What’s New For 2018
Lexus renamed its NX 200t the NX 300 for 2018. Mechanically, nothing has changed, but Lexus has made the Safety System+ package, which includes front collision mitigation, lane departure alert, high-beam assist, and adaptive cruise control standard.
The NX 300 also gains an updated infotainment system with a bigger display, and a 30 percent larger Remote Touch Interface pad.
Features & Options
The 2018 Lexus NX 300 ($37,385) comes standard with 17-inch wheels, LED headlights, fog lights and running lights, keyless ignition and entry, automatic dual-zone climate control, power-adjustable front seats, and simulated-leather upholstery (Lexus’ NuLuxe). There is a 60/40-split folding and reclining back seat, eight-inch infotainment display and touchpad interface, and an eight-speaker sound system.
Also included is adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning and mitigation, lane departure warning and intervention, and automatic high beams.
With the 2018 @Lexus NX 300 you're getting a small luxury crossover with mini-RX 350 styling.Click To TweetLuxury & Navigation Packages
The Luxury package ($4,705) adds automatic wipers, a heated steering wheel and leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats and blind-spot monitoring, 18-inch wheels, a sunroof, driver’s-seat memory settings, and a power-adjustable steering wheel.
The Navigation package ($1,800) features a larger 10.3-inch screen and a premium sound system. Other options include a panoramic view backup camera and triple-beam LED headlights.
Total MSRP, including destination, for our 2018 Lexus NX 300: $49,068. By comparison, a 2019 model starts at $36,385 with front-wheel drive; $37,785 with all-wheel drive.    
2018 Lexus NX 300 interior layout.
Interior Highlights: Really Nice But Not Perfect 
The NX 300 interior is the strong point with a level of craftsmanship not typically found in smaller crossovers. The two-tone leather interior, with Dark Umber trim and light stitching, is stylish and attractive. We especially like the heated seats and steering wheel, which take the chill out of the cold mornings we’ve been having recently.
The darkest cloud is cast by the frustrating and ill-conceived Remote Touch infotainment controller. We found it hard to use and a bit finicky to the touch. It is one of our least favorite things about the 2018 Lexus NX 300. 
The leather seats in front and back are noticeably soft and extremely comfortable. The seats aren’t elevated like in other crossovers, which increases headroom and gives occupants the unique sensation and feeling like they’re riding in a typical sedan.
There’s lots of legroom and headroom in the back and the NX feels bigger than it is. Lexus gave rear passengers plenty of room, but took it away from the cargo area. There’s 17.7 cubic feet which falls short of the competition. A drawback is how the rear cargo space is limited due to the steeply sloped rear window.

Engine & Fuel Mileage Specs
The 2018 Lexus NX 300 comes standard with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, producing an ample 235 horsepower and 258 lb-ft. of torque. It’s mated with a six-speed automatic. Our tester had all-wheel drive, nice for the winter time. Although, we didn’t feel the all-wheel drive system was really up to par on our test drive.
EPA fuel mileage estimates are 22/28 city/highway and 24 combined mpg. When compared to some possible competitors, the 2018 Lexus NX 300 holds its own in terms of fuel efficiency. 
Driving Dynamics: Steady & Simple 
In terms of performance and driver engagement, the 2018 Lexus NX 300 is merely average among the current crop of luxury crossovers, especially from Europe. But if you are looking for something easy-to-drive, the NX 300 makes a great city commuter. It’s the perfect size to navigate narrow streets and tight parking spots.
The NX leaned a bit in the tight mountain curves near Evergreen, but it’s predictable and poised on the open highway. Driving enthusiasts who value better handling will want the more athletic F Sport option.
However, as an everyday commuter, the 2018 Lexus NX 300 places few demands on the driver and provides a calm, comfortable cabin.
Related: The 2019 Lexus RX 350 F Sport will satisfy the performance-minded.
2018 Lexus NX 300 F Sport.
The 2018 @Lexus NX 300 places few demands on the driver and provides a calm, comfortable cabin. Click To TweetConclusion: A Good Alternative 
The 2018 Lexus NX 300 looks a little different than other crossovers because it is. The exterior styling won’t appeal to everyone but once you step inside, however, the cabin will win you over. There’s extra attention to detail, luxury treatments, and the quality is there.
The NX 300 is a good alternative to other cookie-cutter crossovers. 
Denis Flierl has invested over 25 years in the automotive industry in a variety of roles. Follow his work on Twitter: @CarReviewGuy
2018 Lexus NX 300 Galley














Photos: Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.
*Hybrid and F Sport Models shown. 



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Top Off-Road Trails & Parks In America: Let’s Get Dirty!

Top Off-Road Trails & Parks In America: Let’s Get Dirty! When you’re in the mood to get your 4×4 dirty, this list from PartCatalog has you covered!
The infographic below shows the top off-road trails and destinations in 39 U.S. states in 2018.
When you have a super cool off-road ride, just where do you take it? Where exactly are the top off-road trails in the United States? Perhaps you want to see the hidden trails of your home state? Maybe you want to venture to a new locale far from home? When you want to enjoy the great outdoors, where do you go?
We have an answer for you.
Top Off-Road Trails In America
Now in its third year of conducting surveys for off-road enthusiasts, PartCatalog has released an infographic compiling the top off-road trails and destinations in 39 U.S. states. Although other surveys of this nature exist, PartCatalog took a different approach.
“There are a lot of lists out there showcasing top off-road destinations, but they’re all very subjective,” explained Clint Henderson of PartCatalog. “Many were decided by only a few or, in most cases, one individual.”
After visiting with customers, it became apparent having a list of top off-road trails was a must.
“We got an overwhelmingly positive response to the idea of compiling the best off-roading destinations based on location,” Henderson said. “That’s how we decided to run a massive nationwide survey to discover the top off-road trails and parks in each state.”
In the survey this year, 5,000 people went about casting their votes for the top off-road trails and parks in America. Henderson believes, because of this, the off-road locations on the list really do reflect the best destinations.
“The trails and parks we’ve compiled are special because of the sheer numbers involved,” he said.
PartCatalog has released an infographic compiling the top off-road trails and destinations in 39 U.S. states.
King of The Mountain
Some of the top locations changed for 2018, versus years prior. For example, in 2016, Piney Mountain in Maryland was barely hanging on at number five, jumping now into the number two position. Nauset Beach in Massachusetts made an even farther leap, being number five in 2016, now number one in 2018.
Others didn’t move and remain among the top off-road trails in their respective state. For example, Alabama’s Stoney Lonesome, Black Bear Pass in Colorado, and Iron Range in Minnesota top the list again. Conversely, a few prior winners didn’t make the cut this year.
“Some of the top trails from years past don’t exist anymore,” Henderson explained. “Certain parks may stop or start allowing off-roading over the course of a year.”
Time To Get Dirty!
The top five destinations are listed by state on the infographic from PartCatalog below. Perhaps you are ambitions and want to visit every last one as part of your bucket list? If you do, take lots of photos and tag us on Twitter.
“It’s great seeing just how proud the park owners are of their parks and they’re thanking their patrons who loved the park so much that they voted for it,” Henderson said. “The off-roading community is a great community.”
Top-Off Road Trails Infographic Courtesy of PartCatalog

Cover Photo: FCA US LLC.



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Automoblog In-Depth: The Science of Pet Safety

Automoblog In-Depth: The Science of Pet Safety

When I visit my family, nothing tops the welcome I receive from our beloved German Shepherd. When I walk through the door, Jack greets me warmly and vigorously. He pushes past my mom and brother, rushing up as to say “about time you came back.” And not far behind is Turbo, our family cat for the last 15 years.
I will spend the duration of my time back home with those two glued to me.
Man’s Best Friend
A study last year found a dog’s heart will actually beat in sync with its owner. According to WebMD, those with pets often have lower blood pressure, stronger immune systems, and even a more vibrant dating life. Our pets being safe at home is one thing, but what about when traveling? How do we keep them safe? What if we are in an accident with our pets? Is there anything we can do?
Critical Moments
In 2004, Lindsey Wolko learned not all pet safety products deliver on their promises. After rescuing her dog Maggie from an abusive situation, Wolko found it challenging to travel with her. Thinking it was the right thing, she picked up a seat harness for Maggie at a pet store. A few months later with Maggie strapped in, Wolko had to hit the brakes to avoid an accident on Interstate 66 in Virginia.
“All I remember was Maggie screaming,” Wolko recalled. “The safety harness did nothing to protect her.”
The sudden braking caused the harness tether to wrap around Maggie’s back legs. Worse yet, she was launched forward, striking the back of the front seat. The harness effectively failed to restrain her. In time, Maggie recovered but the experience inspired Wolko to launch the Center for Pet Safety, a research and advocacy organization dedicated to the science of pet safety. As the organization grew, she found most pet products didn’t meet any sort of performance criteria.
“I learned a lot about how unregulated it is,” Wolko said. “One of the consistent themes among pet owners today is wondering if the products they buy are really going to save their pets in a crash.”
Lindsey Wolko (right) with MGA Research Corporation during crash testing of a pet safety harness. Photo: Center for Pet Safety.
Uniform Standards
In 2011, the Center for Pet Safety began crash testing pet safety products, with additional tests in 2013 and 2015. A certification program was determined for harnesses, crates, and carriers; a pet seat pilot study followed in 2015. The certification and crash testing programs, carried out by MGA Research Corporation, are voluntary for pet safety product manufacturers. A rating is assigned accordingly and passing products are given a special seal for packaging.
“We want manufactures who understand our mission and what we are trying to do on behalf of the consumer,” Wolko said. “Ideally, once we are fully funded, we will offer something like what the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety does and test in mass.”
The Center for Pet Safety published the results of their controlled testing, complete with videos and an analysis of the data. The 2013 Harness Study Testing concluded the Sleepypod Clickit Utility was consistent with its claims. The Sleepypod Clickit Utility kept the test dog restrained and on the seat during every controlled launch. Other products didn’t fare so well. One video shows a test dog being launched off the seat, then rapidly snapped back by the harness. The slow motion video shows the test dog striking the back of its head on the seat. Another harness fails so badly during the controlled launch, the test dog actually disappears from the camera frame it’s propelled so far. One harness even breaks apart entirely.
“We have had products fall apart right in front of the manufacturer’s eyes,” Wolko said. “I’ve counseled hundreds of brands and if they don’t test their products to a uniform standard, there is no way to know if they are actually going to work.”
The Center for Pet Safety and MGA Research Corporation perform crash testing on a pet travel seat. Notice near the upper right hand corner of this photograph. A piece of the harness has snapped off and is flying through the air. Notice the rip in the black strap, just behind the test dog’s head. Photo: Center for Pet Safety.


Care & Concern
Addison Edmonds got his dog Gunner when he was still in college. Although he looked forward to their hunting expeditions together, Edmonds was always bothered when traveling with his best friend.
“I was never comfortable with him in the crates that were available on the market,” Edmonds recalled. “The best out there was a injection molded plastic crate that was, for lack of a better word, junk.”
The final straw for Edmonds was when the crate actually rolled over in his truck with Gunner inside.
“He’s an incredible dog and I told myself that somebody needs to make the best dog crate available,” Edmonds continued. “Part of being the best is also being the safest, so I started thinking about it for a while.”
Edmonds sold the advertising company he was running and moved back home to Nashville, Tennessee. He put everything into Gunner Kennels, a company today that produces kennels and accessories for pet safety. Edmonds will hear testimonials from customers about how a Gunner product saved their dog’s life, but getting there wasn’t easy.
“As soon as we got the first one made, I thought it was ready to go, but I wanted to run some crash tests,” Edmonds said. “I searched online to see if anybody ever did crash testing with dummy dogs and how it played out.”
Gunner Kennels during crash testing with the Center for Pet Safety and MGA Research Corporation. Photo: Center for Pet Safety.
Trial & Error
Edmonds eventually found the Center for Pet Safety and met with Wolko and MGA Research Corporation in Virginia. The initial tests showed the original design was prone to failure: the door opened up on impact and the tie down ends, used for strapping the kennel, bent out of place.
“To my surprise, the design was not perfect so I had to go back to the drawing board and get a couple of engineers involved,” Edmonds said.
The second round of testing was a bit more successful, with the tie down points holding. The door, however, still proved problematic, despite a new frame design. The crash tests repeatedly showed the dummy dog flying toward the kennel door and striking it, which is where the failure was happening. This was, to an already dismayed Edmonds, unacceptable.
“The door would just bust open,” he recalled. “I had to think of a way to keep that door shut so it was back to the drawing board again.”
After reassurance from friends and family, Edmonds was determined to get his kennel perfect. More engineering work ensued, with new safety latches being designed and the hinges reinforced. Stainless steel replaced aluminum and each rivet given special attention. The modifications worked and the final tests confirmed as much, with the door holding in place. Edmonds even had MGA Research Corporation perform crush testing on a machine with a 4,000 lbs. threshold.
“We actually broke their machine,” Edmonds said.
“That thing is rock solid,” Wolko added. “The tooling just to manufacture the Gunner kennels astounds me.”
Today, the Gunner Kennels’ G1 Intermediate is the only travel crate with a 5 Star Crash Test Rating from the Center For Pet Safety. Gunner branded kennels house mainly sporting dogs, but lately the company is getting requests for smaller kennels. Even military branches and law enforcement entities have reached out to Edmonds.
“I knew that was a potential market but I didn’t know it would come so quickly,” he said. “These are the most highly trained dogs in the world and until now, they were being carried around in inexpensive crates.”
Gunner Kennels during rigorous crash testing. Photo: Center for Pet Safety.
Tips & Advice
Lauren Witt is an automotive product specialist based in metro Detroit. She represents automakers at a variety of events and shows across the country. Heavy travel is common for Witt who also has two dogs; Capone, a six-and-a-half-year-old Pug and Karma, a two-and-a-half-year-old Labrador mix. She advises pet owners determine the most comfortable option for their companions, be it a harness, crate, or special seat.
“Every pet is different in the car so you need to find out which method works best for them,” Witt said.
Little things, like bringing along a favorite blanket to place inside a crate, will help pets adjust to traveling. Patience is also key, according to Witt.
“Pets are sensitive to your emotions and the last thing they need is something else to stress them out on their trip,” she said.
The Center for Pet Safety offers general tips for those traveling with pets. Making sure vaccinations are current, packing a first aid kit, and bringing extra food and water are among the top recommendations. When selecting a harness, consumers should find one that does not have a tether or zipline-style feature to prevent distractions. Limiting distractions is another point both animal and automotive experts agree on.
“Pets in a vehicle can be a huge distraction if not secured properly, and we all know the dangers of distracted driving,” Witt said, “Not only are you putting yourself and other people on the road at risk, but you are also putting your pets at risk.”
Wolko recommends using a new pet safety device on a series of shorter trips first, then gradually increasing the duration of the car ride. This will allow time for pets to adjust to the new safety device, be it a harness, crate, or seat. Other points of advice include using a happy, reassuring voice and to always place pets in the back seat.
Photo: Center for Pet Safety.


Discerning Eyes
Digesting this information might be a bit much for pet owners, especially ones worried about safety. Based on the testing conducted by the Center for Pet Safety, buying the average harness or crate doesn’t guarantee protection for pets in the event of an accident. Wolko hopes the work she is doing will garner more public awareness and encourage pet safety product manufacturers to further examine and ultimately test their designs.
“That’s one of the reasons the research and knowledge sharing is so important,” she said.
The pet safety products on the market today are sold with little to no oversight, so it’s vital consumers do their research. The Center for Pet Safety notes that just because a certain product says it is crash tested does not mean it actually passed crash testing. The organization cautions consumers, saying a pet safety product cannot pass even the best crash test if it is measured against something developed for humans. It’s important consumers understand, according to the Center for Pet Safety, that many pet safety product manufacturers do not publish their test evidence. Above all, pet owners are advised to maintain a keen eye when choosing a particular product.
“Do your research,” Edmonds said. “Our pets are also our family members and need to be restrained properly in a vehicle just like our children.”
“I read a quote once and I don’t know who said it: ‘whoever said diamonds are a girl’s best friend, never owned a dog’ and I couldn’t agree more,” Witt added.
Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and resides in Detroit, Michigan. 
Center for Pet Safety Crash Testing Gallery

















Photos: Center for Pet Safety.



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2018 Range Rover Sport Gets Significant Design And Tech Updates

2018 Range Rover Sport Gets Significant Design And Tech Updates

For 2018 the Range Rover Sport is getting a thorough going over. It’s not a full blown remake, but it’s much more then a mid-cycle refresh. New engines, more tech – lots of new tech – and lots of nips, tucks, and styling re-dos here and there. Range Rover uses the word “transformation” a lot in their press materials, and even though that’s an ever so British way to put things, it’s not far off from what’s actually happening with the 2018 Range Rover Sport.
The Joneses
I’ll get to all the new goodies, tech, powertrain, and otherwise in just a bit, but let me get the bottom line out of the way first. The 2018 Range Rover Sport goes for . . . are you kidding me? Sheesh! I mean, I know these things are expensive, but I had to read the specs twice to make sure I wasn’t having a stroke. The 2018 Range Rover Sport starts at a little less than 67-thousand dollars and tops out at a little under 114-thousand. That’s like Porsche Carrera territory. And yes, yes, I know. Range Rovers can go places and do things that Porsches etc. cannot do, but that is a lot of money to pay for a fancy jeep. But I get it. One of the fun things about being rich is letting other people know how rich you are, or so they tell me.
Over 732,000 Ranger Rover Sports have been sold since the vehicle was introduced in 2004. To compliment its growing heritage, the Ranger Rover Sport is fully British-designed, engineered, and built. Photo: Jaguar Land Rover.
Power & Performance
So what do you get for the cost of a nice tract home in Dearborn, Michigan? Honestly, you do get a lot, and it’s pretty nice stuff. The company says the upcoming 2018 Range Rover Sport (it should be arriving at U.S. dealers by early 2018) is “transformed by new technology.” It will feature an updated interior and exterior, along with enhancements to the powertrain, greater powertrain choices, and a buffet of tech goodies throughout. The upcoming Range Rover Sport lineup will consist of V6 and V8 gasoline models, a V6 diesel variant and, topping out the range, is the fastest Range Rover Sport to date, the 575 horsepower Sport SVR. Now, why you’d want a particularly fast truck/jeep/thing is a little beyond me at the moment, but, given that the SVR is capable of hitting 60 mph in 4.3 seconds, no one is going to call it underpowered or slow.
A plug-in hybrid electric powertrain is planned for 2019.
Vehicle Treatments
The revamp of the new Range Rover’s exterior aims to modernize the design and make the Sport look more dynamic, without changing its character. In other words, it still looks like a big box The Queen would drive around, only better. The front end has been reworked with a new LED headlight design alongside a redesigned grille. The lights and the grill are also better integrated with the new bumper and there’s a more aggressive profile overall.
The inside is like James Bond’s flat in Kensington or Eggsy’s place from The Kinsgmen: It’s veddy, veddy British with acres of leather and grove’s worth of fine wood hither and yon and tech, tech, tech! The new Touch Pro Duo infotainment system is said to be the most advanced ever created by Jaguar Land Rover. It features two high-definition 10-inch touchscreens, which form the centerpiece of a cabin Range Rover describes as “minimalist.”
I’m not sure what Rem Koolhaas or Walter Gropius would call it, but I’d bet you it wouldn’t be minimalist.
“The new Range Rover Sport features well-considered updates that reinforce its assertive and powerful design,” said Gerry McGovern, Chief Design Officer, Land Rover. “The vehicle has evolved into a unique statement of performance, while the refined appearance speaks to the modernity of our Range Rover family.” Photo: Jaguar Land Rover.


Outdoor Pursuits & Gesture Controls
There are 14 power points (power outlets of one variety or another) provided in your 2018 Range Rover Sport, all the better to enhance your in-car connectivity. There’s even a “domestic” (domestic as in it’s a plug like you use at home) socket to keep laptops and other devices charged without the use of an inverter.
Thanks to the Jaguar Land Rover Activity Key, you can lock and unlock your Range Rover Sport without the need to carry a fob. The Ragney PR people say this is “ideal for outdoor pursuits,” which made me smile; “What, fox hunting?”
And the tech goodies don’t stop there, not even close. The new Range Rover Sport comes with this thing called the “Gesture Sunblind.” And it, get this, opens and closes the sunblind using a gesture control system that senses your hand movement. Swipe “rearward” in front of the rearview mirror and the blind opens, swipe “forward” and it closes. And I bet the entertainment value of watching someone flail around in front of their rearview mirror trying to get this thing to work will be priceless.
The 2018 Range Rover Sport lineup and prices are provided in the nifty graph below.
Tony Borroz has spent his entire life racing antique and sports cars. He means well, even if he has a bias toward lighter, agile cars rather than big engine muscle cars or family sedans.
TRIM
POWERTRAIN – OUTPUT
MSRP
SE
3.0L S/C V6 Gas – 340hp
$66,750
HSE
3.0L S/C V6 Gas – 340hp
$72,350
SE Td6
3.0L T/C V6 Diesel – 254hp
$68,750
HSE Td6
3.0L T/C V6 Diesel – 254hp
$74,350
HSE Dynamic
3.0L S/C V6 Gas – 380hp
$82,150
HSE
5.0L S/C V8 Gas – 518hp
$82,050
HSE Dynamic
5.0L S/C V8 Gas – 518hp
$85,550
Autobiography
5.0L S/C V8 Gas – 518hp
$96,650
SVR
5.0L S/C V8 Gas – 575hp
$113,600
2018 Range Rover Sport Gallery








Photos & Source: Jaguar Land Rover.



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2018 Chevrolet Express 2500 Van: GM Aims To Please

2018 Chevrolet Express 2500 Van: GM Aims To Please

I know, I know. This seems dull as dishwater but, believe it or not, fleet sales of full-size vans are A. Big. Deal. Yes, like any other gearhead out there, I would be much more interested if this was about a Chevrolet Express 2500 Van with a Corvette C7.R drivetrain, but, alas, no. This is about new packages and features for the Chevrolet Express 2500 Van that will be sold by the tens-of-thousands over the coming months.
Many Uses
Yes, Corvettes are fun and interesting, but they’re not what you would call a “profit center” for Chevrolet. Nope, stuff like the Chevrolet Express 2500 Vans are bread and butter on wheels. Old Louis’ outfit cranks these things out like doughnuts on a Monday morning and sells them just as fast. And, the more stuff like Express 2500 Vans Chevy can sell, the more Vettes they can make.
The mindset here is really easy to understand: Make a full-size van that is stripped of everything, because our buyers are going to modify them to suit. Okay, okay, not really stripped of everything (although there is a variation on that), but stripped down to only the most useful features. Fleet vans are bought, usually a few or a dozen or more at a time by outfits like city municipalities, large companies, shoot, fleet vans are even bought by TV stations and made into rolling production facilities.
Value Feedback
So what a full-size van manufacturer, Chevy in this case, wants to do is not include stuff that’s just going to get taken out and thrown away. However, they will definitely include stuff like towing packages or spray on cargo liners in place of carpet. Chevy, being the clever young sparks they are, decided the right approach was to sit down and talk with and listen to customers and dealers and see what they wanted. They came up with five main priorities: Enhance productivity and driver satisfaction, positively impact driver safety, reduce downtime, simplify ordering, and reduce operating costs.
The 2018 Express 2500 Van joins other work-oriented vehicles in the Chevy lineup, including the Silverado and Colorado. Photo: Chevrolet.


New Packages
Chevrolet came up with four new packages for 2018 as well. There’s the Communications Package which includes Sirius XM Satellite radio, Bluetooth connectivity, an enhanced audio system, and a leather-wrapped tilt steering wheel with vehicle controls. The Safety Package gets you Rear Park Assist and Side Blind Zone Alert, heated mirrors, a tilt steering wheel, and cruise control.
If you opt for the Enhanced Convenience Package, your Chevy van will come with remote keyless entry, remote vehicle start, tilt-wheel, cruise control, heated mirrors, and beefed-up trailering equipment, including a trailering hitch platform and dual 4-pin/7-pin sealed connectors. Finally, the Cargo Package comes with an easy to clean spray-on cargo liner. Drivers can haul materials without a second thought to scratches and scrapes, and can do an easy clean up when the day is done.
Power & Performance
Regardless of the package, your van is motivated by Chevy’s 341 horsepower, Vortec 6.0L V8 engine. The Vortec plant, which is flex-fuel capable if your fleet is running on E85, allows for a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of 9,600 lbs. and a maximum trailering capacity of a whopping 10,000 lbs. Also included is the Commercial Link telematics system with a one year subscription. Commercial Link uses the built-in OnStar connectivity stuff to provide useful vehicle data back to the home office; nifty little helpers like maintenance notifications and vehicle location, so owners can manage their business vehicles more effectively.
Keep On Truckin’
You’ll be seeing a lot of these around, even if you aren’t in the potential customer pool. Delivery vans, plumbers, home contractors, and the like. City motor pools will be snapping these up by the batch so you’ll see them wending their nondescript flavors this way and that. Usually painted white or some shade of gray, fleet vans are a big part of what keeps society moving.
Tony Borroz has spent his entire life racing antique and sports cars. He means well, even if he has a bias toward lighter, agile cars rather than big engine muscle cars or family sedans.
Photos & Source: Chevrolet.



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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

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 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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