Automotive

2020 Toyota Supra: It’s Finally Here!

2020 Toyota Supra: It’s Finally Here! The 2020 Toyota Supra debuts at the North American International Auto Show.
After a long wait – 21 years in fact – Supra fans finally receive their unicorn.
Zero to 60 times are solid and the chassis setup is impressive.
Okay, just calm down, calm down I say! The 2020 Toyota Supra is here. You will get your chance to bask in its glory, including tons of specs and performance numbers, in due time, but until then, you are going to have to calm down. You have been frothing at the mouth for this thing ever since . . . well, ever since the last one disappeared over 20 years ago.
And now it’s here.
Whispers In The Wind
There has been a racket all over the automotive world for more than a year now. First it was there might be a new Supra from Toyota. Then it was there will be a new Supra. Last year, Toyota teased us with a GR Supra Racing Concept. Then more and more details leaked (included a tasty partnership between Toyota and BMW), and now, here we are.
It was worth the wait.
Power & Performance: Torque On The Low End
The upcoming fifth generation Supra was developed by Toyota and GAZOO racing, the guys that won Le Mans last year and have Fernando Alonso as one of their drivers. And, as everyone hoped, it’s chock full of performance goodies, high-tech or otherwise.
The 2020 Toyota Supra is powered by a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline six, kicking out 335 horsepower and 365 lb-ft. of torque. Good numbers. Great numbers, actually, given the displacement of the engine and the not-really-big size of the car itself. ‘Yota says thanks to the arrangement of the twin-scroll turbocharger, direct fuel injection, and the intake and exhaust camshaft’s (continuously variable) timing, the bulk of that torque comes on from low engine speeds. Huzzah!
During development, the 2020 Toyota Supra was tested in France, Austria, Italy (including roads through the Alps), Germany (including the Nürburgring track), Sweden (ice and snow testing), the U.K., Japan, Australia, and the United States. Photo: Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.
Transmission Tech: Automatics Only
The mill is bolted to an eight-speed automatic with paddle shifters, giving manual control when desired. However, there is no manual option. Sorry. No. None. Yes, yes I know. And I have not heard if Toyota hearkens to your lamentations. You will have to make do with a slush-box, although it is one of those nice modern ones that brings quick shifts to the table. It’s about as close as you can get to a true double-clutch auto-manual.
I can understand this. Adding a semi-auto would have tacked on another ten grand to the price (I bet). The ratios within the eight-speed auto-box are said to be short (no hard numbers given) for the lower gears and, thanks to a Launch Control system, you get strong acceleration and traction out of the gate. Toyota says 60 mph comes up in 4.1 seconds. The whole shootin’ match tops out at an electronically-limited 155 mph. There must be a way to top that, but I’ll leave that up to the aftermarket.
And whether this combination of tech wizardry and forced induction works off the line as well as an old fashion V8, we will have to wait and see. It’s only a matter of time until these things start showing up at grudge night this coming fall.
Toyota President Akio Toyoda personally tested the 2020 Supra on the Nürburgring and other tracks during development. He said he wanted to make sure the new Supra far exceeded the expectations of eager fans. Photo: Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.
2020 Toyota Supra
Measurement
Preliminary Specs
*Inches unless otherwise noted
Zero to 60
4.1 Seconds
Curb Weight
3,397 lbs.
Wheelbase
97.2
Overall Width
73.0
Overall Height
50.9
Overall Length
172.5
Track Width (Front)
62.8
Track Width (Rear)
62.6
Higher Speeds, Lower Track Times
The 2020 Toyota Supra comes with two driving modes: Normal and Sport. Sport is all about on-track capability and keeping standard computer nannies like traction and stability control out of your way as the driver. Sport Mode also improves throttle response and increases steering weight, while providing snappier shifts and more aggressive active differential tuning. Oh, and Sport Mode amplifies the exhaust sound. Who cares what your neighbors think!
Here’s all you need to know about Normal Mode: Nothing. Toyota tells us absolutely zip, zero, nada, about Normal Mode. If it’s that unimportant, then why should I care? It’s probably just like driving a Corolla.
Did I say “active differential?” Why yes, yes I did! If you have already screwed around with a car with an active differential, then you will need no convincing that they are a thing of wonderment. The new Supra should turn-in like a snake. Toyota has set it up so an electric motor and multi-plate clutches within the diff control lateral torque. And, as you would expect, this active diff controls torque distribution while cornering.
End result: Greater momentum through a corner, higher speeds, and lower track times.
The active differential controls torque distribution between the rear wheels, under acceleration and braking, for more precise cornering. The active differential also reduces understeer and oversteer. Photo: Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.
Essential Foundations: Supra’s Chassis & Structure
The chassis is a classic setup, with structural rigidity, a low center of gravity, and 50:50 weight distribution among the focal points. There’s heavy steel bracing throughout. In fact, nine areas of the rear structure were identified as points to reinforce, which ultimately increase the Supra’s rigidity and neutral balance.
From there, Toyota specified the tuning for the new, double-joint spring strut front and multi-link rear suspension. Further, Toyota says the front subframe and control arm mounting points increase rigidity, while the aluminum control arms reduce unsprung weight. Standard is an Adaptive Variable Suspension system that immediately adjusts damping in response to driver input and road conditions.
The electric power steering is variable-assist, variable-ratio, and sport-tuned for precise handling.
Standard 19-inch forged alloy wheels include 255/35R19 tires up front, and 275/35R19 meats in the back. Said tires are Michelin Pilot Super Sports. Whoaing all this up comes by way of four-piston Brembo calipers, clamping on 13.7-inch rotors at the front.
2020 Toyota Supra Launch Edition. Photo: Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.
Pricing & Availability
The 2020 Toyota Supra will be available in two grades, the 3.0 and 3.0 Premium, as well as a Launch Edition based on the 3.0 Premium grade. Colors include Renaissance Red 2.0, Nitro Yellow, Downshift Blue, Phantom Matte Gray, Absolute Zero White, Tungsten Silver, Turbulence Gray, and Nocturnal Black.
Expect the new Supra this summer for a starting MSRP of $50,920. The initial 1,500 Launch Edition models start at $56,180. The 2020 Toyota Supra will be assembled at Magna Steyr in Graz, Austria.
Tony Borroz has spent his entire life racing antique and sports cars. He is the author of Bricks & Bones: The Endearing Legacy and Nitty-Gritty Phenomenon of The Indy 500, available in paperback or Kindle format. Follow his work on Twitter: @TonyBorroz.
2020 Toyota Supra
Model #
MSRP
Trim Levels & Starting MSRP
*Includes $930 Destination Fee

3.0
2372
$50,920
3.0 Premium
2374
$54,920
Launch Edition
2375
$56,180
2020 Toyota Supra Gallery

Photos & Source: Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.

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2019 Mazda CX-9 Grand Touring Review: Quiet & Confident

2019 Mazda CX-9 Grand Touring Review: Quiet & Confident 90SOLID 2019 Mazda CX-9 Grand TouringOverall Impression Quiet CabinSmooth RideStylish DesignProsLuxurious InteriorAbundant FeaturesAll-Wheel Drive CapabilityConsVisibility At TimesHeadroom & Cargo CapacityThe 2019 Mazda CX-9 offers up three-row seating, abundant features, and plenty of safety tech for growing families. But it’s the driving dynamics that set this family hauler apart from other seven-passenger SUVs. Mazda wants you to “feel alive” when you drive their vehicles and they aren’t just blowing smoke.
Over the weekend, we took the 2019 Mazda CX-9 Grand Touring with all-wheel drive for a spin.
What’s New For 2019
The Mazda CX-9 gets Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a retuned suspension for a smoother ride, and a new surround-view parking camera.
Features & Options: Grand Touring Adds Many
The 2019 Mazda CX-9 Grand Touring ($42,640) comes standard with automatic headlights and wipers, heated mirrors, a power liftgate, keyless ignition and entry, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and a universal garage door opener. Comfort features include heated, power-adjustable front seats and leather upholstery. Connectivity features include the eight-inch infotainment display and two USB ports in the second-row center armrest.
The Grand Touring also adds more safety features, including automatic high beams, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and automatic emergency braking.
The Grand Touring trim further dresses things up with 20-inch wheels, adaptive headlights, LED fog lights, roof rails, a sunroof, front and rear parking sensors, a heads-up display with traffic sign recognition, and a digital gauge cluster. Drivers are treated to ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel, while rear passengers receive retractable sunshades and heated seats. The Grand Touring goes further yet, with aluminum interior trim, ambient lighting, navigation, and a 12-speaker Bose audio system.
Total MSRP including destination: $45,310.

2019 Mazda CX-9
Front-Wheel Drive
All-Wheel Drive
Standard Features
Trim Levels & Starting MSRP

Sport
$32,280
$34,080
Rear-Cross Traffic Alert
Touring
$35,330
$37,130
Leather / Heated Front Seats
Grand Touring
$40,380
$42,640
Heated Second Row Seats
Signature
NA
$45,365
Santos Rosewood Trim
Interior Highlights: Luxurious & Comfortable
Comfortable and inviting are the two best words to describe the cabin of the CX-9 Grand Touring. This trim makes liberal use of soft-touch materials on the inside. The fit and finish is tight, and the material quality is the best among three-row crossovers. The CX-9 feels larger than it looks with plenty of room for taller adults.
The front seats are extra comfy. They won’t leave you tired at the end of the day, as we found on two longer trips through the high country. The interior is ideal for stressful commutes, or for taking the family on a trip to the mountains for a weekend ski trip. During our weekend drive, the heated seats and newly-added heated steering wheel were nice to have.
The second row will easily accommodate two adults, while the third row is ideal for kids. The front and rear doors are relatively short and we found ourselves hitting our heads when we got out. The raked design has drawbacks when it comes to headroom. When it comes to cargo space, the CX-9 will hold as much as most families will need, although it’s less than competing SUVs and crossovers. The power liftgate did make it easy to load the extra cargo we had, however.

Engine & Fuel Mileage Specs
The 2019 Mazda CX-9 is powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, generating 227 horsepower and 310 lb-ft. of torque. Fill up with premium and the horsepower jumps to 250. The engine is paired with a six-speed automatic; all-wheel drive is optional and came on our CX-9 tester.
EPA fuel mileage estimates are 20/26 city/highway and 23 combined mpg. When compared to similar vehicles, the 2019 Mazda CX-9 is ahead of the curve in terms of fuel economy.
Driving Dynamics: Limited Visibility But Solid Handling
We think the 2019 Mazda CX-9 drives and handles much smaller than its actual size. It has Mazda’s sporty nature, which driving enthusiasts will appreciate. It’s nimble in city traffic and has a smoother, more confident ride than previous models. The cabin is especially quiet due to the raked body style with very little wind noise even at 75 mph. The one chief complaint we do have with the cabin is how visibility is limited due to the CX-9’s raked design.
On the mountain roads west of Denver this weekend, we experienced some body lean, but overall, the CX-9 powers around the tight curves with little effort. Mazda’s G-Vectoring Control actually adjusts power delivery, subtly shifting the CX-9’s weight throughout the turn, thereby reducing the need for steering corrections.

Driving Dynamics: Good For Winter
On the open road, the 2.5-liter turbocharged engine has more snap than you might think for its size. The new CX-9 has no trouble passing slower traffic, even at altitude in the rarefied air near Evergreen, Colorado. We had no issues accelerating quickly when merging into traffic. The six-speed automatic with Sport Mode is smooth and executes quick shifts when you need the extra boost.
We had a light snowstorm hit the west side of Denver and the all-wheel drive worked flawlessly. We had no trouble on the slick roads either.
Lastly, we found the low-speed automatic emergency braking feature useful in congested traffic.
Conclusion: An Ideal Choice For Families
The 2019 Mazda CX-9 Grand Touring delivers a driving experience not replicated by many three-row SUVs today. Those who need the space for commuting with the family, especially on snow-packed roads, will find the CX-9 will meet their needs. You might even find yourself having fun behind the wheel, as we did while doing this review.
Denis Flierl has invested over 25 years in the automotive industry in a variety of roles. Follow his work on Twitter: @CarReviewGuy
2019 Mazda CX-9 Grand Touring Gallery

Photos: Mazda North American Operations.

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2020 Volkswagen Atlas Changes, Redesign and Price

The producer of the original car Germany will come back again in its flagship car. 2020 Volkswagen Atlas will soon be one car that will get the attention that quite a lot of a lot of people, after the success with the model of 2019. 2020 VW Atlas will try the best route for the latest generation of this car. What hybrid models will be available, and any changes will be seen in the latest models from the Volkswagen Atlas.

Chrysler Pacifica will be one of the competitors of this car, you also should not forget the Nissan Pathfinder is the best SUV ex. Nissan that had a lot of attention from many people.

2020 Volkswagen Atlas Interior and Exterior

The side profile will search incredibly subtle and this SUV will ride on 20-inch aluminum wheels. The rear end sports activities LED taillights, trendy appear, and the attractive tailgate. Honda Ridgeline delivers one particular with the ideal tailgates while in the segment, if not the best. For that cause, The company will create the brand new and exclusive tailgate layout that we did not see in advance of.

How about interior changes. Interior will likely be specifically exactly the same as the SUV’s interior. False! It really is clear that almost all of the capabilities and styling cues will carry in excess of. Nonetheless, the 2020 VW Atlas will offer lots of uniqueness, especially through the within. There will probably be the area for five persons throughout the two rows of seats. You’ll be able to expect a really clean and modern-day interior design. All the things start that has a digital gauge cluster that is phenomenal. The infotainment system is all-new and it supports techniques for instance Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

2020 Volkswagen Atlas Engine

When the Volkswagen Atlas SUV comes with two engines, the pickup variant will provide only one. Because the name previously suggests, the 2020 VW Atlas VR6 will use a 3.6-liter V6 powertrain. This engine can develop up to 285 hp and it will use an 8-speed automated transmission. Guide shift mode might be inside the present as well.

The V6 engine comes with a 4Motion all-wheel-drive setup and driver-selectable modes. You’ll be able to decide on concerning the Sport, Snow, On-Road and Off-Road driving modes. The three.6-liter VR6 will produce 264 lb-ft of torque. Even so, tow rating is nonetheless to be announced, much like the fuel economic climate rating.

Read More : 2020 Acura NSX Redesign, Interior, Engine

2020 Volkswagen Atlas Release Date

Much speculation circulating about when the car will be released, some of the information is circulating. This car would come earlier in the year 2020 and later to his price as there will be a rise for the 2020 model later.

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Free Performance Car Pumpkin Carving Patterns

Free Performance Car Pumpkin Carving Patterns

As the seasons change, fall colors blossom, tailgating excursions ensue, and trick-or-treaters set out for candy hauls of legendary proportions. Marking the fall decidedly is Halloween, a time of sweet treats, costume parties, and the mystery of why radio stations spin Jim Stafford’s Spiders and Snakes in the proceeding days.
It’s a 70s country hit detailing an idiosyncratic boy who, upon realizing the fairest girl in school has a crush on him, is unable to reciprocate the feelings. Granted, unrequited love is probably terrifying but that doesn’t make it a Halloween song.
Moving on . . .
Modern-Day Dragula
If you’re tired of carving the typical spooky kitty into your pumpkins, you might consider these free patterns of a 2018 Camaro ZL1 1LE and Subaru WRX STI. The patterns, which only require a printer, steady hands, and a big orange pumpkin, were provided by GMPartsCenter.net, SubaruPartsPlus.com, and StoneyKins. These performance car patterns will look cool on the front porch with candles inside – at least that’s how Matt Mylan, Director at GMPartsCenter.net, puts it.
“A real life Camaro is technically much faster than a pumpkin, and a pumpkin can’t corner as well as a real ZL1 1LE, but, other than all that, a pumpkin with a Camaro carved into it is awesome,” he said.
The Chevy Camaro ZL1 1LE is the is the fastest Camaro in history, as verified by its recent Nürburgring time. Under the hood is a supercharged, 650 horsepower LT4 engine, complimented by a literal treasure chest of aerodynamic and suspension technology. The MSRP for a Camaro ZL1 1LE is around $70,000. The MSRP for the average pumpkin is significantly less.
“For the price of a pumpkin spice coffee drink and an hour of spare time, you can have a brand new pumpkin with a Camaro carved into it that’s almost as good as the real thing,” Mylan said. “Almost.”

Spiders, Snakes & Subarus
Subaru fans will delight knowing their porch walkway is now a mini race track. One might not initially describe the WRX STI as “scary” but that probably depends on who you ask, given the car’s specs. The 2018 WRX STI is unlike any other in Subaru’s lineup with its turbocharged, 305 horsepower 4-cylinder engine. The Multi-Mode Vehicle Dynamics Control system with Active Torque Vectoring provides exceptional handling and performance.
“I guarantee you’ll scare the heck out of any adult that owns a Mustang, Camaro, or Challenger if you carve an STI into your pumpkin,” says Steve Ferreira, Director at SubaruPartsPlus.com. “When one passes you, you start to freeze, paralyzed by the fact that no one is going to save you from getting lapped.”
Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and resides in Detroit, Michigan.

2018 Chevy Camaro ZL1 1LE pattern.
2018 Subaru WRX STI pattern.

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Range Rover Sport Goes Plug-In Hybrid In 2019

Range Rover Sport Goes Plug-In Hybrid In 2019

Even though the new Range Rover Sport will be in dealerships by the start of the new year, Range Rover is already thinking ahead to 2019. That’s when the Range Rover Sport Plug-In Hybrid will arrive on these streets. For a certain segment of humanity (and it’s easy to picture Range Rover buyers being in that segment), living green is very important.
Now, probably, someone who buys a Range Rover will not be one of those “off-the-grid” types, living on garbanzo beans and recycling household waste for fertilizer, but that doesn’t mean the average Range Rover buyer doesn’t care.
Power & Performance
The 2019 Range Rover Sport will be the first plug-in hybrid electric vehicle produced by Jaguar Land Rover. Officially called the 2019 Range Rover Sport P400e, the new model offers ecologically conscious performance thanks to a 296 horsepower, 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder Ingenium gasoline engine. It’s combined with a 114 horsepower (that’s 85 kW) electric motor. With a total of 398 horsepower and 472 lb-ft. of torque available for the permanent four-wheel drive system, 60 mph comes up in 6.3 seconds; the entire rig tops out at 137 mph. That maximum speed is both impressive, given this thing is as aerodynamic as the crate it’s shipped in, and also unimpressive, since ’round 140 ain’t all that fast.
But you know they probably have to limit that top speed or risk damaging something like the regen system or burning out an electric motor or something like that.
Electrified Capability
The electric motor is juiced by a 13.1 kWh high-voltage lithium-ion battery that Land Rover engineers setup to maximize interior space and weight distribution. The longitudinally-mounted 2.0-liter Ingenium gasoline engine is paired with the 85kW electric motor, housed in the ZF automatic eight-speed transmission at the center of the vehicle, and alongside the 7kW on-board charger.
The Range Rover Sport P400e can run on just the batteries and not the dinosaur juice in the gas tank, with the all-electric range coming in at 31 miles. The company says “Land Rover customers can experience zero-emission off-road luxury with uncompromised all-terrain capability.” And that is probably true. It will be interesting to see if someone actually tries to get up 25 miles of bad logging road using just the EV drivetrain in this thing though.
The Range Rover Sport is comprised of an all-aluminum body, 39 percent lighter than the steel equivalent. The structure was subjected to extensive testing in something referred to as “optimization processes” by Jaguar Land Rover. This process included computer simulation and a 1,000 years of processor time. Photo: Jaguar Land Rover.

Drive Modes
The Range Rover Sport P400e has two driving modes to best suit your luxury transportation needs. The default mode is called Parallel Hybrid, which combines the gasoline and electric drive. You can further optimize the battery charge or fuel economy by utilizing one of two charge management functions while in Parallel Hybrid mode. One is the SAVE function which prevents the battery charge from dropping below a pre-selected level.
The other mode is called Predictive Energy Optimization. Predictive Energy Optimization, or PEO is used by entering a destination into the navigation system. The navigation system will then use built-in GPS altitude data for the selected route, and combine the electric motor and gasoline engine to maximize fuel economy. Pretty slick. The Electric Vehicle or EV mode enables you to run solely on the electric motor using energy stored in the battery.
Exclusive Features
Other niceties found on the Range Rover Sport P400e include Land Rover’s Terrain Response 2 technology. Terrain Response 2 has a unique calibration to logically and accurately distribute torque from the electric motor to all four wheels. Terrain Response 2 gives greater control during low-speed, off-road maneuvers and provides maximum torque from zero rpm.
A new cabin air ionization system, called Nanoe, is a nice feature for passengers. The suite of driver assistance features on the new Range Rover Sport has been “restructured to be even more intuitive for customers.”
Cost? Who knows at this point, but with the upcoming Range Rover Sport topping out at around $140,000 and the plug-in EV coming in on top of that model, don’t expect the 2019 Range Rover Sport P400e to be inexpensive.
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: Jaguar Land Rover.

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2018 Nissan Maxima Arrives With More Tech, New Colors

2018 Nissan Maxima Arrives With More Tech, New Colors

The Maxima is Nissan’s flagship sedan and for 2018, the vehicle adds a handful of new options. The 2018 Nissan Maxima comes in five grades: S, SV, SL, SR, and Platinum. Standard equipment includes Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, Intelligent Forward Collision Warning, and Automatic Emergency Braking.
Nissan’s patented V-Motion grille is also present on the 2018 Maxima.
Power & Performance
The heart of the Maxima is a 3.5-liter VQ-series V6 with 300 horsepower. It’s attached to an Xtronic transmission with D-Step shifting logic. Nissan says this provides “rapid shifts at high throttle openings” for a more “performance-oriented” feel. Ride and handling is refined through the 4-wheel independent suspension and monotube rear shock absorbers.
Look & Feel
The 2018 Nissan Maxima is characterized by its wider front end and muscular stance, much of which centers around the aforementioned V-Motion grille. The LED daytime running lights further compliment the body lines. The color selections were tweaked a bit with a new Carnelian Red paint added to the mix.
The more sporty Maxima SR features 19-inch wheels and tires.
The available Ascot leather seating surfaces with diamond-quilted inserts add luxury points. Additional convenience points come by way of two available rear USB charge ports.
Photo: Nissan North America.
Technology & Connectivity
The 2018 Maxima benefits from a host of available tech magic, including NissanConnect. The system features navigation on an 8-inch display with SiriusXM radio and SiriusXM Travel Link. Through NissanConnect, owners can start their Maxima remotely via their smartphone or locate it should it be stolen.
Available safety features include Intelligent Cruise Control, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Blind Spot Warning, and Intelligent Driver Alertness.
Pricing & Availability
The 2018 Maxima is now at Nissan dealerships nationwide; we have included a pricing chart below. The 2018 Nissan Maxima is assembled in Smyrna, Tennessee, while the engines are produced in nearby Decherd.
Carl Anthony in Managing Editor of Automoblog and resides in Detroit, Michigan.
2018 Nissan Maxima Starting MSRPs
Maxima S
$33,020
Maxima SV
$35,020
Maxima SL
$37,440
Maxima SR
$38,280
Maxima Platinum
$40,690
Photos & Source: Nissan North America.

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2020 Porsche 911 Carrera S & 4S Cabriolet: More Ponies, More Fun!

2020 Porsche 911 Carrera S & 4S Cabriolet: More Ponies, More Fun! The 2020 Porsche 911 Carrera S and 4S Cabriolet get a boost in engine performance.
Night Vision Assist, a manual transmission, and the Sport Chrono Package are optional.
Hey, the new 911 Cabrios are here! Specifically, the 2020 Porsche 911 Carrera S & 4S Cabriolet. What do you get? What’s so special this time around? Oh, this and that; gizmos and fender flares; a better soft top; improvements to stuff that lives on the dash. Those sort of things. But all you’re really going to care about is this: 443 horsepower and 390 lb-ft. of torque.
Yeah baby!
Cozy & Quick
Yes, if you want to divide things that way, the 2020 Porsche 911 Carrera S and 4S Cabriolet will be the most cushy and boulevard cruiser-y of the bunch. But, 443 ponies and 390 lb-ft. of grunt means there will be lots of fun to be had, despite the lack of Spartan leanings.
The turbocharged flat-six engine in the latest 911 Cabriolet gets the same upgrades found on the recently introduced Coupe. Namely new piezo fuel injectors, larger turbos, and a new layout for the charge air cooling system. That 443 horsepower is an increase of 23 over the outgoing model. The eight-speed PDK dual clutch transmission in the rear-wheel drive version scoots the 911 to 60 in just 3.7 seconds. Nice!
Even nicer, the 911 Carrera 4S Cabriolet with all-wheel drive does it in 3.6 seconds. Both cars are 0.4 seconds faster than the previous model by the way.
2020 Porsche 911 Carrera 4S Cabriolet. Photo: Porsche Cars North America, Inc.
Sport Chrono Package/Manual Transmission: You Want These!
If you get the optional Sport Chrono Package, you shave off a further 0.2 seconds. I’d say get the Sport Chrono Package. Top “track” speeds are now 190 mph for the rear driver, and 188 for the all-wheel drive variety. Porsche says a manual transmission is coming at a later date. Gearheads say yay!
The PASM Sport Suspension with stiffer springs and sway bars, plus a 0.39 inch (10 mm) lower ride height is optionally available.
Related: The 2019 Porsche 911 GT3 RS sounds like something NASA would build.
Safety Systems & Interior Technology
The new drop tops now feature a Wet Mode, which detects water on the road, preconditions the stability control and anti-lock brake systems to suit, and warns the driver. There’s a camera-based warning and brake assist system, also standard, that detects a potential collision with other vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists and such. It warns you, or, kicks in emergency braking to help when necessary.
Night Vision Assist with a thermal imaging camera is an option.
The interior is completely new. The dash features the centrally-positioned tach, characteristic of Porsche, and two thin, frameless, free-form displays for driver information. The new Porsche Communication Management (PCM) is larger with a 10.9-inch touchscreen display, up from seven inches.
2020 Porsche 911 Carrera 4S Cabriolet interior layout. Photo: Porsche Cars North America, Inc.
Spoilers, Light Bars & Drop Tops
Yes, they’ve widened the body. To keep the proportions right – thanks to the 20-inch front and 21-inch rear wheels – body width increased by 45 millimeters (1.77 inches), making room for a wider front track. Styling-wise, updates include flush electric door handles that extend outward, new LED headlights, and different contours for the front luggage compartment lid. There’s a significantly wider, variable-position rear spoiler and that “light bar” deal found on all current Porsches? Yes, it’s there on these 2020 Porsche 911 Carrera models.
Even more importantly: the entire outer skin is now made of aluminum. Huzzah!
The top, which is still old school fabric, takes 12 seconds to open or close with the new hydraulics. The top is capable of being opened and closed at speeds of up to 31 mph, which is so cool to do when you’re leaving the malt shop. Oh, and there’s an electric wind deflector to reduce drafts during top-down driving.
Pricing & Availability
The 2020 Porsche 911 Carrera S Cabriolet has a base price of $126,100, while the Carrera 4S Cabriolet starts at $133,400. Yes, that’s a lot of money. But also yes, Porsche cars have always been on the expensive side. The 2020 911 Cabrios are expected to reach U.S. dealers late this summer.
Tony Borroz has spent his entire life racing antique and sports cars. He is the author of Bricks & Bones: The Endearing Legacy and Nitty-Gritty Phenomenon of The Indy 500, available in paperback or Kindle format. Follow his work on Twitter: @TonyBorroz.
2020 Porsche 911 Carrera 4S Cabriolet Gallery

Photos & Source: Porsche Cars North America, Inc.

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2020 Ford Explorer: History Repeats Itself

2020 Ford Explorer: History Repeats Itself The 2020 Ford Explorer arrives as Americans demand more and more SUVS.
Ford analyzed consumer feedback and designed the 2020 Explorer accordingly.
New, more powerful engines compliment a host of convenience and safety tech.
In March of 1990, minivans broke into a cold sweat when the 1991 Ford Explorer moved into the neighborhood. While the two-door Explorer “Sport” helped the single crowd pursue all things 90s, the four-door became a viable option for families. Contrasting the minivan, the Explorer still had cargo space (81 cubic feet in 1991), kid-friendly features (child-proof rear door locks by 1992), and a ruggedness reserved for trucks (an advanced 4×4 system arrived in 1995).
A luxurious Eddie Bauer option meant these “truck-like” rides were even comfortable.
By Popular Demand
Today, Americans seek trucks and SUVs more than any other type of vehicle. According to the Associated Press, new vehicle sales in the United States rose 0.3 percent over a year ago to 17.27 million vehicles. By comparison, cars made up 32 percent of the pie, while trucks and SUVs accounted for 68 percent. Traditional cars are fading from view, evidenced by recent model cancellations and the race to win younger generations over with SUVs and crossovers.
The 2020 Ford Explorer will likely ride this rising wave of consumer demand all the way to the bank. Yet keeping the Explorer relevant, now 30 years on, has its challenges. Luckily for Ford, we consumers are somewhat predictable. We want our cake. We want to eat it too. And Facebook.
“Explorer drivers told us what they want – more capability, more power, more space,” explained Hau Thai-Tang, Ford’s Head of Product Development and Purchasing. “They want more technology, not just for the driver, but for the whole family. And they want all of it with a beautifully sporty exterior.”
“We obsessed about what Explorer customers need and want,” added Bill Gubing, Explorer Chief Engineer. “We met with customer groups, pored through internet forums, and dissected social media posts to determine what they love about today’s Explorer and understand their pain points. Then we found ways to improve it across the board.”
Here is an in-depth look at those “improvements” in the 2020 Ford Explorer.
Six generations of the Ford Explorer. Photo: Ford Motor Company.
Power & Performance: Turbo City
The Ford Explorer’s first 4.0-liter V6 delivered 155 horsepower and 220 lb-ft. of torque. An all-aluminum, single-overhead cam 4.6-liter V8 appeared in 2006 along with a six-speed automatic.
And my how things have changed.
The 2020 Ford Explorer leverages two of the automaker’s multi-platform EcoBoost engines for V8-like power. The EcoBoost is famous for turbo charging in lieu of larger displacement, becoming an overnight sensation after teaming with the 2011 F-150. In reality, the EcoBoost existed well before the 2011 F-150 but that’s a story for another time.
Concerning the new Explorer, the top EcoBoost, a V6 plant, is projected for 365 horsepower and 380 lb.-ft. of torque on 93 octane. The 2.3-liter EcoBoost, an in-line four by contrast, is projected for 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft. of torque. Here’s something to chew on: The 1996 Ford Explorer had 215 horsepower and 280 lb-ft. of torque. With a 5.0 V8.
When properly equipped, the 3.0-liter EcoBoost tows up to 5,600 lbs., a 12 percent increase over the 3.5-liter EcoBoost it replaces. The 2.3-liter gets a solid bump in towing capacity too, now tugging 5,300 lbs. with a Class III Trailer Tow Package versus its current 3,000 lbs. rating.
2020 Ford Explorer Platinum. Photo: Ford Motor Company.
Lucky #7: Drive Modes
With the available Terrain Management System, the 2020 Ford Explorer offers seven different drive modes, although there is a caveat. The new Explorer is predicated upon a rear-wheel drive architecture, which according to Ford, enables a sportier, more athletic design, improved driving capabilities etc. etc.
And fair enough.
That said, real-wheel drive Explorers receive only six drives modes, excluding Deep Snow/Sand. Here is what they look like:
#1. Normal
Exactly what it sounds like. Use for everyday driving.
#2. Sport
Increases throttle and steering responses while the suspension stiffens. The transmission holds gears longer to increase acceleration.
#3. Eco
If Sport Mode were Red Bull, this is carbonated water.
#4. Tow/Haul
This mode makes the transmission more efficient when towing. Tow/Haul is especially handy when climbing hills as it keeps the transmission out of overdrive. When cresting a hill, pressing the brake pedal in this mode facilates engine braking.
#5. Slippery
When Wet. Bon Jovi anyone? Slippery mode adjusts pedal response, traction control, and the transmission when ice or gravel is present. Ford says this mode even works on grass. So now you can park on your front lawn. Also, side note, the Explorer offers a 980-watt, 14-speaker B&O premium audio system. What’s your favorite Bon Jovi album now?
#6. Deep Snow/Sand
Similar to Slippery, this mode adjusts the pedal response, traction control, and the transmission for heavier snow and sand.
#7. Trail
When canvassing those muddy, uneven back roads, use this mode.
With the available Terrain Management System, the 2020 Ford Explorer offers seven different drive modes. Photo: Ford Motor Company.
Captain & Co-Pilot: Safety & Security
2002 was a milestone year for the Explorer in terms of safety. Ford’s AdvanceTrac stability control was introduced, along with four-wheel antilock braking and electronic brake force distribution. Ford’s Personal Safety System featured dual-stage driver and front-passenger airbags, their deployment based on crash severity, driver’s seat position, and front occupant safety-belt usage.
Fast forward 18 years to Co-Pilot360, a suite of advanced driver assistance systems, standard on the 2020 Ford Explorer. Co-Pilot 360 includes Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking, Pedestrian Detection, Forward Collision Warning, and Evasive Steering Assist – all to help avoid a collision. Post impact, Co-Pilot 360 deploys the brakes to lessen the impact of a secondary collision.
Blind Spot Information with Cross-Traffic Alert, Adaptive Cruise Control with Speed Sign Recognition, and a review camera are also part of Co-Pilot 360.
“It’s not about filling the vehicle with technology for technology’s sake,” said Chris Billman, Ford Co-Pilot360 Engineering Manager. “It’s about improving the experience, making driving less stressful, and helping the driver to feel more confident behind the wheel.”
Those who live in bustling neighborhoods may consider adding the available Reverse Brake Assist. The feature uses radar and ultrasonic sensors to detect objects while backing up, applying the brakes automatically if something gets too close. Useful especially for exiting the driveway. Reverse Brake Assist is an enhanced version of the original Reverse Sensing, which first appeared on the Explorer in 1999.
The Lane-Keeping System, part of Co-Pilot 360, helps the 2020 Ford Explorer remain steady on the open road. Photo: Ford Motor Company.
Beam Me Up: Technology & Connectivity
Everything but the kitchen sink! (and that might even be in there somewhere with the new Explorer’s 87.8 cubic feet of cargo space). Passengers in all three rows can settle in with FordPass Connect, a standard feature that serves up 4G LTE Wi-Fi for up to 10 mobile devices. For drivers, FordPass Connect gives them remote access to their Explorer via their phone.
They can lock, unlock, locate and start the SUV, and monitor vehicle diagnostics from the app.
A tablet-like touchscreen display resides on the center stack, employing capacitive glass to mimic the feel of our modern smartphones. The standard SYNC 3 infotainment system includes Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Waze navigation.
Keeping the juice flowing should be easy in the 2020 Ford Explorer. There’s an available wireless charging pad, up to four USB ports, including new type-C outlets, up to three 12-volt outlets, and a 110-volt outlet. And to think, back in 2007, an auxiliary input for the stereo became standard equipment for the Explorer. That was a big deal back then.
Photo: Ford Motor Company.
Putting It All Together
The 2020 Ford Explorer comes in base, XLT, Limited, Limited Hybrid, ST, and Platinum flavors. The 2.3-liter EcoBoost is standard on base, XLT, and Limited, with the Platinum getting the larger V6. Both are paired to a new 10-speed automatic. 18-inch wheels are standard although Platinum models come with 21-inchers. In total, there are seven wheel designs on offer.
Naturally, the Platinum gets all the fixin’s: door handles with satin aluminum inserts, liftgate appliqué, roof-rack side rails, moonroof, leather seats, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.
Expect the 2020 Ford Explorer this summer. The Chicago Assembly Plant has production honors.
Carl Anthony 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. Before returning to school, he simultaneously held product development and experiential marketing roles in the automotive industry.
2020 Ford Explorer Gallery

Photos & Source: Ford Motor Company.

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Letter From The UK: Crunch Time Across The Pond

Letter From The UK: Crunch Time Across The Pond We are not quite panicking yet over the impending arrival of 29 March 2019 and the UK exit (or ‘Brexit’) from the European Union, but we’re certainly getting a bit edgy. You see, for the average member of the British public watching politicians floundering about like gasping fish on a riverbank, there is an increasing feeling of helplessness. Do we take the deal as offered by our flaccid government or do we go the full ‘No Deal,’ which effectively is like a yawning black hole of economic uncertainty.
There may be trouble ahead.
No Room For No Deal
For the motor industry time is running very short indeed. It seems to be the ‘No Deal’ option must be taken off the table or risk, we are told, destroying the UK automotive industry; thus risking the hundreds of thousands of jobs it supports. This at least is the view of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). ‘No Deal’ with the EU would have an immediate and devastating impact upon the industry, halting production, undermining competitiveness and causing irreversible and severe damage, they say.
There are of course an equal number of voices that say it won’t. What is certain is that the European car industry as a whole relies upon a ‘just in time’ structure when it comes to the import and export of car parts and the like. Delays at national borders would fundamentally undermine just-in-time manufacturing thus stopping production, with trade tariffs adding at least £4.5 billion to industry costs, again they say (SMMT figure).
Competitiveness would as a consequence be adversely affected.
What is understandable is the fact that automotive businesses are rightly exasperated by the current situation with only weeks until Brexit is actioned. Industry has been unequivocal about the impact of ‘No Deal’ although some more entrepreneurial types say it won’t be a big problem. Car manufacturers believe it’s the responsibility of all politicians to rule out ‘No Deal’ and all effort should be focused instead on delivering a solution that provides for a status quo transition; and a future relationship with the EU that has frictionless trade at its heart.
Related: Our Members of Parliament are just like the contestants on The Apprentice.

Contingency Plans: Managing The System Shock
While many companies have begun implementing contingency arrangements for a ‘No Deal’ Brexit, it is impossible for any individual company to fully mitigate the risks of this scenario. UK Automotive’s complex and integrated supply chain works on the basis of parts arriving at plants timed to the minute, not the day or the week. The alleged border chaos caused by a ‘No Deal’ scenario would render this process impossible with warehousing not a viable option given the scale of production.
Furthermore, the hundreds of small businesses across the UK supply chain are unlikely to have the time or resources to prepare for the huge and immediate changes to their trading conditions. Such a shock to the system cannot be “managed,” leaving them and their workforces to bear the brunt of a ‘No Deal.’
That’s the official industry line.

Those increasingly and insanely crying WOLF! at the top of their voices have had the effect of causing a sort of weary public lethargy instead of the pro #Europe backlash they hoped for.Click To TweetProject Fear & Fake News
The counter of this, which hardens the heart of those who wish to leave the Union regardless, is ‘Project Fear.’ This lively and increasingly bizarre ‘fake news’ debate, designed to influence people’s thinking, highlights all the possible things that will go wrong if Britain leaves without a deal. There have been untold numbers of horror stories including almost immediate water shortages (The UK is famous for its rain) and food and drug shortages as if we don’t have farmers and pharmaceuticals in this country.
A plague of locusts has not yet been invoked, but give it time.
In short, those increasingly and insanely crying WOLF! at the top of their voices have had the effect of causing a sort of weary public lethargy instead of the pro-Europe backlash they hoped for.
Related: The long last leg of Brexit has eliminated the middle ground.

Sales Are Slipping
Nevertheless, the car business is one of the UK’s most valuable assets, employing almost one million people and delivering £20.2 billion to the economy. Since 2010, car production alone has risen by a third, with 80 percent bound for export, the majority to the EU. 2.7 million new cars are traded between the UK and EU each year, while the UK exports some £3.4 billion worth of components to help build vehicles across Europe (statistics courtesy of SMMT).
British car production fell by a substantial 19.6 percent in November 2018, with 129,030 units manufactured, according to SMMT figures. This is a continuation of recent trends, weaker demand in the UK, and in key European and Asian export markets exacerbated by the ongoing impact of new regulation alongside planned model and technology changes.
Clear & Present Dangers: Profit & Politics
With other areas of the economy seeming reasonably buoyant we can’t yet entirely put the decline in the auto industry firmly at the door of Brexit, although it is hard to see it otherwise given the gloomy forecast of the industry. That said, there is a school of thought that suggests, ‘well, they would say that wouldn’t they,’ hinting that it is the profit motive not national concern that lies at the bottom of the murky pond.
At this stage it does seem clear though that when you wipe away the hot, fetid breath of panic from the mirror of the future, there is a clear and present danger to the motor industry both in the UK and within Europe. It needs to be sorted out swiftly but the worry is that with all the governmental in-fighting (and the USA is not immune to this, we hear) the people in power seem incapable of doing the job we pay them to do.
Geoff Maxted is a motoring writer, photographer, and author of our Letter From The UK series. Follow his work on Twitter: @DriveWrite

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