Automotive

2020 VW Passat: Now With “Tornado” Lines

2020 VW Passat: Now With “Tornado” Lines The 2020 VW Passat strikes a balance between new technology and proven performance.
VW says the new Passat’s design is coupe-like with a “tornado line” running through the car.
The 2020 VW Passat is the very definition of a good run-around car. These are cars we buy for driving to work; or for our spouses or kids as they go off to college. We feel relieved when we, or someone we love, is behind the wheel of a good run-around car.
We don’t break the bank with the 2020 VW Passat, but we get enough for the commute. In a world where SUVs dominate and car lines are getting the boot, the 2020 Passat is a nice alternative for those who still want a “normal” sedan.
Let’s take a look.
Interior Treatments: For American Tastes
On the inside is where it really matters for the 2020 VW Passat. Eight years ago, VW spent considerable time redesigning the Passat for American buyers. Interior space, technology, and creature comforts topped the list. For 2020, this means a more contemporary instrument panel and a new glass-covered touchscreen. Every 2020 Passat comes with VW’s Car-Net technology, which integrates Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and MirrorLink.
Three interior décor designs are available, based on trim, as are V-Tex leatherette and Nappa leather seating. Heated front and rear seats (with memory) and dual-zone climate controls are optional. Available convenience features include power-folding, heated side mirrors (also with memory), auto-dimming rearview mirror, remote start, and rain-sensing wipers.
Top trim models have a Fender Premium Audio system, which will make any long commute enjoyable.
2020 VW Passat interior layout. Photo: Volkswagen of America, Inc.
Styling & Design: The “Tornado” Line
The 2020 Passat retains the underpinnings of the previous model but the exterior is quite different. The grille, LED headlights and taillights, and badging are new, for example. VW makes note of the “dramatic tornado line” on the 2020 Passat, but don’t elaborate. VW alludes to the “coupe-like” profile, so maybe that’s it? Or perhaps that tornado line is referring to the actual roofline?
We’re not entirely sure, although it sounds cool, whatever it is and wherever it’s at.
Related: Good value for the money? Our full review of the 2019 VW Jetta.
Platform & Chassis: Carried Over From 2019
The technical aspects include a front suspension with damper struts, robust lower control arms, coil springs, and an anti-roll bar. At the rear, the four-link independent layout marries telescopic dampers and another anti-roll bar. The electro-mechanical power steering provides a healthy balance, making the 2020 Passat easier to control at all speeds.
17-inch wheels come standard, although more stylish 18- and 19-inch wheels are available.
Can you spot the “tornado line” VW is talking about? Photo: Volkswagen of America, Inc.
Power & Performance: Just Enough For The Drive
The 2020 VW Passat makes 174 horsepower from its 2.0-liter turbocharged engine with direct injection. With the new torque converter and corresponding software, torque output rises to 207 lb-ft. from 184. Power is sent to the front wheels via a six-speed automatic with Tiptronic. It’s not the most powerful thing in the world, but considering it’s an ideal run-around-town kind of car, the engine specs are plenty good.
No word on fuel economy yet, although the 2019 Passat comes in at 25/36 city/highway and 29 combined.
Safety & Security
As is the trend with vehicles today, the 2020 VW Passat loads up on active safety tech. Every Passat includes Forward Collision Warning, Autonomous Emergency Braking, Pedestrian Monitoring, and a Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Traffic Alert. Adaptive Cruise Control and Lane Assist help on the open road, while Park Assist is handy for the garage downtown.
Photo: Volkswagen of America, Inc.
Pricing & Availability
The 2020 VW Passat arrives this summer, complete with four trim levels and a launch-only Limited model. Pricing info is forthcoming, although the 2019 Passat starts at $26,090 after the destination fee.
The Volkswagen Chattanooga 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 VW Passat Gallery

Photos & Source: Volkswagen of America, Inc.

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2019 Subaru STI S209: Small, Powerful & Rare

2019 Subaru STI S209: Small, Powerful & Rare The Subaru STI S209 debuts at the North American International Auto Show.
Flexible strut tower bar, Brembo brakes, and a powerful engine are among the highlights.
First STI-crafted S-line performance vehicle set for the United States, although numbers are limited.
Oh baby! Here’s a tasty piece of automotive engineering: The Subaru WRX STi S209. Wait, scratch that. It is simply called the STi S209, or the 2019 Subaru Limited-Edition STI S209 if you want to be technical about it. But essentially it’s a big, fast WRX that will force your eyeballs back into your skull like a punch from Jackie Chan.
And, given the inherent goodness of the Subie’s always-on all-wheel-drive system, you can use the S209 all the time in any weather.
Small & Powerful
One could say – and I’m one that would – that the main gift Fuji Heavy Industries bestows upon the STI S209 is in the engine bay. That being 341 horsepower. That is a lot, by any measurement and, in a car this (relatively) small and light, that is a lot (a lot!) of power. Sure, the STI S209 has more going for it, but that number will be the only argument any number of potential buyers will need to hear. Potential buyers like any number of friends of mine in rally clubs spread across the USA.
So, besides the engine, what does the STI S209 have to offer? There are upgrades across the board. Upgrades in handling, aerodynamics, and driver engagement. The rally car also sports front, rear and side under spoilers, front bumper canards, and a carbon-fiber roof panel and rear wing.
Here is a look.
2019 Subaru Limited-Edition STI S209 in Crystal White Pearl. Photo: Subaru of America, Inc.
Essentially it's a big, fast #WRX that will force your eyeballs back into your skull like a punch from Jackie Chan.Click To TweetFender Flares & Brembo Brakes
For starters, the STI S209 now stands 1.7 inches wider than a standard WRX STI, clocking in at 72.4 inches overall. Like the WRX STI Nürburgring Challenge racecar that inspired it, the STI S209 has “expanded wide-body” exterior treatments. Fender flares for you old school types out there. Those flares are there to contain a wider front and rear track, the 19 x 9-inch forged BBS alloy wheels, and those big whopping 265/35 Dunlop SP Sport Maxx GT600A summer-only tires.
And please note those are summer-only. So you gravel racers will have to get your own shoes for rally purposes.
The big vents on the front fenders are there for additional engine cooling, while vents on the rear fenders correct air turbulence and reduce drag. Wanna stop? Course you do. Mash that center pedal and the Brembo brakes, with cross-drilled steel rotors and six-piston monoblock front calipers and two-piston monoblock rear calipers, will haul you down like the Incredible Hulk grabbed you by the trunk.
The upgraded high-friction pads bring improved fade-resistance to the party.
Photo: Subaru of America, Inc.
Essential Foundations: Flexible Versus Rigid
Specially-developed Bilstein shocks, stiffened coil springs, a 20mm rear stabilizer bar, and pillow-type bushings for the front and rear lateral links keep every corner under control. The chassis of the STI S209 is stiffer thanks to the front crossmember and rear subframes, although the front-strut tower bar and the front/rear draw stiffeners are flexible. Bear with me for a sec.
A flexible bar, unlike the usual rigid bar, is split and joined with a pillow ball joint in the center. This makes it longitudinally mobile while helping to laterally stiffen things up. Bottom line: optimal tire grip during lateral moments and a compliant ride during longitudinal moments. The draw stiffeners are there to apply tension between the body and crossmember for optimized chassis flex, upping stability while cornering. And all the while providing better ride, handling, and steering response. Slick!
Now, about all that power . . .
The Dunlop tires are a significant contributor to the maximum lateral grip of over 1.0 g. Photo: Subaru of America, Inc.
Inside The Engine Bay
Subie reworked the snot out of the EJ25 2.5-liter turbocharged boxer plant! For example, midrange torque gets a 10 percent bump at 3,600 rpm, so corner exits are higher. The STI turbocharger, manufactured by HKS, features a larger turbine and compressor for 18.0 psi of boost. The pistons are forged and the con rods are lighter and stronger. Other improvements include a new high-flow fuel pump, silicone turbo inlet duct, larger fuel injectors, an intercooler water spray system, and an STI-tuned engine control module.
There’s a serial number plate proudly displayed on the engine block. If that’s not enough, the mufflers deliver 17 percent less airflow resistance.
Transmission Tech & Drive Modes
The engine is paired with a close-ratio, six-speed manual transmission and Subaru’s famous Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system. Duh. Front/rear limited-slip differentials, natch. The Driver Controlled Center Differential, Active Torque Vectoring, and the Multi-Mode Vehicle Dynamics Control system are also along for the ride.
The recalibrated SI-Drive system offers three modes: Intelligent (I) for better fuel economy and smoother power control; Sport (S) for balance between response and control; and Sport Sharp (S#) for the best acceleration times.

#Subie reworked the snot out of the 2.5-liter turbocharged boxer plant!Click To TweetSTI S209 Availability
The only real bad news (since Subie didn’t mention price) is that only 200 will be built. And after I get mine, there will be only 199 of them left for you, dear reader. So get in line now! Your color choices will be WR Blue Pearl with gray wheels and Crystal White Pearl with gold wheels.
Tony Borroz has spent his entire life racing antique and sports cars. He is the author of Bricks & Bones: The Endearing Legacy and Nitty-Gritty Phenomenon of The Indy 500, available in paperback or Kindle format. Follow his work on Twitter: @TonyBorroz.
2019 Subaru Limited-Edition STI S209
Measurement
Specifications

Horsepower
341
Overall Width
72.4 inches
Brembo Brakes
6-piston (Front) / 2-piston (Rear)
BBS Alloy Wheels
19 x 9-inches
Max Boost Pressure
18.0 psi
Scheduled Production
200 units
2019 Subaru STI S209 Gallery

Photos & Source: Subaru of America, Inc., Subaru Tecnica International, Inc.

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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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