Automotive

Extensive, High-Power-Charging Network Announced For Europe

Extensive, High-Power-Charging Network Announced For Europe

A new joint venture announced by BMW Group, Daimler AG, Ford Motor Company, and the Volkswagen Group with Audi and Porsche will bring 400 fast charging stations to Europe by 2020. The venture, known as IONITY, aims to make long distance travel easier for EV owners in Europe. BMW Group, Daimler AG, Ford Motor Company, and the Volkswagen Group have equal shares in the venture, although other automakers are welcome to join in the network’s expansion.
Upward Trajectory
IONITY plans to open 20 stations yet this year throughout major arteries in Germany, Norway, and Austria. Through 2018, the network will expand to over 100 stations, thanks to ongoing partnerships with Autobahn Tank & Rast, Circle K, and OMV. The stations, placed roughly every 75 miles, will accommodate electric vehicles from different manufacturers with a capacity of up to 350 kW per charging point. IONITY is seeking new locations, and working with infrastructure initiatives supported by the participating companies and political institutions.
“The investment underlines the commitment that the participating manufacturers are making in electric vehicles and relies on international co-operation across the industry,” a statement from the joint venture reads.
Universal Approach
The network will use the Combined Charging System to cut charging times compared to prior systems. The joint venture also hopes the indifference toward one specific brand will encourage growth and bolster the appeal of EVs. IONITY is based in Munich, Germany and the team is growing with reports saying the staff will reach 50 by the beginning of next year.
Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and resides in Detroit, Michigan.
Photo & Source: BMW Group, Daimler AG, Ford Motor Company, Volkswagen Group.

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2018 Nissan GT-R Arrives With New Trim Levels & Packages

2018 Nissan GT-R Arrives With New Trim Levels & Packages

The 2018 GT-R arrived at select Nissan dealerships this week, building on the significant changes made last year to the car. The 2018 model sees the addition of the Pure trim, the inclusion of Apple CarPlay, and a new black Kuro Night color for the Premium Interior Package.
Pricing for the 2018 GT-R lands roughly between $100,000 and $175,500, depending on the variant.
GT-R Grades
The GT-R Pure is billed by Nissan as the most affordable in the range with a starting MSRP of $99,990. Next is the Premium grade with Bose audio, Active Noise Cancellation and Sound Enhancement, and a Titanium exhaust system. The GT-R Track Edition adds a bit more performance, borrowing elements from the NISMO version. Naturally, the GT-R NISMO sits at the top of the mountain, with a number of performance-oriented enhancements for handling, aerodynamics, and power output. The GT-R NISMO will see limited North American production for 2018 as well.
Photo: Nissan North America.
Power & Performance
Vehicle design was paramount when it came to the new GT-R; any and all visual changes were intended to increase downforce, reduce drag, and boost aerodynamic efficiency overall. For example, engineers worked specifically to eliminate “hood deformation” to improve aerodynamic performance at high speeds. Looking a bit closer, the “curving profile” of the front under spoiler is worth noting. That was slightly extended and lowered a few millimeters to improve airflow at its lower edge. Furthermore, every GT-R is characterized by Nissan’s “V-Motion” grille for more effective engine cooling.
Pure, Premium, and Track Edition GT-Rs are equipped with Nissan’s 3.8-liter DOHC 24-valve V6. The engine is mated to a dual-clutch sequential 6-speed transmission and electronically controlled ATTESA E-TS all-wheel drive system. In total, it creates 565 horsepower and 467 lb-ft. of torque. By comparison, the GT-R NISMO is rated at 600 horsepower and 481 lb-ft. of torque. Each engine is hand-assembled in a special clean room by highly skilled technicians known as Takumi craftsmen. An aluminum plate revealing their name is added to the front of the engine.
Photo: Nissan North America.
Options & Pricing
An All Weather Package with Dunlop all-season tires and a unique coolant to water ratio is avaialbe for the Pure and Premium trims. The Premium can also be decorated with the (ideally named) Premium Interior Package. It includes hand-stitched semi-aniline leather with the aforementioned Kuro Night interior appointments. Below is a complete pricing chart for the 2018 Nissan GT-R. If you end up getting a new one, do send us a photo via Twitter: @Automoblog.
Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and resides in Detroit, Michigan.
GT-R Pure
$99,990
GT-R Premium
$110,490
GT-R Track Edition
$128,490
GT-R NISMO
$175,490
2018 Nissan GT-R Gallery

Photos & Source: Nissan North America.

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Memory Lane: The Milkman Mentor

Memory Lane: The Milkman Mentor

I always had an independent streak. From an early age, I wanted to blaze my way into the world. First, it was the paper route, which was pretty boring and the pay wasn’t great. Even small tips were hard to come by. During my rounds, I would wave to the man who delivered bread and baked goods for Weston, and wave to the Borden milkman. My earliest memory of a milkman dated back to early childhood. The milk was delivered by horse and wagon. Can I be that old? I remember looking at that great big creature wearing blinders, wondering what kind of beast it was.
Little did I know that one day, I would work for a milkman; one with a truck.
Promising Prospects
And so, I quit the newspaper business. I found work with the milkman on Saturdays and when school was out. The years must have been 1968 and 1969. Somewhere Ken Kesey’s 1939 International Harvester school bus was making its way to Woodstock. The summer of love had come and gone, but being too young, I hadn’t been able to partake in it anyway.
The milkman wasn’t very tall and had curly hair oozing out from under his cap. He wore his uniform proudly. He was strong, thanks to handling all those milk jugs day in, day out. Great with customers, he was often able to “up sell” since he had items on hand other than milk. And he wasn’t condescending toward me. I tried to emulate him. I didn’t have a uniform. Being a kid, I had a pass.
His truck was a bit rough; not that I cared. If memory serves right, it was a Divco-Wayne. It had a manual transmission and accordion doors, one on each side. There was a big, heavy wooden door at the back. Behind the driver’s seat was a wall the width of the truck with a metal sliding door. The truck had the unmistakable Borden graphics and colors, which included Elsie the Cow. This was one busy bovine, Borden arguably being the largest dairy product distributor at the time. I never once saw a competing milkman on the road.
Early Riser
The milkman left around 5am every morning, six days a week, and drove about an hour to the Borden plant. He picked up his supplies for that day and drove back to his territory. We lived in a suburb of a large metropolis. Not only did he sell milk, but he had an assortment of light and heavy cream, butter, eggs, chocolate milk, and even juice. Eggnog at Christmas time. If I’m ever at death’s door, all they need to revive me is an IV of eggnog in my arm. That’ll snatch me back from the Grim Reaper’s bony grip.
There was a folding seat on the passenger side. The seat itself folded up into the back-rest. When the truck was overloaded during the holidays, crates were stacked inside the cab and I had to sit on them. Thankfully, I had a cushion for such occasions to put on top. The milkman had something like 400 customers listed in his gray hardcover ledger. The ledger had become swollen over time, although the spine remained unbroken. He noted everything in pencil and each client had a page or half a page. Not that he had to visit each one of them every day, but during Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas, we had to step it up and see nearly all his customers. That’s when crates of extra goods were piled inside the cab.
A restored 1948 Divco Hull’s Dairy truck on display at the 2015 Shenandoah Antique Automobile Club of America (AACA) meet. Photo: Christopher Ziemnowicz.
Daily Grind
On his way back from the plant, he would pick me up around 7am in front of my friend’s house. I remember one time getting up when it was still dark. There was a woodstove in the basement where I slept. I proceeded to put a log on the fire as the room felt a bit chilly. Half asleep in the early dawn, I noticed a log in front of the stove, wondering what it was doing there. I quickly brushed that thought aside and went to pick it up. It got up on its four legs and walked away. It turned out it was the cat. Smart cat. I would eat a quick breakfast and grab my lunch bag which consisted mostly of sandwiches my mother prepared. I was very grateful when noon rolled around as I was always famished.
Saturday was the busiest day of the week, and I would put in a 12-hour shift; longer during the holidays. I loved it. In addition to delivering dairy products, we often collected money for the purchases each customer made during that week. I was a bit of a stickler, and once in a rare while argued with customers who didn’t want to settle what they owed. I reasoned the milkman was paying me to do my job. I was never mean, simply business-like.
Tricks of the Trade
Back then, the milk crates were made of heavy gauge metal wiring with small loops at the top for stacking. Unfortunately, they would get bent from a lot of handling and often get tangled, much to our displeasure. One time, he got angry. We were at the back of the truck and he struggled to untangle a couple of stuck crates. He politely asked me to step away from the door opening. He eventually pried the top crate off, jumped onto the pavement with the crate, and threw it as far as he could (which was pretty far). If milk crate tossing had been an Olympic event at the 1968 Mexico City games, he would have won gold. He didn’t say a word as he put the crate back in the truck and we drove off.
This took place in the parking lot of a high school where he was supplying coffee cream and milk. We had to check the milk dispensers in the cafeteria and if they were out, we had to remove the empty bag, and install a five gallon bag of milk. Milk, like water, is heavy. When I first started, the gallons of milk were in glass bottles, not plastic, which would become available around 1969 along with plastic milk crates.
Living up north, we had to contend with the changing seasons. Winter could be a challenge. The truck windows would frost over as we constantly opened and closed the doors. We scraped the windows more on the inside than the outside. The heater was next to useless and the wipers were vacuum operated, if I’m not mistaken. There was a small fan inside a metal cage, but it did nothing. Not in winter. Not in summer. Despite ridges, the metal steps leading in and out of the truck would become very slippery when wet or iced over.
Photo: Christopher Ziemnowicz.

Unsteady Greenhorns
A couple of days before Christmas, fearing an extremely busy day, the milkman hired an extra helper. He was a bit older and taller than me. He was rearin’ to go. At one point, he was next in line to make a delivery. The boss explained to him where to go and what to take, which was a gallon of milk in one of the new plastic containers. It was snowing heavily. The door was open and the new hired hand was ready to make his delivery just around the next corner.
As the milkman turned left, the new guy slipped off the icy step and fell flat on his ass in the middle of the intersection. The milk jug hit the pavement and the impact pushed the cap open, spraying milk all over the unsuspecting kid. Luckily, there was no traffic. The milkman and I looked at each other briefly, and realizing that the ejected delivery man was no worse for wear, we burst out laughing. The slush had cushioned his fall. He got back in the truck, his ego bruised more than his derriere. We continued on. He made his delivery and completed the day’s work, but I never saw him again.
Beautiful Girls
Summer was more fun. We’d ride around with the doors open, taking in the scenery. The oil crisis hadn’t hit yet and it was the heyday of muscle cars. The big three were churning them out; even AMC was in the mix. You had GTOs, Mustangs, Barracudas, AMX. And all divisions within those companies were producing pavement-tearing machines like Camaros, Chargers, Cobras, and Marlins. The list goes on.
It was around that time I became interested in girls. I liked one in particular. She had an afro. She was into teen magazines. I recall seeing on one of the covers a photo of The Monkees. They were older and hip. How could I compete with her fantasies? Ironically enough, her father drove the ice cream truck. The jingle was the magic rallying call for all the neighborhood kids to gather ‘round.
“I’ll have a soft ice cream cone dipped in chocolate, please.”
Hearing that jingle all day long would have driven me bonkers had I been the ice cream man.

Bittersweet Work
Besides the usual seasonal woes and crappy crates, delivering milk wasn’t always a bed of roses. I remember a German Shepherd jumping out from behind a fence, barking his head off. He scared the living daylights out of me. The milkman made my delivery that time. At the end of the day, we would restack the empty crates at the back and keep what was left over at the front, behind the sliding door. The truck was ready for the next day. After a job well done, the milkman would drop me off at my friend’s house, less than a block away from mine. Cash in my pocket; I would admire his uncle’s car. He was an accountant and drove an orange Corvette, a convertible at that. That put a gleam in my eye.
My father was transferred out of town because of his work and so regrettably, it was the end of my career delivering milk.
Farewell Elsie
The meandering roads we enjoy traveling are about more than just passenger cars. They are also about big rigs and little rigs delivering most, if not all the goods we take for granted in life. Sure, we often find it annoying to be stuck behind a semi or slow moving van for any length of time. That being said, a lot of us have wondered what it would be like to drive a 16-speed Kenworth or Peterbilt and talking on the CB.
“Papa bear is hiding behind the billboard.”
Are CBs still in use? Or have they all been replaced by cell phones?
The days of people delivering baked goods and dairy products are gone. The name Borden remains here and there but the company I knew is no longer. Bits and pieces of what survived were sold off or scooped up by other businesses. Borden Dairy ended up in Texas, but is nowhere near the size it once was. I cherish the time I spent working for a milkman and I am happy to see there are a few old Borden trucks still in existence, showing off their bright, yellow accented paint schemes and graphics. If you see a funky old bus or an old delivery truck zoom by, wave at it. Its occupants will be thrilled.
As Spock would say: “Live long and prosper, Elsie.”
Michael Bellamy is the author of our Memory Lane series. He enjoys driving his 1997 Lincoln Mark VIII LSC and 2003 Dodge Dakota.
More photos of the 1948 Hull’s Dairy Divco truck by Christopher Ziemnowicz can be found here.

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Jeep Electrifies Renegade & Compass With Plug-In Hybrid Powertrains

Jeep Electrifies Renegade & Compass With Plug-In Hybrid Powertrains The Jeep Renegade and Compass are going green in 2020.
However, Jeep isn’t exactly jumping on the typical EV bandwagon.
Both plug-in hybrids feature a revolutionary electric all-wheel drive system.
Jeep found a better way to make a lasting impression at the Geneva International Motor Show recently. The brand unveiled two new plug-in hybrid versions of the Jeep Renegade and Compass for all the world to see.
Yes, you read that right.
After dominating last year’s headlines with the all-new Gladiator pickup truck, Jeep is taking a different route. I never thought I’d get a chance to say this. But soon, you can order a new Jeep Renegade or Compass with a plug-in hybrid powertrain.
But wait! Before you storm FCA’s headquarters with pitchforks in hand, listen up.
Capturing A Slice of The Growing EV Market
Jeep and Fiat-Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) are on a roll. FCA reported a 14 percent increase in U.S. sales for 2018. The Jeep brand enjoyed a 17 percent increase in sales alone. The Jeep Wrangler, in particular, is a best-seller with 240,032 units sold.
Believe it or not, this has something to do with the rugged, go-anywhere appeal of Jeep vehicles. Mind you, other SUVs are faster, more comfortable, and have more usable space. However, only a select few can offer the clobbering off-road abilities of a Jeep. And a Jeep like this won’t cost more than a loaded midsize sedan.
Naturally, the next step is to go green. In this ever-changing automotive landscape, it’s either go green or go bust. Who would have thought a Jeep would come with an electric motor and battery pack straight from the factory? This is not a surprising move. In fact, Jeep is doing the right thing. If the brand wants to capture a slice of the growing EV market, something needs to be done instead of just harking back to the past.
But rather than jumping straight onto the EV bandwagon, Jeep made the wiser move by engineering a brilliant plug-in hybrid powertrain for the most affordable vehicles in their lineup: the Renegade and Compass. Consider this for a second: both the Jeep Renegade and Jeep Compass have low base prices of $18,000 and $21,000 respectively. Throw in an electric motor and battery pack, raise the base price by $3k to $5k, and you got yourself an eco-friendly, off-road capable, and affordable plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV).
Still not convinced? Wait until we get to the juicy parts.
Jeep Compass PHEV. Photo: FCA US LLC.
Evolutionary Powertrain
Jeep remains tight-lipped on battery specifications, but the new Renegade and Compass PHEV promise to deliver high power and long range. Similar to other PHEVs, the battery pack is rechargeable from an external power outlet. Both vehicles will have a pure electric range of approximately 31 miles (50 kilometers) and an electric top speed of 80 mph (130 kph).
The electric motor works in unison with a new 1.3-liter turbocharged gasoline motor. Power output for the Jeep Renegade PHEV is around 190 to 240 horsepower. The Jeep Compass PHEV is good for 240 horsepower as well. The result is zero to 60 mph in around seven seconds for both the Renegade and Compass.
Considering a 2017 Jeep Compass Sport 4×4 only musters a zero to 60 time of 8.4 seconds, while a Jeep Renegade 2.4 Sport 4×4 does the same in nine seconds, the PHEV versions offer faster acceleration, better engine response, and cleaner CO2 emissions.
Photo: FCA US LLC.
Related: On the road (and off the road) with the 2019 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk 4×4.
New Electric Drivetrain: Off-Road Capable
What good is a Jeep if it can’t hack it off-road? Fortunately, the Jeep Renegade and Compass PHEV come with an entirely new electric all-wheel drive system or eAWD. This is the kind of stuff you can find on the Audi e-tron SUV. But since the Audi is a full EV, Jeep threw in something different for the PHEV versions of the Renegade and Compass.
Torque in the rear axle comes courtesy of the electric motor (in the rear of the vehicle) while the front axle is turned by the turbocharged gasoline motor. Due to this setup, there is no need to employ a propeller shaft.
As an added bonus, the torque between the two axles is controlled independently as you forge over rocky terrain or snow-covered roads. The eAWD system will not only benefit you off-road, but on the daily drive as well. But since a fully-charged battery pack is good for 31 miles of pure-electric driving, you can tackle the most extreme off-road trails in total silence. And you can do it while basking in the rugged appeal of your Jeep Renegade or Compass.
Photo: FCA US LLC.
As an added bonus, the torque between the two axles is controlled independently as you forge over rocky terrain or snow-covered roads. #JeepClick To TweetPricing & Availability
The new Jeep Renegade and Jeep Compass PHEV will arrive at Jeep dealers in early 2020. Pricing is yet to be announced for either vehicle. If you want to experience hybrid technology in a Jeep, the Wrangler with the mild hybrid eTorque system is available now.
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.
Jeep Renegade Plug-in Hybrid Gallery

Jeep Compass Plug-in Hybrid Gallery

Photos & Source: FCA US LLC.

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2019 Toyota Camry Receives Updates Across The Board

2019 Toyota Camry Receives Updates Across The Board The Camry, one of Toyota’s best-selling cars, soldiers on with new updates for 2019.
Toyota’s Safety Sense P suite provides a number of advanced driver-assistance systems.
Three powertrain choices are available, including a hybrid with an updated Power Control Unit.
If you’re looking for a car that is the automotive equivalent of a manila envelope stapled to a beige wall, then the new 2019 Toyota Camry is for you. Oh sure, Toyota seems to be serious when they say the Camry has an “Exciting Style” and “Sport Performance” but I’m not ready to believe them. This is a Camry after all. This is solid, dependable, reliable transportation.
Fun and excitement and sportiness have no real place here.
That isn’t a bad thing, per se. If someone were to say that about the latest Porsche, it would be terrible news. We’re talking about Toyota’s bread and butter, middle of the middle-of-the-road vehicle here. In this realm, lack of personality is a good thing. And, in this realm, the latest Camry is packing. Even with its new on-board tech, it gets great gas mileage and is still as reliable as an anvil.
Styling & Design: Some Sporty Elements
The 2019 Toyota Camry carries over the same body design as last year, so there’s not really much to talk about on the styling front. It’s still somewhat sharper, a little wider and lower than you’d first expect, but no one is going to mistake this for an Alfa Romeo Giulia. The SE and XSE are the sportier versions with special rocker panels, 19-inch machined-finish alloy wheels (standard on XSE), a subtle rear spoiler lip, more aggressive front bumper, and a rear bumper with a lower diffuser.
2019 Toyota Camry XSE. Photo: Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.
Interior Treatments
Likewise the interior has been tarted up here and there, but the main improvements are to the displays, infotainment, creature comforts and the like. And yet again, when you look at what you get in this arena, the Camry comes in as a great value. The passengers, and most importantly, the driver, receive information through three displays: a 10-inch color Heads-Up Display (HUD); a seven-inch multi-information display within the instrument cluster itself, and an eight-inch audio/navigation/HVAC control panel integrated into the center console.
Toyota says it’s all intuitive in how it operates, and I assume they’re right, because they better be right. Steve Jobs made intuitive operation a by-word of modern day living, and people are used to it now, so Toyota better deliver.
Related: Camry and Avalon get the TRD treatment for 2020.
Further Emphasis On Technology
The new Camry gets the latest Entune 3.0 multimedia system, with Apple CarPlay compatibility and Amazon Alexa. Four-cylinder and hybrid models come with Entune 3.0 Audio, Toyota’s App Suite, and Scout GPS Link. The audio end includes an optional JBL system (nine speakers plus a 10.1-inch subwoofer) complete with Clari-Fi. Toyota describes Clari-Fi as something that “un-compresses” music to help restore an audio track’s dynamic range.
Speaking of dynamic, Camry V6 models offer a Dynamic Navigation system with wireless map updates and over-the-air map downloads for recently added roads and points-of-interest.
There is also Remote Connect, which gets you a remote start and door unlock capability, vehicle status notifications, a guest driver monitor (I bet this is for you nervous parents out there), and a vehicle finder. Service Connect provides up-to-date information on fuel levels, maintenance alerts and that sort of thing. Wi-Fi? Why yes, there’s Wi-Fi Connect powered by Verizon, so you can hook up five mobile devices.
Introduced in Japan in 1982, the Camry was Toyota’s first mass-produced vehicle with a transverse engine layout. Photo: Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.
Safety & Security
Would you expect the latest Camry to look the other way on safety measures? No, you wouldn’t, and here we are treated to a buffet of safety goodness. There’s the Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, and Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist. There’s a Blind Spot Monitor, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Intelligent Clearance Sonar, and a Rear Cross Traffic Braking system.
Other safety measures include 10 standard airbags, Toyota’s Star Safety System with Enhanced Vehicle Stability Control, Traction Control, Electronic Brake-Force Distribution, Brake Assist, Anti-lock Braking System, and Smart Stop Technology. There’s even a standard backup camera.
Powertrain & Transmission Options
There are three powertrain choices for the 2019 Toyota Camry, including a hybrid option.
The “normal” engines are hooked up to a Direct Shift eight-speed automatic. The ratios are new as is the torque converter with a wider range of lock-up for improved fuel efficiency. For the Hybrids, Toyota says their Sequential Shiftmatic technology allows the driver to “shift” the electronically-controlled, continuously variable transmission via paddle shifters (SE grade) or with the console-mounted shift lever.
Really, I can’t say which powertrain is better. They all work, and they will all work well for daily driving. It’s up to you which one you pick. However, let’s take a quick look at each of them a little further so you can decide.
Toyota employs Laser Screw Welding at key junctures throughout the 2019 Camry’s body and platform for increased joint rigidity. A special, high-rigidity urethane adhesive is also applied to both the windshield and rear window where they meet the vehicle’s body. The Camry’s body includes additional gussets for the front/rear door frame (B-pillar) that increase overall frame and joint strength. Photo: Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.
Gasoline Engines
The 2.5-liter, inline-four-cylinder (D-4S) gasoline engine, is a solid and reliable choice. Peak horsepower is estimated at 206 at 6,600 rpm (176 horsepower at 5,700 rpm in the hybrid configuration) with torque estimated at 186 lb-ft. at 5,000 rpm (163 lb-ft. at 3,600-5,200 rpm for the hybrid). Fuel economy for 2.5-liter gas models is an EPA-estimated 29/41 city/highway and 34 combined mpg.
The 3.5-liter V6, with D-4S Fuel Injection, is the more powerful choice with an enhanced variable valve timing system to provide optimum torque at all engine speeds. The V6 delivers 301 horsepower at 6,600 rpm, 267 lb-ft. of torque at 4,700 rpm, and an EPA-estimated 22/33 city/highway and 26 combined mpg. This marks an increase of eight percent for combined mpg versus the Camry’s previous V6.
Hybrid Drive
The 2019 Toyota Camry Hybrid comes in at 51/53 city/highway and 52 combined mpg on the LE grade. By comparison, the SE and XLE grades come it at 44/47 city/highway and 46 combined mpg. Toyota says the updated and more compact Power Control Unit (PCU) of the hybrid system plays a key role in improving efficiency. Improvements in the conversion efficiency of the PCU and the transaxle/electric motor reduce energy loss by nearly 20 percent.
Furthermore, Toyota says cooling system improvements now reduce energy loss by 10 percent.
The 2019 Toyota Camry’s front suspension tower brace is embedded within the cowl body, and now makes use of a “closed cross-section construction” to increase handling and stability. At the rear, a body frame of “annular construction” enhances structural rigidity, and is joined by additional braces in the rear suspension to withstand higher levels of lateral force. Photo: Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.
Pricing & Availability
The 2019 Toyota Camry starts at $23,945 with the hybrid starting at $28,150. But really, does it matter? No, it doesn’t. Toyota has sold 18 million Camrys, so they will keep selling them, even if the price is up or down by a point or two.
The 2019 Camry Hybrid is available in three grades: LE, SE, and XLE. The traditional Camry comes in five grades: L, LE, XLE, SE, and XSE. If color is important, the 2019 Toyota Camry comes in Wind Chill Pearl, Ruby Flare Pearl, Brownstone, Galactic Aqua Mica, Super White, Celestial Silver Metallic, Predawn Gray Mica, Midnight Black Metallic, Blue Streak Metallic, and Supersonic Red. Some trim levels give you an optional Midnight Black Metallic roof.
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 Toyota Camry Gallery

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

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Lagonda All-Terrain Concept: The EV With The Floating Key

Lagonda All-Terrain Concept: The EV With The Floating Key Aston Martin Lagonda aims to be the world’s first zero-emission luxury brand.
The company will leverage electrification and autonomous driving technologies.
The Lagonda All-Terrain Concept is set for production in 2022 and includes a floating key.
It’s called the Lagonda All-Terrain Concept, and its name is the most uncreative thing about it. Basically, it’s an uber-luxo SUV crossover thingo from Lagonda (i.e. Aston Martin), powered by equal parts electricity and style, and the owners smug sense of entitlement. Aston Martin Lagonda says they’re serious, and they’re really going to make it at a new facility in St Athan, Wales.
Lagonda says it will enter production in 2022, but that sounds rather ambitious. I’ll believe it when I see one on the road. Then again, I said that about Bentley making an SUV, and then I actually did see one, in rural Arizona, of all places, so what do I know?
Near-Future Study & Forces of Gravity
Lagonda calls the All-Terrain Concept “The Future of The Luxury SUV,” and in a certain way, they’re right. By going the EV route, Lagonda is betting that future, rich SUV buyers are going to pay a premium for luxury EVs. If you take the mode of motivation out of the equation, the All-Terrain Concept does give that market segment what they’re looking for.
The Lagonda All-Terrain Concept is, as Lagonda puts it, a “near-future” study. That means it’s just a bunch of renderings, drawings, and ideas lashed together around this “vision” of what rich people in the near future will want. Then again, that motivation could come in the form of growing regulations, coupled with the growing sense of environmental doom wrought at the hands of engine emissions. In fact, a growing number of people believe EVs are the way of the future.
They are totally over the top when trying to explain the styling, saying it drew inspiration from the likes of the Concorde SST and the world of super yachts. Lagonda uses terminology like “relaxed elegance” and “rear-leaning gesture of the belt line” and “forms and shapes that look like they have been created by the huge, planetary forces of gravity fields,” without a hint of irony.
Lagonda All-Terrain Concept. Photo: Aston Martin The Americas.
That motivation could come in the form of growing regulations, coupled with the growing sense of environmental doom wrought at the hands of engine emissions.Click To TweetStyling & Design: Red Carpet Treatment
I’m not saying the thing looks ugly, far from it. It’s rather pleasing overall, but just try to imagine the Lagonda All-Terrain Concept splattered with mud, carrying a couple of bales of hay and spools of barbed wire. Funny, no? Then again, you’ll never see a Bentley Bentayga or a Rolls Cullinan doing that either, so I guess the guys in marketing shouldn’t worry.
Auto designers are starting to clock to the fact that EVs really do free up a lot of design possibilities. The Lagonda All-Terrain Concept is no different. Its batteries are located in the stiffened floor, lowering the center of gravity and opening up a lot of interior space. The interior space is further amplified by the rear-hinged back doors that not only give you a “spectacular ‘red carpet’ moment as the interior and its occupants are revealed” (no seriously, they said that), but also that cool factor that suicide doors always have.
The “tailgate” of the All-Terrain is a wide clamshell rear hatch affair which might work, practically; but if nothing else, it does look spectacular. That’s also aided by the slick light strip that hides the LEDs and only lets you see the beam.
The rear shelf/loading area slides out from the floor, which is nice, and functions sort of like a slide-out shelf in your kitchen. When not in use, it’s hidden flush with the body and stowed. When not used for loading and unloading, you can sit on it and watch the polo match; or bet on which of your servants will survive this fortnight’s battle to the death. There’s also lots of glass so the All-Terrain’s occupants can “survey the landscape.”
Lagonda All-Terrain Concept interior layout. Photo: Aston Martin The Americas.
Related: Turning a classic into an EV: check out this electrified 1970 DB6 MkII Volante.
Floating Keys
The interior has a limousine atmosphere with a lack of visible vents and speakers. There’s tons of space, and although no dimensions were given, this thing looks to be the size of a tank. Which makes the available seating (four) seem like some sort of joke. The biggest, flashiest show piece is, of all things, the key. The Lagonda All-Terrain does have one, but you don’t slide it into a lock, oh no; when placed in position, the key floats, levitating between the front seats, thanks to the wonder of electromagnets. Sheesh.
And if you take the mode of motivation into the equation, then the All-Terrain Concept gives rich people the sheen of being eco-conscious and green and all that sort of thing. In a lot of ways, the All-Terrain Concept is the green icing on the cake.
Production & Manufacturing
The aforementioned St Athan facility, once a Ministry of Defence Super Hangar, is undergoing renovations. St Athan will be Aston Martin Lagonda’s second facility and will become their electrification hub.
The St Athan site will commence with Aston Martin DBX production, with the Lagonda All-Terrain Concept following in 2022. Over 70 Welsh employees have now joined the already 100-strong St Athan team. Those employees spent the last two-and-a-half years at Aston Martin Lagonda’s Gaydon Headquarters.
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.
Lagonda All-Terrain Concept Gallery

Photos & Source: Aston Martin The Americas.

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Majority of Americans Think Electric Vehicles Are The Future

Majority of Americans Think Electric Vehicles Are The Future A recent study examines public opinion and thought with regard to electric vehicles.
The results are largely positive, with respondents saying EVs are viable for the future.
Would you consider owning an EV as your next car? Why or why not? Let us know on Twitter.
It seems Americans are truly warming up to the thought of owning an electric car. This is evidenced in the latest study published in Volvo Reports: The State of Electric Vehicles in America conducted by Volvo Cars and Harris Poll. This report is the seventh in a series meant to uncover insights into the American opinion across four core themes: design, safety, technology, and environment. This most recent survey reveals nearly three-quarters of American drivers are convinced that electric vehicles are the future of driving.
Now that’s saying a lot.
I wrote a similar piece not too long ago which reveals the growing interest of electric vehicles among American car buyers. This is despite the fact that range anxiety is still a big concern among potential EV buyers. That study from AAA shows close to 20 percent or 50 million Americans are looking to buy an EV for their next car.
Who Would Have Thought: Are EVs The Future of Driving?
In order to come up with a more compelling argument, Volvo’s study includes 250 Americans who currently drive or have driven an electric vehicle in the past year. It was conducted among 1,510 U.S. drivers ages 18 and older in October of 2018.
Approximately three in four Americans, or 74 percent of respondents, agree EVs are the future, while 79 percent of existing EV drivers also agree. The monetary benefits of owning an EV (no fuel expenses and less maintenance) and the environmental impacts are among the positives many associate with EV ownership. In fact, close to 59 percent feel driving an EV has a positive environmental impact while 74 percent say the long-term savings on gas far outweighs the higher purchase price of electric vehicles.

Range Anxiety? Not Anymore!
The study also states range anxiety is still a lingering concern. But in a surprising turn of events, this only holds true if you haven’t actually driven or owned an EV. Approximately 65 percent of respondents say range anxiety was an issue before purchasing an EV, but that dissipated after a couple of months.
This is not hard to understand. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, the average EV is capable of traveling 114 miles between charges. Think about it. If you’re a city dweller, 114 miles or 184 kilometers is more than enough for the daily grind. You are basically doing yourself and the environment a huge favor by going electric!
Infrastructure Considerations
However, manufacturers, policy makers, and city planners will have to listen if they want more people to ditch petrol and diesel power. Over 60 percent of survey respondents say public charging stations are not reliable. Survey respondents were also open to paying more money for a “quick charge” option. Other suggestions for improving public charging stations included the addition of a coffee shop, fitness facility, and Wi-Fi connectivity. On a similar note, one in four EV drivers believe public charging stations should have maintenance services onsite.
Volvo V60. Photo: Volvo Car USA, LLC.
The True Benefits of EV Ownership
The survey also reveals the benefits of driving an EV are more than enough to outweigh the challenges. For example, 60 percent of respondents say the fuel savings are among the most significant benefits, while 48 percent enjoy the serenity of getting behind the wheel of a modern electric vehicle. Given their mechanical design and lack of a traditional engine, EVs are generally quieter than their gasoline counterparts.
What’s more surprising is the satisfaction rating of EVs. Approximately 85 percent of EV drivers are completely satisfied with their vehicles while 55 percent say they’ll never go back to a conventional gas-powered car. However, 57 percent want EVs to have the same price as conventional vehicles. Of course, 41 percent will definitely consider an electric car if the government continues offering financial incentives or tax breaks.
Although California is often considered a hub for electric vehicles, states like Louisiana, Washington, and Vermont are also EV friendly. A study last year from YourMechanic measured how convenient EV ownership is for residents in each state. The same study found that EV sales in Oklahoma jumped 160 percent between 2016 and 2017.
Tesla Model 3. Photo: Tesla Motors.
Related: Some things to consider before buying an EV.
Five Affordable EVs You Can Buy Today
Here’s the good news: electric vehicles are getting more affordable each year. Here is a short list of affordable EVs you can buy in 2019.
1. Smart EQ
The Smart EQ is certainly not as revolutionary or as exciting as the Tesla Model 3. However, the Smart EQ is the only convertible EV on sale today, and that counts for something. With an MSRP of $25,390 before tax credits and 58 miles of range, the Smart EQ is a good choice for city commuters.
2. Nissan Leaf
The second-generation Nissan Leaf thankfully came with more conventional styling. Prices start at $29,990 before tax credits with an EPA-estimated 150 miles of driving range. If that’s not enough, you can go for the Leaf e+ which offers 225 miles of range albeit at a higher price.
3. Hyundai Kona EV
The standard Hyundai Kona is either polarizing or a looker depending on your tastes. But the EV version of the Kona is more restrained, which makes it a fine-looking crossover EV. Prices start at $36,450 for an EPA-estimated 258 miles of range.
4. Chevrolet Bolt EV
If you want an affordable and long-range electric vehicle, take a closer look at the Chevrolet Bolt EV. It offers 238 miles of range for $37,500 before tax credits. More importantly, the Chevy Bolt EV has the styling of a normal-looking car.
5. Tesla Model 3
It is hard not to include the Tesla Model 3 when talking about the best electric vehicles. But now, it is also one of the most affordable. The company just released the sub-$35k Model 3 with 220 miles of range. Although the interior is a bit low-rent, it comes with 18-inch wheels and the familiar 15-inch touchscreen interface.
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.

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2019 Hyundai Santa Fe Ultimate Review: A Good Everyday SUV

2019 Hyundai Santa Fe Ultimate Review: A Good Everyday SUV 92Good2019 Hyundai Santa Fe Ultimate Overall ImpressionSolid choice for a busy family.New safety features are a bonus.The turbo engine is enjoyable to drive. ProsRoomy Cabin Ride & Handling ConsFuel Economy I don’t think Hyundai is deliberately trying to confuse us, but the 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe has been redesigned and the naming has changed. It’s all a little perplexing to us but the previous-generation Santa Fe was a three-row crossover, but the 2019 model is now a two-row, and is essentially the redesign of last year’s two-row Santa Fe Sport.
There’s even a three-row model called the Santa Fe XL (previously just called Santa Fe) that seats seven. But don’t get too attached, because the XL is on the way out. It’s due to be replaced by the new Hyundai Palisade.
Clear as mud?
This week, we’ve been driving the top-of-the-line, 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe Ultimate 2.0T AWD.
What’s New For 2019
Well, the 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe receives a makeover with a new interior and exterior look. The 2019 Santa Fe is the first to come with Hyundai’s optional Rear Occupant Alert feature. The system helps prevent children and pets from being forgotten; it also helps in case children accidentally lock themselves in.
2019 Hyundai Santa Fe.
Features & Options: Connectivity & Safety
The top-trim, 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe Ultimate 2.0T AWD ($38,800) comes standard with smartphone integration, including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. What’s more, safety features such as forward collision mitigation, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, a drowsy-driving warning system, and Hyundai’s Safe Exit Assist, which will temporarily prevent your door from opening if a vehicle is approaching from behind, all come standard.
More creature comforts like a panoramic sunroof, leather upholstery, and a power-adjustable passenger seat are also standard on the Ultimate. This trim also gets driver-seat memory settings, adjustable lumbar support for the driver, a heated steering wheel, heated and ventilated front seats, and even heated rear seats. Connectivity and tech features include an eight-inch touchscreen, heads-up display, navigation, wireless smartphone charging, and dual front and rear, 2.1-amp USB charge ports.
Total MSRP including destination: $39,905. By comparison, the 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe SE starts at $24,250. The seven-seater XL begins at $28,350. Pricing for the Hyundai Palisade is due later this year.
2019 Hyundai Santa Fe interior layout.
Interior Highlights: Roomy & Comfortable
The Santa Fe’s new interior comes with attractive materials, including a fresh new dashboard design. It’s also longer and wider than the old Santa Fe Sport, giving it more space inside. The interior has plenty of soft touch materials throughout and you can’t miss the full panoramic sunroof. Passengers in the back are easily pampered with the tilting and reclining heated seats, and climate control vents for extra comfort.
Our passengers put down the rear sunshades this week, saying they thoroughly enjoyed the ride.
The cargo area behind the rear seat offers room for carrying three large suitcases or two sets of golf clubs. The rear seats are a 40/20/40 split combination and fold down for additional cargo space. Total interior volume on the new Santa Fe goes up, thanks to the increased width and length. With a maximum of 71.3 cubic feet and a handy, out-of-sight storage area underneath the cargo deck, there’s plenty of room for an active and growing family.

Engine & Fuel Mileage Specs
Our Santa Fe Ultimate tester came with a turbocharged, 2.0-liter engine producing 235 horsepower and 260 lb-ft. of torque. It comes mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission and sends power to all four wheels. EPA fuel mileage estimates come in at 19/24 city/highway and 21 combined mpg. When compared to other similar vehicles, the 2019 Santa Fe with the 2.0-liter turbo misses the mark in terms of fuel economy.
Lower trim levels receive a 2.4-liter inline four-cylinder with 185 horsepower. EPA fuel mileage estimates for that engine are 22/29 city/highway and 25 combined mpg. Fuel-conscious buyers will want to consider this engine instead.
The turbo engine is fun to drive but the fuel economy is not what we hoped.
Driving Dynamics: The Safety Features Are Useful
The Santa Fe’s 2.0-liter turbo packs enough horsepower to rival the sportier crossovers on the market. With the turbo engine, the Santa Fe ramps up the fun-to-drive meter over the standard, naturally-aspirated four-cylinder. During normal driving, the 2.0-liter turbo has more than enough power for any situation.
Visibility is good and we especially liked the heads-up display so we could keep our eyes on the road. It’s a good bet for someone who is a daily commuter on heavily congested streets.
The 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe now features a standard Forward Collision Avoidance Assist system. This will help keep you out of trouble if you are inadvertently distracted or tired after a long day at the office. The top-down parking camera system and rear parking sensors were also helpful on our drive this week.
Even with the upgraded 19-inch wheels, the cabin is quiet at high speeds and the ride is smooth. Those who live in colder climates may want to consider a higher trim level Santa Fe with all-wheel drive. Our tester came with all-wheel-drive which was needed on the snowy and icy roads this week.
Conclusion: A Solid Daily Commuter
The 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe will fit urban consumers looking for an all-wheel drive SUV. While we wish the fuel economy were better, it does come with lots of modern tech and plenty of space for the family. If you’re looking for a good value in the two-row crossover segment, it’s a vehicle you’ll want on your short list.
Denis Flierl has invested over 25 years in the automotive industry in a variety of roles. Follow his work on Twitter: @CarReviewGuy
2019 Hyundai Santa Fe Gallery

Photos: Hyundai Motor America.

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Mercedes-AMG GLE 53: Looks Sharp, Smells Fresh

Mercedes-AMG GLE 53: Looks Sharp, Smells Fresh The Mercedes-Benz GLE receives a special treatment courtesy of Affalterbach.
An AMG-tuned six-cylinder produces over 400 horsepower and 380 lb-ft. of torque.
Interior highlights include red accent stitching and a special fragrance named “AMG#63.”
Did you know there are still straight six engines out there? There are, and not only that, but there’s an in-line six that AMG has monkeyed with. And the Germans saw fit to drop it into their new SUV, the Mercedes-AMG GLE 53. Yes, it works, but also yes, it features some rather interesting technology.
The GLE is just what the modern and well-off SUV buyer wants these days: big, roomy, safe, giving the appearance of off-road capability and, probably most importantly, brand recognition. That three-pointed star on the grille tells every other soccer mom and drama king who’s who in the parking lot.
And who is that? You! That’s right. But you still gotta check out this engine.
Tricks of The Trade
It’s a 3.0-liter, six-cylinder in-line plant, cranking out 429 horsepower and 384 lb-ft. of torque. On top of that, a trick starter/generator, part of the EQ Boost system, briefly provides an additional 21 horsepower, plus 184 lb-ft. of torque. It also feeds the 48-volt on-board electrical system. Apart from that trick alternator, it’s all pretty standard, right? Oh no, check this: The GLE’s engine is both turbo and supercharged, and even the supercharger itself is weird. The blower is an electrically-powered affair – not the traditional belt-driven, off-the-engine arrangement – and its there more as an auxiliary compressor to build up boost pressure without delays until the turbocharger kicks in. Clever.
Quicker engine response and less turbo lag is the idea. Yes, it’s complex. And yes, I would bet that when something fails, it will be an absolute bear to fix. It will also put a big dent in your bank account, but let’s not worry about that now. Let’s just worry about this: zero to 60 mph in 5.2 seconds!
Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 under the hood. Photo: MBUSA.
Related: An in-depth look at the 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLE.
Transmission & Drivetrain Tech
Now, the even the more “mundane” stuff, in comparison to the engine’s forced induction trickery, is still pretty interesting. Gear selection is handled by an AMG-spec nine-speed automatic transmission. Even though it’s a slush box, Merc says the transmission is very responsive, and can be controlled by the steering wheel shift paddles so you can feel like Lewis Hamilton. From there, all that Germanic power hits the road (or gravel or mud or whatever) through an AMG Performance 4MATIC+ fully variable all-wheel drive system.
The rear axle is permanently driven, while the front axle continually calculates for optimum torque. Power is distributed from there accordingly.
Photo: MBUSA.
Steering & Suspension
As you’d expect, the suspension isn’t “normal” either. The Airmatic AMG Active Ride Control handles body movement and reduces rolling movements when cornering. The Airmatic setup includes adaptive adjustable damping (ADS+) and has three pre-selected modes: Comfort, Sport, and Sport+. The Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 maintains a constant ride height regardless of the vehicle load. However, in Sport and Sport+, the GLE 53 is lowered by 15 millimeters to reduce aero drag and fuel consumption. The handling and stability improves thanks to a lower center of gravity.
If the going gets bad, ground clearance can be upped by 55 mm at the touch of a button.
The steering is an electro-mechanical, speed-sensitive power rack and pinion design with two stages, Comfort or Sport. Braking is handled by 400 x 36 mm, internally-ventilated and perforated disks at the front, and internally-ventilated 345 x 25 mm disks at the rear.
One of the interior highlights is how the instrument cluster houses things like the AMG start-up menu with four selectable styles. Photo: MBUSA.
Interior Treatments: Smell The Roses
The Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 features black Artico and Dinamica seats with red contrast top-stitching and AMG markings. The top part of the instrument panel is also covered in Artico. Around the cabin, it’s a combination of brushed aluminum with additional red contrast stitching. An optional, folding third row seat turns the Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 into a seven-seater.
And get this: there is an exclusive interior fragrance called “AMG#63” as part of the Air-Balance package. According to Mercedes-AMG, it is an inspiring, sporty scent to match the spirit of the performance brand. So jump in and take a whiff.
Pricing & Availability
The Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 will arrive in dealer showrooms by late 2020 with pricing to be announced at a later date.
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.
Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 Gallery

Photos & Source: MBUSA.

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