Automotive

Ford, Roush Develop 700 Horsepower 5.0-Liter Supercharger Kit

Ford, Roush Develop 700 Horsepower 5.0-Liter Supercharger Kit

You know why they put buckles on the back of straight jackets? They do that so even if the crazy person gets out of the sleeves, they can’t undo the buckles and get loose. You know what happens when the nuts get loose? Oh all sorts of bad things. They can start fires and run for Congress or, in the case we have here, cook up a bolt-on supercharger kit that will screw the output of Ford’s 5.0-liter V8 up to seven-hundred horsepower, and then sell it to anyone with cash. This isn’t a great idea. No. This is an insanely great idea!
Crazy Train
To the gearhead, the ones involved really need no introduction. One is Ford Performance. You know, the guys that always answer any question with the phrases “More power! More brakes! More grip!” The other is Roush Performance: the guys that run NASCAR race teams and hand-build engines for Ford GTs. And let us not forget Roush Performance is headed by Jack Roush, a gearhead so bent in his love of speed he crashed his own airplanes, not once but three separate times (by my count), and one of those times included spiking a WWII vintage P-51 Mustang into a lake.
Or to put it another way, they’re the perfect professionals to design and build something like this.
Dual Applications
This, in this case, happens to be a new, state-of-the-art supercharger that peaks at 700 horsepower for the V8-powered 2018 Mustang GT. Ford Performance and Roush Performance rolled the beast out at this year’s SEMA Show in Las Vegas. The blower kit is specifically designed to work with Ford’s evergreen 5.0-liter V8 and the mill’s new port and direct injection fuel systems. Yes, it’s good for 700 ponies but it also offers 610 lb-ft. of torque at 12 psi of boost, running on 93 octane fuel for either the manual or automatic transmission. You can get 93 octane at the pump, right? At least around here I see 93 high test, so, cool, you can run it on pump gas!
Ford and Roush also designed the supercharger to work on the same engine when placed within the bay of a pickup truck. When situated within a 2018 F-150, the plant provides 640 horsepower and 600 lb-ft. of foundation distorting torque.
2018 Ford F-150. Photo: Ford Motor Company.

Strong Relationships
And yeah, this is a literal kit that comes with all installation hardware, instructions, and an exclusive performance calibration set up. The new supercharger kit is also backed by a limited warranty and supported by the Ford Motor Company and Roush network. And no, the installation of this kit will not void any new vehicle warranty. And yes, you can start your screwball cackling right about now.
And let’s not forget these guys, both Ford and Roush, are serious. They have a successful working relationship that goes back more than two decades, and really know their stuff when it comes to squeezing performance out of Ford powertrains. So when they say it’s a complete kit and it’s backed by a warranty, they ain’t joking. They might be a little nuts, but they ain’t joking.
“Ford and Roush have teamed up on performance for years on and off the track,” said Doug White, Global Ford Performance Parts Manager. “This new supercharger is another great example of our innovation in performance, greatly improving horsepower and torque so people can enjoy two of our most iconic vehicles even more.”
The new supercharger kit is warrantied when installed by a Ford dealer or any Automotive Service Excellence-certified (ASE) technician. Photo: Ford Motor Company.
No Regrets
If that’s not good enough, take it from the man his own self: “Our teams collaborated to create the most highly engineered, tested, and performing supercharger kit on the market. The combination of the 2018 5.0-liter engine and our all-new, fully integrated 2650 supercharger system yields simply incredible, no-compromise performance,” shrieked Jack Roush, Chairman, Board of Directors, Roush Performance before a couple of massive guys in white coats threw a net over him, and hauled him back to the Dearborn Center for The Chronically Speed Obsessed Who Are Not Allowed to Have Scissors.
The new supercharger kit will be available early next year through Ford dealers, Ford Performance Warehouse Distributors, and Roush Performance dealers. And, get this, you won’t even need a note from your doctor or therapist, nor a signed release document from a major law firm. America baby, America!
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.

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2018 Civic Type R: Nürburgring First, Now The Showfloor

2018 Civic Type R: Nürburgring First, Now The Showfloor

The 2018 Civic Type R drifted into Honda dealerships this week, following a limited production run of 2017 models. The Civic Type R, the most powerful car Honda has ever sold in the United States, boasted a rather impressive Nürburgring time earlier this year. The starting MSRP is not all that unreasonable either, coming in just shy of $35,000 once the destination charge is applied. The 2018 Civic Type R is available in only one, but fully equipped, trim.
Power & Performance
The Civic Type R has one of Honda’s most advanced turbocharged engines to date. The 2.0-liter is characterized by direct injection, a dual overhead cam, and Honda’s evergreen VTEC technology. The engine creates 306 horsepower and 295 lb-ft. of torque. Other performance goodies include a short-throw 6-speed manual transmission with new, lower gear ratios and a limited slip differential.
Suspension Tech
To combat torque steer, a common condition for front-wheel drive vehicles, a special front (dual-axis strut) and multi-link rear suspension were devised. The combination is meant to provide stability under both acceleration and braking while reducing body roll. The Adaptive Damper System continually adjusts damping force at all four corners for better overall handling, and is connected to the Three-Mode Driving System: comfort, sport, and the more track-oriented +R mode. The damper, steering, and throttle responses are modified according to the selected mode.
Photo: Honda North America.
Connectivity & Safety
Connectivity features include Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System with Voice Recognition. The vehicle has a host of advanced safety features too: Vehicle Stability Assist with Traction Control, Advanced 4-Channel ABS, Electronic Brake Distribution, and a multi-angle rearview camera among others.
The 2018 Civic Type R for the U.S. market is manufactured exclusively at Honda’s Swindon, UK plant, while the engines are produced in Anna, Ohio.
Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and resides in Detroit, Michigan.
Photos & Source: Honda North America.

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Toyota’s U.S. Diamond Anniversary Brings Back Fond Memories

Toyota’s U.S. Diamond Anniversary Brings Back Fond Memories

Wow, did you know Toyota has been selling cars in America for 60 years? Me either. I’m not sure whether it seems longer than that, or shorter. One way or another, here we are. And what started out with the Toyopet Crown eventually led to all sorts of goodies; from ultra-dependable trucks to performance-centric Supras beloved by gearheads.
Bold Introductions
Toyota starts off its celebrations with this passage straight out of a Raymond Chandler noir detective novel: “When Toyota launched its North American headquarters in a Hollywood, California dealership on October 31, 1957, it was, no doubt, a frightening affair.” But that’s about as pulpy as it gets. For Toyota, there’s no gunsels with heaters, dames with gams that go on for days, or laughing fat men that know the score; just lots of cars, trucks, and profits. Boatloads of profits.
Rolling The Dice
Like I said, for Toyota in America, it all started with the Toyopet Crown, which the company flat out admits “didn’t turn out to be a screaming success.” But since leading off with a less-than-impressive car in a 3,000 square foot, one-time Rambler dealership (Bonus points if you know what a Rambler is. More bonus points if you’ve ever driven a Rambler. And even more bonus points if you’ve ever worked on one. Hint: I’ve done all three), Toyota has intertwined their products into the structure of every day American life. And now, 60 years later, Toyota has grown very far indeed beyond that humble Hollywood dealership. Sales locations in every state, 10 manufacturing facilities, almost 1,500 Toyota and Lexus dealerships, and 136,000 U.S. employees. Yeah, you can say that Toyota’s sixty-year-old bet paid off.
To mark its 60th anniversary, Toyota moved and rededicated its 50th anniversary time capsule from its former Torrance, California headquarters to their new HQ in Plano, Texas. The capsule included goodies like a 2000GT – that would be a Matchbox die cast, not the real thing (perish the thought, 2KGTs are into the seven figures now), an original key for a 1977 Toyota Hilux truck, and a scale model of Toyota’s Formula One racer. The new time capsule will be re-opened on the company’s 100th anniversary in 2057.
Toyota Toyopet Crown. Photo: Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.
All-Star Lineup
Toyota makes no bones about the fact they got to where they are in the American market because of their cars. Sure, the 1950s had that questionable Toyopet Crown, but it also saw the launch of the now-legendary Land Cruiser. The ’60s saw the introduction of the Corolla, a car so wildly successful it became one of the best-selling nameplates in the world. The ’70s got the Celica which spawned the Supra spinoff (blessed be its horsepower, torque, and terminal velocity). The ’80s brought us the 4Runner and the Camry, an automotive equivalent of a beige anvil: as inoffensive as it was indestructible.
By the early ’90s, Toyota had branched into the luxury market with Lexus, and then introduced the Tacoma pickup, RAV4, Avalon, and Sienna, with the Lexus GS, LX, and RX. The new century saw an entry market spin-off division, Scion. And let us not forget Toyota are the folks responsible for the Prius.
The Toyota Tacoma Xtracab SR5 had a half year model in 1995, seen here in this picture. Photo: Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.

Opening Doors
Toyota was shrewd about how they achieved success in North America, and cites the 1970s as a particularly critical time. That was when Toyota opened design and manufacturing facilities here in the U.S., rather than keeping them all in Japan. Its first U.S. production was with Atlas Fabricators of Long Beach to make truck beds. The ’70s also saw the opening of the Toyota Technical Center (which just celebrated its 40th anniversary in May), the opening of their U.S. R&D facility, and the opening of Calty Design Research in Southern California.
Since then, there have been full-blown manufacturing facilities opened in California and Kentucky, along with the addition of Toyota Motor Credit Corporation. Further manufacturing expansions saw vehicle and parts plants in Indiana, West Virginia, Alabama, Tennessee, Texas, Missouri, and Mississippi.
In 2016, Toyota achieved a record year of North American production, with 2,124,608 vehicles assembled across all North American facilities. Toyota’s vehicle production in North America since 1986 totals more than 30 million. Photo: Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.
Bright Future
What’s next? More high-tech stuff, of course. The Toyota Research Institute continues to explore the possibilities with autonomous vehicles, robotics, vehicle safety, and materials science. And just last year, Toyota Connected was created to use data to personalize the customer driving experience.
“Celebrating our anniversary isn’t just about the products we’ve sold the past 60 years,” said Jim Lentz, Chief Executive Officer, Toyota Motor North America. “It’s also about celebrating Toyota’s thousands of employees who will help the company embark on the next leg of its American journey and continuing to improve our products and services for our customers.”
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: Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.

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2019 Toyota C-HR Review: Good Looking But Definitely Average

2019 Toyota C-HR Review: Good Looking But Definitely Average 85Average2019 Toyota C-HROverall Impression The styling is definitely bold.Nice interior and plenty of tech options.Needs an upgrade in terms of performance.ProsStylingInterior LayoutHatchback UtilityConsFuel Economy Lacks AWD OptionWhen Toyota axed Scion, we thought the fun models might come to an end. But the Japanese automaker now has one of the boldest new compacts in recent memory. The 2019 Toyota C-HR is for younger buyers who need a vehicle for daily commuting and weekend getaways.
The C-HR is set apart from others in the market by its stance. C-HR stands for Coupe, High Riding. It really isn’t a coupe but it looks like one with the rear door handle hidden high next to the roofline.
This week, we drove the 2019 Toyota C-HR XLE.
What’s New For 2019
The Toyota C-HR was an entirely new crossover last year although feature availability is slightly revised. For 2019, the C-HR gets new LE and Limited trims; Apple CarPlay is now standard, along with an optional factory navigation system.
Features & Options: Plenty For The Drive
The 2019 Toyota C-HR XLE ($22,980) comes with fabric seat upholstery, 18-inch alloy wheels, dual-zone climate control, a seven-inch touchscreen display, leather-wrapped steering wheel, and a cargo cover. The power-folding mirrors contain turn signals.
Standard safety and convenience features include automatic high beams, adaptive cruise control, brake hold at stoplights, lane keeping assist, and forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking. Blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and a rearview camera are also included.
Our tester came with the optional Audio Plus App suite ($685) which included Entune 3.0 audio, HD radio, and Toyota Connected Services. Total MSRP including destination: $24,710. By comparison, the 2019 Toyota C-HR starts at $20,995.

Interior Highlights: Enter The MeZone
Compared to other small hatchbacks, the C-HR’s cabin scores high with quality materials and some soft-touch surfaces. The all-black cabin is quite spacious and wider than we expected. The front seats are comfortable and taller drivers won’t have a problem finding a good cruising position.
Along with the contemporary exterior styling, the cabin will appeal to younger buyers. The central control pod is called MeZone and for good reason. The seven-inch touchscreen blends nicely with the physical knobs, controls, and switches. Attractive diamond shapes are seen throughout the cabin, being molded into the plastic lower door panels and stitched into the headliner fabric.
In the back, there is seating for three, but unlike many small hatchbacks only suited for two adults, three can actually fit in the back without undue discomfort. Rear passengers sit a bit higher too, which means a more comfortable position with some extra foot space.
Cargo volume comes in at 19 cubic feet with the rear seat-back upright, growing to 32.4 cubic feet when folded. The seats will fold flat to form a handy load floor. This was perfect as we packed in grocery bags for a family get-together this weekend.

Related: The 2019 Toyota Corolla Hatchback is a compact car with attitude.
Engine & Fuel Mileage Specs
The Toyota C-HR is powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder, producing a paltry 144 horsepower and 139 lb-ft. of torque. Coupled to a continuously variable transmission (CVT), front-wheel drive is the sole configuration. We think the C-HR would benefit from an all-wheel drive option. Having it might attract additional buyers who live in colder climates.
The C-HR gets an EPA-estimated 27/31 city/highway and 29 combined mpg. Though adequate, those figures hardly constitute thrifty fuel economy when compared to the competition. The Subaru Crosstrek, for instance, manages an extra two mpg highway. The Crosstrek’s 2.0-liter engine/CVT combo produces more horsepower (152) and more torque (145 lb-ft.) than the C-HR’s powertrain. Plus, the Subaru offers all-wheel drive.
Driving Dynamics: Lacking In Key Areas
After settling in, we found the C-HR provides respectable handling and road-holding dynamics. We hit the tight mountain curves near Evergreen quickly, but the C-HR felt secure and kept us planted. The ride on the highway is smooth and there’s enough sound insulation to keep the drone of the CVT to a minimum.
Our biggest issue is with power output. The engine’s 144 horsepower is not enough for the high-altitude areas in Colorado we call home. We slid into Sport mode hoping for better results, but still came away unsatisfied. For those living at sea level and on the flats, however, the 2019 Toyota C-HR should be fine.
Visibility to the rear and side is difficult because of the raked roofline. That said, it doesn’t matter where you live, it will be an issue when changing lanes in heavy city traffic. Another concern we have is driving the C-HR through the snow. Although it did okay on the plowed roads near our Colorado home, we still would like to see the C-HR offered with all-wheel drive.

Conclusion: Still A Good Value
When Toyota cut Scion, they needed something for younger buyers. We think Toyota hit a home run immediately with the new styling. We hope now that Toyota will address the performance issues by bumping up the horsepower and adding an all-wheel drive option. Regardless, our 2019 Toyota C-HR XLE came well-equipped, but any of the available trim levels are a good value for those who don’t need all-wheel drive.
Denis Flierl has invested over 25 years in the automotive industry in a variety of roles. Follow his work on Twitter: @CarReviewGuy
2019 Toyota C-HR Gallery

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

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2020 GMC Acadia: New Nips & Tucks For This SUV

2020 GMC Acadia: New Nips & Tucks For This SUV The 2020 GMC Acadia receives new styling and propulsion updates.
A nine-speed transmission replaces the Acadia’s older six speed automatic.
GMC says the connectivity and infotainment systems are more user-friendly.
GMC just rolled out the 2020 Acadia and it’s everything you’d expect. Big, boxy, practical, well thought-out, dripping in tech and, most importantly, right in the middle of every Venn diagram of what marketing wants, engineering can do, and the customer can afford. In other words, get used to the looks of the 2020 GMC Acadia.
Cause you’re going to be seeing a lot of them around.
Styling & Design
The new Acadia sets itself apart from other SUVs and crossovers with that standard-for-GM, big, honkin’ square-square-square face. The 2020 Acadia gets a new grille with black chrome accents, new front and rear fascias, and GMC’s now signature C-shaped lighting. It’s not exactly ugly, but I’ll bet you a beer nobody in Italy is impressed.
The Acadia rides on 17-inch wheels with 18 and 20-inchers available. The outside mirrors have integrated LED turn signals and are power folding. The power liftgate is a hands-free affair with GMC logo projection for a bit of flash. GM has redesigned the center console with more storage space.
2020 GMC Acadia Denali interior layout. Photo: GMC.
Power & Performance
The 2020 GMC Acadia is propelled by a new 2.0L turbo engine, standard on SLT and Denali models. It features GM’s tri-power variable valve lift technology to balance power and efficiency. GMC says cylinder deactivation during light load conditions will further boost the engine’s efficiency. The turbo itself is a dual-scroll design in which GMC promises better low-speed torque delivery. Bottom line: 230 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. Not bad for only two liters.
The 2.5L I-4 and the 3.6L V6 engines are also available for the 2020 GMC Acadia, depending on what trim level you choose. For example, the more rugged Acadia AT4 comes with the 3.6L V6, producing 310 horsepower and 271 lb-ft. of torque. A twin clutch, all-wheel drive system is standard on the AT4.
A new nine-speed automatic replaces the outgoing six-speed as the standard transmission for all engines. The nine-speed offers better acceleration and efficiency. The new tranny even allows for more storage room in the center console by replacing the conventional shifter with an electronically-controlled gear selector.
2020 GMC Acadia AT4. Photo: GMC.
Related: No road, no problem. An in-depth look at the 2019 GMC Sierra AT4.
Tech & Connectivity
As you would expect, the latest Acadia is brimming with tech stuff, comfort and convenience features, connectivity options, and other amenities. GMC says the infotainment system is more intelligent and intuitive than before, with better voice recognition, a higher resolution touchscreen, and an easier interface requiring fewer steps with easier screen layouts.
The eight-inch diagonal screen also has enhanced new features like a personal profile that allows you to tailor the infotainment system to your preferences. So stuff like audio, navigation, and climate settings can come up just the way you like it. You can store up to four profiles, automatically resetting the preferences for the incoming driver. Think of it as a bigger version of memory seats.
There are two new USB-C charging ports in the front and rear of the center console, which is a nice touch. This brings the number of ports in the new Acadia to five.
Pricing & Availability
The 2020 GMC Acadia is built at GM’s Spring Hill, Tennessee, assembly plant and will go on sale this fall. Pricing information is forthcoming.
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.
Photos & Source: GMC.

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Are You Affected By The BMW Comfort Class Settlement? Know The Facts

Are You Affected By The BMW Comfort Class Settlement? Know The Facts The BMW Comfort Class Settlement seeks to permit Class Representatives to obtain reimbursement for out-of-pocket costs incurred due to spontaneous or unintended locking of the Comfort Access System.
In a class action, one or more people, called Class Representatives (in this case, plaintiff Kieva Myers), sue on behalf of all people who have similar claims and have suffered similar damages.
In August of 2015, Kieva Meyers purchased a pre-owned 2013 BMW X5 in San Francisco. Like many, she needed reliable transportation for her job and family. The 2013 X5 Meyers purchased was equipped with BMW’s Comfort Access System, a convenience feature that uses sensors to detect where the owner is in proximity to the vehicle. The system allows the driver to access the vehicle virtually hands-free within about a five-foot radius.
For example, once a driver walks up to the vehicle and puts their hand on the door, it will unlock automatically.
However, this convenience feature caused a scare for Meyers just two months later in October of 2015. This incident has become the catalyst for the Comfort Class settlement, a class action lawsuit filed against BMW for an alleged manufacturing defect in the Comfort Access System. All BMW X5 models from 2007 until 2013 are affected.
What Is The Comfort Class Settlement
The settlement states that the Comfort Access System is defective because the doors can be locked from the outside even with the key fob still inside the vehicle. If small children, the elderly, or animals are left inside unintentionally with the key fob, they may become locked inside the vehicle. This can pose hazards that force the owner to take action, including but not limited to breaking into the vehicle and calling emergency personnel. This will likely result in out of pocket costs for the driver.
On October 19th 2015, Meyers opened the rear door of her X5 and placed her child inside. Unbeknownst to her, the remote key fob was still inside the vehicle as she shut the rear door. When Meyers went to open the driver’s side door, it was locked. Because her child was still inside, she was forced to break a window to open her X5.
Recent data shows that children are at risk of death from vehicular heatstroke or hypothermia if they are locked inside.
2011 BMW X5 rear interior.
Meyers Contacted BMW
According to the Comfort Class settlement, the Comfort Access System should prevent the vehicle from being locked. However, Meyers alleges that a defect allows the vehicle to lock even when the key is still inside. This can trap young children and others who are unable to unlock the doors by themselves.
After this incident, Meyers filed a complaint with BMW. A representative of the company responded in an e-mail saying, “we must be dealing either with a malfunction of the locking system or an inadvertent activation of the locking system via either the remote transmitter or the Comfort Access System. Again, it is not impossible to lock a key in the vehicle — and to do so is not necessarily indicative of a malfunction. For example, if a door other than the driver’s door is open and the locking button on the transmitter is pressed, the vehicle will lock when the open door is closed. If the user is unaware of having pressed the locking button, then it would certainly appear that it had somehow locked itself.”
Meyers alleges that BMW knew of the problem in 2007 because an internal training document entitled “Comfort Access vs-42 je 66 04 04 (093).” The Comfort Class settlement pleads that, despite BMW’s knowledge and awareness of the defect, it failed to make repairs to resolve the issue, failed to modify owners’ manuals accordingly, and failed to pay for damages suffered by consumers as a result of the malfunction.
2010 BMW X5.
Statement From Legal Counsel
“When manufacturers get notified about major issues involving serious injury or in some cases death, it is the duty of the manufacturer to right the wrong they have committed and to make sure it is not repeated,” reads a statement from the Law Offices of Stephen M. Harris, P.C. and Robert L. Starr, APC in Woodland Hills and Calabasas, California respectively.
Harris and Starr are representing the plaintiffs in the Comfort Class settlement. The settlement guarantees that Class Members who have documented out-of-pocket expenses will be able to receive compensation from BMW.
“BMW was told multiple times about the Comfort Access System malfunction and denied the claim until the argument was too insurmountable to avoid,” the statement further reads.
More Information
If you own a BMW X5 in question, model years 2007 through 2013, you can find out more information about how to file a claim on the Comfort Class Settlement homepage. “Class Vehicles” include any BMW NA E70 vehicle made for sale and/or lease in the U.S. market, with a production date between October 1st, 2006 through June 30th, 2013, equipped with the optional Comfort Access System. The vehicles were sold or leased to Class Members in the United States or Puerto Rico.

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2018 Porsche 911 Carrera T: The T Stands For Terrific

2018 Porsche 911 Carrera T: The T Stands For Terrific

Whoa, whoa, whoa – hold up here chief! What’s this? Has Porsche somehow come to their senses? Out of nowhere, they’ve rolled out the 2018 Porsche 911 Carrera T and, without a sense of irony or deceit, say up front: “Less weight, more performance.” Praise Doktor Ferdinand! Blessed are his accelerations and his braking. Sanctified is his commitment to engineering and precision. Gearheads, we got a hot one!
More Than Words
The Weissach bunch say the 2018 911 Carrera T is “reinvigorating the concept of the puristic 911” and I, for one, am overjoyed about this direction because this is not just ad-speak from the Marketingabteilung. The 911 Carrera T (the “T” stands for Touring for some reason) has less weight, a manual transmission (huzzah!), and a shorter constant transaxle ratio. Wait, there’s more! A standard mechanical rear differential lock is also in the mix along with several hot rod, performance-boosting features that are not available on the standard (some might say lesser) 911 Carreras. You get the PASM Sport Suspension with the ride height dropped 0.39-inches (10 mm), a shortened gear lever for quicker throws, and optional rear-axle steering not available for the standard 911 Carrera.
Photo: Porsche Cars North America.
Light & Tight
Based on the 370 horsepower 911 Carrera Coupe, the Carrera T is focused on being light and sporty. The rear windshield and rear side windows are made of lightweight glass, while door opener loops on the inside replace the conventional door openers, harkening back to the 911 RS of old. Sound insulation? There’s still some here and there, but it has been significantly reduced. All of this adds up to the 911 Carrera T tipping the scales at 3,142 lbs., the lightest model in the 911 Carrera range. Yes, that is no where near the (right around) 2,000 lbs. 1973 911 RS, but modern times mean modern truths, like impact standards and airbags and door beams. But so be it. Light means right, and if I have to explain that to you, then I can’t even . . .
Exterior Treatments
Porsche also wants the new 911 Carrera T to look the part. This is no stripped down sleeper. The 2018 Carrera T is fitted with an aerodynamically improved front spoiler lip; the SportDesign exterior mirrors are painted Agate Grey. The vehicle’s side profile features big, 20-inch Carrera S wheels painted Titanium Grey, and a rather groovy stripe with the model designation. Speaking of that Agate Grey color, Porsche has also seen fit to splash it on the rear decklid louvers, the Porsche logotype, and model designation “911 Carrera T” (that’s the script for all you old school types). The Sport Exhaust System, which is standard (duh), comes with black tips.
Your color options are Lava Orange, Black, Guards Red, Racing Yellow, White, and Miami Blue, along with the trad metallic colors: Carrera White, Jet Black, and GT Silver. Obviously you should go with GT Silver since this is a German car. I’d normally say White, but Porsche is a newer German car company, so the old racing colors do not apply in Porsche’s case.
Photo: Porsche Cars North America.

Interior Appointments
The interior of the 911 Carrera T is fitted with black, 4-way electrically adjustable seats called “Sport Seats Plus,” complete with Sport-Tex centers. More the pity. All those motors and wiring add weight. I would love to see simple levers and such to adjust my seating position. The headrests are embroidered with a black “911” logo, which is a nice touch. And if you order the optional Full Bucket Seats, a first on a 911 Carrera, the rear seats are deleted. So order the Full Bucket Seats.
The standard GT Sport Steering wheel is trimmed in leather and fitted with a switch for driving mode selection. The gear lever is shortened and sports a red embossed shift pattern reserved for the 911 Carrera T. If you want to get all fancy, contrasting colors in Racing Yellow, Guards Red or GT Silver are new and can be had, along with additional accents for the seat belts, “911” logo on the headrests, door opener loops, and seat centers.
Photo: Porsche Cars North America.
Power & Performance
Way, way out back sits a twin-turbo 3.0-liter flat-six engine, putting out 370 horsepower and 339 lb-ft. of torque. Nice! Combine that plant with the manual transmission, shorter constant transaxle ratio, and the mechanical rear diff lock, and you hit 60 mph in 4.3 seconds. Top speed is 182 mph! If you want to, you can opt for the PDK semi-auto transmission, which will scoot you to 60 mph in 4 seconds using the standard launch control. The downside of the PDK (besides weight) is the top speed being “only” 180 mph.
You can order your 2018 911 Carrera T now, and it’s expected to reach U.S. dealers in March. Cost? Well (cough) the base MSRP is $102,100, which, you know, ain’t cheap. But who cares? Buy one! Buy one! Buy one! Then give us a ring at One Automoblog Towers in Detroit so we can, uh, “evaluate” your 2018 911 Carrera T for you.
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.
2018 Porsche 911 Carrera T Gallery

Photos & Source: Porsche Cars North America.

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Kia Offers Performance-Oriented Test Drives For SEMA Attendees

Kia Offers Performance-Oriented Test Drives For SEMA Attendees

Kia jumped into SEMA this year in a big way by offering attendees a chance to experience the new Stinger GT. The sportback, due next month, was tested extensively on the Nürburgring circuit. Kia’s performance car offers a rigid, stiff chassis, an advanced 8-speed automatic, and a number of aerodynamic advancements to reduce wake turbulence and move air over the vehicle. With the available 3.3-liter twin-turbo V6 Lambda II engine, the Stinger arrives with more power than the Audi S5 Sportback, BMW 440i Gran Coupe, and Infiniti Q50.
Meaningful Experiences
While at SEMA this year, attendees can actually feel the Stinger’s capabilities as professional Formula Drift drivers take them through a unique autocross course outside the Las Vegas Convention Center. The drivers will be doing drift and other handling demonstrations in the new Stinger as attendees ride along. Following that, attendees can take the wheel of the Stinger GT to experience the autocross course firsthand, as well as a 0 to 60 launch. Such demonstrations are always a lot of fun – we enjoy them when we get the chance ourselves – and for Kia, this year’s SEMA show is particularly meaningful.
“We are so thrilled to show off what Kia has become at SEMA because 2017 is a momentous year for our Kia brand,” explained Justin Sohn, President and CEO of Kia Motors America. “We ranked number one in quality for the second year in a row in JD Power’s Initial Quality Study, we are top three in Consumer Reports reliability, and we are now introducing the all-new, 2018 four-door Stinger Sports Fastback, Kia’s fastest ever and our first performance vehicle.”
Stinger GT Wide Body. Photo: Kia Motors America.
Stinger GT Wide Body
In addition to the drive demonstrations, Kia is displaying three different vehicles at SEMA. The first is the Stinger GT Wide Body, inspired by ’70s era GT cars. Kia teamed with West Coast Customs for this beautiful pearl blue rig which includes a lowered suspension, 21-inch Keen forged wheels, and quad-port exhaust tips. Inside, the Stinger GT Wide Body features custom blue leather seat piping, a distinct hand-stitched gray leather dash panel, and an alcantara-wrapped steering wheel.
Stinger GT Federation
The second of three vehicles is another take on the Stinger, billed as the GT Federation. This Stinger variant features a number of aftermarket performance parts and accessories, and signals Kia’s intent on making such parts available. The exterior accent kits by Air Design USA include a rear spoiler, rear diffuser, and redesigned hood vents. A K&N cold-air intake and a low-restriction, quad-tipped Borla exhaust are also characteristic of this Stinger variant. These accessories add another 15 horsepower to the V6 Lambda II engine.
Stinger GT Federation. Photo: Kia Motors America.

Cadenza Obsidian
Last but certainly not least: a special Kia Cadenza Obsidian with a lowered suspension, stiffer springs, and custom 20-inch gloss-black Keen wheels. Attendees will notice the Cosmic Copper trim, black metallic paint, and ultra-dark ceramic window tint. Inside, the Cadenza Obsidian has a hand-stitched suede dashboard top panel, butter-soft brown leather seats with suede inserts, and brown suede door panels. Kia also worked with West Coast Customs for this Cadenza variant.
SEMA Information
The SEMA Show runs until November 3rd at the Las Vegas Convention Center, 3150 Paradise Road, Las Vegas, Nevada. Registration begins at 7:30am with the exhibits and New Products Showcase going until 5 and 6pm, respectively. More information regarding hours, floor plans, and special events can be found on the SEMA Show’s website.
Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and resides in Detroit, Michigan.
Stinger GT Wide Body Gallery

Stinger GT Federation Gallery

Cadenza Obsidian Gallery

Photos & Source: Kia Motors America.

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Letter From The UK: A Car of Our Own

Letter From The UK: A Car of Our Own

“This is Meg. Meg is our car.” This statement appeared on a Twitter feed near to me, accompanied by a photograph of a five-year-old Ford Focus. Meg is very clean and takes pride of place in their driveway. Meg, it is clear, is as much a part of the family as the dog or a difficult child. To be fair to Meg and her family, I personally have a bit of an issue with assigning gender and human attributes to machinery. My late Mother-in-Law (who was, against type, a very nice woman) insisted on calling her car “Lulu” on the basis that the licence plate kind of looked a bit like that.
Crushes & Complexities
There’s nothing new about this: Hark back to earlier days to hear British car enthusiasts – usually men wearing cravats – referring to their classic car as “her” or even “the old girl,” a sobriquet otherwise used solely as a replacement for “the wife.” Fortunately, this practice has been driven out of use by the complex assignment of gender these days. My own car, which I bought new for cash, is going on six-years-old (note that I refuse to use the word “birthday”). At best, it gets called “the Citroen,” otherwise it is “the car.” I have no plans to change it because it does all that I require and does it well, not because I love it like a brother.
It seems to me that we use the internet as an alternative universe. We can do and say things that would make us look silly out in the “real world” where we actually reside. Thus, in a way, the real world becomes another universe of itself and not just the place that we live in. It’s strange how we exist in this parallel way.
These days, and we got this idea from the USA by the way, we use our special internet universe to possess new cars we are unlikely ever to call our own. We do this by means of the Personal Contract Purchase or PCP. It seems like a neat idea but, as some people are finding out, it isn’t always as clear cut as it seems. Lose your job through no fault of your own and see what happens. You may have been there already.
A vintage E-Type might qualify for the title of “old girl” or any other equivalent label. Earlier this year, Jaguar Classic debuted its first “Reborn” Jaguar E-Type at the Techno-Classica Essen show. Photo: Jaguar Land Rover.
Downward Spiral
Looking at all the new or nearly new vehicles on Britain’s roads today, you would think we are a robust and economically sound nation. Indeed, the figures show the UK has seen modest economic growth this year, but as far as the motor industry is concerned, appearances can be deceptive. Sales are slowing. The car market has been over-trading lately, riding on the wave of financial innovations like PCP.
In fact, UK car manufacturing fell in September, with year-on-year output declining minus 4.1 percent, according to recent statistics by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders. 6,500 fewer cars rolled off production lines than in the same month of 2016, in line with slower growth across European Union markets, but it was substantial double-digit losses here in our internal market which has driven the overall decline. Domestic demand in the month dropped, contributing to an overall year-to-date production decrease of minus 2.2 percent. This rather indicates the PCP market skews the outlook.

Warning Signs
Here I quote the UK’s Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders head honcho, Mike Hawes, verbatim:
“With UK car manufacturing falling for a fifth month this year, it’s clear that declining consumer and business confidence is affecting domestic demand and hence production volumes. Uncertainty regarding the national air quality plans also didn’t help the domestic market for diesel cars, despite the fact that these new vehicles will face no extra charges or restrictions across the UK. Brexit is the greatest challenge of our time and yet we still don’t have any clarity on what our future relationship with our biggest trading partner will look like, nor detail of the transitional deal being sought. Leaving the EU with no deal would be the worst outcome for our sector so we urge government to deliver on its commitments and safeguard the competitiveness of the industry.”
Right now at least, “No Deal” seems the likeliest outcome. We’ll see.
Vauxhall’s Luton Plant manufactures the Vivaro, a multi-use commercial van. According to Vauxhall, the Luton Plant produced 60,820 Vivaros in 2015. Currently, the plant employs about 1,200 people. Photo: Vauxhall.

A Car of Our Own
So this in turn suggests the PCP bubble could burst. The deals are getting, on the face of it, better, and ways of shifting cars from the showroom more inventive. Can it last? The car market is a transient thing and very much governed by the disposable income of the population, and the prospects for a secure job environment are looking increasingly shaky.
Are we reaching the stage where nobody will ever have a car like Meg to call their own? Or are we going to go the other way and keep the cars we really do own for longer? That’s my plan. “The Citroen” stays with me until one of us breaks down. Meanwhile, I am resisting the temptation of being over-familiar and calling it “Claudette.” The family prefers the more alliterative Maxine. “This is Maxine. We own Maxine outright.”
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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