Automotive

Imagine By Kia: New Concept Electric Aims To Please The Senses

Imagine By Kia: New Concept Electric Aims To Please The Senses This car/SUV/crossover is the first pure-electric vehicle from Kia.
The familiar Kia “tiger nose” makes way for the “tiger mask” front design.
Kia unveiled the “Imagine by Kia” concept at the Geneva International Motor Show.
Ah yes, another concept EV. The Imagine by Kia is the South Korean car maker’s first-ever, pure-electric four-door car. It fuses the design attributes of a muscular SUV, athletic family saloon, and a versatile crossover.
I have no idea how Kia did it, but the initial results are satisfying, to say the least. It didn’t take long to discern that Kia is serious about coming up with better-looking cars.
Case in point, the Kia Stinger GT.
And with the Imagine by Kia Concept EV, we can rest in the knowledge that future electric cars will have none of the weird and polarizing quirkiness of early hybrids and electric vehicles. I’m looking at you, first-gen Nissan Leaf and Peugeot iOn! Thankfully, Nissan has moved on from the dreary first-gen Leaf to the more normal-looking second-gen car. Sadly, Peugeot remains stuck in the past with the iOn, which remains to be a rebadged Mitsubishi i-MiEV electric car.
And this is where we see Kia trying to break that mold in terms of styling.
Imagine by Kia. Photo: Kia Motors Europe.
SUV Design Cues, Compact Size
Sport-utility vehicles are so popular that a large majority of concept cars are now carrying SUV design cues. Consider the recent Infiniti QX Inspiration Concept? That vehicle is Infiniti’s first foray in the EV segment, and it’s an SUV! Kia is doing something similar here. But instead of being an actual SUV, the Imagine by Kia is a large C-segment car. Think Nissan Sentra, Volkswagen Golf, and Toyota Corolla. Or in Kia world, the Forte.
“It hints at something familiar but is something entirely new,” said Gregory Guillaume, Vice President of Design, Kia Motors Europe, about the Imagine by Kia. “I think of it as a category-buster, and a disruptor – it’s familiar and understood but at the same time progressive and new.”
Instead of the familiar three-box design layout, the Imagine by Kia is styled like a crossover. At some angles, this concept resembles a Stinger on steroids. However, in the front, the Imagine by Kia is oozing with old school charm. If you squint, the new “tiger mask” front has the aura of the Alfa Romeo Montreal and the De Tomaso Mangusta from the 1970s.
“The inspiration for the ‘tiger mask’ was to create the look and feel of the headlamps being suspended within a transparent block of glass,” Guillaume said. “This identifiable lighting signature could potentially be deployed as a unifying design element across Kia’s future electric vehicle range.”
Photo: Kia Motors Europe.
Unique Paintwork
In order for the crisp shoulder lines and tautly-drawn sheet metal to further stand out, the Imagine by Kia EV boasts a unique paint job. The car benefits from six layers of chrome-effect silver paint – applied by hand, of course – along with a tanned bronze tint. The result is a surface that is warm and inviting to the touch.
And as you may have figure out by now, the paint is sensitive to changing light conditions. The effect is hard to ignore. The depth of sheen plays with the light as it hits the surface, further enhancing the curves and contours of the vehicle.
“Kia prides itself on its power to surprise, which is why we wanted to move away from the rational and focus on the emotional, and embrace a warmer and more human approach to electrification,” Guillaume added.
Photo: Kia Motors Europe.
Efficient Aerodynamics
Electric vehicles are not just about powerful acceleration and silent driving. These vehicles need to slice the wind like a hot knife over butter to improve real-world driving range. From this aspect, it seems Kia has all the bases covered.
“The front air curtain; the way the double-skin bonnet channels air through the nose, up and over the front screen and roof; the double skinned C-pillar that creates an air spoiler; the completely enclosed underbody; the wind-cheating ‘wingcams’ and the hard-edged break-away around the car’s rear,” Guillaume explained. “All these features collectively boost aerodynamic efficiency and reduce turbulence and drag.”
The same goes for the wheels. Those 22-inch rollers contain inserts crafted from transparent acrylic glass, which will hopefully survive curb damage. The goal is to refract and reflect light as the wheels move while reducing air turbulence. The wheels are shod in Goodyear Intelligrip EV concept tires. The tires have sensors that feed information to the vehicle ECU.
Fascinating Interior
The first thing you’ll notice in the interior of the Imagine by Kia is not the single sheet of glass for the windscreen and roof, nor the floating center console or the rear-hinged suicide doors. While those certinately command attention, they are nothing compared to the immersive front display consisting of 21 individual screens on top of the dashboard. We all know distracted driving is dangerous but this is crazy.
Thankfully, Kia’s design team has a sense of humor after all, which is refreshing for a global car maker.
“Those 21 incredibly thin screens are a humorous and irreverent riposte to the on-going competition between some automotive manufacturers to see who can produce the car with the biggest screen,” explains Ralph Kluge, General Manager of Interior Design, Kia Motors Europe. “We wanted the interior to have a twinkle in its eye, to be full of surprising and delightful touches that amuse, engage, and attract both driver and passenger alike.”
Imagine by Kia interior layout, complete with 21 screens. Photo: Kia Motors Europe.
Pure Electric Power
We know for a fact the Imagine by Kia is a pure-electric vehicle. However, Kia is mum on the battery specs and powertrain information. At least for now. What we know so far is how the vehicle benefits from a low-mounted, induction-charged battery pack and compact drivetrain.
Whatever the case, the Imagine by Kia concept has huge shoes to fill. It not only needs to be good, but it needs to be good enough to run with the forthcoming Tesla Model Y, Polestar 2, and Audi Q4 e-tron. This means Kia’s first-ever EV must have a range of 230 to 300 miles and go from zero to 60 mph in less than five seconds.
Kia, I hope you’re reading this.
Future Considerations
Besides the ridiculous screens on the dashboard, Kia is on the right path. But remember, the Imagine by Kia is a concept vehicle. We hope the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree when the production model arrives in the near future.
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.
Imagine by Kia Gallery

Photos & Source: Kia Motors Europe.

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Vanquish Vision Concept: Aston Martin Goes Mid-Engine!

Vanquish Vision Concept: Aston Martin Goes Mid-Engine! Vanquish Vision Concept is a preview of Aston Martin’s first series production mid-engine supercar.
The decision takes Aston Martin into a mid-engine sector previously defined by other key competitors.
Aston Martin has been cranking out the concept cars, er, renderings lately. In this instance, we’re talking about the Vanquish Vision Concept. In a lot of ways, it’s both remarkable and unremarkable. Low, sleek, dripping with performance and desirability; it’s everything a concept show car is expected to be. But then you think about it and realize the engine sits in the middle. A mid-engine Aston Martin? Aston doesn’t make mid-engine cars.
Well, they do now.
The Heartland of Luxury Sports Cars
The Vanquish Vision Concept will be one of four mid-engine cars from Aston Martin: The Valkyrie, Valkyrie AMR Pro, AM-RB 003, and the Vanquish Vision (the letter V is flying around Gaydon). Until now, Aston Martins have been very traditional, very British performance cars, with the engine in the front, just the way the Queen and country prefer it. Performance-wise, however, having the lump in the middle is better, so Aston Martin is finally jumping on that old bandwagon and will now start making mid-engine cars.
“Firstly, what a pleasure to revive the Vanquish name. Synonymous with our series production flagships, it felt entirely appropriate to attach it to such a significant car. The Vanquish Vision Concept marks another pivotal moment in Aston Martin’s history, and another critical step in delivering the Second Century Plan,” explained Andy Palmer, Aston Martin Lagonda President and Group CEO. “Our first series production rear mid-engined supercar will be a transformational moment for the brand, for it is the car that will propel Aston Martin into a sector of the market traditionally seen as the heartland of luxury sports cars.”
Vanquish Vision Concept. Photo: Aston Martin The Americas.
Related: How Sir David Brown built a car for the “discerning owner driver.”
Less Negative Space
You can think of the Vanquish Vision Concept as sort of a baby Valkyrie, in much the same way a Ferrari 488 is a baby LaFerrari. The latest Vanquish is not as full-blown crazy as the Valkyrie. For example, the Vanquish gets a new V6 plant sitting amidships versus the V12 hybrid monster found in the Valkyrie. (Although that V6 is a non-hybrid, non-turbo version of the same engine found in the AM-RB 003).
So you can see the range of mid-engine Astons as being a spectrum of choice, from the vanilla of the “plain” V6 in the Vanquish, through the spiced up turbo-hybrid of the AM-RB 003, to the full zoot, straitjacket bent of the Valkyrie.
“The Vanquish Vision Concept has a more seductive and less technical appearance than the Aston Martin Valkyrie and AM-RB 003, but it’s still extreme in terms of visual gestures,” said Miles Nurnberger, Aston Martin Director of Design. “For example, it has a very distinctive clamshell front fender, with openings so you can see through onto the tire. There’s less of the negative space that defines the look of the Aston Martin Valkyrie and AM-RB 003. It’s a prettier car, and purposely so, as it’s been designed to thrive in a less extreme performance envelope.”
Sounds like Aston Martin has all the bases covered.
Photo: Aston Martin The Americas.
Glued & Screwed
Technical info is rather lacking at this point, sadly. The only gearhead stuff Aston Martin mentions is how the chassis of the Vanquish Vision Concept is a custom-made, bonded aluminum affair, developed by mid-engine specialist and Aston Martin Chief Technical Officer, Max Szwaj. Aston Martin employed a more state-of-the-art, all-carbon fiber construction for both the Valkyrie and AM-RB 003, but went with a more established “glued and screwed” bonded aluminum approach for the Vanquish Vision Concept.
No outright reason is given but, to my experience, it comes down to cost. Carbon fiber is expensive to work with and very expensive to repair (assuming you can repair it). Meaning that insurance costs for a car with a chassis made of metal will be lower. Aston Martin has worked with aluminum for chassis bits and sub-structures in the recent past. For example, the DBS Superleggera utilizes the latest generation of the lightweight bonded aluminum structures first seen on Aston’s DB11. Much like Lotus’ work in the same arena, it shows how a semi-high tech, not exactly bleeding edge approach is still a good path to follow.
“Although it takes Aston Martin into new territory, it does so with the benefit of hard-won knowledge, ground-breaking ideas, and an uncompromising mindset,” Szwaj said. “The full engineering story of this car is yet to be told, but what you see here should tell you this car will not only compete at the highest level, but it will do so in a manner and style unique to Aston Martin.”
Photo: Aston Martin The Americas.
Pricing & Production
The Aston Martin Vanquish Vision Concept is scheduled for production in 2022. Although, you know what they say about schedules, especially when it comes to concept cars. No word yet on price. It will likely be less than its other mid-engine stablemates but still more than your house.
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.
Aston Martin Vanquish Vision Concept Gallery

Photos & Source: Aston Martin The Americas.

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2019 Lexus LS 500h Review: A Hybrid of The Highest Order

2019 Lexus LS 500h Review: A Hybrid of The Highest Order 95excellentoverall impression Quiet & luxurious cabin.Solid engine performance.Infotainment touchpad is difiicult. ProsRide Quality World-Class InteriorConsInfotainment TouchpadOptions Add Up QuicklyIf you think Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Volvo have the market on the full-size luxury segment, Lexus is making a bold statement with the LS 500. When Toyota CEO Akio Toyoda said he wanted to change the Lexus culture, he wasn’t kidding. The 2019 Lexus LS 500h says Europe doesn’t have a lock on world-class luxury and performance any longer.
This week, we drove the 2019 Lexus LS 500 with hybrid technology.
What’s New For 2019
The LS 500h offers more connectivity and safety tech, plus a handful of new styling options. Apple CarPlay is finally available for iPhone users, although Android Auto is still not available. Amazon Alexa allows the virtual assistant to start the LS, lock and unlock its doors, and check its fuel level.
Features & Options: Comfort & Safety
The 2019 Lexus LS 500h ($82,930) comes standard with an adaptive suspension, LED headlights, a sunroof, hands-free trunk, power-closing doors, leather upholstery, and 16-way power-adjustable, heated and ventilated front seats. Other treatments include a heated leather-wrapped steering wheel and a power rear sunshade.
Technology features include a 12.3-inch central display, navigation, a trackpad-style interface, Wi-Fi hotspot, Lexus Enform services, Bluetooth, and a 12-speaker audio system. Standard driver aids include a rearview camera, front and rear parking sensors, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, lane keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, and automatic wipers.
The 2019 Lexus LS 500h has a gorgeous interior, and the tech features set it apart. However, not everything is user-friendly. It took awhile to get used to the infotainment touchpad.
Extra Packages & Armrest Controllers
The Luxury package ($12,250) adds a 28-way adjustable passenger seat, 18-way adjustable and reclining rear seats, four-zone climate control, power rear side sunshades, and rear-seat knee airbags. An armrest-mounted touchscreen controls the climate and seat functions.
The Safety System ($3,000) adds adaptive cruise and automatic steering that can detect and “trace” the path of the vehicle in front. Other individual options include an adaptive air suspension, panoramic sunroof, adaptive LED headlights, upgraded wood trim, a 24-inch heads-up display, and a premium 23-speaker Mark Levinson sound system.
Total MSRP including destination: $107,950. By comparison, the 2019 Lexus LS 500 (non-hybrid) starts at $75,300 for a front-wheel drive model; $78,520 for all-wheel drive.
Touchpad controller for the rear passengers.
Interior Highlights: Comfortable & Sleek
Stepping inside the 500h reveals a roomy, luxurious, and comfortable place to spend time. We played with the 28-way power-adjustable seats for 20 minutes, getting them set just right for our week-long drive. The 2019 Lexus LS 500h is stretched with a longer wheelbase, giving passengers extra legroom. Four passengers will fit comfortably for long distances even with the raked roofline, which makes the sedan look smaller than it is.
Extravagance abounds in the cabin, from the dark hardwoods and aluminum trim on the dash, to the ambient lighting and quilted seat fabric. The door panels even feature curved stitching, finished with free-floating door handles and armrests. The large central display screen is beautiful and we think the optional Mark Levinson premium sound system is worth the cost.
In the back, rear passengers will need to duck to get in, but the reclining seats helped our guests sink in and enjoy the ride. The rear seats are perfect for two adults or three kids. We noticed the air suspension raising the car more than an inch making for easier entry/exit.

Engine & Fuel Mileage Specs
The 2019 Lexus LS 500h is powered by a twin-turbocharged, 3.5-liter V6 engine (295 horsepower) connected to a pair of electric motors and a lithium-ion battery. Total system horsepower is 354, with power distributed through a continuously automatic variable transmission. This tester came with optional all-wheel drive.
The big sedan is rated at 23/31 city/highway and 28 mpg combined. The 500h returns just five mpg more combined than its standard gasoline-powered counterpart, but costs several thousand dollars more. However, the extra torque makes it fun to drive which is why we would still favor the hybrid option.
Related: The lion of the Lexus den: on the road with the 2019 GS F.
Driving Dynamics: Not Your Typical Hybrid
The best reason to choose the hybrid is for the instant power you feel from the dual electric motors. And with its ultra-quiet cabin, cushy ride, and advanced safety tech, the 2019 Lexus LS 500h proves that the Germans aren’t the only ones who can build world-class luxury machines.
From the driver’s seat, the 2019 Lexus LS 500h feels like a much smaller sports car. We put the pedal down and the V6, with the electric motors to assist, delivered abundant and smooth power. The E-CVT Hybrid automatic is rather seamless, and we weren’t too bothered with the CVT.
That’s not something we can say about every CVT on the market.
The LS 500h never left us wanting as we pushed it hard in the higher altitude west of Denver. We tossed the big sedan around tight mountain corners, experiencing little (if any) body lean with the adaptive variable air suspension. On the open road, the air suspension’s ride is buttery-smooth and road noise is kept to a minimum inside the comfy cabin. Road manners are excellent, overall, with the adaptive setup. It was easy maneuvering in the city as we commuted around Denver this week.

Conclusion: No Small Doses Here
The ride and the quiet interior will easily pamper drivers and passengers. The 2019 Lexus LS 500h delivers a luxury experience that rivals all European automakers. The LS 500h offers up extra comfort, plenty of storage space, the latest safety equipment, and a sizable helping of technology and performance.
Denis Flierl has invested over 25 years in the automotive industry in a variety of roles. All of his firsthand reviews are archived on our test drives page. Follow Denis on Twitter: @CarReviewGuy
2019 Lexus LS 500 Gallery

Photos: Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc. (non-hybrid models also shown).

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2018 Acura RLX Arrives With Emphasis On Safety, Performance

2018 Acura RLX Arrives With Emphasis On Safety, Performance

The 2018 Acura RLX has arrived with a more simplified lineup and a reduced MSRP for perspective buyers. The RLX now offers only two models, although both are well equipped: The RLX P-AWS starts at $54,900 while the Sport Hybrid SH-AWD starts at $61,900. Hybrid buyers will see a $4,050 starting price reduction when compared to the outgoing model with the Advance Package.
Styling & Design
Acura says the 2018 RLX reflects their latest design direction, particularly in the front and rear. The new RLX carries the signature diamond pentagon grille with a more sculpted hood and new wheel designs. At the rear, the 2018 RLX is characterized by newly designed LED taillights, a gloss black rear diffuser, and dual exhaust. There are seven total exterior colors and two new premium colors: Brilliant Red Metallic and Majestic Black Pearl.
Power & Performance
The 2018 Acura RLX P-AWS (Precision All-Wheel Steering) is powered by a 3.5-liter SOHC V6 engine. The plant features direct injection, an idle-stop feature for increased fuel efficiency, revised cam timing, and the evergreen i-VTEC technology. When mated to a new 10-speed automatic transmission, this RLX variant delivers 310 horsepower and 272 lb-ft. of torque to the front wheels. EPA fuel economy ratings are 20/29 city/highway and 23 combined.
The 2018 RLX Sport Hybrid SH-AWD (Super Handling All-Wheel Drive) shares much of its engine architecture with the RLX P-AWS. However, in this variant, the V6 combines with three electric motors and the aforementioned SH-AWD system to enhance acceleration on dry surfaces while providing additional traction in bad weather. The RLX Sport Hybrid delivers 377 total system horsepower and 341 lb-ft. of total system torque. EPA fuel economy ratings are 28/29 city/highway and 28 combined.
The 2018 RLX Sport Hybrid shares a handful of concepts and components with the NSX supercar.
2018 Acura RLX Sport Hybrid. Photo: Honda North America.

Interior Treatments
Drivers will see newly updated touch-points, redesigned Milano leather seats with contrast piping and stitching, and a new Expresso interior theme. Standard features for the RLX Sport Hybrid include a heads-up display, 14 speaker Krell audio, Surround View Camera, front and rear parking sensors, remote engine start, ventilated and heated front seats, heated rear seats, and a heated steering wheel.
Safety & Security
Both RLX models come with AcuraWatch which now includes Traffic Jam Assist. The feature works with Adaptive Cruise Control and Low Speed Follow to reduce stress and fatigue in congested traffic. Traffic Jam Assist helps keep the RLX centered in its lane at a specific interval from the vehicle ahead. AcuraWatch also includes Collision Mitigation Braking, Lane Keeping Assist, and Road Departure Mitigation among others.
Arguably the car’s most vital safety feature is the ACE (Advanced Compatibility Engineering) body structure. The vehicle architecture uses interconnected front frame members to absorb and redirect crash energy around the occupants in the event of a frontal collision.
Availability
The 2018 RLX is now available at Acura dealerships nationwide.
Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and resides in Detroit, Michigan.
Photos & Source: Honda North America.

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Examining 40 Years of The VW Golf (aka Rabbit)

Examining 40 Years of The VW Golf (aka Rabbit)

In 1975, Volkswagen needed a minor miracle in the United States, especially in terms of a compact car. At the time, their primary models were the Beetle and Bus, but sales for both had slowed since 1970. The economy was in recession and Toyota and Honda loomed on the horizon. Regardless, VW shipped the European Golf to the U.S. as the Rabbit. This “new” hatchback would offer American drivers premium options, front-wheel drive technology, and a 70 horsepower 1.8-liter engine. The Rabbit, later becoming the Golf, was intended as the successor to the original Beetle.
Through The Years
A new infographic from our friends at VWPartsVortex.com shows how VW Golf pricing has changed since 1975, when adjusted for inflation. Interesting enough, between 1975 and 2015, pricing didn’t vary that much. Rocco Demas, Manager at VW Parts Vortex, says the Golf really boils down to three things.
“First, the cars have always been economical. Second, the cars have always been designed with an emphasis on premium features and quality,” he explained. “Three, the cars have always been fun to drive.”
By 1977, a diesel variant was offered for around $550 more but with fuel mileage in the mid to upper 30s. VW billed the engine as a more durable option than a gasoline counterpart. Eventually, the U.S. market would see both Cabriolet and hot hatch models along with the 90 horsepower GTI. By 1985, a new version of the GTI’s engine was utilized for the MKII generation – the wheelbase was extended and the Rabbit effectively became the Golf.
“The Rabbit was one of the nicest, most advanced compact cars you could buy in the 70s and 80s, with an awesome GTI option in the mid-80s that was a blast to drive,” Demas said. “Unlike most of the competitor’s cars, the Rabbit was consistently considered fun to drive and high performing by critics.”
Photo: Volkswagen of America, Inc.
Comparing & Contrasting
In 1975, when the Rabbit 2-Door Hatchback arrived the MSRP was $3,330; $15,629 today when adjusted for inflation. By comparison, the 2017 Golf TSI S with a manual transmission starts at $19,895; the more appointed TSI Wolfsburg Edition with an automatic starts at $22,695. In 1983, the Rabbit GTI 2-Door Hatchback ran $7,990 or $19,977 when accounting for inflation today. By contrast, the current S trim 2-door GTI with a manual transmission lists for $25,595. Currently, the Golf lineup includes the R, Sportwagen, Alltrack, and a fully-electric version.
“While they haven’t always been the least expensive car on the road, they’ve always been well regarded by consumers and critics alike,” Demas said.
VWPartsVortex.com provides an extensive look at the Golf through the years, including the reaction from journalists when it first appeared. We have included their infographic below. Enjoy!
Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and resides in Detroit, Michigan.

Cover Photo: Volkswagen of America, Inc.

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2017 Lexus NX 300h Review

2017 Lexus NX 300h Review

Toyota is a leader in hybrid vehicles and the Lexus NX 300h is another example of what their luxury brand has to offer. Consumers often switch to hybrids for their fuel-saving ability, and this compact luxury SUV has a lot to offer. It comes with a quiet cabin, elevated ride height, plenty of backseat space, and easy maneuverability in the city. The NX’s driving experience strikes a good balance between comfort and driver involvement.
What’s New For 2017
The NX 300h is now offered in all-wheel drive only. It also receives a standard Scout GPS Link navigation app that streams from a smartphone.
Standard Features
The Lexus NX 300h ($39,720) includes 17-inch wheels, automatic LED headlights, LED fog and running lights, heated mirrors, keyless ignition and entry, a rearview camera, automatic dual-zone climate control, eight-way power-adjustable front seats with two-way driver lumbar adjustment, a power-adjustable and leather-wrapped tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, and a 60/40-split folding and reclining backseat.
It also comes with Bluetooth, a 7-inch Lexus Display Audio knob-and-screen interface, one USB port, and an eight-speaker sound system with a CD player. HD and satellite radio, an auxiliary audio jack, and a media player interface are also included.
Optional Packages
The Luxury package ($4,545) adds a power lift gate, automatic wipers, leather upholstery, and a heated steering wheel. A power-folding rear seat can be added to the Luxury package. The Navigation package ($1,815) adds the full Lexus navigation system, the Remote Touch infotainment interface, a variety of smartphone apps, and two additional speakers. Additional options include front and rear parking sensors (Intuitive Parking Assist $500), upgraded LED headlights ($1,116), and wireless smartphone charging ($220). Total MSRP including destination: $50,433.

Interior Highlights
Stepping inside the Lexus NX 300h cabin reveals a cool, modern interior with soft leather seats and dark Umber trim. The quality of materials is top-notch, with soft-touch surfaces that look and feel rich. Lexus pays attention to detail with features like the contrasting stitching, wood trim, and the modern analog clock. The center stack and console have a distinctive Z-shape profile, which adds a sense of sportiness to the crossover.
What we didn’t like was using the Remote Touch pad that controls the information display. It’s hard to use and draws attention away from the road. It’s also harder to use than the joystick-like touch controller in the Lexus RX.
In the rear, passengers will find generous room despite the vehicle’s modest overall dimensions, but cargo space is less than many other compact crossovers. With the seats up, the NX 300h offers 17.7 cubic feet, making it less spacious than many competitors. With the seats folded flat, it gets 53.7 cubic feet of total volume.

Engine & Fuel Mileage Specs
The 2017 Lexus NX 300h features a gasoline-electric hybrid powertrain that combines a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with three electric motors, supplied by a nickel-metal hydride battery pack. Together, they produce a maximum output of 194 horsepower. It comes mated with an Electronically Controlled Continuously Variable automatic transmission. All-wheel drive is now standard for 2017 making the crossover a capable all-weather vehicle.
The NX 300h gets an EPA-estimated fuel economy rating of 33/30 city/highway and 31 combined.
Driving Dynamics
We drove the majority of our miles this weekend on the highway, so we didn’t enjoy the fuel mileage benefits city commuters would. On the road, the cabin of the NX 300h is quiet and comfortable. The only noise we heard was the drone of the CVT. The power and acceleration are typical of a Toyota hybrid with rather slow but relaxed driving dynamics. It’s not a powerhouse, but it will get you onto the highway without an issue when you step on the gas. It’s also small enough to maneuver in urban traffic and will navigate tight city streets with ease.
A snow storm hit the mountains of Colorado west of Denver and we had the opportunity to try out the standard Torque Control all-wheel drive system. It relies solely on one of the electric motors to drive the rear wheels, making it less capable than other AWD systems. We experienced some wheel slippage on the slick, snowy streets and felt it didn’t give us the maximum traction needed for these types of situations.
Conclusion
With the emphasis on going green these days, the NX 300h delivers above average fuel economy for a compact luxury SUV. The NX 300h is the only compact luxury SUV on the market that’s also a hybrid. The luxury model offers a high-quality interior, sharp styling, and a quiet ride. If you don’t need to haul a lot of cargo, it will be an excellent urban commuter you can maneuver with ease.
Denis Flierl has invested over 25 years in the automotive industry in a variety of roles. Follow his work on Twitter: @CarReviewGuy
2017 Lexus NX 300h Gallery

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Lexus NX 300h Official Site.
Photos: Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.

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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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