Automotive

2020 Nissan GT-R 50th Anniversary & GT-R NISMO: Godzilla Gets Bigger Teeth & New Clothes

2020 Nissan GT-R 50th Anniversary & GT-R NISMO: Godzilla Gets Bigger Teeth & New Clothes New for 2020 are the Nissan GT-R 50th Anniversary Edition and GT-R NISMO.
The GT-R 50th Anniversary Edition harks back to the Nissan GT-R Skyline R34.
The 2020 Nissan GT-R NISMO receives carbon fiber body panels to save weight.
Nissan fans rejoice! The Japanese car maker has something good in store for the 2020 Nissan GT-R supercar. Making its debut at the New York International Auto Show is the Nissan GT-R 50th Anniversary Edition, and alongside it, the new GT-R NISMO. But for the new variants, Nissan didn’t want to tamper with the GT-R’s proven racing formula.
“The GT-R is about total balance management,” said Hiroshi Tamura, Chief Product Specialist for the GT-R. “It is not about chasing power figures, but creating a new GT-R where no aspect has been overlooked.”
The Nissan GT-R has always been the penultimate Japanese supercar. It gave the Audi R8 and Porsche 911 quite a scare when it graced the market in 2008. And even though the 2020 model is still part of the first-generation, Nissan saw it fit to equip Godzilla with bigger teeth and new clothes.
Nissan GT-R 50th Anniversary Edition
Commemorating 50 glorious years of racing heritage is the 2020 Nissan GT-R 50th Anniversary Edition. This is purely an appearance package that pays homage to the dominance of the original R34 Skyline GT-R. The car receives a new Bayside Wangan Blue paint job with white racing stripes. If this color looks familiar, you’re right. It’s the same color of Paul Walker’s original right-hand drive R34 Skyline in the 2 Fast 2 Furious movie.
“The Nissan GT-R has been the icon of our company’s driving performance for the past half century,” explained Shinichiro Irie, GT-R Program Design Director. “While the exterior and interior changes may seem subtle at first glance, they’re still impactful, especially with the new paint schemes, keeping the car’s lines and overall presence modern and edgy.”
The paint job consists of a four-coat, double-heat treatment process to achieve a genuine old-school feel. The wheels also get blue accents on the spokes to complete the new look. But if you don’t like this color, don’t fret. The 50th Anniversary Edition GT-R is also available in pearl white with red stripes, and silver with white stripes.
In the meantime, the interior also receives numerous updates including a special gray color scheme along with exclusive trim for the steering wheel and shift knob. The dashboard and the seats are covered in hand-selected Nappa leather to exude a premium vibe. The center console houses an eight-inch touchscreen monitor with NissanConnect, an integrated navigation and communications system. This feature allows potential owners to lock and unlock the doors remotely or summon emergency services using an app. The car also gets special embossed seats, and an Alcantara-covered headliner and sun visors.
2020 Nissan GT-R 50th Anniversary Edition in classic Bayside Wangan Blue with white stripes. Photo: Nissan North America.
Refined Performance (With A Little Growl)
Who could forget the mighty RB26DETT straight-six motor in the original R34 Skyline GT-R? Nissan outdid themselves with the VR38DETT V6 motor in the current-generation GT-R. But for 2020, Nissan’s engineers went for subtle upgrades to further improve the performance and efficiency of the raucous V6 motor.
The 2020 Nissan GT-R receives new turbochargers to improve the low rpm response of the V6 motor. New exhaust manifolds and optimized turbo flange attachment points are in the mix. The result is the same 565 horsepower and 467 lb-ft. of torque, but the 3.8-liter V6 is now more responsive and engaging. The six-speed dual-clutch automatic features a new adaptive shift control algorithm too. This means more aggressive downshifts with better gear selections on both the street and racetrack.
Rounding up the performance-enhancing mods is a retuned, electronically-controlled suspension to provide the right balance between handling prowess and ride comfort; along with new steering calibrations and a new brake booster. Also new is a titanium muffler with burnished blue titanium tips to produce the signature GT-R exhaust growl.
2020 Nissan GT-R 50th Anniversary Edition. Photo: Nissan North America.
2020 Nissan GT-R NISMO
The 2020 Nissan GT-R NISMO remains an absolute beauty among high-performance street and track machines. This hardcore version of the GT-R is nearly 44 lbs. lighter, courtesy of carbon fiber components like the hood, roof, trunk, front and rear bumpers, and the rear spoiler.
The front fenders now come with scalloped vents directly from the GT3 GT-R race car. More than just an aesthetic piece, these vents serve multiple purposes. Besides channeling hot air away from the engine bay, they also provide more downforce over the front tires for better handling and agility.
“The 2020 GT-R NISMO has evolved into a balanced, yet extreme, performance car,” Tamura said. “Pursuing driving pleasure is the most important concept behind GT-R.”
Lacing Up The New Shoes
The 2020 Nissan GT-R NISMO comes with lightweight 20-inch RAYS forged aluminum wheels with a nine-spoke design. The car also receives newly-designed Dunlop tires with wider tread and fewer grooves to increase the contact patch by 11 percent. The semi-slick tires enable the GT-R NISMO to achieve higher cornering forces with better steering response.
Of course, what good is going fast if you can’t stop on a dime? Thankfully the GT-R NISMO comes with larger Brembo calipers and carbon ceramic brake rotors (16.1 inches front, 15.3 inches rear). The rotors, in particular, were crafted using a carbon and silica carbide structure. When paired with the new racing-derived brake pads, the brakes generate more friction, but also greater resistance to high temperatures; temperatures of more than 1,832 degrees Fahrenheit!
“Brembo and Nissan have a rich performance history,” said Dan Sandberg, Brembo North America President and CEO. “Our engineers worked in concert with the Nissan team to take data from the track, and combined that with lessons learned on the previous generation GT-R, to design the next evolution stopping package for this road-going supercar.”

The 2020 Nissan GT-R NISMO features carbon fiber bumpers and body panels to cut weight. Photo: Nissan North America.
Blistering Performance
The 2020 GT-R NISMO recevies a 600 horsepower version of the 3.8-liter V6. The hike in power is courtesy of a turbocharger inspired by no less than the GT3 race car. The turbo comes with fewer blades and a modified turbine shape to optimize the flow rate. With 481 lb-ft. of torque available from 3,600 to 5,600 rpm, the new turbocharger improves acceleration response by 20 percent without compromising horsepower.
Pricing & Availability
Sadly, we have no word from Nissan on the exact pricing or availability of the updated 2020 Nissan GT-R, GT-R 50th Anniversary Edition, and GT-R NISMO. Some reports are saying the new GT-R will be available as early as this summer. We imagine prices starting upwards of $100,000 for the 2020 GT-R and $180,000 for the GT-R NISMO. Nissan is also offering a new Track Edition with a carbon fiber roof and the 600 horsepower V6.
A 2019 Nissan GT-R goes for about $100,000.
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.
2020 Nissan GT-R 50th Anniversary Edition Gallery

2020 Nissan GT-R NISMO Gallery

Photos & Source: Nissan North America.

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Acura TLX PMC Edition: A Brief Walk Around

Acura TLX PMC Edition: A Brief Walk Around The 2020 Acura TLX PMC Edition is hand-built at the company’s Performance Manufacturing Center.
A special exterior color using nano pigment technology was developed for the limited edition TLX.
The TLX is the first Acura model to receive “PMC Edition” treatments; MDX will follow shortly.
Another surprise for this year’s New York International Auto Show was Acura’s roll out of the 2020 TLX PMC Edition. The PMC, which stands for Performance Manufacturing Center, is sort of like Acura’s version of BMW’s M division or Mercedes-AMG, only if it actually went faster. The 2020 Acura TLX PMC Edition gets some nice finishing touches here and there, and is assembled with greater care, but that’s about it.
Wishing For Slightly More
The TLX PMC Edition is a limited edition car, although Acura does not say what the actual production numbers will be. At this point, my guess it will be a special edition until they run out of the little glue-on serial plaques that say “Special Edition.”
Sad, really, given what Honda is capable of in the performance arena, but they have always been a conservative car company. Their vaunted NSX came out powered by a V6 when everyone else was going for much higher cylinder counts. Branding something as “PMC” and building it alongside the NSX at the actual Performance Manufacturing Center in Marysville, Ohio; but not giving us a hot-rod version seems like kind of a waste.
The 2020 Acura TLX PMC Edition is hand-built at the Performance Manufacturing Center (PMC) in Marysville, Ohio. Photo: Acura.
Power & Performance
The 2020 Acura TLX PMC Edition sits atop the TLX lineup, powered by an i-VTEC V6 engine with direct-injection. The 3.5-liter V6 makes 290 horsepower and is paired to a nine-speed automatic. Acura’s torque-vectoring system, Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive, is on-board and a godsend in slippery conditions. When the hand-assembly process is complete, each TLX PMC Edition will undergo the same quality controls as the NSX; including dyno checks, final paint inspection, rough-road simulation, and water leak tests.
It is not, however, a factory stripper; it is still loaded with the full-zoot of premium features from the TLX Advance Package. The exterior is anything but run-of-the-mill, featuring PMC Edition exterior treatments and interior design elements from Acura’s A-Spec line.
Photo: Acura.
Shiny & New
The easiest way to spot the 2020 TLX PMC Edition is by the Valencia Red Pearl pain, which Acura says is “deeply lustrous and grade-exclusive.” It’s made using something called nano-pigment technology that can only be applied in the bespoke factory’s advanced paint facility. (It was previously reserved for the NSX only). Acura goes into excruciating detail about the hows and whys of their ever-so-cool paint, but it’s basically candy apple red and seems, to my eyes, not all that dissimilar to what hot-rodders and low riders have been doing since 1959.
Only Acura takes five days to paint this TLX. I guess it’s worth it.
Other goodies include lots of gloss black stuff. There’s gloss black 19-inch, split-five-spoke wheels with black lug nuts; a gloss black roof panel, door handles, and grille with body-colored surround. There are shiny bits too, like the dual four-inch black chrome exhaust tips. The heated seats feature black Milano leather with Alcantara inserts, black piping and red stitching; those look quite nice. There’s a perforated leather-wrapped steering wheel with red stitching and paddle shifters, and there’s red stitching on the door panels, center console, and armrest as well.
Photo: Acura.
A-Spec Treatments
Even the floor mats are special, with metal A-Spec badging. Speaking of A-Spec, the PMC gets a trainload of that stuff too: A-Spec exterior and interior appearance packages, along with jewel-eye LED headlights, LED foglights, and GPS-linked navigation with Apple Carplay and Android Auto. The stereo is this great big whompin’ thing, an Acura ELS Studio premium audio system with 10 speakers and enough power to make you go deaf.
Tech & Safety
Wireless charging for phones? Check. Surround view camera system? Check. Power-folding door mirrors with auto-dimming? Of course! Front and rear parking sensors, blind spot information system, rear cross traffic monitor? Duh! And of course, there’s the full suite of AcuraWatch safety technologies to keep you from doing anything egregiously stupid.
Pricing & Availability
Like I said, this is a limited-run TLX, but final numbers are so far absent. Deliveries of the 2020 Acura TLX PMC Edition will begin this summer with pricing around $50,000.
Tony Borroz has spent his entire life racing antique and sports cars. He is the author of Bricks & Bones: The Endearing Legacy and Nitty-Gritty Phenomenon of The Indy 500, available in paperback or Kindle format. Follow his work on Twitter: @TonyBorroz.
2020 Acura TLX PMC Edition Gallery

Photos & Source: Acura.

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A Brief History of The High-Tech Safety Features In Your Car

A Brief History of The High-Tech Safety Features In Your Car Advanced driver assistance systems are among the biggest selling points for vehicles today.
Some safety features we likely take for granted, like seat belts and anti-lock braking systems.
Here is a look at the most common high-tech safety features on the market and how they work.
Over the last few decades, the technology available in our cars has advanced by leaps and bounds. While Bluetooth phone call capabilities; and the seamless integration with mobile devices to allow for music streaming, and navigation are each very cool features in any vehicle, I think most would agree: some of the most important advancements are related to driver and passenger safety. Safety features are nearly as old as driving itself, with the most basic ones entering the scene shortly after driving became widespread.
For instance, the four-wheel hydraulic brake system introduced by Duesenberg in 1922 replaced mechanical brakes and can be considered one of the first major car safety innovations.
The Dawn of ADAS Technology
Let’s fast forward almost 100 years – today’s cars are equipped with a slew of safety features. While some of us have vivid memories of a time before seatbelts and airbags were required in new vehicles, those features are old news compared to what’s being rolled out in today’s models. The newest safety introductions rely heavily on advanced electronics, computerized controls, radar, and cameras. We’ve seen such an uptick in the presence of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) in the past decade that AAA recently recommended standardized names for these systems, as manufacturers currently use different terms for features which perform the same functions.
So, how did we get here? To understand how some of these advanced safety features became standard, let’s explore the history of some of the most popular.
In 1970, the first-generation anti-lock braking system was developed by Mercedes-Benz and TELDIX. In August of 1978, Mercedes-Benz presented a next-generation ABS system, developed with Bosch, to the press in Untertürkheim. On the circuit, the test car with ABS remains on course through the corners when the brakes are applied. Test cars without ABS were prone to sliding off course, especially if braking was too sudden. Photo: Daimler AG.
Forward Collision Warning & Automatic Emergency Braking
According to our friends at AAA, this is the most prevalent of the ADAS technologies currently offered, coming standard in about 30 percent of 2018 model-year vehicles. This is not hard to believe, as these features star in many modern car commercials: saving the distracted teen driver from a fender-bender or taking over when a truck unexpectedly pulls out in front of the mom driving her kids to soccer practice.
These safety features rely on the use of radar to either alert a driver of an impending collision or take action to autonomously brake the vehicle. Cadillac attempted a very primitive version of a collision warning system in the late 1950s, but it was ultimately scrapped due to high manufacturing costs. We didn’t see these systems again until 1995, when a group of engineers in California introduced radar-based technology that was showcased at the North American International Auto Show the following year.
However, it still took almost 20 years for this technology to become mainstream but some early-adopters of automatic braking systems were Honda (on the Japanese-market Inspire) in 2003 with its CMBS (Collision Mitigation Brake System), and Mercedes-Benz also in 2003, with the “Pre-Safe” brake assist sensors on their S-Class model.
While we hope to never need it, this feature isn’t going anywhere. In 2016, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) announced that 99 percent of all new U.S. automobiles will include emergency braking as a standard feature by 2022.
Infiniti’s Predictive Forward Collision Warning monitors the vehicle directly ahead and the one beyond it; meaning the system can effectively see two vehicles ahead. Audible and visual cues are given if any sudden or unexpected movements by the other cars are detected. Photo: Infiniti Motor Company Ltd.
Related: Despite an onset of autonomous technology, people still love to drive.
Blind Spot Warnings
Mirrors could be considered the original blind spot monitors, having been around for more than 100 years. Originally, the first rearview mirrors in cars were inside, which provided a rather clear view out the back, but did little or nothing to help see along the sides or within adjacent lanes. Outside rearview mirrors (sometimes simply called “side mirrors”) became more in-demand as the U.S. highway system expanded in the 1950s and ‘60s. But side-view mirrors still allowed for a dangerous “blind spot,” a particular problem when changing lanes on an interstate.
This eventually led to the creation of blind spot monitoring and warning systems. More technical solutions have become common in recent years and are available in a variety of functionalities. While not an excuse to stop observing your surroundings before changing lanes, these systems rely on sonar or cameras to provide an alert when an object or another car enters a blind spot. This can be done with a warning light, noise or vibration, depending on the vehicle. Some more advanced systems even include “cross traffic alerts” which provide warnings when a vehicle or person approaches from beyond a driver’s line of sight; for example, while he or she is backing up.
Blind spot monitoring first appeared in the Volvo S80 in 2005 and a variation of it is included on many vehicles today, with some being more advanced than others. For instance, Infiniti introduced a “blind spot intervention” system which actually applies the brakes to guide your car away from switching lanes if someone is in your blind spot.
Volvo’s City Safety technology detects other vehicles, pedestrians, cyclists, and large animals like moose and deer, and can engage auto-braking to mitigate oncoming collisions. City Safety will also avoid or mitigate collisions with oncoming vehicles at intersections. Photo: Volvo Car USA, LLC.
Related: Artificial intelligence and auto safety: separating reality from fantasy.
Adaptive Cruise Control
This one can be viewed as a companion feature to the forward collision warning system, and modern cars are likely to be found with both offerings. Using the same radar or laser sensor technology in the front of the vehicle, ACC goes a step beyond traditional cruise control by controlling the throttle and brakes to maintain a set distance between your car and the one in front of it.
Some early versions of adaptive cruise control were introduced in Japan during the 1990s by Mitsubishi and relied on laser technology to assess distance and manage the vehicle’s speed through gas pedal application and transmission downshifts, rather than applying the brakes. Radar-assisted systems took off in 1999, when Mercedes-Benz introduced the feature on the S-Class and CL-Class. The technology matured from there and began to integrate with collision avoidance systems as well. If you’re a fan of cruise control (and I am!), you can appreciate how ACC lets you drive on the highway and simply not touch the brake or the accelerator as traffic ebbs and flows.
Of course, you still need to remain alert, but it can add to the driver’s overall comfort.
These safety features, while not fully autonomous, are a key component of intelligent cars. In fact, a vehicle with ACC can be considered “Level 1 Autonomous,” as it provides help to the driver but isn’t capable of driving itself or assessing other road factors such as traffic lights. Today, most manufacturers have offerings in their lineup that include some variation of ACC. Some, like BMW, are even capable of coming to a full stop and then continuing motion, if you are in stop-and-go traffic, for instance.
Cadillac’s Super Cruise feature, seen here in the CT6, utilizes a driver attention system and LiDAR map data. These systems are added to the network of cameras and radar sensors already in the CT6. Super Cruise can automatically steer, brake, and keep the vehicle positioned on the highway in certain, optimal conditions. Photo: Cadillac.
Related: Enter the land of confusion: are we really ready for autonomous cars?
Backup & Surround View Cameras
Most drivers are familiar with backup cameras by now. They are a standard offering on many different vehicles, and are also a popular aftermarket add-on. They are made possible by the presence of a small video camera on the rear of the vehicle which is wired to transmit live footage of what’s behind the car when in reverse. The footage is either projected on an existing dashboard screen or in the rear-view mirror, giving the driver a more complete view of any possible obstructions behind their vehicle. Most are also paired with a radar proximity sensor that will issue a warning sound when the vehicle gets too close to anything.
The first time backup cameras were introduced in production vehicles was in 1991, on the Toyota Soarer Limited. These offerings were only available in Japan and were discontinued in 1997. They made a comeback in 2000 when Infiniti unveiled the RearView Monitor as an available feature on the Q45 sedan at the New York Intentional Auto Show. Infiniti also pioneered an even more comprehensive camera system in 2007 with the “Around View Monitor,” a system that provided the driver with a bird’s eye view of their vehicle using four cameras.
The market domination of SUVs with their wide D-pillars and high haunches has made backing up a visual challenge. Backup collisions in any vehicle can be particularly dangerous so it’s not surprising the safety benefits of these cameras have led to widespread adoption by most manufacturers. Following an aggressive consumer safety campaign, NHTSA announced in 2014 a plan to require backup cameras in all automobiles sold in the U.S. built after May 2018.
Trailer Reverse Guidance, a new feature for the 2020 Ford Super Duty, shows trailer angle and direction, and provides steering suggestions to assist the driver with backing. The system accommodates all trailer styles, including fifth-wheel and gooseneck applications. Photo: Ford Motor Company.
Related: Pet owners are concerned about safety but can automakers respond?
Lane-Departure Warning & Lane-Keep Assistance
The purpose of these systems, as the name suggests, is to keep a driver from veering unintentionally into another lane. They are designed for freeways and other high-capacity roads that have clear lane markings. Cameras installed on the front of the vehicle record the road in real time, and edge-detection software determines whether or not the car is within the lines.
Similar to the forward collision warning/prevention systems, different manufacturers offer varying levels of active or passive alerts. A departure warning system will issue a sound or vibration to alert the driver they might be drifting out of their lane; while an assistance system is capable of reacting and turning the vehicle back into the proper lane if the driver doesn’t take action. The latter is frequently paired with adaptive cruise control and can be considered a semi-autonomous feature.
Lane departure warning systems first debuted on commercial trucks in Europe in 2000. In 2001 and 2002, they began to appear on passenger cars in Japan including the Nissan Cima and Toyota Caldina. These warning systems didn’t make their way to North America until 2004, when they appeared on two Infiniti models: the FX and M. Toyota quickly followed that year, adding lane-keeping assistance to its Crown Majesta. Over the course of the next decade, these features became more mainstream. However, they haven’t been free from controversy. In 2017, the IIHS expressed concern that, by relying on these systems and other similar safety features (including forward collision warning and adaptive cruise control), drivers will become less vigilant behind the wheel.
Volvo engineer Nils Bohlin demonstrating the three-point safety belt in 1959. Since then, it’s estimated that over one million lives have been saved as a result of Volvo Cars waiving its patent rights. Photo: Volvo Car Corporation.
Future Considerations
You might say the automotive industry got its jump-start into safety with the passage of the Motor Vehicle Safety Act in 1966. At first, much of the focus was on preventing injuries in the event of an accident (seat belts, padded dashes, collapsible steering columns, air bags etc.). As these passive safety systems reached saturation, and as technology developed, car makers, government agencies, and safety advocates redirected their focus toward active safety; that is, avoiding the accident in the first place.
The most recent decade has proven how the automotive industry is undergoing a transformation when it comes to safety technology. Based on consumer demand and widespread adoption, it’s safe to say that driver assistance systems are here to stay. As today’s youngest drivers don’t remember a time before seatbelts, will the next generation express the same sentiment when it comes to forward collision warning systems?
Like most of the industry, I’ll be waiting to see.
Richard Reina is the Product Training Director for CARiD.com. He enjoys restoring and driving old cars with a special love for anything Italian. Richard is also passionate about music and is a huge Beatles fan.

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Carbon 65 Corvette To Be Auctioned To Benefit Veterans

Carbon 65 Corvette To Be Auctioned To Benefit Veterans

General Motors is putting the first retail production Carbon 65 Edition Corvette up for auction to benefit veterans and their families. GM has partnered with the George W. Bush Presidential Center to benefit the Military Service Initiative, which helps post-9/11 veterans and their families adjust to civilian life.
“GM and Chevrolet are teaming up with the George W. Bush Presidential Center to honor and support those who have served and sacrificed to protect the security and freedom of all Americans,” reads a statement from General Motors.
Invisible Wounds
The Military Service Initiative works with communities, non-profit organizations, businesses, academia, and other outlets to provide for the health of post-9/11 veterans and their families. The focus is on helping veterans make a successful transition back to normal life, no matter what that may entail. Some veterans face feelings of isolation, others struggle finding meaningful employment, and all carry the invisible wounds of war. The Military Service Initiative works to address these issues and concerns for veterans and their families.
What’s polarizing is the increasing military-civilian divide. The George W. Bush Presidential Center cites research where 70 percent of Americans say they have little to no understanding of what post-9/11 veterans must overcome. Veterans and their families second that with 84 percent saying the public has “little awareness” of the issues and challenges they face.
GM says about 6,000 veterans work for the automaker currently with another 50,000 retirees having already served.
2018 Chevrolet Corvette Carbon 65 Edition at the 101st Running of the Indianapolis 500, May 28th 2017. Photo: Carl Anthony for Automoblog.net.
Carbon 65 Features
The Carbon 65 celebrates 65 years of the Corvette; the first one rolled off the line on June 30th 1953. The package is offered on Grand Sport 3LT and Z06 3LZ trims (order code Z30) but limited to just 650 units. The package marries carbon fiber elements with a new Ceramic Matrix Gray exterior color and a blue top, if it’s a convertible. Carbon fiber treatments include the ground effects, hood section, spoiler, roof (coupe), or tonneau inserts (convertible). The blue Brembo brake calipers compliment either the Cup-style wheels for the Grand Sport or the Blade-style wheels for the Z06.
Inside, drivers will find a Jet Black interior theme with blue stitching and competition seats. The carbon fiber treatments continue throughout the interior, most notably on the steering wheel. Each Carbon 65 Edition Corvette comes with a special identification number.
Auction Info
The auction will be held on Saturday, January 20th at 4:30pm PST. Additional details about the Barrett-Jackson auction and how to bid can be found here.
Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and resides in Detroit, Michigan.
Corvette Carbon 65 Edition Gallery

Photos & Source: Chevrolet.

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Kia Hits Value & Performance Sweet Spot With Stinger Pricing

Kia Hits Value & Performance Sweet Spot With Stinger Pricing

The Kia Stinger arrives next month as the automaker’s highest-performing production vehicle. In a fastback segment typically dominated by European marquees, Kia will stand with the likes of Audi, BMW, and Porsche. We recently dove deep into car’s specifications and they are impressive to say the least. Pricing was recently announced for the Stinger which will come in five different trim levels.
Power & Performance
The entry level Stinger rides on a passive but balanced suspension for comfort and handling. The GT is available with Dynamic Stability Damping Control (a Kia first) and Brembo brakes. On offer are two turbocharged engines: the base Stinger and the Premium feature a 2.0-liter twin-scroll turbocharged four-cylinder Theta II plant, producing 255 horsepower (6,200 rpm) and 260 lb-ft. of torque. Torque is available from 1,400 to 4,000 rpm, giving the Stinger a reasonable 0 to 60 time of 5.9 seconds with this engine.
The 3.3-liter twin-turbo V6 Lambda II engine packs 365 horsepower (6,000 rpm) and 376 lb-ft. of torque, available from 1,350 to 4,500 rpm. With this engine, the Stinger enters the segment with more power than the Audi S5 Sportback, BMW 440i Gran Coupe, and Infiniti Q50. With the V6 Lambda II engine, the Stinger GT hits 60 in 4.7 seconds, which is quicker than the six-cylinder Porsche Panamera.
The Audi S5 Sportback with its 3.0-liter turbocharged engine hits 60 in 4.5 seconds, just an ounce faster than the Stinger. However, given Kia has never competed in this segment but are coming in with something as strong as the Stinger, we are inclined to give them a pass.
“The Stinger is a prime example of Kia’s commitment to surpassing consumers’ expectations in everything we do,” commented Orth Hedrick, Vice President of Product Planning, Kia Motors America.
Both engines are matched to a second-generation, eight-speed rear-drive automatic transmission Kia developed in-house. All-wheel drive is available across the Stinger lineup.

Interior Appointments
All Stingers come standard with a leather-appointed cabin, although ultra-soft Nappa leather is available. Air-cell bladders and width-adjusting bolsters are available for the driver’s seat for additional comfort. A thick, hand-stitched leather-wrapped steering wheel with paddle shifters is standard, but GT buyers receive a flat-bottom steering wheel.The Stinger also comes with a generous array of connectivity, infotainment, and entertainment features, including an available Harman Kardon 720 watt audio system.
Pricing Comparison
The 2018 Kia Stinger provides solid performance for the dollar, regardless of which trim buyers opt for. The entry level Singer starts at $31,900; the Premium at $37,100, and the GT at $38,350. The GT1 comes in at $43,250 with the GT2 ringing the cash register at $49,200. All-wheel drive runs an additional $2,200; the destination charge is $900.
“Although the Stinger is unlike any other Kia that has come before it in terms of pure driving enjoyment, it is still very much a traditional Kia,” Hedrick explained. “It offers consumers a very compelling value proposition, providing excellent performance and handling, premium features, and functionality when compared to its much higher-priced competitors.”
By comparison, the 2018 Infiniti Q50 starts at $34,200 for the Pure RWD trim with a 2.0-liter turbo engine, and goes as high $53,000 (starting MSRP) in its top variant, the Red Sport 400 AWD. The Q50 also has a hybrid option which starts at $50,600 – tack on $2,000 to make the hybrid all-wheel drive. Conversely, the 2018 Audi S5 Sportback starts at $54,400 for the Premium Plus grade and goes as high as $59,000 (starting MSRP) for the 2018 S5 Coupe Prestige.
Pricing can vary on today’s vehicles – sometimes greatly – especially when considering each different package or individual options. Still, it is our belief the Stinger is priced correctly for the segment and will provide strong performance for the money.
Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and resides in Detroit, Michigan.
2018 Kia Stinger Gallery

Photos & Source: Kia Motors America, Infiniti Motor Company Ltd., Audi of America, Inc.

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Groupe Renault Demonstrates Autonomous Technology

Groupe Renault Demonstrates Autonomous Technology

Groupe Renault recently revealed their latest autonomous control systems, designed to handle a number of challenging and differing scenarios. The system’s obstacle avoidance capabilities are of particular note as Groupe Renault modeled professional test drivers during development at the Renault Open Innovation Lab in Silicon Valley. This latest initiative by Renault expands their ADAS and vehicle safety programs and is an important next step for the automaker in utilizing automated technology.
“At Groupe Renault, we are focused on being an innovation leader in products, technology, and design,” said Simon Hougard, Director of Renault Open Innovation Lab – Silicon Valley. “Our innovation efforts aim at developing advanced autonomous driving technologies that consumers can trust will create a safer, more comfortable journey.”
Key Locations
The Renault Open Innovation Lab is critical for Renault as they look to establish themselves as a leader in safety and autonomy. The automaker is seeking to becoming one of the first brands to offer “Mind Off” technology for mainstream vehicles, while also having the capability to deploy fleets of robot cars. It’s expected that 15 Renault models will offer different levels of autonomous capability by 2022.
Demonstration Video
The video below shows Callie, Renault’s autonomous car, demonstrating the obstacle avoidance feature. Not only was the system inspired by and modeled after professional drivers, but it was actually tested against them. Callie does a pretty good job maneuvering in and out of the cones. Using professional drivers to develop autonomous vehicles is interesting, especially since Renault has returned to Formula One and has a strong commitment to Formula E. Renault has said they view such ventures as “vectors of innovation.” It’s very well possible those “vectors of innovation” have influenced their latest automated driving initiatives.
Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and resides in Detroit, Michigan.

Photo, Video & Source: Groupe Renault.

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2019 Audi TT RS: This Little Guy (Really) Packs A Punch!

2019 Audi TT RS: This Little Guy (Really) Packs A Punch! The 2019 Audi TT RS features a powerful 2.5-liter TFSI engine.
Styling treatments include 20-inch wheels and red brake calipers.
The new TT RS joins the Audi Sport model line and is available now.
Audi is showing off the latest hot rod version of the TT sport coupe, the TT RS. The RS goes a long way to dispel any notions of the TT being all show and no go thanks to a *check notes* – holy smokes! How much power does this little guy have?! Jumpin’ August Horch on a pogo stick, are you kidding? The 2019 Audi TT RS really packs a punch!
The answer to that question is “no I am not kidding” (and certainly neither is Audi). More to the point: 394 horsepower and 354 lb-ft. of torque thanks to a reworked 2.5-liter TFSI engine. That is, to use the technical term, a lot of power. Especially for a car this small.
Action & Traction
Yes, the TT, like all Audis, are heavier than you’d expect. They’re chunky guys loaded with lots of machinery, this one weighing in at 3,300 lbs. Still, nearly 400 ponies is worth respecting. This 2.5-liter TFSI plant is that good, old school five-banger derived from the Ur-Quattro, cracking away in the “so ugly it sounds beautiful” 1-2-4-5-3 ignition sequence. Add this all up and the latest, hottest TT can jet to 60 mph in a very respectable 3.6 seconds.
The five-cylinder mill is hooked up to a seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch transmission. Audi says the launch control program allows a “heightened level of acceleration,” which just cracks me up. Heightened? Yeah, like Genghis Khan had a “heightened” appetite for land acquisition. Speaking of land acquisition, thanks to the standard quattro permanent all-wheel drive setup; and the ability to send nearly 100 percent of the available torque to the rear wheels; and a traction control system, this thing can grab the tarmac with all four paws and just m-o-v-e.
Rain? So what. Snow? Who cares. Mud and gravel? Not my problem. The 2019 Audi TT RS is all about optimal acceleration with minimal slip.
2019 Audi TT RS. Photo: Audi of America, Inc.
Styling & Design
The exterior of the new TT RS got a slight going over with a matte black Singleframe grille and the signature quattro script in matte titanium. Audi says there are additional radiators (plural!) behind the honeycomb grille for improved cooling. Lateral air inlets now extend to the front wheel wells and a continuous front spoiler gives the car a lower, Motorsport-inspired look. Full LED headlights with LED daytime running lights are on the front end with LED taillights hanging out back. Also out back is a fixed rear wing and large oval tailpipes, adding to the TT’s overall aggressive appearance.
If you want to go all fancy-smancy the TT RS offers available OLED (organic light-emitting diode) taillights.
19-inch, five-arm design Audi Sport wheels with a titanium matte finish and summer performance tires come standard. The newly-available Dynamic package offers 20-inch Audi Sport, seven-spoke forged wheels; also in a titanium matte finish. The package also includes summer tires, red brake calipers, and a Sport exhaust system with black tips.
Photo: Audi of America, Inc.
Related: The Audi TT is still going strong after 20 years.
Interior Treatments
On the inside, the 2019 Audi TT RS features heated Nappa leather seats with honeycomb stitching and adjustable side bolsters. Contrast stitching and leather accents are present in the door armrests, center console, and dash. You can even add red or blue highlights around the air vents, seats, floor mats, and safety belts. The 2019 TT RS also shows off the standard Audi virtual cockpit, an entirely-digital instrument cluster with 3D graphics.
Other tech updates include wireless charging, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a Bang & Olufsen sound system cranking out 680 watts.
2019 Audi TT RS interior layout. Photo: Audi of America, Inc.
Pricing & Availability
The refreshed 2019 TT RS joins the Audi Sport model line starting at $67,000. You get three new colors for 2019: Turbo Blue, Tango Red metallic, and Kyalami Green, bringing the total color count up to seven.
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 Audi TT RS Gallery

Photos & Source: Audi of America, Inc.

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2015 Aston Martin Vantage GT 2015 Aston Martin V8 Vantage GT

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End Date: Tuesday Apr-23-2019 18:57:49 PDT
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2019 Porsche 911 Speedster: Consult Your Doctor Before Driving!

2019 Porsche 911 Speedster: Consult Your Doctor Before Driving! Gorgeous and rare, the 2019 Porsche 911 Speedster makes its debut in New York.
The flat-six engine revs to an impressive 9,000 rpm as it cranks out 500 horsepower.
Expect it at U.S. dealers near the end of the year but the ordering windows open soon.
Who says nothing interesting ever comes out of the New York International Auto Show? Porsche just dropped a new 911 Speedster powered by the engine found in the GT3 and GT3 RS. And great googly-moogly can this thing rip. They’ll sell it to anyone with a check that won’t bounce, but you better get in line now for your 2019 Porsche 911 Speedster.
That’s sort of the bad news or, more accurately, half of the bad news.
Big Checks & Limited Runs
Porsche is only making 1,948 of the 2019 911 Speedster. Why such an odd number? Because 1948 was when Porsche got their start, and to celebrate that anniversary, Zuffenhausen is making the Speedster on a limited run. The other half of the bad news is this: $275,750. That’s how big that check must be before you can drive it. Sure, sure, that’s a lot less than, oh, a Ferrari Pista Aperta, but Porsches have always been the value-conscious choice. Still, that’s nearly 300-thousand dollars, or about the equivalent of three-bedroom home in suburban Indianapolis.
Then again, a three-bedroom home in suburban Indianapolis won’t blow your hair back like the 2019 Porsche 911 Speedster.
And the Speedster can do this thanks in large part to the naturally-aspirated 4.0-liter flat-six engine, sourced from the current 911 GT3 and GT3 RS. Spinning up to 9,000 rpm, it’s good for 502 horsepower and 346 lb-ft. of torque which (checks slide rule, punches some numbers into calculator, consults astrolabe) is a fricken ton. Given this thing tips the scales at only 3,230 lbs., the Speedster should simply fly down to the next corner. Which it does. With ease. Zero to 60 mph ensues in just 3.8 seconds. Top speed is 192 mph.
If erection lasts for more than four hours, consult your doctor.
2019 Porsche 911 Speedster. Photo: Porsche Cars North America, Inc.
Related: Spending a day with the Porsche 911 GT3 RS.
The Essentials: Nothing More, Nothing Less
The Speedster is more than just an engine (I’m surprised I’m saying that like its a bad thing). Porsche cut down the windshield and side windows and dropped the height of the manually-operated, lightweight fabric top. This is always a cool choice, both for chop-top hot-rodders like myself and for harkening back to the original Speedster and its cut-down greenhouse look. Carrying on with that semi-retro look are the two headrest fairings – Porsche calls them streamliners for some reason – on the rear decklid. These are carbon fiber for a bunch of obvious reasons.
Speaking of weight savings, the interior of the 911 Speedster is nicely paired back to the more-or-less essentials. The door panels are lightweight and have storage nets and fabric loop pulls for weight reduction. More weight savings measures are found in the front luggage compartment lid, front fenders, and rear the decklid. Each are carbon fiber, while the front and rear fascias are lightweight polyurethane.
The Spartan Approach
That fabric top? No power up/down for you, my friend. Manual operation only. Air conditioning? Gone. (But it can be added at no cost if you so desire.) And the final weight-saving cherry on top: the six-speed manual transmission. This saves nine lbs. compared to the seven-speed manual transmission in other 911s, and almost 40 lbs. compared to the PDK dual clutch tranny. Yes, the PDK is a better way to shift gears. Yes, you’re a neo-Luddite if you think old-school manuals are the way to go.
But you can keep all that to yourself when it comes to the 2019 Porsche 911 Speedster.
Photo: Porsche Cars North America, Inc.
Related: An in-depth look at the Porsche 911 GT3 RS.
Chassis & Braking
The chassis is a derivative of the 911 GT3, with a re-calibrated rear axle steering system and dynamic engine mounts for a supreme amount of precision and stability. The wheels are even kinda attractive: 20-inch center lock, satin black jobs wrapped with high-performance tires. Porsche doesn’t say but they’ll probably end up being Michelins or Contis for seriously high levels of grip.
Porsche Ceramic Composite Brakes are standard and save about 50 percent in overall weight from the cast iron setup. According to the company, it delivers “very powerful and consistent braking performance.” Which is a nicely understated way of saying it’ll nearly pop your eyeballs out if you mash on the binders.
It has always been this way: Porsche makes great brakes!
And A Few Extras
Oh, and for those of you swayed by tchotchkes, buyers of the 2019 Porsche 911 Speedster will get a Porsche Design 911 Speedster Chronograph timepiece (i.e. watch). It comes with tons of gee-gaws and stems and calibrations and ways to calculate the rotational mass of the cup holder if you were driving on Venus and stuff like that.
If you’d like, you can get red stitching for the dashboard and a “Speedster” script on the headrests of the black leather seats. The door pulls are also red and so is the 12 o’clock center marker on the GT Sport steering wheel.
Availability
The 2019 Porsche 911 Speedster will be available for order on May 7th. Expect it in U.S. dealers near the end of the year. Get in line now.
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.

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