New Mazda6 To Debut At Los Angeles Auto Show

New Mazda6 To Debut At Los Angeles Auto Show

The “new” Mazda6 will roll out for its first reveal at the upcoming Los Angeles Auto Show. It’s not entirely new, just re-engineered and refined, which all car companies say about mid-cycle refreshes. But in this case, the new Mazda6 is indeed a rather refined and sharpened car.
KODO Design
Mazda has been making a big deal of late about the Japanese craftsmanship they put into every one of their products. And for a lot of car companies, something like that would be little more than marketing codswallop. In Mazda’s case, it’s actually true. Mazda sweats this refined stuff – things like stitching on leather steering wheels and compound radii on dashboards – all the time. I once met the guy who was in charge of designing the exhaust system for the first genration Miata, and he told me he listened to tapes of various sports cars revving up and down on his commute to and from the Hiroshima factory for the better part of a year to figure out the Miata’s exhaust note. And that was in 1989, and Mazda shows no signs of slowing down in the least.
Fast forward to 2017 and Mazda says they will be rolling out the new(ish) Mazda6 sedan at this year’s Los Angeles Auto Show. The Mazda6 is the flagship of their passenger car lineup and the development team had the goal to “enhance the daily lives of people who love cars.” Yeah, I know, automakers can get rather pretentious with this stuff, but that doesn’t mean Mazda is joking about it. The upcoming Mazda6 will incorporate premium details and new engineering concepts and technologies based on what Mazda calls its “human-centered design philosophy.” And, the more I look at this car, the more I believe them. It’s as clean and austere as a Danish couch form 1965, but there’s a curious humanity about it.
The Feels
Mazda says the whole idea behind the 6’s styling is covered by the term “Mature Elegance,” which, yeah, I know, sounds like a dating app for the over-50 crowd. Mazda is, of course, not joking about that either. The design team worked to advance the quality feel of both the interior and exterior. Mazda says this results in “a look of greater maturity and composure.” But I also think they were right in using the word “feel” because the gradual curves on the Mazda6, both inside and out, really invite you to slide a hand along all those arcs for a very long time.
And the materials Mazda uses now really back this up. A new high-grade interior features Sen Wood, a type of Japanese ash that is often used in traditional Japanese instruments and furniture, for an enhanced premium feel. Mazda says the overall design is more “distinctive, premium, beautiful, and dignified, as befits the flagship of Mazda’s passenger car lineup.” I’m not going to argue with that.
Photo: Mazda North American Operations.


Power & Performance
The powertrain lineup for the upcoming Mazda6 implements a bunch of new technologies, such as cylinder deactivation for the SKYACTIV-G 2.5-liter engine for fuel efficiency on long hauls. The turbocharged gasoline engine with direct injection has been added to the lineup in North America. This plant first showed up in the bigger CX-9 crossover, and Mazda says it produces torque on par with a 4-liter V8.
We’ll be the judge of that, and we here at One Automoblog Towers would love to give the blown big block Mazda6 a brisk run around the neighborhood just to be sure.
And since this is 2017, the Mazda6 is festooned with enough high tech gee-gaws to keep a satellite in orbit. For a start there is a wider range of safety technologies on hand. These are said to help the driver identify potential risks and reduce the likelihood of crunching the car or the people inside it. Mazda Radar Cruise Control can now bring the car to a standing stop and take off again when the vehicle in front moves away, which sounds pretty impressive. Also notable is Mazda’s latest 360 Degree View Monitor. All this new stuff works in concert with the car’s previously introduced safety features.
Press Conference Reveal
Mazda will be showing some other interesting cars at the Los Angeles Auto Show, but so far, all they’ve provided is a list and no definite details. A press conference is planned for November 29th at 10:30 am PST. Below is everything that will be on their stand if you happen to be in SoCal and want to swing by and check it out for yourself.
Tony Borroz has spent his entire life racing antique and sports cars. He means well, even if he has a bias toward lighter, agile cars rather than big engine muscle cars or family sedans.
Mazda Exhibits at the 2017 Los Angeles Auto Show
Models Scheduled for Sale
New Mazda6 sedan (World premiere)
Updated Mazda CX-5 (North American premiere)
Currently Available Models
Mazda3, Mazda CX-3, Mazda CX-9, Mazda MX-5 RF
Reference Exhibits
Mazda VISION COUPE next-generation design vision model (North American premiere)
Mazda RT24-P prototype race car with Mazda Team Joest livery and driver lineup
Mazda MX-5 (Global MX-5 Cup spec)
Mazda MX-5 Halfie (A half production car/half racecar demonstration model)
Technology Exhibits
SKYACTIV-G 2.0 (gasoline engine)
SKYACTIV-G 2.5T (turbocharged gasoline engine)
Photos & Source: Mazda North American Operations.



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Aston Martin Vantage: Styling Wonder or Blunder?

Aston Martin Vantage: Styling Wonder or Blunder?

GAH! Whoa, wait! Hold up here a second! Look, I know a car company has to grow and progress and all that sort of thing, but Aston Martin, I think you might want to really give some thought to where you’re heading. And no, I’m not just talking about the color they’ve chosen for the new Vantage, that’s enough of an eyesore. No, I mean the overall design.
Vantage Point
Aston Martin’s main stock in trade for a very long time has been style. Not style at the expensive of performance, but style in concert with performance. If you just went by pure performance, why would you buy an Aston Martin over something like a Ferrari, for roughly the same amount of doe-rae-mi? You wouldn’t, really. Aston Martins are okay, numbers-wise, but not outstanding. What pushes a lot of people over the top is how an Aston Martin looks. They’re sort of the automotive equivalent of the really good looking guy in a Savile Row suit. He seems like marriage material ladies, then he opens his mouth and you realize he won’t be in the running for the Lucasian Chair at Oxford any time soon. And that’s okay. I understand wanting a certain level of style in your life. And, frankly, the numbers on the new Vantage ain’t that bad.
The front splitter on the new Aston Martin Vantage directs air underneath, where a system of fences channel it. The design of the rear diffuser creates an area of low pressure air that helps prevent rear wheel turbulence. Preventing such turbulence is important when it comes to having the air exit centrally from beneath the rear of the car. Photo: Drew Gibson, Aston Martin The Americas.
Power & Performance
The most important figures here are the max speed of 195 mph and the 0 to 60 sprint in 3.6 seconds. Okay numbers, but, you know, a Ferrari 488 GTB would jump all over it with both feet. This performance all flows from a new alloy 4-liter, twin-turbo V8 engine. The plant is set low and well back in the chassis, making for an optimal center of gravity and 50:50 weight distribution. Said mill puts out 503 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 505 lb-ft. of torque. The dry weight is a not all that inconsiderable 3,373 lbs.
All that power and torque heads to the rear wheels only (thank you) via a rear-mounted ZF eight-speed automatic transmission and transaxle. It employs a suite of integrated electronic systems, like Dynamic Stability Control and Dynamic Torque Vectoring for maximum grip and fun. This is also the first Aston Martin with an E-Diff Electronic Rear Differential.
Aston Martin says the new Vantage has a “formidable” power-to-weight ratio. Photo: Drew Gibson, Aston Martin The Americas.


Solid Architecture
The new Vantage chassis is similar to the bonded aluminum structure first seen on the DB11. 70 percent of the structure’s components are new for the Vantage, improving overall balance, strength, rigidity, and weight efficiency. There’s a solidly mounted rear subframe for an enhanced understanding of what the rear tires are doing (most likely locking up and shooting you forward like a golf ball from a tee). Speaking of tires, those are new Pirelli P Zeros developed specifically for the Vantage. There’s also Aston Martin’s latest Adaptive Damping System that incorporates Skyhook technology with Sport, Sport Plus, and Track modes at the flip of a switch.
Technology Central
And, since the new Vantage costs about as much as a one bedroom condo in Detroit, it features a high level of standard equipment. Keyless start/stop, a tire pressure monitoring system, Parking Distance Display, Park Assist, and front and rear parking sensors are all there. The entertainment system, controlled via a centrally mounted eight-inch LCD screen, includes the Aston Martin Audio System, Bluetooth streaming, iPod, iPhone, and USB playback, along with satellite navigation and Wi-Fi.
Drivers will find plenty of stowage space behind the seats or with the double-tier storage areas. Photo: Drew Gibson, Aston Martin The Americas.
Styling Blunder?
All this is well and true and good as a high performance sports car should be. It’s the styling that leaves me and the rest of the kids at One Automoblog Towers ruefully shaking our heads. Oh sure, Aston Martin crows about the Vantage, using words and phrases like “spectacular” and “bold and distinctive design language” and “sculptural forms” and “athletic, predatory stance” and “muscular flanks and broad haunches express the agility and . . .” stop, just stop. We get it. Just speaking for myself, it seems kind of ham-handed and lacking in subtlety. The headlights are way squinty, the front end seems half thought out, there’s a bunch of go-fast kicks and flips and aero bits and pieces that I’m sure help with performance, but look like something from a Fast and Furious movie.
And look, we get that styling is subjective and some people will actually be okay with what Aston Martin is doing here. And others will just be fan-boys that will genuflect at anything and everything that comes out of the shops at Gaydon. But really, Aston Martin should haul this back in before they turn into this decade’s Chris Bangle-sized punch line.
The new Vantage is currently on sale with a retail price starting at $149,995. Deliveries are scheduled to begin during the second quarter of 2018.
Tony Borroz has spent his entire life racing antique and sports cars. He means well, even if he has a bias toward lighter, agile cars rather than big engine muscle cars or family sedans.
Aston Martin Vantage Gallery






































Photos & Source: Aston Martin The Americas.



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Glickenhaus Unveils SCG 004S

Glickenhaus Unveils SCG 004S

Denny Hulme, the great world champion driver from New Zealand once said, “if it wins, it’s beautiful.” He was, of course, right. The Glickenhaus SCG 004S comes from a fine, recent lineage of race cars that beat the competition the way Paul Ferguson beats drums: Ferociously.
As a quick recap, when Scuderia Cameron Glickenhaus took the SCG 003C, the competition predecessor to the SCG 004S, to the Nurburgring Nordschleife, driver Jeff Westphal covered the course in 6:33.20. I’ll let that time sink in while you try and match it on your xBox.
How’d that go? Right. So it doesn’t take much of an imagination to know what this car can do in real life.
Power & Performance
The specs are impressive to say the least. The chassis and body are made entirely of carbon fiber, of course, so the all up weight is around 2,600 lbs., or about a Miata with two big guys in it. All this carbon goodness is propelled down the road thanks to a 5-liter, twin-turbo V8 engine that cranks out around 650 horsepower and 531 ft-lb. of torque. Redline is a healthy 8,200 rpm and cogs are chosen via a 6-speed manual gearbox or an optional paddle shift, two pedal setup. Speaking of setups, the Glickenhaus SCG 004S features a three seat arrangement with the driver in the center, like a McLaren F1 or Ferrari’s Guida Centrale. You can get the 004S in a choice of shades, along with natural and tinted carbon fiber options.
Photo: Scuderia Cameron Glickenhaus.
Hometown Hero
You also get that swell of patriotic pride knowing the 004S is designed and manufactured right here in the United States of America. 004Ss will be sold by Scuderia Cameron Glickenhaus as a turn key car with a real 17 digit VIN number, thanks to the NHTSA Low Volume Manufacturers Status SCG now enjoys. Another enjoyable thing about earning that status is how the 004S is both safety and emissions compliant. So you can register, plate, and drive this thing on the road, just like it was a Camry.
The really, really cool thing about getting that VIN number is that it allows SCG to scale and race in the GTE, GTLM, and GT3 classes at places like the 24 Hours of Nurburgring, Daytona, Sebring, and eventually, the pinnacle of endurance racing: Le Mans. Meaning the thumping that people like Aston Martin and Porsche have taken at the 24 Hours of Nurburgring at the hands of the Glickenhaus P4/5C and SCG 003C might expand to new locations. You have been warned.
Photo: Scuderia Cameron Glickenhaus.


Ultimate Test Drive
How much? Er, well, not cheap. Not exorbitantly stupid, but still, with a base price $400,000, it ain’t chicken feed.  SCG says they’ll have a running prototype going by mid-2018. The first 25 Founders Editions are scheduled for delivery in 2018 or 2019. There’s no mention of increased cost for going the Founders Edition route, but the company says the cars will go to “SCG supporters who will drive them and give SCG feedback, which will help to make them great cars.”
In other words, you’d kind of be a company test driver/beta tester. Cool!
They also mention Founders Editions are expected to sell out soon. Which means the slots in the reservation book and the checks are already piling up. After putting out 25 Founders Editions, a full production run of 250 cars is expected by 2019 or 2020. Scuderia Cameron Glickenhaus is currently in discussions to partner with several multi-billion dollar automotive suppliers so they can reach those production numbers by that time. SCG is also building, from the ground up, a dealer network with sales and service beginning in 2019.
It is also worth pointing out, both to Scuderia Cameron Glickenhaus and to any well-healed, would-be purchasers out there, that we here at Automoblog are more than willing to work with you regarding writing very high quality, bespoke histories and experiences of your car, or even performing thorough tests and evaluations of any given car (or cars) if you would like us to do so. We hasten to point out that we are all very good drivers here and would have no problem keeping you posted as to fuel bills to be paid and the like.
Tony Borroz has spent his entire life racing antique and sports cars. He means well, even if he has a bias toward lighter, agile cars rather than big engine muscle cars or family sedans.
Photos & Source: Scuderia Cameron Glickenhaus.



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2011 Aston Martin Vantage Coupe 2011 Aston Martin V8 Vantage Coupe 41,350 Miles Gray 4.7L V8 DOHC 32V...

2011 Aston Martin Vantage Coupe 2011 Aston Martin V8 Vantage Coupe 41,350 Miles Gray 4.7L V8 DOHC 32V...

$39,500.00 (0 Bids) End Date: Wednesday May-1-2019 15:31:22 PDT Bid now | Add to watch list

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Avoid These 5 Common Mistakes When Shipping Your Car

Avoid These 5 Common Mistakes When Shipping Your Car When it comes to shipping your car, there are some common mistakes and pitfalls to avoid. 
From pick up to delivery, it’s important to know the facts and what to expect ahead of time.  
The experts at RoadRunner Auto Transport explain what to look for when shipping your car.  
Many people who ship a car are doing so for the first time. Most people go into the process completely unprepared. Taking the right steps to research the auto transport companies you are considering can help you save money and frustration. Then, taking the correct steps to prepare for your shipment can help you save time and energy.
One of the easiest ways to avoid making mistakes is to start planning your shipment well in advance. If you know you need to ship your car, you should start thinking about it at least two months in advance. Then, you should book your shipment at least a month in advanced.
In addition to that, here are the most common mistakes to avoid when shipping your car.
Mistake #1: Not Being Ready
When the driver comes to pick up your car, you need to be ready for the process. Your car needs to be clean so they can inspect it and take note of any existing damage on the bill of lading. You also need to have the proper documentation ready for them to check. This includes photo identification (valid license or passport), your e-mail confirmation of your booking printed out, your insurance certificate, proof of vehicle ownership as well as the vehicle’s registration.
Mistake #2: Not Doing Enough Research
A lot of people will just Google “auto transport” or a similar search term, and immediately book with the first company they find. However, there are, unfortunately, a lot of unsavory companies out there. Some companies will offer bait and switch pricing; then after they have possession of your vehicle, will inform you there has “been an issue” and that you need to pay an additional amount. This can total several hundred dollars in order for your shipment to continue. If you do not pay, they will hold your car, possibly until you take them to court.
Either way, you will be without your car for a while because of this.
Some companies will damage your car and refuse to pay for it. Others might have poor customer service. However, there are good and trustworthy companies out there when you need to ship a car. You just need to do the research to verify they are trusted before you book your car shipment. Use sites like Consumer Reports along with Google reviews to see what past customers have to say about any vehicle transport company. The more research you do ahead of time, the better.

Mistake #3: Trusting “Too Good To Be True” Promises
Auto transport is a process where unpredictable things can happen during the course of a shipment. This includes traffic delays and inclement weather delays. It is realistically not possible for an auto transport company to guarantee a single day as a delivery date. Any reputable or semi-reputable car shipping company will give you a three to five-day window, depending on the overall length of the shipment, and when they will drop off your car at its destination.
Mistake #4: Leaving Personal Items In Your Vehicle
If you leave personal items in your car during shipment, they will not be covered by the shipping insurance if they are lost or damaged. So, if you leave any valuables in the car and they go missing or get damaged, you will need to cover the entire cost of replacing them. Do yourself a favor and remove any valuable items from your vehicle before it gets picked up for shipping.

Mistake #5: Not Recording Damage
Always write down any damage incurred during the shipment on the bill of lading. Once your car is delivered, you will need to conduct your own visual inspection. This way you will ensure that no damage occurred during the transport of your vehicle. Unfortunately but rarely, damage does occur. However, if it does, mark it down on the bill of lading during your inspection at delivery. This way you can file a damage claim with that particular car shipping company. If you don’t do this when your car is delivered and the driver is still there, you won’t be able to file a damage claim.
And you will end up paying to repair the damage yourself.
Conclusion
The auto shipping process can be simple and easy or complicated and frustrating. It all depends on how prepared you are for your vehicle to be picked up and delivered, as well as how few of the previously mentioned mistakes you make. Use this guide from the very start of the car shipping process when you are gathering quotes and researching companies, all the way until your car has been delivered safely.
Avoiding these missteps could save you thousands of dollars and a ton of time too.
This advice provided by RoadRunner Auto Transport, a leader in nationwide door-to-door auto shipping services. Their dedicated team of shipping professionals will arrange and transport your vehicle with care from start to finish. RoadRunner Auto Transport provides reliable car shipping for both individuals and companies, moving thousands of vehicles on a monthly basis. 



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Jaguar I-PACE Takes On The Arctic (Video)

Jaguar I-PACE Takes On The Arctic (Video) When Tony Westerlund, a potential Jaguar customer from Sweden, asked some challenging questions about how the new I-PACE would perform in the Arctic, the automaker responded by inviting him to Arjeplog to drive the car. Westerlund joined Jaguar’s engineers as rigorous extreme weather testing was being conducted on the new I-PACE at the company’s cold weather test facility in Arjeplog, Sweden.
The area is known for its bitter cold conditions where temperatures can drop to 40 below.
Fast Charging
Jaguar says the new I-PACE with DC fast charging capability can go from zero to 80 percent in about 45 minutes with a 100kW charger. While plugged in, drivers can prep the car’s battery and cabin temperature ahead of time without compromising range. Jaguar says this “pre-conditioning” ensures maximum range, performance, and comfort whether temperatures are freezing cold or extremely hot. The pre-conditioning can be controlled via the on-board InControl system or through the Jaguar InControl Remote app.
I-PACE models await testing at Jaguar’s cold weather test facility in Arjeplog, Sweden. Photo: Jaguar Land Rover.
In Person
The Jaguar I-PACE will be revealed during a live global broadcast on March 1st, 1:00 pm ET/19:00 CET, with the public debut set for the Geneva Motor Show on March 6th. The new I-PACE goes on sale later this year. In the meantime, the video below shows Westerlund behind the wheel at Jaguar’s facility in Arjeplog.
Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and resides in Detroit, Michigan. He studies mechanical engineering at Wayne State University, serves on the Board of Directors for the Ally Jolie Baldwin Foundation, and is a loyal Detroit Lions fan.

Photos, Video & Source: Jaguar Land Rover.



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2019 Mazda CX-5 Signature Review: A Sports Car In Disguise

2019 Mazda CX-5 Signature Review: A Sports Car In Disguise 95SOLID Overall Impression Upscale interior.Plenty of standard features.Ride is a little firm for the class. ProsEngine Power Interior Trim & Accents Sporty Handling & SteeringConsFuel Economy Rear Cargo/LegroomThe Mazda CX-5 was high on the fun-to-drive meter before the new turbocharged engine arrived, but now it has power to spare, even at altitude. The new 2.5-liter turbo four-cylinder, sourced from the three-row CX-9, adds even more fun for driving enthusiasts. We recently jumped behind the wheel of the 2019 Mazda CX-5 Signature with all-wheel drive, the top-trim in the model line. The new Signature trim gets a broader list of premium features and conveniences to match the enjoyable driving dynamics. 
What’s New For 2019
For 2019, the Mazda CX-5 gets a more powerful engine for Grand Touring Reserve and Signature trims. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is now available, as are ventilated front seats and a surround-view parking camera. G-Vectoring Control Plus, a series of motion control technologies to increase steering response, is standard on all CX-5 models.
Features & Options: Just The Right Amount 
The 2019 Mazda CX-5 Signature AWD ($36,890) comes standard with 19-inch wheels, adaptive headlights, LED fog lights, heated side mirrors, premium Nappa leather upholstery, a power-adjustable passenger seat, and driver-seat memory functions. The upgraded driver information display pairs with a navigation system and satellite radio. The top Signature trim also adds ambient lighting, wood trim, chrome accents, front and rear parking sensors, and the aforementioned surround-view camera.
Mazda’s i-ACTIVSENSE safety systems, like Smart City Brake Support and Blind Spot Monitoring with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, are standard on all CX-5 models.
Total MSRP including destination: $39,030. By comparison, the 2019 Mazda CX-5 starts at $24,350 in the Sport configuration. 

Interior Highlights: The Little Things Add Up
This CX-5 Signature interior takes a step forward over the standard trim with the Nappa leather seats and stitching on the dash, console, and door panels. The quality of materials is excellent, but it should be for this price. The cabin is driver-focused with a leather-wrapped steering wheel that offers a nice range of tilt-and-telescoping positions. The seats are comfortable and offer plenty of adjustments and support for long-distance driving. However, with the interior, the little niceties really add up. For example, the shift-lever location fits the driver’s hand perfectly. 
The seven-inch touchscreen’s resolution is sharp and it sits high atop the stylish dash, but it’s a bit too far away for our liking; and that’s really our only complaint about the interior. The infotainment controller in the center console includes a radio volume control knob that’s easy to find without taking your eyes off the road. This Signature tester came with heated (and cooled) front seats and a heated steering wheel for extra comfort on the recent cold spring mornings here in Colorado.
If you need to carry cargo, the 40/20/40 split-folding backseat reclines. Behind the rear seat, there’s 31 cubic feet of cargo storage, and 60 cubes with the rear folded flat. It’s a bit less than competitors, including the Toyota RAV4, Ford Escape, Honda CR-V, and Subaru Forester.

Engine & Fuel Mileage Specs
The big news for 2019 is the CX-5’s new SKYACTIV-G engine, paired with all-wheel drive and a six-speed automatic transmission. The 2.5-liter turbo four-cylinder produces 250 horsepower (on 93 octane) and a healthy 310 lb-ft. of torque. The extra power comes at a price, however. The spicier engine returns an EPA estimated 22/27 city/highway and 24 combined mpg. That’s if you keep your foot out of the turbo!
The new engine uses cooled exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) to increase efficiency, but when it comes to fuel economy, the 2019 CX-5 lags behind when compared to other similar vehicles.
Those looking for a more fuel-efficient CX-5 should consider the available 2.2-liter diesel. With all-wheel drive, it delivers an EPA-estimated 27/30 city/highway and 28 combined mpg. The engine creates 168 horsepower at 4,000 rpm and 290 lb-ft. of torque at 2,000 rpm. The standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder is still available in a front-wheel drive configuration.
Mazda’s new SKYACTIV-G 2.5T engine for the 2019 CX-5.
Driving Dynamics: Energetic & Fun 
The CX-5 with the new turbo plant is higher on the fun-to-drive meter than any other compact crossover out there, despite the fuel economy. Last year, we complained about the naturally-aspirated engine needing more power for those traveling up into the high country or hauling extra cargo over a high mountain pass. Now with the turbo, the CX-5 has power to spare. And it still responds like a sports sedan around the tight curves.
Driving Dynamics: Sporty & Smooth 
The steering is precise and the suspension is tuned for sporty driving over comfort. We instantly noticed Mazda’s new G-Vectoring Control Plus feature while in the mountains. The system makes steering response more consistent by using small changes in engine output to shift weight to the front tires whenever the driver turns the wheel. In this updated Plus version, as the driver straightens the wheel, braking is applied to the outside front wheel. The system helps prevent someone from “over-driving” the vehicle, especially at higher speeds or during evasive maneuvers.  
The cabin was quiet, and the turbo doesn’t make much noise even at highway speeds. With the heated seats, steering wheel, and heads-up display, this small SUV feels like a more expensive vehicle. Overall, it’s the most fun we’ve ever had in a compact crossover, having tested the competition. If you live where there’s lots of twisty roads or bad weather, this is the vehicle for you.
Conclusion: Nicely Balanced 
The 2019 Mazda CX-5 is a standout in the compact SUV segment. It provides an excellent balance of sportiness, comfort and practicality, and its upscale interior conveys a sense of richness you don’t find in rivals. It’s a good choice for driving enthusiasts who want to have a little more fun when getting around town. 
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 Mazda CX-5 Gallery 











Photos: Mazda North American Operations.



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2018 Hyundai Accent: Product & Performance Overview

2018 Hyundai Accent: Product & Performance Overview

Hyundai says the new features on tap for the 2018 Accent will make the car more satisfying for customers. An efficient and affordable people mover in its own right, the new Accent is billed as a “class above” by Hyundai. SE buyers will see a handful of new standard features; those going after one of the upper trims will see an array of connectivity and styling enhancements.
Across the lineup, the Accent sees improved noise isolation and better driving dynamics when compared to prior generations.
Power & Performance
The 2018 Hyundai Accent is powered by a 1.6-liter Gamma four-cylinder engine, creating 130 horsepower and 119 lb-ft. of torque. The engine, complete with gasoline direct injection, is paired to either a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic transmission; the latter shed four pounds during development. Upgrades, including low-friction piston rings, a variable fuel pressure module, and new engine software boost the Accent’s driving dynamics.
Photo: Hyundai Motor America.
Ride & Handling
The 2018 Hyundai Accent is comprised of over 50 percent advanced high-strength steel, up about 13 percent from the prior generation. The marked improvement in torsional rigidity (32 percent) provides the driver with a solid on-road feel and reduced cabin noise. The advanced high-strength steel architecture is also beneficial for crash energy absorption and impact protection. Improvements were made to the front crumple zones and airbags. This, along with other reinforcements, ensure the Accent’s collision absorption performance is on point, particularly in small overlap crashes.
The rear roll center has been raised and the leverage ratio of the rear shock absorbers increased. Hyundai says this move, when paired with the standard Motor-Driven Power Steering system, bolsters handling and comfort.
Exterior & Interior Details
Hyundai’s cascading grille, the automaker’s trademark, is complimented by wraparound headlights and the available LED daytime running lights. A 0.28 coefficient drag is achieved through a new front spoiler, lower ride height, and a uniquely sculpted underbody.
The 2018 Accent also has more room inside when compared to a 2017. The new model is wider by 1.2 inches and longer by 0.6 inches; the wheelbase also increases by 0.4 inches, moving the wheels just enough to provide more interior room. Passenger volume grows to 90.2 cubic feet and cargo volume to 13.7 cubic feet, for 103.9 total cubic feet of interior volume. Both figures surpass the Ford Fiesta and Toyota Yaris, two of Hyundai’s biggest competitors.
Photo: Hyundai Motor America.


SE Trim
Standard features for the SE include a color touchscreen audio system, rearview camera, Bluetooth capability, steering wheel mounted audio and cruise controls, a spare tire, and 15-inch wheels. Hyundai notes the additional standard content adds a modest $250.00 to the MSRP versus a 2017 model. Other features include auxiliary input jacks, six-way adjustable driver’s seat, sliding sunvisors, dual vanity mirrors, tinted glass, rear defroster, and front and rear door map pockets.
SEL Trim
The mid-level SEL grade has a seven-inch Display Audio system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, dual charging USB ports, center console storage box with sliding armrest, and a driver’s blind spot mirror. Other SEL highlights include 15-inch alloy wheels, four-wheel disc brakes, and heated bodycolor mirrors.
Photo: Hyundai Motor America.
Limited Trim
The Limited trim adds a lot of styling flare with 17-inch wheels and a number of chrome elements, including the grille, beltline molding, and outside door handles. Up front, the Limited features projection headlights, LED daytime running lights, and fog lights. Niceties include a power sunroof, leather wrapped steering wheel and shifter, automatic temperature control, heated front seats, and push button start.
The Limited trim also includes a forward collision warning system. A forward-facing radar unit detects if the driver is closing too quickly on another vehicle. If there is no reaction, the brakes deploy automatically to either avoid or mitigate the collision.
Pricing & Availability
The 2018 Hyundai Accent is available now. Below is a complete pricing chart for each model.
Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and resides in Detroit, Michigan. 
Model
Transmission
Suggested Retail
Accent Sedan SE
6-speed Manual Transmission
$14,995
Accent Sedan SE
6-speed Automatic Transmission
$15,995
Accent Sedan SEL
6-speed Automatic
$17,295
Accent Sedan Limited
6-speed Automatic
$18,895
2018 Hyundai Accent Gallery























Photos & Source: Hyundai Motor America.



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Automoblog Book Garage: 3 Gotta Have Books For The Gearhead

Automoblog Book Garage: 3 Gotta Have Books For The Gearhead

When it comes to our holiday shopping lists, there’s always that one person who is a bit hard to buy for. And admittedly, us car loving folks can be a challenge. If you ask an automotive enthusiast what they want for Christmas, they are likely to say their favorite $50,000 to $150,000 sports/performance car. And while that’s fine, it’s not necessarily the easiest gift for you to wrap and put under the tree, let alone purchase.
Conversation Starters
The gift of automotive literature is something the car enthusiast on your list will enjoy for years. Our Book Garage series is filled with books that make great conversation pieces when placed on a coffee table. And you know how much we car enthusiasts love to talk about our favorite rides. Below are three of our favorite books from our series this year. While it was hard to pick only three, we think any one of these will resonate with the car enthusiast in your life this holiday season.
Muscle Car Source Book
Easily one of our favorites, Muscle Car Source Book presents this incredible era in a manner representative of its name: as a source book. From Ford, Chevrolet, and Pontiac, to Buick, AMC, and Dodge, all of the performance data for each car is displayed on tables. The essential specs, from horsepower and torque, to curb weight and fuel tank capacity are laid out.
Author Mike Mueller dives deep, hitting the performance options available for each car featured, including the engine options, gauge packages, and wheel-and-tire configurations. If there’s a person in your life mad for muscle cars, this is definitely the book for them.
$35.79 via Amazon.
Photo: Mike Mueller.
Art of the Classic Sports Car
The scope and breadth of this book is really something and likely to be appreciated by all car lovers. The Art of the Classic Sports Car: Pace and Grace documents the true sports cars of the automotive world; cars that unlike their “normal” counterparts, ride, handle, and sprint in remarkable ways. The question remains, however, what was the first sports car? This sparks a good, healthy debate among enthusiasts but if it’s one thing we usually agree on, it’s how these cars truly stand out.
The book covers some of the most legendary sports cars from the likes of Jaguar, Chevrolet, Triumph, MG, Aston Martin, Ferrari, Lotus, Alfa-Romeo, and BMW – their full specs are detailed and their stories told. One of the best is when author Stuart Codling documents the Ferrari 250 California; how Enzo Ferrari faced a desperate postwar Italian economy to develop a truly marvelous 240 horsepower machine unlike anything else at the time.
$6.92 via Amazon.
Photo: James Mann.
Winning: The Racing Life of Paul Newman
The holidays are a time of reflection and as such, new resolutions for the new year are often made. This book will help inspire the car enthusiast in your life with their resolutions. Consider the late Paul Newman. When he was 70, Newman entered the 24 Hours of Daytona and would end up racing until he was 82. In this book, we see the beginnings of his racing career at an age when most had already retired. The man who voiced the lovable Doc Hudson shows us that age is only a number, something we can all appreciate as the new year comes to fruition.
Matt Stone and Preston Lerner team for this remarkable book, which was later made into a documentary of the same name and directed by Adam Carolla.
$10.43 via Amazon.
From Winning: The Racing Life of Paul Newman.
Bonus Book: The Art of Mopar
Okay, so one more . . . save this one for that Mopar maniac on your shopping list – the one that proudly says “Mopar or no car.” This book is literally perfect for them. Detailed sidebars decorate the pages of Art of Mopar, highlighting the features, options, pricing, and performance specs of Chrysler’s muscle cars at the time. Interesting stories are told along the way, like how a carving on a kitchen table inspired the most famous Mopar logo ever. Like Muscle Car Source Book, this is one of our favorites.
An awesome line comes on page 44.
“There’s an adage in Detroit,” writes author Tom Glatch. “You can sell an old man a young man’s car but you can never sell a young man an old man’s car.”
$34.00 via Amazon.
Happy Holidays! And best of luck in your shopping adventures. If you need additional ideas, there are plenty of other gifts sure to be appreciated by the car enthusiast on your list.
Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and resides in Detroit, Michigan. 
Automoblog’s Book Garage is done in partnership with Motorbooks, 401 Second Avenue North, Suite 310, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55401. They are among the world’s leading transportation publishers with books penned and illustrated by today’s most respected motoring writers and photographers. Motorbooks celebrated 50 years in 2015.
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