Automotive

This New Rezvani Shows Why Modesty Is For The Birds

This New Rezvani Shows Why Modesty Is For The Birds Let us welcome, fellow gearheads and speed freaks, the latest debutant to the world boutique supercars: The Rezvani Beast Alpha X “Blackbird.” Yes, that’s it’s real name. No, it has nothing to do with insufferable Michael Bay movies (yet) nor is it a kid’s toy (yet). But it most definitely is part of the retinue of boutique supercars like Koenigsegg and Gumpert and Scuderia Glickenhaus.
Select Slices
For those of you not clued in, boutique supercars aim for a particular niche of an already niche market. Say you’re really rich. And say you want a car that both feeds your enormous ego and shows other people how rich and special you are. Buy a Ferrari or a Lambo or a McLaren? Are you daft?! No, no, no. You need something as unique and special as you are. Unfortunately, that also means you could wind up with something that’s as fly-by-night and structurally flawed as you are, but hey, you gotta be you, y’know?
Photo: Rezvani Motors.
Less Than Subtle
So you go out and get something like a Koenigsegg or a Gumpert or a Scuderia Glickenhaus, or Rezvani hopes, something like the Beast Alpha X “Blackbird.” What the Beast Alpha X “Blackbird” is, in many ways, is a rather “normal” example of what a modern supercar is. It’s smaller than you’d expect, mid-engined, and a two seater with a removable targa roof panel. Styling-wise it looks like what would happen if a Lotus Evora and any of this year’s Lambos had a baby. There are curves, but they’re largely mishandled, and there are, as one would expect, huge aero bits and pieces chopping off hunks of air here and cleaving it over there. The car has the subtlety of a 15-year-old’s drawing on his high school notebook. Then again, how subtle would you expect something named the Beast Alpha X “Blackbird” to look?
Curiously, the Rezvani is an American-made boutique supercar. Orange County, California, to be exact. Rezvani even goes the whole way and builds their own engines. To my way of thinking, rolling out your own bespoke supercar and having it powered by something off the rack like a small block Chevy means you’ve just made a kit car with pretensions.
Photo: Rezvani Motors.
Power & Performance
In the case of the Beast Alpha X “Blackbird,” said lump is an in-house designed and built . . . four cylinder. Wait, what? Yup, it’s motivated by a four-banger, albeit one that cranks out serious power. Rezvani says it’s a “reliable and powerful” 2.5-liter, 700 horsepower four-pot with a forced aspiration system driven by twin turbochargers. Apparently. Rezvani only mentions “turbocharger,” singular, but the engine pics on their website show two of them screwed onto the block. Whatever. Rezvani also says the turbo setup is “innovative and efficient” but does not give any details about how that is.
They do say the powerplants are built from the ground up using new Carillo racing forged pistons, rods, cams, valves, springs, and a Cosworth sourced ECU. Again, that’s kind of off the rack. Rezvani also states the engine “allows for a low cost of ownership and service,” which implies the thing won’t explode like a hand grenade, but still, 700 ponies from only 2.5 quarts and only four pistons seems like it’s asking a lot. Coupled to that plant is a close ratio 6-speed manual transmission or an optional sequential automatic box.
Also worryingly, Rezvani says it was designed with one thing in mind: brutal power. Brutal doesn’t sound like something that would go along with drivability does it?
Photo: Rezvani Motors.
Open Sesame
Since this is a boutique supercar, of course the doors are goofy and complex. Rezvani calls them SideWinder doors, and has even gone so far as to trademark the SideWinder name. They say the doors “provide a unique experience unlike any other,” but I’m not sure how they mean that. None of the pictures I see show how the things work. The seats are designed and built in-house, however, so that’s a nice touch.
The instrument cluster is a programmable dash display setup, with shift lights and shift points pre-programmed to tell the driver when to shift for maximum horsepower and torque. Unfortunately, the instrument cluster looks like they got it from a 1985 Corvette. That was cool when Cyndi Lauper was new, but less so now.
Photo: Rezvani Motors.
Pricing & Availability
All this carbon fiber bodywork, wrung 2.5 four-banger, and 2,150 lbs. of all-up weight equal one performance claim: zero to 60 in 2.9 Seconds. Which is impressive. They don’t say when you can get one but pricing starts at $225,000. That is before you begin adding stuff using the cute little configuration thing on their website.
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.
Rezvani Beast Alpha X “Blackbird” Gallery

Photos & Source: Rezvani Motors.

Check out these Automotive tips

http://carsecret.atspace.eu/blog/this-new-rezvani-shows-why-modesty-is-for-the-birds/

2017 Jeep Renegade Trailhawk 4X4 Review

2017 Jeep Renegade Trailhawk 4X4 Review
If you are looking for a cute urban commuter that’s still capable for weekend excursions to the high country, the Jeep Renegade Trailhawk 4×4 could be the ticket. Renegade is unmistakably a Jeep with its tall, vertical sides, round headlights, and signature grille. What sets it apart is its compact size and wide stance.
Our tester came with the Trailhawk 4×4 package. It just wouldn’t be a Jeep without it, right? This week, we drove the 2017 Jeep Renegade Trailhawk 4×4. One thing is for sure: it’s ready to take you away from civilization.
What’s New For 2017 & 2018
The 2017 and 2018 Jeep Renegade essentially carried over from 2016 with the Trailhawk as the top trim. Xenon headlights, automatic high beams, and keyless ignition and entry are new features.
Features & Options
The 2017 Jeep Renegade Trailhawk 4×4 ($26,895) gets the full off-road package that includes hill descent control, a raised suspension, tow hooks, and underbody skid plates. It features 17-inch alloy wheels wrapped in all-terrain tires, unique exterior accents, a full-size spare, an upgraded driver information display, and a 115-volt power outlet. Our tester came complete with premium cloth upholstery, red interior stitching, a leather-wrapped shift knob, and a removable cargo floor panel.
We also had the optional navigation ($1,245) featuring a 6.5-inch touchscreen, HD radio, and Uconnect (includes extra safety features, a WiFi hotspot, and voice texting). A Cold Weather package ($545) included heated front seats, windshield wiper deicer, and a heated steering wheel. The Safety group ($645) included blind spot/cross path detection, a security alarm, and rear tonneau cover. It also came with remote start ($205).
Total MSRP including destination: $30,630.

Interior Highlights
The cabin of the Renegade is surprisingly roomy and comes with plenty of head, shoulder, and legroom. The shape of the Renegade helps give it an open feeling with good outward visibility for a compact vehicle. The front seats are comfortable and nicely bolstered. Renegade is wider than many small SUVs too.
The interior of the Trailhawk features some unique nods to Jeep’s past. This includes things like a Jeep grille on the speaker housing, a mud splash for the redline on the tach, and a Moab topography map on the storage tray ahead of the gearshift. The heated seats and steering wheel will be especially welcomed on cold winter mornings or when hitting the trails in the back country on a ski trip. There is some hard plastic inside but many surfaces are soft-touch vinyl.
The back seats leave a little to be desired when it comes to room for adults, but this is a compact vehicle and not a full-size SUV. Storage capacity measures 18.5 cubic feet and cargo room is sizable behind the rear seat, which folds flat.

Engine & Fuel Mileage Specs
The 2017 Jeep Renegade Trailhawk features a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, two-speed transfer case, and off-road equipment. The 2.4-liter plant produces 180 horsepower and 175 lb-ft. of torque. It comes mated to a 9-speed automatic transmission driving all four wheels. The Renegade Trailhawk 4×4 comes in at 21/29 city/highway and 24 combined mpg according to EPA estimates.
Fuel economy rates middle of the pack for a compact SUV.
Driving Dynamics
In the city, Renegade drives like a small SUV and is particularly easy to maneuver in traffic or when navigating tight parking lots. Take it out on the highway and it offers a smooth ride with enough power for most driving situations. We tested the Trailhawk at high altitudes, going up steep mountain roads, and felt the small Jeep was underpowered when we needed it most. The 2.4-liter could use a bit more torque for pulling up steep inclines – it has to rev high to achieve its peak torque.
For city driving, most commuters will have sufficient power to get around urban streets and highways, however. The nine-speed transmission is better than a CVT, but wanted to hunt for the right gear as we pushed it hard up I-70 at altitude. The small SUV handled the two-lane mountain roads comfortably, coping with the curves as we went. There was some body lean due to the higher profile, however.
The Trailhawk is designed for rugged terrain, and it can go off-road easily with its 8.7-inches of ground clearance. Though mostly quiet on paved roads, the off-road tires do contribute to a noisier ride at higher speeds. Heavy snow hit the Denver area this week but with a flip of the switch to 4-wheel high, we plowed through 8-inches of snow without issue. We felt confident in the vehicle’s ability to get us anywhere we need to go.

Conclusion
Those wanting a capable urban commuter, with ample cargo room, flexibility, and off-road capability, will find the Renegade Trailhawk is good entry-level Jeep. It’s sufficiently refined as well as pleasantly capable for urban living. For the occasional weekend warrior, the Trailhawk offers plenty to keep you comfortable and warm in the back country.
Denis Flierl has invested over 25 years in the automotive industry in a variety of roles. Follow his work on Twitter: @CarReviewGuy
Jeep Renegade Trailhawk Gallery

Jeep Renegade Official Site.
Photos: FCA US LLC. (2018 models also shown).

Check out these Automotive tips

http://carsecret.atspace.eu/blog/2017-jeep-renegade-trailhawk-4x4-review/

This Feature On The 2018 Acura MDX Sport Hybrid Really Stands Out

This Feature On The 2018 Acura MDX Sport Hybrid Really Stands Out Admittedly, we have yet to drive a vehicle – namely the 2018 NSX supercar or RLX Sport Hybrid – with Acura’s latest Sport Hybrid Super Handling-All Wheel Drive system. Although we can imagine well enough what it’s capable of in something like the NSX and RLX, we do wonder how it might change up the ride and handling of an SUV like the MDX?
The 2018 MDX Sport Hybrid is equipped with the patented all-wheel drive, three-motor system from Acura.
Power & Performance
The MDX Sport Hybrid’s performance features are plentiful and exciting. For example, the 3.0-liter i-VTEC V6 engine creates 321 horsepower and 289 lb-ft. of torque, meaning it’s the most powerful SUV Acura has ever manufactured. Acura says despite turning out 30 additional horsepower and a 45 percent higher EPA city fuel economy rating when compared to the conventionally-powered MDX, the Sport Hybrid is only an extra $1,500.
In our minds, the hybrid variant is easily worth the extra money. That’s the way we would go.
Other performance features include a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, an Integrated Dynamics System with a SPORT+ mode, Active Dampers, and Electric Servo Brakes.
The 2018 Acura MDX Sport Hybrid comes in two new shades of red but this lighter gray/silver isn’t half bad either. Photo: Honda North America.
Color Schemes & Safety Tech
Acura’s designers must love red as two new colors, Basque Red Pearl II and San Marino Red, are now available. The Technology Package and Advance Package are on offer and include unique interior trim elements and stainless steel sport pedals. It’s worth noting the Technology Package can seat seven, while the Advance Package seats six with second-row captain’s chairs and a larger center console in place of a three-person bench seat.
Adaptive Cruise Control with Low Speed Follow, Forward Collision Warning, Lane Keeping Assist, and Collision Mitigation Braking are among the available safety systems.
Pricing & Availability
The 2018 Acura MDX Sport Hybrid is available now with a starting MSRP of $52,100. If you drive one off the lot, let us know on Twitter how you like the Super Handling-All Wheel Drive system.
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 & Source: Honda North America.

Check out these Automotive tips

http://carsecret.atspace.eu/blog/this-feature-on-the-2018-acura-mdx-sport-hybrid-really-stands-out/

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.

Check out these Automotive tips

http://carsecret.atspace.eu/blog/new-mazda6-to-debut-at-los-angeles-auto-show/

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.

Check out these Automotive tips

http://carsecret.atspace.eu/blog/aston-martin-vantage-styling-wonder-or-blunder/

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.

Check out these Automotive tips

http://carsecret.atspace.eu/blog/glickenhaus-unveils-scg-004s/

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

http://carsecret.atspace.eu/blog/2011-aston-martin-vantage-coupe-2011-aston-martin-v8-vantage-coupe-41350-miles-gray-4-7l-v8-dohc-32v-automatic/

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.

Check out these Automotive tips

http://carsecret.atspace.eu/blog/avoid-these-5-common-mistakes-when-shipping-your-car/

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.

Check out these Automotive tips

http://carsecret.atspace.eu/blog/jaguar-i-pace-takes-on-the-arctic-video/