Automotive

Saying Goodbye To The Rat: Remembering Niki Lauda

Saying Goodbye To The Rat: Remembering Niki Lauda Andreas Nikolaus “Niki” Lauda died on May 20th 2019. In many ways, grand prix racing was forever changed by his time spent behind the wheel. Nicknamed “The Rat” not because of his appearance (although he had more than a passing resemblance to a rodent) but because of his personality. Niki was as tough, focused, and uncompromising off the track as he was on it. He was, in short, a real sonofabitch.
Sorry, scratch that. He was, in short, a real fast sonofabitch.
The Rat: Fast & Furious
If you’ve seen the movie Rush (which, if you haven’t you really should) then you know who Niki is. He’s one of the co-stars in what is (unbelievably) a pretty good movie and a very good racing movie. Austrian by birth and Germanic by temperament, he was, by turns, cold, calculating, scheming, abrasive, abrupt, insulting, pointed, emotionless, shrewd, devious, brusque, terse, insolent, rude, and critical.
People did call Niki a number of things, but no one, and I mean no one, ever called him slow. He had a drive and will to succeed that was, upon first exposure, almost vulgar in its presentation and manner. If for some reason, you were faster than him, he would, like a computer, start calculating. He’d talk with engineers, he’d upbraid the mechanics, he would figure out what, if anything, was wrong with his car; imperiously demand it be made just to his liking, and then, when he was faced with the inescapable conclusion that he, Niki “The Rat” Lauda, was slow, he would simply go out and will himself to be faster.
It was a frightening combination of personal drive and Teutonic belligerence, combined with a cold-blooded killer instinct that saw Niki work his way to the top.

No Questions, No Compromises
A specific scene in Rush drives this home. When the drivers are debating whether to even race at the Nürburgring because of horrid wet conditions, at one point, Niki steps up and says (in so many words) ‘Why debate this? We already know who’s the fastest.’ “Because I’m quicker than all of you.” “Because I’m quicker than all of you,” is a direct quote. Not just from the movie, but from real life. It wasn’t a brag or a boast; that wasn’t a statement meant to knock his competitors off balance, that was a simple statement of fact. Niki was the fastest man ever around The Ring until years later. To him, saying something like that had no emotional weight to it.
Near as I could tell, he was devoid of empathetic understanding. If you took something personally that Niki said about you, then that was on you, not him. If you feel insulted, well, the truth hurts, don’t it buttercup?
The Comeback Kid
Niki made, in terms of a career, the biggest single comeback in the history of sports. At that very same race where he declared his superior speed, the 1976 German Grand Prix at the Nürburgring, Lauda crashed heavily at a kink just before the Bergwerk corner (now informally referred to as Lauda’s Kink).
His car, a Ferrari 312T, slammed into the barrier, got run into by Brent Lunger’s car, more or less broke up and then exploded. He suffered severe burns to his head and inhaled hot toxic gases that damaged his lungs and polluted his blood. He burned his right ear off and both eyelids. There was extensive scarring from the burns to his head; the hair on the right side of his head and both eyebrows were gone. One lung was completely collapsed and both were filled with the byproducts of your mucus membranes trying to cope with burning race fuel.
Lauda was conscious throughout and able to stand, but later lapsed into a coma. On the way to the hospital, a priest read him the last rites. Two days later, a different priest read them to him again. As far as the Catholic Church was concerned, Niki Lauda was dead. Twice. Only Niki didn’t want to die.
He had his lungs drained and vacuumed out three times without anesthetic. He limited the reconstructive surgery to replacing the eyelids only, since he needed them to drive. Since the rest of his head looked like something from a napalm test, he wore a cap to cover the scars and, get this, sold the space on the front to sponsors for advertising. Six weeks after his crash at The Ring, he was back in a race car for the Italian Grand Prix at Monza. Six. Figgin’. WEEKS.
Why? Because Niki wanted to, that’s why.
Niki Lauda at the 1977 Dutch Grand Prix.
Jack of All Trades
He lost the chance for back-to-back championships that year in 1976 because he pulled out of the Japanese GP, handing the championship to his archrival James Hunt. And after that season? He won the World Championship again, for the second time. Then he retired. Then he came back. Won the World Championship again for a third time. Really retired. Started an airline. Sold the airline and was somehow involved in the current Mercedes F1 program in a made up role of “non-executive chairman,” which means he was around to call BS where he saw BS, no matter who it torqued off.
Niki was as honest as he was fast, brutally so in both cases.
Lauda died in his sleep at the University Hospital of Zürich while undergoing dialysis treatment after a period of ill health according to Süddeutsche Zeitung. Or, as the paper succinctly, truthfully, and perhaps even coldly put it: “Niki Lauda ist tot.”
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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2020 Toyota Supra: The Best Toyota Sports Car?

2020 Toyota Supra: The Best Toyota Sports Car? The 2020 Toyota Supra is the first Supra in the United States in 21 years.
Toyota GAZOO Racing applied their vision when engineering the new Supra.
Expect the Supra in July with a fairly reasonable MSRP considering the performance.
Much has been said about the fifth-gen, 2020 Toyota Supra. We all know how the Supra is a rehashed version of the new BMW Z4, but that’s not exactly right.
And while we’re still left pondering on the fine line between Toyota and BMW sports cars, I think it’s time to stop comparing the Supra to the Z4 and try looking at it from a different perspective.
Setting The Stage
Yes, the BMW has a more powerful version of the turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six, and I was among the first to voice my opinion on this matter. Toyota claims the new Supra has a stiffer and more rigid chassis than the Lexus LF-A, and that’s saying a lot. Honestly, if the supposedly inferior chassis of the LF-A can handle a stonking 4.8-liter V10 motor with 560 horsepower, what’s holding back Toyota from giving the Supra more oomph?
When you think about it, my arguments are valid. But then again, I’m acting based on emotion. From a more technical and tangible perspective, I’m beginning to think the 2020 Toyota Supra is the best Toyota sports car yet; and this is despite the things I find wrong with it – which I’ll be talking more about in a bit.
2020 Toyota Supra. Photo: Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.
2020 Toyota Supra: Out With The Old
Naturally, I’m expecting the new Supra to be faster and more agile than the previous-gen A80 Supra. The new model has approximately 15 more horsepower than the 2JZ-GTE, and it also has a lighter body. The old Supra had semi-functional rear seats while the new model is strictly a two-plus-two, so I think the new Supra is more of a proper sports car than the old model. I can’t help but think if Toyota purposely went out of its way to wimp out the new Supra to, perhaps, glorify the Z4. I know it sounds ridiculous and that would be totally missing the point.
Let’s look at the nearest competitor of the Supra: the Nissan Skyline GT-R. Before the sixth-gen GT-R came bashing in with its 565 horsepower, turbocharged V6 motor, the fifth-generation Skyline with the RB26DETT inline-six only had 330 horsepower in stock form. That’s a huge jump! And now, the Nissan GT-R is regarded by many as a proper supercar.
Admittedly, I was expecting the new Supra to do the same. Instead, Toyota is talking about balance and how you don’t need a gazillion horsepower to have fun. The funny thing is, they’re right.
Photo: Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.
@Toyota is talking about balance with the #Supra and how you don’t need a gazillion horsepower to have fun.Click To TweetPower When You Need It Most
It’s foolish to talk about the Supra’s new inline-six motor without paying homage to the iconic 2JZ-GTE. That engine catapulted the Fast and the Furious movie franchise to dizzying heights. If you had an A80 Supra back in the day, not even a Porsche 911 Turbo 3.6 is fast enough to catch up, and we’re talking stock versus stock.
Naturally, Supra fans were expecting a revival of the 2JZ-GTE. I wouldn’t bat an eyelash if Toyota shoehorned a proper Japanese motor in the Supra for obvious reasons. But instead, the new Supra gets a BMW-derived 3.0-liter, turbocharged inline-six with continuously variable valve timing and direct fuel injection. It produces 335 horsepower and 365 lb-ft. of torque, which sounds measly compared to the 382 horsepower in the BMW Z4.
But with an eight-speed automatic and active differential between the rear wheels, the 2020 Toyota Supra is no slouch. In fact, it is faster than expected. Depending on grip levels and weather conditions, the new Supra can rocket from zero to 60 mph in 3.8 to 4.1 seconds. It scoots towards the quarter-mile in 12.3 seconds.
When you think about it, these performance numbers are inching towards the Chevrolet Corvette, BMW M2 Competition, and Porsche Cayman GTS. The new Supra is basically a muscle car at heart!
2020 Toyota Supra in Phantom Matte Gray. Photo: Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.
Sporty Stance & Precise Handling
The 2020 Toyota Supra has the styling elements of the FT-1 Concept, albeit in a more subdued manner. Thankfully, the production model retains those bulbous rear haunches to give the new Supra an aura of sophistication. Although beauty is in the eye of the beholder, I think the new Supra looks cleaner in the rear.
Toyota GAZOO Racing envisioned the new Supra as having a perfect 50:50 weight distribution, and a lower center of gravity. As a result, the Supra today is riding on a new, double-joint spring front suspension with aluminum control arms. The rear consists of a multi-link rear setup with steel and aluminum components. All Supra models have variable-assist and variable ratio, sport-tuned electric power steering and an adaptive variable suspension.
In order to enhance grip, the wheels and tires in the rear are wider. Those 19-inch forged alloys come with 255/35R19 Michelin Pilot Super Sport Tires in the front, and 275/35/R19 in the rear.
Photo: Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.
2020 Toyota Supra Trim Levels
The 2020 Supra is available in two grades: 3.0 and 3.0 Premium. Both models have the same powertrain. The difference is on the inside. The lower 3.0 grade has Alcantara seats and a 6.5-inch center display with Bluetooth and iPod connectivity. Options include a navigation system and premium JBL audio for an additional $2,400. The Supra 3.0 starts at $49,990.
The Supra 3.0 Premium gets a larger, 8.8-inch touchscreen display with navigation, Apple CarPlay (no Android Auto at the moment), a 12-speaker JBL audio system, heated leather seats, wireless charging, Supra Connect telematics services, and a color heads-up display. This model starts at $53,990.
Convenience & Safety Features
Standard on both is a leather-wrapped steering wheel, keyless smart entry, dual-zone automatic climate control, rain-sensing wipers, rear camera, power-folding mirrors, and auto-dimming rearview mirrors. The new Supra comes with a bevy of standard safety features, including automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, forward collision warning, lane departure warning with steering assist, and automatic high beams. The Driver Assist Package is optional and includes blind spot monitoring, full-speed adaptive cruise control, rear cross traffic alert, and parking sonar.
There’s also a Supra Launch Edition at $55,250. This model comes with red mirror caps, 19-inch forged matte black alloy wheels, carbon fiber interior accents, and a red or black-themed cabin.
2020 Toyota Supra Launch Edition in Absolute Zero White. Photo: Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.
Color My World
There’s no doubt the 2020 Toyota Supra is still a fun sports car, and the paint colors make it even more so. The palette includes Renaissance Red 2.0, Downshift Blue, Phantom Matte Gray, and Nitro Yellow. If you wish for a more subdued look, go for Absolute Zero White, Nocturnal Black, Turbulence Gray, or Tungsten Silver.
Things We Don’t Exactly Like
There aren’t many, but we have a few caveats. First is the non-availability of a proper manual transmission. Don’t get me wrong, I’m sure the eight-speed automatic is a delight to drive.
However, if Toyota gave the 86 a six-speed manual, would it hurt for the Supra to get one too?
Next is the interior. It pretty much resembles the cockpit of a BMW. This is not a deal breaker for most people, but many of the buttons and switchgear are clearly out of place in a Japanese sports car. More worrying are the expected maintenance costs given the nature of a car like the Supra. The Toyota name is known for two things: reliability and durability. Admittedly, it will be interesting to see if the new Supra lives up to the bulletproof reliability of the brand. We will find out when it goes on sale in July.
Photo: Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.
Future Considerations
Despite all this, the 2020 Toyota Supra is probably the best Toyota sports car ever made. It’s not the all-conquering hyper beast we’ve come to expect, nor is it the prettiest or the most exclusive among exotic sports cars. Yet, the Toyota Supra is still properly quick and agile without giving the driver an overwhelming sense of danger. It delivers the type of balance that normal drivers can enjoy each time behind the wheel.
And at the end of the day, isn’t this what we want from a Japanese sports car?
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 Toyota Supra Gallery

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

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Maserati Takes Over The Windy City

Maserati Takes Over The Windy City Maserati North America will have their entire 2018 lineup in the house at the Chicago Auto Show. Visitors will be able to view two Levante SUVs, the Ghibli sports sedan, the flagship Quattroporte executive sedan, and the GranTurismo sports car. The House of the Trident’s portfolio will be on display along with the available palettes and trims. All four distinct model lines have received upgrades for 2018 and attendees can see them firsthand.
Artistic Fashion
The 2018 Ghibli S Q4 on display is themed in a beautiful Grigio Maratea color alongside another in a striking Blu Emozione hue. Of the two Quattroporte vehicles on display, one is finished with a Bianco Alpi exterior and an ultra-luxurious Ermenegildo Zegna silk interior. The second is a 2018 Quattroporte GTS with a dark Nero Ribelle tone. In addition, there will be a black 2018 Levante S and a grey one, alongside a red 2018 GranTurismo MC.
The Ghibli and Levante now come in GranLusso and GranSport trims, previously introduced for the Quattroporte range. The latter was envisioned as a sportier expression of the high-end lifestyle, while the GranLusso is more about sophistication and luxury. The cabin combines a choice of Ermenegildo Zegna silk or full premium Italian upholstery with Radica open-pore wood trim and a leather steering wheel. In short, these vehicles in Chicago are works of art.
The Maserati display at the 2018 Chicago Auto Show, McCormick Place, Chicago, Illinois. Photo: Maserati North America.
Technology & Performance
The 2018 Ghibli and Quattroporte now feature adaptive LED headlights with glare free high-beam technology. The LED headlights were developed in collaboration with Magneti Marelli Automotive Lighting, and were based on the Ghibli’s Matrix technology. When it comes to performance, both Maserati sedans feature power-dense 3.0-liter V6 engines with Integrated Vehicle Control systems developed in partnership with Bosch.
Pricing & In Person
The 2018 Ghibli starts at $73,780 and the Levante at $74,790; the Quattroporte starts just shy of $107,000, while the GranTurismo begins at $134,300. Maserati’s display will be open for the duration of the Chicago Auto Show, now through the 19th at the McCormick Place in Chicago, Illinois.
Photos & Source: Maserati North America.

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2020 Hyundai Sonata: Right On The Money (Again)

2020 Hyundai Sonata: Right On The Money (Again) The 2020 Hyundai Sonata strikes an ideal balance between performance and price.
A range of interior technology helps drivers stay connected on their daily commute.
Two engines are available and both return an EPA-estimated 30 plus mpg combined.
Hyundai debuted the 2020 Sonata earlier this year at the New York International Auto Show. Whatever it brings to the table this time you better get used to it, because you’re going to be seeing a lot of these things around. Hyundai figured out the sweet spot for this a while back, and they have been honing it and refining it ever since. Like I said, get used to seeing a lot of Hyundais around, in particular the 2020 Hyundai Sonata.
Right On The Money
The sweet spot, in this case, is the convergence of style, available features, and above all, price. Somewhere along the way, Hyundai figured out how to make good cars that are right on the money with current automotive design trends; and without a high cost for the consumer. Think of Hyundai as a near-fashion brand knock-off. You’ll look great and a la mode, and by this time next season (i.e. when your lease expires) you can get rid of your old look for what’s contemporary but not break the bank.
“Sonata is our signature product,” explained Mike O’Brien, Vice President, Product, Corporate and Digital Planning, Hyundai Motor America. “Having been one of our first and most successful nameplates, Sonata is our legacy, and it needs to be special and memorable in all attributes.”
“The new-generation Sonata is a fully transformed vehicle packed with advanced personalization technology, a new platform, and an array of ADAS technologies,” added Albert Biermann, President of Hyundai Motor Group’s R&D Division. “We are confident that our customers will be pleasantly surprised by this innovative new model.”
Design Language: Contemporary Yet Pleasant
The 2020 Sonata embodies Hyundai’s “Sensuous Sportiness” design language with a “sophisticated four-door-coupe look,” or so says the company. Besides all the buzz words and corp. speak, you can look at the 2020 Sonata’s design like this: it’s pleasant, contemporary, and it’s impression will fade over time. Seriously, no Google’ing “what does a 2010 Hyundai Sonata look like?” We’ll be in the same spot in 2030 trying to describe Hyundai’s “Sensuous Sportiness” design language.
Now, I’m not saying Hyundai is incapable of having original designs – just look at the concepts they roll out at auto shows every so often. What I am saying is Hyundai is more interested in manufacturing cars that do three things: hit a price point, hit a feature set, and hit a fashion point. Which brings us to the 2020 Hyundai Sonata.
“Sonata signifies our vision for future Hyundai designs, great active safety systems, and cutting-edge technology that is effortless,” O’Brien said.
2020 Hyundai Sonata. Photo: Hyundai Motor America.
Related: Beauty is beyond skin-deep in the 2020 Sonata.
Power & Performance: Two Solid Choices
Easier to codify are the technical aspects, like how the latest Sonata gets down the road. This time around, you get your choice of two engines the South Korean automaker dubs as “Smartstream gasoline powertrains.” One engine is a 2.5-liter GDI (gasoline direct injection) and the other, a 1.6-liter turbo (designated as “T-GDI”). Either mill is mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. The “big” block Smartstream 2.5 engine cranks out 191 horsepower and 181 lb-ft. of torque, returning a combined EPA-estimated fuel economy of 33 mpg. The other engine, the 1.6 turbo, puts out nearly the same power and fuel economy: 180 horsepower, 195 lb-ft. of torque, and 31 combined.
Hyundai never really explains why you should go with one choice over the other, so neither will I. But really, who cares about the motive power? Hyundai buyers seem focused on other things than just going fast. What is important is comfort, safety, and infotainment as you get from point A to B.
Photo: Hyundai Motor America.
“Beautifully Smart”
The cabin of the 2020 Hyundai Sonata seeks to be defined by a “Beautifully Smart” theme, whatever that means. There’s a big, 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster front and center. It’s customizable to suit different driving modes and your preferences. In the very center of the dashboard is another large, 10.25-inch HD screen that handles all the audio-video and navigation functions. This is known as AVN and get used to hearing that phrase. It will become as standard in the automotive lexicon as ABS.
Anyway, the Sonata’s AVN screen can be split so stuff like audio and navigation displays simultaneously.
Speaking of audio, the latest Sonata has a Bose Premium sound system with 12 speakers. Hyundai says audio and EQ adjustments are made automatically, depending on the vehicle’s speed, but I’m not really going to care. Cars are not concert halls, despite the best intentions of people like Bose and Hyundai.
2020 Hyundai Sonata interior layout. Photo: Hyundai Motor America.
Related: Virtual Showdown: Tesla Model 3 vs. Hyundai Kona Electric.
Dual Bluetooth & Digital Keys
All of this stuff is wrapped up in what Hyundai calls “convenience technology,” which pretty much hits the nail right on the head. The 2020 Hyundai Sonata features a bunch of comfort and convenience features you normally find luxury cars. The Sonata comes with a sunroof; heated and ventilated front seats, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Qi wireless charging pad includes a cooling fan and there’s Text-to-Speech via Bluetooth.
Dual Bluetooth support means two devices can be paired at the same time. Why? One for phone calls and one for streaming audio, duh.
Hyundai Digital Key utilizes Near Field Communication (NFC) so data communication takes place only when the device and the reader are close to each other. So the 2020 Sonata can tell when you’re near, and can lock and unlock the vehicle, activate the panic alert, and start the engine. Oddly, Hyundai Digital Key is compatible only with Android phones, so you’re kind of screwed if you’ve got an iPhone. Yes, Sonatas still come with traditional keys too.
Photo: Hyundai Motor America.
Safety & Security
Of course there’s tons of driver assistance and safety tech. For a start, the new Sonata has three radar sensors, 12 ultrasonic sensors, and five cameras. These support such safety gizmos as Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, Advanced Smart Cruise Control with Stop and Go, and Highway Driving Assist. There are even more digital assistants: Lane Following Assist, Safe Exit Assist; Blind-Spot View Monitor and Blind-Spot Collision Warning, along with Reverse Parking Collision-Avoidance Assist, among others.
Shoot, even the door handles have a trick system called “Touch Sensor Outside Door Handles.” To lock the car, just touch the sensor on the outside of the door handle. If you pull the handle, you activate a larger sensor on the inside of the handle to open the door.
Pricing & Availability
This crazy amount of tech and safety can be yours this fall. 2020 Sonata production starts in September at Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama and retail sales begin in October. Hyundai has not, as of this writing, revealed the starting MSRP. Figure it will be about 15 percent less than you think, with thousands at dealerships before you realize it.
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 Hyundai Sonata Gallery

Photos & Source: Hyundai Motor America.

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2019 Volkswagen Arteon: Not So Fastback

2019 Volkswagen Arteon: Not So Fastback Meet the 2019 Volkswagen Arteon, the automaker’s latest to arise from their now ubiquitous MQB platform. VW unveiled the car at the Chicago Auto Show, billing it as a flagship fastback with an upscale interior and innovate technology. Further to that, VW has high aspirations for the Arteon.
“The Arteon is Volkswagen’s brand shaper,” explained Hinrich J. Woebcken, CEO of the North American Region, Volkswagen. “This car is the spiritual successor to the CC, but it is bolder and faster.”
Underpinnings
The Arteon is characterized by the aforementioned Modular Transverse Matrix architecture, or more commonly known as MQB. The architecture facilitates a “cab-backward design,” giving the Arteon a different look than the CC. For example, the Arteon’s wheelbase is more than 5 inches longer than the CC – 111.9 inches versus 106.7 inches – and is paired with shorter overhangs for more dynamic proportions. Arteon is longer and wider as well, meaning more interior space when compared to the CC.
Power & Performance
The 2019 VW Arteon will jet down the highway courtesy of a 2.0-liter turbocharged TSI engine with direct-injection. The engine creates 268 horsepower, 258 lb-ft. of torque, and is paired to an eight-speed automatic. Front-wheel drive is standard but VW’s 4Motion all-wheel drive system is available on every trim level. The Arteon utilizes a standard DCC adaptive damping system, which manages the suspension’s rebound and compression rates individually to maximize ride and handling dynamics.
2019 Volkswagen Arteon on display at the Chicago Auto Show, McCormick Place, Chicago, Illinois.
Exterior Design
VW says the exterior design resembles a “true fastback” and that it “harkens more to luxury models with its wide, planted stance and sloping rear roofline.” Okay, so fair enough. We don’t doubt the luxury elements and the planted stance, but as far as the fastback part goes, in terms of exterior styling, the Arteon is nowhere near as visually appealing as the BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe or Kia Stinger. Against those two, it’s C plus at best.
The Arteon is a nice enough looking car, but next to its Gran Turismo contemporaries, the styling barely moves the needle. It’s boring and dry, unfortunately, and filled with significantly more meh than marvel. Still, the Arteon is likely to be embraced by VW fans and should satisfy a good swath of buyers when it arrives.
“Arteon has the style and performance of a luxury Gran Turismo for about the price of a fully loaded midsize sedan,” Woebcken said.
The Arteon is characterized by LED headlights and taillights, a wide chrome grille, and frameless side windows. Dual trapezoidal exhaust tips, chrome window surrounds, and a rear decklid spoiler compliment the standard 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels. 19-inch wheels are available.
Interior Treatments
Drivers will find a host of premium materials throughout that make for a modern and sophisticated feel. Such niceties include standard heated front seats with leatherette surfaces, while ventilated front seats, massaging driver’s seat, Nappa leather, heated rear seats, and a panoramic sunroof are all available.
Volkswagen’s Digital Cockpit adorns the 2019 Arteon, which helps drivers mange, configure, and position key data like navigation. The Car-Net App-Connect system, a focal point of the Arteon, is compatible with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and MirrorLink.
Photo: Volkswagen of America, Inc.
Availability & In Person
The 2019 Volkswagen Arteon will be available in SE, SEL, and SEL Premium trim levels when it arrives during the third quarter of this year. In the meantime, the vehicle is on display at the 2018 Chicago Auto Show now through the 19th at the McCormick Place in Chicago.
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.
2019 Volkswagen Arteon Gallery

Photos & Source: Volkswagen of America, Inc.

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Dodge Durango Upgrade Packages Add Super Cool Features For Little Coin

Dodge Durango Upgrade Packages Add Super Cool Features For Little Coin Ask Dodge any question today and the answer is horsepower! And we’re not just talking about the Charger and Challenger either. The Durango posts up numbers that rival both cars and does so with a lot more cargo space! For example, the new for 2018 Durango SRT features a 392-cubic-inch HEMI V8 with 475 horsepower and 470 lb-ft. of torque. This family hauler hits 60 mph in 4.4 seconds and runs the quarter-mile in 12.9 seconds as certified by the National Hot Rod Association.
And now enthusiasts can customize their Dodge Durango even further.
Underrated Performer
The Dodge Durango is, in our minds, underrated and unfortunately lost in a flooded SUV market. Those who have an affinity for performance or muscle cars but have “grown up” will find the Durango satisfies both ends of the spectrum. Plenty of room, comfort, and connectivity technology for the family, and plenty of grunt under the hood and exterior styling to match. If the Durango can be labeled anything it most certainly won’t be classified as boring.
This latest round of upgrades focuses on the Durango R/T and SRT. In short, it consists of factory-custom stripes and performance exhaust systems. The Durango SRT, however, will offer a carbon fiber interior option and a lowering spring kit to improve handing. Here is the breakdown of each upgrade package.

Dual Stripes
The dual exterior stripes span the front and rear fascias, hood, and portions of the roof and the tailgate. The stripes are offered in five colors: Bright Blue, Flame Red, Gunmetal Low Gloss (metallic finish), Low Gloss Black, and Sterling Silver (metallic finish). Dealer orders for the new stripe package will start in March for $1,195.
Exhaust System
This Mopar performance exhaust kit was developed alongside Dodge and SRT engineers. The bolt-on system is designed for improved flow, sound, and overall performance. The chromium 304 stainless steel construction is said to improve corrosion resistance while the stainless steel, band-style clamps provide tighter seals. The system is finished with welded and polished 4-inch tips.
The performance exhaust system for the Durango SRT (Part Number 77072487) goes for $1,850 and will be available in the second quarter. The new Durango R/T system (Part Number 77072479) is already available for $1,595.
Photo: FCA US LLC.
Lowering Kit
Like the exhaust system, Mopar worked closely with Dodge and SRT engineers, using proprietary data unavailable to the aftermarket, to tune the lowering springs to the factory-fitted dampers. The lowering spring kit improves the Durango’s high-speed performance and handling, dropping the vehicle an average of 15 mm (0.6 inches). The kit minimizes rear-end squat during acceleration and lessens the “nose dive” effect under heavy braking.
The new spring kit (Part Number 77072488) will be available in March for $325.00. Considering the benefits, that’s a really excellent price.
Photo: FCA US LLC.
Interior Treatments
Last but not least, the SRT Interior Appearance Group features a premium-wrapped instrument panel, Dinamica soft-touch headliner, and accent paint throughout. This package of fine touches is already available for $2,495.
In Person
Dodge is showcasing these new, decked-out Durangos at the 2018 Chicago Auto Show, now through the 19th. If you add any of these modifications to your Durango, send us a picture and we will share it on our Twitter page.
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: FCA US LLC.

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Letter From The UK: Car Production In Crisis

Letter From The UK: Car Production In Crisis As production thins from an ongoing Brexit debate, the future looks uncertain.
How will the auto industry in the UK weather the current storm; is there a silver lining?
Geoff Maxted of DriveWrite Automotive Magazine examines in this Letter From The UK.
With the industrial problems of the 20th Century long forgotten, it seemed as if Great Britain had secured a strong and burgeoning future for the car industry with the likes of Nissan, Toyota, and Honda among the foreign brands building cars in the UK. Alongside them are Mini, Rolls-Royce, Bentley, Jaguar Land Rover and Vauxhall, despite this latter group being original British brands but now all foreign owned these days; but the cars are at least still made in Britain. Things were looking good and jobs seemed secure.
Then we had the Brexit vote.
Drop In Production: The Brexit Quagmire
Sadly our politicians and their European counterparts had other ideas. We are, like a man trapped in quicksand, now firmly stuck in the gloopy Brexit quagmire of confusion and uncertainty. It’s had a knock-on effect too: Official figures show UK car output fell 14 percent in March of this year. Only 126,195 cars were made. That’s the 10th consecutive monthly drop, thanks to the combined issues of a slowdown in foreign markets like China, and of course the Brexit insecurity, whether justified or not.
Not for the first time, the industry has repeated its warning that the sector stands to suffer a lot more if the country leaves the European Union without a deal, pointing to exports which account for nearly four out of every five cars made in Britain, being down by 13 percent. Further they predict output would fall in 2019 to 1.36 million vehicles from 1.52 million last year and that’s assuming, in their view – and, for balance, it is an opinion that is not universal – that some form of transitional deal with the EU is done.
Bentley employs over 4000 people at its Pyms Lane headquarters in Crewe, Cheshire. On average, it takes 130 hours to build a Bentley Bentayga (pictured here) and every vehicle on the production line undergoes a 500 to 650 point checklist before the final sign off. The Pyms Lane factory in Crewe has been the home of Bentley since 1946. Photo: Bentley Motors.
Continued Slowdown: One Hard April
April figures continued to show a decline across most sectors with registrations of the ever popular super-mini and small family car segments surprisingly low. Even zero-emission, plug-in hybrids experienced a significant decline. It has to be serious when the most popular vehicle types take a hit.
It wasn’t that long ago the motor industry was on track to produce two million new vehicles annually by 2020. That aim now seems impossible with our international reputation as a stable and attractive business environment undermined. Thus the forecast, should we rely on World Trade Organization rules which may include import tariffs when trading with the EU, is grim: a strong reduction in builds and the added consequence of damage to employment.
Of course, nobody really knows which way the pendulum will swing; the industry may ride out the storm, but from the cheap seats, it is not looking good.
Photo: Jaguar Land Rover.
Related: The Brexit debate is causing confusion for the automotive industry.
Waiting With Bated Breath
And so we wait, making sure not to hold our breath for a speedy resolution. The UK government has delayed the Brexit deadline until October to try and resolve this thorny issue. If our dithering politicians and the negotiators on the other side of the channel are to sort this out, then they need to pull a rabbit from the hat a bit sharpish. It is after all a matter of economics when you come down to it, and we can but hope they see it because it affects us all.
Questioning The Future
The British people have lost faith in their leaders. Major government sponsored projects like the North-South High-Speed Railway (known as HS2), the Crossrail metro in London, and even a new emergency radio system are delayed and way over budget. The level of incompetence at the top is staggering, yet they are blind to it all. No wonder the motor industry doesn’t know what to do next.
Geoff Maxted is a motoring writer, photographer, and author of our Letter From The UK series. Follow his work on Twitter: @DriveWrite

Cover Photo: Jaguar Land Rover.

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AutoSens Detroit 2019 Begins This Week With Major Announcement

AutoSens Detroit 2019 Begins This Week With Major Announcement AutoSens, a leading and influential global summit on autonomous driving, is returning to Detroit.
Technical sessions and presentations from from Microsoft, Sony, General Motors, and MIT are planned.
AutoSens takes aim at the biggest challenges facing autonomous driving by encouraging collaboration.
As AutoSens Detroit 2019 begins, conference organizers say they are now expanding to a third location.
The Michigan Science Center will host AutoSens Detroit 2019 as the global conference on autonomous driving returns to the Motor City starting today, May 14th. Attendees, speakers, sponsors, and participants leverage each other’s expertise during the event, which examines the biggest challenges facing self-driving and vehicle perception technology. AutoSens serves as a venue for engineers, researchers, and other experts in the field, and provides them a detailed picture of what is happening across the industry.
“The challenge of the automotive industry is to design computers and robots that can perform tasks better than humans can, while also causing minimal disruption to a system that will include human-driven vehicles for many decades to come,” said Robert Stead, Managing Director, Sense Media, the parent company of AutoSens. “It’s no easy task.”
Auto Sens Detroit 2019 Agenda
AutoSens Detroit returns with another robust agenda for conference attendees. Highlights include the opening plenary with presentations from the U.S. Highway Loss Data Institute on the impact of current ADAS technologies on road safety. Technical workshops include a session from Osram about infra-red sensing and a hands-on demonstration from 3M regarding material-sensor interaction systems. Microsoft will host a tutorial on the Robot Operating System, while DeepScale will present energy-efficient approaches to autonomous driving.
“The technical presentations focus on these topics, but we also cover the wider issues facing development of ADAS and autonomous vehicles in the conference plenary sessions that open and close the event,” Stead explained. “This might include the regulatory, financial, or legal context for the development of vehicle perception systems.”
Keynote for AutoSens Detroit this year is Ed Bernardon, VP of Strategic Automotive Initiatives at Siemens. Bernardon will examine how autonomous technology will impact the future of transportation. In preparation, he and his team interviewed experts working on 3D-printed autonomous shuttles, intelligent traffic systems, and even flying cars. In addition, technical presentations from General Motors, Changan, Aptiv, Daimler, NVIDIA, Valeo, Sony, and TomTom are planned. Academic sessions include those hosted by Wayne State University, University of South Carolina, and MIT.
AutoSens Detroit attendees prepare for a self-driving vehicle demonstration as part of the event last year. A track was set up on the campus of Wayne State University where attendees could experience the technology firsthand. Photo: Alex Hartman for Sense Media.
For Engineers, By Engineers
Different than other conferences and events on autonomous driving, AutoSens keeps its focus on the engineering community. By combining cutting-edge academic research, industry R&D, and OEM insights, AutoSens is an invaluable resource for those in the field, and why it remains the world’s most influential summit on autonomous driving.
“Engineers can ‘take the boxing gloves off’ and just be engineers and scientists working on shared challenges and pursuing high-quality technical work,” Stead said. “We strive for high-quality technical presentations at AutoSens every year, so all attendees will go back to their office or lab with some new solutions, food for thought, or novel information.”
Between two yearly events (Detroit, Michigan and Brussels, Belgium), AutoSens draws in over 1,000 engineers and technical experts throughout the world to network, collaborate, and ultimately address the biggest challenges facing autonomous driving.
“AutoSens exists simply to support and help engineers and scientists, and when we hear stories from attendees about the new people they met, the things they learned, the business connections made – that’s what keeps us motivated,” Stead continued. “It’s about creating a meeting place and community that can be a catalyst for others, in their pursuit of good science.”
Attendees sit in during one of the many technical presentations that took place at AutoSens Detroit last year. The conference will return to the Michigan Science Center beginning on May 14th. Photo: Alex Hartman for Sense Media.
AutoSens Hong Kong 2020
With the success of AutoSens in both Europe and North America, the conference is now seeing increased demand from the automotive industry and corresponding technology sectors. As a result, a third conference in Hong Kong is set to join Detroit and Brussels next year. Organizers say Asia is an important market for autonomous technology, and an international hub for engineers, researchers, and other automotive experts. Hong Kong, with its accessible transport links, allows visitors from across the Asian continent; as well as international attendees the chance to examine autonomous vehicle technology and its impact on the Asian market.
“AutoSens has quickly established itself as the event in this space to see, hear and meet the key companies and people that matter in the autonomous vehicle sector,” said Rudy Burger, Managing Partner, Woodside Capital Partners, and frequent AutoSens speaker. “Launching a third edition in Hong Kong is an exciting and valuable proposition for the industry.”
“I can’t think of a better combination,” added Abhay Rai, VP of Product Marketing, Visteon. “The latest innovations from Asia, the backdrop of one of the world’s most famous cities, and the global AutoSens community convening for the latest addition to the world-class event series.”

Continued Industry Support For Hong Kong
More than a year and a half out, AutoSens Hong Kong already has a number of highly invested stakeholders. Expert advisory board members include representation from Aptiv, Byton, Valeo, Visteon, and Robert Bosch with founding partners from top companies such as Visteon, IAV Automotive Engineering, Siemens, OmniVision, Kalray, ON Semiconductor, Viavi, Woodside Capital Partners, and XenomatiX.
“We are incredibly proud to announce 13 founding partners and advisory supporters,” Stead said. “It’s very encouraging to see the level of support that’s been shown upon sharing our vision for the next phase of the AutoSens journey.”
Organizers will take the rest of the year to develop the agenda for AutoSens Hong Kong, but say attendees can expect sessions on sensor hardware, image processing, driver monitoring, computer vision, and regulatory challenges among others. AutoSens Hong Kong will feature over 300 delegates, 45 speakers, and nearly 12 hours of networking. The conference is set for November 2020.
“We are already dedicating significant resources to building momentum in Asia, and to see the recognition of these efforts by such a high level of early support is testament to our brand, achievements, and reputation to deliver,” Stead continued. “We place a high value on the confidence shown to us by our customers, and we are committed to delivering above and beyond.”

Tickets, Location & More Information for AutoSens Detroit 2019
AutoSens Detroit 2019 begins today Tuesday, May 14th at the Michigan Science Center and runs through the 16th. Organizers say they are happy to see so many returning exhibitors alongside plenty of new brands. A demonstration event is also planned for the 14th, where attendees can take laps in vehicles equipped with autonomous technology.
Tickets, including discount packages for females in the engineering community, are available now.
“AutoSens is all about nurturing the global community of bright minds who are driving forward this revolution in automotive,” Stead said. “A truly international audience will assemble in downtown Detroit to collaborate and learn from each other’s experiences, meet new people, and catch up with old friends.”

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