2018 BMW 740e xDrive iPerformance Review

2018 BMW 740e xDrive iPerformance Review The BMW 740e xDrive iPerformance builds on the 7 Series reputation for refined performance, luxurious appointments, and advanced technology. With plug-in hybrid capabilities that promise increased economy and environmental friendliness, BMW delivers in all areas with this full-size luxury sedan.
What’s New For 2018
The 2018 BMW 7 Series comes with more semi-autonomous driving features, otherwise it carries over unchanged for 2018. 
Features & Options
As you would expect from the BMW 7 Series, this 740e xDrive iPerformance ($90,700) comes loaded with standard features like adaptive air suspension with driver-selectable modes, 19-inch alloy wheels, adaptive LED headlights with automatic high beams, automatic windshield wipers, front and rear parking sensors, a power trunk lid, and power-closing doors.
The 740i comes with other luxuries such as 14-way power-adjustable heated leather seats, wood trim, four-zone climate control, a panoramic moonroof, and auto-dimming rearview mirror.
Standard tech features include a 10.2-inch infotainment screen with navigation and BMW’s iDrive, a touchpad controller with gesture control, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity, a wireless Qi charging station, a 16-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, and a number of connected features that work online or with special BMW apps.

Additional Packages
This 740e tester featured the Driving Assistance Package ($1,700), which adds a full-color heads-up display, blind spot monitoring, and a lane departure warning system. The Driving Assistance Plus Package ($1,700) added full-speed adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, collision mitigation brake assist, a lane centering and steering assist system, semi-automatic lane changing assist, and more.
It’s a pretty advanced setup for the money.
A Cold Weather Package ($400) added the heated steering wheel and heated rear seats. Finally, a Parking Assistance Package ($700) upgrades the standard rear camera to a surround view setup with a neat integration in the gesture system that lets you rotate a virtual camera around the car for maximum visibility when parking. This package also includes a semi-autonomous parking assistant feature which, at the touch of a button, takes over the steering while parallel parking.
Total MSRP including destination: $99,845.





Interior Highlights
Stepping inside the BMW 740e reveals an elegant, roomy cabin filled with wood and leather. The instrument panel is contemporary, featuring a horizontal shelf with satin-metallic brightwork on the knobs, many of which change temperatures for the comfort of your fingertips. It’s a place you’ll want to spend lots of time.
The front seats are first-class, and hit the sweet spot between comfort during those long hours behind the wheel, and extra support for more spirited driving through tight corners. The interior has a limo-like feel with plenty of room for drivers and passengers to get comfortable. The rear is luxurious for two, but there is room for three under the Sky Lounge panoramic LED roof.
On the 7 Series there is the familiar iDrive controller, now with a handwriting touchpad (also steering wheel controls and voice recognition) for those who don’t like finger smudges on the screen. The iDrive also now has Gesture Control where you just flash the sensor one of five hand signals: to get the sound system volume raised or lowered, answer or don’t answer the phone, or browse a 360-degree view of the cabin.
We cranked up the Harman Kardon surround sound with 1,400 watts and 16 speakers and enjoyed the ride. The heads-up display kept our eyes on the road and the standard Adaptive Headlamps don’t just turn with the car, they consider speed, steering angle, and yaw and lit the way on our drive to Evergreen, Colorado.





Engine & Fuel Mileage Specs
The 2018 BMW 740e is powered by a 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder engine, rated at 255 horsepower and 295 lb-ft. of torque. It is mated with a 111-horsepower electric motor that boosts total system output to a healthy 322 horsepower and 369 lb-ft. of torque. 
That powerplant is mated to an eight-speed automatic and BMW’s xDrive all-wheel drive system. The 740e gets 64 MPGe, 27 combined miles per gallon, and 14 miles of all-electric range.
Driving Dynamics
We were initially concerned since the full-size luxury 740e is powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder, but the electric motor adds plenty of juice to get this large sedan moving. We pushed the 740e hard up I-70 at altitude west of Denver and the twin-turbo left us impressed with its performance. On the road, the luxury sedan is relaxed and the hybrid system is seamless.
We took the 740e around tight mountain corners and the big sedan isn’t exactly nimble, but the electric power steering is light and direct, perfect for the typical luxury buyer. We put the luxury hauler in Sport mode and it felt extra quick for our more spirited driving maneuvers. You can also change the feel of the 740e: Comfort mode smoothes out the ride, for example, while Comfort Plus makes it float over dirt roads or rough pavement.
The eight-speed automatic transmission has special shift characteristics, changing with curves and terrain, making it ideal for the mountain driving we did. To improve fuel mileage, an automatic Stop-Start feature turns off the engine when the car stops, then back on again when it’s time to move.
Conclusion
If you want a large luxury sedan with all-electric plug-in capability, the 2018 BMW 740e is a prime choice. If you’re looking for comfort and performance, you’ll be happy with the BMW 740e.
Denis Flierl has invested over 25 years in the automotive industry in a variety of roles. Follow his work on Twitter: @CarReviewGuy
2018 BMW 740e xDrive iPerformance Gallery




















BMW 7 Series Official Site.
Photos: BMW of North America, LLC.



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1991 GMC Syclone: The Hurricane On Wheels

1991 GMC Syclone: The Hurricane On Wheels Every once in awhile, you meet people who are masters at thinking stuff up. The team from GMPartsOnline.net is like this, having come way out of left field with one of the most interesting comparisons we have ever seen.
A 1991 GMC Syclone versus a 2017 Camaro SS 1LE.
“We were talking about our favorite vehicles one day at work when someone mentioned the Syclone,” recalled Angel Vigil, Director of GMPartsOnline.net. “Then we had an argument about whether or not the Syclone was faster than a new Camaro.”
Black Knights
From the onset, it doesn’t seem like much of a debate but looks are deceiving. The Camaro, despite modern technology and advanced aerodynamics, only hits 60 mph two tenths of a second quicker than the old Syclone. This lead Vigil and his team to wonder: if the Syclone had the advantage of GM’s newer powertrains, would it be able to best the Camaro?
“The truck was obviously very fast, but the turbo 4.3-liter is a very special engine,” Vigil said. “You can’t find it in any other GM vehicle, other than the Typhoon.”
The Typhoon, like the Syclone, was a short-lived performance version of the GMC Jimmy. The Typhoon ruled the streets from 1991 to 1993, whereas the Syclone saw only one year and one color: 1991 and black.
“The truck was very expensive, and it was a hard purchase to justify if you didn’t love the idea of owning a hot rod pickup,” Vigil explained. “I always wanted one when I first heard about them, but like most people, I suppose I wasn’t in a position to buy one new.”
When the Syclone’s original MSRP is adjusted for inflation, it jumps to $47,278 compared to the 2017 Camaro SS 1LE at $44,400.
1991 GMC Syclone. Photo: RK Motors Charlotte.
Golden Opportunities
To this day, the 1991 GMC Syclone is one of the quickest production trucks ever built. Interesting enough, the Syclone was actually born a Buick when, after the Grand National was halted, engineers from the program stuffed the car’s 3.8-liter plant into a Chevy S-10. Billed as the Grand National Pickup, it was presented to GM brass but they were hardly enthusiastic.
After putting the brakes on the Grand National car, they had other plans for Buick. A performance-oriented truck was not in the cards.
The team then approached Chevrolet’s management, but they already had the 454 SS Sport Truck and were not taking any chances. According to veteran automotive journalist Marty Schorr, the Buick Grand National was stealing the Corvette’s thunder at the time. Schorr detailed the story for us earlier this year, revealing how a bumper sticker for the Grand National that read “we brake for Corvettes” caused a lot of headache for Chevy officials.
It was unlikely Chevy was going to be outdone by Buick again.
This left GMC who immediately jumped at the opportunity.
Photo: RK Motors Charlotte.
Power & Performance
Under the hood, the aforementioned 4.3-liter turbo V6 created 280 horsepower and 355 lb-ft. of torque. To put that into context, the 1991 Corvette L98 engine produced 250 horsepower and 350 lb-ft. of torque. Rumors swirled that the Syclone’s motor was bumped down as to not encroach on the Corvette ZR-1 LT5 engine, which produced 375 horsepower and 370 lb-ft. of torque.
The all-wheel drive system that propelled the Syclone was ahead of the curve too. With an advanced viscous-coupled center differential and limited slip rear differential, power could be split 35/65 front to rear for maximum traction. GMC’s tiny hurricane rode on 16×8-inch aluminum wheels with 245/50/16 Firestone Firehawk tires.
“The truck was also very light,” Vigil added. “That’s always something performance enthusiasts appreciated.”
The GMC Syclone tipped the scales at 3,525 lbs., nearly 250 lbs. lighter than the 2017 Camaro SS 1LE with the track package. The Camaro makes up the difference with more grunt – it’s optional 6.2-liter V8 cranks out 455 horsepower and 455 lb-ft. of torque.
“The heritage is probably the thing I love the most about the Camaro, but the car has real race credibility too,” Vigil said. “And the 6.2 V8 is awesome.”

Sneaking Suspicions & Rare Birds
It’s hard to say what would have become of the GMC Syclone had it survived the early 90s, but Vigil has an idea.
“If GM wanted to take the Colorado or Canyon and offer the twin-turbo 3.6-liter used in the Cadillac CTS, that would be a 420 horsepower engine that would probably fit in the engine bay,” he said. “That truck would run with a new Camaro SS too I suspect, only it would weigh 500 lbs. more than the Camaro SS.”
The chart from GMPartsOnline.net comparing the Syclone and Camaro is below, with one you can share on social media here. Although it has already been sold, RK Motors Charlotte has some stunning photos of a 1991 GMC Syclone, including pictures of the truck’s window sticker and owner’s manual.
The Syclones were produced only sparingly before being sent to pasture; the Camaro celebrated 50 years in 2017.
“There were only about 3,000 of them made,” Vigil said. “They’re highly collectible.”
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.




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Volvo Cars Tech Fund Makes First Investment In Start-Up Automotive Sensor Company

Volvo Cars Tech Fund Makes First Investment In Start-Up Automotive Sensor Company The Volvo Cars Tech Fund has completed their first strategic investment, taking a stake in a start-up company called Luminar. Based in Palo Alto, California, and Orlando, Florida, Luminar’s expertise in sensor and LiDAR technology will help bolster Vovlo’s commitment to manufacturing a safe and viable autonomous car.
“LiDAR is a key technology for enabling autonomous cars to navigate safely in complex traffic environments and at higher speeds,” explained Henrik Green, Senior Vice President, Research and Development, Volvo Cars.
Market Position
Launched earlier this year, the Volvo Cars Tech Fund focuses on state-of-the-art trends like artificial intelligence, electrification, autonomous driving, and digital mobility services. Investments, mergers, and acquisitions in this sector are growing. During AutoSens Brussels last September, Rudy Burger, Managing Partner, Woodside Capital Partners, spoke on how such developments within the automotive arena impact future mobility.
“What we are seeing is a number of very large companies placing bets – significant bets – whereby they believe in order to create a controlling position in the market, they must actually acquire a company,” he said during his presentation.
“Luminar represents exactly the type of company and technology we seek to invest in, providing us with strategic access to new technologies, capabilities, and talent,” said Zaki Fasihuddin, CEO of the Tech Fund. “Supporting promising young firms that are at the forefront of technological development will help us introduce cutting-edge technology that strengthens our leading role in the industry.”
Photo: Volvo Car Group.
Mutual Benefits
Start-up companies, like Luminar, benefit by being able to leverage Volvo’s network of automotive and technology partners, while more effectively validating their own innovations and streamlining the process of getting them to market.
“Volvo is at the forefront of autonomous vehicle development, and their safety-centric approach to autonomy is directly aligned with our sensing capabilities,” said Austin Russell, Luminar Founder and CEO. “Our LiDAR is the first to deliver the necessary performance to enable safe and reliable long-range perception, which is required to unlock their goals of autonomy at highway speeds.”
“Our collaboration with Luminar allows us to learn more about its promising technologies and takes Volvo Cars one step further to the highly autonomous cars of the future,” Green added.
The Automoblog Staff contributed to this report and can be reached anytime.
Photos & Source: Volvo Car Group.



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Bricks And Bones: The Indy 500 Is Pure Righteousness: A Prologue

Bricks And Bones: The Indy 500 Is Pure Righteousness: A Prologue Tony Borroz is attending the 101st Running of the Indianapolis 500, scheduled for Sunday, May 28th, 2017. This series, Bricks And Bones, explores the cultural significance, endearing legacy, and the nitty-gritty phenomenon of The Greatest Spectacle in Racing.

Conflicting Emotions
I’m sitting in the Dallas/Fort Worth airport, between here and there, between desert and farmland, between my glowering past and my immediate future. I am calm, but my mind seems to be screaming out in a thousand different directions at once. Everyone seems to be saying I should be feeling happy or excited or sad or tired or respectful or lonely, but I’m all of those things and none of them all at the same time.
At the moment I am still. Waiting through this interminable layover, waiting for my connecting flight between here and there.
Frequent Fear
My mind, and a notional team of psychiatrists would imply that, in my given emotional state outside of “work” (which this is), peace and serenity would be good goals to pursue. Instead, I am anxious to stuff myself into an alloy tube controlled by overworked, overtired, yet overpaid former-military hotshots; worked by over-glorified wait staff that seem to have no compunction these days from physically and emotionally abusing you for the slightest infractions like airborne Stassi martinets.
Powerful Prelude
I should be still . . . be still . . . be still; seek out an extended period of immobility, but right now, what I am most anxious for is speed, and lots of it. I need to wad myself into an alloy tube and be blasting through the thin air at .84 Mach. I am going to need velocity and quickness, pace, and swiftness.
I am going to The Indy 500.
Tony Borroz has spent his entire life racing antique and sports cars. He means well, even if he has a bias towards lighter, agile cars rather than big engine muscle cars or family sedans.
*To be continued. Bricks And Bones is an Automoblog original series with forthcoming installments during the days leading up to, and following the Indianapolis 500.
Cover Photo: 1915 Indianapolis 500, courtesy of Indianapolis Motor Speedway.



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Report: General Motors is under fire for accusations of diesel-emissions test cheating

Report: General Motors is under fire for accusations of diesel-emissions test cheating It seems the crackdown on cheating diesel emissions tests isn’t over and moves on to General Motors.

What’s going on?
Just when you thought the dust (soot?) was beginning to settle in the wake of Volkswagen’s TDI diesel-emissions cheating scandal, aka “dieselgate,” a class-action lawsuit was just filed against General Motors for similar accusations.
Like rubbing salt in the wound, this adds another layer of legal troubles for General Motors, following its largest recall for faulty ignition switches. So far, GM paid out roughly $2.5 billion in penalties and settlements.
What’s the suit about?
According to AutoBlog, the lawsuit alleges that more than 705,000 Duramax diesel-powered Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra pickups from 2011 to 2016 model years produced two to five times more NOx pollutants than legally allowed. The lawsuit itself is seeking refunds or reimbursement for lost vehicle values and punitive damages.
GM spokesman, Dan Flores, declared the accusations as “baseless,” citing the trucks’ compliance with US Environmental Protection Agency emissions requirements. Flores also emphasized the trucks’ ability to meet California’s strict diesel standards.
It should also be noted that the Duramax trucks come equipped with urea-injection systems. Those system inject Diesel Exhaust Fluid into the catalytic converter to significantly reduce NOx emissions.
The never-ending story
General Motors is the fifth automaker to undergo scrutiny for its diesel passenger vehicles. They join Volkswagen, Daimler, Peugeot, Renault, and FCA. The latest lawsuit against GM is not much different.  Further detailed allegations point to the use of emissions test “defeat devices.” That forces the truck’s engine computer to run at a different state than in real-world conditions under testing, thus falsifying results.
More as it develops…
– By: Chris Chin
Source: AutoBlog
 
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BREAKING: The new BMW 8-Series is back after a 17-year hiatus and this is it in concept form

BREAKING: The new BMW 8-Series is back after a 17-year hiatus and this is it in concept form After many rumors and teasers, BMW finally revealed its hotly anticipated 8-Series coupe revival in concept form….and just look at it!

What’s going?
The BMW 8-Series is back baby and Munich’s finest just unveiled a concept for the world to see on the Interwebs. Set for a debut at this year’s Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este show, the new 8-Concept previews a new large, grand tourer luxury coupe from Bavaria. And we couldn’t be any more excited.
The original BMW 8-Series ended production in 1999. Since then, the BMW 6-Series revival took the role of providing buyers with a large, 2+2 grand touring coupe option. But the 6-Series just wasn’t enough and it wasn’t the same, especially with competitors from Mercedes-Benz, like the S-Class Coupe. Lexus also has the new LC500, which laid even more pressure on BMW to make a larger, grand tourer.
“The BMW Concept 8 Series is our take on a full-blooded high-end driving machine,” said Adrian van Hooydonk, BMW Group Design’s senior vice president. “It is a luxurious sports car which embodies both unadulterated dynamics and modern luxury like arguably no other. For me, it’s a slice of pure automotive fascination.”
BMW’s new flagship












Due for a full launch in 2018, the BMW 8-Series Concept is in near-production form, meaning what you see here is what you’ll likely get when it hits showrooms. There will be some changes to meet regulatory and safety requirements.
Overall, the new BMW 8-Series takes inspiration from the Vision Future Luxury Concept showcased at the 2014 Beijing Auto Show. Other tidbits also resemble styling cues from the Pininfarina-styled Grand Lusso Coupe Concept. There are also some hints of BMW i8 in the 8-Series Concept, particularly with the rear three-quarter panel and shoulder line. Altogether, it is very pleasant for the eyes.
The same sentiments carry over for the insides. Both suave and contemporary, the complete interior comes jam-packed with technology. A total of three massive digital screens are visible, hinting at the use of gesture and touchscreen interfaces. We can’t imagine the steering wheel will pass safety requirements. But the rest of the interior appears to also be nearly production ready.
Spearheading razor-sharp dynamics and modern luxury
BMW didn’t specify what powers the new 8-Series Concept. But we imagine it involves some sort of internal combustion engine, mated to some transmission, driving the rear or all four wheels.
It might be a while until we learn of such details. So stay tuned for that.
– By: Chris Chin
Source: BMW
2017 BMW Concept 8 Gallery













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2018 Acura TLX Arrives With New Styling, A-Spec Option

2018 Acura TLX Arrives With New Styling, A-Spec Option

The Acura TLX, refreshed for 2018, goes on sale June 1st. Acura says it’s more sporty and alluring to better indicate the brand’s new design direction. In addition to a little nip here and a little tuck there, expect an all-new TLX A-Spec variant with new premium features. Acura has also added AcuraWatch as standard equipment on all TLX models, plus the current suite of advanced safety and driver-assist tech.
What’s In A Name?
Before we dive into the minutiae here, let me just say that “TLX” is a pretty horrid name for a car. It’s not even a name. It’s three, seemingly random letters affixed to the car and left at that. What does it stand for? Total Luxury Experimental? Tricky Looking X-ray? No, what it stands for is, “we’re completely bereft of ideas and have no style.”
So, for 2018, Acura’s TLX gets a mid-cycle face lift. You get some sheet metal that’s been updated here and there, a few new bits and bobs, a new engine variant, but overall, not much to distinguish it from the previous versions. That will come soon, when a full update hits the street. For now, the 2018 TLX gets a redesigned dual-screen user interface, a new 7-inch capacitive touchscreen, and Android Auto/Apple CarPlay compatibility.
2018 Acura TLX V6 A-Spec models. Photo: Acura.
Vehicle Treatments
The design refresh for 2018 highlights Acura’s diamond pentagon grille, and takes other design cues from the Acura Precision Concept. Acura says it “boasts an alluring new style,” but ultimately that will be up to the buying public to decide. The hood is more sharply sculpted along with the front fenders for a more aggressive and sporty front and rear. They point out the “signature 5-lamp Jewel Eye LED headlights,” which is a silly name for a fussy over-design. There are also new alloy wheels, so that’s a plus.
All TLX V6 models get a new rear diffuser with exposed dual-exhaust outlets. The Technology Package adds a chrome side sill garnish, comfy leather seats with high-contrast stitching and piping, and a power-operated driver’s seat thigh extension. The Advance Package has new features such as trapezoidal LED fog lights, a Surround View camera system, a built-in wireless charging pad, and white LED ambient interior light piping. The steering wheel is heated along with the rear outboard seats. You also get power-folding side mirrors and a new body-colored decklid spoiler.
2018 Acura TLX V6 A-Spec. Photo: Acura.


A-Spec Highlights
The 2018 TLX V6 A-Spec aims to be the performer of the bunch. Styling-wise, the A-Spec gets a unique matte-black diamond pentagon grille with a dark chrome surround. There’s a more aggressive lower front fascia with a broad center air intake flanked by round LED fog lights. The A-Spec wears exclusive 19-inch alloy wheels in Shark Gray paint with 245-series tires.
These fit nicely with the flared side sills, giving a more athletic and planted stance. Out back, there’s a gloss-black decklid spoiler, smoked LED taillights, rear fascia with a lower diffuser, and 4-inch round dual exhaust finishers. The side window surrounds are matte-black, and there’s A-Spec badging on the front fenders and rear decklid.
On the inside, the A-Spec gets more aggressively bolstered front seats with high-contrast stitching and piping, plus red LED ambient light – I’m guessing for that U-Boat look to go along with the red driver’s meter highlights. The headliner is black as is the pillar treatment, all of which contrasts with the brushed aluminum-look instrument panel garnish. A-Spec buyers also get an exclusive, thick-rimmed steering wheel with A-Spec badging.
2018 Acura TLX V6 A-Spec. Photo: Acura.
Performance & Pricing
Overall grip is up thanks to Michelin Primacy 245/40R19 tires. The electric power steering system and damper settings have been retuned. If you go for the SH-AWD on your A-Spec, you’ll get a quicker steering ratio, stiffer spring rate, and a rear stabilizer bar for improved body control. The new 2018 TLX 2.4L starts at $33,000 while the V6 models start at $36,200; the TLX V6 A-Spec starts at $42,800. The charts below from Acura show more details.
Tony Borroz has spent his entire life racing antique and sports cars. He means well, even if he has a bias towards lighter, agile cars rather than big engine muscle cars or family sedans.
2.4-liter TLX:
Newly styled front fascia, hood and front fenders
Restyled Jewel Eye™ LED headlights with auto on/off and auto high beam
LED daytime running lights and turn signals
Dark Burl/Acoustic wood interior appliques
ODMD 2.0 user interface with capacitive touchscreen
Apple CarPlay compatibility
Android Auto compatibility
Sirius XM 2.0
Full-color TFT driver’s meter
New 17″ 10-spoke alloy wheels
AcuraWatch™ suite of safety and driver-assistive technologies (now standard)
2.4-liter Technology Package (adds to TLX 2.4L):
Navigation
HD Radio with Digital Traffic
3.5-liter V6 (adds to 2.4-liter TLX):
New rear fascia design with chrome accents
Exposed dual exhausts outlets
Rear diffuser
3.5-liter V6 TLX Technology Package (adds to TLX V6):
Navigation
HD Radio with Digital Traffic
New seat styling with high-contrast stitching and piping
Driver’s seat power-operated thigh extender
Chrome side sill garnish
NEW: 3.5-liter V6 TLX A-Spec (adds to TLX V6 Technology Package):
   A-Spec exclusive exterior styling and trim
   A-Spec exclusive interior styling and trim
   Round LED Fog Lights
   New 19″ split 5-spoke alloy wheels
   Flush-mounted front and rear parking sensors (+2 front sensors)
   Gloss black rear decklid spoiler
   Increased front seat bolstering
   Red driver’s meter highlights
   Red LED ambient light piping – 10 locations
   Wireless charging pad
   Ventilated front seats
3.5-liter V6 TLX Advance Package (adds to TLX V6 Technology Package):
Surround View Camera System
Trapezoidal LED fog lights
Flush-mounted front and rear parking sensors (+2 front sensors)
Body-colored decklid spoiler
New 18″ 15-spoke alloy wheels
Power folding side mirrors
Heated steering wheel
Heated rear outboard seats
Heated windshield
White LED ambient light piping – 10 locations
Wireless charging pad
Ventilated front seats
2018 Acura TLX Pricing and EPA Ratings
Model
Trim Name
Trans
EPA Ratings2(city, highway, combined)
MSRP1
TLX
 
TLX 2.4L
8DCT3
23 / 33 / 27
$33,000
TLX 2.4L with Technology Package
8DCT
23 / 33/ 27
$36,700
TLX V6
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
TLX 3.5L
9AT
20 / 32 / 24
$36,200
TLX 3.5L with Technology Package
9AT
20 / 32 / 24
$39,900
TLX 3.5L A-Spec
9AT
20 / 30 / 23
$42,800
TLX 3.5L with Advance Package
9AT
20 / 32 / 24
$43,750
TLX 3.5L SH-AWD
9AT
21 / 30 / 24
$38,200
TLX 3.5L SH-AWD with Technology Package
9AT
21 / 30 / 24
$41,900
TLX 3.5L SH-AWD A-Spec
9AT
20 / 29 / 23
$44,800
TLX 3.5L SH-AWD with Advance Package
9AT
21 / 30 / 24
$45,750
 
2018 Acura TLX Gallery























Photos & Source: Acura.



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Michigan Based Company Building The Promised Autonomous Future

Michigan Based Company Building The Promised Autonomous Future

In 2009, I was coming home from a sales meeting in Minneapolis-St.Paul with my co-workers from Sioux Falls Ford. We sustained a rear impact in a road construction zone on I-35; the truck that hit us was traveling too fast and didn’t see us stopped in traffic. The blunt force caused us to side swipe the vehicle ahead of us as we plummeted towards the ditch.
Thankfully, nobody was seriously hurt but the experience has always stuck with me. I still get nervous when cars come upon me quickly.
Challenges & Promises
With autonomous vehicles on the horizon, there is a not only a promise, but a strong possibility accidents of this nature – of any nature – will cease. Yet, there remains an elephant in the room. My emotions on autonomous driving are mixed but I am optimistic, believing the people working on such technology have their hearts in the right place. So I will be enthusiastic and favorable in describing this elephant as small, but an elephant in the room is still an elephant in the room.
AutoSens has officially kicked off here in Detroit, Michigan, an insightful event dedicated to autonomous driving and vehicle perception technology. The occasion will serve as a meeting point for engineers, connecting them to one another in a setting that showcases the latest academic research, industrial R&D, and OEM insights. AutoSens is taking place at the M1 Concourse, an ideal location with its 1.5-mile racetrack and showroom facilities.
Photo: Carl Anthony for Automoblog.
Reservations & Relief
There are lots of challenges facing the successful implementation of autonomous driving, as AutoSens will examine, those challenges can only be addressed when the engineers invested in this technology are in the same room. The technical and logistical challenges of autonomous driving are many, but this one is quite high on the list. Here’s that elephant in the room: what if it doesn’t work; what if my car doesn’t react in time? What if that sensor fails, that camera breaks, and what if my car crashes anyway?
I was fortunate enough to demo a fully autonomous car at AutoSens. Without any reservation, I felt safe. I didn’t feel like we were going to hit the wall on the track at the M1 Concourse. I chatted with the other attendees in the car and marveled at how well it accelerated, braked, and handled. The driverless car was a new Ford Fusion, outfitted with the latest autonomous technology from Dataspeed Inc., a Rochester Hills, Michigan company.
Hazy Shades of Winter
I sometimes believe if I asked Mattel’s famous Magic 8-Ball what the autonomous world is going to look like – you know, the better infrastructure, zero accidents, the whole nine – the little triangle would bounce back saying “reply hazy, try again” or “cannot predict now.”
And that children’s toy from the 1950s would be right. We just don’t entirely know what’s going to happen, but Dataspeed’s mission is straightforward, despite the uncertainty. “We bring you the future you were always promised” reads their vision statement, inspired by Founder Paul Fleck’s cousin Mary, the victim of a terrible traffic accident. With safety at the forefront, Fleck formed Dataspeed in 2008 in the epicenter of the auto industry.
“We are in the heart of it all,” said Tyffany Baird, Director of Marketing, Dataspeed Inc. “This is the automotive capital of the world and it’s the best place we could possibly be.”
When it comes to making autonomous vehicles function safely in the real world, Michigan’s four seasons make it an ideal proving ground.
“We have varying weather conditions here, from rain and clouds to snow,” Baird said. “We have the ability here to go beyond simulation to provide a real-time test and solution.”
Photo: Carl Anthony for Automoblog.


Powerful Platforms
The Ford Fusion at AutoSens was equipped with Dataspeed’s Advanced Driver Assistant Systems (ADAS) Kit. As the Fusion went around the track at the M1 Concourse, it smoothly and comfortably accelerated, while braking gently into the corners – it was completely seamless. Dataspeed’s ADAS Kit is a development platform, allowing control of the throttle, brake, steering, and shifting, to assist in the testing of sensors and other elements as they relate to autonomous vehicle applications.
“By our kit allowing an engineer to have that kind of control over those components, they can skip all of that,” Baird explained. “We have done that for them, so they can get right to testing whatever it is they want to test, be it everything from LiDAR to emergency braking.”
Technical Prowess
Let’s say I am a researcher and I am developing a particular sensor or algorithm, or maybe even an entire autonomous vehicle system. I contact Dataspeed where the ADAS Kit is installed, including the drive-by-wire hardware, power distribution system, and vehicle network interfaces, so I can continue developing my sensor, algorithm, or autonomous system. Through the implementation of Dataspeed’s kit, I am able to save time and conduct much more efficient testing on what I am developing.
“It can be a custom built design for testing sensors, cameras, GPS, or LiDAR – we have multiple interfaces that our hardware will work with,” Baird said. “It is always up to the engineer regarding what their specific application is, and from there, we accelerate that testing for them.”
Dataspeed’s ADAS Kit is compatible with the Ford Fusion and Mondeo (2017 or newer) and the Lincoln MKZ (2013 or newer). Power features include 12 programmable relay channels and a 600W true sine wave inverter. Interfaces include CAN, dSPACE, RTMaps, and ROS. Dataspeed provides a host of hardware and software with the ADAS Kit, including the throttle, steering, shifting, and brake-by-wire controller modules, wire harnesses, USB joystick, and updates for a year with a maintenance agreement.
“We allow engineers to test what they need on an actual autonomous vehicle, instead of just simulating that in an office environment,” Baird added.
Photo: Carl Anthony for Automoblog.
Faith & Optimism
My autonomous trip around the track at AutoSens proved eye-opening and profitable. Much of the technology is over my head – I wish I could dive into the brains of those engineers – but I am learning. Learning not only how the technology works but that it does, in fact, work. I am hoping for the best with regard to the forthcoming autonomous world, and I want to believe it will deliver on all of its promises, from infrastructure to zero traffic accidents. I have encouraged, as best I can, readers of this publication to not give the autonomous system an entire heap of blind faith, but rather to remain optimistic and prudent in their approach to the technology.
I find it works, at least for me. And after my time on the track with AutoSens and Dataspeed, that elephant in the room is now a little bit smaller.
Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and resides in Detroit, Michigan. 



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2018 Subaru Forester Product & Performance Overview

2018 Subaru Forester Product & Performance Overview

Subaru, the Japanese manufacturer of all things practical, dependable, and inexpensive, no matter the weather, just rolled out the latest details for the 2018 Forester. They also revealed a new trim package, The Black Edition Package, which seems rather snazzy. All in all, this looks to continue the car subsidiary of Fuji Heavy Industry’s winning streak since the Forester is Subaru’s best-selling model.
Which is surprising, given the number of Outback station wagons you see in the Pacific Northwest.
Essential Details
Subaru’s 2018 Forester lineup breaks down like this: The 2.5i is available in four trim levels: standard, Premium, Limited, and Touring. All Foresters are at least powered by a 170 horsepower, 2.5-liter 4-cylinder boxer engine. A 6-speed manual is standard with an optional Lineartronic CVT. And yes, if you find automatic transmissions just a little bit creepy, a continuously variable transmission is really going to give you the willies. They do, however, work.
Just don’t ask me how they work.
If you opt for the Forester 2.0XT, which is available in both Premium and Touring trims, you get a 250 horsepower, 2.0-liter intercooled, turbocharged 4-cylinder boxer plant, and obviously, this is the one we like best at 1 Automoblog Towers. All Foresters come standard with Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, because, duh, it’s a Subaru. All-wheel drive is what they do. It is, in many ways, what separates them from the likes of Nissan and Toyota and makes them really great rally cars right out of the box. Not that we would encourage you to go rally racing down a lonely logging road at insane velocities in the middle of the night, in a rain storm while your navigator whimpers out route instructions.
Oh no. Not us. We’d never encourage you to do that.
Premium Trim
The base level 2018 Foresters start at a reasonable $22,795. The 2018 Forester 2.5i Premium, which Subaru says is “nicely appointed” starts at $25,695. For that, you get a panoramic power moonroof, 17-inch alloy wheels, X- Mode with Hill Descent Control (on models with a CVT), automatic HVAC controls, body color rear roof spoiler, and a 10-way power driver’s seat. There is an All-Weather Package available that includes heated exterior mirrors, heated front seats, and windshield wiper de-icer – that’s standard on Premium and above.
2018 Subaru 2.5i Forester Black Edition. Photo: Subaru of America, Inc.
Black Edition
The new Forester 2.5i Black Edition package is essentially an upgrade from the Premium model. The Black Edition comes with a Lineartronic CVT featuring X-Mode, Hill Descent Control, and LED Steering Responsive Headlights. You also get 18-inch black alloy wheels, fog lights with black accent trim (of course), black finish exterior badges and mirrors (natch), and a front grille with a blacked-out wing motif and chrome frame.
You get a choice of 4 exterior colors: Crystal Black Silica, Dark Gray Metallic, Crystal White Pearl, and Ice Silver Metallic. There is also exclusive black cloth upholstery seats with simulated leather bolsters. The center dash panel has a silver metallic and black gloss finish. The steering wheel and shift handle are leather-wrapped and highlighted with silver stitching, and the interior door handles have a chrome finish. The Black Edition comes standard with the All-Weather Package, rear cargo tray, and Welcome Lighting.
The upgrade is available exclusively on Premium trims and will set you back $1,150, which isn’t bad.
Limited Trim
The Forester Limited upgrades you to a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift lever handle. There’s perforated leather-trimmed upholstery along with a 10-way power driver’s seat and power lumbar support. Blind Spot Detection with Lane Change Assist and Rear Cross Traffic Alert are standard along with Welcome Lighting.
If you go for the Limited version and tick the EyeSight option, you get High Beam Assist, LED Steering Responsive Headlights, Automatic Low & High Beam Height Adjustment, and Reverse Auto Braking. No, I don’t know what half of those actually do, nor do I fully grok why I would want them, but they’re kind of thrown in with the package.
Cost? The 2018 Subaru Forester 2.5i Limited starts at $29,395.
2018 Subaru 2.5i Forester Black Edition. Photo: Subaru of America, Inc.

Touring Trim
The top-of-the-line Forester Touring models are priced from $33,090, but for that, you get all the goodies Subbie makes. You get 18-inch alloy wheels and body colored exterior mirrors with integrated turn signals. The interior is either Black or Saddle Brown with a 10-way power driver’s seat with two-position memory. Keyless Access with Push-Button Start and heated steering wheel? Check, check, and check. Reverse Automatic Braking and High Beam Assist headlights are standard on Touring models too. Oh, and as an added performance feature, all 2.0XT Touring models come with Active Torque Vectoring, first introduced on the WRX and WRX STI.
And, no matter which Forester model you choose, you’ll get a SUBARU STARLINK Multimedia system providing hands-free connectivity and entertainment services. More information, including option packages and pricing, is included in the charts below.
Tony Borroz has spent his entire life racing antique and sports cars. He means well, even if he has a bias towards lighter, agile cars rather than big engine muscle cars or family sedans.
2018 FORESTER
Model/Trim
Transmission
Applicable Option Code
MSRP
MSRP + destination and delivery
2.5i
6MT
‘01
$22,795
$23,710
2.5i
CVT
’01, ‘02
$23,795
$24,710
2.5i Premium
6MT
11
$25,695
$26,610
2.5i Premium
CVT
12, 13, 14, 15, 16
$26,195
$27,110
2.5i Limited
CVT
21, 22, 23
$29,395
$30,310
2.5i Touring
CVT
31, 32
$33,090
$34,005
2.0XT Premium
CVT
11
$29,495
$30,410
2.0XT Touring
CVT
31, 32
$36,090
$37,005


2018 FORESTER OPTION PACKAGES

CODE 01 Standard Model 2.5i
N/A
CODE 02 Alloy Wheel Package- includes 17-in. machine finished alloy wheels, roof rails and front passenger window Auto Up/Down
$600
CODE 11 Standard Model- 2.5i Premium 6MT or 2.0XT Premium CVT
N/A
CODE 12 Standard Model- 2.5i Premium CVT
N/A
CODE 13 All-Weather Package
$500
CODE 14 EyeSight®+ All- Weather Package + Blind Spot Detection/ Rear Cross Traffic Alert
$1,695
CODE 15 EyeSight® + All-Weather Package + Blind Spot Detection/Rear Cross Traffic Alert and Power Rear Gate
$2,145
CODE 16 Black Edition
$1,150
CODE 21 Standard Model- 2.5i Limited
N/A
CODE 22 Navigation + Harman Kardon® Audio Amplifiers + Speakers
$1,350
CODE 23 EyeSight® + Navigation + Harman Kardon® Amplifiers + Speakers
$2,945
CODE 31 Standard Model- 2.5i Touring and 2.0XT Touring (Black interior)
N/A
CODE 32 Standard Model- 2.5i Touring and 2.0XT Touring (Saddle Brown interior)
N/A
 
 
Photos & Source: Subaru of America, Inc.



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