Automotive

2020 Ford Transit Changes

The latest models from Ford Transit will soon introduce in by Ford. 2020 Ford Transit will have two variants namely AWD and Connect. There will be big changes that will be presented by Ford for this car. And the redesign of this car has many waiting for many people. More than 8 million units have been sold since its first launch in 1965. This Van was already very well known in his home country.

2020 Ford Transit Interior and Exterior

A large grille will give some gains for this new Ford Transit. It looks sturdy and can provide substantial air to awesome down the engine. The Ford Transit front headlights also obtain a new design and style despite the fact that we cannot say that it is the classy layout. It can utilize the LED lights to give a superb illumination and vision towards the Transit driver. The Ford emblem still can be observed in the front center.

Ford will try to reduce your body bodyweight of the new generation Ford Transit. Ford Transit new light-weight and powerful materials will be used for the physique. It will give some rewards to the engine for your acceleration and fuel consumption. At the back, the 2020 Ford Transit also get some enhancements. The taillights and also the muffler will obtain a new style and design.

We should agree that Ford does anything good to enhance the interior design and style for the 2020 Transit. The spy shots demonstrate the dashboard with the upcoming Transit is going to be modern-day and packed with capabilities. The steering wheel will get soft leather coating and adjustable. We can uncover some new panels on the dashboard. The touchscreen display on the new Transit’s panel is often utilized since the navigation and enjoyment media.

2020 Ford Transit Engine

Underneath the hood could possibly be a fully distinctive story. 2020 Ford Transit includes a 3.7 liter and V6 engine producing 270 horsepower. the exact same as identified on the Ford Explorer SUV. An AWD and Connect 3.5 Liter EcoBoost and V6 engine can be swapped in to get a premium and both are mated to a 6-speed automated.

2020 Ford Transit Release Date and Price

2020 Ford Transit will be released early in the year 2020, and for clarity of further information, we recommend that you can wait for information directly from Ford. And for the price of Ford Transit will have a price of around $31,000. For AWD variants and Connect there will be little change in the price.

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AutoSens Conference Plays Vital Role In The Success of Autonomous Driving

AutoSens Conference Plays Vital Role In The Success of Autonomous Driving Autonomous driving is the most expansive topic in the automotive industry. At one time, such concepts were science fiction, now they are just science. And the industry is working around the clock to validate, refine, and ultimately mass produce that science. There is an old saying: “what a time to be alive.” Self-driving cars? What a time to be alive.
Think about it for a moment. All the cars we see on the road today; all of them driving themselves. Society will forever change as we know it.
Creating Dialogue
With significant cultural changes come a multitude of challenges and triumphs, autonomous driving being no exception. Hence why collaboration is necessary as the discussions concerning autonomous driving are great. Pick any single aspect about about it: technology, engineering, legalities, morals and ethics; or the idea we stand to lose our relationship with the automobile. These conversations are nearly endless, and each topic poses as many questions as answers.
It is for this reason AutoSens is needed if autonomous driving is going to work. Fresh off a successful Detroit conference in May, AutoSens, a global summit on automated driving, is returning to Brussels, Belgium next week. The agenda includes over 60 different sessions meant to facilitate meaningful dialogue on the topic of autonomous cars.
“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 AutoSens founder Robert Stead. “It’s no easy task.”
Photo: Continental Corporation.
Community & Collaboration
AutoSens examines every aspect of autonomous driving, from the supply chain and infrastructure concerns, to the legal, financial, and ethical considerations. Attendees, speakers, sponsors, and participants leverage each other’s expertise during the event, which takes aim at the biggest challenges facing autonomous cars. Collaboration and creativity are the central themes, whereby professionals in the field share ideas and devise solutions to the obstacles facing autonomous driving.
“I would say the biggest challenge for people is trying to understand the different technologies,” explained Phil Magney, Founder and Principal Advisor, VSI Labs, during AutoSens Detroit in May. “This conference has been good for us because we meet like-minded people that are facing similar challenges; we talk, we exchange our views, and we learn from each other.”
“It’s a great community and we are very happy to be part of this ecosystem; it’s an excellent event,” added Paul Fleck, Founder of Dataspeed. “I’m looking forward to AutoSens Brussels and then coming back to Detroit again next year.”
Dataspeed Founder Paul Fleck (black shirt, jacket, middle) talks with AutoSens Detroit attendees in May. Dataspeed showcased the company’s ADAS Kit which helps engineers maximize their development of autonomous systems in the field. Fleck, an engineer himself, lost a loved one in an auto accident. The experience led him to develop technology he believes will save lives. Photo: Alex Hartman for Sense Media.
For Engineers, By Engineers
The technical integrity of the conference is of the upmost importance. This way, attendees have a true representation of what is happening in the market. There are no sales pitches or slides; “for engineers, by engineers” is the approach organizers take. Every aspect of the conference lives by this motto, from the autonomous vehicle demonstrations to the panel of speakers.
“AutoSens brings together engineering minds in a way incomparable with other events this this sector,” Stead said. “A real sense of community is what makes it tick. You’ll find the attendees, even if they are doing research on a niche technical area, will be very open to explain what it’s all about to those who are not so experienced.”
Expert Speakers
AutoSens Brussels 2018 includes keynotes from Professor Christoph Stiller, KIT, on Solutions and Open Challenges in Vehicular Perception, Professor Michael Watts, MIT, with a review of the latest research in photonics-sensor technologies as they relate to the automotive sector, and Jack Weast, Intel, on sharing an Open, Transparent, Industry-Driven Approach to AV Safety.
Expert speakers include representatives from BMW Group, Intel, Hailo, Lyft, NXP Semiconductors, Waymo, University of Surrey, Siemens, Renesas, Smart Eye, The University of Warwick, ABI Research, VSI Labs, and Arbe Robotics. Session leaders have expertise in robotics, computer vision, automotive electronics, digital imaging, and functional safety among others.
“The difference between AutoSens and many other events on this hot topic of self-driving cars is that the AutoSens attendees are the actual engineers who are building the systems that will make it all possible,” Stead explained. “They know first-hand what technologies work well, what the bottlenecks are, and what the future capabilities will be.”
Attendees sit in during one of the many technical presentations that took place at AutoSens Detroit in May. The conference will return to the Michigan Science Center beginning on May 13th 2019. Photo: Alex Hartman for Sense Media.
Tickets & Location
AutoSens Brussels 2018 takes place inside the city’s famous AutoWorld Museum, September 17th through the 20th. Tickets, including discount packages for females in the engineering community, are available now. The event’s full agenda and speaker lineup can be found here. The AutoSens Awards, also held in Brussels, are set for the evening of September 19th.
“It’s a community and what AutoSens does is bring that community together twice a year; once in Detroit in May and again in September in Brussels,” Stead said. “We see a lot of the same faces coming back – it’s kind of like seeing the family twice a year – but it is growing and there are new people coming too.”
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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2018 Lexus GX 460 Luxury Review: Lots of Space, Off-Road Capability

2018 Lexus GX 460 Luxury Review: Lots of Space, Off-Road Capability Even though many SUV owners don’t take their vehicles off-road, the Lexus GX 460 is highly capable if you ever need to get off the pavement. It would be ideal for a family who lives outside the city, perhaps near the mountains, or just generally needs to travel unpaved roads to get home. That’s because the GX shares a similar platform with the capable off-road Toyota 4Runner.
The GX is a large luxury SUV that can handle rugged terrain, and is good for towing a camper or other recreational vehicles. This week, we’ve been driving the 2018 Lexus GX 460 Luxury, the SUV’s top trim level.
What’s New For 2018
There are only a few minor changes in available features.
Features & Options
The 2018 Lexus GX 460 Luxury ($63,230) comes standard with 18-inch wheels, LED headlights, running boards, a flip-up rear window within the swing-out tailgate, roof rails, Lexus’ Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System, a sunroof, rearview camera, and keyless ignition and entry.
Inside, the GX 460 comes with dual-zone automatic climate control, simulated leather upholstery, power-adjustable front seats, driver-seat memory settings, a power-adjustable steering column, and a 50/50-split folding third-row seat. Infotainment features include Lexus Enform emergency and remote vehicle services, an eight-inch touchscreen, two USB ports, and Bluetooth capability. The nine-speaker sound system includes a CD player and satellite and HD radio.
The GX 460 Luxury comes with all of the above as standard, plus an adaptive and auto-leveling suspension, power-folding and auto-dimming mirrors, headlight washers, and a heated, wood-trimmed steering wheel. The rear cargo cover, second-row captain’s chairs, and upgraded leather upholstery make for nice additional touches.
This GX 460 tester came with the optional two-screen rear seat entertainment system ($1,970) and a Driver Support package ($4,340). This adds adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning and automatic braking, front- and side-view cameras, and a driver inattention monitoring system. The package also includes lane departure warning, automatic high beams, crawl control (an off-road, low-speed cruise control system), and the Mark Levinson sound system.
The Sport Design Package ($1,950) adds 18-inch dark alloy wheels, heated second row seats, and special styling elements. Total MSRP of our test GX 460, options and all, including destination: $72,485.

Interior Highlights
The 2018 Lexus GX 460 Luxury is ideal for active families because of how big the inside is. This luxury SUV seats up to seven and comes with three rows. The front is especially spacious. The seats up there are 10-way power adjustable, plus heated and cooled for extra comfort. It’s easy to find the perfect driving position for any family member with the tilt/telescoping steering wheel.
The second-row is reasonably roomy and versatile and features heated seats that also recline. The seats offer a power feature and will fold down flat for extra cargo space. The third row can be accessed from the passenger side where the second-row seat moves forward to allow walk-in access. The third row also folds flat at the push of a button, converting the GX 460 to a five-passenger SUV with more cargo room.
The interior is cavernous. We were able to carry a 10-foot piece of wood trim home for a remodeling project.

Engine & Fuel Mileage Specs
The GX 460 is powered by a 4.6-liter V8 producing 301 horsepower and 329 lb-ft. of torque. It’s mated with a six-speed transmission and four-wheel drive is standard.
Fuel economy ratings come in at 15/18 city/highway and 16 combined mpg. According to the EPA ratings, the GX 460 falls mostly in line with the competition, although it lags in total cruising range.
Driving Dynamics
The Lexus GX 460 likes to cruise on level highways and was smooth and unstressed on the commute to work. As we returned home heading up I-70 into the mountains, the 301 horsepower V8 had to work harder to get us up the hill. The GX 460 weighs 5,340 lbs. empty. That said, if you have a full load, or are pulling a trailer, it may struggle to handle the weight.
But for those who live on flat ground, this SUV will handle most driving situations with ease.
With a body-on-frame construction and low range gearing, it’s far more rugged and powerful than the Lexus RX crossover. Unlike the RX, the GX offers excellent off-road capability and comes equipped with features to make off-road driving safe and easy. It’s very comfortable in town, but has a great setup for getting you into the back country.
For example, The GX comes standard with a full-time 4WD system, which includes a locking center differential and low-range gearing. The system requires little to no input from the driver. It’s ideal for safe travel during heavy rains, on snowy and icy roads, or on rough dirt or gravel surfaces. Despite this off-road design, the suspension still eats up bumps and potholes without jarring you or the passengers.
Conclusion
With its truck-like platform, the 2018 Lexus GX 460 offers excellent control over rugged terrain. It will keep you confident in bad weather. It’s a traditional SUV, built on the same truck-based architecture as the rugged Toyota 4Runner, with a suspension and drive system designed for the rough stuff.
Inside it’s big and luxurious and on the road it’s comfortable and quiet. The 4.6-liter V8 is good enough but it could use more low-end torque for pulling up the hills.
Denis Flierl has invested over 25 years in the automotive industry in a variety of roles. Follow his work on Twitter: @CarReviewGuy
2018 Lexus GX 460 Gallery

Lexus GX Official Site.
Photos: Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.

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BMW Vision M Next: This Concept Redefines The Autonomous Car

BMW Vision M Next: This Concept Redefines The Autonomous Car A new BMW concept shows how self-driving cars from the brand might look in time.
With a turbocharged and hybrid powertrain, the Vision M Next hits 60 in three seconds.
For now, the Vision M Next is only a concept but it does make our imagination run wild.
Admittedly, there are many delicious elements in the BMW Vision M Next concept. For one thing, just look at it! It’s a stylish reinterpretation of past and present BMW vehicles. To be more specific, it’s like the lovechild of a 1972 BMW E25 Turbo Concept and i8 PHEV. The wedge-like design is also a fitting ode to the E26 BMW M1. The ’70s and ’80s are back, and I’m loving it!
However, the one thing that really stands out in the Vision M Next is BMW’s ideas on autonomous driving.
The BMW Vision M Next is an autonomous car, yes. But it’s the type of autonomy where the controls can be overridden by the driver. In short, it’s a concept car worth waiting for and something traditional car lovers can sink their teeth into.
BMW Vision M Next: The Brand’s Future?
The German manufacturer says all future BMW vehicles will be built utilizing the D+ACES philosophy. This means Design, Autonomous Driving, Electrification, and Services are carefully blended to produce the ultimate driving machine of the future. “The BMW Vision M Next provides a glimpse into the future of sporty driving,” says Adrian Van Hooydonk, Senior Vice President of BMW Group Design. “It demonstrates how state-of-the-art technology can also make the experience of driving yourself purer and more emotionally engaging.”
It’s no secret things are shaking up at BMW HQ. The company is now struggling to cope with the onset of fully-electric vehicles like the Tesla Model S and Model X. And I find this unsettling considering BMW was among the first to sell an EV in the form of the i3 in 2013. It seems upper management underestimated the potential of full EVs, and they’re now playing catch up. Turning up last is not necessarily a bad thing; in fact, you can use it your own advantage. And if the BMW Vision M Next is any indication, it’s safe to say gearheads, car lovers, and auto enthusiasts can look forward to a bright and enjoyable future.
BMW Vision M Next. Photo: BMW of North America, LLC.
The Good Kind of Hybrid Power
We already established the BMW Vision M Next is a looker. It has all the elements of a poster car: a retro-delectable, wedge-shaped silhouette, gullwing doors, ridiculous color schemes, and illuminated elements on the kidney grille. The blade-shaped triangular elements on the air intakes remind me of the snout of a Lamborghini Aventador. In short, the BMW Vision M Next is every inch a supercar. But what makes a car super in the purest sense of the word is vast reserves of power. In this regard, the BMW Vision M Next has you covered.
It’s actually a hybrid supercar, but it’s the good kind of hybrid power. The car has a turbo four-cylinder motor and an array of electric motors. BMW didn’t say how many, but with the capability to engage electric all-wheel drive or pure rear-wheel drive, we assume it has no less than two or three electric motors. All told, you have 600 horsepower at your disposal, good for a top speed of 186 mph (300 km/h).
And I mean, wow! I personally don’t like hybrids. I think they’re clunky, too complicated, and extremely dull on the road. But if a hybrid has 600 horsepower and can go from zero to 60 mph in three seconds, I wouldn’t mind having one, most especially if it looks exactly like the BMW Vision M Next.
In the future, what if you have to pass by certain zero-emissions zones? No problem. The Vision M Next has an all-electric range of 62 miles (100 km), which frankly is not enough. However, 62 miles is mostly enough for quick city jaunts, so maybe this isn’t bad at all.
Photo: BMW of North America, LLC.
EASE & BOOST Mode
Remember the part about the BMW Vision M Next being an autonomous car? You can engage full-autonomy in EASE mode. Meanwhile, if you want to drive it like how a BMW should be driven, BOOST mode is the way to go.
Easy, right? You can read the newspaper, upload a selfie, or chat with fellow passengers in EASE mode, all while traveling at speed. But if you want to drive, BOOST mode will place you at the helm. This all sounds amazing: being able to enjoy both autonomy and actual driving. I sincerely hope other car makers are looking to what BMW is doing in the Vision M Next. If manufacturers want full autonomy to become a reality, it’s important to give consumers an option on whether or not to drive. We want autonomous cars, but we want to choose when it should do so.
Related: BMW Group and Daimler AG partner on autonomous driving.
Boost Pod: The Beauty of Simplicity
The ultra-minimalist interior in the BMW Vision M Next is a triumph in modern design. The most striking feature is the accent line in the driver’s area. It runs forward from the seat over to the steering wheel. This represents the ideal line of sight as you drive, which speaks highly of BMW’s performance intent.
You’ll find hi-tech woven synthetic fibers, anodized titanium, and painted surfaces in the cabin. Surprisingly, leather is only found in the hand touch points of the steering wheel and door pull handles. The visible roof structure is crafted from recycled carbon fiber while the headliner has a tone-in-tone paint finish.
The highlight of the interior is the Boost Pod, which is BMW future-speak for the Speed Racer-inspired steering wheel and instrument console. Instead of traditional dials or large display screens, all the driving information is projected to an array of glass panels behind the steering wheel. It’s basically like a visor that projects information.
BMW Vision M Next interior layout. Photo: BMW of North America, LLC.
Thrilling Soundtrack
I’ve said this before and I’ll say it again: electric cars are too quiet for their own good. But BMW – who happens to be late in the EV game – has come up with something brilliant. The BMW Vision M Next has its own musical soundtrack penned by no less than Hans Zimmer. The man won an Academy Award for Best Original Musical Score for the movie Lion King in 1995 and has composed music for more than 150 Hollywood films.
It’s safe to assume BMW hired the right man for the job.
Conventional EVs, like the BMW i3, have exterior speakers to alert pedestrians. This is good, but it does nothing to liven up the driving experience. With its own dedicated soundtrack, the BMW Vision M Next won’t end up sounding like a brash muscle car, but at least it won’t sound like an appliance either.
Welcome To The Future
And it’s time to come back to Earth. Sadly, the BMW Vision M Next is just a concept. Yet it shows BMW is moving in the right direction. With that being said, I propose a toast to other car makers taking notice of what the future of driving should really be about. Cheers to the future, lads!
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.
BMW Vision M Next Gallery

Photos & Source: BMW of North America, LLC.

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The all-new third generation Bentley Continental GT rolls out of Crewe for the latest jet set

The all-new third generation Bentley Continental GT rolls out of Crewe for the latest jet set Bentley’s latest is the next-generation Continental GT coupe, bound for the nearest affluent neighborhood near you.
What’s going on?
Bentley just revealed the third-generation Continental GT, one of the most iconic, luxurious, and fastest grand tourer coupes to date. Like the previous models, the newest Continental GT combines the very best in British hand-craftsmanship with German engineering. That means a completely revised 6.0L TSI W12 motor, further developed by Volkswagen, and stunning performance to match.
If the new Continental GT looks familiar, that’s because it’s inspired heavily by the beautiful EXP 10 Speed-Six Concept from the 2015 Geneva Auto Show. And that’s a good thing as the resemblances are strong, as if the EXP 10 Speed-Six literally morphed from its concept form into production. When first previewed, Bentley even admitted the EXP 10 Speed-Six previewed the next-gen Continental GT.
So after much anticipation, it’s finally here, delivering on those promises.
“Bentley has been at the forefront of luxury Grand Touring for nearly one hundred years. The new, third-generation Continental GT is the pinnacle of our design and engineering achievements and marks the next step in Bentley’s journey,” said CEO, Wolfgang Dürheimer at the press conference.
“We are the world leader in luxury mobility and our products and services define new luxury in the automotive world. The new Continental GT encapsulates our desire to innovate as well as celebrate our heritage and take the Bentley ownership experience to the next, unparalleled level.”

What powers it?
Under the long hood sits the same 6.0L TSI gasoline W12 as previous Continental GTs. But now, it’s been updated to offer 626 horsepower and 664 pound-feet of twist. Mated to an also new twin-clutch eight-speed automatic, 0-60 mph happens in just 3.6 seconds with a top run of 207 mph, making it the latest and greatest Bentley to enter the 200 mph club.
Delivering the power is standard all-wheel drive, though the system in the latest car is completely new. The old car’s system operated at a 40:60 percent power split between the front and rear. Now, the new car’s all-paw system functions mostly in rear-wheel-drive mode, transferring power to the front wheels only when needed for extra traction, like during the inclement of weather. Bentley says the result is a more dynamic handling experience and ultimately, less understeer.
Like most other performance-oriented luxury cars, the Continental GT comes with driver selectable profiles that adjust various operating parameters according to the chosen mode. For instance, in Sport mode, the Continental GT’s throttle, transmission response, steering, and adaptive air suspension all tighten up and become more responsive. Comfort mode is obviously meant for cruising long distances.
What else is new?
The Continuous Damping Control and Electric Power-Assisted Steering are also newly developed to offer better and improved performance. It features an advanced 48-volt roll control system, which basically translates into a stunning amount of computing power. This means it can monitor and adjust the electronically-adaptive anti-roll bars for each axle almost instantly. Bentley currently touts the system is the only one of its kind and unrivaled in its class.
It also sits on a new platform, which helps the Continental GT shed a considerable amount of weight for improved handling and performance.
When will it go on sale and for how much?
Such details weren’t released with the initial unveiling of the Continental GT. But given how it’s a Bentley, you can expect the price to be rather high. Also, since it’s labeled as a 2018 car, you can expect it to launch in Europe in the coming months. Its arrival in America will likely take place sometime next year.
– By: Chris Chin
2018 Bentley Continental GT Specifications

2018 Bentley Continental GT Photo Gallery

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2017 Lexus RC 350 AWD Coupe Review

2017 Lexus RC 350 AWD Coupe Review

Toyota’s Chief Executive Officer, Akio Toyoda said he wanted to infuse the Lexus brand with a new spirit. The new mission comes from his racing background and love for fast cars. The CEO of Toyota knew he had to change the culture at Lexus in order to survive. Toyoda wants to compete with the BMW 4 Series, Audi A5, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, and Cadillac ATS coupe, and the RC 350 was his answer.
This week we saw how Lexus was doing in keeping up with their competitors.
What’s New For 2017
The Lexus RC 350 remains unchanged for 2017.
Features & Options
The 2017 Lexus RC 350 all-wheel drive coupe ($45,175) comes with 18-inch wheels, LED headlights, keyless entry and ignition, dual-zone automatic climate control, a rearview camera, power front seats, a 60/40-split folding rear seat, Bluetooth connectivity, a 7-inch color display, voice controls, and a 10-speaker sound system with satellite radio. Also standard is Lexus Enform Service Connect, which provides access to vehicle status and maintenance alerts via a smartphone app.
The Navigation/Mark Levinson package ($2,550) adds a console-mounted touchpad controller, upgraded voice controls, navigation, smartphone app integration (including Destination Search, Yelp, Pandora, and iHeartRadio), and a 17-speaker surround-sound audio system.
The F Sport package ($3,700) pads on appearance items such as a mesh grille and a unique front fascia. The substantive bits include 19-inch wheels with all-season (AWD) tires, adaptive sport-tuned suspension dampers, and sport front seats. F Sport models also get perforated leather upholstery and trim, heated/cooled seats, a power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel (with a heated rim on AWD models), driver-seat memory settings, and a special instrument cluster. Triple beam LED headlights add ($1,160), moonroof ($1,100), and LED fog lamps ($470).
Total MSRP including destination: $57,198.

Interior Highlights
The cabin’s two-tone black and burgundy color scheme is especially attractive and the F SPORT front seats were comfortable and supportive during our spirited driving this week. The interior features plenty of soft touch material and the quality is first class. If you are looking for comfort, the heated and cooled F Sport front seats will provide it. The F SPORT badge on the bottom of the steering wheel and aluminum sport pedals set the cabin apart from the standard model. The RC still keeps an analog clock, which we think is an interesting choice.
The 10-way power driver seat comes with three pre-set adjustments for different drivers in the family. Push button start and the cooled front seats made the drives comfortable in the August heat we had in Denver. Don’t expect the back seat to be used for hauling adult passengers, however. It’s tight and only useful for smaller children and cargo, though this is normal for a sport coupe. Trunk volume is also a slim 10.4 cubic feet, just big enough for two golf bags.

Engine & Fuel Mileage Specs
The Lexus RC 350 is powered by a 3.5-liter V6, delivering 306 horsepower and 277 lb-ft. of torque. The RC 350 will launch from 0 to 60 mph in 5.8 seconds which is just about average for a sports coupe. A six-speed automatic with steering wheel paddle shifters came with our full-time all-wheel drive tester. It gets an EPA estimated 19/26 city/highway and 21 combined mpg.
Driving Dynamics
The all-wheel drive RC 350 provides a sporty feel with enough power to handle nearly any driving situation. The optional F SPORT package features a firmer, adaptive suspension, different gauges, and other performance goodies that make this Lexus coupe higher on the fun-to-drive meter than the standard variant. The Lexus RC 350 is well-suited for the performance enthusiast looking for an enjoyable, capable daily driver, and we suggest adding the optional F Sport package. Besides sporty cosmetic touches inside and out, it also adds the adaptive suspension, which improves the overall ride comfort and handling.
The Lexus RC 350 handled extremely well in the curves as we tested the coupe on mountain roads this week. The 306 horsepower V6 has enough power for most driving enthusiasts and we had no problem powering past slower drivers going up I-70, into the mountains, at altitude. If you want the more “torquey” response of the turbocharged engines used by rivals, you may want to look elsewhere, but the naturally aspirated engine in the Lexus RC 350 has a smooth, linear acceleration feel suited for daily driving.
Conclusion
The 2017 Lexus RC 350 is a good choice for those looking for a reasonably performing sports coupe. It’s not as engaging as its German rivals, but the Lexus is a solid choice in the luxury sport coupe segment. The RC 350 with or without the optional F SPORT package offers ample power, agile handling, and makes for a comfortable daily driver.
Denis Flierl has invested over 25 years in the automotive industry in a variety of roles. Follow his work on Twitter: @CarReviewGuy
2017 Lexus RC 350 Gallery

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2017 Lexus RC Official Site.
Photos: Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.

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Autonomous Pizza Delivery? The Future Is Here!

Autonomous Pizza Delivery? The Future Is Here!

Autonomous driving, if perfected, represents a major societal advancement. Should we arrive at this proposed future, it may mean the end of traffic accidents, better infrastructure, and reduced emissions.
It might also forever change the future of pizza delivery.
Domino’s Pizza and Ford Motor Company are partnering to examine how self-driving cars impact pizza delivery. The collaboration will analyze consumer reactions in an attempt to understand the dynamics of future food delivery. And just when you think you’ve seen it all huh?
Consumer Vision
Ford is heavily invested in autonomous driving, with plans to begin driverless car production in 2021. Further, Ford wants to find ways for their driverless cars to directly enhance a customer’s experience with the technology, hence the collaboration with Domino’s.
“As we increase our understanding of the business opportunity for self-driving vehicles to support the movement of people and goods, we’re pleased to have Domino’s join us in this important part of the development process,” said Sherif Marakby, Vice President, Autonomous and Electric Vehicles, Ford Motor Company. “As a company focused on the customer experience, Domino’s shares our vision for a future enabled by smart vehicles in a smart environment that enhance people’s lives.”
Photo: Ford Motor Company.
Market Evaluation
Over the next several weeks, randomly-selected Domino’s customers in Ann Arbor, Michigan can elect to receive their order from a Ford Fusion Hybrid Autonomous Research Vehicle. A Ford safety engineer and other researchers will be in the vehicle to monitor the process. Those who participate are able to track their pizza through the vehicle’s GPS with an upgraded version of Domino’s Tracker. As the pizza gets closer, an unlock code for the Domino’s Heatwave Compartment inside the vehicle will be texted to the customer.
“The majority of our questions are about the last 50 feet of the delivery experience,” explained Russell Weiner, President of Domino’s USA. “For instance, how will customers react to coming outside to get their food? We’re interested to learn what people think about this type of delivery.”
Ford and Domino’s will even be monitoring where the car is parked when it arrives with the customer’s pizza.
“We need to understand if a customer’s experience is different if the car is parked in the driveway versus next to the curb,” Weiner continued. “All of our testing research is focused on our goal to someday make deliveries with self-driving vehicles as seamless and customer-friendly as possible.”
“As delivery experts, we’ve been watching the development of self-driving vehicles with great interest as we believe transportation is undergoing fundamental, dramatic change,” added Patrick Doyle, Domino’s President and Chief Executive Officer.
Photo: Ford Motor Company.

Local Support
Domino’s unique Heatwave Compartment was fabricated by Roush Enterprises. Ford and Domino’s conducted preliminary testing of the autonomous delivery process at Mcity, the simulated urban environment on the University of Michigan’s campus in Ann Arbor.
“I’m delighted that Ann Arbor continues to be at the forefront of autonomous vehicle research,” said Ann Arbor Mayor Christopher Taylor. “While it’s pizza delivery today, my hope is that collaborations such as this will enable even more innovations tomorrow.”
Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and resides in Detroit, Michigan.
Photos & Source: Ford Motor Company, Domino’s Pizza.

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Audi Driving Experience Opens To All Enthusiasts

Audi Driving Experience Opens To All Enthusiasts

Audi, like a number of other car companies, is doing that “driving academy,” “driving weekend,” “track experience” thing where they let you flog their cars and, hopefully, by the end of it, make a few sales. In Audi’s case, their deal is called The Audi Driving Experience and it takes place at the Circuit of The Americas, or COTA, in Austin, Texas. My initial response upon hearing this can be summed up in six words: SEND ME, SEND ME, SEND ME!!!
Come One, Come All
Look, I am not that much of a track-tard – to use the current parlance of those who spend every waking minute either at, going to, or prepping to get whatever car they can afford to the track. Then again, I am not above wanting to drive the bejeebers out of someone else’s car on a track, especially in a relatively consequence-free way. Plus, I am almost sure we have corporate insurance here at Automoblog for something like this.
The all-new driving experience that Audi of America put together in collaboration with the Circuit of The Americas is specifically for customers and fans. To me, that kinda reads like you don’t have to have already bought an Audi, just convince them that you’re considering one. Audi says their Driving Experience is open year-round to drivers of all experience levels. Meaning you can be a complete stoop of a driver with fists of ham and fingers of butter and a small, yet burgeoning career as an automotive “journalist” and still be invited (nudge-nudge, wink-wink, hint-hint).
The program is more than just turning you loose on the track by yourself though. It includes hands-on coaching from professional instructors, dynamic car control exercises, proper cornering techniques, and high speed lead and follow exercises on the track. All of which sound very enlightening and fun.
Photo: Audi of America, Inc.
Healthy Stable

And the cars, you ask? What kind of Audis do you get to drive? Oh, that’s where things go from the ridiculous to the sublime. The vehicles featured include the Audi Q7 (yes, that would be the huge, Shamu-like SUV thing) the all-new RS 3 (interesting, yes) the Audi TT RS (potentially more interesting still) and the R8 V10 plus (which is where I stop typing and start calling the purchasing and accounting department at One Automoblog Towers and beg them for the cash).
The nuts and bolts break down into four distinct track activities: The Audi Sport dynamic experience, Audi Sport track initiation experience, Audi Sport R8 track initiation experience, and the Audi Sport R8 pro track experience. Each offer unique programs that span from half-day, one day or two day experiences, and each program comprises a classroom session followed by “a hands-on interactive experience.” Or, to put it in terms you gearhead track-tards will grok: You get to go drive!
Photo: Audi of America, Inc.
Dynamic & Track Initiation Experience
The Audi Sport dynamic experience gets you guidance from a professional instructor, with an introduction to understanding and working the key principles of performance driving. The driving seems to take place in the paddock and features the Audi RS 3 and the TT RS.
The Audi Sport track initiation experience, which I sincerely hope does not involve goats or the full moon, is a half-day program where you get to master vehicle control and handling in the TT RS, RS 3, and the R8 V10 plus. Audi says this is through “dynamic exercises that demand a high level of coordination utilizing both the exercise paddocks and the circuit.” All I know is that I heard the phrase “and the circuit,” and stopped worrying about the particulars.
The next step up is the Audi Sport R8 track initiation experience (also sans goats et al (I hope)). This is a one-day program that gets you behind the wheel of the R8 V10 plus to “discover its full potential on the Formula 1 Circuit.” To me, that sounds like “have fun over-cooking it.” The Audi Sport R8 track initiation experience revolves around race course sector training. This allows you to get acquainted with all of the race track’s particular features before trying to string an entire, hopefully flawless, lap together.
Photo: Audi of America, Inc.

R8 Pro Track Experience
And finally, we arrive at the summit, the Audi Sport R8 pro track experience. First you have to complete the Audi Sport R8 track initiation experience, carry a burning brazier with your forearms, and save Ra’s Al Ghul, but then you go through training with the professional instructors for two days behind the wheel of the R8 V10 plus. And, you know, to me, that sounds like a pretty good bargain, all in all. Audi says this is “designed for true driving enthusiasts,” to which I respond with a resounding “duh!”
And, of course, there are extras. In addition to the pro instructors, you also get to enjoy dedicated suites and garages along with catered meals. All this and a free lunch too!? What’s not to 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: Audi of America, Inc.

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Automoblog Book Garage: The Art of Mopar

Automoblog Book Garage: The Art of Mopar

“There’s an adage in Detroit,” writes Tom Glatch on page 44 in The Art of Mopar. “You can sell an old man a young man’s car but you can never sell a young man an old man’s car.”
Glatch describes how in 1966, Dodge was an old man’s marquee, quickly sinking in a sea of youthful baby boomers. Although a vibrant spokeswoman, a brilliant designer, and a powerhouse car would later turn the tides. Many enthusiasts will know the latter; Mopar muscle aficionados will likely know all three. And that Detroit adage has yet to leave town.
In This Corner . . .
Page 171 documents the words of Car and Driver in 1970 that proposed Chrysler never did anything first (unless we are counting minivans but that’s a conversation for another day). However, Glatch insists Car and Driver missed both the Dodge Charger and Plymouth Road Runner, who Ford and General Motors seemed to overlook as well; neither the blue oval nor the bowtie breathed an answer to these Mopar machines. Although the honorable automotive publication did get one thing right about Chrysler in their 1970 assessment: “it tries to make up for being late by jumping into said spot harder than anybody else.”
The reason why that’s still true? 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon.
And we will leave it at that.
Fly Like An Eagle (Or Bee)
Detailed sidebars decorate the pages of Art of Mopar, highlighting the features, options, pricing, and performance specs of Chrysler’s muscle cars at the time. Interesting stories are told along the way, like how a carving on a kitchen table inspired the most famous Mopar logo ever. Indeed, The Art of Mopar is one of our all-time favorites to appear in this Book Garage series. To paint the picture a little more clearly, since the book arrived in the mail, we have yet to put it down. Our Detroit office is filled with the psychedelic sounds of the Steve Miller Band, and I’m fantasizing about a Dodge Charger Daytona right this moment instead of focusing on my work.
The Art of Mopar reinforces why we continue to love things with four tires, three pedals, two brass balls, and one big flippin’ engine. To the two Toms that worked on this book, hats off to you good sirs.
1968 Dodge Charger 426 Hemi. Photo: Tom Loeser.
Author & Photographer
Since 1983, Glatch has contributed hundreds of stories and photographs to major collector, Corvette, Mustang, muscle car, and Mopar magazines. Glatch grew up during the muscle car era, later owning a 1970 Plymouth Duster 340. He and his wife Kelly have contributed photographs for others in the Motorbooks family. When not pursuing old muscle cars, he works for a Fortune 500 corporation as a data and systems analyst and developer.
Tom Loeser has worked as a Firefighter for the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (now known as CAL Fire), as a graphic designer and photographer, and as chief photographer for the Long Beach Grand Prix. He is now a full-time book photographer and has worked on a range of Motorbooks’ titles.
The Art of Mopar: Chrysler, Dodge, and Plymouth Muscle Cars is available through Amazon and Motorbooks.
Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and resides in Detroit, Michigan.
The Art of Mopar Gallery

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