Automotive

2018 Lexus RX 450h Review: Quiet & Comfortable

2018 Lexus RX 450h Review: Quiet & Comfortable People looking for a luxury SUV generally want a comfortable, quiet interior and a ride quality that smooths out the bumps. The 2018 Lexus RX 450h delivers in those key areas. Add in the impressive fuel economy with the hybrid powertrain, and you have a recipe for success.
We spent this week driving the 2018 Lexus RX 450h with all-wheel drive.
What’s New For 2018?
The 2018 Lexus RX 450h is less expensive than last year, but some features that were standard are now optional. These include the sunroof, roof rails, heated and ventilated front seats, driver-seat memory settings, navigation system, and blind-spot monitoring. The new Premium package adds some of these features back in, while others are sold as stand-alone options.
Standard Features
The 2018 Lexus RX 450h ($45,695) comes standard with keyless ignition, 18-inch wheels, LED exterior lighting (headlights, foglights, taillights, and running lights), automatic high beams, automatic wipers, heated mirrors, a power liftgate, and rearview camera. Safety features include adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning and automatic braking, and lane departure warning and intervention.
Inside, the RX includes an auto-dimming rearview mirror, dual-zone automatic climate control, synthetic leather upholstery, 10-way power front seats, a power-adjustable tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, a 40/20/40-split rear seat (reclines, slides and folds), and a cargo cover.
Tech features include the Remote Touch interface, an eight-inch color display, Safety Connect emergency communications, voice controls, Bluetooth connectivity, and a 12-speaker sound system with HD and satellite radio, plus two USB ports.

Premium Package & Additional Options
The Premium package ($1,100) adds power-folding mirrors, driver-seat memory settings, and leather upholstery. Other options on our tester included a color heads-up display, the panoramic sunroof, hands-free liftgate, Blind spot monitor, navigation, and a 15-speaker Mark Levinson sound system.
Total MSRP including destination: 54,715.
Related: The Lexus GX 460 has tons of features and is off-road ready!
Interior Highlights
The Lexus RX 450h gets top marks for luxury and comfort. The leather seats are extra comfy and come with contrast stitching. There’s abundant soft leather touches throughout the cabin that make it a comfortable place, front and back. The large display screen sits in the middle of the dash at eye level, making it easy to see.
The optional panoramic sunroof stretches all the way to the back for optimal outdoor viewing.
In the back, seats can accommodate passengers of nearly any size and there’s plenty of legroom. RX 450h riders sit about an inch higher, as the nickel-metal hydride battery goes under the back seat. The rear seats recline back for extra comfort and also slide back or forward to the desired position.
With the rear seats folded down, the Lexus RX 450h provides 55.9 cubic feet of cargo space.
Engine & Fuel Mileage Specs
The Lexus RX 450h uses a hybrid gas-electric powertrain making 308 total system horsepower and 247 lb-ft. of torque. The luxury SUV is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 coupled with a pair of front-mounted electric motors/generators. The all-wheel drive model has an additional motor powering the rear wheels.
The RX 450h hybrid uses a planetary drive system and is able to start off on battery power alone at lower speeds. It worked well this week navigating through parking lots and especially in stop-and-go traffic in Denver.
EPA-estimated fuel economy is 31/28 city/highway and 30 combined with all-wheel drive.
Driving Dynamics
When looking for a luxury crossover, you want a certain level of quiet and comfort. You want a vehicle that will leave you rested, even after a long trip. And this one will fulfill that need. The RX 450h is exceptionally comfortable and supremely quiet on the road. It smooths out the bumps and turns them into a mere blip on the radar.
Other than the distracting remote touch interface for the radio and climate control, we have few complaints. The ride and handling is not like a European sports crossover, but families will appreciate the RX 450h no less. Lexus softened the suspension somewhat and enhanced the steering feedback for a more pleasant driving experience.

Related: The 2018 Lexus ES 300h scores high marks during our summer test drive.
Conclusion
The 2018 Lexus RX 450h is more comfortable than ever and carries on the Lexus reputation for superb ride quality. The interior is a strong suite and with the extra upgrades, the cabin becomes an even more desirable place to spend time. We would have opted for the heated steering wheel and seats, however, which do not come standard on the 450h.
Denis Flierl has invested over 25 years in the automotive industry in a variety of roles. Follow his work on Twitter: @CarReviewGuy
2018 Lexus RX 450h Gallery

Lexus RX 450h Official Site
Photos: Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.

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Lights! Camera! . . . Ford Edge ST?

Lights! Camera! . . . Ford Edge ST? Dearborn is going Hollywood with the Ford Edge ST Camera Car.
Pursuit Systems helped modify the Edge ST for high-speed action footage.
Quick question: Say you need to film a car scene in a movie or a TV show, how do you do it? There’s a number of tricks Hollywood can pull, but if you want to shoot an actual car, driving down an actual road, you have to use something known as a “camera car.”
These are custom-built rigs that run all the way from simple to complex. However, this Ford Edge ST is, to my knowledge, the first camera car ever made by a major manufacturer.
The Weigh It Goes
Yes, I know, technically, this is a camera truck, and not a camera car, but that’s more of a generic term. Most of them are trucks. That’s because not only do you have to haul all the gear, but also the crew. And in a lot of situations, that means the camera operator, director of photography, crane operator, and other assistants.
The Ford Edge ST Camera Car has a huge gantry arm on top. This allows the camera to hang on the far end, being panned, tilted, and swung this way and that as called for in the script. Yes, having that much added extra weight is going to change how the thing handles. And that will only be compounded by actually moving the thing around during a shot.
Ergo, this is far from a normal Ford Edge.
Photo: Ford Motor Company.
Action Jackson
FoMoCo partnered with camera car company Pursuit Systems to modify the Edge ST for high-speed chase scenes and action footage. The benchmarks for a typical camera car are daunting. For one thing, you have to use an industry standard crane system. Those can weigh up to 1,000 lbs.!
Next, camera cars often travel more than 100 mph, being driven with a degree of precision, braking, and handling. All while tracking to precise marks as the camera is rolling.
So, Pursuit Systems traveled from their North Hollywood headquarters to Dearborn and said that immortal line: “Hey kid, wanna be in pictures?” And of course Ford said yes, cause this is America and everyone wants to be a star.
“We’ve never done anything like this before with an SUV because there’s never been an SUV like Edge ST in our showroom,” explained Mark Grueber, Ford SUV Marketing Manager. “It has the performance chops and utility to keep up with fast-paced movie making.”
Related: Best car movies to binge watch over the weekend.
Photo: Ford Motor Company.
The Purge
Ford’s first contribution to this tweaked Edge was a specially-tuned, twin-turbocharged 2.7-liter EcoBoost. Next, they dialed up a performance braking system, added an eight-speed transmission with selectable traction controls, and still made room for the driver and film crew.
Ford also added lots of structural support to the roof to accommodate the nearly 1,000 lbs. “Pursuit Arm.” That’s a company-specific piece of kit, but generically these things are called jib arms. And any jib arm worth its salt has to have all manner of stuff attached to it: Gyro-stabilized remote-control cameras, boom extensions, light set ups, you name it.
Shoot, back in the old days they used to hang the operator out there in a tiny seat!
To compensate for the weight of the crane and film equipment, Ford added an individual-wheel air suspension and gutted the interior. A roll cage protects occupants because things can go very wrong on movie sets. All wires are wrapped in matte black vinyl so they don’t reflect and spoil the magical illusion that is Hollywood.
Related: 2019 Ford Edge employs artificial intelligence in the name of performance.
In addition to the Ford Edge ST, Pursuit Systems has converted BMW X5 Ms, Porsche Cayenne Turbos, and a Mercedes-Benz ML63 AMG into camera cars. Photo: Ford Motor Company.
A roll cage protects occupants because things can go very wrong on movie sets. Click To TweetAll In A Day’s Work
One of the reasons I got into film and TV production (way back when) was, in addition to getting to make movies and stuff, I got to play with some really cool toys, like this 2019 Ford Edge ST. Sure, the hours are long, and you’re getting yelled at a lot of the time, but you get the satisfaction of saying, “Hey! See this Cheetos commercial? I did that!”
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

Photos & Source: Ford Motor Company.

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Aston Martin DBS 59: Beautiful, Fast & Extremely Rare

Aston Martin DBS 59: Beautiful, Fast & Extremely Rare The Aston Martin DBS 59 pays homage to the 1959 24 Hours of Le Mans.
The DBS 59 is inspired by the DBR1 but based off the current DBS Superleggera.
In 1959, Aston Martin landed a monumental one-two finish during the 24 Hours of Le Mans with the DBR1. Despite hard competition from Ferrari, Porsche, and a team of Ecurie Ecosse Jaguars, the David Brown Racing Aston Martin DBR1 emerged victorious. Sir Stirling Moss – who helped win the 1959 World Sportscar Championship – called the DBR1 “the most important Aston Martin ever.”
Only five were built between 1956 and 1959. And when the last one went to auction at Monterey in 2017, it set a new record as the most valuable British-made car ever. Sale price? £17.5m or about $22.5 million.
Racing Green Treatments
In honor of the DBR1, Aston Martin Cambridge is producing a collection of 24 special DBS Superleggeras. With “24” representing each hour of the legendary endurance race it conquered in 1959, the DBS 59 is a rare and stunning specimen. Expect a hand-crafted interior and graphic elements similar to the original DBR1.
“When Aston Martin Cambridge expressed a desire to create a limited run of DBS Superleggeras inspired by the DBR1’s famous Le Mans victory we knew it had to be something special,” said Simon Sproule, Aston Martin Vice-President and Chief Marketing Officer. “The soft metallic hue of the Aston Martin Racing Green paintwork is classy and timelessly beautiful.”
The Aston Martin DBS 59 is a rare and stunning specimen.Click To TweetGloss, Carbon Fiber & Bronze
Gloss carbon fiber treatments compliment the Racing Green paint. Obsidian Black and Chestnut Tan leather adorn the interior. The front grille surround, “Superleggera” bonnet script, rear Aston Martin script, and Q Fender Badge are each painted bronze.
“My favorite element on the DBS 59 are the seat backs that feature fabric inspired by the DBR1 seat material, but there are countless touches that will intrigue and delight,” Sproule said. “The level of thought and detailing is exceptional.”
Related: How Sir David Brown built a car for the “discerning owner driver.”
The DBS 59 collection includes just 24 models, each denoted by a small white roundel numbered one to 24 accordingly. Photo: Aston Martin The Americas.
Helmets, Suits & Gloves Included
The Saddle Leather Helmet Pods (rear compartment) are for storing the special crash helmets, race suits, and gloves. The set includes period blue racing overalls, string-backed racing gloves modeled after those worn by 1959 Le Mans-winning driver Caroll Shelby, and a replica 1959 race helmet.
There is even a two-piece luggage set to match the interior trim, plus a Racing Green car cover.
Essential Foundations
The DBS 59 is based off Aston Martin’s fastest production car to date, the DBS Superleggera. With a 5.2-liter twin-turbo V12, the DBS Superleggera hits 62 mph in 3.4 seconds, 100 mph in 6.4 seconds, and tops out at 211. The rear-mounted ZF eight-speed automatic uses a mechanical limited-slip differential with torque vectoring controls.
Availability
The DBS 59 – versions one through 24 – are available to order through Aston Martin Cambridge.
Aston Martin DBS 59 Gallery

Photos & Source: Aston Martin The Americas.

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2018 Hyundai Tucson Arrives In Dealerships With More Updates, Technology

2018 Hyundai Tucson Arrives In Dealerships With More Updates, Technology The Hyundai Tucson recorded its best November in the company’s history, and as the new model arrives for 2018, expect to see more available features. More than 90 percent of 2018 model year Tucsons will feature a 7-inch audio display, HD Radio, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and heated seats. The Guidance Package offers free map and multimedia system updates and unique fabric seats, made by YES Essentials, are now standard for the gray and beige interiors.
Power & Performance
The 2018 Hyundai Tucson is motivated by two different four-cylinder engines, a 1.6-liter or a 2.0-liter. Both engines untilize direct injection while the 1.6-liter is turbocharged for additional power and efficiency. The 1.6-liter makes 175 horsepower and 195 lb-ft. of torque when paired to Hyundai’s seven-speed EcoShift dual-clutch transmission. Expect to see this combination on the Value and Limited trims. By comparison, the 2.0-liter creates 164 horsepower and 151 lb-ft. of torque when matched to a six-speed automatic transmission. This combination is standard on SE, SEL, and SEL Plus trims.
EPA fuel economy estimates come in at 27 combined mpg for the 1.6-liter turbo and 26 combined mpg for the 2.0-liter. The 2.0-liter’s transmission has an overdrive lock-up torque converter to increase fuel economy at higher speeds. All-wheel drive is available across the lineup.
Photo: Hyundai Motor America.
Trim Levels
The SE trim remains as the base model, although the SE Popular Equipment package is now the SEL trim. This latter trim level includes the aforementioned 7-inch audio display with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility. The SE Plus is now SEL Plus; the Value and Limited trims remain but Eco and Night have been discontinued. That said, the trim levels for the 2018 Hyundai Tucson, in order, are SE, SEL, SEL Plus, Value, and Limited.
Those opting for the SEL Plus and Limited trims get three years of Blue Link Connected Car Services, including the previously mentioned Guidance Package. The Blue Link system lets drivers start and adjust their Tucson’s interior climate remotely and schedule maintenance among other things. Those going for the Value trims will have Android Auto and Apple CarPlay at their service while Limited customers will be treated to a heated steering wheel.
Heated front seats have been expanded to the SEL trim and above, HomeLink is now available starting with the Value trim, and SiriusXM and HD Radio are now available starting with the SEL models. Other available features for the 2018 Hyundai Tucson include proximity key, push button start, panoramic sunroof, Clean Air Ionizer, and an Infinity premium audio system with Clari-Fi Music Restoration Technology. The latter is featured on the SEL Plus as well as the Limited trim.
Photo: Hyundai Motor America.
Safety & Styling
The 2018 Hyundai Tucson has a number of available advanced driver assistance systems like blind spot detection with rear-cross traffic alert, lane change assist, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, and lane departure warning. On the outside, the Tucson is characterized by 17 or 19-inch alloy wheels, LED daytime running lamps, and HID headlights that turn as the steering wheel does for better visibility at night.
Pricing & Availability
The 2018 Hyundai Tucson is available now with a starting MSRP of $22,550 for the front-wheel drive SE with the 2.0-liter. The same model with all-wheel drive runs $23,950. At the top end, the front-wheel drive Limited with the 1.6-liter goes for $29,425; $30,825 with all-wheel drive. Buyers who want to land in the middle of the specturm might consider the SEL Plus with the 2.0-liter. When equipped with front-wheel drive, the MSRP is $26,700; $28,100 with all-wheel drive.
Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and resides in Detroit, Michigan.
2018 Hyundai Tucson Gallery

Photos & Source: Hyundai Motor America.

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2018 Volkswagen Golf Alltrack SE Review

2018 Volkswagen Golf Alltrack SE Review
Why would you want a wagon? The Volkswagen Golf Alltrack was released last year as the newest member of the iconic Golf family, and it’s designed for adventurous families. It has a more rugged appearance, all-wheel drive, and cargo carrying abilities rivaling similarly priced compact crossovers. It’s ready for the trail and gets better mileage than many small crossovers or SUVs.
And, you can’t find many vehicles with a 6-speed manual gearbox option like the Alltrack.
What’s New For 2018?
Returning for the 2018 model year is the Alltrack’s 1.8-liter TSI turbocharged four-cylinder engine, standard 4Motion All-Wheel Drive, and Hill Descent Control. The vehicle comes outfitted in three trim levels: S, SE, and SEL. This week, we drove the attractively outfitted 2018 Volkswagen Golf Alltrack SE.
Features & Options
The Golf Alltrack SE gets perforated leatherette seating, a leather-wrapped multifunction steering wheel, heated front seats, heated windshield washer nozzles, ambient interior lighting, backup camera, foglights, LED taillights, LED Daytime Running Lights, alarm prep, automatic headlights with rain sensor, an 8-inch touchscreen with Composition Color infotainment, and a Fender Premium audio system, which adds a subwoofer and upgraded sound. The Driver Assist package added a panoramic sunroof, adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and a self-parking system. Total MSRP, not including destination: $29,765.

Interior Highlights
The inside of the VW Golf Alltrack is stylish with Marrakesh Brown perforated leatherette seats and black trim to set the tone. The seats are comfortable and there’s enough soft-touch materials to make it feel a bit more upscale than your average crossover. The 6-speed manual shifter is positioned perfectly and the controls are easy to understand and driver-focused.
Visibility is excellent in all directions thanks to Alltrack’s tall greenhouse, plentiful glass, and relatively slim pillars, which differs from many of the crossovers today with raked rooflines. With the panoramic sunroof, the wagon offers up lots of light and a great view skyward too.
In the back, room is not as plentiful as up front, but there’s enough legroom for taller adults. Our riders commented this week on how the backseats are positioned too low and they felt claustrophobic. They couldn’t see out and wanted a better view of the road. The 60/40-split folding rear seats do offer a center pass-through, so you can carry a 2X4 without strapping it on the roof.
What adventurous families will like is Alltrack’s 30.4 cubic feet of standard cargo space which is SUV-like. And fold those seats down flat and you have room for extra camping gear with 66.5 cubic feet. The seat backs conveniently flip forward via easy-to-reach release handles on either side of the cargo area, so there’s no need to walk around to the backseat. We also like the handy two-position sliding cargo cover to conceal valuables during your weekend adventures.

Engine & Fuel Mileage Specs
The Volkswagen Alltrack is powered by a 1.8-liter turbocharged engine producing 170 horsepower and 199 lb-ft. of torque. This tester came with a 6-speed manual gearbox and 4Motion all-wheel-drive. With the 6-speed manual, EPA fuel mileage estimates are 22/32 city/highway and 26 combined mpg.
Driving Dynamics
Because the 1.8-liter engine is turbocharged, we had no problem scooting up the mountains west of Denver at elevation. The engine’s torque also gets the Alltrack moving quickly from a stop, and is useful for carrying extra weight on those weekend excursions to the high country. Our only complaint is how the outside mirrors were small and were too touchy to adjust. We found ourselves taking longer than expected to change them to the right driving position.
Underway, the Alltrack has smooth power and the 6-speed manual gives the driver extra control in the curves. There’s a slight body lean in the curves because of the wagon’s 6.7 inches of ground clearance, which gives extra room when taking it off-pavement. But the Alltrack won’t be challenging the Subaru Outback (8.7 inches) for off-road-wagon supremacy.
Overall, we found the Allratck to be a competent road warrior and the perfect size for those urban-dwellers to navigate tight city streets.
Conclusion
The 2018 Volkswagen Golf Alltrack offers all-wheel drive, all-weather capability, cargo carrying abilities rivaling similarly priced crossovers, and it’s rugged enough for your weekend adventures away from civilization. It gets excellent fuel mileage and offers a 6-speed manual gearbox which is hard to find these days.
Denis Flierl has invested over 25 years in the automotive industry in a variety of roles. Follow his work on Twitter: @CarReviewGuy
2018 Volkswagen Golf Alltrack Gallery

VW Golf Alltrack Official Site.
Photos: Volkswagen of America, Inc.
*2017 model also shown.

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Memory Lane: Batting A Thousand

Memory Lane: Batting A Thousand

On Labor Day weekend, I attended the Hawkesbury (Ontario) Car Club show which is in its 19th year. Thanks to the tail end of Harvey, the rain drenched the proceedings. That being said, it was nothing like the good folks elsewhere in the United States experienced.
The last car show I attended was also soaked. So, I’m batting a thousand weather wise. But no matter, one hundred or so brave owners still showed their metal, as it were, and participated. Last year, the weather was nice and they had around 500 cars registered for the event.
Little Wonders
You meet the most interesting people at car shows. I met a gentleman who broke his neck not long ago and became a quadriplegic. Fortunately, his paralysis only lasted a few months. He regained enough mobility in his body and can now walk again. Who says there are no miracles? He brought his 1967 Mercury Cougar with the sequential turn signal lights. I told him he should have won a trophy. He replied that what he enjoys most about car shows is connecting with enthusiasts, such as myself, and didn’t care about winning trophies. He struck me as a very humble man.
1967 Mercury Cougar. Photo: Michael Bellamy for Automoblog.net.
All Lit Up
1967 is the year Mercury gave birth to the Cougar. I owned a 1994 Cougar XR7 and it had 168,000 miles on the odometer when I sold it to purchase my 1997 Lincoln (shameless plug). I loved that Cougar and everything worked, including the air conditioning. Before the Cougar, I owned a 1989 Thunderbird LS, which I traded in for the XR7. Interestingly enough, the sequential lights first appeared on the Thunderbird in 1965. But for some reason the sequential lights became a big hit with the Cougar, not the T-Bird.
Goes to show that manufacturers can never tell what will please the public. Because it is now so expensive to build cars, perhaps that’s why they don’t take so many chances anymore, and all models in similar categories all look the same. In 1969, Chrysler installed sequential signal lights on their Imperials. Now you can see sequential signal lights on new Mustangs. They are just downright cool.
This 1977 Chevy Van took home a trophy at the Hawkesbury Car Club show. Photo: Michael Bellamy for Automoblog.net.
Vans, Trophies & Broncos
Then, there was a guy who showed up with a Chevy van. Everybody likes a van. Kids love vans for reasons other than the adults, if you know what I mean. He confided that he took five weeks off and spent the summer attending car events. He won a bunch of trophies, including one at this show. I also met an elderly gentleman who drives a 1934 Mercedes-Benz 500K replica, which you can buy from a California company. It will set you back $80,000. You can get an used one in good condition for about $50,000. A real one would cost millions. His car looked stunning and he won a trophy, not surprisingly.
Another gentleman brought his 1964 Oldsmobile 98, which he has owned for the last 50 years. Then, there was a Ford Bronco owner. I know a guy who rebuilds Broncos. He removes the stock engine and replaces it with a 4.6L 32 valve motor like the one I have in my Mark VIII. Crazy! But in a good way.
This 1934 Mercedez-Benz 500K Replica was also a trophy winner. Photo: Michael Bellamy for Automoblog.net.

Grand Theft Auto
I also had a long conversation with the owner of a Porsche 968. He believes at some point during its existence, the car had been stolen. He found out from his mechanic that the white paint was correct, but according to the serial number, the interior should be gray. It’s black. Not only that, some of the interior cabin is made up of 944 parts. He paid for the car fair and square and surmised the original owner must have been compensated by the insurance company. Somehow, the car found its way back into “legal” circulation and he purchased it.
A few days before the event, he was at the Porsche dealer for an oil change and while he was waiting, had a chance to sit in a 911 GT3 on display in the showroom. He was bowled over. I jokingly thought that most folks would have to rob a few banks to be able to afford a car like that.
This 1993 Porsche 968 was a trophy winner at the Hawkesbury Car Club show. Photo: Michael Bellamy for Automoblog.net.
Reminiscing & Recognition
I finally met the owner of a 1958 Chevrolet 210. My maternal grandfather had one of those and as a young child, I went with him to the B/A Gas station for a fill up. The attendant wore a uniform. Besides filling the gas tank, he checked the oil and cleaned the windshield. British American gasoline with its green and red round sign was bought out by Supertest and its bright orange leaf logo. All those old gas stations disappeared long ago.
Since a picture is also worth a thousand words, I will share the gallery below. I would be remiss if I didn’t express my gratitude to Carl Anthony, Managing Editor here at Automoblog. He is the one setting up the Memory Lane series, and does fantastic work. And a great big thank you to clubs, such as the Hawkesbury Car Club. Clubs like this around the world are responsible in large part, due their members, for keeping the interest in old (and new) cars alive.
Enjoy the photos!
Michael Bellamy is the author of our Memory Lane series. He enjoys driving his 1997 Lincoln Mark VIII LSC and until an untimely collision claimed it, his 2001 Ford F-150 7700.
Hawkesbury Car Club Show Gallery

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Solar Charging Technology For Cars? Hyundai & Kia Say It’s Viable

Solar Charging Technology For Cars? Hyundai & Kia Say It’s Viable Emerging technology can charge a car’s battery via body or roof-mounted solar panels.
The “translucent solar roof” is the first system of its kind for internal combustion engines.
Hyundai and Kia say the solar charging systems will help reduce harmful CO2 emissions.
Hyundai and Kia will implement solar charging technology on certain Hyundai vehicles as early as next year. The electricity-generating solar panels, on either the roof or hood, will provide additional electrical power to increase efficiency and reduce CO2 emissions.
Hyundai are Kia are developing three types of solar roof charging systems, known as “generations.”
Generations One & Two
The first-generation solar roof system, applied to hybrids, includes roof-mounted silicon solar panels. The panels can charge 30 to 60 percent of the battery per day, depending on weather conditions and the environment.
By contrast, the second-generation “semi-transparent” roof system pairs with internal combustion engines. Unlike the first-generation system, the semi-transparent solar panels fit a panoramic sunroof. The idea is to maintain “transparency” while charging the battery. This way, drivers can still enjoy having the views a panoramic sunroof provides.
Hyundai and Kia say solar charging systems will help vehicles reduce CO2 emissions. Photo: Hyundai Motor Group.
Solar Lid
The third-generation, or “solar-lid” system, is undergoing a pilot study. Hence why Hyundai and Kia were slim on the details, noting only that it “mounts solar panels on the bonnet and roof in order to maximize energy output.”
“In the future, various types of electricity generating technologies, including the solar charging system, will be connected to vehicles,” explained Jeong-Gil Park, Executive Vice President, Engineering Design Division, Hyundai Motor Group. “This will enable them to develop from a passive device that consumes energy to a solution that actively generates energy.”
Related: Where are EVs most popular? The results of this study might surprise you?
Photo: Hyundai Motor Group.
How It Works
The charging systems have a solar panel, controller, and battery. Electricity is produced when sunlight hits the panel’s surface. A 100W solar panel – in 1 Sun standards (summer noon, 1000 W/m² intensity of radiation – produces 100Wh of energy per hour. In the controller, Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT), controls voltage and current to increase efficiency of the electricity in the solar panel.
The electricity is then transformed to the standard voltage by the controller and stored in the battery.
Hyundai will launch the first generation of this technology in 2019.
“The paradigm of the vehicle owner will shift from that of a consumer to an energy prosumer,” Gil Park said.
The Automoblog staff contributed to this report.

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2019 Cadillac V-Series Pedestal Editions: Limited-Production Luxury Hot Rods

2019 Cadillac V-Series Pedestal Editions: Limited-Production Luxury Hot Rods 2019 Pedestal Edition ATS-V Coupe and CTS-V Super Sedan celebrate 15 years of the V-Series.
Production is limited. Only 300 are for sale in the United States, Canada, and the Middle East.
The 3rd generation V-Series cars arrived in 2015; the Pedestal Editions are the last in that generation.
My first thought on reading about the Cadillac 2019 V-Series Pedestal Edition was, “Pedestal Edition?” Is that some sort of bathroom sink?” I checked the Lowe’s (and even Sears) catalog, and nope, it’s not.
GM’s right. The 2019 V-Series Pedestal Edition is, indeed, a car.
And not just a car, but a Cadillac.
Race-Inspired
Those that need a quick primer, the Cadillac V-Series is their performance sub-brand. They rolled out the first one in 2004, securing their first victory in the Speed World Challenge sprint racing series at Sebring International Raceway at the same time. Essentially, what we’re talking about here is a Caddy with a Corvette drivetrain. Interested? I know I was.
Caddy’s ain’t normally my thing, but a Cadillac with a Vette underneath? Yes please! Sure, they nipped and tucked here and there, so the V-Series are a little less powerful and a little more softly sprung, but I’m still interested.
So, what’s the big deal with the Cadillac V-Series Pedestal Editions? First off, you get two basic flavors: Coupe and Sedan.
2019 Cadillac CTS-V Pedestal Edition. Photo: Cadillac.
2019 Cadillac CTS-V Pedestal Edition
The sedan version, which Caddy refers to as the CTS-V Pedestal Edition “Super Sedan” (super sedan? oh please.) gets a lot of fun sounding goodies. First, Cadillac V-Series Pedestal Editions come in Bronze Sand Metallic. I’m sure it’s a rather pretty shade, but still, it’s brown. And brown is a terrible car color idea. Never get a brown car. The first car I owned was root beer brown, and it always looked dirty. Even right after I washed it.
But other than that, the Cadillac V-Series Pedestal Editions have a bunch of nice perks.
There’s a full Carbon Fiber Package that includes the front splitter, hood vent, rear spoiler, and rear diffuser. The Luxury Package comes with tri-zone climate control (two for the front, and a single in back), a split-folding rear seat with armrest, heated rear seats, a power rear-window sunshade along with manual rear side-window sunshades. There’s a 110-volt power outlet and a rear Camera Mirror too.
The front chairs are “race-inspired” performance seats from RECARO. I’m sure they skew toward the cushy side, since this is, after all, a Cadillac. The Cadillac V-Series Pedestal Editions also come with a Data and Video Recorder system and red Brembo brake calipers.
How the Cadillac CTS became the basis for GM’s fastest track car.
2019 Cadillac CTS-V Pedestal Edition interior layout. Photo: Cadillac.
2019 Cadillac ATS-V Pedestal Edition
Now, the 2019 Cadillac ATS-V Coupe Pedestal Edition. Think of Caddy’s ATS-V as being the gentleman’s Corvette: fast, powerful, still striking, but not as flashy or in your face as a Vette. “I’ve made it. I’m here. I am worth paying attention to, but I’m not going to scream about it, because I’m not 16 any more.”
Like its sedan sibling, the 2019 Cadillac ATS-V Coupe Pedestal Edition comes in Bronze Sand Metallic. Nothing we can do about that. The coupe gets 18-inch V-Series wheels in After Midnight finish versus the 19s found on the sedan. Although like the CTS-V Pedestal Edition, the ATS-V variant gets its own Carbon Fiber Package, Brembo brakes, and RECARO seats.
There’s even a “serialized certificate of authenticity.” Is Cadillac worried about forgeries?
2019 Cadillac ATS-V Pedestal Edition. Photo: Cadillac.
There's a serialized certificate of authenticity. Is Cadillac worried about forgeries?Click To TweetPower & Performance
The Cadillac ATS-V features an LF4 Twin Turbo V6 with 464 horsepower, 445 lb-ft. of torque, and a top track speed of 189 mph. By comparison, the CTS-V’s supercharged V8 creates 640 horsepower and 630 lb-ft. of torque. The CTS-V tops out at 200 mph and hits 60 in 3.7 seconds.
Pricing & Availability
If either of these sound like the ride for you, Cadillac dealers are accepting orders. The 2019 ATS-V Coupe Pedestal Edition starts at $77,090 (about Vette territory) and the 2019 CTS-V Pedestal Edition sedan will run you $102,590.
Both come with tuition and luxury accommodation for the two-day Cadillac V-Performance Academy at Spring Mountain. Which, I got to say, is nice icing on the cake.
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
Photos & Source: Cadillac.

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Chevy Camaro ZL1 1LE Takes On Santa’s Sleigh

Chevy Camaro ZL1 1LE Takes On Santa’s Sleigh When I was a kid, I wondered how Santa Claus made it around the world, to every house, in just one night. My parents and I lived in an apartment, which only complicated matters. Since we didn’t have a chimney, one year I asked my father how Santa was going to get in. When my father, a distinguished college professor, assured me he would leave the patio door unlocked, I inquired if that were safe.
“It’s a small town, we should be fine,” my father responded.
Super Sled
Still, Santa would need a fast rig to make every house and a new Camaro sounds like the ticket. Earlier this year, the 2018 Camaro ZL1 1LE set a record time on the Nürburgring, making it the fastest Camaro ever on the famed German track. With a supercharged LT4 engine and Brembo high performance brakes, the Camaro ZL1 1LE would be Santa’s ideal car for quickly accelerating to and stopping at every house.
But don’t expect to see Santa at a Chevy dealership anytime soon. Turns out, old St. Nick’s sleigh is one powerful sled. A recent comparison conducted by GMPartsCenter.net shows that while the Camaro ZL1 1LE might be every Chevy enthusiasts dream, its 650 horses are hotly contested by only nine reindeer.
“What could we compare to the new Camaro ZL1 1LE,” asked Matt Mylan, Director at GMPartsCenter.net, noting the car’s affordable price point and performance attributes. “If we’re going to compare it to any machine, that machine has to be amazing, and Santa’s sleigh definitely qualifies.”

Chevy Versus Sleigh
The Camaro holds an advantage in fuel efficiency, with a combined 20 miles per gallon. By comparison, Santa’s sleigh requires one to two cookies per house, which means a significant amount of calories is required to move the sled through the average neighborhood. While milk was not calculated, you can figure a good amount of that is needed as well. When considering the transmission, Santa’s mode of transportation proves a bit more difficult. One would have to master all of his special reindeer calls, whereas the Camaro ZL1 1LE comes with a quick-shifting six-speed manual.
It would appear the Camaro ZL1 1LE holds the advantage in power: 650 horses versus nine reindeer, but it seems Rudolph is a sleeper. GMPartsCenter.net estimates the top speed of Santa’s sleigh is 2.3 million miles per hour, with 60 coming in less than a millisecond. With cargo space, there is no contest. We could fit a few gifts (or maybe only gift cards) in the Camaro’s 9.1 cubic feet for sure, but with all the kids in the world, GMPartsCenter.net rightfully estimated the cargo space in Santa’s sled to be infinite. After all, Santa has to make room for all those fire trucks.
The chart is below. Enjoy!
Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and resides in Detroit, Michigan.

Camaro ZL1 1LE Photos: Chevrolet.

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