Automotive

BMW Group & Daimler AG Partner For Autonomous Driving Technology

BMW Group & Daimler AG Partner For Autonomous Driving Technology The partnership will focus on next-generation autonomous technology.
BMW and Daimler say they may partner with other companies along the way.
The BMW Group and Daimler AG are partnering for a number of autonomous driving initiatives. The companies say they are looking to advance the development of next-generation driver assistance systems and autonomous driving, including up to SAE Level 4. Both have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to jointly develop this and other new technologies related to future mobility.
“The BMW Group and Daimler AG view their partnership as a long-term, strategic cooperation and aim to make next-level technologies widely available by the middle of the coming decade,” a statement from both companies reads.
Faster Development Times
BMW Group and Daimler AG are looking to streamline the development of autonomous technology. The collaboration should, according to the two companies, shorten product development cycles and allow for more timely market launches.
“As we continue to pursue our strategy, we are combining the expertise of two technology leaders. At the BMW Group, long-term partnerships within a flexible, scalable, non-exclusive platform are fundamental to advancing the industrialization of autonomous driving,” explained Klaus Fröhlich, Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, Development. “Combining the key expertise of our two companies will boost our innovative strength and speed up the spread of this technology.”
BMW Vision iNEXT. Photo: BMW Group.
Related: Do people still have a desire to drive? Here is what one survey says.
BMW & Daimler: Autonomous Driving Initiatives
The BMW Group has been establishing non-exclusive platforms with technology specialists, suppliers, and OEMs since 2006. BMW’s Autonomous Driving Campus in Unterschleissheim, just north of Munich, serves as a research and development hub. The technology currently under development will enter series production as Level 3 automation in 2021 in the BMW iNEXT. However, it will also be Level 4-ready for pilot programs.
“The iNEXT project will provide our building blocks for the future, from which the entire company and all of its brands are set to benefit,” said Harald Krüger, Chairman of the Board of Management at the BMW Group, during the BMW AG Annual General Meeting last May. “It underlines the leading role Germany plays in the future of mobility.”
In a similar fashion, Daimler AG is working on autonomous driving projects to accommodate Levels 3, 4, and 5. Early next decade, Daimler AG says they will apply higher levels of automation across a wide variety of segments, including passenger cars, vans, trucks, and buses.
“Autonomous driving is one of the most revolutionary trends for us at the moment, and the entire Daimler Group is working very hard on it,” said Ola Källenius, Member of the Board of Management of Daimler AG, responsible for Group Research and Mercedes-Benz Cars Development. “As always at Daimler, our top priority is safety. Instead of individual, stand-alone solutions, we want to develop a reliable overall system that offers noticeable added-value for customers.”
The “cooperative vehicle” is based on the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, and features 360-degree light signalling. Turquoise lights indicate to pedestrians and traffic that the vehicle is in autonomous mode. Photo: Daimler AG.
Related: Consumer trust may stall the adoption of autonomous vehicles.
Long-Term Viability
BMW Group and Daimler AG will focus on scalable architectures that enable Levels 3 and 4 autonomy for highway driving. In time, the companies will examine covering higher levels of automation, both on highways and in urban areas. Furthermore, BMW Group and Daimler AG say they will explore additional partnerships to boost the success of the platform. Both companies say these considerations underscore the long-term nature of the cooperation, which aims to create a viable platform for autonomous cars.
“Working with the right partners, we want to make significant advances in enhancing the performance of this technology and bring it safely on the road,” Källenius added.
Source: BMW Group, Daimler AG.

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Hyundai Elantra GT N Line: Sporty Looks, Tight Handling & Low Cost

Hyundai Elantra GT N Line: Sporty Looks, Tight Handling & Low Cost 2019 Hyundai Elantra GT N Line boasts sportier looks and performance upgrades.
The turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine is retained for the Elantra GT N Line.
Prices start at $23,300 for the manual and $24,400 for the DCT seven speed automatic.
Things are shaking up at Hyundai. After successfully dethroning the competition as the best-driving small luxury sedan with the Genesis G70, the South Korean car maker is sending us the 2019 Hyundai Elantra GT N Line.
My primary aim is to put an end to the confusion, so bear with me. The N Line is a new trim level for the Elantra, which replaces the Elantra GT Sport. However, the entry-level Elantra GT is still available. In fact, the Style Package for the Elantra GT now includes full leather upholstery and a panoramic sunroof. I don’t know about you, but that’s a smashing deal at $23,000.
So if the Honda Civic Si, Ford Fiesta ST, and Volkswagen Golf GTI are not to your liking, then feast your eyes on the 2019 Hyundai Elantra GT N Line.
Significant Upgrades Inside & Out
It’s hard to see the changes upon first glance. In fact, you might mistake the new Elantra GT N Line as a simple cosmetic makeover from the previous Elantra GT Sport. But look closer and you’ll see a sculpted front bumper with larger air intakes, a more aggressive mesh front grille, a new lower front spoiler, blacked-out side mirrors, and new N Line-specific 18-inch alloy wheels.
Out back, the new Elantra GT N Line gets dual exhaust, a rear diffuser, and N Line badging (well of course!). The interior is not spared from the N Line treatment, either. Those black leather seats with red stitching are a sight for sore eyes. The new leather steering wheel and gauge clusters all add to the premium feel inside the cabin.
The plush cabin includes a leather-wrapped steering wheel, power driver’s seat, and an eight-inch navigation system. Photo: Hyundai North America.
Related: Does it bite or just bark? An in-depth look at the 2019 Hyundai Veloster N.
Style & Substance: More Than Looks
The exterior changes are welcome. But the most exciting bits about the new Hyundai Elantra GT N Line are skin deep. The car gets stiffer springs and engine and transmission mounts. This not only translates to tighter handling and better high-speed stability, but a quieter ride.
The 2019 Hyundai Elantra GT N Line receives retuned shock absorbers, new front and rear sway bars, and recalibrated steering. These changes will address the shortcomings of the previous Elantra GT Sport, making the N Line a better counterpart to the Civic and Golf.
Turbocharged Power & Transmission Tech
I’ll say it outright: if you were expecting more horsepower, I’m sorry to burst your bubble. The N Line inherits the same 1.6-liter turbocharged and direct-injected four-banger as the GT Sport. The motor churns out a reasonable 201 horsepower and 195 lb-ft. of torque. It’s less horsepower than the VW Golf GTI, but slightly more than the Ford Fiesta ST offers.
But unlike Toyota (who is still figuring out a manual option for the new Supra), Hyundai is kind enough to include a six-speed manual in the new Elantra GT N Line. You can also choose the slick seven-speed dual-clutch automatic with paddle shifters for $1,100 more. My money is on the automatic. I’ll only choose the manual if Hyundai bolts a more powerful motor to the chassis. Somewhere around 230 or 250 horsepower will do.
And why wouldn’t you choose the automatic? Hyundai claims a 6.3-second sprint to 60 mph with the DCT. The manual is good for 6.6 seconds with near-perfect shifts. It’s not much, but the automatic is faster and makes the most out of the available horsepower.
The 1.6-liter turbocharged and direct-injected motor in the Hyundai Elantra N Line is good for 210 horsepower. Photo: Hyundai North America.
Related: The Hyundai Elantra receives a complete redesign for 2019.
Impressive Standard Equipment
The 2019 Hyundai Elnatra GT N Line also comes with an impressive level of kit. This includes ventilated seats, wireless charging, power-operated driver’s seat, panoramic sunroof, and an eight-inch AVN 5.0 navigation system. Also standard is an Infinity premium audio system with seven speakers and a subwoofer.
Hyundai’s Smart Sense is standard and includes adaptive cruise control with start/stop capabilities, driver attention warnings, lane keeping assist, high beam assist, and forward collision avoidance assist.
Pricing & Availability
But the best part? The 2019 Hyundai Elantra GT N Line with the manual will start at only $23,300, while the automatic is $24,400. The manual, in particular, is only $50 more than the outgoing GT Sport. Destination and freight charges will run you an additional $885. The Elantra GT N Line is available now.
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.
2019 Hyundai Elantra GT N Line Gallery

Photos & Source: Hyundai Motor America.

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Tesla Finally Enters “Affordable EV” Arena With Base Model 3

Tesla Finally Enters “Affordable EV” Arena With Base Model 3 The base Tesla Model 3 starts at $35,000 and has a range of over 200 miles.
Tesla is looking to challenge Nissan, Kia, and Hyundai – each have “affordable EV” options.
The base Model 3 follows difficult news for employees as the automaker shutters its retail locations.
In what seemed like an eternity, Elon Musk is finally making good on his promise of an affordable version of the Tesla Model 3. Folks, you can now order your very own $35,000 Tesla Model 3 online.
Very few business leaders are like Elon Musk. It’s not about making promises, but it’s the execution that counts. After an onslaught of affordable electric vehicles like the new Nissan Leaf, Hyundai Kona EV, and Kia Niro EV, there was a moment when people thought Tesla was resting on their laurels.
And just when we thought Tesla was merely surfing the wave of success brought about by the Model S, Model X, and premium versions of the Model 3, along comes the base model – the realization of a promise. The base Model 3 costs $35,000 before tax credits. That’s approximately $26,950 when all is said and done.
What Do I Get In A $35k Tesla Model 3?
This is where the good news comes in. Unlike conventional cars, you still get plenty of ‘oomph and features in the base Tesla Model 3. It has an EPA-estimated range of 220 miles or 354 kilometers. The car is powered by a single electric motor driving the rear wheels, and can scoot to 60 mph in 5.6 seconds, which is quick for an “affordable” electric car.
Tesla didn’t skimp on the interior, either. The base Tesla Model 3 comes with manual seat and steering adjustments, cloth seats, a basic audio system with Bluetooth connectivity, standard maps and navigation, a center console dock for two smartphones, and four USB ports. You still get the standard, 15-inch touchscreen display in the $35,000 Tesla Model 3. You also get that gorgeous tinted glass roof, along with auto-dimming, power-folding (and heated) side mirrors. The base car comes with 18-inch aero wheels standard. If you want sportier 19-inch wheels, Tesla will oblige for an additional $1,500.
The base Tesla Model 3 is available in five colors. However, there’s a catch. Black is a no-cost option while midnight silver metallic and deep blue metallic will cost $1,500. The pearl white multi-coat option goes for an additional $2,000 while the flamboyant red multi-coat paint is yours for $2,500.
If you’re skimping on cash, we hope you like black cars.
Tesla Model 3. Photo: Tesla Motors.
Related: Did the Polestar 2 just challenge the Tesla Model 3?
Autopilot & Self-Driving Capabilities? Check!
The base Tesla Model 3 can be ordered with Autopilot for an additional $3,000. This enables your Model 3 to steer, accelerate, and brake automatically when it detects pedestrians and other vehicles in the lane.
But for full self-driving capabilities, you’ll need to fork out another $5,000. This allows your Tesla Model 3 to cruise on Autopilot, overtake slower cars, navigate over interchanges, and automatically park in parallel and perpendicular spaces. You can even summon the car to come to you anywhere in the parking lot. This is James Bond stuff we’re talking about here!
But if you prefer to stick to the $35,000 budget for a new Tesla Model 3, it’s good to know the base car comes standard with emergency braking, collision warning, and blind spot monitoring.
No Test Drives Allowed
No, really. However, you can return the car within seven days or 1,000 miles (whichever comes first) if you’re not satisfied. Yes, this means you can take it on a short road trip and return it if you don’t like it. It’s as simple as that. Try doing that at a conventional dealership.
And if you think Musk is tripping on herb when he envisioned this strategy, there’s a pretty good reason for this. Tesla is planning to close most of their retail outlets, meaning fewer Tesla cars are available for a test drive. This also means Tesla vehicles can only be ordered online via the official Tesla website.
This is an otherwise sour note to what seems to be an exciting time in the automotive industry. Unfortunately for Tesla retail employees, job cuts are inevitable in the near future. This is the harsh truth behind the realization of an affordable, mass-market, and long-range Tesla Model 3.
Tesla Model 3 interior layout. Photo: Tesla Motors.
Related: Audi and Tesla go head-to-head in this virtual EV showdown.
Model S & Model X Price Cuts
Along with the arrival of the $35,000 Tesla Model 3, the company also cut the base prices for the Model S sedan and Model X SUV. The standard Model S starts at $79,000. It has a range of 270 miles, a top speed of 140 mph, and can hit 60 in 4.2 seconds. In fact, the long-range version of the Tesla Model S is now $10,000 less than last year’s version. It starts at $83,000 with 335 miles of range and a top speed of 155 mph.
Significant price cuts are also in effect for the Model S Performance and Ludicrous trims.
On the other hand, the base Tesla Model X is now the long-range version with 295 miles of range, zero to 60 in 4.7 seconds, and a top speed of 155. This model starts at $88,000 but is $8,000 less than previous ones. Surprisingly enough, you get a savings of up to $17,000 if you choose the Model X Performance and Performance Ludicrous trims.
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.
Tesla Model 3 Gallery

Photos & Source: Tesla Motors.

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This New Rezvani Shows Why Modesty Is For The Birds

This New Rezvani Shows Why Modesty Is For The Birds Let us welcome, fellow gearheads and speed freaks, the latest debutant to the world boutique supercars: The Rezvani Beast Alpha X “Blackbird.” Yes, that’s it’s real name. No, it has nothing to do with insufferable Michael Bay movies (yet) nor is it a kid’s toy (yet). But it most definitely is part of the retinue of boutique supercars like Koenigsegg and Gumpert and Scuderia Glickenhaus.
Select Slices
For those of you not clued in, boutique supercars aim for a particular niche of an already niche market. Say you’re really rich. And say you want a car that both feeds your enormous ego and shows other people how rich and special you are. Buy a Ferrari or a Lambo or a McLaren? Are you daft?! No, no, no. You need something as unique and special as you are. Unfortunately, that also means you could wind up with something that’s as fly-by-night and structurally flawed as you are, but hey, you gotta be you, y’know?
Photo: Rezvani Motors.
Less Than Subtle
So you go out and get something like a Koenigsegg or a Gumpert or a Scuderia Glickenhaus, or Rezvani hopes, something like the Beast Alpha X “Blackbird.” What the Beast Alpha X “Blackbird” is, in many ways, is a rather “normal” example of what a modern supercar is. It’s smaller than you’d expect, mid-engined, and a two seater with a removable targa roof panel. Styling-wise it looks like what would happen if a Lotus Evora and any of this year’s Lambos had a baby. There are curves, but they’re largely mishandled, and there are, as one would expect, huge aero bits and pieces chopping off hunks of air here and cleaving it over there. The car has the subtlety of a 15-year-old’s drawing on his high school notebook. Then again, how subtle would you expect something named the Beast Alpha X “Blackbird” to look?
Curiously, the Rezvani is an American-made boutique supercar. Orange County, California, to be exact. Rezvani even goes the whole way and builds their own engines. To my way of thinking, rolling out your own bespoke supercar and having it powered by something off the rack like a small block Chevy means you’ve just made a kit car with pretensions.
Photo: Rezvani Motors.
Power & Performance
In the case of the Beast Alpha X “Blackbird,” said lump is an in-house designed and built . . . four cylinder. Wait, what? Yup, it’s motivated by a four-banger, albeit one that cranks out serious power. Rezvani says it’s a “reliable and powerful” 2.5-liter, 700 horsepower four-pot with a forced aspiration system driven by twin turbochargers. Apparently. Rezvani only mentions “turbocharger,” singular, but the engine pics on their website show two of them screwed onto the block. Whatever. Rezvani also says the turbo setup is “innovative and efficient” but does not give any details about how that is.
They do say the powerplants are built from the ground up using new Carillo racing forged pistons, rods, cams, valves, springs, and a Cosworth sourced ECU. Again, that’s kind of off the rack. Rezvani also states the engine “allows for a low cost of ownership and service,” which implies the thing won’t explode like a hand grenade, but still, 700 ponies from only 2.5 quarts and only four pistons seems like it’s asking a lot. Coupled to that plant is a close ratio 6-speed manual transmission or an optional sequential automatic box.
Also worryingly, Rezvani says it was designed with one thing in mind: brutal power. Brutal doesn’t sound like something that would go along with drivability does it?
Photo: Rezvani Motors.
Open Sesame
Since this is a boutique supercar, of course the doors are goofy and complex. Rezvani calls them SideWinder doors, and has even gone so far as to trademark the SideWinder name. They say the doors “provide a unique experience unlike any other,” but I’m not sure how they mean that. None of the pictures I see show how the things work. The seats are designed and built in-house, however, so that’s a nice touch.
The instrument cluster is a programmable dash display setup, with shift lights and shift points pre-programmed to tell the driver when to shift for maximum horsepower and torque. Unfortunately, the instrument cluster looks like they got it from a 1985 Corvette. That was cool when Cyndi Lauper was new, but less so now.
Photo: Rezvani Motors.
Pricing & Availability
All this carbon fiber bodywork, wrung 2.5 four-banger, and 2,150 lbs. of all-up weight equal one performance claim: zero to 60 in 2.9 Seconds. Which is impressive. They don’t say when you can get one but pricing starts at $225,000. That is before you begin adding stuff using the cute little configuration thing on their website.
Tony Borroz has spent his entire life racing antique and sports cars. He is the author of Bricks & Bones: The Endearing Legacy and Nitty-Gritty Phenomenon of The Indy 500, available in paperback or Kindle format.
Rezvani Beast Alpha X “Blackbird” Gallery

Photos & Source: Rezvani Motors.

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2017 Jeep Renegade Trailhawk 4X4 Review

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Chevy Silverado 1500 Duramax Sails Past Rivals, Fuel Economy Announced

Chevy Silverado 1500 Duramax Sails Past Rivals, Fuel Economy Announced The 2020 Chevy Silverado with the 3.0-liter Duramax diesel tops Ford and Ram in fuel economy.
The in-line six diesel employs an aluminum block and nixes a balancer shaft to reduce weight.
Expect the new Chevy Silverado with the 3.0-liter Duramax diesel engine later this fall.
The fuel economy numbers are in, and it’s looking good for the new Chevy Silverado 1500 Duramax. The turbo-diesel engine returns an EPA-estimated 23/33 city/highway in two-wheel drive; 23/29 with four-wheel drive. The figures are a solid win for Chevy in the ongoing truck battle between Detroit’s Big Three. By comparison, the F-150 Power Stroke with two-wheel drive achieves 22/30 city/highway and 20/25 in a 4×4 configuration. The current Ram EcoDiesel comes in at 20/27 city/highway for two-wheelers and 19/27 with four-wheel drive.
“We designed the all-new Silverado and the all-new 3.0-liter Duramax turbo-diesel to deliver both performance and efficiency,” explained Tim Herrick, Silverado Executive Chief Engineer. “The engine utilizes state-of-the-art technologies to optimize every drop of fuel, and takes advantage of architectural changes to make Silverado larger, lighter, and more aerodynamic than before.”
2020 Chevy Silverado 1500 Duramax: Setting The Stage
This new 3.0-liter Duramax is the first diesel since 1997 for a Chevy light-duty truck. It’s also the automaker’s first inline-six configuration for full-size, light duty trucks. With the truck market being so competitive, the challenges of designing a new powertrain are monumental. However, engineers had plenty of experience to fall back on as they worked through the architecture of the new inline-six Duramax.
“We set out to offer light duty truck customers the best of diesel – outstanding fuel economy, great horsepower and responsive torque – plus unexpected levels of refinement,” said Nicola Menarini, Director for diesel truck engine program execution. “We leveraged our global diesel expertise to make sure the all-new 3.0-liter Duramax turbo-diesel engine offers the impressive performance and durability our truck customers demand.”
2020 Chevy Silverado 1500 with the 3.0-liter Duramax. The engine features dual-overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder, and an 84 mm x 90 mm bore and stroke. Photo: Chevrolet.
Under The Hood
Hallmarks of the 3.0-liter Duramax include an aluminum engine block, iron cylinder liners, forged steel crankshaft and connecting rods, and blended silicon/aluminum pistons. Chevy says the on-board thermal management system quickly warms up propulsion components for more efficient operation. In the interest of fuel efficiency, the new Silverado 1500 Duramax employs a driver-selectable stop/start feature. Designers also worked to keep the engine’s operation smooth absent a balancer shaft, something Mark Phelan of the Detroit Free Press noted as a strength during a recent test drive.
“The resulting combination offers all of the performance, refinement, and capability customers want in a full-size truck, with highway fuel efficiency you would expect from a family sedan,” Herrick added.
Related: An inside look at the 2020 Chevy Silverado HD.
Transmission & Towing Specs
Chevy’s 3.0-liter Duramax delivers 277 horsepower and 460 lb-ft. of torque, with max payload coming in at 1,870 lbs. Properly-equipped 4×4 trucks can tow up to 9,300 lbs., a figure Chevy says will suffice for 90 percent of buyers. Power is put to the ground via a Hydra-Matic 10L80 10-speed automatic, complete with a larger overall ratio spread and smaller steps between gears to maximize performance and efficiency. Those using the truck for towing will benefit from the standard diesel exhaust brake and tow-haul mode.
2020 Chevy Silverado 1500 with the 3.0-liter Duramax. Photo: Chevrolet.
Pricing & Availability
This new Duramax is Chevy’s fourth such diesel, joining the Colorado, Silverado HD, and Silverado Medium Duty. The 3.0-liter Duramax is available on the LT, RST, LTZ, and High Country trims. For LTZ and High Country, the engine is a $2,495 option, same as the 6.2-liter V8. The upgrade for LT and RST trims runs $3,890 more than the standard 2.7-liter turbo engine.
Expect the 2020 Chevy Silverado 1500 with the Duramax diesel this fall.
Carl Anthony 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. Before going back to school, he simultaneously held product development and experiential marketing roles in the automotive industry.
2020 Chevy Silverado 1500 Duramax Gallery

Photos & Source: Chevrolet.

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New Mazda6 To Debut At Los Angeles Auto Show

New Mazda6 To Debut At Los Angeles Auto Show

The “new” Mazda6 will roll out for its first reveal at the upcoming Los Angeles Auto Show. It’s not entirely new, just re-engineered and refined, which all car companies say about mid-cycle refreshes. But in this case, the new Mazda6 is indeed a rather refined and sharpened car.
KODO Design
Mazda has been making a big deal of late about the Japanese craftsmanship they put into every one of their products. And for a lot of car companies, something like that would be little more than marketing codswallop. In Mazda’s case, it’s actually true. Mazda sweats this refined stuff – things like stitching on leather steering wheels and compound radii on dashboards – all the time. I once met the guy who was in charge of designing the exhaust system for the first genration Miata, and he told me he listened to tapes of various sports cars revving up and down on his commute to and from the Hiroshima factory for the better part of a year to figure out the Miata’s exhaust note. And that was in 1989, and Mazda shows no signs of slowing down in the least.
Fast forward to 2017 and Mazda says they will be rolling out the new(ish) Mazda6 sedan at this year’s Los Angeles Auto Show. The Mazda6 is the flagship of their passenger car lineup and the development team had the goal to “enhance the daily lives of people who love cars.” Yeah, I know, automakers can get rather pretentious with this stuff, but that doesn’t mean Mazda is joking about it. The upcoming Mazda6 will incorporate premium details and new engineering concepts and technologies based on what Mazda calls its “human-centered design philosophy.” And, the more I look at this car, the more I believe them. It’s as clean and austere as a Danish couch form 1965, but there’s a curious humanity about it.
The Feels
Mazda says the whole idea behind the 6’s styling is covered by the term “Mature Elegance,” which, yeah, I know, sounds like a dating app for the over-50 crowd. Mazda is, of course, not joking about that either. The design team worked to advance the quality feel of both the interior and exterior. Mazda says this results in “a look of greater maturity and composure.” But I also think they were right in using the word “feel” because the gradual curves on the Mazda6, both inside and out, really invite you to slide a hand along all those arcs for a very long time.
And the materials Mazda uses now really back this up. A new high-grade interior features Sen Wood, a type of Japanese ash that is often used in traditional Japanese instruments and furniture, for an enhanced premium feel. Mazda says the overall design is more “distinctive, premium, beautiful, and dignified, as befits the flagship of Mazda’s passenger car lineup.” I’m not going to argue with that.
Photo: Mazda North American Operations.

Power & Performance
The powertrain lineup for the upcoming Mazda6 implements a bunch of new technologies, such as cylinder deactivation for the SKYACTIV-G 2.5-liter engine for fuel efficiency on long hauls. The turbocharged gasoline engine with direct injection has been added to the lineup in North America. This plant first showed up in the bigger CX-9 crossover, and Mazda says it produces torque on par with a 4-liter V8.
We’ll be the judge of that, and we here at One Automoblog Towers would love to give the blown big block Mazda6 a brisk run around the neighborhood just to be sure.
And since this is 2017, the Mazda6 is festooned with enough high tech gee-gaws to keep a satellite in orbit. For a start there is a wider range of safety technologies on hand. These are said to help the driver identify potential risks and reduce the likelihood of crunching the car or the people inside it. Mazda Radar Cruise Control can now bring the car to a standing stop and take off again when the vehicle in front moves away, which sounds pretty impressive. Also notable is Mazda’s latest 360 Degree View Monitor. All this new stuff works in concert with the car’s previously introduced safety features.
Press Conference Reveal
Mazda will be showing some other interesting cars at the Los Angeles Auto Show, but so far, all they’ve provided is a list and no definite details. A press conference is planned for November 29th at 10:30 am PST. Below is everything that will be on their stand if you happen to be in SoCal and want to swing by and check it out for yourself.
Tony Borroz has spent his entire life racing antique and sports cars. He means well, even if he has a bias toward lighter, agile cars rather than big engine muscle cars or family sedans.
Mazda Exhibits at the 2017 Los Angeles Auto Show
Models Scheduled for Sale
New Mazda6 sedan (World premiere)
Updated Mazda CX-5 (North American premiere)
Currently Available Models
Mazda3, Mazda CX-3, Mazda CX-9, Mazda MX-5 RF
Reference Exhibits
Mazda VISION COUPE next-generation design vision model (North American premiere)
Mazda RT24-P prototype race car with Mazda Team Joest livery and driver lineup
Mazda MX-5 (Global MX-5 Cup spec)
Mazda MX-5 Halfie (A half production car/half racecar demonstration model)
Technology Exhibits
SKYACTIV-G 2.0 (gasoline engine)
SKYACTIV-G 2.5T (turbocharged gasoline engine)
Photos & Source: Mazda North American Operations.

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Aston Martin Vantage: Styling Wonder or Blunder?

Aston Martin Vantage: Styling Wonder or Blunder?

GAH! Whoa, wait! Hold up here a second! Look, I know a car company has to grow and progress and all that sort of thing, but Aston Martin, I think you might want to really give some thought to where you’re heading. And no, I’m not just talking about the color they’ve chosen for the new Vantage, that’s enough of an eyesore. No, I mean the overall design.
Vantage Point
Aston Martin’s main stock in trade for a very long time has been style. Not style at the expensive of performance, but style in concert with performance. If you just went by pure performance, why would you buy an Aston Martin over something like a Ferrari, for roughly the same amount of doe-rae-mi? You wouldn’t, really. Aston Martins are okay, numbers-wise, but not outstanding. What pushes a lot of people over the top is how an Aston Martin looks. They’re sort of the automotive equivalent of the really good looking guy in a Savile Row suit. He seems like marriage material ladies, then he opens his mouth and you realize he won’t be in the running for the Lucasian Chair at Oxford any time soon. And that’s okay. I understand wanting a certain level of style in your life. And, frankly, the numbers on the new Vantage ain’t that bad.
The front splitter on the new Aston Martin Vantage directs air underneath, where a system of fences channel it. The design of the rear diffuser creates an area of low pressure air that helps prevent rear wheel turbulence. Preventing such turbulence is important when it comes to having the air exit centrally from beneath the rear of the car. Photo: Drew Gibson, Aston Martin The Americas.
Power & Performance
The most important figures here are the max speed of 195 mph and the 0 to 60 sprint in 3.6 seconds. Okay numbers, but, you know, a Ferrari 488 GTB would jump all over it with both feet. This performance all flows from a new alloy 4-liter, twin-turbo V8 engine. The plant is set low and well back in the chassis, making for an optimal center of gravity and 50:50 weight distribution. Said mill puts out 503 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 505 lb-ft. of torque. The dry weight is a not all that inconsiderable 3,373 lbs.
All that power and torque heads to the rear wheels only (thank you) via a rear-mounted ZF eight-speed automatic transmission and transaxle. It employs a suite of integrated electronic systems, like Dynamic Stability Control and Dynamic Torque Vectoring for maximum grip and fun. This is also the first Aston Martin with an E-Diff Electronic Rear Differential.
Aston Martin says the new Vantage has a “formidable” power-to-weight ratio. Photo: Drew Gibson, Aston Martin The Americas.

Solid Architecture
The new Vantage chassis is similar to the bonded aluminum structure first seen on the DB11. 70 percent of the structure’s components are new for the Vantage, improving overall balance, strength, rigidity, and weight efficiency. There’s a solidly mounted rear subframe for an enhanced understanding of what the rear tires are doing (most likely locking up and shooting you forward like a golf ball from a tee). Speaking of tires, those are new Pirelli P Zeros developed specifically for the Vantage. There’s also Aston Martin’s latest Adaptive Damping System that incorporates Skyhook technology with Sport, Sport Plus, and Track modes at the flip of a switch.
Technology Central
And, since the new Vantage costs about as much as a one bedroom condo in Detroit, it features a high level of standard equipment. Keyless start/stop, a tire pressure monitoring system, Parking Distance Display, Park Assist, and front and rear parking sensors are all there. The entertainment system, controlled via a centrally mounted eight-inch LCD screen, includes the Aston Martin Audio System, Bluetooth streaming, iPod, iPhone, and USB playback, along with satellite navigation and Wi-Fi.
Drivers will find plenty of stowage space behind the seats or with the double-tier storage areas. Photo: Drew Gibson, Aston Martin The Americas.
Styling Blunder?
All this is well and true and good as a high performance sports car should be. It’s the styling that leaves me and the rest of the kids at One Automoblog Towers ruefully shaking our heads. Oh sure, Aston Martin crows about the Vantage, using words and phrases like “spectacular” and “bold and distinctive design language” and “sculptural forms” and “athletic, predatory stance” and “muscular flanks and broad haunches express the agility and . . .” stop, just stop. We get it. Just speaking for myself, it seems kind of ham-handed and lacking in subtlety. The headlights are way squinty, the front end seems half thought out, there’s a bunch of go-fast kicks and flips and aero bits and pieces that I’m sure help with performance, but look like something from a Fast and Furious movie.
And look, we get that styling is subjective and some people will actually be okay with what Aston Martin is doing here. And others will just be fan-boys that will genuflect at anything and everything that comes out of the shops at Gaydon. But really, Aston Martin should haul this back in before they turn into this decade’s Chris Bangle-sized punch line.
The new Vantage is currently on sale with a retail price starting at $149,995. Deliveries are scheduled to begin during the second quarter of 2018.
Tony Borroz has spent his entire life racing antique and sports cars. He means well, even if he has a bias toward lighter, agile cars rather than big engine muscle cars or family sedans.
Aston Martin Vantage Gallery

Photos & Source: Aston Martin The Americas.

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