Automotive

Best Convertibles For 2019? Here Are 10 Fast & Fun Options

Best Convertibles For 2019? Here Are 10 Fast & Fun Options Not everyone loves driving with the top down. Yet I can think of no better way to welcome the warm and sunny weather than driving a convertible. No matter what you call them (convertible, ragtop, Targa, soft-top, cabriolet, spider, etc.), convertibles have somehow lost their favor among the sea of new crossovers and modern SUVs.
It’s easy to understand why.
Setting The Stage
Convertibles are not the roomiest or the most practical choice. In some cases, a convertible is usually “choppier” than an equivalent coupe with a proper roof. Some say the wind rustling your hairdo is overrated, and I get that. Speaking on behalf of true, dyed-in-the-wool car lovers, I would say nothing gets your pulse racing and the emotions flowing better than driving a convertible.
However, if you’re considering a convertible (maybe even for the first time), this list will help. Here are the top 10 convertibles you can buy today, based on performance, price and overall curb appeal. While this list is not exhaustive, it does show a number of the exciting options on the market today in terms of a convertible.
Porsche 718 Boxster GTS in Miami Blue and Racing Yellow. Photo: Porsche Cars North America, Inc.
Porsche 718 Boxster
Porsche has something in store for the Boxster in 2019: the 718 Boxster T. The T designation stands for Touring and comes with an upgraded drivetrain and suspension. This is the Boxster to get if you want better handling in your convertible car.
However, the base 718 Boxster is still a good deal at $59,000. The mid-engine layout has a number of benefits, not the least of which include more nimble handling. And since the motor is sitting directly behind your ears, you get the aural sensation of a true sports car all the way to a top speed of 170 mph.
The base Porsche 718 Boxster makes good use of a 300 horsepower, 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, but we prefer the Boxster S with a larger, 2.5-liter mill churning out 350 horsepower and 309 lb-ft. of torque. The GTS is even better with a 365 horsepower version of the 2.5-liter turbo in the Boxster S. All models come standard with a six-speed manual, an added bonus for some no doubt. As much as we love shifting our own gears, we prefer the more intelligent nature of the optional PDK dual-clutch gearbox.
No matter which model you choose, the 2019 Porsche 718 Boxster is guaranteed to be a fun and exhilarating driving experience – even when the weather turns gloomy. The convertible top in a Porsche 718 Boxster takes less than 10 seconds to open or close.
Mercedes-AMG E 53 Cabriolet. Photo: MBUSA.
Mercedes E-Class Cabriolet
It seems Mercedes-Benz has a treat for potential buyers of the 2019 E-Class Cabriolet. Of course, the folding roof (derived from the S-Class Cabriolet) that opens and closes in 20 seconds is a given. But Mercedes-Benz decided to ditch the base E 400 trim for the E 450. This means a more powerful turbo V6 with 362 horsepower and 369 lb-ft. of torque. You also get four proper seats, dual-zone climate control, LED exterior lighting, and an adaptive suspension.
If you want a more relaxing convertible, the E-Class Cabriolet is the best you can find in the $67,000 price range. It comes with Mercedes’ Aircap wind deflector to lessen turbulence inside the cabin. And since some people, like Jonathan Ross, love driving a convertible in the cold, the E-Class Cabriolet features a unique Airscarf neck warmer system, which does exactly what it sounds.
And for those who want a faster version of the chop-top E-Class, there’s the AMG E 53. It comes with a mild hybrid powertrain system and all-wheel drive. With 429 horsepower and 384 lb-ft. of torque, the AMG E-Class Cabriolet is nothing short of a muscle car.
Jaguar F-Type Convertible. Photo: Jaguar Land Rover.
Jaguar F-Type Convertible
The Jaguar F-Type is a potent sports car already, and the convertible just enhances its already ambitious character. The F-Type has always been an old-school Jaguar sports car: flamboyant, boisterous, and highly impractical. The convertible is still that, just dialed all the way to eleven, and we love it for that.
It starts with the shape. It has all the basic ingredients of what makes a car beautiful to the eyes. This includes the long hood, swooping profile, and swollen rear arches. It also has the power to boot. The base P300 F-Type receives a 2.0-liter turbo four-banger with 296 horsepower and 295 lb-ft. of torque. The P340 F-Type gets a more powerful supercharged 3.0-liter V6 with 340 horsepower and 332 lb-ft. torque. The P380 gets a tuned version of the blown V6 for a total output of 380 horsepower and 339 lb-ft. of torque.
The R and SVR trim receive a brawny, supercharged 5.0-liter V8 with 550 and 575 horsepower, respectively. Interestingly enough, the base F-Type is only available with rear-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic. The V6 and V8 models can be optioned with a six-speed manual and all-wheel drive.
With so many models and configurations to choose from, there’s a right Jaguar F-Type for everyone. And to further sweeten the deal, you can raise or lower the roof of the F-Type Convertible in around 12 seconds. Pricing starts at $64,700.
Alfa Romeo 4C Spider. Photo: FCA US LLC.
Related: The top 10 collector cars of the future.
Alfa Romeo 4C Spider
The Alfa Romeo 4C Coupe is discontinued for 2019. This means the Spider or convertible version is the only model available, and it’s all the better. The Alfa Romeo 4C is a lightweight and nimble machine that also happens to look the part. The 4C Spider is the closest you can get to an Italian mid-engine sports car without an exorbitant price tag.
And even though the 2019 Alfa Romeo 4C Spider is not exactly cheap, the $66,900 base price gets you exotic good looks, razor-sharp handling, and the exclusivity of having an Alfa Romeo roadster. Unfortunately, you also get a sparse cabin with little to no cargo room, but who are we to complain?
Instead of shoehorning a V6 or V8, Alfa Romeo kept it sane with an all-aluminum, 1.7-liter turbo four-cylinder. The small motor churns out 237 horsepower and 258 lb-ft. of torque. Those figures may seem paltry, but the F1-inspired carbon-fiber tub makes the Alfa Romeo 4C an extremely lightweight sports car. In fact, it weighs less than 2,500 lbs. and races from zero to 60 mph in 4.1 seconds.
BMW i8 Roadster. Photo: BMW of North America, LLC.
BMW i8 Roadster
The BMW i8 Roadster looks like a exotic car. It is also priced like a high-performance sports car at around $163,000. Take the roof off and what you have is a futuristic-looking cruiser that cares for the environment. Different from the others on this list, the BMW i8 Convertible is a plug-in hybrid with an electric motor and 11.6 kWh battery pack.
It also comes with a small, 1.5-liter turbo three-cylinder gasoline engine. Power output is quite modest at 228 horsepower and 236 lb-ft. of torque. Combine this with the 141 horsepower and 184 lb-ft. of torque from the electric motor (for a total output of 369 horsepower), and what you have is a BMW convertible that rushes to 60 mph in 4.2 seconds and tops out at 155.
The plethora of standard features include automatic headlights, LED exterior lighting, adjustable suspension, front and rear parking sensors, leather seats, a heads-up display, and a premium Harman Kardon audio system with satellite radio. The roof folds up or down in less than 15 seconds.
Mazda MX-5 Miata 30th Anniversary edition. Photo: Mazda North American Operations.
Mazda MX-5 Miata
The 2019 Mazda MX-5 Miata is available with a soft top or folding hardtop (Miata RF). It remains the epitome of a compact and lightweight sports car that won’t hurt your budget. It’s also friendlier to the environment. The MX-5 Miata is one of the most fuel-efficient convertibles you can buy today (EPA-estimated 35 mpg combined).
Mazda engineers gave the Miata a bit more spunk for the 2019 model year. The venerable 2.0-liter Skyactiv four-cylinder now produces 181 horsepower and 151 lb-ft. of torque. It also has a higher redline so you can make the engine scream louder for longer as you roll through the corners. Yet, for the more casual motorist, the 2019 Mazda MX-5 Miata performs admirably as a daily driver. The telescoping steering wheel and rearview camera make it just that much better.
The base Sport trim starts at $25,730 and includes 16-inch alloy rims, a manually-retractable soft top and glass rear window, keyless ignition, leather-wrapped steering wheel, Bluetooth, and LED headlights and taillights. The Club starts at $29,590 and includes larger 17-inch wheels, LED daytime running lights, a sport-tuned suspension with Bilstein dampers, a limited-slip differential, and a shock tower brace. However, you only get the suspension upgrades if you choose the standard six-speed manual.
The Grand Touring starts at $30,780 and comes with an automatic climate control system, navigation, and adaptive headlights among other things.
Fiat 124 Spider. Photo: FCA US LLC.
Related: Despite autonomous cars, people still love to drive.
Fiat 124 Spider
If you prefer an Italian version of the Mazda MX-5, you can’t go wrong with the Fiat 124 Spider. The 124 Spider is basically a Mazda MX-5 underneath, but Fiat used their own suspension, engine, and transmission. The same goes for the luscious retro-inspired and low-slung styling. And since the 124 Spider is based on the underpinnings of the Mazda MX-5, you can expect slick handling and a sportier feel.
The base Classica trim ($25,190) includes 16-inch wheels, premium cloth seats, and a dual-tip exhaust. The Lusso ($27,795) adds 17-inch wheels, heated leather seats, and piano black accents. The Fiat 124 Spider Abarth ($29,990) includes a front and rear Bilstein sport suspension, quad-tip exhaust, and a mechanical limited-slip differential. The Classica and Lusso get a 160 horsepower 1.4-liter turbo four-cylinder, while the Abarth gets a 165 horsepower version of the same motor. Rear-wheel drive is standard along with a six-speed manual while a six-speed automatic is optional.
While the Fiat 124 Spider is not a hardcore sports car, it still scoots from zero to 60 mph in 6.6 seconds. This is the perfect convertible for those who can’t live with the robotic-shark look of the Mazda MX-5. However, like the Miata, the 124 Spider is more affordable than others on this list.
Audi A3 Cabriolet. Photo: Audi of America, Inc.
Audi A3 Cabriolet
The current Audi A3 Cabriolet is admittedly getting long in the tooth. However, it remains an appealing choice that combines adequate style, performance, and creature comforts. The 2019 Audi A3 Cabriolet is available in rear-wheel drive and Quattro all-wheel drive. The former gets a 184 horsepower, turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder, while the latter squeezes out 228 horsepower and 258 lb-ft. of torque from the same mill. Both engines share a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic.
The rear-wheel drive version reaches 60 mph in 6.9 seconds. The Quattro version achieves the same feat in 5.9 seconds, although both are limited to a top speed of 130 mph. The folding fabric roof on the Audi A3 Cabriolet retracts in 18 seconds at speeds of up to 31 mph. It’s basically a small luxury convertible with a premium cabin and a bevy of modern features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, dual-zone climate control, and a powerful audio system.
The 2019 Audi A3 Cabriolet starts at $38,900. The Quattro version is yours at $41,700. We prefer the Quattro version and think the upgrade is worth the money.
BMW 2 Series Convertible. Photo: BMW of North America, LLC.
BMW 2-Series Convertible
The BMW 2-Series Convertible may look harmless but underneath the hood lurks a secret weapon. The 2019 BMW 2-Series Convertible in 230i trim makes use of a turbo 2.0-liter four-cylinder that churns out 248 horsepower and 258 lb-ft. of torque. To put that into perspective, the base BMW 2-Series Convertible is more powerful than the Quattro version of the Audi A3 Cabriolet we just mentioned above!
How do you like them apples?
Now, throw the M240i into the equation and it suddenly becomes clear. With a turbocharged inline-six motor that produces 335 horsepower and 369 lb-ft. of torque, the M240i is a compact hot-rod convertible that scoots to 60 mph in less than five seconds. Both engines are bolted to an eight-speed automatic and rear-wheel drive, while a six-speed manual remains a no-cost option. You also have the option to choose BMW’s xDrive system (all-wheel drive).
The 2019 BMW 2-Series Convertible starts at $41,200 for the 230i and $50,400 for the M240i.
Ford Mustang GT Convertible. Photo: Ford Motor Company.
Related: This book puts 50 years of Boss Mustang history on your coffee table.
Ford Mustang Convertible
When it comes to fast convertibles, it’s hard not to include the 2019 Ford Mustang. The base EcoBoost and EcoBoost Premium have a torquey, turbo 2.3-liter four-banger; but the GT Premium is the one you want when it comes to really enjoying a drop-top Mustang.
The GT Premium Convertible comes with a burly 5.0-liter V8 with 460 horsepower and 420 lb-ft. of torque. A six-speed manual is standard while a 10-speed automatic remains an option. The folding roof takes just seven seconds to raise or retract, one of the fastest on the market. When it comes to performance gained versus dollars spent, the Mustang is a no brainier. The EcoBoost Convertible starts at $31,620. Even jumping up to the GT Premium Convertible, it’s still a veritable bargain at $44,855.
McLaren 720S Spider. Photo: McLaren Automotive.
Wildcard Choice: McLaren 720S Spider
If money is no object, we’ll choose the McLaren 720S Spider any day of the week. Who can say no to a twin-turbo V8 with 710 horsepower and a zero to 60 time of 2.8 seconds? (With 124 mph coming up in a scant 7.9 seconds). Who can resist the supercar styling, head-turning dihedral doors, hydraulic suspension, and carbon-ceramic brakes? This is the ultimate convertible supercar that doesn’t cost a million bucks. For those who have the money, the McLaren 720S is a sterling choice.
The retractable hardtop roof only takes 11 seconds to fold down. Another bonus.
Let Us Know Your Favorites
While there are numerous others we could include (for example, any number of classic convertibles), this list should whet your appetite for some open-air driving this summer. Let us know your favorite convertible from this list or otherwise on our Twitter page.
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.

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2019 Honda Passport Review: Calling All Weekend Warriors!

2019 Honda Passport Review: Calling All Weekend Warriors! 94Excellent 2019 Honda Passport Overall Impression Nice interior layout.Plenty of cargo space.Ideal for adventure seekers. ProsSpacious Interior Off-Road Capability ConsStiffer Ride Overly Sensitive Safety Systems You may not remember, but the original Honda Passport was a rebadged Isuzu from the 1990s, but the Passport now is a totally different and new model. The 2019 Honda Passport slots between the smaller CR-V and three-row Pilot. The Passport and the Pilot ride on the same platform but the Passport has two rows and is six inches shorter. Think of the Passport as the adventure vehicle for outdoor enthusiasts. It has an inch greater ground clearance, but with identical room inside as the bigger Pilot. (And some interior specs are even the same).
This week, we drove the top-trim, 2019 Honda Passport Elite with all-wheel drive.
What’s New For 2019
The Honda Passport is an all-new model for 2019. The Passport is based on Honda’s uni-body, midsize light-truck platform. Highlights include a fully-boxed floor structure and the latest generation of Honda’s Advanced Compatibility Engineering structure to increase safety. Trim levels include Sport, EX-L, Touring, and Elite.
Features & Options: Comfortable & Connected
The top-of-the-line, 2019 Honda Passport Elite AWD ($43,680) comes standard with LED exterior lights, 20-inch alloy wheels, push-button start, keyless entry, and an eight-inch screen that’s integrated nicely into the dash. Leather seats, heated and ventilated front seats; heated rear seats, heated steering wheel, and three-zone climate control will help keep everyone comfortable.
The 2019 Honda Passport Elite also comes with a sunroof, hands-free lift-gate, front and rear parking sensors, a 115-volt power outlet, auto-dimming side mirrors, and LED interior lighting. Connectivity features consist of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, extra USB ports, a 10-speaker sound system, navigation, and a wireless smartphone charging pad. The Passport also gets the Honda Sensing safety suite, which includes forward collision, blind spot, and lane departure warnings.
Total MSRP including destination: $44,725. By comparison, the 2019 Honda Passport starts at $31,990.

Interior Highlights: Plenty of Room
The interior of the 2019 Honda Passport looks a lot like the Pilot but with a sportier and more active vibe. It seems a little more able to handle the tough-use cases: weekend warriors who are taking it off-road, for example. Instead of three rows of seating like the Pilot, the Passport is a two-row, five-passenger SUV. There’s plenty of headroom and legroom and the same adjustable rear seats as the Pilot.
Sporty as it may be, we think the materials and quality are high for a non-luxury vehicle. The soft-touch plastics on the dash, combined with high-gloss black trim and matte-finish secondary controls, look and feel good. The fit and finish is top notch.
You can get away with sitting three adults in the back in comfort, and you’ll find the Passport extremely useful for hauling stuff. It offers plenty of utility for hauling gear and people, which make it ideal for weekend warriors. The cargo area is large and offers a multitude of interior storage bins. For example, the Passport’s underfloor storage, near the rear bumper, is easily accessed by lifting the rearmost floor section. With the rear seatbacks folded, there’s a cavernous 77.9 cubic feet of space.

Engine & Fuel Mileage Specs
The 2019 Honda Passport is powered by the same 3.5-liter V6 you get in the Pilot. The six-cylinder engine is rated at 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft. of torque and comes mated to a nine-speed automatic. The Passport’s transmission allows for second-gear starts which will help when it comes to towing. When properly equipped, the 2019 Honda Passport can tow 5,000 lbs., making it a true adventure machine for the weekend warrior.
Our tester came with Honda’s Intelligent Variable Torque Management system, otherwise known as all-wheel drive. The system rotates the outside rear wheels faster than the front ones. This creates a “yaw” motion that guides the Passport in a way that reduces understeer while still improving traction through corners.
EPA fuel mileage estimates with all-wheel drive come in at 19/24 city/highway and 21 combined. By comparison, front-wheel drive models do a little better at 20/25 city/highway and 22 combined.

Related: On the road with the 2019 Honda Pilot.
Driving Dynamics: Nimble & Light
The 2019 Honda Passport offers up four driving modes: Normal, Snow, Mud and Sand, depending on the conditions. The Passport can go off-road but there are no underbody skid plates, so things are limited to softer terrain. Most will use it for normal weekend getaways to the trailhead for hiking, mountain biking, and kayaking. And the new Passport will get you there with no issues.
The Passport is a higher-riding SUV than the Pilot, but manages to pull off a lighter and more nimble feel. We made quick lane changes with ease, and it’s a breeze to maneuver in the tight mountain corners.
Driving Dynamics: Quick & Quiet
Honda’s V6 delivers smooth and punchy acceleration when you need it, and it never left us feeling like we need more power. Steering wheel shift paddles are on hand to give you manual control, a nice feature for driving enthusiasts.
The ride in the 2019 Honda Passport is not as comfortable as the Pilot, but this SUV is designed for those wanting to use it more for off-road use. The suspension feels a bit stiffer as it seems tuned for those who want to get away from civilization. With acoustic laminated windshield glass and additional sound-insulating treatments throughout the chassis, the new Passport is still a good vehicle for commuting during the week. However, you will definitely want it for use on the weekend.

Conclusion: Perfect For The Weekend
The 2019 Honda Passport is for those who think the CR-V is a little too small and under-powered, and for those who don’t need three-rows of seating. The benefits of the Passport are numerous, but they will really come to life for those who take their vehicle off-road and need to tow a trailer on the way there.
Denis Flierl has invested over 25 years in the automotive industry in a variety of roles. All of his firsthand reviews are archived on our test drives page. Follow Denis on Twitter: @CarReviewGuy
2019 Honda Passport Gallery

Photos: Honda North America.

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Lamborghini Miura P400, Chassis #3586: The Italian Job Restored

Lamborghini Miura P400, Chassis #3586: The Italian Job Restored Lamborghini Polo Storico has located and certified the Miura P400, chassis #3586.
Keen eyes may recognize it as the original from the opening scenes of The Italian Job.
Back in 1966, Lamborghini was a rather unimpressive sports car manufacturer from northern Italy. They were about as remarkable as De Tomaso or Bizzarrini. Interesting in some respects and horrid in others. That all changed at the 1966 Geneva Motor Show when Lambo rolled out the Miura. At a stroke, the upstart Italian car maker vaulted to the head of the pack. When other manufactures were only making front-engine cars, Lamborghini came out with the Miura, a mid-engine 12-cylinder beast that not only went like the business, it looked like the business.
Week & A Day (Over To The Right)
Everything about it was frightening, impressive or impressively-frightening. The powertrain layout was a marvel of packaging: the four-liter V12 engine was mounted transversely, which made for a remarkably short car that was a nightmare to work on. That same four-liter V12 was notoriously high strung, meaning you had to work on it a lot. That’s why it was tallied in the “frightening” column. The body, designed by stylist Marcello Gandini, was breathtaking; but the chassis engineering resulted in the driver’s feet being mashed a week and a day over to the right.
Lamborghini Miura P400, chassis #3586 from the 1969 film, The Italian Job. Photo: Automobili Lamborghini.
Related: The Circuit Wolf manga comic book series was inspired by this Miura SVR.
Lights, Camera, Action
It gained wide notoriety when it was driven in the opening of The Italian Job movie. Driven by an unnamed, smartly-attired gentleman; graying at the temples, smoldering cigarette nonchalantly dangling from his lips; ridiculously-styled wrap around sunglasses clamped to his face, just belting up the St. Bernard pass in Italy; its siren song V12 engine note echoing off the granite mountainsides until ka-SMASH, it runs headlong into a friggin’ bulldozer and bursts into flames.
The flaming wreckage is then pushed off the mountain road, down a terrifyingly-steep embankment and into the river, silently observed by a cadre of black suited, stone-faced gentlemen. And that’s just how the movie starts.
Lamborghini Miura P400, chassis #3586 interior layout. Photo: Automobili Lamborghini.
Chassis #3586? Could This Be The One?
That very Miura is the car you see pictured here. No, no, not the flaming wreckage one; that was one of two Miuras used in the film. The one here was used in the driving sequences and a previously wrecked one was used for the whole crunching/exploding/ravine tumbling bit. This is Lamborghini Miura P400, chassis #3586, and 50 years later, Lambo found it and gave it a factory restoration.
Painted in Arancio Miura (that would be orange) with white and black leather interior, chassis #3586 has been the most pursued Miura in recent decades. After filming, the car all but disappeared, or at least it went unnoticed. Perhaps this was “the same Miura used in The Italian Job,” was overheard at club meets and such, but #3586 became “just” another cool older Italian sports car. As interest picked up, enthusiasts and collectors got into the hunt. The car was finally found in The Kaiser Collection of Vaduz, Liechtenstein. The Kaiser Collection contacted Lamborghini Polo Storico, the in-house research and rebuild outfit, to verify it was actually the car from the movie.
Lamborghini Polo Storico, inaugurated in 2015, is Automobili Lamborghini’s department dedicated to preserving the company’s heritage. Its activities include the restoration and certification of all Lamborghinis produced up to 2001. Photo: Automobili Lamborghini.
Look For The White Headrests
The car was then sent to Sant’ Agata Bolognese where Polo Storico’s work began by examining documents in Lamborghini’s archives. They even went so far as to conduct interviews with enthusiasts and former employees like Enzo Moruzzi, who delivered the famous Miura to the set and drove it in all the shots as a stunt double.
“There was a Miura P400 almost ready on the production line, in the right color, left-hand drive and with white leather interior. It was aesthetically identical to the damaged one and we decided to use it for the film. The only thing worrying us was the elegant white leather seats, given that car had to get back to Sant’Agata in perfect condition,” Moruzzi recalled.
When filming concluded, Paramount Pictures gave the car back to Lambo, who simply prepared it for delivery to its first owner, an Italian from Rome. 50 years later, the white leather seats remain an enduring part of the story behind chassis #3586.
“So, I asked for them to be taken out, replacing them with a set of black leather seats that we used for testing,” Moruzzi continued. “The giveaway was the headrests, which on the Miura are attached to the dividing glass between the driver compartment and the engine compartment, which couldn’t be replaced in time. In the film, you can see the original white headrests.”

Anniversary Celebration
Lamborghini Polo Storico did a nut and bolt, ground-up restoration on chassis #3586, just in time for the 50th anniversary of The Italian Job. What a lovely coincidence, no? Lamborghini was good enough to give us a raft of very pretty pictures of this very pretty, and very memorable car. Here, have a look.
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.
Miura P400, Chassis #3586 Gallery

Photos & Source: Automobili Lamborghini.

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Ford Aims 2019 Transit Connect Wagon At Baby Boomer Generation

Ford Aims 2019 Transit Connect Wagon At Baby Boomer Generation Ford is trying to win over baby boomers in a big way with their 2019 Ford Transit Connect Wagon (one of Automoblog’s favorite vans). Their press materials from this year’s Chicago Auto Show are crammed with enough condescending references to the post-war generation to gag Grace Slick. But those egregious faux pas aside, the 2019 Ford Transit Connect Wagon has some pretty good stuff to offer.
Influential Generation
Why try to reinvent the van and sell it to boomers? Ford is direct and up front as to why: “Boomers … grew up driving vans, [and] at 111 million strong and holding 63 percent of American financial assets, the 50 plus demographic is the number one consumer demographic in the United States.” Or to be even more succinct: Boomers already know vans, there are a lot of them, and they have a lot of money. According to AARP, one in three Boomers plans to purchase a car in the next three years.
So, besides the corny and insulting hippie references in the press release (i.e. Life’s Still a Trip, Today’s Magic Bus) what does the 2019 Transit have to offer?
2019 Transit Connect Wagon. Photo: Ford Motor Company.
Safety & Security
For starters, it has room for five to seven passengers and, since you can easily reconfigure the interior, cargo duty is just as easy as hauling people. American Transit buyers will also get their choice of a new gas or diesel engine, along with a collection of driver-assist technologies like Automatic Emergency Braking.
In addition, the 2019 Transit Connect Wagon comes with Pre-Collision Assist and Pedestrian Detection to help avoid big bang-bangs and thump-thumps. Adaptive Cruise Control is also available to make highway driving easier by automatically slowing the van when the system detects traffic ahead. A Blind Spot Information System with Cross-Traffic Alert is available. It also uses the Transit’s radar system to detect surrounding vehicles that loom at you unobserved from the sides. There is also an available Lane Keeping System that vibrates the steering wheel, and can apply extra steering wheel torque to help you keep the vehicle centered.

Trim Levels & Engines
The 2019 Transit Connect Wagon comes in two wheelbases and three trim levels: XL, XLT, and Titanium. The interior is expansive and adaptable, so fitting people in or loading in cargo is a breeze. There are dual sliding side doors, and the available roof rails give you even more versatility with the number of accessories that can be fitted to the roof. So, hauling bikes, kayaks or that vintage Greg Noll surfboard you’ve had since 1966 should be easy-peasy.
Even the engines got a going over, as I mentioned before. There’s an all new powertrain lineup, including the 1.5-liter EcoBlue diesel that promises at least 30 mpg highway. The diesel plant is coupled with a new eight-speed automatic. There is also a new 2.0-liter four-cylinder gasoline mill with direct injection on offer. That engine comes with Auto Start-Stop as standard and is also mated to that new eight-speed automatic.
Wanna tow stuff? The Transit Connect Wagon offers a towing capability of 2,000 lbs. when equipped with the trailer tow package.
Photo: Ford Motor Company.
Availability
According to Ford, the 2019 Transit Connect Wagon will be one of the most affordable seven-passenger rigs you can get, although Ford did not actually disclose pricing. The long-wheelbase version has more interior cargo volume behind the first row than the 2018 Chevrolet Tahoe, according to Ford’s measurements. So think about that, comparison shoppers. Expect it this fall at dealers nationwide.
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.
Photos & Source: Ford Motor Company.

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Hyundai Drops 2018 Sonata Hybrids In Chicago

Hyundai Drops 2018 Sonata Hybrids In Chicago Hyundai just showed off the soon-to-be-in-a-store near you 2018 Sonata Hybrids, both standard and plug-in, at the Chicago Auto Show. Hyundai seems to roll out new models or improvements and updates to models every two weeks. How Hyundai does this is beyond me, but I’m just glad they’re able to keep it up. As I said, we now have two Sonatas to look at, the Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid.
Of course, the new Sonatas come with a comprehensive exterior and interior redesign along with more safety stuff, better suspension, improved infotainment, and connectivity features, but the real star of the show is the gas/electric drivetrains
Sonata Hybrid
The center of the 2018 Sonata Hybrid is a 2.0-liter Nu GDI four-cylinder engine mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. Situated within the transmission is a 38 kW electric motor and clutch where the torque converter should be. Hyundai’s clever idea of putting the hybrid drive guts within the transmission – something they call a Transmission-Mounted Electrical Device (TMED) – works the same as any other hybrid, but with improved fuel economy via a larger electric motor. Plus, you’ve got to say that’s pretty smart packaging.
The traditional ICE part of the hybrid system produces 154 horsepower and 140 lb-ft. of torque. Add in the electric motor and you get a further 38 kW (51 horsepower) and another 151 lb-ft. of torque. Net power comes up at 193 horsepower at 6,000 rpm. Economy-wise, with a Sonata Hybrid SE you’ll get 39 mpg in the city, 45 on the highway, and a combined figure of 42. If you add that all up, you can go for around 650 miles under typical driving conditions. Choice!
The lithium-ion polymer battery pack capacity is good for 1.76 kWh and the whole she-bang fits under the trunk floor. Ergo, lots of trunk space, a flat trunk floor, and 60/40 split-folding rear seats. Total cargo volume for the Sonata Hybrid is 13.3 cubic feet.

Sonata Plug-in Hybrid
The Plug-in Hybrid is similar to the regular Sonata Hybrid, but with the benefit of extended all-electric travel. There’s a 9.8 kWh lithium-ion polymer battery pack which is more than five times larger than the Sonata Hybrid’s battery. According to the EPA, the Sonata Plug-in Hybrid has an all-electric range of 27 miles, and it can be recharged in less than three hours with a level-two charger. Which, if you think about this, allows you to commute to work, park the thing, plug it in for a recharge, and then drive it home without burning a drop of gas. And hey, if you’ve got to head out of town for a long weekend, you’ve got plenty of range thanks to the gasoline engine. Total estimated range is a remarkable 590 miles.
The Plug-in Hybrid has the same six-speed automatic with Hyundai’s TMED in place of the torque converter again, only this time the electric motor is a 50 kW beast. That 50 kW electric motor puts out 32 percent more power versus the Sonata Hybrid. The plug-in hybrid uses the same ICE as the Sonata Hybrid, and the total system output is 202 horsepower at 6,000 rpm. To compliment the performance, the chassis gets some nips and tucks with a stiffer front anti-roll bar and a more rigid rear trailing-arm design with retuned bushings.

Notable Features
Other highlights for the 2018 Sonatas include a new front/rear fascia design, a new grille, hood, front fenders, rear deck lid, headlights, and taillights. There are new 16-inch and 17-inch eco-spoke wheel designs, along with new LED headlights that have a trick cornering Dynamic Bending Light (DBL) function. The interior has a new instrument panel, center stack, steering wheel, wireless phone charging, and rear USB charge port.
Safety gadgets? By the ton. There’s standard Blind-Spot Detection, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, Lane Change Assist, a newly available Automatic Emergency Braking system, and Lane Keep Assist.
Manufacturing & Availability
The 2018 Sonata Hybrids will be produced in Asan, Korea. The Hybrid will be in Hyundai dealers by the first quarter of 2018 and Plug-ins will show up in the second quarter.
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.
2018 Sonata Hybrid Gallery

Photos & Source: Hyundai Motor America.

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Hyundai Showcases Autonomous Driving Tech In Las Vegas

Hyundai is showcasing a host of future mobility and transportation technology at the 2017 Consumer Electronics Show (CES), happening now in Las Vegas, Nevada. Hyundai is demonstrating their advanced autonomous IONIQ models on the roads surrounding the venue.

On the test route, autonomous IONIQ models navigate using an advanced form of LiDAR technology, a laser and radar-based detection system. It scans and identifies the precise location of other vehicles and objects, traveling safely through the test route.

Hyundai uses a different approach in the placement of their sensors, foregoing the typical roof mounted apparatus. Instead, the LiDAR technology is hidden behind the autonomous IONIQ’s front bumper. This helps maintain a sleek design for the car but also allows engineers a more functional, less complex setup. Hyundai’s self-driving systems are kept as simple as possible by integrating existing functions from the production models, including the forward-facing radar of the Smart Cruise Control and the Lane Keeping Assist cameras.

A GPS antenna is also utilized to search for the location of other vehicles while high-definition mapping software returns vital data to the car. This data includes things like road gradient, curvature, and lane width. Between the LiDAR, GPS antenna, and existing safety features, the complete system is able to navigate even the most difficult situations, readily identifying other cars and pedestrians, to small pets, speed bumps, and traffic signs.

Hyundai is currently conducting extensive urban testing with the primary goal being the safe execution of autonomous driving with less computing power at a lower cost. Throughout CES, two Hyundai cars will be navigating test routes around Las Vegas. Visitors can further experience Hyundai’s autonomous technology through Virtual Reality simulators at the Hyundai Motor booth.

Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and resides in Detroit, Michigan.

Hyundai Autonomous IONIQ Concept Gallery

Photos & Source: Hyundai Motor America.

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2019 Porsche 911 Speedster: And The Order Books Shall Be Opened

2019 Porsche 911 Speedster: And The Order Books Shall Be Opened Gorgeous and rare, the Porsche 911 Speedster is a special edition like no other.
The flat-six engine revs to an impressive 9,000 rpm as it cranks out 500 horsepower.
Expect it at U.S. dealers near the end of the year but the ordering window is now open.
Step aside you plebes! Porsche has finally opened its order book for the 2019 911 Speedster, and they are taking names, numbers, and cash (lots of cash) from those well-heeled enough, and desirous enough, and anybody else wanting their 70th anniversary celebration sports car. Unlike a lot of “special” models from other manufacturers, the 2019 Porsche 911 Speedster is actually kind of special.
First, let’s get the bad news out of the way: $274,500. That’s how much the 2019 Porsche 911 Speedster will set you back. That, plus another $1,250 for delivery.
If you want to add any of the optional Heritage Design Package stuff, that’ll set you back about the cost of Honda Civic: $24,510. So like I said, step aside you plebes!
All Business & Motorsport-Inspired
You do, however, get some bang for your buck. Most notably, way back there in the engine bay you’ll find a 4.0-liter flat-six cranking out 502 horsepower and 346 lb-ft. of torque. That is, to use the engineering term, a lot of power. More than enough to jet you from zero to 60 in 3.8 seconds and top out at 192 mph. Oh, and said plant revs to a 9,000 rpm redline. Spaß!
Of course this is going to be a fun car, because unlike a lot of other special models, the 2019 Speedster was not developed by the marketing department, oh no. It was the brainstorm of the Porsche Motorsport department in Weissach. The windshield and side windows are cut down for that traditional speedster style and the top is a manually-operated lightweight fabric deal. There are even two carbon fiber “streamliners” (headrest fairings) on the rear decklid for an added bit of functional panache.
The inside of the 911 Speedster is all business with a focus on driving fundamentals. The door panels are lightweight with storage nets and door pulls for weight reduction. The door sill guards get the “Speedster” script and are made of carbon fiber. The seats come in basic black leather, but if you want to get all flashy, you can get red stitching for the dashboard, and red “Speedster” stitching on the headrests. You can even get a GT Sport steering wheel with a red 12 o’clock center marker.
2019 Porsche 911 Speedster interior layout. Photo: Porsche Cars North America, Inc.
Related: Porsche versus the S&P: Can this classic sports car top the stock market?
Slim Fast Diet
There’s enough weight loss found throughout the Speedster to make Colin Chapman proud (if not outright envious). The front lid, front fenders, and rear decklid are made from carbon fiber; and that rear decklid tips the scales at only 22 lbs. The front and rear fascia are constructed out of lightweight polyurethane. Further savings is found in the Porsche Ceramic Composite Brakes, dropping about 50 percent in weight versus cast iron rotors. The fabric top is all manual and has no motors or gears or other stuff that adds weight for the sake of your lazy convenience.
Air conditioning? Gone! Unless you really want it, then you can add it as a no-cost option if you so desire.
The six-speed manual transmission saves around nine lbs. over the seven-speed manual in the 911 Carrera, and nearly 40 lbs. compared to the PDK dual clutch unit. Oh, did I mention the 2019 Porsche 911 Speedster comes with a manual box? Well it does! So all you neo-luddites should be happy now.
Add all this up, and the 2019 911 Speedster weighs 3,230 lbs. No, not as light as a Lotus, but hey, for a Porsche (which have been getting rather porky as of late) that’s not bad. So, like they say: to go fast, add lightness and stand on that 500 horsepower mill hanging way out back!!!
The 2019 Porsche 911 Speedster comes with individual throttle bodies to increase overall response. Photo: Porsche Cars North America, Inc.
Related: Spending a day with the Porsche 911 GT3 RS.
And The Engine Too!
That engine is based on the 911 GT3 and GT3 RS, having been enhanced with individual throttle bodies for sharper response. The new, high-pressure fuel injection and exhaust systems shave a further 22 lbs. (roughly) of weight. Also, the chassis comes from the 911 GT3 and features rear axle steering and dynamic engine mounts for more precision and stability. Finally, the 20-inch, Satin Black center lock wheels with high-performance tires look super cool.
Limited Run
But like I said, step aside you plebes! Porsche is now taking $274,500 plus for the new Speedster. Porsche is only making 1,948 examples of this special 911 Speedster. Why such an odd number? Because 1948 was when Porsche got their start. To celebrate that anniversary, Zuffenhausen is making this Speedster on a limited run.
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.
2019 Porsche 911 Speedster Gallery

Photos & Source: Porsche Cars North America, Inc.

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2019 Cadillac XT4 Review: Affordable Luxury For Younger Buyers

2019 Cadillac XT4 Review: Affordable Luxury For Younger Buyers 90SOLID 2019 Cadillac XT4 Premium Luxury Review Overall Impression Responsive engine.Easy for loading cargo.Ideal for younger buyers.ProsAffordable Roomy Cabin ConsInterior Quality Vs. Competition Options Quickly Drive Up MSRPThere’s another new entry into the compact luxury SUV segment, as Cadillac gets into the mix with the XT4. The smaller XT4 joins the midsize XT5 and the three-row XT6, along with the larger Escalade to complete Cadillac’s SUV and crossover lineup. The 2019 Cadillac XT4 is attractively priced, but you can load it up with extras that aren’t offered on the base trim. All-wheel drive is available too, making this a capable all-weather performer.
This week, we’ve been driving the 2019 Cadillac XT4 in the Premium Luxury trim.
What’s New For 2019
The 2019 Cadillac XT4 is an all-new vehicle from the ground up aimed at younger buyers. It’s no surprise a team of young designers at GM were responsible for the overall design of the XT4. The vehicle is built on a compact SUV architecture with a new turbo engine and seats five. Trim levels include Luxury, Premium Luxury, and Sport.
Features & Options: Connectivity & Safety
The 2019 Cadillac XT4 AWD Premium Luxury ($41,795) comes standard with 18-inch wheels, LED headlights, power-adjustable front seats, simulated leather upholstery, keyless entry and ignition, remote start, and dual-zone climate control. Infotainment is handled by an eight-inch touchscreen, Near Field Communications for easy Bluetooth connections, and Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. There are four USB outlets (including one Type-C) and a seven-speaker sound system with satellite radio.
The Premium Luxury trim receives automatic wipers, auto-dimming mirrors, a power liftgate, rear cargo shade, driver-seat memory settings, and ambient interior lighting. The Premium Luxury trim also adds safety aids like front and rear parking sensors, blind-spot monitoring, and a seat that vibrates to alert the driver. The latter is known as the Safety Alert Seat, which gives vibrating pulse patterns on the left and/or right side of the lower bolster to alert the driver of potential dangers. Threats from the front and rear trigger pulses on both sides of the seat.

Related: Cadillac enters the “Goldilocks zone” with the new XT6.
Features & Options: Loaded Up
This Premium Luxury trim came loaded with the Comfort and Convenience package, giving us a massaging function for our front seats, and hands-free operation of the power liftgate. The Technology package includes a digital gauge cluster, heads-up display, a telescopic steering steering column, and wireless device charging, among other features.
The Driver Awareness package offers additional safety with low-speed frontal collision mitigation, a following distance indicator, and lane keeping assist. The Enhanced Visibility package adds a suite of cameras, including one that displays in the rearview mirror, as well as an automatic parking feature.
Other options included a sunroof, navigation, and a Cold Weather package, which added a heated steering wheel and heated front and rear seats. Total MSRP including destination: $54,785. By comparison, the 2019 Cadillac XT4 starts at $35,790.
2019 Cadillac XT4 interior layout.
Related: Will the Cadillac CT5 become the ultimate American sport-luxury sedan?
Interior Highlights: Some Room For Improvement
Stepping inside the XT4 reveals an attractive cabin with quality materials, and a fit and finish you would expect from Cadillac. But the overall feel is less impressive versus other luxury brands. The driver’s seat comes with eight-way power adjustments, memory settings, and two-way lumbar for extra support. Our tester came with additional comfort features (heating, ventilation, and massage) to help ease the stress of a long drive.
We think the Technology package with its digital gauge cluster, heads-up display, wireless smartphone-charging pad, front cornering lamps, and cabin air ionizer is worth the cost ($1,650). The eight-inch infotainment system comes with Cadillac’s CUE software. The touchscreen sits slightly tucked into the dashboard and fits nicely. We thought the informant system was reasonably easy to use via a console-mounted knob.
The rear seating area is quite roomy for a compact luxury SUV in this class, and the XT4’s cargo floor is spacious. Behind the rear seat, the 2019 Cadillac XT4 offers 22.5 cubic feet of space; folding it down gives you 48.9 cubic feet of space. We were able to carry extra cargo (and groceries) this week with the seats folded flat.
With the rear seat folded, the 2019 Cadillac XT4 provides 48.9 cubic feet of cargo space.
Engine & Fuel Mileage Specs
The 2019 Cadillac XT4 comes standard with a turbo 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 237 horsepower and 258 lb-ft. of torque when mated to a nine-speed automatic. Cadillac designed the engine to have a nearly flat torque curve for better response, something we noticed on our drive. Our XT4 tester came with twin-clutch, decoupling all-wheel drive, a nice option to have in colder climates.
EPA fuel mileage estimates with all-wheel drive are 22/29 city/highway and 24 combined. Even with GM’s cylinder deactivation feature (Active Fuel Management) we didn’t get anywhere near that. However, we were pushing the small SUV hard at altitude. By comparison, front-wheel drive models come in at 24/30 city/highway and 26 combined.
Driving Dynamics: Few Bumps Here & There
The Premium Luxury trim features a strut-type front suspension and five-link independent rear suspension, which on the open road, is fairly smooth. However, with the available 20-inch diamond alloy wheels, the ride on rougher roads – like the dirt ones in the mountains west of Denver – will be a bit jarring. We could feel plenty of vibrations and sharp impacts into the cabin. We would be curious to see how the XT4 Sport trim with its Active Sport Suspension and Continuous Damping Control handles on a similar road.
Unfortunately, that suspension upgrade is not available on the Premium Luxury trim.

Driving Dynamics: Smooth & Seamless Enough
However, for most urban commuters, this should not be an issue. On the open road, the 2019 Cadillac XT4 provides a smooth ride, and the cabin offers a quiet place to spend time during those long commutes. Although a new SUV for Cadillac, the XT4 offers an enjoyable and comfortable driving experience, especially with its numerous safety and connectivity features. We made use of the on-board 4G LTE Wi-Fi several times while we had this XT4 tester.
The on-board Wi-Fi is a feature many younger buyers will appreciate (and even we did being a bit older!).
With its 237 horsepower, the XT4’s turbo engine matches most competitors in terms of its ability to get you moving. The 2019 Cadillac XT4 feels lively around town, and when merging onto the highway we had no issues. Those looking for a little more fuel economy will want a front-wheel drive XT4.
Conclusion: Affordable & Capable
The 2019 Cadillac XT4 makes for an affordable entry point into the compact luxury SUV segment; as long as you don’t get carried away with the multitude of available options. They can add up quickly. And with all-wheel drive, the XT4 is a capable all-weather commuter too.
Denis Flierl has invested over 25 years in the automotive industry in a variety of roles. All of his firsthand reviews are archived on our test drives page. Follow Denis on Twitter: @CarReviewGuy
2019 Cadillac XT4 (Premium Luxury Trim) Gallery

Photos: Cadillac.

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Classic Ford Bronco Versus S&P: Can This 4×4 Out Climb The Markets?

Classic Ford Bronco Versus S&P: Can This 4×4 Out Climb The Markets? A FordPartsOnSale.com study examines how the classic Ford Bronco measures against the S&P.
The original MSRP of Broncos from 1966 to 1976 were examined along with recent auction data.
While a classic Ford Bronco might be fun to take to a car show, it may not be the best investment.
The rumor mills are on fire right now – with the real deal, no foolin’ Ford is making a modern version of the Bronco next year – providing the kindling. Any why not? From Ford’s perspective, it seems like a lead pipe cinch. SUVs in any shape or size are the hot commodity right now. Add to that the public’s appetite for nostalgia, and remaking the Bronco seems like a license to print money for FoMoCo. But would it be a good investment for you? And in particular, would a classic Ford Bronco be a good investment in the long run?
Setting The Stage
Here’s the deal. Every so often, some bright young sparks with access to past financial data do an investment comparison on the “What would make you more money?” question. It always goes like this: If you were to invest $1,000 in sugar beets or gold in 1944, which would make more money by today? Take out “sugar beets or gold” and replace it with “Apple stock or gold” or “Jackson Pollock paintings or gold” or “classic cars or the stock market.” The car end of this equation comes up every so often and we’ve covered it more than a few times here at Automoblog.
It turns out, purely coincidentally, that someone decided to examine the investment return of the original Ford Bronco. This, near as I can tell, has absolutely nothing to do with the Bronco’s return to the market. Regardless, the team at FordPartsOnSale.com (guess what business they’re in, go ahead, guess) recently crunched the numbers on just how much you would have made or lost if you bought a classic Ford Bronco new versus investing that money in the Standard & Poor’s stock index.
1966 Ford Bronco. Photo: Ford Motor Company.
Related: Porsche versus the S&P: Can this classic sports car top the stock market?
Going For Broke
Yes, there were the interim Broncos. You know, the ones painted white and driven by former football stars. We, and FordPartsOnSale.com aren’t talking about those. We’re talking about the original, smaller Broncos like the ones Parnelli Jones raced in the Baja 1000. This happy coincidence of timing might actually be practical too. Think about it. When the new Bronco comes out, what do you think is going to happen to the value of the older versions? Especially if the new Bronco is more retro looking?
The originals that were made from 1966 to 1977 should (emphasis on should) see a spike in value.
FordPartsOnSale.com looked at the original MSRP and current value (based on Barrett-Jackson auction sales from January) of four Ford Broncos from the first and second generations. They tallied up like this: The highest sale price was for a 1973 model at $60,500. The lowest auction sale of the four was for a 1967 model that went for $31,900. The average S&P return bought during the same time frame was calculated to be around $225,000.
1974 Ford Bronco. Photo: Ford Motor Company.
Related: Stock market or cars? Where to invest and what does the data say?
Stock Market Wins
Take the original MSRP of the 1967 Bronco ($2,480) and instead of buying it new in 1967, you would have invested that amount into the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index. You would have nearly $185,000 today. So in other words, “investing” in a classic Ford Bronco is not as profitable as putting your money into the stock market.
“We’ve heard rumblings from Bronco fans about how re-sale on classics is through the roof and climbing higher,” said Don Heelon, Parts Manager at FordPartsOnSale.com. “It’s true, there was a Bronco that sold recently for upwards of $100,000.”
Which is pretty durn stupefying. $100K?! Dude, that’s used Ferrari money.
“But as big as that number is, it’s still not better than stocks,” Heelon concluded, referring to the recent ballooning auction prices. “Everyone knows that playing the stock market has its ups and downs. Turns out, investing in classic cars is not always predictable either, but it is way more fun than stocks.”
Classic Ford Bronco Infographic
And you know, we here at 1 Automoblog Towers in beautiful downtown Detroit are not going to argue with that sentiment one little bit. Here’s a handy chart that FordPartsOnSale.com cooked up to show you how to invest your money.
Tony Borroz has spent his entire life racing antique and sports cars. He is the author of Bricks & Bones: The Endearing Legacy and Nitty-Gritty Phenomenon of The Indy 500, available in paperback or Kindle format. Follow his work on Twitter: @TonyBorroz.

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